News Story not available This story has been published on: 2022-10-23. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. This story is no longer available on our site. , , , , . Not just future of Sena but democracy at stake, says Uddhav Brother-in-law abducts boy to teach wife a lesson; held in Mumbai India oi-PTI Mumbai, March 31: Two persons, including brother-in-law of a 12-year-old boy, were arrested on Thursday, March 31 for allegedly kidnapping him for ransom from Kanjurmarg area in eastern suburbs, police said. The boy was allegedly abducted by Prem Kolhe (25) and Aashish Kanase (22) on Monday night after which the duo sent an SMS on mobile phone of the victim's sister demanding ransom of Rs 5 lakh for his release. According to crime branch officials, Kolhe hatched the plot to teach his wife and in-laws a lesson over their soured relations. Kolhe also pretended to help the police in their search for the boy. Police said that Kolhe had asked Kanase to take the boy to his home at Asalpha near suburban Ghatkopar. "On Monday night, when Kolhe got to know that the crime branch sleuths are looking for the accused, he told Kanase to drop the boy at Mumbra station," police said, adding that Kanase left the boy at the station on Tuesday. The boy was spotted by local police who informed their counterparts at Parksite police station. The boy was subsequently reunited with his parents, police said. Suspecting involvement of a family member in the crime, police started questioning and during the investigation found Kolhe's replies evasive. He later confessed to his role in the crime. The duo will be produced before court tomorrow. PTI Prashant Kishor claims Nitish Kumar in touch with BJP says don't be surprised if he joins hands with it again Centre maintaining silence on Dalit welfare: Congress India oi-PTI Lucknow, March 31: Congress leader P L Punia on Thursday, March 31 accused the BJP-led government at the Centre of "maintaining silence" over issues concerning welfare of Dalits, including reservation in promotions. "The Modi government is maintaining continued silence on bringing a bill on quota in promotions for which the previous UPA government had taken decisive steps," said Punia, who is also the Chairman of Scheduled Castes Commission. The demand for quota in private sector and judiciary is also very old but the central government is silent on these as well, he said. Charging the Samajwadi Party government in Uttar Pradesh with being anti-Dalit, Punia alleged that along with BSP and BJP SP has always tried to keep the Dalits behind in the path of progress. Claiming that people are fed up with BSP, SP and BJP, the Congress leader hoped that in the state election next year, his party, which has been out of power for over two decades, will put up a good show. He also flagged off the third phase of "Bhim Jyoti Yatra" which will pass through 22 districts to apprise the people with the works undertaken by the party for the welfare of the Dalits. The yatra will go on for 11 days. PTI No surprises here: Mallikarjun Kharge is the new Cong chief After the 'Jihad' comment, Patil now claims \"I never said it\" Congress ran India from Italy: Shah's retort to Rahul India oi-IANS By Ians English Ratabari (Barak Valley, Assam), March 31: When Congress-led UPA government was in power, India was being run from Italy, BJP president Amit Shah said here on Thursday, March 31 in a retort to Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi. "Rahulji came here and said Assam will be governed from Nagpur if BJP comes to power. I want to tell him that their government for 10 years was run from Italy when they were in power," said Shah, addressing a rally here in the Barak Valley, which goes to polls on April 4. He said whereas the Congress does not know the difference between an infiltrator and a refugee, the BJP government will not only stop infiltration from Bangladesh, but will also give citizenship to those who had fled religious persecution in that country. "We have been opposing infiltration from Bangladesh since the days of Assam movement... We are going to make such arrangements that not even a bird can enter the country, forget about the infiltrators," Shah said. It is the BJP government at the Centre that has issued a notification recently, which envisages giving citizenship to Hindu migrants and refugees who fled to India due to religious persecution and atrocities, said Shah. Assam would not be alone in shouldering responsibility of the Hindu refugees, but the country would chip in, said the BJP president. The Congress's only "achievement" seems to be that it has "let the Bangladeshis infiltrate into Assam," Shah said. "Rahulji and Soniaji are visiting Assam. I told them for once, at least, say that illegal infiltration should stop in Assam. But both have not even mentioned infiltration in their speeches." "How can they speak against infiltrators? They cannot because the Bangladeshis have become Congress's vote banks across the state," Shah added. Shah slammed the Congress for failing to address the problems of Assam despite being in power for 15 long years. IANS Humiliating to hold lower-rank post, says IAS officer Khemka India oi-IANS By Ians English New Delhi, March 30: Senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Ashok Khemka on Wednesday said it was "humiliating" for him to hold a lower-rank post and he was awaiting promotion for three months now. "Awaiting posting on promotion for last three months," Khemka, a principal secretary to the government of Haryana, tweeted. "Holding a lower-rank post is humiliating." He said it was similar to "a Lt.General forced to hold the post of Brigadier". Khemka hit national headlines in October 2012 when he cancelled the mutation of a Rs.58-crore land deal between Congress president Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra and realty giant DLF and ordered a probe into controversial land deals in Haryana. The senior IAS officer's actions even attracted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's attention in his speeches during the Haryana assembly elections in October 2014. Khemka was expected to get an important assignment after the Bharatiya Janata Party came to power in Haryana in October 2014. However, he was posted in the transport department. IANS Truth has come out, says Sasikala in reaction to OPS's remark before panel In Jayalalithaa DA case, the liniency criteria cannot be applied India oi-Vicky Bengaluru, March 31: Senior BJP leader and the original complainant in the Jayalalithaa disproportionate assets case made some interesting points during his hour long submission in the Supreme Court. He made it clear to the Bench comprising Justice P C Ghose and Amitava Roy that no leniency can be shown in corruption cases involving public servants holding high positions. Swamy who had filed the complaint against the Tamil Nadu chief minister in 1996 said that a bad precedent would be set if leniency is shown in corruption cases involving public servants holding high positions. The leniency criteria Swamy further went on to point out to the Bench that the leniency criteria cannot be applied in such cases. The Karnataka High Court had made a blunder while applying this criteria. The High Court's single judge ought to have confirmed the conviction in the case. He further stated that the main issue that needs to be decided by the Supreme Court is whether the Karnataka High Court had calculated the wealth and income correctly. The High Court had erred in the calculations as a result of which Jayalalithaa and three others got the benefit of an acquittal, Swamy also added. Swamy also brought to the notice of the Supreme Court that the High Court had not considered the objections that were filed by either Karnataka or him when the appeal by her was being heard. Swamy further also pointed out to the mathematical errors that were committed by the High Court as a result of which Jayalalithaa got the benefit of an acquittal. It may be recalled that when Jayalalithaa was acquitted by the High Court, Swamy had Swamy had said on his twitter account that the verdict was a tragedy of arithmetic errors. Following the complaint by Swamy in 1996, the DMK government too had filed cases against her. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, March 31, 2016, 9:03 [IST] India has important role in stewardship of nuclear weapons: US India oi-PTI New Delhi, March 31: India has an important role to play in responsible stewardship of nuclear weapons and materials, US Secretary of State John Kerry said ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Washington where he will attend the two-day Nuclear Security Summit. "India has a long record of being a leader, of being responsible, and it is particularly important right now at a time when we see some choices being made in the region that may accelerate possible arms construction, which we have serious questions about," Kerry said as he met National Security Advisor Ajit Doval at the Foggy Bottom headquarters of the State Department. "India has a very important role to play with respect to responsible stewardship of nuclear weapons and nuclear materials," Kerry said yesterday, adding that the US has raised these issues with various partners in the region. Kerry said Obama has called the relationship with India a defining relationship of this century, and there are many reasons for that. "India is the largest democracy in the world, and a real partner with the United States on a lot of technology and energy issues. We're particularly grateful to India for the leadership it offered in Paris helping us to reach a climate agreement. And now, there is more that we can do with respect to the next steps in that agreement," he said. "Our hope is that this Nuclear Security Summit will contribute to everybody's understanding about our global responsibilities and choices," he said. Doval said India was "deeply interested" in ensuring safety and security of radioactive materials. "India attaches considerable value to the Nuclear Security Summit. We are is deeply interested in seeing that the safety and security of the radioactive material must be ensured," he said. Hoping for increased cooperation with the US, Doval said India and the US would look to work together on their shared concerns, including terrorism and cyber space. "We have made many strides after the new government of Prime Minister Modi has come and we have taken our relationship to new heights. We have got many areas in which we have able to improve and achieve substantial results," he said. During their meeting, Kerry and Doval discussed ways to increase diplomatic cooperation on a range of regional and global issues, including counter-terrorism efforts, State Department spokesperson John Kirby said. The Secretary of State said that the US-India civil nuclear partnership should bolster India's energy security and the strong economic relationship between the two countries. Kerry commended India for its leadership on clean energy and reducing carbon emissions, as well as its improving resilience in the face of climate change. They also discussed dealing more effectively with illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing. PTI Kolkata bridge collapse: It is an act of God, say builders India oi-Shubham Kolkata, March 31: The collapse of the under-construction bridge in Jorasanko area of North Kolkata on Thursday was an act of God, said its builders, according to reports. They said the bridge was being built for four-and-half years and no accident had ever taken place. [Kolkata bridge collapse: Emergency numbers] Fifteen people were reportedly killed while several were injured after a huge chunk of the structure fell down in the congested area around 12.30 pm. Several vehicles, including a minibus, was trapped under the debris. [Kolkata mishap: Several killed after flyover collapses] Army personnel and disaster relief teams were working to clean up the mess. The local people were also helping them. [Kolkata bridge was being made in hurry?] The Opposition leaders, meanwhile, lashed out at the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) for the tragedy. While the Conrgess said the police had taken a long time to respond to the tragedy, a former Left minister said the flyover was being contructed in a hurry to be inaugurated before the elections starting next month. [Kolkata flyover mishap: Twitter reaction] The ruling TMC put the blame on the previous Left Front government, saying the work on the flyover had started during their time. [Shameless politics over Kolkata tragedy] Five policemen who got trapped under the debris were alive, said reports. OneIndia News Kolkata flyover collapse: From Politicians to celebs, tribute pours in on Twitter India oi-Preeti Kolkata, March 31: In a major mishap, an under-construction flyover in Kolkata near Ganesh Talkies came crashing down like a pack of cards, within seconds. The tragic incident took place on Thursday, March 31 afternoon. [Kolkata bridge collapse: Emergency numbers] The horrific video footage of debris and trapped people were broadcast on news channels, leaving everyone shocked. [Kolkata mishap: At least 17 killed after flyover collapses] As of now, the death toll has reached 17 and over 100 injured even as the rescue work is going on in full swing. [Kolkata bridge was being made in hurry?] Meanwhile, West Bengal Mamata Banerjee, who reached at the site of flyover collapse announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the families of the dead and Rs 2 lakh each for those critically injured as well as Rs 1 lakh for those who suffered minor injuries. [Kolkata bridge collapse: Parties indulge in shameless blame game to convince voters] Prime MInister Narendra Modi, who is presently in US, also expressed grief over the tragic incident on Twitter. From politicians to Bollywood celebrities and common people, tributes and condolences were expressed on the micro-blogging site Twitter. Here are some tweets: Shocked & saddened by collapse of under construction flyover in Kolkata. Took stock of the situation & rescue operations. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 31, 2016 My thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives in Kolkata. May the injured recover at the earliest. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 31, 2016 PM has expressed his condolences to the families of those who died in Kolkata and praying for the lives of those trapped under the debris Rajnath Singh (@BJPRajnathSingh) March 31, 2016 Seven NDRF teams are doing rescue work at the site of under-construction flyover collapse in Kolkata and two more teams are en-route. PIB India (@PIB_India) March 31, 2016 Had a telephonic conversation with the PM and apprised him of the rescue operations being carried out by the NDRF in Kolkata. Rajnath Singh (@BJPRajnathSingh) March 31, 2016 News of the collapse of a flyover in Kolkata extremely tragic. I hope rescue &relief ops reach those trapped and injured at the earliest Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) March 31, 2016 My heart goes out to the people who have lost loved ones in this tragedy Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) March 31, 2016 Distressed to learn about an under construction bridge collapse in Kolkata. Have instructed the WB unit to assist in the rescue operation. Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 31, 2016 What happened in Kolkata stirs our conscience.We pray for the injured and extend our condolences to the victim's families Ahmed Patel (@ahmedpatel) March 31, 2016 Praying for #Kolkata collapse victims.Great reassurance to see #PMOIndia @narendramodi keeping track even in midst of hectic overseas tour Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) March 31, 2016 Very disturbing pictures from the Kolkata Collapsed flyover site ..My Prayers for all those who lost their lives & those injured!! Sambit Patra (@sambitswaraj) March 31, 2016 Saddened to hear of the bridge collapse in Kolkata.. Hope rescue reaches those trapped as soon as possible.. Helpline no 1070. Farhan Akhtar (@FarOutAkhtar) March 31, 2016 My prayers are with those trapped under the collapse of the #kolkata flyover today; may the rescue operations be fast and efficient. soha ali khan (@sakpataudi) March 31, 2016 Reports and images coming in from Kolkata are hugely depressing. I wonder if our system will ever hold anyone guilty of this negligence. Amit Malviya (@malviyamit) March 31, 2016 NDRF personnel rescuing trapped victims in Flyover collapse incident at Kolkata pic.twitter.com/mH5eAK29vr NDRF (@NDRFHQ) March 31, 2016 RT RamenPandey: Tragic collapse of flyover at #Kolkata, wherein many have died. Deep condolences to the bereaved f pic.twitter.com/qbocu6qfUy Burkha Dutt (@DuttBurkha) March 31, 2016 If you need a ride to or from Girish Park #Kolkata today, your Ola ride will be free. pic.twitter.com/wPtoDuiYGx Ola (@Olacabs) March 31, 2016 This is nightmarishly horrific. Prayers for the people still buried under the debris. Kolkata https://t.co/Bofmvpe4Om Mehr Tarar (@MehrTarar) March 31, 2016 OneIndia News Kerala temples as iconic as beaches but who will tell the tourism industry Kerala assembly poll: LDF names candidates for 124 seats India oi-PTI Thiruvananthapuram, Mar 31: Moving ahead of its main political rival the ruling Congress-led UDF, CPI-M headed LDF in Kerala on Wednesday, March 30, declared names of candidates for 124 of the 140 seats for the May 16 Assembly polls in the state. 93-year-old CPI-M veteran V S Achuthanandan, party Politburo member Pinarayi Vijayan, three media personalities and popular Malayalam actor Mukesh are among the prominent candidates of the CPI-M in the 90 seats. [Assembly Elections 2016: Know your state-- Kerala] The party is contesting in 92 seats. CPI, the second largest partner, declared the names of candidates in 25 seats out of 27 the party is contesting. The front also announced candidates of its six front partners--Congress-S (1), Kerala Congress (Scaria) 1, INL -1, Janathiya Pathiya Kerala Congress four, RSP (Leninist) 1 and Kerala Congress-B (1). LDF convener Vaikom Viswam released the list today at a press conference and said the remaining candidates for 16 seats including that of Front partners JD(S) and NCP would be declared in the next few days. Achuthanandan will seek mandate from Malampuzha in Palakkad district while Vijayan from Dharmadam in politically sensitive Kannur district. The CPI-M list includes party Central Committee member E P Jayarajan (Matanoor), Thomas Issac (Alappuzha), A K Balan (Tharoor) and actor Mukesh (Kollam). The LDF list has 16 women candidates and 12 of them are from CPI-M and four from CPI. Eight LDF supported Independents are also contesting. A total of 43 sitting MLAs of LDF are in the list. Former state minister and party leader in the present Assembly C Divakaran and two women legislators Geetha Gopi (Nattika) and party firebrand leader E S Bijimol (Peerumedu) are in the CPI list and equal number of CPI candidates are poll debutants. Ramachandran Kadnapally is the Congress (S) candidate from Kannur segment. Media personalities M V Nikesh Kumar, Veena George and Sebastin Paul, also a former MP, will contest from Azhikode, Aranmula and Thirkkakara respectively. PTI Not just future of Sena but democracy at stake, says Uddhav Diwali 2022: Major sites to be illuminated in Mumbai between Oct 22-29 Mumbai: Gathering of 5 or more, loud speakers, illegal processions banned for a fortnight from Nov 1 Mumbai: Brother-in-law abducts boy to teach wife a lesson; held India oi-PTI Mumbai, Mar 31: Two persons, including brother-in-law of a 12-year-old boy, were arrested on Wednesday for allegedly kidnapping him for ransom from Kanjurmarg area in eastern suburbs, police said. The boy was allegedly abducted by Prem Kolhe (25) and Aashish Kanase (22) on Monday night after which the duo sent an SMS on mobile phone of the victim's sister demanding ransom of Rs 5 lakh for his release. According to crime branch officials, Kolhe hatched the plot to teach his wife and in-laws a lesson over their soured relations. Kolhe also pretended to help the police in their search for the boy. Police said that Kolhe had asked Kanase to take the boy to his home at Asalpha near suburban Ghatkopar. "On Monday night, when Kolhe got to know that the crime branch sleuths are looking for the accused, he told Kanase to drop the boy at Mumbra station," police said, adding that Kanase left the boy at the station on Tuesday. The boy was spotted by local police who informed their counterparts at Parksite police station. The boy was subsequently reunited with his parents, police said. Suspecting involvement of a family member in the crime, police started questioning and during the investigation found Kolhe's replies evasive. He later confessed to his role in the crime. The duo will be produced before court tomorrow. PTI Rahul Gandhi will be seen in new avatar after Bharat Jodo Yatra: Digvijaya Singh Bharat Jodo Yatra: Rahul Gandhi to address mega rally in Ballari as march nears 1000-km mark Fact Check: This image of a massive gathering is not from the Bharat Jodo Yatra Rahul says 'Kharge ji will decide' his role in Congress News flash: Kolkata bridge collapse: NDRF, Army engage in rescue operations India oi-Oneindia By Oneindia Staff Writer Bengaluru, March 31: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet scientists from Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory(LIGO) in Washington D.C. Get all the latest news updates of the day: 9:51 pm: People are still under the debris: Ritabrata Banerjee, CPI (M). 9:34 pm: US Secy of State John Kerry meets NSA Ajit Doval ahead of Nuclear Security Summit; says India has key role in stewardship of N-weapons. 9:20 pm: Belgium approves extradition of Paris Attacks suspect Abdeslam to France, says a prosecutor: Reports. 9:00 pm: 18 bodies retrieved from debris of bridge,15 bodies identified: WB CM Mamata Banerjee on Kolkata flyover tragedy. 8:27 pm: 13 people were examined by Pakistan JIT today in Pathankot attack: NIA. 8:02 pm: 6-member fact finding committee formed to look into the Kolkata flyover tragedy. 7:50 pm: Strong blast in Turkey's Kurdish-dominated city of Diyarbakir: AFP. 7.30 pm: It is an opportunity to come here and meet Modi in America: Chinese citizen after meeting PM Modi in Washington DC. 7.20 pm: NDRF and the Army engaged in rescue operations after collapse of an under-construction bridge in Kolkata. 7.10 pm: Indian community members greet PM Narendra Modi in Washington DC. PM Modi meets Indian community members in Washington DC. PM is in US to attend the 4th Nuclear Security Summit pic.twitter.com/CucORnD5h6 ANI (@ANI_news) March 31, 2016 6.50 pm: Washington DC: Indian community members gather to welcome PM Narendra Modi. 6.25 pm: BJP MLA OP Sharma suspended from Delhi assembly for two upcoming assembly sessions. 6.10 pm: We will take care of all the expenses of all the injured, we hope for their speedy recovery: WB CM on Kolkata bridge collapse. Injured from bridge collapse #Kolkata being taken to hospitals pic.twitter.com/S3oqHmnLdB ANI (@ANI_news) March 31, 2016 6.00 pm: Opinions of engineering experts will be taken in the matter: CM Mamata Banerjee on Kolkata bridge collapse. 5.53 pm: CBI registers case against 4 persons and a aompany from Kolkata for allegedly cheating SBI of Rs 34.46 crore in name of loan. Further invstgation on. 5.25 pm: 15 dead and over 50 injured in Kolkata bridge collapse, says West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee 5.15 pm: During hearing Delhi HC ask Govt to show evidence of adverse effects of drugs banned. Court says drugs banned were sold for several years. 5.10 pm: PM Modi expressed his condolences to victims in telephonic conversation with me, says Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Kolkata bridge collapse. 5.03 pm: 45% work was left, one girder missed & second one fell. it is nothing but God's act, says KP Rao, IVRCL Infrastructure company on Kolkata bridge. 4.35 pm: MLA Bacchu Kadu granted bail by Esplanade Court in Mumbai on surety of Rs 25,000. MLA asked to surrender his passport. 4.25 pm: NDRF teams are working on the spot of the incident, this is a very unfortunate, says Home Minister Rajnath Singh. 4.05 pm: Supreme Court extends ban on registration on diesel vehicles with engine of over 2000 cc till further order. 3.59 pm: Army sends another ambulance with medics and four recovery vehicles (cranes) and seven water bowsers to the affected area in Kolkata. 3.57 pm: State government announces compensation of Rs.5 lakhs for next of kin of deceased, and Rs. 2 lakhs for the injured in bridge collapse in Kolkata. 3.55 pm: Employees of Infra company IVRCL, which had contract for collapsed Kolkata bridge, left their office (Hyderabad) when incident happened. 3.48 pm: Kolkata Police confirms 14 dead and 78 injured in the collapsed under-construction bridge near Ganesh Talkies. 3.30 pm: Our team is in contact with WB, NDRF teams have been disoatched, says Kiren Rijiju (MoS Home) on Kolkata bridge collapse. 3.25 pm: Boxer Shiva Thapa qualifies for Rio Olympics 2016. 3.20 pm: Army has already deployed 4 columns of rescue personnel. There are 3 medical teams. 2 ambulances, surgeons and nursing assistants in each team. 3.10 pm: More teams are being mobilised for accident spot in Kolkata, two teams have already reached there, says OP Singh, DG NDRF. 3.00 pm: WB CM Mamata Banerjee at the spot where under-construction bridge collapsed near Ganesh Talkies in Kolkata. 2.56 pm: Army called in to assist in rescue work for the bridge that has collapsed in Kolkata. Troops are on the way. 2.40 pm: Spoke to DG NDRF who apprised me of situation at the accident site in Kolkata. NDRF teams rushed to spot for rescue operations, says Home Minister Rajnath Singh. 2.20 pm: Taxis buried under the debris of the collapsed bridge near Ganesh Talkies in Kolkata. 2.15 pm: 40 employees of Department of Pre-University Education of Karnataka suspended over repeated 12th standard Chemistry question paper leak. 2.10 pm: Mamata ji's govt is responsible for this, says Kailash Vijayvargiya,(BJP in-charge,West Bengal) on bridge collapse. 2.00 pm: 2 units of NDRF being rushed to Ganesh Talkies area of North Kolkata to assist in rescue work after a bridge collapsed. 1.52 pm: Car fell into a gorge in Uttarakhand's Darkot this morning. 3 persons dead. Injured being treated in hospitals. 1.50 pm: The re-examination following the leak of the Chemistry paper will be held on April 12. 1.10 pm: Under-construction bridge collapses in North Kolkata near Ganesh Talkies(Girish Park),10 dead. Rescue operation on 1.00 pm: We'll provide merit-based scholarships to 100 students in each district for preparations of civil services exam, says Rahul Gandhi in Assam. 12.59 pm: Unexploded shell found near a petrol pump in Transport Nagar area of Ludhiana (Punjab). 12.45 pm: Judicial Custody of Chhagan Bhujbal extended till 13th April. 12.30 pm: When Modi will come here, he will not speak a word about black money, Mallya or Lalit Modi, says Rahul Gandhi. 12.15 pm: Congress party has dismissed 91 democratically elected Governments from time to time-Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu. 12.14 pm: The Supreme Court has told all parties arguing the J Jayalalithaa case to conclude arguments soon. Do not make the same points over and over again. We are running out of time. 12.00 pm: Haryana Assembly passes proposal to name Chandigarh Airport as Shaheed Bhagat Singh Int'l Airport, proposal to be sent to Civil Aviation Minister. 11.45 am: PM Modi arrives in Washington D.C. to attend 4th Nuclear Security Summit, It is PM's 3rd visit to US in nearly 2 yrs pic.twitter.com/DKf1F8SlnE ANI (@ANI_news) March 31, 2016 11.36 am: PM Narendra Modi arrives in Washington DC to attend the 4th Nuclear Security Summit. 11.35 am: When Anbazhagan had commenced his arguments, the counsel for Jayalalithaa raised objections. The counsel also said that he has no locus standi to argue the case. Today the Supreme Court while directing him to file his written arguments said that they did not want to hear the arguments all over the again. It is repetitive said the Supreme Court. 11.33 am: After permitting him to make submissions yesterday, the Supreme Court today refused to hear DMK leader Anbazhagan who was arguing against the acquittal of J Jayalalithaa. The court has directed him to furninsh his arguments in writing. 11.00 am: Bengaluru: Students and parents protest over repeated 12th standard question paper leak Bengaluru: Students and parents protest over repeated 12th standard question paper leak pic.twitter.com/aLOdQURXSW ANI (@ANI_news) March 31, 2016 10.12 am: Pakistan's Joint Investigation Team(JIT) arrives at NIA Headquarters in Delhi Pakistan's Joint Investigation Team(JIT) arrives at NIA Headquarters in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/Yw2hGYjCWP ANI (@ANI_news) March 31, 2016 9.33 am: Akhilesh Yadav directs a "relief material drive" to be started for areas affected by drought in Bundelkhand. 8.45 am: Mexico City authorities temporarily order all cars to remain idle 1 day a week in response to the smoggy capital's worst air-quality crisis. 8.35 am: For the third straight year Michael Jordan topped Forbes list of highest paid retired athletes. 8.03 am: Rahul Gandhi to address election rallies in Tinsukia, Dibrugarh and Tezpur in Assam. 8.00 am: PM Modi to attend the 4th Nuclear Security Summit today in Washington D.C., will speak tomorrow at the plenary session. OneIndia News Odisha assures full support for construction of IISER campus India oi-PTI Bhubaneswar, Mar 31: The Odisha government today said it would provide all support for early construction of the IISER's permanent campus in Berhampur which would function from the academic session 2016-17 temporarily in the IIT campus of Berhampur. A high-level meeting held under the Chairmanship of Chief Secretary A P Padhi was informed that the Indian Institute of Science Education & Research (IISER), Berhampur would function from coming academic session of 2016-17 in a transit accommodation in the IIT campus of Berhampur. The Academic cum Administrative building of IIT would be made available to IISER as its temporary campus. Padhi assured IISER authorities at the meeting that all infrastructural facilities like quality power supply, road connectivity and water supply would be ensured. He issued direction to works department and collector, Ganjam district to expedite the road construction. Ganjam District Collector, Prem Chandra Chaudhary said around 200 acers of land have been identified at Loudigam for permanent campus of IISER. The location of the site has been appreciated by IISER authorities since it is nearer to the National Highway and and Railway Station. The Airstrip of Rangeilunda is only 23 km away from the IISER, he said. Padhi directed the District Collector Ganjam to finish demarcation of the land and raise the boundary wall before handing it over to IISER. The IISER authorities were also asked to submit the requisition for land as per the prescribed norms, an official said. IISER, Berhampur, Director, Vinod Kumar Singh said that around 50 students would take admission this year during July, 2016. Hostel facilities would be provided to both the boys and girls. PTI On Mauala Azhar, India needs to be realistic: Access to the JeM will not be granted India oi-Vicky New Delhi, March 31: India has sought from Pakistan the voice samples of Jaish-e-Mohammad chief, Maulana Masood Azhar. The NIA also wants to visit Bhawalpur in Pakistan where the Jaish chief is housed. However, on these two fronts there will be no reciprocity on the part of the Pakistan. Pakistan will listen to the demand by India seeking access to Azhar, but would eventually deny the same in a polite manner. Many in the Indian establishment too are aware that this demand to question the Jaish-e-Mohammad chief and his brother Asghar Rauf will be denied by Pakistan. Why Pakistan will not give access to Azhar? No matter what the bonhomie is between India and Pakistan there are some in that country who will always remain off limits. The names that come immediately to mind are Hafiz Saeed, Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi and Azhar. You could call them proxies of the state or assets of the ISI. Pakistan will find a lot of ways to deny India access to Azhar and his brother Asghar who is the mastermind of the attack. Sources tell OneIndia that they are not at all hopeful of getting access. Granting access to Azhar would shake the balance in Pakistan. Moreover, if an Indian investigator speaks with Azhar there is always the danger of him seeking revenge against his own country and spilling the beans on who remote controls him (read ISI). Instead what Pakistan may do is gather the evidence, club it with the one given by India and investigate the matter on its own. If it is serious, it would bring Azhar and his brother to trial. India does not even expect that Pakistan would give it the voice samples of Azhar as has been demanded. After the Pathankot attack, India had complained to Pakistan about the role of the brothers. While Pakistan claimed that it had acted, the fact of the matter is that both have not been detained. Yes, Pakistan did use a terminology called Protective Detention. However in criminal jurisprudence that makes no sense at all. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, March 31, 2016, 9:40 [IST] Bihar: Girls protest after being asked to remove Hijab during exam Bihar: When asked to take off hijab to check for bluetooth device, Muslim student leaves exam centre Central team roped in as dengue cases in Bihar rise to over 5000 Over 13 lakh liquor bottles destroyed ahead of Bihar ban India oi-IANS By Ians English Patna, March 31: A day ahead of a liquor ban from April 1 in Bihar, authorities destroyed more than 13 lakh bottles of liquor worth over Rs.3 crore here on Thursday, officials said. "We used three JCB machines to destroy 13.32 lakh bottles of countrymade and spiced liquor following Patna district magistrate Sanjay Agrawal's orders," said an excise department official. According to officials posted in the Bihar Police headquarters here, all police officials concerned have been directed to strictly enforce the liquor ban from Friday onwards. The Bihar assembly on Wednesday unanimously passed an amendment bill providing for death penalty for people found violating the ban on manufacture of and trade in illicit liquor in the event of a hooch tragedy. All members of both the Bihar assembly and the legislative council also unanimously adopted a resolution that they will not consume liquor. It is a first for Bihar. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who announced the alcohol ban from April 1 during campaigning for the 2015 assembly elections, was upbeat after the Bihar Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2016, was passed on Wednesday. Bihar Excise and Prohibition Minister Abdul Jalil Mastan said the manufacture and sale of countrymade and spiced liquor would be banned in the first phase, followed by Indian-made foreign liquor later this year. IANS RTI activist Baliga murder: Police issue look out notice for two more suspects India oi-Shreyas Mangaluru, March 31: After OneIndia took specific names in connection to RTI activist Baliga murder case, now the Mangaluru police issued a look out notice for two suspects, Shrikanth and Shiva aka Shivu. This news portal has reported earlier[RTI activist Baliga murder: Supari killers took indirect orders from a senior political leader?] that after Baliga's murder episode panned in the coastal district, these two have been on the run and is hiding. However the police on Wednesday, March 30, put out the photographs of these two suspects in their website saying Shrikanth and Shiva are wanted in the case. It could be recalled that RTI activist Vinayak Baliga was murdered in the wee hours of March 21, Monday. He was on his way to temple on his scooter, when unidentified persons waylaid him at Kodialbail and killed using sharp weapons. The police investigating the case has earlier arrested two, Vineeth Poojary (26) and Nishith Devadiga (23). Both residents of Mangaluru. According to sources, Shrikanth, a wanted in the case is a close associate of Yuva Brigade's Naresh Shenoy. President of Federation of Indian Rationalist Association, Narendra Nayak too posted on his Facebook wall hinting that this suspect is an employee of Naresh Shenoy. Another person Shiva has links with Shailesh and is also known to Yuva Brigade's Naresh Shenoy and to a political leader from the coastal district. The cops now have absolutely narrowed down the investigation to temple angle, besides looking into the aspect of alleged vested interest, of a prominent builder from Dakshina Kannada, involved in the murder. The police in the website have displayed the photos and details of these two suspects. The website said investigators are looking for Shrikanth and Shiva. The police further said Shrikanth (40) is son of Itappa Moolya and resident of Kavuru, near Shanti Nagara Ground, Mangaluru. Another suspect Shiva (29) is from Urundadigudde, Pajimogaru village, Mangaluru. He is a son of Sanjeeva Poojary. The police have divulged a mobile number 9480805320 urging the public to inform, if they notice these two in their vicinity. OneIndia News "Kick us out if we don't do anything": How Modi's emotional appeal resembles that of Mamata TMC says Shukla's resignation not to affect party; BJP welcomes him to join saffron camp Congress would have gained had it fought Bengal polls alone: Abhijit Mukherjee Mamata Banerjee accuses PM Modi of speaking at Matua temple with an eye on West Bengal polls West Bengal polls: Average asset of candidates is Rs 47.88 lakh India oi-Vicky Kolkata, March 31: The West Bengal elections which is round the corner will witness a total of 58 candidates with pending criminal cases in two phases. The West Bengal elections is a long drawn affair and hence the analysis of the candidates will be divided into phase 1a and phase 1b in this report. Criminal background- Phase 1a: Candidates with criminal cases- Out of all the 133 candidates, 21 (16%) candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves. Candidates with serious criminal cases: 17 (13%) candidates have declared serious criminal cases including cases related to murder, attempt to murder, rape, kidnapping, robbery, crimes against women etc. Candidates with cases related to murder: 1 candidate namely Shyam Sundar Pandey of CPI(M) from Salboni constituency has declared 2 charges related to murder (Indian Penal Code Section-302). Candidates with cases related to attempt to murder: 2 candidates have declared cases of attempt to murder (IPC Section-307). Gobordhan Bagdi of the JMM contesting from Raghunathpur (SC) and Para (SC) constituencies has declared 1 charge related to attempt to murder. Chunibala Hansda, of Jharkhand Party (Naren) from Jhargram constituency has declared 1 charge related to attempt to murder. Candidates with cases related to crimes against women: 3 candidates have declared cases related to crimes against women. They are Dhirendra Nath Rajak of AJSU Party from Purulia constituency, Gobordhan Bagdi of the JMM contesting from Raghunathpur (SC) and Para (SC) constituencies and Goutam Kumar Mudi of the SUCI(C) from Ranibandh (ST) constituency. Candidates with cases related to robbery and dacoity: 1 candidate has declared a charge related to robbery and dacoity namely Gobordhan Bagdi of the JMM contesting from Raghunathpur (SC) and Para (SC) constituencies. Party wise candidates with criminal cases: 3 (17%) out of 18 candidates from BJP, 2 (11%) out of 18 candidates from AITC, 1 (6%) out of 17 candidates from SUCI (C), 2 (17%) out of 12 candidates fielded by AJSU Party, 1 (9%) out of 11 candidates from CPI(M), 3 (43%) out of 7 candidates of JMM, 2 (40%) out of 5 candidates fielded by INC, and 2 (11%) out of 19 Independent candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves in their affidavits. Party wise Candidates with serious criminal cases: 2 (11%) out of 18 candidates from BJP, 1 (6%) out of 18 candidates from AITC, 1 (6%) out of 17 candidates from SUCI (C), 2 (17%) out of 12 candidates fielded by AJSU Party, 1 (9%) out of 11 candidates from CPI(M), 2 (29%) out of 7 candidates of JMM, 1 (20%) out of 5 candidates fielded by INC, and 2 (11%) out of 19 Independent candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves in their affidavits. Red Alert constituencies: 2 constituencies namely Salboni and Purulia in Phase 1(a) of West Bengal assembly elections have 3 or more candidates with declared criminal cases. Red Alert Constituencies are those which have 3 or more candidates with criminal cases contesting elections. Financial Background- Phase 1a: Average assets: The average of assets per candidate contesting in Phase 1(a) of the West Bengal Assembly Elections is Rs 47.88 Lakhs. Party wise average assets: Among major parties, the average assets per candidate for 18 BJP candidates is Rs 16.59 Lakhs, 18 AITC candidates have average assets of Rs 2.80 crores, 17 SUCI (C) candidates have average assets worth of Rs 10.15 Lakhs, 5 INC candidates have average assets worth Rs 16.55 Lakhs, 12 AJSU Party candidates have average assets worth of Rs 4.77 Lakhs, average assets of 11 CPI(M) candidates are Rs 33.92 Lakhs, 5 BSP candidates have average assets of Rs 1.80 Lakhs and 19 Independent candidates have average assets of Rs. 6.01 Lakhs. Zero asset candidate: 1 candidate namely Pabitra Bauri of BSP from Para(SC) constituency has declared Zero assets in his self sworn affidavit. Low asset candidates: The three candidates with lowest assets excluding the one with zero assets are as follows: Criminal Background- Phase 1b: Candidates with criminal cases: Out of all the 163 candidates, 37 (23%) candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves. Candidates with serious criminal cases: 32 (20%) candidates have declared serious criminal cases including cases related to murder, attempt to murder, kidnapping, theft, crimes against women etc. Candidate with cases related to murder: 1 candidate namely Hemant Prabhakar of CPI(M) from Asansol Dakshin constituency has declared 1 charge related to murder (Indian Penal Code Section-302). Candidates with cases related to attempt to murder: 6 candidates have declared cases of attempt to murder (IPC Section-307). Candidates with cases related to crimes against women: 2 candidates have declared cases related to crimes against women. They are Santosh Singh of BJP from Jamuria constituency and Amarnath Shaka of BJP from Onda constituency. Candidate with cases related to robbery and dacoity: 1 candidate has declared a charge related to robbery and dacoity namely Sajal Das an Independent candidate contesting from Kulti constituency. Party wise candidates with criminal cases: 12 (39%) out of 31 candidates from BJP, 10 (32%) out of 31 candidates from AITC, 7 (37%) out of 19 candidates from CPI(M), 1 (50%) out of 2 candidates of JMM, 3 (38%) out of 8 candidates fielded by INC, and 4 (24%) out of 17 Independent candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves in their affidavits. Party wise Candidates with serious criminal cases: 8 (26%) out of 31 candidates from BJP, 9 (29%) out of 31 candidates from AITC, 7 (37%) out of 19 candidates from CPI (M), 1 (50%) out of 2 candidates of JMM, 3 (38%) out of 8 candidates fielded by INC, and 4 (24%) out of 17 Independent candidates have declared serious criminal cases against themselves in their affidavits. Red Alert constituencies: 4 constituencies namely Jamuria, Pandabeswar, Indus(SC) and Kulti in Phase 1(b) of West Bengal assembly elections have 3 or more candidates with declared criminal cases. Financial Background- Phase 1b: Party wise crorepati candidates: 20 or (12%) candidates of the 163 contesting candidates in Phase 1(b) of the West Bengal Assembly Elections have declared assets worth over Rs 1 Crore. 11 (36%) out of 31 candidates from AITC, 4 (13%) out of 31 candidates from the BJP, 3 (38%) out of 8 candidates from the INC and 1 (6%) out of 17 Independent candidates are crorepatis. Average assets: The average of assets per candidate contesting in Phase 1(b) of the West Bengal Assembly Elections is Rs 48.81 Lakhs. Party wise average assets: Among major parties, the average assets per candidate for 31 BJP candidates is Rs 31.09 Lakhs, 31 AITC candidates have average assets of Rs 1.51 crores, 23 SUCI (C) candidates have average assets worth Rs 13.11 Lakhs, 8 INC candidates have average assets worth Rs 1 crore, average assets of 19 CPI(M) candidates are Rs 19.86 Lakhs, 8 BSP candidates have average assets of Rs 66.58 Thousand and 17 Independent candidates have average assets of Rs. 19.05 Lakhs. OneIndia News Why Pakistan's story on the Indian spy does not add up India oi-Vicky New Delhi, March 31: India is in talks with Iran with regard to the issue of Khulbhushan Yadav who Pakistan claim was a spy. Pakistan has been accusing India of planting its spy in Balochistan, a charge that has been denied outright by the latter. Pakistan even went on to play a video in which Yadav is seen making a confession about him being an Indian spy. India has reiterated that the story by Pakistan is not right. India now feels that a group known as the Jaish-al-Adl or the army of justice which is a salafi group had abducted Yadav from Iran and planted him in Pakistan. [Pakistan apprises global community on Indian spy's arrest] A senior official with the Intelligence Bureau tells OneIndia that there are too many discrepancies in Pakistan's claim. Cuts and editing: Following the video being released, Indian agencies had sent the same for a forensic examination. There are cuts and additions to it. He says in the video that he had been reporting an officer called Anil Gupta. However, the Research and Analysis Wing has found no such officer in the agency. He further makes loose comments about payments being made to the insurgents in Balochistan. However, he gives out no details of the same. He also makes another confusing statement about his stint in the Indian navy. While in one sentence he states that he was serving the navy till 2001 and quit after the Parliament attack to gather intelligence in another he says that he is a serving officer in the navy due to retire in 2022. The Jaish-al-Adl link: Intelligence Bureau officials say that they smell a rat in this case. They say that Yadav was a businessman in Iran and he may have been abducted by the Jaish-al-Adl link and planted in Pakistan. Officials feel that there is a portion in the Pakistan establishment which is not entirely happy with the relations with India.India says that it has sought cooperation from Iran to probe this case. According to trackingterrorism.org, the Jaish-al-Adl is an extremist Salafi group that has since its foundation claimed responsibility for a series of operations against Iran's domestic security forces and Revolutionary Guards operating in Sistan and Balochistan province, including the detonation of mines against Revolutionary Guards vehicles and convoys, kidnapping of Iranian border guards and attacks against military bases located in the province. The group claims that dozens of Revolutionary Guard members were killed in these operations, most of which were not reported in official Iranian media. Jaish al-Adl is also opposed to the Iranian Government's active support of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad's capmaign against Islamic State, which they regard as an attack on Sunni muslims. Centre Of OperationsJaish ul-Adl executes cross border operations between the border of Iran and Pakistan and is based in the Baluchistan province in Pakistan, which is home to about 2 million Sunni-Muslims. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, March 31, 2016, 15:12 [IST] 34 IS militants killed in Iraq's Anbar International oi-IANS By Ians English Baghdad, March 31: A total of 34 Islamic State (IS) militants were killed in air strikes and bomb attacks in Iraq's western province of Anbar on Wednesday, a provincial security source said. In one attack, three suicide bombers drove their explosive-laden vehicles into the positions of the security forces in Thirthar area north of the IS-held city of Fallujah, some 50 km west of Baghdad. The troops destroyed the vehicles with guided anti-tank missiles and killed the three suicide bombers aboard, a provincial security source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity. Separately, 17 IS militants were killed in an air strike by US-led coalition warplanes on near the town of Heet, some 160 km west of Baghdad, the source said. Meanwhile, coalition warplanes bombarded a fuel station used by IS militants in the town of Heet, killing 14 IS militants and destroying three fuel truck tanks, the source added. In Anbar province, three security members were killed and five others wounded when trying to defuse two roadside bombs in the provincial capital city Ramadi, some 110 km west of Baghdad, the source said. Iraqi security forces and allied Sunni paramilitary tribal units have been battling IS militants to repossess control of large territories in northern and western Iraq, seized by the IS since June 2014. The troops have so far recovered Ramadi, the provincial capital of the country's largest province of Anbar last December. IANS Shubham couldn't have enmity with anyone, says father on son's stabbing in Australia Australian media lifts lid on oil industry corruption International oi-IANS By Ians English Sydney, March 31: Australian media has lifted the lid on allegations of corruption in the oil industry dating back decades, implicating global companies, officials and ministers, likely renewing investigations that had stalled. Hundreds of internal emails from Monaco-based company Unaoil, leaked to Fairfax Media published late Wednesday night as part of a six-month long investigation, allegedly showed the family-owned business acting as a middle man to funnel multi-million dollar bribes to state officials deciding contracts on rig projects in the Middle East. The emails implicate global corporates such as US based Halliburton, South Korea's Samsung Electronics and Hyundai Motors, Australia's CIMIC Group and Britain's Rolls Royce, among others. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) told Xinhua news agency on Thursday that it was conducting an investigation into the allegations "that employees of the Leighton Group companies were involved in the payment of bribes during two oil projects in Iraq in 2010 and 2011." "As the investigation is ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further," an AFP spokesperson said. The documents allege some business either did not know or believe corruption was occurring, while others ignored or actively participated. The tactics employed include bribing officials, avoiding or rigging tender committees or obtaining leaked information for advantage. IANS Iran fumes at Pak media allegation of complicity over spy International oi-PTI Islamabad, Mar 31: Iran today warned Pakistan that some reports in Pakistani media linking the arrest of an alleged Indian 'spy' with Tehran could have "negative implications" on its bilateral ties. The Iranian embassy here issued a terse statement after several media outlets hinted that Tehran might have knowledge about Kulbhushan Yadhav, who was reportedly arrested by Pakistani authorities in Balochistan after he entered from Iran. "During past days some section of Pakistani media has spread contents regarding detention of an Indian agent and the matter related to it, which could have negatives implications on the fraternal and friendly atmosphere of Iran and Pakistan," the embassy warned. It said that those elements who are not happy over the promotion of ties between Iran and Pakistan would try in various ways "including by spreading undignified contents and sometimes offensive to fade out the significant achievements during the visit of President Hasan Rouhani." Iran in seven decades of ties with Pakistan since its independence has always proved itself as a confident partner and neighbour and the western borders of Pakistan have never been threatened. Iran considers its borders with Pakistan as borders of peace and friendship and President Rouhani recently said that "Security of Iran is security of Pakistan and security of Pakistan is security of Iran", the statement added. It said spreading of such news items is the product of thinking which does not like further expansion of ties between the two countries and against fruitful materialisation of the agreements made during the visit of the President of Iran. Meanwhile, Pakistan today said it has asked Iran to provide details about the spying network of Yadav. Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said Iran has assured Pakistan that it would never allow anyone to use its soil against the country. Pakistan Army had also released a "confessional video" of Yadav, who said he was the serving Indian Navy officer. In the video, Yadav said that he arrived in Iran in 2003 and started a small business in Chahbahar. PTI International news brief: Series of earthquakes rattle Hawaii and more Key jihadist leader arrested in southern Mali International oi-PTI Bamako, Mar 31: Southern Mali's suspected jihadist leader has been arrested by special forces and transferred to the capital Bamako, security sources said today. "Souleymane Keita, the top jihadist leader in the south of the country, was arrested a few days ago on the Mauritanian border, and transferred to Bamako on Wednesday," a security source said. Another security source said the arrest, near the town of Sokolo, followed the capture of one of his allies a few months ago in the centre of the country. "He was about to head to Timbuktu, probably to meet up with his mentor Iyad Ag Ghaly in the Kidal region" in north-east Mali, the source said, referring to the Tuareg leader of the Islamist Ansar Dine group. Malian intelligence has said Keita and Ag Ghaly fought side by side in 2012 when jihadist forces seized the vast northern stretches of Mali. But when French troops stepped in to oust the Islamists in January 2013, Keita headed south to his native region to set up a new group, the Khaled Ibn al-Walid "katiba", meaning combattant unit. The group, also known as "Ansar Dine of the South", has some 200 fighters, a Malian security source said. In March 2015, security services accused him of heading a jihadist military training camp discovered outside Bamako. Keita was also accused last year of attacks in Fakola and Misseni near the Ivory Coast border and of "terrorist attacks" in the capital. AFP Myanmar: Aung San Suu Kyi to get PM like role International oi-Jagriti Naypyidaw, Mar 31: Myanmar government submitted a bill in parliament in a bid to give Aung San Suu Kyi more influence over the running of the country. Suu Kyi, the leader of the National League for Democracy (NLD) is likely to be given a new role "advisor to the state" or "state counsellor" similar to that of prime minister, reported the BBC. Her National League for Democracy (NLD) party won historic elections last year but Myanmar constitution bars candidates with foreign spouses or children to become president. Her two children are British citizens, as was her late husband. Htin Kyaw, a close aide of Suu Kyi, the first elected civilian leader in more than 50 years sworn in as president on Wednesday. The NLD managed to get 80% of contested seats in the elections held in November last year, ending decades of military rule. Myanmar has a new President-Htin Kyaw Suu Kyi endured years of house arrest and atrocities at the hand of military rulers to bring about democracy in the country. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon congratulated Htin Kyaw for being elected as Myanmar's first civilian President and expressed hope that the country will continue to be on the path of democracy and national reconciliation. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, March 31, 2016, 13:15 [IST] Sonia chose Manmohan Singh as he posed no threat to her, Rahul Gandhi: Obama From PM Modi to ex-US Prez Obama, see Cyrus Mistry's rare pics with politicians Obama calls Sharif to condole loss of lives in Lahore attack International oi-PTI Washington, Mar 31: US President Barack Obama on Thursday telephoned Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to express condolences over the "callous and appalling" terrorist attack in Lahore. "Obama today spoke by phone today with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif of Pakistan to express condolences over the recent terrorist attack in Lahore," the White House said in readout of the phone call. "This callous and appalling attack against innocent civilians, many of them women and children, underscores the critical danger that terrorism poses inside Pakistan, throughout the region, and around the globe," the White House said. During the phone call, Obama expressed his understanding of Sharif's decision to cancel his visit to the US and remain in Pakistan following this terrorist attack. "The President reiterated the US commitment to partner with Pakistan to counter terrorism," the White House said. Sharif, who was scheduled to attend the Nuclear Security Summit here this week cancelled his US trip following the terrorist attack that killed more than 70 people. PTI At UNSC, US calls on world to tell Russia to stop its nuclear threats US stands with Pak after Lahore attack: Obama tells Sharif International oi-PTI Washington, March 31: President Barack Obama has reaffirmed the US' commitment to partner with Pakistan to combat terrorism after the "appalling" Easter Sunday, March 24 bombing in Lahore that killed 74 people. Obama telephoned Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to condole the deaths in the attack on innocent civilians. "This callous and appalling attack against innocent civilians, many of them women and children, underscores the critical danger that terrorism poses inside Pakistan, throughout the region, and around the globe," the White House said in a readout of the phone call made late last night. "The President reiterated the US commitment to partner with Pakistan to counter terrorism," the White House said. On Sunday, a suicide bomber of Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, a splinter group of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, blew himself up at a park in Lahore, killing 74 people. Of those dead, 29 were children and 10 were women. Twenty were Christians. Obama said he understands Sharif's decision to cancel his US visit for a nuclear summit following the attack. Sharif was scheduled to attend the summit in Washington this week. An official statement in Islamabad said Obama requested Sharif to convey his feelings to the affected families. Obama said the people of the US are with the government and the people of Pakistan. "We will extend every help to Pakistan to eliminate terror from its soil." Obama also acknowledged Sharif's "leadership in the anti-terror effort." Sharif said the invisible enemy was killing innocents who are soft targets for them due to their broken infrastructure. "My resolve and my nation's resolve is getting stronger day by day. The Pakistani nation will win this war against this invisible enemy and extremist ideology," Sharif said. PTI Vietnam jails four bloggers for anti-state propaganda International oi-IANS By Ians English Hanoi, March 31: A Vietnamese court sentenced a critical blogger and three other activists to prison on charges of spreading propaganda against the state, authorities said on Thursday. Nguyen Ngoc Gia, arrested in 2014, was sentenced on Wednesday to four years in prison by a court in Ho Chi Minh City. He was accused of writing 22 articles defaming Communist Party leaders and the state, EFE news reported. The three other activists were arrested during a protest against the expropriation of their land in front of the US consulate in Ho Chi Minh City. They were also sentenced on Wednesday ranging from three to four years in prison for waving the former flag of South Vietnam in the protest. The sentences were imposed a week after another blogger and his assistant were sentenced to five and three years in prison for publishing several articles criticising the government. The Vietnamese government controls all media. In 2015, the country was ranked 175th out of 180 on the Press Freedom Index which was conducted by Reporters Without Borders, only ahead of China (176), Syria (177), Turkmenistan (178), North Korea (179) and Eritrea (180). IANS Kolkata bridge collapse: It was being built in a hurry for election, says former minister Kolkata oi-Shubham Kolkata, March 31: Opposition leaders hit out at the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) over the collapse of the Vivekananda flyover in Jorasanko area of Kolkata on Thursday (March 31). Former state minister Ashok Bhattacharjee alleged that the flyover was being constructed in a hurry so that it could be inaugurated ahead of the Assembly elections. Kolkata will go to election later in April. The election is beginning on April 4 (Monday). [Parties indulge in shameless blame game] Kolkata mayor Sovan Chatterjee faced protest after he visited the spot. Other Opposition leaders like Rupa Ganguly, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and others also visited the area besides Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who cancelled a rally to rush back to Kolkata. Rahul Sinha, the BJP candidate contesting from Jorasanko constituency, was also present on the occasion. Local people were helping the police and army personnel in carrying out the rescue operations. The Kolkata Metro authorities had sent 17 cranes to the spot for the rescue work. Chowdhury, who is the state Congress chief, said the police reached the spot long after the tragedy occurred. Demanding a probe into the incident, he asked how much bribe the urban development minister had taken for the flyover. Oneindia News 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. 2008-2022 One News Page Ltd. All rights reserved. One News is a registered trademark of One News Page Ltd. Our website uses cookies to improve your experience. Learn more Amaya CEO David Baazov Takes Leave of Absence Following Charges of Insider Trading Published March 30, 2016 by Florin P David Baazov steps out of the spotlight by taking leave of absence. Amaya stocks took a heavy hit when David Baazov was charged with insider trading earlier this month. The CEO and chairman decided to take an indefinite, paid leave of absence to prepare an official response and defend himself against these allegations. The situation is very serious for the young entrepreneur, who faces five charges, all of them vigorously denied by him. The Right Thing to Do Baazov claimed that all these allegations are unfounded and stated that he is confident that the court will find him innocent of all the charges. Meanwhile, he expressed his commitment to doing the right thing, which is to protect the interests of Amaya and its stakeholders. The decision to temporarily step down is supposed to reflect this attitude, but he plans to resume his activity immediately after proving his innocence. David Baazov still plans to acquire the company, after announcing his intention in early February. He was willing to pay $21 per share in cash at the moment and his announcement caused the stock to rise to as much as $21. In the wake of his indictment, the shares fell back to less than $15 and are unlikely to regain the losses in the near future. AMF Spearheads the Offensive Against Baazov The Autorite des marches financiers accused the CEO and chairman of Amaya and 13 other people of insider trading. Allegedly, all of them used the privileged access to information to make almost $1.5 million from stock trades. With Baazov out of the picture, Divyesh Gadhia will assume the role of chairman, after acting as a director for more than five years. He is in charge of contacting companies that might be interested in the acquisition of Amaya. Mr. Baazovs offer is still on the table, but the special committee will consider the offers made by third parties as well. Super Eagles and CD Leganes defender, Kenneth Omeruo missed the weekends big win at title-chasing Getafe after he was suspended on account of accumulated bookings, National Daily gathered. The 25-year-old central defender picked up his fifth yellow card of the season in his teams 2-0 home loss to Girona just before the international break. Before then the S. Eagles defender had made 20 straight starts for his La Liga side, National Daily learnt. He will now be available for selection for Thursdays home game against Real Valladolid. Leganes are now 12th on the La Liga table with 36 points from 29 matches. Post Views: 18 Bailey McCann, Opalesque New York: The Asian hedge fund industry can be a tough nut to crack for investors. Ed Rogers, CEO and founder of Rogers Investment Advisors says that investors often view the region as "too far, too foreign and too small," but in an interview with Opalesque TV he explains how it's no longer that way. Rogers has been living in Japan since 1987. He built a career at Deutsche Bank in Asia before starting Rogers Investment Advisors in 2011. Since then, his firm has conducted due diligence on hundreds of Asian fund managers on-site. "Back in 2000, this industry was all of 25 guys drinking at the bar on Friday night," he explains. Now there are almost 1000 managers throughout the region. He explains that by working with a firm that knows the languages and can overcome local cultural barriers to entry, investors can gain access to talented managers they might not otherwise be able to. Rogers maintains offices in Tokyo and Hong Kong and also sends teams out to evaluate managers in other countries. "We have been willing to come in, do the evaluation early and invest early," he says. "That gives us the leverage to get concessions on fees." By going in early, Rogers is also able to understand potential business risks while a firm is new and flag them before they become operational habits. Looking ahead, Rogers plans to launch a pan-Asian fund that will provide access to the best managers in the region. "We think this is a good opportunity...................... To view our full article Click here BELGIAN BEST SELLERS FN FAL Light Automatic Rife (since 1954) FN F2000 Assault Rifle (since 2001) Striving, Thriving and Dying By the Sword By James Ryan March 29, 2016 God did not seem quite so great just before noon on Wednesday, January 7, 2015 after two representatives of Al-Qaeda--Yemen branch paid a visit to the offices of Charlie Hebdo, the French satirical magazine. The world knows the rest. Native-born Parisians of Algerian parents, the brothers, Said and Cherif Kouachi, burst through Hebdo's front door their Czech Republic-made Skorpion submachine guns blazing. It didn't take long--at most seven minutes--eleven killed, eleven more wounded. The boys ran downstairs praising God's greatness--ALLAHU AKBAR! ALLAHU AKBAR! Outside they murdered a French policeman sprawled wounded on the sidewalk, like his killers, a Muslim. It's impossible to imagine how murdering and maiming twenty-three human beings would have pleased any god. BIZARRE BAZAAR The Kouachi brothers had purchased their Czech Republic-made Skorpions from an arms dealer near the Midi train station in Brussels. The Midi station is Brussels'rail hub for inter-European train travel. Given its central location, Midi is also a well known hub for black market weapons dealers. It's a short nine-minute subway ride to the Maelbeek Station bombed last week. Weapons dealers mean business in Belgium, big business. And the government means business too. The government of Belgium is Europe's largest exporter of small arms and "light' automatic weapons. Besides being the leader in exporting weapons, Belgium is the leader in exporting a much more dangerous commodity, radicalized people. Adjusting for population size, Belgium is the largest provider of foreign fighters to the Syria/Iraq carnage. Accordingly, it has the largest pro-capita return of radicalized "jihadis" along with their hands-on experience with lethal weapons and attitude to match. Can it be? That the government of a small NATO country that leads in providing jihadis to the Middle East also owns the leading weapons provider to the Middle East? It can be. It is. And the world wonders what is causing the refugee problem! In a world where America sponsors terrorist mercenaries, in a world where CIA-backed forces battle against Pentagon-backed forces, in such a world anything seems possible. So meet Belgium's government-owned lethal weapons proliferator, FN Herstal (FN). FN is a Liege-based private company wholly-owned by the regional government of Wallonia. It is the largest European exporter of small arms. There is nothing "small" about it. It does business with the militaries of over a hundred nations. Founded in 1889 to make Mauser rifles for the Belgian Army, FN has grown to be one of the world's largest weapons suppliers. From licensing data gathered by the Flemish Peace Institute , the Middle East is FN's primary market for its handguns, machine pistols, machine and sub-machine guns, rifles, shotguns and .50 caliber helicopter gun pod systems. Saudi Arabia is FN's second most important client. Who's number one? That's easy, the United States. Their FN F2000 assault rifles are prolific throughout North Africa and the Middle East. It takes a two-second trigger-squeeze to empty its 30-round clip. The F2000 made its debut at the International Defense Exhibition in 2001, appropriately enough, at Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Prayut Chan-o-cha (Image by prachatai) Details DMCA While he was in the nation's capital for the Nuclear Industry Summit on Wednesday night, Thailand's military strongman Prayut Chan-o-cha said his country was "eventually" going to have to join the corporate-backed Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) being pushed by the Obama administration and backed fervently by business lobbyists and corporate interest groups (impact on American workers be damned). Prayut's comments, which were made in a speech before the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, pointed out that Thailand's industries would need to undergo serious restructuring to meet the TPP's stringent intellectual property and other rules, going so far as to ask the audience to "take care of Thailand" as it overhauls its own economy to meet TPP standards. Officially, the Thai junta leader's position reflects fears that his country would be left out in the cold as neighbors like Vietnam and Malaysia enjoy the fruits of free trade. The TPP's proponents and the corporations that stand to profit most from the implosion of trade protections have highlighted how these Southeast Asian economies will reap windfalls of jobs and growth. They do so while glossing over the millions of American jobs that have already disappeared as a result of free trade agreements--not to mention the additional perks the TPP will offer corporations for taking jobs overseas. Unofficially, Prayut's nod to one of Obama's signature initiatives is just as much a way of getting back on Washington's good side. This is all the more likely given the (mild) heat Bangkok's ruling general got from the State Department on account of their human rights abuses and manipulated return to "democracy." Ever since Prayut and his fellow generals staged a coup and overthrew Thailand's elected government in May 2014, what was once a democratic American ally has taken a dramatically authoritarian turn under a leader who can be downright cartoonish in his attacks on opponents and peaceful activists. Since the military takeover, political activity and public gatherings have been banned and hundreds have been arrested. Both Thais and foreigners who criticize the government or its actions have been dragged before the courts on defamation charges, with Thailand's harsh laws against disparaging the monarchy have turned into a favorite weapon of the authorities. Journalists, activists, and private citizens have also been brought up on charges after highlighting the rights abuses of private companies and joking about the King's favorite dog on Facebook. One of the latest victims of the military's uncompromising persecution of critics (real or imagined) is Theerawan Charoensuk, a woman who faces up to seven years in prison just because she posted a photo of herself holding a red bowl. What makes that red bowl so threatening to Thailand's generals? Innocuous New Year's greetings from former Thai premiers Thaksin and Yingluck Shinawatra, populist leaders who antagonized Bangkok's entrenched elites and lost their positions not through the ballot box but through military takeovers. To the U.S. diplomats and other outside groups who still have the gall to criticize the Thai junta for its crackdown on people like Theerawan, Prayut offers a blunt answer: "Why don't people respect the laws instead of asking for democracy and human rights all the time" No one is allowed to oppose [the NCPO, the official name for the junta]. I dare you to try to oppose [the NCPO].... I don't care what the international community would think about this. I will send officials to explain to foreign embassies. " While the coup leaders lash out at foreign and domestic critics for any sign of dissent, they have also put together a rigged transitional process to return the country to "democracy", while carving out a deep state for themselves. Just a few days ago, the junta unveiled its newest draft constitution. Naturally, criticism of the document was outlawed before it went public. According to the government's schedule, Thais will have the chance to vote on the draft in an August referendum this year. If they approve of the document, Prayut has promised elections for a civilian government in 2017. Previous constitutional drafts proposed by the military brass have already been rejected because they would have granted the military too much enduring power, but this latest version appears to be no different. The entirety of Thailand's 250-member Senate, for example, would be appointed as opposed to elected. Those senators would be chosen by an "independent" selection panel, although the six highest-ranking members of the armed forces would automatically be included to avoid any" misunderstandings between the soldiers and the politicians that could prompt another armed takeover. Along with its control of the senatorial selection process, the military's draft also leaves open the door to appointing the prime minister. If it seems as if Thailand's generals want to take power out of the hands of Thai voters that should come as no surprise: the Shinawatra family has won every election since 2001, and a large part of the thinking behind military rule is to make sure their political movement can't pick up where it left off. After nearly two years of rights abuses and pseudo-democratic charades, the U.S. government finally seems to be speaking up about events in Thailand. Sarah Sewell, who runs democracy and human rights work at the State Department, met with the Thai premier on March 28 and "urged" him to restore democratic governance and respect the freedom of expression. Those statements, though, have yet to be backed up by any real actions. This year's edition of joint military exercises between American and Thai troops, for example, was supposedly scaled back in light of the political situation, but even so, nearly 3,300 U.S. soldiers still took part. If America is truly serious about Thailand's return to democracy, making vague statements while inviting Prayut to Washington and getting him to sign up for the TPP are not the way to go about it. RT @ajam: Rebuilding Palmyra: Russians offer to rebuild ancient Syrian site destroyed by war https://t.co/h30y0IrVtY at https://t.co/h30y0IrVtY 1984 (@newman1190) March 31, 2016 Eyewitness accounts from the scene this morning (3/30/2016) confirm that the Syrian Army has liberated all parts of the city of Palmyra (Tadmor) including all of the ancient city, from 10 months of occupation and destruction by ISIS. The Syrian army spokesman explained that the city, home to some of the most extensive ruins of the Roman Empire, would now become a "launch pad" for operations against ISIS strongholds in Raqqa and Deir al-Zor, further east across a vast desert. Syrian state media announced yesterday that Palmyra's military airport was again receiving air traffic. What played a large role is preventing ISIS from doing even more damage to Palmyra was the leadership of Syria's Department of Antiquities and Museum (DGAM) which since 2015 has been encouraging and leading efforts by the local community, including tribal, and religious leaders. Their work included surreptitiously mobilizing many of the 50'000 residents of the city as well as some four dozen staff members of DGAM's regional office, who worked to preserve our shared culture heritage at Palmyra. DGAM's Director, Dr. Maamoun AbdulKarim commented, "I think Daesh (ISIS) understood very strongly that if they continued to destroy buildings, they would be attacked by the local community." Following ISIS killing of the late famed archeologist and Palmyra Museum Director, Khaled al-Asaad, ISIS destruction continued in rapid succession. Included were Baalshamin Temple, the Sella of Bel Temple (September 2025), and the Triumphal Arch (October 2015). As widely reported, the organization's main motivation is disapproval of religious sculptures of any sort -- and of religious movements that they consider heretical. It also strongly disapproves of paganism, monumental tombs of any sort -- and of all figurative religious decoration. Captured ISIS records makes plain that its campaign of destruction was methodical and centrally planned. A special Isis unit tasked with selecting targets and implementing the destruction. The local community increasingly strongly opposed the wanton ISIS destruction, often risking their lives to end the jihadist iconoclasm. |The local citizen's resistance and public demonstrations prevented more damage to their and our cultural heritage and identity. In addition, since May 2015 when ISIS invaded Palmyra, DGAM staff in Palmyra quickly and methodically transported approximately 400 full statues or heads of statues as well as hundreds of exhibits, many of which this observer photographed earlier that year. Hundreds of artifacts and transportable statues were packed into storage boxes and moved to secured locations, some as far away as Damascus. The sudden arrival of ISIS terrorists made it impossible to evacuate the larger statues as well as a few exhibited heads of statues fixed on the walls of the museum halls where damage is more extensive. As DGAM explains to visitors, while ISIS terrorists target treasures and encourage looting and illicit trafficking to fund their operations, claiming that they consider that statues are idols against their ideologies and, consequently, they do not trade with them. But part of the reality is that ISIS could not find many of the artifacts given that DGAM with the help of the local population had already evacuated them. While some treasured monuments have been destroyed, much of the ancient city's ruins remain intact. Syria's antiquities chief Dr. Maamoun Abdulkarim said authorities had been "expecting the worst" from the 10 month occupation of ISIS. But he told the AFP news agency that "the landscape, in general, is in good shape". Most of the stones from the collapsed Temple of Bel appear to be still on the site. There had been damage to the fence of the city's medieval citadel, "but it can be fixed. And some stones at the Temple of Baal are still intact." Dr. Abdulkarim has also announced that the old ruins, located southwest of Palmyra's residential neighborhoods, were in better condition than he expected. Many of the most important ruins, including the Agora, Roman Theater, and city walls, were only slightly damaged. "The really great news is about the Lion of Al-Lat," the famous 15-ton lion statue destroyed by IS last July, Abdulkarim said. The limestone statue at the temple of Al-Lat, a pre-Islamic Arabian goddess, dates back to the 1st century BC. Abdulkarim said the broken pieces "could be put back together -- we didn't lose this great statue." Once DGAM has UNESCO's approval, Dr. Addulkarim estimates that Syria we will need five years to restore the structures damaged or destroyed by ISIS. Abdulkarim told AFP. "We have the qualified staff, the knowledge and the research. With UNESCO's approval, we can start the work in a year's time." So fare more than 40 countries have offered archeological sites restoration assistance both in terms of cash and expertise. They acknowledge willingness to work under Syrian direction on DGAM's prioritized projects. In addition, several organizations from the UK, Germany, Italy, Japan, China, the USA and elsewhere have also been working the past couple of years to create precise three-dimensional digital models of the threatened archeological and heritage sites in Syria. Among the examples, four kilometers outside the marble quarries of Carrara, Italy, robots and other technology are being used to carve from massive stone a 20-foot-high scale reproduction of one of Palmyra's most famous ancient monuments: a Roman triumphal arch that Islamic State militants razed in October of last year. Next month, the 12-ton replica will be on display at Trafalgar Square in London and then on to New York. Dr. Alexy Karenowska, Director of Technology at the IDA and Oxford's One Million Images Project points out that a reproduction can only ever be "second best." But she added, "The idea is to use this as a way of drawing attention to the fact that reconstruction is underway, and as proof of what technology can do for something that touches all of us." Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). This article originally appeared at TomDispatch.com. To receive TomDispatch in your inbox three times a week, click here. On March 11, 2011, following a massive earthquake and a devastating tsunami, the cores of three of the reactors at Japan's Fukushima nuclear plant melted down with horrific results. Radioactive cesium, with a half-life of 30 years, contaminated almost 12,000 square miles of the country, an area about the size of the state of Connecticut. The government considered 12.5 square miles around the plant so poisoned that its population was evacuated and it was declared a permanent "exclusion" zone. (At Chernobyl in Ukraine, three decades after the other great nuclear disaster of our era, a 1,000 square mile exclusion zone is still in place.) One hundred and twenty thousand evacuees, some from areas outside the exclusion zone, have still not gone home and some undoubtedly never will, despite a vast decontamination program run by the government. (Sixteen to twenty-two million bags of contaminated soil and debris will someday be buried in a vast landfill near the plant, but it may take decades to get them there and that's only the beginning of the problems to come.) And let's not forget that, according to a report from the French Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety, the ocean waters around Fukushima received "the largest single contribution of radionuclides to the marine environment ever observed." To this day, five years later, eerie photos continue to emerge from now eternally deserted towns miles from the plant, thanks to what's called "dark tourism." But bad as the Fukushima nuclear disaster was, it might have been so much worse. Japan's then-prime minister, Naoto Kan, has only recently admitted that he was so worried by the unraveling catastrophe and the swirl of misinformation around it that he almost ordered the evacuation of Tokyo, the capital, and all other areas within 160 miles of the plant. The country, he said, "came within a 'paper-thin margin' of a nuclear disaster requiring the evacuation of 50 million people." Keep that in mind as you read today's report from Alison Rose Levy and Ellen Cantarow, who has in recent years covered citizen resistance to the desires of Big Energy for TomDispatch. Since the United States used nuclear weapons on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945, nuclear power has always had a fearsome aspect. In the 1950s, the administration of President Dwight Eisenhower began promoting "the peaceful atom" in an attempt to take some of the sting out of atomic power's bad rep. (As part of that project, Eisenhower helped then-ally the Shah of Iran set up a "peaceful" nuclear program, the starting point for Washington's more modern nuclear conflicts with that country.) Unfortunately, as we've been reminded, from Three Mile Island to Chernobyl to Fukushima, there is ultimately a side to nuclear power that couldn't be less "peaceful," even in a peacetime setting. As you think about the Indian Point nuclear power plant, the subject of today's post, and its long history of problems and crises that only seem to be compounding, keep in mind how close Tokyo came to utter catastrophe and then think about the vast New York metropolitan area and what any of us would be able to do other than shelter in place if disaster were someday to strike up the Hudson River. Tom A Fukushima on the Hudson? The Growing Dangers of Indian Point By Ellen Cantarow and Alison Rose Levy It was a beautiful spring day and, in the control room of the nuclear reactor, the workers decided to deactivate the security system for a systems test. As they started to do so, however, the floor of the reactor began to tremble. Suddenly, its 1,200-ton cover blasted flames into the air. Tons of radioactive radium and graphite shot 1,000 meters into the sky and began drifting to the ground for miles around the nuclear plant. The first firemen to the rescue brought tons of water that would prove useless when it came to dousing the fires. The workers wore no protective clothing and eight of them would die that night -- dozens more in the months to follow. It was April 26, 1986, and this was just the start of the meltdown at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine, the worst nuclear accident of its kind in history. Chernobyl is ranked as a "level 7 event," the maximum danger classification on the International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale. It would spew out more radioactivity than 100 Hiroshima bombs. Of the 350,000 workers involved in cleanup operations, according to the World Health Organization, 240,000 would be exposed to the highest levels of radiation in a 30-mile zone around the plant. It is uncertain exactly how many cancer deaths have resulted since. The International Atomic Energy Agency's estimate of the expected death toll from Chernobyl was 4,000. A 2006 Greenpeace report challenged that figure, suggesting that 16,000 people had already died due to the accident and predicting another 140,000 deaths in Ukraine and Belarus still to come. A significant increase in thyroid cancers in children, a very rare disease for them, has been charted in the region -- nearly 7,000 cases by 2005 in Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine. In March 2011, 25 years after the Chernobyl catastrophe, damage caused by a tsunami triggered by a massive 9.0 magnitude earthquake led to the meltdown of three reactors at a nuclear plant in Fukushima, Japan. Radioactive rain from the Fukushima accident fell as far away as Ireland. In 2008, the International Atomic Energy Agency had, in fact, warned the Japanese government that none of the country's nuclear power plants could withstand powerful earthquakes. That included the Fukushima plant, which had been built to take only a 7.0 magnitude event. No attention was paid at the time. After the disaster, the plant's owner, Tokyo Electric Power, rehired Shaw Construction, which had designed and built the plant in the first place, to rebuild it. Near Misses, Radioactive Leaks, and Flooding In both Chernobyl and Fukushima, areas around the devastated plants were made uninhabitable for the foreseeable future. In neither place, before disaster began to unfold, was anyone expecting it and few imagined that such a catastrophe was possible. In the United States, too, despite the knowledge since 1945 that nuclear power, at war or in peacetime, holds dangers of a stunning sort, the general attitude remains: it can't happen here -- nowhere more dangerously in recent years than on the banks of New York's Hudson River, an area that could face a nuclear peril endangering a population of nearly 20 million. As the Fukushima tragedy struck, President Obama assured Americans that U.S. nuclear plants were closely monitored and built to withstand earthquakes. That statement covered one of the oldest plants in the country, the Indian Point Energy Center (IPEC) in Westchester, New York, first opened in 1962. One of 61 commercial nuclear plants in the country, it has two reactors that generate electricity for homes across New York City and Westchester County. It is located in the sixth most densely populated urban area in the world, the New York metropolitan region, just 30 miles north of Manhattan Island and the planet's most economically powerful city. The plant sits astride two seismic faults, which has prompted those opposing its continued operation to call for a detailed analysis of its capacity to resist an earthquake. In addition, a long series of accidents and ongoing hazards has only increased the potential for catastrophe. According to a report by the National Resources Defense Council (NDRC), if a nuclear disaster of a Fukushima magnitude were to strike Indian Point, it would necessitate the evacuation of at least 5.6 million people. In 2003, the existing evacuation plan for the area was deemed inadequate in a report by James Lee Witt, former head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. American officials have urged U.S. citizens to stay 50 miles away from the Fukushima plant. Such a 50-mile circle around IPEC would stretch past Kingston in Ulster County to the north, past Bayonne and Jersey City to the south, almost to New Haven, Connecticut, to the east, and into Pennsylvania to the west. It would include all of New York City except for Staten Island and all of Fairfield, Connecticut. "Many scholars have already argued that any evacuation plans shouldn't be called plans, but rather 'fantasy documents,'" Daniel Aldrich, a professor of political science at Purdue University, told the New York Times. Paul Blanch, a nuclear engineer who worked in the industry for 40 years as well as with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), thinks a worst-case accident at Indian Point could make the region, including parts of Connecticut, uninhabitable for generations. According to a report from the Indian Point Safe Energy Coalition, there were 23 reported problems at the plant from its inception to 2005, including steam generator tube ruptures, reactor containment flooding, transformer fires, the failure of backup power for emergency sirens, and leaks of radioactive water laced with tritium. In the latest tritium leak, reported only last month, an outflow of the radioactive isotope from the plant has infused both local groundwater and the Hudson River. (Other U.S. nuclear plants have had their share of tritium leaks as well, including Turkey Point nuclear plant in Florida where such a leak is at the moment threatening drinking water wells.) 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). Terrorism spreads its deadly tentacles across the world and no country is exempt from its outreach. First the terror attacks in Paris, then in Belgium; if anyone thinks that those who planned those attacks are going to stop there then they better think again because all signs indicate that this is just the beginning. The only question is: when and where will the terrorists strike next? To better understand what is going on, and why this terrorism is posing such an ominous threat to Western nations, the best thing that we can do is to think much more deeply about this issue and clearly identify the underlying reasons for its sudden eruption. What exactly is motivating and driving those who are committing these atrocities? Until we determine and address those root causes we will never solve this massive problem. The very worst thing that we can do is to continue to waste a great deal of time watching the network and cable news non-stop reports, thereby failing to rise above this kind of surface thinking. When we tune in to these news programs what do we see? We see news anchors and on-site reporters describing the troubling scenes of destruction and the resulting mayhem. We see these frightening scenes over and over. We hear the "special reports" from a steady stream of stern-looking, so-called terrorism experts who provide opinions on who may be responsible, how the acts may have been planned, and what law enforcement must do to identify other potential threats and neutralize them. Then we listen to President Obama and other leaders who like to say that these acts are being committed by terrorists who hate us because of our freedoms, values and our democracy; but that is simply not the case and reflects nothing more than shallow thinking. Terrorists hate the nations of the Western world for far different reasons as we will discuss in the following. Something of monumental importance is missing from these reports. I haven't seen one rational, in-depth discussion or thorough analysis by these experts about what really needs to be done to solve this problem by identifying those underlying causes and coming up with viable solutions. And if you don't do exactly that then you will never, ever develop solutions. Terrorism is typically described as "a form of violence used in order to achieve a political, religious, or ideological aim." While that may be true in the general sense I firmly believe that the acts of terrorism that we are witnessing today are motivated and driven by an overwhelming thirst for revenge against the oppressors who victimized their countries and citizens over a long period of time. What all the leaders of these Western nations, in both the U.S and in Europe, need to do is to open up their minds and think about the aggressive policies and actions that they have pursued in the Middle East and surrounding regions over time. Here's a portion of a report from NPR that describes what happened in the Middle East after World War I: "With the onset of WWI, the French and the British sent armies and agents into the Middle East to foment revolts in the Arabian Peninsula and to seize Iraq, Syria and Palestine. In 1916, French and British diplomats secretly reached the Sykes-Picot agreement carving up the Middle East into spheres of influence for their respective countries." "Under the mandate system, Syria and Lebanon went to the French. The British took over Palestine and three Ottoman provinces of Mesopotamia and created modern-day Iraq. Everyone understood at the time that this was a thinly disguised new form of colonialism." Notice the italicized words which are a clear indication of intimidation and domination. And that intimidation and domination has continued through the decades and to this day as we see no lessening of the exercise of power and influence of Western nations in this region. Just think about the terror that the people of Iraq experienced when the bombs started dropping on that country in 2003 and the massive destruction that followed. Think about the destruction and suffering that the people in Libya were subjected to when the U.S. and its European coalition partners conducted a massive, relentless bombing campaign to force Ghaddafi out of power; an attack that left the country in shambles and has allowed ISIS forces to establish a growing presence. They need to consider the fear that exists in the hearts and minds of people in Somalia, Yemen and Pakistan who, on any given day, come under attack by Hellfire missiles launched from U.S. drones flying overhead. Hundreds of innocent men, women and children have been killed in the last several years as they were congregating at weddings, funerals or going about their daily business. While they may live in a state of terror many of them are planning ways to take revenge against those who they hold responsible for these attacks. In Syria, the massive bombing by the U.S. and its Western allies on the one hand, and that of Russia on the other, has been devastating to that country and its people, sending hundreds of thousands of terrified Syrians fleeing into exile in many surrounding countries and, in particular, Europe. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). This piece was reprinted by OpEd News with permission or license. It may not be reproduced in any form without permission or license from the source. Reprinted from Alternet A symphony of extremist incitement and deranged tirades blared out at a conference hosted in Jerusalem on March 28 by the Israeli tabloid newspaper Yediot Ahronoth. Dedicated to attacking the BDS (boycott, divestment and sanctions) movement, the Stop BDS conference featured appearances by Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, several ministers in the right-wing governing coalition and the American comedian Roseanne Barr. One of the top government figures who appeared at the conference, Interior Minister Aryeh Deri, called for stripping Omar Barghouti, a BDS movement leader and Palestinian resident of Israel, of his permanent residency rights. Deri said he was "inclined to accept" the recommendation against Barghouti, insisting that "you cannot turn the other cheek to those who beat them." Next, Israeli Minister of Transportation Israel Katz called for the "focused civilian elimination of the leadership of BDS." Insisting that he was not calling for military-style assassinations of BDS leaders, Katz explained, "Civilian [elimination] is to expose the actors, the people, the system, the mechanisms and their connections to the organizations already crossed the threshold of military and terrorist activity. And definitely, through this exposure, to know how to act against them, how to isolate them, also to transfer information to intelligence agents around the world, and other agents. We have to understand that there is a battle here. It is wrapped in many covers." The Stop BDS conference featured Roseanne Barr as its keynote speaker. As Richard Silverstein recently reported for AlterNet, Barr has equated followers of Islam with Nazis, called for dropping a nuclear bomb on the University of California-Davis to retaliate for its students' support for BDS, and has referred to supporters of Palestinian human rights as "Nazis' helpers." Before her transformation into a Likudnik Twitter troll, Barr was a self-styled critic of Israel who promoted anti-Semitic activist Gilad Atzmon and once posed as Adolf Hitler in a supposedly humorous photo spread that depicted her shoveling "Jew cookies" into an oven. Click Here to Read Whole Article Reprinted from Robert Reich Website "Bernie did well last weekend but he can't possibly win the nomination," a friend told me for what seemed like the thousandth time, attaching an article from the Washington Post that shows how far behind Bernie remains in delegates. Wait a minute. Last Tuesday, Sanders won 78 percent of the vote in Idaho and 79 percent in Utah. This past Saturday, he took 82 percent of the vote in Alaska, 73 percent in Washington, and 70 percent in Hawaii. In fact, since March 15, Bernie has won six out of the seven Democratic primary contests with an average margin of victory of 40 points. Those victories have given him roughly a 100 additional pledged delegates. As of now, Hillary Clinton has 54.9 percent of the pledged delegates to Bernie Sanders's 45.1 percent.That's still a sizable gap -- but it doesn't make Bernie an impossibility. Moreover, there are 22 states to go with nearly 45 percent of pledged delegates still up for grabs -- and Bernie has positive momentum in almost all of them. Hillary Clinton's lead in superdelegates will vanish if Bernie gains a majority of pledged delegates. Bernie is outpacing Hillary Clinton in fundraising. In February, he raised $42 million (from 1.4 million contributions, averaging $30 each), compared to her $30 million. In January he raised $20 million to her $15 million. By any measure, the enthusiasm for Bernie is huge and keeps growing. He's packing stadiums, young people are flocking to volunteer, support is rising among the middle-aged and boomers. In Idaho and Alaska he exceeded the record primary turnout in 2008, bringing thousands of new voters. He did the same thing in Colorado, Kansas, Maine, and Michigan as well. Yet if you read the Washington Post or the New York Times, or watch CNN or even MSNBC, or listen to the major pollsters and pundits, you'd come to the same conclusion as my friend. Every success by Bernie is met with a story or column or talking head whose message is "but he can't possibly win." Some Sanders supporters speak in dark tones about a media conspiracy against Bernie. That's baloney. The mainstream media are incapable of conspiring with anyone or anything. They wouldn't dare try. Their reputations are on the line. If the public stops trusting them, their brands are worth nothing. The real reason the major media can't see what's happening is because the national media exist inside the bubble of establishment politics, centered in Washington, and the bubble of establishment power, centered in New York. As such, the major national media are interested mainly in personalities and in the money behind the personalities. Political reporting is dominated by stories about the quirks and foibles of the candidates, and about the people and resources behind them. Within this frame of reference, it seems nonsensical that a 74-year-old Jew from Vermont, originally from Brooklyn, who calls himself a Democratic socialist, who's not a Democratic insider and wasn't even a member of the Democratic Party until recently, who has never been a fixture in the Washington or Manhattan circles of power and influence, and who has no major backers among the political or corporate or Wall Street elites of America, could possibly win the nomination. But precisely because the major media are habituated to paying attention to personalities, they haven't been attending to Bernie's message -- or to its resonance among Democratic and independent voters (as well as many Republicans). The major media don't know how to report on movements. Reprinted from Greanville Post There is a core political/economic doctrine that has governed the Repubs. and their policies since the beginning of the Reagan Administration: establish "small government" at the Federal level for spending and regulation of the economy in the arenas that affect the general welfare, but with major spending exceptions for such sectors as the military-industrial complex and the prison/industrial complex and the "Drug War," and major elements of private behavior such as the exercise of choice in the outcome of pregnancy; reduction of taxes for the rich; maintaining private sector provision of services that in all other advanced capitalist countries are primarily in the public sector, like health care; maintaining a major global military presence; more recently, attempting to stop any action to deal with global warming, protecting the short-term interests of the fossil fuel industry that was a major factor in putting Reagan in the White House in the first place (one of Reagan's very first actions as President was to symbolically remove the then very primitive solar panels that President Jimmy Carter had put on the White House roof and substantively, to immediately shut down Carter's Federal alternative energy research program); using racism, misogyny, and homophobia as electoral weapons (but publicly expressed, for the most part, through the use of substitute phraseology collectively known as "dog whistles," so that plausible deniability for the use of such weapons can be maintained). And so on and so forth. Now along comes Donald Trump, leading the field in the Republican primaries from the start. I do not have to attach all the adjectives to Trump's performance. They are well known. And from the beginning many election observers have been predicting that the next bomb he drops (or gas-break he emits) will bring his campaign to a sudden end. But that, as we know, hasn't happened. So why has he been so successful? On the one hand, on the centrality of racism to any successful Repub. campaign, he has dropped the pretense. He has abandoned that particular dog-whistle, beginning with his very public leadership of the "birther" campaign against Barack Obama before the 2012 election. He has combined his racism with a clearly expressed doctrine of authoritarianism: from the serious "I will introduce the death penalty for the killing of any cop" to the frivolous "department stores shall put up signs saying 'Merry Christmas' instead of 'Happy Holidays.'" And for the right-wing "evangelicals" (in reality Dominionists) to whom he appeals, racism and authoritarianism (think "following the word of God" to the letter, as it is expressed in the multi-authored King James version of the Bible, of course) are at the center of their thinking. Indeed, Trump represents the current end-stage, the "opening up," if you will, of what for some years I have described as the Repubs.' Rightward Imperative. Of course, at the rate the Repub. Party is going, by 2020 someone might come along who makes Trump look mild by comparison. Do remember that the "establishment" John McCain picked Sarah Palin as his running mate in 2008. 'Nuff said. Trump very cleverly uses combatting the national de-industrialization that has been part of Repub. policy since Nixon (aided and abetted by W.J. Clinton and the DLC Democrats) as a campaign wedge, because most of his supporters don't know who they primarily have to thank for it. He then expands his racism to Latinos, especially Mexicans, and expresses his elemental religious bigotry against Muslims and Islam. He proposes decreasing foreign military aid at the same time he calls upon the U.S. allies to increase the "fight against ISIS." While Ted Cruz proposes using "carpet bombing" -- which he obviously doesn't understand -- to deal with ISIS, Trump proposes to use nuclear weapons -- which he obviously doesn't understand. And so on and so forth. So then, why doesn't the Republican establishment(s) like him? And there are several of those, actually. For example, see those for which the central issues are those of religious determinism on such issues as abortion and gay marriage rights. And those, like the Club for Growth, for which the central issues are further shrinking both government regulation of private industry (while of course vigorously blaming the E.P.A. when things go wrong in a given locality), and taxes on the rich. And there are those for which the artificially maintained Federal deficit and debt are the major concerns (see the "Tea Party"), who would like to shrink both by shrinking further the tiny social safety net that exists in this country. But first and foremost, most of the Repub. establishment doesn't like Trump because he has ripped the hood off Republican racism. On the matter of discrimination against African-Americans, he has clearly not totally rejected a KKK endorsement. However, it should be noted that the KKK and Repub. Presidential platforms have been pretty much in sync. since Reagan began his 1980 Presidential campaign at Philadelphia, MS, the site of the murder of the three civil rights workers during the "Freedom Summer" of 1964. Reagan formally rejected the Klan endorsement, but that was really immaterial. What was material was the similarity of the Klan Platform to his. And they have been similar ever since (although attention to that fact has never been drawn). But now, Trump is on the border of accepting it. One dog whistle down. On the Latino immigration issue, the Repubs. would never want to have a legislative solution, for they would then lose the issue for electoral purposes. But Trump, with the "murderers and rapists" claim, has taken the hood off that one too. Religious discrimination, in terms of establishing a legal system to maintain the supremacy of one religious doctrine, that, for example, homosexuality is a "sin," against all others, with the force of the State behind it, has always been covered up too, now in the doctrine of "religious freedom." (In reality this is a policy that uses State power to promote one religious belief at the expense of all others. E.g., many women seeking abortions are quite religious as are many gay couple wanting to get married.) So then Trump proposes discriminating against Muslims, in the name of "national security." That doesn't sit well with many Repub. establishment types, especially those who do business with the Muslim world (like guess who?) But then there are those major elements of Repub. doctrine that Trump doesn't talk about, like abortion rights and gay marriage suppression. Furthermore, they are saying to themselves, suppose he really means it when it comes to trying to reverse de-industrialization? The issue of course, and Trump may well not understand this, is not "free trade" per se, but national policy, put together by the Repubs., that encouraged de-industrialization. It is quite possible to have relatively free trade without de-industrialization: see Germany and Japan. This list could be quite a bit longer, but it won't be here. Because the primary reason why the Repub. establishments are against Trump is that he obviously would be uncontrollable and unpredictable. They don't care so much about the wild statements as they do about the fact that so far he has run on his own money and his phenomenal ability to get free air time. So, although this would change in the general election campaign, at least for now he doesn't owe them anything. But supposing once in office he did try to close down the export of capital, did want to maintain Social Security which the Tea Party is so determined to slash, really did try to mount a major military intervention in the Middle East (which could lead only to disaster). It's one thing to talk about these things, and another to actually try to do them. And Trump just might. Recall that until June 30, 1934 when it was literally eliminated in "The Night of the Long Knives," there was a left wing in the Nazi Party, which is why "socialist" was part of its name. Another problem with Trump for the GOP establishment is that he clearly doesn't know what he doesn't know (the same goes for Cruz, by the way). Thus, some of them are clearly concerned about the quality of the people around him, who otherwise might fill him in on such things as what the map of the Middle East really looks like, that the Turks have a real problem with the Kurds and so you can't just go arming the latter to the teeth without really pissing the former off, that certain elements of the Saudi ruling class are entirely in synch with ISIS, theologically and monetarily, and at the center of everything that is going on there is the Saudi/Iranian contest for power in the region. Thus they are very concerned about who from the U.S. Reactionary Elite might NOT have places at the table. In terms of his uncontrollability, a few may be aware that the German ruling class thought that they could control Hitler, once he became Chancellor. And we know where that went. So there are many reasons for the enmity. Finally, they also of course don't think that he can win. But I do. Combine these facts. In the end, most of the Repub. establishment would rally behind him like many of them are now rallying behind the equally odious Dominionist Ted Cruz. The likely Democratic candidate will be Hillary, against whom the Repubs. will run using three words: "Email (regardless of the facts, as established by that time -- of course if she is indicted for violation of national security statutes she will have to drop out, which would be most inconvenient if that happens after the Democratic Convention); "Benghazi," and "Clinton" (both she and Bill, of course). Once he gets the nomination, the money will begin to flow into the campaign because the Repubs. are desperate to get control of the Executive Branch, regardless of who is running it. That is because they want to lay waste, to the extent possible, to Federal regulatory power, in manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, the environment, unions, workplace safety, gender discrimination, and so on and so forth, and they want to lay waste too to the falsely-named "entitlement programs." Further, they want to firmly put the Supreme Court into reactionary hands for the foreseeable future. So not only will the money flow in, but the now well-established voter-suppression campaign will be put into high gear. Remember "better dead than Red?" For the Repub. establishment it will be "better Trumped than dumped" at the polls once again. They just don't know it yet. And oh yes, should either Trump or Cruz get the nomination, you can bet your bottom dollar that there will be an "ISIS-inspired terrorist attack," in this country, about two weeks before the election. Duluth, Minnesota (OpEdNews) March 31, 2016: The young literary scholar William Egginton of Johns Hopkins University contributes to our understanding of print culture 1.0 in his accessible new book The Man Who Invented Fiction: How Cervantes Ushered in the Modern World (Bloomsbury, 2016). But why should progressives and liberals be interested in Egginton's new book -- or in Cervantes' 1609 Spanish novel Don Quixote? That's a fair question. However, if progressives and liberals today were to agree with Egginton's basic argument that Cervantes' big breakthrough novel helped usher in the modern world in Western culture, then they would understand modern American culture in which political liberty and economic liberty emerged historically alongside one another in our American experiment in representative democratic government. Today economic libertarians such as the Koch brothers cling to our American tradition of economic liberty. But how did Cervantes' invention of modern fiction in Don Quixote contribute to our American tradition of thought? Let me explain. During the lifetime of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra (1547-1616), Spain had a far-flung empire, including territories in the Americas. In the English-speaking world, William Shakespeare (1564-1616) was one of Cervantes' contemporaries, and in 1611, the King James Bible appeared in English. The unprecedented expansion of formal education (in Latin) in print culture 1.0 contributed to the rise of publications in the vernacular languages, alongside many books in Latin. The inward turn of consciousness in print culture 1.0 toward inner-directedness was also manifested in the spirituality of the Spanish mystics St. Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556), St. Teresa of Avila (1515-1582), and St. John of the Cross (1542-1591). According to the Indian Jesuit Anthony de Mello's account of the mystic sense of life in his posthumously published book The Way to Love (Doubleday, 1992; also published in India in 1991 as Call to Love), Cervantes also may have manifested the mystic sense of life. As a Jesuit himself, de Mello understood that Jesuits cultivate the mystic sense of life. Historically in print culture 1.0, Jesuits founded colleges as their way of contributing to the spread of print culture 1.0 in European places where a residual form of oral culture 1.0 tended to flourish still in popular culture, and served as missionaries in India, China, and the Americas, places where oral culture 1.0, or a residual form of oral culture 1.0, flourished in popular culture. The heroic work of eighteenth-century Jesuit missionaries in South America was resplendently commemorated in the 1986 movie The Mission. Concerning the famous Jesuit martyrs in North America, see Emma Anderson's book The Death and Afterlife of the North American Martyrs (Harvard University Press, 2013). As Egginton indicates, Cervantes may have been educated by the Jesuits in Seville (pages 40-42). Early Jesuit education was part of the larger educational movement of Renaissance humanism, which was a break from the earlier emphasis on logic in the arts course of studies in medieval universities. Concerning Jesuit education, see bilingual edition of the 1599 Jesuit plan of studies published as The Ratio Studiorum : The Official Plan for Jesuit Education (Institute of Jesuit Sources, 2005). ORAL CULTURE 2.0 AND PRINT CULTURE 2.0 The American Jesuit cultural historian Walter J. Ong (1912-2003) formulated a sweeping technological thesis about human consciousness and cultural evolution. For Ong, the master technology in Western cultural history involves vowelized phonetic alphabetic writing. This form of writing contributed immeasurably to the historical emergence of the Greek philosophic tradition of thought as exemplified in Plato and Aristotle. In connection with the historical emergence of Greek philosophic thought, Ong never tired of referring to Eric A. Havelock's book Preface to Plato (Belknap Press/ Harvard University Press, 1963). But also see Andrea Wilson Nightingale's book Spectacles of Truth in Classical Greek Philosophy: Theoria in its Cultural Context (Cambridge University Press, 2004). However, for Ong, the Gutenberg printing press that emerged in the 1450s contributed immeasurably to the historical emergence of the modern world in Western culture. Ong details the infrastructures of print culture 1.0 in his massively researched book Ramus, Method, and the Decay of Dialogue: From the Art of Discourse to the Art of Reason (Harvard University Press, 1958). Concerning Ong's philosophical thought, see my online essay "Understanding Ong's Philosophical Thought": http://hdl.handle.net/10792/2696. Other classic studies of print culture 1.0 include Ian Watt's 1957 book The Rise of the Novel: Studies in Defoe, Richardson, and Fielding (University of California Press), Richard D. Altick's 1957 book The English Common Reader: A Social History of the Mass Reading Public, 1800-1900 (University of Chicago Press), Lucian Febvre and Henri-Jean Martin's 1958 book translated as The Coming of the Book: The Impact of Printing, 1450-1800 (Verso, 1976), Marshall McLuhan's 1962 book The Gutenberg Galaxy: The Making of Typographic Man (University of Toronto Press), and Jurgen Habermas' 1962 book translated as The Structural Transformation of the Public Sphere: An Inquiry into a Category of Bourgeois Society (MIT Press, 1989). Later studies of print culture are far too numerous to mention here. 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). Global Biopharmaceutical Services Market 2016 Industry Trends, Sales, Supply, Demand, Analysis & Forecast to 2021 Biopharmaceutical Services market research http://www.qyresearchgroup.com/market-analysis/global-biopharmaceutical-services-market-2016-industry-trends-sales.html http://www.qyresearchgroup.com/report/59452#request-sample Global Biopharmaceutical Services Industry 2015 Market Size Share Growth Forecast Research and DevelopmentThe Global Biopharmaceutical Services Industry report gives a comprehensive account of the Global Biopharmaceutical Services market. Details such as the size, key players, segmentation, SWOT analysis, most influential trends, and business environment of the market are mentioned in this report. Furthermore, this report features tables and figures that render a clear perspective of the Biopharmaceutical Services market. The report features an up-to-date data on key companies product details, revenue figures, and sales. Furthermore, the details also gives the Global Biopharmaceutical Services market revenue and its forecasts. The business model strategies of the key firms in the Biopharmaceutical Services market are also included. Key strengths, weaknesses, and threats shaping the leading players in the market have also been included in this research report.The report gives a detailed overview of the key segments in the market. The fastest and slowest growing market segments are covered in this report. The key emerging opportunities of the fastest growing Global Biopharmaceutical Services market segments are also covered in this report. Each segments and sub-segments market size, share, and forecast are available in this report. Additionally, the region-wise segmentation and the trends driving the leading geographical region and the emerging region has been presented in this report.Get Complete Report with TOC :The study on the Global Biopharmaceutical Services market also features a history of the tactical mergers, acquisitions, collaborations, and partnerships activity in the market. Valuable recommendations by senior analysts about investing strategically in research and development can help new entrants or established players penetrate the emerging sectors in the Biopharmaceutical Services market. Investors will gain a clear insight on the dominant players in this industry and their future forecasts. Furthermore, readers will get a clear perspective on the high demand and the unmet needs of consumers that will enhance the growth of this market.Table of ContentChapter One Biopharmaceutical Services Industry Overview1.1 Biopharmaceutical Services Definition1.1.1 Biopharmaceutical Services Definition1.1.2 Product Specifications1.2 Biopharmaceutical Services Classification1.3 Biopharmaceutical Services Application Field1.4 Biopharmaceutical Services Industry Chain Structure1.5 Biopharmaceutical Services Industry Regional Overview1.6 Biopharmaceutical Services Industry Policy Analysis1.7 Biopharmaceutical Services Industry Related Companies Contact InformationGet Sample Copy of Report @QYResearch Group is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. QYResearch Group also carries the capability to assist you with your customized market research requirements including in-depth market surveys, primary interviews, competitive landscaping, and company profiles. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics. QYResearch Group is the comprehensive collection of market intelligence products and services available on air.3422 SW 15 Street, Suit #8138, Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442, Air Cargo Security and Screening Systems Market: Global Industry Analysis and Forecast to 2015 to 2021 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/3651 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Aviation security has been one of the key concerns in the aviation industry. The need for air cargo security and screening systems has become even more pronounced after the September 11, 2001 attack on the World Trade Center. The customary security and screening practice in this area include physical inspection and canine methods (detection through trained dogs) which are not error-free. The new technologies in this area reduce the potential threats from terrorist activities and ensure safety by tracking explosives inside the air cargo. The air cargo industry and international and national regulatory authorities have been continuously making efforts to increase the screening levels of the air cargos with minimum of shipping hindrance through known shipper programs. These programs allow known shippers to screen their own cargo and check that they adhere to a common set of standards.The enhanced security programs carry certain limitations in the form of large size of the industry and high costs incurring in the enhancements. However, the dire need to increased security has been compelling the industry to include air cargo security and screening systems. The expansion of these security measures across the supply chain lays significant business opportunities for the manufacturers of air cargo and security and screening systems. The screening process in the air cargo and screening systems include screening systems based on x-ray, explosives trace detection (ETD) and explosives detection systems (EDS) technologies. The air cargo security and screening systems based on x-ray screens the entire shipment swiftly and accurately.Interested in report: Please follow the below the links to meet your requirements; Request for the Report Brochure:X-ray based screening produces high penetration of detection in products ranging from meats, fish, paper, liquid and metals. ETD is the most popular technology used by the aviation industry and freight forwarders for screening air cargo. In this technology, samples of particles are collected from the pieces of cargo being screened which are then screened for traces of explosives or vapors which explosives may release. ETDs are relatively cheaper than its counterpart technologies are cost about USD 10,000. For screening efficiency with ETDs, the cargo needs to be divided into smallest packaging components. EDS system consists of an apparatus which examines the physical characteristics of an object; and a software component that processes the images and data to analyze the mass and density of that object. In EDS a rotating-ray source is used to take large numbers of images in order to give a visual presentation of the objects contained in the examined piece. EDS are costlier than its counterparts and its maintenance charges are also high, however, its automated nature makes its less-labor intensive. With the scarcity of skilled labor, EDS is expected to be a fast growing segment of air cargo security and screening systems market.Among the regions, North America dominated the global air cargo security and screening systems in 2013 followed by Europe. The dominance of North America is due to its large aviation industry and increasing industrialization and trade. Asia Pacific is also witnessing high growth due to increase in trade activities and industrialization in the region. The key companies in air cargo security and screening systems include American Science and Engineering, L-3 Security Detection Systems, Morpho Detection Rockwell Collins, Rapiscan Systems, 3DX-RAY, Armstrong Monitoring, Astrophysics, AUTOCLEAR, CEIA, Gilardoni, Nuctech and Smiths Detection.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexible without compromising on its deep-seated research values.ContactPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb: Trinova Capital Announce Addition of Samuel Shakeson to Equity Research Team www.trinovacapital.com Trinova Capital, an independent equity research and alternative asset management firm, has today announced that Samuel Shakeson has joined the firm as a speciality pharmaceuticals equity research analyst.Samuel has been in the biopharmaceutical industry for over 20 years, primarily as a clinical pharmacologist, said Edward Barton, Senior Portfolio Manager at Trinova. He brings a wealth of experience to Trinova Capital, having worked in the wealth management industry in the United Kingdom and USA. He is extraordinarily positioned to bring our institutional brokerage clients insight into a highly specialised sector. We all look forward to working with Sam and listening to the fresh ideas he has for the future of Trinova Capital.Mr Shakesons role will primarily be back-of-house as he will be focused on discovering new and emerging trends in the biopharmaceutical sector and he will be joining an existing team of 12.Mr Shakeson said of his appointment Trinova Capital has a great presence in the Asia-Pacific region, so when the opportunity arose to work here I grasped it with both hands. Im really excited about meeting my new team-mates and colleagues. Together we can continue to springboard Trinova Capitals growth both in the Asia-Pacific region and worldwide for years to come.Mr Shakesons role at Trinova Capital commences Monday 4th April 2016 at the firms Tokyo-based headquarters.Trinova Capital is a leading independent equity research firm based in Tokyo, Japan. Please visit. Alternatively, you can email info@trinovacapital.com or call +813 4588 8434.Trinova Capital is an independent equity research firm based in Tokyo who provide market reports and financial advice to their private and institutional client globally.Otemachi Financial City, North Tower, 1-9-5 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 100-0004, JapanTelephone - 0081345888434Email - info@trinovacapital.comMedia Contact - Alexander Kidd (pr@trinovacapital.com) Global Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin Market Size, Key Trends, Growth, Price, Review, Share, Analysis to 2021 Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin Market http://www.intenseresearch.com/market-analysis/global-and-china-hepatitis-b-immunoglobulin-market-industry.html http://goo.gl/nAOBxN http://www.intenseresearch.com/ The 'Global and Chinese Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin Market, 2011-2021 Market Research Report' is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the global Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin industry with a focus on the Chinese market. The report provides key statistics on the market status of the Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin manufacturers and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the industry.Browse Complete Report @Firstly, the report provides a basic overview of the industry including its definition, applications and manufacturing technology. Then, the report explores the international and Chinese major industry players in detail. In this part, the report presents the company profile, product specifications, capacity, production value, and 2011-2016 market shares for each company. Through the statistical analysis, the report depicts the global and Chinese total market of Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin industry including capacity, production, production value, cost/profit, supply/demand and Chinese import/export. 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Overall, the report provides an in-depth insight of 2011-2021 global and Chinese Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin industry covering all important parameters.Get Free Sample Report of Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin Market:Table Of Content Of Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin Market:Chapter One Introduction of Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin Industry1.1 Brief Introduction of Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin1.2 Development of Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin Industry1.3 Status of Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin IndustryChapter Two Manufacturing Technology of Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin2.1 Development of Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin Manufacturing Technology2.2 Analysis of Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin Manufacturing Technology2.3 Trends of Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin Manufacturing TechnologyChapter Three Analysis of Global Key Manufacturers3.1 Company A3.1.1 Company Profile3.1.2 Product Information3.1.3 2011-2016 Production Information3.1.4 Contact Information3.2 Company B3.2.1 Company Profile3.2.2 Product Information3.2.3 2011-2016 Production Information3.2.4 Contact Information3.3 Company C3.2.1 Company Profile3.3.2 Product Information3.3.3 2011-2016 Production Information3.3.4 Contact Information3.4 Company D3.4.1 Company Profile3.4.2 Product Information3.4.3 2011-2016 Production Information3.4.4 Contact Information3.5 Company E3.5.1 Company Profile3.5.2 Product Information3.5.3 2011-2016 Production Information3.5.4 Contact Information3.6 Company F3.6.1 Company Profile3.6.2 Product Information3.5.3 2011-2016 Production Information3.6.4 Contact Information3.7 Company G3.7.1 Company Profile3.7.2 Product Information3.7.3 2011-2016 Production Information3.7.4 Contact Information3.8 Company H3.8.1 Company Profile3.8.2 Product Information3.8.3 2011-2016 Production Information3.8.4 Contact InformationAbout Intense ResearchIntense Research provides a range of marketing and business research solutions designed for our clients specific needs based on our expert resources. The business scopes of Intense Research cover more than 30 industries includsing energy, new materials, transportation, daily consumer goods, chemicals, etc. We provide our clients with one-stop solution for all the research requirements.Contact Us:Joel John3422 SW 15 Street, Suit #8138,Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442,United StatesTel: +1-386-310-3803GMT Tel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll Free No. 1-855-465-4651Email: sales@intenseresearch.comWeb: FranchiseBazar to recruit Brain Child Learning franchisee in India www.sparkleminds.com www.franchisebazar.com Brain Child Learning, a unique brain training company for children with its presence marked over 11 countries across the globe has partnered with franchisebazar.com, a franchise marketing arm of sparkeminds for its franchise expansion programme. With a super successful network already in Gujarat and centres in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, it intends to reach out to tier I, II and III cities of India.Karnataka, Bangalore, March 7, 2016 Sparkleminds () is a specialised franchise consulting company offering wide range of franchise development services to small and big enterprises seeking expansion. Being in the franchising industry for more than 15 years it has an arcane perception of the Indian marketplace through its franchise lead generation portaland also through its well-connected network across remotest locations in India.Speaking about the importance of involving FranchiseBazar in the search for the expansion of Brain Child Learning across major cities of India, Mr. Tushar Kansagara, MD speaks:This concept is; as I envision; going to be a rage in the coming time. And the ones who ride this bandwagon now will be the reapers of the wonderful harvest, not only in terms of money but also prestige in the society in building up the future of the generation next. And precisely for this reason we require entrepreneurs who are driven by passion of working with the children. The entrepreneurs requires advance level of understanding of products, services and markets which we believe Sparkleminds has and offers a perfect launch pad for new franchisers. FranchiseBazar is the ideal platform to execute a new idea or a business concept successfully across IndiaBrain Child Learning considers this partnership as vital for developing a joint strategy to leverage business growth. BCL has just finalized its franchise strategy and is now recruiting franchise partners across the country who would operate their establishments/institutes and bring the change and drive the growth of this business. The investment required would be approximately Rs.7-12 Lakhs and the space needed will be a 750 Sft, a little here or there, owned or rented.Adding to it Mr Amit Nahar, Senior Franchise Consultant and Founder CEO of Franchise Bazar, stated, We take pride in associating ourselves with Brain Child Learning, a new age learning methodology and concept. This model is extremely profitable for the franchisees. FranchiseBazar has been enthusiastically involved in the expansion of various emerging brands across different industries as well as categories and I am fully confident that this would be another innovative franchise opportunity which entrepreneurs could start and make the most of the early mover advantage to lock their respective zones in their city at the earliest.About Brain Child LearningIn 1999, Brain Child Learning (BCL) emerged as one of the finest institute of brain development programs in Malaysia. Since then with a commitment of developing new learning methodology, BCL started its expansion across the globe with an aim to enrich and empower the next generation globally in the year 2005 and thus became a global franchisor. With a presence over 11 countries like Malaysia, UK, Singapore, Indonesia, China, Thailand, India, Nepal, Taiwan, Australia & Brunei, Brain Child Learning identifies childs current intelligence and then nurtures children by scientific brain development programs. During the course of our journey our director acquired USA patent rights for Dermatoglyphics technology.Brain Child Learning, Malaysia has partnered with Xplore Knowledge Resources LLP, India, and is now spreading new generation learning programs in India. It has over 15 years of experience in education field as a franchisor having more than 325 Franchisees and over 1,25,000 students under the brand name Aloha Gujarat. It is a recipient of Zhusan Promoters Award for outstanding performance by the governor of Zhejiang province China in 2006. It is also the recipient of the Best Franchisors Award in 2008 & 2010. Their 6 children have recorded their names in Limca book of records for various brain skills.We bring to you a wonderful recession proof business in Education Industry. With an expansion plan across India, we are collaborating with people who are self motivated and ready to learn from various backgrounds like young enthusiastic graudates, housewives, business person, married couple, retired/senior citizens, working professionals, educational institutes etc. With a finely crafted web based ERP support, internationally trained trainers, best support in form of Admin, Technical, HR, Sales and marketing, PR, Quality check and a sound business proposal and effective support system, Xplore Knowledge Resources LLP provides the best business experience to its entire franchise network. It is known for providing business models which breaks even within a very short time and get on to become profitable in the first or second year itself in most cases. Our sole aim and objective is to provide a business model which is low on investment, infrastructure requirements and HR requirement yet very high on returns.Please Call +919844008100 for more Opportunities.FranchiseBazar.com is Indias foremost franchise portal with over 50,000 unique visitors every month. FranchiseBazar.com helps entrepreneurs to find, choose, and start a new franchise based on their skills and the resources they want to deploy on the one end and on the other helps franchise brand choose franchisees that match their requirements. It is a part of Sparkleminds, which is an integrated franchise development company with 15 years of franchise consulting experience in the Indian Subcontinent.309, Swiss Complex33 Race Course Road Emerging Opportunities in Algae Biofuel Prospects Market with Current Trends Analysis http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gc-176 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gc-176 www.futuremarketinsights.com Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the Algae Biofuel Prospects Market: GCC Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2014 - 2020" report to their offering.Algae was first discovered as a fuel alternative in 1978 under the leadership of US president Jimmy Carter at a time when fuel prices were high, demand was high, and supply was low and depleting at the same time, the costs of exploring fuel fields and carrying out oil refining procedures were exorbitantly high and continued to skyrocket. Algae biofuel is an alternative fossil fuel that uses algae to generate Biodiesel, Biobutanol, Bio gasoline, methane, ethanol, hydrogen derived renewable fuel and jet fuel. Half of algaes composition by weight is a lipid oil. This has been targeted to convert it into bio diesel that will burn more efficiently than the conventional petroleum.A new concept of alga culture has come up to produce bio fuels. Algae costs more per unit than other bio fuel crops but is claimed to yield 10 to 100 times more fuel per unit area. In 2014, the prices of oil were between US $ 56 to US $ 120 per barrel. The cost of producing micro algal biomass in 2014 was US $ 2.95/kg through photo bioreactors. If the annual biomass production capacity is increased to 1000 tons then the cost will reduce to US $ 1.5/kg for a litre of crude oil. The extraction of biofuels from algae is largely dependent on organic solvents such as benzene. The companies that are working on innovating algal biofuel technology are Algenol Biofuels Inc., Blue Marble Productions, Solazyme Inc., Sapphire Energy Inc., Diversified Technologies Inc., Origin Oils Inc., Proviron Industries nv, Oilgae and Genifuel Corporation.Request Free Report Sample@Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is estimated to achieve 1.6% of the world GDP according to the World Bank. The GCC crude oil production in 2020 is forecasted to be approximately 24 million barrel/day. Although GCC countries are the leaders in fossil fuel production, but are taking initiatives for large scale production of renewable sources of energy.Algae biofuels presents a great opportunity to compensate the environmental impact of the oil and gas industries in the GCC. GCC has a wide coastline that stretches across its countries and is ideal for algae production. The carbon dioxide emissions from oil and power refineries can be effectively utilized and the climate is also favourable for algae cultivation. The waste water treatment plants are also a vital source of algae. Bio fuel is likely to be an addition to the energy mix of GCC countries in the foreseeable future, rather than a competitor to petroleum based oil. This scenario in GCC will be a reality in the long run if the technology required for it, for instance, photo bioreactors becomes a feasible option.Request For TOC@The US Government strongly backs the research on bio fuels and is pledged to invest US $ 24 million to commercialize algae based biofuels. Several Governments now have started funding initiatives to make biofuel commercially available for satisfying the future wants of the world and it will impact GCC positively. The world needs a new form of fuel that is clean, sustainable, environment friendly, renewable and cheap. Bio fuels is likely to be a success story and an economically accessible alternative that will save it from the energy crisis.Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.Mr. Sudip sahaFuture Market Insights616 Corporate Way,Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage,New York 10989,United StatesTel: +1-347-918-3531Fax: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Good Growth Opportunities in Global Sulphur Recovery Technologies Market Till 2020 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-171 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-171 www.futuremarketinsights.com Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the Sulphur Recovery Technologies Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2014 - 2020" report to their offering.Petroleum industries are gaining high momentum in their sales revenue with the increasing demand for sulphur across various industry segments. Today, 97% of the sulphur is recovered as a by-product of oil and gas industry followed by coal gasification (2%) and 1% from mined sulphur. Sulphur recovery is the process of harnessing sulphur from hydrogen sulphide (H2S). Sulphur constitutes 3% of earths total mass and is the 16th most abundant element in the world. Its end use application is seen in fertilisers, rubber, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries.Sulphur has both, merits as well as demerits. It needs to be removed during the coal gasification and extraction process so as to avoid catalyst poisoning and prevent fouling of the downstream component. Chemical industries constantly engage in technical innovation in order to offer an efficient approach for removing sulphur from this process and using it for various other industry verticals ranging from agricultural sectors to cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.Companies these days are focusing on extracting sulphur in most feasible way so as to minimise the operational cost and enhance the revenue generation. Claus process, tail gas, direct oxidation, acid gas enrichment, oxygen enrichment, cold bed adsorption and Frasch methods are the techniques most employed by industries. Of all these methods, Claus and CBA (Cold Bed Adsorption) are the most commonly used in extraction of sulphur. The reason behind its popularity is the increasing market share of oil and gas production.Request Free Report Sample@Canada is the largest exporter of sulphur in the world, while China is the largest market for sulphur. Other potential market sites for sulphur are India, U.S., Morocco and Brazil. The current scenario reveals that sulphur production is dependent on Chinas economy. Since 1990, it has been importing sulphur to meet its various industry verticals need. However, the market seems to be in the doldrums because of the large gap between demand and supply. With major oil and gas fields operating in Canada, Russia, and MEA, the market is set to witness large production of sulphur which will surpass the demand for it. The Turkmenistan gas project alone is set to produce 2.4 million tonnes of sulphur. The decline in the demand for sulphur foretells a gloomy prospect for the industries producing sulphur. However, this downward trend will be a short term one and is expected to show improvement with sulphurs increasing use in rubber and agriculture sectors.It is predicted that the world population will increase to 8.3 billion by 2030 from 6.9 billion in 2010. This will lead to increase in food demand by 50%. With limited agricultural land, soil will need high amount of micro and macro nutrients to meet the good demand in coming years. Sulphur is one of the most important nutrient for plants. Deficiency in sulphur can result in reduced yields. The global agriculture market, including countries such as China, India, and U.S., will need sulphur to meet their crop production. High demand of sulphur in crop production offers good market scope for chemical industries operating in sulphur recovery technologies.Request For TOC@The rubber industry is also a potential end use market for sulphur-producing regions. Sulphur offers durability to natural rubbers. On account of the surge in demand for rubbers in the automotive industry, Asia followed by Europe and North America have become lucrative markets for business enterprises operating in sulphur recovery technologies. Asia alone consumes 17,191 metric tonnes of rubber. China, Japan, and India are the major automotive hubs, and hold the potential to generate high returns on investment for chemical industries. Germany is the largest market for sulphur in Europe with a majority of the automotive parts being manufactured there.With tremendous growth potential in the fertiliser, automation and mining sectors, the sulphur recovery technology market looks optimistic. APAC will see the highest CAGR growth in 20142020 followed by MENA and the North American region.Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.Mr. Sudip sahaFuture Market Insights616 Corporate Way,Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage,New York 10989,United StatesTel: +1-347-918-3531Fax: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: The 1000 Club: Making Work Experience Work for You www.gov.uk/government/publications/high-level-stem-skills-requirements-in-the-uk-labour-market Tower Hamlets Education Business Partnership (THEBP) is a charity established in 1991 and are now celebrating 25 years. The company aims to raise the aspirations and understanding of the world of work and different opportunities to young people. This is done by brokering links between businesses in the City and Canary Wharf and the schools in Tower Hamlets.Currently THEBP work with 63 primary schools and 15 secondary schools within in the borough of Tower Hamlets and have forged strong links and connections with all the schools. They offer many volunteering opportunities from one off commitments, to regular weekly commitments like Reading and Number Partners.Alongside all of the above programmes they place around 3000 Tower Hamlets Students on work experience each year.Identified by THEBP:According to the British Chambers of Commerce, 76% of businesses say that lack of work experience is the reason why young people are unprepared for work. However, only 48% of businesses actually offer placements, with those within the city predominantly at SMEs (Small/Medium Employers).In Tower Hamlets alone, 1 in 4 young people will be unemployed when they leave school. Currently 39% of children in the Borough are living in poverty, the highest level in the UK. There is entrenched inter-generational unemployment and a lack of access to opportunities in the thriving City and Canary Wharf economies.THEBPs Resolution:In December 2014 THEBP launched the 750 club which had an initiative to get 750 students into corporate work experience placements, as there was a huge gap in that particular sector.Following on from its success, this year they have increased it to 1000 corporate work placements, including 100 placements in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) organisations. There is a growing and urgent need for more STEM professionals in the UK, and this is going to increase rapidly over the next 7 years. It is vital that all students are well prepared to access these roles seeing as*: 2.56 million Engineering jobs have been forecast between 2012 and 2022. 42% of employers are currently having difficulties in recruiting STEM-skilled employees. Only 17% of technology workers are female, but high consumers of technology. 46% of Key Stage 2 students say a STEM subject is their favourite subject.How Employers Can Help:THEBP is inviting senior business leaders to join the 1000 Club. The dedicated work experience team manages all aspects of the process from arranging placements, preparing students and completing paperwork; leaving employers to enjoy the experience.How A Work Experience Placement Works: Meet to discuss the work experience process. Agree the dates of the placement with the work experience team. Most placements are for 14-16 year old students, although there is an increasing demand for those aged between 16-18. The placements are for one or two weeks during school term times depending on the school. Organise a Health and Safety visit at your work place to be able to draw up a job description for the student. This usually only takes 30 minutes and will then be valid for all future placements for Tower Hamlets students for four years. Inform your organisations insurance company about the placement and if applicable complete their risk assessment. For most insurers this is a standard process with minimal work. Set learning goals and tasks for the student during the placement. Daily activities and longer project suggestions for the students to undertake are also available. This experience will also help develop management skills in staff. Interview over the phone or meet with the student prior to the placement starting. Enjoy hosting the student(s). We will ask for your organisations feedback on the experience once the placement is complete.Also note that: Supervisors do not need any child protection training or certificates. No official work experience policy is required from the employer. Work experience is unpaid and employers are not obliged to cover travel or lunch costs.Last years impact report can be found here: bit.ly/1QSoAww. If you can offer any help by joining the 1000 Club or for more information please contact:Sophie RipsherAssistant Manager Preparation for Work Experience TeamTelephone: 020 7655 0300Email: Sophie.Ripsher@thebp.co.ukWe are an independent charity that supports the education, training and development of young people by forming mutually beneficial partnerships between businesses and schools.Tower Hamlets Education Business PartnershipFirst Floor, Norvin House45-55 Commercial StreetLondonE1 6BD Wood Coatings Market Shares, Strategies and Forecast Worldwide, 2014 to 2020 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-144 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-144 www.futuremarketinsights.com Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the Wood Coatings Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2014 - 2020" report to their offering.Wood coatings refer to the process of refining or protecting a wooden surface, especially in the production of furniture. Wood coating applications include: interior wood, small furniture, panels, tables, cupboards, chairs, office furniture, kitchen furniture, doors and staircases among others. There are generally three types of wood coating: evaporative, reactive and coalescing. Wood coating starts with sanding either by hand or scraping. Imperfections or nail holes on the surface may be filled using wood filler. Often, the wood's color is changed by staining, bleaching, or any other techniques. Once the wood surface is prepared and stained, the coating is applied. It usually consists of several coats of shellac, drying oil, paint, wax or lacquer. Finally, the surface may be polished using wool, steel, rotten stone or other materials, depending on the shine desired. In addition, a final coat of wax is applied over the finish to add a degree of protection.Furniture, decking, and siding are the three largest applications in value terms. However, smaller doors, windows and cabinet applications are expected to achieve faster growth in the near future. Paint is the dominant wood protection product used on siding, windows and doors, but stains and sealers are more widely utilized on cabinets, decks, furniture, and flooring. Residential end-user is the largest market for wood protection products, driven by maintenance demand for items such as fences, siding and decks. Non-residential and non-building uses account for a much smaller market for wood protection products.Request Free Report Sample@The growth in the housing market is the primary driver for the wood coatings market. Homeowners are investing more in the upkeep of their decks, fences, floors and siding. A well maintained home adds value of the home and saves money in the long term. In addition, stringent regulations, rising competition, growth in unique formulations and new product developments are some of the factors stimulating the growth of wood coatings market. However, availability of cheaper and quality substitutes, such as wood composites and plastic wood could hamper the growth of this market. These alternative are often more durable and require less maintenance as compared to wood products. Although substitutes are available, wood is a primary choice for commercial and residential purposes due to wide availably in the market. Wood coatings account for the majority of the wood protection demand with paints and stains holding the largest shares. In contrast, preservatives, which are applied to lumber by the wood treatment companies, account for smaller portion of wood protection demand.Asia Pacific is currently the largest market for wood coatings, followed by Europe, North America and Rest of the world (RoW). Sustained demand from the developed markets and burgeoning demand from emerging economies will continue to drive the wood coating market. The industry is witnessing a major shift of key market players from Europe and the U.S. to the emerging economies of Asia Pacific, comprising of China and India.Request For TOC@Some of the key players in this market are Akzo Nobel Coatings nv (Netherlands), PPG Industries Inc. (U.S.), Sherwin-Williams Co. (U.S.), DuPont Coatings and Color Technologies Group (U.S.), ICI Paints (UK), BASF Coatings AG (Germany), Valspar Corp. (U.S.), Nippon Paint Co. Ltd. (Japan), Dow Coating Materials (U.S.) and Kansai Paint Co. Ltd. (Japan) among others. Dow Coating Materials has launched two new acrylic binders for the wood coatings: EXP-4414 and EXP-77. According to the company, the new binders offer improved block, print and dirt pickup resistance and improved hardness development when applied to wood.Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.Mr. Sudip sahaFuture Market Insights616 Corporate Way,Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage,New York 10989,United StatesTel: +1-347-918-3531Fax: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: New Trends of Adsorbents Market with Worldwide Industry Analysis to 2020 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-145 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-145 www.futuremarketinsights.com Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the Adsorbents Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2014 - 2020" report to their offering.Adsorption is a process in which ions, atoms or molecules from a liquid, dissolved liquid or gas adheres to a surface. In this process a thin film is created on the adsorbent by the adsorbate. Adsorption is a consequence of surface energy similar to surface tension. Adsorption exists in many natural, biological, chemical and physical systems that have applications in the industrial sector. Adsorbents are usually in the form of rods, spherical pellets and moldings that has 0.5 to 10mm diameter. Adsorbents that are regarded to be effective must have resistance to high abrasion, thermal stability with small pore diameters and must have a distinct pore structure which helps in speedy transport of gaseous vapours. Industrial adsorbents are classified as carbon based compounds that are non-polar and hydrophobic that includes materials such as graphite and activated carbon; oxygen containing compounds that are polar and hydrophilic including material such as zeolites and silica gel; polymer-based compounds which are non-polar or polar functional groups in a polymer matrix.The major applications of adsorbents include drying, air separation, water treatment and oil and gas refining among others. Adsorbents are the major materials are mainly used in industries such as water treatment, pharmaceutical, oil & gas, petrochemical and chemical. Advances in technology to bring in various kinds of adsorbents with new advancements in the market will lead to increase the demand for adsorbents globally. Owing to government and environmental regulations the applications such as air separation and drying in the pharmaceutical, healthcare and medical devices are expected to grow at a faster rate in comparison with other applications and industries.Request Free Report Sample@The key driver for adsorbents industry includes advancements and innovations to create new and advanced adsorbent materials. The industries require adsorbents for a wide range of applications with varied characteristic and requirements. To serve this purpose, major companies are now focused on technological innovations to create new adsorbent materials which will be applicable in varied industrial and commercial areas. The technological developments to manufacture cost effective adsorbents is the major solution to generate revenue in the adsorbent market globally. The current and future projections according to the industrial and economic outlook for adsorbent market are based on the material demand in terms of volume and value.The key segments for adsorbents market include North America, Asia Pacific, Europe and Rest of the World (RoW). North America is expected to capture huge share of the global market. Asia Pacific is anticipated to be the top market for adsorbents due to growing demand from China and India. China and Russia are expected to be the largest consumer of adsorbents among others. The developed economies therefore contribute to huge demand for adsorbents from the end user segment globally. Emerging economies are expected to be the potential markets for adsorbent industry with increasing production capacity.Request For TOC@The major players that are included in the adsorbents industry include Axens, Arkema, BASF, Clariant, Calgon Carbon, Cabot, Meadwestvaco, Grace, Graver Technologies, UOP, Zeochem, Zeolyst International and Sorbead India among others. Many companies are now focusing on expansion with increase in production capacity and addition of new plants, to meet the growing demand and to achieve competitive advantage in the market. Axens which is molecular sieves manufacturer increased its presence through a new subsidiary in Malaysia for the adsorbents segment to meet the rising demand from the Asia Pacific region. Companies are now focusing on collaborations and joint ventures with the end user companies to increase its market share.Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.Mr. Sudip sahaFuture Market Insights616 Corporate Way,Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage,New York 10989,United StatesTel: +1-347-918-3531Fax: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Hospital Capacity Management Solutions Market is Projected to be Valued at US$ 800.0 Mn by 2015 End http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1013 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-1013 www.futuremarketinsights.com Future Market Insights (FMI), in its latest report titled, Hospital Capacity Management Solutions Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 2015-2025, has projected the global hospital capacity management solutions market revenue to expand at a CAGR of 5.0% during the forecast period (2015-2025).Hospital capacity management solutions (HCMS) enable better and timely care of patients and consequently reduces length of patient stay in hospital. Hospital capacity management solutions track clinical data of patients, alerts doctor, nurse or caregiver nearest to patient in need, in order to ensure timely care so that patients can be discharged earlier. Hospital capacity management solutions analyze and predict bed occupancy at the emergency department (ED) of hospitals, thereby reduce wait time by 35-50%.Global hospital capacity management solutions market has been estimated to account for US$ 800.0 Mn by 2015 end, mainly owing to rising patient pool resulting in rising demand for hospital capacity management solutions.The report offers global hospital capacity management solutions market analysis in terms of market value (US$ Mn) by application, product type, region and delivery mode, and provides information regarding market trends, regulatory affairs, competitive landscape, market estimations and forecast. Usage of hospital capacity management solutions among big hospitals has increased significantly due to technological advancements and benefits these solutions offer in managing large patient pool. Real-time locating system is widely preferred by big hospitals. Increasing patient pool globally is a major factor expected to boost overall demand for hospital capacity management solutions over the forecast period.North America market has been estimated to contribute maximum revenue to the global hospital capacity management solutions market by 2015, and this is expected to increase by 1.6x over the forecast period. In addition, hospital capacity management solutions providers are expected to launch various new and innovative solutions as per demand of hospitals over the forecast period. Western Europe is the next most promising market for hospital capacity management solutions providers. The market value in this region is expected to register a CAGR of 5.5% during the forecast period. High cost of some HCMS, along with late delivery of results and variability in bed demand are factors expected to restrain market growth in the future.Request Free Report Sample@On the basis of product type, the market is segmented into workflow management solution, asset management solution, bed management solution, quality patient care solution, real time locating system and event driven solution. Among product types, real-time locating system segment is expected to contribute maximum value to the global hospital capacity management solutions market, followed by workflow management solution and bed management solution segments. Increasing incidence of accidents, disease and surgeries is expected to generate more number of patients, which in turn is expected to boost overall demand for hospital capacity management solutions.On the basis of application, hospital capacity management solutions market is segmented into standalone solutions and integrated solutions. Integrated solutions segment has been estimated to dominate the overall hospital capacity management solutions market by 2015 end, and is expected to register a healthy growth rate over the forecast period. Increasing adoption of hospital capacity management solutions among hospitals for multimodule purpose is fuelling growth of the integrated solutions segment.On the basis of delivery mode, global hospital capacity management solutions market has been segmented into on-premise solutions and cloud-based solutions. Cloud-based segment is expected to register fastest CAGR in terms of revenue over the forecast period. Cloud-based segment currently accounts for maximum revenue share of the global hospital capacity management solutions market.Request For TOC@Key market participants included in the report are Awarepoint Corporation, Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, Inc., Care Logistics, LLC, McKesson Corporation, Central Logic, STANLEY Healthcare, Sonitor Technologies, Inc., TeleTracking Technologies, Inc., Cerner Corporation and Epic Systems Corporation.Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature.616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Global Industry Analysis on Heavy Trucks Market, 2015 to 2021 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/3580 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/3580 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Trucks market can be classified as light, medium and heavy based on their dimensions and load capacity. Heavy trucks market is solely dependent on the industrial progress in a country as it is used in carrying the raw materials for the industries as well as the finished goods from manufacturing location to its intended market. The logistics industry includes transportation modes in land, air and waterways. Land transport is further segmented into rail transport and road transport. The finished goods, especially the consumer goods are mostly transported by heavy trucks.Heavy trucks are basically of two types namely heavy combination and multi combination. Heavy Trucks have three or more axles and have the same GVM 8,000-9,000 kilograms. Heavy combination and Multi combination trucks have Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of over 9,000 kilograms. A mover plus semi-trailer combination is an example of heavy trucks, whereas road trains are the types of multi combination commercial trucks.Heavy trucks market suffered downturns during economic recession in the U.S. and Europe wherein their industrial processes, especially automobile manufacturing suffered severe setbacks. However, the U.S. has emerged out of its recessionary period and making swift advancements in its industries. Europe, on the other hand is recovering from Euro-zone crisis and its heavy trucks market is expected to recover in 2015. Heavy trucks with diesel engines account for the largest market among their types based on fuel consumption.The increase in raw material prices is one of the biggest hurdles for truck industry wherein the soaring iron and steel prices are compelling the truck manufacturers to increase prices of their final product. The economically volatile environment and unstable crude oil prices are restraining fleet owners (the consumers for truck industry) to purchase new trucks. Poor road infrastructure in the developing countries has been a prevailing challenge for the trucks manufacturing market which is making the trucking activities strenuous and prone to frequent breakdowns. The global heavy truck manufacturers have been increasing the number of their service stations in order to build customer relationships which are to a great degree dependent on servicing facilities provided by the companies.Germany is known to be the logistics hub of Europe due to its high level of industrial and commercial activities. Commerce and trade are developing at a fast pace in Brazil and the Middle East countries. The increasing number of vendors for the components of truck is providing ample growth opportunities for the truck manufacturing market. The fast pace of industrial development in China is boosting the production and sales of heavy trucks market in the country. Indian heavy truck market is also growing at a fast pace due to increasing demand for consumer goods on account of rising population. The next eleven countries (Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Turkey and Vietnam) are expected to lay strongest growth opportunity for the heavy trucks market due to their increasing rate of industrialization.Request Brochure of this Report:Among the regions, Asia Pacific accounted for the largest share in the global heavy trucks market, followed by Europe. Some of the major players in truck manufacturing market include Doengfeng, Daimler Trucks, FAW, China National Heavy Duty Truck Corporation (CNHTC), TATA Motors, Volvo Global Trucks, Torch, Beijing Automotive Industry Corporation (BAIC) and MAN. Daimler, Navistar and Paccar were the leading players in heavy trucks market in North America, whereas Daimler, Volvo and MAN dominated the sales in Western Europe. The heavy trucks market in Asia Pacific was led by Doengfeng, FAW, CNHTC and TATA motors. China became the worlds largest consumer of heavy trucks in 2010, leaving behind Germany at second place.Request to view TOC:About Us:Persistence Market Research (PMR) is an innovative provider of market research reports and consulting services. The three PMR pillars of strength that have helped us win clients for years are: Quality Research, Quick Research, and In-depth Research.PMRs team of seasoned analysts and consultants are experts in their domain. At PMR, we process complex, exhaustive primary and secondary research data into valuable insight. We uAbout Us:nderstand that each client has a unique problem statement, and address it with our strengths.Contact:Persistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: +1 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb: Global Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter Market Demand, Analysis & Forecast to 2021 Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter http://www.qyresearchgroup.com/market-analysis/global-malecot-nephrostomy-catheter-market-2016-industry-trends.html http://goo.gl/sdcf6J http://www.qyresearchgroup.com/market-analysis/global-malecot-nephrostomy-catheter-market-2016-industry-trends.html http://www.qyresearchgroup.com Global Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter Industry 2016 Market Size Share Growth Forecast Research and DevelopmentThe Global Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter Industry report gives a comprehensive account of the Global Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter market. Details such as the size, key players, segmentation, SWOT analysis, most influential trends, and business environment of the market are mentioned in this report. Furthermore, this report features tables and figures that render a clear perspective of the Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter market. The report features an up-to-date data on key companies product details, revenue figures, and sales. Furthermore, the details also gives the Global Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter market revenue and its forecasts. The business model strategies of the key firms in the Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter market are also included. Key strengths, weaknesses, and threats shaping the leading players in the market have also been included in this research report.The report gives a detailed overview of the key segments in the market. The fastest and slowest growing market segments are covered in this report. The key emerging opportunities of the fastest growing Global Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter market segments are also covered in this report. Each segments and sub-segments market size, share, and forecast are available in this report. Additionally, the region-wise segmentation and the trends driving the leading geographical region and the emerging region has been presented in this report.Get Complete Report with TOC :The study on the Global Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter market also features a history of the tactical mergers, acquisitions, collaborations, and partnerships activity in the market. Valuable recommendations by senior analysts about investing strategically in research and development can help new entrants or established players penetrate the emerging sectors in the Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter market. Investors will gain a clear insight on the dominant players in this industry and their future forecasts. Furthermore, readers will get a clear perspective on the high demand and the unmet needs of consumers that will enhance the growth of this market.Table of ContentChapter One Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter Industry Overview1.1 Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter Definition1.1.1 Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter Definition1.1.2 Product Specifications1.2 Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter Classification1.3 Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter Application Field1.4 Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter Industry Chain Structure1.5 Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter Industry Regional Overview1.6 Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter Industry Policy Analysis1.7 Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter Industry Related Companies Contact InformationGet Sample Copy of Report @Chapter Two Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis2.1 High Purity colloidal silica Supplier and Price Analysis2.2 Equipment Suppliers2.3 Labor Cost Analysis2.4 Other Cost Analysis2.5 Manufacturing Cost Structure2.5 Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter Manufacturing TechnologyChapter Three Global Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter Capacity Production and Production Value3.1 Global Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter Manufacturing Base3.2 2010-2016 Global Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter Capacity and Production3.3 2010-2016 Global Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter Production Value and Growth Rate3.4 2010-2016 Global Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value and Gross MarginChapter Four Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter Sales and Sales Revenue by Regions4.1 2010-2016 Global Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter Sales by Regions4.2 2010-2016 Global Major Regions Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter Sales and Growth Rate4.3 2010-2016 Global Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter Sales Revenue by Regions4.4 2010-2016 Global Major Regions Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter Sales Revenue and Growth Rate4.5 2010-2016 Global Major Regions Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter Sales PriceChapter Five Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter Application Consumption5.1 2010-2016 Global Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter Key Applications Consumption5.2 2010-2016 Global Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter Key Applications Consumption ShareChapter Six Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter Price Cost and Gross Margin Analysis6.1 2010-2016 Global Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter Price and Sales Price6.2 2010-2016 Global Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter Cost and Gross MarginChapter Seven Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter Major Manufacturers Analysis7.1 Company A7.1.1 Company Profile7.1.2 Product Picture and Specification7.1.3 Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value7.1.4 Contact Information7.2 Company B7.2.1 Company Profile7.2.2 Product Picture and Specification7.2.3 Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value7.2.4 Contact Information7.3 Company C7.3.1 Company Profile7.3.2 Product Picture and Specification7.3.3 Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value7.3.4 Contact Information7.4 Company D7.4.1 Company Profile7.4.2 Product Picture and Specification7.4.3 Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value7.4.4 Contact InformationChapter Eight 2016-2021 Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter Industry Development Trend8.1 2016-2021 Global Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter Capacity Production Overview8.2 2016-2021 Global Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter Sales and Growth Rate8.3 2016-2021 Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter Production Value8.4 2016-2021 Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter Price8.5 2016-2021 Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter Gross Margin8.6 2016-2021 Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter Cost Price Production Value Gross MarginChapter Nine Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter Marketing Analysis9.1 Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter Marketing Channels Status9.2 Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter Ex-work Price Channel Price End Buyer Price Analysis9.3 Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter Regional Import Export Trading AnalysisChapter Ten Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter Industry Chain Suppliers and Contact Information Analysis10.1 Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter Raw Materials Major Suppliers and Their Contact Information10.2 Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter Major Suppliers and Their Contact Information10.3 Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter Key Buyers (Consumers) and Their Contact Information10.4 Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter Supply Chain RelationshipChapter Eleven Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter New Project Investment Feasibility Analysis11.1 Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter Project SWOT Analysis11.2 Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter New Project Investment Feasibility AnalysisChapter Twelve Global Malecot Nephrostomy Catheter Industry Research ConclusionsRead More @About Us:QYResearch Group is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. QYResearch Group also carries the capability to assist you with your customized market research requirements including in-depth market surveys, primary interviews, competitive landscaping, and company profiles. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics. QYResearch Group is the comprehensive collection of market intelligence products and services available on air.Contact US:Joel John3422 SW 15 Street, Suit #8138,Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442,United StatesTel: +1-386-310-3803GMT Tel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll Free No. 1-855-465-4651Web:Email: sales@qyresearchgroup.com Asia-Pacific Trauma Fixation Market Outlook to 2020 Trauma Fixation http://www.marketresearchstore.com/report/asia-pacific-trauma-fixation-market-outlook-to-2020-21094#requestSample New Report, "Asia-Pacific Trauma Fixation Market Outlook to 2020", provides key market data on the Asia-Pacific Trauma Fixation market. The report provides value, in millions of US dollars, and volume (in units) and average price data (in US dollars), within market categories Internal Fixators and External Fixators.The report also provides company shares and distribution shares data for each of these market categories, and global corporate-level profiles of the key market participants, pipeline products, and news and deals related to the Trauma Fixation market wherever available.The data in the report is derived from dynamic market forecast models. uses epidemiology and capital equipment-based models to estimate and forecast the market size. The objective is to provide information that represents the most up-to-date data of the industry possible.The epidemiology-based forecasting model makes use of epidemiology data gathered from research publications and primary interviews with physicians to establish the target patient population and treatment flow patterns for individual diseases and therapies. Using prevalence and incidence data and diagnosed and treated population, the epidemiology-based forecasting model arrives at the final numbers.Capital equipment-based forecasting models are done based on the installed base, replacements and new sales of a specific device/equipment in healthcare facilities such as hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centers. Data for average number of units per facility is used to arrive at the installed base of the capital equipment. Sales for a particular year are arrived at by calculating the replacement units and new units (additional and first-time purchases).Extensive interviews are conducted with key opinion leaders (KOLs), physicians and industry experts to validate the market size, company share and distribution share data and analysis.Get Sample Copy of Report :ScopeMarket size for Trauma Fixation market categories Internal Fixators and External Fixators.Annualized market revenues (USD million), volume (units) and average selling price ($) data for each of the market categories. Data is provided from 2005 to 2012 and forecast to 2020.2012 company shares and distribution shares data for each of the market categories.Global corporate-level profiles of key companies operating within the Asia-Pacific Trauma Fixation market.Key players covered include DePuy Companies, Stryker Corporation, Smith & Nephew Plc, Zimmer Holdings, Inc Trauson Holdings Company Limited, China Kanghui Holdings, Biomet, Inc., Japan Medical Dynamic Marketing, Inc., KYOCERA Medical Corporation and Wright Medical Group, Inc.Reasons to buyDevelop business strategies by identifying the key market segments poised for strong growth in the future.Develop market-entry and market expansion strategies.Design competition strategies by identifying who-stands-where in the market.Develop investment strategies by identifying the key market segments expected to register strong growth in the near future.What are the key distribution channels and what's the most preferred mode of product distribution Identify, understand and capitalize.Global Market Firm is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics released by reputed private publishers and public organizations.Joel JohnSuite #8138, 3422 SW 15 Street,Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442United States Potential of Global Telemedicine Market: Current Developments and Expected Advancements http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/telemedicine-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=3032 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ The valuation of the global telemedicine market was recorded at US$14.30 bn in 2014. After a forecasted progression at a CAGR of 14.30% between 2014 and 2020, this market is expected to reach US$36.30 bn in 2020, according to a market intelligence study published by Transparency Market Research. The report, titled Telemedicine Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2014 - 2020, highlights the key trends, opportunities, and challenges of this market in the given forecast period, thus providing users with valuable knowledge for the purpose of strengthening their position in this market.Read More:According to the report, the largest driver for the growth of the global telemedicine market is the increasing demand for better personal healthcare methods. A larger percentage of the population is able to express their need for faster and sharper diagnostics and medical attention thanks to their increased spending ability; integrating modern telecommunications with healthcare is one of the best ways to achieve that.Other drivers of the global telemedicine market are the increasing need for data privacy, larger number of supportive reimbursement policies, and positive government initiatives and investments. Additionally, the growth of the global telemedicine market will also lead towards meeting one of the healthcare industrys largest targets: the rural population. People living in rural areas, or even those that live in remote and difficult-to-access regions can easily be helped through the use of telecom services in medicine.The report also warns its users of the various restraints associated with the global telemedicine market, the most prominent of which is the current lack of skilled labor required for operating the devices in this market. The lack of standard or professional training for the use of telemedicine is causing healthcare organizations to achieve unfavorable response times. Another issue persistent in the global telemedicine market is the lack of confidence that telemedicine can impart to patients, regarding the accuracy of medical assessment.The report provides details on the global telemedicine market in a segmented fashion. The market is segmented by specialty, service type, and geography.In terms of specialty, the global telemedicine market is segmented into gynecology, emergency care, internal medicine, orthopedics, neurology, cardiology, dermatology, and others. The market will benefit from the neurology segment, which is progressing at the fastest CAGR of 15.90% in the market, within the given forecast period.Request A Sample Of This Report:In terms of service types, the global telemedicine market is segmented into tele-surgery, tele-care, tele-education, tele-consultation, and tele-monitoring. Tele-consultation led the global telemedicine market in the 2013, while tele-monitoring is expected to be the fastest-growing segment till 2020. This is attributed to the growing geriatric demographic that is in greater need of home healthcare.The geographical segmentation of the global telemedicine market reveals North America to be the largest region in terms of revenue, in 2013. Meanwhile, the fastest growth rate in the market, over the given forecast period, is attributed to Asia Pacific owing to a high population density and a rapidly developing healthcare infrastructure.The key players in the global telemedicine market are McKesson Corp., Siemens Healthcare, Medtronic, Inc., Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, LifeWatch AG, Medtronic, Inc., Agfa HealthCare NV, OBS Medical Ltd., Honeywell HomMed LLC, and AMD Global Telemedicine, Inc.Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.TMRs data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Mr. Sudip STransparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700,AlbanyNY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free 866-552-3453Email:A sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Russia Knee Reconstruction Market Outlook to 2020 Russia Knee Reconstruction http://www.marketresearchstore.com/report/russia-knee-reconstruction-market-outlook-to-2020-21104#requestSample New Report, "Russia Knee Reconstruction Market Outlook to 2020", provides key market data on the Russia Knee Reconstruction market. The report provides value, in millions of US dollars, and volume (in units) and average price data (in US dollars), within market categories Primary Knee Replacement, Revision Knee Replacement and Partial Knee Replacement.The report also provides company shares and distribution shares data for each of these market categories, and global corporate-level profiles of the key market participants, pipeline products, and news and deals related to the Knee Reconstruction market wherever available.The data in the report is derived from dynamic market forecast models. uses epidemiology and capital equipment-based models to estimate and forecast the market size. The objective is to provide information that represents the most up-to-date data of the industry possible.The epidemiology-based forecasting model makes use of epidemiology data gathered from research publications and primary interviews with physicians to establish the target patient population and treatment flow patterns for individual diseases and therapies. Using prevalence and incidence data and diagnosed and treated population, the epidemiology-based forecasting model arrives at the final numbers.Capital equipment-based forecasting models are done based on the installed base, replacements and new sales of a specific device/equipment in healthcare facilities such as hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centers. Data for average number of units per facility is used to arrive at the installed base of the capital equipment. Sales for a particular year are arrived at by calculating the replacement units and new units (additional and first-time purchases).Extensive interviews are conducted with key opinion leaders (KOLs), physicians and industry experts to validate the market size, company share and distribution share data and analysis.Get Sample Copy of Report :ScopeMarket size for Knee Reconstruction market categories Primary Knee Replacement, Revision Knee Replacement and Partial Knee Replacement.Annualized market revenues (USD million), volume (units) and average selling price ($) data for each of the market categories. Data is provided from 2005 to 2012 and forecast to 2020.2012 company shares and distribution shares data for each of the market categories.Global corporate-level profiles of key companies operating within the Russia Knee Reconstruction market.Key players covered include Zimmer Holdings, Inc., Stryker Corporation, DePuy Companies, Smith & Nephew Plc, Biomet, Inc.,B. Braun Melsungen AG and Wright Medical Group, Inc.Reasons to buyDevelop business strategies by identifying the key market segments poised for strong growth in the future.Develop market-entry and market expansion strategies.Design competition strategies by identifying who-stands-where in the market.Develop investment strategies by identifying the key market segments expected to register strong growth in the near future.What are the key distribution channels and what's the most preferred mode of product distribution Identify, understand and capitalize.Medical Report Store is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics released by reputed private publishers and public organizations.Joel JohnSuite #8138, 3422 SW 15 Street,Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442United States South Korea Orthopedic Bone Cement and Casting Materials Market Outlook to 2020 South Korea Orthopedic Bone Cement and Casting Materials http://www.marketresearchstore.com/report/south-korea-orthopedic-bone-cement-and-casting-materials-21102#requestSample New Report, "South Korea Orthopedic Bone Cement and Casting Materials Market Outlook to 2020", provides key market data on the South Korea Orthopedic Bone Cement and Casting Materials market. The report provides value, in millions of US dollars, and volume (in units) and average price data (in US dollars), within market categories -Bone Cement and Casting Materials.The report also provides company shares and distribution shares data for each of these market categories, and global corporate-level profiles of the key market participants, pipeline products, and news and deals related to the Orthopedic Bone Cement and Casting Materials market wherever available.The data in the report is derived from dynamic market forecast models. uses epidemiology and capital equipment-based models to estimate and forecast the market size. The objective is to provide information that represents the most up-to-date data of the industry possible.The epidemiology-based forecasting model makes use of epidemiology data gathered from research publications and primary interviews with physicians to establish the target patient population and treatment flow patterns for individual diseases and therapies. Using prevalence and incidence data and diagnosed and treated population, the epidemiology-based forecasting model arrives at the final numbers.Capital equipment-based forecasting models are done based on the installed base, replacements and new sales of a specific device/equipment in healthcare facilities such as hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centers. Data for average number of units per facility is used to arrive at the installed base of the capital equipment. Sales for a particular year are arrived at by calculating the replacement units and new units (additional and first-time purchases).Extensive interviews are conducted with key opinion leaders (KOLs), physicians and industry experts to validate the market size, company share and distribution share data and analysis.Get Sample Copy of Report :ScopeMarket size for Orthopedic Bone Cement and Casting Materials market categories -Bone Cement and Casting Materials.Annualized market revenues (USD million), volume (units) and average selling price ($) data for each of the market categories. Data is provided from 2005 to 2012 and forecast to 2020.2012 company shares and distribution shares data for each of the market categories.Global corporate-level profiles of key companies operating within the South Korea Orthopedic Bone Cement and Casting Materials market.Key players covered include 3M Health Care Ltd., DePuy Companies, Zimmer Holdings, Inc., Stryker Corporation, BSN medical GmbH, Smith & Nephew Plc, Biomet, Inc. and Orthofix International N.V.Reasons to buyDevelop business strategies by identifying the key market segments poised for strong growth in the future.Develop market-entry and market expansion strategies.Design competition strategies by identifying who-stands-where in the market.Develop investment strategies by identifying the key market segments expected to register strong growth in the near future.What are the key distribution channels and what's the most preferred mode of product distribution Identify, understand and capitalize.QY Market Research is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics released by reputed private publishers and public organizations.Joel JohnSuite #8138, 3422 SW 15 Street,Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442United States The new chess puzzle app for everyone who loves tricky chess puzzles ChessPuzzle on Android and iOS for all Chess fans out there www.facebook.com/LiteGames LITE Games releases chess puzzle app for iOS and Android.Hamburg, 31 March 2016 Mobile games publisher LITE Games from Hamburg is releasing a chess puzzle game in cooperation with Germany's leading puzzle creator: Stefan Heine.Historically, chess puzzles go back to the Middle Ages and have been solved by countless chess players around the world since that time. The objective in a chess puzzle is to checkmate the black king in two moves. As of today, chess players no longer have to rely on newspapers for chess puzzles, but instead can solve new chess problems every day with the mobile app, no matter where they are.The Hamburg-based mobile games publisher has brought Germany's most renowned puzzle designer, Stefan Heine, on board to create tricky chess puzzles. Stefan Heine designs more than one hundred different types of puzzles for a variety of media. He also creates puzzle books for renowned publishers and gives workshops to share his expertise.The chess puzzles have two game modes: Puzzle and Arcade. In the Arcade mode (with instant feedback), the chess puzzles are timed to score as many points as possible. Wrong moves cost points. In the Puzzle mode, you can solve the chess puzzles at your own pace without any pressure. However, you won't be told if the first chess move was right or wrong.- Chess Puzzles for Android and iOS can be played entirely for free- From Android version 4.1 or iOS version 8- Optimized for phone and tablet devices- Available worldwide in the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store on 31 March 2016.At a glance What you get with Chess Puzzles for Android and iOS:- 200 challenging chess puzzles in different game modes- Carefully-designed graphics and texts- Chess quizzes playable in 2D and 3D- Play daily chess challenges and learn how to play chessLITE Games GmbH was established in Hamburg in 2014, and specializes in distributing casual classics for the mobile platforms iOS and Android.The product range of LITE Games comprises more than 30 games - we focus primarily on creating modern adaptations of classic games including card games like Rummy, Canasta, and Crazy Eights, and board games, brain games and, games of dice. Over 25 million downloads and many national and international top placements in the Apple App Store make LITE Games a leading provider of casual games.Sven JurgensMarketing ManagerLITE Games GmbHMittelweg 24 d20148 Hamburg/GermanyTel: (0)40 211 078 66Mobile: (0)160 99 00 07 19Fax: (0)40 211 078 67Email: sven.juergens@lite-games.comFacebook: Digital Sky Design provides affordable internet marketing in Sutton http://digitalskydesign.co.uk/digital-marketing.html United Kingdom 31-03-2016. Digital Sky Design is the leading company engaged to provide highest level of service and support for business marketing. With the help of professional and specialized web designers you will be able to design creative web design in Surrey that must interact with potential customers. When you have a creatively designed website to communicate with your customers on web then you will be able to grow your business in the way you want. In the competitive market, you can take advantage from branding and graphic design services provided by highly professional designers.Web design in Surrey is good choice in order to create eye-catchy and mind-catchy website that communicate with your target audience. Once an online website is created, you will be able to take advantage of various marketing tools available and one of the most common is SEO. SEO is an interactive tool in the market ideal for the promotion of large to small sized industries who want to maximize sales and business productivity.For promotion of your business, brand or services, Internet marketing in Sutton can be fruitful to attract potential customers across the world. Digital Sky Design is the leading and award-winning company offers highest level of web designing and development services at very competitive pricing. If you really want to boost your business in the competitive market then internet marketing solutions can work over you need. To use such marketing solutions is being important for every type of business in order accomplish major business goals. So, if you are really concerned for your business profitability then simply prefer to Digital Sky Design for exceptional internet marketing solutions.For the highest level of SEO, internet marketing, digital marketing, social media, branding and graphic design, email marketing and web design in Surrey simply prefer to Digital Sky Design.To know more about internet marketing solutions you can visit at:Digital Sky Design is the award-winning company offers web design in Surrey and internet marketing in Sutton to boost the business productivity. It aims to provide highest level of designing and development services ideal to meet your custom requirements.If you are looking for local, friendly and reliable company for internet marketing in Sutton, be sure to contact Digital Sky Design.First Floor, Tudors Business Centre, Water House Lane, Kingswood, Surrey, KT20 6EN, United Kingdom Latest Report on Adaptive Optics Market 2016 and Trends to 2020 By 9Dimen Group http://www.9dimengroup.com/market-analysis/global-adaptive-optics-market-2016-industry-growth-size.html http://www.9dimengroup.com/report/57841/request-sample http://www.9dimengroup.com/ http://www.9dresearchgroup.com/ 9Dimen Group presents this most up-to-date research on Global Adaptive Optics Market 2016 Industry Growth, Size, Trends, Share, Opportunities and Forecast to 2020" Market Research ReportGlobal Adaptive Optics Industry 2015 Market Research Report was a professional and depth research report on Global Adaptive Optics industry that you would know the world's major regional market conditions of Adaptive Optics industry, the main region including North American, Europe and Asia etc, and the main country including United States ,Germany ,Japan and China etc.Browse Complete Report with TOC of Adaptive Optics Market @ :The report firstly introduced Adaptive Optics basic information including Adaptive Optics definition, classification, application and industry chain overview; Adaptive Optics industry policy and plan, Adaptive Optics product specification, manufacturing process, cost structure etc. Then we deeply analyzed the world's main region market conditions that including the product price, profit, capacity, production, capacity utilization, supply, demand and industry growth rate etc.In the end, the report introduced Adaptive Optics new project SWOT analysis, investment feasibility analysis, and investment return analysis and Global Twin-screw Extruder industry.In a word, it was a depth research report on Global Adaptive Optics industry. And thanks to the support and assistance from Adaptive Optics industry chain related technical experts and marketing experts during Research Team survey and interviews.Request for FREE SAMPLE Report of Adaptive Optics Market @:The report including six parts, the first part mainly introduced the product basic information; the second part mainly analyzed the Asia Adaptive Optics industry; the third part mainly analyzed the North American Adaptive Optics industry; the fourth part mainly analyzed the Europe Adaptive Optics industry; the fifth part mainly analyzed the market entry and investment feasibility; the sixth part was the report conclusion chapter.Table of ContentPart I Adaptive Optics Industry OverviewChapter One Adaptive Optics Industry Overview1.1 Adaptive Optics Definition1.2 Adaptive Optics Classification Analysis1.2.1 Adaptive Optics Main Classification Analysis1.2.2 Adaptive Optics Main Classification Share Analysis1.3 Adaptive Optics Application Analysis1.3.1 Adaptive Optics Main Application Analysis1.3.2 Adaptive Optics Main Application Share Analysis1.4 Adaptive Optics Industry Chain Structure Analysis9Dimen Group is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics released by reputed private publishers and public organizations.Contact UsJoel John3422 SW 15 Street, Suit #8138,Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442,United StatesTel: +1-386-310-3803GMT Tel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll Free No. 1-855-465-4651Email: sales@9dimengroup.comWeb:Blog: Commodity Chemicals Market : Segments, Dynamics, Size, Forecast, Supply & Demand Value Chain (2014 to 2020) http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/2787 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/contact-us.asp http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Commodity chemicals (bulk chemicals) are a group of chemicals that are made on a very large scale and act as intermediates to produce other chemicals, which, in turn are used to produce a extensive range of end-user products including construction materials, adhesives, plastics, apparel and tires. Commodity chemicals are the largest sub-segment of the chemical industry. Commodity chemicals are commonly traded under broad categories such as organics, inorganics, plastics resins, synthetic rubbers, fibers, films, explosives and petrochemicals. These broad categories include chemicals such as, acetic acid, acetone, acrylate esters, adipic acid, acrylonitrate, benzene, bisphenol, butadiene, butanediol, butyl acetate, hexane, melamine, polyvinyl chloride, propylene, methanol, methyl, glycol and glycerines. These chemical are very low in product differentiation, and hence making price the dominant economic factor in purchasing decisions for the end users.The commodity chemical industry is highly fragmented and served with large number of local or regional players. Asia Pacific is by far the largest market for commodity chemicals accounting almost half of the total market. It is followed by North America and Europe. The growth prospective is still high in Asia Pacific attributed to the growing economy and ongoing trend and support for manufacturing sector in the developing countries such as India, China, and Indonesia. Bulk availability of crude oil and natural gas from gulf countries such as Saudi Arabian, Iran, Iraq and Syria is helping the commodity chemical industries in Asia Pacific.Interested in report: Please follow the below links to meet your requirements;Request for the Report Brochure:Commodity chemicals serve a wide range of industries ranging from personal care products to aerospace industries. It has its application either directly or indirectly in almost all manufacturing industries. The economy growth and increasing Gross domestic product (GDP) of developed and developing countries around the world is boosting the overall market of commodity chemicals. However the stiff regulation of the governments around the world regarding the health and environment side effect of chemicals and fluctuating prices of crude oil and natural gas are posing significant challenge for the industry.For more info:Some of the major players in commodity chemicals market include, BASF SE, Bayer AG, The Dow Chemical Company, Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation, PPG industries, Linde Group, Akzo Nobel, LyondellBasell Industries, Asahi Kasei, Sumitomo chemicals, Evonik Industries, INEOS Group Holding and Chem China.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexible without compromising on its deep-seated research values.ContactPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United StatesUSA - Canada Toll Free: +1 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb: Specialty Chemicals Market : (2014 to 2020) - Current Trends, Competition & Companies involved, Technology http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/2789 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/contact-us.asp http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Chemical exist in different form such as solids, liquids, gases or plasma and one form can be changed to another by applying temperature or pressure. Chemical reaction is used to convert one chemical substance into another. Chemicals are used nearly by every industry and economic sector of the country such as energy, oil and gas, agriculture and consumer and retail sector.Specialty chemicals, also known as effect chemicals, are chemicals which provide different effect when added to different chemical or substances. Specialty chemicals are used under different categories such as adhesives (substance applied at the surfaces of materials binding them together to resist separation), agrichemicals (pesticides such as insecticides, herbicides and fungicides), cleaning materials, cosmetic additives, construction chemicals, elastomers, flavors, food additives (food preservatives such as salt, sugar, vinegar and sulfur dioxide), fragrances, Industrial gases, lubricants, polymers, surfactants (emulsifiers, foaming agents and dispersants), and textile auxiliaries. Industrial sectors such as automobile, aerospace, food, cosmetics, agriculture, manufacturing, textile industries are the major end-user of specialty chemicals.Asia-Pacific leads the global specialty chemicals market followed by North America and Europe. Increasing industrial activities in developing countries such as India and China will increases the demand for specialty chemicals in these countries. China and Japan are expected to lead the Asia-Pacific market. Specialty polymers, industrial and institutional cleaners, construction chemicals, electronic chemicals, and flavors and fragrances are the major used specialty chemicals by the manufacturing industry. Rise in disposable income in the developing countries is expected to drive the demand for these products. According to the National Bureau of Statistics China, annual per capita disposable income of urban households in China increased from USD 2,271.0 in 2008 to USD 3408.5 in 2012. The overall medium household income in India has increased from USD 1,164.8 billion in 2011 to USD 1,308.8 billion in 2012.Interested in report: Please follow the below links to meet your requirements;Request for the Report Brochure:Increasing industrial activities in the field of cosmetics, food, agriculture and other manufacturing sector in the developing countries such as India and Brazil are expected to increase in coming future, thus increasing the overall demand for specialty chemicals. Additionally, specialty chemicals are increasingly used in water treatment. Introduction of more sophisticated water treatment technologies such as ion-exchange include use of specialty chemicals in industrial water treatment. Government regulation on the use of certain chemical in food processing industry and other manufacturing industry may hinder the growth of global specialty chemicals industry.For more info:Chemical industry is very much fragmented with many renowned companies operates in this industry. Some of the major companies engaged in the manufacturing of specialty chemicals are Chevron Phillips Chemical Company, BASF SE, Akzo Nobel N.V., Clariant International Ltd, Evonik Industries AG, Chemtura Corporation, Cytec Industries Inc., Albemarle Corporation and Ferro Corporation.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexible without compromising on its deep-seated research values.ContactPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United StatesUSA - Canada Toll Free: +1 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb: Parking Sensors Industry Trends, Global Investments 2016 Market Advancements, Technology, Growth Factors & SWOT Analysis http://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/global-parking-sensors-consumption-2016-market-research-report.htm http://www.qyresearchreports.com The market research study provides an in-depth analysis of the Parking Sensors market. It presents refined forecasts for the period from 2016 to 2020. The report presents valuable insights into the market, covering aspects such as market overview, product segmentation, market drivers and restraints, opportunities and challenges, major regions, current market trends, and competitive landscape of the Parking Sensors market. The research report also includes inputs and recommendations from professionals and industry experts for a better understanding of the global Parking Sensors market and also to guide the existing as well as new players in designing their business policies and strategies. The report provides historical data and forecasts figures of the global Parking Sensors market, with the help of graphical representations including charts and tables.The report on global Parking Sensors market has made use of analytical tools: value chain analysis and Porters five forces analysis. Porters five forces analysis tool helps in determining the degree of competition in the global market and potential threats from buyers, suppliers, substitutes, and new players. On the other hand, value chain analysis aids in managing the business activities in order to reduce costs. The report further segments of the market on the basis of diverse parameters. It also gives a detailed geographical segmentation of the global Parking Sensors market and calculates the share of the market held by each region in terms of revenue.The report profiles the prominent players operating in the global Parking Sensors market, covering their company overview, headquarters, products and services offered, financial overview, and business strategies. It analyzes the contributions from the key player in the global market. The study also includes SWOT analysis of the players of the global Parking Sensors market to understand the strength, weakness, opportunities, and threats witnessed by them.Browse Complete Report with TOC @QYresearchreports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.QYResearchReports1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-618-1030Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com Wireless Audio Devices Industry 2016 Global Forecasts, SWOT Analysis, Key Growth Elements, Sales Prospects & Market Trends http://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=672211&type=E http://www.qyresearchreports.com The report on the global Wireless Audio Devices market provides valuable insights regarding the current scenario in the market. The report, titled Wireless Audio Devices Research Report 2016 tracks the development of the Wireless Audio Devices market and assesses its overall growth during the forecast horizon. The report further estimates the valuation that the Wireless Audio Devices market is expected to reach in the near future. It analyzes the impact of Porters five forces on the overall market. The global Wireless Audio Devices market has been segmented for the purpose of the study on the basis of product types and applications. The report studies the development of the market across key geographical regions. Throwing light on the competitive landscape of the market, the report also lists down some of the key players operating in the market.Various micro-and macro-economic factors have that impacts the growth of the global Wireless Audio Devices market is observed and evaluated to compile this holistic report. The report indicates the key drivers and restraints affecting the Wireless Audio Devices market growth during the forecast horizon. The report also notes the various opportunities for the market to grow in the near future. The report takes into account the recent developments in the market to identify the latest trends in the market.The report assesses the demand for each of the product types during the forecast period. It also studies the global Wireless Audio Devices market across key geographical regions and estimates the growth of the market in each of the regions in the coming years. The report describes the regulatory scenario of the market in the regional segments. Further, it profiles some of the key players operating in the Wireless Audio Devices market and provides insightful information about them such as their business segmentation, product portfolio, and global presence. Through SWOT analysis, the report analyzes the growth of the key players during the forecast period.Request a Sample Copy of Report @QYresearchreports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.QYResearchReports1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-618-1030Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com Rising Prevalence of Diseases Prompts Progress in Canada Home Healthcare Market http://bit.ly/1UEHD1W http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/canada-home-healthcare-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ The Canada home healthcare market is exhibiting a CAGR of 8.9% in the forecast period of 2014 to 2020. According to a research report released by Transparency Market Research, the Canada home healthcare market is expected to reach US$18.94 bn by the end of 2020, after being recorded at US$10.45 bn in 2013. The report is titled Canada Home Healthcare Market - Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2014 - 2020, and is available on the company website now.According to the report, the Canada home healthcare market is primarily driven by the rising number of patients who suffer from ailments such as diabetes, arthritis, cancer, and multiple chronic diseases. This rising prevalence of diseases, coupled with a growing population of geriatric Canadian citizens, is boosting the Canada home healthcare market at a rapid rate.Industry Research Sample:Other drivers of the Canada home healthcare market include technological advancements that allow for a more efficient healthcare service that can be delivered at an optimum time, and a growing awareness of citizens towards the Canada home healthcare market and its services.Between the different segments of the Canada home healthcare market according to type, the market is led by diagnostics and monitoring devices, a segment that held over 30% of the market in 2013. This segment is boosted by consistent government efforts taken to increase awareness among citizens regarding the existence of diagnostic and monitoring devices and their benefits.The home mobility segment earned the lowest revenue for the Canada home healthcare market in 2013. This is attributed to the low market cost of the instruments sold in the home mobility segment, such as walkers, crutches, cranes, and rollators.In terms of services, the Canada home healthcare market is led by the segment of telehealth and telemedicine. The segment is progressing at a CAGR of 11.0% by 2020. The telehealth and telemedicine segment generated 2% of the usual revenue recorded in the Canada home healthcare market in 2013. The Canada home healthcare market services are constantly driven by factors such as high cost-effectiveness, easier access to rural locations, and high quality care of patients.From a geographical perspective, the Canada home healthcare market was led by the province of Ontario in 2013. At the same time, the Canada home healthcare market in the Quebec is expected to rise at a rapid CAGR of 9.2%. The report cites increasing population of chronically ill people as the key reason for the high growth rate of the Canada home healthcare market in Quebec.Key players involved in the Canada home healthcare market are Home Care Ontario, The Canadian Home Caress, We Care Health Services, GM Healthcare, 3M Healthcare, Omron Healthcare, and Johnson & Johnson.Browse Research Report:Transparency Market Research is a market intelligence company providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers.We are privileged with highly experienced team of Analysts, Researchers and Consultants, who use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.90 State Street,Suite 700,AlbanyNY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Global Surgical Tapes Market Size, Key Trends, Growth, Price, Review, Share, Analysis to 2021 Surgical Tapes Market http://www.intenseresearch.com/market-analysis/global-and-china-surgical-tapes-market-industry-analysis.html#request-sample http://www.intenseresearch.com/market-analysis/global-and-china-surgical-tapes-market-industry-analysis.html#request-sample http://www.intenseresearch.com/ The 'Global and Chinese Surgical Tapes Market, 2011-2021 Market Research Report' is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the global Surgical Tapes industry with a focus on the Chinese market. The report provides key statistics on the market status of the Surgical Tapes manufacturers and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the industry.Get Free Sample Report of Surgical Tapes Market:Firstly, the report provides a basic overview of the industry including its definition, applications and manufacturing technology. Then, the report explores the international and Chinese major industry players in detail. In this part, the report presents the company profile, product specifications, capacity, production value, and 2011-2016 market shares for each company. Through the statistical analysis, the report depicts the global and Chinese total market of Surgical Tapes industry including capacity, production, production value, cost/profit, supply/demand and Chinese import/export. The total market is further divided by company, by country, and by application/type for the competitive landscape analysis.The report then estimates 2016-2021 market development trends of Surgical Tapes industry. Analysis of upstream raw materials, downstream demand, and current market dynamics is also carried out. In the end, the report makes some important proposals for a new project of Surgical Tapes Industry before evaluating its feasibility. Overall, the report provides an in-depth insight of 2011-2021 global and Chinese Surgical Tapes industry covering all important parameters.Get Full Table Of Content (Index) Of Surgical Tapes Market:Table Of Content Of Surgical Tapes Market:Chapter One Introduction of Surgical Tapes Industry1.1 Brief Introduction of Surgical Tapes1.2 Development of Surgical Tapes Industry1.3 Status of Surgical Tapes IndustryChapter Two Manufacturing Technology of Surgical Tapes2.1 Development of Surgical Tapes Manufacturing Technology2.2 Analysis of Surgical Tapes Manufacturing Technology2.3 Trends of Surgical Tapes Manufacturing TechnologyChapter Three Analysis of Global Key Manufacturers3.1 Company A3.1.1 Company Profile3.1.2 Product Information3.1.3 2011-2016 Production Information3.1.4 Contact Information3.2 Company B3.2.1 Company Profile3.2.2 Product Information3.2.3 2011-2016 Production Information3.2.4 Contact Information3.3 Company C3.2.1 Company Profile3.3.2 Product Information3.3.3 2011-2016 Production Information3.3.4 Contact Information3.4 Company D3.4.1 Company Profile3.4.2 Product Information3.4.3 2011-2016 Production Information3.4.4 Contact Information3.5 Company E3.5.1 Company Profile3.5.2 Product Information3.5.3 2011-2016 Production Information3.5.4 Contact Information3.6 Company F3.6.1 Company Profile3.6.2 Product Information3.5.3 2011-2016 Production Information3.6.4 Contact Information3.7 Company G3.7.1 Company Profile3.7.2 Product Information3.7.3 2011-2016 Production Information3.7.4 Contact Information3.8 Company H3.8.1 Company Profile3.8.2 Product Information3.8.3 2011-2016 Production Information3.8.4 Contact InformationAbout Intense ResearchIntense Research provides a range of marketing and business research solutions designed for our clients specific needs based on our expert resources. The business scopes of Intense Research cover more than 30 industries includsing energy, new materials, transportation, daily consumer goods, chemicals, etc. We provide our clients with one-stop solution for all the research requirements.Contact Us:Joel John3422 SW 15 Street, Suit #8138,Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442,United StatesTel: +1-386-310-3803GMT Tel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll Free No. 1-855-465-4651Email: sales@intenseresearch.comWeb: Global Copper Fungicides Market Trends Till, 2016: Acute Market Reports http://www.acutemarketreports.com/report/global-copper-fungicides-industry-2016-market-research-report http://www.acutemarketreports.com/category/chemicals-market http://www.acutemarketreports.com/ http://www.briskinsights.com/report/uv-cured-resins-technologies-and-global-market SummaryThe Global Copper Fungicides Industry 2016 Market Research Report is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Copper Fungicides industry.Firstly, the report provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. The copper fungicides market analysis is provided for the international market including development history, competitive landscape analysis, and major regions development status.Browse full report with TOC @Secondly, development policies and plans are discussed as well as manufacturing processes and cost structures. This report also states import/export, supply and consumption figures as well as cost, price, revenue and gross margin by regions (Americas, Europe, China and Asia), and other regions can be added.Then, the report focuses on global major leading industry players with information such as company profiles, product picture and specification, capacity, production, price, cost, revenue and contact information. Upstream raw materials, equipment and downstream consumers analysis is also carried out. Whats more, the copper fungicides industry development trends and marketing channels are analyzed.View all reports of this category @Finally, the feasibility of new investment projects is assessed, and overall research conclusions are offered.In a word, the report provides major statistics on the state of the industry and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the market.More Information visit:About Acute Market ReportsAcute Market Reports is the most sufficient collection of market intelligence services online. It is your only source that can fulfill all your market research requirements. Acute Market Reports provide online reports from over 100 best publishers and upgrade Acute Market Reports collection regularly to offer you direct online access to the worlds most comprehensive and recent database with expert perceptions on worldwide industries, products, establishments and trends. Acute Market Reports database consists of 200,000+ market research reports with detailed & minute market research.Contact:Chris PaulOffice No 01, 1st Floor,Aditi Mall, Baner, Pune,MH, 411045 IndiaPhone (India): +91 7755981103Toll Free (US/Canada): +1-855-455-8662Email: sales@acutemarketreports.comFor More Related Category Reports Visit -Acute Market Reports is the most sufficient collection of market intelligence services online. It is your only source that can fulfill all your market research requirements. Acute Market Reports provide online reports from over 100 best publishers and upgrade Acute Market Reports collection regularly to offer you direct online access to the worlds most comprehensive and recent database with expert perceptions on worldwide industries, products, establishments and trends. Acute Market Reports database consists of 200,000+ market research reports with detailed & minute market research.Office No 01, 1st Floor,Aditi Mall, Baner, Pune,MH, 411045 India Enhancing Pharmaceutical and Patient Care Services for a leading Pharmacy Supermarket Chain with Matrix Office-in-a-Box www.MatrixComsec.c.com About Wellness ForeverWellness Forever is a fast growing chemist and pharmacy supermarket retail chain with 45+ stores across Mumbai and Pune. With a mission to create Indias most respected chain of Pharmacies and wellness stores, Wellness Forever is committed towards round-the-clock availability of medicines, community pharmacies and a smile for all.Case IntroductionWellness Forever is strongly dependent on robust IT and communication systems that run 24/7 in order to fulfil its social promises. All the stores must remain connected with each other for voice communication, sale & inventory data exchange and surveillance of store locations with centralized administration.In the expanding business scenario, connecting new store locations with central office for inter-store calling and data sharing was the biggest challenge for IT administrators. At the same time supermarket stores required IP-PBX for in-store communications, capable of providing cost-effective PSTN and GSM trunk dialling along with Site-to-Site IP telephony. Admin executives and IT staff required mobile extension solution for such dynamic workplaces. Matrix provided Wellness Forever with All-in-One Office Solution to connect the stores through VoIP network, Mobility solution for staff and connectivity between stores through IPsec VPN.Challenges Connecting 45+ stores spread across Mumbai and Pune Huge telecom overhead of branch-to-branch calling Lack of collaboration and information sharing between stores Ensuring safety with remote access of surveillance systemsSolutionMatrix NAVAN CNX200 Converged Voice and Data Solution All-in-One IP-PBX, Data Routing, Wireless, Internet VPN and Security Features Branch-to-branch Intercom over IP Telephony Connected Branches for Data Communications over IPsec VPN Remote Access of IP Surveillance Systems at Central Office Mobility for Staff with Built-in Wi-Fi and Mobile Softphone ApplicationResults Eliminated the Need of PSTN lines for Inter-Branch Calling GSM and PSTN Trunks for Least Cost Mobile and Landline Calls Site-to-Site IPsec VPN Enabled Secure Data Exchange over Internet Enabled Executives & Admin for Anywhere connect using SPARSH M2S (Mobile Softphone for Android/iPhone with Presence, IM, Video Calling Features) Centralized Administration of Branch Office Surveillance Systems Increased Professional Visibility with Voice Mail and Auto-AttendantContact: MATRIX COMSEC394 GIDC, Makarpura, Vadodara+91 9998755555More@MatrixComSec.comAbout MatrixEstablished in 1991, Matrix is a leader in Telecom and Security solutions for modern businesses and enterprises. An innovative, technology driven and customer focused organization; Matrix is committed to keep pace with the revolutions in the telecom and security industries. With more than 40% of its human resources dedicated to the development of new products, Matrix has launched cutting-edge products like Video Surveillance solutions, Access Control, Time-Attendance, IP-PBX, Universal Gateways, Terminals, Convergence solution, VoIP Gateways and GSM Gateways. These solutions are feature-rich, reliable and conform to the international standards. Having global foot-prints in Asia, Europe, North America, South America and Africa through an extensive network of more than 500 channel partners, Matrix ensures that the products serve the needs of its customers faster and longer. Matrix has gained trust and admiration of customers representing the entire spectrum of industries. Matrix has won many international awards for its innovative products.Matrix Comsec394 GIDC, Makarpura,Vadodara CTS to Present Ground-Breaking Sensor Technology at SAE World Congress www.ctscorp.com Lisle, Ill. CTS Corporation (NYSE: CTS) will be presenting at the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) World Congress April 12-14 in Detroit, Michigan USA. These presentations will highlight a new method for sensing soot and ash levels in particulate filters for diesel and gasoline engines using radio frequency (RF) technology.CTS RF Sensor technology was developed in collaboration with the United States Department of Energy and National Science Foundation. It presents the ability to directly measure soot and ash levels, enabling more accurate control of aftertreatment system operations. This technology employs low-power radio frequencies (RF) to transmit and receive RF signals through a particulate filter. Soot and ash accumulation levels, as well as filter failure symptoms, are directly measured by the change in response of the RF signal. The sensor provides flexibility to engine and aftertreatment system designers when attempting to meet increasingly stringent emissions regulations and fuel efficiency standards.Papers on this technology to be presented at the SAE World Congress include Real-Time Engine and Aftertreatment System Control Using Fast Response Particulate Filter Sensors in conjunction with Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Lifetime Particulate Filter Soot and Ash Measurements using Radio Frequency Sensors and Potential for Improved Filter Management in partnership with Corning, Inc.CTS continues their collaboration with industry leaders in order to develop innovative technologies around the categories of Sense, Connect and Move. Most recently, CTS launched a project in partnership with the United States Department of Energy, Corning, DSNY and Oak Ridge National Laboratory to explore a non-contact sensing platform for measuring catalyst state. This technology will provide functions which are not currently possible to perform using conventional exhaust gas sensors. Technical advisors for the project include Chrysler, Cummins and Detroit Diesel.CTS (NYSE: CTS) is a leading designer and manufacturer of sensors, actuators and electronic components to OEMs in the aerospace, communications, defense, industrial, information technology, medical and transportation markets. CTS manufactures products in North America, Europe and Asia. For more information visitNick HajewskiMarketing Communications ManagerCTS Corporation2375 Cabot DriveLisle, IL 60532USATelephone: +1 (630) 577-8865 Auctions in June: Modern and Contemporary Fine Art - Select Quality at its best W. Kandinsky, Kleines Warm, 1928. Watercolor/India ink drawing, 11.7 x 9.4 in. EUR 400,000-600,000 www.ketterer-internet-auction.com Munich, 31 March 2016, (kk) Kandinsky, Pechstein, and Piene are true masters of their trades. The three of them, as well as many other acclaimed artist colleagues are represented with choice masterpieces in the auctions at Ketterer Kunst in Munich from 9 to 11 June.1) Modern Art2) Post War3) Contemporary Art1) Modern ArtThis section is led by Wassily Kandinsky's strictly geometric composition Kleines Warm from 1928, one of his works on paper from the 1920s, which are particularly sought-after on the international auction market. The watercolor with India ink is especially captivating for its defined color fields and its orderly chaos, a characteristic feature that also impacted decorative commercial art in the 1920s. The estimate for the small-size work is at EUR 400,000-600,000.Alexej von Jawlensky's splendid Sonnenuntergang was also made in 1928. The artist was taken with the light's unusual abundance of colors at sunset, accordingly, he adds an almost magical atmosphere to this landscape with his expressive brush stroke and the choice of strong colors. The 32,4 x 42,5 cm ( 12.2 x 16.7 in) large oil painting on paper will enter the race with an estimate of EUR 300,000-400,000.With Otto Mueller's tempera and mixed media work Zwei Madchen auf der Waldwiese the range of offerings includes an idyllic scene of highest quality. The work in landscape format was made around 1910 and will be offered with an estimate price of EUR 200,000-300,000.Max Pechstein's watercolor Abschied am Abend, made in reminiscence of a journey to the South Seas in 1950, could perhaps be obtained for EUR 120,000-150,000. Under the impression of inner and outer devastation as a consequence of World War II, the artist created a very special document of his quest for the heart of human connection in pristine nature; rendering a dream of what has irrecoverably been lost.Apart from a range of works by Emil Nolde, led by two watercolors of sunflowers (estimates: EUR 80,000-120,000 each), Karl Hofer is also represented with around half a dozen works. His Mann (Jungling) mit Hund from 1918 delivers remarkable proof of the artist's maturity which he had predominantly attained in the field of portray. The oil painting has been estimated at EUR 120,000-140,000.Alongside several works by Gabriele Munter, among them the oil painting Rapallo (Hutte in Bergen) from 1905/1906 (estimate: EUR 50,000-70,000), more formidable works of Modern Art from amongst others Walter Leistikov, Edvard Munch, Pablo Picasso, Oskar Schlemmer and Karl Schmidt-Rottluff will be called up.2) Post War ArtAfter top hammer prices were realized last December, the appetite for ZERO art is still big. Accordingly, numerous works from the movement around the triad Gerhard Uecker, Heinz Mack and Otto Piene will be offered this spring. The latter had already achieved a new world record in the last auction at Ketterer Kunst with a result of EUR 825,000*** and also occupies second place in the world auction result ranking. In this respect the estimate of EUR 150,000-200,000 for the oil, fire and soot painting Luther Rose from 1962, the best days of ZERO, is almost moderate, especially as it is a very powerful and striking work by the great master.Next to a small 50 x 60 cm (19.6 x 23.6 in) untitled fire picture by Piene from the same year (estimate: EUR 80,000-120,000), Heinz Mack is represented with the object Lichtrelief, made in 1968, which carries an estimate price of EUR 70,000-90,000. His work Pyramide im Licht (Chromatische Konstellation) could perhaps change hands for EUR 35,000-45,000. The work is characterized by an immaterial color conception as part of an image space filled by an intense light and pure colors.Tony Cragg is the leading figure in the sculpture section and one of the most important representatives of New British Sculpture. His work Outlook from 2008 is kept in his characteristic and unmistakable abstract-organic structure and is estimated with a price of EUR 70,000-90,000.Apart from the work Study for Homage to the Square: Framed Sky 'C' by Josef Albers (estimate: EUR 120.000-150.000) from 1970, other masterpieces come from acclaimed artists such as Christo, Rainer Fetting, Adolf Richard Fleischmann, Gunther Fruhtrunk, Rupprecht Geiger, Ernst Wilhelm Nay and, of course, Gunther Uecker.3) Contemporary ArtThe department of Contemporary Art took part in the fall auction 2013 with its own catalog for the first time. As it has been subject to an ever increasing interest, it has become firmly established in the range of auctions at Ketterer Kunst.Next to Nicola de Maria, whose large-size oil painting Dipinti che avvolgono l'universo (estimate: EUR 50,000-70,000) which is guaranteed to make for excitement in the salesroom, the Dresden artist Eberhard Havekost will also enthuse his fans. His oil painting Gras from 2002 enters the race with an estimate of EUR 30,000-50,000.More top lots in this section come from, among others, Tony Oursler (Blue Transmission), Markus Schinwald (Untitled (Legs #33)) and Aris Kalaizis (Der Tag der groen Hoffnung).*** hammer plus feesPreviews09/10 May - Ketterer Kunst, Holstenwall 5, 20355 Hamburg*12-14 May - Galerie Schwind, Fahrgasse 8, 60311 Frankfurt*18/19 May - Galerie elten & elten, Wilfriedstr. 19, 8032 Zurich (Switzerland)*23/24 May - Ketterer Kunst, Malkastenstr. 11, 40211 Dusseldorf*27 May-03 June - Ketterer Kunst, Fasanenstr. 70, 10719 Berlin*05-10 June - Ketterer Kunst, Joseph-Wild-Str. 18, 81829 Munich*** select works ** all worksAuctions in Munich09-11 June - Modern Art/ Post War /Contemporary ArtSince it was founded in 1954, Ketterer Kunst has been on the forefront of auction houses dealing in Fine Art and Rare Books, with its headquarters in Munich, and a branch in Hamburg. Representatives' offices in Berlin, Heidelberg, Dusseldorf, Italy and the US have contributed substantially to the company's success. In addition, exhibitions, special thematic and charity auctions as well as monthly online auctions atare regular events at Ketterer Kunst. Robert Ketterer is owner and CEO of Ketterer Kunst.Press inquiries:Ketterer KunstJoseph-Wild-Str. 1881829 MunichGermanyMichaela Derra M.A.Telefon: +49-(0)89-55244-152Fax: +49-(0)89-55244-177E-Mail: m.derra@kettererkunst.deClient inquiries:Ketterer KunstJoseph-Wild-Str. 1881829 MunichGermanyTel. +49-(0)55244-444Fax.: +49-(0)55244-177E-mail: infomuenchen@kettererkunst.de Leading European Auction House for Modern and Contemporary Art Increases International Expansion - Ketterer Kunst announces its new representative in the US Stella Michaelis, Ketterer Kunst U.S. representative www.ketterer-internet-auctions.com www.kettererkunst.de Munich, 30 March, 2016, (kk) Ketterer Kunst will now have a representative in America. Stella Michaelis has joined the house to manage the US operation from the new Los Angeles office.I have been wanting to re-open our house to new overseas clients for a while now, and to offer our American buyers and sellers a more comprehensive and personalized service, says company owner and CEO Robert Ketterer.As one of the leading auction houses for Expressionist Art, Ketterer Kunst kept an office in New York already in the 1970s and 1980s. With Los Angeles now being the new top location for Contemporary Art, the firm has decided to open its US branch on the West Coast.While the focus in New York is on the art market, art aficionados in Los Angeles are more interested in the content; this keeps attracting both younger and evolving, as well as highly acclaimed and established artists. Galleries are following, creating an exciting art scene. Many museums and art spaces have opened up only over the last few decades, and their innovative approach is paving the way to the top.Robert Ketterer appreciates being so close to this current hotspot of the arts, as well as to his American clients: Our new office on the West Coast will serve all of America, assisting both consignors and buyers alike. I am particularly pleased that we were able to win over the expert Stella Michaelis, whose experience and knowledge of the art market will help with this challenging task.The Stuttgart native, and daughter of the former ZEIT newspaper editor Rolf Michaelis, has been active as an art expert on the American market for many years. Thus, US clients of Ketterer Kunst can now benefit from her expertise for appraisals and evaluations of art from the 19th through the 21st centuries, as well as Rare Books. She will also be pleased to assist with any questions regarding the acquisition of art, as well as establishing and curating collections.Since it was founded in 1954, Ketterer Kunst has been on the forefront of auction houses dealing in Fine Art and Rare Books, with its headquarters in Munich, and a branch in Hamburg. Representatives' offices in Berlin, Heidelberg, Dusseldorf, Italy and now the US have contributed substantially to the company's success. In addition, exhibitions, special thematic and charity auctions as well as monthly online auctions atare regular events at Ketterer Kunst. Robert Ketterer is owner and CEO of Ketterer Kunst.Press inquiries:Ketterer KunstJoseph-Wild-Str. 1881829 MunchenMichaela Derra M.A.Telefon: +49-(0)89-55244-152Fax: +49-(0)89-55244-177E-Mail: m.derra@kettererkunst.deClient inquiries:Ketterer Kunst U.S.A.Michaelis ART, LLCStella MichaelisUSATel.: +1 310-386-6432E-Mail: s.michaelis@kettererkunst.com Prchard Parks Maya Clinard Orchard Parks Maya Clinard, far right, took runner-up in singles at this past weekends Section VI Girls Tennis Championships at... Boys soccer peaking into sectionals It was not an ideal start to the 2022 season for the Orchard Park boys soccer team, dropping its first... Epif Pink Socks: Macchu Pisco, Ruby Port, Amaro Nonino, lemon, Demerara syrup, Peychaud's bitters, grapefruit zest. (Stephanie Yao Long/staff) Portland has seen a recent wave of restaurants bringing us authentic South American bites. But what are patrons knocking back in the bars from Bogota to Buenos Aires? In addition to local beer and their popular wines, you'll find drinks made with pisco, cachaca, rum and even a bitter amaro from Italy. Here's what to drink and where to drink them in Portland: 5 things to drink Pisco: This brandy distilled from grapes is popular in both Peru and Chile, with roots to 16th century Spanish settlers. It also gained fans along the West Coast during the Gold Rush era, when it could travel by ship to California faster than whiskey by wagon across the vast continent. The pisco punch, brightened by pineapple syrup, is a relic from that era, created in San Francisco. For a more traditional South American sip, order a pisco sour. Peru's national drink is usually made with its namesake spirit, lime juice, simple syrup, bitters and an egg white to make it frothy. The Chileans do their pisco sours a little simpler and also enjoy a piscola with, you guessed it, pisco and cola. Or try different styles of pisco neat, as the variety of grapes and distilling methods lend unique character. Cachaca: This Brazilian spirit -- distilled from sugarcane juice, it's a relative of rum -- will be familiar to anyone who's tasted a refreshing caipirinha, their national cocktail. No doubt many will be consumed by visitors streaming in this summer for the Olympic Games in Rio. Like the funkier cousin of a daiquiri, a caipirinha is fairly easy to make at home and is gaining popularity in bars. In its most basic form, wedges of lime are muddled with sugar, then topped with ice and cachaca. You can also find sweet and spicy variations with tropical fruit and chiles; try the passion fruit version if you can find it. Cachaca, which comes in aged and unaged varieties, also powers the batida, a cocktail generally made with coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk or something similarly creamy, and sometimes fruit. You can find it shaken or blended. Aguardiente: This catch-all term, meaning "fire water," covers an array of spirits fermented from fruits and grains. They can be found across South America. In Colombia, it's popularly flavored with anise and served as shots with an accompanying lime wedge. In Ecuador, it's more likely to be a neutral spirit formixing cocktails, such as the canelazo, a hot toddy cousin popular in the Andes. Rum: The pride of Caribbean nations, quality rums also come from South America. Look for lighter rums from Venezuela and the richer, smokier varieties from the Demerara region of Guyana (it also produces the same-named sugar). Try Demerara rum in a Queen's Park Swizzle, a frosty delight of lime, mint, simple syrup and bitters. The cocktail -- dubbed "the most delightful form of anesthesia given out today" by Trader Vic -- was concocted in the 1920s in a hotel in Trinidad, off the Venezuelan coast. Fernet: Argentines love this particularly bitter amaro, which made a trip across the Atlantic with Italian immigrants. One province, Cordoba, boasts that it's the fernet capital of the world. The love- it-or-hate-it licorice-redolent elixir is often tamed with cola. 10 places to drink Andina: This popular Peruvian spot offers many South American cocktails, with a focus on pisco. But its most popular drink is the habanero-passion fruit cocktail Sacsayhuaman, named for a fortress that sits above the Peruvian city of Cusco. (1314 N.W. Glisan St., andinarestaurant.com) Brazil Grill: The downtown Portland steakhouse goes big on cachaca, using it for traditional caipirinhas and twists on the margarita and bloody Mary. (1201 S.W. 12th Ave., brazilgrillrestaurant.com) Epif: You know what to order when this vegetarian restaurant also bills itself as "a pisco bar." With a dozen brands, Epif pays tribute to both Chilean and Peruvian specialties, with pisco sours -- both plain and flavored -- representing the two nations. (404 N.E. 28th Ave., epifpdx.com) Fogo de Chao: Our local outpost of the churrascaria chain has you covered for caipirinhas and drinks made with specialties like Brazilian oranges, acai spirit and guarana extract. (930 S.W. Sixth Ave., fogodechao.com) Hale Pele: At this Tiki favorite, you can try Demerara rum specialties such as the Queen's Park Swizzle and a passion fruit batida that's available for happy hour. (2733 N.E. Broadway St., halepele.com) Las Primas: This Peruvian kitchen offers a half-dozen pisco cocktails -- such as the naranjita, with orange juice and triple sec -- and other exotic sippers, such as rum with Peru's Inca Kola. (3971 N. Williams Ave., lasprimaskitchen.com) Lechon: Inspired by the Patagonia region that crosses Argentina and Chile, Lechon pays tribute to the former with a long list of digestivos and the latter's love of pisco with a sidecar variation available on the happy hour menu. (113 S.W. Naito Pkwy., lechonpdx.com) Oba: This warm-toned Pearl District lounge whips up cocktails from across the Latin America spectrum, from mojitos and margaritas to caipirinhas and pisco sours. (555 N.W. 12th Ave., obarestaurant.com) Ox: This acclaimed Argentine restaurant and its Whey Bar bridge that nation's wide array of tastes in its cocktail menu, including drinks with fernet and other amari. (2225 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd., oxpdx.com) Rum Club: With a wide selection of rums, you'll find some South American versions, including drinks such as the Pedro Martinez, which features famed Guyanese rum. (720 S.E. Sandy Blvd., rumclubpdx.com) -- Colin Powers If it weren't for Andina, Jose Luis de Cossio probably wouldn't be in Portland. The year was 2005, and the Pearl District restaurant, still flush from its Restaurant of the Year honors, was on the verge of losing its high-profile chef. Emmanuel Piqueras Villaran, who trained at Spain's three-Michelin-star Arzak, had decided to leave Portland for a new restaurant in Seattle. Andina needed a replacement. At the time, De Cossio was running La Mar, celebrity chef Gaston Acurio's renowned Lima cevicheria. He got the nod, and was on the next flight. He stayed at Andina for 18 months, left in 2007 to open a La Mar outpost in San Francisco, then came back to work at a handful of well-known Portland restaurants, including a second round at Andina. Last year, he and partner Casimira Tadewaldt learned a cafe in their neighborhood was closing. They thought the Southwest Corbett Avenue storefront might be the perfect place for a more personal, seafood-focused form of Peruvian cooking. After a remodel, Paiche opened in December. Paiche's food is authentic enough to please traditionalists, though de Cossio is not one himself. Much of his menu is vegetarian, or even vegan. The baked empanadas are stuffed with kale, capers and hen-of-the-woods mushrooms. Spicy crab comes in a light almond sauce with potatoes, carrots and kumquats. De Cossio likes to shop at the People's Food Co-Op in the Division/Clinton neighborhood, and will pick up whatever produce looks "shiny" and put it on that day's menu. Call the chef on a Monday morning and he's probably just finished surfing in Seaside, "a world-class place to surf," he says, where strong winds create a consistent off-shore break for much of the year. He often makes the drive before dawn. As it turns out, the sea provides both of de Cossio's obsessions. The chef can spend hours shopping for perfect citrus for his ceviche, saying "one lime that is bitter will ruin your sauce." He dreams of a larger ceviche lineup at Paiche, or, better yet, a full ceviche bar at a larger restaurant. For now, his tiny restaurant serves two: blue marlin in a habanero leche de tigre (literally "tiger's milk," the fish-curing Peruvian citrus sauce) and a mix of octopus and scallop in a similar sauce infused with rocoto pepper. There's also a tiradito, the sashimi-thin sister to ceviche, made here with deep purple beets. In what feels like a nod to the Oregon Coast, Paiche's fish ceviche, in addition to more traditional accompaniments (red onion; purple potato; choclo, or large kernels of boiled corn; and cancha, choclo's crunchy toasted cousin), arrives scattered with spriggy sea beans, their saline flavor cutting through the bright citrus and firm fish like a hint of ocean spray. Update: Earlier this year, Paiche shifted from lunch-only to dinner-only hours. The restaurant is now open from 5 to 9 p.m., Wednesday to Saturday. Previous details: Noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 4237 S.W. Corbett Ave., 503-403-6186, paichepdx.com Read the full story: -- Michael Russell U of O president Michael H. Schill University of Oregon president Michael H. Schill met with The Oregonian's Andrew Theen on the evening of Wednesday, February 17, 2016. Schill and the other six Oregon university presidents signed a letter urging more funding for the public universities (Dave Killen/The Oregonian) Correction appended The presidents of Oregon's public universities say their seven institutions "stand at a precipice." Oregon lawmakers boosted funding for higher education during the past two bienniums, it hasn't been enough to dig the schools out of crisis born from two decades of reduced state funding. "If we are unable to sustain the state's reinvestment in higher education," the presidents wrote in a letter sent Wednesday to the state's Higher Education Coordinating Commission, "universities will be forced to implement both significant tuition increases and cuts in personnel and services that directly affect student outcomes." The schools are collectively requesting $765 million from the state for general operations during the 2017-19 biennium. That represents a $100 million increase compared to the current two-year cycle. The request comes more than a year before the Legislature will vote on the 2017-19 budget, but it's a telling and united show of force by the universities ahead of what may be a difficult session. State lawmakers could face a $1 billion revenue shortfall. In Oregon's new world order of higher education, where each school has its own independent governing board, some had predicted the schools would be bickering over scarce resources. According to the letter, the presidents say while the schools are at the precipice, "there is hope." "That hope, however, is overshadowed by two decades of funding cuts, and some looming and significant increases in employee benefits costs," the presidents wrote. Hans Bernard, the University of Oregon's associate vice president for state and community affairs, said the schools are "digging out of a hole 20 years in the making." "We cannot expect to make up two decades of cuts with two biennium of investment," he said in an interview. Even the $765 million request wouldn't be enough to protect students from tuition increases. The increase is "only what universities need to continue current service levels on every campus." The $100 million would also keep tuition increases "under five percent" each year, and protect an increased investment in state tuition assistance programs. Last summer, lawmakers approved $665 million in general support for the universities, a 27 percent increase over the 2013-15 biennium. Officials also dramatically increased funding for the Oregon Opportunity Grant, the state's largest financial aid program for needy Oregonians. The $100 million request represents a 15 percent increase over current levels. Universities say the $100 million would help protect students from the burdensome costs associated with increased Public Employee Retirement System obligations that will hit schools and the public sector hard in 2017. PERS costs alone will increase $59.4 million during the two-year period, according to the report. For years, schools have argued the state's formula for distributing money is unfair. The universities say after 2011, the state started treating them like vendors rather than state-funded agencies. The state's share of university funding did not "capture the true costs" of running a university, including mandatory services such as retirement, healthcare and collective bargaining costs. HECC, the state higher education agency, had asked schools previously to project what would happen if state funding decreased. If state funding dropped to $616.5 million in the next cycle, most schools would see tuition increases of 5 to 10 percent, with some seeing more than 20 percent hikes. Collectively, schools would need to cut $14.8 million from budgets. But even a slight funding increase to $685 million wouldn't offset rising retirement and medical costs. Some schools would raise tuition by 10 percent or greater under that scenario, according to the document. HECC officials confirmed the agency received the budget request Wednesday. A HECC subcommittee will discuss the budget request at a meeting April 13. CORRECTION: The Higher Education Coordinating Commission's full board won't discuss the budget request at its April 14 meeting, rather the document will be part of a general discussion at a subcommittee meeting of the board on April 13. -- Andrew Theen atheen@oregonian.com 503-294-4026 @andrewtheen PX00187_9.JPG The Simpsons live in Springfield, but not Springfield, Oregon. Right? (Fox) The city of Springfield in Lane County is best known as the real-life inspiration for the burgh of the same name on the iconic cartoon series "The Simpsons." The show's creator, Matt Groening, said as much in an interview a few years ago -- but then he quickly backtracked, insisting Homer Simpsons' home town was actually any Springfield and no Springfield. "I never said Springfield was in Oregon," Groening joked. "I said Springfield was the name of my sled." It's enough to give a town a complex. Or at least to make its denizens want to curl up into a ball. So it should come as no surprise that Springfield -- the actual place in Oregon, not the one in Groening's imagination -- is the "least extroverted" place in the United States. That's according to Wiebke Bleidorn, a psychologist at the University of California, Davis, who profiled 860 cities across the U.S. through an online survey involving 500,000 people. Her study was published in Psychological Science Journal. Bleidorn's questionnaire, writes the BBC, focused on the so-called "Big Five" personality traits -- emotional stability, extraversion, openness to new experiences, agreeableness and conscientiousness. One of her chief conclusions: people end up moving to a town or city not just because that's where the jobs are but because there are like-minded people there. "People may move to a city because they feel that it suits their personality best," Bleidorn said. So Springfield, Oregon, is apparently a place well suited to people who don't like to draw attention to themselves, who like to keep to themselves. More or less, that is. Bleidorn acknowledges that "the variation between cities is way smaller than the variation between individuals." The most extroverted city, by the way, is Whitewater, Wisconsin, even though that definitely is not the name of Matt Groening's sled. -- Douglas Perry Activists Protest Possible Circumvention Of Superfund Compensation Law Erin Brockovich addresses a rally in Washington D.C. in 2014. Brockovich will speak at a Portland community forum April 2. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images News/Getty Images) (Chip Somodevilla) Environmental activist and consumer advocate Erin Brockovich will headline a community air forum set for Saturday. The forum, which is hosted by the Eastside Portland Air Coalition, is free and open to the public. Here are the details: Date: Saturday, April 2 Time: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Location: Starting at 3 p.m., representatives from advocacy groups, medical professionals, environmental health consultants and more will be available to meet with community members to give advice and answer questions. Brockovich will give the keynote address at 4 p.m., followed by an open mic session. The event will also include a panel discussion. Brockovich is known for her role uncovering water contamination in Hinkley, California while working as file clerk for a law firm. Her story was turned into an award- winning movie starring Julia Roberts in 2000. Earlier this year Oregon officials announced that high levels of hazardous metals had been found in the air near glass manufacturers in Southeast and North Portland. The announcement prompted Oregon's two U.S. senators to declare the situation a "public health emergency." Catch up on our coverage of Portland's toxic air here. --Laura Frazier lfrazier@oregonian.com 503-294-4035 @frazier_laura 19802911-mmmain.jpg Here's a possible prank for April Fools' Day: The Oregonian/OregonLive could post a story about how J.J. Abrams has announced that he's making a movie based on the mysterious Forest Grove noise. Nah. There's not even a proper ending. After gaining worldwide attention, the creepy, high-pitched whatever-it-was has apparently disappeared into the Oregon night that it once terrorized. According to a Google Map of reported incidents maintained by a Pacific University physics professor, no one has heard the ungodly screeching sound in nearly a month. Police and fire officials -- who last month told Forest Grove residents on Facebook that they didn't think the noise was "a threat to our town or citizens" - said phone calls about the sonic scourge have stopped clogging the lines at City Hall. "We think it may have been a faulty attic fan or heat pump," said Forest Grove Fire Marshal Dave Nemeyer, who took repeated trips with utility crews to the part of town where most of the reports originated and found no signs of faulty equipment. "I've never heard it myself, and I live within a quarter-mile radius of where the video was taken." This is that video: Mystery sound frustrates people in a west Forest Grove neighborhood. Where it could be coming from? #LiveOnK2 @ 11pm pic.twitter.com/p0inj5TBr2 Chris Liedle (@chrisliedle) February 16, 2016 Here at the O, we were more inclined to believe a bad HVAC system was behind high-pitched sound. As public interest and new leads fade away, the fire and police departments have shut down their investigations. On Thursday morning, Andrew Dawes, a physics professor at Pacific University in Forest Grove, told Vice that he is also losing interest in the chase. Dawes told the online magazine that he concluded that the 13 noise reports on his Google Map likely weren't the same noise and didn't come from the same source. By the way, the best part of the Vice story is the photo of the noise's possible source ... "It's also certainly possible that the noise originated from a prank, and the increased attention dissuaded those responsible," Dawes added. If that's the case, don't be surprised to hear it once again on April 1, Forest Grove. -- Joseph Rose Oregon public health officials are moving ahead with rules that would cap THC in marijuana edibles at half of Washington and Colorado limits, saying such a restriction is key to protecting novice consumers and children. A rules advisory committee of the Oregon Health Authority met for the last time Thursday to discuss the proposed rules, which call for limits of 5 milligrams of THC in a single serving of an edible, such as a cookie or chocolate. A package of marijuana-infused edibles may contain no more than 50 milligrams. For edibles sold on the medical marijuana market, the state has proposed higher limits -- 100 milligrams of THC -- a cap many advocates and patients say is too conservative for experienced and regular cannabis consumers. The agency will hold several hearings this spring for public comment on the rules, but the schedule and location for those meetings has not been set. The rules go into effect Oct. 1. For months, Oregon public health officials have debated how to address complicated issues posed by pot-infused edibles. There's little science to suggest what constitutes a single serving, leaving regulators to guess at a starting point for consumers. Complicating matters, these products, which include candies, drinks, sweets and other treats, are popular, potent and take longer to have an effect than smoking. Leading pediatricians in Oregon and public health experts pressed for less-potent edibles, worried about the products' natural appeal to children. Last year, the Oregon Poison Center received 25 calls related to children under 6 consuming marijuana, up from 11 the previous year. (By comparison, the center received an estimated 1,800 calls in 2014 about young children getting into household cleaners, according to data provided by the agency.) Andre Ourso, manager for Oregon's medical marijuana program, said the limits are intended to protect kids and rookie pot consumers. "We felt that a cautious approach was probably the best approach," he said, adding that consumers disappointed after eating a 5 milligram serving can eat two or three more. "I think this is the best compromise we could come to." David McNicoll, a member of the rules committee and owner of Dave's Space Cakes, an edibles company, said the edibles industry is preparing to launch a public education campaign. The "Try 5" campaign will encourage recreational consumers to start with 5 milligrams of THC before eating more. The campaign mirrors an effort in Colorado, where the marijuana industry has promoted a "start low, go slow" message. McNicoll said his group, the Oregon Responsible Edibles Council, hopes to have posters and cards in the state's dispensaries soon. "We are really just hoping to get the conversation about dosage started with people who don't know what THC is, or a milligram," McNicoll said. "We are trying to get them educated about what the products are." The health authority also has set limits for a range of consumer products sold on the marijuana market, including extracts, topicals like lotions and balms, and capsules. On the medical side, the agency set 4,000 milligram THC limits for tinctures, capsules, suppositories, skin patches and extracts. John Bayes, a longtime grower and owner of Green Bodhi, a medical cannabis business in Eugene and Portland, wondered why the state set relatively low limits for recreational marijuana edibles due to public health concerns and limits on some medical products that far exceed what even heavy consumers could comfortably tolerate. "These are really, really high," he said. "A 4,000 (milligram) suppository melts down and you have the experience that no one in this room is handling that well." He said he hasn't seen capsules with 4,000 milligrams of THC -- most are between 50 milligrams and 100 milligrams -- but worried that could become reality if the state signals its approval through its rules. "I know the reality is people are going to do it because that's how this industry goes," he said. Bayes suggested the state set limits on those products at 100 milligrams. Ourso said the 4,000 milligram cap is intended to cover a package of capsules or suppositories, not individual doses. He said the agency will take a second look at the issue and consider setting 100 milligram caps on individual capsules and suppositories. -- Noelle Crombie 503-276-7184; @noellecrombie 1trade.JPG In this Wednesday, March 2, 2016, photo, the container ship Hanjin Xiamen waits to be unloaded at the Port of Oakland, in Oakland, Calif. (The Associated Press) By Clive Crook Does economics still believe in free trade? The discipline has urged the case for open markets since its earliest days, but lately not so much. Recent research is seen as calling the faith into question. When Mitt Romney recently attacked Donald Trump for threatening a trade war that would plunge the U.S. back into recession, Paul Krugman, a leading authority on the economics of trade, assaulted Romney for his misunderstanding: "Now suppose we have a trade war. This will cut exports, which other things equal depresses the economy. But it will also cut imports, which other things equal is expansionary. For the world as a whole, the cuts in exports and imports will by definition be equal, so as far as world demand is concerned, trade wars are a wash." Set aside the idea that a trade war, "other things equal," would have no effect on world demand -- a questionable claim (even if it comes from a Nobel laureate who assures his readers, "I really, truly know what I'm talking about"). What's striking is that Krugman thought it more useful to attack Romney for his flawed thinking on trade than Trump for his. On the Trans-Pacific Partnership, Krugman has described himself as a "lukewarm opponent," and has said that the case for more trade agreements is "very, very weak," adding: "And if a progressive makes it to the White House, she should devote no political capital whatsoever to such things." So much for Adam Smith. The lack of expert enthusiasm for trade liberalization isn't confined to Krugman. Contributing to it most recently is a new strand of the trade literature that looks carefully at the costs of adjusting to foreign competition. This work, notably papers by David Autor of MIT and collaborators, has attracted a lot of attention. The Economist, which has campaigned for free trade since it was founded in 1843, discussed the findings in an article ominously titled "Trade in the balance." It said the results "provide convincing evidence that workers in the rich world suffered much more from the rise of China than economists thought was possible." Well, Autor and his co-authors find that some workers have suffered more from Chinese competition than most economists would have thought likely. That's still an important thing to know, and policy prescriptions follow from it. But those prescriptions aren't new, and they sure don't include raising trade barriers. This research doesn't come close to refuting the traditional case for liberal trade -- and its authors are careful never to suggest otherwise. Autor's work draws on masses of data to show that for workers in affected industries and localities, adjusting to foreign competition is a surprisingly hard, slow business. One of the papers finds that competition from China caused net job losses in the U.S. of between 2 million and 2.4 million from 1999 to 2011. Another shows that the impact on local labor markets was especially severe: "Labor-market adjustment to trade shocks is stunningly slow, with local labor-force participation rates remaining depressed and local unemployment rates remaining elevated for a full decade or more after a shock commences." For the U.S. as a whole, Chinese imports meant lower prices and higher real incomes. But, consistent with the prolonged albeit local dislocation, America's short-run net gains from greater trade with China are estimated to have been small -- still positive, please note, but not much above zero. In the long term, the gains comfortably outweigh the costs. According to another study cited by Autor, the rise in trade with China yields an increase in long-term U.S. welfare of more than 6 percent. Uncertainty still attaches to the estimates of Autor and his colleagues. Their reckonings require many supporting assumptions. The authors have made them conservatively -- that is, in a way that's likely to understate rather than overstate the costs. On the other hand, the studies can't easily measure some of the gains. Trade with China didn't just destroy jobs; it also created jobs. Identifying and measuring the new ones is harder to do. Despite such uncertainties, the new research is the best and most exhaustive available. The question is, what's new here? The traditional case never said that free trade makes everybody better off, let alone that it makes everybody better off immediately. The consensus view always acknowledged that there would be winners and losers. (Why would the demand for trade barriers arise if competition from imports didn't hurt somebody?) The argument has only ever been that free trade raises real incomes in the aggregate -- that the gains exceed the losses. The new work leaves this claim intact. The force of Autor's findings actually has little to do with trade policy as such. Its value lies, or ought to lie, in the emphasis it puts on helping workers, towns and regions adjust to economic dislocation. Trade is only one cause of such dislocation, and usually not the most powerful, China notwithstanding. Bear in mind, manufacturing employment has been declining in the U.S. for decades, since long before the Chinese export machine started up. The most disruptive force in any economy is technology. The new research matters because it shows that the U.S. labor market is a lot less flexible than its reputation has suggested. Workers are more likely to get trapped, with or without work, in depressed towns and regions. They find it hard to switch to good alternative occupations. It's true that this inflexibility adds to the costs of free trade -- but it adds to the costs of all kinds of economic disruption. Labor-saving automation and other forms of innovation are more costly if workers can't move; so is domestic competition. Those forces involve dislocation too; they also create winners and losers. Rather than try to block trade, technological progress and competition, it seems more promising to make labor markets more adaptable by helping workers move from job to job and place to place -- and to give more support to those who can't make the transition even with the extra help. It's fair to say that free-trade evangelists have often too blithely assumed that helping the losers is not a first-order concern, and in some cases no concern at all. That has always been a mistake, which the new research may help to correct. But it would be strange to make providing such help a condition for supporting free trade -- unless you also make it a condition for supporting competition and technological progress. Incidentally, it's worth noting that the gains China reaped from trade have been vastly greater than the gains derived by the U.S. Hundreds of millions of Chinese have been lifted out of poverty, supporting one of the greatest surges in economic and social progress the world has ever seen. If distribution matters -- a point that's often emphasized by progressive free-trade skeptics -- the enormous relief of poverty outside the U.S. should presumably count for something. The debate over TPP introduces new complications, and involves more than the traditional presumption in favor of free trade. This new pact involves new kinds of trade -- not just goods but also services, investment and intellectual property -- and therefore different economic trade-offs apply. One thorough study of its effects predicts global gains of roughly half a trillion dollars a year by 2030, with the U.S. claiming the biggest share. In the aggregate, it will raise U.S. wages but "impose adjustment costs on some workers." Again, winners and losers. Here, though, the research mentioned earlier isn't directly relevant. The mechanisms explored in that work are about trade in manufactures. From the U.S. point of view, the case for TPP is stronger, not weaker, than the case for ordinary trade liberalization. Last year, in an article for The Washington Post, none other than Autor and his co-authors explained why. TPP has "little downside" for the U.S., they said; it would allow American companies to "excel in the sectors where they are strong," and "give a substantial boost to U.S. trade." That would seem to call for strong expert support of TPP, rather than the apologies, shuffling of feet, and lukewarm opposition that has characterized so many responses. Surprisingly, the general public remains relatively well disposed toward trade: Voters may have a better grasp of the issue than many commentators and most politicians. That's something. But the prevailing mood of expert disenchantment with free trade is still disappointing. It misconstrues important new research, directs attention to the wrong questions, and supports the adoption of bad policies. It does the country a grave disservice. Clive Crook is a Bloomberg View columnist and a member of the Bloomberg View editorial board. For more columns from Bloomberg View, visit http://www.bloomberg.com/view. (c) 2016. Bloomberg View Brown endorses Clinton: I would like to respond to Joe Lopez's rant about Oregon Gov. Kate Brown endorsing Hillary Clinton for president (Letters to the Editor, March 26). Lopez, whose rather angry letter sounds like it was written by a good socialist, ends with: "Gov. Brown should stay true to Oregon, rescind her endorsement and back Bernie Sanders for president." Gov. Brown can endorse whomever she likes. Not everyone in Oregon is smitten with Sanders, who has promised the sun, the moon and the stars, but has yet to give us a practical blueprint for how he is going to make universal healthcare, free college and so forth actually happen. I suppose his Santa Claus promises appeal to the young millennials, but not all of us in Oregon's Democratic population are so naive. I am with Gov. Brown and her Clinton endorsement. Hillary, if elected, will be a formidable and pragmatic president and the first woman president ever in the history of our nation. She will get things done that are possible, and she will bring a steadiness to the helm of our great ship of state. I also like the idea very much of having Bill Clinton back in the White House, as he was the best president since FDR, in my humble opinion. Hillary for president! Anthony Plumer Northeast Portland * Brown endorses Clinton: I don't like to throw cold water on Sen. Sanders' proposals, but a president cannot implement changes in Social Security, college funding, health care, campaign finance, banking regulations or taxes without the support of 60 senators and 218 House members. President Obama was blocked by Congress on almost all of his proposals, including closing Guantanamo and on immigration reform. Any president from either party must be able to work across party lines, be willing to compromise and understand that any outcome will require support from a majority of both houses of Congress. Far-left or far-right proposals will never be adopted into law. Sanders' ideas will be unachievable without a Congress dominated by like-minded individuals. There are Democrats who will not agree with Sanders on many of his proposals, let alone all Republicans. We do not hear how Sanders plans to gain the support of Congress. Pie-in-the-sky proposals may sound attractive but will never see the light of day. Jack S. Hunter Southwest Portland box.JPG A ballot drop box in Sherwood in May 2014. (Anna Marum/Staff) By Caroline Fenn Come fall, Oregon voters will be treated to quite a menu of ballot initiatives. I'm voting no on at least one of them, Initiative Petition 65 (IP65), if it makes it to the ballot. This proposed ballot initiative, ambitiously titled the "High School Graduation and College and Career Readiness Act," purports to be about increasing investment in high school students but may do just the opposite. IP65 would allocate $800 per high school student every year to cover three new programs: career and technical education (CTE), college-level courses and dropout prevention. Weirdly, this could lead to disinvestment in high schools and attempts to repeal one of the strongest improvements for high schools recently made. In 2013, I and other Portland parents filed a complaint with the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) regarding, among other things, Portland Public Schools' practice of "part-time high school." ODE did not have the authority to stop PPS. In January 2015, over the objections of most education lobbyists, the State Board of Education put a stop to the nonsense, amending Oregon administrative rule (OAR) 581-022-1620 to ensure districts enroll most students for a full day. This change is needed. Prior to its taking effect, only 47 percent of Portland high school students attended full-time. High school students and Oregon residents need this rule to stay on the books. Should IP65 pass, the aforementioned education lobby will argue that with an extra $800 per year, high school students no longer need protection. They'll lobby hard for a repeal and they'll have a valid argument. It'd be a disaster. If high schools encourage students to stay away, how much good will a few extra dollars for CTE, college classes and dropout prevention do? That is reason enough to vote no. But there's more. The fine print is thick with unfunded mandates. One could argue that districts should be doing these things anyway, but the mandates take money, so requirements for extra staff time to review student data and "appropriate staffing ratios and class sizes" are going to lead to budget battles and calls for a repeal of the only thing currently standing between teenagers and more time on the streets -- OAR 581-022-1620. The other good things IP65 tries to accomplish are similarly fraught. CTE must be aligned with local and regional job opportunities and prioritize the currently popular science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Apparently, footwear design, wine and hazelnuts don't fuel Oregon's economy, nor do we need public defenders and community organizers. Programs must be coordinated with other districts and nonprofits to spread the money around evenly. Well-intentioned citizens can argue about the merits of the prerequisite list, but the real question is: Do we want to run public education by ballot initiative? As The Oregonian/OregonLive pointed out in its editorial on this topic, Oregon needs stronger state and local education leadership. However, if we defer public education to ballot initiatives, our schools will be in even sorrier shape than our tax code. IP65 is a dysfunctional solution to a dysfunctional system. * Caroline Fenn lives in Northwest Portland. 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. The bridge has been named. Now its time to raise money for signage to place on the Corpsman Aaron D. Ullom Memorial Bridge, which takes U.S. 10 over Eastman Road. Organizers are planning a spaghetti dinner fundraiser on Saturday, April 16, from 5-8 p.m. at the Sanford American Legion Post 443, 2080 N. Meridian Road. Attendees will be asked for a $10 donation at the door. Children 6 and under will eat for free. Plans are to have a 50/50 drawing and a silent auction with money raised going toward the signage for the Corpsman Aaron D. Ullom Memorial Bridge. Following the dinner, classic rock band SRP will take to the stage and play from 8 p.m. to midnight. I hope to see many there, said Aarons mother, Debi Ullom. When the signage goes up, it will be special knowing that everybody in the community had a part in honoring Aarons memory. A bill to name the bridge after Ullom was sponsored by State Sen. Jim Stamas and guided through the House by Rep. Gary Glenn. On Feb. 23, Gov. Rick Snyder signed the bill into law, as Ulloms father, Kevin Ullom, step-brother, Sean Bartley, and Debi looked on. Aaron Ullom, a hospital corpsman in the U.S. Navy, was killed by enemy gunfire on July 12, 2011 while in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. The 2009 Midland High graduate had left a small ditch to apply a tourniquet to a wounded Marine. For his actions, Ullom was awarded the Purple Heart. The Michigan Memorial Highway Act of 2001 allows for the naming of bridges and highways within the state to memorialize people or events of significance. The act requires that the cost of constructing, erecting and maintaining the sign and other costs associated with the designation be borne by the individuals or organization requesting the designation. The formal dedication for the bridge will take place on July 9 with the time and place to be determined. The Girls on the Run organization is stepping away from Shelterhouse in a supported merger with Girls on the Run Central Michigan Council. Were excited about the move for them, said Shelterhouse Executive Director Janine Ouderkirk. Shelterhouse will stay emotionally supportive of them. This will better serve the organization and our community, Ouderkirk added of the July 1 merger. She said the move puts the program into the hands of an organization where it will receive 100 percent support. Shelterhouse has so many irons in the fire, the merger allows (GOTR) to be the only focus, Ouderkirk said. Its a good thing. GOTR Midland/Gladwin Council Director Ann Horowitz said the move is aimed to enhance the organizations stability and offer more programs. GOTR Central Michigan currently offers programs in Isabella, Gratiot and Clare counties. The current program only offers curriculum for girls in grades third through fifth. After the merger, Horowitz said it will extend to six through eighth grades and offer fall programs. We are so thankful and appreciative of the support that Shelterhouse of Midland/Gladwin has provided these last 10 years as well as its guidance and support during this transition, Horowitz said. The GOTR program served 2,200 girls in 15 schools in the Midland/Gladwin areas over the past 10 years. In that time, the organization only offered a spring program that ended with the girls taking part in the Dow Run/Walk 5K. Horowitz said Shelterhouse ran the program since its inception in 2007. GOTR Central Michigan has operated since 2003. Shelterhouse has been the affiliate for GOTR Midland/Gladwin and the program has outgrown the affiliate, said GOTR Central Michigan Executive Director Sam Jones, who will remain in her role after the merger. This is needed to best serve the girls of central Michigan, Jones said. Once the merger is official in July, Jones said she will increase her involvement in activities in Midland and Gladwin counties. Jones said all programming will remain the same for the spring and people will see the changes in the fall. GOTR is designed to help girls build confidence and encourage them while building positive emotional, social and physical development. They are paired with mentors and are able to explore and discuss their beliefs. The program aims to help them better understand who they are. For more information about Girls on the Run, visit http://gotrcentralmichigan.org. Regina H. Boone | Detroit Free Press via AP MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. (AP) A man convicted of killing a 14-year-old girl along a popular nature trail denied responsibility for her death before being sentenced Wednesday to life in prison without parole. James VanCallis, 34, was given the mandatory sentence for the murder conviction in the July 2014 death of April Millsap. He told a Macomb County courtroom in Mount Clemens that he somehow got wrapped up in "a sad chain of events" and wants to appeal. UNITED NATIONS (AP) A U.S.-based advocacy group said Wednesday that 98 girls in Central African Republic reported they were sexually abused by international peacekeepers, and three girls told U.N. staff they were tied up, undressed, and forced to have sex with a dog by a French military commander in 2014. AIDS-Free World's Code Blue Campaign to end sexual abuse and exploitation said the three girls told a U.N. human rights officer that a fourth girl tied up with them later died of an unknown disease. The group said the information it received including the alleged rape of a 16-year-old girl in another part of the country on Monday is in the hands of senior U.N. officials. The United Nations has been in the spotlight for months over allegations of child rape and other sexual abuses by its peacekeepers, especially those based in Central African Republic and Congo. There have been similar allegations against the French force known as Sangaris, which operates independently in Central African Republic, known as CAR. U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said last week that a U.N. team was sent to gather information about recently reported allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation by U.N. and non-U.N. forces as well as civilians in Kemo prefecture, east of the capital Bangui, in 2014 and 2015. Dujarric said in a note to correspondents Wednesday evening that the new allegations actually went back to 2013 and also included allegations against local armed groups. He said a U.N. team is on the ground and the exact number and nature of "these extremely troubling allegations" is still being determined. The team has identified the alleged involvement of U.N. contingents from Burundi and Gabon, which will remain confined to camps during the investigation, Dujarric said. Allegations against French forces in the same area are also being investigated, he said. The U.N. recently reported that 25 allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation were registered with the U.N. mission in Central African Republic in January and February, most from previous years. This compares with a total of six allegations in the 15 other U.N. peacekeeping missions, in the first two months of this year, the U.N. peacekeeping department said. A U.N. report earlier this month said there were 69 allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation by peacekeepers in 2015 22 of them in CAR. To the editor: I am writing to those who are involved in spiritual warfare and those who desire to be. I was given, as a gift, Sarah Palins devotional, Sweet Freedom. Love it. It is the first devotional Ive ever read that gives daily scripture about the warfare that is going on in our nation. This is a page, Americas waiting on you, Church ... or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 1 Peter 2:14 Do you know where the phrase separation of church and state comes from? If you guessed the Constitution or the Declaration of Independence, youd be wrong. Thomas Jefferson referred to it in a letter to the Danbury Baptist Association, which had written to him seeking his help. Connecticut had an established state Congregational Church, which meant that the Baptists religious freedom in Connecticut was not an inherent right, but a favor granted by the state. Jefferson wrote to the Baptists that he shared their belief in religious freedom, and that under the First Amendment there existed a wall of separation between the federal government and the churches; the federal government was not allowed to interfere with religion, an example he hoped the states would follow. Today, its hip to invoke separation of church and state to insinuate or even demand that the church have no influence on government and no role in politics. That is exactly wrong. In fact, Jeffersons letter to the Danbury Baptists closes with an invocation of God and prayer. I love 1 Peter 2:14 because it suggests that leaders really have to know the difference between right and wrong. Believers have a responsibility to teach and provide counsel for our government leaders. I believe we have a government that encourages the wrong. We need a government to line itself up with the Word of God. As it is written, For the government will be upon His shoulders. Here are some more scriptures that will help you understand: Isaiah 60:2-3, 9:16, 3:12, Judges 5:2, Proverbs 8:15-16. A note to the person who sent me the hate letter, stating that I was full of hate and will burn in hell someday, because of my last letter. Please be careful what you are saying as it may come back and haunt you one day! Be blessed in Jesus name. SISTER DARLENE OARD Gladwin WASHINGTON Challenges posed by Russia, China, North Korea, Iran and Islamic extremism have implications for the joint force, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said at the Center for Strategic and International Studies here today. Marine Corps Gen. Joe Dunford discussed the challenges and how the joint force must change to confront what many people consider the most complex and volatile security environment since World War II. The first implication for the joint force is foundational, the chairman said. We need a balanced inventory of joint capabilities that are going to allow us to deter and defeat potential adversaries across the full range of military operations, Dunford explained. We actually dont have the luxury of choosing between a force that can fight [the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant] and one that has a modern nuclear enterprise, robust cyber capabilities, robust space capabilities, [and robust] conventional and special operations capabilities. Complete Inventory The United States must have a complete inventory of capabilities, the general told the audience. The current inventory, from my perspective, doesnt have the kind of depth that I would like it to have, he said. And getting the balance right in addressing the lack of depth in areas like ballistic missile defense, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and certain logistics enablers, frankly, I think is going to be probably one of the biggest challenges during my tenure. Through all this is the ongoing recovery from the fiscal challenges imposed by the Budget Control Act of 2011, Dunford said. Frankly, although the Bipartisan Budget Act is going to get us through fiscal year 2017, we still have $100 billion of sequestration looming over us and a bow wave of modernization requirements, he added. All of that will kind of come together. At the same time, we're trying to get out of a fairly significant readiness trough, and managing that over the next few years I think, again, will be a significant challenge. The second implication to the joint force is to decide how to best use the military instrument of power to develop more effective methods to deal with Russian behavior in Georgia, Crimea and Ukraine, or Iranian malign influence across the Middle East, or Chinese behavior in the South and East China seas, Dunford said. Peace of Conflict The traditional U.S. approach is that the country is either at peace or in conflict, the chairman said. But adversaries seek to advance their interests while avoiding American strengths, he added. As an aside, I dont find the current phasing construct for operational plans particularly useful right now, he said. Phase 3 is conflict, and most combatant commanders believe their area is in Phase 2.5, the general said. I call it competition with a military dimension short of a Phase 3 or traditional conflict, but the activities that theyre taking with regard to employment of cyber, unconventional capability, space capabilities [and] information operations are absolutely not associated with what we would call Phase Zero shaping, he said. The military needs to develop a framework for deterring cyber threats and attributing cyberattacks, he said. The general said he believes one of the most significant implications of the current trend is the high likelihood that any future conflict will be transregional, multidomain and multifunctional. This is a marked shift from the past, he added, and he used the situation on the Korean Peninsula as an example. Contained to Korea Fifteen years ago, he said, planners assumed any war in Korea could be contained to the peninsula, but now North Korea has developed ballistic missiles, so it now involves the region. Today, if you think about a conflict with North Korea, you have to quickly factor in not only ballistic missiles, [but also] intercontinental ballistic missiles, cyber capabilities [and] space capabilities in addition to the traditional conventional threat that we confronted on the peninsula. If I talked about a Korea scenario right now, he continued, I can quickly talk about the Pacific Command, Northern Command, Strategic Command, and that's if nothing else is going on in world at the same time. All this means current planning, the militarys organizational construct and the militarys command-and-control are not suited to that character of war, the general said. And we need some significant changes, he added. The U.S. military is regionally focused today, Dunford said, and it relies on cooperation and collaboration among combatant commanders. We have supported and supporting relationships, and that has all worked well for decades, he said. But if you think about it, the secretary of defense is the decider and is the integrator in the department. And he is the lowest level at which integration -- actually full integration takes place amongst the combatant commanders. Nature of War Changing The nature of war is changing, the speed of war is changing, and the military owes the defense secretary a better way to make decisions in a timely manner, the chairman said -- a better process for the prioritization and allocation of resources in real time when you are dealing with the kind of challenges that Ive described. Defense leaders will make recommendations to Congress on defense reforms, in the coming weeks, Dunford said. Were already moving out within our authorities to make some fundamental changes to be able to address those challenges I discussed, he said, and I expect well hear more of that. NAVAL FORCES KOREA - helicopter Mine Countermeasure Squadron (HM) 14, Detachment 2A, participated in mine countermeasure (MCM) training during exercise Foal Eagle, March 29. Foal Eagle is a series of joint and combined field training exercises conducted by Combined Forces Command (CFC) and U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) ground, air, naval and special operations component commands operating alongside Republic of Korea forces. One of the biggest opportunities we have is the ability to jointly-train with our Republic of Korea counterparts, said Lt. Cmdr. Seth J. Ervin, HM-14 Detachment 2As officer-in-charge. During the exercise, HM-14 used the MK 105 Mod 4 Magnetic Minesweeping System, commonly referred to as a sled. The sled, towed by one of HM-14s MH-53E helicopters, is used because it provides a reliable and safe way to detect and detonate mines. HM-14 conducts mine sweeping training in the waters around Pohang and is scheduled to soon conduct deck-landing qualifications (DLQs) with the ROKS Wonson (MLS 560). We continually train together, said Ervin. Every day we get better at our processes and improve our interoperability to ensure we are ready when needed to deter or defend the ROK. HM-14 is currently forward deployed to Pohang, Republic of Korea and serves under Commander, Task Force 76, headquartered in Okinawa, Japan. STRAIT OF MALACCA (NNS) -- The Navy integrated Fleet Surgical Team 3 with USS Boxer's Medical department to expand the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group's and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit's medical capabilities during deployment. "FST 3 moved aboard Boxer last July and began formally integrating with the medical department," said Cmdr. William B. Wagner, FST 3 officer-in-charge. "We used the trip to Seattle Sea Fair to build friendships with Boxer's crew, get our 'sea legs', and provide the team some initial shipboard training. The FST provided didactic and skill lab training to Boxer corpsman. We ran combined casualty reception drills throughout workups. Even now we continue to refine and advance our ability to work together as one team." FST 3 is a complementary augmenting corps that expands medical treatment capabilities to enable greater levels of care. "FST 3 adds surgical capability to Boxer's medical department," said Wagner. "This requires not just a surgeon, but also an anesthesia provider, perioperative nurse, and surgical technicians. We have a corpsman with specialization in laboratory medicine, blood banking, and radiology. Our intensive care unit nurse and respiratory therapist are critical to the function of Boxer's ICU and medical ward." This time around, several mental health professionals also join the team of eight officers and 10 enlisted medical professionals. "A recent addition to FST is a psychiatry team which has proven to be a tremendous resource to the ARG/MEU," said Wagner. FST 3's integration extends beyond practicing medicine. "With the exception of some specialized shipboard taskers, FST 3 has fully integrated into shipboard life and duties in Boxer medical," said Lt Dana Lilli, Senior Medical Officer aboard Boxer. "We are one blue medical team and we share responsibilities including watches, duty, sick call, medical screening and even maintenance." They received extensive training in order to meet the broad variety of challenges they may encounter during Boxer's deployment. "We each have specific training that is required for our respective specialties," said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Riafel Reyes. "As a team the training courses we have received include under water egress, fire fighting, basic life support instructor, advanced cardiac life support, Navy trauma training, en route care, and clinical site visits." Lilli conveyed the importance of integrating the skills of FST 3 personnel into the larger corps of medical providers. "The FST actually affords us capabilities as a level two, resuscitative surgical treatment and medical support facility," said Lilli. "FST 3 is one of three parts of the BOX ARG/MEU medical team, and all three parts are intimately integrated and co-dependent. In my opinion, this integrated team epitomizes all that is military medicine. Our readiness and capabilities exemplify Navy medicine at its best." Wagner said leading FST 3 and working with Boxer medical has increased his level of appreciation. "It has given me a greater appreciation of who I really support as a Navy physician," said Wagner. "No other military in the world has the depth of medical personnel to support deployments, wars, and other contingencies the way we do." Fleet surgical teams provide resuscitative and surgical support to existing medical departments. Their range of capabilities include: emergency room response, emergency surgical care, treatment of battlefield injuries evacuated from ashore, to treating industrial-type injuries sustained in a shipboard environment, and illness that may require surgery such as appendicitis. The Boxer ARG, 13th MEU team is currently on a regularly-scheduled deployment in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. Boxer is the flagship of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), which consists of Boxer, USS New Orleans (LPD 18) and USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49). WASHINGTON, March 30, 2016 The Defense Departments future course is competitive and demanding of America's leadership, values and the militarys edge, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said here yesterday at the World Affairs Council's Annual Honors Global Education Gala. But in our overall approach and also in our budget we're taking the long view as well as the near-term view, the secretary said. We have to, because even as we fight today's fights, we must also be prepared for what might come, 10, 20, 30 years down the road. As the galas keynote speaker, Carter addressed a broad group of defense leaders, wounded service members, educators, members of corporate and nonprofit organizations and ambassadors from more than 75 nations, including the United Kingdom, Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Ukraine. It's good to see so many ambassadors here, Carter said. Your presence represents the deep friendships that the United States has with so many countries around the world, he said. The World Affairs Council honored Carter with its International Public Service Award, and he said he accepted on behalf of the magnificent U.S. service members who continue the nations great legacy of service. Carter said that as he spoke, 450,000 American men and women are deployed across the globe in every time zone, domain, and in the air, on shores and afloat, who answered the call of the noblest of missions -- to provide security. Earlier in the day, Carter and Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald laid a wreath at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. Carter thanked veterans of all eras in the audience, and emphasized his appreciation for those who served in Vietnam, noting special thanks that was not properly rendered when they first came home. He also pointed out recent Medal of Honor recipient retired Army Capt. Florent A. Groberg, who represents the highest caliber of individuals who have helped defend our nation and what we all stand for, [including more than] 15 years in Iraq and also Afghanistan, he said. A Nation with Great Responsibilities The United States is a great nation with great responsibilities, the secretary said, adding, In this interconnected world, we can't afford to ignore ... the challenges of our friends and allies together. Carter said the defense departments national defense strategy and the recently submitted defense budget request reflects the need for the nation to confront five evolving challenges: Russia, China, North Korea, Iran, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and terrorism in overall terms. We don't have the luxury of choice among these, he said. We have to do them all. Carter said the United States is taking a strong and balanced approach in Europe to deter Russian aggression, an issue the nation has not had to address in about 25 years, he added. The Asia-Pacific region is the single most consequential region to America's future, because it contains half the worlds population and economic activity, he said. And while China is on the rise in the region, it also is behaving aggressively. North Korea and Iran remain two longstanding challenges, Carter said, noting that despite the nuclear accord with Iran, We must still deter Iranian aggression and malign influence against our allies and friends. But posing a different and important challenge is the fight against terrorism, and specifically, ISIL, Carter said. Last week's attacks in Brussels are a grim reminder of the dangers and the challenges that persist in this world, he said. Accelerating ISILs Defeat While the U.S.-led coalition accelerates the campaign to deal ISIL a lasting defeat -- most immediately in Iraq and Syria -- the campaign is picking up momentum as the extremist organization metastasizes in other nations such as Africa and Afghanistan, the secretary said. The reality is we're bringing more and more power to bear against ISIL, he said. We're systematically eliminating [ISILs] cabinet, Carter said, killing their financial chief and eliminating their minister of war just in the last two weeks. And while Iraqi security forces are advancing in all directions against ISIL fighters, the coalition is working with local, capable and motivated forces to collapse ISIL's control, he added. Expanding Technology, Innovation To succeed in the national defense mission, the United States needs strategic perspective, budget stability and the ability to think outside of the [Pentagons] five-sided box, and foster a spirit of innovation and reform at every level, Carter said. To do so, he said, DoD is making increased investments in science and technology, innovations in military operations and building new bridges to keep Americas technology industry ahead of tomorrow's threats. One partner initiative offers those in the private sector to engage with DoD and contribute to its mission, Carter explained. We, at the Department of Defense, want to give citizens the opportunity to be part of something bigger than themselves, [by] helping provide security by bringing ideas and perspective to the table, he said. Force of the Future A critical element of maintaining the militarys edge is competing to recruit and retain and develop good people in an all-volunteer force, Carter said, noting, [Its] what I call the Force of the Future. And as a critical part of the Force of the Future, Carter recently opened combat positions to women, which also gives access to more of the population, he said, noting As good as America's technology is, it's nothing compared to our people. Coming soon Scheduled to open in area theaters next weekend (April 8) are: The Boss: Melissa McCarthy's latest features the plus-sized star as Michelle Darnell, a titan of industry who was sent to prison after shes convicted of insider trading. When she emerges from the slammer ready to make herself over as Americas latest sweetheart, not everyone she did a number on is so quick to forgive and forget. Kristen Bell, Peter Dinklage, Annie Mumolo, Tyler Labine, Kristen Schaal, Margo Martindale and Kathy Bates co-star. Hardcore Henry: This Russian-American co-production, a big hit at film festivals, is a first-person action film in which the audience sees everything through the eyes of Henry, a man resurrected from the brink of death as a cybernetic super-soldier with no memory of his past. He's trying to save his wife Estelle, who has been kidnapped by Akan, a powerful warlord with a plan for bio-engineering soldiers. As violent and over-the-top as they come, we hear. The Russo-Yank cast includes Sharlto Copley, Danila Kozlovsky, Haley Bennett and Tim Roth. Film clips Roger this: Some big guest names are on the marquee for this years 18th edition of Roger Eberts Film Festival (aka Ebertfest), opening a five-day stand April 13 at the Virginia Theater in the late film critic's hometown of Champaign. Acclaimed director Guillermo del Toro ("Hellboy" "Pan's Labyrinth") will be on hand with his latest film, "Crimson Peak" on opening night (7 p.m. April 13). Also appearing in person are actress Nancy Allen, attending a showing of her 1981 "Blow Out" (9 p.m. April 16); director Paul Weitz with his film "Grandma" (1 p.m. April 14); director Paul Cox with his "Force of Destiny" (11 a.m. April 16); director Kasi Lemmons with her "Eve's Bayou" (8:30 p.m. April 15); director Michael Polish and his "Northfork" (4 p.m. April 14); and 87-year-old Angela Allen, script supervisor on Carol Reed's 1949 classic, "The Third Man," screening at 8:30 p.m. April 14. For the complete film slate, guest list and ticket info, go to www.ebertfest.com. Illinois Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner visited Wilmette Junior High School on Monday, March 28, where he addressed the growing concerns on school funding in the state. During the visit, the governor also revealed that he finds the rhetoric in the presidential campaign "appalling." While having a tour, Gov. Rauner praised the teachers at the Wilmette Public Schools District 39. "We've got wonderful teachers here at the Wilmette Junior High School," the governor said. "Let's give them a big round of applause." Where was Gov. Bruce Rauner today? Touring a school in the North Shore https://t.co/l081yI78YI pic.twitter.com/4KCARwdIpw TribLocal (@TribLocal) Marso 28, 2016 Rauner was given a guided tour by four eighth grade students, who explained to him the facilities of the school. After the tour, the governor then met with a group of seventh graders for a question and answer session. During the session, Rauner expressed his thoughts about school funding. He said he wants to increase the funds in Illinois for education. More so, the governor has the desire to eliminate unfunded mandates. "I'm pulling strongly to change how we fund our schools with more state support," Rauner said, according to Daily North Shore. After the question and answer session, Rauner headed for the press conference, where he reiterated the importance of education. The governor also stressed the importance if increasing the funding to support education. While he supports revising the 19-year-old school funding formula, Rauner said he does not support the idea of taking money from other districts to fund the poorer districts. When asked about presidential race, Rauner said he didn't want to discuss it. However, earlier that day, the governor told the 7th graders that it was "appalling." "Democracy is hard, you know, and this presidential election, oh my goodness, I'm appalled by the rhetoric, it's appalling," Rauner told the young audience, according to the Chicago Tribune. "And it's ugly and it's nasty and it's weird, and just some of the statements that get made, I'm just, I'm horrified." It was last week when Gov. Bruce Rauner said he will support Donald Trump if the presidential candidate becomes the GOP presidential nominee. "I will support the Republican Party's nominee for president," the governor told reporters, as per Progress Illinois. The governor added he will do everything he can to properly work with the nominee. As students, taking tests that can make or break your future is part of the experience. It is usually those tests that affect you emotionally depending on how you performed in it. In just a matter of weeks, students in the state of California will go through that. However, it won't just be a couple of "true or false" type of questions, students will also be made to answer survey statements like "I usually finish what I start," or "I can do anything if I try." The one that started this trend is a big-city district group that wants to measure students' self-control, empathy, and other social and emotional skills. They then hold the schools accountable for whatever answers the students give. NPR informed the public that the new federal law requires states to incorporate at least one non-academic outcome in their accountability formulas, so it is more than likely that more and more tests like this will become more common across the United States. However, according to researchers, the ideas they believe in for years are catching on and being taken so seriously, even before they're ready. No, of course you can't judge schools on students' grit. We're trying anyway. https://t.co/K1dixyquwa via @slate Laura Moser (@lcmoser) March 28, 2016 Angela Duckworth, a psychologist and MacArthur Fellow who is well versed with the concept of grit said, "The enthusiasm is getting ahead of the science." Grit refers to character traits like stamina and conscientiousness and self-control, in short, the "passion and perseverance for very long-term goals," as Duckworth defined it. It can't be measured using pop quizzes, but it can predict long-term success more than just intelligence. Although Duckworth also mentioned that the most surprising thing about grit is that people don't really know much about it, or science, not even about how to build it, it actually came from education-reform circles. Charter-school networks like KIPP have always focused on building characters, which they have solely believed serves their students far better than just letting them memorize Shakespeare's love sonnets, Slate reported. The question now is, how do you score students based on a very complex metric? Duckworth said that students should not grade schools on grit. She also said that she gets nervous thinking about this. She wrote, "I worry I've contributed, inadvertently, to an idea I vigorously oppose: high-stakes character assessment." So while teaching kids social-emotional skills is good, grading them-and their teachers, and their schools-on mastery of those skills is not so good." She continued the article writing,"We're nowhere near ready - and perhaps never will be - to use feedback on character as a metric for judging the effectiveness of teachers and schools. We shouldn't be rewarding or punishing schools for how students perform on these measures." The U.S. Department of Education and the Mississippi Department of Education hosted the Education Equity Lab at Jackson State University on March 29. Its goal is to guarantee that all students in public schools have reasonable access to excellent educators. The U.S. Department of Education states that the lab will postulate the government officials, educators, community leaders and other stakeholders to carry out the plan that is implanted in Mississippi's Education Equity plan that is approved last November. Find out what happened at the first "educator equity lab." https://t.co/xo2lv1mnRE Education Week (@educationweek) March 30, 2016 The Mississippi Department of Education plan includes ensuring the children from high-poverty and minority groups that they will not be taught by non-highly qualified, inexperienced or emergency certified educators. Education Week reports some of the other strategies of Mississippi's plans. These include stipulating differentiated interferences with schools where there is a major "equity gap" in regards to teacher distribution. Mississippi will also improve the resources needed to implement the state's academic standards, assessment and numerous pathways to high school graduation. The state would also restructure the principal and teachers' preparation programs. Mississippi is also taking steps to augment the data-driven decision making and making sure that schools and districts have access to precise and timely information that is essential to make educated decisions. "We are proud to partner with U.S. Department of Education to sponsor the first Equity plan in the nation," said Carey M. Wright, the Mississippi Superintendent of Education. "Equitable access to teachers of quality and experience has been a concern of mine since I arrived in Mississippi." "It is our plan to ensure that all students have equal access to high-quality instruction. In fact, ensuring that every school has effective teachers and leaders is one of the State Board of Education's top five goals," concluded Wright. The House Bill 2, which was passed and signed last week in North Carolina, has received a lot of backlash. The outrage stems from the anti-LGBT community policies that come with the House Bill 2. The University of North Carolina President Margaret Spellings has commented on the new law but refrains from criticizing it. "I know that many across the UNC system are concerned about the implications of HB2," Spellings said via Huffington Post. "This law was passed last week, and since then we've been working to consider its full impact on the University community and UNC system operations." Spellings -- a former administration official during the time presidency of George W. Bush -- also noted that the University of North Carolina is focused on providing an inclusive and safe school for students, faculty members and staff. The school aims to provide a safe haven for those who don't want to be stereotyped for their beliefs and orientation. NC AG Cooper: House Bill 2 is unconstitutional; therefore our office will not represent defendants in this lawsuit pic.twitter.com/zLuxl9mlxc Dominic Holden (@dominicholden) March 29, 2016 The House Bill 2 law is deemed as an anti-LGBT community law because it prevents schools from allowing transgender people from entering the bathrooms of the gender they identify with. They can only use public bathrooms that match the identified gender written on their birth certificates. The House Bill 2 also places some restrictions on cities from making non-discrimination policies, according to CNN. Although the University of North Carolina has refrained from criticizing House Bill 2, other state colleges and universities have been vocal in their protest against the alleged anti-LGBT community law. Several college and university presidents have publicly stated that they are against House Bill 2 because it discriminates people based on their gender identities. Some legislators have defended House Bill 2, saying that the bill is not about being anti-LGBT. Instead, they claim that although risks would arise, privacy should be given more importance. "The way the ordinance was written by City Council in Charlotte, it would have allowed a man to go into a bathroom, locker or any changing facility, where women are -- even if he was a man," North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore. "Obviously there is the security risk of a sexual predator, but there is the issue of privacy." The city of Tampa made a positive movement in terms of dealing with individuals that will be caught with marijuana possession. The city mayor decided to impose a fine on individuals who will be convicted of marijuana possession instead of putting him/her to jail. Mayor Bob Buckhorn signed an ordinance which gives the police the power to fine people caught with marijuana possession instead of placing them in jail, Tampa Bay Times reported. The new law suggests that if the person was caught with marijuana possession within the legal limit, $75 will be charged for the first offense. The second offense would then be fined $300, and the fourth would be for $450. "Incarcerating people, particularly young people, for a very small amount of marijuana, absolutely alters their career path for the rest of their life," Mayor Buckhorn stated. "Once they get into that prison system, they are forever scarred; they forever have a prison record." The law that was created is only limited to marijuana possession. If the individual was caught with other offenses along with marijuana possession, there's a huge possibility that the individual might end up in jail. The Lancet then added that the government worldwide would take a stand in decriminalizing marijuana. 22 medical experts gathered as they aimed to decriminalize all "nonviolent drug use and possession." Their report will be presented during the UN General Assembly Session next month. As they would progress with the presentation they would also cover topics on how to tackle drug problems worldwide. "The goal of prohibiting all use, possession, production, and trafficking of illicit drugs is the basis of many of our national drug laws, but these policies are based on ideas about drug use and drug dependence that are not scientifically grounded," Chris Beyrer of John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health stated as per The Washington Post. In partnership with Southwest Research and Resource Center (SARRC), KTAR News will hold its 9th annual "Action for Autism" that will kick off on Monday, March 28. The program aims to raise awareness about the neurodevelopmental disorder through educational materials and personal accounts. The ultimate goal of "Action for Autism" is to raise awareness and find a cure for the disorder, reports KTAR News. KTAR News plans to incorporate one hour to talk about autism in their morning and evening news every day for one week. More so, they will also include one SARRC story in each of their talk shows. A partnership between Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC)'s First Place AZ + GateWay Community... https://t.co/LKvYkly2nr The Arc of Arizona (@TheArcAZ) March 30, 2016 More so, starting Monday, listeners will learn more about autism through inspiring stories delivered across the radio. Listeners will also learn more on the high-end research provided by SARRC through the different online and social media platforms. As part of their program, KTAR News will be giving away four-pack tickets to the Arizona Diamondbacks V Colorado Rockies game on April 29 if you join their discussion about autism. If you wish to be a part of "Action for Autism," simply text "ACTION" to 411923 and you will become an "Action Hero" and get a chance to win the tickets. SAARC provides more details about "Action Hero" program as part of the 9th annual "Action for Autism". To become an Action Hero, one must make a one-time donation of $240 or more. You may also choose a monthly donation of $20 for the next 12 months and receive four free tickets to the April 29 game. Sign up is also available at Action For Autism to become an Action Hero. Part of "Autism for Action" is also to bring kids with or without autism in one learning center, as reported previously by KTAR. The SAARC has a Community School that involves both autistic and non-autistic kids together in a unique learning model. According to the senior clinical manager and school director, Rachel McIntosh, they pair six children diagnosed with autism along with six or more children who do not have the disorder in one classroom. This unique learning model has worked so well that they planned on to open more classrooms in the next year. In four years, they hope to serve four dozens more in three classrooms with 18 children with autism. Check out more about the Community School in the video below: For students who love to go to college but are struggling financially, Detroit is offering tuition-free to Detroit high school graduates. If you are living in Detroit, your ticket to According to Detroit Free Press, high school graduates in the city - be it from public, charter or private schools are entitled to a two tuition-free years of community college under a program, The Detroit Promise. "We are making a promise to every single child who graduates from a high school in the City of Detroit that you will have your first two years of college paid for," said Mayor Mike Duggan. "We're going to build from here to the point where we're ultimately going to raise money so it can be four years, but today it's two years." According to Deadline Detroit, starting next fall, students can attend at any of the following community colleges in metro Detroit: Henry Ford Community College Wayne County Community College District Schoolcraft College Macomb Community College Oakland Community College Per Detroit Free Press, the first two years will be funded through philanthropy by major foundations and corporate donors. Peter Remington, a philanthropy who has been raising funds for the program revealed that three major foundations already pledged $1 million each. However, he only identified one of the three. Students should thank The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation. Meanwhile, in 2018, the program will be funded by increases in property tax revenue. It will capture half of any increase in property tax revenue from the SET. "We're not really sure how it's going to impact our enrollment," college spokesman Frank Ruggirello told Hometown Life about the new program and its potential impact on enrollment. They are still not sure if these will significantly increase their number of enrollees. Ruggirello hopes that the Detroit Promise program will attract students who are looking for a degree in a multitude of programs. However, he noted that one of the challenges is transportation because there are no SMART or DDOT bus lines that run to the college in Livonia. However, he said that the college officials are already working on it. "We believe from top to bottom our programs are better than anyone else's," Ruggirello said. "Our classes are very challenging. You're coming to college when you come here." What do you think of the Detroit Promise? Do you wish other cities also offer the same program? Share your thoughts below. Sex education has been a hot issue in schools. Some agree to have it added to the curriculum, others disagree. Several schools already include sex education in their program. Does sex education really help the student? Is sex education efficient? According to Siecus.org, sex education is a lifelong process where one learns about sexual development and reproductive health. It also includes gender roles, intimacy, body image and relationship. Overall, it helps one acquire information and form attitudes, beliefs and values on the subject matter. Although this some schools already include sex education, some remain skeptical about it or maybe they just support it with reservations. Pink News reported that the UK government rejects the recommendation for statutory inclusive sex and relationship education. The government received a severe backlash for their decision. Per the report, although the MP already required sex and relationship education in all schools, its non-statutory status means that the schools have a different take on sex education. They have a varying degree of enthusiasm about the subject and the report notes that teaching sex education at a consistent level across the UK is almost impossible. Statutory sex education will be helpful especially if one takes the data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), which revealed that 30 percent of the female rape victims were under 16 years old, a quarter were 14 and below, and nearly one in 10 were 9 and younger, The Guardian reported. Furthermore, 50 percent of the female victims of sexual offences such as assaults, grooming and sexual exploitation were under 16 years old. Pink News notes that making sex education compulsory is more appealing than ever. "We need to look deeper at our society and the moral meanings that are attached to sexuality, sexual behavior and sex and relationship education," the report notes. "Because it is society at large and young people specifically who continue to pay the price for inadequate, patchy sex education. " The report stressed that there should be a new perspective about sex education and one should stop seeing it as "contaminating knowledge" because it is important for one's growth and empowerment. We talk an awful lot about what kind of show Brooklyn Nine-Nine is, and how its genre, tone, and sensibility generally excuse it from having to be anything more than funny to succeed. This holds true for Paranoia, which is often uproarious, but the episode stresses that emotion is just as important a component to Brooklyn Nine-Nines greatness as its humor; it may also leave action junkies wishing for an alternate timeline where Dan Goor and Michael Schur hired Gareth Evans to helm the remaining installments of the series third season. Brooklyn Nine-Nine rarely ever feels dangerous, and its cast of characters rarely ever wind up in harms way. That, again, is one of the shows genetic attributes. Brooklyn Nine-Nine is about hijinks and antics. It is not about gunfights, fistfights, or really fighting of any kind, save for infighting and verbal fighting. But there are exceptions in its hierarchy of goofy capers and zany shenanigans, ala Yippie Kayak, or Houses Mouses, or even Season Twos The Wednesday Incident. Remember: these characters are all cops. Even if they spend most of their time clowning around, their field necessitates that on occasion they end up putting their lives on the line. Even Brooklyn Nine-Nine cant get around that, and this is why Paranoia feels like kind of a big deal in the series canon. This is what dangerous looks like. Paranoia starts with a deceptively simple set-up: Rosa and Adrian bust a drug dealer, bring him into the precinct, and in the midst of regaling their peers with the story of the arrest, they casually mention that they got engaged while in pursuit of the perp. (The joke here is also deceptively simple, though the payoff is huge. Wait! You wanna get married? Yep.) From there, the story splits into an A-plot and a B-plot; in the former, Scully, Hitchcock, Terry, and Jake take Adrian out for a bachelor party, and in the latter Amy, Gina, and Boyle take Rosa out for her bachelorette party, which is really three parties rolled into one. Nobody can agree on a single plan for feteing Rosa, though as Paranoia unfolds, we see that each plan is pretty great. But while Rosa and the gals (and Boyle) pelt teenage boys with paintballs, get hammered, and smash up a defunct restaurant, stuff is getting real with the guys. We all think Adrian is a looney tune, and he really isthats what working for a mob boss nicknamed the Butcher will do to a personbut like Joseph Heller once wrote, just because youre paranoid doesnt mean they arent after you, and boy, are they after Adrian. Someone wants to kill him! For serious reals! We dont learn that until the quintet sits down for dinner at a swanky steakhouse, of course, and Paranoia spends most of its time making us suspect that Adrian is either off his rocker, or hes maybe just screwing with Jake et al, in the name of shits and giggles. (Be fair: that does seem like the sort of thing hed do, right?) Wacky Adrian, being wackythats all that Paranoia wants to lead us to think. The reality of their situation is somewhat more dire, and the second reality is even more dire than that. Brooklyn Nine-Nine has pitted its cast against the mob before, but the ultimate reveal of Paranoia breaks new ground for the gang as a law enforcement unit. Thank goodness Holt is around to take charge of operations and also of team unity. (The hushed cry of 9-9! is a classic group gag, and kind of a perfect way to end the episode.) But where do we go from here? Itd be pretty swell to see the unfettered ass-kicking side of Brooklyn Nine-Nine, a spin on The Raid or even the films of Edgar Wright, whose Hot Fuzz has long felt like a big influence on Goor and Schur; bad guys gotta get got, after all, and theres no doubt that Rosa would love nothing more than to thoroughly beat down scores of mafia thugs in the pursuit of reuniting with her man. It wont happen, of course. Remember: thats not the kind of show Brooklyn Nine-Nine is. It is the kind of show, though, where two tough as nails outsiders of varying degrees of mental wellness can meet, fall in love, commit themselves to one another, and totally mean it within the span of only an hour and change of airtime. Terry immediately objects to their engagement, and in another show, we might feel inclined to take his side. This is not that show. As silly as their whirlwind romance is, and as weird as Rosa and Adrian may be, both together and separately, we do not doubt for a second that their crazy love is for real, which makes their teary farewell a satisfying emotional gut punchand after all, that, all tomfoolery aside, is what Brooklyn Nine-Nine is all about. Boston-based critic Andy Crump has been writing about film for the web since 2009, and has been contributing to Paste Magazine since 2013. He also writes for Screen Rant and Movie Mezzanine, and Birth.Movies.Death. You can follow him on Twitter and find his collected writing at his personal blog. He is composed of roughly 65% craft beer. Police & policies have been rioting on our bodies; destroying people & property every single day of your lives. So Exactly What Kind Of Violence Dont You Like?Jesse Williams In school, every February, my kids learn about Martin Luther King Jr.s legacy and the importance of peace. Its a fine lesson for a kindergartner or a second grader. But last year, after the Baltimore Uprising, I kept my boys out of school for a day, and took them to the library to teach them some other lessons. Nobody really wants to have these conversations with their young children (a recent episode of Black-ish takes on this conundrum, specific to black parents in America), because no one wants to hear questions like the one my 7-year-old asked me: So, whos gonna save me from the police? At the same time, I think every parent can relate to my response: Me. Mommy is going to fight to make sure nothing happens to you. And I also told him that there are people all over the world who are angry, and fighting for himangry like King was, angry like Malcolm X, angry like Fannie Lou Hamer, like my mother and so on. Black angerblack rageis a sacred component to any fight for freedom or civil rights. My kids will know that King preached nonviolence, but theyll also know that King understood the power (and usefulness) of violence, and spent much of his time in a rage over the treatment of black Americans. What he did with that rage certainly made for better optics than what Malcolm X did with his rage, but people seem to forget that both men were considered a threat to America; and so they were both cut down. Im not allowed to say that watching black rage unfoldwhether in a news segment covering an uprising, or on a show like Underground (though, to be clear, there are no shows like Underground)gives me satisfaction. As a black American, Im to watch a movie like 12 Years a Slave, weep for Solomon as he hangs from a treebarely consciousand then receive my satisfaction when a white savior intervenes and helps him find his way back to freedom. This is justice. No white people or property owned by whites (or cities where whites and white privilege are in control) have been harmed. This should satisfy me. That is not the story Underground is telling, and that is why I write about the show every week. The stories tell me that Im not alone in wanting to see an entire cotton field on a Southern plantation light up with the flames of a freedom fighter whose own face has been lit up by slaveowners. Im not alone in wanting to seewait for ita white man get his back opened up (by someone he loves, no less). Im not usually allowed to say any of this, but in a recap of the events of Firefly, I get to make the suggestion that black rageand the violence and destruction that sometimes must, necessarily, come withit is more than okay. Im not ashamed to say that ever since Django Unchained my body and mind have been waiting for a story where black rage is a sacred tool in liberation. What does it take to break free? is the question Underground keeps asking us every week. In episode one it was a freedom map born out of flesh (the one the dying man gave to Noah). In episode two it was sensuality for survival (or, Ernestines wine cellar performance). And in episode three it was straight-up violence (RIP Bill). In episode four the plan continues to unfold, and black rage takes center stage. When Cato finally reveals himself towards the end of the episodethe source of his burn scars, and his direct role in the flight of the Macon 7its his rage over his mistreatment that shines through, and lights up an entire cotton field. His rage, even more than the flames, is what we see lighting up the screen. And its as beautiful and luminous a scene as the one where Rosalee finds herself amidst a swarm of fireflies. Everything is aflame in episode four, and its glorious. Im going back. For the others. I was Henrys age the first time I heard my own massa talkin about free blacks. Up North, they just walkin around! It lit a fire in me. I knew I was sposed to be free I wont leave any of them behind.Noah But the creators and writers of Underground have done their philosophy homework, and they know that any virtue can become a vice, if its pushed far enough. Jussie Smollett is the other flame burning in this episode, and although his character Josey provides an excellent, catharticand yes, entertaining release, hes been blinded. One of his eyes has turned blood-red, and its clear that he hasnt been able to see or think straight since his wife Tippy was sold away from him. Unlike some of the other characters weve met, Josey has, perhaps, become more preoccupied with vengeance and retribution than freedom. And that certainly doesnt make him a villain; it makes him human. In fact, he may be the most human black character weve seen so far on Underground. Noah and the others have been carefully channeling their rage into a plan to escapethey are our superheroes. Josey is different. Like so many of us, he cant quite get past a particular trauma in his life. Hes struggling for answers, but getting distracted by his rage along the way. Not only is he interested in dinin like white folks, but he also wants to exact violence and pain like all of the white folks hes ever met. But freedom lies not in mimicry, or using, to quote Lorde, the masters tools to dismantle the masters housewhich is partly why Josey meets his end. But then again, his frienda black runaway who is not blinded by rage and is actually interested in helping the Hawkesmeets the same fate. With or without black rage, black lives can be cut down at any moment (which is why theres some satisfaction in witnessing so many characters go down swinging). On another note, and just because Im shipping incredibly hard for Noahlee, black love is a key part of this conversation as well. Its not just rage, but a passionate love for his wife that sends Josey to the Hawkes home. Rage and love inspire Noah to run, to get Rosalee to a safe place, and to return for the people he left behind. Rage sends Pearly Mae running and love sends her back to the slave catcher (so that her daughter can be carried off by her husband Moses) with her hands up, above her head: Please. Not in front of my daughter. I cant speculate. I wasnt there. But I dont believe theres an enslaved person who ran on foot, from the South to the North (and sometimes all the way to Canada), without rage in his or her heart. That rage wasnt dangerous to anyone, except for the white people who feared the loss of their power. That rage wasnt anti-God or anti-Jesus (John 2:13, anyone?). That rage was sacred, and on Underground, when that rage is concentrated and joined with the rage of others its a necessary means of achieving black freedom in America. Shannon M. Houston is Assistant TV Editor & a film critic at Paste, and a writer for Salon and Heart&Soul. This New York-based freelancer probably has more babies than you, but thats okay; you can still be friends. She welcomes almost all follows on Twitter. Barney Frank, former U.S. congressman from Massachusetts, was last seen stumping for establishment candidate Hillary Clinton in Politico (though perhaps attacking Bernie Sanders is a better description), is back in the news for an interview at Slate titled, no surprise, Barney Frank is Not Impressed by Bernie Sanders. The bulk of the interview consists of attacks on Bernie Sanders, which is typical modus operandi for Frank, a huge Clinton supporter. Among other things, he claims hes got little to show for his 25 years in Congress (other than passing the most amendments of any House member in a Republican Congress, apparently, which earned him the title of the amendment king), and that everything he and his supporters want is unrealistic. But again, thats standard behavior for Frankhes an establishment guy who supports establishment politics, so of course he doesnt like non-establishment candidate. Where the interview gets really interesting is when he starts talking about The Big Short and The Daily Show. As the co-author of the Dodd-Frank Act, the aim of which was to reform Wall Street and the too big to fail banks, Frank has a vested interest in the success of his legislationeven in retirement. As most people now understand, and as The Big Short made clear, the too big to fail portion of the Act has failed miserably, as the largest banking institutions in the nation are still inflated to dangerous degrees. Meanwhile, small community banks have been negatively impacted, which only increases the power of the mega-banks. Overall, Dodd-Frank is a mixed bag, but Frank himself apparently will brook no criticism. Heres what he had to say on The Big Short: What did you make of The Big Short, by the way? I didnt see the movie. I read the book. Why? Its good. Well, I know the situation, I read the book. I am told at the end of the movie they say nothing changed, which is nonsense. The movie does say something like that. The politics of the movie are actually interesting because its more cynical than I think people like you are. Right, so why would I want to see it? The short version: Politician would prefer not to hear any criticism of his legislation. He continues, taking a shot at Jon Stewart and The Daily Show: Part of the problem is there is a tendency in the media to demonize politics to the extent that its become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Whether with Jon Stewart or House of Cards or The Big Short. It basically tells people, Everybody stinks, theyre all no good, and thats one of the reasons people dont participate. Franks position appears to be that our national cynicism toward establishment politics is a result of media propaganda, rather than an inept Congress. Agree or disagree at your leisure. Ill leave you with the most outrageous portion of all, when he compares Bernie Sanders to Joe McCarthy for having the audacity to suggest that Hillary Clintons hundred-thousand-dollar speeches to big banks might constitute a conflict of interest: Do you think she should release her Wall Street speeches? Yeah, but I dont think anybody is really against her because she wont. By the way, I think Sanders has been outrageously McCarthyite on that. McCarthyite? Yes, I saw one commercial that said the big companies werent punished. Why? Well, maybe its because Hillary is getting speaking fees. So the secretary of state should have been indicting people? I mean, yes, McCarthyite in the sense that its guilt by association. To summarize: Sanders, who has been painted as a near-communist by his rivals, is now the author of a second red scare. Okay, Barney. New Belgium has announced the cities and dates for their annual Tour de Fat celebrations for 2016. If youve never experienced a Tour de Fat before, its a single-day compilation of beer, bikes and circus-like antics. There are 10 cities on the list this year, scattered across the country throughout summer and fall. And as a side note, New Belgium is celebrating 25 years of brewing goodness in 2016. So birthday beers! See the list of cities/dates below and check out the gallery to see what sort of antics go on during the Tour de Fat. Tour de Fat Locations May 21 Washington, DC June 25 Durham, NC July 9 Chicago, IL August 13 Boise, ID September 3 Ft. Collins, Colo. September 10 Denver, Colo. September 17 San Francisco, CA September 24 San Diego, CA October 1 Tempe, AZ 1 of 10 2 of 10 3 of 10 new belgium 4 of 10 5 of 10 6 of 10 7 of 10 8 of 10 9 of 10 New Belgium 10 of 10 new belgium Over the past year, Senator Sanders has been attacking Secretary Clinton with claims that she is not a Progressive; an attempt to seize the title as his own. While it is true that he has been championing Progressive causes campaign finance reform, free higher education at public colleges and universities, universal health care, and investment in infrastructure he has systematically ignored one major issue that bars him from becoming the standard-bearer of progressivism. I am of course talking about gun control. Senator Sanders, who voted against the Brady Bill, has been on the wrong side of gun control for his entire tenure in Washington. His defense is that as a representative of Vermont, he views guns differently. This is not only an outlandish statement, as Senator hails from Brooklyn, but it breaks from any notion of Sanders being a progressive. By advocating that the States are entitled to set their own gun standards, Sanders is convoluting his message to the American people, which is that uniform and systematic change are necessary. If Sanders wants to hold Wall Street liable to the Middle Class, fine, I support that. But why doesnt he want gun manufacturers to be liable to the victims of gun violence? From what I can tell, guns only have one purpose, and that is to inflict bodily harm. Why shouldnt manufacturers and sellers be liable when their products are purchased by psychopaths bent on killing innocent people? Its logically similar to Senator Sanders proposal to tax speculation on Wall Street, but instead of savings accounts, the commodity being gambled with is human life. While the Tenth Amendment is an important cornerstone of our federalist system, Congress is entitled to enact all laws necessary and proper when it comes to the health of our nation. In the age of rapid transportation across state lines, a Hamiltonian reading of the Constitution would suggest that our federal government has not only the authority, but the responsibility to set strict and uniform standards in order to ensure for the safety of our citizenry against gun violence. The trail of logic stems from South Dakota v. Dole where the Supreme Court held that Congress has the power to suggest to the States a national minimum drinking age to prevent a lack of uniformity in the system. This ruling cut down on drunk driving among minors, who would cross state lines to purchase and consume alcohol. Similarly, national gun regulations would close loopholes to prevent residents of New York City from driving to Burlington to purchase a gun, which could later be used in a mass shooting in Times Square. It is not a stretch to say that gun control is a matter of national security. In the past decade, the biggest threat to domestic safety has been American citizens with semi-automatic weapons and concealable handguns. The need to combat this issue has never been greater as 30,000 Americans are dying each year from gun violence. In 2016 alone, there have already been over 7,000 gun-related incidents. If Sanders were actually a progressive, he would support uniformity in the law when it comes to gun control. This means that gun laws in Brattleboro would be identical to gun laws in San Francisco. His failure to join 21st Century progressives on this issue is not only shocking, but frankly disturbing. On the other hand, Secretary Clinton has been very vocal on the policies she would put in place to not only reduce gun violence but to also hold those that manufacture and sell the products accountable to the victims and their families. This combined with her position on issues such as reproductive rights, the environment, criminal justice, education, immigration, and LGBTQ rights have shown the nation that she fits the mold of a modern American progressive. If Senator Sanders feels the need to continue to attack Secretary Clinton with these claims, he should take a good hard look in the mirror to reflect on his stance on gun control, or rather a lack thereof. Ive long respected the work of Gordon White and his Rune Soup blog, but these days it seems like Im turning into a full-fledged fanboy. So be it. I came for the chaos magic and I stayed for his brilliant analysis of how magic is interwoven through human society at all levels. I loved his book Star.Ships, Ive got his next book The Chaos Protocols on order, and Ive been listening to his Rune Soup podcast every week. Episode 15 from two weeks ago is particularly good. Its a conversation with Dr. Jeffrey Kripal, Professor of Philosophy and Religious Thought at Rice University in Houston. The podcast starts off rather slow I was decidedly unimpressed for the first 7 or 8 minutes. But then it really took off. If you listen to it (and I highly recommend it) dont give up on it too soon. One of the key points continued Gordons dissatisfaction with the academic world and their non-theistic assumptions. How can you effectively study something you dont believe is real? The answer is not well. They discuss academics who toe the company line and present their work in strictly atheist terms, but then privately discuss the mystical experiences they had but are afraid to talk about for fear of killing their careers. Thats interesting, but what I want to talk about here is Dr. Kripals proposal that you have no business being a scholar of religion until youve lost at least two worlds. His point is that if you lose one religion, you assume you can just find another one. But once youve lost a second world, you realize that your quest is deeper than finding the right religion. Or as I see it, someone whos still in the religion of their childhood will have too many unexamined assumptions to honestly deal with different religions, and someone whos on their second religion is likely to have the zeal of a convert and also wont be able to deal honestly with different religions. Its only after youve lost your religion twice, after youve lost two worlds, that youre humble enough to realize the limitations of any religion (i.e. there is no certainty) but still inspired to find what truth and meaning you can. Kripal and White did not go into losing two worlds in depth. It strikes me as overly general I know several people who are on their first or second religion who are very good religious scholars or scholarly religious practitioners. But its true in my case. Contrary to the impression you might get from reading my personal stories, my first religion was not fundamentalist Christianity. My first religion was Jesus loves me this I know. It was Moses parting the Red Sea and receiving the Ten Commandments. It was Linuss monologue from the Gospel of Luke in A Charlie Brown Christmas. It was Jesus dying an unjust death at the hands of Pilate and rising again on Easter Sunday. It was funerals where tearful relatives consoled themselves with hes gone home to be with the Lord. If I had been able to hold on to that religion, I might still be a Christian. Now, every time I say that a Pagan friend puts her thumbs on the sides of her head and spreads her fingers upward, like antlers. Yes, I have a relationship with a certain Antlered God that goes back to this same point in my life. Was my Paganism and polytheism inevitable? Well never know. Although I was in a fundamentalist church, the children were largely shielded from the hellfire sermons. But I paid attention, and I was still very young when I realized that Jesus might love me, but His father didnt love the vast majority of the people in the world, who according to what I was taught were headed for hell for following the wrong religion. I could not and still cannot reconcile an all-powerful loving God with any sentient creature being condemned to eternal torment. And so my first religion, my first world, was lost. While I never became an atheist, my second world was rationality. If the Baptists were wrong about eternal judgment, what else were they wrong about? As I grew and read and studied, I learned they were wrong about evolution and the age of the Earth. They were wrong about the origins and transmission of the Bible. And much of what they called Gods Law was simply the cultural norms of a long-dead society. I professed belief in a deistic God, but I looked for meaning and truth with logic, not with scripture and doctrine. I tried to follow the teachings of Jesus, which are a pretty good way for anyone to live. When I became an adult I left the Baptist church and tried to find a home in mainline Protestantism. But my rational religion was a powerless religion, and it was unable to remove the tentacles of fundamentalism from my mind and soul. And so I lost my second world. It took me a long time to get from that loss to the point where I committed myself to dedicated Pagan study and practice. Ive told that story before and theres no need to repeat it here. So what does all this mean? Losing my first religion meant losing my innocence. I learned the world isnt a nice, safe, loving place. I learned that authority figures dont always know what theyre talking about, and some authority figures abuse their authority. But in any context, losing your innocence is a necessary part of growing up. I see Pagans who innocently (or perhaps, naively) worship Nature, forgetting that Nature is beautiful but Nature is also terrible. My love for Nature is grounded in reality and awareness. Losing my second religion meant, as Dr. Kripal explained in the podcast, I realized I couldnt just find the right religion and everything would be OK. I had to work on myself I spent a year reading, studying, and meditating with the strongest dedication of my life. I not only learned there is no such thing as religious certainty, I accepted it. Heres an entry from my private journal from the very early days of my Pagan journey: In the end, you have to have the courage to move forward as though your beliefs are absolutely true, even if you cant be absolutely sure they are. Ive long fantasized about growing up Pagan and getting started on this path much earlier in life. Ive handled the useless regret by saying I had to go through what I went through to become who and what I am. Now I see just how true that statement is. In order to become who I truly am, I had to lose my religion twice. For the past thirteen years I have been on the move. I grew up in Chicago, attended Marquette University and after graduation, moved to Los Angeles to pursue something as a musician. While there I recorded an album entitled There and Back. A little while later I moved into my van with my dog, played all the contiguous United States at night, and then slept in parking lots and rest stops. After a year and a half of that nonsense I moved back to Milwaukee and married my college sweetheart. At that point I started a band called The Union, and we began recording my second record, Tenebrae, in Lexington, KY. We then accomplished the third, Offering, also in Lexington, KY. Finally, we finished the fourth, Red-winged Blackbird Man, in Iowa City, IA. All of that production was over the span of seven years. Within that time I co-founded something called The Cor Project with speaker and author, Christopher West. I toured the country and traveled the world. That endeavor, combined with my music and band, has taken me deep into places I never would have imagined Id go. I mean this physically, spiritually, and emotionally; some have been good, and some horrible. Ive gained some amazing friends, lost a few as well. Ive been lifted so high and let down so much. I have had a few accomplishments and many more failures. Ive met some fascinating people and some surprisingly toxic ones too. In the past year and a half I have begun a few new projects while maintaining my music career. The first being my new record, recorded back in LA and due out sometime in the future. The second is my podcast, Time and The Mystery: Conversations with Mike Mangione. T&M is a conversational podcast in which I sit with public figures I have come to know over the years to discus their inspiration, process, and ability to connect with others through their work. Last, but not least, is my blog of the same name (sans the conversations with Mike Mangione). The purpose of this blog is to be the platform for whats underneath it all: stories, reflections, conversations, and opinions will all find a home here. I find myself in strange places and sometimes with incredible people doing fantastic things and so I want to share. I dont consider myself very smart, opinionated, or an expert on anything. I see and experience things around me, I am affected and moved by them and so I create. This is a product of that pattern meant simply to be taken, but never too seriously. I am a husband. I am a father of three. I am homeowner. I am perpetually tired. I am more interested in sharing the story and feel within it over grammatical restrictions and spellingg practices. And I kind of care what you think. Read, like, comment, share and I will do the same. Mike This Blog was written to the sweet sounds of Daniel Lanoiss Belladonna News and commentary on organized crime, street crime, white collar crime, cyber crime, sex crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Austrian President casts doubt on immediate lifting of all Iran sanctions 03/31/16 Source: Press TV Austrian President Heinz Fischer has cast doubt on the US and Western resolve for the immediate removal of all anti-Iran sanctions. Fischer has told IRIB that it is unclear how long it will take for the West to lift sanctions on Iran. This file photo shows Austrian President Heinz Fischer (L) being welcomed by his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rohani in Tehran on September 8, 2015. (source: This file photo shows Austrian President Heinz Fischer (L) being welcomed by his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rohani in Tehran on September 8, 2015.(source: Mehr News Agency Iran's historic agreement last year with permanent UN Security Council members plus Germany (P5+1) went into force on January 16 to end 13-years of Western dispute over Tehran's nuclear program and pave the way for the lifting of sanctions on the country. But more than two months later, Iran is still awaiting the full opening of business transactions with some companies in the West as some banks are facing restrictions in the US on handling business with Tehran. The Austrian leader said it was not up to a single country to lift all the sanctions, but that the United States had a part to play. "Austria alone cannot lift the sanctions. The EU cannot do it alone too, but it is the international community that should do it," Fischer said. "The US also plays a role in this regard," he added. "A process for sanctions removal has begun, but I cannot make any predictions on how long this issue will last. I hope all sides fully adhere to the [nuclear] agreement." The Austrian president was answering a question on issues facing Iranian banks, some of which still seek to join the international payments system, SWIFT, for the resumption of foreign transfers. The Austrian leader paid a visit to Tehran in September 2015 at the head of a 240-member delegation with the purpose of discussing ways to improve Tehran-Vienna relations. Not all the banks in Iran have been able to reconnect to SWIFT since the lifting of sanctions was announced in January. A senior Iranian official said last month that 26 Iranian banks have so far been reconnected to SWIFT after the removal of the economic sanctions against Iran in mid-January. SWIFT - the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication - is used by nearly every bank around the world to send payment messages that lead to the transfer of money across international borders. It provides a wide range of service including transmitting letters of credit, payments and securities transactions among 9,700 banks in 209 countries. However, it became off limits to Iranian banks in 2012 after the implementation of the US-led sanctions against the country. Accordingly, around 30 Iranian banks were blocked from using SWIFT services, literally cutting off Iran from the global banking system. Canada regrets cutting ties with Iran, wants to re-engage 03/31/16 Source: Press TV Canadas foreign minister says his countrys 2012 move to cut diplomatic ties with Iran has had no positive consequences whatsoever, expressing articulate willingness for re-engagement with the Islamic Republic. Canadas severing of ties with Iran had no positive consequences for anyone: not for Canadians, not for the people of Iran, not for Israel, and not for global security, Stephane Dion said on Tuesday while addressing an international conference at the University of Ottawa. The administration of former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper severed diplomatic ties with Iran in September 2012, citing, among other pretexts, what it described as continued threats from Iran to Israel. In his Tuesday remarks, Dion, who serves under the new government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, said, Canadas embassy in Iran has been closed for over three years. With which results? Is it right to need to count on Italy to protect our interests in this country? Canada maintains an interest section in the Italian embassy in Iran. Today, Canada must return to Iran to play a useful role in that region of the world... We are being asked by all sides to reengage, and we are doing so, he said. Referring to the implementation of a nuclear agreement between Iran and the P5+1 group of countries, Dion said that, The deal has significantly constrained and rolled back Irans nuclear program and ensured ongoing and robust verification by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) of Irans compliance with the accord. The agreement, called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), was reached between the Islamic Republican and the P5+1 countries - the United States, France, Britain, Russia, China and Germany - on July 14, 2015, in Vienna, Austria. It went into effect on January 16. After the JCPOA went into effect, all nuclear-related sanctions imposed on Iran by the European Union, the United Nations Security Council and the US were lifted. Iran, in return, has put some limitations on its nuclear activities. Canada should have strongly supported the efforts of our allies, the Canadian foreign minister said in reference to the P5+1 group. Dion further said that, In line with the approach taken by the majority of our allies and like-minded [countries], we also amended our unilateral sanctions against the Islamic Republic. Unilateral sanctions [against Iran] maintained by Canada alone would be ineffective against Iran, and would have negative consequences for many Canadian families and businesses, Dion said. Dion further expressed willingness for the reopening of Canadas embassy in Iran. The government of Canadas Prime Minister Trudeau has been voicing willingness to resume ties with Iran almost since it took office in late 2015. Earlier in February, Canada announced that it is lifting some sanctions against Iran and is also working over the restoration of diplomatic ties with the Islamic Republic. The Canadian government announced in a statement that it had amended its broad-reaching autonomous sanctions against Iran to allow for a controlled economic re-engagement, including lifting the broad ban on financial services, imports and exports. Canadian companies will now be better positioned to compete with other companies globally, said the statement, issued by Dion and International Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland. Iranian elections: Another milestone in reformists advance 03/31/16 By Farhang Jahanpour (first published by TFF Associates & Themes Blog) Iranian reformist leader Mohammad Reza Aref earned the highest votes in Tehran (Source Arman daily) Since the latest Iranian elections held on 26th February 2016 for the 290-seat parliament (Majles) and the 88-member Assembly of Experts there have been many negative comments about the election results from the usual suspects. Some people who are fundamentally hostile to Iran, criticize everything that Iran does, regardless of outcome. When the leading Iranian reformist candidate Mohammad Khatami won a landslide election in 1997 and initiated a series of important reforms at home and advocated a dialog of civilizations and even made a remarkable offer to the United States to reach a grand bargain over all the issues of contention, some pro-Israeli groups dismissed him, saying that he had no power. However, when President Mahmud Ahmadinezhad made a number of outrageous comments, not only were his statements taken out of context and exaggerated, it was said that he posed an existential threat to Israel and the West. Some people are at least honest about their real motives. During the controversial election in 2009 when Ahmadinezhad was declared the winner over the reformist candidate Mir-Hoseyn Moussavi, some American neoconservatives and Israeli commentators openly said that they preferred Ahmadinezhad because they could demonize him more easily. Just because Moussavi is called a moderate or a reformist doesnt mean hes a nice guy. After all he was approved by the Islamic leadership, said Ephraim Inbar, director of the Begin Sadat Center at Bar Ilan University. If we have Ahmadinejad, we know where we stand. If we have Moussavi we have a serpent with a nice image. The then Mossad Chief, Meir Dagan, told a panel of Israeli lawmakers: If the reformist candidate Moussavi had won, Israel would have had a more serious problem, because it would need to explain to the world the danger of the Iranian threat. Recently, the staunchly anti-Iranian lobby, The Israel Project (TIP), produced a promotional video showing the leader of the terrorist group, the Mojahedin-e Khalq, denouncing the latest Iranian elections. This is despite the fact that before some right-wing pro-Israeli groups had decided to promote this terrorist group as a popular opposition group, in 2011 TIP director Josh Block had described the group as a terrorist organization. (1) Nevertheless, now his organization calls upon the same group to denounce the Iranian elections. However, despite all this negative propaganda, the results of the latest Iranian elections exceeded all expectations. The elections set another milestone in the desire of the Iranian people for change and reform following the 2013 presidential election that resulted in the victory of the centrist candidate Hassan Rouhani. Ever since the victory of the Islamic revolution, the government has held flawed, but competitive and relatively free and fair elections. In order to appreciate the significance of the election results, we should look at some of the obstacles that had been placed on the path of the reformists and moderates. The right-wing Guardian Council, formed by six clerics appointed by Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and six appointed by the head of the judiciary, who is himself appointed by Khamenei, has the job of vetting all the candidates who run for high office in Iran. In the absence of organized political parties, anybody can declare himself or herself a candidate in presidential or parliamentary elections, and normally many unqualified people do so. Therefore, there is a need for a vetting organization, but the criticism against the Guardian Council is that it does not act in a fair and impartial manner. During the recent elections, the Guardian Council disqualified the vast majority of reformist candidates, thus preventing them from running, while the majority of the so-called Principlists, or right-wing extremists, had been allowed to contest the elections. As a result, many people felt that the reformists and moderates would either boycott the elections or that they would massively lose out to the conservatives and the extremists. However, instead of reacting violently and resorting to demonstrations and protests as they had done in 2009, the reformists and the moderates joined forces and selected some of the lesser-known candidates that had not been disqualified and called on their supporters to vote for them. Following the 2009 presidential election, when the Guardian Council declared the incumbent President Mahmud Ahmadinezhad the winner, there were massive demonstrations in Tehran and all major Iranian cities. An estimated half a million people demonstrated in Tehran against the election theft, carrying signs with the message Where is my vote? Those were the biggest demonstrations since the start of the Islamic revolution in 1978-79, and they shook the clerical regime to its core. A few dozen demonstrators were killed and hundreds arrested and detained. Ebrahim Yazdi, one of the original aides to the leader of the Islamic revolution, Ayatollah Khomeini, who served as the first deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs under the clerical rule, and who was the leader of the banned Freedom Movement, warned that the attacks on the demonstrators had opened a Pandoras box which would result in a deep crisis within the regime. The result of such a crisis now is that the rift among the personalities of the revolution is getting deeper, he said. It is also between people and their government, a rift between the state and the nation. It is the biggest crisis since the revolution. The reformist candidate Mir Hoseyn Moussavi, the leader of the Green Movement, and his wife the academic Zahra Rahnavard, and the other reformist candidate Mehdi Karrubi are still under house arrest. Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi-Rafsanjani who had supported the reformist candidates was forced to give up his chairmanship of the powerful Assembly of Experts in 2011 and was replaced by Ayatollah Mohammad Yazdi, a former head of the judiciary, the head of the Association of the Professors of Qum Religious Seminary and secretary of the Supreme Council of Religious Seminaries in the whole country. Ayatollah Yazdi who headed the list of the right-wing candidates for the Assembly of Experts has often been also spoken of as a possible future Supreme Leader, despite his great age. Another influential hard-line cleric Ayatollah Mohammad Taqi Mesbah-Yazdi, who was also a member of the Assembly of Experts and the director of Imam Khomeini Education and Research Institute in Qom, supported Ahmadinezhad in 2009 and declared his election a miracle and a gift from the Hidden Imam. He warned opposition groups against undermining the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, stating, When the president is endorsed by the leader, obeying him is similar to obedience to God. Ayatollah Mesbah-Yazdi is regarded as the most radical cleric in Iran who is strongly opposed to Western culture and to democratic elections. He calls for the establishment of an Islamic Government, instead of an Islamic Republic, as according to him a republic is not compatible with Islam. He believes that the peoples vote is only a decoration, as the legitimacy of the system depends on Islamic Sharia, not on the laws passed by the parliament. He has argued that the Supreme Leader, as the absolute guardian of the revolution, does not require public endorsement as he receives his authority from God. Mesbah-Yazdi too has been referred to as a possible future Supreme Leader. Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati, the powerful chairman of the Guardian Council, who disqualified the vast majority of the reformist candidates, is another right-wing cleric who also supported Ahmadinezhad in the 2009 election, and declared him the winner even before the votes had been properly counted. The Guardian Council under his leadership has always acted as a great barrier to free and fair elections, and has disproportionately endorsed the qualifications of right-wing candidates while disqualifying many reformers. In the recent elections, the moderates and the reformists regarded these three clerics as the supreme enemies of democratic reforms and the biggest barriers to change. While the reformists were prevented from equal access to public media, they made great use of social networks, as they had done during the 2009 election, and they called on their supporters not to vote for those three hard-line clerics for the Assembly of Experts. It is remarkable that out of 16 seats for the Assembly of Experts from Tehran, the first two prominent clerics failed to be elected to the Assembly, while Ayatollah Jannati came last on the list. In any case, as an 89-year-old man, Ayatollah Jannati will not be able to serve for too many years as a diehard opponent of the reformists. This is unprecedented and marks a major change in the fortunes of the hard-liners. We are victorious Leaders of the coalition of reformists and moderates: Hassan Khomeini (left), Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani (center) and President Hassan Rohani (Source Arman daily) After the election, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei blamed foreigners for instructing the people not to vote for those individuals, and proclaimed: The exclusion of these experts like Ayatollah Yazdi and Mesbah is a huge loss to our system. In an interview with the reformist newspaper, Arman-e Emruz, Morteza Haji who served as minister of education in President Mohammad Khatamis reformist government said that blaming foreigners for the decision of Iranian voters was an insult to the intelligence and the decisions of the Iranian people. Fortunately, the Iranian people will pay no attention to the remarks of such individuals, and they have always shown that at critical times they have taken correct and logical decisions. In the Majles election, there were 30 seats from Tehran. Gholam Ali Haddad-Adel, a former parliamentary speaker (2004-2008) who is also very close to Ayatollah Khamenei (his daughter is married to Khameneis son) headed the list of the candidates of the so-called Principlists. The Principlists were hoping that he would also serve as parliamentary speaker in the next session of the Majles. While the 30 candidates included on the list of the moderates and reformist coalition in Tehran swept all the seats in the capital, Haddad-Adel failed to be elected to the Majles, let alone be appointed as the speaker in the next Majles. So, despite the massive disqualifications and many obstacles placed on the path of the moderates and the reformists, they have swept to power in both the Assembly of Experts and in the Majlis elections. In the Assembly of Experts election, Ayatollah Hashemi-Rafsanjani who had been unseated as the Assembly Chairman received the highest number of votes in Tehran, followed by the moderate cleric Ayatollah Mohammad Emami-Kashani and President Hasan Rouhani. The candidates chosen by the reformists and the moderates did not receive an absolute majority in the Majles, but they have broken the monopoly of the hardliners. Out of those elected in the first round, 83 belong to the reformist coalition, and there are 55 independents and 10 from Peoples Voice Coalition, as opposed to 64 candidates from the so-called Principlist Coalition. Therefore, President Rouhani will have a much more cooperative parliament and he will be able to pay more attention to domestic issues and work for greater freedoms for the people. Therefore, so far, he has achieved two major successes, the nuclear agreement with the West in his foreign policy, and a good election that will pave the way for more democratic reforms at home. Many foreign pundits who wish to see a regime change in Iran would have liked to see the repetition of the 2009 protests and clashes. However, seeing chaos and bloodshed in all the neighboring countries, many Iranians would like to bring about gradual change and improve the situation through peaceful means. This has been a historical characteristic of Iranians to engage in passive resistance against their oppressors and to tame the invaders. This is why after the Arab invasion in the seventh century AD, when Iran was one of the first countries to fall to Arab invaders, among all the early converts to Islam Iranians were the only people to retain their language and culture and not be absorbed into the dominant Arab culture unlike many former civilizations that are now regarded as Arabs. Even when the Mongolian hordes under Genghis Khan and Timur Lang (Tamerlane) invaded Iran, massacred many people and devastated the country, Iranians eventually emerged triumphant and tamed and civilized their conquerors. The current situation in Iran is not comparable to those episodes, but unlike many regional countries that have experienced many domestic upheavals and massacres, such as Iraq, Syria, Libya and even Egypt, Iranians have expressed their opposition by taking part in elections. Practically in all the elections held since the beginning of the revolution when people have been allowed to express themselves and the elections have not been rigged, Iranians have opted for moderate and reformist candidates. In the long-term this peaceful process will be more effective and more enduring and it will save Iran the fate of many neighboring countries. As the great Iranian poet Hafiz wrote: The way to felicity in both worlds is being generous with friends and tolerant with enemies. Notes 1. See: Ali Gharib, The Israel Project Boosts An Iranian Terrorist Organization, Lobelog, March 18, 2016-03-19 About the author: Farhang Jahanpour, a TFF Associate and Board member and Fellow of The Royal Asiatic Society, is a former professor and dean of the Faculty of Foreign Languages at the University of Isfahan and a former Senior Research Fellow at Harvard University. He is a tutor in the Department of Continuing Education and a member of Kellogg College, University of Oxford. The best 2-in-1 laptop 2022: our picks of the best convertible laptops These are the best 2-in-1 laptops you can buy right now Editors Note: Microsoft said Thursday that Botts report was incorrect, in that the browser will not support native ad blocking. Ad blocking will be possible through third-party plugins. Microsoft is working to build ad blocking into the next version of Microsoft Edge, according to a report. Ed Bott, who sat in at a Microsoft Edge session at Microsofts Build conference here in San Francisco, snapped a photo of a slide presented by Microsoft executives. Build ad blocking features into the browser is targeted for the next version of the browser, version 4682811. When and if it arrives, ad blocking inside Microsoft Edge would make it the second major browser to natively kill ads; Opera is testing a developer version of its browser that does the same thing. Other browsers have flirted with native ad blocking, including Samsungs native Web browser for Android. Most of the remainder, including Apples Safari and Google Chrome, enable ad blocking through the use of plugins, which companies like Opera say is less effective than blocking them natively. Microsoft didnt say exactly when the new versions of Edge will debut with ad blocking built in. Microsoft has said previously that it has begun seeding the Edge browser, with just a few supported extensions, to its Insider group of beta testers. Its unclear whether or not the Edge ad-blocking software will include whitelisting, or approving certain sites to display ads. Likewise, its not quite clear how deep Microsoft will go to block ads from being displayed, including explicit banner ads but also more subtle uses of ad technology like tracking pixels. Microsoft representatives did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Why this matters: Whether or not Edge does include ad blocking, however, it appears that the Web has changed. Sites that display ads may find those ads blocked; those sites may, in return, refuse to serve their content to those that do. And so on, and so on. Chino Valley Unified School District has four low-achieving schools, according to the California Department of Education. Oxford Preparatory Academy, a six-year-old charter school, is not one of the four. Yet, Chino Valley Unifieds school board a fortnight ago voted not to renew Oxford Preps charter at the behest of Superintendent Wayne Joseph, who told board members he had uncovered certain alarming facts. Among other things, said Mr. Joseph, the charter schools program for the next five years was insufficiently detailed and its financial forecast unrealistic. But his biggest beef, apparently, is Oxford Preps proposed contract with charter management firm Edlighten Learning Solutions for consulting. It so happens that Edlighten President and CEO Sue Roche founded Oxford Prep and served as its executive director through the end of last year. Prior to starting up the charter school, she actually worked together with Mr. Joseph when both were school principals in Chino Valley Unified. In fact, Mr. Joseph in 2010 asked the school board to approve Oxford Preps charter. Now, six years later, he thinks the school unworthy of charter renewal because of its purported arrogance, overreach and greed. We suspect that Mr. Joseph was referring to Ms. Roche, whom he accused of employing certain machinations to appoint or remove Oxford Preps board members so that Edlighten can score lucrative consulting contracts with the charter school. Well, if Mr. Joseph thinks Ms. Roche guilty of self-dealing, he could have proposed that the school board cap Oxford Preps budget for consultant services to the $90,000 a year it earmarked for its first two years of operation. Instead, the superintendent chose the thermonuclear option shuttering Oxford Prep by refusing to renew its charter. Now, if Oxford Prep was one of the four schools under Mr. Josephs watch declared low-performing by the state, that was failing to properly educate its K-8 students, wed be 100 percent behind the superintendent. But the charter school has done an exceptional job of teaching kids since it first opened its doors six years ago. Indeed, it has produced the best test scores in all of San Bernardino County for three years. The California education code states that an authority that originally grants a charter shall consider increases in pupil academic achievement for all groups of pupils served by the charter school as the most important factor in determining whether to grant a charter renewal. Chino Valley Unifieds school board clearly disregarded this section of the state education code when it recently failed to renew Oxford Preps charter. So now it is left to the San Bernardino Board of Education to right that wrong on appeal. On Tuesday, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a plan to retain and expand the services of consulting firm KPMG to help the county implement necessary reforms and identify further opportunities for efficiencies and savings. Whether the $18 million contract will truly be in the best interests of the county remains to be seen, though it is clear the county government, in its current state, is incapable of determining whether it is doing things right. Commissioned last year by the Board of Supervisors to study the countys public safety departments and recommend possible changes, KPMG issued 51 recommendations in a report released late last week. Representatives of KPMG havent been too keen on estimating the potential savings of their recommendations, though its clear what theyve found are opportunities to more efficiently use existing resources going forward. But in a county with a deficit nearing $100 million, savings are quite important and really, the major opportunities for saving the county money have been known for a long time. Simply put, the board needs to stop spending so much. Doubling the number of employees making $100,000 in total compensation in the years following the recession clearly didnt put the county on the right financial track. As Paul McDonnell, finance director for the county, explained at Tuesdays meeting, continuing with the status quo is not a plan that any responsible board member would approve. Mr. McDonnell went on to explain what has been clear all along: Capping spending is the answer. To do this, Mr. McDonnell noted the need to consider reports from KPMG and California Forward, which evaluated jail utilization, to help find operational efficiencies and whatever savings may be possible. Notably, Mr. McDonnell also cited the need to limit labor cost increases, telling the board that the recent labor contract with the deputy district attorneys union, which offered no pay increases, sets the tone for upcoming negotiations with other unions. As these pages have explained for a long time, this latter piece always has been absolutely critical to at least slowing the depletion of county resources and, by extension, the considerable harm to contract city budgets and public safety resources. Of course, we are glad the board is finally interested in finding efficiencies and learning what exactly the public safety departments are up to. It shouldnt have taken an $861,000 report to tell them that they need to communicate better, or set common goals and expectations, or consider doing things differently. Alas, we just hope Riverside County government makes better decisions going forward. Feeling the midweek blues? We have the cure, and its this adorable rescue of some stranded ducklings. Cal Poly Pomona police and Los Angeles County firefighters banded together Tuesday afternoon after some students reported seeing ducklings in distress. And the rescue was adorable. At around 4 p.m. Tuesday, two Cal Poly students noticed a mother duck and her ducklings crossing South Campus Drive, said Cal Poly Pomona spokesperson Emily Velasco in an email. When the duck family reached the other side of the road, all but two ducklings fell through a chain link fence into a storm channel. The mother duck, with her two remaining babies, was pacing back and forth at the top, nervously quacking, Velasco said. The students realized that the mother duck couldnt get to her ducklings and called University Police, which enlisted the help of the Los Angeles County Fire Department. University Police responded and realized they didnt have access to the wash, and the lieutenant was reluctant to send officers in since it had begun raining, Velasco said. The firefighters climbed into the storm channel armed with a plastic bin that the students had provided, Velasco said. They scooped up the ducklings and carried the bin to the frantic mother duck. She was in the bushes, so they took the bin as close as they could and tipped the ducklings out, Velasco said. They made a beeline for their mom, rustled around in the bushes together, then happily walked off. But dont take our word for it. Watch the entire rescue on Cal Poly Pomonas Facebook page. Police arrested the owner of a Fontana smoke shop Tuesday, March 29, on suspicion of selling drugs to undercover officers. Noubar Toutikian, 58, of Northridge, was booked after Fontana police officers served a search warrant at his business in the 17200 block of Foothill Boulevard, officials said in a news release. Investigators found MDMA, spice, firearms, ammunition, cash and packaging evidence during the search. The business had previously sold synthetic marijuana also known as spice and MDMA to undercover officers, officials said. Toutikian was arrested on suspicion of narcotics sales. He was released on bail Wednesday, according to booking logs. The business was cited for several code violations, officials said. No further details were available. Gladys Sutherland was born March 6, 1910. Wesley Sorn came into the world March 25 of the same year. For those doing the math, that was 106 years ago. The two recently celebrated their birthdays at the Welbrook Arlington retirement community. Their fellow residents, staff, and a representative from Mayor William Rusty Baileys office honored the centenarians. Gladys Sutherland was born in Nebraska and worked for 25 years on Wall Street and had spent 40 years volunteering at many organizations including the Red Cross. She moved to Riverside 20 years ago with her family, who currently live in Northern California. Gladys attributes her longevity to keeping her mind active and focusing on education. She has an interest in playing bridge, poker and by her own admission can swear in six languages. Be yourself, dont try to be someone else, she advised. Create your own personality. I am very outspoken, people think Im brazen and what-not. Wesley Sorn was born in Minnesota and grew up on a farm and later raised livestock, poultry and cereal crops. He and his family moved to Riverside 20 years ago after living in Long Beach. 106 years sneaked up on me one year at a time, he said. I couldnt believe it, I still cant believe it [and] Ive had very good health all that time. According to Activities Director Karen Rampolla, Sorn claims that his longevity is due to having never smoked, done drugs or been married. During the birthday celebration, residents, staff, and well-wishers greeted the birthday duo and took pictures. Gladys and Wesley were seated in the front of the dining room with a large, green cake and balloons that spelled out 106 anchored behind them. Partiers were given hats and party glasses, while Gladys and Wesley were adorned with a crown and feather boa. He likes the attention and enjoys people, said Janice Wagner, Wesleys niece. Hes got a great memory, too. Frank Arreola, Assistant to Mayor, presented Gladys and Wesley certificates of achievement from the mayors office and congratulated them. Its a blessing and an opportunity to honor our seniors on their birthday, Areola said. But not only that, were here to show that we care and acknowledge them. Rampolla noted the different personality types of Gladys and Wesley. You have one who is a spitfire and the other who is very calm, relaxed and just goes with the flow. Although, Gladys and Wesley are the facilitys two oldest residents, there are two more centenarians living there. Contact the writer: community@pressenterprise.com Re: Fight building over $15.00 minimum wage [News, March 28]: Why is government so concerned about raising the minimum wage? Business knows what it can afford to pay. Government has no right to dictate what business must pay. The worker has the right to accept the pay or look for a better paying job. Government has shipped all of the better paying jobs overseas. The days of the blue collar worker are gone. The only high-paying jobs left are high-tech jobs that require an education. The only low-paying jobs left are in the fast-food industry or servicing hotels. These jobs are mostly part time and require no education. They were never meant to pay the rent, and only meant for supplemental income. Soon, those in high-tech jobs will be flipping hamburgers because government is actively bringing in foreign workers to take these jobs as well. Our government is our own worst enemy. It does everything it can to kill our economy. It claims to be concerned with families that cannot afford housing, which caused the housing crash. It claims to be concerned about low wages, which is causing companies to reduce their workforce. So how is this helping anything? In spite of its failures, all government can do is blame the Republicans and Wall Street. Government fails to take responsibility for its own stupidity. No government is perfect, but what we have now is disastrous. If we do not make a change for economic sanity and bring business and jobs back to America, this country is doomed. Luke Chaffin Corona P-E dodges a bullet Re: New owners but same goal: Great local journalism [Local, March 27]: Sad as it is, the P-E is sold, but the good news is that the buyer was not the L.A. Times. As a subscriber, I have enjoyed a rational newspaper coming into the house, and I hope nothing changes with the politics of the P-E. Had the L.A. Times won, we would have been subjected to the nonsense that illegal aliens are a wonderful benefit to America and the legal visa applicants who have waited 10 years to come here can just keep on waiting, no problem. We would have been told that Muslim terrorists are just misunderstood, and poverty drives them to justified violence while Israel is the dominant force of evil in the Middle East. Thank the Almighty the P-E has a new owner with a brain. Bracha Sarah Meyerowitcz Hemet A California senate bill that would restore lost funding to Riverside Countys four newest cities passed the Senate Committee on Governance and Finance on a bipartisan , unanimous vote of 7-0 on Wednesday, March 30. Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, Menifee and Wildomar have lost millions of dollars since 2011 when Senate Bill 89 eliminated vehicle-license fee revenue allocated to newly incorporated cities and annexed areas. SB 89 was one of the steps the legislature took to close Californias massive budget gap. Sen. Richard Roth (D-Riverside), the sponsor of SB 817, said the bill provides funding for the newly incorporated cities of Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, Menifee and Wildomar which all lost critical funding through no fault of their own. SB 817 now moves to the Senate Committee on Appropriations for consideration. Contact the writer: 951-368-9647 or sstokley@pressenterprise.com When Sarah Sillas arrived at the scene of a horrific crash that killed two men in San Bernardino on Monday, she felt a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach when she recognized a hat lying in the middle of Rialto Avenue. It belonged to her fiance, Alejandro Alex Peyro. I knew it was his, said Sillas, 22, of Colton, struggling to keep her voice from shaking. Its been really hard. Peyro, on his way to work with a friend early Monday morning, lost his life when the Mustang he was a passenger in was violently struck by a Honda driven by a man fleeing from a San Bernardino County sheriffs deputy. The force of the collision knocked the engine out of the Mustang and scattered auto parts from both cars dozens of feet all over the intersection of Mt. Vernon and West Rialto avenues. Peyro, 26, of Colton, and the driver of the Honda, Rudy Javier Vargas, 30, of San Bernardino, were both killed in the crash. The driver of the Mustang suffered moderate injuries and has since been released from the hospital. San Bernardino police Lt. Rich Lawhead called the crash one of the most devastating hes seen in the city. I cant remember one this bad, he said Monday morning. Like many comic book fans, Peyro was looking forward to watching the new Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice film that was released March 25. The couple had been going through some financial hardships, she said, and Peyro was working a lot of overtime at his job as a warehouse worker at Innotrac Corporation in Redlands. He had managed to put away a few dollars, though, for the Warner Bros. movie. He wasnt even supposed to work that day. He was going in for the overtime, said Sillas. It was going to be our little treat, sort of. We were going to see it Monday after he got off of work. She sobbed at the realization that the date wasnt going to take place. We are deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague our thoughts and prayers are with Alexs family and friends, eBay Enterprise, which recently merged with operations of Innotrac, said in a statement released Wednesday. A memorial set up on the corner of Mt. Vernon and West Rialto avenues near the mangled fence where the two vehicles plowed through after the explosive crash has been decorated with a few Batman signs and drawings. Friends and family have set up a GoFundMe account to help the family with any costs associated with his burial. In two days, nearly 100 people have donated more than $6,300 toward the $10,000 goal. Peyro has two children living in Las Vegas with their mother, Sillas said. The middle child in a family of seven siblings, Peyro was always smiling and joking, said his older sister, Nancy Peyro, 29. We have always been a really close family, she said surrounded by most of her siblings Thursday. Four years ago, the siblings were dealt a devastating blow when their mother, Rosario Perez-Lopez was deported to Mexico. So its been us helping raise each other, raising each others kids and being there for each other, said older brother Armando Peyro, 31. The family is hoping to raise enough money to have Alex Peyros body sent to Tijuana, Mexico so his mother can say her final good-bye to her son. But we want him to come back to be buried here, said Nancy Peyro. This is where he would want to be. The death of the 26-year-old has been hard on the family but especially on Mikey Peyro, Alex Peyros 16-year-old nephew and the son of his eldest sister, Ivet Peyro. He was like a father to him, explained Sillas. They loved each other so much. Alex Peyros love of his family was on par with the love for his hurting and struggling community. He grew up around Mt. Vernon (Avenue) so he would do anything to help his neighborhood, said Sillas. After the Dec. 2 attack at the Inland Regional Center committed by terrorist couple, Syed Rizwan Farook and Tashfeen Malik, Peyro, like many San Bernardino natives, were left wondering how they could help. Tapping into his creativity, Alex Peyro designed and printed up several T-shirts with the slogan San Bernardino: We Pray with the San Bernardino mountains and the iconic Santa Fe smoke stack of the rail yard at Third Street and Mt. Vernon Avenue only a few blocks from where the 26-year-old was killed in the background. He was born in Pomona, but his heart was here in San Bernardino, said Nancy Peyro. He definitely wanted his family to do better and be better, but he really wanted that for San Bernardino, too, said Armando Peyro. He had goals. Goals for himself, for his children, his family and for his city, Peyro has two children living in Las Vegas with their mother, Sillas said. She remembered his kind heart, his goofy sense of humor, but most of all his love for his hurting and struggling community. He grew up around Mt. Vernon (Avenue) so he would do anything to help his neighborhood, said Sillas. He would go and see his younger friends to motivate them and try to try to keep them from being in the streets. He was always trying to be positive and uplifting. He always cared about others more than he cared about himself. Peyro loved to dance and rap and would include lyrics spotlighting his community. After the Dec. 2 attack at the Inland Regional Center committed by terrorist couple Syed Rizwan Farook and Tashfeen Malik, Peyro, like many San Bernardino natives, were left wondering how they could help. Tapping into his creativity, Peyro designed and printed up several T-shirts with the slogan San Bernardino: We Pray. He wanted to make his T-shirts here so that he could do things for the community, she said. If me and him would be sitting in a park and he would see a mess, he would just pick it up. He had a lot of pride in his community. Although still fresh and raw, Sillas says she hopes to continue with Peyros vision and is looking for a way to fulfill his goal of doing something for the community. I dont know what it will be, but I want to continue his dream, she said. I want that to be his legacy. He always hoped that San Bernardino would get better. Contact the writer: beatriz.valenzuela@langnews.com @BeatrizVNews on Twitter Metrolink will change its weekday schedules starting Monday, April 4, on the San Bernardino-to-Los Angeles route and the 91 Line that runs between Riverside County and Los Angeles through Orange County. The biggest changes are for the San Bernardino Line. It will still have 38 weekday trains, but after a review of the routes usage and a ridership survey, the express trains that made limited stops will be eliminated, Metrolink said in a release. The adjustments will lower the probability of train overcrowding and increase rider options, the train service said in a statement Wednesday, March 30. The new schedule will allow Metrolink trains to arrive and leave Los Angeles Union Station at peak weekday commute periods in the morning and night. Generally, morning trains bound for Los Angeles will leave San Bernardino at earlier times. Schedulers made a tighter grouping around peak evening commute times for Los Angeles trains returning to San Bernardino. http://cdn.thinglink.me/jse/embed.js Currently, the first weekday train in the morning, Train 301, departs San Bernardino at 4 a.m. and arrives at Union Station at 5:35 a.m. With the new schedule, it will leave San Bernardino at 3:48 a.m. and arrive at Union Station at 5:26 a.m. The last weekday night train from Union Station to San Bernardino, Train 336, currently leaves at 9:30 p.m. and arrives in San Bernardino at 11:05 p.m.; under the new schedule it will depart at 9:46 p.m. and arrive in San Bernardino at 11:29 p.m. We are confident the new schedule will accommodate a great majority of our passengers, Metrolink CEO Art Leahy said in a statement. METROLINK: Turn your smartphone into a ticket For the 91 Line that goes from Riverside to Los Angeles Union Station through Orange County, Train 707 willl start five minutes later and leave Riverside at 6:07 p.m., arriving at Union Station at 7:45 p.m. The change was made to avoid conflicts with Amtrak service in Fullerton. Metrolink shares tracks with freight and Amtrak trains and has to adjust its schedule around them. Metrolink also announced changes for its Ventura County Line. There will be no changes for the Inland Empire-Orange County Line, Orange County Line or Riverside Line. Metrolink said it conducted a San Bernardino Line ridership survey in mid-February to get feedback for the schedule changes. Of the 1,661 riders who responded, 61 percent preferred all-local trains to express trains, sidetracking that service. Construction at the San Bernardino Depot is expected to continue for the next year or more, and train size is limited to five passenger cars, Metrolink told those taking the survey. Some survey results: 40 percent of all morning peak-time commuters wanted to arrive at Los Angeles Union Station between 7 and 8 a.m. It followed that 75 percent of peak morning commuters wanted more departures from San Bernardino before 8 a.m. The old schedule had eight such departures; the new one has nine by a sliver with a 7:59 a.m. start for the last train in that time frame. 43 percent of all evening peak-time commuters preferred to depart Los Angeles between 5 and 6 p.m. The new schedule offers a tighter grouping, with departures at 4:58 p.m., 5:12 p.m., 5:35 p.m., and 6:05 p.m. for those prime hours. For the complete schedule, visit metrolinktrains.com/schedules Contact the writer: rdeatley@pressenterprise.com or 951-368-9573 A security guard at a Perris apartment complex who investigators say fatally shot an unarmed man five times in the back has been charged with voluntary manslaughter, following an almost six-month investigation. Steven Ray Dillick Jr., 34, of Perris was arrested Tuesday, March 29, in the death of Isaac Jermaine Kelly, 33. Earlier that day, the Riverside County District Attorneys Office filed charges and issued a warrant. Dillick remained in jail Wednesday, with bail set at $500,000, sheriffs officials said. He is scheduled to make his first court appearance Friday, April 1. Dillick shot Kelly about 12:30 a.m. Oct. 3 at the Meadowview II Apartments at 150 E. Nuevo Road. Dillick told investigators that he fired because Kelly was running at him, not responding to commands, and he thought Kelly had a gun. But the autopsy showed that Kelly had five gunshot wounds to the back, and a sixth possible gunshot wound to the outside of his right arm, according to a report filed by Riverside County sheriffs investigator Matthew Posson. There were no entry wounds identified in the front of Kellys body, wrote Posson He concluded: with the exception of Dillicks statements, I was unable to show what, if any, threat Kelly posed to Dillick. Kelly only had a set of keys in his possession Kelly had only been walking with his hand out of view of Dillick. In addition to the criminal charge, Dillick is facing a lawsuit filed by Kellys family that alleges wrongful death and negligence. The suit also names the security company Dillick worked for and several companies affiliated with the apartment complex. Kellys mother Janice Sly, who lives in Port Arthur, Texas, said Wednesday by phone that she was glad to hear the guard had been arrested. I just thank God, Sly said. Its a relief. Sly said she hopes justice is served. She would not comment on the lawsuit. THE SHOOTING Dillick told Posson that just before the shooting, he had parked in his personal Jeep next to a wall in the parking lot to write his notes for the day. Thats when he saw a black figure walk out from in between some cars 50 feet away from him. Dillick loudly said Hey, hows it going to the person who turned out to be Kelly but got no response. Kelly then began running and put his arm behind his back as if he were reaching for a weapon, Dillick told investigators. Dillick said he began giving verbal commands to the person, such as Let me see your hands, as he tried to get out of his Jeep. The person kept running and said something that Dillick couldnt make out, Posson wrote. When the person got to about 6 feet away from Dillick, the guard fired with a 9mm handgun, but the person kept coming, so he fired several more times until the person fell, he told investigators. Dillick did not see his shots hit the man but he remembered seeing the man spin and fall to the ground, Posson wrote. When deputies arrived at the scene, Dillick told them, I told him to stop, and I thought he had a gun, he wouldnt stop, according to Possons report. Prior to the Oct. 3 shooting, Dillick had multiple threats to his life made against him by mostly non tenants, Posson wrote. Dillicks mother told investigators that Dillick expressed his concern for his safety at work before the shooting and even wrote a will that he emailed to her in case anything bad were to happen to him at work resulting in grave injuries or death. Still, Dillick felt as though he had a good relationship with the tenants of Meadowview. In the days after the shooting, many residents of the Meadowview apartment complex told reporters that both Kelly and Dillick were well-liked and easy-going people. ARMED GUARDS Following the shooting, the California Department of Consumer Affairs opened an investigation that could lead to disciplinary action, said spokeswoman Joyia Emard. She was not able to get information about the status of the investigation on Wednesday afternoon. According to the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, Dillick has been licensed as a security guard since 2007, and is qualified to carry several firearms including a 9mm, as well as a baton. The website says the licenses are still active, and lists no disciplinary actions. Before allowing a security guard to carry a gun while on duty, the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services requires training that includes time at a range and classroom instruction on the moral and legal aspects of firearms use. That includes training in how to de-escalate a situation, said Roy Rahn, executive director of the California Association of Licensed Security Agencies, Guards and Associates, in an October interview. Those who complete the necessary training and background checks are issued firearms qualification cards, which expire two years from the date of issuance. Applicants must requalify four times during the life of the permit: twice during the first year after the date of issuance and twice during the second year. A security guard is supposed to report and observe and pass along information to law enforcement agencies, according to the bureaus Security Guard Guide. Those who attempt to make citizens arrests or take actions that could be construed as policing do so with the knowledge they have only the authority of a private citizen not the qualified immunity provided to peace officers, which protects them from liability if they act in a manner that would be considered reasonable under the circumstance. Hes a civilian and hes not a police officer, but the laws of self-defense in the state of California affect him, said Ron Martinelli, of Martinelli & Associates, Justice & Forensic Consultants in Temecula, in an October interview. The citizen has to have an objectively reasonable belief that the person he encounters is going to threaten him imminently not potentially with serious bodily harm or death, Martinelli said. Its not a guess. Its not speculation. WRONGFUL-DEATH LAWSUIT Kellys family filed the wrongful-death lawsuit in February in Riverside County Superior Court against Dillick, Reiner Communities, LVM II Affordable, 19th Street GP, Kenneth Jude Reiner and the security company Dillick worked for, Star Pro International. It asks for a civil jury trial and seeks burial and funeral expenses, general and special damages, medical and related expenses, legal costs and further relief as the Court deems just and proper. The suit contends that Kelly posed no reasonable or credible threat of violence to Dillick. Kelly did not do anything to justify the violence perpetrated against him, and the same was deadly, unnecessary, unlawful and not used in defense of self or others. Kellys family is being represented by Brian Dunn of The Cochran Firm California. Dunn represented the family of Lamon Khiry Haslip, an 18-year-old man who was handcuffed and shot to death by Riverside County Sheriffs Deputies in 2012. The county paid Haslips family $500,000. Staff writers Alex Groves and Aaron Claverie contributed to this report. Contact the writer: 951-368-9284 or atadayon@pressenterprise.com Failing electronic power-assisted steering systems has prompted General Motors to recall almost 6,300 police cars in the U.S. including 10 owned by the Riverside County Sheriffs Department. The recall covers Chevrolet Caprice Police Pursuit vehicles from the 2014 to 2016 model years. GM says corrosion on a connector causes the problem. If it happens, the cars still have manual steering, but that requires more effort to turn the wheels and increases the risk of a crash. The problem was discovered after an Illinois police department complained to GM of power steering losses in its fleet. GM says no crashes or injuries have been reported. Riverside County sheriffs Chief Deputy Patricia Knudson said deputies havent reported any steering issues with any of the departments Caprices. It has 17 10 from the 2015 model year, plus seven from 2013 that arent affected by the recall and six more are on order. We will be working with the manufacturer to ensure the recalled parts are replaced within each vehicle in the most expedient and efficient manner, Knudson said via email. Replacing these parts will ensure the safe operation of the vehicles for our staff and the public. GM says the problem happens because police cars often run 20 hours per day and heat can build up under the hood while idling. Dealers will replace the steering gear control unit. The Associated Press and staff writer Ali Tadayon contributed to this report. Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump walked back his statement that there would have to be some form of punishment for women who have abortions if the procedure were outlawed in the U.S. The comment, which immediately riled abortion-rights supporters, came during a week where Trump is fighting to defend himself on womens issues on multiple fronts ahead of a key primary in Wisconsin, and led his campaign to issue two clarifications on Wednesday afternoon. This issue is unclear and should be put back into the states for determination, Trump said in a written statement e-mailed to Bloomberg Politics Wednesday afternoon. Like Ronald Reagan, I am pro-life with exceptions, which I have outlined numerous times. As his initial remarks continued to draw scrutiny, Trump issued a second statement later in the day. If Congress were to pass legislation making abortion illegal and the federal courts upheld this legislation, or any state were permitted to ban abortion under state and federal law, the doctor or any other person performing this illegal act upon a woman would be held legally responsible, not the woman, Trump said in the revised statement. The woman is a victim in this case as is the life in her womb. My position has not changed like Ronald Reagan, I am pro-life with exceptions. At a taping of an MSNBC town hall to be aired Wednesday evening, host Chris Matthews pressed Trump on his anti-abortion position, repeatedly asking him whether abortion should be punished if it is outlawed. This is not something you can dodge. Look, people in certain parts of the Republican Party, conservative Republicans, would say, Yes, it should, Trump answered. How about you? Matthews asked. I would say its a very serious problem and its a problem we have to decide on. Are you going to send them to jail? Trump said. Im asking you, Matthews said. I am pro-life, Trump said. Asked how a ban would actually work, Trump said, Well, you go back to a position like they had where they would perhaps go to illegal places but we have to ban it, Trump said. Matthews then pressed Trump on whether he believes there should be punishment for abortion if it were illegal. There has to be some form of punishment, Trump said. For the woman? Matthews asked. Yeah, Trump said, nodding. Trump said the punishment would have to be determined. Trump said the stakes of the general election are high because of the vacancy on the Supreme Court left by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia in February. President Barack Obama has nominated a replacement whom Senate Republicans say they wont consider because of the impending national vote. Theyve set the law and frankly the judges, youre going to have a very big election coming up for that reason because you have judges where its a real tipping point and with the loss of Scalia, who was a very strong conservative, this presidential election is going to be very important, Trump said. When you say whats the law, nobody knows what the law is going to be. It depends on who gets elected, Trump said. Fight vs. Cruz Texas Senator Ted Cruz blasted Trump on Wednesday in a written statement. Once again Donald Trump has demonstrated that he hasnt seriously thought through the issues, and hell say anything just to get attention. On the important issue of the sanctity of life, whats far too often neglected is that being pro-life is not simply about the unborn child; its also about the motherand creating a culture that respects her and embraces life, Cruz said in his statement. Of course we shouldnt be talking about punishing women; we should affirm their dignity and the incredible gift they have to bring life into the world. Cruz has repeatedly attacked the billionaire over his evolution on the abortion issue. In an October 1999 interview on NBCs Meet the Press, Trump said he was very pro-choice. I hate the concept of abortion. I hate it, I hate everything it stands for. I cringe when I hear people debating the subject, Trump said in 1999. But you stillI just believe in choice. And again, it may be a little bit of a New York background, because there is some different attitude in different parts of the country, and I was raised in New York, grew up and worked and everything else in New York City. But I am strongly for choice, and yet I hate the concept of abortion. Since running for president, Trump has consistently argued that he has evolved on the issue. At the first Republican presidential debate in August, Trump clarified his 1999 remarks to Russert. If you look at the question, I was in business. They asked me a question as to pro-life or choice, Trump said. And then since then, Ive very much evolved. And what happened is friends of mine years ago were going to have a child, and it was going to be aborted. And it wasnt aborted. And that child today is a total superstar, a great, great child. And I saw that. And I saw other instances. And I am very, very proud to say that I am pro-life. One of his earliest public pro-life declarations was in 2011, during a speech at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). I am pro-life, he said. But on the campaign trail, Cruz has also attacked Trump for having New York values and for supporting federal funding for Planned Parenthood for womens health services other than abortions. In recent days, Cruz and Trump have fought an escalating battle over their wives, with Trump accusing his competitor of having ties to a group that ran an ad with a provocative photo of Trumps wife, Melania. Cruz denied involvement. After Trump threatened to spill the beans on Cruzs own wife, Heidi, Cruz began to back away from his pledge last year to support whoever becomes the Republican nominee. On Tuesday, Cruz said hes not in the habit of supporting someone who attacks my wife and my family. Further igniting the race, Trumps campaign manager was charged on Tuesday with misdemeanor battery for grabbing a female reporters arm at a news conference earlier this month. The campaign says the aide, Corey Lewandowski, is innocent, and Trump has sought to cast doubt on the reporters account of the incident, arguing that she was interfering with Secret Service. Cruz leads Trump 40 percent to 30 percent among likely Republican primary voters in Wisconsin, according to a Marquette Law School poll released Wednesday. The vote is April 5. Trump leads the delegate count and is seeking to win a majority of delegates ahead of the partys national gathering in July in order to avoid a contested convention. Voter Skepticism Trumps comments drew a swift rebuke from Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton. Just when you thought it couldnt get worse. Horrific and telling, she said on Twitter, signing the message with an H to signify the message was from the candidate personally. Helen Patenaude, a retiree from Oconto who attended the taping on Wednesday, said she is supporting Trump because he tells it like it is. Hes not a politician, she said. But she said she was confused and didnt really understand what Trump meant during his exchange with Matthews on abortion. Others were skeptical of Trumps comments on social media, but argued that media reports were mischaracterizing his comments. Jeanne Mancini, president of the pro-life March For Life, criticized Trumps comments in a public statement. No pro-lifer would ever want to punish a woman who has chosen abortion, said Mancini, whose group organizes the largest annual pro-life march annually in Washington. This is against the very nature of what we are about. We invite a woman who has gone down this route to consider paths of healing, not punishment. Lidia Nonn of Green Bay , who said she is pro-life but thinks abortion should be legal, said Trump shouldve thought the answer out more carefully. If a woman decides she has to have an abortion, he shouldve realized that her anguish spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically is punishment enough, said Nonn. Its her right. Public employees who dont want to pay agency fees to unions will have to wait longer for justice. The Supreme Court handed down a 4-4 decision Tuesday affirming, for now, a 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that employees must pay the fees, even if they object to union activities. Oral arguments in Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association this year indicated a 5-4 ruling in favor of the plaintiffs. Then, conservative Justice Antonin Scalia died in February, leaving the eight justices evenly split. The CTA and other unions contended that all employees in a unionized entity, such as teachers in a public school district, should pay the fees because everyone benefits from collective bargaining. Union negotiations, however, cover not just salaries, but such provisions as a last hired, first fired policy for layoffs, something that clearly makes new teachers potential victims, not free riders. Tuesdays decision highlights the tension over President Obamas nominee to replace Justice Scalia, Merrick Garland. Many observers believe a Justice Garland would pivot the court to the left by siding with the four liberal justices who voted to uphold the 9th Circuits decision against Ms. Friedrichs and the other teachers. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has said the Senate will not take up a Scalia replacement until after the November presidential election. But NBC News reported Tuesday that 16 Republican senators now say they will meet with Garland over 25 percent of the GOP caucus. As for public workers seeking to stop financially supporting unions they disagree with, they will have to wait for another case in another court. In California, the CTA and other public-sector unions will maintain their dominance over public policy. Local researchers will study how lack of oxygen can affect fetus development. Sheep fetuses. What they find could unlock the mystery of reversing chronic diseases humans suffer later in life. Loma Linda University School of Medicine was recently awarded a $6.29 million grant from the National Institutes of Health that will be used by researchers at the Center for Perinatal Biology to study pregnant sheep kept at high altitude, officials announced Tuesday. Researchers hope to better understand how oxygen deprivation alters a fetus ability to adapt to challenges imposed during development and growth, officials said. The project will fund four separate but related projects exploring the physiological, biochemical, cellular and molecular mechanisms that mediate the effects of long-term, high-altitude-caused lack of oxygen called hypoxia on maternal health and fetal development. Our nation faces a crisis of increasing chronic disease of an epidemic scale, said Lubo Zhang, director of the perinatal biology center and principal investigator for the grant. These chronic diseases, including obesity, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and certain neurological and behavioral disorders, have their roots in early development, Zhang said. Genetics play a factor. But not everything can be attributed to genetics, Zhang said at a press conference announcing the grant Tuesday. Researchers believe the process of when genes are turned on and off called epigenetics is key to understanding the epidemic of chronic diseases, Zhang said. Those on- and off switches can be modified after birth, Zhang and. Thus, the projects goal is to better understand how oxygen deprivation stress alters these switches so that further research can produce methods to reverse the harmful changes opening the door for future cures, Zhang said. The population of study sheep will spend most of their pregnancy at the University of Californias approximately 12,500-foot White Mountain Research Station in the Sierra Nevada above Bishop, officials said. More than 140 million people worldwide live at altitudes above 8,000 feet, Zhang said. Sheep were chosen because their embryonic formation and size closely mirrors humans, Zhang said. The White Mountain altitude will create maternal oxygen deficiency in mother sheep that stresses fetus development. What happens to the fetus with this stress is a key study component, said William J. Pearce, one of the researchers. Tissues from the sacrificed animals also will go to teams of researchers at multiple sites unaffiliated with Loma Linda University, Charles A. Ducsay, one of the four researchers involved with the study, said. The grants award assures the continuity of the Center for Perinatal Biology, established by Dr. Lawrence D. Longo in 1972. Longo died in January, officials said. Contact the writer: business@pressenterprise.com Entertainment / Music by Bongani Ndlovu DUB poet Albert Nyathi has been awarded by the Women's University in Africa for his contribution towards gender parity in Zimbabwe.Nyathi who is the United Nations Women Gender Champion was awarded last week during celebrations marking International Women's Day.The award was received on Nyathi's behalf by the director of the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, Elvas Mari.Nyathi who wrote two poems, My daughter and My son, and has been outspoken on issues concerning gender inequality said he was humbled by the honour."I wasn't expecting it. It took me by surprise. Art is a collective and collaborative exercise. Art contributes to the betterment of our society. When Babongile or Chigubu make us laugh at our own follies, we correct those mistakes in the process. This honour belongs to all of us collectively," said Nyathi.He said it was good to be recognised for the hard work he does to uplift the girl child."Money to me is secondary in fact not important but the recognition and certificate is what I cherish the most."I'm delighted with the recognition I'm getting from people. It is very encouraging that my work was being noticed. As I didn't know that people were noticing what I was doing," said Nyathi. News / Africa by Staff reporter PRETORIA - The battle to rename the capital city of South Africa reaches its waterloo next month when the Supreme Court of Appeal decides either to keep Pretoria as name or change to Tshwane for the city of government.Pretoria is named after the Voortrekker leader Andries Pretorius (1798-1853) and Tshwane is derived from early black settlers of the area who lived near Tshwane River.This has been an ongoing battle, but the end of the matter is near.City authorities and AfriForum have been bruising each other for years over the proposed name-change.Most recently, there has been a battle to rename street names in the city with the latter preferring that old Afrikaans names be retained for "heritage reasons".The city lost its initial High Court case on the matter and the subsequent appeal.The High Court ruled that the city had to reinstate the old street names, together with the new ones.A total of 27 street names in Pretoria's central business district were changed in early 2012 to reflect a shared heritage.Social commentators who spoke to Gauteng Guardian are generally of the view Pretoria must adopt Tshwane in place of Pretoria, a colonial name.Educationist Daniel Nyaude says the renaming of the capital city was "long overdue"."It has been always the trend in Africa that cities and indeed national monuments be named after African names and luminaries. It is a sign of liberation from the colonial yoke. Pretoria is no exception," says Nyaude."If you go to Zimbabwe, you will find Salisbury was renamed to Harare, Lorenzo Marcques is now Maputo in Mozambique. I can go on and on. I prefer that Pretoria be named Tshwane to reflect the African heritage," adds Nyaude.University of South Africa lecturer Everisto Benyera echoed Nyaude's sentiments."It is long overdue. The past must be done away with and give way to a new dispensation. This confusion emanates from the 1994 compromises, which continue to haunt South Africa's efforts to forge a post-apartheid political dispensation. In a way South Africa remains stuck in a political transition of sorts," says Benyera.He adds: "Names are not mere nouns. They carry a history, a memory and at times very painful memories of being subjugated and dehumanised. At this point we ask, whose history matters, whose memory matters? Who should be remembered and by extension who should be forgotten?" asks Benyera."Those in power reserve the right to name and rename. Pretoria was named by those in power that time and those in power today, have the responsibility to name our cities in a manner that reflect the current power dynamics," he argues.AfriForum leader Kallie Kriel argues there is a need to retain the name Pretoria for the city while Tshwane will remain as a municipality name."The public participation process showed that more than 80 percent of participants were opposed to the proposed change, but the city somehow still wants to go ahead with this process," Kriel told media. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form OPEC oil output rising as Iran enter the market Also rising U.S. crude stockpiles expand global glut, nationwide inventories increase last week by 2.3 million barrels: EIA LONDON Petroleumworld.com 03 31 2016 OPEC oil output is rising in March, a Reuters survey found, as higher supply from Iran after the lifting of sanctions and near-record exports from southern Iraq offset maintenance and outages in smaller producers. The survey also found no major change in production in top exporter Saudi Arabia - another sign that Riyadh is serious about freezing output to support prices, which hit a 12-year low near $27 a barrel in January but have since recovered to $40. Producers are meeting on April 17 in Qatar to discuss the plan. "The production freeze has put a floor under the price," said Carsten Fritsch, analyst at Commerzbank. "We see a risk of a short-term setback if the meeting produces a disappointment." Supply from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries has risen in March to 32.47 million bpd from 32.37 million bpd in February, according to the survey, based on shipping data and information from sources at oil companies, OPEC and consultants. The biggest rise came from Iran following the lifting of Western sanctions in January. Tehran, which wants to recover market share it lost under sanctions, has said it will not take part in the production freeze. Iran has increased output by 230,000 bpd since December, according to Reuters surveys. Iranian officials say the increase in supplies is much larger. Iraq, OPEC's largest source of supply growth in 2015, managed to raise output. An increase in southern exports to what may be a new record in March offset disruption to flows along a pipeline carrying oil from the Kurdish region. Angolan exports rose. In countries where output has fallen, the drop was the result of outages and maintenance rather than voluntary restraint. Output declined in the United Arab Emirates, where work on oilfields that produce Murban crude is curbing production. The maintenance will not be completed until April. There was a further decline in Nigeria due to a whole month of disruption to the Forcados crude stream operated by Royal Dutch Shell's local venture, but this was partially offset by higher supply of other grades. Libyan output, already at a fraction of rates seen before the country's civil war, fell due to a power outage. Supply in Venezuela edged lower. Saudi Arabia kept output steady compared with February, sources in the survey said, citing stable to slightly lower exports in March. Saudi production was assessed at 10.18 million bpd versus 10.20 million in February. OPEC production has surged since the group in November 2014 abandoned its historic role of cutting supply alone to prop up prices, in the hope that lower prices would curb the growth of more costly-to-develop competing supply sources. The extra OPEC crude added to a global glut, and this year's output freeze agreement represents the first cooperation on supply policy between OPEC and non-OPEC since 2001. News / Africa by BBC The highest court in South Africa has ruled that President Jacob Zuma violated the constitution when he failed to repay government money spent on his private home.It gave the treasury 60 days to determine how much he should repay.The ruling is a victory for the opposition, who said they would push for Mr Zuma's impeachment.They accuse him of using "ill-gotten wealth" to upgrade his home with a swimming pool and amphitheatre.Mr Zuma has denied any wrongdoing.A government statement said he would "reflect" on the judgement and take "appropriate action".An anti-corruption body, known as the public protector, ruled in 2014 that $23m (15m) had been spent on his rural home in Nkandla in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province.Mr Zuma had "unduly benefited" from the renovations and should repay a portion of the money, the public protector said.In a unanimous judgement on behalf of the Constitutional Court's 11 judges, Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng said the public protector was a "Biblical David" fighting against the Goliath of corruption.Mr Zuma's failure to repay the money was "inconsistent" with the constitution, he added."The president failed to uphold, defend and respect the constitution," he declared.Mr Mogoeng added that public officials ignored the constitution at their peril, and should remember that the rule of law was the "sharp and mighty sword that stands ready to chop the ugly head of impunity from its stiffened neck".The case was brought by two opposition parties, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the Democratic Alliance (DA).The EFF called on Mr Zuma to step down while the DA said it would table a motion in parliament to demand his impeachment.Mr Zuma's term in government has been marred by allegations of corruption and cronyism.Analysis: Milton Nkosi, BBC Africa, JohannesburgIt is very difficult to see how the ANC can continue to have President Zuma at the helm, following the stinging rebuke he received from the Constitutional Court.Opposition parties now plan to strike against the 73-year-old leader, and hope that ANC MPs will vote with them to impeach him. Another option is for the ANC to recall Mr Zuma, as it did with his predecessor, Thabo Mbeki, in 2008.A third option would be to say "better the devil you know" and to stick with Mr Zuma, at least until after this year's crucial local government elections.As for South Africans, they are celebrating the independence of the Constitutional Court. It has shown that it will protect the public from the abuse of power and will not be a political crony of the government. This is likely to embolden South Africans to continue fighting corruption and demanding accountability from the government.Mr Zuma was first elected in 2009 and is due to step down in 2019.The governing African National Congress has said it respects the ruling. It has so far rejected growing pressure to force Mr Zuma out of office. Argentina wins round at the WTO over a biodiesel controversy with EU In 2013 the administration of Cristina Fernandez filed a complaint with the WTO over the EU's decision to slap anti-dumping duties on Argentina's biodiesel. MONTEVIDEO Petroleumworld.com 03 31 2016 The World Trade Organization (WTO) ruled on Tuesday in favor of Argentina in a series of complaints the country filed with the international body, challenging punitive duties by the European Union on its biodiesel imports. The WTO, however, said the EU was not violating its rules. In 2013, the then ruling administration of Cristina Fernandez filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization over the European Union's decision to slap anti-dumping duties on Argentina's biodiesel. The EU's move dealt a fresh blow to the world's number one biodiesel supplier Argentina, whose industry had already been hurt by previous restrictions imposed by the bloc while it investigated whether Argentina was dumping biodiesel, or selling it at below the cost of production, in Europe. Argentina's Foreign Ministry called the duties protectionist and said the European bloc was seeking to shelter inefficient local producers. At the time also Argentina imposed strict and bureaucratic conditions on imports, such as demanding those companies such as car makers to match their import needs with exports of Argentine goods. Now, both parties will have 60 days to file an appeal on the WTO's decision . The US Federal Trade Commission is asking for more information on the proposed merger of Pfizer and Allergan. The companies insist that the so-called second request was fully anticipated as part of the regulatory process and that they continue to work cooperatively and expeditiously with the FTC in connection with its review. Pfizer and Allergan announced the $160-billion merger back in November. Under the plans, the companies will combine under Allergan, which will be renamed Pfizer, to create the worlds leading drugmaker by sales with headquarters in Ireland. Pfizer says the merger will significantly enhance its innovative businesses through a growing revenue stream from Allergans durable and innovative flagship brands, as well as enhance its R&D capabilities in both new molecular entities and product-line extensions. But the deals completion remains subject to various closing conditions, including the expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act, governmental and regulatory approvals in certain other jurisdictions, including the EU, necessary approvals from both Pfizer and Allergan shareholders, and the latters pending divestiture of its generics business to Teva. Nevertheless, the companies said they continue to expect the transaction to close in the second half of this year. News / Health by Paidamoyo Chipunza Junior doctors who graduated at the University of Zimbabwe recently have again refused to sign amended contracts of employment because their concerns have not been fully addressed, putting at risk the lives of thousands of patients as some hospitals have closed critical sections.This has further compromised the smooth flow of service delivery.The stalemate between the junior doctors and their employer the Health Services Board has resulted in some hospitals turning away referrals from district hospitals.Mpilo Central Hospital has closed its outpatients department, while Parirenyatwa and Harare hospitals were working with few junior doctors who failed to complete their two-year housemanship last year."I believe you are aware of the on-going impasse between the Health Services Board and the new crop of junior resident medical officers over their contracts. The new doctors are supposed to have resumed their duties by now."The department of medicine has been affected by this and is left with no junior doctors since the current crop graduated to be senior resident medical officers. This development has affected service delivery in the department," reads part of Mpilo hospital's internal memo signed by head of medicine Dr Mbongeni Ndlovu.She said she had since communicated the development to the hospital's chief executive officer and the clinical director who said the HSB was working to solve the impasse."While this is happening, we have taken the following measures as a department:"Medical outpatient department will remain closed with immediate effect until the situation is resolved."Only critical and dire emergencies will be attended to and admitted by our health medical officers who have been working flat out during this time," reads the memo.Although Parirenyatwa and Harare Central hospitals have not closed any departments, information from the institutions suggests that they were relying on a limited number of doctors."You will find that in some departments, which are usually manned by at least five doctors at a time, there will only be one doctor, causing delays in service delivery," said a source from Parirenyatwa Hospital. Contacted for comment HSB spokesperson, Mr Nyasha Maravanyika, said the board had not yet received any news from clinical officers pertaining to the amended contracts nor closure of some departments."The board and the Ministry of Health and Child Care have put in place a revised contract, which must be signed and the clinical directors have not yet told us that anyone has refused to sign it again," said Mr Maravanyika.Some of the student doctors interviewed yesterday said the document was so detailed on their responsibilities and punishments they could face if they failed to discharge their duties, but was silent and vague on their conditions of service and remuneration."It doesn't say how many hours we are supposed to work per week; how much if ever we are going to be paid in the second year. It does not say how many patients we are required to see per call, but is so clear that we should be available at all consultants' rounds," said one of the junior doctors.Some of the issues that were amended in the contract include salary and maternity leave."Our current collective position is that we are willing to go to work as soon as possible for the benefit of our patients, but we request that the HSB shelves this draconian document until they are fair on both sides," said the doctors.Government through the Health Services Board last year introduced new contracts for junior doctors, which only became effective last month.Of late, junior doctors have been embroiled in numerous labour disputes with the HSB involving mainly their conditions of service.These disputes have ended with the suspension of four executive members of the junior doctors' representative board. News / National by Staff reporter ACTING President Phelekezela Mphoko yesterday described as "criminal" the wave of business property auctions in Bulawayo and other parts of the country, saying this was a deliberate ploy to frustrate economic growth.The demise of Bulawayo industries, he said, was largely engineered by corrupt individuals who connived with errant judicial officers to strip companies and attached their properties, which they proceeded to sell for a song.Responding to concerns over the slow pace of revitalising the city's industry during a briefing at Mhlahlandlela Government Complex yesterday, the Acting President also challenged the business community to play their part saying "not everything could be blamed on the Government"."We all have a task to do and we can't allow Bulawayo to collapse," he told ministers, MPs, top government officials and business executives."Bulawayo problems are mainly a result of corrupt tendencies. We've people who connive with the Sheriff and the lawyers to attach business properties, which they sell for a song. That's criminal! There's a lot we can do in this city but some people are just crooks."It's possible to turn the economy of this city around because the necessary infrastructure is still there. So, let's work together to bring transformation and return Bulawayo to what it was."Dozens of companies including State enterprises such as the Cold Storage Company (CSC) and Hwange Colliery Company Limited have lost properties and equipment through auctions over debts to various creditors.Some of the affected companies have suffered total collapse, with surviving ones struggling to keep afloat.Lobby groups and unions have partly blamed the development for loss of jobs as they urged adoption of a moratorium to protect company assets."It's a pity Bulawayo people have kept quiet and let thieves take away and sell your properties."The MPs that are here must work hard and see this as a challenge. You shouldn't go to Parliament for prestige and just to get cars. It's a service to the people," said the Acting President.He reiterated that Bulawayo was a strategic economic city with a proud history of a robust manufacturing industry that should be urgently revived.A businessman in his own right, Acting President Mphoko urged entrepreneurs to come up with viable business proposals and pledged Government support in securing funding through the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe."The RBZ governor (Dr John Mangudya) is a good man. He has plans to assist us. There's much more we can do and we only need to avail bankable projects in seeking funding," he added.Bulawayo Provincial Minister of State Eunice Nomthandazo Moyo made a presentation highlighting the city's diverse challenges covering low industrial activity, unemployment, accommodation shortages, service delivery and challenges in accessing funding.The Minister of State in Vice President Mphoko's Office, Tabetha Kanengoni-Malinga, Members of the House of Assembly and top Government administrators attended the briefing.The Acting President later toured the city's companies where he was appraised about the state of industry, the challenges and opportunities. News / National by Rutendo Rori HARARE City Council has descended on residential property owners who illegally converted their homes into business premises. Eight suburbs where home owners have taken advantage of their proximity to town to turn their properties into offices, have been targeted by council.Council now want the owners to regularise their operations by obtaining business licences and paying the requisite rates.Harare City Council acting corporate communications manager Mr Michael Chideme confirmed the development yesterday."We are currently reviewing local development plans for Hillside, Belvedere, Milton Park, Alexandra Park, Avondale, Belgravia, Eastlea suburbs and the Avenues with a view of integrating different land uses and to regularise some operations."During the process we discovered that a sizeable number of properties have been converted into business premises," said Mr Chideme.Mr Chideme said these businesses were operating without business licences and the necessary paperwork from the council."Council is therefore calling on the businesses to pay for their business licences as part of the regularisation of their operations," he said.Last year council gave an upmarket restaurant, Casa Mia in Avondale, an ultimatum to stop operations or risk its structures being demolished.Council said Casa Mia had been operating illegally by using a residential property for commercial purposes.Harare has been going through a natural outward growth while CBD offices have been deserted and are mostly occupied by small-to-medium enterprises like tailors and printing companies.A number of people are converting their homes to business premises after leaving formal employment and are using their skills to start new ventures such as creches.Some of the factors influencing urban relocation include high and unaffordable rentals in the CBD.People are also avoiding parking costs while some are running away from congestion in the CBD.Meanwhile, council said it is intensifying water disconnections and issuance of summons to all residents with arrears."All debtors are urged to make payment arrangements with council to offset their debts which are over 60 days."Council revenue officers have been instructed to accept all payments. People intending to make payments will not be turned away," Mr Chideme said."The city is owed over $400 million, a situation that is impacting negatively on its capacity to provide the desired services." News / National by Felex Share There is need for African leaders to re-examine their policies politically and economically as some of them are now reversing the gains brought by the continent's founding fathers, President Mugabe said yesterday.Africa's founding fathers, the President said, never "vacillated" on matters of principle but current leaders had lost ground and are allowing their erstwhile colonisers to dominate them.President Mugabe made the remarks when he met the 38 African ambassadors resident here led by their dean, Eritrea's Ambassador Estifanos Afeworki."I think we should re-examine ourselves with regards to our policies in Africa," the President said."That is an area where we still need a struggle and freedom. We are still under domination in some cases and we have lost ground on what our founding fathers stood for. They freed us but we who have taken over from them are reversing everything."He added: "They say I am an ageing voice, the voice of those gone. Yes, I am the voice of those gone the Senghors, Nkrumahs, Nyereres. They spoke with one voice that is a free Africa, a sovereign Africa. Let us always remember where we go and talk the language of togetherness."President Mugabe said while friendships and partnerships were needed with foreigners, the continent's resources were for Africans and should benefit them.In any case, he said, resources and freedom were the major reasons why the founding fathers waged the struggle against imperialists."For one reason or another, although intellectually we are engineers, experts and professors, we are not able to organise ourselves," he said."Our engineers should do the exploitation of resources but we want the white man, and they will be happy to come and give you a small percentage. That is what France has done in some of our countries and we have said, yes. You say 'yes', but what was the fight for independence for? What does sovereignty mean when we have no sovereignty of our natural resources?"He went on: "It just means we can have political parties and have presidents. A President Mugabe who doesn't own the diamonds in his country, that his people do not own the diamonds, gold, copper and chrome? Having said that, I am not suggesting that we should not have friends at all. We should have friends who understand and appreciate what we are as an African people."He said Africa should be wary of the British and Americans who used all sorts of tricks and lies to loot resources as what happened to Libya and Iraq."We should never agree to outside forces interfering in African affairs," President Mugabe said."We have our own forces, and if we make mistakes, let them be our own mistakes. If they are military mistakes, let them be committed by our own forces, by our own interventions than outsiders. Outsiders will have ulterior motives all the time."He said in pursuit of regime change, most African countries had been flooded with non-governmental organisations funded by the West."All countries, we have NGOs for this and that, just to weaken us," he said."We still have to grapple with an Africa that is now being dominated by outside powers through their NGOs. Sometimes through aid, controlling our systems. When shall we ever be free?"Yes, we are Francophone, Anglophones, Lusophones but that does make us French, Portuguese, French, Italians or Spaniards? We have a legacy to defend Africa, a legacy not to accept to be inferiors."President Mugabe said the so-called powerful nations were spreading this inferiority complex even at international organisations like the United Nations by denying others permanent seats with veto power."In the Security Council, they don't want to accept our proposal for reform, and we say Africa should have just two additional members with a veto but we have France, US and Britain saying no," President Mugabe said."Our friend Japan had said let us campaign for our permanent members to be admitted first, then we campaign for veto powers, but I said we must have the veto first. Why should we always have the five as the bulls of the world? If they are to accept us, they must also accept us as bulls also."Meanwhile, President Mugabe who is here on an official visit also visited the Kyoto Imperial Palace yesterday where he met the Governor of Kyoto, Mr Keiji Yamada.The two leaders agreed to have cultural interactions as well as exchanges in the field of higher and tertiary education. Out and About Audio Article Atascosa County Anti-Bullying Rally Oct. 19 Poteet Strawberry Festival grounds, main pavilion, 6-8 p.m. Guest speaker Batman & Co. and... JISD Supt. McAllister announces retirement Audio Article The retirement of Jourdanton ISD Superintendent Theresa McAllister was announced at the meeting of the school board held on Oct.... News / National by Staff reporter AXED war veterans chairperson Mr Jabulani Sibanda has made false claims that Zanu-PF collapsed the national chairperson's post to prevent him from occupying the position where he faced no challenger ahead of the party's 2014 congress.Sibanda made the claims while addressing journalists at the Bulawayo Press Club last Thursday and was yesterday quoted in the private media repeating the same claims."As you know, I was also the last person to be nominated Zanu-PF national chairman at a time that I was the national chairman of the war veterans."Because they feared me, they abolished the position . . . because no one could have stood up against me. That's a fact," Sibanda was quoted as saying.The Zanu-PF Secretary for Information and Publicity, Simon Khaya Moyo, yesterday declined to comment on Sibanda's claims.However, contrary to Sibanda's claims that he was the only contender for the party chairmanship, fellow member of fired Vice President Joice Mujuru's cabal and then Secretary of Administration Mr Didymus Mutasa had already expressed interest in the post, which was held at the time by Khaya Moyo.Speaking to The Chronicle in August, 2014, Sibanda said he needed to first consult the senior party leadership including Mutasa before responding to calls from fellow freedom fighters to throw his hat into the race for the chairmanship.This was after a meeting of war veterans in Gwanda where the former freedom fighters persuaded, and not nominated Sibanda to join the race.In fact, no nominations were made towards the 2014 congress for either the chairmanship position or the two Vice Presidents with provinces only endorsing President Robert Mugabe as the party's leader.Contacted for comment at the time, Sibanda confirmed being approached to join the race but insisted that the party was not short of people to occupy the post."A lot of people have spoken to me about that, and yes, Zanu-PF has never been short of a national chairperson. We have one now who is in transition and there are millions of Zanu-PF supporters who can be national chairman," said Sibanda.One of the war veterans leading a campaign at the time for Sibanda to join the chairperson's race, Jabulani Phetshu Sibanda, said the then war veterans chairman qualified to be national chairman considering the amount of work he put in campaigning for Zanu-PF in the run up to the 2013 elec- tions.Phetshu Sibanda said no one among the senior party leaders from PF-Zapu at the time had indicated interest in the post, paving the way for Sibanda to take up the post. As he became increasingly aware of the difficulties experienced by local law enforcement agencies across the country, Jeff Halstead could not stand by and watch. Having served in law enforcement for more than 26 years, the former chief of police for Fort Worth, Texas, thoroughly understood the ways community safety is adversely impacted by a lack of support for the men and women in blue. Residents of some neighborhoods were not only not supportive of local officers but were even hostile toward them. A lack of funds poses the biggest problem. Many police departments are unable to provide their members with up-to-date training or supply them with needed safety equipment. Others found themselves making do with outdated technology, which no longer came close to meeting their requirements. It was during a lengthy trip overseas that Halstead hit upon a possible solution. He could form a national nonprofit that would work in unity with other charitable organizations for the benefit of law enforcement departments across the country. Our belief is simple," says Halstead, and the 'blue' in our name (HOPE 4 BLUE) says it all: Backing Law enforcement Unites Everyone." As he further explains, this new nonprofit has four distinct missions. In addition to providing police departments with the advanced training many so sorely need, HOPE 4 BLUE will help them purchase more advanced equipment and offer financial aid to critically injured officers. As the final aspect of this four-pronged approach, the organization will enlist faith-based leaders and churches across the country in bringing communities together. Its a win-win proposition, says Halstead. "We need to be united in our support for police officers." Through the years, police departments across the country have found themselves face to face with escalating adversity. Early this year, the number of firearm assaults on police officers rose a staggering 300% over the previous year. Outdated technology that no longer does the job only adds to law enforcements burdens. When the crime-solving applications that should be helping are six or more years out of date, criminals become that much harder to collar. Furthermore, training and equipment budgets have plummeted, hampering the physical and mental advantages on which members of law enforcement depend. Such departmental deficiencies leave the police hard-pressed to deal with ever-increasing levels of violence in ways that are the least damaging to everyone concerned. Once his organization has met its minimal goals, Halstead hopes to hire top consultants and subcontractors to assist in the group's vital training initiatives. While he anticipates that HOPE 4 BLUE will succeed in providing police departments with the financial assistance that they have sorely lacked in recent years, he has no intention of placing his not-for-profit in competition with similar charitable organizations. He hopes instead that HOPE 4 BLUE will serve as an adjunct to the others and to partner with them when possible. Above all else, Halstead will not delay getting assistance into the hands of the neediest departments. "Our nonprofit plans to make 80 percent of all donated funds immediately available to the agencies most in need," he says. "There will be no red tape and no delays. Our aim is to make better technology and safer equipment available to police officers when they need itright now." About HOPE 4 BLUE HOPE 4 BLUE is a nationally recognized nonprofit (501(c)3) whose affiliates aim to lend support to members of law enforcement in all 50 states. Its board of directors will meet quarterly to discuss the further development of its strategic vision. Members of the public are welcome to attend, and updates will appear on the organization's website within the following week. Those who wish to obtain more information or would like to make a donation can do so at the HOPE 4 BLUE Website, https://hope4blue.org/ Depopulation in California jails and gang members moving to the Las Vegas Valley might be contributing to the rise in violent crime, according to Metro Police Sheriff Joseph Lombardo. Theres a plethora of reasons why the valley might be experiencing a hike, Lombardo said during an editorial meeting with the Las Vegas Sun, but Metro has had an increase of interactions with California gang members during arrests and investigations. That influx is directly related to, I believe, the depopulation of the prison system in California, he said. This can be traced back to Proposition 47, a California ballot initiative turned into law November 2014, Lombardo said. In Southern Nevada, violent crime in Metro Polices jurisdiction is up about 22% so far this year, according to stats provided by the department. News / National by Thupeyo Muleya Three Zimbabweans, including an eight-month-old baby who were killed in a road accident along the R101 Highway near Mokopane town in South Africa's Limpopo Province, have been repatriated for burial after the police successfully conducted DNA profiling.The deceased are part of the 15 people including a Malawian who were killed when a Mazda Drifter they were travelling in was involved in a head-on collision with a haulage truck on January 20.Zimbabwe's Consul-General to South Africa, Mr Batiraishe Mukonoweshuro, last night said that DNA profiling for the other victims was still in progress."The DNA profiling took longer than usual because there are many limbs, which need to be profiled. We are working with authorities here to ensure that we put together the correct limbs."This is a very unfortunate incident and we sympathise with the victims' relatives," he said.Mr Mukonoweshuro said so far, they had concluded tests on three bodies including that of a mother and her child and these were from Chiredzi.He said they were grateful for the assistance they were getting from the host government in ensuring that the DNA profiling is concluded at the earliest possible time.He said the remains of the 12 victims were being kept at Polokwane government mortuary. The consul-general added that those with relatives who die in South African road accidents should always contact the consulate or the Road Accident Fund for assistance.It is reported that the now deceased were travelling towards Pretoria in a Mazda Drifter with 16 people on board, including the driver when they met their tragic fate, while the haulage truck was heading towards the opposite direction.The accident occurred between Mokopane and Niaboomspriut along a road which is mostly used by those who facilitate illegal migration between the two countries.The R101 highway has few checkpoints manned by immigration or police officers.A total of 38 Zimbabweans have died in road carnages in Limpopo Province in the last 12 months. In what might be a landmark decision for state and local law enforcement, the FBI has agreed to unlock an iPhone and iPod in an Arkansas murder casea decision that will likely have agencies all over the country asking for help in similar cases. The FBI announced, on Friday, that it had successfully bypassed the encryption on the iPhone belonging to Syed Farook, the terrorist who died after killing 14 people in San Bernardino in December. The agency has been tightlipped on the exact procedure, if that process could be repeated, or if any digital forensic companies may have assisted them. The Arkansas case involves two teenagers who are accused of killing an elderly couple in their home near Little Rock. The couple had raised one of the boys as their grandson. Officials will not comment on the models of the iPhone or iPod in the murder case, or whether the FBI will use the same method to access the devices, reports the Associated Press. Although the FBI will not release details of the hack, rumblings have pointed to the Parsippany, N.J.-based company Cellebrite, USA Corp. In December, they spoke at length with Forensic Magazine about iPhone encryption and hundreds of similar criminal cases nationwide. Headquartered in Israel, Cellebrite is considered one of the largest data extraction companies in the world. Bernie Sanders didnt pull any punches when he put the blame squarely on the media for propping up Republicans while calling the GOP a joke during his interview with Rachel Maddow. Transcript via MSNBC: SANDERS: Well, uh, first of all, I dont necessarily take at value face value what they say. I think at the end of the day, they probably will come together. But the other point, I think the more the deeper point, Rachel, is the Republican Party today has moved very, very far to the right. Uh, they are way out of touch with where the American people are. And I think if we had a media in this country that was really prepared to look at what the Republicans actually stood for rather than quoting every absurd remark of Donald Trump, talking about Republican Party, talking about hundreds of billions of dollars in tax breaks for the top two tenths of 1 percent, cuts to Social Security and Medicare, Medicaid, a party which with few exceptions, doesnt even acknowledge the reality of climate change, let alone do anything about it, a party which is not prepared to stand with women in the fight for pay equity, a party that is not prepared to do anything about a broken criminal justice system or a corrupt campaign finance system, I think, to be honest with you and I just dont, you know, say this rhetorically, this is a fringe party. It is a fringe party. Maybe they get 5, 10 percent of the vote. What you really need in this country is a progressive party standing with the working class and the middle class of this country. And yes, a conservative party that, you know, has, you know, is more fiscally conservative. That is where we should be as a country. But the Republican Party today now is a joke, maintained by a media which really does not force them to discuss their issues. So that thats my two cents on that. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print In February ColorOfChange sent letters to Coca-Cola, Google, Xerox, Adobe Systems, AT&T, and Cisco Systems asking them not to support the Republican National Convention if Donald Trump was the nominee. Pressure has been increasing and Coke has responded by backing away slowly from the crazy that is the sure to be the Republican convention, where Donald Trump has promised riots if he is not nominated. The New York Times reported that Coca-Cola has heard the complaints brought by ColorofChange and has already declined to sponsor the Republican National Convention to the same level of $600,000.00 as they did in 2012. In fact, they had donated $75,000.00 and they have no plans to donate more. Why? ColorofChange has a more than 100,000 signatures on a petition demanding that the companies that sponsor the convention decline to do so this year, including Google, Walmart, Xerox, and Apple. Kent Landers, a Coca-Cola spokesman, declined to explain the reduction in support. But officials at the company are trying to quietly defuse a campaign organized by the civil rights advocacy group Color of Change, which says it has collected more than 100,000 signatures on a petition demanding that Coca-Cola, Google, Xerox and other companies decline to sponsor the convention. Donating to the event, the petition states, is akin to endorsing Mr. Trumps hateful and racist rhetoric. The Republican convention will take place in Cleveland, Ohio between July 18 and July 21. Rashad Robinson, executive director of ColorOfChange, said in a statement that this isnt about left and right, its about Trumps violent rhetoric, We have said from the beginning that this isnt about left or right, but about right and wrong. Donald Trumps violent rhetoric, has inflamed a national atmosphere already hostile to Latino, Muslim, and Black communities as well as women and people with disabilities Robinson continued, He has inspired violent attacks on peaceful protesters and journalists and all the while has continued to be given a free pass by much of mainstream media and corporate sponsors. This is not business as usual and corporations should not continue to treat it as such. But ColorofChange wants more than just not donating more money to the actual convention. They want companies to pull advertisements and promotions as well, We are glad that Coca-Cola is choosing to do the right thing, by rethinking what will surely be a international platform for more hate and intolerance. We demand that Coca-Cola and other current sponsors stop the promotion of their products and airing of commercials during the convention, that they agree that they will not make in-kind donations and that they withdraw any initial pledges. ColorofChange is challenging the other companies, Like Coca-Cola, other companies have a history-making choice in front of them right now. Our questions to them are: are you willing to attach your branding to someone so belligerent that they have threatened riots at the convention? Someone whose campaign manager has no qualms about physically attacking journalists and who has offered to pay the legal fees of anyone who attacks peaceful protesters? The choice should be obvious and its disappointing this even has to be debated. We will continue to publicly pressure any company who takes our money by day and still pledges to sponsor hateful, violent rhetoric and policies at night. Hateful rhetoric has its costs, and one of them is that no matter how much money companies will pour into dark money outlets like SuperPACs, they dont want to be publicly associated with the kind of hate speech and violence Donald Trump ignites. This is the beginning of the end for the long, fruitful and public relationship between corporations and the GOP unless Republicans can rein this in quickly. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Hillary Clintons response to Donald Trumps call for women to be punished for having abortions highlighted why she will destroy Trump if the two frontrunners meet in November. After Trump called for women to be punished for having abortions, Clinton personally responded on Twitter: Just when you thought it couldn't get worse. Horrific and telling. -H https://t.co/Qi8TutsOw9 Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) March 30, 2016 Hillary Clintons response highlighted why she will own Trump if they face off in the general election. Trump is making it up as he goes along while Clinton is the most experienced candidate in the race. Clinton was able to take Trump apart in a single tweet. Her response was simple, but it cut to the heart of the questions surrounding Trump. Former Sec. of State Clinton was correct. The entire Trump/Matthews exchange was telling. Donald Trump could answer Chris Matthews original question, so he tried to dodge by questioning Matthews about his religion. When that failed and when he was pushed, Trump admitted that he wants to punish women who have abortions. Trumps response was telling in its cold misogynistic sexism. Trump also demonstrated zero knowledge of the abortion issue and the temperament of a child. Under the slightest bit of pressure, Trump blurted out a vague answer that when he was forced to refine it displayed all of his weaknesses as a candidate. A day after defending his campaign manager who was arrested for battery by attacking the female journalist who was the victim, Donald Trump managed to make things worse for Republicans. Trump isnt even the Republican nominee yet, but he continues to dig the hole deeper for the GOP in November. Hillary Clinton is a globally respected figure and the most admired woman in the world. Republicans are making a mistake that will destroy their party if they think that Donald Trumps ignorance and sexism stands a chance against a Clinton. The Republican Party has spent years trying to make the 2016 election about Clintons character, but it Trumps unfitness for the presidency that looks like it will be the defining question of the campaign, and there is no person who is more qualified to tear politically Donald Trump limb from limb than former Sec. of State Clinton. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Donald Trump was exposed as a total fraud at MSNBCs town hall by host Chris Matthews refusal to let Trump change the subject and avoid answering questions. Trumps proposal of punishment for women who have abortions grabbed early headlines, but there was a pattern throughout the whole town hall where Matthews did what few in the media have been able to accomplish. Chris Matthews would not let Donald Trump change the subject and avoid giving answers to questions. Video of Trump on Muslim ban: For example, here was the exchange between Trump and Matthews on the Republican frontrunners proposed Muslim ban. Transcript via MSNBC: MATTHEWS: But theres 1.6 billion Muslims in the world. And theyre all getting the message from Donald Trump, whos leading the fight for the Republican nomination for president, saying, Stay out of my country. How does that encourage them to fight ISIS? TRUMP: Chris (inaudible). MATTHEWS: How does that encourage them to fight the bad guys? TRUMP: OK, let me explain (inaudible). They have a problem too. They have a big problem. MATTHEWS: But if we say Go away TRUMP: I have been told by more (inaudible) who are saying, What are you doing is a great thing, not a bad thing. The two people in San Bernardino MATTHEWS: Are any Muslims telling you that? TRUMP: I have actually believe it or not, I have a lot of friends that are Muslim and they call me. MATTHEWS: Right. TRUMP: In most cases, theyre very rich Muslims, OK? (LAUGHTER) MATTHEWS: But do they get in the country? TRUMP: But they do call me. Theyll come in. MATTHEWS: How do you let them in? TRUMP: Theyll come in. And youll have exceptions. MATTHEWS: But you TRUMP: Wait, wait, wait. Look, Chris, Chris, with the San Bernardino situation MATTHEWS: Right. TRUMP: many people saw that apartment with bombs all over the apartment MATTHEWS: Yeah, I agree with that. TRUMP: bombs on table. MATTHEWS: You see something, say something. TRUMP: Not one person MATTHEWS: I know. TRUMP: with all the people that said they said its racial profiling. Thats why they didnt call. You know why they said that? Because some lawyer said, You know, you saw this, you better come up with a good excuse. They said its racial profiling. A lot of people saw what was going on in that apartment. Not one Muslim, OK? MATTHEWS: Im with you on this. Of course Im with you. But thats not the question. TRUMP: OK. Why didnt they report em? MATTHEWS: Look, look, youre saying ban TRUMP: In other words, why but Chris, why dont they report em? MATTHEWS: OK. You say ban them from entering the country. They get the message. Everyone in the world over 1.6 in Indonesia, Pakistan, everywhere. In Albania. Anywhere theres Muslims, you know, they know you dont want them. So they get the message. Theyre a little more ill-disposed to fight ISIS, a little bit more after that once they say, The Americans dont even like us, dont you think? TRUMP: I dont know, maybe theyll be more disposed to fight ISIS. Maybe theyll say, We want to come back into America, weve got to solve this problem. MATTHEWS: OK. TRUMP: Im serious about that. Maybe theyll be Trumps Muslim ban really isnt a Muslim ban, because they are exceptions. On question after question, Chris Matthews pressed Donald Trump for answers, and exposed the candidates inconsistencies. By pushing Trump, Matthews revealed that the man who is the leader in the race for the Republican nomination has no core beliefs. Trump has no policies, because he is trying to fool voters into electing him president. It seems that the plan is for Trump to continue playing the reality television character that he is famous for. When Donald Trump gets treated like a serious candidate for the presidency, he falls apart. If more members of the media would question Trump in this manner, he would be quickly exposed as a know-nothing. Matthews dug deeper on Trumps Muslim ban and the result was a policy that is literally maybe Muslims wont go fight for ISIS if we ban them from the US. There was also this exchange on Trumps plan to take the oil in the Middle East: TRUMP: From the earliest date, I dont want to go into Iraq. Dont go into Iraq. Now, I was a real estate guy, I was a business guy, so nobody really cared that much. But there were articles long time ago. I said, Youre going to destabilize the Middle East. That happened. Now, when we got out of Iraq, we got out the wrong way. We set a date, which was terrible. We should have left some soldiers back. And I always said, Take the oil, because you know who has the oil right now? MATTHEWS: You need ground troops to do that. TRUMP: First of all, Iran is getting the oil. MATTHEWS: You need ground troops to take the oil. TRUMP: I said, Take the oil. MATTHEWS: Ground troops As Chris Matthews revealed, there may never be a potential nominee who is more unfit to be president than Donald J. Trump. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print At a rally in Pittsburgh, PA, Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders brought his message of political revolution and truth about free trade to a rocking Steel City crowd. Sanders said: When I came to Congress in the 1990s, I didnt need a Ph.D. to understand that these trade policies were written by corporate America for one very simple purpose. And that purpose was to not have to pay workers in this country a living wage. The purpose of these trade agreements was to enable them to shut down factories in Pennsylvania, in Vermont, and all over this country, and move to low wage countries where they pay people pennies an hour and dont have to deal with unions and obey environmental regulations. That was the purpose of those trade agreements, and that is exactly whats happened over the last thirty years. We have lost since 2001 almost 60,000 factories in this country, and millions of decent paying jobs. There was once a time when people could get a job in manufacturing earn good wages, good healthcare, decent pensions. Those jobs increasingly are gone, and the new jobs are McDonalds and Burger King. Sen. Sanders listed some of the factory relocations that have hurt Pennsylvania workers including a 2013 General Electric move of a locomotive plant from Erie, PA to Mexico, Allegheny Technologies which killed 600 jobs by moving two steel plants in Western PA to China, Hershey who killed 300 jobs by moving their York Peppermint Patties plant from Reading, PA to Mexico, and Sonys closure of the television manufacturing plant in the United States which killed 560 jobs by moving to Mexico. Sen. Sanders thinks that he has found a potent issue that will strike a chord with Democratic voters in Pennsylvania. His problem in the Keystone State is that Pennsylvania has long been Clinton Country. Hillary Clinton beat President Obama in the 2008 primary 55%-45%. Clinton absolutely dominated Obama in rural and Western Pennsylvania, and Bernie Sanders is going to face the same difficult task of winning the states more moderate Democrats in 2016. However, history shows that if Sanders does become the nominee, the results of the primary are not a good predictor of the states general election support for Democratic presidential candidates. Pennsylvania could be tough territory for Bernie Sanders, but his message on free trade should resonate well especially in Western Pennsylvania where trade agreements have completely devastated the manufacturing sector, and the service, education, and health sectors into major employers. Sanders may have found the right message for the state, but it remains to be seen whether his message can sway the strong positive feelings that many of the states Democrats hold for Hillary Clinton. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton blasted Republicans for trying to pretend that Barack Obama is not president to obstruct his Supreme Court nominee. Transcript via MSNBC: RACHEL MADDOW: If you are nominated by the Democratic party, and you are elected president in November, would you ask President Obama to withdraw that nomination in the lame duck so that you could put forward your own nominee? Or, would you be okay with that nomination going forward in the lame duck, if thats what the Republican Senate wanted to do? HILLARY CLINTON: You know, I I really find this whole line of questioning one that Im not comfortable with, because I we have one President at a time. And I think part of the problem right now is the Republicans are trying to act like hes not really still president. I was one of the 65 million people who voted to reelect President Obama. So, my voice is being shut out because the Republican Senate wont actually process Judge Garlands nomination. So, I dont want to I dont want any daylight between me and President Obama. I want to support his Constitutional right and obligation. I want to keep the pressure, as I did in the speech that I gave at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, talking about whats at stake in the Supreme Court. So, lets stay focused on what this court has before it. Because there are some very consequential decisions that are pending. And, you know, lets keep the pressure, which you can see is beginning to affect some of the Republican incumbents who have tough races for reelection. I want them to feel as much heat as possible. I dont want to give them any way out. So, Im stickin with the President. The Presidents prerogative, his Constitutional responsibility. And thats what Im going to stand up for. RACHEL MADDOW: You know, but there is this I mean, there is the issue of the radicalism of whats happening right now in the Senate. I mean, to hold a Supreme Court vacancy open for a year-plus. HILLARY CLINTON: Right. RACHEL MADDOW: Because, as you say, you know, they may be deciding that theyd prefer that President Obama wasnt President anymore, and so theyre going to pretend as if he isnt. I look at that, and I see that as so unprecedented and so radical. It makes me wonder that, whether or not you are the nominee or Senator Sanders is the nominee, if there is a Democratic president elected in November, it makes me wonder why they wouldnt just continue to hold that seat open. I mean, are we have we so broken the norms, have we so so broken with precedent that they may decide that Democratic presidents in general are not allowed to fill Supreme Court vacancies? HILLARY CLINTON: Well, first of all, we need to elect a Democratic Senate. And thats why this Supreme Court fight has real consequences for this election. Because its hard to make the Supreme Court a voting issue. Ive tried in the past, and, you know, I think people see it as sort of theoretical. But this is so in front of everybodys eyes, front of mind. About this Senate behaving in such a radical, extreme, partisan way. I actually think it can help us take back the Senate. And I would love to see that. And if we then have a Democratic Senate and we have somebody as creative and vigorous as Chuck Schumer leading it, I think well be back on a path of, you know, progress, and problem-solving. Now, if that doesnt happen but we narrow the margin, even that will give us leverage we dont have right now. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Conventional wisdom and math have long created the narrative that it would take Democrats many election cycles too overcome the Republican 30 seat majority in the House. And then along came Donald Trump. The House is actually in play, thanks to Donald Trump, who in suburban districts is about as popular as head lice. So said Jack Pitney said to USA Today. Pitney is now a political science professor at Claremont McKenna College but during a leave was the Acting Director of the Research Department of the Republican National Committee. In other words, these are not the words of a liberal partisan: Trump is as popular as head lice. Trump will put Republicans in jeopardy, especially in suburban districts. In the USA Today article, Erin Kelly examined the possibility by speaking with several analysts and party spokespeople. Pitney explained that the Republican Congressional candidates are in trouble because Americans are increasingly voting party-line, so they arent likely to vote for Clinton for President and a Republican in the House. That puts the Republican majority in jeopardy, especially in suburban districts, where Trump is about as popular as head lice, Pitney said. Trump is definitely going to cause damage for Republicans. It may not be quite enough to cost them control of the House, but he is going to make the party bleed. The only question is how much. It would be very unlikely for Democrats to take control of the House, given the gerrymandering and the fact that Democrats do not have candidates they thought to prepare for such an unlikely situation. But thanks to Trumps alienation of women, the disabled, minorities, and pretty much everyone who isnt a white male, if he were the Republican nominee, it would cause some serious damage to Congressional Republicans. Republican Representatives who thought they were totally safe are now going to be asked if they agree with Donald Trump that women should be punished for an abortion, or if not women, how about punishing doctors. They will be asked if they also think Mexicans are rapists. Republicans havent shown any fortitude thus far in distancing themselves from Donald Trump, which is another problem. As an example of this, Governor John Kasich (R-OH) said today he has concluded that Donald Trump is unfit to be president, but wont rule out endorsing him. This seems to be the Republican go-to, which demonstrates exactly why they are in this position in the first place. They lack the courage to say no to their spoiled, indulged base. John Kasich says he has concluded that Donald Trump is unfit to be president, but won't rule out endorsing him pic.twitter.com/wHvcy6l1Xd Henry Goldman (@hgoldman77) March 31, 2016 Erin Kelly dug into the numbers with Cook Political Report House race analyst David Wasserman, who concluded its a long shot but not impossible for Democrats to take back the House. Heres Kellys breakdown of his numbers: To gain control of the House, Democrats would have to win 30 of the 31 Republican-held House seats that are considered at-risk without losing a single seat of their own, said David Wasserman, who analyzes House races for the non-partisan Cook Political Report. Its a long shot, but its not impossible, said Wasserman, who predicts that Democrats are likely to gain up to 15 seats but adds that the election remains volatile and his estimate could change. In fact the Cook Political Report downgraded Republicans chances in 10 districts on March 18th, according to Politico. Its unlikely that Democrats are prepared to seize on this opportunity, but the mere fact that analysts have put the House in play due to the rhetoric of the Republican front-runner shows just how dangerous Trump is to the survival of the Republican Party. The House was the Republican back-up plan. Its been the place where all bills go to die, where Republican extremists kill jobs bills and infrastructure bills and refuse to fund the government. They got away with these things because they were gerrymandered into safety. Or so they thought. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnells years of Obama obstruction have not gone unnoticed by the American people. According to a new poll, McConnell is the most hated political figure in America. According to PPP, Mitch McConnell has a 16/64 approval rating nationally, including 10/70 with independents. Hes the most unpopular major political figure in the country, and being associated with him may not be good news for the members of his caucus seeking reelection across the country this year. McConnells net approval is a whopping (-48). Donald Trump has a nearly equal disapproval rating (63%), but his approval rating is 13 points higher than McConnells (29). Trumps net favorable rating (-34) is 14 points higher than that of the Senate Majority Leader. Speaker of the House Paul Ryans net approval rating of (-7) looks like a wave of popularity compared to McConnell. Ted Cruz (-28) is twenty net points more popular than Mitch McConnell, and even Mitt Romney with a net (-43) favorable rating is more popular than McConnell. The years that McConnell has spent blocking legislative progress in the United States Senate have turned him into a near universally reviled political figure. McConnells lack of popularity can be traced back to his decision to try to make President Obama a one-term president by obstructing the presidents agenda. McConnells decision to not even allow a hearing and vote on President Obamas Supreme Court nominee have made the Senate Majority Leader one of the most unpopular national politicians in modern American history. If Republicans lose the Senate in 2016, McConnells decision to not allow the legislative process to function correctly will be a big reason why. The Republican Senate Majority Leader has finally won the title that he has always deserved. Mitch McConnell is Americas most hated politician. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print The Senate Republican blockade of President Obamas Supreme Court nominee is collapsing as two more Republican senators have agreed to meet with Merrick Garland. Politico reported: At least two Senate Republicans plan to meet with Merrick Garland next week, suggesting theres momentum behind the Democratic campaign to pressure the GOP into at least one-on-one meetings with the Supreme Court nominee, if not an actual confirmation vote this year. Sen. Susan Collins of Maine had said during an interview with a Maine radio station earlier this week she will meet with Garland. And a spokesman for Sen. John Boozman of Arkansas said Thursday that he is planning one as well. My understanding is that is currently being worked out for next week, Boozman spokesman Patrick Creamer said in an email. Ten Republicans total are now on record as wanting to or planning to meet with President Obamas Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland. The White House is planning on scheduling meetings with a dozen Republican senators as part of their campaign to turn up the pressure and get the presidents nominee confirmed. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell originally tried to enforce a blockage of Garland that including no meetings, no hearings, and no voters, but the public backlash has been so strong against the Obama obstruction that endangered Republican senators in blue and purple states have immediately broken with McConnell. In Illinois, endangered incumbent Republican Sen. Mark Kirk went as far as to tell McConnell and his fellow GOP senators to man up and vote on Garlands nomination. Mitch McConnell is now the most hated politician in America, and Republicans are facing certain defeat if they follow his strategy of total Obama Supreme Court nominee obstruction. Sen. McConnell is steering the GOP Titanic straight into the iceberg, and Republicans senators are desperately looking for the lifeboats. News / National by Stephen Jakes Zimbabwe Peace Project has reported that there is increasing tension in Mashonaland West over the rise of the ZimPF led by former Vice President Joice Mujuru.Reports from the province note a considerable amount of defections from Zanu-PF to ZimPF and these have been followed by threats and harassment of defectors."Clashes were reported in the province between supporters of Zanu-PF and ZimPF with the latter's supporters being harassed in Mhondoro and Kadoma. The operating space for civil society organisations has also shrunk with the Election Resource Centre (ERC) experiencing challenges after their meetings in Sanyati. The tense political environment has resulted in increased paranoia with Australian visitors being harassed in Chegutu and a pastor being summoned in Pfupajena over a prophecy he made during a church service," ZPP reported."The current situation in Hurungwe West constituency is similar to the one experienced during the June elections. To drum up its support Zanu-PF is allegedly allocating residential stands to party youths in preparation for 2018 general election. The youths are said to be paying US$5 to be on the waiting list kept at Hurungwe Rural District Council (HRDC)."ZPP said at a meeting held on 2 February 2016 at Mashuma Business Centre, Zanu-PF youth chairperson, Patrick Karimatsenga, said the party had realised that youths were left out in a lot of projects so they had decided to allocate housing stands for them in Karoi."The names were to be handed over to Ward 17 Councillor, Matthew Runi. It was reported that Karimatsenga told the youths that they were preparing to meet the Minister of Youth Development to come up with more projects for youths. All Zanu-PF youths were told to submit their names to their village heads," ZPP said."It is alleged that opposition youths are being discriminated against in these projects. The launch, a few months ago, of another organization led by former Member of Parliament for Hurungwe West, Temba Mliswa, known as Youth Advocacy for Reform and Democracy(YARD) has also added to the conflict-ladden climate in the area." Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Passion is a powerful feeling, or uncontrollable intense emotion, about a person or thing that compels a person to some action that is not always benign. For example, Timothy McVeigh harbored a passion that prompted him to blow up men, women, and children he never met. The nineteen Saudis who forfeited their lives on 911 while killing thousands of innocent Americans were certainly passionate for their cause. Members of ISIS are so driven by passion that they readily commit suicide or slaughter men, women, and children of all religions and would burn down the Middle East to advance their cause. Americans are hardly lacking in passion, and one Hollywood celebrity is so passionate that she would rather see America, and a fair amount of the Earth, burned to the ground if it expedites the start of a political revolution championed by her hero. A-list movie star, Susan Sarandon certainly is passionate for Senator Bernie Sanders and there is absolutely nothing wrong or untoward about that kind of passion. However, her passion informs that she would prefer seeing a president Donald Trump decimate America and wreak havoc on the population than ever vote for former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton if she is the Democratic nominee for president. Sarandons big idea is that because she thinks Trump would be better for America than Hillary Clinton, she may be sitting home on election day if Clinton is the Democratic nominee; anything to do her part in handing the election to Donald Trump so he can destroy America and prompt the people to support Bernies revolution. Here is the thing; the last time Sarandon, and malcontents like Michael Moore and Cornell West, used their celebrity and passion against what they called an establishment Democrat was in the 2000 general election. Bernies supporters are likely too young or too naive to remember, but that passion-driven tactic aided Ralph Nader to drain just enough votes from establishment Democrat Al Gore to hand Republican George W. Bush the White House. For the Sarandon cabal, it was mission accomplished and a political revolution their lot never had to pay for in blood or wealth. The wealthy actress Sarandon and her ilk got the political revolution they wanted when Bush took a budget surplus and wasted it on the rich, launched two unfounded and unfunded wars against innocent Muslims, expanded income inequality to a point never seen in American history, caused a monumental Great Recession, and destroyed Americas reputation around the world for a decade. It is noteworthy to mention that regardless what a catastrophe Bush was for America, he would be considered a flaming socialist peace-monger compared to the likes of Donald Trump or Ted Cruz for that matter. Still, as unbelievable as it is, Sarandon would rather see Donald Trump as president for four years than even consider supporting Hillary Clinton because Trump devastating America might be the catalyst for Bernies political revolution. Sarandon did give her reasons for leaning towards Trump over Clinton. She said that, its dangerous to think we can continue the way we are with the militarized police, with the death penalty, the low minimum wage and threats to womens rights and think you cant do something huge to turn that around. Just a note to Sarandon, and the Sanders supporters: no president can correct the ills she cited unilaterally because that authority lies solely with the Congress under Republican control. Perhaps Sarandons passion for Bernie has obliterated any semblance of common sense the actress may have once held onto, but doing something huge to turn things around like helping elect Donald Trump or any Republican to the presidency is not even reasonable; it is insane and would indeed be the something huge that will decimate the nation. But at least she could say she hewed to her passion and resisted voting for Clinton. What is mind boggling is that people like Sarandon and the Emoprog cult still cannot fathom the incredible amount of damage their passion for purity has already wrought on the nation and the people they feign to advocate for. Setting aside the monumental Bush disaster, it was the same Emoprog mindset that gave Americans the tea party revolution and an extremist House of Representatives and Republican majorities in a majority of states in 2010. It is not out of the realm of possibility that the same passionate people, over 33 percent of Sanders supporters at last count, failing to vote could tilt the general election in Republicans favor and give the country Susan Sarandons passionate pick, Donald Trump, as president. Sarandon and the we wont vote crowd should know that Trump will do precisely the opposite of what both Clinton and Sanders champion and start wars, cut wages, increase income inequality and wipe out whatever precious few rights women, gays, and minorities have fought for over a couple of generations. It is noteworthy that as a wealthy celebrity, Susan Sarandon would not feel any of the devastation her good idea of unleashing a Trump presidency on the people would engender. She will not be sent to any number of Middle East wars Republicans lust for, and she will not be punished for making her own reproductive health decisions, and she will never have to work for less than the current minimum wage. Still, she is concerned enough about womens rights, income inequality, and low wages to choose Donald Trump over a candidate that shares all of her concerns but is not called Bernie Sanders. What is curious is that Sarandons hero has already stated categorically that if Clinton is the nominee he will support her and no-one in their right mind would even begin to question Senator Sanders passion. Particularly when he and Clinton share the same concerns, albeit with different ideas of how to address those issues. For dogs sake, even Senator Sanders knows that change in America is incremental; always has been and always will be. It will stay that way as long as there are two diametrically opposed ideologies jockeying for power to run the nation. It is beyond comprehension that an even half-sane person, much less a seemingly intelligent and passionate Bernie Sanders supporter like Susan Sarandon, would think it is a cool political idea to help elect a Republican like Trump to the presidency. Especially if their only goal is to burn down America to hasten the onset of a political revolution. Obviously, anyone, celebrity or normal American, is deluded to believe that burning America to the ground because they failed to get their way is a good idea; that is the purview of petulant brats. Or as noted here, Susan Sarandons blind privilege driven by blind passion and blatant disregard for the American people or the nation she claims to be passionate about. News / National by Stephen Jakes Police last month questioned the Election Resources Centre official over the public meeting that was held in Sanyati.This was revelead by Zimbabwe Peace Project in its report that on 6 February 2016, Election Resource Centre (ERC) coordinator in Sanyati was approached by police officers asking him about the ERC meeting held at ARDA, and questioning whether the organisation had permission to operate in the area."ERC director, Tawanda Chimhini, confirmed to ZPP that police had approached meetings by community action committees, which had been set by ERC to enable communities to hold their elected officials to account. Chimhini said the police wanted his organisation to have a Memorandum of Understanding with the local government, the legality of which ERC challenged. They (police) then asked to see ERC registration documents which ERC presented to them before letting the matter go and allowing the meetings to continue," reported ZPP.ZPP said on 7 February 2016 at Mamina Business Centre, Ward 5, Mhondoro Ngezi, Taurai Matunga allegedly harassed Tapiwa Murugweni (not real name) (56) on allegations that his son was involved in ZimPF activities.He was accused of supporting Joice Mujuru while he was a council worker and a Zanu-PF supporter. He was told that he got that job through Zanu-PF so he should remain loyal."On 12 February 2016, in Chegutu East, Elias Mudewairi an MDC-T supporter of Ward 23 was labelled a sell-out when he was visited by some friends from Australia," said ZPP."He was labelled a sell-out by David Ncube of Zanu PF. The Australian visitors were asked to name the person who gave them permission to come to Zimbabwe. The village head of Ward 23 was not happy to see white people in the area and was told that the visitors said they had received permission from the government. It was after confirmation that permission was from the government the people became friendly to the visitors. On 16 February 2016, Joseph Zvitiki, a Zanu-PF chairperson for Ward 11, Sanyati held a meeting with village heads and told them not to hold meetings with NGOs. This follows a meeting that was held by ERC at Roman Catholic Church. The meeting by some MDC-T members among other people, and so it was labelled an MDC-T meeting."The organisation said on 17 February 2016, Pastor Mwandiambila of Prayer Champions an interdenominational prayer group was summoned to Pfupajena Police Station following a prophecy he had given during one of the services."It is reported that the service was done at Mwandiambila's house and it is during that service that he prophesied that the government was going to collapse. The police banned the prayer group from conducting any activities. The police could not be reached for comment," said ZPP. News / National by Stephen Jakes Zimbabwe Peace Project reported that the Joice Mujuru led ZimPF party was the most visible party on the ground in the province as they went about recruiting new members and holding small group meetings."On another note the Zambezi River water levels began to noticeably rise as the rains fell heavily. This was positive news as villagers could now catch more fish for their livelihoods," said ZPP."However, the crop situation is bad as everything was a write off due to late rains. Workers in Hwange Colliery were still unpaid and this caused untold suffering as women and girls were forced into vices like prostitution."ZPP said on 18 February 2016, at around 3 am, three bus loads of war veterans from Nkayi were blocked and turned back by security agents as they intended to go to Harare to demand a meeting with President Mugabe."This was after the dismissal of their chairperson, Chris Mutsvangwa, whom they were backing," said ZPP. "The Hwange Rural District Council made arrangements for companies operating in the area to employ workers through a register supplied by Prize Chipaya, a young brother to Chief Hwange. Chipaya is a well known Zanu-PF activist. On 25 February 2016 at Mwemba Primary School in Ward 10, Chipaya compiled a youth register comprising of Zanu-PF youths only for possible employment. This left most villagers complaining bitterly." Portfolio English Edition's premium content is available only for subscribers Learn about the hottest news of the day, along with immediate follow-up analyses and 1000's of exclusive articles with full access to the premium content. Register and apply for a 14 days free trial period. June is bustin' out a little early this year. Or, it will be at Orchestra Hallon April 7 at 11 a.m., when the full force of the Minnesota Orchestra, under the baton on Sarah Hicks, will be on hand to bring a suite of classic showtunesfrom the Rodgers and Hammersteincanon to audiences once again. There's something special this time, though. The entire performance will be perfectly synchronizedwith attendant clips from big budget, Hollywood blockbuster interpretations of the dynamo-duo's musicals. That means those who saunter over to Orchestra Hall will get to see Shirley Jones in "Oklahoma!," Deborah Kerr in "The King & I,"and Ray Walston in "South Pacific,"but while those distant flickers of light and shadow remain up on the screen, as they always have been, the power of the scores will be as alive as the sound of music. (That last allusion will have to remain so, as Julie Andrews' career-defining vehicle doesn't seem to have made the cut, but " Carousel" and " State Fair" have.) This is an inspired event, and one sure to fill up quickly (don't worry, there are a few more performances on April 8 and 10, too). It's wise, too. Even the producers of the 2008 Broadway revival of "South Pacific" shelled out the dough to put an almost 30-piece orchestra in front of folks during its two-year, sold-out-run, showing the musicians off to excellent advantage during the overture. They knew the power of the music, which is till younger than springtime, needed to be heard live and on a grand scale. Marrying the real-time music with those iconic movie-land performances (think of it as 3D nostalgia) will surely prove a thrilling and rewarding experience for Minnesota audiences, and once again prove how timeless and universal Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein's creations are. ADVERTISEMENT Get set for classics such as " June is Bustin' Out All Over," " A Real Nice Clambake," " There is Nothing Like a Dame," " It's a Grand Night For Singing," and the joyous title tune from "Oklahoma!" forget the recent snow, with a chance like this, it might as well be spring. The only thing Orchestra Hall isn't providing is a chance to get up and shake a tailfeather, but I'll ask it anyway: Shall we dance? ST. PAUL A bill establishing a high-speed rail working group cleared its first legislative hurdle on Wednesday despite concerns from some lawmakers that the legislation is not needed. Members of the Senate Transportation and Public Safety Committee peppered Red Wing DFL Sen. Matt Schmit with questions about his bill. The legislation would establish a 15-member advisory group focused on a potential high-speed rail line from Rochester to the Twin Cities. The goal behind the bill would be to have the private company that is considering building the rail line the North American High Speed Rail Group fund the working group. Schmit told committee members the cost could amount to a couple hundred thousand dollars. Some senators questioned whether legislation was necessary to engage the public and study the proposal. "Im not convinced that the legislation is necessary in order to accomplish what you want to accomplish," said Sen. Scott Newman, R-Hutchinson. Others said they wanted to see changes to the bill to address concerns raised by residents who live along the proposed corridor. That would include making sure the names of donors who pay for the working group are disclosed and requiring the working group to be established as soon as the private company applies for any sort of permit from the Minnesota Department of Transportation not just when they begin negotiations for right-of-way to build the line. ADVERTISEMENT "The biggest thing is this is a hugely, hugely expensive proposal and generally before investing this much effort, theres a lot more discussions that comes along," said Sen. Mary Kiffemeyer, R-Big Lake. Schmit told senators he is open to changing his bill to address concerns being raised by the committee. But he rejected the idea that his bill is not necessary. He said there was a lack of communication and transparency about Zip Rail, a proposed public high-speed rail line from Rochester to the Twin Cities. Work on that project has been suspended by the state and Olmsted County due to a lack of funding. Still, Schmit said that experience highlights the need for a working group that takes into account the concerns of stakeholders who live along the route. "I wasnt satisfied with the public engagement Ive seen in the past year, and I want a better process," Schmit said. The bill would establish a 15-member advisory working group that would be overseen by the University of Minnesota Center for Transportation Studies. The group would include a county board-appointed resident from each of the following counties: Dakota, Dodge, Goodhue, Hennepin, Olmsted and Ramsey. The group would also include lawmakers, state agency representatives and someone from the Center for Transportation Studies. High-speed rail company weighs in Bloomington-based North American High Speed Rail Group is deciding whether to move ahead with a $4.2 billion elevated high-speed rail line from Rochester to the Twin Cities. The company was awarded work permits in February from MnDOT, allowing them to study the U.S. 52 corridor. The company is expected to announce in early July whether it plans to move ahead with the project. Wendy Meadley, the groups strategic officer, did not testify during the bill hearing. In an interview after the hearing, she said the company is already planning to reach out to the public about the project and does not see the need for legislation. "We dont believe you need legislation to accomplish what Sen. Schmit stated he was looking to accomplish on behalf of his constituents to start a dialogue, open communication and transparent reporting of information and progress," Meadley said. ADVERTISEMENT She added that in an effort to reach out to stakeholders, the company has established a 30-day preliminary comment period about its proposal on its website that will end April 27. She said the group also plans to host a town hall in June. Goodhue County residents back effort Goodhue County officials and residents testified in support of Schmits bill, arguing the working group is needed to make sure citizens are informed. "It is vital that the citizens of the counties in direct line of fire be engaged up front. There are very real environmental, public safety and economic issues and these need to be addressed from an academic and legislative standpoint, not just from the perspective of those who are proponents of the ideas," said Hader resident Heather Arndt, with the group Citizens Concerned About Rail Line. Arndt also suggested a number of changes to the bill, including making sure the names of donors funding the working group are disclosed. Cannon Falls resident and CCARL member Nora Felton told the committee she would like to see the working group established immediately. As the bill is written, she questioned whether it would mean the group wouldnt get started until construction is set to begin, "in which case the horse would have long been gone through the barn and this group would serve no real purpose." Need for working group now? Rochester GOP Sen. Dave Senjem, a co-author of Schmits bill, questioned the value of establishing a work group before the exact rail route has been established or information from an environmental study is available. ADVERTISEMENT "What substantive things can you really talk about other than do you like high speed rail or you dont like it because you dont know where its going and you dont know even at that point what the Environmental Impact Statement says in terms of the issues or lack of issues the route might have," Senjem said. Throughout the hearing, Schmit emphasized he doesnt want to wait to start public discussions about the project until the group has already moved ahead on advanced environmental studies. He noted 25 local governments have passed resolutions opposing a high-speed rail line from Rochester to the Twin Cities. The committee passed Schmits bill by a vote of 9 to 5. It now heads to the Senate State and Local Government Committee, which is scheduled to hold a hearing on the bill today. State Rep. Kim Norton and state Sen. David Senjem graciously met with several students from John Marshall High School on March 16. The teens part of Minnesota Healthy Kids Coalition were lobbying for two issues: updating our K-12 physical education guidelines to reflect current national standards and asking for funds to improve sidewalks and crossing paths for children to safely walk or bike to school. Since childhood obesity is on the rise, anything we can do to prevent it and maintain healthy lifestyles now will save our children from many problems later on. To take my students, all former or current students of government, and show them that their political voice matters was worth a month of lessons in the classroom. These elected officials willingly listened to and asked questions of their young constituents. I am grateful we have Rep. Norton's support on these issues in St. Paul this year and hope we may count on Sen. Senjem for his support, as well. We hope to keep working to reduce the burden of childhood obesity in Minnesota through these and other policies. Ann Eldredge Rochester News / National by Stephen Jakes A political commentator Obert Mundevere Ncube has said there will be nothing that will come out of President Robert Mugabe and Zanu PF government considering their failure to run the country for the past 36 years."There have been protests gripping Zimbabwe in recent months as political forces have emerged to give voices to a growing discontent with the government and ruling party, Mugabe, his age and wife who has been insulting, firing and hurting people," Ncube said."Beneath the surface of these demonstrations organized around legitimate grievances, 2.2 jobs haven't been delivered, water and electricity problems haven't been solved but worsened, children are dropping from school, police have been more brutal, not only to the party activists and followers but to those who fought and liberated the country."He said so...... Did they find the missing $15 billion and what next?"Clap hands and wait for Satan to take this man or vote him out even before 2018? There's nothing coming out of Zimbabwe from this regime, anyone expecting something must have his or her brains examined," Ncube said."Hope you are still enjoying the last hours of Easter Weekend builders and colleagues and others." Recently, a student at American University Washington College of Law put a note on the door of a law professor stating All Lives Matter. This expression of what ought to be truism caused the AU law faculty to freak out. Nearly sixty faculty members and staff signed a letter calling this an incidence of intolerance. A sounder position would hold that objecting to the statement All Lives Matter as a response to the statement Black Lives Matter smacks of intolerance because it places one racial group on a higher level than others. The letter claims that in context, the message appears intended by the messenger to be an attempt to silence and intimidate an opposing viewpoint, not an effort to communicate a different perspective But how does saying all lives matter constitute an attempt to silence and intimidate people with an opposing viewpoint? The only rational sense in which the statement could be construed that way lies in the fact that its untenable to argue that all lives dont matter. The note intimidates only because its logic is unassailable. The letter suggest that because the sign was placed in the vicinity of a flyer for a training program on police violence and near flyers for other social justice and racial equality events, it should be viewed as intimidating. But the professors make no attempt to defend this non sequitur. If students are encouraged not to make certain political statements near flyers about social justice, then it is the flyers, not the statements (which may or may not be a response) that are tending to silence and intimidate expression. The letter goes on to tell students how they should go about hav[ing] a conversation about controversial issues. There is value, they instruct, in simply asking someone, If you feel comfortable, I would like to talk to you sometime about X. I have been reading a lot about the topic, and I am interested in hearing your perspective, Left unclear is whether students should go down on their knees when using this script. It is scandalous that law professors would attempt to dictate how political discourse takes place. There is also an obvious double standard here. Apparently, adherents to the Black Lives Matter movement need not check the comfort level of students and/or request to have a conversation before expressing their views on this set of issues. Our friends Gail Heriot and Peter Kirsanow of the Civil Right Commission have sent a letter to the dean of AU law school about this matter. They state: We write as two members of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights and not on behalf of the Commission as a whole. And while we are required to begin our letters with the preceding sentence under the Commissions rules, we would have preferred to open with: What is wrong with your faculty and staff members? We understand that a student put a note on a faculty members door that said, All lives matter. As law professors ourselves, we know that it is common for students to place cartoons, news clippings and other notes on faculty members doors. While this student did so anonymously, there was nothing particularly extraordinary about that. The response of American University faculty and staff was nothing short of Orwellian. Nearly sixty members of the law faculty and staff signed a letter calling this an act of intolerance, because it refers to all lives rather than only black lives. This makes American University look foolish. Even sillier, the letter calls this obviously true statementthat the lives of all members of the human species are valuablea rallying cry for many who espouse ideas of white supremacy. While we know that President Obama has stated that all lives matter, we are not personally aware of any cases in which white supremacists (a rare species these days) have made that statement. But if some have, we note that they have likely also uttered such unobjectionable sentiments such as Good morning and The sky is blue. Equating a student making a legitimate and utterly unobjectionable point with a white supremacist is nonsensical. The letter further states that it is unacceptable for a student to make such a statement anonymously. But what do you expect in an environment in which faculty members will accuse a student of uttering a rallying cry for many who espouse ideas of white supremacy? We are embarrassed for your law school, especially because it is a law school. We hope that you share our sentiments. (Emphasis in original; footnote omitted) John wrote about the the case of Jamar Clark in the aptly headed post Ferguson comes to Minneapolis. Clark was supposedly the victim of a police shooting on the evening just past midnight in the early hours of a Sunday morning this past November. Minneapolis police had been called to the scene of an assault that occurred less than two blocks from the nearest precinct station. Clark had beaten his girlfriend. When police arrived, Clark had returned to the scene and, according to police accounts, was interfering with the paramedics who were trying to treat his girlfriend. A scuffle with one or more of the police officers ensued, and one of the officers shot Clark. There were various witnesses on or near the scene. Some said that Clark was already handcuffed when the police officer shot him. The Black Lives Matter crowd demanded Justice4Jamar before all the evidence was in. Minneapolis police Chief Janee Harteau said that the departments initial information is that he was not handcuffed. Videos capturing parts of the incident was available to investigators reviewing the case, but werent released until today. The states Bureau of Criminal Apprehension investigated the shooting as a matter of course and turned over its investigatory materials to Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman. Rather than submit the case to a grand jury, Freeman reviewed the materials and made the prosecutorial decision himself. Today Freeman announced his decision. He has decided not to prosecute the case. Based on the evidence, I dont know how he could have. Clarks behavior was outrageous. Despite the claims of various witnesses, he wasnt handcuffed at the time of the shooting. Clark attempted to grab one of the officers guns and as they tussled on the ground. Clark refused to desist; the officer feared for his life and asked the other office present to shoot Clark. According to the officer on the ground with Clark, Clark all but asked to be killed as the incident unfolded. Ferguson comes to Minneapolis, indeed. Not that it matters to the Black Lives Matter crowd. The demand for lynch mob justice and the threat of violence in protest persist. The protests went under the rubric Justice4Jamar; the protests continue under the rubric Justice4Jamar. Today the Hennepin County Attorneys Office released its report and posted it together with the underlying materials here. Critical paragraphs from pages 2-3 of the report (footnotes and section heading omitted) read as follows: MPD Officers Schwarze and Ringgenberg arrived on the scene from the 4th Precinct stationhouse, which is only 3 blocks away, and parked behind EMS Supervisor Trullingers Suburban. Because they were so close to 1611 Plymouth and the call was for ambulance assistance, the officers did not activate lights and sirens which, in turn, means that their squads video cameras were not automatically activated. Trullinger met the officers and told them that the person in the ambulance was assaulted by the person up on the curb who was interfering with the paramedics. Trullinger then went to the ambulance to talk with the paramedics and Hayes. Ringgenberg and Schwarze approached Clark at 0049:16 and noticed his hands were in his pockets and told him to take his hands out. Ringgenberg took his gun out and held it down in front, not pointing at Clark. Clark started yelling, Whats the pistol for? The officers again and repeatedly told Clark to take his hands out of his pockets and he did not comply. Ringgenberg put the gun back in his holster and grabbed Clarks right wrist while Schwarze grabbed Clarks left hand. Schwarze had his handcuffs out but said he was never able to get them on Clark. Ringgenberg had been trained in his prior work as a police officer in San Diego to take a suspect to the ground when he or she resisted being handcuffed because it was believed to be safer. After Clark resisted being handcuffed, Ringgenberg quickly reached his arm around Clarks chest and neck and took him to the ground at 0049:29. Ringgenberg landed on his side on top of Clark, who was on his back. Ringgenberg said he tried to move away from Clark to get in position to handcuff him. Ringgenberg felt his gun go from his right hip to the small of his back and told Schwarze, Hes got my gun. Ringgenberg said he reached back to the top of his gun and felt Clarks whole hand on the gun. Ringgenberg repeatedly told his partner Schwarze, Hes got my gun, hes got my gun. Ringgenberg recalled hearing Schwarze tell Clark to let go of the gun or Schwarze would shoot. Ringgenberg heard Clark say, Im ready to die. Ringgenberg said, That was the worst feeling ever because, it just, my heart just sank. Ringgenberg believed he was going to die at that point because he had no control over his gun. Ringgenberg felt that Clark didnt care what happened to him and remembered thinking that he didnt want his partner to die with his gun. After Ringgenberg heard the round go off he remembered being able to roll away. Schwarze said that as the officers approached Clark he had this thousand yard stare. Schwarze said that after Ringgenberg used the takedown maneuver, Schwarze maintained control of Clarks left hand and was waiting for Ringgenberg to turn Clark over so they could handcuff him. Schwarze heard Ringgenberg say, Hes got my gun in a very stern, excited like very serious tone. Schwarze, who had his handcuffs out, then dropped the handcuffs on the ground and took out his gun. Schwarze said he put the gun to the edge of Clarks mouth and said, Let go or Im gonna shoot you. Schwarze recalled Clark looking directly at him and saying, Im ready to die. Schwarze said the only thing I could think of to do was to save our lives and anyone else in the immediate area so I pulled the trigger. Schwarze said the gun did not fire because the slide was partially pulled back. Schwarze heard Ringgenberg saying Shoot him in a panicked voice so Schwarze pulled the trigger again and the gun fired. The Star Tribune story on Freemans announcement in the case is here. Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges is a profile in cowardice. She cant say whether she supports Freemans decision. Federal authorities continue their own investigation. Quotable quote: At Freemans news conference, Raeisha Williams, communications director for the Minneapolis chapter of the NAACP and a City Council candidate, said to him, If the city burns, its on your hands. Miski Noor, a Black Lives Matter organizer called for a nonviolent response and added, I dont think Raeisha is advocating [violence]. I think her point is people are frustrated and are upset because yet again the justice system does not value black life. A reader drove by the scene of the shooting today and emailed us the photo below. Israel, of course, has something to do with it. China and Nigeria have recorded a total bilateral trade volume of 101 billion dollars from 2004 to 2015. Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Zhao Linxiang, said this at the 2016 China-Nigeria Trade and Economic Forum in Abuja on Thursday. Linxiang said that both countries had experienced steady increase in their bilateral relations. According to the statistics of the General Administration of Customs of China, total bilateral trade volume between China and Nigeria, from the year 2004 to 2015, recorded at 101 billion dollars. The major commodities imported by Nigeria from China are electrical machinery equipment, machinery and mechanical appliances and vehicles. The major commodities exported by Nigeria to China are mineral resources, wood and agricultural products such as cotton, palm oil seeds cashew nuts and so on. The counsellor said that the bilateral trade volume between both countries stood at 14.94 billion dollars in 2015. He added that the 2015 trade volume made up 8.3 per cent of Chinas total trade with Africa and 42 per cent of its trade with ECOWAS. Linxiang commended the cooperation efforts made by both countries in the area of infrastructure construction. A large number of projects have been completed or are being implemented in Nigeria with Chinese funds, advanced technologies and services. Those projects create more than 20,000 jobs for local people, he said. He further reiterated that Nigeria was one of the most important destinations of Chinese investment in Africa. He also said that the 10 major China-Africa cooperation plans agreed on at the 2015 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit would be of benefit to Nigerias economic diversification plan. The counsellor called on the need for both countries to explore new areas of cooperation and expand relations in existing areas. It is believed that President Buharis visit to China will breathe new life into the bilateral economic cooperation. It is also believed that during his stay in China, the two leaders will further discuss on how to fully implement the fruits of the 2015 FOCAC Summit. This includes the 10 major cooperation plans and relevant financing arrangements and how to carry them out into projects which are conducive to the Nigerian economic development. Also speaking, the President, Miners Association of Nigeria, Sani Shehu said there was a need for Nigeria to gain from the Chinese model of growth, investment and manufacturing expertise. Mr. Shehu noted that the trade imbalance between both countries remained in favour of China and urged that Chinese entrepreneurs be encouraged to set up production facilities in Nigeria. He explained that setting up production facilities would ensure value addition, creation of jobs and enhanced development in the country. Nigerian Government should learn from the Chinese in terms of building human and physical infrastructure as well as granting manufacturers and miners access to cheap credit. We need to liaise with foreign investors; Nigeria is eager to diversify its trade relations by reducing its dependence on western industrial countries. China is therefore one of the few countries that can assist Nigeria to bridge her huge financing gap especially for infrastructural development, he said. (NAN) South African Constitutional Court ruled on Thursday that President Jacob Zuma failed to uphold, defend and respect the constitution when he ignored the instructions of an anti-graft watchdog to repay some of 16 million dollars spent on his private home. The unanimous ruling by the 11 judges, sitting in Johannesburg gave Mr. Zuma 105 days to repay the reasonable cost of non-security-related upgrades to his sprawling rural residence at Nkandla in KwaZulu-Natal. Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng, described the uncompromising nature of the judgment as a profound lesson for South Africas young democracy. Meanwhile, opposition leader, Mmusi Maimane, told reporters that Mr. Zuma should be removed from office. He insisted that he would table a parliamentary motion to have him impeached. The ruling by the Constitutional Court was the latest twist in a six-year saga that has damaged Zuma politically, an official said on condition of anonymity. He said it was also a vindication for Public Protector Thuli Madonsela, a constitutionally mandated anti-graft watchdog. Mr. Zuma, a 73-year-old Zulu traditionalist, has been under fire since December when his abrupt sacking of finance minister Nhlanhla Nene sent the rand into a tail-spin. The rand firmed to a near-four month high against the dollar as Mogoeng delivered his ruling. (Reuters/NAN) Legal scholars and experts hurled verbal missiles around a round table convened to brainstorm on winning the war against corruption at the University of Lagos on Thursday. The round table, organised by the Department of Jurisprudence and International Law, tagged Winning the War Against Corruption was also an opportunity to launch the book Legal Perspectives to Corruption, Money Laundering, and Assets Recovery in Nigeria. The occasion began with the keynote speech Rule of Law and Treatment of Politically Exposed Persons in Corruption Cases delivered by Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. Mr. Falana, who was represented by Wahab Shittu, advocated the creation of special courts to handle corruption cases. The verbal battle began after controversial scholar, Femi Aribisala, took to the podium to discuss Mr. Falanas speech. There is no fight against corruption in Nigeria. And if theres no fight against corruption, you cant even talk about war, Mr. Aribisala began. And then he launched into a 10 minute speech that attacked the global definition of corruption by Oby Ezekwesili, a former World Bank vice president who had earlier defined corruption as the abuse of public space for private gains, the prescription of special courts by Mr. Falana; and current administrations effort against corruption. Corruption cannot be narrowly defined the way Dr. Ezekwesili defined it, only relating to public institutions. We are corrupt in Nigeria. The plumber, the tailor, the whole society is corrupt, said Mr. Aribisala. And we have not yet taken a decision, we have not yet gotten to a point where we are fed up. I mean, she (Mrs. Ezekwesili) had given an example of Hong Kong where people became fed up and said enough is enough. We have not reached that situation yet, I dont know why not, but we certainly have not. The 2015 election was not an anti-corruption election. We did not have any political party that presented an anti-corruption mandate to us. The party that won the election was just a makeover of the PDP, I mean the PDP people moved from the PDP to the APC. If they were corrupt when they were in PDP, they became clean when they were in APC. So there is no mandate against corruption. If President Buhari was determined to fight against corruption, my feeling is that he gave up after losing election three times. Because the fourth time, he formed an alliance with people who he despised before. And they were not necessarily people who had a track record of being (sic) anti-corruption. So today, I dont know who is anti-corruption. Mr. Aribisala said the current fight against corruption by the President Muhammadu Buhari government is merely a fight against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). We have to make up our minds if we really want to deal with the question of corruption. If we want to deal with the question of corruption, Nigerians themselves must insist on it and we have to deal with it at the institutional level, he said. The institutional fight against corruption that has taken place to the extent that it has, took place under PDP. The institutional structures, even the ones that the present government is relying on, are PDP structures. Whether it is EFCC, ICPC, TSA, all these came under PDP. In ten months of Buharis government, there has been no institutional structure that has been laid against corruption. We have simple had media circuses accusing people of corruption. You cannot fight corruption with corruption. And corruption is more than just the stealing of money. If you disobey the rule of law, you have corrupted the system. If you create an avenue where you have a big margin between the official foreign exchange rate and the parallel market rate, theres gonna be corruption. If you have children of the rich getting into the CBN on nepotistic grounds, the corruption is still with you. If you have a budget that is padded left right and centre, and after this was revealed you passed it and say only a small amount changed in it, and we do not know what is in the new budget, you cant say you are against corruption. There is no transparency in any of these things. Mr. Aribisala further stated that the current anti-corruption effort lacks a clear focus. Because the last 16 years was not just PDP government, he said. The legacy parties of the APC were also in power. In fact when the PDP was ostensibly dealing with corruption, it addressed people in its own party. We are not having that now. And thats why I cant trust Falanas prescription that we are going to establish special courts. I dont trust this government to establish those courts. They will simply establish courts to decimate the opposition. People like Orubebe will be arrested, and they will file cases against him and several months later they will drop the charges against him. And they will have pronounced him guilty in the newspapers on charges that will later on be dropped. That is not a fight against corruption. Mr. Aribisalas speech received a thunderous ovation from the guests, mostly students, a situation which irked Itse Sagay, a professor of Law and the chairman of the occasion. We are not here to make students clap, a visibly angry Mr. Sagay, who serves as the chairman of a Presidential Advisory Committee on Anti-courruption. We are here on a very serious business. And students, dont behave like American electorates who are ignorant. Donald Trump. The appreciation of unserious people shows ignorance. How can someone come here and say theres no war against corruption and there is clapping? Mr. Sagay said the APC had a manifesto that spelt out its strategies to combat corruption, and admonished Mr. Aribisala to stop making statements devoid of facts. Obasanjo created ICPC, EFCC, they are doing well we dont need to create new institutions. You do not win a war by just creating multiplicity of institutions everywhere, thats irresponsible. We will work with the institutions that we have. You dont dilute the meaning of corruption to a point that it is meaningless. This is a very serious discussion and I want us to be serious about it. If you are anti-government, please go and campaign against government and let your party win in 2019. This is not a venue for PDP campaign. Most inappropriate comment. We are here on serious business. Lets maintain that seriousness, he said. With Mr. Aribisala appearing unperturbed by Mr. Sagays stern remarks, Mrs. Ezekwesili pleaded for another chance at the podium, ostensibly to further drive the case against Mr. Aribisalas argument. The systemic nature of corruption as a cancer against a system of governance is demonstrated in the fact that the activity of corruption begins to happen at their different levels, Mrs. Ezekwesili began. So for example, I wasnt surprised that some of you were clapping. The reason you were clapping is that you are a page in your own level of corruption. There are many whose exam malpractice is the basis upon which they have come to school. So when you are talking about the need to wage a war against corruption, they are completely disconnected from it. There is a complete dissonance from it. Mrs. Ezekwesili urged the students to desist from applauding populist statements. You need to be driven by the evidence of the damage and the destruction that corruption is doing to you, at the unit level. If you think you are doing well now, you will do exceedingly better if corruption is effectively tackled in this society, she said. There is no comedy session going on here. We are talking about something that can be destructive. You should be holding the gun to fight against corruption. The gun has to be intellectual, so I need you to intelligently process everything that is said. President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday explained why he would not hurriedly assent to the 2016 passed by the National Assembly. He said he would critically review the document before assenting to it, according to a statement by Femi Adesina the special adviser to the President on media and publicity. Speaking at a meeting with the United States Secretary of State, John Kerry, in Washington DC, President Buhari said in view of the controversial alteration and padding of the budget proposals, he needed to review the appropriation bill to be certain that its contents tallied with the authentic budget proposal presented to the National Assembly. Some bureaucrats removed what we put in the proposal and replaced it with what they wanted, Mr. Buhari said. I have to look at the bill that has been passed by the National Assembly, ministry by ministry, to be sure that what has been brought back for me to sign is in line with our original submission. Declaring that his administration will continue to vigorously prosecute its war against corruption, President Buhari sought and received an assurance from Mr. Kerry that the United States Government will facilitate the repatriation of all stolen Nigerian funds found within the American banking system. It will greatly help our country if you assist us to recover all our stolen funds which we can establish to be within your financial system, the President told Mr. Kerry. Responding, the Secretary of State said that he has been told that the stolen Nigerian funds were in billions of dollars. Its not easy to hide that amount of money and we are pretty good in tracing them, Mr Kerry assured President Buhari, adding that relevant United States Government Officials will meet with the Chairman of Nigerias Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to discuss further cooperation in that regard. Mr. Kerry applauded the Buhari administrations success in rolling back the Boko Haram insurgency, saying the United States will continue to give Nigeria all possible support to ensure that the terrorist sect is finally eliminated as a threat to national and regional security. The Secretary of State also praised President Buharis clear order that Nigerias Armed Forces must show greater regard for the human rights of persons in the theatre of operations against Boko Haram. Acknowledging that the United States has been of great help to his administration in the retraining and re-equipping of the Nigerian Armed Forces that has resulted in the significant success already achieved against Boko Haram, President Buhari said the Federal Government was now working very hard to restore full normalcy in the North Eastern states. Boko Haram no longer holds any local government area. We are reconstructing damaged facilities and preparing the police to take over and reassert civilian control over areas affected by the insurgency, the President told Mr. Kerry. An Ojo Chief Magistrates Court in Lagos on Wednesday sentenced a 36-year-old dismissed police officer, Okpambe Anthony, to three years imprisonment for parading himself as a serving policeman. The Chief Magistrate, Paul Adedamola, in his ruling, did not give the convict an option of fine. The sentence which has no option of fine should serve as a deterrent to others, he said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Anthony had pleaded guilty to the charge of impersonation. Earlier, the prosecutor, Uche Simon, told the court that the accused had on March 19 at 2.00 p.m. at Iyana Oba in Ojo area of Lagos committed the offence. He said Anthony, who was dismissed from service in 2015, was arrested in a police uniform. The accused unlawfully parade himself as a police officer by wearing a full police Sergeant uniform. The photographs of the accused in a police uniform was tendered as exhibit in court among other evidences, he said. The offence, he noted, contravened the provisions of Sections 79 (1a) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. (NAN) Members of an aviation trade union, National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), on Thursday shut down the operations of Bristow Helicopters at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the union members shut down the airline for several hours in protest over alleged salary disparity between Nigerian pilots and engineers and their foreign counterparts. A NAN correspondent, who visited the headquarters of Bristow Helicopters close to the General Aviation Terminal (GAT), Lagos, airport observed that some of the union members were protesting at the gate of the company. The union members, who chanted various solidarity songs, barred other workers of the airline from entering the companys premises for several hours. The General Secretary of the union, Aba Ocheme, NAAPE, later informed aviation correspondents that the strike had been suspended following the intervention of the Ministry of Labour and Productivity. Mr. Ocheme said the protest would no longer continue on April 1 as earlier planned but added that the issues raised should be adequately addressed. NAN recalled that NAAPE had threatened to go on strike from March 30 to April 1 over the discriminatory salary and the absence of a condition of service. In a statement signed by Mr. Ocheme, NAAPE had pointed out that all efforts to correct these acts of injustice had failed to yield any positive result. It said: NAAPE has since offered a proposal to the management which has received an even more unpalatable response. Any unbiased third party will easily agree that NAAPE has bent double backwards to show maturity and good faith, and has amply demonstrated restraint and forbearance. While we have been playing for time to allow for workable solutions, management has been digging trenches and fortifying their positions. While we have been offending our members by showing understanding, management has been degrading our countrys laws by massing up expatriate recruitments, in fragrant disregard to subsisting expatriate quota laws. (NAN) President Muhammadu Buhari has written to congratulate President Mahamadou Issoufou of Niger Republic on his recent re-election. President Buhari extended his best wishes to President Issoufou and the people of Niger Republic after the peaceful elections, saying that it bodes well for the progress of the country. The president acknowledged an invitation to attend President Issoufous swearing-in for a new term in office, but regretted that he will be unable to attend due to his ongoing participation in the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington DC. Wishing President Issoufou a successful new term in office, President Buhari expressed the hope that peace and progress will continue to prevail in Nigeria and Niger Republic. News / National by Stephen Jakes The MDC-T Secretary General Douglas Mwonzoran has claimed that the Censorship Board of Zimbabwe has banned the "Democrats" which is the only documentary on Zimbabwe's constitution making process.He said this documentary was recorded as the process was taking place and records the truth of what happened."It tells the story of how the Constitution was made, the political dynamics involved and the hostility of the state apparatus to the process.It also records the violence that was directed at the general populace as well as the drivers of the process," Mwonzora said. "It also records in detail the murder of an innocent civilian in Mbare by the militia as a way to force the people to speak in a particular way. Importantly it records how we overcame adversity to come up with the document."He said in the documentary President Robert Mugabe made threats directed at two of the co-chairpersons Honourable Paul Mangwana from Zanu PF and myself from the MDCT and how we ignored those threats to come out with what we thought was good for our country."The attempts to manipulate the process by various state officials are exposed in the documentary. At the end of the documentary we learn about plots to murder some of the leaders of the process," Mwonzora said. "Zimbabweans participated in the constitution making process. They need to know exactly how the process took place."He said they need to know the truth. We call upon all Zimbabweans, civil society, churches and political parties to demand the un-banning of this documentary."We deserve the truth and this government cannot deny us the truth," he said. Following repeated complaints from Nigerians about the discrepancies in obtaining motor vehicle licence plates, the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, has issued a statement to clarify issues bordering on vehicle registration in the country. The statement said the FRSC is only required by law to produce licence plates for onward distribution to states internal revenue boards. The statement, which was signed by the agencys head of media relations and strategy, Mr. Bisi Kazeem, said only states are permitted by law to issue number plates to citizens. The FRSC responsibility is to design and produce vehicle number plates by virtue of Section 5(g) and Section 10 sub section 3(f) of the Federal Road Safety Commission (Establishment) Act, 2007. After production, the number plates are handed over to the States through States Boards of Internal Revenue (SBIRs) who now sell to the public. Nigerians have berated the FRSC for its handling of motor vehicle registration across the country, describing it as cumbersome and exploitative. But in his statement, Mr. Kazeem said the FRSC does not partake in decisions about licence plates fees but only collaborates with states to set national standards and develop reliable database for motor vehicles. The payment for number plates by motorists is strictly within the purview of the States since such payments are regarded as road taxes. In like manner, registration of vehicles is also the responsibility of the State Licensing Authorities. The FRSC however, collaborates with the State agencies involved to set national standards anto develop a reliable national database for all registered vehicles in Nigeria. Mr. Kazeem used the statement to enlighten the general public on motor vehicle registration guidelines. To register a vehicle, an applicant is expected to go to the Motor Licensing Office of the State Board of Internal Revenue (SBIR) where he would be guided on the process and procedure of vehicle registration. Alternatively, the applicants can apply online by visiting www.nvisng.org and fill form MVA 01, submit the form, after which an item number will be automatically generated which will be taken to SBIR for necessary payment. The applicant will then be issued with necessary vehicle documents. These are Vehicle License, Certificate of Road Worthiness, Valid Insurance Certificate and Proof of Ownership Certificate. The FRSC and SBIRs are not unaware of the activities of unscrupulous elements who are bent on circumventing the due process of vehicle registration for fraudulent and criminal purposes, and that was why processes are being put in place by FRSC in collaboration with SBIRs to checkmate their evil machinations. One of such processes is the development of the online Information Verification Portal (IVP) which affords applicants and vehicle owners the opportunity to verify online the genuineness of their vehicle registration and number plates. Many fake number plates and faulty registration have been discovered through this platform. In fact, the security agencies have been able to track stolen vehicles as well as some vehicles used in the commission of crimes. This underscores the importance of the verification portal as a veritable tool in fighting fake vehicle registration and boosting safety as well as national security. Mr. Kazeem also gave specific answers to some of the concerns raised by Nigerians in the course of obtaining licence plates. a). That a Plate Number belonging to a particular vehicle when verified on NVIS Platform, may show details of another vehicle. This can be caused by one of two possible reasons. The first possibility is that one of the two Vehicle Owners had bought a fake Number Plate while the other owner bought an FRSC/Lagos State Produced Number Plate. The Portal will however accept just one of these registration and as such the other vehicle owner will always see details of a different vehicle when trying to verify the Number Plate on NVIS. To resolve this, the owner must visit MVA Office to complain and have the State Official sort out who the authentic Number Plate Belong to and communicate same to FRSC. The second possible reason is that the Original Vehicle Owner whose information is saved on NVIS had sold the Vehicle to another individual alongside the Plate Number. Instead of the new owner doing a Change of Ownership, he/she had decided to register the Vehicle as a Fresh Registration with his own detail which the NVIS Portal will not accept since the same information already exist in its database. It is also possible that the new owner did a Change of Ownership at the MVA office but the record was pushed to NVIS Portal as Fresh Registration instead of Change of Ownership entry. To resolve this, owner should visit Motor Licensing Authority (MLA) and ask that the vehicle registration be pushed to FRSC as Change of Ownership entry as against being pushed as Fresh Registration. b). That a Number Plate which has been assigned to a particular vehicle is yet to complete its registration. This is a case of incomplete registration by the owner of the vehicle or that the registration detail has not been uploaded unto the portal. Without a valid insurance Certificate, the vehicle registration is incomplete. c). Plate has been produced by FRSC but yet to be assigned to a vehicle. This is a genuinely produced number plate but registration details are yet to be uploaded unto the portal. To resolve this, vehicle owner should visit state MVA to complain and have his or her details uploaded to NVIS Portal. The essence of the Information Verification Portal is to assist the owner of the vehicle and security operatives on the status of the number plates. The idea is that when the owner of the vehicle discovers that there are issues with the registration, he should use the status or information gathered to clarify with the licensing office that handled the registration and if through a third party, confront the handlers. In summary, the verification portal provides four options when verifying number plates depending on the stage of registration as follows: a) Number not produced but tried to be registered by any applicant will result in Invalid Number Plate b) When a number is produced but not registered/ data not uploaded, this is the message you, Number produced but not Registered c) When a number is produced and registered without genuine Insurance policy that is verifiable by NIIDB, the message you get is what the complainant got as Number plate has been assigned to Lexus Jeep. However vehicle registration is yet to be completed. d) When a registration is fully completed with genuine Insurance Policy resulting in the printing of Proof of Ownership, message will be Number plate has been produced by FRSC and assigned to TOYOTA HIGHLANDER on 6/11/2013 Finally, we wish to reiterate that the role of FRSC in vehicle registration is to set standards, design and produce number plates which are handed over to the SBIRs for distribution to the general public after payment of requisite road taxes. The FRSC is also involved in maintaining a reliable national database of all registered vehicles. FRSC should therefore not be castigated for the responsibilities of other agencies in the vehicle registration process. In fact, FRSC should be commended for being proactive by introducing the verification platform. This is to assure the general public that the FRSC is always ready to collaborate with states in ensuring effective motor vehicle administration that will promote safety on our roads and enhance national security. The Nigerian Textile Manufacturers Association, NTMA, has expressed its approval for the introduction of genetically modified cotton into the country. In a statement Wednesday by its acting Director-General, Hamma Kwajaffa, the association said a timely introduction of GM cotton, especially the Bt cotton variety, which has high resistance to pests, is capable of repositioning Nigerias moribund textile industry. The associations statement is coming barely two days after several rights groups and faith-based organisations kicked against an attempt by Mosanto Agriculture Ltd., a supplier of agricultural products, to obtain approval for environmental introduction and commercial production of genetically modified cotton and maize from the National Biosafety Management Agency, NBMA. The groups concerns stemmed from their believe that any introduction of GM products portends grave consequences for the health and environmental safety of Nigerians. The groups also argued that the climate in Africa is not conducive for genetically modified cotton and any attempt to introduce it would fail. But in its approval statement, NTMA said the introduction of GM cotton will not harm the environment and will benefit farmers and improve textile quality in the country. This protection is expected to improve cotton lint quality and farmers will benefit increase yields due to reduced insect-pest damage. The agency (NBMA) in furtherance of its mandate, has commenced the process of reviewing this application presently before it. The application is currently undergoing a science-based review process together with relevant regulatory agencies and independent experts to ascertain that the proposed product is safe to human and animal health and to the environment. Mr. Kwajaffa said the textile industry has endured a shortage of cotton in recent times. Of recent the Textile Industry has had a barrage of shortage of the commodity and even when available it by far surpasses the international price so, the thinking is that when it is produced in surplus, local industry should be able to purchase it at regulated prices and again farmers would be able to export, he said. Mr. Kwajaffa highlighted the opportunity cost of cotton farming in the country. Cotton farming in Nigeria over the years has suffered because the opportunity cost of planting cotton has remained high. Cotton does not compete favourably against other lower risk crops and this has led to a dwindling of farmers involved in cultivating the crop over time. He, therefore, urged regulators to embark on sensitising stakeholders about the benefits of genetically modified cotton in the country, adding that several countries across the world have embraced the technology. Finally it behoves on the Bt Cotton regulators to engage the farmers in high level education as the whole GMO farming emanates from educated farmers like in the US, India, Brazil, Greece, Argentina etc. It is estimated that about 30,000 Nigerians are employed in the textile industry and an additional one million small farmers and labourers are both in direct cotton production and within the value chain, probably supporting five million more people. This is a sharp contrast from over 400,000 people employed across over 250 textile mills in the country in the 80s. The Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has dismissed claims that over 200 Chibok school girls were truly abducted by Boko Haram militant group and have been missing since. Mr. Fayose, in a video clip posted on YouTube, Wednesday, said the girls would never be found because What is not missing, you cannot find. Mr. Fayose, according to the video, was speaking recently to some women in Ekiti, at a workshop organised by an NGO, Women Arise. The governor said the #BringBackOurGirls campaign was a hoax, designed to stop former president Goodluck Jonathan from winning re-election. If you want to use it to get some people out of office, you have succeeded in doing that, he said. But you must equally look for those girls, if indeed they are missing. It was a strategy to get some political push- ups. That is why you can never find them. Mr. Fayose, who said genuine human rights organisations were no longer in existence in Nigeria, mocked at the #BringBackOurGirls campaigners, alleging that some of them had been settled with political appointments. I was laughing at this people when they come out with freedom for our girls, the governor said, eliciting laughter from the crowd. Or is it where is our girls? Is it trailer that they used to pack 200 girls away or luxurious bus? Who is fooling who? Most of them (the campaigners) have become political appointees or they are looking for political appointments. I like to tell people the truth, if you dont like you can go to (the) police station, Mr. Fayose said. Below is full transcript of the video. Viral opposition, human rights who are apolitical, not human rights when the going is good. when the people you believe in are in government. Today many opposition leaders are underground. Many human rights organisations are dead. I was laughing at this people when they come out with look for our girls or where is our girls? I dont know whether even those girls are missing. Write it down. Quote me, Pressmen. Quote me; Ive not changed my name. Who is fooling who? Is it trailer that they used to pack 200 girls away or luxurious bus. Who is fooling who? If you want to use it to get some people out of office, you have succeeded in doing that. But you must equally look for those girls if truely they are missing. Most of they have become political appointees or they are looking for political appointments, not until we start shouting: where are you again? They now started visiting the Villa. They want to go and do DNA test in Cameroon. Who is fooling who? We are not all 419 activists. No o! Not what you eat makes you fate. Youll see a fat man and hes still hungry. And you see a skinny person who says Im full, Im content. I dont know whether there are missing girls, because no indicator has shown the realities of the game. It was a strategy to get some political push ups. That is why you can never find them. You can never find them. What is not missing you cannot find. I like to tell people the truth, if you dont like you can go to police station. When I left office, I was the one who went to EFCC myself. They were not looking for me. I was detained for almost 50 days; my wife was detained; we are back in government house. Those who plotted us out of government now they eat the crumbles at our table. To God be the Glory. We are not perturbed by this pettiness in our country. Im concerned by the activities of human rights groups. They should borrow a leaf from this woman. A lot of SANs in this country who were talking before, today they are arresting people indiscriminately, today they are obeying court order by their choice, where are they? Where are the human rights activists? Where are they? When they go to the House of Assembly hollow chambers to arrest people. When my House of Assembly member was detained for 18 days. Why would you take our rights for political for reasons of ego? Why would you take the rights of our people? Police came to town yesterday. At the pointing of APC people to come and be arresting our people and we still have human rights activists. And we have viral opposition. This Nigeria belongs to us and our father, and our father, and our fathers father, father. When the going is good for them they will praise you. When the going is not good for them they will say you are a devil. If you like demonise me I will demonise you back. I dont know the governor that will say he wants to slap me, if you slap me Ill slap my own back. Before you beat me sef Ill slap my own back. Thats the truth. I dont need police to walk in my state. If police like let them carry their people. SSS carry their people. You are not popular enough thats why you cannot walk in your state. Where are human rights activists in the killings in those states in the South South? Coldblooded. When people are displaying evil openly. Where are the human rights activists? We must talk about government in power providing cover for criminals. When a court gave an order that the police or security agency must arrest somebody and bring him to court, you are now providing cover for that person. You are now using that person to molest innocent people that is not leadership. That is autocracy. My name is Ayo Fayose, Peter the rock! When rock falls on you, you are in trouble. When you fall on rock, you are in trouble. And I make it very clear, any government that rises against me that government must come down. If Im standing on the ground that God Almighty put me here no man can shake me. You will only make me more popular. By engaging me you make me more popular and get sympathy. The United States government has said it will help Nigeria recover public funds running into billions of dollars stolen from Nigeria and believed to be hidden in the banks in the US and other countries. US Secretary of State, John Kerry, made the pledge on Thursday in Washington DC while responding to comments by President Muhammadu Buhari on the commitment of his administration to the war against corruption and the need for the US government to help repatriate the countrys stolen wealth stashed abroad. It will greatly help our country if you assist us to recover all our stolen funds which we can establish to be within your financial system, the president told Mr. Kerry. Mr. Kerry in his response told Mr Buhari that he had learned that the money stolen from the country ran into billions of dollars and that the countrys officials were ready to work with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in find and return the stolen funds. Its not easy to hide that amount of money and we are pretty good in tracing them, Mr. Kerry assured President Buhari. Soon after it was inaugurated, the Buhari administration initiated a campaign against corruption. Several former officials, who are believed to have siphoned public funds, have been charged to court and are now facing trials. Notable among them is the immediate past national security adviser, Sambo Dasuki, who is facing charges of misappropriating $2.1 billion dollar meant for the procurement of arms for the armed forces to fight the Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast. Meanwhile, Mr. Kerry, while hailing the successes of the Buhari administration in curtailing Boko Haram, said the U.S. will not relent in giving Nigeria all possible support to make sure that the terrorists are completely defeated. He, however, said the Nigerian military should do more to respect the human rights of the people within the its theatre of operation. Mr. Buhari thanked the US for its support in the fight, against Boko Haram, saying the government was doing everything to make sure life returns to normal in the northeast. Boko Haram no longer holds any local government area. We are reconstructing damaged facilities and preparing the police to take over and reassert civilian control over areas affected by the insurgency, he said. Nigeria has a unique opportunity now to become a great country with President Muhammadu Buhari at the helm of affairs, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said Thursday. Mr. Osinbajo said this while receiving at the Presidential Villa, a delegation of his Law Faculty classmates with whom he attended the University of Lagos between 1975 and 1978. He called on Nigerians to support President Buhari, whom he described as a man who is honest and whose only desire is to make Nigeria go forward and become a great nation. Mr. Osinbajo said despite the twists and turns in governance, the country has a unique opportunity to make good progress now. The president and I are determined to give a good account of ourselves and more importantly ensure that the country makes a good progress, he said. The vice president expressed appreciation for the visit. Earlier, retired Justice Chinyelu Anigbodu, who spoke on behalf of the delegation that included former foreign affairs minister, Odein Ajumogobia, congratulated the vice president, noting that his election is a precious gift to us. Members of the vice presidents class at the meeting included legal practitioners from across Nigeria, and Cameroon. They included serving and retired justices, notable law teachers and lawyers. The Federal Government has been called upon to intensify efforts towards resolving farmers and herdsmen crisis to enable activities to scale up access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in Benue succeed. Joseph Ngbede, Chairman, Agatu Local Government Area, made this call at a Review Meeting of the Rural Sanitation and Hygiene Promotion in Nigeria (RUSHPIN) Programme in Makurdi on Thursday. He said internal and external crises in the council and insecurity of lives have led to a drastic reduction in scaling up access to basic hygiene practices in the council area. He said most volunteers working in the programme implementation stages were losing interest due to recurring conflicts, saying that this trend needed to be reversed. In Agatu Local Government, we are not making much progress at scaling up access to basic sanitation and hygiene. This is due to incessant attacks and conflicts between the herdsmen and indigenes, we now have Internally Displaced Persons camps. Presently, majority of them lack basic hygiene components, there are outbreaks of diseases frequently; we want the Federal Government to come to our aid, he said. The council boss commended the Global Sanitation Funds RUSHPIN programme, saying that it has led to improved sanitation and hygiene, and has also helped in reducing open defecation communities. Mr. Ngbede urged the Benue Government to pay up its part of the counterpart funds to enable Local Governments benefit in the RUSHPIN programme. Nanpet Chuktu, Programme Manager, Concern Universal, said the RUSHPIN programme, which is in its third year of implementation, has improved sanitation and hygiene attitude in the state with over 185,000 people reached in Agatu, Logo and Gwer East LGAs. A lot of people in the three Local Government Areas are now aware of the dangers of defecating in the open. The people are now informed about the importance of building and using their toilets, so it is commendable, however, much more can be achieved, he said. He said the purpose of the meeting was to review the RUSHPIN programme results in Benue, and highlight areas of strength and profer solutions where there are weaknesses. Mr. Chuktu also said it was an opportunity to share with the wider WASH sector, lessons and best practices on Sanitation and Hygiene. He said the meeting would also enhance participants knowledge on how to advocate on proven approaches that would help to make Benue an Open Defecation Free state. Ella Ejembi, General Manager, Benue State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (BERWASSA), said the state had developed a draft Roadmap which aims at declaring Benue Open Defecation Free by 2025. While commending the efforts of the state government, Mr. Ejembi urged all stakeholders to begin to take ownership of donor-supported intervention towards scaling up access to sanitation and hygiene. He said the agency would continue to play its part to scale up RUSHPIN programme in three more local government areas of Ado, Buruku and Gboko to compliment efforts of the Global Sanitation Fund (GSF). The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council and the GSF are funding the RUSHPIN programme in three local government areas in Benue and Cross River states. (NAN) The Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory, Wilson Inalegwu, said eight suspects had been arrested in connection with the clash in Gwagwalada on Saturday. Mr. Inalegwu told journalists in Abuja on Thursday that investigation into the incident in which houses, shops and vehicles were destroyed, had reached advanced stage. All those found wanting will soon be taken to court for prompt prosecution, he said. He said that no stone would be left unturned in applying the law fully in order to serve as deterrent to anyone who may want to follow the same barbaric path. He disclosed that normalcy had returned to the area and assured residents of the FCT that security agencies were on top of the situation. The FCT Minister, Muhammad Bello, had while reacting to the incident, directed the security agencies in the territory to arrest those involved in the clash. The minister also directed the agencies to ensure that all those involved in the fracas faced the full wrath of the law, saying that nobody was above the law. (NAN) The Kaduna State chapters of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) on Thursday said they would continue to demand the rights of workers in the state in the midst of blackmail and intimidation. A statement on Thursday signed by NLC chairman, Adamu Ango, and his TUC counterpart, Shehu Mohammed, said no amount of campaign of calumny from any quarters would deter the leadership of the unions from demanding for the rights of workers in the state. The demand for workers for a verification from indicating their choice to belong to the union or not is tantamount to an infringement on their fundamental human rights, the statement said. Union membership is a constitutional issue which is above the jurisdiction of any state government. Labour unions would resist any attempt to polarize and create dis-harmony among it members. They advised workers in the state to remain resolute and be law abiding while conducting their duties. . They also urged the state government to publish names of workers who aided and abetted ghost workers in the state, and to also make same available to the NLC and the TUC for necessary action. Colossal amount involve of N 500,000,000,00 per months; is big enough to assist the government in its developmental programmes in the state, the unions said. The unions and the state government have been on warpath after the government, as path of the ongoing verification of personnel, urged workers to indicate whether they want to belong to unions or not. The unions objected, protesting and lobbying workers to ignore the options being offered them government. PREMIUM TIMES learned that the workers felt a substantial number of workers might opt out, and that check-off dues remitted to the unions might drop significantly. The government has however insisted that the verification process would continue the way it has been designed. A spokesperson for Governor El-Rufai said public servants first became employees before they became union members. Cooperation with the employer to verify the status of every worker is expected. It cannot be made a reason for industrial action. Refusal to participate in verification will result in the concerned persons being removed from the payroll. The labour leadership seems to be afraid that workers will opt-out of joining unions. If that be the case, the unions should seek ways to increase their attraction to workers, including persuading them to opt for continued membership. Inciting workers against a legitimate process of updating their personnel records is counter-productive. ( Read 4351 Times) Chennai, Ashok Leyland, flagship of the Hinduja Group, second largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, and the largest suppliers of logistics vehicles to the Indian Army, has won orders valued at Rs 800-crore from the Indian armed forces.The company will supply advanced-technology products 450 units of Field Artillery Tractor (FAT) 6x6 and other similar Super Stallion vehicles; and 825 units of Ambulance 4x4.Mr. Vinod K. Dasari, Managing Director, Ashok Leyland said, The orders for Field Artillery Tractor (FAT) 6x6 and Ambulance 4x4 are in keeping with the momentum witnessed recently in the area of upgradation of technology and resources by the defence forces. It also reaffirms our Companys credentials as the largest defence mobility manufacturer that meets stringent requirements of the armed forces. We, at Ashok Leyland through the Make in India initiative stand committed to partner Indias Armed Forces in their endeavor to modernize, scale up performance and increase effectiveness."Field Artillery Tractor (FAT) 6x6A Field Artillery Tractor (FAT) 6x6 on Super Stallion platform will function as a Common Gun Tower for all artillery guns. This versatile FAT provides the Army unprecedented flexibility in rapid deployment and utilisation of artillery resources. The vehicle can be used for a variety of applications across logistics and tactical segments.Ambulance 4x4The air-conditioned Ambulance 4x4 will provide enhanced medical support in the immediate aftermath of injuries. A double-walled insulated body maintains inside temperature, while rear air suspension reduces shocks during transportation. All equipment meets Advanced Life Support standards.Ashok Leyland is a pioneer in the design and development of specialized transport solutions for the armed forces for over four decades. Ashok Leyland is the largest supplier of logistics vehicles to the Indian Army riding on the success of the tested and proven Stallion platform, which makes the platform the veritable logistics backbone of the Indian army and Ashok Leyland the largest supplier of logistics vehicles to Indian Army. Ola brings Auto-Connect Wi-Fi experience to millions on the go ( Read 4048 Times) 31 Mar 16 Share | Print This Page Bangalore, Ola, Indias most popular mobile app for transportation, today announced the launch of Ola Wi-Fi, a proprietary experience from the companys innovation labs, that allows users to auto connect to Wi-Fi in an Ola cab without having to enter credentials every single time. Users with a one-time authentication on their phones, can use Ola Wi-Fi on their devices without having to key in login credentials and passwords in subsequent rides, staying connected with Olas secure network whenever they take a ride. Auto-Connect Wi-Fi is currently available for free on Ola Prime and will soon be available across all categories including Micro, Mini and Auto-rickshaws available on the Ola app. Wi-Fi hotspots that are available publicly today, are cumbersome to use with login credentials and unique passwords to be input every single time, making for a broken connectivity experience on the move. Also, the need for seamless connectivity is extremely important in a local market like India which is seeing a massive growth in the user base of smartphones that is upward of 40% year on year. Over 200TB of data was consumed on a monthly basis by users of Ola Prime, which was earlier making available high speed Wi-Fi in-cab with a standard authentication process. 65% customers who chose Ola Prime, connected to the in-cab Wi-Fi. With auto-connect Wi-Fi innovation, Ola foresees a massive surge in adoption, given the unmatched customer experience for users while on the move. Raghuvesh Sarup, Head of Categories & Chief Marketing Officer said, Ola Wi-Fi addresses the need for consumers to be connected to the internet while on the go, without the hassles of having to use unique credentials every single time. With over 40 minutes spent on an average cab ride in Indian cities, an auto-connect Wi-Fi experience can make every Ola, the third place for consumers, beyond their home and workplace. We are ushering in a digital revolution in the country that has the potential to transform the experience of mobility for a billion Indians in the time to come. The Auto-Connect Wi-Fi experience from Ola is built on the foundations of key Government initiatives including Digital India and Smart Cities. Globally respected technology companies like Google, have also come forward to set up innovative projects that can connect public spaces. This first of its kind innovation for India, can in the long run, help connect large communities of users, improving the quality of time spent while on the move. Ankit Bhati, Co-founder & Chief Technology Officer at Ola added, We are thrilled to bring our proprietary Ola Wi-Fi experience to users, changing the way they will stay connected on the move. As part of Olas Innovation Labs, this first of its kind experience is in line with the Governments initiatives of Digital India and owes inspiration to large projects like free Wi-Fi in railway stations. We also see this as the beginning of connected cities, with hundreds of thousands of vehicles connecting millions of users on the go! Olas Innovation Labs have constantly built technology that solves for local market and consumer needs that the company is in a unique position to understand. In the past, Ola has enabled 2G optimization for its app, allowing for a lightning fast experience for users even on slower networks; a problem that is commonly encountered in many parts of the country. Ola has also made available its app for auto-rickshaw drivers in over 9 local languages and enabled turn by turn navigation features for driver-partners registered on the Ola app. About Ola: Founded in Jan 2011 by IIT Bombay alumni Bhavish Aggarwal and Ankit Bhati, Ola (formerly Olacabs), is Indias most popular mobile app for transportation. Ola integrates city transportation for customers and driver partners onto a mobile technology platform ensuring convenient, transparent and quick service fulfilment. Ola is committed to its mission of building mobility for a billion people. Using the Ola mobile app, users across 102 cities can book from over 350,000 cabs and 80,000 auto-rickshaws and taxis. Ola has also introduced a range of shared mobility services on its platform like Ola Shuttle and Ola Share for commute and ride-sharing respectively. The app is available on Windows, Android and iOS platforms. In early 2015, Ola acquired TaxiForSure, Indias second largest cab aggregator, which continues to operate as an independent brand. Please visit www.olacabs.com for more information. This Article/News is also avaliable in following categories : Business News Your Comments ! Share Your Openion News / National by Staff reporter As the Zanu-PF faction opposed to Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa succeeding President Robert Mugabe cranks up the political heat on him the warring party's ambitious Young Turks, known as the Generation 40 (G40) group, plan to mount a massive demonstration in Harare against the embattled Midlands godfather.Well-placed Zanu-PF sources who spoke to the Daily News yesterday said although the march would be organised under the guise of the bitterly-divided party's women and youth leagues showing their continued support for Mugabe, its real target would be Mnangagwa."You can bet your last dollar that this won't be a march for Gushungo (Mugabe), this is about Ngwena (Mnangagwa) and how he has to be eliminated at all costs, just as they tried to do earlier in the year when the women's league organised a similar demo."Ngwena's (Zanu-PF) enemies are working hard to ensure that he is dropped from Cabinet. So, while publicly the youths and women are not naming Ngwena, it is an open secret that their march is targeted at him, on the false claim that he wants to topple the president from power," a senior party official linked to Team Lacoste said.The mass action, it is said, will be reminiscent of the "one million man march against sanctions" that firebrand former war veterans' leader Jabulani Sibanda organised in 2007 when he was still a darling of Zanu-PF bigwigs.Tough-talking women's league national treasurer, Sarah Mahoka who publicly humiliated Mnangagwa in February this year confirmed the march, telling the Daily News yesterday that the league's members would come out in full force to join hands with party youths in the planned demonstration."As the women's league, we believe that wherever you see the youth league, we are always there because they are the vanguard of the party and what they are planning is a noble idea because there are some war veterans who have taken to intimidating our president."We will not tolerate anyone who plays around with our leader and the First Lady. Anyone who touches them will have touched a raw nerve and we will not spare him. Anofira mahara (such people risk losing their lives for nothing)," Mahoka declared.Mnangagwa's Zanu-PF foes accuse him of "overweening ambition" and leading the Team Lacoste faction that is allegedly working feverishly to oust Mugabe from power.Some of Mnangagwa's supposed key allies, such as prominent war veterans Christopher Mutsvangwa and Victor Matemadanda, have given grist to the allegations by appearing to question Mugabe's actions in recent months and seemingly casting doubts over the nonagenarian's continuing capacity to control Zanu-PF.Weighing in on the subject of the planned march, ruling party deputy national youth league secretary, Kudzanai Chipanga, says the league will, during the first week of May, mobilise at least 100 000 young people from each of the country's 10 provinces to "invade Harare to assure the president that we are 150 percent behind him and that he should never lose sleep or be intimidated by anyone"."We have individuals in Zanu-PF who are saying rubbish things, anticipating ...Mugabe's death, for them to take power. He (Mugabe) was elected by the people and, therefore, no one will ever dare to remove him," Chipanga said recently while addressing Mashonaland East youths in Marondera.Speaking in an interview with Japanese journalists on Monday, Mugabe himself made it abundantly clear that he would not be stampeded out of power, adding that he would stand for the 2018 elections when he would be a very mature 94.Asked directly if he would stand for elections in 2018, Mugabe said: "At the moment I am the president. Do you see me as not fit? Why not contest two years later?"My people will want me to be a candidate and they have already nominated me as a candidate for 2018," the increasingly-frail nonagenarian said.Meanwhile, Mahoka has also accused some former freedom fighters led by Mutsvangwa of hiding behind the "cloak of war veterans' welfare" to push for a meeting with Mugabe, albeit supposedly harbouring sinister motives.However, she said, Zanu-PF and especially the women's league would never allow itself to be dictated to by an affiliate association."We cannot have our president removed by an affiliate association, not in our lifetime. We will stand together with the youths to defend him, to defend the revolution and its legacy."They are now talking about the welfare of war veterans because they want to then go about abusing his (Mugabe's) name, lying that he gave them tasks to do."We know they are desperate for recognition, that even if they get just a handshake from him or the first lady, they will use that to intimidate people saying they are close to them," Mahoka charged.The march will also come at a time that Team Lacoste-aligned war veterans are pushing Mugabe to take action against their rivals in the G40 faction with the VP's allies accusing the G40 of working to destroy Zanu-PF from within. Bridgeton Patrolman Christian Acevedos visit to the J & M variety store began with a simple Hola, como estas, which was met with smiles from those inside and led to a conversation with the woman working the counter. The two spoke in Spanish, and Acevedo left with a request from the woman for extra patrols to watch for some people who were acting suspiciously in her neighborhood. The 25-year-old Acevedo believes his ability to speak Spanish and his Puerto Rican ancestry made it easier for the woman to ask for help. Thats something she might not have done with a non-Hispanic officer who spoke only English and didnt understand Hispanic culture, he said. It makes them feel comfortable, Acevedo said. It makes a difference. Law-enforcement agencies are trying to bolster their ranks with officers who speak more than one language, but the effort isnt easy. Hiring in many departments is linked to state Civil Service Commission tests, and its difficult to get members of various ethnic groups to take the tests and make it through grueling police academy training, law-enforcement officials said. The only thing that gets you bumped to the top of the list is military service, said Sgt. Kevin Fair, spokesman for the Police Department in Atlantic City, where residents speak at least 37 different languages. There is nothing for a bilingual candidate. It would be wonderful to have officers who can communicate in some native languages. Fair said a quick sampling of Atlantic Citys police force turned up eight officers who are fluent in Spanish, one each who is fluent in Bengali, Cantonese and Albanian, and one who is fluent in Bengali, Hindi and Urdu. The ranks of the State Police include troopers who speak 34 different languages such as Arabic, Mandarin, Polish, Farsi, Hindi, French, Hebrew, Spanish and Portuguese, said State Police Capt. Stephen Jones. Those officers are available to help local departments, he said. We are always seeking to have the diversity of our troopers represent the people we serve, he said. Language ability is considered as a plus in the selection process as we populate new classes, but it is not mandated. Essentially, a police departments ability to build trust with an ethnic community is difficult if you literally cant talk to them, said James Anderson, director of the Rand Institutes Justice Policy Program. There is a recognition that its needed, Anderson said. You need to build ties. I think bilingual officers facilitate those ties, and not just in the Hispanic community. Its not some sort of magic bullet, and just having a bilingual officer alone isnt enough to change things overnight, he said. But it helps, and it helps educate other officers on the force about the cultural norms that other officers arent aware of and can learn. The more relaxed interaction between members of various ethnic groups and police is evident as Acevedo walks along Laurel Street past stores with names like Azteca Internacional and Novedades Espinoza. The stores are among many Hispanic businesses that opened during the past several years in downtown Bridgeton, where 44 percent of the population is Hispanic. Theres an easy rapport between Acevedo and those in the stores as they speak Spanish. That relationship is important to Bridgeton merchants like Caesar delaCruz, a 55-year-old Dominican Republic native who operates Cruz Food Market & Deli and speaks little English. Selling lunch to an English-speaking customer during one of Acevedos visits was accomplished more with hand gestures and facial expressions than with language. There is no way I can communicate in English, delaCruz said, using Acevedo as an interpreter. Dealing with the Police Departments Spanish-speaking officers made it easier to discuss incidents that occurred at the store he opened in 1997, delaCruz said. Those officers are especially important as more Hispanics open downtown businesses, he said. We need more Hispanic police officers in the area, he said. Jessica Espinoza works at Novedades Espinoza, a variety store owned by her parents. Espinoza is bilingual, but her parents speak little English. It would be easier, Espinoza, a 28-year-old Bridgeton resident, said of having more Spanish-speaking police officers. My mom could explain what happens. Acevedo said there are other advantages to being bilingual. One of the biggest involves safety, as an officer can understand whats happening at a crime scene when those nearby are speaking a different language, he said. Bridgeton Police Chief Michael Gaimari said his department is developing a recruiting program for Bridgeton High School seniors, some of whom will hopefully seek a law-enforcement career in Bridgeton. The program will debut this spring and explain the Civil Service test process, he said. Gaimari called it an effort to attract more officers to reflect the demographics of the city. He said nine of his departments police officers, or 15 percent of the force, speak Spanish. He said the department tries to schedule those officers, and two other employees who work in the records department, so a Spanish-speaking person is available at all times. The Newark-based National Coalition of Latino Officers is working to get more Hispanics to take the Civil Service tests and increase the 20 percent police academy graduation rate for Hispanics, said the organizations president, Antonio Hernandez. That could result in more bilingual officers, he said. The organization wants to move the program into South Jersey, targeting multi-ethnic municipalities such as Atlantic City, he said. Contact: 609-226-9197 News / National by Staff reporter An all stakeholders meeting is underway at the Harare International Conference Centre to discuss the issue of compensation for farmers whose land was acquired under the land resettlement programme in early 2000.The Minister of Lands and Rural Resettlement, Douglas Mombeshora said out of the 6240 farms acquired under the programme, only 240 previous owners have been fully compensated and 17 partially.1519 of the acquired farms have been valued to ascertain their value to determine the compensation payable to the previous owner.Mombeshora told the meeting that it is government's desire to honour its obligations to pay former farm owners but the pace is slow due to inadequate resources on the part of government.However, President of the National Commercial Farmers Union (ZNFU), Mr Stansilas Goredema said the former white farmers have no right to demand any compensation as no compensation was paid to the indigenous people when the land was forcibly taken away from them in 1893.A land expert, Professor Mandiwamba Rukuni said the money required for compensation should be taken over as public debt and enable normal production activities to take place on the acquired land.Mr Peter Steyl, representing the Commercial Farmers Union, said former farm owners who bought their land after independence in 1980 should be allowed to go back on their land and resume their business like any other Zimbabwean. 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. News / Press Release by PDP The frequent foreign travels that Robert Mugabe undertakes have demonstrated that they are useless and costly to the country as they are not benefitting the country, contrary to state media claims that his current trip to Japan would bring in investment opportunities to Zimbabwe.Mugabe's travel to Japan, where a pledge of $5million grant in aid has been made to Zimbabwe, will not be of benefit anyone as his visit to that country saw the Zimbabwe government forking out similar amount in cash.Despite the state media claiming that Mugabe would have a busy and packed schedule in Japan, like other previous foreign trips, nothing shows the ordinary person is set to benefit.If that $5 million grant is finally made available by Japan to Zimbabwe it will definitely be misused by Mugabe to go on another worthless overseas trip.Over the past few months, more than $100 million in cash from the state coffers has been used to fund Mugabe's penchant for foreign travel.It is very clear that funds for Mugabe's foreign trips would go a long way in mitigating the current drought that is ravaging the countryside, but Mugabe seems to be living far away from what is taking place in Zimbabwe where a single meal is now a luxury for the majority of the people.Mugabe's Japanese trip has also exposed him as a person who is no longer physically fit to rule after he made another detour to Singapore in order to receive medical treatment.His visit to Singapore is the second in two weeks alone after another one during his aborted trip to India. His frequent medical checkups are a clear indication that he is not able bodied and therefore not fit to govern and should immediately resign and save the people from the economic collapse.His subsequent visit to Japan has signaled that he is an angry man as his all-weather friends, China, have indicated that they prefer Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa to be the president of Zimbabwe than Mugabe.Mugabe is angry that during a recent visit to China, Mnangagwa impressed on the China that Zimbabwe was ready to embrace investment opportunities and leadership renewal.As a result, his current visit to Japan is an indication that he is unhappy and wants Zimbabwe to abandon economic relations with China because they have shown interest in Mnangagwa as a better leader than him.As PDP, we condemn Mugabe's attempts to play and drag Zimbabwe into the dangerous foreign policy strained relations between China and Japan.The PDP believes in building good relationships with our African neighbours and the international community and not interfering with their geo-politics.Mugabe's trip to Japan again shows that it is time for new leaders in Zimbabwe. On-Site Utility Solutions to be provided through TEDOM dealer network WALTHAM, Massachusetts, March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- EuroSite Power Inc., (OTCQX: EUSP) an On-Site Utility solutions provider, offering clean electricity, heat, hot water and cooling solutions to healthcare, hospitality, housing and leisure centers in the United Kingdom (UK) and Europe, has signed a collaboration agreement with Czech CHP manufacturer TEDOM, to promote EuroSite Power's On-Site Utility solutions through more than thirty TEDOM dealers across the EU and Turkey. With more than 3,500 CHP (Combined Heat and Power) units sold and 25 years' experience, TEDOM is one of the world's leading CHP manufacturers. The agreement will allow the dealers to offer an On-Site Utility solution to their customers as an alternative to buying a CHP system outright. EuroSite Power's On-Site Utility solutions ensure customers are able to enjoy the guaranteed benefits of CHP technology, with zero capital investment, operational or maintenance costs. As an alternative to the sale of a CHP to the customer, EuroSite Power finances, installs and maintains the system onsite, retaining ownership of the equipment under a long-term agreement. Once the system is installed and commissioned at the customer's property, EuroSite Power then sells the energy produced by the system to the customer at a rate guaranteed to be lower than if the equipment was not in place. Paul Hamblyn, Managing Director of EuroSite Power, commented, "We are delighted to have made this agreement with TEDOM, whose equipment we have been using over the past couple of years to provide On-Site Utility solutions to our customers in the UK. "The agreement works for all parties as the customer gets a solution without the upfront cost, the dealer gets a sale that may otherwise have been lost due to a lack of capital and also the contract to provide installation and maintenance services, TEDOM gets the order for the CHP unit, all paid for by EuroSite Power, which then delivers ongoing cheaper energy to the customer over 15 years via an On-Site Utility agreement. Facilitating a win-win situation for all parties, this agreement, together with the recently announced project financing arrangement with Macquarie Equipment Finance which can be used to fund projects in Europe, represents a major step that will significantly accelerate our expansion into mainland Europe." Miloslav Kuzela, Chief Sales Officer for TEDOM a.s., added, "EuroSite Power has already proven its business model using our CHP units and the collaboration to which we have now agreed allows this approach to be offered by all our European dealers. We look forwarded to sharing in the success as EuroSite Power continues to grow, alongside our increasing market share in the EU." On-Site Utility EuroSite Power sells the energy produced from an onsite energy system to an individual property as an alternative to the outright sale of energy equipment. On-Site Utility solution customers only pay for the energy produced by the system and receive a guaranteed discount rate on the price of the energy. All system capital, installation, operating expenses and support are paid by EuroSite Power. About EuroSite Power EuroSite Power Limited is a subsidiary of American DG Energy Inc. (NYSE MKT: ADGE). The Company provides institutional, commercial and small industrial facilities with clean, reliable power, cooling, heat and hot water at lower costs than charged by conventional energy suppliers without any capital or start-up costs to the energy user. More information can be found at www.eurositepower.co.uk. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release contains forward-looking statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, as disclosed on the Company's website and in Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including its most recent annual report on Form 10-K. This press release does not constitute an offer to buy or sell securities by the Company, its subsidiaries or any associated party and is meant purely for informational purposes. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, even if subsequently made available by the Company on its website or otherwise. The Company does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements provided to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made. Investor Contact: Media Contact: Ariel F. Babcock, CFA Paul Hamblyn EuroSite Power Inc. EuroSite Power Inc. +1 781.466.6413 +44 7920.859540 ariel.babcock@eurositepower.co.uk paul.hamblyn@eurositepower.co.uk Related Links http://www.eurositepower.co.uk SOURCE EuroSite Power Inc. WOOD DALE, Ill., March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- AAR CORP. (NYSE: AIR), a leading provider of services to commercial aviation and government customers worldwide, today announced that Jason B. Secore has joined the Company as Treasurer, reporting to Michael J. Sharp, Chief Financial Officer. As Treasurer, Secore will be responsible for leading the Company's treasury strategy, including global treasury operations, corporate finance and banking relationships, cash forecasting and investment management activities. Prior to joining AAR, Secore served as Vice President, Finance and Corporate Treasurer at Republic Airways Holdings, a regional airline with a combined fleet of 250 aircraft operating 1,300 flights daily for American Eagle, Delta Connection and United Express. Earlier in his career, Secore held management positions in Finance, Treasury and Revenue Management at Frontier Airlines and US Airways. He has an undergraduate degree in International Studies from Northwestern University, a Master of Science, Agricultural and Resource Economics from University of California, Davis, and a Master of Business Administration from IE Business School in Madrid, Spain. "I am very pleased to welcome Jason to AAR's executive team," said Sharp. "He brings extensive treasury expertise to the Company and his airline experience will be invaluable in his new role and as we execute the Company's growth plans." Mr. Secore joins AAR effective March 31, 2016. About AAR AAR is a global aftermarket solutions company that employs more than 4,500 people in over 20 countries. Based in Wood Dale, Illinois, AAR supports commercial aviation and government customers through two operating segments: Aviation Services and Expeditionary Services. AAR's Aviation Services include inventory management; parts supply; OEM parts distribution; aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul; and component repair. AAR's Expeditionary Services include airlift operations; mobility systems; and command and control centers in support of military and humanitarian missions. More information can be found at www.aarcorp.com. This press release contains certain statements relating to future results, which are forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on beliefs of Company management, as well as assumptions and estimates based on information currently available to the Company, and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or those anticipated, including those factors discussed under Item 1A, entitled "Risk Factors", included in the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2015. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize adversely, or should underlying assumptions or estimates prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described. These events and uncertainties are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many are beyond the Company's control. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events. For additional information, see the comments included in AAR's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150319/183226LOGO SOURCE AAR CORP. Related Links http://www.aarcorp.com "Providing resources for growth and opportunities to businesses owned by minorities, women and veterans strengthens our company and our community," said Dennis Weisenborn, chief procurement officer and vice president of Safety and Supply Services at Ameren. "We are proud to offer these scholarships as we continue to help develop, partner and invest in our diverse suppliers." The recipients were chosen based on their strategic relationship with Ameren and the supplier's success in providing service to companies in Ameren's 64,000-square-mile service territory. "The biggest challenge diverse business owners face is having the executive expertise to develop a profitable and sustainable strategy that works for them and their customers," said Dr. Fred McKinney, managing director of Minority Business Programs at the Tuck School. "Executive leadership and strategic development is what diverse business owners receive when they come to the Tuck School of Business Minority Business Programs. Our participants leave well-prepared to address the capital, growth and internal challenges all businesses face." The 2016 scholarship recipients are: Karl Jefferson Jr., president, Kadilex Construction, Inc. Kadilex Construction, Inc. furnishes and installs reinforcement bars in a wide variety of structures. The company recently completed rebar work on parts of the Illinois Rivers Transmission project and work at the Meramec and Labadie energy centers in concert with Plocher Construction. Kadilex Construction, Inc. is a minority-owned business enterprise (MBE). "I'm honored to receive this scholarship," said Jefferson. "Ameren is a tremendous partner and has helped to build my business, which has led to greater opportunities for Kadilex and its employees." Sedrick Brandt, president, Brandt Contracting, Inc. Brandt Contracting, Inc. specializes in site excavation, structural excavation, site grading and clearing for general, mechanical, electrical and plumbing contractors. The company has provided excavation work for Illinois transmission line projects with McGrath & Associates. Brandt Contracting, Inc. is a minority- and veteran-owned business enterprise (MVOB). "I am grateful for the scholarship and the opportunity to work with Ameren," Brandt said. "Ameren's efforts to seek out diverse suppliers helps to even the playing field and provide opportunity for many diverse-owned businesses." Since 2009, Ameren has awarded 17 business scholarships to diverse-owned businesses. In addition, each year the company invites hundreds of entrepreneurs and diverse businesses to attend symposiums and summits where participants can network and learn about Ameren's procurement opportunities. In 2015, Ameren awarded contracts to more than 300 businesses owned by minorities, women and veterans. The company finished 2015 with $305 million in total diversity spending. "Our commitment to diverse-owned businesses reflects our belief that Diverse Supplier partnerships are vital to the economic success of our region," said Mark Brandt, senior director of Supply Services at Ameren. "Providing access and development opportunities for diverse-owned businesses in our supply chain leads to long-term powerful partnerships." St. Louis-based Ameren Corporation powers the quality of life for 2.4 million electric customers and more than 900,000 natural gas customers in a 64,000-square-mile area through its Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois rate-regulated utility subsidiaries. Ameren Illinois provides electric delivery and transmission service as well as natural gas delivery service while Ameren Missouri provides vertically integrated electric service, with generating capacity of over 10,200 megawatts, and natural gas delivery service. Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois develops regional electric transmission projects. Follow the company on Twitter @AmerenCorp. For more information, visit Ameren.com. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160331/350069 Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160331/350068 SOURCE Ameren Corporation Related Links http://www.ameren.com WASHINGTON, March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Red Cross is providing support through its Hero Care Network to assist military spouses and children returning from Turkey after an ordered departure was announced by the Secretary of Defense and Secretary of State on Tuesday because of continued security concerns in the region. "Our Red Cross staff and volunteers at Ramstein Air Base have worked tirelessly to provide comfort and care for those families who departed Turkey this week on short notice for a long journey home. We have been in 24/7 support operations since the unplanned evacuation of these families was announced on Tuesday," said Koby Langley, senior vice president, Service to the Armed Forces at the American Red Cross. "Here stateside, our Red Cross team is preparing to meet the first wave of returning families as they land. Through the use of our integrated case management system and referral network, we are committed to supporting them no matter their final destination." Starting in Germany, the Red Cross, in partnership with the USO, is providing food, beverages, hygiene items, and first aid kits to departing families. Volunteers are also providing morale and welfare support including a first aid station, activities for children, and mental health care for families and children waiting in passenger terminals. Upon their arrival in the U.S., the Red Cross is helping to ensure that families needing overnight lodging have a place to stay, a hot meal, and health services if needed. Volunteers with behavioral health training are also on hand to lend a friendly ear and assist with any unforeseen needs. When families arrive at their final destinations, the Red Cross will provide follow-up services, depending on the individual needs of each family. These services could include referrals to local, state or federal resources to ease the burden of this short-notice reintegration. Follow-on behavioral health support will also be available free of charge, no matter where their next duty assignment may be. "Situations like this can be a stressful time for members of the military and their loved ones," said Langley. "The Red Cross is where the military has been turning to for help for the last 130 years. The work we do means our heroes can stay focused on their mission with the peace of mind knowing that their families will be well taken care of." For stateside families who have not had a chance to connect with their loved ones, they can check with the Red Cross Safe and Well linking system at www.redcross.org/safeandwell. The Safe and Well website provides a secure method for individuals and families to reconnect with loved ones in the aftermath of a disaster or large scale evacuation; in this case, the website can provide support and information for families who have departed Turkey and had no time or means of connecting with loved ones back home prior to their departure. About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or redcross.org/cruz-roja, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090108/RedCrossLOGO SOURCE American Red Cross Related Links http://www.redcross.org CALABASAS, Calif., March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- ArmaGen, Inc., a privately held biotechnology company focused on developing revolutionary therapies to treat severe neurological disorders, announced today that the first patient has been dosed with AGT-181 in a Phase 2 proof-of-concept (POC) clinical trial treating pediatric patients with Hurler syndrome (also known as mucopolysaccharidosis type I, or MPS I) in Brazil. The initiation of this pediatric study follows the successful completion of a Phase 1 study in adult patients in Brazil. AGT-181 is an investigational enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for the treatment of Hurler syndrome. The most severe form of MPS I, Hurler syndrome is a rare, hereditary lysosomal storage disorder that affects the brain and spinal cord in children, resulting in a wide range of debilitating symptoms. Commercially available treatments for Hurler syndrome do not penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and therefore do not address the severe and progressive neurological complications of the disease. AGT-181 is designed to utilize the body's natural system for transporting products non-invasively across the BBB by targeting the receptor that delivers insulin to all cells of the body. "We are extremely pleased to be working with Dr. Roberto Giugliani and his team at Hospital de Clinicas, as this site has a world-class reputation for clinical research and has contributed to numerous successful ERT clinical studies over the years," said Patrice Rioux, M.D., Ph.D., Senior Vice President of Global Clinical Development at ArmaGen. "This POC trial joins our ongoing U.S. Phase 1/2a trial in adults and will contribute important data on safety and tolerability for our platform technology. Additionally, this study will allow us to capture biomarker data to help assess the potential impact of treatment on both peripheral and central nervous system symptoms of Hurler syndrome." The Phase 2 POC study, led by Dr. Giugliani, will be an open-label, multi-dose, dose-escalation study in children (age two or older) with Hurler or Hurler-Scheie syndrome and central nervous system involvement. The primary objective of this study is to determine the safety and tolerability of weekly infusions of 1.0 or 3.0 mg/kg of AGT-181 in children with Hurler or Hurler-Scheie syndrome. Ten patients will be enrolled into the study and the period of observation will be six months. Patients for whom it can be demonstrated that a cognitive benefit was achieved will be offered an open label 12-month extension treatment protocol to collect additional long-term safety and efficacy data. ArmaGen expects to complete the Phase 2 POC study by the end of 2016. In advance of this Phase 2 study, a six-patient, Phase 1 safety study in adults (ages 18 or older) was conducted. The open-label, single-dose, dose-escalation study consisted of three cohorts (0.3, 1 and 3 mg/kg) of adult patients with Hurler-Scheie or Scheie syndrome, which are attenuated or less severe forms of MPS I. The primary objective was to determine the safety and tolerability of a single infusion of AGT-181. Secondary objectives included evaluation of the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of single doses of AGT-181, determination of well-tolerated dose(s) to take into the pediatric multi-dose stage of the trial, and evaluation of the occurrence of single-dose infusion reactions. AGT-181 was shown to be safe and well-tolerated and a review of the collected data supported the decision to move into the pediatric Phase 2 POC. About Hurler Syndrome Hurler syndrome is a rare, hereditary, lysosomal storage disease that arises from a deficiency or absence of the enzyme iduronidase (IDUA), which is needed to break down complex sugars produced by the body. Hurler syndrome affects the brain and spinal cord in children, resulting in debilitating signs and symptoms that include developmental delay, progressive mental decline, loss of physical function, impaired language development (due to hearing loss and an enlarged tongue), corneal and retinal damage, carpal tunnel syndrome, and restricted joint movement. Hurler syndrome affects approximately 3,000 patients worldwide, with approximately 6.7 percent of affected patients in the U.S. Hurler syndrome is also known as mucopolysaccharidosis I or MPS I. Attenuated or less severe forms of MPS I include Hurler-Scheie and Scheie syndromes. Patients with Hurler-Scheie syndrome may suffer from mild cognitive impairment or problems with attention. Patients with Scheie syndrome generally have a later onset and milder symptoms with a slower disease progression, although they can develop significant systemic morbidity. About AGT-181 AGT181 is a novel, investigational enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for the treatment of neurological complications in patients with Hurler syndrome. Using ArmaGen's proprietary technology, AGT-181 takes advantage of the body's natural system for transporting products across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) by targeting the same receptor that delivers insulin to the brain. ArmaGen developed AGT-181 by re-engineering an enzyme called iduronidase (IDUA) as an immunoglobulin G (IgG) fusion protein. The fusion protein binds to insulin receptors located on the surface of the BBB, enabling its passage into the brain. About ArmaGen ArmaGen, Inc. is a privately held biotechnology company focused on developing revolutionary therapies for severe neurological disorders. The company is developing a robust pipeline of innovative therapies for the treatment of neurological complications of lysosomal storage disorders such as Hunter syndrome, Hurler syndrome, metachromatic leukodystrophy and Sanfilippo A syndrome, as well as central nervous system diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. ArmaGen's pipeline is based on decades of scientific leadership in engineering therapies to cross the BBB and a dominant intellectual property portfolio. The company is advancing its pipeline through licensing and collaboration agreements, in-house development programs, and future partnering opportunities. For more information, visit www.armagen.com. Contacts: ArmaGen, Inc. Derek Kelaita Vice President, Business Development 818-252-8200 [email protected] For media inquiries: Smitha Dwarakanath SmithSolve LLC 973-442-1555 ext. 122 [email protected] Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141201/161625LOGO SOURCE ArmaGen, Inc. Related Links http://www.armagen.com News / Regional by Thandeka Moyo A 15-YEAR-OLD boy from Bulawayo's Nkulumane suburb was yesterday sentenced to receive three strokes with a rattan cane for raping his seven-year-old niece.The boy, who cannot be named for ethical reasons, told regional magistrate Sibongile Msipa-Marondedze that he was sorry for his actions and ready to face the consequences.The Form one pupil pleaded guilty to one count of rape.Magistrate Msipa-Marondedze bemoaned the prevalence of rape in the city and said the boy deserved a deterrent sentence."You're therefore sentenced to receive three moderate strokes with a rattan cane to be administered by a prison officer," she said.Prosecuting Paida Zengeni told the court that the boy and his niece live together in Nkulumane."On November 10 last year around 12PM, the girl was left in the custody of her uncle and other children. He called her to his bedroom and instructed her to undress before raping her once," said Zengeni."One of his nephews saw the boy rape the girl and notified their grandmother.The granny reported the matter to police and the girl was taken to hospital for medical checkup." NEW YORK, March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Imagine not being able to stream Jay Z or read Fifty Shades of Grey without being arrested! Without Barney Rosset battling the government's powers of literary censorship and affirming "the freedom to read" in our First Amendment, our cultural landscape today might be vastly different. How are we going to remember this visionary leader? Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160331/350012 A Kickstarter campaign is currently underway to finish filming a documentary called BARNEY'S WALL, which highlights Rosset's battles for free expression through an astonishing 3D mural that he sculpted onto one long wall of his East Village loft. Why would one of the greatest literary and free-speech figures of all time choose to leave his final thoughts not in words, but in symbols on a wall? Because this mural is a testament to Rosset's vision of an insurgent, restlessly experimental world literature, a vision also expressed by many of the authors Rosset championed during his day such as William S. Burroughs, Malcom X, Jack Kerouac, John Kennedy Toole and more. For over 100 years the Comstock Act passed by Congress allowed our federal government to ban, seize, and condemn books, films, and plays it deemed "obscene," as well as contraceptives, aborifacients, erotica, and sex toys. From 1959 until 1964, as the publisher of Grove Press, Rosset defiantly challenged the government's powers of censorship. In short order, he published three banned books of the time: D.H. Lawrence's racy Lady Chatterly's Lover, Henry Miller's steamy Tropic of Cancer, and William S. Burrough's Naked Lunch. It took Rosset over three years of subsequent and ferocious court battles, all the way to the Supreme Court, before a landmark decision affirming the "freedom to read" brought down literary censorship, enabling radical writers to write freely. His effort nearly left him financially destitute, but it never broke his resolve to fight for freedom of expression. And yet today, Rosset 'The Last Maverick of Publishing,' as headlines called himand his legacy are largely forgotten. Perhaps he feared how quickly we'd forget. Perhaps that's why the lifelong friend and publisher of Samuel Beckett began painting the wall as his final act of free expression. BARNEY'S WALL, the only record of Rosset's mural, deciphers his visual autobiography with the help of some of New York City's most notable cultural figurespublishers, editors, writers, artistsand a shaman. BARNEY'S WALL reveals the formative influences that drove a rebel, war photographer, filmmaker, and publisher to fiercely fight for freedom of expression. Produced and directed by Sandy Gotham Meehan and Williams Cole, cinematography by David Leitner. View on www.barneyswall.com or on Kickstarter. CONTACT: Sandy Gotham Meehan Producer Barney's Wall T: 212-628-6810 E: [email protected] Kickstarter Link: http://kck.st/1RymDCW SCREEN MEDIA RESOURCES: Website: www.barneyswall.com Twitter: @barneyswall Facebook: /barneyswall Instagram: @barneyswall This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com SOURCE Barney's Wall Related Links https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/barneyswall/barneys-wall-the-documentary?token=0fb4ac72 SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Happy Birthday, Blimpie! To celebrate Blimpie's 52nd birthday, stores nationwide will serve up big flavor at 1960's prices on Monday, April 4th. The first 100 customers who head to any Blimpie location on April 4th will be able to order a fan-favorite, a regular-sized BLIMPIE Best for just 52 cents; a price point symbolizing 52 years of proudly serving loyal customers as America's Sub Shop. Steve Evans, Vice President of Marketing for Blimpie, says this 52 cent birthday offer is just one way the famous sub brand will honor its fans in 2016. "We look forward to rewarding thousands of our loyal customers around the country with 52 cent BLIMPIE Best subs in honor of the brand's 52nd birthday," said Evans. "This birthday promotion represents one of many ways we'll be showing appreciation for all of our fans, both young and old, in 2016. We encourage all of our customers to stay connected with us this spring as we roll out a series of limited time offers and fun, interactive customer campaigns to celebrate the fans who make us great!" April 4th will also be the launch of the Combo Craze promotion, an online "match-and-win" game that will give players a chance to win a grand prize trip to for two to New York City and over $9,000 in cash and instant win prizes. It's a time of great excitement at Blimpie as the national sub chain, who prides itself on making bigger and better subs, gears up for another fun-filled birthday. April 2nd will kick off a string of fan-focused promotions, starting with 52 cent BLIMPIE Best subs the brand's signature and best-selling sub made of slow-cured ham, prosciuttini, cappacola, salami and provolone and dressed The Blimpie Way with tomatoes, lettuce, onion, oil, vinegar, and oregano, all on a sub roll. Special note the 52 cent Blimpie Best promotion is limited to one per customer. About Blimpie 52 years ago this week, three high school friends in Hoboken, N.J. set out to create an exceptional sub sandwich. Wanting to differentiate themselves from competitors, they called their new sub sandwich a Blimpie as they thought the delicious creation, a large sandwich filled with deli meat and a salad on top, resembled a blimp. More than a half century later, that sub sandwich has become a fan favorite for millions of customers as the Blimpie brand has expanded to hundreds of locations around the world. Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Blimpie serves sub sandwiches prepared with quality ingredients along with delicious soups and salads. Founded in 1964, Blimpie has grown to approximately 400 franchised restaurants across the U.S. and abroad. In 2006, Blimpie became part of Kahala Brands, one of the fastest growing franchising companies in the world with a portfolio of 15 quick-service restaurant brands. For more information about Blimpie visit www.blimpie.com. For more information about Kahala Brands, visit www.kahalamgmt.com. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130917/LA81298LOGO-b SOURCE Blimpie Related Links http://www.blimpie.com NASHVILLE, Tenn., March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Bridgestone Americas (Bridgestone) today announced plans to extend its ongoing relationship with Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT), a non-profit organization that educates and mobilizes members of the trucking and travel plaza industry to combat domestic human trafficking. The announcement was made in conjunction with the 2016 Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS), where Bridgestone is sharing its exhibit space with TAT in an effort to bring greater visibility to the cause. "Bridgestone is committed to improving the lives of those who live and work in the communities where we do business," said Kurt Danielson, President, Bridgestone Commercial Group, U.S. and Canada. "MATS is one of the most important events in our industry each year, and we wanted to take this opportunity to shine a light on the issue of domestic human trafficking. Truck drivers are the eyes and ears of the commercial trucking industry, and we must work together to end human trafficking once and for all." The Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund has supported TAT since 2012. In addition to financial contributions, Bridgestone supports the mission of TAT through program, event and outreach support, as well as volunteer involvement of Bridgestone employees. Bridgestone leadership currently serves on the TAT board of directors and has worked to secure speaking opportunities and training presentations at key industry meetings and conferences. The TAT organization has played a critical role in establishing the trucking industry's place in the fight against human trafficking. TAT reports that since the organization's creation in 2009, truckers have made more than 1,300 calls to the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) hotline, identified 415 likely human trafficking cases including 723 victims 241 of whom were minors. To learn more about TAT and its fight to eradicate human trafficking, visit http://truckersagainsttrafficking.org. About Bridgestone Americas, Inc.: Nashville, Tennessee-based Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (BSAM) is the U.S. subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, the world's largest tire and rubber company. BSAM and its subsidiaries develop, manufacture and market a wide range of Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand tires to address the needs of a broad range of customers, including consumers, automotive and commercial vehicle original equipment manufacturers, and those in the agricultural, forestry and mining industries. The companies are also engaged in retreading operations throughout the Western Hemisphere and produce air springs, roofing materials, and industrial fibers and textiles. The BSAM family of companies also operates the world's largest chain of automotive tire and service centers. Guided by its One Team, One Planet message, the company is dedicated to achieving a positive environmental impact in all of the communities it calls home. SOURCE Bridgestone Americas Related Links http://www.bridgestoneamericas.com "The Poynter Institute has long been an invaluable resource for excellence in journalism as a result of its research, publications and seminars," Brokaw said. "And so I am grateful and honored to receive its lifetime achievement award." Brokaw, a native of Webster, South Dakota, joined NBC News in 1966, covering national presidential elections, the Watergate scandal and more. He anchored NBC's popular morning news program, Today, from 1976-1981, before moving to the NBC Nightly News. He's the only person to anchor all three major NBC News programs Nightly News, Today and Meet the Press. Brokaw led NBC's coverage of some of the biggest events in history. He was the first English-speaking broadcast journalist to report on the fall of the Berlin Wall in November 1989. He also anchored the network's coverage of such major news events as the Challenger space shuttle disaster, the September 2001 terrorist attacks and Hurricane Andrew. He now serves as a special correspondent contributing to NBC News and a range of documentaries, including "The Greatest Generation Speaks," based on his best-selling 1998 book, The Greatest Generation. His work as a journalist has been recognized by the Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Awards for excellence in broadcast journalism, the George Foster Peabody Awards, more than 10 Emmy Awards and the Edward R. Murrow Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2014, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama. More than 8 million copies of Brokaw's books have been sold. His book "The Greatest Generation," about the sacrifices and achievements of those who grew up during the Great Depression and World War II, was so popular that it made that phrase part of America's vocabulary. In addition to The Greatest Generation, Brokaw is the author of Boom!: Voices of the Sixties and The Time of Our Lives: A Conversation About America. He also has written three memoirs, most recently A Lucky Life Interrupted, documenting his battle with cancer. The Poynter Medal for Lifetime Achievement recognizes the outstanding career achievements of a journalist whose work has made a lasting impact serving citizens in our democracy. In 2015, CBS News legend Bob Schieffer was honored with the inaugural award at the 40th anniversary Bow Tie Ball for The Poynter Institute. "Tom Brokaw is not just one of the best journalists to ever appear in front of a camera, he's an American treasure," said Poynter President Tim Franklin. "From his humble roots in South Dakota, Tom Brokaw rose to become one of the most trusted and admired journalists of the last half century. He's the embodiment of what this award is all about journalistic excellence that serves our democracy." Brokaw will be recognized at Poynter's second annual Bow Tie Ball on Dec. 9 at the Hilton Carillon in St. Petersburg. Sponsorship and ticket information will be announced soon. (Join the mailing list to receive updates.) About The Poynter Institute The Poynter Institute for Media Studies is a global leader in journalism education and a strategy center that stands for uncompromising excellence in journalism, media and 21st century public discourse. Poynter faculty teach seminars and workshops at the Institute in St. Petersburg, Fla., and at conferences and organizational sites around the world. Its e-learning division, News University, www.newsu.org, offers the world's largest online journalism curriculum in 7 languages, with more than 400 interactive courses and 330,000 registered users in more than 200 countries. The Institute's website, www.poynter.org, produces 24-hour coverage of news about media, ethics, technology, the business of news and the trends that currently define and redefine journalism news reporting. The world's top journalists and media innovators come to Poynter to learn and teach new generations of reporters, storytellers, media inventors, designers, visual journalists, documentarians and broadcast producers, and to build public awareness about journalism, media, the First Amendment and protected discourse that serves democracy and the public good. Contact: Tina Dyakon Director of Advertising and Marketing The Poynter Institute [email protected] 727-553-4343 Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160330/349716 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110323/MM70721LOGO SOURCE The Poynter Institute Related Links http://www.poynter.org NEW YORK, March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- SOMEWHERE ON THE SEVEN SEAS -- A person (or maybe it was me) once said that behind every captain is an even better crew. And it's always been my crew who makes my ship the partying-ist boat on the seven seas. Captain Morgan(TM) Fully Supports Boaty McBoatface Recently, a smart group of environmental researchers looking for a suitable name for a ship had the amazing idea to ask the Internet for submissions! Supporters of good times around the world are rallying behind a moniker that embraces all that it means to forget about the 9 to 5 grind, jump aboard the party ship, and channel your inner CaptainBoaty McBoatface. Boaty McBoatface reminds me of my crewlegal drinking aged adventure-seekers who aren't afraid to revel in life's greatest satisfactions in the name of unforgettable fun. For this reason, I'm jumping aboard and publicly supporting Boaty McBoatface, and this I promise: If Boaty McBoatface takes the title, I'll offer to hire an artist to draw my face on the boat, and I'll provide my flag under which it can saila flag that will always bring the ship and its mates a shipload of fun and remind them to always celebrate responsibly. Captains and crewmembers everywhere, join me as I cast my vote in support of the most #FullCaptain name ever to take to the high seasBoaty McBoatface. In the name of fun, always, Captain Morgan We all come up with great ideas every now and then, and Captain Morgan is here to support the best of them. When casting your vote for Boaty McBoatface and going #FullCaptain, always remember to do so responsibly. About Diageo Diageo is the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits and beer. These brands include CAPTAIN MORGAN and ZACAPA rums, JOHNNIE WALKER, CROWN ROYAL, JB, WINDSOR and BUCHANAN'S whiskies, SMIRNOFF, CIROC and KETEL ONE vodkas, BAILEYS Irish Cream Liqueur, TANQUERAY gin, and GUINNESS beer. Diageo is a global company, with its products sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at Diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com. Celebrating life, every day, everywhere. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160331/350108 SOURCE Diageo "Jagermeister boasts a deeply rooted history in music, creating partnerships all around the world, and we pride ourselves in working with some of the most respected players in the music business," said Cliff Rigano, Director of Music Marketing at Jagermeister. "This latest initiative with Casablanca Records takes things up a notch by bringing together two innovative industry leaders to creatively support groundbreaking artists and bands that stand apart from the rest." With its long history of promoting myriad musical genres, Jagermeister has always been at the forefront of new and innovative ways to connect with consumers through the power of music. The Casablanca partnership will build upon that tradition as the brand joins forces with Casablanca artists that speak to Jagermeister's heritage, ingredients and process through the creation of original video content, music videos, remixes and more. Talked-about artists Seven Lions, Prince Fox and Gazzo are already on deck to release exclusives through this unprecedented joint venture. Casablanca and Jagermeister will also work together to reach influencers with the partnership, building immersive engagement opportunities at various events throughout the year. "We're very excited to break ground with Jagermeister on this partnership," said Casablanca Records general manager Brett Alperowitz. "With our shared focus on music, lifestyle and culture, this spirited alliance will take us well beyond the traditional brand sponsorship to impart something altogether new to music fans." Jagermeister will also work with Casablanca artists on a number of the brand's other initiatives, including performances as part of their integrated Electronic Dance Music (EDM) festival program with Live Nation and the hosting of exclusive Stag's Club influencer events, as well as other digital, social media and PR activations. To view the first installment of the three-part Gazzo documentary, "Gazzo Evolution", click HERE. Produced by Jagermeister and Casablanca Records, it is an intimate look at the New Jersey artist and producer's creative process, approach, and story. Be on the lookout for the next installments soon. ABOUT CASABLANCA RECORDS Casablanca Records, the legendary label of the '70s, defined the sound of its era. During the infamous days of Studio 54, Casablanca launched the careers of such artists as Kiss, Parliament, Donna Summer and Giorgio Moroder. Relaunched by Republic Records executive vice president Rob Stevenson, the label now focuses on dance and electronic music. Working with a global roster of both established superstars and emerging new talent, Casablanca Records is home to Tiesto, Stromae, Oliver Heldens, Seven Lions, Prince Fox, SIGMA, Crystal Castles and Hayden James. ABOUT JAGERMEISTER Introduced 80 years ago, Jagermeister, German for "Master Hunter," is the second largest selling imported liqueur in the United States. Ranked 8th by Impact International's definitive Top 100 Premium Spirit Brands, this herbal liqueur is one of the most successful premium brands worldwide and available in 117 countries around the world. The iconic taste of Jagermeister is not left to chance but is due to decades of experience, a safely guarded secret recipe consisting of 56 natural herbs, blossoms, roots and fruits including star anise, cardamom, cinnamon and ginger roots, and 383 quality checks. The botanical ingredients are extracted in their raw, unprocessed form through a gentle, weeks-long process of cold maceration to create Jagermeister's base. The base, housed in more than 400 oak casks, then "breathes" for one full year, which is key to creating the complex and balanced flavor of Jagermeister's legendary taste profile. Jagermeister Liqueur is 35% Alc. /Vol. and imported exclusively by Sidney Frank Importing Company, Inc., New Rochelle, NY. SFIC is a wholly owned subsidiary of MJUS. Visit www.jagermeister.com, www.facebook.com/jagermeisterusa or www.instagram.com/jagermeisterusa for additional information. DRINK RESPONSIBLY. Video - http://youtu.be/ghhmvUMJ2RE SOURCE Jagermeister Related Links http://www.jagermeister.com DOVER, N.J., March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Spring is here and Casio America, Inc. is encouraging consumers to take advantage of the warm weather by participating in all of the activities that the great outdoors has to offer. From fishing and camping to hiking and trail runs, Casio's popular PRO TREK series of timepieces is durable, versatile, and stylishly packed with a variety of features essential for any outdoor adventure this spring. "Casio knows its consumers are always on the move and looking for their next adventure, so there is no better time than spring to venture outdoors or take up a new hobby," said David Johnson, Vice President of Casio's Timepiece Division. "Whether it is running, fishing, or hiking, Casio's PRO TREK timepieces are designed with features geared for the great outdoors so that users either seasoned enthusiasts or casual hobbyists can tackle their spring adventures with ease." Product highlights include: PRO TREK PRG300 The PRO TREK PRG300 offers Casio's Triple Sensor Version 3 Technology, which provides outdoor enthusiasts with more accurate data readings to help navigate through any adventure. The timepiece includes a direction sensor and pressure sensor for compass capabilities as well as altimeter/barometer readings enabling the user to effortlessly checkand recordall the needed information on outdoor conditions. Furthermore, with Casio's Tough Solar Power technology, users can charge the timepiece in low or fluorescent light, eliminating the need for continuous battery replacement. It will also power down when not exposed to light for a certain period of time, thus conserving energy. The PRG300 is available now at select retailers nationwide for $250 in three different color options including: a black bezel with a black resin band and blue accents; a black bezel with a black resin band and yellow accents; and a white bezel with a white resin band and black accents. It is also available in a green and red camouflage design for a MSRP of $280. PRO TREK PRW3500 Based on Casio's PRW-3000, which has a digital display and is water resistant up to 100 meters, the 200 meter water resistance found in the PRW3500 allows outdoor enthusiasts to take their adventures to new heightsand depths. Like its predecessor, the PRW3500 boasts Triple Sensor Version 3 Technology and Multi-Band 6 Atomic Timekeeping technology, which alleviates concerns about changing the time for Daylight Saving Time or leap years. The timepiece automatically synchronizes with atomic clocks in the US, Germany, the UK, China and two in Japan based on the user's home city setting. In addition, the PRW3500 can be operated easily even if the user is wearing gloves, thanks to its large buttons, non-slip surfaces and a register ring that has been shaped for easy gripping. Casio's PRW3500 is available now at select retailers nationwide in three different color options including: a silver bezel with black resin band (MSRP: $300), orange bezel with orange resin band (MSRP: $320), and black bezel with titanium band (MSRP: $450). For additional information on Casio's PRO TREK series of timepieces, please visit www.ProTrek.Casio.com. About PRO TREK PRO TREK is a line of men's watches designed and engineered to make them essential pieces of outdoor gear including Tough Solar Power, Triple Sensor Technology (i.e. altimeter/barometer, digital compass and thermometer), low temperature and water resistance, daily alarms, a stopwatch, and more. Whether individuals enjoy hiking, camping, mountain biking or hunting, Casio's PRO TREK collection offers rugged, stylish and versatile timepieces for men with features that enhance any outdoor experience. For additional information on Casio's PRO TREK line of timepieces, please visit www.PROTREK.Casio.com. About Casio America, Inc. Casio America, Inc., Dover, N.J., is the U.S. subsidiary of Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, one of the world's leading manufacturers of consumer electronics and business equipment solutions. Established in 1957, Casio America, Inc. markets calculators, keyboards, digital cameras, mobile presentation devices, disc title and label printers, watches, cash registers and other consumer electronic products. Casio has strived to fulfill its corporate creed of "creativity and contribution" through the introduction of innovative and imaginative products. For more information, visit www.casiousa.com. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160223/336539LOGO SOURCE Casio America, Inc. Related Links http://www.casiousa.com HOUSTON, March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- CenterPoint Energy is once again partnering with the Common Ground Alliance and the Governors in each state the company operates to commemorate April as National Safe Digging Month, dedicated to increasing awareness of safe digging practices. Throughout the busy digging month of April, when the potential for underground utility damage increases, homeowners and contractors are reminded that one free call to 811 before digging can prevent injuries, property damage, service disruption and possibly costly fines for damaged infrastructure. "Contacting 811 at least two working days before digging prevents 99 percent of damages to vital underground utilities," said Joe Berry, director of Damage Prevention for CenterPoint Energy. "By calling 811 to have the underground utility lines in their area marked, homeowners and professionals are making an important decision that can help keep them and their communities safe and connected." The depth of utility lines varies and there may be multiple utility lines in a common area. So, whether it's a small project like planting trees or shrubs or hiring a professional for a special outdoor project, smart digging means calling 811 before each job. Visit www.call811.com for more information about 811 and the call-before-you-dig process. CenterPoint Energy, Inc., headquartered in Houston, Texas, is a domestic energy delivery company that includes electric transmission & distribution, natural gas distribution and energy services operations. The company serves more than five million metered customers primarily in Arkansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas. The company also owns a 55.4 percent limited partner interest in Enable Midstream Partners, a publicly traded master limited partnership it jointly controls with OGE Energy Corp., which owns, operates and develops natural gas and crude oil infrastructure assets. With more than 7,400 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 140 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com. For more information contact Olivia Ross Phone 713.207.3288 Pager 713.619.5143 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20020930/CNPLOGO SOURCE CenterPoint Energy Related Links http://www.CenterPointEnergy.com "After reviewing the leading enterprise mobility management products on the market, and with the help of our technology partners Tieto & EVRY, we chose MobileIron to securely equip our employees with mobile access to city data and corporate apps to streamline cumbersome processes. Our new mobile strategy has transformed daily government tasks across all sectors," said Constantinos Amiridis, IT Strategist, City of Stockholm. Increasing quality of service, whilst protecting sensitive data "Working with MobileIron has ensured the protection of sensitive city data, which has boosted productivity and improved the quality and breadth of services that we can provide. Governmental departments across the board have benefited from the city's mobile transformation," said Amiridis. The city's deployed tablets throughout schools means teachers can now access MobileIron's corporate app store to distribute apps to teachers, enhancing the quality of education students receive. "With MobileIron, we've been able to enforce security policies and put hundreds of apps right at teachers' fingertips, all without them requiring any special technology training," explained Amiridis. Mobilising employees boosts productivity The City has also used mobile technology to streamline how water inspectors and cemetery workers do their jobs. "Water inspectors can now create work orders in seconds using an iPad app secured through MobileIron's AppConnect. This eliminates 300 hours a year in journeys between sites and the office simply to input work orders in the city's computer systems. Similarly, cemetery workers have gained 75 hours a year from the ability to securely use smartphones to photograph, document results of site inspections and then update central systems," said Amiridis. "Once you've embraced the mobile way of life, you don't want to slow down," said Amiridis. "We're confident that MobileIron will continue to help us increase the mobility of our employees in ways that translate to better service for our citizens." For more information, read the full case study: https://www.mobileiron.com/en/customers/case-study/city-stockholm About MobileIron MobileIron provides the secure foundation for companies around the world to transform into Mobile First organisations. For more information, please visit www.mobileiron.com. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140923/147891 SOURCE MobileIron Related Links http://www.mobileiron.com MANCHESTER, N.H., March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Emerson Ecologics, LLC announced earlier this month that it is accepting applications for The 2016 Emerson Grant. The Emerson Grant Program is aimed at supporting the work of integrative health practitioners while also promoting integrative medicine in the United States. The Emerson Grant is a competitive, discretionary award ranging from $500 to $10,000, with the 2016 Grant Program totaling awards up to $25,000. Projects may include legislative efforts, public awareness campaigns or enhancements to education or clinical training, but all projects are focused on expanding or improving integrative medicine. "Each year we look forward to the launch of the Emerson Grant Program and the opportunity to help integrative organizations further their dream projects to increase the delivery and reach of integrative medicine to all those in need," expressed Tina Beaudoin, ND and Senior Medical Educator at Emerson Ecologics. In 2015, Emerson Ecologics awarded 3 grants to: - Michigan Association of Naturopathic Physicians: $10,000 award to support the effort to obtain full licensure for naturopathic doctors in Michigan. Currently only 18 states, four of which are located in New England, have licensing laws for naturopathic physicians. - Maryland University of Integrative Healthcare, Dispensary Department: $7,500 grant to aid in developing a training program for current Good Manufacturing Process (cGMP) requirements. The University's project also supports the development of Quality Assurance programs for new herbalists and small-size herbal supplement companies. - Natural Doctors International (NDI): $7,500 grant awarded to assist NDI in expanding its recruiting efforts for additional integrative disciplines, including acupuncture, massage therapy, nutrition, herbalism and conventional medicine. NDI, one of the oldest naturopathic health organizations in North America, is dedicated to bringing integrative medicine to underserved populations. Tabatha Parker, ND, the current President of NDI, shared "we are so grateful that the Emerson Grant Program has allowed NDI to attract a larger variety of medical students and professionals. This not only means greater integrative learning opportunities during our medical brigades but also better holistic health care for the patients of the rural communities that we serve." Emerson Ecologics is inspired each day by the hundreds of volunteer-driven organizations that work tirelessly to support integrative medicine. As the premier resource of professional quality products and services for the integrative healthcare community, Emerson Ecologics is committed to supporting the integral work and vision of these incredible organizations. For more details on The Emerson Grant program or to download an application, visit www.emersonecologics.com/grant. About Emerson Ecologics Founded in 1980, Emerson Ecologics, LLC is committed to the success of integrative healthcare practitioners as they deliver unsurpassed patient care. As a dedicated partner, Emerson Ecologics offers its customers the broadest selection of professional-quality products, and continues to expand its comprehensive suite of educational and practice management tools to help practitioners achieve success. Headquartered in Manchester, NH with distribution centers in Virginia and California, Emerson Ecologics is NSF certified, VAWD accredited and is the founder of the Emerson Quality Program (EQP). For more information, visit emersonecologics.com. Contact: Tracy Eames Director of Marketing, Emerson Ecologics 603-206-9425 [email protected] Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140115/NE47098LOGO SOURCE Emerson Ecologics, LLC Related Links http://www.emersonecologics.com News / Regional by Staff reporter A goods train headed for South Africa with more than 1000 tonnes of nickel derailed in Gweru in a suspected case of sabotage by some striking National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) workers.Preliminary investigations indicate that four points along the railway line behind Fairmile Hotel in Gweru were tempered with and covered with sorghum stocks to obscure the engine man's vision.This resulted in the derailment of 26 wagons loaded with nickel that was destined for South Africa, according to one of the NRZ employees who was at the scene.The ZBC News managed to talk to some of the striking workers who however professed ignorance about the accident and vehemently denied that some of their colleagues could have been behind the derailment.They alleged that the derailment of trains is common as the equipment has become obsolete.NRZ employees downed tools claiming they are owed 15 months in salary arrears.In Gweru, the workers who were gathered outside NRZ offices appealed to their management to look into their plight, saying most of them have been reduced to destitutes.The Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Dr Joram Gumbo confirmed that the NRZ has no money to meet the workers' demands as the parastatal is also owed millions by debtors who include state enterprises. The MIT400/2 series is ideal for electrical installations, cable testing and motor testing as well as in automotive, ESD, panel building, avionics and maintenance applications. It provides greater user safety when testing in higher voltage environments. The MIT400/2 series, which includes the MIT400/2, MIT410/2, MIT420/2 and MIT430/2, offers test ranges from 2 G to 200 G, with test voltages ranging from 50 V to 1000 V. The testers have also been enhanced with feedback controlled test voltages to limit over-voltage to 2%, far below the accepted industry standard of 10% to 20%. The series features a stabilized insulation test voltage to ensure it remains within tolerance to industry/regulatory standards as well as a single resistance range with significantly faster continuity testing ranging from 0.01 to 1 M. It also features rechargeable options for AC power and car charging. These enhanced units feature DC voltage measurements (up to 600 V) as well as Trms measurements allowing for accurate data acquisition on noisy lines. Voltages are displayed on a smaller digital readout on the instrument, while the actual test measurement range is shown on a larger digital display during the test. Polarization index (PI), dielectric absorption ratio (DAR) function and adjustable continuity pass/fail limit alarms are featured on all units. Continuity test currents from 200 mA or 20 mA are available. For safety, each tester features live circuit detection and protection. All instruments are over-molded for increased protection and sealed to IP54, providing a weatherproof case to lessen the chance of water ingress. The MIT400/2 series feature a back-stand and a battery compartment for 6 AA batteries with separate fuse access. Bluetooth wireless data transfer and test results storage are available on the MIT430/2. Technical Specifications Adjustable insulation test voltage from 10 V to 1000 V in 1 V steps Fast continuity testing from 0.01 to 1 M Test ranges from 2 G to 200 G 200 mA or 20 mA continuity test currents are available For more information contact Peg Houck at [email protected] or 610-676-8536. Access our blog: http://www.meggerblog.com/ Watch the latest videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/meggerUS Reader Service Inquiries: Peg Houck; Megger; 2621 Van Buren Avenue, Norristown, Pa. 19403; [email protected]; 610-676-8536. ABOUT MEGGER: Megger is one of the world's leading manufacturers and suppliers of test and measurement equipment used within the electric power, building wiring and telecommunication industries. With research, engineering and manufacturing facilities in the USA, UK, Sweden and Germany, combined with sales and technical support in most countries, Megger is uniquely placed to meet the needs of its customers worldwide. Editorial Contact: The Simon Group, Inc. Joanna Puglisi-Barley or Christina Sanchez Phone: (215) 453-8700 E-mail: [email protected] Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160331/349950 SOURCE Megger In appreciation of reaching one million members, Extended Stay America is thanking guests with the chance to win a Disneyland Vacation. One lucky winner will receive four tickets to Disneyland, airfare to California, $1,000 in spending money for the whole family, as well as a three-night hotel stay at an Extended Stay America property close to Disneyland. Participants must be Extended Perks program members to be eligible to win and must enroll in the sweepstakes between April 4 th and May 2 nd . "Our rewards program is different from other hotels programs. Instead of dangling an unreachable carrot in front of our guests with points, we provide discounts and rewards instantly from the moment you sign up," said Tracy Itzen, senior manager of marketing communications for Extended Stay America. "The response from guests has been incredible. It's our way of saying thank you to our loyal customers for their continued support." Launched in the spring of 2015, Extended Perks keeps guests in mind, offering members instant hotel savings at Extended Stay America properties nationwide as well as exclusive offers via more than 150,000 top national and local merchants. Customers can join Extended Perks free of charge by going to ESA.com/extendedperks and start saving immediately through the website or the user-friendly mobile app that's available for IOS and Android platforms. Once enrolled, participants gain exclusive access to incredible hotel discounts up to 20 percent off every week, including a sign up instant perk of 15 percent off their next hotel stay. Members can save up to $2,500 annually on purchases they make every day from hundreds of top dining, car rental, salon, retail brands and more. For more information on Extended Perks, please visit esa.com/extendedperks. To enter for a chance to win a trip to Disneyland Park, please visit www.extendedstayamerica.com/disneyland-sweepstakes About Extended Stay America Based in Charlotte, N.C., Extended Stay America has 629 locations in the U.S. and Canada. The company owns and operates hotels under the brand, Extended Stay America , which serves the mid-priced extended stay segment. It is the largest owner/operator of company-branded hotels in North America and employs approximately 9,000 employees in its hotel properties and headquarters. Media Contacts: Ivette Faulkner Christa Hudson The Zimmerman Agency (850) 668-2222 [email protected] Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140512/86799 SOURCE Extended Stay America THOMASVILLE, Ga., March 30, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Flowers Foods, Inc. (NYSE: FLO) is voluntarily recalling Cobblestone Bread Co. Wheat English Muffins with the UPC # 0 72250 01316 1 and best by dates of October 28, 2015 through April 10, 2016 because they contain undeclared milk. People who have allergies to dairy products run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products. No illnesses have been reported to date. The recalled product involves distribution to retail stores in: Connecticut, Delaware, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington DC, and West Virginia. The voluntary recall was initiated after Flowers discovered that product containing milk was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of milk. Approximately 10,000 packages of English muffins are involved in the recall. Flowers issued the voluntary recall and is advising its trade customers to withdraw this product from sale. The company is in the process of recovering the product involved and is in contact with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to ensure the continued safety of those consumers who may be impacted by this issue. The company has also reported the recall to FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education). Consumers who have purchased Cobblestone Bread Co. Wheat English Muffins with the UPC and dates noted are urged to return to the place of purchase for product replacement or refund. No other Cobblestone Bread Co. brand products are included in this recall. Consumers with questions may call Flowers' Consumer Relations Center at 1-866-245-8921. The center is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern. Consumers also may contact the center via e-mail by visiting the Contact Us page at http://www.flowersfoods.com. About Flowers Foods Headquartered in Thomasville, Ga., Flowers Foods, Inc. (NYSE: FLO) is one of the largest producers of fresh packaged bakery foods in the United States, with 2015 sales of $3.8 billion. Flowers operates bakeries across the country that produce a wide range of bakery products. Among the company's top brands are Nature's Own, Wonder, and Tastykake. Learn more at www.flowersfoods.com. SOURCE Flowers Foods, Inc. Related Links http://www.flowersfoods.com HOUSTON, March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Goodrich Petroleum Corporation (OTC Markets: GDPM) (the "Company") today announced that the Chairman of the special meeting of stockholders adjourned the special meeting of stockholders in order to provide additional time to allow the Company's Common Stock and Preferred Stock holders to cast their votes or submit their proxy. The special meeting of stockholders will be reconvened on April 8, 2016 at the Company's corporate offices located at 801 Louisiana, Suite 700, Houston, Texas, 77002 at 11:00 a.m. local time. The record date for the meeting remains February 5, 2016. Stockholders who have previously submitted their proxy or otherwise voted and who do not want to change their vote need not take any action. The Company's Common Stock and Preferred Stock holders as of the February 5, 2016 record date can vote, even if they have subsequently sold their shares, and the Company's board and management respectfully request all such holders as of the record date to please vote your proxies. The special meeting of stockholders has been called to consider resolutions to (1) amend the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of Common Stock from 150 million to 400 million ("Proposal One"), (2) amend the Certificate of Designation of the Series B Preferred Stock to convert at the Company's option the Series B Preferred Stock into Common Stock at the conversion rate of 8.899 shares of Common Stock for each share of Series B Preferred Stock within 90 days of successful completion of the Series B Preferred Exchange Offer ("Proposal Two"), (3) amend the Certificate of Designation of the Series C Preferred Stock to convert at the Company's option the Series C Preferred Stock into Common Stock at the conversion rate of 4.449 shares of Common Stock for each share of Series C Preferred Stock within 90 days of successful completion of the Series C Preferred Exchange Offer ("Proposal Three"), (4) amend the Certificate of Designation of the Series D Preferred Stock to convert at the Company's option the Series D Preferred Stock into Common Stock at the conversion rate of 4.449 shares of Common Stock for each share of Series D Preferred Stock within 90 days of successful completion of the Series D Preferred Exchange Offer ("Proposal Four") and (5) amend the Certificate of Designation of the Series E Preferred Stock to convert at the Company's option the Series E Preferred Stock into Common Stock at the conversion rate of 5.188 shares of Common Stock for each share of Series E Preferred Stock within 90 days of successful completion of the Series E Exchange Offer ("Proposal Five" and, together with Proposal One, Proposal Two, Proposal Three and Proposal Four, the "Proposals"). As of March 30, 2016, proxies have been submitted by common shareholders representing approximately 37% of the outstanding shares of the Company's Common Stock. Of the proxies received, approximately 82% are in favor of Proposal One, approximately 90% are in favor of Proposal Two, approximately 90% are in favor of Proposal Three, approximately 90% are in favor of Proposal Four and approximately 90% are in favor of Proposal Five. As of March 30, 2016, proxies have been submitted by Series B preferred shareholders representing approximately 39% of the outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock. Of the proxies received, approximately 43% are in favor of Proposal Two. Proxies have been submitted by Series C preferred shareholders representing approximately 43% of the outstanding shares of Series C Preferred Stock. Of the proxies received, approximately 66% are in favor of Proposal Three. Proxies have been submitted by Series D preferred shareholders representing approximately 42% of the outstanding shares of Series D Preferred Stock. Of the proxies received, approximately 62% are in favor of Proposal Four. Proxies have been submitted by Series E preferred shareholders representing approximately 51% of the outstanding shares of Series E Preferred Stock. Of the proxies received, approximately 87% are in favor of Proposal Five. Valid proxies submitted by the Company's stockholders prior to the March 31, 2016 special meeting will continue to be valid for purposes of the reconvened special meeting. As more fully described in the Proxy Statement, the Company's stockholders are entitled to change their votes or revoke their proxies at any time prior to the vote being taken. Any stockholder who has executed a proxy but who is present at the continuation of the special meeting on April 8, 2016, and who wishes to vote in person on the Proposals may do so by revoking his or her proxy in writing at the continuation of the special meeting. Voting Instructions The Company's Common Stock and Preferred Stock holders as of the February 5, 2016 record date can vote, even if they have subsequently sold their shares: By Phone : Call toll-free 1-800-PROXIES (1-800-776-9437) in the United States or 1-718-921-8500 from foreign countries from any touch-tone telephone and follow the instructions. Have your proxy card available when you call. By Internet : Go to www.voteproxy.com and follow the on-screen instructions or scan the QR code with your smartphone. Have your proxy card available when you access the web page. By Mail : Sign, date and mail your proxy card in the envelope enclosed with the proxy. THE COMPANY STRONGLY ADVISES ALL OF ITS SHAREHOLDERS TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT AND OTHER PROXY MATERIALS RELATING TO THE SPECIAL MEETING BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. SUCH PROXY MATERIALS ARE AVAILABLE AT NO CHARGE ON THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION'S WEB SITE AT WWW.SEC.GOV. In addition, copies of the Proxy Statement and other documents may be obtained free of charge by directing a request to: Goodrich Petroleum Corporation, Attn: Corporate Secretary, 801 Louisiana, Suite 700, Houston, Texas 77002, (713) 780-9494 or via our website at http:goodrichpetroleum.investorroom.com/events-and-presentations. Copies of the Proxy Statement also may be requested by contacting our proxy solicitor, Georgeson, Inc., at 888-643-8150 toll-free. Goodrich Petroleum is an independent oil and gas exploration and production company listed on the OTC Markets. SOURCE Goodrich Petroleum Corporation Related Links http://www.goodrichpetroleum.com BELLEVUE, Wash., March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Second Amendment Foundation today is congratulating Washington lawmakers and others who worked hard to pass the Suicide Awareness and Prevention Education for Safer Homes Act, which was signed this morning by Gov. Jay Inslee and supported by SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb. The legislation, sponsored and championed by Democrat State Rep. Tina Orwall, focuses on preventing suicide, not gun control. It sets up two subcommittees, including one that will be co-chaired by a SAF representative and include representation from the National Rifle Association and firearms industry. "Having this bill signed into law was the result of a great deal of behind-the-scenes work, and I'm proud to have been personally involved in the process," Gottlieb said. "This is and always has been about preventing tragedies, not infringing on anyone's civil rights. Because this involves an important education effort, SAF was able to participate from the outset." Washington State has a higher suicide rate than the national average, and about half of those involve firearms. When Rep. Orwall and the University of Washington's Dr. Jennifer Stuber reached out to the firearms community for important input, SAF was delighted to help. Gottlieb also thanks Republican State Sen. Joe Fain for sponsoring the companion bill in the Senate. "The process that went into creating this legislation clearly demonstrates that the firearms community is not only approachable, but is willing to participate in any serious discussions about a problem that affects us all," Gottlieb observed. "It is firearms groups and professionals that are the real gun safety experts, so it is only proper and prudent for us to be involved. "It has been a pleasure to work with Rep. Orwall and Prof. Stuber on this project," he said. "Hopefully there will be more collaborative efforts that focus on problems we can help solve together. I'm delighted that the bill was almost unanimously supported in both the House and Senate, and am equally pleased that Gov. Inslee today signed it into law." The Second Amendment Foundation (www.saf.org) is the nation's oldest and largest tax-exempt education, research, publishing and legal action group focusing on the Constitutional right and heritage to privately own and possess firearms. Founded in 1974, The Foundation has grown to more than 650,000 members and supporters and conducts many programs designed to better inform the public about the consequences of gun control. SOURCE Second Amendment Foundation Related Links http://www.saf.org DALLAS, March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- We can confirm that there was an incident at the Greyhound Richmond station this afternoon. We are fully cooperating with the authorities and providing any information they may need, including video surveillance that was captured. We're unable to confirm the number of injuries at this time. However, no employees were injured. Our station has been evacuated and we are offering counselors to not only assist our employees, but customers that were at the station as well. We are re-routing inbound schedules to our Richmond garage location until further notice. For updates on when the station will re-open, please go HERE. SOURCE Greyhound WASHINGTON, March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- American Humane Association, the country's first national humane organization and creator of the first and largest third-party farm animal welfare certification program, announced today that Handsome Brook Farm has met its rigorous farm animal welfare standards and achieved certification through the American Humane Certified program for pasture raised eggs. Handsome Brook Farm currently produces pasture raised eggs on farms in New York, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Maryland, Kentucky, and Virginia. Handsome Brook Farm Pasture Raised Eggs, in both organic and non-GMO options, are available through retailers at over 4,000 locations throughout the United States including Kroger, Publix, Sprouts, Whole Foods, Harris Teeter, Wegman's, and independent and natural retailers. Handsome Brook Farm is the only egg provider certified by American Humane Association that is 100 percent pasture raised. "Animal welfare is at the core of what we do," said Betsy Babcock, who, along with her husband Bryan, founded Handsome Brook Farm. "It is undeniable that the marketplace is saturated with misleading labels. We want our customers to be assured that the quality of our eggs is derived from our hens' quality of life. American Humane Association certification provides that assurance to our customers. Handsome Brook Farm meets the American Humane Certified program's rigorous pasture standards requirement of 108 square feet of pasture per hen, as well as other science-based welfare standards such as protection from inclement weather and predators. Pasture raised eggs are a growing segment of the U.S. egg production systems." American Humane Association's most recent survey shows overwhelming popular support for the humane treatment of farm animals. Its Humane Heartland Farm Animal Survey polled 5,900 Americans and more than nine in ten (94.9%) said they are "very concerned" about farm animal welfare, up from 89 percent in American Humane Association's 2013 study. More than three-quarters (75.7%) stated that they are very willing to pay more for humanely raised eggs, meat, and dairy products, up from 74 percent in 2013. "The welfare of America's egg-laying hens is a top priority for millions of consumers," said Dr. Robin Ganzert, American Humane Association's president and CEO. "And pasture raised eggs are growing in popularity and one of three different egg production styles our American Humane Certified program certifies. We are pleased that Handsome Brook Farm has made the humane choice and achieved certification through our American Humane Certified program." American Humane Association was founded around the issue of farm animal welfare in 1877 and has been at the forefront of improvements and protections for children, pets and farm animals for 139 years (see historic timeline). In 2000 American Humane Association created the nation's first third-party farm animal welfare certification and auditing program with species-specific science-based standards covering everything from adequate space to air quality, heat and lighting, humane treatment, and the ability for animals to be animals and express the natural behaviors of their kind. These standards for the resulting American Humane Certified program were built upon the internationally accepted values of the Five Freedoms, adopted by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, as well as input from animal science experts, veterinarians and other animal husbandry specialists. These evidence-based standards are reviewed regularly by an independent Scientific Advisory Committee made up of some of the world's leading experts and animal advocates. More information about the American Humane Certified program can be found at www.humaneheartland.org. Information about Handsome Brook Farm may be found at www.handsomebrookfarm.com. About American Humane Association American Humane Association is the country's first national humane organization and the only one dedicated to protecting both children and animals. Since 1877, American Humane Association has been at the forefront of virtually every major advance in protecting our most vulnerable from cruelty, abuse and neglect. Today we're also leading the way in understanding the human-animal bond and its role in therapy, medicine and society. American Humane Association reaches millions of people every day through groundbreaking research, education, training and services that span a wide network of organizations, agencies and businesses. You can help make a difference, too. Visit American Humane Association at www.americanhumane.org today. About Handsome Brook Farm Pasture Raised Eggs Handsome Brook Farm Pasture Raised Eggs is a privately held company run by Bryan and Betsy Babcock, and one of the leading producers of Organic Pasture Raised eggs in the United States. Partnering with 75+ family farms throughout the East Coast and South (NY, NJ, VA, PA, MD, NC, KY), Handsome Brook Farm is the fastest growing privately held egg company in the United States, the 14th fastest growing food company in the United States and honored to be #391 on the 2015 Inc. 500 List. Pasture Raised Eggs are the one of the fastest growing segments in the dairy case, and are distinguished from other eggs in that the hens actually spend their days outdoors. Handsome Brook Farm's mission is to provide customers throughout the United States with eggs that reflect the highest standards of quality, fair trade practices, and commitment to animal welfare. For more information call 607.829.2587 or visit http://handsomebrookfarm.com. Follow Handsome Brook Farm on Instagram and Facebook. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101108/DC97343LOGO SOURCE American Humane Association Related Links http://www.americanhumane.org "Our innovative micro-dwelling concept attracts the world's best companies to participate in this ground-breaking development," said Jason Franklin, Sales Director. Daikin and AT&T will work together to digitize the ductless air systems allowing residents to operate the air conditioning units from a smart phone or tablet via AT&T Digital Life. "Our priority to provide cutting-edge amenities to residents sparked this collaboration and now Daikin has incorporated Bluetooth compatibility into its products." Rising 24 stories, The Ivy Lofts' 500-plus micro-condominium units feature streamlined, savvy living spaces for a simplified urban lifestyle. Modern interiors include transformable furniture, sliding walls, all-in-one washers and dryers and LED lighting. Hardwood floors, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances complete the sleek aesthetic. Units range in size from approximately 350 square feet to over 1,000 square feet, with prices starting in the low $100s. About The Ivy Lofts The Ivy Lofts is the first micro condominium in Texas, located in Houston's dynamic EaDo neighborhood, just minutes from the Medical Center, the University of Houston and downtown. The Ivy Lofts' game-changing, scaled-down living concept lifts the veil on a smart, sophisticated new way to live affordably in the heart of the city by making every square foot count. Convertible floor plans, high quality finishes, innovative amenities and unbeatable proximity to the best of Houston allow Ivy residents to invest in a lifestyle of convenience, flexibility and simplicity. Located at 2604 Leeland at Live Oak, The Ivy Lofts is managed by RE/MAX Inner Loop. For more information, call Jason Franklin, 713-489-5638, or visit www.theivylofts.com. About Novel Creative Development, LLC Based in New York, Novel Creative Development, LLC is a full-service developer and diversified experienced real estate investment group with ownership interests in office, retail, and other properties focused primarily on acquiring, managing, and maximizing the value of commercial properties. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160329/349162 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160329/349163LOGO SOURCE The Ivy Lofts NEW YORK, March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- INTRODUCTION With the rising demand for targeted therapies, high potency compounds such as high potency active pharmaceutical ingredients (HPAPIs) and cytotoxic drugs have become the key focus of researchers and manufacturers worldwide. HPAPIs, which include cytotoxic APIs, are drug substances that are formulated to manufacture high potency drug products. Cytotoxic drugs are a category of highly potent drug products and, due to their increased utility in the treatment of cancer indications, have gained wide attention in recent years. Some of the key benefits of these compounds include low dosage requirement and lower side effects. With over 25% of the total drugs worldwide being classified as highly potent, the HPAPI market is currently cited as one of the most important segments of pharmaceutical industry. The market is currently dominated by contract manufacturers. Though some pharmaceutical companies have invested in building in-house capabilities, the capital intensive nature and specialized containment requirements make the role of contract manufacturers crucial. SAFC, Lonza and Evonik are amongst the pioneers in the field of manufacturing highly potent compounds. In addition, new entrants such as Labochim, Medichem, OPKO Health, Project Pharmaceutics, Regis Technologies, ScinoPharm and Wuxi Pharma have also recently sprung up. The growing number of investments and partnerships in this field are evident of the current market intensity. Majority of the investments in recent years have been expansion programs highlighting that manufacturers are keen to expand their existing production facilities to meet the growing demand. Looking at the ongoing focus, we certainly believe that stakeholders will continue to invest in this area. The current market landscape will gradually evolve as manufacturers look to gain competitive advantage in the near future. SCOPE OF THE REPORT The 'HPAPIs and Cytotoxic Drugs Manufacturing Market, 2016-2026 (2nd edition)' report provides an extensive study of the rapidly growing manufacturing market of HPAPIs and cytotoxic drugs. Due to their numerous advantages and widespread application in treatment of cancer and other disorders, HPAPIs and cytotoxics have emerged as one of the key focus areas of researchers across the globe. When compared to conventional therapeutic products, these compounds offer multiple advantages including low dosage requirements, low cost and high target specificity. The focus of this report is primarily to understand the current competitive landscape and the likely future evolution of both the HPAPIs and cytotoxic drugs market over the next decade. Amongst other elements, the report covers the following aspects: - Review of the manufacturing sites of various CMOs involved in HPAPIs / cytotoxic drugs manufacturing. - Overview of the pharmaceutical companies with in-house manufacturing capabilities. - Investments in the expansion or for setting up of new facilities as well as collaborations that have taken place in the recent past. - A detailed case study on the manufacturing of antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), one of the well-known emerging classes of cytotoxic drugs. Though some pharmaceutical companies have in-house capabilities, the development of HPAPIs / cytotoxic drugs is primarily outsourced to contract manufacturers. The future growth of this market is likely to be driven by the increasing demand for oncology drugs, as majority of high potency and cytotoxic drugs are being developed for the treatment of cancer. As this segment continues to evolve, the use of HPAPIs and cytotoxic drugs in other therapeutic areas such as glaucoma, hormonal imbalances and respiratory disorders are also being investigated. Despite their benefits and the scope of a promising future, the study also highlights that there are considerable challenges associated with the production of these compounds. Due to their highly toxic nature, they pose significant occupational hazards, if not handled carefully. In addition, cross-contamination with other products can be highly detrimental for the patients. Therefore, adequate containment strategies and a proper classification of hazards is essential for the uptake of this market. The base year for this report is 2015; actual sales data of respective companies has been presented for up to last five years. The report provides market forecasts for the period 2016 2026. The research, analysis and insights presented in this report is backed by a deep understanding of key insights gathered both from secondary and primary research. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Most of the data presented in this report has been gathered via secondary and primary research. For all our projects, we conduct interviews with experts in the area (academia, industry, medical practice and other associations) to solicit their opinions on emerging trends in the market. This is primarily useful for us to draw out our own opinion on how the market is likely to evolve across different geographical regions and technology segments. Where possible, the available data has been checked for accuracy from multiple sources of information. The various secondary sources of information that we use include: - Annual reports - Investor presentations - SEC filings - Industry databases - News releases from company websites - Government policy documents - Industry analysts' views While the focus has been on forecasting the market over the coming ten years, the report also provides our independent view on various technological and non-commercial trends emerging in the industry. This opinion is solely based on our knowledge, research and understanding of the relevant market gathered from various secondary and primary sources of information. 1.1. CHAPTER OUTLINES Chapter 2 provides an executive summary of the key insights captured in our research. The summary offers a high-level view on the likely evolution of the contract manufacturing market for HPAPIs and cytotoxic drugs. Chapter 3 provides a general introduction to HPAPIs and cytotoxic drugs. In this chapter, we have also explained, in detail, specific containment requirements for handling HPAPIs and cytotoxic drugs. Chapter 4 identifies the contract manufacturers actively involved in the HPAPIs / cytotoxic drugs market. The chapter also provides details on various aspects related to these CMOs including their production capabilities, scale of operation, occupational exposure limits (OELs) and the geographic location of their facilities. It also highlights the leading pharmaceutical companies that have in-house capabilities for developing HPAPIs / cytotoxic drugs. In addition, the chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the current regulatory landscape governing this segment of the industry. Chapter 5 provides a detailed analysis of the various CMOs involved in the manufacturing of HPAPIs. The chapter presents an in-depth comparative analysis of the major players in this segment based on regional distribution, scale of operation and OELs. The chapter also highlights the production specifications of the leading manufacturers in the market. Chapter 6 provides a detailed analysis of the CMOs involved in the manufacturing of cytotoxic drugs. In addition to regional distribution of these organizations, the chapter presents a comprehensive review of various other parameters related to their capabilities such as scale of operation, OELs and fill / finish. Chapter 7 introduces the one-stop-shop model with respect to HPAPIs / cytotoxic drugs manufacturing. The chapter includes case studies of five leading companies: AMRI, Baxter BioPharma Solutions, CordenPharma, Fareva and Pierre Fabre Laboratories that are operating as one-stop-shops. Chapter 8 presents our forecast for both HPAPIs and cytotoxic drugs contract manufacturing market. All our predictions related to this market's future have been backed up by robust analysis of data procured from both secondary and primary sources. Due to the uncertain nature of the market, we have presented three different growth tracks outlined as the conservative, base and optimistic scenarios. The chapter also presents a region-wise market forecast for both HPAPIs and cytotoxic drugs contract manufacturing. Chapter 9 contains detailed profiles of key CMOs, located in the US, that are involved in the manufacturing of HPAPIs and cytotoxic drugs. Each profile includes information such as the company's geographical presence, its financial performance, manufacturing capabilities, investments and partnerships. Chapter 10 provides detailed profiles of key CMOs, located in Europe, that are involved in the manufacturing of HPAPIs and cytotoxic drugs. Similar to chapter 9, each profile includes information on the company's geographical presence, its financial performance, manufacturing capabilities, investments and partnerships. Chapter 11 provides detailed profiles of key CMOs that provide manufacturing services for HPAPIs and cytotoxic drugs in the Asia Pacific region. Similar to the earlier two chapters, each company profile includes information on the company's geographical presence, its financial performance, manufacturing capabilities, investments and partnerships. Chapter 12 provides profiles of several emerging CMOs in the HPAPIs and cytotoxic drugs manufacturing market. As in the earlier chapters, each profile contains information on the company's geographical presence, financial performance (where available), manufacturing capabilities, investments and partnerships. Chapter 13 analyzes the recent developments in the HPAPIs / cytotoxic drugs manufacturing market. This chapter contains information on the investments that have been made and the various partnerships that have been established in the past few years. It also presents an analysis of how the market has evolved over the years. In addition, the chapter contains a brief section on how recent technological advancements have led to the market's evolution. Chapter 14 provides a SWOT analysis capturing the key elements that are likely to influence future growth in this market. Chapter 15 presents a case study on antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) manufacturing market; ADCs represent one of the rapidly expanding segments of biopharmaceutical industry and are expected to emerge as a significant opportunity for the CMOs in near future. The case study contains detailed information on both in-house and contract manufacturing in the ADC market. Chapter 16 is a collection of transcripts of interviews conducted during the course of this study. The senior people interviewed for this study were Antonella Mancuso, Vice President & Chief Operating Officer and Maria Elena Guadagno, Business Director (BSP Pharmaceuticals), Stacy McDonald, Group Product Manager & Jennifer L. Mitcham, Director - Business Development (Catalent Pharma Solutions), Roberto Margarita, Business Development Director (CordenPharma), Allison Vavala, Senior Manager, Business Development (Helsinn), Javier E. Aznarez Araiz, Business Development (Idifarma), Mark Wright, Site Head, Grangemouth (Piramal Healthcare) and Klaus Hellerbrand, Managing Director (ProJect Pharmaceutics). In addition to detailed interviews, we had also conducted a comprehensive survey to learn more about the manufacturing capabilities / capacities of various stakeholders in the industry. Chapter 17 summarizes the overall report. In this chapter, we provide a recap of the key takeaways and our independent opinion based on the research and analysis described in the previous chapters. Chapter 18 is an appendix that provides tabulated data for all the figures provided in the report. Chapter 19 is an appendix that provides a list of companies and organizations mentioned in the report. EXAMPLE HIGHLIGHTS 1. Oncology is the key driver behind the growth of HPAPIs and cytotoxic drugs. Around 60% of the HPAPIs are being developed for the treatment of cancer. The trend is likely to continue and the anti-cancer market will sustain the growth of HPAPIs and cytotoxics in the future. 2. CMOs are the key stakeholders in the market as a good proportion of HPAPIs / cytotoxics manufacturing is currently outsourced due to stringent manufacturing protocols and safety requirements. During our research, we identified 96 CMOs (with over 130 production facilities worldwide) that are focused in this area; approximately 40% of these facilities are dedicated to manufacturing of both HPAPIs and cytotoxic drugs. 3. The market is highly fragmented; companies such as Capsugel, Idifarma, Labochim, Medichem, OPKO Health, ScinoPharm, WuXi PharmaTech are some of the new entrants in this market that have recently expanded their service portfolio. Having said this, established pharma companies such as Roche, Merck, GSK, BMS and Boehringer Ingelheim have also established in-house capabilities. 4. Over 15% CMOs have established one-stop-shop model to provide manufacturing services for both HPAPIs and finished cytotoxic drugs. Examples include AbbVie, AMRI, Baxter BioPharma Solutions, CordenPharma and Fareva. 5. North America and Europe are the predominant regions where HPAPIs and cytotoxic drugs production facilities are located. The US accounts for around 23% of the total HPAPI production facilities followed by Italy (13%) and Switzerland (11%). In the case of cytotoxic drugs, 30% of production facilities are located in the US; this is followed by Germany (14%) and the UK (10%). Companies have also moved their focus to developing countries such as China and India in order to take advantage of relatively lower costs. 6. Several collaborations have been recently inked between stakeholders with an aim to combine their manufacturing expertise. Of the 50 partnerships we studied during our research, an overwhelming proportion were acquisitions (55%) and manufacturing collaborations (38%). 7. Catering to the wider demand, several CMOs have regularly engaged in investment programs to expand their production set ups. Since 2006, there have been more than 100 investments to add new facilities and / or to expand existing capacities; SAFC has led this activity followed by Novasep, Aesica Pharmaceuticals, CARBOGEN AMCIS, Lonza, Piramal, Helsinn and Baxter BioPharma Solutions. 8. Overall, the HPAPIs and cytotoxic drugs market holds enormous potential for the contract manufacturers. We anticipate this opportunity for the CMOs to grow at an annualized rate of ~10% over the next ten years. North American and Western European CMOs will continue to dominate with a share of over 70% in the overall market. Developing countries, such as India and China, are likely to emerge with a share of around 13% by 2026. Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p03711824-summary/view-report.html About Reportlinker ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place. http://www.reportlinker.com Contact Clare: [email protected] US: (339) 368 6001 Intl: +1 339 368 6001 SOURCE Reportlinker Related Links http://www.reportlinker.com NEW YORK, March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Levi & Korsinsky announces it has commenced an investigation of Cigna Corp. ("Cigna" or the "Company") (NYSE: CI) concerning possible violations of federal securities laws by certain officers and directors. The investigation concerns the Company's January 22, 2016, disclosure that it had received an enforcement letter from the Department of Health & Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicare Services ("CMS"), citing noncompliant appeals and grievances procedures within the Company dating back to at least 2013. In addition, CMS has imposed sanctions on the Company by suspending the enrollment of and marketing to new customers of all Cigna Medicare Advantage and Standalone Prescription Drug Plan Contracts. To obtain additional information about the investigation, go to: http://zlk.9nl.com/cigna or contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. either via email at [email protected] or by telephone at (212) 363-7500, toll-free: (877) 363-5972. Levi & Korsinsky is a national firm with offices in New York, New Jersey, California, Connecticut and Washington D.C. The firm's attorneys have extensive expertise in prosecuting securities litigation involving financial fraud, representing investors throughout the nation in securities and shareholder lawsuits. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP Eduard Korsinsky, Esq. 30 Broad Street - 24th Floor New York, NY 10004 Tel: (212) 363-7500 Toll Free: (877) 363-5972 Fax: (212) 363-7171 www.zlk.com Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120409/MM84375LOGO SOURCE Levi & Korsinsky, LLP Related Links http://www.zlk.com Opinion / Columnist Following Government's decision to withdraw operating licences of companies that will not submit their indigenization implementation plans by March 31 2016 (which is today), there has been an unprecedented outcry, coming mostly from the usual "hired mourners" who have now developed a knack for crying more than the bereaved.The Government's decision has been very topical in the media, opposition political parties and civic society. The decision received undue and vicious attack from a constituency that seems to be in total darkness of the contents of the recently fine-tuned law. It is, however, refreshing that the responsible minister, Patrick Zhuwao, dedicated a day to shedding light on those who care to be enlightened.Unfortunately, the hired mourners will be certainly nowhere near the venue to be schooled on the law they are blindly attacking. At times it is necessary to separate a message from the messenger in the national interest. Parochial interests must not always blight good ideas. Like him or not, the idea that Zhuwao is advancing on behalf of Government is great.Some companies have read the modified Act and managed to pick up the sensibleness in it, resulting in 50 of them submitting their plans in the nick of time. It's better late than never.It therefore makes business sense for companies that have not yet complied with the statutory directive to do so and avoid unnecessary loss of business and profit. The prime reason for their existence is profit making. Thus, that profit must be made within the confines of the laws governing the environment they are operating in.During Zanu-PF's 15th Annual People's Conference in Victoria Falls, President Robert Mugabe reiterated that Government would not tolerate companies that refused to comply with indigenisation. As the Chief Executive Officer of this country has already declared, companies have no choice but to comply. Of course, the indigenisation law might still have some rough edges; nevertheless, it still remains a law whose terms must be met. In military parlance, one is supposed to complain after duty. The concerned firms must meet the terms of the law first and raise their objections, concerns and suggestions later. In this way, chances of getting an audience with authorities are high.These affirmative laws are not peculiar to Zimbabwe. Every country has its own way of making sure that the natives participate in the economy. According to economic history, every successful economy has used nationalistic policies. In the UK, for instance, the government is set to deport all migrant workers who earn less than 35 000 per year. This is meant to protect the local job market. The highest shareholding interest that Germany can give to a foreign investor is a mere 8 percent.Despite their barrage of criticism of the Zimbabwean indigenisation programme, most of the rich European countries at one a time embarked on some form of indigenisation programmes. Indigenisation and economic empowerment programmes were a success story in recently emerged economic giants such as Japan, China, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and even South Africa as well as Namibia.Zimbabwe as a nation upholds the rule of law. This is despite criticism and false accusations that the country does not respect same. It is rather these impudent companies and those that are cheering them into crime which do not respect the rule of law.As Friedrich Hegel noted, we have learnt from history that we do not learn from history. The destructive path that these firms want to take is a cul-de-sac. The Daily News trod it in 2003 when it refused to register with the then Media and Information Commission (MIC) in accordance with the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA). As a result of this senseless defiance, the paper closed shop in September 2003 and sent dozens of scribes on to the streets. Ironically, the major victims were the very scribes who incited the paper's proprietors to flout the law.The closure of companies defying the law will render more workers jobless. They will join thousands of other workers who lost their jobs following a Supreme Court ruling which gave employers a blank cheque to fire employees willy-nilly. Zimbabwe cannot afford to witness another spate of job losses, more so when Government is struggling to avail jobs promised in the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation (Zim-Asset).What this means is that the issue must be approached with caution. There must be a balance between IEE and attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). During his visit to China last year, Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa assured Chinese investors that indigenisation was not a threat to the interests of investors. As such, Government must stick to that assurance. Both the Government and the companies must consider the risk of job losses which their decisions on this issue are likely to cause. The companies must not take advantage of the country's desperate need for investment and job creation to hold Government to ransom.On the other hand, Government must not be lost to the economic environment prevailing in Zimbabwe. The indigenisation policy is a great policy that must be implemented methodically. Government must do away with all the stumbling blocks that will give credence to the arguments advanced by detractors against the indigenisation policy. For instance, ridding the country of corruption and creating stable political and economic environments must be prerequisites for a successful indigenisation of the economy.The indigenisation programme must prove wrong detractors who always claim that the initiative benefits the elite and the well connected. The initiative is a process and five years down the line, Government should be able to pick a beneficiary from Murambinda or Mutoko. Indigenisation must not only replace white capitalists with black ones.Hopefully, the indigenisation programme will maximise local retention of profit and curb the externalisation of national resources as witnessed in the diamond mining sector. SANTA FE, N.M., March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The sizzling culinary team at Julia, a Spirited Restaurant & Bar, recently added to its growing list of accolades with the presentation of a special dinner at the prestigious James Beard House in New York. Every inventive course, many inspired by the distinctive traditions and ingredients of the southwest, was paired with wines from Cakebread Cellars, the nationally renowned winery that co-hosted the evening. "We were most honored by the invitation to present at this internationally respected institution," said Joe Kelley, general manager of La Posada de Santa Fe, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa. "Santa Fe has an increasingly hot culinary scene and we are pleased our interpretation of this cuisine received national recognition." ROMANTIC WEEKEND GETAWAYS In one of the nation's oldest and most romantic cities, where sensual chocolate and spicy chiles are frequently paired in culinary dishes and spa treatments, La Posada de Santa Fe, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, offers getaways hot enough to satisfy any craving. Savor Santa Fe indulges all the senses with romantic accommodations, a delectable southwestern breakfast and a $50 discount on treatments at Spa Sage at La Posada, recipient of the USA Today Reader's Choice Award for #4 Best Hotel Spa. Guests may choose from an array of locally inspired treatments including a Chocolate Chile Wrap or Margarita Pedicure. The first starts with a custom blend of indigenous Chimayo red chile to get the circulation going, followed by a chocolate application that leaves the skin velvety smooth and aromatic The latter involves a tangy lime scrub to treat the feet and an actual margarita to sip. Savor Santa Fe getaways start at $235 per night. For information on this and other packages, visit laposadadesantafe.com or call 855-210-7210. About La Posada de Santa Fe, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa Nestled on six acres in downtown Santa Fe, New Mexico, this historic resort is just steps from the plaza, Canyon Road and hundreds of shops and art galleries. The AAA Four Diamond property features an award-winning spa, several restaurants, a gallery collection and 157 casita-style guest rooms including 30 suites. For additional information, please visit www.laposadadesantafe.com. Contact: Marcia Sky La Posada de Santa Fe, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa Tel: 505-954-9697 Email: [email protected] SOURCE La Posada de Santa Fe Related Links http://www.laposadadesantafe.com Project Voice enables unique collaborations across the spectrum of vascular care. It brings the latest in digital health technology to the unique needs of the vascular health community leading to improved patient engagement, more powerful research and a communication bridge between patients and doctors. Project Voice provides a mobile app and web portal, interactive resources and multiple fitness trackers to increase patient control, promote shared decision making and improve research results by adding patient-reported outcomes to clinical data sets. "The lack of patient-reported outcomes data is a critical gap in both the development of new treatments and ongoing care", said Michael Conte MD, Chief of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at UCSF and Vascular Cures' Chief Medical Officer. "PAD and its consequences, including disability, amputation and death, have reached a crisis stage, and we urgently need more powerful tools." The technology for Project Voice is provided by MedHelp/Aptus Health, a global digital heath engagement partner for life sciences companies, payers, employers, and health systems. The MedHelp platform is integrated with over 120 wireless health devices and trackers, and offers health management tools and peer communities. Dr. Matthew Corriere says "Project Voice is a powerful tool to improve both medical care and research. When patients are actively engaged in managing their health, they are more likely to communicate important symptoms and share their goals for treatment. Patient-reported outcomes are crucial to include in both care decisions and research studies." Dr. Corriere, who was the 2014 recipient of Vascular Cures' Wylie Scholar award, is the national program leader for Project Voice. Project Voice is more than a digital health tracker. It also offers patients access to an on-line community of PAD sufferers and educational tools such as videos and articles to help them understand their disease. Project Voice surrounds them with support to become more engaged in their treatments. According to a 2012 study by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, this is important because "when you make it easy for people to capture and share information from their lives, they feel empowered to take a more active role in their health." Vascular diseases outside the heart have reached epidemic proportions and include stroke, peripheral artery disease (PAD), aneurysms, hypertension and atherosclerosis. The effects of aging, diabetes, and obesity are taking their toll on the population. PAD alone affects 200 million people worldwide and increased by 25% in the last decade. Vascular Cures, based in the Redwood City, California, leads the efforts to develop breakthrough innovations in the treatment of these chronic diseases. About Vascular Cures Vascular Cures is the only national non-profit representing the millions of patients with vascular disease. For more than 30 years, it has transformed patient lives through support of innovative research and programs that advance patient-centered healthcare. For more information, visit www.vascularcures.org. About the Wylie Scholar Award Vascular Cures' Wylie Scholar Program, launched in 1996, provides early career support to outstanding academic vascular surgeon-scientists. Recipients have become chiefs of their divisions and world-class leaders in the field, obtaining on average a 16:1 return in national funding subsequent to the original grant. The award has fueled studies to develop new drugs, innovative therapies and novel medical devices. Projects include identifying ways to: grow new blood vessels, which can help soldiers who experienced blast injuries in combat as well as patients with vascular disease; prevent abnormal cell growth following angioplasty and stents; prevent blood clots and deep vein thrombosis (DVT); reduce the problems of wound healing experienced by diabetic patients; and provide technology to better engage patients in shared decision-making with their doctors. Since 2014, the award has been co-sponsored by the Society of Vascular Surgery (SVS) Foundation. Media Contact Wendy R. Hitchcock Chief Executive Officer 650.368.6022 [email protected] Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160331/350241 SOURCE Vascular Cures Related Links http://www.vascularcures.org RICHMOND, Va., March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) announced this week that 112 attorneys from 78 law firms and corporations have been selected for the 2016 Pathfinder Program. The program, piloted last year among 40 attorneys from LCLD member law firms and corporations, trains early-career attorneys in critical career development strategies including programming on leadership and networking. "There was a gap [in LCLD programming] for junior associates or the youngest members of a corporate law department," said Greg Jordan, General Counsel and Head of Regulatory Government Affairs at PNC Financial Services Group and a former LCLD board member. "Since that is a population of lawyers who suffer very high attrition, we created the Pathfinder Program to eliminate that gap." Having witnessed the value of the program for PNC's first attorney Pathfinder last year, Jordan selected another young attorney to participate this year. In April, Pathfinders will be split into two groups to attend intensive two-day trainings at LCLD member corporations Eli Lilly and Company, and Microsoft Corporation. Participants will learn from experts on leadership and career development, and from executives at the hosting corporations. "Our profession will be stronger with more successful diverse attorneys," said Brad Smith, President and Chief Legal Officer at Microsoft and LCLD board Chair. "The LCLD Pathfinder Program helps by inspiring and nurturing the next generation of diverse talent, and we are committed to helping to scale its impact on both the participants and our profession." "Eli Lilly and Company is honored to host the LCLD Pathfinders," said Michael Harrington, Senior Vice President and General Counsel at Lilly and an LCLD board member. "The Pathfinders are recognized by their own organizations for their leadership potential. I look forward to welcoming this outstanding group." "The curriculum for this program has been designed to accommodate early career lawyers from both in-house legal departments and law firms," said Lori Lorenzo, LCLD Program Director. LCLD does this, she said, by identifying the vital leadership training and professional development needs that both groups share, while also focusing on the disparate needs of the two groups through breakout training sessions." For more information, contact LCLD Communications Director Don Belt at [email protected] or visit www.lcldnet.org. Media contact: Don Belt Leadership Council on Legal Diversity 571.490.4692 SOURCE Leadership Council on Legal Diversity Related Links http://www.lcldnet.org The demand for financial empowerment services is a direct result of financial abuse, which occurs in 99 percent of domestic violence cases. [2] Financial abuse is a primary reason victims stay in, or return to abusive partners. After years of abuse, survivors often find themselves unable to secure stable housing because their credit scores are too low, or that their abusers have taken out credit cards in their names and depleted their savings accounts. Perpetrators of these crimes are not nameless, faceless identity thieves. These actions are intentional behaviors by abusers meant to harm victims. Financial education services, which empower survivors to budget, repair credit, and establish financial self-sufficiency, set survivors on a course to independence: An advocate in Colorado said that, after completing the "Moving Ahead" financial literacy curriculum, a survivor she worked with is "obtaining financial independence for her family." She is working toward a nursing degree and has applied for an interest-free loan to purchase a car for her family. In part because of this new financial independence, this survivor shared that she knows that "the sky is the limit now for herself and her children." Financial empowerment is increasingly a core service for domestic violence survivors: More than 190 of the surveyed local domestic violence programs (11 percent) have expanded their financial literacy programming in the past year. More than 73 percent of surveyed domestic violence programs offer financial services year-round. 22 local programs offered matched savings programs or microloans. Microloans help survivors gain access to resources needed to build or improve credit, purchase used cars to get to jobs, or pay for college or job training expenses. The loans are paid back over time and redistributed, so other survivors can benefit from this financial tool. However, as demand continues for these life-changing services, staff and funding cuts make it difficult for domestic violence programs to provide the help survivors need: 35 local programs were forced to reduce or completely eliminate financial education programs due to lack of resources. Nearly 400 local programs reported that requests for financial assistance were one of the primary areas of unmet need due to lack of resources. 24 percent of local programs reported reduced government funding was the cause of unmet requests for help. 1,235 staff positions across the U.S. were eliminated in the past year. Most of these positions (79 percent) were direct service providers, such as shelter staff and legal advocates. "Financial abuse is debilitating for many survivors of domestic violence. Financial education and credit building services are vital to ensuring that survivors are empowered to lead lives free of abuse," said Kim Gandy, NNEDV president and CEO. "National financial empowerment programming helps address this desperate need by equipping survivors and their advocates with the tools they need to move from short-term safety to long-term security and there are not enough resources to meet this need." "Financial services provide survivors a path to independence, and should be core to every domestic violence program in our country," said Vicky Dinges, senior vice president, corporate responsibility, Allstate. "Today, far too many victims who need financial help to rebuild their lives are turned away. We need to ensure that domestic violence programs have resources to provide these critical services." The Moving Ahead Through Financial Management curriculum is a free tool for survivors. Created by The Allstate Foundation and NNEDV, the curriculum helps survivors untangle financial relationships with abusive partners, work through past abuse of finances, and address safety concerns. The curriculum, which has been proven essential for survivors and advocates, will be updated this year and for the first time will be available for download via e-reader. To learn more, visit PurplePurse.com. 1. http://nnedv.org/projects/census/4655-domestic-violence-counts-census-2015-report.html 2. https://centerforfinancialsecurity.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/adams2011.pdf The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that serves as the leading national voice for domestic violence victims and their allies. NNEDV's membership includes all 56 state and territorial coalitions against domestic violence, including over 2,000 local programs. NNEDV has been advancing the movement against domestic violence over 25 years, having led efforts among domestic violence advocates and survivors in urging Congress to pass the landmark Violence Against Women Act of 1994. To learn more about NNEDV, please visit NNEDV.org . Established in 1952, The Allstate Foundation is an independent, charitable organization made possible by subsidiaries of The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL). Through partnerships with nonprofit organizations across the country, The Allstate Foundation brings the relationships, reputation and resources of Allstate to support innovative and lasting solutions that enhance people's well-being and prosperity. With a focus on building financial independence for domestic violence survivors, empowering youth and celebrating the charitable community involvement of Allstate agency owners and employees, The Allstate Foundation works to bring out the good in people's lives. For more information, visit www.AllstateFoundation.org. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160331/349849LOGO Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151029/282000LOGO SOURCE The Allstate Foundation Related Links http://www.allstatefoundation.org HAMPTON, Va., March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Tuesday, April 5, at NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, Lynn Harvey will present "A Blast from the Past Misinformation in Your Nightly Weather Report and the History of the Polar Vortex" at 2 p.m. in the Pearl Young Theater. Harvey will be available to answer questions from the media during a news briefing at 1:15 p.m. that day. Media who wish to do so should contact Chris Rink at 757-864-6786, or by e-mail at [email protected], by noon on the day of the talk for credentials and entry to the center. That same evening at 7:30, Harvey will present a similar program for the general public at the Virginia Air & Space Center in downtown Hampton. This Sigma Series event is free and no reservations are required. Harvey will present a history of the polar vortex including misconceptions and summarize how the atmospheric phenomenon is expected to change in a warmer climate. A former NASA Langley researcher in the Science Directorate's Chemistry and Dynamics Branch, Harvey received her bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees in atmospheric science from the University of Wisconsin at Madison. She currently works at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics at the University of Colorado at Boulder. She has published work on ozone loss, polar clouds, the diagnosis of the polar vortices and stratospheric anticyclones, warming in the stratosphere, and cold air outbreaks in the troposphere. For more information about NASA Langley's Colloquium and Sigma Series Lectures, visit: http://colloqsigma.larc.nasa.gov NASA Langley press releases are available automatically by sending an e-mail message to [email protected] with the word Subscribe in the subject line. You will receive an e-mail asking you to visit a link to confirm the action. To unsubscribe, send an e-mail message to [email protected] with the word "Unsubscribe" in the subject line. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prn/20081007/38461LOGO SOURCE NASA Related Links http://www.nasa.gov Fred Harris, president of Bath Iron Works, said, "This funding will allow us to continue our efforts associated with planning and construction of DDG 124. The men and women of Bath Iron Works are working hard to continuously improve our processes as we contribute to the U.S. Navy's important shipbuilding programs." There are currently four DDG 51 destroyers in production at Bath Iron Works: Rafael Peralta (DDG 115), Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), Daniel Inouye (DDG 118) and Carl M. Levin (DDG 120). The Navy has named DDG 124 the Harvey C. Barnum, Jr., after a retired U.S. Marine Corps officer who received the Medal of Honor for valor during the Vietnam War. Colonel Barnum served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Reserve Affairs and as Acting Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Manpower and Reserve Affairs). The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer is a multi-mission combatant that offers defense against a wide range of threats, including ballistic missiles. It operates in support of carrier battle groups, surface action groups, amphibious groups and replenishment groups, providing a complete array of anti-submarine (ASW), anti-air (AAW) and anti-surface (SuW) capabilities. Designed for survivability, the ships incorporate all-steel construction and have gas turbine propulsion. The combination of the ships' AEGIS combat system, the Vertical Launching System, an advanced ASW system, two embarked SH-60 helicopters, advanced anti-aircraft missiles and Tomahawk anti-ship and land-attack missiles make the Arleigh Burke class destroyers the most powerful surface combatants ever put to sea. Bath Iron Works currently employs approximately 6,100 people. More information about General Dynamics Bath Iron Works can be found at www.gdbiw.com. More information about General Dynamics is available at www.gd.com. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140428/81320 SOURCE General Dynamics Bath Iron Works Related Links http://www.gdbiw.com CHESTERFIELD, United Kingdom, March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Mallinckrodt plc (NYSE: MNK), a leading global specialty biopharmaceutical company, today announced the results from a retrospective analysis of health economic data on the use of OFIRMEV (acetaminophen) injection and reduced opioid use for the treatment of acute surgical pain. The results were presented as a moderated ePoster at the 41st Annual Regional Anesthesiology and Acute Pain Medicine Meeting on Thursday, March 31, in New Orleans. The analysis, titled "Estimating the Effect of Intravenous Acetaminophen (IV-APAP) on Length of Stay and Inpatient Costs," evaluated data from The Advisory Board Company's database of more than 2.2 million anonymous adult inpatient surgical admissions across 297 U.S. hospitals from 2012 to 2014. This non-comparative, retrospective analysis modeled length of stay1 as well as potential opioid-related complications and related costs, based on an annual impact for a "medium-sized" hospital2, among surgical patients where there was both a one-level reduction in opioid use (high to medium, medium to low, or low to none) and the use of IV acetaminophen therapy to help manage acute surgical pain. This included patients undergoing cardiovascular, colorectal, general, obstetrics/gynecology, orthopedics and spine surgeries. Key findings associated with incorporating OFIRMEV and reducing the use of opioids across these surgical patients were: An average 18% reduction in length of stay for the modeled scenario with an estimated annual cost savings of $4.5 million ; ; An average reduction in modeled complication rates of 28.5% with an estimated annual cost-savings of $200,000 ; and ; and In aggregate, an estimated annual $4.7 million in lowered costs, per a medium-sized hospital. ABOUT THE DATA Estimating the effect of intravenous acetaminophen (IV-APAP) on length of stay and inpatient costs. Eve Shaffer, MS, The Advisory Board Company, Washington, DC. Find the poster online: http://epostersonline.com/asra_RA16/node/723 IMPLICATIONS OF THE DATA This analysis may provide important insight for surgeons, pharmacists and hospital administrators looking for possible ways to help improve patient outcomes and provide savings to the hospital system. The use of opioids alone has been a mainstay for acute pain management. There is an overreliance on opioids as monotherapy to treat acute pain in U.S. hospitals today and 7 out of 10 hospital patients treated with intravenous (IV) analgesia receive IV opioids alone.3 LIMITATIONS OF STUDY Limitations associated with retrospective observational research designs include the following: ability to make causal inferences, reproducibility and generalizability. ABOUT OFIRMEV (Acetaminophen) Injection OFIRMEV (acetaminophen) injection is indicated for the management of mild to moderate pain, management of moderate to severe pain with adjunctive opioid analgesics, and reduction of fever. OFIRMEV (acetaminophen) injection is the first and only intravenous (IV) formulation of acetaminophen to be approved in the United States. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved OFIRMEV in November 2010. OFIRMEV is available to hospitals and outpatient and ambulatory surgical centers across the U.S. IMPORTANT RISK INFORMATION WARNING: RISK OF MEDICATION ERRORS AND HEPATOTOXICITY Take care when prescribing, preparing, and administering OFIRMEV Injection to avoid dosing errors which could result in accidental overdose and death. In particular, be careful to ensure that: the dose in milligrams (mg) and milliliters (mL) is not confused; the dosing is based on weight for patients under 50 kg; infusion pumps are properly programmed; and the total daily dose of acetaminophen from all sources does not exceed maximum daily limits. OFIRMEV contains acetaminophen. Acetaminophen has been associated with cases of acute liver failure, at times resulting in liver transplant and death. Most of the cases of liver injury are associated with the use of acetaminophen at doses that exceed the recommended maximum daily limits, and often involve more than one acetaminophen-containing product. CONTRAINDICATIONS Acetaminophen is contraindicated in patients with: known hypersensitivity to acetaminophen or to any of the excipients in the intravenous (IV) formulation. severe hepatic impairment or severe active liver disease. ADVERSE REACTIONS Serious adverse reactions may include hepatic injury, serious skin reactions, hypersensitivity, and anaphylaxis. Common adverse reactions in adults include nausea, vomiting, headache, and insomnia. Common adverse reactions in pediatric patients include nausea, vomiting, constipation, pruritus, agitation, and atelectasis. For additional Important Risk Information, including complete boxed warning, see Full Prescribing Information. ABOUT MALLINCKRODT Mallinckrodt is a global business that develops, manufactures, markets and distributes specialty pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical products and therapies, as well as nuclear imaging products. Areas of focus include autoimmune and rare diseases in specialty areas like neurology, rheumatology, nephrology and pulmonology; immunotherapy and neonatal respiratory critical care therapies; analgesics and hemostasis products; and central nervous system drugs. The company's core strengths include the acquisition and management of highly regulated raw materials and specialized chemistry, formulation and manufacturing capabilities. The company's Specialty Brands segment includes branded medicines; its Specialty Generics segment includes specialty generic drugs, active pharmaceutical ingredients and external manufacturing; and the Nuclear Imaging segment includes nuclear imaging agents. To learn more about Mallinckrodt, visit www.mallinckrodt.com. Mallinckrodt uses its website as a channel of distribution of important company information, such as press releases, investor presentations and other financial information. It also uses its website to expedite public access to time-critical information regarding the company in advance of or in lieu of distributing a press release or a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) disclosing the same information. Therefore, investors should look to the Investor Relations page of the website for important and time-critical information. Visitors to the website can also register to receive automatic e-mail and other notifications alerting them when new information is made available on the Investor Relations page of the website. CONTACTS Media Rhonda Sciarra Senior Communications Manager 314-654-8618 [email protected] Meredith Fischer Senior Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs 314-654-3318 [email protected] Investor Relations Coleman N. Lannum, CFA Senior Vice President, Investor Strategy and IRO 314-654-6649 [email protected] 1 The average number of days a patient stays at the facility 2 American Hospital Association definition of 'medium sized' hospital is 100-399 beds 3 Premier Healthcare Alliance [paid-access hospital research database: data from January 2011-March 2015]. Charlotte, NC: Premier, Inc. Updated June 2015. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150105/167103LOGO SOURCE Mallinckrodt plc Related Links http://www.mallinckrodt.com "We've heard loud and clear that Windows users want to mill double-sided PCBs with the Othermill, and we're excited to make it possible," notes OMC's VP of Software, Ezra Spier. "Otherplan, along with the Othermill CNC machine, is the easiest way to prototype double-sided PCBs on your desktop," he adds. The free Otherplan Public Beta is available for both Windows and Mac OS X operating systems and imports common circuit board design files such as EAGLE .brd and Gerber file formats. In addition to double-sided PCB fabrication, the Otherplan Public Beta also offers G-code file support. Otherplan's 3D milling preview simulates your milling job, shows you the results before you even turn on your Othermill, and provides a time estimate so you know how long a milling job will take before you start. Pricing and Availability Otherplan is the free control software for the Othermill desktop CNC mill, which is available online for $2,199 and at select resellers. Download Otherplan for Windows 7+ or Mac OS X 10.8+ here. Other Machine Co. builds rapid prototyping tools for electrical and mechanical design engineers and educators that speed up their pace of innovation. Based in Berkeley, CA, OMC's mission is to transform digital desktop manufacturing and make in-house prototyping accessible to all designers of mechanical parts and PCBs. OMC is at the forefront of the digital desktop manufacturing movement because the future is small-batch, ultra-customized, and on-demand. Video - http://youtu.be/DCGLEa2UUaY SOURCE Other Machine Co. Related Links http://othermachine.co LOS ANGELES, March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Oxis Biotech Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Oxis International Inc. [OTC: OXIS and Euronext Paris: OXI.PA], expressed its support of the "cancer moonshot," which seeks to incentivize cooperation between the government and the private sector in the development of new treatments for cancer. In an article published Wednesday by Bloomberg News, Vice President Biden and former New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg described the moonshot as an effort to find a cure for cancer by supporting the same "American ingenuity" that sent humankind to the moon. "We believe that it's time for a full and complete national commitment to rid the world of this disease, because the truth is that ending cancer as we know it is finally within our grasp," Biden and Bloomberg wrote. Oxis is proud to be part of that effort. The company has a robust portfolio of next-generation cancer initiatives the type the "Moonshot" is focused on. Oxis' lead drug candidate, OXS-1550, is in Phase 1/Phase 2 clinical trial at the University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center as a treatment for non-Hodgkins lymphoma and leukemia. Inventors of OXS-1550 recently received a Notice of Allowance from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Oxis holds worldwide exclusive rights to develop and commercialize OXS-1550. OXS-1550 is a bispecific immunotherapy designed to hunt cancer cells and kill them, without damaging healthy cells. "These are exciting times in biotech, with many promising new approaches for the treatment of cancer," said Anthony Cataldo, Chairman and Chief Executive of Oxis. "Vice President Biden is correct in his optimism that one day cancer will not be a death sentence. Oxis is optimistic that OXS-1550 can be an effective alternative to chemotherapy." Oxis has other drug candidates: OXS-1750, a treatment for multiple myeloma, and OXS-1850, a treatment for breast cancer. On March 1, Oxis disclosed that that is research partners have made significant progress in the race to find a cure for Zika. Dr. Sean Xie, a research scientist, professor of pharmacology at the University of Pittsburgh and a member of Oxis' Scientific Advisory Board, said he has identified small molecule chemical inhibitors that target nonstructural proteins "with the potential for blocking Zika virus replication." Dr. Xie is leading a Zika used his TargetHunter computer modeling system to break down key proteins the Zika virus needs for replication. That allowed him to identify inhibitors that could block the virus from replicating. Dr. Xie is Associate Dean for Research Innovation and a member of the Drug Discovery Institute at the University of Pittsburgh. Oxis is hopeful that Dr. Xie's findings could help develop a vaccine and treatment for the Zika virus and greatly slow the spread of the disease. The Zika virus, first identified 50 years ago, is spread through mosquito bites and has been linked to an increase in a rare birth defect, making the virus a significant threat to pregnant women. Additionally, there is a concern that the Zika virus can be spread sexually. In January, the World Health Organization designated the Zika virus an international public health emergency. The agency estimated that virus will spread throughout the world and infect some 4 million people by the end of the year. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control on February 26, 2016, advised pregnant women to avoid traveling to Brazil, site of the upcoming Olympic Games, because the Zika virus is a particular problem in that country. As many as 1.5 million people are believed to have become infected with Zika in Brazil. ABOUT OXIS INTERNATIONAL, INC. - Oxis International, Inc., through a wholly owned subsidiary, Oxis Biotech, Inc., develops innovative drugs focused on the treatment of cancer and other unmet medical needs. Oxis' lead drug candidate, OXS-1550 (DT2219ARL) is a novel bispecific scFv recombinant fusion protein-drug conjugate composed of the variable regions of the heavy and light chains of anti-CD19 and anti-CD22 antibodies and a modified form of diphtheria toxin as its cytotoxic drug payload. OXS-1550 simultaneously targets cancer cells expressing the CD19 receptor or CD22 receptor or both receptors. When OXS-1550 binds to cancer cells, the cancer cells internalize the drug and are killed due to the action of drug's cytotoxic payload. OXS-1550 has demonstrated success in early human clinical trials in patients with relapsed/refractory B-cell lymphoma or leukemia. OXS-4235 is a small molecule therapeutic candidate targeting the treatment of multiple myeloma and associated osteolytic lesions. In in vitro and in vivo models of multiple myeloma and osteoporosis, OXS-4235 demonstrated the ability to kill multiple myeloma cells, and decrease osteolytic lesions in bone. OXIS' lead drug candidate, OXS-2175, is a small molecule therapeutic candidate targeting the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). In in vitro and in vivo models of TNBC, OXS-2175 demonstrated the ability to inhibit metastasis. FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS - Except for historical information contained herein, the statements in this release are forward-looking and made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are inherently unreliable and actual results may differ materially. Examples of forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding the payment of dividends, marketing and distribution plans, development activities and anticipated operating results. Factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include such factors as the Company's ability to accomplish its business initiatives, significant fluctuations in marketing expenses and ability to achieve and expand significant levels of revenues, or recognize net income, from the sale of its products and services, as well as the introduction of competing products, or management's ability to attract and maintain qualified personnel necessary for the development and commercialization of its planned products, and other information that may be detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Company website: www.oxis.com SOURCE Oxis International, Inc. Related Links http://www.oxis.com HARRISBURG, Pa., March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania Physician General Dr. Rachel Levine today at Bucks County Community College led an "It's On Us PA" roundtable discussion focused on the role of administrators, students, and policy in combatting sexual violence on campuses and in schools. "I am thankful to have had the opportunity to speak at today's event because it is time for a cultural shift in the way we think about sexual assault," said Dr. Levine. "The solution begins with each of us understanding that sexual assault is not just a crime but a societal problem in which we all have a role to play." On January 29, 2016, Governor Wolf launched "It's On Us PA," a statewide campaign that engages education leaders from school superintendents to college presidents as well as students, teachers, families, and communities to make a personal and public pledge to play a role in preventing, addressing, and responding effectively to sexual violence. The specific goals of "It's On Us PA" are to: Improve awareness, prevention, reporting, and response systems in schools, colleges and universities to better serve all students. in schools, colleges and universities to better serve all students. Remove/reduce barriers that prevent survivors from reporting and/or accessing vital resources by creating a more consistent, empowering reporting process for student survivors of gender-based violence. that prevent survivors from reporting and/or accessing vital resources by creating a more consistent, empowering reporting process for student survivors of gender-based violence. Demonstrate significant, proactive, and sustainable leadership to change campus culture by challenging Pennsylvania's education leaders including college and university presidents, superintendents as well as students, teachers, faculty, staff, families, and communities to pledge to improve their institutions' climate. Agencies, schools and dignitaries present or represented at today's event included: Delaware Valley University Lancaster School District School District Philadelphia University Pennsylvania Association of Private Schools Representative Tina Davis Reading Area Community College University of Pennsylvania Network of Victims Assistance Montgomery County Community College The Cleary Center for Security on Campus Drexel University Central Bucks Lincoln University Temple University In 2014, an estimated 12,875 students enrolled in Pennsylvania postsecondary institutions experienced sexual assault. Approximately one in five college women and one in 20 college men experience sexual violence. The trauma of sexual assault affects health and well-being in both the short and long-term. The immediate health impacts can have significant physical effects on assaulted individuals that lead to disabilities, unwanted pregnancies, or death. Long-term mental issues like depression, anxiety, PTSD, self-harm, substance abuse, and eating disorders often result from a sexual assault as well. Bucks County Community College was one of the original schools to commit to be part of "It's On Us PA." They have developed partnerships with Delaware Valley University and their local rape crisis center to address sexual violence. To learn more about the work Buck County Community College is doing to improve their local community, visit http://www.bucks.edu/. Go to www.health.pa.gov to learn more about the department's outreach on sexual health and more. MEDIA CONTACT: Amy Worden, DOH, 717-787-1783 SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Health Related Links http://www.health.pa.gov Opinion / Columnist MDC-T and other opposition political leaders have joined the bandwagon of Zimbabweans citizens calling for detailed investigations in the looted $15 billion by President Mugabe's own admission earlier in March 2015. One has to question the intentions of the opposition in joining in the condemnation of the looting and Mugabe in making the admission.The proverb "Charity begins at home", in its benign and charitable original meaning, means that children learn good habits at home from their parents. The proverb, in its less charitable and corrupted meaning, means that we should look after our own kids, family and nationals before donating anything to help faceless stranger be they the victim of an earthquake, drought, etc.All our political leaders would do well to know that criticism, like charity, begins at home otherwise it becomes the classic case of seeing the blade of grass in someone else's eye but failing to see the log in one's own eye."We are dealing with gang of plunderers who have no conscience whatsoever and whose greed knows no bounds," wrote Vince Musewe, joining the bandwagon condemning the looting of the $15 billion by government.President Mugabe admitted that $15 billion in diamond revenue was looted in the last 7 years. Ordinary Zimbabweans have very good reasons to be angry with this given that government collects $3 billion in taxes a year and therefore the looted fortune is the equivalent to 5 years of paying no in-come tax, no sales tax and the multitude of other charges the government wrings out of us! Five years! Blimey, this is like having a Christmas bonus three or four times a year!When one politician whose greed, we all know, "knows no bounds" condemns the greed of another politician whose greed, we also know, "knows no bounds"; the condemnation loses its cutting edge, there is a ring of hypocrisy and mockery of us, the people, the real victims of the looting in this case.President Mugabe was very clear on when the looting took place, "the last 7 years", 5 of which include the GNU. People like Morgan Tsvangirai, Tendai Biti, Joice Mujuru, etc. cannot therefore, in all honesty, condemn the looting that took place when they were senior members of the GNU.President Mugabe was also very precise about the amount that was looted $15 billion and the time period the looting took place; for a country in which corruption has become the norm for the last 36 years, how can he know the amount and the period with such surgical precision? There is clearly a lot more to this story then he is letting on; this smacks of a carefully stage managed story.It would not be surprising that if at some point of greatest strategic importance to Mugabe and Zanu PF, information is leaked out leading to the discovery and accounting of every dollar of the $15 bil-lion. All those involved in the looting and plunder will be arrested and punished and all of them will happen to be Mugabe's political opponents. President Mugabe and all his friends will not be impli-cated in any of the looting; they will all be squeaky clean!Since all the $15 billion would have been accounted for, all corruption investigations particularly those into Marange diamonds will stop and the subject closed!Instead of the grand theft of $15 billion Marange diamonds being a serious political setback for President Mugabe, it is turning into his greatest weapon with which to frighten or fight off his political enemies. It is no secret that former VP Joice Mujuru was up to her eyes in the looting of Marange diamonds and Mugabe will have all the details on all her dealings. When Grace Mugabe launched her campaign to "baby dump" Mujuru in 2014, she accused Joice of being corrupt and, more specifically, of dealing in diamonds; so she too knows some of the details, at least.President Mugabe's timely admission of looting in the diamond industry was a warning shot across the bowls for Zimbabwe People First ship and its captain Joice Mujuru. Next time, he is going for the jugular vein and he is not one to miss or have mercy! FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Patriot National, Inc. (NYSE: PN), a leading provider of technology and outsourcing solutions, today announced the official launch of Patriot Risk Consultants ("PRC"), a subsidiary of Patriot National that offers loss and safety consulting services across a broad spectrum of industries nationwide. "The official launch of Patriot Risk Consultants marks an important milestone for Patriot National as we continue to execute on our strategy to provide comprehensive outsourced services that help employers mitigate risks and reduce costs," said Steven M. Mariano, CEO of Patriot National. "We take pride in delivering best-in-class consulting services that help our clients achieve their safety objectives and we look forward to growing this important business line." Armand Fernandez is President of Patriot Risk Consultants and reports to Paul Halter, Executive Vice President of Field Operations, Patriot National, Inc. and CEO of Patriot Underwriters, Inc. Mr. Fernandez brings 20 years of experience in the risk consulting industry to this role. PRC is dedicated to creating a safe work environment, the protection of physical assets and the resilience of business, and uses a combination of best practices and established standards to deliver best-in-class advice. PRC's consulting services span health and safety services, including preventing workplace injuries and complying with Occupational Health and Safety (OSHA) regulations, premise operations and product liability services, federal and state mandated services, and fleet transportation and warehouse safety services. About Patriot National Patriot National, Inc. is a national provider of comprehensive technology and outsourcing solutions that help insurance companies and employers mitigate risk, comply with complex regulations and save time and money. Patriot National provides general agency services, technology outsourcing, software solutions, specialty underwriting and policyholder services, claims administration services, self-funded health plans and employment pre-screening services to its insurance carrier clients, employers and other clients. Patriot National is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. For more information about Patriot National, please visit www.patnat.com. Forward Looking Statements This press release may include statements that may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Words such as "may," "will," "should," "likely," "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "projects," "believes," "estimates," "positioned," "outlook," "Guidance," and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, and there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in these statements. For example, the successful integration of this acquisition and our ability to cross-sell additional services to these carriers, as well as those matters contained in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Although we base these forward-looking statements on assumptions that we believe are reasonable when made, we caution you that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and that results may differ materially from statements made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Any forward-looking statement that we may make in this press release speaks only as of the date of such statement, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement or to publicly announce the results of any revision to any of those statements to reflect future events or developments. Investor and Media Contacts: Cindy Campbell Director of Investor Relations Patriot National, Inc. (954) 670-2907 [email protected] Julie MacMedan (310) 622-8242 Paige Hart (310) 622-8244 Financial Profiles, Inc. [email protected] Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141209/163423LOGO SOURCE Patriot National, Inc. Related Links http://www.patnat.com SINGAPORE, March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Rich Communication Services (RCS) is attracting the select attention of mobile network operators as the adoption of IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) networks and Voice over LTE (VoLTE) increases. While RCS currently constitutes 32% of the total messaging revenue generated worldwide, ABI Research, the leader in transformative technology innovation market intelligence, expects its share to increase to 72% by 2021. Despite the fact that RCS's global revenue is projected to grow from $23.6 billion in 2015 to $40.1 billion in 2021, the overall global messaging revenue is still on the decline. "The migration to RCS will no doubt enrich the overall messaging experiences but the implementation of this technology will not be enough to prevent the eminent decline of the global messaging revenue figure, estimated at 4% from 2016 to 2021," says Lian Jye Su, Research Analyst at ABI Research. "RCS could be perceived as a desperate move by mobile operators to protect their messaging revenues as competition from OTT players such as WhatsApp and WeChat intensifies." The adoption of RCS is not without challenges. One of the most popular smartphones, the iPhone, has no RCS support, nor does Apple intend to provide it as the company has its own proprietary solutionsFacetime and iMessage. At the same time, overall low IMS core network deployment by mobile network operators is limiting RCS adoption. The deployment rate of IMS is currently at 41% globally, mostly due to activity in North America and Western Europe. Hence, this is one of the main reasons migration to RCS occurs primarily in those two markets, as RCS requires the deployment of IMS core network. Mobile network operators are still not too convinced with the benefits of RCS, but for those who deployed VoLTE and IMS, it is a natural progression for service upgrade. Google, a key proponent of the rival WebRTC technology, recently showed interest in RCS technology through its acquirement of Jibe Mobile. At MWC 2016, Google, along with 19 mobile network operators, spoke out in favor of RCS, but the impact of this announcement remains unclear. "Given the wide penetration rate of Android, Google's pledge of support for RCS will benefit RCS adoption," concludes Lian Jye. "Having said this, mobile network operators can do only very little to reverse the downward trend of messaging revenue. So, RCS is best to be viewed as a complementary offering to IP-based service rather than a transformative technology capable of bringing mobile operators back in the front of the global messaging race" These findings are part of ABI Research's Service Optimization & Monetization Service (https://www.abiresearch.com/market-research/service/service-optimization/), which includes research reports, market data, insights, and competitive assessments. About ABI Research For more than 25 years, ABI Research has stood at the forefront of technology market intelligence, partnering with innovative business leaders to implement informed, transformative technology decisions. The company employs a global team of senior analysts to provide comprehensive research and consulting services through deep quantitative forecasts, qualitative analyses and teardown services. An industry pioneer, ABI Research is proactive in its approach, frequently uncovering ground-breaking business cycles ahead of the curve and publishing research 18 to 36 months in advance of other organizations. In all, the company covers more than 60 services, spanning 11 technology sectors. For more information, visit www.abiresearch.com. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151014/276887LOGO Contact Info: Christine Gallen Tel: +44.203.326.0142 [email protected] SOURCE ABI Research Related Links http://www.abiresearch.com PORTLAND, Ore., March 30, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Scientology is a 62-year-old religion, founded by American philosopher L. Ron Hubbard. Our first Churches opened in 1954 in L.A. and Washington, DC, and it is now a global movement. Scientology is an applied religious philosophy. That means that Scientology as a religion is something you do, rather just something to simply believe in. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160330/349714 Some key tenets that make up much of the backbone of the religion: That the individual is spiritual in nature, not just a bag of meat and fluids, and that there is so much more to an individual than his or her body. That it is possible to know about the mind, spirit and lifemeaning solutions to your problems as an individual, a family or group member, are not out of your hands, and that no matter how hard those problems are, something can be done about them. Scientology contains intensely workable solutions for anything you want to better in your life. Can you briefly describe auditing? T.Reeves: My wife completed a number of Scientology auditing (spiritual counseling) actions while pregnant with our third babya factor that she lists as one of the big reasons the birth went as emotionally smoothly as it did. Auditing is one of the fundamental practices of Scientology, and is a set of counseling techniques which (1) help the individual rid themselves of spiritual disabilities, and (2) help the individual increase his own spiritual abilities. Auditing actions done in Scientology address specific areas of a person's life that they wish to handle, and help them to become happier, more stable and more able to handle life. These procedures are arranged in a gradient approach on what we call The Bridge to Total Freedom (or The Bridge). There is a great video which explains the practice of auditing but I'll give a few specifics for an idea of how this can help other parents as it has helped us. An auditing action most Scientologists do early in Scientology is known as Objective Processing. The aim of this procedure is to help a person gain the ability to live in the present moment, able to handle and react to life as it is right now, as opposed to having one's attention stuck in the past or somewhere else. With all of the things in our modern world that can have the effect of driving one AWAY from living in the present (drugs, alcohol, video games, mobile devices, etc.) the importance of being able to react sanely in the here and now can't be overstated. Another auditing action usually done early in auditing addresses the subject of Problems. Have you ever seen someone that always seemed to have problems, and no matter how hard you tried to solve their problems for them, they always seemed to invent more ways that their life was a problem? This Auditing action addresses why a person feels he needs to have problems to survive, and allows them to spot the source of problems and make them vanish. Both my wife and I have received this auditing and the calm it's brought to our home is amazing. We're both more constructive when it comes to solving the problems of the family (we have 3 kids so of course, there are many!) and we don't get mired into having our "pet problems" that never seem to go away. There are numerous other auditing actions addressing one's ability to communicate, one's ability to deal with upsets and major changes, marriage counseling to sort out a marriage that is in trouble, and whole array of techniques dealing with past incidents of pain and painful emotion that can kick in and adversely affect how one handles the present. How has it helped your family? T.Reeves: There's almost no way it hasn't helped. I'd say the biggest benefit has been the general emotional and personal stability that we've gained through Scientology. My wife and I have found that the more we've done in Scientology, the more even-keeled we are as individuals and as parents despite the inherent confusions and stress that comes with having three kids. We've found ease in being able to communicate about problems we face as a family, and can therefore be a more unified and involved team when it comes to working with our kids, and our broader goals as a family. I think a huge part of our participation in Scientology has been the constant opportunities for productive introspection upon our goals, our strengths and our shortcomings, and it has given so many avenues to improve areas where we feel we could do better. As parents, we don't have any other standard than wanting to do the best job possible for our kids, which is what it's all about anyhow. Much of the space on my Scientology Parent website has been devoted to explaining in detail the little ways my religious beliefs have influenced my approach to family, as well as stories from other families on the same. Scientology Parent: Scientology Parent is a website and community for parents and parents-to-be, created by Scientologist Tad Reeves shortly after the birth of his first child, and contributed-to by other Scientologists within the global Scientology community. This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com SOURCE Scientology Parent Related Links http://www.scientologyparent.com GREENSBORO, N.C., March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Syngenta invites eligible university students to apply to its annual Syngenta Agricultural Scholarship program. Applicants are asked to share how they have been inspired by someone to be rooted in agriculture, how this inspiration has motivated them to pursue a degree and ultimately a career in the industry, and how they plan to pay it forward and encourage others to be rooted in ag. "The future of agriculture is dependent on these future leaders, so we're excited to hear what inspires them and how they plan to inspire others to establish roots in the ag industry," said Vern Hawkins, President, Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC. "These types of leaders help propel agriculture forward, leaving a lasting impact on our industry." University students currently pursuing bachelor's or master's degrees in crop-related disciplines are eligible to compete for $20,000 in scholarship awards. Applicants must be U.S. residents enrolled as of spring 2016 in an accredited agriculture program at a U.S. land-grant university. "We highly encourage eligible students to apply for the scholarship and to draw upon their backgrounds to tell us their unique stories of how they became rooted in ag," said Mary Streett DeMers, senior communications lead, Syngenta. "It's a great way for students to serve as ambassadors of the industry and expand their networks. We look forward to what the future holds for these outstanding students and their careers in agriculture." There are many ways in which scholarship winners can apply the award to advance their careers, as 2015 graduate level grand prize winner Mitch Roth has demonstrated through his pursuit of professional development. Upon receiving his scholarship last fall, Roth said he planned to utilize a portion of it to join the International Society for Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions. "There's also an international conference this summer that I'd like to attend so I can meet with the leaders in the field," he added. This year's scholarships will be awarded to winners in the fall of 2016. For additional information about the scholarship, including official rules, prize amounts, essay topic and application guidelines, please visit www.Syngenta-US.com/Scholarships. For more information about Syngenta, visit www.syngenta.com. Join the conversation online connect with us at social.SyngentaUS.com. About Syngenta Syngenta is a leading agriculture company helping to improve global food security by enabling millions of farmers to make better use of available resources. Through world class science and innovative crop solutions, our 28,000 people in over 90 countries are working to transform how crops are grown. We are committed to rescuing land from degradation, enhancing biodiversity and revitalizing rural communities. To learn more visit www.syngenta.com and www.goodgrowthplan.com. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Syngenta and www.twitter.com/SyngentaUS. Web Resources: Scholarship Website The Good Growth Plan Syngenta Know More, Grow More Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This document contains forward-looking statements, which can be identified by terminology such as 'expect', 'would', 'will', 'potential', 'plans', 'prospects', 'estimated', 'aiming', 'on track' and similar expressions. Such statements may be subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from these statements. We refer you to Syngenta's publicly available filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for information about these and other risks and uncertainties including the "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 20-F. Syngenta assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changed assumptions or other factors. This document does not constitute, or form part of, any offer or invitation to sell or issue, or any solicitation of any offer, to purchase or subscribe for any ordinary shares in Syngenta AG, or Syngenta ADSs, nor shall it form the basis of, or be relied on in connection with, any contract thereof. 2016 Syngenta, 410 Swing Road, Greensboro, NC 27409. The Syngenta logo is a registered trademark of a Syngenta Group Company. Twitter is a registered trademark of Twitter Inc. SOURCE Syngenta Related Links http://www.syngenta.com TASEKO OUTLINES WHY SHAREHOLDERS MUST VOTE AGAINST DISSIDENTS' PROPOSALS VANCOUVER, March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ - Taseko Mines Limited (TSX: TKO; NYSE MKT: TGB) ("Taseko" or the "Company") today filed on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) a letter to shareholders and Management Information Circular for the Special Meeting of shareholders scheduled for May 10, 2016. These documents are also being mailed to shareholders over the next few days. In these proxy documents, Taseko presents to shareholders a compelling case to vote AGAINST all proposals made by bondholder and dissident shareholder Raging River Capital LLC ("RRC"). Taseko's independent Special Committee and its Board both unanimously recommend that shareholders vote: AGAINST RRC's proposal to replace three of the most experienced members of the Board, Russ Hallbauer , Ron Thiessen and Robert Dickinson with four under-qualified RRC Nominees; and RRC's proposal to replace three of the most experienced members of the Board, , and with four under-qualified RRC Nominees; and AGAINST RRC's alternative proposal to over-load the Board with 12 directors and burden it with these under-qualified RRC Nominees. This Proxy Contest Is About Trust and Competence You cannot trust what RRC says about Taseko. RRC's disinformation campaign is being managed by experienced raiders to distract shareholders with smears about insider trading and service fees from the real issue in this proxy contest. The real issue is RRC's troubling short-term strategy to sell-off Taseko's strategically assembled pipeline for growth. RRC's strategy would enhance bondholder returns at the expense of long-term shareholder value. Taseko's proxy circular makes this clear by: Exposing RRC's dirty tricks campaign, such as an alarmist claim totally concocted by RRC that Taseko was planning a dilutive equity financing; Dissecting RRC's superficial and inaccurate analysis of Taseko, including RRC's mischaracterization of the relationship with Hunter Dickinson Inc.; and Describing how Taseko is a well-managed company weathering the commodity price downturn better than its peers. Moreover, you cannot trust what RRC says about itself. Taseko's proxy circular describes how RRC has consistently omitted, delayed or camouflaged crucial information about itself including: That its bondholdings are larger than its shareholdings, and the conflicts that would cause for the RRC Nominees as directors; The "Golden Leash" arrangements that reward the RRC's Nominees for bond performance; That the only publicly declared RRC supporter, Vertex One Asset Management Inc., is also a bondholder; A disturbing conflict of interest involving RRC's spokesperson, when he was both a director and lender to a company that went bankrupt; The spotty performance and failures of the RRC Nominees in previous management and director roles; and That one of RRC's biggest backers, Wanxiang, previously sought to acquire 19.9% of Taseko's Florence (Curis) Copper Project, a project which RRC irresponsibly describes as worthless. Taseko asks shareholders to read the Taseko Circular carefully to understand the reasons to support Russ, Ron and Bob and to vote AGAINST the RRC Nominees and their short-sighted and self-serving strategy. Taseko, under its current Board and management, has developed a strong foundation for growth and is better placed to lead the Company and increase shareholder returns with improving copper prices. The complete Taseko letter to shareholders and the Management Information Circular are available at www.tasekomines.com/proxy-contest as well as on SEDAR, www.sedar.com. The proxy voting deadline is 10:00 a.m. (Pacific Daylight Time) on May 6, 2016. Shareholders with questions about voting their shares should call Laurel Hill Advisory Group at 1-877-452-7184 (toll free) or by email at [email protected]. The Meeting will be held at The Pinnacle Hotel, 138 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver, British Columbia, on May 10, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. (Pacific Daylight Time). Russell Hallbauer President and CEO About Taseko Taseko is focused on the operation and development of mines in North America. Headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, Taseko is the owner (75%) and operator of the Gibraltar Mine, the second largest open pit copper-molybdenum mine in Canada. Taseko's Aley Niobium Project, Florence Copper Project, and New Prosperity Gold-Copper Project are all advanced staged projects which provide the Company with a diverse commodity pipeline. SOURCE Taseko Mines Limited SHORT HILLS, N.J., March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, a national nonprofit dedicated to improving quality of life for individuals living with paralysis, announced today that it has awarded $735,482 in Quality of Life grants to 107 nonprofit organizations nationwide. These grants provide financial support to fellow nonprofits that mirror the Reeve Foundation's mission to foster community engagement, enhance independence and promote self-determination and empowerment. Pioneered by the late Dana Reeve, the program has awarded more than 2,600 grants, totaling over $19 million since its inception in 1999. Awarded twice yearly, grant requests were evaluated and scored based on a rigorous review process to determine funding for organizations that promote the health and well-being for those living with paralysis, as well as their families and caregivers. "For this cycle, we strategically focused on supporting organizations in medically underserved areas, where groups of county or civil divisions have a shortage of personal health services or face economic, cultural, or linguistic barriers to healthcare for residents. Our goal is to help improve their communities and provide accessibility to a wider population of people," said Maggie Goldberg, Vice President of Policy and Programs, Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. To help eliminate barriers to healthcare, the Reeve Foundation awarded a $12,000 grant to the Foundation of the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, LA. This grant will help to support a Post-Stroke Clinic at LSU Health New Orleans School of Allied Health Professions. The Clinic will provide free occupational, physical, and speech therapies to those in need who are living with chronic stroke in the New Orleans community. Other organizations that were selected for the second cycle of 2015 include: Through the Looking Glass (TLG), Berkeley, CA, $25,000 This grant will train parents (or parenting grandparents) who are living with physical or mobility challenges on adaptive baby care techniques. TLG occupational therapists will provide 15 families of infants and toddlers, from birth to 3-years-old, with adaptive baby care equipment, and teach modified childcare techniques during home visits. Equipment will include adapted cribs, walkers with baby seats, lifting harnesses, adapted diapering, and breastfeeding pillows, along with accessories for wheelchairs. The Chickasaw Nation, Ada, OK, $24,715- This grant will support an inpatient walking enhancement program for individuals living with paralysis or significant limb weakness caused by injury or illness. Grant funds will enable the Chickasaw Nation Medical Center to provide a state-of-the-art portable assisted gait device to patients as part of their acute inpatient rehabilitation. This equipment will help maximize each patient's potential to regain their highest level of function and independence. Schwab Rehabilitation Hospital, Chicago, IL, $5,000- The Community Outing Project is designed to encourage independent living and community inclusion by increasing clients' comfort levels with navigating a wheelchair or other mobility devices in public. The program helps clients overcome the fear and uncertainty that comes with adjusting physically, emotionally, and socially following paralysis. Many clients live below the poverty level, and may lack support networks crucial to their integration back into their community. The Community Outing Project strives to decrease feelings of isolation and depression and increase confidence and independence by fostering community connections. The Christopher& Dana Reeve Foundation Quality of Life Grants Program was created to address the myriad needs of children and adults living with paralysis, as well as provide assistance and education to their families and caregivers. Funded programs serve individuals living with paralysis caused by injury, disease or birth conditions, including but not limited to, stroke, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). By awarding grants to fellow nonprofits, the Reeve Foundation is able to support initiatives across the country that serve the larger disability population, including servicemen, family members and caregivers. This project was supported, in part by grant number 90PR3002, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, DC 20201. Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions, therefore, do not necessarily represent official Administration for Community Living policy. About the Reeve Foundation The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information and advocacy. We meet all 20 of the Better Business Bureau's standards for charity accountability and hold the BBB's Charity Seal. The Paralysis Resource Center (PRC) is a program of the Reeve Foundation, and is funded through a cooperative agreement with the Administration for Community Living (cooperative agreement number 90PR3002). For more information, please visit our website at www.ChristopherReeve.org or call 800-539-7309. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prn/20100511/REEVELOGO SOURCE Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation Related Links http://www.christopherreeve.org "Our number one goal in developing new products is to make parents' lives easier," said Chris Parsons, President of Tommee Tippee North America. "With Ultra, we've developed a product that takes the guesswork out of choosing a bottle. Whether your primary concern is latch-on, a breast-like shape or anti-colic, Ultra solves for all needs so parents are no longer forced to make a choice. Ultra has it all, truly making it the only baby bottle parents will ever need." The Ultra bottle's premium features include: Easy Transitions: The extra wide nipple on the Ultra bottle offers a more breast-like shape for baby to latch onto. The nipple is made from a super-soft, high grade silicone, which allows the nipple to move in multiple directions like a breast, replicating a natural feeding action. The breast-like nature of this bottle makes for easier transitions between breast and bottle. The extra wide nipple on the Ultra bottle offers a more breast-like shape for baby to latch onto. The nipple is made from a super-soft, high grade silicone, which allows the nipple to move in multiple directions like a breast, replicating a natural feeding action. The breast-like nature of this bottle makes for easier transitions between breast and bottle. Anti-Colic: A contour zone has been uniquely built into the Ultra nipple, which forms a perfect match to baby's open mouth. This zone allows baby to form a secure seal around the nipple, which helps reduce air intake and discomfort. It also helps prevent messy milk dribbles for a more comfortable feed. A contour zone has been uniquely built into the Ultra nipple, which forms a perfect match to baby's open mouth. This zone allows baby to form a secure seal around the nipple, which helps reduce air intake and discomfort. It also helps prevent messy milk dribbles for a more comfortable feed. Smooth Milk Flow: The innovative angled nipple on the Ultra bottle provides a more comfortable, upright feeding position for baby. Milk flows down the bottle in an even way ensuring the nipple stays full of milk throughout the feed. The full range of BPA-free products is available exclusively at Babies "R" Us. The Ultra bottles are available in 5 oz. and 9 oz. sizes, and prices range from $10.99 for a single pack to $26.99 for a 3-pack. For more information, please visit tommeetippee.us. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/TommeeTippeeNorthAmerica or follow us on Twitter: @tommeetippee_NA or Instagram: @tommeetippee_na. *In an Independent Trial of 108 UK moms, of those that expressed a preference, 85% agreed. About Tommee Tippee UK-headquartered Mayborn Group Limited is the proud owner of Tommee Tippee, the number one feeding brand in the UK and one of the fastest growing baby bottle brands in America. Tommee Tippee has earned a reputation for its clever ideas and product quality that meet the needs of parents and promote natural development at every age, stage and feeding need. Video - http://origin-qps.onstreammedia.com/origin/multivu_archive/PRNA/ENR/349910-Tomme-Tippee-Baby-Bottle.mp4 Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160331/349902 SOURCE Tommee Tippee Related Links http://www.tommeetippee.us DUBLIN, March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "An Introduction to the Medical Devices Directives (London, UK - May 9-11, 2016)" conference to their offering. This seminar provides a detailed introduction to the European medical device legislation. It will explain the Directives and which products are covered, the involvement of Notified Bodies, how to choose one and outline what a manufacturer must do. It will also cover the documentation necessary to apply for the CE Mark. This is an excellent introduction from leading experts in the field and delegates should expect three comprehensive days of training. An Introduction to the Medical Device Directives - this course will help you gain a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory requirements. Benefits Of Attending - Learn the role of a Notified Body - Know what a Competent Authority expects - Better under Conformity Assessment Procedures, Classification, Medical Device legislation - Comply with Manufacturing Responsibilities - Consider the requirements for Quality Systems - Plan your Clinical Evaluations For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/dpjw5v/an_introduction Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] 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 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com PITTSBURGH, March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The United Steelworkers (USW) union today announced its support for the renationalization of the United Kingdom's steel industry. In a letter to Len McCluskey, general secretary of Unite the Union, Britain and Ireland's largest trade union, the USW called on other friends and allies to support the move as well. The USW said that Tata Steel's recent announcement that it would sell all of its operations in the UK "threatens the livelihood of 19,000 steelworkers, their families and communities." "A temporary nationalization would allow government, business and unions to devise a rational plan to restructure the industry," USW President Leo W. Gerard wrote in the letter. Unite has warned that the collapse of the nation's steel industry would put the entire economy and national security of the UK at risk. "The threatened destruction of the entire UK steel industry would do serious damage to the UK's economy and national security, with implications not only for national defense but for the UK's allies as well," Gerard wrote. For a copy of the USW's letter, visit www.usw.org/news/pdfs/SteelNationalizationLetter0331.pdf The USW is the largest industrial union in North America, representing workers in a range of industries including metals, mining, rubber, paper and forestry, oil refining, health care, security, hotels, and municipal governments and agencies. CONTACT: R.J. Hufnagel: 412- 562-2450, [email protected] Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20080131/DC12982LOGO SOURCE United Steelworkers (USW) Related Links http://www.usw.org Opinion / Columnist His Excellence President Robert Gabriel Mugabe declared zero tolerance on corruption while officially opening the first session of Zimbabwe's 8th Parliament in Harare on September 17, 2013. He vowed zero tolerance on corruption in the civil service and all arms of government. He warned that his new ZANU-PF Government would crackdown on high-level graft. " High-level corruption is costing the government dearly in terms of funds, and lost opportunities as programmes and projects are never finished. The law will descend heavily on those who abuse funds," President Mugabe said.Corruption is defined by the World Bank as, "the abuse of public office for private gain." The ugly face of corruption is the abuse and plundering of public resources to enrich or give unfair advantage to individuals, their families and friends at the expense of national interest. It covers a wide range of matters which embrace the abuse of entrusted power for private gain, misuse of entrusted funds, theft, fraud, nepotism and favoritism among other vices which grossly violate the society's modus operandi as well as the law.Referring to the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) which the Government introduced in 2010, he reiterated that, "Parliament would debate a new law governing the fund to plug loop-holes that led to the abuse of the facility during the past few years." He revealed that a new Anti-Corruption Commission would be constituted, with its constituent members expected to declare their personal assets.Numerous Members of Parliament were probed in 2011 after it emerged that some of them had misappropriated CDF allocated to them for constituency development.His Excellence, President Mugabe pledged that there would be a Constituency Development Fund Bill to be debated by the 8th Parliament soon. The Bill, once passed into law, would make it mandatory for members of Parliament to account for the CDFs entrusted on them by the government for developmental programmes in their respective constituencies.President Mugabe's hard stance on corruption is in tandem with the party's policy as defined by a resolution crafted by the Zanu-PF 14th Annual Conference held in Chinhoyi, December 2013 that, both the party and Government should implement zero tolerance against corruption in all spheres of public and private life. This is also clearly spelt out in the ZANU-PF election manifesto for July 31, 2013 harmonised polls. Cde Mugabe is determined to fulfill the wishes of the nation in rooting out corruption.President Mugabe confided that stringent measures to uproot corruption, and to ensure accountability, and service delivery from all arms of government, which includes ministries and parastatals, will be put in place to regulate, and monitor all operations closely for the good of the people of the Republic of Zimbabwe. Chief among these would be the introduction of a results-based management system where government entities are required to submit reports and be subjected to routine inspection for checks and balances to keep them on rail.This new system will require heads of parastatals to periodically sign performance appraisals to improve their management of the national strategic assets they lead so as to ensure maximization of their contribution to national development, economic recovery and growth.The relevant structures ear-marked to curtail the spread of corruption would be bolstered through the National Prosecution Authority as prescribed in the new Constitution, the President said.This new independent body is set to take over the functions which were previously performed by the Criminal Division of the Attorney General's Office. The composition of the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission will also be re-aligned to match the provisions of the new Constitution, while Anti-Corruption Commissioners will be required to subscribe to the highest levels of professionalism and adherence to a strict code of ethics.The civic society is equally impressed by President Mugabe's stance on corruption. The Director of Transparency International Zimbabwe, Mary-Jane Ncube, said her organisation was pleased with President Mugabe's declaration of "zero tolerance" towards corruption, but she urged for suitable action to follow. "President Mugabe's announcement that there will be zero tolerance to corruption is welcome and deserves everyone's support to ensure that the scourge is contained and/or completely eradicated. We also welcome the planned, independent National Prosecuting Authority which should hit the ground running," Ncube said.President Mugabe reflects an unwavering position that his Government will not tolerate corruption. He charges that, "No matter how powerful someone thinks he is or how many friends he thinks he has in Government, corruption allegations will be investigated and the truth found. And if those allegations are proved, then the person will no doubt go to jail."President Mugabe pronouncement is the best spring-board which can catapult the propensity of the law enforcement agencies and officers that they are reinvigorated to pursue the hunt knowing that even corrupt elements who believe that they are best-connected will not be spared. No scared cows whatsoever! The law will take precedence over all odds. President Mugabe says the net is closing in on all such perpetrators. Their hay-days are gone.Hats-off to His Excellence, President Mugabe for declaring war on corruption. Let us all work together to defeat corruption by saying NO' to it, and reporting it to the law enforcement authorities. The solution to this vice begins with you and me.Corrupt elements deprive us of our national heritage and pride. A culture of hard work, sense of responsibility, transparency and accountability should extricate us from this predicament of stunted growth owing to unbridled plundering of national resources by a few individuals who are selfish.Fighting corruption is the most prudent aspect for any society as declared by President Mugabe. Let's rally behind President Mugabe to defeat corruption now.Viva President Robert Gabriel Mugabe.To Hell with corruption! MARIETTA, Ga., March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Vivex Biomedical, Inc. and Arthrex Inc. have signed a new long-term agreement that strengthens the partnership between a leading provider of proprietary biologics and a premier innovator of orthopedic surgical solutions. The multi-year commitment reinforces the vision shared by Vivex Biomedical and Arthrex to progress clinical, surgical and therapeutic patient care. "This long term agreement grows our relationship with Arthrex to a whole new level by significantly expanding the breadth of Vivex Biomedical products to be made available through Arthrex," said Tracy Anderson, CEO of Vivex Biomedical. "More importantly, the growing relationship between Arthrex and Vivex Biomedical reinforces our shared vision of enhancing the quality of patient care." This expanded relationship complements years of successfully pioneering the development and distribution of BioCartilage by Arthrex and Vivex Biomedical, through its University of Miami Tissue Bank. BioCartilage serves as a scaffold over a microfractured defect, and provides a tissue network that can potentially signal autologous cellular interactions and improve the degree and quality of tissue healing within a properly prepared articular cartilage defect. "As with BioCartilage, the continued partnership between Arthrex and Vivex Biomedical will support the further development and distribution of quality Orthobiologic technologies," said David Shepard, Director of Orthobiologics at Arthrex. "Expanding our relationships with partners like Vivex Biomedical helps further our mission of helping surgeons treat their patients better." About Vivex Biomedical, Inc. Vivex Biomedical, Inc., (www.vivex.com) is a privately held company based out of Marietta, Georgia focused on cellular therapies that treat orthopaedic, spine, wound and soft tissue indications. Vivex Biomedical and its wholly owned subsidiary, UMTB Biomedical, Inc., own and hold exclusive rights to proprietary technologies in the field of biomedicine, stem cells, and orthopaedic implant surface modification. The Vivex Biomedical technology includes marrow isolated adult multilineage inducible (MIAMI) cell identification and processing, as well as, mimetic patterning technologies (MIME) which can improve the efficiency and efficacy of a patient's healing cascade and reduce the overall cost of healthcare. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160317/345403LOGO SOURCE Vivex Biomedical, Inc. Related Links http://www.vivex.com Opinion / Columnist If it were not for weird legislation that seeks to punish people of Zimbabwe for criticising President Robert Gabriel Mugabe for being the worst wasting asset for the country, Zimbabweans countrywide would be willfully carrying demonstrations on "MUGABE MUST GO NOW" daily. The truth is even a newborn baby could today cry and pronounce that Mugabe has literary killed the country, its tradition and fauna and flora. Yet there is no rule on the statute books where resigning is a considered crime.The USD15 billion diamond revenue not accounted for in Zimbabwe government accounts, by admission of Mr. Mugabe, is a lifesaving that would have guaranteed employment and free medical health service for all in Zimbabwe had it been employed efficiently. The wreck less leadership and dictatorship over people by Mr. Mugabe over a stretch of thirty-six years is so obviously callous that only bootlickers to the same would help sustain the same in exchange for the destruction of Zimbabwe people.If for over a period of less than six months Mr. Mugabe has cost the country USD100 million dollars in globe rotting yielding absolutely nothing for the country, the geriatric politician is an experiment not worthy considering to lead let alone to rule the country. He is in power enabled by Zimbabweans that watch salivating to share in the spoil than voicing a concern vociferously for the national good.Mr. Mugabe's impromptu wild attacks on other world leaders and neighbouring countries of Africa, when for example Mugabe goes on rampage accusing neighbours: "Those thieves will one day STEAL the SUN" - enraged Mugabe warns Zimbabweans on Kenya. (The Spectator: March 14, 2016) tints the image of the country as armature international relations nincompoops. We may excurse it to age, but we need to examine our vanity and greedy to see if it does not contribute to the longevity of Mr. Mugabe stay in power.Granted that both the military and police have played their surrogate role to the system of corruption well rewarded under Zanu leadership, how though, have we as elite abroad and home failed to collaborate and cooperate in withstanding the rot than joining in the rot with little success though? Good at accusing we may, how strong at working together are we should be our next port of call in the politics of the country in order to make an impact. Mean time Mr. Mugabe envisages no retirement for him for as long as he lives (no room for sucession)The naivety with which politics is viewed on the continent has induced a spirit of disdain and fear in ordinary citizens and veneration among those who make money from glorying the fall of Africa. To note how the likes of handpicked ministers of President Robert Mugabe speak on lack of respect to the president shades grey areas in term of appreciating the scope of democracy in Zimbabwe. Equally, to consider that numerous statutory instruments in statutes book of Zimbabwe have been passed protecting the person of Mugabe from being a human liable to criticism and blame reduces Zimbabwe politics to a boarding school drama where the headmaster is not accountable for abuse of students.To imagine that Mr. Mugabe has played his divide and rule political game in Zanu from the death of Herbert Chitepo during liberation struggle, to the accident of General Josiah Tongongara and many more events that followed the country into independence is cause for an urgent need of a commission of enquiry. If anything, the commission will help solve the mystery of why people who wanted to reveal undercover operations always ended in a mysterious manner that sometimes coincided with a road accident or a bomb in the case of Herbert Chitepo. The December 2015 Zanu congress and subsequent political innuendoes within and outside Zanu in Zimbabwe, no doubt, underline the maturation on the outbreak of failure of Mr. Mugabe divide and rule styles.Recently cases of vocal and outspoken individuals' abduction by persons assumed state agents but denied so from Mr. Mugabe government surrounds life in Zimbabwe with another unsolved political freedom of speech mystery. Our politics lacks transparency since many in leadership confess that there are no skeletons in the wardrobes regarding mysteries the country politics has faced in the last three and half decades gone by. Far from seeking to be vindictive, the purpose of the commission of enquiry is so just that people get to know the truth of why this happened and who was responsible will be strong reconciliatory retribution to the country.A country ruled on myths and mysteries could never develop beyond the people 'butchering' and humiliating of one another syndrome condition a situation currently obtaining in Zimbabwe under the rule of Zanu. To the extent that Zimbabwe today from the breadbasket of Africa is, the poorest country in the world speaks volumes on Mugabe leadership styles. To consider that Africa honoured Mr. Mugabe as Honorary Chairman of the African Union club makes Africa a mockery if not revealing big weakness on practices of honesty and integrity generally.If logic cannot work to reveal the bad odds, Zimbabwe people and economy are undergoing then heaven herself will have to intervene for suffering is no longer a game of amusement to survive a breed of greedy politicians. A country that survived an armed struggle may take long to wake up but the wake up turn around may be savage and more callous than the days of the dictator. It is in this context, that Mr. Mugabe inevitably becomes the worst living wasting asset to the country ever had.In view of the above possibilities for a prolonged brutal instability arising from a dictator who runs a country blindly and for personal gains until he is passed away, a transition plan (plan B) for the country is much needed now to avert or pre-empty possible and inevitable political disaster. Avarice brewed in leadership of personal aggrandizement has never been a good recipe for a democracy. Unless one has a hidden and therefore criminal agenda on the country, it should not be difficult to see that Mr. Mugabe and his cohorts have run out of options.Each moment Zanu have to prolong their stay, it is for individuals' personal benefit and shall compound the yielding of disaster for the people and the effects will stay with us for a generation. Our failure as a people to differentiate honour from abuse will live with our nation for some time. Generations may stay to blame us of valour and candour for failing to lay only the escape route if we were unable to wriggle out of Mugabe military and police created state grip then.Zimbabweans out of love for the country and for the future of our children need stand together peacefully to constitutionally bring an end to Mr. Mugabe and his Zanu failure. There will be no struggle for leadership when we do not have a country and people to rule. Priorities need to come in priority sequence on political party formation but on leadership. We need learn to avoid worst wasting assets as leaders. Opinion / Columnist It is so shameful that some sections of the media have run out of news worthy articles thereby left with no option but to nonsensically attack the Head of State, President Mugabe. As it stands, the private media has positioned them at a place that depicts their desperate attempt to discredit President Mugabe and the ruling government in order to promote the opposition.It is a disgrace that the private media is trying by all means to create and fuel fissures between President Mugabe and the war veterans. What the private media fails to understand is that President Mugabe is a genuine war veteran, who is also the patron of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans' Association (ZNLWVA). Hence, he has the right to attend and participate in the meeting proceedings of the former freedom fighters.In previous years, President Mugabe has always been attending the war veteran's gatherings. Also, at ZANU-PF big events such as annual congresses and conferences, the President has also been mixing and mingling with these freedom fighters. In that vein, there is really nothing amiss for President Mugabe to attend the next meeting of war fighters scheduled for 7 April 2016.It really surprises how some sections of the media has been reporting this. Most of them are creating a wrong impression that President Mugabe's attendance of the next meeting is because he is panicking and fearing the deliberations of the meeting of war veterans.How can the President be afraid of his associates? As the patron of war veterans, President Mugabe is there to sow the seeds of unity among the freedom fighters. The war veterans may have challenges that may want to be solved by their patron; hence President Mugabe must be present.However, because of other commitments, President Mugabe may not be able to attend every meeting by the war veterans.Most private media are being used as mouthpiece by opposition parties. They pretend to understand the programmes of the ruling party and war veterans, yet they know nothing. The major problem with the private press is that they jump into conclusions before they find facts. They criticize the President for the sack of criticizing, without any liability.The private media has a propensity of starting up a fire without knowing how to put it out. Most of their articles will be packed with foolish language that bashes the President and government.What is also surprising is how some ZIPRA ex-combatants claims that they have officially launched their own welfare association of war veterans and appoints ZAPU leader, Dumiso Dabengwa as the patron. The 1987 Unity Accord that was signed between ZANU-PF and ZAPU should not be abolished by anyone.It is indeed a political crime by the ZIPRA ex-combatants to destruct the efforts that were made between the late Vice President Joshua Nkomo, and President Robert Mugabe.War veterans should be united as they share the same political background. Both ZIPRA and ZANLA ex-combatants fought for the common good of liberating our beloved country, Zimbabwe. There is no reason for the ZIPRA ex-combatants to exclude themselves from the ZNLWVA. In fact, they should be confident enough to meet their patron, President Mugabe at the war veterans meeting that will be held on 7 April 2016. Imphal, March 26 : The BJP's Manipur unit is helping the party in its election campaign in Assam by canvassing the Manipuri settlers in the neighbouring state. Several BJP leaders led by the president of the party's Manipur unit Thounaojam Chaoba Singh are touring the Manipuri-inhabited areas of Assam, to help their party wrest power from the Congress in the forthcoming election. N. Mangi, one such leader from Manipur, told IANS that the Manipuri settlers welcomed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) team everywhere because they have been neglected by the Congress government for decades. Jobs and other reservations meant for the Manipuris were usurped by candidates of other communities, he said. Angry with their deprivation and exploitation, the Manipuris wanted a change in the political climate, said Mangi who was for long with the Communist Party of India (CPI) before joining the BJP. "We are confident that our party will win the seats in these Manipuri-dominated constituencies." Manipuris had settled in many parts in Assam centuries ago. Legend has it that if a Manipuri princess was married to a prince in Assam, thousands of villagers would be decreed to go and settle near her marital home, so that she did not feel lonely. A.R. Khan is a retired bureaucrat who became a member of the party in Manipur. He is also in the BJP team touring Assam. The Muslim voters in Assam welcomed him and assured him of cooperation, Khan said. In many constituencies the Muslim voters have considerable influence. They have relatives and emotional integration with the Muslims in Manipur who have long elected about 5-6 MLAs in the 60-member House. Thounaojam Chaoba Singh said, "Our team will stay till the last minute of electioneering for the first date of polling". Assam will see polling on April 4 and 11, to elect 126 members of its assembly. Meanwhile, Congress sources in Imphal told IANS that no such team has been sent by their party so far to Assam. But then the party is faction-ridden. At least 25 Congress MLAs out of 48 party legislators in the assembly are revolting. They demand dropping of the ministers in the Okram Ibobi Singh government and their induction instead. Congress president Sonia Gandhi had met the two sides. Though one minister announced in a public meeting that there will be no reshuffle the dissidents told IANS that once the Holi festival is over they will make their presence felt. However, other politicians including the BJP president in Manipur are very sceptical about the effectiveness of the dissidents in the state. The poll outcome in Assam will have a direct bearing on the elections in Manipur which will be held in February 2017. New Delhi, March 26 : The CBI on Saturday filed a case against a former IFFCO official and two others for causing a loss of Rs.2.41 crore to the government exchequer by misusing a central government subsidy scheme for urea fertiliser. A Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) team also carried out searches at the residences of the accused in six places in Thrissur in Kerala and seized several incriminating documents. Gopala Krishnan, a former official of Indian Farmers Fertilisers Cooperative (IFFCO); Akhil T. Gopi, a former field officer in-charge (Trainee) of Kerala State Cooperative Marketing Federation; and C.G. Pauly, a transport contractor in Thrissur, were booked on charges of criminal conspiracy and cheating under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and the Prevention of Corruption Act. "During April 2015 to January 2016, around 1,096 tonnes of urea was misused by the former field officer (Gopi)," the CBI's press information officer R.K. Gaur told IANS. "He (Gopi), in connivance with the former IFFCO officer (Krishnan) and the transport contractor raised bogus bills showing the supply of urea to 31 cooperative societies in Thrissur and other places in Kerala. "However, the urea was actually supplied to some industries for illegal monetary benefits as the price of industrial urea was around Rs.27,000 per tonne. "By using this modus operandi, the accused caused a loss of Rs.2.41 crore to the government exchequer," the CBI official said. Gaur said the chemicals and fertilisers ministry was giving subsidy of around Rs.22,000 on one tonne of urea. "After subsidy, the farmers would get one tonne of urea for Rs.5,250. The objective of the central government giving subsidy is to help the farmers with an affordable price and to boost agricultural production." Chennai, March 28 : Debutant director Sathish Chandrasekaran says the forthcoming second instalment in the Tamil horror-thriller "Darling" franchise, which releases in cinemas on Friday, taught him a lot about the nitty-gritty of commercial cinema. "I worked on short films before I got an opportunity to make 'Darling 2', and I learnt a lot about commercial cinema from this experience. When you make short films, you can make it the way you want, and there's some innocence in the way you make them," Sathish told IANS, adding that all of it changes when one starts working on a feature film. "When it comes to regular feature films, there are so many factors, like budget, casting, marketing and scheduling of shoot, and one needs to take all that into consideration. It's also easy to make a feature film, but the challenge is to release it," he said. "Darling 2", which stars Kalaiarasan, Rameez, Arjun, Hari and Maya, is not a sequel to "Darling". "It was producer Gnanavel Raja who suggested we rechristen it to 'Darling 2' as the core plot is similar to 'Darling'. Since our film was also about a group of friends who embark on a journey and deal with paranormal forces, he felt it would be wise to include it in the 'Darling' franchise," Sathish said, and added that to continue a franchise a film need not be a sequel. "Darling 2" is being released by Gnanavel Raja's Studio Green, and Sathish says the film is scarier than its predecessor. "Our film is scarier, and it has humour too, woven into the plot seamlessly. The humour will be more situational. For instance, in the film, when two characters are having a serious argument, the way the scene unfolds will evoke laughter," he said. The film is inspired from events from Sathish's own life. "It's based on some spooky experiences from two trips I had gone on with my friends. Hari of 'Madras' fame plays my role in the film, and he was phenomenal, especially acting with a stammer and doing full justice to the role," he added. "Darling 2" is a crowd-funded film, before it was bought by Studio Green. With the financial support of his family and friends, Sathish managed to shoot the film. Chennai, March 28 : Popular film producer Dil Raju, who has acquired the theatrical rights of the Telugu dubbed version of Tamil movie "Theri", is confident that the film will perform well when it releases on April 14. Directed by Atlee, the film stars Tamil superstar Vijay, Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Amy Jackson. "Vijay is in great form with hits like 'Thuppakki', and Atlee has already made a name for himself with 'Raja Rani'. I am confident that the film will do very well here. Sri Venkateswara Creations and Kalaipuli Thanu will be releasing the Telugu version of the film," Raju said in a statement. Raju will release the film in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. "Theri" has music by G.V. Prakash Kumar, and it happens to be his 50th album. New Delhi, March 28 : CPI-M leader Brinda Karat on Monday urged the NHRC to ensure justice to the families of two Muslims lynched in Jharkhand. In a letter to National Human Rights Commission chairperson Justice H.L. Dattu (retd) and other members, Karat said no action has been taken against the killers of Imtiyaz Khan, 12, and Majlum, 32, a cattle trader. She said their bodies, "with marks which are witness to the terrible beatings they received, were found hanging from a tree" on March 18. They were taking cattle to a cattle fair when they were waylaid. Eight people have been arrested for the double murder. Karat said that after a CPI-M delegation met the Jharkhand chief minister, he announced a compensation of Rs.1 lakh to the two families. This, the CPI-M leader said, was like "adding insult to injury". "Clearly the government must ensure adequate compensation and employment to at least one parent of Imtiyaz and to the wife of Majlum if they are not to become destitute," the letter said. "It is a case not just of two persons being hanged to death by a lynch mob, but the Constitution of India itself that is being hanged. "This is a case which requires the direct intervention of the NHRC," Karat added. Chennai, March 28 : Actor Prabhas is overwhelmed with the National Film Award honours for S.S. Rajamouli's magnum opus "Baahubali: The Beginning". The film bagged two honours including Best Feature Film at the 63rd National Awards, which were announced in New Delhi on Monday. "It is overwhelming that 'Baahubali' has been recognised as the Best Film at the National Awards," Prabhas said in a statement. "Playing the role of Baahubali was one of the most special things of my career. I'm very thankful to Rajamouli sir to have the faith in me to play such an important part of the film," he said. "Baahubali", which raked in over Rs. 600 crore via its theatrical release, is the story of two brothers warring for the ownership of a kingdom. The film also starred Rana Daggubati, Tamannaah Bhatia and Anushka Shetty. Tokyo, March 29 : Japan's new national security laws have come into effect after being enacted last September, the media reported on Tuesday. The legislation allows Japan to use force by exercising its right to collective self-defence, public broadcaster NHK reported. Japan will be able to defend other nations with which it has close relations, if its survival is threatened. The Japanese Self-Defence Forces can now carry out new duties. Self-Defence Forces on UN peacekeeping missions will also be able to use their weapons to come to the aid of foreign forces under attack from any armed group. This duty may apply to Japanese peace keepers in South Sudan. Government officials are expected to draw up new rules of engagement for these duties over the next three months. Drills based on the new rules are expected to begin later this year. Dehradun, March 29 : Countering the allegations levelled by union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, ousted Uttarakhand chief minister Harish Rawat on Tuesday asserted that the state's annual budget was passed by "an elected and functional state assembly". Jaitley on Monday justified the imposition of President's Rule in Uttarakhand, alleging the Congress government had failed to get the Money Appropriation Bill passed in the state assembly. "We firmly believe that the budget was passed by an elected and functional Uttarakhand assembly. Even the constitution empowers an elected and existing state assembly to pass it," Rawat told reporters here. "Uttarakhand's assembly was in existence on March 18, as it is today. Since it is in suspended animation, that itself means the assembly is in existence," Rawat said, insisting that the budget passed by his government "is a documented evidence of the state's aspirations". He added that people of Uttarakhand "will not tolerate such dirty tricks played by the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party)." Rawat said any attempt to change the provisions of the budget will be "an insult" to the state and the legislative business it had conducted over the years. Next on the To-Do List: Ikigai Many moons ago, I worked as a career counselor, first for a college and then for a nonprofit in a... Voters need a third option at the polls I ran for a public office a few years ago. After winning a battle with Genesee County Parks the NRA... Wendy Wolcott best choice for Mott College We have a very special candidate running for Mott Community College Board of Trustees in Wendy Wolcott. Mrs. Wolcott is... Smith and Goyette are not fine men I am responding to Tamara Carlones editorial regarding Davison School Board members Matthew Smith and Nicholas Goyette. I disagree with... Beijing, March 30 : China will partner with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) to set up a special law enforcement college in a bid to tackle rampant cross-border crime. The China-Asean law enforcement college, which will be housed within the Yunnan police officer academy, will be funded by the ministry of public security, it said on Tuesday. Cross-border crime and terrorist activities, the manufacture and trafficking of drugs, human trafficking, firearms smuggling, illegal immigration, cybercrime and telecom fraud have become more prevalent and complex in recent years and pose a serious threat to regional security and stability, China Daily quoted experts as saying. "It's more than necessary to set up such a college to strengthen law enforcement cooperation between China and Asean countries to combat cross-border crimes. We need to maintain regional security and promote economic prosperity," said a senior official at the ministry's international cooperation bureau. According to the ministry, in addition to setting up the college, China and Asean will enhance communications and hold regular visits as well as exchanges between teachers and students. They will also conduct joint research into relevant cases and share practical experiences. The ministry said that China will train 2,000 police officers from Asean countries to help them improve their tactics and ability to combat border crime. The partners plan to set up a committee to share information. There will also be annual round-table conferences between the ministry and law enforcement authorities from Asean countries. Seng Phally, president of the police academy of Cambodia, said: "We urgently need to seek help in fighting human trafficking and drugs manufacturing and smuggling." He said the educational facility will sharpen the focus of enforcement agencies. "Such a college will provide targeted training programmes to our police officers, then help them improve their evidence collection techniques and their attack capabilities to cope with trans-national crimes." New Delhi, March 30 : A court here on Wednesday acquitted Irom Sharmila, who has been on a 15-year-long hunger strike to press for the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, from charges of attempt to suicide. Metropolitan Magistrate Harvinder Singh acquitted Sharmila in the case registered in 2006. The court on March 4, 2013 framed charges against Sharmila for attempting to commit suicide in Delhi and put her on trial after she refused to plead guilty. Sharmila denied attempting suicide while fasting at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. Mumbai, March 30 : Having suffered nearly $3 billion in losses on its UK operations, Tata Steel is exploring to put its entire portfolio there up for sale, some 10 years after it forayed into Europe by acquiring Anglo-Dutch Corus for over $8.1 billion. However, steel sector analysts are of the view that it is going to be difficult for the Indian group to find a buyer at this juncture when the sector is facing a downturn. The decision comes less than a week after Tata Steel UK said it has reached an agreement to sell its Clydebridge and Dalzell steel facilities in Scotland to the local government, which will, in turn, hive it off to Liberty House, an international steel and non-ferrous metals group. "The Tata Steel board today reviewed the recent performance of the European business of the, more specifically of Tata Steel UK. It noted with deep concern the deteriorating financial performance of the UK subsidiary in the last 12 months," a company statement said. "Following the strategic view taken by the Tata Steel Board regarding the UK business, it has advised the board of its European holding company, Tata Steel Europe, to explore all options for portfolio restructuring including potential divestment of Tata Steel UK, in whole or in parts." The company said while the global steel demand, especially in developed markets like Europe, has remained muted following the financial crisis of 2008, trading conditions in the UK and Europe have rapidly deteriorated more recently. "These factors are likely to continue into the future and have significantly impacted on the long term competitive position of the UK operations in spite of several initiatives undertaken by the management and the workers of the business in recent years," it said. "Even under these adverse market conditions, Tata Steel group has extended substantial financial support to the UK business and suffered asset impairment of more than 2 billion pounds in the last five years," it said. "Given the severity of the funding requirement in the foreseeable future, the Tata Steel Europe board will be advised to evaluate and implement the most feasible option in time bound manner." Reacting to the development, Akash Gupta - associate director, Fitch Ratings, told IANS: "Fitch continues to include the European operations while analysing Tata Steel in the absence of any firm plans/agreements on restructuring/sale. The European operations are a drag on the consolidated financial profile on account of the EBITDA losses." Steel sector analysts told IANS that the UK and also the European operations were posing problems for the Tata Steel for a long time. "The Indian group has been patient for a long time and it would be difficult to continue to be so," an analyst, not wanting to be named, told IANS. However, it is not going to be easy for the Tatas to find a buyer for the plant given the market conditions, the unions at the plant and other issues. Shifting the plant to India is also not a feasible option as the European plants are old though the Indian group might have invested in upgradation, analysts told IANS. The Tata Steel board also reviewed the proposed restructuring and transformation plan for strip products in UK prepared by the European subsidiary in consultation with an independent and internationally reputed consultancy firm. The board, according to the company, came to a conclusion that the plan is unaffordable, needing material funding support in the next two years, in addition to significant capital over the long term. Since the assumptions behind it are inherently risky, and its likelihood of delivery is highly uncertain, the board also concluded it will not be able to support the investments necessary to proceed with the proposed strip products UK transformation plan. According to Tata Steel, it has been in deep engagement with the UK Government in recent months seeking support to achieve the best possible outcome for the UK business, within the restrictions of State Aid Rules and other statutory limits. "These discussions are ongoing and will continue. Discussions will also continue with Greybull in relation to a sale of the UK long products business. The UK Government is also involved in the latter discussions," Tata Steel said. Meanwhile, at the bourses Tata Steel's decision on its UK operations found favour. The company's scrip closed at Rs.324.40, up from the previous day's closing price of Rs.303.90, at the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). Tata Steel's website says it is the second largest steel producer in Europe with a diversified presence across the continent. It has a crude steel production capacity of over 18 million tonnes per annum there -- more than two-thirds of the group's total capacity. In UK and Ireland, it has three steelmaking facilities at Port Talbot, Rotherham and Scunthorpe, with a combined crude steel production capacity of 11 million tonnes per annum. Brussels: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the President European Council Donald Tusk and the President European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker, at EU-INDIA Summit, in Brussels, Belgium on ... Image Source: IANS/PIB Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets the Belgium Prime Minister Charles Michel at the Egmont Palace, in Brussels, Belgium on March 30, 2016. Image Source: IANS/PIB Brussels, March 30 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said a creative approach was required to advance the stalled India-EU talks for a mutual free trade agreement that would benefit both sides. He also urged government and business leaders of Belgium to invest in India. Ahead of the 13th India-European Union Summit here on Wednesday, Modi said: "I feel that a progressive path and creative mindset to the India-EU Trade and Investment Agreement can enable all the European countries, including Belgium, to benefit from India's strong economic growth." Addressing mediapersons, with Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel alongside him, Modi said: "For India, EU is one of our strongest strategic partners. Trade, investment and technology partnership between India and the EU would be one of the focus areas of our discussions." Among other issues on the agenda, the two sides will address the ongoing negotiations for a Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) with a view to instil some political impetus to the stalled talks. The free trade agreement (FTA) talks with the EU were called off last year in response to the bloc's ban on the sale of around 700 Indian pharma products. In July last year, the EU had banned over 700 pharma products of GVK Biosciences, Hyderabad, for alleged manipulation of clinical trials. The last round of the FTA talks, started in 2007, was held in May 2013 without any breakthrough owing to EU concerns on high tariffs on cars and wines. India's concerns were in the area of services. Referring to his earlier meeting with Michel with Belgian chief executives, Modi invited the Belgian government and companies to invest in India's ambitious development projects like Digital India, Start-Up India and Skill India. "Belgian businesses can make their global supply chains more cost effective by manufacturing in India," he said. "India's goal to modernize infrastructure, especially railways and ports, and building of 100 plus smart cities also present a unique investment opportunity for the Belgian companies," he added. Earlier, Modi told the business leaders of Belgium that while diamonds remain India's age-old link with their nation, new opportunities have opened up in his country, notably in IT and infrastructure. "Diamonds are, of course, an old link between us. It provides employment to many in India. "IT is another sector of promise," the prime minister, who arrived here on Wednesday morning, told the Belgian CEOs over a luncheon meeting. According to India's foreign office, around 2,500 Indians are based in Antwerp, dealing mainly in diamond trade. "Today we live in an interdependent world. India offers a huge opportunity -- not just a market, but also a huge talent pool," Modi said, and gave the examples of ports and inland waterways as areas that offer attractive opportunities. Referring to climate change, he said that an agreement had been reached with the Belgian prime minister to deepen cooperation in renewable energy. "We would also build partnerships in areas such as harnessing waste for energy, small wind turbines and zero emission buildings," Modi said. Washington, March 31 : Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Washington for the fourth Nuclear Security Summit (NSS), the media reported on Thursday. Xi, who arrived here on Wednesday, is scheduled to address the opening plenary session on Friday to expound China's nuclear security policy, present China's new measures and achievements in the area and put forth a set of practical proposals on further beefing up global nuclear security, Xinhua news agency reported. On the sidelines of the summit, Xi is expected to meet with US President Barack Obama on Thursday. The NSS, a biennial event initiated by Obama, will this year draw together leaders and envoys from 53 countries and four international organisations, who will focus on advancing tangible improvements in nuclear security behaviour and strengthening the global nuclear security architecture. Last week, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Li Baodong said Beijing hopes that the summit will continuously consolidate the international consensus on nuclear security, advance national capacity-building, boost international cooperation and foster a global nuclear security culture. The Chinese president arrived in Washington from Prague after his state visit to the Czech Republic, the first by a Chinese head of state in 67 years since the two countries established diplomatic ties. Chennai, March 31 : Actor Kalaiyarasan has busy days ahead of him as two of his Tamil releases "Darling 2" and "Raja Manthiri" are slated for release in April, followed by superstar Rajinikanth starrer "Kabali" in May or June. "I'm excited as well as nervous as I have back-to-back releases. 'Darling 2' releases on Friday, and I'm confident that the film will go a long way in establishing my career," Kalaiyarasan told IANS, adding that he feels honoured to have shared screen space with Rajinikanth in "Kabali". Directed by debutant Sathish Chandrasekaran, "Darling 2" is second part in the "Darling" franchise. Tipped to be based on real events, the film also features Kaali Venkat, Hari, Rameez Raja, Arjunan and Maya. Chennai, March 31 : Actress Sunaina, who plays an important role in forthcoming Tamil actioner "Theri", says life has come full circle with the opportunity to share screen space with superstar Vijay, who had launched the audio of her debut Tamil film. "I play a fun role in 'Theri', but I don't like to talk about it much. It was nice working with Vijay sir, and it was special because he launched the audio of my first Tamil film 'Kadhalil Vizhunthen', so it felt like completing a cycle," Sunaina told IANS. About the experience of working with Vijay, she said: "He's very humble and friendly. It was on the sets of 'Theri' that I spoke to him for the first time. He told me that he knows that I'm a good dancer, and it felt good coming from a star." Sunaina also has Tamil romantic-comedy "Kavalai Vendam" in her kitty, besides a Telugu project. "Nearly 60 percent of 'Kavali Vendam' is done. I'm paired with Jiiva, and I play a girl madly in love with him. The film is about different phases people in relationship go through. It's a story everybody can easily relate to," she said. Although Sunaina started her cinematic career in Telugu filmdom, she couldn't capitalise on the start. "Since I got busy with Tamil films, I couldn't pursue a career in Telugu industry. So it's not like I'm making a comeback with this new Telugu project, because I never left. I just had to prioritise my career as I had my hands full in Tamil," she said. Having earned some reputation with films such as "Maasilamani" and "Neerparvai", Sunaina has successfully clocked a decade in the industry. "I started quite young, and I was clueless and scared. Even though I had a lot of theatre experience, things were a lot of different in cinema. I wasn't comfortable for the first few years and it was only after my first Kannada project, I started liking what I was doing," she said, adding that she has learnt to not impress anybody. "I've learnt to be myself. In this industry, people waste so much of time trying to make others like them. I absolutely find that silly, because as an actor you're always living someone else's life on screen, so what's the point of trying to me someone else in real life, too," she asked. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses at the Indian community reception hosted in Brussels, Belgium on March 30, 2016. Image Source: IANS Washington, March 31 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday arrived in the US to attend the Nuclear Security Summit being hosted by President Barack Obama. Leaders of 53 nations and four international organisations will be attending the fourth Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, D.C. On Thursday evening, Modi will be attending a leaders-only thematic dinner to be hosted by Obama at the White House. This will be followed by three plenary sessions on Friday when India, along with other participating nations, will submit their national nuclear progress reports. Modi arrived in the US from Brussels, where he spent a busy day interacting with the Belgian leadership and attended the India-European Union summit. New York, March 31 : Microsoft's artificial intelligence (AI)-powered bot which was activated on Twitter last week for a playful chat with people, only to get silenced within 24 hours as users started sharing racist comments with it, was accidentally resurrected again and messed it all up once again. Tay came back to life briefly on Wednesday when Microsoft accidentally re-activated the AI bot. This time again, she started sending out tweets that looked similar to the those that drew flak for the first time last week, Vanity Fair reported. First, the bot sent a tweet about smoking weed in front of some police officials and later began sending the same message - "You are too fast, please take a rest..." - over and over again which did not make any sense. Finally, her handlers at Microsoft began deleting the tweets. Microsoft told Daily Dot that Tay's resurrection was an accident. "Tay remains offline while we make adjustments. As part of testing, she was inadvertently activated on Twitter for a brief period of time," a spokesperson was quoted as saying. "Until that testing is complete, Tay might consider heeding the age-old Internet proverb: never tweet." Last week, launched on Twitter as an experiment in "conversational understanding" and to engage people through "casual and playful conversation", Tay was soon bombarded with racial comments and the innocent bot repeated those comments back with her commentary to users. Some of the tweets had Tay referring to Adolf Hitler, denying the Holocaust, supporting Donald Trump's immigration plans, among others. Later, a Microsoft spokesperson confirmed to TechCrunch that the company is taking Tay off Twitter as people were posting abusive comments to her. The AI chatbot Tay is a machine learning project, designed for human engagement. "Unfortunately, within the first 24 hours of coming online, we became aware of a coordinated effort by some users to abuse Tay's commenting skills to have Tay respond in inappropriate ways. As a result, we have taken Tay offline and are making adjustments," the spokesperson had said. Tay -- an AI project built by the Microsoft Technology and Research and Bing teams -- was coded with information which can tell users jokes or offer up a comment on a picture you send her. The bot is also designed to personalise her interactions with users. But Twitter users soon understood that Tay will repeat back racist tweets with her own commentary and they bombarded her with abusive posts. Microsoft has since deleted some of the most damaging tweets from nearly the 96,000 that Tay tweeted. Washington, March 31 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday arrived in the US to attend the fourth Nuclear Security Summit being hosted by President Barack Obama. Modi, who arrived late in the night at Washington, D.C., from Brussels, was received at the airport by US Ambassador to India Richard Verma and Indian envoy Arun K. Singh. "Shifting gears from bilateral to multilateral diplomacy. PM @narendramodi arrives late at night in Washington D.C.," the external affairs ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted. The Prime Minister's Office said in a tweet that Modi, in addition to attending the Nuclear Security Summit will interact with world leaders. Leaders of 53 nations and four international organisations will be attending the Washington summit on nuclear security. The Nuclear Security Summit process has been focusing on the global threat posed by nuclear terrorism and urgent measures required to prevent terrorists and other non-state actors from gaining access to sensitive nuclear materials and technologies. The 2016 Summit is expected to take stock of the progress of the previous Nuclear Security Summit CommuniquAs and work plan and outline the future agenda. This will be followed by three plenary sessions on Friday when India, along with other participating nations, will submit their national nuclear progress reports. On Thursday evening, Modi will be attending a leaders-only thematic dinner to be hosted by Obama at the White House. The prime minister will also meet scientists from Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) during his visit. Modi arrived in the US from Brussels, where he spent a busy day interacting with the Belgian leadership and attended the India-European Union summit. This is Modi's third visit to the US since taking office in May 2014. Kollam (Kerala), March 31 : Popular Malayalam actor Mukesh, who has been in films since 1982, is all set to make his debut political campaign after the CPI-M named him a candidate for the Kollam assembly seat. "It was the party (CPI-M) which asked me to stand for the elections, and I accepted," Mukesh told newspersons Thursday in Palakkad. On Wednesday, the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M)-led Left Democratic Front announced the candidature of Mukesh, 60, from the Kollam assembly constituency. The nomination of Mukesh, who hails from Kollam, located 70 km from state capital Thiruvananthapuram, was announced after several rounds of discussion. In his more than three decades of film career, he has acted in more than 250 films and has mostly played character roles. He played comedy roles in the early part of his career. His popular films include "Odaruthammava Aalariyam" (1984), "Boeing Boeing", "Malappuram Haji Mahanaya Joji", "Hitler", "Friends", to name a few. Mukesh's late father O. Madhavan was a well-known Communist besides being a professional theatre artiste and writer, while his mother Vijayakumari was an actress. The Kollam seat is at present represented by veteran CPI-M trade union leader and former minister P.K. Gurudasan. It was after several rounds of talks at various levels that the CPI-M was able to convince the veteran to make way for Mukesh. Mukesh, who separated from his actor wife Saritha a few years back, is now married to danseuse Methil Devika. "Mukesh is very careful and does not do anything without a strong conviction. I am happy that he has been selected as the candidate," said Devika, who is to campaign for her husband. The Congress is yet to finalise its list for the state polls. Kerala goes to the polls on May 16 for the 140 assembly seats. Paris, March 31 : Paris Saint Germain (PSG) striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic's agent Mino Raiola has compared him to fictional character Benjamin Button, saying that the 34-year-old is getting younger each day and can play for at least five more years. Button was the lead character in a 2008 Hollywood flick called "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" where he ages backward. Popular actor Brad Pitt essayed the role of the protagonist in the movie. The Swedish international's PSG contract expires at the end of this season, which has led to several clubs showing an interest in him. He has been linked with teams from the English Premier League, the Serie A, as well as outfits from China and Qatar. Ibrahimovic, who has scored 35 goals in all competitions for PSG so far this season and had earlier stated he still has a lot to offer. "Zlatan is just like Brad Pitt when he plays Benjamin Button, the guy who gets younger each day," Raiola was quoted as saying by La Gazzetta dello Sport on Thursday. "With his mental and physical condition, he can play on for another five years. His future? It will be a special choice." "All the clubs in Italy want him, including Napoli, but they are better at making films. Inter are also interested in signing him, but (Erick) Thohir's plans are not very clear. Milan are more about publicity I think. They would need three or four signings to become competitive again." Raiola stated there have been huge deals offered from clubs in China as well as from the Premier League except Manchester City. "There have been offers from all continents. I cannot give the exact figures, but we are talking about big numbers when it comes to China. We will know more pieces of the puzzle when I get back from my holiday in three weeks' time," Raiola said. "All the big clubs from the Premier League have been knocking on our door, except Pep Guardiola's Manchester City. Plus PSG are still doing everything within their powers to renew his contract. PSG remain an option for him as well," he concluded. Ratabari (Barak Valley, Assam), March 31 : When Congress-led UPA government was in power, India was being run from Italy, BJP president Amit Shah said here on Thursday in a retort to Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi. "Rahulji came here and said Assam will be governed from Nagpur if BJP comes to power. I want to tell him that their government for 10 years was run from Italy when they were in power," said Shah, addressing a rally here in the Barak Valley, which goes to polls on April 4. He said whereas the Congress does not know the difference between an infiltrator and a refugee, the BJP government will not only stop infiltration from Bangladesh, but will also give citizenship to those who had fled religious persecution in that country. "We have been opposing infiltration from Bangladesh since the days of Assam movement... We are going to make such arrangements that not even a bird can enter the country, forget about the infiltrators," Shah said. It is the BJP government at the Centre that has issued a notification recently, which envisages giving citizenship to Hindu migrants and refugees who fled to India due to religious persecution and atrocities, said Shah. Assam would not be alone in shouldering responsibility of the Hindu refugees, but the country would chip in, said the BJP president. The Congress's only "achievement" seems to be that it has "let the Bangladeshis infiltrate into Assam," Shah said. "Rahulji and Soniaji are visiting Assam. I told them for once, at least, say that illegal infiltration should stop in Assam. But both have not even mentioned infiltration in their speeches." "How can they speak against infiltrators? They cannot because the Bangladeshis have become Congress's vote banks across the state," Shah added. Shah slammed the Congress for failing to address the problems of Assam despite being in power for 15 long years. New Delhi, March 31 : The Congress on Thursday said it will move court if the Centre issues an ordinance to nullify the budget already passed by the Uttarakhand assembly. "We have got to know that the central government will issue an ordinance to allocate funds to Uttarakhand for the next fiscal. It is an attempt to nullify the budget the Harish Rawat-led government passed in the Uttarakhand assembly. We are going to challenge it once the ordinance is passed because it is completely unconstitutional," senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal told reporters here. "They are not concerned about parliamentary democracy; they are not concerned about constitutional norms nor have they anything to do about principles," Sibal said, referring to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). "They can actually keep aside all these things because political considerations are at the forefront of the decision making process of this government so as to achieve 'Congress-mukt' Bharat," he added. "I want to ask the prime minister on what basis and under what laws have you declared through an ordinance that the budget has not been passed in the state assembly. Is there any decision of the court?" asked Sibal. "The union government cannot decide if the budget was passed by the assembly or not. The centre has no business to interfere in state matters," he said, while insisting that assembly Speaker Govind Singh Kunjwal had ruled that the budget was passed by the house on March 18. Earlier, union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said that the Congress government could not manage to get the 2016-17 budget passed in the assembly. Congress sources said the party will move the Uttarakhand High Court on Friday against Bharatiya Janata Party's plea to put on hold the disqualification of nine rebel Congress legislators in Uttarakhand. Melbourne, March 31 : Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday met Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in Canberra and apprised him of the immense scope for increasing economic ties between the two countries. According to an Indian official source here, Jaitley extended an invitation to Turnbull to visit India. Turnbull expressed his interest in cooperating with India in renewable energy, a sector where Australia has developed considerable expertise. Jaitley arrived in the Australian capital on Thursday after a two-day visit to Sydney where he inaugurated a 'Make in India' conference. The minister is scheduled to address the K.R. Narayanan oration series for this year at the Australian National University later on Thursday, the penultimate day of his visit to Australia. Jaitley's speech will review the potential of the government's policy initiatives to stimulate financial inclusion and reduce poverty and create job opportunities through enhanced public participation. The minister met Australia's Treasurer Scott Morrison in Sydney on Wednesday where he called for exposure of Australian future and super funds in India, according to the Indian finance ministry. The release said Jaitley called for increased investment by Australian businesses in India for better returns, to which Morrison said Australia too was keen to further increase its investments in India. Jaitley told Morrison that India was keen to learn from the Australian experience in implementing the Goods and Services Tax, a bill on which is currently stalled in Indian parliament. Chennai, March 31 : Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar on Thursday charged the the Tamil Nadu government with not being in favour of people benefitting from power but wanting the power thieves to benefit. Speaking to reporters here after a party meeting, Javadekar also said Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J.Jayalalithaa is not accessible. He was echoing the views of union Power Minister Piyush Goyal who expressed similar views at a conference in New Delhi recently. Reacting to Tamil Nadu Electricity Minister Natham R. Viswanathan's statement that the Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY) scheme would benefit only private power producers and banks, Javadekar said the scheme would actually cut power theft. According to him, 18 states including several non-Bharatiya Janata Party ruled states have signed up for the UDAY scheme as they realised that it would benefit the honest consumers. Javadekar said around Rs.180,000 crore will be saved through this scheme and it will bring many power distribution companies out of red. He said Tamil Nadu's power distribution company had reported a loss of around Rs.12,000 crore last fiscal. He also faulted the Tamil Nadu government for not joining the UJALA scheme to provide LED bulbs at lower cost which has benefitted around nine crore people in the country. New Delhi, March 31 : Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Thursday expressed shock and anguish over the flyover collapse in Kolkata, in which 14 people were killed. "Extending her condolences to the family members of the deceased, Smt. Gandhi hoped that the injured are being suitably treated," tweeted INC India, the official Twitter account of the Indian National Congress. "She has instructed the PCC (Pradesh Congress Committee) and Congress frontal organizations to assist in relief efforts," the party tweeted. A portion of a flyover under construction in Kolkata collapsed on Thursday, burying several vehicles. Besides the 14 people killed, around 70 others were injured. Brussels, March 31 : The 13th India-European Union summit, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was "rich in results, constructive and positive", a senior EU official said on Thursday. Speaking to journalists here on the outcome of the summit held on Wednesday, the official who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that the summit "produced a multitude of outcomes". The EU was represented at the summit by Donald Tusk, president of the European Council, and Jean-Claude Juncker, president of the European Commission, while Modi represented India. The official noted that besides a joint statement, the summit between India and the 28-member European bloc released an EU-India Agenda for Action 2020. The summit also released four other joint declarations, including a common agenda on migration and mobility, on India-EU water partnership, on clean energy and climate partnership and on the fight against terrorism. "The best description here is the 'new momentum' used in the statement on the EU-India strategic partnership. There is a clear political will from the leaders of both sides to make every effort to develop that potential fully," he underlined. "There is not only good words and good intentions but there are also concrete projects," he stated. The official noted that counter-terrorism was one of the subjects most discussed during the proceedings of the India-EU summit held after a gap of four years. "The summit discussions were all constructive, but we did not necessarily have the same opinion on everything. But this was a meeting between friends and like-minded partners," added the official. He, however, lamented that the ambition to re-launch the EU-India Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) negotiations "was not fulfilled yet". "But there was clear will by both sides that we will re-launch these negotiations and that the period of silence and stalemate is over", he said. The official added that there will be an EU-India ministerial-level engagement probably in September in an effort to re-launch the free trade agreement negotiations which are on hold since 2013. Kolkata, March 31 : A senior official of the infrastructure company that was in-charge of the construction of a Kolkata flyover, a portion of which collapsed on Thursday killing at least 14, described the incident as an "act of god." "This particular work was given to us by the government of Kolkata. 60 to 70 percent is already over. One girder missed and the second one fell. This is how the accident has taken place... it is nothing but god's act," K.P. Rao, a senior official of the Hyderabad-headquartered IVRCL group, told the media. "So far in 27 years we have constructed number of bridges... this has never happened before. We in the management are also under shock," he said. Imphal, March 31 : Insurgent group People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) on Thursday claimed responsibility for an attack at an Assam Rifles post near the Manipur capital on Wednesday night. A press release issued by 'Captain' Achouba, leader of the outfit, on Thursday said they attacked the post of the Assam Rifles 40 Battalion located at Lilong in Thoubal district about 15 km away from the state capital, Imphal. Assam Rifles sources told IANS that there was no casualty in the bomb blast at 8.40 p.m. on Wednesday. Though the security personnel fired at the insurgents, they managed to escape. Achouba said a "special force unit of the Red Army", the military wing of PREPAK, had carried out the attack as part of the ongoing "war" to reclaim "independence". Such attacks will continue, he said. New Delhi, March 31 : The Congress on Thursday said Pakistan's insistence that Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar was not involved in the Pathankot attack was a "major embarrassment for India". "Pak JIT led by ISI, has given a clean chit to Masood Azhar. This is a major embarrassment for India," the party said in a tweet. Media reports claimed that Pakistan's Joint Investigation Team (JIT) probing the Pathankot attack told India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) that it was yet to find evidence to link Masood Azhar to the terror attack. India says the Pathankot attack was planned in Pakistan and Azhar and his brother Abdul Asghar Rauf were directly linked to the attack. The NIA on Wednesday expressed hope that Islamabad will reciprocate India's gesture of allowing a Pakistani team to visit the Indian Air Force base in Pathankot to probe the attack. NIA spokesman Sanjeev Kumar said it was "agreed" that the kind of cooperation India provided to the Pakistani team would be reciprocated. "This is the reciprocity agreed," Kumar told reporters on Wednesday. The remarks seemed to indicate India's intention to get similar access in Pakistan to pursue the investigation into the January 2 Pathankot attack. Home Minister Rajnath Singh, while addressing election rallies in Assam, also said that Pakistan has admitted about involvement of elements in their country in the Pathankot attack and had filed FIRs. Moscow, March 31 : Russia on Thursday denied media reports that Moscow and Washington had reached an agreement on ousting Syria's President Bashar al-Assad. "The difference between the Russian side and other countries lies in the fact that Russia does not discuss the issue of self-determination of third countries, including Syria, via diplomatic or other channels," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. "The al-Hayat newspaper has published information that does not correspond to reality," Peskov was quoted as saying by Tass news agency. The London-based newspaper recently quoted diplomatic sources in the UN Security Council, saying US Secretary of State John Kerry told leaders of several Arab countries that Russia and the United States had reached an understanding that Assad would leave his post and move to another country in the process of peaceful settlement in Syria. Russian officials have refused to exclude Assad from his country's process of political settlement, saying Syrians themselves should decide the future of their country. Russia has been supporting the Assad government in Syria, while the United States and its allies have insisted that Assad step down. Hyderabad, March 31 : Civil rights activist Teesta Setalvad and two Communist Party of India-Marxist MPs were Thursday not allowed to enter University of Hyderabad while continued curbs on the campus evoked strong protest from students. The university security personnel stopped Teesta and MPs from Kerala, T. Rajesh and P.Sampath, at the main gate. They were invited by the students' groups to address a public meeting as part of the ongoing agitation against last week's police crackdown and the demand to remove P. Appa Rao as vice chancellor. Teesta and the two Lok Sabha members lodged strong protest over the denial of entry and condemned the curbs imposed by the university on entry of political leaders, activists and media into the campus. The students, who were waiting from on the campus, also rushed to the main gate and raised slogans against the university authorities. Joint Action Committee for Social Justice, an umbrella grouping of various students' groups, has condemned the university's action and called it an attempt to stifle the movement for justice to Rohith Vemula, a Dalit research scholar who committed suicide in January. The unrest on the campus began on January 17 after Rohith, one of the five Dalit students suspended for allegedly attacking a leader of ABVP, committed suicide. This triggered a massive protest by students, who demanded action against vice chancellor and central minister Bandaru Dattaetrya who were named in the FIR. Appa Rao, who went on leave on January 24, resumed charge last week, triggering huge protests. The students ransacked the vice chancellor's lodge on March 22 and in the subsequent police crackdown 25 students and two faculty members were arrested and jailed. They were all released on bail on March 29. Meanwhile, JAC rejected Appa Rao's offer for talks saying it doesn't recognize him as the vice chancellor. "We will not be a part of any such deceitful efforts," it said reacting to a seven member committee constituted by the university authorities for talks with agitating students. It alleged that the university is being run like a military camp that is concerned only about the security of Appa Rao and other complicit parties. "The way that the event and actions of this administration in collusion with the BJP is working, it has also exposed the larger plans of these political forces to deride all the universities of any democratic rights," the JAC said in a statement. It also condemned the reported decision of the university authorities to demolish the memorial for Rohith built on the campus and termed it a pre-planned attempt to erase the memory of the research scholar. Referring to the reported decision taken in the meeting of deans to seek help from Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and set up a police outpost, the JAC alleged the VC is trying to project as if there is uncontrollable situation on the campus. In other developments, the university has postponed national seminar on "Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's vision of economic development of India" scheduled to be held on April 4-5. The seminar will now be held on August 29-30. Kolkata: Rescue operations underway at the site where a part of a portion of Vivekananda Flyover collapsed in Kolkata on March 31, 2016. Image Source: IANS News Kolkata: Rescue operations underway at the site where a part of a portion of Vivekananda Flyover collapsed in Kolkata on March 31, 2016. Image Source: IANS News Kolkata, March 31 : Strewn body parts, splattered blood, mangled vehicles and people wailing - Kolkata's bustling Ganesh Talkies crossing resembled a war zone on Thursday after a flyover under construction came crashing over people and motorists. It was business as usual on the busy street - one of the oldest and the busiest thoroughfares of the city - before mayhem struck at around 12.25. "Suddenly I heard a rumbling sound. Before I could realise what it was, I saw the flyover crashing down, crushing people and vehicles," said Raju Shaw, who runs a paan shop. Scores of people like Shaw braved the fallen rubble to rush to rescue the victims buried under the debris. Carrying the injured on their backs, the bravehearts began ferrying the injured to the nearest hospital. Others offered water to those had escaped with minor injuries but were too dazed. Having cheated death by a whisker, street vendor Bimal Das also lent his hand in the rescue work before soldiers, the NDRF and Disaster Management Group poured in to clear the tonnes of rubble. "I am lucky to have escaped certain death. The moment I heard the rumble, I ran to the opposite side thinking it to be an earthquake," said Das. He is still stunned by the tragedy that has claimed 14 lives and left at least 78 seriously injured. Besides numerous pedestrians, cyclists and street vendors, witnesses said that several vehicles including a crowded mini bus and taxis were trapped beneath the iron and mortar rubble. The death toll is likely to shoot up. A video of the disaster showed the Vivekananda Road Flyover - whose foundation was laid in 2008 and where work began in February 2009 - suddenly crashing with a roar, giving no time for anyone under it to escape. With the collapsed flyover covering the entire road, rescue operations were badly hampered as cranes found it difficult to reach the spot. Later, people formed human chains to regulate the flow of soldiers. Besides lending a hand in the rescue work, the locals also provided drinking water to army and NDRF personnel who worked tirelessly, cutting through the mangled iron girders and mortars looking for survivors. Several voluntary blood donation camps quickly came up. Many donors rushed to various hospitals. Several blood banks offered blood free of cost for the victims. The tech savvy used social networking sites and WhatsApp to communicate useful information including the hospitals where the injured had been admitted and the helpline numbers put up by the government. Cancelling her election rallies in West Midnapore district, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee rushed to the spot and immediately took charge of the rescue operations. Using a loudhailer, she repeatedly urged the hundreds of onlookers not to crowd the site and hamper the rescue work. She announced in a sombre voice: "So far 14 people have died and 70 others have injured." Banerjee asked police to control the crowds, ordered floodlights to be arranged at the site and drinking water provided to the media persons. Besides announcing ex-gratia of Rs.5 lakh to the families of the dead and Rs.2 lakh for the injured, Banerjee promised action against the company engaged in building the flyover. "The guilty will not be spared. We will take action," said Banerjee. The construction company, IVRCL Infrastructure, described the disaster an "act of God". Pyongyang, March 31 : North Korea on Thursday blamed the US for escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula, citing the US nuclear threat, US-South Korea joint military exercises and sanctions against Pyongyang as examples. An unnamed spokesman for North Korea's Foreign Ministry attributed the current tense situation to the US in a statement carried by the official KCNA news agency. "The US nuclear threat and blackmail, joint military exercises, sanctions and other moves to stifle the DPRK are the root cause of pushing the situation on the peninsula to the brink of a clash of nuclear weapons," the statement said. The statement condemned the US for making North Korea a target for "preemptive nuclear attack," adding that the threat from the US has existed for the past several decades. On March 7, the US and South Korea kicked off their joint annual war games "Key Resolve" and "Foal Eagle," which Pyongyang said were rehearsals for northward invasion. The "Key Resolve" command post exercise ended earlier this month, but the "Foal Eagle" field training exercise is scheduled to last until April 30. Pyongyang on Tuesday fired a short-range projectile in an apparent show of force toward the ongoing US-South Korea joint military exercises and sanctions against North Korea over its nuclear test and long-range rocket launch. Including the Tuesday launch, North Korea has fired a total of 16 short-and medium-range projectiles in 2016. Mumbai, March 31 : The Maharashtra government and Tata Trusts have signed multiple MoUs to improve community developmental indicators spanning various sectors in the state, an official said here on Thursday. The memorandums of understanding were signed in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Tata Trusts Chairman Ratan Tata to conceptualise new programmes and implement existing initiatives to deliver a positive impact on the state's overall development. The state government will be able to achieve convergence and improve efficiencies across its governance, data management, healthcare and nutrition, literacy and welfare initiatives, juvenile justice and other programmes. Tata Trusts will guide in setting up these initiatives, provide strategic and technical advisory support and oversee the implementation of all the programmes. For this, Tata Trusts will collaborate actively with the public health department to set up strategic healthcare advisory units, design a micronutrient deficiency prevention programme and join hands with the food, civil supplies and consumer protection department to arrest malnutrition and other measures. Its planning department will partner with the government to design and implement a model data platform for better implementation of government programmes as part of 'Digital India' vision. It will also collaborate with other major departments like home, women development corporation, Maharashtra state rural livelihood mission, mahila arthik vikas mandal and State Institute of English for various other programmes. "We are pleased to partner with the Maharashtra government to realise our common vision and endeavour of community development and well being. It can only be achieved through focused, innovative and relevant on-ground interventions that will make a real difference to the people," Tata said on the occasion. "We should leverage our strengths to promote more fruitful cooperation in key areas like nutrition, governance, data management, healthcare, education and literary to reinforce welfare initiatives and programmes," the chief minister said. Fadnavis said it will help propel the socio-economic development of Maharashtra to new heights. All the programmes would include members from the state-level governance boards of various departments, senior advisors from Tata Trusts and its ecosystem of partners. New Delhi, March 31 : The government has approved compensation of Rs.458.04 crore to Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL) for surrender of 800 MHz CDMA spectrum, the company said in a regulatory filing on Thursday. "MTNL has informed BSE that government had approved compensation of Rs.458.04 crore to MTNL for surrender of 800 MHz CDMA spectrum out of which Rs.428.95 crore has been sanctioned for disbursal vide DoT (Department of Telecom) letter dated March 28, 2016 and MTNL has received the amount in its account on March 30, 2016," the filing with the BSE said. Washington, March 31 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday was greeted by enthusiastic members of the Indian community in Washington DC where he is to attend the Fourth Nuclear Security Summit. Modi, who arrived late in the night from Brussels, shook hands and smiled and waved at the Indian community members on way to the White House to attend the security summit where world leaders from over 50 countries are expected to share their assessment of the threat from nuclear weapons and materials. During his two-day stay in Washington, Modi is scheduled to interact with a number of world leaders, including host President Barack Obama and UK Prime Minister David Cameron. New Delhi, March 31 : A third woman has levelled sexual harassment allegations against TERI executive vice chairman R.K. Pachauri through an open letter on Thursday. The letter was accessed by IANS from her lawyers Vrinda Grover and Ratna Appender. She is the third woman to speak out about the alleged sexual harassment committed by Pachauri. The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) head was accused of sexually harassing a female colleague in 2015. He stepped down as chairperson of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in February last year. In November, the woman researcher who accused him of sexual harassment quit her job at TERI, alleging that she was treated badly. The latest complainant issued a statement through her lawyers after Pachauri, 75, gave an interview to the British newspaper "The Observer" saying that "the (first) complainant was acting for money and was probably set up to trap him by persons unknown". A second female employee has also filed a police report against Pachauri. In the open letter, the (latest) complaint who was working with the accused in 2008, said,"Pachauri would put his hands on my waist repeated times, he would hug me longer than felt comfortable, kissed me on the cheek and inquired about my private life. I started feeling insecure about his motives for hiring me, and felt extremely uncomfortable being around him." Lawyer Ratna Appender told IANS, that the (third) woman approached lawyers with her complaint in February 2015. "He would call me during non-working hours and holidays to ask me to come to his office and when arriving it became evident that he had no specific task for me. Pachauri would indulge in frivolous talk and try to get close to me," she said. The complainant also alleged of his various advances towards her such as asking her "to join him at his summer house outside of the city for the weekend". "At this point I felt genuinely scared of what his motives for inviting me over were, and I decided to speak out and set a firm limit. I told him that he needed to behave more professionally and that I wanted us to have no other contact than during office hours. He didn't take this very well...," she said in her statement. "I spoke quite openly about my experience, and I found out from many sources that this was nothing new and that Pachauri has been involved in many similar situations. I heard this from two TERI ex-employees, as well as two other people I met, who had overheard journalists talking about how everybody knows he is a womanizer but no one says anything," the statement further reads. The complaint also said that despite her contract being for a period of one year, it was abruptly terminated after four months. "When he terminated my contract, I did not think there was any point in contesting it, as from my conversations with former employees at TERI I had gotten the feeling that it would be of little use trying to challenge any decision of Pachauri's. I also felt very relieved that I would not have to face Pachauri's sexual harassment any longer," the statement read. New Delhi, March 31 : Suspended Gurdaspur SP Salwinder Singh was among over a dozen witnesses questioned on Thursday at the NIA headquarters here by a visiting Pakistan team regarding the Pathankot terror attack. The Punjab Police officer, his cook Mandan Gopal, jeweller friend Rajesh Verma and other witnesses reached the National Investigation Agency (NIA) office where the Joint Investigation Team from Pakistan questioned them in the presence of NIA officials, informed sources told IANS. "Over a dozen people - including Salwinder - were questioned by the JIT today (Thursday)," the sources said, adding that the NIA had already questioned all of them several times. All the witnesses were reportedly under the agency's supervision for the past five days, the sources said. Punjab's superintendent of police has claimed that he, Verma and cook Gopal were abducted by four or five heavily armed terrorists near Punjab's Kolia village on January 2. The terrorists later attacked the Pathankot Indian Air Force base in which seven security personnel and the Pakistani terrorists were killed. The Pakistani team is in India to probe the Pathankot attack which, New Delhi says, was masterminded by Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Maulana Masood Azhar. On Monday and Tuesday, the NIA submitted the evidence to the five-member Pakistani team on the terror attack. According to NIA sources, the evidence shows that the Pathankot operation was planned by elements in Pakistan. The visiting team includes Inter Services Intelligence official Lt. Colonel Tanvir Ahmed and military intelligence officer Lt. Colonel Irfan Mirza. New Delhi, March 31 : Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday assured of full support in achieving the sustainable development goals set by the United Nations. Naidu's assurance came as the Legislators Group for Sustainable Development Goals (LG-SDGs) comprising three parliamentarians - its chairman Harish Chandra Meena, Rahul Kaswan and Ninong Ering - briefed the minister about the group's efforts in spreading awareness about the SDG agenda among parliamentarians and state legislators. Naidu told the group that the government would be too happy to enable a detailed discussion in parliament on the sustainable development goals. The LG-SDGs is a partnership of lawmakers who, with the support of other stakeholders, aim to work to promote and support India's national and local governments' efforts in achieving these goals. Making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe and sustainable and ending poverty in all its forms are among the six sustainable development goals set by the United Nations to be achieved during 2016-30. The other goals are ending hunger through food security and promoting sustainable agriculture; ensuring inclusive quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all; and achieving gender equality and empowerment of all women and girls. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon has urged parliamentarians across the globe to play a key role in implementing the SDG agenda. New Delhi, March 31 : The head of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) on Thursday promised "appropriate action" over the attack on three Muslim boys after they refused to shout "Mata ki Jai". Chairperson Naseem Ahmad gave the assurance to a delegation of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) which appraised him about the incident and alleged police inaction. The CPI-M delegation said the three young Muslims - Dilkush, Naeem and Ajmal -- were attacked in Ramesh Enclave after they refused to shout "Mata ki Jai" and "Bharat Mata ki Jai". All three were students of a madrassa in Ramesh Enclave. All three were badly beaten and one of them, Dilkush, suffered serious fractures, the CPI-M said. "This is clearly a hate crime motivated by hostility towards minorities," a CPI-M memorandum said. "The atmosphere created by leaders of the ruling party at the Centre at different levels is the context in which such crimes are occurring." According to the CPI-M, Naseem Ahmad expressed concern over the incident and assured the delegation that appropriate action would be taken. New Delhi, March 31 : The WHO on Thursday urged the Southeast Asian nations to intensify efforts to make the Universal Health Coverage a reality, and ensure that no individual is left out. Among the initiatives needed to be taken care of include access to enhancement of quality frontline healthcare and creation of a well trained, highly motivated health workforce. "Universal Health Coverage means that all people, however rich or poor, and wherever they live, are able to access the healthcare they need without incurring financial hardship. We must make UHC a reality and ensure that no one is left behind," said Poonam Khetrapal Singh, regional director for World Health Organisation (WHO) Southeast Asia. A three-day meeting on "Health, SDGs and the role of Universal Health Coverage" began on March 30, where health ministers and experts from across the region are discussing ways to accelerate health coverage and attain the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of ensuring healthy lives and promoting the well being for all at all ages. According to WHO, an estimated 130 million people in WHO Southeast Asia region lack access to essential health services and over 50 million people are pushed into poverty every year because of healthcare costs. Khetrapal said they were emphasising on the reduction of out-of-pocket payments of poor people. "At present, out-of-pocket expenditures in the region account for as much as 70 percent of all healthcare spending. This represents a tremendous financial burden for individuals and their families. For many of the poorest it means healthcare is simply inaccessible," she said. Khetrapal said countries must monitor who is not getting access to care and who is being impoverished as a result of healthcare costs. She said enhancing coverage will help reduce maternal, newborn and child deaths, help end the epidemics of AIDS, TB and malaria as well as hepatitis and other communicable diseases, and enhance access to sexual and reproductive health care services. "It will also help tackle new areas of focus in the region, including alarming rise in non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, as well as multi-sectoral issues such as antimicrobial resistance," said Khetrapal. Kolkata, March 31 : Twenty-one people were killed when a flyover under construction crashed in a crowded market area here on Thursday, crushing scores of unsuspecting people and some vehicles, top officials and witnesses said. The army was called in to assist in the rescue operation. "We had earlier given the death count as 18. Now police have seen three more bodies, which they will extricate," Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said while on a visit to the Calcutta Medical College and Hospital here. The chief minister said of the 18 bodies kept in the hospitals, 15 have been identified. Twelve of them have been handed over to the family members. Rescue efforts were still on and would continue through the night. Banerjee, who rushed to Kolkata after cancelling election rallies in West Midnapore district, had earlier confirmed 18 fatalities and said 17 people were still in hospital after sustaining injuries in the ghastly disaster which occurred around 12.30 p.m. A National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) official put the number of injured around 100. "Eighteen people died and over 70 were rescued. Seventeen of them are still in hospital," the chief minister had said earlier. Hundreds of locals were the first to reach the site at Posta area in the city's northern part to see how best they could rescue those buried in the heaps of debris before official rescue workers and police joined them. Nearly 500 army men that included 10 military medical teams, ambulances, paramedics, rescue teams with sophisticated gas cutters and cranes, besides police, disaster response teams and fire brigade personnel transported the badly injured as well as nearly dying to hospitals an extricated corpses. The soldiers are using specialized equipment to rescue those trapped under tonnes of steel and concrete, a defence ministry spokesman said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed "shock" over the tragedy. "My thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives," he tweeted. "May the injured recover at the earliest." Home Minister Rajnath Singh said he had spoken to NDRF Director General O.P. Singh to coordinate relief work. The accident spot represented a horrific site. Body parts were strewn in the debris. Blood was splattered on the streets. A video of the disaster showed the Vivekananda Road Flyover -- whose foundation was laid in 2008 and where work began in February 2009 -- suddenly crashing with a roar, giving no time for anyone under it to escape. "There was a sudden thundering noise" as the flyover crashed, a witness said. He said he saw the flyover collapse over taxis, auto-rickshaws and other vehicles besides people who were walking under it. A witness claimed a mini bus was caught in the disaster, but late in the evening, police said the vehicle was not there under the debris. With the collapsed flyover covering the entire road, rescue operations were badly hampered as cranes found it difficult to reach the spot. Later, people formed human chains to regulate the flow of soldiers. Amid sights of despair and distress, angry locals vented their ire against the state government's "feeble" attempts to rescue the injured, alleging that the state's disaster management units "arrived late" and came virtually "empty-handed". Many people protested when city mayor Sovan Chattopadhyay arrived at the spot to take stock of the situation. The chief minister, who personally supervised the rescue efforts, announced a compensation of Rs.5 lakh to the families of the dead, Rs.2 lakh each for the critically injured and Rs.1 lakh for those who suffered minor injuries. Banerjee formed two expert teams to look into the reasons for the mishap and suggest remedies. Following her instructions, police filed an FIR against the implementing agency IVRCL Infrastructure, whose owner described the disaster as an "act of god". Experts from Kharagpur-IIT and Jadavpur University, however, told IANS that lack of proper planning, delays, lacunae in design and bad tendering could have triggered the collapse. The long-delayed 2.5-km flyover was expected to tackle congestion in Burra Bazar area -- the location of one of the largest wholesale markets in Asia -- up to the Howrah station, the gateway to the city. It was scheduled to be ready in 2012 but land acquisition issues delayed its completion. The implementing agency, too ran into financial troubles. While Governor K.N. Tripathi sought a report from the Mamata Banerjee government, the incident led to a political slugfest between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposition in the poll-bound state. State Congress chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury demanded arrest of state urban development minister Firhad Hakim and the city mayor and announced he would file a public interest litigation seeking a probe. While Banerjee tried to put the blame on the Left Front pointing out that the contract was given and work started during its rule, CPI-M leader and former urban development minister Asok Bhattacharya held Hakim responsible. Describing the incident as example of the "corrupt ways of the Trinamool", the Bharatiya Janata Party demanded a probe, preferably by the CBI. Washington, March 31 : India and the US signed an agreement on Thursday for a new Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) project in India during the course of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit here. The agreement was signed between India's department of atomic energy and US' National Science Foundation. LIGO shot to fame recently after its scientists proved the gravitational waves theory. "Beyond ordinary breakthroughs. PM @narendramodi greets scientists from LIGO, who proved gravitational waves theory," external affairs ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup tweeted. The prime minister also met Indian student scientists associated with the LIGO project, Swarup said. Modi is here to attend the fourth and final edition of the biennial Nuclear Security Summit being held on Thursday and Friday. He arrived here on the second leg of his three-nation tour on Wednesday night from Brussels where he attended the 13th India-European Union (EU) Summit and held a bilateral meeting with his Belgian counterparty Charles Michel. Ankara, March 31 : At least seven police officers were killed in car bomb attack on an armored police vehicle in southeastern Turkey on Thursday, media reports said. Moreover, 27 others including 13 policemen were wounded in the attack near a bus terminal in the city of Diyarbakir, according to the semi-official Anadolu News Agency. A car bomb exploded while the armored police vehicle was passing near a bus terminal, said the report. Several ambulances were dispatched to the scene while the injured police officers were transferred to Diyarbakir military hospital for treatment, said the report. The blast was very strong so that windows of the nearby houses were broken and many vehicles were damaged, local CnnTurk broadcaster reported. Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu was scheduled to visit the province on Friday. The vehicle was carrying police officials who were being transferred to Diyarbakir for additional security measures. New Delhi, March 31 : The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) on Thursday urged the Manipur government to immediately drop all charges against rights activist Irom Sharmila. "Following the order of a Delhi court acquitting human rights defender Irom Sharmila of an attempt to commit suicide charge under the Indian Penal Code... the case against her in Manipur is, however, still ongoing. The decision of the Delhi court is not binding on the courts in Manipur. The government of Manipur must immediately drop all charges under section 309 against her," ICJ official Sanhita Ambast told IANS. A court here on Wednesday acquitted Sharmila, who has been on a 15-year hunger strike demanding repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, of charges of attempt to commit suicide. Terming the use of section 309 against Sharmila as the "outdated and absurd nature of this law", ICJ Asia director Sam Zarifi quoted the Supreme Court's 2011 statement that time has come when the section should be deleted by parliament as it has become anachronistic. "The government should expedite the repeal of 309 and, instead of criminalising Irom Sharmila's protest, focus on the reason behind it and repeal the AFSPA," Zarifi said in a statement. "The government of Manipur should drop the other charges under section 309 against her, and release her immediately and unconditionally." He said that in 2014, the government had announced that it was in the process of repealing section 309. The ICJ called the Delhi court order a recognition that Sharmila's hunger strike was a form of peaceful dissent and protest protected by the right to freedom of expression. Sharmila began a hunger strike in November 2000, demanding that the government repeal the AFSPA, following the killing of 10 civilians by security forces purportedly acting under it in Malom. She was arrested by the Manipur government in 2000 under section 309 of the Indian Penal Code, which prohibits an attempt to commit suicide. New Delhi, March 31 : Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday launched the 'Greening Delhi' programme by planting trees, and promising that PWD roads will be vacuum cleaned in two months. "Apart from restoring greenery at road sides and central verges of 1,260 km of roads, the cleaning of roads will be carried out by vacuum cleaners," Kejriwal said. He planted trees at ITO Chowk here. The Aam Aadmi Party leader also tweeted: "Congrats Delhi. Vacuum cleaning and greening of Public Works Department (PWD) roads begin. Greening will (be) completed by October, vacuum cleaning on all roads in two months." Delhi's Public Works Department (PWD) minister Satyendra Jain said 'Greening Delhi' initiative was taken by the horticulture wing of his department. Under the initiative, greening of about 120 acres of roadside areas has been planned. "At present, the PWD is maintaining about 1,260 km of roads including central verges, side verges and the 'kutcha' portion under flyovers. Many bald patches on central verges as well as in the side verges need to be greened to reduce pollution," an official statement said. The Delhi government move comes ahead of the second phase of the odd-even scheme for vehicles, set to return for a fortnight starting April 15. Bhubaneswar, March 31 : As many as 46 industries who signed MoUs with the Odisha government have invested 2.53 lakh crore so far in the state, the assembly was told on Thursday. "Ninety-two have inked MoUs with the state government to set up their industries with an investment of Rs.5.68 lakh crore. Of the 92 projects, 46 have commenced partial or full-scale production with an investment of Rs.2.53 lakh crore," said Industry Minister Debi Prasad Mishra. The 46 industries have generated employment for 152,398 people, he added. Mishra informed that while the state government has signed MoUs with 48 steel companies, 40 companies have started production with an investment over Rs.1.2 lakh crore. These include Bhushan Steel Ltd, Bhushan Steel & Power Ltd, Jindal Steel & Power Ltd (JSPL), Jindal Stainless Ltd (JSL), Tata Steel and Essar Steel. In the aluminium sector, Vedanta has started partial production from its alumina refinery at Lanjigarh and aluminium smelting facility at Jharsuguda while Hindalco Industries commenced production from its 0.36 mtpa aluminium smelter near Sambalpur. In the power sector, Sesa Sterlite, GMR Kamalanga Energy Ltd and Jindal India Thermal Power Ltd (JITPL) have started generating power from their projects, said Mishra. In the petroleum sector, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) has commissioned its 15 mmtpa oil refinery at Paradeep with an investment of Rs.34,555 crore. The minister, however, said that six industries, out of the 92 companies, have withdrawn from their projects in the state like Bhushan Energy, Arcellor Mittal and Maharashtra Seamless. Replying to another question, he also informed that the state government has been assured investment of Rs.70,959 crore at the Make In India week held at Mumbai recently. It has attracted investment in food processing, renewable energy, petrochemicals downstream, aluminium downstream, sugar refinery, gems and jewellery etc, he added. Washington, April 1 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday sought New Zealand's cooperation in the dairy industry during a bilateral meeting with his New Zealand counterpart John Key here. "The prime minister talked about our interest in having dairy technology from New Zealand," external affairs ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup said at a media briefing here. Modi's meeting with Key was held on the sidelines of the fourth and final edition of the biennial Nuclear Security Summit, the first of which was held in 2010. "As you know, New Zealand is one of the world leaders in food processing. Prime minister said that India is one of the world's largest producers of milk," Swarup said. Modi said that when it came to processing milk, India was not too good and New Zealand could find a very good market in India since the food processing industry has been enabled to obtain 100 percent foreign direct investment (FDI). Discussions between the Indian and New Zealand prime ministers also involved trade issues. "The New Zealand prime minister said that they had concluded a very successful FTA (free trade agreement) with China some years back and he was very keen on signing an FTA with India as well," Swarup said. The two prime ministers also discussed the promotion of tourism between the two countries given Bollywood's interest in New Zealand. Modi also told Key that more and more Indian students should be encouraged to study in New Zealand as they felt safe there. The Indian prime minister said that New Zealand could follow Australia's example of attracting Indian students. Modi arrived here on the second leg of his three-nation tour on Wednesday night from Brussels where he attended the 13th India-European Union (EU) Summit and held a bilateral meeting with Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel. Leaders of 53 nations and four international organisations are attending the Nuclear Security Summit. LOS ANGELESAlexis Fawx is featured on the cover of Bangin The Boss 5, available now from Zero Tolerance. Directed by Mike Quasar, Bangin The Boss 5 features Alexis talking shop in the break room with boss Mark Wood. He explains he owes his success to his maverick business style and outlaw nature: For example, Mark says he sees nothing wrong with fucking Alexis on the lunch table. Alexis is more than ready to prove she's a model employee. Bangin The Boss 5 also stars Missy Martinez, Lauren Phillips and Rilynn Rae along with Derrick Pierce, Marco Banderas and Bill Bailey. It features doggie-style desk humping, deep-throat dick-tation, and just plain fucking on the office couch. To see the trailer, along with a healthy selection of hardcore promotional images, visit ZeroTolerancePress.com. Fawx is also featured in MILF Issues, also from Zero Tolerance. In this Quasar directed movie, Alexis is listening to her daughter's boyfriend, Tyler Nixon, explain how he should get home so he doesn't miss a text from his girlfriend. Alexis convinces him it's OK to stay for a drink and then gives him plenty more reasons to miss that text. "Once again, Alexis Fawx proves why she's fast becoming part of the porn star elite, the new go to MILF, Quasar said. It's getting increasingly difficult to book her because she's in such demand now but we were fortunate to get her for these two movies and hopefully many more to come." Three other scenes features Fawx were released earlier this month: a blowjob scene for 1000 Facials; her fourth scene for Moms Bang Teens (Reality Kings), titled Tempting Cyrstal with Cyrstal Rae; and Girlfriend Films' Mother Daughter Exchange Club Part 42 with Alice Lighthouse. Alexis will be back in Los Angeles May 1-14. Directors and producers can book her through101 Modeling by calling (818) 835-9802. Washington, April 1 : India is set to become a central point in Albert Einstein's recently proved gravitational waves theory following an agreement signed between India's department of atomic energy and the US's National Science Foundation on Thursday. According to the agreement, signed during the course of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit here for the Nuclear Security Summit, India will have a new Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO). LIGO shot to fame earlier this year after its scientists proved the gravitational waves theory of Einstein. In February this year, scientists observed ripples in the fabric of space-time called gravitational waves, arriving at the earth from a cataclysmic event in the distant universe. "This confirms a major prediction of Albert Einstein's 1915 general theory of relativity and opens an unprecedented new window onto the cosmos," the LIGO website states. Gravitational waves carry information about their dramatic origins and about the nature of gravity that cannot otherwise be obtained. Physicists have concluded that the detected gravitational waves were produced during the final fraction of a second of the merger of two black holes to produce a single, more massive spinning black hole. This collision of two black holes had been predicted but never observed. "Historic detection of gravitational waves opens up new frontier for understanding of universe," an excited Prime Minister Modi stated on February 11 following the announcement. "Hope to move forward to make even bigger contribution with an advanced gravitational wave detector in the country," he added. "What was significant about this project was that now India has agreed to be a part of this project," Swarup said in the briefing here on Thursday. "The possibility is likely to be central to this project partly on account of geography favouring us." The Indian cabinet has approved Rs. 12,000 crore for the project. The spokesman said that NSF's Francis Cordova said that India would become central to the LIGO project. "The prime minister of course not only looks at the LIGO project as a very great example of India-US scientific collaboration but also as a project which has the potential of generating curiosity among a lot of very young minds and of creating a whole new generation of young scientists who will get enthused through the remarkable breakthroughs in science," Swarup said. Along with meeting the scientists behind the breakthrough of the gravitational waves theory, Modi also interacted with Indian-origin scientists associated with it. Prime Minister Modi arrived here on the second leg of his three-nation tour on Wednesday night from Brussels where he attended the 13th India-European Union (EU) Summit and held a bilateral meeting with Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel. Buy-to-let landlords who have admitted to evading tax on their rental income underpaid an average of 4,480 in tax last year, up 72% from an average of 2,610 underpaid the year before. UHY Hacker Young, the national accountancy group, said its likely that landlords who have evaded larger amounts of tax are now beginning to come forward, as HMRC applies more pressure on the sector. Clive Gawthorpe, partner at UHY Hacker Young, said: When landlords who are hiding income get a warning letter from HMRC, they realise that HMRC is closing in on them and they can no longer hide. HMRC is giving landlords a chance to confess and in return, it will lessen the penalties imposed. This will be the most favourable outcome for landlords and any with undisclosed income ought to take that opportunity before its too late. If a landlord decides to come forward under the campaign, its better to do it with professional advice, particularly if their tax affairs are complex. This will be key in helping avoid any mistakes and the possibility of further investigations by HMRC. HMRC has been running a Let Property Campaign since 2013 which allows buy-to-let landlords and the owners of holiday homes to voluntarily disclose unpaid tax. At the time of the launch, HMRC estimated that 1.5million landlords were underpaying their tax or not paying it at all. LAS VEGASIn an effort to encourage interaction among fans, customers and followers, A.L. Enterprisesmanufacturers of CB-X Male Chastityannounced a social media contest across multiple platforms. The winner will receive the companys new Gold edition CB-6000 or CB-6000S, depending on size preference. "We love hearing from our customers, friends and fans of the male chastity lifestyle," said Nikki Yates, corporate director of A.L. Enterprises. "We recently expanded our social media presence to include Instagram and felt a contest would be a fun way to interact with our followers as well as allow them to meet and interact with one another." To enter the contest, simply follow CB-X Male Chastity on the social media platform of your choice: Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Then, comment on any of the consumer polls posted by the manufacturer between April 1 and April 30. All followers who comment on each consumer poll will have his or her name entered into a drawing to be held on May 1. Multiple comments on a single post will be counted as one entry, but those who participate will have their name entered multiple times when interacting on separate posts over the course of the contest. "We would like to see our friends and fans on social media interact not only with us, but one another," said Yates. "It's the perfect opportunity for those who are more seasoned in the male chastity lifestyle to welcome those who are new or curious about it. Thanks in advance to all those who join in the fun and good luck to whoever wins!" To learn more about A.L. Enterprises, visit CB-X.com. Spots offers a one-tap solution for college students venturing out of town without a place to stay the night. The app provides students with on demand accommodations wherever other students reside. Spots opens the world to college students by breaking down the barrier of prohibitively high hotel prices. In addition to providing accommodations, Spots gives students the opportunity to make some cash on the side by offering up their own Spot, be it a spare room or sofa, to travelling colleagues. Whether Spots is used for a night out on the town, a concert or sporting event, or visiting a prospective university, the app is suited for a global student market. Spots Development Group, LLC and its flagship application Spots have been and remain solely student run ventures, with the majority of the current team attending the Georgia Institute of Technology. Spots is available for Download on the iOS App Store at http://apple.co/1RiGki1. For more information, visit http://www.tryspots.com. This integrated approach to help communities identify their biggest challenges and create effective, lasting solutions is what makes World Vision unique. World Vision announced today that it is distributing a national, multi-media public awareness campaign to engage Americans in its efforts to tackle the causes of poverty and injustice. It only takes a quick glance at news headlines to see stories of conflict, hunger, sickness and poverty. So many lives in Rwanda were destroyed when an implosion of violence killed nearly a million people in 100 days. In Perus mist-shrouded mountains, Shining Path terrorists completely disrupted the peaceful lives of the indigenous Quechua people. Today, millions of Syrian refugees are crowded into camps and settlements in Lebanon, Jordan and surrounding countries. Even in the U.S. the most prosperous country in the world - one in six Americans lives in a household that is "food insecure," meaning that in any given month, they could be forced to miss meals or seek assistance to feed themselves. World Vision believes that together, working alongside those affected by these vitally important issues, communities can write a new story of hope. World Vision does this by helping families overcome every aspect of poverty establishing lasting access to essentials like clean water, nutritious food and basic healthcare, which helps families become self-sufficient and build promising futures for their children. This integrated approach to help communities identify their biggest challenges and create effective, lasting solutions is what makes World Vision unique observes Wendy Pinero-DePencier, World Vision U.S. Vice President, Brand & Campaigns. We created these public service messages to encourage people to work together so that communities can feed their children, secure clean water sources and gain economic opportunities, she said. In its Greater Than public service messages, viewers are taken back to tragedies that include the Rwanda genocide, famine in Ethiopia and AIDS pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa. In each case, working together, communities wrote a new story that resulted in healing and hope. Viewers are reminded when that people care for children and their communities, miracles happen in the darkest places. World Vision has served alongside the poor for more than 65 years. Today, it provides hope and assistance to communities through work in nearly 100 countries, including the United States. It serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender, with the goal of making fullness of life possible for every child. Stations and networks can download broadcast quality TV and radio PSAs in English and Spanish at : http://www.goodwillcommunications.com/PSADigitalFiles.aspx?campId=354. You can follow the campaign on social media at #greatertogether. Carnegie Council, Making Ethics Matter Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs announces its April line-up of current affairs programs. With the exception of the April 22 event at the University of Utah, all talks take place in Carnegie Council's headquarters in New York City and are streamed as live webcasts. To attend in person, please RSVP. Go to: http://www.carnegiecouncil.org/calendar/index.html. Events take place at 170 East 64 Street, New York, NY 10065. If not attending in person, watch them as live webcasts here: http://www.carnegiecouncil.org/live. Thursday April 7, 6:00 PM: The Geopolitics of the Iran Deal: Winners and Losers Karim Sadjadpour The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action has provoked strong reactions throughout the world. In the United States, some see it as the Obama administration's signature foreign policy achievement, while others argue that it will prop up a terrorist regime. And in the Middle East, Iranians are exuberant at the economic relief, but Saudis worry that their rivals now have the geopolitical edge. Who are the real winners and losers in the Iran deal? Tuesday April 12, 6:00 PM: Eurasianism and the European Far Right: Book Launch and Update on Events in Europe Peter Kreko, Marlene Laruelle, Edward McMillan-Scott The publication of "Eurasianism and the European Far Right," edited by Marlene Laruelle, is the culmination of an intensive two-year project spearheaded by the Council's U.S. Global Engagement Program. Examining the European far right's connections with Russia, this initiative traces the ideological origins and individual paths that have materialized in this permanent dialogue between Russia and Europe. Wednesday April 20, 6:00 PM: Islamism: What It Means for the Middle East and the World Tarek Osman, Lisa Anderson A political, social, and cultural battle is currently raging in the Middle East. On one side are the Islamists, those who believe Islam should be the region's primary identity. In opposition are nationalists, secularists, royal families, military establishments, and others who view Islamism as a serious threat. How have Islamists been able to win elections? What does their rise mean for the future of the region and the world? Friday April 22, 12 PM: Ethics and Economics of Global Justice Amartya Sen. This event will take place at the University of Utah (no live webcast) One of the foremost public intellectuals of our time, Professor Amartya Sen has informed and challenged the world on the ethical, global, and policy dimensions of a wide range of issues such as democracy, human rights, poverty, violence, gender, human development, and war and peace. Presented by Daniels Fund Ethics Initiative, Carnegie Council, and the University of Utah, this lecture will be at the University of Utah. Wednesday April 27, 6:00 PM: The Last Supper: The Plight of Christians in Arab Lands Klaus Wivel, Eliza Griswold There are 7.5 million Christians in the Middle East, who live under constant threat of death and humiliation. They are increasingly desperate in the face of rising Islamic extremism and their only hope for survival may be fleeing into exile. Why have we not done more to protect this beleaguered minority? ABOUT CARNEGIE COUNCIL Founded by Andrew Carnegie in 1914 and based in New York City, Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs is an educational, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that produces lectures, publications, and multimedia materials on the ethical challenges of living in a globalized world. For more information, go to http://www.carnegiecouncil.org. Bloomington, IL and its sister city Normal are right next door to each other, yet theyre two separate communities. The folks at Don Owen Tire in Bloomington would like to reach out to their neighbors in Normal and offer an oil change special targeted specifically to Normal residents. For a limited time, residents of Normal can take advantage of a $24.95 oil change at Don Owen Tire; all they need to do is present an ID proving their residency in Normal. The oil change special applies for conventional oil, up to five quarts. The service staff at Don Owen Tire would like to remind drivers that oil changes at regular intervals are essential for engine longevity. While modern formulations of motor oil can easily go 5-7,000 miles between changes, its still a vital part of preventive maintenance and heads off premature engine wear and sludge buildup. Tire and auto repair veteran Don Owen established Don Owen Tire in 1986, and in the next three decades the business has grown to include 17 service bays and a 30,000 square-foot building. Don Owen Tire has expanded past their core business to now include a truck tire service center, vehicle drivability services and a second location at 1502 E Empire in Bloomington. Donowentire.com is powered by TCS Technologies. TCS Technologies, a Microsoft Certified Partner, develops and markets both off-the-shelf and custom tire software solutions, web applications, ecommerce platforms, and support and consulting services to tire companies across the US and Canada. TCS has built a product base which continues to prove itself as a revenue-increasing, business-streamlining asset to any size tire business. TCS Technologies has tools unmatched in the industry, and customization within each of its products to cater to the way tire dealers and retreaders do business. TCSs home office is located outside Nashville, TN in Cookeville, with a second location in Salt Lake City, UT. Visit TCS Technologies website for more contact information at http://tcstire.com. Its been nearly impossible recently to ignore the buzz about all the exciting new opportunities for American hotel operators in Cuba, says Massarsky. Despite the many difficulties involved, establishing luxury properties in former Cold War-era foes Vietnam and Russia has demonstrated that developing a marketplace for American travelers can be hugely profitable and rewarding for both American and local investors involved. But reaching that point requires overcoming a unique and complicated set of challenges, like government relations, hiring and training locals, and lack of infrastructure required for luxury travel. With fewer than 70,000 hotel rooms on the entire island and over 3 million foreign tourists visiting annually, demand for hotels (particularly in the luxury category) already far outpaces supply. American travel and business in Cuba is set to surge now that the governments have finally agreed to significantly relax restrictions. The first direct commercial flights will take off by next year. And now, with President Obamas historic visit indicating that Cuba is officially open to American business, many hospitality operators are eager to establish a presence on the scene. Foreign hotel companies will still be legally required to partner with Cuban entities and abide by an extensive set of regulations. Therefore, developers, owners, and managers will need to be prepared to negotiate control on important matters like human resources, says Massarsky, adding as the situation normalizes and American companies overcome the initial obstacles and learning curve of doing business in Cuba, we can look forward to increasingly close relations between the two nations, and to Cuba becoming a favored destination for all segments of the American travel market. For the full article, visit: http://www.marshallalan.com/index.php/news/detail/cuba-beckons-to-american-hotel-operators About Marshall-Alan Associates: Marshall-Alan Associates is a full-service executive search organization, established in 1982, dedicated exclusively to serving the needs of the international hospitality industry. Its team possesses over one hundred years of combined professional experience and is uniquely qualified in every aspect of identifying, recruiting and placement of all hospitality positions. To learn more, please visit http://www.marshallalan.com. About Alan Massarsky: Alan Massarsky, President and Founder of Marshall-Alan Associates, specializes in retained and contingency search for top-tier and senior management professionals in all areas of hospitality management. With more than 30 years of experience in hospitality search, he is responsible for identifying, recruiting and negotiating of both key individuals and entire management teams for an international clientele which includes many of the most prestigious and innovative hospitality organizations. Point of Reference, a provider of customer advocate program solutions, today announced the integration of its 100% native Salesforce technology, ReferenceEdge, with the AdvocateHub platform from Influitive. The integration enables customer advocacy program managers to access consistent data in both applications, which reduces the need for manual reporting and allows managers to spend more time on serving advocates. The new capability is immediately available from Point of Reference. The integration synchronizes both activities and rewards between two key components of the Genesys Customer Advocacy Program (GCAP). It means that our employees and GCAP customers will have full transparency of all customer reference and advocacy activity in real time, providing a consistent, high quality experience, said Nicole Granucci, Head of Customer Marketing at Genesys. She added, We appreciate the leadership role these partners took to help modernize our program and increase its impact and effectiveness. Point of Reference and Influitive will combine to offer the best practices of advocate marketing and customer reference management, enabling B2B marketers to: Build a community of advocates and engage them in a broad range of marketing activities, including reviews, referrals, and testimonials. Create and manage a customer marketing library that pushes relevant content directly to sales professionals based on their sales scenario. Promote selected customers to become customer references, and provide the most updated information to help protect important relationships from overuse. David Sroka, President of Point of Reference, said, ReferenceEdge is a key part of something bigger: both the Salesforce environments of our clients and the customer advocate ecosystem. It effectively integrates as part of an end-to-end business solution, further enabling our clients success and thereby our own. Influitives AdvocateHub provides a unique dimension to our community and were pleased to deliver a valuable technology integration for the benefit of all our clients. Together, Point of References proven customer advocacy program solutions and Influitives advocate marketing software offers the best possible experience for clients, program managers, and advocates. Through a dedicated advocacy and reference program, companies can effectively generate references to accelerate their buying cycle and gain direct support for their sales and marketing efforts said Mark Organ, Founder and CEO of Influitive. Additional Resources For more information on Point of Reference solutions, please visit http://www.point-of-reference.com and visit our blog and our LinkedIn page. About Point of Reference Since 2003, Point of Reference has been helping companies leverage customer advocates to fuel business growth and fortify brands. With complete perspective and proven execution, we integrate scalable technology, ReferenceEdge for Salesforce, content, supplemental staffing and program consulting solutions that organize and optimize authentic customer voices. By combining decades of industry expertise along with business-to-business customer reference management solutions, Point of Reference helps its clients orchestrate coordinated customer advocate activities, inject relevant customer advocates and related content at the critical time in a sales cycle. For more information, visit http://www.point-of-reference.com. About Influitive Influitive, the advocate marketing experts, is based in Toronto with offices in Palo Alto and Boston. Todays buyers are increasingly leveraging their peers opinions and Influitive helps marketers tap into this force with its innovative AdvocateHub platform and Maven mobile app. By capturing the enthusiasm of their best customers, followers and evangelists, marketers gain direct support for their sales and marketing programs. From social media reviews and customer referrals to case studies and references, passionate advocates help support all stages of the buying cycle. Influitives customers include some of the most successful and fastest-growing business-to-business software and technology firms in the world. To learn how to get your advocates working with you, please visit http://www.influitive.com AK Material Handling Systems has once again earned a spot among Minnesota Business Magazines 2016 Top 100 Companies to Work For. For AK, a Maple Grove, Minnesota-based material handling distributor and warehouse design team, 2016 marks the fifth consecutive year the company has received the honor. AK will join other featured Minnesota small businesses at the annual awards ceremony, which recognizes and celebrates recipients of the award. Each year, Minnesota Business Magazine gathers and aggregates data relating to work environment, compensation and overall happiness, and formulates the Best 100 list on the results. Basic criteria must also be met in order to be in consideration for the award, including being headquartered in Minnesota and having at least 10 full-time, Minnesota based employees. Regarding workplace culture and the consistently high employee satisfaction, Owner and CEO Al Boston said,The company culture of AK represents positive motion moving forward. Selling our products and services is only one part of the bigger picture of taking care of our people and their families, as well as contributing to the greater community. AK Material Handling Systems is a small but growing organization of 21 people, with warehouses located in Maple Grove, Minnesota and East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania and shipping locations situated throughout the contiguous U.S. They've been providing material handling equipment and warehouse layout and design solutions since their inception in 1988. To learn more about AK and their products and services, readers can visit their website at http://www.akequipment.com ### Perrys Fine, Antique & Estate Jewelry was honored as one of Charlottes top five most outstanding family-owned businesses at the Charlotte Business Journals inaugural Family Business Awards on March 23. Overall excellence, innovation, ethics, philanthropy and contributions to the Charlotte region were among the criteria for the award. The winner of the 21-50 employees category, Perrys was founded in 1978 by husband-and-wife team Ernest and Priscilla Perry and is currently run by the founders and their daughter Hadley Perry, who serves as vice president and is transitioning into the role of primary spokesperson for the company. Hundreds of business leaders gathered at the Ritz-Carlton to celebrate 19 family-owned businesses that were named finalists. The finalists were divided into five categories: 20 or fewer employees, 21-50 employees, 51-75 employees, 76-225 employees and 226+ employees. A winner was celebrated in each category. Throughout its history, various family members have worked at Perrys, including the founders parents and children. While Ernest and Priscilla Perry have no plans to retire soon, Hadley Perry is gradually assuming leadership of the company. Under Hadleys influence, bridal sales have increased 14.6 percent (compounded average growth over five years). Dollar-wise the bridal business has nearly doubled, and the business as a whole has grown as well. Bridal sales have gone from comprising approximately 25 percent of total sales to almost 40 percent of total sales (37.1 percent) in the last five years. Custom design sales have increased 15 percent in the past three years. All of this is a great testament to Hadleys knowledge and understanding of the Millennial-generation and of the bridal industry consumers. Other winners in the inaugural Family Business Awards include Hodges Family Farm (under 20 employees), Zapata Inc. (51-75 employees), The Roby Family of Cos. (76-255 employees) and CTE (226+ employees). Perrys applauds each of these honorees as well as the finalists in each category. About Perrys Fine, Antique and Estate Jewelry In business since 1978, Perrys Fine, Antique and Estate Jewelry is one of the nations finest antique and estate jewelers. Perrys buys, sells, repairs and appraises fine, vintage, antique and estate jewelry, gold, coins, diamonds, silver, platinum and more. Custom design is a growing area for Perrys with 3D printing and computer technology that allows customers and Perrys staff to collaborate throughout the process. The firm also provides appraisal services for a wide range of collectible and personal property. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the United States, but we know that quitting can be difficult. Thats why access to effective quit smoking methods is vital to help people quit for good. The American Lung Association announced a new partnership with the Anthem Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Anthem, Inc., to help smokers quit in local communities across nine states. The Addressing Tobacco Use Disparities in Priority Populations initiative will give people better access to proven-effective tobacco cessation services such as Freedom From Smoking and will serve those who face a disproportionate burden of tobacco use and tobacco-related illness. We have made tremendous progress against tobacco addiction and the smoking rate is half of what it was in 1964, but not everyone has benefited equally. Some groups have been historically underserved with tobacco control efforts, and as a result now have a higher smoking rate than the general population, said Harold P. Wimmer, National President and CEO of the American Lung Association. Its important to address this disparity to prevent or reduce tobacco-related illnesses in all parts of our society. With generous support from the Anthem Foundation, the Lung Association is working with local partners to address this unmet need for these priority populations. Every year in the U.S., more than 480,000 people die from tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke, making it the leading cause of preventable death in this country. Smoking can cause or worsen numerous diseases and conditions, including lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease and more. This initiative will focus on populations at even greater risk for tobacco-related disease due to smoking rates and lack of access to affordable quit smoking resources in Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Wisconsin, Colorado and Nevada. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the United States, but we know that quitting can be difficult. Thats why access to effective quit smoking methods is vital to help people quit for good, said Dr. Craig Samitt, executive vice president and chief clinical officer at Anthem, Inc. Through this partnership with the Lung Association we look forward to bringing needed support and resources to populations at most risk to help them quit smoking, improve their lung health and prevent tobacco-related illnesses. The American Lung Association will work with community partners to bring proven-effective smoking cessation services like Freedom From Smoking to communities. Freedom From Smoking has helped over one million smokers quit and is offered in person, online and by phone, and includes content on building a quit plan, medications that can aid quitting smoking, lifestyle changes that support quitting smoking, how to manage stress and how to overcome relapse and become smokefree for good. For media interested in speaking with an expert about lung health, tobacco use and tobacco policies, contact the American Lung Association at Media(at)Lung(dot)org or 312-801-7628. About the American Lung Association The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease, through research, education and advocacy. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to improve the air we breathe; to reduce the burden of lung disease on individuals and their families; and to eliminate tobacco use and tobacco-related diseases. For more information about the American Lung Association, a holder of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Guide Seal, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org. About Anthem Foundation The Anthem Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Anthem, Inc. and through charitable contributions and programs, the Foundation promotes the inherent commitment of Anthem, Inc. to enhance the health and well-being of individuals and families in communities that Anthem, Inc. and its affiliated health plans serve. The Foundation focuses its funding on strategic initiatives that address and provide innovative solutions to health care challenges, as well as promoting the Healthy Generations Program, a multi-generational initiative that targets specific disease states and medical conditions. These disease states and medical conditions include: prenatal care in the first trimester, low birth weight babies, cardiac morbidity rates, long term activities that decrease obesity and increase physical activity, diabetes prevalence in adult populations, adult pneumococcal and influenza vaccinations and smoking cessation. The Foundation also coordinates the companys year-round Associate Giving program which provides a 50 percent match of associates pledges, as well as its Volunteer Time Off and Dollars for Doers community service programs. To learn more about the Anthem Foundation, please visit http://www.anthem.foundation and its blog at http://anthemfoundation.tumblr.com. American Lung Association 55 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 1150 Chicago, IL 60601 1301 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Ste. 800 Washington, D.C. 20004 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) Lung.org HOUSTON, TXKennston Productions is proud to announce Eddie Wood as its Social Media Marketing Coordinator. This is a monumental step for the company as it diversifies and expands. Kennston Productions, owned and operated by TS porn star, producer and director Michelle Austin, celebrates its sixth year in the trans adult industry. Last year, Austin brought on Dicky Johnson as her business partner, and he has helped the company become a leader in the FTM market, particularly with the launch of their co-owned website FTM.xxx. The addition of Eddie Wood marks the first time since its creation that the company has offered a paid position for social media. "Our business is growing so much in the FTM trans niche that I can't take on everything anymore, Austin explained. A mentor of mine told me over a year ago, in order for my business to grow, I need to let go, and hire people. I am pleased that I can employ Eddie to handle all our social media needs. He has basically been producing and doing work for us this past year, so its nice to actually give him a job that is his! Eddie Wood is an FTM performer, director and producer. This year he was selected as the Best New Face FTM performer at the Transgender Erotica Awards in Los Angeles, CA. While his entree into the industry was five years ago, when he shot for Buck Angel, it wasnt until he teamed up with Kennston Productions to launch his solo site that he became popular and achieved fame within the FTM niche. Eddie Wood is also the Editor-in-Chief of Michelle Austin and Dicky Johnson's sexuality and lifestyle based FTM magazine, Transgentlemen's Club. I am thrilled to be hired as Kennston Productions' first-ever Social Media Marketing Coordinator. It means so much to me that Michelle Austin and Dicky Johnson are continuing to allow me to grow along with their company," Wood stated. "They have given me a wonderful platform to connect with more and more people who are passionate about FTM sexuality. I feel so grateful that I can continue to market the Kennston brand from a more official position, and, in turn, reach an even larger fan base. I can't wait to turn more and more lovers of TS porn into FTM fans as well. I truly admire and love what Michelle and Dicky are doing for the industry, and the world at large. To find out more on Kennston Productions visit Kennston.com, follow Kennston on Twitter, and to contact Eddie, send press request inquires to [email protected]. Berry Rose Slenderize - Weight Loss - Diet Tea Tea leaves, like other herbs, also have healing and medicinal properties which we would all be wise to heed. Bloated stomachs and stubborn fat could be on the way out for many loose tea drinkers well, those who indulge in the newly launched slimming brew Berry Rose Slenderize from speciality global tea company Tealyra, anyway. Thats because the much-lauded blend contains scientifically-proven fat melting teas such as the companys Pu-Erh (with its pro-biotic properties), appetite-suppressing chickweed and the known fat eliminator tea Oolong. Fragrance and taste in the new light caffeine-containing drink is boosted by an abundance of red berries as well as pineapple, coconut, mint and, of course, the addition of rose petals. Described as fruity, light and wonderfully refreshing by those in the trade, Berry Rose Slenderize has already been selling even better than expected, according to the owners of Tealyra. Company spokesman Dmytro S. Fedosyeyev said: Im sure its the fact that spring is already here and summer is fast on its heels which is encouraging many of our regular tea drinkers to switch to slimming tea as part of their regime to get trim for the warmer weather. Then, of course, there is the wonderful light taste both the berries and rose petals produce in the tea and which, in my opinion, is the perfect refreshingly light drink for a warm summers day. Tealyra, which has offices in Canada, America, the UK and distribution centres in Australia and New Zealand, is renowned for its exclusive, speciality teas. These include such prized organic offerings as ogura matcha a ceremonial powder tea from the Japanese location in which the leaf was first discovered. The vibrant green tea is creamy and produces a clean aftertaste with no bitterness. Another exclusive tea to Tealyra is the aforementioned Pu-Erh Tea. A blend of fermented high-quality tea leaves and organic rice yeast from the Shizuoka prefecture of Japan, this has a smoked-oak flavour where the bitterness of citrus peel is offset by the sweetness of caramel. Because its a live (ie fermented) tea its pro-biotic properties means it can aid digestion and help with internal gas and bloating. Tealyra has been producing unique loose tea blends from the finest quality teas and ingredients since its inception six years ago. Today they offer more than 1000 kinds of loose tea and are particularly proud of an exclusive limited edition white tea from Japan. They also offer a specially-packaged and formulated child friendly caffeine-free fruity blend. Fedosyeyev added: Tea isnt just about having something pleasant and calming to drink to help get you through those sugar slumps in the day. No, tea leaves, like other herbs, also have healing and medicinal properties which we would all be wise to heed. Personally, my own hands are matcha-stained. Me and my colleagues drink tea, touch tea, talk tea and study tea all day long. In addition to selling loose tea, Tealyra also provide a range of updated tea ware and accessories such as Yixing teapots (named after the location in which the famous clay was first discovered), Japanese matcha whisks, steeping tools and thermos flasks as well as various cups and mugs. Find out more about the loose teas and their traditions at http://www.tealyra.com We seem to all be coming to the same conclusion: increasing the amount of manufacturing done in the US will require regional leaders to align strategies that optimize the growth of inter-related industries (called clusters). Simple, right? No. This is easier said than done, which is why the North East Regional Employment and Training Association (NERETA) is hosting a national Summit in Clinton, NJ, April 27-29 (summit.nereta.org) to teach workforce development, economic development and higher education professionals how to align their services to address the needs of manufacturing employers. In addition, NERETA is providing a follow-up course through the end of 2016. Collaboration at the local level between workforce development, economic development and higher education does not happen easily because they each have very different missions, very different stakeholders and honestly do not understand each other very well, said Colleen LaRose, President and CEO of NERETA. NERETA is presenting this Summit to bring all of these entities together in a cross-training platform to help them understand one another better so that they can align their goals and strategies and create a sustainable commitment to growing manufacturing in their region. Regions from around the country are forming teams of at least four people to attend the Summit. Recommended team participants are: A workforce development representative An economic development representative A higher education representative And a career counselor but anyone interested is welcome to register to attend. We are thrilled to see the excitement building around this event and conference course, said LaRose. We already have teams attending from Texas, Michigan, Iowa, Maine, New Hampshire, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. We have even had inquiries from other countries that plan to send teams to this Summit!" Eric Hansen, President of Economic Transformations Group, Inc. (ETG), well-known internationally for establishing cluster strategies and one of the four founders of The Competitiveness Institute, the world association dedicated to cluster development, is the big draw and will be leading the strategy session for this initiative. But the Summit is brimming with highly respected presenters, beamed LaRose. Our presenters include Whartons Peter Cappelli, Greg Leroy of Good Jobs First, Scott Paul from the Alliance for American Manufacturing, Dr. Ali Houshmand, President of Rowan University, the US Department of Commerce, MEP-NIST, and the US Department of Laborto name just a few! This Summit is critical right now because the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) which was enacted in July 2015 requires workforce development professionals to do outreach to employers differently. Now, they must reach out to employers by industry sectors, rather than to individual businesses. Economic development and higher education have already employed some of these sector strategies, but because they have differing goals, these entities have not typically aligned their employer outreach efforts. They also tend not to share what they learn about local businesses with one another. We are teaching alignment because alignment goes beyond cooperation and collaboration, explained LaRose. Cooperation and collaboration means entities will work together, but alignment requires a strategic assessment to be made upfront of organizational strengths and then a plan devised to share responsibilities based on those strengths to maximize efficiency and effectiveness. Supporting industry growth requires a focused and aligned strategy, LaRose explained. As Amy Liu, Vice President and Director of the Metropolitan Policy Program at The Brookings Institution stated, (Economic development) success is dependent upon local leaders ability to effectively set goals, organize firms, and reach out to target populations in ways that result in a new job for a worker and a skilled hire for an employer. Its time to expand the goals and vision of economic developmentbeyond one-time job creation schemes or siloed, one-off programs. ...(with) an approach that (instead) prioritizes the innovation, skills, and infrastructure needs of existing industries over efforts to recruit businesses from another state or municipality, which far too frequently generate few jobs at high taxpayer expense. Liu continues, "This kind of economic development is harder work. It involves high-level business and public engagement, co-designing efforts with partners across sectors. It requiresfinding common language to build a shared future. The reward is transformative, long-term change. It makes the skills and education of workers and the role of opportunity-rich neighborhoods essential ingredients to economic competitiveness, not simply a social agenda. Proposed bipartisan, bicameral legislation, the Made In America Manufacturing Communities Act, (http://bit.ly/manufacturingcommunitiesact) introduced on February 9, 2016 concurs with the thoughts of LaRose and Liu on this topic. This legislation would create a permanent program that designates local regions as 'Manufacturing Communities,' which would give them priority to receive federal economic development funding for the purpose of investing in regional manufacturing. But, to earn the designation of Manufacturing Community, regions would have to demonstrate the significance of manufacturing already present in their region and develop strategies to use the designation in making investments in six areas: 1. Workforce and training; 2. Advanced research; 3. Infrastructure and site development; 4. Supply chain support; 5. Trade and international investment; and 6. Operational improvement and capital access. NERETA is excited that the proposed Manufacturing Communities Act coincides with the timing of NERETAs Manufacturing Summit! The work of the NERETA Summit will clearly help regions prepare to become Manufacturing Communities. We agree with Amy Liu, said LaRose, the reward of finding a common language to build a shared future truly is transformative and long-term change. For more information about the NERETA Summit, go to summit.nereta.org or call NERETA at (908) 995-7718. Individuals and teams are welcome to attend the NERETA Summit. Data Visualization firm Cambridge Intelligence today announced the release of KeyLines 3.0. Cyber security threat analysts worldwide are struggling to cope with the complexity of attacks as well as huge volumes of data from logs and threat alerting systems. The latest version of the KeyLines network visualization toolkit includes substantial performance enhancements designed to help analysts overcome these problems. KeyLines 3.0 will allow analysts to visualize more data and simultaneously reduce their critical time-to-insight. Central to the release is a new WebGL graphics rendering engine. By harnessing the processing power of a devices GPU, KeyLines 3.0 applications can visualize up to ten-times more data than previous versions, with much improved interactivity and fluidity. Cambridge Intelligence CEO, Joe Parry, said: Our customers are always pushing the boundaries of what is possible with data visualization. In the cyber security domain, where KeyLines is becoming the go-to technology for data visualization, we have noticed an explosion in the size of datasets our customers are trying to understand. We are excited to release KeyLines 3.0, the first network visualization technology specifically designed to deal with the size and complexity of cyber security data. KeyLines 3.0 comes as Cambridge Intelligence continues to see significant growth in the cyber security sector. More than 100 industry-leading brands around the world have already deployed the technology, including Intel Security (McAfee), Cisco, Symantec and several national governments. New Health Sciences, Inc. (NHSi), a medical technology company focused on innovations that improve transfusion therapy, announced the relaunch of its manufacturing facility in Avon, MA under the name NHS Manufacturing (NHSM). NHSi acquired the FDA registered facility from KS Manufacturing in April 2015 to support internal product development and manufacturing needs. But it also recognized that there was a promising contract manufacturing business and a set of core competencies in medical device disposable manufacturing, capital equipment assembly and distribution that could continue to serve the medical technology community in the Boston area. Since the acquisition, NHSi has made substantial investments in the manufacturing facility, employee training, and process development in preparation for the relaunch. According to Jimmy Devarie, the NHSM Plant Manager, the experienced team at NHSM is committed to providing the most effective option for medical device manufacturing needs while also emphasizing compliance, cost effectiveness and efficiency. Major improvements include the expansion of the manufacturing area, updates to the clean room systems, improvements to the warehouse systems, and installation of a new machine shop. We are proud to be launching NHS Manufacturing with the goal of providing efficient, responsive medical device prototyping and contract manufacturing capabilities for the vibrant med tech community in Boston. Stated Martin Cannon, CEO of NHSi. NHSM currently employees 6 people in the Avon facility and looks forward to being a consistent growing employer in the region. About Us: New Health Sciences Manufacturing in Avon, Massachusetts is a subsidiary of New Health Sciences Inc. with corporate headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland, and a research and development facility in Cambridge, Massachusetts. NHSi acquired the assets of KS Manufacturing in 2015 and has continued to provide medical technology companies with customized solutions, competitive pricing and quality product for their manufacturing needs. For more information, visit http://www.nhsmanufacturing.com. Custom Computer Specialists announced today that CRN, a brand of The Channel Company, has named Custom Computer Specialists to its 2016 Tech Elite 250 list. This annual list honors an exclusive group of North American IT solution providers that have earned the highest number of advanced technical certifications from leading technology vendors. To compile the annual list, The Channel Companys research group and CRN editors work together to identify the most customer-beneficial technical certifications in the North American IT channel. Companies who have obtained these elite designations which enable solution providers to deliver premium products, services and customer supportare then selected from a pool of online applicants. Custom Computer Specialists blend of technical expertise, project leadership, industry knowledge, and strategic guidance helps clients across multiple industries achieve long-term success from their technology investments. These positive outcomes enable Custom to build enduring customer relationships as a trusted technology partner. Successful results reflect Customs technology industry thought leadership, commitment to ongoing training and certifications, and vision. Industry awards and recognition of Customs accomplishments confirm their respected position as one of the largest and leading IT services providers in the Northeast. The solution providers selected for our annual Tech Elite 250 list have demonstrated a commitment to excellence and gained strong industry credibility by earning some of the most difficult IT certifications available from top technology vendors, said Robert Faletra, CEO, The Channel Company. Attainment of these exclusive certifications strengthens the channel as a whole by invigorating partnerships and enabling the delivery of exceptional customer service. We congratulate each of these organizations and look forward to their continued success. We are honored to again rank among the elite companies on CRNs 2016 Tech Elite 250 list. Im proud of all my team has accomplished this year, said Gregory Galdi, President and founder of Custom. This recognition is due in no small part to the hard work put forth by our employees and our clients as they continually trust us as a leader in technology. Coverage of the Tech Elite 250 will be featured in the April issue of CRN, and online at http://www.crn.com. Follow The Channel Company: Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook Tweet This: @TheChannelCo names @Custom1979 to @CRN 2016 Tech Elite 250 list #CRNTechElite250 About Custom Computer Specialists Founded in 1979, Custom Computer Specialists helps Northeast public and private sector clients get maximum value from their IT investments. Customs unique combination of privately owned flexibility and extensive IT capability empowers it to architect client-centric solutions that deliver results. http://www.customtech.com About the Channel Company The Channel Company enables breakthrough IT channel performance with our dominant media, engaging events, expert consulting and education, and innovative marketing services and platforms. As the channel catalyst, we connect and empower technology suppliers, solution providers and end users. Backed by more than 30 years of unequaled channel experience, we draw from our deep knowledge to envision innovative new solutions for ever-evolving challenges in the technology marketplace. http://www.thechannelco.com CRN is a registered trademark of The Channel Company, LLC. The Channel Company logo is a trademark of The Channel Company, LLC (registration pending). All rights reserved. The Channel Company Contact: Melanie Turpin The Channel Company (508) 416-1195 mturpin(at)thechannelco(dot)com This survey continues to reflect the intensity of the physician shortage... Arthur | Marshall, the nations premier provider of physician search, announced today the release of their 2016 Physician Recruiting Incentives Review. The review is an annual survey compiled of data from searches assigned and placed through Arthur | Marshall over the previous calendar year. It includes information regarding trends in physician compensation, valuable placement statistics, and data reflecting the current state of the healthcare industry. A few important observations include: Primary Care and Behavioral Health continue to increase in regard to search frequency. The demand for Family Practice searches increased 5% from 2014. Production incentives were offered more often in 2015 than the previous year. Over half of the searches placed last year offered a signing bonus in the ranges of $5,001 to $25,000; up from 40% in 2013. This survey, along with many other healthcare industry surveys, continues to reflect the intensity of the physician shortage, with primary care specialties comprising the majority of the deficit. According to the AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges), the U.S. could face a shortage of up to 90,000 physicians within the decade. To see this years complete review, please visit http://www.arthurmarshall.com/surveys. ABOUT ARTHUR | MARSHALL Arthur | Marshall is the nation's premier provider of physician search and healthcare human capital solutions and strategies. The firm represents physician practice opportunities in most all specialties of medicine and has clients in most regions of the United States. The founding principals of Arthur | Marshall are pioneers in the field of physician recruitment and have amassed over 25 years of proven success. Founded by Arthur B. Crawford and C. Marshall Pryor, Arthur | Marshall is located in Irving, Texas. SourceLink Logo Adding Stephane to the SourceLink team is a very exciting development as we advance our best-in-class targeted digital solutions for our clients SourceLink, an industry-leading multichannel marketing services firm and statement solutions provider, announces the hiring of Stephane Gringer as Vice President of Digital Marketing Solutions. Gringer brings a rich history of enhancing digital and marketing strategy for large media and direct marketing companies. Gringer joins the SourceLink team to further enhance SourceLinks digital media offerings. SourceLinks deep experience in developing direct mail and analytics solutions greatly complements Gringers knowledge of integrating digital channels alongside targeted marketing. Additionally, Gringer has experience in customer journey mapping, a key marketplace differentiator for SourceLink. Gringer joins SourceLinks Corporate Leadership Team, and will work directly with SourceLinks Chief Executive Officer, Don Landrum. Gringer has a demonstrated past in developing and executing omnichannel marketing strategies and brand development initiatives in key industries and companies analogous to SourceLink. Prior to joining SourceLink, Gringer served as Director of Vertical Sales Integration for Advance Digital, one of the largest media groups in the United States. Gringer has over 15 years prior experience in crafting customer-centric digital offerings for direct marketers, and offers a unique understanding of producing addressable digital media solutions. Adding Stephane to the SourceLink team is a very exciting development as we advance our best-in-class targeted digital solutions for our clients, shared Don Landrum, SourceLinks Chief Executive Officer. Stephane brings instant credibility and expertise to the strategy table, and his deep proficiency in developing online, mobile and social media solution sets will greatly benefit our clients and organization as a whole. Gringer is a member of the American Institute for Graphic Arts, and volunteers for the charity K9s for Warriors, benefiting veterans suffering from PTSD. About SourceLink SourceLink, a top-five ranked Direct Marketing agency, creates results-driven communication solutions. Combining strengths in marketing analytics, data intelligence, technology and production expertise, SourceLink crafts and executes data-driven direct marketing and document outsourcing solutions. SourceLinks analytic and communication solutions improve marketing ROI through greater relevance and increased response. On the production side, SourceLink solutions reduce costs through more efficient operations and postal optimization. SourceLink operates in four U.S. locations. For more information, visit http://www.sourcelink.com. With many of the activities hosted by local retirement communities A study from Brigham Young University last year proved that isolation has just as great an impact as obesity or smoking on longevity. Lack of social engagement has also been linked to depression as well as cognitive decline. These findings are particularly relevant for seniors because of the prevalence of isolation among this demographicwhether due to the loss of a spouse, limited mobility or simply a steadily shrinking social circle. To help minimize this risk among older Americans, Seniors Guide keeps tabs on the senior-targeted events happening in each of the areas where it publishes guides, including Richmond, VA; Roanoke-Lynchburg-Southwest, VA; Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, NC; Columbus, OH; Cincinnati/NKY; Dayton, OH; and Indianapolis, IN, regularly posting these events on a calendar on http://www.seniorsguideonline. Our goal is not only to keep seniors engaged and active but also to try to replace many of the old connections theyve lost, says Jeff Hartman, Seniors Guide marketing strategist. Events are wide-rangingeverything from financial and legal workshops and talks on Alzheimers and dementia to musical performances and yoga classesto appeal to seniors diverse interests. Calendars are updated on a regular basis and include events for months in advance. With many of the activities hosted by local retirement communities, Katherine Ross, vice president of Seniors Guide magazine, notes, Retirement Communities also love the calendar because it allows them to showcase open houses and community events. Its a win-win for seniors and the retirement community alike. Seniors Guide, a Richmond, Va. -based company, publishes Seniors Guide magazines throughout Cincinnati, Ohio; Columbus, Ohio; Dayton, Ohio; Indianapolis, Indiana; Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina; Richmond, Virginia; and Roanoke-Lynchburg, Virginia and features a correlating website of SeniorsGuideOnline.com. Seniors Guides mission is to help seniors and their families find the information they need on options available in senior housing, senior care, assisted living, independent senior living, retirement communities and other retirement living needs. Seniors Guide also has resources at http://www.HomeCareChoice.com for Cincinnati, Ohio; Columbus, Ohio; Dayton, Ohio; Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina; and Richmond, VA. Ross Publishing, Seniors Guides parent company, began in 1991 and has been publishing helpful, free publications and websites ever since. In addition to the many Seniors Guide titles, the team at Ross Publishing is behind lifestyle magazine BOOMER and real estate publication Apartment Navigator. This will be our first time attending MODEX and we are thrilled at the chance to be among so many great supply chain professionals in Atlanta, GA. SphereWMS will be attending MODEX 2016, which will take place April 4-7th, 2016. One of the leading providers of Cloud-based Warehouse Management Software (WMS) for 3rd Party Logistics Providers, SphereWMS will be showcasing their latest Cloud-based Warehouse Management System solutions at booth number 2810. The event is known as the Greatest Supply Chain Show on Earth and it is where 850 of the leading manufacturing and supply chain providers gather to showcase their latest and greatest solutions. MODEX 2016, which will take place at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA is where the industrys brightest minds will gather and share their perspectives on the ever-evolving state of the supply chain where it's headed, new ideas, innovation and more. At MODEX 2016, youll have the chance to hear what some of the sharpest minds in the business world think about the current state of our industry, and where its headed. In addition to our keynote speakers, MODEX 2016 offers more than 100 educational sessions and a spectrum of manufacturing and supply chain topics, trends and technologies. MODEX 2016 will feature a Supply Chain Education Summit that includes a variety of collocated educational events presented by leading associations and universities. MODEX 2016 will be welcoming keynote speaker Kevin OLeary, one of North Americas more successful entrepreneur and known to many as an investor on the television show Shark Tank. He will speak about the secrets that made him rich and share personal advice to attendees. Also, speaking will be Peter Diamandis, Chairman and CEO of XPRISE Foundation. Based on the success of the Ansari XPRIZE and the recent launch of the $30M Google Lunar XPRIZE, Diamandis discusses how to incentivize innovative thinking. He explains how rigid, risk-averse thinking causes the demise of companies, and how the growth of key technologies is enabling the private sector to do what only government could before. The CEO of SphereWMS, Mike Mullane, said, This will be our first time attending MODEX and we are thrilled at the chance to be among so many great supply chain professionals in Atlanta, GA. Being new to MODEX, we cant wait to showcase what SphereWMS can bring to the table for 3PLs and other supply chain providers. ABOUT SPHEREWMS SphereWMS is a leading Warehouse Management System (WMS) for warehouse operators. The SphereWMS warehouse management solution provides real-time visibility and powerful reporting tools to all stakeholders in the supply chain. Mobile access is critical in todays untethered world and a key component of the SphereWMS solution. The system simplifies the management of complex order and inventory business processes, making it easy for logistics providers to manage multi-client and multi-site warehouses. SphereWMS will be up and running in days, not months. It is Software as a Service designed for the way logistics providers work. More information regarding SphereWMS can be found at on their website http://www.spherewms.com. About MODEX MODEX (http://www.modexshow.com) powered by MHI is the leading venue to bring together the many voices of the supply chain. Universities, associations and other related organizations will come together at MODEX to advance supply chain education and collaboration. For more than 70 years, MHI has been staging trade events in pursuit of giving supply chain professionals access to the solutions they need to be successful. An affiliate of New Water Capital, L.P. (New Water) has recapitalized Sea Link International, Inc. (Sea Link), a leading provider of design support and manufacturer of high-precision automotive lighting components servicing global Tier 1 and OEM customers. Sea Links products address the increasingly complex optical pattern, thermal dissipation, structural support, and weight reduction needs of the major automotive companies currently undergoing an industry transition to LED headlamps. Sea Link, headquartered in Largo, Florida, was founded in 1988 by James McFarland and has been led by CEO Scott McFarland since 1993. Sea Links lighting research and manufacturing facilities are located in Shanghai and Kunshun City, China and have the broad capabilities to mold, metallize, stamp and/or die-cast various materials including resin, steel, aluminum and magnesium. Scott McFarland, CEO of Sea Link noted: Our partnership with New Water provides Sea Link with the growth capital and international manufacturing expertise needed to further expand and integrate our production capacity and accelerate our product development capabilities to best support our customers. We believe Sea Link has unique technology, strong automotive customer relationships, and a very effective global supply chain needed to support its growth plans, stated Mark Becker, Partner at New Water. We are excited to partner with Scott and the rest of the Sea Link management team towards the achievement of their strategic initiatives, and excited to add Sea Link as a platform investment in our inaugural $406 million fund which was closed in 2015, noted Brian McGee, Partner at New Water. About New Water Capital New Water Capital is a private equity firm focused on investing in the lower middle market on companies in transition, or in special situations, with revenues of $30 - $300 million in the consumer products, retail and industrial manufacturing and services industries. New Water is differentiated through its ability to bring the experience, resources and sophistication of large scale private equity and operations to lower middle market companies where they can meaningfully impact business performance. We are very excited to be part of El Als web accessibility initiative. Our goal is to make the Internet accessible to everyone, and working with a premier international airline puts us on the right path. Israels flag carrier airline, El Al, has partnered with web accessibility company, User1st, to meet both domestic and international accessibility requirements. El Al is the first airline to adopt the proprietary automated web accessibility software, which lowers time and monetary costs associated with meeting the requirements of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 AA standards. El Al was required to make their online content accessible in 2014, when the Israeli Ministry of Justice passes Israeli Standard 5568. The Standard, which applies not only to public websites but to every online service offered to the general public, is based on the WCAG 2.0 regulations and requires all websites to be accessible to individuals with disabilities. As the most profitable eCommerce website in Israel, El Al reached out to what was then a relatively new startup, User1st, that offers a software systems that automates accessibility requirements across multiple web pages. A User1st treated website provides a layer of code and additional informational to a host site, while maintaining the sites original structure and information architecture. User1sts automated code-fixer corrects existing web pages by generating and applying accessibility skins that fit over the web page without altering its content. The system can be activated automatically or by the request of a unique end-user by a single click of a button. Different accessibility skins accommodate different needs for different disabilities, such as partial/complete blindness, epilepsy, motor disability and more. Similar web accessibility laws are already in place in other countries. The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) added an amendment to the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), which defines the rights of passengers using air travel, in 2013 that required both foreign and domestic airlines to make their websites accessible in accordance with WCAG 2.0 protocols. An investigation conducted by the DOT found that User1sts accessibility software allowed El Als website to meet the requirements of the ACAA. We are very excited to be part of El Als web accessibility initiative. Our goal is to make the Internet accessible to everyone, and working with a premier international airline puts us on the right path, said Amihai Miron, CEO and Co-Founder of User1st. To learn more, please visit http://www.user1st.com. For inquiries, please send an email to n.levy(at)user1st.com. We are so proud to provide simple, useful technology that allows medical professionals more time to concentrate on caring for patients. DocsInk, a mobile healthcare software company , today announced it has been selected as a Top 10 Healthcare Communication Solution Providers 2016 by Healthcare Tech Outlook - Communications. The publication assembled a group of industry experts to deliberate on the best new products available to those in the healthcare industry. DocsInk was selected for the Top 10 Healthcare Communication Solution Providers in 2016 thanks in large part to of DocsInks leadership in critical components of physicians technologies. The publication specifically called out the following features: mobile charge capture; secure texting and messaging; integrated on-call calendar; referral management; automated admission and discharge notifications; sharing of clinical data and images; transitional care dashboards; billing dashboards; reporting and data analytics. According to Julie Thomas, CEO of DocsInk, this recognition is warmly welcomed, especially by such a respected publication. We are so proud to provide simple, useful technology that allows medical professionals more time to concentrate on caring for patients. I congratulate DocsInk on being recognized with the much coveted title and being a recipient of Top 10 Healthcare Communication Solution Providers 2016, said Alex Dsouza, Managing Editor of Healthcare Tech Outlook. We are glad to showcase DocsInk this year due to its continuing excellence in delivering top-notch technology driven solutions. About DocsInk Based in Wrightsville Beach, NC, DocsInk is a mobile healthcare software company that has been gaining notoriety on the healthcare front for its innovative charge capture capabilities and HIPAA compliant secure messaging. Founded in 2012, it streamlines capturing and reporting off-site charges, inter-practice medicine communication and continuity of care. For more info: http://www.docsink.com/ About Healthcare Tech Outlook Published from Fremont, California, Healthcare Tech Outlook is a print magazine that offers a one stop solution for reflecting on views, insights, issues and successful practices in the growing industry of healthcare. A distinguished panel comprising of CIOs, IT VPs, CTOs including Healthcare Tech Outlook editorial board finalized the Top 10 Healthcare Communication Solution Providers 2016 in the U.S. and shortlisted the best vendors and consultants. For more info: http://www.healthcaretechoutlook.com/ In the last half-century or so, Arabs have developed a complicated image of the United States as a superpower (where many accomplished Arabs want to settle) but also one that is not always sensitive to Arab needs. On April 5, 2016, Anouar Majid, Ph.D., University of New England vice president for Global Affairs and director of the Center for Global Humanities, will give a talk in celebration of Arab American Heritage Month at Montgomery College in Montgomery, Maryland. In the last half-century or so, Arabs have developed a complicated image of the United States as a superpower (where many accomplished Arabs want to settle) but also one that is not always sensitive to Arab needs. Such sentiments developed over the decades following World War II and reflect the new ideologies and nationalisms that have gripped the Arab imagination since then. Before this time, the United States was widely admired in the Levant, Egypt, Morocco and other places that are now considered part of the Arab world. Arab immigrants, too, were grateful to America and many reciprocated by making major contributions to their adopted nation. In his talk, Majid will address whether this relationship be resurrected to build a better future for both peoples. Born in Tangier, Morocco, Majid is the author of five critically acclaimed books on Islam and the West, including Unveiling Traditions (2000), Freedom and Orthodoxy (2004), A Call for Heresy (2007), We Are All Moors (2009) and Islam and America: Building a Future Without Prejudice (2012; paperback with new preface in 2015). He has also written for the Washington Post, the Chronicle of Higher Education, and other publications. His work and life were the subject of a Bill Moyers interview and an Al Jazeera television program, both aired in 2007. Majid is a novelist, the author of Si Yussef (first published in 1992) and is the editor of Tingis, a free online magazine dedicated to a new reading of Islam and its traditions. ### About The University of New England The University of New England (UNE) is Maines largest private university. It offers dozens of undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs and is home to Maines only medical and dental schools. With coastal campuses in Portland and Biddeford, Maine and one in Tangier, Morocco, UNE attracts internationally recognized scholars in the sciences, health, medicine and the humanities. It is one of a select group of academic institutions with a comprehensive health education mission that includes programs in medicine, pharmacy, dental medicine, nursing and an array of allied health professions. Visit http://www.une.edu. Innovation for a healthier planet. Craig R. Reed As a highly respected leader with an outstanding track record of helping companies through successful strategic transformations, Craig will play a critical role in taking NT Concepts to the next level. Michele Bolos, Founder and CEO Craig R. Reed joins NT Concepts as President and Chief Operating Officer, with the focus of leading the companys transformation into a top-tier government contractor. He is responsible for operations, business development, and strategic growth activities. As a highly respected leader with an outstanding track record of helping companies through successful strategic transformations, Craig will play a critical role in taking NT Concepts to the next level, said Michele Bolos, Founder and Chief Executive Officer. Possessing over 30 years of experience in government contracting and government, Craig recently served as Senior Vice President of Strategy & Corporate Development for Engility Corporation where he led crucial strategic planning and corporate development efforts. This is an exciting opportunity to join an incredibly successful team and help drive strategic growth, Reed said. NT Concepts is the go to partner for our Government customers, offering services which have optimized their operations and reduced costs. I look forward to working with everyone in the company and our customers as we grow and transform our business. NT Concepts delivers information technology solutions and business operations services for performance-driven Government customers. Our approach integrates leading technologies, proven best practices, and deep expertise to produce innovative solutions and services that drive operational efficiency and inform critical decision making. With over 1000 employees nationwide, we deliver large business capabilities with agility and innovation. Our mission at Catapult is to help our companies succeed, so its exciting to see from the year-over-year numbers that Catapult companies, are, in fact, succeeding." Catapult Chicago, a selective community of technology startups with business traction, today celebrates its fourth anniversary and commemorates its efforts helping 35 of Chicagos tech startups accelerate and scale. Catapult has been dedicated to building a network of rising startup companies, with over 90 percent of Catapult companies still in business today. Data from Catapults Four-Year Anniversary Survey, culled from Catapults 35 current resident startups and alumni companies, show Catapult companies: raised nearly $100 million in funding in four years; a 65 percent increase in funding from $60 million in Year 3 employ more than 525 people; a 31 percent increase in workforce from 400 in Year 3 project to increase headcount by 62 percent (growing to 850 people) in 2016 Every year, the community were building at Catapult gets stronger. Already in 2016 weve welcomed three new companies to our network, said April Lane, Executive Director of Catapult Chicago. Our mission at Catapult is to help our companies succeed, so its exciting to see from the year-over-year numbers that Catapult companies, are, in fact, succeeding. The larger and more established our network becomes, the better mentorship and guidance we can provide our residents and the greater influence well have on the entire Chicago tech ecosystem. Catapult differentiates itself from other co-working spaces by creating an environment that encourages startup founders, who are at a similar stage in the startup lifecycle, to interact with and learn from one another. For example, Catapult hosts bi-monthly Founders Forums, where resident and alumni founders gather to share experiences and work through challenges. Founders Forums have made a huge impact on our business, said Mike Doyle, CEO of current Catapult resident and Shark Tank winner Rent Like A Champion. The relationships with other CEOs and companies have been great. Being able to ask for advice on how to deal with things like legal and personnel challenges and even build friendships has been invaluable for us and our business. Catapult Chicago opened its doors in 2012 with seven companies. In four years, 35 startups have called Catapult home, in addition to the numerous associate residents that have passed through. Of the 23 Alumni Companies, 20 are still operational, with one exit. Notable alumni include: Shiftgig, BucketFeet, Procured Health, Opternative, Packback, LearnCore and Matchup. Today, Catapult is home to 12 resident startups: 911 Security, The Black Sheep, Conferences i/o, Jio, The Junto Institute, MortgageHippo, Occasion, Page Vault, Rent Like A Champion, Rippleshot, Rithmio and Roompact. About Catapult: Catapult Chicago is a selective community of technology startups that have demonstrated business traction. Located in the heart of Chicagos River North neighborhood, Catapult is home to serious entrepreneurs committed to leading their companies to the next stage of growth. Catapult provides a coworking environment conducive to both hard work and community. As a non-profit, Catapult does not take equity in its resident companies, instead it relies on the generosity and guidance of service providers to support the community. For more information, visit http://www.catapultchicago.com. A Partnership between Big White Barn Produce of Buckeystown, MD and the Greater Urbana Area Food Bank of Urbana, MD was formed last month. The partnership establishes a commitment by Big White Barn to provide a weekly donation of overrun produce to the Food Bank during the 16 weeks Big White Barn runs its CSA program. The Food Bank will then distribute the produce to the over 180 families in need fed monthly by the food bank. In an effort to give back to the community, Big White Barn seeks to end food waste by donating the overflow or ugly produce to families in need. Many CSA programs find themselves with blemished or misshapen produce that is edible and nutritious but not visually acceptable for the CSA share boxes. Without a proper outlet to distribute this overflow produce much of it would go to waste. The Food Bank serves families in need of fresh produce, however, without donations by businesses like Big White Barn it is often in short supply. This partnership seeks to bridge that gap. This partnership marks the first of Big White Barns efforts in community philanthropy by supporting the Food Bank. Big White Barns Farmer Steve said, We look forward to working with the Greater Urbana Area Food Bank as we often have an overabundance of and feel compelled to donate to those in need while supporting the selfless efforts of Jo and Larry. Often fresh produce is in short supply at the Food Bank while items that are more shelf stable are plentiful. About the partnership Jo Otsby said, I am so excited to be partnering with Big White Barn this year to bring fresh produce to our food bank families. These people usually only get foods from boxes and cans. This will greatly improve what we are able to offer them. More events such as an upcoming plant sale are planned to help the growing needs of the Foodbank. For the past eight years, Big White Barn has been offering CSA shares and fresh cut flowers grown on their nearly 200-acre farm, located in Buckeystown, MD. All produce and flowers are grown using organic practices. CSA sign-ups are currently underway at http://www.bigwhitebarn.com. Serving over 198 families: over 700 people, of which 150 are children each month, the Food Bank relies on continuous donations from the local community. Follow Greater Urbana Area Food Bank on Face Book to keep up with on-going needs. GrooveCar, the nations leading auto buying resource for credit unions and their members, has added 40 new partners expanding into 19 states. Auto buying is hitting historic heights and the competition for members auto loan dollars is stiff. Our platform is known for delivering a car buying experience to members with all the resources necessary for credit unions to compete at the highest level. The website is loaded with features to capture a members interest and generate auto loan leads, explains Rob OHara, Vice President of Strategic Alliances, GrooveCar. In 2015, U.S. light-vehicle sales hit a record 17.5 million units, generating $987 billion in outstanding auto loan balances. Credit unions earned a 17.6 percent market share of the overall automotive loan market as reported by Experian Automotive. The credit union industry realizes how competitive they can be when they apply the right tools to meet a members car buying needs. Auto loans are the credit unions bread and butter. For many credit unions they recognize a plug and play program is the only way to go. Why try to piece together a product with local dealers, manage it and at the end of the day still not be able to fully provide the resources necessary to run a program of this caliber? explains OHara. GrooveCar works with credit unions to provide a strong local inventory while also utilizing existing relationships a credit union may have with dealerships. Nationally, the program boasts over 4 million in inventory. GrooveCar launched its new mobile responsive, auto buying website, earlier this year. Credit unions and their members are enjoying next generation design elements, ease of use and the newest enhancements to increase the car shopping experience online. SUPRtec (Smart User Preference Resource Technology) is the horse power behind the site, making it unique to the online buying community. This next generation technology streamlines the users preferences, getting them to the car of their dreams, states OHara. The GrooveCar program comes with technical and marketing support to ensure all aspects of the program are easily deployed, usually within a week. Once the decision is made to join, implementation and onboarding includes a tutorial covering all aspects of the drop and drag format and then a marketing meeting to discuss goals and collateral support materials. On-going support, marketing consultations, co-branded materials and guidance are included with most of the packages. New credit union partners include: American Broadcast Employees, NY; Aurora Policemen, IL; Bayou City, TX; Beacon Mutual, OH; Bloomington Postal Employees, IL; CAP COM, NY; Champaign County School Employees, IL; Cincinnati Employee, OH; Community Resource, NY; Credit Union of New Jersey, NJ; Danville Bell Credit Union, IL; Ecusta, NC; Encompass Niagara, NY; Fannin, TX; FASNY, NY; First Choice Community, TN; Health Employees, NY; HEB Federal, TX; Landmark, IL; Lubbock Teachers, TX; Members Trust of the Southwest, TX; Miami FCU, FL; Motor City Co-op, MI; Northeast Alliance, NY; Northeast Panhandle Teachers, TX; Patent & Trademark Office, VA; PEPCO, DC; Pittsburgh Central, IL; Planites, IL; Polish-American, MI; Postel Family, TX; Rochester Area State Employees, NY; Santa Rosa County, FL; School Systems, NY; Tee-Pak Credit Union, IL; Texhillco School Employees, TX; TLC Community Credit Union, MI; United Teletech Financial, NJ; Utica Gas & Electric, NY; and Western Districts Members CU, MI. About GrooveCar: Founded in 1999, GrooveCar provides automotive loan growth solutions to credit unions nationwide while providing their members, as well as the general public, with the most informative and user friendly auto search engine. With its expansive dealership network surpassing five million vehicles, GrooveCar facilitates the entire car buying process, including shopping, researching, buying, leasing, and financing. Through the national auto leasing program CU Xpress Lease, credit unions can take advantage of leasing opportunities in the new vehicle market. CU Xpress is the leading credit union lease program in the nation. Additional information on GrooveCar or CU Xpress Lease may be found at http://www.groovecarinc.com. Creating an engaging and inspiring work environment is certainly important in today's competitive business climate," said Orasi Software President and CEO Nick Kavadellas. Orasi Software, an Atlanta-based software quality reseller and professional services company, today announced it is the recipient of a 2016 Top Workplaces honor from The Atlanta Journal Constitution (AJC). Orasi, which was one of more than 1400 companies nominated for the honor, ranked 21st in the Midsize Companies category (150-499 employees). Orasi received its award at a recognition event for Top Workplace winners on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in the Cumberland/Galleria area of Atlanta. The Top Workplaces lists are based solely on the results of an employee feedback survey, which is administered by WorkplaceDynamics, LLC, a leading research firm that specializes in organizational health and workplace improvement. Several aspects of workplace culture are measured, including alignment, execution and connection, to name a few. The Top Workplaces award is not a popularity contest. And oftentimes, people assume its all about fancy perks and benefits, said Doug Claffey, CEO of WorkplaceDynamics. But to be a Top Workplace, organizations must meet our strict standards for organizational health. And who better to ask about work life than the people who live the culture every daythe employees. Time and time again, our research has proven that whats most important to them is a strong belief in where the organization is headed and how its going to get thereand the feeling that everyone is in it together, Claffey added. Without this sense of connection, an organization doesnt have a shot at being named a Top Workplace. To be eligible for consideration as an Atlanta Metro Area Top Workplace, organizations must first be nominated by employees of the firm. From that point, the AJCs editorial team reaches out to nominated organizations, gaining permission for a brief employee survey. Companies that are well-rated by their employees are eligible for inclusion in the final Top Workplaces listing. The only other criteria for nomination is that all firms must have 50 employees or more. Creating an engaging and inspiring work environment is certainly important in today's competitive business climate," said Orasi Software President and CEO Nick Kavadellas. Nevertheless, Orasi also wants to ensure our personnel thrive and enjoy a positive work experience. It was gratifying for us to learn that our employees regard Orasi so highly that their praise placed us in this elite group of Top Workplace Award winners. About Orasi Software, Inc. Orasi is a leading provider of software, support, training and consulting services. Through strategic industry partnerships, Orasi offers market-leading automated testing, application performance management/intelligence, test data management and coverage, continuous delivery/integration, big data and mobile technologies to enable customers to focus on a complete software quality lifecycle. For more than 13 years, Orasi has helped customers successfully implement and integrate software testing environments to reduce the cost and risk of software failures. http://www.orasi.com About WorkplaceDynamics, LLC Headquartered in Exton, PA, WorkplaceDynamics specializes in employee feedback surveys and workplace improvement. This year alone, more than two million employees in more than 6,000 organizations will participate in the Top Workplaces campaigna program it conducts in partnership with more than 40 prestigious media partners across the United States. Workplace Dynamics also provides consulting services to improve employee engagement and organizational health. WorkplaceDynamics is a founding B Corporation member, a coalition of organizations that are leading a global movement to redefine success in business by offering a positive vision of a better way to do business. Orasi is a trademark of Orasi Software, Inc. All other company and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Village at Proprietors Green Senior Living Community ushers in springtime with several educational events for seniors. Proprietors Green seeks to be a resource for families who want their loves ones to live in a residence that is vibrant, and focused on the health and well-being of its residents. Past News Releases RSS Allerton House Assisted Living in... Welch Healthcare and Retirement... Welch Healthcare and Retirement... Village at Proprietors Green in Marshfield, MA, is holding a series of informational events in April and May, designed specifically for individuals who are considering their options for senior housing and care. These programs also may be of interest to adult children, to help them assist their parents or older relatives as they weigh their options for housing, services and care models that may best meet their needs. Village at Proprietors Green, a senior retirement community with a continuum of care, offers independent living, assisted living and assisted living memory care. At Village at Proprietors Green, the independent living neighborhood focuses on hospitality and amenities. Assisted living emphasizes personal care and assisted living memory care strives to create more joyful moments. The community seeks to be a resource for families who want their loves ones to live in a residence that is vibrant, and focused on the health and well-being of its residents. Among the communitys many outstanding features are: a fitness center, directed by a licensed physical therapist; engaging activities and social events throughout the week; putting green and walking paths; 24-hour emergency call system, onsite theater; and private dining room for residents to host gatherings with family and friends. Some of the upcoming spring events for adult children and their parents being held at Village at Proprietors Green in Marshfield include: Please Dont Make Me Laugh: Common Health Concerns for Post-Menopausal Women Date: Tuesday, April 7 Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Jeannine M. Miranne, MD, MS, FACOG, Division of Urogynecology at Brigham and Womens Hospital, will talk about latest treatments for concerns regarding bladder health. Consumers can obtain answers to questions that aren't always easy to ask. Guarding Against Financial Scams and Identity Theft Date: Tuesday, April 19 Time: 6:15 pm - 7:15 pm Consumers can learn how to recognize and avoid scams. Liisa Budge-Johnson, Community Outreach Officer for the Plymouth County Sheriffs Department in Massachusetts will teach valuable ways to protect financial and personal information, as well as an individuals identity. Village at Proprietors Green in Marshfield, MA is managed by Welch Healthcare and Retirement Group, a trusted name in senior services for more than 65 years. To learn more or to RSVP to an event contact:http://www.ProprietorsGreen.com Clint Lofman is A10's New Senior Executive Vice President, Originations With the launch of its permanent loan platform last year, A10 is in a perfect position to take advantage of the current market volatility and disruptions in the CMBS markets. A10 Capital, the nations leading non-bank lender of middle-market commercial property loans, announced that Clint Lofman and John Rodiles have joined the company, both as Senior Executive Vice President, Originations. Clint and John will have responsibility for leading a team of loan originators in the Central and Western U.S., respectively. A10 has made quite a name for itself over the past few years developing a truly innovative lending platform. says Clint, I look forward to working with an exceptional group of originators as we continue to develop and build upon our client relationships and expand A10s brand to new markets in the Central U.S. Clint has spent his 32-year career originating, underwriting, structuring, negotiating, and financing more than $10 billion in commercial real estate and commercial real estate debt. His track record includes senior positions at major institutions, including Lone Star Funds, Fortress Investment Group, and Goldman Sachs. As the first originator for Lone Star Funds commercial mortgage origination platform, LStar Capital, he sourced more than $5.3 billion in loan opportunities within the first year of the companys launch. Clint attended Texas A&M University, where he studied biomedical science and served in the Marine Corps of Cadets, and graduated from the University of North Texas with a degree in business management. He will office out of A10s headquarters in Irving, Texas. With the launch of its permanent loan platform last year, A10 is in a perfect position to take advantage of the current market volatility and disruptions in the CMBS markets, adds John. Also, the recent investments from prestigious institutional investors BlackRock and KKR enhances our position as an industry leader and will fuel the growth of lending activity on the West Coast. John has held senior level positions with Fleet Capital, Banc One, Marcus & Millichap, and Trivanta. As vice president and regional manager at Marcus & Millichap, John was responsible for four offices and 300 agents, including the top-grossing debt-placement office. John also served as the vice president of investments at Marcus & Millichap, executing the financing and sale of net leased assets. John received his bachelor of science in business finance from California State University Long Beach. He is a licensed real estate professional in California and Oregon and an active member of the International Council of Shopping Centers, as well as a member of the Community Emergency Response Team and Violence Protection Plan of Long Beach. John will office out of Long Beach, California. About A10 Capital Commercial real estate investors rely on A10 Capital as their one-stop balance sheet lender for middle-market commercial mortgages. With loans ranging from $1 million to $20 million per property, our broad menu of bridge, perm, bridge-to-perm, and note purchase loans cover the entire life cycle of commercial properties across the United States. Our full service platform incorporates focused origination, speedy underwriting, in-house legal and servicing for the life of the loan. An innovator in the industry with a scalable funding model, A10 is backed by four significant institutions: $4.7 trillion asset management firm BlackRock, $98 billion global investment firm KKR, the $19 billion global private equity firm H.I.G. Capital, and THL Credit, the credit affiliate of Thomas H. Lee Partners. We are based in Boise, Idaho and Irving, Texas and have regional offices in key markets nationwide. For more information, please visit us at http://www.a10capital.com. FBI To Unlock iPhone In Case Unrelated To San Bernardino Trending News: The FBI Is Hacking More iPhones. Apple Was Right To Be Worried Why Is This Important? Because your privacy isn't so private anymore. Long Story Short The FBI announced this week it has managed to breach the security features of the heretofore unbreachable iPhone, and now the law enforcement agency is offering its hacking know-how to another police force. Long Story Big Brother has ripped the lid off Pandoras box and it appears, for the time being, no iPhone is safe from prying eyes. The FBI managed, without the long-sought help of Apple, to unlock the iPhone 5c that belonged to San Bernadino killer Syed Farook. The law enforcement agency has already agreed to unlock another iPhone connected to a double murder in Arkansas. And so it begins. Once the FBI announced Monday it had penetrated Farooks phone, a judge agreed to postpone the Arkansas case in order to give prosecutors time to request the FBIs help. The next day, the FBI agreed to unlock the iPhone and iPod belonging to two teenage suspects connected to the murder of a couple in Conway, Arkansas last July. Whats next? Theres little doubt the FBI will continue to use its new found ability to defeat iPhone encryption whenever it deems the action justified for its own cases and the cases of other law enforcement agencies. Justin Olsson, product counsel at security software maker AVG Technologies, argues, The responsible thing for the government to do is privately disclose the vulnerability to Apple so they can continue hardening security in their devices. Typically, when federal agencies stumble upon technology security shortcomings, government policy (under the US Vulnerabilities Equities Process) tends to share the information with the product maker before the vulnerability is discovered by others, potentially compromising commerce, communications and other vital information. In this case, dont count on it. After requesting Apples help in the Farook case and others, and then trying to use the courts to force Apple to comply, the tech giant didnt budge. Its budging now. Apple is currently pursuing legal tactics in an effort to force the FBI to reveal the hacking technique it used to access Farooks data. Not only is the FBI withholding its encryption-defeating technique, it does not appear to have any intention of sharing the secret, nor does it seem to be facing any pressing legal obligation to do so. Government officials are even scoffing at their moral obligation. In fact, White House cyber security coordinator Michael Daniel was plain in a 2014 blog, Disclosing a vulnerability can mean we forego an opportunity to collect crucial intelligence that could thwart a terrorist attack, stop the theft of our nations intellectual property, or even discover more dangerous vulnerabilities that are being used by hackers or other adversaries to exploit our networks. Whatever the vulnerability might be, the problem is now Apples to figure out. Some unconfirmed news reports suggest it was the Israeli police technology company Cellebrite that provided the FBI with a way to try more than 10 passwords without being permanently locked out of the device. Now that cyber criminals know iPhones can be hacked, theres concern attempts to breach them will intensify; after all, it can be done and evil would pay fortunes to acquire the dangling carrot. Information iPhone users once thought was inaccessible, now seems to be the FBIs to harvest whenever it sees fit. Own The Conversation Ask The Big Question: In the interest of keeping vital monetary, scientific and communication information inaccessible, shouldnt the moral obligation of the government to reveal its hacking technique outweigh its security monitoring? Disrupt Your Feed: Claims by the FBI that it only wanted Apple to unlock the one single phone that belonged to Syed Farook may not have been entirely true, given that the law enforcement agency is already unlocking others.. Drop This Fact: Tim Cook revealed at the Apple Watch conference in March 2015, Apple had sold 700 million iPhones so far and some experts expect that number to reach a billion by this fall. This change to the process is much more efficient in time and reduces errors in transposing details such as name, address and license number.- Joshua Renberg, Entrata Product Manager Entrata, the multi-family industrys fastest growing technology provider, has partnered with IDScan.net to bring new and innovative ID scanning capabilities to its SiteTablet mobile leasing solution. IDScan.nets ID parsing software development kit enables companies like Entrata to incorporate drivers license reading and parsing capabilities into its own applications. The state of the art technology does not require Internet connectivity to scan IDs and it parses the data locally on each device, resulting in much faster processing speeds. Both companies joined forces in October last year, with positive results coming in this quarter from existing clients. The new ID scanning feature is receiving excellent feedback from clients in the multi-family industry, said Joshua Renberg, product manager, Entrata. Since releasing the new ID scanning feature, Entrata has seen usage and adoption rates more than double for one of the multi-familys largest companies using SiteTablet. The SiteTablet app was originally developed by Entrata to provide a connected mobile solution to the antiquated leasing process of the multi-family industry. In the past, leasing agents relied heavily on paper brochures, printed availability and pricing sheets and paper leases. SiteTablet allows agents to connect directly to their Property Management Software so they have real-time access to all of the information they need to do their job effectively. We chose IDScan.net's software to quickly scan drivers licenses in an effort to streamline and efficiently capture prospective residents information during the leasing process, said Renberg.This change to the process is much more efficient in time and reduces errors in transposing details such as name, address and license number. Our Company is pleased to provide innovative ID scanning capabilities to companies like Entrata who are looking for a fast, accurate and efficient method of collecting ID information. We are excited to welcome Entrata as a customer and look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with their team, said IDScan.nets CEO Denis Petrov. Weve been providing the most up to date and cost-effective ID reading technology to the commercial market for over 13 years, and its great to see the enhancement it has brought to Entratas SiteTablet. About IDscan.net IDscan.net is the industry leader in ID scanning technology and development of ID scanning software solutions for many of the top companies in the US and Canada. IDscan.net provides a full spectrum of solutions for fraud prevention, access control, automatic data capture, age verification and visitor management. Its innovative history includes being first to market with their iOS and mobile solutions for scanning IDs. Products offered include a full suite of mobile, tablet, and desktop solutions that are used in a variety of industries, including: casinos, hospitality, retail, financial, grocery, marketing, automotive, security, technology, government and law enforcement sectors. For more news and information on IDscan.net, please visit http://www.idscan.net. About Entrata Founded in 2003, Entrata is the most comprehensive property management software provider with a single-login, open-access Platform as a Service (PaaS) system. Offering a wide variety of online tools including websites, mobile apps, payments, lease signing, accounting, and resident management, the Entrata platform currently serves more than 20,000 apartment communities nationwide, including 34 of the NMHC Top 50 Largest Managers. Entratas open API and superior selection of third-party integrations offer management companies the freedom to choose the technology and software that best fit their needs. For more information, go to http://www.entrata.com. Ten middle school science teachers from across the United States will be selected for the prestigious new National Stem Cell Foundation Scholars Program thanks to a partnership between the National Stem Cell Foundation, The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky and The Center for Gifted Studies at Western Kentucky University. Scholars selected for this unique program will be hosted by The Gatton Academy and The Center for Gifted Studies from June 5 - 11, 2016 at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The National Stem Cell Foundation is a non-profit which supports research and clinical trial collaborations in the field of adult stem cell research and regenerative medicine. According to Dr. Paula Grisanti, National Stem Cell Foundation Chairman, We know that children who become excited about science in middle school are the ones who will pursue science in high school and major in science at the college level. We are delighted to partner with The Gatton Academy and The Center for Gifted Studies both of whom have national reputations for excellence and deep experience in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. We believe this collaboration is a best in class opportunity to fund professional development for teachers who will inspire the next generation of STEM kids nationwide. Dr. Julia Link Roberts, Executive Director of The Gatton Academy and The Center for Gifted Studies, is thrilled about the impact the program will have. This partnership will accrue benefits for the National Stem Cell Foundation Scholars, middle school students in their classrooms, and middle school science teachers with whom they collaborate, she said. The National Stem Cell Foundation Scholars Program seeks to inspire the creativity and passion of middle school science teachers. During the week-long program, Scholars will engage in hands-on, minds-on science activities; connect with speakers and thought leaders in STEM education; learn with skilled science educators; and develop a creative Challenge Project for classroom implementation. Each Scholar will receive a Chromebook and funding for Challenge Project supplies and materials. In addition, Scholars will spend three days during the month of January 2017 in Washington, D.C., to share midpoint insights and progress with their colleagues, then return to Western Kentucky University in June 2017 to share lessons learned with the next Scholar class. Mentoring will be provided throughout the year by Western Kentucky University faculty. All expenses, including travel costs, materials, mentoring and Challenge Project supplies will be provided by a grant from the National Stem Cell Foundation. Applications are now being accepted at http://www.wku.edu/gifted/nscf/application.php and are due by April 15, 2016. Teacher candidates should enjoy the creativity in teaching, be eager to share ideas with colleagues, be excited about networking with peers from across the country, and like financial and academic support for great ideas. Please contact 270-745-6323 or julia(dot)roberts(at)wku(dot)edu with any questions. Established in 2007, The Gatton Academy is Kentuckys first residential high school for gifted and talented juniors and seniors. The academy was named the number one public high school in the United States by The Daily Beast for three consecutive years 2012, 2013 and 2014. Now in its 35th year, The Center for Gifted Studies at Western Kentucky University serves gifted children, their educators, and parents through educational opportunities, professional development and a variety of other resources and support. Contact: Dr. Paula Grisanti, Chairman National Stem Cell Foundation (502) 379-8544 paula(at)nationalstemcellfoundation(dot)org http://www.nationalstemcellfoundation.org Dr. Julia Link Roberts, Executive Director The Gatton Academy and The Center for Gifted Studies (270) 745-6323 julia.roberts(at)wku(dot)edu http://www.wku.edu/gifted/nscf/application.php Cloudbric as SC Magazine Awards Europe 2016 Finalists Penta Securitys website protection solution represents some of the most innovative and effective security technologies on the market today. Penta Security Systems Inc., a global information security company headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, has been named as a finalist for the SC Awards 2016 Europe for outstanding industry leadership in information security. Cloudbric is one of five total finalists being recognized in the Best SME Security Solution category, which acknowledges superior services that help customers address the most pressing cyber-security threats. The winners will be announced at the SC Magazine Awards Europe ceremony to be held in London on Tuesday 7th June at a stunning new central London venue on the Riverside of the Thames, Old Billingsgate. The SC Magazine Awards Europe is the information security industrys most prominent recognition. Winners in the Threat Solution categories are decided by an expert panel of judges, hand-picked by SC Magazine UKs editorial team for their breadth of knowledge and experience in the information security industry. The awards honor both the cyber-security professionals working in the trenches, and the products and services that help protect todays corporate world from a myriad of ever-changing threats. Penta Securitys website protection solution represents some of the most innovative and effective security technologies on the market today, said Tony Morbin, Editor in chief SC Magazine UK. As attackers develop and deploy new approaches to compromising sensitive information, companies are challenged to keep pace. Cloudbric was named a SC Award finalist for its efforts to raise the bar for the security industry. Cloudbric is an elite full service website security solution specifically designed for small to mid-sized businesses. Being in the information security industry for over 19 years, Penta Security Systems has acknowledged that most SMEs do not have the proper resources and security solutions to counteract malicious web attacks targeting sensitive customer data. Penta Security launched Cloudbric in early 2015 to better serve the SMB market and offer a free to use enterprise level security package regardless of business size. TJ Jung, VP of Product & Technology for Cloudbric, said, Unlike mainstream security vendors that prefer to charge website owners per premium security feature, Cloudbric provides a full suite of website security features, such as web application firewall, CDN, SSL, and DDoS protection, as a set standard. About Penta Security Systems Penta Security is a global information security firm headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, and specializes in web application security, database encryption, as well as access management. With over 19 years of IT security expertise, Penta Security protects more than 117,000 websites and blocks more than 108,000,000 web attacks per month. Recognized by Frost & Sullivan, Penta Security Systems is the number one Web Application Firewall vendor in the APAC Region based on market share. For more information about Penta Security and Cloudbric, please visit https://www.pentasecurity.com/en and https://www.cloudbric.com or contact Cloudbric at support(at)cloudbric(dot)com. About SC Magazine UK SC Magazine UK provides IT security professionals with in-depth and unbiased information through timely news, comprehensive analysis, cutting-edge features, contributions from thought leaders and the best, most extensive collection of product reviews in the business. By offering a consolidated view of IT security through independent product tests and well-researched editorial content that provides the contextual backdrop for how these IT security tools will address larger demands put on businesses today, SC Magazine UK enables IT security pros to make the right security decisions for their companies. Besides the quarterly print magazine, special Spotlight editions and daily website, the brands portfolio includes the SC Congress and Expo series (London, Amsterdam, New York, Chicago, Toronto), SC Awards, Roundtables, Webinars and SC Magazine Newswire. USLegal logo USLegal has evolved for almost 20 years providing online legal solutions for attorneys, small businesses and consumers. U.S. Legal, Inc., which owns leading legal websites including USLegalForms.com, USLegal.com, and FormsPass.com, today announced that attorney Frank D. Edens has regained ownership and leadership of the company. Edens will serve as both President and CEO. The company was sold in 2012 to an investment group led by attorneys. Edens recently closed on the transaction for reacquisition. USLegal has evolved for almost 20 years providing online legal solutions for attorneys, small businesses and consumers. We have seen competitors come and go and have learned more during those years about what our customers need. We have a plan going forward that is unlike any in the industry today, said Edens. As a part of the plan and as a signal of the changing legal landscape, USLegal is gearing up to offer consumers a full range of legal services through lawyers who will market their virtual law offices and virtual legal services through USLegals website holdings. USLegal.com has 2 million visitors a month. "Although the company presently provides legal forms and products and services that do not depend on lawyers, the ultimate success of USLegal will be a business model of lawyers working closely with the company. We will be offering legal marketing services to attorneys who understand that the public demands a dramatic change in the legal profession such as flat fees, quality, and timely services, Edens said. Almost two decades ago, Edens recognized that the Internet would fundamentally transform the way people get legal information and how lawyers offer their services. He founded the companys flagship website, USLegalForms.com, with the goal of providing attorneys with state-specific legal forms online. The idea caught on with small businesses and consumers as well turning the website into the largest and most acclaimed online source for downloadable legal forms. Edens sees future growth tied to expanding services and leveraging technology as the legal industry evolves. I expect us to lead a significant shift in the market because unlike our competitors that are offering legal products and services, we are doing something very unique in our situation because we are connecting consumers to a network of attorneys who will then provide legal services to people that cannot otherwise afford them. This is not a prepaid legal plan or like competitors which provide forms and a forum for customers post questions which get answered by lawyers. What we are doing is linking our customers to attorneys nationwide who will offer low cost legal services. Edens says USLegal has built the technology and will soon release services to support expanded operations. The difference in the legal profession today and what it will be in the future is that you will always have attorneys who will charge big dollars for complex matters. However, more routine matters such as preparing a will, living will, or power of attorney can be handled through innovation in the legal industry and through the technology that we have to enable consumers to obtain these services in a very economic and efficient way rather than through a traditional lawyer, he said. For more information please visit http://www.uslegal.com About USLegal, Inc. USLegal, Inc. is a multi-faceted legal publishing company which provides online legal solutions for attorneys, small businesses, and consumers. Its web properties include USLegal.com, USLegalForms.com, FormsPass.com, and more. USLegalForms.com is the largest, oldest, and most acclaimed source for downloadable legal forms on the Internet. USLegalForms.com has been recognized as the best legal forms company from 2006-2016 by Top Ten Reviews in all categories, including forms, features, customer service and ease of use. For more information, visit http://www.uslegalforms.com. USLegal has maintained an active presence on the Internet as a legal publisher since 1997. For more information, visit http://www.uslegal.com. Media Contact: Frank Edens USLegal, Inc. (601) 896-0180 x 107 frank.edens(at)uslegal(dot)com Venice Beach is one of the worlds top destinations and we felt it deserved a brand of local beer that accurately reflects its complex and eccentric personality, said Christian Warren. Venice Duck Brewery today announced the expansion of its distribution beyond Southern California throughout the whole state of California, in a move that puts Venice Beach craft beer on the map. Venice Duck beers can now be found in 300 locations throughout the state of California in restaurants, bars, liquor stores and grocery stores. Venice Duck Brewery founders, John Binder and Christian Warren, are two local bartenders from Venice Beach who wanted to make their mark with an IPA that boasts complex taste and flavor. The company was inspired by a local legend of a guy who went to a party in the Venice Canals and woke up the next day on the sidewalk covered with ducks. The iconic canal ducks along with the unique and diverse culture of Venice Beach is represented in each of Venice Duck Brewerys carefully crafted brews. The pair launched their first brew, Dogtown Duck in October 2013. The current Venice Duck Brewery portfolio includes: Dogtown Duck a West Coast IPA with a robust blend of Citra, Simcoe and Zythos hops Stoner Duck an easy drinking nut brown ale with organic hemp and a backbone of caramel, toasted malts, chocolate and American hops Lucky Duck a refreshing blond ale enriched with agave nectar and hops, brewed with German malts We have built a presence in Southern California in a short period of time with little to no marketing and purely for the love of making really good beer, said Binder. There is an organic demand for well-crafted brews and the quality of Venice Duck beer speaks for itself. Venice Beach is one of the worlds top destinations and we felt it deserved a brand of local beer that accurately reflects its complex and eccentric personality, added Warren. It is difficult to capture the magic and essence of this town in any singular element, but we believe weve done it and will continue to do so with soon-to-come future releases. The flock of Venice Duck beers is served locally at popular haunts such as James Beach, The Whaler and The Erwin hotel as well as the Dodger Stadium, Cheesecake Factory and at Whole Foods Market in Northern California. To find a Venice Duck beer near you, visit: http://www.veniceduckbrewery.com/find-the-duck-2/ ABOUT VENICE DUCK BREWERY Venice Duck Brewery is the vision of two veteran bartenders from Venice Beach who love and know good beer and have been friends for nearly 20 years. The company was inspired by a local legend of a guy who went to a party in the Venice Canals and woke up the next day on the sidewalk covered with ducks. The iconic canal ducks along with the unique and diverse culture of Venice Beach is represented in each of Venice Duck Brewerys carefully crafted brews. For more information please visit http://www.veniceduckbrewery.com and on Twitter at @veniceduck. Farm to Feet floor display recognized with OMA Bronze award. Just like their socks, we knew the materials for the display were a key element in the design, said Ryan Brevda, Vice-President of Ryan Scott Displays. Farm to Feet, makers of 100% American socks, received a Bronze POPAIs Outstanding Merchandising Achievement (OMA) Award at the recent GlobalShop trade show in Las Vegas, NV, for its retail floor display. When we set out to design our fixtures we wanted something that communicated our transparent domestic supply chain while highlighting our socks, said David Petri, VP of Marketing of Farm to Feet. Designed by Ryan Scott Displays of Greensboro, NC, the display showcases the brands socks in a case made from repurposed tobacco barn timbers and corrugated metal roofing. Just like their socks, we knew the materials for the display were a key element in the design, said Ryan Brevda, Vice-President of Ryan Scott Displays. We felt that using reclaimed wood really spoke to the brands ethos of sustainability while supporting the brand story of sourcing the materials domestically. Farm to Feets wooden display was recognized in the Clothing, Accessories and Footwear category. Other brands recognized in the category were Pebble, Nike and Timberland. Farm to Feet names all of its socks for locations related to the brand and features personalities associated with them on the packaging. Farm to Feet named its Greensboro multisport sock for Ryan Scott Displays hometown and features multiple employees from the company on the packaging. POPAIs Outstanding Merchandising Achievement Awards Competition is the premier award show recognizing the most innovative and effective in-store and point of purchase displays. Since 1958, this competition held alongside the industrys largest tradeshow, GlobalShop, recognizes in-store marketing programs that lift sales, make products memorable, and entice consumers to purchase products. After a two-round judging process, displays are awarded Gold, Silver, and Bronze OMA Statuettes at the Annual OMA Awards Celebration by a prestigious panel of judges, composed of producers, brand marketers and retailers. Learn more about the OMA awards at http://www.popai.com/oma. Learn more about about Ryan Scott Displays at http://www.ryanscottdisplays.com. ABOUT FARM TO FEET Farm to Feet is committed to the single, simple goal of creating the worlds best wool socks by exclusively using an all-American recipe: US materials, US manufacturing, and US workers. With its supply chain completely within the U.S., Farm to Feet is able to ensure the highest quality materials and end products, while having as little impact on the environment as possible. Once the wool is grown and sheared in the Rocky Mountains, the remaining processes take place within 300 miles of its sustainability-focused knitting facility in Mt. Airy, NC. All Farm to Feet socks feature seamless toe closures, a comfort compression fit from the top through the arch, and superior cushioning for ultimate performance and comfort. Learn more at http://www.farmtofeet.com. Kelser Corporation named to the CRN 2016 Tech Elite 250. Our proficiency with the technology we offer our clients gives them the confidence that theyre getting the most out the solutions we create with them. Kelser Corporation announced today that CRN, a brand of The Channel Company, has named Kelser to its 2016 Tech Elite 250 list. This annual list honors an exclusive group of North American IT solution providers that have earned the highest number of advanced technical certifications from leading technology vendors. To compile the annual list, The Channel Companys research group and CRN editors work together to identify the most customer-beneficial technical certifications in the North American IT channel. Companies who have obtained these elite designations which enable solution providers to deliver premium products, services and customer supportare then selected from a pool of online applicants. The solution providers selected for our annual Tech Elite 250 list have demonstrated a commitment to excellence and gained strong industry credibility by earning some of the most difficult IT certifications available from top technology vendors, said Robert Faletra, CEO, The Channel Company. Attainment of these exclusive certifications strengthens the channel as a whole by invigorating partnerships and enabling the delivery of exceptional customer service. We congratulate each of these organizations and look forward to their continued success. Kelser is dedicated to staying technology forward so they can provide their clients with the best-fitting solution to enable business growth. To that end, Kelser Engineers boast a portfolio of certifications from their partners such as Cisco, HP, Microsoft, NetApp, Citrix, VMware, and others. Matt Kozloski, Director of Technology at Kelser, is one of only 217 VMware Certified Design Experts (VCDX) worldwide and is one of only two in the entire state of Connecticut that is VCDX certified in Data Center Virtualization. Were vested in the success of each of our clients so staying at the top of our game is critical, said Kelser President & CEO Barry Kelly. Our proficiency with the technology we offer our clients gives them the confidence that theyre getting the most out the solutions we create with them. Coverage of the Tech Elite 250 will be featured in the April issue of CRN, and online at http://www.crn.com. About Kelser For those who need technology to enable business growth, Kelser is a technology consulting firm that delivers solutions that inspire confidence. Located in East Hartford, Connecticut, we provide technology that speaks the language of your business. Unlike transactional IT firms, we are vested in the success of each client. http://www.kelsercorp.com. About the Channel Company The Channel Company enables breakthrough IT channel performance with our dominant media, engaging events, expert consulting and education, and innovative marketing services and platforms. As the channel catalyst, we connect and empower technology suppliers, solution providers and end users. Backed by more than 30 years of unequaled channel experience, we draw from our deep knowledge to envision innovative new solutions for ever-evolving challenges in the technology marketplace. http://www.thechannelco.com CRN is a registered trademark of The Channel Company, LLC. The Channel Company logo is a trademark of The Channel Company, LLC (registration pending). All rights reserved. The Channel Company Contact: Melanie Turpin The Channel Company (508) 416-1195 mturpin(at)thechannelco(dot)com Representatives from the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund (IFHF), Fort Bragg, and the Womack Army Medical Center today opened a new Intrepid Spirit center that will diagnose and treat TBI and psychological health conditions in U.S. service members at Fort Bragg, NC. The facility is the fifth in a series of nine centers located at military bases around the country built by the IFHF, a not-for-profit organization and national leader supporting the men and women of the United States Armed Forces and their families. Intrepid Spirit centers are operational at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and Fort Hood, TX. Fort Braggs new Intrepid Spirit center cost approximately $11 million to construct and equip with the latest in brain technology and treatment facilities and spans 25,000 square feet. Funding for the project was raised privately through the IFHF. Thousands of our brave men and women in uniform return from duty in the conflict zones around the world suffering from TBI and psychological health conditions. While the numbers of military personnel overseas has decreased, the continuation of regional conflicts and global terrorism means that our military must be ready for active deployment in conflicts that will continue to cause this unseen injury. Our troops volunteer; we do not draft. It is therefore our sacred duty to support them, said Arnold Fisher, Honorary Chairman of the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund is leading this effort, and I implore all Americans to join this critical mission. Every cent donated from the public to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund goes directly towards building Intrepid Spirit centers. Fort Bragg is one of the largest military complexes in the world and the home of the U.S. Armys airborne and special operations. The headquarters for U.S. Army Forces Command, U.S. Army Reserve Command, Joint Special Operations Command, U.S. Army Special Operations Command, U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command and the XVIII Airborne Corps can all be found on Fort Bragg. Womack Army Medical Center, a state-of-the-art medical complex, is an integral component of Fort Braggs military mission, providing care to the more than 54,000 service members stationed at Fort Bragg and their Families. Having an Intrepid Spirit Center on Fort Bragg is a valuable asset, said Col. Lance Raney, commander, Womack Army Medical Center. We care for the Soldiers, Airmen and special operators who are at the leading edge of our Nations defense every day. These service members deserve the best possible care. The NICoE professionals and this new facility will help us continue to provide service members with the quality care their selfless commitment and heroic service to our Nation deserves. All Intrepid Spirit centers around the country are being funded and built by the IFHF through a $100 million fundraising campaign. Though the centers are being built exclusively through private donations, each center is gifted to the Department of Defense for operation and management upon completion. All of the centers are located at military bases around the country. The design and mission of the Intrepid Spirit centers are based on the original National Intrepid Center of Excellence(NICoE) which opened in 2010 at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD. Operated by the Department of Defense, NICoE is the most advanced facility of its kind in the country, and is the center of the Armed Forces efforts in researching, diagnosing and treating TBI, psychological health conditions and related injuries sustained by military personnel. About the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, a national leader in supporting the men and women of the United States Armed Forces and their families, has provided close to $200 million in support for the families of military personnel lost in service to our nation, and for severely wounded military personnel and veterans. In 2010 the Fund opened the National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE) to support the research, diagnosis, and treatment of military personnel and veterans suffering from traumatic brain injury (TBI) and psychological health (PH) conditions. In 2013 the Fund launched a new $100 million campaign to build nine Intrepid Spirit centers at major military bases around the country. These centers serve as satellites to the central NICoE facility and extend that care to more service members suffering TBI, PH conditions and related afflictions. The Fort Bragg Intrepid Spirit center is the fifth to open, and a sixth is under construction. ### Through the release of new and innovative solutions such as our native Mobile Solution and Solution Suite, we continue to strive to address the needs of our home health and hospice customers. HEALTHCAREfirst, the leading provider of Web-based home health and hospice software, outsourced billing and coding services, and Deyta Analytics, announced today that Brad Caldwell has joined the HEALTHCAREfirst team as Senior Vice President of Business Development. In this role, Caldwell will focus on maximizing strategic business opportunities and expanding market share. We are very pleased to have Brad join HEALTHCAREfirst as part of our leadership team, said Bobby Robertson, President and CEO at HEALTHCAREfirst. Through the release of new and innovative solutions such as our native Mobile Solution and Solution Suite, we continue to strive to address the needs of our home health and hospice customers. With Brad on our team, we are positioning ourselves to bring these high-value solutions to new customers and through new channels. Caldwell brings to HEALTHCAREfirst a deep background in home health and hospice technology, with more than 20 years of experience in consultative selling, business development, and strategic marketing. Prior to joining HEALTHCAREfirst, he was instrumental in starting the home health telehealth industry and has been an Executive Vice President of Sales for a worldwide post-acute software company. Additionally, Caldwell is on the Board of Directors for the Home Care Association of Florida and Connected Healthcare Solutions. About HEALTHCAREfirst HEALTHCAREfirst provides cloud based technologies and services to improve business and clinical operations for over four thousand home health and hospice providers across the United States. Based in Springfield, MO and one of the fastest growing providers of its kind, the company provides agency and clinical management software, outsourced revenue cycle management services (billing, coding and chart audits), and cloud based Deyta analytics and program management solutions, in any combination. HEALTHCAREfirsts breadth of solutions offers agencies a single source to improve patient care, create operational efficiencies, increase profitability and simplify CMS compliance. With HEALTHCAREfirst, agencies can focus on patients instead of paperwork. For more information call 800.841.6095 or visit the companys website at http://www.healthcarefirst.com. A new study in STEM CELLS Translational Medicine offers people with genetic hearing loss the promise of a new therapy that just might outperform artificial cochlear implants. Implants currently are the most effective way to treat sensorineural hearing loss, a type of hereditary hearing loss caused by genetic mutations in the hair cells the sensory receptors of the auditory system, found in the inner ear (the cochlea). A cochlear implant helps transfer sound to the patients hearing nerves and enables them to hear. But many researchers believe that stem cells could offer a more comprehensive and better fix for this problem. If we can find a way to correct gene mutations using stem cells it might restore the normal function of the hair cells and, thus, the patients hearing, too, said Jin-Fu Wang, Ph.D., a lead investigator on the study conducted with colleagues at Zhejiang University, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Wenzhou Medical University in China, and Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and Emory University in the United States. In previous studies, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from human adult somatic tissue such as skin and urinary cells have been generated from patients with ALS, spinal muscular atrophy, diabetes and other diseases for testing potential therapies and to correct disease-specific genes. The Wang team wanted to try this approach for sensorineural hearing loss. They hypothesized that a protein-coding gene called MYO7A plays an important role in the assembly of stereocilia into bundles. (Stereocilia are the part of the hair cells that respond to fluid motion. Their bending is how hair cells sense sounds.) If they could use stem cells to repair the mutated MYO7A, that might result in proper growth of the stereocilia and correct the hearing loss. The team began by generating three iPSC lines from the urinary cells of a 7-year-old hearing loss patient with compound MYO7A gene mutations, her asymptomatic father and a healthy 26-year-old female donor, respectively. The iPSC line from the 7-year-old hearing loss patient were used to correct the MYO7A mutation with CRISPR/Cas9 technique, resulting in morphologic and functional recovery of hair cell-like cells derived from the corrected iPSCs. The current findings confirmed our hypothesis and might provide further insight into what is behind sensorineural hearing loss. Our hope is this will facilitate the development of iPSC-based gene therapy for genetic disorders, Dr. Min-Xin Guan, another lead investigator, concluded. In the future, transplantation of these functionally recovered cells may prove to be a promising therapy for deafness resulting from gene mutation, said Anthony Atala, M.D., Editor-in-Chief of STEM CELLS Translational Medicine and Director of the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine. The authors outline a variety of obstacles that must first be overcome, including finding more efficient methods to derive the large number of cells needed for treatment and developing a method to insert the cells. ### The full article, Genetic correction of iPSCs from a deaf patient with MYO7A mutation results in morphologic and functional recovery of the derived hair cell-like cells, can be accessed at http://stemcellstm.alphamedpress.org/content/early/2016/03/23/sctm.2015-0252.abstract About STEM CELLS Translational Medicine: STEM CELLS Translational Medicine (SCTM), published by AlphaMed Press, is a monthly peer-reviewed publication dedicated to significantly advancing the clinical utilization of stem cell molecular and cellular biology. By bridging stem cell research and clinical trials, SCTM will help move applications of these critical investigations closer to accepted best practices. About AlphaMed Press: Established in 1983, AlphaMed Press with offices in Durham, NC, San Francisco, CA, and Belfast, Northern Ireland, publishes two other internationally renowned peer-reviewed journals: STEM CELLS (http://www.StemCells.com), celebrating its 34th year, is the world's first journal devoted to this fast paced field of research. The Oncologist (http://www.TheOncologist.com), also a monthly peer-reviewed publication, entering its 21st year, is devoted to community and hospital-based oncologists and physicians entrusted with cancer patient care. All three journals are premier periodicals with globally recognized editorial boards dedicated to advancing knowledge and education in their focused disciplines. Glen Ballard, Owner I plan to be involved in my business at the application level, not just as the owner/manager. Lawn Doctor is pleased to announce the opening of Lawn Doctor of South Jacksonville-Saint Johns, owned and operated by Jacksonville resident Glen Ballard. After serving in the US Army for three years, Ballard worked in a variety of businesses, primarily in construction. From 2000 to 2013, he was employed in heavy and civil engineering construction, building roads and bridges in NE Florida. Most recently, he held the position of Operations Manager for a construction contractor, before deciding to become an entrepreneur. I plan to be involved in my business at the application level, not just as the owner/manager, said Ballard. I believe this will allow me to be the most responsive, and provide the best service to my customers. Lawn Doctor of East Jacksonville will take care of all your yard care needs, including lawn and shrub care and maintenance, aeration and Yard Armour mosquito and tick control. In evaluating business ownership, Ballard says, I feel best when I am able to enjoy my home, and be involved in a business that allows me to help others improve their homes. It is my personal theory that we need to make the world a little better everywhere we go, every day and Lawn Doctor has the attributes I was looking for to make all that happen. I was initially drawn to Lawn Doctor because it of its stability, and how the work appealed to me its something I can be passionate about. Ultimately, though, I was drawn to the corporate culture, which strongly promotes supporting the team that is out in the field. Based on previous experience, I am acutely aware that nothing is earned if the field forces are not supported. Ballard is an outdoorsman, who enjoys spending his spare time camping and riding off-road vehicles. His favorite spot is Black Creek in the peace and calm of early morning. He also likes to explore local locales that combine the outdoors with history, such as St. Augustine, Heugonot, and Ft. Clinch. We are delighted to welcome Glen to the Lawn Doctor family of companies, said Scott Frith, Lawn Doctor President and CEO. Being an outdoorsman is such a plus in this business, and the work ethic that Glen has will undoubtedly make his customers very happy. As a business owner in the Jacksonville community, Ballard hopes to contribute to activities that involve health and wellness, as well as charities for pets and children. He is especially excited to be building a successful enterprise that his son may decide to take over when the time is right. Contact Lawn Doctor of East Jacksonville at 904. 217.7983, email group1185(at)lawndoctor(dot)com, or click here to get your free quote today: http://www.lawndoctorsouthjacksonville.com/. ABOUT LAWN DOCTOR, INC. Lawn Doctor, the largest lawn care franchise in the country, is comprised of locally owned and operated businesses supported by a national brand. The Lawn Doctor family of approximately 500 franchises in more than 40 states uses proprietary technology and equipment, designed and built in Lawn Doctors NJ manufacturing facility. Backed by a 100 percent guarantee, the licensed services provided by Lawn Doctor help maintain and improve overall condition and appearance of customers properties, as well as protect health and comfort with mosquito and tick control. For more information on Lawn Doctor, visit http://www.lawndoctor.com and http://www.lawndoctorfranchise.com. ### Lucas Group I sincerely congratulate every strong and influential female executive who was nominated for this award through Addison Magazine. Andrea Andi Jennings, president and chief executive officer of Lucas Group, North Americas premier executive recruiting firm, has been voted the winner of the 2016 Top Female Executive Awards held annually by ADDISON The Magazine of the North Dallas Corridor. The prestigious award, which recognizes female executive role models who are prominent in their fields and local community leaders, was announced at the magazines awards luncheon this month. For the past seven years, Addison Magazine has recognized female executives who operate some of the United States top companies. Addison and the North Dallas Corridor are home to many of these businesses, and to all nominees for this award. The call for 2016 nominations took place in late 2015 among the magazines approximately 22,000 business and community subscribers. Jennings was one of 14 finalists. The magazine held open voting earlier this year. It is an honor to be recognized by talented business and community members where I live and work, said Jennings. But there are many winners this year. They include our expert Lucas Group associates nationwide and our leadership team, who collectively make every success possible. I sincerely congratulate every strong and influential female executive who was nominated for this award through Addison Magazine. You are all are winners. Appointed president and CEO of Lucas Group in 2009, Jennings is a pacesetter in business growth and professional advancement. She has reinforced the firms leadership position in executive recruiting by establishing a dynamic management team and investing in bringing new talent, new clients and new energy to nationwide operations, all founded on exceptional customer service. Jennings has been essential to Lucas Groups expansion, opening offices in major markets, leading acquisition teams and managing strategic partnerships. Jennings was one of the first female recruiters in Lucas Groups Sales and Marketing group, and became a member of the Presidents Club by the age of 21. As the youngest woman to advance into leadership so early in her career, she was later appointed general manager for the Accounting and Finance unit, and grew it from one person into the companys largest revenue-generating practice group. The importance of the individual has remained constant throughout Jennings managerial successes. She continues to grow the company by retaining and hiring people who passionately believe in the mission of building other strong companies through talent acquisition. Addison and the North Dallas Corridor Media Group is a group of media properties focused on the Addison North Dallas Corridor marketplace. About Lucas Group Lucas Group is North Americas premier executive search firm. Since 1970, our culture and methodologies have driven superior results. We assist clients ranging in size from small to medium-sized businesses to Fortune 500 companies find transcendent, executive talent; candidates fully realize their ambitions; and associates find professional success. To learn more, please visit Lucas Group at http://www.lucasgroup.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. Working within an accelerated timetable we were able to negotiate a favorable termination agreement and structure a new lease that provides CCS with an estimated 30% annual cost-savings. Savills Studley announces that Community Counselling Service Co., LLC (CCS) has signed a 12-year, 12,550-square-foot lease at 527 Madison Avenue. The company, which provides fundraising, development services and strategic consulting to nonprofit organizations around the world, currently occupies offices at 461 Fifth Avenue and a New Jersey office at Allaire Corporate Park, Wall Township NJ, which will be consolidated onto the 5th floor of 527 Madison. Savills Studley Senior Managing Directors Patrick Gardner and Howard Poretsky represented the tenant, CCS, in the transaction. The landlord, Mitsui Fudosan America Inc., was represented by James Frederick of Cushman & Wakefield. According to Gardner, the transaction process was complicated by the need to negotiate two simultaneous transactions; a new lease at 527 Madison and a lease termination at 461 Fifth Avenue, which ensured CCS would only be responsible for one lease throughout the relocation process and beyond. CCS plans to relocate in June, 2016. Working within an accelerated timetable we were able to negotiate a favorable termination agreement and structure a new lease that provides CCS with an estimated 30% annual cost-savings, Gardner said. Furthermore, Savills Studleys project management team was retained to ensure timely, high-quality build out and delivery of the newly leased offices. We were thrilled to develop a solution that was beneficial to CCSs bottom line without compromising quality or location, Poretsky said. We are pleased with the leadership Howard and Patrick are demonstrating and their continued commitment to completing this project on time and on budget, said Robert Kissane, President of CCS. 527 Madison Avenue is a Class A office building located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. In 2013 the building completed an elevator modernization along with a lobby renovation, designed by Moed de Armas & Shannon. About CCS CCSs mission is to help non-profits elevate theirs by providing fundraising counsel, development services, and strategic consulting. Each year, CCS provides tailored support to approximately 400 not-for-profit organizations across North America, Europe and around the world. Visit http://www.ccsfundraising.com for more information. About Savills Studley Savills Studley is the leading commercial real estate services firm specializing in tenant representation. Founded in 1954, the firm pioneered the conflict-free business model of representing only tenants in their commercial real estate transactions. Today, supported by high quality market research and in-depth analysis, Savills Studley provides strategic real estate solutions to organizations across all industries. The firms comprehensive commercial real estate platform includes brokerage, project management, capital markets, consulting and corporate services. With 27 offices in the U.S. and a heritage of innovation, Savills Studley is well known for tenacious client advocacy and exceptional service. The firm is part of London-headquartered Savills plc, the premier global real estate service provider with over 30,000 professionals in over 60 countries around the world. Savills plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange (SVS.L). For more information, please visit http://www.savills-studley.com and follow us on Twitter @SavillsStudley and LinkedIn. Executive Chairman for the event is Dr. Wilfried Achenbach, Senior Vice President, Engineering & Technology, Daimler Trucks North America. The SAE 2016 Commercial Vehicle Engineering Congress will feature two hot-topic symposia during its opening day on Tuesday, Oct. 4. The symposia include: Autonomous Commercial Vehicles, Promises and Challenges Symposium In this symposium industry visionaries will present commercial vehicle activities taking place and discuss the potential evolution from todays advanced driver assistance systems to higher levels of automation. Meeting the Challenges of Phase 2 GHG: Implications and Effects Symposium In this symposium, speakers will cover EPAs vision for GHG technology, which are forcing requirements; OEM plans for technology innovation to meet the requirements; and views from Fleets on operational adjustments needed under the pending rules. The SAE 2016 Commercial Vehicle Engineering Congress will be held Oct. 4-6 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill. With a theme of Connectivity, the event brings together a global assembly of both on- and off-road professionals, providing solid, profitable interaction with engineers, supply managers and executives. Executive Chairman for the event is Dr. Wilfried Achenbach, Senior Vice President, Engineering & Technology, Daimler Trucks North America. To learn more about the SAE 2016 Commercial Vehicle Engineering Congress & Exhibition, visit http://www.sae.org/events/cve/. To request media credentials, email pr(at)sae(dot)org or call 1-724-772-8522. SAE International is a global association committed to being the ultimate knowledge source for the engineering profession. By uniting over 128,000 engineers and technical experts, we drive knowledge and expertise across a broad spectrum of industries. We act on two priorities: encouraging a lifetime of learning for mobility engineering professionals and setting the standards for industry engineering. We strive for a better world through the work of our philanthropic SAE Foundation, including programs like A World in Motion and the Collegiate Design Series. -http://www.sae.org - Vertebral Technologies, Inc. (VTI), a company focused on developing minimally invasive (MIS) modular solutions for painful spine conditions, plans to attend and exhibit at a minimum of four (4) Meetings and Conferences focused on Spine Health in 2016. VTI plans to exhibit at the AANS Annual Meeting in Chicago, April 30 - May 4. The theme for this event for the American Association of Neurological Surgeons is Neurosurgery Leading the Way, and will emphasize neurosurgeons role not only in the operating room, but in the greater community. On May 16-20, VTI will be attending Spine Week 2016 in Singapore, the new location for which is hoped to accommodate and attract participants from the Asia-Pacific region. This congress will be held at the Marina Bays Sands Convention Centre, one of the iconic highlights of the Singapore skyline. This fall, the VTI team will travel to Berlin, Germany for EuroSpine, the Spine Society of Europes Annual Meeting. Taking place October 5-7, EuroSpine brings together surgeons, members, and spine specialists from throughout Europe, as well as exhibitors from as far away as the United States, Taiwan, Korea, and China. Finally, VTI will also be exhibiting their modular assembly spinal products at the NASS Annual Meeting October 26-29. The North American Spine Society event will be held in Boston, Mass., and makes note that this will be the largest spine meeting and exhibition in the world. We are excited to continue bringing VTIs innovative products to the global spinal community. We look forward to demonstrating what sets VTIs modular assembly products apart and meeting many of the industrys top surgeons and thought leaders, says VTI Marketing Director Brian Thron. VTI has indicated that the goals of attending these events is threefold, first to bring added awareness of VTI technology and the VTI product line to the spinal community. Second, to offer hands-on demonstrations and opportunities to have conversations about the unique modular assembly of their products, which allows for more stability and a larger footprint. Lastly to meet and share expertise with others in the spinal community. About Vertebral Technologies, Inc. Vertebral Technologies, Inc. (VTI) is a privately held company based in Minnetonka, MN, USA. VTI is dedicated to the design, development, manufacturing and marketing of medical devices to address painful conditions of the spine through less-invasive surgical approaches. Founded in 2005, VTIs products utilize its unique modular-assembly technology to deliver solutions optimized for both surgeons and their patients. VTI has sold over 7,000 InterFuse modular interbody fusion devices worldwide to-date. For more information visit, http://www.vti-spine.com or contact Brian Thron at marketing(at)vti-spine(dot)com or +1.952-912-5400 U.S. CAD, a Building Information Modeling (BIM) solutions consultant and Autodesk Platinum Partner, introduces today the Performance Bundle, a special packaged solution that offers the best value in BIM tools, education, and training for BIM professionals. The Performance Bundle is offered in two versions, and each version incorporates three of U.S. CADs top productivity, education and training solutions: the U.S. CAD Tools, CAD Learning and the BIM Workshops. Many software users working in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry juggle their day-to-day project responsibilities with a desire for professional development and education, and the U.S. CAD Performance Bundle addresses these concerns by enhancing the users productivity with tools and training opportunities, explains Jeff Rachel, Vice President of U.S. CAD. The user can immediately leverage the easy-to-use U.S. CAD Tools in their project workflow and access CAD Learnings extensive library throughout the year to find quick answers and tutorials. Finally, with a BIM Workshops registration, the user gets an opportunity to network with industry peers and attend intermediate to advanced-level courses to expand technical capabilities. The Performance Bundle ($495) includes: One-year access to CAD Learning for Revit or Civil 3D One-year license of U.S. CAD Tools for Revit or Civil 3D One registration to a 2016 BIM Workshops event of the users choice For those professionals who desire more online education, the Performance Plus Bundle ($595) offers one-year access to CAD Learnings All Access Autodesk Library, which includes access to all of CAD Learnings Autodesk courses (over 30 courses in total) including AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Revit Architecture, Revit MEP, Revit Structure, NavisWorks, 3ds Max, Autodesk 360 products, and many more. The Performance Bundle is available now at https://uscad.com/solutions/uscad-performance-bundle/ or call (877) 648-7223. About U.S. CAD U.S. CAD is an AEC industry consultant and Autodesk Certified Platinum Partner on the West Coast and Hawaii. U.S. CAD specializes in helping its customers integrate BIM, sustainable design, and analysis solutions by incorporating a variety of Autodesk solutions along with consulting, implementation, training, BIM modeling and production, configuration and support services. Headquartered in Newport Beach, CA with additional offices in Los Angeles, San Diego, Honolulu, Scottsdale, Las Vegas, and Omaha, U.S. CAD has become the solutions provider of choice for many of the nations leading companies. For more information, visit http://www.uscad.com or call (877) 648-7223. Autodesk and the Autodesk logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. Rigaku Xtalab mini benchtop cystallography system Rigaku Corporation is pleased to announce its attendance at the British Crystallographic Association Spring Meeting (BCA 2016), April 4-7, 2016 at the University of Nottingham. The meeting will address the current state-of-the-art and future developments in single crystal X-ray diffraction and feature a diverse range of talks, posters, workshops and exhibitions. Poster presentations will take place from 7pm to 9pm on Tuesday, April 5th and include: Dr. Alexandra Griffin: Applications of using a silver source for single crystal X-ray diffraction Dr. Tadeusz Skarzynski: Macromolecular data collection and processing solutions for the home laboratory from Rigaku Oxford Diffraction Along with its current portfolio of macromolecular and small molecule crystallography instrumentation, the newly formed Rigaku Oxford Diffraction division will present product news and software demonstrations at booth number 9. Additional XRD solutions from Rigaku will be presented by Scientific and Medical Products Ltd (SciMed) at booth number 12. About Rigaku Since its inception in Japan in 1951, Rigaku has been at the forefront of analytical and industrial instrumentation technology. Rigaku and its subsidiaries form a global group focused on general purpose analytical instrumentation and the life sciences. With hundreds of major innovations to their credit, Rigaku companies are world leaders in X-ray spectrometry, diffraction, and optics, as well as small molecule and protein crystallography and semiconductor metrology. Today, Rigaku employs over 1,100 people in the manufacturing and support of its analytical equipment, which is used in more than 70 countries around the world supporting research, development, and quality assurance activities. Throughout the world, Rigaku continuously promotes partnerships, dialog, and innovation within the global scientific and industrial communities. For further information, contact: Michael Nelson Rigaku Global Marketing Group tel: +1. 512-225-1796 michael.nelson(at)rigaku.com Carry The Load 2016 National Relay Memorial Day is deserving of our Nations attention, affection and respect. Carry The Load today announces that Chase, the U.S. consumer and commercial banking business of JPMorgan Chase & Co., is the presenting sponsor of its 2016 National Relay. Founded in 2011, Carry The Load is committed to restoring the true meaning of Memorial Day as a time to honor military service members and first responders who lost their lives in service to their country. As part of its mission, Carry The Load hosts an annual national relay throughout the month of May to raise awareness and funds for organizations providing direct services to military, law enforcement, fire and rescue personnel, and their families. Since 2011, more than $3.4 million has been gifted by Carry The Load to nonprofit partners across the country. Memorial Day is so much more than a three-day weekend that marks the beginning of summer. It is a day deserving of our Nations attention, affection and respect, said Clint Bruce, a former Navy SEAL and co-founder of Carry the Load. It is an honor to have a company like Chase champion the mission to help America celebrate, honor and remember our fallen military and their families. In previous years, the relay spanned 2,300 miles along the East Coast from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., to Dallas. This year will see the expansion of the relay spanning 4,300 miles along the West Coast, beginning in Seattle, and converging with the East Coast route in Dallas on Memorial Day for a total of 6,600 miles. Registration information and event details can be found at carrytheload.org. Memorial Day is a time to remember and honor our fallen service members men and women who volunteered to serve and, ultimately, gave their lives on our behalf, said Ross Brown, Head of Military and Veterans Affairs for JPMorgan Chase. We are proud to support Carry The Load for a second year, and we encourage all to join us in restoring the true significance of this important day. From April 27 to May 29, the relay will progress 24 hours a day, with rallies taking place in various cities and towns along the route. Chase will host rallies in Seattle, San Francisco, New York, Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, Wilmington, Del., Columbus, Ohio, and Jacksonville, Fla. where employees and volunteers in the communities will walk to remember those who have lost their lives. Chases support of Carry The Load reflects the firms ongoing commitment to the veteran and military communities. Since 2011, the firm has hired more than 10,000 veterans and developed programs aimed at retaining and supporting veterans throughout their post-service careers. These efforts include leading the Veteran Jobs Mission previously the 100,000 Jobs Mission a coalition founded in 2011 by JPMorgan Chase and 10 other companies with the goal of hiring 100,000 veterans. Now 225 members strong, the coalition has collectively hired more than 314,000 veterans, and is ultimately committed to hiring 1 million. About Carry The Load Carry The Load is a registered 5013 nonprofit organization founded in 2011 by two former Navy SEALs. Carry The Load's mission is to restore the true meaning of Memorial Day by remembering, honoring and celebrating the sacrifices made on our behalf by America's military, law enforcement, fire and rescue personnel, as well as their families. Funds raised during Memorial May programs allow Carry The Load to grow its vision and execute its mission, as well as provide existing nonprofit partners with valuable visibility, resources and meaningful connections. For more information, follow us on Facebook or Twitter (@CarryTheLoad), or go to CarryTheLoad.org. About Chase Chase is the U.S. consumer and commercial banking business of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM), a leading global financial services firm with assets of $2.4 trillion and operations worldwide. Chase serves nearly half of Americas households with a broad range of financial services, including personal banking, credit cards, mortgages, auto financing, investment advice, small business loans and payment processing. Customers can choose how and where they want to bank: Approximately 5,500 branches, nearly 19,000 ATMs, mobile, online and by phone. For more information, go to Chase.com. Adam Equipment, a leading provider of balances worldwide, will present a selection of lab balances and scales at several upcoming exhibitions throughout Asia. In the spotlight will be Adams Nimbus analytical and precision lab balances. Nimbus brings a streamlined weighing experience to discerning lab professionals worldwide. Adam Equipment has worked with a number of distributors throughout Southeast Asia for many years, according to Jeremy Storey, Sales Director for Adam Equipment. The exhibitions provide Adam with many opportunities to meet its existing distributors as well as understand the markets better. Attending trade shows in the region gives us the opportunity to assist our dealers, Mr. Storey said. Taking part in more exhibitions and doing more promotions allows us to back up the Adam brand. Adam will exhibit again at Analytica China in October 2016, and also at smaller shows within China, including China Lab 2016 and CISILE 2016. Adam has participated in many exhibitions in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and China over the last few years, and has included Korea Lab on its list of shows for 2016. The addition of Korea Lab to Adams trade show lineup signifies an important milestone for the company. Korea Lab provides an exciting opportunity for the company to demonstrate the Eclipse, Adam Equipments new line of analytical and precision balances. Eclipse brings a balance of distinction, features and performance to any lab, Mr. Storey said. With its capacitive touch keypad and large, clear display, the balance combines innovation and brilliant precision. Suitable for many applications, the Eclipse range features new higher-capacity models. Each year, Adam Equipment participates in approximately 20 shows worldwide, allowing the company to interact with its distributor network, as well as users. Look for Adam Equipment at the following conferences during 2016: China Lab 31 March-2 April, Guangzhou, China, Poly World Trade Center, Stand 1G05 Korea Lab 26-29 April, Seoul, South Korea, KINTEX (Korea International Exhibition Center), Stand 10K205 CISILE 22-26 May, Beijing, China, China National Convention Center, Stand 3257 Analytica China 10-12 October, Shanghai, China, Shanghai New International Expo Centre The comprehensive range of Nimbus models provides users with plenty of features, including numerous weighing units with a customisable unit, and the choice of internal or external calibration. Intuitively designed navigation buttons help users operate the balance with minimal training. Data collection and transmission are optimised with the Nimbus's USB and RS-232 interfaces. Nimbus analytical balances with 0.1mg readability have a glass-enclosed weighing chamber, which disassembles quickly for cleaning. Nimbus precision balances with 0.001g readability have a round glass shield to help minimise effects of air movement. To learn more, view the Nimbus video here. Moisture analysis is used in a wide variety of settings, including food laboratories, manufacturing R&D and quality assurance. The PMB moisture analyser features USB and RS-232 interfaces for saving results or connecting to networks, printers or computers. Learn more about PMB. Highland portable precision balances provide many features that are only available on more expensive balances, including a draft shield, below-balance weighing, internal automatic calibration, and ShockProtect for preventing damage from overloads. Other Adam products on display include the Core portable compact balance, Dune compact balance, Warrior washdown scale, and the AVT anti-vibration table. Adam representatives will be on hand during China Lab to meet with participants, to demonstrate a selection of lab balances, and to answer questions about any Adam Equipment products. Click here to learn more about Adams full line of laboratory equipment. About Adam Equipment For more than 40 years, Adam Equipment has designed and manufactured precision balances and scales for professionals worldwide in the laboratory, medical, education, industrial, food, animal/veterinary and jewellery markets. Adam is committed to offering an extensive selection of weighing equipment with best-in-class value. Headquartered in the United Kingdom, the company has strategically established offices in the United States, South Africa, Australia, China and Germany to provide product support and speedy delivery to distributors. For more information about the company and its products, go to http://www.adamequipment.com. The latest release of Doxim Loan Origination offers many new and advanced lending capabilities. said Chris Rasmussen, President & CEO at Doxim. Doxim (http://www.doxim.com), a leading provider of customer engagement software for financial service organizations, is pleased to announce the availability of a new, SaaS-enabled version of its popular loan origination system. With this new cloud-based, mobile friendly loan processing system, credit unions and banks can redefine their customer experience during the lending process. Loan applications can now be completed at the customers convenience, as lenders can process loans anywhere, anytime on their tablets or laptops. And with integrated eSignature support, this new SaaS version of Doxims popular loan origination solution now offers true, straight-through paperless loan processing. Doxim Loan Origination now streamlines lending into five easy steps, while preventing errors and increasing loan velocity. And with its advanced auto-decisioning engine, automated relationship pricing, and a new enhanced view of member finances, Doxim Loan Origination now offers significant additional automation to lenders, making it easier to select the loan products and options best suited to each individual customer. The solution also significantly reduces data entry time and prevents costly errors by pre-populating fields with data from core banking systems as well as credit bureaus, lien searches & registrations, black books, and insurance providers. The latest release of Doxim Loan Origination offers many new and advanced lending capabilities, said Chris Rasmussen, President & CEO at Doxim. One I am particularly excited about is the new and unique umbrella loan capability, which allows multiple connected loans to be processed as part of a single application. It improves the customer experience while increasing wallet share for our clients. Coastal Community Credit Union (CCCU) has already partnered with Doxim to digitize its loan origination using Doxim SaaS LOS. Adrian Legin, President and CEO of CCCU, believes the system will offer a significant competitive advantage for his organization. Doxim Loan Origination will provide long-term benefits that align with CCCUs goals to significantly improve the lending experience for both our employees and our members said Legin. Our decision to be an early adopter of Doxim Loan Origination stems from our belief that our 80,000 members are seeking seamless, personal, omni-channel interactions with our credit union. The implementation of Doxim Loan Origination represents an important step in our organization-wide response to these changing needs. Support for commercial loan processing will also be added to this new version of Doxim Loan Origination later this year. Credit unions and banks who wish to optimize their loan origination process and start experiencing the benefits of SaaS based digital loan processing are invited to book a free personalized demo. About Doxim Doxim is a leading provider of SaaS-based customer engagement software for credit unions, community banks and wealth management firms. Doxims Customer Engagement Platform helps financial institutions transform their client experience, communicate more effectively throughout the client lifecycle and improve cross sell and upsell activities that drive increased wallet share. The platform addresses key digitization challenges, from automated client onboarding, through improved, personalized communications to anytime, anywhere content access, tailored to a clients channel preferences. This eliminates costly traditional paper-based, manual processes and enables cost-effective provision of an omni-channel experience that delights customers and improves their long-term loyalty. Find out more at http://www.doxim.com. Media Contact: Sean ODonovan, Chief Marketing Officer Doxim 416-840-9910 Dr. Stan Tatkin travels the world training therapists in the PACT Institute's unique approach to couple therapy. The PACT approach Ive developed is unique in that we teach therapists how to guide couples through exercises to forge stronger, more fulfilling connections," said Dr. Tatkin. Dr. Stan Tatkin, PsyD, MFT, will provide a keynote presentation Sewing Partners Together at the Couples Conference on Friday, May 13, in San Francisco, CA. Dr. Tatkin will demonstrate strategic techniques to help health professionals guide couples toward secure-functioning; a term he has coined to describe relationships based on security, sensitivity, justice and fairness, and true mutuality. The PACT approach Ive developed is unique in that we teach therapists how to guide couples through exercises to forge stronger, more fulfilling connections. We show therapists how to empower couples with important skills such as how to become experts on each other, how to read each others faces, and how to fight effectively without damaging their relationship, said Dr. Tatkin. The annual Couples Conference, which features leading-edge relationship theorists and practitioners, teaches health professionals about differing approaches to couple therapy. Keynote speakers in addition to Dr. Tatkin include Esther Perel and Terry Real, as well as Drs. Helen Fisher, Pat Love, Dan Siegel and Ellyn Bader, who started the Couples Conference with Dr. Jeffrey Zeig. Dr. Tatkin will join Drs. Love and Fisher on a panel about neuroscience on Friday morning. Following his keynote, Dr. Tatkin will also host a workshop at the conference, Uncovering Deception in Couple Therapy, on Friday afternoon. Finally, Dr. Tatkin will participate in the Meet the Authors reception on Friday evening. Those attending will have the opportunity to meet him in person. Dr. Tatkin has a clinical practice in Calabasas, CA, and is best-selling author of Wired for Love and Wired for Dating. Dr. Tatkin and his wife, Tracey Boldemann-Tatkin, PhD, are cofounders of the PACT Institute. They travel the world training therapists in their unique approach to couple therapy. The Tatkins also provide Wired for Love and Wired for Relationship retreats for couples and individuals. To learn more, visit http://www.couplesconference.com. More information on PACT therapist trainings, upcoming retreats and the Couple Bubble Campaign is available at http://www.thepactinstitute.com. About the PACT Institute The PACT Institute is a leading global organization that offers trainings for clinical professionals in a method designed to help secure-functioning relationships flourish. The Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy (PACT) draws on more than three decades of research on developmental neuroscience, attachment theory, and arousal regulation. Since 2008, the PACT Institute has trained more than 1,000 practitioners across North America, Europe, and Australia and has expanded the training to three levels. PACT has gained a reputation for effectively treating even the most challenging couples. For more information visit http://www.thepactinstitute.com. About Stan Tatkin, PsyD, MFT Stan Tatkin, PsyD, MFT, has a clinical practice as a couple therapist in Calabasas, CA, and is an assistant professor at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine. He and his wife, Tracey Boldemann-Tatkin, PhD, founded the PACT Institute and lead therapist training programs in cities across the United States and around the world. Tatkin is the author of three well-received books about relationshipsWired for Dating, Wired for Love, and Your Brain on Loveand is coauthor of Love and War in Intimate Relationships. SIGNiX will attend the National Technology in Mortgage Banking Conference & Expo to demonstrate how e-signatures can streamline mortgage banking processes. SIGNiX is the leader in real estate e-signature transactions, and implementing e-signatures into the mortgage banking industry is the next step in creating an end-to-end electronic process for real estate. SIGNiX, the leading provider of Independent E-Signatures, announced today that they will attend the National Technology in Mortgage Banking Conference & Expo to review the latest technology in mortgage banking and to demonstrate how e-signatures can streamline mortgage banking processes. The conference will be held at the JW Marriott L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles, CA, April 3-6, 2016. The National Technology in Mortgage Banking Conference & Expo is hosted by the Mortgage Bankers Association to offer a place where emerging technologies in the mortgage banking industry can join together to learn about everything from new regulations to vendor offerings. SIGNiX Executive Vice President, Pem Guerry, will be attending the National Technology in Mortgage Banking Conference & Expo. He will be available to meet with other conference attendees to talk about the security, efficiency and monetary benefits of e-signatures in mortgage. SIGNiX is the leader in real estate e-signature transactions, and implementing e-signatures into the mortgage banking industry is the next step in creating an end-to-end electronic process for real estate, said Guerry. Im looking forward to meeting with leading industry partners to discuss ideas for expanding adoption in the mortgage banking space. During the conference, Pem will be available to answer any questions attendees may have about implementing e-signatures. About SIGNiX: SIGNiX, the most trusted name in Independent E-Signatures, makes signing documents online safe and secure with comprehensive legal evidence permanently embedded in each document to eliminate any dependence upon SIGNiX. The companys cloud-based service uses patented technology to give businesses and organizations the most secure and legally defensible e-signatures available at a fraction of the cost of wet ink signatures. SIGNiXs products help the worlds leading companies become more efficient, decrease risk and boost profits. For more information, visit http://www.signix.com. You can also follow SIGNiX on Twitter @signixsolutions, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. About MBA: The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) is the national association representing the real estate finance industry, an industry that employs more than 280,000 people in virtually every community in the country. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the association works to ensure the continued strength of the nation's residential and commercial real estate markets; to expand homeownership and extend access to affordable housing to all Americans. MBA promotes fair and ethical lending practices and fosters professional excellence among real estate finance employees through a wide range of educational programs and a variety of publications. Its membership of over 2,200 companies includes all elements of real estate finance: mortgage companies, mortgage brokers, commercial banks, thrifts, Wall Street conduits, life insurance companies and others in the mortgage lending field. For additional information, visit MBA's website: http://www.mba.org. LYONSCG Lyons Consulting Group (LYONSCG), the industrys premier eCommerce digital agency, and Clutch, a provider of customer intelligence and personalized engagement tools that empower consumer-focused brands to identify, understand and motivate their most valuable customers, announced today that LYONSCG has joined the Clutch Connect Partnership Program. Membership in the Clutch Connect program enables LYONSCG to expand its strengths in the eCommerce ecosystem and leverage Clutchs advanced capabilities in marketing, stored value, and omni-channel loyalty. LYONSCG helps online retailers design, implement, host, and support their eCommerce sites, and Clutch integrates with popular eCommerce platforms, like Demandware, Magento and SAP Hybris to help brands maximize the lifetime value of their customers, accomplished by delivering simple, relevant and personalized experiences to motivate them. Both strategies are critical for online retailers to maximize the ROI of their eCommerce platforms. In todays competitive eCommerce space, our clients need better ways to engage their customers, and that starts with enhanced loyalty and personalization capabilities, said Richard Lyons, CEO and president of LYONSCG. The Clutch marketing platform will provide our clients with solutions that are complete, robust, and easy to implement. According to Forrester Research, improving customer loyalty is a top 2016 marketing priority for 82 percent of decision makers at mid-sized companies. Clutchs marketing hub enables eCommerce merchants to identify their best customers, understand behaviors and preferences, and deliver personalized cross-channel marketing. The Clutch platform also provides retailers the option to execute an omnichannel approach to gift card and loyalty programs by enabling cross-channel enrollment, issuance, and redemption. "While finding the ideal marketing technology for today's complex customer is critical for any brand, getting the solution up and running quickly and efficiently is just as vital to success," explained Andy O'Dell, chief strategy officer for Clutch. "We're excited to partner with a proven digital agency like Lyons Consulting Group, because the partnership will elevate the impact our software has on a business." Clutch and LYONSCG will detail their partnership at Demandware XChange, the annual conference for customers of Demandwares Commerce Cloud eCommerce platform, held this year from April 46 at the Diplomat Resort & Spa in Hollywood, Fla. Were excited to be working with Clutch to deliver enhanced eCommerce personalization and loyalty solutions, says Jennifer Kijek, director of strategic alliances for LYONSCG. Our customers look to us to help them find a competitive edge, and Clutch delivers. About Lyons Consulting Group (http://www.lyonscg.com) Lyons Consulting Group (LYONSCG) is the industrys premier eCommerce digital agency, serving brands, retailers and B2B organizations with tailored solutions that maximize their online potential. Headquartered in Chicago with offices around the world, the firm offers a full range of digital strategy, digital marketing, application hosting and support, experience design and eCommerce implementation services for the Demandware, SAP Hybris and Magento platforms. LYONSCG is the recipient of the Demandware Delivery Partner of the Year, Magento Partner Excellence and Magento Innovator of the Year awards. LYONSCGs holistic approach provides every client with a creative, robust and increasingly profitable eCommerce website. LYONSCG is eCommerce Realized! About Clutch Clutchs advanced Consumer Management platform delivers customer intelligence and personalized engagements empowering consumer-focused brands to identify, understand and motivate their Most Valuable Customers (MVCs). Its advanced marketing platform leverages loyalty to capture customer data across point-of-sale, ecommerce, mobile and social channels delivering personalized experiences, intelligent engagements and ultimately, loyal customers. Headquartered outside of Philadelphia, Clutchs solutions impact over 60 million consumers of over 750 brands. Clutch is a proud partner of Safeguard Scientifics and Ben Franklin Technology Partners. For more information visit clutch.com, follow Clutch Holdings on LinkedIn or @ClutchSuccess on Twitter. Antonio J. Silva Transportes e Logistica (AJS), Angolas leading full-service solutions and logistics company for the transportation industry, has announced that it has broken ground on its first trailer and flatbed manufacturing facility. Located in Vianas Industrial Zone, the new factory is scheduled to begin production in September 2016. The factory will produce trailers, as well as flatbeds including large flatbeds for moving heavy machinery. Luis Silva, CEO/Managing Director of AJS said: We are beginning to fulfill the promise of creating a diversified company with a focus on a number of different businesses. We are leveraging our 40-year expertise in transportation to focus on an immediate need in the industry: availability of dependable, well-made equipment. By building here in Angola, we considerably reduce the costs of importing these items, thus further optimizing the transportation industry in Angola." While AJS will be utilizing some of the trucks for its own business, it also expects to see considerable demand for its manufactured products. The primary customers for the trailers and flatbeds produced at the factory will be Angolan-based transportation companies. Silva continued: We are seeing tremendous interest from all quarters in the output of this new factory. Additionally, we are very pleased to be launching this enterprise at this crucial juncture for Angolas economy and we remain dedicated to creating new ideas and revenue streams and continuing to grow. About Antonio J. Silva LDA Transportes E Logistica (AJS) Founded in 1975, Antonio J. Silva Lda Transportes Logistica (AJS) is Angolas number one full-service solutions company for the transportation industry throughout the supply chain, supporting the countrys economy by providing integrated logistical services, transport of goods, stock control, storage, and door-to-door transportation. Antonio J. Silva and his wife started the company with just with one truck for their vegetables and beer production business in Agolas Cacauco district, and now AJS has a fleet of more than 200 vehicles and an extensive number of contracts for its all-encompassing services such as with the dam of Capanda; Catoca Mining Society; Cuango; and Chitotolo. Today, the Company is run by the Silvas second-generation of entrepreneurs with Antonio J. Silvas son, Luis Silva, at the helm as CEO/Managing Director, leading AJS into a future of expansion within and outside of the Angola region in the transportation industry and with charitable giving. Presently, AJS is headquartered in the thriving Angola town of Viana, a suburb of Luanda. To learn more about AJS, visit the Companys website at http://www.ajs.co.ao/pt/ . Jamaica North-South Highway "We must treat this roadway as a runway for other investment projects to take off and secure a brighter, more prosperous future for Jamaica." Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness Grand opening ceremonies were held in St. Catherine, Jamaica on March 23 to celebrate the opening of the North-South Highway. This 41-mile section completes the link between the capital city of Kingston in the South with the tourist city of Ocho Rios in the North, halving the two-hour travel time between the two cities. The highway is a four lane controlled access, tolled motorway with grade separated interchanges and intersections built according to modern international standards. Stanley Consultants, a global consulting engineering company, assisted the Government of Jamaica, through the state-owned National Road Operating and Construction Company (NROCC), by providing technical guidance for design and construction of the highway. Stanley Consultants served as a Grantors Representative (technical adviser) to NROCC, providing design and program review, performing routine construction observations and liaising with government and private sector entities affected by the project. Raul Brito served as Stanley Consultants primary technical adviser on the project. The North-South Highway will make it easier for residents on the south coast to enjoy the amenities on the north coast without a time-consuming and dangerous drive. It will also enable tourists from the north coast to visit attractions on the south coast, hopefully increasing tourist revenue, said Stanley Consultants Team Leader Bob Jacobs. Jamaicans hope the new highway will play a crucial role in helping to resuscitate Jamaicas economy, upgrading the infrastructure, providing economic opportunities for growth, and creating jobs. "We must treat this roadway as a runway for other investment projects to take off and secure a brighter, more prosperous future for Jamaica," Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said at the opening ceremony at the Caymanas Toll booth in St. Catherine. Stanley Consultants has a long history providing transportation services in Jamaica. The firm also provided design and construction services for the 168-mile-long North Coast Highway, which Jamaicans refer to as a national treasure. Completed in 2009, the North Coast Highway connects Montego Bay to Negril on the island's west end, and to Port Antonio on the east end of the island. It is Jamaica's only modern arterial highway connecting major cities on the country's east and west coasts. # About Stanley Consultants: Founded in 1913, Stanley Consultants is a global consulting engineering firm that provides program management, planning, engineering, environmental and construction services worldwide. Recognized for its commitment to client service and a passion to make a difference, Stanley Consultants brings global knowledge, experience and capabilities to serve clients in the energy, water, transportation and Federal markets. Since 1913, Stanley Consultants has successfully completed more than 25,000 engagements in all 50 states, U.S. territories, and in 110 countries. For more information on Stanley Consultants, please visit http://www.stanleyconsultants.com. Contact: Mary Jo Finchum Public Relations Administrator Stanley Consultants 563-264-6485 finchummaryjo(at)stanleygroup.com http://www.stanleyconsultants.com Intellitec Solutions is pleased to announce they will be a contributing member to the NFP Tech Blog, a leading forum for ERP implementation partners sharing best practices and useful information on various matters related to mid-market accounting software for the Non-Profit Industry. As a collaborative effort by top experts in the ERP software field, the NFP Tech Blog will facilitate articles specific to ERP topics that charitable and other not-for-profit organizations face. As a longtime blog contributor as well as a 30-year ERP implementation partner, Intellitec Solutions will be able to bring a breadth of experience to the NFP Tech Blog. Intellitecs focus on the blog will cover topics such as technology trends and the key commercial needs that are making cloud ERP software common, the benefits of cloud computing for accounting departments, and integrating cloud-based applications with other software systems. Intellitec Solutions' contributions will be posted here. About Intellitec Solutions Intellitec Solutions is a leading ERP and CRM provider strategically located along the influential business corridor between Washington and Philadelphia. Specializing in Dynamics GP, Dynamics SL, Microsoft CRM and Intacct, they have conducted thousands of engagements helping companies in diverse industries choose and implement software solutions to improve financial or customer relationship management. Using a proven system designed to maximize efficiency and business insight, Intellitec Solutions team of seasoned professionals provides value-added expertise to their clients. For more information or to schedule a demo of Intacct, please visit http://www.intellitecsolutions.com or call 866-504-4357 # # # All company and product names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners. School choice advocates have contended from the outset that choice policies would advance integration by giving students the opportunity to attend a school outside of highly segregated neighborhoods. In a new brief, Do Choice Policies Segregate Schools?, authors William J. Mathis and Kevin Welner of the National Education Policy Center examine the research evidence. They conclude that, while choice policies might be designed and implemented in ways that advance integration, this has not been doneand the result has been increased stratification by race, ethnicity, special needs status, income and first language. While some choice school enrollments are integrated, the authors contend, the research literature documents an unsettling degree of segregation particularly in charter schools. Choice advocates, Mathis and Welner note, are correct in pointing to the need to address school segregation due to housing policies and school district boundaries, which would result in segregated schools even without school choice. But unregulated choice policies lack the necessary guardrailsrules that should be included within those policies and designed to ensure accomplishment of a communitys goals. Without protections against unconstrained segregative choices, stratification is often exacerbated, not mitigated. Mathis and Welner provide recommendations for policymakers to advance desegregation in order to provide equal educational opportunities for all students: The expansion or renewal of charter schools and other forms of school choice should be contingent on law and policies that result in equal opportunities for all. Current choice laws and policies should be realigned to ensure diversity, by including constraints on stratification caused by unlimited choice. These choice policies should be the result of deliberate policy choices grounded in our larger societal goals for our schools, including the valuing of diverse communities and integration of socioeconomic levels, race, and language. For all choice plans, viable choices should be available, practical and convenient for a communitys least advantaged families. Municipalities should assure socioeconomic and racial diversity in their housing plans and codes, rather than placing the sole burden on schools to overcome larger patterns of segregation. Welner is Director and Mathis is Managing Director of the National Education Policy Center, housed at the University of Colorado Boulder School of Education. This brief is the fourth in a series of concise publications, Research-Based Options for Education Policymaking, that takes up a number of important policy issues and identifies policies supported by research. Each section focuses on a different issue, and its recommendations to policymakers are based on the latest scholarship. Find William Mathis and Kevin Welners brief on the NEPC website at: http://nepc.colorado.edu/publication/research-based-options The National Education Policy Center (NEPC), housed at the University of Colorado Boulder School of Education, produces and disseminates high-quality, peer-reviewed research to inform education policy discussions. Visit us at: http://nepc.colorado.edu This policy brief was made possible in part by the support of the Great Lakes Center for Education Research and Practice: greatlakescenter.org The scent that you choose for your product is a crucial part of what makes a product desirable. Roger Howell, Vice President of U.S. fragrance manufacturer Alpha Aromatics, recently contributed an article to NutraCos Cosmetics magazine. The article, entitled Five Questions to Ask When Creating a Custom Fragrance for Your Personal Care Brand, discusses the importance of knowing your customer demographics so that companies can create scented products in what has become a billion-dollar industry. In this article, Mr. Howell discusses the impact that a thoughtfully produced scent can generate for your company, brand, or product: The scent that you choose for your product is a crucial part of what makes a product desirable . . . . I help [companies] discover what fragrance will be most attractive to their current and potential customers, he writes. As the Vice President of Alpha Aromatics in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Mr. Howell has worked in the fragrance industry for 36 years as a Chief Perfumer and fragrance chemist. He has developed custom fragrances for some of the most popular and iconic brands in the world. As the world-wide personal care market continues to expand and the amount of discretionary income surges in many regions, including the Asian mega-market, he and his team at Alpha Aromatics continue to produce high-quality fragrances for dozens of personal care applications. NutraCos Cosmetics is an international magazine that distributes more than 5,000 hard copies of its tri-annual publication throughout Europe, the United States, and Canada. Additionally, more than 12,000 copies are emailed to cosmetics professionals around the world. The magazine features stories on cosmetic ingredients, personal, hair, and skin care and cosmeceuticals. A copy of Mr. Howells article is available to view at NutraCos Cosmetics and is also available on Alpha Aromatics website. About Alpha Aromatics Alpha Aromatics is a leading creator and provider of custom fragrances for scented products throughout the world. Alpha Aromatics fragrances are an essential ingredient in many fine perfumes and well-known consumer product brands, including personal care products, candles and diffusers, home care fragrances, and industrial and institutional products. To find out more, visit http://www.alphaaromatics.com. Media contact: Dana Hardek Higher Images 412-370-9694 dhardek(at)higherimages(dot)com We want to invest in students and expose them to the rewards of careers in healthcare," -Alex Paley, Health Care Navigator executive asset manager Health Care Navigator (HCN) today announced the kickoff of a scholarship and internship program in partnership with UNCF. The Health Care Navigator Scholars Program will provide qualified African American college students and graduates with opportunities to experience careers in all segments of the long-term care and senior housing fields. Healthcare is one of the fastest-growing industries in the United States, yet many college students are not aware of the array of available opportunities within it, said Alex Paley, executive asset manager of HCN. We want to invest in students and expose them to the rewards of careers in healthcare; careers that are not just available in clinical positions, but rather, in all disciplines that support the delivery of carewhether it be information technology, finance, legal services or marketing. Our joint program with UNCF is a very important first step in addressing this. A recent Georgetown University workforce study found that African Americans are underrepresented in the number of college majors associated with the fastest-growing, highest-paying occupations, with only seven percent entering the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. HCN is a national healthcare asset management and shared back-office services firm working with clients in the long-term care and senior housing industry, while UNCF is the nations largest minority education assistance organization. Collectively UNCF and HCN will provide qualified African American college students and graduates with careers in a major segment of the healthcare industry. We are excited to work with HCN to design what we believe will be a dynamic student professional development program for our students who aspire to careers in the healthcare industry, said Larry Griffith, UNCF senior vice president of scholarships and programs. Our portfolio of healthcare internship and scholarship programs is growing to cover the many different aspects of caring for Americas people. As baby boomers begin to age, well indeed need more professionals working in long-term care and the senior housing industry. As we develop these type of college-to-career pipelines, UNCF and our partners like HCN are supporting the future health of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and our nations diverse population. Eight selected African American college students will each receive a $2,500 Health Care Navigator scholarship and will be offered a paid internship in South Carolina, Florida, or HCNs corporate office in White Plains, NY, with the potential opportunity for employment upon graduation. The selected scholars will also participate in a professional development and leadership conference this summer hosted by UNCF with support from Health Care Navigator. Eligible students must be enrolled full time as juniors or seniors at a four-year HBCU or be enrolled as a first-year law school student attending the institution of their choice, and must be interested in pursuing a career in healthcare. Additional scholars will be selected to receive a $2,500 Health Care Navigator scholarship. The first cohort of HCN Scholars will be announced in mid-spring 2016. I couldnt be more excited that HCN and several of its clients will be working with UNCF. I hope that we can identify future leaders from the African American community out of this program that will help build dynamic and diverse healthcare companies for the next 50 years, said Ahmad Rashad, an adviser to HCN. ### About Health Care Navigator, LLC Health Care Navigator, LLC (HCN) is a full-service asset management and shared services company dedicated to providing specific value-added services to operators, investors and lenders in the senior housing, post-acute and long-term care fields, as well as in related industries such as hospice, rehabilitation, durable medical equipment, medical technology and institutional pharmacy. HCN also has a financial and investment-consulting business centered on finding and evaluating the most appropriate investment or lending opportunities for operators in the senior housing, post-acute and long-term care industries. About UNCF UNCF (United Negro College Fund) is the nations largest and most effective minority education organization. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports students education and development through scholarships and other programs, strengthens its 37 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education and college readiness. UNCF institutions and other historically black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding nearly 20 percent of African American baccalaureate degrees. UNCF awards more than $100 million in scholarships annually and administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at over 1,100 colleges and universities. Its logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized motto, A mind is a terrible thing to waste, but a wonderful thing to invest in. Learn more at UNCF.org. For continuous news and updates, follow UNCF on Twitter, at @UNCF. Download and share the event flier. The [National Pain] Strategy envisions an environment where people with pain have access to educational materials and can learn effective approaches to prevent, cope with, and reduce pain and its disability." Allsup, a nationwide Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) representation company, will host the Web event, True Help Claiming Power Over Pain, on Thursday, April 21, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (CST). The first in the 2016 series of Web events created to empower individuals living with chronic illness and disabilities, True Help Claiming Power Over Pain will help individuals strengthen their personal power resources to improve quality of life, increase function and reduce the sense of suffering. This Web event is especially relevant given the recent release of the National Pain Strategy, said Tai Venuti, Allsup manager of Strategic Alliances. The Strategy envisions an environment where people with pain have access to educational materials and can learn effective approaches to prevent, cope with, and reduce pain and its disability. Thats the environment True help Claiming Power Over Pain creates. People living with chronic pain and experts from the American Chronic Pain Association, Arthritis Foundation, Invisible Disabilities Association and Allsup will help participants recharge their personal power resources. Power resources often drained by chronic pain include physical strength, psychological stamina, hope, positive self-esteem, finances and social support. The Web event will feature interactive activities, including group chats, Q and A with the experts, instant polls and opportunities to win prizes. Register for True Help Claiming Power Over Pain, at Webinar.Allsup.com. Additional True Help Web events are planned for the following dates: True Help Claiming Power to Improve Your Mental Health, June 16 True Help Claiming Power to Improve Relationships, August 18 True Help Claiming Power Over Your Finances, Oct. 20 For information on SSDI eligibility, visit Expert.Allsup.com or call (888) 841-2126. ABOUT ALLSUP Allsup and its subsidiaries provide nationwide Social Security disability, veterans disability appeal, re-employment, exchange plan and Medicare services for individuals, their employers and insurance carriers. Allsup professionals deliver specialized services supporting people with disabilities and seniors so they may lead lives that are as financially secure and as healthy as possible. Founded in 1984, the company is based in Belleville, Illinois, near St. Louis. Visit http://www.Allsup.com or connect with Allsup at http://www.facebook.com/allsupinc. Carrington Dean Managing Director Peter Dean (on left) accepting official accreditation to the Glasgow Living Wage from Ballie Philip Braat (on right), Treasurer of Glasgow City Council Poverty and debt remain significant problems for many families in Glasgow. There are many reasons why people struggle with debt, but having a job which pays a proper living wage is an important element in helping people deal with unaffordable debt Carrington Dean, a leading debt advice and solutions company headquartered in Glasgow, has become the latest employer and first debt solutions specialist to back the Glasgow Living Wage initiative which rises to a new higher rate on April 1, the same day the new UK National Living Wage is introduced. The Glasgow Living Wage, which is a voluntary initiative, increases by 0.40 to 8.25 per hour to take into account increased living costs. The Glasgow Living Wage is 1.05 higher than the mandatory 7.20 per hour UK National Living Wage for workers aged 25 and over which also takes effect from April 1. Carrington Dean which employs 60 people in Glasgow, received its accreditation to the Glasgow City Council initiative from Bailie Philip Braat, Treasurer for Glasgow City Council. The company, which has just relocated to new premises in West George Street from Buchanan Street, has also agreed to become an ambassador for the scheme. Carrington Dean made the decision to back the Glasgow Living Wage to underline the firms commitment to its own staff and to signal support for the Glasgow City Council initiative which helps to tackle in-work poverty which affects an estimated one-in-five employees in Scotland. Carrington Dean, which has helped more than 20,000 families in Scotland to resolve problem debt since the firm was founded by Peter Dean in 2001, is one of the largest independent debt advice and solutions companies in Scotland. The company, which also has Investors in People accreditation, already met the criteria for the Glasgow Living Wage, with a number of the firms employees, including qualified financial professionals, earning significantly higher salaries. Carrington Dean Managing Director Peter Dean said: Poverty and debt remain significant problems for many families in Glasgow. There are many reasons why people may be struggling with debt, but having a job which pays a proper living wage is an important element in helping people deal with unaffordable debt. He added: We make a significant investment in training to ensure that all our staff provide consistently high quality advice to people seeking help with unaffordable debt. As a responsible employer supporting skilled jobs we believe it is important to support the Glasgow Living Wage initiative. It is not only a good thing to do, it is the right thing to do and we would encourage other employers to support this initiative. Glasgow City Council was the first Scottish Local Authority to introduce a living wage for all staff in 2009. A total of 435 employers collectively employing more than 88,000 people in the city have signed up to the Glasgow Living Wage initiative. The council is now working to secure commitments from as many employers as possible to paying the new higher wage which takes effect on April 1. Bailie Philip Braat, City Treasurer for Glasgow City Council said: We are delighted that Carrington Dean is supporting the Glasgow Living Wage initiative. We are particularly pleased that a company which has first-hand knowledge of the financial problems many of our citizens face, is supporting us as an ambassador. Glasgow City Council led the way in Scotland in tackling in work poverty among council employees and we are committed to encouraging more private sector employers to support the initiative. It delivers benefits for employers because it helps them to retain staff and it is good for employees because they feel valued by their employer. NOTES TO EDITOR Media contact: Valerie Darroch, Director of Communications, Carrington Dean ValerieDarroch(at)carringtondean(dot)com 07970 737708 Photographs are available to accompany this news story - showing Peter Dean, Managing Director and staff of Carrington Dean receiving an accreditation certificate for the Glasgow Living Wage initiative from Bailie Philip Braat, City Treasurer for Glasgow City Council. About Carrington Dean Carrington Dean Group is a privately-owned business headquartered in Glasgow, offering specialist advice and solutions covering a range of financial issues including personal insolvency. Founded and headed by Managing Director Peter Dean, the group includes Your Debt Expert, one of Scotlands largest independent debt solutions business. Your Debt Expert has helped more than 20,000 people in Scotland to resolve debt problems since the group was established in 2001. A Chartered Accountant and former Partner at a global accountancy firm, Peter is an expert in both personal and corporate debt solutions. Carrington Dean is the largest Payment Distributor for the Debt Arrangement Scheme, the statutory Scottish debt solution. http://www.carringtondean.com About Glasgow Living Wage The Glasgow Living Wage was launched in March 2009 by Glasgow City Council to tackle in-work poverty. Glasgow City Council was the first Scottish Local Authority to introduce a guaranteed minimum standard of income for all Council workers and when it was introduced, it resulted in a pay increase for 5,000 of the councils lowest paid staff. The Glasgow Living Wage will rise to 8.25 from 7.85 on 1 April 2016. A total of 435 employers in Glasgow employing more than 88,000 people have joined the Glasgow Living Wage scheme. https://www.glasgowlivingwage.co.uk Downstream Fish Passage is one of two prize competitions launched by the Bureau of Reclamation. Through these prize competitions, Reclamation and its partners are seeking solutions from beyond the usual sources of experts that work in these fields. Past News Releases RSS Bureau of Reclamation Selects Three... Eleven Organizations to Establish... Bureau of Reclamation Selects 16... The Bureau of Reclamation has launched two prize competitions to seek new ideas and better methods for fish to move downstream past large dams and to detect the movement of soils within earthen dams, canals and levees. Through these prize competitions, Reclamation and its partners are seeking solutions from beyond the usual sources of experts that work in these fields. These competitions are open through May 10, 2016. The Downstream Fish Passage at Tall Dams' prize competition was developed to help migrating juvenile fish over or around tall dams. Moving migrating juvenile fish past tall dams will ensure habitat connectivity that many threatened and endangered fish populations need to survive and reproduce. Reclamation and its federal, state and local partners responsible for recovering threatened and endangered fish recovery will benefit from new and better methods of providing fish passage at these large dams. It will also help Reclamation meet the National Marine Fisheries Service's biological opinions, such as the 2009 biological opinion for passage of Sacramento winter-run and spring-run Chinook salmon and for Central Valley steelhead upstream of Shasta, New Melones and Folsom dams. Reclamation is collaborating with the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the California Department of Water Resources on this prize competition. The winners of this prize competition will share $20,000. The Detection of Movement of Soils Within Earthen Dams, Canals and Levees prize competition seeks to detect the movement of material earlier than observable by currently used visual inspection and instrumentation methods. This can help prevent the loss of life, property and interruption of the service the infrastructure provides. Water storage behind earthen dams, the movement of water through canals and flood protection provided by levees support the quality of life of people around the globe. The early stages of soil moving in an earthen structure, also known as internal erosion, is largely invisible. Current methods cannot provide early detection of this damaging process. Reclamation is collaborating with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the State of Colorado Dam Safety Program on this prize competition. The winners of this prize competition will share $20,000. To register and learn more about these new prize competitions, go to http://www.challenges.gov. To learn more about Reclamations Water Prize Competition Center, please visit http://www.usbr.gov/research/challenges/. Recently, Challenge.gov celebrated its fifth anniversary. Challenge.gov is a historic effort by the federal government to collaborate with members of the public through incentive prizes to address our most pressing local, national, and global challenges. True to the spirit of President Obama's charge from his first day in office, federal agencies have collaborated with more than 200,000 citizen solversentrepreneurs, citizen scientists, students, and morein more than 440 challenges, on topics ranging from accelerating the deployment of solar energy, to combating breast cancer, to increasing resilience after Hurricane Sandy. Global Futurist Jack Uldrich A variety of technological, demographic and cultural forces are converging at this unique moment in history and stand poised to revolutionize the workplace of the future. The ever expanding landscape of technology is bombarding organizations with new realities every day. Daily strides are being made that outmode yesterday's advancement. How can organizations and industries like utilities and manufacturing keep up? Global futurist Jack Uldrich says it's mostly about mindset. "Old dogs can, and will have to, learn new tricks in order to survive in these fast paced times. An open attitude toward change and learning can mean the difference between an organization flourishing or stagnating." Uldrich speaks and delivers strategic planning workshops on embracing change all over the world. During the month of April, he will deliver 4 keynotes across the US and in Europe. For Uldrich, the approach to international travel runs parallel to the message to his audiences:, he says, "It too is all about mindset." When asked if he was nervous to travel abroad to Brussels, Uldrich replied, "The security will be much better. So, ironically, it's probably the safest time to travel." When asked about the content of his upcoming keynotes, Uldrich replied, "A variety of technological, demographic and cultural forces are converging at this unique moment in history and stand poised to revolutionize the workplace of the future. These keynotes are designed to help each organization navigate the tricky waters of change and technological revolution specific to their industry." Uldrich's work as a futurist is focused not just helping organizations survive the tides of change, but helping them thrive among them. (More of Uldrich's thoughts on game-changing technologies of the future can be read here.) Uldrich delivers messages along these lines to a wide array of clients including Verizon, Emerson, the Urban Land Institute, MCI Canada, Blue Cross Blue Shield and various educational institutions such as Kent State, and the University of Wisconsin School of Business, among others. Uldrich's events in April include: April 03, 2016 American Planning Association Phoenix, AZ April 12, 2016 Emerson Brussels, Belgium April 18, 2016 Personify Tampa, FL April 28, 2016 Power South Andalusia, AL For more information on Uldrich's speaking, writing and upcoming engagements visit his website. Smith-Batchen will run 3,100 miles from LA to NYC during her bid to break the men's transcontinental running record I am fitter and stronger emotionally and spiritually, and I know what I need to do to get it done. I believe I can do this and why not try? Nuu-Muu - creator of flattering and versatile Made in the USA dresses for active women - will outfit legendary endurance athlete Lisa Smith-Batchen while she runs 3,100 miles from LA to NYC. Her goal? Nothing short of breaking the mens transcontinental running record. In order to beat this record, and inadvertently set the womens record, Smith-Batchen will average 68 miles a day. We love Lisa's indomitable spirit, said Nuu-Muu founder Ashley Fullenwider. Nuu-Muu supports women who are stepping up to their personal challenges. Lisas goals always benefit a worthy cause, and we are happy to be part of her journeys. Smith-Batchen a 55-year-old mother of two will wear Nuu-Muus iconic dresses during her 3,100 mile run from Los Angeles to New York City. Dubbed Run The Nation, her effort will begin on April 24th, 2016 and aims to break the current record of 46 days and 8 hours, which was set by Frank Giannino Jr. in 1980. This is the third time Smith-Batchen has worn Nuu-Muu during an epic endurance accomplishment. In 2010, she ran 50 miles a day in all 50 states in 2 months to raise funds for clean water, covering a total of 2500 miles. In 2014, she successfully completed the grueling 135 -mile route of Badwater, known as the worlds toughest footrace four times, back-to-back, including two summits of the 14,505-foot Mt. Whitney. Smith-Batchen is confident she will break the record. I am fitter and stronger emotionally and spiritually, and I know what I need to do to get it done. I believe I can do this and why not try? But why try in a Nuu-Muu dress? While I was running 50 miles in all 50 states, my friend Tammy introduced me to Nuu-Muu, explained Smith-Batchen. She bought me a dress and I loved it so much that I never ran in shorts again! I love the feel of the dress. Its so comfortable; non-restricting, no rubbing or chaffing and the silky feeling is wonderful. In the heat the dress does not stick to your body and I love the pocket in the back to carry my salt sticks and cell phone. Nuu-Muu was founded to accentuate the fun factor while trying brave things, Fullenwider adds. Sometimes that means getting through a Monday and sometimes that means running your first race or beating cancer. Lisa is a heroine who inspires all she touches. We couldnt be more proud and honored to support her as a human, woman, mother and athlete! Smith-Batchen uses her ability to run extreme mileage to raise funds and awareness for her chosen causes. Lisas run is far more important than breaking a record, or adding her name to a list of legendary athletes. Her effort is for something bigger than herself, explains Smith-Batchens website runthenation.org. Funds raised during Run The Nation will benefit The Tyler Robinson Foundation, the mission of which is to strengthen families financially and emotionally as they cope with the tragedy of a pediatric cancer diagnosis. Smith-Batchen currently resides in Jackson Hole, WY with her husband Jay Smith-Batchen and their two daughters. For more information on Smith-Batchen and her journey, please visit runthenation.org. END About Nuu-Muu Nuu-Muu started in 2008 with a singular offering: the classic Nuu-Muu exercise dress. Since then, a fiercely devoted customer base has helped the company grow steadily. Dedicated to the idea that activewear can be fun and truly flattering and that a company can contribute to greater good in the world, Nuu-Muu offers a selection of Made in USA women's active apparel that excels technically, yet is also perfectly suited as lifestyle attire. Nuu-Muu is a proud member of 1% for the Planet and the Conservation Alliance, and regularly contributes to endeavors that support strong girls and women. The Cruise Train Seven Stars "The Seven Stars is a work of art on wheels." IRT CEO & Founder Owen Hardy The Society of International Railway Travelers proudly hails the Cruise Train Seven Stars in Kyushu as the latest of its Worlds Top 25 Trains, the first Japanese train to be so honored. Operated by JR Kyushu, the Seven Stars has astounded the travel world since its October, 2013 startup. Clamor for space is so great that JR Kyushu routinely holds lotteries to see who gets to ride. Winners pay up to $1,900 per person per day for the privilege. The Seven Stars is a work of art on wheels, said Owen C. Hardy, Founder and CEO of The Society of IRT, a Virtuoso travel agency focused on luxury train travel since 1983. He tested the train in November. Hardy praised the trains stunning design, locally sourced cuisine and off-train touring. And the English speaking staff combines Asian elegance and hospitality with genuine warmth, he said. The Seven Stars Worlds Top 25 Train status places it among such luxury rail legends as Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, The Pride of Africa, and the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express. Owners and agency staff choose the trains based on direct inspection. Trains cannot pay to be included. The Seven Stars is the grand finale of the Societys Deluxe Rail Journey of Japan tour running Nov. 5-19, 2016. The Society is the first U.S.based travel agency to charter the Japanese luxury train. For more information, call (800) 478-4881 or (502) 897-1725, email tourdesk(at)irtsociety.com or visit http://www.irtsociety.com. The Worlds Top 25 Trains 2016 1. Pride of Africa (Africa) 2. Blue Train (Africa) 3. Cruise Train Seven Stars in Kyushu (Asia) 4. Eastern & Oriental Express (Asia) 5. Maharajas Express (Asia) 6. ShangriLa Express (Asia) 7. Deccan Odyssey (Asia) 8. Golden Eagle (Europe, Asia) 9. Belmond Royal Scotsman (Europe) 10. Venice SimplonOrientExpress (Europe) 11. Belmond British Pullman (Europe) 12. Al Andalus Express (Europe) 13. El Transcantabrico (Europe) 14. Golden Eagle Danube Express (Europe) 15. Glacier Express (Europe) 16. Bernina Express (Europe) 17. Golden Pass Panoramic Express (Europe) 18. Flam Railway (Europe) 19. Royal Canadian Pacific (North America) 20. Canadian (North America) 21. Rocky Mountaineer (North America) 22. Hiram Bingham (South America) 23. Andean Explorer (South America) 24. Indian Pacific (Australia) 25. Ghan (Australia) Russell Page - CEO of DaRK Capital and its worldwide subsidiaries including Imprezzio, Inc. I commend the University of Idahos College of Business and Economics; Due to the exceptional educational opportunities at the University of Idaho, their graduates truly make a positive global impact Imprezzio, Inc.s Chief Executive Officer Russell Page, MBA returned to his alma mater Monday to speak to students at the University of Idahos College of Business and Economics. Imprezzio designs and implements industry-specific software solutions that provide sales and performance management, marketing automation and distribution optimization. Founded in Spokane in 2004, Imprezzio, Inc. now has more than 200 employees in three countries. As a speaker in the colleges Jack Morris Executive Speaker program, Page spent the day with students, faculty and staff. I commend the University of Idahos College of Business and Economics; Due to the exceptional educational opportunities at the University of Idaho, their graduates truly make a positive global impact, said Page. Imprezzio, Inc. has developed a business productivity platform that automates sales and marketing activities, increases efficiencies and improves ROI. Imprezzio, Inc.s client base includes companies of all sizes from small businesses to Fortune 50 enterprises. Imprezzio, Inc.s flagship software has over 200,000 users and manages over a billion dollars in marketing automation spend for clients annually. Im honored to have been invited as a presenter for the 2016 edition of the Jack Morris Executive Speaker Series. The opportunity to give back to the U of I and share some of my experiences with their students means a great deal to me. Imprezzio, Inc. takes pride in helping clients achieve maximum ROI on sales and marketing investments. From our North American and European offices, we serve customers across the US, Canada and the EU. Learn more at http://www.Imprezzio.com "Were strengthening our commitment to the success of our clients and customers, and are excited about what the future holds for Ingram and the book business. John Ingram, Chairman and CEO, Ingram Book Group Ingram Content Group announced today that it has completed the transaction to purchase Perseus distribution businesses. Ingram has acquired Perseus four distinct publisher services brands: Publisher Group West (PGW), Consortium Book Sales & Distribution, Perseus Distribution Services and Legato, along with Constellation, Perseus digital asset management and distribution service. Were delighted to officially welcome associates and clients of Perseus distribution businesses to Ingram, said John Ingram, chairman and CEO, Ingram Content Group. Ingrams center of gravity is shifting to one that is more focused on providing comprehensive publisher services on a global scale. This acquisition supports this shift and our ongoing transformation. Were strengthening our commitment to the success of our clients and customers, and are excited about what the future holds for Ingram and the book business. Ingram will combine Perseus client service businesses, which have 600 publisher clients, with Ingram Publisher Services wide range of digital, physical and print-on-demand solutions to create a premier global services offering for publishers. We will now begin to carefully and thoughtfully examine how best to integrate the people, clients, systems and infrastructure of Perseus distribution businesses into Ingram, said Shawn Morin, President and Chief Operating Officer, Ingram Content Group. We purchased a growing business that has excelled in meeting the needs of its clients. We are happy to combine their expertise with our team in order to better serve clients of both Perseus distribution and Ingram. Ingram Content Group will add Perseus distribution facility in Jackson, Tenn., to its extensive digital and print logistics network. About Ingram Ingram Content Group Inc. is a subsidiary of Nashville-based Ingram Industries Inc. The company got its start in 1964 as a textbook depository and has since grown and transformed into a comprehensive publishing industry services company that offers numerous solutions, including physical book distribution, print-on-demand and digital services. Committed to the success of its partners, Ingram works closely with publishers, retailers, libraries and schools around the world to provide them with the right products and services to help them succeed in the dynamic and increasingly complex world of content publishing. Ingram's operating units are Ingram Book Company, Lightning Source Inc., VitalSource Technologies Inc., Ingram Periodicals Inc., Ingram International Inc., Ingram Library Services Inc., Spring Arbor Distributors Inc., Ingram Publisher Services Inc., Tennessee Book Company LLC, and ICG Ventures Inc. Learn more about Ingram Content Group at http://www.ingramcontent.com. About Perseus Books Group The Perseus Books Groups mission is to enable independent book publishers to reach their potential, whether those publishers are Perseus-owned, joint ventures or owned by third parties. Perseus publishing imprints include Avalon Travel, Basic Books, Basic Civitas, Da Capo Press, Da Capo Lifelong Books, PublicAffairs, Running Press, Seal Press, and Westview Press, as well as partnerships with The Economist, The Nation Institute, and The Weinstein Company. Through Consortium, Perseus Distribution, Publishers Group West, and Legato Publishers Group, as well as through its Constellation digital service offering, which also supports Faber Factory Powered by Constellation, the Perseus Books Group is the leading provider of sales, marketing, distribution, and digital services, serving 600 independent publishers. For more information, visit perseusbooks.com. Contact: Elizabeth Fielding 615-321-3110 / elizabeth(at)tsgnashville.com Can you grow organically in a greenhouse? A lot of people say you can't, but you can. Past News Releases RSS Today J&J Distributing, a produce distributor located near the State Capitol in St. Paul for almost half a century, is announcing it has achieved a couple of pioneering firsts for the Minnesota food industry. We are excited to bring bold innovation to the market by building the first and largest commercial, certified organic greenhouse in the country, and the first urban certified organic indoor growing facility," owner Jim Hannigan explains. Twin Cities' co-ops and popular food retailers, as well as the Produce Exchange at the Midtown Global Market in Minneapolis, will now be able to give their customers something they never could before; year-round organic produce that absolutely locally produced even in the most frigid of Minnesota winters. Appropriately, St. Pauli Boy tomatoes are the first crop to roll out the door this spring at this state-of-the-art greenhouse right in the middle of the city, and local customers such as Lunds & Byerlys, local coops, Kowalskis and Jerrys Foods are receiving some of the first shipments. The $2.4 million dollar, fully computer-automated greenhouse covers almost an acre. One of the most renowned growers in the country, Steve Schrump of Florida, has come to Minnesota to direct the cutting edge operations: raising some 28,000 tomato plants, as well looking at growing hydroponic lettuce, cucumbers, peppers, squash, zucchini, small watermelons, basil and microgreens, to name a few. Basically what were trying to do is duplicate Mother Nature, Schrump said. Were trying to give our plants super rich soil. Plants are grown in specially blended soil for growing organics--cold press, organic fish emulsion fertilizer with seaweed extracts from the North Atlantic. Greenhouse computers monitor and control the emulsification of the fertilizer along with the pH of the water. Its a really specialized process, said Schrump, who has been doing his own research over the years of what works. Can you grow organically in a greenhouse? A lot of people say you cant, but you can. There isnt really anything comparable in the U.S. to what were doing. To the consumer, a local organic indoor farm means we are going to have the safest, tastiest product that you can grow, Hannigan said. For example, tomatoes are harvested and kept in about 50-55 degrees Fahrenheitnot transported long distances in a refrigerated truck which, Schrump points out, breaks down the volatiles that provide flavor and taste. After taste tests comparing tomatoes grown around the region, quite frankly ours are superior, Hannigan said. Our Brix [sugar content] is greater than six, which is high for a tomato. The green nature of J&J Distributings new certified organic indoor growing facility continues the companys ongoing mission to be a model steward for the environment. We put in a water reuse system, so all of our water used to feed the tomatoes will be recycled from our warehouse to our processing facility, Hannigan said. That reduces our water usage from 15,000 gallons a day to approximately zeroour goal is zero. J&J Distributing partnered with Pentair, a water industry leader to ensure there is no water footprint from the new greenhouse. Jim and Deborah Hannigan, the husband and wife who launched and now operate J&J Distributing, also brought together a unique team of experts from multiple industries as well as the University of Minnesota to help determine the exact climate specifications for growing: lighting, temperature, water and fertilizer. Hannigan says his company continues to not only research and develop better growing methods, but plans to continue its grow local focus by launching other similar high-tech greenhouses in old warehouses, industrial areas and even abandoned brown zone sites within the Twin Cities. This is just the tip of the iceberg, Hannigan said. The response that weve had from people in the industry and the customer has been overwhelming. Its exciting to be on the ground floor. About J&J Distributing: Always Exceeding Your Expectations J&J Distributing is a Twin Cities wholesaler which has been distributing fresh produce to local grocery stores, food cooperatives in Minnesota since 1978. Jim and Deborah Hannigan launched the company in 300 square feet with four employees. Now the company of more than 250 employees and its 110,000 square feet of refrigerated warehouse strives to be a truly sustainable enterprise that creates positive economic, environmental and social value. It provides fresh fruit and vegetablesincluding both conventional and certified organic produceto Twin Cities customers from local growers in Minnesota and Wisconsin, as well as from growers in California to the southeastern seaboard, and around the globe. J&J Distributing also maintains the highly esteemed SQF (Safe Quality Foods) Level 2000 Certification, and is the first and the only wholesale distributor/processor in Minnesota to achieve this level of food safety. For more information, visit our website at: jjdst.com. To schedule interviews, contact media liaison Robb Leer at 612-701-0608. ### Ymagis Group New Logo To increase synergies across our divisions, we are streamlining our organizational structure around two compelling names, Eclair and CinemaNext, with the lightning bolt used by Eclair since its foundation in 1907 as a unifying symbol Ymagis Group (ISIN: FR0011471291, TICKER: MAGIS), the European specialist in digital technologies for the cinema industry, today announced a complete corporate rebranding initiative effective immediately, and which will be rolled out through the second quarter of 2016. This rebranding encompasses all aspects of the visual identity of each brand as well as the complete revision of the company tagline, mission and vision statement. The company is now structured into three business units with new names and visual identities. Since its creation in 2007, Ymagis has been a rapidly-growing organization with the acquisition of several digital cinema services companies, including dcinex and Eclair. Our group is constantly expanding its products and services portfolio in addition to introducing our offerings in new markets, explains Ymagis Group Chief Executive Officer Jean Mizrahi. This expansion and growth led to the need to re-evaluate not only our visual identity but our brand positioning as a whole. To increase synergies across our divisions, we are streamlining our organizational structure around two compelling names, Eclair and CinemaNext, with the lightning bolt used by Eclair since its foundation in 1907 as a unifying symbol and reminder of the Groups strong, deep-rooted heritage in the history of cinema - Eclair means lightning in French. It is essential to us today that all businesses be recognized by our clients, partners, investors and collaborators through powerful brands and symbols. 1. All Exhibitor Services activities will now be operated under the name CinemaNext. CinemaNexts main office is in Liege (Belgium) with 17 additional offices in the following cities: Dusseldorf, Cuijk, London, Montrouge, Valencia, Athens, Bucharest, Budapest, Casablanca, Istanbul, Lausanne, Lodz, Moscow, Prague, Rome, Vienna and Zagreb. The business unit is divided into four divisions: Equipment Distribution & Maintenance Software & Manufacturing NOC Services Consulting The CinemaNext name had been adopted since April 2015 by Ymagis Groups London-based independent consultancy unit (also known as dcinex Consulting), which advises private equity firms, investment/property developers, real estate companies/owners and cinema exhibitors. The consulting division will be rebranded CinemaNext Consulting. 2. All Content Services activities will now be operated under the name Eclair. All of Eclair's, Ymagis and dcinexs domestic and international content activities, including Smartjog Ymagis Logistics, will be united under a single brand, Eclair. Eclair specializes in providing content services to the motion picture and television industries (distributors, producers, sales agents, advertising agencies, television broadcasters, VOD/S-VOD platforms, and video publishers). Eclairs main office is in Vanves (France) with 10 additional offices in the following cities: Paris, Berlin, Barcelona, London, New York, Liege, Karlsruhe, Strasbourg, Auxerre and Rabat. The business unit is divided into six divisions: Post Production Theatrical Distribution Services Digital Distribution Services Versioning & Accessibility Restoration Preservation 3. The Ymagis trademark remains the parent brand of the holding company and will be used by all VPF and financial services. Headquartered in Paris (France), the Group is managed by an executive committee made up of Jean Mizrahi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer; Georges Garic, Deputy Chief Executive Officer; Pierre Flamant, Chief Financial Officer; Till Cussmann, Senior Vice President CinemaNext; Christophe Lacroix, Senior Vice President Eclair; and Manel Carreras, Senior Vice President Eclair, Business Development and Studio Relations. We tasked ourselves with developing a brand identity that speaks to our commitment to quality, technology and vision as a glocal partner for the motion picture and television industries, explains Georges Garic, Deputy Chief Executive Officer. In doing so, weve created a distinct and sophisticated look consistent with our new brand architecture: Eclair is a world-renowned brand that brings with it a lofty history dating back to 1907, only a few years after the birth of the motion picture itself, while CinemaNext shows that our services are future looking. What defines our multinational group and our 675 employees around the world is our ability to offer smart and innovative global solutions to clients and implement them on a local basis. In addition to its new visual identities, the Group has incorporated the new Smart Solutions in Action tagline in its brand executions. Chosen for its ability to encompass the companys glocal positioning and services in a single statement, the new tagline will be a highly-visible component of all branding assets. The Groups rebranding initiative will impact all aspects of client-facing touchpoints. The brand migration will be rolled out through the summer and will include the launch of the completely redesigned Ymagis.com, Eclair.digital and CinemaNext.digital websites and new product marketing initiatives. About Ymagis Group Founded in 2007 and managed by professionals from both the motion picture and high-tech industries, Ymagis Group is a European leader in advanced digital technology services for the cinema industry. Through CinemaNext and Eclair, we provide smart and comprehensive solutions to movie exhibitors, distributors, event cinema, production companies, cinema/TV advertising networks, rights holders, TV/IPTV broadcasters, VOD platform operators and video publishers. Over the years, the Group has significantly grown its portfolio of solutions & services and further developed its geographic footprint in Europe with permanent offices in 20 countries. The companys core business is structured around three main units: CinemaNext (exhibitor services), Eclair (content services) and Ymagis (VPF & financial services). As of December 31, 2015, 9,500 cinema screens have been installed internationally by CinemaNext engineers. 7,000 currently avail of service contracts and 6,400 have been installed under VPF contracts. Eclair is the only provider with a content delivery service (via broadband or satellite) across Europe thanks to its network of 3,300 connected cinema sites. A publicly-traded company listed on Euronext, Ymagis Group is headquartered in Paris (France) and employs 675 employees. For more information, please connect to http://www.Ymagis.com, http://www.CinemaNext.digital or http://www.Eclair.digital Century 21 Cedarcrest Realty in Caldwell, N.J. won two prestigious awards for superior customer service and sales production All of us in the entire organization are proud of these enormous achievements. We win these as an office because of the dedication and professionalism of everyone within the company. Past News Releases RSS Bloomfields 5th Annual Restaurant... Century 21 Cedarcrest Realty in... Tracy Chan, Multiple Award-Winning... Century 21 Cedarcrest Realty in Caldwell, N.J. has once again taken home top honors at the annual awards dinner held by the Century 21 Brokers Business Advocacy Association of North & Central New Jersey. The event draws Century 21 broker/owners and real estate agents from the northern and central New Jersey offices, where top performing offices and agents of the prior year are recognized. This years event was held on March 9, 2016 at The Venetian in Garfield, N.J. John Sass (far right in photo), Century 21 Cedarcrest Realtys broker of record, attended with his top performing agents to accept the following prestigious awards on behalf of the agency: The Century 21 Quality Service Pinnacle Award for superior customer service. This is the sixth year in a row that Century 21 Cedarcrest Realty has received the top award in the entire Century 21 system for customer service. In order to qualify, the office must score at least a 95% on a satisfaction survey issued after closing to both buyers and sellers; in addition, a certain level of survey results must be returned. The office also took home the Century 21 Gold Medallion Award in recognition of its total sales production for 2015. This is the second year in a row that the office won this. We have an incredible team at Century 21 Cedarcrest and have increased our sales production every year since 2009, said Sass, who took over the office that year. The agencys top real estate agents were also recognized for their 2015 sales production and superior customer service. All of us in the entire organization are proud of these enormous achievements, said Sass. We win these as an office because of the dedication and professionalism of everyone within the company. In addition to the industry recognition, Century 21 Cedarcrest Realty was named Best Essex County Realtor in the 2015 Suburban Essex magazines Best of Essex Readers Choice Awards. The agency is also committed to serving the wider community and participates in charitable endeavors in the area as well as Century 21s national Easter Seals support. Our whole office gets behind these endeavors, said Sass. Were lucky that we have really great people who not only chose real estate as their career but chose to work at Century 21 Cedarcrest. Century 21 Cedarcrest Realty, Inc. is located at 460 Bloomfield Avenue in Caldwell; it works with home buyers and sellers throughout Essex County and surrounding areas. To learn more, visit http://www.Century21Cedarcrest.com. ### About Century 21 Cedarcrest Realty, Inc. An award-winning real estate agency, CENTURY 21 Cedarcrest Realty, Inc. (Cedarcrest Realty) in Caldwell, N.J. won the coveted 2015 Best of Essex Readers Choice Award, voted Best Essex County Realtor. Cedarcrest Realty works with property buyers and sellers throughout northern New Jersey, including Essex, Morris, Passaic, and Bergen counties under the guidance of broker/owner John Sass and approximately 50 real estate professionals in both residential and commercial real estate. Sass joined the CENTURY 21 Real Estate System as a real estate associate in 1984, and advanced to management in 1988. He is a licensed broker in the State of New Jersey, as well as a graduate of the REALTOR Institute (GRI) and he prides himself in leading the way in Essex County real estate. CENTURY 21 was ranked by J.D. Power as Highest Overall Satisfaction for First-Time Home Buyers and Sellers and Highest Overall Satisfaction for Repeat Home Buyers and Sellers among national real estate companies two years in a row. For more information, visit http://www.Century21Cedarcrest.com Cruise Commander available now for iPad People heading out on a cruise vacation regardless of whether its their first trip on the open water, or their 100th nautical voyage should make sure that they pack the new ultimate cruise companion app: Cruise Commander. Developed by Valentin Sandu and available at no cost from the App Store, Cruise Commander has been specifically designed to make any cruise experience easier, more enjoyable, and more memorable. From the convenience of their iPad or iPhone, users can: Plan their day by checking arrival and departure times for over 1000 ports in more than 200 countries. Users can also research port history, browse photos, browse places-of-interest, get weather forecasts, check out foreign exchange rates. Get insights on the vessel(s) that theyll be voyaging on, by researching and exploring over 200 cruise ships from nearly 30 cruise lines. Automatically build a log that tracks their journey across the water and from port-to-port. Users can add photos, notes and anything else they wish to create a memorable travel journal, and share it with friends and family. A key feature of Cruise Commander is that once a voyage has been selected as a future trip, all the necessary itinerary maps are downloaded and then available offline at anytime. The app also features a crisp, clear layout and interface that looks exceptional. Simply put, Cruise Commander is the ultimate cruise companion app, commented Valentin Sandu. Its perfect for people who are taking their very first voyage, or who are avid cruise fans and love the unmatched experience, joy and beauty of gliding across the open water. Cruise Commander is available now from the App Store at https://itunes.apple.com/app/cruise-commander/id966488270. The app requires iOS 8.3 or later. For additional app information including screenshots and the Cruise Commander Wiki, visit http://www.cruise-commander.com. For more information or media inquiries, contact Mark Johnson on behalf of Valentin Sandu at +1 408 757 0156 or press(at)appshout(dot)com. About Valentin Sandu Based in Bucharest, Romania, Valentin Sandu and his team have developed Cruise Commander with the goal to become a major reference source for technical information on cruise ships and cruise lines to be accessed by travel agents and cruise enthusiasts alike, as well as the go-to source for every cruise traveler worldwide. Kane County Attorneys Patrick M. Kinnally, Patrick M. Flaherty, and Paul G. Krentz The Kane County personal injury law firm of Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur P.C. announces that three of the firms partners have been named 2016 Super Lawyers in Illinois. Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur P.C., an established personal injury law firm located in Aurora, Illinois, is pleased to announce that Partners Patrick M. Kinnally, Patrick M. Flaherty, and Paul G. Krentz have been recognized as 2016 Illinois Super Lawyers. This year marks Kinnallys tenth Super Lawyers recognition, he earned the accolade from 2006-2007 and 2009-2016. Flaherty has been named a Super Lawyer for 12 years straight since 2005, and Krentz has received the honor annually since 2012. Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters attorney rating service, recognizes outstanding lawyers across the country. In each state, no more than five percent of attorneys are named Super Lawyers. The extensive selection process includes independent research, peer nominations, and evaluations. Attorneys selected to receive this elite accolade must exhibit a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement within their respective field. Patrick M. Kinnally is a partner at Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur P.C. He concentrates his practice in general and commercial litigation, immigration, environmental law, and local government law. He obtained his undergraduate degree, cum laude, from Loyola University, and obtained his J.D. from John Marshall Law School. In 2003, the Illinois State Bar Association awarded Kinnally with the Tradition of Excellence Award for general practice. The Kane County Bar Association has presented Kinnally with a Pro Bono Award and Community Service Award for his outstanding contribution to the local community. Kinnally served as president of the Kane County Bar Association from 2010-2011, after serving on the associations Board of Directors for over seven years. He is also rated as AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, which is the highest attainable rating an attorney can achieve. Patrick M. Flaherty is also a partner at Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur P.C. He concentrates his practice in personal injury, wrongful death, workers compensation, and medical malpractice. He obtained his undergraduate degree from DePaul University, and obtained his J.D. from Northern Illinois University College of Law. The American Trial Lawyers Association named Flaherty a Top 100 Trial Lawyer. The National Association of Distinguished Counsel also recognizes him among the top one percent of attorneys in the country. Flaherty received the Community Service Award from the Kane County Bar Association in 2014 and served as president of the KCBA in 2007-2008. The Illinois Supreme Court has appointed Flaherty to serve on its Committee for Character and Fitness, Second District. Martindale-Hubbell has given Flaherty the top AV Preeminent rating based on his legal excellence. Attorney Paul G. Krentz, a partner at Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur P.C., concentrates his legal practice in personal injury matters including wrongful death. He also handles general and commercial litigation cases. Krentz received his undergraduate degree from Valparaiso University, and went on to obtain his J.D. from Valparaiso University Law School. The National Association of Distinguished Counsel has named Krentz to the top one percent of attorneys nationwide. The National Trial Lawyers Association has also recognized him as a Top 100 Trial Lawyer in the state of Illinois. Krentz is also rated a Best Attorney by the Best Attorneys of America organization, and he holds a prestigious AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell. Krentz is an experienced lecturer as he presents for numerous continuing legal education programs across the state on issues related to personal injury, wrongful death, and civil practice. About Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur P.C.: The Kane County law firm of Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur P.C. is located in Aurora, Illinois. The premier Northern Illinois law firm has recovered record setting multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements on behalf of personal injury victims and their families. The attorneys at Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur P.C. successfully represent victims of negligence and wrongdoing throughout Northern and Central Illinois. The firm assists individuals located in the towns of Aurora, St. Charles, Oswego, Montgomery, Elgin, DeKalb, Yorkville, and the surrounding communities. To discuss your case with a knowledgeable and proven Kane County personal injury lawyer call 630-907-0909 or visit http://www.kfkllaw.com to schedule a complimentary consultation. Sometimes a struggling apartment complex just needs a fresh set of eyes and a new team that wants to make a difference. We are ready to take on the challenge. Past News Releases RSS HomeRock Announces Home Purchasing... Aaron Amuchastegui, manager of distressed property acquisition company HomeRock, is announcing a new purchasing campaign that may be of interest to landlords all over the country. The company is currently focusing its efforts on buying distressed apartment buildings and multifamily properties nationwide. With this current distressed property purchasing campaign, the company is seeking distressed or old apartment complexes with low rents, high operating costs, and low occupancy levels. Amuchastegui says interested landlords or owners with a distressed apartment complex or multifamily property that they want to sell fast and as-is should contact HomeRock to see if they qualify. Multifamily properties start out looking great on paper, but older, distressed properties often have monthly repair costs that compete with the price of rent, Amuchastegui says. If you own a property that just isnt delivering the returns youd hoped for and you want to get rid of the burden without having to fix it up, we may be the answer youre looking for. Aaron Amuchastegui's team at HomeRock purchases distressed properties through a real estate investment fund where they diversify the investment across multiple properties. The goal is to provide steady returns to investors, while also decreasing neighborhood blight and improving living conditions for everyone involved. In order to achieve this, the team is looking to buy apartments fast at deeply discounted prices. Since these are investments, we need to acquire these apartment complexes at dramatic discounts in order to take on the challenge, Amuchastegui explains. "We are trying to buy apartments at a large discount, enabling the existing investors or landlords to walk away and ensuring that we have the ability to make the capital improvements necessary to bring everything to a superior position. Once a distressed apartment building is acquired, HomeRocks goal is to completely rehabilitate the apartments and transform them into high-end rental properties. They plan to partner with local agencies to provide a percentage of affordable housing (some section 8 or other government partnership programs), along with full market rental units. Good, low priced rental housing is hard to find, Amuchastegui says. We hope to dramatically improve the living conditions, without dramatically increasing rents. Sometimes a struggling apartment complex just needs a fresh set of eyes and a new team that wants to make a difference. We are ready to take on the challenge. Owners who are interested in selling their distressed property or apartment complex in as little as seven days can contact Aaron Amuchastegui at aaron(at)homerock(dot)com or visit http://www.homerock.com or http://www.ama-assets.com for more information. About HomeRock: HomeRock, located in Incline Village, NV with service sites in Sacramento and Texas, began work with distressed real estate assets in 2009. After the housing market crashed, business practices shifted to the attainment of vacant, foreclosed properties and their rehabilitation into marketable homes. HomeRock's success has driven its growth over the past four years towards a national scope with a more diverse market. HomeRock not only raises the value of a neighborhood, provides new homeowners with a quality product, rejuvenates the housing market and promotes the nation's economic growth, it also delivers consistent, rock-solid returns to its investors. For more information, visit http://www.homerock.com. # # # Based in Pennsylvania, InventHelp is submitting the ALERT SWEAT BAND to companies for their consideration. My friend was attacked from behind while out running, said an inventor, from Chicago, Ill. I thought there needed to be a way to warn runners of potential assailants and dangers, so I invented the ALERT SWEAT BAND. The patent-pending ALERT SWEAT BAND offers an effective way to alert individuals of movement approaching from behind. In doing so, it provides added protection and peace of mind. It also enhances safety and comfort. The invention features a durable design that is convenient and easy to use so it is ideal for fitness enthusiasts, including runners and walkers. Additionally, the ALERT SWEAT BAND is producible in design variations and a prototype is available. The inventor described the invention design, My design enhances safety for runners and walkers. The original design was submitted to the Chicago office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 14-CAG-150, InventHelp, 217 Ninth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp's Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com - https://www.youtube.com/user/inventhelp # # # Larry Chiavaro LendIt has built a solid reputation of connecting the global online lending community and I am excited to share insights during these panels, which provide value to both consumer and small business lenders. First Associates Loan Servicing, LLC, the nations fastest growing loan servicing company, announced today that Larry Chiavaro, Executive Vice President, will once again be a featured expert panelist at LendIt USA, the worlds largest annual gathering of the online lending community. LendIt USA 2016 will be hosted this year in San Francisco on April 11-12 at the Marriott Marquis where it is expected to be the largest online lending expo in history. Larry Chiavaro, a recognized leader in the online lending industry, will be featured on three panel discussions at the event: Nuts and Bolts of Arranging a Securitization on April 11; Investing in an SMB Platform - A Case Study on April 11; and Servicer Panel on April 12. Chiavaro and other panelists will offer insights and best practices on the key issues shaping marketplace lending. I am excited to once again be invited to speak at the LendIt conference and look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with key marketplace lending experts, said Chiavaro. LendIt has built a solid reputation of connecting the global online lending community and I am excited to share insights during these panels, which provide value to both consumer and small business lenders. Chiavaro brings over two decades of progressive experience in the consumer finance industry and has worked with banks, investment banks, finance companies and credit unions. He also has a wealth of industry leadership in the mortgage, auto finance industries and more. Having top industry leaders and experts like Larry Chiavaro speak annually has helped grow the attendance and reputation of LendIt said Peter Renton, Co-founder of LendIt and Founder of Lend Academy. Connecting top industry investors, platforms, innovators, and technology companies benefits everyone in our industry and helps fuel growth. LendIt USA 2016, to be held April 11-12 at the San Francisco Marriott Marquis, is the largest conference in the online lending space, which encompasses both consumer and small business lending. The 2015 LendIt Conference attracted over 2,500 attendees and this years event is on target to be double the size of last year. More information on the upcoming event is available at http://www.lendit.co About LendIt LendIt is the largest conference series dedicated to connecting the global online lending community. LendIt hosts three conferences per year in the USA, Europe, and China. LendIt USA is the industry's annual flagship conference and brings together every major online lending platform from around the world. LendIt Europe and LendIt China are regional conferences that allow attendees to explore those markets in greater detail. Financial innovators, investors and pioneers from all over the world attend LendIt for an opportunity to learn from market leaders, form key business alliances, and showcase and launch industry-moving products and services. LendIt is the must attend conference series for anyone conducting business within the online lending community. About First Associates Loan Servicing, LLC First Associates Loan Servicing is the fastest-growing third-party loan and lease servicer in the United States. With thirty years of experience in the consumer finance industry, First Associates is the countrys leading marketplace lending loan servicer. The company, based in San Diego, works with a wide range of asset classes, including marketplace lending, automotive, purchase finance, powersports, and small business. The company also offers a variety of support solutions, including backup servicing and custodial functions. For more information, visit http://1stassociates.com/. # # # Masiyiwa (right) and Wesley (left) to deliver Commencement and Baccalaureate addresses at Morehouse College Strive Masiyiwa, one of Africas most influential businessmen and Zimbabwes first billionaire, will address the Morehouse College class of 2016 during the 132nd Commencement exercises on Sunday, May 15, at 8 a.m. on Morehouses historic Century Campus. It will be an extra special day for Masiyiwa, the founder of the global telecommunications firm, Econet Wireless. The first nine Andrew Young International Scholars, all whom came from African orphanages and were sponsored by Masiyiwas Higher Life Foundation, will be among those receiving their degrees that day. One of them will be 2016 International Rhodes Scholar Prince Abudu from Zimbabwe. Masiyiwa, a cell phone pioneer, fought a landmark constitutional legal battle for five years that ended a state monopoly in telecommunications and forced the opening of the African sector to private capital. He serves on a number of international boards, including the Morehouse College Board of Trustees. In 2015, Forbes Magazine named Masiyiwa one of the Ten Most Powerful Men in Africa while a year earlier, CNN Fortune Magazine selected him as one of the Worlds 50 Greatest Leaders. Masiyiwa and his wife, Tsitsi, are members of the Giving Pledge, a commitment by the worlds wealthiest individuals and families to dedicate the majority of their wealth to philanthropy. They also finance the Higher Life Foundation, which provides scholarships to more than 42,000 African orphans. Masiyiwa was awarded an honorary doctorate degree by Morehouse College in 2012 in recognition for his philanthropic and humanitarian work across the African continent. The day before receiving their diplomas, the class of 2016 will get a spiritual address from The Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley during the Saturday, May 16 Baccalaureate ceremony at 3 p.m. in the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel. Wesley is pastor Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia. Under his leadership, the church has grown to nearly 7,000 members and nearly 80 ministries. With a passion for young people, Wesley leads a church that this year hosted their 14th Annual HBCU College Festival, where $2.1 million in scholarships were awarded to high school seniors. For the 2016 Commencement/Baccalaureate/Reunion weekend schedule and other information, go to http://www.morehouse.edu/commencement/. To learn more about Morehouse College commencement speaker Strive Masiyiwa, go to http://www.econetwireless.com/strive_masiyiwa.php. To learn more about Morehouse College Baccalaureate speaker, the Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley, go to http://www.alfredstreet.org/leaders/about-pastor-wesley/. ### Ranked Americas fifth Most Entrepreneurial College by Forbes Magazine in 2015, Morehouse College is the nations largest liberal arts college for men. Founded in 1867, the College enrolls approximately 2,100 students and historically has conferred more bachelors degrees on black men than any other institution in the world. Morehouse College has produced more Rhodes Scholars than any other HBCU. Prominent alumni include Martin Luther King Jr., Nobel Peace Prize laureate; Dr. David Satcher, former U.S. Surgeon General; Shelton Spike Lee, American filmmaker; Maynard H. Jackson, the first African American mayor of Atlanta, Ga.; and Jeh Johnson, the Secretary of Homeland Security. My Elder Advocate Franchise We know that there will be a significant increase in providing senior services across the aging continuum and My Elder Advocate franchisees will be at the center of the growth. Past News Releases RSS My Elder Advocate Launches... Mark Brownstein has signed a franchise agreement with My Elder Advocate to open an office in Westchester, NY in May of 2016. Mark brings years of experience in the insurance industry and his passion to help address the needs of elders. I spent a lot of time researching the industry and realized that there were others offering individual services, however no company was able to offer the overarching support of helping families navigate the complex elder care. Said Brownstein. My Elder Advocate has been helping elders and families solve care-related issues and advocating for the rights of seniors for years and I am excited about being part of the franchise system. My Elder Advocate provides families with services that span the entire elder care continuum including: longer term care planning, home health agency placement and nursing home crisis intervention, to name a few. I have been helping elders and elders families for nearly 30 years. Said Jack Halpern, President and CEO of My Elder Advocate. Our mission is to help families confidently navigate the complex, fragmented and sometimes dangerous elder care system. Our elders deserve to age with dignity and live the best quality of life possible and that is what we are all about. After 30+ years in the senior care industry, the companys founders decided that they would have the greatest impact on elders by supporting advocates in communities across the US and began franchising in 2015. We are so excited to be opening a franchise in Westchester and are so fortunate to have a caring individual like Mark providing services to the community." said Claudine Halpern, Chief Operating Officer of My Elder Advocate Franchising. It is estimated that 10,000 people will turn 65 every day for the next 20 years and that by 2030; there will be over 72 million people over the age of 65. As the population continues to age, the need for effective elder care navigation services will continue to escalate. We know that there will be a significant increase in providing senior services across the aging continuum and My Elder Advocate franchisees will be at the center of the growth. According to Ms. Halpern. About My Elder Advocate My Elder Advocate is headquartered in New York, NY, and operates a corporately owned operation in Manhattan and has begun offering a franchise opportunity in 2015. Founded by Jack & Claudine Halpern, My Elder Advocate is the only independent eider advocacy organization in the North America focused exclusively on the needs of elders. For information on the My Elder Advocate Franchise Opportunity, contact their Franchise Sales Director, John Armatas at 855-844-8377 or visit our franchise website RelaDyne, one of the nations leading providers of lubricants, fuel, diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), and industrial reliability services, will be exhibiting its latest Varnish Mitigation services at the upcoming Reliable Plant Conference & Exhibition. With more than 150,000 square feet of exhibit hall space and 75+ learning sessions and workshops, the Reliable Plant Conference covers every facet of industrial lubrication, oil analysis and reliability in one three-day event, held this year April 5-7 in Louisville, Kentucky. Doug Muennich, RelaDyne Varnish Mitigation specialist, will be presenting an informative session on The Real Reasons Why Hydraulic Fluids Fail. With 30 years of experience as a lubrication engineer focusing on oil degradation and varnish mitigation, Doug has been instrumental in introducing varnish mitigation technology into the gas turbine and power generation markets worldwide. During his extensive lubrication career, Doug spent 5 years studying the products of oil oxidation and the formation of varnish with Dr. Akira Sasaki of Kleentek Japan. Doug has been recognized as a Certified Lubrication Specialist (CLS) through the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE) for the last 10 years. Dougs presentation on April 7 will explore the various mechanisms causing hydraulic fluid degradation and the most effective methods for detecting and avoiding premature fluid failure. Hydraulic oils are subjected to increased stresses in todays modern systems, says Muennich. Many of these problems can be addressed through proper oil analysis techniques. At Booth 221, RelaDyne will be exhibiting the companys latest reliability solutions, including its patent-pending varnish removal process, known as Varnish Mitigation, which removes harmful system varnish from lubrication systems. The process addresses varnish as a holistic approach to remove lubricating oil varnish and system varnish without interrupting customer production, bringing long-term varnish solutions to RelaDyne customers. We look forward to showcasing our varnish mitigation solutions and sharing our knowledge with Reliable Plant attendees, says Dan Oehler, RelaDyne Vice President of Sales and Marketing. We know many industrial companies battle varnish daily, and we are excited for the opportunity to discuss our solutions with them. Join RelaDyne, Booth 221, at Reliable Plant 2016 by redeeming your free exhibit pass. About RelaDyne RelaDyne, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, is an industry leading lubricant, fuel, and DEF distributor providing customers with integrated reliability management services for industrial and commercial businesses in the United States. RelaDyne was formed in 2010 by the combination of four industry leaders Mid-Town Petroleum, Inc. (Bridgeview, IL), Oil Distributing Company (Cincinnati, OH), The Hurt Company, Inc. (Houston, TX) and Pumpelly Oil Company (Sulphur, LA). RelaDynes distribution platform spans more than 30 locations serving states in the Central US. In May 2014, RelaDynes industrial services business expanded with the acquisition of Turbo Filtration Corporation (TFC), enhancing their offering to key industrial customers throughout the US. The company also benefits from the support of its business-building financial partner, AEA Investors LP, which manages funds worth approximately $6 billion of invested and committed capital. For more information, visit http://www.RelaDyne.com. Safe Harbor LLP, a Top San Francisco Bay Area Accounting Firm Anyone who lives inside an industry becomes very accustomed to specific terms, not the least of which are professional description terms such as 'accountant Safe Harbor LLP, a top San Francisco accounting firm with expert accountants, is proud to announce an important refresh to its informational page on accountants and accounting issues at http://www.safeharborcpa.com/best-accounting-firm/. The lay public is often confused during tax season among terms such as CPA, accountant, and enrolled agent. The March, 2016, refresh updates the firm's informational page on accounting issues. Anyone who lives inside an industry becomes very accustomed to specific terms, not the least of which are professional description terms such as 'accountant', explained Chun Wong, CPA, managing partner at Safe Harbor LLP. Accordingly, we may use the term 'CPA' and 'Accountant' interchangeably but the general public may think of these as two different things, not to mention 'tax service.' As we ramp up for the busy individual tax preparation season here in San Francisco, we wanted to upgrade our accounting page accordingly. To view the updated informational page on accountants and accounting issues, please visit http://www.safeharborcpa.com/best-accounting-firm/. There, interested parties can learn about the firm's services plus review a short discussion on the term 'CPA' vs. 'Accountant.' Preparing for Individual Tax Preparation Season with a Newly Updated Accounting Page The average lay person often just knows that they need their taxes prepared. This person might have a simple return, or a more complex return with business issues, or even a return that touches on international tax issues. The person may not understand the importance of turning to a certified public accountant or CPA, and may turn instead to one of the national big-box chains that advertise heavily during tax season. While many of the preparers are those big-box chains can be good, some can find themselves over their heads when it comes to complex tax returns, especially those that have businesses, corporations, or international tax compliance issues. By turning to a certified public accountant, the tax payer can make sure to get a quality return prepared, thereby minimizing taxes paid and reducing the likelihood of an expensive audit. The firm's newly updated page on accounting aims to better educate the taxpaying public on the benefits of using an accountant for their tax preparation needs during the busy, 2016, tax season. About Safe Harbor LLP a San Francisco CPA Firm Safe Harbor LLP is a CPA firm that specializes in accounting and tax services for individuals and businesses throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and greater California. Safe Harbor CPAs helps both individuals and businesses with tax preparation, IRS audit defense, and audited financial statements. The firm prides itself on friendly yet professional service and utilizes state-of-the-art Internet technology to provide quality customer service. Safe Harbor CPA http://www.safeharborcpa.com Tel. 415.742.4249 Florida Superior Small Lodging Association I had a wonderful time exploring St. Pete/ Clearwater on my 2015 FSSLA road trip and continue to get traffic to my blog from those posts dd a quotable Due to the success of the First Blogger Road Trip held last year, The Superior Small Lodging Association(SSL) announced its Second Annual Florida Road Trip for travel and lifestyle bloggers to be held from May 1st to June 30th 2016 at participating SSL properties across the state. The Blogger Road Trip is designed to introduce travel and lifestyle bloggers who blog about travel in Florida to the Superior Small Lodging brand. SSL is an association of approximately 150 small hotels, inns, B&Bs, cottages, luxury condos and vacation villas across the state of Florida that have less than 50 rooms. Many are 1 or 2 bedroom suites with full kitchens or kitchenettes. The properties are individually owned and managed with each innkeeper dedicated to giving his or her guest personalized attention and an authentic Florida travel experience. Since every member must be inspected annually for cleanliness and guest services the Superior Small Lodging sign has come to represent the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval for small properties in Florida. When booking a Superior Small Lodging property travelers can be assured that they will receive an authentic Florida experience with local Florida charm and character and the modern amenities and comforts that todays traveler has come to expect. I had a wonderful time exploring St. Pete/ Clearwater on my 2015 FSSLA road trip and continue to get traffic to my blog from those posts. Please keep me in mind for the second road trip, stated blogger Natalie Vereen-Davis of cosmosmarinars.com. I love the Superior Small Lodging member properties, said blogger Dennis Littley, of askchefdennis.com, My experience at every one Ive visited is that you go as a guest and leave as a friend During the Road Trip each blogger will be hosted at a participating SSL property for two (2) nights. The host will endeavor to provide free or discounted tickets to area attractions. Destinations include: Fort Lauderdale, Clearwater Beach, St. Pete Beach, Melbourne Beach, the Florida Keys, Daytona Beach, Marco Island, Sanibel Island and more. In return for the complimentary hosting each blogger will agree to write at least one (1) specific blog about each property they visit and to share that blog on all social media platforms that they use. To apply, send your media kit and any pertinent information to gilda(at)superiorsmalllodging(dot)com. All applications must be received no later than April 15, 2016. About The Superior Small Lodging Association The Superior Small Lodging Association (SSLA) is a non-profit association of independently owned and managed boutique Inns, B&Bs and hotels throughout the State of Florida with fewer than 50 rooms. Established in 1989 to bring brand awareness to the smaller boutique lodgings as an alternative to the large corporate branded hotel chains, the Superior Small Lodging Brand has come to represent a partnership of unique lodging properties offering a high level of service, comfort and cleanliness at competitive rates. Each year our members properties are inspected by an independent inspection company and those that meet specific cleanliness standards are recognized with our White Glove Award for cleanliness. Excellence in quality and service are also recognized. With approximately 150 member properties representing almost 3,000 hotel rooms, time shares and vacation rentals throughout the State of Florida the success of the Superior Small Lodging program is undisputed and gives prospective guests the comfort of knowing that when they book a Superior Small Lodging property they can be assured of a high standard of excellence. - Scene from Shanghai Center No. 3 opening ceremony held on March 29 "The newly-established Shanghai Center No. 3 will cooperate with the existing sites in order to provide high quality service for our corporate clients. by Mr. Eijiro Yamashita, CEO Shanghai transcosmos Marketing Service Co., Ltd. Past News Releases RSS transcosmos Opens its New Contact... transcosmos and SOCIAL GEAR Assist... transcosmos China won Integrated... transcosmos inc. established Shanghai Center No. 3, a contact center site in Shanghai, China. Shanghai Center No. 3, transcosmos third contact center in Shanghai and seventh in China, started operations in October 2015 and held an opening ceremony on March 29, 2016. It mainly provides technical support by telephone calls and chats to users of cellular, wearable or home devices of Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shenzhen, China; CEO: Ren Zhengfei; hereafter, Huawei), an industry leader mainly in the area of communications and Smartphone. Shanghai Center No. 3 is inside an intelligent office building located in Jin Huan Shang Wu Yuan, Phase 2 in Putuo, Shanghai, and is equipped with conference room, training room, lounge, fitness gym, and multi-purpose room. While it is adjacent to large-size commercial facilities and restaurants, it is located in a residential area and also is easily accessible from bus stops and subway stations, making it ideal for the employees commuting. transcosmos, after establishing a contact center in Shanghai in 2006, continued expansion and now holds three sites in Shanghai, two sites in Beijing, one site in Tianjin, and one site in Hofei, for a total of seven sites in four cities. In the China market, it provides a variety of services such as E-Commerce one-stop service including contact centers, digital marketing service, and systems development. Overview of Shanghai Center No. 3 Location: Jin Huan Shang Wu Yuan, 600 Yunling W Road, Putuo, Shanghai, China Language supported: Mandarin Description of business: Customer support At the Shanghai Center No. 3 opening ceremony, Mr. Zhang Zhen, VP of Huawei Consumer Business Group China has commented as the following: Huawei was established in 1987, and we have always maintained a business model of developing through technological renovations mainly with our clients, and through living up to that model, we have been selected as one of the top 500 corporations in the world to lead the industry through innovative technology and solutions. We are very happy to be able to enter a partnership with transcosmos with abundant experience and know how in the BPO service. Through offering of the high-quality service of transcosmos, we believe we will be able to increase our customer satisfaction and improving the customer experience. Mr. Eijiro Yamashita, CEO of a 100% transcosmos subsidiary Shanghai transcosmos Marketing Service Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Shanghai, China; hereinafter, transcosmos China) has commented as the following: transcosmos celebrated its 50th anniversary, and transcosmos China celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. In Shanghai, we already have two operation sites; the Jingan District, Shanghai location handles E-Commerce one-stop service, digital marketing, and systems development for the worlds well-known brands as transcosmos Chinas head office. Also, Shanghai Center No. 2 offers contact center service as a large-scale center with 600 workstations for major brands in apparel, cosmetics, health and medical equipment, software, hardware, and electric appliances. The newly-established Shanghai Center No. 3 will cooperate with the existing sites in order to provide high quality service for our corporate clients. transcosmos is a registered trade name or trademark of transcosmos inc. in Japan and other countries. Other company names and product or service names mentioned are registered trade names or trademarks of various other companies. About transcosmos inc. transcosmos launched operations in 1966. Since then we have combined superior human resources with up-to-date technological capabilities to enhance the competitive strength of our clients by providing them with superior and valuable services. transcosmos currently offers Cost Reduction Services (Contact Center, HR/Financial/Sales Back Office, Order Management/SCM, System Development/Management etc.) and Sales Expansion Services (Big Data Analysis, Internet Advertising, Website Construction/Management, Smartphone/SNS Utilization, Telemarketing etc.). transcosmos continues to pursue operational excellence by providing these services through our 159 locations in 28 countries with a focus in Asia. Furthermore, following the expansion of E-Commerce market on the global scale, transcosmos provides a comprehensive, one-stop global E-Commerce service to deliver our clients' excellent products and services to consumers in 40 countries. transcosmos aims to be the Global BPO Partner of our clients to provide them with high quality BPO services on a global scale. Aviation Insurance Our goal is always to work for our clients and identify the best aviation insurance policy that meets their needs. ZANETTE Aviation, a leading broker of aviation insurance at http://ZANETTEaviation.com/, is proud to announce an important update to its page on top-rated aviation insurance companies. ZANETTE prides itself on work with many different companies, and working hard for its clients to select the best aviation insurance company for their specific needs. "Our goal is always to work for our clients and identify the best aviation insurance policy that meets their needs," explained Chris Zanette, owner of ZANETTE Insurance. "Our newly updated page on the aviation insurance companies we represent is a hand list for potential clients. In addition, it makes it easy for a potential client to see in visual format that we are neutral and represent not just one but many different companies. We can thus offer the best policy options." To view the updated landing page on top-rated aviation insurance companies, visit http://zanetteaviation.com/insurance-companies-we-represent/. Please note that the companies listed may change at any time, without notice; interested parties are urged, therefore, to reach out to ZANETTE for a custom quote. A Philosophy of Working For Clients Who Need Aviation Insurance The beauty of ZANETTE aviation is that ZANETTE works not for just one, but many, different aviation insurance companies. Therefore, the agents can work with the client in the following ways. First, they take an inventory of the client of the potential aviation insurance needed, types of flying, skill level of the pilot(s), and other factors necessary to begin to issue a quote. Next, the insurance agent researches available companies and policies with an eye to what will be most suited to the client. The cheapest is not always the best, and so recommendations will look to value provided as a total scenario and not just price. Finally, ZANETTE will present options to the client and work together to identify the best aviation insurance company and policy for that client. The newly updated page is a starting point on this process. About ZANETTE AVIATION ZANETTE Aviation Insurance brings decades of experience writing policies for the top-rated aviation insurance companies in the business. Whether a person is in the market for aircraft insurance of any type, commercial airplane insurance or private airplane insurance, or specific policies such as helicopter insurance, DRONE (UAS / UAV) insurance or even a airplane charter jet company seeking coverage, ZANETTE can help. The company's friendly agents are among the best brokers in the USA, experienced giving affordable aircraft insurance quotes at the best rates available for corporate or business uses, or just private airplane insurance. Tel. 650-593-3030 Web. http://ZANETTEaviation.com Texas Estate and Trust Litigation Attorney Brian and Ellen bring two unique perspectives on trust administration to this presentation. Burdette & Rice, one of the leading probate, trust, and estate dispute attorneys in Texas at http://www.dallasprobateattorneys.com/, is proud to announce that attorneys J. Brian Thomas & J. Ellen Bennett will address fellow attorneys nationwide on May 10th on the topic of the Art of Trust Administration. Persons interested in learning more about the topic or presentation are urged to visit the firm's website to reach out for detailed instructions. "Brian and Ellen bring two unique perspectives on trust administration to this presentation," explained Elliott Burdette, Managing Director of Probate Litigation at Burdette and Rice. Our firm is a leader in estate disputes and estate litigation under Texas law, and our attorneys have a tradition of supporting continuing education through these kind of informative talks. Presentation Preview The presentation will explain issues regarding how trustees should make distributions to beneficiaries and how trustees should administer a trust when it is in the process of being terminated. The two attorney presenters will focus on, trust administration core concepts and will provide a roadmap to administering a trust. This presentation is particularly valuable as it is made by two of the firms top trust litigators, each of whom has the perspective of possible liability issues that may arise from mistakes in Trust Administration. Improper administration of a trust, for example, can result in liability for the trustee. To learn more about the presentation details, interested parties are urged to visit the Burdette and Rice website and click on the 'contact' button. In addition, by clicking on the 'team' button, users can click to each attorney profile and learn more about each trust attorney as well as reach out to them as individuals with specific questions. Please be advised that the presentation is meant for attorney-level expertise; lay persons who have trust administration or trust litigation issues in the Dallas area are urged, instead, to reach out for a consultation. To learn more about Brian Thomas, visit http://www.dallasprobateattorneys.com/j-brian-thomas/. To learn more about Ellen Bennett, visit http://www.dallasprobateattorneys.com/j-ellen-bennett/. More Information on J. Brian Thomas Brian has committed himself to a single area of practice since he received his law license. Even while excelling in one of the most rigorous trial advocacy programs in the country, Brian worked one-on-one with some of the states foremost authorities on trusts, estates and fiduciary law. Brian cut his legal teeth in both Houston and Dallas, representing individuals in probate and guardianship cases where the stakes are at their highest. He understands that many people experience probate, estate or guardianship matters only once or twice in their lives, making his role as counselor all the more important. Experience, confidence, and dogged determination are critical when a client wants their story presented to the Court. Brian believes that every case has the chance for resolution, but that clients should be ready and professionally equipped to fight for their own success. More about Ellen Bennett Ellens practice focuses on disputes concerning estates, trusts, and guardianships. She also advises estate administrators, executors, and guardians in uncontested administrations. Ellen works closely with her clients to listen to their concerns and reach creative solutions to important issues. She believes that, with diligent preparation and dedication, even the most difficult probate disputes can be resolved in a cost-efficient and fair manner. Ellen is active with the Dallas Volunteer Attorney program and believes it is important to give to the community through pro bono work. About Burdette & Rice, PLLC Burdette & Rice, PLLC is a top Dallas probate law firm, at http://www.dallasprobateattorneys.com/, with lawyers dedicated to listening to their clients, being fully present to them, and advocating their clients positions in the simplest and most persuasive way possible. The law firm employs some of the top probate and estate lawyers in Dallas, Texas. Clients come to Burdette & Rice to contest a will in Texas, work on complex inheritance litigation and disputes, and to litigate disputes over powers of attorney, guardianship and trustee issues all based on Texas law. Burdette & Rice, PLLC Media Relations 972-991-7700 Whether youre a DNS guru or a newcomer to managing your query traffic, RUM is the go-to solution for anyone wanting to analyze their end-users connectivity to their domains. Constellix Sonar announced it will be hosting a new webinar Tuesday April 26, to demo its new feature Real-User Monitoring(RUM). Released a month ago, RUM has already proven itself an invaluable tool for system administrators. The webinar aims to show users how they can use this data to optimize their network performance for every kind of user, regardless of browser or location. Registration for the webinar is currently open and available for free here. RUM has evolved drastically over the past few years: from monitoring user traffic from the point of view of a data center, to actually tracking individual user metrics. This has created a shift in how organizations monitor their user traffic, and demands an individualized experience for every user. This can be intimidating, but when you can harness the power of RUM, you can analyze your traffic with precision and optimize your network for all types of users, says President of Constellix Steven Job. There are many factors that can affect the performance of a network, and each individual user will experience it differently. RUM monitors all of these factors and provides users with the tools to accurately measure and make actionable changes to improve end-user experience. RUM makes user analytics simple, whether youre a DNS guru or a newcomer to managing your query traffic, RUM is the go-to solution for anyone wanting to analyze their end-users connectivity to their domains, says Job. After the user installs a simple Java snippet into their website, RUM will begin to collect actual user metrics such as: Page load times CDN ISP Content performance Device Browser Connection provider (only offered by Constellix) Senior Sales Engineer Evan Daniels will be hosting the webinar and will walk viewers through a live demo of how to install and use RUM, followed by a thirty-minute question and answer session. Constellix is currently available for free to DNS Made Easy members while it is still in beta. About Constellix Constellix is a subsidiary of Tiggee LLC, the creators of DNS Made Easy, and the world leader in providing global IP Anycast enterprise DNS services. Constellix is the only traffic management solution built for the cloud that combines DNS management with monitoring solutions. Constellix DNS is the most powerful and precise DNS query management platform, fully integrated with the Sonar monitoring platform. Users can quickly change routing configurations based on the analysis from Sonar alerts. Constellix Sonar has integrated tools that offer a range of advanced monitoring features including performance optimization, troubleshooting, real-time logging, and alert management built for teams. Family Law Expert and Author Bari Z. Weinberger, Esq. I am excited to share these books because being informed about your divorce or your family law matter and learning your options frees you from fear and empowers you to make positive decisions. New Jerseys largest divorce and family law firm announces the publication of four new titles in its Family Law Jersey Style series of consumer legal guides: A Guide to Relationship Agreements in New Jersey, A Guide to Alimony in New Jersey, A Guide to Property Division in New Jersey, and A Guide to Alternative Dispute Resolution For Divorce in New Jersey. Authored by Weinberger Law Group founder, family law expert Bari Z. Weinberger, each guide contains practical family law information that can be difficult for readers to find elsewhere. I wanted to write books about these specific topics because they represent areas of divorce and family law that tend to cause a great deal of confusion. Many people come to our firm and ask us questions like: how do know if I need prenuptial agreement? How much alimony can I get? Who gets the house in our divorce? Is there a way to avoid going to court? These books are written in clear and easy to understand language and provide a deeper look into these topics. If you are concerned about any of these issues, these are must read books, explains Weinberger. Highlights of the new family law books include: A Guide to Alternative Dispute Resolution For Divorce in New Jersey: Growing numbers of divorce and family law matters in New Jersey are settled out of court using alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods -- such as mediation -- as a means to save time, money and stress. Weinberger provides readers with an overview of mediation and other ADR methods, with key information on how to know if a no court divorce is the right choice. A Guide to Alimony in New Jersey: Alimony reform laws in New Jersey have changed the way alimony is calculated. For spouses on either the paying or receiving end of support payments, its important to understand all of todays alimony options. In this guide, readers will learn the different types of alimony available in New Jersey and which one may be the best fit, as well as how support orders can be modified or terminated. A Guide to Property Division in New Jersey: Retirement and savings accounts, the family home, credit card debt, stock portfolios, business interests and more. Dividing property and debts accrued over the course of a marriage is no small task. How can spouses protect themselves? This book offers vital tips about New Jerseys equitable distribution rules and why this doesnt necessarily mean splitting assets 50-50. A Guide to Prenuptial, Postnuptial, Cohabitation and Relationship Agreements in New Jersey: Having a prenuptial, post-nuptial, reconciliation, or cohabitation agreement put in place can secure the future and give spouses or partners greater peace on mind in their relationship. In this guide, readers will gain insight into how to choose the right agreement and how to work with a family law attorney to craft prenuptial and other relationship agreements that stand up to scrutiny in court. I am excited to share these books because being informed about your divorce or your family law matter and learning your options frees you from fear and empowers you to make positive decisions. It has always been my mission to assist people in making the best possible choices for both themselves and their family, says Weinberger. Books are available in e-book (Kindle) format on Amazon or through the Weinberger Law Group website at WeinbergerLawGroup.com. About the Author: Bari Z. Weinberger, Esq. is founder and managing partner of Weinberger Law Group, New Jerseys largest divorce and family law firm, with locations in Bergen, Burlington, Monmouth, Morris and Somerset Counties. An AV Preeminent rated attorney and certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court in matrimonial law, Ms. Weinberger is also an accomplished media personality who has contributed to the Wall Street Journal, Smart Money, Star Ledger, Access Hollywood, CBS, ABC, NBC, News Channel 12, PIX-Channel 11, NJ 101.5 radio, Huffington Post, Divorce Magazine, Forbes, New Jersey Lawyer Magazine, Matrimonial Strategist, and other leading media outlets. She is also a coauthor of Military Family Law (Reuters) and an Associate Author of the New Jersey Family Law Practice (15th edition, 2013), a five-volume reference guide used by virtually every family law judge and lawyer in the state of New Jersey. Ms. Weinberger has been honored as both a NJBIZ Top 50 Women in Business and named as a Top 25 Leading Women Entrepreneur. Ms. Weinberger is available for interviews on any matter related to divorce and family law. Full eBay integration in WooCommerce An extra 1 million ecommerce stores can now seamlessly sell on eBay. Online marketplace technology company Codisto launched a full eBay integration extension for WooCommerce today, ahead of exhibiting at the 2016 WooConf trade show in Austin, Texas. MarketPlace Connect gives 1 million WooCommerce users the ability to quickly & easily integrate their WooCommerce store fully with eBay. All product catalog changes are reflected on eBay automatically and inventory is constantly in sync on both channels, updated by sales from either. Orders are automatically sent to WooCommerce for efficient processing, and shipping tracking and feedback are automatically left on eBay. By offering time saving features such as product auto-categorization, image re-sizing and a fully responsive eBay sales template, MarketPlace Connect slashes eBay setup time for WooCommerce merchants. The clever 'XpressGrid' user interface design allows merchants to quickly manage eBay on an ongoing basis. Advanced features such as multi-account support, calculated freight functionality and custom attribute mapping satisfy the largest WooCommerce merchants. "Releasing a WooCommerce version of MarketPlace Connect was an obvious choice for Codisto on the back of our hugely successful Magento release last year," said Jonathan Pollard, CEO Codisto. "Our extensions offer merchants a quantum leap reduction in the time, cost and effort to sell and manage eBay. We expect to meet some very excited WooCommerce developers and merchants at WooConf." Students at YEBW The best investment for our future economy is youth business education... Young Entrepreneurs Business Week, a program that educates the next generation of business leaders, announces YEBW 2016. During summer, Oregon high school students assemble on college campuses to learn about business and entrepreneurship through hands-on curriculum, activities and competitions. University of Portland: July 10 - 16 Oregon State University: July 24 - 30 University of Oregon: Aug. 7 - 13 More than 350 students completed YEBW 2015, with the support of more than 200 volunteers from the business community. At Business Week, teams of 8-to-10 students create and run mock companies, with guidance from volunteer YEBW Company Advisors and Interns. Students not only build and manage their own businesses, but also present plans and results to established professionals. Business and community leaders volunteer as YEBW Judges for one dayevaluating student presentations and providing feedback. Throughout the week, students also participate in seminars on business leadership from local entrepreneurs and executives. YEBW Speakers on the schedule at YEBW 2016 include: Brad Gleeson, Chief Commercial Officer at CIVIQ Smartscapes; Emma McIlroy, CEO of Wildfang; John Gilleland, CEO of Campbell Global; Ken Austin, Founder of A-dec Inc.; and more. YEBW Sponsors, such as Hoffman Construction Company, Portland General Electric, The Pape Group and Tillamook, provide scholarships for youth from Oregons underserved communities. Each year, more students are enrolling in the program and more business leaders are volunteering, says Gregg Mindt, Executive Director of YEBW. The best investment for our future economy is youth business education... YEBWs growth is an indicator that the community cares. To register a student for Young Entrepreneurs Business Week or get involved as a volunteer, visit yebw.org. ### About Young Entrepreneurs Business Week (YEBW): YEBW, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, educates the next generation of business leaders. Established in 2006, YEBW inspires young people to explore entrepreneurship and business through interactive simulations and hands-on learning curriculum. Each programBusiness Week, Investing Week and Entrepreneur Weekhelps high school students develop skills in leadership, communications, decision-making, public speaking and more. Students come away more confident and prepared to enter the business world. During summer, YEBW hosts three week-long events at college campuses across the state: University of Portland, Oregon State University and University of Oregon. Learn more at yebw.org. IdentityMind Global Welcomes Ed Zander to Board of Advisors Eds vast experience across technology, management, and global business will be an invaluable resource to the company." --Garrett Gafke, President and CEO, IdentityMind Global Palo Alto, Calif. March 31, 2016IdentityMind Global, the pioneer in trusted digital identities for ecommerce, today announced that technology visionary, Edward J. Zander, has joined the companys Board of Advisors. In this role, Zander joins a team of experienced business and technology leaders who will work with IdentityMind Global president and CEO, Garrett Gafke to guide the companys mobile business strategy and overall direction. "IdentityMind Global has a unique approach to bringing integrity back to digital marketplaces and the online lending environment through the use of trusted digital identities stated Zander. Commerce and financial services have moved online, and identity-based authentication has become a strategic imperative for banks, payments processors, and ecommerce merchants looking to mitigate risk, avoid fraud and comply with growing regulatory scrutiny. IdentityMind Global president and CEO, Garrett Gafke said, We are very pleased to welcome Ed to our advisory board. Eds vast experience across technology, management, and global business will be an invaluable resource to the company as we achieve global leadership in the protection of online commerce and financial transactions. Edward J. Zander has spent more than 35 years in the technology sector, and he has played a key role in shaping some of the major paradigm shifts in technology that impact the world today. These include the move from mainframes to minicomputers; minicomputers to workstations; PCs to networking and to the Internet; hardware to software; and the revolution in wireless devices and mobility. Zander served as chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Motorola, and led the company through significant transformation and global growth. Zander brought a wealth of experience, and a keen understanding of the emerging challenges and opportunities in the communications space. He successfully reorganized the company, and oversaw the introduction of several exciting new products and sharpened Motorola's focus on innovation and operational efficiency. Prior to joining Motorola, Zander was a managing director of Silver Lake Partners, a leading private equity fund focused on investments in technology industries. Before that, he served as president and chief operating officer of Sun Microsystems until June 2002. During his tenure, Zander helped grow Sun to $18 billion in revenues, established it as the number-one company in the server market and built it into the pre- eminent supplier of network infrastructure. Earlier, Zander served as president of Sun's software group. Prior to joining Sun in 1987, he held senior management positions at Apollo Computer and Data General. Zander holds a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a master's degree in business administration from Boston University. About IdentityMind Global IdentityMind Global pioneered digital identities for digital commerce. The companys on-demand platform provides identity-based payments, risk management, fraud prevention and anti-money laundering services to Acquiring Banks, Payment Processors, Gateways, Payment Service Providers (PSP/ISO/MSP,IPSP), Digital Currency Exchanges, Financial Institutions (Banks, Money Service Businesses (MSBs), Money Transmitters, Online Lenders) and e-Commerce Merchants. The IdentityMind platform provides real-time risk management using patent-pending Electronic DNA (eDNA) technology to track the different entities (consumers, merchants, cardholders, payment wallets, alternative payment methods, etc.) involved in every transaction. These entities are tracked over time to build payment reputations, which are used to evaluate fraud, merchant account applications, consumer account origination, identity verification services, and potential money laundering. For more information, visit http://www.identitymindglobal.com. If you are new to iQ you can schedule a demo and learn more about this opportunity. PSFK iQ - Where Innovators Turn for Research. Our professional-grade research platform is designed specifically for Retail and CX leaders who want to know whats next. Whether youre staying current on trends or need a real-time research partner to help you get ahead, count on PSFK iQ to deliver the info you need to make your next move. News From Bulgaria Trayport to Supply Trading System to Bulgarian Energy Exchange Operator IBEX The system is meant to support the bilateral contracts trading segment of IBEX AUTHOR: publics.bg http://www.ibex.bg The state-run Independent Bulgarian Energy Exchange (IBEX), part of the Bulgarian Energy Holding (BEH) announced that Trayports GlobalVision Trading System has been selected as an electronic trading platform for the organization of a centralized market for bilateral contracts in the Bulgarian power market. In a statement published on its website IBEX said it is committed to develop a transparent and efficient power market in compliance with the principles and practices established on the developed European markets for electricity and based on transparent and non-discriminatory basic principles. IBEX has thus judged that Trayports Trading System that has proven itself to be the preferred hybrid e-broking system in energy markets. The Trading System is an award-winning, multi-asset class electronic trading platform with a sophisticated matching engine and customizable front-end which is designed to enhance broker voice operations and facilitate an electronic hybrid brokerage model for OTC markets supporting an aggregated trading model. The launch of the Day Ahead Market was a big step in the liberalization of the electricity market and establishing of Bulgaria in the European energy landscape said Konstantin Konstantinov, CEO of IBEX. The expectations in the market are that we will continue to evolve introducing mechanisms and principles already inherent in the broader European market. With the introduction of the centralized market for bilateral contracts IBEX will give a new trading opportunities for market participants and will contribute for transparency and equality of the electricity market. We strongly believe that the selection of Trayports Trading System will allow us to propose the best option for trading with short, medium and long term contracts. "We are excited that IBEX has chosen Trayport as its trading solutions partner. The addition of Bulgaria to the established Trayport European power trading network not only increases the number of markets available to European traders but also connects into Turkey. said Paul Constantinou, Regional Sales Manager at Trayport. About IBEX IBEX was established January 2014, as a fully-owned subsidiary of the Bulgarian Energy Holding EAD. IBEX holds a 10-year license by the State Energy and Water Regulatory Commission to organising a Power Exchange for electricity in Bulgaria. IBEX has been operating the day-ahead market for electricity in Bulgaria since January 2016. About Trayport Limited Trayport is a leading provider of energy trading solutions to traders, brokers and exchanges worldwide. It develops, deploys and supports quality, resilient software for trading in multiple asset classes worldwide in cleared or OTC markets. Trayports GlobalVisionSM software is used by the worlds largest trading companies in high profile markets that include derivative and cash instruments. Founded in 1993, Trayport has offices in London, New York and Singapore. Trayport is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Intercontinental Exchange Inc. (NYSE:ICE). Cookies What are cookies ? How do we use cookies? How to control cookies? Managing cookies in your browser see what cookies you have got and delete them on an individual basis block third party cookies block cookies from particular sites block all cookies from being set delete all cookies when you close your browser X A cookie is a small text file that a website saves on your computer or mobile device when you visit the site. 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Retired Iowa state Sen. Maggie Tinsman, of Davenport, was announced as the 2016 Athena Recipient on Thursday during the annual Athena Awards Event held this year at the Radisson Quad City Plaze in Davenport. Ms. Tinsman is founder of Breaking Traffik and co-founder of 50/50 in 2020. She was selected from this year's five honorees, who also included Tara Barney of the Quad City Chamber of Commerce, Colleen Rafferty of Ten Friends Blow Dry & Style House, Tracy Schwind of Northwest Bank & Trust and Linda Wastyn of Wastyn & Associates. Nearly 500 civic and business leaders attended Thursday's event honoring the five women for their leadership in business and their contributions to the community. Also honored as the 2016 Male Champions of Change were Randy Moore of Iowa American Water, Dr. Joseph Rives of Western Illinois University, Joe Slavens of Northwest Bank & Trust and Rick Seidler of UnityPoint Health-Trinity. The event was hosted by the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce and Womens Connection, with Merrill Lynch as the presenting sponsor. Ms. Tinsman has been a champion of causes such as early childhood education, mental health care, human trafficking and gender equality in politics. In 1978, she was the first woman appointed and elected to the Scott County Board of Supervisors. She was a supervisor from 1978-1989, first appointed to fill a vacancy and then elected after winning in a primary contest with five men and one other woman as candidates. She was elected to the Iowa State Senate in 1988 and served 18 years until 2006. One of her many accomplishments in the Senate was the introduction of legislation making human trafficking a felony in Iowa, which became law in 2006. After leaving the legislature, Ms. Tinsman formed Braking Traffik, an organization dedicated to eradicating sex trafficking in Iowa and Illinois. The focus of the organization is on educating the populace and law enforcement personnel about the prevalence of human trafficking in the Midwest, coordinating a victim-centered response and advocating to ensure justice for victims. In 2010, she co-founded 50-50 in 2020, a statewide bi-partisan issue-neutral initiative to achieve political equity for women in Iowa by 2020, the 100th anniversary of Womens Suffrage. The program is envisioned as a statewide network of women who would recruit, train and mentor women to achieve 50 percent of the elected positions in the Iowa state legislature and U.S. Congress, in addition to governor. Since 1982, 6,000 Athena Awards and Global Athena Leadership Awards have been presented by Athena International in more than 500 communities in the U.S., Canada, Russia, China, United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. Illinois lawmakers still hoping to require doctor prescriptions for some over-the-counter cold and allergy medicines, should take a look at the results of an industry trade association poll. A large majority of the Illinois voters polled in the Anzalone Liszt Grove Research survey commissioned by Consumer Healthcare Products Association, opposed laws that would require a doctors prescription to purchase medicines which contain pseudoephedrine. Among the most popular are Sudafed and Advil Cold and Sinus. Of the 753 Illinois voters polled between Feb. 11-16, 62 percent said they are against such laws, 40 percent strongly so, while just 27 percent supported them. Reasons for opposition included unnecessary inconvenience and the costs incurred through unnecessary doctors appointments, time off work and the addition of more co-pays. Those new costs would be added onto the already higher co-pays and out-of-pocket costs many already are experiencing in the health plans they purchased on the Affordable Care Act marketplace. Industry officials also warn such laws would make it harder to get doctors appointments. In states like Illinois that are facing a physician shortage, consumers may not be able to schedule an appointment soon enough, says Carlos Gutierrez, senior director and head of state government affairs for CHPA. Too many appointments? He cited a recent analysis by Avalere Health, which indicated that a prescription requirement for readily available medicines containing PSE would create an additional 41,852 new doctor visits in the state of Illinois. The current complement of Illinois physicians would have a hard time accommodating that new demand, critics say. We suspect that for at least some Illinoisans, the cost and inconvenience associated with a prescription requirement seem to be worth it IF they believed this new mandate would hit hard its purported target: those who use the ingredients in those tablets to make methamphetamine. But there is little evidence to suggest it will, and plenty of anecdotal evidence to suggest that it wont reduce the number of meth cookers or significantly impact the meth epidemic. Consider, for example, laws which moved cold and allergy products containing PSEs behind the counter, limited the number of them purchased and required photo identification to buy. When first instituted, such inconveniences DID reduce meth production. But that didnt last long as producers found suppliers in the Internet in places such as Mexico. Rob Karr is president and CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association and a critic of prescription only requirement. He said the Avalere Health study shows that it is an irrefutable fact that a prescription requirement for cold and allergy medicines containing pseudoephedrine would only aggravate the physician shortage in our state and hurt Illinois consumers for no benefit. How much will it cost? The added cost might not seem that big a deal, but as we noted the last time Springfield considered such legislation, even if your co-pay for a doctors visit is just $10 or $20, thats far from the only cost of getting a doctor involved in treating something that 15 million cold sufferers have managed to handle every year without licensed medical care. Theres lost time from work, too; assuming your boss will even let you go during office hours. Thats why we continue to fear that making these decongestants prescription-only will result in banning one of the most effective and economical weapons against the common cold and allergies still available to those least able to pay for it. We have and will continue to support smart measures that target the criminals who brew this awful, dangerous poison. But like the voters who responded to this poll, well breathe a lot easier when lawmakers decline to resurrect requirements that victimize the law-abiding cold and allergy sufferer with no assurance they will do anything to reduce the high cost of methamphetamine production in our communities. Former U.S. Rep. Mel Reynolds is free on bond in a federal tax case. The Chicago Tribune reports (http://trib.in/1qllNUi ) U.S. District Judge John Darrah ordered the warrant issued Thursday. Earlier Thursday, Reynolds told the judge in an open letter that he's staying abroad to care for his daughter in the African nation because she is suffering from scoliosis and may also have cervical cancer. Darrah on Wednesday refused a request by Reynolds to stay abroad longer. Reynolds' trial is set for May 2. The Illinois Democrat has pleaded not guilty on a misdemeanor charge of failing to file income tax returns. ROCK ISLAND -- The differences of opinions on genetically modified organisms were on display at a panel discussion held Wednesday night at Augustana College's Bergendoff Hall of Fine Arts, 3701 7th Ave. Plants or animals that have had their genetic materials altered by a laboratory are commonly referred to as GMOs. Dr. Angie Carter, assistant professor of sociology at Augustana College, called for more public assistance at the federal level. She also asked for help from the next generation of scientists, who she hopes would look at the ecological perspective, rather than focusing just on genetic engineering. "Right now, corporations are making a lot of money by people buying into this treadmill of you have to buy the seeds, you have to buy the chemicals, you have to buy the seeds again back from the company because you can't keep your seeds," Dr. Carter said. "Once farmers get on this treadmill, whether it's farmers in Iowa or Illinois or it's farmers in India, it's really hard to get off." Dr. Carter also said the science needed on GMOs is "missing." "In the absence of science, we are assuming safety," Dr. Carter said. "Or, we are relying on science that is being put out by the companies who are manufacturing the products themselves. I think we have many lessons from history that teaches us that is not in our best interests." Father Bud Grant, professor of theology and environmental ethics at St. Ambrose University, said environmental ethics is the most important issue surrounding GMOs. "When I ask if GMOs are bad for the environment, I don't mean, 'Are GMOs bad because they can contaminate non-GMO crops?'" Fr. Grant said. "No, I mean 'Is it bad for wild ecosystems?' and I guess I have to say I don't really know, and I don't know that it has even been researched." Former researcher of scientific affairs and environmental safety from DuPont Pioneer Dr. Ray Layton admitted corporations are out to make a profit, but technological improvements are "another step in the process of farming." He said he has run lots of studies in his 30-year career, and the evidence of safety "looks good." "We have been modifying the genomes of plants for about 10,000 years," Dr. Layton said. "There is not a single crop out there that hasn't been selected for, nudged in one direction or another." The discussion was a part of PlantBot Genetics: The Moth Project, a nearly monthlong art exhibit being used to encourage awareness of ecology. A statement from Hearst Television, the stations parent company, said, WTAE has ended its relationship with anchor Wendy Bell. Wendys recent comments on a WTAE Facebook page were inconsistent with the companys ethics and journalistic standards. WTAE-TV president and general manager Charles Wolfertz III confirmed the news and declined to comment. A spokesman for Hearst Television also declined to comment further. News of her firing drew hundreds of online posts within the first half-hour, with some people saying they would be switching to another station. Bell did not return phone calls for comment from the Post-Gazette, but she told the Associated Press that she didnt get a fair shake from the station, and that the story was not about her, but about African-Americans being killed by other African-Americans. It makes me sick, she told The Associated Press when reached at her home on Wednesday. What matters is whats going on in America, and it is the death of black people in this country. I live next to three war-torn communities in the city of Pittsburgh, that I love dearly. My stories, they struck a nerve. They touched people, but its not enough. More needs to be done. The problem needs to be addressed. Bell joined WTAE in 1998 and has won 21 regional Emmy Awards. Bell had been off the air since Wolfertz aired a public apology from the station last week, citing Bells egregious lack of judgment in posting racial stereotypes on her official Facebook page. After a mass shooting March 9 in Wilkinsburg, Pa., in which police still have made no arrests, Bell wrote, in part, You neednt be a criminal profiler to draw a mental sketch of the killers who broke so many hearts two weeks ago Wednesday they are young black men, likely in their teens or early 20s. They have multiple siblings from multiple fathers and their mothers work multiple jobs. She then wrote about a young African-American man, this one a worker she saw in a restaurant. She said she called over the manager and praised the man, adding, I wonder how long it had been since someone told him he was special. Since originally posting on Facebook, Bell edited the statement and eventually removed it. It created an online stir, with parodies on sites such as verysmartbrothas.com and thousands of comments for and against the longtime newswoman on sites such as reddit. Many of the readers posting comments on a Post-Gazette.com story about the firing Wednesday said they would be switching stations to express their outrage over WTAEs actions. Bell later apologized for her Facebook post. In part, the apology read, I now understand that some of the words I chose were insensitive and could be viewed as racist. I regret offending anyone. Im truly sorry. As of Wednesday afternoon, that Facebook page had been taken down. Her profile on the WTAE-TV website also had been removed. Asked to weigh in on the firing, a journalism ethics expert said freedom of speech is a tricky thing when practiced by those who must adhere to the facts. Journalists always and I dont use always all the time must be careful about what they write or say because the audience, the readers and the viewers, are depending on them to provide information that they can trust, to be as fair and impartial as possible, said Aly Colon, a professor of media ethics at Washington and Lee University in Virginia and a former director of standards and practices at NBC News. Bell crossed a line when she stated opinion as fact regarding an ongoing news story, he said. Those who write and report the news have a special responsibility to serve their audience in a way that helps them see what is true, what is accurate and, also very important, authentic. And by authentic, I mean it gives a wholeness to the reporting, Colon said. Charles Gee, an assistant professor of multiplatform journalism at Duquesne University, said his graduate class in management was just discussing the Bell situation Tuesday. He said para-social relationships are important to TV stations, where the on-air talent is encouraged to appear accessible to viewers. I think the use of social media in television helps the personalities connect in other ways that maybe they dont get through the screen, Gee said. You develop a bond with that person on the screen; it could be a movie screen or a TV screen, like it could be the person next door. The Pittsburgh Black Media Federation, in a news release Wednesday night, said its board members and WTAE management had met earlier in the day to discuss the Bell matter and other issues related to diversity. The announcement of the firing occurred before the meeting took place, and the federation stressed that it had not called for Bells termination. It said the station agreed to partner with it on several matters including a meeting twice a year to review WTAEs coverage of African-American communities and other issues related to diversity and inclusion. Part of that will be working with the federation to recruit journalists of color for its newsroom. Press release submitted by Iowa American Water Iowa American Waters Quality Report Cards Available on Facebook Customers can now access annual water quality reports on Facebook, as well as the Companys website DAVENPORT, IA (March 29, 2016) Iowa American Water announced today that the companys 2016 Consumer Confidence Reports (water quality reports) are now accessible online at its website and through its Facebook page to customers. The annual report is a performance measure of the quality of water supplied by Iowa American Water against the compliance standards established by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. It describes local drinking water sources, testing conducted on the water, substances detected, and the levels of those substances. The report includes water quality date for the year ending December 31, 2015. Commonly asked questions and the answers concerning local drinking water are also included in the report. The online delivery methods, which began several years ago, support the water industrys commitment to ongoing environmental quality and do not minimize the importance of the annual report to customers, according to Iowa American Water President Randy Moore. We are pleased to report that the water supplied to our customers is of higher quality than required by state and federal drinking water standards. Our teams of water quality and plant operations professionals work hard each and every day to ensure the highest quality water and service to our customers. These annual results are a testament to their dedication, and we encourage our customers to familiarize themselves with the information in these reports. Customers can also find their specific districts report on the Iowa American Water website at www.amwater.com/iaaw by clicking on the Water Quality Reports icon. On Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/iowaamwater/, customers can click on More and then Water Quality Report to view their report. PRESS RELEASE www.amwater.com IOWA AMERICAN WATERS ANNUAL WATER QUALITY REPORTS AVAILABLE ON LINE Printed copies of the report will be available to customers who cannot -- or do not wish to -- access it online. Customers can call the companys customer service center at 1-866-641-2108 and request a copy of their local districts report, and it will be mailed to them. About Iowa American Water Iowa American Water, a subsidiary of American Water Works Company, Inc. (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water services to approximately 200,000 people. American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. Marking its 130th anniversary this year, the company employs 6,700 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 15 million people in 47 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found at www.amwater.com. Press release submitted by the Rock Island Arsenal Rock Island National Cemetery Hosting 50th Vietnam War Anniversary ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Ill. (March 29, 2016) The Rock Island National Cemetery will host a ceremony commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War on Saturday, April 2, at 11 a.m. The ceremony will be held at the main flagpole circle. The ceremony will include for following: Patriotic music (bagpiper) National Anthem Wreath presentation Keynote speaker: U.S. Marine Corps Maj. (Ret.) Lynn Lowder Rifle Salute (Moline American Legion Post 246) Taps (Moline American Legion Post 246 performed by Tracy Hepner) The cemetery will mark the graves of all Vietnam era veterans interred at Rock Island National Cemetery with yellow, helium-filled balloons. At the end of the ceremony, guests will be invited to help collect the balloons, which will be released together (bio-friendly balloons and twine). Lapel pins will be handed out to Vietnam War veterans at the conclusion of the ceremony. Lowder, the keynote speaker, is a national advocate for veterans. In 1967, he voluntarily enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and went on to serve as a team leader with 1st Force Reconnaissance Company (Special Operations) in Vietnam. His experiences in combat are profiled in such books as "First Force Recon Company: Sunrise at Midnight" by Bill Peters and "Inside Force Recon: Recon Marines in Vietnam" by Michael Lee Lanning and Ray William Stubbe. Following his time in the Marine Corps, Lowder worked as a trial attorney and law firm executive. He is the past director for Military and Veteran Services at the University of Central Missouri, where he was responsible for day-to-day support for veterans transitioning from combat zones to higher education, emphasizing classroom skills, mental wellness and job placement. His civilian accomplishments are profiled in the book "Above and Beyond: Former Marines Conquer the Civilian World" by Rudy Socha and Carolyn Darrow. One of the more absurd things being said about the Donald Trump phenomenon is that the media created it. For the record, we didn't. First of all, there is no "we." The news media operate in what should be every conservative ideologue's dream environment: an unfettered free market. Outlets compete every day -- actually, in the Internet age, every hour -- to provide consumers with information they need and want. Every editor and news director strives to beat the competition, and the fact is that audiences have decided they need and want to know about Trump. No one understands this better than Trump himself. To understate by miles, he knows how to draw attention to himself -- the late-night Twitter rants, the fire-breathing rallies, the gold-plated jet, the ridiculous hair. After decades in the public eye, he had more than 90 percent name recognition when he began his campaign. So it was no surprise media flocked to Trump Tower last June 16 and watched him descend the shiny escalator for his kickoff announcement. Who doesn't love a good sideshow? Base driving campaign But any carnival barker can draw a crowd. Trump would have been sent home to his Fifth Avenue penthouse long ago if a substantial part of the Republican Party base didn't agree with what he is saying. If there is any sort of collective media failure, it's not in paying too much attention to Trump but too little to his message. Were the morning news shows wrong to let Trump call in so often? Before you say of course it was, think of the implications. Do those programs have an obligation to treat every candidate the same? If so, contenders such as Martin O'Malley and Jim Gilmore should have gotten as much coverage and airtime as, say, Hillary Clinton and Ted Cruz. Were the cable networks wrong to carry live coverage of Trump rallies? The events were newsworthy because of the extraordinary size of the crowds. I could buy the argument that the other candidate who drew unusually big crowds, Bernie Sanders, perhaps should have gotten more coverage, but not that Trump should have gotten less. The "media created Trump" storyline ignores the fact that the "mainstream" media are about as popular among the Republican base as the Zika virus. And Fox News has been tougher on Trump than other outlets, not more accommodating. Chris Wallace, the host of "Fox News Sunday," has long refused to let Trump call in. And Megyn Kelly, with her sharp questioning and commentary, seems to have driven the blowhard billionaire up the wall. It is true that Trump delivers huge ratings and lots of website clicks. But that's irrelevant. News organizations have to cover the leading candidates, even if they're dull as dishwater. Trump is news, period The news media, it seems to me, are guilty only of reporting the news -- a candidate who has never held elective office, and displays neither the base of knowledge nor the temperament to serve as president, is leading all comers for the Republican nomination. Commentators should spend less time flattering themselves that the news media have the power to make such a thing happen -- and more time trying to understand why Trump is succeeding. Early in his campaign, Trump staked out extreme positions on illegal immigration: Deport the 11 million undocumented migrants, and build a "big, beautiful wall" along the Mexico border. He followed up, after the San Bernardino terror attack, with a call to ban all foreign Muslims from entering the country. It is another crazy idea but it resonated with millions of Americans who unfortunately view Islam with fear and loathing. Trump rails against free trade agreements whose effect, in his view, has been to eliminate millions of jobs. He pledges to reduce the cost and scope of U.S. involvement overseas. He denounces other politicians as lackeys who dance to the tune of rich and powerful donors. And he plays on the anxieties and prejudices of white voters unnerved by demographic change in a nation that will soon have no racial majority. With apologies to Marshall McLuhan, in this case the media are merely the messenger, not the message. Blaming ourselves for Trump's rise is just another way to ignore the voters who have made him the favorite for the GOP nomination. Meng Brings NASA Astronaut To Queens On October 17, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) brought NASA astronaut Dr. Jonny Kim to Queens where he met and spoke with students at Francis... Celebrating Columbus The Federation of Italian-American Organizations of Queens (FIAO) held their annual Columbus Day parade in Astoria, on Saturday, October 8, during Italian Heritage Month. The... Russo-Elling Mourned More than 300 first responders lined up on Thursday night to honor FDNY EMT Lt. Alison Russo-Elling, as her body was placed into a waiting... Imagine Communications playout, live encoding and dynamic ad insertion solutions are now available on the Microsoft Azure cloud platform. In addition to providing new monetisation opportunities for broadcasters, video service providers and other media companies, this suite of solutions offers secure, scalable and on-demand access via Azure. Media companies can instantly access Imagines technology from a centralised and virtualised workflow environment made available through the Microsoft Azure Marketplace.With more video content being managed and distributed over IP, media companies gain the benefit of network agility, flexibility and elasticity that cloud-based video capabilities offer, said Charlie Vogt, CEO, Imagine Communications . Imagine has been investing in hybrid IP, software-defined and cloud-enabled solutions to future-proof todays buying decision and ensure our clients are prepared for the network of the future. Our collaboration with Microsoft advances the industry by providing incremental optionality for deploying our market-leading production, playout and distribution solutions in Azure.As part of the Azure Marketplace, Imagine Communications software solutions are now available in 20 Azure data centres, which serve businesses in 140 countries, including China. The Cinema+Becas project, developed by DirecTV and supported by Sundance Channel, has awarded a Uruguayan creator with a scholarship to improve his skills. The contests third edition saw Christhian Orta and his short movie Fluir awarded with a grant to attend a summer course at the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts (USC) in the US.All the videos and films put forward for the competition are available online and will also be broadcast through OnDirecTV to over seven million Latin American homes.We congratulate Christhian Orta, because the high quality content submitted to the contest made the decision difficult, said Sandro Mesquita, director for corporative social responsibility, DirecTV Latin America.During last three years, Cinema+Becas has seen 15 students given grants to continue their training, two having had the opportunity to study a USC programme. The Cinema+Becas project, developed by DirecTV and supported by Sundance Channel, has awarded a Uruguayan creator with a scholarship to improve skills. The contests third edition saw Christhian Orta and its short movie Fluir awarded with a grant to attend a summer course at the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts (USC) in the US. All the videos and films presented to the contest are available online and will also be broadcast through OnDirecTV for over seven million Latin American homes.We congratulate Christhian Orta, because the high-quality content presented to the contest made the decision difficult, pointed out Sandro Mesquita, director for corporative social responsibility, DirecTV Latin America.During last three years, Cinema+Becas has seen 15 students granted to continue its training, two of them having had the opportunity to study a USC programme. ECHR orders Russia to pay nearly 4,9 mln euros to claimants in 2015 MOSCOW, March 31 RAPSI. The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ordered Russia to pay nearly 4.9 million euros in damages to claimants in 2015, the annual report of the Council of Europes Committee of Ministers reads. Russia made it to the third place after Albania with 9.4 million euros and Cyprus with 8.8 million euros. It is worth noting that in 2014 the court ruled against Russia and awarded shareholders in Yukos nearly 1.9 billion euros which was more than 90% of the total for all countries. A certain progress was reached as concerned timely payments, according to the report. In 2015, Russia paid just satisfaction (compensation) on time in 95 cases compared to 30 cases in 2014. Russia (1,549) was third after Italy (2,421) and Turkey (1,591) among the countries with the highest number of pending, or not executed, cases. There was registered an increase by 5% compared to last year figures when there were 1,474 cases against Russia pending. The report says that Russia had the largest share of cases under enhanced supervision, i.e. revealing structural and complex problems. Thus, Russia accounted for 16% of all cases under enhanced supervision, followed by Ukraine with 15% and Turkey with 10%. The largest categories of leading cases, i.e. those raising new issues, under enhanced supervision by the Committee of Ministers included cases relating to the actions of security forces (17%), poor detention conditions (13%), excessive length of judicial proceedings (9%) and unjustified detention (9%). It should be noted that at the end of 2015 Russia's Constitutional Court was granted the right to recognize decisions of international courts, including Strasburg based ECHR, as non-executable. The legislation was developed taking into account the respective Constitutional Courts ruling establishing that each case of ECHR decision implementation should be reviewed individually and these decisions should be executed only on the principle of supremacy of the Russian Constitution. The Council of Europe has expressed its concerns in relation to this legislation. At the same time, the report indicates some positive legislative trends concerning detention, enforcement of court orders, defamation issues. Notably, Russia's Supreme Court issued guidelines according to which officials should acknowledge that they are subject to public scrutiny and criticism, particularly in mass media. , We're sorry, this article is not currently available Real estate's snowy weather was but a distant memory in most areas. However, some unlucky pockets of the U.S market remained unchanged. In most parts, springtime spirits were soaring and so was the nation's most positive real estate market in ages. And if economists learned anything, it was that there was no reason to look forward to April showers to acquire May flowers. Most analysis of preliminary statistics for the month of March showed that the spring home buying was in full bloom. The real estate's median list price proceeded with its upward path. Meanwhile, the inventory of houses for sale increased more steadily, but still ever as slow as the sluggish demand from buyers, according to a feature from Housing Wire. Realtor.com chief economist Jonathan Smoke stated that listings were growing as they usually did this time of the year, but because demand had been growing slower than supply, homes were selling quicker. He continued by saying that the monthly pattern was the normal seasonal trend, but the year-over-year decrease reflected the overall demand being bigger than supply for over a year, which resulted in fewer inventory available and faster-moving supply. The heightened appetite within a limited stock of property pushed up home prices. The projected average list price for March was $238,000, which was an increase of 3 percent from February, and 8 percent above the previous year. Real estate analysts expected March to have 3 percent more homes on the market compared with prior months as a welcome addition. However, that will still be 2 percent less than in March 2014. Because of the lack of supply, homes were going by faster in March, spending an average of 77 days on the market, which was 20 percent faster than in February, and 13 percent faster than in previous years, according to a feature from The Denver Post. Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. Basketball season may be over for the University of Georgia, but the city of Athens did make it all the way to the "Final Four" of a different Former member of One Direction Zayn Malik, now popularly known by his first name alone, released his debut album Mind of Mine exactly one year after his departure from the pop group. Athens, long known as a music town, may soon be recognized as a launching pad for stand-up comedians, too. The Slingshot Festival, while drawing bigger names in music to Athens every year, has kept up with and contributed to this trend with its increasingly sold-out comedy show. Artwork by Derrel Fleener SHARE By Tim Holt Mount Shastas Sisson Museum likes to tell stories, according to the museums executive director, Jean Nels. Stories that are important to our community. The story theyre currently telling is not only important, its also a hot one: How fire has impacted the town and the Mount Shasta region. Fire! Fire! The Many Faces Of Flame opens Friday and runs through June 29. Its a multifaceted story. Flames ravaged the town of Mount Shasta many times in its early history, at one point burning down the firehouse itself and putting the towns volunteer fire department out of commission for a while. A 1917 fire burned down the towns notorious stretch of bars, whorehouses, and hotels known as Whiskey Row. That memorable event is commemorated in a full-length, multi-dimensional mural painted by Derrel Fleener. Fleener has previously painted murals for the museums railroading and Mount Shasta town history exhibits. His work is also featured at the Sacramento Railroad Museum. The story really begins with Native American tribes and their relationship with fire. Their periodic controlled burns not only prevented the devastating fires weve witnessed in our own era, but fire management, as museum-goers will learn, helped native tribes make their baskets and fishing spears, and aided in the cultivation of healthful plants. (How fire helped them do all that is too complicated to explain here youll have to check out the exhibit.) The exhibit also traces the Forest Services evolving approach to fires, from viewing it as an enemy to be fought and suppressed, to one that comes closer to Native American practices, treating fire as a feature of the natural landscape and an aid, when properly controlled, in preventing disastrous fires. A gleaming red 1915 fire engine, nicknamed Lula Belle, will be on display, and there will be toy fire engines and a firehouse for kids to play with. There will also be junior firemens outfits for them to try on, and other fun, interactive things for them to do relating to firefighting. There will be a series of talks at the museum. Smokejumper Chuck Sheley will talk about his experiences. There will be a talk about Weeds Boles Fire by Cal Fire Battalion Chief Scott Tavalero. Archaeologist Julie Cassidy and local historian Bill Miesse will give a presentation on the Native Americans relationship to fire. What: "Fire! Fire! The Many Faces Of Flame" When: Exhibit runs April 1 to June 29 Where: Mt. Shasta Sisson Museum, 1 North Old Stage Road, Mount Shasta Admission: $1 donation requested More info: Call 926-5508 or go to mtshastamuseum.com He was a relentless fighter who killed untold numbers of American Indians and a career Army officer. He had two military forts named for him one in Fall River Mills and another in Nebraska. Gen. George Crook (1830-1890) was considered the Army's greatest American Indian fighter and earned that reputation by developing a respect for his enemy that carried over into his relationships with them off the battlefield, as well. He spent his last years speaking out against the unjust treatment of his former adversaries. Red Cloud, a war chief of the Oglala Lakota (Sioux), said of Crook, "He, at least, never lied to us. His words gave us hope." Crook commanded the Pitt River Expedition of 1857 and, in one of several engagements, was severely wounded in the hip by an arrow. He convalesced from this injury at Fort Crook. During his years of service in California and Oregon, Crook extended his prowess in hunting and wilderness skills, often accompanying and learning from Indians whose languages he learned. These wilderness skills led one of his aides to compare him to the likes of Daniel Boone. Crook arrived in the Fall River Valley in 1857 as a first lieutenant under the command of Capt. Henry Judah of Fort Jones. Judah soon returned to Fort Jones and left Crook in charge. This new fort was located near the intersection of Soldier Mountain and McArthur roads. It was first known as Camp Hollenbush and officially renamed Fort Crook in 1857, the year Crook arrived as a lieutenant. It was established to protect freighters, settlers, emigrants and travelers who used the nearby Emigrant Road. It also was used to control hostile American Indians. In 1869, Fort Crook was officially abandoned, and all the soldiers were withdrawn and sent to Surprise Valley. By the time Crook left Fort Crook for Surprise Valley and ultimately to many other places, his accomplishments and military feats were many. So well thought of was he that many places throughout the Northwest and Midwest were named in his honor. Crook County, Wyoming, and the town of Crook, Colorado, were both named for him. Crook Peak in Lake County, Oregon, and Crook Mountain in the Cascade Range were named for him, as well. Forest Road 300 in the Coconino National in Arizona is named the General Crook Trail. Fort Crook (1891-1946) was an Army Depot in Bellevue, Nebraska, first used as a dispatch point for American Indian conflicts on the Great Plains, then later as an airfield for the 61st Battalion Company of the Army Air Corps. It was named for Brig. Gen. Crook because of his many successful campaigns in the West. The site formerly known as Fort Crook is now part of Offutt Air Force Base. The General Crook House at Fort Omaha in Omaha, Nebraska, is named in his honor. At Fort Huachuca, Arizona, Crook House on Old Post is named after him as well. The Crook Walk in Arlington National Cemetery is near George Crook's gravesite. Crook was portrayed in the 1993 movie "Geronimo: An American Legend" by actor Gene Hackman. He also was a figure in the TV series "Deadwood" and was portrayed by Peter Coyote. Crook died suddenly in Chicago in 1890 while serving as commander of the Division of the Missouri. Crook originally was buried in Oakland, Maryland, but in 1898 his remains were transported to Arlington National Cemetery, where he was reinterred. Dottie Smith is the author of "The Dictionary of Early Shasta County History," the book from which most of this information was extracted. She is the former curator of the Shasta College Museum and instructor of Shasta County History at Shasta College. Check out her website at www.shastacountyhistory.com. Contact her at historydottie@gmail.com. Veterinarian Dr. Dominic Dallago with 13-month old Oliver, a Maltese Poodle, in an exam room at World of Animals Vet. Hospital in Philadelphia on March 4, 2016. Dallago says he has suffered from pet allergies and asthma since childhood. (Jennifer Kerrigan/Philadelphia Inquirer/TNS) SHARE By Alfred Lubrano, The Philadelphia Inquirer PHILADELPHIA Veterinarian Dominic Dallago pets his patient, a domestic short-haired cat with diarrhea, as though she cant harm him. But lurking in the dense black fur of the purring 10-year-old feline (Dallago wont name her for privacy reasons) are allergens that dont pussyfoot around microscopic proteins poised to attack like throat-choking commandos, to lay the allergic doctor low by triggering his asthma. I usually sniffle, snort, said Dallago, 37, who works at Philadelphias World of Animals Veterinary Hospital. Cats will do it to me. But animal allergies and asthma are the norm for me. And its pretty common in the profession. Who doesnt love their veterinarian? Vets know what we dont about our babies aches and maladies. They risk bites and beastly scorn. They care. And now theres another reason to crush on the corps of Doctors Dolittle throughout the land: Turns out many of them are sickened by the very patients they are striving to heal. Yet, they go to work anyway. Thats dedication. An allergist said Id be in misery all my life as a vet, Dallago said. But its ingrained in me to do this. Nearly 90 percent of veterinarians who were skin-tested for allergies were diagnosed with one, University of California, Davis researchers reported. They also quoted a study saying that veterinarians have a higher mortality rate for asthma than the general U.S. population. A Canadian study found that 39 percent of veterinarians who did not have prior allergies developed one during their careers. And the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology lists veterinarian among 15 professions considered high-risk for developing occupational asthma. The academy is a professional membership organization based in Milwaukee. Anecdotally, veterinarians reference a range of animal-borne difficulties, from coughing and sniffles to nearly dying from asthma and allergies, as Cornell University veterinarian Lila Miller reported. Many vets had to give up their practices because of the endless suffering four-legged clients brought them, said Sharon Curtis Granskog, a spokeswoman for the American Veterinary Medicine Association, a nonprofit in Schaumburg, Ill. Becky Ehrlich, 29, a veterinarian at Radnor Veterinary Hospital in Wayne, Pa., has her own harrowing tale to tell. Ehrlich once passed out when allergies spurred by a guinea pig swelled her eyes shut and closed her throat. To this day, she cant enter a room at her hospital that has been occupied by a guinea pig until the space has been bleached. But I keep working because this job is what I need to do, she said. I couldnt do anything else with my life. Ehrlich remembers scoffing as a young woman when doctors informed her that she was off-the-charts allergic to every animal species. I was told by doctors my career was not going to happen because of my animal allergies, said Ehrlich. But it just pushed me harder. What may work in veterinarians favor is that selfsame love of animals that keep Ehrlich and her nose-blowing colleagues going. So many of them had pets as kids, and that early exposure to germs and microbes may have strengthened their immune systems, said Corinna Bowser, an allergist (for humans) in Narberth, Pa. Rural German studies show growing up with a cow is good, she said, unable to resist prescribing a possible allergy antidote: As a child, have a cow in your bedroom. Experts say many veterinarians report developing allergies while working in laboratories with mice and rats. There are more reports of such allergies because those are the animals most used in research studies, according to the University of Virginia Occupational Health Program. Ultimately, allergies will not chase away the vast majority of veterinarians, said Pamela Mueller, a colleague of Dallagos at World of Animals. I take Zyrtec and carry a lot of tissues, said Mueller, 56. It never crossed my mind to restrict my work. Mueller said pet owners rarely empathize with her. No ones ever expressed sympathy for me, or said, Oh, that must be hard, she said. Maybe theyre involved [in] talking about their sick pets. For his part, Dallago said, owners laugh when he tells them he has allergies, as though it were something that would never have occurred to them. No big deal, he said. Being a vet is a very fun job, he said. Allergies are just a part of my life. 2016 The Philadelphia Inquirer Visit The Philadelphia Inquirer at www.philly.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. SHARE Redding police officers said they arrested a man Wednesday night after finding him in the bed of pickup during a burglary call on East Cypress Avenue. Officers just after 10 p.m. went to Highway Specialty Co., Inc. near Redding City Hall for a burglary alarm. There, they found a bicycle on the ground and a security camera that had been tampered with, Sgt. Chris Smyrnos said. Police searched the business yard with help from a California Patrol Helicopter and a Shasta County Sheriff's dog. They found Christopher Carlis Evans, 29, of Redding, in the bed of a pickup with a camper shell, Smyrnos said. Officers used the dog to arrest Evans after he refused commands to exit the truck bed, police said. Officers booked Evans into Shasta County Jail on suspicion of auto burglary, attempted commercial burglary, resisting arrest, possessing drug paraphernalia and possessing burglary tools. Smyrnos said police have now arrested Evans four times in 2016, with previous arrests on suspicion of burglary, drug possession, possessing burglary tools and possessing drug paraphernalia. ON TRIAL: Jonathan Ralph Lee, 27, is accused of killing his stepfather with a martial arts sword and attacking his mother at the coupleas Happy Valley home in 2006. SHARE By Jim Schultz of the Redding Record Searchlight The lawyer representing a 27-year-old Sacramento murder suspect told a Shasta County jury Thursday that his client used a martial arts sword to slash his stepfather to death in 2006. But, though Jonathan Ralph Lee is not insane, he suffers from a severe psychotic disorder and should be convicted only of lesser crimes, Shasta County Deputy Public Defender Mike Horan told jurors during opening statements in the trial. Lee is accused of attacking his mother, Deena Smith, with the sword and then killing Barry Alan Smith, 50, a retired California Highway Patrol officer, on March 30, 2006, at the couple's Amber Ridge Drive home in Happy Valley. He is charged with murder, attempted murder, two felony counts of aggravated mayhem and a host of related enhancements that could net him a life sentence in prison. Horan said he intends to call psychiatrists to the witness stand to try to explain Lee's erratic behavior and his state of mind. "This is not a whodunit," Horan said. But, he warned jurors, "this is going to be a hard" and "emotional trial." That was evident as Shasta County Senior Deputy District Attorney Brent Ledford, who laid out the facts of the case during his opening remarks, later displayed to jurors a number of bloody crime scene photographs and also played frantic 911 calls that were made by the victim's then 17-year-old stepdaughter, Erin Backman. "My dad's dying," she told the 911 operator. "He's cut badly." The retired CHP officer, who was in bed when he was attacked by his stepson, died in his daughter's arms. Smith, who bled to death, suffered multiple wounds in the attack, and an autopsy found that his thumb and pinkie finger had been severed and that the femoral artery in his right leg had been slashed. Samantha Cheney, a senior crime scene technician with the Shasta County sheriff's office, said she has worked on 38 homicides, but had never before seen such a gruesome and bloody crime scene. "I would call it a very brutal scene," she said. Shasta County sheriff's deputy George Casebeer, the first deputy to arrive after the early morning attack, said he was met by Deena Smith, then 48, who was covered with blood from her head wounds. "She looked like a victim herself," Casebeer said, adding that Smith told him that she thought her husband was already dead. A shoeless Lee, who allegedly had ditched the sword amid blackberry vines, was found and arrested a short time later down the road from the Happy Valley home, telling deputies he needed to go to the mental health hospital, several deputies testified. Sheriff's deputy Tyler Thompson testified that Lee's demeanor after his arrest struck him as unusual. That's because he was so calm, Thompson said. Lee was committed to Napa State Hospital in 2006 after he was diagnosed as suffering from delusional behavior and deemed mentally incompetent to stand trial. But he was at the state hospital for seven days when he was found to be mentally competent to stand trial. Testimony will resume Tuesday. Reporter Jim Schultz can be reached at 225-8223 or at jschultz@redding.com. SHARE Police arrest trio in hotel drug sales Redding police said they arrested three people Tuesday night in connection with the sale of narcotics out of a hotel room at 2059 Hilltop Drive. The Redding Police Department's Neighborhood Police Unit had noticed an "unusual amount of pedestrian traffic" at the Quality Inn around 8:50 p.m. Tuesday, Cpl. Chris Jacoby said. Officers said they contacted Rebecca Lyons, 42, of Redding in one of the rooms. Lyons, who rented the room according to law enforcement, had a felony arrest warrant for possessing a firearm while selling narcotics. When officers tried to arrest Lyons, they were physically obstructed by Darick Porter, 42, of Redding, according to Jacoby. Porter was arrested along with Andrew Baides, 26, who was inside the room, police said. Officers found about 10 pounds of marijuana and evidence of marijuana sales, Jacoby said. Lyons was arrested on suspicion of possessing marijuana for sale and maintaining a place where illegal drugs are used, Jacoby said. Porter was arrested on suspicion of possessing marijuana for sale and maintaining a place where illegal drugs are used after he received medical treatment for injuries he suffered in the altercation. Porter was required to register as a sex offender for the forcible rape of a juvenile, Jacoby said. Baides was arrested on suspicion of violating his probation for being at a place of illegal drug use and sales, police said. Baides had been arrested two times before by the Neighborhood Police Unit for violating his probation, Jacoby said. The management at the Quality Inn cooperated in the investigation and said they have added Lyons, Porter and Baides to a list of people who cannot rent at the hotel and were booked at the Shasta County Jail, Jacoby said. Grand jury indicts ex-tribal official A former finance director of the Pit River Tribe was arrested Wednesday in Arizona on charges of tax evasion, failure to file income taxes, embezzlement and theft from a tribal organization, U.S. Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced. Kenley Black, 41, was arrested at his home in Fort Defiance, Arizona, where he had moved after leaving his job as the finance director for the tribe in 2013. He's not a member of the tribe. A federal grand jury last week returned a 25-count indictment against Black that accuses him of not paying $225,000 in income taxes, as well as embezzling $81,578 from the tribe in 2012 and 2013. Records show he earned $810,000 from serving as the finance director from 2009 to 2013. But he did not file income taxes, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. The FBI and IRS assisted in the case. If convicted, Black faces up to five years in prison and a $100,00 fine for each count of tax evasion. He also faces up to a year in prison for each count of failure to file a tax return and up to five years in prison for each count of theft from a tribe. Blasts delay traffic on Highway 299 Traffic on Highway 299 at Buckhorn Summit was delayed Wednesday as crews cleaned up a rock slide triggered by blasting operations from a California Department of Transportation project. The highway was under one-way traffic control in the morning hours. The lanes may not be fully cleared of rocks and debris until Friday, according to Caltrans. Blasting operations are part of an ongoing project to improve the highway. Buddhist group to hold ceremony The Laotian Buddhist community in Redding invites community members to attend a cultural ceremony and eat Laotian food from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. The community also sponsored a holy monk from Laos and extended an invitation for a meet and greet at 11815 Rebecca Lane in Redding. Record Searchlight file photo Ellis T. Booth, who spent six months in three German POW camps in World War II, died March 23. He was 92. SHARE Record Searchlight file photo Ellis T. Booth, an Anderson resident and former World War II POW, was beloved by North State veterans. Booth died March 23 at the age of 92. By Jim Schultz of the Redding Record Searchlight Ellis T. Booth, an Anderson man who spent six months in three German POW camps during World War II and who was beloved and esteemed by North State veterans died, March 23 at Mercy Medical Center in Redding. He was 92. Booth, a highly decorated U.S. Army combat veteran and Shasta County resident since 1940, was the epitome of grace, valor and perseverance. "I treasured his friendship," said Bill Philen, past commander of the Shasta County chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. "Everybody loved Ellis. He was one of a kind." A Red Oak, Oklahoma, native, Booth was serving with the 110th Infantry Regiment of the 28th Division when he was wounded by an enemy bazooka blast and captured on Dec. 19, 1944, during the Battle of the Bulge. He was a prisoner of war in three German stalags until his third camp was overrun by the First Infantry Division, known as the Big Red One, in April 1945. Despite months of near starvation and loneliness, Booth survived his captivity, but the memories lingered throughout his life. In a 2013 Record Searchlight interview, Booth said he would never forget the day when a U.S. bomber mistakenly dropped its lethal load on the German stalag where he was imprisoned on Christmas Eve 1944. The bombing killed 61 American and British POWs. "I buried them," he said quietly. "But I don't think I ever lost hope." That's because, he said, he was determined to survive his ordeal and come home. "No one was going to put me under," Booth said. "If you give up, you're going to die." Booth, who participated in the victory parade down the Champs-Elysees during the liberation of Paris, returned to the U.S. in May 1945. He also came back to Shasta County where he worked in the lumber industry until he retired in 1987 from Roseburg Lumber Co. He went on to build high-performance hot rod engines for another 10 years. A Purple Heart, Silver Star and Bronze Star recipient, Booth spent 15 years driving patients for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to its facility in Martinez, and also served as commander of a local chapter of American ex-POWs. In 2013, Booth was decorated by France with the title of Chevalier, or Knight, of the Legion of Honor for his military service. He is survived by his wife of more than 40 years, Frances; a son, Jim Booth of Washington; a daughter, Karen; eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. A visitation is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at Lawncrest Memorial Park, followed by a 1 p.m., service and burial. SHARE Rebecca Lyons Andrew Baides Darick Porter Redding police officers arrested three people on suspicion of selling narcotics out of a hotel room on Hilltop Drive on Tuesday evening. The Redding Police Department's Neighborhood Police Unit investigated a large number of people at the Quality Inn on Tuesday evening around 8:50 p.m., according to Cpl. Chris Jacoby. Officers said they contacted Rebecca Lyons, 42, of Redding, at room 309, which was the source of all the people at the hotel located at 2059 Hilltop Drive. Lyons was the person who rented the room, according to law enforcement, and had a felony arrest warrant for possessing a firearm while selling narcotics. When officers tried to arrest Lyons at the room they were physically obstructed by Darick Porter, 42, of Redding, according to Jacoby, who was arrested along with Andrew Baides, 26 who was inside the room. Officers located and seized about 10 pounds of marijuana and evidence of marijuana sales, said Jacoby. Lyons was arrested on the suspicion of possession of marijuana for sale and maintaining a place where illegal drugs are used, said Jacoby. After receiving medical aid for injuries received on the scene Porter was arrested on the suspicion of marijuana for sales and maintaining a place where illegal drugs are used. Porter is required to register as a sex offender for the forcible rape of a juvenile, according to Jacoby. Baides was also arrested on the suspicion of violating his probation at a place for illegal drug use and sales. Baides has been arrested two prior times for violating his probation by the Neighborhood Police Unit, according to Jacoby. The Neighborhood Police Unit continues to work with hotel management to assist them with identifying local residents looking to rent a room to conduct criminal activity. Management at the Quality Inn cooperated in the investigation and stated they have added Lyons, Porter and Baides to a list of people who cannot rent at the hotel and were booked at the Shasta County Jail, said Jacoby. SHARE By Ryan Sabalow CORNING - Calling it the biggest hallucinogenic mushroom bust in the history of the north state, drug agents announced today that they seized more than 160 pounds of the fungus from a home near where a body was found earlier this week. "We get small quantities (of mushrooms) from time to time - a couple grams here or there, at the most maybe an ounce," said Vic Lacey, the special agent supervisor of the Tehama Inter-Agency Drug Enforcement Team (TIDE). "We don't see large quantities like this." The bust came Tuesday, when Tehama County Sheriff's investigators requested TIDE agents' help after they found a car belonging to Allen Joseph Milanowski, 52, parked at an Oren Avenue home. Milanowski's partially clothed and bruised body had been found a day earlier on the side of Loleta Avenue in Corning near Oren Avenue, investigators have said. The death wasn't immediately classified as suspicious - there were no gunshot or stab wounds - and an autopsy on the Lake County man was set for today, Undersheriff Dennis Garton said Tuesday. In a press conference today, officials said Milanowski had health problems and hypothermia may have contributed to his death. Toxicology results are expected in two weeks. Officials also said he had a history of arrests for marijuana cultivation. When deputies arrived and interviewed the home's owner, Robert Crane Rawhouser, 57, they noticed marijuana plants and evidence of psilosybin mushrooms being grown and processed on the property, Lacey said. TIDE teams obtained a search warrant for Rawhouser's home and found the 160 pounds of mushrooms, as well as 10 pounds of processed pot, digital scales, large quantities of shipping and packing materials, Lacey said. A hundred and 10 pounds of the fungus was dried, vacuum sealed in plastic bags and ready to be shipped, Lacey said. "This guy had been in operation for a long time," Lacey said. Investigators said Rawhouser was a federal fugitive wanted for not appearing in Wisconsin in 1993 on mushroom growing charges, said Sheriff Clay Parker. He is being held without bail at the Tehama County Jail. This isn't the first time a north state man was arrested in recent months for being in possession of large quantities of mushrooms. On July 2, when Kenneth Ian Rosner, 40, of Carlsbad was pulled over in a traffic stop on Interstate 5 near the Fawndale exit, investigators found more than 18 pounds of psilocybin mushrooms wrapped in sealed 1-gallon baggies. Rosner pleaded guilty in August to transporting or attempting to sell a controlled substance. Lacey said he's unsure if the two alleged crimes are related. Reporter Ryan Sabalow can be reached at 225-8344 or at rsabalow@redding.com. Fromer Army Sgt. Valente Valenzuela and former Marine Lance Cpl. Manuel Valenzuela protest in San Ysidro, Calif., in 2012. Each served three years in the U.S. military before they were ordered deported. (Don Bartletti/Los Angeles Times/TNS) SHARE By Nigel Duara, Los Angeles Times CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico When they pushed him off the prison bus into the swirling dust of the Mexican border, they gave him only one instruction: Run. He watched the other inmates scamper in all directions across the line dividing Laredo, Texas, from Mexico. This is how it ends, he thought to himself, after three honorable years of service in the U.S. Navy and one serious run-in with the law, he was being set adrift, here in a deadly Mexican border town hundreds of miles from home. So he ran. Juan Valadez once embraced the Navys ideals: Be your best, serve with honor, protect your country. But because he was born in Mexico and taken to the U.S. as an infant, his pact with America when he joined the military came with a catch: If he ever was convicted of a felony, he would be deported. The only legal way to return would be in a coffin a final mercy the U.S. government grants veterans who die after deportation. Theyll take you back once its not no good to you anymore, Valadez said. For much of its wartime history, the U.S. has offered citizenship to noncitizens who enlisted in the military and completed boot camp. The practice was stopped after the Vietnam War, and then resumed a generation later by the Army in 2009, and the Navy after that. Valadez, 33, is one of the thousands who served in those middle years when naturalization wasnt a part of boot camp graduation. Advocates estimate there are now at least 2,000 U.S. veterans living in northern Mexico, many in border towns such as Tijuana and Juarez where English speakers can find decent-paying work in telemarketing and other service-sector jobs. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement doesnt keep track of how many veterans the government has deported. In Mexico, Valadez said, his military training and fluent English have drawn the keenest interest from a powerful drug cartel. In a single day, he said, he could make what he earns in a month running the sushi restaurant he owns in downtown Juarez. But he has a wife and young daughter now, and he resists picking up the phone. Still, when the bills pile up, the job beckons. Valadez said going to work for the cartel, even for simple jobs like driving a truck or running security, would not only be dangerous, but also a betrayal. Im still an American, Im still a sailor, Valadez said. Valadez admitted that he could have done far more to secure a foothold in America. After boot camp, when he was deployed south of Yemen, in the Gulf of Aden, he could have found someone on his ship who could naturalize him, as the law permits immigrants on active duty abroad. But he never did, and eventually forgot about it. The modern path to naturalization is far easier, allowing boot camp graduates to participate in a naturalization ceremony. But naturalization ceremonies were not a part of boot camp when Valdez enlisted. A Pentagon report, issued in 2008 during two wars, estimated that about 8,000 noncitizens enlist in the military each year. It is unclear whether enlistment numbers have continued at that pace. After the Vietnam War, military members had to complete one year of honorable service to even begin applying for citizenship. After the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, President George W. Bush signed an executive order shortening the requirement, clearing the way to a quicker path to citizenship. The result was scattershot. Some enterprising service members in the country illegally understood the process after deployment and were diligent in filing their applications through their closest embassy. Some thought the boot camp graduation was itself a citizenship ceremony. They raised their right hands and swore to defend the Constitution, said Margaret Stock of Cascadia Cross-Border Law in Anchorage, Alaska, who has represented many veterans seeking to avoid deportation. They thought that made them citizens. Some, like Valadez, were unsure of their options. Military recruiters mislead people, Stock said. They tell them that citizenship will be automatic. Once deported, veterans are no longer are able to get medical coverage, though the Department of Veterans Affairs will continue to mail them medication. Vietnam veteran Manuel de Jesus Castano, for example, instance, was being treated for Lou Gehrigs disease and lupus at an El Paso, Texas, Veterans Affairs hospital when he was deported in 2011. He was rebuffed every time he tried to come back to the U.S. for treatment and died of a heart attack in 2012. He was 55. Manuel Valenzuela and other advocates for deported veterans helped arrange for his body to be returned to the U.S. He is interred at Fort Bliss National Cemetery in El Paso, buried with full military honors. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement officials said they enforce U.S. immigration law, regardless of a persons military status. When Valadez returned from duty in the Gulf of Aden, he left the military and went looking for quick cash. He found it in marijuana. He told a friend of a friend that he would take a shipment of marijuana from El Paso to Columbus, Ohio. He said he didnt know it at the time, but he was working for the same cartel that would later ask about his services in Juarez. The scheme was a setup, Valadez said, and he was convicted of conspiracy to transport drugs, a felony. He spent three years in prison but said his deportation to Mexico a country that was all but foreign to him was essentially a life sentence. Still, it could be far worse. On a recent afternoon, as the heat began to build, Valadez unhurriedly prepared the restaurant for opening. With his wife behind the register, he arranged cheap wooden circular tables and chairs into a pattern his servers could move around with ease. On a busy commercial street in downtown Juarez, Valadez is a successful businessman. The restaurant is an achievement, a purchase he made after two years serving sushi from a food truck. A half-dozen people, including dishwashers and waiters, rely on him to come to work every day, all the while resisting the pull of easy, dirty money. I was lucky. I had an uncle in Juarez, he said. Some people, they just disappear. 2016 Los Angeles Times Visit the Los Angeles Times at www.latimes.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Chicagoans aren't strangers to bizarre Facebook events. Earlier this year, a local man named Tim Mack made a page that claimed "I Am Going to Drink Lake Michigan" and tens of thousands of people accepted the event's invite. (Unfortunately, his quest failed despite getting "five cups down" when he tried the feat at Montrose Beach last January.) Now an arguably crazier event is going viral on the social networking site: a local teen is challenging Mayor Rahm Emanuel to a sword fight. Created earlier this month by Duncan Ritchie, an 18-year-old West Town resident, the event page, at the time of press, boasts more than 1,700 people "interested" in the duel with more than 570 "going." Simply titled "I Challenge Rahm Emanuel to a Sword fight," Ritchie's invitation states the fight will go down, should the mayor accept, at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 31, at the Bean (*eye roll* Cloud Gate) in Millennium Park. Because so many people are rallying around Ritchie's outlandish challenge, RedEye has the exclusive (no one else has asked for one) interview with the swashbuckling and Internet-savvy teen. Advertisement Are you surprised by the positive response to your challenge? Honestlyyeah. I hadn't checked the page for a couple days and the last time I checked it had like 66 people. When I got your request for an interview, and I look and think, "Holy shit. There are 1,700 people suddenly interested in this thing. Everyone seems to be cool about it though. It's fun." Advertisement What inspired you to challenge the mayor to a sword fight? A lot of stuff. His battles with the CTU, cutting funding and his privatization of the school system has really been getting to me. All of those things made me say, "You know what? I want to sword fight this guy." Are you trained in sword fighting? Well, no. But I've played that Wii game where you hit the people with a sword so I'm probably more experienced than Rahm. Why a sword fight and not a debate or an arm-wrestling competition? I miss the old-fashioned days when people would have duels like that. It's very Shakespearean and kind of romantic in a weird way. Do you think he'll accept? I don't know. I mean I haven't officially challenged him yet. I want to write him a nice letter. But I also want to show that I'll have people who will call him out for being a coward if he doesn't accept. Advertisement What are you going to do if he doesn't accept? Will you still go to Millennium Park? Yeah, why not! I should be out of school by then [at Wells Community Academy]. Eat. Watch. Do. Weekly What to eat. What to watch. What you need to live your best life ... now. > What's your response to people who will call this a joke? At first this wasn't quite so serious, but then after seeing the response I'm thinking, "Hey, this could actually happen." I'm totally down for it. If Rahm wants to sword fight, I'll sword fight him. I mean, not to the death or anything, unless he really wants to go to death. I don't know, I'm pretty confident in myself. But I'd be cool to go to first pain or the to first scratch. What do you want to accomplish with all of this? That's a really good question. I don't know. I hadn't really taught about that too much. Maybe if I win, I could take his position or something. Be mayor. That'd be cool. Advertisement As of press time, representatives for the mayor have not returned RedEye's request for comment. @joshhterry | jterry@redeyechicago.com Music and cocktail making classes in Chicago? Click here. In the light of India's increasingly 'darkening' threat environment and the convergence of strategic interests between China and Pakistan, the IAF's declining combat capabilities are a cause for concern, says Brigadier Gurmeet Kanwal (retd). In a rare public admission, Air Marshal B S Dhanoa, Vice Chief of Air Staff, said while briefing the media recently on the eve of Exercise Iron Fist, a fire power demonstration of the Indian Air Force that 'numbers are not adequate to execute a full air campaign in a two-front scenario.' Independent corroboration of the vice chief's assessment has been provided by the well-known analyst Dr Ashley J Tellis, Senior Research Associate, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Washington, DC. In an impressive monograph, Troubles They Come in Battalions: The Manifold Travails of the Indian Air Force (Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, March 2016), Dr Tellis analyses the IAF's force structure and suggests measures to improve its combat efficiency to meet future threats and challenges. Dr Tellis highlights India's increasingly 'darkening' threat environment in view of the convergence of strategic interests between China and Pakistan and their rapidly modernising air forces. While noting approvingly that 'the IAF remains exemplary among air forces in the developing world,' he writes that it is gradually losing the combat edge that it has enjoyed since the 1971 War with Pakistan because of the superior fighter aircraft in its inventory and larger numbers. Dr Tellis accepts the aspirations of Indian analysts for a combat strength of 60 squadrons for the IAF to be able to effectively dominate the skies in a two-front threat environment. However, he points out that the number of the IAF's frontline squadrons has been steadily declining. 'Today, against the authorised total of 39.5 squadrons,' he writes, 'the IAF can barely muster 32 squadrons of fighters... China and Pakistan field about 750 advanced air defence/ multi-role fighters against the IAF's 450-odd equivalents.' The large-scale depletion in the IAF's combat capability can be attributed to 'serious constraints on India's defence budget, the impediments imposed by the acquisition process, the meagre achievements of the country's domestic development organisations, the weaknesses of the higher defence management system, and India's inability to reconcile the need for self-sufficiency in defence production with the necessity of maintaining technological superiority over rivals.' Dr Tellis systematically analyses the present holdings and future requirements of fighter aircraft in the lightweight (MiG-21/Tejas LCA), medium-weight (Rafale MMRCA) and heavyweight (SU-30MKI/PAK-FA Indo-Russian fifth generation fighter) segments and concludes that the IAF faces serious challenges in all of them. 'The Tejas Mark 1 is handicapped by significant technological deficiencies; the prospects for expanding the MMRCA component to compensate for the Tejas' shortcomings are unclear; and the IAF's reluctance to proceed fully with the PAK-FA programme could undermine its fifth generation fighter ambitions.' Dr Tellis discusses the options available to India in each segment in detail. According to him, India should be cautious about acquiring more than six squadrons of the Tejas LCA; it should opt for the 'cheapest' Western MMRCA available and enlarge its requirement in this segment; and, it should continue to invest in its collaboration with Russia for the fifth generation fighter aircraft PAK-FA. He dwells in length on the advantages and shortcomings of the major Western contenders in the middle-weight segment, including the two European aircraft, the Rafale and the Gripen NG, and the two American aircraft, the F-16IN and the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. He writes that both Boeing and Lockheed Martin would be amenable to manufacturing their fighters in India with transfer of technology. However, India has faced difficulties with American technology in the past, partly due to its reluctance to sign some of the foundational agreements like CISMOA, BECA and LSA. As a case in point, the C-130J transport aircraft for the Special Forces came without some high-tech equipment. Dr Tellis highlights the difficulties that will be involved in integrating just 36 Rafales in an aircraft fleet that is already 'widely diversified', that too at a price of approximately $9 billion -- almost one-fourth of India's current defence budget. However, he does not comment on the view of some non-aviator Indian analysts that the MMRCA (Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft) is too expensive, especially if acquired in small numbers, and that the IAF should acquire larger numbers of the Russian-designed SU-30MKI and encourage the indigenously manufactured Tejas LCA, in line with the government's policy thrust to 'Make in India.' While this view has some merit in it even though the serviceability rate of the SU-30MKI leaves much to be desired, the LCA is still three to five years away from being declared fully worthy of undertaking combat operations. If the deal to acquire 36 Rafale fighters does finally go through, it may be prudent to manufacture the aircraft in India with transfer of technology -- provided the terms offered by the company are suitable. Dr Tellis emphasises the importance of providing accurate and timely 'close air support' to the army in the required quantities. This facet of air force operations will be critically important in a future conflict due to the limitations imposed on manoeuvre in the mountains by the difficulties presented by the terrain and in order not to risk crossing Pakistan's so-called nuclear redlines in the plains through deep manoeuvre. Hence, it is necessary for the Indian armed forces to augment their firepower capabilities by an order of magnitude. He carefully analyses the requirement of acquiring dedicated close air support aircraft to support ground operations and concludes that the American A-10 Thunderbolt would be a good option for India. When the MiG-27 enters the phase of obsolescence in five years' time, it would be good for India to begin inducting an aircraft that is designed to strike targets on the ground like the A-10 or the Russian SU-39. The process for acquiring such an aircraft must begin now. Simultaneously, the holdings of precision-guided munitions must be significantly enhanced to achieve stocking levels of up to 30 per cent. Also, the time has come to introduce unmanned combat air vehicles (UCAVs) or combat drones into service in large enough numbers to influence operations on the ground. Dr Tellis brings to bear his considerable knowledge and experience as an analyst with Project Air Force at the RAND Corporation and later at CEIP to analyse a complex subject and explain it in easy-to-understand terms. His latest offering should be compulsory reading for policy makers and members of India's strategic community. Brigadier Gurmeet Kanwal (retd) is Distinguished Fellow, Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses and former Director, Centre for Land Warfare Studies, New Delhi. IMAGE: A Dassault Rafale combat aircraft seen during Aero India 2013 at the Yelahanka air force station on the outskirts of Bengaluru. Photograph: Reuters IMAGE: Aligarh Muslim University. 'The HRD minister said AMU was not a minority institution. I told her the matter would be settled in court.' 'The prime minister did not say anything so categorical. He heard me out very sympathetically. His body language was very different.' 'AMU has ABVP. I did receive a letter from them asking why you are constantly brandishing your service to the country. My reply is: Why shouldn't I?' 'I served the country for 40 years and I am very proud of this service performed for my country.' Aligarh Muslim University Vice-Chancellor Lieutenant General Zameeruddin Shah (retd) met Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a second time to highlight his concerns about the recent government move to take away AMU'S minority status. General Shah, below, left spoke to Rashme Sehgal on his meeting with Modi. You sought a second meeting with Modi to discuss the issue of restoring AMU's minority status. What did he tell you? The prime minister said the issue is sub judice. He gave no commitment. I gave him a memorandum and stressed that the sentiments of the entire minority community are attached to AMU. The Muslim community was extremely disappointed at how the attorney general of India had turned 180 degrees and had gone back on the affidavit that had been given to the Supreme Court. Surely the attorney general could not have taken this U-turn without the prime minister's knowledge. I have no comments on that. What exactly was discussed when you met the prime minister? I sought the government's support on restoring the varsity's minority status because this would have a salutary effect on the minorities who are agitated and apprehensive that their rights are being trampled upon. I also brought to his notice that the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party), 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. I also mentioned that Human Resources Development Minister Smriti Irani had said that the varsity's three off-campus centres in Bihar, Kerala and West Bengal were illegal, but these are very much legal. Subsequent to this meeting (with the prime minister), the HRD minister's position has changed. From saying these centres are illegal, she now stated these centres were not doing the work for which they were created. She informed me that no worthwhile research was being carried out in these centres. I informed her it was very difficult to carry out any research from these temporary buildings. Give us necessary funds and research will be done. There was a change of attitude with the HRD minister. The fact that she acknowledged that research should be done meant that she accepted that the centres were established legally. You are reported to have Modi that you had not been able to meet the HRD minister. I told him that I had been asking for a meeting with the HRD minister for the last one year. I told him that I was able to meet you twice, but have not been able to meet the HRD minister so far. The minister has had meetings of all vice-chancellors, but these do not allow for an opportunity to have a face-to-face interaction. I also told the prime minister that in all the key subjects including engineering, medicine and commerce, the number of Hindu students in our university were at par with the Muslim students. It was in subjects such as study of Arabic, Persian and Islamic studies that the numbers of Muslim students were higher. Why should the HRD minister come to the conclusion that these varsity centres are illegal especially since I understand the prime minister had sanctioned money for these centres some time ago? An alumunus of AMU -- who I do not want to name -- convinced her that these centres are illegal. I told the HRD minister you are listening to the wrong person. Who is he? A politician, who was a member of the Rajya Sabha for 18 months. She was misguided. How old are these off-campus centres? One is five years old. One is only a year old. The centre at Kishanganj was inaugurated by Sonia Gandhi in Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's presence. We were under pressure (during the United Progressive Alliance government) to put these up within a certain period of time. We did it all. There was a report that the Kerala chief minister met the HRD minister regarding the centre in Kerala. And the minister asked you to leave the room. No comments. No answer is in itself an answer. Have you asked the HRD minister to increase the funding for AMU? We are grossly short of funds. There is a complete inequity of funding. The Benares Hindu University, which is the same size as us, receives Rs 100 crore (Rs 1 billion) more while Jamia Millia Islamia, which is a smaller university, receives Rs 50 crore (Rs 500 million) more. You raised the issue of AMU's minority status with the HRD minister. The HRD minister said it was not a minority institution. So I told her the matter would be settled in court. The prime minister did not say anything so categorical. He heard me out very sympathetically. His body language was very different. You also had a subsequent meeting with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. I basically went to him for two reasons. AMU is celebrating the bicentenary of our founder Sir Syed Ahmed in October 2017. We want to open a museum at his birthplace in a haveli in Daryaganj. We also requested a place for an office to help with the placement of our students. Corporate honchos find it difficult to come to Aligarh, so we feel we should have an office where our students can be interviewed. Kejriwal assured me he would examine it. I told him he could give us a derelict building and we would transform it. There is a property in Connaught Place under the Waqf Board which was bequeathed to AMU in 1945, which we lost because of a lack of attention. He has agreed to look into the matter and have the records checked. You don't think it was politically inappropriate for you to have met Kejriwal especially since he is not known to be in Modi's good books. Nothing should be read into this meeting. I met Kejriwal for a specific aim. Our reason for meeting Kejriwal was very different. The Waqf Board is under the state government as all revenue records are with them. He did, however, endorse AMU's minority status. Universities are facing a great deal of unrest as has been epitomised by events at the Jawaharlal Nehru University. Do you feel that events at JNU should have been handled differently? We do not believe in curbing the freedom of speech of students and teachers. Traditionally, several bodies have criticised the government, but a criticism of the government should not be seen as anti-national. During the events at JNU, we advised our students to stay calm and maintain tranquillity. We have faced unrest, but have dealt with it at the university level. What do you feel about the national-anti-national debate ignited by events at JNU? I have no comments to make. Students of AMU are true to their salt and would not be inclined to participate in any activity not permitted by the Constitution. We stress we will not curb free thinking, free expression, which should not be viewed as being anti-national. It is not our policy to allow police on the campus. We resolve problems on our own. If the police are called, this will only aggravate matters. Students do not relish the police being called on the campus. Do you feel the autonomy of our universities is being systematically downgraded? We are closely monitoring the situation including the selection of vice-chancellors. We have our own unique process of selection as mentioned in our university statute that has been passed by Parliament. We are not willing to accept university regulation 7.3.0 as this would undermine the autonomy of the university. Are you agreeable to flying the Indian flag on the AMU campus? We have no problem. We will fly the Indian flag with pride. What are your views on a single uniform curriculum being designed for all universities and also on a single university cadre that can be transferred as seems to be in the process of being devised by the HRD ministry? We oppose the proposal to have a common entrance test and other things that impinge on the autonomy of the university. We have always opposed it. This is a cause of concern more so because ours is a minority institution. Is there an increasing ABVP (Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad) presence on the AMU campus? The AMU has ABVP. I did receive a letter from them asking why you are constantly brandishing your service to the country. My reply is why shouldn't I? I served the country for 40 years and I am very proud of this service performed for my country. The date of the minority status case in the Supreme Court is on April 4. Yes. For us, it is a matter of life and death. This is where all our energies are directed (for the present). (On April 4, the Centre told the Supreme Court it would withdraw the UPA's appeal, push for non-minority status for AMU) Photographs: Kind Courtesy Aligarh Muslim University/Facebook; General Zameeruddin Shah: Kind Courtesy Mohammad Waseem Ansari/Wikipedia 'I feel like hanging my head in shame to think that the chief minister is making such an irresponsible and unkind comment at such a sad time.' 'Instead of calling the army, the chief minister spent time on making political statements.' 'I dont deny the fact that the tender for the flyover was placed during my time but there was no foul play.' IMAGE: Firefighters and rescue workers search for victims at the site of an under-construction flyover after it collapsed in Kolkata, India. Photograph: Rupak De Chowdhuri/ Reuters I feel like hanging my head in shame today, Ashok Bhattacharya told Rediff.com over telephone on Thursday evening. How could Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee politicise such a gruesome tragedy? he said. The Mayor of Siliguri Municipal Corporation was referring to Banerjees comment that tender for the Viveknanda flyover, which collapsed on Thursday, was placed during the Left regime. At least 22 people were killed and several injured as the flyover located at Posta, one of the congested areas of Kolkata, collapsed on Thursday afternoon. In a brief interaction with Indrani Roy/Rediff.com, Bhattacharya discusses the tragedy and criticizes the Trinamool Congress governments faulty urban policy for the tragedy. Banerjee has said that the tender for the flyover was placed during your regime. First, let me tell you, as a human being I think its unethical to start the blame game now when so many lives have been lost. I feel like hanging my head in shame to think that a chief minister of Banerjees stature is making such an irresponsible and unkind comment at such a sad time. I dont deny the fact that the tender for the flyover was placed during my time but it was done through competitive bidding and there was no foul play. However, under my ministership, only a few pillars got constructed and the project was stalled in 2009 because of protests by the locals alleging faulty design. The work resumed only after Trinamool Congress came to power in 2011. Hence, I would request the chief minister to kindly introspect and find out the real cause of the tragedy. This is the time for all political parties to stand united and lend a helping hand to the victims. This is not the time to think of the vote bank. This is the time to find out why and how this tragedy happened. Who should the CM go to for an answer? She should have a serious discussion with Urban Development Minister Firhad (Bobby) Hakim. She cannot get away with her overtly used ostrich-in-the-sand attitude this time. The collapsed flyover snuffed out human lives and the chief minister has to rise above petty politics. Some time back when another flyover came down near Ultadanga in the eastern fringe of the city, Hakim had said he would conduct medical tests on all the flyovers of the city. What happened to those tests, may I ask? It been rumoured that supervisors and engineers were under duress to finish this project by mid-April. Do you think that haste led to the faulty construction? Yes. Mamata had announced early this year that she intended to inaugurate this flyover before the city went to polls. Her comment could have led to an undue pressure on those in charge of construction. Besides, we heard a labourer stating on television that there were some problems and that cracks were developing across the structure. There must have been a serious negligence on the part of the supervisors else such an incident would not have happened. I dont rule out massive corruption either. What do you mean by corruption? A thorough investigation is necessary. One needs to question the quality and quantity of cement that was used. Which types of iron rods were procured? Did the construction follow the original plan? How much money was actually spent? Which company had supplied the materials? These questions need to be asked. When Mayor Sovan Chattopadhyay and Minister for Disaster Management Javed Khan visited the site around 1.30 pm, the mob almost pounced on him and sab chor hai chants were deafening. This speaks for itself how the people of Bengal rate these political heavyweights. The politicians are peoples representatives, nothing else. They are answerable to the people, who vote them to power. Do you think the state government was prompt with the rescue operation? Rescue operation? It was a joke! The whole process started two-and-a-half hours after the incident took place. Instead of calling the army, the chief minister spent time on making political statements. While hundreds lay trapped, only one crane was at work. The states disaster management cell was in a shambles! Member of Parliament Mohammed Salim asked why construction work was allowed during busy hours at such a congested place. Isnt it the norm to work at night? As I said, someone was in a great hurry to finish the work to please the chief minister and help her keep her word. Its pathetic that so many lives got lost in the process. Should we be worried about the other bridges and flyovers of the city that have come up in recent times? Oh yes! I am really worried about the Parama Island Flyover (officially named Ma by the chief minister). Though the flyover was slated to be inaugurated in July, the work got advanced by many months and thats what I find worrying. Nobody knows if too much speed has marred the flyovers quality of construction. Do you think this mishap will have an impact on the forthcoming assembly election results? Its mean to even think in those lines when so many people have died. In a dramatic move, China has once again blocked India' bid at the United Nations to ban Jaish-e-Mohammed Chief Masood Azhar, the mastermind of the Pathankot terror attack. According to highly placed sources in New Delhi, just hours before the deadline earlier today, China requested the UN Committee, which is considering a ban on the chief of the Pakistan-based terror outfit JeM, to keep on hold the designation. After the attack on the Indian Air Force base at Pathankot on January 2, India in February wrote to the UN calling for immediate action to list Azhar under the Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee. The submission was armed with strong evidence of the outfit's terror activities and its role in the Pathankot attack that killed seven Indian military personnel. India also told the UN Sanctions Committee that not listing Azhar would expose it and other countries in South Asia to threats from the terror group and its leader. The India submission was considered by the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate for technical aspects of the evidence provided. The technical team then with the support of the United States, the United Kingdom and France had sent it to all the members, sources said. All were told that if there are no objections the designation will be announced after the expiry of the deadline, the sources said. "However, hours before the deadline, China requested the Committee to hold up the banning of the JeM chief," the sources said. According to other government sources, the Chinese action was in "consultation" with Pakistan, which is not on the UN Committee. The UN had banned JeM in 2001 but Indias efforts to ban Azhar after the Mumbai terror attack also did not fructify as China, one of the five permanent members of the UN group with veto powers, didnt allow the ban apparently at the behest of Pakistan again. After a wait of 10 years, the Indian army will finally get 50,000 new bullet-proof vests after. However, the army still needs 3,03,765 such more vests to protect its soldiers. The army's existing bulky bullet-proof vests -- with poor protection -- are near the end of their operational life. "The jackets will be delivered from August onwards. All the jackets are to be delivered by January 2017," a defence ministry source told The Times of India. The 50,000 vests will be given to soldier after the army signed an "emergency" procurement contract worth Rs 140 crores. Given the huge shortage of such vests in the 1.18-million strong Army, in November 2014, after taking over as defence minister, Manohar Parrikar approved this "interim emergency acquisition" through the "revenue route". The delay in the induction of bullet-proof jackets has been blamed on "convoluted procurement procedures." In October 2015, the government scrapped a tender for modular bullet-proof jackets as the six vendors "failed" to clear field trials. These jackets were supposed to sufficiently protect the head, neck, chest, groin and sides of the soldiers. They would also have allowed soldiers to move with greater agility during counter-insurgency operations in difficult "unfriendly" terrain. However, when the samples failed to meet requirements, the army vice-chief's existing financial powers were "relaxed as a one-time exception" to ensure the urgent purchase of 50,000 jackets based on older technical specifications. "The minister and army Vice-Chief Lt-General M M S Rai pushed to expedite the entire process," said a source. The shortages in the bullet-proof jackets have been termed "critical" with several parliamentary committees slamming the government for "playing with the lives" of soldiers. As many as 1.86 lakh jackets were to be supplied to soldiers by 2012 and another 1.67 lakh vests were to be supplied by 2017. None have been acquired till date. Meanwhile, the Defence Research and Development Organisation has been testing a new bullet-proof jacket prototype that conforms with the new GSQRs. This prototype jacket uses various "state-of-the-art ballistic material" to protect against AK-47 and self-loading rifle bullets. The source further added that stage-1 and stage-2 tests for the prototype jacket were successfully completed and it "will be" a contender when the government issues tender for the procurement of the bullet-proof jackets via "capital procurement." Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Washington, DC early Thursday to attend the two-day Nuclear Security Summit where world leaders from over 50 countries are expected to share their assessment of the threat from nuclear weapons and materials. Image: PM Narendra Modi arrives at Washington DC. Photograph: PIB During his two-day stay in Washington,DC, Modi is scheduled to interact with a number of world leaders including the US President Barack Obama. Attending the Nuclear Security Summit for the first time, Modi is expected to lay out his vision of securing nuclear weapons. This is Modis third visit to the US and second to Washington since becoming prime minister in 2014. In September 2014, Modi visited US and had a meeting with Obama at the White House. He made his second trip to the US a year later which took him to New York and Silicon Valley. While the details of his schedule in Washington have not been released yet, the prime minister is expected to hold a series of meetings throughout the day, which range from bilaterals with heads of state to community leaders, to scientists and top executives from the corporate world. Modi is scheduled to hold a meeting with Prime Minister of New Zealand John Key later on Thursday and meet with scientists from Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory. Even as he has no public engagement with the Indian American community, which has been a trademark of his overseas trips, a large number of Indian Americans from in and around Washington said they would be standing outside his hotel, despite tight security, to get a glimpse of Modi. Image: PM Narendra Modi arrives at Washington DC. Photograph: PIB The official summit engagement of the prime minister would begin in the evening when he would drive down to the White House to attend a dinner hosted by Obama in honour of the world leaders attending the fourth Nuclear Security Summit. No Modi-Obama bilateral meeting has been announced yet from either side, but the two leaders are expected to get multiple opportunities for interaction and talks over the next two days. The summit would deliberate on the crucial issue of threat to nuclear security caused by nuclear terrorism. Leaders would discuss ways and measure through which to strengthen the global nuclear security architecture, especially to ensure that non-state actors do not get access to nuclear material, Modi had said in a statement before leaving on the current three-nation tour of Belgium, the US and Saudi Arabia. Joint Secretary (Disarmament & International Security Affairs) Amandeep Singh Gill said during the summit Indias written National Progress Report would be circulated at the summit. The prime minister would intervene in this discussion on national actions to underline some of the important measures we have taken to strengthen nuclear security. India expects that the summit would contribute further to raising high level awareness of the threat of nuclear terrorism and the need to strengthen international cooperation against terrorists and nuclear traffickers, Gill said. We also expect that the summit would help bolster legal, institutional and enforcement measures to strengthen the security of nuclear material, radioactive sources, associated facilities and technologies, he said. Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump has kicked off a political storm with his latest controversial comment that women should be punished for illegal abortions, drawing flak from political opponents who termed the remark horrific and shameful. There has to be some form of punishment, Trump said on Wednesday in an interview with MSNBC news channel after the host asked him: Do you believe in punishment for abortion, yes or no? For the woman? asked the host. Yeah, there has to be some form, Trump, 69, responded. Trumps remarks sparked off a firestorm as his political opponents and women activists slammed him for such an outrageous remarks. Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton described the comments as horrific and telling. Just when you thought it couldnt get worse. Horrific and telling, Clinton, 68, said in a tweet. Democratic presidential aspirant Bernie Sanders said the comments were shameful. Once again Donald Trump has demonstrated that he hasnt seriously thought through the issues, and hell say anything just to get attention, said Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz. Trump, however, issued a quick clarification as the outcry grew, saying doctors performing the illegal act should be held responsible. If Congress were to pass legislation making abortion illegal and the federal courts upheld this legislation, or any state were permitted to ban abortion under state and federal law, the doctor or any other person performing this illegal act upon a woman would be held legally responsible, not the woman, Trump said. The woman is a victim in this case as is the life in her womb. My position has not changed -- like Ronald Reagan, I am pro-life with exceptions, Trump said, but the damage to his campaign had already been done. Democratic National Committee Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz said Trumps vileness and contempt for women knew no bounds. It will indeed be Donald Trump and Republican candidates who are punished come November, Schultz said. If Donald Trump is going to run successfully as a pro-life candidate, its time he started listening to the pro-life movement, said Eric Scheidler, executive director of the Pro-Life Action League. We know how much women suffer from abortion, and how they are lied to by the abortion industry. Any penalty for illegal abortion should fall on abortion providers, not the women who turn to them in desperation, he said. A peeved special Pakistani tribunal on Thursday asked government to give a written explanation as to why it allowed former military ruler Pervez Musharraf to go abroad without its consent. The three-member tribunal has been holding trial of Musharraf in treason case which is based on Musharraf's decision to impose emergency in the country in 2007. The trial started in 2013 and Musharraf has been charge-sheeted. The 72-year-old Musharraf this month flew to Dubai for purported treatment after Supreme Court lifted bars on his foreign trips. However, the court had also authorised the federal government to stop him from leaving the country in case it felt that he would dodge cases in Pakistan. Justice Mazhar Alam Miankhel asked state prosecutor Akram Skeikh why Musharraf was allowed to go away when the tribunal had issued orders for his personal appearance. He asked the government to provide written response for allowing Musharraf to fly out of the country when it knew that he was required to appear in person on March 31. Sheikh requested the court to issue red warrants against Musharraf, which the court refused. Treason is capital crime in Pakistan, punishable with death. Musharraf ruled from 1999 to 2008 when he stepped down. He lived abroad for most of the time until his return in 2013 to contest elections but was implicated in several high- profile cases and was not allowed to leave the country. Musharraf had said before leaving that he was going abroad to seek medical treatment for a spinal cord ailment which has now developed several complications and will "come back in a few weeks or months". He flew to Dubai after the government lifted international travel restrictions on him. The ex-army chief is facing a slew of court cases after returning from five years of self-exile in Dubai. He is facing trial in high treason case for abrogating the constitution in 2007 and illegal detention of judges same year. In January 2014, Musharraf suffered a "severe heart attack" on his way to a special court to face the high treason charges following which he was admitted to an army hospital. Musharraf has also been charged in connection with the 2007 assassination of prime minister Benazir Bhutto and the killing of a radical cleric in Islamabad in a military crackdown. Five Years of Crisis, Five Million Syrian Refugees Publisher Amnesty International Author Khairunissa Dhala Publication Date 30 March 2016 Cite as Amnesty International, Five Years of Crisis, Five Million Syrian Refugees, 30 March 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/56fc27eb20.html [accessed 23 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Over the past five years, the crisis in Syria has seen more than 250,000 people killed, tens of thousands forcibly disappeared, and millions displaced inside of Syria. It has also forced five million people to flee the country as refugees. Despite the staggering scale of this crisis, international support for the refugees, and for the handful of countries closest to Syria who are hosting the vast majority of them, has been woefully inadequate. Jordan, which hosts 639,704 Syrian refugees registered by the U.N. Refugee Agency (UNHCR) - the equivalent of 10% of its population - is overwhelmed. Limited humanitarian assistance, depleted savings and lack of livelihood opportunities are compounding the situation for Syrian refugees in Jordan. The vast majority live in urban areas outside of refugee camps, where they struggle to access vital services, including healthcare. Last November, I met Awad and his family in Sahab, a city on the outskirts of Jordan's capital Amman. A cramped two-room apartment is now his home, which he shares with his wife Fairuz, their eight young children and his mother Warde. The family is originally from Aleppo. They first left their home in 2012 to escape intense bombing by the Syrian government forces. Awad described how they moved from one village to another, living in abandoned farmhouses and schools. But the rockets and bombs always followed them, so they had to keep moving. One day early in the summer of 2013, his eight-year-old daughter Sarah was playing outside when a rocket landed close to her, badly injuring her leg. Awad rushed Sarah to the nearest field hospital but it too had been bombed. Luckily, he found another field hospital operating in a basement nearby. The doctor told him that the only solution was to amputate her leg. "They gave me the leg; they put it in a bag so I could bury it. I was crying, I couldn't bury it, so the doctor did," he said. The family waited for her amputation injuries to heal before leaving for Jordan, where they hoped Sarah would be able to get further treatment. When the family arrived in Jordan, they initially lived in Zaatari - the second largest refugee camp in the world, which hosts nearly 80,000 Syrian refugees. However they were threatened by what Awad described as "mafia" members living in the camp. They took a dislike to the family because they came from a different part of Syria to the majority of the camp's population. The men beat Awad and threatened to burn down the family's caravan if they didn't leave. In the end, he had to pay a smuggler to take him and his family out of the camp. They couldn't leave the camp officially because of strict Jordanian regulations requiring them to meet specific "bailout" terms in order to so. Because they did not go through the official process to leave Zaatari, Awad and his family are not able to obtain a Ministry of Interior service card, which is crucial for those living outside refugee camps to access public services. "The first three months after we left the camp were really hard," said Awad. We felt like we were literally dying." They had to survive on private donations for several months before they were able to get food vouchers from the UNHCR. However none of the children are able to go to school because they lack the necessary documents. Unfortunately, this family's story of hardship and loss is not unique. During visits to Lebanon and Iraq, I have heard similar stories from Syrian refugees about difficulties in accessing healthcare and other basic services. I have also been struck by their resilience and their determination to never give up hope for a better future for themselves and their families. Without adequate international support, host countries in the region, which at first generously welcomed refugees from Syria, have now reached breaking point. They are increasingly pushing back by tightening border controls, limiting registration of refugees and cutting off their access to public services. More than 35,000 Syrians who have been denied entry to Jordan have been stranded in dire humanitarian conditions for months on the Jordanian side of the Syria-Jordan border, known as "the berm". Things have become so unbearable that many Syrians are choosing to risk their lives and go back to Syria, even returning to areas where there is ongoing fighting. Between May and September last year, the number of Syrians opting to go back to Syria from Jordan outnumbered arrivals, according to UNHCR. Those who do return know that it's a one-way trip: Jordan will not let them back into the country once they've crossed back into Syria. Others risk their lives through treacherous sea crossings to Europe and elsewhere. The fact that Syrian refugees are prepared to risk everything highlights the increasingly unviable situation they face in Jordan and other host countries, such as Lebanon, Turkey, Iraq and Egypt. Much more needs to be done to relieve the pressure on these countries, where 95% of Syria's refugees are currently hosted. On 30 March, a high-level meeting in Geneva about sharing responsibility for this unprecedented refugee crisis will invite governments to pledge to do more. The hope is they will take more of Syria's refugees through resettlement and other pathways such as family reunification programmes, student visas and medical evacuation. To date, the world's states have pledged to resettle only around 170,000 refugees from Syria. This figure is pitifully low. To avert a growing crisis, Amnesty International is calling for 10%, or 480,000, of Syria's refugees who are considered the most vulnerable - people with serious medical problems, unaccompanied children and torture survivors, among others - to be resettled by the end of 2016. I have spoken to refugees who were resettled to Germany and the UK that tell me what a life-changing difference it has made. Children are now going to school, their families no longer struggle to access healthcare and other services, and they no longer fear being arrested or sent back to Syria merely for choosing to leave a refugee camp or to live outside of camps. This stands in stark contrast to the reality for families like Awad's in Jordan, who face a daily battle to survive. Imagine how different their lives could be if the world would only extend a helping hand. Copyright notice: Copyright Amnesty International Colombia: Peace talks with ELN must not allow human rights abuses to go unpunished Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 30 March 2016 Cite as Amnesty International, Colombia: Peace talks with ELN must not allow human rights abuses to go unpunished, 30 March 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/56fc28e7141.html [accessed 23 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Justice for the many victims of human rights abuses and violations amid Colombia's five-decade armed conflict must lie at the heart of peace talks announced today between the government and the National Liberation Army (Ejercito de Liberacion Nacional, ELN), Amnesty International said. The government and the ELN, the country's second largest guerrilla group, said that official peace negotiations between the two sides are soon to take place, mainly in Ecuador. The country's largest guerrilla group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia, FARC) are expected to sign a peace agreement with the government in the coming weeks or months after more than three years of talks. "The talks between the ELN and the government, coupled with an imminent peace deal with the FARC, bring hope that more than half a century of conflict in Colombia might soon be over," said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas Director at Amnesty International. "However, the authorities must ensure that all those suspected of criminal responsibility for crimes under international law committed in this conflict - be they members of the security forces, paramilitaries or the guerrilla groups, including third parties such as businesspeople and politicians - must not avoid justice before ordinary civilian courts. "The government and the ELN must ensure that human rights, including measures to put an end to impunity, lie at the heart of the negotiations." The 50-year conflict in Colombia has been marked by widespread as well as systematic violations and abuses of human rights, including unlawful killings, enforced disappearance, torture, forced displacement and sexual violence. These have been committed by the security forces, either acting alone or in collusion with paramilitaries, and by guerrilla groups. Indigenous Peoples and Afro-descendant and peasant farmer communities, as well as human rights defenders, community leaders and trade unionists, have been particularly at risk. "There can be no long-lasting, effective peace without full respect for the rights of the conflict's victims to truth, justice and reparation in line with international law and standards," said Erika Guevara-Rosas. "The agreements on justice reached thus far with the FARC appear to fall well short of this mark." There has been a recent spike in threats against - and killings of - human rights defenders in Colombia. There have also been ongoing attacks against Indigenous Peoples and Afro-descendant and peasant farmer communities, mostly carried out by paramilitary groups. "Recent attacks on activists and other groups are a grave reminder that the human rights crisis in Colombia goes on despite the peace talks," said Erika Guevara-Rosas. "The Colombian authorities must now step up efforts to protect those groups and communities at risk, including by effectively combating paramilitary groups and breaking the links that such groups still have with some sectors of the security forces." Copyright notice: Copyright Amnesty International Position Paper on Refugees from Syria 2014 Publisher Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Network (EMHRN) Publication Date 20 June 2014 Other Languages / Attachments French Related Document(s) Position Paper on Refugees from Syria 2015 (Updated) Cite as Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Network (EMHRN), Position Paper on Refugees from Syria 2014, 20 June 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/56fccc234.html [accessed 23 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Overview of the situation There are currently over 2.8 million Syrian refugees from the conflict in Syria (UNHCR total as of June 2014: 2,867,541) - amounting to approximately 12% of the total Syrian population - with an additional 6.5 million internally displaced within the country. Around 97% of all Syrian refugees are located in the surrounding countries of the region - 1,100,486 in Lebanon, 597,328 in Jordan, 783,163 in Turkey, 225,409 in Iraq, and 137,788 in Egypt. There are 23,367 Syrian refugees registered with UNHCR in North Africa, though actual numbers are estimated to be considerably higher. More than half of registered refugees are children, and three quarters are living with local host families and communities. In addition to Syrian refugees, there are almost 67,000 Palestinian refugees from Syria (PRS) registered with UNRWA in Lebanon (53,070) and Jordan (13,836), and reports of 6,000 PRS in Egypt, 1,100 in Libya, 1,000 in Gaza. In addition, 270,000 Palestinian refugees are internally displaced in Syria. Funding for a humanitarian crisis The prolongation of the conflict in Syria and mass exodus of refugees has created what is now considered one of the worst humanitarian crises in modern history. In December 2013, the UN launched an appeal for 6.5 billion USD for its regional Syrian response - its largest ever appeal for a single humanitarian emergency. Of these, 4.2 billion are earmarked for UNHCR operations for refugees from Syria[1] in the region. Until now, only 27% of UNHCR's total appeal for its Regional Response has been met. Aid providers are struggling to meet basic needs in terms of clean water, shelter, medical aid and school care, and the strain on host communities has become a source of instability. As health systems break down within Syria, diseases such as Hepatitis and Typhoid have become increasingly common - adding to the concerns of the host countries. The EMHRN welcomes the pledge by international donors of 2.4 billion dollars to support humanitarian efforts assisting those affected by the Syrian crisis, including the EU's pledge of 165 million in 2014. It calls on the EU, its member states and other international actors to: Continue providing financial aid to ease the difficulties faced by neighbouring states, who are hosting almost the entirety of refugees from Syria and work towards meeting the UN's 4.2 billion dollar appeal to assist refugees from Syria and host communities in the region. Support must be given both to humanitarian efforts targeting refugees but also to host communities who are under extreme pressure. Access to protection in the European Union Europe currently hosts approximately 81,000 refugees from Syria. However, access to the EU for the vast majority has been extremely difficult. While approximately 10,000 refugees from Syria reached Italian shores by crossing the Mediterranean in 2013, the route by sea is extremely dangerous; in October 2013 alone an estimated 650 migrants and refugees died in three different boat incidents attempting to cross. Alongside this, there have been reports of push-backs of Syrian and other refugees at EU borders: Amnesty International and Pro-Asyl have both published reports which found systemic - and often violent - pushbacks at the Greek-Turkish land border; refugees from Syria were among those systematically pushed-back. EMHRN, along with Migreurop and FIDH, has also published a report following a mission to the Greek-Turkish border with further evidence of these push-backs. A recent Human Rights Watch Report also found regular pushbacks by Bulgarian authorities at the country's border with Turkey. Alongside this, 11 European states have imposed transit visas for Syrians, which, coupled with the closure of all embassies in Syria, has made it nearly impossible for Syrians to enter Europe legally. European member states have, moreover, shamefully resisted calls to host larger numbers of refugees from Syria. As of June 2014, the total number of pledges for resettlement and humanitarian admission stood at 33,972 (the majority being from European countries), as well as an open-ended number to the United States. This number, however, barely represents 1% of the total number of refugees from Syria. Germany has been at the forefront in Europe, recently increasing its quota to 20,000 humanitarian admissions and 5,500 individual sponsorships, followed by Austria and Sweden who have offered 1,500 and 1,200 resettlement places respectively. Countries such as the United Kingdom and France have, despite their resources, each accepted to resettling up to 500 (the UK under its own resettlement scheme, in the framework of which, however, it has only relocated 24 refugees as of June 2014). UNHCR asked countries to admit 30,000 refugees from Syria on resettlement, on humanitarian admission or other programmes by the end of 2014, with a focus on providing protection to the most vulnerable. However, 30,000 remains a marginal number in comparison to the numbers hosted in neighbouring countries such as Lebanon and Jordan. In light of the deteriorating situation in the region and strain felt by neighbouring countries, UNHCR has also asked states to make multi-annual commitments so as to provide resettlement and other forms of admission for an additional 100,000 refugees from Syria in 2015 and 2016. These numbers should be in addition to current resettlement quotas and not come at the expense of other refugees in need of resettlement. In France the Minister of Interior has admitted that part of the 500 refugees from Syria which the country has committed to receive will be done via the country's pre-existing annual resettlement programme, and resettlement to Ireland for Syrians has also been under its pre-existing resettlement programme, effectively decreasing resettlement possibilities for other vulnerable refugees. The EU and its member states must facilitate legal ways for refugees from Syria to access to EU territory. This access must be facilitated to ensure that they receive the protection to which they are entitled and also to avoid further deaths of refugees from Syria attempting to reach EU territory via dangerous maritime and land routes. The lack of access to the EU is all the more concerning in light of the increased discrimination and hostility felt by refugees from Syria in the major hosting countries. The EMHRN calls upon EU and its member states to: 1.Increase significantly the number of humanitarian admissions or resettlement places open for refugees from Syria. Financial and humanitarian aid targeting refugees in the major host countries in the Middle East should not be considered a substitute form of support for those suffering from the conflict in Syria; 2.Facilitate family reunification procedures for refugees from Syria with family members already based in Europe; 3.Facilitate visa procedures for refugees from Syria allowing them to travel to the visa-issuing country and apply for asylum upon arrival; 4.Facilitate alternative access routes to Europe, for example via increased funding for university programmes and other initiatives targeting refugees from Syria; 5.Refrain from pushing back any refugee reaching EU territory via land or sea, as this would constitute refoulement, a violation of International Law and member states' obligations under the 1951 Convention relating to the status of refugees;1.Swiftly proceed to fulfilling commitments with regards to filling resettlement places which have been pledged by countries, and ensure that all resettlement of refugees from Syria is in addition to pre-existing national quotas. Shared responsibility within the EU For those refugees from Syria who have managed to enter Europe, conditions vary significantly from one country to another. Sweden was the first to announce in September 2013 that it would offer permanent residency status to all Syrian refugees in Sweden, entitling them also to family reunification. The United Kingdom and Denmark have recognised the majority of refugees from Syria who have applied for asylum, while other countries, such as Germany and Croatia have provided subsidiary protection to Syrian refugees on their territory. In stark contrast however, other European countries have had a much more problematic approach to managing the inflow of refugees from Syria. In Bulgaria there have been prosecutions for irregular entry into the country, despite the fact that the 1951 Convention relating to the status of refugees reaffirms that no refugee should be penalised for irregular entry into a territory. In Greece, the breakdown of the asylum system in 2012 initially resulted in no positive decisions: of the 275 applications submitted, 150 were rejected while the others had not been processed until the reform of the asylum system in June 2013. Furthermore, several NGOs working in Greece, Bulgaria and Cyprus have denounced the systematic detention of asylum seekers in inhuman conditions and the grave consequences on their mental and physical health. These violations of human rights are part of the causes discouraging those reaching countries at the eastern border of the EU from asking asylum, fearing refoulement or detention while their claim is being assessed. While Dublin III has introduced additional safeguards for asylum seekers (including the right to appeal), as well as the prohibition to transfer asylum seekers to countries where asylum systems have collapsed (currently, Greece), the inconsistencies between different countries' asylum practices means that persons fleeing from the war in Syria are facing a protection lottery, depending on which country they reach first. Under EU law, temporary protection in case of mass influx can be given to refugees from a warzone if agreed upon by EU ministers. This would also provide refugees with a residence permit, permission to work, access to accommodation and medical treatment. So far the EU has never applied this mechanism, but it would decrease the immediate difficulties currently felt on states facing the largest influxes while also ensuring that refugees from Syria do not find themselves in detention, or "reception" centres - currently common practice in several Mediterranean countries. However, temporary protection should not be implemented in a way that would allow for any curtailment of the right to seek asylum or in a way that would negatively impact the asylum procedure for individual refugees. The EMRHN calls upon the EU and its Member States to: Swiftly assess asylum claims for all refugees fleeing Syria; in light of the pressure on certain countries' asylum systems, consider implementing the EU Temporary Protection Directive to allow refugees from Syria to benefit from temporary protection and the rights associated with it (residence permit, work authorisation, access to accommodation and medical treatment and education for those under 18 (under the same conditions as nationals)) while their asylum request is being assessed; this temporary protection should not impact the asylum procedure in any way and should be provided as an additional status. Refrain from applying the Dublin III Regulation in cases where the first country of entry is already facing difficulties accommodating refugees from Syria and cannot guarantee basic minimum standards for their protection and accommodation; Ensure that refugees from Syria are provided the same rights regardless of which is their first EU country of entry; Encourage and implement relocation programmes for refugees from Syria who are currently in EU states unable to cope with refugee numbers, allowing them to be relocated to another EU state; Allow those refugees from Syria with relatives in another EU country to relocate to these countries, especially if their relatives are prepared to support them. Protection concerns in neighbouring countries There are several protection concerns with regards to refugees from Syria in the region. Jordan, Turkey, and Lebanon have all attempted to limit the number of refugees crossing their borders due to the large influxes - while borders have not officially been closed, limiting the number of refugees crossing per days has meant that thousands have remained stranded for days before being offered entry and protection. There have been several reports of groups of single men - also often including Palestinians and Iraqis - being impeded from entering Jordan to reach safety. While Turkey and Jordan have both put in place massive camps to accommodate a part of their Syrian refugee population, the majority of the refugees in the region live outside of the camps in extremely vulnerable conditions. Due to the lack of economic opportunities, there have been noticeable increases of Syrians begging in the streets, as well as an increased fear amongst host populations of increased crime rates. Lebanon has been most hard hit by the conflict, and is struggling to cope with the massive influx of Syrian refugees, who now constitute more than 22% of its population. This influx has put a major strain on the country's housing, health services and schools, and exacerbated tensions with the host community. An increasing number of Lebanese towns have imposed curfews on refugees from Syria for "security" reasons, while one municipality has revoked the IDs of refugees until they pay a 100 USD tax. In Egypt, entry requirements for Syrians (visa prior to travelling as well as security clearance) were introduced in July 2013 following the rise in anti-Syrian popular sentiment after the removal of President Morsi from power. Abuses, arbitrary arrests, detention and deportations peaked in August and September 2013; refugees from Syria who attempt to leave the country irregularly by boat continue to be arrested and detained, and some continue to receive deportation orders (to unspecified locations). While in North Africa Syrian refugees have been "tolerated", they live in precarious conditions. Access to these countries is increasingly limited: Libya allows visa-free travel but has closed its land border with Egypt for all non-Libyans; Algeria explicitly took measures to slow the arrival of Syrian refugees, including a reduction in flights between the two countries and the introduction of a new measure by which Syrians can only enter the country if they present a certificate of accommodation; while in Morocco Syrian nationals are obliged to have a visa to enter the country, which means that those who have entered irregularly - the vast majority - are in a legal limbo. Syrians have also found themselves at the centre of a diplomatic battle between Morocco and Algeria on more than one occasion. Recently, two Syrian families, including four children, were stranded in a "no-man's land" between the Moroccan and Algerian border with neither shelter, food, nor medical assistance for over three weeks, with neither country willing to grant them entry. The precariousness of refugees from Syria is exacerbated by the fact that only a small fraction of them are registered with UNHCR throughout this region. Women and young girls constitute an extremely vulnerable group amongst Syrian refugees. There has been a rise of girls under 16 - sometimes as young as 9 - getting married, often to older men. This has become increasingly common as families are struggling to make ends meet: early marriage is seen as a way of preserving the girl's honour and protecting her against sexual violence, while decreasing the economic "burden" on the family. In reality, however, young girls are at risk of sexual exploitation and abandonment by these men to whom they have been married, with their families unable to offer them necessary safety or support. In addition to the protection concerns faced by Syrian refugees generally, particularly vulnerable are Palestinian refugees fleeing Syria (an estimated 80,000 of whom have fled to Lebanon). Palestinian refugees fall under the mandate of UNRWA in countries where the Agency operates (so-called 'host' countries) - Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria, as well as West Bank and Gaza. The Agency, already struggling to provide services to Lebanon's long-standing Palestinian refugee population, is struggling to cope with the huge need for assistance by Palestinian refugees both inside (540,000) and outside Syria. Palestinian refugees who are located outside these countries officially fall under UNHCR's jurisdiction under Article 1D of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees. However, in some countries in the region, such as Egypt, Palestinians have always been 'regulated' by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the government has resisted UNHCR's involvement with the Palestinian community. Palestinian refugees have found themselves in a limbo within the Syrian crisis: according to HRW and other reports, Jordan has push-backed Palestinian refugees at the border while Palestinians are also currently denied entry into Egypt. Lebanon has, since the beginning of August, denied entry to groups of Palestinians and has also attempted to deport some of them back to Syria. The EMHRN calls upon states in the Middle East and North Africa to: Maintain their borders open and facilitate visas or and remove other obstacles which impede or limit access for refugees from Syria fleeing the conflict; Abstain from arbitrarily detaining or deporting refugees from Syria, including for attempted irregular exit from the territory; Collaborate closely with UNHCR and other international organisations to enhance the protection provided to, and conditions of, refugees from Syria on their territory; Recognize and correctly apply Article 1D of the 1951 Geneva Convention, which stipulates that Palestinians fleeing to countries that are not 'host' countries under UNRWA fall under UNHCR's mandate. In light of the difficult conditions for refugees from Syria in neighbouring countries in the region, as well as the immense financial and demographic pressures felt by hosting communities, the EMHRN calls on the EU to: Impose a moratorium on all returns of refugees from Syria to the region; Emphasise the need for Palestinian refugees from Syria to be granted the same rights as non-Palestinian Syrian refugees and observe their right under Article 1D; Call upon states in the region to implement the above recommendations with regards to the treatment of refugees from Syria on their territory. "Forgotten" refugees While the European Union and other members of the international community must live up to their responsibilities with regards to the 2,8 million Syrian refugees displaced by the conflict - in addition to the even greater numbers who are internally displaced - it is crucial to ensure that other refugee populations in the region are not neglected. Over half a million refugees and asylum seekers are registered with UNHCR in the region (though NGO estimates of the region's refugee population is higher), which include Iraqis, Afghanis, Eritreans, Somalian, and Sudanese, among others. These populations often have little or no rights, including access to the labour market, to education or to free healthcare. Their precarious legal status puts them at risk of exploitation in the informal sector, while they often suffer from high levels of racism and discrimination from host communities. Refugees in the region often receive very little if any funding from UNHCR and other actors while resettlement is only an option for 10% of the world's refugees. When looking at individual states the chances of being resettled are actually much lower; in Egypt, for example, only 1% of the country's refugees can expect to be resettled. In light of the already existing lack of durable solutions for many refugees in these countries, it is crucial that donors and governments continue to uphold their commitments with regards to these populations. Those who are most vulnerable must continue to have the option of resettlement. [1] In this paper, "refugees from Syria" refers to all refugees fleeing Syria regardless of their nationality or citizenship. UN calls for more 'equitable' responsibility-sharing to relieve plight of Syrian refugees Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 30 March 2016 Cite as UN News Service, UN calls for more 'equitable' responsibility-sharing to relieve plight of Syrian refugees, 30 March 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/56fcdc2940b.html [accessed 23 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 30 March 2016 - Addressing a one-day, high-level conference in Geneva on Syrian refugees, senior United Nations officials stressed the needs to provide resettlement and other answers for their plight, urging third countries to share those responsibilities with Syria's immediate neighbours. We are here to address the biggest refugee and displacement crisis of our time This demands an exponential increase in global solidarity, Secretary General Ban Ki-moon told the gathering at the United Nations in Geneva, attended by the representatives of 92 countries together with governmental and nongovernmental organizations. Some 4.8 million Syrians have been forced to flee across borders by five years of war, while another 6.6 million are internally displaced. While talks are underway to find lasting peace, the UN chief said more countries need to step up and provide solutions for Syrian refugees. The best way to offer hope to Syrians is by ending the conflict, Mr. Ban said. But until such talks bear fruit, the Syrian people and the region still face a desperate situation. The world must step up, with concrete actions and pledges. All countries can do more. The 30 March conference is one of several key events in 2016 to do with Syria's refugees. It follows February's London Conference on Syria at which donors pledged $12 billion to help those in need in Syria and in the surrounding region along with the needs of communities in host countries. Now these pledges must be honoured, the Secretary General said. The conference, which was also attended by 10 inter-governmental organizations, nine UN agencies and 24 non-government organizations, comes in the run up to the General Assembly's summit meeting on refugees to be held in September. Resettlement to third countries and other pathways The focus of today's gathering is the need for expanded, multi-year programmes of resettlement and other forms of humanitarian admission, including involving countries that till now have not been involved in such initiatives. Conference host Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, emphasized that the responsibility for caring for refugees should not be left to Syria's immediate neighbours alone, but should be more equitably shared. The magnitude of this particular crisis shows us unmistakably that it cannot be business as usual, leaving the greatest burden to be carried by the countries closest to the conflict, Grandi told the gathering, also attended by representatives from key refugee-hosting Governments. Offering alternative avenues for the admission of Syrian refugees must become part of the solution, together with investing in helping the countries in the region, he added. Among solutions identified to end their plight is resettlement to third countries. Mr. Grandi highlighted a programme in which the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) worked with Canada to screen, select and prepare more than 26,000 refugees to start a new life in just four months. Colombia: Ban welcomes announcement of peace talks between Government and National Liberation Army Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 30 March 2016 Cite as UN News Service, Colombia: Ban welcomes announcement of peace talks between Government and National Liberation Army, 30 March 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/56fcdcb940c.html [accessed 23 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 30 March 2016 - United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed today's announcement of the launching of peace talks between the Government of Colombia and the National Liberation Army (ELN), following the signing of an agreement between the parties. At a time when peace talks between the Government of Colombia and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People's Army (FARC-EP) have entered their final stage, today's announcement marks another important step that reinforces the Colombian people's hopes for sustainable peace, said a statement issued by the UN chief's spokesperson. The Secretary-General salutes the efforts of the countries supporting the peace process in Colombia as guarantors and accompanying nations, the statement continued, adding that Mr. Ban reiterates the commitment of the United Nations to continue providing its support to the peace process. In January, the Security Council approved a new UN political mission to monitor disarmament should a final agreement between the Government and the FARC. The United Nations and the Government of Colombia have also announced the launch of a new multi-partner trust fund in the country's capital, Bogota, to respond to stabilization and peacebuilding needs. Grim conditions in Syria despite greater access, UN aid chief warns Security Council Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 30 March 2016 Cite as UN News Service, Grim conditions in Syria despite greater access, UN aid chief warns Security Council, 30 March 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/56fcde4640b.html [accessed 23 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 30 March 2016 - There are signs of humanitarian progress in Syria with more aid reaching those in urgent need, but conditions remain dire throughout the country with only 30 per cent of people in besieged areas reached and even fewer in hard-to-reach areas, the top United Nations humanitarian official said. Addressing the Security Council in New York, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordination, Stephen O'Brien said that inter-agency convoys have reached 150,000 people in the 11 of the 18 besieged areas in Syria, and welcomed the commitment by the Government of Syria to simplify administrative procedures for cross-line convoys. He cautioned, however, that we are a long way from the sustained, unconditional and unimpeded access that is required of the parties under international law and was and is demanded by this Council in its resolutions. Access for humanitarian aid Some 13.5 million people remain in need of humanitarian aid, with some 4.6 million in besieged and hard-to-reach areas, according to UN figures. The Syrian authorities continue not to give approval to certain locations, he said, noting three besieged areas mere minutes' drive away from UN warehouses in Damascus, comprised of Duma, East Harasta and Darayya. He recounted the dreadful situation in these areas, particularly Darayya, with severe shortages of food, clean water, medicines, electricity and basic commodities. The daily misery in these areas shames us all, Mr. O'Brien said, adding that some people are forced to eat grass to subsist. The top UN humanitarian official also noted many hard-to-reach areas, saying he was deeply troubled for the more than 210,000 civilians in northern Rural Homs and the 15,000 people in neighbouring Habarnafse and surrounding communities in rural Huma. People in these areas have essentially no possibility to move in or out of the areas and have diminishing access to clean water, medical care, and food, he said. Mr. O'Brien also highlighted the plight of the estimated nearly two million people living in areas held by The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levans (ISIL) to which the UN has little or no access, and from where reports continue on widespread human rights abuses. Removals from convoys Even where there is access, convoys do not reach destinations intact, with more than 80,000 medical supplies and treatments removed from convoys in 2016. The items range from treatment for child malnutrition to medicine to prevent bleeding after child birth. I call on all parties, particularly the Syrian authorities, to allow for all necessary medical items and equipment, including surgical items, to be allowed onto the convoys, Mr. O'Brien said. He added that without proper medical evacuations from besieged and hard-to-reach areas, people continue to die unnecessarily. 'Humanitarian objectives are not political' In his address to the Council, the senior UN official noted that all Syrians are suffering given the destruction of schools and hospitals, the rising costs and shortages of basic items and services, and the devaluation of the currency. As humanitarians, our objective is not political and it is not military, Mr. O'Brien said. It is about providing emergency aid and protection to people in desperate need and precarious circumstances, wherever they are in Syria. He reiterated the call on 15 March from 102 humanitarian agencies for immediate and sustained access in Syria, including for support for a nationwide immunization campaign for children. He noted also the resumption of political talks last week led by Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura and urged all of us to rally behind the efforts to bring an end to the conflict. Security Council extends mandate of UN mission in DR Congo through March 2017 Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 30 March 2016 Cite as UN News Service, Security Council extends mandate of UN mission in DR Congo through March 2017, 30 March 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/56fcde7040b.html [accessed 23 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 30 March 2016 - The Security Council today extended the mandate of the United Nations mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) for another year, warning that the humanitarian situation remains of great concern, as well as the delays in preparing for the November presidential elections. In a newly adopted resolution, the 15-member body urged the Government of the DRC to hold accountable those responsible for violations of international humanitarian law or violations and abuses of human rights, in particular those that may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity, including those committed in the context of the electoral process. One week ago, presenting his latest report to the Council, the Head of the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO), Maman Sidikou, said the country is at a critical juncture with rising political tensions ahead of the elections, which could lead to violence. Addressing the political situation, the Security Council today called on the Government and its national partners, including the national independent electoral commission (CENI), to ensure a transparent and credible electoral process. Further, the text calls on for a comprehensive electoral calendar for the full electoral cycle by the CENI. It calls on the Government to put in place an adequate electoral budget and an electoral code of conduct, and to carry out without delay a credible update of the electoral register. On the issue of armed groups, the members called for the urgent resumption of joint operations by the FARDC [the Armed Forces of the DRC] and MONUSCO to ensure all efforts possible are being made to neutralize the FDLR [Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda] and other armed groups. The Council also condemned the brutal killings of more than 500 civilians in the Beni area since October 2014, calling for a thorough and prompt investigation into these attacks. Regarding the protection of civilians, the resolution calls on MONUSCO to enhance its interaction with civilians to raise awareness about its mandate and activities through outreach programmes, to strength its early warning mechanism and to increase its efforts to monitor and document violations of international humanitarian law, including in the context of elections. The 15-page document also focuses on child protection, sexual violence and abuse, requesting that MONUSCO take fully into account child protection and gender considerations as cross-cutting issues throughout its mandate, recalling the UN's zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse. Turning to humanitarian access, the Council demanded that all parties allow and facilitate the full, safe and unhindered access of humanitarian personnel, equipment and supplies and the timely delivery of humanitarian assistance to populations in need, in particular to internally displaced persons. The resolution further decided that MONUSCO should maintain an authorized troop ceiling of 19,815 military personnel, 760 military observers and staff officers, 391 police personnel and 1,050 personnel of formed police units, while taking note of recommendations from the Secretary-General to reduce the Force by 1,700 troops. UN rights office 'extremely concerned' about killing of Palestinian man in West Bank Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 30 March 2016 Cite as UN News Service, UN rights office 'extremely concerned' about killing of Palestinian man in West Bank, 30 March 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/56fcdf2c40b.html [accessed 23 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 30 March 2016 - The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) today said it is extremely concerned about the apparent extra-judicial execution last Thursday of a Palestinian man in the Hebron. According to OHCHR, two Palestinian men allegedly stabbed and wounded an Israeli soldier at a checkpoint in the Israeli-controlled area of Hebron on Thursday morning, and were both shot during the attack. A video later emerged appearing to show one of the alleged Palestinian assailants, subsequently identified as Abd al-Fatah al-Sharif, lying injured but still alive on the ground. Medical staff were shown attending to the wounded soldier, who was driven away in an ambulance, but did not appear to offer any medical assistance to Mr. al-Sharif. The video then shows an Israeli soldier shooting Mr. al-Sharif in the head, killing him. What is particularly chilling is the way none of the 20 or so people at the scene, including medical personnel, appear to pay any attention to the wounded man while he was still alive, and also barely show any reaction in the immediate aftermath of his killing. We note the news that the Israeli authorities subsequently launched an investigation into this very disturbing incident, said Rupert Colville, the Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, in a media statement. We also note they have detained the soldier involved in the shooting and a military court has been questioning him. A prompt, thorough, transparent and independent investigation is essential. Mr. Colville added that OHCHR is concerned this killing may not be a lone incident: a disturbing number of Palestinians - reportedly more than 130 in all - have been killed in recent months during or after attacks on Israeli civilians and members of the security forces, during which 28 Israelis have been killed. This is not the first incident to be captured on video that raises concerns of excessive use of force. A major concern is that such cases appear not to have been systematically subjected to criminal investigations. This is particularly important in cases that may have involved disproportionate use of force, or possible extra-judicial executions. All incidents where security forces have caused death or injury should be fully investigated, and those responsible brought to account, the spokesperson added. We would also like to remind the Israeli authorities of their duty to protect the man who filmed the incident from the roof of a nearby building. Some reports say he and his family are being intimidated, and he has even been threatened with legal action. As a key eyewitness to the killing, he should be protected from any reprisals, Mr. Colville stressed, adding that OHCHR urges the Palestinian authorities to take all feasible measures to prevent attacks on Israelis, which are reprehensible. While the security forces are entitled to defend themselves and others from these types of attacks, we urge the Israeli authorities to ensure all members of their security forces fully comply with their obligation to use force with restraint, only when strictly necessary, and in accordance with the principle of proportionality, and are constantly reminded that killing people who are no longer presenting an immediate threat is a crime, and will be treated as such, the spokesperson concluded. In a separate statement, the UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, Christof Heyns expressed his outrage at the incident, saying: The images shown carry all the signs of a clear case of an extrajudicial execution [] there does not appear to be any provocation on the side of the gravely wounded man. The Special Rapporteur expressed further concern at the decision of the medical personnel on the scene to ignore Mr. Abed al-Fatah al-Sharif and attend only to the injured Israeli soldier, who had sustained light injuries. He went on to note that a total of 133 Palestinians and 30 Israelis (including 2 Arab Israelis) have been killed since the recent outbreak of hostilities in October last year. The current cycle of provocation and retaliation has to stop. Political leaders on both sides have an obligation to condemn the killings and to ensure accountability, the human rights expert stated. Independent experts or special rapporteurs are appointed by the Human Rights Council to examine and report back on a country situation or a specific human rights theme. The positions are honorary and the experts are not UN staff, nor are they paid for their work. Beijing pursues relentless crackdown on free speech Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 29 March 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Beijing pursues relentless crackdown on free speech, 29 March 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/56fcdfed4.html [accessed 23 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemns the Chinese government's harassment of the families in China of journalists and bloggers now living abroad and calls for an immediate end to a witchhunt in which dozens have been arrested on suspicion of involvement in posting an open letter online calling for President Xi Jinping's resignation. Chang Ping, a journalist who now lives in Germany, reported on 27 March that the authorities in the southern province of Sichuan had arrested his two brothers and his sister.The sister and one of the brothers were released yesterday. "The police asked my family to contact me and demand that I immediately cease to publish any articles that criticise the Chinese Communist party," Chang told the NGO China Change. In an article published on 25 March, Chang condemned the journalist Jia Jia's "abduction" by the authorities on 15 March, shortly after the anonymous open letter calling for President Xi's resignation was posted online (read the letter in English on China Digital Times' website). Jia was finally released on 25 March. Chang is respected in China for refusing to submit to censorship and for fighting doggedly for what he believes in, including press freedom. He left China in 2011 after being subjected to constant pressure from the Propaganda Department, and now works for the German public broadcaster Deutsche Welle. "This disgraceful witchhunt provides a direct insight into the Chinese regime's dictatorial nature, but the universal silence on the part of European countries and the entire international community is even more shocking," said Benjamin Ismail, the head of RSF's Asia-Pacific desk. "Must we wait until foreign diplomats are arrested and charged with activities against the Communist Party in order to see a reaction? The United States and Germany have an overriding duty to ensure that the Chinese authorities guarantee the basic rights of people like Chang Ping and Wen Yunchao, instead of trampling on them, as they are now doing." Also known as BeiFeng, Wen Yunchao is a well-known New York-based blogger and human rights defender whose parents and brother were arrested by the police in the southern province of Guangdong on 22 March, shortly after it was rumoured that Wen was the anonymous letter's author. Wen Yunchao (Beifeng), Chinese blogger and internet activist base in New York, Visiting scholar of Columbia University, launched a series of online campaigns in support of human rights and against Internet censorship. He was awarded the French Republic's Human Rights Prize 2010 by the French National Consultative Commission on Human Rights. In all, more than 20 people have been arrested by police in the witchhunt that began on 15 March. Six of them are employees of Wujie News, the website where the open letter was initially posted. China is ranked 176th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2015 World Press Freedom Index. Thailand: Sedition Charge for Red Bowl Photo Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 30 March 2016 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Thailand: Sedition Charge for Red Bowl Photo, 30 March 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/56fce04e4.html [accessed 23 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Sedition charges for a Facebook photo expressing symbolic support for Thailand's political opposition shows the military junta's utter disregard for peaceful dissent, Human Rights Watch said today. The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) junta should immediately end its abusive use of the draconian sedition law against peaceful critics and dissenters. On March 29, 2016, authorities arrested 57-year-old Theerawan Charoensuk for posting her photo holding a red plastic bowl inscribed with Thai New Year greetings from former Prime Ministers Thaksin Shinawatra and Yingluck Shonawatra. Chiang Mai military court released her on 100,000 baht (US$ 2800) bail pending a military trial. If found guilty, Theerawan could face up to seven years in prison. "The Thai junta's fears of a red plastic bowl show its intolerance of dissent has reached the point of absolute absurdity," said Brad Adams, Asia director. "When military courts try people for sedition for posting photos with holiday gifts from deposed leaders, it's clear that the end of repression is nowhere in sight." Deputy Prime Minister Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan defended the charges in a media interview on March 29: "The charge [against Theerawan] is not arbitrary or groundless. She violated the law. Tell me if you think what she did was not provocative or led to division in the society. We don't want to arrest anyone. But those people should listen to our warning not to undertake political activities." The junta considers any peaceful expression of dissenting opinions to be a threat to national security. The military authority also prosecutes those it accuses of being involved in anti-junta activities or supporting the deposed government. Sedition is defined under article 116 of Thailand's Criminal Code as: Whoever makes apparent to the public by words, writing or any other means anything which is not an act within the purpose of the constitution or which is not the expression of an honest opinion or criticism (a) in order to bring about a change in the laws or the government by the use of coercion or violence, (b) in order to raise confusion or disaffection amongst the people to the point of causing unrest in the kingdom, or (c) have people violate the law, shall be punished with imprisonment not exceeding seven years. Since the military coup in May 2014, at least 38 people have been charged with sedition - including former Education Minister Chaturon Chaisaeng for a speech at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand criticizing military rule (May 2014); Sombat Boongamanong, an activist, for Facebook and Twitter posts calling people to join anti-junta rallies (June 2014); Pansak Srithep, an activist, for saying the military should be held accountable for the 2010 political violence and calling for an end to military trials of civilians (March 2015); and 14 activists from the New Democracy Movement (NDM) for staging a rally demanding a transition to democratic civilian rule (June 2015). NCPO chairman and Prime Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-ocha said at a January 21 news conference that the authorities had wide leeway to arrest anyone deemed to be opposed to military rule: Why don't people respect the laws instead of asking for democracy and human rights all the time? No one is allowed to oppose [the NCPO]. I dare you to try to oppose [the NCPO].... I don't care what the international community would think about this. I will send officials to explain to foreign embassies. I am not afraid of them. I will tell them to understand that this is Thailand and we are enforcing Thai laws. "Thailand's friends and neighbors should make clear that with each ludicrous new arrest, the junta's global standing drops lower and lower," Adams said. "They should press the junta to end its persecution of peaceful dissent and fulfill its frequent promises to restore democratic rule." Copyright notice: Copyright, Human Rights Watch Burma: Ensure Freedoms for All in Arakan State Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 29 March 2016 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Burma: Ensure Freedoms for All in Arakan State, 29 March 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/56fce12f4.html [accessed 23 October 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. The Burmese government's lifting of the state of emergency in Arakan State should promptly be followed by the end of abusive restrictions on ethnic Rohingya and other Muslims. On March 29, 2016, the day before Burma's transfer of power to a new government, outgoing President Thein Sein ordered the lifting of the state of emergency imposed on Arakan State in 2012 during communal violence between Buddhists and Rohingya Muslims. State media reported that the order was issued after the state government found that there was no longer a threat to people and property. "President Thein Sein's last minute repeal of Arakan State's state of emergency puts the new government on firm footing to ensure basic freedoms for the long persecuted Rohingya minority," said Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director. "It's now up to the new government to work with local officials and security forces to ensure that ending the emergency translates into real improved respect for the rights of all the state's people." Nyi Pu, the newly appointed chief minister of Arakan State from the National League for Democracy (NLD) party, and incoming national President Htin Kyaw should strengthen efforts to ensure that all communities receive equal protection without discrimination. Curbs on basic freedoms maintained by security forces and military-controlled ministries should be immediately removed. The government's effective denial of Burmese citizenship to 1.2 million Rohingya under the discriminatory 1982 Citizenship Law has facilitated human rights violations, including restrictions on their right to freedom of movement, discriminatory limitations on access to education, arbitrary detention and taxation, forced labor, and confiscation of property. For example, Rohingya must apply for permission to travel within and between townships, which has had a devastating effect on their access to health care and ability to earn a living. Rohingya in Maungdaw and Buthidaung townships must also contend with a raft of regulations requiring them to seek permission to marry and register births. Since the communal violence in 2012, which Human Rights Watch research found constituted ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity, over 130,000 Rohingya Muslims remain displaced. Local officials and security forces restrict aid agencies' access to camps for internally displaced Rohingya in Sittwe and to Rohingya communities in northern Arakan State. Swiftly repealing discriminatory local measures would immeasurably improve the living standards of stateless Rohingya and other Muslim minorities. On February 8, 2016, officials in northern Arakan State extended for two months a curfew that bans gatherings of more than five people in public places, including mosques. It is not clear if this local order is covered under the state of emergency, but state officials should make it a priority to lift all curfews. "The state of emergency was only one element of a repressive apparatus that effectively segregated the Rohingya population and denied them basic services," Robertson said. "Removing these draconian measures is needed to reach a long-term resolution of the Rohingya crisis, which affects everyone in Arakan State." The state and national governments and the Burmese military should end arbitrary arrests under the Unlawful Associations Act, used to detain civilians suspected of assisting or supporting the insurgent Arakan Army. Over the last year, fighting between the military and the Arakan Army, a Buddhist Arakanese insurgent force, has escalated in northern Arakan and southern Chin States. The authorities have arbitrarily arrested and charged scores of civilians under the act. The increased fighting in Arakan State has been accompanied by reports of human rights abuses by state and non-state forces against civilians, including forced labor and the use of indiscriminate antipersonnel landmines near civilian settlements. Thousands of civilians have been temporarily displaced by the fighting and excessive security restrictions have in some cases hampered access by aid agencies. "The Burmese army should cease its abuses against the Arakanese Buddhist population caught up in the slowly building armed conflict there," Robertson said. "Continued harassment and abuse by the security forces will shatter efforts to rebuild trust and respect for rights following the 2012 communal violence." Copyright notice: Copyright, Human Rights Watch What you need to know about Powerball and the $580 million jackpot Three terminal patients live in three cottages on the grounds of an unnamed hospital. The hospital has done all it can for the patients, but they aren't able to go home. All three receive visits from family and friends. The five stages of grief get played out in one way or another. But "The Shadow Box" is not about death. In fact, the play doesn't really revolve around the characters' illnesses, said Michael Kelly, who plays Brian, a character who has accepted his looming death and made peace with it. "We do come to all the stages collectively," Kelly said. "I think it explores the part of life people don't like to think about." The play opens Thursday at Hardin-Simmons University. Director Victoria Spangler, associate professor of theater at HSU, said the audience won't see anyone die on stage. In fact, no one dies offstage, either. The set was pretty bare-bones the week before the play opens basically three platforms representing the three cottages and the rooms where all of the interactions take place. Spangler said the finished set will be framed, but not built in, to create the feeling of a shadow box a case or frame with depth and a transparent front, used to display small items or memorabilia. The family members and friends become a part of the shadow boxes and are the ones who choose where the scenes will play out. Joe's family his wife and his son spends all their time on the front porch. His wife, Maggie, refuses to acknowledge Joe's impending death and their son has no idea his father is dying. Maggie refuses to enter the cottage, meaning they stay on the porch. Spangler was familiar with the show. She directed it some years ago at McMurry University. "It's so beautiful. I love the play," she said. "It's an actor's play with universal appeal." She was looking for a play that would travel well minimal costumes and sets because the HSU theater department will take the students and the play to Scotland for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, an annual theater festival, in August. HSU also took part in the event in 2012. One thing about this play, Spangler said, is that every actor plays a character out of their age and experience range. Sophomore Melissa Emig said it's difficult playing a character so different from herself. She portrays Agnes, a 46-year-old woman whose elderly mother may be suffering from Alzheimer's or dementia. The mother-and-daughter interaction takes place in the kitchen. "It's a bit of a challenge, but parts of me are like Agnes," Emig said. Agnes, like the other characters, comes to a realization, she said. "Each character stops fighting," she said. Though "The Shadow Box" involves terminally ill patients, people may find themselves surprised by the play. "It's not really sad," Spangler said. "We can all go into this world and see glimpses of ourselves or family and friends." IF YOU GO: What: Hardin-Simmons University presents The Shadow Box (drama) Hardin-Simmons University presents The Shadow Box (drama) When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 8 and 9; April 14-16 and 2 p.m. April 17 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 8 and 9; April 14-16 and 2 p.m. April 17 Where: Van Ellis Theatre, 2410 Cedar St., at HSU Legendary festival The 6th annual Outlaws & Legends Music Festival returns to the Back Porch of Texas, located in north Abilene, this weekend. This year's lineup features new-to-the-festival performers Jerry Jeff Walker, Deana Carter, Pat Green and Cory Morrow, as well as past favorites. The music begins at 2 p.m. Friday, with 10 artists scheduled to perform. The event continues Saturday, with another 13 artists performing starting at 11:15 a.m. Tickets cost $48.21, plus a $3.67 fee, and may be purchased at www.outlawsandlegends.com. Tickets cost $65 at the gate. For more information and the schedule, visit the festival's website. Mad about pink Tickets still are available for "Pinkalicious," the final show in the Children's Performing Arts Series 2015-2016 season. There are two performances of the musical based on the beloved children's book series at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday at the Paramount Theatre, 352 Cypress St. Tickets cost $9 and may be purchased at abilenecac.org/cparts or at 325-677-1161. Brave ideas Eight Abilene Christian University student films will be screened at the Paramount Theatre, beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday. The ACU FilmFest features films created solely by students, including conception, writing, filming, editing and soundtrack. Students were given the theme word "Brave" for inspiration and guidance. The gala screening is free and open to the public. Welcome to Line Danci Read more [...] Live updates: Follow Donald Trump rally coverage in Robstown, Texas Donald Trump is expected to speak in support of GOP candidates during the Texas rally at the Richard M. Borchard Regional Fairgrounds in Nueces County To people who would say that handing out 21 bags filled with food and toiletries won't make much of a difference in solving the homeless problem in Abilene, Kaitlyn Summers would say those people are missing the point. 'This isn't about changing the world,' said Summers, a junior sociology major from Dilly. 'It's just to show a little Jesus to the rest of the world.' Summers, a member of the social action and awareness committee on the Religious Life Council, and some of her friends passed out the bags to students during the lunch hour on Wednesday on the McMurry campus. The bags were filled with hygiene items such as toothpaste and toothbrushes, deodorant, mouthwash and chewing gum. The bags also contained bottled water, jerky, trail mix and hard candy. Other bags also contained socks, gloves and hats. The items were donated and also purchased by money that Summers had in her budget. One of the first people to pick up a bag was Aaron Gettys, a sophomore from New Braunfels. Gettys said that he had noticed homeless people when he drove around Abilene and said the bag would give him something beneficial to give to them. 'I don't have cash,' he said. 'This is something that's meaningful, something that would be beneficial. You don't want to make judgments about people, but some of them have other problems and giving them money might add to the problem.' The event on Wednesday was one of three social awareness events planned for the week by the Religious Life Council. Earlier in the week, the group worked at the Food Bank of West Central Texas and later this week the council will hold a scavenger hunt to help gather food. Summers said the week was to help students understand the problems of some of the people who live in the community where the students attend school. 'I did some research and it really surprised me how many homeless people are in Abilene,' she said. Summers said that the homeless problem is a particular passion of hers, and that she would like to work with homeless veterans as a career. She also said that an incident that happened to her about a year ago gave her a soft spot in her heart for the homeless. 'I was in a bad wreak just outside of Junction,' she said. 'The only two people who helped me was a homeless couple. I didn't get their names and I don't know how to thank them. This is my way of saying thanks.' Officials with the Abilene Independent School District say a glitch affecting State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness' testing, including end-of-course examinations, has affected about 20 students. The statewide glitch, which caused some computerized tests to either lose answers or not allow students to access their exams, affected a number of districts with various degrees of seriousness. Jeannie Forehand, director of accountability for AISD, said the district's decision to keep the paper test option available kept the problem from affecting more students than it did. "There are districts across the state where they were administering the (end-of-course English I exam) online to all of their freshmen (on Tuesday)," Forehand said. "We are fortunate we didn't have that number of students affected, but still, we didn't want any of our students affected. And to be frustrated when taking this assessment. We were not to the level where some of these districts were, but we did have some." The Texas Education Agency said Wednesday afternoon that Educational Testing Service, the company that administers the tests, would allow testing to continue for students affected by the issue. The tests could continue beginning at 7 a.m. Thursday if the test administrator realized the student was inactive and did not let the student log back in, if the student took the test but did not submit it, or if the student took a break and notified the administrator about answers missing upon return. TEA said ETS is working to restore student answers as best as possible, but students affected by the glitch should confirm their answers are recorded before submitting. Before the TEA announced that testing would continue, Forehand said she wanted whatever decision that was made to be in the best interest of the students. "I don't want the students being negatively affected," she said. "So whatever the decision they make, it needs to be to the benefit of the students." Although the majority of the glitches in the AISD occurred on the freshman English exam, Forehand said problems occurred across all of the online tests administered Tuesday. The STAAR exams for grades four, five, seven and eight were mostly non-electronic, but versions of the tests for those with special needs were available online and were affected, Forehand said. Students in grades five and eight are required to pass their STAAR tests to progress to the next grade. Makeup exams will be available Friday or in May during a second testing period. Amid the potential for more problems, Forehand said Abilene ISD is prepared to offer all high school students taking the English II end-of-course exam Thursday the option of using paper instead of the computer, but would make both options available. "We don't want to go completely backward, but we do have the materials available for the students to take the tests on paper," she said. Thad Anglin is the finalist for the vacant Cisco College presidency. The vice provost for academic excellence and outreach at the University of North Texas at Dallas, Anglin was selected Tuesday by the college's board of regents. The school said further action, including hiring Anglin, could come at the board's next meeting, which is scheduled for May. If hired, Anglin will replace Bobby Smith, who retired in January after 40 years with the college, the last five as president. Former Cisco College President Roger Schustereit has served as interim president since Smith's retirement. One of three semifinalists for the position, Anglin interviewed Monday. His time on the school's two campuses including one-hour public question and answer sessions with faculty and staff. During his session at the Abilene Education Center, Anglin spoke of managing dual credit opportunities for high school students, his leadership style, using data to make decisions and his experiences with meeting the needs of the community through creating and ending programs. With more than 20 years in higher education, Anglin's portfolio of professional experience includes serving in administrative roles at both two- and four-year institutions in academic affairs, student services and enrollment management, the school said. Anglin and his wife, Sharon Anglin, have been married for 28 years and have three children Natalie, Kelsey, Aaron and one grandson, Tyler. Twitter: @TimothyChippARN The current draft of the Texas State Water Plan for 2017 and an accompanying 2016 regional report show Abilene's water needs growing and the need to deal with anticipated shortages in supply. The state plan is a compilation of data contained in 16 regional water plans developed a year earlier, said Tommy O'Brien, executive director of water utilities with the city of Abilene. Data presented in the draft 2017 State Water Plan are a representation of the city of Abilene's water supply planning at the time the 2016 Brazos G Plan was developed, he said, referring to the water planning area that contains Abilene and Taylor County. The report anticipates that Abilene will have an increasing water demand between now and 2070, with a need of 22,742 acre-feet of water per year in 2020 growing to 24,761 in 2070. Among the recommendations shown in the Water Development Board's plan at the city and county level are more than $346.65 million in capital projects. Those consist of $7.53 million in brush control, $290.86 million for the Cedar Ridge reservoir project, and water treatment plant expansion totaling $48.26 million. The state water plan is founded on a "bottom-up" regional water planning process that began in 1997, said Kimberly Leggett, media relations specialist with the Texas Water Development Board. The plans identify water needs potential shortages expected to occur in the event of a drought of record. Each planning group then recommends water management strategies to be implemented by local communities and water user groups to address those needs, Leggett said. The work-in-progress report has Taylor County's population projected to increase from 141,000 in 2020 to 162,000 in 2070, she said. "The county's potential shortages increase from approximately 2,800 acre-feet in 2020 to 11,000 acre-feet in 2070," she said. "However, new strategies recommended in this state water plan provide approximately 15,000 acre-feet of water to meet those needs." Statewide, the expected trend is toward continued population growth, which means increased water demand, she said. "(Texas') population is projected to grow by 73 percent by 2070, and water demand is projected to increase 17 percent," she said. The information contained in the state plan "does not include all of the additional demands for which Abilene would provide water as a regional water provider," O'Brien said. The 2016 Brazos G Regional Water Plan, which O'Brien said is a better snapshot of the city's future needs. After conservation measures are applied, Abilene's yearly need is expected to grow from 22,032 acre-feet in 2020, drop to 20,857 in 2030, then grows each year to 22,694 acre-feet in 2070. Total treated water demand, including Abilene areas such as Lawn, Tye, Eula, Hamby, Hawley, Potosi and Steamboat Mountain, is projected to increase from 27,566 in 2020 to 30,160 in 2070. The demand for raw water is expected to grow significantly, starting at 13,226 in 2020 and peaking a decade later at 33,151 in 2030. Additions include the West Texas Water Partnership, a collaborative effort by the cities of Abilene, Midland and San Angelo to address long-term water needs. Total demand for water for Abilene is expected to hover roughly around 59,000 acre-feet per year, up from 40,692 in 2020. Planning for the Future Projected water demands are estimated to cause shortages through 2070, according to the Brazos Regional Water Plan. The Plan shows shortages in 2020 of 7,081 acre-feet of water, growing to around 28,000 acre-feet from 2030 on. After conservation efforts are applied, those numbers shrink to 6,471 in 2020 to around 26,000 acre-feet yearly from 2030 to 2070. To counter those shortages, the planned water treatment plant expansion is expected to supply almost 13,000 acre-feet a year, while the anticipated Cedar Ridge Reservoir is expected to supply 26,575 acre-feet yearly. The water treatment plant expansion is included in the State Water Plan to meet future potable water demands and ensure such a project is eligible in the future for state funding programs, O'Brien said. "A brush control project is identified with Abilene only because it would occur in the Lake Fort Phantom Hill watershed, and the planning group needed to associate the project with a sponsor to make it eligible for funding from the State Soil and Water Conservation Board," he said. The city supports the concepts behind brush control projects, but is leaving the implementation to upstream landowners since a brush control project does not provide additional water supplies during a severe drought, he said. Abilene began a comprehensive planning program in 2004 to evaluate future water supply needs, O'Brien said. The city obtains water supplies from several sources, owning water rights in Fort Phantom Hill reservoir and contracting for water in Hubbard Creek and O.H. Ivie Reservoirs with the West Central Texas Municipal Water District. It also has a wastewater reuse system for non-potable use and supplies several neighboring communities. In response to recent drought conditions, the city recently completed the reclaimed water project to augment supplies out of the Lake Fort Phantom Hill with advanced treated wastewater and is finalizing construction to bring raw water out of Possum Kingdom Lake, O'Brien said. "These projects are intended to replace lost yield resulting from the current drought," he said Overall, current water supplies are adequate to meet existing demands, O'Brien said. But projects such as Cedar Ridge are essential to "meet the future demands projected to be supplied by Abilene as a regional water provider," he said. Incident reports released Wednesday by the Abilene Police Department: Aggravated assault, 750 block of State Highway 36, Tuesday A man was arrested after allegedly brandishing a knife and threatening another man for a ride. Aggravated assault, 1700 block of Fannin Street, Tuesday A man was arrested after allegedly threatening to stab his brother with a sword during an argument over a stolen cellphone. Although the brother who reportedly was threatened did not want to press charges, police took the other man into custody to prevent further violence and submitted an application for an emergency protective order. Assault family violence, 1300 block of Andy Street, Tuesday A man was arrested after allegedly injuring his girlfriend during an argument. The woman told police that the man grabbed her from behind, and she tried to shake him off. They both fell backward, and the man reportedly pulled out several chunks of the woman's hair and injured her finger. She did not want to press charges. Police arrested him to prevent further violence. Criminal mischief, 500 block of East North Seventh Street, Tuesday A couple reported missing mail from their electric provider. The apartment manager discovered that another resident allegedly had been stealing electricity from the couple by tying into their breaker box. Burglary of a vehicle, 1300 block of Avenue E, Monday A man reported that someone broke into his company truck overnight and stole several hundred dollars worth of tools. Landon Rodriguez wasn't disappointed when he heard the news from an Army representative at the Hot Dog! I Got a Job! Youth Job Fair Wednesday at the Abilene Civic Center. Rodriguez said he realized the tattoos on his neck and hands likely would disqualify him from joining the armed forces, but hearing it from a soldier put it into perspective for him. 'I knew about that, but I heard someone say somewhere it didn't matter,' Rodriguez said. 'I want to (find) something stable, to make a better man of myself.' In addition to the Army, Rodriguez and his brother-in-law Pedro Tamez were looking into construction jobs. While perusing the event's myriad booths, the pair found themselves attracted to one in particular. This one had guns. Laser guns. Both men signed up with True Play Adventures, a local laser tag park, to see if maybe they'd be good fits. They were a little disappointed that the company wouldn't be hiring for positions with regular schedules, though. 'It's different,' Tamez said. 'I might try it. But it would be nice if it was a sure deal every day. But it's a call-you-when-needed thing.' Companies from Sonic to Whataburger and organizations from the city of Abilene to the U.S. Marine Corps were represented at Wednesday's event, with many looking to hire immediately. Some participants talked their way through interviews on the spot. For Family Dollar store manager Kelsey Simon, the fair served as a simple introduction. 'We just want to find out what their career interests might be,' Simon said. 'We'd like to find out what they're doing in the next two to five years and see if we have something to offer them at this point in their lives.' He said a pair of Abilene-area stores are hiring right now for customer service representatives and assistant managers. Interested candidates were directed to the company's website to fill out applications, he said. The job fair was sponsored by Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas. Twitter: @TimothyChippARN The battles between Donald Trump and Ted Cruz over the virtues of their respective wives and themselves would be amusing if we weren't talking about candidates seeking to be leader of the Western World. But perhaps Cruz also is trying to trump Trump's call to block Muslims from entering the United States, by calling for patrols to police Muslim neighborhoods. 'We need to empower law enforcement to patrol and secure Muslim neighborhoods before they become radicalized,' Cruz proposed, after terrorist attacks March 22 in Brussels, Belgium. Cruz recently drew the backing of former GOP presidential competitors Rick Perry, Lindsey Graham and now Jeb Bush, as well as 2012 nominee Mitt Romney. His sword-brandishing drew stiff criticism March 23 from President Obama and his former secretary of state, Hillary Clinton, the leading Democratic presidential candidate, and later New York Police Commissioner William T. Bratton. Cruz had said in December that he would wipe out Islamic State terrorists called ISIS or ISIL or Daesh with massive bombing. 'We will utterly destroy ISIS,' Cruz said then. 'We will carpet bomb them into oblivion. I don't know if sand can glow in the dark, but we're going to find out.' Obama, who went from a state visit with Cuban President Raul Castro in Havana to one with Argentine President Mauricio Macri, belittled Cruz's pronouncements at a March 23 joint press conference with Macri. 'When I hear somebody saying we should carpet-bomb Iraq or Syria, not only is that inhumane, not only is that contrary to our values, but that would likely be an extraordinary mechanism for ISIL to recruit more people willing to die and explode bombs in an airport or in a metro station,' Obama said. 'That's not a smart strategy ... 'One of the great strengths of the United States, and part of the reason why we have not seen more attacks in the United States, is we have an extraordinarily successful, patriotic, integrated Muslim American community,' Obama said. 'They do not feel ghettoized, they do not feel isolated. Their children are our children's friends, going to the same schools. They are our colleagues in our workplaces. They are our men and women in uniform fighting for our freedom,' Obama said. 'And so any approach that would single them out or target them for discrimination is not only wrong and un-American, but it also would be counterproductive, because it would reduce the strength, the antibodies that we have to resist terrorism. 'As far as the notion of having surveillance of neighborhoods where Muslims are present, I just left a country that engages in that kind of neighborhood surveillance which, by the way, the father of Senator Cruz escaped for America, the Land of the Free,' Obama said. 'The notion that we would start down that slippery slope makes absolutely no sense. It's contrary to who we are. And it's not going to help us defeat ISIL,' Obama declared. How Cruz would pull off the Muslim police patrols isn't clear, since Muslims don't necessarily stand out. There are some concentrations of Muslims like, in mosques but they don't necessarily conveniently bunch up. Cruz proposes 'that the police create a looming presence to intimidate Muslim neighborhoods with a show of force,' said Bratton, in a column in The New York Daily News. 'In New York City, we protect all communities from crime and terrorism yes, Muslim communities, too because like us, they are Americans who own businesses, work hard, pay taxes and dream of a better life for their children.' Plus, a significant number of American Muslims are the police. 'Over 900 of them work in my police department as police officers, many of them in counterterrorism and intelligence,' Bratton wrote. 'Many of them have served in the military and fought for their country. 'We police our city not by campaign slogans or inflammatory rhetoric, but by an old piece of parchment called the U.S. Constitution and another called the Bill of Rights ... 'Sen. Cruz needs to do some homework before he speaks again,' Bratton wrote. 'Meanwhile, in New York, we will continue keeping the city safe while policing constitutionally, respectfully and effectively.' Clinton, in a speech at Stanford University, charged Cruz's call for police patrols in Muslim neighborhoods in America is 'wrong, it is counterproductive, it is dangerous.' She compared it to 'treating American Muslims like criminals' and 'racially profiling.' As for ' carpet-bombing populated areas into oblivion,' Clinton said, 'Proposing that doesn't make you sound tough. It makes you sound like you are in over your head. 'Slogans aren't a strategy,' Clinton said. 'Loose cannons tend to misfire.' Email Dave McNeely at davemcneely111@gmail.com. Not again. Even on Easter, innocent people are slaughtered by terrorists. At least 72 people were killed and 300 wounded in Sunday's attack, aimed at Christians gathered for Easter a Lahore park. Taliban Islamic extremists ruled neighboring Afghanistan when President George W. Bush overthrew them after the Sept. 11 attacks in 2001. The invasion was to capture or kill 9/11 mastermind Osama bin Laden. Unfortunately, Bush attempted to reform the whole country and lost focus. Most Taliban belong to the Pashtun tribe, inhabiting much of Afghanistan and Pakistan, facilitating cross-border trade, contraband and terrorist planning. A Taliban splinter group claimed it carried out the Easter attack. Also Sunday, two terrorist suspects were arrested in Mali in connection with a March 13 attack on a resort in neighboring Ivory Coast that killed at least 19 people. Terrorism has now hit Brussels, Belgium, and twice has struck Paris. In December, terrorists killed 14 people and seriously wounded 22 in San Bernardino, Calif. The problem of Islamic extremist terror obviously isn't abating. What can be done? First, as we have warned since the 9/11 attack almost 15 years ago, it is a big mistake to 'nation build.' Going after bin Laden was necessary, but diversion of U.S. forces in Afghanistan and Iraq delayed it by 10 years. Meanwhile, Afghanistan is a bigger mess than ever, an incubator of terrorism, even as U.S. troops remain bogged down. The lessons of the Soviet Union's own quagmire there in the 1980s were not learned. As to the 2003 Iraq invasion, Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, the former head of U.S. Special Forces in Afghanistan, recently told Germany's Der Spiegel, 'We didn't understand who we had there at that moment. When 9/11 occurred, all the emotions took over, and our response was, 'Where did those bastards come from? Let's go kill them. Let's go get them.' Then we strategically marched in the wrong direction.' Second, America's military and intelligence services should work more closely with other countries to preclude terror attacks. But those counties need to take the lead because they best know their countries and such an approach would mitigate anti-Americanism. We should be friends and assistants, not overlords. Third, demonizing any group, such as Muslims, should be shunned. Almost all Muslims are dedicated to peace, and should be encouraged. Cooperation with them is crucial to finding the bad actors among them. Fourth, we must safeguard American liberties, including privacy and freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures. It makes no sense to defend our liberties if we weaken them in the process. Fifth, reassess American military commitments. The 28-nation European Union is wealthier and more populous than the United States. While we should assist our NATO allies, they must to do more to defend themselves and free up U.S. forces. In sum, what's needed is not more irrational lashing out, but cool and calculated action against terrorism. China has a long record of persecuting its Muslim minorities. India has zero tolerance for Islamic radicalism and hits back hard any time Muslim terrorists attack. Given such severe backlash elsewhere, why do radical Islamists prefer to strike Europeans and Americans? No place has been more open to Muslim refugees than the United States and the European Union. Together they have accepted several million emigrants from the Middle East since September 11, 2001. The E.U. and the U.S. lavish foreign aid money on the Palestinians. America generously supports Jordan and Egypt. It is much easier to be a Muslim in Europe than a Christian in the Middle East. Barack Obama started his presidency eager to win over the Muslim world. In a 2009 interview with Dubai-based TV news channel Al Arabiya, he emphasized that he has Muslim family members. NASA stressed a Muslim outreach. Obama has sought a closer relationship with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan despite Erdogan's Islamization of Turkey's shaky democracy. In contrast, Obama alienated Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel, the most steadfast friend America has in the Middle East. Obama publicly deferred to Muslim interests while abroad. He apologized to the Turkish parliament for a host of supposed past American sins 'some of our own darker periods in our history.' In symbolic fashion, Obama bowed to King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. Obama granted theocratic Iran plenty of concessions in the agreement to restrict Iranian nuclear proliferation. Despite all that outreach, the West remains under constant terrorist threats and episodic attacks, often from Muslim youths who were offered sanctuary in the West. There are a number of reasons. The West is wealthy and liberal, and offers the chance of global publicity to killers. Muslim immigrants prefer the higher standard of living in Paris than the Mideast's abject poverty. But they also hate how affluence tempts their own fundamentalism. They don't praise Europe for generosity, they blame it for decadence. The West is obsessed with mandated equality. The Muslim immigrant soon learns to blame his relative poverty on his hosts. He is rarely reminded that not being well off in Frankfurt or Boston is better than being poor in Yemen or Chechnya. America asks little of its immigrants. It does not insist that newcomers learn English, and largely prefers multiculturalism to the time-tested assimilationist melting pot. Thus entire communities have recent immigrants guilt-trip their adopted countries rather than get on board. The West is also lax. Jihadists knows they have a good chance of re-entering from the Middle East undetected. If he's caught, the penalties are less than if captured in China or Russia. Neither accepts claims of multicultural victimhood. Many Westerners fear being labeled nativist more than terrorism. Islamic terrorists sense Westerners are more materialist rather than spiritual. Europeans in particular are becoming more secular. Jihadists trust that they can cull a few Westerners every few weeks from an otherwise indifferent herd. Terrorists seem to believe that if they avoid another 9/11-like massacre, they can continue to take lives and weaken the West without awakening it from slumber. And they may be right. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below This just in... Rhona Smith (L), the United Nations' human rights envoy for Cambodia, speaks at a press conference in Phnom Penh, March 31, 2016. Cambodias contentious and at times violent political situation has pushed it close to a dangerous tipping point, the United Nations special human rights envoy to the Southeast Asian country said on Thursday. Rhona Smith, the U.N.s special rapporteur to Cambodia on human rights, said the tensions driven by the rivalry between Prime Minister Hun Sens Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) and the opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) have grown worse since her last visit in September 2015. I have indicated earlier my concern that Cambodia is dangerously close to a tipping point, she said in her statement. The political situation, which includes renewed threats, judicial proceedings and even physical beatings of members of the opposition, is worrying, she said, in a reference to the CPPs crackdown on CNRP politicians and activists. Two CNRP lawmakers were dragged from their vehicles and beaten by protesters at a rally last October where more than 1,000 CPP supporters surrounded parliament, calling on CNRP deputy president Kem Sokha to resign as first vice president of the National Assembly. Opposition leader Sam Rainsy, who heads the CNRP, went into self-imposed exile last year after a warrant was issued for his arrest on a seven-year-old defamation charge and the CPP called for his removal from parliament. Other CNRP members and activists are serving lengthy prison terms for convictions on insurrection charges for participating in a 2014 protest that turned violent in Phnom Penhs Democracy Plaza. All laws must be applied equally and fairly to all political parties and their members to ensure protection of the democratic space in the run-up to the election, Smith said, referring to general elections in 2018 that will determine whether strongman Hun Sen stays in power. Hun Sen has ruled the country with an iron hand for more than 30 years. 'Situation is good' Government spokesman Phay Siphan told RFAs Khmer Service that Smiths comments do not reflect what is really happening in the country. If we look at the reports by all of U.N.s representatives, they have never reflected reality, he said. The human rights situation is good and better compared to what it was the past, he said. Peace and stability exist, so to put it in terms of being on the brink of disaster is going overboard. This cannot be used to describe the situation in Cambodia. During her second fact-finding mission to the country, Smith met with provincial authorities, local civil society organizations, members of indigenous communities, garment workers, and representatives from the private sectors in northern Cambodias Stung Treng and Preah Vihear provinces. On Monday, Smith was blocked by plainclothes police when she tried to meet with ethnic Kuoy villagers in Preah Vihears Treng Meanchey district to discuss their land dispute with a Chinese sugarcane plantation company, The Cambodia Daily reported. In a talk with Interior Minister Sar Kheng in the capital Phnom Penh on Wednesday, she discussed the incident as well as conditions at Prey Speu detention center which houses vagrants, drug addicts and sex workers, The Cambodia Daily said. Reported by Sothearin Yeang and Pagnawath Khun. Translated by Pagnawath Khun. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. China's feminist five (clockwise from top left) Li Tingting, Wu Rongrong, Zheng Churan, Wei Tingting and Wang Man were released on April 14, 2015. A group of women's rights activists in China have launched a campaign to probe sexist recruitment practices as prospective employers launched their spring graduate recruitment drive on campuses around the country. Nine women have banded together to send freedom of information requests to more than 100 higher education institutions asking for details of action taken against sexist job advertisements. While a 2013 government directive ordered universities and colleges to delete all gender-specific language from materials used in nationwide recruitment fairs, the activists say the practice is still ubiquitous. "Gender discrimination is still very common in employment recruitment literature," one of the activists, who gave only a nickname Xiao Xia, told RFA in a recent interview. "We often see recruitment advertisements on campus that say they are for men only, or that ask recruits about their plans for marriage, having children, or their age," she said. Rights lawyer Huang Yizhi, who follows gender discrimination issues, said women are protected in a number of Chinese laws against employment discrimination, but that the law is rarely properly implemented. "The ministry of education has ordered a clean-up of job recruitment adverts, but the necessary measures haven't been put into place, and the adverts are still there," Huang told RFA. "There are also ways in which gender discrimination isn't visible, but it's still there," she said. "People are still being told at interviews that they won't get the job because of their gender." "This is because the universities won't do anything to stop it, and it is linked to conditions in the labor market as a whole," Huang said. "Even if the universities got it right, it wouldn't mean that there would be no gender discrimination elsewhere in the labor market," she said. "The universities are just one area among many that needs looking at." Raising public awareness Xiao Xia said she and her fellow activists are hoping to raise public awareness of the issue at the same time. "There aren't many people who are concerned about university and job opportunities for women, so I hope that we'll raise awareness of the issue through this campaign," Xia said. "We hope that it will lead to the breaking of the glass ceiling and more opportunities for women," she said. Meanwhile, the feminist activist group Feminist Faction said on Thursday that its social media accounts had been frozen in recent days. While content searches for "women's rights" on the Twitter-like service Sina Weibo returned a normal-looking list of search results on Thursday, attempts to register an account containing the words "women's rights" were blocked. "Your account name contains sensitive words. Please select different words for your account name," the message read. Xiong Jing, social media editor of the website Gender in China, which contains the words "women's rights" in Chinese, said censors frequently have deleted her groups posts. "Our account may not have been deleted, but our posts are often deleted," Xiong told RFA on Thursday. "That's normal." Reality is very different The ruling Chinese Communist Party has promoted gender equality, at least in theory, since it came to power in 1949. But women's and rights campaigners say the reality is very different on the ground and that discrimination still presents major obstacles to equality. Last year, the authorities detained feminists Li Tingting, Wei Tingting, Wang Man, Zheng Churan and Wu Rongrong, holding them for five weeks on public order charges after they planned a public transport awareness campaign to combat sexual harassment. The five women, whose detention prompted an international outcry, are still not allowed to leave their hometowns without police approval, and still have the charges hanging over them although their lawyers say they broke no law. The Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995 in Beijing set out a challenging program of improvements to the rights and opportunities offered to women and girls around the world, as well as requiring governments to report back to the United Nations on progress in key areas. The Beijing Declaration produced by the conference included a pledge to "ensure equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all women and girls." Reported by Xin Lin and Yang Fan for RFA's Mandarin Service. Translated and written in English by Luisetta Mudie. Bao Tong, a former top aide to late former premier Zhao Ziyang, served a seven-year jail term in the wake of the 1989 military crackdown on the student-led pro-democracy movement on Tiananmen Square. Since his release, state security police have had him under continual surveillance and frequent house arrest at his Beijing. RFA's Cantonese Service caught up with him on Wednesday shortly after he managed to attend a behind-closed-doors meal for retired government officials. RFA: Where were you allowed to travel to today, what was the occasion? Bao Tong: It was mostly elderly people in their eighties and nineties. There weren't too many [state security police] watching us. We were able to communicate freely with each other. Some of them were under surveillance the whole time, but they weren't prevented from coming. I knew that wherever I went there would be people following me, but they never actually stopped me from going in to a specific hotel, nor did they actually come in and try to listen to what I was saying. RFA: What do you think of the current political climate in China? Bao Tong: The government has never asked me for my opinion, and I have never offered it to them [directly] in the form of a suggestion. Things have gotten pretty tense lately, but actually, there's no need for that. If everybody relaxed a bit, then everything would just normalize again. This would benefit everyone, not just ordinary Chinese citizens, but officials as well. Whether or not they can achieve such a thing is another matter. RFA: Some people are worried that the new round of crackdowns under President Xi Jinping could take China back to another Cultural Revolution. What do you think about that? Bao Tong: I don't think that'll happen. The conditions aren't in place for another Cultural Revolution. We had Mao Zedong back then, but we don't have him now, do we? There hasn't been a single leader since Mao who had it in their power to launch such an unprecedented phenomenon, and I don't think there ever will be again. Even if Mao were to rise from the dead and try to launch another political mass movement, I don't think it would happen That's my personal view, and I don't know what others think about it. What we need right now is more leniency, not more tension. I think all of this tension has been caused by a misjudgement. We should be able to live normal lives in a normal society. There's no need to ratchet the tension up so high. I really think they should ease off a bit. RFA: Some people have said that your criticism of the system from within the system isn't doing the next generation any favors. What do you say to them? Bao Tong: I don't think for a minute that I am more capable than the younger generation. I think they are more thoughtful and careful in many ways. And, I don't believe that things just keep getting worse in the long-term. RFA: Where did you eat today? Bao Tong: I won't tell you the name of the hotel, because I don't want to give them free advertising. Reported by Wong Siu-san and Lam Lok-tung for RFA's Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. US President Barack Obama (C) speaks during a trilateral meeting with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (R) and South Korea's President Park Geun-Hye on the sidelines of the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, March 31, 2016. UPDATED at 9:30 A.M. EST on 2016-04-01 U.S. President Barack Obama hosted South Korean President Park Geun-hye and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for talks on Thursday in which the three leaders vowed to work together to deal with threats posed by North Koreas recent nuclear and missile tests. Trilateral security cooperation is essential to maintaining peace and stability in Northeast Asia, deterring the North Korean nuclear threat and the potential of nuclear proliferation as a consequence of North Korean activities, Obama said in a statement after the meeting on the sidelines of a global nuclear security summit in Washington. We've directed our teams to work diligently in the coming weeks and months to elaborate additional steps that we can take collectively in order to ensure that we have a denuclearized Korean Peninsula and that we can restore a sense of stability and peace to the region, he added. U.S. aims with its treaty allies in Seoul and Tokyo also included promoting the kind of opportunities and prosperity for the North Korean people who have been suffering so severely because of human rights abuses in North Korea. South Koreas Park said she, Obama and Abe held in-depth discussions on what our three countries should do together in order to stop North Korea from upgrading its nuclear capabilities and alter its misguided calculus. Park said the three countries vowed to uphold the U.N. Security Councils unanimous agreement to dramatically tighten sanctions on North Korea, aimed at curbing Pyongyangs ability to build up its nuclear and rocket programs and its leaders ability to import luxury items like expensive watches and fancy snowmobiles. The sanctions were passed in early March after weeks of debate in New York, following North Korea fourth nuclear test on January 6, followed by the launch on February 7 of a satellite-bearing rocket that the world viewed as a disguised ballistic missile test. Korea, the U.S. and Japan have agreed to coordinate closely not only in enforcing the Security Council resolution, but in implementing our respective individual sanctions on North Korea, all the while further enhancing our solidarity with the international community to make sure that the international community effectively steps up its pressure on North Korea, she said, according to a transcript released by the White House. Park, who has been vilified and threatened almost daily in North Koreas state-run media, also raised the issue of human rights in the North. Given how the North Korean human rights issue pertains to the universal values of humanity and is integral to whether all people on the Korean Peninsula can enjoy decent lives as human beings, we also agreed to bolster our efforts to improve human rights in North Korea, she said. Abe, speaking through an interpreter, called North Koreas growing nuclear and missile capabilities a direct and grave threat not only to the three countries, but to the global community. 'Cavalier, near-contemptuous' Kim Obama met later on Thursday with Chinese President Xi Jinping, amid hopes his whose government, an ally of North Korea, can bring its influence to bear on Pyongyang and its reclusive leader, Kim Jong Un. China also agreed to implement in full the latest economic restrictions imposed by the U.N. Security Council against Pyongyang. "Of great importance to both of us is North Korea's pursuit of nuclear weapons, which threatens the security and stability of the region. President Xi and I are both committed to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," the Associated Press quoted Obama as saying at the start of his meeting with Xi. "China and the U.S. have a responsibility to work together," Xi said in his comments made to reporters through an interpreter, the AP reported. Many U.S. analysts remain skeptical over whether Beijing has the will to fully enforce U.N. sanctions on North Korea, because Chinese enforcement of the lengthening list of international restrictions imposed since Pyongyangs first nuclear test in 2006 has been patchy. But security expert Jonathan D. Pollack, a senior fellow in the John L. Thornton China Center and the Center for East Asia Policy Studies at the Brookings Institution in Washington, asserted in an essay released this week that Chinas estrangement from North Korea continues to fester and deepen. Pollack wrote that For the first time, China has begun to fully acknowledge that North Korean actions pose a direct threat to vital Chinese security interests, and that Beijing is no longer prepared to rationalize or ignore the threat. The Brookings scholar cited strains in Xis ties with Park as one element that has caused Beijing to reconsider its traditional passive stance during a decade of North Korean saber rattling and routine defiance of U.N. resolutions. But the driving factor is that China is no longer prepared to tolerate the cavalier, near-contemptuous attitude of Kim Jong Un, North Koreas impetuous young leader, toward his principal source of economic support, Pollack wrote. Officials of North Koreas ruling Korean Workers Party are selecting out party members aged over 60 as candidates to attend a national party convention scheduled for May, sources in the reclusive, nuclear-armed country say. The move, which is apparently aimed at presenting a more youthful face to North Koreas political leadership, has so far been observed only in one province bordering China, but may be part of a broader policy shift, a Japanese reporter with contacts in the region told RFAs Korean Service. One to two participants were chosen from party offices in North Hamgyong province in a first round of selections held March 29, with three recommended to attend from large working units, Ishimaru Jiro of Japan-based AsiaPress told RFA. However, party members aged over 60 were excluded, Ishimaru said. There is no age restriction to be a member of the party, but now there is a restriction on party members who can participate in the convention, Ishimaru said. I get the impression this could reflect a nationwide generational change. Orders from the top The exclusions, which have so far been reported only in North Hamgyong, may have resulted from an order handed down by authorities in the capital Pyongyang, Ishimaru said. I think there was an order from the central government. Local authorities in North Korea cannot make their own criteria for selecting participants, right? To facilitate the initial selection process in North Hamgyong, local party members were first forbidden to move from the area after March 20, Ishimaru said, adding that candidates then chosen will visit Pyongyang in April to go through a second round of selections. Those who successfully complete this second round will attend the party convention as representatives, Ishimaru said. About three thousand are expected to attend the national party convention, the seventh to be held since the founding after the Second World War of the isolated one-party state. Reported by Jung Min Noh for RFAs Korean Service. Translated by Ahreum Jung. Written in English by Richard Finney. Ta'ang National Liberation Army soldiers march to mark the 51st anniversary of Ta'ang National Resistance Day in Homain, Nansan township, in northern Myanmar's Shan state, Jan. 12, 2014. New clashes flared between government troops and an armed ethnic group in northern Myanmars Shan state on Wednesday, the same day as a new civilian president was sworn into office, vowing to work towards peace and national reconciliation in the country. Colonel Tar Aik Kyaw, spokesman of the Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA), told RFAs Myanmar Service that his forces engaged in fresh hostilities with government troops in the early morning at Khokat village in Mantong township. There were casualties on both sides and two villagers were wounded, but no further details were known, he said. Nearly three hours later, a second clash occurred near Nangpar village in Kyaukme township. We didnt suffer any casualties, but the Myanmar army had some wounded, Tar Aik Kyaw said. Later in the day, Htin Kyaw of the National League for Democracy (NLD) party, took his oath of office and accepted the presidential seal from former President Thein Sein, pledging that the new government will pursue national reconciliation and peace to end Myanmars decades of civil war. Thein Seins administration signed a nationwide cease-fire agreement (NCA) with eight of the countrys armed ethnic groups last October, but excluded the TNLA because it was engaged in hostilities with the Myanmar army. Fighting in the region since late last November has forced thousands of people in Kyaukme and Namhkam townships to flee their homes. Sentencings in Rakhine In a related development, a court in Kyauktaw township in western Myanmars Rakhine state handed down sentences of three to five years in prison to 11 men for unlawful association with the ethnic rebel Arakan Army (AA), said Maung Aye Saw, who has assisted the accused men from Mrauk-U, Minbya, Kyaukpyu and Rathedaung townships. Four of the men were arrested last April in connection with the clashes between government troops and AA forces in the Pichaung area of Kyauktaw, while the other seven were apprehended in December in connection with clashes in the Runchaung area, Maung Aye Saw said. On Wednesday, the same court sentenced 12 others to three to five years in jail for their involvement with the AA, local media reported. After the clashes, authorities arrested dozens of locals from various townships on charges of associating with unlawful groups such as the AA. More residents have been charged and are awaiting trial, according to the online journal The Irrawaddy. In January, Myanmars government army vowed to eliminate the AA, accusing it of creating instability in the region. The AA did not sign the NCA. On Tuesday, Thein Sein lifted the state of emergency imposed on conflict-ridden Rakhine state in 2012 following violent clashes between Buddhists and ethnic Rohingya Muslims, as one of his last acts in office. Meeting in Chiang Mai In the meantime, armed ethnic groups met Thursday in Chiang Mai, Thailand, to map out a strategy for mediating peace among various rebel armies and the government, We are holding this workshop so we can brainstorm about how we can find a systematic strategy as a team, said Khoo Oo Reh, leader of the 13-member Delegation for Political Negotiations (DPN), which was set up to prepare for political talks with the NLD government. We are just making preparations for this strategy, he said. Members of the workshop will build upon the experiences of the Nationwide Ceasefire Coordination Team (NCCT), which represented more than a dozen armed ethnic rebel groups, and a senior delegation of armed ethnic group leaders who negotiated the NCA with Thein Seins administration, he said. The DPN was formed to serve as a bridge between the government and the United Nationalities Federation Council (UNFC), an alliance that includes armed ethnic groups that did not sign the NCA. Reported by Min Thein Aung, Thiri Minzin and Aung Moe Myint. Translated by Khin Maung Nyane. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. Authorities in northwestern Chinas Qinghai province have granted early release to a Tibetan monk handed a 10-year term as a key player in protests that swept Tibetan areas of China in 2008, sources said. Khedrup Gyatso, 33 and a monk of Tsang monastery in Gepasumdo (in Chinese, Tongde) county in the Tsolho (Hainan) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, was freed on March 8 in poor health, Gyatsos younger brother Busang Gyatso told RFAs Tibetan Service, speaking from exile in India. Before he was sentenced, he was severely beaten in detention, Gyatso said. And this disfigured his face and damaged his eyes. He is being treated at present in the county hospital, but his complete recovery is doubtful, Gyatso said. He wanted to return to his monastery, but this was forbidden by the authorities, and they have now ordered him to stay within the boundaries of his village, he said. Khedrup Gyatso was allowed to rest for a month before his release after serving eight years of his 10-year term, his brother told RFA. When he was finally freed, he was forced to assure the local police chief that he would not let himself be photographed and that he would not allow his release to attract public attention. News of Gyatsos release from prison was briefly delayed in reaching outside contacts because of strict communications clampdowns imposed by Chinese authorities in the area. Accused as ringleader In 2008, the monks of Khedrup Gyatsos Tsang monastery staged a peaceful protest challenging Chinese rule in Tibetan areas, and over 80 Tibetans were detained, Busang Gyatso said. Khedrup Gyatso and Choktrin Gyatso were accused of leading the protests and were given ten-year terms, Gyatso said, adding that another monk, Tsultrim Gyatso, was handed a nine-year term. Khedrup Gyatso served his term in a prison close to Qinghais provincial capital Xining, he said. Sporadic demonstrations challenging Beijings rule and calling for the return of exiled spiritual leader the Dalai Lama have continued in Tibetan-populated areas of China since widespread protests swept the region in 2008. Reported by Ugyen Tenzin for RFAs Tibetan Service. Translated by Karma Dorjee. Written in English by Richard Finney. At the recent annual meeting and luncheon of the Chattanooga Area Historical Association, Dr. R. Smith Murray was presented the 2015-2016 James W. Livingood Historian of the Year Award. The James W. Livingood Historian of the Year Award is presented to the individual that exhibits a lifetime of historical contribution in promoting, preserving, maintaining, or educating the public about the vast historic resources of the Chattanooga region. Dr. R. Smith Murray attended The McCallie School, Princeton University, and the University of Tennessee Medical School in Memphis. He completed his specialty training in Urology at Charity Hospital in New Orleans and recently retired from his practice in Chattanooga after 41 years. Smith enjoys history and writing. He has written three novels and one play along with numerous articles that have appeared in the Chattanooga Regional Historical Journal. Smith freely shares his love of local history with groups and had the opportunity of interviewing Shelby Foote several years ago. He is also past President of the Chattanooga Area Historical Association. The award was established in 2011 in honor of historian, author, and University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Professor Dr. James Weston Livingood. Dr. Livingood influenced thousands of students during his career and wrote a number of articles and books on the history of the Chattanooga area. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has called for "an ultimate resolution" of the decades-old Nagorno-Karabakh conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Kerry made the appeal during talks with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on March 31 in Washington. The Azerbaijani leader is in the U.S. capital for a nuclear security summit. Aliyev thanked the United States for trying to end the conflict but said it could only be resolved through a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for the "immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Armenian troops" from Azerbaijan. The conflict broke out in the dying years of the Soviet Union but efforts to reach a permanent settlement have failed despite mediation led by France, Russia, and the United States. Nagorno-Karabakh lies inside Azerbaijan but is controlled by ethnic Armenians. Kerry also highlighted Azerbaijan's role in European energy security as a leader in developing the Southern Gas Corridor to bring gas from the Caspian region to Europe. Kerry also thanked Aliyev for Azerbaijans contributions to NATOs mission in Afghanistan. The two also discussed democracy and human rights issues and Kerry welcomed Azerbaijan's recent positive steps and urged further progress. Based on reporting by Reuters An Azerbaijani opposition leader who was recently freed from jail has accused President Ilham Aliyev of personally orchestrating a campaign of political imprisonments in the country. Tofig Yagublu, deputy chairman of the opposition Musavat party, told journalists in Baku on March 31 that "all political prisoners" in Azerbaijan have been "arrested on the personal orders" of Aliyev. Yagublu said Aliyev "has personally taken charge" of the judicial process that leads to convictions on trumped-up charges, as well as court decisions about prison sentences that result in the conditional releases of political prisoners. "It is all Aliyev himself," Yagublu said. Yagublu spent two years in prison until his court-ordered release on March 17. He is one of 16 jailed Azerbaijani opposition politicians, journalists,and rights activists listed by human rights groups as "political prisoners" who were released on court orders during March. Twelve more rights campaigners and journalists on that list remain in prison -- including the opposition leader and rights activist Ilgar Mammadov and investigative journalist and RFE/RL contributor Khadija Ismayilova. Ismayilova's reporting has highlighted corruption within Aliyev's own family and closest circle of friends. The New York-based rights group Human Rights Watch has accused authorities in Azerbaijan of using trumped-up charges of tax evasion, drug and weapons possession, and even high treason to jail political activists. Analysts say Aliyev's recent pardons of some political prisoners were an apparent move to deflect Western criticism about Azerbaijan's poor rights record. Yagublu and other opposition leaders say there are many more imprisoned Azerbaijanis who have been wrongly jailed on spurious, politically motivated charges. Yagublu claimed that the number of political prisoners in Azerbaijan consistently hovers above 80. "Some have been released, but then others are imprisoned," he said. "Under these circumstances, it seems that the total number [of political prisoners] is not about to fall." Amnesty International estimated in its latest annual report on Azerbaijan that at least 18 government critics remained in prison at the end of 2015. Yagublu said that none of the court-ordered releases over the past month has involved acquittals that would clear political prisoners of their criminal records. "It is just that the terms of their prison sentences have been changed," he said. The European Union and international rights groups have welcomed the decisions to free some of Aliyev's critics but say Azerbaijan's government needs to do more to improve its record. Alexander Graf Lambsdorff, vice president of the European Parliament, has called the release of opposition activists "a sign that Azerbaijan's government is interested in restoring relations with the European Union by respecting such fundamental rights as freedom of speech and assembly." But he said other prisoners need to be released as well. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry met with Aliyev in Washington on March 31 on the sidelines of a nuclear security summit. In addition to Azerbaijan's oil and natural gas exports to Western Europe and Baku's decades-old Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with Armenia, the two discussed Baku's record on democracy and human rights. The U.S. State Department said Kerry welcomed recent "positive steps" by Azerbaijan toward improving its rights record, but also urged further progress. With reporting by RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service and Ron Synovitz in Prague MINSK -- Belarus authorities are seeking a prominent pro-democracy activist for allegedly taking part in hostilities in eastern Ukraine where pro-Russia separatists have been battling Ukrainian government forces. The mother of Eduard Lobau told RFE/RL's Belarus Service that her apartment in the capital of Minsk had been searched by police on March 31. Maryna Lobava said the search warrant was connected to the probe into her son who is an activist of the unregistered opposition Young Front organization in Belarus. Lobava said police confiscated two laptops, a PC processor, several memory cards, and a book. It is unclear which side Lobau may have been fighting for, although he is known for his strong pro-Ukranian stance. Lobau, who is reportedly now in Ukraine, spent four years in jail in 2010-2014 after a court found him guilty of assaulting two people. He claimed then that his imprisonment was an attempt by the authorities to isolate him on the eve of the disputed reelection in 2010 of Alyaksandr Lukashenka as president that ended with demonstrations and the mass arrests of activists. At the time, Amnesty International recognized Lobau as a "prisoner of conscience." Two lies the Kremlin has been spouting about the Ukraine conflict have just been exposed. The first lie is that the conflict in Donbas is a civil war that Russia is not involved in. A report in the German newspaper Bild revealed that a virtual shadow government in Moscow is running the day-to-day affairs of the separatist-held territories of eastern Ukraine. According to leaked documents, this shadow government includes Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak, a longtime confidant of Vladimir Putin. It is responsible for such matters as finance, taxes, wages, public services, trade, energy, and transportation. The second lie is that Ukrainian military pilot Nadia Savchenko was apprehended on Russian territory after she was complicit in the deaths of two Russian journalists in Donbas. In an extensive interview, a separatist fighter who participated in Savchenko's capture has revealed to the Russian news site Meduza that she was taken on Ukrainian territory and was already in custody when the journalists were killed by mortar fire. Now of course, we know the Putin regime has been lying about these things for some time. They lie as a matter of course, after all. But their lies are becoming increasingly harder to sustain. What is happening in eastern Ukraine is an invasion and an occupation; Nadia Savchenko is a hostage; and Putin's Russia is a hostage-taking nation. It's time to call things by their true names. Keep telling me what you think on the Power Vertical's Twitter feed and on our Facebook page. Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has canceled plans to visit the United States after a bombing that killed 70 people in Lahore, the White House said on March 30. Sharif had planned to attend Obama's nuclear security summit in Washington later this week "President Obama expressed his understanding of Prime Minister Sharif's decision to cancel his visit to the United States and remain in Pakistan following this terrorist attack" on March 27, the White House said after Sharif and Obama spoke by phone. Obama offered his condolences over the "callous and appalling attack," whose victims included many women and children and Muslims as well as Christians who were celebrating Easter in a park that day. The White House said the attack underscores the "critical danger" terrorism poses everywhere. Obama in the call reiterated his commitment to working with Pakistan against terrorism. Earlier in the day, Obama said the goal of terrorist attacks like the Easter bombing is to "weaken our faith" and prompt law-abiding citizens to "cast out the stranger" and strike out against others who look or pray differently. Based on reporting by Reuters and AP The European Union and Kazakhstan are set to have closer economic relations starting May 1, when a partnership agreement negotiated in December takes effect, top officials said March 30. Former Soviet republic Kazakhstan has sought to maintain good ties with both the EU and Russia as relations between Moscow and the West have soured over the crisis in Ukraine. Kazakhstan's economy is highly dependent on its neighbor. The December agreement with the EU aims to boost relations and was forged even as Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev was meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Moscow. The agreement will provisionally apply starting May 1, EU President Donald Tusk said during a visit by Nazarbayev to Brussels on March 30. "The EU is a very important partner," the Kazakh president later told European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, who noted that the 28-country bloc is Astana's biggest trade partner. Juncker said he had raised problems relating to human rights and the rule of law in Kazakhstan during his meeting with Nazarabayev, but he noted that the country was undertaking "promising" reforms. Based on reporting by dpa and Interfax The UN's assistant secretary-general for human rights, Ivan Simonovic, has expressed concern over what he described as "deep divisions" in Moldova. Wrapping up a four-day visit to Moldova on March 31, Simonovic said that "ethnic, religious, gender, political, linguistic and income" divisions "have been intensified" in the country "by widespread corruption, including a massive bank fraud scandal, and by long-standing paralysis in governance." Simonovic also said "Moldova is faced with a problem of brain drain and social exclusion, and it is now losing its human capital." He, however, welcomed Moldovan Prime Minister Pavel Filips commitment to establish new human rights monitoring structures and cooperate with officials of Moldova's ethnic Gagauz autonomous territory and breakaway region of Transdniester on human rights. Simonovic also praised as a "positive step" a draft law that would require that 40 percent of all lawmakers be women. Simonovic stressed the United Nations' willingness to remain engaged with developments in Moldova. The director of the Library of Ukrainian Literature in Moscow, who has already been accused of inciting extremism and ethnic hatred, is facing fresh charges. The lawyer for Natalya Sharina said on March 31 that his client will be formally charged by Russian investigators on April 5 with two counts of misallocating library funds. The lawyer, Ivan Pavlov, said the authorities had "trumped up" new charges after realizing their initial case against Sharina was too weak. Sharina, 58, was detained in October and charged with inciting extremism and ethnic hatred by carrying books by the Ukrainian ultranationalist author Dmytro Korchynskiy, whose works are banned in Russia. Sharina, now under house arrest, rejects the charges, saying the books were planted in the Library of Ukrainian Literature by police. Based on reporting by Interfax and TASS Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has called for Western sanctions against Russia for its actions in his country to remain intact. Speaking at a seminar in Washington D.C. on March 30, Poroshenko said the sanctions should stay until the restoration of peace in Ukraine's east and Kyiv's sovereignty over Crimea. "Anything less would be a compromise at the cost of values and justice," Poroshenko added. Poroshenko also said that some 10,000 people, including more than 2,700 Ukrainian army troops, had been killed in fighting between pro-Russian separatists and Ukrainian armed forces since April 2014. He said nearly 1.8 million people had been forced to leave their homes in the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk over the same time period. Poroshenko also expressed surprise at the international community's reluctance to provide Ukraine with lethal military assistance. Poroshenko is in Washington to take part in the Nuclear Security Summit being hosted by U.S. President Barack Obama. The Ukrainian leader is scheduled to meet with U.S. Vice President Joe Biden later on March 31. Based on reporting by UNIAN and Interfax WASHINGTON -- Former RFE/RL President Kevin Klose and former RFE/RL Czechoslovak Service Director Pavel Pechacek were honored by Prime Minister of the Czech Republic H.E. Bohuslav Sobotka in a Washington ceremony today, for their "lifelong work for democracy, human rights, and freedom, and their "contributions to the transformation and development" of the Czech Republic. The two were presented with Karel Kramar Medals, among the Czech Republics highest state honors, in gratitude for their roles in bringing RFE/RL to Prague in 1995, and contributing to the defeat of communism in the country and the region. The prime minister also thanked RFE/RL for the enormous work, for its invaluable help, for being a stable point of objectivity in the cosmos of disinformation, for providing guidance to millions of listeners and for speaking the voice of freedom. Pavel Pechacek was recognized for his untiring and active assistance to the homeland as a reporter and director of RFE/RLs and Voice of Americas Czechoslovak broadcasts for a period spanning over 25 years. During the 1989 Velvet Revolution, Pechacek was the only independent journalist to report live from Prague's Wenceslas Square to local audiences in their native Czech language. He continued as director of RFE/RL's Czech Service until 2001, helping facilitate the emergence of a free media in the Czech Republic today. In his acceptance remarks, Pechacek called the creation of RFE/RL and Voice of America one of the greatest gifts the United States has bestowed on oppressed people living under totalitarian regimes. As RFE/RL President from 1994 to 1997, Kevin Klose, together with Pechacek and Czech President Vaclav Havel, was among the architects of RFE/RLs move to Prague from Munich, Germany, where it had operated since 1951. Klose, the former NPR president and a veteran Washington Post reporter, who served as Moscow bureau chief in the late 1970s and early 1980s, returned to RFE/RL as president from 2012 to 2014. He is currently a professor and former Dean at the University of Marylands Merrill College of Journalism. The Karel Kramar Medal was established on the 90th anniversary of the founding of the first independent Czechoslovak government in 1918, and is named after its first premier, Karel Kramar. It is bestowed by the sitting prime minister of the Czech Republic. The award of the Kramar Medals to Klose and Pechacek was announced by Prime Minister Sobotka in June 2015 in Prague. RELATED: Prime Minister honours former Radio Free Europe staff (vlada.cz) A single-wide mobile home suffered heavy fire damage at Dallas Bay on Wednesday night. At 6:15 p.m., the Dallas Bay Fire Department responded to the fire at 1703 Apple St. Upon arrival the firefighters observed the front of the mobile home involved in fire. There was no one at home at the time of the fire. The fire was under control by 6:29 p.m. No injuries were reported. The Sequoyah Fire Department responded for mutual aid to the scene to assist Dallas Bay, and the Red Bank Fire Department responded to stand by at the Dallas Bay Station. Hamilton County Medic 4 responded along with deputies from the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office. The cause of the fire is undetermined and is being investigated by the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office. Significant fire and heat damage was reported throughout the structure and no estimate of damage is available. The Red Cross was called to assist the occupant, who had no insurance. The Russian Investigative Committee has arrested one of Russia's wealthiest men and charged him with illegally transporting alcohol across the border and not paying customs duties. Dmitry Mikhalchenko, General Director of Forum, one of Russia's largest conglomerates, and his deputy Boris Korevsky were among several individuals detained on the smuggling charges, Vladimir Markin, spokesman for the Committee, said on March 30. Mikhalchenko's fortune of 18 billion rubles ($266 million) made him the 46th richest man in Russia in 2015. The Basmanny Court of Moscow refused to release Mikhalchenko on bail of 50 million rubles ($735,000) on March 30. An investigator told TASS that the smuggling activities, primarily involving expensive wines, caused "huge" damages exceeding 3 million euros to the Russian economy. Also charged are Anatoly Kindzersky, deputy director-general of the Contrail Logistic North-West Company Ltd; and Ilya Pichko, director of the South-East Trading Company Ltd. Based on reporting by TASS and Interfax Russia's Constitutional Court is holding its first hearing under a new law designed to allow Moscow to disregard rulings by international courts. Legislation signed by President Vladimir Putin in December 2015 allows Russia, in its eyes, to disregard rulings by courts including the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) if they are deemed to be in contravention of the Russian Constitution. Legal experts at the Council of Europe have called for the legislation to be amended, saying it is incompatible with the countrys international obligations. The case under examination pertains to two Russian convicts whose rights, the Strasbourg court found in 2013, were violated because they were denied the right to vote. Russian law does not allow convicts to vote while serving their sentences. A ruling is due in the coming weeks. MOSCOW -- Jailed Russian activist Ildar Dadin has had his three-year prison sentence reduced by six months, Dadin's wife said on March 31. Anastasia Zotova told RFE/RL that the Moscow City Court ruling was announced on March 31. Dadin was found guilty of "repetitive violation of the regulations on public events" and sentenced on December 7. Dadin became the first Russian citizen jailed for participating in more than two unsanctioned public events in 180 consecutive days under a controversial law introduced in 2014. Investigators say he took part in four unsanctioned protests in 2014. Dadin pleaded not guilty and said the case against him was a "shameful persecution based on an unconstitutional law." Amnesty International called Dadin's sentence a "shocking and cynical attack on freedom of expression." Rights activists criticized the law as a tool to crack down on dissent. Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) says it has captured a Ukrainian security officer who volunteered to spy for Moscow and will send him back because they believe he is a double agent. In a statement quoted by Russian news agencies, the FSB, the main KGB successor agency, said the man, Yuri Ivanchenko, was detained on March 26. The FSB said on March 31 that Ivanchenko traveled to Moscow to offer his services to the FSB. It claimed that the CIA had helped the Ukrainian security service prepare Ivanchenko for the mission aimed at eventually exposing his Russian contacts. It said Ivanchenko will be sent home. Relations between Russia and Ukraine have been tense after Moscow's annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula and support for a separatist insurgency in eastern Ukraine. Based on reporting by AP, Interfax, and AFP Protesting in support of Vladimir Putin? OK. Protesting that Barack Obama is the main enemy of Russia? OK. Protesting for Putins resignation? No way. Political demonstrations in Russia are a fraught matter these days, not to mention arbitrary, as journalists in the countrys fourth-largest city have found. Nearly two years after President Putin toughened criminal penalties for some forms of public demonstrations, reporters at the news portal 66.ru, in the Ural Mountains city of Yekaterinburg, set about trying to highlight the vagaries of the new rules. A law passed in 2014, and another Putin signed two years earlier, followed large-scale demonstrations in Moscow in 2011 and 2012 against what organizers said were dubious parliamentary elections, as well as the vote that returned Putin to the Kremlin for a third term. They were the largest antigovernment protests in Russia since Putin was first elected in 2000. The Yekaterinburg local legislature, dominated by lawmakers from the countrys Kremlin-backed ruling party, approved legislation last year that gave the governor of the Sverdlovsk region, where the city is located, discretion to approve the nature of such protests. Under the project, titled Crash-Test Democracy, the Yekaterinburg reporters set out to see which protest themes would be green-lighted by authorities in the city of 1.4 million ahead of elections scheduled for later this year. They initially came up with anodyne themes such as animal rights (In Defense Of The Rights Of Transsexual Animals) or calling for the pope to be returned to the lap of the Russian Orthodox Church. Later, they decided on 18 specific political themes, submitting an equal number of separate written applications on March 21 to the Department of Public Security for Sverdlovsk Oblast. According to the 66.ru website, the applications were rejected on minor technicalities a few days later. After resubmitting the forms, the reporters received a formal response that outright rejected three proposed protests: Resign Putin"; "In Support Of Tightening U.S. Sanctions Policy Against Russia; and another that called on the presidential envoy to the Ural Mountains region to go back to the factory! The reasons given, according the reporters, was that the protests violated the federal constitution and may be interpreted as aimed at undermining the security of the state. Among those approved, meanwhile, were Vladimir Putin Is Our President and Obama Is The Main Enemy of Russia. Also green-lighted was one that criticized local lawmakers (Deputies Are the Enemies Of The People), one in support of local lawmakers (They Promised; They Delivered), as well as the more innocent In Support Of the Happy Future Of Sverdlovsk Oblast. (Another proposed demonstration calling for the resignation of the Sverdlovsk governor was tentatively approved, but would have to be held not outside the governors residence, as proposed, but in a city park.) We, of course, took back all our applications because, honestly speaking, picketing in support or in opposition of someone or other wasnt in our plans, the website said, addressing its readers. We dont want to get involved in a preelection war under banners with political slogans. However, now you know what you can and cant yell out at meetings and pickets in Yekaterinburg, it said. The Russian Defense Ministry says Russian demining experts have arrived in Syria to start clearing mines in the ancient town of Palmyra. Syrian troops, backed by Russian air strikes, recently retook Palmyra which had been under Islamic State control for 10 months. Russia has pledged to help the Syrian government with clearing the archaeological sites of mines. The Defense Ministry said in a statement that the first demining group landed early on March 31 at Russia's base in Syria. It was not immediately clear when the Russians would get to Palmyra. The demining is expected to take several months. Based on reporting by AP and Reuters Russian police are searching for an American student who went missing in freezing conditions in a mountainous part of Siberia three days ago. Investigators in the Russian republic of Buryatia said on March 30 that Colin Madsen, 25, disappeared early on March 27, a day after he arrived with another American as part of a group from Irkutsk, where he was a student at Moscow State Linguistic University. Madsen, who is fluent in Russian, vanished from a guest house in the resort village of Arshan at the foot of the Sayan Mountains, known for its mineral springs and views. Madsen and the rest of his group had planned to hike in the mountains. "While the others were sleeping, he left the house and disappeared without a trace," Russia's regional Investigative Committee said. Madsen's aunt told AP that he was a "responsible young man," but he uncharacteristically left for a walk without a coat. Since he left, the weather has turned very cold, with snow and a strong wind. Based on reporting by AP, AFP, and Interfax A United Nations Court is set to rule in the war crimes trial of Vojislav Seselj, a Serbian nationalist accused of inciting murderous ethnic cleansing during the 1990s Balkan wars. The 61-year-old will not be present for The Hague court's judgment on March 31. He was released in 2014 after being diagnosed with terminal cancer, and he has since immersed himself in Serbian politics, addressing rallies in defiance of the court's orders. A deputy prime minister under the late Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic, Seselj faces three counts of crimes against humanity and six counts of war crimes for inciting ethnic cleansing in Croatia, Bosnia, and the Serbian province of Vojvodina. Prosecutors say he helped set up paramilitary units to carry out his goal of creating an ethnically pure "Greater Serbia" from the disintegrating state of Yugoslavia. Those paramilitaries drove tens of thousands of Muslims and Croats from their homes. Seselj "raised his own army of volunteers,...indoctrinated them with his poisonous ideas," and sent them to commit "unspeakable crimes," UN prosecutor Christine Dahl told the court in 2007. "In the end, Seselj did not achieve a Greater Serbia, he managed to achieve a lesser Serbia and gave the world the term ethnic cleansing," she said. Seselj is known for fiery speeches and crude threats such as vowing to kill Croats by "gouging out their eyes with rusty spoons." He once likened himself to divisive U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump. Seselj, who defended himself at trial, says he is innocent. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment, which would require his transfer to The Hague. Extradition would pose a dilemma for Serbia's government as handing him over would anger the government's base of supporters who see the Western-backed court as biased against Serbia. But refusal to cooperate with the court would endanger the funding Serbia receives from the European Union, which the current government hopes to join. In an interview with Newsweek's Serbian edition, Seselj said he expects to be sentenced to 25 years in prison. "If the government extradites me, then I will serve my time. I am not going back to The Hague voluntarily," he said. Despite poor health, Seselj has appeared on reality television, publicly burning EU and NATO flags. He has been firing up his far-right followers in rallies ahead of a general election in April, in which the Serbian Radical Party leader hopes to win a seat. With reporting by Reuters and AFP BISHKEK -- German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who is also the chairman in office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), has discussed bilateral ties and regional and international issues with Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambaev in Bishkek. Atambaev's press service said that the March 31 talks also focused on the OSCE's role in the development of democratic institutions in Kyrgyzstan. From Bishkek, Steinmeier will travel on to Tajikistan, the last leg of his three-day Central Asian tour that began with a trip to Uzbekistan on March 30. Ahead of the tour, Steinmeier described Central Asia as a "region of strategic importance" with "considerable risks to [global] stability." On March 29, the German Foreign Ministry said that regional cooperation, economic ties, and the fight against terrorism would be high on the agenda during Steinmeier's meetings in the region. Mark Ellis, the executive director of the International Bar Association, has been closely following the work of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) for years. He said he thinks the judges got it wrong on March 31 when they acquitted Serbian Radical party leader Vojislav Seselj on all charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity -- including murder, persecution, and expulsions in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, and Serbia. Ellis told RFE/RL's Ron Synovitz that the chief prosecutor in the case should appeal the ICTY decision for what he believes were both "errors of fact and errors of law." RFE/RL: How did this case differ from previous high-profile cases heard by the ICTY and what is your overall assessment of Seselj's acquittal on all the charges against him? Mark Ellis: It's a case that doesn't involve a military leader such as Mladic or even [Radovan] Karadzic. But this is more from the perspective of a political leader. The focus is what is the nexus and the responsibility between this political leader and the crimes that were being committed. I think the judgment is exceedingly harsh and, I think, off base. It tends to ignore or even dismiss, and certainly disregard, past decisions by the court and general principles in international criminal law -- and certainly since the inception of the ICTY. It's a decision that is, I think, hard to defend, actually. I think the decision also lacks some coherence in regard to what the existing law is in some of these important areas. RFE/RL: Judge Jean-Claude Antonetti concluded in the Seselj verdict that "the propaganda of nationalist ideologies is not criminal. The prosecution failed to show a concrete link between Seselj's nationalist speeches and the crimes committed." What is your reaction to that ruling? Ellis: I simply disagree with that position. Jurisprudence in international tribunals, not just at the ICTY but at others, are clear in this. Inflammatory speech can incite individuals to commit crimes -- and that's exactly what happened here, in this case. Volunteers were being sent to the front. These volunteers went on to commit murder. They went on to displace families because of their ethnicity. An individual may not be directly responsible for that murder or displacement, but certainly was involved with inciting or aiding and abetting. This is absolutely what the prosecutor had argued for. And I think that there was, in my opinion, evidence to support that. The majority of the court felt no. But to suggest that political incitement through inflammatory speech would not be relevant in these types of trials, I don't think is true. RFE/RL: Considering Seselj's inflammatory calls during the early 1990s for the creation of a "Greater Serbia" at the expense of other ethnicities in the Balkans, are you surprised that the ICTY has acquitted Seselj? Ellis: I was surprised that the court limited itself to this type of analysis and didn't follow the jurisprudence of the tribunal that, I think, would have been able to connect this political goal of a Greater Serbia as part of a joint criminal enterprise that existed -- and that existed in order to conduct these criminal acts. It was all part of this kind of joint enterprise that had -- at its heart, at its core -- this goal of creating a Greater Serbia. To suggest that that really is not relevant to criminal acts that occurred, I simply think is wrong. I think the appeals court -- I'm hoping the appeals court -- would see it that way and reverse that decision. WATCH: Seselj Acquittal: Mixed Reaction From Village In Serbia RFE/RL: What were some of the problems faced by the ICTY prosecutors that led the judges to conclude they failed to present enough evidence to prove a direct link between Seselj's nationalist speeches and the crimes committed by paramilitary volunteers? Ellis: The prosecutor relied on a number of witnesses and reliance on those witnesses simply fell apart later on. Witnesses started to recant their testimony and their willingness to participate in this proceeding. This has been one of the major problems in these trials. When witnesses are intimidated, witnesses begin to feel that they can simply not continue to be part of the process because they are living in the exact territory where the crimes were committed and the pressure is quite significant on them. RFE/RL: What about the appeals process? Would that be a lengthy process? Or is the judicial process finally nearing its end after more than 13 years? Ellis: It will stretch out now because, as we know, the tribunal has in essence ended its mandate. But there is this mechanism that has been created to allow this process to continue -- including the appeals process. There should absolutely be an appeals process on this. The prosecutor would have 30 days to make note of whether or not he will appeal. Then he will have an additional 90 days to make his case. And then the appeals process will start. So it's not going to be a 10-year period, because that involves the trial process with all the witnesses. Everything. The appeals process is whether there was an error in fact or an error in law. That's what the appeals court will review. And I think there is evidence here to suggest that there was error on both -- that the trial chamber erred on both the interpretation of the law and the interpretation of the facts. A Fort Oglethorpe man is facing multiple charges after ramming two police vehicles following a chase that led from Georgia into Chattanooga, then tangling with a police dog. Jeffery Dean Gilliam, 47, of 2321 Cloud Springs Road, is charged with two counts of aggravated assault on police, vandalism, not having insurance, driving without a license, reckless driving, resisting arrest, drug possession, reckless endangerment and cruelty to animals. He is being held at the Hamilton County Jail on bonds totaling $80,000. In the incident on Tuesday night, Fort Oglethorpe officers began chasing a white van that went into Tennessee on I-75. The vehicle evaded police at speeds over 100 mph and refused to stop. The vehicle got off on Ringgold Road, then spike strips were deployed in the East Ridge Tunnel. The van got on I-24 despite having two deflated tires. It quickly exited onto 4th Avenue and then onto 23rd Street. The van drove into one police vehicle driven by Robert Stockburger, then crossed three lanes of traffic to intentionally strike a second police vehicle driven by officer Michael Trumbo. Deputy Stockburger then used his police vehicle to forcefully stop the van at E. 23rd Street and Dodds Avenue. A white female exited the passenger side of the van and was ordered to the ground. However, the driver, Gilliam, held both hands on the steering wheel and refused to get out of the vehicle. K9 Duco was then placed in the van and bit Gilliam on the right arm while holding him in place. Police said Gilliam then began hitting the dog in the face and body with his left hand. Gilliam was eventually removed from the van and placed into custody. He was taken to Erlanger Hospital to be checked out, then was taken to jail. While at the hospital it was discovered that Gilliam had a small bag with 15 white pills in his pocket. Officers also found $180 in cash and 100 small plastic baggies. Gilliam is set to appear before General Sessions Court Judge Clarence Shattuck on April 7. ON MY MIND With all the false equivalencies out there about who is violating the Minsk agreements, British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond's remarks this week were a welcome breath of fresh air. Speaking in Georgia, Hammond didn't mince words. If Russia wants sanctions lifted, it needs to fulfill its obligations under Minsk. Period. And while steps are also necessary on the Ukrainian side, "We should never equate the two. Russia is the aggressor in this conflict." Hammond's remarks send an important signal as Moscow is making a renewed push to lay the blame for Minsk's failures on Kyiv and get European Union sanctions against Russia lifted. Hopefully, other European leaders will take note. IN THE NEWS British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said Russia is "going backwards" on sanctions relief. Russia's state-run oil company Rosneft says its profits increased by 2 percent in 2015. Russian demining experts have reportedly arrived in Syria. Russia has charged two businessmen with wine smuggling. Ukraine has enacted sanctions against Russians involved in the case of military pilot Nadia Savchenko. In Arkhangelsk, 936 kilograms of banned Polish apples have been confiscated and destroyed. The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster has opened its first place of worship in Russia. It is located in Nizhny Novgorod, just around the corner from the city's historic Russian Orthodox Church of the Merciful Savior. WHAT I'M READING Poking Holes In Moscow's Ukraine Narrative A report in the German newspaper Bild has revealed that a virtual shadow government in Moscow is running the day-today affairs of the separatist-held territories of eastern Ukraine. The report contradicts Moscow's claims that it is not involved in the conflict in Donbas. In an extensive interview with Meduza, a separatist fighter who participated in Ukrainian military pilot Nadia Savchenko's capture has poked big holes in Russia's claim that she was apprehended on Russian territory after helping kill two Russian journalists in Donbas. According to the fighter, she was taken on Ukrainian territory and was already in custody when the journalists were killed by mortar fire. In a piece in The Moscow Times, foreign affairs analyst Vladimir Frolov takes a look at what Russia really wants from the Savchenko case. Putin's Mob Ties Open Russia has a fascinating interview with journalist Vladimir Ivanidze that sheds light on Vladimir Putin's ties to organized crime groups in St. Petersburg in the 1990s. Does Putin Have A Strategy? Intersection Magazine has two pieces that cast doubt on the belief that Putin is pursuing a grand strategy. Andrey Devyatkov argues that Russian policy is the result of an "emotional trap." And Anton Barbashin deconstructs the arguments of those arguing that Putin has a master plan. UN Troops In Ukraine? On the European Council On Foreign Relations website, Oleksiy Melnyk of the Razumkov Center and Andreas Umland of the Institute for Euro-Atlantic Cooperation say it's time to move "Beyond Minsk" and call for United Nations troops in Donbas. Atlanticism Under Siege Peter B. Doran, vice president of Research at the Center for European Policy Analysis, gave an interview to New Eastern Europe in which he discusses Russia's information war against the West and other threats to trans-Atlanticism. "It is now common to see the tropes of Russian disinformation and propaganda in the public discourse of the Western analytical community. That weakens the quality of the policy debate in the expert community. Often, experts do not even realize that they might be channeling an idea that originated from a node of Russian disinformation. Those ideas crop up in the strangest places," Doran says. Reality Setting In? In his excellent blog on the Kennan Institute's website, Maxim Trudolyubov argues that "Russia is Waking Up to the Economic Reality, Not to the Political One." "The Crimea euphoria is starting to dissipate and the gap between perception and reality is beginning to close, albeit in a peculiar way. People are lowering their expectations, rather than trying to overcome hurdles," Trudolyubov writes. More On The Vast Anti-Russian Media Conspiracy In yesterday's Morning Vertical, I included a link to an article about a report by Kremlin-connected Russian Institute of Strategic Studies that ranked foreign media according to their hostility toward Moscow. Here's a link to the full report. How Many Russian Warplanes In Syria? And finally, Jeremy Binnie of Jane's Defense Weekly has tweeted a helpful table of Russian military aircraft in Syria. KYIV -- Ukrainian officials said vile Russian missile strikes on civilian energy sites have caused power outages nationwide, leaving more than a million households without electricity, while Russian authorities ordered residents to leave Kherson "immediately" ahead of an expected effort by Kyivs forces to retake the crucial southern city. Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's ongoing invasion, Kyiv's counteroffensive, Western military aid, global reaction, Russian protests, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Telegram on October 22 that Russia carried out a "massive attack" on Ukraine overnight and that "the aggressor continues to terrorize our country." "At night, the enemy launched a massive attack: 36 rockets, most of which were shot down...These are vile strikes on critical objects. Typical tactics of terrorists," he wrote. "The world can and must stop this terror." Kyrylo Tymoshenko, deputy head of Zelenskiys office, said Ukrainian air defense forces had shot down 18 of the missiles. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said a number of missiles had been shot down on the approach to the capital. "Several rockets flying toward Kyiv were shot down in the region by air defense forces. Thanks to our defenders!" Klitschko said. There was no immediate word on deaths related to the missile attacks, but officials said several people had been injured. It was not possible to verify the reports on either side. In the face of continued Russian strikes, Foreign Minister Dmitro Kuleba again urged Ukraine's Western allies to speed up the delivery of modern air defense systems. "We intercepted some, others hit the targets. Air defense saves lives. In [Western] capitals, there should not be a single minute of delay in the decision regarding air defense systems for Ukraine," Kuleba said. Local officials said power stations were hit in the regions of Odesa, Kirovohrad, and Lutsk, while other regions reported problems with electricity. "Another rocket attack from terrorists who are fighting against civilian infrastructure and people," the Ukrainian president's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, wrote on the Telegram app. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal told a government meeting that from October 10 to October 20, Russian strikes damaged more than 400 facilities in 16 regions of Ukraine, including dozens of energy facilities. "The Russian Army has identified our energy sector as one of the key targets for its attacks," Shmyhal said on October 21. "Russian propagandists and officials speak openly about the purpose of all these attacks: Ukraine, according to them, should be left without water, without light, without heat," he said. Meanwhile, Russian-appointed authorities in the occupied and illegally seized southern Kherson region on October 22 ordered the estimated 60,000 residents of the region's eponymous main city to leave "immediately" in the face of Kyiv's advancing counteroffensive. "Due to the tense situation on the front, the increased danger of mass shelling of the city and the threat of terrorist attacks, all civilians must immediately leave the city and cross to the left bank of the Dnieper River," the region's Russia-backed authorities said on social media. Russina-installed officials are moving people out of the strategic city in what they are calling an evacuation but which Ukrainian officials label as deportations. The order came in spite of a claim by Russia's Defense Ministry on October 22 that its forces had prevented an attempt by Ukraine to break through its line of control in Kherson. "All attacks were repulsed, the enemy was pushed back to their initial positions," the Defense Ministry said, adding that Ukraine's offensive was launched toward the settlements of Piatykhatky, Suhanove, Sablukivka and Bezvodne, on the west side of the Dnieper River. The ministry's statement said Russian forces had also repelled attacks in the eastern regions of Luhansk and Donetsk. Kherson city, which had a prewar population of 280,000, is one of the first urban areas occupied by Russia at the start of the invasion. Zelenskiys office said 88 settlements in the southern Kherson region and 551 settlements in the northeastern Kharkiv region have been de-occupied, while the Ukrainian forces' counteroffensive in the Kherson region moves ahead. Ukraine is trying to drive Russian forces in Kherson back east across the Dnieper. Russian soldiers on the western bank, where the city of Kherson is located, are reportedly close to being cut off from supply lines and reinforcements. Natalya Humenyuk, a spokeswoman for Ukraines southern operational command, said the Ukrainian military struck the Antonivskiy Bridge over the Dnieper in the city of Kherson during an overnight curfew Russia-installed officials put in place to avoid civilian casualties. We do not attack civilians and settlements," Humenyuk told Ukrainian television. Ukrainian strikes made the Antonivskiy Bridge inoperable, prompting Russian authorities to set up ferry crossings and pontoon bridges to relocate civilians and transport supplies. Russia has sent in thousands of recently mobilized troops to reinforce the defense of Kherson, the General Staff of Ukraine's armed forces said on October 21. Zelenskiy again on October 21 urged the West to warn Russia not to blow up a dam at the Nova Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant on the Dnieper River as this could flood settlements toward Kherson. Zelenskiy said Russian forces had planted explosives inside the dam, which holds back an enormous reservoir, and were planning to blow it up. "Now everyone in the world must act powerfully and quickly to prevent a new Russian terrorist attack. Destroying the dam would mean a large-scale disaster," he said in his nightly address. With reporting by Reuters, AFP, AP, and the BBC Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko will meet with U.S. Vice President Joe Biden for a working lunch on March 31, the White House announced on March 30. Poroshenko is one of more than 50 leaders from countries around the world in Washington this week for President Barack Obama's fourth and final Nuclear Security Summit. Poroshenko had sought a meeting with Obama, but apparently was unable to arrange one because of Obama's full schedule. Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko said on March 29 that Poroshenko wanted to meet with Obama because Ukraine "has been at the cutting edge of the fight between democracy and what we abandoned in the past and deserves this meeting." Based on reporting by Reuters and Interfax A Virginia state trooper was fatally shot and his attacker killed by officers who returned fire Thursday afternoon at Richmonds Greyhound bus station, where the state police were conducting a training exercise, the agencys top officer said. Two women, one a track athlete from Binghamton (N.Y.) University headed to the College of William and Mary for a meet, suffered injuries that were described as not life-threatening. Virginia State Police Superintendent W. Steven Flaherty told reporters at an evening briefing that trooper Chad P. Dermyer, 37, died from his wounds after being taken to VCU Medical Center following the 2:40 p.m. attack. Police had earlier announced that the gunman also died at the hospital. Dermyer, a Marine Corps veteran and native of Jackson, Mich., graduated from the state police academy in 2014 and had been transferred to a counter-terrorism and criminal interdiction unit after serving on patrol in the Newport News and Hampton areas. A former Jackson and Newport News police officer, Dermyer was married with two children. This has been a tough evening, a tough afternoon, Flaherty said. Its quite a tragedy. Dermyer was in a criminal interdiction training exercise at the bus station with about a dozen other officers who had recently completed classroom instruction when he approached the man and was shot multiple times, Flaherty said. Dermyer and the gunman had been talking only moments before the man drew a firearm, Flaherty said. After shooting Dermyer, the gunman continued firing and moved toward the restaurant area of the bus terminal before officers were able to take him into custody. Why he reacted, why he had a gun in his waistband, we dont know, Flaherty said. The shooter had a history of criminal charges but Flaherty said authorities had not yet determined how many resulted in convictions. He was not immediately identified, pending notification of family. His body was taken to the state medical examiners office. Flaherty said it was too early in the investigation to say who fired the shots that injured the two women. The attackers gun was recovered at the scene. Dermyer was not wearing a protective vest, Flaherty said. The equipment is optional in this case, Flaherty said, and indicated Dermyer may have chosen to not wear one because it was a training exercise. What started as a training mission turned into a massive police presence that drew officers from the city of Richmond, Henrico County, state police, FBI, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the U.S. Marshals Service. Traffic backed up on the Boulevard, a main gateway into the city via the nearby Interstate 95 interchange. At VCU Medical Center, meantime, state police and other law enforcement officials arrived through the afternoon, and no one was allowed in the area other than hospital workers. Four ambulances arrived at the hospital in the immediate aftermath of the shooting. State police spokeswoman Corinne Geller said the department was taking the lead role in the investigation. Flaherty praised the immediate and continuing work of Richmond police and the other agencies. A canine team swept the bus station and interviews began immediately with witnesses. A shaken Richmond City Councilwoman Reva M. Trammell, chairwoman of the councils public safety committee, talked with reporters near the bus station and said the senseless act was one of the saddest days Ive ever seen in the city of Richmond. Mayor Dwight C. Jones was fully briefed on the shooting, said Tammy D. Hawley, the mayors press secretary, and was in constant contact with Police Chief Alfred Durham. Gov. Terry McAuliffes office said the governor was also in contact and offered whatever state resources may be necessary to respond to this situation. McAuliffe described the shooting as a loss that impacts us all. It should inspire prayers for the family, friends and fellow troopers who are mourning tonight, and gratitude for those who protect and serve. Across the busy bus station and commercial area, workers, travelers and others recounted what they heard and saw as the violence broke out. Two workers landscaping at The Diamond where the practicing Virginia Commonwealth University baseball team was taken off the field as a precaution said they saw a man running across the street from the bus station and screaming something. Next a state police trooper pulled up to the scene and then chaos erupted as people started streaming out of the Greyhound building. Reshad Williams, 24, of Washington said he was leaning against a wall outside the bus station when he heard two shots and then almost immediately saw about 10 people run out of the station. He said he sprinted from the area and heard more shots as a growing number of people ran from the terminal in panic. Williams estimated that from the time he heard the first gunshots, police were on the scene within a minute. Craig Kostiuk, 41, of Chesterfield County said he was across the street when he saw about 20 police officers swarm the scene some quickly getting out of the cars with guns drawn. He said an estimated 20 officers then quickly formed a single-file line and went into the main entrance of the building. About two minutes later, Kostiuk said, he saw at least two or three people being taken out of the building on stretchers. Brendan Hamilton, 28, who is visiting Richmond from Baltimore, said he was about to walk into the bus station about 2:50 p.m. when he heard two loud bangs and then started seeing flashes of light along with about five to 10 more banging noises. People began running out of nearly all of the doors of the building, Hamilton said. At this point it became clear to him that shots were being fired, and he sprinted from the scene. The emergency extended across the street to The Diamond, said Todd Parney Parnell, vice president and general manager of the Richmond Flying Squirrels. As soon as officials learned what was going on at the bus station, he said, everyone was pulled inside, including the VCU baseball team that was practicing at the stadium that is also its home field. Pete Woody, public relations and communications manager at neighboring Sports Backers Stadium, said that facility locked its doors and advised anyone with business there to stay away from the area. Greyhound staffs the station with security personnel, but they were not on duty at the time the incident occurred, said Lanesha Gipson, a national Greyhound spokeswoman. Gipson said no employees were injured during the incident. We are fully cooperating with authorities and providing any information they may need, including video surveillance that was captured, she said. Greyhound suspended service at the station indefinitely, rerouted inbound buses to the companys Richmond garage, and offered counseling to employees as well as customers who were at the station at the time of the shootings. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates Greyhound, as it does with all bus operators, but only in regard to the operation and maintenance of the buses, as well as the certification of drivers and oversight of their hours, said spokesman Duane DeBruyne. There are no regulations directly regarding security at the bus stations, he said. Gipson said Greyhound employs security measures at its terminals that include random baggage searches and wanding of travelers to ensure customers dont attempt to bring any items that are not permitted onboard. Security guards and employees always have heightened sensitivity to suspicious behaviors and activity, and will notify local authorities if suspicious behavior or unaccompanied packages are observed, she said. Greyhound said it enforces a zero-tolerance policy on unruly or aggressive customers and prohibited items such as firearms and other weapons, drugs, and alcohol. When prohibited items or unruly customers are observed, security will remove the customer from the property, Gipson said. If need be, they will contact local authorities for assistance. At the evening news conference, Flaherty noted that earlier in the afternoon he had been at a meeting of an international police association and participating in a ceremony to honor officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. Trammell, the city councilwoman, noted with sadness that the attack occurred on the Boulevard, a street with many attractions and one on which the city has pinned many hopes for continued revitalization. Where does this take us now? she asked. Trammell said she spoke with officers at the scene. For us to lose a state trooper, what about their families, their friends? Trammell said. I would never believe this. Members of the Richmond Police Departments SWAT team headed to their vehicles after Thursdays shooting. The incident remains under investigation. Police gathered Thursday outside the Greyhound bus station after a gunman opened fire, fatally wounding a Virginia State Police trooper. The shooter later died. The Dennis Haskins Exhibit Opening, featuring his entire collection of personal Saved by the Bell scripts in addition to other prized items he has donated, will be held Monday, April 4 at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Library. There will be a reception beginning at 4 p.m with a short program to follow at 4:30 p.m. "Meet the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga alumnus and internationally-known actor, Dennis Haskins, who portrayed Mr. Belding on the groundbreaking show Saved by the Bell as he joins us for the exhibit opening at the UTC Library. Enjoy a short video showing this beloved actors connection to the university, followed by remarks and Q&A with Dennis Haskins," officials said. The University of Tennessee Chattanooga Library opening a Saved by The Bell exhibit with an actor from Chattanooga, me, for all of you to come see and enjoy, and to see how the show went from the page to the stage by looking at my scripts and watching the DVDs. Dennis Haskins said in an excerpt from the introductory video recorded for this exhibit. The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Library is located at 600 Douglas St. The Dennis Haskins exhibit is located on the 4th floor. Parking is available on Oak Street and Vine Street. Light refreshments will be served. This event is free and open to the public. For additional information, visit www.utc.edu/haskins or call The UTC Library at 423-425-4503. Mark Kelly has orbited the Earth. The astronaut also has come down to it. He landed in Richmond the other day to talk about guns. He owns several himself, he said during a meeting with The Times-Dispatchs Editorial Board. Unlike many who speak out on the issue, Kelly understands guns. He supports private ownership of them; his goal is to keep them out of the hands of those who should not have them. The Navy veteran came to Richmond for the launch of the Virginia Coalition for Common Sense. His wife, former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, joined him. Five years ago Giffords was shot and seriously wounded during an event in Tucson. Six individuals, children of God, died in the incident. The shooter was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and originally found incompetent to stand trial. He subsequently pleaded guilty. Kellys group seeks to make it more difficult for people like the man responsible for the Tuscon spree to buy guns. Critics of expanded background checks say criminals always will be able to buy guns, even if they buy them illegally. Were not so sure, although we also doubt the so-called gun show loophole is as gaping as others suggest. The debate can proceed civilly. During our session with him, Kelly did not demonize anyone. He lacked the intolerance projected by former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg. We spoke of our support for the Second Amendment and our belief that it recognizes an individual right. We also noted that the Second is the only amendment in the Bill of Rights that justifies itself. It explains why a well-regulated militia is necessary (to defend the state, by the way) and that, as a result, the right to gun ownership should not be infringed. Other amendments do not explain the virtues of religion, speech, peaceful assembly, trials by juries or due process. If the Second Amendment resembled the First, it would say the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed and no more. A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind. Landon Galloway said he was in the area doing some Bible work. He said he picked up two young people while he was in East Ridge. They were still with him when he stopped for gas at the BP on Brainerd Road. He left the car running while going inside to pay for the gas. They took advantage of the opportunity. * * * At Aaron's Rentals on Highway 58, employees said a black male positioned a box with a 55" flat screen TV near the front door. Afterward, an employee looked up after hearing a dragging sound. The man was trying to get away with the big TV. The employee gave chase and was able to secure the television. The man left in a white Chevy Impala or Malibu. The vehicle had a handicap placard hanging on the rear view mirror. * * * Henry Cruz said he was staying in room 130 at the America's Best Inn on Lee Highway with Sandra Henderson. He said he saw her go into his truck and take $600 from his wallet. He said he confronted her, but she got in her vehicle and drove off. Police said Ms. Henderson has a number of outstanding warrants. She got a new theft charge. * * * Employees at the Brainerd Walmart said Shannon James and Janice Brumlow were seen taking $51.41 in items and trying to leave without paying. Employees said they previously were banned from Walmart for prior shoplifting. They were taken to jail for theft under $500 and criminal trespass. * * * TJ Maxx at Hamilton Cross reported a black male and black female pretending to shop, then grabbing some clothes and running out. The same day at the same store, two black females gathered multiple items and left without paying. A clerk ran after them, but they got away with $91.94 in items. * * * A woman who lives on E. 43rd Street reported finding a handgun in her flower bed by her front porch. Police said it was a Lorcin 9mm. It was fully loaded with one in the chamber. * * * Dustin Redmond said he accepted a ride home from an unknown black male driving a Lexus. He said the least he could do was to buy the guy gas. He said he was inside paying for the gas on Brainerd Road when the gentleman in the Lexus drove off with Redmond's belongings, including $400 in cash. However, a clerk at the gas station said Redmond was inside the station for some 20 minutes, and he said he never saw a white Lexus. * * * Employees of Hobbytown USA on Gunbarrel Road said two black males got away with two radio-controlled trucks valued at $859.98. One was wearing a striped shirt, khaki pants and white shoes. The other was in a money suit. They left in a white PT Cruiser. * * * A woman on Booth Road said she let a black male she knows only as Brian do her taxes. She was advised she was due to get a prepaid Visa RushCard valued at around $2,000. Afterward, she was informed that some $1,800 had already been spent on the card. BLACKSBURG (AP) A prosecutor says a new preliminary hearing date has been set for two former Virginia Tech students charged in the slaying of a 13-year-old girl. Prosecutor Mary Pettitt says in an email that the hearing is now scheduled for May 20 in Montgomery County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. The hearing originally was set for last Monday, but both sides needed more time. Eighteen-year-old David Eisenhauer of Columbia, Maryland, is charged with abduction and first-degree murder in Nicole Lovell's late January death. Nineteen-year-old Natalie Keepers of Laurel, Maryland, is charged with accessory before and after the fact and with illegally dumping Nicole's body just across the state line in North Carolina. They remain jailed without bond. Authorities say Nicole was stabbed. Ah, April. A month of cherry blossoms and light cardigans, birds twittering and taxes being filed. And, of course, peak harvest season for Switzerland's worldfamous spaghetti crop, which, thanks to an exceptionally mild winter, was experiencing a bumper year in 1957. If you're thinking, "Huh?" well, then, good on you for being better informed than the average BBC viewer at the time. When the British news network aired a 3minute segment about Swiss spaghetti farmers plucking long strands of pasta straight from tree branches, hundreds of credulous viewers wrote in asking how they could cultivate their own spaghetti tree. The BBC replied, with quintessentially British aplomb: "Place a sprig of spaghetti in a tin of tomato sauce and hope for the best." What's your favorite April Fools prank? Share your thoughts in the comments below. "The Swiss Spaghetti Harvest" which aired, unsurprisingly, on April 1 has been declared one of the greatest April Fools pranks all of all time. It was the first time any major news organization had used television to so thoroughly bamboozle its audience. But it was not the first ever April Fools joke, not by a long shot. Who exactly should receive that dubious honor remains in dispute. Some historians believe that April Fools Day has its origins in ancient Rome, with a festival known as "Hilaria." Usually celebrated on March 25, according to William Smith's "Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities," Hilaria was a day for games, masquerades, and generally whiling away the day with relentless mocking not even local magistrates were immune. The twoday Hindu celebration Holi, the Persian festival Sizdah Bedar and the Jewish holiday Purim also fall in early spring. While not explicitly about tricking people, both holidays involve various forms of merriment and frivolity throwing colored powder, picnicking outside, dressing in costume, etc. The Museum of Hoaxes (that exists) notes that there's no direct evidence that April Fools Day came from any of these celebrations: "Instead, it's more likely that April Fool's Day resembles these other celebrations because they're all manifestations of a deeper pattern of folk behavior an instinct to respond to the arrival of spring with festive mischief and symbolic misrule." Blame or credit, depending on your perspective may also lie with the Catholic Church and its "Feast of Fools," which was celebrated around Jan. 1 in medieval France and England. According to folklorist Jack Santino, who wrote a history of American holidays, church officials originally encouraged the carnivallike celebration, which involved reversing social roles, dressing in costume and bringing donkeys into church. They believed it helped "release pentup anticlerical sentiment among the people," Santino writes. But by the 15th century they decided the feast had become too raucous and banned it. Like any practice involving flouting authority and generally having a good time, the "Feast of Fools" did not die easily it would be several hundred years before people stopped celebrating. The church is also implicated in the most popular theory about the evolution of April Fools Day. It was Pope Gregory XIII, after all, who issued a decree in 1563 ordering that Christian countries adopt a standardized calendar. The Gregorian calendar moved the new year from the end of March to the first of January; people who continued to celebrate on the old day, either because it was the 16th century and word traveled slowly or because they simply wanted to be a rebel, were mocked as "April fools." This meant different things depending on where you lived. In France, targets would be chased by children, who pinned paper fish on their backs and yelled "poisson d'Avril!" If you were in Scotland, you were likely to wind up with a "kick me" sign on your butt instead. (The Scots are credited with inventing the "kick me" sign, to the chagrin of unpopular substitute teachers everywhere.) There are some flaws with this theory, namely that, according to the Museum of Hoaxes, the first unambiguous reference to April Fools Day came in a Flemish poem published three years before the calendar switch was made. Titled "Refrain on fool's errandday/which is the first of April," the poem told the story of an unscrupulous nobleman who sent his servant back and forth on several absurd errands on April 1. Either way, by the end of the next century April Fools Day was so ingrained that people had to entirely stop attempting to achieve serious things on April 1. It's said that the Treaty of Warsaw, which established an anti-Ottoman alliance between Poland and the Holy Roman Empire, was backdated from April 1 to March 31, 1683, just to prevent any possible confusion. Even Google a geopolitical force that is surely on par with the Holy Roman Empire is not immune. When it rolled out its email service on April 1, 2004, (notably, on the same day it sent out a job posting for positions on the moon), people assumed that the offer had to be a hoax. A whole gigabyte of storage for free? Not possible. "Journalists would call us and say 'We need to know if you're just kidding, or if this is real,'" Georges Harik, who oversaw the development of new products at Google, told Time in 2010. "That was fun." Lawyers representing a former University of Virginia student who claimed she was the victim of a gang rape in a discredited Rolling Stone magazine story have asked a judge to cancel her scheduled deposition in a lawsuit against the magazine, arguing that she would be re-traumatized if she is compelled to recount her ordeal in proceedings under oath. The former student who in court papers is referred to only by her nickname, Jackie became the central figure in a 2014 Rolling Stone article that described her account of a vicious sexual assault during her freshman year, an attack she said was carried out over several hours by seven men in a fraternity house bedroom. The 9,000-word expose highlighted Jackies case as a devastating example of rape on a college campus and the struggles she faced while seeking help from members of the UVa administration, including the associate dean responsible for handling sexual assault allegations. But reporting by The Washington Post, later confirmed by the Charlottesville Police Department and an investigation by the Columbia University journalism school, showed that the Rolling Stone article was factually inaccurate. The magazine eventually retracted the story and apologized to readers; the fraternity was cleared of all wrongdoing. In May, associate dean Nicole Eramo filed a defamation lawsuit against Rolling Stone, assailing the magazines false portrayal of her counsel to Jackie as callous and indifferent and arguing that Jackies story was a fabrication. In newly filed court documents, attorneys for Jackie wrote that a deposition could cause significant and undeniable psychological harm and have shattering and potentially irreparable consequences to their client. Forcing her to revisit her sexual assault, and then the re-victimization that took place after the Rolling Stone article came out, will inevitably lead to a worsening of her symptoms and current mental health, Jackies attorneys wrote, citing extensive support in the medical literature that shows sexual assault victims will experience trauma if they are forced to revisit the details of their assault. But attorneys for Eramo contend in court documents that Jackie is a serial liar who concocted her tale of sexual assault in an unusual ploy to win the affection of a male UVa student she wanted to date. There is no evidence whatsoever that the story that Jackie told her friends, or the very different story she told Rolling Stone, actually transpired, Eramos attorneys wrote. Instead, it appears that Jackie fabricated her perpetrator and the details of the alleged assault. Eramos team wants Jackie to detail her interactions with Rolling Stone. In recent court filings, Jackies attorneys characterized any attempt by Eramos legal team to depose Jackie as a third party in the lawsuit as persecution. Instead, Dean Eramo continues her scorched earth attacks ... in the misguided hope that her unwarranted attacks can distract from the fact that Dean Eramo has no valid claims, wrote Jackies attorneys, who described Jackie as a sexual assault victim who has suffered repeated revictimizations, including by Dean Eramo in this very lawsuit. Jackies attorneys argued in court filings that questions posed to their client could inappropriately veer into deeply personal matters, such as the intimate details of her sexual assault. They declined to comment on the court filings when reached by The Post. The deposition is scheduled for April 5, and Jackies attorneys have requested that the location of the meeting remain secret and have asked the judge to ban anyone involved with the case to discuss or comment on whatever Jackie might say in the sworn statements. Jackie has never reported her allegations to police; authorities have said that officials encouraged her to do so, at one point driving her to a police station. Jackies lawyers argue that questioning her supposed sexual assault would be invasive and violate her privacy rights. That contention is ridiculous, said Libby Locke, a lawyer representing Eramo, noting that Jackie openly discussed her rape account with Rolling Stone and The Post. The only thing different now is that Jackies deposition answers will be under oath and Jackie will be compelled to tell the truth. Unfortunately, that is something that Jackie and her lawyers have been trying to avoid all along. Attorneys for Rolling Stone and the journalist who wrote the article, Sabrina Rubin Erdely, wrote in court filings that they support deposing Jackie in the case, highlighting that her answers could reveal context necessary for both sides legal strategy at trial. In a March 29 filing, Eramos attorneys wrote that 11 months ago they approached Jackies attorney with a proposal that would have eliminated the need for the student to participate in a deposition, but Eramos legal team wrote that the attorney declined. Eramos attorneys also wrote that they offered Jackie the option to streamline the questioning and allow for fair discovery, while also showing sensitivity to Jackies counsels claim that subjecting Jackie to questioning about the specific details of her supposed sexual assault would be traumatizing. Eramos attorneys proposed that if Jackie admitted that she was not in fact sexually assaulted at the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity on September 28, 2012, then the questioning on that matter could be shortened in the deposition. According to court documents, Jackies lawyers flatly rejected the offer. In several interviews with The Post in late 2014, Jackie said that she stood by the account in Rolling Stone and offered a similar version. Jackie also acknowledged that she knew her allegations had little proof beyond her word. I didnt want a trial, Jackie said in 2014. I cant imagine getting up on a defense stand having them tear me apart. Lee University will host the final Writers Festival event of the 2015-16 year on Monday with readings from faculty members Dr. Kevin Brown, Stacey Isom Campbell and Dr. Will Woolfitt. The event will take place at 7:30 p.m. in the Rose Lecture Hall of the Helen DeVos College of Education. We are so pleased for this opportunity to showcase to our community and campus the caliber of the three creative writers we have on our faculty, said Dr. Jean Eledge, chair of the Department of Language and Literature. Hearing them present and talk about their works will underscore why they each have gained recognition through publications, awards or productions. Dr. Brown, professor of English, has published three books of poetry: Liturgical Calendar: Poems, A Lexicon of Lost Words (winner of the Violet Reed Haas Prize for Poetry), and Exit Lines. He also has a memoir, Another Way: Finding Faith, Then Finding It Again, and a book of scholarship, They Love to Tell the Stories: Five Contemporary Novelists Take on the Gospels. He received his Masters of Fine Arts (MFA) from Murray State University. Ms. Isom Campbell, associate professor of creative writing, received an MFA in creative writing from Old Dominion University. At Old Dominion, she was the recipient of a teaching assistantship as well as the David Scott Sutelan Memorial Award. A few of her plays include Letters to John Lennon, Touching Aurora, Smokin Devils, California Dreamin, On the 8s, Dough & Cookies, and The Memory of Ice. Her work has been seen or won awards at The Barter Theatre, the Playwrights Theater (Dallas), Pittsburgh New Works Festival, The Great Plains Theatre Conference, L.A. First Stage, Third Course: Theatre (Austin), EstroGenius Xtended (Manhattan Theatre Source), Red Clay Theatre, and others. She is also a Fellow of The Hambidge Center, the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, and the Helene Wurlitzer Foundation of New Mexico. Dr. Woolfitt, assistant professor of creative writing, is the author of the poetry collections Charles of the Desert, and Beauty Strip. His fiction chapbook The Boy With Fire in His Mouth won the Epiphany Editions contest. His poems and stories have appeared in Blackbird, Image, Tin House, The Threepenny Review, Michigan Quarterly Review, Epoch, and other journals. Woolfitt is the recipient of the Howard Nemerov Scholarship from the Sewanee Writers Conference and the Denny C. Plattner Award from Appalachian Heritage. He earned his doctorate and MFA from The Pennsylvania State University. Writers Festival readings are free, non-ticketed events and open to the public. For more information on Lees Writers Festival, please email Brown at kbrown@leeuniversity.edu or call 614-8320. STOPPING far right protesters marching through the town centre and restricting the number of people involved reduced the impact on traders takings, says a business owner. Chris Paston, owner of Things That Boys Like in High Street, said trade was around 50 per cent down on Saturday compared to during previous demos which had caused a hit of up to 95 per cent. Mr Paston said: We are always concerned when theres going to be a protest. But it was not something that set us back, it didnt depress us, we just get on with it. We were aware it was a smaller one this time so that made life a bit easier in terms of preparing. We were disappointed to see it going ahead again, but its not the end of the world. Demonstrators were given restrictions on the size, timing and location of their protests. The EDL demo held in part as a response to the Rotherham 12 campaign to clear the names of a dozen Asian men charged with violence on Wellgate after a Britain First protest in September took place in the Bridge Street area near Rotherham Central station, while a counter-protest by Rotherham Unite Against Facism (UAF) was based on nearby Masbrough Street. More than 400 police officers from 15 forces were drafted in. Seven people were arrested for offences including possession of a class A drug, possession of a bladed article and being drunk and disorderly. British Transport Police said those arrested included four people from Bradford suspected of racially aggravated section 5 public order offences, among whom were a man and woman also arrested for possession of a bladed article. All four have been bailed until May 10 pending further enquiries. In addition, 43 were ordered to leave the area within the inner ring road for a 24-hour period. It was the 21st far right protest in South Yorkshire since October 2012 the 15th in Rotherham. Policing costs have now topped 4 million. Armed police were stationed in the area around Swinton railway station to monitor protesters attending Saturdays demonstration. A police spokeswoman confirmed officers were based near the Station pub after reports EDL supporters had alighted from trains there. RIB Software AG (RSTAY.PK), a German construction 5D Big Data enterprise project delivery solution provider, reported Thursday thatits fiscal 2015 consolidated net profit halved to 10.5 million euros from 20.8 million euros last year. Operating earnings before tax was 12.4 million euros, lower than 19.3 million euros a year ago. Operating EBITDA, a key earnings metric, fell 18.7 percent to 20.9 million euros from 25.7 million euros last year, and margin declined to 25.5 percent from 36.7 percent. Revenue increased 17.3 percent to 82.1 million euros from 70 million euros last year. Looking ahead, the company said its outlook is positive in the new 2016 -2020 five year plan and beyond to 2025. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Microsoft has announced the Windows 10 Anniversary Update, which will deliver significant innovations for consumers and developers for the Universal Windows Platform. Microsoft's annual mega-gathering of developers kicked-off Wednesday in San Francisco, where the company presented its latest tools and technologies. The company claimed that Windows 10 is off to the fastest start in its history with over 270 million active devices. And, as a result of this rapidly growing base, Microsoft is seeing new universal apps from Twitter, Uber, King, Disney, Wargaming, Square Enix, Yahoo and WWE; with new apps on the way from Bank of America, Starbucks, Facebook, Messenger and Instagram. Microsoft shared the next chapter in its more personal computing vision with an all-new Windows 10 Anniversary Update featuring innovations for Windows Ink, Cortana, Windows Hello and gaming. "As an industry, we are on the cusp of a new frontier that pairs the power of natural human language with advanced machine intelligence," Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said in his keynote address to thousands of developers at Build 2016. The giant announced new additions to the Cortana Intelligence Suite, formerly known as the Cortana Analytics Suite, which is powered by cutting-edge research into big data, machine learning, perception, analytics and intelligent bots. The first, Microsoft Cognitive Services, is a collection of intelligence APIs that allows systems to see, hear, speak, understand and interpret human needs using natural methods of communication. The second, the Microsoft Bot Framework, can be used by developers programming in any language to build intelligent bots that enable customers to chat using natural language on a wide variety of platforms including text/SMS, Office 365, Skype, Slack, and the Web. Microsoft also released the Skype Bot Platform, which includes the SDK, API and Workflows all in the new Skype Bot Portal. With this platform, developers can build bots that leverage Skype's multiple forms of communication, including text, voice, video and 3-D interactive characters. Customers can get started with Skype Bots by downloading the latest Skype apps for Windows, Android and iOS. Developers can start building Skype Bots today using the Skype Bot Platform and reach hundreds of millions of Skype users. The company also shipped Microsoft HoloLens Development Edition for the first time, extending the Windows experience to holograms and allowing developers to begin helping build the future of holographic computing. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News By SA Commercial Prop News - Ortneil Kutama Various property groups are investing in Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia - the region's best performing countries in terms of real estate. North Africa is starting to become more attractive to African fund and company investors. Various groups are investing in Egypt, Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia - the region's best performing countries in terms of real estate. According to Africa Property News.com, Egypt is the third biggest economy in Africa. A large portion of its real estate is state-owned but there are opportunities in the country for new developments. The Egyptian real estate market was hard hit by civil unrest a few years ago but the countrys new government has brought stability to its real estate market. Morocco is popular as an investment destination because it is in close proximity to Europe. This means companies like to use it as a launch-pad into Africa. Many Spanish and French companies are opening their African offices in Morocco. Tunisia, the smallest nation in North Africas commercial property sector is dominated by... TO GET THE FULL STORY, CLICK HERE FOR MORE 50% of Indian mobile users wish to upgrade to new device in 5G era About 50 per cent of smartphone users in India plan to buy a new device within the first year as 5G ... The Epic 93-Story Vista Tower Is Swankier Than Ever In New Renderings By Sarah Gouda in News on Mar 30, 2016 10:15PM Get your wallets ready (or just get ready to gawk): The brand-new sales center for the 93-story Vista Tower project by renowned Chicago architect Jeanne Gang is ready to take your money beginning April 4. A joint venture between Magellan Development Group and the Dalian Wanda Group of China, this supertall skyscraper will be home to 405 luxury units starting at $1 million a piece, according to Curbed. The sales gallery, situated in Magellans The Coast apartment building at 345 E. Upper Wacker Dr., will give Chicagos fanciest people the opportunity to scrutinize sample fixtures while experiencing the exact view from any unit via the all-encompassing glow of 52 state-of-the-art, flat-screen displays. For those of us who plan to spend our millions elsewhere, Vista has created this hypnotizing short-film in which a British man explains just how rich youll feel if you live there. The tower is slated to become the third tallest in the Chicago skyline and the tallest, period, by a female-led architecture firm (beating out Gang's own Aqua at 225 N. Columbus Dr.). With a trapezoidal gallery wall, the sales center pays tribute to the Vistas exterior, which has been described, somewhat strangely, as undulating. Jeanne Gang, head of Studio Gang, explains how the pattern derives from nature: With Vista, we stumbled upon this natural-forming geometry in nature. Its called a frustum, found in crystal formations and sapphire. We stacked them and turned them over, creating undulation in an out. This all sounds extremely beautiful, and the amenities within only add to the buildings illustrious appeal. On the 47th floor will reside Club Vista, an amenity suite with a fitness center, pool, screening room, and demonstration kitchen where fellow residents can rub elbows and collectively bask in the glow of their inspired living situations. Gorgeous terrace. All Renderings via Magellan. While a not-yet-confirmed hotel will occupy the first 12 floors, the rest of the building will be comprised of condominiums. Sorry, renters. Floors 71 through 91 will be full-floor units deemed Sky Residences priced at a heart-stopping $18 million. The tower will be ready for occupancy sometime in 2020. That gives you four years to marry into wealth if necessary. In the meantime, here are some stunning renderings of the plans for Vista Tower. 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 The Story Behind Another 'Great Chicago Fire' By Chicagoist_Guest in News on Mar 31, 2016 5:00PM Firefighters on the scene of the Our Lady of the Angels School fire in 1958 (Chicago History Museum, ICHi-34978) By Robert Dorjath On Dec. 1, 1958a cold and cloudless day in Chicago90 people perished in a fire at Our Lady of the Angels School, in the predominantly Catholic neighborhood of Humboldt Park. Among the victims were 87 grade-school children and three nuns (five children died subsequently, in hospital, bringing the total to 95). It remains, to this day, one of Chicagos deadliest fires; Chicagos then-Fire Commissioner Robert Quinn said it was the worst thing I have ever seen or will ever see. Nowadays, mention of the fire arouses an almost binary response. For those alive at the time, the school-aged especially, the tragedy is an indelible, cautionary tale. My God, theyll say, who could forget? The nuns wouldnt allow it. I warn my own kids. For others, born later and learning for the first time, news of the fire produces a kind of awed disbelief. From time to time, while researching the fire, Id uncover references to Our Lady of the Angels on websites for ghost tours, or in listings for so-called haunted places. It bothered me, at first. The interest felt lurid and cynical, somehow, though perhaps its unavoidable in cases in which scores of innocent people die sudden, ghastly deaths. Crowds gather likewise on Wacker Drive, at the site of the Eastland disaster, or huddle on warm summer nights in the drab alley behind the Ford Center, site of the former Iroquois Theatre and Chicagos deadliest blaze. When the theater burned down, it killed 602, even more than the Great Chicago Fire. Eventually, though, my opinion about the Our Lady of the Angels story changed. I came to agree the site was haunted. Not in any paranormal sense, certainly, but haunted by a painful and unresolved history, by a plague of crime and poverty in a once-prosperous neighborhood, and by unanswerable questions. Firefighters inspect the wreckage of the Our Lady of the Angels fire (Chicago History Museum, ICHi-34979) What happened? The fire started sometime after 2:20 p.m. It began in a trash can, in a corner stairwell of the schools north wing. That section, built in 1910, had been the original church, outgrown by a thriving parish. It was later joined, of necessity, to a south wing via an annex. The result was haphazard: a two-story, U-shaped building surrounding a courtyard, bound tightly by Iowa Street, Avers Avenue, a concrete alley, and the Parish House and Rectory. From the outside, the brick school appeared durable and safe. The interior, however, was constructed almost entirely of wood and other flammable materials. The building had a single fire bell, located in the South Wing, but unwired to the fire department. By 1958, in midst of the baby boom, the school housed over 1,200 children. In many cases, its cramped classrooms were stuffed with 50 students or more, overcrowding almost unthinkable today. Advent had just begun, a time for Catholics to rejoice and contemplate Christs return. The school day was ending. Everything seemed routine, but the fire had been burning, undetected, beneath the northeast stairs. Suddenly, a window in the stairwell burst and the fire erupted. Fueled by fresh oxygen, it stormed to the second floor. Today, modern safety codes insist on enclosed stairways with fireproof doors, but the school lacked both. The stairway was open to the central corridor, the sole means of escape for the six classrooms and 329 children there. Before anyone realized, the hallway was roiling with smoke. It was thick and opaque and deadly, like huge black rolls of cotton, as a nun later described it. People inspect the Our Lady of Angels building after the fire (Chicago History Museum, ICHi-35438) The second floor occupants were trapped. To attempt the corridor and stairs meant almost certain death. For most, the only option was to shelter in the vulnerable classrooms and wait for the fire department, while fire bore down. One quick-thinking nun blocked the gaps below her door with textbooks, while others gathered their students in prayer, determined to keep the frightened children calm. In order to breathe, they opened the windows, which fanned the flames. In desperation, many jumped. Unfortunately, the fall was perilous. The school was equipped with an above-grade English-style basement, and the second floor windows were nearly 30 feet above the pavement. Neighbors ran to the school with ladders, but all came up short. At last, a battalion from the fire department arrived. Even so, the first ladder company on scene lost crucial minutes going to the wrong building, believing the fire was in the Rectory (911 as we know it did not yet exist, and the initial call to the fire department originated from the Rectory offices). Fire trucks repositioned, wasting time. They battered down a stubborn iron gate guarding the courtyard, as kids pleaded with them from above. More and more equipment arrived, but the fire, with its long head start, had the advantage. Amid the chaos, the balance between life and death was sometimes a matter of luck and location. Occasionally, survival verged on miraculous. One child (now an adult in her 60s) has said she does not in all truth know, to this day, how she got from her burning classroom to the ground below. Several possibilities are plausible. In the end, 200 firefighters were called to the scene. It was a five-alarm fire, which prompted the Departments maximum response. Its commonplace now, in serious emergenciesextra-alarm fires, school shootings, etc.to establish a secure and remote perimeter, but such was not the case then. News spread quickly. The area surrounding the school was soon thronged with onlookers, including frantic parents hunting for their children. As the scale of the tragedy sunk in, a stunned neighborhood witnessed the worst at close range. The loss of life was appalling. Ninety bodies were removed. The indelible image of the tragedy is of fireman Richard Scheidt. Hes too late, his coat drenched, his face hardened in pain. A lifeless, seraphic-looking boy hangs in his arms, limbs dangling, as solemn a depiction of agony as the Pieta of Michelangelo. Parents at St. Anne's Hospital after the fire at Our Lady of the Angels (Chicago History Museum, ICHi-26743) What caused the fire? Almost six decades later, the fire remains an open case. Officially, its considered an accident. Although never proven, a widely-held belief still persists that the fire was set. From the very beginning, senior fire officials suspected arson. A few years after the fire, a juvenile suspect was investigated for setting fires in Cicero. Hed been a troubled 10-year-old student at Our Lady of the Angels back in 1958, a fact which interested the investigators. Under examination he confessed to setting the school fire, and was given a lie detector test. He confirmed specific facts about the fire hitherto unknown to the public. The examiners felt convinced hed told the truth. The case went to Family Court in 1962, heard by Judge Alfred J. Cilella. In court, the boy recanted. Judge Cilella threw out the confession, which he criticized, and dismissed the charge against the boy in the Our Lady of the Angels case. Cilella was a highly respected judge, and a deeply committed Catholic. He had private misgivings, reportedly, yet he found the boy innocent. Among other things, he feared for the youths safety if found culpable, and believed that the Catholic Church had suffered more than enough hardship over the fire. There were other leads, and a second confession some years later, quickly dismissed. As it stands today, given the time that has passed, the source of ignition will likely never be known. A priest blesses the body of a victim of the Our Lady of Angels fire (Chicago History Museum, ICHi-26694) Who is to blame? Its essential to ask but impossible to answer. Why this school, at this time, and not another? Our Lady of the Angels School wasnt particularly unique. In 1958, the same could have happened almost anywhere. Back then, a suffering community demanded a response, but even now, there are no easy answers. The questions only multiply. Even if the above suspicions were true and somehow verifiable, it doesnt explain why a 10-year-old places a match in a cardboard drum in the first place, or what causes him to become, if not a serial arsonist, then at least someone who intentionally sets fires. The perpetrator may have been emotionally troubled, abused or bullied. The parents may have missed the problem, or refused to face it out of ignorance, or fear or some other bewilderment which all parents experience, even in the best of circumstances. Well never fully know. Besides, the fires human cost is why we care. Had 95 lives not been lost, particularly the lives of children and nunsblameless in their deaths, and traditionally viewed as innocentsthere would have been no tragedy or lasting legacy. Memory of the event, like the fire itself, would have died out long ago. The story scarcely feels modern, though in truth the fire occurred at the dawn of the space age, just a few years before Mariner 2 traveled to Venus and Kennedy challenged the nation with the moon. Yet, somehow, a building which housed over 1,200 children lacked a basic sprinkler system, proper fire doors, and an alarm connected to the fire department. The National Fire Prevention Association put it bluntly: The 95 deaths in this fire are an indictment of those in authority who have failed to recognize their life safety obligations in housing children in structures which are fire traps. Funeral for the nuns who died in the Our Lady of Angels fire (Chicago History Museum, ICHi-35437) In fact, the Chicago Fire Department had inspected the school, just months before the fire, and found it legally safe. Despite the findings, the building was an accident waiting to happen. The inspectors must have seen its deficiencies. At the inquest into the fire, senior officials insisted that delayed notification was the primary factor in the death toll. Its entirely possible. In any case, to single out the Fire Department for blame is too simplistic. The fact remains, the school was constructed before the Chicago Building Code, and thus exempt from the requirement of basic fire safety features. Why, it should be asked, were public buildings, especially schools, exempt? The politicians who grandfathered in such buildings were to blame, but so was the electorate who placed them in power and corruption in Chicago. Moreover, there was the overcrowding. The school was an antique tinder box brimming with children, far beyond safe capacity, which virtually guaranteed a loss of life once the fire started. Many blamed the Catholic Church, which readily packed the classrooms. Why did the church allow it? Like most religions, it goes to lengths to increase its numbers. The Church would argue it was only serving its mission, which in education leads directly back to Jesus. Regardless, few were turned away. Ultimately, the causes of the tragedy were so myriad and complex, each contributing in some unquantifiable degree, that we might as well say life caused the firewhich is another way, I suppose, of saying it was Gods willa gloss for events that totally overwhelm our understanding. I encountered that expression used again and again as I researched the fire. The rebuilt Our Lady of Angels school today (left), and a memorial of the 1958 fire outside the current rectory building (Rob Dorjath/Chicagoist) What legacy did the fire leave behind? Its hard to understate the long-term impact and significance of the fire. An entire neighborhood shared in the tragedy. Even if families survived intact, most of them had relatives or close friends among the bereaved, and the community never recovered. It destroyed the neighborhood, one survivor, a fifth-grader in the school at the time of the fire, told the Sun-Times. It destroyed the people. Parents couldnt cope. Divorces, all kinds of family problems [resulted]. Formalized crisis counselinga given todaydid not exist. Instead, people relied on the Church to guide them, except in this case the Church, staffed by traumatized nuns and clergy, was inextricably entwined in the matter. The Church was anxious to move on, and, according to many survivors, discouraged discussion of the tragedy. While certain parishioners drew more deeply on their faith, others lost theirs entirely. In 1960, the Archdiocese dedicated a new school on the former site, completely fireproof and thoroughly equipped with all the modern safety featuresthough it should be noted that none of the technology was newfangled, or non-existent at the time of the fire. When the new school opened, the majority of families returned, but many others decided to move rather than face daily reminders of loss. The new Our Lady of Angels School, with new safety features (Francis Miller/Life Magazine) Others fled the Humboldt Park area due to the rampant, predatory practice of blockbusting, whereby whites were panicked into dumping their homes by unscrupulous, race-baiting real estate speculators, who then flipped the properties at exorbitant rates to middle-class African Americans. In time, with repossessions and foreclosures, racial unrest and lack of opportunity due in part to racist hiring practices, the area grew poorer and poorer. By 1990, with dwindling attendance, the Church permanently closed Our Lady of the Angels parish, and later the school, which is now a charter. As reported recently, Chicago remains deeply segregated, not only by race but by a new measurement, the Distressed Communities Index. These days, communities in the former Our Lady of the Angels parishwhich drew from Humboldt Park, Austin, and West Garfield Parkrank in the highest decile of the index, which measures economic hardship and inequality. Officially, the Our Lady of Angels fire was extinguished at 4:19 p.m. on that cold December day in 1958. But in a sense, it hasnt been put out. The specter of the fire lives on in that distressed neighborhood, though many residents are unaware of the history and had no hand in writing it. Likewise, it lives in the hearts of those who survived the ordeal. They remain closely bonded to this day and want their story remembered. The survivors and the Archdiocese honor the anniversary each December, though the participants gather at the nearby Holy Family church instead of their former church, which is now a mission. The Mission of Our Lady of the Angelsan ongoing Catholic presence in the neighborhoodprovides food, clothing, after school programming, and other material support for those in greatest need. If nothing else, schools in the United States today are safe, at least from fire. But progress took a calamity. Following the Our Lady of the Angels fire, sweeping changes were made across the country to prevent another tragedy like it. Today, the death of a child by fire in a K-12 educational structure is nearly unheard of. But the price of safety proved high, especially for the Chicago parish that bore the cost. John Raymond, who survived the fire by jumping from a second-floor window, knows the fires price well. Hes the son of the schools former janitor, James Raymond, a hero of the Our Lady of the Angels fire who rescued many children. Whenever I see an old red-brick school I think about it, John said, speaking to the authors of To Sleep with the Angels. And there are a lot of red-brick schools. He added, Its a sacred place. You can feel something when you drive by there. Its a part of history. Further information For additional background on the Our Lady of the Angels Fire, read (or visit) the following sources used in this piece: * To Sleep with the Angels, by David Cowan and John Kuenster * Quarterly of the National Fire Prevention Association: The Chicago School Fire, January, 1959 * The Fire History Museum of Greater Chicago * Archives of the Chicago History Museum Robert Dorjath is a native Chicagoan and a fiction writer. He is currently working on a novel inspired by the Our Lady of the Angels fire. Correction, 1:15 p.m.: Our previous headline said this fire was deadlier than the Great Chicago Fire. It was not. Here's where to get a pumpkin in central Kansas for fall Local farms are preparing for the upcoming pumpkin harvest. Here's where to go pumpkin picking in the greater Salina area. Illinois Hotel Fined For Turning Away Same-Sex Couple Won't Change Policy By Mae Rice in News on Mar 31, 2016 4:07PM An lllinois Human Rights Commission judge has ruled that in Illinois, it's illegal, and a fineable offense, for a public business to deny service to same-sex couples due to religious beliefs. Not that fines will be enough to change the policy at TimberCreek Bed & Breakfast, an Illinois establishment recently fined more than $80,000 for refusing to host a same-sex couple's civil union in 2011. (Located in Paxton, the bed and breakfast self-describes as "Christian" in the first sentence of copy on its website.) "[W]e cannot host a same-sex wedding even though fines and penalties have been imposed by the IL Human Rights Commission," TimberCreek owner Jim Walder said in a statement, published in full below. "Our policy will not be changing." The couple Walder turned away in 2011Todd and Mark Wathen, of Tuscola, ILreported the incident to the Illinois Department of Human Rights, and the Human Rights Commission took the case to court. Key evidence in the case was Walder's email to the couple, quoted most extensively by the Tribune: "We will never host same-sex civil unions. We will never host same-sex weddings even if they become legal in Illinois. We believe homosexuality is wrong and unnatural based on what the Bible says about it. If that is discrimination, I guess we unfortunately discriminate." (Walder also incorporated some Bible verses into this email.) "It was such a slap in the face to be turned down like that," Todd Wathen told the Tribune. "We just wanted to make sure that this didn't happen to anyone else." Though Walder's attorneys argued, among other things, that applying the Human Rights Act to this case was a violation of the Illinois Religious Freedom Restoration Act, they did so to no avail, the Tribune reports. Walder has been ordered by the judge in the caseAdministrative Law Judge Michael R. Robinsonto pay $15,000 each to Todd and Mark Wathen for emotional distress. Walder must also pay $50,000 in legal fees and more than $1,000 in costs. According to Towleroad, Todd Wathen released a statement about the judge's ruling, saying that he and Mark are very happy that no other couple will have to experience what we experienced by being turned away and belittled and criticized for who we are. Though Walder will continue to turn away same-sex couples who want to host weddings at his bed and breakfast, the case is still a landmark one for Illinois. "We've seen this in other states, but this is now the clear interpretation of Illinois public accommodation laws," Ed Yohnka, director of communications and public policy for the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois said in a statement. "We hope that no other bed-and-breakfast and no other business in Illinois would be so bold as to discriminate given this ruling." Here's Walder's statement in its entirety: The writer spoke at the launch of the book of short stories by the Samoa Observer called Our Heritage, the Ocean as well as the launch of the Pasifika Media Association online training course called Pasifika Trainer last night. This is what he said: Reverend Ruperake Petaia Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi, Deputy Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mataafa Honorable Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Distinguished Guests, Representatives of the Media, Ladies and Gentlemen. Welcome and greetings to you all. On behalf of Samoa Observers publisher, Muliaga Jean Ash Malifa, editor, Mataafa Keni Lesa, and staff, let me say thank you very much for making the time to be with us this evening. As you are now all aware, we are here to launch two regional projects. First is the book of short stories called Our Heritage, the Ocean, and second is the online, media training course called Pasifika Trainer. Lets start with Our Heritage, the Ocean. This is the end result of the Samoa Observers inaugural, regional short story competition called Samoa Observer Tusitala Short Story Competition, which prize-giving was held in December last year. This was the first time this annual competition, which has been running for several years, had gone regional. As it turned out, the overall response from short story writers around the region, including New Zealand and Australia, was pretty impressive, and in fact quite encouraging. And today, the book, Our Heritage, the Ocean, is on sale in New Zealand and around the Pacific, and also here in Samoa. The deadline for this years competition is November, so that perhaps today is the time to get copy, and then when you get home start urging those budding writers out there, to start writing those stories. And then there is Pasifika Trainer, the newest media training e-learning course to be introduced in the South Pacific, and we are launching it here in Apia this evening. It will be made available to all working journalists and media operators in the region and the good word is that, it will be free of charge. Briefly, Pasifika Trainer is an initiative of the regions media organization, Pasifika Media Association, or PasiMA. Based in Apia where its head office is located, PasiMA is guided by a 6-member Board of Directors, led by an Executive Committee that includes Savea Sano Malifa, Editor-in-Chief of Samoa Observer, Kalafi Moala, Publisher and CEO of Tongas Taimi Media Network, as Vice Chair, John Woods, Managing Editor of Cook Islands News, as Secretary-Treasurer, Ana Currie of Honolulu as Project Co-ordinator, and Samoas media owners, Faumuina Lance Polu and Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia. The project started four years ago. It did with the proposal to establish an on-line training programme for journalists working in the South Pacific region. Along the way, the proposal was boosted with the assistance of the Associate Professor in the School of Communication and Arts, at the University of Queensland School of Journalism and Communications, Martin Hadlow. Down the way still, the British High Commission in Honiara, the Solomon Islands, became involved. It did when the then British High Commissioner there, Timothy Smart, and Deputy High Commissioner, Tom Oppenheim, showed much interest and they then approved funds for the project. At that time, Martin Hadlow and Tom Oppenheim travelled to Apia to meet with PasiMAs board of directors, where the project for which the funds had been approved, was discussed. Soon afterwards, the projects Phase 1 began. It was in early 2012 shortly after PasiMA had been established. About a year later, in late 2013 when the projects Phase 2 began, the Australian governments Pacific Media Assistance Scheme, PACMAS, came forward with the funds needed. The project was designed and developed by the educational technology expert in Honiara, David Leeming, with the assistance of a team of regional journalists. And this evening, we are here to launch it. So that as the Chairman of PasiMA, and on behalf of our board of directors, I am pleased to say thank you very much to the former British High Commissioner in Honiara, Timothy Smart, Deputy High Commissioner, Tom Oppenheim, Associate Professor of Journalism, Martin Hadlow, as well as the Australian governments Pacific Media Assistance Scheme, PACMAS, for their financial assistance that enabled this project to be completed as it is today. And so, as were gathered here this evening to launch it, I feel its time now to urge all those working journalists in our part of the Pacific, to take advantage of this opportunity, and use it wisely to better themselves, their families and their countries. Let me explain that the guiding principle behind this project was to raise the quality of journalism across the region, especially in investigative journalism. It is free of charge to all working journalists, so that media operators themselves stand to benefit from it, since there will also be no cost to them and their staff. That way, it should help media managers and reporters upgrade their professional and technical skills, so that they are then in a position to support other community media projects in their parts of the region. Its an opportunity not to be missed. Now let me urge all reporters to use this opportunity well, to enhance their collective role as the so-called watchdogs of their respective governments, so that the public is well informed. And lastly, let them think of it as a friend, and never as a prank to rile an enemy. Let them instead think of it as a tool to build, and not one to obliterate and destroy. Dear Editor, The new airport is all fine and dandy if the project is employing Samoan labour. This is what major infrastructure projects are supposed to do, they are a way of employing citizens so they can then spend money they earn creating business for local grocery stores, department stores, building supply stores, farmers etc,... and then these local businesses can pay their employees who will then spend their wages in local stores, gas stations, etc.... This is the only purpose for big projects like this, to improve and boost the local economy. Unfortunately the name Shanghai Construction leads me to believe it is China that is improving their economy in the way I mentioned because the project may be being built with Chinese labour. If this is true the Samoan people are better off without this airport as they will eventually be on the hook to pay the loan. The only problem with that will be that it was the Chinese labour who made the money and that money is now in the hands of local Chinese families and local businesses in China, not Samoan families and businesses in Samoa. Another idea, taking into consideration the fighting between disenfranchised students in Samoa, is if senior students from Don Bosco who are learning trades could be hired to do some apprentice work on this project. This might keep them from throwing rocks in Apia, staying out of jail, and give them some marketable skills for the future. If the P.M. included these clauses in the airport deal then its an ok deal, if not its another stupid project by a P.M. who doesnt care for his own people but would rather pander to the Chinese. I know the PM understands this, as I believe he has a business or economics degree from Dalhousie University in Canada, and this is 101 economics. Ueni Dear Editor, Re: Samoas state of denial We dont see it now, but thats exactly whats going to happen. Wendy in wonder has a line into it. Why else would the government be pushing for this land lease deal in such urgency like tomorrow is Armageddon? Because we are being pressured by the World Bank, the Asian development Bank to pay our $B1+ debt by using whatever means, including leasing our lands to whomever can afford it. As Wendy puts it, well be peasants in our own land because the next legislation that will follow is the right to buy by the powers to be, who can afford it. Our Matais in the village structure whom are so accustomed to matapeapea, and should not be trusted with our very livelihood, will have no problem agreeing to it for the price of a 4WD. It took our independence till the last parliament sitting to get our first billion tala in debt. My bet is, our second billion will come during the current government tenure of 5yrs. I will happily buy the beers in 5yrs if we havent reach the $b2 debt mark by then, at the rate were going. Before I get distracted, I like to compliment the endless efforts of the group of matais that are fighting against the land lease deal from the start, because I know without Devine intervention, we will loose our land to the world banking system. Our government is just a mouth piece for a bigger global machinery of control that has already made its present felt in our homeland. Back to the point, remittance, and the current denial that the government didnt ask for it. Thats laugh. The same childish argument as saying the banana tree didnt ask the sun to come up every morning so the sun is not required for life. Much has been said already about the issue so Im not gonna go there today. What happens if we failed in our obligations to pay? The borrower is then the slave of the lender. As the saying of the wise goes. Example, 2 yrs ago, I remember, our then minister of trade Fonotoe vehemently denied that theres any fishing agreement between us and foreign companies, namely the Chinese. We stood firm in our belief to protect our fishing waters from foreign invaders during the fisheries conference 2 years ago like an innocent virgin, and yet our government, like a prostitute was doing under the table dealings with the chinese until the story was broke by this paper and then our beloved unopposed PM admitted to it and blast out in arrogance and ignorance that we should be issuing 2 million fishing permits instead of 2 hundred. Why, because we borrowed ourselves too much into debt that if we didnt play ball with the Chinese they couldve easily impose sanctions on us that we will be thrown back into the Stone Age in 2 months. I know there are arguments out there from a college textbook that will give you a pass at the end of the year exam paper but the reality is quite the contrary. The pass or fail grade are real human lives. Steve The Minister of Health, Tuitama Dr. Talalelei Tuitama, has vehemently rejected reports that a recent shortage of antibiotics was the result of a debt owed by the Ministry. There was an official announcement on TV to correct this matter, he said. The claim came from within the Ministry when members of the public complained about not being able to buy Amoxicillin Suspension and Augmentin Suspension from the hospitals pharmacy. According to the Minister, he doesnt know where such claims come from. She has no knowledge on this matter, he said about the official the information was attributed to in media reports. At that time there was no permit, maybe she didnt have anything to say hence she said that statement. There is no outstanding debt for the Ministry of Health. I mean there are always debts but not at this stage... saying that we cannot get the antibiotics for our patients, we still can. When the A.C.E.O issued those statements, the antibiotics were already on the wharf ready for release. Tuitama added that they are working on ways to avoid this happening again. We now have a procurement statement here, to have a warehouse for the ministry to store all the antibiotics in so that we dont have any more problems, he said. He added that while the price of antibiotics is often a determining factor in terms of where the supply comes from, all the antibiotics being brought to Samoa are approved by the World Health Organisation. We dont just buy from wherever company that sell cheap antibiotics, he said. It will be a waste of money to just buy them when it wont work on the patients here. The Pasifika Media Associations new regional online media training project, the Pasifika Trainer e-learning course for working journalists and media operators, has been launched The Pasifika Media Association (PasiMA) yesterday afternoon launched its pioneering regional online media training course, the Pasifika Trainer. Held at the Samoa Observer newspaper office at Vaitele, the launch was attended by Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi, Honorable Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Representatives of the Media, and distinguished guests. Pasifika Trainer is a robust training programme with modules covering a wide range of media and journalism topics, the course was designed to strengthen the capacity of regional media professionals, promote community media, and build organizational capacity to deliver online training to a broad range of Pacific media professionals. The PasifikaTrainer course was not envisioned to supplant or compete with academic journalism training courses. Rather, it is intended for working media professionals who need to brush up on media skills or attain a more comprehensive understanding of specific media issues. It is a resource that can be dipped into as a quick reference, or reviewed in its entirety, module by module. The PasiMA board of directors sees ongoing media education as a priority need for effective regional media development. As the Pacific regions professional media organization of independent media owners, operators and principals, PasiMA has responded to this need by developing the innovative Pasifika Trainer on-line training initiative, said PasiMA Board Chairman Savea Sano Malifa. The first phase of course development was funded by the British High Commission in Honaira, Solomon Islands. The project proposal was developed with the assistance of Martin Hadlow, Adjunct Associate Professor in the School of Communication and Arts at the University of Queensland School of Journalism and Communication. Funding was approved by H.E. Timothy Smart, then UK High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, and Tom Oppenheim, Deputy High Commissioner, and work on the projects Phase 1 began in early 2012. Further course development was funded by PACMAS, the Australian governments Pacific Media Assistance Scheme, through its Innovation Fund established to provide funding support to Pacific Stakeholders and development partners that play a role in media and communications in the region. The projects Phase 2 work began in late 2013. Course content was developed by a team of Pacific regional journalists led by journalism educator Dev Nadkarni, with technological implementation by David Leeming, an educational technology expert in Honiara. The course, which is grounded in Pasifika culture and values, features three major area of media capacity. PasifikaReporter is training module designed to provide existing professional journalists with the additional skills, knowledge and expertise required to venture deeper into the important field of investigative reporting. Using the resources, experiences and mentoring of peers in the Pacific (and globally) who are already working in this area, PasifikaReporter will serve to upgrade professional skills in investigative reporting, op-ed and editorial writing. PasifikaMediaManager is a capacity building programme designed to deliver real world skills to prospective (and existing) media owners, managers and staff in subject fields such as establishing sustainable business models, general administration, law and legal issues, human resource development, income generation through advertising sales, new media, marketing and PR, accountancy and management. The third module, e-Pasifika is a training and capacity building programme for media proprietors and staff in the generation of ideas and the furtherance of the development of multi-media platforms and the use of social media (Facebook, Twitter etc.) in both developing commercial viability and increasing news and information flow. PasiMA urges media employers to participate in the training program by allowing participants time to pursue their studies, and by providing connectivity at the workplace, outside of working hours is necessary. With this course, we intend to raise the quality of journalism across the region, says Malifa. All media operators will benefit from their reporters taking advantage of this dynamic training opportunity, at no cost to media owners or their staff. It will help media managers and reporters upgrade their professional and technical skills, and will broadly support community media markets in the region. Future course developments will include matching journalists with local or overseas mentors, which will help deliver better value content to media operations. The future expanded services will be available exclusively to PasiMA members. The course can be viewed at: http://e-learning.pacific-media.org/index.html and the course will also be available via DVD. PasiMA is guided by a 7-member Board of Directors, led by an Executive Committee that includes Savea Sano Malifa (Editor-in-Chief of Samoa Observer), Kalafi Moala (Publisher and CEO of Tongas Taimi Media Network) as Vice Chair and John Woods (Managing Editor of Cook Islands News) as Secretary-Treasurer. The primary organizational goals of PasiMA are to: Promote and defend values of media freedom; Promote and uphold ethical practices and standards; Promote and develop good governance and professionalism; Facilitate and provide training and education for media in the Pacific region PasiMAs website (http://www.pacificmedia.org) features a real-time feed of Pacific news from content providers around the region, as well as updates on critical media freedom issues in the region. A report about an outstanding warrant of arrest for the Minister of Justice and Courts Administration, Faaolesa Katopau Ainuu, in American Samoa has taken him by surprise. Thats what Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, said yesterday when he was asked to comment on a report in Samoa News about the matter. I have spoken with the Minister who is shocked about it, said Tuilaepa. He said he has contacted his lawyer in American Samoa who is also shocked about it. (From what Ive been told) the matter had been resolved long time ago but it has been dug up again. Asked for a comment, Faaolesa, the M.P for Vaimauga West, said he was unaware about the warrant. He asked to have a copy of the document before he could comment. Copies of the warrant were sent to him via email yesterday. By press time last night, he had not responded. The warrant was issued by the American Samoa Attorney Generals office in 2008, containing a number of allegations. Speaking to the media yesterday, Tuilaepa said that from his conversation with the Minister, the matter had been long resolved. If you remember, there is always someone who tries to dig up something on someone when they are up there, he said adding that he expects a correction from the newspaper. A copy of the warrant obtained by the Samoa Observer shows that it was signed by Associate Justice John L. Ward. It was issued during the time of Fepuleai Arthur Ripley as the Attorney General. Questions sent to current A.G, Talauega Eleasalo Ale, were not responded to at press time. A new book about the Pacific by Pacific writers is now available with the launch of a collection of short stories by the Samoa Observer last night. Our Heritage, the Ocean offers readers of all ages, 16 of the top stories from the 2015 Samoa Observer Tusitala Short Story Competition. The book was launched along with the Pasifika Media Associations (PasiMA) pioneering regional online media training course, the Pasifika Trainer. Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi praised the inititives. He congratulated the Samoa Observer and PaSIMA for their hardwork. Deputy Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata'afa was also among the audience, which included members of the diplomatic corps, the business community, media representatives, local authors and organisers. New Zealand High Commissioner, Jackie Frizelle, delivered the keynote address. Local authors whose stories are in the book are Suisala Mele Maualaivao, The Rat and the Octopus; Lemalu Sina Retzlaff, The Unborn Child; Seiuli Seti, A Haunting Thought; Leaniva Ioane, Mosooi Petals and Jenny Bennett, Turtle Rock. Other featured stories in the book are from writers in Australia, New Zealand, American Samoa, the Cook Islands, Fiji and Niue. One of the judges, noted poet, Dr. Selina Tusitala Marsh from Auckland University in New Zealand made these comments about the stories from Samoa. The Rat and the Octopus a fully developed humorously told story - humour is very difficult to write; The Unborn Child a touching and wise short story excellently written; A Haunting Thought a strong opening, doesnt overtell, with an ending skillfully foreshadowed ; Mosooi Petals I like the single focus of this unforgettable short story and Turtle Rock deals with the ongoing conflict of tradition and modernity. A member of the Organising Committee, Marj Moore said this publication and the competition from which it comes, will encourage Pacific writers to tell their stories. These stories are amazingly diverse, she said, but at the heart of them, is a common thread of family and relationships and all that that entails. We have incredibly talented storytellers in the Pacific and by publishing regularly, their lives and how they live them will reach an audience far beyond our Pacific Ocean. We hope that schools and universities will use these contemporary stories some of which have been interwoven with rich, traditional myths. Editor in Chief and the driving force of the competition and subsequent publication, Savea Sano Malifa, said the Samoa Observer is committed to ensure the competition and the publication continues. He expressed his gratitude to all the sponsors of the 2015 competition, the authors and particularly the New Zealand High Commission, which largely funded the printing of the book. The 2016 competition is scheduled for the latter part of this year. In Samoa, Our Heritage the Ocean is available from Samoa Stationery and Books, Business Systems Limited and the Eveni shop at the airport. It is also available online from shopsamoa.com The Cop Who Fatally Shot Laquan McDonald Now Works For The Police Union By Rachel Cromidas in News on Mar 31, 2016 3:09PM The cop facing murder charges for fatally shooting black teenager Laquan McDonald was suspended without pay from his job with the Chicago Police Department last year. Now the cop, Jason Van Dyke, is working as a janitor for the Fraternal Order of Policethe police union that spread false information to defend his decision to shoot McDonald a startling 16 timesaccording to Fox32. Union President Dean Angelo Sr. told Fox32 that Van Dyke was doing janitorial work at night out of the FOP headquarters because the publicity around the shootingwhich came to national attention after a dashcam video was released last fallhad made him unemployable. We do this for our membership, and this is what the FOP stands for, fraternalism," Angelo Sr. told reporters. "This officer is in a very difficult situation, financially, he has a family and we would do it for anybody that works as a Chicago Police officer. The FOP employed another CPD officer as a receptionist for a year after she mistook a cell phone for a gun and fatally shot Latanya Haggarty in 1999. And, as FOP reps noted, Van Dyke is considered innocent until proven guilty in the eyes of the law. A current and retired police officer both told Fox32 that the hiring sends the wrong message to the public about the severity of police shootings and the credibility of the FOP. South Side Rev. Michael Pfleger decried the news about Van Dyke's hiring in a Facebook post Wednesday night. "The police Union says to Chicago...we don't give a damn what he did, what you think, he is one of ours, and we are going to take care of him," he wrote. "We get a new Supt. who is trying to restore Police and Community Relations and the Union just SET THEM BACK ALL OVER AGAIN....This is a disgrace....Fire the whole union......EVERY UNION MEMBER SHOULD DEMAND HE BE FIRED!!!!!!" There are protests planned at the FOP's West Loop headquarters Thursday at noon and 6:30 p.m., according to ABC7. Dicey Intersection At Ashland, Belmont And Lincoln To Be Overhauled By Sarah Gouda in News on Mar 31, 2016 4:44PM Intersection via Google The dicey West Lakeview intersection at Lincoln, Ashland, and Belmont is finally getting a makeover. The Chicago Department of Transportation presented plans for the 3-year road project at St. Luke Church on March 29. The proposed improvements, which include extending the curbs at all six corners and eliminating four turns, are much needed changes for an intersection labeled Chicagos fifth most dangerous as of 2010. The crash data is discouraging: 32 crashes occurred at the intersection in 2012, 11 percent of which involved pedestrians or cyclists who sustained injuries. Not good. The Tuesday-night presentation honed in on the positive effects the project would have for all roadway users, placing emphasis on plans for dedicated bike lanes and straightened-out crosswalks. Anyone who has walked through the intersection knows how confusing and dangerous it can be. And given the arrival of a new 75,000-square-foot Whole Foods, these improvements couldnt have come at a better timeno one should have to risk life and limb just to score some free samples. Ald. Tom Tunney (44th), who will lead the project alongside Ald. Scott Waguespack (32nd) and Ald. Ameya Pawar (47th), noted that the city is finally ready to pick up revitalization efforts after the recession forced many road projects to a halt. The intersection is an essential thoroughfare for public transportation as well. The No. 9 Ashland bus had 9.8 million rides in 2013, topping city routes, while the No. 77 Belmont bus conducted 7.4 million rides and ranked sixth city-wide. And with the CTA's nascent plans to bring back the No. 11 Lincoln bus, the intersection will only become more crowded. Specific details of the plans include: *Extending sidewalk bump outs on Lincoln and Ashland avenues. *Implementing Left-turn restrictions on Lincoln Avenue at the intersection. *Improving and straightening out crosswalks along Belmont Avenue. *Delineating dedicated bike lines on Lincoln Avenue through the intersection. *Situating bus stops at far sides of the intersection. The second public meeting is slated for fall, with design work to begin in early 2017. Construction will begin sometime in 2017 and end a year later. 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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 Bangalore, Karnataka -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/31/2016 -- In-vitro fertilization is an assisted reproductive technology, which involves a series of procedures for treating infertility problems. It involves the fertilization of the ovum in-vitro, followed by implantation of the embryo into a womens uterus. The IVF technology is fast gaining pace in the Asia Pacific region, as the infertility rates are spiraling. In addition, the rapidly rising geriatric population is a major concern for countries with below average birth rates such as, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia and Philippines. Also, the rising trends towards delaying pregnancy has steadily increased in China and many other countries, resulting in aging of the eggs, making it less suitable for fertilization. This in turn, has increased the need of IVF services. Moreover, the commercialization of cost-effective fertility treatments and significant growth in medical tourism across Asia-Pacific would offer lucrative opportunities in future. Furthermore, proactive initiatives for the development of novel IVF technologies would facilitate the dynamic growth of the Asia-Pacific IVF market. The Asia-Pacific IVF services market was evaluated at $1.9 billion in 2014 and is estimated to garner $3.5 billion by 2020, registering a CAGR of 10.8% during the forecast period 20152020. This market is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period on account of the delayed pregnancies, rising infertility rates due to dysfunctional lifestyles, environmental pollution, increasing disposable incomes and emergence of newer fertility tourism destinations. In addition, several academic institutions are collaborating with fertility hospitals and clinics to conduct extensive research & development activities, and provide more effective and better treatment facilities. The other factors, namely technological advancements, utilization of intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) technique and growing popularity of donor egg IVF methods would collectively boost the success rates of IVF cycles. However, factors such as high costs associated with the treatment, lack of favorable IVF reimbursement policies and lower health awareness, especially in the underdeveloped Asia-Pacific countries, such as Nepal and Myanmar, are the major factors hampering the market growth. In addition, ethical concerns regarding the parental rights are expected to have a restraining effect on the growth of the market. The Asia-Pacific IVF services market is segmented on the basis of end users, cycles type and country-wise analysis. Based on the type of cycle performed, the market is categorized into fresh cycle (non-donor), thawed IVF cycle (non-donor) and donor egg IVF cycles. Fresh IVF cycle is the largest revenue-generating segment, owing to increasing preference of IVF for infertility treatment. The end users market is categorized into fertility clinics, hospitals, surgical centers and clinical research institutes. In 2014, fertility clinics were the leading end user segments, accounting for about one-fifths of the overall market share. Geographically, this market is segmented into India, China, Japan, Vietnam, Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, and other Asia-Pacific countries. In terms of revenue, Japan dominates the Asia-Pacific IVF market, owing to the large consumer base, rapid adoption of advanced technologies and availability of skilled workforce. However, the Indian IVF market is anticipated to register a promising CAGR of 14.7% during the forecast period. This is mainly supplemented by factors, such as the rising trend of fertility tourism, favorable regulation of surrogacy and donor services, and wide availability of IVF clinics. Based on number of cycles performed, Japan is the leading country, accounting for a major share of the market and is expected to maintain this trend throughout the forecast period. However, the India IVF market, in terms of number of cycles performed, is anticipated to grow at a promising CAGR of 16.3% during the study period. KEY MARKET BENEFITS: This report provides an in-depth analysis of the Asia-Pacific IVF market across seven major countries along with cross sectional analysis of the total number of IVF cycles performed and the total revenue generated during the forecast period. It includes the strategies adopted by various IVF clinics and hospitals across major countries to capitalize on the latent opportunities in the Asia-Pacific IVF market. This report comprehensively analyzes the market scenario across different countries in the Asia-Pacific region. The projections in this report are made by analyzing the current market trends and highlighting the market potential, in terms of value and volume, from 2014 to 2020. Extensive analysis of the market is conducted by following the key product positioning and monitoring the top contenders. ASIA-PACIFIC IN-VITRO FERTILIZATION SERVICES MARKET KEY SEGMENTS: The Asia-Pacific IVF market is segmented on the basis of end users, cycle type and country: By End Users (Value and Volume) Fertility clinics Hospitals Surgical centers Clinical research institutes By Cycle Type, (Value and Volume) Fresh cycle (non-donor) Thawed IVF cycle (non-donor) Donor egg IVF cycles By Cycle Type Country Level Analysis (Value and Volume) India China Japan Australia New Zealand Korea Thailand Singapore Malaysia Indonesia Philippines Vietnam Others Spanning over 132 pages "Asia-Pacific In-Vitro Fertilization Services Market - Opportunities and Forecasts, 2014 - 2020" report covers Introduction, Executive Summary, Asia Pacific Ivf Market Analysis, China Embryo Transfer Market, India Embryo Transfer Market, Korea Embryo Transfer Market, New Zealand Embryo Transfer Market, Australia Embryo Transfer Market, Japan Embryo Transfer Market, South-East Asia Embryo Transfer Market. For more information Visit at: http://www.drugpipeline.net/allied-market-research/asia-pacific-vitro-fertilization-services-market-opportunities-and-forecasts Related Reports: World Smart Syringes Market - Opportunities and Forecasts, 2014 - 2020; visit - http://www.drugpipeline.net/allied-market-research/world-smart-syringes-market-opportunities-and-forecasts-2014-2020 World Synthetic Biology Market - Opportunities and Forecast, 2014 - 2020; visit - http://www.drugpipeline.net/allied-market-research/world-synthetic-biology-market-opportunities-and-forecast-2014-2020 World Surgical Robotics Market - Opportunities and Forecast, 2014 - 2020; visit - http://www.drugpipeline.net/allied-market-research/world-surgical-robotics-market-opportunities-and-forecast-2014-2020 About DrugPipeline.net DrugPipeline.net is a market research reports distribution platform which hosts research reports from all leading global market research firms related to pharma industry. It also assist decision makers locate the right market research solution from a single place. A citizen books taxi on a street. [Photo/Xinhua] In Shenzhen, nearly 1,500 drivers listed on Didi, Uber, and other ride hire platforms have been revealed as former drug addicts, China National Radio reported. According to Shenzhen Transport Commission, five major management loopholes have been found in ride hire platforms, including Didi and Uber, two of the largest service providers in the country. The platforms failed to conduct necessary investigations into drivers' qualifications and didn't respond in a timely manner to customers' complaints. The drivers listed on the platforms broke the law and frequently caused road accidents. Some of the cars were from other regions, adding to difficulty in law enforcement. The platforms were also suspected of impeding fair market competition. Of all the problems, drivers' qualifications caused the greatest public concern. Local public security authorities discovered that, of all drivers listed on the ride hire platforms, 1,425 drivers are former drug addicts, one driver suffers from a severe mental disorder, and 1,661 drivers have major criminal records. Ye Yun, a PR representative of Didi, claimed that the company has strict requirements for drivers, but due to a lack of cooperation from the authorities, it is unable to verify information provided by candidates. The company requires all candidates to show proof of having no criminal record during registration but has no way of verifying candidates' claims. The company is seeking cooperation with local governments in Beijing and Shanghai for information verification, Ye said. But a driver listed on one of the ride hire platforms claimed that a candidate is only required to provide vehicle history, insurance records, and a driving license during registration. "This is really worrisome. I would rather call a taxi if I'm alone. Anyways, drivers on the ride hire platforms aren't professional," said an anonymous passenger in central China's Anhui Province. Pune, Maharastra -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/31/2016 -- This report provides a comprehensive overview of trends and developments for the Global Digital Economy in terms of E-Health, E-Education and E-Government. The report analyses the key trends occurring in these sectors and explores the need for a holistic approach going forward. It discusses the benefits of a digital transformation and identifies barriers and opportunities, supported by statistics and case studies. Subjects include: 1. Global e-health and m-health market; 2. Global e-education and e-learning market; 3. Global e-government market; 4. Selected country case studies USA, Brazil, Estonia, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Japan, and Australia. Company Coverage: Apple, Coursera, Google, IBM Watson, Moodle. Complete report available at http://www.marketreportsonline.com/299487.html Countries around the world improving e-services through digital technologies The key benefits of the digital economy include eliminating unnecessary costs, creating greater efficiencies and increasing productivity. These benefits are of particular importance when considering the healthcare, education and government services sectors. The healthcare industry is under increasing pressure from growing and ageing populations which still require high quality medical services. One of the most inefficient sectors in the world is healthcare, and at the same time, this is the largest industry on the planet. It is also a key reason many governments are experiencing budget problems, because of the ever-increasing costs within this sector. To a very large extent these costs relate to the silo mentality within the industry. The sector is ripe for an e-health revolution and many countries now understand the importance of e-health for the future. Millions of people around the world can potentially benefit from e-health applications. Cost savings through e-health are expected to be between 10% and 20% of total healthcare costs. Despite the need for cost saving measures, high-quality health care needs to be provided and maintained. So through e-health at least we can increase quality without increasing costs. Purchase a copy of this research report at USD 995 (Single User License) http://www.marketreportsonline.com/contacts/purchase.php?name=299487 Education is also seen as one of the key sectors that will benefit from developments in the digital economy, but so far the results of adaptation have been mixed. While ICT initiatives have been implemented within the classroom - it is being used within the traditional classroom learning system. In order to fully utilise these new technologies a true sector transformation will need to take place. Key developments: - An element that is often overlooked in the e-health debate is that it has as much to do with interconnected care, as it has to do with the delivery of services. For e-health to work there needs to be a horizontal interconnection between patients, clinicians, nurses, parents, carers and health workers. - Medicine will change from its current reactive mode, in which doctors wait for people to get sick, to a mode that is far more preventive and rational and is known as P4 medicine, a system that is Predictive, Personalized, Preventive, and Participatory. - E-education is a sector that BuddeComm predicted would be a leader in digital transformation. However this has not happened. The sector has largely resisted change and is largely unprepared for the massive economic and social changes ahead. - The corporate e-learning sector tends to fluctuate more than other sectors, as enterprises increase or curtail their training expenditure according to the economic climate. Following an all-time low in 2010 on the back of the international credit crunch, the corporate e-learning market is on the up again and is expected to witness rapid growth, driven by rising demand from corporate customers. - There is also an increasing uptake of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). Businesses are starting to realise they can save money by running such courses instead of instructor-led training. - Internet media companies are becoming involved in services for the broader digital economy, including e-education, e-health and e-learning. However their initial attempts have not always been a success with Google Helpouts closing in April 2015 due to lack of growth and Google Health also closing down. - Adopting digital technologies will be central to solving looming government problems, but it will also require comprehensive reforms to the public sector. Major Points from Table of Contents (http://www.marketreportsonline.com/299487-toc.html) are listed below: 1. Digital economy is transforming essential services 2. Global e-health and m-health market 3. Global e-education and e-learning market 4. Global e-government market 5. Selected Country Case studies List of Tables List of Charts List of Exhibits Explore more it and telecommunication market research as well as other newly published reports by Paul Budde Communication at http://www.marketreportsonline.com/publisher/paul-budde-communication-market-research.html About MarketReportsOnline MarketReportsOnline comprises of an online library of 2,50,000 reports and in-depth market research studies of over 5000+ micro markets. We provide 24/7 online and offline support to our customers. Get in touch with us for your needs of market research reports. Contact Us: Ritesh Tiwari UNIT no 802, Tower no. 7, SEZ Magarpatta city, Hadapsar Pune, Maharashtra 411013, India Tel: 888-391-5441 E-mail: sales@marketreportsonline.com Philadelphia, PA -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/31/2016 -- Rolex timepieces are no doubt some of the world's finest luxury accessories based out of Geneva, Switzerland. Every Rolex watch is crafted from exquisite technique and is designed with the utmost precision to provide for various time-telling needs. Since the luxury watch brand was first founded in 1905, their models have maintained a strong reputation in the watchmaking industry, never ceasing to go out of style. Luxury Bazaar, the online retailer of genuine timepieces, sells authentic Rolex watches at reduced rates directly on their website. To make room for new arrivals, the online watch store is holding a promotion on their Rolex selection in their watch inventory specials, providing collectors with the opportunity to add new models to their assortment. Luxury Bazaar calls their exclusive Rolex sale "Rolex Mania" because their models, which are 100% genuine, are being sold at discounted rates that are difficult to find anywhere else. Connoisseurs in the market to buy watches online can take advantage of the promotion to boost their timepiece collection, purchase a gift for a loved one, or add an accent to a stylish outfit. The Rolex Mania sale entails Rolex models priced at up to 28% off of their original value. In the selection, customers can find Rolex models from every collection of the label, including the Datejust, the Daytona, the Explorer, the Milgauss, and the Sky-Dweller. Some of the Rolex watches for sale in Rolex Mania include the Oyster Perpetual Day-Date watch for $28,500, the Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date Rolesor watch for $10,700, and the Datejust 36mm watch for $10,400. All of the Rolex watches can be purchased right from the Luxury Bazaar website using their convenient online checkout system. To shop the Rolex Mania promotion, visit http://www.luxurybazaar.com. About Luxury Bazaar Luxury Bazaar is an online jewelry retailer that specializes in high-end watches. Since 2001, Luxury Bazaar has been selling first-class goods to clients located all over the globe. The company provides an online channel for customers to purchase luxurious and rare jewelry pieces. The company sells popular labels in the jewelry fashion industry at the most affordable rates. The business operates by providing the ultimate customer service experience for their clients. Luxury Bazaar also has a jewelry showroom in Philadelphia, where they display their finest pieces. For more information about this company, please visit http://www.luxurybazaar.com. Philadelphia, PA -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/31/2016 -- Pretty In Paint Parties (PIP), a premier paint party company, is pleased to announce their April 2016 fundraising events. One of the first events is the Presque Isle High School (PIHS) Music Boosters Fundraiser Painting Party that will be on Tuesday, April 12, 2016, at 6:30 PM. For $45, and with the help of PIP artist, Cheri Farley Ouellette, guests will have the chance to create their own 16x20 masterpiece. This fundraising event will be held at Presque Isle High School's cafeteria in Presque Isle, Maine. Another event that Pretty In Paint Parties will be hosting in Presque Isle, Maine, on Saturday, April 16, 2016, at 11:00 AM, is the Beagle Flash's Fund Painting Party. The fundraising event will help raise money for the Beagle Flash's Spay/Neuter Fund so that they can continue their mission of spraying and neutering dogs and cats in the area. This event also costs $45 to attend, and Beagle Flash's Spay/Neuter Fund will receive $15 for every guest. Last, but not least, on Saturday, April 30, 2016, at 12:30 PM, the Epilepsy Foundation of New England will be hosting a party through Pretty In Paint Parties. This event will be held at the Presque Isle Elks Club, at 508 Main St., in Presque Isle, Maine. Pretty In Paint Parties artists host painting parties all over the U.S. Therefore, if individuals are interested in having a paint party in NYC, Philadelphia, Ft. Myers, or in any other town or state, they can feel free to reach out to Pretty In Paint Parties at any time. Furthermore, those who choose the company will be pleased to know that they have a wide variety of paintings in their online gallery. Some of their current images include, but are not limited to, trees, animals, flowers, and "liquid inspiration" paintings. To learn more about Pretty In Paint Parties, or find the closest artist, please dial 800-381-9512, or fill out a contact form on their website. About Pretty in Paint Parties Contact Pretty in Paint Parties today to find an artist in the desired location. They will accommodate anyone ages 5 and older, with birthday parties being one of the most popular occasions for a paint party. A hand painted piece of art is the best party favor anyone can go home with. To hear more please visit http://www.prettyinpaintparties.com/. Crowded conditions in developing world megacities can dramatically increase the effect of climate on infectious diseases, say researchers. A study based on 22 years of rotavirus cases in Dhaka, Bangladesh, found infection rates during the monsoon were around ten times higher in the densely populated centre than the quieter periphery. The virus is the most common cause of diarrhoea in children worldwide and is responsible for more than 400,000 child deaths a year. As we get more-populated megacities, we have to be aware this is going to have strong epidemiological consequences, including in terms of responses to climate. Mercedes Pascual, University of Chicago Rotavirus infection rates in tropical countries are fairly consistent throughout the year with a slight peak in cool seasons, although some studies have found evidence of spikes when river levels are high. But the study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences this week (28 March), found that a higher baseline of rotavirus infection in the congested core of the city of 15 million appears to make it far more sensitive to flood-driven outbreaks than the suburbs resulting in a regular second peak during the warm monsoon months. As we get more-populated megacities, we have to be aware this is going to have strong epidemiological consequences, including in terms of responses to climate, says coauthor Mercedes Pascual, an ecologist at the University of Chicago in the United States. The citys periphery experienced the second peak after exceptional flooding, but the researchers found that this peak occurred more consistently in the core most likely due to a persistent reservoir of the disease people who have built up immunity but can still infect others. Previous research by the authors found similar spatial variations in climate sensitivity with cholera cases in Dhaka. Pascual suspects that many infectious diseases become more climate sensitive in megacities. If you can identify places that are more responsive to variations in climate, you can be prepared to respond more locally and perhaps more efficiently, she adds. Virginia Pitzer, an epidemiologist at Yale School of Public Health in the United States, says the results are intriguing, but she wants to see if it can predict infection rates and whether similar spatial variation is found in other cities. It certainly suggests water-borne transmission of rotavirus is a problem, particularly in megacities such as Dhaka, she adds. Ziaul Matin, child health specialist for UNICEF in Bangladesh, says public health experts have been anecdotally aware of the monsoon peak for some time, but welcomed hard data on the issue. We can use it to help design our programmes and even early-warning systems, he says. The murder earlier this month of the Honduran environmental activist Berta Caceres has highlighted not just the rising death toll of campaigners in Latin America, but also the fact that, these days, it is often women who are dying for their cause. Berta Caceres was shot dead on 3 March, after years of intimidation and death threats. Most agree her murder is linked to her campaign against a spate of highly controversial hydroelectric projects given the green light by government including the Agua Zarca Dam on the Gualcarque River, a sacred symbol and water source for the Lenca people whose rights Caceres championed. Environmental activism in Latin America is a particularly risky business, with over 100 known murders in Honduras alone since 2010. [1] It is often indigenous people who die as they campaign against hydropower, agribusiness or mining. And human rights specialists I have spoken to believe women are increasingly the victims. I asked Robert Hardh, executive director of the Swedish NGO Civil Rights Defenders (CRD), which has developed tech to support activists, what can be done to protect women on the front-line of environmental movements. After the abduction and murder of Russian journalist Natalia Estemirova in 2009, the group launched an alarm and locating system for human rights campaigners. Those who sign up receive security training and are given a bracelet that emits signals if tugged, spreading the alarm across local and social media networks. It now has 100 activists on its books, including 40 women from Kenya, Kosovo, Myanmar and Uganda. Hardh says women can be particularly vulnerable and subjected to very targeted campaigns because, in addition to their normal campaigning risks, they often battle social disapproval about their role or the fact they are working at all. Security threats can even come from their relatives, he adds. Its probably fair to say Latin America is the worst [security situation] in the world just now for human rights defenders. Robert Hardh, CRD Hardh explains that when a human rights defender signs up to the scheme, they firstly undergo security training and are interviewed in detail on the nature of threats. The most important issue is where are the security threats most likely to come from, says Hardh. Many times the defender has a very clear view on what the security threat is, and it turns out that the threat is really something else so interviews help CRD tailor the support activists need as accurately as possible. The interview also clarifies whether it is best for the activist to have a public or concealed bracelet. While CRDs first bracelets were designed to be visible deterrents, demand for a concealed version has emerged. Until now, no bracelets had been distributed in Latin America but Civil Rights Defenders expects to announce its first members there within a year. But there could be problems. Although the system uses 2G rather than 3G, it still requires a mobile network to function. In countries across Latin America mobile signals can be erratic. CRD is working on ways around this including the use of satellite technology. There will also be political barriers. Honduras has the highest homicide rate in the world , with impunity for perpetrators and corruption rife across public institutions Its probably fair to say Latin America is the worst [security situation] in the world just now for human rights defenders, Hardh says. CRDs approach is to make it harder for perpetrators to commit crimes, but its just one tool in the fight against violence a campaign that will also need a broad, concerted political response. Aisling Irwin is a science journalist and writer based in the United Kingdom, and a former SciDev.Net news editor. She is contactable on [email protected] [NAIROBI] Smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa need sustainable solutions to address challenges of access to high quality seeds, a seminar has heard. Agricultural experts at the Integrated Seed Sector Development (ISSD) Africa seminar in Kenya last month (24 February) said that the continents seed sector is not effective, forcing farmers to rely mainlyon informal seed sources. We need to do a lot to improve the seed sector for increased agricultural production. Mary Mathenge, Tegemeo Institute of Agricultural Policy and Development This situation, the experts stated, has stagnatedagricultural growth in Sub-Saharan Africa, threateningfood security and economic development. The seminar that brought together scientists and researchers from the public and the private sectors, discussed the findings of a two-year pilot phase of an ISSD project in Kenya that ends this year. The pilot project aims to provide smallholder farmers access to quality seed of superior crop varieties. Seed is an important factor for agricultural production;it is the main factor of yield and we need to do a lot to improve the seed sector for increased agricultural production, said Mary Mathenge, director of the Kenya-based Tegemeo Institute of Agricultural Policy and Development, which organised the seminar and administers the ISSD Africa project in Kenya. Mathenge noted that smallholders in Sub-Saharan Africa are unable to get full information on good seeds and access them, pointing out that circulation of fake seeds is a major problem in Kenya that hinders the transformation of the agricultural sector. The seminar heard that Africa needs well-functioning, market-driven seed systems and research scientists working with smallholder farmers to improve their seeds. Strengthening of South-South partnerships would also help to address common challenges in the seed sector, the experts explained. An African-embedded structure and networks of experts would also create a favourable environment for innovation to help match global commitments to national realities. Other solutions suggested included a need to embraceinformation and communication technologies such as mobile phones to sensitise smallholder farmers on how to source high quality seeds. Participants emphasised the importance of involving smallholder farmers in the early processes of seed breeding so that they can own and adopt the seeds. Joanes Atela, a senior research fellow atthe Kenya-based African Centre for Technology Studies, said that African scientists and agricultural researchers should increase efforts to develop seeds that can help smallholder farmers fight the effects of climate change Smallholder farmers are the most hit by the effects of climate change, Atela told SciDev.Net, adding that farmers need improved seed varieties that can resist or withstand the impacts of climate change such as droughts and flooding Atela commended African and international research institutes for investing in climate-smart agriculture, noting that proper coordination is required to ensure that smallholder farmers access such seeds.This piece was produced by SciDev.Nets Sub-Saharan Africa English desk. You are here: Home Authorities in Hong Kong are moving to limit the number of non-resident children who will be allowed vaccinations at government-funded clinics. The decision comes amid fears mainland families will end up flocking to the city for inoculations amid the current vaccine scandal on the mainland. Starting tomorrow, Hong Kong's Maternal and Child Health Centres will only accept 120 non-resident children a month for vaccinations. Non-resident children will only be given an appointment when there is extra room. The fees for their shots will also be higher. Authorities in Macau have also launched similar restrictions, limiting government-sponsored vaccinations to residents only. Mainland authorities have launched a series of criminal investigations after discovering that a mother and daughter had been illegally trading vaccines worth close to 90 million US dollars on the black-market to hospitals for close to 5-years. The vaccines themselves were made by licensed producers, but were not kept refrigerated, meaning they could be ineffective. Around 70 different criminal cases involving over 130 people have been launched in the fall out from this month's scandal. COLUMBIA, S.C. -- Five "sovereign citizens" were sentenced to up to nine years in federal prison for their convictions on charges of conspiracy to commit wire, mail and bank fraud, mail fraud and money laundering. United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis of Columbia sentenced Jefford Henry to 108 months, Jeffrey Henry to 121 months, Linda Marie Henry to 87 months, Makeshia Glover to 87 months and Bobby McGuire to 46 months, according to a release issued by US Attorney Bill Nettles' office. "Evidence presented at the trial established that the defendants are members of the sovereign citizen group, the Moorish Nation. The defendants stole approximate 2 million dollars from the IRS and attempted to steal over 12 million dollars by submitting fraudulent tax returns," according to the release. "The defendants claimed that their belief structure allowed them to steal from the IRS - an argument that the Government refuted and the jury rejected," according to the release. "Because the defendants have continued to file frivolous and nonsensical demands with the court, they were taken into custody immediately after the sentence was pronounced." The case was investigated by the FBI and agents with the IRS's CID and prosecuted by Assistant US Attorneys Jim May and DeWayne Pearson of the Columbia office. Demographers have questioned if Gansu province's proposed subsidy to a rural couple who gave up having a second child is consistent with the national family policy. China has abolished its decades-long one-child policy, allowing all couples to have two children as the country faces an aging society, low fertility rate and a shortage of labor. But a modified population and family planning policy in Northwest China's Gansu, one of the country's least developed regions, said rural couples who meet qualifications to have two children but decide to give up their choice would receive a one-off reward of 1,000 yuan ($150). Huang Wenzheng, an expert in population studies, said the province's policy stimulus goes against the national policy aimed to promote sustainable growth and affects implementation of the two-child policy. It's an example of the wrong, entrenched opinion that it is better to have fewer people, Huang added. Gansu had more than 3.65 million people at or above 65 years old in 2015, accounting for 13.69 percent of the province's total population. It also has a low fertility rate of 1.28 births per woman, far lower than the replacement fertility rate of 2.1 births. Gansu is not alone in encouraging families to have only one child. Yanta district in Xi'an, capital of Northwest China's Shaanxi province, distributed 240,000 yuan to 198 women who gave up on having a second child before August 2014. Demographer He Yafa said the regional government's population policy is sending the wrong signal and hinders the nation's goal of balanced population growth over the long term. China has played an important role in nuclear security at the international level and also in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The fourth Nuclear Security Summit being held this week in Washington is a major effort by the international community to discuss the issue of nuclear security in an age faced with an increasing threat of terrorism. According to the summit's organizers, the objective of the high-level meeting is to "energize, enhance, empower, and elevate the many existing multilateral and cooperative institutions and structures aimed at securing nuclear materials and preventing nuclear smuggling." The idea of holding such summits is rooted in a 2009 speech in Prague by President Barack Obama. He explicitly highlighted the threat of nuclear terrorism and urged world leaders to take immediate action to combat it. The key to success was securing vulnerable nuclear materials around the world. Since no single country could carry out such a huge task, President Obama proposed a global summit on nuclear security. About 50 world leaders attended the first nuclear security summit in Washington in 2010. It was followed by the Seoul summit in 2012 and a summit in the Hague in 2014. These regular meetings on a matter of critical importance have produced tangible progress in the realm of nuclear security. The previous three summits agreed to achieve a series of goals, including: minimizing the use of highly enriched uranium (HEU); bolstering security at nuclear facilities through enhanced national regulations and implementation of best practices; enhanced membership in international instruments and organizations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency; instituting measures to detect and prevent illicit trafficking in nuclear and other radioactive materials; and building capacity, developing technology and coordinating assistance on nuclear security. The good news is that 95 percent of the commitments made in Washington were completed by 2014. The key achievement was the removal of over 3.2 metric tons of vulnerable HEU and plutonium material, including the complete removal of HEU from 12 countries. Follow China.org.cn on Twitter and Facebook to join the conversation. You are here: Home Flash China and Vietnam are building a floating bridge to support border trade, the government of Dongxing City in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region announced Thursday. The removable steel bridge, which will cost an estimated 7.5 million yuan (about 1.2 million U.S. dollars), will likely be built 3.5 kilometers upstream from Beilun River Road Bridge. The floating bridge will support border trade between Dongxing and Mong Cai, Vietnam, by reducing transportation time and cost, according to Dongxing Mayor Chen Jianlin. In 2015, 281,900 tonnes of goods and 6.1 million people crossed the border at Dongxing Port, according to Chen. Dongxing is an important port for trade between China and ASEAN. Net profit for last year was recorded at RMB1.07bn ($165.5m), a plunge of 85.7% from the gain of RMB7.49bn in 2014. Revenue for 2015 also declined by 29.9% year-on-year to RMB23.65bn on lower contributions from the groups drilling services, well services, marine support services, and geophysical and surveying services. The earnings were hit by a RMB1.2bn impairment charges on goodwill, property, plant and equipment, in view of the unfavourable future prospects of the groups businesses on forecasted low utilisation rate and charter rates of drilling rigs. The company faces a severe business environment and our operation faces further pressure. It is expected that the revenue and operating profit for 2016 will decrease significantly as compared with 2015, COSL said. The company observed that global oil prices will remain low in the first half of 2016 and may slightly increase in the second half. With such uncertainties of the decline of international oil and gas market, oilfield services industry will face the most rigorous challenges over the latest several years. Meanwhile, COSL subsidiary COSL Drilling Europe announced a decision earlier to axe 230 staff due to Statoil terminating services for one of its mobile drilling rigs COSLInnovator in the Troll Field of Norway. Statoil, however, has resumed operations for another COSL rig COSLPromoter, also working in Troll Field, after COSL Drilling Europe implemented the necessary measures to meet Statoils demands. The technical reference, referred as TR48:2015, covers a set of core requirements for metering system qualification, installation, testing procedures and documentation for bunker custody transfer. Some key references from the TR48 include the MFM sytem being able to operate within 0.5% overall measurement uncertainty, and to meet criterias such as system integrity, acceptance test requirements and delivery procedures. Wong Suan, regional sales manager at ExxonMobil Asia Pacific, pointed out that by stamping out quantity disputes, millions of dollars in business cost savings can be achieved. Singapore, for instance, sells 45.16m tonnes of bunkers in 2015. Going by the global average quantity claim of 5% of total sales volume, that equates to 2.26m tonnes in disputed quantity, translating to around $690m in cost based on bunker price of $300 per tonne. This shows the magnitude of discrepancy involved, Wong emphasized. M Segar, assistant chief executive of Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), shared that even before the mandatory use of MFM next year, more than 500,000 tonnes of bunker fuel deliveries in Singapore are being conducted every month via bunker tankers equipped with a MPA-approved MFM. Segar said Singapore is well on track to meet the 1 January 2017 implementation date, and by end-2016 approximately 228 bunker tankers operating in Singapore will all be installed with MFM. To date, around 30% of the fleet is already equipped. Everyone [bunker tanker owners] has a schedule to follow, Segar said, adding that no one should expect any delays to the enforcement date. Homegrown physical bunker supplier Sentek Marine & Trading said it has delivered 3.3m tonnes of bunkers via MFM-equipped bunker tankers in 2015, increasing from 1.8m tonnes in 2011. We expect our MFM-delivered volumes to be even higher than 3.3m tonnes in 2016, said Sherman Lee, assistant marketing manager at Sentek. In January, Senteks 6,000-dwt series bunker tankers made 13 deliveries and the fuel quantity variance was 0.13% on average, based on a total of 65,475.93 tonnes of fuel quantity on bill of lading records. Singapore-based shipowner Pacific International Lines (PIL) also shared that between July to December 2015, the company made 444 bunker liftings in Singapore via MFM-equipped bunker tankers, and the fuel quantity variance was 0.28% on average. Anthony Nah from PILs fleet division said that the shipowner received 44.37% of its bunker fuel from MFM deliveries in 2013, increasing the percentage to 60.41% in 2014 and 81.01% in 2015, and 100% is expected in 2016. PIL believes that the benefits of using MFM for bunker deliveries include receiving accurate volumes, lesser or no disputes, eliminating time loss from disputes, and higher productivity onboard vessels, Nah said. Starting next year, ships bunkering in Singapore will have to observe the local regulation and take MFM-equipped bunker tanker fuel quantity figure as final, regardless of whether the ship itself has its own MFM or other fuel measuring devices. But if the shipowner still decides to contest the meter readings, a commercial settlement will ensue between the supplier and buyer, subject to MPA ascertaining there had been full compliance to the delivery procedures. There is also the tricky issue of fuel transfer between shoreside terminals and the bunker tankers. Terminal operators, like shipowners, are not bounded by the MFM regulation and bunker suppliers have questioned whether they will accept the readings on the bunker tankers MFM, in the event of a major quantity difference. Press Release March 31, 2016 NEXT ADMINISTRATION SHOULD JUMPSTART MASSIVE JOB CREATION IN FIRST 100 DAYS - BONGBONG MARCOS With an estimated 1.2 million young Filipinos graduating this year and joining the labor force, vice presidential candidate Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos, Jr. said the next administration must jumpstart a massive job creation program within its first 100 days in office. Marcos noted that according to the forecast of Trading Economics analysts, Philippine unemployment rate is expected to remain at around 6 percent until 2020 unless there is a drastic change in the country's economic and labor strategies. "The government must be able to generate enough jobs for our graduates and those still looking for work. It should be massive job creation and the only way to do that is to make our economy grow through infrastructure projects," said Marcos. Marcos has been pushing for massive government investment in "business-driven" infrastructures or those that would provide a suitable environment to encourage expansion of private business enterprises. "By infrastructure, I mean not only roads and bridges but also schools, power generation plants, water system and including our Internet service, which is the second slowest in the world," Marcos said. He noted that now more business is done through the Internet than actual face-to-face transactions. While the government must provide the necessary atmosphere for private businesses to flourish, Marcos said it must also ensure adequate protection for our workers. In particular, Marcos said laws against contractualization must be enforced strictly. "These are the things that the next administration must immediately address in the first 100 days in office. I am confident this can be done. And if I am elected Vice President I will propose these kinds of programs and explain how this can be done," Marcos said. Press Release March 31, 2016 Villar grants livelihood assistance to five repatriated OFWs from Nueva Ecija Sen. Cynthia Villar awarded livelihood and financial assistance to five overseas Filipino workers who were repatriated after experiencing misfortunes abroad. Nova Corbe, Juvy Dizon, and Joyce Wy were repatriated after experiencing abuse and maltreatment from their employers in the Middle East. Elaiza Nicolas and Maricel Miguel who hails from San Jose City, Nueva Ecija, were victims of human trafficking in Malaysia. Witnessed by their family members, the repatriated OFWs received financial assistance and a start-up sari-sari store package from Villar during simple ceremonies held at the Senate. "We can only hope that this livelihood assistance would be instrumental in taking their minds off the misfortune they went through and in the process, earn a little and provide for their family's needs," Villar said. Villar said a sari-sari store is the easiest business to start, which the repatriated OFWs can do at their home without the need for rigorous training. The five OFWs were the latest beneficiaries of Senator Villar's assistance program for distressed OFWs in partnership with Villar SIPAG (Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance) and All Day Convenience Store. Villar also sponsored skills-up trainings for repatriated OFWs in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment, National Reintegration Center for OFWs and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration. Recently, she started holding anti-scam symposiums with the Blas Ople Training Center to help stop the rising number of OFWs victimized by scams. One of the assistance recipients was Corbe, 31, of San Jose City. She left for Qatif, KSA, on May 14, 2015. She has three children aged 13, 11 and 5. She was hospitalized due to over-fatigue. Reportedly, she was sold to another employer. She was repatriated on February 19, 2016. Another repatriated OFW, Dizon, 30, left San Jose City for Kuwait on March 8, 2015. On April 27, 2015, she had an accident while cleaning the bath tub. Due to injury acquired, she can no longer properly work and was returned to her recruitment agency. Her agency denied her request for medical consultation and instead was deployed to another employer. Her new employer also returned her to the agency after refusing to pay for her MRI. The agency is demanding payment of 1000 KD before she could be allowed to return to the Philippines. On August 17, 2015, Dizon fled and went to the Philippine Embassy. She was repatriated on December 30, 2015. Dizon has three children, aged 10, 6, and 5. Wy, 32, who hails from San Vicente Cabiao, Nueva Ecija, also received assistance from Villar. She flew to Al Khobar, KSA, on June 18, 2015. She experienced maltreatment from her employer and harassment from the employer's kin. On August 25, 2015, she left her employer and went to POLO Bahay Kalinga. She was also jailed at Al Khobar Jail Facility for theft and was charged 11,000 SAR before her return to the Philippines. She has three kids, aged 15, 11, and 6. She was repatriated on February 8, 2016. Two women repatriated from Malaysia also received the financial and livelihood assistance. Nicolas, 20, and Miguel, 21, were offered a job in Pampanga as entertainers but on May 29, 2015, they were brought to Zamboanga City and boarded a ship to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. For two months they worked as entertainers in a club until it was raided by the Malaysian Police. They were brought to the Women's Shelter in Kota Kinabalu and placed under Witness Protection Order while authorities are hunting the human traffickers. They returned to the Philippines on February 29, 2016. Altman Siegel, a prestigious gallery for conceptual art and large-scale painting, will announce Monday that it has joined the great San Francisco dealer exodus from downtown to Dogpatch. Owner Claudia Altman-Siegel is trading the cachet of the fourth floor at 49 Geary St. for a tin-sided warehouse in the Minnesota Street Project, a three-building cluster that is transforming the visual arts landscape. Altman-Siegel will close her 1,900-square-foot gallery north of Market in late August. In September, after a major build-out, she will open in 5,000 square feet south of AT&T Park. I have a young gallery, but I always have this dream and vision of having a big gallery, said Altman-Siegel, standing in the shell of her new gallery. This is the perfect space for that kind of thing. Formerly the parking garage for an electric company, it is one short block from 1275 Minnesota St., cornerstone of the project. It opened in mid-March, attracting 6,000 visitors on the first weekend alone to its 13 galleries. The upcoming project at 1150 25th St. is about half the size of 1275 Minnesota St.. But it will be divided into only three galleries, each with 40-foot ceilings and multiple skylights. There is so much natural light and so much huge dimension that it is easy to imagine doing super-ambitious art projects here, said Altman-Siegel, who arrived seven years ago from New York, where she had been the senior director of Luhring Augustine, a blue-chip Chelsea gallery dealing in contemporary art. Accommodation struggles When she opened at 49 Geary, she was able to introduce young New York talents such as Sarah Vanderbeek and Matt Keegan to a San Francisco audience. Having come from Manhattan, Altman-Siegels problem with 49 Geary was not the price but the size and access. The freight elevators could not carry the huge works she wanted to exhibit, and the stairway was too narrow. I had several shows where I had work that my artists literally couldnt get their work into the building, she said. In my current show, I had to have a painting unstretched and then stretch it in the space because I couldnt get it up the stairs. With her five-year lease at 49 Geary coming due, Altman-Siegel was just starting to look around when she was approached by arts benefactors and real estate investors Andy and Deborah Rappaport, who have put together the Minnesota Street Project by buying or leasing buildings between 23rd and 25th streets. When finished, in the fall, the complex will contain a warehouse chopped into 35 artists studios and two warehouses for galleries, one of which is attached to an office building with space to lease to arts organizations. The fundamental aim of the Minnesota Street Project is to keep the visual arts in the city by keeping rents below market value, and there have been more applicants to this deal than the project can handle. The Rappaports have been careful to curate the right mix of dealers, and Altman-Siegel is the first to be invited to 1150 25th St. The corrugated exterior will be left as is, maybe painted. Inside, the Rappaports will provide a Sheetrock envelope, open to the rafters. The gallerists will take it from there. Altman-Siegel plans to divide her space into one extra-large gallery and two smaller ones. The walls will be 15 feet high, leaving 25 feet of air space above that. The ceiling and beams and everything will be left raw, she said. The inside will be a white, perfect, clean, highly-finished box, and then when you look up youll get a sense of this industrial, original building. The floor will be left concrete, and the double-wide roll-up doors will be left in place. The gate in back will open onto Indiana Street so trucks can pull right up. They can also pull off I-280 at the Cesar Chavez/25th Street exit, making the Minnesota Street Project convenient to the Peninsula, where all that new tech money sits waiting to be invested in art. In an effort to draw this audience, gallerists have banded together to form the DoReMi Arts District (Dogpatch, Potrero Hill, the Mission.) A free glossy giveaway map has just been printed, marking 62 locations, with the Minnesota Street Project as its southern anchor. Dwindling galleries When Altman-Siegel first came to San Francisco, in 2009, she wanted to be near other galleries so collectors would find her. That meant 49 Geary, the marquee gallery building at the corner of Kearny. But 22 galleries have dwindled to nine. In the past year, three galleries have closed on the fourth floor alone, Altman-Siegel said, with her gallery about to become the fourth. That leaves only K Imperial Fine Art, Scott Nichols Gallery and Fraenkel Gallery, which is a destination for photography and continues to expand on the fourth floor. My biggest hesitation is that 49 Geary is such a venerable destination for art, and people are familiar with it, Altman-Siegel said. It feels like a risk to be moving away from downtown. That being said, I think that this neighborhood is more fun and exciting, and it feels more creative and native to what Im doing. Sam Whiting is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: swhiting@sfchronicle.com Twitter:@samwhitingsf This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A former girlfriend of the man accused of murdering 8-year-old Alaysha Carradine in Oakland testified Wednesday that he had admitted to killing the girl, then had engaged in a two-month campaign of intimidation to keep the woman from going to police. The testimony came in the third day of the trial of 25-year-old Darnell Williams of Oakland, accused of murdering Alaysha on July 17, 2013, as she took part in a sleepover at a friends apartment. He is also accused of murdering 22-year-old Anthony Medearis two months later in Berkeley. Britney Rogers, 26, testified in Alameda County Superior Court that she had been living with Williams at the time Alaysha was slain. Prosecutors have said Williams went to the apartment on Wilson Avenue seeking revenge for the shooting death of a friend, Jermaine Davis, in Berkeley earlier that evening. The apartment was home to one of Alayshas closest friends, and prosecutors say Williams blamed the friends father, Antiown York, for Davis death. Alayshas friend, the friends 4-year-old brother and their grandmother were wounded when the shooter opened fire through the apartments security door. Rogers testified that she had been with Williams at the apartment they shared in West Oakland when he heard that Davis had been killed. She said he looked hurt and left soon after to go to a meeting in East Oakland. When he came home around 2 a.m., Williams was agitated and paced around a bedroom, Rogers said. He took off his sweatshirt, and Rogers saw that he was wearing a bulletproof vest and had two guns, a handgun with an extended clip and an assault rifle, she testified. He told me he knocked on the door and waited until someone twisted the knob and then started firing shots, Rogers said. The door opened and he said he saw a woman on the couch and thought it was (Yorks) baby mama, so he kept shooting. The next morning, Williams told Rogers to check the news and, when she did, Alayshas killing was the lead story. Rogers, who has two children of her own, began to cry and Williams became irate, she testified. He turned on me instantly, Rogers said tearfully. He said, Bitch, you aint s. How do I know you wont snitch on me? You got two kids. I know where your family lives. Williams said he didnt care that a girl had been killed, Rogers testified. Over the next two months, Williams took Rogers cell phone and forced her to check in with him every two hours, she testified. At one point he tried to force her into prostitution, but she never went through with it, she said. Rogers said she hadnt gone to police because she was afraid of what Williams might do and because she was on felony probation for a grand theft conviction. She turned over temporary custody of her two children to a family friend and made plans to move out of the area, she testified. I cant protect the whole family, but I can protect my kids, Rogers said. Defense attorneys said in their opening statements that Rogers is an unreliable witness who cant be trusted. She will be cross-examined when the trial resumes Monday. Kale Williams is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kwilliams@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @sfkale This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A new group of San Francisco police officers was implicated in exchanging bigoted text messages, fueling increased scrutiny of the city force and prompting a review of court cases handled by those officers for potential bias, authorities said Thursday. District Attorney George Gascon said a substantial number of racist and homophobic text messages emerged during a recent criminal investigation, which Police Chief Greg Suhr identified as the sexual assault probe of a Taraval Station officer, Jason Lai, that began last year. The messages, which allegedly included use of the racial slur n and derogatory comments toward the LGBT community, were exchanged among at least four officers, Suhr said, including Lai and Lt. Curtis Liu, who also worked at Taraval but retired after being accused of obstructing the rape inquiry. Gascon differed with Suhr, saying at least five officers had exchanged the messages. He said the messages were exchanged on the officers personal cell phones, but that it had not been determined if the texts were sent and received while the officers were on duty. The district attorney said there were dozens of messages in which the use of the n-word is very prevalent. The messages mocked the public outcry around an earlier racist-texting scandal in the police force, Gascon said, and it was pretty clear the comments werent made in jest. Its not a slip of the tongue, he said. Three more officers were found in an internal affairs investigation to have received questionable text messages from Lai, but did not respond, Suhr said. He said each of the four officers who are directly implicated faces either termination proceedings or has already left the force. I took swift action As with any big organization, youre going to have people who are not as you would have them be, Suhr said. As soon as I found out about it, I took swift action. I think all the honorable men and women who serve this department know I give no quarter to this kind of thing. The message from the top has been clear, Suhr said. This level of intolerance will not be tolerated. Police Sgt. Yulanda Williams, who is the president of a black officers association called Officers for Justice and was belittled in the first batch of text messages said she was frustrated to learn of more racist exchanges. She said the departments leadership isnt suited to handle the problem. Its extremely hurtful Clearly, there seems to be some underlying issues that have still not been addressed, Williams said. I would never assume that every member of the San Francisco Police Department is involved because that would be the furthest thing from the truth. But for those of us who do not engage in this type of activity, its extremely hurtful and its extremely embarrassing. And its got to end. The messages are separate from a batch of bigoted texts that were allegedly exchanged in 2012 among 14 additional officers, which emerged last year and contributed to Gascons creation of a blue-ribbon panel to investigate systemic bias in the police force. The earlier messages were discovered by federal authorities looking into allegations that plainclothes San Francisco officers divvied up money found during searches of drug dealers. Those messages containing racist and antigay remarks calling black people monkeys and encouraging the killing of half-breeds forced prosecutors to re-evaluate thousands of cases handled by those officers and dismiss 13. Some officers in the earlier case resigned, and Suhr moved to fire most of those who remained. But the case unraveled in December when a judge allowed the officers to avoid discipline, concluding the Police Department waited too long to take action. The city is appealing the ruling. The new text messages, which were not released, spanned from 2014 to late 2015, Gascon said. He said his office was specifically told of the messages last week. But Suhr said the Police Department had alerted the district attorneys office of their discovery in October, during the course of an investigation into a womans rape allegation against Lai. That investigation came to a close last week with Lai being charged with six misdemeanor counts of misusing police databases. Police said investigators couldnt find sufficient evidence to support the rape charge, but discovered the records violations during the probe. Rape investigation Investigators are still looking into whether Liu lied and obstructed the rape investigation by contacting Lai when the woman sought medical treatment after the alleged assault and named a suspect, police said. Liu said he had called Lai as a joke because he thought the name given by the woman was a coincidence, but, according to investigators, he went on to lie to superiors about contacting Lai. Lai was placed on unpaid leave during the sexual assault investigation, and remained on unpaid leave after he was charged. He has not commented on the case. Upon learning of the new text messages, Suhr said he suspended the two other officers who were implicated. One is no longer with the department, the chief said, while the other is facing a Police Commission termination hearing. Suhr said Lais case will go before the Police Commission after his criminal case is concluded. The credentials to joke Lius attorney, Tony Brass, identified Officer Keith Ybarreta as the officer making the majority of the allegedly derogatory comments about African Americans. Efforts to reach Ybarreta and his attorneys were not immediately successful Thursday, and an attorney for Lai declined to comment. Officer Ybarreta is married to an African American woman and they have children, Brass said. Perhaps because of that, Officer Ybarreta felt that he had the credentials to joke about those race issues. He said that although Liu did not move to discipline Ybarreta for the texts, he tried to stop him as a friend. Curtis Liu, once in a text documented by the Police Department, responded to Officer Ybarreta, Stop. If it wasnt for who you were married to, I would think you were a racist, Brass said. The three officers who had only received messages are being investigated as to whether they knew what they got, Suhr said, because the texts they received were not as explicit as the texts that were going on between the four. Prosecutors are reviewing past cases handled by the officers. City Public Defender Jeff Adachi said his office will do its own review of potentially tainted arrests, and he questioned why Suhr and Gascon didnt come forward with the information about the texts sooner. Both Gascon and Adachi suggested the police force has deeper cultural problems, with Gascon saying, I believe that the majority of San Francisco police officers would not approve of this conduct, but there is a substantial minority that obviously feels very comfortable. Adachi said city residents deserve equal justice, and that police officials must address the culture that lets racism fester in its ranks. Handful of officers The president of the officers union, Martin Halloran, condemned the appalling racist behavior committed by a handful of officers, saying some cops had disgraced their uniform and profession. To be a San Francisco police officer is a sacred trust, he said. When an officer violates that trust he or she must be held accountable. ... The reprehensible actions by a few officers do not reflect the overall commitment and dedication of the men and women of this department who serve and protect this city and its residents. Vivian Ho is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: vho@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @VivianHo This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Bay Area fishing groups joined environmental and consumer advocates Thursday in a lawsuit that aims to stop a genetically engineered fish infused with genes from other species from finding its way onto dinner plates. The suit, filed in U.S. District Court in San Francisco, challenges the November approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration of a plan by AquaBounty Technologies Inc. of Massachusetts to bio-engineer a sterile salmon that would grow extremely fast, be used solely as food and, if all goes as planned, never set a fin in a natural body of water. The doctored salmon, engineered from both Atlantic and Pacific salmon and a slithery creature known as an eelpout, would be the first genetically engineered animal produced for human consumption. Government regulators and the manufacturer insist the product is safe. But the notion of genetically altered seafood has created a furor among environmentalists, who have dubbed the species Frankenfish and say it could spread mutant genes and circulate diseases in wild salmon if an accident or sabotage ever set it loose. Our main concern is that the FDA approval was done without any consideration for what these Frankenfish might do if they escape into the wild in places where wild salmon live, said John McManus, the executive director of the Golden Gate Salmon Association, which joined the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermens Associations, the Center for Food Safety and eight other environmental organizations in the suit. What has ended up happening in every place where there are farmed salmon is the nets rip and the fish escape, McManus said. The modified fish, known officially as AquAdvantage Salmon, is an Atlantic salmon that has been infused with a growth hormone gene from Pacific salmon, also known as chinook, and DNA from an eelpout. The DNA comes from what is called an antifreeze gene that allows the eelpout to live in ice-cold water. Most to be sterile AquaBounty, which first developed the salmon in 1989 and submitted its FDA application in 1995, intends to produce only female salmon, 95 percent of which would be sterile. The hybrid salmon would grow twice as fast as other salmon, allowing more lox, salmon steaks and other seafood to be produced. The plan is to raise the eggs on Prince Edward Island and then, after they hatch, grow them in landlocked tanks in Panama, where they would be processed and shipped to restaurants and grocery stores throughout the United States and possibly around the world. AquaBounty is confident that the approval will stand, and that the FDA has been extraordinarily thorough and transparent in the review and approval of our application, said Ron Stotish, the companys chief executive officer. FDA officials said they could not comment on pending litigation, but the agencys environmental assessment declared the fish safe as food and downplayed concerns about mutant fish spreading into the environment. Escape-proof facilities? The salmon would be produced and grown-out only in secure facilities with multiple and redundant forms of effective physical containment that have been verified and validated by FDA, the report said, adding that the likelihood is very low that salmon could escape from containment, survive and become established in the local environments. AquaBounty said it chose Prince Edward Island because it is surrounded by saltwater, and the eggs can only survive in freshwater. Panama was chosen to grow the fish because the water there is too warm for the fish to survive were they to escape. Stotish told The Chronicle in 2010 that the new fish product will reduce pressure on wild fish stocks and allow experts to focus more on recovery and conservation. At a time when our seas are fished to the verge of extinction, he said, we have an ethical obligation to use every tool in our toolbox to explore alternatives to meet demand for seafood. Rep. Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael, an opponent of genetic engineering, said there are cracks in AquaBountys assurances. History teaches us that there is no such thing as a fail-safe, Huffman said. These fish can interbreed with our wild Pacific salmon and we shouldnt start down that slippery slope. GMO corn crops Genetically engineered food has become a lightning rod for criticism across the country and in Mexico, where environmental groups say bio-engineered corn has infected native crops, costing U.S. farmers billions of dollars. Fourteen California lawmakers urged the FDA to deny the application for engineered salmon until all the ecological concerns could be addressed. Under pressure, the FDA banned the import and sale of the fish until the agency publishes final labeling guidelines for informing consumers of such content. Huffman says the process was flawed because the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service never got a chance to weigh in. The FDA was the wrong agency to be reviewing this, he said, because they know nothing about fisheries and the environmental impacts and risks. Besides the question of whether it is humane to engineer an animal for consumption, critics say it will take an incredible amount of seafood to feed the salmon. Brettny Hardy, the senior associate attorney for Earthjustice in San Francisco, said the 5 percent of the fish that are not sterile could out-compete the critically endangered Atlantic salmon in Maine, the closest wild population, if they got out of their pens on Prince Edward Island. This sets a precedent for other applications to come, Hardy said. AquaBounty has talked about engineering trout and other kinds of fish as well. ... They are looking to produce these animals in the U.S. and other countries, so the risk of animals getting out of those facilities could be even greater. Even without the lawsuit, it could be a while before the engineered fish get into local frying pans. It will take up to 18 months to raise the mixed-breed critters and bring them to market, according to the company. Peter Fimrite is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: pfimrite@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @pfimrite Currently Reading Crabby about no crab? Do this for the holidays in the Bay Area instead Yahoo is making it harder for activist investors to launch proxy battles in the future. The Sunnyvale company said it is changing its bylaws so that at next years annual shareholder meeting, investors or groups holding at least 3 percent of Yahoo common stock for at least three years would have the easiest path to nominating directors. They could nominate up to two directors, or 20 percent of the number of directors on the board, and have those candidates appear on proxy materials. A group could qualify as up to 20 shareholders, Yahoo said in a document filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Wednesday. The change in rules is pushing back against attempts by activist investors to change Yahoos board over the years. New York hedge fund Starboard Value is waging a campaign to overthrow Yahoos nine-member board with its own set of candidates that have business operations, media and technology industry experience. Starboard, which owns a 1.7 percent stake in Yahoo, did not immediately respond for a request for comment. It makes it harder for smaller investors to not only get access, but also toss out the entire board, said Patrick Moorhead, president of advisory firm Moor Insights & Strategy. Yahoo declined to comment. Other companies like Apple Inc., Chevron Corp. and Coca-Cola Co. have adopted similar rules. Shareholders will determine whether Starboard or Yahoos nominees will be placed on the board through a voting process held this summer at its annual shareholder meeting. Yahoo has not set a date for the meeting, and the rule change will not impact this years meeting. Starboard is pushing Yahoo to sell its core business and change its leadership team, at a time that Yahoo is struggling to turn around its Internet properties. The company is exploring a sale of parts or all of its core business, while also refocusing the firm on fewer products with a smaller staff. Courts FBI may crack another iPhone The FBI agreed Wednesday to help an Arkansas prosecutor unlock an iPhone and iPod belonging to two teenagers accused of killing a couple, just days after the federal agency announced it had gained access to an iPhone linked to the gunman in a mass shooting in California. Faulkner County Prosecuting Attorney Cody Hiland said the FBI agreed to the request Wednesday afternoon. A judge on Tuesday agreed to postpone the trial of 18-year-old Hunter Drexler so prosecutors could ask the FBI for help. Drexler and 15-year-old Justin Staton are accused of killing Robert and Patricia Cogdell at their home in Conway, 30 miles north of Little Rock, in July. The Cogdells had raised Staton as their grandson. Jury rules in GMs favor A jury found Wednesday that a flawed General Motors ignition switch was not to blame in a 2014 accident on an icy New Orleans bridge, handing the carmaker its second victory in a row in trials meant to help lawyers settle dozens of similar claims. The jury in Manhattan federal court returned its verdict after less than a day of deliberations. It came in a trial stemming from a Louisiana fender bender. A man and woman claimed injuries after the accident. The jury found that the plaintiffs 2007 Saturn Sky was unreasonably dangerous because it contained the faulty ignition switch. But it also found that the switch was not to blame for the accident and injuries. Chronicle News Services NEW DELHI Aiming to wrest control of Indias booming taxi market, two ride-hailing smartphone apps Uber and Ola are promising hundreds of millions in new investment while also facing off with one another in court. San Franciscos Uber reportedly plans a $500 million infusion of funds, apart from the $1 billion already committed over the past nine months, according to Indian newspapers. The company declined this week to comment on those reports. Meanwhile, Ola Cabs promises to add another 2,000 cars to the fleet of 26,000 it already commands in New Delhi, chief spokesman Anand Subramanian said. But its the continuing legal wrangles between the two with each accusing the other of behaving unethically that have drawn attention to the struggle for Indias $9 billion taxi industry and future growth possibilities in a country with an urban population of 400 million people but few options in safe, convenient public transportation. Uber lawsuit This month, Uber filed suit against Ola, accusing its rival from Bangalore of hijacking its business by creating fake accounts to make bookings with Uber that it then canceled. Ola denied the allegations, calling them ludicrous and suggesting they were a smoke screen to hide Ubers own troubles. Ola previously challenged Uber in court over what it said were illegal business practices. Analysts say the court battles show that the competition for market dominance is becoming fierce. Its a tussle to capture the top spot among taxi-hailing apps and the title of No. 1, said Jaspal Singh, founder of Valoriser Consultants, specializing in analysis of the transportation industry. Smartphone ride apps, introduced in India in 2010, have grown to account for 10 percent of the countrys overall taxi industry, which also includes regular cabs and three-wheeler rickshaws. Ola has already bought out the upstart TaxiForSure, and both Uber and Ola offer rates below those of traditional taxis. Meanwhile, they are quickly adding cities and customers, including car drivers increasingly fed up with gridlock and difficulty finding parking on Indias crowded roads. So far Ola has been dominating the smartphone app market, with a presence in more than 100 cities and roughly half of the business, analysts say. Uber, which entered the Indian market in 2013, operates in 29 cities and is eager to expand, while myriad small players are clawing their way in. In the latest legal action between the two, filed in Delhi High Court, Uber demanded an injunction against Ola and $7.4 million in damages. It accuses Ola backed by Japans SoftBank Group Corp. and hedge fund Tiger Global Management LLC of creating more than 90,000 fake accounts to book around 400,000 rides and then cancel them in an effort to disrupt Ubers business. The allegations are similar to those faced by Uber itself in the United States in 2014, where San Franciscos Lyft accused Uber of booking and canceling thousands of rides. Uber denied the accusations and no legal action was filed. The High Court will hold its next hearing in September on Ubers lawsuit, which Ola called frivolous and false. Ola said in a statement it was not beyond our imagination that this is an effort to divert attention from the current realities of the market where Uber has faced major setbacks. Specifically, those setbacks include a legal petition filed by Ola in October, accusing Uber of flouting a Supreme Court order demanding app-based taxis in New Delhi switch from running on diesel to using compressed natural gas. The companies were given until this month to comply with the rules, intended to curb extreme air pollution in the capital. Olas parent company, ANI Technologies, has alleged Ubers lawsuit is retaliation against Olas petition. Earlier troubles Uber had earlier troubles in India as well. It was accused of failing to properly screen its drivers in 2014 after one was accused of raping a 26-year-old passenger. Ubers reputation temporarily took a hit, and the government briefly banned all smartphone app ride services while new regulations were drafted. The current wrangling over ethics and legal threats is not limited to Uber and Ola. Last week, rickshaw booking app Jugnoo, operating in the north Indian city of Chandigarh, accused Ola of using unethical practices to sabotage its business by making fake bookings and warned of legal action if it did not cease. Jugnoo CEO Samar Singla said his company saw a surge in bookings and cancellations, with about 20,000 cancellations made through 800 accounts over a 10-day period earlier this month. We started mapping the areas where the bookings were being made from, and it invariably pointed to places close to Olas office, Singla said in a statement. Singh, the transportation analyst, said Uber and Ola are honing their strategies and boosting services to secure market dominance as the country experiments with transportation limits aimed at curbing air pollution. On April 15, New Delhi will begin banning cars with odd- or even-numbered license plates from the roads on alternate days for two weeks. The capitals first such effort in January helped lessen air pollution and traffic. Residents say they will be relying on cab companies to travel in the city during those weeks. The last time I just ordered a cab from my phone. For me it doesnt matter if its Ola or Uber, said Rashmi Singh, an advertising executive. Its so convenient, I could park my car in the garage permanently. It is often said that Microsoft alternates between releasing bad and good versions of Windows, the companys operating system. Windows XP (good) preceded Windows Vista (bad), which was followed by Windows 7 (good) and Windows 8 (bad). Windows 10, the latest version of the operating system, has all the hallmarks of being a good version of Windows although it may not be good enough to do everything that Microsoft hoped it would do. On Wednesday, Microsoft said Windows 10 is running on 270 million active devices, eight months after the operating system was released to the public. The company said that represented the fastest adoption ever for a new version of Windows, outpacing the rate at which Windows 7 was adopted by 145 percent. Microsoft executives announced the milestone at a conference for developers in San Francisco, where it also revealed plans for a Windows 10 update with new features. The 270 million number is a reminder that, for all of the talk of Microsofts fading stature in the technology industry, Windows is still the software that most of the world uses to run its PCs. The sobering news for Windows 10 is that its success has not significantly shifted the dynamics of the tech industry, in which mobile platforms like Apples iOS and Googles Android have eclipsed Microsofts operating system among software developers hunting for the largest and most engaged audience of users. PC sales have not grown in years, and most analysts dont expect that to change soon. To keep interest in Windows 10, Microsoft said Wednesday that it would refresh the software with an update that would connect users with Cortana, the virtual assistant in the operating system, without requiring a PC to be unlocked first. People could then use their PCs like Amazons Echo device, which can be summoned to answer questions about the weather and trivia from across the room. The Windows 10 update will also have an enhancement to a feature called Windows Hello that lets people more securely log into Windows using biometric verification, like facial recognition. The change will allow people to sign into websites and apps with Windows Hello so they dont have to use passwords. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate San Francisco police sought the publics help Wednesday in tracking down a suspected dog thief. The man is wanted for swiping a 5-year-old dog named Catfish from a Walgreens on Divisadero and OFarrell streets on March 11. The stolen pooch was described as a half chihuahua, half poodle mix. The dogs owner, a San Francisco resident, was shopping in the store when he looked down and couldnt find Catfish. He went to the store manager and together they watched video surveillance of the suspect abducting the dog. The footage shows the dog standing near the stores exit as the suspect approaches. The man then pets the pup, scoops it up and walks out of the building. Anyone with information about the incident can contact investigators at (415) 614-3400. Anonymous tips can be left at (415) 575-4444 or texted to TIP411. Kimberly Veklerov is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kveklerov@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kveklerov This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate New allegations in the case involving two Alameda County sheriffs deputies filmed beating a defenseless man in a San Francisco alley are prompting questions about why the deputies were allowed to alter their original reports on the incident after they and their attorneys viewed the surveillance video. An attorney representing the car-chase suspect who suffered broken bones and serious head injuries during the beating said he suspected the Sheriffs Office of trying to cover up wrongdoing by Deputies Paul Wieber and Luis Santamaria. Sheriff Greg Ahern confirmed that Wieber and Santamaria had been allowed to resubmit their reports after viewing the video footage, which showed them striking Stanislav Petrov numerous times with their batons in a Mission District alley. But he denied that there was any malicious intent in the decision by the deputies superiors to send the reports back for changes. Santamaria and Wieber submitted their revised reports four days after the Nov. 12 incident. Petrov, 29, had led the deputies on a 38-minute chase from Castro Valley after ramming two patrol cruisers in a stolen car. He ended up at the corner of Clinton Park and Stevenson Street in the Mission around 2 a.m. after he crashed the car and fled on foot. The surveillance-camera footage shows the deputies knocking Petrov to the ground, punching him and clubbing him with their batons, even after he appeared to surrender with his hands on his head. The San Francisco district attorneys office is investigating whether to file criminal charges against the deputies, who are on paid administrative leave. Threat to safety In the revised incident reports, which were made public this month after being released to a civil rights watchdog group, the Center for Human Rights and Privacy, the two deputies said Petrov had posed a threat to their safety and had resisted their attempts to take him into custody. At a news conference Tuesday, Ahern revealed that Santamaria and Wieber had submitted a draft version of their report to the lead investigator in the Sheriffs Office before the end of their shift Nov. 12. They authored their report and submitted it to the lead investigator, who was going to take the case and present it to the district attorney, Ahern said. When the investigator reviewed the report, he found it lacked some of the documentation in regards to the injuries to Petrov. The deputies were not totally aware of all the injuries to Petrov, so they werent documented at that time, Ahern said. The investigator knew of those injuries, so he wanted further documentation in that regard and called them back in because of their days off. Final version altered When they (Santamaria and Wieber) were called back in, they learned there was a video that got out to the media, the sheriff added. When they learned of the video, they contacted their representative, which is common in most serious critical events. With the assistance of their representative, they altered their final version of that report. Ahern said that practice was very common. Sheriffs Office spokesman Sgt. J.D. Nelson said Santamaria and Wieber had a right to have their attorneys present once the video was released the San Francisco Public Defenders Office made it public Nov. 13 and the investigation evolved from one into a car chase into one of possible officer misconduct. Nelson said he did not know whether the two deputies original reports still existed. Michael Haddad, an attorney who has filed a claim against Alameda County on Petrovs behalf, said Wednesday that he hadnt been told about the changed reports and called the action questionable. He said he had asked the Sheriffs Office to produce the deputies original reports to see if there were any inconsistencies that could point to a cover-up. Not small fixes New allegations emerged this week that another deputy in the Mission District alley stole a gold chain and money from Petrov and used them to bribe a homeless couple to keep quiet about the beating. The Chronicle has learned that the deputy under investigation is Shawn Osborne, who has been placed on paid administrative leave. Alison Berry Wilkinson, an attorney for Osborne, called the theft and bribery allegations absolutely outrageous. Certainly none of that happened, by any stretch of the imagination. Haddad said the allegations were all the more reason to question the decision to offer Wieber and Santamaria the chance to revise their reports. This was not fixing typos and crossing ts this was creating a whole new document and new facts to justify their uses of force, Haddad said. They completed their original report. They turned it in, and then a supervisor told them to do it again after you meet with your lawyers again and watch the video. In a situation like this, where there are serious injuries from the force and the initial report completely underreports that force, you dont throw away those reports. Theyre evidence, Haddad said. You let the officer write a supplement, but the judicial system deserves to know what the officers first version was, just like any other suspect. An official document Attorneys for Wieber and Santamaria did not immediately return calls for comment. Roger Clark, a police procedures consultant and former lieutenant with the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department, said officers are taught from the time they go through police academy that you dont change the original report its an official document. He added that the deputies are not allowed to change the evidence, and theyre certainly not allowed to do it with their lawyers with them. This report should be straightforward. These officers have been trained, tested and they know what is required in the report. They cannot be excused for something like, I forgot I used my baton. Possible contradictions San Francisco Public Defender Jeff Adachi said he found it odd that the revised reports did not explain possible contradictions between the deputies version of events and what was shown on the video. The first thing you should say is, We reviewed the video and here is our explanation, Adachi said. They make no attempt to explain what the video shows, and that should have been in the report. Its like the video never existed. Investigators declined to comment on any possible criminal charges regarding filing a false police report. But Nelson reiterated the sheriffs stance that he would punish any deputies found to have committed wrongdoing. If reports were falsified, he added, those people will have to answer for that, too. Abe Mirrashidi was not paying attention to his wallet when a thief picked his pocket on a packed Muni bus, as the San Francisco father had one eye on his 1-year-old son in his arms and the other on his 3-year-old son beside him. You literally have your hands full, Mirrashidi recalled Thursday, a day after San Francisco police released a security video of him getting his pocket picked. He was a professional, the 37-year-old said of the thief. I had no idea until after. The video showed a suspect with a gold front tooth swiping a wallet from the unsuspecting Mirrashidis back pant pocket while he was standing on a packed Muni bus with his child in his arms. Police are asking for the publics help finding the thief. The crime occurred in January, but it took police and Muni officials months to track down the surveillance video, said Officer Giselle Talkoff, a San Francisco police spokeswoman. Were not seeing a big flux or a pattern, Talkoff said of such incidents. It does happen. Usually when its super crowded. Mirrashidi said it all started after he picked up his sons from school and boarded the 5R Fulton line bus at McAllister Street and Van Ness Avenue around 6 p.m., juggling his infant and the jacket of his 3-year-old. He didnt realize he had been pick pocketed until about 30 minutes later when he got off at McAllister and Divisadero Street and took his sons to a pizzeria. I called my credit cards first, then called the police department, he said. In that narrow window of time, Mirrashidi said, the man had already charged hundreds of dollars to his credit cards. After canceling his cards and taking a trip to the DMV to get a new license, Mirrashidi said he was obviously frustrated by the whole situation. Its a huge inconvenience, he said. Theyre targeting you because you have your kids. Jenna Lyons is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jlyons@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JennaJourno Hayward police Wednesday morning arrested two of three people suspected of holding up a Burlingame drugstore Tuesday and making off with about 3,000 prescription pills. The knifepoint robbery was reported at 12:15 a.m. Tuesday at a Walgreens on the 200 block of El Camino Real, according to Lt. Jay Kiely, a Burlingame police spokesman. The male suspect who is now in custody jumped the counter and brandished a knife at a pharmacist, he said. A November 2014 ballot measure that reduced punishment for drug possession and low-level theft crimes lowered county jail populations by 9 percent in its first year, an effect that could increase public safety by allowing more serious criminals to be kept behind bars longer, according to a study released Wednesday. The report by the Public Policy Institute of California gives supporters of Proposition 47 a counterargument against police and prosecutors who blamed the ballot measure for a statewide increase in crime last year. Another study earlier this month found an 8 percent increase in crimes reported in the states largest cities during the first six months of 2015, compared with the same period in 2014, but also found that crime rates had risen more rapidly in counties that released fewer inmates from jail under Prop. 47. The new study did not address that question, but said Prop. 47 has eased conditions in counties with overcrowded jails, including Los Angeles, Fresno, Kern and Sacramento, which had been ordered by courts to release inmates early. For counties with court orders to cap their jail populations, Prop. 47 created flexibility, allowing jail space to be reallocated toward more serious offenders who might otherwise have been released, said Mia Bird, a co-author of the study. The initiative, approved by 60 percent of the voters, reduced most drug possession charges from felonies to misdemeanors, punishable by up to a year in jail. It also eliminated felony penalties for shoplifting, check forgery and other nonviolent thefts in which the loss was less than $950, up from a previous limit of $450. Inmates already serving time for those crimes could seek reductions in their sentences. County jail populations in California had been increasing since 2011 under the states realignment law, which sent low-level felons to jail to relieve overcrowding in state prisons. But the new report based on figures from a sampling of 13 counties, including San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa and Monterey said Prop. 47 had reversed that trend in jail populations. 9% fewer inmates Jail populations in those counties declined by 9 percent, or a total of 4,767 inmates, between October 2014 and October 2015, the report said. It said the number of inmates in custody plummeted by 50 percent for the drug and theft crimes covered by Prop. 47. Because the charges are now misdemeanors, the report said, those who have been arrested are more likely to be cited and released rather than jailed while awaiting court proceedings. The number of people booked into jail for drug possession in the sample counties declined by 68 percent and by 31 percent for theft charges covered by Prop. 47, the report said. The study also said the number of convictions for Prop. 47 crimes in the counties dropped by 45 percent during the year. Links to Prop. 47 The report did not explain the decline, but opponents of the measure have argued that by removing the threat of felony prosecution, it weakened prosecutors hands and reduced the incentive for defendants to plead guilty. They also linked Prop. 47s leniency to increases in property crimes, like the 31 percent rise in auto break-ins in San Francisco last year. San Francisco District Attorney George Gascon, who campaigned for Prop. 47, disputed those criticisms Wednesday. Crime was increasing in San Francisco before the ballot measure passed, he said, and it didnt reduce penalties for auto burglary still a felony or decriminalize any offenses. Before Prop. 47, Gascon said, people were being released very quickly because there was not enough space in most of the jails in the state, and Californias rate of crimes by newly released inmates was one of the highest in the world. He noted that most of the financial savings from reduced incarceration, estimated by the state at hundreds of millions of dollars a year, was earmarked for programs to reduce recidivism. Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @egelko Metallica, arguably one of the greatest rock groups of all time, will be returning to their Bay Area roots this Record Store Day to play a super intimate show at Rasputin's in Berkeley on April 16, 2016. It's free, and you're invited. "We're celebrating Record Store Day in the best possible way we could think of... playing live!" the band writes on their site. "As this year's Record Store Day Ambassadors we will also be celebrating the release of remastered and deluxe versions of 'Kill 'Em All' and 'Ride The Lightning,' getting loud, noisy and sweaty, shaking up the East Bay old-school style." But there is a caveat (and there's always a caveat). You won't be able to just walk on in there. You really didn't think you'd be able to just scamper on in, did you? You'll have to enter this contest either on their official site or in person at Rasputin's, or both, but as the rules dictate, you will only be able to win one ticket for one person. You have until April 10, 2016 at 5 p.m. to enter, and 300 guests will be allowed in. "Getting loud, noisy and sweaty at Rasputin's on Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley transports Metallica right back to the core of its Bay Area beginnings," Lars Ulrich said of the upcoming show. "We can't wait to celebrate Record Store Day while shaking up the East Bay old-school style." This all sounds amazing, unless of course, this is a horribly mean, very elaborate April Fool's Day prank, in which case, well, the band should just make it up to us by actually playing this show. Right? There seems to be a poorly held rumor about "Finding Dory," the upcoming sequel to "Finding Nemo,": according to lots of in-the-know sources, the next installment of the Pixar modern classic will lead our favorite forgetful fish close to familiar waters near the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The plot, which has been somewhat revealed already (spoilers here), will follow Dory (voiced by Ellen DeGeneres) after she has a memory about her family's whereabouts. this seemingly leads her to the West Coast, and soon thereafter, inside the aquarium. All of that is unconfirmed, but Pixar's most recent tweets, and a post on their official site, seem to suggest that our stars will indeed be California-bound. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Colonie Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul on Wednesday kicked off a $35 million initiative to help New York companies get into the export business, telling a group of Capital Region business people and development experts that "the world is awaiting." The Global NY program, which is part of the Empire State Development agency, provides matching grants and loans to business that are looking to tap foreign markets, whether they are in Canada or Asia. It features a fund offering loans up to $500,000 and grants of up to $25,000 for businesses ($50,000 for organizations promoting exports). Wednesday's meeting at the Albany Marriott was the first of what will be a number of stops around the state by ESD to promote the idea. Hochul noted New York already is competing with other states when it comes to foreign trade. She said she met with government officials from Vietnam who setting up a cashew processing plant. But they had been talking with Arkansas officials as well. Several of those at Wednesday's meeting said they see overseas opportunities although some of the businesses are not traditional manufacturers. "People have a brick and mortar bias," said V. Owen Bush, co-founder and CEO of Daydream.io, a Troy firm that sells software that allows users to visualize music. They already sell on the international market, but are looking to boost sales. Still, other business people noted the plan, with $35 million allocated over several years, is relatively modest. And much of the money is for reimbursement of expenses that participants put out initially. "I need to put up the money," said William Gergits, of Therion International, a Saratoga Springs company that provides DNA testing to businesses such as seafood suppliers and supermarkets that want to verify the origin of their products. He has been working to strike a deal with Ecuadorian aquaculturalists to verify the type of fish they are selling. rkarlin@timesunion.com 518-454-5758 @RickKarlinTU This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 3 1 of 3 Tyler Sizemore Show More Show Less 2 of 3 File photo Show More Show Less 3 of 3 GREENWICH School officials have planned two forums next week on prospective school start-time changes for the 2017-18 school year. The forums are scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday at Central Middle School and 9 a.m. Thursday in the Greenwich Library auditorium. The sessions will be conducted by the districts transportation consultants, School Bus Consultants, who are scheduled to present the seven start-time options now on the table. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 3 1 of 3 Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Show More Show Less 3 of 3 MALTA - Two Vermont women were charged with felony cocaine possession after State Police said they caught them with 54 grams of the narcotic after a traffic stop Tuesday on the Northway. Lindsay A. Landon, 24, and Caitlynn M. Duval, 21, were taken into custody after troopers said they found a small amount of cocaine after stopping the Pontiac Landon was driving on the highway. City of Gold: This documentary about L.A. Times food critic Jonathan Gold can be frustrating but is mostly lovely, as it casually profiles Gold and his unique relationship with the territory he covers. More than a culinary guide, he provides a cultural guide to the Los Angeles that is almost never seen in movies and then the film makes an argument that its more relevant than the one we all know. Rated R. 89 minutes. Peter Hartlaub Allegiant: The latest not-bad entry in the not-bad action series Divergent is full of incident, and despite some amateurish touches in the writing and directing, is a mildly satisfying diversion, with Tris (Shailene Woodley) venturing beyond the walls of Chicago for the first time. Rated R. 102 minutes. Mick LaSalle Knight of Cups: For those willing to get on director Terrence Malicks wavelength, this is an ecstatic use of cinema the story of a screenwriter (Christian Bale) in Hollywood as told through dream images and voice-over, with only fragments of scenes. Its less a story than an invitation to see the beauty in all things, but if you go in expecting anything remotely conventional, you will either be confused or annoyed. Rated R. 118 minutes. Mick LaSalle Krisha: After a long absence, a troubled woman in her 60s revisits her family at Thanksgiving, with explosive results. Its familiar material, but in the hands of director Trey Edward Shults making his feature debut it packs a solid punch. Rated R. 83 minutes. Walter Addiego GOD TV Marks Azusa Street Anniversary Contact: Al Gibson, Communications Officer, GOD TV, 407-862-5084, agibson@god.tv LOS ANGELES, March 31, 2016 /Christian Newswire/ -- Saturday April 9, 2016 is the 110th commemoration of the historic Azusa Street Revival and GOD TV will be marking the occasion by screening Azusa Now from Los Angeles and United Cry DC16 from the US Capital. Azusa Now is a 15-hour healing and evangelism crusade at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum where 100,000 people are expected to gather, while United Cry DC16 aims to bring 30,000 church leaders together on the National Mall to pray for America's future. "The Azusa Street Revival of 1906 was the most powerful expression of revival in modern times as multitudes became Christians and experienced healing," said GOD TV President and Founder, Wendy Alec. "It was also a historic movement that transcended barriers as diverse people gathered in bonds of love, unity and prayer." Azusa Now LIVE and exclusive to GOD TV, on April 9, 2016 Hosted by Lou Engle of TheCall, Azusa Now will air LIVE from Los Angeles to 280 million homes worldwide. The mass stadium event will feature many of GOD TV's most popular speakers including Bill Johnson, Heidi Baker; Daniel Kolenda and Todd White as well as local pastor, Shawn Bolz of Expression58 in Los Angeles. Bethel Music and Jesus Culture will lead worship. TheCall has brought millions together over the past 15 years to fast and pray, repent and worship and many of these gatherings have been televised LIVE on GOD TV. Now 110 years on from the Azusa Street Revival, TheCall hopes to see revival of this magnitude happen again, at Azusa Now. "Having spent 30 years fasting and praying for revival, I am stunned to witness the corporate anticipation of a bold, new Jesus movement arising from every sector of the Body of Christ," says Lou Engle. "Revival hangs heavy in the air, waiting to fall with an explosion of evangelism, racial healing, awakening, and miracles." Visit www.god.tv/azusanow for more information. United Cry: DC16 on GOD TV on April 10, 2016 United Cry is a mass event at the Lincoln Memorial that aims to bring 30,000 pastors to the US capital to pray for America's future. Viewers can join thousands of church leaders on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. as they intercede for America, asking God for forgiveness, blessing and spiritual awakening for the nation. Prayers of repentance will be led by many Christian leaders declaring the USA to be "One Nation, Under God." Speakers include: Anne Graham Lotz, Ed Silvoso, Jonathan Cahn, Alveda King, Harry Jackson, Jim Garlow, Doug Stringer, Dick Eastman and many others. Worship will be led by the Gateway Music Teams, Rita Springer, Roy Fields and Forever Jones. "America's future is in danger. The polls show people are worried about the economy, jobs, families, terrorism, racial conflict and the attacks on Biblical values," says the Founder of United Cry DC16, Lewis Hogan. "We believe that only a united church can help heal a divided America." Viewers can watch United Cry LIVE online on April 9 or on air on GOD TV the next day. See www.god.tv/unitedcry for more information. Broadcast times for Azusa Now and United Cry can be found at god.tv, where both events will be available for video on demand viewing. GOD TV can be watched throughout the USA on channel 365 of DIRECTV and channel 103 of Glorystar as well as on cable in some cities. Viewers can also access GOD TV's webstream on their smartphone via the GOD TV App; computer (god.tv); or TV screen, (Apple TV and Roku). About GOD TV: GOD TV took to the airwaves in the UK in 1995 and now transmits from Jerusalem to a global reach of some 900 million people. The network's worldwide broadcast license is held by Angel Christian Television Trust Inc, a US not-for-profit corporation and GOD TV has offices in Kansas City, MO and Orlando, FL. GOD TV is owned by several Angel Charities internationally, which in addition to the network's media outreach, assist people in the developing world. GOD TV adheres to the Evangelical Alliance Basis of Faith. Its signal is broadcast Free To Air (FTA) and is accessible to all. Contact: GOD TV's Communications Officer, Al Gibson at agibson@god.tv tel:407 862 5084 GOD TV Broadcast HQ: Jerusalem, Israel. International offices: USA (Orlando, Florida; Kansas City, Missouri) UK & Ireland (Plymouth, England), Europe (Hamburg, Germany), Asia & Middle East (Chennai, India; Sri Lanka), Africa (Cape Town, South Africa; Nairobi, Kenya), Australasia (Melbourne, Australia). JACKSON, Ga. Georgia was preparing Thursday night to execute a Death Row inmate convicted of beating another man to death while trying to steal his car keys after a night of drinking and drug use. Joshua Bishop was scheduled to die Thursday night at the state prison in Jackson by injection of the barbiturate pentobarbital. The 41-year-old inmate was convicted in the June 1994 killing of Leverett Morrison in Milledgeville. The State Board of Pardons and Paroles issued an order Thursday morning denying Bishop clemency, a day after a hearing on the request. As is customary, the board didnt provide any reason for its denial other than its members considered the facts and circumstances of the case. The board is Georgias only entity authorized to commute a death sentence. Bishops lawyers also turned to the courts for relief. To sentence him to death, jurors were required to find that Bishop killed, intended to kill, or intended to aid in the killing of Morrison, his lawyers argued. The judges instructions to the jury prior to sentencing were ambiguous and the jury failed to make the necessary findings of fact, his lawyers argued. For that reason, his death sentence is unconstitutional and his execution would constitute a miscarriage of justice, they wrote in court filings. A Superior Court judge in Butts County, where Georgias Death Row is located, and the Georgia Supreme Court rejected that challenge. Bishops lawyers were appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court. Bishop spent June 19, 1994, drinking and using drugs with Morrison and a third man, Mark Braxley. They drank at a bar that evening and then went to Braxleys trailer, where they continued to drink and use drugs. Morrison fell asleep and Braxley decided he wanted to take Morrisons Jeep to visit his girlfriend and instructed Bishop to take his keys. Morrison woke up as Bishop was trying to take his keys from his pocket, and Bishop hit him over the head with a piece of a closet rod to knock him out, according to court filings. Bishop told investigators he and Braxley both beat Morrison and, once they realized he was dead, they dumped his body between two trash bins and burned his Jeep. Braxley got life in prison. HUNTSVILLE, Texas A federal appeals court Wednesday stopped the scheduled lethal injection of a former accountant hours before he was to be executed for gunning down his two young daughters in Dallas 15 years ago while his ex-wife their mother was listening helplessly on the phone. Attorneys for John David Battaglia argued that he deserved a court-appointed attorney to investigate claims that he may be mentally incompetent for execution and that a hearing should be held on those assertions. The U.S. Court of Appeals in New Orleans agreed, halting the punishment about seven hours before Battaglia, 60, was scheduled to be taken to the Texas death chamber. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that a prisoner can be executed if hes aware that the death penalty is set to be carried out and understands why hes facing the ultimate sentence. The appeals court said Battaglia has presented some evidence of mental illness and delusions, although it was not clear if he was incompetent. His newly appointed counsel may locate and produce more evidence, the three-judge appellate court panel said in a 10-page ruling halting the execution. The state of Texas said it had no plans to appeal. Battaglia was convicted of killing his daughters, Faith, 9, and Liberty, 6. Authorities said the slayings were revenge for their mothers complaints to Battaglias parole officer that led to a warrant for his arrest. Evidence showed that at the time of the shootings, Battaglia was on probation for a Christmas 1999 attack on his estranged wife, Mary Jean Pearle, the girls mother. Their divorce was finalized the following August. Around Easter 2001, Battaglia called Pearle, swearing at her and calling her names, a violation of his probation. She reported the incident to his probation officer and Battaglia learned on May 2, 2001, that an arrest warrant had been issued. That evening, Pearle left their daughters with him for a planned dinner. She soon received a message that one of the girls had called for her. Pearle returned the call and Battaglia put her on speakerphone, telling Faith to ask her mother: Why do you want Daddy to go to jail? Pearle heard the child cry out: No, Daddy, please dont, dont do it. Pearle yelled into the phone for the girls to run and heard gunshots, followed by Battaglia telling her: Merry ... Christmas, the words divided by an obscenity. After hearing more gunfire, Pearle hung up and called 911. Evidence showed Faith was shot three times, Liberty five. A semiautomatic pistol found near the kitchen door was among more than a dozen firearms recovered from Battaglias apartment. Hours later, Battaglia was arrested leaving a tattoo shop where he had two large red roses inked on his left arm to commemorate his daughters. Nine convicted killers have been executed in the U.S. this year, five in Texas. Three young drifters accused of killing a Canadian tourist in San Franciscos Golden Gate Park and a hiker near Fairfax will not face the death penalty in their upcoming murder trial, the Marin County District Attorneys Office announced Wednesday. The defendants Morrison Haze Lampley, 23, Sean Michael Angold, 24, and 18-year-old Lila Scott Alligood were charged with two counts of capital murder in the deaths of Audrey Carey, a 23-year-old backpacker from Quebec, and Steve Carter, 67, a well-known tantra teacher and massage therapist. The six attorneys representing Lampley, Angold and Alligood were notified Wednesday their clients would now face life in prison without the possibility of parole. Marin County District Attorney Edward Berberian said he ultimately made the decision not to seek the death penalty after reviewing California statues, confirming a national DNA database search showed the suspects were not connected to any open cases, getting police input and reaching out to the victims families. We have spoken to both families, Berberian said Wednesday. They both happen to be families who were not looking for death as a punishment. Careys body was found in Golden Gate Park on Oct. 3. Authorities said the defendants shot, beat and robbed her the night before, on the same weekend that hundreds of thousands of people flocked to the park for the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival. On Oct. 5, Carter was shot to death while walking his dog on a Marin County fire trail, authorities said. Investigators later found the drifters in Oregon, where they were arrested. Haight Street residents reported the three murder suspects frequented the area, although they were unwelcome because of their alleged drug use and petty theft attempts. A preliminary hearing in the case is set for May 9. San Francisco Chronicle staff writer Vivian Ho contributed to this report. Jenna Lyons is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jlyons@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JennaJourno BEIRUT Air strikes hit near a school and a hospital east of the Syrian capital of Damascus on Wednesday, killing at least 23 people in one of the deadliest incidents involving civilians since a partial cease-fire took effect in the war-torn country more than a month ago, pro-opposition activists said Thursday. British Foreign Minister Philip Hammond, meanwhile, scoffed at Syrian President Bashar Assads remarks offering a national unity government with some members of the opposition. Instead, Britains top diplomat said a transitional government with full powers was the only way forward in Syria. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Wednesdays casualties near the capital were caused by a series of air strikes that struck the rebel-held town of Deir al-Asafir, which lies east of Damascus in an area known as Eastern Ghouta. Four children and a civil defense worker were among the victims, the Observatory said. The Local Coordination Committees, another opposition activist group, put the death toll from the air strikes at 17. The civil defense, also known in opposition-held parts of Syria as the White Helmets, confirmed that one of their volunteers, Mohammad Ghourani, died while carrying out his duties. It was not immediately clear who was behind the air strikes. The government says al Qaedas branch in Syria, the Al-Nusra Front, operates in the eastern suburbs of Damascus. The militant group and its rival, the Islamic State group, are both excluded from a cease-fire that has been in place in Syria for a month. The Syrian opposition says the Assad government has been targeting civilians despite the truce. The Syrian National Coalition, an opposition group, denounced the massacre in Deir al-Asafir, saying it threatened to derail the cease-fire and peace talks that are scheduled to resume in Geneva in two weeks. This crime is the latest in a series of actions that aim to consecrate ongoing violations of the cease-fire, the coalition said. The observatory says around 2,700 families live in Deir al-Asafir. Government troops have been trying to encircle the town for weeks. There was no immediate reaction from the Syrian government, which rarely comments on security issues. The talks in Geneva are meant to start a political process for transition in Syria away from Assad. In comments made in an interview with Russias state news agency Sputnik, however, Assad rejected a key opposition demand for a transitional ruling body with full powers, which major powers agreed on at a Geneva conference in June 2012. He proposed instead a national unity government that comprises government loyalists and members of the opposition. Assad also said he is ready to hold a snap presidential election if the people call for it. But the proposal was quickly shot down by the opposition, which said sharing power with Assad is absolutely out of the question. For some time, administrators at the California College of the Arts have quietly acknowledged a desire to move from the schools historic campus in Oakland to consolidate operations at its San Francisco facility, just north of Potrero Hill. But with the idea being openly discussed at a CCA fundraising event last week, it seemed time to get President Stephen Beal on the record. In a phone interview late Monday, Beal confirmed that the plan is to complete such a move sometime within the next five years, though he cautioned that it is all contingent upon a lot of moving pieces. Thats the goal, and has been the goal for some years, Beal said. Its only recently that we are beginning to see a pathway. The college has worked with Gensler, an architecture and planning firm, for about a year on a specific strategy. Last month, the college discreetly posted on its website a road map titled Framing the Future that outlines various options in broad strokes (as well as plenty of detail, readable between the lines). In addition to instructional facilities and studios that would be built around the former Greyhound bus maintenance building that now houses most San Francisco operations, Beal said student housing would be a priority. Were allowed to build up to 750 beds on the campus, he said. Added to existing housing nearby, such a development would bring the total to about 1,000 students living on or near the campus. The college is now working with design architect Mark Jensen to further develop the plan and to try to drill down on what the costs might be. It is also testing the waters for a capital campaign to meet those costs. Among the 100,000 square feet of facilities on 5 acres in Oakland that could be on the block (or repurposed for such mission-aligned uses as a potential partnership with the nonprofit Summit charter schools) is CCAs historic original home. The Treadwell Mansion (Macky Hall), built around 1875, is on the National Register of Historic Places; founder Frederick Meyer moved his school long known as the California College of Arts and Crafts there in 1922. The California College of the Arts is one of two highly respected, nonprofit art colleges in the Bay Area (the other is the San Francisco Art Institute), not to be confused with the for-profit art schools that have been in the news. Art and commerce: Can a critic publicly confess that he is unsure of what he thinks about developments in his field? Im of two minds on two recent news items, both of which relate surprise! to the relationship of money to art in San Francisco. The first of these is the announcement that the de Young Museum has instituted a $50 premium admission price for the exhibition Oscar de la Renta: The Retrospective, on view through May 30. The ticket gets the bearer through the turnstile at any time during a specific day for maximum flexibility. Regardless of the absolute value of the exhibition itself (I was underwhelmed) or the real versus perceived inflexibility of entry times (my wife and I visited another gallery for 45 minutes on Easter Sunday, then pretty much strolled into the show), I wonder about the message sent by the ticket price. On the one hand, it tells the member, Others will pay 50 bucks for this! On the other, it says, Those who pay more get to jump the line ahead of you. As an old museum hand, I applaud any new way to squeeze a few more dollars from those who can afford it, to support easier tariffs for the have-nots. And were used to it: Airline ticketing works the same way. Yeah, that. The other item that has me queasy is the launch of a new art fair in San Francisco. Untitled, a successful annual event in Miami for the past four years, will be presented Jan. 12-17, 2017, at Pier 70. Now, the attention is certainly flattering. And the market for works of art helps drive much of the rest of the art world, with fairs becoming ever more influential. Finally, Untitled is one of the better of the dozen or so Miami Beach fairs. Im still not convinced, however, that the mind-numbing monotony and the undisguised commercial hunger of most fairs is any way to build a sustainable, knowledgeable audience for the best in art. Whether the Bay Area needs another fair there are at least five each year, between San Francisco and Silicon Valley is a question for the owners of such events (I favor the Fog art fair that returns Jan. 11-15 at least its run for the benefit of a museum, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art). But our fragile, recently reseeded gallery ecology may not do best among overheated competition. Queer: In my first five months at The Chronicle, I have been surprised by a pleasant side benefit of working here: the steady stream of ideas that washes through the office that I share as a base with 10 other critics. It comes in the form of conversation, and a constant flow of mailed and emailed suggestions, announcements and comments. It comes as well, Im pleased to say, in the bound form of books. For the book is often, despite the many assets and attractions of the Internet, the best surrogate for the direct experience of art and its presentation in exhibition. I value the regular packages I receive from MIT Press for a somewhat different reason. These tend not to be picture books, but more likely whole seminars in advanced theory topics, packed between sober but attractive covers. One extraordinary series is called Documents of Contemporary Art, which MIT co-publishes with Whitechapel Gallery, Londons 115-year-old contemporary art space. With titles like Failure and Utopias, the series gathers key essays and, sometimes, just snippets related to current art and ideas. Queer, out this month, is a fascinating collection, useful as art history and politically thrilling as an LGBTQ polemic against societys definition of what is normative. The theme is set early on, in a 1927 extract from Jean Cocteaus The White Book (republished in 1989 by our own City Lights). He writes, I will not agree to be tolerated. This damages my love of love and of liberty. John Waters, curator and filmmaker: Im excited to see the John Waters-curated exhibition Home Improvements at Fraenkel Gallerys new FraenkelLAB, which opens April 15. In conjunction with the exhibition, the Roxie Theater will present Waters so-called trash trilogy Pink Flamingos (1972), Female Trouble (1974) and Desperate Living (1977) the way they were meant to be seen: late at night, in a darkened theater, in 35mm. The program runs over several evenings, beginning Monday, April 4. Last chances: The relatively young Chandran Gallerys good-looking, super-smart show of the work of witch-wives Swoon and Monica Canilao, reviewed in February, closes April 1. The last gasp of San Franciscos citywide celebration of David Ireland, a show of works on paper, has been extended at Telegraph Hill Gallery through April 8. ... And Weinstein Gallerys wildly uneven, but worth sorting through, fifth solo exhibition of the work of the late-period Surrealist artist Enrico Donati is on view through April 9. Charles Desmarais is The San Francisco Chronicles art critic. Email: cdesmarais@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Artguy1 home US Senate votes 36-14 to pass Mississippi Church Protection Act The Senate has passed the Mississippi Church Protection Act which will allow security staff to carry concealed weapons in church and also nullify gun limits. Sen. Hillman Frazier (D-Jackson), who is against the Mississippi Church Protection Act, quoted from the Bible and displayed a sheath sword while presenting his argument. For Frazier, the church must not be used to pass gun laws, The Clarion Ledger reports. "We don't need to pimp the church for political purposes," said Frazier. "If you want to pass gun laws, do that, but don't use the church." Sen. Sean Tindell (R-Gulfport), explained that the Mississippi Church Protection Act will give the church permission to have security personnel for protection. He cited the recent violent shootings at churches as a basis for the need of the conceal carry bill, the report relays. During the debate, Sen. Hob Bryan (D-Amory) questioned Tindell's law background and asked if his law school taught that the Mississippi constitution is above federal law. He called Tindell's argument "embarrassing," and said the senator is wrong about the matter. However, Tindell gained applause from other lawmakers when he responded positively to a question on whether the Mississippi constitution could challenge executive orders not passed by Congress, the report details. The newly passed bill provides an expansion to a measure previously passed to allow concealed guns to be carried without a permit in a purse or briefcase, and another bill that allowed open carry in public. Not only that, the Church Protection Act will provide legal and criminal protection for the designated church sergeant-at-arms, ABC News details. Moreover, the bill will prohibit authorities in Mississippi from enforcing any administrative or federal executive order that will go against the U.S. Constitution and the Mississippi constitution. At the end of the arguments, the Senate voted 36-14 in favor of passing an amended version of House Bill 786 sponsored by Rep. Andy Gipson (R-Braxton). The bill is now headed back to the House to undergo further deliberation. For full functionality of this site it is necessary to enable JavaScript. Here are the instructions how to enable JavaScript in your web browser This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate MONTEREY, Calif. A former Naval Postgraduate School professor pleaded guilty Wednesday to murdering his wife in Monterey and dismembering her body. Lawrence Jones will be sentenced to serve 50 years to life in state prison for the 2012 murder, prosecutors said. Lawrence Jones, 74, was an NPS professor on sabbatical when his 29-year-old wife, Norife Herrera Jones, was found dead in Aromas. Prosecutors said the estranged husband and wife got into an argument over a divorce settlement and the professor launched into a manic rage. The argument happened inside their house at 115 Spray Ave. in Monterey on Aug. 31, 2012. "In a manic rage, he struck the victim with a blunt object, rendering her unconscious," prosecutors said. Norife Herrera Jones was unconscious for five days. On Sept. 5, "after realizing what he had done, (he) shot the victim in the head and lower torso with a shotgun," prosecutors said. Lawrence Jones dismembered her body with a hacksaw and ax, put the body parts into the trunk of a Honda and dumped her remains along Cannon Road in Aromas, according to testimony. Neighbors said the couple could often be heard arguing, and they described the marriage as a volatile, ticking time bomb ready to explode. Norife Herrera Jones' body was found on Sept. 7, 2012. FBI agents raided the upscale oceanfront house near Del Monte Beach and found blood in several rooms. Investigators also discovered that the professor had left town. Monterey Police Department officers and Los Angeles Sheriff's deputies tracked Lawrence Jones to a Los Angeles hotel near an airport. He had for a flight scheduled to depart to Rio de Janiero, Brazil, but was arrested before he could get on the plane. According to Norife Herrera Jones' online resume, she earned a master's degree in business administration from a university in Singapore and formerly lived in the Philippines. Sentencing for the case is complicated because prosecutors also charged the former professor with attempted murder for the Aug. 31 beating. On Wednesday, Lawrence Jones pleaded guilty to the Sept. 5 premeditated murder, and pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the Aug. 31 premeditated attempted murder. On May 18, Monterey County Judge Julie Culver will send Lawrence Jones to a state mental hospital for his mental status to be evaluated. When he is determined to be sane, he will be sentenced to serve 50 years to life in prison, prosecutors said. This article originally appeared on KSBW.com This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The final three weeks of Walter Roches life last September were, like much of his previous decade, violent and chaotic, complicated by mental illness and repeated encounters with law enforcement. Roches, 32, had completed a state prison sentence for domestic violence. Afterward, he was placed in the Evans Lane Wellness and Recovery Center, a San Jose facility that, among other things, treats mentally ill parolees. On Sept. 5, over Labor Day weekend, Roches was arrested and charged with battery after a physical and sexual altercation at Evans Lane. He was sent to the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, where he reportedly assaulted two staff members, according to arrest records. Roches spent the next two weeks in the jails general population, where he reportedly refused to take a drug prescribed to treat him for psychotic behavior. Jail staff initially noted him to be clean and exhibiting good speech. But he rapidly deteriorated, and on Sept. 16 was described as poorly groomed and disheveled, according to the coroners report on his death. Three days after that observation, Roches was released. He wasnt on the street for long, though. Milpitas police arrested him the next day for assault and battery, and public drunkenness. Back at Santa Clara County Jail, staff found Roches had deteriorated further. After noting his refusal to talk, shower or cooperate with other requests later reports described Roches as catatonic the staff decided to move him to the jails psychiatric ward. The officers commanded him to come out of his cell, but he didnt respond. Because of his psychosis, Roches may not have understood the commands or been able to respond, said Dr. Michelle Jorden, an assistant medical examiner in Santa Clara County. So the officers tried pepper spray. Roches did not respond. Next, they threw a canister of tear gas through the food slot in the cell door. No response. Then using an FN303 less lethal firearm, the officers shot three times through the food slot, hitting Roches with plastic projectiles. He still didnt respond. Finally, the officers opened the door. Roches remained mute and did not struggle during the cell extraction or when the officers escorted him out, Jorden said. As part of her investigation she saw a video of the incident, which is not publicly available. Roches died in the jail a week later. While conducting an autopsy, Jorden found Roches had suffered head trauma and had dozens of bruises on his torso and arms, ranging in size from less than an inch to a 12-by-7.5-inch bruise on his abdomen. But Jorden said Roches did not die from those injuries. He died from an untreated mental illness and sepsis from an untreated urinary tract infection, according to her report. Roches had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia in the past. Jorden said he became acutely manic while at the jail, which raised his heart rate and blood pressure. Over time the body can take so much, she said, and then you can enter into an exhaustive stage and exhibit circulatory collapse. Being subject to force would have heightened and accelerated the process. The FBI is now investigating the deaths of Roches, another mentally ill inmate and additional complaints about Santa Clara jails. At the time of Roches death, Santa Clara County had the equivalent of one and a half psychiatrists for between about 3,500 and 4,000 inmates. Judges, lawyers, correctional officers and advocates agree that it could take weeks or months for an inmate to see a psychiatrist. Kelly Knapp, an attorney with the Prison Law Office, filed a class action lawsuit in November against Santa Clara County for inhumane conditions. There are some serious questions about whether [Roches] was capable of refusing care or whether he should have been involuntarily medicated, Knapp said. Roches death occurred just a month after another mentally ill man died in the same jail following what investigators say was a brutal beating at the hands of three guards. That case led to murder charges and unprecedented scrutiny of how the jail handles mentally ill inmates. The Death of Michael Tyree That other inmate, 31-year-old Michael Tyree, was sentenced to five days in jail for violating probation on a minor drug charge in August. Judge Stephen Manley presides over Santa Clara Countys mental health court and sentenced Tyree, who struggled with bipolar disorder and addiction. Manley said he wanted to send Tyree to a treatment center, but there were no beds available at the time. The coroners report shows that Tyree died of blunt force trauma, including severe internal bleeding. During a preliminary hearing, Dr. Joseph OHara of the county Medical Examiner-Coroners Office testified that the most brutal of Tyrees injuries were equivalent to being hit with a truck. OHara testified that Tyree could not have caused his own fatal injuries, which the deputies defense attorneys argued. During the hearing, Tyrees sister Elizabeth Ott reacted to seeing photographs of her brother lying naked on the cell floor and covered with feces, vomit and bruises. It was really horrible, she said through tears outside the courthouse. I dont know what would possess somebody to do such a horrible thing to anybody. He was a person, he was valued, he was loved. When asked about Tyrees death, Santa Clara Sheriff Laurie Smith responded, Youre asking me how it could have happened? It was a crime. Its being prosecuted. We did a thorough investigation, we made arrests within a week. Its a horrible crime. An independent commission was created to investigate the jail. Attorneys for that body recently interviewed nearly a thousand inmates, dozens of jail staff and one inmates family. In their report, attorneys said numerous inmates complained that correctional officers beat mentally ill inmates to set an example for other prisoners about what behavior they will and wont tolerate. Those prisoners are targeted, fellow inmates say, because guards do not think mentally ill inmates will report the abuse. Some guards continue to abuse mentally ill offenders, according to the report. Smith says her department is investigating. Were getting additional grievances, she said. Were getting additional allegations. Weve added staff to our internal affairs unit, to our detective unit, and were committed to following up everything. Correctional officers said at commission meetings that mentally ill inmates housed in general population dormitories often suffer violence at the hands of fellow prisoners. Sean Allen, a correctional officer suing the sheriffs office for workplace discrimination, is concerned that mentally ill inmates are routinely housed with the general population. He says mentally ill inmates will kick the doors sometimes in some cases all night disrupting a dorm of 60 to 90 people. So when you open the doors youll find violence because these people will attack this person. Allen says that when correctional officers try to move mentally ill inmates to the jails psychiatric unit, theyre often told theres no room. Well write these mental health referrals, multiple on one particular person, and mental health will go, Eh, we dont have the space upstairs, Allen said. Judge Manley is also concerned about the psychiatric wards capacity. The waiting list to place people in treatment outside of the jail is roughly the same now as it was six months ago, he said. Its anywhere from 90 to 150 people that Ive ordered released into custody, from custody into treatment, who are not released because there is no treatment. Currently, the psychiatric ward can serve 139 inmates. In February, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors voted to double the number of beds for mentally ill inmates in a planned new jail facility. The independent commission, including Manley, called on Saturday for the Board of Supervisors to take immediate steps to change the jail leadership. The Blue Ribbon Commission has learned that the myriad problems in the operation of the jails are not recent, but have been ongoing for some time. The problems range from, but are not limited to, mismanagement of the Inmate Welfare Fund, a broken grievance/complaint process, a flawed classification system, a broken medical and mental health system for inmates, a problematic custody input report process, a fear of retaliation by both correctional officers and inmates, a stunning lack of transparency in the jail operations and the murder of Michael Tyree. The Board of Supervisors should acknowledge that the operation of the jails under the current leadership has been a failure for the inmates, for the correctional officers and for the Taxpayers, the commissioners wrote in a report. A Growing Statewide Problem Californias jails were built to hold inmates for relatively short sentences usually just a few months. But a change in state law five years ago, known as realignment, shifted more felons to local jails and out of the overcrowded state prisons. In May 2011, the average daily population of jails was 69,406; in May 2015, it was 73,301. Since realignment, the state has provided more than $2.2 billion to counties to help build new correctional facilities, hire staff or create programming. But one of the biggest changes that local law enforcement is grappling with is holding offenders for long periods of time. Im not just dealing with somebody for 90 days. Im dealing with somebody for possibly two years, says Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean, who chairs a state committee to revise jail regulations. Thats had an impact on mentally ill inmates. Dean says that theres a big difference between holding someone who is mentally ill for several months and holding that person for several years. You look at more of a long-term treatment program, maybe a different application of medication that might help them, and then what kind of long-term programming to provide, Dean said. No one knows how many of the roughly 73,300 people in Californias jails on a daily basis are suffering from mental illness or how many of them are receiving treatment. The Board of State and Community Corrections oversees county jails from the statewide level. It collects data using a voluntary survey, including information on mental health cases and psychotropic medications. However, the agencys staff say that some counties have interpreted what constitutes a mental health case differently. In 2010 an average of 247 county jail inmates received mental health care on a daily basis statewide, compared with 343 in 2014. During the same time period, 166 inmates received psychotropic medications on a daily basis in 2010, compared with 238 in 2014. However, the information has gaps. Out of almost five full years of data from the voluntary BSCC survey, counties did not report how many inmates they treated for mental illness almost one quarter of the time, and also did not report on how many inmates received psychotropic medications 16 percent of the time. More inmates are also dying in jails. In 2014, 153 inmates died in custody of county jails, compared to 120 in 2010, according to state Department of Justice data. Statistics suggest that inmates commit suicide at a higher rate in jails. In 2014, 38 inmates committed suicide while in custody of county jails, accounting for nearly 25 percent of deaths, compared to the 23 inmates who committed suicide while in custody of state prisons, accounting for 7 percent of deaths. There are seven deaths that occurred in 2014 in state jails the cause of which are still being investigated. Special Assistant Attorney General Justin Erlich oversees the state Department of Justice open data project. He says mental illness could be a contributing factor in the increase of in-custody deaths. Weve got a lot of work to do around the mental health and physical health of inmates in county jails, he said. When you know something is happening, but you dont know the extent of the problem, it can inhibit progress. On Wednesday, a committee will discuss some of the first proposed changes to Title 15, the state law that sets minimum standards for jails, since realignment. Sheriff Dean of Ventura County chairs the committee. One proposal is to mandate training for all correctional staff who screen incoming inmates for mental illness. This would be part of an eight-hour training session that would include reviewing minimum jail standards and operations within the first six months of employment. Manley says that training all correctional staff is imperative. I dont know anywhere in California they are receiving the appropriate training, and that has to change, Manley said. The culture has to change to understand that mentally ill offenders are very difficult to work with. They are not easy to work with and they take a lot of time, a lot of patience, and they take some compassion. And these are all things that can be taught and can be learned. But you have to be willing to do it. The committee also proposed expanding efforts to prevent suicide. However, no changes have been proposed to restrict the use of force. Advocates for mentally ill inmates want the Board of State and Community Corrections to make far more dramatic changes in how the jails are run. The BSCC is rejecting or failing to implement substantive changes that would ensure people with mental illness receive adequate mental health care and are not at risk of harm from suicide, solitary confinement, lengthy use of restraints and disciplinary actions for behaviors they cannot control, says Knapp of the Prison Law Office. Judge Manley says that making jails safer for mentally ill inmates is not enough. Jails are for punishment. After punishment you have to look at rehabilitation and treatment, he said. When mentally ill offenders have served their punishment time and there is no treatment for them, they simply recycle back through the jail. So we are not doing anything to promote public safety and we are not doing anything to improve the mental health of those individuals who are incarcerated. Don Clyde, Alex Cwalinski, Amy Mostafa, Peter Jon Shuler and Nicole West of KQED News contributed to this report. This article was produced as a project for the California Data Fellowship, a program of the Center for Health Journalism at the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. Mexican soldiers, working with Border Patrol agents, seized more than three tons of pot over the weekend, the agency announced Thursday. At 8 p.m. Saturday, Border Patrol agents near Zapata saw a group of people loading bundles onto two boats on the Mexican side of the border. Zapata, downstream from Laredo, is on Falcon International Reservoir, a dammed segment of the Rio Grande. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle After three days of howling winds on the open ocean, the marine forecast shows much improved conditions for Saturdays opening of the salmon season out of the Golden Gate. The ocean also cooled off 6 degrees in a week. From Point Reyes in Marin to Pigeon Point in San Mateo County and out 10 miles, the marine forecast calls for winds out of the northwest at 10 knots with a swell 4 to 6 feet. Sunday looks even better, with a westerly swell 3 to 5 feet. The marine division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration provided the forecast. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate SACRAMENTO In votes that drew cheers from low-wage workers inside and outside the state Capitol on Thursday, Democrats swiftly pushed a bill through the Legislature to raise the state minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2022. Almost immediately, Gov. Jerry Brown announced he would sign it at a ceremony Monday in Los Angeles. The bill, SB3 by Sen. Mark Leno, D-San Francisco, drew opposition from Republicans not one of whom voted for it in the Senate or Assembly and business-group leaders who said it will force job cuts and higher prices for consumers. To suggest somehow we are going to hurt the very people we plan to help, I want to remind you where the Fight for 15 came from. It came from those workers, said Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, D-San Diego. I have not found one (person) who says, Please, just keep my wages low; I like to show up at the county offices every month to get a handout from the government. That is not what workers want or what they deserve. The legislative action coincided with the Cesar Chavez state holiday, and lawmakers paid tribute to the labor leader just before they voted. The highest state minimum wage in the nation is Washington, D.C.s at $10.50 an hour and California is expected to surpass it with SB3. The more-moderate Assembly passed the bill in a 48-26 vote. Three Democrats voted against the bill or abstained, with those members facing tough re-election fights in Republican-heavy districts or representing the economically hard-hit Central Valley. In the Senate, the bill passed 26-12 along party lines. Dozens of low-wage workers crowded into and around the statehouse and celebrated the bills passage. I had to go steal me a roll of toilet paper just now, because Im broke, said Jodi Simpson of Sacramento, who works as a maid at a hotel for minimum wage. After I pay my bills, on a good month, I have $100 left: Thats toilet paper, toothpaste and soap. ... That $15 is a boost up. It wont cure everything, but at least I can sleep a little more instead of having to work so much and stress. Republicans and some Democrats criticized Brown and legislative leaders for rushing the bill, which many lawmakers first heard about over the weekend when news broke about a deal between labor leaders and legislative leaders. On Monday, Brown, labor leaders and leading lawmakers officially announced the deal to adopt the law in order to keep labors more aggressive measure to increase wages from appearing on the November ballot. That ballot initiative, sponsored by Service Employees International Union United Healthcare Workers West, sought to increase the minimum wage to $15 a year by 2021, a year earlier than SB3. There are people that have to pay these wages that are barely hanging on as it is, said Assemblywoman Susan Eggman, D-Stockton, who voted in favor of the bill despite voicing reservations. Our economy in my district is just starting to pick up. Assemblyman Jim Cooper, D-Elk Grove (Sacramento County), said the vote was difficult for many Democrats, despite passing with seven votes to spare in the Assembly. The majority of people believe there should be some kind of minimum-wage increase, said Cooper, who leads the moderate Democratic caucus. The issue was with process, which was flawed. Republican lawmakers cautioned that the bill would hurt workers. That college student who is using that part-time job to go to Yuba College in my district to try to get some more skills so they can go on to the next level that job is going to disappear, said Assemblyman James Gallagher, R-Plumas Lake (Yuba County). Democratic Assemblymen Tom Daly of Anaheim and Adam Gray of Merced voted against the bill, while Rudy Salas of Bakersfield abstained. Gray said the bill needed more careful vetting to ensure that the state has the money to pay for the wage increases for its own employees. He said with temporary taxes under Prop. 30 set to expire, he didnt want to add to the states budget problems. You know, $15 an hour is not the same in San Francisco as it is in Merced, Gray said. I would argue in San Francisco its not high enough and in Merced it may be too high. As far as regional economies, this bill made no effort to address that. SB3 will increase the minimum wage to $10.50 an hour in 2017 and $11 in 2018; then it will go up an additional $1 an hour every year until reaching $15 in 2022. After that, it will be tied to the Consumer Price Index and rise up to 3.5 percent each year. Small businesses with 25 or fewer employees have an extra year, until 2023, to reach the $15 wage level. Brown said the wage increase his office helped negotiate includes an off-ramp that was critical to winning his support. That clause allows the governor to put wage hikes on hold if there is an economic downturn. Brown has warned of an impending recession, and under SB3, the governor can stop a scheduled wage increase if his Department of Finance forecasters predict job losses, falling retail sales or a budget deficit of more than 1 percent of annual revenue. The governor would have to act by Sept. 1 of a given year to delay an increase to the minimum wage for the following year. Melody Gutierrez is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mgutierrez@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @MelodyGutierrez BRUSSELS A laptop used by one of the Brussels bombers contained images of the Belgian prime ministers home and office, an official said Wednesday, heightening fears after last weeks attacks on the airport and subway system. A government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation is ongoing, said that it is alarming that they were apparently scouting the terrain around the lush Royal Park where both his office, Le 16, and his Lambermont residence are located. In Paris, authorities filed preliminary terrorism charges Wednesday against a 34-year-old Frenchman for allegedly plotting an imminent attack and operating an explosives arsenal of what prosecutors called an unprecedented scale. Security around Belgium Prime Minister Charles Michel has increased since the Nov. 13 attacks in Paris and in Brussels last week. Michel also has had several unspecified death threats over the past years, the official said. A laptop found near the hideout of the suspects of the March 22 airport bombing first gained notoriety because it contained a sort of will of suicide bomber Ibrahim El Bakraoui, in which he spoke of being in a haste and no longer know what to do. The computer was also full of stuff on many locations around Brussels in information garnered from the Internet, said an official linked to the investigation. The official, who asked not to be identified because the investigation is ongoing, said that at the moment there were absolutely no specific indications that Michel was under threat from the attackers. The report was first published by De Tijd and LEcho newspapers. In propaganda material distributed Tuesday, the Islamic State group described the Brussels attacks as part of a war against all their tyrants and pagans; a war against secularism. The material showed a cropped still of surveillance footage showing the two airport bombers. The attacker who escaped with his life, wearing a dark hat, was cropped out. Its most important results are that it showed the fragility of the security systems of the European states that claim they are the strongest in the world, and this was through the type of operation, its timing, its place, and the circumstances surrounding it, and the nature of those who executed it, the material said, according to a translation Wednesday by the SITE Intelligence Group. In all, 32 people died in the attacks on Brussels international airport and the Maelbeek subway station and 87 remained in hospital. Three attackers were killed when their bombs exploded and police are looking for at least one more suspect. Meanwhile, Paris Prosecutor Francois Molins said Wednesday that Frenchman Reda Kriket is accused of participating in a terrorist group with plans for at least one attack, possessing and transporting arms and explosives, and holding fake documents, among other charges. Kriket will stay in custody while magistrates continue investigating the case and determine whether to send him to trial. Kriket is believed to have traveled to Syria in 2014 and 2015 and made several trips between France and Belgium and the Netherlands, Molins said. WASHINGTON President Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged Thursday to cooperate to confront the North Korean nuclear threat while working to narrow persistent differences over cybersecurity, human rights and maritime conflicts. Obama, opening a global nuclear security summit near the White House, also joined leaders of Japan and South Korea in calling for further joint steps to deter North Korea. The display of diplomatic unity came as world leaders sought to ramp up pressure on the insular countrys government following worrisome nuclear provocations. President Xi and I are both committed to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, Obama said as he and Xi sat down for a meeting on the sidelines of the summit. Were going to discuss how we can discourage actions like nuclear missile tests that escalate tensions and violate international obligations. The U.S. has long urged China, the Norths traditional ally, to take a more forceful role in pressing North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons program. The Obama administration was encouraged by Chinas role in passing new stringent U.N. sanctions punishing the North, and was urging Beijing to implement those sanctions dutifully. Yet in a nod to deep tensions between the U.S. and China, Obama said he planned to raise thornier issues during their meeting as well including the disputed South China Sea, where China is asserting territorial claims despite competing claims by its neighbors. Parroting careful diplomatic language long-preferred by Beijing, Obama said the U.S. welcomes Chinas peaceful rise to prosperity. I very much appreciate President Xis willingness to have conversations on these issues in a constructive way, Obama said. Xi, addressing reporters through a translator, said the two economic powers would keep deepening ties on trade, law enforcement and climate change. He said the U.S. and China must work together promote peace in light of the rising global terror threat. China and the U.S. have a responsibility to work together, Xi said. As for their disputes and disagreements, the Chinese leader said the two sides could seek active solutions through dialogue and consultation. As the summit opened, the U.S. said a strengthened nuclear security agreement among nations was finally set to take force following ratification by a critical mass of countries. The stricter rules include new criminal penalties for smuggling nuclear material and expanded requirements for securing materials and nuclear facilities worldwide, and are intended to reduce the likelihood of terrorists getting their hands on ingredients for a bomb. GENEVA Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon of the United Nations called Wednesday for countries to accept about half a million Syrian refugees, criticizing political leaders who have responded to the migrant crisis by demonizing asylum seekers. Ban, opening a one-day ministerial conference in Geneva convened by the U.N. refugee agency, called for an exponential increase in global solidarity and urged countries to accept about 480,000 Syrians over the next three years. Neighboring countries have done far more than their share, Ban said, alluding to the nearly 5 million refugees taken in by Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq. Others must now step up. More than 1 million refugees reached European shores last year, and the European Union has struggled to come up with a coherent and effective response to the huge influx of people fleeing conflict and persecution, most notably in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria. Attempts to criticize the new arrivals are not only demeaning, offensive and counterproductive, they are factually wrong, Ban said, emphasizing the skills and human resources they bring to host countries. I call on leaders to counter fearmongering with reassurance, and to fight inaccurate information with the truth. The U.N. refugee agency said it had received over the past two years pledges to resettle 179,000 people, so the target would require places for about 300,000 more. We are here today to appeal for additional and more diverse legal avenues for admission of Syrian refugees into different countries, Filippo Grandi, the U.N. high commissioner for refugees, said at the meeting, using the occasion to highlight failings in the international response. International donors meeting in London in February pledged $12 billion in humanitarian aid for Syrian refugees and the countries receiving them, but less than half the funds had been allocated so far, he said, calling for speedier disbursement. Moreover, Grandi said, much more is needed. Zaha Hadid, the Iraqi British architect whose curving, elongated structures left a mark on skylines around the world, and who was the first woman to win the Pritzker Prize, her professions highest honor, died in Miami on Thursday. She was 65. Ms. Hadid contracted bronchitis earlier this week and suffered a sudden heart attack while being treated in hospital, her office, Zaha Hadid Architects in London, said. Ms. Hadid, renowned for her theoretical work, created designs so complex that for the first few decades of her practice, many of her more ambitious projects were never realized, even as she gained a dedicated following among her colleagues. Many striking projects Her completed projects include the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku, Azerbaijan (2013); Guangzhou Opera House in China (2010); the London Aquatics Center, built for the 2012 Olympic Games; Maxxi, a contemporary art museum in Rome (2009); the Rosenthal Center for Contemporary Art in Cincinnati (2003); and the Vitra Fire Station in Weil Am Rhein, Germany (1993). Ms. Hadid was in many ways a path breaker. Along with being the first woman to win the Pritzker, she was the first to be awarded the RIBA Gold Medal, Britains top architecture prize, which came in 2015. She was also a role model and inspiration for generations of young architects, men and women, who wanted to become her: an architect of boundless ambition, a celebrity, and an artist with big ideas who won commissions for some of the worlds biggest, flashiest projects by the sheer force of her intelligence, creativity and personality. Ms. Hadid epitomized an era when architects became global brands. Her brand promised buildings of extravagant sculptural invention, spectacles of curving, swooping, unprecedented forms. She represented the epitome of the art of so-called parametric design, by which architects, aided by sophisticated computer programs, could animate buildings into new shapes. Museum galleries were no longer boxes. Their walls angled, their floors tilted. Ms. Hadid mixed Baroque ideas about extravagance and form with futuristic and cubist ideas about how to fracture and rearrange those forms. The results were often thrilling. They were also sometimes deeply impractical, colossally expensive and seemingly indifferent to the program at hand. Never completed Her design for the main facility for the 2020 Olympic Games, projected to be the most expensive of its kind, was scrapped last summer in a dispute over spiraling costs for the Tokyo Games. It was originally expected to cost $2.5 billion, more than twice the $1.1 billion allocated for the stadium. Ms. Hadid also designed an apartment block that will soon border the High Line, the elevated park in Manhattan. The building, Ms. Hadids first residential project in New York City, will be completed by the end of this year or early next year. Clients, journalists, fellow professionals are mesmerized by her dynamic forms and strategies for achieving a truly distinctive approach to architecture and its settings, the Pritzker jury wrote in 2004, when she was awarded the prize. Each new project is more audacious than the last and the sources of her originality seem endless. Born in Baghdad in 1950, Ms. Hadid studied mathematics at the American University of Beirut before starting her architectural studies in 1972, at the Architectural Association in London. By 1979, she had established her own practice. She was also a partner in the Office of Metropolitan Architecture with Rem Koolhaas. Her many appointments included teaching roles at Harvard, Yale, Columbia, the University of Illinois, the University of Applied Arts in Vienna and other institutions. Among her many honors were the Republic of Frances Commandeur de lOrdre des Arts et des Lettres and Japans Praemium Imperiale. In 2012, she was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire. She was also an honorary member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters and fellow of the American Institute of Architects. While many of her most notable buildings were designed outside of her native country, she was selected to design new headquarters for the central bank and parliament complex in Iraq. Neither project has been completed. Chinese agricultural investor Shanghai Pengxin has withdrawn its judicial review of the governments decision to decline its application to purchase the Lochinver sheep and beef station near Taupo, despite "a great deal of confusion" about the regulatory process. The company had wanted to test the Overseas Investment Office's use of a hypothetical alternative New Zealand purchaser when assessing its offer. However, the process was a distraction as well as a significant expense and it wanted "to devote our energies to management of our New Zealand farms, new product development and value-added exports to Asia," it said in a statement. There is a great deal of confusion in the market about this aspect of the OIO Act and we initially believed that a judicial review was the most effective path to provide much-needed clarity for sellers and potential purchasers of New Zealand farmland," said Terry Lee, the representative of Pengxin Group to New Zealand and Australia. "We now believe, however, that this need has been recognised by the government and the OIO and our preference is to take part in any discussions in the hope that changes take place to restore confidence to the market." The government scuttled Pengxin's $88 million proposed purchase of Lochinver in September last year, saying the transaction failed on the test of providing a substantial benefit to New Zealand. The decision ended a long wait for the diversified investor, owned by Chinese billionaire Jiang Zhaobai, which had agreed to buy the 13,843 hectare farm near Lake Taupo from concrete, quarrying and engineering firm Stevenson Group in 2014. Lochinver was sold in November to New Zealand farming group Rimanui Farms, and Pengxin withdrew from buying the neighbouring Taharua Farm, as well as a separate deal to buy the so-called "Pinny" farms in Northland. Jiang Zhaobai said today the judicial review was an unnecessary distraction at a time when New Zealand and China have reopened talks to upgrade their 2008 free-trade agreement. "Good relationships and the FTA between our two countries are more important than private business, he said. (BusinessDesk) BusinessDesk.co.nz Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: Mainfreight Investor Day / Market Update GFI - Greenfern - Offer closes 27th Oct MCY - Quarterly Operational Update VCT - Operational performance for the 3 months ended 30 Sept 2022 NZL - Forestry Estate Acquisition October 21st Morning Report Air New Zealand Limited Retail Bond Offer Books Close Spark welcomes C-band spectrum allocation AIA - 2022 Annual Meeting Chair & Chief Executive Addresses MOVE Completes Purchase of Vessel for Trans-Tasman Service Construction has begun on a new trans-Pacific high-speed internet cable linking New Zealand to Australia and the United States. Hawaiki Cable announced its contract with TE SubCom, the company building the 14,000 kilometre cable, had come into force. The cable will deliver more than 30 terabits per second of capacity, is expected to be finished by mid-2018 and will provide competition long-sought by some telecommunications users for the Southern Cross cable, which is part-owned by Spark NZ. The cable will link New Zealand with Sydney, Oregon and Hawaii, with options to expand it to South Pacific islands. The government committed $65 million over 25 years to secure the cable in July 2014, following the failure of Pacific Fibre, which shut up shop in 2012 when it failed to attract the $400 million it needed to fund its cable project, leaving Southern Cross Cable the only international cable network operating in New Zealand. The project is headed by Remi Galasso, a former Alcatel-Lucent executive who founded Noumea-based telecommunications infrastructure company Intelia in 2005, investor and philanthropist Eoin Edgar and Malcolm Dick, who co-founded telecommunications firm CallPlus, which was sold a year ago for $250 million to Australia's M2 Group. "The lack of an alternative cable system connecting Australia, New Zealand, and the US has long been a concern of mine, so I am delighted to be part of this project, Dick said. Having built telco businesses in both Australia and New Zealand in the past, I am very aware of the need to provide competition by being independent of the incumbent operators. This increased level of competition and capacity should make data caps a thing of the past. (BusinessDesk) BusinessDesk.co.nz Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: Mainfreight Investor Day / Market Update GFI - Greenfern - Offer closes 27th Oct MCY - Quarterly Operational Update VCT - Operational performance for the 3 months ended 30 Sept 2022 NZL - Forestry Estate Acquisition October 21st Morning Report Air New Zealand Limited Retail Bond Offer Books Close Spark welcomes C-band spectrum allocation AIA - 2022 Annual Meeting Chair & Chief Executive Addresses MOVE Completes Purchase of Vessel for Trans-Tasman Service The liquidators of the Mainzeal group of companies that started collapsing on Waitangi Day in 2013 have rejected $16.7 million of claims, or about 11 percent of what's sought by out-of-pocket creditors. BDO's Andrew Bethell, who was appointed liquidator of the Mainzeal group, said his team has reviewed 1,223 of the more than 1,400 claims from creditors owed $153 million, rejecting about a tenth of them, according to the latest report on the administration. Bethell is looking to realise any remaining receivables, and is pursuing legal action against Mainzeal's former directors, which will determine what, if anything, is paid out to creditors. The liquidator filed papers in the High Court against Mainzeal's former directors, including ex-Prime Minister Jenny Shipley, principal Richard Yan, one-time Brierley Investments head Paul Collins, Mainzeal chief Peter Gomm, and Clive Tilby, claiming they breached their duties in relation to a series of restructuring two years before Mainzeal's collapse, reckless trading, and claims against other parties. "The liquidators have secured third-party funding enabling them to conduct the litigation," Bethell said in his report. "The matter is before the court and may take a significant amount of time to reach its conclusion." All of Mainzeal's preferential creditors, including staff and Inland Revenue, have been paid, and the liquidators expect to complete their review of unsecured claims by their next report in six months. The Mainzeal liquidators have had to contend with court action from the construction group's principal, Richard Yan, who opposed the inclusion of Richina Global Real Estate (RGRE) and Isola Vineyards to the administration. Last year, the Court of Appeal upheld Yan's bid to set aside the liquidation of RGRE and exclude Isola Vineyards, saying it was premature to do so before disputed debts were determined. Prior to the hearing, the liquidators had complained about the veracity of information they had received relating to RGRE. The liquidators had previously said they were investigating RGRE's transactions with related parties in New Zealand and internationally, including the restructures of related party debts that occurred around July and December 2012, saying the commercial rationale wasnt evident. The December 2012 restructure saw the $15.2 million debt owed to Mainzeal Property & Construction transferred to MGL Trading in exchange for shares. Related companies Mainzeal Property & Construction and Mainzeal Living were tipped into receivership on Feb. 6, 2013, and 200 Vic joined them on Feb. 13. Liquidators were appointed to the Mainzeal group later that month on Feb. 28. The receivership of Mainzeal Property & Construction left a surplus of $1.1 million for the liquidators of the wider group, who represent unsecured creditors. The receivers were appointed by BNZ, which was owed $11.3 million, the bulk of which was over the Mainzeal headquarters building on Aucklands Victoria St. (BusinessDesk) BusinessDesk.co.nz Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: Mainfreight Investor Day / Market Update GFI - Greenfern - Offer closes 27th Oct MCY - Quarterly Operational Update VCT - Operational performance for the 3 months ended 30 Sept 2022 NZL - Forestry Estate Acquisition October 21st Morning Report Air New Zealand Limited Retail Bond Offer Books Close Spark welcomes C-band spectrum allocation AIA - 2022 Annual Meeting Chair & Chief Executive Addresses MOVE Completes Purchase of Vessel for Trans-Tasman Service Finzsoft Solutions, the listed Auckland-based software provider to banks and financial services companies, has warned investors profits will be "materially lower" when it publishes its full-year results for the year to the end of March. The company is currently in the process of adjusting its financial year reporting to June 30 to align itself with its majority shareholder, Silverlake Axis Group, who took control last year. It agreed with the NZX to publish interim results to March 31 by the end of May. Managing director Andrew Holliday said the company expects a profitable outcome for the 15 month period the end of June 2016. Finzsoft's $2.7 million net profit in 2015 was a significant jump on the year earlier's $754,549 profit. In its 2015 annual report the company said the strong profit growth reflected a "robust order book" and "our focused efforts in Australia paying off". In his note to investors today, Holliday said the decline was due to a number of contractual and market factors. "These factors include contracts that have been delayed, longer than expected timeframes to access the new business opportunities in the Asian markets, increased investment in subsidiary Sush Mobile. Market factors include the changing nature of customer demand and spending patterns with an increased proportion of customer budgets being applied away from core enterprise technologies to disruptive digital ecosystems." Holliday said the company's cost base is being "proactively managed" due to these changes. Between 2014 and 2015 the cost of salaries and wages at Finzsoft soared from $4.7 million to $8.8 million, according to its annual report. Finzsoft bought Sush Mobile on Sep 13. 2014. Finzsoft has also announced an agreement with New Zealand's largest credit union, First Credit Union, as its preferred partner to runs its software and technology for its 62,000 members. Holliday said First Credit Union will be a strategic customer for Finzsoft because of its "size and scale." Shares in Finzsoft were unchanged at $2.25. The value of the shares has fallen 30 percent in the past year. BusinessDesk.co.nz Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: Mainfreight Investor Day / Market Update GFI - Greenfern - Offer closes 27th Oct MCY - Quarterly Operational Update VCT - Operational performance for the 3 months ended 30 Sept 2022 NZL - Forestry Estate Acquisition October 21st Morning Report Air New Zealand Limited Retail Bond Offer Books Close Spark welcomes C-band spectrum allocation AIA - 2022 Annual Meeting Chair & Chief Executive Addresses MOVE Completes Purchase of Vessel for Trans-Tasman Service Editorial Easter Reverie: Spirituality Can Take Many Forms So we're having a family Easter dinner last Sunday with some friends from China, Serbia, and New York City devilled eggs, ham, scalloped potatoes, asparagus, a post-meal salad and dessert crepes, and wine when we start to make toasts. My son, now ten, asks if we can do the thing he's liked doing since just able to talk, where we all hold hands and state something we're thankful for the year. Someone else says that sounds like a prayer... to which he abruptly replies, "We're not Christian." Oof, I think, from within that bubble I grew up in where one spent years in Sunday schools learning Bible stories and wondering whether one were sinning or not. But then I look around the table at my wife, raised Jewish but non-observant except for our annual Passover dinner and Hannukah spread of presents. At the Chinese couple, both artists and raised into a world where their belief in beauty and mind was enough to sustain them. I looked at the Serbian woman, born into a mixed world where past religious bents led to years of deep troubles on a level we Americans can hardly guess. At our other friends raised Jewish and West Coast Protestant, without any practice as adults. And finally I looked back at my own background, with my mother raised Episcopal and my father passed between a number of Plains churches that ended up seeing his closest relative, a cousin raised as a brother, becoming one of the Southern Baptist Conferences leading preachers. We tried various churches over our early years, with my mother gravitated towards Unitarians and my father increasingly agnostic. I looked over at my boy, grinning ear to ear as everyone grabbed hands, also smiling now. How honest of him, I thought, to not fall prey to the same sort of need most politicians feel these days to speak about their spirituality as if it were a requirement for office. Yes, we've taken him to church services and schools, to the local synagogue, as well as to Hindu ceremonies, mosques, Buddhist temples and any of the places I like to visit to witness art shaped by belief, even if it hasn't been there for me, personally. He's loved the great cathedrals and hymns and oratorios and requiems as I and his mother have. And yes, I realize, he has a sense of respect for all who proclaim their faith. Yet he's also not trying to be something he isn't, just because others expect it of him. Just like all who were around our table. Did this make us bad, lacking, or even evil? Does this very editorial do the same, headed in this direction of non-belief in the face of Easter? I have a sense of spirit, and deep belief. As do all I know, whether they're religious or not. Do I need to define it for others? No? Does it shape my life? As much as I'm shaped by it, I guess. Or my sense of what is beautiful, as well as right and wrong. And moreover, this private sensibility regarding the spirit is, I strongly sense, something I share with many more than can admit it, worldwide. Which I believe is good. So back to that Easter table this past Sunday afternoon. Everyone grinning... and holding hands now. "I'm thankful we're all here, and that it's Easter, and there's candy, and we have a dog," Milo says. After which everyone chimes in with gratitude about friendships and a warm winter and the coming spring and good food and this wonderful part of the world we live in (as well as some slight mentions of political and other fears). We came back around, released our hands, and my boy then raised his glass, prompting all us adults to do the same. "I also want to toast Mommy and Daddy for having gotten beyond their big fight of four years ago and being my parents forever," he said. To which sentiment we all clicked glasses, my wife and I catching each others' eyes gently across the table. "To the spirit of THAT," I inwardly added, afterward. "To the spirit of gratefulness," I added aloud. "And to kids' spirits being the best in all of us!" Restrictions on the placement of High in Fat, Salt and Sugar (HFSS) food in prominent locations (in store and online) are now in force with restrictions on volume price promotions delayed until October 2023. BENGALURU: Thanks to the fast paced development in the mobile device industry, gone are the days when budget smartphones were priced between 7,000 to 10,000. Today, the market is hit with smartphones priced below 6,000the ultra budget category owing to the entry of relatively new companies. There are numerous smartphone options available in this price range capturing a decent part of mobile phone market. Here is a list of 10 best smartphone in the ultra budget category as reported by Harish Kumar for Gizbot. 1. Spice X-Plore 525Q Available at 5,499 Features: Screen: A 5.0-inch IPS LCD (540 x 960 pixels) display Android Version: 5.1 (Lollipop) Processor: 1.3GHz quad-core processor Camera: 8MP back camera inclusive of LED flash and a 2MP front camera Battery: 2,000mAh li-polymer non-removable battery 2. Intex Cloud Jewel Available at 3,199 Features: Screen: 5-inch (1280 x 720 pixels) HD glass display Android Version: 5.1 Lollipop Processor: OS 1GHz Quad-Core MediaTek MT6735 processor with Mali-T720 GPU Camera: 8MP rear camera with LED Flash and 2MP front-facing camera Battery: 2500mAh battery Read Also: Samsung Launches 2016 Edition Galaxy J5 and Galaxy J7 Xiaomi Unveils Redmi 3 'Pro' With a Fingerprint Sensor and 3GB RAM BANGALORE: The Chinese tech-start-up juggernaut, Xiaomi has been in light in the recent times due to its heavily featured and sleek smart-phones. The firm is all set to increase its flagship of smart-phones in India with the launch of its new device, Xiaomi Mi 5. The launch event will be held at New Delhi on 31st March and the firm has sent out press invites for the event. India is the second country after China where the Xiaomi Mi 5 is launching so quickly. Mi 5 has been unveiled in China at 1999 Yuan (approximately 21,000 INR). And if speculations are to be believed, it will be launched in India at a price below 25,000 INR. The smart-phone has been loaded with some splendid features as any Xiaomi smart-phone would be! Tech i.e. enlists the features of this new smart-phone. Read Also: Get Set to be Dazzled by these Power Packed Smartphones in April Get Set to be Dazzled by these Power Packed Smartphones in April WASHINGTON: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday arrived in the U.S. to attend the fourth Nuclear Security Summit being hosted by President Barack Obama. Modi, who arrived late in the night at Washington, D.C., from Brussels, was received at the airport by U.S. Ambassador to India Richard Verma and Indian envoy Arun K. Singh. "Shifting gears from bilateral to multilateral diplomacy. PM @narendramodi arrives late at night in Washington D.C.," the external affairs ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted. The Prime Minister's Office said in a tweet that Modi, in addition to attending the Nuclear Security Summit will interact with world leaders. Leaders of 53 nations and four international organisations will be attending the Washington summit on nuclear security. The Nuclear Security Summit process has been focusing on the global threat posed by nuclear terrorism and urgent measures required to prevent terrorists and other non-state actors from gaining access to sensitive nuclear materials and technologies. The 2016 Summit is expected to take stock of the progress of the previous Nuclear Security Summit Communiques and work plan and outline the future agenda. This will be followed by three plenary sessions on Friday when India, along with other participating nations, will submit their national nuclear progress reports. On Thursday evening, Modi will be attending a leaders-only thematic dinner to be hosted by Obama at the White House. The prime minister will also meet scientists from Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) during his visit. Modi arrived in the U.S. from Brussels, where he spent a busy day interacting with the Belgian leadership and attended the India-European Union summit. This is Modi's third visit to the U.S. since taking office in May 2014. Read Also: PM Asks UN To Address Challenge Posed By Terrorism PM Modi Arrives In Belgium To Attend India-EU Summit BRUSSELS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday told the business leaders of Belgium that while diamonds remain India's age-old link with their nation, new opportunities have opened up in his country, notably in IT and infrastructure. "Diamonds are, of course, an old link between us. It provides employment to many in India. IT is another sector of promise," the prime minister, who arrived here Wednesday morning, told the Belgian CEOs over a luncheon meeting. According to India's foreign office, around 2,500 Indians are based in Antwerp, dealing mainly in diamond trade. "Today we live in an interdependent world. India offers a huge opportunity -- not just a market, but also as a huge talent pool," Modi said, and gave the examples of ports and inland waterways as areas that can offer them attractive opportunities. The prime minister, who started his address expressing concern over terror attacks in Brussels earlier this month, said India has also been battling the menace of terorism for over 40 years. He said India also has "ties of blood with Belgium". "Some 100 years ago, 130,000 soldiers from India fought in Belgium and 9,000 of them made supreme sacrifices," he recalled and referred to the participation of Indian soldiers in World War I at West Flanders. Belgians hold an annual commemoration to this sacrifice and have installed a memorial for the lost Indian soldiers in 2001 in the City of Leper. Read Also: India Will Never Bend Before Terror, Says PM Modi In Brussels PM Asks UN To Address Challenge Posed By Terrorism WASHINGTON: In remarks aimed at presidential candidate Donald Trump, US President Barack Obama and Vice-President Joe Biden have cautioned against those "fomenting division" by exploiting fear among people in the wake of the recent terror attacks around the world. Obama said the intent of the terrorists was to "weaken our faith" and lead people to turn their backs on those who are most in need of help and refuge. "These attacks can foment fear and division. They can tempt us to cast out the stranger, strike out against those who don't look like us, or pray exactly as we do. And they can lead us to turn our backs on those who are most in need of help and refuge," Obama said. "That's the intent of the terrorists, is to weaken our faith, to weaken our best impulses, our better angels," he said at the Easter Prayer Breakfast on Wednesday. "Around the world, we have seen horrific acts of terrorism, most recently Brussels, as well as what happened in Pakistan innocent families, mostly women and children, Christians and Muslims. And so our prayers are with the victims, their families, the survivors of these cowardly attacks," he said. Biden, who was also present on the occasion, said that though fear among people in the wake of the terror attacks in Brussels, Turkey and Pakistan was understandable, exploiting that fear is absolutely unacceptable. "I know there's a lot of fear and unease around the world. The president and I travel around the world a lot, and all you got to do is just look at the recent attacks in Belgium and Turkey and Pakistan," Biden said, adding, "And while fear is understandable, exploiting that fear is absolutely unacceptable. When innocent people are ostracised simply because of their faith, when we turn our backs on the victims of evil and persecution, it's just wrong." His remarks were seen as a dig on the recent comments made by the Republican presidential candidates, in particular by front-runner Donald Trump who had suggested a blanket ban on the entry of Muslims into the US. "So it's up to us and you've been the leaders in this country to recognise that fear, but also try to allay that fear, and to help people understand that what unites us is a lot more than what divides us. And it's embodied in just not what we believe but what we say," Biden said. Read Also: WH Against Trumps Stand On S Korea, Japan Acquiring Nukes Would See Deeper Cooperation With India On Nuclear Issues: U.S. Source: PTI BEIJING: U.S. presidential candidate and Republican front-runner Donald Trump is more popular in China than his rival and Democrat Party front-runner Hillary Clinton, according to a survey on Sunday. Trump, who has on many occasions held China responsible for what he calls the US's current economic decline, found favour among 54 percent of the respondents, Global Times reported. "He is... a businessman of pragmatism. Trump simply blames the economic problems of the US and the trade deficit on China," expert Li Fu said. The survey was conducted online through the website Huangqiu.com and shows a rise in the popularity of the Republican candidate in China, already evident in the many online fan clubs that have sprung up, with names ranging from "Trump fan club" to "Great man Donald Trump." "The poll has shown Chinese netizens' discontent over the Democratic Party's policy toward China," Wu Xinbo, director of the Centre for American Studies at Fudan University, said. A shift in the foreign policy of the US with regards to the Asia-Pacific region, which began during Hillary Clinton's tenure as secretary of state and is being continued by her successor, John Kerry, has been very unpopular in China and has coincided with a spike in military tensions between China and neighbouring countries, including the Philippines, Vietnam and Japan. Meanwhile, Global Times earlier this month published a highly critical editorial on Trump's rise in the race to the White House, emphasising his "racist and extremist" character and warning of serious consequences if he were to become the next president of the US. Read Also: India Has Become A Key Player In Indo-Pacific Region: US Would See Deeper Cooperation With India On Nuclear Issues: U.S. Source: IANS WASHINGTON: The U.S. would like to see "deeper bilateral cooperation" with India on nuclear issues, the White House has said, ahead of the Nuclear Security Summit here this week which would be attended by world leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "We are certainly looking forward to Prime Minister Modi's visit (to attend the summit)," Laura Holgate, Special Assistant to the U.S. President and Senior Director for Weapons of Mass Destruction Terrorism and Threat Reduction, said. "We are looking at this opportunity as a chance to highlight steps that India has taken in its own nuclear security to go beyond, perhaps, some of the activities that it has done before. "We really would like to see even deeper bilateral cooperation with India proceed going forward out of the summit. So, I hope that will be something that we can work on more closely going forward," Holgate told journalists at the Washington Foreign Press Centre. In New Delhi before Modi's departure, a senior diplomat said India expects that the summit would contribute further to raising high level awareness of the threat of nuclear terrorism and the need to strengthen international cooperation against terrorists and nuclear traffickers. "We also expect that the summit would help bolster legal, institutional and enforcement measures to strengthen the security of nuclear material, radioactive sources, associated facilities and technologies," said Amandeep Singh Gill, Joint Secretary (Disarmament and International Security Affairs). "We also expect the summit to uphold confidence in the safe, secure and safeguarded extension on nuclear power which would be a critical requirement of reaching national and international goals on non-fossil fuel energy," he said. India expects that those who have not done so would sign up to and implement the legally binding instruments related to nuclear security. "The International Convention on the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism, the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and its 2005 amendment, and obligatory reporting under the UN Security Council Resolution 1540 which was adopted in 2004 and which has prohibitions and obligations related to non-state actors and export controls," Gill added. The Nuclear Security Summit is being hosted by U.S. President Barack Obama on March 31 and April 1. Modi, who would lead the Indian delegation, is scheduled to arrive here tomorrow. Read Also: Indian-American Student Empowering Rural Youth As India Goes Digital Obama Dismayed At 'Vulgar,Divisive' Campaign Rhetoric Source: PTI Office Photo.jpeg The Staten Island Aflac office is located at 205 Old Town Rd., Grasmere (Courtesy of Anthony Libecci) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Anthony A. Libecci, 34, worked as a loan officer in the mortgage banking industry before he decided to switch careers to something recession-proof. That's when he decided to pursue a career in insurance. "When 2008 came along I wanted to find a career that would be more stable and not so reliant on the current economic climate. Aflac was the perfect fit. People will always need Aflac regardless of the economy and will always be able to afford it," said Libecci. Anthony Libecci He worked for Aflac for six years learning the ropes as an agent before being promoted to district sales manager for Staten Island in the beginning of 2015. "This is the first Aflac office ever approved to open on the Island. As per my upper management, there has never been an agent from Staten Island who was ingrained enough in the community or who has had as much success as I have, so it was clear I would be the option to lead the Staten Island office," said Libecci, a native Islander. In December Libecci opened an Aflac office in Grasmere. DEMAND FOR HEALTH INSURANCE Anthony A. Libecci, District Sales Coordinator, Aflac Address: 205 Old Town Rd., Grasmere Home community: Eltingville Website: or Telling Trait: "Helping others to become successful drives me." "I chose to open this business because voluntary employee benefits is such an integral part of today's employee benefits packages, especially since the introduction of the Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as Obamacare," said Libecci. "The voluntary benefits industry is currently a $5.3-billion-a-year industry and is expected to increase to a $20-billion-a-year industry because of Obamacare," he added. THE AFLAC BRAND Why not branch out on his own instead of staying under the Aflac banner? Simply put: It's thanks to one of the most successful national brand campaigns: the Aflac duck. Libecci said the Aflac brand has national recognition that helps sell polices. "We have a 98 percent name recognition because of our world-famous Aflac duck. ... I'm not selling some A B C insurance policy," he said, noting Aflac offers everything from short-term disability plans and cancer insurance, to accident and hospital protection plans. KEY TO SUCCESS Libecci is a firm believer in networking to grow a business. "I'm always out shaking hands and meeting people," he said. "Actively being involved in the community has helped me grow my business substantially. If you have a new business on Staten Island, e-mail porpora@siadvance.com. FOLLOW Tracey Porpora on STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - "Thank God." That was the relieved reaction of a relative of Alyssa Johnson after a justice on Thursday ordered that Johnson's boyfriend, Jeffrey McDonald, 23, remain held without bail on manslaughter charges stemming from the Dongan Hills woman's death three weeks ago. In a courtroom packed with more than two-dozen of McDonald's relatives and friends, Assistant District Attorney Jane Grinberg said the defendant hit Johnson, 23, so hard he broke an artery in her neck, causing her to bleed internally. "He left her there unconscious to bleed to death," said Grinberg. Defense lawyer Patrick Brackley made an oral bail application during his client's arraignment, contending the lifelong Staten Island resident is not a flight risk. Brackley said his client's family was prepared to post ample bail, and McDonald would also submit to wearing an electronic monitoring bracelet on his ankle. Moreover, he said McDonald has no prior criminal record, and he had obtained statements from the landlord and other occupants of the building where the couple resided saying there was no history of domestic violence between them. In a recent interview with the Advance, Brackley said there's no evidence McDonald intended to hurt or kill Johnson. Prosecutors allege McDonald hit Johnson multiple times about the face and body overnight on March 9 into March 10 during a dispute inside the North Railroad Avenue apartment where they lived. McDonald, who denies the allegations, contends he and the victim had an argument, he left the apartment to take a walk and found her unconscious on the floor on returning. He then called 911. McDonald was initially arrested on a misdemeanor assault charge, but the charges were upgraded to manslaughter after the medical examiner ruled Johnson's death a homicide. Johnson suffered blunt impact to the head and neck with vertebral artery injury and subarachnoid hemorrhage (brain aneurysm), according to a spokeswoman for the city medical examiner's office. Brackley, the defense lawyer, said investigators had initially interviewed his client at the couple's Dongan Hills residence, and he was not arrested at that time. McDonald then went to his parents' home, where he was ultimately arrested hours later. "If he had known he had done something wrong, he would have run away a long time ago," said Brackley. Grinberg countered that McDonald wasn't facing manslaughter charges then. McDonald pleaded not guilty through Brackley to first- and second-degree manslaughter. He faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted at trial of first-degree manslaughter. State Supreme Court Justice Stephen J. Rooney said he would keep McDonald held without bail; however, Brackley can renew his bail request in a written motion. Garbed in a white T-shirt and tan sweatpants, McDonald made no comment during the proceeding beyond stating his name and confirming Brackley is his lawyer. The judge adjourned the case to May 20, when a ruling is expected on pretrial motions. Security was tight during the proceeding, and emotions were kept in check. The only utterance heard from the audience was that of Johnson's relative after the judge denied bail. Before the arraignment, members of the defendant's family and friends gathered in the hallway and could be seen joining hands and forming a circle, apparently in prayer. Several members of Johnson's family also attended. Afterward, they left quickly, without comment. In a statement announcing the indictment, District Attorney Michael E. McMahon encouraged victims of domestic abuse to contact their local police precinct, call his office at 718-876-6300 or dial 1-800-621-HOPE (4673) for the New York City Domestic Violence Hotline. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Charges are pending against Anthony Morales, a suspect in the fatal shooting of a mother and son in front of the Mariners Harbor Houses, according to a spokeswoman for the NYPD's Deputy Commissioner of Public Information. Morales, who was struck by 10 bullets during a stand-off with authorities in Pennsylvania, remains in critical, but stable, condition at Reading Hospital, according to police. The multi-agency manhunt for the suspect in the fatal shootings of Idelle Rivera, 47, and her son, Anthony, 21, ended in a hail of bullets as authorities cornered him late Monday night in West Brunswick Township, Schuylkill County, Pa. Authorities say that Morales has ties to Pottsville, Penn., with media reports indicating that he or a family member owns a home in that community. The mother was shot once in the head while her son was hit with three bullets in the head. A third victim, Jose Ramirez, 23, is recovering from being shot nine times during the fatal gun play on Roxbury Street on March 24. Morales, 49, and the Riveras live in different apartments in the same building at the Mariners Harbor Houses, according to police. Detectives are looking into the possibility that a dispute over a car sparked the shooting. Anthony Rivera recently sold a car to the suspect, who was unhappy with the automobile and wanted a refund, a source with knowledge of the police investigation told the Advance. Cruz.jpg Sen. Ted Cruz will join his GOP opponents in Manhattan on April 14. (Dan Reiland/The Eau Claire Leader-Telegram via AP) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Three's company, especially when you're a Republican running for president and sharing the same stage. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz is the third and final GOP contender to RSVP for the annual gala taking place in Manhattan on April 14 for the state Republican Party. He will appear as a special guest along with GOP front-runner Donald Trump and Ohio Gov. John Kasich. "We're thrilled to welcome Sen. Cruz as a featured guest at our gala," Chairman Ed Cox said. "New Yorkers are engaged in the primary process like never before. We are a big, diverse state, but every year Republicans from Buffalo to Montauk gather together to celebrate our party, and we're grateful Sen. Cruz will be joining us on this important evening less than a week before the election." The $1,000/person black-tie gala will take place at Grand Hyatt in Midtown Manhattan just five days before the presidential primary. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- One of the oldest homes in the borough -- dating back to the 1730s, and an official NYC landmark -- is saved and preserved. Members of the Preservation League of Staten Island (PLSI) voted unanimously on Wednesday evening, March 30, to authorize the nonprofit group to sell this historic stone and clapboard home at 752 Delafield Ave. in West Brighton for $450,000. "A young couple is very anxious to be the new owners," PLSI president Warren MacKenzie said. This designated city landmark -- known as the Scott-Edwards House -- was bequeathed to PLSI in the will of one of the founding members of the nonprofit organization, Joann Nelsen, an accomplished textile designer and artist who owned the historic residence for two decades and died in 2013. "Joann's desire was to sell the house and use the proceeds to further the mission of our organization," MacKenzie said before Wednesday's vote. Nelsen was "devoted to the care of her historic house and the preservation of Staten Island's architecture," Barnett Shepherd, PLSI executive director, told SILive.com last year. The PLSI board of directors had already agreed to the sale, but the New York State Attorney General informed the organization that a vote by the membership of the nonprofit was required. That's because PLSI has a charter from the New York State Department of Education, president MacKenzie explained. So the nonprofit group was complying with "regulatory issues," he said, about the mandated March 30 vote by the membership. The resolution approved by PLSI members on March 30 authorized acceptance of the $450,000 offer for purchase of the property, "subject to the approval of the New York State Attorney General and the New York State Department of Education." The adopted resolution stated: "The proceeds of the sale will be deposited in PLSI accounts and used to forward the mission of the organization. "On behalf of the PLSI, the President (of the board of directors of the organization) is hereby authorized to execute such documents to effectuated such sale." The vote was held at a special meeting in the Reformed Church of Staten Island on 54 Port Richmond Ave. ONE OF THE ISLAND'S OLDEST HOMES The original section of the house was built in stone around 1730 in the Dutch Colonial style, according Shepherd. "It was originally a one-story stone farmhouse," he said. "The second floor and portico were added around 1840." The front entrance features a seven-column Greek Revival portico and long veranda with floor-to-ceiling windows and wide, center-hall doors with elegant sidelights. There are four working fireplaces on the first and second floors, hand-hewn beams from the 1700s, a triple-bay window in the dining room, and stained-glass windows dating to the late 1800s. The rear of the house "features a bay window with insets of English tinted glass, considered to be over 200 years old," the city Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) has noted. A BIT OF HISTORY The house sits on property that was part of Governor Thomas Dongan's land grant of 1677, and later came into the possession of Dongan's nephew," according to the LPC. Here are four additional fast facts about the home from the LPC: "A search does not show clear ownership of the house during the Revolutionary War period, and presumably the residence was a tenant house on the Dongan Estate." "During the 1840's the residence became the home of Judge Ogden Edwards, a descendant of Jonathan Edwards and cousin of Aaron Burr. The judge later was appointed a New York Supreme Court Justice, the first from Staten Island. "From 1881 to 1892, the house was owned by Adam Scott, a florist, then passed into the hands of Samuel Henshaw, an employee of the Bronx Botanical Gardens." "Mr. Henshaw was in large part responsible for the skillful planting of the shrubbery which enhances the overall appeal of the architecture," the LPC wrote in a 1966 report that declared the house an official city landmark and "a charming country residence." Full disclosure: This native Staten Island reporter is a dues-paying member of the Preservation League of Staten Island. PS 4 arden heights The city said water is safe at PS 4 in Arden Heights, seen here in a file photo, after some fountains and sinks showed elevated lead levels in a recent test. (Advance file photo/Frank J. Johns) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The city said water is safe at PS 4 in Arden Heights after a handful of fountains and sinks showed elevated lead levels in a recent test. Those water fountains and sinks were shut down and will be removed and replaced under Health Department protocols, a city spokeswoman said. Bottled water is being provided to students out of an abundance of caution, though remaining outlets there are safe. The school is also under a weekly flushing protocol for Monday mornings and after vacations. This is a quick way to eliminate elevated lead levels, most of which are found on "first draw" when water has been sitting in pipes for extended periods. The city took 148 samples and 15 were positive on first draw, with just 4 having elevated lead levels on "second draw." Any faucets, fountains and associated piping at the school will be replaced if connected to either type of elevated sample. FIRST SCHOOL TESTS IN DECADE The elevated lead levels at PS 4 were discovered when the city recently began retesting water at every school citywide for the first time in more than a decade. Lead was also found at PS 4 in 2005, with four elevated samples out of a total 47 tested. About one-third of public schools have been retested of all 1,565 buildings citywide and most were completely negative. Schools that previously had an elevated level were retested first. While intermittent lead tests were conducted more recently at some schools under construction, the city wanted to do another full round and increase the frequency of sampling. MORE TESTS NOW SCHEDULED Schools like PS 4 that are found to have elevated levels will now be tested between 6 months and a year after lead is found, and again every two years later on. Those schools without elevated lead levels will still be retested every five years. Those undergoing construction that might disturb plumbing will be tested immediately after projects complete. "New York City has a rigorous testing protocol in place to make sure that the water in our schools and child care centers stays safe to drink and use," Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett said in a statement last week. The city is offering free lead testing and help to all private schools. All public schools built before the 1986 ban on lead in plumbing have been tested since 2002. Lead poisoning among city children decreased 80 percent after testing and protection protocols were put in place that year. Of 88,956 samples taken since 2002, 1.13 percent had elevated levels exceeding federal Environmental Protection Agency guidelines on first draw. Only 0.09 percent of those samples had elevated levels on the second draw. Any buildings that had even one sink or fountain with levels that exceeded federal guidelines were put under Health Department protocols, including equipment replacement and weekly flushing. Schools that never had positive tests have been on those protocols too. "Lead in drinking water is a serious issue and the City of New York has had a program to address lead in drinking water in schools for well over a decade," EPA regional administrator Judith Enck said. Parents can search an online portal to track lead testing results and protection measures at schools.nyc.gov/AboutUs/schools/watersafety STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A reputed Bonanno gangster who violated his prison release terms by attending the crime family's Christmas party at Bocelli Restaurant in Grasmere pleaded guilty to the offense Wednesday in Brooklyn Federal Court, according to court documents. Anthony Pipitone, 43, who was prohibited from associating with anyone involved with the Bonanno crime family after he was released from prison, admitted to attending the six-hour party at Bocelli on Dec. 16 and other two other mob meetings, the papers say. Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis sentenced him to two years in prison, the Daily News reported. But defense attorney James Kousouros asked the court to reconsider the sentence considering other Bonanno gangsters only received a year and a day for the same offense, the paper reported. The judge obliged and set a new sentencing date for April 18. Federal prosecutors had asked for two years, and the defense requested 4 to 10 months in prison, court records show. Pipitone, court papers state, was on post release supervision after he served 46 months for stabbing two men who he believed broke windows of a Queens restaurant associated with a Bonanno soldier. The NYPD and FBI, according to the filings, collected surveillance evidence, video recordings and photographs showing Pipitone regularly met with members of the crime family and resumed his leadership positions in the organization. Trump Clinton.jpg A poll of 1,667 New York voters shows Republicans support Donald Trump in a primary and Democrats support Hillary Clinton in a primary. In a November general election, the state goes solidly for Clinton. (Advance composite photo) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - A new poll shows New Yorkers prefer one of their own for president, as Donald Trump is leading voters here in the Republican primary, and Hillary Clinton is leading voters in the Democratic primary. Quinnipiac University released the results of a poll Thursday morning that showed Clinton topping Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders 54-42 percent, and Trump beating his fellow Republican candidates with 56 percent, followed by Texas Sen. Ted Cruz at 20 percent and Ohio Gov. John Kasich with 19 percent. Quinnipiac University surveyed 1,667 New York State voters from March 22 to 29, with a margin of error of +/- 2.4 percentage points. The survey included 457 Republican likely primary voters with a margin of error of +/- 4.6 percentage points and 693 Democratic likely primary voters with a margin of error of +/- 3.7 percentage points. Independent voters were also polled for questions regarding the general election. Live interviewers called landlines and cell phones. The poll found New York remaining solidly blue -- selecting a Democrat over Republican no matter what the match-up in the November general election, with Kasich faring better against a Democrat than his counterparts. The matchups are: [?] Clinton beats Trump 53-33 percent [?] Clinton beats Cruz 53-32 percent [?] Clinton beats Kasich 46-41 percent [?] Sanders beats Trump 56-32 percent [?] Sanders beats Cruz 56-28 percent [?] Sanders beats Kasich 47-37 percent In both parties, 4 percent of likely primary voters are undecided in the primary, but among Republicans, 23 percent of those who name a candidate say they might change their mind. That number is 21 percent among Democrats. "The home-court advantage helps both party's front-runners in the presidential primaries in New York," said Quinnipiac University Poll Assistant Director Maurice Carroll. "Donald Trump, whose name is emblazoned all over New York City buildings, trounces the other two Republicans, while Hillary Clinton, the adopted daughter from Chappaqua leads Sanders in double digits on the Democratic side." "In the general election match-up, Clinton wipes out Sen. Ted Cruz or Trump, but there's some sentiment for Ohio Gov. John Kasich, who trails Clinton by 5 points," Carrol added. The poll showed that Trump has more solid support among men than he does among women. In the Republican primary, 63 percent of men are for Trump, 18 percent for Kasich and 16 percent for Cruz. Women are 48 percent for Trump, 25 percent for Cruz and 21 percent for Kasich. Trump leads among Republicans of all ages. Trump also leads among Tea Party members and all types of conservative voters. Among Democrats, women pick Clinton over Sanders 59-37 percent, while men go 49 percent for Sanders and 46 percent for Clinton. Clinton finds more support among black voters than she does among white voters. White Democrats evenly divide their support, with 48 percent for Clinton and 47 percent for Sanders, while black Democrats solidly back Clinton 66 -31 percent. There is a significant difference in the support they garner from Democratic primary supporters in different age categories. Sanders leads solidly 63-36 percent among voters 18 to 44 years old, while Clinton takes older voters: among 45-64 years old, Clinton has 60-35 support, and among Democratic voters 65 and up, Clinton gets 73-22 support. Sanders leads 57-43 percent among self-described "very liberal" Democrats, while Clinton leads among "somewhat liberal" and "moderate to liberal" Democrats. In a November election matchup of Clinton versus Trump, women back Clinton 60-27 percent, while men go 45 percent for Clinton and 41 percent for Trump. Clinton tops Trump 44-37 percent among independent voters. New York City gives Clinton her margin of victory in that race, at 68-22 percent. She wins over Trump 44-40 percent upstate and 46-41 percent among suburban voters, the poll found. As for favorability, Trump, Cruz and Clinton all get negative favorability ratings: 30-65 percent for Trump; 26-57 percent for Cruz and a much closer 45-49 percent for Clinton. Sanders gets a positive 54-30 percent favorability, with 43-18 percent favorable for Kasich. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Love and 22 card-carrying EMTs came to the rescue as a Staten Island man proposed to his finance after an EMS Academy graduation. A couple from the Bronx also became engaged following the FDNY graduation ceremony for 118 Emergency Medical Technicians on Wednesday at the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn. First Deputy Commissioner Robert R. Turner II, Chief of Department James E. Leonard and Chief of EMS James P. Booth presided. "It couldn't have been a better day," said graduate Shane Mezzacappa, 26, of New Dorp, after he popped the question to Corinne Hankey, 23, of Pleasant Plains. "I got my dream job and engaged to the woman of my dreams. You can't beat that." Mezzacappa had 22 of his fellow classmates from the academy help him by lining up on the stage and holding up cards that read, "CORINNE WILL YOU MARRY ME?" The suitor took his "soulmate" by the hand and walked her to the stage to reveal the message that was spelled out on the cards. Mezzacappa bent down on one knee and said: "You have already given me a lifetime of love and happiness. Give me the chance to spend the rest of my life trying to give you back the same. Corinne, will you marry me?" Needless to say, her reply was, "Yes!" They plan to wed in about two years. Their romance literally began on the shores of Staten Island. The couple's first date was a stop at Ralph's Italian Ices and a walk on the beach and fishing pier at Lemon Creek Park. They were introduced to each other by Mezzacappa's best friend and Hankey's cousin, Ricky Carilli. "I've been with my girlfriend for 5 years and from the moment I met her, I knew I wanted to marry her," said Mezzacappa, an alumnus of Monsignor Farrell High School whose fiance graduated from St. John Villa Academy. Mezzacappa is following in the career footsteps of his father, Anthony, a retired firefighter who encouraged his son to "do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life. Antwann Morales of the Bronx also was betrothed to Rosanna Gomez after the ceremony that capped off 10 weeks of training at the EMS Academy. The graduates, who were previously certified as EMTs, were schooled in FDNY operations and procedures and further updated in all aspects of their roles as Emergency Medical Technicians. Additionally, six of the graduates are veterans of the United States Armed Forces and and three are graduates of the FDNY Explorer program. The new graduates will be assigned to various units throughout the city. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The Mariners Harbor man suspected of gunning down a mother and son in his community last week is a "low-functioning autistic adult incapable of reading or writing," said a lawyer hired by his family. Attorney Mark J. Fonte said Thursday he was hired by Anthony Morales' family in anticipation of homicide charges being levied against his client stemming from the March 24 shootings. Fonte said he notified the Staten Island district attorney's office of his retention and advised that Morales is not to be questioned or interrogated while recovering from injuries he suffered Monday when authorities shot him during a standoff in Pennsylvania. "Additionally, my office is investigating the fact that Mr. Morales is a low-functioning autistic adult incapable of reading or writing," said Fonte. "We are also reviewing video of the incident." Fonte presumably is exploring Morales' mental capabilities for a possible defense. Morales, 49, was identified in an NYPD wanted flier as the "perpetrator" in the slayings of Idelle Rivera and her son, Anthony, who were gunned down around 6:10 p.m. outside 14 Roxbury St., only steps from their Mariners Harbor Houses apartment building. Morales lives in a different apartment in the same Mariners Harbor Houses building as the mother and son did, according to police. Detectives are looking into the possibility that a dispute over a car sparked the shooting. Anthony Rivera recently sold a car to the suspect, who was unhappy with the automobile and wanted a refund, a source with knowledge of the police investigation told the Advance. The 47-year-old mother was shot once in the head, while her 21-year-old son was hit with three bullets in the head. A 23-year-old man, Jose Ramirez, is recovering from being shot several times. Investigators tracked Morales to West Brunswick Township in Schuylkill County, Pa., about 125 miles west of Staten Island. Law enforcement officers shot him 10 times late Monday night after he pulled out a gun during a standoff, according to the NYPD. Morales was rushed to Reading Hospital in critical, but stable, condition after an NYPD detective fired three times, a U.S. Marshal fired six times, and a Berks County Sheriff's officer fired once, NYPD Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce told reporters. The suspect ignored repeated commands from authorities to put up his hands before he made a sign of the cross, reached toward his waist and brandished a gun, Boyce said. Fonte said Morales' family members told him Thursday the suspect is now conscious. The hospital said he is in stable condition, said Fonte. Fonte said Morales will waive extradition to New York, but must first answer a host of charges in Pennsylvania to include criminal weapon possession. 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. 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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: 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: 28: 29: ... 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(0x5612f0242c88)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 948 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612f02acda0)', '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(0x5612f0242c88)') 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(0x5612f02acda0)') 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(0x5612f0229908)') 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(0x5612f02acda0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612f02acda0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612ee50bd00)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x5612f02a6238)') called at (eval 592) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x5612f02a6238)') 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: 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: 28:
29: ... 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(0x5612f0270040)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 948 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612f013d0a0)', '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(0x5612f0270040)') 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(0x5612f013d0a0)') 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(0x5612f02485a8)') 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(0x5612f013d0a0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612f013d0a0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612ee50bfd0)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x5612f0681c68)') called at (eval 592) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x5612f0681c68)') 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: 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: 28:
29: ... 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(0x5612f01b4780)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 948 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612f03a2268)', '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(0x5612f01b4780)') 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(0x5612f03a2268)') 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(0x5612f02d4948)') 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(0x5612f03a2268)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612f03a2268)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612ee50be68)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x5612f01ed320)') called at (eval 592) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x5612f01ed320)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0 Faster growth in bank lending to people buying a home to live in is helping to offset a slowdown in lending to property investors, new figures show. The lift in lending to owner-occupiers comes as new home sales fell 5.3 per cent in the month, as residential construction continues to slow. Reserve Bank figures on Thursday showed owner-occupiers continue to play a more important role in driving the $1.3 trillion mortgage market, which is the biggest source of profits for Australian banks. The value of all outstanding home loans grew at 7.3 per cent in the year to February, unchanged from the previous month but down from the peak of 7.5 per cent last year. It has been a good few months for the world's major miners, but not everyone believes the recent commodities rally will last. The surprise surge in prices for iron ore, copper, manganese and oil since January 21 has boosted mining stocks, but also attracted the type of investors who like to bet that shares will go down. Short positions in Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton, Glencore and Anglo American surged to their highest levels in several years during the first quarter of 2016, suggesting that a growing number of investors believe the improved commodity prices cannot be sustained. Take Rio for example; the percentage of Rio's Australian shares sold short in mid February was the highest since Christmas Eve 2012. Private, Catholic and public schools are reducing their reliance on laptops and tablets following a damning international assessment and concerns over the impact of social media on learning. "The reality is that technology is doing more harm than good in our schools today," the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's education chief Andreas Schleicher told world leaders at a global education forum this month. Last week, John Vallance, the principal of one of Sydney's most expensive private schools, Sydney Grammar, said that laptops were not necessary in class and that more traditional teaching methods were more effective. Schools in the Catholic sector are also moving away from laptop centred learning after an OECD report found that countries which have invested heavily in education technology have seen no noticeable improvement in their performances in results for reading, mathematics or science. The school cleaner accused of killing school teacher Stephanie Scott allegedly sent her engagement ring to his twin brother in the post, Fairfax Media understands. On Thursday Marcus Stanford, 24, pleaded guilty to being an accessory after the fact to murder at Griffith Local Court. School teacher Stephanie Scott Credit:Facebook The police charge sheet says that Marcus "did assist" his identical twin brother Vincent and it is believed he received her engagement ring in the post in South Australia. Vincent Stanford, is charged with sexually assaulting and killing Ms Scott, a bride-to-be, in the Riverina town of Leeton in April 2014. The Museum of Hoaxes (that exists) notes that there's no direct evidence that April Fools' Day came from any of these celebrations: "Instead, it's more likely that April Fool's Day resembles these other celebrations because they're all manifestations of a deeper pattern of folk behaviour - an instinct to respond to the arrival of spring with festive mischief and symbolic misrule." Blame - or credit, depending on your perspective - may also lie with the Catholic Church and its "Feast of Fools," which was celebrated around January 1 in medieval France and England. According to folklorist Jack Santino, who wrote a history of American holidays, church officials originally encouraged the carnival-like celebration, which involved reversing social roles, dressing in costume and bringing donkeys into church. They believed it helped "release pent-up anti-clerical sentiment among the people," Santino writes. But by the 15th century they decided the feast had become too raucous and banned it. Like any practice involving flouting authority and generally having a good time, the "Feast of Fools" did not die easily - it would be several hundred years before people stopped celebrating. The church is also implicated in the most popular theory about the evolution of April Fools' Day. It was Pope Gregory XIII, after all, who issued a decree in 1563 ordering that Christian countries adopt a standardised calendar. The Gregorian calendar moved the new year from the end of March to the first of January; people who continued to celebrate on the old day, either because it was the 16th century and word traveled slowly or because they simply wanted to be a rebel, were mocked as "April fools." This meant different things depending on where you lived. In France, targets would be chased by children, who pinned paper fish on their backs and yelled "poisson d'Avril!" If you were in Scotland, you were likely to wind up with a "kick me" sign on your butt instead. (The Scots are credited with inventing the "kick me" sign, to the chagrin of unpopular substitute teachers everywhere.) Washington: Maybe this is when the Teflon comes off. As American eyes turn to the Wisconsin primaries on Tuesday, Republican front runner Donald Trump appears to be stumbling even before he collides with a wall of opposition hastily erected by a GOP establishment that hopes to break his legs in what Americans affectionately call the Badger State. In what proved to be his worst week on the campaign trail to date, Trump's campaign manager was arrested on a battery charge, after he manhandled a female reporter; and Trump demonstrated rare political talent, by offending both the pro and anti-abortion camps with a crazed, if briefly held belief that women who have abortions should be punished. And for good measure, the candidate lamented the existence of those pesky Geneva Conventions. Wisconsin is venerable political turf. In the Midwest, this is a state that Barack Obama swept in 2012; but it's also something of a laboratory for hard-right policies with Republican Governor Scott Walker being celebrated and twice re-elected for his neutering of public-sector trade unions. 10.06am: A car and a motorcycle have reportedly collided on the corner of Northbourne Avenue and Girrahween Street in Braddon. 7.54am: A gas leak on Macnaughton Street in Higgins may cause some traffic issues in that area. 7.35am: A burst water main in Chisholm Street, Ainslie is causing some issues. Icon Water crews are there but avoid the area if you can. If you see any accidents or have any info on the morning commute, let us know whenever it is safe to do so. Email morningblog@canberratimes.com.au or tweet us @canberratimes. Bell Shakespeare's new production of Romeo and Juliet starts tonight at Canberra Theatre Centre. On until April 9. Tickets from canberratheatrecentre.com.au. Celestial Empire: Life in China 1644-1911 is on at the National Library of Australia brings together culture and tradition from two of the world's great libraries. Until May 22. Free. See 2015's best political cartoons at the Behind the Lines exhibition at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. Bush Capital: The natural history of the ACT at the Canberra Museum and Gallery (CMAG) shows the natural history of the Territory with specimens, illustrations, photographs, works of art and sound. From March 12 to June 26. Free. Touch or click through for more David Pope Today: Mostly sunny. Light winds becoming northwesterly during the afternoon. Min 7, Max 25. Saturday: Partly cloudy. Light winds becoming westerly 15 to 20 km/hr during the day then becoming light during the afternoon. Min 11, Max 27. Sunday: Cloudy. Light winds. Min 11, max 24. The Transport Workers Union has welcomed a "bidding war" on public transport between Labor and the Liberals, and says the opposition's plan for six new rapid bus routes looks good. ACT secretary Klaus Pinkas said the Liberals' proposal, unveiled on Thursday, had "some good ideas and great lines on the map", but was uncosted. He said bus drivers supported the idea of fewer stops on express services. Unimpressed: Transport and Municipal Services Minister Meegan Fitzharris. Credit:Jamila Toderas "I can't fault where they're running buses," he said. "It all makes sense and it looks good. "But it's just not costed. I don't know, you don't know and [Liberal leader] Jeremy Hanson doesn't know what the cost is." Australia's competition regulator has given the green light to Recall Holdings' $3.4 billion takeover from US rival Iron Mountain, after the American company agreed to sell most of its Australian assets. But competition authorities in Canada, Britain and the US are still considering the deal between the document storage and data protection companies. ACCC chairman Rod Sims says he has no problems with Iron Mountain's takeover of Recall. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer For his part, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission chairman Rod Sims said he had no problems with the takeover after Iron Mountain accepted a court enforceable undertaking to offload most of its Australian businesses. "The ACCC had significant concerns that the proposed acquisition, in the absence of the undertaking, would have been likely to substantially lessen competition for physical document management services," Mr Sims said. Air New Zealand looks set to take a $NZ130 million ($117 million) bath on its investment in Virgin Australia if it sells out of the airline. Air NZ flagged its intention to sell the stake this week following concerns about Virgin's long-term balance sheet viability. Virgin Australia's financial difficulties continue. Credit:Bloomberg Air NZ's review of its stake in Virgin came shortly after it, and fellow minority shareholders Singapore Airlines and Etihad Airways, stumped up a $425 million loan to Virgin. Air New Zealand's share of the 12-month emergency line of finance is $131.2 million. The flagged sale by Air NZ sparked speculation the local aviation industry could be ripe for a shake up, with many expecting that Virgin's other minority shareholders could look to make a tilt for the financially struggling Virgin. The Australian food businesses owned by China's Bright Foods, which combined generate $620 million in revenue, are likely to be packaged up and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2017. The brands in its portfolio include The Margaret River Dairy Company, fruit exporter Mildura Fruit Company, Sunbeam Foods, cheese and yoghurt maker Mundella and gourmet food producer Simon Johnson along with a range of grocery and food brands, including Ryvita, Coffex Coffee and Trident. Bright Foods' brands include The Margaret River Dairy Company, fruit exporter Mildura Fruit Company, Sunbeam Foods, cheese and yoghurt maker Mundella and gourmet food producer Simon Johnson. Credit:Peter Braig Bright Food Group Holdings is the Sydney-based company that houses the Australian and New Zealand food businesses, and which is ultimately owned by the Chinese state-backed Bright Foods entity. Bright Food Group Holdings chief financial officer and director Wayne McIntosh told The Australian Financial Review on Thursday the directors were closely examining a potential timetable for an initial public offering in Hong Kong, with the business performing strongly. Bouazizi cannot be blamed for how events transpired, but what happened to him should stand as a warning. He was humiliated by corruption, bullying local officials who confiscated his wares, slapped him and stopped him from running a fair business to provide for his family. Do you remember Mohamed Bouazizi? It's amazing his name isn't mentioned more often. All the horror from Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, murderous rampages in Europe, the millions of refugees, state collapse in Libya, Egypt's political fragility, Turkey shooting down a Russian fighter jet, great power rivalry in the Middle East, yet Mohamed Bouazizi, this humble 26-year-old market vendor from Tunisia, is barely remembered at least in the West. After the spring: Anti-corruption graffiti in Sidi Bouzid, Tunisia. Credit:AP Corruption of this kind had bred such widespread resentment that Bouazizi's personal act of defiance, leading to his death from burns in January 2011, sparked a regional revolution that came to be known as the Arab Spring, which has since metastasised from hope to despair. Bouazizi's story is a stark illustration of why we should all be concerned about corruption, and the momentous consequence that can follow. Fine talk of free markets, level playing fields and respect for the rule of law is rendered pointless when the system is manipulated by people with power. It might be a thuggish cop's standover tactics, but that is usually a discrete manifestation of systemic corruption that can be far, far more elaborate. What is so remarkable about the reports in Fairfax Media and the Huffington Post this week exposing the shady dealings of Unaoil isn't so much the breadth of corruption in the oil industry although it is that. It is also the continued blindness of Western corporations to the lessons of the past, the smug self-justification that bribery is just a way of doing business in the developing world. It should be obvious by now that corruption seeds instability, which is a danger that clouds the entire world. It's not only the Middle East. In Nigeria it was revealed this month that the country's state-owned oil company failed to pay the government $25 billion of revenue over the past five years. This is a country where hapless state authorities struggle to eliminate the threat posed by the terrorist group Boko Haram, notorious for kidnapping schoolgirls, burning villages and spreading violence to neighbouring countries. It was just a few weeks back that Malcolm Turnbull was being smashed for being little more than "Mr Smiley" a friendlier version of Tony Abbott wearing a better suit. Having disavowed tougher climate policies, refused to accelerate Abbott's obstructionist go-slow on same sex marriage, and poo-pooed any renewed republican zeal, the Turnbull government looked strangely cautious rendering his extraordinary action of knocking over Abbott pointless as a result. Not any more. As bold ideas tumble out and big levers are pulled setting up a serious double dissolution threat, there is a genuine sense of colour and movement. Personally stung by the criticism, Turnbull read the changing risk equation for his government in which being seen to proceed too slowly no matter what important work was being done behind the scenes was doing more harm than good, especially given the heightened expectations that accompanied his arrival. We thought Tony Abbott was living in the past but Malcolm Turnbull has turned the clock back to 1942. Robyn Lewis Raglan So Turnbull makes a "courageous" statement about changes to taxation in Penrith. The last time a PM made an announcement in Penrith, was the night before the last election. We shouldn't have to remind you Mal, as to what happened to him. Peter Lloyd Asquith Mark Twain was amused by our colonial railway system and in particular by the clever way no two adjoining states shared a common gauge. He would be greatly entertained by Prime Minister Turnbull's "grown-up " approach to taxation reform. Mark my words, Malcolm's next proposal will be the re-establishment of the NSW Defence Force and in particular the Royal NSW Navy. Lawrie Fahy Randwick If Julia Gillard's carbon tax was going to wipe Whyalla off the map, what will Malcolm Turnbull's latest states tax "reform" do to South Australia and Tasmania? Tony Powell MacMasters Beach I now understand the ingenuity of Malcolm Turnbull's "lean mean" proposal. He wants Australia to become more like the European Union. Our states will retain the same currency but they will have more freedom to compete. And, in the fullness of time, Tasmania will become our new Greece. Simple economic Darwinism really. Inge Close Manly So Malcolm, federal and state taxes. If I work in WA and live in NSW, who do I pay my taxes to? And do I pay twice for my accountant to do my income tax return? Details please. Louise Brown Wandella All I can say is, dear God, please, bring back Tony Abbott. At least he had no ideas. Nick Parsons Lithgow Prime Minister Turnbull may have inadvertently stumbled on how to ease congestion in Sydney and lower house prices if he gives the Baird government the power to set income tax rates. Bob Senkewitz North Rocks This proposal by Turnbull is similar to Greg Chappell's underarm bowling directive. It's the end of him. Ron White Wentworth Falls Home ownership dream hasn't always been inevitable Sarita Hand (Letters, March 31) is correct in criticising the spoilt minority who expect a McMansion as their first domicile. However, she incorrectly conflates that observation with the thorny issue of home ownership to propose that an atmosphere of gloom is unreasonable.I grew up in the 40s and 50s, the age of the "Land-Lords", where most people rented mainly because gaining a home loan from conservative bankers was nigh impossible and, as is the present condition, wealth was in the hands of the fortunate few. I can vouch for the fact that not being independently housed is indeed a "gloomy" prospect. Passing ever-increasing and hard-earned cash to a housing baron instead of using it to pay off a mortgage or to save a deposit for a loan creates a downward spiral that is truly soul-destroying.Home ownership is a basic human need. It gives a sense of permanency, belonging to the community and being in charge of one's own destiny. I would suggest that it is a vital component of a happy and fair society.Unfortunately, successive governments have paid lip-service to this need and continue to give every indication of keeping the issue on the scrap heap in the name of their narrow market-driven ideologies. Bert Candy Lemon Tree Passage From house rules to full house and jackpot Premiers O'Farrell and Baird have accomplished a lot. The pace of activity is evident all around the city and it's exciting to see, and puts the previous ALP governments to shame. Why though does it appear that this government is so beholden to Crown Casino and Lend Lease that they are utterly "spineless" when dealing with them, as Michael Pascoe writes ("Barangaroo: House wins, again, as casino games government", smh.com.au, March 31)The building's Orwellian dominance will sit in the city's skyline for the next 100 years. Sydney's true "brand" of the Opera House, harbour and bridge will be usurped by the staggering presence of Packer's Palace. It will echo the seminal film Robocop and the pervasive "Omnicorp" looming everywhere that you look.What a timely coincidence that as the government's advisory panel gave it's report, the Packer Foundation responded with a media blitz including full page advertisements in the Herald, about how it will help the disadvantaged and even the arts. Noblesse oblige indeed.Peter Neufeld Mosman My thanks to Philip Drew (Letters, March 11) for expressing the outrage so many Sydneysiders feel at the Baird government's continuing capitulation to the obscene Crown Casino development.We did not ask for another casino. We did not vote to gift public land to Packer. We did not approve his design and most will not benefit from this monstrosity. Perhaps some day those who facilitated this crime against the public will be held to account.Mark Paskal Clovelly I had always thought that gaming areas were designed without any access to natural light. If that is the case why does Packer need to have his above ground? Why can't it be constructed in the basement of his casino/hotel? Then we can have a decently designed building above ground with adequate public access areas. Chris Harrison-Church Leichhardt Education not a private affair The latest move by Malcolm Turnbull to abrogate Federal government responsibility for public education ("PM Plan to End Public School Funding", smh.com.au March 31) and health shows more clearly that he is not what many mistakenly take him for. He is not Malcolm of the middleground, but a full-blown economic rationalist/neo-liberal determined to give precedence to all things private. Having failed to provide us with any coherent economic plan, this feels like a complete diversion to cover his government's incompetence. It is contradictory to all the talk of fairness and will result in a steady decline in the quality of public education and health. Like in America - a model Turnbull and Mike Baird seem determined to follow - public education and health will decline and, in time, be only for those at the lower end of the economic pile.Those who think that being an ex-merchant banker/so-called businessman qualifies Turnbull to effectively and fairly run the country should think again. Elaine Diffey Glebe We need the good oil So there is corruption in the oil industry? ("Big oil's bribe factory", March 31). Surprise! How else is an industry to survive while massively contributing to climate change, exploiting poor countries, supporting brutal regimes and contributing to global conflicts? Let's hear the full story of how the oil industry has fooled us all into passively watching it contribute to the perpetuation of atrocities, simultaneously usurping its enormous influence to suppress research into and application of alternative avenues of energy. Congratulations on this first instalment, but please don't hold back. Survival of the human race is depending on the full truth being exposed before it's too late. Peter Andersen Stockton Big Oil: Now we know where all that money they haven't paid in tax has gone. Keith Binns Goulburn Big oil's bribing strategy. Big casino throwing a tantrum to get their way. Big retailers underpaying staff. Aren't these the ones we rely on for "job creation" and setting the economy right? Manbir Kohli Pemulwuy Save us from daily darkness Am I the only one who thinks it's ridiculous to go to work in the dark at 7am this week? ("Sun'll come up no matter where, no matter when", March 31) Why didn't Daylight Saving end on the Easter weekend? A perfect time to sleep in with that extra hour. Anne Elliott Balmain Baby boomer pay back time Perhaps those who benefited from free university educations, and are now doing nicely and have lucrative jobs, should be made to repay the fees that they were able to avoid at the time (Letters, March 30). This would include many past, present and future politicians and executives of major corporations.William Bielefeldt Kembla Grange Rail integrity on the line By preserving the site where significant Aboriginal artefacts have been found at the light rail site in Randwick, Mr Baird would prove he actually is able to put integrity ahead of money-making (Letters, March 31). These remnants of the past have survived for many hundreds of years, something a light rail is unlikely to do. Joy Cooksey Harrington A posh and private look for Rio Olympics So, we now have the final response to Gonski: Even our Olympic athletes are to be dressed in private school uniforms ("A nod to Dawn Fraser and nanna chicc: Rio Olympics here we come, March 31.) Trevor Taylor Port Macquarie It's both or nothing It seems some people still don't get it. You can't like the Opera House and dislike the Le Corbusier tapestry. (Letters, March 31). They are one and the same from a great visionary architect intended to complement each other. It is incorrect to compare this great work to Picasso and Matisse as they were exponents of very different styles from an earlier art period. John Swanton Botany And while we're on the subject of tapestries, whose walls are graced by John Coburn's magnificent Curtains of the Sun and Moon, so ignominiously rejected because stage designers feared they would overshadow their own designs? David Thomson Port Macquarie Einstein said it ... "Sydney schools ban laptops, tablets" (smh.com.au March 31) Albert Einstein said "I fear the day that technology will surpass our human interaction. The world will have a generation of idiots." Like, nuff said, lol.Robert Franzos Murwillumbah Don't split, merge I've got a better idea. Instead of cutting Queensland in half, why don't we amalgamate all the states into one single entity, called Australia? (Letters March 31). It didn't take long for critics of the federal government's plan to emerge, though - including the federal government itself. Specifically, the Education Green Paper from last year which advised that if states were to be lumped with funding all their own education costs in the name of being able to best manage things, they should have funding control of all schools - public and private - in order to "promote better and more cost-effective service delivery" as well as provide more budget certainty and allow better forward planning. What was that about having a "competing interest", Malc? Look, I tried to ignore it, I really did One of the genuine problems with being a political commentator in 2016 is that it's almost impossible not to look as though one is taking endless potshots at the conservatives - not because there's a secret left wing bias in our media, but because Australian conservatives keep doing such excitingly odd things. The week began with former PM and current Internal Opposition Leader Tony "no sniping" Abbott provided we word-jockeys with a perfect metaphor for his economic policies, his attitude toward women and his blithe refusal to check his own sense of entitlement by stealing the wave of a young female surfer out on Tea Tree Bay, Queensland. So perfect was it, in fact, that it seemed too good to be true - however, subsequent interviews with the woman in question, 17-year-old Ivy Thomas, confirmed that it was precisely as magical as it appeared, complete with photograph. "Because I was on the inside of him and it's a right-hand break, I technically had right of way," Thomas explained. "I'm so glad there's evidence because I think no one would have believed me." Actually yeah, people probably would have. Publish or perish! But that pales when compared with the news which emerged today that WA MP Dennis Jensen - the MP that first publicly called on Abbott to resign in February 2015 - had used his parliamentary letterhead in 2007 when attempting to find a publisher for his novel The Sky Warriors. It's reportedly an action-adventure tale set against the evocative backdrop of a war between Australia and a Chinese-Indonesian coalition, and includes Jensen waxing poetic about the act of human love. Selections of the manuscript have been published elsewhere, giving exquisite insight into the sensual imagination of the Liberal backbencher through passages like "Yasmine didn't believe in wearing bras; in fact, she really didn't need to wear them as her breasts were still as firm as they had been in her late teens." Another alleged passage runs "'Yes', she moaned. 'Do it now, please, don't wait any longer' She pulled his trousers off, ripped the underpants off excitedly." That's um, what's a word that means sexy, except in reverse? An American observing this, perhaps even while carrying a gun, would be entitled to be bewildered. Theirs is a dark history too one that encompasses indigenous dispossession, slavery and segregation but it's a history they can hardly be accused of denying in the way we do. All that history is well trodden. For now, it's the weirdness of this, and what it reveals, that interests me. Specifically: why is this hysterical response so entirely predictable? Why is it that the moment the language of invasion appears, we seem so instinctively threatened by it? This isn't the response of sober historical disagreement. It's more visceral than that. Elemental even. It's like any remotely honest appraisal of our history even one contained in an obscure university guide has the power to trigger some kind of existential meltdown. What strange insecurity is this? Or perhaps you might begin with precisely which historical account does the rewriting: the one of "settlement" with its implications of an uninhabited continent, or the one whose language of invasion and colonisation implies the significant resistance of Indigenous people and the slaughter that flowed as a result? Sure, indigenous American history is frequently ignored, but this is partly because it is buried beneath the sheer tonnage of black history that is so constantly rehearsed. There will be people in the US south who lament losing the Civil War, and who cling to the Confederate flag. But it's hard to imagine a public freak-out because a university wanted to discuss slavery. By now, slavery and its abolition are central parts of the American story. There might be varying degrees of honesty in the way the US tells that story, but it has typically found a way to incorporate its warts. Why do we struggle so much more? Demography, sure. It's harder to brush aside the claims of 13 per cent of the population than the roughly 2 per cent of ours that is Indigenous. But it's also a function of national mythology. The US is built on the idea of constant progress through individual liberty. It's a nation that is never finished, never perfect, but always being perfected. Its historical scars are therefore not fatal to its identity. Indeed, they are essential because they allow Americans to tell a story of their own perfectibility. In these hands, slavery is not simply a stain, but a symbol of how far they've come. So, in the process of acknowledging slavery, the US is celebrated, not condemned. We're not like that. We struggle with our history because once we admit it, we have nowhere to go with it; no way of rehabilitating our pride; no way of understanding ourselves. As a nation, we lack a national mythology that can cope with our shortcomings. That transforms our historical scars into fatal psychological wounds, leaving us with a bizarre need to insist everything was and is as good as it gets. That's the true meaning of the love-it-or-leave-it ethos that so stubbornly persists. We don't want to be improved in any thorough way, because for us that seems to imply thorough imperfections. The University of Southern California has digitised up to 1300 architectural photographs dating back to the golden era of mid-century Modernism. The collection, which is accessible via the USC Digital Library, has been described as the mid-century equivalent of an architecture-focused Instagram feed, featuring non-formal snapshots and otherwise vernacular images of some of the most iconic residential buildings of the era. The famed Sturges residence in Los Angeles is featured among the 1300 photographs in USC's recently released archive. Shot by architects Pierre Koenig and Fritz Block, the photos offer casual, unconventional and, in many cases, never before seen views of buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, Albert Frey, Richard Neutra and several others. The images are important not just for the record of such buildings, but for the everyday, lived-in sensibilities. Grimur Hakonarson was sitting on a rented boat in Cannes, musing over a missed opportunity: if only he had brought a sheep with him. Hakonarson's film Rams, about two feuding Icelandic brothers who compete silently and furiously at the local livestock competitions, was proving the festival's surprise hit; maybe the Palais' famously unyielding security guards might have let a sheep in a little tux through just this once. That was certainly his plan for the premiere in Reykjavik. Dyed in the wool: Rams tells the story of two Icelandic brothers who love their sheep but have trouble communicating with each other. Rams is set in the north of Iceland, where Hakonarson used to go for weekends and holidays to help out on his grandparents' farm. It is bleak, beautiful, freezing cold country that demands an iron resilience from the people who work it. "The generation I am making a film about carries values that are disappearing in modern society," he says. "I wanted to preserve that. I like this passion they have for the animals. It's not only a job; it's something higher. I'm from the city. I like that idea." Not that he is sentimental about rural life or the people who live it. The two bachelor brothers, Gummi and Kiddi, played with dogged commitment by local actors Sigurdur Sigurjonsson and Theodor Juliusson, live on adjacent smallholdings but have not spoken to each other for 40 years. They are both lonely. Kiddi is an alcoholic. They do communicate, but only via notes carried by a very photogenic sheepdog. It is only when the local vet a woman and an outsider confirms an outbreak of scrapie, which means all threatened flocks will have to be killed, that they begin to thaw. Rising Indigenous star Thelma Plum has lashed out at Alan Jones and channel Seven's Sunrise program, calling its team "a bunch of racist c---s". Her attack came after the program failed to include an Indigenous person in a live discussion on whether James Cook's arrival was an invasion or not. Jones and Herald Sun columnist Rita Panahi, who is of Iranian descent, appeared on the show to discuss the controversy about UNSW's directions to students to refer to Cook as having "invaded" rather than "discovered" Australia. Critical viewing ... Thelma Plum was damning in her assessment of Sunrise and Alan Jones. Unsurprisingly Panahi and then Jones both preferred the view that Cook discovered Australia, despite Edwina Bartholomew's suggestion that Indigenous Australian might find the notion "offensive". Jones said that former Prime Minister John Howard was right about there being a "black armband view of history" and fumed that universities were "being overtaken by the left". Thousands of Australians planning to visit Gallipoli for Anzac Day face a difficult decision after the federal government urged travellers to reconsider travel to the transit city of Istanbul. Less than a month before Anzac Day, the Department of Foreign Affairs has stiffened its advice for Turkey, urging Australians to "reconsider your need to travel" to Istanbul or the capital Ankara, though the advice for Gallipoli itself has not changed. Police secure an area in a major shopping and tourist district in the central part of Istanbul following a suicide bombing on March 19. Credit:Getty Images More than 80 people have been killed in four separate suicide bombings in the two major cities so far this year. Virtually all visitors to Gallipoli have to go through Istanbul. While the advice did not warn people not to travel to Gallipoli for Anzac Day, it urged them to spend as little time in Istanbul as possible. Would lower income taxes in some states lead to a flood of interstate migration? Professors Eccleston and Warren have pointed to evidence that mobility between states is increasing, especially among high income earners, and taxpayers may relocate to minimise their tax burden. But University of Queensland population and migration expert Dr Elin Charles-Edwards said unless the disparity in tax rates was "massive", this effect would be minimal. She pointed to the abolition of death duties in Queensland in the late 1970s, saying it has been seen as "a real driver of large interstate flows from southern states to Queensland. But if you look at the numbers, that doesn't really bear out". Dr Charles-Edwards added that Queensland had long been a relatively high-taxing state but still had large net interstate flows of residents. She said job opportunities, property prices and lifestyle factors were greater drivers of interstate migration. Will the changes disadvantage poorer states, which have less revenue-raising potential? Labor says the policy would be a "disaster" for states and territories such as Tasmania, South Australia and the Northern Territory, which have lower income tax bases and the most acute health funding problems. On Thursday, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said no state should be disadvantaged by the policy and there may be federal mechanisms to compensate states that "fell behind". In their paper, professors Eccleston and Warren say that states may be less willing to take the political risk of charging higher income taxes if it means receiving less in Commonwealth grants. Australian Medical Association president Brian Owler questioned the worth of giving income tax responsibilities to the states if it would require a compensation system, declaring the policy makes "no logical sense". Has the granting of income taxing powers to other states worked in overseas jurisdictions? Or will it lead to worsening standards in health and other services? Such models exist in many other federations, including Canada and the United States. Cheryl Saunders, Laureate Professor Emeritus at the Melbourne Law School, said the Canadian model "works fine". "Canada is obviously a very successful, developed, functioning federation," she said, adding that measures were taken in that country to reduce inequality between jurisdictions. She dismissed fears of reduced health services in Australia under the change, saying: "Health standards are also going to fall if the Commonwealth rips a few more billion [dollars] out of the health budget". "The argument that it will be a race to the bottom [for lower income tax rates] only works if you've got somewhere else to go and get the money," she said, adding that voters would demand adequate services. But Professor Eccleston said in the US, poorer states often collected less than half the revenue per capita than wealthy states, despite some federal "equalisation" programs. "The flip side of that is what poor southern states spend on key social services and infrastructure is half of what wealthy states like New England or California spends, and that leads to huge levels of regional inequality," he said. If states collected their own income tax revenue, and took on the associated political risk, would this make spending more responsible and efficient? Mr Turnbull said on Thursday that the proposal would give states "real responsibility" and "greater fiscal autonomy". "If you don't have responsibility for raising the money you spend, then you are not going to spend it as wisely as you would if you had to raise it," he said. Australian executives, including former managers at Leighton Holdings, will be hauled before the Senate's inquiry into foreign bribery to explain their part in the alleged oil industry bribery racket exposed by Fairfax Media. In what will be a welcome focus on white collar crime for Labor, members of the economics committee Nick Xenophon and Sam Dastyari are orchestrating a special public hearing for the same week Parliament resumes on April 18 to debate the Coalition's crackdown on union corruption through the reintroduction of the Australian Building and Construction Commission. Fairfax Media understands former Leighton executives Russell Waugh, David Savage and Peter Cox will be invited to attend but if they refuse the committee will employ rarely used powers to summons them to Canberra. That's as may be but going into this COAG, premiers are unimpressed at losing tied grants from Canberra, while recovering some of the income taxation powers they lost in 1942. The government argues it is entirely genuine, having started federation reform in 2013 and put taxing powers on the agenda at the last COAG meeting in December. Whether Malcolm Turnbull's creative approach to Commonwealth-state financing constitutes visionary reform or simply the posturing of a government searching for a credible agenda before an election is probably a matter of perspective. It may be a case of be careful what you wish for. After all, states have long complained about the disconnect between their requirements in providing health and education services and distant Canberra's insensitivity to same. NSW Premier Mike Baird and Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull address the media at the last COAG meeting in December. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Well, Turnbull is saying to them: "OK you do it. You need to spend X amount, then you can raise X amount - and of course, be directly accountable to your voters for doing so." Unfortunately, it ain't that simple. The smaller the jurisdiction, the bigger the problems. Northern Territory for example has worked out (albeit very roughly) that it would need to raise income taxes by something like 8.3 per cent to make up for the loss of those grants. Tasmania and South Australia would also go backwards. And while Turnbull says that can be managed centrally, already you're back into complicated fiscal equalisation formulas involving cross-subsidisation by taxpayers in bigger states. The first thing to note is that none of these things wil be nailed down at this meeting. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's proposal for a radical school funding shakeup could create a more unfair system and "perverse" incentives for cost shifting, according to the federal government's own blueprint for federation reform. It would also undermine years of work to create a more nationally consistent school system, the government's Reform of the Federation green paper found. Health and education funding will dominate the agenda at Friday's meeting of federal and state leaders in Canberra. The Turnbull government is expected to announce some short-term relief for hospitals but no extra money for schools. Senator Arthur Sinodinos' demand that references to him be removed from an explosive NSW Electoral Commission statement about a political donations scandal has been firmly rejected by the commission. "The Commission is not prepared to retract its decision or any part of its statement or summary of facts," said the letter to Mr Sinodinos' lawyers Arnold Bloch Leibler, which was posted on the commission's website on Thursday afternoon. Liberal Senator Arthur Sinodinos arrives as the guest speaker at a Liberal Party fundraiser at Darren Taylor Catering, Kellet Street, Potts Point on Wednesday night. Credit:Wolter Peeters The commission's chairman, Keith Mason, also rejected Mr Sinodinos' claim in his letter of complaint that he wasn't afforded "procedural fairness" or "basic decency" by not being forewarned of the statement. Federal Member for Tangney Dennis Jensen has admitted he should not have sent a letter touting his debut novel on parliamentary letterhead but says the media has sensationalised a "racy" portion of the unpublished work. In a story in The Australian on Tuesday, it was revealed Dr Jensen had used the letterhead in correspondence with a literary agent, while trying to get his book Sky Warriors published. Furthermore, the fictional work - which involves a war between Australia and the joint forces of Indonesia and China - contained a passage that outlined non-bra wearing, the running of hands up thighs and the following immortal line: "She pulled his trousers off, ripped the underpants off excitedly, and took him in her mouth." A Fairfax Media and Huffington Post investigation has uncovered an extraordinary case of bribery and corruption in the oil industry, centred on Monaco-based company Unaoil. This is how the West carved up Iraq. THE PLAYERS Basil Al Jarah Unaoil's Iraq country manager Oday al-Quraishi Iraqi oil bureaucrat Hussain al-Shahristani Iraqi deputy prime minister Cyrus Ahsani Unaoil CEO THE BAGMAN There was little about the man walking through Heathrow Airport to show he held secrets that could bring down some of the most powerful men in Iraq. Moustached, olive skinned, hair receding, eyes sharp. His name was Basil Al Jarah. His British passport showed he lived in Hull, an unremarkable town in the north of England, but it bore the stamps of a frequent traveller: London, Baghdad, Basra, Amman, Paris, Istanbul, Kuwait. Basil Al Jarah was an oil industry fixer. But had authorities known his true business, they might have taken a far keener interest in the man waiting for a plane to Amman in 2011. Because by that stage, Al Jarah and his employer, a Monaco-based company called Unaoil, had cultivated an astonishing web of influence in the upper echelons of Iraqi power all based on the simple expedient of bribing the right man at the right time. As tens of thousands of secret emails reveal, Al Jarah and Unaoil were at the heart of a global bribery operation funded, sometimes wittingly, by dozens of US, British, European and Australian multinationals. These firms paid huge sums to Unaoil. In return, Unaoil used its friends in high places to win billions of dollars worth of government contracts. To understand the scale of Unaoils Iraq operation, someone would have to break these codes. In Iraq, the man charged with making those friends was Al Jarah. From 2003 onwards, he used his influence to help deliver huge contracts to Unaoil's clients. It did not matter if these clients were more expensive or less capable than their competitors. Unaoil and Al Jarah were, in effect, fleecing the people of Iraq, and in the process making a mockery of the US government's promise, after toppling Saddam Hussein, to ensure Iraq's oil wealth would benefit all Iraqis. Al Jarah was careful to cover his tracks. He struck deals in hotel rooms late at night and used code words to communicate. To understand the scale of Unaoils Iraq operation, someone would have to break these codes. And to do that they would need access to thousands of emails. It is almost certain Al Jarah never believed this possible. But last year, Fairfax Media and Huffington Post began investigating the underbelly of the global oil and gas industry. After many months of digging and a trip across Europe, our reporters uncovered a treasure trove of emails and memos. The 66-year-old former ships captain from Hull, Basil Al Jarah, was the author of many of the most colourful. They reveal him routinely bribing government officials who were deemed useful to us and to Unaoil's clients multinationals such as British firms Rolls-Royce, Petrofac and Clyde Pumps, US listed giants Weatherford, Cameron/Natco and FMC Technologies and European firms such Saipem, SBM Offshore and MAN Turbo. The emails suggest that for years the very highest levels of Iraq's oil industry up to and including the deputy prime minister has been corrupted with impunity under the noses of Iraqi, British, European and US authorities. This despite strict laws in the west designed to prevent foreign bribery. They also tell us what Al Jarah's main goal was as he flew across Europe and the middle east that day early in 2011 to influence two of the most powerful men in Iraq on behalf of a company that had agreed to pay bribes of up to $40 million. A NEW DAWN IN IRAQ In 2003, when US-led forces rolled into Baghdad, the oil ministry was among the sites designated for immediate protection. As looters stumbled out of museums clasping irreplaceable antiquities, coalition troops and tanks encircled the ministry building. US President George W Bush insisted that the oil belonged to the Iraqi people: It's their asset, he said. The message was clear. Iraqs future lay beneath its blood-soaked earth, in some of the world's biggest oil reserves. The question was, who would benefit? In 2006, three years after the invasion, as conflict raged on, US President George W Bush insisted that the oil belonged to the Iraqi people: It's their asset, he said. The US would help the new government of Nouri al-Maliki use the nation's resources to build a new Iraq. That meant increasing oil production. It meant repairing wells. It meant new pipelines, infrastructure and technology. The government couldn't do it alone. It would need the expertise and resources of the giant American, British and European energy companies. To ensure a fair and transparent process, the Iraqi government sought to run competitive tenders. The Saddam era, when the foreigner who paid the biggest kickback won would win the job, had supposedly been consigned to history. Unaoil, though, was old school. By the time of Bush's declaration, it had been operating in Iraq for three years, with Al Jarah as country manager. Unaoil favoured the old kickback system, albeit with a new crop of officials to be bribed. A 2005 email illustrates their modus operandi. Al Jarah wrote to Unaoil colleagues about a meeting at Paris' Charles De Gaulle airport with a senior manager from US firm FMC Technologies. FMC's past contacts who held sway in the old [Saddam Hussein] regime are worthless now, he wrote. FMC must look to the future with new contacts and new faces. [FMC manager] requested time to disentangle himself from his current agent to sign up with Unaoil. According to his email, Al Jarah had struck a deal for Unaoil to get a 5 to 10 per cent cut of any contract it could win for FMC in Iraq or Kuwait. In Kuwait, for example, FMC had promised to pay Unaoil $2.5 million to win a $25 million contract. Unaoil could use a portion of that fee to pay-off the big cheese in Kuwait. Rolls-Royce TREATMENT Al Jarah then approached a senior Iraq oil official, Kifah Numan, to help the US firm. FMC wanted to win contracts that had already been promised to its rivals. I have to lean really heavy on Kifah to swing this if at all possible. I will start softening Kifah from tonight. Numan, in fact, features repeatedly in Al Jarah's emails. Once in Dubai, Al Jarah had to baby sit [Numan] for 4-5 days to ensure none of Unaoil's competitors made contact. He is too valuable to leave him lose [sic] in Dubai for other suppliers, Al Jarah warned. Sometimes the attention was surprisingly personal, and trivial. Al Jarah spent US$2,684.00 for Gifts for Mr Kifah during London visit, including Perfume, Various CD's, Mobile Top-Up and Leather Jacket. At the time, Al Jarah was duchessing Numan on behalf of Unaoil client Rolls-Royce, which was chasing generator supply contracts worth tens of millions of dollars. Getting hold of Kifah to just spend any time with him is a bonus other contractor/suppliers would give their right arm for. Hence spending $2,684 on a key decision maker and remain in his good books to process things is worth 100 times that value, without which we would have no contract [for Rolls-Royce] in our hands now. In a later email, Al Jarah wrote that Numan had advised him that Unaoil and Rolls-Royce could charge the Iraqi government inflated prices, to ensure fatter profits. He advised that cost will be no object I expect we should make a minimum of $2m per [Rolls-Royce generator] unit net. After all costs have been taken into account. Advertisement Rolls-Royce has told Fairfax Media and Huffington Post that concerns about bribery involving intermediaries are being investigated by the British Serious Fraud Office and other authorities. Rolls-Royce is co-operating, said a spokesman, but do not comment on ongoing investigations. In 2008, Numan became director general of the Iraq Government's powerful South Oil Company, which was in charge of the country's most valuable oil fields and infrastructure. Kifah called me yesterday, wrote Al Jarah, he still didn't know if the news is confirmed. He said he is planning to come to Dubai next week while I am here Don't know about you, I am having few beers today to celebrate. The response from Unaoil CEO Cyrus Ahsani was equally upbeat: Excellent and let's see how we can quickly do certain things to make sure we are the only ones with access. LIGHTHOUSE At its heart, Unaoil is a family company. It was founded by the urbane septuagenarian Ata Ahsani. Iranian born Ahsani left Tehran at the time of the Islamic revolution. In 1991 he set up an oil consulting business in London and then Monaco. There, he appointed his sons Cyrus and Saman to help him. Unaoil would eventually grow to 200 staff, but its dirty secrets the bribes it paid to officials across the world were only known to an inner circle that included Ata, Cyrus and Saman. And, of course, Basil Al Jarah. In another email to Cyrus Ahsani, Al Jarah wrote he had promised tens of thousands of dollars in kickbacks to our new friends inside the oil ministry. The money would help secure a contract to supply chemicals used in the oil refining process for listed giant Weatherford. Under this contract, for every drum the oil ministry purchased from Weatherford, Unaoil paid a kickback to a group of senior Iraqi officials, including a figure code-named Lighthouse. Since the involvement this year of new friends in the Ministry; I shifted $5 from Jassim's share and gave it to the Ministry people. Total is still $13. Although I'd like to increase Lighthouse's share by $1-2, he has been the most helpful to us, Al Jarah wrote. A spokeswoman for Weatherford said the company had wound down its chemicals business and ceased dealing with Unaoil in 2013. The man Unaoil codenamed Mr Lighthouse was a big deal in Iraq's south, where the nation's two great rivers, the Tigris and the Euphrates, meet and flow into the Persian Gulf. The land here is arid and flat, the weather extreme, from blistering heat to icy cold. Underground, though, south Iraq's oil fields are the prize of the nation. Control these and you control great wealth. The seat of power in the south is Basra (also known as Basrah), Iraq's second largest city and home of the most powerful government owned oil company, the South Oil Company. The SOC was where Lighthouse built his empire. It was clear to Basil Al Jarah how influential he was. Lighthouse's real name is Dhia Jaffar al-Mousawi. When Prime Minsters visit Basrah, he accompanies them first and holds private sessions with them, Al Jarah wrote of Dhia Jaffar in 2008. At the time, Al Jarah and Unaoil were focused on gradually softening Dhia Jaffar up with small bribes. When Cyrus Ahsani inquired how many bribes, Al Jarah replied: We haven't done much for him [Dhia Jaffar] really, but here is a list: Took him clothes shopping on two occasions (around $1-2K each time) Related sub agent got $30k for assistance with al Kassim order. Gave his son a 2 week English course in Dubai. Arranged interviews to employ the son in Adnan's company, but the boy found alternative work. For the past 8 months working on getting him a UAE residency visa, but without success. That's it. When Dhia Jaffar considered running for Basra mayor, Al Jarah excitedly reported that the oil official was on the Prime Minister's ticket and he had contributed $5k to his election campaign. Basrah may also become regionally semi autonomous, which means the Mayor will sway tremendous power. So he will become very useful indeed. As Dhia Jaffar's star rose, Unaoil ramped up its campaign of corruption. First, a trip to Monaco. Eventually, bribes worth millions of dollars. The investment paid off: in 2009, Dhia Jaffar was appointed the Director General of the South Oil Company in 2009. In 2015 he became deputy minister for oil in the Iraq government. IVAN There was another man vital to Unaoil's success in Iraq. Unaoil code named him Ivan. His real name was Oday al-Quraishi. He too was a South Oil Company official. He too was carefully groomed. In 2008, Unaoil even promised him a job before deciding he was more use to them as a corrupt government insider. Please note I held two meetings with Oday today, Al Jarah wrote to Unaoil colleagues on May 19, 2008. He is now appointed by the Ministry as Project Manager to liaise between the Ministry of Oil and US Gulf Development Projects (GDP). In view of the above, I believe Oday will be far more useful to us in SOC [South Oil Company] then joining Unaoil. But Unaoil did put him on the payroll. There would be a monthly payment for Ivan and a cut of every multi-million dollar contract he funnelled to Unaoil's clients. Please note I met with Ivan yesterday and I feel we should instigate a retainer for him as discussed. It is $6000 per month. ($5K for him, and $1k he needs for presents to people within), Al Jarah wrote. I think this will only go on as far as we get commitments firmed up and he knows his portion [of the money paid by foreign companies to Unaoil to win certain oil field projects]. Ivan and Lighthouse repeatedly leaked information to Unaoil, and rigged tender committees to favour its clients. The pair worked assiduously to identify projects funded by the Iraq government, or through international aid money, that could be funnelled to a Unaoil client. An email from August 2009 shows the men working in tandem to maximise their, and Unaoils, profits. In general discussion with Mr. Lighthouse this evening, it transpired that TPIC [Turkish Petroleum International Company] is close to winning an order of $325m for drilling 45 wells in south of Iraq. He says they applied openly and he is not aware of any special connection to an Iraqi entity pushing their bid forward. I immediately requested Lighthouse to hold processing anything until he hears from me. We need to move urgently to reach this company and give them the full works that Unaoil can make their life easier in the Ministry, SOC, Al Jarah wrote. More discussions with Lighthouse tomorrow, he advised me that as DG [Director General] he has hit it off with BP [British Petroleum] very well indeed ... At the appropriate time, he will drop the hint for them to see Unaoil for on-the-ground services Unaoil made Dhia Jaffar and Oday al-Quraishi wealthy men. Oday is getting rich, a 2010 Unaoil email noted. He wants me to accompany him this morning to see a flat in Chelsea to buy. HOLIDAY PLANS The scale of the graft is revealed in coded emails discussing payments for Dhia Jaffar. A bribe was called a holiday; a one-day holiday was $1 million. It's probably true that Lighthouse wants to see a return, Cyrus Ahsani wrote in one email. I previously said to Lighthouse half a day holiday, but they [Dhia Jaffar and Quraishi] are looking for a full day off. We may settle for 18 hours. In another email, Al Jarah made it clear that several million-dollar payments would be needed to secure Ivans support for Saipem, an Italian client. It is all an issue of how many days we spend on this job, Bearing in mind the headline figure. The 2.5 days I presented was felt insufficient time allowed, but Ivan will think about it and consult his colleagues. I suspect it will prove enough time. In another email, a senior Unaoil executive explicitly suggested that Oday al-Quraishi may need more cash: The best medicine for a calm life is a dose of George Washington why not?? We got a little bit more and we need Ivan, the executive wrote. He was later counselled by a colleague for his indiscreet language. As Unaoil's insiders became more powerful, the company had to work harder to keep their activities secret. I will appoint Lighthouse's nephew to act as go between and we stay in constant touch. He can be put on a retainer and Lighthouse is comfortable with him coming and going out of his house... Lighthouse requested only I handle Nephew and he doesn't call at our office I agreed, Al Jarah wrote. In the end, of course, the beneficiaries of these dealings were not just corrupt officials and Unaoil -- they were also the companies which paid Unaoil to win massive contracts. These were contracts that should have been decided by genuine tender, ensuring the best deal for Iraq and its people. Instead, Unaoil's intervention meant that many contracts were won by the company that paid the biggest bribe. DID UNAOIL'S CLIENTS KNOW? Along with FMC Technologies, Rolls-Royce, and Weatherford, beneficiaries of Unaoil's network in the Middle East have included a who's who of the oil service industry: Italian firms Saipem, Rosetti Marino and Valvitalia, German company MAN Turbo, Dutch firm SBM Offshore, Swiss company ABB, US companies The Shaw Group, Cameron/Natco and Core Labs, Australian firm Leighton Offshore, UK firms Petrofac, Weir and Clyde Pumps. And so on. The leaked emails make it clear that senior managers in some of these companies knew, or should have suspected, that Unaoil may be acting corruptly. Some managers appear wilfully blind to this possibility, and a small number were actively corrupt. Al Jarah identified a Rolls-Royce manager as a valuable insider who could feed Unaoil useful internal info on how to respond to RR [Rolls-Royce]. The effort and help [the Rolls-Royce manager] is providing is on the understanding that Unaoil will retain him as a side consultant/Technical adviser (Very quietly please) to help in handling RR. A figure of Dhs [Dirhams] 5000 per month ($A1840) was agreed. Presently It is the fastest Basil has seen him work the past two years. Unaoil also corrupted senior managers of the companies contracted to run Iraq's biggest oil fields, including the Al Zubair field. In early 2010, Italian oil giant Eni won the contract to develop Al Zubair. The move was part of an Iraq government push to get multinationals including Eni, BP and Shell to help exploit the nation's wealth. The Unaoil story, however, proves that appointing senior oilmen from private companies to run state assets is no safeguard against corruption. The emails make clear that by 2010, Unaoil had successfully wooed senior figures inside both Eni and BP's oilfield management teams. A senior Italian oilman working for Eni, Diego Braghi, was bribed to leak competitors' tender documents and to rig tender committees to favour Unaoil's clients at Zubair. These clients included Core Labs, MAN Turbo and Weatherford. Braghi (who denies any wrongdoing) didn't come cheap. The leaked files reveal he wanted to split the payments from Unaoils clients 60% for us and 40% for you, after expenses. Once you have accepted the above conditions, we will release the information you have requested, Braghi wrote. Unaoil's Cyrus Ahsani responded by offering a 50/50 split along with a warning that Unaoil's operation in Iraq was more and more difficult and RISKY. THE MOST POWERFUL MEN IN THE LAND But Unaoil's biggest bribes were paid to two men who sat around the Iraq government's cabinet table; men who directed the future of country's oil industry, cut deals with foreign presidents and prime ministers and attended OPEC meetings. Al Jarah took special care to protect their identities. He codenamed them M and the Teacher. Contact was through a middle man who operated out of Amman, Jordan, and who was called Ahmed al-Jibouri; he was given the codename the Doctor. Jibouri and his contacts stood to make Unaoil very rich. In a series of emails, Al Jarah described a $100 million dollar Iraq government contract that had come from the teacher and could be funnelled to Unaoil client Hyundai. Al Jarah wrote that Hyundai could be guaranteed the job if it paid between $7 million and $5 million to Unaoil. In return, Unaoil would influence the decision making process and can fully swing it in their direction. A cut of this $7 to $5 million would then be paid by Unaoil to Jibouri, who fronted for M and the Teacher. A leaked transcript of a Skype conversation (Unaoil used Skype because it could not be intercepted by police) provides evidence that al-Jibouri was no mere lobbyist, but rather a bagman extracting kickbacks for others. He is a tool, Al Jarah wrote over Skype. The people above him are right assholes and greedy. Advertisement In 2010, Al Jarah agreed to pay Jibouri more than $1 million (later revised to $500,000) to get his friends in Baghdad to try to carve up contracts on the Garraf oilfield. This time the beneficiaries would be British firm Petrofac and Dutch firm SBM. Your people must clear the way and support for Petrofac to win this order, Al Jarah wrote to Jibouri. We are now agreed the figure 1 [million] for this service. But Petrofac must win so we have to follow it through and you get paid when we get paid. SBM confirmed in a statement that it had used Unaoil in Iraq, but that, a compliance review was completed and no irregularities were found. So who are the Teacher and M? Their identities would have likely remained hidden. But then Al Jarah slipped up. Even the most careful men make mistakes. On Friday June 3, 2011, Al Jarah learned that the prime minister of Iraq, Nouri al-Maliki, had ordered deputy prime minister Dr Hussain al-Shahristani to visit a government-funded oil project that had been won (corruptly) by a Unaoil client, the offshore arm of Australian construction giant Leighton Holdings. Shahristani is something of a celebrity in the Arab world, having endured years in an Iraqi jail for disobeying Saddam Hussein. After Saddam was toppled, he became oil minister and, in late 2010, deputy prime minister. As a younger man, Shahristani had also worked as a teacher. When Al Jarah learned that Shahristani was to visit the site, he sent an angry email to Jibouri: The PM has asked Teacher to go himself on Leighton's Barge in Fao ... don't you think you should have told us visit like this is taking place? So that was Teacher. But what about M? Once again Al Jarah got careless. A comprehensive search of his emails has revealed that in 2009 Al Jarah wrote that he had contacted middleman Ahmed al-Jibouri to get access to his best pal Kareem Leaby [Luaibi] at the Ministry. Kareem Luaibi was the Iraq oil minister who succeeded Shahristani. He was also M. At one point he called M in front of me and made that request; at another he made a phone call to the Teacher's house at midnight. In 2010 and 2011, Al Jarah agreed to pay more than $20 million in bribes to Jibouri to influence Shahristani and Luaibi. In return, Unaoil wanted their support for Leighton Offshore, which was bidding for a slice of a $2 billion oil pipeline project. Knowing the code, its clear why Jibouri was so valuable to Unaoil. At one point he called M in front of me and made that request; at another he made a phone call to the Teacher's house at midnight. Emails suggest Jibouri was no simple lobbyist, and that the politicians themselves were involved in negotiating the size of their bribes. One email describes the promise of a $1.5 million payoff described in code as 1.5 days holiday to deliver a $70 million contract. He [al-Jibouri] transferred that info to teacher and on that basis teacher gave it the OK, Al Jarah wrote. In 2011, Unaoil agreed to pay one of its biggest ever bribes, $16 million, to win the support of M and the Teacher for a $600 million pipeline contract. This payment, wrote Al Jarah in 2011, would ensure Leighton Holdings had the backing of al-Jibouri's team. Al Jarah also wrote that he wanted to show documents relating to this $16 million payment directly to Teacher. I'd like to have it in front of the teacher here in Amman tomorrow evening, he wrote. Teacher is confident that he can knock out [Leightons rivals]. And this: Teacher & M will insist on delivery date to push L [Leighton] through. Al Jarah urged his Unaoil bosses to please make sure our holiday period [bribe amount] is firm or risk Peddling like mad to please Teacher. THE FUTURE By May 2011, Al Jarah was boasting that Unaoil was close to fulfilling its ultimate mission in Iraq: complete control of the governments oil hierarchy. The troubles we are facing now is because we don't have the full pyramid covered... He [al-Jibouri] fully appreciates the advantages better than me and sees the grip we will have on the whole Ministry it is something he is working on very hard with his contacts. The trove of leaked Unaoil documents are mostly dated between 1999 and 2012, so it is difficult to get a clear picture of the companys more recent operations. However, it seems not everything has gone to plan. When Iraq's government changed in late 2014, al-Shahristani was appointed education minister and Luaibi lost his post as oil minister. However, Dhia Lighthouse Jaffar was last year appointed as Iraq's Deputy Minister for Oil Refineries. Iraq remains wracked with instability and violence, including that wreaked by ISIS. Many ordinary Iraqis remain desperately poor. But Unaoil is not. And nor are its multinational clients, who continue to post huge profits and win jobs in Iraq, sometimes still with Unaoil's help. Al Jarah and Unaoil last week vehemently denied over the phone that they were involved in any bribery or corruption. The now education minister, Shahristani, called to say he had never heard of Jibouri or Al Jarah, and that he had never taken a bribe as oil minister. He urged Fairfax Media and Huffington Post to provide its evidence to the courts and Iraqs integrity commission. Unaoils fixer, Jibouri, did not respond to questions. We should see such desperate measures to stain our reputation as a badge of honour as we grow and succeed Despite years of corruption not a single person has been held accountable in connection to Unaoil's operations. Last year, the Ahsani family sent out an internal email to staff to deal with consistent oil industry rumours that they were corrupt. As many of you know, we are close to securing some major new awards from IOCs [International Oil Companies], the email states. We should see such desperate measures to stain our reputation as a badge of honour as we grow and succeed in winning bigger jobs. The University of Sydney will slash up to 100 degrees from its portfolio and triple its annual investment in research to $900 million over six years, the university's vice-chancellor Michael Spence has revealed. On Thursday the university announced its 2016-2020 Strategic Plan to streamline degrees into three "tracks": professional development, research and a more open track for broader education. Dr Spence said that the university will end up with about 20 degrees across streamlined arts and social sciences, business, engineering, science, health, and medicine faculties and the schools of law, architecture and the conservatorium of music. It currently has more than 122 degrees across 16 faculties in its Camperdown, Lidcombe and Westmead campuses, the list of remaining degrees is still being negotiated between the faculties. Illustration: Cathy Wilcox States and territories are standing on the precipice of a funding shortfall that will begin to bite in the next financial year, when $57 billion that was due to be delivered will be reduced to a trickle, after Tony Abbott reneged on the package signed off by Labor. A $3.4-billion increase in federal health funding to 2020 has reportedly also been canvassed as a temporary measure to balance out Mr Abbott's cuts. Mr Turnbull wants to allow the states to levy their own income taxes, thereby shifting accountability for the funding of health and education to the jurisdictions that actually deliver them. NSW Premier Mike Baird said he felt hopeful ahead of COAG, and that the federal government "understands the need to get back to a basis that is fair and reasonable". "Ultimately the challenges in health go well beyond any state budget. They need the federal government. We are well short from 2020 to 2030 on health funding." The cost of running public hospitals has risen as a result of more expensive medical technology and an ageing population, and local health districts have struggled to meet their performance targets and come in under budget. This has resulted in some hospitals missing out on urgently needed upgrades, leaving Royal Prince Alfred Hospital with no physical space to expand its emergency department, while Concord Hospital has not been renovated in 20 years. Nepean Hospital has so few beds that half its emergency patients wait longer than four hours to be seen by a doctor. While most hospitals perform elective surgery procedures within the recommended time frames, doctors have complained that many patients are waiting years before they are added to the official lists. A resident surgeon at Blacktown Hospital wrote to GPs in September asking them not to send him patients before the new year, as he had no available appointments. Westmead hospital was unable to provide figures on how many surgeries were actually scheduled for April. "The scheduled surgical activity levels in the current period were set to manage staff rosters and the attendance of senior clinical staff at annual conferences that keep them up to date with latest practice," Ms Constable said. "It is recognised that medical presentations often increase during the winter period. By staff taking leave in autumn, Westmead Hospital will be at full capacity when community demand hits its winter peak." But Australian Medical Association NSW president Saxon Smith said Easter shutdowns did not usually last longer than two weeks and doctors had been given little notice this one was to take place, forcing them to cancel patients at the last minute. The postponed surgeries would inevitably increase demand later in the year. "A six-week shutdown period is much longer than normal and that's why we're worried about ongoing issues," Dr Smith said. "It highlights why we really need the federal government to come up with a future-proof funding model for health services in Australia." It was common for local health districts to reduce elective surgery to alleviate their annual leave liability and help balance the budget, although it was not clear whether that was the case in this event, he said. "The cheapest hospital is one that doesn't have anyone in it." There has been a trend of increased demand for elective surgery at Westmead Hospital over the past five years, with 520 more surgeries performed in the last quarter of 2015 compared with the last quarter of 2010, according to the NSW Bureau of Health Information. The Department of Immigration and Border Protection has distanced itself from calls to provide a greater role in stopping faulty and dangerous building products from entering Australia. A Senate inquiry into non-conforming building products has revealed government departments have differing opinions on how to improve surveillance of the products. The Department of Immigration and Border Protection have proposed a new way to monitor faulty building products. Credit:AP/File Submissions from industry groups and unions have highlighted the extent of dangers caused by the products, with many certified overseas with limited oversight. Last month, authorities warned hundreds of Canberra homes may be at risk of fire due to defective wiring sold between 2011 and 2013. At least 162 kilometres of the cable sold in the territory. Staff at the National Library of Australia have rejected a revised pay offer as the cultural institution continues to deal with federal budget cuts and an ongoing efficiency dividend. The vote was rejected by three-quarters of the 81.6 per cent of staff who voted on the agreement, with union officials describing the vote as a reflection of their frustration. Cuts to national cultural institutions have been mistakenly characterised as an issue only affecting Canberrans. Credit:Katherine Griffiths The library expects to shed more than 20 jobs by June 30 with additional redundancies to follow in 2017-18. The library will also reduce the number of international print and online subscriptions available to members. CPSU Deputy Secretary Beth Vincent-Pietsch said the pay offer was similar to those at other agencies 6 per cent shared over three years. "He [then] went back in to [the] restaurant where he [had] stabbed some one to death," Mr Short posted on Facebook. The alleged offender sits on the edge of the fountain in the Westfield Hornsby forecourt. Credit:Facebook "A few of us stood there hoping he would not stab any one else until the police came. "[I] went back to the shop I was working in and there was another lady that he had stabbed in the shop upstairs that ran away." Peter Dimbrowsky, a witness to the stabbing at Westfield Hornsby. He said he spent about 45 minutes walking through the car park looking for a red car with the woman's children in it. "[She] had left her children in a car," he posted. "When I left they still had not found the car." Raphi Sakraphi, a waiter at next-door restaurant Infuzions, said he believed the man was calmly looking for his ex-wife as her date lay dead inside the restaurant. Mr Sakraphi said he had just finished singing Happy Birthday to a customer when he heard screaming next door and then saw the alleged attacker slowly pace up and down the concourse with his arms and chest covered in blood. "He walked up and down so calmly," he said. Another witness, Peter Dimbrowsky, said the manager of Kangham BBQ had screamed at people not to go near the attacker because he might have a bomb in his backpack. Initially people thought it might be a terrorist attack, he said. He said the man was "eerily calm". "It's almost like it was an out-of-body experience for him," he said. "He probably sat down wondering what to do. He was eerily calm as though it didn't really matter." After about 15 minutes, the alleged attacker, a Filipino man in Australia on a visa, was apprehended by police with their Tasers drawn in the Kangham BBQ restaurant. He was being questioned at Hornsby police station on Thursday morning. The woman was taken to Royal North Shore Hospital and was awaiting surgery on Thursday for stab wounds to her chest, which punctured her sternum. Fairfax Media has been told the pair were married but separated in November. One young man described how the alleged attacker approached the couple as they sat in the restaurant and launched a frenzied stabbing attack. "He got two in the neck and, like, three in the stomach, and he [the victim] dropped. It was pretty messed up, the way he dropped, and [he was] panicking and stuff on the ground and he was yelling out, 'Help!' " He said he tried to help the injured man before paramedics arrived, but the 53-year-old victim died in the food court. "He was laying there. I'm like, 'Mate, calm down, it'll be all good, just keep calm,' " the young man said. "I was nearly in tears. Yeah, it was pretty messed up. As soon as I saw the blood coming out, I'm just like, 'Mate, I'm going to help you, just stay calm.' " A chef who was working in the nearby Sourdough Bakery at the time said he saw a man with a knife walk by. "He was just bleeding all over his body," the chef said. All were ruled likely to prejudice a jury against him, in a trial that ended on Tuesday with a manslaughter conviction. But a Newcastle Supreme Court jury at his murder trial was not told about the cocaine use on December 7, 2013, or Merrick allegedly slashing the tyres of Ms Ninness' teenage son's bike, or a threatening text message to Ms Ninness' employer, or some evidence of death threats to Ms Ninness' former husband. Ross Albert Merrick used cocaine in the hours before he sat in a Greenhills tavern "looking for a fight", on a day that ended with him hitting his partner Marika Ninness leading to her death. Justice Helen Wilson ruled a jury "may misuse the evidence" if told Merrick used cocaine on the day he hit Ms Ninness, in one of four decisions made during Merrick's trial which were only made public on Thursday. Ross Merrick and Marika Ninness. Credit:Facebook The Newcastle Herald can now report that Merrick sought to exclude from the trial all evidence of his relationship with Ms Ninness before the day he hit her, including text messages in which he described her to another woman as "that pathetic houso c rag", and evidence of serious violence by him against her. Because Merrick did not dispute physical contact with Ms Ninness outside Georges Tavern at Greenhills on December 7, 2013, any evidence before that day was "irrelevant and inadmissible", his barrister Tania Evers argued during a two-day hearing at the start of the trial, and in the absence of the jury. But Justice Wilson ruled it would be "quite wrong and completely artificial" to ask the jury to decide Merrick's case in "a complete vacuum", without knowing about their relationship in the months before Ms Ninness' death. The number of patients needing surgery for disfiguring facial injuries has been reduced by 60 per cent since the introduction of controversial "lockout" laws, according to new evidence presented to a state government roundtable on Sydney's nightlife. The unpublished research, taken from a database of surgeries at St Vincent's Hospital, was revealed on Thursday by Dr John Crozier, a trauma surgeon and representative of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. "In the two years prior to the introduction of these [] measures, there were 145 people managed for severe facial injuries requiring surgery [] in the two years after the measures there have only been 58. "We [haven't] in medicine seen such a reduction with a whole range of other measures. Nothing else equates to that level of reduction by a simple legislative change." The crime scene outside Kangnam BBQ Restaurant on Wednesday. Credit:Janie Barrett Witnesses said Mr Villaluna then calmly walked up and down the shopping centre's concourse, covered in blood and with the 20-centimetre knife in his hand. After about 15 minutes, a female police officer with her Taser drawn apprehended Mr Villaluna, who had walked back inside the Korean BBQ restaurant and surrendered without incident. Keith Collins, who was on a first date with Ms Pilapil, died at the scene. Credit:Facebook A witness, Peter Dimbrowsky, said Mr Villaluna appeared "eerily calm" as he paced up and down. "It's almost like it was an out-of-body experience for him," he said. "He probably sat down wondering what to do. He was eerily calm as though it didn't really matter." The alleged offender sits on the edge of the fountain in the Westfield Hornsby forecourt. Credit:Facebook Mr Villaluna, a Filipino man in Australia on a visa, was charged with murder and attempted murder on Thursday afternoon and did not apply for bail in Hornsby Local Court. Ms Pilapil, who lists her job as the deputy director of nursing at Uniting Aged Care, was taken to Royal North Shore Hospital and was awaiting surgery for stab wounds to her chest, which punctured her sternum. Peter Dimbrowsky, a witness to the stabbing at Westfield Hornsby. As recently as last week, she had posted a public photo on Facebook of flowers with the caption "another surprise... #stalker #secretadmirer". It followed another secret bunch sent on her 39th birthday on March 8. She had spent a week celebrating her birthday with her children and girlfriends and posting several messages hinting that she was determined to move on. One inspirational quote she posted said: "I have already been through HELL. So give it your best shot. Not only will I SURVIVE, I will WIN." In another post on February 12, she hinted at ongoing tensions. "I was born on [sic] the year of the snake, a snake does not bite unless it is cornered and threatened. Just wait for it, I will give you the war you want!!! #youhavebeenwarned." In the weeks leading up to their separation in November, she was still posting photos with Mr Villaluna at a Robbie Williams music concert. Mr Collins was remembered as a dedicated family man and "one in a million". His adult daughter Aisling posted a photo of him online, saying: "I love you more than anything dad, I'll forever be your girl no matter what." Michael Short, who works in the shopping centre, posted an image on Facebook of Mr Villaluna sitting on the edge of the fountain in the forecourt, holding a "massive hunting knife". He said that he had just finished work when he saw hundreds of diners screaming and running, prompting him to grab a tyre lever from his car and to follow Mr Villaluna. "[I] went back to the shop I was working in and there was another lady that he had stabbed in the shop upstairs that ran away," he posted online. He said he spent about 45 minutes walking through the car park looking for a red car with Ms Pilapil's children in it. "[She] had left her children in a car," he posted. "When I left they still had not found the car." Mr Dimbrowsky said the manager of Kangham BBQ had screamed at people not to go near the attacker because he might have a bomb in his backpack. Raphi Sakraphi, a waiter at next-door restaurant Infuzions, said he believed Mr Villaluna was calmly pacing up and down looking for Ms Pilapil as Mr Collins lay dead inside the restaurant. Another witness, a young man, described the male victim dropping to the ground after being stabbed in the neck and stomach. "[He was] panicking and stuff on the ground and he was yelling out, 'Help!' " he said. "He was laying there. I'm like, 'Mate, calm down, it'll be all good, just keep calm.' "I was nearly in tears. Yeah, it was pretty messed up. As soon as I saw the blood coming out, I'm just like, 'Mate, I'm going to help you, just stay calm.' " Detective Acting Superintendent Damian Henry said the incident was "certainly out of character for that area". Investigators believe some diners filmed parts of the altercation on their mobile phones and they have asked for anyone with footage to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Police are warning residents to be vigilant for a "spiderman" burglar who they believe is so agile he can scale the side of buildings. Dutton Park police took the unusual step of revealing they had intelligence that a man who they believe had conducted a number of burglaries in high-rise apartments in the past was about to strike again. Police are concerned a "spiderman" burglar will strike again. Credit:Courtesy Columbia Pictures "We received reliable information in the last 48 hours that a person who we have had dealings with for a number of years is in a situation where it is probably likely he will be committing offences," Senior Sergeant Greg Bishop of Dutton Park police said. Police believe the man was responsible for a prolific number of burglaries in the area last year. The honeymoon between the Palaszczuk and Turnbull governments is well and truly over, with the Prime Minister described as making "Tony Abbott look progressive". Queensland's appearance at the Council of Australian Governments meeting, the last before Malcolm Turnbull's government hands down its first budget, brought forward to May 3, has not gone well, with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk claiming Mr Turnbull "underestimates" the state's needs. After a dispute over health and education funding, relations between the Palaszczuk and Turnbull governments have gone south. Credit:Kim Stephens Education Minister Kate Jones went further, accusing the six-month old Turnbull government of "an appalling record on education". "Who would have thought Malcolm Turnbull would make Tony Abbott look progressive?" she said. Two ping pong balls drawn from a bucket have decided the fate of a councillor in north-western Queensland after a dead heat was called on Wednesday. The Electoral Commission of Queensland is now investigating close results in the mayoral tussles in 11 Queensland councils as it finalises counting 9 million votes in Queensland after the local government elections on March 19. A table tennis ball can decide who sits on Queensland local councils. Credit:File In the gulf council election in Croydon profiled earlier this month because cousins opposed each other as mayor two potential councillors, Anita Pickering and Jim Gilmartin, finished in a dead heat. Croydon has a mayor and four councillors. With revelations not all submissions to the taskforce reviewing the Newman government bikie laws were released with a letter from the Crime and Corruption Commission chair urging caution withheld from the public - it was left to the Health Minister to explain why. Attorney-General Yvette D'Ath received the report from retired Justice Alan Wilson after almost a year of review on Thursday afternoon. With the rest of the government staying silent, it was left to Health Minister Cameron Dick to comment on the Palaszczuk government-ordered review into bikie gang laws. Credit:Jorge Branco But despite the LNP capitalising on the news that CCC chair Alan MacSporran's letter to the taskforce, discovered only after a right-to-information request from News Corp, had not been released, despite 70 other submissions appearing on the taskforce's website, the government was silent. Health Minister Cameron Dick, announcing a $1.35 million public awareness campaign designed to tackle violence against the state's health care workers, was left to answer why. A group of homeless women who had been squatting in a vacant property acquired for the East West Link were evicted by police after being told by a government official that they had "10 minutes to leave", it has been claimed. Four women who had been sleeping in a brick townhouse on Bendigo Street in Collingwood for about a week say they were kicked out of the house by two police officers and a man from the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources. Two of the women who spoke to Fairfax Media about the March 11 eviction said they had not been given any help to find new accommodation and remained homeless. Cat, a 28-year-old New Zealander who is now staying with friends, said she was told by the government official who attended the eviction "hurry up and take your stuff, you have 10 minutes to get out of there". Special three and five-day myki passes should be available to people visiting Melbourne, a tourism lobby group says. Visitors to the city have to fork out for a myki card and then pay to ride the system, even for one day. Tourism groups want more visitor-friendly myki cards. Melbourne is the only major Australian city that does not have a single-use public transport ticket for tourists, and the Tourism & Transport Forum says there should be more options for visitors. "The ease of using myki would be enhanced if a tourist card were introduced that allowed time-based unlimited travel on the Victorian transport network," a pre-budget submission says. This includes midwives who have forfeited their midwifery registration and continue to offer services to pregnant women, such as assistance during home births. It also includes people who call themselves doulas or birth assistants that could put women and their babies at risk because of inadequate training and anti-medical views. A new "Health Complaints Bill" due to be debated in parliament this month would give Victoria's health watchdog greater powers to name and shame unregistered and unqualified "health practitioners" providing "health services". Renegade midwives and unqualified birth assistants who pose a risk to women and their babies can expect jail terms for repeat offences under new laws being introduced by the Victorian Government. The new law follows a series of maternal and infant deaths during home births over the past decade, including the death of Caroline Lovell - a Melbourne mother who bled to death after giving birth to her second child at home in 2012 under the care of midwife Gaye Demanuele. Midwife Gaye Demanuele. Last month, Coroner Peter White said he was concerned that Ms Demanuele had deregistered herself as a midwife when the Australian Health Practitioner Registration Agency started investigating her, and that she had since continued to seek work as an unregistered midwife, offering assistance to mothers who she said could catch their babies in their own hands. He called for the Director of Public Prosecutions to investigate Ms Demanuele's role in Ms Lovell's death after finding that various acts and omissions by Ms Demanuele had "caused, or substantially contributed to" Ms Lovell's death. He said Ms Demanuele had acted in this way while steadfastly maintaining her commitment to home birth, without outside intervention. Since the finding, Ms Demanuele - who now calls herself an "un-midwife" - has received more than a dozen messages of support on her Facebook page. One woman praised her "brilliance and bravery" and another her "devotion, wisdom and humility as a woman and true midwife". Imposing a new levy to fund family violence services has been rebuked by the Victorian opposition. Opposition leader Matthew Guy told reporters it should not be an "instant default" that Victoria needs another levy to fund the recommendations from the Royal Commission into Family Violence. The prospect of a new tax or levy emerged on Wednesday when Premier Daniel Andrews launched the commission's report. The report called for a "new revenue stream" to fund family violence services and Mr Andrews said he would consider that proposal. But Mr Guy said it was not yet known how much it would cost to implement the commission's recommendations. Victoria urgently needs at least 6000 homes and another 30 women's refuges to house family violence victims, a leading homelessness service says. More than 1100 people fleeing family violence were turned away from homelessness services in the past financial year. That alarming figure was contained in the report by the Royal Commission into Family Violence, which called for a housing "blitz" for domestic violence victims. But a much greater number 74,292 people who had experienced family violence had sought help from specialist homelessness services in 2013-14, though they would not all have been seeking a roof for the night, but instead just seeking some form of aid. Launch Housing chief executive Tony Keenan said Victoria needed to at least double the number of refuges, from 31 statewide now to more than 60. Brasilia: Brazilian prosecutors have charged Joseph Safra, the world's richest banker, in connection with an alleged scheme to pay bribes to government officials in return for waiving tax debts. In a statement, prosecutors said that Mr Safra had knowledge of a 2014 plan by executives at his Banco Safra to pay R$15.3 million ($5.5 million) in bribes to federal tax auditors. The accusation is based on tapped phone calls between Banco Safra executive Joao Inacio Puga and tax officials, the statement added. The London office tower known as the Gherkin was bought in 2014 by the Safra Group, the investment arm of a storied financial family that strives for secrecy. . Credit:NYT Mr Safra, who alongside his family owns Banco Safra and a number of private-banking institutions including Switzerland's J Safra Sarasin, was not directly involved in the negotiations on the bribery plan, the statement noted. Still, the conversations showed that Mr Puga reported to Mr Safra on the bribery talks, prosectors said on Thursday. Moncton, New Brunswick: Additional charges have been laid against a man accused of luring thousands of young boys from around the globe, including some from Australia, into taking part in an online child porn ring. Royal Canadian Mounted Police Sergeant Jean-Marc Par said on Thursday the man appeared in court to face five additional charges related to child pornography and exploitation. Canadian police have laid new charges against a man accused of luring boys from around the world including Australia into a child porn ring. Credit:> The man, who cannot be identified under a publication ban, previously pleaded guilty to producing child pornography, sexual assault and making child pornography available. Police said most of the thousands of victims were boys between the ages of 10 and 16 years and were from over a dozen countries including Australia, Canada, the United States, England, Ireland, Scotland, the Netherlands, Russia, Ukraine, Belgium, Norway, Germany, France and Latvia. Washington: The Pentagon plans to transfer about a dozen inmates of the Guantanamo military prison to at least two countries that have agreed to take them, a US official said on Wednesday, the latest move in President Barack Obama's final push to close the facility. The first of the transfers are expected in the next few days and the others will take place in coming weeks, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Among them will be Tariq Ba Odah, a Yemeni man who has been on a long-term hunger strike and has lost about half of his body weight. Web photo of Tariq ba Odah before the effects of his seven-year hunger strike at Guantanamo. The most prominent of those to be resettled over the next several weeks is Bah Odah, a 37-year-old Yemeni who has been force-fed by nasal tube since he stopped eating solid food in 2007. The Hague: UN judges have acquitted Serbian nationalist firebrand Vojislav Seselj of war crimes and crimes against humanity, a shock verdict denounced by a dissenting judge who claimed witnesses had been intimidated. War victims reacted with dismay to the acquittal of Mr Seselj, who was accused of stoking murderous ethnic hatred with fiery rhetoric in the 1990s wars that accompanied federal Yugoslavia's break-up into seven successor states and killed 130,000 people. Serbian far-right leader Vojislav Seselj was acquitted of war-crime charges in a shock verdict that left victims dismayed. Credit:AP Croatia banned Mr Seselj from entering the country after Prime Minister Tihomir Oreskovic labelled the Thursday verdict "shameful" during a visit to Vukovar, scene of some of the alleged atrocities, where he laid wreaths in memory of war dead. On one occasion, Mr Seselj gave a speech to Serbian troops, telling them: "Not a single Ustasha must leave Vukovar alive," using a derogatory term for Croats in 1991 in the eastern Croatian city on the Danube River border with Serbia. But the UN tribunal ruled that this did not amount to incitement. Now the Easter attack by Jamaat-ur-Ahrar, which once swore support for Islamic State, has fuelled worries that militants in Pakistan are increasingly subscribing to the IS brand of ultra-sectarian violence against those perceived as infidels. A Pakistani Christian mother holds her injured child who survived Sunday's bombing attack in Lahore. Credit:AP "Terrorists didn't used to be so focused on our community. Now all their attention is on us," the ReverendIrshad Ashnaz, the Christ Church vicar, said. "Perhaps it's time for the government to turn their attention toward us also. "These people are roaming around freely and no one is stopping them," Mr Ashnaz said at the church, its windows cemented over after the attack. People carry coffins of two girls who lost their lives in the Lahore park attack on Easter Sunday. Credit:AP Pope Francis condemned the attack as "hideous" and demanded that Pakistani authorities protect religious minorities. Since the attack, Pakistan's deadliest since the 2014 massacre of 134 schoolchildren at a military-run academy in Peshawar, authorities have launched a crackdown on Islamist militants in the Punjab province, the country's richest and most populous and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's political heartland. A Pakistani nun holds a candle during a vigil for victims of Sunday's deadly suicide bombing in Lahore. Credit:AP On Tuesday, a provincial minister said authorities had detained more than 5000 militant suspects but later released most of them. Punjab government spokesman Zaeem Qadri said the government had stepped up security at churches after the previous attacks, which was why militants had picked a park this time. The government had uncovered more than 200 plots and arrested about 15,000 suspects in the past year, he said. "Parks are public places. On a public holiday there should have been more vigilance. But there was a gap," Mr Qadri said. Christians "are as safe as anyone else. They are as safe as any other Pakistani is." Irfan Jamil, the Bishop of Lahore, said the government was trying its best. "There are people who live to live and there are people who live to die," the bishop said. "How much protection is enough protection against such people?" But he added, "There is always room for improvement. Many of us don't feel that we are secure." Unknown victim On Tuesday, survivors lined the wards of Jinnah hospital in Lahore. The explosion wounded more than 300 people. Above each bed is a sign that says, "blast victim", followed by the victim's name. One bed is marked only with the word "unknown". A three-year-old boy whose lungs were punctured and eyes gouged out is struggling to breathe through a tube. Visitors have placed flowers and juice packs next to his pillow. "We don't know who he is," a nurse said as she held his hand. "Two days after the blast, no one has come looking for him." Amid the fear, many Christians called for unity and brotherhood. At a vigil on Monday in Gulshan e Iqbal park, where the bomber struck, Father Jamal Albert said the message is "whether you are Christian, Hindu, Jewish or Muslim, you are unsafe and they are trying to break down our nation, destroy our sense of oneness, our sense of being Pakistanis". Beirut: The Syrian opposition has rejected President Bashar al-Assad's claim that a new Syrian government that includes opposition figures will be formed in weeks, saying no administration will be legitimate while he remains in office. Bolstered by military victory in the desert city of Palmyra, Mr Assad was quoted by Russia's RIA news agency on Wednesday as saying a new draft constitution could be ready in weeks and a government that included opposition, independents and loyalists could be agreed. Seven-month-old Syrian refugee Mariam Mohammed, whose family fled from Hama, Syria, sleeps under a mosquito net inside their tent in the Jordan Valley, Jordan on Wednesday. Credit:AP While the distribution of portfolios and other technical issues would need to be discussed at Geneva peace talks, which resume next month, "these are not difficult questions", Mr Assad said. Washington: The US military has announced it would deploy rotations of US-based armoured brigade combat teams to Europe, part of a wider effort to counter what the US sees as Russian aggression on the continent. At the same time, analysis suggests that rather than the partial withdrawal of Russian forces from Syria, announced by Russian president Vladimir Putin in mid-March, Moscow has in fact shipped more equipment and supplies to Syria than it has brought back in the same period. The US teams deployed in Europe will be on nine-month rotations starting in February 2017, and will conduct military exercises across Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, and Hungary, according to a statement from US European Command on . Their presence in Europe will be continuous and bring the total US Army presence on the continent to three fully manned brigades, the military said. A Russian Su-24 takes off on a combat mission at Hemeimeem airbase in Syria in October last year. Credit:AP The decision means US allies will "see a more frequent presence of an armoured brigade with more modernised equipment in their countries," said General Philip Breedlove, commander of US European Command. 2015 annual report of political parties to be handed in before April 1, 2016. The office of the Electoral Council located on Backstreet 145B, Philipsburg, will be open on Thursday, March 31, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. to accommodate the political parties to meet the deadline. For more information please contact the Electoral Council on 543-9888, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit the Electoral Council website at: www.ecsxm.org GREAT BAY,:--- St. Martin (March 30, 2016)The Virgin Islands Public Library has received a gift pack of books published in St. Martin as a promotion of the St. Martin Book Fair and of book publishing and literary readings in the Caribbean, said Jacqueline Sample, president of House of Nehesi Publishers (HNP). HNP projects director Lasana M. Sekou was in Tortola on March 18-19 to meet with educators and writers about the upcoming anthology Where I See The Sun Contemporary Poetry in the Virgin Islands. This was a very good networking opportunity to promote the 14th annual St. Martin Book Fair in June. At the same time, HNP titles are hands-on examples of diversified book publishing in the Caribbean region, said Sample. Sovereignty of the Imagination by George Lamming, The Frock & Other Poems by Laurelle Yaya Richards, and The Essence of Reparations by Amiri Baraka are some of the HNP books that were presented to the library by Sekou on behalf of the publisher and the St. Martin Book Fair. A previous-year book fair program booklet was also included in the book pack. Dr. Pat Turnbull, senior Virgin Islands educator, Verna Penn Moll, author, Richard Georges, Head of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Communications at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, and April Glasgow, poet and slam organizer, were among the interested persons who discussed with Sekou the HNP plans to publish the new Virgin Islands poetry collection. Conscious Lyrics Foundation and HNP organize the St. Martin Book Fair, June 2 4, 2016. The St. Maarten Tourist Bureau is the strategic partner of the literary festival. The island-wide book fair is also organized in collaboration with LCF Foundation and the University of St. Martin. PHILIPSBURG:--- The Central Committee will meet in an urgent session on April 5. The Minister of Justice will be present for the sitting of the House. The Central Committee meeting has been set for Tuesday at 2.00pm in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg. The agenda point is the status of insurance coverage for Police Officers and their families and other related and affected issues. This urgent meeting was called by the United Peoples (UP) party faction Members of Parliament (MP) Tamara Leonard, (MP) Franklin Meyers, and Independent (MP) Leona Marlin-Romeo. Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations. The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg. The parliamentary session will be carried live on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 120, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the Internet www.pearlfmradio.com and via www.sxmparliament.org. PHILIPSBURG:---The Permanent Committee of Kingdom Affairs and Inter-Parliamentary Relations (CKAIR), will meet on April 4 in an in camera session. The closed door CKAIR Committee meeting is scheduled for Monday at 2.00pm in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelmina Straat #1 in Philipsburg. The agenda is a discussion on further procedural steps to be taken in preparation of the Inter-Parliamentary Kingdom Consultation that will take place in The Hague, the Netherlands from May 31- Foxit Solves PDF Redaction Problem With Foxit Redactor for Office FREMONT, CA (Marketwired) 03/31/16 , a leading software provider of fast, affordable, and secure PDF solutions, today announced , a new Microsoft Office plug-in developed in cooperation with Microsoft to allow users to protect confidential copy in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Users simply mark confidential copy for redaction within the Office application and then generate redacted PDF documents. Unlike other redaction tools, Redactor for Office offers the flexibility of creating a simple redacted PDF or, alternatively, a hybrid PDF that redacts sensitive content by default, while making it visible to authorized people under Microsoft Rights Management Services (RMS). Threatened by potential brand erosion, lawsuits and privacy regulations, organizations are seeking foolproof methods to securely redact confidential information. Additionally, they frequently want to preserve the confidential data and make it visible to select people who should have access. Foxit Redactor for Office addresses a persistent problem in the digital world, said David Rand, Foxit vice president of marketing. There have been numerous news stories about companies and government agencies that thought they had redacted sensitive information from PDF documents, only find out later that the data under the black boxes was not properly removed or hidden. For example, a medical council recently breached the privacy of a doctor because they didnt understand how redaction and PDFs work. The Foxit Redactor is recommended for anyone who highly values information security, governance, and control, especially those who need to restrict access to documents. With it, users who create documents with sensitive information in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint can create redacted PDF documents where sensitive information is whited out (or blacked out) within the documents for sharing or archiving. Foxit Redactor for Office allows knowledge workers and organizations to secure confidential sections of documents against unauthorized access or modifications. Users can generate simple redacted PDF documents or hybrid RMS-protected PDF documents. People with RMS access rights to a hybrid document will be able to view the full content. People without access rights can only see the redacted file. This solves a huge problem for lawyers and anyone who has to control who sees what, said Thomas L. Bowden, a Virginia attorney with over 30 years of experience. Secure redaction in PDFs is great. But being able to grant access to the redacted information to authorized parties is revolutionary. Until now, there has been no method to make information available to authorized users and to include the protected original with it. Foxit worked closely with the Microsoft RMS team to respond to this need and to deliver an incredibly innovative solution to the market. By supporting Microsoft RMS and hybrid redaction, Foxit is delivering advanced data security to organizations while maintaining productivity and workflow. Foxit Redactor for Office is available immediately at foxitsoftware.com for an introductory price of $9.95. Also available at the site is 5-star-rated Foxit PhantomPDF, the leading solution for users who are looking for fully featured PDF creation, editing, and security. For more information, visit Foxit is a leading software provider of fast, affordable, and secure PDF solutions. Businesses and consumers increase productivity by using Foxits cost-effective products to securely work with PDF documents and forms. Foxit is the #1 pre-installed PDF software, shipped on one-third of all new Windows PCs, including those from HP, Acer, and ASUS. Foxits Software Development Kits (SDKs) help developers reduce costs and improve time to market by easily integrating industry-leading PDF technology into application workflows. This technology shares the same underlying technology that powers Googles open-source PDFium project. Winner of numerous awards, Foxit has over 325 million users and has sold to over 100,000 customers located in more than 200 countries. Since Foxit products are compliant with the ISO 32000-1/PDF 1.7 standard, they are compatible with existing PDF documents and forms. Kevin Sugarman GlobalFluency 408.677.5311 Data Center and IT Infrastructure Leader Server Farm Unveils New Branding EL SEGUNDO, CA (Marketwired) 03/31/16 Server Farm LLC, the leading company for building, managing and servicing data centers and IT infrastructure, today launched a refresh of its corporate brand, unveiling a new identity and website. L+B Design, a Seattle-based design firm, was retained to develop the new identity, which represents Server Farms mission to provide a holistic approach to building, integrating and managing data center environments and IT deployments. Server Farm provides innovative ways to deliver IT infrastructure and data center facilities across the nation. In the last 13 years it has grown from a real estate pioneer into a broader connected technology partner by responding to the needs of its customers and expanding into IT infrastructure management, which enables fast-growing customers to scale their businesses efficiently and cost effectively. The evolution of our brand identity and launch of our new website showcases Server Farm as a powerful, proven and progressive IT infrastructure management company at the center of a connected and ever-changing world, said Melle Amade, Director of Marketing for Server Farm. Partnering with L+B Design was an obvious choice since they have a long-standing expertise in the industry. Their passion and creativity in supporting our growth has clearly made a difference, she added. In a highly competitive and rapidly growing industry, it was important to elevate Server Farms identity beyond being an award-winning data center real estate builder, to a full IT infrastructure and data center management organization. Our approach was to reflect its dynamic, innovative and forward-thinking culture into an identity that is compelling yet professional and trustworthy, said Laurent Bourscheidt, Principal and Creative Director at L+B Design. Server Farm is a unique data center company whose mission is to maximize data center and IT infrastructure efficiencies by providing a holistic approach to building, integrating and managing data center environment and IT deployments. They provide complete data center oversight from facility to IT infrastructure management, which enables our customers to concentrate on growing their businesses. For more information visit: . L+B Design is an award-winning international creative consultancy delivering growth and business transformation through smart, strategic-thinking, engaging stories and effective visual experiences. Based in Seattle with locations in New York and Paris, With more than fifteen years of experience in providing world-class branding expertise for global Fortune 1000 companies in the B2B and B2C space as well as start-ups and privately owned organizations, L+B Design is well versed in 360 degree focus marketing approach and branding development for print, digital and environmental applications. More information can be found at . Melle Amade Director of Marketing (310) 563-6293 Manufacturers have to make their BIM product information available in open source libraries In the last two years not only the familiarity with BIM increased, the usage of BIM increased also slightly among European architects. At the same time European architects have several expectations from manufacturers in relation to BIM. The availability of BIM product information in open source libraries is expected most frequently and therefore seen as one of the most important aspects on which the manufacturer can contribute. These are some of the conclusions of the Q4 2015 European Architectural Barometerreport, a quarterly research among 1,600 architects in eight European countries. European architects act as a leading indicator for the construction activities. Overall, architects expect from manufacturers that they make their BIM product information available in open source libraries, followed by providing 3D BIM object information for their assortment and providing technical product information/ specifications for BIM. In Germany, Italy and Poland a high number of architects expect manufacturers to provide trainings in order to be able to work with BIM. In these countries the awareness and usage of BIM are lowest among architects. Especially in Italy a lack of knowledge seems to be a problem, as many architects said this is the most important reason why they don?t use BIM. In the other European countries there is less need for trainings directly from manufacturers. In the United Kingdom and the Netherlands the demand for 3D BIM object information for their assortment increased slightly compared to 2013. Results of the Q4 2015 European Architectural Barometer furthermore indicate the demand for 3D BIM object information to be the highest in these two countries. We can clearly see that the United Kingdom and the Netherlands are at the forefront of BIM knowledge as well as BIM usage, as respectively 36% of the British architects and more than half of the Dutch architects use BIM. France is an upcoming country when it comes to the familiarity and usage of BIM. In France a bigger growth is seen in the usage of BIM compared to the other European countries, which is a result of the promotion of the usage of BIM among architects by the government of France. The French launched a program to modernize the building industry called ?batiment 2.0?, which means 500,000 dwellings per year are build using BIM. In France the expectations regarding being able to engineer in BIM from manufacturers increased massively compared to 2013. In 2013 only 2% of the French architects who were familiar with BIM indicated that they expect manufacturers to enable engineering in BIM software, which increased to 29% in 2015. It should be noted that architects are divided about which BIM objects they expect from manufacturers regarding building components. Taking all countries into account, general construction is most expected as BIM objects, followed by windows and doors. In Spain, Italy and Poland BIM objects from manufacturers are by far most expected for general construction while in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands the architects would like to have BIM objects available mainly for windows and doors. These and many other results and trends of the developments of the European construction market can be found in the European Architectural Barometer, an international market research conducted among 1,600 architects in Europe. This study is conducted in Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium and Poland by Arch-Vision four times a year. The research covers the developments of architectural turnover, order volumes and the impact of the crisis. Besides these economic statistics, a specific topic is highlighted each quarter. The topic in Q4 2015 was ?Building Information Modeling (BIM)?. Architects can be used not only as a reliable source for future building volumes information, but their role is very important as they have great influence on how projects are built and which materials are used. PhishMe April Cybercrime Alert: Ransomware Attacks Expected to Increase LEESBURG, VA (Marketwired) 03/31/16 PhishMe Inc., the leading provider of human phishing defense solutions, today released its April Cybercrime Alert, warning all organizations that its threat researchers expect ransomware attacks to increase as cybercriminals become increasingly aware that: Ransomware is readily-available and changes faster than detection technologies can respond In most cases, paying the ransom is the only way to free hostage data and systems Recent successful ransom situations will only encourage more attempts Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin can be used to force untraceable ransom payments Humans are widely susceptible to phishing, the most commonly used ransomware attack vector Ransomware has existed for several years but has been primarily used to victimize unsuspecting consumers. However, as PhishMe has observed, hackers are now turning their focus from just private individuals to more lucrative targets such as businesses and government agencies as they employ unbreakable ransomware strains, including: Cryptowall, TeslaCrypt, Locky, Cerber, Troldesh and CTB-Locker. For detailed analysis, visit: . The most high-profile ransomware attacks the industry has experienced lately include: Typically thought of as less vulnerable to viruses and malware, ransomware hackers are now successfully targeting OS X systems through sophisticated phishing emails that use KeRanger malware to encrypt the data on a computer and render it inaccessible until a ransom is paid in bitcoins Using phishing to trick an unsuspecting employee, attackers seized the hospitals entire IT system, stalled critical healthcare related communications and extorted $17,000 in ransom Using phishing emails targeted at employees researching grants, hackers compromised three servers before city officials were able to pull them offline, effectively locking up the towns files in order to receive a small sum until the officials turned to law enforcement for help News reports are now confirming that this is the latest in a series of phishing-related ransomware attacks on healthcare facilities; while it wasnt known at the time of this release if a ransom had been paid, media has said the facility confirmed that systems critical to patient care for thousands were locked for a time As ransomware attacks continue to grow in number and sophistication, organizations should reassess their current security strategy. There is a common misconception that adding layers of automated defense technologies will reduce the risk of falling victim to ransomware attacks. While endpoint security products and secure email gateways can offer some level of protection, sooner or later a phishing email, which is the most widely-used attack vector, will penetrate defenses and an employee will be faced with determining whether or not an email is legitimate or part of an attack. If human targets havent received effective conditioning, they are more likely to open an email and click on a malicious link or open a malware-laden file attachment that may unleash ransomware. To reduce your organizations odds of falling victim to ransomware, take the following key steps: Conduct phishing attack simulations, based on real-world threats, that condition employees to recognize malicious emails Assess your employees susceptibility to phishing attacks, leverage industry benchmarks and comparisons that gauge the effectiveness of your defenses against peer groups Provide employees with easy, fast and effective ways to report suspect emails to SOC teams and incident responders Provide the incident response teams the tools to rapidly triage, analyze, and operationalize the aforementioned employee attack intelligence Invest in access to phishing threat intelligence and analysis that is human vetted and analyzed by expert threat researchers Backup your data appropriately; in many cases this could mean the difference between being forced into a ransom or simply sidestepping demands By conditioning employees to recognize and report phishing threats, PhishMe asserts that organizations can build an effective final layer of defense against phishing attacks and ransomware. For more details on how to reduce phishing susceptibility, visit: 2016 is quickly shaping up to be the year of the ransomware attack, which is not surprising, given the current state of information security and how organizations approach their overall defensive strategies. The combination of cryptocurrency, an increase in world-wide data connectivity, poor backup procedures, and employees who are ill-equipped to help defend against phishing attacks has led to the perfect storm for ransomware to succeed. Ransomware attacks have the potential to become the biggest crime in digital history. They threaten every major sector, from the healthcare industry to government agencies, drive unquantifiable financial losses and, in the case of healthcare, could have life and death implications. Rohyt Belani, PhishMe CEO and co-founder The most crucial element in any security strategy is one that is often overlooked the human. With ransomware on the rise and the primary targets being organizations in critical industries such as healthcare, its become more important than ever to implement a human phishing defense solution and empower employees to instantly recognize these threats and report them. This is the only way to truly prevent hackers from completely shutting down critical systems. Aaron Higbee, PhishMe CTO and co-founder Digital crimes are too big for law enforcement to contain and ransomware is another straw added to a scenario where the camels back is already broken. The only way organizations are going to have a shot at protecting themselves is by taking defensive steps that include preparing their humans to get involved in the fight. More than 2,400 ransomware-related complaints were filed with the FBI in 2015 alone; and while the bureau estimates that ransomware has cost organizations more than $25 million, we know that in some cases more than $325 million has been fleeced. Jim Hansen, PhishMe COO, former federal law enforcement agent As it stands, ransomware is virtually impossible to defend against once it infiltrates networks. If an employee clicks on a phishing email that contains ransomware, its only a matter of time before it spreads and shuts down entire systems and encrypts data. This puts companies in the difficult situation of losing access to critical information, such as medical records, or paying ransom. As additional malware families are added to the ransomware roster, its imperative that companies work to prevent threats from ever breaking through their defense layers. Ronnie Tokazowski, PhishMe senior threat researcher PhishMe is the leading provider of human-focused phishing defense solutions for organizations concerned about their susceptibility to todays top attack vector spear phishing. PhishMes intelligence-driven platform turns employees into an active line of defense by enabling them to identify, report, and mitigate spear phishing, malware, and drive-by threats. Our open approach ensures that PhishMe integrates easily into the security technology stack, demonstrating measurable results to help inform an organizations security decision making process. PhishMes customers include the defense industrial base, energy, financial services, healthcare, and manufacturing industries, as well as other Global 1000 entities that understand changing user security behavior will improve security, aid incident response, and reduce the risk of compromise. To learn more about PhishMes human-powered, anti-phishing offerings, visit Contact: Nicole? Pitaro Bhava Communications for PhishMe (630) 532-8879 Solar Novus Today Has Been Integrated With Novus Light Technologies Today Visit Novus Light Technologies Today to see all the cutting-edge stories and products that you have come to enjoy on Solar Novus Today. In addition, you will find more information on related light-based technologies. Get the latest solar and renewable energy news delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for the Green Technologies newsletter CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO OUR GREEN TECHNOLOGIES NEWSLETTER By Marielle D. Marne | March 30, 2016 CAREFREE How about this glowing testimony? Jay McFarlane, DC had a new patient drive to his Carefree office from Queen Creek! What about a frozen shoulder thawed in six weeks? A broken ankle advised to be booted for eight weeks healed in three with laser and acupuncture treatments? Or vertigo straightened out in four weeks? These are a few of the tremendous results McFarlane is seeing with his combination treatments, which include chiropractic. By Marielle D. Marne | March 30, 2016 CAVE CREEK I like to see everyone have a good outcome, said Dave Lems of Project Management of Arizona, when it comes to the interaction of home (or business) owners and builders/contractors. So why is it crucial to call Dave Lems before (or after, its never too late) youve hired a contractor to work for you? If undertaking an addition, a remodel or even considerable renovation (roof replacement, landscape redo), Lems is invaluable in the bidding process. Once a price is agreed upon with a contractor, Lems does the due diligence to assure the contractor is licensed and reputable. Once work is underway, he monitors the progress daily. He makes sure it is up to code and will pass final inspection. Lems finds the majority of contractors proceed as promised. However, one may try to cut corners or have workers who simply dont care. If youre not there to see the work every day, once the walls are up or the flooring is laid, it may be too late to uncover poor workmanship, he explained. Even if changes are made to an original plan, Lems sees to it a written amendment is drafted and all parties understand, agree and sign to avoid a homeowner receiving surprise excessive charges. It happens, he said, but having project manager will eliminate the job coming in over budget. Business to Business AGAVE CREEK WINDOW CLEANING - Is a Clear Choice for Clean Windows. Agave Creek is offering 20% Off with this Ad. In & Out Entire Home. Hurry, this offer expires on 5/31/16. Agave Creek is professional, trustworthy, and punctual. They do Residential and Commercial and very affordable plus honor most credit cards. For Free Estimates call today 480-256-2565. BLACK MOUNTAIN COFFEE SHOP - Visit The Oldest Restaurant in Carefree with a New Look ! Black Mountain Coffee Shop has been remodeled for the comfort of their customers. Offering a great menu for Breakfast and Lunch. A few tasty Breakfast items, Angus Grub Steak & Home Fries, Eggs/Omelets made your way. Pancakes/Freench Toast, Homemade Cinnamon Rolls, Ask about our Daily Breakfast Specials. Great selection of Lunch options, Vienna Roast Beef Sandwiches & Vienna all Beef Hotdogs, Caesar, Kale, Creek Salads. Check out www.BlackMountainCoffeeShop.com for our complete Breakfast & Lunch Menu. Black Mountain Coffee Shop is located in ( Historic Spanish Village ) 7211 E. Ho Road #23 Carefree, Az. 480-488-9261. GALAXY CLEANING SERVICES - Our Service is Out of this World and a Step above the rest. Customer Satisfaction is our #1 Priority! No job is too BIG or too small. We service Mansions, Penthouses, Residential Homes, Motor Homes and Apartments. Affordable, Dependable & Owner Operated. Rates are Weekly, Bi-weekly, Monthly & Move In/Out. We serve Carefree, Cave Creek, Tramonto, Anthem, Desert Hills, Terravita, Troon, Scottsdale & more. 10% Off First Visit. Free quote call Jami 602-944-9000 or visit cleaningbygalaxy.com. PRO - DENTAL CARE - Restore your smile and Relax your Fears. Enhance your overall Health and Wellness. 2016 is here ! Benefits Renew ! Get the smile you deserve ! Pro - Dental is now offering these outstanding specials, $49 Complete Exam, X-Ray & Basic Cleaning for New Patients Only. $650 Same Day All Porcelain Crown new patients only. $1 Emergency Exam includes X-Rays new patients only. All offers expire on 3/31/16. Mikhail Y. Prokopets DDS offers Family Restorative, Root Canals, Implant Services, Orthodontics, Invisalign, All on Four & Same Day Crowns. Pro - Dental is located at 28260 N. Tatum Blvd., Ste A2, Cave Creek, Az. 85331. Call today 480-515-1464 or vist www.pro-dentalcare.com. DREAMING BY DESIGN - The Professiomal Landscaping Service thats family owned & operated for 20+ years that serves the valley and does EVERYTHING ! We have the experts with expertise in Tree Trimming, Pavers, Travertine, Flagstone, Water Features, Lighting, Artifical Grass, Putting Greens, Fire Pits, Out Door Kitchens, BBQs,Custom Gates, Block Fences, Maintenance & much more. You name it, we can do it. Check out Dreaming by Designs ads in the Business Directory of this paper. More info call Dreaming by Design today 602-413-4370 or visit www.dreamingbydesignllc.com. REVITAL AZ Laser & Med Spa - NOW OPEN Offering 25% off on Select Grand Opening Services. Save 25% on Picosure laser treatments, Vectus hair removal, Pelleve RF Skin Tightening & Rejuvapen Microneedling. Other services offered at Grand Opening. Prices are: RF-Skin Tightening, Wrinkle Reduction, Laser Skin Rejuvenation, Medical Aesthetics,Botox, Micro-Needling, Dermal Fillers, IV Vit./ Nutrient Therapy, Laser Tattoo Removal & Laser Hair Reduction. Call today 480-629-5776 or stop by 7401 Easy Street Suite D, Carefree, AZ. (Located in Copper Dome Building Carefree). FOUR SEASONS HOME SERVICES - is locally owned and operated by Kevin & Jessica Morriston, both Arizona Natives. They offer great service with 30+ years experience in Cooling, Heating and Plumbing Repair Services all at reasonable prices. For a limited time only offering a professional A/C Tune up for $59.95. Call today for an appointment, 480-489-3210, or visit www.fourseasonshs.com. OUT WEST FURNITURE & UPHOLSTERY just received a Large Gallery Style Leather shipment including Sofas, Chairs, Sectionals and Loveseats. Also in stock are Leather Headboards, Dining Tables, Cocktail and End Tables all Custom Handmade by local artists in the U.S.A. Out West will pickup, repair and refurbish your furniture. Offering designs by Beverly Sexton and Upholstering by Robert Sexton. Stop by their beautiful showroom at 38252 W. Jacqueline Drive in Cave Creek. Call 480-575-8000 or visit www.outwestinteriors.com. March 30, 2016 Stephen Bullington inducted into American College of Trial Lawyers PHOENIX, AZ (March 17, 2016) Jones, Skelton & Hochuli, PLC is pleased to announce that Partner, Stephen Bullington has been inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers (ACTL), which is one of the premier legal associations in North America. Founded in 1950, ACTL is composed of the best of the trial bar from the United States and Canada. Fellowship in the College is extended by invitation only and only after careful investigation, to those experienced trial lawyers of diverse backgrounds, who have mastered the art of advocacy and whose professional careers have been marked by the highest standards of ethical conduct, professionalism, civility and collegiality. Lawyers must have a minimum of fifteen years trial experience before they can be considered for Fellowship. Membership in the ACTL cannot exceed 1% of the total lawyer population of any state or province. There are currently approximately 5800 members in the United States and Canada, including active Fellows, Emeritus Fellows, Judicial Fellows (those who ascended to the bench after their induction) and Honorary Fellows. The College maintains and seeks to improve the standards of trial practice, professionalism, ethics, and the administration of justice through education and public statements on important legal issues relating to its mission. The College strongly supports the independence of the judiciary, trial by jury, respect for the rule of law, access to justice, and fair and just representation of all parties to legal proceedings. The College is thus able to speak with a balanced voice on important issues affecting the legal profession and the administration of justice. Stephen has been a Partner with Jones, Skelton & Hochuli since 1997 practicing in medical malpractice and health care defense. He graduated magna cum laude in 1988 from the University of Arizona with his J.D. and received his undergraduate degree, cum laude, from Arizona State University in 1985. Jones, Skelton & Hochuli is the 5th largest firm in Arizona with extensive defense trial law experience. Having been in business for 33 years, the firm specializes in trial practice; insurance coverage; defense of corporations; self-insureds; governmental entities and insurance carriers. For additional information please visit www.jshfirm.com or call 602.263.1798. March 30, 2016 Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy proves effective for Traumatic Brain Injury and other conditions NEW YORK, NEW York Updated with new information on the effectiveness of HBOT to treat Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), The Oxygen Revolution proves a powerful resource for knowledge of this unique therapeutic modality. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is based on a simple ideathat oxygen can be used therapeutically for a wide range of conditions where tissues have been damaged by oxygen deprivation. Research has shown that HBOT directly affects the body at the genetic level, affecting over 8,000 individual genesthose responsible for healing, growth, and anti-inflammation. Leading expert Dr. Paul G. Harchs research and clinical practice has shown that HBOT's noninvasive and painless treatment can help those suffering from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) or such diseases as stroke, autism, cerebral palsy, Alzheimers, Parkinsons disease, multiple sclerosis, and emergency situations requiring resuscitation, such as cardiac arrest, carbon monoxide poisoning, or near drowning. For those affected by these seemingly hopeless diseases, there is finally hope in a proven solution: HBOT. Visit www.HBOT.com. Paul G. Harch, M.D. is a hyperbaric medicine, diving, and emergency medicine physician and Diplomate of the American Board of Hyperbaric Medicine. The first President of the International Hyperbaric Medical Association and a semi-finalist for the National Institutes of Health Directors Pioneer Award, he has seen the positive effects of HBOT firsthand through the treatment of family members with stroke, dementia, and learning disability. A graduate of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Director of the Louisiana State University School of Medicines Hyperbaric Medicine Department, Dr. Harch currently divides his time between international consulting, lecturing, and his practice and research in the New Orleans area. March 30, 2016 Beat the Heat donations support homebound seniors Last summer, legally-blind senior citizen Lucy Davis was just one of the nearly 200 residents who received a Beat the Heat care package. Lucy said items contained in the package make a real difference in her ability to get by during the summer. The visit by Scottsdale social workers to deliver the items is also welcomed by Lucy, who enjoys the company. Every June, the Via Linda and Granite Reef senior centers provide bags of necessary supplies for isolated, frail and homebound seniors. This years program is gearing up, and Senior Services is once again relying on the generosity of our community to donate. Items needed include healthy snacks, nutritional drinks, bottled water, stamps and unused personal hygiene products. Donations are due Friday, June 3, and they can be dropped off to the Via Linda Senior Center, 10440 E. Via Linda. Monetary donations are accepted, as well. Checks and cash can be mailed in care of Concerned Citizens for Community Health, 7700 E. Roosevelt St., Scottsdale, AZ 85257. Please make sure the check or donation references the Beat the Heat program. Credit card donations can be made online at www.ConcernedCitizensScotttsdale.org. Besides bringing relief to those in need, city staff gets the opportunity to personally assess the growing demands of homebound seniors. Susie Cummings runs the program and says, Our population is aging, and the demand to help seniors in this situation is growing. The city doesnt buy items for this program and strictly relies on donations for its success, she adds. For more information about Beat the Heat, visit www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search Beat the Heat. March 30, 2016 Between Oceans: Music of the Americas A multi-cultural songfest April 30 and May 1 MESA, Ariz. The fourth concert of the Chorale's season, Classic Elements, is inspired by water and offers an exploration of the lands between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans - the Americas. From Argentina to Canada, songs of love, faith, humor, home and country provide a rich flavor of the lands and peoples. Between Oceans: Music of the Americas performances will take place Saturday, April 30, 2016 at 7:30 P.M. at First United Methodist Church, 15 E. First Avenue, Mesa and Sunday, May 1, 2016 at 3:00 P.M. at La Casa De Cristo Lutheran Church, 6300 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale. Tickets are $18 for adults/$15 for seniors, students and groups of 10 or more. Tickets may be purchased online at SonoranDesertChorale.org by calling 480-305-4538. South and Central America are well represented by a diverse collection of styles. Lively rhythms characterize pieces from northwestern Argentina and Cuba. Morten Lauridsen's setting of Chilean poet Pablo Neruda's Sonnet of the Night is filled with close harmonies and sweet, sonorous lines. Beloved folk tunes from Brazil and Mexico retell clever stories. Visiting the "neighbor to the North" includes stops in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Nova Scotia. Feel the pulse of the Royal Hudson locomotive, be carried on the Four Strong Winds, and thrill to the story of the Mary Ellen Carter. Canada's wide open spaces and beautiful coastlines are celebrated in song. Closer to home, the songs of Randol Alan Bass' Southwestern Suite capture the old West of the Red River Valley and Skip to My Lou. Unexpected rhythms and text characterize a selection of spirituals including Unclouded Day and Way Over in Beulah Lan' - many voices raised in glorious harmonies. Through the repertoire of this concert, the Chorale shares in the depth of commonalities and the very humanness that unites, rather than divides, us as people at home Between the Oceans. About the Chorale Sonoran Desert Chorale was founded in 1994 and is led by Music Director Jeff Harris. Since its inception, the group has become a highly regarded and sophisticated choral organization, presenting musical compositions from cultures around the globe as well as important pieces from the European and American music traditions. Concerts frequently include guest performances and collaborations with distinguished artists and organizations in the community such as the Phoenix Children's Chorus, The Southwest Brass, Mesa Caledonian Pipe Band and the Four Seasons Symphony. The Chorale has engaged in five European concert tours, with performances throughout Europe, including Venice, Rome, Florence, Vienna, Salzburg, Prague, Budapest, Ljubljana, Bayeux, Rouen, Chartres, and Strasbourg. The Chorale was invited to perform with Broadway superstar Michael Crawford for the inaugural concert of the $150 million Mesa Arts Center. The Chorale was selected to appear at the Western Division Convention of the American Choral Directors Association in Salt Lake City, UT. MULLET OVER BY JAMES K. WHITE | March 30, 2016 The most popular fruit in the world MARCH 30, 2016 Our animal loving community is being called upon for help Time is of the essence Kona is a 10-year-old American Eskimo who was found in a home alongside his deceased guardian by the police. Since there were no relatives he was taken to the county kill shelter. Due to Konas advanced age and poor medical condition, he had no hope of being adopted and was scheduled to be euthanized. At that point, Animal Guardian Network was contacted for help. Due to Konas condition, it was evident that he, and most likely his senior guardian, had not received proper care in a very long time. Even though we were close to capacity at the time, we knew we were Konas only hope. Konas extensive list of medical needs have now been addressed and he will live at our sanctuary for the rest of his life. Konas story is the story of so many senior animals ending up in high kill shelters every day. Animal Guardian Network provides the highest level of around-the-clock care to all of our animal residents but we are running out of room at our current facility. A capital campaign is underway to double our capacity and space with the purchase of the adjoining property and building. We need the help of our animal loving community to expand and time is of the essence. Animal Guardian Network Sanctuary and Healing Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and all donations are fully tax deductible. Please consider a donation today by visiting our website (animalguardiannetwork.org) or mail your donation to Animal Guardian Network, 4815 E. Carefree Highway, Ste. 108-504, Cave Creek, AZ 85331. If anyone would like to schedule a tour to learn more about what we do and how you can help, call us at 623-780-1604 or email us at carrie@animalguardiannetwok.org. Your donation today is a life saved tomorrow. MARCH 30, 2016 Babeu: Clinton wrong to say feds have done a good job securing Arizona-Mexico border CASA GRANDE, Ariz. Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu challenged Democratic Presidential frontrunner Hillary Clintons claim on a Phoenix radio station that Weve done a really good job securing the border. Speaking on 92.3 KTAR, Clinton said, I think weve done a really good job securing the border and I think that those who say we havent are not paying attention to everything that was done for the last 15 years under both President Bush and President Obama. Babeu said if Clinton really wants to learn about the border conditions, he would take her on a tour to show the smuggling routes used day and night to ferry people and drugs through Arizonas desert. If Secretary Clinton really wants to grasp the extent of the human and drug smuggling going through Arizona, I will take her on a tour of the most popular smuggling routes used, Babeu said. She would come to understand that our border is far from secured. Babeu noted his deputies routinely come across drug smugglers in Pinal County, seizing marijuana, cocaine, meth, heroin and other drugs in large and small quantities. My deputies led the largest drug bust in Arizona history, arresting 76 Sinaloa Cartel members, seizing $3 billion work of drugs and money along with 108 weapons, Babeu said. Last week, my deputies had six significant drug busts arresting 25 smugglers and cartel scouts. Hillary Clinton doesnt have a clue about whats really happening along the southwest border. Tens of thousands of illegal immigrants are caught each year by the Border Patrol in Southern Arizona. If illegal immigrants and cartels can roam freely, certainly ISIS and terrorists with military training can just as easily make their way into America. March 30, 2016 CBP Officers Seize Ammunition Bound for Mexico U.S. Customs and Border Protection Field Operations officers seized more than 5,500 rounds of assorted ammunition March 22 at the Port of Nogales. Officers performing routine outbound inspections referred an 18-year-old Mexican male for a secondary inspection of his GMC SUV before proceeding into Mexico. During the search, officers found 5,560 rounds of assorted ammunition hidden throughout the vehicle. Officers turned the vehicle, ammunition and subject over to U.S Homeland Security Investigations. Nogales Port Director Guadalupe Ramirez praised his officers for the interception. This interception is a direct result of the hard work and continued vigilance of our CBP officers, he said. Keeping ammunition out of the hands of drug traffickers disrupts their operations and reduces violence along the border. Border Patrol rescues 3 lost in desert with no water Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents rescued three individuals March 20, one of whom used a satellite phone on a rescue beacon to call for help. Agents assigned to the Ajo Border Patrol Station received a call for assistance from a caller stating he was out of water and in need of help. The call came from a rescue beacon located 21 miles north of the border; 46 miles from I-8; and 11 miles from the town of Why, Arizona. Agents quickly found the caller, gave him water and assessed his condition. The man later identified as a Mexican national named Jorge Tafoya-Barajas, declined further medical attention and was transported to the Ajo Border Patrol Station. Rescue beacons are comprised of solar charging systems, highly reflective rotating devices, and high intensity blue strobe lights on top of 25-foot masts, and are visible from more than 8 miles away. Tucson Sector currently has 32 rescue beacons, several of which have been equipped with satellite phones. Later in the afternoon, Ajo Border Patrol agents received notification a 911 call from two men lost in the desert. Again, agents quickly located the men, one of whom required precautionary intravenous therapy. The pair, identified as Jorge Bautista-Ruiz and Julian Cancino-Jimenez, both Mexican nationals, told agents they had been traveling separately in the desert for several days. Bautista said he encountered Cancino earlier in the day and gave him some of his water. They also told agents that they had no idea where they were in relation to water sources or civilization. When they were found, they had no water between them. Both were transported to the Ajo Border Patrol Station. Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free. Border Patrol Agents Seize Assault Rifle, Arrest 3 Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents arrested three male Mexican nationals and seized an assault style rifle near Quijotoa, Arizona, on March 17. Early in the day, agents arrested one man for entering the United States illegally. The man proceeded to tell agents he had escaped from armed men who were holding him against his will approximately 30 miles north of the border. Later, Tucson Sectors tactical team, known as BORTAC, and agents from Casa Grande Stations Mountain Team, boarded a helicopter from Air and Marine Operations for deployment to an area known as South Mountain, where agents believed the man had been held. After a thorough search, agents located and arrested the two men without incident. At the location, agents also found and seized an assault rifle, cell phones and two-way radios. The Tucson Sectors evidence collection team will process the seized items, while the subjects remain in custody pending outcome of the investigation. This incident occurred in the same area where, in October 2015, agents encountered a similar situation involving armed individuals. In that incident, BORTAC responded and discovered one deceased individual. BY LINDA BENTLEY | MARCH 30, 2016 Burglaries continue to plague Cave Creek CAVE CREEK Robert Sexton arrived at his store March 4 to find it had been broken into. It appears the burglar(s) used a rock to break one of the double-pane glass doors to gain access. Sexton and his wife Beverly, owners of Out West, located at 38252 N. Jacqueline Dr., between Wild West Pawn and the Lazy Lizard in Cave Creek, have become the latest victims in a string of residential and commercial burglaries and thefts that have been plaguing the northeast Valley, including Cave Creek, Carefree, North Scottsdale, North Phoenix and unincorporated county areas. Since Out West is primarily a custom upholstery, furniture and interior design boutique, Sexton was trying to access what might have been stolen while waiting for Maricopa County Sheriffs Office deputies to arrive. He noted merchandise was damaged where the burglars broke in and said it appeared some leather goods had been stolen from a display rack. Sexton pointed out the area behind the sales counter, which had been completely ransacked. When Beverly arrived, she realized their digital camera had been taken and became extremely dismayed because it held a memory disk of photos from a family visit that had not been downloaded and cannot be replaced. Although the camera was quite valuable, as is was used to photograph merchandise, she said the family photos are worth far more to her and pleaded for whoever took the camera to please at least return the memory disk. As the Sextons attempt to determine what exactly was stolen, they received a call from the Mesa Police Department inquiring about a woman was attempting to cash one of their checks. Because the signatures didnt match, the bank refused to cash it. However, the woman was captured on the banks surveillance system, which could lead to an arrest and possibly help solve this and other burglary cases. By Linda Bentley | March 30, 2016 Trump draws thousands to Fountain Hills FOUNTAIN HILLS Free tickets to see Donald Trump in Fountain Hills on March 19 sold out within hours of announcing the event only two days earlier. Although the hastily put together rally was supposed to start at 10 a.m., it was subsequently bumped to 11 a.m. after Trump agreed to do a town hall meeting with talk show host Sean Hannity at the Phoenix Convention Center from 9 to 10 a.m. It didnt seem to matter much to the thousands that turned out to see Trump patiently waiting in the scorching heat. The couple at the very front of the line, which by 8 a.m. wrapped around the park for about two miles or more, said they arrived at 3 a.m. Just about all the people Sonoran News spoke with said they had already cast their ballots for Trump weeks ago by mail and were simply there to show their support for him. Taking advantage of the huge crowds Trump draws, people were collecting petition signatures for Dr. Kelli Ward, who is expected to defeat Sen. John McCain in the upcoming primary election. Law enforcement was thick at the event with Secret Service personnel as well as every imaginable unit of the Maricopa County Sheriffs Office, including SWAT, K-9, Equestrian, Lake Patrol and Helicopter. There were deputies on rooftops, patrolling on horses and on quads. Other than protestors causing traffic to back up for miles when they blocked Shea Boulevard with vehicles, attempting to keep people and Trump from getting to the rally, there was only a small number of anti-Trump protestors at the rally itself. Despite Trump electrifying thousands with his briefer than usual speech on Saturday, the mainstream media appeared focused almost entirely on the protestors. Following the terrorist attacks in Brussels on Tuesday, Trump doubled down on his immigration stance and said he would close our borders to certain people until we can sort out whats going on. He said we need to be very, very vigilant with who we let into this country, noting the current administration is letting people in without knowing who they are, where they come from and without real documentation. He lamented about the decline of both Brussels, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and Paris, known as the city of lights, and said they have become cities in fear. With 90 percent of precincts reporting on Wednesday morning, Trump took Arizona, a winner-take-all delegate state, by storm with 47 percent (249,842) of the vote, followed by Ted Cruz with 25 percent (133,479). Early voting resulted in Marco Rubio, who dropped out of the race, receiving 13 percent of the vote, ahead of John Kasich, who received only 10 percent. Because early voting has become so popular in Arizona, polling places were consolidated from over 200 to only 60, resulting in long lines and three-hour waits at some locations. However, rallies seemed to have invigorated voters, creating a higher than average turnout, with Yavapai County having the highest turnout at 63 percent, Apache County the lowest at 27 percent and Maricopa County at 43 percent. Hillary Clinton also won in Arizona with 58 percent (235,647) of the vote against Bernie Sanders who received 40 percent (163,410). Arizonas Presidential Preference Election is a closed election open only to affiliated party members, whereas the primary election on Aug. 30, 2016 is open to the unaffiliated, or Independents, who may vote by requesting either a Republican or Democrat ballot. By Linda Bentley | March 30, 2016 Xpress Pay owner gets 12 months in prison for criminal tax violations Instead of making required the federal tax payments to the IRS, Ott transferred substantial amounts of money to his personal bank accounts PHOENIX Gregory S. Ott, 65, of Prescott, Ariz., was sentenced on March 23 by Senior U. S. District Judge Fredrick J. Martone to 12 months and one day in prison for evading the payment of federal employment taxes he collected from numerous small business owner clients. Ott entered a plea agreement on Nov. 2, 2015, in which he pled guilty to evasion of payment of tax, a class D felony offense. The court recommended Ott be designated to the least secure facility in the Bureau of Prisons. The collection and payment of Federal payroll taxes is an important duty of all law-abiding business owners. In this case, the defendant willfully diverted client funds for his personal use. IRS-Criminal Investigation will continue its efforts to detect and investigate this type of tax fraud, stated IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Ismael Nevarez Jr. Ott owned and operated Xpress Pay, Inc. (XP), a professional employment organization in Scottsdale that contracted with small business owners to provide payroll services including the preparation of federal employment tax returns and the payment of employment taxes owed by these small businesses to the IRS. Ott and XP collected the taxes directly from their clients by accessing the clients bank accounts. Instead of making the required federal tax payments to the IRS in full, Ott transferred substantial amounts of money to his personal bank accounts and used the money to pay his own expenses. In 2010, Otts conduct resulted in a $568,279.00 tax loss. In addition to the prison sentence, Ott was ordered to serve 3 years of supervised release upon his release from prison, pay a $10,000 fine, perform 150 hours of community service, take a course in ethics from a public college for at least one semester and to fully cooperate with the IRS in the determination and collection of taxes, penalties, and interest due and owing. Ott was ordered to self-surrender to the Bureau of Prisons by 12 noon on May 25 to serve his sentence. My View BY DON SORCHYCH | March 30, 2016 On Friday, March 16, the first front page article in The Arizona Republic was headlined, Ariz. Power broker targets Trump. The article was written by Yvonne Wingett Sanchez, so I put little faith in the accuracy of the article. I heard the essence of the article the previous day on Rush Limbaughs radio program. Rush reported the owner of the Arizona Diamondbacks said he was not for Trump and if he lost 100,000 fans so be it. Well, lets hope he loses all his fans and has to sell his losing team. Ken Kendricks can afford it, apparently. Guest Editorials: By DON BITLER | March 30, 2016 Those who desire to peacefully protest have that right in America as an integral part of our Constitutional rights. Some of what happened in and around Fountain Hills, Arizona (March 19, 2016) however, is not protesting it is disrupting. All Americans should support legal peaceful protesting. However, what happened in Arizona is attempting to take away Donald Trumps and his supporters first amendment rights to peacefully assemble. That is wrong and we see it as a violation of our civil rights. Sooner or later there will be bad violence which could and no doubt will lead to even more serious violence. Patriotic American citizens must recognize what is happening. By Dr. Earl Tilford | March 30, 2016 Recent revelations by the Pentagons inspector general indicates that U.S. Central Command, which bears responsibility for military operations in the Middle East, altered intelligence analyses to support the Obama administrations contention that limited air strikes have contained ISIS. If so, thats unfortunately nothing new. Politically skewed intelligence has a history. In November 1967, President Lyndon Johnson ordered Gen. William Westmoreland, Military Assistance Command for Vietnam (MACV), home for a public relations tour. Facing re-election in 1968, Johnson needed another term to implement his Great Society. He needed Westmoreland to reassure a war-weary public and bolster his upcoming re-election campaign. Starting in 1966, MACV conducted massive ground sweep operations compiling impressive quantitative victories; these victories focused on obtaining body counts of 10-enemies-to-one-American. Numbers of enemy dead, wounded, and captured, plus compilations of weapons and rice caches captured, along with expanded secure areas within South Vietnam, were all considered indications of progress. This one got lopsided in a hurry, and that was just what Notre Dame needed football Marquette springs upset, Slinger survives in football playoffs The nine Milwaukee-area top-seeded football teams all won Friday night. The results across Level 1 set up some interesting games for the week ahead. Welcome to SwanseaOnline - your home for the best news, sports and what's on coverage of the city. Never miss a Swansea story with our daily newsletter Sign up to comment on our stories here Follow us on Facebook and Twitter | Swansea City news | Ospreys news | InYourArea NASA astronaut Ricky Arnold spotted a space station-bound Cygnus cargo vessel passing over a crystal-blue atoll in Indonesia before it arrived at the orbiting lab on Thursday (May 24). Northrop Grumman Space Systems is the space sector of the Northrop Grumman Corporation, an American aerospace and defense technology company. The Space Systems sector provides space technology and launch systems for government and commercial clients. Northrop Grumman holds a contract with NASA to fly unmanned cargo missions to the International Space Station (ISS). The predecessor to the company's Space Systems sector was formed in 2018, but the company has an extensive history in the aerospace industry. Company history Northrop Grumman was created when the Northrop Corporation bought Grumman Aerospace in 1994. According to a company timeline, Northrop began building fighters and bombers for World War II. Grumman also built military aircraft, as well as private jets, and was the chief contractor for the Apollo lunar module. In 2007, Northrop Grumman bought Scaled Composites, the builder of SpaceShipOne, which was the first private crewed spacecraft to reach space. Northrop Grumman also is the lead contractor for the James Webb Space Telescope that is expected to launch in 2021. On June 5, 2018, the Federal Trade Commission approved Northrop Grumman's acquisition of Orbital ATK, a private spacecraft company with NASA contracts to deliver payloads to the ISS. Orbital ATK was renamed Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems (NGIS) until January 2020, when it was renamed as Northrop Grumman Space Systems. The company's other three sectors are Aeronautics Systems, Defense Systems and Mission Systems. Orbital ATK was formed in February 2015 with the merger of Orbital Sciences Corp. and Alliant Techsystems (ATK). The two companies had previously worked together in many capacities, including Orbital's Antares rocket, for which ATK provided solid rocket motors for the upper stage. ATK's rocket boosters also safely delivered the space shuttles to orbit, except for one catastrophic failure in 1986 that led to the death of seven astronauts on board space shuttle Challenger. ATK made design changes to the boosters in the wake of the disaster. Related: Northrop Grumman's private Antares rocket: 5 surprising facts Spaceflight history ATK was one of the contractors working on NASA's Constellation program, which aimed to carry astronauts to the moon and beyond. ATK constructed the first stage of the Ares 1 rocket that would take the astronauts aloft. The program, which was conceived under President George W. Bush, was cancelled shortly after President Barack Obama took office. (NASA has now resumed a moon-focused policy under president Trump, although it will use a rocket known as the Space Launch System to get there.) Orbital Sciences Corp. was the original company that developed the Antares rocket and Cygnus spacecraft, designed to deliver pressurized crew supplies, scientific experiments and other unpressurized cargo to the space station. Orbital also specialized in launching small satellites. Related: In photos: See the Antares rocket's Cygnus NG-13 cargo ship launch to space station The company's formal relationship with NASA began in 1983 when the firm signed an agreement to build a Transfer Orbit Stage vehicle that was eventually used during a launch of the space shuttle Discovery. (opens in new tab) In 1991, officials from Orbital signed an $80 million contract allowing NASA to use the company's Pegasus rocket to deliver small payloads into orbit. Pegasus a winged three-stage rocket designed to fly to low-Earth orbit was the first privately developed space launch vehicle. The aerospace firm had also signed deals with the U.S. Air Force, Japan's Broadcasting Satellite System Corporation and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. Related: What's the difference between orbital and suborbital spaceflight? In 2008, Orbital Science signed a $1.9 billion deal with NASA that required the company to fly eight unmanned cargo missions to the ISS using Antares and Cygnus. In 2016, Orbital ATK signed a second agreement for more launches between 2019 and 2024. (The value of this second contract was not disclosed, although NASA said it is paying up to $14 billion overall for contracts awarded to Orbital ATK, SpaceX and Sierra Nevada.) Cygnus comes equipped with two sets of solar arrays on either side of the service module. The arrays power the command control and communications hardware of the robotic capsule, once launched and deployed. The Antares rocket formerly called the "Taurus II" is a two-stage launch vehicle designed to deliver cargo to low-Earth orbit. When upright, the rocket is 131 feet (40 m) tall, and the rocket's dual AJ26 rocket engines are designed to provide 680,000 pounds of thrust. Antares' first test launch occurred on April 18, 2013. Related: Orbital Science's 1st Antares rocket test flight Prior to the merger, Orbital Sciences had a single Cygnus failure when one of its spacecraft exploded just after launch on Oct. 28, 2014, likely due to a problem with the Russian engines in Antares. Flights resumed on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket in December 2015. As of mid-2018, Cygnus has made 10 flights on both the Antares and Atlas V rockets, at a pace of approximately two a year. Orbital ATK's Antares rocket launched a Cygnus cargo craft toward the International Space Station on Nov. 11, 2017. (Image credit: Patrick Black/NASA) (opens in new tab) Future space projects In 2019, NASA awarded Northrop Grumman with a contract to build the lunar Gateway module, based on the agency's conclusion that Northrop Grumman would be able to deliver the fastest. The company continues to launch supplies into space for NASA, having just completed their 13th Cygnus mission in February, 2020, which carried 4 tons of cargo to the space station. Since 2017, Northrop Grumman has been working on developing a next generation rocket called the OmegA rocket (previously known as the Next Generation Launch Vehicle). OmegA will be capable of launching payloads of up to 22,266 lbs. (10,100 kilograms) to a geostationary transfer orbit, and payloads of up to nearly 17,200 lbs. (7,800 kg) to geostationary equatorial orbits, according to Orbital ATK. The intermediate-class OmegA is targeted to make its first test launch in 2021, and a heavy-class version could follow in 2024 if all goes well. Additional resources: Learn more about Northrop Grumman's Space Systems sector on their website. Read more about the Cygnus spacecraft from Northrop Grumman. Find out more about NASA's transition from Apollo to OmegA. This article was updated on May 26, 2020 by Space.com reference editor Kimberly Hickok. The SETI Institute's Allen Telescope Array in Hat Creek, California is now searching 20,000 red dwarf stars for signs of intelligent life. The search for intelligent aliens has expanded to include thousands of star systems very different from that of Earth. Scientists with the SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) Institute in Mountain View, California have just begun a two-year hunt for signs of alien civilizations around 20,000 red dwarfs stars considerably smaller and dimmer than Earth's sun. Red dwarfs are promising targets for SETI scientists. They are the most common stars in the Milky Way, making up about 75 percent of the galaxy's stellar population. And because red dwarfs burn through their fuel slowly, they live a long time; on average, the Milky Way's red dwarfs are billions of years older than the sun, researchers said. [13 Ways to Contact Intelligent Aliens] "This may be one instance in which older is better," SETI Institute astronomer Seth Shostak said in a statement. "Older solar systems have had more time to produce intelligent species." Despite these characteristics, however, SETI hunts to date have focused primarily on sunlike stars, for several reasons. For one thing, the one example of life that scientists know about resides in such a system. In addition, red dwarfs possess relatively narrow "habitable zones" the range of distances from a star at which liquid water can exist on a world's surface. Furthermore, any planets in a red dwarf's habitable zone would be quite close to the star, and would therefore likely be tidally locked, showing just one face to the star (as the moon shows just one face to Earth). Tidally locked planets are probably roasting-hot on one on side and freezing-cold on the other, making them unlikely candidates to support life, the thinking went. The new hunt will employ the SETI Institute's Allen Telescope Array (ATA), a system of 42 radio dishes in northern California. The ATA will scan 20,000 red dwarfs that will be chosen from a list of 70,000 such stars compiled by Boston University astronomer Andrew West, SETI Institute scientists said. Relevant data gathered by NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), which is scheduled to launch next year, will be incorporated as well, they added. Well scrutinize targeted systems over several frequency bands between 1 and 10 GHz [gigahertz]," SETI Institute scientist Gerry Harp said in the same statement. "Roughly half of those bands will be at so-called 'magic frequencies' places on the radio dial that are directly related to basic mathematical constants. It's reasonable to speculate that extraterrestrials trying to attract attention might generate signals at such special frequencies." Follow Mike Wall on Twitter @michaeldwall and Google+. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook or Google+. Originally published on Space.com. A new paper describes how laser beams could disrupt measurements of Earth's orbit around the sun, potentially deceiving inquisitive aliens. Here, a 22W laser used for adaptive optics shines from the Very Large Telescope in Chile. A simple laser beam could disrupt aliens' observations of Earth, making it look like there's nobody home on the third rock from the sun, a new study suggests. David Kipping, an astronomer at Columbia University in New York, said he first considered this idea when he heard about the strangely dimming star that was detected recently by NASA's Kepler space telescope. Researchers speculated the signal could have come from an "alien megastructure" orbiting the star. That's a remote possibility, many scientists stressed; the star's strange signal likely has a natural cause. But the Kepler observations got Kipping thinking about ways humanity could alter the signals it sends into space or hide them altogether from life-hunting aliens, who may have malicious intentions. [13 Ways to Hunt Intelligent Aliens] He and Columbia graduate student Alex Teachey concluded that it would be surprisingly easy to wipe out Earth's signal, distort it to look strange or even edit out the fingerprint of life provided researchers knew the location of the snooping aliens. "We essentially played the thought experiment that if we really had xenophobic tendencies and wanted to avoid the Earth being discovered (as Stephen Hawking and others have been warning about), could we hide the Earth from alien planet-hunters?" Kipping said in an email. How to build a cloaking device The key to Kipping and Teachey's thinking lies in the way humans have identified most planets around other stars, a process called the transit method. This strategy, which has most famously been employed by the Kepler spacecraft, detects tiny dips in the brightness of stars, which can indicate an orbiting planet. The transit method could theoretically be used by alien civilizations to detect Earth, too. But there's a way to trip up such extraterrestrial searches, Kipping and Teachey said. "To make it look like the planet is not there at all, you've got to get rid of that dip. You've got to fill in the missing starlight," Teachey said in an explanatory video. NASA's Kepler space telescope uses small dips in a star's brightness to detect planets passing in front of the star. Each planet will leave a distinctive light signature. (Image credit: Alex Teachey/Columbia University via YouTube Engineers could shine a very bright laser or collection of lasers toward a star suspected of hosting intelligent aliens during the time Earth was passing in front of the sun from the other planet's perspective. Then, aliens making measurements wouldn't see any change in solar brightness. "I started to think about lasers," Kipping told Space.com. "Most people might have stopped there, because the sun emits so much light how could you possibly produce a laser beam which could ever compete with the sun? But it turns out, when you actually run through the equations, it's really not that bad." [How to Discover an Alien Planet (Video)] "We could build this next week if we wanted to," Teachey added. To alter Earth's signature as seen by an alien version of Kepler, a laser system would have to emit 30 megawatts of power for about 10 hours per year, coinciding with Earth's passing in front of the sun, the duo calculated. That equates to significantly less than the energy the International Space Station gathers in a year with its solar panels, Kipping said, or the energy used by about 70 homes over the course of a year. Such a laser system, either on Earth or in orbit, could charge its solar-powered batteries for most of the year and then release the high-powered blasts at just the right time, brightening when the sun's light would normally dim. While a laser of that intensity hasn't been built before, the researchers said, such a cloaking system could also use multiple smaller lasers, all shining in the same direction. The alien star would be so distant that such a difference would be indistinguishable. Laser beams are tightly focused, but at greater distances, the beams will have grown large enough to require less precise aim. Shining a laser beam toward a planet whose inhabitants might see the Earth pass in front of the sun could replace the light the Earth blocks out. This would conceivably hide the planet. Using different laser wavelengths can create other illusions with the Earth's transit. (Image credit: Alex Teachey/Columbia University via YouTube By varying the wavelength and strength of the beams, humans could conceal Earth from more complicated detectors. Such a "cloak" that concealed all wavelengths would take about 250 megawatts of power, with lasers blasting at different wavelengths, the researchers said. The laser strategy could also alter Earth's signature to look like almost anything, even something that appears distinctive and artificial, the scientists said, like the New York skyline or a featureless box. But perhaps the most interesting use, the researchers said, would be as a "bio-cloak," which would actually use less power than would be required to totally conceal the planet. When a planet crosses its star's face, a little bit of light passes through the planet's atmosphere, and researchers can determine the atmosphere's makeup based on the wavelengths of that light. By sending laser beams that are the inverse of certain wavelengths, humanity could conceivably edit out the life-generated "biosignatures" in Earth's atmosphere, Kipping said. "We can actually cancel those features out, such as oxygen," he said. "The alien civilization is going to detect your planetary transit. They're going to detect your planetary radial velocity, but then when they 'smell' the atmosphere, it would not look like a tasty planet. It would just look like a dead world." While a planet that was fully cloaked could still be detected by other means, such as by the gravitational pull it exerts on its star, this kind of cloak would arouse less suspicion, because the planet would be there as expected, just without signs of life. "We feel like this is the most deceptive cybercloaking you could possibly do, because then everything adds up there's no missing piece to the puzzle," Kipping said. "And that would be a very difficult cloak to see." [10 Exoplanets That Could Host Alien Life] Kipping and Teachey laid out their thinking in a study published Thursday (March 31) in the journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. Many possibilities Concealing Earth's existence from extraterrestrials, or announcing its presence with an artificial light curve, would work only if humanity knew or suspected where those aliens were living. But the concept is still intriguing as scientists look out to read other stars' light signatures and speculate about alien astronomers reading signals from Earth. Kipping and Teachey suggested that alien civilizations could communicate with each other during transits by varying their light signatures, because individuals investigating a planet are likely to watch it as it passes in front of its star. Alien lasers could even encode information to transmit, the researchers said. One possible next step, they added, would be to look more carefully through archival Kepler data to search for artificial signatures. Jason Wright, an astronomer from Pennsylvania State University, recently published a paper about how scientists could identify advanced civilizations around other stars. "Alien megastructures" would dim stars more than expected, whereas lasers would tend to brighten them, but "we should look for both," Wright told Space.com. "The fact that Kepler looked at 100,000 stars and didn't see much of anything along those lines suggests that that is pretty rare in the galaxy," Wright added. "And we should look more closely to see if there are things that aren't totally obvious." In terms of this particular technology on Earth, "The only time it'd be useful for us is if we had some knowledge of alien civilizations along the thin strip of the sky that would see Earth transit the sun," he said. Avi Loeb, who chairs the astronomy department at Harvard University in Massachusetts, told Space.com that the laser-cloaking method assumes researchers know where to look, that aliens aren't observing from moving spaceships and that putative extraterrestrial observers are mainly investigating planets by looking for transits across stars. Energy demands would quickly grow as a civilization tried to hide from, or signal to, an increasing number of star systems, Loeb added. But the laser cloak is still an interesting new idea to add to the arsenal in the search for extraterrestrial life, he said. "If there is a literature of ideas like this one, ideas that people proposed for potential signals that are artificial the richer the literature is, the better it is," Loeb said. "The moment we find something artificial, it will change everything. It's good to have the imagination at work prior to seeing something unusual, so we are aware that there are possibilities beyond what we expect." "I don't think anyone's thought of this particular application before," Wright said. "I think it just emphasizes how little energy is actually required to get someone's attention across the galaxy." Email Sarah Lewin at slewin@space.com or follow her @SarahExplains. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com. A Russian Soyuz rocket and its unmanned Progress 63P supply ship stand atop their launchpad at Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan ahead of a March 31, 2016 launch to the International Space Station. The Progress vehicle is carrying 3 tons of supplies for the station. Update for 1:30 pm ET: Russia's Progress 63P cargo ship has successfully launched into orbit. Read our full story here: Russia Launches Robotic Supply Ship Toward Space Station. Russia's space agency, Roscosmos, is counting down to the launch of a new supply ship for the International Space Station today (March 31), and you can watch the mission blast off via a live webcast. The unmanned Progress 63P spacecraft crammed with 3 tons (2.7 metric tons)of supplies for the station's crew is scheduled to launch on a Soyuz rocket at 12:23 p.m. EDT (1623 GMT) from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, where it will be late evening local time at liftoff. You can watch the Progress cargo ship launch live via Space.com beginning at 12 p.m. EDT (1600 GMT), courtesy of NASA TV. Unlike most of the recent Progress delivery missions to the space station, Progress 63P will not be making a one-day trip to the orbiting lab. Instead, it will spend two days chasing the space station before arriving on Saturday (April 2) at 2 p.m. EDT (1800 GMT), according to NASA officials. [The Space Station's Robotic Cargo Ship Fleet in Pictures] "The two-day rendezvous for Progress is deliberately planned to enable Russian flight controllers to test new software and communications equipment for the new vehicle configuration that will be standard for future Progress and piloted Soyuz spacecraft," NASA officials wrote in a statement. Russia's Progress spacecraft are similar in design to its crewed Soyuz space capsules. Both are three-module vehicles, with a propulsion module at the aft and an orbital module at the front. Soyuz vehicles include a crew capsule at the center, while Progress vehicles have a module with propellant to fuel space station maneuvers. It's a superbusy time for the International Space Station. Today's launch will mark the third launch to the space station in three weeks, as well as the second cargo mission to launch in nine days. On March 18, a Russian Soyuz spacecraft launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome to ferry American astronaut Jeff Williams and Russian cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin and Oleg Skripochka on a one-day trip to the space station. The trio arrived at the orbiting lab about 6 hours later to join three other crewmates NASA's Tim Kopra, Russia's Yuri Malenchenko and British astronaut Tim Peake on board. Then, last week, on March 22, an unmanned Orbital ATK Cygnus spacecraft launched to the space station on a delivery mission for NASA. It launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida and arrived on March 26. Next week, on Friday (April 8), a commercial SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch an unmanned Dragon cargo ship to the station from Cape Canaveral. That mission is currently slated to lift off at 4:43 p.m. EDT (2043 GMT) on April 8. This story was updated at 12:13 p.m. ET to correct the docking time of Progess 63P at the International Space Station. Email Tariq Malik at tmalik@space.com or follow him @tariqjmalik and Google+. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com. A Russian Soyuz rocket launches the unmanned Progress 63P cargo ship from Baikonur Cosmodrome at 12:23 p.m. EDT (10:23 p.m. Local Time) on March 31, 2016. The Progress spacecraft is carrying 3 tons of supplies for the International Space Station. Reprocess Image? An unmanned Russian cargo ship packed with 3 tons of supplies launched toward the International Space Station Thursday (March 31), beginning a two-day orbital delivery flight. The Progress 63P spaceship is the third vehicle to launch to the space station in the past three weeks, and the second cargo craft to launch there in nine days. The ship's cargo includes 1,940 lbs. (880 kilograms) of propellant, 110 lbs. (50 kg) of oxygen, 926 lbs. (420 kg) of water and 3,161 lbs. (1,434 kg) of dry cargo, NASA officials said. The craft blasted off at 12:23 p.m. EDT (1623 GMT) from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, and was quickly concealed by a cloudy sky as it accelerated upward. "[It's] a flawless ascent to orbit for the Progress resupply vehicle, the second in as many weeks to head to the International Space Station, with a third resupply ship, the SpaceX Dragon cargo craft, scheduled for launch on April 8," NASA spokesperson Rob Navias reported from Mission Control Houston during a NASA TV broadcast. [The Space Station's Robotic Cargo Ship Fleet in Pictures] The craft will make its way to the space station over the course of two days. Although Progress spacecraft normally take less than a day to reach the orbiting lab, this one will take its time in order to test upgraded systems that will also be used on the first crewed launch of the upgraded Soyuz spacecraft in June, which will bring three new faces to the space station. The supply craft is scheduled to arrive Saturday, April 2, at 2 p.m. EDT (1800 GMT). Currently, the station is occupied by American astronaut Tim Kopra, British astronaut Tim Peake and Russian cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko, all of whom have been in space for more than 100 days, as well as three crewmembers who arrived just two weeks ago on a Soyuz craft: NASA astronaut Jeff Williams and cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin and Oleg Skripochka. It's been a very busy time on the space station: On March 22, an Orbital ATK Cygnus supply craft, flown on United Launch Alliance's Atlas V rocket, launched to the station, carrying a record-breaking load of supplies and experiments to the station. Another Progress craft left the station yesterday to free up space for the one that just launched. Next, a commercial SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch its robotic Dragon cargo craft to the station, blasting off from Cape Canaveral at 4:43 p.m. EDT (2043 GMT) on April 8. Email Sarah Lewin at slewin@space.com or follow her @SarahExplains. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com. Optimization Are you frustrated with a slow pc or a hard disk not performing as it should? Try SLOW-PCfighter to speed up boot time on a slow PC, or try a free scan of FULL-DISKfighter to recover space on a full disk. The latest offering is DRIVERfighter to update your driver updater. Get complete PC optimization and extend the life of your PC with these must-have software tools. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A 21-year-old Brazilian model who lost her left leg has become an Instagram sensation thanks to support from hundreds of thousands of fans and an air of inspiration surrounding her. Paola Antonini lost her leg in 2014 after being hit by a drunken driver in a car accident, according to Yahoo!. RELATED: Beautiful Dallas model back to work 4 years after accident that took arm, eye Her leg was crushed, and despite four attempts to save the leg, it was decided that her leg needed to be amputated at the knee. While Antonini started learning to walk again, she was advised by medical professionals that she should have a second amputation, cutting off her leg to above the knee, according to the Daily Mail. RELATED: A puppy without a paw and a girl without legs become best friends Fazendo arte na fisioterapia enquanto o novo encaixe da protese fica pronto! @shopping_ortopedico A photo posted by Paola Antonini (@paola_antonini) on Mar 18, 2016 at 11:42am PDT Since losing her leg, the model has decided to flaunt what shes working with on Instagram, and shes gained more than 620,000 followers on the popular social media app. Antonini told Brazilian website VejaBJ that she chose to look at the situation from a glass-half-full perspective, instead of wallowing over what she lost in the accident. RELATED: Police: Corpus Christi man left behind prosthetic arm at scene of alleged DWI crash Between being unhappy forever and thankful for being alive, I chose the second option, she told the publication. The model shares photos of herself engaging in everyday activities, including going to stores, flying on airplanes, taking a dip in the ocean, and rocking a bikini. Click through the slideshow to see beautiful photos of this Brazilian model. twhite@mysa.com Twitter: @tylerlwhite Someone in state government is bent on diminishing the peoples right to know. But the person, or group, is a ghost. The first attempt was in 2013, when a bill with no named sponsors appeared before the Legislature seeking to allow public meetings to be held in secret. It proposed that as long as a meeting was among the leaders of a public agency, and not just members, it could happen behind closed doors. When it was exposed, the bill, which had its roots in Stamford, died. Now, almost three years later, another sponsor-less bill has appeared. This one would allow a public agency to bar citizens from public discussions by declaring that the agencys lawyer would be providing legal advice. Public officials then could retreat to a private room for that discussion. As it is, Freedom of Information law allows officials to discuss active legal matters, such as pending contract deals or real estate transactions, with their attorneys in private. But the new bill would re-open a loophole state lawmakers closed in 1986, when it was discovered that public officials were banning the public from meetings whenever a lawyer was consulted. The loophole in FOI law was so abused that public officials were paying attorneys to attend meetings just to keep citizens from sitting in on discussions about matters public officials knew citizens wouldnt like, such pay raises for public officials. So who in state government is interested in returning to those days? Back to the future The origin of this years House Bill 5501 is mysterious - just as mysterious as the origin of Senate Bill 1148 three years ago. Both were generated by the Legislatures Government Administration and Elections Committee. The co-chairs of the GAE Committee, both Democrats, are state Sen. Steve Cassano of the Manchester area and state Rep. Ed Jutila, who represents East Lyme and Salem. Neither could be reached as of press time. Only one group submitted testimony in favor of House Bill 5501 during a March 7 public hearing in Hartford. It was the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, which wrote, The law as it stands only allows state agencies (to seek) confidential advice on pending litigation. This bill allows for confidential conversations for any legal matter. Thats exactly the problem, open-government advocates testified. The public interest Daniel Klau of the Connecticut Council on Freedom of Information laid out the concerns. When government agencies take action - or dont - based in part on legal advice, the public has a strong interest in knowing what that advice is, Klau testified. So the advice itself is frequently a matter of legitimate public interest. Before the FOI loophole was closed, public agencies were using taxpayer money to pay for attorneys so that (the agencies) could hide matters of civic importance from the taxpayers until after the fact, Klau wrote. The Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission also opposes the bill, testifying, Such provision is very broad and could encompass, for example, a discussion of a variance by a zoning commission or a discussion of a budget by a board of finance, which are required to be held in public. The possibilities are endless. First ghost bill Its no clearer now than it was in 2013 who is interested in keeping the people from their business. In 2013 the ghost sponsors of Senate Bill 1148 tried to redefine public meeting. Their bill proposed that as long as a meeting is limited to the leaders of a public agency, they may handle public business in private. So if, say, a government agency has six members and five are designated as leaders - a chairman, deputy chairman, secretary, majority leader and minority leader - that agency could meet without posting notices or disclosing what went on. Like this years bill, the 2013 bill came out of the Legislatures Government Administration and Elections Committee with no sponsors. No one spoke in favor of it during a public hearing. Despite that and strong objection from open-government advocates, the bill passed the committee and headed for the full Senate. After that, The Advocate called two dozen state lawmakers to ask who thought it was a good idea to allow the most important government officials, the leaders, to meet outside the public eye. Almost no lawmakers responded. But by the end of that day the then-GAE Committee chairman, state Sen. Anthony Musto, a Democrat from Trumbull, said lawmakers had decided they would not have time to take up the bill that year, and it went away. Stamford connection Musto also said Senate leaders proposed the bill because of something that had happened in Stamford. In 2012 a then-city representative brought the leaders of the Stamford Board of Representatives before the Freedom of Information Commission for conducting public business among themselves by phone and email. The then-representative, Sal Gabriele, said the board leaders should have had the discussions in public. Gabriele had reason for concern -- each month the eight leaders of the Stamford Board of Representatives met with the mayor and members of his cabinet in private, excluding not only citizens but the other 32 board members. Gabriele lost his case on a technicality but the practice of the secret monthly board meetings ended after David Martin became mayor in 2013. The so-called leadership meetings are now public. But, in the Legislature, the threat to the peoples right to know has returned. The passage of this bill would be a major blow to transparency of government operations, FOI commissioners testified, and an unnecessary step backwards. GREENWICH Everett Fisher was a collector of presidential memorabilia, and an auction of his collection sold for a combined total of $570,000. He died in early 2015. Here is the report on the recent sale from RR Auction: James Polk letter anticipating the annexation of Texas sold for $32,540 BOSTON, MA - (March 18, 16) A rare letter written by James K. Polk anticipating the annexation of Texas sold for $32,540 according to Boston-based RR Auction. The four-page letter signed as president, on two adjoining sheets, dated June 5, 1845. Letter to the retired Andrew Jackson at his Hermitage estate. In part: I rejoice that all is well in Texas.I hope her Congress and Convention may accept our proposition without change or modifications. If the times are not so liberal to Texasas the friends of annexation in this country desired, or as Texasexpected,It should be remembered that it was with great difficulty that my propositioncould be passed through Congress last winter.If Texas accepts our proposition, she may confidently rely upon having full justice done to her in the next Congress. I have no hesitation in saying that I will recommend and urge such a course, and I have not the slightest doubt that Congress will cooperate with me.I will maintain too her boundary; to the extent to which she claims it.Our old friend [Sam] Houston from whom I have just received a letter,is probably now with you, as he writes me that he would leave New Orleans in a day or twoto visit the Hermitage. You can assure him of the liberal aims, which I entertain toward Texas, in the event of her acceptance of our propositions without modifications or change. A long piece of correspondence from one president to another, Polk describes his first months in office as a busy time sorting through official appointments and contemplating the future of Texas. Polk was elected to the presidency in part because of his determination to annex Texas, which he made part of his campaign platform. When writing this letter the process had already begun: the US Congress had passed a joint resolution for the annexation of Texas, and on June 23 the Texan Congress accepted. By the end of the year it was officially admitted as one of the Unions states. Given Polks adherence to Jacksonian Democracy, this is an especially desirable letter, said Robert Livingston, Executive VP at RR Auction. Additional highlights include, but are not limited by: William Henry Harrison vellum signed appointment document, sold for $74,938. James Madison signed letter to a recently unseated governor of Massachusetts, sold for $54,256. Thomas Jefferson letter that commends the Quakers efforts, sold for $34,073. Charles Guiteau letter found in the assassins pocket after shooting President Garfield, sold for $27,872. Abraham Lincoln letter to promote members of the Irish Brigade, sold for $23,874. Online bidding for The Presidential Collection of Everett Fisher from RR Auction began on March 10, 2016 and concluded on March 17, 2016. More details including results can be found online at www.rrauction.com. STAMFORD City and business leaders are pressuring state officials to conclude negotiations with the developers chosen to revitalize the area around the train station that have dragged on for almost three years. This needs to be resolved, said Joseph McGee, vice president of public policy and programs for the Business Council of Fairfield County. Weve basically said its time to make a decision. Either sign a contract or put it out to bid again. This is becoming a black eye for the city. The councils demand, which is not binding on state officials, comes just weeks after city Rep. Brien Buckman, D-12, sent a letter to the state Department of Transportation seeking an update on the plan and a timeline for public information and input. Since the announcement naming Stamford Manhattan Development Ventures as the project managers in July 2013, state officials have repeated the same comments when asked for information about progress on a deal. In a letter replying to Buckmans request, Anna Barry, deputy commissioner of the DOT, reiterated the standard state response. At the present time, negotiation of the development agreement for the TOD (transit-oriented development) continues, she wrote. Theres literally no insight aside from being told its being worked on, Buckman said Wednesday. The state, which owns the land that was proposed for development, chose Stamford Manhattan Development Ventures to build new parking garages and approximately 600,000 square feet of office space, 60,000 square feet of retail space, a hotel with roughly 150 rooms and about 150 residential units. The development team is comprised of JHM Group, Ciminelli Real Estate, ECCO III Enterprises and the Gilbane Co. McGee said the project is too important for Stamfords future to put off any longer. You cannot continue to say we are negotiating, he said. Either there is a deal or not. And if there is not then we need to move on. ktorres@scni.com; 203-964-2265 STAMFORD A city man who jumped bail just before being sentenced for manslaughter when he was 17 years old has been apprehended in Pennsylvania after 26 years on the run. Capt. Richard Conklin said investigators returned to Stamford Thursday with Christopher Anthony Williams, 44, who was found a few weeks ago in Philadelphia by the U.S. Marshals Service. A jury convicted Williams and two others in 1989 of the West Side homicide of 25-year-old Kevin Harrison, of Custer Street. Police said at the time the three killed Harrison during the early-morning hours of Jan. 29, 1989 during an armed robbery of his drugs at the then-notorious intersection of Ann and West Main streets. Williams, along with Robert Johns, 19, and Mark Robinson, 23, all from Bridgeport, were arrested shortly after the homicide on Interstate-95 in Fairfield by state police. Police said at the time each were armed with loaded pistols and were in possession of the crack and cocaine they had stolen from Harrison. Conklin said Williams trail had gone cold after a tip in 2004 led them to the Philadelphia area. But early last year, Sgt. Paul Guzda in the detective bureau fielded an unexpected call from Harrisons brother, who implored them to examine the case again and find his brother, Conklin said. Police re-examined their files and the reports that led them to Philadelphia in 2004. Stamford police began working with Special Agent Adam Mackey, of the U.S. Marshals Service. Mackey had helped Stamford police last year find Presley Nau, who was wanted because his DNA was on the gun that killed Wyclif Bel-Jean in 2012. Conklin declined to comment what led Mackey to Williams. He said police received new leads earlier this year and he sent Mackey Williams pictures and fingerprints. Mackey informed Stamford police on March 1 that Williams was in custody. Certainly, our hats are off to our law enforcement partners in the U.S. Marshals Service, and particularly to Agent Mackey, Conklin said. Williams bond was initially set at just $100,000 the same amount he skipped out on in 1990 since he only had a failure-to-appear warrant held against him. However, Stamford States Attorney Richard Colangelo successfully requested having the bond raised to $1 million. A sentencing date has not yet been set. jnickerson@scni.com; F ears over the impact of a vote to leave the European Union intensified today as the UKs deficit with the rest of the world hit an all-time high. Alarming figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed the nations current account deficit the difference between money coming in and out of the UK through trade and investment flows hit a record 32.7 billion, or 7% of GDP, in the final three months of last year. The deficit much higher than the 21 billion expected underlines the UKs dependence on foreign flows of cash to fund it, which Bank of England Governor Mark Carney has labelled the kindness of strangers. But Goldman Sachs recently warned that in a worst-case exit scenario foreign flows of cash into the UK could be interrupted, forcing a sharp closure of the current account deficit and the pound to tumble as much as 20%. The gloomy figures come days after the Bank of Englands financial policy committee warned that the deficit remains high by historical and international standards and flagged up a potential credit crunch as banks become more risk-averse. IHS Global Insights Howard Archer said: An obvious potential trigger for the markets losing confidence in the UK economy could be a vote to leave the EU in the 23 June referendum. The pound was actually strengthened today by a surprise growth upgrade to 0.6% in the final three months of 2015, but Chancellor George Osborne said the figures emphasised the risks of a vote to pull out of the EU. The shocking rise in the deficit was caused by the widening of the UKs trade gap as well as falling income from the nations investments abroad, while more money flowed out the other way to foreign investors in Britain. Andy Scott, economist at currency broker HiFX, said: As a net importer, the UK economy relies on external investment, but these figures indicate that money is flowing in the wrong direction, and illustrate what the Bank of England warned as an area of weakness. Concerns over the upcoming referendum may be causing investors to withdraw investment from UK assets, putting sterling under pressure. With the polls remaining incredibly tight, we expect sterling to struggle to make significant gains until the outcome of the referendum is known as investors avoid Brexit risk. For 2015 overall, the deficit stood at 96.2 billion, or 5.2% of GDP, also the biggest since records began in 1948. ONS chief economist Joe Grice warned against reading too much into one set of figures, but added: These are obviously areas to watch closely. D avid Cameron today said nationalisation is not the right answer to the crisis facing Britains steel industry. The Prime Minister said his ministers were working with steel giant Tata to save thousands of jobs but warned there were no guarantees of success. He spoke after an emergency Downing Street meeting to decide how to react to Tatas announcement that it wants to sell its British operations, including the UKs biggest steel plant at Port Talbot. Mr Cameron sought to settle the Governments response after one minister suggested everything was on the table, while Business Secretary Sajid Javid was forced to cut short a trip to Australia to deal with the crisis. The IPPR think tank has said the loss of UK steel plants could risk 40,000 jobs 15,000 directly employed by Tata and 25,000 in the wider industry. Mr Cameron said: Were not ruling anything out [but] I dont believe nationalisation is the right answer. What we want to do is secure a long-term future for Port Talbot and for other steel-making plants in the United Kingdom. This is an issue where Ive had teams of ministers working for months to help this industry. Jobs in jeopardy: steel workers at the Tata Steel Sports and Social Club in Port Talbot Mr Cameron said ministers had already acted to ensure the Government used British steel, cut energy costs and put in place penalties for steel dumping. He suggested there may have been an outright closure of plants in the UK but that the Government had worked with Tata to avoid it. He added: This is a difficult situation and theres no guarantees of success. The Prime Minister called business minister Anna Soubry, Work and Pensions Secretary Stephen Crabb, cabinet office minister Oliver Letwin and senior civil servants to No 10 today. Arriving beforehand, Ms Soubry said I hope not, when asked if the Government will let Welsh steel fail. Mr Javid was still on his way back to the country after eventually cutting short his official visit to Australia. Mr Cameron has already told Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones that the Government would do everything possible to secure the future of steel-making at Port Talbot. But No 10 has so far resisted calls from Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Unite general secretary Len McCluskey to recall Parliament over the crisis. Shadow chancellor John McDonnell backed nationalisation and said billions of pounds lost from Treasury coffers due to the tax cuts announced in the budget could pay for it. He said: In the last Budget the Government reduced corporation taxes and also reduced capital gains tax to the richest five per cent within our country. [Labour] would not have that priority. We would rather use that money to invest in jobs and in our steel sector. Mr McDonnell also took aim at UK business rates, which are higher than the rest of Europe, attacking the Chancellor for allegedly backing away from a plan to reduce them. Mr McCluskey, meanwhile, said the saga around British steel had become an industrial crisis of enormous proportions. He said the Government should temporarily take control of Tatas UK operations, in a similar way to that it used to fund banks during the financial crisis. Mr Corbyn returned early from his own holiday in Devon to visit Port Talbot yesterday. D avid Camerons hastily convened crisis meeting today over the fate of the Port Talbot steelworks raises uncomfortable questions about both his Governments competence and this countrys role in the world. On the former, the disarray which has led to Business Secretary Sajid Javid turning tail to return from Australia little more than hours after arriving and different signals being given about the possibility of nationalisation are far from reassuring not least in the wake of the Budget and the Chancellors rapid U-turn over cuts to disability benefits, which has now left a gaping hole in public finances. Much more cohesion is needed. Political decisions over the future of Port Talbot, while perhaps seeming a remote issue for many Londoners, are important too. The loss-making steelworks, which its Indian owner Tata now wants to sell, has become unprofitable partly because of heavily subsidised Chinese imports which are flooding world markets. One argument is that this countrys EU membership prevents both the imposition of higher tariffs to block this influx of cheap foreign steel and the provision of counterbalancing state subsidies here which would make our steel industry more competitive. For now, Mr Cameron appears powerless to use either option, despite promising to do everything possible to save the steelworks, which employs 5,500 people and generates jobs for thousands more. That will make a rescue mission more difficult and is a price of the global trade from which this city benefits. Hard choices lie ahead but excessive intervention and protectionism risks more harm than good. Action on knife crime The fatal stabbing of 22-year-old Ali Nasrollahi on a north London street on Tuesday is yet another depressing illustration of the continuing blight of knife crime in this city and today brings a call, made on behalf of his bereaved family, for police to carry out more stop-and-searches to reduce the number of weapons being carried on the streets. This desire for action is understandable and justified, although reducing knife crime remains a complex challenge which evades easy answers. Certainly, stop-and-search, which the Met increased last year in response to concerns that a reduction in the use of the tactic had contributed to a rise in knife crime, can play an important role, if carried out sensitively. Police sweeps of parks and other public places where knives are sometimes stashed can also be effective, while the recent agreement between retailers and the Home Secretary on increased safeguards over the way in which knives are sold should bring positive results. But longer term changes are most critical. The plans to improve rehabilitation in prisons being prepared by Justice Secretary Michael Gove could help reduce the number of knife offenders carrying blades after their release. Schools and parents must assist too by drumming home the message to children that carrying knives brings trauma and wasted lives, not protection. Tough enforcement is not enough. Altering attitudes is essential. Without this, Londons knife crime death toll will rise further. Londons tourist boom London's position as the worlds number one tourist destination is likely to be strengthened this summer with more people expected to visit the capital than ever. The anticipated rise is partly explained by a favourable exchange rate. Many are also being attracted by the chance to witness events marking the Queens 90th birthday in May. All this is good news for Londons tourist economy and emphasises this citys welcoming attitude to visitors from both near and far. S ir John Chilcot has, since June 2009, led an inquiry into the Iraq war. He finishes the report next month, for publication in the summer. Many people say this is too long. Chilcot has been accused of being incompetent, a government stooge, in the pocket of Tony Blair, and so on. Is the truth more prosaic? The principal reason for the delay is that the inquirys scale is vast. Chilcot was asked to investigate nine years of sensitive foreign policy; he has taken nearly seven years. The Bloody Sunday inquiry took 12 years to investigate the events of one day. The delicacy of the topic has also held things up. The report must, for example, go through declassification and national security checking. More than a year was spent wrangling with officials over the publication of Cabinet minutes and correspondence between Blair and George W Bush. The most critical Cabinet minutes can be published; the inquiry may also publish gists of the Blair/Bush correspondence, which, Chilcot insists, are sufficient to explain our conclusions. Finally, Chilcot adopted time-consuming procedures. The process of Maxwellisation, for instance, where those criticised in the draft inquiry report were afforded an opportunity to respond, has taken two years. The label derives from disgraced media mogul Robert Maxwell, who brought a court case alleging that the process was legally required. He lost, meaning there was no obligation for Chilcot to go through this procedure. Chilcot suggests that fairness requires Maxwellisation. Just as journalists should seek a comment before publishing allegations made against an individual, the argument goes, people should be given an opportunity to respond to allegations made against them by an inquiry. Chilcot also claims that it has contributed to the accuracy and completeness of our report. What matters now is the report, not its history... Seven years is a long time but the lessons of the past cannot be learned in haste There is something to both of these arguments. Even so, the process creates a serious problem of perception. Independence from political influence was supposed to be the cardinal virtue of public inquiries; sending drafts of a report to politicians does not look good. Perhaps these concerns mean future inquiries should not go through the procedure. But Chilcot made clear from the start that potential witnesses would be given the opportunity to comment on criticisms. It would be wrong to go back on that promise. Could he have completed Maxwellisation sooner? It is difficult for an outsider to be sure. Either way, the criticism of Chilcots management of the Maxwellisation process is largely baseless. It was, for example, widely alleged that he failed to set a deadline for responses. But everyone was given a time limit and they stuck to it. Does it erase lots of justified criticism? An outsider cannot be sure. The process is confidential: although we know some of the individuals who have gone through it, we do not know what the provisional criticisms were, what the responses were, or what changes they prompted. That is necessarily the case: Maxwellisation is supposed to protect reputations by weeding out unfair criticism. It couldnt do this if those criticisms were aired. What matters now is the report, not its history. It will be complex. It will warrant care and attention. Tread carefully with summaries. Beware soundbites. Seven years is a long time but the lessons of the past cannot be learned in haste. Frederick Wilmot-Smith is a fellow in law at All Souls College, Oxford Review at a glance T his was an interesting gig in numerous ways. The venue was packed, but not with hardcore comedy fans. Several seats were filled by workers from Westminster. Matt Fordes monthly club features stand-up alongside interviews with heavyweight politicians and we mean heavyweight. Tony Blair has pitched up with his security team. Last nights booking was less major but still intriguing. Jacob Rees-Mogg was as engaging as one would expect for anyone who has seen this Savile Row-suited Tory MP on television. Honest, if shrewd enough not to give too much away. Before the serious stuff came the laughs. Fordes opening monologue was peppered with topical quips. After skewering Iain Duncan Smith he homed in on Education Secretary Nicky Morgan being heckled by teachers and wondered why she did not say: Its your own time you are wasting. After the interval Forde was joined by Rees-Mogg, who argued against the sugar tax and said that Brexit means retaining the benefits of trade with Europe with none of the negatives. This seemed too much for one audience member, whose snores could hilariously be heard on-stage. The miscreant woke and explained he had just returned from Moscow. When asked about the next Tory leader, Fordes guest was playfully illuminating. George Osborne may have been a front-runner before the budget, perhaps not now. Boris Johnson is an extremely attractive character though, he added: It is never the person you most expect. The only thing holding this show back was a whiff of identity crisis. Plenty of humour in the first half, not quite as much during the interview. A curious night, but like Rees-Mogg, never dull. The next show is on April 27 (0844 264 2140, mattforde.com) I ts a tricky thing, coming from the North but living in London. I mean, OK, perhaps its not as tricky as coming from Sudan or Syria or somewhere like that, but still, there are certain challenges you have to face, particularly when it comes to the question of assimilation. On the one hand, theres the possibility that you end up going fully native. This is the Dances with Wolves scenario, with you in the Kevin Costner role, only you sort of have to imagine Kevin Costner going round calling people geezer and getting uptight if the local shop runs out of sourdough loaves. Your accent fades into a vague Estuary mishmash and while its not like you spend every waking hour doing elaborate rooftop dance routines with cheerful chimney sweeps, as far as your family are concerned, you might as well be. Occasionally, after a few drinks, you will quietly confess to a friend that you are originally from Darlington or the Wirral and they will just look at you and laugh. This is a response all us ten-a-penny emigres fear. And yet the other extreme is even worse. For is there a stock London character more tedious than the Professional Northerner? You know who I mean. The one who pretends to have a stroke every time he pays for a five-quid pint, who maintains that Wakefield is some kind of El Dorado and who gives every impression that hed definitely be keeping a kestrel if only his flatmates would let him. Yes, well done, you are from the North. Yes, the fish and chips are better there. No, London is not perfect. But, dude, come on. Let it go. Youre making a scene. To be honest, youre embarrassing the rest of us. Fools paradise Ive spent the past week steeling myself for April Fools Day, a 24-hour period Ive always quietly dreaded. Its not just that the whole thing has the desperate YOU WILL HAVE FUN! vibe of an office fancy-dress day, but its the fact that Im a fundamentally honest person who genuinely struggles with petty deceptions. Im just rubbish at lying to people, which as I understand it is what April Fools Day is all about. Also, if Im being honest (which I am; see above), Im incredibly gullible, a toxic combination that makes an entire day dedicated to deceit really quite stressful. I cant believe its been a year already. Pray for me. Follow Ben on Twitter @ben_machell T hree first grade children have been suspended from school after allegedly plotting to kill a classmate by poisoning them, it has been reported. The youngsters at Winterberry Charter School in Anchorage, Alaska, had planned to use silica gel from a school dinner, according to local television station KTUU. It is claimed the schoolchildren, in the class for six or seven-year-olds, had assumed the gel used to keep food fresh was poisonous. Police told the channel the alleged plot only emerged after a fellow classmate found out and raised the alarm. An email sent to parents on March 22, published by KTUU, said: "Three students in the class were planning on using the silica gel packets (these are not actually poison, but the students believed they were) from their lunchtime seaweed to poison and kill another student." Police spokeswoman Jennifer Castro said: "The important lesson here is to really teach your kids if they hear something like this, something where someone intends to do harm to someone else, they should tell someone that they trust right away." Heidi Embley, a spokesman for the Anchorage School District, said the students could face expulsion and psychologists were examining if the children were fully aware of the consequences of their actions. A deputy head teacher who worked at a leading Catholic independent school in Ealing has admitted to possessing child porn, extreme pornography, and class A drugs. Peter William Allott, who was the deputy head at St Benedicts Catholic Independent Day School, pleaded guilty to possessing, showing and making indecent images of children, one offence of possessing extreme pornography and possession of class A drugs, at a hearing at Blackfriars Crown Court. Allott, 36, from Marchwood Crescent in Ealing, was arrested in December last year by officers from the National Crime Agencys CEOP Command, acting on intelligence was received that an individual had been using video conferencing facilities to share indecent images of children with others around the UK. Allott, who has since resigned from his teaching post, is expected to be sentenced on May 5 at Blackfriars Crown Court. Matt Sutton from the NCAs CEOP Command said: Whilst there is no evidence that Peter Allott abused his position of trust at his place of work, we consider he posed a significant risk due to nature of the images he was sharing. We will continue to identify individuals who think they can share indecent images of children under the radar of law enforcement, and ensure they are brought to justice. A man who drove through south London with a gun and ammunition in his courier van has been jailed for six years. Jamie Penney, 33, from Bexleyheath, was stopped by officers from the National Crime Agency in October last year while driving the van in Deptford. During an initial search of the vehicle, officers found a wrapped package in a compartment next to the drivers seat that contained a silver converted pistol, along with 19 converted blank rounds and one live 9mm round of ammunition. Penney was arrested on suspicion of illegally possessing a firearm and when officers searched his home address, he was also arrested for possession of class B drugs after a silver tin containing 500g of cannabis, cannabis plant stems and leaves and a set of weighing scales were recovered. The gun was a converted Italian made self loading pistol, while the ammunition was live converted 9mm calibre blank cartridges. Gun: officers uncovered the firearm while searching Jamie Penney's van / National Crime Agency Penney pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis, but denied the firearms offences, but after a two day trial at Woolwich Crown Court, he was also convicted of unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition. Tony Luhman from the National Crime Agency said: Illegal firearms and ammunition are not easy to acquire and this scarcity has led to criminals resorting to the use of reactivated firearms or converted blank firers. We will continue to work with partner agencies to monitor and counter this threat and ensure that those who chose to possess illegal firearms are brought to justice. A 13-year-old boy has admitted torching a double-decker bus in south-east London. The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, from Bromley, pleaded guilty today at Bromley Youth Court to a charge of arson with intent to endanger life. He has been remanded in custody and will be sentenced next month. Police were called to Loampit Vale in Lewisham shortly after 6pm on Friday after a fire broke out on the top deck of a number 208 bus before it later burst into flames. The blaze sent a huge plume of black smoke into the sky as witnesses described hearing glass cracking. Fire crews were called and had the flames under control within 20 minutes. No one was injured. A lorry driver today told how he held the hand of a young cyclist when he realised she was lying fatally injured under the wheels of his vehicle. Vincent Doyle, 45, was giving evidence at the Old Bailey as he stood trial for causing the death by careless driving of German postgraduate student Janina Gehlau, 26, at Ludgate Circus on October 17, 2014. Mrs Gehlau, who had been in London for a month, died three days later in hospital with her husband and mother at her side. The court was told yesterday that Doyle, as he got out of his cab after the collision, which happened when he turned left over a cycle lane, exclaimed: "Oh my God, You stupid girl, didn't you hear I was turning left?" An audible alarm indicated the skip lorry was indicating to turn left. Asked by defence barrister Alan Wheetman why he had used such "accusative words", Doyle replied: "At first I was angry. I thought: 'What is that stupid person doing?' "Then, as I got close and I got down beside the girl, I realised how serious her injuries were. "I was trying to keep her alive until the ambulance got there. I was holding her hand. I was feeling her pulse. I was shouting 'hang on, hang on'. I was pleading with her." He said City of London police initially told him there would be no criminal charges. He was charged two months later and "the bottom fell out of my world". He said he had a nervous breakdown last year and was admitted to a psychiatric hospital for eight weeks. Under heated cross-examination, prosecutor Allison Hunter accused Doyle of "telling one lie after another" in his recollection of the collision. At first, Doyle told police he had not stopped at the lights. After viewing CCTV evidence, he admitted he was in fact stationary at a red light for 23 seconds. The court also heard Doyle failed to spot a large Trixie mirror attached to the traffic lights, which offered a view down the inside of his lorry. Ms Hunter told him: "If you were not aware of that Trixie mirror, it's a symptom of your carelessness. That is an example of how careless and inattentive you were on October 17." Doyle replied: "There was no carelessness. I'm a careful driver and she was not in my mirrors." The case continues. A receptionist who daubed race-hate slurs on an east London mosque during a seven-month campaign of vandalism is facing jail. Tom Whelan, 53, repeatedly scrawled insulting slogans including deport Islam, bleed the pigs, nation destroyer, Islam evil and Allah myth on wooden hoardings surrounding the Noor Ul Islam centre in High Road, Leyton. He started the campaign in August last year, making nine trips to the Islamic centre until he was caught this February. He told Thames magistrates the vandalism was just a way of getting his political views off his chest. Whelan now faces the sack from his job as a front desk clerk at a leading London property firm after pleading guilty to nine counts of religiously or racially aggravated criminal damage, and could be jailed when he is sentenced later this month. He walks up to the hoarding, removes a black marker and then writes the words with these racially or religiously aggravated connotations in relation to Islam and Arabs, said prosecutor Alexa Morgan. The defendant was arrested because he was captured on CCTV writing graffiti on the hoarding. Aslam Hansa, the operations manager of the Noor Ul Islam Trust which runs a mosque, pre-school, and nursery, said they feared violent attacks when the vandalism started. We fully appreciate other issues around the world that could inflame tensions and we didnt want people to start using this area to vent their anger, he said. What started as a few words on the hoardings could have then become something more. Mr Hansa said the centre, which has been in Leyton for 25 years, has good ties with the local community, and becoming the target of abuse was unexpected. We have not experienced any animosity, everyone seems to get on really well, so anything like that is going to raise a few eyebrows, he said. The concern was that this would escalate but fortunately it didnt, there was nothing brewing in the background, and it seemed to be just one guy venting his frustrations. Niall Hearty, defending, said Whelan, who lives in Wesley Road, Waltham Forest, has no previous convictions and had been acting out of character. He has found himself in court on these offences which he himself describes as quite wrong, he said. He realises he would have caused hurt in the community and apologises fully in his police interview for his actions. These were his own personal views he wanted to get off his chest political views rather than seeking intentionally to cause hatred in his local society. Whelan, who has been banned from going near the mosque or carrying a marker pen or spray paint in public, will be sentenced on April 13. A man has been jailed for 14 years after he stabbed a father in the chest during a fight at an east London restaurant. Albanian national Hysni Avdyli, 44, of Greenleaf Road, Walthamstow, was found guilty on March 9 of the manslaughter of 34-year-old Asim Marku. Today he was sentenced to 14 years imprisonment at the Old Bailey. Mr Marku, who lived in Leyton with his wife and baby daughter, died on April 16 last year when he was stabbed at the Dolce Vita restaurant in Lea Bridge Road. Three hours before he was attacked, the victim had been involved in a violent row with Avdyli at a cafe in Hoe Street, Leyton. Mr Marku, who moved to the UK from Albania in 2002, died at the scene after he was stabbed in the fight. Avdyli was pulled away from the dying victim as he attempted to inflict further injury. Detective Sergeant Ben Wayment of the Homicide and Major Crime Command said: "It is tragic that a dispute arising from a quarrel over the way Asim and his friends had been speaking at the first venue resulted in such a violent and senseless killing . "Asim's baby daughter will never know her father, and that only serves to make this case all the more tragic. I hope that today's verdict will in some way help his family to come to terms with their loss. Asim's widow, Entela Halaj, said: "My husband Asim, or Zeni as I and all his friends called him, was a doting father, and his daughter, Klea, meant everything to him. "Sometimes Zeni would meet with work colleagues after work and go for a coffee at some of the Albanian cafes that were close to where we lived. The evening of 16 April was just one of those nights. He told me he was meeting with friends and that he would be home late so I did not worry. He needed his own space as well and this was usual. Sadly for both Klea and I our worlds changed on this day. "Zeni was our provider and protector, and now that man had been taken from Klea and I. He is a husband who I will never grow old with, and Klea cannot remember her father's hugs or kisses." A n elderly man is fighting for his life in hospital after he was knocked down in an alleged hit-and-run collision with a scooter in Shepherds Bush. Detectives from the Met's Serious Collision Investigation Unit are appealing for witnesses following the, which incident happened at about 4.50pm on Wednesday, on the Uxbridge Road, near its junction with Devonport Road . An 88-year-old man was crossing the road when he was injured in a collision with a cream coloured Piaggio moped. The force of the impact threw the pensioner across the road, and he sustained serious head injuries. Police said the bike's rider fell off the scooter, but then remounted the vehicle and drove away towards Loftus Road before emergency services arrived on the scene. The pensioner was rushed by ambulance to a central London hospital, where he remains in a critical condition. A 16-year-old boy was arrested earlier today on suspicion of failing to stop after an accident. He currently remains in custody at a west London police station. A moped has also been recovered within one mile of the scene of the collision. Police are appealing for any witnesses to the collision, or anyone who has information that may assist police to get in touch. Anyone with information should contact detectives at the Serious Collision Investigation Unit at Alperton Traffic Garage on 0208 991 9555 or CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. A n infection-riddled pug has been found collapsed and dumped in a north-west London street. The RSPCA has launched an investigation to find the person or people who dumped the ill animal - who was suffering so much that she had to be put to sleep. Petunia - as she was later named by RSPCA staff - was found abandoned in Links Road, Cricklewood, at around 11pm on Friday, March 18. The poorly pup was lying curled up in blanket with her head down. She was rushed to the RSPCAs Putney Animal Hospital and was found to have a severe infection in her eyes, one of which had ulcerated. She also had severe infections in her ear canals, and vets who examined the animal concluded that she had been suffering with the infections for a considerable period of time. The pug was treated and monitored at the animal hospital, but on Thursday vets made the difficult decision to put her to sleep to end her suffering. Petunia: Vets tried to treat the pug but she had to be put to sleep / RSPCA Petunia was scanned and found to have an Irish Kennel Club microchip, but as it was not registered an owner could not be traced. Inspector Leigh Summers is now investigating. He said: Unfortunately, we werent able to do anything to make Petunia more comfortable or to ease her pain. Its utterly disgraceful that someone could just dump her by the side of the road and drive away. She was in a terrible condition with awful infections to both her ears and both her eyes which would have required extensive surgery to treat her ear canals and remove her eyes, leaving her blind. Sadly, she was in so much pain that the vets felt the only option was to put her to sleep. I am now appealing for information from anyone who may recognise Petunia, know where she has come from or who might be responsible for dumping her like this, or anyone who may have seen anyone abandoning her in Cricklewood on Friday night. If you have any information which may be able to help, please contact the RSPCA appeal line on 0300 123 8018. G ang police are investigating after a man was allegedly shot by a gunman riding a motorbike in north London. Officers were called shortly before 10pm on Wednesday to reports of shots fired at a car in Seven Sisters by one of two men travelling on a moped or motorbike. But when officers arrived at the scene of the drive-by shooting in Seven Sisters Road, they found no trace of any suspect, victim or vehicle. The victim, who suffered a gunshot wound to his arm, made his own way to an east London hospital. His injuries are not through to be life-threatening, police said. A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: Detectives from the Trident and Area Crime Command are investigating. There have been no arrests and enquiries continue. Anyone with information is asked to call police via 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org. T hree people were arrested today in a series of raids ahead of an unlicensed rave due to take place on Saturday. Police said two men, aged 19 and 20, and a 36-year-old woman had been held on suspicion of conspiracy to commit public nuisance after seven addresses were searched across London this morning. All three remain in central London police stations. The arrests were carried out as part of Operation Manningree, an appeal set up to identify suspects involved in an illegal rave in Lambeth on Halloween. Last October, thousands of people attended a disused building on Whitgift Street, near the Southbank, for the event advertised as Scumoween: A Nightmare on Scum Street. The illegal event descended into chaos when police attended to break it up as 26 officers and a dog were injured after they were pelted with bricks, bottles and petrol bombs. After the Halloween incident the organisers Scum Tek said in an interview with Time Out: "We dont condone the actions of a handful of partygoers out of thousands." In January, the Met released 10 images of the most wanted ravers as police attempt to identify 48 people. Police could not confirm the venue or organisers of the rave due to be held on Saturday but the Standard understands it is the same group that set up the Lambeth event. Scum Tek has advertised a free protest and party to take place on Saturday on their Facebook page. More than 700 people said they would attend while an extra 500 indicated they are interested in going. Detective Superintendent Andy Barnes, of the Met's public order branch, said: "Illegal raves or 'squat raves' are dangerous to those attending; cause criminal damage to the venue and are often a costly nuisance to local residents and businesses. "The closure of such an event in October last year resulted in police officers being injured and private property and vehicles being damaged. We will continue to take action to prevent illegal events wherever possible." A gallery of those who remain unidentified in the Halloween rave incident can be viewed on the police website. A comedian has accused a group who oppose her views of sabotaging her latest gig. Kate Smurthwaite, who has been a panellist on Question Time, was due to perform The Wrong Kind Of Feminist, a show about free speech, at Goldsmiths College. A planned gig at the college last year was cancelled after protests from the feminist society over Smurthwaites opposition to full legalisation of the sex industry and despite all the free tickets to last Wednesdays gig booked online, only six people turned up. Smurthwaite, 40, who went ahead with the show, said many email addresses used to book tickets were under apparently fake names. Writing on Twitter about the event, which was organised to raise money for Refugee Action with donations at the door, she said: We fully booked out overnight and I spent a lot of the last couple of days telling people I was sorry there was no more room Well it turned out that the tickets had been reserved in bulk by people using spurious email addresses to make a point by then not showing up. Someone claiming to speak for the group that scuppered the show posted on Twitter under the name @NotAnExitM8, stating: This was a form of peaceful protest against someone whos [sic] views we find abhorrent. She has frequently aired her transphobic, whorephobic, Islamophobic and bigoted views, and has made a career from this bigotry. Ms Smurthwaite said: To close someone down because of a disagreement, especially when its a benefit gig, is infuriating and horrifying. I talk about freedom of speech in the show and if they had a problem with it they could have come and engaged with it. In response to accusations of bigotry, she said: Every time this comes up I say, Send me an example. Their example of Islamophobia is when I have quoted The Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain. In terms of the sex industry, I have a view shared by charities and a lot of people who have left the industry. And they always say transphobia, but there is not one single thing anyone can show me that I am even supposed to have said Ive campaigned for years for trans rights. I think people just make a list of things that end in phobic. After the show, Smurthwaite set up a JustGiving page for Refugee Action to make up for the lost donations, with a target of raising 500. By yesterday, it had raised more than 1,600. Asked to comment, @NotAnExitM8 stated: We have absolutely no desire to speak to the press. The Goldsmiths Student Union said previous cancellations of Smurthwaites gigs were not examples of no platforming. T he leader of one of Britains most moderate teaching unions has revealed she feels angrier than ever at the government. Dr Mary Bousted, general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, said the education white paper had sparked unprecedented numbers of usually quiet members to complain to the union. The white paper includes plans to force all schools to become academies, get rid of the requirement to have parent-governors and restructure teacher training qualifications. Speaking before ATLs annual conference next week, Dr Bousted said: I have gone from anger to incandescent. A spokeswoman for ATL, which represents 124,000 education staff, said members were very cross about forced academisation and that parents had inundated the union with emails and tweets asking what they can do about it. At the National Union of Teachers conference in Brighton over Easter, members overwhelmingly backed a ballot for industrial action to oppose the white paper. TODO: define component type apester Dr Bousted also warned that there was pressure on schoolgirls to keep quiet or risk being seen as unfeminine and the ATL will hold a vote at its conference calling for an official definition of sexist bullying to be published. She said: The pressure on girls to be thin, to be attractive, to be compliant and to be quiet is as great now as it ever has been. She said there was a very big pressure on girls in many schools to keep quiet and to listen to the boys talking, resulting in a conspiracy of near-silence amongst girls.@_AnnaDavis L ondons status as the worlds legal capital could be under threat from years of turmoil if Britain chooses to leave the EU, a specialist in international law has warned. Daniel Hart said decisions by UK courts command respect around the globe and are widely recognised by other countries, but that reputation could be put in jeopardy by a vote to leave the EU in June. He said a vast swathe of international legal treaties would have to be renegotiated. Some lawyers warn this could take up to 10 years. Mr Hart, an international dispute specialist at London law firm Mayer Brown, believes the legal rules would ultimately remain largely unchanged in the event of a Brexit but that the uncertainty could turn potential litigants away from seeking justice in the UK. Our courts are better respected and better recognised why would we do anything to alter the status quo? There are a number of advantages from being within the EU, particularly in relation to enforcement of judgments and assistance in litigation from other EU countries, he said. These advantages outweigh any benefits that one may gain from not being in the EU. Im concerned that the amount of time and effort working out what the position is and the uncertainty it will create will not be worth it. Former justice minister Jonathan Djanogly MP said this month that a Brexit would cost the legal services industry up to 1.7 billion. Mr Hart said Singapore is among a number of emerging rivals to Londons status as a leading centre for legal disputes to be resolved. Clauses are regularly inserted into international contracts stating where any disputes will be heard. English courts are a favourite destination. There are lots of benefits of suing in England, one is it has so many global links, and when you get an English judgment globally it is much more favourable than using another countrys judgment, said Mr Hart. The fact is people appreciate English laws. But he added that in the event of a Brexit some firms might ask: Do I want to keeping putting England as the dispute resolution place? We are now in a time where theres increasing competition from a lot of other forums. Current rules say the same case cannot be lodged in two different EU countries, and a judgment in one is binding throughout the European bloc. Mr Hart said a British EU exit would create an initial boon for lawyers working for the Government on treaty negotiations, and advising on businesses about law changes. But in the long term, money and court time could be wasted on disputes over whether a case should be heard in an EU country or the UK. That does not happen at present because of treaties made over the past three decades. K ay Burley was at the centre of a Twitter storm after complaining that she wasnt allowed to finish a 130 bottle of wine at a trendy restaurant. The Sky News presenter, 55, tweeted that she would not be returning to celebrity haunt Chiltern Firehouse in Marylebone due to the staffs ridiculous superior attitude to diners. She wrote: "We paid 130 for average wine with dinner but weren't allowed to finish at the table and no space at bar... #chilternfirehouse. Burley had earlier tweeted: So #chilternfirehouse - properly get over yourself. Ridiculous superior attitude to diners. We won't be returning. But she faced a backlash on social media after posting the tweets - with some accusing her of unnecessarily dropping in the price of the wine. Simon Thomas tweeted: "Some people have to live on 130 a week, Kay." Celebrity haunt: Chiltern Firehouse Mike McNulty wrote: "People are starving on our streets...it's obscene." Another Twitter user named Andrew said: Agree people can freely spend their [money] how they wish but dropping in price was uncouth and unnecessarily vulgar. In an apparent nod to the time she was mocked for tweeting a now-infamous photo of a sad-looking dog following the Paris attacks in November, last year, Anna Day wrote: Sadness in your eyes? Burley fired back at one accuser, saying: "I come from a council house in Wigan where my miner grandad slept in the front kitchen, you silly moo." The Standard has approached Chiltern Firehouse for comment. A south London council has been accused of squandering taxpayers' money after splurging more than 4,600 on a video about cuts to their budget and "tough" spending choices. The two-and-a-half minute Lambeth council video, uploaded to YouTube on March 7, begins by stating the government has cut its funding by 56 per cent. It goes on to outline the changes and spending cuts the council is making, including a rise in council tax, telling viewers the funding squeeze means "making tough choices about what we can afford". A Freedom of Information response this month to a request by Zofia Niemtus revealed the footage, available in an online version and another shown on screens at public buildings, had set the local authority back 4,630. Lambeth council insists it has been open about the cost, which it called a "worthwhile investment" and a way of getting its message across at a time when communications funds are tight. But Chief Executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance Jonathan Isaby questioned why money was being spent on "propaganda". He said: "At a time when Lambeth council is increasing taxes on hard-pressed families, residents have every right to question how the council can justify spending their cash on a propaganda video. "It is astounding that civic leaders in the borough felt it a priority to squander money on a film which essentially bemoans the lack of cash available when they could have put the cost of it towards keeping council tax down. "Everyone knows budgets are tight. They can do without the council wasting thousands telling them so." Laura Swaffield, who has been leading a campaign against changes to the borough's library service, said: "Lambeth has pleaded poverty, using it as an excuse to close libraries and yet it spends 5,000 on a patronising video. It is just not credible." Lambeth's Deputy Leader for Finance and Investment, Councillor Paul McGlone, said: This is the biggest financial challenge the council has ever faced so it is essential that Lambeths residents understand the situation - services will change, well have fewer resources and that we need everybody to work together to keep the borough a great place to live. We have been very open about the cost of the budget video - and we believe that spending 4,600 is a worthwhile investment in helping to communicate important messages about the 200 million in cuts we have to make. Its also worth noting that weve cut our communications budget by more than 80 per cent since 2006, reducing the number of staff from 55 to ten, and brought down the budget from 6 million to 1 million. However communicating effectively remains incredibly important. L ondon Ambulance Service staff came out in force today to pay tribute to a pioneering colleague who passed away after a sudden illness. Cycle responder and clinical team leader Brian Hayes died on Sunday, March 6 after he was taken ill at Waterloo ambulance station. The 46-year-old was found in the locker room and his family believed he stopped off to get something on his way home from attending a Millwall match while off-duty. The former soldier joined LAS in 2001 and later came up with the idea of an alternative response vehicle the booze bus - to deal with alcohol related incidents, relieving pressure on frontline services over the Christmas period. Mr Hayes also played a key role during the Olympic Games as a manager at the Services Olympic Deployment Centre. Today, his funeral service was held at the church of St James & St Anne in Bermondsey. Fly-past: images of the guard of honour were taken from London's air ambulance / LAS Ambulance colleagues formed a guard of honour as his hearse drove past, and London's air ambulance also performed a fly-past in his honour. Cycle responders also lined up outside M.Manze, Mr Hayes' favourite pie and mash shop, to pay tribute to the "Bermondsey boy". Chief Executive Dr Fionna Moore, who led the staff tributes to Brian, said: Brian was a big part of London Ambulance Service for many years and was much loved by all who worked with him. He was a fantastic ambassador for the Service and his innovative booze bus idea helped to free up frontline ambulances for patients in a serious or life-threatening condition. Bermondsey Boy: colleagues lined up outside Mr Hayes' favourite pie and mash shop / Tom Lynch Brian was also a caring and dedicated clinician and inspired more junior members of staff, helping them as they started their career in London. Drawing on his military experience, Brian led the march past the Cenotaph to mark Remembrance Day on behalf of the Service for many years. Brian was a big personality and will be sadly missed by all those who knew him. Mr Hayes, who lived in Kennington, left behind a wife and three adult children. His widow Claire, 47, previously told the Standard: He was so funny and so enthusiastic about everything. He loved his family and had loads of friends, he was our hero. "With the booze bus he wanted to keep people safe. As a father of three including two daughters the idea that young people might be roaming the streets getting hurt upset him so he did something about it. Colleagues: cycle responders honoured their former team leader / Tom Lynch Mr Hayes was a dedicated Millwall fan, who volunteered with the club's academy. Academy head Scott Fitzgerald paid tribute to him, saying: "He was a really popular member of staff and was always the first in - and the last out. "Nothing was every too much trouble. You could totally rely on him. "He will be a big loss for us - but we are thinking of his family and what they are going through." Today, an LAS spokeswoman said: The funeral of Brian Hayes was held today at Bermondsey. Staff and colleagues formed a guard of honour for the funeral cortege. R ecord numbers of tourists are expected to visit London this spring and the trend is set to continue throughout the summer. Bernard Donoghue, from the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions, said London was affordable because of exchange rates, while events in May to celebrate the Queens 90th birthday are also expected to attract extra visitors. He added: We have seen record numbers of visitors to London last year and in the past few months. While we are still waiting for data to come through, there is no reason to think that this will not continue to increase. We are seeing a lot of visitors come from the United States and the eurozone as the pound makes London more affordable to visit at the moment. Exchange rates are good but with the upcoming Queens 90th birthday celebrations, a lot of people are intrigued as to how we will mark such a momentous occasion too. Alva's 10 most popular visitor attractions in the UK in 2015 1 /13 Alva's 10 most popular visitor attractions in the UK in 2015 The British Museum Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images The National Gallery Mary Turner/Getty Images Southbank Centre Oli Scarff/Getty Images The Natural History Museum Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images Tate Modern Corbis Victoria and Albert Museum Corbis Science Museum Leon Neal/AFP/Getty Images Somerset House Corbis The Tower of London Corbis National Portrait Gallery, London Rex We continue to have some of the best attractions in the world and exhibits like Vogue 100: A Century of Style at the National Portrait Gallery mean there is always a new reason to visit London. A group of tourists from Solovakia enjoy London's attractions / Jeremy Selwyn Statistics released by Visit London predicted a three per cent growth in visitor numbers in 2016, following the same rise last year. This month, London was named the best visitor destination in the Travellers Choice awards up five places from sixth in 2015. The result was based on TripAdvisor reviews. Research by ALVA showed 65 million people visited London attractions in 2015. The British Museum was the most popular destination, with 6,820,686 visitors, followed by the National Gallery, on 5,908,254. A Londoner is embarking on a poop bucket list of Londons most amazing toilets in a drive to raise money for charity. Paul Silver, 32, who suffers from bowel condition Crohns Disease, hopes to visit facilities at the Shard, the Royal Albert Hall and the Houses of Parliament as part of an effort to make the most of his last opportunities to use a conventional loo. In April he will go under the knife so surgeons can fix a colostomy bag to his abdomen. But until then the web developer from Enfield will be blogging about his experiences in some of Londons most amazing WCs. Today Mr Silver told the Standard he hoped the light-hearted toilet tour, which he has labelled "My Final Poops", would raise awareness of his condition as well as raising money for a good cause. It started as a bit of a joke, he said. I told people about how I would like my final poo to be at the top of the Shard. Toilet tour: Mr Silver wants his 'last poo' to be in a loo at the top of the Shard / Paul Silver But then I realised there so many potential places where Ive not been. And thats where the idea came from. Mr Silver, who was diagnosed with Crohn's aged 12, is raising money on a JustGiving page for charity Crohn's and Colitis in Childhood, which funds research into the conditions. He said he hoped the challenge would encourage people to be more open about the issue. Its something that everyone does, and I think the more people who talk about it the better. When I was a child I didnt go to see any medical professionals because I was embarrassed. So maybe if this can get people talking itll be a good thing. He added: So far people have been really positive. Dog-lover Mr Silver has three weeks before surgeons remove his large bowel / Paul Silver Im doing this for charity. I know theres a serious message, but everything Ive done in my life Ive done with a sense of humour. And there must be a point in my life where I lost my dignity." Mr Silver has three weeks to complete his challenge of visiting about 10 of Londons best toilets before surgeons at the Royal Free Hospital remove part of his bowel and attach a colostomy bag to this abdomen on April 21. Mayfairs Sketch restaurant also features on the bucket list and Mr Silver has taken to the internet for further ideas on toilets to visit. You can find out more on his website and donate here T he man behind ShoreditchAir - the company selling bottled London air for 20 a jar - has said he has yet to make a sale. Londoner Carl Casis, 29, said he set up the company in an attempt to land a job with Shopify, which is hosting his online shop. He told the Standard: "I used shopify because I am trying to land a job in their Toronto office as I'm moving there next week. I thought this would get their attention. "It started as a joke, part of the application said to use the software and now it's just gone viral." London air being sold for 20 However, Mr Casis said he was absolutely selling bottled air, and it was not an early April Fools' Day joke. Founder: Carl Casis set up the company / Carl Casis "It is a business venture if any sell. I will get people to bottle and package it even when I'm away," he told the Standard. "Each bottle of air is captured by our expert bottlers. A certificate will be supplied stating when, where and who bottled the air." He said he chose Croydon alongside Brixton and Shoreditch because he thinks it will be London's next "hipster" location. He told the Standard: "Croydon is getting a Box Park, like Shoreditch it will soon be full of independent coffee shops and hipsters." Mr Casis said that although nobody had actually purchased a jar of air, "11 people have added to their carts but not checked out, including one googler." Currently the 'ShoreditchAir' website stocks Brixton air, Croydon air, and two varieties of Shoreditch air - morning or afternoon - with the promise of more types of London air available soon. Each jar of air costs 19.99, plus 10 for postage within the UK, or 20 to ship a jar of London air internationally. A woman needed surgery after an inch-long bristle in a Caffe Nero panini became lodged in her throat. Katherine Willans, 34, ate the panini at a Putney High Street branch of the coffee store. She spent three days feeling ill with the wire in her throat before an operation in August 2014 to remove it. Ms Willans described swallowing the inch-long wire which came from a wire brush wrongly used to clean a grill as an unpleasant experience and has been put off paninis for life. A judge at Wimbledon magistrates court cleared the chain of breaching food hygiene regulations after hearing staff ignored strict training procedures and brought in the wire brush because they thought it was more efficient. The brushes were found at other branches, including Clapham Junction. The court heard staff at the Putney branch brought in the brush at least a year before the incident. A number of staff said they used the brush despite knowing it was against procedure. Jonathan Goulding, for Caffe Nero, told the court: There is no doubt the use of the brush was and must have been a deliberate breach of training. This was regrettable but doesnt mean Caffe Nero are criminally liable. District Judge James Henderson said: Caffe Nero have made out that they did take all reasonable precautions and exercised all due diligence. Wandsworth council, which brought the case, said: We felt this exposed shortcomings in the companys procedures, but must accept the verdict. A Caffe Nero spokesman said: "Whilst prosecuted as a result of the injury caused to Ms Willans at their Putney store, Caffe Nero is pleased that the Court dismissed all charges against it and sees it as a vindication of its systems. "Whilst Caffe Nero regrets the injury caused to Ms Willans the Court accepted that her injury was caused by an unknown member of staff's actions which were unauthorised and prohibited by the Company. "Caffe Nero sells over 73 million food and drink each year without incident." T he supercars have arrived: its the time of year when the mega-rich come to flaunt their luxury wheels in west London, locking horns with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Think of it as a race between a mud-spattered Land Rover and a Bugatti Veyron. The latest skirmish includes making a mockery of RBK&Cs parking bay system. Since NCP and hotel car parks can cost about the same for a long stay as a parking ticket, why risk scraping your Lambo underground? Fines are such small change for the owners that they are leaving their rides on the street for days and letting the tickets pile up and the parking department admits there is nothing it can do. The council has already been trying to put the brakes on the supercars: in November 2014 it issued a public spaces protection order banning activities including revving of engines; repeated sudden or rapid acceleration; racing as well as playing music, honking horns and performing stunts (how vulgar). But on parking fines it is bound by the idea that we live in a society of equals (sort of). Fines for parking illegally in the majority of its streets are 130 (65 for prompt payment). However, theres no way wardens can discriminate. A parking ticket is a parking ticket it doesnt matter if youre in a Ford Fiesta or a gold Rolls-Royce, said a council spokesman. Perhaps west London could take some inspiration from Scandinavia, where speeding fines are proportional to an offenders income. The most famous example is Anssi Vanjoki, a Nokia executive who got a 116,000 speeding ticket in Finland in 2001. *** Donald Trump may have gone from a joke to a nightmare but is he just the latest incarnation of Ancient Athens favourite bad boy? This weeks Spectator Ancient and Modern column compares the wannabe prez to Cleon, who took over after the death of Pericles in 429 BC with no known political or military experience behind him. It was this brutal and insolent speaker, said the historian Plutarch, who introduced shouting and abuse and excessive gesturing, encouraging other speakers to behave equally irresponsibly. Little detail is available on whether or not he had a combover or a permatan, though. A dashing raid on royal frocks and coats How will fashion bible Vogue mark the Queens 90th birthday? Browsing our favourite Marylebone antiques stall last month, The Londoner stumbled across five beautiful cocktail frocks and coats hanging on a wall. We were told the Fifties ensembles were designed by First Fashion Knight Sir Norman Hartnell, who made the Queens wedding dress and coronation gown but before we could make an offer, a Vogue team whisked the garments away for a photoshoot. We hope they go to a good home. A fashionista, clearly unfamiliar with the royal couturier, was heard to say Hartnell? What was his first name? Oh, how ephemeral is fashion and its creators. On shoot among the green shoots Kate, meet kale. Oscar-winning actress Kate Winslet was stocking up on a bouquet of the trendy superfood in New York yesterday she presumably has tired of iceberg lettuce as she shot market scenes on the set of new film Collateral Beauty. The film follows the trials of an advertising executive, played by Will Smith, and also stars British screen sirens Helen Mirren, Keira Knightley and Naomie Harris. Its always good to see our homegrown talent succeeding across the pond we do hope their American counterparts dont mind. Jacob's a supporter of the nanny state Beware, Lord Rose! The Londoner brings news that will leave the Remain campaign quaking in their boots the Brexit army have wheeled out their most dangerous soldier to date. My nanny campaigned with me for Brexit last Saturday in Somerset, shes a staunch Brexiteer, Jacob Rees-Mogg told the audience for comedian Matt Fordes Political Party at the St James Theatre Studio last night. Famous for canvassing with the boy she raised when he stood for election in the mean streets of Fife in 1997, Mrs Crooke has clearly already earned her stripes. But back to more serious matters: Forde asked what the MP for North East Somerset made of his sex symbol status, to which he shot back: Im not Marilyn Monroe! Rees-Mogg, however, had some kind words later on for David Cameron, who he somewhat patronisingly said had great charm and very good manners. As for the mayoral campaign, Rees-Mogg unsurprisingly said that Zac will win but has always seen Sadiq Khan as a good egg since an incident in 2010. As a recently elected MP, Rees-Mogg went to vote against his own party on a bill. Khan, already by then a senior Labour figure, approached him to ask if he knew he was actually voting against the Government, as the voting system can be confusing. It was an incredibly generous thing to do, Rees-Mogg admitted. *** The Boring Conference is back at Conway Hall on May 7 after issues over the dates. I had to adjust the schedule to avoid a clash with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Day, says organiser James Ward, though we clash with National Scrapbooking Day. Talks include coin sizes and their relationship to value and East German traffic lights. Watching paint dry is not on the roster. Keep those red flags flying The team behind the Olivier Awards is busy working on the ceremony, due to take place at the Royal Opera House on Sunday. But the person in charge of the seating plan can already rest easy. A photograph of the auditorium was tweeted this week, with pictures of attendees in their allocated seats in preparation for the event. Nominee Mark Rylance is set to be sat next to comedian Eddie Izzard. It should be an interesting evening for the pair, who share a keen interest in the workings of the Labour Party. Rylance, however, is an outspoken Corbynite he finds him very human and Jezza tweeted his congrats when Rylance won an Oscar. Izzard, though, backed Andy Burnham in the leadership contest. Perhaps they should stick to theatre chat on the night. Overreaction of the day: the Western Daily Press compared Jeremy Corbyn to Marie Antoinette because he ate a slice of lemon cake for breakfast while on holiday. A Polish prince standing for Mayor of London warned rival candidates today that winning EU migrants votes will make or break their campaigns. Millionaire property developer John Zylinski said there are 120,000 voting Poles in the capital alone and accused both election favourites Zac Goldsmith and Sadiq Khan of ignoring eastern Europeans. After submitting his official nomination papers, he told the Evening Standard: I wont win this election but I cant lose it. However many votes we get, and its not going to be a tiny amount, we are making our presence known in the media and in the world of politics. The two main contenders are becoming, by the week, more aware that theres this new constituency that they have completely ignored of two million EU nationals led by this Polish army of half a million people. Polish prince John Zylinski running for Mayor of London Of the Polish people here, he said, 120,000 are registered to vote more than double the number of 50,000 second-preference votes that won Boris Johnson the 2012 election. Mr Zylinski previously challenged Nigel Farage to a duel, while brandishing a cavalrymans sabre, to confront what he claims is the Ukip leaders bad-mouthing of his people. His latest tongue-in-cheek stunt has been to promise to ban Mr Farage from the capital. He said: Because its a controversial thing to do, we might have a London- wide referendum to see if theres support for it. Then of course the lawyers need to be spoken to. At the end of the day if we dont go for a ban a total ban, the equivalent of an Asbo I will encourage all Londoners, whenever they see him walk- ing down the street or on the Tube or whatever, to turn their backs ostentatiously. He said it would be an effective way of meeting a key priority of minimising pollution in the city. Mr Zylinskis main aim is to change the image of Poles in London by giving them a voice and highlighting their world-class work ethic. His main policy is to build a million homes in four years outstripping pledges that have been made by the Tory and Labour candidates, who he says are not taken seriously in the property development world. The offficial deadline for nominations passes at 4pm today. T he family of a man whose body was discovered in a Surrey stream told today of their heartbreak at losing him. Joe McMinn, 28, from Dorking, was discovered in water close to the Goodwyns estate in Dorking at around 4.20am on Monday. A post-mortem examination gave the cause of death as multiple stab wounds. Surrey Police launched an investigation and revealed 21-year-old Richard Taylor has been charged with murder. In a statement, Mr McMinns family said: We are devastated as a family to have lost our dear son, brother and uncle. Joe was a kind man and he would go out of his way to help people as much as he could. "We are extremely proud of him for recent personal achievements. He will be dearly missed. We would like to thank everyone for their support and kind messages of condolence. Taylor, of no fixed abode, has been remanded in custody and was due to appear at Guildford Magistrates Court today. A woman was rescued from Britain's highest mountain after attempting an ascent while wearing summer clothes and carrying just a selfie stick. Sara Albone, 28, became disorientated and began to develop hypothermia after being caught in blizzard conditions while wearing shorts and trainers on Ben Nevis, it is understood. She was found by chance while lost on the North Face of the 4,400ft peak, in Scotland's Highlands, where several climbers have been killed in recent months. Ms Albone, from Brighton, issued an apology and thanked the team that had to walk her off the mountain when cloud and driving rain made her unreachable by helicopter, the Daily Mail reported. Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team leader John Stevenson said it was "ridiculous" to attempt to climb the mountain, where the summit remains in "full-blown winter", without the right equipment or support. "Being irresponsible means others have to go out of their way to help," he said. Writing on a mountaineering forum, Ms Albone praised her rescuers for being "incredibly brave and kind", adding: "I think if it had not been for these guys I could have died." Ms Albone is said to have decided to scale the mountain on the spur of the moment while part-way through a mountain biking tour through Scotland. However the keen cross-country runner only had the gear for her two-wheeled trip, and not the ice pick, poles and emergency shelter it is advised climbers take with them up the snow-capped mountain. She wrote: "[I had] Just the stuff I had packed for the weekend and a stupid selfie stick. I kind of knew I was under-prepared, and didn't actually intend on getting to the top. I just sort of thought, oh I've got this far - it's not too bad - let's carry on." Ms Albone said she intended to take a mountaineering course when she got home to East Sussex. Louis Lander-Deacon, one of the climbers who found Ms Albone, described conditions on the mountain as "absolutely terrible". "I am sure that if she had not bumped into us she might have died," he added. The bodies of Rachel Slater, 24 and Tim Newton, 27, from Bradford, West Yorkshire, were discovered on Ben Nevis on March 23. They were reported missing on February 15 after failing to return from a climb. A pilot was forced to turn a plane around when a violent passenger refused to remain seated because he wanted to practise yoga, the FBI said. The United Airlines flight from Honolulu to Japan returned to Hawaii after a retired farmer allegedly shouted at crew members and shoved his wife. Hyongtae Pae, 72, is said to have told authorities that he did not want to remain in his seat during the flights meal service. Instead, he went to the back of the plane to meditate and practise yoga during the flight on March 26. His wife and flight attendants are then said to have requested he return to his seat, allegedly prompting an angry reaction from Pae. In an official criminal complaint, the FBI said: "Pae pushed his wife because she was trying to make him stop. "He felt that she was siding with the flight crew. At a detention hearing on Wednesday, assistant US attorney Darren Ching said Pae then tried to headbutt and bite marines who were passengers on board the flight. He is also alleged to have threatened to kill passengers and yelled that there is no god. Prosecutors said Pae should not be released because he is a danger to himself, his wife and others. He was placed on suicide watch at Honolulu federal detention centre, Mr Ching said. Magistrate judge Kevin Chang ordered Pae be released with a $25,000 bail and with certain conditions imposed on his movements, as well as the need for a mental health check-up. He was denied a request to return to South Korea because the journey would involve getting on a plane again. Pae's defence lawyer, Jin Tae Jim, said his client was a retired farmer who traveled from South Korea to mark his 40th wedding anniversary in Hawaii. He added that Pae had recently taken up yoga to help with anxiety, and said he had been sleep-deprived during the holiday. F ootage has emerged of the moment a British passenger asked to pose for a photo with the EgyptAir hijacker during a six-hour siege on board a plane in Cyprus. Health and safety expert Ben Innes, 26, who hailed the grinning snap with Seif Eldin Mustafa as the best selfie ever, is seen walking down the aisle towards a steward to ask for a photo in the 20-second clip. Filmed by Dutch passenger Huub Helthuis and broadcast on a Dutch chatshow, the female steward can be heard saying to Mr Innes: You want to take a photo of him? He replies Yeah, yeah. Is that OK? and stands beside the hijacker as other passengers can be heard laughing in the background. The steward then asks if Mr Innes would like another photo before handing the phone back to him so he can examine the shot. The video emerged as another man, Andrea Banchetti, an Italian based in Genoa, described his disbelief that Innes had asked for the picture. He said: I wanted to run away from the aircraft. The door was open. But I said, If I run, the others might die. And so this is not right. And then, Benjamin takes a selfie with the desperate man? Maybe they call it English aplomb? Egyptian Ministry of the Interior releases CCTV of plane hijacker Mr Innes was one of four Britons on the jet when it was forced to divert to Cyprus by a man wearing a fake suicide belt. The plane was carrying at least 55 passengers, including 26 foreigners, on a domestic flight from Alexandria to Cairo. The plane was grounded in Cyprus for six hours / Reuters The alleged hijacker was arrested minutes after some of those being held were seen leaving the plane. EgyptAir said Cypriot authorities at the airport had confirmed "the explosive belt that the hijacker allegedly said that he was wearing is fake". Officials said early on the hijacking was not an act of terrorism, and later that the man appeared to be psychologically unstable. The man was said to have initially asked to speak with his Cypriot ex-wife, who police brought to the airport. At one point he demanded the release of women held in Egyptian prisons, but he then dropped the demand and made others. W hoopi Goldberg has revealed she is launching her own medical marijuana company to ease womens menstrual cramps. The actress, 60, has teamed up with Maya Elisabeth the founder of the all-female edible marijuana company Om Edibles to launch the Whoopi & Maya line. The range, which aims to reduce the pain and cramps from periods, includes a balm, a tincture, drinking chocolate and a bath soak. Goldberg told Glamour that when she explained to men in the marijuana business her plans to develop a product for women she was told it was too niche. "I have a daughter and two granddaughters who inherited my horrific menstrual cramps," she said. "Being a pot smoker for years, I talked to a lot of men in the marijuana business about developing something for period relief, and they always came back with 'That's too niche a market.' "Most guys don't have any idea what a period is or how it works. It's like, 'There's a vagina, and there's an egg...'" Speaking about the company she told USA Today that she does not want it to be seen as a joke. I want to go nice and slow with this, she said. I dont want this to be a joke to people. Its not a joke to women. The Oscars 2016 1 /49 The Oscars 2016 Mark Rylance, winner of the award for best actor in a supporting role for 'Bridge of Spies', Brie Larson, winner of the award for best actress in a leading role for 'Room', Leonardo DiCaprio, winner of the award for best actor in a leading role for iThe Revenanti, and Alicia Vikander, winner of the award for best actress in a supporting role for iThe Danish Girli pose in the press room at the Oscars Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP Actress Julianne Moore presents the Oscar to Actor Leonardo DiCaprio for Best Actor in The Revenant on stage at the 88th Oscars AFP/Getty Images Kate Winslet reacts when Leonardo Di Caprio finally wins his first Oscar for his role in The Revenant ABC Alicia Vikander (R), winner for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "The Danish Girl", talks with Brie Larson, winner of the Oscar for Best Actress for her role in 'Room' Mario Anzuoni/Reuters BB-8, R2-D2 and C-3PO from 'Star Wars' appear onstage during the 88th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre Kevin Winter/Getty Images ABC Actress Brie Larson (L) accepts the Best Actress award for 'Room' from actor Eddie Redmayne during the 88th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre Kevin Winter/Getty Images Kate Winslet, nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "Steve Jobs," and Leonardo DiCaprio, nominated for Best Actor for his role in "The Revenant," arrive at the 88th Academy Awards in Hollywood, California Lucy Nicholson/Reuters Girl Scouts sell girl scout cookies to Steven Spielberg and Sam Smith among the stars in the audience Rex Hannah Redmayne and actor Eddie Redmayne attend the 88th Annual Academy Awards Christopher Polk/Getty Images Laszlo Nemes looks on as Brie Larson, left, takes a photograph of Emmanuel Lubezki, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Alejandro G. Inarritu on stage at the concussion of the show at the Oscars on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles Emily Blunt and Charlize Theron arrive at the Oscars Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP Lady Gaga runs offstage after singing her Oscar-nominated song "Til It Happens to You" at the 88th Academy Awards in Hollywood, California Mario Anzuoni/Reuters Tom McCarthy and Josh Singer pose with the award for best original screenplay for 'Spotligh' in the press room at the Oscars Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP Mark Rylance accepts the award for best actor in a supporting role for 'Bridge of Spies' at the Oscars Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP) Host Chris Rock brings out apple boxes for young presenters Jacob Tremblay (L) and Abraham Attah to reach the microphone at the 88th Academy Awards in Hollywood Mario Anzuoni /Reuters Alicia Vikander accepts the Best Supporting Actress award for 'The Danish Girl' onstage during the 88th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre Sacha Baron Cohen and Olivia Wilde present the clip for for the Oscar nominated film "Room" at the 88th Academy Awards in Hollywood, California Mario Anzuoni/Reuters Daisy Ridley attends the 88th Annual Academy Awards Christopher Polk/Getty Images Sam Smith and Jimmy Napes accept the Oscar for Best Song for "Writing's on the Wall" from the movie "Spectre" at the 88th Academy Awards in Hollywood, California Mario Anzuoni/Reuters Director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu accepts his award for Best Director in The Revenant on stage at the 88th Oscars AFP/Getty Images Actors Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber attend the 88th Annual Academy Awards Brie Larsen, dress detail, attends the 88th Annual Academy Awards Actor Sylvester Stallon and Jennifer Flavin attends the 88th Annual Academy Awards Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet attend the 88th Annual Academy Awards Margot Robbie attends the 88th Annual Academy Awards Jennifer Lawrence attends the 88th Annual Academy Awards Charlize Theron attends the 88th Annual Academy Awards Emily Blunt attends the 88th Annual Academy Awards Cate Blanchett attends the 88th Annual Academy Awards Whoopi Goldberg attends the 88th Annual Academy Awards Rooney Mara attends the 88th Annual Academy Awards Alicia Vikander attends the 88th Annual Academy Awards Kerry Washington attends the 88th Annual Academy Awards Heidi Klum arrives at the Oscars Actress Rachel McAdams attends the 88th Annual Academy Awards Goldberg is not the first celebrity to enter the marijuana market. Snoop Dogg last year launched lifestyle website, Merry Jane, which provides users with "all they need to know" about the drug. Follow @StandardShowbiz for more entertainment news. Cookie Disclaimer By accessing and using our website you agree to our use of cookies and the collection of your personal information as described in our privacy policy. Stantec values our relationship with you and is committed to protecting your personal information. Our privacy policy explains how we look after your personal data when you visit our website and tells you about your privacy rights and how the law protects you. If you do not wish to use cookies, this feature can be disabled by changing the settings on your browser. However, if you do disable cookies, certain parts of our site will be unavailable to you. Read More At age 16, Tasha Schuh took one step backward on a theater stage and fell 16 feet through an opened trap door. Paralyzed from the chest down, she has learned valuable lessons that she shares with others. Since 2002, Schuh has traveled across the country inspiring others and challenging them to overcome and persevere through adversity. Each year, ESU #13 receives a grant from the Nebraska Department of Education to host a student conference. That grant, in addition to a Western Region Transition grant, will provide the opportunity for people to learn from Schuh about her struggles and triumphs in life. This young woman is an amazing young woman being able to overcome challenges she didnt expect to have, said Pam Brezenski, transition coordinator for ESU #13. During the day, she will be meeting with 225 students and present Enjoy Your Ride to show them the things they can do as they transition into adulthood. The students will also have other breakout sessions where they will explore career options, car care, drug and alcohol awareness and more. In the evening, Schuh will be presenting Little is More to families and the public. At both presentations, Schuh will be discussing the tough stuff she went through and how she didnt want to embrace it at first. She will also talk about how her life is more fulfilling now. Her message is to look at the joys you have in your life and see there are so many gifts you are given, Brezenski said. You need to use to your full potential. Schuh is the winner of the National Rehabilitation Champion Award and was crowned Ms. Wheelchair USA 2012. She has obtained a bachelors degree and is married. She will be driving to town from Wisconsin. She has a van that is specially fitted for her, Brezenski said. Its something she thought she would never do. Schuh travels the country to share her story of resilience and triumph over tragedy and how she found she can live a full life. Schuh wrote a book, One Step Backward in which she chronicles her life. Though Brezenski has yet to meet Schuh, she has watched several of Schuhs videos. Theres something about her energy, Brezenski said. She exudes joy and happiness and is embracing life fully. Brezenski said Schuhs message is one everyone needs to hear because Schuh gives people a positive boost. Think of the things youre struggling with and can overcome, Brezenski said. She is the example of perseverance and how we need to teach that skill to our kids. Schuh will be available after her presentation for photos and autographs of her book. The free event is open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. It will be held on Tuesday, April 5 at the WNCC Harms Center, Room 188/189 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. RSVP to Brezenski by April 4 at 308-630-6506 or pbrezenski@esu13.org. Schuh will also be presenting to students on Monday, April 4 to students in Sidney. Gov. Pete Ricketts encouraged Nebraskans this week to oppose a bill that would require the state to issue professional and commercial licenses to young immigrants who have legal presence and are authorized to work in Nebraska. Legislative Bill 947, sponsored by State Sen. Heath Mello of Omaha, is intended to allow young people who were brought to the United States illegally as children to work in professions theyre currently barred from such as teachers, nurses and cosmetologists because those professions are among 170 occupations that require a license. Ricketts said in his weekly column that the bill would reward illegal immigration. Giving benefits to individuals who came here illegally is not a solution for the schools, communities and churches in our state that are on the front lines of dealing with the fallout of the federal governments failure to enforce immigration laws, Ricketts said. The bill would affect those who qualify for the federal program Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, which gives them a legal right to work and a promise they wont be deported. Ricketts said the DACA program came from a temporary executive order by the Obama administration, and he opposes extending benefits to anyone here illegally because it undermines the rule of law. The bill gained first-round approval last week on a 27-7 vote. If the bill is advanced by state lawmakers through two more rounds, it would need 30 votes to override a potential veto by Ricketts. * * * Additional information on the Legislature This page is archived. Data published after 5 April 2022 can be found on the renewed website. Go to the new statistics page Published: 31 March 2016 General government deficit 2.7 per cent and debt 63.1 per cent relative to GDP in 2015 According to the preliminary data reported by Statistics Finland to Eurostat, general government deficit was 2.7 per cent relative to gross domestic product in 2015. Thus, the deficit was below the reference values of the European Unions Stability and Growth Pact, which is three per cent relative to gross domestic product. In contrast, general government EDP debt, or consolidated gross debt, now rose above the reference value of 60 per cent, and was 63.1 per cent relative to GDP in 2015. General government EDP deficit (-), ratio to GDP In 2015, general government deficit, or net borrowing according to national accounts, was EUR 5.7 billion. Compared to 2014, the financial position of general government improved by EUR 850 million. From the year before, central government deficit decreased by EUR 1,372 million and local government deficit by EUR 187 million. Social security funds are divided into employment pension schemes and other social security funds. As in the previous years, the surplus of employment pension schemes decreased, now by EUR 541 million. Other social security funds showed a deficit for the second year in a row. Their financial position weakened by EUR 168 million from the year before and was EUR -823 million in 2015. General government EDP debt, ratio to GDP Consolidated general government gross debt (EDP debt) amounted to EUR 130.7 billion at the end of 2015. The debt grew by EUR 9.0 billion in 2015. Central government accounted for EUR 7.2 billion of the growth in consolidated debt, local government for EUR 0.9 billion and social security funds for EUR 0.8 billion. The EDP debt describes general governments debt to the other sectors of the economy and to the rest of the world, and its development is influenced by changes in both the unconsolidated gross debt and the internal general government debt. Preliminary data on general government deficit and debt in 2015 was released for the first time on 16 March 2016 in the National Accounts and statistics on general government debt by quarter. The now published data are the same so no revisions occurred. Eurostat will verify the deficit and debt figures reported by the Member States over the following weeks. In this process, changes may be made to the figures reported by Statistics Finland. In that case, the updated figures will be released on the pages of these statistics on 21 April, on the same day that Eurostat will publish the data. About the content and concepts of the statistics General government surplus/deficit refers to net lending/borrowing according to the sector accounts of national accounts, which is the difference between the total revenue and expenditure. For instance, in the case of local government, the concept differs from the surplus/deficit of the accounting period according to the profit and loss accounts of municipalities and joint municipal authorities included in the sector. The key difference concerns investments, which are recorded in national accounts as expenditure as such. In general government accounts, the European Financial Stability Facility EFSF is, based on Eurostat's decision, handled so that the EFSF's borrowing is recorded as part of the gross government debt of the countries that have provided guarantees. The loan received by the beneficiary country from EFSF is recorded as if it had been received from the countries in the euro area that have provided guarantees and these countries in turn owe the corresponding amount to EFSF. As a result, the EDP gross debt of the countries that provided guarantees grows but the net debt remains unchanged because the countries have a similar receivable from the beneficiary country. The gross government debt to be recorded for each country on the loans granted by the EFSF is calculated by dividing the loan granted to the beneficiary country by the contribution key (based on the share in the ECB's capital of each country participating in the support operations). At the end of 2015, EUR 3,401 million were recorded in Finland's general government debt as debt based on loans granted by the EFSF and the corresponding amount at the end of 2014 was EUR 3,611 million. Corresponding treatment does not apply to the European Stability Mechanism (ESM). Central government's EDP debt differs as a concept from the central government debt published by the State Treasury. Central government's EDP debt includes loans granted to beneficiary counties by the European Financial Stability Facility EFSF, received cash collaterals related to derivative contracts, the capital of the Nuclear Waste Management Fund, debts generated from investments in central government's PPP (public-private partnership) projects, and coins that are in circulation. In national accounts, central government is also a broader concept than the budget and financial economy, in addition to which it includes, for example, universities, Solidium, the Finnish Broadcasting Company and Senate Properties. When these differences are taken into consideration we reach the central government non-consolidated gross debt in accordance with the EDP concept (Appendix table 3), i.e. in 2015, the State Treasury's central government debt EUR 99.8 billion + conceptual differences of the debt EUR 11.2 billion + differences caused by the sector delimitation EUR 3.4 billion = central government non-consolidated gross debt EUR 114.4 billion. The valuation principle for both debt concepts is the nominal value, where the effect of currency swaps is taken into account. A list of units belonging to general government (only in Finnish) can be found at http://www.stat.fi/meta/luokitukset/_linkki/julkisyhteisot.html . Decisions on major sector classification cases (only in Finnish) are available at http://www.stat.fi/meta/luokitukset/_linkki/soveltamisp.html Source: General government deficit and debt. Statistics Finland Inquiries: Niina Suutarinen 029 551 2307, Jukka Hytonen 029 551 3484, financial.accounts@stat.fi Director in charge: Ville Vertanen Publication in pdf-format (231.3 kB) Updated 31.3.2016 Referencing instructions: Official Statistics of Finland (OSF): General government deficit and debt [e-publication]. ISSN=1799-5914. 2015. Helsinki: Statistics Finland [referred: 23.10.2022]. Access method: http://www.stat.fi/til/jali/2015/jali_2015_2016-03-31_tie_001_en.html This page may have been moved, deleted, or is otherwise unavailable. To help you find what you are looking for: Enter Search Term(s): Still cant find what youre looking for? Send us a message using our contact us form. To report a broken link or other problems with the website, please include the URL. Thank you for visiting state.gov. 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 Thursday, 31 March 2016 23:59:13 (GMT+3) | Sao Paulo ArcelorMittal Brasil, the Brazilian subsidiary of global steelmaker ArcelorMittal , posted a BRL 1.8 billion net loss in the full year of 2015, the company said on Thursday. The Brazilian steelmaker attributed the loss to the negative impact of BRL 1.4 billion from Unki de Venezuela , the companys Venezuelan facility, which faced economic adversity, thanks to a scenario of hyperinflation in the country. ArcelorMittal s EBITDA in Brazil was BRL 2.59 billion in 2015, nearly 27 percent down, year-on-year. Net revenues at ArcelorMittal Brasil rose 23.7 percent in 2015, year-on-year, to BRL 22.2 billion, while sales volumes in 2015 totaled 10 million mt, 14.5 percent up, year-on-year, thanks to higher exports from its ArcelorMittal Tubarao mill. Out of the 10 million mt sales volumes seen in 2015, 51.8 percent was for the export market, with the remaining 48.2 percent destined to the domestic market. Thursday, 31 March 2016 17:21:09 (GMT+3) | Istanbul The European Commission (EC) has announced that it has started an antidumping (AD) investigation for certain concrete reinforcement bar and rod imports from Belarus upon a complaint received from the European Steel Association (EUROFER) alleging that the mentioned imports are being dumped and are thereby causing material injury to the EU industry. The investigation will cover the period between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2015. The investigation will be concluded within 15 months starting from the publication of the notice in the Official Journal of the European Union The products subject to investigation currently fall within CN codes 7214.10.00, 7214.20.00, 7214.30.00, 7214.91.10, 7214.91.90, 7214.99.10, 7214.99.71, 7214.99.79 and 7214.99.95. Thursday, 31 March 2016 09:37:16 (GMT+3) | Mexico s iron pellet output declined 25.5 percent in January, year-on-year, to 512,049 mt, the nations statistics agency, Inegi, said on Thursday. When compared to Decembers data, Mexican iron pellet production rose 0.6 percent in January, month-on-month. Vallourec will supply a full range of standard and premium OCTG for both onshore and offshore oilfields, for applications ranging from conventional to complex wells. The products will be supplied from Vallourecs mills in France , Germany, Brazil and China. Thursday, 31 March 2016 15:04:55 (GMT+3) | Istanbul During the past two weeks, demand in the local Turkish market has remained slack, while merchant bar prices in some regions have increased further in the same period due to the rises seen in finished steel and semi-finished steel quotations. Meanwhile, merchant bar prices depending on size, thickness and region are at the following levels: Equal Angle Prices: Region Prices (TRY/mt) Price change (TRY/mt) 17.03.2016 Denizli Region (30-100 mm) 1,310-1,330 ($461-468/mt) Karabuk Region (30-100mm) 1,250-1,270 ($440-447/mt) 30 Iskenderun Region (30-100 mm) 1,220-1,240 ($430-437/mt) 20 Izmir Region (30-100 mm) 1,280-1,300 ($451-458/mt) Flat Bar Prices: Region Prices (TRY/mt) Price change (TRY/mt) 17.03.2016 Denizli Region (30-100 mm) 1,340-1,360 ($472-479/mt) Karabuk Region (30-100mm) 1,280-1,300 ($451-458/mt) 30 Iskenderun Region (30-100 mm) 1,250-1,270 ($440-447/mt) 20 Izmir Region (30-100 mm) 1,310-1,330 ($461-468/mt) NPI-NPU Prices: Region Prices (TRY/mt) Price change (TRY/mt) 17.03.2016 Denizli Region (30-100 mm) 1,310-1,330 ($461-468/mt) Karabuk Region (30-100 mm) 1,250-1,270 ($440-447/mt) 30 Iskenderun Region (30-100 mm) 1,220-1,240 ($430-437/mt) 20 Izmir Region (30-50 mm) 1,280-1,300 ($451-458/mt) All prices are ex-works, on actual weight basis, for March shipment and excluding VAT. It should be considered that offers below the prices ranges in question may be available, depending on the buyer and on the method of payment. $1 = TRY 2.84 A mosque will be built in Bucharest, as it offers several guarantees for security, sources within the Presidential Administration state. "We do not reject the idea of a mosque in Bucharest because it offers several security guarantees. (...) The timing is bad due to the context regarding immigrants and terrorism," the sources stated.Accordingly, in 2004, then-prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan asked his Romanian counterpart Adrian Nastase to allot a land where to build a mosque. Nastase agreed, and asked in return for a piece of land where to build a church in Istanbul, the above-mentioned sources state. "The Romanian Orthodox Church did not welcome the idea of having a Romanian church in Istanbul and advanced the idea of erecting a smaller edifice, such as a chapel or a pilgrimage center," the sources say.Subsequently, the Turkish authorities gave permission for a church to be built and identified six plots of land outside of the center of Istanbul where to erect it, but the Romanian authorities have not yet choose the site.The above-mentioned sources mentioned the fact that, in 2011, former Romanian President Traian Basescu met with Erdogan and gave the green light for the mosque to be built in Bucharest, and in 2015, the former government led by Victor Ponta, adopted the decision allocating a plot of land near the Romexpo exhibition venue, for the mosque to be built on. "Basescu knew very well what taking a commitment on behalf of the state entails," the Presidential Sources state.Recently, on March 23, on the occasion of President Klaus Iohannis' visit to Turkey, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that erecting a mosque in Bucharest would be "the most beautiful expression of the dialogue and solidarity between the two countries.""Critical voices can be heard in every country. (...) Right now, our colleagues are working to obtain the permits. We have a completed project, but currently we want to develop it," Erdogan said.In his turn, President Klaus Iohannis confirmed that the documentation for obtaining the necessary permits was in the works. "They have reached the stage of requesting the building permits. This matter is incumbent on the city hall," Iohannis said. AGERPRES LITTLE ROCK, Ark. The FBI agreed Wednesday to help an Arkansas prosecutor unlock an iPhone and iPod belonging to two teenagers accused of killing a couple, just days after the federal agency announced it had gained access to an iPhone linked to the gunman in a mass shooting in California. Faulkner County Prosecuting Attorney Cody Hiland said the FBI agreed to the request from his office and the Conway Police Department Wednesday afternoon. A judge on Tuesday agreed to postpone the trial of 18-year-old Hunter Drexler so prosecutors could ask the FBI for help. Drexler's trial was moved from next week to June 27. Drexler and 15-year-old Justin Staton are accused of killing Robert and Patricia Cogdell at their home in Conway, 30 miles north of Little Rock, in July. The Cogdells had raised Staton as their grandson. The FBI announced Monday that it had gained access to an iPhone belonging to Syed Farook, who died with his wife in a gun battle with police after they killed 14 people in San Bernardino in December. The FBI hasn't revealed how it cracked Farook's iPhone. Authorities also haven't said whether the iPhone and iPod in the Arkansas case are the same models or whether the FBI will use the same method to try to get into the devices. Hiland said he could not discuss details of the murder case in Arkansas, but confirmed the FBI had agreed less than a day after the initial request. "We always appreciate their cooperation and willingness to help their local law enforcement partners," he said. Drexler and Staton have both pleaded not guilty to capital murder, aggravated robbery and other charges in the deaths of the c, who were both 66. Patrick Benca, Drexler's attorney, confirmed that he was notified that the FBI had agreed to help unlock his client's phone. "We're not concerned about anything on that phone," Benca said. An after-hours phone call to the public defenders' office where Staton's attorney works was not answered. Prosecutors have had possession of the iPhone they say belongs to Drexler since he and two other teenagers were arrested in Texas and brought back to Arkansas days after the July shootings. Staton's defense attorney was ordered last week to hand over the teen's iPod, which was in the defense's evidence locker. Prosecutors said recorded phone conversations between Staton and others since his arrest indicated he had used the iPod to communicate about the homicide plans and that there may be other evidence on the device. The decision where to relocate the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency represents a turning point for a distressed St. Louis area that will either get thousands of federal jobs or be left with Paul McKees ambitious but stalled redevelopment plan. One outcome of the decision, which is expected Friday, is that the city wins the new western headquarters of the NGA, which would help anchor development in the area northwest of downtown. If the spy agency instead opts to build on a site near Scott Air Force Base in St. Clair County, St. Louis officials would be left with McKees languishing Northside Regeneration plan. McKee, a developer who assembled hundreds of pieces of property in the depressed 1,500-acre area, has been integral to the citys NGA pitch. City officials had to involve themselves in McKee property deals and lawsuits to gain control of the key 100 acres the federal government said it needs to consider the citys effort for the relocated NGA headquarters. That effort included mortgaging city-owned buildings to buy options on properties in the proposed NGA site and an agreement to pay a McKee lender a premium for some properties the developer acquired from the citys Land Reutilization Authority. Otis Williams, executive director of the St. Louis Development Corp., said Wednesday his agency has worked to get control of the hundreds of parcels within the proposed NGA site from dozens of owners. This has not been easy, he said. This has been a monumental chore. While the city has focused on the NGA project, McKee has said NorthSide Regeneration will continue regardless of the federal governments decision. Last week, he announced plans for a food market and a gasoline station at North 13th Street and North Tucker Boulevard. He said at the time he will be ready to start construction in July, after the Board of Aldermen approves tax-increment financing for the $20 million project. Through a spokesman, McKee declined an interview request this week. The spokesman said McKee preferred to defer to city officials in discussing the NGA project. In 2009, he announced NorthSide as a multibillion-dollar redevelopment, eventually tapping more than $40 million in state tax credits to help him buy parcels. Four years later, the city agreed to provide up to $390 million in TIF aid. McKees only other proposal so far in NorthSide is for a health care campus with a three-bed hospital. He said last week that if St. Louis loses the NGA, other opportunities remain. We will have a 100-acre site to showcase for a corporate campus, he said. Skepticism remains. Meade Summers, president of Hilliker Corp., a St. Louis commercial real estate company, said the site would be more suited to industrial development or affordable housing. If the site was properly prepared, via funds being provided by the city or whoever else, it would make an excellent industrial park, he said. I dont think theres any office demand at all. Bob Lewis, president and principal of Development Strategies, a consulting firm, said that if the spy agency goes to St. Clair County, the St. Louis site could still be set up as a corporate campus similar to those by Purina, Ameren and Wells Fargo at downtowns fringe. He noted that the St. Louis site already has infrastructure in place. We have pipes in the ground, wires in the air and roads going places, he said. Getting the NGA to the site would produce spinoff residential development near downtown, Lewis said. THE COST OF FREE LAND The NGA relocation competition has been an exercise in one-upmanship by Missouri and Illinois leaders. Last month, Missouri officials scrambled to match Illinois pledge to provide the NGA a headquarters site at no cost. St. Louis had planned to sell its land to the government for about $14 million. The city decided to mortgage two city buildings to free $13 million to buy and assemble properties to present to the spy agency. On March 7, Missouri officials promised more tax credit help. The state has committed $131 million in the form of $95 million in tax-increment financing, a portion of which would include diverting state income tax payments by NGA workers, and $36 million in brownfields tax credits. The city has committed $1.5 million a year over the next 30 years. The commitment includes diverting half of the 1 percent earnings tax paid by NGA workers, who each year pay more than $2 million city earnings taxes. City and state officials responded three days after Illinois leaders promoted the site near Scott as the best location for cost, security and ease of development. The St. Louis location has 551 parcels with 110 owners, including McKee. SLDC officials said the city has control of 507 of the parcels, mostly through options, including 229 NorthSide properties within the proposed NGA site. Williams has led negotiations with McKee, a lender the Bank of Washington and a creditor, Titan Fish Two, a developer based in suburban Kansas City. If NGA picks St. Louis, the city will pay McKee $1.7 million for his parcels, the amount he paid the citys Land Reutilization Authority for the properties in 2012, Williams said. In addition, the city agreed to pay the Bank of Washington fees representing its collateral claim on the NorthSide parcels and the increase in property value if the NGA relocates to the area. The citys total payment to McKee and the Bank of Washington for the 229 parcels would be $5.23 million, Williams said. The citys agreement was part of its effort to meet the federal governments requirement that it deal with a single property owner in relocating the NGA facility. Last year the city bought about $5 million in properties and bank notes from Titan Fish Two as part of the NGA effort. Williams has said the purchase was done in part to obtain leverage over McKee and because it needed for the NGA project 46 properties Titan Fish Two had obtained in foreclosure of a NorthSide loan. Included in the citys site acquisition effort are negotiations with other property owners. Some deals had yet to be reached. Mark OBryan, an architect and friend of Larry Chapman, an activist who opposes St. Louis NGA plan, said Wednesday the city is taking the wrong approach. Who needs a subsidy to build a convenience store in north St. Louis when dozens and dozens exist? said OBryan, adding that McKees NorthSide project has yet to materialize. OBryan said he understands the citys need to retain its tax base but added that a better approach to reviving the area would be proactively building more housing by smaller developers. The city stumbles over itself to appease big developers, OBryan said. It seems like they do nothing for the little guys. With several ramen-focused restaurants already opened or scheduled to do so in the coming months, 2016 is shaping up to be St. Louis year of ramen. This week, I visit a spot where the Japanese noodle soup is one of many dishes and another where its the sole focus. Robata Robatas ramen brims with so many additions you might think the cook dumped another dish on top of your soup. There are tender slices of char-siu pork, of course, and the two halves of a soft-boiled egg. Chopped scallions bob alongside bamboo shoots and a tangle of bean sprouts. There is nori, wood-ear mushroom and, the final garnish, what look like saffron threads but are actually strands of red ginger. I surveyed this impressive spread in my bowl of tonkotsu ramen ($8.95) and then ignored it and went straight for the glossy, milky broth. The broth, made from pork bones boiled for 15 hours, slicks the springy noodles and tastes deeply, purely of pork. (Robata currently imports its noodles from Japan but will soon also offer noodles from St. Louis own Midwest Pasta.) This might not be life-changing ramen, but it is satisfying. If this werent the year of ramen in St. Louis, its presence on this 5-month-old Maplewood restaurants menu of sushi, yakitori and other Japanese fare might have qualified as a surprise. Instead, I ordered it on my first visit here. The real surprise is how many different dishes Robata is able to serve out of its cramped galley kitchen. If I didnt tell you now, you probably could have guessed that it occupies a former fast-food restaurant specifically, a Churchs Chicken. The buildings design and small footprint are obvious clues. If you call in a to-go order, you can pick it up from the old drive-thru window. Thom Chantharasy, who owns Robata with his wife, Emily, previously operated the Tower Grove East sushi restaurant Sekisui, and about half of Robatas menu is dedicated to nigiri, sashimi and rolls. My order of nigiri displayed some sloppy knife work though the chef did at least err on the side of portioning the fish generously but each fishs flavor was clean and true, and the rice was properly seasoned. Of the elaborate rolls, I liked the Alli ($9.50): a mix of spicy tuna, crawfish, avocado and tempura bits inside; shrimp, hot sauce and jalapeno on top. Its chile heat is even more ferocious than those components might suggest. It might be best to consider Robata a sort of izakaya and build a shared snacking meal from a little of this sushi and a little of that fried fare from the extensive appetizer selection. Id go for the kara-age, tender, crisp fried chicken morsels topped with teriyaki sauce ($4.99). The fried squid legs ($5.99) are appealingly plump, but my order was too chewy. Definitely include a few skewers from the yakitori menu. Yakitori technically refers only to chicken, though here and many other places its used for skewers in general: beef, pork, seafood and vegetables. At any rate, chicken thigh with green onion ($2.75) is a fine introduction to Robatas yakitori. Cooked on a modified gas grill rather than over the traditional charcoal, it delivers just the right note of char whether you choose the simple shiro (salt and pepper) seasoning or a tare marinade. Even better is the beef tongue ($3.95), which delivers the pleasant, juicy chew and intensely beefy flavor of a hanger steak or similar lesser cut. If the year of ramen has already exhausted your appetite for tonkotsu ramen, opt instead for the miso ($8.95), a golden, umami-rich chicken broth that still manages to be relatively light on the palate. Its accompaniments are the same as, and just as impressive as, the tonkotsus. Where Robata, 7260 Manchester Road, Maplewood Two stars out of four More info 314-899-9595; robatamaplewood.com Menu Sushi, yakitori, ramen and more Japanese fare Hours Dinner Monday-Saturday Nami Ramen Clearly, a great deal of planning went into Nami Ramen, which opened in January in Clayton. The restaurants design is sleek, an attractive, brightly lighted box with blond-wood tables. Its logo and wall-mounted menu is as precisely branded as your favorite fast-casual restaurant and, in fact, Nami does follow the fast-casual model. More interestingly, owner Jason Jan, who also founded the FroYo frozen-yogurt chain, spent two months in Yokohama, Japan, to further his ramen studies, and with the exception of a few rice bowls and appetizers (bao, gyoza, kara age), ramen is the sole focus of this, his first restaurant. That intensity of focus, paired with not-inexpensive prices, is why I found my visits here especially vexing. The Nami Signature Tonkotsu Ramen ($13.80) looks the part: a big bowl of steaming, cloudy pork broth with char-siu pork, nori, a soft-boiled egg, bamboo shoots, scallions, wood-ear mushroom and corn. A lot of corn. Now, corn isnt an unheard-of addition to ramen Robata offers it, too but here its dull, buttery sweetness overwhelmed the dish, as if the kitchen had poured the liquid from a can of corn into the broth. Jan told me he likes to add corn to ramen for the vibrancy it brings to the soups color. But in the chicken katsu ramen ($14), as with the signature tonkotsu, the corns flavor wallpapered over the broths chicken essence. The chicken katsu itself (a breaded, fried cutlet) is served on the side. The ramen improves somewhat with flavored oils or chiles. The Roasted Black Garlic Tonkotsu ($14.10) doses the pork broth with sharply flavored, lingering mayu (black-garlic oil). Chile heat and a hint of lemon spark the Jigoku Ramen ($14.50), though the umami richness promised by the inclusion of red miso was absent. The Seafood Ramen ($16.80) brings you to Japan by way of Italy by way of San Francisco: a roasted-tomato broth with shreds of crab meat and accents of garlic and lemon zest. That the most complete ramen here is also the least ramen-like is certainly a surprise, if not necessarily one that owner or diner would welcome. Where Nami Ramen, 46 North Central Avenue, Clayton One star out of four More info 314-833-6264; namiramen.com Menu Several variations on ramen Hours Lunch and dinner daily Fair Good Excellent Extraordinary Ladies, be sure you take your birth control along with that Bud Light. Federal health officials recent recommendation that sexually active women not using birth control abstain from drinking alcohol has caused a backlash among women who feel the zero-alcohol expectation is extreme and unnecessary. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control released the new guideline for non-pregnant women in February in an effort to reduce the number of babies born with disorders from prenatal alcohol exposure. There is no known safe level of alcohol during pregnancy, and because half of all pregnancies in the nation are unplanned, women can go for several weeks before knowing they are pregnant. Therefore, the agency argues, its better to be safe than sorry. The risk is real. So why take the chance? said Anne Schuchat, principal deputy director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That means about 3.3 million women between the ages of 15 and 44 need to change their ways. Thats how many women the CDC estimates may expose a potentially developing fetus to alcohol because they drink, are sexually active and do not use birth control. Even among women actively trying to get pregnant, three in four continue drinking after they stop using birth control, federal figures show. The Internet responded to the sweeping recommendation in kind. Columnists, bloggers and Twitter users called it alarmist, condescending, sexist and puritanical. You may think youre just another carefree young woman, casually sipping mimosas at brunch or having a glass of wine at the end of a long day. But youre not. According to the CDCs new recommendation, youre a potential fetal incubator a fact you should be aware of, and planning around, all the time, Los Angeles Times reporter Jessica Roy wrote in a column telling women how the CDC is trying to kill their buzz. NOTHING NEW Many complained the recommendation is unnecessarily restrictive because evidence showing the dangers of light to moderate drinking (one drink per day) during pregnancy is inconclusive, revisiting the lack of consensus about the dangers of mothers-to-be having a drink here and there. Emily Oster, an economics professor at Brown University, pored over the research for her book Expecting Better, released a few years ago. Based on the data, she concluded that women can feel comfortable with an occasional glass of wine in later trimesters, but no more than two drinks a week in the first trimester because of miscarriage risk. The book caused outrage among reviewers and the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome advocacy organization. Physician groups such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have long stated that women should not drink any alcohol during pregnancy. Dr. Stephen Braddock, director of medical genetics at Cardinal Glennon Childrens Medical Center who studies birth defects, says that while the CDCs recommendation was criticized as overreaching, its nothing new. It seemed paternalistic to many women, Braddock said, but in reality, the message is the same message weve been stating for years: If youre pregnant dont drink; and if youre drinking, dont get pregnant. Braddock has spent much of his education and career focusing on fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, alcohol-related birth defects that range from mild to severe disabilities. The most severe form is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome clearly linked to heavy drinking that is characterized by facial abnormalities, slow growth and problems with the central nervous systems, including mental retardation. People with milder forms, however, have difficulties with learning, judgment, problem solving, physical aptitude, speech, hearing and social skills. Though difficult to estimate, as many as 10 percent of people may suffer from disorders caused by prenatal alcohol exposure, Braddock said. Trying to determine how much alcohol causes how much neurological damage is difficult. We have known about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome over the last 40 or 45 years, and we still dont know how to determine which woman who is drinking alcohol will have a baby with the full blown syndrome versus a baby with no effects versus somewhere in between, he said. Researchers have defined mild to moderate drinking differently, Braddock said. Theyve also failed to follow children long-term, as damage can show up subtly in a toddler but become more pronounced in an 8-year-old completing harder tasks. Other factors muddle research including the type of alcohol and how quickly it was consumed, as well womens size and weight, how they metabolize alcohol and how much food is in their stomachs when drinking. The issue is, if you have a large group of researchers who are finding conflicting results on something with no physiologic or medical need to do, then why put your child at risk? Braddock said. GO THE WHOLE NINE Yet, many educated women believe a glass of wine with dinner or champagne toast while pregnant is fine. According to a CDC survey conducted between 2011 and 2013, one in 10 pregnant women reported drinking alcohol. Older women with college degrees were much more likely to drink while pregnant than those under the age of 35 with a high school diploma or less. Even some doctors dont bat an eye at an occasional drink during pregnancy. A small 2010 survey by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of about 400 of its members shows that 34 percent think its safe and most only ask about alcohol use at the initial patient visit. A recent similar-size survey of health-care providers by the Arc, a national advocacy organization for people with disabilities, found that nearly all had no opinion about or didnt know whether light drinking in the second or third trimester is safe. Braddock said those are the good reasons why the CDC made its recommendation. I try to lecture and teach both medical students and medical professionals of the effects of alcohol on the developing baby; none of which are good, he said. They need to know its not necessarily a safe thing to do. Julia Schaffner is program director of the St. Louis Arc public education program Go the Whole 9. The campaign, which started in 2009, aims to prevent fetal alcohol spectrum disorders by stressing zero prenatal exposure. The program involves a website, booth displays, guest speakers and DVDs as well as toolkits and free webinars to medical professionals on how to address drinking with patients before and during pregnancy. Some things I appreciate about all the controversy that has arisen is that its opened up a lot of good dialogue, Schaffner said. Its good to talk about all the issues related to prenatal alcohol exposure. Its good for women to have all the information they can possibly have to make the best decision they can make. Oster argues that the controversy about light drinking during pregnancy and now even pre-pregnancy detracts from helping pregnant women at risk of the very clear dangers caused by heavy drinking (more than eight drinks a week) or binge drinking (more than four drinks in a single occasion). Rather than acknowledging the obvious dangers of heavier drinking and working to address the circumstances that lead to it, we are back to discussing whether pregnant women should be shamed for having a half of glass of wine on their anniversary or any old night, Oster wrote in the October issue of Time magazine in response to an AAP report repeating the no amount of alcohol is safe mantra. The latest CDC recommendation is so unrealistic, its guaranteed to be ignored, she tweeted after its release. Dr. Alison Cahill, chief of maternal fetal medicine at Washington University School of Medicine, said she does not want women to expose known pregnancies to alcohol, but women should not panic if they drank before they realized they were pregnant. Very early exposure happens very frequently, and the truth of the matter, those babies turn out fine, she said. Women are also expected to maintain an ideal weight, exercise, take prenatal vitamins, not smoke and stop some medications months before they conceive. They try to do the best on they can, Cahill said. We cant ask people to live in a bubble. We have to be realistic with what we ask patients to do ... abstaining from a glass of wine for an entire year while you are trying to get pregnant seems a bit extreme to me. St. Louis Public Schools will hold its largest open house in recent memory on Saturday in an attempt to recruit more students and showcase the improvements that have been made in many parts of the district. From 9 a.m. to noon, doors at 33 neighborhood elementary schools will be open for any parent, student, alum or resident interested in learning about a buildings academics and activities. Principals will be at each school, as well as teachers and students to welcome visitors and answer questions. Superintendent Kelvin Adams plans to attend several of the open houses to greet visitors. This year our real wake-up call was losing 1,500 to 1,700 students, said Rachel Seward, deputy superintendent of institutional advancement, referring to the overall loss in district enrollment. Our goal is to make up that gap, that deficit, and stabilize enrollment. In the past, open houses in St. Louis Public Schools have been limited to magnet and choice schools, which will not be open on Saturday. They open their doors in the fall for prospective families, and then again in the spring for those who have enrolled. Neighborhood schools, which have no admissions criteria, have never been part of this kind of outreach effort. If the open house event is successful, it may be expanded to include middle and high schools next year. The district has taken a number of steps to figure out what it must do, beyond improving academic outcomes, to attract more students and to keep them from leaving for charter schools or suburban districts. Last fall, the district paid Thumbs Up Marketing $15,000 to contact up to 5,000 prospective families as part of an awareness and recruitment campaign about the school systems performance. The telemarketing firm also surveyed parents about what drives their decision making in selecting a school. The open houses are partly in response to the survey work. The first 100 visitors at each will receive a school supply pouch, filled with a pencil, ink pen, eraser, ruler and pencil sharpener. All visitors will receive a free meal, and there will also be temporary tattoos for the children. Last year, gains made in the citys neighborhood schools were so significant that St. Louis Public Schools experienced its best performance in more than a decade, as measured by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Those gains were primarily in academics and attendance. For a list and locations of neighborhood elementary schools, visit www.slps.org/comevisit. Chuck Raasch Chuck Raasch is a reporter for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Follow Chuck Raasch 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 WASHINGTON A White House press person recently answered a question about new legislation on gun transfers within families by offering a no comment. The e-mailed response was prefaced with, off the record. It seemed an ironic response from an administration that aspired to be the most transparent ever. But upon reflection, it was another example in which politicians are increasingly able to write their own narratives, define the terms of the conversations, even try to assert their own truths and realities undisturbed by those most stubborn things: facts. Donald Trump didnt start the assault on reality. The administration of President Barack Obama, proficient at flooding issues zones using all the media tools and platforms available to a modern presidency, has not been nearly as good at responding to queries that dont hit their messaging sweet spots. In a free-functioning republic, the most important and relevant questions are the ones that politicians dont want asked. Yet, increasingly, those questions are ignored, or the answers are buried in the sediment of bureaucracy or thwarted by governments ever-evolving penchant for secrecy and control of the peoples narratives. They are questions whose answers cannot be skimmed off the froth of Twitter. A recent report by the Associated Press says the Obama administration in 2015 set a record for not coming up with responses to Freedom of Information Act requests. More than 100,000 FOIA requests in 2015 came back with nothing, according to the AP. The AP report came right after a Vice News investigation revealed that the administration, despite Obamas frequent campaign promises to run the most transparent administration ever, worked quietly behind the scenes to kill proposed reforms of the Freedom of Information Act. The reforms were aimed at strengthening the presumption that your governments documents are public, putting a greater onus on the government to prove why they should not be. This backdrop is one reason why Obamas speech this week lecturing the press to work harder to hold politicians accountable seemed tone-deaf. Speaking at the Toner Prize for Excellence in Political Reporting dinner, this president of infrequent press conferences the one who has detoured around reporters only to grant interviews to Web celebrities, including one whose claim to fame was bathing in a tub of milk and cereal, and the one whose administration has, according to a ProPublica investigation, cracked down on whistleblowers and leakers like no other in history reminded the press that real people depend on you to uncover the truth. The last person in the world who should be lecturing journalists on how to do journalism is President Barack Obama, Politicos senior media writer Jack Schafer wrote. Yet there Obama was yodeling banalities about the role of a press in a free society, moaning over the dangers posed by he said/she said reporting, and to the delight of the assembled audience attacking Donald Trump in every way but name. Obama uttered a popular lament that many took as a swipe at Trump: When our elected officials and political campaigns become entirely untethered to reason and facts and analysis, when it doesnt matter what is true and whats not, that makes it all but impossible for us to make decisions on behalf of future generations. So far, the presidential campaign rhetoric has not focused much on future generations. It has been preoccupied with whether or not Trumps campaign manager assaulted a reporter, or mired in playground back-and-forth about the physical appearances of candidates spouses, or tied up in any number of tiny narratives, none of which will assure Social Securitys long-term solvency or confront the threat that systemic terrorism wielded in the name of Islam poses to a civilized world. The cable networks, instead of acting as cooling mediators, have constantly sharpened the partisan edge of 2016 by deploying talking heads from the top tiers of the nations most partisan entities. Turn on the TV on any given night and youll see commentators from failed campaigns past, or from political action committees present, opining on the way the country should go. The narrative is preset, predictable and almost always focused on the conflicts, not commonalities. Theres still time to raise the discourse to things that matter, to a common agreement on the facts that define the big challenges. Time to walk away from the easy, distant Web slights of the politics of the picayune. But in a world of free expression and free choice, that will only happen if consumers citizens of the republic demand it. LONDON MARKET CLOSE: FTSE 100 ends higher; Mordaunt makes UK PM tilt Friday, October 21, 2022 - 17:22 The pound regained some poise on Friday afternoon but remained in precarious territory, after falling below the $1.11 mark in afternoon trade. The pound was quoted at $1.1203 at the close on Friday, down versus $1.1294 at the London equities close on Thursday. It hit an intraday low of $1.1063 not long after midday. Sterling was hurt by continued political uncertainty. Speculation about who will join Penny Mordaunt in throwing their hats in the ring in the race for Number 10 continues. Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak, one-time neighbours at Number 10 and 11 Downing Street - but now bitter rivals - have pockets of support from Tory MPs. Adding to the pressure on sterling, disappointing UK retail sales data showed a bigger-than-expected decline in September, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics. Retail sales fell 6.9% annually in September, with the decline accelerating from a 5.6% fall in August. It also was worse than FXStreet-cited market consensus, which had expected a fall of just 5%. The pound had initially found some support on Thursday after Liz Truss called an end to her disastrous tenure as prime minister - poking above $1.13 - but has since been dragged lower. The FTSE 100 index closed up 25.82 points, or 0.4%, at 6,969.73 - closing out the week up 1.6%. The FTSE 250 lost 182.38 points, or 1.1%, at 17,206.55, but still managed to gain 1.0% this week, and the AIM All-Share ended down 1.04 points, or 0.1% at 785.40 - but advanced 0.8% over the past five days. The Cboe UK 100 closed up 0.4% at 696.31, the Cboe UK 250 ended down 1.0% at 14,694.15, and the Cboe Small Companies lost 0.3% at 12,240.46. In European equities on Friday, the CAC 40 in Paris lost 0.9%, while the DAX 40 in Frankfurt gave back 0.3%. The Tories have begun to declare their allegiances in the party's second leadership contest of the year as speculation mounts over who will seek to replace Truss at the helm of the party. Supporters of Johnson are backing the former prime minister to make an extraordinary political comeback, while ex-chancellor Sunak and Commons Leader Mordaunt also have the public support of several MPs. Mordaunt become the first to declare her candidacy, with a pledge to re-unite the bitterly divided party. The leader of the House who finished third in the last leadership election said she had been encouraged by the support she had received from fellow Conservative MPs. There has also been no declaration yet from Sunak, who did not answer questions from reporters as he left his home on Friday morning. Whoever does win will face an immediate test, choosing whether to go ahead with the planned Halloween statement setting out how the government intends to get the public finances back on track, Downing Street has said. Work is continuing in Whitehall, led by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, in preparation for the medium-term fiscal plan to be announced on October 31 along with an updated set of economic forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility. However, a Number 10 spokeswoman said it would be up to Liz Truss's successor to decide whether to proceed with that approach and with the same timetable. In London, blue chip miners helped push FTSE 100 higher. Glencore gained 3.6%, Anglo American 3.1%, Antofagasta 2.7%, and Rio Tinto added 1.6%. Retailers, however, were showing weakness after the disappointing UK retail sales data. A profit warning from Adidas did nothing to help the mood either. JD Sports closed down 6.1%, Frasers 4.0%, Burberry 2.2%, and Next shed 2.9%. On Thursday, Adidas lowered annual guidance as it struggles with "deteriorating traffic" in China and high inventory levels. The sports apparel maker said it has needed to turn to "higher clearance activity" to try and shift stock. It lost 9.0% in Frankfurt. Deliveroo gained 3.6%. The London-based online food delivery service said gross transaction values rose 8.3% annually in the third quarter to 1.70 billion from 1.57 billion, though orders fell by 1.1% to 72.8 million from 73.6 million. Deliveroo said the decline in orders was due to a difficult consumer environment. With economic data on Friday showing that UK consumer confidence remains near record lows, this seems unlikely to change anytime soon. InterContinental Hotels gave back 2.2% but reported strong revenue growth in the third quarter to September 30, saying that high global employment levels are boosting occupancy levels. Revenue per available room, or RevPAR, rose 28% year-on-year and now exceeds its pre-pandemic level, being up 2.7% on the third quarter of 2019. In the third quarter of 2022, the average daily rate increased by 13% compared to a year ago and was up 11% on 2019. Chief Financial Officer & Head of Strategy Paul Edgecliffe-Johnson will leave the company in six months time to become CFO of Flutter Entertainment in the first half of 2023. IHG has started the process of finding a new CFO. The euro stood at $0.9802 Friday evening, down against $0.9822 at the close on Thursday. Against the yen, the dollar was trading at JP148.03, compared to JP149.77 late Thursday. The yen was staging a fightback after the open on Wall Street, after nearly hitting JP152 during the Asia session. Stocks in New York opened higher on Friday, with the DJIA up 1.1%, the S&P 500 index up 0.9%, and the Nasdaq Composite was 0.6% higher. Brent oil was quoted at $92.84 a barrel late Friday, down from $93.29 late Thursday. Gold was quoted at $1,643.70 an ounce Friday, up against $1,641.90 from Thursday. In the international economics events calendar next week, Monday will be dominated by a slew of composite PMIs, with Japan overnight followed by Germany, eurozone and the UK in the morning then the US in the afternoon. A quiet Tuesday will be headlined by a US house price index. On Wednesday, there is Chinese GDP, retail sales and industrial production overnight, then on Thursday attention will be on the European Central Bank interest rate decision at 1315 BST. Friday will be headlined by a Bank of Japan rate decision. In the local corporate calendar on Monday, there are half-year results from Dr Martens, while education publishing firm Pearson will issue a third quarter update. Copyright 2022 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. Deutsche Bank earlier reiterated a Buy rating on Boeing (NYSE: BA) and price target of $160. In a research note, analyst Myles Walton discussed the historical relationship between share price and Boeing Commercial Aircraft's headcount moves -- noting that the stock went up in 8 of the last 9 years of BCA headcount reduction actions. In the analyst's view, productivity is rewarded and by the time the headcount actions are taken, most of the bad news is baked in. Walton explained, "In the last 18 years (since the McDonnell Douglas merger), Boeing has increased its headcount at Boeing Commercial Aircraft in 9 of those years and decreased it in 9 of those years. In the 9 years of employment expansion, shares of BA lagged the market in 5 and outperformed in 4. However, in the years where headcount fell at BCA, shares of BA outperformed the S&P500 in 8 of the 9 years with the only exception being 2001. With 2016 YTD performance already lagging the market by 10%, maybe 2016 will be the other exception, but to us the cost actions look like mgmt moves to get to 10% BCA margins." "The Seattle Times is reporting employee reductions at BCA with an internal target of 4,000 fewer employees by June at BCA. The mechanism of the decline would be attrition and voluntary buy-outs. Per Boeings website through February, 1500+ of the headcount reduction has already taken place. Across the entire Boeing enterprise, employment is down 2,448 since YE highlighting efforts beyond BCA as well. Given the lower production on the 747 and 777 coupled with the higher automation activity and improved performance on the 787, a downtrend is likely to continue, which should be a significant boost to productivity," continued the analyst. Walton added, "In Feb, the head of BCA messaged to employees the need for cost action to counter competitive pressures and the lower pricing has certainly been realized in some of the recent order campaigns. In our view, the lower headcount is to address that competitive dynamic, but we also think part of the move is how mgmt is trying to drive BCA margins to 10% in 2017. A 10% margin for BCA in 17 alongside the effects share repo would yield a mid-teens EPS growth before considering the likely 4% additional top-line growth in 17 vs. 16." For an analyst ratings summary and ratings history on Boeing click here. For more ratings news on Boeing click here. Shares of Boeing closed at $128.58 yesterday. By Barani Krishnan NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil tumbled about 4 percent on Friday, after a Saudi prince reportedly said the kingdom will not freeze output without Iran and other major producers doing so and data showed the global crude glut was likely to grow. The dollar firmed after stronger-than-expected U.S. jobs data, which also weighed on oil early in the first session of the second quarter. U.S. employment increased solidly in March and wages rebounded. [FRX/] Brent crude was down $1.50, or 3.7 percent, to 39.27 a barrel by 1:32 p.m. ET. It was on track to lose 4 percent on the week, after ending the first quarter up 6 percent and March 15 percent higher. U.S. crude fell $1.30 to $37.04 a barrel. It was on track to a 6 percent drop on the week, after a first-quarter gain of 4 percent and March rally of 14 percent. Prices barely reacted to data showing U.S. oil and gas rigs falling for a 15th straight week, reaching the lowest levels since at least the 1940s. [RIG/U] Over the past six weeks, oil rallied in a rebound from 12-year lows, after major producers within and outside the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries floated the idea of freezing output at January's highs. But Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said on Thursday the OPEC kingpin will not join the program without the participation of Iran and other major producers, Bloomberg reported. A meeting to discuss the production freeze has been scheduled in Doha, Qatar on April 17. Iran has maintained that it will not contribute to any freeze until its crude exports return to pre-sanction levels. "I think the market interpreted the lack of Saudi reaction to the Iran position as meaning they are okay with the plan even if Iran is out," said Dominick Chirichella, senior partner at the Energy Management Institute in New York. "So, now we're back to being consistent on what the Saudi position has been the last two years: That they're going to let the market decide supply-demand. To me, any freeze is just psychological. All will agree but nobody will do anything." Saudi Arabia and Kuwait said this week they will resume production at the jointly operated 300,000-barrel-per-day Khafji field. A Reuters monthly survey from this week showed OPEC output rose in March on higher supply from Iran after the lifting of sanctions and near-record exports from southern Iraq. (Additional reporting by Dmitry Zhdannikov, Simon Falush and Amanda Cooper in LONDON; Editing by Dale Hudson, Jason Neely and David Gregorio) American Electric Power's (NYSE: AEP) AEP Ohio utility unit received an order from the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) today supporting and modifying AEP Ohio's expanded Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). "Although the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio modified the settlement agreement, they did recognize the significant benefits of this plan for Ohio consumers. This plan will ensure more stable electricity prices in Ohio and promote the development of new, renewable generation to support the state's economy," said Nicholas K. Akins, AEP chairman, president and chief executive officer. "We worked with advocates for low-income customers, environmental organizations, industrial and commercial customers and competitive energy suppliers to develop an energy plan for Ohio that will support the state economy, preserve jobs, protect Ohio customers from electricity price volatility, and move Ohio to a greener energy future." The agreement approved by the PUCO today was filed Dec. 14, 2015, and supported by 11 parties, including the PUCO staff, Sierra Club, Ohio Partners for Affordable Energy, Ohio Energy Group, Ohio Hospital Association, Mid-Atlantic Renewable Energy Coalition, as well as three competitive retail energy suppliers. The plan includes AEP Ohio entering into an eight-year power purchase agreement (ending May 31, 2024) for the capacity, energy and ancillary service output of AEP's 2,671 megawatt (MW) ownership share of nine generating units and AEP Ohio's 423 MW contractual share of Ohio Valley Electric Corporation (OVEC) generation. The nine generating units include Cardinal Unit 1 in Brilliant (Jefferson County); Conesville Units 4, 5 & 6 in Conesville (Coshocton County); Stuart Units 1-4 in Aberdeen (Brown County); and Zimmer Unit 1 in Moscow (Clermont County). The company also will retire, refuel or repower to 100 percent natural gas Conesville Units 5 and 6 and Cardinal Unit 1 by the end of 2029 and 2030, respectively. Subject to PUCO approval and cost recovery, AEP Ohio will develop at least 900 MW of wind and solar generation in Ohio over the next five years; continue its strong support of energy efficiency programs; and move forward with grid modernization efforts, including the installation of smart meters. Additionally, AEP Ohio will provide up to $100 million in customer credits during the term of the agreement. In aggregate, the plan is expected to provide a net benefit to AEP Ohio customers over the next eight years. AEP is reaffirming its 2016 earnings guidance range of $3.60 to $3.80 per share, as the AEP Ohio PPA is just one factor among a number of factors that are considered when determining earnings guidance. Ford Motor (NYSE: F) is issuing three safety recalls in North America. Details are as follows: Ford issues safety recall for certain 2015-2016 Ford Transit vehicles in North America to inspect and adjust side-curtain airbags Ford is issuing a safety recall for approximately 38,000 2015-2016 low-roof Ford Transit vehicles to inspect and adjust side-curtain airbags as needed. In some vehicles, it is possible the side-curtain airbags are positioned incorrectly on either or both sides of the vehicle, which may influence side-curtain airbag performance and increase the risk of injury in a crash. Ford is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this issue. Affected vehicles include certain 2015-2016 low-roof Ford Transit vehicles built at Kansas City Assembly Plant, March 12, 2014 through March 18, 2016. There are 37,905 vehicles affected, including 37,066 in the United States and federalized territories and 839 in Canada. Dealers will inspect and adjust the side-curtain airbags to the correct position as needed at no cost to the customer. Ford issues safety recall for certain 2015-2016 Lincoln MKC and 2016 Ford Explorer vehicles to replace engine block heaters Ford is issuing a safety recall for approximately 5,500 2015-2016 Lincoln MKC and 2016 Ford Explorer vehicles to remove the heaters and replace them with an updated design. The engine block design, coupled with the particular block heater installed in these vehicles, causes the unit to be susceptible to overheating when the vehicle is parked and the block heater is plugged in increasing the risk of an underhood fire. Ford is aware of two reports of underhood fires in Canada, but is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this issue. Affected vehicles include certain 2015-2016 Lincoln MKC vehicles built at Louisville Assembly Plant, Nov. 25, 2013 through Jan. 25, 2016 and certain 2016 Ford Explorer vehicles built at Chicago Assembly Plant, Oct. 20, 2014 through Jan. 28, 2016. There are 5,536 vehicles affected by the issue, including 3,129 2015-2016 Lincoln MKC and 2,407 2016 Ford Explorer vehicles, with 1,543 of the affected vehicles in the United States and federalized territories and 3,993 in Canada. Dealers will remove and replace the engine block heater with an updated design and, if needed, replace the cord at no cost to the customer. Ford issues safety recall for certain 2015-2016 Ford F-650 and F-750 vehicles to replace parking brake cable connector clips Ford is issuing a safety recall for approximately 4,800 Ford F-650 and F-750 vehicles to replace the parking brake cable connector clips. In some vehicles, the parking brake connector clips were not manufactured to the correct specifications and could break resulting in unintended movement of the vehicle and increased risk of injury. Ford is not aware of any accidents, injuries or fires related to this condition. Affected vehicles include certain 2015-2016 Ford F-650 and F-750 vehicles built at Escobedo Assembly Plant, Jan. 28, 2015 through April 23, 2015, and Ohio Assembly Plant, Jan. 31, 2015 through Nov. 30, 2015. There are 4,764 vehicles affected, including 4,654 in the United States and federalized territories and 110 in Canada. Dealers will replace the connector clip at no cost to the customer. By Subrat Patnaik (Reuters) - McDonald's Corp (NYSE: MCD) plans to add more than 1,000 restaurants in China over the next five years, which would make it the company's second-largest market after the United States. The company said it would open 250 restaurants per year in China, where it currently operates more than 2,200 outlets, as it focuses on high-growth markets to boost sales. McDonald's said it would add another 250 outlets in Hong Kong and South Korea over the same period and was seeking franchise partners in the all three markets, where it now has more than 2,800 restaurants. "Asia still offers by far the largest long-term growth opportunity in global foodservice," Euromonitor International analyst Elizabeth Friend told Reuters. China, Hong Kong and South Korea, along with other high-growth markets such as Russia, accounted for nearly a quarter of McDonald's total sales in 2015. McDonald's, which converted about 470 company-owned restaurants to franchises last year, plans to franchise 95 percent of its outlets worldwide in the long-term. More than 80 percent of its 36,000-plus restaurants are currently operated by franchisees. Oak Brook, Illinois-based McDonald's said it was looking for partners who would "enable localized decisions on growth initiatives" in China, Hong Kong and South Korea. McDonald's and rival Yum Brands Inc (NYSE: YUM), the owner of KFC and Pizza Hut, have been facing increasing competition from cheaper local rivals, particularly in China, where they are trying to recover from food safety scares. China, which is home to the third largest number of McDonald's restaurants, is Yum's biggest market. Sales took a hit after Chinese regulators launched a probe into a local meat supplier in 2014 for allegedly mixing meat beyond its expiration date with fresh meat. McDonald's will have to focus on winning back public support and tailoring its food to local flavors, while preserving some of its Western appeal, Friend said. "It's a difficult balance." A Reuters analysis of same-store sales data suggests McDonald's is recovering faster than Yum in China. Researchers and consumers said there's no simple answer to explain why one is faring better than the other, but the scandals seem to have stuck to KFC much more than McDonald's in consumers' minds. McDonald's shares, which have risen about 29 percent in the past year, rose to a record high of $126.94 in morning trading on Thursday. (Reporting by Subrat Patnaik and Sruthi Ramakrishnan in Bengaluru; Editing by Don Sebastian and Anupama Dwivedi) The MetLife building is seen in New York, March 8, 2010. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton (Reuters) - A judge's ruling that MetLife Inc (NYSE: MET) is not "too big to fail" opens up an opportunity for insurer American International Group Inc (NYSE: AIG) to seek an exemption from the tag, AIG Chief Executive Peter Hancock said on CNBC on Thursday. However, Hancock said AIG was "reserving judgment" for now. AIG's near collapse in 2008 and its $182 billion bailout by the U.S. government was the driving force behind the inclusion of certain non-bank financial companies, including AIG, as "systemically important financial institutions" (SIFIs). The SIFI designation means regulators believe a collapse of the company could devastate the U.S. financial system just as much as the failure of a major bank and comes with increased regulatory oversight and capital requirements. Hancock, who said "the whole world was somewhat surprised" by the MetLife ruling, noted that AIG had shrunk its balance sheet, giving it a strong case to get its SIFI tag removed. AIG's mortgage insurance unit, United Guaranty Corp, filed for an initial public offering on Wednesday as part of AIG's plan to become smaller. The company also plans to sell its broker-dealer network. Activist investor Carl Icahn, who is AIG's fifth largest shareholder, has been pushing the insurer to become smaller and simpler to allow it to shed its label as a non-bank SIFI. General Electric Co's (NYSE: GE) GE Capital, another non-bank, formally asked the U.S. government on Thursday to stop designating it a SIFI. Shares of AIG, which have fallen 12 percent so far this year, were little changed at $54.55 in premarket trading. (Reporting By Sudarshan Varadhan in Bengaluru; Editing by Ted Kerr) LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- A.M. Best has affirmed the financial strength rating of B+ (Good) and the issuer credit rating of bbb- of ARABIA Insurance Company - Jordan (AIC-J) (Jordan). The outlook for both ratings remains stable. The ratings of AIC-J reflect the companys supportive risk-adjusted capitalisation and good performance over recent years. Offsetting factors include the companys modest business profile, low retention of profits and high levels of economic and financial system risk associated with operating in Jordan. AIC-Js ratings receive enhancement from its parent company, ARABIA Insurance Company s.a.l. (AIC). AIC has a 51% shareholding in AIC-J and provides support to the company in areas such as governance, risk management, reinsurance purchasing and technical expertise. AIC-Js risk-adjusted capitalisation has deteriorated in recent years but remains appropriate for the ratings, partly supported by unrealised gains in the companys real estate portfolio. The deterioration has chiefly been driven by AIC-Js onerous dividend policy, and prospective capital adequacy will largely be driven by the companys ability to generate and retain sufficient capital to support its strategic initiatives. Whilst AIC-J has a track record of generating good results, the company is expected to report a modest profit for 2015, driven by reduced investment income and an underwriting loss, with an expected non-life combined ratio of approximately 105%. Motor and medical lines, which account for about three quarters of AIC-Js gross written premium, tend to have higher loss ratios than other lines of business in Jordan due to stiff levels of competition, which directly impact the company as a result of its modest business profile. Although AIC-J plans to diversify its portfolio and grow in the medium term, neither its business mix nor its competitive position is likely to change substantially in Jordans fragmented and competitive market. This press release relates to rating(s) that have been published on A.M. Bests website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see A.M. Bests Recent Rating Activity web page. A.M. Best is the worlds oldest and most authoritative insurance rating and information source. For more information, visit www.ambest.com. Copyright 2016 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160331006251/en/ A.M. Best Thomas Bateman, +44 20 7397 0329 Associate Financial Analyst [email protected] or Ghislain Le Cam, CFA, +44 20 7397 0268 Associate Director, Analytics [email protected] or Christopher Sharkey, +1 908 439 2200, ext. 5159 Manager, Public Relations [email protected] or Jim Peavy, +1 908 439 2200, ext. 5644 Assistant Vice President, Public Relations [email protected] Source: A.M. Best TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Antibe Therapeutics Inc (Antibe or the Company) (TSXV:ATE, OTCQX: ATBPF) has retained the Giordano Group, Inc (Giordano Group), a division of Network 1 Financial Securities LLC (Network 1), to provide investor relations consulting services for the United States. The Giordano Group has many years of experience in designing and executing Investor Relations programs for emerging life science companies in the United States, including non-deal and deal-related road shows throughout the country. Network 1 is a full service FINRA registered broker dealer; it was established in 1983, and is headquartered in Red Bank, New Jersey. The agreement with the Giordano Group is subject to the approval of Canadian securities regulators. It is for a duration of 6 months and provides for an investor relations consulting fee of USD $5,000 per month. About Antibe Therapeutics Inc. Antibe develops safer medicines for pain and inflammation. Antibes technology involves linking a hydrogen sulfide-releasing molecule to an existing drug to produce a patented, improved medicine. Antibes lead drug ATB-346 targets the global need for a safer non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for chronic pain and inflammation. ATB-352, the second drug in Antibes pipeline, targets the urgent global need for a safer analgesic for treating severe acute pain, while ATB-340 is a GI-safe derivative of aspirin. www.antibethera.com. Antibes subsidiary, Citagenix Inc. (Citagenix), is a leader in the sales and marketing of tissue regenerative products servicing the orthopedic and dental marketplaces. Since its inception in 1997, Citagenix has become the largest source of knowledge and experience in the Canadian medical device industry. Citagenix Inc. is active in 15 countries, operating in Canada through its direct sales teams, and internationally via a network of distributor partnerships. www.citagenix.com. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) and no stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release nor approved or disapproved of the information contained herein. Forward-Looking Information This news release includes certain forward-looking statements which may include, but are not limited to, royalty payments and milestone payments from Knight. Any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking, including those identified by the expressions will, anticipate, believe, plan, estimate, expect, intend, and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied in this news release. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in this news release include, but are not limited to, not achieving commercial revenue from Antibes anti-inflammatory and pain drugs, not achieving the milestone specified in the license agreement, risks associated with drug development generally, not obtaining future financing on adequate terms, or at all, anticipated sales not achieving expected volumes and not obtaining TSX Venture Exchange final approval for the transactions described herein. Antibe Therapeutics Inc. assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements except as required by applicable law. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160331006493/en/ Antibe Therapeutics Inc. Dan Legault, 416-473-4095 Chief Executive Officer [email protected] or The Giordano Group, Inc, Division of Network 1 Financial Securities, LLC Bob Giordano, 917-327-3938 Pres. [email protected] or Charles Nelson, 212-961-6277 or Alice McKeon, 732-758-9001 Source: Antibe Therapeutics Inc. MONSEY, NY -- (Marketwired) -- 03/31/16 -- Culinary Depot , a leading supplier of commercial kitchen equipment, has unveiled its recently completed kitchen installation for Melia Hotels International at their flagship U.S. hotel, INNSIDE New York NoMad. INNSIDE New York NoMad is the first of its kind in the U.S. and extends Melia International's professional and flexible service to both stylish business travelers and leisure guests. "We're thrilled with the final result of this stunning kitchen installation," remarked Culinary Depot CEO Michael Lichter. "Over the years, Culinary Depot has provided and will continue to provide custom kitchens for five-star hotels, and we pride ourselves on accommodating our customers with a unique experience in the industry, outstanding customer service, and special attention to quality and detail." Faced with challenging decisions due to the tight NYC cellar space, Culinary Depot was able to tap into its vast experience with high-end hotels as well as its extensive expertise in kitchen equipment to optimize the layout of the kitchen. The finished space includes mixers and slicers by Hobart, refrigerators by Traulsen, a lowboy refrigerator from Randell, walk-in coolers by Nor-Lake, stainless steel fabrication items by Pro Stainless, a vent-less dishwasher made by Champion, and Hood systems by CaptiveAire. "We love a good challenge, and throughout this project we continually had to come up with new and innovative solutions to meet the requirements needed," said Lichter. "This not only helped us grow, but furthers solidified our positions as a top commercial kitchen supplier. The more scenarios we face and solve, the more we can grow and expand as a company." Read all about large cooking equipment http://www.culinarydepotinc.com/v-3-large-cooking-equipment.aspx Find great deals on large commercial cooking equipment from Culinary Depot. Our professional associates are standing by to answer any questions one may have. We have kitchen designers that can help organize kitchens to maximize output and quality. About Melia Hotels International Founded in 1956 in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, Melia Hotels International is one of the largest hotel companies in the world and the largest hotel chain in Spain in both resort and city hotels. The company currently operates more than 350 hotels in 35 countries and 4 continents under its brands: Melia, Gran Melia, ME by Melia, Paradisus, Innside by Melia, TRYP by Wyndham, Sol Hotels and Club Melia. About Culinary Depot Culinary Depot, an innovative leader in kitchen supplies and restaurant equipment nestled in the heart of Monsey, NY, provides an extensive line of culinary products to a broad customer base across a wide variety of industries. The company's promise of high-quality products and dedicated customer service provides the foundation for excellence that they continually operate on. Culinary Depot's background in foodservice has given them the knowledge and experience needed to excel in the kitchen and restaurant supply industry and enables them to properly service their growing customer base. For over 15 years they have successfully provided each customer with a professional experience and consider this and their technical know-how to be the foundation of their ever-growing company. For more information on Culinary Depot visit http://www.culinarydepotinc.com/. Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/3/31/11G090450/Images/CulinaryDepot.jpg-94b9caa67b998c90b6f6e03bad83147e.jpg Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/3/31/11G090450/Images/IMG-20160303-WA0007-5a4e420f4907a407b60da7a90ff69c22.jpg Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/3/31/11G090450/Images/CulinaryDepot-Commercial-Kitchen-at-Melia-INNSIDE--14da9d2f4155903ea96ce2ce14f406bb.jpg Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/3/31/11G090450/Images/INNSIDE_New_York_NoMad-14ca25f0f73cba79ab6be9916abb2cd4.jpg Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/3/31/11G090450/Images/IMG-20160303-WA0008-a15ae702625e99378dcca81d4e93b074.jpg Source: Culinary Depot LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Goldberg Law PC (http://www.Goldberglawpc.com) announces that it is investigating claims of potential misrepresentations by Platform Specialty Products Corporation (Platform Specialty Products or the Company) (NYSE: PAH). The investigation focuses on whether the Company and its officers violated securities laws by issuing misleading information to investors. If you purchased or otherwise acquired Platform Specialty Products shares and would like more information regarding the investigation, we advise you to contact Michael Goldberg or Brian Schall, of Goldberg Law PC, 13650 Marina Pointe Dr. Suite 708, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292, at 800-977-7401, to discuss your rights without cost to you. You can also reach us through the firms website at http://www.Goldberglawpc.com, or by email at [email protected]. The investigation concerns whether the Company violated Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Specifically, the investigation will focus on a March 14, 2016, Wall Street Journal article claiming that the Company is looking into foreign bribery involving third-party payments made by a recently acquired Company in West Africa. If you have any questions concerning your legal rights in this case, please immediately contact Goldberg Law PC at 800-977-7401, or visit our website at http://www.Goldberglawpc.com, or email us at [email protected]. Goldberg Law PC represents shareholders around the world and specializes in securities class actions and shareholder rights litigation. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160331005991/en/ Goldberg Law PC, Los Angeles Michael Goldberg, Esq., 800-977-7401 Brian Schall, Esq., 800-977-7401 [email protected] http://www.Goldberglawpc.com https://twitter.com/search?q=goldberglawpc&src=typd https://www.facebook.com/pages/Goldberg-Law-PC/850505465033804?fref=ts Source: Goldberg Law PC The logo of the Disney store on the Champs Elysee is seen in Paris, France, March 3, 2016. REUTERS/Jacky Naegelen By Tova Cohen TEL AVIV (Reuters) - Playbuzz, a U.S.-Israeli platform for distributing online content, has raised $15 million in funding led by Saban Ventures, with participation from Walt Disney Co (NYSE: DIS). Existing investors 83North, Carmel Ventures and FirstTime Ventures also participated in the funding, which follows a $16 million investment round last year. Playbuzz said on Thursday it will use the money to develop its platform and expand its sponsored-content business, which works with companies such as Pizza Hut, Unilever and Ford to create advertising campaigns. Playbuzz is used by thousands of publishers such as Time, USA Today, the Daily Telegraph and HBO to create content in new formats to boost audience engagement. "People are becoming impatient and don't read a lot today. Traditional media is usually long-form articles or video and they don't make sense in an era where people discover content on a four-inch screen," Shaul Olmert, Playbuzz's New York-based CEO, told Reuters. While quizzes are the most shared format on social media, Playbuzz also provides publishers with slideshows, flip cards, galleries and lists. U.S. media outlet The Hill used its video snaps format to divide a video previewing a Republican party debate into segments, enabling viewers to skip to candidates they wanted to hear. UK newspaper publisher The Independent used a new format called swiper asking readers to agree or disagree with Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn's policies. Olmert said the average time spent looking at a traditional news article is less than 15 seconds compared with 3-4 minutes for Playbuzz-powered content. With 100 employees including 60 in Israel, Playbuzz makes money from sponsored content and began seeing revenue in the last quarter of 2015. For example, American Express placed a quiz on UK media sites asked readers which family vacation they preferred and recommended places to travel. U.S. digital ad spending in 2016 will reach $68.8 billion, or 35.8 percent of total media ad spending, rising to $105.2 billion in 2020, according to eMarketer. Olmert, the son of former Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert, expects revenue this year to more than triple. Playbuzz competes with sites such as Buzzfeed, the Huffington Post and Vox Media for advertising, especially in sponsored campaigns. But Olmert notes they are publishers while Playbuzz distributes content for its partners on thousands of sites. The investment by Disney and media tycoon Haim Saban, who chairs Univision, is part of a partnership that will lead to new projects, Olmert said. (Editing by Jason Neely) MOSCOW (Reuters) - Damascus will base its dialogue on solving the Syrian conflict at the next round of talks in Geneva on the United Nations basic principles document, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said in an interview with Russia's RIA news agency published on Wednesday. Last week, Syrian and opposition parties considered a document drawn up by a U.N. special envoy outlining basic principles in what one diplomat described as a "baby step" forward. "For now, we cannot say that something was achieved at the Geneva talks but we have started from the basics, namely formulating the basic principles on which negotiations will be based," Assad said. (Reporting by Lidia Kelly and Denis Pinchuk; Editing by Christian Lowe) Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu (R) and his Greek counterpart Alexis Tsipras exchange agreements during a signing ceremony in the Aegean port city of Izmir, western Turkey, March 8, 2016. REUTERS/Lefteris Pitarakis/Pool By Gabriela Baczynska and Karolina Tagaris BRUSSELS/ATHENS (Reuters) - Greece and Turkey are rushing through changes to their asylum rules in a race to implement a EU-Turkey agreement on the return of refugees and migrants from Greek islands to Turkey from next Monday, EU officials and diplomats said. Both Athens and Ankara must amend their legislation to permit the start of a scheme - denounced by the U.N. refugee agency and rights groups - to send back all migrants who crossed to Greece after March 20. The policy is meant to end the uncontrolled influx of refugees and other migrants in which more than a million people crossed into Europe last year. EU border agency Frontex will coordinate the logistics after Greek authorities decide on individual cases. An EU official said it would have ferries, police officers and other escorts ready on Monday for the short trip, most likely from the Greek island of Lesbos to Dikili in Turkey. Greece, which started evacuating hundreds of people stranded in Athens' Piraeus port on Thursday, submitted to parliament an asylum amendment bill on Wednesday. Brussels said it had assurances from Athens that it would be passed this week. But it does not explicitly designate Turkey as a "safe third country" - a formula to make any mass returns legally sound - and a senior official of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees said that change did not remove its concerns about protecting the rights of asylum seekers. "Our concerns regarding legal safeguards remain unchanged and we hope that the Greek authorities will take them fully into consideration," UNHCR Europe director Vincent Cochetel said. A European Commission spokeswoman, Natasha Bertaud, said the Greek government had put to parliament "the necessary legal provisions to allow for the return to Turkey of asylum seekers whose requests have been declared inadmissible". Turkey had confirmed its intention to introduce the legal changes by the target date of April 4, she said. These include ensuring protection in line with the Geneva Convention on refugees for Syrians who are sent back there as well as those who enter Turkey from Syria. Bertaud did not say what Ankara planned to do about non-Syrian migrants. But a person familiar with EU-Turkey preparatory talks said it was doubtful whether the Turkish authorities would be willing to introduce any legal protections for non-Syrians. The UNHCR and non-government organizations have pulled out of reception camps for migrants on the Greek islands because of their opposition to detaining asylum seekers. TURKEY NOT NAMED The Greek bill does not name Turkey, but Bertaud said that was not essential provided rules were in place allowing people to be sent back to a "safe third country" or a "safe first country of asylum", and each case was examined individually. EU officials said the formula was devised to get around unease among lawmakers in Greece's ruling Syriza party at declaring Turkey safe when it is waging a military crackdown on Kurdish separatists and is accused of curbing media freedom and judicial independence. Asked why Turkey was not mentioned, Greece's alternate minister for European affairs, Nikos Xydakis, told To Kokkino radio: "It cannot be in a law, because the examination of each application for asylum will be on a case by case basis. That is the safety trigger under international refugee law. Each person is a special case." Greece sought political cover from its European Union partners at an EU-Turkey summit two weeks ago, requesting that the EU collectively declare Turkey a "safe third country". But several member states refused due to the same rights concerns. Dimitris Christopoulos, a vice president of the International Federation for Human Rights, told Reuters: "Fortunately the government did not give in to some EU member states demands. It is in the right direction that Turkey is not recognized as a safe third country in the bill." "What will happen is that Turkey will be de facto a safe country since those seeking asylum will be returned there." (Additional reporting by Michele Kambas in Athens and Dasha Afanasieva in Ankara, Writing by Paul Taylor) S.Korea to expand corporate-bond buying program - finance minister SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea's financial authorities will raise the ceiling for their corporate bond-buying facility to 16 trillion won ($11 billion) from the current 8 trillion won, Finance Minister Choo Kyung-ho said on Sunday. The measure is aimed at easing concerns of a liquidity crunch in corporate bond and short-term money markets, Choo said after a meeting with top financial officials, including the Bank of Korea governor and financial... (continue reading...) Factbox-China's new elite Communist Party leadership BEIJING (Reuters) - China's Xi Jinping on Sunday secured a third term as leader of the Communist Party and unveiled a new seven-member Politburo Standing Committee, which he heads, that will determine the path of the country's development in the next five years. Below are the personnel elected on Sunday by the Central Committee, the biggest of the party's top decision-making bodies, to the pinnacle of China's political power. General... (continue reading...) Analysis-Poor nations face peril over elusive G-20 debt relief push By Karin Strohecker and Andrea Shalal LONDON/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A failure to secure meaningful progress on a debt relief for the world's poorest nations at the International Monetary Fund and World Bank annual meeting in Washington has left policymakers, campaigners and investors frustrated. Two years ago the Group of 20 launched the Common Framework - a mechanism designed to provide a swift and comprehensive debt overhaul to nations... (continue reading...) Analysis-Poor nations face peril over elusive G-20 debt relief push By Karin Strohecker and Andrea Shalal LONDON/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A failure to secure meaningful progress on a debt relief for the world's poorest nations at the International Monetary Fund and World Bank annual meeting in Washington has left policymakers, campaigners and investors frustrated. Two years ago the Group of 20 launched the Common Framework - a mechanism designed to provide a swift and comprehensive debt overhaul to nations... (continue reading...) Analysis-Poor nations face peril over elusive G-20 debt relief push By Karin Strohecker and Andrea Shalal LONDON/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A failure to secure meaningful progress on a debt relief for the world's poorest nations at the International Monetary Fund and World Bank annual meeting in Washington has left policymakers, campaigners and investors frustrated. Two years ago the Group of 20 launched the Common Framework - a mechanism designed to provide a swift and comprehensive debt overhaul to nations... (continue reading...) More Reuters Special advisor to the United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Jan Egeland arrives for a news conference after a meeting of the Task Force for Humanitarian Access at the U.N. in Geneva, Switzerland, March 23, 2016. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse By Stephanie Nebehay GENEVA (Reuters) - The United Nations voiced concern on Thursday over stalled aid deliveries to besieged areas in Syria, with convoys delayed or surgical equipment being removed, mainly by government forces. Jan Egeland, chairman of a task force on humanitarian aid, urged countries such as Russia, Iran, China and Iraq to pressure Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government to enable more deliveries of food and medicines. "We still have not gotten access, a green light to go at all to Douma, Daraya, east Harasta," he told reporters after major and regional powers in the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) met to review progress during the month-long ceasefire. More than 90,000 people in need are trapped in government-besieged Douma, while conditions are "horrendous" in Daraya, where the World Food Programme (WFP) has said some hungry people have been reduced to eating grass. The United Nations has reached 150,000 people living in 11 of 18 besieged areas in Syria, out of a total of nearly 500,000 trapped in such locations. Rebel forces are besieging Foua and Kefraya, two Shi'ite villages in Idlib that have received multiple convoys. The rest are besieged by the government or allied Hezbollah forces, except for Deir al-Zor, encircled by Islamic State militants. The government last week granted permission for three more besieged areas - Irbin, Zamalka and Zabadani - but the deliveries have yet to happen amid wrangling over the number of beneficiaries, Egeland said. He said Damascus has been less responsive to requests for aid convoys than it was after world powers agreed in Munich in early February to a cessation of hostilities to allow aid to be delivered. "It's like there are less answers, less quick answers, less momentum, less dynamics in the situation than we had immediately after the ministerial meeting in Munich," he said. "We must be able to get to the remaining besieged areas." Medical supplies and health services are being denied, in violation of international law, Egeland said. "Surgical equipment is still taken off convoys, medical personnel is still not allowed into the besieged areas and medical evacuations are still not allowed." Egeland said three children in government-besieged Madaya bled to death earlier this week because they could not be evacuated for medical treatment after an unexploded bomb they were playing with exploded. "Those children should have been alive today," he said. But the U.N. now had clearance to start air drops of vital supplies to Deir al-Zor, a town of 200,000 people, within two weeks, after a failed attempt last month, he added. (Reporting by Stephanie Nebehay; Editing by Tom Heneghan) By Gary Robertson RICHMOND, Va. (Reuters) - A Virginia state trooper who was engaged in a training exercise at a Richmond bus station died on Thursday after a man pulled out a gun and opened fire before being fatally shot by two police officers, police said. The trooper, Chad Dermyer, 37, was shot multiple times and died after being transported to an area hospital, Virginia State Police Colonel Steven Flaherty told a news conference. The gunman, who police did not identify, died after being transported to the VCU medical Center, Corinne Geller, spokeswoman for Virginia state police, told reporters. Police did not provide any information on the gunman and did not say why he was at the bus station. Police did say that "the shooter continued to be combative as police took him into custody." The suspect's firearm was recovered, Geller said. Two women inside the Greyhound bus station were also shot, but their injuries were non-life-threatening, Geller said. Police did not identify them. Dermyer, who had recently been transferred to an counter-terrorism unit, was among roughly a dozen troopers participating in a training session. Police provided no further details on the training exercise and did not say if it was part of the anti-terrorism unit. Dermyer was in uniform when he approached the man at around 2:45 p.m. EDT, police said. Dermyer joined the department in 2014, police said. He had served in the U.S. Marine Corps and is survived by his wife and two young children. Officials from the Richmond Police Department, the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Marshals Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Henrico County Police, and U.S. Department of Homeland Security responded to the scene, Geller said. Greyhound, owned by FirstGroup PLC (NYSE: FGP), said the station was closed until further notice and the company was actively working with authorities to provide any information needed, including video surveillance that was captured. Greyhound said in a statement that no employees were injured. (Additional reporting by Eric M. Johnson in Seattle and Melissa Fares in New York; writing by Scott Malone and Eric Beech; Editing by Mohammad Zargham and Diane Craft) 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies This summary of significant accounting policies is presented to assist in understanding the Companys consolidated financial statements. The consolidated financial statements and notes are representations of the Companys management who is responsible for their integrity and objectivity. These accounting policies conform to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United States of America and have been consistently applied in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements. The consolidated financial statements are stated in United States of America dollars. Receivables Accounts receivable include uncollateralized customer obligations due under normal trade terms requiring payment within 30-60 days from invoice date. Payments of accounts receivable are allocated to the specific invoices identified on the customers remittance advice or, if unspecified, are applied to the earliest unpaid invoices. The carrying amount of accounts receivable is reduced by a valuation allowance for doubtful accounts that reflects managements best estimate of the amounts that will not be collected based on historical collection trends. The allowance for doubtful accounts was $3,741 and $1,350 as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Fair Value of Financial Instruments ASC No. 850 requires disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments when it is practicable to estimate that value. The carrying amount of the Companys cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts receivable-related party, accounts payable, accounts payable-related party and accrued liabilities approximate their estimated fair values due to their short-term maturities. Notes payable are carried at their face value net of their issuance costs which management believes is a reasonable approximation for their fair value. Warrants with put features are carried at their minimum cash put value discounted for the time value of money. Unless otherwise noted, it is managements opinion that the Company is not exposed to significant interest, currency or credit risks arising from these consolidated financial statements. Income Taxes The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC No. 740 which requires the use of the asset and liability method of accounting of income taxes. Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the consolidated financial statements carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share In accordance with ASC 260, basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings (loss) per share, if any, is computed similar to basic earnings (loss) per share except that the denominator is adjusted for the potential dilution that could occur if stock options, warrants, and other convertible securities were exercised or converted into common stock. Revenue Recognition The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 101, Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements, as revised by SAB 104. As such, the Company recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, title transfer has occurred, the price is fixed or readily determinable and collectability is probable. Sales are recorded net of sales discounts. At Enversa, revenue is recognized monthly along with the related cost of revenue as services are rendered. Provisions for discounts and rebates to customers, estimated returns and allowances, and other adjustments are provided for in the same period the related sales are recorded. Use of Estimates The preparation of the Companys consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in these consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments with an original maturity of three (3) months or less to be cash equivalents. Property and Equipment Property and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method as follows: Computer equipment 3 years Office furniture 5 years Computer software packages 3 years Leasehold improvements 3 years Expenditures for maintenance and repairs which do not materially extend the useful lives of property and equipment are charged to operations. When property or equipment is sold or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective accounts with the resulting gain or loss reflected in operations. Management periodically reviews the carrying value of its property and equipment for impairment. The Companys property and equipment were fully depreciated as of December 31, 2015. Long-Lived Assets The Company accounts for its long-lived assets in accordance with ASC 360. The Companys primary long-lived assets are property and equipment. ASC 360 requires a company to assess the recoverability of its long-lived assets whenever events and circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable from estimated future cash flows expected to result from its use and eventual disposition. Management reviews its long-lived assets annually. As previously noted, the Companys property and equipment were fully depreciated as of December 31, 2015. Stock-Based Compensation The Company accounts for awards made under its two stock-based compensation plans pursuant to the fair value provisions of ASC No. 718. ASC No. 718 requires the recognition of stock-based compensation expense, using a fair-value based method, for costs related to all share-based payments including stock options. ASC No. 718 requires companies to estimate the fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model. The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC No. 718 and estimates its fair value based on using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Companys determination of fair value of share-based payment awards is made as of their respective dates of grant using that option pricing model and is affected by the Companys stock price as well as a number of subjective assumptions. These variables include, but are not limited to, the Companys expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards and actual and projected employee stock option exercise behavior. The expected term of options granted is derived from historical data on employee exercises and post-vesting employment termination behavior. The risk-free rate selected to value any particular grant is based on the U.S. Treasury rate that corresponds to the pricing term of the grant effective as of the date of the grant. The expected volatility is based on comparable companies. These factors could change in the future, affecting the determination of stock based compensation expense in future periods. The Black-Scholes option pricing model was developed for use in estimating the value of traded options that have no vesting or hedging restrictions and are fully transferable. Because the Companys options have certain characteristics that are significantly different from traded options, the existing valuation models may not provide an accurate measure of the fair value of the Companys options. Although the fair value of the Companys options is determined in accordance with ASC No. 718 using an option-pricing model, that value may not be indicative of the fair value observed in a willing buyer/willing seller market transaction. The calculated compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the options. See also Note 8 Stock Based Compensation, for more details. Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CornerWorld Corporation, its wholly owned subsidiaries and entities determined to meet the definition of Variable Interest Entities. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Concentrations of Cash and Cash Equivalents Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) currently insures accounts at each institution for up to $250,000. At times, cash balances may exceed the FDIC insurance limit of $250,000. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 the Company had no balances in excess of that which is insured by the FDIC. Recent Accounting Pronouncements There were various accounting standards and interpretations issued during the year ended December 31, 2015, none of which are expected to have a material impact on the Companys consolidated financial position, operations, or cash flows. Issuance of Stock for Non-Cash Consideration All issuances of the Companys stock for non-cash consideration have been assigned a dollar amount equaling either the market value of the shares issued or the value of consideration received, whichever is more readily determinable. Reclassifications Certain prior year accounts have been reclassified to conform to the current years presentation. UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington D.C. 20549 FORM 6-K Report of Foreign Private Issuer Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the period ended March 30, 2016 COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: 000-22216 CANADIAN ZINC CORPORATION Suite 1710 - 650 West Georgia Street Vancouver, British Columbia Canada V6B 4N9 Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F Form 20-F Form 40-F o Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): Yes o No Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): Yes o No Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 13g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Yes o No If Yes is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): EXHIBIT LIST 99.1 News Release Dated March 30, 2016 - Canadian Zinc reports financial results for 2015 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. CANADIAN ZINC CORPORATION Date: March 30, 2016 By: /s/ John F. Kearney John F. Kearney President and Chairman Exhibit 99.1 Canadian Zinc reports financial results for 2015 Underground Exploration increases Resources Two MOUs signed for Concentrate Sales Prairie Creek Updated Preliminary Feasibility Completed Newfoundland Metallurgical Testwork on track CZN-TSX CZICF-OTCQB VANCOUVER, March 30, 2016 /CNW/ - Canadian Zinc Corporation (TSX: CZN; OTCQB: CZICF) ("the Company" or "Canadian Zinc") reports its financial results and development activities for the year ended December 31, 2015. Financial Results for Fiscal 2015 For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company reported a net loss and comprehensive loss of $8,262,000 compared to a net loss and comprehensive loss of $12,434,000 for the year ended December 31, 2014. Included in the loss for the year ended December 31, 2015, were exploration and evaluation expenditures of $7,650,000 compared to $9,996,000 for the previous year. The net loss in the year ended December 31, 2015 included a gain of $486,000 on the Company's marketable securities compared to a loss of $878,000 for the comparative year of 2014 and a gain on changes to the decommissioning provision of $246,000 compared to no gain or loss in the comparative year of 2014. At December 31, 2015, the Company had a positive working capital balance of $2,482,000 including cash and cash equivalents of $1,674,000, short term investments of $28,000 and marketable securities of $936,000. In January 2016, the Company's marketable securities, being its investment in Vatukoula Gold Mines Plc, were liquidated for cash of $936,000. Prairie Creek Project 2015 Underground Exploration Program In 2015, Canadian Zinc completed its underground exploration diamond drill program at the Prairie Creek Mine totaling 5,484 metres of diamond drill coring in 21 drill holes. The results of the 2015 underground exploration drilling program were very positive, with all holes intercepting the Main Quartz Vein structure and/or Stockwork mineralization, with some excellent grades and widths. The objectives of testing for new areas of mineralization in proximity to the existing underground workings and increasing the projected life of the mine by converting part of the currently Inferred Resource to an Indicated category have been met. Following completion of the 2015 underground exploration program a new mineral resource estimate was completed by AMC Mining Consultants in September 2015, which demonstrated an increase in overall resource tonnages in the Indicated and the Inferred categories. Total Measured and Indicated Resource tonnages increased by 32% to 8.7 million tonnes at combined grade of approximately 19% Pb and Zn plus 136 g/t Ag. Total Inferred Resource tonnages remained relatively unchanged with an increase in Stockwork resource replacing upgraded Main Quartz Vein resource. The September 2015 Prairie Creek mineral resource estimate was completed by AMC [Gregory Z. Mosher P.Geo., Qualified Persons as defined by NI 43-101] and reported in the Company's September 17, 2015 press release. MOUs signed for Concentrate Production As announced on March 3, 2016 Canadian Zinc has signed MOUs with Korea Zinc and Boliden for the sale of zinc and lead concentrates to be produced at Canadian Zinc's 100% owned Prairie Creek Mine. These offtake arrangements with two of the pre-eminent smelting companies in the world, confirming the marketability of Prairie Creek's zinc and lead concentrates, represent a major step forward in the development of the Prairie Creek Mine and move Canadian Zinc closer to production. Canadian Zinc has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Korea Zinc Co., Ltd ("Korea Zinc") for the sale to Korea Zinc of approximately 20,000 to 30,000 wet metric tonnes of zinc sulphide concentrates, approximately 15,000 to 20,000 wet metric tonnes of lead sulphide concentrates and approximately 5,000 tonnes of lead oxide concentrates, per year, for a minimum period of five years from the date of startup of the Prairie Creek Mine, with exact annual quantiles to be mutually agreed. Canadian Zinc has also entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Boliden Commercial AB, ("Boliden") for the sale to Boliden of a minimum of 20,000 dry metric tonnes and up to 40,000 dry metric tonnes of zinc sulphide concentrates, per year, for a minimum of five years from the start of regular deliveries, with exact annual quantities to be mutually agreed. The MOUs with each of Korea Zinc and Boliden set out the intentions of Canadian Zinc and each of Korea Zinc and Boliden to enter into concentrate sales agreements for the concentrates to be produced from the Prairie Creek Mine on the general terms set out in the MOUs, including commercial terms which are to be kept confidential. In negotiating these arrangements for the future sale of Prairie Creek concentrates, Canadian Zinc has secured the annual offtake and sale of a minimum of 40,000, and potentially up to 70,000 metric tonnes, of zinc concentrates and 20,000 to 25,000 tonnes of lead concentrates, per year, and with the flexibility for any remaining unallocated concentrate being available for third party or spot market sales. Prairie Creek Permitting Update In April 2014, the Company submitted an application to the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board and to Parks Canada for Land Use Permits to permit the possible future upgrade of the current winter access road to all season use. The application is now undergoing environmental assessment before the Mackenzie Valley Review Board ("MVRB"). In April 2015, Canadian Zinc submitted its Developer's Assessment Report ("DAR") to the MVRB. The MVRB completed a preliminary review of the DAR in response to which the Company provided supplementary information to the MVRB partly in the form of a comprehensive DAR Addendum, which was submitted to the MVRB in September 2015 and followed by additional Terrain Analysis data which was submitted in November 2015. The Review Board concluded that the environmental assessment could proceed on existing information but requested some additional information which was subsequently submitted. In February 2016, the Company received Information requests from interested parties which the Company is in the process of responding to. Once all responses to the information requests are submitted a Technical Session will be scheduled and held in Yellowknife. In November 2015, Canadian Zinc and Parks Canada signed a Memorandum of Understanding Phase III ("MOU") regarding the operation and development of the Prairie Creek Mine and the management of Nahanni National Park Reserve. The Phase III MOU, which is valid for five years from November 2015, renews the previous MOUs signed between the Parties in 2008 and 2012. In the renewed MOU, Canadian Zinc and Parks Canada further agree to make every reasonable effort to address issues of common interest and build a strong working relationship, including convening a Technical Team, which will, among other things, better identify, define and consider issues of common interest including, among other things, development and use of the access to and from the Prairie Creek Mine through Nahanni National Park Reserve and operation of the Prairie Creek Mine 2016 Preliminary Feasibility Study An updated 2016 Preliminary Feasibility Study ("2016 PFS"), based on optimization work undertaken over the past three years, was completed in March 2016 and supersedes the 2012 Pre-Feasibility Study completed by SNC Lavalin. The 2016 PFS was completed by AMC Mining Consultants (Canada) Ltd., Tetratech Inc. and Canadian Zinc personnel. The 2016 PFS was undertaken to incorporate the increased resources and longer mine life derived from the 2015 underground exploration program, incorporation of an all season road to access the mine, advanced engineering details and updated capital and operating costs and to follow up on a number of other recommendations listed in the 2012 PFS. Summary Highlights of the 2016 PFS (All costs are in Canadian dollars unless indicated otherwise, t=tonne, M=million, g=gram, lb=pound, lbs=pounds, oz=ounces, tpd=tonnes per day, dmt=dry metric tonnes, LOM=life of mine, CDN=Canadian, US=United States). Post-tax Net Present Value, using an 8% discount, of $302M, with a post-tax internal rate of return of 26%, based on base case metal price forecasts of US$1.00/lb for both zinc and lead and US$19.00/oz silver, for the Life of Mine ("LOM") production at an exchange rate of $1.25CDN:$1.00US. Average EBITDA of $90M per year and cumulative EBITDA of $1,432M over the LOM. 17 year mine life based exclusively on a Mineral Reserve of 7.6 million tonnes, grading 8.9% zinc and 8.3% lead, with 128 g/t silver, including a Mineral Reserve in the Main Quartz Vein of 5.2 million tonnes, grading 9.4% zinc, 10.4 % lead and 160 g/t silver. Average annual production of 60,000 dmt of zinc concentrate and 55,000 dmt of lead concentrate containing 86M lbs of zinc, 82M lbs of lead and 1.7M ounces of silver. Pre-production capital cost is estimated to be $216M, of which $59M will be incurred in Year 1 and $157M in Year 2, with an additional contingency of $28M. Average LOM cash operating costs per tonne of ore mined (before transportation costs) are estimated at $165/t. The 2016 PFS indicates average annual production of approximately 60,000 tonnes of zinc concentrate and 55,000 tonnes of lead concentrate, containing approximately 86 million pounds of zinc, 82 million pounds of lead and 1.7 million ounces of silver, and yielding average annual earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") of $90 million per year and cumulative EBITDA of$1.4 billion over an initial mine life of 17 years, using Base Case metal price forecasts of US$1.00 per pound for both zinc and lead and US$19.00 per ounce for silver. Pre-production Capital Costs, including the new all season road, are estimated at $244 million, including contingency of $28 million, with payback of three years. The 2016 PFS does not take into consideration the Inferred Resources of 7.0 million tonnes of 11.3% zinc, 7.7% lead and 166 g/t silver, which is currently too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them, but could have the potential to more than double the presently considered mine life. The Prairie Creek orebody continues open-ended at increasing depths to the north. Newfoundland Properties Canadian Zinc owns an extensive land package in central Newfoundland that includes three VMS projects, each with defined deposits, which are being explored by Canadian Zinc. The Company's exploration strategy in Newfoundland is to continue to build on its existing polymetallic resource base with the aim of developing either a stand-alone mine, similar to the past-producing mines at Buchans and Duck Pond, or a number of smaller deposits that could be developed simultaneously and processed in a central milling facility. On June 30, 2015, the Company entered into a collaboration agreement with Buchans Minerals, a wholly owned subsidiary of Minco Plc (AIM: MIO), whereby the two Companies will share research data on their respective central Newfoundland Zn-Pb-Cu-Ag-Au deposits. The collaboration agreement is focused on seven VMS deposits located in central Newfoundland. Four of the deposits are held the Company (Lemarchant, Boomerang- Domino, Tulks East, and Long Lake) and three of the deposits are held by Buchans Minerals (Bobbys Pond, Daniels Pond and Tulks Hill). In conjunction with the collaboration agreement, the Company was awarded research funding by the Research & Development Corporation of Newfoundland and Labrador ("RDC") in December, 2015. The funding was provided to undertake a research program to complete physical and metallurgical bench scale studies on the seven VMS deposits located in central Newfoundland. The RDC is providing funding of $535,000 for the project through the GeoEXPLORE Industry-led R&D Technology Development and Demonstration Program. The total cost of the research project is estimated at $735,000 with Buchans Minerals and the Company each contributing up to $100,000 Work completed to December 31, 2015 includes: Diamond drilling was completed to obtain fresh metallurgical samples from four of the seven VMS deposits. These included Canadian Zinc's Boomerang-Domino and Lemarchant deposits and Buchans Minerals' Bobbys Pond and Daniels Pond deposits. The metallurgical samples and blending instructions were submitted to Thibault & Associates Inc. for mineralogical investigation, grindability characterization, acid generation assessment and bench scale flotation testing. Twelve samples (5-10 kg each) were collected and submitted to Thibault & Associates Inc. for bench scale Dense Media Separation ("DMS") testing. The DMS samples include four (4) samples from the Boomerang-Domino deposit, two (2) samples from the Lemarchant deposit, two (2) samples from the Bobbys Pond deposit and one (1) sample from each of the Tulks East, Long Lake, Tulks Hill and Daniels Pond deposits. The bench-scale Dense Media Separation test program was completed in late February, 2016. Highlights of the initial bench scale test results indicate five (5) of the semi-massive sulphide samples (Long Lake, Domino, Bobbys Pond and Daniels Pond) and one (1) footwall stockwork mineralization sample (Lemarchant) achieved a technically viable DMS separation with a pre-concentrate weighing 60-80% of the original sample weight. The remaining six (6) pyritic massive sulphide and/or barite samples (Boomerang, Lemarchant, Tulks East, Tulks Hill) were not considered technically amenable to upgrading by DMS. Outlook Canadian Zinc's focus for 2016 will be to continue to advance the Prairie Creek Mine towards production. The updated 2016 Pre-Feasibility Study indicates a robust project at consensus forecasts for the long term prices of lead and zinc and there is good potential for additional project optimization, enhanced economics and further extending the mine life. The 2016 PFS, with the Base Case economic model, indicates a Pre Tax Net Present Value, using an 8% discount of $509 million, with an internal rate of return of 32.0% and Post-tax Net Present Value ("NPV"), using an 8% discount, of $302 million, and a post-tax internal rate of return ("IRR") of 26%, with an initial mine life of 17 years and payback period of three years. The development of the Prairie Creek Mine will require substantial financing. The pre-production capital cost has been estimated at a total of $244 million, including a contingency of $28 million. Several commercial banks have expressed indicative interest in providing senior, secured project financing for the Project. It is expected that the 2016 PFS, and the financial model, will be shared with these banks to solicit indicative terms of financing. In parallel to bank financing, alternative funding structures will also be explored with royalty and streaming finance providers, who have expressed an indicative interest to provide a structured funding package. These could include royalty financing, stream financing, commodity related financing or other financing instruments. At December 31, 2015, Canadian Zinc had working capital of $2.48 million and expects it will be able to meet its minimum commitments for 2016. The ability of the Company to carry out its planned business objectives is dependent on its ability to raise adequate financing. There is a risk that additional financing will not be available to the Company on a timely basis or on acceptable terms. These conditions indicate the existence of material uncertainties which cast significant doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. The Company is currently evaluating various opportunities and seeking additional sources of financing. Careful management and preservation of cash is a top priority. Site programs have been reduced to a minimum. Cost reduction measures have been implemented across the Company, including reductions in staff, corporate salaries and expenses and directors fees. The long term outlook for lead and zinc remains very positive and, supported by the positive results of the 2016 PFS, Canadian Zinc will continue to evaluate all alternatives and possibilities for raising the financing necessary to complete the development and construction and put the Prairie Creek Mine into production. However the ability to raise financing is impacted by conditions beyond the control of the Company, including depressed commodity prices, continued uncertainty in the capital markets and the current lack of investor interest in the resource sector. Qualified Person Alan Taylor, P.Geo., Chief Operating Officer, Vice President Exploration and a Director of Canadian Zinc Corporation, is a Non-Independent Qualified Person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 and has approved this press release. About Canadian Zinc Canadian Zinc is a TSX-listed exploration and development company trading under the symbol "CZN". The Company's key project is the 100%-owned Prairie Creek Project, a fully permitted, advanced-staged zinc-lead-silver property, located in the Northwest Territories. Canadian Zinc also owns an extensive land package in central Newfoundland. E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.canadianzinc.com Cautionary Statement Forward-Looking Information This press release contains certain forward-looking information, including, among other things, the expected completion of acquisitions and the advancement of mineral properties. This forward looking information includes, or may be based upon, estimates, forecasts, and statements as to management's expectations with respect to, among other things, the completion of transactions, the issue of permits, the size and quality of mineral resources, future trends for the company, progress in development of mineral properties, future production and sales volumes, capital costs, mine production costs, demand and market outlook for metals, future metal prices and treatment and refining charges, the outcome of legal proceedings, the timing of exploration, development and mining activities, acquisition of shares in other companies and the financial results of the company. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Inferred mineral resources are considered too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves. There is no certainty that mineral resources will be converted into mineral reserves. Cautionary Note to United States Investors The United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") permits U.S. mining companies, in their filings with the SEC, to disclose only those mineral deposits that a company can economically and legally extract or produce. We use certain terms in this press release, such as "measured," "indicated," and "inferred" "resources," which the SEC guidelines prohibit U.S. registered companies from including in their filings with the SEC. SOURCE Canadian Zinc Corporation %CIK: 0000910569 For further information: John F. Kearney, Chairman & Chief Executive, (416) 362-6686, Suite 1200 220 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5J 2W4; Alan B. Taylor, Vice President Exploration & Chief Operating Officer, (604) 688-2001, Suite 1710 - 650 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 4N9, Tollfree:1-866-688-2001; Steve Dawson, Vice President Corporate Development, (416) 203-1418, Suite 1200 220 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5J 2W4 CO: Canadian Zinc Corporation CNW 22:19e 30-MAR-16 UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 SCHEDULE 13D (Rule 13d-101) UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (Amendment No. )* MIDDLEBURG FINANCIAL CORPORATION (Name of Issuer) Common Stock, par value $2.50 per share (Title of Class of Securities) 596094102 (CUSIP Number) David L. Sokol P.O. Box 4998 Jackson, Wyoming 83001 307-733-7277 (Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person Authorized to Receive Notices and Communications) March 31, 2016 (Date of Event Which Requires Filing of this Statement) If the filing person has previously filed a statement on Schedule 13G to report the acquisition that is the subject of this Schedule 13D, and is filing this schedule because of 240.13d-1(e), 240.13d-1(f) or 240.13d-1(g), check the following box. x N OTE : Schedules filed in paper format shall include a signed original and five copies of the schedule, including all exhibits. See Rule 13d-7 for other parties to whom copies are to be sent. * The remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting persons initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class of securities, and for any subsequent amendment containing information which would alter the disclosures provided in a prior cover page. The information required on the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed to be filed for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Act) or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act but shall be subject to all other provisions of the Act (however, see the Notes). CUSIP No. 596094102 1 NAME OF REPORTING PERSON David L. Sokol 2 CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP (see instructions) (a) (b) 3 SEC USE ONLY 4 SOURCE OF FUNDS (see instructions) PF 5 CHECK IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e) 6 CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION United States of America NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH: 7 SOLE VOTING POWER 2,103,008 8 SHARED VOTING POWER 0 9 SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER 2,103,008 10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER 0 11 AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON 2,103,008 12 CHECK IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES (see instructions) 13 PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11) 30.46%(1) 14 TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (see instructions) IN (1) Calculated based on 6,905,017 shares of Middleburg Financial Corporations (the Issuers) common stock, par value $2.50 per share, as reported on the Issuers Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 14, 2016. Item 1. Security and Issuer. This Schedule 13D relates to the Common Stock, par value $2.50 per share (the Shares), of Middleburg Financial Corporation, a Virginia corporation (the Issuer). David L. Sokol previously filed a Schedule 13G on August 28, 2008 (as amended on June 3, 2009 and February 25, 2010) with respect to the Shares of the Issuer he beneficially owned on those dates. The address of the Issuers principal executive offices is 111 W. Washington Street, Middleburg, Virginia 20117. Item 2. Identity and Background. (a) This Schedule 13D is being filed by David L. Sokol. (b) The principal business address of Mr. Sokol is P.O. Box 4998, Jackson, Wyoming 83001. (c) The present principal occupation of Mr. Sokol is Chief Executive Officer of Teton Capital, LLC. The principal business address where Mr. Sokol conducts his occupation is P.O. Box 4998, Jackson, Wyoming 83001. (d) During the last five years, Mr. Sokol has not been convicted in a criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations or similar misdemeanors). (e) During the last five years, Mr. Sokol has not been a party to a civil proceeding of a judicial or administrative body of competent jurisdiction and, as a result of such proceeding, was or is subject to a judgment, decree, or final order enjoining future violations of, or prohibiting or mandating activities subject to, federal or state securities laws or finding any violation with respect to such laws. (f) Mr. Sokol is a citizen of the United States of America. Item 3. Source and Amount of Funds or Other Consideration. David L. Sokol beneficially owns and has the sole voting and dispositive power over all 2,103,008 Shares of the Issuer reported in this Schedule 13D in his capacity as the sole trustee and beneficiary of the David L. Sokol Revocable Trust, which beneficially owns 1,940,012 Shares, and as the sole beneficiary of the David L. Sokol SEP IRA, the David L. Sokol IRA and the David L. Sokol IRA Rollover, which beneficially own 45,145, 61,466 and 56,385 Shares, respectively. On March 27, 2009, the Issuer entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with Mr. Sokol, which was amended on October 27, 2010 and April 28, 2014 (as amended, the Purchase Agreement) pursuant to which the Issuer sold 454,545 of the Issuers Shares to Mr. Sokol for an aggregate purchase price of $5,000,000. Mr. Sokol used his personal funds to acquire these Shares. Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Issuer agreed to provide Mr. Sokol certain demand registration rights for the purchased Shares. In this regard, the Issuer filed a Registration Statement on Form S-3 relating to the resale of the 454,545 Shares purchased by Mr. Sokol under the Purchase Agreement, which was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 29, 2015. In addition, under the Purchase Agreement the Issuer and Mr. Sokol agreed that at no time after the initial closing of the purchase would he, or any entity or group (as defined in Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the 1934 Act)) he is affiliated with, become, or obtain the right to become, the beneficial owner (as defined in Rule 13(d)(3) under the 1934 Act) of 30% or more of the Issuers common stock without the prior consent of the Board of Directors of the Issuer. Mr. Sokol acquired the remaining 1,648,463 Shares through open market purchases for aggregate consideration of approximately $25,877,537 using his personal funds. Item 4. Purpose of Transaction. The disclosure in Item 3 is incorporated by reference herein. The purpose of the acquisition of the Shares of the Issuer beneficially owned by Mr. Sokol was to acquire the Shares for investment purposes in the ordinary course of selling, trading, and investing in securities. Mr. Sokol has engaged in discussions with the Board of Directors of the Issuer regarding the Issuers financial performance and prevailing market trends impacting community banks (including increased competition for customers, costly regulatory compliance and general economic uncertainties). In this regard, on March 31, 2016, Mr. Sokol urged the Board of Directors to initiate a process to explore strategic alternatives to enable the Issuers shareholders to realize the full value of their investment in the Issuer. To this end, on March 31, 2016, Mr. Sokol sent a letter to the Board of Directors of the Issuer, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 1 and incorporated by reference herein. Mr. Sokol intends to review his investment in the Issuer on a continuing basis and, depending on various factors, including the Issuers business, affairs, and financial position, other developments concerning the Issuer, the price level of the Issuers Shares, conditions in the securities markets and general economic and industry conditions, as well as other investment opportunities available to him, may in the future take such actions with respect to his investment in the Shares as he deems appropriate in light of the circumstances existing from time to time. Such actions may include, without limitation, the purchase of additional Shares in the open market and in block trades, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise, or the sale at any time of all or a portion of the Shares now owned or hereafter acquired by him to one or more purchasers. In addition, Mr. Sokol may engage in communications regarding the Issuer with knowledgeable industry or market observers, industry participants, members of the Issuers Board of Directors or management, other representatives of the Issuer, or other persons. Such discussions may concern ideas or proposals that, if effected, may result in one or more of the events described in Item 4 of Schedule 13D, including, without limitation, a potential acquisition of the Issuer by an outside third party. The foregoing description of discussions, intentions, plans, activities, and potential transactions under consideration is subject to termination, evolution, modification, or change at any time, without notice, and there can be no assurance that Mr. Sokol will continue with any discussions or activities, or take any further action with respect to, the matters described above. Item 5. Interest in Securities of the Issuer. (a) Aggregate number of shares beneficially owned: 2,103,008. Percentage of class: 30.46%. (b) (1) Sole power to vote or direct vote: 2,103,008 (2) Shared power to vote or direct vote: -0- (3) Sole power to dispose or direct the disposition: 2,103,008 (4) Shared power to vote or direct vote: -0- (c) During the past 60 days, Mr. Sokol effected the following transactions in the Issuers Shares. All of such transactions were effected in the open market. Shares Purchased (P) or Sold (S) Price Per Share ($) Date of Transaction 103 (S ) $ 21.00 2/24/16 1,232 (S ) $ 21.00 2/25/16 2,168 (S ) $ 21.0049 2/26/16 2,325 (S ) $ 21.00 2/29/16 508 (S ) $ 21.00 3/1/16 612 (S ) $ 21.00 3/2/16 Except as set forth above, Mr. Sokol has not purchased, sold, or acquired any additional Shares of the Issuer during the 60 days prior to the filing of this Schedule 13D. (d) No other person is known by Mr. Sokol to have the right to receive or the power to direct the receipt of dividends from, or the proceeds from the sale of, the Shares reported in this Schedule 13D. (e) Not applicable. Item 6. Contracts, Arrangements, Understandings or Relationships With Respect to Securities of the Issuer. The disclosures in Items 3 and 4 are incorporated by reference herein. The Purchase Agreement and the First Amendment to Purchase Agreement, dated October 27, 2010, and the Second Amendment to Purchase Agreement, dated April 28, 2014, are filed as Exhibits 2, 3 and 4, respectively, to this Schedule 13D and are incorporated by reference herein. Except for the contracts described herein, there are no contracts, arrangements, understandings, or relationships (legal or otherwise) between Mr. Sokol and any other person with respect to any securities of the Issuer, including but not limited to, transfer or voting of any of the securities, finders fees, joint ventures, loan or option arrangements, puts or calls, guarantees of profits, division of profits or loss, or the giving or withholding of proxies. Item 7. Material to be Filed as Exhibits. Exhibit 1: Letter from David L. Sokol to Members of the Board of Directors of Middleburg Financial Corporation, dated March 31, 2016. Exhibit 2: Stock Purchase Agreement, dated March 27, 2009, between Middleburg Financial Corporation and David L. Sokol (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Issuers Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2009). Exhibit 3: First Amendment to Stock Purchase Agreement, dated October 27, 2010, between Middleburg Financial Corporation and David L. Sokol (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Issuers Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 28, 2010). Exhibit 4: Second Amendment to Stock Purchase Agreement, dated April 28, 2014, between Middleburg Financial Corporation and David L. Sokol (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2014). SIGNATURE After reasonable inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I certify that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct. Date: March 31, 2016 /s/ David L. Sokol David L. Sokol Exhibit 1 David L. Sokol P.O. Box 4998 Jackson, WY 83001-4998 March 31, 2016 Middleburg Financial Corporation Attention: Members of the Board of Directors 111 West Washington Street Middleburg, Virginia 20117 Ladies and Gentlemen: This letter follows my meeting yesterday with Joe Boling, John Lee and Gary Shook to discuss the future of Middleburg Financial Corporation (MBRG). As you know, I have been a shareholder of MBRG since 2009. I am MBRGs largest shareholder, currently owning 2,103,008 shares (or approximately 30%) of MBRGs outstanding common stock. Based on our recent discussions regarding the financial performance of MBRG and prevailing market conditions impacting community banks (including increased competition for customers, costly regulatory compliance and general economic uncertainties), I would urge the Board of Directors to establish a special committee of independent directors to initiate a process to explore strategic alternatives to enable MBRGs shareholders to realize the full value of their investment in MBRG. In the current competitive and regulatory environment, it is essential that banks of our size continue to grow in order to leverage operational and compliance costs across a larger platform. This is especially true for small local banks such as MBRG. I do not believe MBRG has demonstrated the ability to earn a return on average equity (ROAE) that is adequate to cover its cost of capital. By way of example, MBRGs 2015 ROAE was 6.25%, while our cost of capital is likely in the 12% to 15% range. This means shareholders of MBRG are not being adequately compensated for the risk they are taking in owning the stock. I believe the time has come for the Board to take advantage of current M&A market conditions to enable its shareholders to realize the intrinsic value of MBRG. Maintaining the status quo is unacceptable. Chance McKay has received for the 2nd time in a row the top mark in her level for Hip Hop in NZ, Australia and Hong Kong, not only that she received the top mark out of thousands who sat a Hip Hop exam last year, she was also in the Born to Dance movie Chance McKay's favourite thing about hip-hop dancing is the emotion that goes into it. Whether she's angry, sad or happy, the street-style dancing makes her feel free, she said. "The feeling you get when dancing - you can't stop smiling. It all goes into it." MARK TAYLOR FAIRFAX NZ Chance McKay performs her routine in the Dance Effects studio in Te Rapa. The Hamilton dancer has shown potential in her favourite dance style, receiving for the second year in a row the top mark in her level for hip-hop. Out of all dance schools in New Zealand, Australia and Hong Kong, Chance received the highest mark in the Urban Ignition exam: 99.5 per cent. Thousands of dancers from the three countries sit the exam, and Chance was required to perform exercises, and make up her own dance and perform it in front of an examiner. MARK TAYLOR FAIRFAX NZ Chance McKay is a hip-hop queen. Hip-hop dancing is primarily performed to hip-hop music and includes a wide range of styles which were created in the 1970s and made popular by dance crews in the United States. It was the first dance style Chance tried, and she hasn't stopped. She has also shown her moves in the kiwi film Born to Dance, which starred Stan Walker. Chance, 15, has been dancing since 2009, starting at Dance Effects in Te Rapa where she still spends six hours a week practising. She attends one hip-hop class a week at the school and director Louise ten Hove said Chance was "extremely versatile". "She's extremely dedicated and really humble which I think is very important," ten Hove said. "She's an amazing role model. All of the younger girls look up to her and love her." Chance said her inspirations include ten Hove, as well as her hip-hop teacher Samantha Rush, who taught Chance the dance she will perform in New Zealand competitions. "I'd love to be known, walk on the red carpet, get exposure," Chance said. In the meantime, she will continue dancing at Dance Effects, where she is an assistant teacher, teaching hip-hop and jazz to under 12's. "It's a lot of fun," she said. "It's changed my life for the better and it gives me a lot of confidence." Sir Archibald McIndoe toasts a former patient and his bride on their wedding day. The photograph was taken in England in August 1947. Archibald McIndoe was the Kiwi plastic surgeon who gave horribly disfigured WWII pilots a reason to live. Now a film about him with The World's Fastest Indian director Roger Donaldson is just months away from getting the green light. The name of the film,The Guinea Pig Club, comes from a group set up by patients of McIndoe's who had cheated death but were horribly injured, screen writer Mike Riddell explained. Supplied/The Guinea Pig Club Archibald McIndoe and his 'Guinea Pigs'. The Dunedin-born surgeon worked out of Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead, England, where he used innovative plastic surgery techniques to repair terrible wounds. READ MORE: *The Kiwi Maestro and the Guinea Pig Club *Director Roger Donaldson returns home to make race-driver drama *World's Fastest Indian motorbikes to roar into life at 10th Burt Munro Challenge in Invercargill *Bashed Martinborough firefighter meets the man who remade his face "The pilots used to go into the local pub and drink, and in a state of having a few beers they formed a club called the Guinea Pig Club the qualification was you had to have had a number of procedures performed by McIndoe. Supplied/The Guinea Pig Club McIndoe's 'Guinea Pigs' were WWII pilots who had been severely injured when their planes came down. "That club became a lot of fun for them all, but also a means of mutual support, and it continued on after the war." Not only did McIndoe fix the men's faces, he also worked with the local community to help them look past the physical defects. Because of that East Grinstead became known as "the town that didn't stare". CHRIS MCKEEN Roger Donaldson is also producing a feature based on car builder and champion race car driver Bruce McLaren. Riddell said the main part of McIndoe's job was to give the men a reason to live again. "These were your Cambridge, Oxford, top-of-the-rank good-looking young men, and suddenly their lives were over. "In their own eyes they looked like monsters, and McIndoe set about trying to give them hope to live again." As research for the film, producer Tim Sanders and his team interviewed a number of the veterans who are still alive, men who he describes as "amazing characters". Riddell said the idea for a movie was sparked after Sanders went to a function at Otago Boys' High, where McIndoe was mentioned by his old school. "Tim came to me and asked me to research and see if I thought there was a story, which I did." McIndoe, who died in 1960, received honours from several countries. The science laboratories at Otago Boys' High are named after him, as is the burns centre at the hospital in Sussex, where there is a statue in his honour. In Wellington, The Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, which carries out world-leading research on reconstructive plastic surgery, is partly named after Sir Archibald. Dr Swee Tan is the founder and executive director of the institute, and is also known for his life-changing plastic surgery work. The highest praise however came from the many pilots who made sure the world knew that it was "The Maestro", the Kiwi surgeon, who gave them back their lives. The film has been about eight years in the making, but could finally get the go-ahead for filming to start this year. The producers were currently finalising the cast and completing the budget for the Film Commission to approve, hopefully by mid-2016. About 50 pigs died after fire tore through a shed on a piggery farm in the Waikato on Friday. The fire at Brien Farms in Hopuhopu comes eight-months after a similar blaze which saw 400 mother and baby pigs burned to death. And in April 2005, under different owners, 300 pigs were burned to death. Multiple people reported the blaze, at the Great South Road site north of Ngaruawahia, to the fire service about 8am. GEORGE HEARD/FAIRFAX NZ Approximately 50 pigs died in a fire in Hopuhopu. The Brien Farms piggery has had two previous fires - one in 2005, under another owner, and one in 2015. Ten fire engines, including three water tankers, fought the large fire at the Hopuhopu piggery. READ MORE: * Mother and baby pigs burned to death in blaze The 800-square-metre building housed sows who were farrowing, or recently given birth. Ray and Joanne Brien have owned the operation on Great South Rd for less than a year. They had taken up pig farming after selling a dairy farm they owned near Otorohanga. In August, Joanne Brien said she left Otorohanga "for a better life, but since we have been here we have had nothing but trouble with equipment failures and all sorts of things." The Briens and their employees were working when the fire broke out. They were too upset to speak to media but issued a statement through family member Julie Brien. "Our family and employees... are very distressed and saddened that we have lost some of our animals and property. We're very concerned that this has happened," the statement said. They were in shock and focussing on supporting their employees and other stock on the farm. A fire safety investigator and insurance assessors had been on site and the farm planned to make a further statement on their plans once the fire's cause was determined, Brien said. Waikato fire safety officer Kevin Holmes was at the farm on Friday. "We're still investigating but it's highly likely the cause of the fire was electrical." He also confirmed there were no sprinklers in the building where the fire happened. The Briens suspected the 2015 fire was caused by an electrical fault too, even though the building was about five years old. John Darroch from Farmwatch New Zealand, said he was not surprised by the extent of the fire. "Given (my) two previous visits, I was not surprised to hear of the fire. There were no sprinklers or a fire extinguisher." Darroch visited the Hopuhopu pig farm before the Brien's took over in 2015. He has not visited since. "The condition of the place when I went there, it was dilapidated," he said. "There were rats running across the wiring which was a safety hazard. "You know, I read the last story with the owners who said they were traumatised when the [2015] fire happened, but yet, it's happened again. These animals are completely vulnerable when a fire happens - look at what's happened today. "Animals will always be vulnerable as long as there are factory farms." SPCA chief executive Ric Odom said the fire was a tragedy and highlighted the need for animal emergency planning. * It was initially reported 700 pigs had died. Sign up to receive our new evening newsletter Two Minutes of Stuff - the news, but different * Comments on this story have now closed. Auckland has almost double the national average of reported sexual assault victimisations in New Zealand. According to police figures released under the Official Information Act, there were 20.89 victimisations per 10,000 people in Auckland Central Area, compared with the national rate of 10.92 during 2015. Eastern Bay of Plenty had the second-highest rate of victimisations with 19.41 and the Whanganui police area had the third-highest rate with 19.39. Toah-nnest is a national network of providers of specialist services for sexual violence prevention and intervention. Toah-nnest national tauiwi manager Claire Lyons said there had been an increase in people accessing sexual violence services throughout the country. READ MORE: *Government agrees to overhaul sexual violence support services at budget *Major changes proposed for sexual violence cases *More claims of sexual violence in Manawatu *Together, we can turn the tide on family violence *Face the truth about domestic violence *Police make video to drive home message on domestic violence "We've definitely seen an increase in people disclosing and accessing services, I would say across the board nationwide." The organisation represents about 47 specialist not-for-profit organisations (NGOs) in New Zealand. Lyons said increased education and public awareness of sexual violence was encouraging people to access services. But there were also people accessing services who may be choosing not to go to police and use court services. Abuse and Rape Crisis Support Manawatu (ARCS) manager Ann Kent said their service was also busy. "We know that we are busy, and we also know other ACC suppliers are busy as well." She said sexual violence data was hard to collate and a range of factors could influence it. "I don't know the demographic of places like the Wairarapa, but you travel to the Wairarapa and you see beautiful wineries and middle-class places, so I am surprised that it's as high as 15 when the Manawatu is 10. So I think I would be more concerned about potentially low reporting in the Manawatu, rather than high reporting in other areas." Detective Sergeant Gary Milligan, officer in charge of the Manawatu adult sexual assault squad, said the majority of cases he dealt with involved young women and alcohol. The perpetrator of the sexual violence was usually someone the victim knew or had just met. He said sexual violence matters police dealt with ranged from indecent assaults to rape cases. Lyons said sexual violence was often treated as taboo. "It's a difficult conversation and it's not something people talk about easily, but it is something that's happening in our community." She said it was important for people to speak up and talk openly about it. After 20 years trapped in an abusive relationship, a mother packed up the kids and escaped in the dead of night while her husband loaded a gun. Kate*, a Palmerston North woman, was one of the lucky ones. After years of physical, emotional, verbal and sexual abuse, she escaped she was alive. At 9 years old, Kate was sexually abused by a school teacher. She said over the course of two years, the teacher touched her inappropriately underneath her clothing while on school grounds. Kate eventually left the school but later in life found herself trapped in an abusive marriage. Throughout her 20-year-long marriage, Kate suffered a range of physical and emotional abuse. She was raped, hurt and trapped in an abusive cycle. She had often feared for her safety and for the safety of her children. One night, she ran from her abusive partner, packed her kids into a car and drove to the safety of a friend's house. "He was loading his gun as I left." Kate has since been free from abuse for 18 years. It has taken her 40 years to overcome her traumatic experiences. She has never told her parents about her abuse. But she said the sense of freedom and relief at escaping was overwhelming and positive. "You just don't look back. *Kate is not the real name of the victim. For help, phone: Women's Refuge Crisisline: 0800 REFUGE or 0800 733 843 Auckland sexual abuse HELP foundation - (09) 623 1700 ARCS Manawatu: 06 356 5868 Toah-nnest national helpline: 0800 883 300 Mid North Family Support national helpline: 0800 883 300 A nurse who worked for the Waikato DHB was censured and fined. A nurse who worked for the Waikato District Health Board was fined and censured for creating bogus email addresses and references for prospective employers in Australia. Conrado Jr Santos created the fake email accounts and pretended to be two of his supervisors when he worked at Waikato Hospital's high dependency unit in 2014. His managers had agreed to provide him references for the jobs; however, Santos used the fake emails to communicate between his current and prospective employers. He was caught out when the parties telephoned one another and discovered they had all been communicating with email addresses that were not associated with them. READ MORE: * Alleged fraudster duped medical profession using another man's resume * 'Fake' psychiatrist fails in bail attempt Santos faced four charges of professional misconduct and was fined and censured by the New Zealand Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal. He was ordered to pay a $1000 fine and $5386 in costs to the tribunal. He was also ordered to attend the Nursing Council's Code of Conduct programme within six months if he returned to work as a nurse. Some chiropractors say they can fix certain ailments like ADHD and betwetting - with no evidence to support their claims. New Zealand chiropractors are "misleading" customers through advertising by claiming they can treat conditions such as ADHD and bed wetting, a new study says. Research into New Zealand chiropractors, published as a letter in the New Zealand Medical Journal on Friday, found 70 per cent of chiropractic clinics either claimed they could treat conditions without any evidence, or featured health testimonials, which was prohibited. The New Zealand Chiropractors' Association said the issues had been addressed recently, and the numbers would be much different now. Co-author of the research, and Society for Science Based Healthcare chair, Mark Hanna said it appeared rules enforced by New Zealand's Chiropractic Board were being "widely ignored". READ MORE: *Chiropractor breaks baby's neck * $43m for 'alternative' therapies Hanna and co-author Mark Honeychurch, a committee member for the Society for Science Based Healthcare, examined 137 websites for New Zealand chiropractic clinics, taken from the first 30 pages of Google search results for "Chiropractor New Zealand". They found 54 per cent of chiropractors in New Zealand claimed they could treat common ailments such as bed wetting, ear infections, ADHD, allergies, colic and asthma claims that had no science-backed support to substantiate them. These conditions were chosen because chiropractors had commonly failed to provide evidence to support the claims when challenged by the Advertising Standards Authority. More than one-third of the chiropractors' advertisements contained health testimonials, an advertising tactic prohibited by New Zealand's Chiropractic Board. Until now, such claims had been the subject of complaints to the Advertising Standards Authority, but medical professionals wanted stricter enforcement of the rules. Hanna was "not surprised" by the results. "Everyone's got a right to make informed choices about their healthcare . . . but this is worrying." He said it was likely the total number of misleading clinics was higher, as those who did not advertise the conditions often had small, one-page websites, and could advertise the treatments in person. "I'm going to assume the intention is that they think it can help even though there is no strong evidence of it," Hanna said. "I don't think there would be many if any that are being deliberately misleading." He said the New Zealand Chiropractic Board should reprimand offending chiropractors more severely, and consider tougher punishments if they continued to make unsubstantiated claims. "It seems like the rules are not being enforced. "The board should follow up and seek out and check on some complaints. If they continue to not take that on board they should be sanctioned based on that." New Zealand Chiropractic Association spokesman Hayden Thomas said they had been "working very hard with chiropractors to be very careful about this". The association recently worked with the Chiropractic Board on a new code of practice, and a consultation and review process. The "huge overhaul" was completed within the last two months, meaning Hanna's research was "not really current now", Thomas said. GPs had also been reminded about not including testimonials in their advertising. "It really is a cross-industry problem, and we're working hard to be really proactive about this." Thomas agreed practitioners were probably not misleading the public deliberately, but some had different interpretations of what studies "constitute appropriate evidence to make claims". Many did not know testimonials were prohibited either, he said. In a statement, the New Zealand Chiropractic Board said its advertising policy was revised and reissued to the "entire profession" in December. Any complaints about breaches would be reviewed and investigated further when necessary, it said. *A previous version of this article did not stipulate the study was published as a letter in the New Zealand Medical Journal. Sign up to receive our new evening newsletter Two Minutes of Stuff - the news, but different. In 1998 the Taranaki Daily News wrote a story saying the lights at what is now Yarrow Staduim were so bright, people would need to take their sunnies to the rugby. More than 100 years ago the Taranaki Herald predicted April Fool's Day was on the way out. On March 31, 1903, in a story headlined Ancient Folly the paper claimed that as there were thousands of people making fools of themselves every day, there didn't seem any point in having a special day for it. "It is a silly business at best and like the abused custom of sending valentines on February 14, will soon be consigned to the oblivion that has already overtaken coarse pleasantries of a bull headed and unrefined antiquity." But until the 1990s Taranaki newspapers were writing April Fool stories aimed at having a bit of fun with their readers. READ MORE: * Paraparaumu College Black Caps fans left stumped by April Fool hoax * Canberra public servants victims of job move April Fools * Big April Fool is talk of the school In the 1970s and 80s writing April Fool's Day stories were a must-do for newspapers, former news editor Steve Anker said. "They had to be done really well and not too obvious." One he remembered was from the mid 1990s, he said. "James McOnie, now a TV star, wrote a very good April Fool's hoax." Microwave ovens had just started to be the rage and McOnie warned that some microwaves were freezing food instead of cooking it, Anker said. "I can't remember any April Fool stories in the last 15 years. They just faded away. I don't know why." In 1998 several pharmacies around Taranaki reported a run on sunglasses after the Taranaki Daily News reported that the lights, at what was then Rugby Park, were so bright, eye protection would be necessary for the following night's Super 12 rugby match. And the same year the cow statue at Dairyland cafe, near Hawera, had a calf. The calf creator was Ann Power who made the fibreglass calf, complete with eyelashes, and put the calf in place at about 11pm on March 31. She also made a moa, which she put out in Inglewood. The following year the Taranaki Daily News wrote an April Fool's Story claiming Venture Taranaki were urging cash strapped farmers to use the sides of their cows as mobile billboards. The next day Venture Taranaki received about 30 calls from interested farmers. A couple of weeks later farmer and avid rugby fan Keith Rowlands took up the idea and transformed his cows into billboards supporting the Hurricanes. Mr Rowlands used a large, home-made stencil to paint "Go Hurricanes" in bright yellow on the side of about 20 of his black milking cows. Labour will double New Zealands refugee quota when in Government because its the right thing to do, Leader of the Opposition Andrew Little says. Today Labour is joining the Double the Quota movement and calling on John Keys Government to commit to welcoming 1500 refugees a year in its upcoming quota review. Kiwis have been horrified at the images of refugees fleeing Syria and other nations in what is the greatest humanitarian crisis since the Second World War. As an open and big-hearted nation we must do our bit to help some of the worlds most vulnerable people. New Zealand has not lifted its refugee quota in 29 years. Australians take three times the number of refugees per capita that we do. Thats not who we are and its not the kind of moral leadership we have been known for. I know we have issues in New Zealand such as housing, child poverty and health underfunding that must also be tackled. But for every refugee New Zealand opens its doors to, we are repaid in multiple by the contribution they will make to our country. In Government, Labour would increase the quota over three years to double its current number. A petition from 20,000 New Zealanders being presented at Parliament today is calling on the Government to do the same. We must do it because its right, and it represents who we are as a people. Lets double the quota and welcome those who need us most, Andrew Little says. Source: Office of Andrew Little. Two internationally renowned speakers will provide Fonterra farmers with their expert views on the drivers of current volatility in global commodities at this years Grow Your Mind Seminars at eight locations throughout the country from Monday, April 11, to Friday, April 15. Chicago-based Brian Rice, founder of brokerage firm Rice Dairy, and JT McFarlane, one of Australasias most experienced international bankers will also deliver insights and stimulate discussions as to how to manage the on-farm effects of volatility. Wellington Police continue to investigate the incident that occurred at about 9.50 am yesterday at a residential address in Mahora Street, Kilbirnie, Wellington. Officer in Charge of the Wellington Area CIB, Detective Senior Sergeant Warwick McKee, says Police continue to speak to a number of persons and conduct inquiries relating to the matter. I can now confirm that my team are working on a homicide investigation," Mr McKee says. Sadly, the victim in this matter died in the early hours of this morning at Wellington Hospital. We will continue to provide his family and friends with support through this difficult period." I can also confirm that a 49-year-old man has been arrested and charged with murder in relation to this matter. He will appear in the Wellington District Court this morning." "A number of people have come forward with information, however we would still like to hear from anyone who saw a man walking along Mahora street with no shirt on, heading towards the Coutts street area, at around 9.50am yesterday morning." Any members of the public with any information should contact the Wellington Police on 04 381 2000 or phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Source: New Zealand Police. A total of 18 people were arrested and charged as part of a large-scale Police operation across parts of the upper North Island today. About 160 officers spent the day searching more than 30 different addresses in the Bay of Plenty, Waikato, Northland, Auckland, and Canterbury. This summer has been the busiest so far for Customs, with a record number of travellers crossing the border and a record number of them using SmartGate. Passenger numbers reached record highs with almost 3.38 million passengers passing through international airports over summer, an increase of around 10 per cent on last summer, says Customs Minister Nicky Wagner. It might be 400 years since the death of William Shakespeare, but The Bard is still proving popular with Bay of Plenty secondary school students. This years SGCNZ University of Otago Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival Bay of Plenty Regional Final saw more than 100 students take to the stage at Mount Maunganui College on Wednesday night. International artist Andres Amador is taking rake to sand to create a one-off artwork in Mount Maunganui. Local artists Rikirau Luttenberger and his brother Pohe Luttenberger (designer) and Pohes son Tutakamoana Luttenberger are assisting Andres in creating the design. The completed design. A production house shooting New Zealand from the sky is interested in Andreas doing an artwork on one of the beaches its filming. Read more here. San Franciscan Andres Amador, a sand artist for 13 years, has already created a giant ta moko, or tattoo, on Northlands Piapia Beach. It attracted national media attention and was a hit on social media. "We work on individual pieces that all come together as a whole, says Andreas. Its quite cathartic creating art in the midst of grief. Especially art intended to wash away. Todays artwork will be gone when the tide comes in later today. The artists working on their design this morning. Photos: Supplied. But the countrys plans for growth extend beyond the prestigious sailing event, and in 2018 it will get yet another luxury property courtesy of global hotel group Ritz-Carlton. Called the Ritz-Carlton Reserve, it will represent the hotel brands third Reserve location to open in the region, following the opening of Dorado Beach in Puerto Rico in 2012 and the impending arrival of Puerto Los Cabos in Mexico.. Located in an area of historical significance on the western end of Bermuda, the site offers over 2.5 miles of shoreline and includes an expansive peninsula extending into the Great Sound. According to a press release, the reserve is inspired by the notion that the concept of luxury is ever-changing and will be brought to life by its deep focus on elements that speak fluently to connoisseurs of experience. Ritz-Carlton Reserve is currently represented by Phulay Bay in the village of Krabi, Thailand, Dorado Beach in Puerto Rico, and this past September celebrated the opening of the highly anticipated Mandapa in Ubud, Bali. The new Bermuda Reserve will operate under a long term management agreement with Georges Bay Hotel Ltd and Georges Bay Residences Ltd. The preview (above) gives a reflection of the Owners exacting requirements and is engineered to provide a perfect balance of Italian design, flair, creativity and style. "We are extremely satisfied to have made the agreement with this owner to build this yacht for such an immensely experienced and passionate Yachtsman," says Group Vice Chairman Francesco Carbone. "It has been a pleasure working with Alex Banning and the whole Owners team and we look forward to the successful completion of another quality vessel. Admiral and the Buyers team were tasked to produce the pinnacle of 20 years of superyacht ownership and, following a year long process of design and development, Admiral proudly announced yet another project with an experienced superyacht owner. We are proud for the sale of this outstanding yacht in the same period in which we are launching three brand new Admiral yachts of 55m, 50m and 38m." adds Group CEO Giuseppe Taranto. "We look forward to yet another quality and on time delivery. To win the contract with such an experienced and influential client is testament to Admiral as a brand and shipyard of high standards now and into the future. Built to Lloyds class, this exciting new project will be delivered in 2019. Both Admiral and the Owner have developed a pedigree project that will be managed by Superyacht Technical Services, the Owners team, SuperYachtsMonaco and Admirals highly experienced and dedicated in-house resources. Cuban residents Mireya Gallego, Rene Gonzalez and Maria Eugenia Galvez. :: FERNANDO GONZALEZ Since the White House annnounced just over a month ago that the American president Barack Obama would be visiting Havana, Rene Gonzalez has not taken his eyes off his computer screen. With a mixture of hope and excitement this Cuban who has lived on the Costa del Sol for 15 years, has been reading the news from Cuba every day, listening to the radio on the internet and talking to friends living in the United States. Everyone is nervous about what could happen, he told SUR last week. Despite being more than 7,000 kilometres away and having lived in Spain since 1999, this son of Spanish emigrants from Asturias believes that this weeks visit will be the first step towards the end of an embargo that has gone on too long. It was this same blockade that forced him to leave his country in search of a better future for his family. Like him, the more than 3,000 Cubans resident in the province of Malaga are hoping that the historic visit earlier this week will end the economic restrictions that prevent them from competing equally with other countries. While Rene does not identify with the profile of a political exile, he remembers his departure as if it were yesterday. November 20th 1999; it was the hardest decision of my life. He admits that his only aim then was to give his family a better future, just as his own parents did when they emigrated to Havana in the Spanish Civil War. The embargo doesnt give Cubans the quality of life they need and thats why we have to help from here, sending them food, clothes and money, he explained. Maria Eugenia Galvez, his wife, pointed out that they regularly send packages to their siblings and cousins, although the postage costs almost as much as the items did to buy. The problem is that everything in Cuba has to be imported from Europe and so the cost of any product is multiplied, she explained. As an example she said that she had just sent a box with clothes, shoes and oil and the postage cost 180 euros. Its difficult for firms to dare to break the embargo; in Malaga there is just one firm that makes shipments to Cuba and as there is no competition the prices are sky-high. Global embargo The American embargo, known as bloqueo in Spanish (blockade) does not just affect those living on the island. The Cuban community in Malaga have to pay more for shipments and telephone calls. With a pre-paid five-euro phone card we can talk for 1,200 minutes with the USA and five minutes with Cuba, said the couple who have not given up hope of going back to their country at some point. We are working on it; everything that makes us happy is there. This weeks visit by the Obamas to Cuba has been a historic moment for the association of Cuban residents in Andalucia, Tocororo. Obama is the first US president in more than 80 years to set foot on the island while in office. The associations president in Malaga, Mireya Gallego, was convinced that the Cubans would receive the Obama family with hospitality and respect because they have never had anything against the Americans. We see the US as just as much a brother as the other Latin American people, she said. Mireya is also hopeful that the visit will be a definitive step forward to put an end to the isolation, as until now only small steps have been taken. She is also confident that the new relationship will not be used toturn Cuba into anotherPuerto Rico. The Cuban people are not prepared to become a North American colony because we have our own identity and aspirations, she added. A historic trip Barack Obama with his wife Michelle and daughters Malia and Sasha arrived in Cuba on Air Force One on Sunday for the start of an intense three-day visit. During his stay, Obama met with Cuban president Raul Castro, political dissidents and people from the islands business community. On Monday he held a joint press conference with Castro, the first offered by the Cuban president on the island. On Tuesday Obama paid hommage to the father of Cuban independence, Jose Marti in the Plaza de la Revolucion. Tuesday also saw one of the most anticipated events when Obama gave a speech at the National Theatre in Havana, transmitted by radio and television. Ive come to offer my hand in friendship to the Cuban people, said Obama, who admitted that the embargo hurts Cuba. He called on Cubas young people to build something new and told them they would not reach their potential if there were no changes in Cuba. His historic visit ended at a baseball match between Tampa Bay Rays and the Cuban national team where a huge choir sang the two countries national anthems. Cubans meet up in Torremolinos and Fuente de Piedra A new meeting place for Cubans has just opened in the province. Located at Bongs Cafe on Calle Salvador Allende in Torremolinos, this venue hopes to host regular meet-ups among Malagas Cuban residents. Owned and managed by Cuban Aida Reyes, a long-term resident in the province and owner of the Hotel Anos 50, Bongs Cafe serves typical Cuban fare and offers molecular cocktails, the first place to do so in Malaga. The provinces Cuban residents are also coming together at the annual Cuban meet-up to be held this year in Malaga. The chosen venue is the rural tourism complex at Fuente de Piedra and the date, 9 April. Malaga has been chosen because of the large number of Cuban residents in the area - some 3,000 live on the Costa del Sol, around half of the total in Andalucia. The event will be attended by 100 Cubans from all over Spain. The first part of the days session will be dedicated to informative talks and discussions where attendees can get answers to their questions. The formal section will be followed by a lunch of typical Cuban food and a party Cuban-style where salsa dancing will naturally be one of the highlights. Historic press conference During Obamas three-day visit, Raul Castro gave his first televised press conference in Cuba and faced awkward questions on human rights from American journalists. He answered one enquiry about the number of political prisioners in Cuba with the rhetorical question: how many countries comply with the 61 civil and human rights?. His own answer was none. This is the second of two stories on the vast collection of motors and automotive-related items owned by Steve Shehadi, of Skaneateles. The first story spotlighted the hundreds of motors he has in his private museum, where he has bought, acquired, restored and now displays almost any gas or electric motors or steam engines. While it might appear that most of Steve Shehadi's focus is on small motors such as outboards and inboards, there's no denying he also has a deep love of old cars and boats. Scattered among his collection in a building in Skaneateles, N.Y., are several cars and boats, all of which hit the road or get in the water from time-to-time. Perhaps the preeminent car in his collection by virtue of the fact that it belonged to his father-in-law, is a 1931 Model A pickup truck. What makes this truck so special is that Shehadi's wife, Lucia Eckles, drove it for her driver's test when she was 16. When the truck came into the Shehadis' possession it was for all purposes an original vehicle with a four-cylinder motor producing about 40 horsepower, and a conventional unsynchronized three-speed standard transmission. Because the transmission wasn't synchronized, that meant the driver had to "double clutch" the transmission when shifting from first to second, and second to third. To double clutch the driver would push the clutch in to put the shifter into first gear, let the clutch out, gain some speed, push the clutch in, move the shifter into neutral, let the clutch out, push the clutch in, move the shifter into second, let the clutch out, gain some speed, and repeat the process for getting the shifter into third gear. And to think at this point the car might be going 20 miles an hour is an indication of the challenges drivers faced in those days. That's the way it used to be but the truck is much easier to drive now because it has a modern Chevy small block V-8, a modern transmission and modern running gear. The finish on the truck is two-tone metallic candy green and black. Elsewhere in the building is a 1914 Ford Model T Speedster in authentic condition. It has a monocle windshield in front of the driver, and a 25 horsepower motor. Like most Model T Fords, the Speedster has a three-speed standard transmission. In this car there are three foot pedals, while the throttle is controlled by a lever on the steering column. When the foot pedal on the left is pressed to the floor the shift lever can be moved to select a gear and then the middle pedal is pressed to put the transmission into reverse. The pedal on the right is for the transmission brake, the only brakes on the car. Shehadi is in possession of three Franklin air-cooled motors, one of which powers his 1919 Franklin Model 9-B V Window two door sedan, and another is an airplane motor. The most unusual feature of his Franklin car is the V window, a windshield that forms an unusual V pattern; in other words the panes of glass angle out from the sides to the middle of the windshield. The first owner of this car was a doctor in New Jersey, and apparently his children would drive the car and at least one time it was run into the Atlantic Ocean. The car eventually went into the fleet of the late George Staley, the person who made possible the Northeast Classic Car Museum, in Norwich, N.Y. Among Staley's dozens of cars were many Franklins, making Staley the owner of the world's largest collection of Franklins. The cars are only a small part of what interests Shehadi; he has boats, too, not obnoxious gas-guzzlers with two or three motors, but boats that have significant meaning. One boat in the collection has special significance for Shehadi. It's a nine-foot Bandit Fiberglass hydroplane that was a project for his daughters Madison and Gabrielle. They worked with John Scrivens, of John's Auto Body, to rebuild the boat and their efforts paid off several years ago when the boat took first place in the race-boat category during the annual Finger Lakes Antique & Classic Boat Show, in the village on Skaneateles Lake. The hydroplane owned by his daughters isn't the only one in the collection. There's another although it's 19-feet and instead of getting power from an outboard it has a small block Chevy 305 cubic inch V-8. No one seems to know if there's a speed limit on Skaneateles Lake, but if there is Shehadi's boat could be in violation with a top speed of 90 miles an hour. Shehadi said his collection began with the arrival of the 1931 Gar Wood Triple Cockpit inboard and went from there with a vintage racing canoe, multiple Fiberglass and wood hydroplanes, and at one point an aqua-car. The Gar Wood is a runabout powered by a six-cylinder Chrysler Imperial motor and is believed to be one of two such boats in the world. The Gar Wood is constructed of Honduras Mahogany although it has a no-soak bottom. Shehadi said the boat rides well because the hull design allows the boat to cut through waves instead of riding on top of them. Unique boats in the collection include a 1904 Fay & Bowen launch, which was a pleasure boat at the time, and the beautiful Larson Falls Flyer. The Falls Flyer was restored to authentic condition and is an unusual looking boat because of its paint scheme. Paul Larson, an admirer of Charles Lindberg, designed and built the Falls Flyer line to honor Lindberg. He and Lindberg were natives of Little Falls, Minn. Shehadi is philosophical but passionate about his collections, mentioning a few times that it's difficult to keep a collection in check when you care so much about what you've acquired. "I like to say that if I sold something for, let's say, $1,900, that would be $1,900 more than I had." Know about a car you'd like to see featured? Contact Kenn Peters: kpeters@twcny.rr.com. Previously from Kenn: The first report on Steve Shehadi's museum of motors. More great cars and news about cars. Dallas H. Wade Bars.JPG Dallas H. Wade (New York State Police) FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- A soldier is accused of assaulting a baby in Northern New York by shaking the infant, the New York State Police said. Dallas H. Wade, 21, of Calcium, was charged with third-degree assault and endangering the welfare of a child. Both are misdemeanors. State police said investigators were notified Tuesday by Jefferson County Child Protective Services about abuse to a 3-month-old baby. Wade was arrested Tuesday. State police did not provide details of their investigation, but said it involved a "shaking incident." It was not clear what Wade's relationship to the infant is or where the incident occurred. State police said the baby's injuries did not appear to be life-threatening. Wade was arraigned in Pamelia Town Court where a judge issued an order of protection against him. State police said Wade was then turned over to authorities at Fort Drum pending further court action. Julie Halpin, a Fort Drum spokeswoman, said Wade is a soldier at the post with the 10th Mountain Division. She did not immediately have more information about Wade. SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Four Syracuse University students were arrested Wednesday on drug charges, according to police records. The Syracuse Police Department arrested the students between 11:30 a.m. and 12:25 p.m. at Castle Court, an apartment complex at 1017 Harrison St. in Syracuse, according to police department arrest logs. Syracuse Sgt. Richard Helterline, the department's spokesman, said no information on the arrests would be released until the investigation was complete. Denzel Deranamie, 20, of 1017 Harrison St., an SU junior, was charged with second-degree criminal possession of marijuana, seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of marijuana. Three other roommates, all SU seniors, were charged with various drug offenses. The defendants are not listed in the Onondaga County Justice Center's custody. Update, August, 2017: Charges are still pending against Denzel A. Deranamie. The three other roommates are no longer facing criminal charges, according to the Onondaga County District Attorney's Office. Their charges have been dismissed and their cases are now sealed. SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- A man set his Syracuse home on fire earlier this month -- starting a blaze that spread to two neighboring homes, police said. Cueshan L. Allen, 36, of 110 S. Carbon St., was arrested Wednesday and charged with arson. Allen is accused of starting a fire that severely damaged his home and two other residences on March 11, said Syracuse Police Sgt. Richard Helterline. The Syracuse Fire Department rushed to 110 S. Carbon St. at 5:48 a.m. on March 11 after neighbors spotted the fire and called 911. When firefighters arrived minutes later, the fire engulfing 110 S. Carbon St. had spread to 112 and 108 S. Carbon St., the residence's two neighboring homes. At first, the smoke and flames enveloping 110 S. Carbon St. were so heavy that firefighters could not search the residence. The flames were out after about an hour. Two families escaped from the blaze unharmed. The American Red Cross of Central New York aided the four adults and 10 children displaced by the fire. Fire investigators conducted a "thorough" examination of the scene and determined the fire at 110 S. Carbon St. was intentionally set, Helterline said. Working with the fire investigators, he said Syracuse police detectives identified Allen as a suspect after conducting interviews and processing evidence found at the scene. Allen was charged with third-degree arson, a felony. He is being held in the Onondaga County Justice Center. The investigation into the fire remains open. Helterline said Allen's mugshot will be released after the investigation is closed. Police asked anyone with information about Allen or the fire to call (315) 442-5222 or submit and anonymous tip through the SPD Tips app. SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- A man was injured Wednesday in a shooting on the South Side, Syracuse police said. Officers responded around 5:41 p.m. to South and Tallman avenues for a report of gunshots being fired. When the officers got there they found out that a shooting victim was being taken to the hospital in a vehicle. Police said a man arrived at Upstate University Hospital a short time later. Police said a 27-year-old man suffered a gunshot wound to his elbow. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. Police said he is listed in stable condition. Police said a suspect was possibly in a light-colored four-door sedan, possibly with tinted windows. Police asked anyone with information about the shooting to contact 315-442-5222. Anonymous tips can be submitted using the "SPD Tips" App. This week, Connecticut lawmakers passed a bipartisan fix for this years $220 million deficit, but legislators in Hartford must now get to work fixing next years deficitprojected to be $900 million. And they have more work to do. Taken together, the states budgets for the next two years fall $4 billion shorteven though, since 2011, Connecticut governor Dannel Malloy and the Democratic-controlled legislature have instituted two of the largest tax increases in state history. Now Malloy and the legislators say theyre ready to try something different: Malloy is threatening to lay off at least 1,000 state workers. Up to now, the states public-sector unions have masterfully worked the political system for their benefit. State employees earn at least 25 percent more than private-sector workers in similar jobs. New union contracts dont even require a vote from state legislators; if they arent rejected within 30 days, they automatically go into effect. And a state law says that any union contract that conflicts with or contradicts state law takes precedence. The result: state-employee benefit costs are growing at more than 5 percent a year, while revenue is growing at just 2 percent. Connecticut residents face a decline in services, even as theyve been asked to pay higher taxes. The unions say that they wont negotiate over wages and benefits to save members jobs. Theyve called instead for even higher taxes. The battle will only intensify this year, as 22 state wage contracts are set to expire. At Malloys urging, state legislators rejected the first one, for non-teaching employees at the University of Connecticut. Opposition to the contract was bipartisan, and for good reason. In the first year, employees would get a 3 percent raise, followed by four consecutive increases of 4.5 percent. An employee earning $100,000 today could anticipate earning nearly $123,000 in five years, without changing jobs or adding responsibilities. The UConn administration, which negotiated the contract, says that these extravagant raises are justified because full-time employees will work their way up from 35-hour weeks to 40-hour weeks by the end of the deal. Meanwhile, in-state tuition at UConn will spike by 31 percent over the next four years. The lawmakers hostile response to the UConn contract may force other unions to face reality in their negotiations, but change wont be easy. Public-sector unions negotiate with the politicians they help elect. All lawmakers, by statute, are entitled to the same benefits that unionized state employees get through collective bargainingas are the negotiators who sit across the table from the unions on behalf of the governor. This week, state representative Russ Morin, a Democrat, spoke at a rally of unionized state employees outside the capitol. In addition to being a state lawmaker, Morin is an employee of SEIU Local 511, the union representing 7,000 state maintenance and service workers. Two other Connecticut legislators work for state employee unions. Frustration with the states fiscal difficulties is mounting, though, and state workers, who have shown no willingness to work with lawmakers to help solve the problem, are finally getting some of the blame. Three major newspapers have called for state employee concessions. Union leaders know that patience with their demands has nearly run out. For once, they might not come out completely on top. Photo by Onasill ~ Bill Badzo The former Blue Marlin Motors dealership at 2901 S.E. Gran Park Way, near Southeast Federal Highway. (Photo provided by the Martin County Sheriffs Office) By Paul Ivice, Special to Treasure Coast Newspapers STUART After two businesses failed in the high-profile building at the mouth of the Stuart Commerce Center on U.S. 1, prospective new owner Mike Cantor hopes to avoid a third strike. Cantor was the high bidder for property, most recently the home of Blue Marlin Motors, at $2.35 million in a hearing Tuesday in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in West Palm Beach. The Palm Beach County resident said he is exploring more business opportunities in Martin County and considering several options for the property. Cantor said he is weighing a couple of offers to lease all or part of the building against the possibility of putting his own businesses in there. Those would be a combination of at least one dealership for new and used motorcycles along with a dealership of pickup trucks or pre-owned Corvettes, he said. Cantor, who has until April 13 to close on the former Blue Marlin site, said he expects to make a decision on its use around May 1. FORECLOSURE The 16,650-square-foot building was built on the 2.5-acre site in 2006 for $3.5 million for Lentine Marine, which closed in 2011. Craig Danzig, the 55-year-old owner of Blue Marlin Motors, bought the property out of foreclosure for $1.95 million in 2014 and moved the classic car dealership from his previous site about a mile north on U.S. 1. Danzig fell behind on his mortgage and Blue Marlin Motors was ordered by a circuit judge to vacate the property in October, after which Danzig filed two separate bankruptcy cases: one for Blue Marlin Motors and the other for Classic Auto Holdings LLC, his company that owned the land. CRIMINAL CHARGE Danzig also was arrested in late November after a seven-month investigation and charged with first-degree grand theft over $100,000 when prosecutors combined at least 10 complaints from owners of classic cars Danzig supposedly had sold on consignment. Danzig, however, is accused of not turning the money over to the owners. When Danzig was arrested, Sheriff William Snyder said, "It appears to us that Mr. Danzig took advantage of his liberty as a car dealer to ultimately defraud and to steal over $400,000." Danzig, who posted $450,000 bond the same day, is awaiting trial. Guest Artist at Gallery 14, Liduine Bekman (left), of Port St. Lucie, talks to Rosemary Ryan, of Vero Beach, during the First Friday Gallery Stroll in February. There is a stroll Friday on 14th Avenue in Vero Beach. (FILE PHOTO) By Willi Miller I asked retiring Vero Beach Museum of Art CEO Lucinda Gedeon how the museum board would take on the daunting task of finding a replacement for her. She has given Nov. 1 as her estimated date of departure but has promised to stay on, if necessary, until her successor has been named. Filling Gedeon's shoes will be no simple job. This will be a national, and possibly international, hunt. The first of many steps to finding just the right person to follow her successful 12-year term is pulling together some current and past board members to make up the search committee. It won't be charged with picking the next CEO, though, at least not at that point. Its job is to find just the right executive search firm, one that is known nationally and is well respected in the museum field. Once the search firm is in place, VBMA board members and staff, along with community leaders, will work with the firm's representatives to profile the museum and its needs. The profile will be shared with potential candidates Those who are still standing after the initial cut will be invited to Vero Beach for an intensive interview. Gedeon said that in keeping with professional practice, she will have no role in the actual selection process. Under Gedeon's leadership, many new community alliances and museum programs have been developed, but she's quick to point out that some of the very popular series began almost as long ago as the museum itself. TIDBITS First Friday Gallery Stroll is 5 to 8:30 p.m. Friday on 14th Avenue, Vero Beach (www.mainstreetverobeach.org). Folksy, funky, bluegrass and down-to-earth music by One Street Over is 7 p.m. Friday at the North County Library, 1001 Sebastian Blvd. in Sebastian For more information, call 772-589-1355. LunaFest, a traveling group of women's films, is at the Richardson Center on the Indian River State College Mueller Campus from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday (www.centerforspiritualcare.org). The Avenue D Children's Choir will have a free concert 5 p.m. Sunday at First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach, 520 Royal Palm Blvd. in Vero Beach. An offering will be taken. For more information,c all 772-562-9088. The Atlantic Classical Orchestra with guest conductor David Handel will be at St. Edward's School, 1895 St. Edwards Drive in Vero Beach, at 7:30 p.m. April 7. Be there an hour earlier for Handel's preconcert talk (www.aco-music.org). Willi Miller writes about things to do in Indian River County for #TCPalmSocial. Contact her at caribsea@bellsouth.net. Memorial announced for teen who died in Stuart crash Emma Albritton was passionate about stopping domestic violence and caring for children in foster care. She played volleyball and basketball. SHARE Prince Murray By Nicholas Samuel of TCPalm INDIAN RIVER COUNTY Indian River County Sheriff's Office deputies are searching for a man they say hit another man in the head with a crowbar Wednesday night in Vero Beach, Indian River County Sheriff's Office spokesman Eric Flowers said. Prince Murray, 23, of the 100 block of Old Dixie Highway, Vero Beach, and the victim were both at a Vero Beach residence when a fight occurred about 8:30 p.m. Wednesday. Murray hit the man in the head with a crowbar, and the man ran to a Citgo gas station at 400 Old Dixie Highway and called 911, Flowers said. The man suffered lacerations to his head and was transported to Indian River Medical Center, Flowers said. The severity of his injuries were unknown. Sheriff's Office K-9 units and helicopters searched for Murray, but hadn't located him as of 11:30 p.m. Wednesday. Flowers said Murray and the man were familiar with each other, but it's unclear how. He said there is no indication this was a robbery attempt, and several people witnessed the incident. Murray has a warrant in Indian River County for battery and for trespass, according to the Indian River County Sheriff's Office's website. Men survey the wreckage of an Eastern Airlines crash on April 16, 1941, in a marsh west of Vero Beach. The crash was caused by a violent storm that reached tornado intensity about 9 a.m. (PHOTO COURTESY INDIAN RIVER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY) Laurence Reisman Columnist SHARE The Miami Daily News had comprehensive coverage of the April 3, 1941, Eastern Airlines plane crash south of Vero Beach. (PAGE COURTESY INDIAN RIVER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY) The Press Journal, then a weekly, reported on the Eastern crash in its edition of April 4, 1941. (PAGE COURTESY INDIAN RIVER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY) The thought of a commercial airplane crashing in Indian River County is almost unfathomable. But it happened. It was not only the lead story of the next day's Press Journal, but it was the banner headline of the Chicago Daily Tribune and Miami Daily News. It even made Time magazine. Seventy-five years later, I've become obsessed with this amazing story. On April 3, 1941, an Eastern Airlines DC-3 left Miami for New York. The "big airliner," as the PJ described it, picked up two passengers in West Palm Beach and was heading north near the south Indian River County line when it hit a severe storm fueled by El Nino-related atmospheric conditions. The storms were so bad that day complete with "hail stones as big as hen eggs" and "cyclonic activity," the PJ reported they ripped roofs off homes near Blue Cypress Lake. Shortly before 9 a.m. Capt. Gerald O'Brien, the Eastern pilot, lost radio contact. Eastern officials could only imagine where he might have been there was no radar or GPS. They knew the route to Daytona Beach, the next scheduled stop, was over swampy, remote areas. Bump Holman, whose father, Bud, was the Eastern station manager in Vero Beach, said he was in grade school at the time. "Everybody was running around," Holman said. "They were all out searching." After the storms passed, Eastern dispatched several planes to multiple counties to find the lost "skyliner." Spotters battled fog. About 6 p.m. that day the wreckage was spotted 3 to 5 miles south of State Road 60, about 10 miles west of Vero Beach in what the News reported was the "Everglades." "It was truly swamp land out there then," Bump Holman recalled, noting his father, after searching in the air, led a search party west on 60, then south into the swamp. For parts of the trip, his father and about 12 others waded in the shallow water, dragging flat-bottomed boats behind them. There were no airboats or helicopters to guide them as the April evening turned dark. There were no paid, trained emergency workers. It would take the military hours to deploy rescue parties from the south. Bud Holman and others, though, headed south amid waters laden with alligators and water moccasins. A compass was their logistical savior. Meantime, an Eastern pilot circled the site of the wreck, illuminating it with landing lights. The search party found O'Brien, two other crew members and 13 passengers alive in or near a plane that might have held 32. O'Brien apparently made a remarkable crash landing after one the plane's ailerons a hinged part of a wing failed, the Tribune reported. The newspapers reported each person's injuries the day after the crash. The wounded were taken to tiny hospitals in Vero Beach and Fort Pierce; even Vero Beach's downtown Hotel del Mar was used for patients. Only O'Brien's injuries were serious, a broken leg, at least. The PJ said despite his injuries, he insisted on staying at the wreck until everyone else had departed. Rescuers dried and warmed blankets and pillows to keep him warm and pad the boat for his return to shore. The Tribune reported he fell unconscious upon arrival at the hospital. "Everyone was very sane," passenger Mrs. George W. Crile, wife of the "famous Cleveland surgeon," told the Tribune. "There was no crying. The captain was magnificent." Gary Comes, 50, a Vero Beach native and local history buff, recently came across the online version of the Tribune story. He piqued my interest a few weeks ago, posted newsreels about the crash on the "I remember Vero Beach when " Facebook page. The other night, he posted a 1943 aerial photo from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that appears to show the plane's wreckage, perhaps in north St. Lucie County. Comes suspects the plane stayed in the marsh until it was drained years later to grow citrus. Holman said he doesn't know what happened to the fuselage, but many of the seats were stored at the Vero Beach airport for years. What interests me most about this story is how leaders of the community united and risked their lives in a foggy, dark and critter-infested swamp to rescue people they didn't know. They were joined by a journalist, Ted Frutkoff, a photographer for the News. "Rescuers, like rescued, behaved unselfishly, giving no thought to their own personal discomfort throughout the wet night," Frutkoff wrote. Seventy-five years later, we remember. Plane crashes There were seven other plane crashes in 1941 involving U.S.-operated commercial airlines in North America. All but one of the 1941 crashes occurred with DC-3s. A Sikorsky plane operated by Pan Am crashed in San Juan, Puerto Rico, killing two people. The other crashes: United: (Salt Lake City, no deaths) (Salt Lake City, no deaths) TWA: (St. Louis, 2 deaths) (St. Louis, 2 deaths) Eastern: (Jonesboro, Georgia, 7 deaths) (Jonesboro, Georgia, 7 deaths) American: (Cincinnati, none; St. Thomas, Ontario, 20 deaths ) (Cincinnati, none; St. Thomas, Ontario, 20 deaths ) Northwest Orient: (Moorhead, Minnesota, 14 deaths ) Source: Flight Safety Foundation Florida Capitol buildings. (AP FILE PHOTO) By Editorial Board The 2016 Legislature is to be applauded for passing an important ethics reform bill. That said, a lot of work remains. Public corruption is a major concern in the Sunshine State. Florida is No. 3 in the nation, according to a 2015 report by Integrity Florida, for the number of public corruption convictions (622) between 2003 and 2013. The problem persists, in large part, because state officials have failed to enact key reform measures. However, one much-needed reform was approved during this year's session and signed into law by Gov. Rick Scott. Several editorial boards in Florida, including Treasure Coast Newspapers, advocated for passage of Senate Bill 582/House Bill 7071, sponsored by Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, and Rep. Ritch Workman, R-Melbourne. The bill, which takes effect Oct. 1, accomplishes two key reforms: Adds private contractors who are acting on behalf of a government entity to the list of those subject to Florida's anti-corruption laws. The definition of a "public servant" in Florida Statutes has been too restrictive, limited primarily to elected officials, officers or employees of a state, county, municipality or special district agency and candidates for political office. Now, government contractors are included in the definition. Redefines the burden of proof for prosecutors. Under the new law, prosecutors will be required to show a defendant "knowingly and intentionally" took a bribe, rigged a bid, committed fraud, etc. Previously, prosecutors had to prove a defendant acted "corruptly" a higher burden of proof. The public corruption bill enacted by state officials is a key step in the right direction. But as Integrity Florida states in "Florida's Path to Ethics Reform," there are several other reforms that should be enacted. These include: Creating an online, publicly accessible filing system for financial disclosure statements for state and local officials. Allowing the state Commission on Ethics to initiate ethics investigations. Currently, the commission must receive a sworn complaint alleging an ethics violation before it can launch an investigation. Increasing the maximum civil penalty for ethics violations from $10,000 to $20,000. Changing the burden of proof for an ethics violation from "clear and convincing" evidence to a "preponderance" of evidence. Keeping public officials honest in the Sunshine State is an ongoing struggle. Change requires giving prosecutors the statutory and administrative tools to pursue corrupt and ethically challenged officials. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and members of his leadership team, speaking to developers Wednesday at the Build 2016 conference, introduced their vision to infuse human speech and machine learning into the companys consumer and enterprise businesses, positioning Microsoft as a major player in the cloud services and artificial intelligence space. Nadella and Terry Myerson, executive vice president of the Windows and Devices Group, introduced a series of upgrades to Windows 10 and Cortana as well as technology called Conversations as a Platform, which will provide new levels of collaboration and productivity never seen before in a Microsoft suite of products, the company said. Its about taking the power of human language and applying it more pervasively to all of our computing, Nadella said. Among the innovations Microsoft announced is a new level of capabilities added to its Cortana Intelligence Suite, previously known as Cortana Analytics Suite. The first addition, called Microsoft Cognitive Services, is a collection of intelligence APIs that allow systems to hear, speak and interpret interaction with humans and communicate that using natural speech patterns. Microsoft is in a race with Apples Siri, Amazons Alexa and Googles Google Now to provide virtual personal assistants, said Kevin Krewell, principal analyst at Tirias Research. Embracing 3rd-Party Developers Microsoft is opening up the development cycle to outside developers in order to help make its embrace of AI and bots more appealing to the enterprise customer, which is a core strength the company has over many of its competitors, he told TechNewsWorld. The company showcased its three-dimensional HoloLens, which allowed a Case Western professor to transport his head and hand onto the stage and students to visually examine a three-dimensional scan of the human body, giving them a unique view of various organs. In terms of artificial intelligence, this is what many of us think is the future of computing, and Microsofts focus on the category seemed light, said Rob Enderle, principal analyst at the Enderle Group. With these announcements, Microsoft is showcasing they dont just want to play, but they want to lead with increasingly intelligent cloud services and tools, he told TechNewsWorld. Applying the Science Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center is using Microsofts technology to provide personalized healthcare monitoring to patients through a system called ImagineCare. Patients wearing Microsoft Band activity trackers and using smartphones are monitored from home, instead of having to run to a doctors office. A patient with unusually high blood pressure, for example, would have that information uploaded into a cloud-based system that could alert a nurse, who could then remotely examine various symptoms and activities and contact the patient for further evaluation. The companys Seeing AI app uses AI to help give the visually impaired more information about the world around them. For example, a blind person sitting in a diner with a paper menu could shoot a photo of the menu with a smartphone, and the app would read the menu out loud. In another example, a blind person sitting in a meeting could use smart glasses to scan the other attendees. The app would describe their approximate age, gender and emotions, giving the visually impaired person a better read on how well the communication is going. Microsoft also introduced a series of upgrades to the Windows 10 platform, which it said is the most successful upgrade of an operating system in its history. It has 270 million active users, which is 145 percent ahead of Windows 7, Executive VP Myerson told developers at the conference. Among the upgrades available under the Windows 10 anniversary edition, Cortana will offer a more sophisticated array of capabilities, including the ability to talk with users when the computer is locked and logged out. Windows Ink will let users draw on their computers as if they were sheets of paper, marking up whiteboards and sticky notes. Windows Hello will expand the security protection of Windows to the Edge browser and to other devices. Partners such as Bank of America, Facebook, Starbucks, Square Enix and Wargaming are developing apps for Windows 10. Security researchers atPalo Alto Networks Unit 42 on Wednesday announced they had discovered in the wild a method of infecting nonjailbroken iPhones with malware by exploiting design flaws in Apples digital rights management technology. The flaw has been exploited since 2013 largely as a means to pirate iOS software, but this is the first time its been used to infect iPhones with malware, researcher Claud Xiao said. This is a fairly sophisticated attack, said Steve Kelly, president ofIntego. Theres a lot of moving pieces in this, he told TechNewsWorld. Somebody put quite a bit of effort in creating this. The Attack The attack works like this: The malware author purchases a legitimate app through the ITunes app. During the download process, the hacker intercepts the authorization code that accompanied the software. iOS devices use that code to authenticate the app. Once in possession of the code, the hacker writes a PC program touted to provide some utility for a user. The program, called Aisi Helper, purports to provide services for iOS devices such as system reinstallation, jailbreaking, system backup, device management and system cleaning. When the program runs, however, it emulates the iTunes client in the background and uses the intercepted authorization code to send infected apps to an iPhone secretly. Three infected apps were uploaded to the App Store from July to February, Xiao said. Each managed to avoid detection by Apple by tailoring its behavior to a geographic region. China Connection Apple removed these three apps from the App Store after we reported them in late February 2016, he noted. However, the attack is still viable because the FairPlay MITM attack only requires these apps to have been available in the App Store once. As long as an attacker could get a copy of authorization from Apple, the attack doesnt require current App Store availability to spread those apps, Xiao continued. While the malware, which Palo Alto calls AceDeceiver, appears to affect only users in mainland China, its a sign of bigger problems for Apple because its a blueprint for infecting nonjailbroken iPhones, he noted. As a result, its likely well see this start to affect more regions around the world, whether by these attackers or others who copy the attack technique, Xiao said. Cant Blame Jailbreakers With the recent introduction of ransomware forLinux andOS X, its apparent that malware writers are trying to expand their reach, noted Adrian Liviu Arsene, a senior threat analyst withBitdefender. This is the first time that weve seen malware as an application installed on an iPhone that was not jailbroken, he told TechNewsWorld. If that can happen, the skys the limit. Although Apple removed the infected wallpaper apps from the App Store as soon as Palo Alto notified it about them, it may have been surprised by the attack, maintained Vishal Gupta, CEO ofSeclore. Most attacks happen on jailbroken devices. Apple says its not responsible for jailbroken devices, and thats usually where the story ends, he told TechNewsWorld. This time its Apples responsibility, Gupta said, and theres no way Apple can shrug this off. Data Protection Needed Apple and other hardware makers need to focus more resources on protecting the data on phones, he maintained. Apple and others are too busy securing their devices. This device-centric view is, unfortunately, a challenge in the present security posture of a lot companies, including Apple, Gupta said. People are not interested in securing devices theyre interested in securing their data, he continued. If you lose your phone, youll feel sad about it, but you can always buy another phone, Gupta added. But if you lose youre data, that can be something very difficult to replace. Much of the analysis that Ive seen regarding the U.S. presidential election season concludes that it is progressing like the Goldwater vs. Johnson election in the 1960s, when the Republican Party torpedoed its own candidate, ensuring a Democratic Party win. This is happening despite statistics that suggest Hillary Clinton is an extremely weak candidate. At least, that was the case until Anonymous decided to jump into the fight to take Trump out. I think that development actually could push this divisive candidate over the top, if it goes beyond a threat and actually results in a substantive attack. Ill explain how and close with my product of the week: the Sulon Q, a fascinating virtual reality product coming to market in a few months, which will compete with Microsofts Hololens. Cybersecurity Platform One of the most interesting things about this years campaign is that while cybersecurity or actually the lack of it coupled with nation-level cyberattacks has been highlighted as one of the biggest threats the nation will have to face this decade, it isnt included in anyones campaign talking points. Everyone is ignoring it likely because they dont understand the threat, and most voters dont get it either. Given what is going on and the number of breaches credited to foreign governments, this is kind of like no one talking about the threat Japan represented to the U.S. right before Pearl Harbor. The threat is likely worse than what Japan represented, because back then it was believed that Japan couldnt threaten the American coast only Hawaii and a few military bases. Even so, taking out the largest U.S. base in the Pacific and attacking a U.S. state certainly got the countrys attention, and the result certainly impacted U.S. politics. U.S. and European politicians actually were blamed for conspiring to cause it. Imagine what is likely to happen if the U.S. is targeted by a massive cyberattack, given the government clearly is underprepared for one. The Anonymous Factor Anonymous is an amorphous group of people who present themselves as an organization, even though there is little evidence they actually are organized. Historically, they have been more of an annoyance than anything else, but they have the potential to do a significant amount of damage. Donald Trump, who fights largely over Twitter, would appear to be uniquely vulnerable, because of his reliance on social media to get his message out. He would seem to be outmatched, because he appears as an individual with an apparent lack of knowledge of cyberthreats. In short, it seems Anonymous could at the very least embarrass Trump, and at the most shut him down entirely. Donald Trumps Cards Like no other candidate running, Donald Trump runs a host of casinos, hotels, and other businesses many of which not only have huge security organizations, but also, particularly in the case of his casinos, unique capabilities to identify, track, and arrest those who attempt to do them damage, electronically or otherwise. So, through what would be a very high visibility attack, Anonymous at the same time could remind people of the threat, and showcase Trump as the only politician who can address it. Potentially, with his resources, he could catch more of the folks attacking him than he FBI could. That would be a layer on top of the Secret Service response, and because Trump is a national candidate, the end result would be a very public validation of two things: that cyberterrorism is a threat; and that only Trump knows how to deal with it. Depending on the news cycle and how many people realize just how big a national threat cyberterrorism is, the end result could allow Trump to overcome the seemingly unbeatable Clinton. Wrapping Up We clearly are not talking enough about cyberterrorism in general, and it is really one of the biggest threats if not the biggest the U.S. faces near term. It has the potential to severely damage the nation, from shutting down or compromising financial markets to shutting down or compromising utilities like water, power and telephony. Voters should be more aggressive in finding out which presidential candidate can best address the exposure. In addition, while Trump appears to be no more or less prepared to address this exposure with personal knowledge, he is the only candidate who actually has any defense against it and given his casino properties, his defense is likely one of the strongest private capabilities in the U.S. Attacking him outright wouldnt highlight his lack of knowledge but his defense capability, and likely make voters believe that he is uniquely capable of addressing the growing fear of cyberterrorism. Rather than hurting him and much like most every other attack on Trump this is likely to strengthen him, with the possibility of making it appear he is the only candidate who can keep the U.S. safe. If this scenario plays out, it could result in Trump winning the exact opposite of what Anonymous intends. Ironically, this might make more people mad at Anonymous than if they actually were successful. Thatll give you something to think about this week. Im a big fan of the Microsoft Hololens. It represents a fundamental change in how we look at augmented reality and virtual reality. It is also incredibly well funded, and it is being actively used to actually explore Mars, even in its Alpha phase. However, it has some limitations. The display doesnt cover the entire field of view, and it is transparent, which means virtual objects often dont look solid they look somewhat transparent and unsubstantial. That is actually OK for most initial business uses, but it sucks for gaming, where you want a lot more reality. Well the Sulon Q largely based on AMD technology and Windows 10 (like the Hololens) directly addresses this shortcoming. It blocks the view of the user and uses cameras to capture the surroundings, so the graphics system can recreate it. This results in virtual objects looking as solid as real objects, with the same capability of being able to play and move untethered in real environments without breaking a leg. Sulon Q Headset Now there is a clear offsetting shortcoming, and that is that because the Sulon Q doesnt just track but renders the entire room, the performance requirement is higher. Rather than make the virtual objects look real, it tends to make the real objects look virtual. It feels like you are in a game. Thats OK initially, for gaming, but it likely will fall short of professional needs. Both products will evolve differently, but given that my initial use likely will be gaming, the Sulon Q suddenly became my favorite and my product of the week. It's only been a few days since the FBI revealed it no longer required Apple's assistance in accessing the San Bernardino iPhone as it had found a way to unlock the device with the help of a "third party." Now, the government agency has agreed to help an Arkansas prosecutor unlock an iPhone and iPad belonging to two teenagers accused of killing a couple. The request for help comes from Faulkner County prosecuting attorney Cody Hiland. The homicide case involves 18-year-old Hunter Drexler and 15-year-old Justin Staton, who stand accused of murdering Robert and Patricia Cogdell at their home in Conway, 30 miles north of Little Rock, last July. The presiding judge has now agreed to postpone the trial from next week to June 27 to give the FBI time to unlock the devices. Court records show that "a letter to Snapchat," 10 pages of emails and over 100 pages of "Facebook records" have already been entered into evidence in the case, but prosecutors say Staton used the iPod to plan the murders, and there may be other evidence on the devices. Hiland confirmed that the FBI agreed to help less than a day after the request was made. "We always appreciate their cooperation and willingness to help their local law enforcement partners," Hiland said. Drexler's attorney, Patrick Benca, said he was notified that the FBI would be unlocking his client's phone, but claimed it contains no incriminating evidence. "We're not concerned about anything on that phone," he said. We still don't know precisely how the FBI broke into Syed Farook's iPhone, and whether it plans to use the same technique in this instance. The specifics of the devices in question, such as model and OS version, are also unknown, and the method used in the earlier case is unlikely to work on newer Apple models. When a deal was reached on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) last year, activists called the agreement the "biggest global threat to the internet," claiming it would bring massive new online restrictions around the world. One of the many criticisms directed at the TPP is that it favors the interests of big businesses; part of the deal appears to state - using vague wording - that revealing corporate wrongdoings "through a computer system" will be made a crime. And while a number of companies have voiced their support of the plan, one holdout has been influential trade group The Internet Association (IA) - until now. The IA, which counts Google, Facebook, Amazon, Twitter, Yahoo, Uber, and eBay among its members, has finally endorsed the controversial pact after previously expressing concern over certain elements, such as the intellectual property laws. "The TPP recognizes the Internet as an essential American export," said Internet Association CEO, Michael Beckerman, in a statement. "Historically, pro-Internet policies have been absent from trade agreements, which is why the TPP is an important step forward for the Internet sector that accounts for 6 percent of the GDP and nearly 3 million American jobs. "It will be critical that the TPP is implemented in a way that supports the Internet economy." As part of the agreement, Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam have agreed to take on the various intellectual property and internet laws of the US. The trade deal was signed on February 4 this year, but it faces opposition in congress, which still needs to ratify the agreement before it can come into effect. Building on the success of last year's Pure Cool (AM11) bladeless fan with built-in air filtration system, Dyson has launched a new model that finally adds mobile app control to the mix. The Dyson Pure Cool Link is essentially the same fan / air purifier as last year's model. For those that need a refresher, the machine features a 360-degree glass HEPA filter that Dyson claims is capable of filtering out 99.97 percent of allergens and pollutants as tiny as 0.3 microns including pollen, bacteria, mold, auto emissions, odors, fumes and pet dander. It can run continuously for up to six months before the filter loaded with activated carbon granules needs to be replaced. That said, the new model wirelessly connects to the Dyson Link app for Android and iOS devices. With it, you'll be able to not only control the Pure Cool Link but monitor the air quality both indoors and outside. Users can also use the app to set sleep timers, toggle night-time mode, adjust oscillation and more. The machine also comes with a standard remote should you not want to pull out your phone to make quick adjustments. The Dyson Pure Cool Link is available via Dyson's website today for shoppers in the US, UK and Western Europe. It's offered in your choice of blue or white and carries a rather steep price tag of $499.99 which includes free delivery and a two-year limited warranty. Look for it to arrive in Canada, China and South East Asia next month. Natural gas pipelines span throughout the world and inspecting them may seem to be a never-ending job. NASA scientists developed a new technology to help detect and locate methane gas leaks on Earth - through a miniature Mars drone. Originally designed for testing the Martian atmosphere, the quadcopter is equipped with a smaller version of a methane gas sensor, called the Open Path Laser Spectrometer (OPLS). NASA said that the sensitivity of the device makes it possible to monitor several miles of pipeline at a time from the air. Successful Flight Test The space agency scientists have successfully flight-tested the drone which was developed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California. The team worked with UC Merced's Mechatronics, Embedded Systems and Automation (MESA) Lab. They performed initial tests flights in late February. The team tested the device at the Merced Vernal Pools and Grassland Reserve in central California. The flight test aimed to show the efficacy and accuracy of the system in a controlled setting. "These tests mark the latest chapter in the development of what we believe will eventually be a universal methane monitoring system for detecting fugitive natural-gas emissions and contributing to studies of climate change," said Lance Christensen, OPLS principal investigator at JPL. Drones are used at present to reach areas and places that humans and other vehicles can't reach. Aside from being cost-effective, it can provide an enhanced vertical access that could extend the use of methane-inspection technology. These devices can reach even remote or rural areas where natural-gas transmission pipelines are located. Methane Gas Leaks On Mars, signs of methane gas could signal biological activity but on Earth, it could be a sign of an impending danger-in-waiting. Methane is a very strong and robust greenhouse gas that carries 84 times the warming power of carbon dioxide. Methane gas leaks are very common and have become a problem across countries. In Oct. 23, 2015, a massive natural gas leak happened at a storage well near Los Angeles, California. The leak was only contained in mid-February. The leaks do not just happen in big oil facilities but also in small neighborhoods. Gas leaks happen because companies fail to monitor and maintain infrastructures. Without standards imposed by the federal government, the leaks will continue to be a national problem putting the health and lives of people at risk. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. In a deal that will hurt in the short run but possibly help in the long term, Spotify has raised $1 billion in convertible debt, according to a report from the Wall Street Journal's Douglas MacMillan. TPG and Dragoneer led the investment and were supported by clients of Goldman Sachs. The deal, which "comes with some strict guarantees," has already been signed, according to the report. Spotify has to pay 5 percent annual interest, though that goes up by 1 percent each half year and caps out at 10 percent. The debt can also be converted into equity with a 20 percent discount that goes up by 2.5 percent every six months Spotify doesn't go public. The discount is set at 20 percent for the first year. Along with nailing down terms to encourage the Swedish company to make an IPO (Initial Public Offer) within the next year or so, TPG and Dragoneer only have to wait 90 days after the IPO to sell their converted shares of the company. Spotify's employees will have to wait twice as long to do so. Spotify agreed to the tough terms of the deal because the competition in the market for streaming music continues to get tougher. While Jay-Z's Tidal just hit the 3-million mark, Apple Music has, in less than a year's time, drummed up 11 million paying users in its march to overtake Spotify. Though Apple Music added 11 million paying subscribers, Spotify attracted about 10 million new customers over that time. It has climbed from a count of 20 million paying customers to 30 million, as revealed by Spotify CEO and founder Daniel Ek in a tweet. But it's not just Apple that's giving Spotify a hard time. Pandora is retooling to better compete with Spotify and Apple Music, while SoundCloud has already done so. With more than 175 million monthly users, SoundCloud just announced a new subscription service to help it better monetize the content from its 12 million creators. The $9.99 per month service will also include 125 million tracks, licensed and shared, in a model that's set to lay claim to even more potential Spotify customers. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Tobacco smoking can dramatically change the balance of bacteria in the mouth, affecting a person's risk of mouth, lung and digestive system diseases, a new report revealed. There is good news: the oral microbiome balance can be restored if people quit smoking. In the study featured in the International Society for Microbial Ecology Journal, researchers examined the mix of about 600 bacterial species in the mouths of more than 1,200 individuals in the United States. All participants were 50 years old and above, and included people who never smoked, people who currently smoke, and people who have kicked the habit. The research team found that current smokers had experienced a significant increase in growth for more than 150 oral microbiome species, while 70 bacterial species experienced decreases in growth. - Proteobacteria species Proteobacteria help break down toxic chemicals that people get from smoking, researchers said. The number of Proteobacteria species in the mouth of smokers were found at less than 5 percent of overall bacteria, compared the 12 percent rate among non-smokers. - Streptococcus Smokers possessed 10 percent more species of Streptococcus in their mouths, compared with non-smokers. These species apparently promote the decay of teeth. Possible Implications Senior investigator Jiyoung Ahn of NYU Langone Medical Center said the study is the first to suggest that smoking has a significant impact on a person's oral microbiome. Previous studies have linked imbalances of microbiome in the gut to immune disorders such as Crohn's disease and gastrointestinal cancers. Some experts say that more than 75 percent of cancers in the mouth are tied to smoking. However, Ahn said it remains to be seen whether oral microbiome differences due to smoking contribute to the risk of mouth cancer, as well as the risk of diseases in the gut and lungs. Bouncing Back Ahn and her colleagues found that the number of mouth bacteria seemed to return to normal after a person stops smoking completely. All former smokers who did not smoke for the past decade possessed the same balance of oral microbiome as nonsmokers. But the research team cautions that they have yet to find out how long it takes for the oral microbiome to become balanced again. In the meantime, Ahn and her team plans to investigate how smoking-related changes could influence the risk for cancer of the mouth and other parts of the body. Photo : Chris Vaughan | Flickr 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. 4Deep Inwater Imaging is developing the world's first underwater microscope that can detect algae outbreaks before these can spread into toxic blooms. The prototype is set to become a standard monitoring instrument to analyze water quality. The device can detect signals of fluorescence from harmful algae before the fully-grown blooms appear. Early detection is vital not just for public health but also for fishery and aquaculture, among other sectors where water quality is crucial. "There are certainly good applications in aquaculture, in shellfish industries and water municipalities - just general drinking water monitoring," says Stephen Jones, 4Deep CEO. The underwater microscope had gone through both laboratory and underwater testing before the prototype was made. The Halifax-based company plans to commercialize and export the device in the latter part of the year. The Government of Canada is investing a $500,000 cash grant in the project through the business development program of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. "With applications in oceanography, oil and gas, biomedical, manufacturing and more, 4Deep Inwater Imaging is creating solutions for a broad cross-section of industries locally and globally," says Halifax Member of Parliament Andy Fillmore. 4Deep has developed other specialized microscopes for a variety of environments and applications. One of these is a submersible microscope that allows users to easily and quickly analyze microorganisms and particles up to 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) below the surface. Jones expects that the demand for the new underwater microscope will increase as massive algae blooms around the world ruin oceans and waterways. He stresses that the worldwide algae outbreaks for the past half-decade have increased, not just in severity and frequency but geographically as well. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, climate change can increase the frequency of toxic algae blooms. The increasing warm waters and high nutrient levels enable algae to grow, multiply faster and create the so-called blooms. The algae blooms block sunlight and deplete oxygen that aquatic organisms need. This affects the growth and survival of other aquatic organisms. Algae species such as the red and golden algae and several cyanobacteria types can become toxic and affect not just aquatic wildlife but also humans. This toxicity can cause damage to the nervous system and liver. Photo: U.S. Geological Survey | Flickr 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. In a cautious approach, Yuba River Charter School (YRCS) in Nevada County, California has shut down its premises because an unvaccinated child with measles had attended school before spring break. To curb the spread of measles given its contagious nature, the Nevada County school quarantined the campus and has extended its spring holidays by one day. Measles are infectious and can easily be spread to others by air or direct contact. Taking account of this incident, Ron Charles, the Director of the school, emailed and called up the parents to inform them of the closure. Further, the school has announced that while it will reopen on March 30, students who are not vaccinated for measles should not attend school until April 8, and must remain under home quarantine. Vaccinated students upon producing the documentation of immunity can resume school. An excerpt from the letter that was issued to the parents of the infected child from the Nevada County Public Health Department goes on to convey that if the measles-infected child does not produce necessary documentation of immunity to measles, the child will be excluded from school from March 29, 2016 effectively. The essential documents include a documentation of one or more measles vaccinations dated at least two weeks before March 17 or later. Alternatively they can produce a blood test report showing IgG antibodies to measles. The same applies to other students as well. If either of these documentations cannot be presented by other students, they too will be barred from attending school. The excluded students can resume school on April 8 once the Health Officer from the Nevada County Public Health Department affirms that the period of surveying the outbreak of measles is done and no new cases of measles have sprouted in the vicinity. The excluded students have also been requested to be quarantined, and to stay put at home during this precarious period. Based on records, Nevada County has been identified with one of the lowest vaccination rates in California. Apparently, only 77 percent of its kindergarten students are fully vaccinated for the 2015-16 academic year. YRCS, which has now come under the radar, only has 43 percent of its kindergarten students fully vaccinated. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Thousands of yearly premature births in the United States could be linked to air pollution, a new study suggested. These implications cost the nation up to $4.3 billion per year. Researchers from the New York University looked into the the health and economic implications that may be attributed to exposure to fine particulate matter. Particulate matter are tiny particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers. This type of pollution is released by factories, traffic and other industrial operations. Past studies on particulate matter exposure linked it to various health conditions, including cardiovascular and respiratory problems, and even premature deaths. The new study linked exposure to fine particulate matter with premature births. The researchers analyzed air pollution data from the Environmental Protection Agency and the preterm birth data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Using existing data on how exposure to fine particulate matter affects the preterm birth risks, they estimated how many preemies' births were caused by exposure to air pollution in 2010. They found that 3.32 percent, or 15,808 of all premature births in 2010 could be linked to particulate matter exposure. To come up with the estimated yearly medical costs, the researchers used a report from the National Academy of Sciences' Institute of Medicine. In one year, the United States spent approximately $760 million for the direct medical costs of premature births. More than the amount spent on medical care is the cost of the loss of economic productivity, as those born prematurely may have developmental or cognitive disabilities that limit their ability to work. To look at the cost of lost economic productivity, the team turned to past studies that linked premature births and decreases in IQ, as well as studies on the relationship between IQ loss and lost economic productivity. They estimated that because of reduced productivity, the United States lost $3.57 billion in 2010. In total, air pollution-related premature births cost the country $4.3 million. "The implications also spread beyond the United States to other parts of the globe where air pollution is likely to be more of a substantial problem," said study author Dr. Leonardo Trasande, an associate professor of pediatrics at the New York University's School of Medicine. The study was published in the Environmental Health Perspectives journal. The findings add to the growing body of literature that highlights the health and economic consequences of air pollution worldwide. "This is an opportunity for women and families to advocate for efforts to prevent environmental contributors that are really under-recognized," added Trasande. Photo: Cesar Rincon | Flickr 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A 26-year-old Briton hostage aboard EgyptAir flight managed to have his picture taken with the hijacker. Ben Innes was among the last one freed at the Larnaca airport of Cyprus, where the six-hour negotiation happened between officials and hijacker Seif Eldin Mustafa. Innes mustered the courage to ask for a picture with Mustafa, thinking that he would not lose much anyway in case the threat of the suicide bomber is real. "I'm not sure why I did it, I just threw caution to the wind while trying to stay cheerful in the face of adversity," Innes, a health and safety inspector from Leeds said. The picture shows a smiling Innes with Mustafa wearing a suicide belt, which later on was found to be just a dummy. Photo of the week: Passanger Ben Innes posing for a selfie with plane hijacker Seif Eldin Mustafa. pic.twitter.com/PmLH4M6692 Michel Elefteriades (@elefteriades) March 29, 2016 The hijacked EgyptAir domestic flight MS181 from Alexandria to Cairo had 56 passengers and six crew members. According to Egypt's civil aviation ministry, the Airbus A320 had 26 foreign passengers, out of which are eight Americans, four Dutch nationals, four Britons, two Greeks, two French nationals, two Belgians, a Syrian and an Italian. Mustafa stated the reason for the hijacking was his attempt to reach his ex-wife. After landing at Larnaca airport, Mustafa asked officials to deliver a four-page message to his Cypriot ex-wife or he will set off the bomb attached to his body. This hijacking, although not a terrorist attack, raises concerns about why a "mentally unstable" man was able to pass through the Alexandria airport while carrying an explosive-like device. Especially when securities are supposed to be on heightened alert after an airport in Brussels was attacked by suicide bombers. The hijacking incident is another blow to the Egyptian airline, which is plagued with several militant attacks since 2013. The country is yet to recover from the October airline bombing. Photo: Mark Harkin | Flickr 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. There is no such thing as a perfect phone, but Samsung got pretty close to it with its flagship duo Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge. However, as the device gets more hands-on time with customers, some owners are noticing a few peculiar quirks happening on their Galaxy S7s. More and more complaints are piling up about the Galaxy S7 acting up as if the Recent Apps/Multi-Window capacitive key is being pressed, when in fact, it actually isn't. "I keep getting multi window popping up for no reason. I rest my phone on my pinky when I use it and wonder if that has something to do with it. Like the capacitive key is shorting on the frame and registering my pinky as a capacitive key press. I've watched as it happens and my pinky is no where near the recent apps key, basically dead center on the charging port," user "superemekizzle" says on the popular XDA-Developers forum. Initially, it was believed to occur only on S7 Edge variants probably because of the curved screen. However, other users with the regular S7 also report having to deal with the same issue. Be it a rogue pinky press or not, other Galaxy S7 owners are sharing similar incidents with the false key press occurring shortly after unlocking their device. The issue has already been brought up to Samsung, and the company says it has issued a 60 MB update that should fix the problem. Of course, it likely won't fix everyone's problem with that phantom key-press bug. If that's the case, Samsung suggests the normally reliable route of going through a factory reset. Yes, it is quite a hassle to have to factory reset a device and set it up all over again, but doing so is usually the best solution. Another user on the same thread on the XDA forum, "Zychic," performed the factory reset and says it worked. This specific user would often see their Multi-Window activated after five to 10 seconds of unlocking their device. After the factory reset and unlocking their S7 "over 40 times," Zychic reports that their device is now working as it should. Photo: Razvan Baltaretu | Flickr 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Hobbit people living in Indonesia died out long ago, according to new research, pushing back the age when these tiny humans lived. The diminutive creatures may have even been wiped out by the first modern humans, according to a recent study. Homo floresiensis was discovered in 2003 within a cave on the Indonesian island of Flores, but researchers originally dated the end of the species to around 12,000 years ago. A new study shows the small-statured human species, nicknamed "The Hobbit" by investigators, died out around 50,000 years before our own time. These halflings stood approximately 42 inches tall, and featured a brain much like that seen in modern chimpanzees. This mental capacity allowed H. floresiensis to use stone tools as they went about their day-to-day business, including hunting pygmy elephants. Human beings spread throughout local islands around 50,000 years ago, an event that was followed by the disappearance of the ancient hobbit people. Numerous animal species, including large Komodo dragons, also died off on Flores at around the time Home sapiens first walked on the island. Future research will examine if our direct ancestors were directly responsible for killing off the halfling-like creatures on Flores. "To me, the question is, 'Would the Hobbits have become extinct if humans had never made landfall on Flores?' and the answer is 'no.' We were likely the decisive factor in their demise, but we still need to find hard evidence to back up this hunch," said Bert Roberts of the University of Wollongong in Australia. Sediment housing the skeletal remains, together with stone tools, was examined by archaeologists looking to better understand the age of the finds. The tools were dated between 50,000 and 190,000 years before our time, while the hobbit bones were measured to be 60,000 to 100,000 years old. Researchers believe the earlier measurement recording an age of 11,000 to 13,000 years old was a simple mistake. Investigators on that earlier study may have confused two layers of remains, leading to the erroneous conclusion. The new data was based on additional digs in the area, providing more accurate dating of finds. Analysis of the hobbit people remains was detailed in the journal Nature. Photo: Tim Evanson | Flickr 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Ultrasounds during the early weeks of pregnancy may not be effective in detecting fetal brain damage among pregnant women infected by Zika virus, as evidenced by a new report published on March 30. Researchers in the United States said a Finnish woman whose identity was not disclosed went through three ultrasounds during the first weeks of her pregnancy, but the diagnostic technique failed to show signs of brain damage in the fetus. The unidentified woman was infected with Zika while she was traveling in Mexico, Guatemala and Belize in November last year. At 19 weeks, another ultrasound scan revealed significant abnormalities. A week later, a more sophisticated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan identified even greater fetal brain damage. The MRI scan showed that the fetal brain shrunk from a normal head circumference in the 47th percentile at 16 weeks to the 24th percentile at 20 weeks. The head circumference was not small enough to be diagnosed as microcephaly, but given the extent of brain damage revealed by the MRI, the woman decided to terminate the pregnancy at the 21st week. Unusual Findings Report co-author Adre du Plessis says their report suggests that physicians use caution in reassuring patients who have "normal fetal ultrasound examinations" early in their gestation. In fact, there is an enormous amount of information about this strain of Zika that scientists still do not know about. Du Plessis said the virus appears to be behaving very differently now than in the past. "What we do know for sure is if the fetal brain is affected this appears to be a very bad situation," said du Plessis. Additionally, researchers discovered that the 33-year-old woman still tested positive for Zika 10 weeks after she was infected during this trip far beyond what experts have believed is the case. Doctors said Zika typically remains in the blood of infected patients for five to seven days. Neuropathologist Dr. Cheng Ying-Ho said the study raises questions as to whether there is a relationship between the duration of the virus infection in the mother and the severity of fetal brain damage. Study authors believe that their findings also call into focus the current recommendations for Zika testing in pregnant patients, which suggest testing for presence of Zika within two weeks of the infections and do not recommend MRI scans. "What really matters is whether there is evidence of changes in the brain to suggest injury in the context of a proven viral infection in the mother," added du Plessis. The findings are featured in the New England Journal of Medicine. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. An international group of astronomers obtained the most intricate map of a rocky super-earth exoplanet, revealing that it has halves: one side is almost completely solid, while the other side has molten lava. Exoplanet 55 Cancri e, which is nearly twice as big as Earth, possesses the most extreme temperature swings that may have caused its atmosphere to evaporate, resulting to the "two-faced" conditions on the planet. Temperatures on the "toasty" side of the exoplanet can reach 4,400 degrees Fahrenheit. In contrast, the "cool" side of the exoplanet is about 2,060 degrees Fahrenheit, researchers said. "Our view of this planet keeps evolving," said report lead author Brice Olivier Demory. He and his colleagues used data from NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope to examine 55 Cancri e, which revolves around a host star located 40 light years away in the Cancer constellation. The team mapped out how conditions on the exoplanet shift throughout a complete orbit - the first feat for such a small planet. 55 Cancri e is tidally "locked", meaning that the same phase always faces its host star. This is very similar to the phases of our moon. When compared to Earth, where the atmosphere helps circulate heat, 55 Cancri e has a molten day side and a completely solid night side. Demory, who is an astrophysicist from the University of Cambridge, said this means that the planet does not efficiently transport heat. He said this could be explained by the lack of atmosphere on the day side, or by lava flows at the surface of the planet. Michael Gillon, Demory's colleague, said the day side of the exoplanet could possibly contain rivers of lava, as well as big pools of hot magma. The night side could possibly have solidified lava flows, similar to the ones in Hawaii, he said. Meanwhile, Demory said they have yet to find other small planets that orbits this close to its parent star while at the same time being relatively close to Earth. He said 55 Cancri e offers a lot of possibilities for detailed observations on the atmospheric and surface conditions of rocky exoplanets. One question they would want to answer is this: where exactly does the additional heat on 55 Cancri e come from in the first place? Observations reveal an unknown source of heat that makes the exoplanet hotter than expected just from the star's irradiation, but researchers may have to wait for the next generation of space telescopes to find out the answer. In the meantime, the scientists plan to keep studying the molten exoplanet to uncover more secrets it might hold. Their current findings are published in the journal Nature. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Federal health regulators announced on March 30 that they will allow the use of an investigational test to screen and check donated blood for signs of Zika virus. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of the blood test, which was manufactured by New Jersey-based Roche Holding AG, to screen donated blood in areas affected by the mosquito-borne Zika virus. In February, the agency recommended that blood should no longer be collected from regions in the United States where Zika is circulating. At the moment, however, the FDA urges areas with active Zika transmission to fulfill blood orders from areas where the virus is not propagating, except when the blood is tested with an FDA-licensed screening test. Dr. Peter Marks said an experimental test is imperative in maintaining the country's blood supply. He said the test is especially important for U.S. territories that are already experiencing active Zika transmission. Should Zika transmission occur in other areas in the future, establishments can continue collecting blood donations and, at the same time, use the screening test for safety measures. This will minimize the disruption to the blood supply, Marks said. The Health and Human Services (HHS) department said it is arranging shipments of blood products to Puerto Rico to make sure there is an adequate supply of safe blood, especially as the territory struggles with Zika. Now, once screening begins, the collection of whole blood and blood component donations will resume in Puerto Rico, officials said. "The bottom line is," said Marks, "we are going to work with blood centers in Puerto Rico to try to help as many as possible make use of the investigational test." The Roche test is expected to be ready within the next week or so. Meanwhile, the FDA approved a new three-in-one laboratory test for mosquito-borne diseases two weeks ago, which could potentially speed up the diagnosis of Zika virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said the 3-in-1 test kit will determine whether a person has Zika, chikungunya or dengue. Existing methods require three separate methods to detect each infection. The kits will be distributed to facilities that belong to the country's Laboratory Response Network. The test will not be given to hospitals and other primary care settings. Photo : Gabriel Flores Romero | Flickr 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. American aerospace company SpaceX will deliver the very first inflatable space module called Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) to the International Space Station (ISS) on April 8. The two-day mission will carry scientific equipment to the space station and deliver BEAM for testing. Space technology startup Bigelow Aerospace designed the very first inflatable space module that can be attached to the ISS. BEAM could revolutionize future space habitats, such as space hotels for private customers, and make them more affordable and lighter. BEAM works by injecting air that will expand the 8-foot spacecraft bundle into a garage-like area that can accommodate at least one medium-sized car. "It's a big step for us, because inflatables can be a big multiplier for us as we move further out into space," said Johnson Space Center Deputy Director Mark Geyer. When BEAM reaches the ISS, it will undergo a series of tests to see how the inflatable module can handle radiation in space. The on-board team will also measure BEAM's thermal properties and analyze how it handles other conditions such as noise. If BEAM passes the tests, NASA will allow astronauts to go inside the new inflatable living space. Mike Gold, Bigelow's director of DC operations and business growth, said astronauts stepping into the inflatable space module would be a big moment for the company. Inflatable Advantages BEAM's portability as an inflatable small bundle can help save both money and room dedicated for hauling it into space. Moreover, it provides a lighter and larger living spaces for astronauts and future human populations in space. For instance, NASA sends numerous space shuttle missions for the ISS' piece by piece assembly. Since BEAM doesn't have stiff constructions, it can easily be folded, fitted within a small payload fairing and then inflate in space. The ISS' metallic shell distributes radiation coming from solar flames. BEAM has a non-metallic skin, which means it can help limit radiation. However, the biggest elephant in the room is this: since BEAM is, in essence, a balloon, will it pop when hit by space debris? Gold said BEAM has a Kevlar-like weave that is at least as strong as the ISS' aluminum body. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A new study suggests that the so-called Planet X may be responsible for the prehistoric mass extinctions on Earth such as the disappearance of the dinosaurs. According to retired astrophysicist Daniel Whitmire, the elusive Planet X has been triggering comet showers, roughly every 27 million years, that result in periodic mass extinctions. Planet X And Mass Extinction Whitmire first put forth the theory that Planet X and mass extinctions were connected when he worked at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette as an astrophysicist in 1985. Whitmire and his colleague John Matese postulated that Planet X's orbit takes the planet through the Kuiper belt every 27 million years. As Planet X passes, objects along the belt are dislodged and knocked into the inner solar system, with some smashing into Earth and some disintegrating as they get closer to the sun. The lack of sunlight and the comets' impact would then result in global cooling and eventual mass extinction on Earth. Whitmire and Matese also checked the paleontological record and found evidence of regular comet showers dating back to 250 million years. In Whitmire's new study published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, he asserts that the periodic comet showers are caused by Planet X. This time, however, updated databases show that the regular catastrophic events can be traced back to 500 million years ago, twice the time interval of the 1985 study. Planet X And Planet Nine: One And The Same? The search for "Planet Nine" also made Whitmire reconsider the Planet X model he and Matese made in 1985. According to a recent study conducted by California Institute of Technology (Caltech), there is an undiscovered ninth planet that is about 10 times the Earth's mass. Its oblong-shaped orbit brings it close to the Kuiper belt, and it is also massive enough to fling comets into the inner solar system. Whitmire found similarities between their Planet X model and Caltech's description of a ninth planet. Is it possible that the two are one and the same? "I've been part of this story for 30 years. If there is ever a final answer I'd love to write a book about it," said Whitmire, who is now a math teacher at the University of Arkansas. But not everyone is convinced with Whitmire's theory. Caltech's Mike Brown said that the ninth planet they are searching for may not be the Planet X that Matese and Whitmire hope it to be. "While that idea may or may not make sense, it definitely has nothing to do with Planet Nine, which is much closer to the sun and thus 'only' takes 15,000 years to go around," said Brown. Photo: Beth Scupham | Flickr 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Twelve weeks of antibiotic therapy have appeared ineffective in people with long-term symptoms of Lyme disease, according to a new Dutch study. Dubbed PLEASE, the research was the largest ever to be conducted on patients with chronic symptoms post-episode of Lyme infection. It showed that three-month antibiotic therapy did not demonstrate added benefits to patients who reported persistent pain, mental confusion, and fatigue. While most Lyme disease patients are cured after the first antibiotic treatment, up to 20 percent report continuing symptoms. [The participants] report persistent symptoms, such as muscular or joint pain, fatigue or concentration problems, despite initial antibiotic therapy, says senior study author and infectious diseases professor Dr. Bart-Jan Kullberg. The team recruited 280 patients in Europe who were afflicted with Lyme disease symptoms and were previously diagnosed with the condition. The subjects were given the antibiotic ceftriaxone, and then after two weeks were administered one of the following: antibiotic doxycycline, a combination of clarithromycin and hydroxychloroquine, or placebo. After the patients completed questionnaires and took physical and memory tests, the researchers saw no clear differences between the three groups at any time during the evaluations. The patients reported no benefit of prolonged antibiotics on any of the scales compared to those who received placebo, says Kullberg, encouraging customized care instead of mere antibiotic prescriptions. The patients quality of life is no different from those with cancer or rheumatoid arthritis, said Kullberg. Mostly minor side effects, too, manifested in 68.6 percent of patients something doctors could use to reconsider prescribing long-term antibiotics, according to Johns Hopkins Drs. Michael Melia and Paul Auwaerter in an editorial. The Infectious Diseases Society of America is recommending against antibiotic therapy in treating Lyme symptoms. American Lyme Disease Foundation executive director Phillip Baker, too, said the findings aligned with conclusions from four NIH-backed clinical trials showing no gain from extended antibiotic treatment. The findings, however, have their share of detractors, with long-term antibiotic therapy advocate Dr. Raphael Stricker, also a board member of the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society, dubbing it a lousy study thats designed to fail. The debate on Lyme disease dates back to its discovery four decades ago, with experts divided over considering it a real disease or a host of symptoms of an undiagnosed illness. The disease is caused by a tick-transmitted bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi and is characterized by a bulls-eye-like red rash. Kullberg speculated that Lyme patients struggled long after treatment for several likely reasons, such as residual damage from the infection or ongoing immunological response. At any rate, doctors are puzzled as to why these patients remain sick, he said. The findings were discussed on March 31 in the New England Journal of Medicine. Photo: Lennart Tange | Flickr 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The FBI has withdrawn its case against Apple, wherein the bureau was looking for the company to create a new version of the iOS or a backdoor to bypass the encryption of the iPhone. This would be used to infiltrate the iPhone used by Syed Farook, one of the shooters in the San Bernardino attack in December 2015. The withdrawal of the case by the FBI did not signal the end of the battle on encryption between the FBI and Apple, however, and a new report by the Los Angeles Times confirms this. The FBI is said to have agreed to assist in the investigation of a murder trial in Arkansas by helping prosecutors gain access to an iPhone 6 and an iPod that could hold significant evidence. Arkansas 20th Judicial District prosecuting attorney Cody Hiland said that the Little Rock field office of the FBI will help in unlocking the devices that were owned by two of the suspects in the murder of Robert and Patricia Cogdell. According to Hiland, the FBI decided to help with the case less than a day after his office requested for assistance. Hiland learned that the bureau was able to unlock Farook's iPhone and looked to see if the FBI could help with the Cogdell case. Hunter Drexler, 18 years old, and Justin Staton, 15 years old, are accused for the murder of Robert and Patricia Cogdell in July 2015. The pair was arrested in Texas and then brought to Arkansas, with prosecutors confiscating Drexler's iPhone. Staton's iPod was later acquired by the prosecutors. It was not determined whether the FBI will be using the same method on the devices that it used to unlock Farook's iPhone. When the Los Angeles Times contacted the Little Rock field office of the FBI, their calls were not returned immediately, while a spokesman for the bureau in Washington refused to issue a comment. An official of the bureau, however, suspects that the method that will be used to unlock the confiscated iPhone and iPod would be different than the one used on Farook's iPhone, as the trial would require for the method to be revealed. If the method would be publicly revealed, Apple would be able to patch the vulnerability. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. At least nine people were injured by tornadoes that hit Tulsa, Oklahoma on the evening of March 30. Images and videos of the tornadoes have surfaced on social media, along with the damage that they have left behind. In Tulsa, Oklahoma, at least nine people have been injured, with more than 5,000 people left without power, as a storm system unleashed tornadoes into the northern part of the city. The tornadoes touched down on the evening of March 30, according to the National Weather Service. The nine injured people were rushed to local hospitals, with one of the victims said to be in critical condition. The weather service started issuing warnings in the late afternoon of March 30, continuing until early evening. One of the tornadoes was reported to have landed in northern Tulsa, with another touching ground southwest of Owasso, in the northeast of Tulsa. The second tornado was moving east by northeast, which prompted the weather service to issue a warning to people in southern Owasso. Shortly afterwards, the weather service issued another warning, this time to people in Verdigris which lies southwest of Owasso, as another tornado touched ground between Verdigris and Claremore, which is to the northeast of Verdigris. The tornado was said to be also moving east, and then another tornado was spotted in Claremore. According to weather service meteorologist Amy Jankowski, debris was being shot into the air by the tornadoes, with the city officials of Tulsa confirming the damage done. City officials confirmed damage in area 43rd N. to 46th St N & Tisdale - 43rd - 46th N. & Xanthus. Stay out of the area. Crews responding City of Tulsa (@cityoftulsagov) March 31, 2016 Multi power lines down in damaged area of N. Tulsa. Don't drive into the area 43rd N.-49N. & Tisdale, Xanthus City of Tulsa (@cityoftulsagov) March 31, 2016 Images and videos of the tornadoes have surfaced on social media, along with the damage that they have left behind. Brother in law shot this pic of the tornado northeast of Tulsa in Claremore. #okwx pic.twitter.com/0KpCD4etMD Bob Doucette (@RMhigh7088) March 31, 2016 More photos of damage around 46th & Garrison in North Tulsa. Street blocked off. @NewsOn6 pic.twitter.com/sZUNK92wxA Annie Chang (@AnnieNewsOn6) March 31, 2016 Earlier in the month, a new study revealed that tornadoes are inflicting more damage and causing more casualties across North America more than ever. Instead of tornadoes being scattered incidents, the deadly natural disasters are coming in clusters. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The ancestors of modern man may have played a crucial role in pushing another group of early people known as Homo floresiensis to their eventual extinction, according to a new study featured in the journal Nature. An international team of researchers is exploring the possibility that the ancient Homo floresiensis, which have been nicknamed the hobbits because of their diminutive size, may have met their demise as a direct consequence of Homo sapiens moving into their territory on the island of Flores in Indonesia. Based on the age of Homo floresiensis bones recovered from caves on the island, the team believes that the hobbits likely disappeared some 50,000 years ago and not 12,000 years ago as what was initially thought. While there is still no concrete evidence that the hobbits encountered Homo sapiens during their time, the researchers noted that the ancestors of modern man were already living on other islands around Flores, coinciding with the Homo floresiensis existence. Bert Roberts, a geochronologist from the University of Wollongong in Australia and one of the authors of the study, said that there is a chance that Homo sapiens were a factor in the demise of the hobbits, and that they plan on exploring this particular issue. How The Hobbits Were Discovered Scientists first became aware of the existence of Homo floresiensis when they came across the remains of a hobbit in the Liang Bua cave on the island of Flores in 2003. The bones were found along with ancient stone tools and several animal remains. This first specimen was believed to be from a 30-year-old female who stood at three and a half feet tall. It also weighed in at about 35 to 79 pounds. The remains were comprised of a skull and a skeleton. Initial dating of the hobbit remains revealed that the owner may have lived somewhere between 17,000 and 74,000 years ago. However, the stone tools that were found along with the remains were dated to be between 12,000 and 95,000 years ago. What The Hobbits Looked Like The hobbit remains showed a distinct combination of ancestral features, which are physical traits that are shared with their ancestors, and derived features, which are physical traits that came about through evolution. Analysis of the skulls of hobbits showed that they had flat, sloping foreheads and short, flat faces, traits that are closely associated with early Homo species. However, the teeth and jaws found on the skulls looked more like those on Australopithecus, which are considered to be Homo ancestors. A closer examination of three wrist bones from the first female hobbit indicated that they resembled the wrist bones of apes more than those of modern humans. This suggested that Homo floresiensis belonged to a different species from modern man. The hobbit remains also showed that they had smaller brains that closely resembled those of chimpanzees. Some scientists believe that Homo floresiensis may have developed their small brain and diminutive stature as a result of island dwarfism. They likely went through this evolutionary process because of their long-term isolation on the island of Flores with limited sources of food and not having enough predators. Island dwarfism can also be seen on the remains of pygmy elephants found on Flores. However, other experts contend that the ancestors of the hobbits may have already been small long before they migrated to Flores. How The Hobbits Survived The stone tools and animal bones that paleoanthropologists recovered along with the Homo floresiensis remains suggest that these early humans may have survived on Flores by hunting local game, particularly an extinct species of elephant known as Stegodon. While Stegodon were known to be some of the largest early elephant species that existed, the animals that lived on the island of Flores, known as Stegodon florensis insularis, were believed to have suffered from island dwarfism as well, much like the hobbits that hunted them. Photo: Karen Neoh | Flickr 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Microsoft unveiled that new tools for developers are in store, allowing everyone to craft interactive bots that can use natural language. At its Build conference in San Francisco, the company presented the Microsoft Bot Framework, a toolset that permits coders to build chatbots capable of understanding and using voice commands. One purpose of the development is for the bots to take the place of Web and app interfaces, making the user experience easier. The two essential components of the package, Microsoft Cognitive Services and the Microsoft Bot Framework, are available in preview, and both belong to the larger Cortana Intelligence Suite. "Microsoft Cognitive Services is a collection of intelligence APIs that allows systems to see, hear, speak, understand and interpret our needs," says Microsoft. The important detail is that systems can accomplish this via natural means of communication. The Microsoft Bot Framework comes in handy for developers, who can use any programming language to develop intelligent bots. "[The bots] enable customers to chat using natural language on a wide variety of platforms including text/SMS, Office 365, Skype, Slack, the Web and more," Microsoft notes. During the Build conference, Microsoft showcased the Bot Framework by quickly assembling a chatbot that was able to replace an online order form. It was not the first time Microsoft touted the possibilities of chatbots, but the novel element here is that the tool is open to everyone. One way in which Microsoft plans to assist programmers is by giving the so-called "cognitive micro services." These are nothing more than small batches of prepackaged intelligence that enable bots to have a better grasp of natural language. Extended use for image analysis and labeling was promised for later. Microsoft did offer such services to developers, but the company has now expanded its portfolio of APIs from five to 22. The free-for-all policy should provide an important support for coders who want to dabble in chatbot technologies. At the San Francisco event, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella told the media that his company wants every developer to "infuse intelligence into their applications." Albeit it is true that Microsoft's own "Tay" bot turned out to be a legendarily poor communicator, developers could obtain palatable results by using the company's toolset. During the conference, the company also demonstrated how it integrated the Cortana virtual assistant with Skype. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Microsoft unveiled that a Linux command line will come packed into Windows 10, showing that parts of the discontinued Project Astoria live on. Windows will grow after the addition of the Bash shell (developed by GNU), which established itself as a standard on several Linux distribution systems (including OS X). What this implies is that coders now can write their .sh Bash scripts on Windows. The company noted that this will function via a new Linux subsystem in Windows 10. Microsoft teamed up with Canonical to deliver the subsystem. "[W]e are delighted to stand behind Ubuntu for Windows, committed to addressing the needs of Windows developers exploring Linux in this amazing new way, and excited at the possibilities heralded by this unexpected turn of events," says Canonical founder, Mark Shuttleworth. Shuttleworth notes that this moment was both surprising and unpredictable a few years ago. Canonical's expertize came in handy, as the company delivered Microsoft a system image containing the Ubuntu versions of the diverse command-line tools that reside in a Linux distribution. Microsoft, meanwhile, developed Project Astoria, its proprietary tool for running Android apps on Windows 10 Mobile. During the project, the company compiled a Linux subsystem for Windows that would help the integration of the two platforms. Even if Microsoft pulled the plug on Project Astoria in February, bits and pieces of it surfaced in Windows Insider Previews. At its recent Build conference in San Francisco, the company announced that the Windows 10 Anniversary Update will bring a pleasant surprise: developers will get the chance to run the popular bash shell from Unix. What is more, coders will get to toy around with the standardized Unix command-line environment. Currently, the possibilities are restricted to utilizing a Linux-like command-line environment, but this could translate into operating a multitude of Linux programs natively on Windows. Windows has previously attempted to accommodate the Unix operating system via various subsystems. As early as Windows NT, Microsoft had a POSIX subsystem that offered basic support to standardized versions of APIs from Unix. By using the (third party) Interix subsystem, the feature was vastly extended and led to quite a number of Unix command-line tools. Microsoft purchased Interix and rebranded it, thus allowing support for a Unix-like mode until Windows 8. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Microsoft plans to incorporate an ad-blocking feature within the next version of the Edge browser. At the recently concluded Microsoft Build conference held in San Francisco, the company showed a slide confirming that it is indeed building ad-blocking features into the browser. These features should launch with the next browser version. The company added that the browser with the ad-blocking features built in will have version number 4682811. If things will go as planned, Microsoft Edge will be the second major browser that has an ad blocker baked in. It also confirms one of the road maps that Microsoft has for Edge, as it aims to eliminate the need for an ad-blocking extension, something that most power users are eagerly waiting for. In addition to Microsoft Edge, Opera also announced recently that it is testing its desktop browser with an integrated ad-blocking feature in order to deliver a faster browsing experience. The move has made Opera the first browser in the world to have ad-blocking software. Since the feature natively runs within the Opera browser's Web engine, it brings faster speeds than any other third-party ad-blocking extensions. Microsoft, meanwhile, touts the Edge browser as something that delivers new ways for users to "find stuff, read and write on the Web." Some of its notable features include Hub (a repository of all the things the user collects on the Web); faster searching right from the address bar; Reading List (a place for saving articles and other content for future reading); Reading View (a clean and simple layout to deliver the best reading experience); Web Note (direct writing, typing and doodling on the Web page) and easy sharing of notes to others. Microsoft is yet to announce when exactly it plans to launch the ad-blocking software on the future versions of Edge. Recently, the company started seeding the Edge browser with a couple of supported extensions to Windows Insiders. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. If you needed another indication that fully-autonomous vehicles might not be ready by 2020, consider this self-driving cars are confused by plenty of shabby United States' roads. This was made more than evident during a Reuters feature piece, in which Volvo's North American CEO, Lex Kerssemakers, was frustrated by the company's semi-autonomous prototype's bewilderment in Los Angeles. "It can't find the lane markings!" Kerssemakers said. "You need to paint the bloody roads here!" Reuters says that poor lane markings and inconsistent markings are found throughout the three million miles of paved roads in the U.S., only putting more pressure on tech companies and automakers in autonomous-vehicle development to sharpen their sensors. Altogether, the news agency says about 65 percent of the country's roads are in poor condition an estimation produced by the U.S. Department of Transportation, with the U.S. placing 12th worldwide for transportation infrastructure. Even Tesla CEO Elon Musk admitted to the great challenge that's ahead of his company and others, calling faded lane markings "crazy" for his semi-autonomous vehicles to digest. "If the lane fades, all hell breaks loose," Christoph Mertz, a research scientist at Carnegie Mellon University, told Reuters. "But cars have to handle these weird circumstances and have three different ways of doing things in case one fails." Mercedes-Benz and Toyota previously told us that they don't see fully-autonomous cars being ready to hit the road by 2020 and challenges like these only seem to reinforce some of the reasons why that is. "I am skeptical that we will be done with both in four years," Gil Pratt, the head of the Toyota Research Institute, told us back at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2016 in January. "That's a very short time and we have a long way to go [with the full development of autonomous cars]. And again, just because we are 90, 95 percent of the way there doesn't mean if you've been climbing a mountain and you've been walking through the foothills and that's 95 percent of the miles you have to go that the last five percent when you have to climb up to the peak ... that's the hard part. It's going to take us a lot longer to get up the rest of the way of the peak than it has been the easy part." We guess, figuring out how autonomous cars can manuever within faded lane markings falls in that "last five percent" Pratt is talking about. Good luck figuring this out. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Takata's massive airbag recall could be worst than originally feared. Bloomberg is reporting that a source familiar with the supplier responsible for the biggest recall in auto industry history is projecting a worst-case scenario recall cost of $24 billion. To put that staggering amount in perspective, the news agency had gotten a calculated estimate by a Jeffries Group LLC analyst of $7 billion just last month. So, how did a source familiar with the situation arrive at such a number? Well, according to Bloomberg, the person, who spoke under the condition of anonymity, calculated a doomsday recall scenario as one that would entail replacing 287.5 million airbag inflators, which would in turn deliver that projection of almost a quarter of a trillion dollars. Bloomberg additionally reports that the projection is nearly quadruple the amount of Takata's fiscal-year revenue projections ending this month. "At this juncture, the possibility of negative net worth cannot be completely denied," Masahiro Akita and Koji Takahashi, Credit Suisse Group AG analysts, wrote in a statement to the news agency Wednesday. While this projection may not pan out to be true and the actual recall cost could still be closer to $7 billion, there's no doubt that Takata's reputation has been shattered throughout this trying ordeal. Already, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has declared the company responsible for nine deaths in the U.S. after the airbag inflators burst, ejecting projectiles of plastic and metal. "It is not difficult to imagine how hard it will be for Takata to rebuild its financial standing if the expenses are apportioned," Takaki Nakanishi, a Jefferies analyst, wrote in a report late last month, as reported by Bloomberg. "The Japanese automotive industry cannot avoid seriously adopting an exit strategy from the Takata issue." Car and Driver estimates that 34 million vehicles are potentially affected in the U.S. by Takata's faulty airbag inflators with an additional seven million being recalled worldwide. Within that, the NHTSA released a list of vehicles affected, ranging from models belonging to the following automakers: BMW, FCA (Chrysler), Daimler Trucks North America, Daimler Vans USA LLC, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota and Volkswagen. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Japans Lost Black Hole Satellite Hitomi Just Reappeared and Nobody Knows Where It Was Earlier this year, Japan had launched its $270 million dollar satellite Hitomi to study black holes. However, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) had lost contact with X-ray satellite Hitomi and all efforts to get back a signal from the satellite went futile. On March 27, JAXA had officially disclosed that ever since the start of its operations on March 26, it hadnt been able to communicate with Hitomi. However, now a video of the satellite spinning widely in space has been discovered. After a long, tense silence, Hitomi sent two very terse messages in response to JAXAs continued attempts to contact it. But that doesnt mean anything like full communicationsmuch less controlhas been re-established. The fact that it got some new messages through at all is cause for hope that the satellite can yet be recovered. It also may give us a clue to just what happened to throw the satellites course off in the first place. The U.S. Air Force informed that there is no evidence that the Japanese black hole research satellite was hit by space debris. The American researchers are reporting that it could have broken into several pieces. Were taking the situation seriously, Saku Tsuneta, director of the agencys Institute of Space and Astronautical Science, told a news conference last Sunday. The Hitomi, otherwise known as ASTRO-H or the New X-ray Telescope, was launched into orbit around the Earth on February 17, with an intended goal to observe X-rays emanating from black holes and galaxy clusters, so that it would let it look at things like how matter behaves around black holes and dark matter. The Japanese space agency also said that it hasnt been able to find out what actually happened to the black hole observatory and is still trying to ascertain the health status of the satellite. Five small objects were detected around the satellite, suggesting some sort of debris or damage and observers on the ground have said they saw a flash, which may mean the craft is rotating or tumbling (as per BBC). JAXA is trying to figure out whether it will be able to recover the massively expensive instrument. Some suggestions have been that it may have suffered a gas leak or a battery explosion, but without data from the craft itself or closer observations, its hard to know. The last communication from Hitomi was on the 29th March, with very brief signals received consistent with a quickly tumbling space craft, as it passed over tracking stations. In its March 29 update, JAXA disclosed that it is investigating the claims and to do so it is observing objects around the satellites original orbit. Using telescopes at the Bisei Space Guard Center (BSGC) owned by the Japan Space Forum, the space agency has detected two objects around the orbit while the radar located at the Kamisaibara Space Guard Center (KSGC) has identified one of them. JAXA also confirmed that the signal received at the Santiago Tracking Station came from the orbital direction of the object identified at KSGC. The Worlds First Hack Was Done On A Wireless Transmission in 1901 The worlds first hacking happened 115 years ago! Surprised? In 1901, Guglielmo Marconi, the Italian inventor, and electrical engineer was all set to demonstrate wireless transmission in England. Not many know that Marconi had many rivals who wanted to prove him wrong. Marconi claimed that his Wireless transmission was unhackable and could not be interrupted or encroached on. A rival inventor named Nevil Maskelyne went on to prove him wrong. As Marconi set up for his big wireless demonstration, a transmission across England via morse code, a signal intrusion occurred. Maskelyne was the one who intruded in the signal with morse code. He sent one message for Marconi: rats, rats. Rats. Also, rats. Then some lines from Shakespeare, and other taunts for Marconi. Tom Scott gets to all the juicy details in the video below : Though Maskelyne did not know that what he did would one day be known as hacking, it goes on to prove that hackers are not a new phenomenon and existed even a century ago. News Collaboration between the Provincial Council and start-ups in GovTech Bizkaia A 40 anos de Malvinas "Revisar el pasado es pensar el futuro". La frase de la presidenta de Telam, Bernarda Llorente, resume el espiritu del documental coproducido entre la agencia de noticias y el canal publico de TV sobre la cobertura que los medios de comunicacion hicieron del conflicto, plagada de censura y mentiras. Una autocritica necesaria para mirar hacia adelante en un (ya viejo) contexto de fake news y negocio informativo. A Japan-bound airplane returned to Hawaii because of a violent passenger who wanted to do yoga instead of sit in his seat. The pilot of the March 26 United Airlines flight from Honolulu International Airport to Narita International Airport turned the plane around after hearing that Hyongtae Pae was yelling at crew members and shoving his wife, the FBI said in a criminal complaint. Mr Pae told the FBI he didn't want to sit in his seat during the meal service, so he went to the back of the plane to do yoga and meditate. He became angry when his wife and flight attendants told him to return to his seat. "Pae pushed his wife because she was trying to make him stop," the complaint said. "He felt that she was siding with the flight crew." He tried to head-butt and bite Marines who were passengers on the flight and tried to force him back to his seat, Darren Ching, Assistant US Attorney, said at Mr Pae's detention hearing on Wednesday. "In the five years from my son's diagnosis to his death, everybody was dealing in euphemisms because we were in denial and nobody said 'your son is dying'. Those discussions are really important." In the majority of deaths reviewed, medics had included a "do not resuscitate" order in the patient's notes. But in 18 per cent of cases these orders were not discussed with family members. Amanda Cheesley, from the Royal College of Nursing, said all hospital staff - from porters, to catering staff, nurses and doctors - who have contact with a dying patient should be trained how to communicate with them. Ms Cheesley, the RCN's professional lead for end-of-life care, said: "People are terrified, people cross the road to avoid talking to someone who is dying or bereaved. "We mustn't do that in hospitals we need to be there. If someone is distressed, then find out why and if I can't deal with it, find someone else who can. "Training needs to be available for portering staff, cleaning staff - not just for nurses and doctors and other allied health professionals." Dr Kevin Stewart, medical director of the RCP's clinical effectiveness and evaluation unit, added: "We are disappointed that there are still major deficiencies in the provision of specialist palliative care at nights and weekends by many trusts; patients and their families deserve the same level of service whatever the day of the week." Bill Clinton has urged Britain to remain in the European Union and warned that Northern Ireland will get "whacked" if voters back Brexit in June. The former American president expressed his serious concern about the effect Brexit would have on peace in Northern Ireland. He warned that it was "too easy" to believe that the only solution to tackling the problems facing Europe was to "hunker down". Ruth Davidson has insisted the Tories remain the only party on the side of Scottish workers as she fought back against claims her pledge to reintroduce university tuition fees and prescription charges is a hidden tax plan. The Scottish Conservative leader attempted to get her Holyrood election campaign back on track after a difficult TV debate on Tuesday night by emphasising that her party remains the only one not proposing an increase in income tax for the middle classes. She said the SNPs tuition charge policy was not really free as poor Scots had paid for it with the scrapping of 152,000 college places and 40 million of bursaries for deprived youngsters. The Tories said her plan to charge students 6,000 for a four-year degree would raise 100 million that could be used to reverse the SNPs cuts. Graduates would start paying back the money after they started earning at least 20,000. Ms Davidson also argued that bringing back prescription charges, starting at 5 next year and rising to 8 over the course of the next parliament, would raise extra funds for more nurses and cancer drugs. But John Swinney, the Deputy First Minister, said the Scottish Conservative leader had only disclosed the hidden increases under pressure from Nicola Sturgeon during the STV debate and challenged her to set out the details of who would pay them. David Cameron will on Thursday announce a new drive to protect nuclear facilities across the world from cyberattack amid fears terrorists are increasingly considering targeting vulnerable sites. Speaking ahead of the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington DC, a government source said Britain will invest 10 million into making sure nuclear material overseas is kept securely. Government officials will also launch a joint exercise with US counterparts identifying weaknesses in Britains nuclear industry next year and train experts from countries including Turkey, South Korea, Japan and Argentina. A person's religion, ethnicity, race, gender or socioeconomic background never mattered to Asad. "He met everyone with the utmost kindness and respect because those are just some of the many common threads that exist across every faith in our world. The statement continued: "If there was to be any consolation from this needless tragedy, it came in the form of the spontaneous and deeply moving response by the good people of Shawlands, Glasgow and beyond. "As a family, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to all who have organised and participated in the street vigils, online petitions and messages. "You have moved us beyond words and helped us start healing sooner than we thought possible. Mr Shahs family added that those who had taken part in remembrances and vigils for the shopkeeper were Asads family as much as we are, adding: We will always remain with you. The statement concluded: "One of our brightest lights has been extinguished but our love for all mankind and hope for a better world in which we can all live in peace and harmony, as so emphatically embodied by Asad, will endure and prevail. "Asad left us a tremendous gift and we must continue to honour that gift by loving and taking care of one another. Care home staff took an unconscious patient to the ballet using residents' money to cover up financial irregularities, a tribunal heard. Gillian Capner and her assistant Malcolm Short plundered more than 10,000 from residents' bank accounts at Westwood Court Care Home in Winsford, Cheshire, it is claimed. Severely mentally ill patients paid for trips they could not appreciate and funded the expenses of the nurses who went with them, the Nursing and Midwifery Council heard. One woman dying from breast cancer financed a trip to the ballet in Manchester, even though she was unconscious throughout the performance, it was said. A lion was shot dead in Kenya on Wednesday after attacking a man, while trackers in South Africa searched for a lion whose escape from a park prompted appeals to wildlife officials to relocate it rather than kill it. The two cases of African lions on the loose highlight the difficult balance between protecting people and conserving lions, whose numbers have declined dramatically over the past century because of unregulated hunting, a loss of habitat and growing conflict with livestock herders. Concern about the threatened species intensified last year when an American dentist killed a lion named Cecil in a hunt in Zimbabwe that officials said was illegal. Wildlife officials in Kenya shot the escaped lion several times after it injured a man in the Kajiado district, near Nairobi, the capital, said Paul Udoto, a spokesman for the Kenya Wildlife Service. Boko Haram seized hundreds of children from a remote town in northeast Nigeria in late 2014 but initial calls to report the kidnapping were ignored with locals fearful of the government's response, residents told AFP on Wednesday. A local government administrator, a chief, another elder and a resident all said some 300 children were among the 500 girls, boys and women taken from Damasak on Monday November 24, 2014. The numbers involved surpass even the 276 schoolgirls who were taken from Chibok in April the same year, which drew worldwide condemnation and calls for action. The 22-year-old, who did not see the shark approaching, sustained injuries to a thigh and a hand in the attack off Bombo Beach and was helped to shore by a fellow surfer. Beachgoers rushed to help after hearing the screams from the water. Terry Morrow, an Ambulance Service spokesman, said they saved Mr Connellan's life by applying a tourniquet to his upper thigh before paramedics reached the scene. "He had lost a large proportion of his left thigh, and the quad muscle was torn away right down to the bone," Mr Morrow told the Illawarra Mercury newspaper. Action needs to be taken to improve nuclear security around the world, according to Harvard researchers, who are warning of the threat of Isil deploying atomic weapons. The nightmare scenario of a nuclear attack was raised two days after theBrussels attacks last week when a security guard who worked at a Belgian nuclear medical research facility was murdered. It also emerged that a former worker at a Belgium nuclear power plant, Ilyass Boughalab, travelled to Syria in 2012, and Belgian police found surveillance footage of a top Belgian nuclear scientist in a house belonging to a known jihadi in November. "The rise of IS clearly raises the threat of nuclear terrorism." the authors write in the report, using an alternative acronym for Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. "ISs capabilities are substantial. If the group were to pursue nuclear weapons, it has more money, controls more territory and people, and enjoys a greater ability to recruit experts globally than al-Qaeda at its strongest ever had." The Conagua indicated that the atmospheric phenomenon registered maximum sustained winds of 140 kilometers per hour with gusts of up to 165 kilometers per hour. | Read More KCR vows to complete irrigation projects in 5 years Hyderabad, March 31 (INN): Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao said that the Telangana Government would complete all irrigation projects in the State during the next five years to irrigate one crore acres of land by re-designing the projects. Making a power-point presentation in the Assembly on Thursday, the Chief Minister said that the State Government has allocated Rs. 25,000 crore for irrigation sector during the financial year 2016-17. He said Rs. 5,000 crore would be provided additionally from next year to achieve the goal. He said besides completing the pending projects, the government would complete new projects. The Chief Minister accused the Congress leaders of causing obstructions in the construction of irrigation projects by misleading the farmers and filing PILs in the High Courts. He said despite such objections, the TRS Government was firm on completing the project as per schedule. He alleged that the erstwhile united Andhra Pradesh Government has deliberately created inter-State disputes on projects constructed in Telangana State. He said that the decision to re-design the projects was taken only after reviewing the wrong decisions taken by previous governments. KCR said in untied AP, Telangana was entitled for 1330 TMC of Krishna River. However, no projects were constructed to utilise this water. Presently, only 20 lakh acres of land was getting irrigated while this could increase up to 1.70 crore acres. He said not a single major irrigation project was started in Telangana after the formation of Andhra Pradesh in 1956. The Chief Minister said that the Telangana was not getting its due share in Godavari and Krishna Rivers water due to the construction of 480 barrages in the upper riparian States of Karnataka and Maharashtra. For the same reason, Telangana was facing drought situation every year. He said that the design of Pranahita Chevella project was faulty and therefore, it has been re-designed. He said now the barrage would be constructed at Kaleshwaram. Further, he confirmed that the height of Tummidi-Hatti has been reduced from 152 Metres to 148 Metres. He said reduction in height by four metres was in the interest of Telangana and it would be able to utilise more water from Godavari. KCR informed that Himayat Sagar, Osman Sagar, Manjeera and Singur, which supplies drinking water to Hyderabad have dried. Therefore, arrangements were made to supply Godavari River water to city. He also informed that two new reservoirs, with each having a capacity of 20 TMC, would be constructed at Shamirpet and Rachakonda. He said these reservoirs would get supplies from Krishna and Godavari Rivers. The Chief Minister alleged that the previous Congress Government has started several projects only to get commissions. He said pipes and motors worth about Rs. 750 crore were purchased from Indira Sagar and Rajiv Sagar of Khammam district by the Congress regime. However, he said those motors and pipes are still lying unutilised. News Posted: 31 March, 2016 Harish Rao slams Congress for skipping PPT presentation Hyderabad, March 31 (INN): Irrigation Minister T. Harish Rao has strongly criticised the main opposition Congress for boycotting the power-point presentation made by Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao in the Telangana State Legislative Assembly on Thursday on irrigation projects. Speaking to media persons, Harish Rao said that the Congress leaders preferred to address press conferences at Media Point than attending the power-point presentation. He said that the Congress legislators should have attended the presentation to point out the flaws and give constructive suggestions. However, he said that the Congress leaders skipped the presentation out of fear that their involvement in irrigation scams would be exposed. Harish Rao said that the Congress party was in power in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra and also at the Centre for 10 years. However, it did nothing to improve the irrigation sector in Telangana. News Posted: 31 March, 2016 In Asias competitive investment environment, the Philippines is currently more than holding its own. The Philippines is actively generating increasing amounts of FDI, capitalizing on our demographic dividend that provides us with young and energetic new workers aged 20 to 45. This is a positive situation that is estimated to be sustainable for the next 30 years to 2050. It is hard to imagine that the Philippines will be the 16th largest economy in the world come 2050. Indeed, it is even more amazing that we will be the biggest economy in Southeast Asia at that time. But this is how development in our country is set to rise, based on a new study from HSBC Global Investors. At the recent Philippine government and private sector trade mission in New York, pitching the country to foreign investors, some things really struck home. On the negative side, the Philippines remains one of the smallest recipients of foreign investment in Asia. We have not attracted as many tourists as our neighbors; we have an underdeveloped agricultural sector; we continue to impose restrictive investment laws; and we are not one of the easiest countries to do business in. Despite this, the Philippines has achieved an average GDP growth rate of six to seven percent over the past five years, helping bring the economy back to a healthier position healthy enough to be called Asias next tiger. The HSBC report says that the route to the Philippines success over the next 30 years is to achieve seven percent growth, year on year, and fundamentals point to this being the case. However, the potential of our neighbors in Asia cannot be underestimated, and the tide of funds could go in any direction. Growth in the region is beneficial to the common ASEAN market, but we in the Philippines still need all the help we can get including by amending our own laws. Additional assistance comes from other regional powers a less aggressive stance from China over the South China Sea would be welcomed not just by the Philippines but by many of our neighboring countries as well. Among the internal solutions the country needs to implement to attract more foreign investment, constitutional amendments are some of the most pressing. The lifting of foreign investment limitations that exist due to nationalistic pride, such as those in ownership of land and public utilities, would greatly improve the environment for foreign investors. Foreign land ownership We can be worried about real estate prices being driven up beyond the affordability of the common Filipino if foreign land ownership is liberalized. But certainly, this would be welcome in places outside Metro Manila where development, as well as improvement of quality of life, is vitally required. Allowing foreign ownership of land outside Metro Manila would help decentralize urbanization and encourage other Filipino cities to catch up. If ownership of public utilities can also be regionally directed, then all will benefit. Another emphasis is that foreign investment in the agricultural sector need not be spent on land it needs to be spent on the farmers themselves. The multinational purchaser must play the role of enabler, be it in tobacco, coconut oil, or abaca, for instance. An enabler offers farmers favorable contractual terms, gives them financing (for equipment and farming needs), and mentorship for the quality of the produce. Success therefore is not in the supply contract, but in the partnership between farmers and multinationals (and of course, local business). Tourism numbers, while still low, are improving Our country has five international gateways (Manila, Laoag, Subic, Cebu and Davao), more than many of our neighbors. However, unless we get investments going into hotels, restaurants, convention centers, theme parks, and infrastructure, especially in our secondary but no less attractive tourist destinations, our inbound foreign tourism numbers will remain low. Nevertheless, tourism is a priority area of the Filipino government. Airports and transport systems are being improved to accommodate the growing traffic of overseas travelers. Additionally, Disneyland has just announced its entry into the domestic market with its planned site in Clark. Various investors are also intrigued by the Philippines growing manufacturing sector. Many Japanese multinational companies are considering exiting China due to political posturing affecting the relationships between the Chinese government and Japanese business interests and security. These companies are seriously mobilizing efforts to transfer operations to the Philippines. We also enjoy most-favored nation trade status with the United States, and our country is home to many big ticket as well as smaller American investors. The Disney project I am sure will usher in many of their partner companies to our country. In terms of more general foreign investment opportunities, the Philippines banking laws have been liberalized and our offices expect to work with the finance industry for risk management consulting. Further, with the growing services sector and as BPO operators continue to expand in the Philippines, we are positioning ourselves to support inward investments in this sector. This includes services on corporation formation, tax, and transfer pricing advisory. In summary, the Philippines has plenty to offer the foreign investor. A friendly and largely English-speaking workforce familiar with both Asian and Western values, a long-awaited business friendly, reform minded Government, and a sustainable trend in GDP growth make the Philippines an increasingly attractive destination for foreign investment. Michael Machica is the Dezan Shira Asia Alliance Partner in Manila, and is a qualified Philippines and American CPA. For assistance in the Philippines, please contact [email protected] or visit our website at www.dezshira.com Source link Heads up to prevent injury from falls Morning walks in my neighborhood are one of the most enjoyable parts of my day. I love the coolness of daybreak and the special sightings of the stag and two does that frequent our open space. I also enjoy my walk because each day at... Signs that point to the best time for retirement Ive been thinking a lot about retirement lately. One of our amazing staff members, who has been with Senior Concerns for the last 13 years, retired last month. It just doesnt seem real. I always thought of Dana as young. Certainly not the person to... Rethinking the mandatory retirement age How old is too old for working at a job? Last week a news story hit my inbox and it really got me to thinking about age and retirement. The article noted that Target Corp. abandoned its mandatory retirement age of 65 for its CEO,... Tips to promoting a healthy nights sleep for children Question: Help, please. My daughter is almost 2 years old and has been an easy child to put into her own bed. Yet in the past few weeks she is purposefully stretching out the bedtime routine longer and longer. She wants more: more stories, more... Mr Turnbull said he wanted to end the "depressing blame game" that led state premiers to "go cap-in-hand to Canberra" each year demanding more money. It would also make state governments more accountable and help the public better understand which level of government was responsible for various services, he suggested. Treasurer Scott Morrison is preparing to hand down his first budget. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen "We've got to recognise that that is the core problem," he said. "The states do not raise enough of the revenue that they spend. They're not accountable enough in the way a government should be." Mr Turnbull said he envisaged that initially, the states would agree to levy an income tax rate commensurate with the amount which the Commonwealth was withdrawing. But in the longer term, they would be free to reduce it or increase it. "If a state government, over time, wants to raise more money by lifting tax, it will be answerable to the public," the Prime Minister said. Smaller states such as South Australia and Tasmania would not be disadvantaged because of their smaller revenue-raising capacities. "We can manage that," Mr Turnbull said. A similar idea was floated by the National Commission of Audit, a review of the Commonwealth commissioned by former prime minister Tony Abbott. Under that proposal, the federal government would cut the marginal income tax rate to 22.5 per cent from 32.5 per cent, allowing states and territories to levy the remaining 10 per cent (or more, or less, potentially). But Mr Abbott declined to pursue the concept, saying he wanted "lower, simpler, fairer taxes" rather than what he called "double taxation". Treasurer Scott Morrison said on Wednesday that the COAG discussions would be part of an "ongoing dialogue" about how to repair the relationship between the states and the Commonwealth. "I'm a pragmatist on all these issues," he said. "It is about trying to fix the problem, and the problem is you've got to be able to manage your increase in costs and how you are going to pay for them. You can't pay for something with nothing." Mr Morrison indicated the federal government did not want workers to end up being slugged with higher taxes as a result of any proposed change. "The Commonwealth will continue to engage on the basis that these reforms do not increase the overall tax burden," he said. Other government frontbenchers also hinted at their support for the proposal and spoke against the status quo. "It ends up being a game of blame shifting," Transport Minister Darren Chester told Sky News. "The Australian public actually find it very difficult to know who's responsible for what." The chairman of Mr Abbott's National Commission of Audit Tony Shepherd said the proposal was a "great reform" that would give the states responsibility and authority over revenue, and stop them "having to go every year in that demeaning, cap-in-hand trip to Canberra for money". "The states have most of the responsibility for delivery of services and infrastructure, and yet they produce very little of the taxation necessary to fund it," he told ABC Radio National on Wednesday. "The vertical fiscal imbalance is what is killing the federation." States: Immediate problem still stands State and territory leaders have reacted cautiously to the idea, which would need to be fleshed out at the meeting of federal and state leaders. NSW Premier Mike Baird said while he had not seen a formal proposal the state was happy to consider the idea. "While I have historically argued for a share of income tax for the states, this has not involved increasing the income tax burden on Australian households, which already have among the highest income tax rates in the world," he said. "These matters can be considered in the longer term. What is required right now is a partnership between the Commonwealth and the States for the health and education services we need." Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews dismissed the income tax plan as a thought bubble. "The focus of Friday's COAG is to address the $80 billion of Malcolm Turnbull's cuts to health and education," Mr Andrews said. "As far as Victoria is concerned, Friday will not be about tax policy thought bubbles." Earlier on Wednesday the Premier released the Royal Commission into Family Violence vowing to talk to the Commonwealth and other states about the need for a national approach to the problem. Mr Andrews said he spoke to Mr Turnbull on Wednesday morning. South Australia Premier Jay Weatherill said it could "create confusion" if states were allowed to set different rates of income tax, while Western Australia Premier Colin Barnett indicated he was open to the prospect. Australian Capital Territory Chief Minister Andrew Barr said he was "relaxed" about the concept, while Northern Territory Chief Minister Adam Giles warned there could be a "race to the bottom". Mr Shepherd disagreed, suggesting that Australia instead has "a tendency to race for mediocrity". Any state or territory government that raised taxes too high, or reduced taxes too much and sacrificed services and infrastructure, would swiftly feel the wrath of the voters, he said. "I think we can rely on the electorate and its commonsense," he said. "The states will always want more money. This makes them more directly responsible for raising the money they need." Returning income tax powers to the states was also recommended by the libertarian Institute for Public Affairs in its paper Be like Gough: 75 Radical Ideas to Transform Australia. Unaoil and its family owners, the Monaco-based Ahsani clan, knew we intended to write about them because more than a week earlier we had told them so. Reporters Richard Baker and Nick McKenzie had called patriarch Ata Ahsani, his son Cyrus and and their Iraqi fixer, Basil Al Jarah. A series of conversations with their public relations representative followed, and then the team sent a detailed list of questions 27 in all via email. This is normal journalistic practice: to give the subject of a story a reasonable right of reply prior to publication. But it also raised the possibility that the multimillionaires who ran an operation to systematise the corruption of the oil industry would use the courts to stop us. The ground they relied upon was that we had what they considered their property the hundreds of thousands of emails leaked to McKenzie. Though we had not told them we had the emails, nor how we came by them, Unaoil clearly believed we were working from "stolen" material. The letter said: "We ... request your urgent response to the following matters: "(a) Has Fairfax or any of its journalists seen, come into possession of, or been provided with, any documents or information that were unlawfully obtained or removed from our clients' files, electronic archives or email servers? "(b) Has Fairfax or any of its journalists communicated with any person, including any former employee of the Unaoil Group or its related entities, who has disclosed the contents of any documents or information described ... above?" Unaoil wanted all copies of any emails removed and all electronic versions destroyed, and that Fairfax "desist from publishing any material" until the company had "been able to verify that their confidential data is not being used to make scandalous and defamatory allegations". Our response? That this was a story that was manifestly true, and clearly in the public interest, and we were not going to allow a corrupt company protecting its paltry reputation to stop us. By the way, Unaoil has still made no attempt to actually answer our 27 questions. Nor have they suggested that the emails and documents we've relied upon are anything but authentic. The cache of emails we had obtained made a mockery of all the pious claptrap that companies such as Unaoil and many of their clients come out with about acting ethically and complying with anti-corruption laws. The story opens a window on how the West really treats the East. Not to publish would have been unethical. Now that we have, the world is watching. Just 12 hours after it was published, almost 500,000 people had clicked on the Fairfax site devoted to it. It will be one of our most read stories this year. The Huffington Post, our collaborator, took millions more. The story was picked up on Huffington Post sites around the world, other aggregator sites such as Salon.com, where Unaoil was described as "the most important company you've never heard of", and the Daily Mail. Mark Ruffalo, the actor and activist, tweeted the Huffington Post version of McKenzie's story under the headline "Spotlighted!" The driver accused of a hit and run in Ballarat that left a cyclist fighting for his life considered "fleeing" the state, police say. Rebekah Emily Stewart, 23, was arrested at her friend's house in Altona North about 2pm on Thursday. Christian Ashby was hit by a car while riding his bike early on the morning of Good Friday. Ms Stewart has been charged with negligently causing serious injury, dangerous driving causing serious injury, failing to stop after an accident when someone has been seriously injured, failing to render assistance when someone has been severely injured, driving an unregistered vehicle and driving while disqualified Ms Stewart, of Mount Pleasant, appeared before an out-of-sessions hearing at North Melbourne police station on Thursday evening. They are supposed to welcome all students, but a popular public high school in Melbourne has been accused of turning away poor children who live in public housing. In an unusual intervention, Education Minister James Merlino forced Melbourne Girls' College to enrol 12 students it had initially rejected, including residents of the nearby North Richmond public housing estate. The case highlights issues around the gentrification of public schools with booming enrolments and the impact on poorer students' access to a good education. Richmond MP and Planning Minister Richard Wynne said he had fought with the school and Education Department for a decade to ensure students in nearby public housing were able to attend the popular school. Uber has said it will again slash its fares in Melbourne, to the outrage of its drivers, some of whom are threatening strike action. In an email to drivers about midnight on Wednesday, Uber said it would cut fares on its low-cost UberX service in Melbourne by 15 per cent. The cut will be handed on in full to passengers and take effect immediately. The San Francisco-based company, valued at more than $US50 billion, said it would offer a subsidy to drivers until April 25 to make up for any losses. "After almost two years of the UberX service in Victoria, we've learned that one of the best ways to increase driver-partner efficiency is to boost demand for rides. And one of the most effective ways to boost demand is to cut prices for riders," the company said in a statement on its website. So why risk his established comfortable business and lifestyle in Sydney? Bill Granger "It was scary and exciting all at the same time," Granger says. "We had three restaurants in Sydney and we felt we had reached something of a limit. While we could expand into Melbourne we couldn't see what the end of that would be." Something new was needed. "My creative work is the driver in any decision we make so I needed be to inspired and find a challenge," he says. Granger needed to take a risk. "Whatever you are motivated by, whether it's achieving a business plan or new creative expressions you need to have that motivation and you need to know what that motivation is," he says. Granger is clear about the source of his motivation, but he also has a yardstick for measuring how much risk he is willing to take on. It's a simple philosophy: "I always measure risk [appetite] by asking myself the question what happens if it all goes wrong," he explains. "If you are comfortable with that you should do it." Showing the influence of his upbringing, Granger is a keen student of risk, something he says is greatly underestimated and not well understood. Some level of risk, he says, is essential. But challenging the odds can be hard, rocky work, and requires realism rather than ego. People need to be comfortable with the stress levels and the pressure that taking a chance can bring, he says. "You have got to be OK with the challenge and you have to be comfortable with the fact that it doesn't always go well. "Managing risk is also managing the problems that go with that and this includes disappointments in the same way children have to understand that things don't always go right but it's still OK." But none of this dents his enthusiasm for a challenge. "Risk is good and knowing how to mitigate it is vital," he says. "There is a lot of business planning that goes into it. We are always very conservative about projections and we work very closely with a financial controller. Site selection is one area where Granger puts his risk strategy to work. "Various potential sites come up and many won't tick all the boxes," he says. Despite the London adventure, Granger knows that he's not quite as brash as he was at 22, acknowledging that one becomes slightly more risk averse with age. Australian businesses having a reputation for being reasonably risk averse. But Granger says that from what he's seen around the world, we work fairly well with risk. "I think Australians are quite good at jumping in, particularly those in the restaurant industry," he says. "We have confidence we do anything, despite the fact that the smaller marketplace reduces the opportunity and availability of experience." Yet the result was underwhelming: a small increase in resettlement numbers, and nominal support for alternative admission schemes. UNHCR could not secure its modest goal of getting governments to commit to assisting just 10 per cent of Syrian refugees 480,000 people over the next three years. Many countries, including Australia, simply highlighted their existing financial and resettlement contributions but declined to offer anything more. This is "a global responsibility that must be widely shared until peace prevails again", said the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi. He appealed to world leaders not to miss the opportunity to give "at least some Syrian refugees an opportunity to move on to better lives". A child in the refugee camp at Idomeni, Greece, on Saturday. Ninety-nine per cent of the world's refugees will never be resettled. Credit:AP Resettling refugees plays a crucial role in international protection. Australia has long been a leader in this area, voluntarily bringing in thousands of refugees each year from overseas and enabling them to stay permanently. Resettlement is a complement to the protection Australia owes to asylum seekers who arrive spontaneously. But resettlement is just one tool in the toolbox. Without more commitments by more countries to take more refugees, resettlement cannot provide the answer on its own. Ninety-nine per cent of the world's refugees will never be resettled. As the UN refugee agency reiterated this week, we urgently need some complementary strategies. These would not displace governments' obligations to refugees under international law, but would add more tools to the toolbox. First, governments should create more humanitarian pathways for admission. This could include humanitarian visas to get people out of harm's way, medical evacuation, and private sponsorship schemes. For example, since 1978 Canada has allowed private citizens to sponsor refugee families to come to Canada. This has helped the local community to feel directly invested in supporting refugees, and has provided opportunities and protection to those in need. Australia has been running a small pilot private sponsorship scheme since 2013, and there is sufficient interest to support an expanded program. Schemes like this may in turn generate the political will to increase government-led resettlement. Other countries (Argentina, Brazil, France and Switzerland) have developed humanitarian visas to enable asylum seekers to travel onwards and apply for asylum and at this week's meeting, some additional Latin American countries agreed to do so. Brazil has pioneered a fast-track entry system for Syrians, who can apply for humanitarian visas in Brazilian embassies across the border. The visa is granted for humanitarian reasons "resulting from the deterioration of people's living conditions on Syrian territory or in the border regions as a result of the armed conflict in the Syrian Arab Republic". It is broader than the refugee definition under international law, and responds to people's immediate needs. A further 30 countries have created other humanitarian pathways for admission, assisting more than 179,000 refugees so far. The NSW government has just announced its intention to overhaul compensation for innocent victims of motor vehicle accidents. As a practising barrister in this field, I am supporting a public campaign to protect compensation rights for innocent motor accident victims. Accident victims represented by a lawyer receive eight times the compensation of innocent victims who represent themselves. Accident victims represented by a lawyer receive eight times the compensation of innocent victims who represent themselves. This is simply the justice system doing its job, ensuring victims receive what they deserve. Lawyers protect people who can't protect themselves against insurance companies. Behind the paper outlining various options to reform the "green slip insurance" is a plan to take away proper compensation for victims of motor accidents. Malcolm Turnbull's feted show of strength in recalling Parliament to pass tough industrial legislation tempts fate for him in a different way. And that is in the increasingly weak position of his Cabinet Secretary and the colleague he brought back from the cold, Senator Arthur Sinodinos. Malcolm Turnbull must do what any premier would do if a similar situation unfolded in any state across Australia. Credit:Daniel Munoz Here's the problem: the core of what the Prime Minister wants to achieve is legislation for a tough building industry watchdog, the Australian Building and Construction Commission. To win cross bench support, he looks like he might bow to calls for similar watchdogs to apply to other industries and to reach into federal politics in a way not seen before. Ata Ahsani, the patriarch of the Unaoil company, suggests the work his outfit does in countries such as Iraq, Iran, Libya, Syria and Yemen is "very basic". The way he puts it, Unaoil helps to "integrate Western technology with local capability". A more straightforward description is that Unaoil pays bribes to government officials on behalf of some of the world's biggest companies. In an extensive global investigation, The Age, in conjunction with The Huffington Post, has revealed how Monaco-based Unaoil has operated a veritable factory of sly dealings sealed through illegal transactions as its tentacles threaded into the topmost tiers of corrupt countries. The expose has implicated companies across the globe. Some are household brand names, some are state-owned, and some are Australian. That makes it all the more vital for legislators here to refocus on the patent inadequacy of Australia's anti-corruption laws and the under-resourcing of investigation and enforcement agencies. Corruption breeds distrust. It instils a wrongful sense of entitlement in those who hold positions of authority. It cements dangerous and false power structures, and wrongly enriches a privileged few while diverting resources that should be allocated elsewhere. It entrenches poverty, exacerbates inequity, creates distrust and fosters civil unrest. Several companies have called for the government to toughen Australia's anti-corruption laws so that they meet the international best-practice standards set by the UK Bribery Act and the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and that they abide by the OECD's anti-bribery convention and the UN's anti-corruption convention. How much Donald Trump is too much Donald Trump? Less than you think, according to Melbourne comedian Ronny Chieng, who has spent the past six months working as a reporter on the US-based political satire The Daily Show. "You can over-cover it; if you really want to joke about Trump every time he says something crazy you will be joking about Trump 24/7," he says. "In that sense, we find ourselves looking at it and saying we have to take a break from it. Over-covering the insanity is one of the pitfalls." Ronny Chieng, the Australian comedian working on The Daily Show in the US. Credit:Gavin Bond There are, however, still rich pickings for those who make a career of satirising establishment institutions. "In terms of source material this is a golden age, it's an election year, there is no incumbent and the personalities involved are very big personalities," he says. There are also many more channels and platforms digesting the same material from the 24/7 media news cycle. "Colbert taking over from Letterman has a real political bent so he's touching on stuff that Letterman would only have glanced on," he says. "There's more people to feed." "Oh how sad they sound the songs." Jackson Browne wrote that line in 1967, but it's taken until now for The Birds of St Marks to claim its place, at the start of his latest album, Standing in the Breach. "I wrote it to somebody who really liked the Byrds," he says. "I was leaving New York, going back to California, so I thought 'I'll make this parting song, in the style of the music where I come from'." Jackson Browne is less serious, more funny and freewheeling than his earnest activist image has implied all these decades. The somebody was Nico, muse of Andy Warhol and Lou Reed's femme fatale in the Velvet Underground, who paired up with the 18-year-old songwriter from LA at the suggestion of a guy named Tim Buckley. It was a heady start to a life in music. The song's fond adieu to the "wooden lady" walking "among her dying midnight roses" sounds like a poem from some forgotten age of romance. Max Hershenow has laid down a challenge to MS MR's Canberra fans. "People should expect a really fun show, and we expect a fun audience," he says of their appearance at this year's Groovin the Moo. "So bring it. And we will as well." Pumped to be heading back to Australia, this is the band's fourth time touring these shores. "It's always been a really amazing time," Hershenow says. Max Hershenow and Lizzy Plapinger make up New-York group MS MR. "Australia was the first country to really adopt us as a band. You guys have really followed through. It's been an incredible time every time we're down there. The crowds have gotten bigger and bigger. It seems to really resonate." Feeling lucky to travel the world in the way that he does, Hershenow says he never expected to become a successful musician. Theatre companies should enforce gender quotas to address "deliberate and shocking discrimination" against women, according to one of Australia's leading playwrights. Patricia Cornelius says most of Australia's major theatre companies have developed a culture of gender inequity that disadvantages female playwrights and directors. Playwright Patricia Cornelius says "theatre companies and their artistic directors favour men". Credit:Wayne Taylor "I've heard various spurious arguments concerning how we're not good enough, how we need more development, how we write domestic dramas," she says. "This is nonsense and a smokescreen for not owning up to their deliberate and shocking discrimination." New aerial surveys have found the devastating coral bleaching event hitting the Great Barrier Reef has a larger footprint than initially thought. Professor Terry Hughes, who is part of a national coral bleaching taskforce, said research flights on Wednesday between Townsville and Cairns had observed differing levels of bleaching across all 74 reefs that had been surveyed in the region. Photos taken from aerial surveys of the Great Barrier Reef between Cairns and Townsville on Wednesday. On average moderate bleaching was observed on all 74 reefs surveyed. Credit:Terry Hughes That comes on top of the significantly more severe bleaching seen further north on more than 500 reefs surveyed by plane and helicopter last week along a 1000 kilometre stretch from Cairns to the Torres Strait. "When we initially headed north from Cairns we thought we would encounter a southern border [of the bleaching event] and beyond that in the far north things would get bad," Professor Hughes said. A Fairfax Media and Huffington Post investigation has uncovered an extraordinary case of bribery and corruption in the oil industry, centred on Monaco-based company Unaoil. This is the Australian connection. THE PLAYERS Russell Waugh Former Leighton Offshore Chief Basil Al Jarah Unaoils Iraq country manager Peter Cox Former Leighton Offshore Chief The offshore arm of Australian company Leighton Holdings paid millions of dollars in bribes to middlemen as part of an audacious strategy to influence Iraqs deputy prime minister, oil minister and other senior officials, and win more than $1.3 billion of oilfield contracts. Leightons 18-month campaign of corruption, bribery, fraud and money laundering is revealed in the biggest leak of documents in the oil industrys history. The documents are leaked from the email account of Cyrus Ahsani, the chief executive of the global oil industrys bagman, Unaoil. Unaoil is a Monaco-based company that specialises in paying bribes. It was paid tens of millions of dollars by Leighton in 2010 and 2011 to help the Australian company win Iraqi government contracts. The documents reveal that Russell Waugh, the former managing director of Leighton Offshore a division of Leighton Holdings was directly involved in serious corruption, and that former Leighton Holdings chief operating officer David Savage and senior executive Peter Cox backed corrupt activities. The evidence will revive a long-running Australian Federal Police bribery investigation into the company and its former executives, which began in 2011 but is yet to lead to any charges. Fairfax Media can reveal that Leighton Offshore: through Unaoil or other middlemen, bribed a number of senior Iraqi officials, with the implicit or explicit knowledge of Waugh, to win contracts and extensions to an existing contract in 2010; set up their own relationships with corrupt oil officials in Iraqs government-run South Oil Company; backdated an invoice and used a money-laundering hub in the UAE to transfer a $5.6 million bribe and paid an $800,000 fee to Unaoil to facilitate the transaction. Hundreds of emails from Unaoil show that high ranking Iraqi oil officials Dhia Jaffar al-Mousawi and Oday al-Quraishi were put on secret retainers or paid large bribes in return for supporting Leighton Offshore. In 2010, Ahmed al-Jibouri a Jordanian middle-man code named the Doctor was promised up to $20.5 million in bribes by Unaoil to influence top Iraqi officials, including oil minister Abdul-Kareem Luaibi and Deputy PM Hussain al-Shahristani, to support Leighton Offshore. The Unaoil emails state that the Doctor and his contacts had the power to decide whether or not Leighton or its competitors won major contracts. the Unaoil emails show that the bribe money came out of fees of more than $75 million that Leighton promised to pay We must not underestimate that doctor and his group ability [sic] to have the final say ... No matter how unpleasant we find it. Once they have made up their minds, it seem difficult to budge them, a Unaoil internal email states. Another email reports that the Doctor was going to Baghdad tonight to talk to his political contacts about whether a $6 million bribe would convince them to deliver another contract to Leighton. I will talk to group again to bring CM [a contract sought by Leighton] back on the table. I made it 6 [million dollars]. Dr Shahristani has denied any wrongdoing, said he did not know Jibouri, and had only heard of Unaoil from media reports. However, the Unaoil emails show that the bribe money came out of fees of more than $75 million that Leighton promised to pay. Part of this was a marketing fee for helping it win the pipeline contracts, and part was for Unaoils role as a sub-contractor on the contract. During negotiations over Unaoils fee for a second pipeline contract, an internal Leighton file note from November 2010 acknowledged that these fees included kickbacks, which were too much money and a clear lack of value for money. Direct evidence of corruption involving former COO David Savage emerges in the payment of a $5.6 million fee, which was paid by Unaoil to corrupt Iraqi officials. The fee helped secure Leighton a $66 million contract extension to its project without the need to go to a second competitive tender. Advertisement Unaoil emails reveal that Savage and Waugh were involved in laundering this $5.6 million through a UAE company called Asian Global Projects and Trading, and Cox, as the new Leighton offshore boss in Iraq, knew about it. Waugh made the arrangement with the money launderer, and Savage urged Unaoil to speed things up. On April 25, 2011, Savage emailed Unaoil from his private Gmail account, stating that Leighton Offshore urgently needed the $5.6 million dollar transaction to occur. [Leighton Offshore chief] Russell [Waugh] has been trying to get an agreement signed and we urgently need it signed today, Savage wrote. As part of the transfer, Leighton executives produced a falsely backdated invoice for non-existent services. Leighton, which changed its name to CIMIC in 2015, refused to comment, while Savage denied any involvement in corruption. Cox was approached for comment. Waugh could not be reached. "How on earth will they [the AFP] do all these cases they have opened? Whether they [AFP agents] have the resources is a big question mark. We see a lot of enforcement in the US. But where are the corporate criminal liability cases in Australia?" he asked. The chief of the US Securities and Exchange Commission's corporate bribery unit, Kara Brockmeyer, said the AFP's anti-corporate corruption team had been led by a highly respected, experienced police commander, but queried why they had "so many" other crime types to simultaneously manage. "You need a discrete unit. That's why you see the big spike [in cases in the US]," Ms Brockmeyer said. "I really want to see Australia change." Michael Stefanovic, who until a few weeks ago was the United Nations' chief anti-corruption investigator, said: "If you want to do this stuff, you must specialise in it. When I heard [the AFP chief corporate crime manager] had so many different priorities, I thought, 'This is crazy'." Mr Stefanovic said the AFP's bribery teams "need to be more accessible", far better resourced and "have a clear anti-corruption brand". Justice Minister Michael Keenan said the Coalition government took a "zero tolerance" approach to corruption and was committed to ensuring it did not become complacent. US and British agencies fighting corporate corruption have teams with dozens of investigators and support staff, along with budgets that dwarf their Australian equivalent's. They also work with laws that make prosecutions or settlements with firms easier to achieve. The failure of Australia's corporate watchdog, ASIC, to play a meaningful role in the fight against foreign bribery was heavily criticised by several overseas officials. The OECD's Mr Loo observed that ASIC is "well placed to do more, but they keep saying, 'We don't have the mandate'. We were surprised at how adamant they were. Given they are so well placed to do it, why wouldn't they get involved?" The director of operations for the World Bank's integrity department, Stephen Zimmermann, warns that, "every Australian company that does business is exposed to corruption. You are naive to think otherwise. There are big problems with corruption in most countries. The risk for Australia is the same. "We will use whatever powers are available to us including the powers of summons and subpoena to make sure the executives involved have to explain their behaviour to the Australian public," Senator Dastyari said. "The government might only be interested in trade union activity but the size and scope of what has been exposed by Fairfax is shocking and cannot be ignored." Justice Minister Michael Keenan said in a statement that taking action against bribery and corporate corruption was "an ongoing task," and that, "the Coalition will continue to explore options to strengthen our laws and our means of enforcing them". Corporate crime fighters in the US and Europe have urged Australia to ramp up its anti-corporate corruption regime. They say the failure to prosecute Australian firms for bribery may be due to under-resourcing, and that corporate crime investigations are not given priority by Australian authorities. Fairfax Media can reveal that Mr Gregg is the subject of an active criminal investigation by corporate watchdog ASIC over a $15 million offshore payment. Leaked documents apparently bearing Mr Gregg's personal signature indicate he authorised a suspect payment to a United Arab Emirates firm, Asian Global Projects and Trading, in August 2011. The document says the payment was made to guarantee the supply of steel to the Australian construction giant at "preferred and commercially beneficial" prices. But no steel was ever supplied. The company that received the $15 million is, according to leaked documents, run by an Indian consultant, Mahesh Khemka, who has been involved in money laundering and bribery. Mr Khemka is also closely linked to an Indian businessman who in 2011 was being pressured by Leighton Holdings to finalise a stalled business deal. Mr Gregg is understood to have paid Mr Khemka's firm the $15 million on the advice of this Indian businessman or his associates, having conducted none of his own due diligence. ASIC is investigating whether the $15 million payment has breached Australian laws, exposing Mr Gregg to possible criminal or civil prosecution. Documents also reveal that Mr Khemka was, in the months prior to the $15 million payment, used by other senior figures from Leighton Offshore to launder money and pay $5.6 million in bribes. There is no suggestion Mr Gregg knew of these earlier dealings by his colleagues. Mr Gregg did not answer a series of questions about whether he conducted any due diligence into Mr Khemka before paying the $15 million. His lawyer sent a statement which said Mr Gregg "denies he has breached any laws" and that he had co-operated with ASIC's investigators. Rob Ferguson, the chairman of the company of which Mr Gregg is now CEO, Primary Health Care, said he had "every confidence" in Mr Gregg, despite the allegations. Mr Ferguson's comments stand in contrast to the recent resignation of Australian Securities Exchange chief executive, Elmer Funke Kupper, who quit after learning he was a target of a criminal investigation into an allegedly illegal offshore payment. The payment was also revealed by Fairfax Media and was allegedly made by Tabcorp to secure a Cambodian gaming licence in 2010, when Mr Funke Kupper was CEO of the gaming giant. In developments outside of Australia, Fairfax Media can reveal that US giants Halliburton and Kellogg, Brown & Root, are among the corporate players embroiled in the Unaoil bribes-for-contracts revelations, part of the biggest leak of confidential files in the history of the oil industry. A joint Fairfax Media and Huffington Post investigation has revealed the corrupt practices inside a Monaco company called Unaoil, which specialises in bribing officials in oil-producing nations to win government contracts for multinationals. The latest revelations show Unaoil's campaign of corruption spread across the former Soviet states. Leaked Unaoil files reveal that one of the crooked middlemen, Stefano Borghi, who worked with Unaoil in Kazakhstan, was also working with Australian firm WorleyParsons around 2008. In conjunction with Unaoil, Borghi paid kickbacks to the senior managers who oversaw oilfield contracts. The oilfields were jointly managed by the Kazakhstan government and Italian international oil company Eni. In return for bribes, Eni managers leaked inside information and rigged tender committees to assist Borghi and Unaoil's multinational clients. The leaked files revealed that in 2008, Borghi and Unaoil stood to make hundreds of thousands of dollars if they helped a consortium led by WorleyParsons to win a multimillion-dollar contract. "In case of award to PARSONS or any third party represented by PARSONS, ECO [Unaoil's British Virgin Islands company] shall be entitled to receive a fee equal to 1% (one percent) of the total price of the portion of the contract awarded to PARSONS," a leaked Unaoil memo states. Another email shows that, in 2007, a senior WorleyParsons manager used Borghi to find out confidential information in Kazakhstan through "the back door". At the time, Borghi was bribing a corrupt Eni manager whose job was to oversee several large contracts in Kazakhstan. The manager, Diego Braghi, was leaking sensitive information from a tender committee that was considering whether to award the WorleyParsons' consortium a contract on the Kashagan oilfield. Managers from the consortium asked Borghi to leak information about their competitors, and to get other forms of assistance from tender committee insiders. Unaoil regarded WorleyParsons as a company able to pay middlemen huge sums to win contracts. Other firms, including US giant KBR, had scaled back these practices due to concerns over corruption. "WP [WorleyParsons] do not have any of the constraints that kbr do now and can pay serious fees," Unaoil's memo says. In the end, for the WorleyParsons manager handling the transaction, this preparedness to do the wrong thing paid off. Worley beat their competitors and won the contract. A surfer who paddled furiously towards his friend who had just been bitten by a shark at a South Coast beach has described how the seriously injured man told him in the water that his condition was "not good". Joel Trist has been credited with saving the life of fellow surfer Brett Connellan, 22, who lost a large chunk of his left thigh when he was bitten while surfing at the northern end of Bombo Beach in Kiama at dusk on Wednesday. Mr Trist was surfing about 50 metres away from Mr Connellan and, when he heard a "terrible scream" and saw the shark thrashing violently in the water, immediately paddled over to try to help. Paramedic Julz Raven was still waiting for doctors to confirm she didn't have HIV when the woman who bit her walked free from jail, less than six months after the assault. What started as a normal shift based out of Brisbane's Roma Street station left Ms Raven facing the prospect her life was possibly about to change forever. Paramedic Julz Raven was assaulted twice, including being bitten. Credit:Jorge Branco "The psychological stuff that goes with that is just horrendous," the 41-year-old said. "I remember standing there and looking at the screen and the consultant saying, 'I'm so sorry Julz, she's got HIV and Hep C'. The government is spending more than $1.3 million on an education campaign to remind the public not to treat health workers as punching bags, after 3300 assaults in the past year alone. Both the LNP and Labor have condemned the attacks, for which paramedics have become the reluctant face, after a spate of high-profile assaults in recent months. Paramedic Brad Johnson is one the victims of attacks, with 3300 assaults in the past year alone. Credit:Queensland Ambulance Service Amid a political debate between the former LNP government calling on the current government to do something, with Labor strongly responding that it was, a safety taskforce was established and is due to report back by the end of the year. Those found guilty of assaulting a healthcare worker, including paramedics, face a maximum prison sentence of 14 years. A man has been charged with the murder of his partner after her body was found in the driveway of a home north of Brisbane. The woman, aged in her 20s, was found stabbed in the driveway of the residence on St Ives Court, Kippa-Ring at 10.35pm on Thursday following reports of a disturbance. Police at the scene of a stabbing death in Kippa-Ring, north of Brisbane. Credit:Jorge Branco A 35-year-old man was arrested and taken to Redcliffe Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, where he was charged with murder overnight. He may appear at a bedside hearing on Friday. Shocked neighbours heading off to work or for a morning walk said it was usually a quiet neighbourhood. Terrorists are not born as individuals with a mission to kill but rather are a product of group dynamics and an "us versus them" view of the world, a Brisbane psychology professor says. University of Queensland School of Psychology professor Alex Haslam has co-authored an article, Fueling Terror, which is featured in a Scientific American Mind investigation and explores what factors contribute to extremism. Professor Alex Haslam says extremism is formed through a "group process" that guides rather than creates terrorists. Credit:Anjanette Webb In an age where terror-related deaths have increased nearly 10-fold since 2000 - 3329 deaths compared with 32,685 in 2014 - this question is pertinent. Professor Haslam and co-author Professor Stephen Reicher of the University of St Andrews found through research that has spanned more than a decade that extremism is formed through a "group process" that guides rather than creates terrorists. The state's highest court has questioned if judges are failing to adequately sentence people who murder their partners. In a judgment handed down on Thursday in the case of Isac Ayoul Daing, who killed his ex-girlfriend after beating her "to a pulp" with a kitchen stool, the Court of Appeal asked if sentences being handed down in Victoria for these type of crimes were too low. "Sentences imposed in other cases of the murder of domestic partners raise an important question as to whether current sentencing practices adequately reflect the seriousness with which such cases generally ought be viewed," Justice Phillip Priest said. "Indeed, it might be queried whether, generally speaking, the 'tariff' for such killings is not too low. An antique grenade prompted the evacuation of the Gold Museum near Victoria's Sovereign Hill on Wednesday. The tourist attraction in Ballarat was evacuated and roads in the area were closed for about half an hour from 2.45pm on Wednesday, after a staff member found an antique grenade in the museum's storeroom. The bomb scare happened at the Ballarat Gold Museum which is opposite popular tourist attraction Sovereign Hill. Credit:Jane Reddy The Victoria Police bomb squad, as well as the army's bomb disposal unit, were called in to safely take the artefact away. The weapon was eventually identified as a 1930's Italian Breda Rifle Grenade. A parole board worker posed as a 13-year-old girl to engage in sexually explicit chats online with men while suffering stress in his job, a court has heard. Andrew Clive Bartlett, 32, a former operations manager at the Adult Parole Board of Victoria, but not a board member, on Thursday pleaded guilty to transmitting child pornography from a carriage service despite not sending any images or videos. Andrew Clive Bartlett leaves the County Court. Credit:Joe Armao Instead it was Bartlett's explicit conversations on two websites between April and June last year that constituted the offending, as the men he was engaging with believed they were chatting to a teenage girl. Bartlett claimed his girl persona had had sex with men and wanted to try anal sex, be raped and meet another man for sex, prosecutor Rebecca Verdon told the County Court. He also made specific sexual references to one man about two girls. A woman has been arrested over the hit and run of a cyclist in Ballarat on Good Friday that left a young father fighting for his life. Christian Ashby, 36, was riding his bike near Lake Wendouree just after 6am on March 25 when a silver Mitsubishi Lancer veered onto the wrong side of the road and hit him. Christian Ashby, 36, was hit while riding his bike. Credit:Ballarat Courier He was flown to the Royal Melbourne Hospital in a life-threatening condition with severe leg and head injuries. Police arrested a 23-year-old Mount Pleasant woman at 1.30pm on Thursday in Altona North following a week-long hunt for the driver. She is yet to be charged. Staff at Bentley Hospital are working without contracts, not knowing if or when they will be paid. One staffer, who cannot be named to protect their position, said being at the hospital was "like working in hell". Female health professionals are at twice the risk of suicide according to report. Credit:Joe Armao Several workers, usually employed on fixed-term contracts, had been working on even shorter contracts since December and contracts were coming through in the nick of time - for example, being issued on Fridays to enable workers to come back on a Monday. For the past fortnight, at least nine physiotherapists and seven occupational therapists had been working without contracts and told they should just come in and work. A man has been warned by a judge he needs to learn to control his temper as he was jailed for five years over an attack outside a hotel that killed another man. Matthew Edward Norman Windlass assaulted 54-year-old David Pavlic outside the Mermaid Hotel, in Western Australia's Pilbara region, on Australia Day last year during a dispute between their respective groups of friends. Mr Pavlic fell back and hit his head on the bitumen, causing catastrophic injuries, including multiple skull fractures and internal head injuries. He was rushed to hospital and placed in a coma but died in Perth several days later. Windlass, 24, pleaded guilty to assault causing death and was sentenced in the WA Supreme Court on Thursday. Rio de Janeiro: Raquel Varjao, an advertising professional in Sao Paulo, had just picked up her seven-year-old daughter from school when three passing motorists cursed her. The offence: wearing a red shirt. "They felt entitled to verbally attack me and in front of her," Ms Varjao, 35, said after dressing recently in the colour associated with President Dilma Rousseff's Workers' Party. "Why do ideological disagreements need to get to this point?" Demonstrators wave red flags in favour of Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff and the Workers' Party (PT) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Credit:Bloomberg Ms Rousseff's impeachment saga is disrupting the rhythm of everyday life across Brazil, a nation with a largely peaceful history and political tolerance since its return to democracy in 1985. In barrooms, chat rooms and above all on the streets, the debate over her possible ouster is growing more hostile and bringing latent class and partisan divisions back to the fore. In an audio message released by the Islamic State after his death, he addressed his own mother. "Your apostate brother was a loyalist to the tyrants," he said. "Were it not for him, the tyrants would not exist." The Islamic State, however, has been able to infiltrate the kingdom through digital recruiting, and it has found devotees willing to kill fellow Sunnis, as well as Shiites, to destabilise the monarchy. Major General Mansour Turki, a spokesman for the Saudi Interior Ministry, said that terrorist attacks over the past two years had killed scores of people, along with about two dozen militants. In addition, about 3000 Saudis have joined militant groups abroad, and more than 5000 have been incarcerated at home on terrorism charges, a large increase in recent years. Saudi Arabia has a tangled history with Islamic militant groups. For a long time, it backed them as proxy forces to push its agenda in places like Bosnia, Chechnya and Afghanistan (where it worked with the United States). But that largely ended in 2003, when al-Qaeda turned its focus on the kingdom and staged a series of deadly attacks. Now the Islamic State poses a new challenge, by turning aspects of Saudi Arabia's fundamentalist creed against it. Wahhabism has been moulded over the years to serve the interests of the monarchy, emphasising obedience to the rulers and condemning terrorist attacks, even against those seen as apostates. Still, among the Islamic State's many enemies, Saudi Arabia is the only one that considers the Koran and other religious texts its constitution, criminalises apostasy and bans all forms of unsanctioned public religion. Saudi officials reject comparisons between their ideology and that of the Islamic State, noting that millions of non-Muslims live in the kingdom and that the government is closely allied with the US and participates in the US campaign against the militant group. They also say that Saudi Islam does not promote the caliphate, as does the Islamic State, and that senior clerics condemn the terrorist attacks and have branded the group "deviant". Consider for all his free media, more Americans think unfavourably of Trump now than at the start of this year. Back then just 37 per cent thought favourably of him, and 57 per cent unfavourably, according to the Huffington Post average of national polls. This week, that favourable rating has shrunk to 31 per cent; his unfavourable rating is now peaking at 63 per cent. Protesters hold signs and wear homemade shirts in Washington on Monday. More Americans think unfavourably of Trump now than at the start of this year. Credit:Bloomberg So for all Trump's huff and puff about how well he does in polls, his "unfavourables" are historically high for a would-be nominee and party unity, always essential for the winning side, is in tatters pretty much because of his barroom brawler approach to politics. James Downie, of The Washington Post, sounded a note of caution when Trump trailed Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton by just three points in the Real Clear Politics average of national polls on March 2 four weeks on, that gap has widened to more than 11 points in Clinton's favour. A supporter holds a sign backing Donald Trump at a rally in Arizona. Credit:AP Given Trump's stump spiel on migration, it's difficult to see how he could improve on the appeal of the losing GOP candidate Mitt Romney in 2012 when the Hispanic vote split 71-27 in favour of the successful Barack Obama. In some current polls, Hispanic voters dislike Trump at rates as high as 80 per cent. David Byler, election analyst at Real Clear Politics, concludes that Trump has an insurmountable demographic challenge. He writes: "Trump might be able to turn out and win working-class whites at greater rates than past GOP nominees, but his less than sensitive rhetoric on race and immigration, his populist positions on taxes and trade and his general bombast would likely cause other large groups [e.g., Latinos, African Americans, college-educated whites] to vote against him at higher than usual rates." Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump in a CNN interview with Anderson Cooper on Tuesday. Credit:AP Divisive among Republican voters Nate Silver, who emerged as the boy genius of election number crunchers when he correctly called the outcome in 49 or the 50 states in the 2008 election, worries that inordinate attention on the intensifying brawl between Trump and the GOP establishment is masking another conflict a good number of Republican voters do not like the idea of Trump being their standard-bearer in November. Bethany Mead holds a sign on the street in Appleton, Wisconsin, before a Trump rally on Wednesday. Credit:AP "He's also extremely divisive among Republican voters, much more so than a typical front runner," Silver blogs. "In exit polls so far, only 49 per cent of Republican voters say they would be satisfied with Trump as their nominee remarkable considering Trump's lead in votes and convention delegates. "By comparison, 79 per cent of Democrats this year have said they would be satisfied with Hillary Clinton as their nominee, while 62 per cent have said so of Bernie Sanders." Harvard political theorist Danielle Allen is caustic in crunching the numbers to demolish Trump's claim to be the voice of a "silent majority" of Americans. Writing after the March 22 primaries in Arizona and Utah, she makes this point: "[So far,] Trump has secured 37 per cent of the vote of the Republican primary electorate, or roughly 7.8 million votes out of approximately 21 million." Sounds like a big deal? Allen begs to differ: "According to the US Census Bureau there were 142.2 million registered voters in the country in 2014. This means, that so far, Trump has secured the support of 6 per cent of the electorate. Yes, that's right, 6 per cent. "Or perhaps it would be better to focus on the two-thirds of the electorate who actually vote. In that case, it should be acknowledged that Trump has secured, well, 8 per cent." Noting how Trump's campaign staff work to clear any anti-Trump placards out of the TV shots at his rallies, Allen cuts to the chase: "The thesis is that a silent majority exists and that Trump will be its champion, decimating its foes. His strategy has been to secure votes by convincing people he already has them. "If his thesis about a silent majority is wrong, his candidacy has no basis. Importantly, the numbers are telling us that the thesis is wrong." 'Enthusiasm' gap in Clinton support The only thing going for Trump is that most of his opponents, in both parties, are no great shakes either. Both the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and Trump's nearest Republican rival Ted Cruz are on the nose in favourable/unfavourable polling and only the unlikely winners in both parties, Republican John Kasich and the Democrat Bernie Sanders score positively. Such is Trump's "unfavourable" rating that some on the Democratic side are hoping that the urge to vote against him might help to bridge an awkward "enthusiasm" gap in support for Clinton. The bigger the Democratic voter turnout on election day, the better is the outcome for the party's candidate, according to former US ambassador Howard Gutman. Writing in The Washington Post, he explains if the total voter turnout in Virginia languishes at an unenthusiastic 2.2 million, the state votes Republican; if enthusiasm pushed the turn out to 3.6 million, "no Republican can win a majority". "Some people like [Clinton] and many more tolerate her," Gutman says. "But virtually no one is enthusiastic about her the enthusiasm gap presents a serious threat to her candidacy." For Trump to achieve the previously unthinkable of becoming the GOP nominee will leave the party in a predicament of historic proportions, one which most in the party will not fully grasp till it confronts them. Observing that major partisan realignments actually do happen in the US, on average about once every 40 years, Silver observes: "He'll have become the nominee despite neither being reliably conservative not being very electable, supposedly the two things Republicans care most about. Senior British government sources said there was no "credible evidence" the group has targeted nuclear sites yet there is a growing concern about the security of facilities across the globe. Belgian nuclear sites were highlighted as potential targets after the Brussels airport and metro attacks last month. Since the last Nuclear Security Summit in 2014 the threat from IS has soared with terrorist atrocities in Paris, California, Belgium, Pakistan and elsewhere, killing hundreds. Washington: World leaders joined US President Barack Obama at a nuclear summit in Washington on Thursday to agree a global response to any nuclear attack by Islamic State after the Brussels bombings. In a string of announcements ahead of his visit to Washington, British Prime Minister David Cameron pledged 10 million ($17.6 million) to help boost security of nuclear plants worldwide and join with the US to work on possible threats from cyber attacks at home. President Barack Obama (left) and Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) at the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington on Thursday. Credit:AP Arriving at the summit, Mr Cameron said: "We know that the terrorists we face today would like to kill as many people as they possibly could, using whatever materials they can get their hands on. "Obviously the security of nuclear materials for those countries with nuclear programs is incredibly important. That's why this conference, like previous conferences, will make sure we have proper security for those nuclear materials. Not just in Britain, where we're quite a global leader, but all over the world. "There will be very important actions announced at this conference. It's about making sure our world is safe and secure, and we're not at risk from terrorists coming together with nuclear materials." Among the New York stage regulars who populate Ivo van Hove's new Broadway revival of Arthur Miller's The Crucible are a pair of boldfaced names who are becoming more and more synonymous with each other. They are the Irish actors Ciaran Hinds and Jim Norton who, with this production, mark the fifth time they've worked together. In the past, they've acted in two plays and a film by Conor McPherson The Seafarer, The Night Alive, and The Eclipse and, most recently, as Claudius and Polonius in a major West End revival of Hamlet starring Benedict Cumberbatch. In The Crucible, Hinds stars as Deputy-Governor Danforth, whom he describes as having "a super belief in God and righteousness, but not a particularly bad human being," while Norton tackles the iconic role of Giles Corey, a "loose canon who seems to have escaped the conditioning process of the other characters." According to Norton the secret to their partnership is "the fact that we take the work seriously, but we don't take ourselves very seriously." Hinds grins and agrees, "I think that's the way." Ciaran Hinds (right) plays Deputy-Governor Danforth opposite Ben Whishaw as John Proctor and Tavi Gevinson as Mary Warren (center). ( Jan Versweyveld) What was it that made you want to do The Crucible? Jim Norton: Miller is fascinating. I've never been in one of his plays, although I've read all of his stuff and think it's amazing. It's a challenge and fun. And I love being in New York and working on Broadway. [turns to Ciaran] What's your excuse? Ciaran Hinds: I think you brought me to see a show [directed by van Hove] when we were doing The Seafarer. It was a Moliere. It was my first time seeing a play of [van Hove's]. He was going to war on Moliere. There was food everywhere, there were cameras. It was Moliere like I've never seen. It was very, very exciting. As we're finding in rehearsal, it's like no experience we've ever had. It's fascinating and bleak, [and we're] wondering where we're going to end up. Much has been said about his rehearsal process, and how he likes actors to come in off-book on the first day. How did you find it? Jim: It's different, but all directors are different. It's been very laid back and he gives the actors a great deal of freedom to offer him their performance. Then he decides what he wants and what he doesn't want. Ciaran: He doesn't say very much until I think he feels the need to say something. I think he's looking for the human connection between people rather than the performance. He's looking for it in a real way, which could be difficult with the poetic lyricism Miller offers sometimes. It's a very interesting, engaging, scary process. Jim: He's also interested to know what we're offering. There's a great sense of freedom in the rehearsal room. Jim Norton (rear) takes on the role of Giles Corey. ( Jan Versweyveld) He's famous for his stark stage concepts. Is this a Crucible without the trappings of 1600s Salem? Ciaran: You know, why break the habit of a lifetime? [laughs] It's quite pure and sometimes it's quite empty. There's not a lot of furniture around, or if there is some, it's stashed in the corner. Jim: Which puts a lot of attention on the performers in that space. Ciaran: It's about absolutely listening to the language and not paying attention to the contours of geographical disposition. The way he works with Jan, his partner, who does the production design and the lighting and the [live] camerawork, it's almost like interior decorating, in a way, but with a theatrical bent. It's very interesting. This is your fifth show together. Are you a package deal at this point? Jim: We usually confer and say, "If you'll do it, I'll do it." We just did Hamlet, and that's what happened. They offered it to us, and we conferred, and said let's do it. Jim Norton as Polonius and Ciaran Hinds as Claudius in Lyndsey Turner's 2015 production of Hamlet at London's Barbican Centre. ( Johan Persson) What was that Hamlet experience like? You were both working with Benedict Cumberbatch in that production. Ciaran: That was a mighty adventure. Jim: It was a huge event because of Benedict. There were maybe a thousand people every night at the stage door. People from all over the world, all over the planet, from Korea, Russia, the West Indies, Australia. A lot of very young people were coming to maybe see Hamlet for the first time, or even seeing a play for the first time. Ciaran: It was hugely vibrant. And Benedict was magnificent. The pitch that he was getting to [by the end of the run]. To get stuff into your bones deeply takes a while, no matter how much work you do in rehearsal. Towards the end there, wasn't he thrilling? Jim: Oh, he was wonderful. Ciaran: And he was still going on an upward trajectory. You'd think, "Wow, if we were to start this again at the place you are now, God knows where you will be." Your current cast is made up with a lot of New York stage regulars, you and Jason Butler Harner, and Thomas Jay Ryan, but it's also got a mix of star power with Saoirse Ronan and Ben Whishaw. Besides each other, how many of your colleagues did you already know? Ciaran: I got to meet a lot of them for the first time. Jim: I played Jason's father in Juno and The Paycock. Tom Ryan was in that. Ciaran: [And] it's [Saoirse's] first theater job. She's an extreme talent and decided to do her first play and moved to New York. That's very exciting. And then Ben Whishaw, he's always done stage in between films. Jim: For me, one of the other great things is that Philip Glass has written the music. And he's in the room writing the music. He's one of my heroes, and to get to work with him is terrific. He's great fun. Ciaran: It's a lovely company of people to go to war with. If you think the rhetoric of this election year is particularly nasty, check out the Encores! presentation of Sherman Edwards and Peter Stone's 1776 at New York City Center. This superb concert production of a somewhat lackluster musical (but better play) may help you realize that it was ever thus in our great American experiment. Politics aside, 1776 is an unlikely choice for Encores!, a series that emphasizes the symphonic qualities of old Broadway shows. There is nothing particularly remarkable about Sherman Edwards' workmanlike score: The music is unmemorable and the lyrics, which rely too much on grandfatherly wordplay (pens in Pennsylvania), are memorable for all the wrong reasons. Also, the third scene features one of the longest stretches of uninterrupted speaking (nearly 30 minutes) in the American musical theater. One suspects that 1776 would not have reappeared were Broadway not currently in the grips of HamiltonMania. 1776 takes places largely before the events of that blockbuster musical, during a time when a teenage Alexander Hamilton led an artillery company in New York and Captain Aaron Burr had just returned home from a disastrous invasion of Canada (under the command of Colonel Benedict Arnold). The show opens with John Adams (Santino Fontana) urging the continental congress to vote for independence. His compatriot Ben Franklin (a funny, but never goofy John Larroquette) suggests that another messenger might do the trick, specifically Virginian Richard Henry Lee (Jubilant Sykes, living up to his name). Virginia motions for independence, but Pennsylvanian loyalist John Dickinson (Bryce Pinkham) scuttles the vote by moving that any independence resolution should be adopted unanimously. Congressional President John Hancock (Michael McCormick) agrees, leading Adams to move to adjourn until Thomas Jefferson (John Behlmann) can write a formal Declaration of Independence. It looks like a lost cause: The congress cannot seem to agree on anythingand they don't even touch the slavery issue until the second act. If it all sounds like a musical version of 18th-century C-SPAN, I assure you, it's so much more thrilling. Under the direction of Garry Hynes, Peter Stone's extended book scenes come alive, so much so that we often forget we are at a concert presentation. That's not to say the music doesn't work. As conducted by Ben Whiteley, the Encores! orchestra sounds radiant as ever, delighting us with Eddie Sauter's rich orchestrations (including the prominent use of harpsichord and a full French horn section). But unlike most musicals, the score is really not the main course. As Hamilton composer Lin-Manuel Miranda notes in an interview in the program, "you long to see them talk to each other. Which almost never happens in a musical." This version of 1776 takes a page from Hamilton by featuring a multiethnic cast (the original production was exclusively white). The result is somewhat less revelatory. While "The Lees of Old Virginia" takes on new meaning when sung by a black actor (unquestionably, many of the real first families of Virginia were African-American), Hynes does little else with the opportunity of having performers of color take ownership of these historically white roles. Santino Fontana plays John Adams in 1776. ( Joan Marcus) The one major exception is John-Michael Lyles, who plays a bedraggled courier from General Washington. His loose hoodie and camo pants contrast highly with the expensive suits worn by the delegates. His accusatory stare lets us know what class of Americans is actually fighting this war as these gentlemen in Philadelphia endlessly debate. Lyles closes the first act with an absolutely haunting rendition of "Momma, Look Sharp," certain to make even the most patriotic reflect on two centuries of American militarism. Smartly, Terese Wadden costumes the show in the present. The delegates wear the standard Washington power look: lapel pins and conservative tie patterns. Original political wife Abigail Adams (the powerful Christiane Noll) wears a puffy vest over plaid, a look that is seemingly inspired by the cover shoot for Sarah Palin's memoir. As Dickinson, Pinkham dons a well-tailored blue suit that wouldn't look out of place on Wall Street, perfect for this representative of moneyed America. He leads the minuet "Cool, Cool Considerate Men" with a pronounced sneer and elegant restraint, reaching a well-earned crescendo on his explanation for why the nonwealthy majority will rally to his side: "Most men with nothing would rather protect the possibility of becoming rich than face the reality of being poor." Kevin Ligon, John Hickock, Nicholas Ward, Laird Mackintosh, Bryce Pinkham, Alexander Gemignani, John Hillner, and Jacob Keith Watson sing "Cool, Cool Considerate Men," as John-Michael Lyles (background) looks on in 1776. ( Joan Marcus) This conservative crusader has a worthy foil in Fontanta's firebrand Adams. From the earliest moments, his trumpetlike voice sounds the call for independence. "Vote yes," he sings with a glorious vibrato. Fontana easily embodies the "obnoxious and disliked" Adams, carrying vast swathes of the show with his pugnacious charisma. It is Alexander Gemignani as South Carolina representative Edward Rutledge, however, who really stops the show with "Molasses to Rum," the most daring number in the score. Gemignani's resonant baritone reinforces the song's satanic quality: He endows the delegates with the awful knowledge of the triangle trade that fuels the colonial economy, tempting them to commit our nation's original sin, the official toleration of chattel slavery. While there are aspects of 1776 that don't seem to mesh with reality (Behlmann's stoic, furtive Jefferson gives us no sense of the raging egomaniac that actually was), it is more truthful than not and certainly gets us thinking about the foundational battles of our union, some that continue to be waged to this day: As Adams is forced to compromise his ideals in order to pass his resolution, we cannot help but think about the ideologues currently running for the highest office in the land, who, should they be elected, will undoubtedly disappoint their voters by walking back their many campaign promises. CHICAGOWith distracted driving on the rise and contributing to the increase in motor vehicle crashes and fatalities, the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) is supporting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administrationas (NHTSA) aOne Text or Call Could Wreck It Alla??? campaign to stop distracted driving. Following decades of decline, 2015 data show a steep increase in auto accident frequency and highway fatalities. Historically, NHTSA research has pointed to human factors contributing to 94 percent of auto accidents. Recent PCI analysis finds that distracted driving, in all its forms, is a leading factor in the rise of accidents over the last two years. Furthermore, increased traffic congestion could be another leading factor in more accident frequency. aAlthough there is no single answer to addressing the problem of distracted driving, there are a number of ways that motorists, policymakers, insurers, and car makers can work together to make roads safer,a??? said Robert Passmore, PCIas assistant vice president, personal lines policy. aThe implementation and enforcement of distracted-driving laws, which discourage texting while driving and ban handheld cellphone use are an important start. It takes a coordinated strategy combining education, personal responsibility and enforcement to get results.a??? Today, 46 states, along with D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, ban text messaging for all drivers. All but five states have primary enforcement. Of the four states without an all-driver texting ban, two prohibit text messaging by novice drivers and one restricts school bus drivers from texting. aIn addition to the public safety concerns regarding the increase in the frequency of auto accidents, data also highlights that the insurance claims costs associated with auto accidents are becoming more expensive and this trend could impact insurance costs,a??? said Passmore. aThe current trend lines make it even more important that we work together in order to avoid unsafe driving behaviors, enact or strengthen laws banning texting and hand-held cell phone use while driving, and expand crash avoidance technology in new cars. Together, this can make our roads safer and lower our insurance costs.a??? PCIas 7 Driving Safety Tips: 1.) A Whether youare taking a summer get-away or just running errands around town, we encourage you to buckle up, drive safely and try to be prepared for those who may not. Seat belts save lives and help prevent injuries. Also, make sure kids are in the proper car or booster seats. A 2.) Plan ahead and allow extra travel time. With more people on the roads, often driving in unfamiliar territory, the potential for a traffic crash increases. We encourage motorists to plan their routes in advance when traveling to new destinations, be patient, and allow for extra travel time. A 3.) Observe speed limits, including lower speeds in work zones. Stay focused on the road and aware of changing traffic patterns caused by construction. Please be cautious of the construction workers themselves, who are often in close proximity to the highway a and at great risk. A 4.) Avoid distracted driving. When the entire family is traveling in the car, the opportunity for distraction is multiplied. Remember to put the phone down, and never text while driving. Be careful when eating on the run, as lunch can be just as distracting as a cell phone. Buckle up or secure pets in the back of the car. A 5.) Beware of crash taxes. Although they have been banned or limited in several states, many cities, counties and fire districts will charge the at-fault driver for emergency response costs in an auto accident. Fees range from $100 to over $2,000 for response services. The average cost is $200. A typical insurance policy does not cover the cost of a fire truck responding to an accident. A 6.) Have a plan for roadside assistance. If an accident occurs, be wary of unscrupulous towing companies. Have the phone number for your insurer or a roadside assistance program ready so you know who to call. Some towing companies take advantage of drivers after an accident and you could find yourself facing excessive fees or complications recovering your car from the tow yard. A 7.) Update your proof of insurance. Before hitting the road, make sure to replace any expired insurance identification cards in the event you need to prove you have insurance during a traffic stop. A Additional Resources: National Safety Council Take Back Your Drive National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Follow us on social media @PCIAA use #HeadsUp as we continue to offer important safety tips. Check out PCI's April Distracted Driving Awareness Infographic PCI is composed of nearly 1,000 member companies, representing the broadest cross section of insurers of any national trade association. PCI members write more than $183 billion in annual premium, 35 percent of the nation's property casualty insurance. Member companies write 42 percent of the U.S. automobile insurance market, 27 percent of the homeowners market, 32 percent of the commercial property and liability market and 34 percent of the private workers compensation market. THURSDAY, March 31, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Scientists have created a compact machine that can churn out thousands of doses of prescription medication in a day -- putting the capabilities of a drug-manufacturing plant into a device the size of a kitchen refrigerator. Experts said the advance could eventually allow on-the-spot drug production in special circumstances -- on the battlefield, during epidemics, after natural disasters, or in cases where a drug is needed for a rare medical condition, for instance. The research, detailed in the April 1 issue of Science, took a new approach to producing prescription drugs -- which, right now, is often an inefficient, time-consuming process. Chemical engineers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) used so-called "flow technology" to develop a compact machine that can automatically turn raw materials into a finished pharmaceutical-grade medication. For now, the system is limited to making liquid versions of four common prescription drugs: the antidepressant fluoxetine (Prozac); diphenhydramine hydrochloride, an antihistamine that includes brand-names like Benadryl; the sedative diazepam (Valium); and lidocaine, a widely used local anesthetic. But the researchers say that drug list can be expanded. "We're also working on producing tablets, which are more complicated to manufacture than liquid drug formulations," said Klavs Jensen, a professor of chemical engineering at MIT who worked on the study. Other technologies -- such as 3D "bioprinters" -- could help make that happen, according to Jensen. Many drug companies are already looking into alternative processing methods -- ones that are "continuous" and can be done at one location, Jensen said. The traditional way of drug-making is similar to cooking, according to Rainer Martin, a senior scientist with drug company Hoffmann-La Roche, in Basel, Switzerland. Martin, who wrote an editorial published with the study, explained the process this way: Drugs are made in "batches," and the ingredients -- broad groups of chemicals known as reagents, catalysts and solvents -- are gradually added into a vat, stirred and heated. Then, the brew is analyzed to see if the chemical reactions are complete. The problem, Jensen said, is that batch manufacturing has "little flexibility to respond to surges in demand" -- such as epidemics. Plus, he added, there can be "severe disruptions" in the drug supply if one plant has to shut down. The compact system his team developed is continuous, Jensen explained. Chemical reactions take place as chemicals flow through small tubes, instead of sitting in large vats. The result, according to Martin, is that complex and "laborious" drug-making steps are all done in "fully automated fashion." Martin said he could envision the compact system being used in a number of scenarios: During a disease outbreak in a refugee camp or remote area, for example, or by individual hospitals that need large amounts of a particular drug on a regular basis. Matthew Osterhaus, immediate past president of the American Pharmacists Association, agreed that the technology might prove useful in special circumstances. As an example, he pointed to "orphan drugs" -- medications used to treat rare diseases. "Let's say there's a condition that's treated at five medical centers in the U.S.," Osterhaus said. "It's possible those hospitals would be able to use this." When it comes to everyday health care, though, it's difficult to see how an appliance-sized drug machine could fit in, according to Osterhaus. As a pharmacist, he said, he has access to about 6,000 drugs right now. "So it's a stretch to see how this could change my practice," Osterhaus said. Jensen agreed that the technology could be used in specialized cases, like humanitarian crises and orphan-drug production -- since "small-volume" batch processing is usually not cost-effective for large plants. And then there's the potential for battlefield use. Jensen said "national defense needs" are what spurred the quest for such a compact system: The research was funded by the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency, which is aiming to fortify medical care available on the front lines. But Jensen said he also envisions larger health systems, like a hospital network or a health plan, being able to manufacture their own drugs. Martin went deeper into visionary territory -- seeing a future where people can use smartphone apps and a microwave-sized device to cook up an antibiotic for their feverish toddler (in consultation with a doctor). But that, he stressed, won't be happening any time soon. For now, there are more pressing issues, according to Martin. One is how the raw materials for making the drugs would be delivered: "Would it be, for example, in the way of cartridges, similar to ink for inkjet printers?" he said. And at the other end of the process, Martin said, there would have to be ways to safely dispose of waste products. More information The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has more on how drugs are developed. Airline celebrates a decade operating out of city ETIHAD Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has marked the 10th anniversary of its services to Manchester Airport. Since the route was launched in 2006, Etihad Airways has operated more than 10,000 flights between Manchester and Abu Dhabi. Due to its popularity in the North of England, the frequency increased to twice daily in August 2011. Upwards of two million travellers have flown between Manchester and Abu Dhabi on Etihad Airways in the past decade. James Harrison, UK general manager for Etihad Airways, said: Weve seen passenger numbers continually rise every year since we started operations, and Manchester is a key destination on our global network. It has an important role in our UK operation and has been a consistent success, regularly appearing in our top 10 most popular destinations. In addition to the aircraft, we have made a huge investment in our brand through the sponsorship of Manchester City FC. Our European call centre is also based at Manchester Airport and houses more than 200 staff. The route has also supported growth in cargo with above 30,000 tonnes of export cargo and more than 40,000 tonnes of import cargo being carried during the last three years. Cargo items have included vehicles and animals such as cats, dogs, falcons and ferrets. The airline has also carried instruments used for medical purposes, blood samples and urgent pharmaceuticals for patient use. Ken OToole, managing director of Manchester Airport, said: Id like to congratulate Etihad Airways on their 10 years of operation from Manchester Airport. Their double daily service to Abu Dhabi is hugely popular with the 23 million people in our catchment area thanks to their renowned onboard product and the extensive connections Etihad offers to regions such as the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Australia. We hope they continue to grow as Manchester Airport does over the next 10 years. 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. For Dogs, its Trick and Treat Its almost Halloween, a great time to teach your dog a trick and give him a treat. Most trainers are fans of trick training. Its not as silly as it... Muzzle is not a bad word If you see a dog in a muzzle, you immediately think the dog is aggressive. Right? Well, this is not always true. Unfortunately, seeing a dog in a muzzle carries... After Donald Trump said that when abortion is criminalized there must be some punishment for women who get an abortion, anti-abortion activists went into overdrive to distance themselves from his comments. National Right to Life said it has long opposed the imposition of penalties on the woman on whom an abortion is attempted or performed. Other anti-choice organizations, including the Susan B. Anthony List and Priests for Life, joined in. Jeanne Mancini of the March for Life Education and Defense Fund declared flat-out, No pro-lifer would ever want to punish a woman who has chosen abortion. That, of course, is utterly, ridiculously false. Just a few months ago, Personhood USA, a group that has been pushing for state-level laws granting legal personhood to fertilized eggs at the moment of conception, cheered the attempted murder prosecution of a woman in Tennessee who had tried to give herself an abortion. As Miranda Blue noted at Right Wing Watch in December, In Alabama, the state supreme court has used chemical endangerment laws to lay the legal groundwork for fetal personhood, leading to the prosecutions of nearly 500 women accused of endangering their fetuses. One of the co-chairs of Ted Cruzs Pro-Lifers for Cruz groupannounced by the Cruz campaign in January is Troy Newman, who says a woman who has an abortion is essentially a contract killer. He has made it clear, in writing, that he thinks a biblical response to abortion means executing providers and treating women who have abortions as murderers. And, in fact, that is how women are often treated, both in the United States and overseas. Laws restricting and criminalizing abortion mean punishment for women. As Tara Culp-Ressler noted at Think Progress, women in countries whose anti-abortion laws are defended by U.S. pro-lifers can end up serving for decades behind bars for having a miscarriage that authorities believe the woman did something to induce. Multiple U.S. womenwith few options to get themselves to one of their states dwindling legal clinicshave been arrested for illegal abortions after they bought abortion-inducing medication online. And thanks to the growing number of laws aimed at protecting fetal rights, other women have been punished for doing activities that allegedly harmed their pregnancies. Americans have been charged with murder for allegedly seeking to harm their fetuses by attempting suicide, using illicit drugs, or even falling down the stairs. Cruz himself has been a fervent supporter of the personhood movement, except for the times when he is waffling politically. He supports a constitutional amendment to ban abortion, but he actually holds an even more extreme position. He absolutely believes a constitutional amendment is not necessary. He says Congress can do an end-run around Roe v. Wade by simply passing a law declaring that a fertilized egg is a person under the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. That would seemingly make women who have abortions in any state subject to criminal prosecution. Cruz is smart enough to know that its best not to make the consequences of his position clear. Last year at an Iowa Freedom Summit, he twice dodged questions about what the punishment for doctors or women should be when abortion is criminalized as he has pledged it would be if he becomes president. Winning the presidency and the power to nominate Supreme Court justices is a top priority for anti-choice activists, and thats why there was such a massive public relations response to Trumps comments. Their real problem was that his shoot-from-the-hip comments would disrupt their carefully constructed strategy of putting a kinder, gentler, pro-woman face on a movement that has a long track record of harassing women seeking abortions. At an Evangelicals for Life rally before this years March for Life in January, Charmaine Yoest of Americans United for Life and other speakers talked about the need to combat progressives war on women narrative by shifting the focus of anti-abortion messaging from the unborn baby to branding abortion as anti-woman: Yoest celebrated the anti-choice movements success at generating a tidal wave of restrictions on abortion, explaining in her remarks at the World Congress of Families summit in October that those victories were based on a strategic decision to focus on state legislatures, pass restrictions, and create opportunities for the Supreme Court to chip away at Roe. She called it a stealth strategy and an under-the-radar way to go on the offensive. She was one of many speakers there arguing that the movements continued success will depend on putting a more loving, compassionate, woman-focused face on the movement, directly challenging pro-choice advocates who ground their legal arguments in womens dignity. Yoest described abortion as fundamentally anti-woman and abortion advocates as the true misogynists in our society. The movements mobilization to defend this PR strategy from Trumps blundering was quite effective; it took just hours for Trump to backpedal. He issued a statement saying that only a doctor who performs an abortion should be punished because a woman who gets an abortion is really a victimmirroring the new rhetorical strategy of the anti-choice movement. That may be more politically palatable than demanding that women be treated as murderers. But it says that a woman who chooses abortion is always a passive victim rather than a person with her own moral agency who has affirmatively made a decision based on what she believes is best for her health, her life, and her family. It is precisely women being legally and culturally empowered to make their own decisions about sexuality and family that the anti-choice movementand every Republican running for the presidencycannot tolerate. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalias death in February, along with a box of documents found in a Colorado meth house five years ago, made for a bad week for proponents of the so-called right-to-work laws meant to break the labor movements back. On Tuesday, the Supreme Court issued a split 4-4 ruling in Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association that, by default, affirms a lower court ruling that public-sector unions have the right to collect dues from all employees they represent. Were Justice Scalia alive and well, that right would surely have died. In Americas 26 right-to-work states, unions, once able to collect dues from all workers for whom they negotiate, collect dues only from members who agree to pay themmeaning theres no price at all to enjoying the benefits of a union contract. Freeloaders, hop on! Benefits become giveaways arranged by an Oprah-like unionYou get affordable health insurance! And you get yearly raises! And you get holiday bonuses!all available without contributing a penny to the organization responsible for negotiating to win them and fighting to protect them. The Supreme Courts split ruling must have been a disappointment to the folks at the National Right to Work Committee, a nonprofit that has diligently chipped away at unions across the country. The committees legal armwith its mission to eliminate coercive union power and compulsory unionism abuses through strategic litigation, public information, and education programshad filed an amicus brief in Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association. While the legal branch of the committee reportedly counts the Walton Family Foundation and the Coors Castle Rock Foundation among its donors, the National Right to Work Committee is a social welfare nonprofit and, as such, isnt required to disclose its donors. Under this classification, the committee is forbidden from engaging in direct or indirect political campaigns. Yet, on Monday, a jury in Helena heard the opening arguments in a case against Montana state Sen. Art Wittich, who stands accused of accepting thousands of dollars worth of campaign support from the committee. The case against Wittich, and the detailed glimpse into the committees operations, is all thanks to a box of documents first discovered in a Colorado meth house in 2011. The box was eventually sent to Montanas commissioner of political practices. In it were records showing the National Right to Work Committee had provided tens of thousands of dollars worth of support to anti-union candidates for Montanas state senate. The documents, and emails unearthed since the boxes were discovered, show that the committees operatives provided websites, voter databases, fliers, surveys, and more to Wittich and other anti-union candidates. The committee launched similar initiatives in Iowa and Indiana. Last year, Wittich introduced a bill to make Montana a right-to-work state. It drew no support. I first heard about the committee while working as an undercover union organizer, waiting tables at a South Florida casino. The committees legal arm was representing a groundskeeper at Mardi Gras Casino, another South Florida casino, in a case aimed at hindering any unions attempt to organize at Mardi Gras. Much like Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association, the case went all the way to the Supreme Court and, once again, unions narrowly escaped a blow. While working in the casino, I also witnessed the insidious nature of right-to-work laws. Many of my coworkers knew very little, if anything, about organized labor. Are we already in a union? a buffet server asked. Do the managers organize the union? a cocktail waitress wondered. That people who had spent decades working as bartenders, waiters, and cooks knew so little about unions wasnt shockingthis was Florida after all, a state notoriously unwelcoming to organized labor. What was disturbing, though, was the advice given to me by a waitress who knew something about everything. Ill call her Tricia. In her 40s, Tricia had four school-aged daughters and enjoyed looking after younger employees like me. When word of a union campaign started to spread, Tricia was quick to counsel. Listen, the union is a good thing, she half-whispered as we stood in the servers station. But dont sign up. I looked at her, head cocked, unsure of what she was getting at. You dont have to pay dues. Well still get it all. She smiled, pleased with her gamesmanship. Though we hadnt had an election yet, and were months, even years, away from securing a union contract, Tricia was planning. Organized labor portrays right-to-work laws as a legally protected right to freeload. Advocates of those laws say compulsory dues impede the free speech rights of individual employees since unions are inherently political. The one undeniable truth both sides agree on: Right-to-work laws cripple unions. They limit their budgets and forces them to expend resources on perennially organizing workers in shops that have already voted to unionize. Of late, right-to-work proponents have been particularly successful. Four states have gone right to work in the past four years. Since Wisconsin passed a prohibition on compulsory dues for public sector unions in 2011 (as well as a litany of additional restrictions on unionized labor) the states public sector union membership has plummeted by nearly 40 percent and after autoworkers negotiated contracts under Michigans new right-to-work laws in 2014, the unions lost 48,000 members. In this sense, its difficult to reconcile right-to-works supposed intentliberty and free speechwith the reality of its corrosive effect on organized labor, the formidable ally to Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, and progressives everywhere. Which made my exchange with Tricia all the more troubling. Tricia had clearly stated how she felt about the unionthe union is a good thingyet she had no intention of signing a card. In that moment, I witnessed the brilliance of right-to-work laws. Beneath a scrim of liberty and freedom, lawmakers can inject a sedative into the labor movements central nervous system. My dialogue with Tricia should have been a lively one about raises, health insurance, and consistent scheduling. Instead, it went limp. That doesnt seem right, was the only response I could muster before we went back to work. While Tricias advice went against everything Id ever learned about accountability and citizenship, I couldnt blame her. She was playing by the rules, and, as a waitress working for tips, she literally couldnt afford to think about the health of the labor movement. Why spend $30 on dues when she didnt have to? That money could be used on gas or groceries or a new softball glove for her daughter. A few months after our conversation, Tricia quit. She wasnt making enough money at the casino. Our coworkers would eventually unionize but by that time Id left for a new job at a Mardi Gras Casino, intent on unionizing it from the inside. 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. New rare 21YO expression of The Belvenie William Grant & Sons has launched The Balvenie 21 Year Old Madeira Cask Expression exclusively at DFS, Singapore Changi Airport for one month prior to its global release on April 1. This rare single malt has been aged exclusively in traditional oak whisky casks for more than two decades, then transferred to casks previously used in the production of fortified Madeira wine for a further period of maturation. As Asia Pacifics largest travel retail assortment of single malts, we are experiencing an increase in customers to DFS, Singapore Changi Airport wanting more information around the craft and heritage approach to whisky-making, says Brooke Supernaw, DFS Groups senior VP spirits, wines and tobacco. Were especially thrilled to partner with William Grant & Sons to not only debut The Balvenies exceptional 21 Year Old Madeira Cask right here in Singapore, but to provide travelers with an exciting and educational experience that brings this love of craftsmanship to life and feed travelers thirst for discovery in their search for the best. To celebrate the global launch as well as The Balvenies heritage of great craftsmanship, from March 2 April 11, travelers to Singapore Changi Airports Terminal 1, Central Piazza will have an opportunity to experience a showcase of local craftsmen sharing their expertise in, leather craft, printmaking and shoemaking. These craftsmen are commissioned by The Balvenie Connoisseurs of Craft initiative, which aims to promote craftsmanship in Southeast Asia. Its mission is to preserve the art of handcrafting, restoring the value of craftsmanship and encouraging its appreciation. Guests will have an opportunity to sample The Balvenie 21 Year Old Madeira Cask, and also get up close and personal with The Balvenie Morgan, a handcrafted V6 Roadster built in collaboration with the Morgan Motor Company. Fresh off the production line in Malvern, Worcestershire, England, the Roadster was specially flown in for the launch and is the perfect example of expressing the shared values of true craftsmanship deeply held by the two brands. The showcase also features a cigar humidor, handcrafted from the staves of casks previously used to mature the precious whisky. Teo Chew Hoon, Changi Airport Groups senior VP for airside concessions adds: As a global travel hub in the heart of Asia, we always look for new and exciting ways to engage those who come through Changi Airport. Bringing in the very exclusive 21 Year Old Madeira Cask, and showcasing it along with the master craftsmanship, is another example of us creating a memorable experience for our customers. In keeping with The Balvenies hand-crafted nature, travelers can create their very own bottle tags by personally embossing their chosen design. Scott Hamilton, William Grant & Sons travel retail director for Asia Pacific, says The Balvenie 21 Year Old Madeira Cask is a perfect example of an exclusive product that really intrigues both travellers and retailers, making it perfect for this channel. Launching such an important product in The Balvenie range had to be partnered with a unique promotion, so collaborating with the likes of The Morgan Motor Company to get the V6 Roadster flown in and highlighting the work we do with craftsman through The Balvenie Connoisseurs of Craft initiative was an opportunity not to be missed. The Balvenie 21 Year Old Madeira Cask retails for SGD 295. 31 March 2016 - Felicity Murray The Drinks Report, editor Morgan Stewarts senior prom experience was a little different than most. The junior economics major at Texas A&M is a Fort Worth native, and a cosplay enthusiast. She attended the Dallas Comic Con on her prom day, dressed as Chell from the Portal video game. And it wasnt just an outfit she painted her red hair black for the event. Stewart left the Comic Con at 3 p.m. to prepare for the second big event of the day. She washed the paint out of her hair, hit the hairdresser by 5 and made it to prom that night with no Chell remnants to be seen. Luckily, it all came out, she says. I was very worried, though. Stewart grew up with a heavy sci-fi influence from her father, especially Star Wars and Star Trek movies. Her cosplay experience includes attending events dressed as Black Widow from The Avengers (pictured, left) and Poison Ivy from Batman. These interests made Stewart a natural for Cepheid Variable, the longtime A&M student group of sci-fi, gaming and fantasy aficionados. The students present the 47th AggieCon event at the Brazos County Expo in Bryan on April 1-3, featuring guest speakers, panels, cosplay contests and music. (Go to aggieconblog.wordpress.com for all the details.) For anyone tempted to label the Cepheid crew as nerds or geeks, Stewart is quick to point out the groups motto: Aggielands geeks and nerds since 1969. So those words wont offend her. I mean, its a descriptor of me, she says. Lately, especially, the word nerd and geek have started to become cool. I was definitely a nerd before it was cool. In middle school, I would sit alone at lunch and read. It was great. Q: What does Cepheid Variable do? Thats a big question. We have basically small programs that do anything you could think of. Last semester I ran the Dress Me Like One of Your French Cepheids group, which is cosplay, and we would talk about methods of cosplay and do activities. I taught people how to sew and do makeup and stuff. We have BAMF, which is our Bronies Anonymous for Magical Friendship. Q: Thats the My Little Pony thing? Yeah. I actually used to be a Pegasister, so I cant hate, but I dont do that anymore. Q: OK, slow down. You used to be a what? A Pegasister. Thats a girl Brony. Q: So thats a girl adult fan of My Little Pony? Yes. And we have Super Wednesday Awesome Gaming its called SWAG where we get together and play video games. Q: What about cosplay appealed to you? Halloween has always been my favorite holiday. I just love getting dressed up. Cosplay is so fun, because when you really know about that character, you can try to mimic their actions and their catchphrases. And its really cool to go to cons because other people are doing that as well, and there are people that really appreciate the character that youve chosen to cosplay as. They get excited when they see you, and they want to take your picture. Thats my favorite thing about cons. If youre cosplaying well, people want to take a picture of you. Its just really fun. Q: What goes into the costume-making process? Chell is the one Ive taken to big cons in Dallas. Chell is the one Ive sunk the most money into. Ive probably spent at least $450 on that one costume. My Poison Ivy one, I made that one by hand. I went online and found a green corset that I liked. I went to Hobby Lobby and bought a ton of fake ivy, and went through and cut each leaf individually off the ivy, then hot glued it to the corset and glued some to pantyhose. To have the pantyhose stretched out enough so they wont be bunched up once you glue them, you have to glue them while its on your legs. So I just literally stuck hot glue to my leg and was like, Ill just deal with it. Its good. Q: Did you dress up for the new Star Wars movie? I couldnt. I was on a cruise. I saw it a week after it came out. Q: I guess there arent a lot of redheads in Star Wars. There are a lot in Game of Thrones. Ive been thinking about doing something from that Sansa Stark, or Margaery Tyrell or Ygritte. I have a big Targaryen banner hanging over my bed. Its like 4 feet long. Q: What would you say to someone who looks at an event like AggieCon or the group or you and says, Thats weird. Yeah, it is weird. But its a lot of peoples favorite kind of weird. When five fully restored World War II tanks roll onto the field to prepare for a battle re-enactment, it's larger than life at the annual Living History Weekend event, happening Friday and Saturday at the Museum of the American G.I. "People stand just in awe to see this large tank rumble by not too far away from them," said museum board member Leisha Mullins. "It's awe-inspiring to hear and feel these great big tanks going by." In addition to the WWII battle re-enactment that happens at 3 p.m. Saturday, the event also features fully restored and operational military vehicles and artillery from WWII to the Vietnam era, narrated WWII living history displays, a military swap meet, historic small arms demonstrations, a Junior G.I. Zone, tank rides, helicopter rides and a chance to shoot a Howitzer. The event draws a large crowd every year, including history buffs from across the country, because of the number of operational tanks and military vehicles. Most living history events may have military vehicles for display but not operational, Mullins said. "There are many venues across the country that have re-enactments or battles, but none have four or five tanks on the battlefield -- that is rare," Mullins said. "Here, people can actually get that experience, the rumble of the tanks." This year, the museum board of directors added new features to make the event more encompassing for the family, so they will want to stay longer during the day and not just for the battle reenactment, Mullins said. The new Junior GI Zone is free and is geared for kindergartners through fourth grade and will feature obstacle courses. This is also the first year that visitors can ride on a UH-1 Bell Iroquois Helicopter, courtesy of the Collings Foundation for $80. For $300, visitors can ride in a WWII tank for 20 minutes, or for $20, they can ride in a smaller military vehicle. Visitors can also shoot a 75mm Pack Howitzer for $40. The variety of events this year is meant to appeal to the family so that all ages can experience history in an interesting way, Mullins said. "The event offers a connection to a time that we want to make real to your family and children; we want them to experience it instead of just reading about it," Mullins said. The approximately 100 volunteers who perform the military re-enactments take the roles seriously. They research every aspect of the soldier's daily life until they have down the way they talked, what they ate and that their uniforms are perfectly accurate. Some re-enactors even sleep overnight in the encampment tents. "We don't want to glorify war -- the re-enactment is there to educate and help people understand that a lot of the war included soldiers waiting in the freezing cold in a foxhole; it wasn't glorious," Mullins said. "We hope visitors understand the hardships and reality of what WWII was like. The living historians do a good job of personalizing it by showing what the experiences were -- how they cooked their foods, what they ate for breakfast, that what you carry on your back is all you have. It's really all about the stories of the individuals. Visitors can put that into perspective of the entire war and learn that there is nothing glorifying about war -- it's just horrible, but it was necessary at that time, so let's understand what type of men and women it took to be able to do the things they had to do." Living historian Mark Hawthorne, who portrays a first sergeant on one of the tank crews for the armored support group, said he hopes the event also inspires patriotism in young people. Hawthorne's interest in military history possibly stems from his father, who was a B-17 bomber pilot during World War II. "He didn't tell a whole lot of stories, but he lived his patriotism," Hawthorne said. "I don't know that we still have that level of patriotism. Here (at the museum) we are trying to teach kids that there was a generation when the entire world was at war who were patriotic enough to sacrifice their lives for a cause they believed in." The event will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children and free for children under 5. Free parking is provided at Santa's Wonderland Prancer Lot. Shuttle buses are provided. For more information, visit americangimuseum.org/events/living-history-weekend/. September 21,1929 - March 3, 2016 Jim was born during the roaring 20's in the quiet little town of Itasca, Texas on September 21, 1929. Jim spent two years in the Navy and two years in the Coast Guard Academy. While in the academy he sailed on the Coast Guard Academy training ship, "Eagle." He sailed to England, France and Holland. His duties on the ship included climbing high in the rigging, holding on with one hand and working with the other. Jim enjoyed skating, especially the waltzes. It was while skating that he found his "Sweetheart". Jim and Jean were married July 18, 1955.In 1957, Jim received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Southern Methodist University. Jim took flying lessons and in 1967 decided to fly Jean and their two young boys to California. In addition to luggage, they took water, snacks, a flare-gun and a potty chair! The work Jim enjoyed most was with Chrysler Corporation Space Division as senior propulsion engineer on the Saturn booster. Jim took his family to Florida to see the launch of a Saturn. It was exciting to be across the Indian River from the launch pad, to hear the roar, feel the vibration, and see the clouds that formed. In 1989, after a long recovery from a bout with meningitis, Jim and Jean traveled to Seattle and took the ferry through the inside passage to Skagway. It was a wonderful, healing trip to spend time enjoying the beauty of Alaska.Jim and Jean celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary July 18, 2015.Jim was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather who died peacefully at home with his loving family March 3, 2016. In addition to his wife Jean, he is survived by two sons, Bryan Elfers and Craig Elfers, three grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He is also survived by three sisters, Joyce Gates, Elaine Ashton and Donileta Hammons. A Celebration of Life service is scheduled for 2:00pm on Saturday, April 2, 2016 at Christ United Methodist Church in College Station. Please share condolences with Jim's family at www.hillierfuneralhome.com But rather than follow Shell and BP's tactical masterstroke of supporting similar resolutions, Exxon asked the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to exclude its resolution from even going to a vote. Did Exxon really think the SEC - itself facing calls from investors to do more on climate - would rule in its favour? If so, it looks like Exxon is using an old playbook for a game whose rules have fundamentally changed. Exxon's seemingly out of date tactics are a worrying proxy for the company's ability to handle the far greater risk posed by a low carbon transition. The SEC rejected Exxon's arguments and by allowing votes on key climate change resolutions have provided the opportunity for shareholders to make their views clear. Investors need to ensure Exxon's board are using the right map to navigate that pathway or at the very least admit to currently following the wrong one. Investigative journalists doing their job inflames Exxon Then there's the company's initial response to the allegations made by Columbia journalism students via the Los Angeles Times about what Exxon knew and disclosed about climate change. Ken Cohen, Exxon's vice president of Public and Government Affairs chose to fire off a letter to the President of Columbia University, accusing Columbia's reports of "cherry picking" and "distorting statements" and, most severely, "research misconduct." After referencing Exxon and the university's "numerous and productive relationships", Cohen finished by demanding a formal inquiry. In response Steven Coll, the dean of Columbia Journalism School issued a scathing letter that stated: "Your letter disputes the substance of the two articles in a number of respects, but consists largely of attacks on the project's journalists. I have concluded that your allegations are unsupported by evidence. "More than that, I have been troubled to discover that you have made serious allegations of professional misconduct in your letter against members of the project team even though you or your Media Relations colleagues possess email records showing that your allegations are false." He concluded: "What your letter really advocates is that the factual information accurately reported in the article, and unchallenged by you, be interpreted differently." Exxon's response was also criticised by crisis management experts like Jonathan Bernstein of Bernstein Crisis Management Inc, whose advises the company to "apologize". Funders of investigations also in the in the line of fire The oil industry's PR apparatus also rose up in misguided defense of Exxon - via the industry-funded 'Energy in Depth' site - targeting philanthropists including the Rockefeller Brothers Fund and Rockefeller Family Fund, 'accusing' them of funding the InsideClimate News and Columbia reports. Exxon followed up by calling the reports "discredited" and the funders "activists". It's not news that foundations fund public interest investigative journalism -and it doesn't make funders activists just because the target doesn't like the findings - but that didn't stop Exxon from trying to drum up a scandal that doesn't exist. Exxon appears to see no irony in it and its industry peers funnelling millions of dollars to those fighting climate mitigation and challenging climate science. And that brings us to the company's official response to the latest AG investigations - those of Massachusetts and the US Virgin Islands. In a statement which kicks off with the warning that "we are actively assessing all legal options", Exxon goes onto to warn of the "chilling effect" of the investigations on company research: "The allegations are based on the false premise that ExxonMobil reached definitive conclusions about anthropogenic climate change before the world's experts and before the science itself had matured, and then withheld it from the broader scientific community. Such a claim is preposterous ... Contrary to activists' claims, our company's deliberations decades ago yielded no definitive conclusions ... "The investigations targeting our company threaten to have a chilling effect on private sector research. The allegations repeated today are an attempt to limit free speech and are the antithesis of scientific inquiry. Left unchallenged, they could stifle the search for solutions to the real risks from climate change." Exxon appears to believe no investigations should even take place. This is despite the very serious allegations going to securities and consumer laws. That's how the law works: allegation - investigation - finding. But to Exxon this is all a case of "politically motivated" actions and "discredited reporting" that should be automatically dismissed. The achievement of the ambition expressed in the Paris Agreement requires transformative legislation and corporate strategy. In that context one might legitimately question: whose actions might have the most societally detrimental 'chilling effect' on tackling climate change? Exxon's or the Attorneys General's'? Louise Rouse is an investment campaign consultant to Greenpeace UK. Naomi Ages is attorney and campaigner with Greenpeace USA. This article was originally published by Greenpeace Energydesk. Some additional reporting by The Ecologist. This is Australia's foreign minister, Gareth Evans. The other man is Ali Alatas, the principal mouthpiece of Suharto. It is 1989 and they are making a symbolic flight to celebrate a piratical deal they called a 'treaty'. This allowed Australia, the Suharto dictatorship and the international oil companies to divide the spoils of East Timor's oil and gas resources. Thanks to Evans, Australia's then prime minister, Paul Keating - who regarded Suharto as a father figure - and a gang that ran Australia's foreign policy establishment, Australia distinguished itself as the only western country formally to recognise Suharto's genocidal conquest. The prize, said Evans, was "zillions" of dollars. Old names re-surface in Australia'a National Archives Members of this gang reappeared the other day in documents found in the National Archives by two researchers from Monash University in Melbourne, Sara Niner and Kim McGrath. In their own handwriting, senior officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs mock reports of the rape, torture and execution of East Timorese by Indonesian troops. In scribbled annotations on a memorandum that refers to atrocities in a concentration camp, one diplomat wrote: "sounds like fun". Another wrote: "sounds like the population are in raptures." Referring to a report by the Indonesian resistance, Fretilin, that describes Indonesia as an "impotent" invader, another diplomat sneered: "If 'the enemy was impotent', as stated, how come they are daily raping the captured population? Or is the former a result of the latter?" The documents, says Sarah Niner, are "vivid evidence of the lack of empathy and concern for human rights abuses in East Timor" in the Department of Foreign Affairs. "The archives reveal that this culture of cover-up is closely tied to the DFA's need to recognise Indonesian sovereignty over East Timor so as to commence negotiations over the petroleum in the East Timor Sea." This was a conspiracy to steal East Timor's oil and gas. In leaked diplomatic cables in August 1975, the Australian Ambassador to Jakarta, Richard Woolcott, wrote to Canberra: "It would seem to me that the Department [of Minerals and Energy] might well have an interest in closing the present gap in the agreed sea border and this could be much more readily negotiated with Indonesia ... than with Portugal or independent Portuguese Timor." Woolcott revealed that he had been briefed on Indonesia's secret plans for an invasion. He cabled Canberra that the government should "assist public understanding in Australia" to counter "criticism of Indonesia". In 1993, I interviewed C. Philip Liechty, a former senior CIA operations officer in the Jakarta embassy during the invasion of East Timor. He told me: "Suharto was given the green light [by the US] to do what he did. We supplied them with everything they needed [from] M16 rifles [to] US military logistical support ... maybe 200,000 people, almost all of them non-combatants died. When the atrocities began to appear in the CIA reporting, the way they dealt with these was to cover them up as long as possible; and when they couldn't be covered up any longer, they were reported in a watered-down, very generalised way, so that even our own sourcing was sabotaged." I asked Liechty what would have happened had someone spoken out. "Your career would end", he replied. He said his interview with me was one way of making amends for "how badly I feel." Accomplice to mass murder now a 'respected diplomatic intellectual' The gang in the Australian embassy in Jakarta appear to suffer no such anguish. One of the scribblers on the documents, Cavan Hogue, told the Sydney Morning Herald: "It does look like my handwriting. If I made a comment like that, being the cynical bugger that I am, it would certainly have been in the spirit of irony and sarcasm. It's about the [Fretilin] press release, not the Timorese." Hogue said there were "atrocities on all sides". As one who reported and filmed the evidence of genocide, I find this last remark especially profane. The Fretilin 'propaganda' he derides was accurate. The subsequent report of the United Nations on East Timor describes thousands of cases of summary execution and violence against women by Suharto's Kopassus special forces, many of whom were trained in Australia. "Rape, sexual slavery and sexual violence were tools used as part of the campaign designed to inflict a deep experience of terror, powerlessness and hopelessness upon pro-independence supporters", says the UN. Cavan Hogue, the joker and 'cynical bugger', was promoted to senior ambassador and eventually retired on a generous pension. Richard Woolcott was made head of the Department of Foreign Affairs in Canberra and, in retirement, has lectured widely as a 'respected diplomatic intellectual'. Journalists watered at the Australian embassy in Jakarta, notably those employed by Rupert Murdoch, who controls almost 70% of Australia's capital city press. Murdoch's correspondent in Indonesia was Patrick Walters, who reported that Jakarta's "economic achievements" in East Timor were "impressive", as was Jakarta's "generous" development of the blood-soaked territory. As for the East Timorese resistance, it was "leaderless" and beaten. In any case, "no one was now arrested without proper legal procedures." In December 1993, one of Murdoch's veteran retainers, Paul Kelly, then editor-in-chief of The Australian, was appointed by Foreign Minister Evans to the Australia-Indonesia Institute, a body funded by the Australian government to promote the "common interests" of Canberra and the Suharto dictatorship. Kelly led a group of Australian newspaper editors to Jakarta for an audience with the mass murderer. There is a photograph of one of them bowing. Indonesia kicked out - but Australia still very much there ... East Timor won its independence in 1999 with the blood and courage of its ordinary people. The tiny, fragile democracy was immediately subjected to a relentless campaign of bullying by the Australian government which sought to manoeuvre it out of its legal ownership of the sea bed's oil and gas revenue. To get its way, Australia refused to recognise the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice and the Law of the Sea and unilaterally changed the maritime boundary in its own favour. In 2006, a deal was finally signed, Mafia-style, largely on Australia's terms. Soon afterwards, Prime Minister Mari Alkitiri, a nationalist who had stood up to Canberra, was effectively deposed in what he called an "attempted coup" by "outsiders". The Australian military, which had 'peace-keeping' troops in East Timor, had trained his opponents. In the 17 years since East Timor won its independence, the Australian government has taken nearly $5 billion in oil and gas revenue - money that belongs to its impoverished neighbour. Australia has been called America's 'deputy sheriff' in the South Pacific. One man with the badge is Gareth Evans, the foreign minister filmed lifting his champagne glass to toast the theft of East Timor's natural resources. Today, Evans is a lectern-trotting zealot promoting a brand of war-mongering known as 'RTP', or 'Responsibility to Protect'. As co-chair of a New York-based 'Global Centre', he runs a US-backed lobby group that urges the 'international community' to attack countries where "the Security Council rejects a proposal or fails to deal with it in a reasonable time". The man for the job, as the East Timorese might say. John Pilger is a writer, documentary film-maker, producer, director, and reporter. In 2003 he was awarded the prestigous Sophie Prize for '30 years of exposing injustice and promoting human rights.' In 2009, he was awarded the Sydney Peace Prize. Watch John Pilger's film 'Death of a Nation - The Timor Conspiracy'. This article was originally published on John Pilger's website. Follow John Pilger on Twitter@ @johnpilger. In a move many are hailing as a "turning point" in the climate fight, 20 state Attorneys General this week launched an unprecedented, multi-state effort. They will now investigate and prosecute the "high-funded and morally vacant forces" that have stymied attempts to combat global warming-starting with holding ExxonMobil and other industry giants accountable for fraud and suppression of key climate science. "This is about facts, and science, and transparency", said Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, who spoke at a press conference alongside New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, former Vice President Al Gore and seven other Attorneys General. "Fossil fuel companies that deceived investors and consumers about the dangers of climate change should be, must be held accountable", Healey continued, saying there is a "troubling disconnect between what Exxon knew, what industry folks knew, and the company and industry chose to share with investors and the American public." The coalition of Attorneys General from 16 states and the US Virgin Islands was convened by Schneiderman, who in November announced a state investigation into Exxon after reporting revealed that the oil giant had for decades known and suppressed evidence about the dangers that fossil fuels posed to the environment, and then purposely disseminated false information in order to boost its profits. California has also launched an investigation and on Tuesday Healey and US Virgin Islands Attorney General Claude Earl Walker confirmed their states have as well. Schneiderman said that additional states were pursuing similar action and that the purpose of the coalition is to work together in this "common interest." "The scope of the problem we are facing, the size of the corporate entities and alliances and trade associations [working against science and public interest] is massive and it requires a multi-state effort", Schneiderman said. 'We must do something transformational' AG Walker said that Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands are already "experiencing the effects of global warming", from coral bleaching and the proliferation of seaweed, to ever-more powerful hurricanes. "It is troubling that, as the polar caps melt, there are companies that are looking at that as an opportunity to go and drill, to go and get more oil. How selfish can you be?" Walker asked. "Your product is destroying this Earth, and you want to do what? Destroy the planet further", he added, saying they have "documents" showing just that. SHARE Gleaner staff The Federal Bureau of Investigation is warning Kentucky residents of a scam that uses an FBI phone number on potential victims' caller ID. Federal officials said people are calling and claiming to be an FBI agent. The con artist will then demand repayment for a school loan, tax violation or parking tickets, a news release said. The potential victim is threatened with arrest if fees aren't paid. "The FBI does not call private citizens requesting money or threatening arrest," said Howard S. Marshall, Special Agent in Charge of the Louisville FBI Field Office. In some instances, the originating telephone number used as part of the scam is displayed or "spoofed" as the telephone number of the Louisville FBI Field Office, officials said. Additionally, in other scams, callers claim to be with the IRS, DEA, or another law enforcement agency. Anyone contacted by a caller claiming to be with the FBI is encouraged to verify the information with the Bureau. The main telephone number for the Louisville FBI, which covers the entire Commonwealth, is 502-263-6000. Contact information for other field offices is found at www.fbi.gov. If you are a victim of a phone or online scam, you can file an online complaint with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.IC3.gov. SHARE The following information is based on public records from local and area law enforcement agencies and/or court systems: HENDERSON POLICE DEPARTMENT Mackenzie Lawless, 19, 17000 section of Kentucky 416-East, was arrested Wednesday morning on a charge of theft of $500 or more. The charge stems from Lawless allegedly stealing jewelry from a family member. The crime was reported on March 23. Lawless was taken into custody Wednesday and lodged at the Henderson County Detention Center. HENDERSON DISTRICT COURT Several cases were recently bound over to the grand jury from district court. David W. Batts, 38, 1000 block of Clay Street, faces charges of third-degree criminal trespassing, third-degree assault, resisting arrest and second-degree disorderly conduct. Shane Kirkman, 47, Adamville, Tenn., faces charges of manufacturing methamphetamine, unlawful possession of a meth precursor, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Jesse A. Mayes, 22, 1300 block of Fairground Lane, faces charges of first-degree possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, tampering with physical evidence, first-degree wanton endangerment, trafficking marijuana less than 8 ounces, first-degree criminal mischief and possession of drug paraphernalia. Joshua W. Kerr, 26, address unavailable, faces charges of first-degree possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Lemesha Rodriguez, 26, 200 block of South Alves Street, faces charges of theft of $500 or more, but under $10,000, and theft of a controlled substance under $10,000. Christopher F. Smith, 44, 2000 block of Old Corydon Road, faces charges of operating an ATV on a roadway, driving on a DUI suspended/revoked license, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana and first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance. Michael B. Alexander, 35, 100 block of Kennedy Circle, faces two counts of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, one count of third-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a methamphetamine precursor, manufacturing meth, trafficking in marijuana, fourth-degree controlled substance endangering a child. Patricia L. Sizemore, 32, 100 block of North McKinley Street, faces charges of second-degree robbery, alcohol intoxication in a public place and second-degree disorderly conduct. Danielle M. Walker, 30, Louisville, faces charges of possession of drug paraphernalia and tampering with physical evidence. Samuel D. Green, 18, 1400 block of Powell Street, faces charges of alcohol intoxication in a public place, person 18-20 in possession of alcohol, second-degree fleeing/evading police, second-degree disorderly conduct and tampering with physical evidence. Marcus H. Bailey, age unavailable, 1400 block of Mattingly Drive, faces a charge of first-degree robbery. Matthew E. Murray, 43, Evansville, faces charges of careless driving, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and first-degree possession of a controlled substance. Ronnie L. Linton, 19, Evansville, faces charges of speeding, first-degree fleeing/evading police, first-degree wanton endangerment, disregarding a stop sign, disregarding a traffic control device, failure or improper signal, reckless driving, careless driving, improper use of a left lane, improper passing, failure to illuminate headlamps, rear license not illuminated and following a vehicle too closely. Seth A. Critser, 27, 100 block of Fencerow Lane, faces charges of public intoxication, possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting arrest, second-degree disorderly conduct, third-degree assault (police or probation officer) and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Paul A. Cohron, 48, Waverly, faces charges of second-degree assault and fourth-degree assault. Pamela M. Proctor, 25, 400 block of Smith Avenue, faces charges of rear license plate not illuminated, first-degree possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a meth precursor, failure of owner to maintain insurance and manufacturing meth. Mary E. Long, 36, 1400 block of Helm Street, faces charges of first-degree possession of a controlled substance and tampering with physical evidence. Cory A. Weisser, 37, Evansville, faces four counts of first-degree possession of a controlled substance, three counts of criminal possession of a forged prescription and one count of second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument. EDITOR'S NOTE: Those charged with crimes are considered innocent until they are found guilty in a court of law. Every effort is made by this newspaper to report the final disposition of each case. In the event we fail to do so, a call to our newsroom, 827-2000, will prompt a background check on those cases and, if necessary, a published report on the final disposition. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate HARTFORD -- A flood of poor defendants representing themselves -- often ineffectively -- in dire cases involving eviction, foreclosure, child custody and involuntary commitment has led to a push in legislatures to expand rights to free lawyers in certain civil proceedings. Everyone has a right to a free lawyer in criminal cases if they can't afford one. But the same right isn't guaranteed in civil cases. More than two dozen bills being considered in 18 states this year would provide public defenders or private lawyers at state expense for low-income people in certain civil cases, according to the National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel, which is run by the Public Justice Center nonprofit group in Baltimore. "When your basic human needs are at stake, you should have a lawyer to protect those needs," said John Pollock, a lawyer with the Public Justice Center who coordinates the national coalition. "The consequences are too great." The spike in self-represented defendants stems from the Great Recession, which not only created new waves of foreclosure, eviction, debt collection and bankruptcy cases, but also hindered people's ability to pay for lawyers, judges and lawyers say. Such cases have overwhelmed and slowed court dockets, judges say. Adelaida Torres, of Hartford, couldn't afford a lawyer in 2011 as she tried to regain custody of her two daughters from her now-ex-husband. She lost custody of Gloria and Elizabeth, then ages 8 and 4, while she was in jail for several weeks, unable to afford bail after being arrested for what she called a bogus misdemeanor assault allegation lodged by her ex. Torres had to represent herself in court trying to win back custody and said she felt overwhelmed. She managed to get supervised visitation with her daughters, but little else after nearly a year of effort. "I didn't know anything about the court system," she said. "I was crying. I was very lost." She believes she never would have regained custody if she hadn't learned about Greater Hartford Legal Aid, which provides free legal help to the indigent. It took nearly 1 1/2 years, but legal aid lawyer Linda Allard was able to win back sole custody of the children to Torres in late 2013. Connecticut lawmakers are considering a bill that would create a task force to look into expanding the right to free lawyers for the poor in civil cases. State Senate President Martin Looney, D-New Haven, proposed the bill and cited the case of a Connecticut woman, Adrianne Oyola, who represented herself in court while trying to get a permanent restraining order against the father of her 7-month-old son. A judge denied the order last year, and days later authorities said the father, Tony Moreno, threw the infant off a bridge and then himself jumped off. The baby died, but Moreno survived and has pleaded not guilty to murder. Looney said the judge might have been more inclined to issue the restraining order if Oyola had had an attorney. The push to increase access to free lawyers has been led by a group of state Supreme Court chief justices and the American Bar Association. "At the end of the day, we're trying to make sure people are treated fairly and the outcome is just," said Connecticut Chief Justice Chase Rogers. Every year, more than 80 percent of low-income people with civil legal troubles do not obtain the legal representation they need, and legal aid organizations have to turn away nearly a million people a year nationwide because of a lack of resources, according to the Legal Services Corp., a group funded by the federal government that is the largest provider of legal aid funding in the country. Legal aid lawyers say scores of poor people who couldn't afford lawyers have been evicted, lost child custody or had trouble obtaining restraining orders. Some proposals passed or being considered in other states: -- Measures in Florida , New Jersey and Pennsylvania to allow free lawyers in cases of involuntary commitment for substance abuse. -- Proposals to require free legal counsel to poor people in certain eviction cases in Massachusetts and to provide the right to a lawyer to the poor facing eviction or foreclosure in New York . -- Measures regarding free lawyers for indigent people in parental-rights cases in Kentucky and Mississippi . -- Georgia lawmakers this year voted to give mentally ill people the right to a free lawyer if they can't afford one when an order for involuntary inpatient treatment is about to expire and medical experts request continued involuntary treatment. -- Oregon lawmakers voted to allow free lawyers for eligible juveniles facing the possibility of having to register as sex offenders. Jep Livingston, a 69-year-old Vietnam veteran from Philadelphia, faced homelessness last year as the city moved to sell his longtime home after he defaulted on a plan to repay back property taxes. He defaulted, he said, because someone stole his wallet and drained his bank account, and he missed payments. He had gone to the city and several organizations for help, but to no avail. His daughter and 5-year-old grandson live with him and faced homelessness, too. "When I thought about him being homeless at 5 years old, it broke my heart," Livingston said. "I was really close to losing my home. I was desperate." He, too, learned about the legal aid group SeniorLaw Center, which was able to prevent a tax sale of his home, arrange a new payment plan for his property taxes and knock his future taxes to zero under a city tax abatement program for the elderly. "It felt to me like I was in the middle of the ocean and they threw me a life raft," Livingston said. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate NORWALK Nearly 20 years ago, two campers made a grisly discovery on Shea Island the body of a badly decomposed male had washed up on shore. In the hopes of shining light on that cold case, Norwalk Police Department Lt. Weisgerber, has released details of the case on the NPD Facebook page. On Thursday, April 18, 1996 at 7:25 p.m., the Norwalk Police Dispatch Center received a call from a cellular caller reporting that a deceased person had been discovered on the north shore of Shea Island. The husband and wife had been camping out on Shea Island when they made the discovery. The Norwalk Police Marine Unit ferried Detectives to the island so they could investigate further. The remains were badly decomposed and partially skeletonized with no clothing attached. No facial identification was possible. The body was removed from Shea Island and transported to the State Medical Examiners Office for autopsy. The John Doe was identified as an adult, white male, 5 1 tall, between the age of 20-30 years old. No dental charting could be completed since several front teeth were missing postmortem. Currently, evidence that had been collected at autopsy is about to be examined by the DNA Section of the State of Connecticut Forensic Laboratory in an effort to develop a DNA profile from hairs or bone as necessary. If that proves successful, the profile will then be uploaded into CODIS and NDIS in an effort to make a match with a reported missing person in which family members submitted DNA samples for comparison. It is critical that family members of missing persons confirm with the police department handling the case that DNA samples are collected from as many family members as possible, Weisgerber said. In an attempt to make an identification through fingerprints, nine of the fingers were removed at the middle knuckle and placed in separate jars. Some jars had glycerol added in an effort to soften the tissue for print rolling. Only two of the nine fingers exhibited enough ridge detail for identification. These two prints had been rolled and photographed. The two prints were sent to the Latent Print Section of the State of Connecticut Forensic Laboratory in April of 1996 and searched through the AFIS system with no identification. The prints were also sent to the FBI Latent Print Section and to the Rockland County Sheriffs Office in New York in 1996 for searches through their AFIS systems with no identifications. In September 2014, a request was made to the FBI to have the prints searched through the new NGI database and again no identification was made. Anybody with information is asked to contact Lt. Art Weisgerber at (203) 854-3028 or aweisgerber@norwalkct.org. Anonymous Internet tips can be sent through the Norwalk police website at: www.norwalkpd.com. Anonymous text tips can be submitted by typing NPD into the text field, followed by the message and sending it to CRIMES (274637). NORWALK -- Eversource energy will be flying helicopters over Norwalk to evaluate the vegetation growing near Connecticut's high voltage transmission lines. "We want to catch any emerging problems before they happen and become actual problems," said Eversource Spokesman for Transmission Projects Frank Poirot. They will be checking areas in 103 communities in Connecticut, including Norwalk. Eversource runs these surveys twice a year, once in the spring and once in the late summer to early fall. "We use the helicopter because its way more efficient to cover the 820 miles of transmission lines," said Eversource Spokesman for Transmission Projects Frank Poirot. "Western Connecticut is very rural and rugged and remote. Then you got the other parts of Connecticut which are very crowded, especially in Norwalk where you have the Metro-North lines and I-95 thruways." The helicopters will have an arborist in the cockpit with the pilot, so they can work together to survey the specific areas in need of the most attention. "The arborist and the pilot will work in concert in these helicopter inspections," he said. "With the goal of improving the reliability and service for our customers." The inspections will take roughly ten days to survey Connecticut. "Its more of a window of ten days, not including the weekend," said Poirot. "But sometimes the weather will impede this, which we have already started to plan for with the reports of snow coming this weekend." The surveying is planned from March 30 to April 8 and will take place between the hours of 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. "Seeing a helicopter in some of these places may be a surprise to people," said Poirot. "We want to get the word out so that the people on the ground know what we are doing." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate NORWALK -- Sixty percent of boaters who drowned in 2007 did so in waters below 50 degrees in temperature, according to the United States Coast Guard. The majority drowned after experiencing shock from cold-water immersion rather than succumbing to hypothermia. "If you think that you can swim to shore, you may be surprised as to how far you cannot swim," said Capt. Jon Maggio, commander of the Norwalk Fire Department (NFD) Marine Unit. "Below 50-degree water, statistics pretty much double. Forty-three percent of people died less than six feet from safety." Nearly 40 local fishermen, rowers and other boaters attended the instructional seminar arranged by Michael Griffin, state of Connecticut harbormaster for Norwalk, at the Norwalk Fire Department headquarters on Connecticut Avenue on Wednesday evening. "Cold Water Boot Camp," a 30-minute video produced by the National Water Safety Congress with funding from the Coast Guard, was the centerpiece of the event. After falling into cold waters, swimmers have about one minute to recover from the initial shock and get their breathing under control, according to video narrator Dr. Gordon Giesbrecht of the University of Manitoba. Those who manage to do so have about 10 minutes of "meaningful movement" before they are no longer able to swim. Hypothermia sets in only after 30 minutes to two hours in the water, according to Giesbrecht. In the video, Coast Guard volunteers tested their abilities to withstand the effects of cold water and found themselves surprised. "I got about three-fourths of the way (to shore) and I started getting winded," one swimmer said afterward. "I swallowed some water and couldn't get my breath. Without the rescuer, I would have drowned." Of the half-dozen volunteers who jumped off the Coast Guard vessel into the water, only one made it to the nearby shoreline without the aid of a rescue swimmer. Maggio advises local rowers and other boaters to always wear life jackets and stick close to their vessels if they fall overboard. Hanging onto a capsized boat allows one to keep his or her torso out of the frigid waters. A vessel also makes a visible target for rescuers. Griffin and Maggio plan to hold the seminar each year to teach boaters about boating and safety in cold waters. While air temperatures may rise into the 70s during the springtime, water temperatures lag significantly behind. On Wednesday, they were 42 degrees in Norwalk. "The goal is really to impress upon (boaters) the seriousness of using Norwalk Harbor during a period of low water temperatures that would have a serious potential for complicating an already threatening man-overboard situation," Griffin said. KEARNEY Erika Elizabeth Anderson, 17, of Kearney died Friday, March 25, 2016. A Celebration of Life will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 1, at First Lutheran Church, 3315 Avenue G in Kearney. The Rev. John Gosswein will officiate. Interment will follow in Kearney Cemetery. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 31, at OBrien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Condolences may be shared online at www.osrfh.com. Erika Elizabeth was born Aug. 17, 1998, in Kearney to Ron and Elaine (Schmeits) Anderson. Erika was baptized Oct. 10, 1998, and confirmed Oct. 28, 2012, in Christ at Family of Christ Lutheran Church. Erika was a senior at Kearney High School, where she developed herself as a talented artist and found a love for art history. She was a proud member of National Honor Society and Family of Christ Lutheran Church. She had recently been selected as a Junior Curator of the Museum of Nebraska Art. Together, she and her sister participated in the PhotoVoice Program, a program for self-expression through photography. Not only was she a true artist with many mediums, but Erika also had a love for cosmetics. She loved her palette of colors and many brushes, which she used to sculpt her perfect eyebrows. She was a literary enthusiast passing on her love of books to her sister, Brooke. Erika loved talking to her brother, Brent, and enjoyed the bantering among his friends. Erika worked at Fort Kearny and Best Western Motel, where she enjoyed her coworkers and supervisor. While employed at Central Hydraulics, she developed a privileged and treasured friendship with her boss, whom she also viewed as her mentor. Erika was a gracious, self-less friend, sister and daughter. Erika would always point out the good and beauty in others. Erika spent her free time with her many girl and guy friends cruising Kearney, jamming to music, hanging in the high school commons, going to movies and taking endless selfies. She was known to be the first to reach out to new students. Her friends remember her taking a strong position in classes, defending her beliefs. Her family cherishes many memories of her childhood blonde hair, her little lazy eye, and her first pair of glasses. Her parents will miss the conversations they had with Erika about issues that were important to her. They enjoyed many family trips to both grandfathers farms, camping in the back of the minivan and colorful sibling debates. She brought so much pride to her family through her excellent grades, her many awards, work ethic and strong beliefs. Those left to cherish her memory include her parents, Ron and Elaine Anderson, brother, Brent Anderson, and sister, Brooke Anderson, all of Kearney; grandmothers, Irene Schmeits of Spalding and Evelyn Anderson of Minden; uncles and aunts, Dan Anderson of Minden, Ken and Susan Schmeits of Spalding, Barb and Tom Logan of Lincoln, Roger and Luci Schmeits of Omaha, Linda and Denny Bauer of Spalding, Jeanette and Grant Snyder of Odebolt, Iowa; as well as many cousins and friends. Erika was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Joseph Schmeits; paternal grandfather, Robert Anderson; and uncle, Daniel Schmeits. LINCOLN Nebraskas new license plates share the yellow and blue of the University of Michigan. Turns out, the plates also may have something in common with Michigan State University: the design of the Sower itself. Though not identical, both Nebraska and Michigan have sowers created by the same sculptor. Nebraskas bronze Sower is atop the State Capitol in Lincoln; Michigans is a bas-relief sculpture on a bell tower on the Michigan State campus in East Lansing. Put the two sowers side by side, and its hard to miss the similarities between the states new license plate and the Michigan State sower. But the Governors Office and Department of Motor Vehicles say the plate is based on Nebraskas version and represents the bronze statue at the top of the State Capitol. In fact, DMV Director Rhonda Lahm said in an email that the department was not aware that the Michigan State sower existed until contacted by The World-Herald. The image of the Sower on the plate was created from and based on the Sower at the Nebraska State Capitol, she said. But several local artists disagree. The plate is not only remarkably similar to the sculpture on Michigan States Beaumont Tower, but it is obviously different from Nebraskas statue, they say. Its unquestionably a rip-off of the Michigan one, said Tim Guthrie, director of Creighton Universitys graphic design program. Said artist Stephen Roberts, who painted the murals in the State Capitols dome, Its no question. I think if I was in a court of law, I could prove that pretty easily. The design on the Nebraska plate is not based on our Capitol building, said Rick Riley, a freelance graphic artist in Omaha. Its based on the Beaumont relief. Michigan States sower was installed for the bell towers 1929 dedication. Nebraskas Sower went up the next year. Both were created by sculptor Lee Lawrie. The local artists say the most distinguishing feature is the way the Sowers hand is gripping the pouch. For the State Capitol sculpture, the back of the Sowers hand is clearly visible. But the plate looks more like the bas-relief sculpture on the Beaumont Tower, which depicts the sower grasping the bag with his fingers visible. Thats an actual technical detail, Roberts said. Its not whether its distorted. Its not drawn as the (Nebraska) sculpture is its drawn as Michigans relief sculpture. Another telling detail: On both the plate and the Michigan State sower, the end of the pouch extends beyond the sowers hand. But on the State Capitol, the Sower is cupping the end of the pouch. In addition, the license plate and Michigan States carving have virtually the same proportions. And in both images, the sowers calves are prominently defined. Perhaps the only part of the license plate image derived from Nebraskas Sower is the head, Roberts and the other artists said. Both share an angle and detailing unlike Michigans version. Its so painfully obvious that whoever did it just did a Google search, found that image and essentially traced it. Its obviously the Michigan thing its not the Lincoln one, Guthrie said. The new design has generated controversy since Gov. Pete Ricketts unveiled it last week. Initially, concern swirled that the design was dull and that the image of the Sower, as designed, carries a sexual connotation. Others praised the plate for representing the navy blue and gold colors of the Nebraska state flag and for its clean design, which will allow law enforcement to easily read the license plate number. Meanwhile, state officials say the plate design is final. Printing of the new plates is already in progress and has been for more than a week, Lahm said Wednesday. The new plates will roll out in January 2017, replacing the plates featuring a goldenrod sprig and meadowlark, the state flower and state bird. The DMV estimates that more than five million plates featuring the Sower will be made. Earlier this week, Ricketts defended the plates design, saying the Sower is uniquely Nebraskan. That is a symbol that is unique to Nebraska that celebrates our agricultural heritage, sowing the seeds of life, he said, during a press conference on an unrelated topic. Its all very positive imagery there. The governor also acknowledged that its difficult to translate a three-dimensional sculpture to a two-dimensional license plate. This is the first Nebraska plate to feature the Sower. The concept came from a previous license plate contest for which the public submitted suggestions. The plates were created by DMV staff and graphic design personnel from vendor 3M under an existing contract with the state. Ricketts gave the final OK. I think the folks in the DMV and, with the contractor, they did a fine job of trying to capture the spirit of the Sower there, Ricketts said. But Roberts and others dont buy it. He said the states plate should be historically accurate and resemble Nebraskas Sower not another states version. Its just an error, he said. Its unfortunate. Contact the writer: 402-473-9581, emily.nohr@owh.com Phillies bash Padres in wild Game 4 to move to brink of World Series Philadelphia hit four home runs in the win, overcoming a 4-0 deficit before they even came to bat against San Diego. Drawing on its extensive textile collection, the Missouri History Museum has created Little Black Dress: From Mourning to Night. This 6,000 square foot exhibition explores the incredible journey of the black dress from a symbol of morning to the iconic fashion statement that it is today. With more than 60 dresses on display as well as incredible accessories, Little Black Dress examines the way womens lives have changed since the Victorian era through the lens of this wardrobe staple. Little Black Dress showcases dresses primarily from the Missouri History Museums collection, many of which have never been on display before. The large number of black dresses in this collection speaks volumes about the relevance and importance of the little black dress to women in St. Louis. Most women purchased from local stores and dressmakers. Others went as far away as Paris to buy their fabulous frock or to have a special little black dress made just for them. Women spend their entire lives searching for the perfect little black dress, said Senior Curator Shannon Meyer. But what is perfect to you is not necessarily perfect to the person next to you. Thats what the visitor will find in this exhibit - examples of everyones perfect little black dress. Although Coco Chanel has been credited with creating the little black dress in the 1920s, the color black has been used in womens dress throughout history. During the mid to late 1800s, black clothing was worn primarily during times of mourning. Following the death of Prince Albert of Britain in 1861, the rituals of mourning became popular in both Europe and the United States. Fashion magazines regularly published articles and images about appropriate mourning etiquette. Several accessories included in the exhibit show the extent of mourning culture from intricately beaded bags to jewelry made from a deceased persons hair. This culture of mourning began to fade at the turn of the 20th century. Urbanization, technological advancements, suffrage, and the onset of World War I, influenced how women dressed. The time for elaborate mourning rituals soon came to an end. However, the color black became more popular than ever. As early as the 1920s, fashion designers began to introduce their own versions of the black dress. Over the decades, the color remained the same, but the styles, shapes, and fabrics evolved with the times. A close look at each of the dresses in Little Black Dress, many on display for the first time, reveals the complexity and significance that can be found in one seemingly simple garment. Little Black Dress is a fun and thought-provoking exhibition that tells the story of not just what women wore, but why they wore it, and why the little black dress is a staple in the modern womans wardrobe. In addition to the exhibit, which runs April 2nd through September 5th, the Missouri History Museum Press is be publishing a companion book, which includes 75 color photographs and additional historical background for many of the objects in the exhibit. The book, also title Little Black Dress: From Mourning to Night is available for purchase in the Missouri History Museum Shop or online at mohistory.org/publications or Amazon.com for $35. Admission to Little Black Dress: From Mourning to Night is free. The Missouri History Museum has been active in the St. Louis community since 1866. Founding members established the organization for the purpose of saving from oblivion the early history of the city and state. Today, the Missouri Historical Society serves as the confluence of historical perspectives and contemporary issues. Due to its innovative approach to public service, the Missouri History Museum was the first recipient of the Institute of Museum and Library Services National Award for Museum Services in 1994. The Missouri History Museum offers programs and outreach services, including traveling exhibitions; tours; theatrical and musical presentations; programs for school classes and youth groups; family festivals; special events; workshops; and lectures. The Missouri History Museum is funded by the St. Louis City and County taxpayers through the Metropolitan Zoological Park and Museum District and by private donations. The Museum is open seven days a week with general admission always free. The Missouri History Museum in Forest Park also operates the Library and Research Center at 225 South Skinker Boulevard near the Washington University campus. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ryowa Kashiwabara (The Japan News/Asia News Network) Thu, March 31, 2016 In a funeral companys operating room, Kenichiro Hashizume faces a body bearing wounds from a traffic accident. After performing preservation work, he sews up the wounds and applies makeup. About three hours have passed since he began the process of embalming (see below) the body, which makes the person look as if they were still alive. The bereaved family, stunned from losing their loved one, approached and spoke to the deceased. Your face looks so calm now. Lets go home, one says. Kenichiro Hashizume explains the embalming process Embalming gives a body a peaceful appearance, so as to ease the final farewell for the bereaved family. Hashizume, 48, is a pioneer of embalming in Japan and even now vividly recalls the first time he performed this task. It has been 22 years since Hashizume entered this world, which at the time had no Japanese experts. Feeling that the restoration of a body provides a chance to relieve their familys sorrow and help heal their wounded hearts, Hashizume has come face to face with over 5,000 bodies. Turning point The oldest son of a funeral business family in Chitose, Hokkaido, Hashizume helped with setting up funerals and other jobs from a young age. However, he disliked being perceived as an heir, and after graduating from a university in Tokyo began to work for a major event company. Two years later, he began to see achievements from his work. By developing a promotional strategy for large-scale events, he helped the company increase the number of spectators to nearly 10 times the previous year, and he was involved in discovering a musical artist now well-known throughout the country. The turning point in Hashizumes life came at just that time. To change how funerals are done in Japan, how about going to study in the United States? A phone call came from Hashizumes father, now 73, who had visited the United States on a study tour of the funeral business there. His father had seen embalming with his own eyes, and seemed to keenly feel that this technique, popularized in Europe and the United States, could also be useful in Japan. But Hashizume doubted whether there was value in doing something that would make him quit the job he had held until then. Bad memories of being teased and bullied just because my family was in the funeral business kept running through my head, he said. It took about two weeks for him to make up his mind. Hashizume was 27 when he entered a college in the United States teaching embalming. He was their first foreign student. Not only were there classes in such difficult areas as anatomy and microbiology, everything was conducted in English. Hashizume had to concentrate all the time, or he would not understand anything. The college also had a strict rule that students could not advance to the next term if they failed a test in even one subject. At the start I was just frantically trying to keep up in class, but before I knew it I had reached the point where classmates were asking me to show them my notes. I had never studied so hard in my life. When he entered his third term, however, Hashizume found out that in Pennsylvania, the state where he was living, he could not be qualified as an embalmer without U.S. citizenship. Searching for areas where he could obtain qualification without being a U.S. citizen, he sent out his resume to funeral companies to gain practical experience. Despite contacting over 200 companies, however, none would go to the trouble of hiring a Japanese who brought with him troublesome work visa procedures. But he did not give up, and was finally able to land a job with a funeral company in California. Accumulating experience, he finally obtained the qualification he wanted so badly. Seven years had passed since he came to the United States. Understanding grief In Japan, we should first increase the number of people who can accurately understand the feelings of, and attend to, bereaved families. If thats not possible, the spread of embalming and such will just end up an empty dream. This belief led Hashizume, after returning to Japan in 2001, to contact the embalmer-certifying International Funeral Science Association in Japan (IFSA) and get involved in establishing training facilities in Tokyo and Osaka. Having nurtured a number of embalmers as a lecturer, he went with them to the site of the deadly 2005 derailment of a train on the JR Fukuchiyama Line in Amagasaki, Hyogo Prefecture, that killed 106 passengers. He also spoke to Self-Defense Forces members who had come into contact with many bodies after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami, conveying to them the importance of empathizing with bereaved families. Though currently retired as an embalmer, Hashizume works to develop future generations and travels all over holding seminars and other events to spread awareness of embalming and grief support, a service for consoling bereaved families. Coming face to face with death, Ive come to feel the joy of living more clearly than ever before, he said. With strength in his voice, he adds, I live life to the fullest now and want to see, as much as I can, my family and friends when they are full of joy. Embalming According to the IFSA and other organizations, embalming spread due to the need for the long-term preservation of bodies for transportation during the U.S. Civil War. There are now about 50 embalming facilities in Japan, and last year about 34,000 cases of embalming were performed throughout the country. There are about 130 Japanese embalmers. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ruth Ninajanty (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 31, 2016 The majority of, if not all, mothers think that their babies are the most beautiful and handsome creatures in the universe. Then they begin to brag, to compare and to collect trophies. Wait, what? Trophies? When I brought my son, Andrew, home from America, he was immediately scouted by an advertising agency as a formula milk talent because of his half-Caucasian look. From then on, as modeling agencies passed my phone number from one to another, his life has been full of competitions, whether its labeled casting or contest. His first success was a magazine cover contest, reaching the finals. After that, we tried everything from baby dancing to fashion shows. Too bad he was too old for crawling and healthy baby competitions. Since then, Ive been amazed at how far parents would go for trophies. Most of the competitions are held every weekend. During peak time like Chinese New Year or Christmas, me (and other parents as well) can participate in up to two competitions in a day, as far as Jakarta traffic allows. Parents with two or more children may sometimes split up to different competitions at different ends of Jakarta. In other parts of Indonesia, competitive parents who live in suburbs or smaller cities will travel and spend their weekend in the capital just to compete. With the contest schedule getting out of hand quickly, I created a blog with the schedule of competitions by 2-year-old son was to enter. It went viral. Apparently plenty of mothers out there were searching for the same recognition, that their babies are the most [fill in the blank] in Indonesia. Years later, now that the blog has transformed into a website and even more mothers are (I can safely say) obsessed with competitions, I realize that contests and casting are tools of empowerment for some. Imagine a housewife in a small town, bogged down in everyday routine, who can suddenly go on a trip to Singapore just because her sons picture won a photo competition. Or what if a family with four children who used to struggle with bills can now save some money because their children have been picked up by talent agencies? Well, while contests and casting are definitely two different issues, winning something is the same feeling. Winning also teaches children confidence, and gives them the feeling that someone cares and values their efforts. Of course, Im talking about the older ones who understand their choices, not the babies who see stages as fun and play. Be careful, because constant winning can turn you into an ambitious snob - and Im not talking only about the young ones. Even worse, these trophies can easily turn casual participation into addiction, which is disastrous if parents and children dont have the same goals. At one of his casting calls, my son overheard a mother scolding her daughter who couldnt stay up all night to finish shooting like her peers, thus scoring fewer TV series contracts. My son didnt always win. He was the eternal finalist, as I would often call him. He would go all the way to the top and return from the stage empty-handed. But as I see him grow from tears of disappointment to a spirit of tenacity, Id say that losing (if done correctly) can in fact be of greater benefit to a childs development. They learn to manage defeat and motivate themselves to get up and try again. They learn to accept disappointment properly and be thankful when they do win something, however small. As I get deeper into the competition scene, I observed that winning a competition can be tricky because, in the end, it all depends on the judges preference. Yes, there are score sheets, but how can you rate a babys cuteness with numbers? The same goes with casting, where what matters is clients ultimate will. So, when my son finally gave up these competitions a year ago, I didnt complain. Whether or not my son goes on stage to accept a trophy, baby competitions had given me something more valuable: friends. We started with weekly meetings at malls, or sharing a taxi to race to the next stage or casting studio. Then we started to babysit each others kids. These are the kinds that will stay with you through winning and losing, through fair play and cheating, on and off stage. The best friends my son has right now are the ones that used to be his competitors on stage. Thats when counting trophies doesnt seem so important anymore. *** Ruth Ninajanty is a mom blogger who enjoys everyday adventure with her son. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post. How are the growing number of coffee guerrillas in West Java fighting their battle? by Asmara Wreksono The war between coffee shop giants in Indonesias big cities has been going on since the beginning of the millennium. But how are the growing number of coffee guerrillas fighting their battle? Stretching 5,150 kilometers from west to east, the archipelago is home to diverse conditions for growing coffee. From light and bright to full-bodied coffee, the result of being grown in this part of the world has blessed Indonesians with an abundance of varieties and flavors. The nearest coffee plantations to Jakarta lie in the scenic mountains of West Java, which also happen to be first plantations developed when coffee was brought by the Dutch East Indies Company (VOC) to Indonesia in 1696. The coffee industry later expanded to the eastern parts of Java and the export trade to Europe started in 1711. That is when the term a cup of Java was first coined. The coffee export trade lasted until Indonesia was struck by the so-called coffee rust disease in 1876. Coffee plantations then shifted to tea, quinine and vegetables. There were too few surviving coffee plants in West Java to produce a decent amount for the industry, hence being almost forgotten until more than a century later. West Java coffee Coffee farmer Yoseph Kusuniyanto, 50, grows Arabica Cattura at his plantation and nursery in Lembang, North Bandung. He left his office job in 1997 and decided to try farming, joining other coffee farmers who only began planting coffee again about 15 years ago after a long hiatus. Yoseph experimented with a lot of varieties of coffee plants, and finally decided on the Brazilian-origin Arabica Cattura as his main commodity. I wondered why Cattura could grow in Brazil and produce good-tasting coffee, and I wanted to try and grow it here. It worked, surprisingly, and it is good. Arabica Cattura is not a common variety in Indonesia, however it grows well under Yosephs care. Compared to Indonesias star coffee, Sigarar Utang, which has been planted everywhere and has boosted the nations coffee exports, Yoseph claims that his Arabica Cattura is visually prettier. You can plant it in front of your house and it will definitely look pretty. Actually thats also one of the reasons why I chose Arabica Cattura in the first place. Aside from looking good, the Cattura cultivar has tougher leaves, making it more resilient to diseases. Bandung has two large areas of coffee plantations. The better known ones lies in the southern part of the city, in Pengalengan, while the other one spreads across the northern part. Farmers in Pengalengan plant their crops earlier compared to those in North Bandung, resulting in good harvests and their ability to serve a larger-scale industry. As a small-scale farmer, Yoseph takes his time to carefully experiment, process and harvest small quantities of coffee to help his day-to-day living costs. When finances are pressing, I sell beans to coffee bean buyers. Although I process my own beans, most of my fellow farmers from around here sell their products in the form of cherries. Its faster, and the buyers are always ready to receive them, to be sold and sent out to other regions like Sumatra. Workers sort coffee beans in West Java. (The Jakarta Post/Wahyoe Boediwardhana) Coffee beans sold to Sumatra are usually destined for blends with more famous varieties, such as Gayo. West Java coffee is considered young, with farmers said to be still learning how to achieve good harvests and therefore the region is yet to form its own identity, making the coffee perfect for blending and adding volume to other varieties. To sell Gayo coffee, for example, a seller can use one-quarter of West Java coffee and three-quarters of Gayo. This practice gives good prices for buyers, while at the same time getting a decent margin for sellers. But is everybody really happy? Is West Java coffee getting the recognition it deserves, and will the general public finally be able to recognize its true identity? One of the many possible answers lies in Yosephs coffee plantation. As his choice of variety is rather uncommon, his coffee is not used in blends. The farmer has grown a set of fanatics for his coffee, who dont care (or probably prefer not to know) about the method of processing. I still traditionally roast my own coffee, and sell it in a ready-to-brew form. Surprisingly, people like it; I even get orders from cafes around Bandung, Yoseph said, trying to suppress a proud grin. In November 2015, the West Java Plantation Service gave out 6 million free coffee seeds to farmers in the coffee-producing districts of Sindangkerta, Gununghalu and Lembang. But is this type of generosity really the answer to increasing production? Moreover, did the help actually reach the farmers? The flicker in Yosephs eyes died down a little: I havent heard of any farmer who has received direct financial support from the government. I heard there is support, but as to receiving it, we dont get anything as far as I know. A woman inspects coffee cherries. Coffee farmers in West Java are awaiting more support from the government. (The Jakarta Post/Arya Dipa) When asked what farmers really need, Yoseph said bluntly, Fertilizers. We need good quality and affordable fertilizers to grow better quality coffee and meet production targets. I heard a farmer friend just returned from Vietnam and he said it is cheap there. Here, the stock isnt even available. Yoseph appreciated the governments efforts to open dialogues with farmers, which reveals another strange fact coffee in Lembang is categorized as a plantation commodity although it is planted in a forestry area. The department of forestry actually allows farmers to plant their coffee there as the plants' deep root systems help to avoid erosion. There is even a restricted area in North Bandung, owned by the Army's Special Forces, which is only accessible by the Army and coffee farmers. The latter are allowed to plant within the area as they help to preserve the forest. However good this is for farmers, the fact is still disturbing, as subsidies for plantations do not exist in the forestry departments domain. So if I, a Lembang farmer, buy subsidized fertilizer in Subang, I will get arrested because its illegal, Yosep added. The last few years has seen the rise of West Java coffee. In 2011, coffee farmers and enthusiasts in the region finally registered the geographic indication of coffee planted on 11 mountains in the area with the Law and Human Rights Ministry's Directorate General of Intellectual Property Rights under the name Java Preanger Coffee. Currently, there are 32 hectares of coffee plantations in West Java, which produced 22,000 tonnes of coffee in 2015, of which 75 percent was exported. And the numbers shows no signs of stopping. But whos watching, nay, guarding the quality? The coffee elites West Java Preanger coffee has reached many parts of the world, including the United States, where it has become one of the varieties roasted by the Starbucks Reserve in Seattle. Adi W. Taroepratjeka, 39, a certified Q-grader instructor, brought a bag to share with coffee lovers at the Bees Knees cafe, Bandung. Adi is one of those listed on the growing list of Q-graders in Indonesia. So what does a Q-grader do? They are people who have the ability, knowledge, capacity and license to taste, cup and evaluate coffee. A person must complete a rigorous six-day program which consists of three days of workshops and three days of exams at the Coffee Quality Institute to be listed as a licensed Q-grader. And, to hold on to the prestigious title, Q-graders have to undergo a calibration and recertification exam every three years. The problem is, in Indonesia there is no exact data because the license has an expiration date. There are some Q-graders in Indonesia who are certified, but dont participate in the recertification program, thus their licenses expire, Adi revealed. With the title comes a huge responsibility, as the Q-grader program is aimed at having quantifiable quality standards of coffee around world. This helps coffee buyers to communicate quality within the supply chain. The system provides uniformity and a better understanding of quality, thus providing ease in giving scores to coffee in the industry. Being one of the worlds largest coffee exporters, one would think Indonesia relied on Q-graders both for the Arabica and Robusta coffee variants to ensure quality. In Columbia, the government has an army of Q-graders to maintain the quality of the coffee being exported. Here, its different, because the Indonesian government mostly cares about volume as opposed to quality, Adi said. His pessimism is not illogical. I think [our] government will prioritize palm oil because the money is there. Compared to coffee, palm oil makes more sense to be prioritized. Were different from Papua New Guinea where they realized that they could live off coffee since day one. Roads in Papua New Guinea are constructed with money from their coffee exports. Their government is involved firsthand, tasting all coffee that is exported. In a broader perspective, specialty coffee is only 10 percent of the whole coffee industry in Indonesia, and the government is working on the other 90 percent, hence the volume-oriented goals. A shot of coffee is seen beside roasted and ground beans. Each cup always has a story to tell. (The Jakarta Post/Wienda Parwitasari) Adi has found that having a license and authority in the coffee world does not mean he stops learning. He handed a pack of roasted coffee beans to thejakartapost.com's crew, told them to smell it and asked the party of four what aromatic tones they could distinguish. The diversity of answers, from chocolate to citrus, amazed him. We actually know what we smell. However, sometimes we dont recall that smell exists until somebody says, for instance, I smell a bit of orange flavor. Its like a wake-up call for a certain corner of our brain, so though at first we dont realize we are smelling an aroma, we smell it immediately after somebody mentions it. And that can only happen when you actually talk to other people about coffee. People give you ideas, and you dont just listen, your senses get stimulated. To me, thats always fascinating, he said. Adi fell in love with coffee when he participated in a student exchange program in high school. He stayed in the US with host parents who were in the habit of sipping black, unsweetened coffee every morning. Little did he know that the new habit would set a course for his life that he never expected. Starting off as a first-wave Bandung coffee hipster back in 1999, he chose to take the plunge and go professional as a coffee consultant in 2005. Come May 2016, Adi will run the very first Q-grader class in Indonesia taught by a certified Q-grader instructor at his own laboratory in Bandung. I want to make coffee education cheaper for Indonesians, and also be able to translate the materials into Indonesian. I want to eliminate the points where people would think the exam is hard, Adi stated. With a pass rate of only 50 percent around the world, Adi is positive about the course, and at the same time fully realizes its challenges. As many mere mortals drink instant premixed coffee, one can only wonder whether a knowledgeable, certified coffee elite such as Adi still drinks instant coffee. Turns out, he still does sometimes. Premixed coffee gives instant gratification. All you need to do is add warm water and thats why people love it. When you drink brewed coffee, the taste is different when you drink it hot and when you drink it cold. I like to taste the change. When you drink instant coffee, the taste stays the same whether you drink it hot or cold. Thats why while I still drink it, I find it a little boring, he said with a chuckle. Boring might be the right word to explain why coffee drinkers are looking for more excitement in their cup. Basic is the new brew When coffee first became a trendy drink among the youth, expensive coffee machines were the status symbol of coffee establishments. Shiny steel machines bearing Italian brand names gleaming under the warm ambient lights of a cozy cafe almost guaranteed good coffee being served to patrons. With the trend becoming a lifestyle in large cities and an increasing awareness of what really constitutes good coffee, coffee lovers are starting to look for more rustic ways to brew their coffee. A pour-over coffee is seen in progress, amid the manual brewing craze that is sweeping through Bandung. Will Jakarta be next? (The Jakarta Post/Wienda Parwitasari) Say hello to the long-abandoned art of brewing coffee: doing it manually. But just how manual is it? Our journey took us to meet Eri Wibowo, 39, and Ahmad Fadhli, 29, who founded the Manual Brew Community in Bandung. The group was first formed to accommodate new brewers from all walks of life in sharing their brewing techniques and discussing coffee in general. We like to brew our coffee using tools that are not mechanical or electric, Fadhli said. By manually brewing the coffee without the help of electricity or mechanical tools, the process is not consistent. The inconsistency brings up new variables that broaden the taste spectrum. Thats the uniqueness of manual brewing and its exciting, he added. Eri and Fadhli welcome new members to the Manual Brew Community. (The Jakarta Post/Bayu Widhiatmoko) Patrons at the Bees Knees cafe on Jl. Taman Cibunut, Bandung, have huge curiosity about manually brewed coffee. The cafe looks nothing like the new wave of coffee shops that are spreading across Jakarta. In fact, it looks like a guerrilla fighters' headquarters. Theres no air conditioner, fancy lighting or cushy sofas, only a simple-looking pantry and a variety of manual brewing knick-knacks proudly displayed and free for guest to use. When thejakartapost.com visited BeesKnees, 95 percent of the patrons were wearing high school uniforms and sharing plates full of gorengan (fried snacks) instead of the glamorous croissants or other types of pastries typically seen in coffee shops. The sound of jokes spoken in Sundanese mixed with sophisticated jazz music playing from a beat-up stereo in the corner, while other patrons brewed their own coffee with care, looking slightly like mad scientists searching for the perfect potion to satisfy their caffeine cravings. Manual brewing sounds very cost-effective for coffee lovers. But is it really? Eri and Fadhli laughed hard. It can be a low-cost alternative to brew your own coffee. Theoretically it is cheaper to do it at home, but when you get into it, youll want to buy different beans, different gadgets to apply different techniques to get that perfect brew. And at the end of the day, if you start manual brewing to save costs, youll probably end up spending more than you expected, Fadhli explained. With 40-50 members and growing, the Manual Brew Community welcomes anyone, including coffee beginners, to join their seemingly crazy obsession in brewing coffee, and not only in Bandung. The community, from my observations, has branched out to neighboring areas like Tasikmalaya, Garut, Purwakarta and a small number in Jakarta. They keep on growing and were really happy about that, Eri explained. Positive energy cant help but shine from coffee farmers as well. To outsiders, competition is apparent, but they see no such thing. Because we in the north have newly planted coffee compared to those in the south, what we feel is a sense of togetherness so we keep each other up to date with information, Yoseph said with a smile. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin The Jakarta Post Tue, March 29, 2016 The HeForShe campaign is a worldwide initiative from UN Women that was launched in 2014 to engage men in the fight for gender equality, even getting recognition from President Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo himself. In commemoration of International Women's Day, the British and New Zealand embassies in Jakarta recently arranged an event to further spread the word in Indonesia. British Ambassador to Indonesia Moazzam Malik and New Zealand's Deputy Head of Mission to Indonesia Tredene Dobson talked on the importance of promoting gender equality in Indonesia with The Jakarta Post's Tama Salim and Margareth S. Aritonang. Here are excerpts from the interview: Question: What are the main objectives of the HeForShe campaign? Answer: Malik: The main objective is to engage men in the fight for equality. For too long, women's rights have been seen as a women's issue and actually, when you're talking about half the population, women's rights are not a women's issue; they're an issue that affect us all. Indeed, often times the rights are not realized because men are in the way. So, to fight for equality, men have to be part of the solution because they are also part of the problem. It's not enough to sit back and say, 'Yeah, I support women's rights.' We can all do things, whether in small ways ' at home, in the office ' or big ways like in policy work or in dialogue at the political level. The campaign is saying 'Men need to be part of the struggle.' As a father, as a husband, as a member of my community, but also as an ambassador, in my professional life as in my personal life, I will ask myself the question every day. It's fantastic that President Jokowi has signed up to being a part of this campaign and to taking on a leadership role. I think it's really important that this is not seen as a Western idea. It is an important signal from the leader of the world's fourth largest democracy. Dobson: The role that men play in achieving gender equality is through leadership. Men could think about what they might mean as professionals, as fathers and brothers and what it means for them in their day-to-day life. The role of the President is wonderful for a country like Indonesia to have a leader who at the very beginning is saying, 'I'm part of this campaign.' What do you expect from prominent figures when they pledge? Dobson: In Indonesia, New Zealand and the UK, we need to be increasing the participation of women at every level of the political sphere. We see a lot of very young women in Indonesia who are politically active and they need to be encouraged to continue the path at the leadership level and down through party ranks. Malik: The President was quoted as saying, 'Women represent half of the drivers and beneficiaries of development.' As President, he is 'committed to mainstreaming the issue of gender equality' because he believes in removing the root causes of discrimination and violence and to reduce maternal mortality and improve access to reproductive health. How far have the British and New Zealand embassies been involved in the campaign in Indonesia? Dobson: We were very keen to do something around International Women's Day. As two embassies who care about these issues and are vocal about the issues facing women, why not get behind this? It might be a small thing, like inviting women to speak at the embassy, but it's just as much about the women who are working on farms. If I'm connected to them, then I'm making them part of my work on every level of society and I think that's what's critical. Political leaders are important, but they're only a part of the story. New Zealand is currently on a two-year term on the Security Council and one of the objectives we have there is to address violence against women in conflict and how women can play roles in conflict prevention and peace building. Malik: The interest in development, rights, resolving conflict and trying to build peace are really important because they are core to our vision of the world. We've had a long-standing partnership with the National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) and all sorts of organizations for many years on gender and women's rights, women and children in conflict. We've worked with the UN peacekeeping center in Sentul to build awareness and prevent sexual violence in their training so when Indonesian peacekeepers serve abroad, they are clear about their obligation to protect women from sexual violence. How do you think this campaign will impact Indonesian men as individuals and as a nation? Malik: I think this is where it's important to have a diverse range of people committing themselves to this. I signed up as the British ambassador, who happens to be brown-skinned and Muslim. President Jokowi signs up ' that's kind of interesting because he is from a Javanese background. If this Javanese man can do it, why can't another Javanese man do it? I think in a country like Indonesia we need people from religious backgrounds, we need religious leaders, people with different backgrounds to be signing up to this so that it connects with Indonesia's diversity. Dobson: One of the speakers, Nilam Sari, she is becoming a very well-known woman entrepreneur starting her business from very humble beginnings, a single kebab cart. She told me the other day she married very young and had limited education, but she and her husband together have built this empire that's now the largest kebab chain in the world from a single cart. We are inspired by that. To me that is gender equality and that is saying that is what they can tell others, particularly young Indonesians. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Josh Lederman (The Jakarta Post) Washington Thu, March 31, 2016 Still reeling from attacks in Brussels and Paris, world leaders are wrestling this week with the chilling prospect of the Islamic State group or other extremists unleashing a nuclear attack on a major Western city. Preventing terrorists from obtaining nuclear materials is the central focus as President Barack Obama hosts leaders from roughly 50 countries for a nuclear security summit starting Thursday. Despite three previous summits and six years of Obama's prodding, security officials warn that the ingredients for a nuclear device or a "dirty bomb" are alarmingly insecure. "We know that terrorist organizations have the desire to get access to these raw materials and to have a nuclear device," said Ben Rhodes, Obama's deputy national security adviser. Still, the White House said there was no indication of an imminent plot. Decades after the Cold War, the threat of a nuclear war between superpowers has given way to growing concerns about non-state actors, including Islamic State and al-Qaida offshoots operating in North Africa and in Yemen and Saudi Arabia. Although the US and its allies still worry about North Korea, Obama believes the threat posed by Iran has subsided due to the nuclear deal, leaving extremist groups among the likeliest perpetrators. The havoc such an attack could wreak in an urban area like New York or London is concerning enough that leaders scheduled a special session on the threat during the two-day summit. US officials said the leaders would discuss a hypothetical scenario about a chain of events that could lead to nuclear terrorism. Those concerns have taken on heightened significant following the March 22 attacks at a Brussels airport and subway station. Last year, authorities searching the apartment of two brothers linked to earlier attacks in Paris found video of a senior official at a Belgian nuclear waste facility. The brothers were part of the Islamic State cell that went on to strike Brussels; both died in the attacks. On the summit's sidelines, Obama planned to meet with the leaders of China, South Korea and Japan, who all share US concerns about North Korea's nuclear program. Yet other key players will be missing. Russian President Vladimir Putin refused to attend, as Moscow scoffed at what it deemed US efforts to take control of the process. Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif canceled his trip following an Easter bombing that killed 72 people. Some 2,000 metric tons of highly enriched uranium and separated plutonium being used in civilian or military programs could be turned into a nuclear bomb if stolen or diverted, the White House said. And fewer than half of the countries participating in the summit have even agreed to secure their sources of radiological material, needed for a dirty bomb. "The policies are moving in the right direction," said Joe Cirincione, who runs the nuclear security group Ploughshares Fund. "But when you're fleeing a forest fire, it's not just a question of direction, it's a question of speed." Nuclear security experts say there are four potential scenarios for a nuclear-related attack by an extremist group. Some are more likely than others. The most devastating but improbable scenario involves a group stealing a fully functional bomb from a nuclear-armed country. Most nuclear experts point to Pakistan as the likeliest source, though that would require cooperation with someone on the inside of Pakistan's military. Easier to pull off would be for IS or another group to obtain fissile material like highly enriched uranium, then turn it into a crude nuclear device delivered by truck or ship. A third possibility is that extremists could bomb an existing nuclear facility, such as the Belgian waste plant, spreading highly radioactive material over a wide area. The most likely scenario that security experts fear is that a group could get ahold of radioactive material, such as cesium or cobalt, for a dirty bomb that could be carried in a suitcase. Those materials are widely used in industrial, academic and hospital settings, with no consistent security standards across the globe. Last year, an Associated Press investigation revealed multiple attempts by black market smugglers to sell radioactive material to Middle East extremists. Unlike a nuclear bomb, the only people killed instantly by a "dirty bomb" would be those close to the blast site. But the blast could spread cancer-causing substances over a vast area, triggering panic and evacuations. "Even if it is small, such an incident would create such havoc in the world that you have to take it quite seriously," said former Ambassador Wendy Sherman, who spearheaded US nuclear negotiations with Iran and North Korea before joining the Albright Stonebridge Group. Detonated in a major city, a dirty bomb could cause tens of billions of dollars in economic damage, said Andrew Bieniawski, who studies materials security at the Nuclear Threat Initiative. People and businesses would have to be relocated ' potentially for years ' while the contamination is cleaned up. Few would be inclined to ever go back, a reality on display in Chernobyl, Ukraine decades after the 1986 accident. Reducing the threat of nuclear terrorism has been a persistent theme for Obama, who won the Nobel Peace Prize after emphasizing nuclear disarmament. Four months into his presidency, Obama warned in a much-cited speech in Prague that nuclear weapons were "the most dangerous legacy of the Cold War." ___ Reach Josh Lederman on Twitter at http://twitter.com/joshledermanAP (**) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Keshie Hernitaningtyas (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 31, 2016 The phrase 'sleeping with the fishes' has taken a new meaning as online lodging service Airbnb is set to offer among its listings a one-night stay for two at an aquarium full of sharks. Interestingly, the rare opportunity of sleeping in an underwater bedroom in the 10-meter deep Shark Aquarium will be completely free of charge as it is part of a competition held by Airbnb, supported by the Aquarium de Paris, which opened in 1867 and is conveniently situated right in front of the Eiffel Tower. The aquarium's first sleepover, hosted by world-record breaking freediver Fred Buyle, will welcome three lucky winners and their guests between April 11 and 13. Buyle reportedly would entertain the guests by dancing among the sharks and give a private tour around the aquarium. The competition is open to almost all global citizens, including Indonesians, as the prize includes economy class round-trip tickets to Paris and a private dinner for two, with a total value of approximately 2,000 euros (US$2,262). The experience is part of Airbnb's monthly Night At events that basically tranform iconic spaces into homes for just one night. Previous unforgettable stays include spending the night suspended in a cable car-turned-luxury apartment 2,743 meters above the ground in France's Courchevel ski resort and staying at the home of the Chicago Bulls. (ken/kes)(+) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Gerry Shih (The Jakarta Post) Beijing Thu, March 31, 2016 China is consolidating its ability to censor the Internet by drafting rules requiring businesses that serve domestic Internet users to register their Web addresses inside the country, a move seen as targeting Chinese companies but that has raised concerns among foreign businesses. In its most draconian interpretation, the proposed requirements could also further limit access within the Chinese network, analysts said. That appears to be the latest step by the ruling Communist Party to erect cyber barriers in the name of what some officials call "Internet sovereignty." "This expands control over domestic Internet operators and contributes to the gradual buildup of the capability underpinning Internet sovereignty," said Rogier Creemers, an expert on Chinese media policy at the University of Oxford. Under the draft regulations released this week by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, any firm that provides services to Chinese users must register its domain, or Web address, with a Chinese provider. The rules are found in Article 37 of the ministry's proposed update to a set of decade-old Internet laws. Analysts said the main targets appear to be Chinese Internet companies that store their content domestically but keep their Web address registered overseas with reputable, international firms for security purposes. Requiring them to shift their registration to a domestic provider under Chinese government control would allow censors to react more quickly in blocking access to certain sites, said Long Weilian, an IT consultant based in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen who has blogged extensively on the issue. "Before, they had to contact the server, get the address, talk to the manager and then ask them to censor something," Long said. "If the domains are all domestic, they can directly stop traffic going to your domain with a command." Jacob Parker, vice president for China operations with the U.S.-China Business Council, which lobbies the Chinese government on trade policy, said his group was concerned that the rules would block the free flow of information. "Any kind of restrictions would undermine China's broader economic development goals," Parker said. Concerned that a borderless, U.S.-led global Internet could weaken its political control, China's government has repeatedly issued cyber regulations that have drawn criticism from Western trade groups. Following pushback from the White House last year, China dropped a provision in a cybersecurity law that would require companies to keep Chinese user data at facilities in China, allowing the government access to personal information. Questions remain about the new rules' true purpose and how strictly they would be enforced. The ministry is currently soliciting feedback on the proposed registration regulations, and Chinese laws are often softened during the revision process. Fang Xingdong, the director of a top Chinese technology think tank, said he believes Chinese leaders are seeking to enhance their control, but not to wall China off from the rest of the world. "Under the current wording, all this is doing is integrating large Chinese Web service providers under a more rigorous supervision framework, while most small businesses won't be affected," said Fang, whose organization regularly submits opinions to the government on Internet issues. Any attempt to seal off the Chinese Internet "would hurt China as much as America," he said.(+) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Haeril Halim (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 31, 2016 A verdict imposed on a senior Manpower Ministry official by the Jakarta Corruption Court on Wednesday points to the alleged involvement of then-manpower minister Muhaimin Iskandar in a 2013 graft case and may lead to his prosecution over the same case. The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) asserted that it would open a new probe against Muhaimin, who is also chairman of the National Awakening Party (PKB), and other alleged beneficiaries of funds embezzled by Jamaluddin Malik, who was declared guilty on Wednesday. Jamaluddin was a director general at what used to be the manpower and transmigration ministry. In its verdict on Jamaluddin, who was sentenced to six years in prison for embezzling ministry funds in 2013, the court stated that he had funneled Rp 400 million (US$30,176) to Muhaimin in the same year. KPK spokesman Priharsa Nugraha said a guilty verdict was a strong ground for the KPK to open a new probe into the possible involvement of other individuals in the graft case, especially those whose names were mentioned by the panel of judges in the verdict. 'We will collect more supporting evidence before we make a follow-up move in the case,' Priharsa said. KPK deputy chairman Alexander Marwata, who is a former ad hoc judge at the Jakarta Corruption Court, confirmed the KPK's planned move against Muhaimin and other people mentioned in the verdict. 'Witnesses' testimonies and a verdict implicating other people in a case [is a strong ground to step up an investigation], and the involvement of other people in [Jamaluddin's case] will be further examined,' Alexander said. In connection with the case, the panel of judges at the Jakarta Corruption Court found Jamaluddin guilty of instructing his subordinates at the ministry to siphon off between 4 percent and 5 percent of funds for programs financed by the state budget, enabling him to collect around Rp 6.7 billion. The judges said Jamaluddin had pocketed Rp 5.4 billion of those embezzled funds, while the remainder had been funneled to numerous manpower ministry officials, including Muhaimin. 'The defendant is also obliged to pay a fine of Rp 200 million, and he has to return to the state the Rp5.4 billion he received in the case,' presiding judge Mashud said. In a KPK investigation document obtained by the Post on Thursday, antigraft body prosecutors revealed details about the alleged flow of Rp 400 million to Muhaimin. Jamaluddin's subordinate, identified as Sudarso, who was questioned as a witness in the case by KPK investigators, kept receipts on a number of transfers from Jamaluddin to high-ranking ministry officials, including Muhaimin, as well as House of Representatives lawmakers. 'In the notes made by the witness, there was a transfer marked as 'for Gatsu [Gatot Subroto] 1', which refers to then-minister Muhaimin Iskandar, whose office was located on Jl. Gatot Subroto,' KPK prosecutors noted in the document. The document further revealed: 'It was the defendant [Jamaluddin] who first asked the witness 'Pak Sudarso, do we still have money available? The minister has yet to receive an honorarium''. Sudarso later told Jamaluddin that he was holding onto a sum of money at that time. Jamaluddin then instructed Sudarso to exchange the Rp 400 million in cash to US dollars. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin The Jakarta Post Jakarta Thu, March 31, 2016 JAKARTA: The government expects to seal a deal with Iran for the supply of cheaper liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). 'We are in the process of closing a deal. We will obtain a discount of US$25 per ton of LPG,' Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Sudirman Said revealed on Wednesday. Last month, Iranian representatives met with ministry officials to follow up on a planned cooperation agreement in the oil and gas sector. The cooperation followed the lifting of a sanction from the international community against Iran in return for the country rolling back its nuclear programs. State-owned oil and gas firm Pertamina earlier said it was in discussions with the National Iranian Oil Company for supplies of crude oil, condensate and LPG. Indonesia's LPG consumption is estimated to reach 7 million tons this year, up from 6.3 million tons last year. Of the total demand last year, Pertamina had to import around 4.17 million tons, including from Saudi Arabia. /rcf Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin The Jakarta Post Jakarta Thu, March 31, 2016 JAKARTA: PT Prima Multi Terminal ' a joint firm of state port operator PT Pelindo I and state construction firms PT Pembangunan Perumahan and PT Waskita Karya ' has secured Rp 2.1 trillion (US$157.1 million) in a syndicated loan from state lenders to build Kuala Tanjung Port, North Sumatra. The company signed an agreement with Bank Mandiri, Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) and Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) on Tuesday for the loans, which will mature in 10 years. Pelindo I president director Bambang Eka Cahyana said Kuala Tanjung Port would be developed as an industrial gateway that would integrate a port and industrial area. 'The construction progress has been quite fast since the ground-breaking on Jan. 27 last year,' he said on Tuesday. The port is set to be developed in four phases, with the first being the multipurpose terminal, followed by a nearby industrial area. The third and fourth phases are the development of a container port and residential area. The required investment for the first phase is estimated at Rp 3 trillion, while the construction of the second and the third phases is estimated to cost the company Rp 34 trillion. /fsu Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin The Jakarta Post Thu, March 31, 2016 In the 11th economic reform package announced by the government on Tuesday the most meaningful measure for improving the overall competitiveness is the strengthening of the national single window (NSW) facility at major Indonesian seaports and eventually at airports as well because this measure will significantly cut logistics costs. The previous government of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono also launched an NSW program in early 2010, but the policy failed miserably because of an acute lack of inter-ministerial cooperation. Therefore the dwelling times of containers at seaports has remained much longer than in other neighboring countries. Because the process of customs clearance and cargo release from seaports and airports involves 18 government institutions the NSW can dramatically expedite the movement of goods since this facility is a clearance system that enables a single submission of information, a single and simultaneous processing of the data and a single point of decision-making through close collaboration among the ministries and other parties involved. Coordinating Economic Minister Darmin Nasution, who announced the reform package, promised that by the end of this year the NSW program would be able to cut down the container dwelling time to 3.7 days from the current average of 4.7 days and down further to only three days by the end of 2017. The new NSW scheme, as Darmin stated, will require all institutions involved in the release of cargo from seaports to introduce a single submission of documents through the Indonesan NSW, which is also designed to implement consolidated risk management. Hence, instead of submitting different forms and information to numerous agencies (e.g. customs, ports, health, etc.) to get a shipment cleared, a trader only needs to submit all the information to one agency. Through synchronizing the interventions of the government agencies, traders, shippers, forwarders, transport operators and other parties, customs authorities can expedite containerized shipments. Most businesses have cited the grossly inefficient clearance of goods out of ports as one of the main factors that has made the country's logistics system among the most inefficient in the world. High logistics costs also make wide regional price differences and hinder the full economic integration of the islands. Efficient logistics arrangements ' low transportation costs, short transit times, reliable delivery schedules, careful handling of goods in cold storage chains ' have become the most important factors considered by investors in choosing where to invest. Efficient handling in seaports and airports is a very important component of a superb logistics system and is key to connecting Indonesia to the global manufacturing supply chains. The national NSW will become part of the ASEAN Single Window, which when fully implemented will speed up free trade in the region as part of its final step toward the development of an ASEAN economic community. But strong leadership and continuous supervision are needed to ensure that all relevant ministries and government institutions join the NSW program because all kinds of costs have built up in the bureaucracy of the old clearance and licensing system. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Geger Riyanto (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 31, 2016 After witnessing officials and politicians bully minorities for their sexual preference in every politically incorrect way possible, and other minority groups on other occasions, a question emerges. Does not post-reformasi (reformation) Indonesia have the political standing that actually upholds equal treatment of minorities? It is my fear that we never had one and, it is a false hope expecting Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo's administration and the current legislature, led by a nationalistic party, would be any different. As Airlangga Pribadi has shown us in a newspaper article on Feb. 26 ('Can democratic Muslims defeat intolerance?'), notable cases of Ahmadiyah and Shiite expulsion happened in regions led by a governor or mayor supported by nationalist parties. Adding insult to injury, they endorsed the violent actions of civilian groups or issued decrees that further dismissed the minorities' rights. However, if there is one thing history has taught us harshly, never trust the party or the politician according to what they said. Almost all of our political parties lack specific and deliverable platforms. Their political standing is vague and their programs are shameless charades of populist buzzwords. It could even be suspected that they never regard the citizen more than masses to be mobilized for the sake of their own political advantage. This situation has not only led to the indifference of politicians to the real interest of minorities. It fosters their habit to play the hero of the majority and reap popular support. They are prone to expressing insensitive statements and rush policies that put minorities at a disadvantage. The direct consequence of this tendency to capitalize on the majority's aspiration, not only further encourages rallies of intolerant crowds against minorities, but the politicians' search for banal popularity also sets a false norm that the government should serve the demands of one group claiming to be the majority. Minority rights are being traded off for instant popularity. As sad as it sounds, politicians show no qualms in reproducing irrational fear toward minorities by masquerading as the guardian of the people. Our civil society certainly never lacks movements that advocate minority rights. Civil Islam and democratic Muslims, such as noted by scholars Robert Hefner and Saiful Mujani, are inspiring features in Indonesia's society. Yet their efforts are effectively dismissed by shameless decision makers while pro-democracy civil religious groups lack political influence. Indeed, the shameless promotion of intolerance by the political elite could be attributed to historical circumstances regarding the arrangement of our political institutions, rather than individual pragmatism. The 'floating mass' policy and forced merging of parties initiated during the New Order regime had disengaged political parties from public interest. For instance all Islamist parties, despite their wide differences, were united under the vaguely named 'United Development Party' (Partai Persatuan Pembangunan) and depicted as Islamic through the logo of the Ka'abah or the holy shrine in Mecca. Depoliticization of society was intended to protect regime stability. Without access to the grassroots, parties had to develop new strategies to survive. They had to attract the masses without being able to develop meaningful connections and the easiest way to do it was by means of popular, vague symbols. It was at this time also, from the late 1960s to the late 1980s, that they developed platforms lacking ideological ties with particular constituents due to the threat of being branded as extremist. Then suddenly, democratization occurred. Parties flourished in great numbers following the 1998 collapse of the New Order regime. However, despite democratization, the established concept of political parties endured as vote-getting machines through substantive party philosophy and platforms remained unimportant. As intolerant groups consolidated in post-reformasi Indonesia, they became the easiest mass to mobilize for political purposes. They became the actual constituent of our immature democracy of uncivil demands. The hostile religious-political alliance was hence set in motion. However, as hard it may sound right now, Indonesia must break out from these dreaded circumstances. Perhaps, given the long historical process it took for the current regime to emerge, we still need at least another decade before we can see minority rights as part of legitimate platforms advocated in our politics. Still, we have to believe, change is bound to happen. It has to. ________________________________ The author is a researcher with LabSosio, Center of Sociological Studies at the University of Indonesia. He is also a member of the Purusha Research Cooperative. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Hotli Simanjuntak (The Jakarta Post) Banda Aceh Thu, March 31, 2016 The European Union (EU) announced on Wednesday new funding worth A6.5 million (US$7.35 million) for Indonesia's Climate Change Response project, promising to support Aceh deal with environmental issues and sustainable economic development. 'The EU has a long-established relationship with Aceh, from financial assistance for the post-tsunami reconstruction and support for the peace-building process to forest protection and conservation,' EU Ambassador Vincent GuArend said at a meeting with Aceh Governor Zaini Abdullah. GuArend, who is also head of the delegation of the European Commission to Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam met the governor during his two-day visit to get firsthand information about development, the good governance program and environmental protection in the country's western-most province. Aceh received significant funding in the wake of the 2004 tsunami, which killed hundreds of thousands of people and destroyed thousands of homes and other buildings. Aceh was also affected by a prolonged conflict between the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) and the Indonesian government. Development in the province improved after GAM and the government signed a memorandum of understanding in 2005 in Helsinki and agreed to end the conflict. Besides the financial assistance for climate change mitigation, GuArend said the EU would help Aceh develop its education sector by providing scholarships. He said that one sixth of the 120 Indonesia students studying on scholarships in the EU were from Aceh. In his welcoming speech, governor Zaini Abdullah said he hoped the province's cooperation with the EU could be expanded in all sectors, including renewable energy, fisheries and agriculture. 'Aceh has a wealth of natural resources, from agricultural products, geothermal energy, oil and other resources. These resources represent a big potential [and exploiting them] could involve cooperation with the EU,' Zaini said. He said Aceh was also known as a region with a surplus of products such as chocolate, coffee and palm oil, commodities which could improve local people's welfare. 'Two of the regions in Aceh that have potential in palm oil are South Aceh and Aceh Singkil. In the regions, we are developing several palm oil factories to improve people's livelihoods through agricultural commodities,' he said. However, economic growth in the region has also created problems, such as deforestation to open up new oil palm plantations. Responding to such issues, GuArend guaranteed that the EU funded environmental protection program would be in line with the government's economic development program. He said the EU was very interested in environmental protection in Aceh as many of its forests were still large, intact and had functioning ecosystems. These forests, he added, could become a standard in climate mitigation and land and forest management for Indonesia and the world. Aceh Forestry Agency head Husaini Syamaun said that 23 percent of Sumatra's 13 million hectares of forests were located in Aceh, adding that the forests there also had the most biodiversity. 'For that reason, we ask the EU to become more deeply involved in forest protection programs in Aceh,' Husaini said. Husaini said he hoped the EU could help the Aceh administration provide facilities, infrastructure and capacity-building [training] for stakeholders involved in forest protection programs. ______________________________________ 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 Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 31, 2016 Jakarta Governor Basuki 'Ahok' Tjahaja Purnama has said the government is set to revise a presidential decree (Perpres) and a government regulation (PP) to speed up the construction of the light rail transit (LRT) project. Ahok said President Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo on Tuesday held a meeting to follow up on the construction of LRT projects in several regions across Indonesia. The Jakarta governor said he and Transportation Minister Ignasius Jonan, as well as West Java Governor Ahmad Heryawan and South Sumatera Governor Alex Noerdin, attended the meeting. During the meeting, Ahok said, Jokowi asked him to present a report on the progress of the LRT project because up until now the city administration had not yet started construction. As reported earlier, two regulations, namely PP No. 79/2015 on the implementation of construction services and Perpres No. 98/2015 on the acceleration of the implementation of LRT projects in Jakarta, Bogor, Depok and Bekasi, have continued to hamper the implementation of the LRT construction project in Jakarta. PP 79 stipulates the Jakarta administration may appoint a state-owned enterprise to implement the LRT construction project. The problem is the Jakarta administration has planned that the city's LRT construction project will be conducted by a provincially owned company, PT Jakarta Propertindo (Jakpro), which will team up with state-owned developer PT Adhi Karya. To resolve the matter, the government must first revise existing regulations. Ahok said Perpres 98 should be revised so that the Jakarta administration could appoint operators such as city-owned PT Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and state-owned train operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia to develop LRT projects in the future. Meanwhile, PP 79 should be revised so that the Jakarta administration could directly appoint a state-owned enterprise to carry out the LRT project, the governor further said. "The legal interpretation of the PP is that [Jakpro] cannot appoint PT Adhi Karya to carry out the LRT project, since the project winner should be decided through a tender process. If we revise this regulation, Adhi Karya can directly work on the construction project," Ahok said. The governor said he believed that the revision of the two regulations would not take a long time. The Jakarta administration has also planned to ask PT MRT to conduct a project tender to comply with Law No. 23/2007 on the railway. 'PT MRT has had experience in conducting such a tender; thus, it [entrusting the project tendering to the company] may speed up the LRT construction,' Ahok said. (ebf) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin The Jakarta Post Tangerang Thu, March 31, 2016 Two months prior to the planned closure of red light district Dadap Cheng In, located close to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang regency, business owners have begun to pack up and demolish their own buildings. 'In the last three days, after dismantling the buildings, they disappeared. This place has become much quieter at night,' explained Safri, a local resident, to Tribunnews.com on Wednesday. Most of the prostitutes, Safri said, had left even earlier. 'They left one by one, starting two weeks ago,' he said. Female prostitutes who had been known to attract customers while sitting on the side of the road have also ceased to be seen in or around the area, he was quoted by tribunnews.com as saying. Inspired by the Kalijodo eviction carried out by the Jakarta administration in February, the Tangerang regency administration began to take steps to clear out the Dadap Cheng In red-light district, an event that was officially planned for May. The area is said to have been home to more than 78 cafAs and karaoke bars, housing at least 400 female prostitutes. Tangerang Regent Ahmed Zaki Iskandar said that he plans to transform Dadap into a park, complete with a mosque and a seafood culinary center. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin The Jakarta Post Jakarta Thu, March 31, 2016 A young woman, identified as Nova Yanthi, 24, died in hospital after she fell from a motorcycle while attempting to prevent thieves from snatching her bag. Thieves, driving past on a motorcycle, grabbed Nova's sling bag as she was arriving at her house in Rawamangun, East Jakarta, by ojek (motorcycle taxi). Nova, who was still sitting on the motorcycle, is reported to have lost her balance and fallen to the ground. The thieves fled with the bag. Nova was rushed to Persahabatan Hospital, East Jakarta, by ojek driver Nur Alim. Nova passed away at the hospital due to severe head injuries. East Jakarta Police spokeswoman Comr. Husaimah said that the police had teamed up with the Jakarta Transportation Agency were attempting to track down the suspects by examining closed-circuit television recordings. 'We are yet to identify the motorcycle's plate number but we have coordinated with the agency to track down the suspects through CCTV recordings,' Husaimah said. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ni Nyoman Wira (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 31, 2016 Dutch DJ Hardwell will make a stop on his world tour at Carnaval Beach in Ancol, North Jakarta, on April 2. Since releasing his debut album United We Are last year, which reached number two on the iTunes worldwide album chart, the DJ has become an unstoppable force by touring the globe. Prior to visiting the capital, he has entertained electro house lovers in Malaysia with tracks from his album, including 'Sally', 'Don't Stop the Madness' and 'Echo'. Hardwell said that his upcoming concert would be bigger and better. Pre-sale tickets have already sold out, though general admission tickets are still available, as are VIP tickets. VIP ticket holders will have access to a bar, special viewing area and an exclusive line to exchange e-vouchers. For more information, visit the concert promoter's official website, ismayalive.com. (kes)(+) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Rizal Sukma (The Jakarta Post) London Thu, March 31, 2016 The recent incident involving a Chinese coastguard vessel and Indonesia's Maritime and Fisheries Monitoring Task Force near Indonesia's Natuna Islands has once again highlighted the problem of illegal fishing in Indonesia-China relations. This problem is particularly acute in the natural-resource-rich waters surrounding the Natuna Islands. Similar incidents ' the arrest by Indonesian patrol boats of Chinese fishermen fishing illegally ' have occurred in the past. The latest was in March 2013, when a Chinese patrol vessel managed to prevent the arrest of a Chinese ship by an Indonesian patrol boat. In the past, both sides handled the issue quietly, in the hope that the problem would go away. The latest incident, however, clearly shows that such an approach can no longer work. In fact, China's behavior has become more assertive, forcing Indonesia to respond accordingly. Therefore, before the issue spirals out of control, it is imperative that Indonesia and China start finding solutions to the problem. Any settlement should be based on two facts. First, Indonesia holds full sovereignty over the Natuna Islands and its territorial waters, and has an undisputable sovereign right over the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the surrounding waters. China needs to unambiguously acknowledge this fact. Second, once the above fact is fully and explicitly acknowledged, it is then clear that Indonesia is not a party to the South China Sea dispute. Indonesia has no claim over any island, rock, atoll, reef and other features in the Spratly or Paracel islands. Nor does Indonesia take sides in the ongoing dispute between China and the four ASEAN claimants (Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei). These two facts mean that the problem between Indonesia and China lies with fishing rights, not territorial disputes. Therefore, Indonesia and China need to treat and address the problem as such. The two sides should not allow the problem to develop into a political, let alone territorial, feud. This requires two important steps to be taken. First, Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi, following the incident, has affirmed Indonesia's position clearly: China should support Indonesia's attempt to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and should never violate Indonesia's sovereignty or infringe upon Indonesia's EEZ and continental shelf. Simply put, China should respect and take the Indonesian position seriously. China's argument that its fishermen were conducting activities in areas it considers 'traditional fishing grounds' is misleading. In fact, it could complicate the issue and aggravate efforts to find a solution to the problem. The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982, to which both Indonesia and China are parties, does not recognize such a concept. The two countries should abide by the convention; it is as simple as that. Second, Indonesia and China should start discussing a joint strategy on how to combat the IUU problem in the area and beyond. Both Indonesia and China have pledged to work closely to combat organized crime at sea. Illegal fishing clearly comes under such crime, and inflicts an estimated US$20 billion in annual losses on Indonesia. Unsurprisingly, Indonesia is taking serious steps to combat IUU in its waters, and China should position itself as a reliable partner in that undertaking. Indonesia values its relationship with China as a comprehensive strategic partnership. So does China. In that context, it is inconceivable that the two nations cannot find an amicable solution to the problem. Indonesia-China relations are too important to be derailed by a dispute over fishing rights. However, without any immediate solution, the problem could quickly escalate into a serious political spat. Solving this problem in Indonesia-China relations will also strengthen Indonesia's position as a neutral party in the South China Sea dispute. Indonesia's ability to act as an honest broker on this matter will benefit not only China-Indonesia bilateral ties but also the relationship between China and ASEAN. After all, the future of stability in the region depends on how well ASEAN and China can manage the South China Sea issue. Indonesia is well-placed and more than willing to facilitate the ongoing search for peace in the region. __________________________ The writer is Indonesian ambassador to the UK and former executive director of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Jakarta. This is a personal view. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin The Jakarta Post Thu, March 31, 2016 Indonesia will stand firm in its support of an independent Palestine and will not respond to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu most recent call for official bilateral relations, an official said on Thursday. "We want to assert that Indonesia's support and efforts to push for the independence of Palestine will not change," Foreign Ministry spokesman Arrmanatha Nasir said on Thursday as quoted by kompas.com. He also expressed disappointment that several senior Indonesian journalists had recently visited Israel, after being invited by Netanyahu, who said that he wanted to change public opinion about Israel. During the meeting, the prime minister expressed his hopes that Indonesia and Israel would initiate official relations, saying that both countries had many opportunities to cooperate. The ministry was aware that the Middle Eastern country had conducted similar activities in the past to promote its tourist and business sectors. "We regret that such activities are politicized by Israel," he said. Tantowi Yahya, a lawmaker from the House of Representatives commission I overseeing foreign and security affairs, said Indonesia's support of Palestine was in accordance with the Constitution, which asserts that independence is the natural right of every nation. (liz/rin) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin thejakartapost.com (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 31, 2016 Indonesia will stand firm in its support of an independent Palestine and will not respond to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu most recent call for official bilateral relations, an official said on Thursday. "We want to assert that Indonesia's support and efforts to push for the independence of Palestine will not change," Foreign Ministry spokesman Arrmanatha Nasir said on Thursday as quoted by kompas.com. He also expressed disappointment that several senior Indonesian journalists had recently visited Israel, after being invited by Netanyahu, who said that he wanted to change public opinion about Israel. During the meeting, the prime minister expressed his hopes that Indonesia and Israel would initiate official relations, saying that both countries had many opportunities to cooperate. The ministry was aware that the Middle Eastern country had conducted similar activities in the past to promote its tourist and business sectors. "We regret that such activities are politicized by Israel," he said. Tantowi Yahya, a lawmaker from the House of Representatives commission I overseeing foreign and security affairs, said Indonesia's support of Palestine was in accordance with the Constitution, which asserts that independence is the natural right of every nation. (liz/rin) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Damar Harsanto (The Jakarta Post) Washington DC Thu, March 31, 2016 Indonesia will be present at the highest international nuclear security powwow scheduled to kick off on Thursday in Washington DC, where participants will push forward with their commitment to the issue. An Indonesian delegation led by Vice President Jusuf Kalla that includes senior officials from the National Atomic Energy Body (Batan) arrived in Washington on Tuesday to attend the fourth and final edition of the 2016 Nuclear Security Summit. A follow up to a previous meeting in The Hague two years ago, during which Indonesia pledged to reinforce the establishment of regulation at the national level to safeguard loose radioactive materials, it seeks to strengthen cooperation with other country participants on nuclear security issues. 'Indonesia has attended every summit since 2010 because we share a common interest to upgrade our capacity to safeguard radioactive materials,' director general for multilateral affairs at the Foreign Ministry, Hasan Kleib, told reporters. 'Our main agenda is enhancing cooperation through shared lessons and best practices,' he said. At the 2014 nuclear summit, Indonesia introduced a nuclear security implementation model designed to prevent terrorist groups from acquiring fissile to build nuclear weapons. Since the 2002 terrorist attacks in Bali that killed more than 200 people, Indonesia passed into law a terrorism bill to clamp down on terror acts and established an antiterror unit. The most recent attack on Indonesian soil occurred on Jan. 14 near the Sarinah department store in Central Jakarta, in which eight people died, including the four assailants. Despite having a terrorism law in place, Indonesia is seeking to implement regulations to address nuclear security in a more comprehensive way. 'The use of radioactive materials is extensive. We have to go into detail to regulate the best measures to take in terms of nuclear security,' Hasan added. To stop nuclear materials from falling into the wrong hands, the House of Representatives passed the nuclear terrorism convention bill in 2014. It is formally known as the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism, a UN treaty designed to criminalize acts of nuclear terrorism and to promote police and judicial cooperation to prevent, investigate and punish those acts. The country, however, continues to heavily rely on natural resources for energy. Batan said late last year that the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry recommended the construction of a nuclear power plant by 2024. The Vice President is also scheduled to attend a dinner at the White House hosted by the US President Barack Obama on Thursday. Aside from Indonesia, the two-day summit will be attended by leaders from nearly 24 countries, including India, China and Japan. Unlike the past three summits, another nuclear powerhouse, Russia, has confirmed that it will not attend the summit. Despite its absence, the summit host and initiator insisted the importance and urgency of nuclear security issues during the biannual meeting. 'I would anticipate that issues related to nuclear materials and safeguarding them is high on the agenda [of the summit]. This is obviously something that is a top priority,' White House press secretary Josh Earnest was quoted by local media as saying on Monday. A global alert on nuclear security rang with reports that the terrorists behind the recent Brussels bombings were also conducting surveillance of a nuclear site in Belgium. The Belgium government has reportedly deployed military quick-response teams to nuclear plants and research centers in anticipation of another attack. Obama said nuclear terrorism was the most immediate threat to global security in April 2009 during his Prague speech on April 5, 2009, calling for worldwide efforts to secure all vulnerable material and a summit to raise the issue of nuclear terrorism to the highest levels of government. The US hosted the maiden summit in 2010, followed by South Korea and the Netherlands in 2012 and 2014, respectively. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Darlene Superville (The Jakarta Post) Washington Thu, March 31, 2016 President Barack Obama plans to host a blockbuster concert on April 29 featuring such artists as Aretha Franklin, Al Jarreau, Sting, Herbie Hancock and many others. The show is to be televised by ABC the following day, the fifth anniversary of International Jazz Day. UNESCO and the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz are the sponsors of International Jazz Day, a worldwide celebration of jazz music. Hancock, a UNESCO goodwill ambassador whose idea led to the creation of International Jazz Day, said jazz is a musical language understood worldwide. An award-winning pianist and bandleader, Hancock said "incredible" jazz musicians are now everywhere. "That really shows me the power of the music and the fact that it has reached every country on the planet," Hancock told The Associated Press in a telephone interview. Previous host cities for International Jazz Day were Istanbul, Turkey, in 2013; Osaka, Japan, in 2014; and Paris in 2015. In 2012, programs were held at UNESCO headquarters in Paris; in New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz; and at the U.N. General Assembly Hall in New York City. Last year's programming reached more than 2.8 billion people, Tom Carter, president of the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, told the AP. Obama and the first lady are big music lovers and supporters of jazz. During a recent appearance at the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas, Mrs. Obama said one of her grandfathers loved and collected jazz and that she would visit him on Saturdays while growing up in Chicago "and I would just play music with him." The Obamas practically jumped at the chance to bring the International Jazz Day concert to the White House, Carter said. "They welcomed us with open arms," added Hancock.(+) : , ; Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin The Jakarta Post Thu, March 31, 2016 March 27, p5 Pictures of taxi drivers running amok and smashing vehicles during a rally last Tuesday quickly went viral on social media. The public also saw pictures of a Go-Jek (app-based motorcycle taxi) driver being mobbed and beaten up by a group of people. There were other pictures of conventional taxi drivers blocking the inner-city toll road in front of the House of Representatives compound, causing traffic to grind to a standstill, while in separate incidents, some passengers were forced to get out of taxis. Upon seeing those pictures on our gadgets, we all had the same question: 'Where are the police?' Your comments: That the police were not present during the taxi demo, but think nothing of dispatching 500 personnel to safeguard a cultural event, which says a lot about the priorities of the police. It's a well-known fact that the police as an institution are looking to earn money. They are, indeed, essentially just another business receiving minimal state subsidies. As long as the basic set-up doesn't change, you cannot expect any improvement. But then again, does the establishment want real change, or just a better image? Kulit Merah Meanwhile, I recently spent four days on an extended overland trip and ' without elaborating ' I was in total 13 times stopped for razia (raids). The 10th time, I took a couple of selfies with the policeman who stopped me to celebrate this milestone ' he didn't mind a bit! In fact, he was a decent chap, and seemed rather put out at having to stand in the road in the middle of the night, stopping cars. Gordon Freeman It would also help if the Indonesian police were paid more to stop them from extorting money from tourists, locals, motorists and justice-seekers. Brucelee4444 Police were present in front of my office. My staff were asked by police to delete any photos they had taken of the scene ' forget about enforcing the law or keeping the peace, photos are more important! Funny that, because I regularly see police taking photos, probably to convince their bosses they are actually working. KPK69 Police are absent when a mob is present. There's a definite trend ' whenever the Islam Defenders Front (FPI) is present, the police are nowhere to be found, apart from a cursory few. Ucok Do your job and people will respect you. Succumb to corruption and people will scorn you and even curse you. Siang Malam The police as an institution are not free from corruption. Sorong Overall what the writer is trying to convey makes sense. Except for one thing, which is pride in a job well done. If that basic standard is instilled, where people follow SOP to the letter, and don't cut corners, accept or give graft, then Indonesia and not just the police would be very different. However, it will take much more effort by the police to change their image and the perception of the average citizen of them than T-shirts and key chains. Deddy K I have a novel idea ' just do your jobs. Enforce the laws on the books and stop taking coffee money. Stand on the side of the law and your image will improve tremendously. Stop supporting those with criminal intent. Xsimaging New T-shirts for the police at least could give them a different image; how about they wear pink, so they can blend in better with LGBT groups when they force them to disperse? Jorith Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Trisha Sertori (The Jakarta Post) Sanur,Bali Thu, March 31, 2016 Thousands of people flocked to Sanur to celebrate community during the 2016 Mertasari Beach Festival. The free-to-the-public Mertasari Beach Festival was an opportunity for people from all walks of life to come together and share music, beach yoga and student performances, as well as a place for stall holders to show off their innovative products. On show among the stalls was sublime chemical-free ice cream, a Volkswagon (VW) combi converted into a burrito stand, organic health foods, bamboo-framed sunglasses and young jewelry designers keen to show off their art. Events like the Mertasari Beach Festival held last weekend are a boon for these new-to-the-market products, offering the ideal opportunity to showcase ideas to the public. At her 1981 VW Combi, 15-year-old Chandra Vangsgaard was busy taking burrito orders. She and her mother, Minni, set up the food truck a year ago as a work experience project for the high school student. 'I love people, so it's fantastic I can talk to new people. The selling part of the business is amazing,' says Chandra, adding the festival opens the door to new customers and more importantly brings together people of all ages. 'The festival is a great benefit to us. People can discover our business and they can get to know us. Here we see people new to Bali mixing with locals. It's great to see such a high level of local involvement. Even the kids come up to see if I have trash that needs to be taken away,' says Chandra of the festival that she believes will accrue new word-of-mouth customers for her Mexicombi food truck. Nearby, Javier Velazquez is doing a roaring trade in natural ice creams, another new product for Bali. Javier explains the Mexican-style ice cream known as Pelatas is 100 percent chemical-free and extremely low in sugar, the natural fruits offering ample sweetness to the delicious treats. 'We are at the festival because our ice cream fits with the health and wellbeing theme of the festival. There is free yoga being held and lots of healthy products and well-being information available here and our ice cream fits that lifestyle,' says Javier during a break between customers. Pelatas Wey ice cream has between 6 and 10 percent sugar compared to more than 30 percent in most ice creams and is manufactured in Bali from local fruits without chemicals and flavorings. 'Having our stall here for the festival is an opportunity for us to share what we have to offer to people who are interested in healthy food options,' says Javier, adding that Pelatas Wey ice cream will soon open a store in Jakarta. As well as foods from around the world available at the festival stalls, young fashion designers and jewelry makers also showed off their wares. The simple and elegant designs from new jewelry craftswomen, Dian Ariantika, attracted a strong following, says the 28-year-old who heads up Ariant Jewellery. 'Having my stall here at the festival is a great way to introduce my designs to the public. I don't have a shop front and I just began the jewelry line a year ago, so I felt the festival was a great way to promote my products,' says Dian. Her silver jewelry, with a strong use of natural stones such as turquoise, was a hit with the young crowd at the festival. 'Business has been very good. The market seems to be for the young women who really like my simple designs,' says Dian, who hopes her presence at the festival will improve brand recognition in the future. 'My main hope from my stall here is to get people to better know my brand and it would also be fantastic if I was to meet people seeking wholesale jewellery. That would really launch my brand,' says Dian. Promoting new products was key for many stall holders during the festival, including painter and jeweler Made Mulyani whose miniatures of Bali life proved a drawcard. 'The benefit has been the opportunity to introduce our new stock to the public. I do have a shop in Sanur, but it has been very quiet. Here business has been much better and it is a great way to advertise what we offer,' says Made, adding he hopes future festivals will offer stalls electricity to allow trading to continue into the evenings. Dozens of other stalls trading fashion, foods, art and crafts also joined the festival. ' Photos by J.B.Djwan Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin The Jakarta Post Jakarta Thu, March 31, 2016 Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) secretary-general Hasto Kristiyanto said on Wednesday that the ruling party may not support Jakarta Governor Basuki 'Ahok' Thahaja Purnama's bid to secure a second term in the 2017 gubernatorial election. 'The PDI-P only nominates those who are willing to represent the party,' said Hasto as quoted by kompas.com. Hasto said the PDI-P respected Ahok's plan to run as an independent candidate as he had earned wide support from Jakartans. He also pointed out that Ahok would not be able to work alone in developing Jakarta. 'The PDI-P believes that there should be cooperation between administrations and legislative bodies, which are supported by political parties, to establish strong governance,' he said. Then Surakarta mayor Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo and Ahok, then a Gerindra Party lawmaker, won the Jakarta election in 2012, beating incumbent Fauzi Bowo. Ahok has gained the popular support of Jakartans since serving as deputy governor beside Jokowi, especially for his courage in challenging the long-standing bureaucracy in the capital that has enabled city development programs to run well. In 2014, he took the governor's seat after Jokowi won the presidential election. While gaining praise from Jakartans, Ahok has developed a bad relationship with local party elites, including those from the PDI-P. To anticipate resistance from political parties, he has rallied support from residents through his group of supporters, called Teman Ahok, to enable him to run as an independent candidate in the next election. The PDI-P, which supported Ahok and Jokowi in 2012, is screening candidates to nominate in the next Jakarta election, which will be held in February next year. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Nethy Dharma Somba (The Jakarta Post) Jayapura Thu, March 31, 2016 Alcohol distribution and production are officially prohibited in Papua province starting Thursday to save Papuans from the disastrous effects of alcohol consumption, the Papua governor has said. The prohibition came into effect with the signing of an integrity pact on Thursday. The document was signed by Governor Lukas Enembe, regents and mayors in Papua, the Papua Provincial Council (DPRD), Papua Police, military command and district court chiefs during a coordinating meeting. The integrity pact would support the existing 2013 Provincial Regulations on alcohol prohibition to prevent alcohol distribution in Indonesia's easternmost province, Enembe said. Several regional leaders expressed their support of the integrity pact, saying that alcohol had only brought issues such as domestic violence to Papua. "Alcohol destroys Papuans. It could be the cause of their extinction," Enembe said on Thursday. The integrity pact consists of several points, including prohibition of the production, distribution and sale of alcohol, cooperation with relevant offices in monitoring alcohol prohibition and implementation the 2013 Provincial Regulations. Fien Yarangga, an activist from group Papuan Women (Perempuan Papua), applauded the provincial administrations move, saying that it showed that local officials cared about the issues. "Women are most often the victims of alcohol consumption. They fall victim to domestic violence triggered by alcohol," Fien said. The group is currently assisting three victims of alcohol-related violence. One of them is the wife of a Jayapura public official who was tortured by her drunk husband. The two other women were raped by drunk men. The group urged the provincial administration to promote the regulation and integrity pact among the public to raise awareness. According to Papua Police data, 86 people have died, 264 have been heavily injured and 839 suffered light injuries since 2013 in alcohol-related cases. (rin) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Nethy Dharma Somba (The Jakarta Post) Jayapura, Papua Thu, March 31, 2016 The noken voting system will be still used in regional elections in Papua, as the social custom of the Papuan people, which has been passed across generations, has many good values, an election official has said. General Elections Commission (KPU) chairman Husni Kamil Manik said that as a gauge of public opinion in Papuan culture, noken could not be totally removed from either regional head elections or general elections. 'Several values in the noken system are in line with general election principles, but some other values are not yet in accordance with election principles, so we need to alter how they are implemented,' he said in Jayapura on Tuesday. Giving an example, Kamil said the noken system adopted Indonesia's widespread 'musyawarah untuk mufakat' (deliberation for consensus) style of decision-making. In a general election under the noken system, there is also a campaign period, during which a candidate conveys his or her vision and mission to all constituents. The constituents are also be given time to analyze the candidate and deliberate until consensus is reached, he added. However, Kamil further said, that the noken system did not protect voters' right to confidentiality, which was not in line with Indonesia's principle of direct, public and free elections. Under the noken system, the choices of voters can be seen by all people present at a voting station. 'This could potentially trigger political resentment because a candidate will be fully aware who chose him or her and who did not support him or her,' said Kamil. Under such conditions, the KPU chairman said, the Provincial General Elections Commission (KPUD) must alter the practice so that it maintained voter confidentiality. 'Until now, [voting takes place via] a noken [traditional Papuan bag] with the name of a chosen candidate attached to it. As the result, everybody knows 'who chooses who',' said Kamil. 'There should be a new method. We can still use a noken but we put it in a booth so that the confidentiality of our choice is maintained. The noken will be put into a ballot box before they are counted,' he said. To adjust the noken system so that it complies with Indonesia's direct, public and free election principles, Kamil said, all KPUD officials in areas still using the noken system must start a dialogue with the public about the positives and negatives of the noken voting system. 'One thing that they must tell the public is that it is important for a voter to be able to cast his or her vote directly. Although there has been an agreement that they must choose a certain candidate, they should still be allowed to participate in the voting process directly, and not be represented by others as has happened under the noken system until now' said Kamil. KPUD Papua chairman Adam Arisoi said 11 regencies and municipalities would participate in regional elections in Papua in 2017. Of the total, six regencies, namely Dogiyai, Nduga, Lanny Jaya, Puncak, Puncak Jaya and Tolikara, would still use the noken system. 'However, not all polling stations in the six regencies will apply the noken system. Only some of them will use it and the remainder will allow for vote-casting in line with nationally-adopted direct, public and free election principles,' said Adam. He further said that in the 2017 regional elections, tribal chiefs would no longer represent their tribes in casting votes. All voters will cast their votes directly. KPUD Puncak Jaya chairman Jennifer Darling Tabuni said the noken system would be used at only eight locations. 'Voters in other areas of the regency will cast their vote in line with the direct, public and free election principles,' he said. (ebf) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Nurul Fitri Ramadhani (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 31, 2016 A proposal from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) to restore the authority of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) to set the direction for the government and the objectives of the state has won support from political groups. The government's direction and the state's objectives for the next five years could be incorporated in the presently defunct State Policy Guidelines (GBHN), which the PDI-P has demanded reinstating. PDI-P chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri said on Wednesday that the MPR, a powerful legislative institution under the New Order regime, should have its power returned so the country had a reference point to determine what to do and where to go in the long term. 'It's time to rethink the country's development plan [...] In the Reform Era, liberalization has been a distraction from the country's principles. The practice of democracy, then, drastically changed. The state now has no clear direction,' Megawati said. The country's lack of guidelines, she claimed, could be seen in the exploitation of natural resources, the increasing poverty rate and a lack of recognition for local wisdom. Megawati proposed the idea during a PDI-P national working meeting held in Jakarta in January. The eldest daughter of founding president Sukarno and the fifth president of the country learned the concept from her father. However, it was Sukarno's successor, Soeharto, who made the idea a reality in 1969. Under Soeharto, the GBHN were passed by the MPR and implemented by the president. Thus, all regions had to follow the guidelines. Regional autonomy was not as strong as nowadays and regions' ability to explore innovation remained weak. In the post-Soeharto era, the MPR could threaten to use the GBHN to impeach a president who did not effectively implement development policy, as the president was held responsible by the Assembly. A Constitutional amendment in 2001 removed the MPR's status as the highest state institution and axed the GBHN altogether. Indonesia's development has since followed the National Long-Term Development Plan (RPJP) and National Mid-Term Development Plan (RPJM), deliberated and approved by both the executive and legislative powers. Consequently, there are no longer clear sanctions if a president does not work in line with his or her development plan. The PDI-P could reinstate the GBHN through a fifth Constitutional amendment, which Megawati said would be a limited amendment. It would add to the MPR's authority to pass the national development policy outline, as outlined in the Constitution. MPR Speaker Zulkifli Hasan of the National Mandate Party (PAN) said all factions had agreed to re-establish the state guidelines, except the Democratic Party. 'Ten factions and regional representatives in the MPR agree that the GBHN is important for the country, but the Democratic Party has yet to reveal its stance on it,' Zulkifli said. To create a comprehensive basis for the guidelines, Zulkifli said the MPR would seek advice and recommendations from academics, government institutions and constitutional law experts. If the new concept of the GBHN is passed, it will likely come into effect for the MPR's 2020-2024 period. 'We will make sure that the GBHN will not restrict the president's authority. It will only guide what the president should do to ensure sustainable development for the country, in line with campaign promises,' Zulkifli said. Golkar Party chairman Aburizal Bakrie agreed that Indonesia needed a long-term development plan set by the MPR based on recommendations from the public, so the government did not have to seek advice from foreign financial experts who could discredit the country. 'Such guidelines are important, so the president can't arbitrarily change the long-term plan,' Aburizal said. Meanwhile, the Democratic Party is of the opinion that the current long-term and mid-term plans are more effective, measurable and accountable than the GBHN, because they are made and implemented by the same person. 'We need an in-depth review and consideration before deciding to reinstate the GBHN, including whether it will become a more comprehensive guideline than the RPJM,' party deputy chairman Syariefuddin Hasan said. Ravik Karsidi, chairman of the Indonesian Rector's Forum (FRI) advisory body and rector of Sebelas Maret University (UNS) in Surakarta, said reinstating the GBHN did not mean a return to the New Order regime. 'The guidelines are more ideological and aim to provide a comprehensive outline for development, while the RPJM is more pragmatic and more like a strategy,' Ravik 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 Stefani Ribka (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 31, 2016 The absence of training for prison officers has led to low-quality supervision in detention facilities, which can result in uncontrolled behavior from inmates and trigger jailbreaks, as seen during an incident in Bengkulu last Friday. The Law and Human Rights Ministry's director general of correctional institutions, I Wayan Dusak, admitted that aside from the problem of overcapacity in prisons countrywide, a lack of funds for and availability of programs to train prison guards had worsened the already poor prison management. 'After recruitment, there's no training for them. It completely depends on the initiative of the ministry's regional office heads or prison heads on how they want to empower the crew,' Dusak told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday. 'Prison guards are not just normal civil servants. They need to know how to use weapons, martial arts and other specific skills [including] security management [and] legislative knowledge,' he added. In the 1970s, the government scrapped training from the recruitment process of prison guards because of budget constraints, he said. Previously, officers were trained for 11 months and tested for a month. 'Alternatively, a prison head must be creative and have good connections with the local military or police offices to help provide training for their crew. But again, it is still limited,' Dusak said. Amid the current budget limitations, prison heads must strive to have enough influence to ensure discipline among their staff, who in turn will keep prisoners in line. Last Friday, a riot occurred at the Malabero detention center in Bengkulu when the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) conducted a drug raid at the facility, where a drug kingpin is known to be detained. Five prisoners died in the riot. Dusak said drug transactions inside prisons had been a problem for years, as the maximum punishment for prison guards who help inmates to access drugs is only a demotion. Some staff are reportedly tempted to supplement their average monthly salary of Rp 3.6 million (US$270) by helping inmates to get drugs. The Bengkulu jailbreak led Law and Human Rights Minister Yasonna H. Laoly to invite five former directors general of correctional institutions ' Hasanuddin Massaile, Adi Sujatno, Mardjaman, Untung Sugiyono, Sihabudin and M. Sueb ' to share their experiences in prison management on Wednesday. Like Dusak, they suggested the country once again offer training for newly recruited prison staff and encourage officers to have the mentality that prisons aim to help prepare inmates to return to society. The five former prison heads also suggested that the law ministry and the BNN work together and leave sectoral ego behind, like in the past, when the two cooperated well. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Tama Salim (The Jakarta Post) Suva Thu, March 31, 2016 Indonesia is looking to strengthen its diplomatic ties with South Pacific countries by appointing a special envoy to the region. Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Luhut Pandjaitan on Wednesday said he would propose assigning an official from the Foreign Ministry to engage with the easterly neighbors and underscore Indonesia's commitment to resolving complicated issues surrounding Papua. Luhut said Jakarta's eastward gaze was part of its wider efforts to counter the separatist narrative that had thus far prevented the government from developing Indonesia's easternmost province. 'I will propose this to the President [Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo] and the Foreign Minister [Retno LP Marsudi]. It is important that there is an envoy who can deliver our message to the Pacific island countries,' he told The Jakarta Post aboard an Indonesian Air Force aircraft en route to New Caledonia. Luhut is in the region to consolidate support from member states of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), which have struggled to balance their growing ties with Jakarta with ongoing support for regional grassroot movements dedicated to protecting the rights of indigenous people of Papua and West Papua during decades of separatism. The MSG is a sub-regional grouping in the Pacific, comprising Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji and New Caledonia. Indonesia is an associate member. Luhut said it was crucial that the government start to 'aggressively' inform the international community on its many undertakings in Papua, with support from MSG members a crucial factor of success. To this end, Luhut invited a number of Papuan regional heads and representatives of other provinces with a large Melanesian presence ' Maluku, North Maluku, East Nusa Tenggara and West Papua. 'We have to thoroughly explain what's being done ' and we're doing a lot,' he said. According to him, the government is supporting Papua on a number of fronts, starting with increased regional funds, a renewed focus on health and education initiatives, the promise to resolve past human rights abuses and plans for more infrastructure and logistics projects. Kicking off a three-day tour to countries in the region, Luhut will be in Fiji for bilateral meetings with Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, Foreign Minister Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, and Agriculture, Maritime Development and Disaster Mitigation Minister Inia Seruiratu. Meanwhile Luhut's advisor Djauhari Oratmangun said the visit aimed to strengthen Indonesian ties with Fiji, consolidating the Pacific Island country's continued support of Indonesia in the MSG forum. Fiji, along with Papua New Guinea, has supported Indonesia's role in the sub-regional forum as the country with the largest population of Melanesians. Djauhari said the trip also had humanitarian goals, with Indonesia providing Fiji with US$5 million in disaster relief as well as a container of supplies from the Indonesian Army's engineering directorate. Meanwhile, General Elections Commission (KPU) chairman Husni Kamil Manik is set to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Fijian government on the transfer of knowledge on election organizing. After Fiji, Luhut and his entourage plan to visit Papua New Guinea before returning to Jakarta. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Agus Dermawan T. (The Jakarta Post) Ubud, Bali Thu, March 31, 2016 The Pita Maha arts society just celebrated its 80th anniversary. However, the life stories of maestros from the organization, such as I Nyoman Ngendon, Ida Bagus Made Poleng and Ida Bagus Made Nadera, are still not familiar to many people despite being the inspiration behind their remarkable paintings. Founded in Ubud, Bali, on Jan. 29, 1936, by the late Rudolf Bonnet, Walter Spies and Tjokorda Gde Agung Sukawati, Pita Maha held its first exhibitions in March and April of the same year. Support from art figures like I Gusti Nyoman Lempad and Tjokorda Gde Raka Sukawati enabled the organization of artists to change the paradigm of painting in Bali, from classical depictions of shadow puppets, mythology and religion, to more modern and secular themes. The advent of this more secular approach enriched painting in Bali, allowing artists to present virtually any ideas, and an unlimited number of styles, in their paintings. This artistic shift saw the birth of progressive traditional painters such as Anak Agung Gde Sobrat, Ida Bagus Made Widja, I Ketut Regig, I Wayan Taweng, Ida Bagus Made Togog, Anak Agung Gde Meregeg and I Wayan Ketig. Not all of them were Ubud locals either, with artists coming from Batuan, Singaraja, Klungkung, Sanur and various other cities in Bali. Amazingly, their names have continued to dominate the Balinese art scene for eight decades, while their successors now elegantly adorn the history of art. Pita Maha has also become legendary in the international fine art world, with famous auction houses such as Larasati periodically auctioning their works in Bali, Jakarta and Singapore. But it's not just being the forerunner of secular themes that made Pita Maha so noteworthy. 'A romantic agony factor from every painter has preserved the soul of this organization,' Bonnet said in 1975. Indeed, Bonnet and Spies as the organization's leaders constantly emphasized romantic agony as an attitude that the organization should embody. The essence of this attitude was for artists to uphold their principles and be confident in their own personal truth. To consider themselves as the guiding force of their own lives, and their artworks as their beacon of truth. Romantic agony has often been the most important part of the cosmology of the art world, and dominates certain works of art. It is the agony and powerful vision of artists such as Michelangelo, Vincent van Gogh and Jean Michael Basquiat that attracts millions of people to their masterpieces. Bonnet said this myth should be maintained and disseminated through writings and talks. Romantic agony is a way of preserving artistic works. Puri Lukisan Museum in Ubud, which he founded, is one of the reminders of this myth. At the museum, visitors are reminded that behind the beautiful paintings lay unique, tough, bitter and even distressing life stories. 'Nearly all members of Pita Maha possess features of romantic agony. The question is whether their attitude and life stories can be communicated to society by the people and institutions that inherit their works, whether they can revive the soul of the inanimate canvases before us,' Bonnet once said. Sadly, Bonnet's expectations have only been realized in the 21st century. The lives of Pita Maha painters are still unfamiliar to most people. The various catalogues and books published by Puri Lukisan Museum and fine art museums in Bali do not yet present the passion of romantic agony. Consequently, the Pita Maha maestros' remarkable paintings remain only visually outstanding. Behind the elegance of traditional culture, the thrilling individual dimension seems to be left out and allowed to fade away. It is thus necessary to introduce three of the dozens of best-known Pita Maha figures and their works. I Nyoman Ngendon was born in Banjar Dentiyis, Batuan, between 1903 and 1910. As a traditional artist, he also produced realist paintings after meeting his modern peers in Yogyakarta, which he visited in 1935. Ngendon also created anti-colonial posters in Bali and joined the military in Regiment I of Ngurah Rai as an information officer. Unfortunately, in 1946 he was caught by the Netherlands Indies Civil Administration (NICA) in Ketewel village in Bali. After being tortured, on July 2, 1947 he was killed by NICA police at the Dentiyis graveyard, Batuan. Ngendon's works are mostly held by foreign collectors, including US anthropologists Margaret Mead and Gregory Bateson, but were once displayed at the Arma Museum, Ubud. Ida Bagus Made Poleng, commonly called Gus Made, was born in Tebesaya, Ubud in 1915. Known as a painter who highly valued his own works, he very rarely sold his canvases to Indonesian collectors, whom he regarded as having a commercial mentality. Instead, he considered European and American collectors to be real lovers of Bali's paintings. Gus Made showed how strict his principles were when in 1956 President Sukarno visited his studio to buy a painting. One afternoon, an officer assigned by Sukarno came to pick up the picture and Gus Made carried it himself. But as he noticed the vehicle used was a horse cart, he said, 'Sorry, my painting cannot be transported on a cart.' The next day a presidential car collected the canvas, Memohon Berkah (Pleading for Blessings), which later entered Sukarno's painting collection book. The fate of Gus Made's best-loved works took a sudden twist when in 1986, his modest studio was broken into and 14 of his paintings stolen. For years, Gus Made was saddened by the theft. While crying, he said with some pride, 'All beings love my paintings, from collectors to burglars!' Ida Bagus Made Nadera was born around 1910 to 1915 in Banjar Tegallinggah, Bedahulu village, Gianyar. He worked in the district office of Blahbatu and painted in his spare time. The hobby brought him to become an assistant of an art teacher in a primary school in Buruan village. Humorously, he also worked as a tax collector. Along with his peers he read old Hindu books until he was well versed in the religion. Like his changing career, Nadera also had five marriages and divorces, and many children. The paintings of Ngendon, Gus Made and Nadera are now exhibited at major museums in Bali, at the Presidential Palace of Indonesia and at several other museums in Europe and the US. The late Bonnet might see some romantic agony struggling to manifest itself in each of their works as people admiringly gaze at them. ' Photos by Agus Dermawan T Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Apriadi Gunawan (The Jakarta Post) Medan Thu, March 31, 2016 The Langkat Military Command (Kodim) has detained a Russian tourist, Mickael Chervikov, for attempting to burn the Indonesian flag during a visit to Bukit Lawang tourist village on the eastern side of Mount Leuser National Park in North Sumatra. Kodim commander Lt. Col. Roy Hansen J. Sinaga said the tourist was unhappy with the services provided by a tour guide, Man, during his trip to see orangutans at a sanctuary near Bukit Lawang. Together with his mother and several other tourists, Chervikov went on a trek on Monday. On Tuesday, he went to the office of the Indonesian Tour Guides Association (HPI) in Bukit Lawang to complain about his unpleasant experience, saying Man did not give him enough time to see orangutans or enjoy the scenery in the national park. When he arrived at the HPI office, Chervikov remove a red-and-white flag from a flagpole. 'He was angry; he then bought gasoline from outside the HPI office to use to burn the flag,' Roy told The Jakarta Post. Before he had a chance to burn the flag, however, village supervisory non-commissioned officers (Babinsa), who were not far from the site of incident, confiscated the flag and the gasoline, Roy said. Babinsa officer Second Sgt. Edi Sulianto took Chervikov to the Bahorok Police office for questioning, along with the evidence. 'The police are in charge of this matter, and they are the ones that have the authority to continue all legal processes needed,' Roy said. North Sumatra Police spokesperson Adj. Sr. Comr. MP Nainggolan said the police had detained Chervikov on Tuesday and questioned him on Wednesday. Langkat Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Dwi Asmoro said that after thorough consideration, Chervikov's act could not be categorized as an insult to the country. 'There were not enough criminal elements to charge him. We will hand over the case to the Medan Immigration Office,' Dwi said. According to the law on the national flag, language, state emblems and national anthem, anyone who damages, rips, burns or conducts other acts with the intention to insult or undermine the national flag could be sentenced to five years in prison or pay a maximum Rp 500 million in damages. The national park covers an area of 800,000 hectares, straddling the border of North Sumatra and Aceh provinces. It is home to some 4,000 animal species, many of which are protected, such as Sumatran tigers, orangutans, elephants and rhinoceroses, which are targeted by poachers. The local forestry and horticulture agency estimated the population of Sumatran tigers in the park to be around 400 or 500, while there are believed to be 2,000 Sumatran elephants, 230 rhinos and 6,624 orangutans. Separately, Oscar-winning actor and environmentalist Leonardo DiCaprio also visited the park recently, accompanied by fellow actors Adrien Brody and Fisher Stevens. They took a tour around a research facility in Ketambe, Southeast Aceh regency. During their visit, they met three Sumatran orangutans and observed the animals' behavior. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin The Jakarta Post Jakarta Thu, March 31, 2016 In the era when sending multiple messages is one click away, collectors of postal stamps turn to online platforms, such as Facebook and eBay, to hunt for rare collections. Philatelist Yusup A. Ridwan said that many philatelists, who had been inactive after the introduction and dominance of emails in written correspondence, had returned to their hobby following the growing popularity of social media by using online platforms to build up their collections. 'With the emergence of social media, many sleeping philatelists have started to collect stamps again. There are even more curious newbie [collectors],' he said, adding that a Facebook group of more than 7,000 members existed, who collaborate on stamp collecting. He said he often found stamps online that he had been searching a long time for. 'I keep watching Facebook and eBay, as well as asking the Indonesian Philatelist Association (PFI) whether any new stamps have been issued. So every time new stamps are issued, I will immediately buy one,' said Yusup, who is particularly passionate about stamps with a mushroom theme. He said that out of more than 2,000 stamps he had collected, around 400 were related to mushrooms. He said he planned to create a story based on the stamps and display them in an exhibition in the near future. PFI Secretary General Rachmat Asaad said that unlike email or other means of written communication, he found distinctive features in postal stamps. 'Emails cannot be collected, but stamps could,' he expressed at the Pasar Baru PFI office in Central Jakarta. Rachmat said that postal stamps were a representation of a nation because only sovereign countries could issue stamps and get acknowledgement from other countries. Indonesian stamps, for example, offered a different feel for collectors as they symbolized the country's characteristics such as its flora, fauna, cultures, national heroes and historical events, he said. Even though people nowadays do not consider stamps as a necessary means for written correspondence, philatelists are creative in making use of the tiny-sized pieces of paper, he added. 'There are international competitions for philatelists to showcase their collections and create stories out of them,' he said. Rachmat said that two international organizations affiliated to philatelists, the Federation of Inter-Asian Philately (FIAP) and FAdAration Internationale de PhilatAlie (FIP), often held festivals or competitions. The FIAP, for example, will organize a competition in Bangkok, Thailand, in August and he plans to attend. 'In the last competition in Singapore last year, our Indonesian contingent earned three gold medals,' he said. Rachmat also explained that certain stamps could have added value and would be highly demanded if they, for example, were signed by a state president or a high ranking official for commemorative purposes. 'The first thing I will do when I meet an important person such as a president is to take his signature on my FDC,' he said, referring to the 'First Day Cover' envelope that is released along with a stamp's initial issuance. He revealed that the most expensive stamp he had bought was one with the 'Taiwan Bridge' on it, which he acquired for Rp 10 million (US$750). Service manager Teguh Prihantoro of PT Pos Indonesia, the state-owned company responsible for providing postal services, said that the firm would continue issuing stamps to commemorate important moments, such as promoting tourism for the recent solar eclipse. He acknowledged that the number of people using conventional letters for correspondence was decreasing. 'Currently, the parties using conventional letters are mostly lenders' he said. (fac) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Syamsul Huda M.Suhari (The Jakarta Post) Gorontalo Thu, March 31, 2016 A solar power plant (PLTS) with a capacity of 2 megawatt peak (MWp) has begun operating in Gorontalo, meeting the energy needs of people in the province with renewable power. Located in Motihelumo, East Sumalata district, North Gorontalo regency, the Sumalata PLTS is said to be Sulawesi's biggest solar plant. Putu Eka Astawa, manager of state-owned electricity company PLN for North Sulawesi, Central Sulawesi and Gorontalo, told thejakartapost.com that the Sumalata PLTS could supply electricity for 4,000 households. He said the electricity output from the Sumalata PLTS had been integrated with Gorontalo's power network, which also relies on other sources, such as a diesel power station and a steam-fueled power plant, for its electricity supply. Built on a 5-hectare plot of land, the Sumalata PLTS took around eight months to build, and officially began operating at the end of February. At least 8,600 solar panels are installed at the plant. The peak load from the Sumalata PLTS is estimated to occur for around three hours, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with an electricity load of 2,049 kilowatt peak. Previously, the use of solar energy in North Sulawesi, Central Sulawesi and Gorontalo only reached 1 MWp. Built based on a partnership between PLN and an independent power producer (IPP), the Sumalata PLTS is the second IPP-funded solar plant in Indonesia. Earlier, PLN built a solar power plant with a capacity of 5 MWp in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara. Putu said the existing load in North Sulawesi and Gorontalo reached 325 MW on average, while the electricity capacity was 395 MW. 'Currently, there is an electricity reserve of around 70 MW,' he said on Wednesday. Gorontalo Governor Rusli said it was hoped that the electricity reserve in the province could help push economic growth. 'Each time an investor sounds out a possibility to invest in the province, the electricity capacity in Gorontalo is the main issue they always question,' he said recently. (ebf) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Syamsul Huda M. Suhari (The Jakarta Post) Gorontalo Thu, March 31, 2016 The condition of mangrove forests in Tanjung Panjang Nature Reserve (TPNR) in Pohuwato regency, Gorontalo, is increasingly critical as 80 percent of the swamps have been converted into fish farms. Gorontalo Regional Mangrove Working Group (KKMD) head Rahman Dako said the massive mangrove forest conversion was attributed to several past government regulations that supported such actions. The problem, Rahman said, began when the government in the 1980s launched the 'Blue Revolution' policy to improve the country's fish production, opening opportunities for newcomers to develop fish ponds in the region. The condition worsened when thousands of hectares of mangrove swamps were deforested and converted into fish farms before Gorontalo province gained autonomy from its parent North Sulawesi province. Conservation areas were then easily sold to newcomers, a majority of them from South Sulawesi, by simply obtaining a permit from village chiefs. 'Weak law enforcement has definitely led to the further mangrove forest conversion in Pohuwatu,' Rahman said. The mangrove forests in the western-most regency in Gorontalo are regarded as the main ecosystem barrier in the Tamini Bay coastal area. The mangrove swamps also act as a barrier against tsunami and erosion and a habitat of various wildlife and fish species. Unfortunately, Pohuwato has lost at least 11,563 ha of mangrove forests over the past 30 years. 'If the condition is left unchecked, the TPNR will just remain a story for our grandchildren,' said Rahman at a recent dialog on mangrove forest preservation. In order to maintain mangrove forest sustainability, Pohuwato Regent Syarif Mbuinga offered several solutions, including providing alternative incomes for people who relied on fish agriculture. A number of agreements between local administrations and fish farmers had also been established, highlighting the prohibition of opening new ponds in protected forest areas and inside the TPNR, and a ban on cutting trees within 100 meters along river banks and 50 meters from creeks. In addition, Syarif said, residents were also prohibited from buying and selling mangrove forest areas located both within forest reserves and TPNR. 'If the agreement is violated, we will not hesitate to take stern action,' he said. Separately, Ambo Tang Daeng Matteru, chairman of the South Sulawesi Family Harmony (KKSS) in Pohuwato said of the approximately 13,500 residents from South Sulawesi settling in Gorontalo province, 60 percent of them rely on fish and shrimp farming for their livelihoods. 'Profits from fish farming are substantial as 1 hectare of a fish farm can yield at least a ton of fish or shrimp at a price of Rp 10,000 (US$0.75) per kilogram. These commodities are heavily marketed in South Sulawesi, North Sulawesi and Surabaya, East Java,' he said. Ambo said the fish farming culture of people from South Sulawesi, particularly the ethnic Bugis, had been an ongoing tradition for hundreds of years. Many Bugis people, he said, had also opened shrimp ponds in peninsular Malaysia and Australia. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Grace D. Amianti (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 31, 2016 The Finance Ministry has issued a regulation requiring banks to report credit card customer information and transaction data, in a move seen as a way to raise Indonesia's low individual taxpayer base. The regulation, issued on Wednesday, orders 23 banks that offer credit card services to submit the data to the ministry's directorate general of taxation starting from May 31 at the latest. The banks include local and foreign lending giants, such as Bank Central Asia (BCA), Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI), Citibank and HSBC. Banks have expressed concerns that under the new regulation, their customers' data would be used by the tax office to crosscheck spending with incomes stated on tax receipts. 'Of course there will be an impact on customers, meaning that the data will be used to crosscheck if their spending fits with their income reports,' BNI president director Achmad Baiquni said, acknowledging that he was yet to read the Finance Minister Regulation (PMK). However, bank officials said they would comply with the regulation as it did not breach customer data confidentiality stipulations in the Banking Law. Credit card transactions are not covered by the principle of banking secrecy, which only protects the privacy of customers' deposits. 'We cannot defy the order,' BCA president director Jahja Setiaatmadja said. However, he added that customers would probably feel a sense of apprehension about the new regulation and might consider shifting to credit cards offered by foreign banks. There were 23.9 million credit card transactions nationwide in January, covering a total Rp 22.9 trillion (US$1.72 billion) worth of transactions. In the same month there were 16.8 million active credit cards in the country, according to Bank Indonesia data. Tax experts said that seeing credit card users' patterns of consumption would be especially useful in helping the tax office increase revenues from individual taxpayers. Finance Minister Bambang Brodjonegoro aims to double revenues from individual taxpayers this year to Rp 18 trillion, a mere 1 percent of the overall tax revenue target of Rp 1.36 quadrillion. There are only 27 million registered taxpayers in the country's 250 million population. The government has been working to boost tax revenues this year after it failed to meet its tax revenue target in 2015. Bambang has set sights on individual taxpayers this year as their tax payments are considered to be more immune to economic slowdown compared with corporate taxpayers. Center for Indonesia Taxation Analysis (CITA) executive director Yustinus Prastowo said that the tax office should upgrade its digital technology so that manual crosschecks would not be necessary for the credit card data. 'There should be an integrated system in which credit card holders can be taxed automatically for each transaction they make, because both the tax office and banks will be burdened by manual data comparison,' Prastowo said. University of Indonesia tax expert Gunadi said a more automated scheme could help the tax office reduce standard data checks in the future, including the possibility of revoking tax numbers (NPWP) and yearly tax assessments (SPT) as all data would be stored and accessed electronically. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Nurul Fitri Ramadhani (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 31, 2016 The Indonesian Military (TNI) has finished a major part of an initial project to construct the 4,325 kilometer trans-Papua highway in the country's easternmost region. TNI spokesman Col. Berlin Germany said on Monday that the Army's Engineering Directorate (Zeni) had been opening up areas to construct a 278.6-kilometer road that would link Wamena in Jayawijaya regency to Mumugu in Asmat regency. The military has been assigned to help the Public Works and Public Housing Ministry to start the government's grand road project by clearing land, in which the ministry and state-run construction firm PT Wijaya Karya (WIKA) are on duty to apply asphalt for the road's construction. The engineering battalion has deployed 394 officers, including from its combat engineering detachment (Denzipur), Engineering Construction Battalion (Yon Zikon), with a target of assisting 278.6 kilometers of the road's construction by the end of year. As of December last year, they have completed 169 kilometers. 'We target to finish the work by 2018,' Berlin said, as he went on to say that the 278,6-kilometer project would pass through 40 rivers, 32 of which had yet to have bridges. In addition to the road project, the military also plan to build two piers in Mumugu and Batas Batu, which can accommodate ships with a capacity of 300 tons and 150 tons, respectively. '[The piers] are expected to open access to Wamena, Mbua, Paro, Batas Batu and Mumugu toward the southern coast of Papua, thus improving the Papuans' welfare,' Berlin said. The road project, estimated to cost Rp 1.5 trillion (US$154 million), is part of the Presidential Unit to Accelerate the Development of Papua and West Papua (UP4B). Most of the roads will be constructed in alpine, swamp and jungle areas, is expected to open up the provinces from isolation that has long hampered its development. The TNI's involvement aims to speed up the process at a relatively low cost, as it had been estimated that using the TNI would be 80 percent cheaper than private contractors. Berlin said in doing the work, the army faced no significant obstacles with local communities, adding that the locals were welcoming because they knew the road's benefits. Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) researcher Adriana Elisabeth said there was no need to question the TNI's capability in construction, but which military branch being assigned to the project was a more pressing matter. 'Papuans are still sensitive to the presence of military and police due to their pasca-conflict trauma,' Adriana said, adding that the locals were usually more sensitive to Army Special Forces (Kopassus). Thus, she said, the military should communicate effectively with the locals or else there would be resistance to the project. 'Although the project has good aims, it doesn't mean the locals will accept it just like that. There should be a difference in treating people here than in Java, for example. If there is resistance when the project finishes, there will be many objections, such as protests, from locals,' Adriana said. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Anggi M. Lubis (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 31, 2016 The UN's top official on women affairs has called on Indonesia to provide a quota for women to sit at the House of Representatives. UN Entity for Gender Equality and Empowerment (UN Women) deputy executive director Lakshmi Puri argued that it was the most feasible way for Indonesia to have better representation of women and to produce just bills that are free from all forms of discrimination. A mandatory quota is also the answer to the classic question of whether women should get legislative seats through affirmative action or based on merit, as good qualities can be developed overtime, as long as access into the legislative body is guaranteed, she says. Women are to account for 30 percent of the candidate lists of all parties for all legislative bodies, but only 97 women made it through in the 2014 elections, 17 percent of House seats. The figure was lower than the 103 women elected in 2009. 'UN Women has always strongly advocated for special measures and quotas. Now, this 30 percent quota, is it a target or is it mandatory? It's a target and that's why it's not being reached,' Puri, who is also the UN assistant secretary-general for intergovernmental support and strategic partnerships, said during her visit to Indonesia on Wednesday. Puri was visiting Indonesia to attend the ASEAN-UN Partnership meeting. She was also scheduled to have a bilateral meeting with Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi to discuss gender issues. 'There can't just be targets. There needs to be a mandatory quota, and you need the critical mass, otherwise you keep operating in a male-dominated and patriarchal environment,' she said. She cited how Rwanda's move to reserve seats for women ' among other examples ' resulted in 66 percent representation of women in its parliament. Another example was an Indian woman elected three times and beat out 15 men. '['] Representation of women in the local government has happened only because of a quota. But then after that, women, they come into their own and then are able to get elected on their own right, without reservation,' she added. Puri also emphasized the need to educate voters on the value of having women lawmakers and to oblige parties to meet quotas during an election period. Indonesia is ranked 110 out of 188 countries in the gender quality index, with assessment components of reproductive health, empowerment and economic involvement. Indonesia also has a high prevalence of child marriage, with one out of six children under the age of 18 marrying every year. Roberta Clarke, regional director of the UN Women Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, said that there was structural and cultural barriers that often made women reluctant to get involved in public affairs. 'The idea of merit is one that women politicians also bring up, as this idea that quotas undermine their sense of credibility ['] but I think even those women can admit that structural barriers and cultural barriers are very high and we need revisions,' Clarke said. 'With a quota we are getting pass the cultural barriers. So create a new norm, a new norm that women have equal opportunity to represent.' Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Farida Susanty (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 31, 2016 Consumer goods giant Unilever Indonesia posted slower sales and profit growth last year as a result of the domestic economic slowdown. Unilever Indonesia, the local arm of Anglo-Dutch consumer goods giant Unilever NV and plc., saw its net profit increase 2 percent to Rp 5.85 trillion (US$428.75 million) in 2015 compared to the previous year, lower than the 7.5 percent profit growth booked in 2014. The slight profit growth was supported by a 5.7 percent increase in net sales to Rp 36.5 trillion last year, versus double digit sales growth of around 12 percent a year earlier, according to the company's financial statement published on Wednesday. The reading on the overseas market was also weak. Unilever's exported sales dropped 8.86 percent to Rp 1.86 trillion, compared to 6.6 percent domestic sales growth to Rp 34.6 trillion in 2015. Unilever Indonesia governance and corporate affairs director and corporate secretary Sancoyo Antarikso said that the company was able to book growth despite the sales drop because it focused on efficiency in various operation lines to boost its net profit. However, Unilever acknowledged that it was hit by rupiah depreciation, which hit levels unseen since 1998 last year, as 55 percent of the company's input costs are related to hard currencies. 'Single-digit sales growth in 2015 was heavily affected by the Indonesian macroeconomic condition, which was not conducive,' Sancoyo said in an official statement on Wednesday. The economy slowed to 4.8 percent last year, the slowest since the 2009 global financial crisis, with people's purchasing power also being hit by rupiah depreciation and layoffs reported in the real sector, which resulted in consumers holding off on spending. The Nielsen Global Survey of Consumer Confidence and Spending Intentions last year revealed that the confidence of Indonesian consumers dropped four points to 116 in the third quarter, a level unseen since the third quarter of 2011. 'The retail sector can grow if purchasing power can also support that. Meanwhile, fuel costs and base electricity rates rose, and the Bank Indonesia [BI] benchmark rate was still 7.5 percent,' LBP Enterprise analyst Lucky Bayu Purnomo said of Unilever's weaker-than-expected performance. However, the performance of the brand holder of Dove personal care and Blue Band margarine, may improve this year, with the central bank's recent move to cut its policy rate to 6.75 percent, a move expected to aid the retail sector. PT Investa Saran Mandiri analyst Kiswoyo Adi Joe said that the 5 percent net sales growth sufficed for a company as big as Unilever. 'I think that if the economy this year can grow by at least 5 percent, their net sales and profit can grow by 7 to 10 percent, that is if the rupiah exchange rate to the US dollar remains under Rp 14,000,' he said, adding that he also projected stronger purchasing power this year. Shares in Unilever, traded on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) under the code UNVR, traded at Rp 42,975 on Wednesday, unchanged from the previous day. The stocks have risen 16 percent this year, easily outperforming the broader benchmark Jakarta Composite Index's (JCI) 4 percent gain. ------------------- 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 Thu, March 31, 2016 State-owned company PT Wijaya Karya (Wika) has signed a deal worth Rp 360 billion (US$27.15 million) for the construction of additional elevated roads in Semanggi, South Jakarta, with the groundbreaking slated for April. 'Wika has signed a contract for the construction worth Rp 360 billion,' the operational director of Wika Beton, a subsidiary of Wika, Fery Hendrianto, said on Wednesday. Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama said in January that the city administration would construct additional elevated roads in front of Plaza Semanggi shopping mall. The roads will cater to motorists traveling from Grogol in West Jakarta to Kebayoran Baru in South Jakarta, and from Pancoran in South Jakarta to the National Monument (Monas) in Central Jakarta. The Jakarta city administration has made a deal with PT Mori Building, a private company from Japan, which plans to construct a new building in the Semanggi area. The company will fund the new elevated roads construction in return for an increased building floor coefficient (KLB), the standard for a building's total maximum size permitted on a given area. 'The construction will be finished in the middle of 2017,' Ahok said as quoted by Tempo.co. Wika Beton has been ordered to supply materials for the roads construction. Despite its long track record in construction projects, the company views the project as a tough challenge. 'The project is highly prestigious, as it requires a high-end technology. Even with our track record in this business, we are still worried [about carrying out the project],' Wika Beton president director Wilfred A. Singkali said. (vps/ebf) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ayomi Amindoni (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, March 31, 2016 About 300 leaders of moderate Islam from across the globe will meet in Jakarta to discuss measures to prevent the spread of Islamic radicalism and terrorism in the name of religion, an Islamic cleric has said. "This event is to harmonize the perception of Islam because [the profile of] radicalism and terrorism has been intensifying given the recent bomb attacks", Nahdlatul Ulama's (NU) advisory board chairman Ma'ruf Amin said after a meeting with President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo at the State Palace on Thursday. The event named the 'International Summit of the Islamic Moderate Leaders' will take place from May 9 to 11 at the Jakarta Convention Center, and will be attended by some 300 representatives from 60 countries, Ma'ruf added. NU chairman Said Aqil Siradj stressed that the country's largest Islamic organization was an anti-violent socio-religious organization, starting from its executives in the central board to its smallest branches in villages. "All of us are anti-radicalism and hold the principle of a tolerant Islam", he went on. The event will also attended by a number of government officials such as Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Luhut Pandjaitan and the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) chief Insp. Gen. Tito Karnavian. The organizers have also invited experts from all around the world namely Nico Proca, an expert of the Islamic State movement, from the University of Vienna, the former Grand Mufti of Egypt Sheikh Ali Gomaa, Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus from Bangladesh and the presidential envoy to the Middle East and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Alwi Shihab. (bbn)(+) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, April 1, 2016 The Jakarta administration is set to turn North Jakartas Luar Batang area into a maritime-themed tourism spot by removing unlicensed buildings, effectively evicting many current residents from the historic coastal area. The city aimed to build a large plaza that could accommodate as many street vendors as possible as part of the areas rehabilitation, Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama said, adding that the measures would start in mid-April. "We have to arrange the plaza in such a way that people can enjoy walking around there and see Kota Tua [Old Town]. We also have to prepare a spot for the vendors to do their business so the place won't look bad," he told journalists at the City Hall on Thursday. The city would push for companies to fund the project as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Ahok vowed not to remove the Luar Batang Mosque, which had a legal permit, but to revamp the area by providing wider access roads for visitors. The administration would only remove unlicensed houses built near the river and sea, while no historic buildings would be demolished. The mosque, near Sunda Kelapa port, includes the tomb of prominent Islamic cleric Al Habib Husein bin Abubakar bin Abdillah Al 'Aydrus. Pilgrims from around the country come to visit the tomb and the mosque. The city administration has expressed its hope that the revamp and the plaza would make the area more attractive with both domestic and foreign tourists. The revamped Luar Batang area would connect with the historic Sunda Kelapa port so people visiting the tomb could also spend time at the port. Demolishing unlicensed buildings is deemed necessary for the city to install sheet piles at rivers and along the coast in the Luar Batang area. The sheet piles would prevent tidal floods, Ahok said, referring to Pasar Ikan in the Luar Batang area, which is prone to flooding. "If we don't install sheet piles in Pasar Ikan, water will flow into the area and may inundate Jakarta," Ahok said. (rin) Im not a 100 percent fan of all the technology of today. Yes, I use it and it is a great convenience, time saver and has many wonderful benefits. What I dislike heartily is the easy access it gives outsiders (read scammers) to personal information. I know very few online users that have not been hacked, had their identity stolen, been scammed, had attempts made to scam, or had their lives disrupted in some harmful way by these malicious people. Fortunately, some of the banks and institutions are now taking great precautions to prevent this. Imagine my surprise when I recently received an online message asking for my final approval to verify a loan application made in my name for a large chain credit card. I had made no such application and had not even shopped at the named store in months. I called the number given and the matter was cleared up quickly with the help of a friendly customer service rep. My name is now flagged with them to be personally contacted anytime an application is made in my name. The person applying had enough personal information to file the application but not enough to provide all the necessary data to complete it, for which I am extremely grateful. So far this year, Ive received phone calls that Im being sued by the IRS, had my email account hacked, and had false credit card applications made in my name. Oh, and lets not forget all the wonderful offers I receive for Viagra, lotions that are going to do marvelous things for organs I dont have and notices from women in Russia wanting to get to know me. Its a real wacky, landmine filled world out there in cloud land. Be vigilant. Now, having vented about the horrors of our tech-filled world, I will say how much I love the access it gives me to visiting people and places from the past. There are several Facebook groups I have joined that let you visit old and interesting places around our state, many found in our own area. Others groups are focused on our own community or those immediately around us, and offer old pictures, newspaper clippings and remembrances of the way things were. Visiting these you can easily stroll down memory lane to Back In The Day (whatever day that was for you) and feel like a kid again. But the one service I really appreciate on Facebook is that I am able to renew friendships and stay in touch with people with whom I had lost contact. (Notice: no dangling participle in the previous sentence.which is why it probably sounds stilted in todays less formal (read sloppy) grammatical structure.) I am especially happy to reestablish contact with the, then, young man from Brazil who was our exchange student for a year when he and my son were both seniors at FHS. Sergio quickly became a beloved member of our family who broadened our knowledge of the world and the capacity of our hearts to love. Through him we also met several other Brazilian young people who were living for a year around our area. Neilo was the one we also became very fond of as he was living with close friends of ours that same year. Through their time here in Farmington, Sergio and Neilo also became well-acquainted and have a friendship that continues today. Both are now highly successful professionals, married and have their own families. Through time and circumstances I eventually lost contact with Sergio, but am so delighted that we have now been able to reconnect through Facebook and keep in daily contact. Happily, my son recently got to meet Sergios son when he was visiting in Florida. So the connection from the past continues and so does our mutual affection for one and other. Ive seen current pictures of both Sergio and Nelio that have been posted, but I still continue to have a mental picture of them as they looked when we first met back in the mid-70s. The memory trumps Facebook when it come to visiting the past. Easter was extremely early this year and spring has made several false starts, encouraging the area flora to burst into lush bloom and gardeners into a frenzy of ground preparation and planting. Just hope all of their efforts are not thwarted by a really hard late freeze. This is Missouri and Maw Nature loves playing April Fool tricks. In the meantime I am enjoying the beauty of spring evident on drives and in many of the yards around town. I am particularly enamored by the tall, striking tree full of yellow blooms in the Roberts front yard on West Columbia Street. Have no idea what it is, but it is a delight to see and a standout among the many other blooming trees. I suggest a drive-by viewing before the blooms fade. Coming Up: TodayFarmington Presbyterian Manors annual Chicken and Dumplings Dinner and Silent Auction this afternoon, to benefit Presbyterian Manor residents who have outlived their financial resources. The event will be at Farmington Presbyterian Church, 403 W. Columbia. Meals are $8 each in advance or for carry-out, or $9 each at the door. A group of 10 or more are $7 each. Friday, April 1.The Spring Salad Luncheon at noon at Memorial Methodist Church. If you have tickets do remember the luncheon is this Friday. The luncheon is sold out, so if you happen to have tickets you arent going to use, let the church office know as there are still people wanting them. Also on Friday night.The annual Chamber of Commerce Banquet and Awards evening will be held at Centene Center. Its always a sell out as local business and professional people gather to hear about the towns progress through the past year as well as to recognize and applaud those individuals who have contributed to the communitys growth and welfare in an outstanding manner. Thursday, April 7.Girls' Night Out Spring Fling from 5-7 p.m. at Twin Oaks Vineyard & Winery at 6470 Highway F, south of Farmington. Guests are asked to bring $20 for a donation to United Way plus backpack school supplies for Young Faith for Christ "Back-to-School Fair!" Enjoy the free wine tasting, soda, or water plus munchies! A Silent Auction will also be held with all proceeds to benefit the many local county agencies that receive annual grants from the United Way of St. Francois County. Its a marvelous evening of networking and socializing while helping a very worthy cause. Friday, April 8 . Friends in Action art show and auction held at the Farmington Public Library Community Room from 5-8 p.m. Painting, jewelry, stained glass and photography will be up for bids. Tuesday, April 12The Womens Connection program will feature speakers on sowing seeds and healing from the inside out. Katie Kammier, Horticulture Specialist and Program Director, Ste. Genevieve County, East Central Region will share information on growing the many varieties of pumpkins and Karen Blankenship from Belton, Missouri will be special guest speaker on how to heal through God from the inside out. The meeting is at the St. Francois Country Club , 4901 Hillsboro Rd., Farmington from 9:15 to 11 a.m. Reservations or cancellations for the $10 brunch can be made by calling Joan at 756-7226, Helen at 756- 5220 or Lucy at 573-562-7492. Saturday, April 30. The 2016 St Paul Lutheran School Auction and Benefit Dinner. The theme this year is "East Meets West". Reservations are on sale now as are the First Choice - "Fortune Cookie" tickets. The winning Fortune Cookie ticket holder gets first choice to select one listed item from the auction as their prize. Only 150 of these First Choice tickets will be sold. Reservations and tickets can be purchased from the school's front office now. Tickets and reservations sell out quickly. Enjoy the good weather, but remember the old gardeners adage: Dont plant before May 15. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ruan Fan (China Daily/Asia News Network) Thu, March 31, 2016 Zhang Wei, a 34-year-old former state media employee whose pen name is Tangjiasanshao, has made his way to the top of China's Web literature rankings, breaking nine years' records to become the first one to have earned an annual income of 110 million yuan ($16.8 million). The book that earned him his fortune is Douluodalu, a fantasy novel about a genius's endeavor to become a soul master. It received over 60 million clicks on China's original literature site qidian.com. Zhang said the book, which contains more than 20 million words, will be adapted into a four picture movie series by a Hollywood producer, and is expected to start shooting this November. "It is by far my biggest IP, I hope it could be developed into a theme park, and become a world renowned piece," Zhang said. Many of Zhang's works have sparked interest in the show business industry and several of them interested producers. But Zhang said he won't easily give authorization to them, as he hopes to take part in the adaptation of every one of them to make sure the finished products are the best possible. Zhang Wei, known as Tangjiasanshao by his fans, is among Forbes China Celebrity List in year 2014 and 2015. Zhang is no exception in making a fortune out of film and drama adaptations. Popular show The Lost Tomb and The Journey of Flower, for example, have turned the novels they were adapted from into huge hits. Among the top 15 novels that are on the list, 13 of them are fantasy novels, with the other two being campus literature and alternative history. "Such novels pose a sharp contrast to our daily life, which satisfies the readers' craving for a life different from what they're leading," said Wu Huaiyao, initiator of the ranking list. "The most popular fictions, whether it is Douluodalu, Harry Potter or Dragon, have one thing in common: the leading roles all harbor a super hero dream it is everyone's dream to be strong, and the readers resonate with that," Wu said. Ranking second and third in the list are 26-year-old Tiancantudou and 34-year-old Chendong, earning royalties of 46 million and 38 million yuan respectively. Hardly a day goes by in which we dont learn a few more details about the bungled Rivington House nursing home transaction. Heres the latest. A report in Politico New York offers new insight about the lifting of deed restrictions on the Lower East Side building, which is now primed for luxury redevelopment. On Oct. 29, 2014, Joel Landau of the Allure Group wrote to the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) about a building his nursing home company wanted to buy at 45 Rivington St. Landau indicated that he wished to keep the home as it is, with the continued employment of the 250+ union employees currently working at the facility. But in the email, Landau said he wanted the city to eliminate a not-for-profit requirement that was part of the deed. After Allure Group purchased the building three months later, Landau contacted DCAS again. The following query was sent to Randal Fong, an assistant commissioner on April 27, 2015: With this letter we are requesting to remove both restrictions on the property. We engaged Peter Rastetter from Metropolitan Valuation Service to help us validate the value by conducting an independent appraisal. The Times also reported details of the original October email today: The email, shared by City Hall officials, appeared to be the only written assurance from Allure Group that it would operate a long-term care center in the building if the deed restriction was lifted. Mr. Landau, who also spoke about the building with local officials and the community board, did not respond to a request for comment. We were just shocked when we heard that this Allure Group, that gave us the understanding that they were going to run it as a long-term care facility, turned around and sold it, said Councilwoman Margaret Chin, a Democrat, who advocated keeping some sort of nursing home there. On May 11, 2015, for a single day, a public notice of a hearing on the proposed deed changes appeared in the City Record. On the same day, Allure Group went into contract to sell the property to the condominium developer. This action is in the best interest of the city, the notice read, as do all such notices. None of the local advocates and elected officials were alerted. As Politico noted, there are a number of troubling issues around this story: One question, as Mayor Bill de Blasio scrambles to react to the news, is why hes acting so shocked that the developer could do such a thing. As we first reported, Community Board 3 sent a strongly worded resolution to the Mayor on Jan. 27, urging the administration to reverse the decision. We also brought the matter up with city officials four months ago. Heres our email chain with the spokesperson for DCAS: On Thursday, the citys Department of Investigation subpoenaed records relating to the Rivington House deal. According to the Daily News, the agency issued six subpoenas to a variety of parties, including the Department of Citywide Administrative Services. 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Although the award jury has already publicly announced the winners of the prestigious awards for German television, dubbed the German TV Oscars, the gala presentation will be held in the city of Marl on April 8. Lead actress Aisawanya Areyawattana will be flying over to receive the award, Tom Waller, Co-Producer of Patong Girl, told The Phuket News today (Mar 31). Aisawanya plays Fai, who German tourist Felix Schroeoder, played by Max Mauff, falls in love with while on holiday in Phuket with his family. From there, the plot takes twists and turns, to resounding critical acclaim in Germany for highlighting the intricacies of cross-cultural romance. Patong Girl had a theatrical release before it was shown on television, so the film is considered a feature film but funded by television. So what happened is that the film was shown at festivals and then in cinemas before it was released on television, Mr Waller explained. But Thailand is still obviously catching up with this, so we decided to show the film in theatres here (in Thailand) because it has won an award and it is a prestigious award and there are very few inter-cultural romances shown in the theatres here between Thailand and foreigners who come here and fall in love. We felt it was entirely appropriate to show not only to premiere in Patong but to show in cinemas in four cities across Thailand, he said. Exclusive presentations of Patong Girl will be released only in participating SF cinemas: SF World in Bangkok, SF Pattaya Beach, SF Jungceylon in Phuket and SF Maya-Chiangmai. Directed by Susanna Salonen, Patong Girl was created by De Warrenne Pictures Co Ltd, founded by Waller in 2004. The studio is responsible for producing award-winning films such as The Last Executioner (), Mindfulness and Murder (), Soi Cowboy (), The Elephant King (), Ghost of Mae Nak ( ) and Butterfly Man (). For more details about Patong Girl, visit Patong-Girl.com or the official Facebook page here. The Phuket premiere screening of Patong Girl is proudly supported by Live 89.5 and The Phuket News TV. Phuket-based Russian DJ arrested for ecstasy, cocaine RUSSIA: A popular Phuket-based Russian DJ has been arrested along with one other man for attempting to smuggle nearly 90 grams of cocaine into their native Russia. drugscrimeRussianpolice By Anton Makhrov Thursday 31 March 2016, 01:36PM The men were arrested after a search of their bags discovered packets of white powder packed in a bottle of Thai baby powder. Photo: Novosibirsk Police Among the items seized was a ticket for a Bangkok-Phuket flight on Thai Smile. Photo: Novosibirsk Police The men were arrested after a search of their bags discovered packets of white powder packed in a bottle of Thai baby powder. Photo: Novosibirsk Police The men were arrested after a search of their bags discovered packets of white powder packed in a bottle of Thai baby powder. Photo: Novosibirsk Police The men were arrested after a search of their bags discovered packets of white powder packed in a bottle of Thai baby powder. Photo: Novosibirsk Police Comments on Facebook by fans soon identified one of the men as a DJ who goes by the name Kostya BenJamin, better known as Noise. Novosibirsk Police announced the arrest of the two men, who they said were taken into custody by police officers and Federal Security Service agents at Tolmachevo Airport, last Sunday (Mar 27). Police did not name the two suspects, despite providing to the press low-resolution photographs that showed the mens passports and flight tickets. However, the ensuing outpouring of comments on Facebook by fans soon identified one of the men as a DJ who goes by the name Kostya BenJamin, better known as Noise. DJ Noise is well known among the Russian community in Thailand, especially for his performances on the party island Koh Pha-ngan, near Samui. On his Facebook page, he names Phuket as his place of residence. Following a search of the mens bags on arrival, police seized two packages both containing white powder, six mobile phones, two laptops, 10 bank cards and a digital scale. Also among the items seized were a ticket for a ThaiSmile flight from Bangkok to Phuket, and a plastic bottle of Thai-brand baby powder that the white powder was hidden in. A test conducted later by drug experts confirmed that the men tried to smuggle into the country 500 milligrams of ecstasy and 89.7 grams of cocaine. When faced with the evidence, both admitted to carrying the drugs, said police. According to one of the suspects, the cocaine was bought for 500,000 rubles (about B250,000) and could be resold for as much as 1.5 million rubles (B750,000). Asked by the police, the suspects said they had taken illegal drugs, but that they had have never tried to smuggle drugs before. Both men were to by charged with possession of an illegal drug with intent to sell, the police report noted. Police also reported that one other person was arrested in Novosibirsk in connection with the drugs that they were now checking for other possible suspects and related crimes. Some Phuket residents now affected by drought PHUKET: Some residents in and around Phuket Town are now starting to feel the effects of the islands drought as the two water resources beside Suan Luang Park are now completely dried out. natural-resourcesweather By Suthicha Sirirat Thursday 31 March 2016, 11:51AM The reservoir next to Suang Luang Park that Deputy Phuket City Mayor Thaworn Jiraphatsophon says have 'nearly' dried up. Photo: Matt Pond The reservoir next to Suang Luang Park that Deputy Phuket City Mayor Thaworn Jiraphatsophon says have 'nearly' dried up. Photo: Matt Pond The reservoir next to Suang Luang Park that Deputy Phuket City Mayor Thaworn Jiraphatsophon says have 'nearly' dried up. Photo: Matt Pond However, officials believe that 70 per cent of residents in the area will remain unaffected by water shortages and will survive until the rainy season. Phuket City Deputy Mayor Thaworn Jiraphatsophon told The Phuket News yesterday (Mar 30) that the majority of people supplied by Phuket Municipality will suffer no water shortages and will get through the dry period. The amount of water Phuket City supplies to its 20,000 consumers is about 30,000 cubic metres per day, he added. Deputy Mayor Thaworn explained; Some areas will now suffer low water pressure or have no water at all. Areas include Moo Baan Chao Fa and around Suan Luang and this is because the reservoir at Suan Luang is nearly dried up. "Other areas affected due to the lack of water in the reservoir are Bangkok, Phoonphol and Sakdidet roads, which often have no water at all, he said. Normally Phuket City Municipality buys additional water from Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) to supply Sakdidet Rd, however, at this time of year, PWA wants to reserve as much of its water as possible, so Sakdidet is one area facing problems, he added. Deputy Mayor Thaworn also said that another area that suffers water shortages is Khao Rang Mae Luan Rd. We are currently trying to solve the problem in this area by using water supplied from the Phuket City area. But we are not sure if the water supply from the city will have enough pressure to go up the hill. If the pressure is too weak then we will probably supply water by fire trucks, he said. Areas outside of municipality territory such as Moo Baan Chao Fa are getting help from Wichit Municipality and we are also helping to bring in water to the area. Deputy Mayor Thaworn explained that Phuket City Municipality has two reservoirs Sam Kong and Suan Luang but that other reservoirs in the area belong to private companies, including Anuphas. The largest reservoir we have on the island is Bangwad Dam in Kathu which we rely on to bring water to residents in our area. The quantity of water at Bangwad, combined with water at Samkong, I think will last us until June, he said. This area should not have any problems, but the area that worries me are the ones that depend on water from Suan Luang, he added. Phuket City Municipality issued a warning to residents in Phuket Town on Tuesday (Mar 29) about the water shortage situation in certain areas. Residents have been advised to store water for future use. The water in the reservoir is drying out because the island has seen no rainfall, and as a result, Phuket City Municipality is releasing less water to the public. The warning took effect yesterday (Mar 30) and will last until the water supply at Suan Luang returns to normal. The following areas will have weak water pressure or no water at all from 10am-10pm yesterday onwards: Maeluan Rd Pathiphat Rd (from Krabi junction to Maeluan Rd) Wichitsongkhram Rd (only municipality territory) Phattana Rd (from Ranong to Wirat Hongyok ) And same situation for these area from 10pm-10am: Pathiphat Rd (Krabi Rd to Chao Fa Yeeteng intersection) Bangkok Rd Soi Phuthon Chao Fa Rd ( Municipality territory) Phoonphol Rd Sakdidet Rd Tha Kreng Rd Moo Baan Cha Fa Phuket City Municipality apologises for any inconvenience and asks residents to use water wisely. For more information please contact Phuket City Municipality public water supply division at 076-211130-199. Two nabbed in B600m pure meth bust SONGKHLA: Two men have been arrested for possession of 285 kilos of pure crystal meth (ya ice), worth more than B600 million, police said. crimedrugspolice By Bangkok Post Thursday 31 March 2016, 08:58AM Three drug suspects, including two Malaysian nationals, are brought before a media briefing. The Malaysians were arrested for possessing crystal meth (ya ice) worth more than B600 million baht. The third man was involved in another case. Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill Police chief Chakthip Chaijinda said yesterday (Mar 30) Chang Kim Sui and Lim Yean Hooi, both Malaysian nationals, were busted by police attached to the Narcotics Suppression Bureau at the Thai-Malaysian border in the Sadao district of Songkhla. He was speaking as he announced the arrest of the suspects. He did not say when the arrests were made. The duo were caught as they were driving through Sadao checkpoint where they were stopped by authorities, police said. A search of their vehicles found seven bags containing a total of 285kg of ya ice, police said. Police seized the drugs and two cars from the suspects as evidence, the national police chief said. Gen Chakthip said Thai intelligence agencies were tipped off by Malaysian authorities that drug runners would attempt to smuggle drugs from Thailand into Malaysia. It was one of the countrys largest drug busts thanks to the cooperation of Malaysian authorities, Gen Chakthip said. The value of the seized drugs, which were pure, would likely increase had they been smuggled into a third country, he said, adding the seized drugs have an estimated street value of more than B600 million. Police believe the suspects are not linked to a drug ring arrested last week on a train that was heading to Malaysia. Pol Gen Chakthip said he has ordered police to step up suppression efforts to stem the flow of drugs through the countrys borders during Songkran festivities. Read original story here. Yacht wanted for dropping anchor on coral off Phuket PHUKET: Marine authorities are calling for help in locating a sailing catamaran after tourists caught the yacht on video with its anchor on coral off Koh Racha Yai, about 25 kilometres south of Phuket. environmentmarinetourismnatural-resourcescrime By Tanyaluk Sakoot Thursday 31 March 2016, 11:42AM The 'Paraty' was last reported stationed off Naiharn Beach on March 14. Image: MarineTraffic.com Causing damage to coral in Thailand may incur a B40,000 fine or up to four years in jail. Photo: DMCR The yacht 'Paraty' was caught with its anchor on coral off Koh Racha Yai. Photo: DMCR The yacht, called Paraty, was caught with its anchor on coral off Koh Racha Yai on Monday (Mar 28), Suchart Ratthanareungsi, Director of the Phuket Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), told The Phuket News. I searched for this boat, but there is no information in our database, he said. VesselFinder.com shows Paratys most recent reported position as northbound in the Malacca Strait on February 25. (See here.) MarineTraffic.com, however, reports the Paratys last recorded position as off Naiharn Beach on March 14. (See here.) Both boat-tracking websites use AIS locators to report boat positions, which is common practice around the world. The lack of an updated position for the Paraty indicates that the AIS on the boat is either not functioning or intentionally switched off both of which are illegal in Thai waters. All foreign-flagged boats in Thai waters are required by law to have their AIS on at all times. The yacht, 18 metres long and 10m wide, is registered as sailing under the flag of St Vincent & Grenadines, but was shown on the video as flying a courtesy Thai flag off the forestay. This boat anchoring on coral is unacceptable. Whoever is responsible for this yacht, please report to the Phuket DMCR office, Mr Suchart said. My request is only that everyone has the right attitude in protecting the environment, with this in mind, the owner should present him or herself to my office. Mr Suchart added, Please remember, the full penalty for anyone found damaging coral in Thailand is a fine of up to B40,000 or up to four years in jail. Your secrets are safe with us, says Phuket Immigration PHUKET: The Chief of the Phuket Immigration Office in Phuket Town today said that private information of expats and tourists on the island remains safe and secure. immigrationpolice By The Phuket News Wednesday 30 March 2016, 05:15PM The database used by Phuket Immigration is not linked to the one breached on Sunday, the Phuket Immigration Chief has assured. The assurance by Phuket Immigration Superintendent Col Sunchai Chokkajaykij follows the immigration data breach on Sunday (Mar 27) that saw personal details of thousands of foreign nationals living in Southern Thailand leaked online. The breach revealed passport details of foreigners in the South, and even maps pinpointing where foreigners lived, with flags representing the foreigners nationalities. (See story here.) Our database is secure, Col Sunchai told The Phuket News today. Expats need not to worry, as our system is not linked to the one used by the Immigration Office in Nakhon Sri Thammarat, he assured. However, Col Sunchai did not elaborate on what information if any regarding expats and tourists in Phuket may have been kept and exposed by the breached database. The database breached on Sunday exposed online the names, addresses, professions and passport numbers of more than 2,000 foreigners living in Thailands southern provinces, but mainly those residing in Nakhon Sri Thammarat province. Col Sunchai also did not elaborate on what measures his office had taken to prevent such data breaches of private information stored by Phuket Immigration. Privacy Overview This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. How to watch and what to know about South Dakota State at North Dakota The Judas Kiss Written by David Hare, directed by Neil Armfield. Until May 1 at the Ed Mirvish Theatre, 244 Victoria Street. Mirvish.com (416) 872-1212 or (800) 461-3333 Rupert Everett, it would seem, has lived his whole life to play Oscar Wilde. The famously outspoken English actor brings all of his 56 years of experience, wisdom, and wit plus an amazing command of the actors craft to bear in a performance on the Ed Mirvish Theatre stage that demands to be seen. David Hares play dramatizes two pivotal points in the life of the Irish playwright, poet and essayist. Act 1 takes place in 1895, immediately after the collapse of Wildes attempted libel case against the Marquess of Queensberry, the father of Wildes young lover Lord Alfred Douglas, a.k.a. Bosie (Charlie Rowe), who had accused Wilde of acts of gross indecency (in essence, sodomy). Now the wheels are in motion to arrest Wilde and try him on Queensberrys charges. His former lover and loyal friend Robbie Ross (Cal MacAninch) comes to the hotel suite where Oscar is holed up, begging him to leave the country, but Bosie tries to keep Oscar from fleeing, insisting that through his connections the case can be dropped. And what does Oscar do? He makes a seminal decision: to have lunch. This is the classic image we have of Wilde: the wit, the seeming frivolity, the voracious appetite for lifes pleasures (he almost single-handedly consumes two bottles of wine in this act alone). But in Hares writing and Everetts playing we are brought deeper and deeper into the complexities of Wildes subjectivity, intelligence and fallibility. We meet a man of deep kindness stemming from his own self-identification as one of British societys others, who bonds with the hotel staff (well-played by Elliot Balchin, Jessie Hills and Alister Cameron) in charming and at points quite moving exchanges. Everett keeps the audience riveted to the plays central mystery: What keeps Oscar so devoted to Bosie, even as we discover the depth of the younger mans self-serving callowness? The play is woven through with Christian symbolism and invites us to consider Wildes devotion to an ideal of love which materialized in his relationship with Bosie as a form of Christ-like suffering. These themes extend into the second act, set in Naples, where Oscar, aged and weakened, comes to join Bosie soon after his release from two years in prison, and they grapple with their increasingly dire financial straits and another series of painful decisions. While this is a very dark, very sad play, there is enormous pleasure in the warmth of the exchanges between Oscar, Bosie and the latters latest conquest, the handsome and conspicuously naked Italian fisherman Galileo (Tom Colley). This is a play that largely consists of people having complex conversations in enclosed spaces; in a lesser production it could easily become draggy. But Neil Armfield directs with a keen attention to pace, tension, and the use of the whole width and depth of the large stage (this production originated in London and visits Toronto en route to a run at the Brooklyn Academy of Music). Rick Fishers lighting design is brilliant throughout in its evocation of the passage of time and change of emotional tones. The grand gestures of Dale Fergusons set design (a huge swag of purple velvet reaching up to the flies in the first act and a similar cream linen one in the second) also help define the playing spaces and create distinct atmospheres. What most distinguishes this production is Everetts total emotional and intellectual presence: Oscar goes on a torturous journey of endurance and Everett brings the audience along through every moment. He has physically transformed himself, not just through weight, costuming and a sway-backed posture to simulate Wildes heavy build and awkward physicality, but also through the very set of his face. His Oscar will be physically and vocally almost unrecognizable to those who remember Everett from his lithe heartthrob persona of the 1980s and 90s. The only question mark is just how insufferable Rowes Bosie is: selfish, initially immature but increasingly revealing a capacity for manipulation. Some small signs of hesitation, doubt or compunction from Rowe (new to the production for its North American dates) would make the relationship between Oscar and Bosie more convincing. MacAninch is excellent and perfectly cast as the tightly wound Robbie, anguished in his unenviable role as go-between for Oscar and his unseen wife, Constance. Everetts performance embodies the paradox that comes from viewing great tragedy: as your heart breaks for his character you cannot but be inspired by the talent it takes to bring this feat of emotional complexity to life. This ones not to be missed. SHARE: For diversity to rival the makeup of a Justin Trudeau cabinet, its hard to beat Chile. From the forbidding, wet and windy peaks of Patagonia in the south to the driest desert in the world in the north, this long filament of a country squeezed between the Andes and the Pacific is decorated with volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, wineries, beaches, as well as increasingly sophisticated cities, such as Santiago and Valparaiso. The vast Atacama Desert is worth a few days of its own. The stunning region features enormous salt flats and lagoons, dunes and (literally) otherworldly landscapes, as at the aptly named Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon). After a few days of altitude acclimatization, one can hike volcanoes, sand-board, or visit the El Tatio geysers from the transit town of San Pedro de Atacama. A trip to the geysers involves a two-hour pre-dawn drive on unpaved roads up to an elevation of more than 4,000 metres. The geysers are scattered over a large area, ringed by mountains forming a natural amphitheatre. Up close, they release near-continuous bursts of steam with a not unpleasant smell of oatmeal cooking. Chile is far away from almost everyone, romantically off the grid. Have gone to Patagonia, legendary travel writer Bruce Chatwin telegrammed his London editors. It was understood he would be unreachable. The tourist infrastructure has developed, but without feeling overly-commercialized. This is mostly a good thing, though not always. Until late 2015, tourists could gambol freely around the geysers, hopping over the small ones, parboiling ones selfie stick over the larger ones. Then a tourist fell into one of the larger geysers and died. Now authorities have encircled the springs with stones painted red or yellow, depending on the level of estimated risk. Until a few years ago, Atacama had been the preserve of backpackers, and the few towns in the region are still populated with hostels, bars and cheap eats. People travel days by bus to Peru to the north, to Bolivia a short distance away to the east, or towards Argentina, reached by mountain pass to the southeast. But Atacama also now features a handful of high-end lodge/spas, such as the Alto Atacama, lovingly designed to incorporate materials and crafts from the surrounding landscape and communities, while leaving a light environmental footprint. Despite its harshness, the Atacama is home to rare species of flamingos, wild guanacos and vicunas the last two being cousins of the llama. Stargazing is a must. The elevation, clear air, and absence of humanity means a show every night (weather permitting). There are even laws in Atacama regulating light pollution. One of the countrys rising destinations is Chiloe Island in the south. It feels like New Zealand, or maybe Ireland lots of fog, rainbows, rolling green hills, tucked-away coves and fishing villages. The 40-island archipelago (named for the main island) is clothed in myths, including that of Trauco, a homely-looking goblin who lives in the forests, and to this day is invoked whenever an unwed woman becomes pregnant. Trauco is one figure in Chilote mythology, which predates the arrival of the Spanish. Chiloe also has an affinity for the potato there are 400, maybe as many as 500 varieties grown, with claims that most potatoes consumed worldwide today are descended from spuds originating in the Chiloe Islands or close by on the mainland. Blue whales gather off the ocean-facing coast, and the archipelago is home to penguin breeding grounds. In the main town of Castro youll see neighbourhoods with colourful houses on stilts. At one time these were considered an eyesore, even illegal, as they are built without permission over water. These days they have been accepted and even promoted as a tourist draw, with a few converted into hostels and small boutique hotels. The islands are dotted by 16 UNESCO-protected wooden churches that locals built between the 17th and 19th centuries under the supervision of Jesuits and Franciscans. Chiloe Island, larger than Prince Edward Island, features biking, horseback riding, and sea kayaking. A stylish lodging option is Tierra Chiloe, a Bond villains lair, eco-friendly and culturally respectful, down to the concrete stilts on which the 12-room facility sits, invoking the wooden houses in nearby Castro. Chileans are hard-working, quietly optimistic they freely admit they are not carefree or brassy. They do not live for today but for the day after tomorrow. They enjoy carefully planned spontaneous fun. Chile is a seismic country, resting atop shifting tectonic plates, so beware: people will try to engage you in conversation about geology. But the country is also proud of its stability in terms of its currency, the economy, politics unlike those mercurial boom-bust neighbours. The dictator Augusto Pinochet has been wiped clean from much of the national consciousness, at least in public fora. One exception is a cool bar-restaurant called The Clinic, which has several locations, including one in Santiago and one with a rooftop terrace on a hill in Valparaiso. The Clinic also, unusually, operates a nationally available satirical newspaper renowned for skewering politicians of all stripes. The name of the bar refers to the fact Pinochet was only finally arrested in 1998, at a medical clinic in London, where he had gone for treatment. Chileans wont pitch their country as being all things to all people: they will tell you frankly to eat beef while in Argentina, but switch to seafood when you arrive in Chile. It will be suggested you drink Malbec in Argentina, Carmenere in Chile. Chileans enjoy telling the story of Carmenere, perhaps as a metaphor for the story of their country its a grape that had nearly been wiped out in its native France, but was diligently cultivated in Chile, without fanfare, for more than a century, finally rediscovered and reintroduced into the international spotlight less than 20 years ago. Santiago is a major metropolis, with the traffic to prove it, while the rest of the country is sparsely populated. Chiles urban jewel is Valparaiso, a pleasant 90-minute drive from Santiago to the Pacific coast, through winery-dominated valleys. Valparaiso is a naval town. Its historic quarter is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with jumbled houses and mansions clinging to steep hillsides overlooking the ocean, rickety funiculars, dinged-up trolleybuses, and a Mediterranean climate. It conjures up California in author John Steinbecks time; its also one of those cities whose charms and collective impression are difficult to convey but instantly understood by anyone who sets foot there, much like a Barcelona, Istanbul or Tokyo. Alexander Wooleys trip was sponsored by Goway travel, LAN/LATAM Airlines and the Chilean Tourism Board, which didnt review or approve this story. SHARE: Last week the province unveiled new rules about police carding, the practice of stopping and documenting civilians who are not suspected of a crime. The process of developing these rules is the real story: we should never have needed a consultation about serial police violations of our legal rights through carding. Black people, who have disproportionately been targeted by our police, should never have been asked about the best way to balance our freedom with public safety, as if the racist police profiling of black people can ever be justified. But residents across the province participated in public consultations on carding anyway, and told the government how to regulate carding out of existence. We asked for a rule that officers tell civilians why we are being stopped; for carbon copy receipts, like those issued for traffic violations; for the destruction of existing carding databases, as the civilian info they hold should never have been collected. The final carding regulations dont contain any of these demands local police service boards must include them before approving the regulation. The new rules on carding come into effect on the first day of next year. Meanwhile, every police services board in Ontario must incorporate the regulation and train its officers accordingly. We never needed a provincial regulation on carding local boards always had the power to stop or restrict it. The province stepped in because municipalities in general, and police boards in particular, refused to challenge their own police. But new provincial rules are a minimum standard, a guideline. Our boards must go much further. The civilian boards charged with police oversight and accountability in Ontarios municipalities have failed us. When the scourge of carding was exposed to these boards, they froze. Some board members, who are appointed by provincial officials or local councils, seemed more inclined to defend the police than hold them to account. When Ottawa police board chair Eli El-Chantiry learned that people of African and Asian heritage in his city were over-represented in carding stops, he countered that Im a visible minority, Ive been in Ottawa for 40 years. I was never stopped or street checked or whatever. Yeah, whatever. I expect police forces to use euphemisms like street checks and community engagement to mask the intimidation, coercion, and humiliation that is carding. But police boards have been quick to adopt this evasive language. Torontos board has been working on what it called a community contacts policy since 2014 to address carding. Many of us have always wanted a policy on police stops. Its time for civilian overseers to use plain language in describing how police treat us. Boards will not be able to claim victory if they pass the provincial half-measures without major improvements. Hundreds of thousands of us who know our names are in a police database for existing in our own streets are not going to forget the stigma we carry. Specifically, black people will not forget that carding data has been used to ruin the professional hopes of people like Ayaan Farah, an airline employee who lost her security clearance and her job in part because of carding. We know how long the needless documentation can follow us, and we wont see our hopes destroyed by reckless policing. After he became mayor in late 2014, John Tory appointed himself to Torontos police services board. People were learning about carding, and demanding for it to end. In April of 2015, Tory reaffirmed his support for carding, voted on a policy to mostly uphold it, then tried to sell his sympathy to the shocked room of advocates and media. Tory said he believed a group of black and brown children who had told him they have regular needless and scary interactions with police. I have no doubt as well, that my kids, if they were stopped in the street, wouldnt be treated that way, Tory added. Accountability is only possible if oversight groups believe our stories of mistreatment through carding and other police activities, but thats not good enough. We want justice, not sympathy or process. The new regulations give boards another chance to implement basic demands for police accountability. It gives Tory and his colleagues another chance to ensure that black kids in Toronto get the respect and service from police that he would expect for his own family. Carding has always been a local issue, and local police boards are to blame if it survives. Desmond Cole is a Toronto-based journalist. His column appears every Thursday. Read more about: SHARE: When Dr. Andre Lalonde presented a seminar to doctors at a dinner in 2014 on how to treat lower back pain that is not extreme but constant, he mentioned he prefers the drug Cymbalta. That just happens to be one of the drugs made by Eli Lilly, the company that paid Lalonde to give the speech. Neither the doctor, a general practitioner from Laval, Que., nor the company would say how much he was paid. But Lalonde insisted: I am free and independent and I speak my mind, not theirs. . . I do not sell anything. That may well be. But the optics are bad, regardless of any doctors good intentions. To independent outsiders it appears that pharmaceutical giants who foot the bill for such seminars are trying to influence the doctors who give the speeches to promote their products, and the physicians who attend to prescribe them. The perception is so bad that 10 Canadian pharmaceutical firms now say they will report how much cash they hand over to physicians each year in an effort to combat the negative connotations. Any step aimed at shining a light on the relationship between doctors and pharmaceutical companies is welcome. But this one doesnt go nearly far enough. Thats because the companies plan to publish statistics on their overall payments to health professionals, not what they give to each individual physician. Whats needed instead is federal legislation requiring all pharmaceutical companies to divulge how much they give individual doctors. Thats what they are already required to do in the United States under a 2010 law called the Physician Payments Sunshine Act. Anything less is, as one critic describes it, a PR gesture at best. The risk is that it could dissuade Ottawa from adopting legislation to make the relationship between doctors and drug companies truly transparent. Sergio Sismondo, a Queens University expert on links between drug companies and doctors, says the amalgamated statistics the companies plan to start publishing next year will be meaningless. Contrast that to the legislation in the U.S., where patients can go online to see which companies are wining and dining and paying their doctors. That makes doctors more cautious about accepting payments, and researchers can see the effects of those payments on how doctors prescribe. Indeed, the U.S. legislation even shows patients if their doctors received free meals from drug companies. Thats important because there is a debate underway in the College of Family Physicians of Canada about whether drug companies should be allowed to sponsor dinner seminars that doctors attend to gain continuing medical education credits like the one Lalonde spoke at or whether physicians should pay for the events themselves. As the Stars David Bruser and Jesse McLean report, some American doctors organizations have banned industry funding of their medical education. Theyve done so because research shows that industry sponsorship biases content. Typically, it emphasizes medication often the companys own products while downplaying treatments like diet or exercise. Its time a real light, not a dim one from a handful of pharmaceutical giants, was shone on how doctors learn about new treatments. Legislation is the way to do it. Otherwise, as Dr. Sheryl Spithoff, a family physician at Womens College Hospital notes, were allowing people to educate us who have other goals. SHARE: Pfizer (PFE) scored the top spot in InterbrandHealth's inaugural ranking of the top 10 biopharmaceutical brands. The ranking uses analytics to quantify the measurable, financial impact that a company's brand has on its overall business performance. After Pfizer, the top ranked brands in order were Roche/Genentech, Merck (MRK) , Johnson & Johnson's (JNJ) Janssen unit, Novartis (NVS) , Amgen (AMGN) , Gilead (GILD) , Novo Nordisk, AstraZeneca (AZN) , and GSK (GSK) . InterbreedHealth said corporate branding is an undervalued asset, and the "Best Pharma Brands" report demonstrates how a company's corporate brand influences decisions made by health care providers. "The role of brand is becoming a differentiator and the leading companies are really pulling away from the pack," said Jane Parker, CEO of InterbrandHealth, who said strong branding benefits the bottom line. The research found that a corporate brand's influence on a health care professional's decision to prescribe or recommend a medication rose from approximately 7% in 2013 to about 11% currently. The survey also looked at the role of brand by region. "The study itself is powered by the opinions of 1,900 global health care professionals in the key markets that really matter to the biopharma business," explained John Breen, executive director of Brand Intelligence & Experience at InterbrandHealth. The research suggested that the role of branding is high in Brazil, at about 14%. China received the lowest score, at 9%. The survey also found that the role of brand varies by therapeutic area. A corporate brand's influence was highest for infectious diseases. A story line that has been playing out for years in the telecommunications industry came to a dramatic conclusion last week when Netflix (NFLX) said that it has been secretly slowing its video streaming to customers, even as some had blamed wireless carriers such as AT&T and Verizon for the poor quality of the programs. Who can even count the number of times they called their Internet service providers to complain when a "House of Cards" episode was interrupted by "buffering?" To make matters worse, the company actually invested resources into mobilizing its legions of customers to take their frustrations out on Verizon, going so far as to post error messages saying things like, "the Verizon network is crowded right now." Netflix said that it wanted to "protect consumers from exceeding mobile data caps" that add costs and turns off customers. But that doesn't explain the company's secrecy or why it blamed Internet service providers (ISPs) like Verizon for the slower video streaming. The truth may actually involve a more cynical calculation centering on a complex but high-stakes regulatory process in Washington, where Netflix essentially needed to convince policymakers that it was the victim of abusive practices by ISPs. The debate centered around an arcane but controversial policy known as net neutrality, the principle that all content flow across the Internet without being throttled, blocked or degraded. Netflix has been a staunch backer of net neutrality and has spent the past few years lobbying the Federal Communications Commission to enact rules that would ensure that the principle of net neutrality is enshrined in existing government regulations that were designed for the Ma Bell telephone monopoly. Not surprisingly, Netflix was joined by other content providers such as Amazon, Apple and Google, whose executives have essentially warned that ISPs would, if allowed, create an Internet system of winners and losers in which premium access would go to those who could pay for it. Net neutrality has become a rallying cry for the grassroots political activists who make up the so-called Netroots community, and in principle, it is hard to argue with the goals. The problem, however, is that companies such as Netflix seem less committed to a democratic principle than it is to protecting its bottom line, even if that means it has to push off its own costs on others. In delivering content, Netflix uses much more data than other content providers, thereby accounting for huge traffic and congestion at critical times of the day when many people are online and watching videos. One solution is that Netflix can cut side deals with ISPs to ensure that their movies are delivered without delays or interruption. In fact, Comcast, a cable and broadband provider, reached a deal with Netflix in 2014 that required Netflix to pay Comcast for faster and more reliable access to Comcast's subscribers. Most other ISPs have also reached similar content delivery agreements. Of course, this is one manifestation of the creation of "winners" that Netflix and others say they fear. Netflix, a company with a valuation of more than $40 billion, has made no secret of its displeasure with paying such costs. Netflix went to the FCC and lobbied for the adoption of net neutrality rules that would impose restrictions on the ability of ISPs to charge for, say, paid, priority services, and would limit what providers could charge to deliver Netflix content -- despite its incredible volume -- to consumers. Netflix's net neutrality argument won the day at the FCC, which adopted net neutrality rules last year through its Open Internet Order. But the debate over net neutrality is hardly over. The U.S. Court of Appeals' District of Columbia Circuit is deliberating on a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Telecom Association challenging the FCC's authority to enforce net neutrality regulations. It is anyone's guess how the court will ultimately rule. But for the sake of American consumers, the court would be wise to consider the troubling new evidence that has surfaced as a result of Netflix's admission. That evidence demonstrates not only that Netflix created a straw man with the intent of convincing the FCC to impose new regulations on its competitors but also that net neutrality regulations may have been based largely on flawed evidence. This article is commentary by an independent contributor. At the time of publication, the author held no positions in the stocks mentioned. Follow John Burnett on Facebook,Twitter and YouTube. Shares of Medivation (MDVN) are rallying after Bloomberg reported the company is working with advisers to defend itself against a potential takeover. The company's stock has come under pressure following March-in requests from U.S. representatives in an open letter to the National Institutes of Health. INTEREST FROM POTENTIAL BUYERS: Medivation is working with advisers to defend against a potential takeover after receiving preliminary interest from possible buyers, Bloomberg reported yesterday, citing people familiar with the matter. The company has no current plans to sell, people told the publication. Other sources told Bloomberg that Sanofi (SNY) has Medivation on its list of potential takeovers. However, it is not clear whether the French company will pursue a deal, the report noted. ACQUISITION SCENARIO: Credit Suisse analyst Kennen MacKay commented on reports that Medivation has hired bankers to defend from an acquisition, saying the company has become vulnerable to a takeover following the pullback in shares. However, conversations with management suggest they are not interested in selling, the analyst told investors in a research note. MacKay's analysis suggests Medivation could be worth $54-$59 per share on operational synergies, and $60-$75 per share with leveraged tax benefits to potential suitors Sanofi, AstraZeneca (AZN) , and Roche (RHHBY) , who have expressed interest in acquiring U.S. oncology companies. The analyst raised his price target on Medivation to $49 from $48 and reiterated an Outperform rating on the name. NO MATERIAL IMPACT: Leerink analyst Geoffrey Porges points out that Medivation's stock has come under significant pressure following an open letter from several U.S. representatives calling for the National Institutes of Health to exercise its "march-in" rights to mandatorily lower the price of Xtandi, the company's prostate cancer drug. However, the analyst believes the letter will have "virtually no chance" of any material change in the realized price for the drug, adding that he sees no reason to change his outlook for Xtandi, or Medivation. Porges reiterated a Market perform rating and $39 price target on Medivation shares. MARCH-IN REQUESTS: A group of twelve congressmen, including presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, issued a letter to the National Institutes of Health strongly encouraging the use of its "march-in" authority and hold a public hearing on the pricing of Xtandi, a prostate cancer drug jointly developed by Medivation and Astellas (ALPMY) . Although march-in rights have never been used, they theoretically allow the government to distribute a company's patent to its competitors in order to protect public interest. American patients are being charged $129,000 for Xtandi, significantly more than the $30,000 being asked of Canadian patients or the $39,000 charged in Japan and Sweden, the lawmakers said. PRICE ACTION: Shares of Medivation are up 13%, or $4.73, to $42.12 in early trading. Reporting done by Jessica de Sa-Mota. The Fly is a leading digital publisher of real-time financial news. Our financial market experts understand that news impacting stock prices can originate from anywhere, at any time. The Fly team scours all sources of company news, from mainstream to cutting-edge, then filters out the noise to deliver short-form stories consisting of only market moving content. Follow @theflynews on Twitter. For a free trial, click here. NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Pandora Media (P) stock is down by 2.94% to $9.23 in late-morning trading on Thursday, as the Internet radio company weighs the sale of KXMZ-FM, the South Dakota radio station it purchased last year to receive lower music royalty rates, Bloomberg reports. Pandora is considering whether to remain a broadcaster, and has asked the FTCto delay a shareholder vote on organizational changes tied to becoming a broadcaster. Pandora is working with Morgan Stanley (MS) to evaluate strategic options, sources told Bloomberg. Shares were down by about 43% during the past year, as Pandora struggles to compete with rivals such as Spotify and Apple (AAPL). Separately, TheStreet Ratings team rates the stock as a "sell" with a ratings score of D. Pandora's weaknesses include its deteriorating net income, disappointing return on equity, weak operating cash flow, generally disappointing historical performance in the stock itself and feeble growth in its earnings per share. You can view the full analysis from the report here: P TheStreet Ratings objectively rated this stock according to its "risk-adjusted" total return prospect over a 12-month investment horizon. Not based on the news in any given day, the rating may differ from Jim Cramer's view or that of this article's author. Sergio Marchionne, chairman and chief executive of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCAU) , reiterated that the automaker is pursuing alliances with non-automotive companies, perhaps Silicon Valley enterprises. "We have parallel conversations with many players who are outside the auto sector at the moment," Marchionne said at an impromptu press conference in Chicago on Wednesday following an industry meeting. "We can't go into these discussions with a precise idea of what FCA wants. We're learning, just as they are learning," he said. "And the solution will be a shared solution and developed together with them, not developed by us alone." Apple (AAPL) and Alphabet's (GOOGL) Google subsidiary have shown strong interest in gaining a foothold in the global automobile industry, perhaps creating the ultimate mobile communications device. But talks between Silicon Valley companies and a range of automakers, including Ford (F) , General Motors (GM) others so far hasn't produced a substantive collaboration. Apple and Alphabet are holdings in Jim Cramer's Action Alerts PLUS portfolio. Marchionne has openly counseled non-auto making tech companies to avoid manufacturing vehicles on their own and seek a collaborative arrangement. He has described himself as an "Apple freak" and conceded that he would like to build a car with Apple. Apple, Google and others possess vast software and artificial intelligence expertise, which are critical to the future of autonomous vehicles and digital mobility solutions, that automakers like FCA are only beginning to comprehend and develop. But automakers are hesitant to become manufacturers for the tech industry, relegating themselves, for example, to the role that Taiwan's Foxconn occupies as a manufacturer of phones for Apple. With more debt and smaller scale than its larger global competitors, FCA is one automaker that may face bigger dangers than losing its brand prominence to Apple or Google. Fiat was one of the weaker global automakers even before it joined with Chrysler following the latter's 2009 bankruptcy. "Apple has a language, and you have to be able to speak that language," Marchionne said at the auto show in Geneva, Switzerland, earlier this month. "Usually the industry comes into that dialogue with a high degree of arrogance as we know how to make cars. That's not very helpful as their syntax is worth more than our ability to build cars." Meanwhile, speculation that FCA might be interested in a collaboration with French automaker Peugeot hasn't drawn any positive comments from FCA's chief. "We ... realized that even though there was a certain advantage in an association with PSA, it was an advantage that was too little and that in effect would limit the choices open to FCA going forward," he told Reuters on Wednesday. Like FCA, Peugeot has only a small presence in China. Marchionne earlier sought a tie-up with General Motors, partly because of its strong growth in the Chinese market. Doron Levin is the host of "In the Driver Seat," broadcast on SiriusXM Insight 121, Saturday at noon, encore Sunday at 9 a.m. This article is commentary by an independent contributor. At the time of publication, the author held no positions in the stocks mentioned. London: Tata Steel on Wednesday put its British business up for sale, sparking calls for the government to intervene and safeguard thousands of jobs in the crisis-hit industry. Tata said in a statement that trading had "rapidly deteriorated" in Britain and Europe, adding that it will "explore all options for portfolio restructuring including the potential divestment of Tata Steel UK, in whole or in parts". The company blamed chronic global oversupply of steel, a "significant increase" in cheaper imports into Europe - particularly from China - and plunging prices in recent times. Tata is also battling high costs, currency volatility and weak global demand for steel, which is mostly used in construction. Read: Tata Steel puts entire UK business up for sale "These factors are likely to continue into the future and have significantly impacted the long term competitive position of the UK operations," the group added in a statement issued in Mumbai. Management of its European division Tata Steel Europe will now evaluate and implement the most feasible option for its British operations. Read: Tata's UK steel exit raises expectations of European mergers The group employs around 15,000 staff in Britain, including the country's biggest steel plant at Port Talbot in Wales. Parliament recall? Prime Minister David Cameron will chair a meeting of key ministers early Thursday, according to his office, but has resisted calls form opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn to recall parliament from its Easter holiday to address the threat to jobs. "The news that Tata is preparing to pull out of steel-making in Britain puts thousands of jobs across the country and a strategic UK-wide industry at risk," Mr Corbyn wrote in a letter to Cameron. "MPs must have the chance now to debate the future of steel and hold ministers to account for their failure to intervene," said the leader, who visited Port Talbot on Wednesday. His party has called for the government to intervene, possibly by taking a public stake in the industry to avert a collapse. Business Secretary Sajid Javid chaired a ministerial meeting Wednesday to discuss the issue and will return early from his trade visit to Australia, according to a government statement. Mr Cameron has yet to comment but the British government has urged Tata to allow time to locate a potential buyer. "We want enough time to be able to secure a buyer. That will take months," said Business Minister Anna Soubry. She insisted that the Conservative administration was considering "all options" and raised the possibility of management and unions being involved in any future plans. Union representatives had travelled to Mumbai as a company board meeting was held to try to convince Tata to invest in the plants, which employ thousands in England and Wales. Politician Leanne Wood, leader of Welsh party Plaid Cymru, described the news as "devastating" and also called for the Welsh regional assembly to be recalled from its Easter break to respond to the crisis. Tata had previously announced a series of job cuts at its Port Talbot site, where it employs 4,000 people, with another 3,000 employed as contractors and temporary workers. A joint statement from the British government and the Welsh regional government said they would work with unions to maintain the steel industry. Unions have accused China of killing off British industry by "dumping" steel on the market at prices that cannot be competed with. Tata said it had poured money into the UK businesses and suffered asset impairments of more than 2 billion pounds ($2.8 billion, 2.5 billion euros) in the last five years. Chances of sale 'very slim' Analysts poured cold water on the prospect of a sale any time soon. "The prospect of Tata Steel finding a buyer for all its UK operations looks very slim," said Russ Mould, investment director at broker AJ Bell. "Tata has taken a 2.0-billion-pounds hit on its UK arm in the past five years and any buyer for the entire business would need to be both an eternal optimist and have very deep pockets, given the continuing fall in demand for steel." Tata Steel Europe was known as Corus Group until Tata bought the Anglo-Dutch steelmaker for $13 billion in 2007 - at the height of Chinese steel demand and before the global financial crisis. Stocks struggled to stay in the green on Thursday, but were on track for a stellar finish to the month. The S&P 500 was down 0.2% on Thursday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.04%, and the Nasdaq was flat. All benchmark indexes had been slightly higher earlier in the session. The S&P 500 and Dow remain higher for the year and are up more than 6% for the month. The official monthly U.S. jobs report will be released on Friday. Economists anticipate 210,000 jobs to have been added to nonfarm payrolls in March, while the unemployment rate is expected to hold steady at 4.9%. The number of new claims for U.S. unemployment benefits reached their highest since the end of January, climbing 11,000 to 276,000 in the past week, according to the Labor Department. The less-volatile, four-week average rose 3,500 to 263,250. However, the measure remained near multi-year lows and suggested the labor market was still in robust shape. Economic activity in the Chicago area bounced in March as its manufacturing sector recovered from the effects of a stronger U.S. dollar and weaker oil prices. The Chicago PMI climbed to 53.6, according to the Institute for Supply Management, coming back from contraction territory. "The details of the Chicago PMI were quite encouraging, and the upbeat tone in this report follows a similar constructive tone in other regional manufacturing indicators which have been pointing to a turn for the better in the U.S. manufacturing sector," said Millan Mulraine, deputy chief U.S. macro strategist at TD Securities. "More importantly, the upswing in the forward-looking indicators suggests that the upward momentum will be sustained in the coming months." The S&P 500 and Dow closed at their highest levels of 2016 on Wednesday as investors continued to feel comfort from dovish Federal Reserve comments earlier in the week. Fed Chair Janet Yellen assured investors on Tuesday that the central bank would move gradually in raising rates. Crude oil was slightly higher on Thursday, though investors continued to worry over domestic and international oversupply. A report released Wednesday showed a smaller-than-anticipated increase in weekly domestic inventories, though any increase at all exacerbates the current supply glut. Oil production from the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries rose in March as Iran continued to flood markets after the lifting of its sanctions. OPEC members will meet in Qatar on April 17 to discuss a possible production freeze, though Iran has seemed unwilling to agree to such a cap. West Texas Intermediate crude oil was up 0.8% to $38.63 a barrel on Thursday. The commodity had snapped a five-session losing streak on Wednesday but only by a small margin. Tesla (TSLA) climbed 3% ahead of the unveiling of its latest electric car model. The company will unveil the new Model 3 electric car this evening in California and people have already begun to line up at stores to reserve their own. The Model 3 will cost around $35,000, a lower price point than previous models that should appeal to a larger market. Chipotle (CMG) was slightly higher on news the burrito chain has filed a trademark application for "Better Burger." The company said it was exploring launching a fast-casual burger chain to complement its other fast-casual pizza concepts. Micron Technology (MU) fell 2% after swinging to a loss in its recent quarter as sales tumbled. The semiconductor company has seen declining sales of its memory chips as sales of personal computers decline. Micron reported an adjusted quarterly loss of 5 cents a share, 3 cents narrower than expected. Fitbit (FIT) climbed 4% after announcing that it has shipped more than 1 million of its new Fitbit Blaze devices and more than 1 million of its Fitbit Alta since availability began earlier this month. The Fitbit Blaze is a higher-end smartwatch designed to compete with the Apple Watch. Shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) popped over 25% this week after an FDA panel voted in favor of approving its drug for Parkinson's disease psychosis. Despite the pop, the company's stock still trades at nearly half of where it was last summer. Michael Kramer, portfolio manager at Mott Capital Management, says the corner has been turned and it could soon regain those heights with a potentially favorable outcome from the FDA in early May. Kramer added that the shares could see an additional surge because "a lot of people got short the stock ahead of this panel thinking it would ultimately not get a favorable outcome." Kramer is also bullish on Alkermes (ALKS) , which saw its stock halved in January when its drug for depression had a disappointing trial. He said the company is making adjustments in the wake of the trial on that particular drug, but it has a deep pipeline that is being overlooked. "The Street really discounts a lot of the pipeline they are working on," said Kramer. Meanwhile, Kramer is also positive on Starbucks (SBUX) , which is flat year-to-date, but up 29% in the past 12 months. While Starbucks trades at over 27 times its 2017 earnings, Kramer said the high multiple does not faze him because of the company's technological advances. "They have a unique way of using technology and smartphones to make it really simple for people to order a $4 cup of coffee," said Kramer. Finally, Kramer is a fan of Verizon (VZ) , up 17% thus far in 2016, saying there is more to the telecom giant than the company's 4.2% dividend yield. "There is a new on demand generation," said Kramer. "These are people who consume data at their demand and it means there will be a massive amount of data consumption going through the pipe into your home or the mobile phone in your hand. And that really will be the key driver for Verizon going into the future." The high cost of living in Washington, D.C., isn't preventing out-of-state college grads from setting up shop in the nation's capital. "Washington, D.C., came up right at the top of the list as a city that attracted a lot of out of state grads," said Stephen Dash, CEO of Credible, which issued a report on which cities had more out-of-state graduates than in-state grads. "The rent-to-income ratios are high, but the employment prospects are high, so we hypothesize that graduates are making a longer-term decision about their career growth." Washington D.C.'s ratio of out-of-state to in-state grads was 2.2, the report found. The city's rent-to-income ratio is 19.9%. The median ratio of the 20 cities Credible analyzed, which included major hubs like New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco, was 18.5%. Next on the list was Charlotte, N.C., with an out-of-state to in-state ratio of 2.17. "People in Charlotte are attracted by a lower cost of living than some of the other cities we compared," Dash added. Out-of-state graduates in Charlotte also held a median student loan debt of $42,650, compared to $58,143 in New York City and $77,530 in Philadelphia. Dash said the lower student debt levels make it easier to buy a home, instead of merely renting. "Charlotte is an affordable place to be a homeowner," he said. As for Denver, which took the third spot on Credible's list, Dash points the city's relatively low rent-to-income ratio of 18%, compared to 20.77% in New York and 20.9% in Los Angeles. "Denver is an up and coming technology hub," Dash noted. "Grads are attracted to a job market that is buoyant." The fourth most appealing city for out-of-state graduates was Portland, Oregon, which holds an out-of-state to in-state ratio of 1.48. "Graduates of STEM type degrees - science, technology, engineering and math - are attracted to cities like Portland," Dash added. Rounding out the top five on the list was Seattle, Wash., which also has a robust tech center. "The city is in the Pacific West Coast and from a climate, cultural and employment perspective, (the city is) very attractive for recent graduates," Dash said, adding that the employment market in the city has been buoyed by technology. Microsoft (MSFT) and Amazon.com (AMZN) are major local employers. Shares of Fitbit (FIT) opened higher on Thursday and didn't looked back, doubling that gain by the end of trading. So what has the stock moving so far, so fast? The company's new Blaze smartwatch and Alta fitness devices are selling like hotcakes. In the first month of availability, the company has sold more than one million units for each device, a pace that not even Fitbit expected to see, let alone Wall Street. The results are sending shares of Fitbit higher because of what sales for each of these devices can do for the company's earnings and margins. The price for the Blaze comes in at $200, while the Alta prices in at $130. Given that shares of Fitbit have been walloped -- still down 48% despite Thursday's big rally -- this bit of good news is music to investors' ears. Shares of Fitbit closed at $15.15 Thursday, up 13.1%. Amazon (AMZN) wants to make sure that when you run out of something in constant use in your home, it gets replenished quickly...by them. The way the company's Dash Button works is pretty easy: Simply stick it in the area where you keep your product -- such as on the washing machine -- and when you're running low on detergent, simply press the button and viola! More Tide shows up two days later. In order to use the Dash Button, customers need to be Amazon Prime members. Amazon tripled the amount of available brands included in the Dash Button program, which now includes Energizer, Clorox (CLX) , Brawny, Red Bull and many more. Ranging from coffee to Lysol to condoms, Amazon's got its customers covered. Each Dash Button costs $4.99 -- but after the first use, customers will receive a $4.99 credit to their Amazon account. So while it's not really free, assuming customers will keep using their Amazon Prime account to order things, it's eventually free. Shares of Amazon closed at $593.64 Thursday, down nearly 1%. Does Alphabet's (GOOGL) Google owe Oracle (ORCL) $8.8 billion? Oracle says yes, while -- surprise -- Google says it doesn't. The nearly $9 billion figure arises from Oracle's claim of a copyright infringement. In a new court filing, Google said it "strongly disagrees" with Oracle's claim that Google used "certain parts of the programming language Java in its Android operating system," according to Business Insider. Basically, Oracle is arguing Google used parts of a programming language that it owns, without paying for it. As a result, Oracle wants to be paid back. Barring a settlement, the case will head to court where it will be decided whether there was any wrongdoing on Google's part. The court date is scheduled for May, and for those of you just now hearing about it, it's actually been a six-year ordeal. Shares of Alphabet closed at $762.90, down nearly 1% Thursday. Oracle closed at $40.91, down a fraction of a percentage point. This article is commentary by an independent contributor. At the time of publication, the author held no positions in the stocks mentioned. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close 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. Hrithik, in his legal notice to Kangana, claimed to have received about 1,439 emails from the 'Tanu Weds Manu Returns' actress on his correct email-ID, and also the forwarded emails she had sent to the fake ID and the replies received therein. Theres no end in sight to the legal battle between Hrithik Roshan and Kangana Ranaut. Hrithik has told the police that Kangana was the fan who had been interacting with the imposter who was pretending to be Hrithik Roshan. The pretender had been using the fake email ID hroshan@-email.com to be in contact with the actors fans and friends. The Mumbai polices cyber crime cell has issued summons to the actress to record her statement and has given her seven days. Since her sister Rangoli was also aware of the incident, she too has been ordered to appear too. However, Kangana has been claiming that it was Hrithik himself who was interacting with her through the mentioned email ID. Kangana also maintains that it wasnt fake. Meanwhile Kanganas advocate Rizwan Siddiquee stated, No Police Officer can summon my client Ms. Kangana Ranaut or her sister Ms. Rangoli to any police station to record their statement as a witness under Section 160 of CRPC. The Witness summons sent to my client and her sister by the Police Officer is patently illegal, as no woman can ever be called to the police station to record their statements as per the provisions of law. However, Kangana has promised to cooperate with the police. Hrithik had apparently found out about the emails from Kangana at a party and had gone ahead to lodge a complaint against the imposter in December 2014. He hadnt named Kangana back then but had informed that the fan had send a lot of photographs and film clips on the fake email address, thinking that she was sending it to me and if it is used wrongly, it can prove detrimental for the girl. Kanganas statement Hrithik Roshan had admittedly full knowledge of the so-called imposter in May 2014. However, he did not take any action against the so-called imposter for a good seven months nor did he as a responsible citizen, then bother to take the required details of the imposter from my client during those seven months. I... proved the extent of blatant lies that his notice contained and questioned him as to how was he attending my clients private birthday party with his entire family and my client was attending his party besides his sister's and his father's birthday party as well, if he did not know my client socially at all. Hrithik Roshan was also prudently questioned as to why no case was registered against an imposter at the right time when it was required. However thereafter on receiving my notice on the 1st of March he cleverly chose to maintain a 'dignified silence" as there could not have been any good reply to my notice where his statements were proved to be just blatant lies. In this Feb. 26, 2003 file photo, Serbian ultranationalist Vojislav Seselj is seen during his initial appearance at the Yugoslav war crimes tribunal in The Hague, Netherlands. In a sweeping defeat for U.N. prosecutors, the Yugoslav war crimes tribunal acquitted Serbian ultranationalist politician Vojislav Seselj on Thursday, March 31, 2016 of all nine counts alleging that he was responsible for, or incited, atrocities by Serbian paramilitaries in the wars in Bosnia and Croatia in the early 1990's. (AP Photo/Toussaint Kluiters, Pool, File) Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump waves to supporters as he leaves a campaign stop Wednesday, March 30, 2016, in Appleton, Wis. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) Recover your password. A password will be e-mailed to you. Karan and Bipasha met on the sets of Alone and have been inseparable ever since. Mumbai: Several speculations are being made about actress Bipasha Basu, who has been in several long term relationships with actors John Abraham, Dino Morea and Harman Baweja, is finally settling down with her beau of two years- Karan Singh Grover. According to the recent reports, the two lovers who met on the sets of Alone, will tie the knot next month. The wedding date has been set for April 29th 2016. Bipasha and Karan will tie the knot in a small intimate wedding at the actress Khar residence, which will be attended by only a few close friends and family. Their reception however, will be a grand one at a five star hotel in Mumbai. Bipashas designer buddy Rocky S will reportedly be designing the bride and grooms outfits for their special day. Bipasha recently visited Delhi for a store launch where she was interrogated about her much-speculated wedding with her boyfriend Karan Singh Grover. Bipasha broke the silence and said, When it will happen, you all will get to know. [COMMUNICATED CONTENT] Rochester, NY is an out of town community where Middos and Limud HaTorah are the focal point. Located in Western NY between Buffalo and Syracuse, being part of our close-knit kehilla means that you are not just another face in the crowd. Additionally, our community is only a 3 hour drive from Toronto and 4.5 hours from Monsey, making it easy to visit family and friends. The cost of housing along with the quality of the neighborhood is hard to believe. You can purchase a 3 bedroom home for around $150,000 and a 4-5 bedroom home for between $200,000 and $225,000. Here is an example of a home purchased by a frum couple in the summer of 2014. A 5 bedroom home for $205,000! CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ROCHESTER, NY Our neighborhood is very clean, quiet and full of wonderful people. Career opportunities are available in a variety of fields, and we are happy to aid in job searches using our local connections and relationships with staffing agencies. Rochester has strong education and medical fields and is full of many opportunities for professionals. Rochesters Yeshiva Elementary school Derech HaTorah is anticipating openings for a half-time kindergarten Morah position and a half-time second grade Morah or Rebbe position for the 2016-2017 school year. There may be limudei chol positions available as well. If you are interested and qualified, please email your resume to [email protected] or call the school office at 585-266-2920. Whatever your stage in life, Rochester has something to offer. There are schools and Yeshivos to guide a person from preschool through Kollel, as well as many learning programs for adult men and women. Children receive personalized education from dedicated Morahs and Rabbeim who strive to help each student reach his or her potential through a variety of learning styles. Several Shuls and various Davening options for both weekdays and Shabbos, along with daily Shiurim round out the deal. Despite our size, Rochester is definitely a true Makom Torah. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ROCHESTER, NY If all that isnt enough to pique your interest, here is one more incentive for considering Rochester. Derech HaTorah of Rochester, our Yeshiva elementary school, is currently offering a fantastic tuition break for new students. New families pay a flat rate of $1,000 per year for ALL of their childrens tuition for their first two years in Rochester. Whether you will be sending one child or eight to DHR, your expense will still be $1,000 total. So, if you are looking to relocate your family to a community where you can make a difference, where your children will have wonderful, wholesome friends, and where Torah hashkafos guide your way of life, dont waste another day. We are waiting to welcome you. See our website www.TorahRochester.com for more details or contact t Ben at [email protected] or 631-336-1278 t to learn more or to schedule a visit. Click HERE or on the image below to visit Torah Rochesters Android app. Deepika will be seen playing a huntress Selena in 'xXx: The Return of Xander Cage'. Deepika Padukone was spooted by fans at the Toronto airport this morning, as she flew back for her xXx: The Return of Xander Cage. The actress, who is making her Hollywood debut as the leading lady in this action flick, headed back after a restful break in Sri Lanka. Deepika flew down a week back, to attend her best friends wedding. The star made headlines when photos and videos of her enjoying some personal time with rumoured beau Ranveer Singh turned up online. Both Ranveer and Deepika were the star entertainers of the wedding bash, as they hit the dance floor together and got the guests grooving to hit Bollywood tracks. Deepika Padukone signs autographs at the Toronto airport. After spending long and restful holiday at the wedding and also a little time at home, Deepika is all set to continue working on the action flick. She will join Vin Diesel, Nina Dobrev and Ruby Rose on the films Canadian sets. According to previous reports, Deepika has another month of gruelling shoots to go through, before she heads back home. While she will be seen in this Hollywood film, the star has not yet signed any Bollywood films for 2016. Deepika Padukone spotted with fans at the Toronto airport Deepika Padukone poses with her fans for a selfie at the Toronto airport Hamas has issued a statement calling on Palestinians to rally around al-Aqsa to protect the holy site from mass invasion. The terror organization adds that the youths of the intifada will not yield to Israeli efforts to prevent them from entering the site. According to a Ynet report, there has also been a short documentary posted to social media that claims Israel is carrying out underground excavations in the area of the Mughrabi Gate entrance to Har Habayis. One speaker on the documentary is the head of the Israel Islamic Association Sheikh Raid Salah, who warns of secret Israel excavations and he then calls to stop the Israeli attacks against al-Aqsa. Salah is well-known for his ties to Hamas and he has sat in Israeli prison on numerous occasions because of his terrorist ties. He calls on the Government of Jordan to use the media to expose Israels activities and the ongoing Israeli aggression. Adding to the incitement, a photo of Har Habayis activist Yehuda Glick with a red circle around him, targeting him, is once again being circulated in PA social media. Bchasdei Hashem Glick survived an attempted assassination connected to his activities to permit Jews freedom of worship on Har Habayis. Gedolei Yisrael over the generations and the Chief Rabbinate of Israel prohibit visiting Har Habayis (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) The High Court of Justice on Tuesday, 19 Adar-II, rejected a petition from the daily Haaretz, seeking to be granted an interview with convicted terrorist Marwan Barghouti. Barghouti, who heads the Tanzim faction of Fatah, is currently serving five life sentences for his crimes. Haaretz reports it filed a request with the Israel Prison Authority towards the end of 2014 to interview Barghouti, a request that was denied. The High Court ruled 2-1 against the Haaretz petition. Justices Yoram Danziger and Uri Shoham explained that if Barghouti wants to be interviewed, he should petition the court, not the newspaper on his behalf. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) The Jerusalem Planning Board approved a plan for a forestry/park area in the Ramot neighborhood of Jerusalem and as a result, the plan to build 1,400 apartments in the community has been scrapped. The District Planning Board approved the apartments, but Mayor Nir Barkat objected, wishing to advance the park which will also serve as a hub for cultural events in the future. Chareidi councilmen oppose the mayors plan, explaining the immediate need for additional apartments in the city at large, including Ramot. It is explained that in this vote, the fact that Councilmen Yitzchak Pindrus was not present permitted the city to pass the park plan at the expense of the apartments. Chareidi representatives in City Hall accuse the city of promoting the park plan simply to curtail the growth of the chareidi community in Ramot. Five chareidim attended the meeting; Yisrael Kellerman, Chaim Epstein, Michael Michaeli, and Yochanan Weizman [who is replacing Yossi Deutsch who is out of the country]. There were also five representatives from the dati and non-religious sectors so the vote passed by the chairman using his double vote in this case Meir Turgeman. Absent from the meeting was Degel Hatorah Councilman Yitzchak Pindrus, who is also abroad. Epstein was quite vocal, accusing them of masking their disdain for chareidim with concerns for nature and preserving the greenery of Ramot. Explaining the events from a different perspective, Pindrus told Kikar Shabbos News he is only supposed to fill in for Bayit Yehudi Councilman Dov Kalmanovich and as per the agreement, he may not vote contrary to his position on matters of principle. Pindrus shifts the probe to the Shas camp, explaining that Shas has only one representative on the planning board while according to the division of authority the party is entitled to two. Perhaps in an effort to minimize the damage, one chareidi official explains the planned housing was not suitable for chareidim because it called for tall buildings which are not in line with the lifestyle of frum families. He feels the battle is not between City Hall and chareidim, but between Barkat and Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon. Mayor Barkats office explains that the mayor remains committed to preserving the green areas of the capital but side-by-side, the city is also committed to constructing an additional 30,000 apartments to be constructed in areas that are not subject to controversy. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) Hillary Clintons campaign aims to effectively end the Democratic primaries against Bernie Sanders by early May. But first she needs to navigate tricky contests in Wisconsin and her home state of New York. Clinton enters April with a big delegate lead and insider support among Democrats crucial to the nomination. But Sanders is pointing to victories in five of the past six states holding contests among them, three western states and views Wisconsin as a home for the progressive causes he has long supported. We are on a roll. Our campaign has momentum, Sanders told a crowd of about 4,000 Tuesday night inside the Wisconsin State Fair Park Products Pavilion in Milwaukee. A win by Sanders here next week would put pressure on Clinton to deliver in New York, which she represented in the Senate. Returning to New York ahead of the states April 19 primary, Clinton campaigned at Harlems famed Apollo Theater and unveiled a new television ad taking on Republican Donald Trumps hardline immigration policies and violence at some of his rallies. Wisconsin, with its mix of urban and rural voters, could offer parallels to its Midwestern neighbors. Sanders triumph in Michigan earlier this month was one of the biggest moments of his campaign but Clinton defeated him a week later in Illinois and Ohio, setting up a new fight. Sanders, reprising a message he used effectively against Clinton in Michigan, said disastrous trade policies led to the 1996 loss of Milwaukees Johnson Controls plant to Mexico and the closure of Janesvilles General Motors plant in 2008. In a play for Democrats hearts, Clinton has slammed Republican Gov. Scott Walker, a former presidential candidate who rose to prominence through his fights with organized labor. Clinton accuses Walker of taking a wrecking ball to the rights of workers and women. She also puts Walker at the center of her critique of Sanders plan to provide free tuition at public colleges and universities, saying it relies too heavily on governors kicking in funding. Sanders, who advocates for large voter turnout at every turn, has lashed out against Wisconsins voter identification, faulting Walker with making it harder for people to vote. Sanders, despite the wins in Washington state, Alaska and elsewhere, still faces significant hurdles. Clinton has won 1,243 pledged delegates compared to Sanders 980, according to a count by The Associated Press. Clintons lead grows when including superdelegates, or party officials like members of Congress and state leaders who can back any candidate they wish. Including superdelegates, Clinton has 1,712 delegates to Sanders 1,011. It takes 2,383 to win and Clintons team has suggested April 26 primaries in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Delaware as a time when it could essentially seal the nomination. Then-Illinois Sen. Barack Obama defeated Clinton handily in Wisconsins primary in 2008. Her team has suggested that either a narrow victory or loss would not have a major influence on the overall delegate count. And theres new cause for concern. A new opinion poll from Marquette University shows 49 percent of likely Democratic primary voters in Wisconsin support Sanders, compared to 45 percent for Clinton. About 6 percent of respondents were undecided. The results are within the surveys margin of error. In New York, both candidates are preparing for a drag-out fight in a state where both have roots. At a rally in New Yorks iconic Harlem neighborhood Wednesday, Clinton sought to emphasize her differences with Sanders while touting her home state advantage. My opponent says, well, were just not thinking big enough, she told supporters. Well, this is New York. Nobody dreams bigger than we do. But this is a city that likes to get things done. And thats what we want from our president too. Sanders, who grew up in Brooklyn, aims to build a coalition of liberal voters in New York City and economically-frustrated areas upstate, which has suffered as manufacturing jobs have declined. Hes also planning to highlight his strong opposition to fracking, an oil-and-gas extraction method thats New York State was the first to ban. Clinton, meanwhile, plans to highlight her record as senator, particular her economic work upstate and aid to 9/11 first responders. Sanders is going to campaign like a Brooklynite and shes going to campaign like a senator who represented this state for eight years and has lived here for 16, said her senior strategist Joel Benenson. It may be competitive but hes not going to get a number in New York thats going to change the delegate count materially. But Clintons history in New York raises the stakes win or lose. If its even close, Secretary Clinton will have a whole other set of problems, said Democratic strategist Hank Sheinkopf, a New York-based consultant to President Bill Clintons 1996 re-election campaign. Republicans will think its a great day and Democrats will freak out. (AP) In one of the biggest waves of aliyah in the last months, 257 Olim from the Ukraine have landed in Israel on Wednesday, 20 Adar-II, arriving by on flights from the Ukraine. Amongst them is Sergei, whose grandmother hid her real name and Jewish identity until her very last day. Earlier Wednesday, two flights from the Ukraine have landed in Israel, carrying 257 new Olim, Most of whom are refugees from the war zones in the east of the country. Amongst the new Olim is Sergei, who came with his wife Olana and their son, David. Sergeis mother, Alla, who escorted him to the flight, and his late grandmother, Lida are both Holocaust survivors. Sergei told that after the holocaust his grandmother changed her last name from Mendeleyev to Michayilev, as well as her first name from Itta to Lida, in order to hide her Jewish identity, in fear of her and her familys well-being. Thank G-d that we are immigrating to a country where a man can be proud of his Judaism, said Sergei. With him on the flight were Roman and Victoria, a young couple in their Thirties. The couple, both trained electricians who worked for the Ukrainian railways system, decided to make aliyah after being forced to fix trains in the war-zones around the city of Donetsk for the last couple of years, while under heavy artillery and the exchange of fire between Russian separatists and Ukrainian forces. Before boarding the flight, Roman said When we were forced to fix the trains electrical systems while being under fire, we didnt know if we will make it back home. Roman added that The war has led us to the realization that we need to make a decision about our future, which was to make aliyah. Since we are Jewish, we feel that its only natural for us to wish for a better life in Israel. Roman and Victoria made aliyah along with their two children. The flights that have landed today were the 25th to be organized by the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ). The youngest immigrant aboard the flights was 8 months old Angelina. In total, 10 babies arrived aboard todays flights (up to and including the age of one). The number of children on the flights (up to the age of 13) was 68. The oldest immigrant was Irina, who is 90 years old. Most of the new arrivals prefer to settle in Haifa, where 46 olim are destined to settle. Other cities where many of the Olim will settle are: Ashdod, Ashkelon, Bat Yam, Beersheva, Eilat, Nahariya, Netanya, Petah Tikva, Kiryat Yam, Rishon Ltzion and Tel Aviv Most of which are known by their large community of Russian-speaking residents and for the local authorities cooperation in the absorption process of the olim. According to many of the olim, along with the fighting itself the economic situation in the country has also severely deteriorated, making it very difficult for them to support their families. In light of the economic situation of many of the new olim, the IFCJ is assisting them by granting special grants for the sum of 1000$ per adult and 500$ per child, in addition to financing their flights to Israel. This support by the IFCJ is granted in addition to the Absorption grants (Sal Klita) and other the benefits the new olim are entitled to by the ministry of absorption in Israel. Even before reaching Israel, the IFCJ is taking care of the new olim and their families absorption in their future local communities, who enlist to accompany the olim in finding housing and jobs for them and their families. The IFCJ continues to accompany the families even after their absorption in their new homes. Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, president of the IFCJ, stated that Today is a festive and heart-warming day in which 257 Jews make aliyah to Israel. Aliyah is the manifestation of the Zionist vision and a key factor in the social and economic development of Israel. Among the olim are doctors, engineers and teachers, along with children who will soon integrate into society and thus strengthen it. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem / Photos: Daniel Bar-On) From terror squads who slip past border controls to the valiant but all-too-improvised emergency response, the backstory of last weeks attacks in Brussels is eerily similar to what happened in the U.S. in the leadup to Sept. 11, 2001. Virtually every mistake made then by the U.S. national security machine found its analogue in Belgium on March 22. Now Europes leaders need to work out their own answers to those challenges while overcoming particularly European obstacles. Until they do, their citizens will remain exposed to the next atrocity. Intelligence sharing in Europe today is a lot like what we experienced in the United States before 9/11, U.S. Senator Angus King, who was on a fact-finding mission in Paris when the bombers struck last week, said in an e-mailed response to questions. Rivalries and complicated histories are acting as barriers that prevent intelligence agencies across Europe from working together. The 28-nation European Union makes peace, not war. It has done that job so well that it won the Nobel Prize in 2012. But the struggle to track the attackers who wreaked havoc in Brussels shows it also needs to beef up its defense apparatus, and that is alien to an EU culture predicated on tearing ramparts down, not putting them up. When future historians come to render their judgment on the Brussels airport and subway bombings that killed 32, they could work from the independent U.S. report on the 9/11 attacks. In some cases, just the details have changed. U.S. spy services chased, then lost sight of two al-Qaida operatives in 2000; Belgium and the Netherlands were put on the trail of one of the Brussels suicide bombers in July and let the lead go cold. The U.S. arrested a trainee pilot, later reputed to be the 20th hijacker, in August 2001; Belgian police caught Salah Abdeslam, wanted for Novembers murders in Paris, four days before the Brussels bombings. The U.S. chain of command broke when a belated order to shoot down hijacked airliners failed to reach air force pilots; the Belgian parallel was the 52-minute delay between the airport blasts and the first hesitant thoughts of evacuating the soon-to-be-targeted subway system. New York port authority radios stopped working as the World Trade Center towers crumbled, Belgiums emergency wireless network was quickly overloaded, forcing first responders onto messaging systems like WhatsApp. The U.S. reports conclusion applies to Brussels as well as the two attacks in Paris last year: the assaults were a shock, but they should not have come as a surprise. No one expects European governments to mobilize as rapidly as the U.S. after 9/11 with the bloc already in a defensive crouch. Signature achievements like the 26-nation passport-free travel zone are under threat, Britain is considering leaving the EU and the blocs late 20th century faith in trade, travel, communication and finance as a benign force is being shaken to its core by the refugees flooding across its frontiers. While much has been made of Belgiums failings the split between Dutch- and French-speaking subcultures, interlocking layers of government that obscure accountability, the neglect of aggrieved Muslim communities they are a microcosm of what Europe has to contend with. National security in the EU is just that: a national prerogative. It comes down to typical gumshoe detective-type work, said Colin Clarke, a terrorism researcher at RAND Corp. in Pittsburgh. European intel services definitively have more suspects that they need to track, monitor and surveil. The sharing within Europe sometimes seems to stop at the border, while terrorists dont. The EU appointed its first anti-terrorism coordinator in 2007, in a bid to step up intelligence efforts in response to the bombings in Madrid in 2004 and London in 2005. Yet European agencies are still engaged in the turf battles that absorbed CIA and FBI attention in the runup to 9/11. In a March 1 report, the anti-terror coordinator, Belgiums Gilles de Kerchove, called for further urgent improvements on information sharing and border security. To take one data point: an estimated 5,000 European citizens went on jihadist junkets to join extremist groups like Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, but there are only 2,786 in one database, 1,473 in another, and 90 percent of the names added recently came from only five EU governments. Some continental intelligence agencies jealously guard their secrets, said Sajjan Gohel, international security director for the Asia-Pacific Foundation in London. Often they have a piece of the puzzle that if they put it together, they form a wider picture of what the network actually looks like. But they need to put it together realtime, not post-incident. The potpourri of European watchlists includes Focal Point Travelers and the European Information System, both managed by Europol, the EUs police-coordinating agency; the Schengen Information System and Visa Information System, used by national police and border patrols; Eurodac, a roster of applicants for political asylum; ECRIS, a repository of criminal records; and a nascent database of air passenger profiles, modeled on the U.S. tracking system. The air-traveler monitoring system proposal has also been around since 2007, blocked by the European Parliament on personal-privacy grounds until the Paris killing spree in November forced it back onto the agenda. Even now, some EU lawmakers are stalling the measure until more data-protection safeguards can be introduced, in another example of the peacetime priorities prevailing over security concerns. In my discussions with security officials in Europe last week, I sensed a growing recognition that they must overcome these barriers between agencies, said King, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee . Hopefully it will not take another attack to begin seeing results. (c) 2016, Bloomberg James G. Neuger The Pentagons top watchdog has substantiated allegations involving inappropriate travel against three senior U.S. military officers, according to investigative findings released by the Defense Department Inspector Generals office. Marine Lt. Gen. John Wissler, retired Marine Lt. Gen. Kenneth Glueck and Army Lt. Gen. Anthony Crutchfield were cited by the Defense Department Inspector General in two separate investigations whose findings were released within the past week. The investigation of Wissler and Glueck focused on their use of government vehicles while serving consecutively as the commanders of III Marine Expeditionary Force in Okinawa, Japan. The investigation of Crutchfield examined a trip he took from Hawaii to Fort Rucker in Alabama in which he was promoted to his current rank. The Marine generals said in response to the initial findings in their cases that they did not knowingly break any rules, while Crutchfield said he sought legal advice before his trip and was told it was allowed. In both cases, investigations were opened after complaints were filed with the inspector general. A defense official said the Army decided not to discipline Crutchfield after reviewing the IGs findings. Army officials said in a statement that it takes senior leader accountability seriously while ensuring due process for leaders who dont live up to the Armys standards. The Army considers both sides of each case, and after a thorough review of all the evidence, takes action as appropriate, the statement said. The Marine Corps assistant commandant, Gen. John M. Paxton Jr., took appropriate administrative action against Wissler and Glueck, Marine officials said in a statement. They declined to be more specific, citing privacy issues. Lessons learned from the investigation were shared with other generals during ethics training at an annual meeting of senior officers, officials said. In the Crutchfield case, first reported by Army Times, the inspector general concluded that the general conducted official travel at the expense of U.S. taxpayers for predominantly personal reasons, namely to have his promotion ceremony at Fort Rucker, where he had previously served, rather than where he is stationed in Hawaii as the deputy commander of U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM). Crutchfield arranged a seven-day detour to Fort Rucker while traveling from Pacific Commands headquarters to Washington in early June 2014, the IG found. The allegation originated with an anonymous complaint that Crutchfield had invented a way to get a free plane ticket to Alabama, according to a report detailing the investigation. The IG found that although he was at Fort Rucker for a week, he participated in only seven hours of meetings there and at nearby Maxwell Air Force Base. Crutchfield spoke to troops at Fort Rucker after his staff solicited a speaking engagement for him, the IG said. Army Lt. Col. Derrick Cheng, a spokesman for Pacific Command in Hawaii, said Crutchfield followed the advice of PACOMs lawyers to the letter in regard to the trip. Beginning in February 2014, he requested advice from our legal office regarding potential travel to Maxwell Air Force Base and Fort Rucker in Alabama, and Washington, D.C., Cheng said in an email. The legal office provided advice on all aspects of the travel and had no legal objection. Lt. Gen. Crutchfield conducted official travel which served a valid military purpose at all three locations and in accordance with the legal advice provided. Crutchfield submitted a five-page statement last April after reviewing the preliminary findings of the investigation in which he defended his actions and said it appeared that the inspector general misinterpreted a May 2014 legal opinion he received in which travel to Alabama and Washington was approved. A conversation with my staff and the PACOM legal department clarify this matter, Crutchfield wrote in the statement, which The Washington Post obtained separately and was not included in the documents the IG posted online this week. They can also testify to my actions, views, and customs when it comes to matters involving ethics. My reputation speaks volumes on this matter. The inspector generals report notes that officials received Crutchfields rebuttal, but stood by their initial findings. In the investigation of the Marine Corps generals, the inspector general found that Wissler and Glueck had used government vehicles for unauthorized travel from their homes on Okinawa to their offices, known in the military as domicile-to-duty transportation, or DTD. The practice appears to have begun with Glueck, who commanded III Marine Expeditionary Force from 2011 to 2013 and retired last year after serving two more years at Quantico, Va. He regularly drove his personal vehicle from his home on Okinawas Camp Foster to an officers club on the base, and then had an enlisted Marine bring him several miles to Camp Courtney, where he had an office. Wissler took over in July 2013, and followed an established practice of meeting a driver with a government vehicle for a ride from Camp Foster, the IG found. However, he asked a top Marine Corps lawyer, Robert Hogue, about the practice at least twice that summer and began using his personal vehicle to go to work. The deputy commander at Pacific Command denied Wisslers request for an exception to policy to allow it in October 2013. Ironically, the chief of staff at PACOM when Wissler made his request was Crutchfield. He was elevated to deputy commander at PACOM in June 2014. Wissler has since become the commander of Marine Corps Forces Command, with headquarters in Norfolk, Va. (c) 2016, The Washington Post Dan Lamothe With growing confidence about a big potential win in Wisconsin, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, is trying to discredit Ohio Gov. John Kasichs campaign before it gets to more favorable ground. In interviews this week, Cruz has repeatedly invoked the RNCs rule 40b, which allows candidates to be nominated only if theyve won total delegate majorities in eight states or more. That rule, hastily written in 2012 after then-Texas Rep. Ron Paul nearly grabbed enough wins to be nominated, is now favored by allies of both Cruz and Donald Trump as a way of making Kasich or any establishment savior irrelevant. I think that would be a terrible idea for the Washington power brokers to change the rules, because theyre unhappy with the candidates who the voters are voting for, Cruz told radio host Hugh Hewitt on Tuesday. It was the Washington establishment that put this rule in place. So now when the Washington establishment candidates are losing, they want to change the rules to try to parachute in some candidate who hasnt earned the votes of the people. That is nothing short of crazy. Hewitt was following up on what Cruz told CNNs Anderson Cooper at this weeks televised town halls in Milwaukee. With close to 3 million viewers watching, Cruz flatly stated that it was against the rules for John Kasich to be on the ballot and that if no one has 1,237, you have to have won at least eight states. That was a slight mangling of the rule, though it went uncorrected onstage. In rule 40b, it is not enough for a candidate to have won the popular vote in eight states. He must have won a majority of pledged delegates something tied to the seemingly capricious standards of each primary. Trump has crossed that threshold. Cruz has not. He has won in nine states, but in three Alaska, Iowa, and Oklahoma he won only pluralities of delegates. Even if he won Wisconsin, current polling in upcoming states suggests that Cruz may not meet the 40b standard until Mays contests in states, such as Indiana and Nebraska. But Kasich, who is optimistic about winning states later in April, would struggle to win outright majorities in eight of them. By insisting that rule 40b is immutable, Cruz is signaling to later-state voters that any Kasich victories would be nullified by the convention, raising the possibility of a sitting governor of Ohio being kept from the table at a nominating contest in Cleveland. To ensure that, Cruz and Trump need the 112-member rules committee, which will meet before the convention, to be pledged to the old rule. In interviews with Politicos Kyle Cheney, four early-appointed members of the committee said adamantly that the rule could change. It was designed to prevent Ron Paul delegates their votes from being counted, said David Wheeler, a committee member from South Dakota. I dont think its necessary to do that this year. But people in Trumps delegate-chasing operation say that its desired rules committee candidates will all stick to rule 40b. Cruz said as much on the record to Hewitt, imagining a ballot with only two names on it, and the establishment forced to choose between him and Trump. I think the delegates are naturally going to know that rules changes designed to subvert the will of the voters are a bad idea, he explained. And I would expect the delegates who were elected supporting me would have that thought. But I would also expect the delegates supporting Donald Trump would have that thought, that we need to respect the will of the voters . . . there are only two candidates who are going to meet that threshold, Donald Trump and me. (c) 2016, The Washington Post David Weigel Yeshivas Pnei Shmuel, located in the Bayit Vegan neighborhood of Yerushalayim, will be paying heavy fines as part of an agreement reached between yeshiva representatives and City Hall officials. One will find in Thursdays 21 Adar-II chareidi newspapers; the yeshiva makes an appeal for assisting in raising the large amount required for the fines. The advert begins by thanking rabbonim, Members of Knesset, deputy mayor and members of the city council for all their efforts. The yeshiva then turns to the tzibur at large, explaining it needs NIS 430,000 for the fines and this amount does not include the costs of renting a new building to provide space for the talmidim, compensating for the areas of the yeshiva that must be torn down. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) The soldier who shot and killed a wounded terrorist in Hebron on Purim was brought before the IDF court in Kastina on Thursday, 21 Adar-II. During the hearing the military prosecutor stated the soldier will be facing charges of manslaughter, not murder. The prosecution told the court the soldier was heard saying the terrorist must die for trying to kill IDF soldiers. He added the soldier told the battalion commander he was in a life-threatening situation but the officer does not believe him. The prosecutor explained there is significant progress in the investigation and he requests to extend the soldiers remand for an additional seven days. Protestors expressing support for the soldier were outside the courthouse during the hearing. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem / Photos: Media Resource Group) Ayushmann Khurrana and Bhumi Pednekar will team up for the second time in 'Manmarziyan' after 'Dum Laga Ke Haisha'. Mumbai: 'Manmarziyan' that was being directed by Sameer Sharma who last directed 'Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana' will now be directed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari who has directed 'Nil Battey Sannata'. The film stars Ayushmann Khurrana and Bhumi Pednekar whose last film 'Dum Laga Ke Haisha' won the National award for best Hindi film this year. This will be their second film together. The film was shot for a week in Shimla and the producer had liked whatever was shot. After wrapping up their Shimla schedule, the team moved on to film sequences in Amritsar. However, when the producer Aanand L Rai saw the rushes of what was shot in Amritsar he didn't like it and called off the shoot. According to a source, the director and producer mutually decided to part ways on this project as their creative synergies didn't match. He said, "Sameer and Aanand had a discussion and decided to part ways on this project as their creative vision wasn't on the same page. Now the project will be helmed by director Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari and the film will go on floor in July end or August." When we contacted director Sameer Sharma, he said, "I have immense respect for Aanand and we are in touch. Yes our creative vision didn't match and such things happen in filmmaking. I would love to collaborate with him in future on another project." Producer Aanand L Rai remained unavailable for the comment but a source close to him said, "Sameer is not directing the film now and the decision was mutual. It was a creative call and both agreed to it." Holidays firm TUI has outdone its arch rival Thomas Cook by posting a bullish trading update as its customers return to old favourites such as Spain and the Canaries following global terror attacks. TUI Group, the owner of the Thomson and First Choice brands said revenues from its 2016 summer programme are currently up 3 per cent, driven by a particularly strong performance from its UK arm where revenue and bookings are ahead 8 per cent and 9 per cent respectively. The package holiday firm added that, in the light of recent terrorist attacks, demand for Turkey remains 'subdued'. Last month it revealed that summer holidays to Turkey had fallen by 40 per cent. Old favourites: TUI Group said last month that bookings to Turkey had fallen sharply but confirmed holidaymakers were returning to Spain and the Canaries In a half-year trading update to the end of March, TUI also stuck to its guidance for full year earnings growth of at least 10 per cent, helping its shares on the FTSE 100 index to jump 4.5 per cent, or 46p higher to 1,074p in late morning trading. TUI said its summer holidays were 47 per cent sold, broadly in line with last year. It added that its winter holidays were 95 per cent sold across the group, also in line with last year. Winter programme sales rose by 3 per cent, driven an increase in average selling prices, with UK market bookings up 2 per cent, although overall group bookings were flat. The group said bookings continue to grow online and now account for 38 per cent of overall bookings, up 3 percentage points on the prior year. TUI's update is in stark contrast to that from mid cap rival Thomas Cook last week, which confirmed that its summer bookings were 5 per cent lower than last year, with only 40 per cent of its 2016 summer season currently sold. The updates come as tour operators scramble to change their programmes to reflect holidaymakers' concerns about travelling to certain parts of the world and have been offering more packages to destinations in the western Mediterranean. According to analysts, in would appear that TUI has been doing this better and faster than its peers. Wyn Ellis at Numis Securities said: 'In my opinion Tui has a superior business model with a higher proportion of differentiated and unique product. Cooks are trying to follow but are a number of years behind.' TUI also stands to gain if more Europeans holiday in the western Mediterranean because it owns and operates more hotels in the region than its rivals. Chief executive Friedrich Joussen said: 'Our integrated model with our differentiated range of own accommodation content, combined with strong supplier relationships continue to give us a strong competitive position and sustainable earnings growth.' The travel industry has been shaken by a number of terror attacks in recent months in Brussels, Turkey, Paris, Tunisia and Egypt. As a result, customers have headed further West, rather than East, with the group also seeing its long-haul routes grow to Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica growing in demand. All the rage: Spread-betting companies in the UK make most of their revenues from financial markets, their sports operations being much less significant Spreadbetter CMC Markets has made a decent start to life as a listed company, with stock market volatility helping drum up new clients and increase trade volume. Before its full year results on June 8, the company said client growth had been strong at 13 per cent year on year - adding that there had been a modest increase in revenue per client too. The group - whose long-awaited stock market debut took place last month - also revealed it had made further progress across its areas of strategic focus, which include growth in core markets, international expansion, product innovation, digital marketing and institutional offering. RBC Capital Markets, which rates the stock at 'outperform', said active client growth was ahead of its expectations of 10.5 per cent. It added: 'We forecast a net operating income growth rate of 14.2 per cent during FY16, which, in light of today's statement, is the minimum that we believe CMC should achieve when it reports FY16 results. 'Because CMC does not quantify the 'modest' increase in revenue per client, we leave our forecasts unchanged, but we maintain our high degree of confidence that our forecasts are achievable and could even be conservative.' Crucially analysts also believe that CMC is one step ahead of major rivals IG Group. RBC continued: 'We believe that CMC has superior technology and has already completed its investment and upgrade to its IT platform; furthermore, CMCs geographic footprint expansion is largely complete and CMCs business is more geographically diversified than IG.' CMC was founded by chief executive Peter Cruddas in 1989 and operates in 14 countries. The self-made billionaire, who left school at 15 with no qualifications with only 10,000, recently gave 1million to the 'Vote Leave Europe' campaign. China's biggest steelmaker yesterday announced a dramatic increase in production as the future of some of Britains biggest steel plants hung in the balance. As Prime Minister David Cameron warned there were no guarantees a buyer would be found for Tatas UK operations, Baoshan Iron and Steel said it would make 20 per cent more in 2016 despite a glut in production. That raises the prospect of yet more cheap Chinese steel being dumped in Europe. The race is now on to find a buyer for Tata but fears are mounting that there will be no saviour. Priced to sell: China's biggest steel maker Boashan Iron and Steel said it would make 20 per cent more steel in 2016 despite a massive glut in production The Government disappointed thousands of UK workers by ruling out nationalising the industry after Indian conglomerate Tata said it intended to sell its British assets. If a buyer cannot be found, Tata is likely to shut the plants, which are losing 1million a day. It had been hoped rival steelmakers would step forward to snap up the Port Talbot site in Wales. Tatas plant in Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, had already been put up for sale at the end of last year, and the firm is in exclusive talks with private equity firm Greybull. Cheap imports from China are killing production. European players such as Germanys ThyssenKrupp are facing similar hurdles in their home markets and are unlikely buyers, and sources say Greybull has enough on its plate. Metals firm Liberty House, which last week agreed to buy two Scottish sites from Tata, said it was interested in buying smaller assets but nothing significant. An avalanche of cheap steel from Asia could sound the death knell for Port Talbot, making the sites even less attractive to a buyer. One industry expert said: The timing of this announcement is not lost on British steelmakers. Dumping more cheap steel on Europe could destroy the industry and wipe out competition, which can only benefit the Chinese. China has excess steel and has been exporting this to Europe at prices below the cost of production, a practice known as dumping. The EU can block this but has been criticised for doing too little, too late. China exported 2.7million tons of steel to the 28 EU countries in 2012, according to Eurofer, the European Steel Association. This leapt to 6.9million tonnes in 2015 and it said China had taken 45 per cent of the UK market for steel used in constructing buildings. For sale: The race is now on to find a buyer for Tata but fears are mounting there will be no saviour Cameron chaired a brief meeting of ministers in Downing Street yesterday to discuss Tatas decision. He said the Government was doing everything it can to resolve the steel crisis but nationalisation was not the right answer. He said: The situation at Port Talbot is of deep concern. I know how important those jobs are. He claimed energy costs in the industry had been cut and the Government had helped make sure there were penalties for dumping. Nice little earner: Tidjane Thiam was awarded 5m for just five months' work at Prudential Former Prudential boss Tidjane Thiam sparked outrage last night after it emerged he was awarded 5million for just five months work. Thiam, pictured, was employed by the insurance giant until May, when he left for Swiss banking group Credit Suisse. Despite abandoning his employer, he was paid a 455,000 salary and 704,000 bonus, plus 3.7million in shares. In total he earned 48million in six years at Pru. The boss started his new job in July and was handed 13.7million by Credit Suisse for the rest of the year despite requesting a 40 per cent bonus cut. Stefan Stern, director of the High Pay Centre, said: To most of us, these numbers seem unimaginable and unreal. 'But for a tiny number of people theyre becoming normal and I think thats dangerous. These people are cut off, they live in a different world, and yet theyre employees just like the rest of us theyre not risk-taking entrepreneurs. Ivory Coast-born Thiam was replaced by Prus head of US operations, Mike Wells. Wells earned a total of 10million in 2015 and picked up a generous allowance for moving to Britain from America. Pru gave Wells 200,000 for relocation and shipping expenses, 177,890 for temporary accommodation, 513,750 to cover stamp duty and 56,604 to cover mortgage interest. These costs were included in a total benefits package worth 1.3million. The firms nine executive directors were handed 40.7million. Thiam earned his pay at Credit Suisse with a cost-cutting drive. He said 4,000 jobs would go by the end of 2016 and 2,800 staff have gone. The chief executive was forced to announce further savings last month, accusing his staff of concealing risky trades. Thiam said the company expected to announce a loss for the first quarter of 2016 and promised an additional 2,000 staff would be axed. Households across England are bracing themselves for the biggest rise in council tax bills for a decade, with some set to pay almost 2,000 a year, official data have showed. Residents of Elmbridge in Surrey pay the most, with the average bill for band D council tax rising by 72 to 1,893 for 2016/17, according to figures by the Department for Communities and Local Government. The biggest increase, however, is paid by fellow Surrey residents in Runnymede, where in cash terms the average council tax bill is rising by 96 compared to last year. On the up: Households across England are bracing themselves for the biggest rise in council tax for a decade (Pictured: Runnymede, in Surrey, where council tax bill are rising most this year) The average Band D council tax in England in 2016/17 is increasing by 46, or 3.1 per cent, to 1,530, the DCLG said. This is much higher than last years 1.1 per cent increase and the biggest surge since 2007/2008, when it rose 4.2 per cent. The average council tax bills in South Bucks, Chiltern and Surrey Heath are the other three most expensive in the country, all rising by around 70 to more than 1,800 for the first time. Other big increases include Liverpool (up 88), Wealden in East Sussex (85) and Wiltshire (84). Londoners, on the other hand, are seeing the smallest increases, with those living in Wandsworth set to pay the lowest council tax bill at 622, despite rising by 15 compared to last year. Two areas in London Kensington & Chelsea and Hounslow are actually seeing the average cost of bills go down, falling respectively by 1 and 6. Overall, taxpayers in and around the capital will be spared the worst hikes, with bills for average Band D homes in Greater London expected to rise by around 8 or 0.6 per cent. However, the majority of councils outside of London are taking full advantage of the 1.99 per cent maximum increase permitted without a local referendum and a 2 per cent precept recommended by George Osborne to help fund adult social care. Council tax bill: In some areas households are set to pay an average of nearly 2,000 a year Bills are set to increase by 3.6 per cent in 2016-17 outside of London, as councils hike taxes to cover the 'spiralling' cost of social care and other services. Both Cipfa and the Local Government Association have warned that further rises could be on the way over the coming years as councils struggle against a tide of Whitehall cuts. 10 MOST EXPENSIVE COUNCIL TAX BILLS IN ENGLAND (increase on last year) 1. Elmbridge 1,893 (+72) 2. South Bucks 1,829 (+67) 3. Chiltern 1,826 (+72) 4. Surrey Heath 1,810 (+65) 5. Mole Valley 1,790 (+65) 6. Tandridge 1,781 (+65) 7. Waverley 1,778 (+80) 8. Epsom & Ewell 1,722 (79) 9. Reigate & Banstead 1,694 (63) 10. Guildford 1,684 (+67) 11. East Dorset 1,680 (+64) The LGA warns that with a Government funding settlement that assumes town halls will increase their tax, 'many councils feel they have no choice left' but to raise council tax bills. The group also warned that 'despite council tax rising, the quality and quantity of services on offer could drop, as the income will not be enough to offset the full impact of further funding reductions next year.' Councils have enjoyed Government incentives for keeping the levy frozen. In 2011, council tax in England was frozen at the previous year's rate, while in 2012-13, the average council tax bill increased by 0.3 per cent, the data says. Between 2014-15, the average bill rose by 0.9 per cent, while last year it rose by an average of 1.1 per cent. Communities Secretary Greg Clark said: Our historic four-year funding deal for councils both gives them certainty to plan ahead, and meets the clear request to prioritise care for elderly and vulnerable people, with a social care funding package of up to 3.5bn. Todays figures show how councils are keeping council tax low, and using the freedom they asked for to set a social care precept as part of local bills. Even with this, council tax will still be lower in real terms in 2019/20 than in 2009/10 and this years increase is still lower than the average 6.2 per cent annual increase between 1997 and 2010.' Aamir Khan held a private dinner for his friends from the industry to talk about his upcoming campaign regarding water crisis. Mumbai: After meeting the Governor of Maharashtra, Chennamaneni Vidyasagar Rao on Monday, Aamir Khan held a private dinner for his friends from the industry to talk about his upcoming campaign regarding water crisis. The actor wants to unite the Hindi and Marathi film industry for his campaign trail through rural Maharashtra. The dinner party was attended by Kangana Ranaut, Saif Ali Khan, Rajkumar Hirani, Riteish Deshmukh, Sai Tamhankar, Atul Kulkani and Sunny Leone who came along with her husband. Aamir Khans ex-wife Reena Dutta was also among the guests. At the dinner, Aamir Khan talked about water scarcity and put forth his plans for water harvesting. He requested his friends to join hands with him and become a part of the campaign. Through the state, a team will dig wells and teach people in villages about water harvesting and its importance. The actor also had a panel of experts ready at the party to inform his guests the process of water management and drought mitigation. Reportedly, the party that went on for four-six hours was very productive as everyone showed an interest to become a part of the good cause. Aamir Khan, along with Satyajit Bhatkal, creator of Satyamev Jayate, formed water conservation plan Paani Foundation a month ago. The non-profit companys main agenda is to spread awareness about water conversation. Aamir plans to get as many peoples support as possible. Ayan Mukerji, a friend of both Ranbir and Katrina, kept dropping by on the sets of 'Jagga Jasoos', to keep the atmosphere on the sets breezy. Mumbai: Anurag Basu's long-in-the-making 'Jagga Jasoos' was speculated to have been hit hard after Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif's recent split. However director Ayan Mukerji, a friend of both Ranbir and Katrina, kept dropping by, to keep the atmosphere on the sets breezy. Recently, producer Siddharth Roy Kapur cleared the air and said that the shoot is progressing well despite hiccups. Read: Jagga Jasoos progressing well despite hiccups, says Siddharth Roy Kapur Now, in an interesting turn of events, it has surfaced that Ayan offered some solutions to Anurag, which hasnt gone down well with Siddharth. Apparently, it was Ayan's recommendation that they should shoot the Morocco portions in Mumbai itself as shooting away from home would be more stressful. According to a report in DNA, Anurag thought that Ayans suggestion was a practical one and soon Morocco sets were constructed in Mumbai. However, when Siddharth happened to see some of the rushes of the Moroccan shoot, he was extremely disappointed. A furious Siddharth landed up on the sets and expressed his displeasure to Anurag. He not only blamed Ayan for the whole issue, he made it clear that he doesn't want Ayan to visit the sets or give any suggestions henceforth. The shooting was put on a hold and Katrina had to shoot on a day which was allotted to 'Baar Baar Dekho'. Ranbir, who is going through a rough phase in his career, has a lot to prove with his upcoming film Jagga Jasoos. He is also gearing up for the release of Karan Johar's 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' also starring Anushka Sharma, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Fawad Khan. Mumbai: SS Rajamouli's magnum opus 'Baahubali' was announced as the winner of the prestigious National Award for Best Film for the year 2015. The movie, which released in July last year, went on to script box-office history by becoming the country's highest grosser ever. In an interesting video released by Dharma Productions, SS Rajamouli talks about his experience of making India s biggest motion pictures, the challenges he faced, bringing his fathers story to life and everything in between. When asked about his biggest challenge he faced, the director said, We shot for around 380 days, and after 330 days, I could feel that the energy levels going low. So pumping energy into the whole team is one of the biggest challenges. I dont know how it is in the other industries, but as far as our industry is concerned, everybody takes their energy from the director. The way the director steps into the unit makes a whole lot of difference to the entire unit for that whole day. I myself was very exhausted but I was acting as if I was full of energy and was pumping it into others. Talking about his collaboration with Dharma productions, he said, Every partnership is the best one when both the parties stand to gain something. I never met Karanji before and his sensibilities of filmmaking are entirely very different from mine but somehow we knew that we had a good product- Baahubali, and we just wanted very good presentation for our Hindi speaking audience. When Rana took the product to Karan ji and explained it, he was immediately in without seeing any shots. I met him during the time of promotions and I had very brief chats with him and I realised that even though we have different sensibilities, our love for cinema stands the same. We forget everything when we talk about films. In an interesting turn of events, the director also ended up revealing why Katapa killed Baahubali, a question that has haunted fans ever since the film released. Watch the video here. Its finally happening. After a lot of speculations, rumours and stories, actor Prabhas is all set to tie the knot. For the female fans of the actor, this might come as a heartbreaking news. The actor says he has been in love with her (his girlfriend) for a long time now and was waiting for the right time to propose to her. From what we know, Prabhas and Neha met on the sets of Baahubali. Neha is a friend of one of the actresses and she would often accompany her to the sets. The two would just hang out with the rest of the group in between shoots and were good friends in the beginning, but I guess somewhere down the line sparks flew and they started liking each other, adds a source. Neha is the only daughter of a billionaire businessman in South Africa who owns an investment company. She now heads her fathers business and was on a holiday in India when she attended the shoot of Baahubali. Prabhas family was more than thrilled about his relationship with Neha and was just waiting for him to propose to her. The family is overjoyed. His uncle Krishnam Raju has been waiting for this since long, says a source. According to the couple, Neha will be juggling between South Africa and Hyderabad for now, says the source. According to a close friend of the actor, Prabhas popped the question to his lady love over a celebration dinner on Wednesday. Says the source, Prabhas has always been a simple person and Neha, too, doesnt like big gestures. The two families met for a small celebratory dinner because of Baahubalis win, and it was there that he proposed to her. What more? The wedding date has been set as well. The families decided to get a date set. The engagement is likely to take place in two weeks and the probable date for the wedding is July 31. For now, Prabhas is trying to clear his schedule, but it is unlikely that he will be able to go on his honeymoon anytime soon, says the friend. Well, this might be heartbreaking for many of his fans, but we wish the two a very happy life ahead. And for our readers, we wish you have a great April Fools day! Airport development adding to economy, jobs in the region Pittsburgh may always be known as the Steel City, but a wave of new industries are popping up near its airport to redefine business in the region. Ram Charan, who is playing a cop in the film that has tentatively been titled Dhruva, has already completed two schedules.. Since Ram Charan has been busy with the marriage of his sister Srija, shooting for his new film, a remake of Thani Oruvan, has been going on without him. Ram Charan, who is playing a cop in the film that has tentatively been titled Dhruva, has already completed two schedules. Since he didnt want shooting to stop, he advised the team to shoot scenes that did not involve him. Director Surender Reddy and the team recently returned from Bangkok after shooting some important scenes with Aravind Swamy, says a source. Ram Charan will join the unit in a couple of days. Rakul Preet Singh is playing the female lead while Allu Aravind is the producer. By Claire Kowalick of the Times Record News Several Wichitans are letting their businesses go to the dogs and that's a good thing. To improve the lives of pets and their owners, For the Love of Paws, My Groomer Mobile Pet Salon and Mobile Groomers to Go offer grooming and pet sitting services without having to set one paw in a cage or kennel. For the Love of Paws Kelli Jordan has spent a lifetime loving animals and the last few years making a career out of it. After serving as the executive director of the Humane Society of Wichita County for three years, Jordan said she was ready for a less stressful occupation. She began her new journey in 2010, helping with friend Carol DuBray's pet-sitting service called Carol's Critters. When DuBray wanted to retire, Jordan decided to take the reigns and keep the business going. Jordan had a background in sales so she used her skills and contacts from working at the HSWC to grow the business. Most of her business is visiting clients' homes and walking dogs, feeding and checking on houses if a person will be out of town. She said 80 percent of her business is dogs and cats, but she also has the knowledge to manage livestock and other more exotic creatures. "I've taken care of everything from hedgehogs to monkeys," Jordan said. Averaging 27 pet customers each week, she makes 10-20 visit at about 30-minute intervals. "It's mostly feedings, taking the dogs outside, giving them meds. If a client is out of town I check on the house, turn lights on and off, try to make it look lived in," Jordan said. With a growing need for services, Jordan has taken on one full-time and two part-time employees: Leslie Spencer, Paige Stone and Sue Ann Temple. She said she has only hired people she already knew from working in the animal world. "I want to make sure I have the right people. I have to ensure that people will take care of clients' pets like they would take care of their own pets," Jordan said. In the future, she said she would like to continue the house-visiting business, possibly adding more staff to assist more animals and maybe add a boarding facility. My Groomer Mobile pet Salon While taking a bath or taking an out-of-town trip is a routine experience for a human, for a pet it can be a traumatic or even life-threatening. Becky Figueroa, owner of My Groomer Mobile Pet Salon, has been in the pet grooming business for more than 12 years, and while grooming pets in a large national pet supply store, she found the situation could be stressful for some of the animals. Through the years, she also saw more regulations that made grooming impossible for older pets, animals with severe behavioral issues, or animals with some illnesses. To meet the needs of those pets and their owners, she decided to take out a business loan and start her own mobile grooming business. Many of the clients she had worked with for years continued with her and she soon had as much business as she could handle. "I do not advertise. All my clients are word-of-mouth," Figueroa said. She works Tuesday through Saturday from about 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., visiting about five to seven pets each day. My Groomer offers a range of services including bath, blow dry, nail trimming and grinding, haircut and grooming, and fragrance spritz. Figueroa quickly saw an amazing difference in the temperament of dogs and cats she groomed in the mobile trailer versus pets at a traditional grooming store. The animals are never in a cage and they are not exposed to other animals. Many of her clients have older dogs or animals with illnesses that benefit from one-on-one attention. One longtime client has an older dog with an immune-system disorder. The dog cannot go to a regular grooming store because it cannot be exposed to other animals or get the required shots. After her last groom on Saturdays, she completely disinfects the trailer and lets it air out until Tuesday. The immune-deficient dog gets the first appointment Tuesday morning to keep him as safe as possible. "That's the kind of things I can do with a mobile business that I cannot do in a regular store," Figueroa said. Figueroa has a regular client base and more business than she can handle, which left plenty of room for Groomers to Go, which arrived in May. Groomers to Go With a different approach but the same goal of pet-centered service, Groomers offers a team effort to meet clients' needs. Scotty Austin had been grooming pets in Dallas for about eight years and wanted to start his own mobile business. "I had heard about them in other areas and thought Wichita Falls would be a good location to start a business," he said. Paul Garcia handles the paperwork and scheduling for the business, and Mike Johnson assists Austin at the job sites. Since they began less than one year ago, Garcia estimated they have completed about 1,200 grooms and now have a list of nearly 200 clients. Business has been great for the team, they said, and they enjoy meeting the needs of a variety of clients. Whether it's older people who cannot leave the house, busy professionals or older pets, meeting the demands of people and pets in need is about compassion, not vanity. Garcia recalled a client whose older dog had cancer and was close to dying. The dog could barely move and the owner asked the groomer to trim the dog for sanitary needs. "In situations like that, the owner knows the dog is near the end. It's not about what the dog looks like, it's about comfort," Garcia said. On the business' Facebook site, they have more than 58 reviews, all with five-star ratings from clients. Garcia said they are in the process of acquiring another grooming trailer and hope to expand the business as early as this spring. MY GROOMER MOBILE PET SALON Owner: Becky Figuroa Contact: 940-337-1537 Hours: By appointment, about 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday Prices: About $45 for full-service groom ($20 mobile fee included) MOBILE GROOMERS TO GO Owners: Scotty Austin and Paul Garcia Contact: 940-782-0709 Hours: By appointment Prices: Vary by size and time of appointment, start at $49 for small dogs up to $75-plus for large dogs or more extensive needs FOR THE LOVE OF PAWS Owner: Kelli Jordan Contact: 940-733-1759 Services: Offers pet sitting, daily dog walks, livestock care Prices: About $17-25 per visit, depending on needs of animal and driving distance. Prices more for livestock care. TORIN HALSEY/TIMES RECORD NEWS The showroom of Falls Truck Center holds 2,400 square feet of items that can customize any pickup or semi truck, including lots of electronics, chrome accessories and bolt-on parts to enhance the fun and functionality of a vehicle. By Ted Buss, Special to the Times Record News If your car, truck or big rig needs replacement parts or something special and you can't find it at Falls Truck Center, chances are it doesn't exist. With more than 40,000 parts and 200 different vendors and commercial manufacturers, a full-service garage, truck wash, chrome and sign shop, Falls Truck Center has a 15-year record of service that extends nationwide. Sean Choate had the dream of opening a one-stop truck center, sold his FedEx route and purchased what he considered the perfect spot adjacent to the proposed Flying J Travel Center at U.S. 287 and Jacksboro Highway in 2000. With the prospects of Flying J opening about six months from the time he purchased the property, Choate invested $10,000 he'd saved, plus a bank loan for the property balance, and he was primed to open for business. However, a huge hitch emerged when Flying J took an additional two years to build. "I had to do odd jobs while I waited, so yes, I was a little nervous," Choate said. "I was never one to be rolling in money. Even now, with things going well, much of what we make goes back into the business." Choate, a native Wichitan and Rider High School graduate, hit the ground running at his new location next to Flying J in 2002. Before settling in, he enlisted help from America's SBDC at Midwestern State University. He set up a professional business plan and took it to his bank to match his $10,000 with a $10,000 loan. The $20,000 investment was a little unnerving, but it didn't shake his confidence. "This is a great location for what we do," he said, looking around his showroom floor and service bays. "Wichita Falls is in the center of a heavily populated triangle that includes Amarillo, Oklahoma City and Dallas-Fort Worth. It has been estimated that (about 100,000) vehicles move through (U.S.) 287 every day. Many of the larger truckers travel 800 or more miles a day. "They stop here to fill up, rest, get a bite to eat and to see us when they need some help," he said. "It may be a wash and lube or a part. We get to know many of them personally and they spread the word about our reliability." What Falls Truck Center provides is service from beginning to end. Choate's definition of service includes: providing parts, installation, truck wash and lube, on-site mechanic, detailing, truck paint and body repair, trailer parts, sign and graphic shop, LED lighting, chrome bumpers and exhaust systems, tires, professional chrome products and installation. "We can repair anything that a vehicle might need to pass inspection," he said. "A lot of jobs we take on involve something that wasn't properly done somewhere else. Anybody can buy a new vehicle but some want it personalized. This is part of what we do best." Like any new business, Falls Truck Center didn't necessarily set the world on fire during its early growing stage. Choate did the accounting with a sharp eye on the bottom line. Little beyond necessary purchases and paying bills was extracted from the business. Eventually, elements of a healthy company came together. Falls Truck Center is now a thriving part of the Wichita Falls business community. It is the home of 18 to 20 employees and their families. Every element runs to capacity. It has customers from Canada to Brownsville and parts east and west. "If we wash your vehicle, we do it the way you would do it," Choate said. "It seems like a small matter but it isn't. It's how we approach everything we do." n SHARE TORIN HALSEY/TIMES RECORD NEWS Production Manager James Steinbeck (left) talks with Zane Maulden, a shear line operator at Infinity Steel Services. The company provides steel reinforcements for concrete in construction and serves Oklahoma and North Texas with occasional shipments as far away as Atlanta. TORIN HALSEY/TIMES RECORD NEWS Matt Kelly, president of Infinity Steel Services, at the plant on Stephens Ranch Road. Infinity sells a wide variety of straight and fabricated rebar and other concrete products for the construction industry. TORIN HALSEY/TIMES RECORD NEWS Randy Carroll readies a bundle of formed rebar for shipment at Infinity Steel Services. The company bends and fabricates custom orders for the steel that reinforces concrete. Special machines can bend rebar up to 1-inch thick using thousands of pounds of pressure. TORIN HALSEY/TIMES RECORD NEWS Zane Maulden operates the shear line, machinery that takes 60-feet lengths of steel rebar and cuts them down to specific lengths using 80,000 pounds of pressure per square inch. Infinity Steel Services opened in July 2014 and supplies a variety of concrete reinforcement products to construction contractors throughout Oklahoma and North Texas. By John Ingle of the Times Record News Like the human skeleton, reinforced steel or rebar is the internal framework of roadways, bridges, buildings, patios and just about anything else associated with structures made with concrete. It was even used, to some extent, by Frenchman Jean-Louis Lambot in the 1850s when he decided to build a rowboat out of concrete and used iron bars and wire mesh as reinforcing materials, according to the Herff College of Engineering at the University of Memphis in Tennessee. Author Robert Courland, in his book "Concrete Planet," said Lambot successfully traversed a small pond in the vessel in southern France, before it eventually sank, was retrieved and is now on display at the Museum of Brignoles. The use of reinforced steel often goes unnoticed as motorists cruise down highways, business types hustle to their next meeting and window washers shimmy down skyscrapers. Those in the construction industry understand its importance and use it in a high percentage of projects that require concrete. Wichita Falls construction companies no longer have to look to the Dallas-Fort Worth area or Oklahoma City to order rebar for their project, thanks to Matt Kelly and Infinity Steel Services, a rebar fabrication company that opened in 2014 in the old Burcamp Steel Co. building on Stephens Ranch Road near the Wilson Overpass. "This town has given us the best opportunity to serve the Metroplex and now we can get up into Oklahoma," Kelly said. "We have a wonderful construction base here in Wichita Falls some great concrete contractors, and that is primarily our customer base. If there's concrete in it ... that's who we market to." Building a future Kelly said he graduated in 1999 from the University of Florida with a degree in material science engineering concentrating in metallurgy, then headed to Detroit to work for National Steel Corp. After surviving the brutal winters of the Midwest and National Steel on the verge of bankruptcy, he decided it was time to flee the North and head back to the Sunshine State to continue his steel fabrication career with Gerdau Ameristeel. After working in Tampa and Jacksonville, Florida, he said he was sent to Sao Paulo, Brazil, to be the North American business lead for a few months. Plans quickly changed about eight months later, he said, when Gerdau sent him to Dallas in 2009 to open up a new reinforcing steel fabrication plant. Gerdau promoted him to southwest director of sales in 2010, managing offices in Texas and Oklahoma. "It was about 2013 when I decided I was probably reaching the end of my corporate career and I wanted to get out and do something on my own," Kelly said. "I spent the year preparing and making sure I wasn't making any rash decisions to get out of a very good company." Kelly said he met Wichita Falls businessman and City Councilor Steven Santellana about the time he first moved to Dallas. Santellana owns Lone Star Highway Products, a company that specializes in providing highway construction products throughout the state. The original plan, Kelly said, was to go to San Antonio the hometown of his wife, Courtney Austin or even Dallas to open a fabrication plant. In the end, Wichita Falls logistically made more sense because of its proximity to major metropolitan areas, and a business would be more cost effective here. Another plus? Not much competition. "Going back to the beginning, that was one of the reasons we decided this might be a good market, because we're not fighting all the people in Austin; we're not fighting all the people in DFW or somewhere else," Kelly said. Once the decision was made on the Stephens Ranch Road property in early 2014, the setup process moved quickly. Kelly resigned his position at Gerdau in May 2014, began setting up bending and shearing equipment in June and sent out their first order in early July. Bend but don't break Moving to an area still in the clutches of a crippling drought might seem crazy to some, especially if they were moving from an area that was nowhere close to the catastrophe Wichita Falls was experiencing. When Kelly and Santellana began looking at property in early 2014, he saw the devastating effects on the landscape of North Texas. He learned of the near-depleted water sources for the area. What he also saw was an active construction industry in Wichita Falls. "The drought was not the problem for us," Kelly said. "We still had buildings being built around town. Wichita Falls has always had a growth market attached to it with businesses coming in here." Kelly and James Steinbeck, his production manager and former driver for Santellana, established the plant at 349 Stephens Ranch Road with six employees on the floor and began cutting and bending all sizes and grades of rebar. Their first job was the new U.S. Cellular store off Lawrence Road, between McAllister's Deli and Natural Grocers. Safety and customer service are at the very foundation of the relatively new company, Kelly said. He wants to make sure each employee goes home with the same number of fingers and toes they arrived with. He also wants to make sure the customer is receiving high-quality products that are cut and bent within the closest of margins so there is no delay at the job site for the end user. "We're in the position as far as how things go, that regardless whose fault it is, it's our responsibility to correct it," Steinbeck said. "We don't spend a lot of time placing blame, even though it's frustrating to me sometimes because on the production side of things, it tends to fall on production's shoulders. It's up to fix it and correct it. "We've been fortunate enough to be able to get some good guys in the shop who can turn around (a project) pretty fast." The only set back the new production company has contended with was when the drought-busting rains came in May 2015. While it was much needed, it slowed delivery times as construction project managers waited for the ground to dry enough to continue. As they were waiting, the floor at Infinity Steel was being covered with fabricated rebar materials waiting to be shipped out. Kelly said it was tough sledding trying to get the new business going full speed without being able to serve customers during that time. Measure twice, cut once Filling a customer's order takes more than just grabbing a piece of rebar and sliding it into a bender or dropping it onto a shear, especially when the material is going to be used to reinforce concrete. Science is involved. Not from the standpoint of a crazy mad scientist in a laboratory, but science nonetheless. Before one bend or one cut is made, the Infinity Steel team is on the job to make sure the product is as precise as possible. When a job comes in, the engineering team gets to work, querying the customer on the specific project and what is required for the job. For example, Infinity Steel is providing the rebar and other materials for the construction of Midwestern State University's new dormitory, so only domestic steel products can be used. "After they (the customers) select us to perform the fabrication and supply the concrete products on the job, we do all of the engineered shop drawings for them as well," Kelly said, "so they know exactly how the steel goes into the project, how it's placed. We supply part numbers and bend diagrams for all the different bars that will be placed." All of the necessary information the quantity, size, length, diameter, type of product and bends is entered into a computer with software from Applied Systems Associates Inc. that provides a production print out and tag numbers to attach to each piece to make it easy for assembly on the job site. Production employees then get to work cutting, bending and loading the steel material on a truck to be sent out to the job site. Kelly said, for the most part, they ask customers to give the team about a week to produce product and deliver it on site. For local jobs, it could take one day to cut, one day to bend and ship on the third day. Big or small, we'll do it While they are limited at this time because they are a new business hoping to expand, Infinity Steel doesn't shy away from too many jobs. But, Kelly said, they know their limitations. The company is part of projects that require 1,100 tons of steel rebar to the local contractor building a simple patio. In addition to the MSU dorm project, Infinity Steel has been involved in the Wichita Falls Independent School District's expansion projects at McNiel Junior High and Barwise Leadership Academy. They're also part of the Rolling Meadows expansion project, Work Services Corp. renovation on Hatton Road and many more. The primary focus is in Texas and Oklahoma, but Kelly said they will consider other areas, especially if it is to support a local company. n INFINITY STEEL SERVICES Established: 2014 Location: 349 Stephens Ranch Road, Wichita Falls, TX 76310 Employees: 14; six fabricators and eight in engineering, sales, accounting and preproduction Sales: $1.1 million in 2014; $4.1 million in 2015; $10 million projected for 2016 Website: www.infinityrebar.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/InfinitySteelServices TORIN HALSEY/TIMES RECORD NEWS Mark Finn, co-owner of the Vernon Plaza Theatre, places a movie poster for the opening night of "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies." Finn, his wife Cathy Day, and partners Steve and Sahar Arafat-Ray purchased the vintage movie house in 2007. SHARE TORIN HALSEY/TIMES RECORD NEWS Mark Finn, the boots-on-the-ground owner of the Vernon Plaza Theatre with his wife Cathy Day, looks at a remnant of the old days, when movies were shipped to theaters on large reels of film dubbed a "print." The vintage theater, built in 1953, now uses state-of-the-art digital projection equipment to show first-run movies. TORIN HALSEY/TIMES RECORD NEWS An original movie projector from the Vernon Plaza Theatre, plus some replacement parts, is on display in the lobby of the theater, which was built in 1953. As the industry phased out film and converted to digital, the old equipment was put out to pasture. TORIN HALSEY/TIMES RECORD NEWS The Vernon Plaza Theatre features two screens and offers first-run movies, though it has screened classics, such as "Creature From the Black Lagoon." It was the first theater in Texas to be built for 3-D movie projection. TORIN HALSEY/TIMES RECORD NEWS Justin Mitschke, projectionist for the Vernon Plaza Theatre, changes the sign on the theater's marquee for the opening night of "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies." It is one of the few independent mom-and-pop theaters in the area. Related Coverage The End? Not for Plaza Theatre, thanks to digital conversion Related Photos Gallery: Vintage Plaza Theatre By Lana Sweeten-Shults of the Times Record News VERNON The Vernon Plaza Theatre just may be the coolest place on Earth. It is a veritable inducer of sparkle-in-your-eyes, with an extra bit of twinkle just for good measure. Walking up to the concessions counter atop the posh terrazzo marble floor that reminds you of its onetime opulence, you might just hear a host of angels singing as you glance down, and through the glass showcase, spy chocolate Moon Pies neatly packaged in their square plastic sleeves. You can hear the crinkle of plastic and nostalgia if you listen hard enough. Then you see them, the Red Vines, alongside the M&M's, the Mike & Ikes, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and "Hunger Games" Mockingjay lollipops custom made for the Plaza by a lady in Seymour. They mingle next to copies of the Seth Grahame-Smith book "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies," stocked by "boots-on-the-ground" owner Mark Finn, unbeknownst to his wife and business partner, Cathy Day, just in time for the opening of the film of the same name one of two movies playing this particular Friday at the twin-screen, throwback cinema. "Kung Fu Panda 3" occupies the other theater. If you're smart, you'll pick up a Moon Pie AND not bypass the piece de resistance of concessions fare at the Plaza: The popcorn. "Our popcorn is the best," Finn said. "What's the secret? Real butter. Salted, sweet-cream butter." Once upon a time, Finn and Day bought the butter from a nearby dairy, though that business has since closed. If you ask, the concessionaires at the Plaza will layer the butter for you between the poofy mushroom popcorn kernels. Ahhhhh. It just smells like the 1950s. "It has more surface area for the salt and butter," said Finn, who has learned more about the science of popcorn than he ever really thought he'd ever know. It has been part of Finn's movie education since the Austin expatriate left urban life in a city that prides itself on being weird to live his dream in conservative, small-town Texas. The dream Mark Finn is a bit of a small-town Texas anomaly. In a town known for beef, cowboys and ranchers, Finn, born Mark Farnash, became a sci-fi adherent and comic-book appreciator. "Abilene is not necessarily a cultural mecca, but it's got a lot going for it which is nice." Still, cattle and cowboys just wasn't him. "I'm a 'Star Wars' kid. I saw it in theaters in 1977, and that ruined me," said the robust fellow who is apt to betray that twinkle-in-his-eye quality when he speaks of "Star Wars." His love of the film is no secret. You just have to look on the concessions stand counter and see the tip jar, covered in "Star Wars" stickers, including one of Yoda that says: "Tip or tip not. There is no try." He said access to big-city TV stations did nothing to shore up his love of sci-fi. Abilene somehow received signals from Big D television stations. "Channel 11 ran monster movies and ran Sinbad movies. WFAA ran Going Ape Week and broadcast all five 'Planet of the Apes' movies. Awww, it was SO good. They also had Godzilla week." He also was a precocious reader. "My parents didn't care if I read comic books," he said. "Ever since then, I have been useless for straight jobs." Finn, a big fan of Texas author Robert E. Howard, who created the Conan the Barbarian character before committing suicide, would go on to write and draw comic book stories for Absolute Comics and then began writing fiction, though his nonfiction book, "Blood & Thunder: The Life and Art of Robert E. Howard," has won him some acclaim. Being useless for straight jobs, as it turned out, made him perfect for the unusual job of independent movie theater owner. Finn and Day Day grew up in Vernon heard about the for-sale Plaza Theatre from Steve Ray, a fellow Vernonite who also ended up in Austin and works as the office manager of the Texas Music Office, though he owns Fred's Corner Grille in Vernon, too. It is the town's oldest restaurant and has been in operation since 1961. "He called up and said, 'It's for sale,'" Day said. Finn had always dreamed of opening a movie theater or starting an acting company, but it was something he'd thought he'd do one day. But then, "We thought, 'Oh, hey, we've got a crazy idea; we would buy it,'" Day said. Finn added, "Cathy actually saw it ('Star Wars') in this theater. So she's got special memories of this place. "We were wanting to make a change. We thought, 'Well, why wait until we're old?'" So in 2007, the two packed up and left for Vernon to become mom-and-pop theater owners of the town's only movie theater, partnering with co-owners Ray and his wife, Sahar Arafat-Ray. Luckily for them, an artist who had wanted to reopen the Plaza before them had completed much of the renovation work. "The work was 90 percent done. Steve Taylor and his family had really got this place in working shape. We basically had to clean up and freshen up a few things," Finn said. The big challenge was getting funding to buy the theater. "I dare say," Finn said, "there's not a more conservative part of Texas than North Texas. We were all told, 'No.' You know how Eskimos have 100 words for snow? We heard 100 different versions of 'No.' "A banker told Cathy, 'Well, little lady. People have run it before. I don't know if you could do better and that's cleaned up.' It was a little more condescending." Day said, "There was not support for local businesses. That has changed. It has been much more positive." A historic theater The year of 1953 was the year of films such as "From Here to Eternity," "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," "Roman Holiday" and "The War of the Worlds." It also was the year The Plaza Theatre made its debut in Vernon. "The old Vernon Theatre it burned to the ground in 1952. At that time, it was owned by the Interstate Theatre Co. They said Vernon is important to us, so we're going to rebuild a theater there. It was their crown jewel." The terrazzo marble floors that still greet moviegoers today are proof of Interstate Theatres' intention to achieve opulence at the Plaza. "It was the first in the state of Texas built with 3D going in. The other big thing was stereo sound. There wasn't just one speaker, but TWO speakers," Finn said with a laugh. A cry room that sat 12 was also installed and it is still a feature in the theater today. It was where parents took crying children so they wouldn't disturb other patrons. "The cry room was a big thing," Finn said. To accommodate the growing demand for 3D, Finn said theater chains twinned one-screen movie theaters and split them into two, which is what happened with the Plaza. It touts two 200-seat theaters, though when it first opened as a single-screen theater, it touted some 1,204 seats. Three-D technology those decades ago never did catch on and faded into the movie sunset. But, ironically, 3D has come around again, as popular as ever, and Vernon's small two-screen Plaza Theatre is able to show them, thanks to a conversion to digital projectors. The conversion to digital meant some drama for independent movie theater owners, many of whom couldn't afford the expensive $65,000 to $100,000 projectors and had to shut down. Finn and Day, whose revenues are modest, as it is for most indie film operators, had to rely on loans and grants. But it was something that had to be done, since movie studios stopped distributing celluloid films in recent years. "Two years ago, we went digital. It was October 2014," Finn said. That meant a new life for a vintage theater. Built on imagination No doubt, the Vernon Plaza is special, and not just because of its historical significance. Not only will you find treats there you won't find at other theaters, such as glorious Moon Pies and themed candy made to go with certain films (Minion lollipops, anyone?), but you'll find special events, too. When "Jurassic World" opened, Finn and Day partnered with Seymour's Whiteside Museum of Natural History. For "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies," Finn supplied the concessions stand with copies of the book, in case anyone wanted to buy it after seeing the film. "We did 'Creature From the Black Lagoon' in 3D," Day said. And when "Speed Racer" was released in 2008? Whoa, Nelly! Finn called Mattel, and the company delivered. "Mattel sent me eight boxes of toys. They sent me cases of Hot Wheels. We loaded the kids up with stuff." The theater also has planned dinner-and-a-movie nights with local restaurants. Day said the Plaza does take film requests something the big chains are not likely to do. They want to know from patrons what movies they want to see. She also said if other theaters sell out of seats, say for the big "Star Wars" film on opening night, there's a good chance they have seats left. "You can come here. I guarantee you'll get a ticket," she said. Like at the popular Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, the couple also have filmed their own introduction to make sure everyone knows the rules of theater etiquette; they want to make sure everyone has a full moviegoing experience: "Turn off your cellphones, no texting or talking allowed." Finn said, "We try to make it a unique experience" and embraces all the small-town charm the theater can muster. He is as invested in the moviegoing experience as the theatergoers themselves. Movies, he said, convey to kids who are growing up in a small-town, like he did: "There is something bigger than their small town. I consider that extremely valuable. You've got to have imagination; you've got to play. "For the same reason 'Star Wars' changed my life, I want to do the same thing for kids here," he said. " ... After 'Star Wars,' you could see it in their eyes. That's how you know you got 'em," complete with a veritable sparkle in their eyes, along with an extra bit of twinkle for good measure. IF YOU GO What: Vernon Plaza Theatre Where: 1717 Cumberland St., Vernon When: Open seven days a week Owners: Mark Finn, Cathy Day, Stephen and Sahar Arafat-Ray Employees: 8 Information: 940-553-3999, vernonplaza.com, or www.facebook.com/VernonPlazaTheatre Interesting tidbit: After big chain movie theaters would not show the $44 million James Franco-Seth Rogen comedy The Interview, Columbia Pictures parent company, Sony, decided to drop its plans for a Christmas Day release of the film in 2014. Sony said, We respect and understand our partners decision and, of course, completely share their paramount interest in the safety of employees and theatergoers. The hullabaloo stemmed from American intelligence officials belief that North Korea was at the center of a cyber attack on the company, supposedly because of the films portrayal of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The film was viewed by the country as an act of war. The North Korean government threatened action against Columbia in June 2014 if the film was released. In November, the Sony computer system was hacked by the Guardians of Peace, which was believed to have ties to North Korea. The group then threatened to attack theaters that showed the movie, which was released online. It also was released at select theaters, namely independent movie theaters. The Vernon Plaza Theatre was one of them. SHARE Four tons of new donations are now being sorted for the Friends of the Library's book sale 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday. All books from the Wichita Falls Independent School District are free of charge. These books are warehoused at Seventh and Austin Streets i if you would like to know more. Service academy forum Saturday On Saturday, staff from the office of U.S. Rep. Mac Thornberry will host the annual 13th District's Service Academy Forum for high school students interested in pursuing an education at a United States Service Academy. The free, informational event will take place at the Region 9 Education Service Center from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. This forum is designed for potential nominees in their junior or senior year of high school. However, all local students of any age, parents, and counselors are invited to attend. No R.S.V.P. is required. To be eligible to attend an academy, students must be at least 17 years old, but not have passed the 23rd birthday by the entry date; must be a U.S. citizen; unmarried; and, have no legal obligation to support children or other dependents. For more information on the forum or the academy application process, visit Thornberry's website or Facebook page. Thornberry accepting entries for Congressional Art Competition Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-Clarendon, is accepting entries for the 2016 Congressional Art Competition. The competition is open to all eligible high school students in the 13th Congressional District. The winner will have his or her art displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year. The deadline for entries is April 18 and the winner will be announced April 25. The winning student will be invited to participate in the exhibition's opening celebration in Washington, D.C. this summer. By John Ingle of the Times Record News Rep. Mac Thornberry, with the support of 19 other Texas representatives in Washington, D.C., and the state's two U.S. senators, filed an amicus brief in federal court Wednesday afternoon in support of landowners along the Red River fighting a federal agency in a property dispute. Thornberry (R-Clarendon) told the Times Record News there are unique elements to this case that the U.S. Supreme Court already considered in the 1920s that settled how the boundary along a 116-mile stretch of the Red River from Doan's Crossing in Wilbarger County to the community of Stanfield in Clay County was to be determined. He said Texas surveyors use the method adopted by the Supreme Court in a 1923 case that was developed by Arthur Stiles and Arthur Kidder, and the Bureau of Land Management has not. "I do think BLM is approaching this in a way that is not consistent with the Supreme Court ruling on this particular dispute," he said. "I think that gives the case a strong basis." The amicus brief introduces three specific areas for federal courts to continue moving forward: The BLM has overstepped its legal authorities by claiming a boundary without using the proper survey methodology. The BLM has used an unapproved application of the gradient boundary method along this specific area of the Red River. The impact of the court's decision regarding the federal agency's survey methodology would go beyond the 116-mile area on the river. "Upholding the BLM surveys and claims of ownership over Plaintiffs' property would cloud title on thousands of acres of private property up and down the Red River, frustrate or remove the ability (to) dispose of property, and make it impossible to make improvements to the land," the brief says. "It is, therefore, imperative that the gradient boundary survey method as understood and applied over the last several decades by the State of Texas and Registered Professional Land Surveyors be upheld in full and that the BLM's survey's be overturned as they do not comply with the Court's 1923 decision." An amicus brief is a legal filing done by someone not part of a lawsuit but who wishes to inform the courts of specific information that is relevant to the case, introduce addition information or raise the court's awareness of information the court might want to consider. Thornberry said because the Supreme Court has already ruled on how to determine the gradient boundary along the Red River, its legitimate role now is to tell the BLM it has not been following the law as applied by the high court. Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz joined Thornberry as signatories or the amicus brief, as well as Reps. Kevin Brady, Michael Burgess, John Carter, Mike Conaway, John Culberson, Blake Farenthold, Bill Flores, Kay Granger, Louie Gohmert, Jeb Hensarling, Sam Johnson, Kenny Marchant, Michael McCaul, Randy Neugebauer, Ted Poe, John Ratcliffe, Pete Sessions, Randy Weber and Roger Williams. Thornberry and Cornyn have filed legislation in their respective chambers, Thornberry's bill passing out of the house in December. Cornyn's bill is still pending in the Senate. RELATED: Read Thornberry's amicus brief in full below. BLM Red River MOC Amicus Brief

*Patrick Johnston/Times Record News Several groups stop to talk near artists booths at Cowboy True at the J.S. Bridwell Agricultural Center Saturday afternoon. The event also featured various metal roses and western plants throughout the venue.

SHARE Ann Arnold-Ogden, Community Marketing Director-WF Chamber of Commerce Ranch life plays a tremendous role in North Texas. This weekend, Cowboy True aims to educate the region about the honor, art and beauty of the cowboy's daily life. The event will feature artists' work from around the nation including painting, photography, bits, spurs, buckles, jewelry, carvings and more. One of this weekend's artists is photographer Jeremy Enlow, whose book "Cowboys of the Waggoner Ranch" is receiving recognition across the country. Two weeks ago he learned he'd been awarded first place in Photography/Art in the 2016 Great Southwest Book Festival, and took top honors as "Overall Grand Prize Winner." There was one problem ... Enlow told event organizers, "They set the awards ceremony for the evening of April 2 in downtown Los Angeles. For winning the grand prize, the book festival pays my travel expenses plus a $500 speaker fee at the ceremony. I'd have to leave Wichita Falls Saturday morning in order to make the event but just don't feel comfortable doing that as I already committed to Cowboy True. So I will be in Wichita Falls on Friday and all day on Saturday. I choose Wichita Falls!" When an outsider makes a bold choice like this, it highlights that what we're doing in Wichita Falls matters. This is such a vibrant community full of tradition, inspiration and adventure. We have every reason to be proud. It is humbling to have an artist like Enlow recognize the value of this event. I hope Cowboy True will be wildly successful for The Forum. I hope the community will not say, "there's nothing to do this weekend." That is simply not true. Go out and support these artists! Be sure to thank them for choosing Wichita Falls! Nassau U.S. Rep. Chris Gibson, eyeing a run for governor, is raising alarm bells with federal energy officials over potential public health risks from natural gas pipeline compressor stations. In a letter last month to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the congressman asked for a review of decades-old health standards for the stations, which can release high levels of potential carcinogenic gas like benzene. The Kinderhook Republican came out late last year against the proposed Northeast Energy Direct (NED) pipeline, which wants to build a compressor station in southern Rensselaer County that has drawn vocal local opposition. Gibson asked FERC Chairman Norman Bay also to include "public health expertise" that is "independent, credible and free from conflicts of interest" as part of the federal environmental review for NED, in his March 15 letter. Gibson wrote that current federal exposure standards for air pollution near gas compressor stations "may be inadequate to protect public health. Many of these standards were set many years ago, and may be obsolete." Those standards rely on averaging emission levels of benzene, as well as methane, hexane and other volatile organic compounds, over long periods of time and "may not address higher exposure rates at peak times," Gibson wrote. He is retiring from Congress and is laying groundwork for a likely 2018 run for the Republican nomination for governor. The 400-mile NED natural gas pipeline would connect the hydrofracking fields of Pennsylvania to Boston, and pass through southern Albany and Rensselaer counties. The proposal includes a 41,000-horsepower compressor station off Clarks Chapel Road in Nassau. On Thursday, FERC spokeswoman Tamara Young-Allen said Bay would "be responding to Congressman Gibson soon." She declined further comment. Opposition to NED has been increasingly vocal. Last month, the state's two U.S. senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand came out against the project, joining many local and county officials. NED opponent and Nassau Town Supervisor David Fleming welcomed Gibson's stance, calling his requests "based on sound science ... I can see no way that approval of any of these compressor stations would happen with a modern review and analysis of public health impacts." David Carpenter, director of the Institute for Health & The Environment at the University at Albany, co-authored a 2014 peer-reviewed study that found elevated levels of potentially carcinogenic levels of chemicals near natural gas drilling wells and compressor stations in five states. "I am very impressed with the congressman's letter," said Carpenter, whose study included about 50 sites in Pennsylvania, where hydrofracking has boomed for years, as well as Wyoming, Arkansas, Colorado and Ohio. The study included 35 air samples taken from 11 sites at homes and farms near fracking sites; 16 samples found unsafe levels of two carcinogenic chemicals benzene and formaldehyde. Both chemicals can cause cancers that take years to develop. In addition, 41 stations were set up near well sites to test for formaldehyde, and 14 of the 41 tests exceeded safety standards of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Unsafe benzene levels ranged from 35 times to more than 777,000 times normal levels. At the worst site near a Wyoming gas well, the benzene level for five minutes was equivalent to what an average Los Angeles resident is exposed to for two years. bnearing@timesunion.com 518-454-5094 @Bnearing10 LECTURE Chuck D has just about done it all, and that gives him a lot to talk about. He's a co-founder of seminal rap group Public Enemy, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member, a political activist, a writer, a producer, a radio host and national spokesman for Rock the Vote and the National Urban League. The influential rapper is also a lecturer, and he's been bringing a powerful message about race, rage, inequality and bridging cultural divides to college campuses for years. He'll be the keynote speaker for Siena College's third annual Hip-Hop Week. The event is free. 7:30 p.m. Monday. Free. Sarazen Student Union, Siena College, 515 Loudon Road, Loudonville. 783-2330; https://www.siena.edu EVENT Remember G.I. Joe, Transformers and other cool vintage toys? They'll all be on display at the Albany Toy Show. You'll also find comics, collectibles and movie memorabilia at the event, which will feature special guests, including actress Nicki Clyne ("Battlestar Galactica," "Dead Like Me"), and 3-D sculptor and illustrator Paul Harding. Comic book artists John Herbert (''X-Men,'' ''Deathlok''), Nikkol Jelenic (''A Taste for Killing''), Christian St. Pierre (Mongoose Publishing, Morrigan Press), Steve Lavigne (''Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles''), David A. Rodriquez (''Skylanders,'' ''Shadowgirls''), and Jim Whiting (''World of Warcraft,'' ''Margo: Intergalactic Trash Collector'') are also slated to appear. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. $5. Radisson Hotel Albany, 205 Wolf Road, Colonie. 884-9498; http://toyshow.albanycomicbookshow.com DANCE Dance +26 is that rare festival that isn't about watching other people perform. Instead, you get out on the dance floor yourself with lots of support from instructors and live musicians. This year, the theme of the event, sponsored by the Dance Alliance, is "Dancing Through Time," and classes are inspired by Hall of Fame legends. Choose from ballet in the George Balanchine style; modern dance in the mode of Paul Taylor; and Broadway jazz inspired by Bob Fosse and Tommy Tune. Also on the schedule: hip-hop classes that pay tribute to Michael Jackson, rhythm tap that nods to Bill "Bojangles" Robinson and the Nicholas Brothers, and more. Ages 8 and up are welcome. 11 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Sunday. The National Museum of Dance, 99 South Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Tickets: single class, $15; full day for Dance Alliance members, $30 ($35 at the door); full day for nonmembers, $35 ($45 at the door). Info: 227-5185 or http://www.dancealliance.org New York An expedited screening program called PreCheck was supposed to be the answer to maddeningly long security lines at the airport. But four years after its launch, the Transportation Security Administration is far short of enrolling enough travelers to make a difference, spelling trouble for summer travel season. Fliers can expect massive security lines across the country, with airlines already warning passengers to arrive at least two hours early or risk missing their flight. The TSA cut its airport screener staff by 10 percent in the past three years, anticipating PreCheck would speed up the process. When not enough fliers enrolled, the agency tried to make up for that shortfall by randomly placing passengers into the express lanes. But it recently scaled back that effort for fear dangerous passengers were being let through. That's when the lines started growing, up to 90 minutes in some cases. The TSA is shifting some resources to tackle lines at the nation's biggest airports, but says there is no easy solution to the problem with a record number of fliers expected this summer. "We had unacceptable line waits at the majority of our hubs," says Robert Isom, chief operating officer of American Airlines. "Based on what the TSA is telling us, there is no relief in sight." Launched nationwide in 2012, PreCheck gives previously vetted passengers special screening. Shoes, belts and light jackets stay on. Laptops and liquids stay in bags. And these fliers go through standard metal detectors rather than the explosive-detecting full-body scanners most pass through. PreCheck lanes can screen 300 passengers an hour, twice that of standard lanes. The TSA offered Congress a lofty goal of having 25 million fliers enrolled in the program. Based on that and other increased efficiencies, the TSA's front-line screeners were cut from 47,147 three years ago to 42,525 currently. At the same time, the number of annual fliers passing through checkpoints has grown from 643 million to more than 700 million. As of March 1, only 9.3 million people were PreCheck members. Applicants must pay $85 to $100 every five years. They must also trek to the airport for an interview before being accepted. Getting once-a-year fliers to spend the time or the money to join has been a challenge. While 250,000 to 300,000 people join every month, it will take more than four years at that pace to reach the target. "It hasn't been a failure; it just isn't moving as quickly as it needs to move," says Sharon Pinkerton, senior vice president for legislative and regulatory policy at airline trade group Airlines for America. Without enough members, the TSA faced a problem: PreCheck lanes were nearly deserted while other lines snaked throughout terminals. Keeping empty PreCheck lanes open was a waste of staff. But without them, passengers who paid to join would be aggravated. So the agency created workarounds to allow passengers who hadn't been fully vetted to still get expedited screening. Those who flew 50,000 miles a year or more with an airline sometimes got the PreCheck designation on their boarding pass at check-in. Others would randomly get it based on demographic information. As a further step, the TSA in 2013 created a program called Managed Inclusion where it randomly pulls people out of the normal line when it grows too long. Fliers' behavior is monitored, they are screened for explosives and then allowed to use the faster PreCheck lane. The Associated Press has made repeated requests under the Freedom of Information Act for details on how many fliers are allowed into PreCheck through each method, but has been denied the information for unspecified security reasons. Lines did get shorter. By Thanksgiving 2014 nearly 50 percent of fliers were getting expedited screening. Then last year, two back-to-back embarrassing inspector general reports came out, highlighting TSA security lapses. One disclosed that the agency let a convicted domestic terrorist use PreCheck. The second revealed that in 67 out of 70 tests across the nation, screeners failed to find mock weapons and explosives. In response, TSA agents stopped pulling passengers out of line unless there was an explosive-detecting canine team present. That change went into effect in September, right after the Labor Day rush. The move forced about 10 percent of all passengers 70 million fliers a year to go back to normal screening. Longer lines soon followed. By February, just 26 percent of passengers were screened through PreCheck, according to Associated Press calculations on TSA data obtained through a public records request. During the week of spring break in mid-March, 6,800 American Airlines passengers missed their flights because of long checkpoint lines. "The TSA is more or less suggesting that we need to live with it," says Isom, American's chief operating officer. At Seattle-Tacoma International Airport waits have topped out at 90 minutes. In the first week of March, 50 Delta Air Lines passengers missed international flights the type of flight that only departs once a day. Last week, officials in Charlotte, N.C., were warning passengers of waits exceeding 75 minutes, saying the lines were "extremely heavy." At the world's busiest airport, in Atlanta, general manager Miguel Southwell told the TSA last month that "things appear to be only getting worse." And in Minneapolis, executive director Jeffrey Hamiel told the TSA that "we are experiencing unacceptably long security wait times during peak periods." The TSA knows there is no quick fix. "The real answer to the volume growth is to ideally get a fully-vetted trusted traveler population," TSA Administrator Peter Neffenger told The Associated Press. For now though, the agency is relocating 28 of its 142 canine teams to the 20 busiest airports so it can randomly put more fliers into PreCheck. The TSA won't say which airports are losing the teams and could therefore have longer lines. An additional 200 screeners are being trained each week, but that is offset by the average 103 screeners the TSA loses weekly through attrition. The agency is asking airlines to enforce carry-on bags restrictions before checkpoints so it has fewer bags to screen. Airport and airline staff will also take over some non-security related tasks, such as returning empty bins to the start of the checkpoint. There has been one bright side: the TSA says there is a direct correlation between longer lines and a spike in PreCheck enrollments. This is a huge task as more than 50 per cent of the patients are seeking treatment for the disease in the private sector. (Representational image) Hyderabad: While notification and follow-up for tuberculosis has been a cause of concern, Apollo Hospitals has been able to integrate a system whereby it can be notified and also follow up with the patients. TB is a notified disease since 2012 but due to lack of infrastructure, the total number of cases has not been registered. Due to this reason, every year, over 1 million patients were missed out. Dr Suneetha Narreddy, consultant of infectious diseases at Apollo Hospitals said, With over 2.5 million cases every year, it is becoming very important to identify the disease, track the patient and ensure that they are cured. This is a huge task as more than 50 per cent of the patients are seeking treatment for the disease in the private sector. Hence it is becoming important to notify the disease so that healthcare workers can follow up and check on the patient status. In the one-year project from June 2015 to March 6, 2016, 200 patients were identified in Apollo Hospitals and 95 per cent of them showed successful compliance with the programs. But the major problem is that most of the patients come to these hospitals after visiting two to three doctors. As there is no standardised diagnosis and treatment protocols, often TB is identified in an advanced stage. As the market is flooded with TB Gold, Platinum and other variety of blood tests, patients are confused as they only follow what their doctor advises. Dr Sarabjit Chadha said, A blood test for TB is not the right method to identify the disease. It has to be evaluated via sputum tests for pulmonary TB and via gene expert test for extra pulmonary TB. With this project being successfully implemented in Apollo Hospitals, other hospitals like Care Hospital, Max Fortis in New Delhi and Hinduja Hospitals in Mumbai will also be taking it up. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 3 1 of 3 Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Show More Show Less 3 of 3 The Fulton County woman arrested in Cincinnati last fall for injecting Benadryl into her sick son's feeding tube has returned home, according to a post on her father's social media. Jessica Valik, 25, whose son Jackson Baldwin has a rare skin condition, was sentenced to 180 days in jail with credit for time served for misdemeanor child endangerment after a plea deal to drop three felony charges.Jackson is under the guardianship of his maternal grandfather, who the Hamilton County, Ohio, prosecutor's office said "either has or will be filing for custody in New York." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Minneapolis Two white police officers involved in the fatal shooting of a black man last fall will not face criminal charges, a prosecutor announced Wednesday in a decision that drew outrage from community members who said the move showed that the legal system is rigged against African-Americans. Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman said his decision not to charge the officers in the death of 24-year-old Jamar Clark was based on forensic evidence that showed Clark was not handcuffed, as claimed by some people who said they saw the shooting, and had attempted to grab an officer's weapon, which made them fear for their lives and justified use of deadly force. Clark ignored warnings to take his hands off Mark Ringgenberg's gun before he was shot and told Ringgenberg and officer Dustin Schwarze: "I'm ready to die," the prosecutor said. Freeman painstakingly described his decision, starting with police reports and witnesses. Community members who attended the presentation said the prosecutor relied too heavily on police accounts and disregarded what others said they saw. "This is a fairy tale. None of this happened," said Mel Reeves, an organizer for a group called Twin Cities Coalition 4 Justice 4 Jamar Clark. "It's not justice. It sends us a clear message that the police are above the law." Police union head Bob Kroll said the public should accept the results of the investigation. He appealed for calm. "Hostility is going to get all of us nowhere," Kroll said. Protesters had demanded that the case not go to a grand jury, which operates in secret. Freeman decided the issue on his own. Police encountered Clark early on Nov. 15 after paramedics called for help from a scene where they were attempting to treat Clark's girlfriend after she was assaulted. The paramedics said Clark, the assault suspect, was interfering with their work, and they feared for their safety, Freeman said. When police arrived, Clark kept putting his hands in his pockets and refused orders to show his hands. Officers tried to handcuff Clark but couldn't. The handcuffs were later dropped, Freeman said. Ringgenberg then took Clark to the ground and ended up on top of Clark, who was lying on his back. Ringgenberg's back was to Clark's stomach, Freeman said. The officer felt his gun shift from his hip to the small of his back and reached back and felt Clark's hand on his weapon, Freeman said. Ringgenberg said, "He's got my gun," Freeman said. Schwarze said he put his gun to the edge of Clark's mouth and warned him to let go or he would shoot. At that point, Clark looked directly at Schwarze and said he was ready to die. Schwarze said the only thing he could do to save everyone in the area was to pull the trigger. The shooting happened 61 seconds after police first approached, Freeman said. Clark's blood-alcohol level was 0.09 percent, just above the legal limit to drive in Minnesota. His blood also contained THC, the active compound in marijuana. Freeman called the handcuff question a key issue in the case and went into particular detail. Twenty civilian witnesses gave different versions of whether Clark was handcuffed. Of the 12 who said he was handcuffed, their stories differed and did not match the forensic evidence, Freeman said. Richmond, Va. The fate of North Carolina's new law aimed at restricting restroom use by transgender people could be determined in Virginia, where a school board has ordered a teenager to stay out of the boys' room. The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond could rule any day now in the case of Gavin Grimm, who was born female but identifies as male. Grimm says he has to take a "walk of shame" to use a restroom at Gloucester High School. Whatever the judges decide, the impact will be far more sweeping than what Grimm envisioned when he challenged the policy last year. "I did not set out to make waves I set out to use the bathroom," Grimm says. North Carolina's bathroom bill was unveiled, debated and signed into law in a single day last week, two months after the appeals court in Richmond heard arguments in Grimm's case. But two workers and a transgender student at the University of North Carolina are making similar arguments as they seek a federal injunction preventing enforcement of the new law. Among other things, the law directs public schools, public universities and government agencies to designate bathrooms and locker rooms for use only by people based on their biological sex, and says transgender people can only use bathrooms matching their gender identity if they've had their birth certificates changed, which in North Carolina usually requires sexual reassignment surgery. The law has prompted a national backlash, including boycotts of North Carolina from businesses and politicians. Advocates on all sides will closely read the ruling, since U.S. District Judge Thomas Schroeder in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, an appointee of President George W. Bush, will have to adhere to any precedents set by the appellate court, said Joshua Block, the American Civil Liberties Union lawyer representing Grimm. "One way or another, what happens in Gavin's case is likely going to set the rules of the road for how the North Carolina case proceeds," Block said. Grimm alleges that school board policy requiring him to use girls' restrooms or a single-occupancy unisex bathroom available to all students violates Title IX of the U.S. Education Amendments of 1972, the federal law prohibiting sex discrimination in public schools. He also says the policy denies him equal protection rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. The North Carolina suit raises similar claims, alleging that transgender people who haven't received a sex-change operation and changed their birth certificate can't access their preferred restrooms, and are therefore treated unequally from non-transgender people. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Madison, Wis. Frustrated Republicans grappled with new fears about Donald Trump's impact on their party Wednesday, as the billionaire businessman's campaign rivals targeted his punitive plan for fighting abortion and extraordinary defense of his campaign manager, who police say assaulted a female reporter. Concern rippled through Republican circles nationwide, yet few dared criticize the GOP front-runner directly when pressed, leery of confronting the man who may well lead their election ticket in November. Their silence underscored the deep worries plaguing the party's leaders particularly its most prominent women who are growing increasingly concerned that a Trump presidential nomination could not only cost the 2016 election but also tarnish the party brand for a generation of women and young people. "A nominee who cannot speak to women cannot win," New Hampshire party chairwoman Jennifer Horn said, though declining to rebuke Trump by name. Trump added to his challenge when asked to explain his prescription to fight abortion, a subject that remains highly controversial decades after the Supreme Court legalized it. He told MSNBC during the taping of a town hall-style event in Wisconsin that abortions should be banned and, if they are, women who get them should receive "some form of punishment." That sparked an immediate backlash from both sides of the debate, and Trump's campaign quickly backtracked, releasing a statement that sought to take back his words. It said that only those who perform abortions would be "held legally responsible, not the woman." "The woman is a victim in this case as is the life in her womb," the new Trump statement said. The abortion comments came as Trump questioned the findings of Jupiter, Fla., police, who charged his closest political adviser, Corey Lewandowski, with misdemeanor battery on Tuesday after examining surveillance video of an incident in which a reporter said she was grabbed and shoved. The police report said the woman's arm revealed "bruising from what appeared to be several finger marks indicating a grabbing-type injury." "I don't know who created those bruises," Trump said Wednesday. The Republican front-runner suggested his campaign manager was trying to protect him from Michelle Fields, a reporter for Breitbart News at the time, who was trying to ask him a question after a March 8 appearance. "She's got a pen in her arm which she's not supposed to have and it shows that she's a very aggressive person who's grabbing at me and touching me," Trump said. "Maybe I should file charges against her." As Trump assailed Fields from a television studio, Republican rival Ted Cruz surrounded himself with women as he courted Wisconsin voters ahead of the state's high-stakes primary next Tuesday. Cruz leads the state by 9 points among likely voters, according to a Marquette University Law School poll released Wednesday. Cruz campaigned in Madison with his wife, mother, two daughters and even their nanny in what he called a "celebration of women." "We're here because we love our families," Cruz declared, declining to repeat his criticism of Trump from the day before. "Women are not a special interest. Women are a majority of the United States of America. And every issue is a women's issue." Women favored President Barack Obama by 11 points over GOP nominee Mitt Romney in 2012, a divide highlighted in the Republican National Committee's post-election study. "Our inability to win their votes is losing us elections," the report's authors wrote. Yet Trump is poised to fare worse among women than Romney in a general election, according to recent polls that put his negative ratings nearing or even eclipsing 70 percent among women. The RNC recommended that prominent female elected leaders be featured to promote the Republican brand, listing several, including South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley. Haley's office said she was "unavailable for comment," among other female Republican officeholders who didn't respond to AP requests for comment. They included Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Reps. Kristi Noem of North Dakota and Mia Love of Utah. Liz Johnson, communications director for Sen. Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire, who is in a tough re-election fight, issued this statement: "As a longtime prosecutor, Kelly believes Mr. Trump should leave this case to the criminal justice system, instead of wrongly trying it in the media." The Trump campaign was in discussion with the Republican National Committee about arranging a meeting with Chairman Reince Priebus on Thursday. Trump is the undisputed GOP front-runner in the nomination fight, but should he lose Wisconsin, his foes would have a realistic chance of denying him the delegate majority he needs to claim the nomination before the July convention. Daniele Santos only wanted to comfort her boy, Juan Pedro, one of Brazil's growing number of babies born with a birth defect linked to the Zika infection his mother had while pregnant. Just 3 months old, Juan Pedro's shrill and constant crying, typical of babies born with microcephaly, drove his mother to desperation. According to Santos, the boy's fussing was so intense it led to her husband abandoning the family. The boy is receiving traditional care at a hospital in Recife in northeastern Brazil, the epicenter of the Zika epidemic and the capital of the state seeing most of the birth defects associated with the mosquito-borne virus. Zika, which has spread rapidly through the Americas, has not been proven to cause microcephaly in babies, but there is growing evidence that suggests a link. The condition is defined by unusually small heads that can result in developmental problems. Modern medicine has not been enough for Santos and many other mothers. That is where a type of parental therapy group called "Room to be a Mother" came in to bring relief to Santos and others. The group's instructors this month held two free workshops in Recife for the mostly impoverished mothers of babies born with birth defects related to the Zika virus, teaching natural techniques to soothe the children. Those include a traditional Indian shantala massage for babies, using a simple sling that keeps babies tightly held to their mother's chest for comfort throughout the day, and also the use of a specially shaped bucket for warm baths meant to mimic the womb. Santos now uses the massage, sling and bucket soaks each day. "His crying after the massages and baths became less shrill," Santos says, noting that Juan Pedro is "much calmer." Therapist Rozely Fontoura, who follows up with the mothers after they take the therapy classes, said the shantala massage is particularly helpful, as it works by producing endorphins and by reducing the stress hormone cortisol. "Babies with microcephaly are generally very irritable, they are very sensitive to stimulants, they become very irritated and are difficult to calm down," she said. " So the production of (endorphins) and the reduction of cortisol helps a lot." Brazil has said it has confirmed more than 900 cases of microcephaly, and considers most of them to be related to Zika infections in the mothers. Brazil is investigating nearly 4,300 additional suspected cases of microcephaly. Albany The state Comptroller's office is recommending that the state tighten up and modernize its system for tracking natural gas and hazardous material pipeline safety issues. The audit found that the state Public Service Department, which is responsible for overseeing more than 92,000 miles of such pipelines statewide, did not verify company claims that workers were qualified, was ill-equipped to learn about leaks if not reported by companies, and could do a better job analyzing its own data to identify "high-risk areas" of aging pipes. Between 1995 and 2014, the state had 194 natural gas pipeline incidents with 23 fatalities, 123 injuries and $77 million in property damage. Public Service Commission Chairwoman Audrey Zibelman called the findings by Comptroller Tom DiNapoli "minor" in a January 16 letter reacting to the audit. She said a subsequent investigation by her staff found no evidence that unqualified workers performed construction, maintenance or repairs on natural gas lines. PSC spokesman James Denn said the department has "monitoring efforts even more stringent than federal requirements, we have a 'best-in-class' safety program in this critical industry. This months-long state audit found us fundamentally in compliance with our oversight of the utilities' maintaining public safety." Zibelman also wrote that the department routinely analyzes pipeline safety and has warned companies that they must repair major large sections of the aging network within specific timetables or face up to $100 million in penalties. Those penalties are called "negative revenue adjustments" (NRAs) and if assessed, must be paid from shareholder funds, and cannot be shifted to customers' bills. For example, the PSC has ordered Con Edison, which services metropolitan New York, to replace 195 miles of leak-prone gas pipes over a three-year period at an estimated cost of $498 million, or face a $6.7 million penalty. In the Capital Region, National Grid shareholders could lose up to $13.5 million per year if the company does not meet gas safety metric requirements, which includes emergency response, damage prevention, violations of safety regulations, and leak prone pipe replacement targets. National Grid has about 710 miles of leak-prone pipes, or about 8 percent of its 8,190-mile upstate network. DiNapoli's audit covered April 2013 through October 2015, and included records from 20 pipeline operators. Auditors examined company files for 95 employees or contractors, which encompassed more than 2,600 separate qualifications for certain work; in 36 cases, information in those files was inaccurate or incomplete. And in eight of those cases, workers would not have been legally qualified to perform the work scheduled for the time that state inspectors were present. "This is especially important," according to the DiNapoli audit, in light of a March 2014 explosion at a gas pipeline in Harlem that involved unqualified welders. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and features with our afternoon newsletter. Auditors also found while state and federal regulations require pipeline operators to immediately report accidents or leaks that result in death, injury, or property damage or are reported in media accounts, there were six such unreported incidents between January and August 2015. PSC staff was aware of two of those incidents, according to the audit, and has since subscribed to an electronic news feed to better track media accounts of pipeline incidents. The PSC also maintains several independent databases to pipeline inspection and safety issues, and is getting a centralized system created by the state Office of Information Technology Services, the audit added. That system should be functional shortly. The PSC said there were 950 "gas-related incidents" during the period of the audit and none of the six incidents not reported by pipeline operators involved death, injury or property damage. "The department was pleased to note, as expected, (the audit) did not identify any significant concerns," wrote Zibelman. bnearing@timesunion.com 518-454-5094 Try to imagine a movie that could make you want to blow up a perfectly innocent, absolutely adorable little girl. Try to conceive a set of circumstances in which such an action might be acceptable to you. And then, after deciding such a thing is beyond possibility, go see "Eye in the Sky" for an education in modern warfare. Directed by Gavin Hood and written by Guy Hibbert, "Eye in the Sky" deals with the ethical questions surrounding the use of drones. At least half of the film depicts people staring at screens and arguing about what to do and somehow this makes for intense drama. Add into that it features Helen Mirren at her icy best and Alan Rickman, who is outstanding in his last on-screen performance, and that should be enough to recommend it. Mirren plays a British colonel working for military intelligence, who has been tracking various terrorists for several years. Now some of the most dangerous, ranking members of this terrorist organization think ISIS or Al Qaeda are going to be in the same house in Kenya. And so she coordinates with Kenyan officials on the scene and with the Americans, who have the eyes in the sky, drones capable of following the terrorists' movements. All is going according to plan for about 15 minutes, when the terrorists go off to another house, in the middle of a district that can't be invaded by police. The house is in a part of town run by the terrorists, and any attempt to make an arrest would result in a horrible battle, with lots of civilian casualties and the very real possibility of the lead terrorists getting away. So what starts off as an arrest plan becomes a different plan altogether to use a missile, fired from a drone, to blow up the terrorists in the house. More Information *** Review "Eye in the Sky" Rated: R for some violent images and language Length: 102 minutes **** Excellent *** Good ** Fair * Poor See More Collapse The film takes place in several areas of activity. The colonel (Mirren) heads the command center, and she is ready to blow up half the world to get these terrorists, one in particular. Alan Rickman, as a general, sits in a boardroom with politicians, trying to persuade them to allow the drone strike. And Aaron Paul is the bombardier, controlling the drone from a console somewhere in the United States. Although Paul's scenes are played straight, the idea of Aaron Paul as a bombardier is actually funny if you think about it. This is an actor who specializes in characters who do terrible things and then feel horribly guilty afterward. Thus, he spends half of "Eye in the Sky" with his eyes filling with tears and his face frozen and throbbing with misery. He has the kind of sensitivity that would be valued in a friend, although the thought of an American army full of guys like Paul would be pretty terrifying. In contrast with the drama of Paul's scenes, Hibbert combines drama with black comedy in the boardroom interludes. That's a tone that Rickman understood instinctively and played expertly, never losing the drama while injecting shadings of comedy. Watching the timid British officials do their best to avoid making decisions evokes both humor and frustration. From an American perspective, it's also amusing that on two occasions U.S. government officials make an appearance, and they are portrayed as having none of the reticence of their British colleagues. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and features with our afternoon newsletter. "Eye in the Sky" is refreshing in its lack of a political message. Mirren is chilling as the cold-blooded colonel, but her point of view is more than understandable, even justifiable, just as Paul's reluctant soldier is both right and wrong, as well. In a situation in which a good option does not exist, the choice is only between degrees of bad, and so it's impossible for anyone to be entirely right. The moral discussion in "Eye in the Sky" amounts to various people deciding which variety of culpability they can live with. It's an awful place to be, and the movie puts us where we already were and didn't quite know it right in there with them. Dijour Carter, a young filmmaker in a bowtie with blinking blue lights, was cooling his heels in the lobby at Spectrum 8 Theatres, waiting for his movie to premiere. It's a sci-fi flick he shot last year. "It's about a kid," he explained. "His name is Winston, and he's just an average school kid, and he finds a phone, and later he finds out that it has the power to alter time and space and he uses it to his advantage." Like every other writer-director on the planet, Carter was excited and more than a little stunned to think that his film was about to screen before a packed audience at a world premiere. "It truly is an honor," he said. But unlike every other writer-director on the planet, Carter is 17 and has autism, a fact revealed in another film screened last Thursday night, the documentary "Finding Strength." The shorts were among a slate of a dozen little movie gems that premiered at the Spectrum, every last one of them conceived and realized by teenagers under the guidance of Youth FX, the urban summer filmmaking program that also engages students year-round through Albany High School and Albany Public Library. More Information If you go Youth FX Encore Screening Where: Spectrum 8 Theatres, 290 Delaware Ave., Albany When: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Tickets: $10 adults, $5 students Info: 526-5586; www.youthfx.org Contact Amy Biancolli at 518-454-5439 or abiancolli@timesunion.com or visit the arts blog at http://blog.timesunion.com/localarts See More Collapse Now in its ninth year, Youth FX has grown in reputation, reach, professionalism and impact, sending its films to festivals around the country and drawing attention for its impressive production values and powerful, often socially conscious output. It's also grown in student ambition. "That's what makes this program go," said founding director Bhawin Suchak as he introduced the lineup, which will screen again at the Spectrum in an encore presentation on Wednesday. (In the theater's sale to the Landmark chain last year, the former Spectrum owners negotiated two gratis Youth FX nights per year for 10 years. They were written directly into the contract.) "It's not about what I'm sort of bringing to the table. ... It's about the young people in the program bringing themselves, their experiences and their stories to the table," Suchak said. The teens in Youth FX "come together every year, and they push each other, with our help, to actually step up their game every single year. So you keep seeing these films getting better and better." A few minutes later, the movies unspooled, and they were witty, gritty, winning. The documentaries hit hard, the dramas had bite. The night's one thriller "Manhunt," Michael Mejia's and Melissa Lachica's creepy tale of a bullied teen exacting his revenge along the Hudson was terrifically made and uncompromisingly dark. Carter's sci-fi comedy had crack timing and a clever script. An experimental film impressed. An animated short charmed. Many of the films addressed issues of social justice, including "Marquis," Darian Henry and Maya Suchak's documentary account of Marquis Dixon, the Albany teen serving nine years at Coxsackie Correctional Facility for stealing a pair of shoes. "My body may be free," says his mother, Aisha. "But my mind is locked up with you." Another film was "Guilt Trip," a narrative short from writer-director Aden Suchak that examined the racial profiling of three kids after a shooting. (Bhawin is Aden and Maya's dad.) Other films told tales of immigrants. In Aden Suchak and Taofeek Abijako's "Make It Float," Abijako its engaging subject discussed his Nigerian roots and his colorful aesthetic as a painter and fashion designer. Selected as a finalist in the Tribeca Film Festival's "America I Am" contest, the short received $1,000 toward finishing touches in time for its April 21 screening at the festival. In Sara Mohamed and Darien Henry's documentary "Sara," the title teen funny, plucky and disarming described her flight from war-torn Libya and arrival in Albany, where the language and the buildings all seemed so distant. "Living in the U.S. is kind of weird for me, because I had to learn another language ... and it was so abandoned," she said, adding: "I felt like I was in the countryside." After the Youth FX screening, a mob of students packed the front of the house, introduced themselves and gamely took questions from the audience. But most weren't questions. Most were expressions of gratitude, love, admiration, amazement, hope, resolve. Marquis Dixon's mother and grandmother rose, conveyed relief at seeing his story told and issued pleas for justice. His mom, Aisha, wanted a memento to share with her son. "I said I would take a picture," she said. "I will bring it to him tomorrow." Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and features with our afternoon newsletter. On the phone a few days later, Aden Suchak stressed all that he had learned through the program, especially from his peers. "A lot of times, when you go through the education system, you have adults who are teaching you," he said. At YouthFX, "I had people who were two years older than me, three years older than me, who were my good friends helping and teaching me." Suchak is one of several Youth FX students and alums who worked on "As You Are," the Albany-shot drama that won a special jury prize at Sundance in January. Its filmmakers, writer-director Miles Joris-Peyrafitte and writer Madison Harrison, are former students of his father's, and they're only a little older than he is. Their success inspires him. "It just increases that idea that you can do it yourself," he said. And now he's heading to Tribeca. "It's obviously an incredible feeling. I'm still buzzing from it every day. It's been amazing." Abijako echoed Suchak's sentiment, plus a few of his words. "It's overwhelming, and I still can't believe it, yet. But it's amazing." Growing up in Nigeria, he said, "Opportunities like this are really sort of limited because there's no one to really back up our ideas and give us the resources to make all of this possible. And that's why I feel it means a lot to me." Or as he observed in "Make It Float": "My idea of the American dream is: You're ready to work hard for it, you get it." What about Dijour Carter? Did he ever dream that a movie he made would hit the big screen? "I've dreamed," he said, his bowtie still winking in the the lobby. "But since my young days, I never actually thought I would do this. Never. Until I went to high school, and saw what Youth FX was doing." abiancolli@timesunion.com 518-454-5439 @AmyBiancolli Within 500 years, Antarctica will have lifted water lines by more than 15 meters (50 feet). (Photo: Pixabay) Paris: Melting ice from Antarctica could raise oceans by a metre before 2100 at current rates of greenhouse gas emissions, doubling previous forecasts for sea level rise, according to a study released today. Such an abrupt change would spell disaster for major cities and coastal areas across the globe, forcing hundreds of millions of people to seek higher ground. Over a longer time scale, the study concluded, the picture is even grimmer: within 500 years, Earth's once-frozen continent will have lifted water lines by more than 15 meters (50 feet), reconfiguring the planet's coastlines. "Frankly, I hope we're wrong about this," Robert DeConto, lead author of the study and a climate scientist at the University of Massachusetts, told AFP. But independent experts contacted by AFP said the study was probably on target. While sharing DeConto's sense of alarm, they praised the new research, published in the peer-reviewed journal Nature, as "really good science." Up to now, estimates of how many centimetres or inches Antarctic melt-off would add to the world's oceans over the next 85 years have been conservative. The latest report from the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a federation of several thousand scientists that report to governments on global warming and its impacts, put that number at about a dozen centimetres (five inches), all of it from a relatively small section called the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. The IPCC predicted that total sea level rise from all sources -- including the expansion of water as it warms, melting glaciers, and the Greenland ice sheet -- would probably not top a meter by century's end. But the low figure for Antarctica had more to do with gaps in knowledge than differences of opinion. Scientists have long struggled, for example, to understand the role Earth's southern extremity played during earlier periods of global warming -- 125,000 and three million years ago -- when temperatures barely warmer than our own raised oceans to levels six-to-10 metres higher than today. "In both cases, the Antarctic ice sheet has been implicated as the primary contributor, hinting at its future vulnerability," the study said. But how, exactly, the planet's ice continent -- far colder than the Arctic, and thus less subject to melting -- disintegrated remained a mystery. 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. There is an urgent need to find training and re-skilling opportunities for staff and employees of Ranbaxy, the Co. Tipperary Chamber of Commerce have said this week. The Chamber reacted to the announcement that Sun Pharma in Cashel is to close in the coming months as the news broke on Thursday morning. The Cashel plant employs about 100 people in the manufacture of generic pharmaceuticals and has operated at the Cork Road site for over 30 years. Speaking after the announcement was made on Thursday morning, Chamber President Mark Small said that the closure was a blow for Cashel and the wider Tipperary business community. Sun Pharma has been a consistent employer in the local economy for many years and we at the County Tipperary Chamber are disappointed with todays announcement. We are now working with the management of the company and our County Tipperary Skillnet training division to identify upskilling opportunities to ensure that those faced with losing their jobs at Sun Pharma have the best possible chance to secure a new role as soon as possible. We will also be working with the relevant agencies, as we have done before, to seek a replacement business for the Cork Road plant he said. The County Tipperary Skillnet, a subsidiary of the Chamber, has been working with Sun Pharma and Ranbaxy (the previous owners of the company) for a number of years. Skillnet will now work with the senior management team at the company to identify and deliver relevant training to departing staff. Brian Cleary, Chamber CEO, spoke about the closure of the plant following the announcement. He spoke about potential opportunities for Sun Pharma staff at the new IDA company, Amneal, in Cashel. Meanwhile, Independent TD Mattie McGrath has expressed his sympathies to workers at the Ranbaxy pharmaceutical plant in Cashel Co. Tipperary following the announcement that the facility is set to cease all operations. Deputy McGrath was speaking after a month long negotiations process on the future of the site ended with the loss of over 100 jobs: I was devastated to hear of this enormous blow to the workers hopes; a blow that will certainly extend to the broader local economy in Cashel. I had been in touch with the facilitys management in an effort to extend all possible mediation services. I had also raised the matter with Minister Richard Bruton and have this morning again notified of him of the scale of the economic loss this represents for Cashel and Tipperary. It is also a significant setback to regional development in the South-East and it must be addressed with all the urgency it deserves. I will be seeking firm commitments from the Minister in terms of his Department extending all necessary support packages to the affected workers and their families, concluded Deputy McGrath. The Minister for Health Leo Varadkar officially launched the Irish Kidney Associations Organ Donor Awareness Week 2016 (2-9 April) at the Mansion House, Dublin recently, where he met members of the organ donation and transplant community including medical staff, patient advocate groups and patients. The Irish Kidney Association, while applauding the transplant programmes for Kidney, Heart, Lung and Liver, claimed there is an urgent need for a second kidney transplanting hospital to meet the spiralling demand for kidney transplants and combat massive future strain on the exchequer. Predicting that the 2000 number of people on dialysis now will be 3000 in ten years time there will be an estimated additional cost of 50 million per year. Speaking at the launch Mr. Mark Murphy said, The vast majority of the Irish public is willing to donate organs and we now have the infrastructure to lift organ donation to the next level, like the Spanish model of organ donation whose rates are twice ours. With all the recent changes in our organ procurement structure including the establishment of Organ Donation and Transplant Ireland, led by Prof. Jim Egan and six personnel are now working inside our Intensive Care Units championing organ donation, we are hopeful that many more opportunities for organ donation and consequently transplantation will be realised. Mr Murphy said, We now have the medical expertise to convert our increasing organ donation rates to more transplantation. I commend the dedicated transplant teams at all three of our transplanting hospitals, Beaumont, St. Vincents and the Mater, for achieving high levels of transplantation. St. Vincents carried out 61 liver transplants last year, 17 more than in the previous year. While no pancreas transplants took place in 2015 we remain optimistic that the new Pancreas and kidney transplant programme established at St. Vincents will commence transplantation this year. The Mater Hospital has shown outstanding growth in the past three years by tripling the number of heart and lung transplants it has carried out compared with the three years previously with the same number of deceased donors. The Mater Hospital conducted the first combined heart and lung transplant last year. All of this demonstrates that while donors are essential, transplant expertise can deliver phenomenally different results from the same amount of deceased organ donors. However, there is an urgent need to address our kidney transplant infrastructure for living and deceased donation which cannot keep up with the demand. Beaumont Hospital is unable to do this alone, it is proving too much to ask of its size of an acute hospital. We urgently need a second kidney transplanting hospital if we are serious about tackling this problem or goal. It has taken only 12 years to double Irelands dialysis patient numbers from 1000 to 2000. This growth would have happened much faster than that, except were it not for the good levels of kidney transplantation at Beaumont Hospital. At the end of 2015, there were 2,015 people in Ireland receiving dialysis treatment and 2,314 people with a kidney transplant, totalling 4,329 people in Ireland with End Stage Kidney Disease or 930 per million of population (PMP) patients with failed kidneys. This is well below the EU average of 1,100 PMP with failed kidneys but as our population is one of the youngest in Europe, this is understandable. However, as the Irish population ages, we can anticipate that we will get closer to the EU average and will require more dialysis facilities, if kidney transplantation cannot keep up with the demand, and in its current format it cannot. There are 460 people on the kidney transplant waiting list which only represents 23% of the dialysis patients. The length of time it takes to be listed for a kidney transplant varies greatly across the country. While not all dialysis patients are transplantable it is reasonable to predict that 35% are transplantable. In Ireland your time awaiting a kidney transplant is counted from the day you are placed on the waiting list, not like in many countries which count from the day you start dialysis. If all testing for the waiting list were completed swiftly that would take the Irish waiting list for kidney transplants up to 700 people. On last years growth numbers, there are 125 more people on dialysis despite 153 kidney transplants in the same period. For every extra 100 dialysis patients the HSE has an extra 5 million to find. I predict that an additional cost of 50 million per year to the exchequer will be required for dialysis treatment in less than 10 years time unless kidney transplantation is transformed. A patient with a kidney transplant costs five times less than a dialysis patient and can expect to double if not treble their life expectancy. 22 more organ transplant operations took place in 2015 than in the previous year. In 2015 there were a total of 266 organ transplants (including heart, lung, liver and kidney). Thanks to the generosity of 81 deceased donors and their families, 233 organ transplant operations were made possible last year and 232 lives were dramatically altered. Living kidney donation led to an additional 33 kidney transplants taking place in Ireland and 8 Irish patients underwent living donor kidney transplants in the UK. There are approximately 550 people in Ireland awaiting lifesaving heart, lung, liver, kidney and pancreas transplants. Thanks to the gift of organ donation well over 3000 people in Ireland are enjoying extended life. St. Vincents Hospital conducted 61 liver transplants in 2015. The Mater Hospital conducted a record 36 lung transplants as well as 16 heart transplants in 2015 and Beaumont Hospital carried out 153 kidney transplants including 33 from living donors. Organ Donor Awareness Week 2016 (2-9 April) is organised by the Irish Kidney Association. The campaign will feature RTE News Anchor and Courts correspondent Vivienne Traynor in radio advertising as well as on posters encouraging the public to support organ donation. Vivienne witnessed first-hand the whole process of organ donation and transplantation from a deceased donor for her nephew Martin in November 2014. She explained that this was a very different experience from five years previously when she was a living kidney donor to him. She said I was touched that a family in the midst of all their grief took the time to consider someone else. The kindness of strangers meant so much to us. The focus of Organ Donor Awareness Week is to raise awareness about the ongoing and ever increasing demand for organ transplantation which relies on the public for organ donation. Its key message is that families need to talk and keep the reminders of their willingness to donate visible by carrying the organ donor card, downloading the Smartphone App and permitting Code 115 to be included on their drivers license. Organ Donor Awareness Week also serves as a fundraising exercise for the Irish Kidney Association as 74% of its funds are generated from the public. Throughout the Week (2nd - 9th April, 2016), the Associations volunteers will be out on the streets, and in shopping centres throughout the country, selling 'forget-me-not-flower' emblems, brooches, pens and shopping trolley discs. All proceeds will go towards the Irish Kidney Associations aid for patients on dialysis and those patients fortunate enough to have received a kidney transplant. The Irish Kidney Associations charitable activities include the provision of a 13 double bedroom free accommodation facility for patients and their families in the grounds of Beaumont Hospital and holiday centres located in Tramore and Kerry, together with patient advocacy, advice, financial aid and rehabilitative, health promotion through sport and the provision of kidney patient information and education. The IKA has introduced another fundraising technique. You can text kidney to 50300 and 2 will be donated from your mobile phone account to the IKA. The Irish Kidney Association is the national organisation charged with the promotion and distribution of the organ donor card in Ireland, on behalf of Organ Donation Transplant Ireland. Free information fact files, which accompany organ donor cards, are obtainable from the Irish Kidney Association and are available nationwide from pharmacies, GP surgeries and Citizen Information Offices etc. Organ Donor Cards can also be obtained by phoning the Irish Kidney Association LoCall 1890 543639 or Freetext the word DONOR to 50050. Visit website www.ika.ie It is now possible to store an organ donor card, the ecard on Smart mobile phones. Simply search for Donor ECard at the IPhone Store or Android Market Place. Volunteer walks in honor of her husband Thousand Oaks resident Joan Hull will be among those participating in this years Conejo Valley Walk to End Alzheimers at 9 a.m. Sat., Oct. 22 at the Westlake Promenade. Hull... Overpass could get protective fencing A substantial safety upgrade for the areas most notorious overpass is finally getting some Caltrans considerationbut dont expect changes any time soon. At the Sept. 21 Moorpark City Council meeting,... Early detection is the best way to survive breast cancer Every October, we celebrate those men and women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. But what is breast cancer and how can it be diagnosed and managed? There are... Recently a man was reported to the police for a fart. Wondering why for a fart? You might have heard of various bizarre issues being reported to the police, but this one is just epic. Recently a man was reported to the police for a fart. Wondering why for a fart? This guy visited a womans home in Lalholm, Halland County in the southwest of Sweden, who tried to get sexual but the woman denied having sex with him. The woman who wasnt in relationship accused the man saying he become angry when she refused his sexual advances and farted before leaving the house. This disturbed the womans peace of mind. According to police reports, he then did a revenge fart. The report states, It smelled very bad in my flat. The police spokesperson said they were obliged to look into all crime reports and are not pursuing the matter any further, reports Mirror.UK. You have reached a premium content area of Transitions. To read this entire article please login if you are already a Transitions subscriber. Not a subscriber? Subscribe today for access to: Full access to the website, including premium articles videos, country reports and searchable archives (containing over 25,000 articles). For the 14-year-old Ivine, the war in Syria had taken a huge toll on her home, family, and her dreams. (Photo: YouTube Video Grab) Some stories were never meant for children. A moving video by The United Nations Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) throws light on the journey of Ivine, a young girl from Syria, who travels all the way to a refugee camp with her mother. The animated video starts with a typical day in a war-torn city in Syria with shellings and bombs being dropped on the homes of innocent civilians. A 14-year-old Ivine is then introduced to us, shivering with fear, as she hides under a table while explosions rip through the country, which is her home. For Ivine, the war in Syria had taken a huge toll on her home, family, and her dreams. Id have nightmares about those scenes, and Id cry. Id wake up, and my pillow would be soaking wet from all my tears, said Ivine as she struggled to find her way to safety. Through this video, the UNICEF highlights the plight of Syrian children and seeks aid to help them. It has gone viral on the social media and has received more than 10,000 shares within 18 hours. If you thought your iPhone was a safe repository for incriminating evidence, you may want to rethink that. Four Arkansas teens stand accused of murdering an older couple, and two of them may have stored evidence behind passwords on an iPhone and an iPod. (Image credit: Federal Bureau of Investigation) Local prosecutors contacted the FBI for assistance in accessing the data encrypted on the devices, and the federal agency said it would help. The FBI will try to unlock both devices, although it's not clear whether the method to be used is the same one that recently got into San Bernardino shooter Syed Rizwan Farook's work iPhone. The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette covered the story, and set up both the basics and the latest developments. Four teenagers stand accused of murdering Patricia and Robert Cogdell, who acted as legal guardians for Justin Staton, 15, one of the alleged perpetrators. MORE: Best Antivirus Software and Apps Prosecutors in the case recently acquired Staton's iPod (presumably an iPod Touch running an unknown version of iOS), but Staton's defense attorney claims that there is no evidence on the device, and Staton will not provide the password. Prosecutors also found an iPhone belonging to Hunter Drexler, 18, another of the accused, with similar results. (Suspects have the right to refuse to disclose a password, but must let police take their fingerprints. Remember that next time you set up TouchID.) Those who have been following the news may notice a few elements similar to the FBI's recently concluded feud with Apple over Farook's iPhone. Farook and his wife killed 14 of his co-workers on Dec. 2, 2015, and the FBI asked Apple to help it unlock Farook's work iPhone by writing new software that would override the device's security features. Apple declined, leading to a six-week legal standoff that ended only this past Monday when the FBI disclosed that an undisclosed third party had helped the agency get into the device. However, that may be all the two cases have in common. It's not clear what kind of iPhone Drexler possessed, or which version of iOS it ran, although one source told the Los Angeles Times it was an iPhone 6. Different iPhone models and different versions of iOS have different weak spots, and the technique to crack Drexler's device could be totally different from the method for unlocking Farook's iPhone 5c, which ran iOS 9. So long as a law enforcement agency has a warrant or other legal justification (such as, for example, assisting with a murder investigation), breaking into suspects' cellphones is nothing unusual. But Apple iPhones are getting harder to crack all the time, and the battle over Farook's iPhone will probably be repeated in another case, perhaps even this one. Patrick Benca, Drexler's attorney, predicted that litigants might demand access to iPhone unlocking procedures in civil cases, and that cybercriminals might get ahold of the technology. However, the FBI doesn't have to cooperate in civil cases (the Farook iPhone unlocking procedure has already been classified as secret) and criminal hackers are always working to find new flaws. Benca does not believe Drexler's iPhone contains anything incriminating. All four defendants have pleaded not guilty. A ranger from the Kenya Wildlife Service shoots dead a male lion that had strayed from the Nairobi National Park, in Kajiado, Kenya Wednesday, March 30, 2016. (Photo: AP) A Kenyan wildlife official says a lion has been shot dead after straying from a national park and attacking a man outside the capital of Nairobi. Paul Udoto, a spokesman for the Kenya Wildlife Service, said Wednesday that the animal was killed by wildlife officials after it injured a man in the Kajiado district, some 57 kilometres from Nairobi. Onlookers gather around after a ranger from the Kenya Wildlife Service shot dead a male lion that had strayed from the Nairobi National Park, Kenya Wednesday, March 30, 2016. (Photo: AP) He had no information about the nature of injuries inflicted on the man. This is the second incident this month involving a stray lion. On March 18, a lion mauled a pedestrian in Nairobi before being captured. Nairobi National Park, which covers 117 square kilometres on the outskirts of Nairobi, is home to endangered black rhinos, lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes and diverse birdlife. Click on the link below to view the video: Google Pixel 7 features coming to Pixel 6 heres what to expect Google has announced that the Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are getting some of the Pixel 7s new features, and older Pixel phones are even getting a few updates. Here's what we know so far. SAN FRANCISCO A year and a half of hype and lots of behind-the-scenes development work have lead to this: six people wearing augmented-reality headsets, flinging energy balls at the robotic creatures floating over each others heads. And it was awesome. This bit of augmented-reality fun came courtesy of Microsoft's HoloLens, which is getting a big showcase at the company's annual Build conference . Microsoft has started shipping its AR headset to developers who've ponied up $3,000 for the device so that they can start developing apps for it. Microsoft is giving developers and the press a taste of what it's like to use the shipping version of HoloLens, and what we're seeing is a big step forward from earlier iterations of the device especially in terms of shared experiences. I spent an hour with the developer edition of the HoloLens on the first night of Build, the first time I ever tried on Microsoft's headset. After a day filled with talk of Windows, Cortana and bots, I found HoloLens to hold more potential than anything else at the conference. Sharing the HoloLens Experience While cool, last year's Microsoft Build demo was a fairly solitary experience. This time around, Microsoft showed us how to create virtual objects that could be viewed by multiple people donning headsets. And we could watch each other interacting with these virtual objects. In the 1-hour, stripped-down version of what actual developers are seeing at Build, I got to build and deploy an incrementally improved app through Unity and Visual Studio. (With a lot of hand-holding from my mentor, of course, and a bunch of prebuilt scripts.) What was more fun, though, was seeing literally the fruits of my labor. Initially, we simply placed a beacon somewhere in the demo room and walked around it to experience its spatial audio. But soon, we added winged robot partners called Pollys that floated above our shoulders. We could see the Pollys hovering over other HoloLens users' shoulders, and they could see the ones floating above ours. Additional demos added spacial recognition that let us move our virtual beacon and physics that allowed us to toss objects through the air. That physics demo was particularly eye-opening. With the flick of a finger, I could fling a ball across the demo room, watching it grow smaller as it traveled further away. Aim the ball at one of my colleague's Pollys, and I could knock it out, a halo of cartoon stars circling above its head to complete the effect. This wasn't the solitary augmented reality my colleagues had experienced, but one in which anyone wearing a headset could interact with holograms. The demo ended as we used HoloLens's air-tap gesture make a fist and flick your index finger to bombard our virtual beacon with balls. That caused the beacon to explode virtually, of course opening up a new dimension where our Pollys could fly home. (Though we quickly discovered we could continue to pelt the Pollys with virtual balls, even as they sought safety in their new home.) When I took off the HoloLens for the last time, I missed my Polly, and AR, already. What's New with HoloLens Hardware It may have been my first time using HoloLens, but Microsoft has shown off its headset before. At last year's Build, Microsoft let reporters try on an early prototype of the device. My Tom's Guide colleague Philip Michaels, who was at both last year's demo and this year's unveiling, says the hardware hasn't changed that much, though the outer plastic ring that makes up the headset is a little bit more flexible. Last year, Microsoft warned people not to pull on the ring; on the developer edition, HoloLens can better withstand any tugging as you adjust the headset. The rest of the HoloLens setup remains the same. Inside that outer ring, there's an adjustable inner band that fastens the HoloLens to your head. The outer band holds everything the device needs for computing, the cameras and, of course, the lenses. I wouldn't call wearing a HoloLens comfortable. But after multiple minutes fitting it to my admittedly large noggin, I got used to taking the headset on and off quickly, even if I always remembered that it was there. (Our demo included both using the HoloLens and building AR objects using Unity and Visual Studio, so quickly putting on the headset became something of a habit.) You look like a Power Ranger when you're wearing a HoloLens, but unlike the late, unlamented Google Glass, this headset isn't something you'd wear when you're out and about. Based on what I've heard from testers, one thing that hasn't changed with the HoloLens is the device's limited field of view. Only a small rectangular portion of the lens displays holograms, and I often found that I needed to move my head slightly up or down to get myself perfectly aligned to get a full view of an object. Our demo involved us walking toward virtual objects to interact with them HoloLens uses spatial sound, so audio gets louder as you get closer to an object but the closer you got, the more likely parts of the object would be cut off from your field of view. Some of this was remedied when Richard, my Microsoft-issued mentor, suggested that I wear the HoloLens higher on my head. I suspect that more practice and a precise fit might help, but it was a pain during the demo. What You'll Use HoloLens For After trying HoloLens, I started thinking about could be done with the device. Microsoft has been keen on showing off potential academic uses, including at Wednesday's Build keynote, when students from the medical school at Case Western University examined a virtual brain. Other uses touted by Microsoft include a version of Skype for HoloLens and a NASA-built app that gives you a rover's eye view of Mars. Prior to Build, Microsoft posted a demo video on YouTube that shows off a technology it's dubbed "holoportation," in which you can have conversations with someone like they're standing right next to you in the room. It's another example of how Microsoft is pushing HoloLens away from being just a solitary experience toward one in which you're interacting with other people. Uses in science, architecture, public planning, fashion, design and anything else that requires 3D models spring to mind, as HoloLens could produce images cheaply and easily with the right apps. And after spending time bopping Pollys out of the sky and pulling beacons away from others, theres room to rediscover play with new games: I could easily imagine the next version of laser tag being on HoloLens. Ultimately, Microsoft's headset could help you visit new places, meet new people, pick your next outfit or redecorate your apartment, all without leaving your home. With HoloLens now shipping to developers, the tech is usable and stable. The device still looks a little clunky to my eyes and the field of view isnt as complete as advertised, but its time to fill out the experience with apps so that the world can see what HoloLens is capable of. With HoloLens now in developers' hands, I can't wait to see what practical uses they come up with. Senior Editor Philip Michaels contributed to this report. With the success of Alex Turners Arctic Monkeys in full swing in 2008, it came as a surprise when he announced the release of The Age of Understatement with new bandmates James Ford and Miles Kane of The Rascals. A sonic love letter to Baroque Pop, Scott Walker and early Bowie the group, calling themselves The Last Shadow Puppets, their initial release debuted at number one on the UK album charts. Immediately interested in cutting a second album, both artists were forced to put Shadow Puppets on hold while their other projects consumed their attention. While neither of them intended to put the band on the back burner, both Turner and Kane agree that the groups new release Everything Youve Come To Expect was the product of the most time theyve had to devote to the project since 2008. Now with time and creativity to spare The Last Shadow Puppets again commit themselves to vinyl, bringing with them a cinematic flair, increasingly rich soundscapes and a fresh new bassist in Zach Dawes. With so much time between releases the trio cant help being affected by their years. In a recent radio interview Turner and Kane joked about how high their voices were on the previous record, as well as how much faster they played, noting now that their performances and the orchestral accompaniment lacked subtlety. [include_post id=468683]The maturation of their songwriting has brought with it an obvious willingness to experiment with style, genre and production techniques. While its clear that Everything Youve Come To Expect is in many ways stylistic scattershot it still retains the hallmarks of the bands unique style, especially influenced by Turners recent songwriting with the Arctic Monkeys. One of Turners recent fascinations is a shift to lyrical weirdness, focusing more on the feeling the words give to a listener than crafting a song about something specific. As a result, the bands sound falls further into the realms of the abstract, held together only by the groups penchant for pop rhythms and song structure. Its hard to talk about any Puppets album without mentioning the stringed instrumentation. Everything sets a golden standard for the bands use of orchestral composition. Thanks to a genius arrangement by Owen Pallett the album is cinematic in scale, comfortably placed on a pedestal with on-screen greats like Morricone and director, Jim Jarmusch. Of the eleven tracks on this sonic journey, few bare the need of special mention. Opening with dramatic flair and up beat energy, lead track Aviation sets the tone for the album, with verbose strings hinting ominously at the intricately crafted soundscapes to come. The Element of Surprise perfectly showcases Palletts beautiful grasp on instrumentation, especially when combined with Turners lyricisms. The result is a track that is at once casual neo-disco and a perfect tribute to the very music that spawned disco in the first place. As one of the albums lead singles, simplistic punk jam Bad Habits has one thing going for it that none of the other tracks quite grasp sultry intrigue. Like indulging a fetish behind closed doors, Bad Habits brings with it a certain guilty pleasure, hammering on to an equally pleasant dramatic conclusion. Conversely, Used To Be My Girl showcases the power of Turners new abstract style of songwriting. One of the albums richest soundscapes matches perfectly with his twilight lyricisms, painting a sonic picture of smoke on the breeze with slinking reverbs that ring for days and a hypnotic use of percussion. Every track has its own unique vibe but follows rather conventional pop structure, building throughout the track until the final crescendo. Its here where almost all of them fall into the same trap of cliche. Brit pop guitars and crooning vocals crash over cinematic strings reminiscent of a James Bond title sequence. Despite this dip into cliche, what could have been just another guitar pop album paying tribute to the golden era of 60s baroque is instead much more. Even with a few small pitfalls, it remains a beautiful piece of neo-baroque songwriting, lovingly carved from the musical growth of the groups last eight years. Sydneys Daily Telegraph recently became a headline unto itself when it printed a head-scratchingly myopic and ill-informed front-page story about the University of NSWs alleged whitewashing of Australian history. Apparently, the Tele was incensed by the fact that UNSW has a set of language guidelines for students and teachers, suggesting they eschew referring to Captain Cook as the person who discovered Australia. Instead, the language toolkit, which it should be noted is four years old, suggests he be referred to as the first Englishman to map the east coast of New Holland, i.e. accurately describe who he was and what he did. Apparently unfamiliar with what the term whitewashing actually means, the Tele accused UNSW of rewriting our nations history to scrub out Captain Cooks contribution by saying he didnt discover Australia he invaded it. As Junkee notes, the Teles story has ignited debate about whether or not Captain Cook, who arrived in Australia after the lands Indigenous population as well as Dutch navigators and traders from Indonesia, India, and China, really discovered Australia. Of course, none of it has been particularly scholarly, with the likes of the Daily Mail, Channel Sevens Sunrise, the Nine Networks Today Show, and KIIS FMs Kyle Sandilands all hosting their own forums on the issue. Australian university students are being taught it's offensive to say Captain Cook "discovered Australia", and instead it should be referred to as "invaded" Australia. Thoughts? Posted by Sunrise onTuesday, March 29, 2016 Its Sunrises take thats incensed Indigenous Australian musician Thelma Plum. During a recent segment, the Channel Seven program invited radio host Alan Jones and Herald Sun columnist Rita Panahi on to debate the topic. It should probably be noted that neither guest is of an Indigenous Australian background. Taking to her official Facebook page, Plum challenged Jones to a duel before sharing a few choice words about the host and Sunrise. This post is in relation to a segment Sunrise had on their show talking about how Aus Unis are now being taught its offensive say Captain Cook discovered Aus and it should in fact be that he invaded Australia, Plum wrote. [include_post id=475787] Fucking A that guy invaded Australia and [Sunrise] if you want to have an actual real discussion about racism, how about not getting three white people (Alan Jones being one of them) to weigh in and decide if it is or not, she continued. [Sunrise] I think youre a bunch of racist cunts and you should 100% be ashamed of yourselves adding to the issue of thinking Aboriginal people dont have a voice. Let us decide if its racist of not, not some Becky and Alan Jones. Plum previously made headlines when she called out two Ballarat men who attended a dress-up party in blackface. Both Plum and Indigenous Australian rapper Briggs spoke out about the two men and how their actions related to racism in Australian society. Its not too long now until Aussie heavy music legends Northlane and In Hearts Wake will be hitting up select venues in capital cities around the country, joined by their friends in Hands Like Houses and Ocean Grove for whats sure to be one of the most talked-about heavy tours of the year. As well as prepping for one of 2016s biggest local tours Northlane founding member, guitarist, and serious gear head Josh Smith has also just recently teamed up with Bare Knuckle Pickups to create his own signature pickup the Impulse Humbucker. For anyone who admires Joshs incredibly crafted playing style, he explained exactly what to expect from his signature pickup: The thing about the Impulse set that I like the most is that theyre real players pickups and although designed for me, they dont sway towards any particular genre of music. Just about anyone can buy these pickups and get a lot out of them in most applications. Whether youre a lead player with red-hot chops, or the rhythm player holding down the meat and potatoes, Strat or Les Paul, or baritone 7 string like me, the Impulse set has something to offer to you. To celebrate the release of Impulse Humbucker, Josh has penned us a piece on the most important pieces of guitar gear he owns. Check out the list below and for more info on his new pickup visit www.bareknucklepickups.co.uk. My Jackson Guitars I primarily use a few custom shop or self-customized B7 baritone 7 strings and I absolutely love them. Theyre just absolutely rock solid, stable and fantastic playing and sounding guitars. I have hipshot open gear locking tuners on all of them and Kalium custom strings, mostly 12-82 gauge which is big, but thats how I like it. Kalium made me custom sets based on string tension so the way these things play is just unbelievable. I also have two of the cheaper X-series soloists which Ive spent a lot of time modifying and theyre great platforms for that, fantastic sounding guitars. I feel like the more time I spend working on a guitar the more attached to it I become, and the more fun I have playing it. Photo credit: Hysteria Mag and Cian Marangos. My Signature Bareknuckle Impulse Pickups Ive said a lot about these things recently. For over a year I developed a dual humbucker and also hum/single set with Bareknuckle to suit the needs of an extended-range player. The result is pretty astounding, theyre incredible articulate pickups and cover a huge range of tones without making any compromises. I like to think of a pickup as something that captures a tone, rather than creates it and these ones certainly allow the natural tone of the guitar to shine through. And theyre pretty forgiving to play on too! My Strymon Pedals I use the Timeline, mobius and bigsky, I also own an el capistan. Theres a reason these things are in such high demand, they just sound fantastic and theyre very user friendly. My whole live rig is midi switched and has global tempo clocks etc and the strymon stuff can get that in depth with how you need to use it, but its also stuff thats far easier to dial in than anything else Ive used. I would often struggle with other more comprehensive delay and reverb units trying to coax a certain sound for a certain part, but with these ones everything seems to sound good, its just a matter of it sounding how you want it to, rather than trying to get the pedal to work for the part. My Free the Tone Solderless Cables I was always skeptical and untrusting of solderless cables, but decided to give these a try because of a recommendation a friend gave me, and because of the ARC-3 switcher Alex got being so incredible. I rebuilt our entire rigs with these in about a quarter of the time it wouldve taken me with soldered leads, and they sound cleaner! Its also helped me shave a considerable amount of weight off our pedalboards, which is very important when you do a lot of flying, plus theyre easy to repair on the go if anything happens to break, its freed up space on our boards and the plugs have no weight in them so they never come out of the jacks theyre plugged into. Cant say enough good things about these, I also have one of their red jasper overdrive pedals which is just delicious. My Kemper Profiling Amplifier A lot of people are using these now days, and for a good reason. They dont break and they sound amazing. I think digital will never be what a tube amp is, but man do these come close. We had a huge improvement switching to KPA from AxeFx a few years ago and for the first time in a long time, the tones we originally dialled in have remained relatively untouched. Its the heart and soul of our live sound and I absolutely love it. Northlane & In Hearts Wake National Tour Dates Friday, 10th June 2016 Metro City, Perth Saturday, 11th June 2016 Thebarton, Adelaide Sunday, 12th June 2016 Festival Hall, Melbourne Friday, 17th June 2016 The Tivoli, Brisbane Saturday, 18th June 2016 Luna Park, Sydney Chastain to address Eastside group (Eggs & Enlightenment) on light rail petition initiative Yes, our headline is just a bit cheeky . . . Reality . . . Clay Chastain remainsin this town in a generation. And his public presentations in support of his efforts are much different than toy train advocates and their closed meetings and rigged votes.Take a look:On Friday morning (9:00 AM at McDonalds 14th & Prospect Ave.) I (light rail activist Clay Chastain) will address the eastside group "Eggs & Enlightenment" about my latest petition plan to build a citywide light rail transit system connecting the northland to the southland and the eastside to the westside.I attended Mayor James' "state of the city" address last Tuesday. Though the mayor talked about some lovely programs the city is instituting, Mr. James had no plan or vision about how to modernize the city's under performing, ineffective, and out-dated public transit system. What's more, the vast majority of people (so far this week) signing the light rail petition agree with me that the city's 2-mile streetcar line is pointless and largely a waste of money in terms of improving the city's pathetic transit system and helping people get to jobs.The people seem to like my environmentally- sound, comprehensive, and sustainable light rail / electric bus transit system as an alternative to the city's isolated and restricted streetcar line that appears to be primarily designed to benefit tourists and wealthy developers.My light rail plan is designed to benefit the everyday citizen by reducing their transportation costs, adding transit convenience, creating thousands of new jobs, and helping people get to jobs. Not only that . . .This citywide stellar light rail system will be seen as a new green symbol of progress in Kansas City that will help grow and prosper the city by attracting back to the city new residents, businesses, tourists and conventions.This, the largest infrastructure improvement project ever proposed in the city's history ($2 billion), is also designed to be an economic catalyst for the eastside and to unleash its great urban potential for revitalization. In fact, the plan calls for two major light rail lines to crisscross the city from east to west, with stops in between.To make this plan even sweeter, federal money is now available to help Kansas City fund perhaps 50% of the construction cost of this new dynamite public transit system that the city aches for.A new day and a new light rail petition is dawning in Kansas City that promises to launch our city toward a new heyday.Clay Chastain########## CRYSTAL WILLIAMS RECENTLY TOOK ON THE TOPIC OF THE KANSAS CITY VOTING NIGHTMARE IN THE RECENT MISSOURI PRIMARY!!! Just a quick update on the antics of one of our favorite politicos . . .She didn't propose any new legislation, didn't offer any fix OR provide much follow-up . . . But because the topic was on the news she felt the need to speak out on the subject.Meanwhile, Jackson County insiders tell us her stint as Legislative Chair has already become a disappointment to her colleagues and might soon come to an abrupt but welcomed end.Developing . . . KMBC: Kansas City Mayor Sly James said the citys pension funds could be in danger if voters dont approve an extension of the citys earnings tax. Here's the latest bit of fear-mongering from the current Administration which kinda reveals that the upcoming vote is closer than insiders expect.Take a peek:Check the link and YOU DECIDE if voters should take Mayor James at his word or if this election isn't really a referendum on his Administration's penchant for corporate tax breaks and neighborhood neglect.Developing . . . KANSAS CITY INSIDERS TELL US: A RECENT E-TAX POLL REVEALS A SIGNIFICANT DROP-OFF AMONG VOTERS WHO SUPPORTED THE E-TAX LAST TIME AROUND!!! "Will it be the resounding victory like the last time around? Probably not but we're still confident that the vast majority of Kansas City voters will support their 1st responders and realize that this is really a tax on people living out of town and working in KC Using our infrastructure and resources. But the reality is that over time this tax has grown less popular. However, we're still looking to push our numbers above a 60% support level so we can go to the Missouri General Assembly and tell them that renewal should be extended to 10 years minimum." Last time around Kansas City voters approved earnings tax renewal by an 80/20 margin. The win was decisive but controversy over TIF, the Downtown Hotel, a proposed new airport and a bond issue vote immediately following the e-tax seems to have eroded at least some level of support according to recent polling data that was previously unreleased . . .To wit . . .It's a slow fade according to the numbers and there's still enough paid support to push the tax through from unions, neighborhood groups and civic boosters . . . ButWe talked to Progress KC Insiders about this one and here's what they said . . .Read betwixt the lines and note the cautious optimism that's new for otherwise boastful supporters of earnings tax renewal.As we move closer to election day, questions about e-tax exemptions, property tax and pension scare tactics along with tax hikes plannedthis election might sway those inclined to vote against the renewal.You decide . . . Kolhe also pretended to help the police in their search for the boy. (Representationa Image) Mumbai: Two persons, including brother-in-law of a 12-year-old boy, were arrested today for allegedly kidnapping him for ransom from Kanjurmarg area in eastern suburbs, police said. The boy was allegedly abducted by Prem Kolhe (25) and Aashish Kanase (22) on Monday night after which the duo sent an SMS on the victim's sisters mobile phone demanding ransom of Rs 5 lakh for his release. According to crime branch officials, Kolhe hatched the plot to teach his wife and in-laws a lesson over their soured relations. Kolhe also pretended to help the police in their search for the boy. Police said that Kolhe had asked Kanase to take the boy to his home at Asalpha near suburban Ghatkopar. "On Monday night, when Kolhe got to know that the crime branch sleuths are looking for the accused, he told Kanase to drop the boy at Mumbra station," police said, adding that Kanase left the boy at the station on Tuesday. The boy was spotted by local police who informed their counterparts at Parksite police station. The boy was subsequently reunited with his parents, police said. Suspecting involvement of a family member in the crime, police started questioning and during the investigation found Kolhe's replies evasive. He later confessed to his role in the crime. The duo will be produced before court tomorrow. Greek government senior finances officer claims that 1.8 billion euros worth of measures are being sought out for 2018 After the recent meeting of the Government Council for Economic Policy, a senior finance officer claimed that the negotiations must conclude by the 15th of Aprils, in time for the IMFs spring meeting. According to the same source, Greeces creditors have agreed to the European Commissions recommendation of measures worth 3% of the GDP, rather than the 4.5% proposed by the International Monetary Fund. The government official also noted that there is some difficulty in the tax measures that need to be taken, which in 2018 will amount to 1.8 billion euros. The review, he added, would conclude as soon as an agreement is reached on the pension reform and budget. Following Mondays economic cabinet meeting it came to light that the Greek government and its creditors have agreed on economic measures of more than 5 billion Euros. A divergence of opinion between Greece and its lenders also exists on the height of the 2018 tax revenue, the sum of which has been set to 1.8 billion Euros. Finally, the Greek official expressed concern over the stance by German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schauble on the issue of the Greek debt relief, which the government is pushing to be included in the talks. He added that even the IMF agrees it should be examined. RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report The Greek city of Kalamata in the Peloponesse is among 13 European cities you never thought to visit (but really should) according to Telegraph The Greek city of Kalamata in the Peloponesse is among 13 European cities you never thought to visit (but really should) according to Telegraph. The British newspaper notes that the problem with apparently known quantities is that, often, they are not well known at all. Europe is a case in point. While our home continent is awash with celebrity capitals that have been endlessly dissected and devoured via a million mini-breaks Paris and its gleaming avenues, Rome and its noble temples, Madrid and its party ambience it is also a canvas for a slew of cities that are less appreciated, yet just as deserving of attention. Who ever dreams, for example, of Eindhoven, of Basel, of Charleroi? Very few of us. But the joy of peering beyond the obvious when it comes to planning a European weekend away is the space this leaves for discoveries: museums of unexpected fascination, local dishes of untold flavour, nightlife of undocumented vigour, vistas of less remarked upon beauty. All the cities in this feature offer something of this. They are the overlooked, the undervisited. But each has something in common good reasons to explore them, and at least one direct flight from the UK. The debate on the referendum on Britains EU membership may think it is dealing in firm, acknowledged facts, but Europe still has mysteries galore... The complete list of Telegraph includes: Read more here.1. Genova, Italy 2. La Coruna, Spain 3. Linz, Austria 4. Stavanger, Norway 5. Leipzig, Germany 6. Kalamata 7. Eindhoven, The Netherlands 8. Charleroi, Belgium 9. Malmo, Sweden 10. Brno, Czech Republic 11. Basel, Switzerland 12. Espoo, Finland 13. Debrecen, Hungary RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report Tourexpi, turizm haberleri, Reiseburos, tourism news, noticias de turismo, Tourismus Nachrichten, , travel tourism news, international tourism news, Urlaub, urlaub in der turkei, , holidays in Turkey, , global tourism news, dunya turizm, dunya turizm haberleri, Seyahat Acentas, This site is best viewed with Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0+, at a minimum screen resolution of 1024 x 768. The draft project report of the proposed Iran-Oman gas pipeline has been completed by the Iranian Offshore Engineering and Construction Company (IOEC), according to sources. The 400-km pipeline is expected to pump 28 million cu m of gas for 15 years from Iran to Oman, reported Oman Observer, citing the 2013 agreement. The pipeline will extend 200 km over land, while a seabed section between Iran and Sohar Port in Oman will stretch for another 200 km, according to the report. The project is expected to be operational by the end of 2017. Al Mazaya Holding Company, a leading property firm in the region, has sold off a strategic stake in its Turkish subsidiary for KD16.4 million ($54.2 million) to one of its key associates in Turkey. The transaction will make Al Mazaya richer by KD1.18 million ($3.91 million), said the company in statement. The parent company said its share from the profit margin will be registered in the companys financials in the first quarter of 2016 which amounts to KD611,000 ($2.01 million) after considering the related non-controlling interests and intra-group eliminated profit. A major player in the region, Al Mazaya had recently launched a six-tower residential and office project, Ritim Istanbul, featuring recreational spaces and a shopping mall in the Turkish capital. The 39,000-sq-m development is a joint venture between Al Mazaya and Dumankaya Construction, a Turkish property developer.-TradeArabia News Service Saudi Arabia-based investor Al Murjan Group has bought London's Kinnaird House office building for 85 million ($121 million) from German fund manager GLL Real Estate, executives involved in the transaction said. Al Murjan plans to refurbish the 71,500-sq-ft building, located at 1 Pall Mall East near Trafalgar Square, and exit at a yield of about four per cent after four to five years, they said. "This isn't a purely buy and hold kind of asset. There has to be some asset management efforts to the property in order to enhance its sale," said Al Murjan chief executive Hani Baothman. The deal is the company's largest investment to date in Britain. Sidra Capital, a Saudi Arabian investment bank partially owned by Al Murjan, advised on the transaction. Kinnaird House is let to consultancy McKinsey & Co in its entirety for another two years, said Currim Oozeer, chief executive of Sidra Capital.-Reuters Qatar and France have finalised the deal for 24 Dassault Rafale fighter jets worth 6.7 billion ($7.5 billion) at the ongoing Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (Dimdex 2016) being held in Doha, Qatar. The event which kicked off on March 29, will conclude today (March 31). The deal includes MBDA missiles, training for 36 pilots and about 100 mechanics, added the report by Defense News. Qatar made a down payment, putting the contract in effect in December last year. The deal was made previously for the same number of jets purchased by Egypt in 2014, but the Qatari deal is priced higher due to the provision of long-range cruise missiles as well as Meteor missiles, said the report. Additionally, the sale to Qatar boosts business opportunities for prime contractor Dassault, radar and systems specialist Thales, and engine-builder Safran. MBDA will supply the missiles. French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and his Qatari counterpart, Sheikh Khalid Al-Attiah, signed the final memorandum of understanding (MoU), said the report. Furthermore, Qatar also signed a total of 10 major deals worth QR3.54 billion ($972.14 million) at the event, according to another report by the Gulf Times. The biggest deal signed was a QR2.6 billion ($714.04 million) memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces and European company MBDA for a coastal battery system, added the report. It was followed by a MoU between the Qatar Emiri Air Force and Germany-based Reiner Stemme Utility Air-Systems for the production of drones, which amounted to QR365 million ($100.2 million). HE the Minister of State for Defence Affairs Dr Khalid bin Mohamed al-Attiyah had said at the opening of Dimdex that the drone production project had reached an advanced stage. Al-Attiyah said that a Qatari drone will been seen over Doha skies by next year. The Qatar Emiri Naval Forces and MBDA also signed another deal worth QR240 million ($65.90 million) for new Exocet MM40 B3 missiles. The Al Zaeem MBAA Air Academy inked an agreement worth QR134 million ($36.79 million) with French company DCI for fighter and helicopter pilot training. Qatar Emiri Naval Forces signed a MoU worth QR95 million ($26.08 million) with the German company MTU Friedrichshafen for maintenance and overhaul of the MTU propulsion system; followed by a QR60 million ($16.4 million) deal between the Qatar Armed Forces and French company Thales for Searchmaster radar. The Qatar Emiri Air Force signed a QR50 million ($13.7 million), three-year contract with the US company Lockheed Martin for the maintenance of C-130 military transport aircraft, whereas the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces entered into an agreement with Qatari company Nakilat for the training of navy officers. The partnership with Nakilat, the shipping arm of Qatars liquefied natural gas sector, envisages establishing and operating a national naval centre for technical simulator training apart from allowing Qatari naval officers to train on board Nakilat Fleet. Additionally, the Qatar Armed Forces signed a MoU with Polish company WKK, specialised in the manufacture of composite materials and fuselage production, for the purchase of 51 per cent of its shares. Yet another deal was inked by the Qatar Armed Forces with the Chinese National Precision Machinery Import and Export Corporation (Casic) for the provision of support in the fields of production and military co-operation between the drone project committee and Casic. Dimdex 2016 also saw the conclusion of the Middle East Naval Commanders Conference (Menc) yesterday, under the auspices of chief of general staff of the Qatar Armed Forces, Major General Ghanem bin Shaheen al-Ghanem, added the report. Major General Khalifa Hareb Al Khaiaili, Acting Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior for Naturalization, Residency and Ports Affairs recently met with Ambassador Dominique Mineur; Ambassador of Belgium to the UAE. During the meeting in Abu Dhabi, UAE both parties discussed a number of topics of mutual concern alongside ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation and coordination, especially related to the visa waiver agreement signed between the EU and the UAE. TradeArabia News Service Namakkal: In a shocking incident, a 32-year-old farmer tortured and stoned his 11-month-old son to death and buried the body in his farm at Jameen Ilampillai village in Namakkal district. The farmer, P. Tamizhselvan was arrested last December for torturing his wife and pushing her to suicide. Police said that he had banged the little child on the floor and pounded the childs head with stones suspecting that the baby was born of an illicit affair of his wife, the police said. The body of the child buried in the 25 acre farm was exhumed and a post-mortem was performed at the same spot by the government doctors on Wednesday. The police have arrested Tamizhselvan for having killed his own child. According to the police, Tamizhselvan was married to Revathi. The couple had a four-year-old girl, Mallika and a 11-month-old son. Tamizhselvan suspected that his wife had an illicit affair and frequently tortured her. Unable to bear the torture, she took poison and killed herself in December 2015. Meanwhile, the police arrested Tamizhselvan for abetting his wifes suicide. His sister was taking care of Tamizhselvans two children. On March 18, Tamizhselvan who came out on bail, forcibly took the two children to his house. While Mallika was in the house, Dharneesh, was missing. So Tamizhselvans father lodged a police complaint. Meanwhile, Tamizhselvan went absconding. As the police launched a hunt for him, he surrendered before the village administrative officer of Jameen Illampillai on Wednesday. During interrogation, Tamizhselvan confessed to having battered the child with stones and banged him on the floor. After the child died, he buried the body in his farm. According to the Paramathivelur DSP, A.Sujatha, the accused Tamizhselvan had killed the child about a week ago. CHENNAI: In the wake of recent suicides of students, Anna University has directed all affiliated engineering colleges to set up student counselling centres with a trained psychologist in their campuses. The colleges need to identify students with problems and have to help them with voluntary counselling. They also need to record counselling procedures and monitor students for considerable time, said A.Elayaperumal, director, Centre for Student Affairs, Anna University. Around 600 engineering colleges are affiliated to Anna University and more than 10 lakh students are studying in these colleges. Only a very few students are taking the extreme step due to various reasons like personal, family pressure and inability to cope up with studies, he said. Engineering colleges also were asked to send monthly reports to Anna University. The reports should include details like number of students counselled and their progress after the session. Almost all engineering colleges in the State have positively responded to the university about establishing these counselling centres, he added. P.Ravichandran, principal, St Joseph Institute of Technology, said, We are already having the counselling system in our college. With this new direction, Anna University has made it mandatory to have a psychologist in student counselling centres. We will give the counselling to needy students and send the report to Anna University. P.K. Nagaraj, Principal, SA engineering college, here said, Engineering colleges in urban areas are already equipped with student counselling system. Faculty members appointed as counsellors will monitor the students regularly and if any student is not attending the classes or getting low marks, he or she will be given special attention. This new direction from the university will make the new and rural engineering colleges to establish counselling centres on their campuses, he said. Mangled remains of a CRPF vehicle in the aftermath of a Naxal attack on a CRPF convoy passing through Malewada in Dantewada. (Photo: PTI) Raipur: Asserting that the movement of its troops in Barsar-Kuakonda axis in Chhattisgarhs Dantewada district on Wednesday had been tipped off to Naxals by the latters mole within or outside the paramilitary, CRPF director general (DG) K. Durga Prasad on Thursday vowed to expose the infiltrator. It is certain that the information about their movement was leaked. Somewhere or at some stage this has happened. The boys were doing a surprise non-operational movement and hence were in mufti. We are looking into it (moving in an unusual vehicle wearing plain clothes), Mr Prasad said here. He was here to pay homage to seven CRPF jawans slain in landmine blast triggered by Naxals at Melawada in Dantewada district on Wednesday. CRPF has instituted a Court of Inquiry into the incident. The Court of Inquiry would also probe if there was any lapse by CRPF leading to the tragedy. The jawans were on an administrative operation not on counterinsurgency operation. There had been no attack on the route earlier. Hence, no road opening party was deployed there. But, Maoists got the wind of the troops movement, he said. He indicated that the landmine was planted under the blacktopped road and the Maoists triggered the blast by igniting the landmine as soon as the vehicle carrying the jawans moved over it. The examination of the blast site by the IED experts roped in from Pune would bring to light if the landmine was planted during laying of the pucca road or it was laid in the nick of the time, he added. The DG reached Chhattisgarh late Wednesday night and will travel to the blast site near Melawada village in the said district where Naxals blew off a Tata-709 mini-truck being used by the CRPF men to go from one camp to the other. DG Prasad, who rushed to the state from a tour of Maharashtra, said they are working on the leak theory due to a number of facts visible in the incident. The DG said the blast was big and it is suspected that about 50-60 kgs of explosive could have been planted beneath the road to trigger the explosive. Kolkata: In a tragic incident, an under-construction flyover in the Burrabazar area of north Kolkata collapsed on Thursday afternoon, killing at least 21 people and injuring over 80 others. The condition of several of the injured was critical and the death toll is likely to go up. Read: Kolkata flyover collapse: It was like a bomb blast, says a victim A portion of the ill-fated Vivekananda Setu, which has been under construction since 2009, came crashing down at around 12.35 pm at the crossing of Vivekananda Road and Rabindra Sarani in the densely-populated and congested Burrabazar area. Several people were trapped under the collapsed portion of the flyover. Many vehicles were crushed or damaged and the passengers travelling in them were killed on the spot. Read: Video captures terrifying moment the Kolkata flyover collapsed The West Bengal government ordered a high-level probe into the tragedy, that triggered a blame game with the Opposition accusing the Mamata Banerjee government of callousness. Hitting back, the Trinamul Congress said the earlier Left Front government, under whose rule the construction of the flyover had begun in 2009, was to blame for the collapse. The company in charge of the flyovers construction called Thursdays tragedy an act of God, which triggered fury in several quarters. I had stepped out of my home to take a glass of juice from the corner shop. When I heard the loud explosion, at first I thought it was an earthquake and then before my eyes the flyover collapsed, said Prem Prakash, a local resident. Read: Kolkata flyover collapse: Centre directs NDRF to engage all resources Another eyewitness said that when the flyover collapsed over a minibus with passengers on board, several private cars, three taxis, two Matador vans and some autos came under the debris. For nearly two hours, the police, fire brigade and disaster management personnel struggled to rescue people trapped under the debris and thousands of tonnes of concrete and steel. Hundreds of local residents converged on the disaster scene and started to extend a helping hand to the victims and the local administration. The police had a tough time dispersing the mob from the spot and the CRPF was brought in to control the situation. As cranes, gas-cutting machines and JCV machines were taken to the spot, rescue operation started. Read: Flyover collapse: Opposition demands CBI probe into the incident Five columns of the Army were rushed to the spot, and immediately joined in the rescue efforts, with its personnel using their hands to break concrete slabs to rescue trapped people. NDRF personnel too joined in the rescue work. There were some heart-wrenching scenes like the one where a person totally trapped and invisible from outside managed to push out his bleeding arm in a bid to attract attention. Two local people offered him a bottle of water, an eyewitness recounted. However, this person did not survive. Local residents vented their ire against the state government for sheer callousness. The workers were casting concrete slabs on the flyover since last night. They were still working when the incident occurred, a local resident said. Some alleged there were some faults in the flyovers design while others accused the construction firm of using poor quality materials to build the flyover. Read: Kolkata flyover collapse: Office of Hyderabad-based construction firm sealed West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, who was touring Jangalmahal campaigning for the polls, cancelled her public rallies in West Midnapore and rushed back to the city in a helicopter. Earlier, chief secretary Basudeb Banerjee, home secretary Moloy De and other senior bureaucrats and police personnel had rushed to the spot to supervise the rescue and relief operations. As soon as Ms Banerjee reached the site, she took hold of a hand-held microphone and appealed to local people for cooperation. This is a huge tragedy and I want all your help and cooperation, she said. On her instructions, the chief secretary announced compensation of Rs 5 lakhs for the families of the bereaved and Rs 3 lakhs for each of those seriously injured. Read: Kolkata flyover collapse: Rescuers sift through rubble at collapse site Union home minister Rajnath Singh, who was touring the state campaigning for BJP candidates in Purulia district, voiced his anguish at the tragedy and ordered that Army and paramilitary forces be sent immediately for rescue operations. However, BJP spokesman Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, who was in Kolkata, held the Mamata Banerjee government responsible for the mishap. This is a clear-cut case of corruption and it must be investigated by the CBI and whoever is found guilty howsoever high and mighty he may be should be arrested immediately, Mr Naqvi said. State Congress chief Adhir Chowdhury was even more specific. I demand the arrest of state urban development minister Firhad Hakim, he said. The chief minister, however, cleared passed the buck to her predecessor Left Front government. The construction had started in 2009, Ms Banerjee pointed out. She added: Stringent action will be taken against officials of the construction company and the others involved. Read: Kolkata flyover collapse: PM extends Central help in relief, rescue Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Thursday exposed over 450 illegal barrages constructed by Maharashtra and Karnataka on Krishna and Godavari rivers with the help of Google Earth images in the Legislative Assembly. He marked all the illegal constructions in red for easier identification. Mr Rao created a record of sorts by giving a PowerPoint presentation in the Legislative Assembly on Thursday on irrigation projects. Two giant LCD screens were set up on either side of the Speaker to enable members watch the presentation. This is said to be the first time where a PowerPoint presentation was allowed in a Legislature. The Cong-ress and TD boycotted the session. The two-and-a-half hour presentation focused on how Telangana was given a raw deal in undivided AP on irrigation, and the need to redesign existing projects to ensure optimum utilisation of water from the Godavari and the Krishna rivers. Maharashtra and Karnataka have built over 450 illegal barrages on Godavari and Krishna rivers and their tributaries. They have set up huge lifts to lift water. Unless all their projects, reservoirs and barrages are full and they release excess water downstream, there is no scope of Telangana receiving water from upstream. Even AP faces the same risk. It is for this reason our Singur project has dried up this year for the first time in history. Even Sriram Sagar project did not receive a single drop of water from upstream, he said. Police personnel seen controlling students, who were protesting in front of the Department of Pre-University Education following a question paper leak, in Bengaluru on Thursday (Photo: DC) When the PU Board ordered a II PUC re-examination after the Chemistry question paper leak last week, Deccan Chronicle asked, what was the guarantee it would not happen again. At 3 am on Thursday, hours before the scheduled re-exam, we and anxious students and parents got the shocking answer. The board examination that determines the future of lakhs of students has been reduced to a farce. By someones design. The question is, who is or, who all are playing with the future of students? Will the police ever find out? Will the suspension of nearly 40 officials help ensure a leak-free examination on April 12? Most importantly, how will the government ensure that the students get a fair deal in admissions to professional courses this year? If the first Chemistry question paper of the II PU final examination was leaked the day before the examination, this time drama unfolded at around 3 am early Thusday with the city police bringing the leaked paper to the attention of PU board director, Pallavi Akurathi. They forwarded three of the handwritten question paper copies being circulated widely in the city on WhatsApp to Ms. Akurathi , who on verification found that one of them matched the days question paper. Losing no time, the board took the permission of primary and secondary education minister, Kimmane Rathnakar, to postpone the examination once again. A harried Mr. Kimmane himself arrived at the PU department office around 9 am to hold talks with officials. But by 11 am there was chaos at the PU board office in Malleswaram as thousands of students and various organisations gathered before it to protest even as students erupted in anger elsewhere in the state as well. In Bengaluru, ABVP activists led the protest before the PU department. Anticipating more trouble, the Malleswaram police rushed additional forces to the spot and erected barricades around the office to stop agitators from entering it. The state government quickly announced that 40 officials of the PU board were being suspended and a re- examination would be held on April 12 by an independent authority. But far from being placated, the protesting students demanded that minister Rathnakar and the PU board director talk to them directly. A few grew restless and began to stone the office, while another group tried to block the roads connecting West Bengaluru, forcing the police to do a mild lathicharge. A JDS activist, Nagesh created a stir as he climbed up the PU board office and threatened to commit suicide to protest the leak, but the police were able to bring him down by force. A student, Harishita, created more panic when she fell unconscious and had to be admitted to the K.C. General hospital for treatment. Meanwhile, JDS state chief, H.D. Kumaraswamy and BJP leaders led by former law minister, S. Suresh Kumar arrived at the PU board office to discuss the situation with senior officials. Although they tried to convince the agitators to drop their protest as the government had already announced a slew of damage control measures, they met with little success. Finally the police herded activists of various organizations like AAP, Jaya Karnataka, JDS and ABVP into buses and sent them away, returning the situation to normalcy by 3pm. Students protest in front of the Department of Pre University Education, in Bengaluru on Thursday (Photo: DC) PU board director likely to be transferred While PU board director, Pallavi Akurathi, survived the first Chemistry question paper leak of March 22, she is likely to be transferred following Thursdays second leak, according to sources. The government has already signalled its unhappiness with her by giving the additional responsibility of conducting the PU exams to transport commissioner, Rame Gowda, who has served as PU board director in the past. If she is transferred now, it will be Ms Akurathis third transfer in a year. As she took charge at the board only two months ago, the government has not suspended her. But she may be shunted out immediately after the PU examinations are conducted, sources said. Meanwhile, going by unconfirmed reports Ms Akurathi broke down before Speaker Kagodu Thimmappa in his chamber and pleaded her innocence following Thursdays chaos. She also reportedly sought a transfer from the department. The government has already suspended 40 officials for the second Chemistry question paper leak in less than 10 days . Harsh to penalise students this way for no fault of theirs With the PU finals being crucial for the future of over 1.75 lakh students in the state, Thursdays second leak of the Chemistry paper has left many worried and anxious. Having expected the board to be more alert to possible leaks following its experience of March 22, the students have been left nonplussed by this second unexpected leak. Although another re-exam has been announced on April 12, they point out that a series of competitive examinations like JEE (Mains), IIT, medical and engineering admission tests begin from April 1, making it hard for them to appear for it in their midst. Now instead of preparing for these examinations we are stuck with a II PU final question paper, lamented a student, Shamitha Kulkarni, who is hoping to get into a medical college. "My friends are very disappointed and are cursing the PU board. Our parents are also frustrated. Im actually trying to convince them that its like a revision for the JEE mains. But beyond a point, its boring to study the same thing over and over again, said another student, Mahalakshmi N. Dr. Sridhar, founder of Deeksha says the second question paper leak has demoralised the students further. It is harsh to penalise students this way for no fault of theirs, he added. 187 question paper store rooms to be monitored Unwilling to risk another leak, the education department has revised guidelines for the April 12 II PU Chemistry re-examination, putting the deputy commissioners of all districts in charge of making sure there is no room for anymore foul play. All the 187 strongrooms used for storing the question papers will be monitored by a team of officers not below the rank of assistant commissioner. And all proceedings, from the time the strongroom is opened till the completion of inspection and despatch of the question paper bundles, will be videographed. CID officials will be kept abreast of the situation as the new guidelines have been issued on the insistence of their ADGP, Pratap Reddy. The officer reportedly urged the education department to take measures like videographing the process involved in dispatch of the question papers and so on to help the CID keep track of things better. Rotation of officials on regular basis a must Many believe that the problem at the PU board is that some of its officials have been working in the examination section for decades. While the government did not take this seriously during the last leak, on Thursday it suspended 40 officials of the examination section, many of whom had been working in it for the last 15 years. One Mr. Venkatesh Murthy H , a system analyst with the board, had worked in the same department since 1999. Among those suspended are PU board join director, Ranganth, six assistant directors including Mr. Jambanna S, private secretary to the director and several other officials, including two attenders. Interestingly, among the suspended officials, five were on deputation. A retired officer of the department fully backs the demand of the students for rotation of PU officials on a regular basis. This has not been done for decades, leading to chaos today. And now students are paying the price for the mistakes of the government," he regretted. Protests in Mysuru Hundreds of students who were left disappointed after the second PUC chemistry re-exam was cancelled following a paper leak, launched protests at different PU colleges here on Thursday. Marimallappa College students staged a protest wearing black shoulder bands and marched to the PU Board office. The protest march was led by BJP leaders Mr S.A. Ramdas and Mr Rajeev. Students also protested near Basaveswara circle. Members of All India Democratic Youth Organisation, and All India Democratic Students Organisation too staged a protest near the deputy commissioners office and later took out a protest march to the PU board office. The students claimed that they needed time to prepare for the CET and other entrance exams and said the re-exam and further postponement was taking a toll of their nerves. Hyderabad: A document was circulated on the UoH campus which purportedly detailed the universitys alleged plans to remove memorials constructed by the students for Rohith Vemula at the shopping complex. The memorials include a Rohith Stupa, busts of the scholar made by the fine arts students and Veli wada, a tent symbolic of a Dalit ghetto where Rohith was staying before he committed suicide with four other Dalit research scholars who were suspended from their hostel along with him. The document also mentioned that the registrar and dean of Students Welfare could take help of the police for removing the unauthorised structures. The university recently witnessed police action inside the campus in which many allegations of police highhandednes and human rights violations arose. The document was allegedly the minutes of a meeting between the deans and the vice chancellor of the university on March 24. As per the minutes, it was also decided to hire Central Industrial Security Force for better security in the university and to hire competent security guards who could withstand the "harshest security concerns. The meeting also decided that measures like installing adequate security cameras, issuing swiping cards for students and installing required gadgets to move towards professional security system should be taken. Plan for police station inside UoH discussed The controversial safety guideline by the UGC to have a police station inside the campus was also deliberated in the meeting. At the meeting it was also decided that an ombudsman and anti-discrimination officer should be appointed by a committee consisting of retired senior government bureaucrats. The deans and the vice chancellor (VC) agreed that prohibiting entry of media and outsiders was a useful idea and a committee was formed of a few officials from the university to interact with the media. It was also deliberated to keep a tab on the possibility of media personnel sneaking into the university. The prohibition would be extended till April end. Prof. Vipin Srivastava, meanwhile said that some miscreants were fabricating lies. Pune: Two more regiments of the short-range supersonic cruise missile, Brahmos, will be inducted into Army within next fifteen days, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday said. "The process of induction of two more regiments (of Brahmos missile) in the Indian Army is in the final stage and within 15 days, these regiments will be inducted in Indian Army," he said. The Defence Minister was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the commissioning ceremony for the 50th batch of medical graduates of all three forces at the Armed Forces Medical College here. Army is already equipped with three regiments of Block III version of Brahmos missiles. The proposed induction will upgrade its air defence capabilities. Meanwhile, Parrikar dismissed reports that Central government was inclined to buy Israeli missiles rather than inducting domestically-manufactured 'Akash' in Army. "Akash is already being inducted in Army and we are also developing very short missiles and till we develop them successfully, some missiles might have to be brought from outside," he said. The minister said that the "non-operational flab" in the armed forces needs to be slashed. "I have asked Army, Air Force and Navy to identify the flab areas in their respective forces as there is a lot of unwanted flab which has been continuing due to systematic problems that need to be trimmed," he said. Responding to a query on the Pathankot probe, he said the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) from Pakistan has been given access only to the "crime scene" whereas the operational base of air force has been barricaded. "NIA, which is investigating the case, permitted the JIT only because they are sure that there are some people from Pakistan who were involved in the attack," said Parrikar. The CAG noted that the report was prepared on the finance and appropriation account for 10 months. (Representational image) Hyderabad: The Comptroller and Auditor General of India has found the state governments budgetary assumptions to be unrealistic and pointed to weakness in expenditure monitoring and control. The CAG report for 2014-15 tabled in the Assembly said: Several policy initiatives taken up by the government were either unfulfilled or were partially executed, primarily due to non-approval of scheme guidelines /modalities, non-commencement of works for want of administrative sanction and poor project implementation, apart from non-release of funds, the CAG report stated. There were several instances of budgetary misclassifications on subsidies, subvention from Central road fund etc which indicated deficiencies in budget formulation. Unrealistic budgetary allocations resulting in substantial savings, unnecessary supplementary grants, expenditure incurred without provision and excess re-appropriations, resulting in excess provision are indications of poor budget management, the report stated. The CAG noted that the report was prepared on the finance and appropriation account for 10 months. The state governments commitment to carry out reforms is reflected in its policy initiatives announced in the Budget, it said. The CAG report said the state registered a revenue surplus of Rs 369 crore. This had to be viewed in the light of the fact that the government had to work out its liability of Rs 651 crore on account of zilla parishad PF contributions among others. The state government did not ensure that the allocated funds were released fully. State outlay on education (11.57 per cent) in particular, was less that of the general category states (16.23 per cent). The share of social sector expenditure to aggregate expenditure (34.42 per cent) was lower in the state, compared to other general category states (36.50 per cent), the CAG said. Urban local bodies not compliant The CAG report for 2014-15 found that urban local bodies were not compliant with the municipal solid waste (management and handling) rules. Only 30 per cent of solid waste was segregated at source. Appropriate technology was not adopted for processing of waste to minimise burden on landfill. Segregation of e-waste was not done either at source or at transfer station/ dumping yard leading to environmental hazard, the CAG observed. The CAG examined the municipal corporations at Nizamabad and Warangal and the Mahbubnagar and Nalgonda municipalities. The CAG audit found that despite implementation of various programmes for providing basic infrastructure and improving conditions, de-notification was not taken up. The number of slums increased despite implementation of various schemes. Due to non-availability of sites, construction of community utility centres and community toilets were not taken up. Preliminary investigation by BSNL had revealed that youngsters have also exchanged the passwords with friends for free net connection. (Photo: Pixabay) Chennai: Chennai police and top brass of Chennai telephones are now investigating a first of its kind cyber theft where a few youngsters in north Chennai have cracked Wi-Fi password of customers. These college students have been illegally using their mobile phones to download Internet and mails free of cost. The group after identifying the houses with Wi-Fi connection will crack the password and then start using the Internet from a nearby location. Preliminary investigation by BSNL had revealed that youngsters have also exchanged the passwords with friends for free net connection. Following a complaint to Chief General Manager, the top brass of BSNL are now working on the issue. Switch off Wi-Fi modem when not in use City cops and Chennai telephones are investigating a cyber theft where a few youngsters in north Chennai have cracked Wi-Fi password of customers. The authorities are also sensitising their staff and training sessions are to follow, said former Telecom Regulatory Commission member V Sathiabalan, who on Wednesday lodged a complaint with city cyber crime wing. I have a BSNL telephone landline connection with a broadband facility under 1091 plan which allows unlimited usage with speed of 8Mbps until 60GB and speed of 512 kbps beyond 60GB within a month. During the last three months, I observed that my net speed was not up to 8Mbps, in spite of my limited usage of Internet, explains Sathiabalan. During the current month (March, 2016), I noticed the speed decreased within 13 days indicating exhaustion of 60GB of Internet use in spite of my limited usage and I knew that something was wrong and I changed the password, but again it was cracked. In the meantime I also enquired in my area about this and found out that some youth in the area are using apps to hack Wi-Fi user ids and password to avail themselves of free Internet, he said. To create awareness, I have lodged a police complaint and there is a need for Wi-Fi service providers to provide secured Wi-Fi networks, he added. The concern is that technical menace like hacking into others Wi-Fi facility may cause great misery to service holder financially and legally if Internet is misused for anti-national activities, explains advocate V Rajendiran, who specialises in cyber crime cases. In most cases, the public do not understand the seriousness of data security and there are cases where netizens fail to switch off Wi-Fi modem, fail to sign out their mails and at times go for weak passwords, the advocate added. Wi-Fi modems are vulnerable for hacking and poor configuration of such modems is a threat for customers. Weak passwords, failure of adequate security settings, outdated firewalls and use of default configurations make the telecom networks vulnerable for attacks, an ethical hacker, seeking anonymity, told DC. There are more than 13 wireless hacking tools, he said. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Chennai: A woman passenger who tried to abandon a bag containing 2.5 kg ganja at Chennai airport was arrested by the airport customs early this morning. A security team at the airport noticed an abandoned bag near the departure area. An alert was sounded and a BDS team was rushed to the scene. After the experts said there was no explosive in the bag, a CISF team checked the bag and found small packets containing ganja, totally weighing 2.5 kg, in it. Through CCTV footage, the personnel saw a woman leaving the bag in the area. A search resulted in the arrest of Yamala Chandra, 38, a native of Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh. Initially, she denied any knowledge of the bag. When the CCTV footage was shown to her, she said she abandoned the bag. She also said two men outside the airport gave the bag to her. Two men claimed that the bag contained life saving herbal medicines for a patient in Kuwait. I was asked to deliver the bag to him. They said the person will identify me as soon as I land there and collect it from me. They also said the man may pay me for my service. The woman was handed over to customs who arrested her on a charge of possessing narcotics despite her argument that she decided to abandon the bag when she became suspicious of the contents. Search News Archive : Fast Travel News Promotion Via Search, Social Media + Email Follow Us On : LUXURYTRAVELVIETNAM.COM EYES ON PHUKET LUXURY TOUR Industry: Travel Agents Hanoi, 30.March.2016: www.luxurytravelvietnam.com eyes to release more tour packages to let travelers experience more of Phuket Island on luxury Thailand tour said Pham Ha, CEO (TRAVPR.COM) VIETNAM - March 30th, 2016 - Phuket is the most famous paradise island located in the Andaman Sea on the west coast of Thailand and today plays a key role in the mass tourism of this amazing destination, travelers choose a Thailand luxury tour and are rave about Phuket for its all luxury resorts, things to do and the wild adventure and the vibrant and crazy nightlife, the island is very unique and intact for any kind of leisure and adventure activities. On the west coast abound white sandy beaches, while the east coast is populated by mangroves. Phuket is divided in two by a series of hills, in fact no other country in the world manages to combine the pleasure of its white beaches, the lush green of its forests, together with that sense of exotic mysticism capable to seduce and enthrall any tourist who arrives in Phuket. Following are top things to do when in Phuket, the largest island in the land of the smile. Phang Nga Bay is located within an hour drive from the Phuket, here is what tourist could experience another side of the Thailand, away from the masses of tourists and development with few nice bungalow to stay and the activities to do such as leisurely day trips and cruising to James bond island, fishing and yacht experience. Patong Beach and Bangla road nightlife offers an interesting or unusual stroll for after dark activity, so it can be called a real werewolf. Why? During the day it can be easily pass for five minutes, and at dusk it is changing beyond recognition. The neon lights signs, loud music and crowds night lifers who are here to spend a quality time on their vacation. There are a lot to do when in Patong beach from the relaxing at day time to the crazy nighlifes, add this to your Thailand vacation and find you in the world of excitement in Asia. Chalong, or big Buddha which is appear from almost any corner in the Island, is basically a good idea for anyone who wish to get a glimpse out of the all fun things to do in Phuket and see something more cultural, the statue stands 45 meters high on the top of the Nakkerd Hills and looks down over Chalong, Kata and Rawai. Simon Cabaret show right next to the patong beach and a good place to spend an evening to see the dancers wearing special Thai custom, this is more of a culture and folklore show than a modern things to see. Phi Phi Island The Island could be reached by speed boat from Phuket and is a good choice to spend a few days more relaxed in the tropical beach, a Thailand luxury tour is what most of the travelers are opting for, this country is all about fun and beach activities (if we skip the Bangkok and northern gems), however, allure beach, authentic Thai cuisine and beautiful landscape is what you may experience in Phi Phi Island. Luxury Travel Vietnam, LTD As a luxury tour operator in Asia, we are confident to offer Thailand luxury tour and holiday packages for a true vacation that last forever, our destinations are Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar and we are happy to assist you to plan a trip to any of those exciting destination in South-East of Asia, learn more about Thailand tours at: http://www.luxurytravelvietnam.com/thailand-luxury-travel-holidays ### Please contact the person or company listed above for information regarding the content of this press release. TravPR.com are not the issuers of this press release and are not responsible for the accuracy of the content. Share Release : CONTACT INFORMATION Name: Hamid Company: Luxury Travel Vietnam,.LTD Phone: +84439274120 Email: sales9@luxurytravelvietnam.com Web: PRESS RELEASE TAGS Cornerstone Information Systems (CIS), a leading provider of innovative technology for travel companies, has named industry veteran Mari Hendricks as Director of Strategic Partnerships. (TRAVPR.COM) UNITED STATES - March 31st, 2016 - Cornerstone Information Systems (CIS), a leading provider of innovative technology for travel companies, has named industry veteran Mari Hendricks as Director of Strategic Partnerships. Adding considerable depth to the leadership team, Ms. Hendricks will oversee strategic partnerships, channel management, and global strategic customers to support the rapid expansion of Cornerstones operations as the company scales to meet increasing demand for its solutions. Mat Orrego, CEO of Cornerstone, said, "Mari has a long history of helping catapult companies into their next growth stage, and we're excited to welcome her to our team. We needed someone with the expertise in strategic partnerships who also understands the travel industry from an agency, corporation, and traveler perspective. After connecting with Mari on LinkedIn, we discovered that she possesses all of these skills and brings with her passion and energy for innovation. Having her on board gives me confidence that our objectives are in good hands. Ms. Hendricks has a rich background with over 20 years of leadership experience in corporate travel management, global business development, and global strategic alliances. Before joining Cornerstone, she spent eight years at AirPlus International, most recently in the role of Head of Global Strategic Partnerships. It is rare to find an organization with such a unique and disruptive market opportunity, and I am thrilled to be part of the team at Cornerstone, Mari stated. They have successfully balanced a dynamic history of travel automation with continued innovations in analytics and processing. Cornerstone is poised for major growth this year, and its the perfect time to fill a long-standing void for high-touch technology and engagement that will truly change the way people travel." Cornerstone Information Systems is a global technology and services provider that has a unique domain knowledge in the travel industry, from how travel is operationalized to how information is managed. With a foundation in automation, Cornerstone designs, builds, and delivers technology for travel companies and corporate buyers. We help partners manage their process and information, to drive better decision making. Cornerstone has a single focus on travel data from the management of the reservation to the creation and presentation of information, amplified by the recent launch of the TravelOptix solution. The result is higher quality customer service and more nimble operational responsiveness at a lower cost with fewer resources yielding higher profit. We are people-centric, service-focused, and technology driven. Cornerstone is extremely well positioned to continue its momentum from 2015 into 2016 with plans to aggressively expand their workforce to support their phenomenal year-over-year growth. ABOUT CORNERSTONE INFORMATION SYSTEMS Cornerstone Information Systems delivers innovative solutions for travel companies and their clients to maximize opportunities for higher performance, greater efficiency, and ultimately, higher profitability. Our unique core offerings provide clients and their respective travelers with data insights that enable them to make better business decisions and manage their trips more effectively to be more productive and cost conscious. Companies managing more than $25 billion in travel spend annually trust Cornerstone to help them proactively lower the costs of travel management and drive revenues through travel optimization. Founded in 1992, Cornerstone Information Systems is a privately held company headquartered in Bloomington, Indiana with customers in more than 50 countries. To learn more, visit ciswired.com Unless indicated otherwise, all trademarks and service marks herein are trademarks of Cornerstone Information Systems Inc. or an affiliate thereof. ### In the three-hour presentation, Rao sought to highlight the alleged injustice meted out to Telangana in undivided Andhra Pradesh. (Photo: PTI) Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on Thursday made a power-point presentation in Legislative Assembly on irrigation scene in the state as he vowed to provide water to one crore acres of land in five years. The main opposition Congress did not attend the audio-visual presentation, saying such a move is against standard and traditional parliamentary practices. In the three-hour presentation, Rao sought to highlight the alleged injustice meted out to Telangana in undivided Andhra Pradesh. He also alleged that lower riparian Telangana and AP faced a "danger" of reduced inflows with Maharashtra and Karnataka building about 450 barrages on Godavari and other rivers. Dismissing criticism against his government, mainly by the Congress, on "re-designing of irrigation projects", Rao said it was done to ensure adequate availability of water in the rivers. The irrigation projects of Telangana in undivided AP were designed with a conspiracy of throwing them into either inter-state disputes or environmental issues so that water reaches the non-Telangana regions, he alleged. Observing that his government's policy is to have friendly relations with neighbouring states, Rao said the recent understanding reached by his government with Maharashtra is a case in point. The same applied to (new) AP as well, Rao said, adding he had even told the same to Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu earlier. Rao vowed to provide irrigation facility to one crore acres in five years with major portion of irrigation works to be completed in three years. (TRAVPR.COM) THAILAND - March 31st, 2016 - SpiceRoads Cycle Tours, Asia's premier bicycle tour operator, has promoted Mr. Daniel Moylan to the role of General Manager with effect from March 25th 2016. The promotion comes as Struan Robertson, CEO and GM of SpiceRoads for 13 years, moves up to a board position. Building on a strong background in both operations and sales management, Daniel is a long term specialist in the adventure tourism industry. Prior to the tourism industry, Daniel worked as Operations Manager for London-based experiential marketing firm RPM London Ltd, where he developed project management skills and specialities in health and safety standards and procedures. He has held two prior positions in SpiceRoads, including that of Chief Adventure Manager, since joining the company in 2012. "Now is a great time for the adventure travel industry and for SpiceRoads; we are experiencing record bookings and departures," explained Struan. "And much of our current success is down to the standards and operational procedures that Daniel has installed. Our recent expansion into European and African destinations has been well received and I am confident that Daniel will continue to drive the company's growth in years to come." Daniel Moylan has been a regular attendee of industry events and includes both TTM and ATTA events in this year's schedule. About SpiceRoads SpiceRoads is a specialist bicycle tour operator based in Bangkok offering a range of two-wheel tours in 30 destinations worldwide. SpiceRoads tours cater for every level of cyclist and range from day trips to multi country expeditions. Contact: Sujittra Thongbaipo Telephone: +66 (0) 2 381 7490 Email: sujittra@spiceroads.com Web: www.spiceroads.com ### The civic body sought to decrease air pollution levels in the city by providing apt infrastructure that "will encourage more people to walk or use non motorised modes of transport." Chennai: First they gave us wider footpaths. Now, the city corporation may bring a JCB to destroy it and widen the road. If one is to go by rumours swirling on the Ripon Buildings premises, it would appear that the Greater Chennai Corporation is quietly distancing itself from Non-Motorised Transport (NMT) policy, a cause it had championed not so long ago. Corporation officials, preferring anonymity, told DC that after a new commissioner took charge, there has been a marked difference in the priority afforded to NMT related projects. Even the NGOs associated with these projects like ITDP, City Connect and others are now out of favour. The staff have been instructed to keep them waiting if they came around to meet, said an official. This was confirmed by one of the NGO representatives who said that they were intimated to meet the commissioner during regular visitor hours, instead of getting an appointment henceforth. The previous commissioner Vikram Kapur, who is now managing director at the Chennai Metro Water Board, was known to meet with representatives of these agencies regularly and would pursue the implementation of projects under NMT like wider footpaths for pedestrians and cycle tracks. Sources in the know told DC that the new boss did not come across as someone who believes in NMT. He is very open about it. Chennai doesnt need footpaths is what he maintains. In such cases, beyond a point, it becomes very hard to reason even though you know the person is wrong, a source said. The source added that a few NGOs met Kapur to vent out their frustration at this change in the scheme of things. The former commissioner was reportedly upset at the goings on in the Ripon Buildings because all of a sudden everyone had stopped caring. When contacted by DC, Kapur refused to comment. Others attributed the unwillingness to commit to footpaths, and NMT in particular, to lacking in desire to regulate vending in the city. With wider footpaths, there will be vendors occupying space. They think it is better to not have footpaths so as to simply not deal with the problem. But the ineffectiveness of corporation officials should not mean pedestrians dont have the right to walk, said a source. Though he refused to comment on the issue, Raj Cherubal of the Chennai City Connect told DC that the new commissioner was a very practical man and that he has also asked them to furnish more data on the success of these footpath projects, so that its results can be studied for replication. Senior officials maintained that there was no such decision to drop NMT-related projects. The election code of conduct is now enforced in city. So, we cannot take up new projects. Whatever has already been initiated will be completed and post-elections, all NMT projects will be completed, an official said. Harrington Road ok, Egmore Not ok? Just what went wrong for the corporation higher-ups to consider putting off the ambitious Non Motorised Transport Policy? Pedestrians are not the only stakeholders on a road. The travelling commuters ought to be given space as well. For instance, on Harrington Road, the footpath has well served the community but the same cannot be said on Police Commissioners Office Road in Egmore, where vehicles have to nudge each other for the extra space, said a senior official. Hyderabad: In an attempt to curb sexual harassment cases in school, a woman legislator of the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samiti advised that short dresses should be replaced with salwar kameez as school uniform. The legislator, Konda Surekha, said in the state assembly that there should be a strict dress code for girls studying in class 10. Salwar kameez should be replaced with short dresses as school uniform because it covers the entire body and also upkeeps modesty, said the legislator from Warangal East constituency. Besides, the former women development minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh said that harassers should be debarred from attending school and strict actions should be taken against them such that they think twice before harassing a girl. The harassers shouldnt be given admission to schools, she added. Government employees who are accused of harassing should also be penalised, said the legislator. Tribune News Service Chandigarh, March 31 The Punjab and Haryana High Court today said the people were feeling cheated, and asserted that the Chandigarh international airport should be shut down and reverted to its original position, if the authorities could not make it operational. Just over two months after French President Francois Hollande commenced his three-day India visit from Chandigarh, the High Court today made it clear that the authorities concerned were making a mockery of the situation by giving the impression that his landing at the airport had made it international. Rapping the authorities concerned for a total eyewash, the Bench headed by Justice SS Saron also indicated at a CBI probe on the issue of fund utilisation and delay in making it international. As a petition filed in public interest on making the Chandigarh international airport fully functional after spending Rs 1,400 crore came up for resumed hearing, the Bench asked the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and a secretary-level officer of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to specify the number of airlines contacted for making the airport international. The Bench said Assistant Solicitor-General of India Chetan Mittal and counsel for the AAI Atul Nanda should attend the next meeting of the DGCA before placing the minutes of the meeting before the court. Taking note of the claim that 48 airlines had been contacted, the Bench also called for details before fixing April 7 as the next date of hearing. The Bench said Rs 1,400 crore had been spent on the project, and it would not hesitate in ordering a CBI probe into the matter even if international flights were made operational. The Bench also wanted to know the position of the Amritsar airport. It said the authorities concerned kept talking of flights to Dubai and Bulgaria, while a large portion of the population here had interest in countries such as the USA and Canada. During the course of the hearing, the minutes of the meeting held on March 28 at the DGCA headquarters in Delhi was placed before the Bench. It was informed that the AAI had briefed all scheduled domestic airlines on the preparedness of the airport for the commencement of international operations. Tigerair had shown interest regarding the commencement of international operations on the Chandigarh-Singapore sector. A definite deadline, however, had not been confirmed. Air India also said it had submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Home Affairs for starting international operations from Chandigarh via Delhi. Permission from the MHA was awaited. Jet Airways said it had no intentions of starting international operations from Chandigarh in the 2016-17 financial year. Indigo said it could introduce international operations during the summer of 2016, subject to availability of viable operation slots at the Dubai and Mumbai airports. The developments took place during the hearing of a petition filed by the Mohali Industries Association against non-operation of the Chandigarh international airport. The High Court, on a previous date of hearing, had expressed the hope that the Union of India would immediately consider the requests of airlines to start flights from the Chandigarh international airport as per the existing policy. The Centre was also directed to submit a status report within two weeks. Syed Ali Ahmed Tribune News Service New Delhi, March 30 Under the Unified Building Bye-Laws (UBBL) for Delhi, an environment clearance is required from the Ministry of Environment and Forest for all the buildings with a built-up area of 20,000 square meter and above. There is no need for obtaining sanction of building plan for a residential plot size up to 105 square meter, said Minister of Urban Development M. Venkaiah Naidu. The residential plot up to the size of 105 square meter is taken under the saral scheme of the UBBL. The owners of such plots have to merely submit an undertaking for construction along with requisite fees and other documents. Under the UBBL that was notified by the DDA last week, the maximum time limit for granting a building permit has been reduced from 60 days to 30. Briefing the media about the UBBL for Delhi, Naidu said that the number of documents to be submitted for obtaining building permit has been reduced from 40 to 14. The requirement to seek permission for beginning the construction has been removed. The owner will be required to inform the local body concerned to proceed with the work. The minister said that under the UBBL, the procedure for obtaining the completion-cum-occupancy certificate has been simplified by reducing the number of documents to be submitted by the plot owner--from 36 to 9. Tribune News Service Srinagar, March 31 The J&K Police have constituted a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the killing a 50-year-old woman, who was shot dead by gunmen in south Kashmirs volatile Tral area on Wednesday. Police said unknown gunmen shot dead a widow, Hameeda Begum, at Noorpora, Tral, 33 km from here around 7.20 pm on Wednesday. The gunmen barged in the house of Hameeda Begum and sprayed bullets. The gunmen later escaped the scene taking advantage of darkness. The woman, who was alone at her home, was critically injured and rushed to hospital where doctors declared her dead on arrival, the police said. No militant outfit has claimed responsibility for the attack so far. Danish (18), one of the two sons of Hameeda, said he had gone out to offer prayers when the incident took place. I stopped at a nearby shop when firing took place. I quickly returned home and found my mother lying in a pool of blood, Danish said, adding that his elder brother was also not at home when the firing took place. Soon after the incident, the police and the Army reached the spot and carried out searches in the area. However, no arrest was made. Hameeda was buried around 2 am at a local graveyard. The police said they have started investigation into the incident. The SIT has started probe into the killing and we are looking at all the angles, said Superintendent of Police (SP), Awantipora, Shridhar Patil. As the investigation is on, I will not be able to divulge details. We are working on some leads and a breakthrough in the case is expected, he added. Moderate Hurriyat Conference led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq condemned the killing. The killing of innocent and unarmed people at any place or anywhere is barbaric and thus condemnable, the Hurriyat said in a statement. Tribune News Service Ludhiana, March 30 Leading industrialist Abhey Oswal died of heart failure in Moscow on late Tuesday night at the age of 67. Hailing from Ludhiana, Oswal not just expanded his business in the city, but in the other states and overseas as well. His childhood friends termed his death an irreparable loss to the country and Ludhiana in particular. Ashok Oswal, one of his friends, said he was a gem of a person. It is an irreparable loss to the country and he was a great visionary. Ever since his mother died of cancer, he started taking keen interest in Mohan Dai Cancer Oswal Hospital here (which is in the name of his mother) and made it state-of-the-art hospital where patients are provided treatment and medicines at much cheap prices. Though he was 67, his energy levels could beat any youngster. His real-estate business (construction) is coming up in Ludhiana at three major locations. He was a jovial and a very positive person. For friends, he would do anything, Bhalla said. Harjit Arora, a CA and close aide of Abhey Oswal, said he was associated with the business tycoon since 1978. He said Oswal had gone to Mocsow on a business trip as he was deeply into the project on life-saving medicines (mainly for cancer and diabetes). He had gone to Moscow as he was too keen on bringing life-saving drugs for fatal diseases such as cancer and diabetes. Lot of research was going on under his supervision in Moscow. The loss of Abhey Oswal is irreparable, Arora said. His two staff members were accompanying him. It was a hi-end research centre in Moscow and Abhey Oswal and the team of doctors and scientists associated with him were developing life-saving drugs to help the society. Rohit Datta, general secretary of Sutlej Club, said his relationship with Abhey Oswal was that of a student and teacher and that he had learnt a lot from him. He was a strong believer in karma, which brings good fortune and bad. He always focused on achieving a goal and never compromised on anything. He was very aggressive and had the risk taking ability as well, said Datta. Abhey Oswal also came up with Jain Colony near Daba Road, where he constructed flats for the needy and rented those at nominal rent. He also constructed a school for the needy section of society. Bijay Sankar Bora Tribune News Service Majuli (Assam), March 30 This picturesque river island of Majuli by the Brahmaputra, which has been turned into an island of sorrow for its thousands of backward community people, is yearning for a change that will bring about better days. Majuli is home to 32 culturally rich vaishnavite monasteries and called the cultural and religious nerve centre of Assam. It has a colourful ethnic tapestry and an environment unique to a river island. It has been vying for the status of UNESCO Word Heritage Site for several years. But at the same time, the perennial flood and erosion problem has made the island shrink from original over 1,200 square kilometre area to mere 650 square kilometre land mass. The problem has rendered thousands homeless as piecemeal measures taken by successive governments have failed to tackle the problem. The health service is in shambles, road communication is pathetic and livelihood options are so scarce that common tribal people grope for one to survive, said Dilip Hazarika at Kamalabari. It was for the first time that a Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) visited Majuli, though he came to campaign for BJPs chief ministerial candidate Sarbananda Sonowal who is contesting from Majuli LAC. People who have almost lost faith in politicians, listened to him and are tending to believe that he will connect Majuli to mainland through three bridges across Brahmaputra and improve basic health, education, communication facilities here, said Binod Payeng, whose village was wiped out by erosion. He said: Political parties have exploited gullible Majuli residents by creating a tribal/non-tribal divide. But thousands like us whose life has been devastated by flood and erosion no longer care for what caste we belong to but desperately hope for a respite from this life plagued by poverty and under development. Majulis incumbent Congress MLA Rajib Lochan Pegu was dropped by Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi from his ministry two years ago for failing to address perennial problem of Majuli in the capacity of a minister for water resources. But the Congress has still nominated him this time because he belongs to Mising tribe that comprise over 40 per cent of the total 1.14 lakh voters. Sanmilita Gana Shakti, a local tribal political party that governs the Mising Autonomous Council and majority of panchayat bodies, has fielded Ranjit Doley in the Assembly polls. The partys president Dr Ranuj Pegu said: MLAs from national political parties have over the years proved that they are not capable of wiping off tears from the eyes of Majuli residents. Locals little hope for change Perennial flood and erosion has made the island shrink. It has rendered thousands homeless as piecemeal measures taken by successive governments have failed to tackle the problem. The health service is in a shambles and road communication is pathetic. - Dilip Hazarika It was for the first time that a PM (Modi) visited Majuli, though he came to campaign for BJPs Sarbananda Sonowal. People who have lost faith in politicians, listened to him and are tending to believe that he will connect Majuli to mainland and improve facilities here. - Binod Payeng Washington, March 31 US Secretary of State John Kerry said on Thursday that India had an important role to play in responsible stewardship of nuclear weapons and materials, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Washington after concluding his Belgium visit. "India has a long record of being a leader, of being responsible, and it is particularly important right now at a time when we see some choices being made in the region that may accelerate possible arms construction, which we have serious questions about," Kerry said as he met National Security Advisor Ajit Doval at the Foggy Bottom headquarters of the State Department. "India has a very important role to play with respect to responsible stewardship of nuclear weapons and nuclear materials," Kerry said on Wednesday, adding that the US has raised these issues with various partners in the region. Kerry said Obama has called the relationship with India a defining relationship of this century, and there are many reasons for that. "India is the largest democracy in the world, and a real partner with the United States on a lot of technology and energy issues. We're particularly grateful to India for the leadership it offered in Paris helping us to reach a climate agreement. And now, there is more that we can do with respect to the next steps in that agreement," he said. "Our hope is that this Nuclear Security Summit will contribute to everybody's understanding about our global responsibilities and choices," he said. Doval said India was "deeply interested" in ensuring safety and security of radioactive materials. "India attaches considerable value to the Nuclear Security Summit. We are is deeply interested in seeing that the safety and security of the radioactive material must be ensured," he said. Hoping for increased cooperation with the US, Doval said India and the US would look to work together on their shared concerns, including terrorism and cyber space. "We have made many strides after the new government of Prime Minister Modi has come and we have taken our relationship to new heights. We have got many areas in which we have able to improve and achieve substantial results," he said. During their meeting, Kerry and Doval discussed ways to increase diplomatic cooperation on a range of regional and global issues, including counter-terrorism efforts, State Department spokesperson John Kirby said. The Secretary of State said that the US-India civil nuclear partnership should bolster India's energy security and the strong economic relationship between the two countries. Kerry commended India for its leadership on clean energy and reducing carbon emissions, as well as its improving resilience in the face of climate change. They also discussed dealing more effectively with illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing. #WATCH: PM Modi arrives in Washington DC to attend 4th Nuclear Security Summit, received by US Ambassador to Indiahttps://t.co/68LqfT1jGC ANI (@ANI_news) March 31, 2016 The Prime Minister left Belgian capital Brussels on Thursday morning. He is scheduled to attend the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington and then leave for Saudi Arabia on Friday. Modi is also scheduled to hold a meeting with John Key, Prime Minister of New Zealand, later in the day and then meet with scientists from Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO). PTI The Hague, March 31 UN war crimes judges today acquitted radical Serb leader Vojislav Seselj on all nine charges of committing atrocities in the 1990s Balkans wars, in a surprise judgment which was swiftly denounced by Croatia. The chamber by majority holds that the prosecution has not provided sufficient evidence to establish that the crimes were committed by Seselj, Judge Jean-Claude Antonetti said at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). Following the verdict, Vojislav Seselj is now a free man. Seselj, 61, had faced nine charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity over his alleged ruthless quest to unite all Serbian lands in a Greater Serbia. Prosecutors had alleged he was behind the murder of many Croat, Muslim and other non-Serb civilians, as well as the forced deportation of tens of thousands from large areas of Bosnia-Hercegovina, Croatia and Serbia. But the judges found that although crimes were committed, Seselj had not had hierarchial responsibility for his paramilitary forces after they came under the control of the Serbian army and could not be held responsible for their crimes. They said the prosecutions case was full of confusion and ambiguities and had failed to clarify the broader context in which events in Croatia and Bosnia took place. The prosecution had given at best an interpretation that hides the way the events unfolded and at worst distorts them in relation to the evidence presented to the chamber, Antonetti said. AFP tricountyleader.com expired on 09/23/2022 and is pending renewal or deletion. Backorder Domain Hyderabad: The Pranahitha-Chevella irrigation project, once touted as the lifeline of Telangana and conceived by the YSR government to irrigate 16.40 lakh acres, has been scrapped. Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao made an announcement to this effect in the Legislative Assembly on Thursday. Mr Rao also gave clear indications that the height of Tammidihatti barrage for taking up Kaleshwaram would be 148 metres and not 152 metres. The CM said that the project was no more and the TS government would take up the Kaleshwaram project in its place by redesigning the Pranahitha project, which has several engineering deficiencies. He also made it clear that hereafter, all irrigation projects in TS would be named after deities so that they have the Almightys blessings. Mr Rao also termed the Pranahitha project as a conspiracy hatched by Seemandhra rulers to deny Telangana its justifiable share of water from Godavari. The Pranahitha project was conceived in such a manner that it would never see light of the day. It was designed to trigger inter-state dispute with Maharashtra and be stuck in environmental clearances. It was planned along eco-zones and wildlife sanctuaries, for which it would have never got the Centres approvals, the CM said. He said that despite this, the previous Congress governments, under the Jalayagnam scheme, spent over Rs 8,000 crore to dig canals without beginning headworks at Tammidihatti barrage. Its capacity was fixed at 16.3 tmc ft and they fooled us by saying that with that quantity, 16.40 lakh acres could be irrigated. We have now decided to redesign this as Kaleshwaram project with a capacity of 200 tmc ft which would serve both irrigation and drinking water needs in state besides restoring Nizamsagar and Sriramsagar projects to their past glory, Mr Rao said during his PowerPoint presentation in the Assembly. He said the new Kaleshwaram project was conceived to lift water from Godavari near Medigadda to utilise allocated water by constructing three new barrages on Godavari, construction of 16 reservoirs and increasing the storage capacity to irrigate land even during deficit rainfall seasons. Mr Rao added the government will achieve its target of irrigating one crore acres in the state, come what may. Gitam V-C M.S. Prasada Rao appreciates law students for excelling in National Moot Court contest, in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday. (Photo: DC) Visakhapatnam: The School of Law, Gitam University, stood among the top 10 Mooters of the participating institutions at the National Moot Court competitions (5th edition) organised by CMR Law School during March 18-20 at Bengaluru. The School has deputed a team including Naveen Sistla and Barkha Bisoi, both of 3rd Year BBA.LLB (Hons) programme as the Mooters and Usha Amulya of 2nd Year BBA.LLB (Hons) program as researcher. Usha Amulya, the researcher of Moot Court Team won the best researcher award carrying a trophy and a cash prize of Rs 5,000. Students of various National Law Schools and law institutions participated in the contest. Gitam Univerity V-C Prof. M.S. Prasada Rao, Registrar Prof. M. Potharaju, Gitam School of Law director Prof.Y. Satyanarayana and other faculty members, students congratulated the three-student team for the achievement. The NPR Gas (left) and NPR diesel share cabs and chassis components. Wheel cuts were tight and turning circles short for both models. The trucks are bigger than they look; the 81-inch-wide steel cabs are solid and roomy enough for three people each. Photos: Tom Berg You see them mostly in cities compact cab-over-engine trucks that scurry around purposefully, darting into tight streets and alleys to leave goods with merchants or taking tradesmen to deliver services. In the suburbs they turn easily into driveways, whose owners dont fear for the integrity of their pavement or lawns because those little trucks couldnt hurt anything. Although conventional-cab trucks sell best by far in North America, 15% to 20% of buyers choose cabovers for their various advantages, including more frame devoted to hauling space, lighter weight, and shorter overall length. While conventionals have seen a move to tighter wheel cut and improved maneuverability, nothing turns corners like a cabover. Want to make a U-turn in the space of two and a half or three lanes? No problem with the two Isuzu trucks you see here. Isuzu Commercial Truck of America and its dealers sell two-thirds to three-quarters of all low cabovers (or low cab-forwards, as theyre also called), by virtue of the Japanese brands long presence here and a large dealer network. The builder recently revived its association with a reinvigorated General Motors, so later this year Chevrolet truck outlets will resume handling private-branded Isuzu-built cabovers, which was suspended in 2009 during GMs bankruptcy. Isuzu offers the 2-door standard cab, as we had this day, as well as 4-door crew cabs. The drive We drove three Isuzu models around Orange and Riverside Counties in southern California last month, starting at Isuzus headquarters in Anaheim and heading as far as Beaumont on Interstate 10, then returning to I-215 and south to Perris. There we paused for photography and I used the Orange Empire Railway Museums parking lot to try circles and backups. Its been several years since I handled an Isuzu, and it was good to get reacquainted. I drove a 13,000-pound-GVW NPR diesel and a 14,500-pound NPR Gas, and we also had a16,000-pound NPR-XD diesel along. There were no loads in the van bodies so our impressions were limited, except that ride quality was very good no stiffness or jouncing, thanks to the compliant leaf springs front and rear. Door opens 90 degrees, step is decently sized and A-pillars grab handle helps driver climb in. Entry and exit become graceful exercises after a little practice. I first hopped in the 13K NPR diesel because its the latest model, and is an example of the builder designing specialty sub-models within the N series. With its 170-inch wheelbase, it can handle bodies up to 20 feet long with an overall length of under 30 feet. The diesel is the same inline 4 thats used in the 12,000-pound NPR Eco-Max model. It makes up to 150 hp and 282 lb-ft. It runs through a 6-speed Aisin automatic transmission that keeps revs within reasonable bounds about 2,400 rpm at 70 mph. Its the torque that mostly motivates the truck at lower speeds, but horses are required at highway speeds, and the Aisin often kicked out of its overdrive 6th and 5th gears to raise revs while climbing grades. The small diesel makes a low-pitched burble that rises a few notes as revs climb. The sound is enough to say Im working but it doesnt shout about it. An exhaust brake is controlled by a switch on the dash and a stalk on the right side of the steering column. The small 3-liter diesel nestles between the frame rails and is in plain view when cabs tilted. The blue-capped tank carries diesel exhaust fluid for the aftertreatment system on the right side of the truck. Engine options In this country were horsepower crazy, said Isuzu product manager Mike Kelly in explaining Isuzu diesels modest sizes, output numbers and performance. The small diesels horsepower is half what buyers get with many domestic conventionals. But Isuzus power-to-weight ratios are more in line with real rigs. The NPRs acceleration was more than adequate for hauling low-density loads, and it keeps up with traffic while conserving fuel. We didnt keep track of fuel economy, but itll probably be at least half again more than with a 300-horse V-8 diesel. (Heavier Isuzu models, including a 14,500-pound NPR-HD, use a stronger 215-hp, 452-lb-ft, 5.2-liter diesel.) But for real guts, theres the NPR Gas. The engines a GM Vortec 6000, a 6-liter gasoline V-8 rated at 297 hp and 372 lb-ft, running through a 6-speed Hydra-matic. This thing really goes. Taking off from a dead stop, I had to ease into the gas pedal because the truck would otherwise slingshot away. Once moving it was exhilaratingly lively, on the level or while climbing hills, and rather quiet, too. With eight pistons the engine sounded busier than the four-cylinder diesel, cruising about the same rpms at 70 mph, but still was rather quiet. However, the point of an NPR Gas is not performance, but cash conservation up front. It costs about $8,000 less to purchase than the diesel, Kelly estimated, and with that dough you can buy a lot of cheap gasoline. It makes even more sense if the truck sits around a lot while its driver is working elsewhere (if he shuts off the engine, of course; the diesel comes with programmable idle shutdown, by the way). The NPR Gass engine can be had with hardened valves and valve seats so it can burn propane or natural gas, and Kelly said about 30% of Isuzu dealers order the engine that way. Approved conversion kits are readily available. One of the best things about a cabover is that the cab tilts up and forward, yielding an unobstructed view of the engine, radiator and part of the transmission. Mechanics have to love this. The cab must be unlocked and raised by hand; its not light, but well balanced, and after a few tries it becomes fairly easy. A folding arm behind the hinges locks the cab in the up position so you can lean in and check the single drive belt and coolant hoses. Dip sticks for engine oil and transmission fluid are on the left side of the powertrain. When youre done, you reach forward and unlock the support arm and ease the cab down until it pops into place; then pull down the latch handle and youre good to go. The climb into the cab is a little more awkward than on a conventional because the single step is forward of the seat. You pull open the door (it swings out 90 degrees, allowing lots of entry and exit room); put your left foot on the step, which is about 16 inches off the ground, and your left hand on the A-pillars handle and right hand on the steering wheel; pull your body up and swing your right foot inside and onto the floor, then move into the cab and sit down. Dont buckle up til you reach out and close the door. It takes a little practice, as does climbing out. Its worth it for the clear view forward and to the sides, aided by remotely adjustable mirrors (flat and convex glass in both are remotely adjustable). And when underway, theres the joy of spinning the wheel and feeling the truck turn so sharply. In the cab The drivers seat is supportive, and shifter and parking brake are conveniently close by. Gauges are few but adequate, and three-knob HVAC controls are easy to use. Visibility and maneuverability are excellent. The drivers seat is firm but bucket-like in its support, and the diesel NPR had a mechanical suspension seat that can be adjusted with a dial-like wheel on the forward edge of the seat frame. I left it alone but pulled the seat forward a few inches to reach the two pedals. The steering column tilts and telescopes to accommodate drivers of various proportions. I was very impressed with the feel of the hydraulic brakes just the proper amount of pedal travel with swift, sure and utterly straight stopping power. A paddle-type shift selector is directly to the right and easy to manipulate. Both the Aisen and the Hydra-matic have a Park position. The parking brake is set with a lever, also to the right. The instrument panel has only a speedometer, tachometer and a couple of smaller gauges for engine coolant temperature and fuel level. In this days bright sunlight (this was sunny California, after all), the instruments were a little hard to see, and Id have preferred larger sizes as well as more gauges for additional information. Most switches were flat rockers or twist knobs on stalks. Against that sun the pull-down visors were large, effective and easy to manipulate. The diesel truck had a Bluetooth-enabled radio, which can link to a smartphone and other devices, but I didnt get the opportunity to try it out. The cab is tall so theres good headroom, and two shelves above the windshield to store paperwork, folders and maybe a laptop. Steering on the diesel truck was a little twitchy, but it was steady on the gasoline version. The gas truck had a cab-mounted shield that guided air flow over the vans roof, and that probably helped settle down the chassis at higher speeds. For the last leg of the trip I again grabbed the NPR Gas because I really enjoyed its power. The sun had set and darkness had set in by the time we returned to Isuzus headquarters, so I got a look at the decent illumination of the gauges and effectiveness of the reflector-beam headlamps. I backed the truck into a stall on the parking lot and was a little sorry to leave it. Specifications Truck Isuzu NPR low cabover, BBC 109 in., GVWR 13,000 lbs. Engine Isuzu 4JJI-TC 4-cyl. diesel, 3 liters (183 cu. in.), 150 hp @ 2,800 rpm, 282 lb-ft @ 1,600-2,800 rpm, turbocharged and aftercooled, w/ exhaust brake and SCR exhaust aftertreatment Transmission Aisin A460 6-speed automatic, 5th and 6th overdrive Front axle 6,830-lb. Isuzu, on 8,440-lb. tapered multi-leafs Rear axle 11,020-lb. Isuzu, on 12,090-lb. tapered multi-leafs Differential ratio 5.125 to 1 Wheelbase 170 in. Tires & wheels 215/85R16E on steel discs Brakes Vacuum-boosted hydraulic, discs front, drums rear Fuel tank 25-gal. steel Body 20-ft. Morgan aluminum sheet-and-post van (NPR Gas uses General Motors Vortec 6000, 6 liters (365 cu. in.), 297 hp @ 4,300 rpm, 372 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm, and GM Hydra-matic 6L90 double-overdrive 6-speed automatic transmission, same axles/suspensions and brakes, 16-foot van body.) Tom Berg holds a commercial drivers license and does Test Drives of all classes of trucks. He also writes about vocational and medium-duty trucks, trailers and bodies, maintenance, and alternative fuels. From left, Jim Park, Randy McGregor, Gerry Mead, Joyce Brenny and Bob Poulos. Photo: Deborah Lockridge LOUISVILLE, KY When you think of innovation, you may automatically think of technology. But a panel of HDTs Truck Fleet Innovators Wednesday revealed that in many cases, its really all about people. The panel discussion was part of the Mid-America Trucking Show Fleet Forum, held the day before MATS opened in conjunction with Heavy Duty Trucking and Fleet Owner magazines. These forward-thinking executives were honored for their work in areas such as driver recruiting and retention and equipment specing and maintenance, at companies with fleet size ranging from 60 trucks to 6,000. Moderated by HDT Equipment Editor Jim Park, the discussion looked at the panelists insights into industry issues such as barriers to growth, electronic logs and other regulations, and fuel efficiency. Much of the discussion revolved around recruiting, training, and retaining drivers and technicians. Joyce Brenny, for instance, president and CEO of Brenny Transportation in St. Cloud, Minn., was honored for her innovative training and mentoring program to bring younger drivers on board. Finding the right drivers, she said, is important not only from a safety perspective, but to keep our culture intact. They have an extensive screening process when hiring, including personality testing, and turn away probably 75% of applicants because its not the right fit. Meanwhile, at expedited carrier V3 Transportation, a mix of different types of equipment allows them to bring new younger people into the industry by starting them out in Sprinter or cargo vans, explained CEO Bob Poulos (sitting in for his colleague John Sliter, who couldnt be there). From there, they will pay for them to get a commercial drivers license and gradually move them into larger pieces of equipment. On the flip side, weve had great success with older drivers who may be at risk to leave the industry, and were able to put them in a smaller, more manageable piece of equipment. On the technician side, Gerald Gerry Mead, senior VP of maintenance for U.S. Xpress, emphasized the need for training. We have to train folks coming out of school in some of the hard basics like doing a brake job, he said. Making that worse is that a lot of schools are behind in the technology available for students to work on. A lot of these schools dont have things like SCR systems, collision mitigation systems, that our fleet has. Technology is advancing so fast, were working to try to stay with that technology and sometimes ahead. We find at times were ahead of where the dealer network is because were in the freight hauling business and we have to keep our trucks available at all times. Its nice to have everything on your truck, but its also going to break. One of our main challenges for my team is to make sure were prepared to meet that challenge as we go forward. One challenge, Mead said, was power management on the trucks. I tell ya, if someone can figure out a way to come up with a better battery, theyd be a billionaire, he said. Thats why were working with solar, charging electric APUs so they can carry that through a sleep period. Our biggest part from a driver retention standpoint is giving them a home like environment to where were above our peers. If we can manage our power better, which provides them comforts of home, the George Foreman grills, the Playstations, and not have battery events over the road, thats a huge win for us. Randy McGregor, fleet manager for Transway Inc., says his fleet has approached the power management challenge a little differently. The trucks are speced with factory-installed, electric, no-idle heat and air conditioning systems, and weve been successful with them. The key, he said, is we do some education with them to give them understanding of how the system works and the effects different loads have, and offering advice on strategies such as charging their cell phone or laptop while driving rather than while sitting. Drivers are intrigued by it and by managing it the driver has a role in this and embrace that and make it through those periods. They kind of feel theyre involved and part of the team, without really having to sacrifice. Theres still enough power to watch the flatscreen, watch Netflix, and have something cold in the refrigerators. All four emphasized the importance of things like communication, team-building, training, mentoring, trust, recognition, and respect. Step one is acknowledgment from the beginning that the driver is unequivocally the most important part of the company, Poulos explained. Im a sales guy by trade. An average customer at our company does about $52,000 in revenue a year. A seated straight truck produces about $170,000 in revenue. I yell kick and scream when I lose a customer but as an industry we just let these drivers walk out the door. At U.S. Xpress, Mead said, theyve been on a mission this year to recognize people, spotlighting team members and their hobbies, with the theme, You are the U in U.S. Xpress. Town hall meetings and online chats allow drivers and technicians and other employees to ask tough questions and get them answered. They can send a message directly to CEO Max Fuller. McGregor said at Transway they dont have formal programs, but technicians are recognized in many ways when they go above and beyond. For instance, he said, maybe a tech has an impact wrench thats getting old; the company might help him buy it as a reward for his good work. At Brenny Transportation, new team members get mentors, someone to do things like take them out to lunch. Its all about building trust, Brenny says, and you have to get to know people in order to build that trust. Building trust is the infrastructure of a team. and especially the Millennials, they want to have fun. We have no walls in our dispatch office, if they want to come down and chat with one of our dispatchers they can. They can come into the operations side of things anytime they want. Fun seems to be an important part of the culture at these companies as well. Gerry Mead, for instance, was wearing loud patriotic socks. Its become the thing at U.S. Xpress, apparently, to see who has the best-looking socks. Hes also organizing the companys first technician competition. Brenny Transportation sets dream goals, which mean a trip to Cancun for the entire team if theyre met. In the end, whether its investing in technology or in people, innovation is about taking calculated risks. Weve been on the bleeding edge, and sometimes weve won big time, Mead said. We just have to try to mitigate our losses and take the right gamble. A top political aide to Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley resigned Wednesday, a week after he publicly admitted making inappropriate remarks to her but denied the two ever had an affair. Soon after, a GOP lawmaker said he planned to introduce a resolution to begin impeachment proceedings against the Republican governor. Rebekah Caldwell Mason announced her resignation in a statement sent by the governors office, saying she would no longer serve as Bentleys senior political adviser and would no longer be paid by his campaign fund or work for a nonprofit formed to promote his agenda. My only plans are to focus my full attention on my precious children and my husband who I love dearly. They are the most important people in my life, she said. As Bentleys confidante, sounding board, adviser and message molder, Mason has been there for the biggest moments of his political career, from his improbable 2010 election to the development of his major policy initiatives. More recently, she has been at the center of the lowest moment of his political career. Last week, Mason was thrust into the spotlight when former Law Enforcement Secretary Spencer Collier a day after being fired by Bentley accused the 73-year-old governor of having an inappropriate relationship with Mason. The scandal has engulfed Bentley, a mild-mannered dermatologist and former Baptist deacon whose political ascendency was based partly on his morally upright, honest reputation. Dianne Bentley, the governors ex-wife, filed for divorce in 2015 saying their 50-year marriage had suffered an irreparable breakdown. Recordings obtained by The Associated Press purportedly show the governor before his divorce professing love to someone named Rebecca or Rebekah and telling her how much he enjoyed kissing and touching her. The recordings were provided by a former administration member who did so on condition of anonymity to avoid angering politically powerful former associates. In a furtive phone call, Bentley says his family is vacationing at the beach and tells the person on the other end: I love you so much, I worry about loving you so much. While the governor is clearly heard, the person on the other end is not. Later, he talks about getting physical. Bentley says he meant to text the person, but accidentally sent the message to a male aide. It didnt say, Hey baby I love you so much and Id like to spent the rest of my life with you. ... You kiss me. ... I love that. You know I do love that. You know what, when I stand behind you and I put my arms around you and I put my hands on your breasts and I put my hands on you and just pull you in really close. I love that, too. The governor in a news conference last week said that he did not have a physical affair with Mason and there was no sexual activity. I made a mistake. Two years ago I made a mistake, Bentley said. The governors press office issued a statement this week saying, The Governor has accepted responsibility for his behavior. He has apologized to his family, Rebekah Masons family and the people of Alabama for his inappropriate behavior on the recordings. Although most high-ranking Republicans have taken a measured reaction to Bentleys admission, the fallout from the scandal does not appear to be over. Rep. Ed Henry, R-Hartselle, said Wednesday that he plans to introduce the impeachment resolution when the Alabama Legislature returns from spring break next week. Theres no credibility. Theres no confidence from the legislature or the people of this state in his office and his abilities, Henry said. The governors press office did not have an immediate response. Henry and Bentley are both Republicans who have frequently clashed over the past two years, including over the governors proposal last year to raise taxes. However, Henry acknowledged the resolution faces an uphill climb. A majority of House members would have to vote to begin proceedings. Mason, a former television news anchor in Bentleys hometown of Tuscaloosa, signed on as spokeswoman for the little-known legislators 2010 longshot bid for governor. She worked as the governors communications adviser before leaving to work on his 2014 re-election. Observers said Mason helped the governor talk through options as he weighed decisions ranging from taking down Confederate flags to his proposed $800 million prison construction project before lawmakers. Her detractors within the administration said her opinion increasingly became the only one Bentley would trust. At the end of 2014, Governor Bentley made it clear to me in no uncertain terms that from that point forward anyone who questioned Rebekahs influence would be fired, Collier said. As his senior political adviser, she was not paid by the state. Instead, she was paid with campaign funds something the governors office said Bentley had done with previous political advisers in his administration. Campaign records show Bentleys campaign paid Masons company, RCM Communications, $76,500 in 2015 for consulting and travel reimbursement. Mason disclosed last week that the Alabama Council for Government Excellence, a nonprofit formed to promote Bentleys agenda, also paid her company $15,000 for consulting work. Masons husband also works for Bentley as the director of Serve Alabama, the Governors Office of Faith-Based and Volunteer Service. In a statement issued last week, she said Bentley apologized to me and to my family, we accepted his apology and have put all of this behind us. OKLAHOMA CITY Oklahoma State Medical Association leaders have voted unanimously to urge members to consider dropping out of Medicaid. The associations executive committee took the unanimous vote on Wednesday following an announcement earlier in the week by the Oklahoma Health Care Authority that Medicaid rates could be cut by as much as 25 percent effective June 1. Oklahoma state officials expect to have $1.3 billion less to craft a fiscal year 2017 budget due to depressed energy prices, tax cuts and failure to address a number of tax incentives and credits the state grants in an effort to generate economic activity. For the current fiscal year, the state has seen a deepening revenue failure requiring state-appropriated agencies to make cuts. The Oklahoma Health Care Authority is the states Medicaid agency. We are fully aware this will create an access-to-care crisis for rural residents, vulnerable seniors, the disabled and the nearly 60 percent of Oklahoma babies born under Medicaid, said OSMA President Woody Jenkins. But a 25 percent rate cut, combined with previous cuts that had already been made in recent years, will leave many of our members with little choice. If rates are cut by 25 percent, many of the associations members would be faced with losing money every time they saw a Medicaid patient, Jenkins said. This situation is simply unsustainable for most medical practices and will endanger many rural health care settings, he said. He said the association in coming days will be offering guidance on its website for doctors on how to opt out of the Medicaid program. The Oklahoma Health Care Authority contracts with 46,129 providers. I do not take these cuts lightly, said Oklahoma Health Care Authority CEO Nico Gomez, in a news release announcing the possible cuts. As the states largest health insurer, the Oklahoma Health Care Authority underpins the entire fabric of the states health-care system that serves all Oklahomans. I worry about the infrastructure of our health-care system in light of these cuts. From a business standpoint, Im afraid many providers will close their doors to our patients. Meanwhile, the Oklahoma Association of Health Care Providers, which represents skilled nursing facilities, said the cuts would create a crisis for Oklahoma seniors and threaten to dismantle the states network of nursing homes. The proposed cuts would essentially gut the profession that cares for Oklahomas most vulnerable citizens, said Tandie Hastings, OAHCP board president. At a 25 percent cut, 93 percent of our facilities will be operating at a loss every single day. That is unsustainable, and the result will be mass closure of nursing homes. When that happens, a lot of seniors and disabled individuals will be out of options for receiving care. The government last month gave an in-principle approval for establishing the LIGO-India project which will establish a state-of-the-art gravitational wave observatory in India. (Photo: AFP) New Delhi: India and US will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Friday for building a state-of-the-art LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational - wave Observatory) project in the country, almost a month after the discovery of gravitational waves. The MoU will be signed between the National Science Foundation USA and India's Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Science and Technology. DAE secretary Sekhar Basu will be signing the agreement in USA tomorrow. The MoU also states of forming a Joint Oversight Group (JOG) with the scientists from NSF, DAE and DST for better coordination of the project. The government last month gave an "in-principle approval" for establishing the LIGO-India project which will establish a state-of-the-art gravitational wave observatory in India in collaboration with the LIGO Laboratory in the US, run by Caltech and MIT. The project will bring unprecedented opportunities for scientists and engineers to dig deeper into the realm of gravitational wave and take global leadership in this new astronomical frontier. A meeting to decide the site for setting up the laboratory in India will be take place by April 10. LIGO-India will also bring considerable opportunities in cutting edge technology for the Indian industry which will be engaged in the construction of an 8 km-long beam tube at ultra-high vacuum on a levelled terrain. Indian scientists too played a crucial role in the recent discovery. The machines that gave scientists their first-ever glimpse at gravitational waves are the most advanced detectors ever built for sensing tiny vibrations in the universe. The two US-based underground detectors are known as the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory, or LIGO for short. One is located in Hanford, Washington and the other in Livingston, Louisiana. OKLAHOMA CITY A bill that would deny medical licenses to abortion providers advanced from the state House of Representatives Public Health Committee Wednesday on a 6-4 vote. Senate Bill 1552 by Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, defines abortion except in certain cases as unprofessional conduct that would prevent a doctor from obtaining a new license or renewing an existing one. Exceptions would be limited to sexual assault and medical conditions endangering the lives of the mother or fetus. Some critics of the legislation say the sexual assault exception would make the law difficult to enforce. Many expect it to be challenged in court if it becomes law. Rep. Doug Cox, R-Grove, and Rep. Jeannie McDaniel, D-Tulsa, objected to various aspects of SB 1552, but Rep. David Brumbaugh, R-Broken Arrow, the bills House sponsor, said it meets a vital state interest to preserve public health, safety and well-being. Cox asked whether the exemptions should include abortions in cases in which the fetus has abnormalities that preclude its surviving more than a few days after birth. He also asked whether Brumbaugh would agree the physician groups are still opposed to your interfering in their treatment of patients. McDaniel said she resented the reference to unprofessional conduct applied to providing legal abortions and said she felt like youre comparing me to a road or a bridge, and women dont need that. Other bills: Also Wednesday, a House subcommittee passed an amended version of SB 1388 that would transfer operations of the Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission to the Grand River Dam Authority and allow the GRDA to charge for camping and off-road trail riding. The full House met briefly and passed a handful of routine measures but rejected a bill that would have defined homeless youth. Legislators also resurrected a 2015 Senate bill that never got a House vote. The measure would give the governor authority to appoint the director of the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, which oversees the states Medicaid program. Classes will not be held Thursday at McLain High School, McLain Seventh Grade Center, Monroe Demonstration Academy and Penn Elementary School because the power remained out early Thursday. Chris Payne, a spokesman for the school district, made the announcement about 12:45 a.m. Thursday. He noted that there is significant tornado damage in neighborhoods around the schools and said that in the interest of student and staff safety, those four schools would be closed. Tulsa Public Schools was working with AEP-PSO to get service restored, the school district reported. Payne said he expected that electricity would not be restored until later in the day, possibly noon. UPDATE (10:05 p.m.): The National Weather Service in Tulsa has issued its preliminary damage survey for Wednesday's tornadoes in northeastern Oklahoma. A supercell thunderstorm produced two damaging tornadoes, one that went through the Tulsa, Owasso and Verdigris areas and another that went through Claremore. Both were rated EF2 in scale by meteorologists. EF2 tornadoes have estimated wind speeds of 111 to 135 mph, based on damage. The first tornado touched down at 7:13 p.m. about 2 miles southwest of Turley, producing winds of 95 to 105 mph. Meteorologists on Thursday found numerous snapped and uprooted trees, a home with major damage to the roof, a horse trailer thrown about 50 yards into a lake and destroyed barns in far southeastern Osage County, according to the survey. The tornado moved east across Tulsa, roughly along 46th Street North. Several homes and businesses were damaged, and trees and power poles snapped west of U.S. 75, the survey states. The storm continued east-northeast across Mohawk Park. Several metal industrial buildings were significantly damaged on Mingo Road near Tulsa International Airport, according to the survey. The tornado crossed U.S. 169, destroying several barns and snapping more trees along 56th Street North before moving into Rogers County, the survey states. From the Rogers County line at 56th Street North, the tornado continued east-northeast, crossing the northern part of Patriot Golf Club and into the Stone Canyon subdivisions in Owasso, according to the survey. Numerous homes were damaged, and several homes under construction were destroyed. The tornado moved across Oklahoma 266 where it destroyed a business, damaged a number of homes, snapped and uprooted trees and destroyed barns, the survey states. The tornado dissipated about 2 miles north of Verdigris at 7:55 p.m. It traveled about 20 miles, had a maximum width of 1,000 yards and reached wind speeds of up to 120 mph, according to the survey. The second tornado brewed five minutes later about 2 miles southwest of Claremore. It appeared that the supercell cycled north of Verdigris, where the first tornado ended, and developed into another tornado near Claremore, the survey states. Numerous homes were damaged east of Oklahoma 66 and west of Interstate 44. Some of the worst damage was in a housing area near Oklahoma 88, according to the survey. The tornado moved along Rogers County Road 5000, snapping trees, damaging homes and destroying barns. It moved east-northeast toward Will Rogers Downs on Oklahoma 20, where the tornado turned sharply to the northeast and dissipated at 8:13 p.m. about 4 miles east of Claremore. It damaged several large barns in that area before it ended, the survey states. The tornado traveled just more than 6 miles, with a maximum width of 550 yards, according to the survey. It reached wind speeds of 130 mph, the survey states. UPDATE (7:30 p.m.): Storm surveyors have determined that two EF2 tornadoes rolled through northeastern Oklahoma along a line starting in the north Tulsa-Turley area and stretching just past Claremore. The first tornado, which surveyors are referring to as the Tulsa tornado, started southwest of Turley at 7:13 p.m. and traveled a continuous 20-mile path just east of Verdigris, National Weather Service meteorologist Steve Piltz said. The second tornado, referred to as the Claremore tornado, started shortly after that southwest of Claremore and went about 8 miles to the east, Piltz said. Storm surveyors were still working to determine an endpoint to that tornado Thursday night. Heavy damage was more consistent and sustained in the Claremore tornado, Piltz said. The Tulsa tornado created damage in confined areas as the storm picked up strength as it traveled, he said. The storm appeared to thread a needle through Tulsa, Piltz said. "To run a tornado through Tulsa it really weaved through some of the lowest population densities you have in the area," he said. "Of course, if it hits your house, it's all bad." Piltz and his team of surveyors anticipate having an initial report released by late Thursday. UPDATE: A National Weather Service team is conducting a survey Thursday morning to assess the damage caused by the previous night's tornadoes. The survey will help meteorologists determine the number and size of the tornadoes that caused damage throughout northeast Oklahoma. American Red Cross disaster teams have been conducting street-by-street damage assessments in Tulsa, Mayes, Nowata and Rogers counties, according to a news release. The Salvation Army has a setup near 36th Street North and Hartford Avenue to provide relief to first responders, residents and cleanup crews working in the north Tulsa area. All of the weather-related medical calls were in the area of 45th Street North to 47th Street North, according to a news release from EMSA. Most of those who were taken by ambulance to hospitals had serious injuries, but one person was in critical condition, EMSA reported. Police and Fire department personnel canvassed an area from 49th Street North to 43rd Street North between the Tisdale Expressway and Xanthus Avenue. Tulsa Fire Urban Search and Rescue teams were searching every home in the identified damage area in the 46th Street North corridor, the city announced late Wednesday. Churches and homes were damaged, trees were down, and roads were closed in the area of 46th Street North from Peoria Avenue to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. On 46th Street North near Iroquois Avenue, portions of the roof were blown off the Timothy Baptist Church, and windows were blown out. At least one home was destroyed at 46th Street North and Hartford Avenue, Fire Capt. Stan May said. No one was at the home at the time. Teresa Potter said she saw her neighbors who lived at the destroyed house get into their car and out of the area before the storm hit. A tree fell in another neighbor's yard, crushing a car and caving into the back of their home, Potter said. Potter's house had some damage to shingles on the roof but was otherwise OK, she said. Friends who were in Potter's home with her made it to the cellar, but Potter got only as far as the laundry room before she took cover. "I was in the house praying hard," she said. Potter had just moved to the neighborhood. A fire had destroyed her previous home, an apartment, while she was working at the Tulsa State Fair last year. Volunteers mobilized to help in north Tulsa, including activist group We the People Oklahoma. Leaders in that group worked to identify needs and formed crews to help with cleanup. Community activist Carmen Pettie said she drove through the affected neighborhoods passing out water and letting people use her phone until its battery died. She took a generator to an older person who needed oxygen but whose portable unit was almost out of charge. In north Tulsa, about 1,000 customers still were without power as of 9:40 a.m. Thursday, according to the Public Service Company of Oklahoma. About 75 power poles were destroyed, most in north Tulsa, by Wednesday's storms. A spokesman said complications with the restoration process mean many may be without power until Thursday evening, but power was expected to be restored for all customers by 1 p.m. Friday. About 190 workers have been dedicated to restoring power. More stories: Nicholas Vanslyke, who lives near 46th Street North and Iroquois Avenue, said he heard tornado sirens going off about 7:15 p.m. and started taking video with his phone. He didnt stay out there long. You could see the clouds spinning in opposite directions, he said, so I knew something was about to happen. Once the rain hit and the wind started going sideways, Vanslyke got his nine dogs in the middle room of his home until the storm passed. His house was safe, but a tree fell on his fence and ripped the power lines as it fell. Police, firefighters, EMSA and the Red Cross set up a station at Wayman Tisdale Specialty Health Clinic, at 36th Street North and Hartford Avenue, to assist anyone looking for family members or friends, needing a ride home or needing help with other needs. In Owassos Stone Canyon development, Matt Ritchie, 16, went to a neighbors storm shelter when his cellphone warned him of the approaching tornado. When I came out, two of my neighbors houses were torn down and completely flattened, Ritchie said. I was just amazed that my house was still there. He was nonetheless leaving the neighborhood to stay with a friend overnight. The neighborhood is just crazy right now, he said, and a lot is going on. Most of the damage in Owassos 3,000-acre Stone Canyon development occurred in the Twin Creeks neighborhood. In addition to Ritchies neighbors homes, the tornado leveled two houses on Persimmon Lane near Fox Trail Road. Both were under construction and unoccupied at the time. Owasso police officers and the Limestone Fire Department blocked traffic from coming into Stone Canyon in the 77th Street North and 177th East Avenue area while crews worked to clean debris from the streets. Brandon Strathe, a high school senior and resident of the Stone Canyon neighborhood, said he saw the tornado strike the empty houses from his home nearby. Neighboring homes werent damaged, he said, but the tornado swiped the nearby Patriot Golf Club. It looked like it just kind of zig-zagged across the neighborhood, Strathe said of the path. I feel bad for these people (who lost their homes.) One stretch of the south portion of the Stone Canyon neighborhood off 193rd East Avenue and 66th Street North had considerable damage, with garage doors bowed out, windows blown out and blue tarps on roofs. Local roofing companies dotted the street making temporary repairs, while neighbors offered each other help and traded stories and video. I was in the backyard taking pictures, said Stone Canyon resident Luke Lau. We went inside and got in our safe room. It was pretty fast and pretty loud. In 30 seconds, it was over. A play set went through his back window. His neighbor across the street lost his front door and most of the windows across the front of his house. It sounded like a train blowing its horn, Lau said. I came out when I could hear the TV (over the sound of the tornado). I went across the street because my neighbor had his front door blown off. Cliff Motto, director of Owasso Emergency Management, said multiple houses in the Stone Canyon area had mostly roof damage. No injuries were reported there, and crews were still assessing damage late Wednesday. A security worker at the Patriot Golf Club at Stone Canyon said Wednesday night that the guards shack and a gate were damaged but that the club property itself was not hit. It wasnt clear Wednesday night how many homes in the Owasso area were damaged. Bill Masterson, publisher of the Tulsa World and a resident of the Stone Canyon community, took shelter in a safe room in his garage with five other adults, two children and a dog. We were out watching it until we saw it dip into our neighbors backyard, and then we ran for cover, he said Wednesday night. Damage in his area was reserved to uprooted mailboxes, twisted light poles and damaged houses. A neighbors trampoline was swept up in the high winds and was found about a quarter- to a half-mile away. Limestones fire chief told the Tulsa World authorities have also received reports of damage east of 193rd East Avenue, as well as in Claremore and Verdigris. The storm developed near Westport in far eastern Pawnee County and went due east across the southern part of Osage County. It traveled north of Sand Springs, where it turned northeast and went south of Owasso and north of Verdigris. From there the storm went through Claremore and weakened as it entered Mayes County, National Weather Service meteorologist Amy Jankowski said. On the south side of Claremore, visible damage was limited to snapped utility poles and tree limbs. No major structural damage was evident in the city after dark. Oklahoma 88 was closed south of Interstate 44 in Rogers County from about 9:30 to 10 p.m. while Oklahoma Department of Transportation workers cleared debris from the highway. The city of Tulsa opened its Emergency Operation Center in response to the tornado that touched down in north Tulsa. About 10:30 p.m., American Electric Power-Public Service Company of Oklahoma reported 5,800 customers without power in Tulsa County, according to a press update from the Emergency Operations Center. PSO anticipated that 4,500 customers would have power restored by midnight, with remaining outages estimated to be restored by 4 p.m. Thursday. Some Tulsa schools including McLain Junior High and High School, the McLain Seventh-Grade Academy, Monroe Demonstration Academy and Penn, Hawthorn and Whitman Elementary schools were without power after the storm passed, and Tulsa Public Schools was working with AEP-PSO to get service restored, the school district reported. Chris Payne, a spokesman for the school district, said about 12:45 a.m Thursday that classes will not be held at McLain High School, McLain Seventh Grade Center, Monroe and Penn because of the power outage. He noted that there is significant damage in neighborhoods and said that in the interest of student and staff safety, those four schools would be closed. In addition, the citys Northside Wastewater Treatment Plant and Oxley Nature Center were without power Wednesday night, but sewer services were not affected, the city said. An earlier version of the story appears below: Seven people were injured and more than 5,000 customers were without power in Tulsa after a storm system spun up tornadoes that caused damage from the northern part of the city eastward through Owasso, Verdigris and Claremore. The storm first developed near Westport in far eastern Pawnee County and went due east across the southern part of Osage County. It traveled north of Sand Springs, where it turned northeast and went south of Owasso and north of Verdigris. From there the storm went through Claremore and weakened as it entered Mayes County, National Weather Service meteorologist Amy Jankowski said. Along the way, the service reported the tornado touched down at least four times. Meteorologists won't know until Thursday afternoon whether those were related to one continuous tornado or a series or tornadoes, meteorologist Mark Plate said. At about 9:30 p.m. the National Weather Service let all tornado warnings in the area expire. In response to a tornado that touched down in north Tulsa just before 7:20 p.m., the city activated its Emergency Operation Center. Roads are closed in the area of 46th Street North from Peoria Avenue to Martin Luther King Boulevard. Police and fire personnel are canvassing an area from 49th Street North to 43rd Street North between the Tisdale Expressway to Xanthus Avenue. The citys Streets and Water departments are assisting with road barricades and debris removal. Trees are down in the areas listed above, and crews are reporting damage to structures and homes. People are asked to stay away from the area as public safety departments respond and electrical lines are down. Most of the injured in Tulsa who were taken to hospitals by EMSA had serious injuries. One person was in critical condition, according to a news release from EMSA. All of the weather-related medical calls were in the area of 45th Street North to 47th Street North, the release states. About 8:30 p.m., Public Service Company of Oklahoma reported 5,547 customers without power in Tulsa County. Just before 10 p.m., that number grew to 5,603, with an additional 166 in Rogers County. On 46th Street North near Iroquois Avenue, portions of the roof were blown off the Timothy Baptist Church, and windows were blown out. Homes were visibly damaged in the area in the area of area of Martin Luther King Boulevard and 46th Street North. The north Tulsa area downed power lines and tree limbs as well as storm debris could be seen. East of Owasso, damage was reported to homes in the Stone Canyon area. Part of the 3,000-acre Stone Canyon development just south of 76th Street North in Owasso is blocked off, with police not letting anyone in. Damage is not visible from outside the development, which is near 76th Street North and 177th East Avenue. Matt Ritchie, 16, was in the neighborhood and went to a neighbor's storm shelter when his cell phone warmed him of the approaching tornado. "When I came out, two of my neighbor's houses were torn down and completely flattened," Ritchie said. "I was just amazed that my house was still there." He was nonetheless leaving the neighborhood to stay with a friend overnight. "The neighborhood is just crazy right now," he said, "and a lot is going on." Bill Masterson, publisher of the Tulsa World and a resident of the Stone Canyon community in Owasso, took shelter in a safe room in his garage with five other adults, two children and a dog. "We were out watching it until we saw it dip into our neighbor's backyard and then we ran for cover," he said Wednesday night. The storm leveled at least two unoccupied homes in the Stone Canyon community near East Red Fox Trail and East Persimmon Lane. Other damage in the area was reserved to uprooted mailboxes, twisted light poles and damaged houses. A neighbor's trampoline was swept up in the high winds and found about 1/4 to 1/2-mile away. Most of the damage at Stone Canyon occurred in the Twin Creeks neighborhood. On the south side of Claremore, visible damage was limited to snapped utility poles and tree limbs. No major structural damage was evident in the city after dark. Live updates from the storm appear below: Update (10:45 p.m.): The Tulsa Fire Urban Search and Rescue team is searching every home in the area damaged by the tornado in the 46th Street North corridor. As crews go door-to-door, about 5,800 residents are without electricity in Tulsa because of downed lines and storm damage. About 4,500 of those should regain power by midnight. Those without power at that time should have it restored by 4 p.m. Thursday, according to a news release from the city. The city's Northside Wastewater Treatment Plant and the Oxley Nature Center are also without power. Sewer services aren't affected by the treatment plant's loss of power, according to the release. Residents can report downed lines at PSO by calling 888-218-3919. City crews warned citizens to stay away from the damage area. While the tornado blew through the area, Tulsa Area Emergency Management Agency activated sirens for in the city's north quadrant for 58 minutes, the release states. The following emergency departments are working in the aftermath of the tornado: Tulsa Police Department, Tulsa Fire Department, City of Tulsa Streets and Storm Water, City of Tulsa Water and Sewer, Tulsa County Sheriff's Office, Tulsa Red Cross, PSO, Tulsa Area Emergency Management Agency and EMSA, according to the release. 9:23 p.m.: The weather service will let tornado warnings in northeastern Mayes County and west central Delaware County expire at 9:30 p.m. Meteorologists said the storm weakened below severe limits and doesn't appear capable of producing a tornado. A severe thunderstorm warning will remain in effect until midnight for northeastern Oklahoma. 9:03 p.m.: The city activated its Emergency Operation Center in response to the tornado that touched down in north Tulsa. Roads are closed from 46th Street North between Peoria Avenue and Martin Luther King Boulevard. Police and Fire department personnel are canvassing an area from 49th Street North and 43rd Street North between the Tisdale Expressway and Xanthus Avenue. The citys Streets and Water departments are assisting with road barricades and debris removal. Trees are down in the areas listed above, and crews are reporting damage to homes and other structures. People are asked to stay away from the area as public safety departments respond and electrical lines are down. 8:56 p.m.: The weather service issued a tornado warning for northeastern Mayes County and west-central Delaware County until 9:30 p.m. 8:54 p.m.: Severe weather tore the roof off Timothy Baptist Church, located near 46th Street North and Iroquois Avenue in Tulsa, and blew out its windows. Homes in the area of Martin Luther King Boulevard in north Tulsa are visibly damaged. Power lines and tree limbs are down across north Tulsa. On the south side of Claremore, visible damage seems to be limited to snapped utility poles and tree limbs. No major structural damage is evident in the city after dark. 8:45 p.m.: Damage has occurred to homes in the Stone Canyon area in Owasso. Part of the 3,000-acre Stone Canyon development just south of 76th Street North in Owasso is blocked off, with police not letting anyone in. Damage is not visible from outside the development, which is near 76th Street North and 177th East Avenue. 8:28 p.m.: EMSA medics have transported nine patients with weather related injuries. Most of those patients were transported with serious injuries. One patient is in critical condition, according to a news release from EMSA. All of the weather-related calls were in the area of 45th Street North to 47th Street North, the release states. An American Red Cross command post was set up near 46th Street North and Iroquois Avenue for those affected by severe weather. 8:28 p.m.: Public Service Company of Oklahoma reported 5,547 customers without power in Tulsa County. 8:13 p.m.: The weather service issued a tornado warning for northern Craig County until 8:45 p.m. At that time a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located about 14 miles west of Welch. It was moving northeast at 30 mph. 8:08 p.m.: The weather service issued a tornado warning for northwestern Mayes County and central Rogers County until 9 p.m. At that time, a confirmed tornado was located near Tiawah and was moving east at 25 mph. 8:05 p.m.: The weather service reported a confirmed tornado on the ground in Claremore moving east at 25 mph. 8:02 p.m.: The weather service reported a likely tornado on the ground between Oklahoma 66 and Interstate 44 between Verdigris and Claremore. It was moving east. 7:55 p.m.: The weather service reported a tornado touched down near Verdigris and was moving east to 30 mph. A tornado warning remains in effect for Rogers County until 8:15 p.m. 7:51 p.m.: The weather service issued a tornado warning of east central Nowata County and northwestern Craig County until 8:15 p.m. A severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located six miles east of Delaware. It was moving northeast at 30 mph. Quarter-sized hail is possible. 7:46 p.m.: The service reported a tornado that touched ground four miles west of Verdigris near the Port of Catoosa. It was moving east at 30 mph. 7:33 p.m.: The weather service continued a tornado warning for southwestern Nowata County until 7:45 p.m. Quarter-sized hail is possible. 7:28 p.m.: The weather service reported a tornado on the ground three miles southwest of Owasso that was moving east at 25 mph. The service also issued a tornado warning for southwestern Rogers County and Northeastern Tulsa County until 8:15 p.m. 7:18 p.m.: The weather service reported a tornado on the ground near 36th Street North and Martin Luther King Boulevard. The tornado was moving east at 30 mph. 7:15 p.m.: The weather service issued a tornado warning for southwestern Nowata County and east central Washington County until 7:45 p.m. A severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located eight miles northwest of Watova and was moving east at 30 mph. 7:01 p.m.: A tornado warning for southeastern Osage County and northeastern Tulsa County remains in effect. A severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located three miles north of Sand Springs and was moving east at 25 mph. Golf ball-sized hail is possible. Locations in or near the path of the storm include northern Tulsa, Owasso, Collinsville, Turley, Sand Springs, Skiatook and Sperry, according to the service. 6:54 p.m.: The weather service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Nowata, Rogers and Washington counties until 7:45 p.m. 6:46 p.m.: The weather service issued a tornado warning for Osage, Pawnee and Tulsa counties until 7:30 p.m. A severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located near Keystone State Park and was moving east at 35 mph. Golf ball-sized hail is possible. 6:35 p.m.: The weather service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Osage, Pawnee, Tulsa and Washington counties until 7:30 p.m. 6:27 p.m.: The weather service issued a tornado warning for northeastern Osage County and northern Washington County until 7 p.m. A thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located four miles east of Elgin and was moving east at 45 mph, according to the service. Half dollar-sized hail is possible. 4:51 p.m.: The weather service issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Osage, Pawnee, Creek, Nowata, Rogers, Tulsa and Washington counties until 9 p.m. 4:46 p.m.: The weather service issued a server thunderstorm warning for northeastern Osage and Washington counties until 5:30 p.m. A severe thunderstorm was located about four miles north of Pawhuska and was moving northeast at 30 mph, according to the weather service. The storm could produce golf ball-sized hail and 70 mph wind gusts. A tornado is also possible, according to the center. 4:45 p.m.: The tornado warning for Osage County has been allowed to expire. 4:20 p.m. The weather service issued a tornado warning until 4:45 p.m. for Osage County. A severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located 8 miles southwest of Pearsonia, according to the weather service. Golf ball-sized hail is also possible. 1:50 p.m. The weather service issued a severe thunderstorm watch until 9 p.m. for areas just west of Tulsa. Counties under the watch are Caddo, Canadian, Carter, Cleveland, Comanche, Cotton, Garfield, Garvin, Grady, Grant, Jefferson, Kay, Kingfisher, Lincoln, Logan, Love, McClain, Murray, Noble, Oklahoma, Osage, Pawnee, Payne, Pottawatomie and Stephens. 12:15 p.m. The severe thunderstorm warning has been canceled for Osage and Pawnee counties. According to the National Weather Service, severe weather potential increases throughout the afternoon in northeast Oklahoma. Noon: The severe thunderstorm warning has been canceled for Creek County. Osage and Pawnee counties will remain under the warning until 12:30 p.m. 11:47 a.m. The severe thunderstorm warning has been extended to 12:30 p.m. for Osage and Pawnee counties. 11:24 a.m. A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued in Creek, Osage and Pawnee counties until noon. Additional thunderstorms are expected to develop this afternoon across central Oklahoma, and move east into eastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas later today and tonight. In Tulsa, a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms is forecast today. However, new rainfall amounts of less than 0.1 of an inch are expected without a thunderstorm. Chances fall to 40 percent tonight in Tulsa, with rainfall amounts of less than 0.1 of an inch expected once again, without a thunderstorm. As of Tuesday, Tulsa recorded 2.10 inches of rain this month, which is nearly an inch below normal for this time of March, according to the weather service. Tulsa's temperatures are forecast to reach the 70s this afternoon and each day for the next week, except for Friday, which has highs in the 60s forecast. Overnight lows in the 50s are forecast tonight in Tulsa, with lows in the upper 30s forecast for Friday night. As of Tuesday, Tulsa's average temperature this month is 5 degree above normal, according to the weather service. The highest was 82 degrees on March 23, while the lowest was 31 degrees on Monday and March 19. 7:30 p.m.: The weather service reported a tornado on the ground southwest of Owasso that was moving east to northeast. 7:25 p.m.: The weather service issued a tornado warning for southwestern NowataCounty until 7:45 p.m. Quarter-sized hail is possible. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Al Capone Roast This is our version of a Wisconsin Up North Classic, the Al Capone Roast. An Al Capone Roast is said to have been made popular by the gangster Al Capone who was notorious for hiding out in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. Not only was Al Capone a gangster but he was a gangster who loved good food. Al Capone Roast is by far my favorite roast ever. Its delicious and worth trying. Trust me, youll love it! Stopped Making Several years ago, when we bought our first Al Capone Roast, we immediately fell in love with this delicious and tasty roast. We always purchased an Al Capone Roast from a small grocery store located near Rhinelander WI. Over the years, it has become increasingly difficult to find an Al Capone Roast in any grocery store in our area. One day, when we were grocery shopping at the grocery store that usually carried Al Capone Roast, we asked the butcher why they didnt carry them anymore. Made Our Own Version He simply said that due to the increase in the price of ingredients used to make an Al Capone Roast, it was just too expensive to make them anymore. People just didnt want to pay that much for a roast, so we decided to make our own version of the famous Al Capone Roast and boy are we so glad we did!! How Is It Made An Al Capone Roast is traditionally made up of a boneless pork loin and beef tenderloin which are butterflied, then layered with fresh Italian sausage, sliced black olives, chopped fresh mushrooms, sliced pepperoni, Genoa salami, and hard salami then topped with slices of mozzarella and provolone cheese. The whole thing is sprinkled with Italian seasoning and rolled up. (Now you know why it is so expensive to make!) Our version is made with a less expensive cut of meat and we feel, a cut of meat that has so much more flavor than the traditional boneless pork loin and beef tenderloin. We opted for a Porketta Roast due to its great flavor, availability and its Italian roots. Perfetto! What Is a Porketta Roast? Porketta Roast is a spicy, tasty and extremely moist boneless pork roast. Its covered with a dry rub combination. The rub can include dill seed, fennel seed, oregano, lemon pepper, garlic and onion powder. A Porketta Roast starts out as a Boston cut pork shoulder, which is one of the juiciest and most flavorful cuts of pork. The pork roast is de-boned, excess fat is removed and butterflied. The roast is then literally sprinkled with a delicious dry rub seasoning blend. Now lets get on to this recipe! Al Capone Roast Al Capone Roast is Super Fantastic! You can adjust the recipe amounts to accommodate any number of people. No ratings yet Leave a Review Print Recipe Pin Recipe Ingredients 3 to 4 pound porketta roast 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, divided 1/2 pound fresh bulk Italian sweet sausage 1 4 oz can sliced black olives, drained 1 4 oz can sliced mushrooms, drained 8 slices prosciutto ham 12 slices hard salami 12 slices provolone cheese olive oil 1/2 cup red wine, optional Instructions Slice porketta roast in half. Sprinkle both halves with Italian seasoning, set top half aside. Pat fresh Italian sausage on bottom half of roast. Sprinkle sausage with sliced black olives and chopped mushrooms, lightly press into sausage. Lay 4 slices of prosciutto on top of black olive and mushroom layer, top with 6 slices of hard salami, top with 12 slices of provolone cheese. Repeat layers. Place top half of roast on layers. Tie the two halves together with cooking string. * (Hopefully you can tie your roast better than me)* Drizzle roast with olive oil. Place roast in a 5 to 6 quart crock-pot. Pour red wine over roast, id using. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. Course: Dinner, Main Dish Cuisine: All-American Author: Lynn / Turnips 2 Tangerines Keyword: Al Capone History, porketta roast, Simon Creek Winery, slow cooker Did you make this recipe? Tag @lynnturnips on Instagram with the hashtag #turnips2tangerines Untouchable Red Enjoy a glass of Untouchable Red with Al Capone Roast. Untouchable Red is a Ruby Cabernet that is form a wonderful vineyard called Simon Creek Vineyard, located in beautiful Door County WI. For more information go to: Simon Creek Vineyard Al Capone History Occupation: Gangster Born: January 17, 1899 Died: January 25, 1947 (heart failure) Best known as: The American gangster known as Scarface Name at birth: Alphonsus Capone Alphonse Al Capone was one of the most famous U.S. gangsters during the 1920s and the 1930s. A Chicago-based boss involved in illegal gambling, bootlegging (illegal alcohol) and prostitution. Al Capone got his start in New York working as a thug and bouncer. Born in the borough of Brooklyn, in New York City to Italian immigrants. Capone became involved with gang activity at a young age, after being expelled from school at age 14. In 1919, when he was in his early twenties, he moved to Chicago to make money smuggling illegal alcoholic beverages. He quickly moved up the ranks of Johnny Torrios gang. Capone was known for his smarts and brutality. By 1925, he was in charge of one of Chicagos biggest criminal gangs. The Chicago outfit which became known as the Capones were dedicated to smuggling, bootlegging liquor and other illegal activities such as prostitution. Capone headed this massive bootlegging, gambling and prostitution operation during Prohibition and raked in tens of millions of dollars. He was widely suspected in several murders but never charged. In 1929, he was considered the mastermind behind the gangland killing on Chicagos North Side known as the St. Valentines Day Massacre. Capones men gunned down seven rival gang members and executed them. Investigators could never collect enough evidence to put anyone on trail for the deaths. Capones public reputation was damaged in the wake of his involvement in the massacre. Capone engaged in various other criminal activities, including bribery of government figures. Despite his illegitimate occupation, Capone became a highly visible public figure. He made donations to various charitable endeavors, using the money he made from his illegal activities and was viewed by many to be a modern-day Robin Hood Arrested many times over the years, Al Capone was famously pursed by federal agent Eliot Ness. He ended up finally going to jail for income tax evasion in 1931. After serving eight years in federal prisons, one of which was The Rock or better known as Alcatraz, Al Capone was released on good behavior in 1939. In the final years of Capones life, he suffered mental and physical deterioration due to late-stage syphilis which he had contracted in his youth. Capone retired to his estate in Florida and on January 25, 1947, he died from cardiac arrest after suffering a stroke. Capones Hideout Capones hideout was located in northern Wisconsin near Couderoy on 407 acres of wooded, pristine and private property. The hideout was located on Blueberry Lake. It is said that Capone used the 37-acre lake for seaplanes carrying shipments of bootleg alcohol from Canada before making its way to Chicago. Capone owned the land in the late 1920s and early 1930s during the height of Prohibition. The gangsters house is built of stone with 18-inch thick walls, a hand-cut stone fireplace and custom-made spiral staircases created in Chicago. It also has a stone gun tower where machine-gun-armed guards watched out for the authorities whenever Capone was on the property. There is also a caretakers cottage and bunkhouse. A barn on the estate is suppose to have housed chickens so the gangster could have fresh eggs. There is even a jail house on the grounds which is a very small single cell surrounded by a brick wall. Stone Gun Tower~ Jail House~ The Houston family bought the property in the 1950s from Capones estate and had operated it as a seasonal bar and restaurant known for its prime rib. The Houston family also offered guided tours focusing on the Capone lore. In 2009, the property went up for auction for 2.6 million dollars. The bank that foreclosed on the property a year earlier bought the property at auction. *Capone photos from google search* Olive and Cheese Bread would be super served alongside Al Capone Roast and glasses of Untouchable Red wine from Simon Creek. This Sunday on 60 Minutes, are stories on Scotland Yard experts, mega cruise liners, a rare flesh-eating superbug and an Afghanistan war survivor overcoming the odds. Eye Catching That venerable crime-fighting institution, Scotland Yard, is currently recruiting good-lookers. No, it doesnt need more attractive police officers, but rather people with a talent for never forgetting a face. They are called super recognisers and theyre the tiny percentage of humans who have the ability to distinguish and differentiate one persons face from millions of others, even if theyve only seen that face once, and even if it was years or decades ago. British police have now formed an elite squad of super recognisers and their investigative results are so impressive that Australian police are now taking a closer look. And that means if youve got something to hide, youd better watch out. Reporter: Liz Hayes Producer: Stephen Rice Germ Warfare At 24, Sam OSullivan thought he was invincible. An elite athlete and rising Aussie Rules star, nothing could stop him. Then one day seven months ago he felt slightly ill. At first he thought he had a hangover, then possibly the flu, but he didnt get better. It turns out an extremely rare flesh-eating superbug had somehow invaded his body and was devouring his muscles. The microbe, called Necrotizing Myositis, was as virulent as it was frightening. Doctors said if Sam was lucky hed survive, but theyd have to amputate limbs. The more likely outcome, they warned, was death. Sam OSullivans only hope was to go to war against this killer germ. Reporter: Tara Brown Producers: Gareth Harvey, Alice Dalley Ship Happens When it comes to fun and adventure on the high seas, Australians lead the world. Every year more than a million of us are farewelled by family and friends as we head out on a cruise. And because business is so full steam ahead here, shipbuilders in Germany are working overtime to construct even bigger and more opulent ships. As Michael Usher discovered, the ocean liner assembly line is an astonishing sight thats only matched by the mega-ships that come off it one of which will soon be calling Australia home. Reporter: Michael Usher Producer: Phil Goyen His Finest Hour It often takes tragedy for people to realise their own incredible strength and courage. Four years ago army engineer Curtis McGrath stood on a landmine in Afghanistan. Both his legs were blown off. But Curtis was the medic on this patrol, so even though he was horrifically injured, he had to supervise his own emergency treatment. In his finest hour, he did a fantastic job he survived. Back home, Curtis has not only learnt to walk again but has now passed an extraordinary physical test to achieve an incredible dream. Reporter: Michael Usher Producer: Alice Dalley 8:15pm Sunday on Nine. New Delhi: Amid a row over its students being charged for sedition, JNU has received over 76,000 applications for admission to the upcoming academic session for around 2700 seats in various programmes offered at the university, 3000 less than previous year. While around 79,000 applications were received last year 72,000 candidates had applied in 2014. With the university being caught up in a controversy over an event against hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru during which anti-national slogans were allegedly raised, concerns were triggered among people worldwide about whether the university's image will suffer a setback because of the ongoing row. "The number of applications received are 28 times more than the number of seats. This reflects the kind of competition which exists among admission seekers for the university," Bhupinder Zutshi, Director Admissions said. Asked about whether the decrease of 3000 is because of the controversy, which hit the university around the same time when the application process was on, the official said, "In the recent years a fluctuation of around 3000-4000 applications has been witnessed off and on. The trends of any of the years cannot be attributed to a particular reason". According to the data available with the university's admissions department, 76,091 applications have been received for the 2,700 seats available for undergraduate, master's and research programmes at JNU. The month-long application period closed last week and the entrance exams for the courses will be held next month. Zutshi, however, clarified that the figures are only for the applications received for the JNU common entrance examination. There are two more application categories - Combined entrance programme for Bio-Technology programme and NET-JRF candidates. Members of the university's teachers association argue that the alleged branding of the university as anti-national in wake of the sedition row, is a superfluous notion which exists only in a section of society and not among admission seekers. "The intellectual section of the society which is aware of the kind of research and education system JNU stands for, knows that the so called anti-national theory is a superfluous one and the admission seekers are very much aware of the reality," a member of JNUTA said. After the controversy broke out, the varsity's Centre for Social Studies was ranked at 51st position in the QS World rankings, up by 7 ranks compared to previous year. The university was also announced as winner of the Presidents award for excellence in research and innovation. President Pranab Mukherjee had presented the award to the Molecular Parasitology Group of JNU for its pioneering work in the area of molecular parasitology, especially anti-malaria, leishmaniasis and amoebiasis. EXCLUSIVE: Incoming ABC managing director and former Google executive Michelle Guthrie has hatched a bold plan to begin Advertising on the ABC. The secret plan, leaked to TV Tonight, reveals key programmes will carry advertising from May. But they will be Sponsorships to avoid contravening Section 31 of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act (1983). Guthrie, who is a former managing director, partner business solutions at Singapore-based Google and Executive vice-president, business development at Star TV in Hong Kong, has plenty of experience in monetisation. She succeeds Mark Scott from April 29. Programmes including Q & A, 7:30, Insiders, Lateline and Australian Story will top and tail with brand sponsorship from blue chip companies such as Qantas, Commonwealth Bank, Telstra and CGU. The move is understood to have the backing of the ABC Board after signals from Canberra of impending funding cuts and staff culling. The writing was on the wall from the Abbott governments war on the ABC. It set this ball in motion now under the watch of a former Communications Minister who has already abandoned Community Broadcasting, one insider said. Once it was clear that funding would be chopped at the knees the Board embarked on a rescue plan. That fell into place with a white horse named Google. After a soft launch with key ABC shows in May, sponsorships will extend to other programming in June. There are plans for Coles to sponsor The Checkout, KFC to sponsor Mad as Hell and Carmens Museli to endorse ABC News Breakfast. 7-ELEVEN stores are in negotiations to stitch up the Four Corners position to deter a second investigation in planning. The Australian wants first dibs on Media Watch while Sportsbet has Play Schools 50th Anniversary in sight. Drama programmes will be subject to product placement, including digitally inserted period logos into new seasons of The Doctor Blake Mysteries and Miss Fishers Murder Mysteries. International shows will not be spared commercial branding either. Bunnings will sponsor Grand Designs, Channel Nine will back all David Attenborough programming and Hungry Jacks will sponsor Peppa Pig. The only show sheltered from sponsorship is Gruen to ensure editorial independence and appease Wil Andersons ego. Its the beginning of the end an insider warned. Public broadcasting is walking out the door with Mark Scott. Sponsorship, pop-ups, product placement, its a deal with the devil. Decades of integrity are on the line. Angry ABC staff are hoping outgoing boss Mark Scott can jettison the plan at his final Board meeting next week, and a furious Barrie Cassidy is already on a hunger strike. An ABC spokesperson declined to comment. Photo: Roberto Parlavecchio. Nickelodeon has announced a new adventure series, Slime Cup, that will see kids compete in its famed green goo challenges. The six-episode series, based on a US concept, invites kids aged 9 13 from Australia and New Zealand to team up with their best friend and enter. Slime Cup will be hosted by Australian actress, Kristy Best and a US Nickelodeon star yet to be announced. To enter, kids can submit their audition videos online or for the first time ever, pre-register to complete a series of challenges at on-ground events in Melbourne (Sunday, 10 April from 10am 4pm at Westfield, Fountain Gate) and Sydney (Sunday, 17 April from 10am 4pm at Westfield, Mt Druitt). 16 teams will then be selected to compete in the Semi-Finals a series of larger-than life challenges that will test their stamina, strength and stomachs to determine the final four teams. The Finale episode will see the four teams compete to win the ultimate prize of being the Guardians of Slime at Nickelodeons flagship event Slimefest in September. But its not just kids who will face the mess and mayhem of Slime Cup. Parents will also be randomly included in the Semi-Finals of the series, upping the ante on the stakes of each challenge. Kids who think they have the speed, the smarts and a stomach of steel can go to nick.com.au to register for the Sydney and Melbourne audition days or submit their best audition video up until Sunday, 24th April 2016. Kids can check out www.nick.com.au to vote for their favourites, watch short-form clips, play games and see all the behind-the-scenes action. Slime Cup will premiere on Nickelodeon at 5.30pm on Friday, 1st July 2016. University of Delaware alumni enjoyed "An Evening of Conversations and Connections" in New York City. University of Delaware alumni enjoyed "An Evening of Conversations and Connections" in New York City. University of Delaware alumni enjoyed "An Evening of Conversations and Connections" in New York City. University of Delaware alumni enjoyed "An Evening of Conversations and Connections" in New York City. University of Delaware alumni enjoyed "An Evening of Conversations and Connections" in New York City. 9:24 a.m., March 31, 2016--Entering into the job market can be a scary time for college seniors looking to jumpstart their careers. Lucky for Blue Hens, events like An Evening of Conversations and Connections, hosted by the New York City Alumni Club and sponsored by the University of Delaware Alumni Association and Marquee New York, exist to help ease the transition into the workforce by bolstering networking opportunities with successful alumni. On the morning of March 15, more than 40 students from UDs Department of Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management (HRIM) loaded a bus sponsored by the Career Services Center and headed to New York to explore the hospitality industry and meet with NYC alumni. The day culminated in the fifth annual An Evening of Conversations and Connections event held at Marquee New York, a trendy lounge managed by alumnus Andrew S. Goldberg of the Class of 2002. At the groups first stop, Eataly, an Italian market place with establishments around the world, Madeline Gouge of the Class of 2013 calmly shouted above noisy crowds of tourists to describe her duties as the manager of four of the seven restaurants that comprise Eataly. Eataly is busy all year round at all times of the day. Its my job to help make sure everything runs smoothly, she said. After Eataly, the group traveled to the brand new Renaissance Hotel for a tour with the opening general manager and HRIM alumnus David DiFalco of the Class of 1999, who took a moment to offer students a few words of wisdom. Find out what you want to do and work hard at it. Dont ever be afraid to out-work everyone in the room, advised DiFalco. Their busy day concluded, students headed over to Marquee New York excited for the evenings panel discussion on Lessons from Hospitality Alumni, and the chance to meet with established alumni and guests also arriving. Michael Sclafani, associate vice president of alumni engagement and annual giving, enjoyed networking with the New York City alumni. There are over 19,000 active alumni in the NYC region, and the NYC Alumni Club does a tremendous job reaching out and making them feel welcome, said Sclafani. It is wonderful to see our graduates actively connecting with one another, interacting with current students and truly leading initiatives that benefit our University. During the panel discussion, moderated by William Sullivan, a 1974 graduate who received a masters degree in 2015, with panelists Ryan Eddy (2004), Tania Fogg (2006), Lori Beth Gumnitz (2000), Dana Herbert (1998), David Mendez (2003) and William Woodson (2008), alumni emphasized the importance of connecting with others in the field and how the entire UD community faculty, staff and fellow alumni has guided them along the way. They discussed industry trends, future evolutions and business philanthropy before an active question and answer session. Herbert reflected on how, as a young adult entering the professional world, his time at UD cultivated his development and helped him build bridges and break into the industry. UD was such a major milestone in my life, so important that my first cookbook highlighted some of my HRIM professors, giving them kudos for everything they put into me, said Herbert. Being a part of the alumni network working in sales, you would be surprised at the Blue Hens you run into. I would introduce myself and all of a sudden those connections really helped my career. When students asked about new trends in hospitality, Fogg explained how companies have changed their hiring practices over the last few years. She told students that its OK to not know the exact direction they want to move into after graduating because companies like hers are most concerned with potential. We want to get these intelligent bright, talented people in the door and then train them, said Fogg. After the panel discussion, once-shy students mingled with the alumni and guests, sharing goals of building their own careers and taking advantage of the wealth of hospitality and knowledge in the room. Just getting to meet alumni and seeing what I can do after college is a great experience. Theres almost a Blue Hen at every company in NYC, said junior Allison Hageman. As the room grew louder and panelists made their rounds through groups of guests with eager questions, alumni, students and guests quickly exchanged contact information and made plans to follow up with one another. Its good to see how much the University has grown. The NYC Alumni Club is really a club for everyone, said Lalena Luna of the Class of 2000, vice president of the NYC Alumni Club board. Nathan Elton, UD Career Services Center director, said he is eager to replicate similar experiences with other programs and majors at UD to provide students with a glimpse of how their education plays out in the real world. I would love to do trips like this more often so students can see different industries and help decide whats right for them. Many alumni said they relish events like An Evening of Conversations and Connections because of the opportunity it provides for them to give back to their alma mater. For a lot of alumni, once you leave school and life takes over there are many competing interests and you dont necessarily have an appreciation for how Delaware has impacted you along the way, said Richard Greenberg of the Class of 1977, outgoing NYC Alumni Club president. Eventually you come to the point where you feel strongly about giving back to UD and you want to support it instead of it just supporting you. Photos by Evan Krape Hi, my name is Scott C. Waring and I wrote a few books and am currently a ESL School Owner in Taiwan. I have had my own UFO sighting up close and personal, but that's how it works right? A non believer becomes a believer when they experience their first sighting. You witnessed it, your perceptual field changes, so now you need to share it. I created this site to help the UFO community get a little bit organized. I noticed that there was a lot of chaos when searching for UFO sighting reports, so I hope this site helps. I wanted to support those eyewitnesses who have tried to tell others about what they have seen, yet were laughed at by even closest of friends. More and more each day the governments of the world leak bits and pieces of UFO information to the public. They have a trickle down theory in hopes of slowly getting citizens use to the idea that we are not alone in universe and never have been. The truth is being leaked drop by drop until one day we look around and find ourselves neck high in it. The discovery of alien species in existence is the most monumental scientific event in human history, suppression of that information is a crime against humanity. About me: I live in Taiwan. I OWN MY OWN ENGLISH SCHOOL, AND ONCE HAD 5 SCHOOLS. Am Former USAF at SAC base (flight line). Age: 42 Educ: BA in Elem ed. Masters in Counseling ed. I had two UFO sightings, (30+bus size orbs) in military and in 2012 personally saw the UFO over Taipei 101 building on New Years Day (and recored it). The militants launched 49 attacks on the ATO troops in eastern Ukraine over the past day. This is reported by the ATO press center. "The Ukrainian soldiers came under 120mm and 82 mm mortar fire near Pisky [12km north-west of Donetsk] and Opytne [11.5km north-west of Donetsk]," reads the statement. In Mariupol direction, the terrorists used mortars to shell Ukrainian positions in Shyrokyne (20km east of Mariupol) and other towns. In Luhansk region, the illegal armed groups used small arms, grenade launchers and heavy machine guns to fire at Trokhizbenka (33km north-west of Luhansk). ol The referendum on the Ukraine-EU Association Agreement that is to take place in the Netherlands on April 6 was not initiated because of Ukraine, but to exert pressure on the relations between Holland and the European Union. Head of the Dutch Burgercomite EU Arjan van Dixhoorn, one of the organizations that initiated the referendum, told in an interview with the Dutch newspaper NRC. "In fact we dont care about Ukraine, you have to understand this," he said. He said the referendum was one of the options to put pressure on the relations between the Netherlands and the EU. "Referendum on Nexit (analogous with Brexit- a campaign for Britains leaving the EU ed.) was impossible until now. This is why we make use of all options to exert pressure on the relationship between the Netherlands and Ukraine," said van Dixhoorn. Earlier, Ukrinform reported the consultative referendum on the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement takes place on April 6 in the Netherlands. At the moment, the Association Agreement has been ratified by both houses of the Dutch parliament. However, according to the law that came into force in the country on July 1, almost any document passed by parliamentarians can be put to a referendum, if it collects 300,000 signatures. The initiator for signature collection was the satirical website blog GeenStijl and Burgercomite EU organization. Yesterday at Boryspil the border guards of "Kyiv" detachment detected false documents presented by three citizens of India. The foreigners arrived from Istanbul, and transited through Kyiv towards Zurich. While checking their documents the border guards found out that they had fake Germany visas. Violators who used counterfeit visas were sent back on a return flight to Istanbul, the press release published by the State Border Service has stated. Note that the staff of the State Border Service constantly improve their skills by checking documents and attend relevant training courses. International experts from Germany, the U.S., UK and other countries assist them in their training. British experts have conducted recently training by sharing their knowledge with Kyiv border guards personnel through the assistance of EU advisory mission. During the training the border guards, most of whom are members of the pilot project "New face of the border," have acquired practical skills by checking passports, detecting counterfeit, invalid and incorrect form of documents and working with technical instruments for their verification. Participants were able to get familiarized with the latest trends on producing counterfeit documents and methods for their detection. Moreover, the border guards were shown the types of documents, visas, residence permits, as well as rules for entering the EU countries. Japan will invite 12 talented Ukrainians to participate in the youth project entitled Youth leadership boat project. Japanese Ambassador to Ukraine Shigeki Sumi said this at a briefing in Kyiv, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. That is a regular project and from Ukraine we invite 12 young people so selection will take place very soon. That is the project Japan is running for sometimes by inviting young people under 30 from around 10-11 countries and put all of them in a boat that travel about 3 weeks in the area of Japan, he said. The ambassador noted that the next year when Ukraine would take part in the project, the participants would also visit New Zeeland. Ambassador Shigeki Sumi told about the project, when announcing the details of the visit of Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and his wife Maryna Poroshenko to Japan. The visit is scheduled for April 5-7. iy Mantralaya employees staging a protest on the Mantralaya premises as one of their colleagues was allegedly slapped by MLA Bacchu Kadu in Mumbai. (Photo: PTI) Mumbai: The police on Wednesday arrested independent legislator from Maharashtra Bacchu Kadu, who had allegedly slapped a bureaucrat on Tuesday after a scuffle over allowing lawmakers' associate to live in government quarters. "We have arrested MLA Bacchu Kadu and will produce him in court tomorrow," said Mumbai DCP Manoj Sharma. Maharashtra government employees working at the Mantralaya, the state secretariat, on Wednesday called off their protest against the alleged assault on an official by an Independent MLA. The Mantralaya employees had gone on a flash strike on Tuesday to protest against the incident and demand action against the legislator. The protest continued on Wednesday, with the staff assembling in Mantralaya, seeking action against Achalapur MLA Bachchu Kadu, against whom an FIR has been lodged. However, in the evening, the Mantralaya staff decided to call off the protest. The agitation has been put on hold till April 4. "It is not alright to hold people of the state to ransom because of one MLA," Mantralaya employees union president Ramchandra Dhanawade said. Earlier, Revenue Minister Eknath Khadse announced an enquiry by the Chief Secretary into the alleged assault. "The chief secretary has been asked to submit a report and we shall take action based on the recommendations," he said. Kadu, along with a clerk Ashok Jadhav, hag gone to meet B R Gavit, Deputy Secretary, General Administration Department on Tuesday. He was insisting that Jadhav be allowed to continue to stay in the government quarters and be alloted additional accommodation, in violation of norms, a Mantralaya official said. The officer apparently refused to entertain his demand. An infuriated Kadu allegedly abused and hit him hard on the head, the Mantralaya official said. Reacting to the episode, Kadu told reporters that the government was supporting an officer who harassed people. "Instead of taking action against me, the government should act against such officers. What I did is for the common people," he said. A three-term MLA from Achalpur in Amravati district, Kadu, back in 2009 had also assaulted a clerk in Mantralaya after he had refused to release an order. Making a statement in the Assembly today, Kadu denied having assaulted the official. "I did not beat him. Had I beaten him, I would have said so. If such false allegations are being levelled, should we (legislators) stop going to Mantralaya," he asked. "Jadhav wanted to continue living in the quarters for two more years on medical grounds. I was trying to explain this to him (Gavit)," Kadu said. "Organised 'dadagiri' (intimidation) (by government officials) should stop," Kadu said, making a reference to the protest by the Mantralaya staff over the incident. Independent MLA from Achalpur Bacchu Kadu on Tuesday allegedly slapped B R Gavit, deputy secretary, General Administration Department (GAD) over latter not allowing his associate to live in government quarters. Kadu's associate who is currently living in government quarters has been allotted a flat under the 10% scheme. A complaint was registered with GAD in this connection. Kadu went to Gavit on behalf of his associate who wants to hold on to government accommodation. However, Gavit informed him that it was not possible as he already had a flat under the 10% scheme. The discussion between the two soared up and infuriated by Gavit's adamant stand Kadu slapped him. Bengaluru: For the second time in 10 days, the Chemistry paper of Class XII was leaked in Karnataka on Thursday, forcing cancellation of the exam and triggering strong protests from parents and students. Violence broke out in front of the Department of Pre-University Education (DPUE) building as a section of agitated students started pelting stones, damaging glass windows, police said. According to police, the paper leak took place in two different locations in the state, a development that affected over 1.74 lakh PUC (Pre-university course) students. Earlier, the scheduled March 21 Chemistry exam was cancelled and rescheduled for March 31 after a II PU science student alerted the authorities about the question paper leak. After the student blew the lid off the paper leak, the state government had handed over the investigation to CID. Amid a surcharged atmosphere in front of the DPUE building, a parent went upto the terrace and threatened to jump, saying there are no officials present to listen to their plight. But he was persuaded against doing so and brought down. Another student fainted during the protest and was shifted to hospital, police said. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that his government will find out the persons responsible for the repeated leak of question paper. Siddaramaiah said that his government will take desired steps and actions will be taken against the defaulters. The issue also rocked the Assembly, where Opposition BJP members staged a dharna and raised slogans, demanding the resignation of Primary and Secondary Education Minister Kimmane Ratnakar. "The CID is investigating the matter and the government is very serious about it. They are finding out who the culprits are - whether they are insiders or outsiders," Home Minister G Parameshawara told reporters. He said the matter is serious as it concerns the future of lakhs of students and added that once the CID submits its report, government would not only take action against the guilty, but also take precautionary measures to avoid such things from happening. Raising their voice in protest against the re-examination for the second time, students refused to take another re-exam. "Why should we take another examination, and that too for the second time in 10 days? Why cannot the government take security measures to prevent such incidents from taking place," some students at the protest site asked. Another student said they are facing the added tension of appearing for the coming competitive examinations. "We are tense as the board has once again cancelled the exam. Where do we have time to appear for competitive examinations?" she said. Bengaluru: At 83, most people would have expected this veteran politican to sit back, recall the glorious moments and maybe pen his memoirs. Not Mr S.M. Krishna who is still chugging on in the world of politics and making sure he remains relevant by lobbying hard for a Rajya Sabha seat from Karnataka. Many thought his recent visit to Delhi was intended to cut Chief Minister Siddaramiah. Now the real story is out - SMK's multiple tasks included a meeting with AICC president Sonia Gandhi to press for a RS ticket. Mr Krishna knows only intense pressure will work after he was bypassed for Prof. Rajeev Gowda in 2014 during the Rajya Sabha polls. The polls are due in May or June. Mr Krishna knows this is just the right time to place his cards on the table. The Congress can comfortably win two of the four seats going to polls. To win a third, it needs the support of JD(S), which is reportedly trying to get the reluctant Infosys Foundation chairperson Sudha Murthy to contest. The first phase of the six-phase-long polling will be held in two parts, April 4 and 11. (Photo: Representational Image/PTI) Kolkata: At least seven candidates in the first phase of West Bengal Assembly polls own assets worth less than Rs 1,000, with one of them having zero net worth. Pabitra Bauri, fighting from Para (SC) constituency in Purulia district on a ticket by Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), has no money neither in cash nor in bank account, according to the affidavit he submitted before the Election Commission. The 32-year-old social worker owns no other assets too nor has any liabilities as mentioned in his self-sworn affidavit. "I am unemployed and involved in social work. I don't have any money," Bauri said admitting he was never active in politics till recently. Four others from SUCI (C) and two from BSP have net worth less than a thousand rupees, according to their affidavits. SUCI(C) candidate Tanushree Dalai who is fighting from West Midnapore's Chandrakona (SC) constituency has shown cash in hand of Rs 500 only and claims to possess no other financial assets at all. The 29-year-old who completed his MA in 2009 from Kharagpur College lives in Khudmarai village with her parents. A newcomer to politics, she has described her profession as social worker. Lalmohan Malla, fighting on a BSP ticket from Bankura, has not declared any cash in hand and has a savings bank account with a meager balance of Rs 500. He describes himself as a fishermen and has left the education column blank in his nomination papers. Sadhan Chattaraj, a farmer from Onda seat, too has only 500 rupees in his pocket. He is fighting on a BSP ticket. None of them have PAN cards. Similarly, Dipak Kumar and Suniti Mudi who are fighting on SUCI (C) tickets from Purulia district's Manbazar and Balarampur seats have only Rs 500 with them. Rajib Mudi fighting from West Midnapore's Maoist-affected Binpur area is the richest amongst them having Rs 975 in his pocket. Papers of all of these candidates have passed the scrutiny test of the Election Commission. The first phase of the six-phase-long polling will be held in two parts, April 4 and 11. These "poor" candidates will be competing for votes against some "rich" candidates as the average assets of all candidates is Rs 48 lakh, according to analysis by West Bengal Election Watch. Forty-nine seats in West Midnapore, Purulia, Bankura and Burdwan districts is part of this phase where 296 candidates are trying their luck. Aug. 19, 2022 Fitness. When the average citizen thinks of being fit, it is easy for cardio and strength training to come to mind. That is not the case for those serving in the Air Force and Space Force. Comprehensive Airman Fitness teaches that to have overarching fitness and resilience, one must work on his or This Site Is Under Construction and Coming Soon. This Domain Is Registered with Network Solutions All the latest Uttoxeter news Story Saved You can find this story in My Bookmarks. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. New Guide Shows Wyoming Wildfire Patterns, Includes Safety for Prescribed Burns University of Wyoming Extension rangeland specialist Derek Scasta offers new insights for landowners, livestock producers and others interested in wildland fire in Wyoming and those planning prescribed fires. Wildland Fire in Wyoming: Patterns, Influences and Effects presents a view of wildfire in the state, including prescribed fires to achieve land management objectives. The 24-page publication, available as a free download from UW Extension at www.bit.ly/Wildlandfirewyo, includes original research and findings from more than 50 historical, ecological and firefighting reports and studies. Scasta examines the influence of drought, weather, season, fuel characteristics and topography on fire behavior and patterns; and fires effects on soils, plant communities, livestock, wildlife and bark beetle outbreaks. Wildland Fire in Wyoming explains how to calculate and measure fire intensity and severity, and offers guidelines and considerations for prescribed burns that could improve livestock forage, optimize wildlife habitat, mitigate wildfire risk and protect fire-sensitive plant species. Observations are drawn from major fires in Yellowstone in 1988 and Bridger-Teton National Forest in 2012, and others in Teton, Park, Fremont, Sublette, Albany, Platte and Carbon counties up to 2015. Maps, photographs, tables and modeling results are included, and a resources section directs readers to free fire modeling software, databases, wildfire maps and planning tools. Wildland Fire in Wyoming is one of more than 500 how-to guides and videos available from UW Extension. For more on fire, see Living with Wildfire in Wyoming and Residential Development Effects of Firefighting Costs in the Wildland-Urban Interface. Hyderabad: Agriculture minister Pocharam Srinivas Reddy on Wednesday created a buzz with a sensational disclosure, alleging that Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had hit him on his thigh after losing his cool some years ago. Speaking in the Legislative Assembly, Mr Srinivas Reddy said that the incident took place when he was a minister in the Chandrababu Naidu Cabinet in undivided AP. On that day, Naidu told us about his final decision to privatise the Nizam Sugars. I pleaded to him with folded hands to reconsider his decision saying that Nizams Sugars factory was one of the oldest in Telangana and it helped farmers prosper and provided employment to a large number of people. But Naidu told us that it was his final decision to privatise and couldnt be changed, the minister said. He continued: Then I again told Naidu that due to this factory, several other sugar factories had flourished in Telangana and it was not a correct decision to close Nizam Sugars. I was sitting beside him and he got so annoyed that he hit me hard on my thigh in order not to argue further and went out of the meeting hall suddenly. My thigh turned red and I felt pain. I was shocked and remained seated in the same hall. After some time, Naidus gunman came to me and told me that the CM asked me to come to his chamber. When I went inside, Naidu came to me and asked whether I was feeling pain. I told him that he had not hit me on my thigh but on my heart as such was the humiliation I felt at that time. The comments left the House shocked and triggered protests from TD MLA A. Revanth Reddy. The minister said, I kept this issue a secret all these years. I am disclosing this to others for the first time. Such was the attitude of Naidu against Telangana ministers. While the ruling party TRS MLAs raised 'shame...shame slogans in the House, the TD members responded with lies..lies. Mr Revanth Reddy questioned why he continued to be in Mr Naidus Cabinet even after the incident. Mr Srinivas Reddy replied, When Congress ministers from Telangana could continue in N. Kiran Kumar Reddys Cabinet even after he made an open statement in the House that he would not give a single rupee to Telangana, there is nothing wrong for me in having continued in Naidus Cabinet. University of Wyoming Calendar for April 4-10 These are among the activities scheduled April 4-10 at the University of Wyoming: Monday, April 4, noon -- The School of Energy Resources Speaker Series presents Richard Reavey, vice president of public affairs at Cloud Peak Energy. His talk, Failure of the Clean Power Plan and Why Congress Needs to Act, will be in the Energy Innovation Centers Encana Auditorium, Room 201. Lunch provided. Free. Monday, April 4, 3:10 p.m. -- The Department of Geology and Geophysics Distinguished Lecturer Series presents Lisa Stright, assistant professor of geosciences at Colorado State University. She will discuss Characterization and Modeling of Deep-water Slope Channels Using Digital Outcrop Data in the S.H. Knight Geology Building, Room 216. Free. Monday, April 4, 5:30 p.m. -- A Conversation on the Clean Power Plan's Impact on Wyoming: Understanding the Challenges and Opportunities will take place in the Wyoming Union Family Room. Refreshments provided. Free. Monday, April 4, 7:30 p.m. -- The UW Department of Music presents internationally renowned flutist Goran Marcusson in the Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts recital hall. Free. Tuesday, April 5, 10 a.m. -- The College of Educations Literacy Education Program presents visiting research scholar Mary McVee. Her talk, Uncovering Diversit(ies) through Multimodal Composing and Research: What Multimodality Brings to Teacher Education and Literacy Research, will be in the Education Annex, Room 308. Free. Tuesday, April 5, 10 a.m. -- The Criminal Justice Club will host its annual job fair in the Wyoming Union Ballroom. Free. Tuesday, April 5, 4:10 p.m. -- UW astronomer Adam Myers will give the Spring Faculty Senate Speaker Series talk. He will discuss The Billion Light-Year Yardstick: Mapping the Universe with Luminous Black Holes in the UW Classroom Building, Room 302. Free. Tuesday, April 5, 5 p.m. -- The UW Biodiversity Institute will show Only the River Knows, a fly fishing film, in the Berry Biodiversity Conservation Center. Free. Tuesday, April 5, 6 p.m. -- Alex Freid, founder and director of the Post-Landfill Action Network, will discuss the trials and successes of starting a business. His talk will be in the College of Business Building, Room 129. Free. Wednesday, April 6, noon -- Lunchtime Conversations with Curators will include stories behind art exhibitions and a question-and-answer session at the UW Art Museum. Free. Wednesday, April 6, noon -- The Engineering Initiative Seminar Series presents Jonathan Naughton, UW professor of mechanical engineering. He will discuss Collecting Data for Wind Farm Planning and Dynamic Testing of Airfoils for Wind Energy and Helicopter Applications in the Energy Innovation Centers Encana Auditorium, Room 201. Lunch provided. Free. Wednesday, April 6-Saturday, April 9 -- 20th Annual Shepard Symposium on Social Justice. Wednesday, April 6, 5 p.m. -- The UW Art Museum will kick off the Shepard Symposium on Social Justice with a reception for Rebecca Peabody from the Getty Research Institute. Peabody will give a keynote address at 7 p.m. in the Visual Arts Building, Room 111. Free. Thursday, April 7, noon -- The three-part Literature and the Environmental Imagination series with Susan Oliver, visiting fellow in English, continues with a discussion of environmental justice and slow violence in Coe Library, Room 123. Free. Thursday, April 7, 5:30-7 p.m. -- UW Extension will host an open house of the Albany County office at the Albany County Fairgrounds. Refreshments provided. Thursday, April 7, 7:30 p.m. -- Lights Along the Shore, a UW instrumental quartet, will perform a concert in the Performing Arts Center recital hall. Free. Thursday, April 7, 8 p.m. -- The Student Activities Council and Studio WYO present hip-hop DJ RJD2 with special guest Late Night Radio in the lower level of the Wyoming Union. Free. Friday, April 8, 11:30 a.m. -- Omowale Akintunde, one of the founders of the Shepard Symposium on Social Justice, will provide a keynote address in the Wyoming Union Ballroom. Free. Friday, April 8, noon -- The School of Energy Resources Speaker Series presents Joanna Underwood, founder and chair of Energy Vision. Her talk, Making Our Way Toward a Sustainable Energy Future, will be in the Energy Innovation Centers Encana Auditorium, Room 201. Lunch provided. Free. Friday, April 8, noon -- UW faculty members Barbara Logan, associate lecturer in the Department of History, and Ruth Bjorkenwall, assistant lecturer in the Global and Area Studies Program, will discuss Mapping Migration: Contemporary European Policy Debate and the History of Nation-State Interventions in the Movement of Labor. The talk will be in the Cheney International Center, Room 229. Free. Friday, April 8, 7 p.m. -- Planetarium show, The Universe is Big, Really Really Big. A Pink Floyd laser light show follows at 8:10 p.m. Tickets cost $3 for students and $4 for non-students, Physical Sciences Building basement. Advance tickets are available in Room 204 of the Physical Sciences Building. Saturday, April 9, 11 a.m. -- Planetarium show, Astronomy for Your Young Stars. Tickets cost $3 for students and $4 for non-students, Physical Sciences Building basement. Advance tickets are available in Room 204 of the Physical Sciences Building. Saturday, April 9, noon-5 p.m. -- The Fly Fishing and Biodiversity Expo will be at the Berry Center. The entry fee is $5; children ages 12 and under get in free. Sunday, April 10, 2 p.m. -- The UW Biodiversity Institute will show Only the River Knows, a fly fishing film, in the Berry Center. Free. Sunday, April 10, 7:30 p.m. -- The UW Vocal Jazz Ensemble will perform a concert in the Performing Arts Center concert hall. Free. Thiruvananthapuram: Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi has stepped in to resolve the differences among the Kerala leaders over the candidates list. He held separate talks with Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, KPCC president V. M. Sudheeran and Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala on the contentious issues, including Mr Sudheerans demand to deny seats to five sitting MLAs K. C. Joseph (Irikoor), K. Babu (Trippunithura), Benny Behanan (Thrikkakara), Adoor Prakash (Knn) and A. T. George (Prassala). However, Mr Chandy said that if they were kept out, he wouldnt mind opting out of the fray. Mr Chandy expressed his feelings to Mr Mukul Vasnik, AICC general secretary in charge of Kerala. Mr Sudheeran said there was no change in his stand. Mr Chennithala mantained that the issues would be settled soon. Both A.K. Antony and the AICC leadership are worried of the developments, especially the meagre number of seats being allocated to Youth Congress and women. The all-India national Youth Congress leadership had provided a list of 11 candidates while the KPCC leadership is ready with another list. Out of the 49 approved seats, there are only three women candidates-- P. K. Jayalakshmy (Mananthaadi), K. A. Thulasi (Chelakkara), both reserved, and Amritha Ramakrishnan (Kalliyasserry). Meanwhile, the Youth Congress leadership has expressed strong protest against fielding KPCC general secretary T. Saratchandra Prasad from Vamanapuram, which is thought to be the wrong seat for him. Local Congress leaders and YC leadership alleged that Mr Saratchandra Prasad had sheltered a sex scandal- accused in the MLA quarters and one of the alleged persons belonging to Vamanapuram had committed suicide. Though only informal talks took place separately among the three senior leaders in Kerala House on Wednesday, many Congress seat aspirants camping there are awaiting the outcome of the screening committee meeting to be held on Thursday. The central election committee meeting would be held on April 1 which would be attended by Congress president Sonia Gandhi and vice-president Rahul Gandhi. Chennai: Prominent film personalities who had joined the BJP from popular musician Gangai Amaran, brother of music maestro Ilayaraja, who was appointed as BJPs Patron of the Art Cell, to the latest veteran actor Vijayakumar would hit the campaign trail soon garnering votes for the saffron party. These film stars are likely to make good the loss of campaigners the saffron party would otherwise have had if it succeeded in resurrecting the NDA. The party is in the process of preparing the campaign schedule for actors. The party is even prepared to field few of them as our candidates for the Assembly election if needed, says BJP state general secretary S. Mohanrajulu when asked if the film personalities who had joined the party would be nominated to represent the party in the May 16Assembly poll. The focus, he says would be to enhance the winning prospects of the party at the hustings. The party had high hopes when former DMK minister and actor D. Napolean joined the BJP in November 2015. He has been made vice-president of the state unit. It was widely speculated then that he would be fielded as party candidate for the 2016 Assembly election. But since he joined the saffron party, he is not seen at Kamalalayam. Javadekar to work out election strategy Union Minister of State for Environment and BJPs Tamil Nadu election in-charge Prakash Javadekar who joined his cabinet colleagues in accusing the Tamil Nadu chief minister of being inaccessible will visit Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of Puducherry to discuss poll strategy with the leaders. Mr. Javadekar who will review the political situation post the DMDK joining the PWA, is likely to brief the leaders on fine-tuning their election strategy. But for a couple of leaders including Union Minister of State for Road Transport, Highways and Shipping Pon Radhakrishnan, none in the party dare openly criticise the ruling AIADMK as they believe Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa enjoys good rapport with top BJP leaders, a BJP senior said. Claiming that the party was taking up the issue of inaccessible leadership in TN at an appropriate time BJP national general secretary P. Muralidhar Rao said Tamil Nadu has been facing problems because the CM was not accessible. I have never been soft on the AIADMK which miserably failed in managing the situation when Chennai was inundated in December 2015. I have also criticised the DMK on many issues, Mr. Rao added. After meeting the state leaders at Kamalalayam here, Mr. Javadekar would visit Puducherry later in the day. He is likely to visit Kanyakumari, the home constituency of Mr. Pon Radhakrishnan, and meet party workers, say sources. Hyderabad: With the Budget session coming to a close, the ruling TRS is returning to its by now familiar game of wooing Opposition MLAs. This time around, the party leadership has set its eyes on the YSR Congress. Efforts are on to get the YSRC shut shop in TS by winning over its legislators, including its lone MP from Khammam, Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy. According to TRS sources, party leaders are in touch with YSRC MLA from Pinapaka, Payam Venkateswarlu. The two other MLAs elected on YSRC tickets had joined the TRS months ago. If we succeed in getting the Pinapaka MLA to switch sides, all the three elected YSRC MLAs can give a letter to the Speaker for merger of the YSRC Legislature Party into the TRS. The process can be completed in the next few days, said a senior TRS functionary. Besides this, Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy, the lone YSRC MP representing Khammam and who also heads the partys TS unit, is said to be in touch with the TRS leadership and may shift loyalities to the ruling party soon. When contacted, Mr Srinivasa Reddy admitted that minister T. Harish Rao and other TRS leaders were in touch with him over the last few days. They are talking to me and inviting me to join the TRS, but I havent yet taken any decision, he said. However, TRS sources said that that the state government favouring a construction company owned by the Khammam MP with a huge contract was one of the baits. Its all rumours, no favours were done to me, Mr Srinivasa Reddy told DC. TRS sources said of the three TD MLAs remaining in the state, Sandra Venkata Veeraiah may join the ruling party soon. Meanwhile, the ruling party has, in principle, decided to contest the Palair Assembly seat that has fallen vacant due to the death of Congress senior MLA Ramireddy Venkata Reddy. We are not considering the requests from the Congress to leave the seat to it and make the bypoll unanimous. We may field Sucharitha Reddy, wife of Venkata Reddy as our nominee, a senior TRS functionary said. He said Ms Sucharitha Reddy would soon join the ruling party. The Bombay High Court has issued an unambiguous order that the law must be upheld and women must be allowed to enter Maharashtras Shani Shinganpur temple. A fundamental issue of gender equality has been addressed by the judges. Activists and lawyers who took up the issue with particular reliance on the Maharashtra Hindu Places of Worship (Entry Authorisation) Act of 1958 have succeeded in bringing down another male bastion centuries old. Such obscurantism existed in ancient times, but it has no place in modern days when the right to equality has been well established in most democratic societies. The judges have challenged the government to make a statement if it is worried about the sanctity of a deity. Of course, the battle is just beginning because to continue with the practice of not allowing women to climb a platform near the rock deity, the temple has now barred everyone from getting on to that platform. Such gender-discriminatory practices are not particular to any one religion. A struggle is on about entry of women to the Haji Ali Dargah in Mumbai as well. The final frontier might be the Ayyappan temple in Sabarimala, which prohibits females of a certain age entering. The argument there might be trickier as the deitys sanctity might be used as a ploy to keep menstruating women out. Truth to tell, there is nothing in spirituality to sustain such gender prejudices but the fact that religious practices have been shaped by men. CEO Bobbie H Kalra (Left) and CPO & CTO Shyam Ramamurthy(Right) launching the the third generation of the Northstar child safety app. . Mumbai: Global child safety technology provider Magnasoft on Tuesday launched an ingenious app in Mumbai to protect children while they commute to and from school. The security app, dubbed Northstar, is a two-way comprehensive child safety web application designed for both parents and school authorities, empowering the former to monitor their children in real time, and the later to efficiently manage their transport related information, and monitor their ever-changing fleet. The app helps schools to monitor the children in real time while they commute to and from school, which will help the schools authorities to take immediate action in case of any mishap. Northstar is a platform, which integrates GPS and non-GPS tracking, video surveillance, and RFID technologies to facilitate equipped transport management system for school bus and child monitoring, school bus video surveillance and student attendance management. One of the highlighting features that make Northstar unique is the driver merit system, which makes the entire process more responsible, transparent, and hassle free for school management and parents. The app provides a powerful web application and dashboard for schools to manage all of their transport information in a simple and reliable manner. Moreover, Magnasoft runs a dedicated Command Center that ensures constant monitoring of bus fleet in case of exigencies. According to the Co-Founder and CEO Bobbie H Kalra, Northstar has already become the platform of choice for over 200 schools and 4,00,000 parents across India. In the future, the company plans to add around 150 more schools by end of this month and they claim to be present in approximately 350 schools by the end of this month. We are proud to present the new Northstar, the third generation of the product since launch. It helps schools in managing their transport functions, reducing their overheads and keeping a watchful eye on their children. With the Northstar Parent App, parents can track their childs journey in real time, said Kalra. Northstar provides a clean and simple mobile experience for parents on iOS and Android. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Spotify is looking forward to closing a deal of $1 billion doubling the amount of financing it has raised since its establishment ten years ago. The said fund will come as a convertible debt and can be used for acquisitions, international expansion and investments. Music-streaming company Spotify is about to double its fund by closing a deal of $1 billion. The fund was rounded by private-equity firm TPG together with Dragoneer injecting $750 million in the $1 billion deal where the rest came from institutional investors. The transaction was arranged by Goldman Sachs and is expected to close on Friday, according to the New York Times. The money will be in the form of convertible debt enabling Spotify's investors to change their securities into company shares in the future. By utilizing this type of debt, Spotify acquires the fund without requiring changing its assessment. However, the terms of the debt may put pressure on the company to go public sooner. The Wall Street Journal reports that as a return for the financing, Spotify pledged to its new investors stringent rules attached to an IPO. If it holds a public offering in the next year, TPG and Dragoneer are free to convert debt into equity a 20% discount of the public offering share price. Spotify will also pay 5% annual interest with an increase of 1 percentage point every six months until the company goes public or until it reached 10%. The interest which is also called a 'coupon' will be paid in the form of a new debt instead of cash which generally is used in private-equity deals but seldom seen in venture funding. Spotify continues to top the streaming music industry with almost 30 million subscribers. Its rival Apple Music is establishing with more than 11 million paying users obtained in half a year, says Billboard. The music streaming company has an equity valuation of $8.4 billion last year. As Spotify became more influential, artists and labels need it likewise as the music companies. Knesset, the unicameral national legislature of Israel, has accorded the second and third readings to the bill limiting the compensation of senior managers in financial institutions on Monday night. The bill has been passed following voting in favor by 56 members of Knesset while witnessing opposition from none. The most important provision of the bill turned law affixes maximum compensation of the highest paid employee in a financial institution. The maximum compensation must not exceed 44 times compared to that of the lowest paid employee. All new employees will fall under circumference of the new law with immediate effect and the rest within next six months. Notably mentioning, the bill has been passed with support from both the coalition and opposition, reports Globes. Whoopi Goldberg has launched the business she ventured into - marijuana entrepreneurship. She is the latest entrepreneur to participate in the medical marijuana business with a startup of selling product lines that will alleviate women's menstrual cramps. The actress and comedienne partnered with Maya Elisabeth of Om Edibles branding the product as Whoopi and Maya. The product line offers tincture, balm, edible products and a bath soak, according to Time. "For me, I feel like if you don't want to get high high, this is a product specifically just to get rid of discomfort," The View co-host told Vanity Fair. "Smoking a joint is fine, but most people can't smoke a joint and go to work." Goldberg said she was inspired to develop these kinds of products since she has granddaughters suffering from menstrual cramps. Goldberg, who has been open about herself consuming marijuana, is one of the few celebrities jumping into the marijuana business. One example is Bob Marley's family who worked with a cannabis company to manufacture Marley Natural products and Snoop Dogg supports Leafs by Snoop. Her company is financially backed by three friends and family members and will serve as chairwoman. All of her products will be infused with marijuana and aims to lessen the menstrual cramps and abdominal pains from periods. Product prices are not yet disclosed based on a USA TODAY report. Aside from marijuana infusion to the said products, THC and medicinal herbs will also be included such as red raspberry leaf, Guelder-rose, elderberry and raw sipping cacao for hot chocolate. Only few dispensaries will sell Whoopi & Maya products during the launch but Goldberg and Maya are expecting their products to expand to other stores and other places in the coming years. It will sell products of non-psychoactive versions made with CBD which is a substance in marijuana that aids in the reduction of inflammation and acts as anti-convulsant, in states with no legal marijuana market, as reported by Inc. With the launch of the product line in California, Goldberg and Elisabeth are accessing one of the world's biggest marijuana market places, with California generating $2.7 billion in sales last year. Dyson with its new air purifier is aiming to create fresh air within the household environment. The company's newly launched Pure Cool Link air cleanser pledges to clean up the pollutants enveloping the home atmosphere. With this new purifier, Dyson enters the market of Internet of Things. The new air cleanser, which is available both in tower or desk versions, eliminates grime from the air before it reaches the room. The purifier also removes home pollutants like household chemicals, moulds, smoke from fires and pressure cookers, tobacco dust and sprays. According to the company, the new purifier that is furnished with 360-degree glass and activated carbon HEPA filter captures 99.95% of impurities in the household air like smells, pollen, chemicals, dust and things 0.1 micron or bigger. The purifying fan, which monitors the quality of air in the room automatically, can clean the room air in 30 - 60 minutes of time. "Dyson engineers focused on developing a purifier that automatically removes ultrafine allergens, odours and pollutants from the indoor air, feeding real time air quality data back to you," theguardian quoted James Dyson, the founder of the company. People suffering from dust allergies will be more profitable with this air purifier. In addition, the fan has a Night Mode option that blurry the LED display light in the night. Hugo Wilson, head of design department at Dyson, said that present homes are more enveloped against heat and noise, which in turn traps the household impurities inside, making the homes five times over polluted than outdoors. According to TechCrunch, this new air purifier and fans will be available to customers from Thursday through partner and direct vendors for $499. However, there are similar purifiers from Dyson's peers like Conway that offers air purifiers at just $250 and its features are guaranteed for by a scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The filter, which cost GBP 50, will have to be transformed with a new one nearly once a year if the machine run for 12 hours per day, in that case the machine will inform users via the display and app. Currently, the Link version does not incorporate with the rest of IoT devices like HomeKit of Apple and SmartThings hub of Samsung. InsiderCarNews cited The Guardian report, which said that the maker of vacuum cleaner is seeking to make an electric car. The new battery car project is backed by the British government that is ready to provide monetary assistance to the company. Dyson acquired Sakti3, a battery company in America, and it is working on the means to increase the life of lithium-ion batteries. Dyson's link app will mark its entry into the IoT market and it is focused to reduce household pollutants. The impurities inside the home can increase the risk of bronchitis, asthma and other related respiratory diseases. SHARE THEATER VENTURA COUNTY "Copernicus: King of the Ice Planet Penguins": Young Artists Ensemble's Hillcrest Players presents Zack Sonnenberg's play about a colony of penguins that find themselves stranded on an ice-covered planet light-years from the sun. 1 and 3 p.m. April 2, Hillcrest Center for the Arts, 403 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks. $10. 381-1246; yaeonline.com. "Nunsense": Camarillo Skyway Playhouse presents this musical comedy about five nuns who use their varied talents to put on a charity show. April 1 through May 8, 330 Skyway Drive, Camarillo. 388-5716; skywayplayhouse.org. "Who Could Ask For Anything More?": As part of its Janet and Mark L. Goldenson Broadway Musical Concert Series, Rubicon Theatre Company presents this concert celebrating brothers and songwriting team George and Ira Gershwin. Created and helmed by award-winning director Richard Israel, the show will feature classic songs like "It Had To Be You," "They Can't Take That Away" and "Our Love is Here to Stay." 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. April 2, 2 p.m. April 3, 1006 E. Main St., Ventura. $49.50-$69.50. 667-2900; rubicontheatre.org. "Children of Eden": Cabrillo Music Theatre presents Stephen Schwartz's contemporary retelling of some of the best known biblical tales. With music and lyrics by Schwartz, who also penned "Wicked," "Pippin" and "Godspell," and a script by John Caird, the musical features storytelling, dance, comedy and songs, including "Spark of Creation," "Lost in the Wilderness" and "In Whatever Time We Have." 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, April 8-17, Kavli Theatre, Civic Arts Plaza, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. $35-$75. Ticketmaster, 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com. Information: 449- 2787. "The Waiting Room": Ventura College Theatre Arts Department will end the academic year with Lisa Loomer's dark comedy in which three women from three different time periods sit in a present-day surgeon's waiting room and grapple with society's impossible standards of image which have kept women in a state of inadequacy. 8 p.m. April 7-9, 8 p.m. April 14-16, 3 p.m. April 17, Ventura College Performing Arts Center, 4700 Loma Vista Road, Ventura. $15 general admission, $5 seniors and students. 289-6261; venturacollege.edu/pac. "Uncanny Valley": Elite Theatre presents Thomas Gibson's two-person drama centered around the development of an artificial human created by a neuroscientist and mother. April 2 at 2 p.m., April 3 at 7 p.m. and a special April Fools' performance tonight at 7 p.m. 2731 S. Victoria Ave., Oxnard. $15. 483-5118; elitetheatre.org. "The Wizard of Oz": Conejo Players Theatre presents the musical adaptation of the book by L. Frank Baum. Directed by Devery Holmes, the production includes classic songs like "If I Only Had a Brain," "We're Off To See the Wizard" and "Over the Rainbow." 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, through April 10, 351 S. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks. $20 general admission, $18 seniors, students and military. 495-3715; conejoplayers.org. "The Addams Family": Ojai Art Center Theater presents this musical comedy based on characters created by cartoonist Charles Addams. Directed by Gai Jones, the production will feature both adult- and youth-run shows. 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, through April 3, 113 S. Montgomery St., Ojai. $18 general admission, $12 seniors, students and Art Center members, $5 youth 12 and younger. 640-8797; ojaiact.org. "The Importance of Being Earnest": Actors' Repertory Theatre of Simi presents Oscar Wilde's 1895 satire about two young bachelors who pretend to be earnest, and call themselves Earnest, as they scheme to win the hearts of two ladies. 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, through April 3, Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, 3050 Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley. $25 general admission, $22 seniors and students, $18 children. 583-7900; simi-arts.org. "An Open Table": Flying H Group Theatre Company presents James James' dark comedy about a group of waiters who are emboldened to stand up for restaurant workers everywhere after a chance encounter with notorious street artist Banksy. 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, 4 p.m. Sundays through April 9, 6368 Bristol Road, Ventura. $15 general admission, $12 opening weekend. 901-0005; flyinghgroup.com. Down South "The Threepenny Opera": The Pepperdine University Fine Arts Division Theatre Department presents Bertolt Brecht's musical, which features the hit song "Mack the Knife," as part of its Mary Pickford-Stotsenberg Performance Series. 7:30 p.m. April 6-8, 2 p.m. April 9, Smothers Theatre, Pepperdine University, 24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu. $15 general admission, $10 full-time Pepperdine students, $12 Pepperdine faculty and staff. 310-506-4522; arts.pepperdine.edu. "Rain - A Tribute to the Beatles": Seen by more than 2 million people worldwide, "Rain" is one of the most comprehensive Beatles shows on the planet. From the early hits to the later classics, this tribute show takes viewers back to the '60s when all you needed was love. April 5-10, Hollywood Pantages, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles. hollywoodpantages.com "A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder": Direct from Broadway and fresh off a win for Best Musical at the Tony Awards, "A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder" is the newest hit on the stage. The show spins the tale of Monty Navarro, who schemes to become the next in line to his family fortune, by whatever means necessary. Through May 1, Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. centertheatregroup.org CLASSES VENTURA COUNTY African drumming class: Malik Sow, an African master drummer from Senegal, and Solo Soro, from Ivory Coast, lead a weekly class in West African drumming from 7:30-9 p.m. Mondays at Lightning Ridge Screen Printing, 4435 McGrath St., Ventura. Cost is $20 per class and a drum can be rented for $5. For information or to arrange a drum rental, call 650-7455. COMEDY VENTURA COUNTY #Comedy: The next #Comedy show, an intimate cabaret setting, is at 8 p.m. April 16 at the Hillcrest Center for the Arts. Future performances are slated for May 21 and June 18, and will feature Nick Guerra, Bijan Moustafavi, Jack Assadourian Jr. and Suli McCullough. $12 presale, $15 at the door, $9 with student ID. 18 and older only. 381-1246, www.hillcrestarts.com. DANCE UP NORTH Grupo Corpo: UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Brazilian dance company Grupo Corpo performing its unique mix of ballet and contemporary Afro-Brazilian movement in two works, "Suite Branca" and "Danca Sinfonica." 8 p.m. April 2, Granada Theatre, 1214 State St., Santa Barbara. $35-$45 general admission, $19 UCSB students. 893-3535; artsandlectures.ucsb.edu. UN's under-secretary-general for peacekeeping operations Herve Ladsous denounced the allegations of abuse involving personnel in the UN peacekeeping force in Central African Republic (MINUSCA), as 'abominable'. Bangui, Central African Republic: UN's head of global peacekeeping operations wants to force contributing nations to act on allegations of sexual abuse leveled against their troops, which top officials have denounced as "sickening". Speaking to AFP on a visit to Bangui, the UN's under-secretary-general for peacekeeping operations Herve Ladsous denounced the allegations of abuse involving personnel in the UN peacekeeping force in Central African Republic (MINUSCA), as "abominable". His words came as MINUSCA said it was investigating "extremely troubling" new allegations of abuse involving both UN and non-UN personnel -- including charges of bestiality involving children and a dog at the instigation of French Sangaris forces. UN rights chief Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein denounced the allegations as "sickening". The force, which counts about 12,600 foreign police and soldiers, as well as more than 500 foreign civilians, was set up by a UN Security Council resolution in April 2014 as the country reeled from a wave of sectarian bloodshed. It began operating in September of that year. Q: About 40 cases of sexual abuse have been reported in the 18 months since MINUSCA began operating. What is your response? "This is abominable, pitiful, unacceptable. We must force the contributing states to act against this phenomenon, because the real key is there, in how they recruit the Blue Helmets (an alternative term for UN peacekeepers) "As far as I'm concerned, I am pushing for two ideas: firstly, contributor countries must agree to hold court martials on the spot, where their troops are serving. "Secondly, when Blue Helmets are recruited, DNA samples should be taken -- on a confidential basis, of course -- so that if there are accusations of rape, of fatherhood, it will be easier to reconstruct the event. This will have a deterrent effect. And then we must take care of the victims, and not abandon them. Let's not forget that the protection of civilians is the heart of our mandate." Q: How do you assess the situation today now that President Faustin Archange Touadera has taken office? "Between the situation three years ago and today, there's no comparison. Overall, security has generally been restored, even if that's not the case everywhere. The president was elected in uncontested conditions and victory recognised by his rival. That's not so common in Africa. "The page has been turned on transitional rule. What's needed now is for parliamentary elections to take place smoothly, for a government to be named and set up swiftly on the broadest and most representative basis possible, and for everybody -- the sub-region, the African Union, the UN and international financial institutions -- to agree on a working programme." Q: What are the priorities? "We have to disarm the former fighters, make progress towards national reconciliation, fight against impunity and establish a special criminal tribunal to try all the Central African criminals. There is a need for justice. With regard to the DDR programme (disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration), we will need to work pretty precisely to identify people who have things to answer for, who have blood on their hands, and others whom we can integrate into the armed forces. "We also need to help the country take on a structure, re-create its administration so that the presence of the state can be felt everywhere. At present, no taxes are collected. What happens to valuable tree trunks which are clandestinely cut down, to the diamonds? What has become of the resources in Central Africa? There's a whole series of resources that are evading the state and the fiscal authorities." Nizar Ibrahim is a paleontologist studying mid-Cretaceous ecosystems in the Sahara Desert. He will give a lecture, "Spinosaurus: Lost Giant of the Cretaceous" Sunday at 3 p.m. at UCSB's Campbell Hall. Contributed Photo/Kat Keene Hogue SHARE Events/festivals Ventura County Magic Show: Shawn McMaster will perform a blend of magic and comedy in an interactive show featuring audience participation. The performer will also teach the audience a few simple tricks and discuss how he got his start in magic. 2-3 p.m. March 31, Newbury Park Branch Library, 2331 Borchard Road, Newbury Park. 498-2139; toaks.org/library. SPECIAL SCREENINGS Ventura County "Embrace of the Serpent": Oxnard Film Society continues its Monday Night Foreign Film Series with the 2015 Colombian historical drama about an Amazonian shaman, the last survivor of his people, and the two scientists who built a friendship with him over the course of 40 years. In Spanish, Portuguese, German, Catalan and Latin with English subtitles. Not rated. 3:30 and 6:30 p.m. April 4, Plaza Cinemas 14, 255 West 5th St., Oxnard. $10 general admission, $6.75 seniors. 798-0830; oxnardfilmsociety.org. LECTURES AND APPEARANCES Ventura County Lighthouse Lecture: As part of its Distinguished Speaker series, the Port Hueneme Historical Society Museum will host author and lighthouse curator Rose Castro-Bran as she discusses the history of Port Hueneme's two lighthouses. 11 a.m. April 2, 220 N. Market St., Port Hueneme. Free. 986-6542. Food and Climate Change Talk: California Lutheran University will host Willis Jenkins, an associate professor of religious studies at the University of Virginia, presenting "Cultivating the Sky: How the Ethics of Food Matters to the Politics of Climate Change," a lecture outlining food ethics and how communities address the effects of climate change. 7 p.m. March 31, Lundring Events Center, CLU, 60 W. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks. 493-3512; callutheran.edu. UP NORTH Dinosaur Talk: UCSB Arts & Lectures presents paleontologist Nizar Ibrahim in the National Geographic Live presentation "Spinosaurus: Lost Giant of the Cretaceous," the story of how the largest known carnivorous dinosaur was discovered, lost and rediscovered. 3 p.m. April 3, Campbell Hall, 574 Mesa Road, Santa Barbara. $25 general admission, $15 UCSB students. 893-3535; artsandlectures.ucsb.edu. Helen McDonald: UCSB Arts & Lectures presents writer, poet, illustrator and naturalist Helen McDonald discussing her award-winning book "H is for Hawk," which tells her story of adopting a goshawk one of nature's most vicious predators to cope with the sudden loss of her father. 7:30 p.m. April 1, The New Vic, 33 W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara. $20 general admission (includes book), $15 general admission, $10 students. 893-3535; artsandlectures.ucsb.edu. DANCE CLUBS Ventura County West Coast Traditional Jass Club: The club's monthly get-together will feature a barbecue potluck lunch, music by Randolph Siple's The Untouchables and dancing. 1 p.m. April 3, 6500 Casitas Pass Road, Ventura. Donations appreciated. 684-3929; westcoasttradjass.com. Channel Cities Jazz Club: The club hosts a public dance with live music performed by the house band and guest jammers on the third Sunday of every month. Food and beverages are available for purchase. 1-4:30 p.m., ongoing, Pacific Corinthian Yacht Club, 2600 S. Harbor Blvd., Oxnard. $10 general admission, $7 members. 487-3062. Country Lovers Western Dance Club: The Country Lovers Western Dance Club holds a dance featuring a dance lesson and music by DJ Jammin' Country. 6:45-9 p.m. Tuesdays, Ventura Moose Family Center, 10269 Telephone Road, Ventura. $6 general. On the third Saturday of each month, the club hosts a social dance at House of Dance, 3007 Bunsen Ave., Ventura. 456-9067; countrylovers.com. Oxnard Ballroom Dance Club: The club will hold a weekly dance party featuring live ballroom, line dancing, Latin and swing music. Light refreshments included. 6:30-10 p.m. Thursdays, Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard. $12 general admission, $10 Club members. 340-5226 or 407-1709. CLASSES Ventura County Readers Theater Classes: The Santa Paula Theater Center will offer a six-week series of readers theater classes for actors and community members under the direction of Judy Blake. Participants will develop characters, tell stories, develop creative expression and take part in a culminating performance. 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays, through March 26, 125 South 7th St., Santa Paula. $60. 525-4645; santapaulatheatercenter.org. Drawing Class: The Ventura County Arts Collective presents an eight-part drawing series based on the book "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain." Artists of all skills levels are invited to participate. 6:30-8 p.m. Through April 21, Pacific View Mall, 3301 E. Main St., Suite 2167, Ventura. $160 regular registration. To register, email vcartscollective@gmail.com. Beading Class: The VC Arts Collective presents the Art of Kumihimo Series, Japanese bead braiding classes. Participants can choose one or more classes. 2-4 p.m. April 9 and April 16, Pacific View Mall, 3301 E. Main St., Ventura, on the second floor next to Sears. $25 per session. For information, call 676-1540; to make reservations, email vcartscollective@gmail.com. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO "Summer Day" by Ojai artist Kent Butler. By Nicole DAmore, Special to The Star People who love Western art are probably familiar with the award-winning work of Ojai couple Kent and Sharon Butler. Kent is known for his colorful landscapes, portraits and black and white drawings, while many people have seen Sharon's detailed paintings of horses and Native American costumes that look real enough to slip off the canvas and try on. Members of the Ojai Studio Artists since 1984, they usually participate in the annual fall tour. Their work can be seen at the Primavera Gallery in Ojai and in an exhibit through May 15 at Fox Fine Jewelry, 560 E. Main St., Ventura. The couple came separately to Ojai in 1982 and met in a frame shop where Sharon was working. "I loved his art," Sharon said. "She liked my art, and years later she started liking me," Kent joked, to which Sharon responded, "I tried to capture you for a year!" Art was a focus for both of them from the beginning. "Growing up, I used to love modeling clay," said Sharon, who was born in England but grew up in South Africa. The headmistress of her grade school kept an alligator Sharon made in her office and told Sharon's mother to encourage her creativity. Her mother signed her up for private art lessons. "But I felt I was a copyist, not an artist," she said. "I started using my creative side after I met Kent. He has been my mentor." Kent grew up in Utah. His grandfather was an artist, his father a printer. "I got through high school doing the yearbook and school paper, set designs and portraits of the teachers and principal," he said. He came to California to attend Art Center College of Design, studying commercial and fine art. He had a sign shop in Redondo Beach for about 15 years and did some design work. "Gradually I started painting more paintings and less signs," he said. After moving to Ojai he worked for NBC Studios doing concept sketches and storyboards. Sharon came to the United States at 22, living in Chicago, then Ventura. She married and divorced, had a daughter and taught art in her own studio, at the YMCA and at various Ojai schools in the 1980s. "I love teaching," she said. The Butlers married in 1984. "Two artists with no money and we made it in Ojai," Sharon said. "And we're still here madly in love," Kent added. Through the years they have been active in the community, donating to the Ojai Land Conservancy and many other organizations and events. Kent has done design work for the city of Ojai. Their art was featured numerous times on posters for Ojai Day and the Ojai Wine and Ojai Music festivals, as well as in the Ojai phone book. Kent has done portrait commissions and lately has been focusing on landscapes, often oak trees. "I like trees in general, I like that gnarly look," he said. Kent paints in a freestanding studio next to their home. He paints in acrylic and likes to add texture. "Texture kind of catches the light, shows more dimension," he said. Although she likes abstract and impressionistic art, Sharon doesn't do that kind of painting. "I find myself rendering, I have to make it look like that wolf," she said, pointing to a large painting on the wall. She started painting Native American clothing after visiting the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. "I wanted to create the illusion that it was wearable art," she said. "I would use a little bit of leather and I'd paint over it and build up the paint, and you couldn't tell which was the leather and which was the paint." The beads were created with many layers of paint. She became fascinated with Geisha costumes around the same time. "I never know what I'm going to do until I'm actually doing it," she said. "I might change the design, the color it evolves." A recent diagnosis of arthritis in her right hand has limited her detail work, but she does a lot of horse portrait commissions. Sharon paints in a studio in their home. The Native American and Geisha paintings are done in acrylic, but the animals are in oil. "Oil has a warmth, and I love to blend and mix," she said. The Butlers both like to paint in the evening when there are fewer interruptions. "I can watch a movie and paint," Sharon said. "I just listen to music I find music stimulating," Kent said. Their website is: www.butlersarts.com. To recommend an artist to be profiled in this section, or for more information, contact Nicole D'Amore at ArtProfiles1@gmail.com. FILE PHOTO Justice Antonin Scalias death on Saturday could affect a Supreme Court case involving Thomas Aquinas College. SHARE By Jean Moore of the Ventura County Star The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked for more information from both sides in a birth control case that involves Thomas Aquinas College in Santa Paula. The Catholic college maintains that it should not have to include birth control in its insurance coverage because the mandate violates its religious beliefs. Thomas Aquinas is one of 35 co-plaintiffs in the case, Zubik v. Burwell. Under the Affordable Care Act, employers must offer birth control in the health insurance they provide. On Tuesday, the court asked both sides to address how the plaintiffs' employees could get birth control through their insurance coverage, but in a way that does not involve their employer. By Tom Kisken of the Ventura County Star Josette Wingo knew the truth long before she enlisted in the Navy with her father's reluctant approval during World War II. "Girls could do anything guys could do," said the 92-year-old veteran, "except I went to parochial school and they did their damnedest to get it out of me." They failed. Wingo served two years at a Bay Area base training men headed to war to shoot down enemy aircraft. Part of a new stateside program resisted by some, she was a pioneer for the 2 million American women who have served in the military. And when women who fought in Afghanistan and Iraq say they feel invisible because people are blind to the reality of female veterans, Wingo knows how they feel. It's why she owns a World War II veteran's cap. It's why she wrote the 1994 book, "Mother Was a Gunner's Mate." She's mother. "I don't have to stop and explain that I really, really, really served during World War II," she said. "And it's your problem if I don't look it." Feminist from birth She sat next to a walker at Camarillo's Leisure Village where her independence is empowered by visits from caregivers. As she talked about her time in the Navy Women's Reserve, her iPhone 6 Plus buzzed occasionally, the disturbance softened by meditation music featuring a pan flute. A tiny figurine of Wonder Woman stood on a mantel. Books were everywhere: poetry by her late husband, Lowdon Wingo; something by Deepak Chopra; and "Blind Man's Bluff: The Untold Story of American Submarine Espionage." Every Wednesday, she eats lunch with veterans advocate Julie Sardonia. "Wednesdays with Wingo," Sardonia calls it. They talk about veterans, relationships, careers and politics. "I look up to her," said Sardonia, program coordinator for Veteran Farmers of America. "She's one of my favorite people in the whole world." Learning to shoot Pearl Harbor pushed her. Wingo knew she had to serve, like her brother, Michael, who joined the Army two months after the attack. Her opportunity came in a program created through the Naval Reserve, Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service. Wingo said admirals didn't want women in the Navy but Eleanor Roosevelt did. The program pushed by the first lady put more than 80,000 women in military jobs in the United States, allowing more men to serve in the war. Her father was an Irish police dispatcher who lived in Detroit. Wingo's brother didn't need his approval but she did. She wore him down through months of effort. "On my birthday, he gave me this bracelet with my Navy number on it," Wingo said, lifting her wrist to show the chain. She enlisted in 1944, at age 20, sharp-witted, anything but shy about her opinions. "They didn't want flibbertigibbets," she said. Boot camp was in New York. Wingo failed aptitude tests for clerical skills. She was sent to gunnery school at Naval Station Great Lakes, near Chicago. A gunnery sergeant bellowing in her ear, she learned to shoot huge anti-aircraft weapons called Oerlikons. "The noise is so loud," she wrote in her book, "I can feel it through my feet as the concrete emplacements resonate under the pounding guns." She took the training to Naval Station Treasure Island in the San Francisco Bay. She taught sailors how to aim not at but ahead of Japanese fighter planes. "Lead 'em, lead 'em," she yelled in her living room, recreating her instructions. "For God's sake, lead 'em." The WAVES stayed in their own barracks, heading at night to San Franciso for opera or to hang out at the Pepsi Cola Service Center. In her book, she writes of meeting a boatswain's mate who looked a little like Errol Flynn. His name was Blackie, just Blackie. There was a spark from the beginning but the romance stayed in flirtation stages. "I never kissed him," she said. "In the end, he proposed. I wasn't ready to marry a sailor." Sturdy shoulders Wingo said she served about two years. She minimizes the role she and other WAVES played, saying they were a tiny but real cog in the military machine. Her service meant more, said U.S. Rep. Julia Brownley, D-Westlake Village, who has known her for several years. "She really represents the long tradition of women in the military," Brownley said. "She represents the beginning of that trajectory." She went to college on the GI bill. She taught elementary school at an inner-city school in Washington, D.C. She married a poet who became a professor and worked at USC. Through it all, she advocated for veterans, pushing Congress to provide the same benefits to women that men receive and participating in WAVES groups. Her son, Laird Wingo, remembers her spotting a group of homeless vets at a fast-food restaurant. "She went and bought them all meals," he said. "It was just like perfectly natural for her." At a recent roundtable in Camarillo, women veterans talked about how people see them differently than men, sometimes not acknowledging their service at all. Wingo, wearing her World War II cap, suggested what she called the camaraderie cure. In a note to Brownley, she explained the idea how veterans who gather together provide "nonjudgmental ears and sturdy shoulders for each other." At Leisure Village, she said the gatherings should involve men and women. "It's not the gender, it's the circumstance," she said. Ask her if she's a feminist and she rejects the question. "I am what I am," she said. Ask Laird Wingo the same question and he answers in an instant. "She's always been a feminist," he said, "even before that word was really used." For more on women in the Navy in World War II, go to http://www.homefrontheroines.com/ SHARE CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Ventura County Fire Department By Staff Reports A man found dead on a hillside near Mugu Rock Tuesday committed suicide, officials said. The Ventura County Fire Department was called about 3:30 p.m. to the scene near the Thornhill Broome Beach located at 8550 Pacific Coast Highway. A person in the area reported to dispatchers that it appeared a hiker may have fallen. Rescue crews eventually found the body about 40 feet up the hillside. Officials said the man appeared to have been dead for a while. The Ventura County Sheriff's Office, California State Parks and Ventura County Medical Examiner's Office were called to investigate the incident. An autopsy revealed the man died of blunt force injuries and the manner was ruled a suicide, officials said. SHARE CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Ventura County Sheriff's Office Department. By Megan Diskin of the Ventura County Star A 14-year-old male was arrested in connection with threatening to hurt people at Matilija Junior High School in Ojai, officials said Thursday. The incident was reported about 1:45 p.m. Wednesday at the school located at 703 El Paseo Rd., according to the Ventura County Sheriff's Office. The Oak View teen who allegedly made the threats was located shortly after deputies arrived on scene and he was arrested without incident, authorities said. The Star obtained a letter Thursday that was sent by the school's principal, Bill Rosen, informing parents of the incident. "After school two students approached Mr. Ramirez to report that another student had made very serious verbal comments threatening the safety of the students and staff of Matilija. The student specified that he would carry out his actions at a point in time about three weeks from now," Rosen states in the letter. No firearms were located in a subsequent search of the teen's house and investigators are "confident" there is no longer a safety threat at the school, officials said. The student was booked into juvenile hall on suspicion of making criminal threats, officials said. School staff will be "extra vigilant" in monitoring how students may be feeling following the incident and the school district's mental health clinician was going to be on campus for any student that may need to talk, according to the letter. Aspiring firefighters from California and Nevada train in Oxnard Thursday. SHARE KAREN QUINCY LOBERG/THE STAR Firefighter Nick Rubin with the Fairfield Fire Department closes the doors after feeding air to a trainee-filled burning room on Thursday during the weeklong California Fire Explorers Academy hosted by Oxnard Fire Department. KAREN QUINCY LOBERG/THE STAR Fellow explorers watch from the ground while Crishten Leon, 15, with the Ross Valley Fire Department repels from the third story of a training tower on Thursday during the weeklong California Fire Explorers Academy hosted by the Oxnard Fire Department. KAREN QUINCY LOBERG/THE STAR Firefighter Jeff Coombs (left) with Burbank Fire Department and firefighter Nick Rubin (right) with the Fairfield Fire Department hold the doors open to a burning room as firefighter Mark Todd with the Oxnard Fire Department approaches during structure fire training. KAREN QUINCY LOBERG/THE STAR Tyler Ellena, 16, an explorer with the Napa County Fire Department, repels from the third story of a tower on Thursday during the weeklong California Fire Explorers Academy hosted by the Oxnard Fire Department. By Cindy Von Quednow of the Ventura County Star Before the pile of wood and paper was lit up in the corner of the building, Capt. Dan Sarna of the Vallejo Fire Department described to a room full of aspiring firefighters how certain items burn. "We're going to play with fire to see if we can make it behave," he said. Soon everyone in the room was wearing a self-contained breathing apparatus, and the building was filled with smoke. A hole had been cut out from the roof and the doors to the former slot car raceway business in a strip mall along Wagon Wheel Road in Oxnard were occasionally opened to ventilate the area. This was a typical setting for the California Fire Explorers Academy hosted by the Oxnard Fire Department. About 150 firefighters in training from dozens of agencies across the state and Nevada put their skills to the test. About 100 working firefighters are also serving as advisers. Oxnard fire typically has 20 to 30 explorers and 15 are participating in this year's academy. This year is the second time the agency has hosted since the academy since it was created 42 years ago, said Oxnard Fire Engineer Chad Carroll, who runs the department's explorer program. Aside from structure fires, the explorers are also learning about building scaling, auto extrication and wild land firefighting "It brings explorers into real world situations," Carroll said. "It's a good influence for them at such a young age and encourages them to stay on the right track." The explorers are being housed at the Oxnard High School gym and will participate in a graduation ceremony on Sunday. Many of the trainers are former explorers who moved through the ranks with their local fire department, including Carroll, who grew up in Ventura and started as an explorer in 1997. "This is when they determine which path is best for them," Carroll said, whether it be fighting wildfires or working for a city or county department. He added that explorers learn the process of applying for a firefighter position and how grueling it can be. At the Wagon Wheel site, different burn rooms focused on different aspects of firefighting. One room showed the explorers how to rescue a person out of a smoky building. Explorers spend the whole day at a site and rotate during the week. Their day starts at 5 a.m. with exercise and ends at 10 p.m. after back-to-back lectures delving further into the field lessons. Other academy trainings this week are taking place at Naval Base Ventura County at Point Mugu, CSU Channel Islands, the Ventura County Regional Training Center in Camarillo and an Oxnard fire station. Setting it up took months of planning and coordination with multiple city agencies and other fire departments, Carroll said. Maggie Duarte, 21, of Long Beach said she enjoyed the hands-on experience of being a part of the academy. She has been with the Long Beach search and rescue explorer program for more than five years and enjoys working fires. "My favorite is the burn time," Duarte said. She hopes to finish school at Long Beach City College and get a job as a firefighter. "The best department is the one that will hire you," she said. Jason Sharp, 18 of Lake Arrowhead, said participating in the academy is a steppingstone for eventually working in fire safety. It was his second time being selected to participate. After repelling from a three-story building at an Oxnard fire station, Franklin Landaverade, 17, of Redwood City, said firefighting has been a passion of his since he was 6 years old. His father is a firefighter and he has been an explorer for more than a year. His favorite part of the training so far was the auto extrication portion. "I like to break things," he said. Alex Morales, 20, of Los Angeles, said the camaraderie and team effort of firefighting is what appeals to him. "It feels like a family," he said. "It's hard at first, but you get the hang of it eventually," Morales said. Christopher Martinez, 20, of Ventura, has been a part of the Oxnard explorer program for four years and was acting as a captain during the academy. He had participated in a previous academy but enjoyed having this year's training be so close to home. The explorer program has taught him how to manage people and to lead by example. "I hope to become a full-time firefighter in the next couple of years," Martinez said. "I fell in love with the idea at 5 years old and at 15, I knew it was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life." Visit http://fire.oxnard.org/resources/fire-explorer-post-9244 for more information about the Oxnard Fire Department explorer program. STAR FILE PHOTO Del Norte Regional Recycling and Transfer Station in Oxnard SHARE By Staff Reports A former Oxnard city employee was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of stealing utility services from the city, authorities said. The 58-year-old Oxnard man formerly worked in the Environmental Resources Division of the Public Works Department, Oxnard police said. He was arrested in Oxnard about 1:30 p.m. Wednesday on suspicion of misdemeanor petty theft, police said. The city earlier this month announced an investigation of alleged thefts within the department and said the investigation began two months ago. The alleged thefts involved the suspected delivery of unauthorized trash services, city officials have previously said. The administrative and criminal investigation into the matter is ongoing. The city didn't state that Wednesday's arrest was related to the earlier announcement. STOCK PHOTO Gavel. SHARE By Staff Reports A former financial officer at the Blanchard Community Library in Santa Paula pleaded guilty to embezzling about $500,000 from the organization, prosecutors announced Wednesday. Tammy Jean Ferguson, 55, pleaded guilty to one felony count each of misappropriation of public funds and falsifying public accounts, the Ventura County District Attorney's Office said. She also admitted to a special enhancement that she took more than $200,000, prosecutors said. Ferguson worked at the public library from 1993 until May 30, 2013, when she was fired. In the last 10 years of her employment she worked as its financial officer, prosecutors said. She allegedly used her library credit card to make personal purchases, transfer library funds to her personal credit cards, and withdraw cash using the library's debit card, prosecutors said. About $500,000 was stolen from 2006 to May 2013 but the library has since recovered about $435,000 from insurance, the District Attorney's Office said. According to Ned Branch, the library's director, about 90 percent of the library's funding comes from taxes on citizens living in its district. The library's board discovered that accounts Ferguson claimed to have opened for the library did not exist, which prompted an investigation by authorities in July 2013, prosecutors said. Ferguson will be sentenced at 9 a.m. on June 20 and her anticipated sentence is four years in state prison. She is also expected to be ordered to pay $499,254 in restitution, the District Attorney's Office said. JOE LUMAYA/SPECIAL TO THE STAR Aileen Archibald, lead school nurse for the Simi Valley Unified School District, administers a shot of insulin to Knolls School fourth grader Moises Lamarque, 9, who was recently diagnosed with diabetes. Archibald has been with the Simi Valley Unified School District for nearly 20 years and was recently elected to the board of the California School Nurses Organization. SHARE JOE LUMAYA/SPECIAL TO THE STAR Lead school nurse Aileen Archibald talks with Knolls School third-grade teacher Heather Ross. Archibald has been with the Simi Valley Unified School District for nearly 20 years and was recently elected to the board of the California School Nurses Organization. JOE LUMAYA/SPECIAL TO THE STAR Aileen Archibald (from right), lead school nurse for the Simi Valley Unified School District, talks with Tracey Rapp, services assistant at Knolls School, and third-grade teacher Heather Ross. Archibald has been with the Simi Valley Unified School District for nearly 20 years and was recently elected to the board of the California School Nurses Organization. JOE LUMAYA/SPECIAL TO THE STAR Aileen Archibald, the lead school nurse for the Simi Valley Unified School District, has been with the district for nearly 20 years and was recently elected to the board of the California School Nurses Organization. JOE LUMAYA/SPECIAL TO THE STAR Aileen Archibald, lead school nurse for the Simi Valley Unified School District, administers a shot of insulin to Knolls School fourth grader Moises Lamarque, 9, who was recently diagnosed with diabetes. Archibald has been with the Simi Valley Unified School District for nearly 20 years and was recently elected to the board of the California School Nurses Organization. By Michele Willer-Allred, Special to The Star Aileen Archibald remembers what it was like to be a school nurse almost 20 years ago when she started working for the Simi Valley Unified School District. The hardest things she had to deal with back then, she said, were coping with more and more diagnosed cases of Attention Deficit Disorder and making sure students were immunized. "Now it's much more complex," admitted Archibald, who has been the lead nurse of the district since 1996. "You've got more anxiety attacks, more depression. Drug problems. Parents are busy with their lives, not necessarily with their children. "That's why having a good education system and a lot of support behind these kids is really what's needed," she said. Archibald's experience and her dedication to helping students in a variety of situations ultimately led to her election to the California School Nurses Organization board. She started serving her two-year term as secretary in February. Archibald knew she wanted to enter the nursing profession when she watched a female nurse in a white uniform and a white hat working at a hospital. "She was so professional and classy," Archibald recalled. "I watched how she cared for people and supported them. I wanted to be like that." She became a registered nurse in the 1980s and worked at a hospital before quitting to raise her two children. When they began school, Archibald applied to become a school nurse with the district. As lead nurse, Archibald oversees seven nurses spread out over 30 schools in Simi Valley. She has a long list of duties, from training teachers in CPR and first aid, to supervising health and physical assessments, to conducting vision, hearing and dental screenings. She also deals with more difficult situations: suicidal students, girls who have just learned they're pregnant, teens having trouble at home. She talks with students about puberty, HIV/AIDS, physical abuse, drug dependency. "The most rewarding part of my job is knowing what I did helped a kid, and what I did will be with that kid for the rest of his life," she said. Archibald, who also has a master's degree in education from Cambridge College, said she had been a member of CSNO for years and has often turned to the organization for information. A big project right now is the development of training videos so that health clerks and others know how to administer a wider range of medications. Archibald said she brings back what she learns to her Simi Valley colleagues, whom she admires greatly. "All the nurses in the district deserve an applause because people don't know all that school nurses do," she said. "They don't see everything." And while the profession has gone far beyond bandages and bruises, nursing basics still count. "For me, my reward is knowing some little child is better because I helped them and I put a smile on their face," said Archibald. Washington: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived here early Thursday to attend the two-day Nuclear Security Summit where world leaders from over 50 countries are expected to share their assessment of the threat from nuclear weapons and materials. During his two-day stay in Washington, Modi is scheduled to interact with a number of world leaders including the host President Barack Obama. Attending the Nuclear Security Summit for the first time, Modi is expected to lay out his vision of securing nuclear weapons. Read: Would see deeper cooperation with India on nuclear issues: United States This is Modi's third visit to the US and second to Washington since becoming Prime Minister in 2014. In September 2014, Modi visited US and had a meeting with Obama at the White House. He made his second trip to the US a year later which took him to New York and Silicon Valley. #WATCH: PM Modi arrives in Washington DC to attend 4th Nuclear Security Summit, received by US Ambassador to Indiahttps://t.co/68LqfT1jGC ANI (@ANI_news) March 31, 2016 While the details of his schedule in Washington have not been released yet, the Prime Minister is expected to hold a series of meetings throughout the day, which range from bilateral with heads of state to community leaders, to scientists and top executives from the corporate world. Read: Nuclear Summit to discuss threat caused by N-terrorism: Modi Modi is scheduled to hold a meeting with John Key, Prime Minister of New Zealand later today and meet with scientists from Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO). Even as he has no public engagement with the Indian American community, which has been a trademark of his overseas trips, a large number of Indian Americans from in and around Washington said they would be standing outside his hotel, despite tight security, to get a glimpse of Modi. Read: India-US to sign MoU for building LIGO project The official summit engagement of the Prime Minister would begin in the evening when he would drive down to the White House to attend a dinner hosted by Obama in honour of the world leaders attending the fourth Nuclear Security Summit. No Modi-Obama bilateral meeting has been announced yet from either side, but the two leaders are expected to get multiple opportunities for interaction and talks over the next two days. "The summit would deliberate on the crucial issue of threat to nuclear security caused by nuclear terrorism. Leaders would discuss ways and measure through which to strengthen the global nuclear security architecture, especially to ensure that non-state actors do not get access to nuclear material," Modi had said in a statement before leaving on the current three-nation tour of Belgium, the US and Saudi Arabia. Joint Secretary (Disarmament & International Security Affairs) Amandeep Singh Gill said during the summit India's written National Progress Report would be circulated at the summit. The Prime Minister would intervene in this discussion on national actions to underline some of the important measures we have taken to strengthen nuclear security. "India expects that the summit would contribute further to raising high level awareness of the threat of nuclear terrorism and the need to strengthen international cooperation against terrorists and nuclear traffickers," Gill said. "We also expect that the summit would help bolster legal, institutional and enforcement measures to strengthen the security of nuclear material, radioactive sources, associated facilities and technologies," he said. From US, Modi will travel to Saudi Arabia on a two-day visit with a focus on boosting energy and security cooperation. In Brussels, Modi attended the 13th India-EU Summit and held bilateral talks with his Belgian counterpart Charles Michel. SHARE By John Scheibe of the Ventura County Star Hikers should stay off the trails above Arroyo Verde Park in Ventura after three sightings of a mountain lion over the weekend. People should be especially alert at dawn, dusk or at night, when the large cats are most active. Anyone seeing a mountain lion should call 911. The first sighting came about 7 p.m. Friday near a trail on the park's north end. The second occurred about 2 p.m. Saturday. A mountain lion was again seen about 6 p.m. Sunday. The sightings led Ventura police to close trails at the popular park. On Monday, police said the trails would likely remain closed for two more days. If mountain lions continue to pass through the park, police may expand the closures, said Sgt. Jack Richards. "With schools out and camps starting, if the frequency keeps up we might relocate camps and close the park itself just till we're sure that the lions ... are out of the area," he said. Despite the sightings, the odds of being attacked by a mountain lion are extremely low, said Rebecca Barboza, a biologist for the California Department of Fish and Game. "Mountain lions don't want to be around people as a general rule," said Barboza, who is often notified when a mountain lion is seen in Santa Barbara, Ventura or Los Angeles counties. Mountain lions tend to be reclusive, usually preferring to hunt alone at night. They'll often ambush their prey from behind. The adult males can grow to more than 8 feet in length and weigh 130 to 150 pounds. Adult females are a bit smaller. There could be numerous reasons why these wild felines are being spotted closer to urban areas, Barboza said. For starters, their numbers are increasing. California is estimated to have from 4,500 to 6,000 mountain lions. This represents a two- to threefold population increase since the mid-1970s. Mountain lions also have traditionally inhabited much of the state's territory. About half of California is considered "prime mountain lion country," according to a Fish and Game brochure. Mountain lions also tend to give birth this time of year, which may explain the sightings in Ventura over the weekend, Barboza said. "It could be a mother looking for food or a juvenile who's been pushed out of an area because of the recent birth of a mountain lion," Barboza said. Mountain lions prefer to eat deer and other big game. If confronted by a mountain lion, one of the worst things someone can do is run. Running may stimulate a mountain lion's instinct to chase. Instead, people are advised to stand their ground and make themselves look as big as possible. "If you're with a child, put the child on your shoulder," Barboza said. In addition to making the child safer, this also makes the person look bigger. If confronted, people also can defend themselves by throwing rocks and other objects at the mountain lion. Despite the sightings, the park was buzzing with activity Monday. Runners circled the grass and schoolchildren on field trips scampered and shrieked, while dogs and their masters roamed the green space up to where it meets brushy hillsides. Annette Patterson kept away from the trails and shrubs as she ran around the park, just in case a mountain lion was lurking. "This is scary to know that there are mountain lions here, because there are not many people on those trails, and it would be very easy for a mountain lion to attack a runner," said the Ventura resident. To Gina Niebergall, who chaperoned a field trip to the park Monday from Blanche Reynolds Elementary School, the sightings were a cause for caution but not concern. "The lions tend to come out at dawn and dusk, so I personally don't think it's a danger," Niebergall said. But she said she would hesitate before hiking in the area alone. "Now I would think twice about that and bring a friend." Staff writer Adam Foxman contributed to this report. SHARE For Latino conservatives, Donald Trump is the Republican of last resort. When this bizarre presidential election began, most center-right Latinos favored either Jeb Bush or Marco Rubio both of whom are moderates on immigration. The majority of Latino voters care most about the same issues that other Americans care about: jobs, education, health care, terrorism and the economy. But immigration does serve a useful purpose. It helps Latinos better understand which candidates have their back and which ones want to stick a knife in it. In the beginning, a small subset of Latino voters leaned toward Ted Cruz. They did so despite Cruz's fire-breathing opposition to what he glibly calls "amnesty" for the undocumented, his simplistic solutions to a complicated problem, and his lack of understanding about why people migrate and will keep migrating as long as there are jobs to be had on this side of the border. Now, with the growing likelihood that Trump will enter the Republican National Convention in Cleveland with the most delegates and thus be the clear favorite to win the nomination, some Latino conservatives are learning to stop fuming and tolerate The Donald. Ultimately, if Trump is the GOP's presidential nominee, I predict he'll earn about 20 percent of the Latino vote in November. That would be a low mark historically, logging in at one point shy of where Bob Dole was in terms of Latino support in 1996. And given that Latinos represent a significant presence in 10 states including the battleground states of Colorado, Nevada and Florida such a poor performance by Trump would all but ensure defeat. Still, 20 percent ain't nothing. Which may be why former Mexican President Vicente Fox asked incredulously during a recent interview: Exactly who are these people? It's not that complicated. The concept of "Latinos for Trump" begins to make sense once you realize that the estimated 10 million to 13 million Latinos who are expected to cast ballots in November aren't monolithic or one-dimensional. Latinos are like the Irish and Italians; while some define themselves by ethnicity, others see themselves simply as Americans. Here are 10 character traits shared by many Latinos for Trump: Along with a majority of Americans, they don't trust Hillary Clinton or find her anywhere as likable or relatable as the last President Clinton. They have been marinating for years in the same juices as other Americans, and so they are just as likely to be seduced by someone like Trump who speaks plainly and eschews political correctness. Like other Trump supporters, they are sick and tired of politics as usual and the typical politician who filters what he or she says in order to be popular and doesn't stand for anything. Many have military backgrounds and recognize the high price of freedom. Having lost family members on the battlefield, they are looking for a strong hand in foreign affairs. And they think Trump has it. They are willing to overlook the candidate's boorish behavior, unworkable policies, outrageous statements and high negatives in order to shake up the political system. Some actually agree with Trump's ideas, even the far-fetched ones such as building a wall along the entire U.S.-Mexico border or imposing a moratorium on Muslims entering the United States. When Trump scares up votes by portraying Mexican immigrants as violent criminals, they don't take offense because they assume he's not talking about them. They like Trump's independent and off-the-cuff style, and find it refreshing and reassuring that he doesn't accept campaign contributions from wealthy donors who are looking for something in return. They make their personal decisions about whom to vote for, in the privacy of the voting booth, independent of what liberal-leaning Hispanic organizations and self-appointed leaders tell them to do. While they realize that Trump has clumsily charged through the immigration debate like the proverbial bull in a china shop, and they recognize that he scapegoats immigrants, it doesn't bother them as much you might imagine because they themselves are ambivalent about immigration in general and illegal immigration in particular. Hey, what can I say? While Latinos represent a lot of what's right about America, when it comes to politics, some of them get it wrong. SHARE The Democrats who control the California Legislature are expected to adopt a minimum wage increase package this week that will ultimately push the base wage in the state to $15 an hour by Jan. 1, 2022. This was the only real option that Gov. Jerry Brown and the Democratic legislators had after a union initiative qualified for the November ballot that would have gotten us to the $15 wage much faster and with no brakes. Every political indicator showed that the ballot measure was going to pass. The compromise created by the governor and Democrats at least returns the authority for this action to the Legislature, where it belongs. What we, and frankly most economists, are not sure of is how this grand experiment tinkering with the economic floor for California wage earners will play out in the next six years. The business community is joined by conservatives who say the increase will be bad for business. Simi Valley's assemblyman, Scott Wilk of Lancaster, said the $15 an hour wage "will close small businesses, cost jobs, drive up the cost of living, and will end up harming those that the proposal aims to help." They have a wealth of economic studies on their side. On the other side is the view that even the recent increases of minimum wage to $10 an hour do not create a living wage in California. Assemblyman Das Williams of Santa Barbara holds that view: "The Governor's proposal raises the minimum wage in a way that provides people who work hard but only make minimum wage the ability to provide for their families." Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson is a co-sponsor of the legislation, praising the more gradual increases in the legislation over the initiative plan. The core economic argument is the impact minimum wage increases has on employment. A review of more than 200 economic papers on the topic showed evidence supports that "moderate increases" in minimum wage is not a jobs killer. But, the authors warn, there is no evidence to tell us what will happen with large increases in minimum wage. That experiment, apparently, is about to play out in real time in California. The impacts, some economists predict, will be vastly different in different parts of the state. Central Valley cities like Bakersfield and Fresno have substantially lower median wages than San Francisco or even Los Angeles. So as the minimum wage is driven higher, it has a greater push on more people who are making $16 or $17 an hour. Do their wages also go up? Do businesses find ways (such as increased profits) to do that, or do they simply cut jobs. Another group impacted by the minimum wage hike is middle managers. An exempt employee (one who is not paid overtime) in California musts be paid at least twice the current state minimum wage for full-time employees. At a minimum wage of $15 an hour, it would go from the current minimum of $41,600 a year to $62,400 a year. That, too, must be figured in by employers. What's impossible to determine is how that new income will be spent and how much prices will have to rise. If, as many economists believe, minimum wage employees spend all their raises, then the economy takes a shot upward, which can raise enough revenue for businesses to offset the money spent on the raises with minimal impact on prices. One of the more famous studies on this point, by current White House economic advisor Alan Krueger, showed that happened among East Coast fast-food workers. The deal the Legislature is expected to approve, unlike the initiatives, gives the governor the option of temporarily stopping the minimum wage hikes for a year if the economy goes bad. Sen. Fran Pavley, Sen. Jackson and Assemblyman Williams, all Democrats who represent Ventura County, all pointed to that provision as a key element for their support. We would add that creating this at the legislative level, rather than through the ballot box, also allows future legislatures to return to the issue if we find that this grand experiment meets the catastrophic predictions of its opponents: jobs disappear, businesses leave the state and the economy withers. But wage stagnation has become an overriding problem for us in California, as well as the nation. This may be the spur to actually begin to push all wages, through the middle class, upward. If it can do that without putting the whole economy on tilt, then this is a magnificent experiment. It is worth trying. SHARE Re: Ron Loewes letter March 22, "Decadent fest" and conversations to the editor regarding the California Strawberry Festival: The California Strawberry Festival is a nonprofit organization and gives back to the local community in various ways, as has been its mission since the founders created the event in 1984 as a tribute to the countys rich agricultural industry. The event has grown over the years, yet always has taken steps to find creative ways to give back to those within the community who need it most. People come for the food and fun and to be a part of the celebration. With each delicious bite, the 20-plus nonprofit-run food booths benefit from 100 percent of their weekend proceeds to help their organizations. Over the past three decades more than $4.5 million has been garnered in support of local Ventura County charities. Beyond that, each year the Festival provides various stipends and scholarships that are specifically designated to help provide promise to young adults seeking a college education. In partnership with the California Strawberry Commission, the Festival funds the California Strawberry Scholarship Program, which has awarded more than $2 million to hundreds of children of strawberry farmworkers, enabling them to follow the path to a higher education. As a result, hundreds of graduates are pursuing their passions and working in careers that span a wide range of professions, many often returning to their hometowns to give back and serve as inspirational role models. I am proud to volunteer to serve as the chairperson of the all-volunteer California Strawberry Festival Executive board in support of this nonprofit event that does so much to impact lives locally. I encourage readers to visit our website to see the ways the Festival uses respectful and conscious giving to spread seeds of empowerment: http://strawberry-fest.org/sponsors-benefactors/charity-benefactors/ Kim Gibas, Oxnard The writer is chairperson of the 2016 California Strawberry Festival. Editor Concerns have been raised by the public about the quality of the project as well as the choosing of the Chinese contractor as the pipe has broken 17 times since the completion of the first phase in 2009. - Photo zing.vn Truong Quoc Duong, deputy general director of the Vinaconex Water Supply Joint Stock Company (Viwasupco), the projects developer, told Tien Phong (Pioneer) newspaper that the company and Xinxing Corporation were drafting the contract. Viwasupco was making a report on the projects implementation to submit to the Department of Construction and the Citys Peoples Committee, Duong said. The contract, which was supposed to be signed this week, was postponed after Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc instructed the city administration to review the whole project. The deputy Prime Minister also urged Ha Noi authorities to clarify information relating to the project after concerns by local residents. Solutions should be put forward to ensure the project is effectively carried out on schedule, and in accordance with state regulations, he said. Phuc asked local authorities to submit a report on the case by March 31. In a related development, the citys department of construction held a meeting on Monday afternoon with relevant agencies and the project developer to hear Viwasupcos report on how it had sought and chosen the Chinese contract. No competence agencies had raised their voice against the choice of ductile iron pipes or the Chinese contractor, Duong said. The Ha Noi Construction Department would report the case to the citys administration after the meeting, he said. Last week Viwasupco announced that Chinas Xinxing Corporation had won the bid for the supply of materials for the second phase of the a River water pipeline. The firm would supply materials at about 10 per cent less than the approved cost, according to the Viwasupcos press release. Concerns have been raised by the public about the quality of the project as well as the choosing of the Chinese contractor as the pipe has broken 17 times since the completion of the first phase in 2009. The construction of a River Water Project Phase 2 is an important project for providing clean water to people in the capital, and ensuring livelihood security and social stability. Because of the importance of the project, Viwasupco conducted open international bidding to choose contractors with sufficient capacity and experience, the company said in a press release. After a strict and careful selection process, Xinxing Corporation was chosen by Vinwasupco for the supply of ductile iron pipes and fittings. The second phase of the project started last October after several delays. The project is one component of a larger project to supply clean water to nearly 200,000 households living along the chain of Son Tay, Hoa Lac, Xuan Mai and Mieu Mon, as well as the Ha Noi and Ha ong urban areas. Ha Noi authorities have asked agencies to speed up the progress of projects in Ha Noi including the a River Water Project Phase 2 to ensure water supply for urban areas, especially in the summer time. In a written request sent to agencies, Ha Noi Citys Party Committee has also asked water supply companies to operate at full capacity and review water supply systems as a ground for upgrading the existing system. It called for more investment from other sources to develop water supply companies and water supply systems to meet the clean water needs of the citys urban and suburban areas. The Party Committee has also demanded that companies intensify the use of surface water and gradually reduce the exploitation of underground water. France: Former fashion mogul Pierre Berge has come out against designers who create Islamic clothing and headscarves saying they are taking part in the enslavement of women. The French businessman was for many years the life and business partner of designer Yves Saint Laurent, who died in 2008. Together they founded YSL. Berge took aim at the big fashion chains that have followed the Italian designers Dolce & Gabbana (D&G) in catering specifically to the Muslim market. I am scandalised, the 85-year-old told French radio station Europe 1 on Wednesday. According to him, Creators should have nothing to do with Islamic fashion. Designers are there to make women more beautiful, to give them their freedom, not to collaborate with this dictatorship which imposes this abominable thing by which we hide women and make them live a hidden life. These creators who are taking part in the enslavement of women should ask themselves some questions. He declared: Renounce the money and have some principles. Earlier this year Dolce & Gabbana became the first major western brand to openly aim at capturing a corner of the Islamic fashion market estimated to be worth $260bn (180bn) with its abaya range. It included 14 abayas or ankle-length dresses, which it matched with embroidered headscarves and hijabs. The Swedish giant H&M followed their lead, using a veiled Muslim woman in its advertising campaign, with the Japanese brand Uniqlo earlier this month announcing it would begin selling hijabs in its London stores. Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac With the total of 484 valid votes, 472 (95.5%) approved Ngan as NA Chairwoman and 462 (94.5%) agreed to name her as Chairwoman of the NEC. Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan is the first Chairwoman of the Vietnamese NA. Delivering an oath taking speech, she thanked the NA deputies for voting her as the NA Chairwoman. She pledged to be faithful to the nation, people and the Constitution and make efforts to fulfil tasks assigned by the Party, State and people. On March 30, the NA has agreed to let Nguyen Sinh Hung step down from both positions as Chairman of the NA and the NEC during a plenary session in Ha Noi. Among 473 valid votes, 431 agreed to relieve him from duty as NA Chairman, while 430 approved of his stepping down from the post of NEC leader. The legislature then adopted a resolution dismissing him from the posts with 454 approval votes (92.11% of the NA deputies). Brief biography of NA Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan Full name: Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan Date of birth: April 12, 1954 Gender: Female Nationality: Kinh Religion: No Native land: Chau Hoan, Giong Trom district, Ben Tre Province Admitted to the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) on June 10, 1967. Education: Master of Economics, Bachelor of political theory. Deputy to the 12th and 13th National Assembly. Member of the 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th CPV Central Committee. Member of the Politburo of the 11th and 12th CPV Central Committee. Deputy PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc has urged the southern province of Long An to resolve a dispute about maintenance fees between an industrial park developer and companies operating in the park. - Photo dantri.com.vn Tan uc Investment Corporation, the developer of Tan uc Industrial Park in Long An Province, has been criticised for improperly resolving the dispute with the Japanese candymaker Tango Candy whose confectionery plant is located in the park. The Tan uc Industrial Park has asked the Japanese firm to pay a total of VN360 million (US$16,138) worth of unpaid infrastructure maintenance fees, plus VN130 million ($5,827) in late payment fines. Tan uc demanded a fee of VN10,018 per square metre per year, but Tango Candy would only agree to pay a rate of VN8,500 per square metre per year. Tango said that it would never pay the amount requested, and said it was willing to have the dispute settled in court. In addition to Tango, of the 121 companies operating in Tan uc Industrial Park, 46 (including 34 foreign firms) have not reached any agreement on the infrastructure maintenance fee, according to Long An Provinces Peoples Committee. The industrial park has been widely slammed for being unprofessional, according to local media reports. Tan uc blocked the entrance to Tangos factory while the two parties are still under negotiation over the payment. The industrial park also temporarily turned off the electricity and suspended water supply. While all Vietnamese firms have paid the fees we asked for, many foreign companies have repeatedly delayed payments for years, so we had to resort to other solutions, Tran Duong, director of public relations for Tan uc, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Sunday (Mar 27). We took this action only on the land plot we own, and we have ensured that employees can enter Tango Candy for work, he said. The blockade was only meant to hinder Tango Candys operations, preventing them from using the services we have invested money in and paid taxes for. Tango Hirosuke, general director of Tango Candy Co Ltd, said he would not have chosen Tan uc Industrial Park if he had been aware of the park operators behavior. Hirosuke said the contract it signed with Tan uc did not include any clauses about infrastructure maintenance fees. With the suspended water supply, Tango Candy had to buy bottled water to maintain operations. But the company still failed to complete two export orders on time, and is now waiting for requests for compensation from its partners, Hirosuke told Tuoi Tre newspaper. He added that he has yet to calculate the material damage caused by the threatening actions from Tan uc. Lawsuit Tran Duong, director of public relations with Tan uc, said the company had filed a lawsuit with the Peoples Court of uc Hoa District, where the industrial park is located. The company director Hirosuke said he was willing to follow the lawsuit, adding that there would be no concession. Tan uc on March 17 erected barriers in front of the companys two entrances, saying that Tango had not paid fees since 2013. On March 18, Tan uc cut the water supply and on March 19, the IP owner placed mounds of dirt in front of the companys entrance. On March 21, the Japanese firms operating in the park asked the Japanese Consulate in HCM City for help. The Long An Economic Zone Management Board set up two public meetings as well as two private meetings to resolve the dispute between Tan uc and Tango Candy. But no agreement has been reached. The uc Hoa District Police in Long An Province summoned the people who erected the barriers and placed the dirt at the companys entrance for further investigation. On March 25, the provincial committee set up a team to resolve the issue. At 1:30pm on the same day, Tan uc cleared all the barriers in front of Tango Candys entrance and committed not to repeat the action. Le Tan Dung, vice chairman of Long An Provinces Peoples Committee, said the case had caused huge losses to businesses operating in the park and had affected the investment environment in the province. The province has asked agencies and districts as well as commune and city committees that have industrial parks to review industrial park operations and resolve any disputes that could affect business production in the province, Dung said. Surgeons in Cho Ray Hospital perform a liver transplant in October 2015. Photo choray.vn The centre will be set up with state funding for scientific and technological development during the 2016-21 period, as proposed by the ministries of defence and science and technology. The finance ministry and relevant agencies have been asked to arrange and disburse proper funding for the project. The defence ministry and 108 Institute of Clinical Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences under 108 Military Hospital have been asked to complete the project procedures. The National Coordination Centre for Organ Transplantation was established at Viet uc Hospital in 2013. It connects donors of organs with those waiting for organ transplants. There are 13 hospitals across the country that can carry out organ transplants. Vietnamese doctors have conducted 1,500 kidney, 50 liver and 13 heart transplants so far. Viet Nam passed a law relating to organ donation in 2006. However, the number of clinically-dead patients whose organs have been donated is extremely low. About 99.4 per cent of the organ transplants in Viet Nam are done with organs donated by living people, while the remaining 0.6 per cent is conducted with organs donated by brain-dead people. The first organ transplant involving a brain-dead donor was conducted at Cho Ray Hospital in HCM City in 2010. Since then, similar surgeries have been carried out at Viet uc Hospital, Military Medical Academy and Hue Central Hospital.Organs harvested from 35 clinically-dead patients were donated to 100 other people. A huge trove of Aboriginal artefacts has been unearthed at a building site in a Sydney suburb. (Photo: AFP/Saeed Khan) SYDNEY: A huge trove of Aboriginal artefacts, which could have been part of an armoury, has been unearthed at an Australian building site, experts said on Wednesday (Mar 30). Specialists hailed the discovery of the more than 20,000 objects which were found during the development of a multi-billion dollar transport project in a Sydney suburb and called for excavation work to be stopped while the find is assessed. "It is an incredibly significant site, not only for Sydney but also nationally," Scott Franks of Tocomwall, one of four Aboriginal heritage firms advising the project, told AFP. He said the heritage consultants were hoping to date the site, but added that the concentration of artefacts in a small area of about 700 square metres (7,535 square feet) suggested it could have been a weapons storehouse for battling British colonists more than 200 years ago. The haul includes stone spearheads and ceremonial objects. "The material the artefacts have been made from is not from Sydney, it's been brought here by means of trading and bartering. "Whatever has happened here has been significant enough for some of the groups to start working together," said Franks. He said he believed the site was "one of the heaviest concentrated sites of artefacts this country has ever seen". Australian Aborigines are believed to be the custodians of the oldest continuous culture on the planet, with a history which stretches back more than 40,000 years. Transport New South Wales said the site, in the Sydney suburb of Randwick, had a very high social value to local Aboriginal communities and it was working with indigenous groups to identify the objects. NSW Greens MP David Shoebridge said more needed to be done, including stopping work in the area, to preserve the site from being destroyed. "Excavation on the site has already likely destroyed thousands of artefacts, which have been crushed by heavy machinery," Shoebridge said in a statement. "This site should be protected and celebrated, the story it tells about the history of Aboriginal people and its evidence of trade routes and potential first contact makes it genuinely unique." Photo source VNA At the meeting the president said he highly appreciated Kwakwas heartfelt regard for Vietnam. Sang also expressed gratitude both for the WB and Kwakwa for their help to Vietnam during the term. Kwakwa assumed the post of World Bank Vietnam country director in April 2009. In 2014 she received Vietnam's Friendship Order, which is conferred or posthumously conferred on foreigners and on collectives of foreigners that have made great contributions to building, consolidating and developing the friendship between Vietnam and other countries in the world. According to Sang, the WBs projects helped Vietnam realise its Millennium Development Goals and changed the socio-economic landscape in many Vietnamese cities and provinces. He also said that in order to achieve sustainable growth, Vietnam still needs a lot of material support, of which the WBs contributions are very useful. He hoped that, together with the financial help, the WB would continue to advise Vietnamese policy-makers. As to the issue of drought and salinity emerging due to climate change in the Mekong Delta region as well as many cities and provinces in Vietnam, the president said Vietnam was building a master plan on a system of channels and dikes to combat salinity and asked for the WBs help to mitigate the consequences of climate change. On her part, Kwakwa said she appreciated the presidents efforts to facilitate the WBs activities in Vietnam, and said that the WB would continue working with Vietnamese government agencies and localities to mitigate the consequences of climate change. She also said that the WB was always ready to support Vietnam, and, being in charge of the East Asian region, she was going to continue supporting Vietnam as well. Stockholm: An ex-wife of Islamic State group (IS) leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, with whom he had a daughter, wants to live in Europe "in freedom", she told Swedish daily Expressen in an interview published Thursday. "I want to live in a European country, not an Arab country," Saja al-Dulaimi said in the interview filmed in Lebanon. Dulaimi was freed several months ago from a Lebanese prison, where she had been held since 2014 with her children on suspicion of links to extremist organisations. "I'm branded a terrorist but I'm far from all that," lamented Dulaimi. "I want to live in freedom," the 28-year-old said, while praising Islamic Sharia law which she said provided "freedom and rights for women". Her seven-year-old daughter, Hagar, said she wanted to go to Europe to "study." A DNA test conducted by Lebanese authorities confirmed she was Baghdadi's child. Born into a well-heeled Iraqi family, Dulaimi said she had been married to an Iraqi member of Saddam Hussein's personal guard. They had twins together. Widowed, she married again in 2008, on the advice of her father, to Bagdhadi. Dulaimi described Baghdadi, who also had children from an earlier marriage, as "a normal family man" and university professor adored by his offspring. Baghdadi was at the time fighting in the ranks of Al-Qaeda in Iraq, from which the Islamic State group was born. In 2010, he took over the reins of IS. Washington has put a $10-million bounty on his head. Dulaimi said she left him after just three months of marriage, when she was pregnant with their daughter. "How he could become emir (caliph) of the most dangerous terrorist organisation in the world is a mystery," she said. "The last conversation we had was in 2009. He asked me if I wanted to come back. But I'd made my decision," she said. "Where is my guilt? I was married to him in 2008. We're divorced now," she said. She has since remarried, to a Palestinian man with whom she also has a child. Argentine lawmakers have approved a deal that would repay billions of dollars to the country's foreign creditors, ending a 15-year legal battle that had made the South American country a global financial pariah. The Senate approved the plan by a vote of 54-16 early Thursday morning after 14 hours of debate. The deal calls for Buenos Aires to pay nearly $5 billion to resolve claims made by a group of U.S.-based creditors that held billions of dollars in Argentine government bonds, which the nation defaulted on in 2001. The creditors refused to accept newer bonds offered by Argentina in 2005 and 2010 that were worth far less, and successfully sued the government in U.S. federal court to renegotiate the debt. But former President Cristina Fernandez refused to negotiate with the creditors, denouncing them as "vultures." The default and the lengthy court battle locked Buenos Aires out of international credit markets. Argentina's lower legislative branch approved the debt repayment plan earlier this month. The deal is a boost for President Mauricio Macri, who succeeded Fernandez last December. Macri's promises to resolve the dispute were a central plank in his platform to revive one of Latin America's largest economies. Arabic-language guide Razan Nassreddine says Syrian refugees visiting Berlin's Museum of Islamic Art often ask her how and when the artifacts clearly marked as stemming from their war-torn country ended up in the German capital. Others jokingly wonder if the shrapnel holes on centuries-old palatial facades and gates brought from the Middle East were caused by fighting between Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and the rebels seeking to unseat him. More than 1,600 refugees from Syria and Iraq have visited the museum since November, when it launched the Multaka (or "meeting point" in Arabic) project, which trains refugees from those countries to become Arabic tour guides for their peers. "What we see here is evidence that our region, the Levant, was always a place where different religions and cultures co-existed," said 35-year-old Syrian visitor Zafer El-Sheikha, standing outside The Aleppo Room, where 400-year-old ornamental paintings depict Jewish, Christian and Islamic themes. "When I look at what is happening there now, it makes me sad," added El-Sheikha, who came to Germany with his wife six months ago from a town near Damascus. At the Mshatta Facade, which was excavated in Jordan in the 19th century and presented as a gift from the Ottoman sultan to the German emperor in 1903, Nassreddine explains to a group of Syrian refugees, who attend the same German language class, that the shrapnel holes were caused by a bomb during World War II. "It makes me happy that Syrians from all walks of life, old, young, religious, secular, opposition, regime supporters come here and are happy to see something from Syria," said Nassreddine. She is also Syrian though came to Germany in 2012 from Spain, where she had been a student. Museum director Stefan Weber, who speaks perfect Arabic, said refugees often said after visits that the impressive collection makes them "hold our heads high." "One of the goals of the project is to tell people who lost their homes that there is still something to be proud of and this has worked out well," he said. Cameroon's military has launched a new operation to rid the country of Boko Haram militants "once and for all'' and soldiers are prepared to storm one of the group's remaining strongholds in Nigeria, a military commander said Thursday. The operation - code-named Tentacle - began this week and involves thousands of soldiers working with Nigerian soldiers on the other side of Cameroon's northern border, Gen. Jacob Kodji said. "We must flush them out and free our people once and for all,'' Kodji said, adding that soldiers were "determined'' and prepared to move into Nigeria's Sambisa Forest, a stronghold of the Nigerian-based Islamic extremists. The forest has been targeted in a sustained aerial bombardment by the Nigerian Air Force this year. Northern Cameroon has suffered regular raids and suicide bombings attributed to Boko Haram for more than a year. A particularly deadly spate of attacks in January killed at least 57 people in 17 days, according to government figures. Nigerians displaced by Boko Haram have accused Cameroon's army of killing dozens of civilians in cross-border raids into Nigeria while in pursuit of Boko Haram - claims the Cameroon government has denied. On Thursday, Kodji said there was no reason to fear rights abuses against civilians during Operation Tentacle. "Our militaries are well trained and know just what to do now and tomorrow as they have done in the past.'' Cameroon has contributed to a regional force to wipe out Boko Haram that also includes Chad, Benin and Niger. Niger's interior ministry said in a statement Wednesday night that six soldiers were killed in an ambush carried out by Boko Haram - the latest attack in the country's southeast region which borders its strongholds in northern Nigeria. As China's influence grows and the world looks to Beijing to play a constructive role as an international stakeholder, its growing resolve to silence its critics at home and abroad is raising concerns. And instead of achieving the apparent goal of silencing its critics, Chinas actions are fueling a backlash, rights advocates said. A top congressional body on China has urged President Barack Obama to make human rights a priority when he meets Thursday with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington D.C. Pillars crumbling In a letter to President Obama, U.S. Representative Christopher Smith and Senator Marco Rubio, co-chairmen of the Congressional Executive Commission on China, even suggested that Xi not be allowed to visit the capital again without any accounting for the severe erosion of human rights and rule of law which has taken place on his watch and with his authorization. They also said there is a growing consensus that the pillars of U.S.-China policy are crumbling. Trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges have not brought political reforms or ensured human rights or made China a 'responsible stakeholder' in the international system, they said in the letter. Rather, Beijing seems emboldened in its repression both at home and abroad. China has long had little tolerance for dissent. But since Xi Jinping came to power three years ago, the space for civil engagement and criticism has shrunk dramatically. And increasingly, authorities appear to be looking to silence criticisms overseas as well, especially commentaries in Chinese. At home and abroad There has also been a growing number of detentions of lawyers, journalists and activists. The more recent and mysterious disappearance of booksellers in Hong Kong, including the apparent kidnapping of British citizen Lee Bo and Swedish citizen Gui Minhai, highlights Chinas growing determination. Gui was paraded on state television, where he delivered an apparently forced confession to a decade-old drunk driving case. This, after he mysteriously vanished from his beach apartment in Thailand. After being held in China for more than two months, Lee Bo returned to Hong Kong last week and has said he will never run a bookstore again or sell books that are a sheer fabrication. Authorities reacted even more dramatically following the release of an anonymous open letter on a state-controlled Wesbite that called for Xi Jinpings resignation. The open letter was released around the time Chinese officials were holding high-level meetings in Beijing at the beginning of March. Analysts said the nature of the letter and how it could highlight an ongoing internal power struggle at the highest levels of the party were a key reason for the sharp response. While the letter was quickly removed, at least 20 Chinese citizens have since disappeared, according to the pro-democracy website China Change. Prominent columnist Jia Jia was detained earlier this month as he tried to board a flight from Beijing to Hong Kong, also on suspicions of his involvement with the letter, but was later released. Family members detained Family members of two well-known foreign-based Chinese columnists who commented on the letter have also been taken into custody. Both deny any involvement in the publication of the letter. New York-based Chinese activist Wen Yunchao has said that his parents and younger brother were taken away from their home in Guangdong last week. Chang Ping, a Chinese journalist who is now based in Germany said his direct family members and numerous relatives have been subject to investigation, harassment and threats after he published an article for Duetsche Welle about Jia Jias disappearance. In a statement that he shared with VOA, Chang said that while all of his family members have been released, his father and brother are still not free because they were released on bail. He said that he has learned that after their release, they were taken back to the police station and forced to accept interviews with journalists and make fabricated statements. Chang said that he refuses to accept authorities attempts to use kidnapping and extortion to force him to discontinue his work, which he said he has every right to do and will continue to do so. Narrative control As the worlds second largest economy, and an increasingly powerful international player, China's actions only highlight its weakness and inability to control the narrative, said William Nee, a China researcher at Amnesty International. There is a vibrant online community and commentary community outside of China that they cannot control and it seems that this is an effort to assert control over the people or media organizations that they dont actually have control over," Nee said. But in a globalized society with free Internet and hundreds of millions of Chinese traveling abroad, thats going to be increasingly hard to do. Crackdown backfires Chinas tough response to the letter and use of family members is not necessarily new, but by going after Jia Jia, a well connected journalist both at home and abroad, as well Chang Ping and Wen Yunchao, authorities have only raised more interest in the letter. Nee said the letter, which was taken down shortly after it was put up, could have been handled more discretely. The authorities' actions are really baffling and backfiring, he said. Now everybody in the commentary world, everybody that looks at China is reading the letter, taking it seriously, investigating it and playing a parlor game, (asking) who wrote it? China's transition to a consumption-led economy is boosting the global tourism industry. The number of international tourists from China rose 53 percent in 2015 from the year before, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council, a London-based nonprofit that researches global tourism. Over the last five years, the number of Chinese travelers doubled to 120 million people; one in ten international travelers is now from China. James Roy, a Business Analyst at China Market Research Group, said Chinese tourists are now traveling farther, and to many more destinations. You know in the past where it was more about buying an expensive watch or a bag, and showing that off, now its much more about sharing on social media all of the exotic places that youve been to, Roy said. The number of tourists into China also grew, but slightly, at just 2.2 percent in 2015. Tourism supported 65 million jobs in China, and made up 7.9 percent of the countrys gross domestic product. Nearly 57 million foreign travelers came to China that year, spending more than $57 billion. But that figure is far less than the amount Chinese tourists are spending on their overseas trips. Last year, travelers from China spent $215 billion outside the country. The net outflow of tourism spending comes as Chinese officials are trying to deal with a slowing economy at home, where the growth rate is expected to be less than seven percent this year, far less than the double digit growth of the past, and exports fell 20 percent in February, leading to fears of domestic job losses. However, the economic concerns have not kept Chinese travelers at home. In fact, the economic fears may be sparking many of the trips as Chinese look overseas for investments. While 29 percent said they chose their travel destinations based on shopping needs, Wolfgang Arlt, director of the China Outbound Tourism Research Institute in Hamburg, said Chinas surging overseas investment is also necessitating trips abroad. First of all, its not all about leisure. There is an increasing part of outbound tourism which is simply business tourism, as China is investing overseas and as China has a lot of trading relations and business relations overseas, he said. Chinas building of airports and infrastructure is also making travel easier, and younger Chinese are taking advantage of easing visa restrictions and increasingly traveling overseas individually. Some nations have benefited from the growth in outbound tourism from China. Japan recorded a 37 percent growth in visitor spending. Chinese tourists are also choosing to travel to Iceland, where the travel and tourism sector grew by 19.4 percent in 2015. Many destinations closer to China though, are suffering. Tourism revenues in 2015 fell 32 percent in Macau, and 8.4 percent in Hong Kong. Chinas crackdown on corruption and capital outflows, as well as political unrest, have contributed to a decline in visitors from the mainland there. Mark Tanner, the managing director of the China-focused marketing agency China Skinny, said as Chinese tourists travel through Asia, many will look for new experiences in other parts of the world. They are getting a little more adventurous and going a little further afield. And I think that is the same with domestic tourism. They may whet their appetite with some of the local destinations, and increasingly travel abroad, he said. The growth in Chinese travelers is contributing to the global growth of the tourism sector, which has added 7.2 million jobs worldwide. The Cypriot ex-wife of an Egyptian man who authorities say hijacked a domestic EgyptAir flight and threatened to blow it up with a fake suicide belt said her former husband is an "extremely dangerous man'' who used drugs, terrorized his family and beat her and their children. Marina Paraschou strongly rejected some media reports that suggested 59-year-old Seif Eddin Mustafa hijacked the Airbus A320 with 72 passengers and crew onboard as a desperate man who acted out of love and had wanted to see her and his children. In an interview published Thursday in leading Cypriot daily Phileleftheros, Paraschou said it's a "lie'' that Mustafa asked to speak to her and that police who brought her to Cyprus' main Larnaca airport where the plane was diverted only asked her to identify his voice. Cypriot officials, who described Mustafa as "psychologically unstable,'' said he had asked police negotiators during Tuesday's hijacking to deliver a letter to Paraschou in which he demanded the release of 63 dissident women imprisoned in Egypt. The six-hour ordeal ended peacefully when police arrested Mustafa after all passengers and crew were released. During a court hearing Wednesday, a police prosecutor said Mustafa told authorities after his arrest, "What's someone supposed to do when he hasn't seen his wife and children in 24 years and the Egyptian government won't let him?'' But Paraschou suggested in the interview that it was all a ruse. "This man never cared for his children for one minute, either when he lived here or when he went away,'' Paraschou is quoted as saying. "He only offered pain, misery and terror. And even now when he's in police custody, my children and I are afraid.'' Cypriot police said Mustafa had not asked to be represented by a lawyer. In a separate interview with daily Politis also published Thursday, Paraschou said Mustafa used her as an "excuse'' to seek asylum in Cyprus. Paraschou told Phileleftheros she married Mustafa in 1985 when she was 20. The couple divorced five years later and since then had only once made contact when she called him several years later to say that their teenage daughter - one of four children the couple had together - had been killed in a car accident. "What do I care? It doesn't matter she was killed,'' Paraschou said Mustafa had told her. She said while married, the couple lived in her parents' home and that Mustafa never held down a job, beating his children when he couldn't support his drug habit. Paraschou said Mustafa was a "fanatical'' Palestine Liberation Organization supporter who bragged about participating in the killing of three Israeli soldiers and was jailed for four years in Syria. She said Mustafa's tattoos and some "items'' she didn't identify betrayed Mustafa's "connections with dark things.'' Egypt's Interior Ministry said Mustafa had a long criminal record but had finished serving a one-year prison term in March 2015. Cyprus police told the AP that Mustafa's criminal record on the island stretched back to 1988, when he was convicted on six counts of forging passports and handed a suspended sentence. He was later deported to Egypt following domestic violence charges by Paraschou. He re-entered Cyprus on an assumed Qatari identity, but was tracked down and again deported to Egypt in 1990. Who did President Obama nominate? President Barack Obama nominated Judge Merrick Garland to fill the seat left vacant by the death Justice Antonin Scalia. Garland has served on a lower Federal court for 19 years. Obama called him one of the sharpest legal minds with a long history of service in his profession. According to the Constitution, presidents shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint ... Judges of the Supreme Court. Decades of tradition have grown up around the process described in the Constitution, adding many more steps before a nominee can be confirmed and sworn in as a Supreme Court justice. Theres actually very little that the Constitution has to say about the politics, about why the Senate might choose to approve or reject a particular nominee or more importantly how quickly the Senate might choose to approve or reject a nominee, said Steve Vladeck, Professor of Law at the American University College of Law. Theres tradition and theres practice but there are very few hard and fast Constitutional rules. Whats the difference between a nomination and an appointment? The president nominates, the U.S. Senate confirms the nomination, and then the Justice is appointed and sworn in. Because Supreme Court justices hold lifetime appointments and are confirmed by two branches of the U.S. government the legislative and executive their appointments have a special significance in the process of government. What happens next? The presidents nomination goes to the Senate, where the Judiciary Committee holds a hearing with the nominee. This is an opportunity for the nominee to testify about his or her experience and judicial approach. Traditionally, the nominee is not asked to provide views on specific issues. The idea is that the Judiciary Committee is in a better position to take evidence, to take testimony, basically to do research and to then make a recommendation to the full Senate, said Vladeck. The committee then refers the nomination to the full Senate for a vote. Is the confirmation process different in a presidential election year? Legally, this process isnt different in an election year. The U.S. Constitution does not make a distinction between Supreme Court appointments in an election year versus any other year. But Mitch McConnell, the Senate Majority leader, said shortly after the death of Justice Scalia that the U.S. Senate should not act to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court until a new president takes office early next year. The American people should have a voice in the selection of their next Supreme Court Justice. Therefore, this vacancy should not be filled until we have a new president, he said. President Obama addressed this issue, saying Presidents do not stop working in the final year of their term; neither should a senator. How will this time be different? Many Republicans say they will not hold a hearing for Garland. Even if they do hold hearings, the Senate could refuse to hold a full vote and hold up the nomination until after the lame duck period this is the time period between the November presidential election and next January when the new president is sworn into office. Analysts says Senate Republicans could wait to see if someone from their own party is elected and hold up the nomination until that time. If Bernie Sanders or Hillary Clinton is elected president on the Democratic side, they could pick an even more liberal nominee than Garland. In that case, analysts say Garland who is perceived by many as a moderate could then face a full vote in the Senate and receive confirmation. Again, its not the Constitution thats doing the work here its the political climate, said Vladeck. The real question here is, can the Senate go the better part of a year without providing a process? What are Americans saying about the process? 62 percent of registered voters said the Senate should consider Garland's nomination, according to a March 2016 Quinnipiac University poll. Do current Supreme Court justices have any say in the process? Current Supreme Court justice do not have any constitutional role in selecting a new Justice. Vladeck said the justices refrain from commenting on the confirmation not because they dont feel very strongly about the Court or the process or the nominee, but because they see it as their role to stay neutral during the whole process and to let the Senate do its job. But just days before Justice Scalia died, Chief Justice Roberts said the Supreme Court nomination process had become too politicized. We dont work as Democrats or Republicans and I think its a very unfortunate impression the public might get from the confirmation process, said Roberts. Can the Senate reject a nominee? About 20 percent of all Supreme Court nominees failed to achieve Senate approval. The last time the full U.S. Senate rejected a presidential nominee was in 1987 while Ronald Reagan was in office. How long does the process last? Since 1975, the entire process has lasted about two-and-a-half months, but that could change this time because of election year politics. Vladeck said, To have this process stretched out not just over four months which is the record but actually over the entire course of this election year, I think would be unprecedented. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, left, observes a moment of silence after laying a wreath at the Maelbeek metro station in Brussels on Wednesday. (Photo: AP) Brussels: India and Belgium on Wednesday vowed to work together to counter the misuse of religion by groups and countries for perpetrating terror acts, as they underlined the need for all nations to effectively deal with terrorism emanating from their soil or territories under their control. Speaking alongside his Belgian counterpart Charles Michel here, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, In this time of crisis, the whole of India stands in full support and solidarity with the Belgian people. In a joint statement, the two sides reaffirmed that no issue or cause can justify dreadful and indiscriminate acts of violence against innocent people. Just days after the March 22 multiple terror attacks here, the meeting recognised the urgent need to disrupt terror networks, their financing channels, eliminate terrorist safe havens and cross-border movement of terrorists. The two sides also agreed to facilitate regular exchanges of civil society to promote peace and tolerance. As the second-largest trade partners in the EU, India and Belgium pitched for resumption of the long-stalled negotiations on the India-EU free trade agreement (FTA) on mutually agreed terms as both the leaders resolved to strengthen their bilateral ties, adding that they were committed to boost the economic engagement by diversifying the bilateral trade basket and expanding investment ties. The European Union called on Albania Thursday to quickly pass a sweeping reform of the judiciary as the main condition to start EU accession talks. Visiting EU Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn said in Tirana that the EUs executive body wanted the reform to pass soon before the Commission gave its opinion to EU member states on starting membership talks with Albania. "The justice reform is a key element and I think we need a decision before summer break, he said. Hahn urged the Albanian government and the opposition to engage in a meaningful political dialog to serve the interest of citizens, adding that EU accession must be a national effort. Both, the government and the opposition back judicial reform, but the opposition demands the implementation of a new law to exclude anyone with a criminal record from politics. Albanian Prime Minister has appealed to the opposition to enter into a dialog without preconditions. Hahn was in Albania to attend the Western Balkans' Foreign Ministers meeting Wednesday and for the Albania-EU High Level Dialogue. Already a member of NATO, Albania obtained the status of candidate member to join the EU in June 2014. A local prosecutor says the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigations has agreed to assist Arkansas prosecutors in unlocking an Apple iPhone and iPod tied to a murder investigation. The agreement comes just days after the FBI announced it had gained access to an iPhone linked to the gunman in last year's mass shooting in San Bernardino, California. Faulkner County, Arkansas Prosecuting Attorney Cody Hiland said the FBI agreed to help his office gain access to the devices of two teens accused in the killing of Robert and Patricia Cogdell. The FBI has not commented. The couple was killed in July at their home north of the capital, Little Rock. On Tuesday, an Arkansas judge agreed to postpone the trial of 18-year-old Hunter Drexler so prosecutors could ask the FBI for help. The FBI announced on Monday that it accessed the phone used by gunman Syed Farook using an unknown method from an outside source, subsequently ending the legal fight between the government and Apple, the phone's maker. The government had sought to require Apple to write new software programs to help investigators get the data without knowing the iPhones password. Authorities have not said whether the Apple devices in the Arkansas case are the same models as Farook's or whether they will use the same method to crack them open. Prosecutors in the Arkansas case have indicated that the suspects used the devices to communicate about their murder plan. In Turkey, a car bomb attack left seven police officers dead and at least 23 other people wounded in the Kurdish-majority southeastern city of Diyarbakir Thursday. According to Turkish media, the bomb exploded while a vehicle transporting special police forces passed by the city's main bus terminal. There has been no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack. An offshoot of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) claimed two car bomb attacks earlier this year in the capital, Ankara. Twenty-nine people, most of them soldiers, were killed on February 17, when PKK militants targeted their bus. On March 13 an explosion claimed by Kurdish rebels killed 37 people, including two bombers. A suicide bomb blast in Istanbul on March 19 killed five people and wounded at least 36. Guinea's military government is imposing a state of emergency as violence continues following the announcement of results from the country's presidential election. Army Chief Nouhou Thiam announced the state of emergency in a nationwide television broadcast. Thiam says troublemakers are deliberating attacking security forces and other civilians. So this state of emergency is meant to counter what he calls those undemocratic elements to preserve peace and national unity. It will remain in effect until Guinea's supreme court certifies the results of the November 7 presidential election. Electoral law gives the supreme court eight days from Monday's announcement of provisional results to certify a vote count that says long-time opposition leader Alpha Conde is the president-elect. His opponent, former prime minister Cellou Diallo, is challenging those results, asking the supreme court to annul votes from two districts where thousands of members of his ethnic group were driven from their homes in pre-election violence. If those results are thrown out, Mr. Diallo would end up with more votes that Mr. Conde. The state of emergency is meant to end three days of violence between security forces and Diallo supporters. Two Diallo supporters were shot dead late Tuesday, their bodies brought to Mr. Diallo's headquarters. One was shot in the back of the head. The other was shot through the neck. Mr. Diallo says that despite his appeals for calm and despite instructions given by Guinea's acting military leader General Sekouba Konate, the repression of his supporters is growing stronger. He says supporters who have demonstrated peacefully are beaten and thrown in prison, which Mr. Diallo says is not normal in a country that wants to be democratic. Not all of Mr. Diallo's supporters are demonstrating peacefully. Some have engaged in rock-throwing battles with riot police. Others have attacked members of Mr. Conde's ethnic group. But Diallo supporters do appear to have borne the brunt of law enforcement, accounting for nearly all of the more than 70 people admitted to a local hospital since the start of the fighting. Young men from Mr. Conde's ethnic group marched through the Cosa neighborhood , carrying clubs and machetes, saying they are preparing to defend themselves against attack from Mr. Diallo's supporters. Mr. Diallo says security forces are helping those civilians target his supporters. Mr. Diallo says some young ethnic Malinke and Sousou are being helped by members of the presidential guard to identify Diallo supporters to be killed or arrested. This vote is meant to return Guinea to civilian rule nearly two years after soldiers took power here. Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta's annual State of the Nation address to parliament was interrupted Thursday when lawmakers began loudly whistling. The loud, screeching whistles started almost immediately as Kenyatta began speaking, forcing him to temporarily halt his speech while he asked House Speaker Justin Muturi to restore order. Kenyatta chuckled as security personnel walked around the chambers looking for the lawmakers making the noises. The whistling continued for about three minutes until Muturi ordered security to remove those lawmakers making the loud noises and they were escorted out of the building. More offenders Muturi explained to lawmakers that the interruptions were against parliamentary rules, but as soon as he finished speaking, the whistles began again. Security was able to identify the offending whistlers and they, too, were removed from the chamber. As you know, everybody has a right to hold their opinions, and indeed, I would advise that any member who feels that they are not ready to listen to the address by his excellency the president feel free to withdraw from the chamber. It does not show any level of maturity to interrupt the speech, Muturi said as the lawmakers were escorted out. Kenyatta restarted his speech by saying, After being thoroughly entertained, we can get back to serious business, but he was interrupted by more whistles a few moments later. Muturi scolded the lawmakers behavior again, ordered several more lawmakers removed, and then asked Kenyatta to continue speaking. Following that almost half-hour interruption, Kenyatta was able to finish his speech without issue. The address was meant to highlight the government's achievements in the past year and its plans for the coming year. Despite economic and financial turmoil, our Kenyan economy has shown notable resilience," the president said. "A strong example of this resilience is the performance of the vital tourism and hospitality sectors that suffered severe setbacks as a result of terrorist attacks. Not the first time After a disputed presidential election in 2007, a similar protest occurred in parliament, with lawmakers shouting and heckling. The whistling incident Thursday was the first of its kind since then. Since Kenyatta took office in April 2013, his administration has been plagued by corruption and mismanagement allegations surrounding the National Youth Service job-creation program and the port in Mombasa, the countrys busiest import location. Last year, the president fired a third of his ministers, but critics said they felt more needed to be done to prosecute those involved in graft. In his speech Thursday, Kenyatta had something to say to those who opposed his government and were not happy with the direction the country was taking: Those in opposition and alternative society have disagreed with our understanding of this nationalist covenant, and as a democratically elected government, we have supported their concerns as part of the expansion of citizen expression." U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry called Wednesday for "an ultimate resolution" of the two-decade-old Nagorno-Karabakh conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia during talks with Azeri President Ilham Aliyev at the State Department. Aliyev is in Washington for a two-day nuclear security summit hosted by President Barack Obama on Thursday and Friday. "We want to see an ultimate resolution of the frozen conflict of Nagorno-Karabakh that needs to be a negotiated settlement and something that has to be worked on over time," Kerry said during a brief photo opportunity with Aliyev. The conflict broke out in the dying years of the Soviet Union, but efforts to reach a permanent settlement have failed despite mediation led by France, Russia and the United States. Nagorno-Karabakh lies inside Azerbaijan but is controlled by ethnic Armenians. Aliyev thanked the United States for trying to end the conflict but said it could be resolved only through a U.N. Security Council resolution calling for the "immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Armenian troops" from Azerbaijan. "The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, all the conflicts in post-Soviet area and in the world, must be resolved based on territorial integrity of the countries," he said. Oil-producing Azerbaijan frequently threatens to take the mountainous Nagorno-Karabakh region back by force. Clashes around the region have fueled worries of a wider conflict breaking out in the South Caucasus, which is crossed by oil and gas pipelines. Belgian prosecutors say the top suspect in the November terrorist attack on Paris can be extradited to France. French Justice Minister Jean-Jacques Urvoas said Thursday he expects Salah Abdeslam to be sent to Paris within 10 days. Abdeslam's lawyer, Cedric Moisse, said his client agrees to be extradited. "Abdeslam wants to make it known that he wants to cooperate with the French authorities. These are the words he wants to make known." Another one of his lawyers said after his March 18 arrest that Abdeslam would fight extradition to France. It is unclear why he changed his mind. Abdeslam is accused of helping plan the November 13 terror attacks in Paris that killed 130 people at multiple locations. He allegedly rented rooms for the suicide bombers and bought explosives. A French prosecutor has said Abdeslam planned to blow himself up outside a football (soccer) stadium, but backed down. After four months on the run, police found him in Brussels after uncovering evidence during a raid on another house that he was hiding out in the Belgian capital. Investigators also say Abdeslam is linked to Khalid and Ibrahim el Bakraoui, the brothers who took part in last week's suicide bombings in Brussels that killed 32 people. Meanwhile, prosecutors filed preliminary terror charges Wednesday against 34-year-old Frenchman Reda Kriket, calling the cache of explosives and arms found in his apartment during a raid an indication that an imminent act of extreme violence was in the works. Less than three months into his presidency, Barack Obama looked out at the thousands of people packed into Prague's Hradcany Square and told them that as the only nation to ever use a nuclear weapon, the United States had a moral responsibility to work toward a world without them. "One nuclear weapon exploded in one city be it New York or Moscow, Islamabad or Mumbai, Tokyo or Tel Aviv, Paris or Prague could kill hundreds of thousands of people," he said. "And no matter where it happens, there is no end to what the consequences might be for our global safety, our security, our society, our economy, to our ultimate survival." From that speech came a series of international summits on nuclear security in 2010, 2012 and 2014 that pushed dozens of countries to boost the security of their nuclear material to prevent it from falling into the hands of terrorists. But even with those gains, work on the main goals of the summits remains incomplete. Obama said in his 2009 speech that a terrorist acquiring a nuclear weapon was "the most immediate and extreme threat to global security." Securing sites To lessen the chance of that happening, those at the summits have focused on securing sites that utilize nuclear and radiological materials and cutting overall stockpiles so there is not as much available to steal. Militants weighing their chances of success likely will not try to grab a nuclear weapon from a U.S. military site, but could go after an easier target like a medical lab stocked with radioactive isotopes for research. WATCH: Experts warn of nuclear material falling Into terrorists' hands The 2014 summit included a pledge from 23 countries to lock down their most dangerous radioactive materials, ones that terrorists could place inside a conventional explosive to create a "dirty bomb." As the 2016 summit convenes, 22 of those countries have met their goals, but as the Nuclear Threat Initiative highlighted in a recent report on radiological security, there were 53 countries at that summit and 168 members of the U.N.'s nuclear watchdog, meaning many more need to take action. "This is noteworthy progress, and I applaud these countries who are willing to lead," said NTI CEO and former U.S. Senator Sam Nunn. "However, the ingredients for a radiological dirty bomb are located at tens of thousands of sites in more than 100 countries, many of them poorly secured and vulnerable to theft." While more difficult to obtain, a bomb made with highly enriched uranium or plutonium would have far more devastating effects. Current estimates put the global stockpile of weapons-grade uranium at about 1,400 tons, enough to make 20,000 bombs like the one the U.S. dropped on the Japanese city of Hiroshima in 1945. Uranium stockpiles, both civilian and military, have been declining since the mid-1990s, according to a report by the International Panel on Fissile Materials. Plutonium has followed when it comes to weapons, but the amount stored for civilian purposes has risen. Summits' progress Even so, the White House says the summits have led to the decline in the number of sites with nuclear material, with removals taking place at 50 facilities in 30 countries totaling enough to build 150 weapons. Officials highlighted the fact that Ukraine got rid of all its highly enriched uranium, and 14 countries have eliminated nuclear materials from their territory. The White House said 36 countries have collectively installed radiation detection equipment at 329 international points of entry to try to prevent any stolen materials from being smuggled across borders. The summits have also led to the establishment of training centers in 15 countries for nuclear security. William Tobey, a former deputy administrator for defense nuclear non-proliferation at the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration, wrote in Defense One that the 2016 summit needs to expand training and certification for those tasked with security of nuclear material. He said that complacency about security puts every site with nuclear material at risk. "Unfortunately, while more than 200,000 people around the world have some accountability for the security of nuclear or radiological material, only about half of them report having an opportunity for professional development," he said. Even with all of the sites secure, opponents of nuclear weapons such as the group Global Zero say as long nuclear weapons exist, "there can be no such thing as nuclear security." Global Zero appealed to those taking part in the 2016 summit to develop concrete plans for eliminating all of the roughly 15,000 nuclear weapons in the world, most of which belong to the United States and Russia. Those two countries do have plans to cut their arsenals, but not yet to zero. "I'm not naive," Obama told the crowd in Prague seven years ago. "This goal will not be reached quickly perhaps not in my lifetime. It will take patience and persistence, but now we, too, must ignore the voices who tell us that the world cannot change. We have to insist, 'Yes, we can.' " Pakistan has rejected Afghan allegations its intelligence agency is behind the Talibans resurgence and that Islamabad is not helping in efforts to end the war in Afghanistan. In a speech to the Afghan parliament this week, acting spy chief, Massoud Andarabi, directly blamed Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence or ISI for completely supporting and encouraging the Taliban to extend its influence and capture Afghan territory. It is unfortunate. Such assertions are baseless and contrary to the facts. Pakistan is fighting terrorism and extremism with full resolve and determination, foreign ministry spokesman Mohammad Nafees Zakaria told a weekly news briefing in Islamabad Thursday. Top Taliban leaders, Afghan officials say, are sheltering in the neighboring country and directing insurgent attacks from their sanctuaries across the border. Taliban fighters among refugees Pakistani officials acknowledge presence of Taliban fighters among nearly three million Afghan refugees they have hosted for decades, but say the militants have now either gone back to Afghan areas under the Talibans control or their movements have been effectively restricted. Islamabad says the steps are part of a major anti-terrorism military-led campaign underway near the Afghan border and elsewhere in Pakistan. We are engaged in operations against the terrorists without any discrimination. Terrorism is a common enemy and we need cooperation and collaboration to fight this menace and not confrontation. Accusation and blame game will strengthen the hands of terrorists and miscreants, the Pakistani spokesman asserted. He also responded to this weeks remarks by Afghan deputy foreign minister Hekmat Khalil Karzai in which he questioned Pakistans commitment to promoting an Afghan peace and political reconciliation process Peace talk issue Zakaria said that a four-nation panel, consisting of diplomats from Afghanistan, Pakistan, China and the United States, has been making serious efforts for arranging early direct talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban. In the larger interest of Afghanistan, we believe that the focus should be to convene early peace talks and no one should doubt Pakistans sincerity. Peace and stability in Afghanistan is in Pakistans interest. Our stakes in peace in Afghanistan are much bigger than any other country, he noted. An initial meeting between Afghan government and Taliban negotiators was expected to take place in Pakistan in the first week of March. But the insurgent group in a last-minute announcement refused to attend and instead vowed to intensify hostilities in the coming warmer Afghan months. Leaders in Kabul insist Islamabad assured them through the four-nation panel it would take action against insurgent Taliban commanders present on its soil if they refused to come to the table for talks and quit violence. But it seems the assurances that we were given by Pakistan have not yet been delivered or have not yet been met, Karzai said on Monday, who is also the chief peace negotiator of the Afghan government. Pakistan and Afghanistan, under pressure from the U.S. and China, have in recent months jointly worked to fight terrorism and cooperate in ending the Afghan conflict. In recent weeks, Pakistani officials have also blamed fugitive militants hiding on the Afghan side of the border for deadly attacks in Pakistan and have demanded Kabul take action against them. The return of the war of words between the two countries, critics say, is likely to strain bilateral ties, which are already marred by years of mistrust and suspicion. As he penned his column Thursday, editor in chief Can Dundar said he was all too aware that the piece for the Turkish newspaper Cumhuriyet could be one of the last he would write as a free man. "I am prepared for a long imprisonment, maybe, but it's a political issue," he said on the eve of his next court hearing. "It's a political struggle, and you have to be ready for any kind of price to be paid, because this is the way democracy can overcome. Otherwise, if we stop talking, that means a kind of silent society, which [President Recep Tayyip] Erdogan needs, and pushes for. So we have to stay and fight back. At issue is a video shot by Turkish paramilitary police during a raid on Syria-bound aid trucks that were being escorted by Turkish intelligence agents. Police discovered munitions on the trucks. Dundar and his colleague Erdem Gul reported that the arms were for Syrian jihadists. Their story and decision to show the video on their newspapers webpage drew the ire of Erdogan, who pledged they would pay a heavy price. He said the trucks carried legitimate aid to ethnic Turkmen communities in Syria, and the newspaper engaged in espionage in publishing it. Shortly after that, prosecutors opened cases against them for espionage and membership in a terror organization. They face two consecutive life sentences plus 30 years behind bars if convicted. WATCH: Full interview with Cumhuriyet's Can Dundar Dundar rejected the charges. "It was an international crime for the Turkish government and president and Turkish intelligence services ... trafficking arms to a neighboring country and getting involved in the civil war there," he said. "That's why as a journalist it was my responsibility to publish it." In March, one of Turkeys best-selling newspapers, Zaman a strong critic of Erdogan's government was seized by the courts on allegations it was supporting terrorism. Concern is growing over the future of Cumhuriyet, one of Turkeys last mainstream newspapers critical of the government. Dundar said he worried that Ankara is being given a free hand by its Western allies. "Europe from the beginning was supporting Erdogan because of the flow of migrants, the crisis," he said. "That gives Erdogan a free hand to use over us and suppress us in Turkey. And it was a big disappointment for Turkish democrats and liberals." Many European diplomats attended the last court hearing for the two journalists, a move strongly condemned by the president. How far Europe will go in risking its relationship with its key ally over press freedom remains unclear. Salah Abdeslam has not spoken to investigators since Brussels was hit by suicide bombs at the airport and a metro station last week. (Photo: AP) Brussels: Paris attacks suspect Salah Abdeslam wants to cooperate with French authorities, his lawyer said today, confirming that his client wanted to be extradited from Belgium to France. A prosecutor was set to travel to the prison in the city of Bruges where Abdeslam is being held to discuss his extradition under a European arrest warrant. "He wants to cooperate with the French authorities," lawyer Cedric Moisse said. Abdeslam has not spoken to investigators since Brussels was hit last week by attacks at the airport and a metro station that were claimed by ISIS. He has links to several of those involved in the suicide bombings that killed 32 people. Known as Europe's most wanted man, the 26-year-old was captured on March 18 in Brussels after spending four months on the run following the November suicide bombings and gun attacks in Paris which left 130 people dead. He is believed to be the last survivor from the cell of 10 men who carried out the massacre. The Belgian-born French citizen, who was caught unarmed after being shot in the leg in a dramatic police raid in Brussels, told interrogators he had intended to blow himself up at the Stade de France stadium in Paris but had backed out at the last minute. Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reynders said that Abdeslam had also been planning to target Brussels. Another of his lawyers, Sven Mary, said last week that Abdeslam did not have prior knowledge of the March 22 attacks in the Belgian capital. Abdeslam has been linked to at least two of the bombers. Khalid El Bakraoui, who blew himself up at the metro, rented a flat in Brussels where Abdeslam's fingerprints were found following a raid. The second airport bomber, Najim Laachraoui, once drove to Hungary with Abdeslam. Formation of South Sudan's transitional government of national unity could happen in the next two weeks, the head of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) said Thursday. Festus G. Mogae, the chairperson of JMEC and a former president of Botswana, told the U.N. Security Council that despite violations to the cease-fire, there has been progress recently that puts forming the Transitional Government of National Unity "within reach." Since March 24, about 230 senior Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) in Opposition officers and troops have returned to the capital, Juba. "Flights are planned to continue over the coming week, until the full complement of 1,370 has been transported," Mogae told the council. He said that the SPLM in Opposition has confirmed that they have no further conditions to the return of their leader, Riek Machar, who is to be the first vice president in the transitional government. Mogae said this has made him "cautiously optimistic" that the transitional government could be in place by mid-April. "The act of formation of the new government will not automatically relieve the humanitarian, developmental, political, military and economic crisis that the country continues to face," he warned. South Sudan plunged into a multi-faceted crisis in December 2013, when President Salva Kiir and Machar, his vice president, became political rivals. Tens of thousands are believed to have been killed, and millions displaced and in need of humanitarian assistance. The party of Myanmar democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi submitted a proposal that would make her an official "state advisor," a move that would allow her to play a dominate role in running the country. A bill was introduced Thursday in parliament that would specifically allow the Nobel Peace laureate to control and conduct the activities of all the ministries. She already holds down four posts in President Htin Kyaw's 18-member Cabinet the ministries of foreign affairs, education, energy and the president's office. The measure is expected to easily pass in the legislature, which is dominated by Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy. The NLD won overwhelming control of both chambers of parliament in November's elections, giving it control over the presidency. But Myanmar's constitution drafted by the military junta before turning over power to a quasi-civilian government in 2010 bars anyone with a foreign-born spouse or children from becoming president a clause that applies to Aung San Suu Kyi, since her late husband was British, as are her two sons. President Htin Kyaw, Aung San Suu Kyi's childhood friend and longtime confidant, was sworn in Wednesday as Myanmar's first civilian head of state since 1962, bringing an end to complete or partial military rule. IN PICTURES: Myanmar swears civilian government But the military remains a political force in Myanmar it holds 25 percent of all parliamentary seats, plus the key ministerial posts of home affairs and defense, enough to give it veto power over any proposed constitutional changes. Post-election talks between Aung San Suu Kyi and the military to remove the clause failed. U.N. judges rule Thursday in the war crimes trial of Vojislav Seselj, a Serbian nationalist politician accused of stoking murderous ethnic hatred during the 1990s wars prompted by the breakup of federal Yugoslavia. The verdict may prove as difficult for the U.N. Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) to manage as the decade-long trial, which suffered multiple delays as Seselj represented himself and challenged the court at every turn. Seselj, 61, was granted provisional release in 2014 after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. However, he is still alive and has re-immersed himself in Serbian politics, addressing rallies in defiance of ICTY orders. He refused to return for Thursday's court session, due to begin at 0800 GMT, and did not intend to even watch by satellite. Judges averted a showdown over his attendance by excusing him from attending for health reasons at the last minute. A close ally of late Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic, Seselj faces three counts of crimes against humanity and six of war crimes for inciting ethnic cleansing in Croatia, Bosnia and the Serbian province of Vojvodina. Prosecutors say in addition to his rhetoric about creating an ethnically pure "Greater Serbia," he helped set up paramilitary units to carry out the plan. Serb paramilitaries drove tens of thousands of Muslims and Croats from their homes. Potential dilemma for Serbia A prolific author, Seselj is known for passionate speeches, short temper and crude threats such as telling Serb enemies that he would "gouge out their eyes with rusty spoons." He says he is innocent of wrongdoing. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment, which would require his transfer to the ICTY. That would pose a dilemma for Serbia's government. Handing him over would anger the government's base of supporters who see the Western-backed court as biased against Serbia, but non-cooperation would endanger the funding Serbia receives from the EU. Serbia is also a candidate to join the EU. The pro-EU government, facing elections in April, is walking a tightrope at a time of growing Russian influence in southeastern Europe Moscow is a traditional ally of Belgrade and risks losing domestic support if it is seen to be too accommodating of the ICTY. In an interview with Newsweek's Serbian edition, Seselj said he expected to be sentenced to 25 years in prison. "If the government extradites me, then I will serve my time. I am not going back to The Hague voluntarily," he said. The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) acquitted Serbian ultranationalist leader Vojislav Seselj Thursday of all nine counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity brought against him in connection with the Balkan wars of the 1990s. "Vojislav Seselj is now a free man," declared presiding Judge Jean-Claude Antonetti in the court's ruling, stating that the prosecution failed to prove the existence of a criminal purpose and his participation in a joint criminal enterprise (JCE) with Serbian forces during the ethnic wars sparked by the collapse of Yugoslavia. With this acquittal on all the nine counts of the indictment, the arrest warrant issued by the appeals chamber on 17 June, 2015 is hereby rendered mute. Following this verdict Vojislav Seselj is now a free man, said Antonetti. Seselj blasts ITCY At a news conference in Belgrade after the verdict, Seselj had harsh words for the ITCY process against him. "This time, after so many proceedings and wrongly-accused Serbs given draconian punishments, there appears to be two honest and honorable judges who have resisted all the pressures from the outside, and who have given the only lawful verdict, he said. The idea of a Greater Serbia remains powerful, with me or without me, Seselj said. I have contributed only a little with my overall political and war involvement." In a 2-1 ruling, the three-judge panel said that Serbian plans to create a Greater Serbia by uniting lands they considered Serb territory in Croatia and Bosnia were a political goal and not a criminal plan, as prosecutors alleged. Chief prosecutor Speaking to reporters following the court ruling in The Hague, the ICTY chief prosecutor in the case, Serge Brammertz of Belgium challenged that argument, because the plan was often accompanied by military campaigns that drove thousands of non-Serb civilians out of their homeland and left thousands of others dead. "I am absolutely convinced that victims' communities and many people will not be satisfied with this outcome. We, in large part, share their frustrations. We will, as an office, review carefully the arguments put forward by the trial chamber in order to determine if we are appealing this decision. ...The number of findings which really depart from what we consider the normal jurisprudence of the tribunal in relation to a number of factual findings, as for example, the absence of a wide spread and systematic attack against the civilian population or in relation to the hate speech which was considered more as, by the judges, as an encouragement more than incitement of committing crimes." Croatia's reaction Following the ruling, Croatia's prime minister, Tihomir Oreskovic, said that the verdict was shameful and a defeat of The Hague court and the prosecution." Speaking to reporters during his visit to Vukovar in eastern Croatia, Oreskovic further said that Seselj is a man who committed evil and did not show any remorse, neither then nor today. Oreskovic laid wreaths in memory of those who died in the 1991 battle of Vukovar. The town was besieged and destroyed by the Yugoslav army with a Serb majority and local rebel Serbs who opposed Croatia's independence. Thousands of people were killed and wounded in the battle of Vukovar in 1991. Charges against Seselj The 61-year-old Seselj was charged with nine counts by ITCY prosecutors. Three were for crimes against humanity - persecution, deportation and inhumane acts of forcible transfer and six were for war crimes murder, torture and cruel treatment, wanton destruction, destruction or willful damage done to institutions dedicated to religion or education, plunder of public or private property. He was accused of having directly committed, incited, aided and abetted those crimes committed by Serbian forces during the period from August 1991 until September 1993, and to have been part of their commission through his participation in a JCE. Seselj was not in the courtroom when the verdict was announced. He surrendered to the ICC in 2003, but was allowed to return to Serbia in November 2014 for treatment of liver cancer. He refused to return to The Hague to hear the verdict, setting fire to EU and NATO flags outside a Belgrade court earlier this month in an act of defiance. Seselj plans to run for parliament in the coming election as leader of the far-right Serbian Radical party. WATCH: Related video report South Africa's opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) on Thursday proposed a motion in parliament to impeach President Jacob Zuma. The move followed a Constitutional Court ruling Thursday that said Zuma should pay part of the $16 million of public funds used to renovate his private home in Nkandla, according to James Selfe, chairman of the DA's federal executive, which deals with legal matters. It remains unclear if parliamentarians from Zuma's ruling African National Congress (ANC) will back the motion to impeach him. The impeachment requires support from two-thirds of lawmakers to succeed. "What the Constitutional Court found was that President Zuma has failed to carry out his constitutional responsibilities and has acted in a manner which was unconstitutional and illegal," Selfe said. "That constitutes in our view a serious violation of the constitution, and our view is that he should now be impeached. Supporters of the ANC say it is unlikely the party's lawmakers will back the impeachment proceedings against Zuma. They cited previous attempts by the opposition DA after it moved a vote of no confidence in Zuma, which eventually failed. Selfe disagreed. "It's less important what the ANC majority does [because] the Constitutional Court has made it very clear that the majority had not fulfilled its constitutional duties to hold President Zuma accountable, Selfe said, and that the failure to do this may very well in turn be reviewable in court." Zuma supporters Supporters of Zuma say the president has already offered to pay part of the cost of renovating his private home. Supporters said the move for Zuma's impeachment is a public relations exercise for the opposition to score cheap political points because they have not been able to defeat the ANC during elections. But Selfe contends that Zuma has a long track record of failure to abide by the constitution, which he says warrants a motion of impeachment. "[Zuma] is trying, obviously, to minimize the political damage and the legal damage to his reputation," Selfe said. South Africa's Constitutional Court has ordered President Jacob Zuma to repay some of the $16 million in public funds used for upgrades at his private home. The ruling Thursday comes as authorities investigate Zuma for another more recent scandal, alleged undue influence given to the wealthy Gupta family. Handing down the Constitutional Court judgment on Thursday, Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng said President Zuma violated the constitution when he ignored the public protectors order to pay back some of the money used to build non-security features at his private home. "The failure by the president to comply with remedial action taken against him by the public protector in her report of 19 March 2014 is inconsistent with Section 83 (b) of the constitution and is invalid," Mogoeng said. The court gave the National Treasury 60 days to determine how much Zuma should pay. Mogoeng said once the court receives the Treasury's report, Zuma will have to pay. "The president must personally pay the amount determined by the National Treasury within 45 days of this courts signification of its approval of the report," Mogoeng said. ANC also draws fire The court also had harsh words for the National Assembly where the ruling African National Congress allegedly shielded Zuma from paying back the money. "The resolution passed by the National Assembly absolving the president from compliance with the remedial action taken by the public protector is invalid and is set aside," Mogoeng said. The Democratic Alliance Party and the Economic Freedom Fighters Party have pledged to impeach Zuma and remove him from office for violating the constitution. Both the ANC and President Zuma have issued statements welcoming the judgment, saying they respect it. Political analyst Levy Ndou said Zumas fate is in the hands of the majority ANC Party in parliament. "If they come out clearly and say the state president has breached his oath of office, that will provide sufficient reasons for parliament to move for a motion of no confidence on the state president," Ndou said. The judgment has created more problems for the already embattled president. The countrys elite police unit is also investigating Zumas son for allegedly helping the wealthy Gupta family influence the appointment of ministers. The probe follows claims by some government officials that people involved with the Gupta family's extensive business holdings offered them ministerial posts. The ruling ANC is also investigating, which analysts say could further hurt President Zuma's standing. At least six people have been killed and an unknown number of others were wounded when a suicide bomber targeted a treasury official in the Somali town of Galkayo. Witnesses told VOA's Somali service that the bomber hugged the official, Said Ali Yusuf, before blowing himself up, killing the official and five other people. Al-Shabab claimed responsibly for the attack. Security officials in Galkayo, in Puntland region, told VOA that they detained several people in connection with the blast.. The attack came one day after gunmen killed 6 people including two Turkish nationals in a drive-by shooting in Somalias capital Mogadishu. The United Nations says the Syrian government is not allowing aid agencies to deliver life-saving humanitarian relief to hundreds of thousands of people living in several besieged areas in the country. The special advisor to the U.N.s special envoy for Syria, Jan Egeland, is calling on the United States, Russia and other nations of influence to pressure President Bashar al-Assad's government into giving U.N. agencies the green light to deliver this critical aid. He said the U.N. has succeeded in distributing aid to 150,000 people in 11 besieged cities since an agreement was worked out in Munich six weeks ago, allowing U.N. access to Syrians in hard-to-reach areas. Egeland said he fears the momentum after Munich, which has made these deliveries possible, is being lost. He said the government needs to become more compliant for the U.N. to achieve its goal of assisting nearly 1 million people by the end of April. I am still hopeful, but then we need to make more progress than we did over the last week, which was not a good week for us in Syria, he said. Medical services needed Egeland said he is particularly concerned about the U.N.'s inability to provide medical services to the people in besieged areas, saying surgical equipment is still being taken off aid convoys. He added that medical personnel cannot go into these blockaded areas and that medical evacuations are not allowed to take place. Egeland noted this is having grave consequences for the population. He said three children in Madaya have bled to death in the last 72 hours. While they were gravely wounded playing by an unexploded bomb, he said they did not have to die. They died because a medical evacuation was not allowed, was not possible to organize and it happened over the last days and it should not have taken place. Those children should have been alive today, he said. Egeland said the technical problems that caused a planned airdrop of food into the besieged area of Deir Ezzour a few weeks ago should be straightened out in a couple of weeks. After that, he said the U.N. should be able to reach a majority of the 200,000 people living in this Islamic State stronghold. This Saturday Kenya will mark the one-year anniversary of the terror attack on Garissa University. Al-Shabab militants killed 148 people there, most of them students. In the past year, Kenya says it has heightened its response capabilities. But the region, and the continent, remain on high alert for further attacks. On April 2, 2015, four gunmen from the Somali militant group al-Shabab stormed Garissa University in northeastern Kenya. Twenty-two-year-old Steve Mwangi was there. He hid in a cupboard with three others. We hid from seven in the morning to six-thirty in the evening, when a rescue squad came to the hostel. I didnt think I would get out of that place. When I realized they were killing people and they killed two of my roommates I was like next they will come confirming inside the hostel but, fortunately, they didnt, he said. Mwangi moved off campus and now he commutes. He says he wont sleep in the dorm in case of another attack. Al-Shabab militants said they attacked the university as payback for Kenyan military operations in Somalia. The siege at Garissa went on for at least 12 hours. Militants killed 148 people and wounded dozens more. Slow response Kenyan security forces were severely criticized for their slow response. According to local media, it took them at least seven hours to reach the university. Interior Ministry spokesman Mwenda Njoka told VOA those deficiencies have been addressed. With the refurbishment of the helicopters and also the ones being bought, it means our paramilitary are able to move within the fastest time. For instance, the reaction time for Garissa University, everybody admits that we didnt move as fast as we should have. But if we had the equipment we have now, we could have been able to get troops there within an hour or else, he said. Threat remains high And security analysts say the risk of similar attacks remains high. Homeland security expert Richard Tuta points out that the attack on Garissa, like the more recent spate of A.Q.I.M. attacks on hotels in West Africa, required just a handful of fighters. The return will be very high in terms of the numbers of casualties, and the cost of attacking those target is very minimum because they dont require a lot of preparation. They dont require a lot of expertise in order to penetrate some of these soft targets, he said. A single attack like Garissa or the deadly three-day siege of Westgate mall in Nairobi in 2013 were propaganda boons for al-Shabab. When Garissa happened in 2015, it had seemed al-Shabab was on the defensive amid continued pressure from African Union troops in Somalia. But shortly after, in mid-2015, the balance began to shift. Militants have raided military bases in Somalia, walking away with gear and killing dozens of regional troops in at least two attacks. Al-Shabab has also increased bomb attacks in Somalia. Some experts believe the al-Qaida affiliate is in a fierce battle for survival as the Islamic State group lures away its fighters and draws new recruits in the region. Observers also note that African terror affiliates are jockeying for funding and influence. Nairobi-based security expert Andrew Franklin sees more local motivations. We are missing on the big picture al-Shabab objective. It's focus for 2016 is on derailing the election schedule in Mogadishu in August 2016. Its objective is to demonstrate that the federal government of Somalia is unable to hold elections," he said. Since Garissa, Kenya has not seen a major terror attack. But the threat remains, and security experts say African security agencies must work together to stop militant groups and combat the spread of extremist ideology that is radicalizing young people. The U.S. Republican presidential front-runner, billionaire real estate mogul Donald Trump, faced new scrutiny Thursday after his call for "some form of punishment" for women who secure abortions if the procedure is ever prohibited in the country, even though within hours he backtracked on that comment. In an intense interview on CNN about Trump's remark, his spokeswoman, Katrina Pierson, said, "This was a complete misspeak." Pierson said Trump, who once supported a woman's right to the medical procedure, now is "pro-life with exceptions" and would favor punishing doctors who perform abortions, not women, if the U.S. Supreme Court ever overturns its 43-year-old ruling supporting abortion rights in the U.S. Both of Trump's two remaining challengers for the Republican presidential nomination, Ohio Governor John Kasich and Texas Senator Ted Cruz, also oppose abortion rights. But Kasich said Trump's original abortion statement, and "casual comments" he has made about the possible U.S. use of nuclear weapons, "just show he's really not prepared to be president of the United States." Cruz accused Trump of saying "anything just to get attention." Trump also rankled the GOP establishment this week by reversing his pledge to support the party's nominee. But the party elite met with the controversial frontrunner in Washington Thursday. His surprise visit to the Republican National Committee came after months of tension between Trump and the party he seeks to represent in the November 8 election. Trump tweeted that he had a "very nice" meeting with RNC head Reince Priebus during his nearly hour-long visit. But he offered no other details. Trump still leading but faces push-back Trump has surged to the top of the once-large Republican presidential field. But he has yet to secure a majority of delegates to July's Republican national convention, where the party's 2016 nominee will be picked to run in the November national election against the Democratic contender, most likely former secretary of state Hillary Clinton. Trump, a one-time television reality show host, has a significant lead in the convention delegate count over Cruz and even more over Kasich, but Trump faces a tough new party primary Tuesday in the northern state of Wisconsin. One political survey there, by the Marquette University Law School, showed Cruz ahead of Trump by a 40-to-30-percent margin, with Kasich at 21 percent. Numerous other states hold party nominating contests through early June. Even before his abortion comment in a television interview Wednesday, political surveys showed that women, who comprise more than half of the U.S. electorate, increasingly hold an unfavorable view of Trump, who over the years has made numerous disparaging comments about women. National polls have shown Trump with negative ratings among women that hover around 70 percent. The Wisconsin survey showed 76 percent of women in the state had an unfavorable view of Trump, compared to 55 percent for Cruz. Trump's abortion remarks came a day after he defended his campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski, who has been charged with misdemeanor battery for allegedly grabbing a female reporter covering a Trump rally in Florida earlier in March and bruising her arm. Trump said police made a mistake in filing the charge against Lewandowski and questioned the reporter's version of the incident. Assad, bolstered by military victory in the desert city of Palmyra, was quoted by Russia's RIA news agency as saying a new draft constitution could be ready in weeks and a government that included opposition, independents and loyalists could be agreed. (Photo: AFP) Beirut: President Bashar al-Assad said it would not be difficult to agree on a new Syrian government including opposition figures, but his opponents responded on Wednesday that no administration would be legitimate while he remained in office. Assad, bolstered by military victory in the desert city of Palmyra, was quoted by Russia's RIA news agency as saying a new draft constitution could be ready in weeks and a government that included opposition, independents and loyalists could be agreed. While the distribution of portfolios and other technical issues would need to be discussed at Geneva peace talks, which resume next month, "these are not difficult questions", Assad said. Opposition negotiators immediately dismissed Assad's remarks, saying that a political settlement could be reached only by establishing a transitional body with full powers, not another government under Assad. "What Bashar al-Assad is talking about has no relation to the political process," said George Sabra of the High Negotiations Committee. The United States also rejected Assad's comments. "I don't know whether he envisioned himself being a part of that national unity government. Obviously that would be a nonstarter for us," White House spokesman Josh Earnest said. Syria's crisis erupted five years ago with protests against Assad which were put down with force. It descended into a civil war which has killed more than 250,000, drawn in global military powers and helped ISIS establish its self-declared caliphate. Nearly five million refugees have been driven abroad. At a conference in Geneva, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on countries to resettle nearly half a million Syrian refugees in the next three years. "This demands an exponential increase in global solidarity," he said, though his appeal won immediate responses from only three countries - Italy, Sweden and the United States. Assad told RIA the war had cost more than $200 billion in economic losses and damage to infrastructure. That is in line with a UN-backed body which estimates physical damage at $90 billion, with an additional $169 billion of accumulated losses from a collapse in GDP to less than half the 2011 level. Despite Assad's upbeat assessment of the chances for a political solution, his comments reflected deep differences with the opposition. It says that for the last four years international agreements on Syria's future have centred on the principle of setting up a transitional governing body. Assad's opponents have understood that such a body would have full powers, and that he would not play a further role. But the president said the very idea of a transitional body was "illogical and unconstitutional". "That's why the solution is forming a national unity government which prepares for a new constitution," he said, adding that its formation would be agreed in Geneva. Looking To Raqqa Russia's six-month-old intervention in Syria helped to swing military momentum in Assad's favour, reversing last summer's gains by insurgents including Western-backed rebels and helping government forces to drive ISIS out of Palmyra on Sunday. The recapture of the Palmyra and its military airport, in the central Syrian desert, opens up the road further east to the ISIS bastions of Deir al-Zor province and Raqqa. "After liberating Palmyra it is necessary to move into the nearby regions which lead to the eastern parts of the country, for example, Deir al-Zor," Assad said. "At same time, we need to start in the direction of Raqqa, which is currently the main Islamic State stronghold." Any offensive on Deir al-Zor or Raqqa however would probably need significantly more firepower than the Palmyra assault. "It's an open question whether or not the Syrian army is going to be able to push any further to the east," said US Army Col Steve Warren, Baghdad-based spokesman for the US-led coalition against ISIS. "They are stretched fairly thin and they still have a significant number of forces tied up in Palmyra." Although the United States and Russia worked together to establish a limited UN-backed truce in Syria, which excludes ISIS and al Qaeda's Nusra Front, US military officials have said they are not cooperating with Russian or Syrian forces. The Russian-backed Syrian ground forces are concentrated in western parts of the country, confronting ISIS on its western front. US-backed efforts in Syria, including Washington's support for a joint Kurdish-Arab force against the terror group, are focused instead on its northeastern flank. However, Interfax news agency quoted Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Oleg Syromolotov as saying Moscow and Washington were discussing "concrete" military coordination to recapture Raqqa from ISIS. In a message to the UN's Ban, Assad said Syria was ready to cooperate with "all sincere efforts" to combat terrorism, state news agency SANA said. "This moment might be the most appropriate to accelerate the collective war against terrorism," it quoted him as saying. Since capturing Palmyra, Syrian government forces and their allies have been targeted two towns to the east and west of the city, seeking to eliminate ISIS from an expanse of desert in the centre of the country. Backed by Russian air power they virtually surrounded the town of al-Qaryatain, state media have reported. Heavy air strikes have also struck near the town of Sukhna, where ISIS terrorists retreated to when they pulled out of Palmyra. Russian and Syrian officials say the retreating terrorists left mines and explosives among the 2,000-year-old ruins which they abandoned in Palmyra, and Assad appealed to the UN to help restore the ancient monuments. ISIS fighters dynamited two Roman temples, a triumphal arch and funeral towers last year, and also smashed statues and displays at the city museum before they fled. Russia said earlier it was sending military engineers, sniffer dogs and "demining robots" to help defuse explosives in the old city. Uganda's Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed a petition seeking nullification of President Yoweri Museveni's disputed reelection last month, clearing the way for the 71-year-old veteran leader to extend his three-decade rule. The ruling had been widely expected by political observers and the opposition in a country where the judiciary is frequently accused of bias toward the incumbent. Museveni won another five-year term in the Feb. 18 presidential election with 60 percent of the vote, but all his main opponents rejected the results, alleging widespread rigging and intimidation by security forces. Veteran opposition leader Kizza Besigye, who came second in the election with 35 percent, has been kept under virtual house arrest since polling day. On March 1 Amama Mbabazi, who came a distant third with less than 2 percent of the vote, appealed to the Supreme Court to overturn the result of the poll. He cited delays in delivering ballot materials, improper supervision of voting, bribery and interference by security forces which he said had tainted the outcome. In a judgment by nine justices, the head of the Supreme Court, Bart Katureebe, said they had found valid evidence of several malpractices including security interference with Mbabazi's campaigns and late delivery of polling materials, but declined to nullify the result. "We find that there was non-compliance with the principles of free and fair elections," he said. "But we are not satisfied that non-compliance affected the result in a substantial manner... This petition is dismissed." Criticism Under Uganda's electoral law someone who alleges malpractices and seeks nullification of the result of a presidential election must prove that the irregularities affected the result in a substantial manner." Two similar petitions by Besigye in 2001 and 2006 seeking cancellation of Museveni's reelection were dismissed on the same grounds, sparking heavy criticism. Some Western governments which have lauded Museveni in the past for helping in the fight against Islamist militants in Somalia have lately criticized him for clamping down on critics and harassing the opposition. Ugandan political analyst Nicholas Ssengoba told Reuters Museveni's court victory reflected the difficulties the opposition had in gathering evidence. Soon after the petition was filed, thieves broke into two offices of Mbabazi's lawyers and stole some of the evidence. Mbabazi said the theft was probably orchestrated by the police, an allegation the government denied. "There were so many handicaps placed on Mbabazi, they couldn't do much," Ssengoba said. U.S. President Barack Obama and the leaders of Japan and South Korea have urged the international community to vigilantly enforce tougher U.N. sanctions against North Korea, following Pyongyangs nuclear and missile tests this year. In separate talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington Thursday, Obama said both are "committed to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and full implementation of U.N. sanctions. The leaders met on the sidelines of the Nuclear Security Summit being held Thursday and Friday. Obama met first with South Korean President Park Guen-hye and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The longtime allies vowed they would stand together and tighten security cooperation in the face of rising tensions. "One of the topics now most on our minds is the issue of North Korea and we are united in our efforts to deter and defend against North Korean provocations," Obama said with the three leaders seated side-by-side. We agreed during this meeting that trilateral security cooperation is essential in maintaining peace and stability in Northeast Asia, deterring the North Koreans' nuclear threat and the potential of nuclear proliferation as a consequence of North Korean activities, he added. North Korea has been roundly condemned for conducting a nuclear test in January and a long-range rocket launch in February, violating several U.N. Security Council Resolutions. In March, the Security Council passed a resolution imposing tougher sanctions on Pyongyang. They require mandatory inspections of all North Korean cargo and ban the export of most of the countrys mineral trade that has been used to fund its nuclear development program. About 90 percent of North Korean trade flows through or to China, so Beijings enforcement of the tighter sanctions is critical. What is essential going forward is to thoroughly enforce the resolution so that North Korea realizes it cannot ensure its own survivability unless it abandons its nuclear aspirations, said Park. The allies agreed to work together to promote concrete security and defense cooperation between the foreign affairs and defense authorities of the three nations, said Abe. The U.S. has been encouraging China to press harder on North Korea to stop its nuclear provocations. I believe we can deepen our cooperation, including against nuclear smuggling, said Obama just before meeting with Xi. We're going to discuss how we're going to discourage nuclear missile tests that escalate tensions and violate international obligations." Xi said China is seeking to enhance communication and coordination on the Korea nuclear issue and other regional and global issues. He called for mutual respect and dialogue in order to find solutions to disputes and disagreements. Following the meeting, the U.S. and China issued a joint statement declared their commitment to work together on peace and stability "by reducing the threat of nuclear terrorism and striving for a more inclusive, coordinated, sustainable and robust global nuclear security architecture for the common benefit and security of all. Since North Koreas aggressive actions this year, Washington and Seoul have started talks on the possible deployment of the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system in South Korea, a move likely to raise tensions with Beijing. Insofar as we continue to face the threat from North Korean provocations from North Korea, we have to take necessary measures to protect ourselves and our allies, said Ben Rhodes, deputy National Security Council adviser, who acknowledged Beijing has stepped up its pressure on Pyongyang. We've had good support from China, but we clearly believe that there's more that will continue to have to be done, including on enforcing the sanctions we've put into place, he added. Former U.S. Ambassador to China Winston Lord echoed that sentiment in an interview with VOA Mandarin Service, saying that without China's robust enforcement of sanctions, the measures will lack the impact required to get Pyonyang to the negotiating table. "The biggest problem, very frankly, has been China. Even though its agreed to some sanctions [and] is certainly frustrated and angry with North Korea, it always gives North Korea a safety net," he said, explaining that while he wouldn't want civilians to suffer as a result of the economic impact, tougher measure are needed. "If china had cut off energy, cut off other trades, youd have a real chance of getting North Korea back to the negotiating table, but it will never do that," he added. "China believes its more important to have a communist buffer on their border, no matter how frustrated they are at Mr. Kim, than to have a unified Korea" allied with the U.S. Obama and Xi discussed a range of issues, including climate change, cybersecurity, human trafficking and the thorny issue involving Beijing increasing expansive actions and territorial claims in the South China Sea. Obama, Park and Abe also discussed a range of global challenges, including terrorism, climate change and cancer research. U.S. President Barack Obama on Thursday assured his Turkish counterpart of American commitment to the security of Turkey, a critical ally in the fight against the Islamic State group. In a Thursday night meeting on the sidelines of a nuclear security summit in Washington, Obama and Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed their strategies against IS extremists, according to the White House. Obama also extended condolences to Erdogan for a terrorist attack earlier in the day in the Kurdish-majority southeastern city of Diyarbakir, where seven policemen were killed and at least 27 people were wounded. Earlier Thursday, U.S. Vice President Joe Biden met Erdogan. Turkish officials expressed disappointment about the two sides' disagreement over Syrian Kurdish YPG militia. The YPG is the armed branch of Syrias powerful Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD). The U.S. views the PYD as an efficient combatant against Islamic State terrorists in northern Syria. However, Turkey says the PYD is aligned with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), a militant leftist group fighting for autonomy in southeastern Turkey. Ankara considers the PKK a terrorist group. After the two leaders' meeting, chaos erupted between Turkish security and protesters outside the Brookings Institution, a Washington think tank at which Erdogan was giving a speech. Media reports said a journalist was removed from the event site by Turkish security personnel, and another was kicked by a guard. "The United States strongly supports freedom of the press and independent media in every country in the world, including Turkey," Rhodes said. He said that he didn't know the specifics of the Brookings incident, but that the U.S. had voiced concerns in the past regarding measures taken against journalists inside Turkey and would continue to raise the issue with Ankara. Biden visited Turkey earlier this year, where he criticized the country's leaders for cracking down on freedom of expression. He said the Turkish government was not setting the right "example" with its imprisonment of journalists and investigation of academics who have criticized the government's military campaign against Turkey's Kurdish-dominated southeastern sector. The United States and China have announced they will sign the Paris climate accord in April, a step they hope will spur other countries to formally join the landmark agreement. In a joint presidential statement, Washington and Beijing said Thursday they hope their move will help bring the Paris agreement into force "as early as possible." The deal was crafted by nearly 200 countries in December but does not enter into force until it is signed by at least 55 countries representing 55 percent of global emissions. The U.S. and China, the world's top greenhouse gas emitters, will join other nations in signing the bill on April 22, Earth Day, the earliest day that countries may sign the deal. United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon said earlier this month that he expects more than 120 countries will participate in the signing ceremony at U.N. headquarters. Accord: Goals, enforcement The agreement aims to limit the warming of the planet to "well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels." It adds that nations should try to keep warming below 1.5 degrees. The deal was lauded as historic, but its impact is not yet clear. The accord is legally binding, but does not include an enforcement mechanism or penalties for noncompliance. The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) on Thursday praised the U.S. and Chinese presidents for signaling their intent to sign the deal quickly. "Their joint commitment to ensure the Paris agreement enters into force 'as early as possible this year' sends a strong signal to other countries," said Alden Meyer, UCS director of strategy and policy. The organization also praised both countries for announcing additional efforts to steer investment flows away from carbon-intensive technologies like coal and toward renewable energy alternatives. Directly north of Mosul and face-to-face with Islamic State is a small pocket of bombed and abandoned Christian villages. But across the gravel track from one of the empty villages, abandoned when IS militants stormed the area in 2014, is one row of houses that is still occupied. Here, a small but determined group of armed Christian fighters are defending what they say are the rapidly dwindling traditionally Christian areas of Iraq. And with them are two Americans. James, a former U.S. infantry soldier from Colorado Springs, arrived about a month ago. Dan, a veteran from Michigan who said he had been deployed to Iraq in 2005-2006 with the U.S. military, has been here two weeks. Guns in hand and dressed in camouflage fatigues like their militia hosts, they are part of a group of foreign fighters who have come to boost the Christian defense line. There are also four Frenchmen. The one New Zealander who had joined had already left, the militia leaders said. Getting to the militia, known as the Dwekh Nawsha, an Aramaic term for self-sacrifice, required a long ride in a pick up truck past multiple checkpoints. A small cross hung from the trucks rear-view mirror and the driver and escort proudly wore their Dwekh Nawsha patches on their left arms. James and Dan sat in the back, squeezing their legs around sacks of potatoes and boxes of canned meat. I came here to hopefully take Mosul back and push Daesh out of Iraq, Dan said, using an Arabic acronym for Islamic State. Once at the village, he walked up to the roof of the militias main house and looked in the distance where dark smoke poured into the sky Islamic State apparently burning tires to hide their movements from coalition aircraft. He pointed to a deep trench a few hundred meters in front of the house, saying it was to keep any IS vehicle-borne suicide bombers from reaching them. Kurdish Peshmerga forces were also nearby, providing overwatch and firepower. Rusting carcasses of spent homemade IS rockets line the gravel road in front of the abandoned village like a decorative necklace. IS fighters constantly probe the front line here, and rockets land almost daily at the next village along the line. But the Christian militia members say they won't leave. This is our land," Colonel Sameer Oraha, a militia commander, said in Kurdish. "We have to protect it. We have to keep it from Daeshs hands, because this is our motherland and we have to protect all the lands to get our people back to their homes. Oraha had previously served with the Iraqi army, and had lived in Mosul, now the IS stronghold in Iraq, and less than 40 kilometers away. In the faded living room of the house, Oraha and his fighters sat and smoked as they talked. A flag of the Assyrian Patriotic Party, the Christian bloc, covered one wall. In the corner on the table was a small Christmas tree festooned with decorations. On the floor are two of their machine guns. The militia lack both equipment and experience, James said. They are regular people, some of these people have regular jobs, they come out here [because] they are trying to save their homeland. And he wants to be part of it, retaking all the land that IS extremists seized when they stormed the area in 2014. I have experience, I was infantry, for several years and whatever I can do to help them, any knowledge, or with equipment they may have and maybe later tactics on movements, when we slowly move into Mosul, I am here to help, James said. Ramen Khoshaba, like others who are younger fighters, said he had joined so people can get to their home, because there are a lot of people [who] have no home now. We are here to tell them that the Assyrian guys are here, and we will fight for our land. U.S. military officials have informed Congress that they plan to transfer about a dozen inmates from the terrorist detention facility at the naval base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The officials, who spoke to news outlets on condition of anonymity, say at least two countries have agreed to accept the detainees. One of detainees set to be transferred is Tariq Ba Odah, a 37-year-old Yemeni national who has been force-fed daily since staging a hunger strike in 2007. He now weighs just 33 kilograms, a loss of about half of his original weight. Ba Odah is one of 91 detainees still being held at Guantanamo, which opened under former President George W. Bush to hold suspected terrorists caught in the U.S.-led war on terrorists in Afghanistan. About 37 of those detainees have been approved for resettlement in a third country, including Ba Odah. The first of the transfers could take place in the next few days, with the rest occurring during the coming weeks. The Guantanamo facility has been criticized both in the United States and abroad as a symbol of human rights abuses for indefinitely holding prisoners without trial. President Barack Obama has vowed to close the Guantanamo detention facility since first taking office, but his efforts have been opposed by Congress. The president has submitted a plan to Congress to close the facility that includes transferring several detainees to maximum-security federal prisons in the United States, but Congress has imposed a ban on such transfers. U.S. President Barack Obama will speak Friday at the end of the second and final day of the nuclear security summit here attended by world leaders. The U.S. leader said Thursday, from the summit's sidelines, that in the wake of attacks in Brussels and elsewhere, there is "not only great urgency around the nuclear issue, but eliminating generally the scourge of terrorism." Obama's fourth and final nuclear summit has come at a time of heightened concern about the possibility that Islamic State militants could set off radioactive bombs, and also about North Korea's nuclear weapons development. Some of the world leaders who attended a White House summit dinner Thursday were from countries that have been directly impacted by terrorist attacks. At a State Department ministerial level dinner, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said nuclear security progress at times has been slow, and there remains an "enormous amount more to do." "But every step forward that we take is a step away from danger," he added. Earlier Thursday, Obama held a series of meetings with leaders hours before news that North Korea had test-fired another suspected ballistic missile. He met with South Korean President Park Geun-hye and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to discuss the North Korean threat in the wake of Pyongyang's January nuclear test and a long-range missile launch in February. Pyongyang was also among the focal points when Obama sat down later with Chinese President Xi Jinping. "We want to enhance communication and coordination on the Korean nuclear issue and other regional and global issues," Xi said at the top of the talks. Washington views Beijing, Pyongyang's ally, as key in enforcing U.N. sanctions against North Korea for its weapons development. In a later meeting, Obama praised French President Francois Hollande for "galvanizing the European community" in the fight against terror. The president will also hold a bilateral talks with Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. In a Washington Post opinion article, Obama said world powers would address threats posed by terrorist groups such as Islamic State. "We will join allies and partners in reviewing our counterterrorism efforts, to prevent the worlds most dangerous networks from obtaining the worlds most dangerous weapons," Obama said. Brussels attacks The U.S. and other world powers may be experiencing a heightened sense of urgency in securing nuclear material and sites from terrorists, following the March 22 attacks in Brussels. News reports have said two brothers linked to the attacks were part of a plot to gain information about a Belgian nuclear facility. "We know that terrorist organizations have the desire to get access to these raw materials and their desire to have a nuclear device," said White House foreign policy aide Ben Rhodes. One U.S. lawmaker, Representative Ed Royce, a California Republican who is chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said, "We should assume terrorists will continue to seek out the weakest links at nuclear facilities around the globe." World leaders are also concerned about the security of nuclear materials and facilities in countries such as nuclear-armed Pakistan, where a terrorist attack in Lahore on Easter Sunday killed more than 70 people. While progress has been made since the first summit in 2010, "the overall objective of securing the most vulnerable nuclear materials in four years I don't think has been achieved," said Sharon Squassoni with the Center for Strategic and International Studies. "There is still material out there and the material that we're talking about is highly enriched uranium," she said. International framework Experts say security gaps remain for several reasons: There still is no international framework to monitor nuclear materials; some countries are unwilling to open up supplies intended for commercial use; and some militaries have been unable to agree on how to deal with their nuclear material. "If you wanted to cause a nuclear incident, you might look for the country with the most vulnerable reactors," said James Andrew Lewis, head of the strategic technologies program at the center. As the summit got underway, the White House released a statement saying the U.S. had declassified and released data on the national inventory of highly enriched uranium. It said inventories decreased from about 741 to 586 metric tons between 1996 and 2013. California's hike in the minimum wage to $15 an hour, to take effect over the next six years, could help more than five million workers as its effects ripple through the economy, says supporter Ken Jacobs of the Center for Labor Research and Education at the University of California, Berkeley. Business groups oppose the increase, and analysts are divided. Some say small businesses will struggle with the increase and consumers will be hit with higher prices, while others say the pay raise will boost the economy. California Governor Jerry Brown announced the agreement between labor and legislative leaders Monday, and legislators are soon expected to pass the bill and the governor will sign it into law. The measure would raise minimum pay for the states workers in increments to $15 an hour by 2022 for large businesses, and 2023 for smaller ones. That's more than double the current national minimum of $7.25 an hour. Cities and states can set their own base wage, and California's is now $10 an hour. Governor Browns office says more than two million workers in his state are paid at that rate, and that the pay hike is a matter of economic justice. The agreement is the latest victory in the drive by labor activists to raise the pay of the nation's lowest-paid workers, who are often employed in fast food restaurants or at other service jobs. The effort began with protests and marches in 2012, and has been successful in such cities as Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles. California is the first U.S. state to raise its minimum wage to the $15 level, and New York is debating a similar proposal. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other business groups say a higher minimum wage will hurt low-skilled workers by forcing companies to eliminate jobs. They say wage inequality is a complex issue that is better addressed by improving workers' skills to make them more competitive in a global marketplace. Fast food restaurants in California could see their operating costs increase 13 percent as the raise is implemented, said analyst Shon Hiatt of the University of Southern California. He said restaurants owners have three options: raising food prices, shrinking portion sizes, or increasing automation to reduce their labor costs. He says we will likely see a combination of all three. He adds that increased costs for food production on California farms could drive up costs further, and that agricultural jobs could be lost from California to Mexico. Analyst Ken Jacobs said the higher wage will keep worker turnover low and productivity high. In a conference call with reporters, he said the net effect will be positive, as workers pay more taxes, contribute to the economy and reduce their need for public benefits. Others say a one size fits all solution does not take account of varying conditions in different communities. The state of Oregon, to the north of California, will raise its minimum wage to just under $15 by 2022 under a law signed March 2. The highest rate applies only to the major urban region of Portland, however. Mid-sized counties and rural areas will have lower minimums, which is important for communities that are struggling economically, says economist Tim Duy of the University of Oregon. He questions whether $15 an hour is the right minimum wage for a more rural community in northeastern California? Lisa Scott, a home care provider for the elderly and disabled in California's rural El Dorado County, earns $11 an hour and says the increase will let her save to visit her five-year-old grandson in Arizona for the first time. Long Beach janitor Esperanza Velasquez says the pay hike will help pay a $21,000 bill for cancer surgery. Both have been active in the campaign for the wage boost. The national minimum wage has been locked at $7.25 an hour for more than six years, and Republicans in Congress have opposed efforts to raise it, concerned about a dampening effect on the economy. Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders has embraced the $15 dollar minimum and Democratic hopeful Hillary Clinton supports $12 an hour as a national base. The economic effects are far from certain, insists Tim Duy of the University of Oregon, who says there has been so much conflicting research on ...the actual impacts. In fact, he says, the fastest way to start a fight in an economics department is to talk about the minimum wage. The drive for a $15 an hour minimum is spreading around the country. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has included the proposal in his annual state budget, and New York lawmakers are now debating the issue. Zambias former interim president has declared his support for opposition presidential candidate Hakainde Hichilema of the United Party for National Development (UPND) in the countrys August 11 presidential election. Guy Scott, a member of the ruling Patriotic Front party, said he is not leaving the party, but felt compelled to support Hichilema because the Zambian political climate was becoming so polarized. We said that we will be working together, and the likely implication of that is that we will support their presidential candidate. But there are still details to be worked out, he said. Scott reluctantly campaigned for incumbent President Edgar Lungu in the January 2015 presidential by-election held because of the death of then-President Michael Sata. Scott made clear that he was not doing it for the candidate but the party. Lungu narrowly defeated Hichilema. This time around, Scott said, Hichilema could get about 60 percent of the vote in August to Lungus 40 percent. Scott accused Lungu of allowing the ruling PF party to be taken over by the Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD) of former President Rupiah Banda, thus marginalizing members of the PF party. What has happened since then when Michael Sata died, and the MMD came to us and said we want to help win this by-election, this unexpected election, and we said thats fine. But since that time, the MMD has be getting stronger and people like me have squeezed into a corner," he said. Zambia's political climate has been punctuated pre-election violence, prompting the Episcopal Conference of Zambia to this week call on all political parties and their presidential candidates to take steps to curb politically motivated violence. Since his ascension to power, Lungu has presided over a deteriorating economy beset by falling copper prices and a crippling energy crisis that has badly affected production. The country has lost about 8,000 mining jobs in the countrys influential Copper belt. Lungu has also been criticized by some for accepting a salary increase along with the country's civil servants. A presidential Emoluments Act signed this month by finance minister Alexander Chikwanda put President Lungus 2016 annual salary at nearly $40,000, plus an annual allowance of nearly $11,000. But Information Minister Chishimba Kambwili told VOA this week the salary increment is an annual thing that began with the administration of founding President Kenneth Kaunda. The video shows three prisoners, dresses in orange jumpsuits, sitting with their knees folded and heads bent down. (Photo: YouTube Video Grab) Baghdad, Iraq: A horrifying video has surfaced online showing an Islamic State militant beheading three prisoners on a street in Iraq. According to a report in the Daily Mail, the ISIS militant, before beheading the prisoners, threatens Peshmerga forces. The video shows three prisoners, dressed in orange jumpsuits, sitting with their knees folded and head bent down. The ISIS militant can be seen standing behind one of them with a sharp knife in his hand. He then rants something looking at the camera and later beheads one of the captives. In the video, the militant is also seen threatening Kurdish President Masoud Barzani. Islamic State group has reportedly suffered heavy losses in their caliphate as Kurdish forces have taken over the Hasakah province, which was earlier captured by ISIS. In retaliation, the terrorist group beheaded three Kurdish prisoners. Islamic State group has previously lost their stronghold in Tikrit, Kirkuk and in some parts of northern Iraq. Recently, ISIS fighters were driven out of Ramadi and Palmyra by Syrian forces. Backed by US-led air strikes, the Kurdish forces plan to retake the city of Mosul from ISIS. Distressed ISIS footage shows hostage being beheaded on the street: Kiungo cha moja kwa moja Chimurenga music guru, Thomas Mapfumo, says there is need for a new revolution in Zimbabwe, which has been ruled by President Robert Mugabe for almost 36 years. In an exclusive interview, Mapfumo said it is unfortunate that Zimbabwe has to end up going this way as elections have over the years favored the ruling Zanu PF party. He said time has come for young people to remove President Mugabe and his government from power. The young generation should take over. They have been to school, they know a lot of things. We have these people who are in power who do not want to part with power and most of us are corrupt. Africa is full of corrupt leaders and we are not even moving forward. He noted that Zimbabwe is currently one of the poorest nations in the world due to a leadership crisis. He singled out President Mugabe and his Zanu PF officials to allegedly ruining a nation which was almost a gem for Africa. He used to be a hero, today he is not. He is not a hero, he is corrupt. He is a dictator, he is a thief $15 billion (allegedly looted diamond revenue) the money that is not accounted for. Where is it? The money is there in Zimbabwe. These people should be arrested and if they pay back the money Zimbabwe will be back on the right trek. He claimed that Zimbabwes ruling elite looted the diamond revenue said to have vanished in Manicalands diamond fields resulting in the government blocking all mining activities in the in the region. Mapfumo said, The rest of the people on top including the president should face the music. We dont want to hear anything about Zanu PF. If you want the country to get back to the right trek, do away with Zanu PF and all those parties that are coming up now They say we are People First Where were they? They are part of the system (ruling elite). He said the solution was to wage a new revolution in the country in order to get rid of Zanu PF. The young generation has to do something, they have to do something. May be they have to fight again. We fought in the revolution war They have to be another one There have to be another revolution war waged by young people. There is no other way out. Elections have failed and all, said the music guru, who is in exile in America. But Zanu PFs Nick Mangwana said Mapfumo should shut up. For him to sit there and say things like that Zimbabwe needs a war or revolution is reckless. Whose child does he want to go to war to kill whose child? He wants fellow Zimbabweans to kill other Zimbabweans. Thats proper recklessness. He is an irresponsible old man. He should concentrate on playing his xylophone and mbiras not to sway in those dangerous waters. I think he should just shut up. He should stick to the folk stuff hiyehiye hinde hinde then people will appreciate it. He noted that this is the second time that Mapfumo is saying such a thing as he said America should invade Zimbabwe What type of an old man would say that and to say he is a man is to be too generous. President Robert Mugabe says people questioning his stay in power should blame Zimbabweans for electing him into office for almost 36 years. What do Zimbabweans say about this issue? Tobacco sales start in Harare with some farmers complaining about the new ways of paying for their produce. We will give you an update on an indigenization clinic conducted today by Minister Patrick Zhuwao in Harare ahead of the April 1st deadline for companies to comply with regulations to transfer majority stakes to indigenous people. Some 2015 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders alumni from Zimbabwe attend a Silicon Valley conference focusing on the latest trends in technology. Workers of the National Railways of Zimbabwe continue with an industrial action, demanding the payment of their 2015 salaries. And as usual, in our Diaspora Forum, we will feature a Zimbabwean living outside the country. Stay tuned for these stories and more coming up on Studio 7 at 7:30 pm on 9-0-9 Medium Wave and on the 4-9-3-0, 5-9-4-0 and 1-5-4-6-0 shortwave frequencies. We also broadcast on www.channelzim.net. Please check us out on Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter. Tonight on Livetalk our hosts Blessing Zulu and Gibbs Dube will be talking with listeners and experts about President Robert Mugabes remarks that he is not to blame for ruling for almost 36 years. He says Zimbabweans have been voting for him and want him to contest the 2018 presidential election. Participate by sending your messages on our WhatsApp number 001 202 465 0318. The number again 001 202 465 0318. Stay tuned!!!!!! President Robert Mugabe says people questioning his stay in power should blame Zimbabweans for electing him into office for almost 36 years. In an interview with Japanese journalists, quoted by the state-controlled Herald newspaper, Mr. Mugabe said his election over the years is an indication that Zimbabweans want him to rule the nation. The president, who is on an official visit to Japan, said, If they (some people) dont like my long stay in power they should criticize my people I do not vote for myself into power. You just go to Zimbabwe now and ask the people whether I should stand down. They will be angry with you. President Mugabe further told the journalists, according to the Herald newspaper, that he will contest the next presidential election if he is in good health. The president stressed that he is currently in good health. At the moment I am the president thats why (I am here). Do you see me as not fit? Why not contest two years later? Two years later is no time but only God knows what will happen in two years time, 2018. I dont know, it will depend. If I am fit enough, yes, but if not fit enough I will not. My people will want me to be a candidate and they have already nominated me as a candidate in 2018. The 92-year-old Zimbabwean leader, who will be 94 in 2018, said his successor should be people-oriented and a person that is ready to defend the country against so-called neo-colonialism. The opposition has in the past cried foul over his re-election claiming that the electoral body allegedly rigs elections in favour of Mr. Mugabes Zanu PF party. These allegations have been dismissed by the ruling party as baseless. Police on Tuesday arrested Movement for Democratic Change secretary general, Douglas Mwonzora, outside the High Court in central Harare after he questioned security details at the court for demanding party leader Morgan Tsvangirais identity document before entering the premises. Mwonzora argued that Tsvangirai is a former prime minister and a very important person (VIP), who should not be asked to produce his identity document in public. Tsvangirai was due to appear in court where he was facing a $500,000 defamation case filed by national army colonel, Christopher Mayoyo, over the 2008 political violence in Masvingo province. Mayoyo is suing the former prime minister for allegedly stating that the army officer was involved in the murder and torture of opposition political activists in the 2008 elections. According to MDC spokesperson, Obert Gutu, Mwonzora told the security details that it was demeaning to ask the former prime minister to produce his ID when he is a VIP. It was at that point the security detail became upset and thought that Douglas Mwonzora had committed an offence and by so doing Mwonzora was the arrested, said Gutu. He said Mwonzora was then arrested and taken to Harare Central Police Station. He was reportedly released late Tuesday night. Gutu said he believed Mwonzora has no case to answer. What I can just confirm is that the whole incident at the High Court this morning is the incident that gave rise to this arrest. It is actually a very very spurious allegation because at the end of the day we are dealing here with an over-enthusiastic security detail whom we strongly suspect to be a member of the Central Intelligence Organization who was just all out to embarrass and humiliate our leader Dr. Tsvangirai, said Gutu. Mwonzora is being represented by former Constitutional Affairs Minister Advocate, Eric Matinenga, who could not be reached for comment. Police spokesperson, Senior Assistant Commissioner, Charity Charamba said she was yet to check the facts relating to Mwonzoras arrest. Meanwhile, Justice Army Tsanga has postponed Tsvangirais trial to 14 July. Colonel Mayoyo claims in his defamation case that Tsvangirai allegedly restated that he was responsible for the murder, torture and harassment of opposition political activists in Masvingo province in 2008. Zimbabwe joined the international community on Monday in commemorating World Down Syndrome Day, which is observed in more than 60 countries. Many organizations and communities, including the United Nations and the Down Syndrome International, promote World Down Syndrome Day to raise peoples awareness and understanding of Down Syndrome. Tuesday marked the 11th anniversary of World Down Syndrome Day. The theme for this year is My Friends My Community - Benefits of inclusive environments for today's children and tomorrow's adults. According to National Down Syndrome Society, this condition is caused by gene mutation. In every cell in the human body there is a nucleus, where genetic material is stored in genes. Genes carry the codes responsible for all of our inherited traits and are grouped along rod-like structures called chromosomes. Typically, the nucleus of each cell contains 23 pairs of chromosomes, half of which are inherited from each parent. Down Syndrome occurs when an individual has a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21. The common physical traits associated with Down Syndrome are unique to each individual. These include low muscle tone, small stature, an upward slant to the eyes, and a single deep crease across the center of the palm. Despite serious socio-economic and other challenges in the country, some Zimbabweans joined the rest of the world in commemorating the day. This included members of the Zimbabwe Down Syndrome Association, who commemorated it in Makokoba , Bulawayo, to raise awareness within the community on problems of people living with the disability and how the community can play an active role in supporting children with this condition. MOTHER OF DOWN SYNDROME SPEAKS OUT Sibonisiwe Bonnie Mazula, volunteer coordinator of the Zimbabwe Down Syndrome Association, encouraged Zimbabweans to face the realities of discrimination and stigmatization associated with Down Syndrome. Mazulu, who is also a mother of a 31 year-old daughter Andile, who has Down Syndrome, said there are many challenges faced by people with this health condition. I did not even know what Down Syndrome was One can face rejection from the family and the community when they know that your child has Down Syndrome and when you have a child with Down Syndrome the community believes you would have done something wrong. They accuse you (of doing many uncouth things) and also say this could be Gods punishment. Down Syndrome can happen to anyone. There is no one to blame. It affects anybody, anyone regardless of race, color, male or female. Early learning and intervention is also key in the societal integration of children living with Down Syndrome. Mazula said, The inability to express with words can lead to frustration. That child needs early education for the purpose of assimilation, because children with Down Syndrome are challenged with reading and writing, and in fact some cannot read or write and find it difficult to understand even with inclusive education but can do other things very well (So, the) the community should take time to understand them. NEED FOR QUALITY EDUCATION She added that Zimbabwe has a long way to go in terms of quality education, especially for those people living with disabilities such as Down Syndrome. We are very worried as parents about the effectiveness of the education system. Are the teachers trained and experienced to work with a child with Down Syndrome? The challenges presented to us in Zimbabwe right now, how many children can afford iPads or a phone to download apps. The educational resources to assist these children are not available. Experts say the role of the family and the environment are crucial in nurturing a child with Down Syndrome. They say this is critical in mental development among children with this health condition. Mazula echoed the same sentiments. The development process of a child with this condition depends on the childs individual make up and also depends on the environment, and on how family members treat the child It depends on the education and the child needs love. If the child is ignored in the homes, all hope is lost. Let us give them opportunity and the support they need. She said indications are that most Zimbabweans have a negative attitude towards people with Down Syndrome. The attitudes have been very discriminating and stigmatizing. It is because they dont understand anything about Down Syndrome. LIFE OF DOWN SYNDROME KID In her capacity as a mother and parent of 31 year-old Andile living with this health condition, she once spoke of fears regarding her future. As she was growing up I would wonder a lot about her future. Will she have friends? Will she ever get married? Will she ever work?" All these questions have almost been answered. The Zimbabwe Down Syndrome Association does not have direct donors and Mazula believes that there is need to fund such organizations, which play a key role in nurturing children with Down Syndrome. She said, Getting funding is difficult, the organization does not even have one sole sponsor that can say we will fund you wholly. We need resources to be able to go to rural areas to assist these children. Some are subjected to sexual abuse, mainly the perpetrators take advantage of them because they are challenged in fully expressing themselves. We want to be able to assist in counseling parents, and educating the community through active youth forums. Many cannot come where we are but with resources we can go to them. I know what the parents need when it comes to our children, I have their support. The government is not doing enough to assist people with Down Syndrome. We acknowledge their inclusive educational policies but more can be done. COMMEMORATIONS IN ZIMBABWE An event to mark World Down Syndrome Day in the countrys second largest city, Bulawayo, was attended by various dignitaries, including guest of honor Soneni Gwizi of the state-controlled Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation. Gwizi, a well-known poet, is also a gender and disability activist. Her works were recognized in 2013 by Women4Africa, which awarded her the prestigious Women for Africa Reward. She was once quoted by the media as saying, I have not allowed my disability or society to define me by my condition I celebrate my life as an African woman with a disability by inspiring and impacting people across board using the media & all platforms that avail before me. Lawmaker Thabitha Khumalo of the Movement for Democratic Change led by Morgan Tsvangirai also graced the event. She said, Society is stigmatizing these kids (with Down Syndrome), and mothers who give birth to these kids are accused of witchcraft. As political leaders are we part of them (Down Syndrome kids) and are we speaking their language, are we feeling their pain. The physically challenged in the community are flowers in the community. My role is to represent these people at the highest offices of this country, and if I dont do that I will be doing a disservice (to the people). Government should support Down Syndrome. We need satellite centers in the rural areas, thereby create institutions that capacitate them. We need to empower them by giving them tools so they can be mothers and fathers of tomorrow. Khumalo promised to raise this issue in parliament so that government can tackle such disabilities. Indigenization Minister Patrick Zhuwao has vowed that there is no going back on plans by government to cancel licenses of foreign firms that fail to comply with the Cabinets April 1st deadline to submit their black empowerment compliance plans. The countrys empowerment law states that at least 51 percent of the shares of every company and any other business should be owned by indigenous Zimbabweans. Government is also bitter that foreign companies have spurned Zhuwaos directive to contribute 10 percent of their annual earnings to the proposed empowerment levy. But criticism of the governments plan is increasing. War Veterans leader Chris Mutsvangwa, who was recently booted out of cabinet, is quoted in the Newsday newspaper as saying his organization will resist plans to nationalize companies and loot the countrys resources. The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions has also written a letter to Zhuwao protesting the threat to close companies saying he is leading the nation towards a slippery slope. The International Monetary Fund has also called on the government to clarify the opaque law that many say is driving away foreign investors. In an exclusive interview with Studio 7, Zhuwao said government will continue with its plans and said he has personally organized an indigenization clinic for those who have queries. Zimbabwes Indigenization Minister Patrick Zhuwao has reiterated that Harare will from April 1st cancel licenses of foreign-owned firms that have not complied with the black empowerment law that compels them to sell a 51% stake of their shares to locals. President Robert Mugabe signed the Indigenization and Economic Empowerment Bill into law in 2008 after it passed through parliament in September 2007 despite stiff resistance from the opposition Movement for Democratic Change. Under Zimbabwean law, foreign and white-owned companies with assets of more than $500,000 must cede or sell a controlling stake to black nationals. Zanu-PF insiders say the cash-strapped government took the hard line stance after foreign-owned companies spurned government's offer to contribute 10 percent of their annual earnings to the empowerment levy set up by Zhuwao. The move by Harare to cancel licenses is likely to torpedo plans by the country to re-engage the Bretton Woods institutions: the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Locally, the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions has petitioned Zhuwao complaining about the threat to seize companies licenses and the negative impact it will have on workers. Chairman of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association, Chris Mutsvangwa, has also joined the chorus of those condemning the government move. Mutsvangwa told the daily newspaper, NewsDay, that the former fighters would oppose governments move to nationalize companies. Said Mutsvangwa: It is a plan to loot the countrys resources and we will not fold our hands. War veterans want a country that is open to business, that is attractive to investment from anyone and there is no need for us to slam doors in the faces of those who want to bring in new money, But Zhuwao, in an exclusive interview with VOA Studio 7s Blessing Zulu, said that Harare is not backing down from local and international pressure. BLESSING ZULU (B.Z): First Honorable Zhuwao are companies complying with what you said is a cabinet directive to give your ministry their indigenization proposal plans? PATRICK ZHUWAO (P.Z) Companies go to their line ministries in terms of their proposals. So, I have not even bothered to check with line ministries what the progress is. But however, what then has been transpiring is that there have been a number of companies that have been seeking clarity on a lot of issues some of which are downright lies in terms of what they have been told about the Indigenization and Economic Empowerment Act Chapter 14:33. Some of those lies have actually come from institutions such as yours which are the media that have been misleading companies. I was requested by one of the companies to conduct an indigenization compliance clinic where companies that feel they are affected come in to get just a few pointers directly from me the minister responsible for administering that Act to say look this is what the Act says and these are the options available to each and every company in terms of the legislation. B.Z: So when is this proposed indigenization clinic taking place? P.Z: We will begin tomorrow (Wednesday) at 8.00 am at the Jacaranda room, Rainbow Towers Hotel in Harare. B.Z: How many companies have registered so far (to attend the clinic?) P.Z: No its like a walk in clinic my brother, you know if you have a tooth ache, you go to the clinic and say I have a tooth ache and the Doctor says you need aspirin or whatever it is that you need and if your ailment is of a bigger nature then the doctor says look I cant really assist you, you need to go to a specialist. So there are some companies that really do not fall within the threshold of indigenization in terms of capital requirements, and or those companies its just a matter of letting them understand that this is what the law says and then they can go home and relax and have a good night sleep. For those that fall within the threshold we say, look you fall within the threshold, these are the various options that are available to you. If you are still confused as to how you will be able to put together an indigenization plan, it is quite possible that they can then go to some of the advisory companies that are dotted around Zimbabwe. We have quite a number of fairly good advisers. But we also observed that there are some legal practitioners that instead of explaining to their clients the provisions of the law are busy telling their clients that government is not serious about implementing the law and those people are lying to whoever it is that they are giving advice to. And you know if I was a manager of any business, I would simply make sure that I go on my own to understand what the law requires and I make sure that I am compliant. B.Z: You said there are certain companies that fall within the threshold, if you can give us some examples? P.Z: My brother, you have got General Notice 114 of 2011, General Notice 459 0f 2011 and the General Notice 280 of 2012. Those set the threshold sector by sector. B.Z: And talking about tomorrow (Wednesdays) compliance clinic, is there a likelihood that you will extend the deadline or timeline to submit compliance plans? P.Z: No. No. The timeline by which companies should have complied is the 1st of March 2015. So companies that have not complied are already one year and one month beyond the time they should have complied. However, I need to point out that the processes of the revocation of the licenses involves the line minister notifying the non-compliant company of the line ministers intention to order the licensing authority to revoke the license. Thereafter, the line minister also requires the non-compliant company to show just cause as to why they have not complied and the minister then asseses if there is just cause. B.Z: We have had serious concern being raised first by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions that has already petitioned you and the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association led by Chris Mutsvangwa saying the government has veered off the road and is headed for the ditch. P.Z : (Laughs) Sorry with all due respect to the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions. It is not them that I am laughing at eeh the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions, I have just had an interview with a journalist who showed me the letter that was written by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions. I will engage the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions. But I do not want to engage with the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions in the media. B.Z: Turning to Mr. Mutsvangwa? P.Z: Mr. Mutsvangwa Honorable Mutsvangwa lets use his title appropriately. Honorable Mutsvangwa was a member of the cabinet and having been a member of the cabinet he knows the processes of cabinet. And over and above knowing the processes of cabinet I am struggling to understand where he is coming from because I have not received any letter from the war veterans. I am struggling to believe that Honorable Mutsvangwa is going against a resolution that was passed by a cabinet that is chaired by his patron. (President Robert Mugabe is the patron of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association). A cabinet that consists of members of his association who are also the two vice presidents of the country. (vice presidents Phelekezela Mphoko and Emmerson Mnangagwa) A cabinet that has got the secretary responsible for war veterans in the Zanu-PF party as a member. (Defense Minister Sydney Sekeramai) A cabinet that has got the minister responsible for war veterans in that cabinet as a member. (Tshinga Dube) and a cabinet that has no less than four other ministers who are war veterans. So I have not seen any letter from Honorable Mutsvangwa. So I do not believe what is in the media because it is impossible to contemplate that . .. eeh (laughs) Honorable Mutsvangwa could be saying that his patron is wrong. What it would mean is that he is now actually going against the campaign manifesto (ruling Zanu-PF 2013 election manifesto) that he also used to become a Member of Parliament for Norton because Zanu-PF went on a campaign of indigenize, empower and develop and create employment. So I dont believe it. It is impossible. No sane person would actually turn around and say I was voted on this platform, now I do not believe in it. If he no longer believes in it, he should resign as a member of parliament. B.Z: Capital is a coward Hon. Zhuwao, dont you think that this law is causing problems for Zimbabwe when it comes to investment. P.Z: Its not a matter of whether I think indigenization is scaring away investors. I know it is not indigenization, if there is anything called scaring away investors, because there are territories that have similar pieces of legislation where investment goes in. So the evidence is there that it is not around issues of indigenization or whichever way you want to label such a piece of legislation. There are other political considerations which include sanctions and certain narratives that are then propagated that then talk to this. But more importantly, my view is that there is need to put finality to this issue. So that people know that when the government of Zimbabwe puts in place a law, it will abide by that law. Now if we do not abide by the indigenization law, then how can any other investor believe that we are serious about abiding by any other law? And this is really my perspective and I give this perspective from the perspective of a person that has actually started business. You see, I did not start off my professional life as a minister of government or as a politician. I had my professional life as a business person. I have started businesses. I have run businesses and I still have some shares in some businesses. So I know what it takes to make a business decision and I know it very, very well. So you know, izvi zvekunzi munhu atanga kupinda mu Mercedes Benz apinda muhurumende aiwa ini yangu ndakatanga kupinda hangu iri 123 series in 1994. (I did not start driving a Mercedese Benz when I was appointed a cabinet minister, I bought the first one for myself in 1994, a 123 series.) B.Z: There are serious concerns minister that the indigenization programs benefit only a few elites and for the majority of Zimbabweans, independence remains flag and anthem. P.Z: Unfortunately some of these concerns are misplaced. These are the very same concerns that came around the issue of the land reform programme and these very same concerns then got some Zimbabweans that ought to have benefited from the land reform programme taking very, very drastic and unfortunate hard line positions saying I am not going to be part of that and they have failed to benefit. But you know paranoia is a disease. There is nothing you can do when someone is mentally afflicted like that. B.Z: But even with that land reform programme you are alluding to, there are multiple farm owners who happen to be the elite and the majority of Zimbabweans are bitter they have been left out. P.Z. I do not know of any multiple farm owners. Can you tell me of some and if there are any I think you should raise your concerns with the minister of lands. There is a minister of lands who you are supposed to raise those issues with. B.Z : But successive government land reform audits have concluded that there are multiple farm owners. P.Z: Well let the minister of lands respond to that. I am the minister for Youth, Indigenization and Economic Empowerment. You know division of labor my brother. Division of labor. Lahore: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his PML-N government are working on a deliberate strategy to raise the issue of the involvement of Indias external intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) in Pakistan, the law minister of the countrys Punjab province, Rana Sanaullah Khan, has claimed. Read: Pakistan claims arrest of yet another RAW agent in Balochistan Responding to a question from a media person on why Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has refused to comment on the recent arrest of a former Indian Navy officer Kulbushan Yadav for allegedly acting as an agent of the R&AW in Balochistan, Rana Sanaullah Khan, as quoted in the Dawn, said, the government is working on a strategy to raise the issue of involvement of RAW in Pakistan. Rana Sanaullah Khan also declined to confirm arrest of two Indian engineers from the Ramzan Sugar Mills which is owned by the Sharifs in a Punjab town on charges of sabotage. He was speaking to reporters outside the Punjab Assembly building in Lahore on Wednesday. The Punjab provincial minister described this report as absurd and wrong. When he was asked to either confirm or deny the report, Khan said no agency had so far given any report on the matter. Asked if Jaish-i-Muhammad and Jamaat-ud-Dawa would be allowed to operate in the province under the notion of good and bad Taliban, Khan said this notion had died after the launch of Operation Zarb-e-Azb, and added that no one will be allowed to use our soil for any kind of terrorism. President Robert Mugabe, who is on a five-day state visit to Japan, has pleaded with the East Asian countrys investors to do business with Harare. Mr. Mugabe arrived in Japan Sunday after a stopover in Singapore where he regularly travels for medical attention. At a joint press conference Monday with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, according to the Japan Times, President Mugabe invited Japanese companies to invest heavily in his mineral-rich country. The president said, Zimbabwe doors are open to the Japanese investors and they should look forward to a mutually rewarding relationship with us. In return, Mr. Abe pledged to give Zimbabwe about 5 million dollars to fund a road project. He also added that Japan will assist Zimbabwe in tackling the growing food crisis. The two leaders are also expected to talk about reforms of the United Nations and the 6th Tokyo International Conference on African Development in Kenya in August. Earlier in the day, President Mugabe and his wife, Grace, met with Japanese Emperor Akihiti and Empress Michiko. Economists though are warning that Mr. Mugabes call for foreign investment in Zimbabwe is being overshadowed by his cabinets decision to force foreign-owned companies that are not complying with the Indigenization Act to close shop by April 1st. The law compels all foreign-owned to surrender a 51% stake to indigenous blacks. Economist Dr. Gift Mugano, a University of Zimbabwe lecture and Senior Economic Advisor to the Government of Zimbabwe under the Adam Smith International Zimbabwe Project, told VOA Studio 7 that Mr. Mugabes visit to Japan is significant. Zanu PF youth said to be aligned to a faction of the party known as Generation 40 or G40 are planning a million-man march to show support for President Mugabe. They are vowing to stand by Mr. Mugabe despite his advanced age. The youth are planning to join others in May to stage what they term a million-man march in solidarity with President Mugabe. They are believed to be G40 members, who allegedly want First Lady Grace Mugabe to succeed her husband. The other faction allegedly led by Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa is backed by war veterans of the 1970s war of liberation. The youth, who gathered in the eastern border city today to make the necessary arrangements for the proposed march, said they are geared for the public event to prove they are fully behind the 92-year old leader, who has ruled Zimbabwe since independence in 1980. Their representative, Zanu PF Youth League political commissar, Innocent Hamandishe, said they want Mr. Mugabe to rule until he dies. Our main aim on the One Million Men March is to show the President that we are fully behind him. We want him to be our president for life and those that do not agree are free to go to ZEC and remove their name there or vote otherwise. Hamandishe further noted that they are being used as political tools by some Cabinet ministers. He said this can only stop if they are economically empowered. Our youths have suffered enough and we will ensure that ministers that are not doing their work are named and shamed, come that day. We will meet the president on the Million Men March. The youths that were in the city are planning to hold a rally on Sunday in the eastern border city ahead of the march in May. Each province is expected to provide at least 100,000 young people for the event. Acting Zanu PF Manicaland provincial Youth League chairperson, Mubuso Chinguno, said they have been let down by ministers in the province as most youths do not have land, stands in urban areas and are left out of state projects. They said they have not yet benefited from the diamond-rich Manicaland province. President Mugabe recently claimed that Zimbabwe could have lost about $15 billion in potential diamond revenue due to lack of transparency in the mining of the gems. Chinnguno said this is unacceptable as part of the proceeds were meant to benefit local youth. As chairperson for the province we have youths that are being marginalized in terms of accessing land, residential stands and businesses. We want them to benefit after being left out in the past in many projects. The youth are expected to raise funds for the transportation of Zanu PF activists to the so-called million-man march in Harare. The crisis ridden Zimbabwe government is again issuing conflicting statements on the payment of overdue bonuses owed to civil servants. The bonuses are routinely paid in November and December Treasury was expected by the end of March to pay bonuses to members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services and the health sector but failed to meet its obligation. A statement released in the morning by Health Services Board executive director, Ruth Kaseke, showed the dysfunction in government. The statement directed to secretary for Health and Child Care, Brigadier General Gerald Gwinji, read: As you might be aware bonus payment for Health Workers had been scheduled for today, (Thursday) 31st March 2016. Please advise all institutions that there has been a delay in the honoring of this commitment and we await details from treasury. Later, Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa issued a somewhat contradictory statement saying, As previously communicated, government is paying the 2015 bonus payments on a staggered basis, with the first installment having been made end of February 2016. The next proposed payment date is for end March 2016. In this regard, 2015 bonus payments for members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police are being made tomorrow (Friday), 1 April 2016. Chinamasas statement further said, To allow for mobilization of additional resources, 2015 bonus payments to members of the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services and staff under the Health sector will be made on Thursday 7th April 2016. The 2015 bonus payment dates for the Education Sector and the rest of the civil service remain as previously communicated, that is, 30th April, 2016 and 31st May, 2016 respectively. Chinamasa in February said members of the defense forces - who include the Zimbabwe National Army and the Air Force of Zimbabwe - were to be paid that month, followed by the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services and the health sector in March. Only the defense forces have been paid to date in what many government workers allege is a divide and rule tactic. Due to tight fiscal space, Chinamasa had early last year contemplated suspending payment of bonuses for 2015 and 2016. Chinamasa said economic activity was depressed and with more people working in the informal sector where they do not pay taxes, it was unsustainable to continue paying the bonuses. The move irked civil servants and President Robert Mugabe overturned the suspension saying when government bestows a benefit on civil servants, that benefit cannot be withdrawn because it has become a right. At its peak, the country had two million workers in formal employment, but the figure has shrunk to a paltry 500,000 in the last decade. Chinamasa says Zimbabwe spends $260 million on salaries every month or 82% of the total revenues raised from taxes. Cutting the wage bill is part of reforms agreed with the International Monetary Fund under an ongoing plan to revamp the economy. President of the Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association Dr Fortune Nyamande told VOA Studio 7 that they were expecting their bonuses Thursday as promised by treasury but thy were not paid. He said there was no formal communication from the government as to why it had failed to honor its promise. A Zimbabwean living in Ireland says he has teamed up with some colleagues from Kezi, Matabeleland region, in developing schools in the areas of origin. Addmore Bonani Mlilo, who works in the Irish capital, Dublin, said he is helping several schools together with at least 28 other Zimbabweans in ensuring that children in Kezi and surrounding areas get good education. He told VOA Studio 7 that they normally pool their personal resources for making different packages for needy schools. We come from a place called Nhlupho. We discovered as former students that the area does not have proper secondary school as the one in the area had only two blocks that did not have chairs and they were not painted and plastered. So, kids had to travel for long journeys to the nearest secondary school to write examinations at another school which is 17 kilometres away. We then decided to collect money among ourselves to help in developing the local school. He said they set up an organization they called Nhlupho Development Project, which was designed to provide some of the basic infrastructure needed by the school. We noticed that the school did not have a cottage for teachers who never used to stay for long when they were hired. We have since built a five-roomed cottage at the school for teachers. Mlilo has since teamed up with his brother and about 28 colleagues to help more schools that lack the necessary resources. The High Court has dismissed former Movement for Democratic Change senator Matson Hlalos urgent application to bar the party from recalling him from Senate. In a brief statement Thursday, Justice Nokuthula Moyo said the court had found no compelling reasons to handle the case as an urgent matter. The court ordered Hlalo to bear the costs of the litigation. In his application, Hlalo had asked the court to set aside his recent recall from the Senate as well as his dismissal from the party. He had also sought an interim order to stop the MDC-T led by Morgan Tsvangirai from appointing another person as senator until the matter had been finalised. Lawyer Kholwani Ngwenya, who was co-representing the MDC-T with the partys secretary general Douglas Mwonzora told Studio 7 that the decision meant that the MDC-T could now proceed with replacing Hlalo from Senate. Ngwenya said, The implication of this decision is that he is therefore recalled from parliament. He can no longer represent the MDC-T as a senator. The MDC-T party can then proceed to second someone and indeed they have already seconded someone by the name of Victor Mapungwana to fill that vacancy which has been left by Matson Hlalo. Efforts to get comment form Hlalo were fruitless as he was not reachable on his mobile phone. Ngwenya said although Hlalo has an option to pursue the matter further, his chances of success are very slim. Hlalos clash with the MDC-T emanates from his refusal to accept the election of Gift Banda as the partys chairperson for Bulawayo province. Hlalo contended that the election of Banda in 2014 was marred by violence. His fight over Bandas election is still in the courts. A Mandela Washington Fellowship For Young African Leaders (YALI) alumni is in Silicon Valley sharing his ideas about the internet and how it affects basic human rights at a three-day technology conference which started Wednesday. Munyaradzi Dhodho, the founder of TV Yangu and YALI 2015 alumni, is attending the RightsCon technology conference organized by digital rights group, Access Now. "I am here for RightCon a summit series convened annually that brings together different people from around the world to talk about the future of the internet and how that affects different human rights. Technology is changing rapidly and human rights have to evolve with each new technology that gets invented so we are here to discuss that and we have different speakers from around the world coming together for this, said Dhodho. Dhodho told VOA Studio 7 he will be presenting a paper at a YALI-sponsored segment focusing on internet usage in Zimbabwe and Africa in general. "I am not the only one representing Zimbabwe there is also a lady here who is based in South Africa. We are going to be having a series of panel discussions there is over 250 sessions that are going to be taking place. I am going to be on two of them my session is on AfricaniInnovation and zero rating with other trail blazers from Africa. We will talk about the effects of zero rating what governments, telecommunications companies, people can do, giving recommendations in running start ups in Africa and giving and sharing ideas and experiences generally," said Dhodho. The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders (YALI) is the brain-child of U.S President Barack Obama. It brings 500 dynamic young African leaders annually, ages 25-35, from across the continent to the United States for six weeks of leadership training and mentoring at 20 American universities and colleges in three areas: business and entrepreneurship, civic engagement and public administration. Dhodho participated in last year's YALI programme and runs his own Start Up TV-Yangu in Zimbabwe. The 2016 tobacco selling season officially opened on Wednesday with some farmers complaining about the new payment system in which farmers are expected to receive payment through banks instead of receiving cash at the auction floors. Some of the farmers told Studio 7 at the tobacco auction floors that the new payment system would inconvenience them as they usually want to buy agricultural inputs once they sell their crop. Philip Zvavamwe of Shamva said to make matters worse, there are no banks in most farming areas. This deal is not good to us because at our local villages we dont have banks, we need to buy our things quickly and go home, said Zvavamwe. Young farmer, Enia Godza of Mt. Darwin, said the new payment system is not good. Thats not good because we want to buy things here in town When I go home there is no price that I want, said Godza. Others, however, felt that the payment system would protect the farmers from criminals and unscrupulous dealers who used to rob some of them at auction floors. Agriculture Minister, Joseph Made, said he expected the new system to satisfy the farmers. I hope there will be a balance between the expectations of the farmers and the system that will now come in that the farmers will now be paid through the new banking structure. We must listen to the farmers to see how the system will be working, said Made. The new system which is being introduced by the Tobacco Industries Marketing Board is meant to decongest auction floors. The highest price at the auction floors was $4.50 per kilogram while the least was 50 cents per kilogram. Some farmers like Zvavamwe said the price was good while Made noted that farmers expected the prices to go up so that they get a just reward for their efforts. Last season the opening selling marketing price was $3.50 per kilogram. Tobacco Industries Marketing Board chairperson, Monica Chinamasa, said 72,000 farmers had registered to sell tobacco this season compared to 91,000 in the previous season. Three auctions floors - Tobacco Sales Floor, Boka Tobacco Sales Floor and Premier Tobacco Auction Floor and 16 contractors - were licensed to buy tobacco this season. Tobacco earned about $900 million from the sale of 152 million kilograms but production went down by about 20 percent. Harare Hospital has announced that it is shutting down its Outpatient Department due to lack of doctors. Some Zimbabweans say the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission appears to be toothless as local people are not yet ready for healing. They say the poorly-funded commission looks ineffective in promoting healing, peace and reconciliation in the nation. The High Court has dismissed former MDC-T senator Matson Hlalos urgent application to bar the party from recalling him from senate. The court dismissed Hlalos application and said he would bear the costs of the litigation. Harare threatens to disconnect water supplies for residents failing to pay bills. Music guru Thomas Mapfumo says time has come now for Zimbabwean youth to lead the country. He says the present government has ruined the nation. But a Zanu PF activist says Mapfumo is day dreaming. We will give you a closer look at President Mugabes remarks that Zimbabweans will be unhappy if he leaves office. Stay tuned for these stories and more coming up on Studio 7 at 7:30 pm on 9-0-9 Medium Wave and on the 4-9-3-0, 5-9-4-0 and 1-5-4-6-0 shortwave frequencies. We also broadcast on www.channelzim.net. Please check us out on Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter. Tonight on Livetalk on the Womens Round Table our hosts Marvellous Mhlanga Nyahuye and Praxedes Jeremiah will be talking with listeners and experts about President Robert Mugabes remarks that he is not to blame for ruling for almost 36 years. He says Zimbabweans wont be happy if he decides to leave office. Participate by sending your messages on our WhatsApp number 001 202 465 0318. The number again 001 202 465 0318. Stay tuned!!!!!! Kulbhushan Yadav, the alleged chief operative of Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) was arrested by Pakistani security agencies last week from Chaman near Quetta. (Photo: Video grab) Islamabad: Pakistan on Thursday said it has informed the European Union and major world capitals about the arrest of an Indian 'spy' from restive Balochistan province and asked Iran to provide details of his 'spy network'. Kulbhushan Yadav, the alleged chief operative of Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) was arrested by Pakistani security agencies last week from Chaman near Quetta. Read: What rubbish, says India to Pak video flaunting spy confession Speaking at his weekly news briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said major world capitals and EU have been informed about the arrest of a serving Indian Navy officer for planning "subversive activities" in Pakistan, Radio Pakistan reported. The entire world has seen the admission statement of the Indian agent, Zakaria said, referring to the so-called "confessional video" of Yadav released earlier this week by the Pakistani Army. Read:Pakistan claims arrest of yet another RAW agent in Balochistan Zakaria further said that Pakistan had earlier provided the United Nations with evidences of Indian interference and terror activities in Pakistan. India has acknowledged Yadav as a retired Indian Navy officer, but denied the allegation that he was in any way connected to the government. Read: Pak authorities ministries wary of giving India consular access to RAW agent "The said individual has no link with government since his premature retirement from Indian Navy," said a statement issued by India's Ministry of External Affairs, while demanding counselor access to him. Meanwhile, Zakaria confirmed that Indian High Commission here has sought counselor access to the arrested spy. "A request by India for consular access (to Yadav) is under consideration," he said in response to a question. Read: India debunks Pakistan claim on 'spy' Kulbhushan Zakaria said that Pakistan has also asked Iran to provide details about the network of Yadav who was reportedly arrested after he entered from Iran. Read: Arrest of alleged Indian spy threatens Indo-Pak back channel talks In the video, Yadav has said that he arrived in Iran in 2003 and started a small business in Chahbahar. The FO spokesperson said that Iran has assured Pakistan that it would never allow anyone to use its soil against Pakistan. The activity of the volcano has decreased overall. Explosions have been mostly weak and relatively rare (a few per day) and the previously continuously visible glow at the summit crater, indicative of the small new lava dome, has recently been visible only during increased degassing or explosion events.This in turn suggests that the growth of the dome has been very low or even stopped for now. Background: Colima volcano is one of the most active in North America and one of the potentially most dangerous ones. It has had more than 30 periods of eruptions since 1585, including several significant eruptions in the late 1990s. Scientific monitoring of the volcano began 20 years ago.The Colima volcanic complex is the most prominent volcanic center of the western Mexican Volcanic Belt. It consists of two southward-younging volcanoes, Nevado de Colima (the 4320 m high point of the complex) on the north and the 3850-m-high historically active Volcan de Colima at the south.A group of cinder cones of probable late-Pleistocene age is located on the floor of the Colima graben west and east of the Colima complex. Volcan de Colima (also known as Volcan Fuego) is a youthful stratovolcano constructed within a 5-km-wide caldera, breached to the south, that has been the source of large debris avalanches. Major slope failures have occurred repeatedly from both the Nevado and Colima cones, and have produced a thick apron of debris-avalanche deposits on three sides of the complex. Frequent historical eruptions date back to the 16th century. Occasional major explosive eruptions (most recently in 1913) have destroyed the summit and left a deep, steep-sided crater that was slowly refilled and then overtopped by lava dome growth.--- Gabriels reaction to the Glanders vial Cant seem to get rid of this, can I? could just as easily apply to the Pastor Tim Problem thats dogging Directorate S. The two biggest threats to the Jennings are narratively linked: They appeared at roughly the same time, and they function as metaphorical echoes of each other. The vial and the pastor have enormous destructive potential, so they must be handled carefully if the Jenningses are to survive. On a more symbolic level, they both represent the terrifying potential of the unknown, and the complete lack of good choices available to Philip and Elizabeth. Experimental Prototype City Of Tomorrow finds the Jenningses and Gabriel attempting to close these twin Pandoras boxes, with little to guide them but gut instinct and the will to survive. Managing the Pastor Tim Problem is an extremely delicate act; with Paige in the picture, there is no neat approach. Philip and Elizabeths attempt to placate the man seems to go nowhere. (Even Philip cant resist throwing a big ol side-eye when Elizabeth suggests, What we do isnt so different from what you do.) After that, Philip tries to guide Paige through working Pastor Tim, and her inability to tell even a wisp of a lie somehow makes the situation even worse. At this point, Philip is all-in on the cut-and-run approach, although as Elizabeth points out, Henry and Paige would have zero context or capacity for life in Russia. In the end, Philip seems resigned to the fact that Elizabeth and Gabriel intend to return to Plan A killing Pastor Tim but now with a slight addendum: The Centre will find someone else to take care of him and his wife, Alice, while Philip and Elizabeth take the kids to Disneys brand-new EPCOT Center, theoretically negating any of Paiges suspicions. Its a very bad plan. (Well, aside from the EPCOT part. That part seems great!) Philip knows as much and says so. Elizabeth seems to know too, but cant bring herself to admit it. Even Gabriel expresses his preference to take them home during his sit-down with Claudia. (Hi, Claudia! Im glad youre back because youre played by Margo Martindale, but also not glad because you always mean extra trouble for Philip and Elizabeth.) Paige is many things principled, naive, impulsive but she is not stupid, and everyone seems to know that she wont be fooled by such obfuscation. If Pastor Tim is managed in this manner, Claudia ultimately concedes that any plans to recruit Paige as a second-generation spy will have to be scrapped. But such sacrifices must be made, as Pastor Tim represents the biggest threat to all of them. Or rather, he did. Once Philip and Elizabeth see Gabriel coughing up blood an apparent victim of Project Glanders all thoughts of EPCOT and double-homicides are immediately put on the back-burner. (Sorry, Henry.) After all, the threat Pastor Tim poses to Directorate S is still purely theoretical. His gossipy wife Helen Lovejoy oops, I mean Alice knows about Philip and Elizabeth, but as far as we know, it ends there. The information is therefore still containable. Whether the infection now ravaging Gabriels body is similarly contained is a much more open, terrifying question. I cant remember ever seeing Philip and Elizabeth look as overtly panicked as they do when they realize why Gabriel is sick. Theyre not bioweapons experts, after all; theyve simply been tapped to help transport dangerous materials. The only information they have is what theyve been told by Gabriel and William, which essentially amounts to, This is a super-scary, super-infectious disease you want absolutely nothing to do with, please get it away from us! And here they are, covered in Gabriels spit and blood, with no real way of knowing if theyre infected. As threats go, this is both incredibly immediate and terrifyingly vague. Enter William, who does little to assuage Philip and Elizabeths fears. (Bolting in the other direction when someone tells you they might be infected doesnt really communicate, Youll be fine, guys!) Good thing Williams avoidance is no match for Philips elite spy training read: a big ol gob of spit to the face and so the biochemical scientist must reluctantly help the Jennings to help himself. His broad-spectrum antibiotic may not be a sure bet, but the methodical manner in which William goes about administering shots to the Jenningses and Gabriel and destroying the faulty vial is weirdly comforting. (And now we all know how to destroy a deadly pathogen at home! Thanks, The Americans!) Williams a weirdo and more than a little rude, no doubt, but at least he seems to have a plan for addressing this threat one that involves saving people, not killing them. That automatically puts it above the Centres EPCOT idea on the Good Ideas list. The glowering visage and low-key disdain brought to William by Dylan Baker (whom you may recognize as Colin Sweeney from The Good Wife) has thus far been a great addition to this season, but this episode introduces another guest star who may end up outshining him, if her initial appearance is any indication. Experimental Prototype City of Tomorrow opens on the unusual scene of Elizabeth as Patty at a Mary Kay party, testing out lipstick and foundation with a group of women that includes a heavily accented Korean transplant named Young Hee, played with great warmth and humor by Tony-winning stage actress Ruthie-Ann Miles. Young Hee is a standout from this very first scene, what with that talk of her and her Korean friends not having to look like Martians, because were all Americans now. Such thematically loaded language indicates an immediate connection between Young Hee and Elizabeth, and sure enough, we soon discover Elizabeth is working Young Hee though at this point, her end game isnt totally clear. If I had to guess, Id wager that her husband, whom we briefly meet during a lively family-dinner scene (Do the Pepper Dance!), may have access to the Level 4 bioweapons the Jennings are tasked with nabbing. This episode wisely leaves such questions unanswered, in favor of showcasing Miles and developing Young Hees bond with Elizabeth, particularly when it comes to their opinions about raising children in an American capitalist society. Also: Unlike Elizabeth, Young Hee appears to have a genuine sense of humor, which is all the more reason to hope she sticks around. Humor and levity are precious resources on The Americans, and we should treasure them whenever they show up. (Related: Hi, Mail Robot! Good to see you again, even if youre just handing out persnickety memos about the FBI not having feelings.) Alas, there isnt even a whiff of humor or levity in Russia, where Nina is staring down the very real possibility of exceptional punishment for her failed note-smuggling scheme. Whats most alarming about Ninas meeting with her lawyer (well, the Russian-prison equivalent of a lawyer) is how unconcerned she seems about a death sentence. Perhaps Nina has escaped calamity so many times that she feels untouchable, but that doesnt seem to be whats going on here. The tiny smile she gives when she reads Antons statement, combined with a later dream sequence that features Stan and Anton in a flower-festooned safe house, indicates Nina may have lost her grip on reality. (Or, at the very least, her instinct for self-preservation.) Ninas had many white knights in the time weve known her Stan, Oleg, and Arkady all fit the bill and this may have rendered her infallible in her own mind. Or, on the flip side of that coin, shes experienced so much loss and betrayal in her life that shes decided to throw in the towel and let fate run its course. Either way, she seems alarmingly unconcerned with the threat of exceptional punishment. As with the Jennings, Nina is facing down a terrifying unknown. But unlike them, she doesnt seem to have any plan to escape that terrifying unknown. Even a bad plan is better than no plan at all, right? It all makes sense now. Photo: Dominique Charriau/WireImage/Gabriel Olsen/FilmMagic Is nothing sacred? Can a man not get jiggy in his car to his so-called favorite song of 2015 without an air of disingenuousness stinking up the place? Nah. Billboard reports that Kanye West has been secretly working with Scooter Braun, Justin Biebers manager/Svengali, for about a month. For the uninitiated, Braun is the man who discovered Bieber on YouTube and made him an IRL star and then saved the kid from going down a dark path last year. He is also Ariana Grandes ex-manager and the dude whose genius idea it was to release Carly Rae Jepsens pop opus in Japan months before the rest of the world. Braun is also the man who likely put Kanye on to What Do You Mean? that song Kanye cant stop dad-dancing to at Biebers concerts. Wonder why Kanye and the Biebs have been spotted in prayer circle backstage? You can probably thank both Braun and their respective love for hipster pastors for that union. To be fair, Kanye has been a fan of Bieber for a while, even remixing one of Justins deep cuts for G.O.O.D. Fridays back in the day. Braun is apparently not quite acting as Kanyes manager just yet (that is still Izzy Zivkovic), but has been a friend and confidant and is consulting with him. Cool, now if Braun can just get Kanye to declare Emotion was his favorite album of 2015 all will be right with the world. A local comedy troupe. Photo: DC Comics The nascent DC Extended Universe doesnt have much of a comedic track record. Man of Steel and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice are about as hilarious as a bag of puppies being thrown in a river while Batman yells at them about his parents murder. But ever since Warner Bros. released its delightful, Queen-soundtracked trailer for Suicide Squad in January, hopes have run high that this Augusts DC Comicsinspired outing might mix a hearty amount of mirth with its mayhem. Apparently, that was not the case until recently. Birth.Movies.Death heard from anonymous sources that the studio ordered up millions of dollars worth of reshoots after the trailer came out, specifically to make the movie funnier. The report says that doesnt mean inserting jokes left and right, but instead beefing up fun character moments and interactions. The reshoots have the added benefit of giving Jared Leto more opportunities to terrorize his co-workers. Update: Director David Ayer shot down the rumors in a tweet on April 11: Santino Fontana (John Adams), John Larroquette (Benjamin Franklin), and John Behlmann (Thomas Jefferson). Photo: Joan Marcus Like the thirteen colonies awkwardly hammered into a union, the musical 1776, which is about that hammering, is a bizarre construction that should not work. The idea for the show was outre in itself, let alone in its provenance: It was the dreamchild of a New Jersey schoolteacher and passable pop songwriter named Sherman Edward. By the time he got his historical costume musical about the ratification of the Declaration of Independence on the boards, in 1969, the Vietnam War was in full rage and game-changers like Hair and Cabaret had blown away the Broadway template. Who would sit for a longish (and originally intermission-less) show featuring grumpy old men doing gavottes in breeches? A show with hardly any women, unusually few songs (at one point, 30 minutes go by with no music at all), and no inherent suspense? But the oddness of 1776 turned out to be its genius. Peter Stone, hired to reshape Edwardss dry chronicle of three months in Philadelphia into a feasible drama, figured out that even with a foregone conclusion the battle could be surprising; 1776 is not so much about how we came to be a country as about how close we came to not being one. That Edwardss songs, with their often-peculiar lyrics, are so secondary, and Stones book so good certainly one of the best ever written for a musical makes 1776 an unexpected choice for the Encores! series, which almost always faces the opposite situation. (The limp and objectionable text of this seasons first Encores! entry, Cabin in the Sky, makes that show almost unperformable today, despite its lovely score.) Yet the choice also makes perfect sense, and not just because it allows Encores! to hop a ride on Hamiltons Founding Father juggernaut. Though the show was a hit in its original production, and had a moderately successful revival in 1997, it was sorely in danger of disappearing forever into the stock and amateur market, where its strengths, including a knockout orchestration by Eddie Sauter and its delicious choral arrangements, were likely to become liabilities. At Encores! those strengths are restored, and then some Sauters orchestra of 22 players has even been expanded, to 29. The sound from the orchestra, with Ben Whiteley conducting, is glorious and so (Ive buried my lede) is the production. Under Garry Hyness patient, probing, and emotionally vivid direction, it ranks as one of the best of the 68 musical revivals Encores! has offered in its 23 years of operation. Hynes, best known for riveting stagings of Irish dramas including The Beauty Queen of Leenane and The Lonesome West, did not seem an obvious option, either. To my knowledge, the only musical she has ever directed is the dour Juno, based on Sean OCaseys Juno and the Paycock, in a 2008 Encores! production. But as an expert in setting off theatrical fireworks without benefit of kick-lines or special effects, she turned out to be an inspired choice. 1776 features a cast of 26 actual individuals, all but two of them historical, who served in the Continental Congress or were connected to it. (Even the shows custodian is based on the real one.) Stones book characterizes each of them confidently, some in only a few lines, and some, like John Adams, in hundreds. Adams, of course, is the obnoxious hothead spurring the Declaration; Ben Franklin, his main supporter here, is the randy old sage given to spouting adages. Together they dragoon the diffident Thomas Jefferson into writing the document while fighting off the self-preservative arguments of their chief antagonist, conservative John Dickinson. Hynes has cast the show beautifully, which is half the battle: whether quickly etching indelible portraits of secondary players (Andre De Shields as the sauced Stephen Hopkins; Robert Sella as the congressional secretary) or digging deep into characters well known to history (especially Santino Fontana as Adams) the actors thrillingly succeed in making the drama play as if it never happened before onstage or off. Hynes underlines that sense of newness by neutralizing the period aspects of the show. The congressmen wear modern suits, and Abigail Adams, back home in Massachusetts, is hilariously dressed in L.L. Bean. (The costumes are by Hyness longtime designer Terese Wadden.) In addition, there is the productions color-blind casting, which Encores!, again referencing Hamilton, has perhaps over-advertised. Among other nontraditional choices, the courier delivering General Washingtons dire dispatches from the field is the young black actor John-Michael Lyles. (Hynes deploys him, sometimes in a hoodie, to haunting effect, and he sings the scores standout number, Momma, Look Sharp heartbreakingly.) But my one quibble with this 1776 is about this color-blindness: It ought to have been more pervasive. Not that I would choose, having seen their excellent work, to replace any white actor I saw, but with only a few mostly secondary characters being played by nonwhite actors, the aesthetic intention is unclear. What are we to make of the furious and profound fight over Jeffersons denunciation of slavery in his draft of the Declaration when only white actors are participating in it? And what are we to make of the lovely Nikki Renee Daniels as Jeffersons young wife, Martha, when she suddenly runs into his arms after arriving in Philadelphia from the farm in Virginia? At last nights opening, the audience gasped; they evidently thought, as they surely would not had there been more black actors, that she was Sally Hemings. They got over it quickly; theres not much in the musical theater thats as charming as the scene in which Martha dances with Adams and Franklin while Jefferson sleeps off the effects of their romantic reunion. To the strains of He Plays the Violin, with concertmistress Suzanne Ornstein getting a chance to show off her exuberant fiddling, 1776 makes history in more ways than one. And when at the end, spoiler alert, the Declaration gets signed, we know, not so much from high school as from the sensational dissonance of the clanging orchestra chimes, that history is still messy, still happening. Its a brilliant and terrifying way to bring down the curtain. But then the show, and Encores!, had a damn good story to work with. 1776 is at City Center through April 3. Musharraf had said before leaving that he was going abroad to seek medical treatment for a spinal cord ailment which has now developed several complications. (Photo: AFP) Islamabad: A peeved special Pakistani tribunal on Thursday asked government to give a written explanation as to why it allowed former military ruler Pervez Musharraf to go abroad without its consent. The three-member tribunal has been holding trial of Musharraf in treason case, which is based on Musharraf's decision to impose emergency in the country in 2007. The trial started in 2013 and Musharraf has been chargesheeted. 72-year-old Musharraf this month flew to Dubai for purported treatment after Supreme Court lifted bars on his foreign trips. However, the court had also authorised the federal government to stop him from leaving the country in case it felt that he would dodge cases in Pakistan. Justice Mazhar Alam Miankhel asked state prosecutor Akram Skeikh why Musharraf was allowed to go away when the tribunal had issued orders for his personal appearance. He asked the government to provide written response for allowing Musharraf to fly out of the country when it knew that he was required to appear in person on March 31. Sheikh requested the court to issue red warrants against Musharraf, which the court refused. Treason is capital crime in Pakistan, punishable with death. Musharraf ruled from 1999 to 2008 when he stepped down. He lived abroad for most of the time until his return in 2013 to contest elections but was implicated in several high- profile cases and was not allowed to leave the country. Musharraf had said before leaving that he was going abroad to seek medical treatment for a spinal cord ailment which has now developed several complications and will "come back in a few weeks or months". He flew to Dubai after the government lifted international travel restrictions on him. The ex-army chief is facing a slew of court cases after returning from five years of self-exile in Dubai. He is facing trial in high treason case for abrogating the constitution in 2007 and illegal detention of judges same year. In January 2014, Musharraf suffered a "severe heart attack" on his way to a special court to face the high treason charges following which he was admitted to an army hospital. Musharraf has also been charged in connection with the 2007 assassination of prime minister Benazir Bhutto and the killing of a radical cleric in Islamabad in a military crackdown. Actually given the facts and circumstances in this one case, it may be an exception to the typical Barney Fife over-zealous cop using excessive force. Mr. Clark, it seems, was drunk and had just beat the crap out of his girlfriend to the point that someone had called 911 and requested an ambulance. Objecting to her being taken to the hospital, he then went after the paramedics. When the police arrived, he went after them--had one on the ground and was drawing the officer's weapon from his holster when the other one fired. Not only is the entire altercation recorded from several angles, but Clark's fingerprints and DNA are all over the downed officer's weapon and utility belt, and audio confirms the downed officer shouting "He's got my gun." There were also over a dozen witnesses, most of whom corroborate the officers' version, that Jamar Clark was dangerously out of control. Audio and video, coroner's report, and all of the other investigation files have been made public on the DA Freeman's website. There is not enough contrary evidence to bring criminal charges against the police. That doesn't mean the Clark family cannot seek civil damages. But this case seems to be the exception to the recent and all-too-often trend. Poultry giant Pilgrims Pride has been fined $122,500 for allegedly allowing the release of anhydrous ammonia at its Waco plant in September, jeopardizing the safety of employees, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration has announced. The U.S. Department of Labor said in a report that its OSHA unit cited Pilgrims Pride Corp. for two repeat and two serious violations. Anhydrous ammonia can have devastating and lethal effects, said Jack Rector, OSHAs area director in Fort Worth. Had Pilgrims had the right processes in place, this ammonia release may have been prevented. We will continue to monitor the companys progress as they make much-needed improvements to equipment, procedures and training. Most meatpacking, poultry and food processing plants use thousands of pounds of anhydrous ammonia in their refrigeration systems. OSHA issued the two repeat citations to Pilgrims for failing to implement proper standard operating procedures with accurate information on safety systems and how they worked. Also, OSHA claimed the companys process for analyzing hazards such as the release of anhydrous ammonia failed to address issues at the plant. The agency cited Pilgrims for the same or similar violations at its plants in Nacogdoches in February of 2015, and in DeQueen, Arkansas, in July 2013. OSHA also issued serious citations against Pilgrims Pride for failing to use proper methods to prevent over-pressurization and explosions in the system at the Waco plant, and for placing the control and maintenance room facilities in the engine room for ammonia refrigeration. Pilgrims, based in Greeley, Colorado, did not respond to an email message seeking comment on OSHAs legal action and fine. The company employs more than 100 people at its Waco facility located at 2500 E. Lake Shore Drive. Pilgrims Pride, later shortened to Pilgrims, was founded in 1946 by Aubrey Pilgrim and his partner, Pat Johns, in Pittsburg, Texas. It continued to grow under the leadership of Lonnie Bo Pilgrim, who appeared in television advertisements wearing pilgrim garb and claiming the company would never sell a fat chicken. The company in 2006 completed the acquisition of Atlanta-based Gold Kist for $1.1 billion in cash and the assumption of about $144 million in debt. With the addition of Gold Kist, the third-largest poultry processor in America at the time, Pilgrims became the United States leading chicken company in terms of production. 2008 bankruptcy But with the market changes that included record-high corn prices and an oversupply of chicken, Pilgrims in 2008 filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. During its recovery, it closed plants, eliminated thousands of administrative and production jobs and refocused on becoming a market-driven company. It emerged from bankruptcy 13 months later, having repaid all creditors in full. The Brazilian food giant JBS acquired 64 percent of Pilgrims stock in 2009. JBS, which relocated the companys headquarters to Colorado, now controls 75 percent of the company, according to its website. Pilgrims now has operations in 12 states and can process more than 34 million birds per week, or more than 7 billion pounds of chicken annually. The company has been the target of at least 13 OSHA investigations since 2011 and was formally charged with eight violations during that time, Juan Rodriguez, a spokesman for the U.S. Department of Labor and OSHA, said by phone Thursday. He also confirmed the action taken against the Waco facility. Pilgrims has 15 business days from the receipt of its citations and penalties to comply with or contest the rulings. During a two-month period last year, OSHA responded to three incidents at the Pilgrims plant in Moorefield, West Virginia, one of which involved an employee having three fingers amputated while working with a blender and another having his arm fractured by a conveyor system. Retired State District Judge James Morgan on Wednesday stood by his initial ruling on the McLennan County commissioner Precinct 1 race after his decision was challenged. Cory Priests lawyer, Joe Nixon, filed a motion for entry of judgment and asked Morgan to reverse his decision to let the March 1 Republican primary election results stand. Nixon said it is not disputed that 93 people in McLennan County on Election Day were given the wrong ballot and did not get to vote in the Precinct 1 commissioner race because of errors in the countys election office. With a 25-vote margin between Commissioner Kelly Snell and Priest, 93 disenfranchised voters could have changed the outcome of the election had they been able to vote, Nixon said. Its an abuse of discretion not to declare it void, he said. Morgan, who heard Priests original lawsuit March 21, said while there were 93 irregular ballots, he disagrees with Nixons argument. Morgan said he thinks he has to determine the true result of the election, if he can, and he has: Snell won. Of the almost 7,000 ballots cast in the race, 700, or 10 percent, chose not to vote in this race, Morgan said. And almost one-half of the irregular ballots were from a voting box that Snell won by a 2-1 margin. So I shrink the 93 irregulars by nine to reflect the undervote percentage to leave 84 votes in play. Then I take 39 of the remaining 84 for that box and allocate them 25-14 for Snell. That puts Snell up by 36 votes, with 45 ballots remaining. Priest would have to win 41 of those to change the result. That simply could not happen under any scenario that was presented by evidence. Morgan said even if all the irregular ballots had been properly included, the evidence was clear that Snell would have won by an even larger margin than 25 votes. On Election Day, the county reported that 6,108 people voted in the Precinct 1 race. Nixon said Morgan is basing his decision on a guess, and that is not what democracy is about. Youre guessing. You have guessed. Thats unfair to the voters in McLennan County, to both the contestants and to the democratic process as a whole, Nixon said. Nixon told Morgan that the judge is not following any body of law and that this matter is serious and significant. David Tekell, Snells attorney, said he thinks Morgan made the right decision. Tekell said Nixon provided no new evidence Wednesday and simply told the judge he was wrong. Tekell said Nixon is hanging his hat on the assertion that as long as one number is bigger than another, a re-election is mandatory. Thats just not the law, he said. Morgan told Nixon he had a good argument and will get to make it upstairs, referring to a possible appeal. Morgan, of Comanche County, was appointed to preside after local judges were recused by statute from hearing the matter. Nixon said he and Priest have not decided whether to appeal the case. In the past month since the Republican primary, Elections Administrator Kathy Van Wolfe and county leaders have blamed the election calamity on the countys equipment vendor, Hart InterCivic, for not warning them the setup for Election Day differed from the setup for early voting. On Monday, Van Wolfe fired elections employee Karen Hall, blaming her for not testing the ballots before the election. County leaders also have blamed the election snafu that upset disenfranchised voters in precincts 1 and 3 on human error and on residents for not drawing attention to the ballots missing a race while they were in the voting booth. ITHACA Spring break came to an end last Thursday for an Ithaca man and three Wichita State University students, and now, they have work to do. Dwight Hanson, a member of the Nebraska Professional Chapter of Engineers Without Borders, returned to Uganda earlier this month. The engineer has been in the East African country several times already. On previous trips, he and other members of Engineers Without Borders built rainwater harvesting systems so that clinics and communities have a clean water supply. Just like on his previous trips, he took along some students to help with the projects and get to know the people of the central part of Uganda. This time, those students were Seham Alyan, a WSU senior biomedical engineering student, her sister, Zayna Alyan, also a WSU senior biomedical engineering student, and Servando D. Gonzalez, a WSU junior computer science students. The Wichita State Chapter of Engineers Without Borders partnered with the Nebraska Professional Chapter last fall. Dwight has been serving as the school chapters mentor, and he said the students were eager to explore the opportunities for them in Uganda. The group left on March 15. We tried to match it up with their spring break, so it was a short trip, he said. Usually, Engineers Without Borders (EWB) trips are planned for more than just a week and a half, because of all of the paperwork and travel plans that are necessary. Still, the students were excited for the journey. It was the first trip to Uganda for all three of the students. Seham, who is president for the Wichita State chapter, said the mission of the trip was two-fold. First, they needed to perform monitoring and maintenance on the projects previously done by EWB in Uganda. The Nebraska Professional Chapter completed two rainwater harvesting systems. One of these systems was installed on St. Johns Clinic in Gayaza in 2011. The second system was installed by members in the Nebraska University chapter and the Professional Chapters during a trip in June 2013. When you make a commitments, its a five year commitment, minimum, Dwight said. So, you dont just do a project and leave. The engineers go back to see how the system is working and if there are any problems. If there is a problem, they assess not only how to fix it, but if there were flaws in the original design. On their recent trip, they did a couple of fixes to the air vent in rainwater harvester to make it work better. But, that was only one aspect of the trip for the WSU students. It was an assessment trip for us, to identify potential projects for us to work on, said Zayna, WSU chapters vice president. The chapter will be taking on a new international project in Uganda. So, the students mission was to listen to the needs of the communities they visited and determine what type of project would fit those needs. The group visited Gayaza and Wambale. Both communities are north of the countrys capital city of Kampala and have seen the benefit of EWB projects. The students started their trip with only a little speculation about what type of a project they would bring home. Since it was our first time, none of us really knew what to expect, Servando said. The students knew the country is on the equator and there is a shortage of clean drinking water. If there was any expectation at all, Zayna said they thought their project might have something to do with the water system. It doesnt. Dwight said you cant go over with a pre-conceived notion of what is needed. You cant think this is what they need, he said. After doing the maintenance on the water system at the St. Johns Clinic, the group visited two schools. At each school, computers were mentioned. St. Kizito Primary School in Makinkee (near Gayaza) talked about a room that could become a computer room. Another school in Wambale was going to build a room that could become a computer room. They had no computers yet, but each school wanted to bring computers to their students and to their communities. That came out of conversation, Seham said. It was something they were already working on. The WSU chapter will be designing computer labs for the schools. Dwight said Uganda is a poor country, but the people are willing to pay what they can to send their students to school to get an education. The community, he added, want to improve the school so that they can draw in more students. It needs to reach a capacity of 500 students to be self-supporting. Now that the have their project, there is a lot of work and challenges ahead. The design for St. Kizito will be done first. They have to start from the ceiling down. We have an empty room, Dwight said. An empty room that needs a ceiling and a roof, said Seham. Once they get that designed, they will move onto the next basic need electricity for the computers. You cant just plug them in; you have to design the electrical system, Dwight said. Electrical design will include getting power into the building and into the room. Theyll even have to design where to put the light switch, he added. The design for the room that will house 10-computers will need to include desk placement and room arrangement. They will need to implement software and training into their designs. Thats all part of the plan, Servando said. There will need to be security built into the design too. The average wage is $3 a day, so even the most honest person could be tempted by a new computer. There is a lot more that you have to account for over there, Zayna said. While all of this designing is going on in Kansas, the people in the Wakiso District in Uganda will be continuing their conversation about their needs. Dwight said one of the questions that still needs an answered is if they will be bringing internet to the community. While this would be an additional expense for the school, it also could be a way to help raise funds for the overall project as it could be used for community workshops. Finding the funding to turn the design into reality will also be an ongoing activity for all involved with the project. Dwight will be providing oversight for the students during the design process. The hope is that be by late summer, early fall, they can have their design phase done. Then, there will be a technical committee from EWB that reviews the plans. The next step is the implementation process, which will again involved a lot of bureaucracy, Dwight added. The three students all want to be able to go back to Uganda for implementation. Dwight said that might be possible, and a few more students might be able to go along too. The new project should help Wichita State continue to build its chapter. We are building a strong membership, and this will help, Seham said. Other Efforts While monitoring existing projects and assessing new ones was an important part of their trip, those were not the only tasks for the group while in Uganda. On previous trips, Dwight had visited several clinics, schools and orphanages. This return trip offered some much needed assistance to a few of these places. During a physical shortly before his departure, Dwight asked the physician if there were any almost outdated medical supplies or medicines that he would be willing to donate. One-hundred pounds of supplies and medicines were delivered to the clinic in Uganda. Dwight said the medical clinic facility is very limited, compared to what we have in the United States. Being able to deliver more supplies was something that he was happy to do. Another delivery brought a lot of smiles to the faces of children at an orphanage. New mattresses and bed sheets now grace their beds. Zayna said it was fun watching the children react as their badly worn mattresses most with missing pieces were replaced. She recalled that they said they feel like billionaires. There were also boxes of clothing that were taken for the children. Dwight brought some items home again from his trip to Uganda too. He brought back letters for the students at St. Wenceslaus School in Wahoo. Two or three months ago, he said he visited the school and told them about St. Kizito Primary School. The priest there said he would like to have stories about life in America to share with his students. St. Wenceslaus students wrote those stories, and Dwight delivered those to share the students at St. Kizito. Likewise, the St. Kizito students wrote stories to share with their new school friends in Wahoo. He said the two schools would be exchanging letters back and forth. Dwight also brought back several bowls and beaded purses handmade by the mother of five daughters he met on a previous trip. He sells those items for her and then, sends the money back to her so she can put her daughters through school. We dont give them away; that way, they earn it and people get stuff they think is really cool, he said. He sells them at craft fairs or where ever he goes. Cultural Differences Being it was their first time in Uganda, the WSU students learned a lot about the country and its people. Even for Dwight, that happens on every trip. You learn as much as you teach when you go to someplace like this, he said. Uganda was originally settled as a British colony, so the official language of the country is English. But, Uganda is a multi-lingual country, including many indigenous languages. The students said that made it tough to pronounce some of their everyday names words, and made it even tougher to spell them. While the language provided only a few, minor barriers, the introduction of foreigners into the Wakiso District was a bit more of a challenge. We had masses or crowds of people just coming over to look at us like we were a spectacle, Servando said. We are just so unique to them. He said one lady in a restaurant took a photo, and then had to take another when the flash did not go off. But, he did his share of picture taking too. Servando alone took more than 1,000 photos of the trip. Some of those pictures were taken while they got to do some sightseeing. Uganda is home to a portion of Lake Victoria, which is one of the sources of the headwaters of the Nile River. Since they were nearby, Dwight said they decided to visit the Nile on this trip. They got to see this destination, but had to cancel another sightseeing stop. The Trip Home The group had planned a stop over in Brussels, Bel- gium. They had a hotel room booked for the night of March 24 and were scheduled to fly out of the Brussels airport on the morning of March 25. They were still in Uganda when they heard about the terror attacks in Brussels. Dwight said it was difficult to get enough information to really piece together what had happened, they just knew they could not fly in and out of Brussels. Their return route was Uganda to Kenya to Germany to Chicago and then Omaha. They landed at 6 p.m. last Thursday. On Friday, the students were tired, but still very excited and ready to get to work. Zayna said they have many reports to fill out for EWB about their findings on existing projects in Uganda. They also have a new project to design. To the drawing board! Seham said. I got this in an e-mail today, don't know if it's true, but it's scary :unsure: Marlin Closing Its Doors Marlin Firearms Closing Its Doors > >Marlin Firearms bought and CLOSED by George Soros. Even if you don't own a gun - this will affect you. This was checked on "Truth or Fiction" who verified it. They can be trusted more than Snopes. Marlin Firearms is already closing its doors. They are doing it to us, America. All gun owners and sportsmen need to see this. We cannot rely on the media to inform us of these happenings. Something you may not know is happening. Who is buying the companys manufacturing guns? For the last several years a company called The Freedom Group has been buying up gun and ammunition manufacturers. Some of the companies are Bushmaster, Marlin, Remington, DPMS, Dakota Arms and H&R. Some people worry that The Freedom Group is going to control most of the firearms companies in the United States. If you control the manufacturers you can decide to stop selling to civilians. What a perfect way to control guns. If you do some digging you will see that The Freedom Group is owned by a company called Cerberus Capital Management. Guess who controls Cerberus? GEORGE SOROS, Obama's chief financier. He wants to restrict or ban all civilian guns. Pass this on to your freedom loving friends. This needs to come out. Why have we not heard about this in the "mainstream" media? I think this would be BIG news. (Soros also owns Progressive Insurance - Flo). If you don't know who George Soros is, do some research. This One-World Government atheist backed Obama with millions of dollars, and Obama is a puppet on a string controlled by Soros. Send this to every gun owner! Your Ultimate Investing Toolkit Sign up for MarketBeat All Access to gain access to MarketBeat's full suite of research tools: Portfolio Monitoring Top Stock Lists Premium Reports Stock Screeners Live News Feed Premium Support Free for your first month. CHANGES to the junction between New Street and Barrack Street have backfired, becoming yet another source of traffic chaos in the heart of the... Waterford Fine Gael Senator John Cummins has described the progress which has been made on the purchase of the former Waterford Crystal site for... IF you are one of those parents who bought your child a bicycle for the new year but are struggling to find somewhere to... Its that time of year again! Summer in Waterford, with plenty of sunshine, and if you look carefully you may spot the odd artist atop... ... but you will need to show proof of jab get into bars STUDENTS heading to college in September will not have to be vaccinated... Christmas is such an important time for family reunions, but there are many of us for whom Christmas is also a time when those... Choice is calling for a boycott of certain brands and has launched an augmented-reality app CluckAR. Credit:Choice "About 13 million eggs are consumed each day in Australia and demand is continuing to grow. Eggs labelled as free range sell at a premium and our decision today means consumers can be sure they've got what they've paid for." As revealed by Fairfax Media earlier this week, the NSW Department of Primary Industries-run Tocal College has signed a 10-year contract with Pace Farms to supply it with eggs from an operation with 70,000 hens on a 15-hectare property near Newcastle. Tocal College's egg farm. Credit:Department of Primary Industries Under the new definition, the hens, housed in five sheds with a total area of 0.9 hectares, do not necessarily have to venture outside to be called "free range". Victorian Parliamentary Secretary for Justice Ben Carroll, who attended the meeting on behalf of Minister Jane Garrett, said: "Many people want to buy free range to support ethical industries and these changes will help them have more confidence in their choices." Former NSW Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation Victor Dominello championed the implementation of the new laws in late 2015. Credit:Orlando Chiodo The ministers had four options on the table. One was the status quo, rejected by most parties. Three hinged on the definition the industry has been fighting for - that hens have meaningful access to the outdoors, with a stocking density of no more than 10,000 per hectare. Choice is outraged by the decision, saying its research showed 213 million eggs were sold as free range in 2014 that didn't meet consumers' expectations. It claims the decision means consumers could be paying a premium of between $21 million and $43 million per year for free range eggs that are not actually free range. "Eggs that come from hens that don't go outside and have high stocking densities don't meet consumers' expectations and don't deserve the free range label. Because of this, we are calling on consumers to boycott bad eggs that have an outdoor stocking density of up to 10,000 hens per hectare," said spokesman Tom Godfrey. "While we welcome the requirement for consistent display of stocking densities on egg cartons, if a standard does not require birds to go outside then why does it matter how much space they have?" The egg industry lobby group Egg Farmers of Australia said the ministers' decision was a commonsense resolution to what has been an "unnecessarily complicated issue" and an "emotional debate". "Consumers too have secured a win. With the new requirement for stocking density to be mandated on pack, shoppers will be empowered through choice," said spokesman John Coward. "Most importantly for industry this provides certainty. The debate on free range has delayed investment in new farms and has placed a handbrake on innovation and productivity." He thanked Small Business Minister Kelly O'Dwyer for her "deliberative and evidence-based approach" and Minister Dominello for his "engagement ... and intellectual rigour" to the debate. Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce alarmed consumer and animal welfare groups when he revealed he and Minister Kelly O'Dwyer had resolved the egg labelling issue between them and Thursday's meeting would be the final tick-off point. "I'm basically as happy as I think I could be and have gone as far as I think we're going to get on the issue. And in talking to egg producers they're pretty well on-side with where we are now," Mr Joyce, also Deputy Prime Minister, had said. Groups such as Choice and Humane Society International raised concerns that Mr Joyce, who has strong connections to industrial producers, may have exercised undue influence over the consultation process, leading to the list of legal definitions favouring larger farmers. Ms O'Dwyer said the ministers made a decision following an extensive consultation process which began in October last year, with nearly 10,000 consumers, farmers, retailers and advocacy groups providing input. "Animal welfare issues relating to free-range eggs will be considered as part of the review of the model code for poultry by Agriculture Ministers with public consultation beginning in September 2016," she said. ACT Minister Shane Rattenbury was the only one at the Legislative and Governance Forum on Consumer Affairs who voted against the proposed national information standard, saying only eggs from farms with 1500 or fewer birds per hectare should be marked "free range". Industry body Australian Egg Corporation Limited welcomed the decision, saying there was a "national consensus" on egg labelling. "The new definition is fundamentally about doing the right thing by consumers to ensure they can make informed decisions about what eggs they wish to buy based on known factors," its managing director James Kellaway said. "The definition arrived at today has been shaped by science and our own extensive research into what consumers expect when it comes to egg labelling." Animal advocacy group Voiceless lamented the ministers had "bowed to industry pressure", making the situation worse for genuine free range farmers. "It is clear that the process has been hijacked by big egg producers, many of whom have been the subject of successful Australian Competition and Consumer Commission proceedings for misleading and deceiving consumers," said its legal counsel Emmanuel Giuffre. "The standard is also set to create a safe harbour defence that will protect intensive producers and tie the hands of the ACCC, an effective regulator of the industry to date." The ACCC has taken action against numerous "free range" egg producers over the years for misleading consumers, including Pirovic, penalised $300,000, Darling Downs, Derodi and Holland (Ecoeggs, Field Fresh and Port Stephens brands), and Rosie's, charged $50,000. Greens animal welfare spokesperson Senator Lee Rhiannon said the decision was a disgraceful move by the National Party to misuse of the ACL to progress the interests of big industrial egg producers. "The inclusion of a safe harbour defence is essentially get-out-of-jail-free card for producers that can't even meet the weak free-range standards agreed to by the ministers," she said. If the Turnbull government is returned and the Greens hold the balance of power then they will not only be in a powerful position but a potentially dangerous one for them. Their identity is most under threat when they are, in effect, allied with the conservative parties. If they assent to too much government legislation they may outrage their core supporters as the Democrats did in 1999. If they regularly block legislation they will be subject to media outrage, just as the micro-parties have been. It will be an unenviable but powerful position. But they are a puzzle at the moment. Will they go forwards or backwards or remain stationary in 2016? What happens may also determine the future of the major parties. In particular, will the Greens return to a balance of power position in the Senate after time out of the limelight because of independent and micro-party senators? With a double-dissolution election in the air, the Greens have united with the Turnbull Coalition government to pass the legislation to reform the method of Senate voting. There is no suggestion that either a double-dissolution election or an alliance with the Coalition parties will cause their demise. The Greens may be at a crucial stage in their growth as a force in Australian federal politics. They are now at an age where some of their predecessor minor parties, such as the Democratic Labor Party and the Australian Democrats, began to falter. The DLP disappeared at the 1974 double-dissolution election, which they had backed, while the Democrats' ultimately fatal moment was their ill-fated agreement with the Howard Coalition government in 1999 to negotiate a compromise on the GST. If Bill Shorten leads the opposition to victory only to be faced with a Greens crossbench in the Senate then the battle will be resumed for supremacy in progressive politics. On the face of it, this relationship should be more workable but the chaotic Senate debate over voting reform showed how much Labor enjoys attacking the Greens. It is seen as good sport but with a hard edge. The Greens have quite a lot going for them at the moment. They are riding high in the polls, perhaps 3 per cent higher than their vote at the 2013 elections. Most polls concentrate on the House of Representatives where the Greens vote appears to be holding at about 11 per cent which is more than 2 percentage points higher than the 8.6 per cent the party polled at the last election. It was higher after Richard Di Natale became Greens' leader in May last year but plunged as Malcolm Turnbull soared in the polls in September before settling at the current level. If this support holds the Greens should keep about the same number of senators after a double-dissolution election. Currently their 10 Senators are comprised of two each in Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia and one each in NSW and Queensland. Any losses, perhaps in South Australia where Nick Xenophon has strong support, may be made up elsewhere. The micro-parties will campaign against them to exact some retribution but the likely impact of this remains unclear. Whether that number is enough to hold the balance of power is difficult to predict as it primarily depends on the balance between the Coalition and Labor. A Labor government would certainly depend on Greens' support while it is possible that the Coalition, with a greater number of senators, may be able to put together a majority with the support of Xenophon and another Xenophon team member plus one or two surviving micro-party senators such as Jacqui Lambie in Tasmania. Di Natale, called the Black Wiggle by his Labor detractors because of his recent magazine photo shoot, remains one of the party's strengths as he is still widely well regarded as an intelligent and presentable leader. Outside the Green core of voters he is regarded highly as a centrist who is willing to negotiate with both sides. Mohawk the lion, one of Kenya's most famous big cats, was fatally shot on Wednesday by wildlife rangers. In a country that has invested millions in protecting its wildlife, Kenyans are trying to figure out what went wrong. The rangers had no tranquilisers, only rifles. A veterinary team was on its way, but the rangers shot the lion anyway, saying he posed an immediate threat to human life. "We lost one of our best lions," said Nelly Palmeris, a senior park warden at Nairobi National Park. Malcolm Turnbull is facing one of his most difficult and potentially dangerous tests since seizing the prime ministership, with one premier accusing him of treating the states like badly-behaved children and another slamming his offer of extra health funding as "pathetic". Mr Turnbull is on Friday expected to offer the states around $3 billion in extra short-term funding for hospitals, but no extra money for schools. Mr Turnbull is pushing for the states to be be able to raise a proportion of income tax for the first time since World War II, a move he says would allow them to take full responsibility for public schools. Western Australian Premier Colin Barnett has enthusiastically embraced Mr Turnbull's proposals but Labor premiers and Tasmania's Liberal premier have poured cold water on the ideas. The opening of Perth Children's Hospital has been thrown into disarray with a sub-contractor set to terminate its contract and pull workers off the site, claiming construction giant John Holland owes it $7 million. Yuanda Australia was contracted to work on the facade of the $1.2 billion, 298-bed Perth Children's Hospital, which was originally scheduled to open in late 2015 but has been pushed back to April. The WA opposition on Thursday questioned whether that date was realistic. Yuanda workers are threatening to walk off the job. Yuanda and John Holland have been involved in dispute about the external panels of the hospital since late 2013. Yuanda lawyers were expected to on Thursday night serve John Holland a writ for the millions of dollars it believes it is owed. Nicosia: The Egyptian man who said he hijacked an EgyptAir passenger plane because he was desperate to see his former wife and children in Cyprus, was "dangerous and unpredictable" and used to beat and threaten his family, Marina Paraschos, the former wife, told two Cypriot newspapers published on Thursday. Ms Paraschos, 51, said that she had hardly been in touch with her husband, Seif Eldin Mustafa, since they divorced 25 years ago, and that their three children wanted nothing to do with their father. A fourth child, a daughter named Sofia, died in a car accident in 2002 at the age of 17. Ms Paraschos said Mr Mustafa had been indifferent to his daughter's death and had not attended the funeral. Richmond, Virginia: A gunman who shot a Virginia state trooper in the chest at a Greyhound bus station in the US city of Richmond is dead. Local media earlier reported the trooper had died, but the Virginia State Police said he had been critically wounded and was being treated. His family is being rushed to the hospital. Police spokeswoman Corinne Geller said only one trooper, not two as earlier stated, had been shot, along with two civilians who have non-life threatening injuries. She would not confirm the details around the shooting. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is convening the global anti-corruption community to discuss effective measures to enhance integrity at the 2016 OECD Integrity Forum, which will take place in Paris, France from 19 to 20 April under the theme Fighting the Hidden Tariff: Global Trade without Corruption. The Integrity Forum is the OECDs premier public event on integrity, and provides a unique platform for all sectors of society to discuss best practices in preventing, detecting, and curbing corruption that affects the many stakeholders involved in global supply chains. Public and private sector stakeholders, who increasingly acknowledge their responsibility in promoting integrity in global supply chains, have generated a powerful impetus towards promoting good governance in line with the Revised Arusha Declaration, developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) as part of its approach to increase Customs integrity. Many Customs administrations continuously review and improve their systems in order to simplify and harmonize Customs procedures, which has important implications for a wide range of stakeholders, such as trade intermediaries and other players involved in international trade. Moreover, increased accountability and transparency has transformed the relationship between Customs administrations and the private sector, enabling more sustainable and fruitful collaboration in addressing any integrity challenges that may arise. An indicator demonstrating the crucial value of integrity for all stakeholders involved in global supply chains is the growing number of trade agreements that contain provisions dealing with integrity and anti-corruption in the public and private sectors. Empirical evidence shows that promoting integrity in Customs and the business community can create numerous benefits for the public and private sector, as well as for society as a whole, as enhanced good governance at borders significantly reduces trade costs for all countries. Indeed, by reducing information asymmetries, enhancing the enforceability of regulations, and minimizing opportunities for using discretionary powers, Customs integrity provides the private sector with greater confidence that they will receive fair and consistent treatment, thereby enabling them to compete on equal grounds across all markets. The WCO will be attending the Integrity Forum to showcase its wide array of tools developed specifically to enhance Customs integrity, to share its best practices and expertise in this area, and to engage with other interested stakeholders with a view to further bolstering efforts to promote integrity in the public and private sectors. More information 2016 OECD Integrity Forum WCO Integrity Programme The 9th and the last Steering Committee (SC) Meeting of the Finnish-funded WCO Project "Building Trade Capacity through Customs Modernization in the East and Southern Africa (ESA) Region" took place in Kuusamo, Finland from 14th to 16th of March 2016. The meeting was attended by the following members: Malawi, South Africa, Kenya, Mauritius, Namibia, Angola, Uganda, the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Finnish Customs, the WCO and the ROCB ESA as an observer. The Project started in October 2011 and focused on the 5 key Project components in support of the WCO ESA Region: Leadership and Management Development, nCEN implementation and use, Coordinated Border Management and Single Window, support to the ESA ROCB and country-specific support for Namibia. The Meeting welcomed the progress made in all Project components in the Region since 2011 which benefitted 21 ESA Members and took note of the preliminary findings on the Evaluation and Monitoring exercise carried out in January-February 2016. The Commissioners of Uganda Revenue Authority and Namibian Customs and Excise and the Director of Mauritius Customs presented the achievements made with the support of the Project in the areas of Leadership and management, Risk Management through the implementation of National Customs Enforcement Network, Single Window, Integrity and Strategic Organization Design. The meeting was also presented the good results of the CBM activities in four assisted countries. The SC was presented with a new Project Document "To Progress the Trade Facilitation (TF) agenda, within the framework of the WCO Mercator Programme in the East and Southern Africa Region 2016 2019", as approved by the Steering Committee in June 2015 and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland in December 2015. The new project will be presented at the Regional Governing Council to be held in May 2016 and official launch will take place at the WCO Council Session during 14 -16 July 2016. For further information please contact the ESA Regional Development Manager, Mr. Patrick Gyan (Patrick.gyan@wcoomd.org), or the Deputy Director for the Capacity Building Directorate, Ms. Brenda Mundia (Brenda.mundia@wcoomd.org). Long An authorities have pledged to come down hard on owners of industrial parks if they interfere in the operations of their tenants, after a dispute between a parks management and a Japanese firm got out of hand. The vice chairman of Long An Peoples Committee Le Tan Dung said any industrial park impeding operations of its foreign firms would be fined, as it hampers the business environment. The move comes after an incident on March 21, when Tan Duc Investment JSC, the owner of an industrial park in Duc Hoa district, placed tons of rocks and dirt in front of the premises of Japanese confectioner Tango Candy. This was in addition to cutting off the factorys water supply for nine consecutive days. Tan Duc cited the confectioners failure to pay maintenance fees as the reason for their actions. Tango Candy CEO Tango Hirosuke said the lease contract signed with Tan Duc had no mention of the maintenance fee, and the cutting of the water and dumping of earth took place while both sides were still in negotiations. Four days after a request from the provincial government, Tan Duc returned the site to its normal state. Hirosuke estimated the incident cost his firm $15,000 a day and he was ready to defend his case in court should the owner of the park file suit. Tan Duc has a record of attempting similar stunts with other foreign firms in the park, including KSA Polymer and YSG Apparel. The park started to charge a fee of over VND10,000 per square meter, per year in 2013, up to 20 percent more than in other industrial parks in the province, according to the Long An Economic Zone Management Board. So far only 75 out of 121 firms in the park have agreed to pay the fee at that rate. Da Nang has topped the Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI) once again after a successful 2015, while there was mixed news for HCM City and Hanoi. The 2015 PCI Report released by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) revealed that Da Nang led the country on 68.34 points, followed by Dong Thap on 66.39 pts and Quang Ninh (65.75 pts). Ho Chi Minh City (61.36) dropped two places to sixth while Hanoi (59 pts) jumped two places to 24. Danang was the best city for investors in 2015. Photo: VnExpress For the first time, this year's report took into account the opinions and experiences of nearly 1,600 FDI and foreign invested enterprises operating in Vietnam to evaluate the investment environment and analyze FDI effectiveness. Experts noted that Da Nang had improved across a significant set of criteria used to compile the index. The percentage of enterprises that said they did not have "to take many trips to obtain stamps and signatures climbed to 70 percent from 67 percent last year. The assessment of the city's government officials on how effectively they process procedures increased by five percent to 76 percent. The Central region's leading economy has topped the index six times since it was initiated 11 years ago, while Dong Thap province maintained its position in the top five for investment attraction and competitiveness for the eighth consecutive year. Quang Ninh, the home of the country's coal industry, hit a record high with 65.75 points and ranked in the highest group for the third consecutive year thanks to the integration of e-government at a new public administration center. Propping up the index were Dak Nong in the Central Highlands (63 pts) and the northwest mountainous provinces of Ha Giang (50.45 pts), Lai Chau (52.77 pts) and Bac Kan (53.20). The PCI 2015 handled surveys from more than 10,000 private enterprises and the report also includes a chapter assessing Vietnam's SMEs for the first time. The PCI is a measurement of business development and economic governance that provides a voice for the needs of investors in Vietnam. By Vietnam Plus March 31, 2016 | 03:08 am PT President Truong Tan Sang said he hopes Samsung Group will achieve its export target of $50 billion to become the leading electronics company in Vietnam. At a reception for Samsung Vietnams General Director on March 30, President Sang asked the company to help with developing supporting industries. He commended the company's research and development (R&D) center initiative in Vietnam, and congratulated Samsung on its success in Thai Nguyen and Bac Ninh provinces and in Ho Chi Minh City. Samsung Vietnams General Director Han Myong Sup said he was positive that with government support, the rate of locally made components in Samsung's electronic products would increase. The company has already begun manufacturing the first smart TVs in Ho Chi Minh City. He said the R&D center in Hanoi would produce excellent engineers and workers with advanced knowledge. Additionally, Samsung's programs to encourage young talent have already picked out outstanding Vietnamese to attend international technology competitions. Since 2014, the company has also been organizing conferences to attract local partners to join its production chain. Samsung plants in Vietnam employ more than 110,000 workers and total shipments abroad have grossed $32 billion. A pair of bodies discovered in Kentucky Lake this week Email To : Multiple e-mail addresses must be separated with a comma character(maximum 200 characters) Email To is required. Your Full Name: (optional) Your Email Address: Your Email Address is required. By The Associated Press Mar. 29, 2016 | 10:32 AM | FRANKFORT, KY Tensions between Republicans and Democrats over Kentucky's more than $65 billion spending plan escalated overnight, with the Republican governor calling a news conference to blame House leaders for refusing to negotiate. Republican Gov. Matt Bevin said he and Republican legislative leaders were willing to compromise to pass a budget before the legislature adjourns for the year. But he said Democratic House Speaker Greg Stumbo was not being truthful and told reporters not to be played by Stumbo's bluffs. Stumbo told reporters Bevin should spend less time making silly Facebook videos and pick up the phone and call him. Bevin posted a video late Monday night calling on the legislature to pass a budget. House and Senate leaders are meeting again Tuesday to negotiate. Rita Redmond was a true lady who felt that every pupil had something to gift to the world China celebrates the Qingming tomb-sweeping festival on April 3, with much of the ceremonial ritual of honouring the dead these days not geared towards beloved relatives, but beloved pets. Once banned by Chairman Mao Zedong as a bourgeois pastime, having a pet has now become a symbol of financial success in China, which has seen the emergence of dedicated pet cemeteries in the last few years. Qingqiu was among tomb-sweepers at one such Beijing cemetery to pay tribute to her fluffy Pomeranian "Huoban", who died at the grand old age of 15. "It's like a heaven for pets," Qingqiu said of the Baifu Chongwu Tiantang cemetery, or "Hundred Fortune Pet Heaven". "Huoban was very smart. He could pick up moves I taught him very quickly... Visiting the cemetery gives me a feeling that we did not lose our connection." She said Huoban had witnessed her fall in love, get married and have a child. "I want to meet you again in the next life" is engraved on his tombstone. Pet owner Qingqiu smokes next to the tomb of her first dog Huoban (which means "Buddy" in Chinese) ahead of the Qingming Festival at Baifu pet cemetery on the outskirts of Beijing. Tian Peiheng, 66, paid respects at her Pomeranian's grave, along with her husband and daughter. "I have deep feelings for her... After she was gone, it was just like losing my own baby," Tian said. Beyond the intimacy of such tomb-sweeping visits, the pet cemeteries are also making money. A single plot at Baifu costs between 2,000 and 5,000 yuan ($308 and $770) for 30 years, with an additional yearly management fee of 50 yuan ($7.70), according to gravestone designer Zhang Youwang. Gravestones can cost anything between 2,000 and 20,000 yuan. "For those who do not have dogs or other pets, it's difficult for them to understand," Zhang said. "...but pets are just like people. They are people." Such sentiment is relatively new in Communist Party-ruled China. Pets have become fashionable in major cities in line with rising incomes. Up until the 1980s, pet dogs were illegal in Beijing. In some parts of China, dogs are still being eaten and transported in overcrowded crates to events such as the annual Yulin dog meat festival in southern Guangxi province which triggers international and local protests. China's growing middle class has started to fight what it sees as barbarous abuse of man's best friend. Judi Dench has spoken out about the lack of communication actors receive after an audition. Speaking at a talk held by The Actors Centre at Theatre Royal Drury Lane the actress said she was 'incensed' at the recent trend for actors not being told whether or not they have got a part. "I am incensed by the fact that you don't hear back [after an audition]. It doesn't take much, it is very easy to write a letter. It's just good manners. "I bet there are people in this room who have gone up for something and don't hear a thing afterwards." She added: "You don't have to give reasons, just something. Because it's so nerve-wracking." Dench was talking to an audience as part of The Actors Centre's Off the Record series and also spoke about her journey into acting, her penchant for pranks backstage and her recent stage performances. She said she prefers to have directors notes and sees a show always as a 'work-in-progress'. "Isn't it a bit dangerous, thinking it's ready on the first night?" she asked. "We hope that it gets better." The legendary actress also told of the time she starred secretly in Les Miserables while she was also onstage for All's Well that Ends Well. "I only had a scene at the very beginning and the very end [of All's Well that Ends Well]. It's a long time to sit, so I decided to run up the road and do the barricade scene in Les Miserables. It was very exciting." When asked by an audience member what advice she would give she said: "If you really really want to do it try not to be disheartened by the shit that's thrown at you along the way". Off the Record is a series of talks with high profile actors and industry professionals hosted by Paul Clayton. Michael Pennington is currently starring in the titular role in King Lear at the Royal & Derngate, Northampton. The four-time Olivier Award nominee's many acting credits include The Winter's Tale (Garrick Theatre), Single Spies (Rose Theatre Kingston) and King Lear (Theatre for a New Audience, New York). Pennington is currently writing a book King Lear in Brooklyn which is due to be published in April 2016. The Coffee MP: It's very important with a long Shakespeare play that you have the right refreshment for the interval. With a tragedy you need black coffee (it would be cappuccino for a comedy!). The Lemon Cheesecake MP: The bitterness of a tangy lemon cheesecake is just what I need to keep me going in the interval. The Make Up MP: 50 years ago all actors needed great big tin boxes full of various bits of make-up including thick grease paint. Now with improved lighting, all I need is a tube of mascara, a hair brush and a towel. The Easter Cards MP: These Easter cards were made for me by my grand children. They're teenagers now so I'm very lucky they still take the time to do things like that. The Mug MP: This is the mug I always use in my dressing room. It was hand-made in Russia and given to me by a Russian friend, and depicts the opera Eugene Onegin. The Book Proofs MP: These are the proofs for my book about the production of King Lear I was in two years ago. I thought I should get them finished before this production starts, so I can perhaps do a sequel. Watch Michael discuss the items in his dressing room below: King Lear runs at the Royal & Derngate, Northampton from 1 to 23 April, after which it tours. For more information or to buy tickets, click here. Lionel Messi has unwittingly fallen foul of a number of Egyptians despite just trying to do the decent thing by donating a pair of his boots to a charity auction. During an interview with the wonderfully-titled Yes, I Am Famous television show, Messi told the presenter hed love to help out by allowing a pair of his boots to be raffled off to raise a bit of cash for charity. Sadly, what the Barcelona star hadnt factored into his reckoning is that shoes are commonly used as a symbol of disrespect in Egypt and most other Arabic countries, leading several fans to jump onto social media to express their fury at the well-intentioned gesture. Some fans even decried presenter Mona Al-Sharqawi for holding Messis boots with her bare hands on air. Heres just a small sample of the outcry, as translated by BBC News: This is the most disgusting. He was paid thousands of dollars and at the end he donated his shoes and the stupid presenter was happy, (@Sala77ar7ash) Egypts name is greater than Messis shoes. This is a big insult to Egypt, (@sulimanahmad670) Wake up Arabs and smell the coffee. No time for sleeping. She [presenter Al-Sharqawi] should have refused this insignificant donation, (@awatifalqaisey) You try to do something nice Thai authorities say they are still pursuing a legal case against the heir to the Red Bull fortune over a deadly hit-and-run four years ago, as public frustration grows about impunity for the elite. Worayuth Yoovidhya, whose nickname is "Boss", is accused of crashing his silver Ferrari into a police officer on a motorcycle in 2012, dragging the body along a main road in Bangkok for about 100 metres as he sped away. The scion, whose family is among Thailand's richest after founding the energy drink empire, was charged with several offences but never appeared in court after travelling to Singapore. He has since been seen regularly in Thailand but has not been rearrested and is yet to face a court. After years of quiet resignation, public interest in the case was revived earlier this month when the son of a wealthy businessman slammed his Mercedes Benz into another car allegedly while speeding, killing two students in the second vehicle. The Mercedes driver was hospitalised after the accident and later charged with reckless driving causing death and property damage. Responding to a mounting outcry, Bangkok's city police chief sought to show the force is bent on bringing the Red Bull princeling to court. "We do not know where he is but we will find him for sure," Sanit Mahathavorn told AFP on Tuesday. Sanit said he would also probe the police officers responsible for the stalled investigation. While the speeding charge against Worayuth has expired during the years of inaction, he still faces up to ten years in prison for reckless driving that resulted in death, according to local media. The deputy spokesman for the country's attorney general told AFP the case was "under urgent consideration". Critics have long complained that the justice system protects the political and financial elite. "Rich and influential people do not go to jail. Those who go to jail are only poor ones," an online commentator wrote Tuesday on Pantip, a popular Thai forum. Another infamous car crash in 2010 saw a teenage girl, from a family with royal connections, escape jail time despite killing nine people when she collided with a van while driving under the legal age. Newly elected Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan nominated Minister of Public Security Tran Dai Quang for the role of Vietnams new president on behalf of the NA Standing Committee on March 31. The proposal will be re-discussed at the assembly and decided by secret ballot on April 2. In answer to why there were no other candidates for the country's top position, Secretary General Nguyen Hanh Phuc said that delegates have the right to self-nominate and nominate others after the Standing Committee has put forward its proposal for president. This is their right. Earlier, in the process of discussing our recommendation for the new chair of the National Assembly, no delegates stepped forward, and all agreed on Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, said Phuc. This morning, the National Assembly voted unanimously in approval of Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan and in doing so appointed the first Chairwoman of the National Assembly. Sixty-year-old Tran Dai Quang originates from Ninh Binh. He is professor with a Ph.D in Law, and has held the positions of Director General of Department of Security Advisory, Director General of Directorate of Security and Deputy Minister of Public Security. In 2011, he was appointed Minister of Public Security in the first session of the 13th National Assembly. In the same year, he was promoted from lieutenant general to colonel general, and to general a year later. He was member of the Party Central Committee 10, 11, 12; a member of the Politburo 11, 12; and a delegate of the 13th National Assembly. The U.S. will assist Vietnam as it struggles with its worst drought in living memory, State Secretary John Kerry said in a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh on Thursday. Kerry shared his concerns about the consequences of climate change and that Vietnamese people were suffering under extreme drought. The two men met in Washington to discuss ways to strengthen the partnership between the two countries and details of the upcoming visit to Vietnam by President Barack Obama. State Secretary Kerry said in the meeting that the president was looking forward to his first visit to Vietnam in May, and expressed his hope that bilateral cooperation would move forward and deepen between Vietnam and the U.S. on various strategic issues including climate change, education, science and technology. Kerry also suggested the two countries step up their cooperation in maritime security and showed commitment in supporting Vietnam in improving the competence of its maritime forces in exercising jurisdiction over territorial waters. The United States confirmed its support of settling disputes by peaceful means in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), refraining from the use of force or threat to use force, and halting reef construction and expansion in the East Sea. It also approved of devising mechanisms for regional joint development with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) playing the central role. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Minh traveled to Washington to attend the Nuclear Security Summit 2016, which provides a forum for world leaders to engage with each other and reinforce commitment at the highest levels to securing nuclear materials. March 31 will go down in Vietnamese political history as the first time a woman was sworn in as chair of the National Assembly, a role considered to be the countrys fourth most powerful position. Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, who is from the southern province of Ben Tre, won a landslide majority of 95.5 percent in a vote from all parliamentary members early today. "I would like to thank the National Assembly for electing me as chairperson of the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Before the sacred national flag, the National Assembly, the people and voters nationwide, I vow my resolute loyalty to the nation, the people and the constitution of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. I pledge to make a concerted effort to accomplish the missions assigned by the party, the state and the people, said Ngan as she took the oath of office. Ngan was selected for the position in January during the Communist Party Congress that is held every five years. Her appointment means she is the highest ranking female party official. The majority of Communist Party officials are men, but women are reasonably well represented in the ranks, accounting for around 25 percent of National Assembly delegates. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 30/03/2016 (2398 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. OTTAWA Canada faces being reduced to a bit player in a broken world when and if it returns to the United Nations Security Council in 2021. That is one of several sobering messages offered to the Trudeau Liberals by leading international thinkers and players at a foreign policy conference at the University of Ottawa this week. The Liberals have pledged to re-embrace the worlds multilateral institutions, especially the UN and have announced a Canadian run for two-year term on the Security Council that would start in 2021. While Canada exerted some influence on its last Security Council term in 1999-2000 with then-foreign minister Lloyd Axworthys human security agenda, things have changed. Ian Martin, the executive director of the UN Security Council Report, says the days when the temporary members wielded any meaningful influence on the council are long gone. The Security Councils agenda is now dominated by its permanent five members the United States, Britain, France, Russia and China and the rotating, 10-country cast of temporary members essentially does their bidding. Canada needs to begin thinking about its future membership of the Security Council by recognizing just how bad is the current shape of the Security Council, said Martin, who has also headed UN missions in several countries. And unless things have changed significantly by the time Canada becomes a member of the council, that too will be Canadas experience. Former Nigerian foreign minister Ibrahim Gambari, now the co-chair of the Commission on Global Security, Justice and Governance, agreed. Theres an African proverb that you cannot dip your hand into the same river twice by the second time, its not the same river, he said. Canada is coming back, hopefully, to the Security Council. But its a different Security Council. Its a different world. Its a different United Nations. Walter Kemp, the Canadian-born vice president of the International Peace Institute, echoed what the conference was told a day earlier: the Liberals must avoid being seduced by the nostalgia of past accomplishments by Axworthy or Nobel Laureate Lester Pearson as it charts a new foreign policy. Theres a feeling that Canada is back, but its not as if Canada just left the room for 10 minutes and just came back, he said. Its been disengaged for years and in the meantime, the room and the people in it have changed. Former Australian prime minister Kevin Rudd said the UN is dying a death of thousand cuts and needs countries that care for it, such as Canada, to help save it. Look folks, you have a great history . . . Were acutely conscious of Canadas long tradition of liberal internationalism, said Rudd, who is heading an international commission that is trying to fix the UNs faults. Foreign Affairs Minister Stephane Dions new responsible conviction concept, which he outlined for the conference earlier, could yield results that strengthen international organizations, Rudd said. Canadas brain power and its global diplomatic network can be brought to bear. Louise Arbour, the former Supreme Court of Canada justice and former chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, said there are no guarantees that Canada will even get a seat. The 2020 Security Council election will include tough competition from the likes of Norway and Ireland. You know what? This is risky. Look at what the competition is going to be, said Arbour. This is not a shoo-in. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 31/03/2016 (2397 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. OTTAWA Sustained public outcry has prompted Immigration Minister John McCallum to reverse course and ease restrictions on the private sponsorship of Syrian refugees a decision that could add thousands to the number of Syrians arriving this year. Applications for about 10,000 Syrians that had been submitted by March 31 will be now be processed with an eye towards getting those people here by the end of 2016 or early 2017, McCallum said Thursday. The files represent applications submitted by sponsorship groups since Jan. 1. Under the governments initial changes, those applications would have been counted against the overall 2016 limit on the number of refugees entering Canada from around the world meaning, with more applications than available spaces, that many Syrians would not have arrived in 2016 or even early next year. Sponsors who had lined up apartments, stocked pantries and saved thousands of dollars in the bank erupted in protest, and the government moved quickly to find a compromise. We cant go on to infinity, but we are doing the best we can to meet the demand, McCallum said in an interview with The Canadian Press from Germany, where he is meeting immigration officials. Private groups were caught off-guard when efforts to resettle Syrians were scaled back even as the Liberals were working on the goal of bringing in 25,000 people by the end of last month. For 2016, the government had decided it would cap the number of new refugee applications from around the world at 10,500 people. Even as hundreds of Syrians were arriving and private groups were submitting applications daily, it decided applications for Syrians received as of Jan. 1 would count toward the cap. Then, once the Liberal target of 25,000 was met, they closed the massive processing centres abroad and scaled back staff in Canada processing Syrian applications. Though most groups say they never expected the flat-out effort to continue, the caps and staffing decreases prompted frustrations among those who spent months raising money and filling out paperwork. Those same people were suddenly being told that anyone who submitted a file after Jan. 1 would be unlikely to see the refugee or family they wanted to sponsor arrive this year. Sponsorship groups flooded local MP offices with complaints. Some of the furor spilled out Wednesday night at a meeting in Toronto, where groups packed a downtown church to vent their frustrations and give an earful to local Liberals. Peter Goodspeed, a spokesperson for Lifeline Syria, which supports the private sponsorship of 1,000 Syrians in Toronto, said the changes will ease but not erase the anger. For any of the dozens of groups in Toronto alone that have yet to submit paperwork, the changes make no difference, Goodspeed said. These are people who were responding to a crisis. You just cant go back to the same standard of processing in a crisis situation, Goodspeed said. The government is coming to that understanding gradually. The changes free up sponsorship agreement holders to file more applications this year, but dont affect the plan to admit a total of 17,800 privately sponsored refugees this year. That means that in 2016, Canada will likely see fewer refugees accepted from elsewhere. In a letter to the sponsorship agreement holders association, McCallum said he was committed to improving the entire system. Wait times are currently as high as six years from some parts of Africa and three years in other parts of the world. The backlogs are unacceptable, McCallum wrote. Vulnerable persons in need of protection cannot be left to wait multiple years for a durable solution, and sponsors must be able to allocate their resources efficiently. It is an important message, said Brian Dyck, the head of the association. I think that we are seeing a significant increase in commitment to humanitarian immigration and a willingness to work with the community, Dyck said. While I think some remain frustrated with the pace, I see things moving in the right direction. Follow @StephanieLevitz on Twitter Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 31/03/2016 (2397 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. OTTAWA Donald Trump is a fascist, according to NDP Leader Tom Mulcair, who criticized Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for not speaking out against the Republican Party leadership candidate. Donald Trump is a fascist. Lets not kid ourselves; lets not beat around the bush, Mulcair told supporters in a video released by his party. The NDP leader said Trump fits the definition because of his remarks, including a proposal to ban Muslims from entering the United States and another to build a wall between the United States and Mexico. When you say you want to keep people out [who are] of a certain religion, if you want to build walls to keep people out, this is an appeal to the lowest feelings in human nature, Mulcair said. Mulcair suggested Trudeau should not shy away from speaking out about Trump. I will not hesitate to point out the fact that Mr. Trudeau just shrugs his shoulders when hes asked about Donald Trump and says oh, the relationship between Canada and the United States goes beyond any two individuals, Mulcair said in the video. Im sorry, if a fascist becomes president of the United States, I want to be on record as having opposed it long before that election, he continued. The 38-second video montage was taken last week during a speech and question period with New Democrat MPs and staff members, an NDP spokesperson said. The party provided a copy to The Canadian Press after it was published by BuzzFeed news earlier this week. Trudeau once again avoided criticizing Trump on Thursday in Washington. I have great faith in the American people and look forward to working with whoever gets elected in November, said Trudeau, who did not mention the Republican candidate by name. As we approach November and as we move beyond into the next administration there will be some lessons learned that I hope get learned, he continued. But like I said, I have tremendous confidence in what Abraham Lincoln referred to as the better angels of our nature.' Other leaders have been less hesitant to criticize Trump. Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto denounced Trumps strident rhetoric in a recent interview with Mexican newspaper Excelsior, comparing the tone of debate to that which led to the rise of Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini. U.S. President Barack Obama, for his part, has often spoken out against the views espoused in Trumps speeches. Mulcair has spoken out against Trump before, notably suggesting the Republican leadership candidate should be kept out of Canada based on his controversial proposal to ban Muslims from entering the United States. I say we should limit access to Canada for people who are spouting hatred. We should make sure that Donald Trump stays out of Canada, Mulcair told reporters outside the House of Commons on Dec. 8. The same day, Foreign Affairs Minister Stephane Dion said that while he didnt want to get involved in another countrys internal politics, Canada has never been as farfrom what weve just heard in the United States he told reporters who asked him about Trumps proposal on Muslims. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 31/03/2016 (2397 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. TORONTO The United Church has decided to go ahead with an unprecedented review that could lead to the defrocking of an ordained minister who believes in neither God nor Bible. In a brief one-page decision this week, a judicial committee of the church dismissed an appeal by Gretta Vosper to halt the planned review. After fully and thoroughly considering all submissions by the appellant and respondent, the executive of the judicial committee decided that the appeal did not meet the grounds for an appeal, the ruling states. Rev. Gretta Vosper is seen at her West Hill United Church in Toronto on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2015. The United Church has decided to go ahead with an unprecedented review that could lead to the defrocking of an ordained minister who believes in neither God nor Bible. In a brief one-page decision this week, a judicial committee of the church dismissed an appeal by Gretta Vosper to halt the planned review. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Colin Perkel Among other things, the committee said the ruling initiating the hearing of Vospers fitness to lead her east-end congregation came after full and complete consideration. The committee also held, without elaborating, that the decision accorded with the rules of natural justice. In an interview Thursday, Vosper told The Canadian Press that she was incredibly disappointed by the appeal decision. Every pastoral relationship in the United Church of Canada will be affected by this ruling, Vosper said. Now a court of the church can intervene in that relationship and terminate it. Vosper, 57, who was ordained in 1993 and joined her West Hill congregation in 1997, has for years made no bones about her beliefs, which include rejecting the notion of an interventionist, supernatural being on which much church doctrine is based. I dont believe inthe god called God, Vosper said last year. Using the word gets in the way of sharing what I want to share. Things came to a head after she wrote an open letter to the churchs spiritual leader following the Charlie Hebdo massacre in Paris pointing out that belief in God can motivate bad things. The initial ruling to review her status came last May from Nora Sanders, general secretary of the churchs general council. Essentially, Sanders said, the review should determine whether the minister was being faithful to her ordination vows, which included affirming a belief in God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Its not immediately clear when the review led by a panel will take place. So far, however, Vospers congregation is standing firmly behind her. Randy Bowes, board chairman at West Hill who led the search committee that hired Vosper, said he was disturbed by the entire process. Everything up to now has been adversarial, closed, no transparency. Did they look at the documents? What were the merits? Bowes said. There is strong resolve to carry on because everyone keeps saying this is a special place, we cannot let this place go. In their effort to head off the review, Vospers lawyers had filed 10 volumes of materials comprising 1,687 pages by way of appeal of Sanders ruling, resulting in this weeks one-page judicial committee decision. One of the lawyers, Julian Falconer, said he was dismayed by the terse decision rejecting the appeal. This was an opportunity for the United Church of Canada to showcase its reputation for fairness and openness by holding a full hearing of the appeal on its merits, Falconer said in a statement. It is an opportunity lost. Rev. David Allen, executive secretary of the Toronto Conference, did not respond Thursday to a request for comment. He has previously said he took concerns about Vosper to the churchs executive, which decided it wanted to investigate whether she had gone too far. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 31/03/2016 (2397 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The legal drama in the Bahamas continues for fashion mogul Peter Nygard and those who have accused him of organizing a murder-for-hire plot. Nygard is now suing his accusers, asking the Bahamian court for damages as a result of what he alleges is a conspiracy to injure him. He says the lawsuit filed against him March 9, accusing him of hiring two criminals to threaten, assault and plan to kill opponents of Nygards planned expansion of his six-acre beachfront property, was based on false evidence and amounts to libel. Nygard is countersuing all five men who initially sued him, including members of the Save the Bays non-governmental organization, the Tribune local newspaper in Nassau and his neighbour, billionaire hedge-fund manager Louis Bacon, with whom hes been embroiled in legal disputes for more than a decade. The suit also names law firms and members of the Free National Movement, which Nygard alleges were working for Bacon and involved in agreeing to pay two known criminals between $3 million to $5 million to falsely accuse Nygard in sworn statements. Nygard is also suing Bacons wife, Gabrielle, and Bacons Moore Charitable Foundation. JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS files Peter Nygard alleges there is a conspiracy to injure him. The legal action comes in response to accusations against Nygard that include secretly recorded video of Nygard meeting with two men described as known criminals and sworn statements from them saying Nygard paid them large sums of money to organize anti-Save the Bays protests that portrayed Bacon as a racist and to commit arson and other crimes against Nygards opponents. The men, Livingston Toggie Bullard and Wisler Bobo Davilma, allege Nygard had a hit list of people he wanted them to deal with. The accusations against Nygard also allege corruption at top levels of the Bahamian government, suggesting the prime minister promised Nygard he would be allowed to build on government property to expand his Nygard Cay resort in exchange for campaign donations and Nygard had close ties to the deputy prime ministers office. None of the allegations in either of the lawsuits has been proven in court, and the Bahamian prime minister has denied the accusations and called on police to investigate. Locals growing weary A Winnipeg-based lawyer for Nygard vehemently denied the murder-for-hire allegations and previously told the Free Press the lawsuit against Nygard was a pack of lies. Nygards six-acre Nygard Cay beachfront property includes a resort in Lyford Cay, a gated community in Nassau. Bacon who is misidentified in Nygards lawsuit paperwork as Louis Beacon has his own expansive compound next door and has opposed Nygards attempts to expand Nygard Cay, arguing through Save the Bays Nygard has expanded his property on Crown land without the proper permits. Media in the Bahamas have reported some are growing weary of the neighbours feud. In a piece in the Tribune Wednesday, a former Bahamian government cabinet minister characterized it as a dispute between two self-absorbed, rich, white foreign men that has dominated the national discussion for too long. Nygard founded his garment-manufacturing company in Winnipeg in the late 1960s. Nygard International supplies womens clothing worldwide and has corporate offices around the globe, including on Inkster Boulevard. katie.may@freepress.mb.caTwitter: @thatkatiemay Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang stepped down today after the National Assembly passed a resolution allowing him to formally end his presidential term. Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang. Photo: Giang Huy The NA will cast a vote to select Vietnams next president on April 2. Sangs successor, according to the Communist Partys recommendation, is expected to be Minister of Public Security Tran Dai Quang. At the 12th Party Congress, Sang did not take part in the Party's Central Executive Committee. Sang was born in 1949 in the southern province of Long An. He was elected President of Vietnam in July 2011. Prior to that, Sang was a member of the Politburo, the Secretariats Standing Committee and a NA deputy for four terms. From 1996 to 2000, he was Secretary of Ho Chi Minh City's Party Committee. He assumed the position of Chairman of the Central Economic Commission over the next six years. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 31/03/2016 (2397 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A Liberal candidate who advocated for closing hospitals at a recent Brandon debate said it was all part of a ploy to generate media attention. Brandon West Liberal candidate Billy Moore said Thursday his comments were part of a ruse designed to generate publicity. What I said (at the debate) was to get publicity in Brandon West, Moore said. I cannot stand by what I said except to thank people for the comments and publicity which I received, which I was looking for. Now, I can talk to them about health care, and Im 100 per cent supportive of health care. Responding to a question Wednesday on whether his party would commit to core funding for the Manitoba Metis Foundation to pursue an integrated health approach, Moore said: There are too many hospitals, and consequently the cost of it, a wait time is very long. Now, if we can eliminate some hospitals in Manitoba, people wont want to get sick because they have nowhere to go they will want to stay healthy and work, and thats where the health comes in. Less than 24 hours later, he retracted those statements. We cannot close hospitals, Moore said. The population is exploding so we need health-care institutions whereby people can be treated. Manitoba Liberal Leader Rana Bokhari said Thursday she is sticking with Moore despite his controversial remarks. At an announcement in Niverville Thursday, Bokhari claimed Moores comments were misunderstood. What he was trying to say was if we focus on preventive measures, so people dont have to use hospitals, we wont use that many, she said. Bokhari reiterated her partys platform does not include closing hospitals. Moore, 76, said his papers were approved by Elections Manitoba with only 21/2 hours to spare before Tuesdays deadline. Bokhari said she is not responsible for vetting candidates. He is passionate, she said. Frankly, Manitobans dont want stuffy talking points, by-the-book, suit-and-tie candidates they want people who are passionate. When asked whether Moore would be allowed to continue to speak his mind, Bokhari replied, I am not Brian Pallister. Yes, he will be allowed to speak his mind. The seat is currently held by Progressive Conservative candidate Reg Helwer. Linda Ross is running for the NDP. Helwer, who was at the debate, said he disagrees with Moores comments. I deplore the comments about closing hospitals made at (Wednesdays) debate, Helwer said. These comments from my Liberal opponent also underscore the Selinger NDP record of closing over 20 emergency rooms across Manitoba. Helwer, who was first elected in 2011, said Manitobans are paying more and getting less under the NDP government. In fact, 2,300 doctors have fled since 1999 under the NDP, and Manitoba has the worst record for doctor retention in the country, he said. We can also never forget the NDP promised to fix hallway medicine and failed to do so, giving us highway medicine where too many patients have to leave the province to get needed help. And now my Liberal opponents plan would build on that failed record. Helwer said a PC government, if elected, will enhance access to health-care services, investing $160 million over eight years to increase the number of personal care home beds in the province by 1,200. TOM BATEMAN / THE BRANDON SUN Billy Moore, Liberal candidate for Brandon West. We will establish an improved doctor-recruitment and retention program with a goal to have the most improved retention rates in our first term, a stark contrast with my Liberal opponents belief that we need to close hospitals and the NDP record of closing emergency rooms, Helwer added. As Ive said since day one of the campaign, NDP waste is threatening essential front-line services, and now my Liberal opponent wants to join them in making access to health-care services even worse. The NDPs Ross, who was also at the debate, said she was shocked when Moore made his comments. Families need to be very concerned about these kinds of statements, Ross said. The Liberals saying theyre going to close hospitals and, of course, (PC Leader Brian) Pallister saying hes going to cut half a billion out of the budget that only hurts services to families. The New Democrats are committed to increasing services, including community-based care, said Ross. We cant close hospitals, Ross said. Everyone knows we need more health services not fewer. There are still problems, she said. There have been improvements in wait times for various services not to say there isnt room for more improvement, but you just keep chipping away at it one day at a time, and you make progress gradually. You cant solve these problems overnight. The fallout from Moores remarks is the latest in a series of mishaps for the party. The Liberal candidate in Gimli, Joanne Levy, had her nomination revoked by Elections Manitoba after the NDP complained Levy had worked as an enumerator in another constituency before filing her papers. The Liberals lost candidates in the Arthur-Virden, Lac du Bonnet and Agassiz ridings for using post office box numbers rather than residential addresses for some voters who had signed nomination papers. The Lakeside candidate did not turn in papers by Tuesdays 1 p.m. deadline. Meanwhile, Bokhari announced at the news conference in Niverville her party would remove the $5,000 cap on school taxes on farmland. Farmers are currently eligible for an 80 per cent rebate on school taxes up to $5,000. The pledge would cost the government about $8 million and would be implemented in the partys second year in office. kristin.annable@freepress.mb.cactweed@brandonsun.com Columbus Community Hospital and AARP will host a Car Fit session Wednesday, April 6 at the Columbus Community Hospital main entrance from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Each 20-minute appointment provides an opportunity for drivers to: check how well their vehicle fits, receive information and materials on area resources for enhancing driver safety, improve driver safety by being reassured the car is adjusted for the driver, discuss with trained technicians proper use of safety belts, air bags and anti-lock brakes, learn how to manage the effects of aging on driving and ensure drivers are doing all they can to increase their safety and that of others. Appointments are required. All checks are done outside in the participants vehicle. Participants are asked to dress for the weather. Call 623-1276 to register. A Driver Safety Program for drivers age 50 and over will be offered on behalf of AARP and CCH on Thursday, April 7 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the hospital in the Diamond Room. Participants will learn the current rules of the road, defensive driving techniques, how to operate a vehicle safely in todays increasingly challenging driving environment and how to accommodate common age-related changes in vision, hearing and reaction time. Those completing the class may be eligible to receive an insurance discount or a discount on roadside assistance plans. Pre-registration is required. Contact Chris DeLapp at 623-1276. The cost is $15 for AARP members (AARP membership card required), $20 for non-members. All books and materials are provided by AARP. Coffee and lunch will be provided. Someone, somewhere at some point in time said, In Wisconsin, we dont have four seasons, but two: winter and road construction season. One of the things I love about our state is the distinct change in seasons, but I cant argue with the honesty of that sentiment. In Columbus, it seems weve been spared the harshness of the past couple of winters, but road construction is coming full force. As I shared in this column last fall, the city will be updating street and utility infrastructure in 2016. The 2016 Street Project list includes: Mill Street (from Lewis Street to Ludington Street); two areas of Charles Street (Dix Street to Richmond Street; then block of Selden to a block of Fountain to connect work already done there in recent years); West Prairie Street (from Ludington Street to Dickason Boulevard); West Church Street (North Dickason Boulevard to Ludington Street) and North Birdsey (James Street to Mill Street). With such a long list of streets to be address, the key where and when youll see activity will be what order or approach the construction contractor will take with the project. This week I sat in on the pre-construction meeting with representatives from the contractor on the project, A-1 Excavating out of Bloomer, Wisconsin, as well as personnel from various utilities and City/Columbus Water & Light staff. A main focus of the meeting was to talk about the schedule. You should be seeing work beginning this coming Monday, April 4. As of now, the workers will begin on Charles Street, but will also make their presence on Church Street and Prairie Street in April. In May, they will start on Mill Street, and finally will get to Birdsey in July. Each street will take varying lengths of time to complete (the Mill Street piece is considerably longer than the rest), but all is expected to be finished up in late September or early October. The weather will play a vital role in how the actual schedule plays out. The city intends to be vigilant on updating the community on that schedule and informing residents (particularly those who are seeing work in front of their properties) of key events and timelines with the project. A large road construction project inevitably brings frustration and inconvenience to those near it, but with clear and concise communication, we can do our best to manage it. When the plans for the project were first shared at a public information meeting back in January, I asked those in attendance to share their email addresses so that I could personally email the group on information and developments with the project. If you are interested in seeing these email updates, please email me at pvandersanden@columbuswi.us so you can be put on the list too. Another source of information relative to the project is the city of Columbus website: www.cityofcolumbuswi.com. On the front page, there is a link that says, Street Projects. Click that and be sent to another page with information on the 2016 street project, and next years 2017 James Street project. Again, the presence of dump trucks, jackhammers and orange barrels may create some annoyances, but the end result begins to address critical needs for our city. The team at City Hall and I stand by to do our best to get us through Orange Barrel Season. If you have any questions on this or any other issue before city government, please contact me down at City Hall at 623-5900 or via email at pvandersanden@columbuswi.us. Patrick Vander Sanden is the Columbus city administrator. 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 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. March 31, 2016 | 04:44 am PT Vietnam calls on China not to take unilateral actions in the waters off the mouth of the Tonkin Gulf as the demarcation of a clearly-defined border lines in the waters is still under negotiation, said deputy spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry. The parties involved should avoid taking unilateral actions that complicate the situation and have bad effects on the negotiation on border delineation, said Pham Thu Hang, deputy spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, in a press conference Thursday afternoon. Chinas oil drilling rigs Haiyang Shiyou 943 operate in the waters at the mouth of the Tonkin Gulf, the area where Vietnam-China border is still under negotiation, Hang told VnExpress. We do not expect any further action that complicates the situation. Vietnamese authorities will keep a close watch on this incident, Hang affirmed. Position of Haiyang Shiyou 943 off the mouth of the Gulf of Tonkin seen on Google Maps Hang added that Vietnam would reserve its rights and legal interests in the area in conformity with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 and related international practice. China Maritime Safety Administration announced on March 28 that Haiyang Shiyou 943 oil drilling rigs will conduct survey drills in East Sea from March 25 to July 31. The health sector has been placed on high alert for Zika virus after an Australian was confirmed as having the virus upon returning from Vietnam, said the Ministry of Health. Vietnam has tested about 800 samples of medical waste from several areas nationwide but no cases of infection have been reported. No cases of Zika infection have been reported in Vietnam so far, but the country is expanding surveillance as the global epidemic becomes more serious. The virus is rapidly spreading across several countries in Asia, and there have been confirmed cases in Laos, Cambodia, China and Thailand, said health minister Nguyen Thi Kim Tien. Zika is transmitted to humans by the Aedes mosquito, the main carrier of dengue fever, which has long been present in Vietnam, particularly in the south. This makes Vietnam more exposed to the risk of a Zika virus outbreak. The minister has requested health authorities at all levels stay on alert, intensifying measures against the spread of the virus and strengthening surveillance of people coming from countries such as Brazil and Colombia which are at the epicenter of the virus. Whether it is to curb the spread of the Zika virus or dengue fever, what we can do is take prevention measures such as killing mosquito larva, turning water containers upside down and throwing a few guppy or gold fish into the water to eat mosquito larvae, said the health minister. The Zika virus outbreak has been recorded many countries, including some in the Asia Pacific region. So there is high risk of the virus spreading across the country. And 80 percent of infected cases show very mild symptoms, which makes early prevention and detection more difficult, said Dr. Tran Dac Phu, head of the General Department of Preventive Medicine under the Health Ministry. Last week, the Vietnamese the health sector was put on a state of alert after the Australian government confirmed that one of its citizens had contracted the Zika virus upon his return from Vietnam. According to the announcement, the victim arrived in Vietnam on February 26 and returned to Australia on March 6. The suspected case showed symptoms identical to those linked to the Zika virus, including fever, rash, headache, conjunctivitis, muscular and joint pain, red eyes and nausea. While in Vietnam, the victim travelled to Ho Chi Minh City, the central highland province of Lam Dong, the central province of Khanh Hoa and the south-central province of Binh Thuan. Army engineers successfully carried out a controlled explosion on a 340 kilogram bomb on March 30 that had been discovered in An Phuc commune, Dong Hai district. The bomb is bellieved to have been an MK117 model, an air-dropped general-purpose bomb used by the US military forces during the Vietnam War with an effective casualty radius of about one kilometer. Since the beginning of the year, five bombs have been unearthed and defused in the area. The US army used more than 15 million tons of bombs and mines during the war in Vietnam, four times the amount used in World War II. As a result, Vietnam has been listed among the countries most contaminated with unexploded ordnance (UXO). According to the State Steering Committee for the national action programme on settling post-war bomb and landmine impacts, about 800,000 tons of UXOs are still scattered across over 20 percent of Vietnam s land, mainly in the Central region. Preliminary statistics show that UXOs have claimed more than 42,000 lives and left about 62,000 injured, mostly rural people and children, in Vietnam over the last four decades. China News on Women Sorry, the page you requested was not found. If you're having trouble locating a destination on Womenofchina.cn, try visiting the Womenofchina Home page This rendering shows a developers planned usage of the former Walmart retail property on Diamond Hill Road in Woonsocket. The proposal includes about 600 units of self-storage and a trampoline park in the former Walmart building, and potentially several new free-standing, mixed-use buildings. CGN boosts cooperation with Czech firms 31 March 2016 Share China General Nuclear (CGN) announced today that it has signed memoranda of understanding with Czech engineering companies to cooperate in nuclear energy. CGN said that it signed a memorandum of understanding yesterday with the Czech Energy Alliance defining the scope of future cooperation in nuclear energy. The signing of the MOU was witnessed by Chinese president Xi Jinping and Czech president Milos Zeman during a visit to the Czech Republic by the Chinese leader. Through this MOU, CGN and the Czech Energy Alliance will cooperate on information on nuclear power plant procurement, construction, commissioning, operation and maintenance, repair and renovation of nuclear fuel cycle facilities, the training of nuclear power plant workers and cooperating in European Utility Requirements (EUR) certification. They will also explore potential opportunities for joint investment in nuclear power projects in third countries. The Czech Energy Alliance was created in September 2015 and brings together, under the leadership of CEZ subsidiary Skoda Praha, 13 other leading Czech engineering companies: Alta, Doosan Ltd, Elektro Kromeriz, IBC Praha, Kralovopolska RIA, Modrany Power, MSA, Sigma Group, Skoda JS, OSC, Skoda Power, Vitkovice, ZAT and ZVVZ Group. One of the aims of the Alliance is to partner with large foreign firms in supplies for the construction of nuclear power plants. The previous day, CGN organized a roundtable meeting with the Czech Energy Alliance, Skoda Praha, as well as China Huaxin Energy Limited, to discuss cooperation in nuclear energy. During the meeting an MOU on cooperation in the field of nuclear energy was signed. Through this MOU, the partners will cooperate in sharing information on investing, constructing and operating nuclear power plants, technical certification, supply chain support, modernizing plants as well as cooperating in third-party markets. In addition, CGN also signed a contract with Skoda Praha for consultancy on EUR certification of its Hualong One reactor design. The Chinese company formally applied to EUR in May 2015 for certification of the design. The EUR officially confirmed acceptance of the application in September. Under the contract with CGN, Skoda Praha will review the application material. CGN chairman He Yu said, "We hope to strengthen cooperation with outstanding Czech enterprises to jointly promote China's own intellectual property rights for the Hualong One third generation nuclear power technology. At the same time, we attach great importance to the construction of nuclear power projects and supply chain localization, and hope on this basis to develop a third country nuclear power market and strive to improve both high-level, international strategic cooperation and achieve a win-win strategy." Researched and written by World Nuclear News Related topics The goat hanging By: Tanya Malhotra (Scroll down for video) People were shocked to find a goat dangling from electric wires. A group of men in Greece, decided to rescue the goat using their work ladder. The team used a long ladder to help the goat that somehow got stuck in some wire and was hanging about 20 feet above the ground. The goat was hanging by its curly horns, which had been caught in the wire, and although goats like to climb, people are not quite sure how it ended up hanging there. The animal was hanging on the pole on a steep hill. One man climbed the hill, tied a rope to the animals legs and attempted to pull it to safety. The rest of the group attempted to use the ladder to push the animal upwards so it can reach the ground. Meanwhile, two other men climbed the steep rock wall so they could help their colleague. The men were finally successful and managed to free the animal. The goat then ran down the hill and walked onto a road before it disappeared. Giannis Goulas uploaded video of the rescue to Facebook, where it went viral. (function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = //connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, script, facebook-jssdk)); A young man wanted to make a point about racism in the United States, but his plan backfired when he was exposed for a liar by police. 20-year-old Khalil Cavil of Texas was working at the Saltgrass Steak House in Odessa when he claimed he was discriminated against because of his Muslim name. Cavil took The victim and her family By: Wayne Morin People in Cameroon, are outraged after a video was released, showing a family member cutting a womanas stomach in an attempt to save her babies. The incident began when 31-year-old Monique Koumateke, was rushed to a hospital by family members after she became ill. Koumateke was in her ninth month of pregnancy. However, when she arrived at the hospital, she was already dead. The midwife and nurses on duty at the Doualas Laquintini Hospital, refused to help the woman, saying that she was dead and she needed to be handed over to the people at the mortuary. aThe mortuary attendant came, examined her and said that the babies were still kicking inside the stomach,a Koumatekeas mother, Marie Sen, said. They begged the midwife and nursed to save the babies, but they refused to help. In a desperate attempt to save the babies, a family member took a razor blade and cut Koumatekeas stomach open. One baby was no longer alive when delivered. However, witnesses said that the second baby was still alive when it was removed, but died shortly afterwards. Police arrested the midwife and nurses, and they are investigating the incident. After the arrests, Health Minister Andre Mama Fouda caused more anger by saying that the staff at the state-run institution had done nothing wrong. Judge Ayah Paul Abine went on Facebook, to vent his frustration over the incident. He is demanding that Fouda, hold a press conference ain order to provide satisfactory answers to our questions.a Koumateke left behind two children who are three and 5 years old. The video of the deceased womanas stomach being cut open with a razor blade was posted to the Internet, where it went viral St Giles Set To Get Digital Clockface In Upgrade Plans This article is old - Published: Friday, Apr 1st, 2016 A planning application has been lodged to convert the historic clock faces on St Giles tower to digital screens displaying the time. In documents submitted this week to Wrexham Council details are given to modernise the time display to a digital system more readable at night with the current analogue system being replaced. The famous bells are also being upgraded to a full digital audio experience with the existing chimes being recorded prior to decommission. The application reads: The new system will allow exact replication of the current bells with additional functionality to allow standardised hour-beeps, audio messages and tunes to be played as and when required. Speakers will be sited on the roof to broadcast the chimes and bell peals. The Design and Access Statement notes although the church itself is Grade I listed associated metalwork, which the hands of the clock is classified under, is not. The change is likely to prove controversial with St Giles tower, famously one of the Seven Wonders of Wales, dating back to 1506 with parts of the building being even earlier. The reasoning for the change is explained by an accompanying external consultants report that includes local survey results showing 85% of tourists did not understand the time displayed, with some local residents in nearby flats preferring a digital display as it would be visible from their bedrooms. Austrian engineer Josef Pallweber who was interviewed while on holiday in Wrexham is quoted as saying: The tower is beautiful but not functional, we have many light up displays on our tall buildings back home. Yesterday afternoon Wrexham.com arranged that the north side clock hands will be given to one lucky winner, with the first to contact us securing the chance to own the historic bronze set. If plans are approved by Wrexham Council, and the relevant diocese officials, upgrade work could take place as soon as June this year. The report of Britains Office of Budget Responsibility (OBR), published earlier this month on the eve of Chancellor George Osbornes latest budget, casts a revealing light on the economic driving forces behind the Cameron governments austerity agenda and the support for this program by the Jeremy Corbyn-led Labour Party. It helps to make clear why, some eight years after the eruption of the global financial crisis in 2008, the attacks on the working class in Britain and internationally are continuing, and why they will deepen in the future, notwithstanding any economic growth. Productivity, which measures the level of output per worker, the report stated, has consistently failed to increase, amid predictions that it would turn around. There had been hopeful signs in 2015, but this appears to have been another false dawn, according to OBR Chairman Robert Chote. With the period of weak productivity growth post-crisis continuing to lengthen, the report noted, we have placed more weight on that as a reliable guide to future prospects. The implications of that assessment were spelled out by Chote. Economic developments have disappointed relative to expectations and the outlook for the economy and public finance looks materially weaker, he said. This means that with the economy continuing to stagnatethe OBR estimates the British economy will expand at the rate of 2.1 percent this year, compared to a rate of 2.75 percent before the economic crisispublic spending on health, pensions and social services will be further cut on the grounds that the resources are simply not available. The implications for wages are no less significant. According to one estimate, average wages will not return to their previous peak reached at least until 2020-21, that is, some 12 years after the financial crisis. Chote said the overall situation was characterised by economic growth losing momentum through 2015, despite the boost from lower oil prices. In a comment on the OBR assessment, Financial Times columnist Martin Wolf said the outlook for productivity was the most important economic uncertainty affecting the economic prospects of the British people. Drawing out the long-term trends, he continued: In its latest forecast, the OBR expects UK productivity levels to be 6.2 percent lower in 2020 than it had hoped in June 2010 and 2.5 percent lower than it had hoped in March 2014. But the biggest downgrades of all are relative to the pre-crisis optimism: the OBRs latest forecast for potential output is 15 percent below the Treasurys March 2008 forecast. Similar downgrades have occurred to the official US forecasts. And it is not just in the US. The trends outlined in the OBR assessment of the British economy apply across the boardin Europe, Japan and countries such as Australia. They are also present in China, where a consistent feature of recent economic development has been that investment and infrastructure spending is not bringing the overall boost to the economy that it once did. In making an assessment of these trends and their economic and political implications, it is necessary to puncture the mystifications in which the workings of the capitalist economy are shrouded. The basis of these mystifications is that economic trends are not the product of a definite social and economic orderprivate ownership of the means of production and finance and production for private profitbut are the consequence of natural economic developments. Hence the position is advanced by government leaders, supported by a myriad of economic pundits, analysts and commentators, that lower productivity necessarily means public spending on social services must be slashed because there are simply no resources to sustain it. Belts must be tightened even further, pensions and allowances further reduced and education cut because there is no money available. Of course, these assertions are immediately contradicted by the fact that billions of dollars are made available for spending on the military and the provision of seemingly unlimited supplies of cash from the central banks to prop up the activities of the very banks and finance houses whose profit-seeking speculation gave rise to the crisis in the first place. But this is only the beginning of the story, not the end. While it is implemented by governments, central banks and financial authorities, the political economy of endless austerity is rooted in the very foundations of the capitalist economy itself. The capitalist mode of production is not some natural economic ordermankind did not descend from the trees onto the plains of Africa and divide into wage workers, factory owners and bankers. It is a historically developed socioeconomic order based on the private ownership of the means of production and the drive for the accumulation of profit, the key measure of which is the rate of profit. That rate is determined by the relationship of the total mass of profits to the total capital outlaid to secure it. Taking a broad view of the capitalist economy as a whole, rather than considering individual firms, the rate of profit is conditioned by two factors. First, it is determined by the division of national income as a wholebetween profits on the one hand, and wages and payments on social services, which represent a deduction from the wealth that would otherwise be available to the owners of capital, on the other. The second key factor is the relationship between the capital laid out on new plants and equipment and the national income that this generates as a result of the increase in the productive forces. An increase in productivity signifies that a given amount of investment generates a greater amount of output per worker, thereby increasing national income. However, such investment is determined not by social need, but by the drive for profit. If profit rates are trending down, then new investment will be cut back, and productivitymeasured by the output per workerwill tend to decrease and the economy will stagnate or contract. This has been the consistent trend in all the major economies since 2008, with the result that in Europe, for example, investment rates are as much as 25 percent below their pre-crisis trend. Consequently, productivity rates have been trending ever further downwards, with the result that investment is reduced still further. A vicious circle has set in. Lower profit rates lead to cuts in investment, lowering productivity increases and reducing the rate of profit still further. As a result, corporations, instead of reinvesting the profits they accumulate, use their available cash for speculative activities in financial markets, drawing on the ultra-cheap money provided by central banks for mergers and acquisitions, share buybacks and investment in the property market. While such parasitism boosts the bottom line of the individual firm, it leads to further stagnation in the real economy as a whole. Herein lies the reason for the relentless drive to austerity. Under conditions where the very operation of the profit system leads to cuts in investment, and the real economy stagnates or even contracts, capitalist governments insist that there is no money for social services. The country must learn to live within its means is their endless mantra. But once the mystifications are torn way, the real processes are revealed. The rate of profit, as we noted earlier, is determined by two factors: the increase in national income generated by investment and the division of that income between the owners of capital and the producers of that wealth, the working class. Under conditions where investment is being slashed, and consequently the growth of productivity, and therefore national income, tends to decline, profit rates can be sustained and increased only by boosting the proportion of national income flowing to the corporations and finance housesa result that is achieved through the imposition of ever-increasing impoverishment on the mass of the working population. This endless austerity is not a natural development. It is the result of the relentless logic of the profit system that, by its very functioning, produces fabulous wealth at one pole and poverty and misery at the other. It cannot be broken through appeals for reform, for it is rooted in the very foundations of the capitalist economy, but only by the expropriation of the expropriators, as Marx insistedthat is, the ending of the private ownership of the means of production and finance, the institution of public ownership under democratic control and the establishment of a planned socialist economy based on human need. The European Commission and the International Energy Agency will address the impact of the energy crisis on SMEs in an online event on 21 October. Directed by Gavin Hood; screenplay by Guy Hibbert Eye in the Sky is a political-military thriller in which British and American officials weigh the consequences of a drone strike in Nairobi, Kenya. Directed by South African-born filmmaker Gavin Hood (Tsotsi, 2005, Rendition, 2007), it is a fast-paced movie resting, unfortunately, on a grossly manufactured and unlikely set of circumstances. The films central character is Colonel Katherine Powell (Helen Mirren), a fierce British military intelligence officer, who has been tracking a radicalized UK female citizen and her husband, both leading members of Al-Shabaab, a Somali jihadist group. From a military base in southern England, Powell identifies, via a US drone camera feed, these top Islamist figures arriving in Nairobi and being transported to a compound in a poor, crowded neighborhood patrolled by armed rebels. When a cyborg beetlea small surveillance device controlled by a Kenyan intelligence unitrelays imagery of the terrorists preparing a suicide bombing mission, Powell wants to upgrade the order from capture to kill. Despite her eagerness to call for a missile strike, she must seek permission from her superior Lieutenant General Frank Benson (Alan Rickman in his final screen performance), who is observing from London in a room with various government ministers and legal advisors. The British foreign secretary (Iain Glen) is attending an arms trade fair in Singapore. Meanwhile, at a US Air Force base in Nevada, two young American drone pilots, who are concerned about collateral damage from such a strike, wait apprehensively for Powells decision. Both the US secretary of state, who is in Beijing playing ping-pong with Chinese officials, and a US government legal consultant are amenable (to say the least) to destroying the targets, despite the presence of one US and two British citizens. The major obstacle is an adorable Kenyan child, Alia (Aisha Takow), selling bread near the targeted house. From Singapore, the foreign secretary observes that should the suicide bombers be allowed to kill scores of people, it would be a public relations gain for England, but if the military were to wipe out the compound, injuring or killing the youngsterespecially if the video of the action were to be released by a WikiLeaks-type outfitit would be a public relations disaster. Nonetheless, more ruthless heads prevail In Eye in the Sky, talented actors (and producers such as Colin Firth) lend weight to a movie that is reasonably well-constructed on its own terms. However, the problem is precisely those terms, that is, primarily the legitimacy of the war on terror. So, such performance skills serve for the most part to sugar-coat a big lie. The false presentation of reality involves important plot contrivances. The filmmakers early on remove the possibility of capturing the apparent suicide bombers. Why? There are only a handful of them and they are taking their time making videos and loading their vests with explosives. There is no reason why this should be any more than a Kenyan police matter. Instead, an atmosphere of hysteria is concocted in line with the scare-tactic scenarios used by proponents of the war on terror for the last 15 years or so. In 2005, for example, the ultra-right columnist Charles Krauthammer, writing in the Weekly Standard, set out the following circumstances, in order to justify torture: A terrorist has planted a nuclear bomb in New York City. It will go off in one hour. A million people will die. You capture the terrorist. He knows where it is. Hes not talking. If you have the slightest belief that hanging this man by his thumbs will get you the information to save a million people, are you permitted to do it? Not only is it permissible to hang this miscreant by his thumbs. It is a moral duty. This is all a fantasy. No such circumstance has ever arisen, nor will it. This is the argument of those itching for authoritarian rule and the power to dispose of political opponents by the most brutal means. Eye in the Sky, of course, does not see itself in that light. However, its central motif is nearly as bogus. Such pumped-up dramatic situations serve to shut down the brain and activate the nervous system along Pavlovian lines. Furthermore, the insertion of a beautiful, innocent Kenyan girl increases the ante. There is an odor of manipulation on every side here. (Andrew Niccols Good Kill, although flawed, is a far more scathing film about drone warfare.) The central questions never broached nor presumably considered by the filmmakers are: Who are these terrorists and where do they come from? What are the social conditions in Kenya and East Africa as a whole? What is the history of the region? What are the British and American military and intelligence doing there? In Eye in the Sky, there is no history and no explanation. First of all, it should be noted that in every major terrorist attack thus far, it has emerged that the jihadist elements had ties to the Western powers and their security forces at one time or another, or were manipulated or under close observation by those security forces. Al-Shabaab came into being in Somalia in 2006 and has been formally aligned with Al Qaeda since 2012. The organizations ranks are filled with impoverished youth and led by operatives with ties to US-backed Arab regimes. In addition, the Kenyan government has proven a loyal partner in Washingtons drive to maintain its grip over the Horn of Africa. The region is at the center of the new colonial scramble for Africa, where the criminals are returning to the scene of their crimes. And the bloodiest of the old colonial masters in East Africa, from the end of the 19th century, was the British ruling class, whose suppression of the Mau Mau rebellion in the 1950s was the one of the most notorious models of imperialist counterinsurgency, on a par with the savage wars in Vietnam and Algeria. According to Caroline Elkins in Britains Gulag: The Brutal End of Empire in Kenya, the British colonial government detained vast numbers of people in camps or confined them in villages ringed with barbed wire. From 1952 until the end of the war in 1960 tens of thousands of detaineesand possibly a hundred thousand or moredied from the combined effects of exhaustion, disease, starvation and systemic physical brutality. How is it possible for a directorfrom South Africa, no lessto treat seriously a significant political crisis in a former colonial country without reference to this recent history? How could Hoodwith a straight facepossibly portray a panoply of British officials as behaving in the most sensitive, even-handed manner toward the Kenyan people? Almost inevitably, given this degree of intellectual surrender, the filmmakers end up adopting the viewpoint of the powers that be, the US and UK political establishment, the principal source of global terrorism. The filmmakers offer certain oppositional gestures. They may not be insincere gestures, but they are weak. Eye in the Sky contains a lengthy debate about the rights and wrongs of killing or maiming Alia. (This seems fantastical given the level of destruction perpetrated by the Western powers in the Middle East, Central Asia and Africa.) Moreover, the various higher-up government officials in both the US and Britain are not portrayed in an attractive light, while the novice drone pilots are represented as having a conscience. (What does ring true is the apprehension the decision-makers feel about the possibility of the exposure of their war crimes, which Hood, however, tends to alchemize into humanitarianism.) The final images are presumably meant to be disturbing, as is Col. Powells relentlessness. But this is really not much. In an interview, the director asserts that the questions that Guys [Guy Hibberts] script has beautifully raised are supported by the fact that hes not reaching for an argumentthese are the arguments and discussions that are happening among policy makers, lawyers, the military, human rights organizations I hope it brings what seems like a mysterious subject to the general population, and we de-mystify it. This is simply not true. The difficulty is that the filmmakers are so at one with global bourgeois-liberal public opinion that they accept as their starting point an entire series of pernicious assumptions that shape and warmly envelop Eye in the Sky from its first moment to its last. The Hungarian government has responded to the terrorist attacks in the Belgian capital March 22 by further strengthening its state apparatus. Last week, it tabled a draft law loosening restrictions on telephone and Internet surveillance, and providing the authorities with continual access to bank accounts. Despite the best efforts of the Fidesz Party government, the authorities can currently only carry out telephone surveillance with a court order. Telecommunications providers also have the opportunity to oppose surveillance. According to the new law, in dangerous situations Internet and telephone communication will be completely cut off and only SMS communication and emergency calls will be possible. The strengthening of the security agencies with more personnel and technology is also planned. According to interior minister Sandor Pinter, a counter-terrorism centre is to be developed which will evaluate, analyse and pass on information, and, when necessary, issue warnings. In this context, the constant domestic deployment of the military is being pursued. The events in Paris and Brussels have settled the debate, the terrorism threat has grown, the interior minister declared at a press conference. Prime Minister Victor Orban described the attacks in Brussels as an attack on Hungary, which had to be responded to with all necessary steps. The government is shifting blame for the terrorist attacks onto refugees seeking protection in Europe. Foreign minister Peter Szijjarto said there was hardly a reasonable person left in Europe who would not deny that the terrorist threat has increased because of uncontrolled illegal immigration. Interior minister Pinter stated that the details of the new measures would be outlined at a later date. However, he was forced to admit that they were so significant that some would require a two-thirds majority in parliament to pass. The human rights organisation Amnesty International has already expressed concern that the expansion of anti-terror laws will undermine basic individual rights. In January, Orban initiated a constitutional reform, which empowers the government in case of a vaguely defined terrorist emergency to significantly restrict democratic rights. At the time, it was clear that the limitation of democratic rights was directed above all against popular opposition to the government. Hungary has been repeatedly rocked by protests during recent months. Earlier this month, tens of thousands demonstrated in Budapest against the governments education policy and solidarised themselves with striking teachers. It was the largest anti-government protest in two years. The demonstrators demanded better pay and working conditions for teachers and more state funding for the education system. Recent polls showed high levels of support for the teachers demands. The government can rely on the support of the opposition parties in the implementation of the new measures. The Fidesz government has relied on support from the fascist Jobbik Party since it lost its two-thirds parliamentary majority. Jobbik declared it would support the anti-terror measures on the condition that they are actually aimed at prevention. Jobbik spokesman Adam Mirkoczki made clear that the far right party would attach further conditions to their support for the measures, and demanded the strengthening of several laws related to the threat of terrorism. The Socialist Party (MSZP) is also in fundamental agreement with the measures. The chairman of the national security committee, Zsolt Molnar, said that the MSZP was prepared to support all measures which increased the security of the Hungarian population. Along with Hungary, several other European governments have responded to the Brussels attacks with drastic measures. The Polish government announced a major expansion of the intelligence agencies powers to combat terrorism. Interior Minister Mariusz Blaszczak said, We will present the bill to parliament at the beginning of April so that it can be adopted by May. The new measures make surveillance of telephone conversations and Internet data easier. The use of anonymous pre-paid mobile telephones is to be restricted and bank account data from suspect persons will be monitored. Terrorist suspects can be detained for longer periods of time and foreigners can be deported more easily. The Polish government has also blamed refugees as a whole for the attacks in Brussels. After what happened in Brussels yesterday, we cannot say that we are in the meantime willing to take in any migrants, Prime Minister Beata Szydlo told the television station Superstacja. The Prime Minister thus contradicted a promise by the previous government last September that Poland would accept 7,000 refugees. Over recent months, the Polish government has rapidly strengthened the state apparatus. Since the Law and Justice Party (PiS) assumed power last autumn, it has undermined the power of the courts, expanded its control over the surveillance agencies, co-opted the state radio and television broadcasters and begun a massive rearmament programme both externally and domestically. In February, a law came into force massively expanding police powers. At the same time, PiS has increased military spending and armed and integrated paramilitary units into the state apparatus. In total, these units amount to 80,000 men, which corresponds to two-thirds of the regular Polish armed forces of 120,000. The Brussels attacks have also been exploited in the Czech Republic to accelerate the domestic deployment of the army. In an emergency cabinet meeting in Prague last Tuesday, the government adopted a measure allowing the deployment of 550 active army personnel for a period of two months. According to Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka, this would strengthen the police forces. Rosalba Cruz Moran, a migrant farmworker in Oxnard, California, was sentenced on March 16 to 25 years to life in prison. The crime of which she was accused, giving birth and leaving her newborn in a strawberry field in May 2012, was deemed by local prosecutors to constitute first-degree murder. Ms. Moran was 19 years old at the time, a victim of rape and a recent undocumented immigrant to the US from Oaxaca, Mexico, who spoke no English and limited Spanish. According to her testimony at trial, Ms. Moran never knew that she was pregnant until she went into labor while picking strawberries in the field. She testified that after feeling pain, she left the other workers and went to an adjacent field that had already been picked, where she fainted and then gave birth alone. After unwrapping the umbilical cord which was wound tightly around the newborns neck, the baby breathed and she attempted unsuccessfully to breastfeed. She took a video of the baby on her cell phone, attempted to find a passing car to flag down, but there were none, so she called her sister to give her a ride home. She testified she was really frightened and could not think straight. She said she really loved her son, but said nothing to her relatives for fear of being thrown out of their home. She told the court she had prayed before she left the baby, hoping he would be found. The baby was found dead three days later with no signs of trauma. Law enforcement mounted a major investigation subjecting all the farmworkers employed near the field to DNA swabs. This DNA evidence, taken from one of her relatives, subsequently led to the arrest of Ms. Moran, who was already detained by immigration authorities for working with false papers, in November 2012. At sentencing, the Senior Deputy District Attorney Anne Spillner depicted this unfortunate woman as a monster, saying, This baby died a torturous death without any food or nourishment. Moran, the prosecutor charged, was never going to let this baby affect her lifestyle ... the only reason this baby died is because she didnt want this baby to live. To what lifestyle was the prosecutor, whose salary is in the neighborhood of $150,000 per year, referring? Did she believe that the 19-year-old undocumented worker abandoned her baby so that it would not affect a lifestyle consisting of back-breaking labor for minimum wage or less and constant fear of being detained by immigration as well as the secret of her pregnancy being discovered by her family? At sentencing, Moran told the court through an interpreter that she was very sorry about her sons death. She also said she wanted a public defender to represent her on her appeal. The significance of this request may have been suggested in interviews with local activists published in the Ventura County Reporter during the trial. Theadora Davitt-Cornyn, who visited Ms. Moran in jail regularly, was quoted as saying that at a pretrial hearing on September 10, 2013, in front of other lawyers, Joseph Lax, the defense attorney hired by Morans family, told her, Shes guilty and she should do 40 years. On the previous day, September 9, according to what Dennis OLeary, a school board member and teacher, told the Reporter, Lax stated he would not use Morans claim of being raped, or OLearys offer to appear as a witness. He told me it doesnt matter, that shes guilty and would serve life anyway, OLeary said to the newspaper. OLeary was quoted as saying that when Lax was told that Moran had signed a paper requesting a public defender, the attorney left him a message explicitly ordering him to stay away from his client. OLeary, who helped detectives communicate with Latino and Mixteco communities, was told by detectives early in the investigation that they believed Moran to be a victim of rape by the babys father in Mexico, who is her brother-in-law. According to news reports, this information was confirmed by Laura Quintanilla, an official at the Mexican Consulate in Oxnard. Lax, the attorney, denied he had made the statements attributed to him. At the time of her arrest for murder in November 2012, Moran was already in custody charged with using false documents to work in the US. She is one of an estimated 20,000 Mixtecos, members of Mexicos indigenous Oaxacan population, who reside in Ventura County, working largely as the lowest-paid migrant farmworkers. An estimated one-third of farmworkers in California speak indigenous languages from southern Mexico, including Triqui and Mixteco. Many migrants do not speak English or Spanish. According to various estimates, between 50 and 75 percent of farmworkers are undocumented, leading to the fear of deportation exacerbated by language barriers, ignorance of workplace laws and community resources. According to the Indigenous Farmworkers Study, language barriers and unique cultural traits make this population more vulnerable, isolated and lacking in community services. For young women like Rosalba Moran, these conditions of oppression are compounded by sexual violence. Many are raped or abused as they attempt to cross the border in search of work in the US. The UC Berkeley graduate School of Journalism issued a report that found for the 560,000 women who work on US farms, sexual assaults are endemic, and, in spite of the hazards of reporting attacks, hundreds have complained to the federal government about being raped and assaulted by bosses, but have been largely ignored by law enforcement. Poverty, the abuse and exploitation of immigrants and violence against women resulted in the tragedy of a young frightened woman with no financial resources or knowledge of any alternatives giving birth alone in the fields where she worked and then abandoning her baby. That the victim of these conditions is now punished as a murderer, sentenced to serve what may be the rest of her life behind bars, is an indictment of not only the police, prosecutors and courts, but of the sheer inhumanity of an entire social system founded on profit and the merciless exploitation of both immigrant labor and the working class as a whole. The European Court of Human Rights has ruled in defence of the police officers who killed Jean Charles de Menezes in 2005. In doing so, the ECHR has endorsed the state murder of de Menezes, a 27-year-old Brazilian electrician, and its political cover-up by the British state. Judges in Strasbourg ruled by a majority of 13 to four that the UK had not violated article two of the European Convention of Human Rights protecting the right to life, stating, The decision not to prosecute any individual officer was not due to any failings in the investigation or the states tolerance of or collusion in unlawful acts. Rather, it was due to the fact that, following a thorough investigation, a prosecutor had considered all the facts of the case and concluded that there was insufficient evidence against any individual officer to prosecute. Anyone familiar with De Menezes killing will understand that there was every possibility of a successful prosecution, but this was blocked. The death of Jean Charles was the result of Britains shoot-to-kill policy adopted in secret two years earlier in high-level discussion between top police officers and the Labour government of Tony Blair. Part of Operation Kratosrepressive legislation adopted on the basis of the war against terrorit gave Scotland Yard authority to deploy armed squads and, if necessary, to deliver a critical head shot to suspected bombers. The policy was first employed against an innocent man, without any evidence of his posing a threat. Jean Charles was shot dead at Stockwell underground station more than a decade ago, on July 22, 2005, after he was mistakenly identified as a suicide bomber. This occurred just two weeks after the July 7 London bombings in which 56 people died, and the day after failed bombings on three London underground trains and a London bus. Two of the terrorist suspects lived at the same block of flats as Jean Charles in Scotia Road, Tulse Hill. When de Menezes left for work, he was followed by surveillance officers who thought he was one of the suspects because he had Mongolian eyes. The officers made no attempt to detain him on his journey until he had boarded an underground train at Stockwell, some 26 minutes later. Only there, and without warning, did plainclothes, armed CO19 police officers grab Jean Charles, pin him to the seat and pump 11 bullets at point blank range into his bodyseven directly into his head. In the immediate aftermath of his slaying, the police mounted a campaign of disinformation to back up their assertion that de Menezes was a suicide bomber. They claimed he wore bulky clothing to disguise a suicide belt, and that when challenged by police officers he evaded arrest by jumping a ticket barrier at the station and running onto a train. This was a tissue of lies. Jean Charles wore light summer clothes, and walked at a leisurely pace into the underground stationeven stopping to buy a newspaper. An Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) report in 2006 said De Menezes had been killed because of avoidable mistakes and identified a number of possible criminal offences that might have been committed by the officers involved, including murder and gross negligence. But in July 2006, the Crown Prosecution Service ruled that no officer could realistically be prosecuted because it could not be proved beyond reasonable doubt that police believed Jean Charles was not a suicide bomber. Stephen ODoherty, from the CPSs Special Crime Division, said, The two officers who fired the fatal shots did so because they thought that Mr. de Menezes had been identified to them as a suicide bomber and that if they did not shoot him, he would blow up the train, killing many people. In order to prosecute those officers, we would have to prove, beyond reasonable doubt, that they did not honestly and genuinely hold those beliefs. The identity of the man who supposedly misidentified Jean Charles to the firearms officers was never revealed. Referred to as Frank, and later identified as a soldier on secondment to the undercover surveillance unit, he had supposedly compared Menezes to the CCTV photographs of the bombing suspects from the previous day and felt he warranted further attention. The CPS statement insisted that there had been errors in planning and communication and that no individual had been culpable to the degree necessary for a criminal offence. But as the Socialist Equality Party wrote, The CPS has recommended a prosecution in numerous instances where there is neither an admission of guilt nor a certainty of conviction. Its refusal to do so in this case is political. A successful prosecution was brought in 2007 against the Metropolitan Police under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 for De Menezes death, due to failings in the operations planning and implementation. The Met was fined a paltry 175,000 plus 385,000 costs, but the judge issued a rider absolving the officer in charge of the operation of any personal culpability. At an inquest that was finally held in 2008, the jury returned an open verdict after rejecting the official account of events, but only after being advised by the coroner that it was not open to them to return a verdict of unlawful killing. In 2009, the family brought a civil action in damages which resulted in a confidential settlement in 2009. The details of the settlement are covered by a confidentiality clause, but press reports suggest the compensation is in the region of 100,000just a third of the 300,000 they were seeking. The ECHR challenge was brought in January 2008 by Patricia Armani Da Silva, De Menezes cousin. Birnberg Peirce argued for Da Silva that the CPS decision not to prosecute was based on an assessment that there was less than a 50 percent chance of conviction, which was too high a bar and not compatible with Article 2 of the European Convention. The case was heard in the grand chamber of the ECHR as one potentially affecting interpretation of the European convention. The ECHR ruling means that the decision taken by the CPSbased on their claim that there was not enough evidence to prosecute anyonedoes not breach human rights laws. Patricia da Silva Armani, speaking for Jean Charles family, said, We had hoped that the ruling would give a glimmer of hope, not only to us, but to all other families who have been denied the right to justice after deaths at the hands of the police. We find it unbelievable that our innocent cousin could be shot seven times in the head by the Metropolitan Police when he had done nothing wrong, and yet the police have not had to account for their actions. As we have always maintained, we feel that decisions about guilt and innocence should be made by juries, not by faceless bureaucrats and we are deeply saddened that we have been denied that opportunity yet again. Amid an ongoing global restructuring of the meat processing industry, New Zealand company Affco laid off 214 workers at its Rangiuru plant, in the Bay of Plenty, earlier this month. About 50 workers briefly protested the layoffs outside the plant. The Meat Workers Union (MWU) said the company was targeting unionised senior staff, in apparent defiance of court orders. Veteran workers would normally be laid off last at the end of the killing season, but instead this time had gone first. Some workers had 35 to 45 years of service. The layoffs came three weeks earlier than usual, putting workers at least $1,800 out of pocket. Owned by the Talley Group, an agribusiness conglomerate, Affco is New Zealands fourth largest meat processor. It has been in and out of court over the past year, following a lockout of MWU members who refused to sign individual contracts at several plants. The Rangiuru layoffs came after the Employment Relations Authority ordered the reinstatement of two MWU delegates who had been sacked over their union activities. The union declared it would return to court over the way the layoffs were carried through. This is a ploy to divert and suppress any united action by meat workers over deepening struggles within the industry. A series of fruitless court cases have been taken against Affco over repeated legal breaches, including lengthy lockouts and the denial of the unions access rights at processing plants. Last August, the MWU called off a planned two-day strike by about 1,000 workers at eight Affco sheds in an 18-month dispute over Affcos demands for cuts to pay rates, a longer working day, an end to seniority for workers and changes to work breaks. The Employment Court had earlier dismissed court action by the MWU over Affcos move to lock out workers at the Rangiuru plant. The court ordered the parties back into mediation, which the MWU accepted but Affco walked away from. Affco has continued attacks on jobs and conditions. In February, 170 Wairoa meat workers returned to work, ending a five-month lockout after the Employment Court declared that Affco unlawfully locked out workers and breached its good faith obligations under the Employment Relations Act when bargaining employment contracts. These are the most recent in a series of assaults. A 65-day lockout of 110 meat workers at the Canterbury Meat Packers Rangitikei lamb and sheep plant in 2011 resulted in the MWU and the Council of Trade Unions agreeing to cuts to pay and conditions after the workers were virtually starved back to work. In early 2012, 1,300 Affco meat workers held a 5-day strike in support of 1,000 workers locked out from five plants over a collective agreement dispute. Globally, US, Brazilian and other giants are rationalising production and slashing labour costs in pursuit of ever-greater corporate profits. Last November, Tyson Foods, the worlds largest meat producer, announced that two of its US plants would close in 2016 at a cost of 880 jobs. Australian meat workers face ongoing demands for wage cuts, increased productivity, casualisation and job cuts following a series of industry takeovers. In November 2014, financial commentator Rod Oram, an advisor to the industry reform group Meat Industry Excellence (MIE), warned in the Sunday Star Times that the New Zealand processing industry had entered a death spiral. From 2003 to 2013, the number of sheep in New Zealand fell 22 percent, while beef cattle fell 20 percent as many farmers, seeking bigger profits, converted to dairying. The processing companies, Oram claimed, had failed to slash excess capacity. One report commissioned by MIE recommended the closure of up to 19 plants. Confronted by worldwide cost-cutting, the two biggest companies operating in New Zealand, Alliance and Silver Fern Farms (SFF), are attempting to wipe out each other, along with their local rivals. In October 2015, SFF accepted an unprecedented 50/50 partnership proposal for an investment of $261 million from Chinas largest meat processor and retailer Shanghai Maling. Workers are bearing the brunt of the bitter fight for survival, facing an onslaught on jobs, wages, working conditions and living standards. In recent disputes, Affco has asserted its right of complete control over chain speeds, manning and tallies, and replaced seniority rights with performance-based job allocations. Meatworkers operate under oppressive conditions. One, with 10 years experience, told the WSWS he is normally required to work 12 hours a day, 6 days a week. If for any reason this is reduced to an 8-hour day, which can happen without any explanation, he finds his pay packet insufficient to live on. Such conditions are the result of decades of attacks carried out by employers and governments with the full support of the trade union bureaucracy. Until the 1980s, meat processing was, for almost a century, the core of the organised working class in New Zealand. Like all the unions, the MWU collaborated in the 1980s with the Labour governments pro-market agenda to open up the previously protected economy to international competition. Over the decade following 1984, 14,000 freezing workers jobs were eliminated, and some 28 plants closed, devastating many provincial towns. Workers initially resisted the onslaught with a series of strikes around the country. The MWU was instrumental in facilitating the closures, insisting they were inevitable and calling for decent redundancy payments. In 1988 at the South Island Fortex Seafield plant, amid mass picketing by workers, the MWU agreed to allow shift work, a first for the industry. This enabled the plant to run 22 hours a day, 6 days a week, opening the way for further assaults on long-established conditions won by meatworkers. The MWUs betrayals flow from their nationalist, pro-employer perspective of ensuring that New Zealand companies are internationally competitive. This means helping employers to cut costs to match the wages and conditions imposed on workers in other countries, pitting meat workers against each other along national lines. MWU organiser Roger Middlemass told the Manawatu Standard in October 2014 that the union supported closures if they led to more stable employment for the remaining workforce. Middlemass said: We need to take a New Zealand Inc. approach ... Were a small country No-one wants to see the New Zealand meat industry owned by foreign countries. Underlining the MWUs nationalist orientation, it has involved the Maori tribal Iwi Leaders Group (ILG) to help impose corporate-union deals on meat processing workers, who are largely Maori. The ILG represents the interests of the privileged Maori political and business elite, who are hostile to the working class. Its negotiators, who helped the MWU to cancel the planned strike across eight Affco sheds last August, include Ken Mair, an official of the Maori Party which is a partner in the National-led government and Tukoroirangi Morgan, a former MP in the right-wing populist NZ First Party. Affco is not, as the MWU maintains, an outlier in the industry. All the meat companies have joined the offensive against workers. The MWU is keeping each group of workers in struggle isolated within their own plants in order to wear them down, often under conditions of lockout, and by tying up disputes in the courts, giving the union time to negotiate and impose settlements. The author also recommends: Australian meat workers to face new attacks after JBS buys Primo Group [27 November 2014] The pseudo-left party Podemos is using the March 22 attacks in Brussels that claimed the lives of 35 people and left 340 injured as a means to join the rest of the political establishment in stoking up a right-wing atmosphere using the war on terror. For a decade and a half, pretext of fighting terrorism has served a critical political function for the imperialist countries. Attacks, often like in the recent Brussels attack involving suspects who are closely monitored by the state, are exploited to attack democratic rights and boost the powers of the intelligence agencies and police. The state then uses the attacks as propaganda to justify neo-colonial wars for resources, spheres of influence and cheap labour. Podemos integration in this rhetoric is not some sort of concession to right-wing forces or a pre-emptive move designed to avoid criticism as some critics have said. Rather, it represents another aggressive move by Podemos to stake its claim with the Spanish bourgeoisie to be a viable ruling party. Last week, the right-wing Popular Party (PP), the Citizens party, and the social democratic Socialist Party (PSOE) called a meeting of the Anti-Jihadist Pact. The pact was signed by the PP and the PSOE after the Charlie Hebdo attacks in Paris last January, which the new Citizens party subsequently joined. It was followed by a deepening of the assault on democratic rights, including strengthening the penal code and state of emergency legislation, and more surveillance measures on social networks, telephone calls and emails. Podemos officially refused to join but sent Rafael Mayoral, the head of Relations with Social Movements, with observer status to the commission set up by the pact. This was followed by a ratcheting up of law-and-order rhetoric by Podemos. After the Paris attacks last November, Podemos General Secretary Pablo Iglesias once again stated that strengthening the penal code was not efficient, adding that renouncing the protections of criminal law and reducing freedoms and civil rights is falling into what the terrorists want. However, Iglesias made clear he had no principled objection to the ruling parties using Islamist attacks to strengthen the state apparatus and use them as pretext for imperialist wars in Africa and the Middle East. Quite the opposite. Iglesias stated that Podemos welcomed some positive aspects in the pact in regards to the strengthening of the intelligence services and greater coordination amongst the police. Last week, following the Brussels attacks, Mayoral was again sent to the Anti-Jihadist Pact meeting. Iglesias also created a monitoring unit with Mayoral, Pablo Bustinduy (head of International Relations) and former Chief of the Defence Staff of the Spanish Armed Forces and Podemos shadow Defence Minister, Julio Rodriguez. Iglesias also said that Podemos and the monitoring unit would continue in the pact with observer status and would continue proposing new measures to face the terrorist threat. Morover, Iglesias made himself available to the Spanish government for whatever and said it was necessary to call for unity of all political forces and support the State Security Forces and emergency units. Among the measures so far proposed by Iglesias are to increase the budget for the National Intelligence Centre (CNI) and police forces, and more coordination amongst European intelligence services. This is shared by the PP, PSOE and Citizens. The Popular Party government in fact increased this years budget for the CNI by 7.7 percent last August. As part of his negotiations on forming a government with the PSOE, Iglesias has already proposed to make himself vice president in charge of the CNI. Iglesias proposal for increased coordination of European intelligence agencies echoes the false arguments advanced in the media internationally that the Brussels attacks took place because of insufficient coordination between spy agencies. In fact, there was extensive coordination, and Belgian intelligence had been warned by Turkish, Russian, and Israeli forces of the identity and targets of the attackers. However, Belgian intelligence officials did not arrest them and allowed them to proceed unhindered to their targets. Iglesias has remained completely silent on the ties of European states with the Islamist networks, which have developed enormously during the last five years in the Libyan and Syrian wars, presumably because this would undermine his defence of the intelligence services. This is a complicit silence, coming months after Iglesias denounced the links between ISIS and the European Union, US, Turkey and Saudi Arabia after the November 13 attacks in Paris. Since then, Podemos has junked its previous criticisms of the reactionary Saudi regime, with the partys local affiliates from the state-owned shipbuilding towns of Cadiz and Ferrol urging the Spanish government to speed up the sale of warships to Saudi Arabia. Podemos is making it clear that they will do anything to support Spains intelligence and military activities, whilst aiding the Spanish bourgeoisie by blocking growing hostility among broad layers of the population against attacks on democratic rights and militarism. Podemos anti-terrorist rhetoric is part of its presentation as a state force capable of ruling alongside the pro-imperialist and pro-austerity forces like the PSOE, with which they are continuing to negotiate after the deadlocked December 20 election and the failure of the Socialist party and the right-wing Citizens party to form a government. It is also a direct appeal to the CNI, which has raised doubts in the press that Podemos would not be a reliable member in the parliaments Commission of State Secrets as they might leak state secrets. Ironically, the Chief of Spanish Defence Staff, Julio Rodriguez, did not remain so quiet as his party colleague, Iglesias. In an interview with radio station Onda Cero, Rodriguez stated that he thought the Islamic State has borne fruit of the violence Europe has sown, and referred to a 2013 report which said, Western countries, Turkey and Arab countries financed [ISIS], they were aware that they were going to create a caliphate there, to oppose Bashar al Assad, and the report says literally that they were aware they were going to create that caliphate. Rodriguez is not ignorant of how Western powers have used Islamist fighters in their proxy wars for regime change. Under Rodriguezs leadership, the Spanish army participated in US-led neo-colonial wars in Afghanistan (2001), Iraq (2003), and played a major role in the 2011 NATO war on Libya. On that occasion, the US and its European allies, including Spain, funnelled arms and weaponry to Islamist militias fighting Gaddafis regime, which they also targeted with a mass bombing campaign. Podemos decision to embrace the war on terror, NATO, US-led wars, the intelligence agencies and attacks on democratic rights is another warning as to its utterly reactionary role. All three remaining candidates for the Republican presidential nomination declined to renew their pledges to support the partys eventual standard-bearer, in back-to-back appearances Tuesday night at a town hall in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, televised over CNN. While Texas Senator Ted Cruz and Ohio Governor John Kasich worded their statements carefully, billionaire Donald Trump, the frontrunner, flatly repudiated the declaration that he made last fall, agreeing to support the partys nominee and not to launch a third-party or independent campaign if denied the Republican nomination. Trump told interviewer Anderson Cooper that the Republican National Committee and the Republican Party establishment had not treated him fairly. He claimed youd have a lot of very upset people if there is a contested convention in Cleveland in July which nominates someone else. A contested convention would take place if Trump fails to reach the required 1,237 majority of delegates required for the nomination, as is increasingly possible given the fractured voting in primaries and caucuses. Trump currently leads with 763 delegates to 463 for Cruz and 143 for Kasich. Only four weeks ago, at a March 3 Fox News debate in Detroit, all three candidates, plus Florida Senator Marco Rubio, who was still in the race, raised their hands to declare they remained committed to support the eventual nominee, whether Trump or someone else. Asked if he stood by that pledge, Trump said Tuesday, No, I dont anymore. He claimed that the RNC and Republican officials were not treating him with the respect due to his first-place position. Im the front-runner by a lot, he boasted. Im beating Ted Cruz by millions of votes. Trump went on to berate Cruz, declaring that he did not need his support in the general election and would not want it. Cruz responded in similarly bitter terms to a subsequent question about supporting Trump if he becomes the nominee, referring to a recent series of vicious Internet postings by Trump. Im not in the habit of supporting someone who attacks my wife and attacks my family, he said. When pressed, Cruz continued, Let me tell you my solution to that: Donald is not going to be the GOP nominee. Kasich said, If the nominee is somebody I think is really hurting the country, and dividing the country, I cant stand behind them, but wouldnt say Trumps name, although that was clearly the reference. He said he had been disturbed by some of the things Ive seen during the campaign, adding, I want to see how this finishes out. Asked about his pledge to support Trump at the Detroit debate, he said, Frankly, all of us shouldnt have even answered that question. The next major contest is April 5 in Wisconsin, with polls of likely Republican voters showing Cruz with a 10-point lead over Trump, 40 percent to 30 percent, with Kasich trailing with 21 percent. There were signs of a more concerted anti-Trump campaign in Wisconsin, where virtually the entire state Republican Party is backing Cruz, led by Governor Scott Walker, himself a failed presidential candidate, who endorsed Cruz on Monday. Not a single Republican state legislator in Wisconsin is supporting Trump, an extraordinary situation for a presidential frontrunner. Cruz, of course, is no less reactionary than Trump on virtually every significant issue. He hailed Walkers endorsement, noting the Wisconsin governors role in the 2011 campaign against public employees, slashing wages, benefits and union rights while the AFL-CIO unions sabotaged a mass movement by the working class to fight back. The Texas Senator sought to outdo Trump last week in anti-Muslim vilification and paranoia, advocating a massive police mobilization in US cities to patrol and secure Muslim neighborhoods before they become radicalized. Another effort to produce a contested convention came from Florida Senator Rubio, who had accumulated 171 pledged delegates before he suspended his campaign after defeat in his home state primary March 15. Rubio has now asked the Republican National Committee and 21 state committees to have his delegates bound to vote for him at the conventions first ballot, rather than allowing them to become uncommitted, and therefore available for poaching by Trump or Cruz. On Tuesday, Alaska became the first state to respond, agreeing to bind Rubios five delegates. There were a number of signs that the mounting political pressure is taking its toll on the Trump campaign. On Tuesday, Trumps campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski, was indicted in Jupiter, Florida on charges of battery against a female reporter, Michelle Fields, then of Breitbart News, a right-wing Internet publication. After Fields publicly accused Lewandowski of grabbing her and frog-marching her away from Trump after a Florida campaign appearance, Trump and Lewandowski both publicly declared her delusional, with Lewandowski claiming he had never even met her. Fields filed charges with the Jupiter police, who found video footage of the incident that confirmed her account and proved both the candidate and campaign manager to be outright liarsnot for the first time. Trumps own behavior appears increasingly unhinged, as demonstrated in last weeks exchange of insults with Cruz, culminating in Trumps threat to spill the beans on Heidi Cruz, the candidates wife, and a series of demeaning twitter posts and emails. This has intensified in Wisconsin, where the candidate has met with hostility even on right-wing talk radio. At an interview with MSNBC host Chris Matthews Wednesday, Trump reiterated his opposition to abortion rights and declared that if abortion becomes illegal, women who have an abortion should be punished in some unspecified way. Only after this statement was denounced by both abortion rights and anti-abortion groups did his campaign issue a statement retracting his comments. In the same interview, Trump declared his willingness to consider the use of tactical nuclear weapons against ISIS. You have to keep all your cards on the table, he said. Matthews, clearly dumbfounded, asked him if this applied to other theaters of potential conflict, such as Europe. Trump indicated that tactical nuclear weapons could potentially be used in Europe as well. Trump has maintained a lead over Cruz and Kasich in polls of Republican primary voters, but his overall poll numbers have fallen considerably over the past two weeks. According to a Washington Post-ABC News poll this month, 67 percent of Americans had an unfavorable impression of the billionaire demagogue, which the newspaper described as surpassing the highest negative marks for any presidential candidate in more than three decades of Post-ABC polling. The Costa Rican Government has closed its borders to a new wave of Cuban migrants traveling by land to the United States. As of last Friday, 1,600 of them were stuck at the Panamanian border under overcrowded and reportedly unsanitary conditions. The Costa Rican president stated the previous week, We ask the Cuban migrants not to travel anymore The government has ended its humanitarian assistance operation. Luis Miguel Hincapie, Panamas vice minister for foreign relations, reported on Saturday that there would be a meeting with [foreign relations] vice-ministers from all countries involved in the beginning of April Cuba, Ecuador, Colombia and Central America. Costa Ricas humanitarian act, which was officially terminated March 15, consisted of housing and arranging for the 7,800 Cubans who were stranded in Costa Rica since last November to continue their journey to North America. During the following week, the Costa Rican government doubled up border surveillance to prevent more Cubans from crossing. The closing of the preferred corridor of Cubans to the USfrom Ecuador to Panama, and northward to Texas, where, as opposed to Florida, they can enter legally by presenting themselves to US border officialswas initiated last November, when the Costa Rican police arrested several bands of coyotes, people-smugglers, forcing an initial wave of Cubans to go through the Nicaraguan border stations. Soon after, on November 15, the Nicaraguan Government militarized its borders to prevent the Cuban migrants from crossing. They fired rubber bullets, tear gas, and high pressure water hoses, demanding that the Costa Rican authorities fix the problem by removing the migrants from the border. According to the US Customs and Border Protection data, 43,159 Cubans entered the US in fiscal year 2015, a 78 percent rise from the previous year, and over five times as many as in 2011. A Cuban emigrant in Panama told Fusion news, Cubans are afraid that [Presidents Raul Castro and Barack Obama] are going to make a deal after their hug, and the US is going to revoke the Cuban Adjustment Act. The Cold War-era act provides unique treatment to Cuban refugees, who are allowed to stay in the US once they set foot on US soil and are automatically granted legal residency after one year. During January, and after several failed negotiations, Costa Rican authorities made deals with Mexico, Guatemala and El Salvador to let the migrants fly over to El Salvador and travel by bus to Mexico for $555an opportunity about 5,000 Cubans took, while the rest desisted or used other coyotes to continue their dangerous trip to the US. Another 1,300 Cubans were flown directly to Mexico. The Costa Rican General Department for Migration and Foreign Matters (DGME) congratulated the institutions and communities involved in this operation, but insisted that it is not possible for the country to repeat it. One of the agencys main concerns is that the continuing inflow of Cubans will feed the growth of smuggling organizations. Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega, acting in concert with the Cuban government, intended to generate a humanitarian crisis to put pressure on Washington to stop the welcoming of Cubans into the United States under the 1966 Cuban Adjustment Act. Claiming to defend the rule of law and its national sovereignty, Nicaragua attacked migrants, including hundreds of children, and left them to their fates, at the hands of criminal organizations and in the face of a mounting health crisis. Despite their initial scathing denunciations of Nicaragua, the other countries in the Cuban migration corridor have followed suit. Towards the end of November, the Ecuadoran Government, another Cuban ally, imposed a visa requirement for Cubans, making Guyana the only country in mainland Latin America without this restriction for Cubans. Claiming that they dont have the resources to continue their assistance, the Costa Rican authorities decided in December not to issue any more transit visas to Cubans. The foreign minister said the government spent $3 million on sheltering and feeding the migrants, while the US State Department gave them $1 million. After allowing more Cubans to enter, the Panamanian Government has given very little assistance. According to NGOs aiding those at the border with Costa Rica, the Panamanian authorities have removed the Cubans living in tents and placed them in a border police bunker with very poor sanitation, leading to protests that resulted in five arrests last Wednesday. The Panamanian authorities are now completing a census in order to deny assistance to incoming Cubans, who continue to enter in large numbers, primarily from Colombia. The tensions between Central American governments have exposed the fragility of three decades of supposed economic, political, and social integration since the end of the civil wars in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. The UN Economic Commission for Latin America (ECLAC) recently celebrated the creation of regional markets for medicines and electricity and the 95.7% harmonization of tariff lines as part of the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) with the United States. Nonetheless, historically, the economic liberalization, increased dependency on foreign capital, and rabid competition for greater foreign investment that results from these common markets and transnational free trade treaties has led to intensifying nationalism and xenophobia and subsequent attacks on the working class, especially through regressive taxes and cuts in social security and education. For instance, the Central American Common Market, initiated in 1960, led to an initial tripling of foreign capital and cheaper imports for wealthier consumers, but resulted in the Honduran-Salvadoran 1969 war, increased inequality, and an economic recession once the market had reached its maximum demand by the late 1960s. The resulting social crisis and empowerment of the oligarchies were principal causes of the civil wars in the late 1970s. Nicaraguas spokeswoman and first lady Rosario Murillo blamed Costa Rica for the migrant blockade and warned on November 17: We cant rule out the possibility of another invasion of our territory promoted and encouraged by Costa Rica. She was referring to a conflict over a river delta island at the border, which the International Court of Justice decided a day before her statement constituted Costa Rican territory and demanded reparations from Nicaragua for environmental damage and its military incursion on the island. Government officials and the press in both countries have used the migrant issue to instigate greater xenophobia. For instance, on November 25, the Costa Rican ambassador in Nicaragua, Javier Sancho, when denying visas to over 1,000 Nicaraguans requesting work visas that day, compared them with livestock: People have to understand that Costa Rica is a country of rights, there are laws and procedures they have to fulfill; Costa Rica is not some pasture [potrero] that everyone can come into. After several unsuccessful meetings with the other Central American governments throughout December, Costa Rica condemned the other countries for their lack of cooperation and bad faith and decided to break from the Central American Integration System (SICA), the UN sponsored political body for the region. These political ruptures are an expression of the tensions generated by economic deceleration due to falling commodity prices and the exporting of US capital between Central American countries and to Southeast Asian economies, particularly Vietnam. These regional conflicts generated by the world economic crisis historically have been exploited by the US and local elites in an attempt to convince workers of the various countries on the Central American isthmus to blame each other rather than the real source of mounting social crisescapitalism and US imperialist domination. This time around, however the US client regimes are all directly criticizing US foreign policy, namely the special refugee status for Cubans, for ultimately causing the present crisis. These criticisms arise not only in relation to the millions of dollars in costs in dealing with migrants and smugglers. The local ruling elites are also concerned about popular anger over the glaring disparity between the treatment of Cubans under the US Cuban Adjustment Act, and the treatment meted out to Central Americans trying to reach the United States. It is not lost on Central American workers that their governments are aiding Cubans to move into the US as refugees, while they accept millions of dollars from the State Department to prevent their own citizens from escaping and seeking asylum away from the intense violence and poverty over which these same governments preside. However, given the political rapprochement between Washington and Havana and the coming flood of US capital into Cuba, there are growing calls for the revocation of the act, meaning that Cuban migrants would be subjected to the same treatment as their Central American counterparts. Instead of relieving the tensions and controversy, the State Department reminded Central Americans of their sub-colonial status by stating that it has no plans to change its migration policy. Instead, the Obama Administration has intensified its raids and deportations and continues to pay Mexico to stop Central American families fleeing, chiefly, Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala. According to the New York Times, about 80 percent of Central American migrants appealing for refugee status since the large influx in 2014 are being deported, while the New Yorker reports fourteen flights a week since 2014 sending them back. Through direct military coups, as in Honduras in 2009, increasing national antagonisms, and flooding the political elites coffers with security and development financing, such as the $1 billion 2016 Alliance for Prosperity with Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala, the US State Department safeguards the region as a platform for cheap labor, natural resource exploitation, and military operations. The Central American oligarchical elites will quiet their complaints against Washington--whether they come in the form of the timid criticisms of Solis or the phony anti-imperialist rhetoric of Ortega--and get on with their attacks on the living standards of the working class in service of imperialism. The plans of steel conglomerate Tata to sell their loss-making UK steel business threaten the jobs of 15,000 steel workers along with another 25,000 jobs in the companys supply chain. Were the jobs to go, it would mean the end of steel production in the UK. Tata took over its UK steel plants in 2007 after acquiring Corus Group for 6.7 billion. Its largest plant is at Port Talbot in South Wales. In an area of high deprivation, whose population has relied on steel production for decades, 4,000 jobs and a further 6,600 jobs in the supply chain are under threat. Tatas other main plants are in Scunthorpe in North Lincolnshire, Rotherham in South Yorkshire, Llanwern in South Wales, Shotton in north Wales, and Corby in Northamptonshire. The decision to sell its UK business has prompted a governmental crisis for the ruling Conservatives, currently campaigning for the UK to remain in the European Union in the upcoming June 23 referendum. Tatas announcement will inevitably be used by supporters of the Leave campaign. As criticism of the government mounted Wednesday, Prime Minister David Cameron returned from holiday in Lanzarote, while Business Secretary Sajid Javid was forced to return from Australia. Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, returning from a holiday in the South of England, wrote to Cameron, calling for the recall of Parliament. Downing Street refused the request. Cameron is to chair a meeting of key ministers today to discuss the crisis. Tata announced its plans in a review of its European steel portfolio, citing among the factors involved the global oversupply of steel, significant increase in third-country exports into Europe, high manufacturing costs, continued weakness in domestic market demand in steel and a volatile currency. The companys UK steel operations are losing more than 1 million a day, and the firm claims it has suffered asset impairment of more than 2 billion in the last five years. According to a source close to the company cited by the Guardian, Tata is ready to give it away for nothing. Tata is hiving off its UK operation as the result of a deepening trade war in the world steel industry. Amid a deepening economic slowdown globally, restructuring has led to massive job losses in North America, Europe and Asia. The vast majority of job losses, 400,000, are slated for China, which produces half of the worlds steel and which has already cut production by 90 million tons. It plans to slash production further by between 100 million and 150 million tons (a 20 percent reduction.) The response of ruling elites the world over has been to unleash protectionist measures, many targeting China, which is accused of dumping cheap steel onto the global market. According to the Guardian, Tata worked closely with the government over the last few months but decided to pull out of the UK after the government refused to back calls in Europe for higher tariffs against Chinese steel imports. A Tata source told the newspaper this was the last straw. The trade unions and the Labour Party are the main advocates of this nationalist demand. Shortly after being elected as party leader, Corbyn insisted on meeting Chinas President Xi Jinping during his state visit to the UK in October, at which time he gave him a private letter citing his concerns over UK steel job losses. A few days later, speaking to steelworkers in Scunthorpe, Corbyn declared that If necessary, he would go to Beijing in defence of the UK steel industry. In his letter to Cameron, Corbyn stated, If necessary, ministers must be prepared to use their powers to take a public stake in steel-making to protect the industry and British manufacturing. The Government must do whatever it takes to save this strategic industry. He called for the convening of a meeting of all relevant partiesgovernment ministers, trade union and employee representatives, and industry groupsto discuss all options, including a public stake, available to the Government to ensure the security of the industry in the future. Speaking at the Port Talbot plant Wednesday, Corbyn stepped up his nationalist agitation, calling for an immediate government intervention to protect our steel industry. He insisted that strategic procurement of steel from steelworks in Britain was required for all UK infrastructure projects. These calls were echoed by Unite General Secretary Len McCluskey, who stated, The unity of voicesfrom business to governmentto say that temporary nationalisation is the way forward must not be ignored. Every single one of these plants and its workers should be regarded as a national asset and, as such, it is governments duty to safeguard them for the nation. Trades Union Congress leader Frances OGrady said, The government should directly intervene to save the UK steel industry to secure the future of this vital industry. These are not calls for the nationalisation of the industry as previously carried out by Labour in 1967. What is being proposed is that the government take a temporary stake in the steel plants, pending their eventual sale to another private entity. Shadow Business Secretary Angela Eagle has called on the government to consider part-nationalising the steelworks to shelter the assets until the storm has passed. This would be an operation to fleece the taxpayer, as was the case with the 45 billion bailout of the RBS Bank after the 2008 financial crash, which is why Javid and Business Minister Anna Soubry both hinted that it might be considered by the government. Neither Corbyn nor the trade union bureaucracy proposes any struggle by steel workers in defence of their jobs. Instead, they propose to deepen the collusion with the employers that has already led to thousands of job losses, speed-up and wage cuts based on a heightened programme of national protectionismincluding seeking subsidies and tax breaks from the Tories. Steel industry workers must oppose this call for an alliance with big business and appeals to the very government that is imposing devastating austerity measures. Protectionism is not an answer to the untrammelled exploitation by the transnational corporations facilitated by successive Labour and Tory governments since the 1980s. It is a mechanism through which these same corporations will be given additional funds, paid for by the working class, to prosecute an accelerated trade war against their global rivals. Such a trade war, whether framed within demands to save UK steel or for the EU to get tough with China, will mean for workers only a race to the bottom, in the name of securing global competitiveness. The only possible outcome will be further job losses in Britain, Europe and internationally. In reality, whereas Chinese steel imports to the UK have doubled to 687,000 tonnes due to low prices, the EU accounts for fully 4.7 million tonnes and global markets are saturated. Protectionism directed against China will therefore only be the first step taken. Tata is a prime example of the reality of globalised production and the international character of the working class. It employs 600,000 workers in many industries in 80 countries. The Tata Steel Group manufactures steel in 26 countries, with a commercial presence in over 50 countries, integrating the labour of 80,000 employees across five continents. The only progressive and viable perspective on which to defend jobs is a unified struggle by steel workers in Britain with their fellow workers throughout Europe, America, India, China and the world over, in opposition to the steel corporations, the reactionary and moribund trade unions, and all wings of the capitalist class. The author also recommends: Job losses mount in US steel and aluminum industries [8 February 2016] China announcing 400,000 steelworker job cuts [1 February 2016] UK: Jeremy Corbyn and unions demand turn to economic protectionism [30 October 2015] Just over a week ago, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull set the stage for a rare double dissolution election, involving all seats in both parliamentary houses on July 2. The move is a desperate bid to break the logjam in the Senatethe parliamentary upper housewhere opposition parties and so-called independents have used their majority to block key budget measures. Yesterday, Turnbull announced another extraordinary scheme aimed at silencing mounting criticisms within corporate and financial circles that his Liberal-National Coalition government had failed to commit to deep cuts to public spending, lower corporate taxes and further inroads into wages and working conditions. On the eve of a meeting of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) with state premiers on Friday, the prime minister proposed a far-reaching change to taxation that would devolve responsibility to the states for the raising of income taxes allocated to the funding of public schools and hospitals. The plan would reverse the tax system established in 1942 in the midst of World War II, under which the federal government collected all income tax and dispensed tied grants to the states. While the states are currently responsible for public education and health, the new scheme would dispense with the principle of equal provision of services across the country, and could sow the seeds for a fracturing of the Australian federation. Increasingly, Turnbull is taking on the appearance of a drowning man clutching at straws. Central to the government crisis is the hostility among millions of ordinary working people to the entire political establishment, after decades of attacks on jobs and living standards. Since the eruption of the 2008 global financial crisis, Australian politics has been beset by one upheaval after another, leading to four changes of prime minister in less than 8 years. A key factor in the turmoil has been the inability of governments, both Labor and Coalition, to overcome deep opposition among voters to the corporate agenda of austerity. With an election due this year, Turnbull calculated that a double dissolution, along with changes to voting procedures for the Senate, offered the best chance of clearing the independents out of the upper house and then proceeding with the demands of big business. Turnbull, having ousted Tony Abbott as party leader and prime minister just seven months ago, is fixated on stamping his authority on the Coalition and obtaining an electoral mandate. By this week, however, the prime minister appeared to be having second thoughts, putting out feelers to the independents on a compromise that would allow the passage of legislation to re-establish the draconian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) with extensive coercive powers against building workers. A double dissolution electionthe constitutional mechanism to resolve an impasse between the two houses of parliamentrequires a trigger, that is, government legislation that has been blocked by the Senate. Turnbull chose the ABCC laws as the trigger, anticipating that the Senate would oppose them, thus making the need to stamp out union corruption a central feature of the Coalitions election campaign against the opposition Labor Party. If the government is now reconsidering its options, its main concern is that the wellspring of opposition to the establishment parties could result in a new Senate that is just as fractured as the present one. This dilemma is compounded by the fact that a budget has to be brought down in May, prior to the election. If it contains harsh spending cuts, it will only further alienate voters. If it does not, it will bring a new round of criticism from big business and the potential for moves to oust yet another prime minister. Turnbulls latest plan to insist that state governments levy their own income tax is driven primarily by short-term political expediency. Under fire from the corporate elite for doing nothing to slash social spending, he is proposing to shift all responsibility onto the states for raising the extra financing needed just to keep schools and hospitals functioning. He is offering the state governments, which are desperate for money after the Abbott Coalition government cut $80 billion from health and education funding in 2014, an initial sweeteneran additional $3 billion pittancein return for signing up to a discussion on the proposed tax arrangements. Turnbull made the announcement yesterday on the fly, without notes, calculations or projections. He had conducted no prior discussions with the state governments and his new policy has deepened the rift between himself and his treasurer, Scott Morrison. According to the prime minister, the plan will make state governments responsible for funding services and end their blame game with Canberra. If a state government, over time, wants to raise more money by lifting taxes, well it will be answerable to the public, he said. Concerned about the electoral repercussions, Treasurer Morrison had scotched the idea of higher taxes, suggesting that the prime minister had not gone that far. This was the second time in less than a fortnight that Morrison and Turnbull were at odds with each other. Last week, Morrison was not informed in advance of Turnbulls decision to recall parliamenteven though, as treasurer, he would have to deliver the budget a week earlier than scheduled. The governments disarray has only been exacerbated by the response from state governments, big business and the establishment media, none of which has wholeheartedly embraced Turnbulls tax plan. Every state premier has questioned the lack of detail, even those most likely to benefit. The Business Council of Australia declared it was concerned that anything which risks increasing complexity reduces the competitiveness of Australias income tax system. Paul Kelly, editor-at-large at Murdochs Australian, declared the proposal was riddled with economic and political problems. He warned that Turnbull risked becoming an experimental ideas merchant devoid of the ability to close the deal. The proposal to allow state governments to levy income tax has broad implications. It was originally devised by the Abbott governments Audit Commission in its 2014 recommendations as a means of establishing competitive federalism, aimed at pitting states against each other in an endless fight to attract investment by lowering business costs. Abbott rejected the proposal as a form of double taxationa criticism repeated by the Labor opposition yesterday. The plan would lead to a further deterioration of public education and health as state governments cut funding to provide tax breaks and other incentives to big business. At the same time, poorer states would be substantially worse off. According to one estimate, the differences would be huge: to raise the same level of income, Tasmania would have to levy taxes 41 percent higher than the national average, whereas the Australian Capital Territory could afford to drop its taxes by 31 percent. The proposal would also accelerate the privatisation of essential services. State governments would be left to finance and operate public schools and hospitals that have already been savaged by decades of cutbacks. The federal government, however, would continue to directly fund private schools, and indirectly provide funding for private hospitals, via its rebate for those taking out private health insurance. Whether the tax plan survives tomorrows COAG meeting remains to be seen. An earlier proposal floated by Turnbull for an increase in the regressive and unpopular goods and services tax (GST), in order to boost funding for the states, was withdrawn before it was even formally announced. Increasingly the Turnbull Coalition government, torn by internal divisions and recriminations, is thrashing about in search of a solution to the same impossible political conundrum that wracked its predecessorsthe Rudd and Gillard Labor governments, and the Abbott Coalition government how to impose the dictates from above on the millions below, who are becoming ever-more hostile and restive. 6 years, 6 months ago QPD Dajanae O. Jones, 18, 1514 S. 6th for FTA - Fighting. Lodged Cory J. Ostrander, 35, Homeless, for Marion Co warrants FTA - DWI & FTA - Forgery at 7th & Jersey on 03-30-16. Lodged Amy J Brown 47, of Quincy for failure to reduce speed. Christopher Robinson 26, 219 N 10th Apt B for no valid drivers license, no insurance and leaving the scene of a property damage accident at 826 Broadway on 3/7. Rachelle I Altheide 24, of Quincy for shoplifting at Family Dollar. Beau Passmore 1423 N 5th reports his vehicle was stolen from his residence on 3/3 @ 2200 hrs. The vehicle was later recovered in Missouri and a suspect was taken into custody. Richard J Steinkamp (92) Quincy for Failure to Yield-Left Turn at 336 S 36th St on 3/29/16. PTC Stacey L Houston (45) 424 Kentucky for Driving While License Suspended at 8-9/Jefferson on 3/29/16. NTA Derrick W. Morrison, 28, Quincy for Violation of Order of Protection at 600 Elm. Lodged Chad R Burwinkel (35) 910 N 12th for FTA-DUI and Possession of Methamphetamine at Spruce-Cedar/4-5 on 3/30/16. Lodged Kelyn T. Connor, 22, Quincy for City of Quincy warrant FTA-Possession of Cannabis. Cash bond ATLANTA (AP) - Atlanta's city council is expected to consider a plan for Uber and other ride-booking services to operate at the airport under certain conditions. The airport's proposed new rules for Uber, Lyft and other ride-booking firms go before the city council's transportation committee Wednesday. Officials at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport - the world's busiest airport - have said they want drivers to undergo criminal background checks based on fingerprints, a method preferred by many law enforcement experts. Uber has objected to the fingerprint checks, saying its own background checks work well, and the fingerprint-based checks would be overly cumbersome for its drivers. The airport's plan also covers proposed fees the airport would receive from ride-booking firms, when drivers can pick up passengers and where they would be able to do so. THOMASVILLE, Ga. (WTXL)--More a dozen restaurants in Thomasville will be donating part of their proceeds to the Red Cross. All of the funds raised will be used to provide disaster relief assistance to nearby communities. Just in the last year, the Red Cross of Southwest Georgia helped nearly 80 people with disaster assistance. Jonah's Fish and Grits is just one of the restaurants participating on Thursday. The owner of the restaurant says it's important for businesses to give back to the community. "Give back to people who are suffering and in need," said Caleb Brown. "We definitely believe in community, and if we come together and help each other out, it just makes a lot of things easier for everybody. Obviously a noble cause, we never now when disaster will strike and so we want to be a apart of helping people get through a tough time." March is recognized as National Red Cross Month. If you want to get involved, just call 229-436-4845. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL)--The Leon County Sheriff's Office and Longhorn Steakhouse are teaming up to raise money for the Special Olympics in Florida. Deputies and athletes will be celebrity waiters at Longhorn. The tips for the waiters will then be donated to the Special Olympics. It's from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday and then from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Special Olympics Florida gives children and adults with intellectual disabilities the opportunities to train and compete in year-round sports. Submit An Obituary Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death. Go to form A unanimous resolution of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) last week obligates its commissioner to assemble a database of business entities directly or indirectly involved in Israeli settlements in disputed territories, and to present it at the UNHRC's next meeting. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The resolution does not include an enforcement mechanism, so it is toothless in that respect. However, it is not without impact.To the contrary: Unlike the hundreds of other anti-Israeli resolutions that the UNHRC has passed which didn't change a thing, in Israel or in the wider world, this one is likely to cause serious trouble. The frequent use of the geographical term "Judea and Samaria" encourages the Israeli public to forget that the international legal system considers all settlements illegal and in violation of international conventions established after World War II. It's reasonable to assume that no company will want to find itself on a blacklist of lawbreakers, regardless of the political motives of assembling such a list. The UNHRC. (Photo:AP) Even less so will they want to be on a list carrying the UN logo that's expected to be published as an official document. Being included in such a "database" would expose any company to calls for a boycott, to other companies quietly severing their business connections, and to various kinds of legal action. The conclusion: If business connections to Israeli settlements in the territories will indeed be interpreted by any corporation's legal advisers as a likely legal violation, its board of directors will vote to sever them without hesitation and regardless of their degree of sympathy towards Israel. Labeling imported settlement products (as an EU requirement) has hit an impasse in political bureaucracy. The practical implications of this requirement in Europe are insignificant. However, the risk of being placed on a list of companies directly or indirectly involved with Israeli settlements, thus violating international law, is not trivial from any company's perspective. Business owners and managers cannot ignore this. This is not merely intimidation for intimidation's sake. As opposed to capitulating to the economic boycott of Israel led by the BDS movement a boycott that is forbidden by law in several western countries obeying UNHRC resolutions is legal and permitted. It may even be included in the criteria for receiving a "social business" label, along the lines of environmental friendliness or avoiding child labor. The list of Israeli companies working in the settlements is long and includes most of the business sector, from the Israel Electric Corporation to individual contractors, from banks to supermarket chains. Human Rights Watch published a report in January entitled "Occupation, Inc.: How Settlement Businesses Contribute to Israel's Violation of Palestinian Rights." The report called on business leaders to stop working in, funding, granting services to, and doing business with settlements. This is the same spirit as the UNHRC's resolution, even if its practical implementation is not expected before the blacklist's compilation. Palestinian workers at an Israeli West Bank factory. (Photo: Reuters) The UNHRC has a long history of one-sided and anti-Semitic acts against Israel. Its resolutions against us are hypocritical, immoral and disproportionate. However, the fact that not one head of government of a state friendly to us has instructed their representatives to vote against the recent resolution is a resounding failure of Israel's foreign policy, which attempts to erase the legal and political peculiarities of the settlements. This erasure will not be successful, and the more we insist on it, the greater grow the internal economic risks for Israel. The current government finds it particularly difficult to understand the view that the settlements are illegal. It's difficult for them politically because of the electorate in West Bank settlements. It's difficult for them morally because of the ministers' belief that this is the historical-religious homeland. It's difficult for them tactically because of the justified fight against BDS and its proxies. Nevertheless, under great pressure and with no alternative, Israel is coming to terms with a practical separation. Recently, in an agreement with the EU funding a multi-year university research and development project, a condition was agreed upon: That the project not cross the Green Line. Last week's UN resolution, creating a comprehensive list of companies with business connections to the settlements, increases the need for a separation such as this to the level of a national test. The Egyptian border guard destroyed a three kilometer long tunnel between Rafah, Egypt and the Gaza Strip, one of the longest tunnels discovered at the border between the Gaza Strip and the Sinai Peninsula, according to Egyptian security sources Thursday. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The tunnel's opening point, located in the house of an Egyptian smuggler from the Al Barazeel neighborhood in Rafah, Egypt is made out of concrete and steel. In addition to high quality engineering equipment, lighting, generators and communications devices were found. Hamas tunnel The Ma'an Palestinian news agency reported that armaments such as mortars were found inside the tunnel. Egyptian security sources did not rule out the possibility that this tunnel was intended for military purposes. Egyptian media accused Hamas and its military wing, the Izz ad-Din Al-Qassam Brigades of having something to do with the tunnel. This tunnel was found as an additional round of talks between a Hamas delegation to Cairo and the Egyptian general intelligence were being held. The Hamas delegation returned on Wednesday from the talks in Cairo. The talks focus on the border situation between the Gaza Strip and the Sinai Peninsula, as well as the smuggling tunnels that the Egyptians are combating. Egyptian media reported that Egyptian commando forces managed to kill the person considered the number two man in ISIS's Sinai branch, Mohammad Mada'an, in battles in central Sinai .This information has not yet been authenticated. A two-day extensive exercise by the Israeli Navy concluded Thursday morning which included a scenario involving anti-tank and rocket fire from the Egyptian side towards Eilat and a hijacking of a civilian vessel by a group of terrorists. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter A large amount of naval forces participated, including patrol squadrons, missile boats and Shayetet 13 (Israeli naval commandos), who were responsible for the rescue of the hostages, some of whom were wounded by the terrorists. Israeli Navy exercise on Red Sea (: ") X (Photo: IDF Spokesperson) (Photo: IDF Spokesperson) (Photo: IDF Spokesperson) "There is an increase of these threats in the past year, " a senior naval officer explained. "It is possible to detect this from recent events in Sinai as well as the downing of the Russian aircraft. That is why our response has to be quick. We are also in coordination with the police and emergency services in Eilat. There are ISIS elements that are based in that area." (Photo: IDF Spokesperson) The Israeli Navy conducts exercises of this kind once or twice a year, each time in a different maritime area, such as near Lebanon or Gaza, and does training on what to do in the event of terrorist infiltrations. In this current exercise the IDF warned the Jordanians and Egyptians (with whom Israel has cooperation), but the exercise took place entirely inside Israeli waters. The Navy plans to build a maritime border in the area close to the Princess Hotel and Taibe Crossing in order to thwart infiltration by divers, but the threat of penetration above the water is emphasized and taken into account even more. A strict working assumption here is that intelligence authorities will not have advance warning for such an attack. The IDF tries as much as possible to let the routine mode of life in isolated Eilat continue despite the increasing threat from ISIS in the Sinai, and a senior naval officer clarified that the movement of civilian or sport maritime vessels in the southern beach of Eilat have not been restricted. An operator in Belgiums federal hotline for the terrorist attacks in Brussels told a Jewish caller that Israel does not exist, and is in fact called Palestine, according to a story published in the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The call to the Belgian Interior Ministrys hotline, which followed the attacks on the Brussels airport, was recorded and the audio file posted on the website of Joods Actueel, a Belgian Jewish monthly. Brussels airport after the blast (Photo: Reuters) The transcript is as follows: Jewish Coordination Committee Volunteer: Good morning. I'm a volunteer for the Jewish Coordination Counsel in Antwerp. We have two Jews who were injured in the attack at the airport. Belgian Federal Emergency Hotline: Yes, go ahead. Jewish Coordination Committee Volunteer: They are ready to be transported to Israel. Our volunteers are making sure that everything is in place, but we received information from the hospital that we need a special permit from the police to get them released from the hospital. Whom do we need to speak with in order to get this permit? Belgian Federal Emergency Hotline: Let me check. They need to go to Palestine. Jewish Coordination Committee Volunteer: (Pause) Not Palestine. Israel. Belgian Federal Emergency Hotline : Yes, but it was Palestine before, of course. Jewish Coordination Committee Volunteer: Can you repeat that for me? Whats your name? Belgian Federal Emergency Hotline: It's Palestine. Jewish Coordination Committee Volunteer: Can I get your name please? Belgian Federal Emergency Hotline : Of course. It's Zachariah. Jewish Coordination Committee Volunteer: And you only recognize Palestine? Belgian Federal Emergency Hotline: Sorry? Jewish Coordination Committee Volunteer: You dont recognize Israel, correct? Only Palestine? Belgian Federal Emergency Hotline: I only know that the Jews went to live there, that Palestine accepted them, and that there is a war between Israel and Palestine, of course. And the occupation. That what's always on the news. Jewish Coordination Committee Volunteer: Are you able to assist me with my request? Belgian Federal Emergency Hotline: Yes, of course. They are returning to Palestine and they asked if they can receive a permit. Of course. Here it is. Michael Freilich, editor-in-chief of Joods Actueel, said it defies imagination that a Belgian state employee would display the anti-Israeli behavior that is commonplace in Arab countries. He also called for punishing the operator instead of issuing the standard apology. A spokesperson for the crisis center told Joods Actueel that it deeply deplores the isolated case and will take necessary actions against the staffer in question, which the center said was not a civil servant, but a call center employee. The recordings release follows at least four recorded cases in which people who either spoke Arabic or wore Muslim traditional garb, destroyed, concealed or removed Israeli flags at an impromptu memorial space set up for the attacks victims at Place de la Bourse in Brussels. It features many flags, including those of Arab countries and the Palestinian Authority. This is not the first case of anti-Semitic hostility coming from Belgian security services. In 2014, during Operation Protective Edge, a 90 year old Jewish woman was refused service by a Belgian doctor, telling her to "go to Gaza for a few hours." An Israeli military court announced the fourth extension of remand for the soldier documented shooting an already-neutralized terrorist in Hebron. Pending further developments, the soldier will be held until 1pm on Friday. New details have emerged which strengthen suspicions against the soldier. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Amongst these new details are claims that he changed his testimony, that he lost the trust of his commanders, and that he shot the terrorist after taking off his helmet at the scene. The IDF prosecutor, Lt. Col. Adorm Rigler, said in the hearing that "the soldier shot without any operational necessity. Additional suspicion has been aroused due to evidence that came up over the past two days against the suspect. This suspicion is based on a video which was filmed in real time and documented the suspect's actions." The case against the soldier was further strengthened by what the soldier was quoted as saying after the event. According to the company commander, after confronting the soldier about the incident, the soldier said, "The terrorist was alive. He should die." The soldier who shot at the terrorist reportedly said this seconds after the event, and other eyewitnesses confirmed that this was said. The suspect is also alleged to have said that "the terrorist stabbed my friend. He they deserve to die." Two other soldiers confirmed that before the event the suspect said, "The terrorist stabbed my friend." Court room with suspected soldier being led by military police (Photo: Avi Rokach) These quotes may indicate the state of mind and motivations of the soldier. The prosecution also says that the soldier's claimed reasons for the attack that there was a clear and present danger to his life are not in fact true. According to the prosecutor, "The suspect's claims are different than what he said in real time, and, therefore, his testimony was false." Chaos outside the courtroom: 'You've abandoned a soldier in the field' A protest gathered outside of the courtroom where the hearing took place, with demonstrators calling to "send the boy home." They then used speakers to blast the song The Medic's Ballad, performed by Yehoram Gaon. Amongst the protestors was Ron Carmi from Nes Ziona, who yelled into the microphone towards the courthouse, "I am addressing the soldier's commanders: Take your things and leave, you clowns! You abandoned a solider in the field and are letting him bleed. You should have insisted to be in the cell with him, even if he made a mistake, even if he was enraged. We will not forgive, and we will not forget, and we will also settle our score with the politicians. Judge Ronen Shorr, you have no right to decide what this man's sentence will be. You should resign." On Sunday: The autopsy The High Court of Justice ruled that there will be an autopsy of the terrorist, which will be carried out on Sunday, against the initial wishes of the terrorist's family. Supreme Court Justice Meni Mazuz said to the family's representative, "Pathological science is science. There isn't 'Palestinian' science, there isn't 'Arab' science, and there isn't 'American' science. Everything is done by the same methods as with everyone else. Four different parties getting involved can't result in anything good. It can cause further complications, especially if is going to be a criminal investigation. Your pathologist can be there too." The High Court of Justice ruled that the Law of Return requires that Israel recognize Jewish conversions performed in Orthodox communities that are not within the state conversion framework. The court wrote in its judgment, "We waited for the legislature's say on this. Since it has failed to legislate on this matter, we do not see any alternative but a judicial decision." Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Several converts filed the petition after the state refused to recognize their conversion, and the Masorti (conservative) and Reform movements joined them. In an expanded sitting of nine justices headed by Chief Justice Miriam Naor, the court gave its decision on Thursday. The court emphasized that its ruling was only regarding recognizing conversions for the Law of Return: "This is not a religious question, but rather a civil-public one. () We are not determining anything in these proceedings on the question of recognizing the conversion that the petitioners underwent in other contexts." Justices of the Supreme Court (Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg) This precedent-setting judgment is groundbreaking, and the liberal Jewish movements seem intent to interpret it as granting validity to their conversions. However, the High Court of Justice emphasized that its ruling addressed conversions that took place in a recognized Orthodox community. In the 70-page judgment, the justices wrote, "The concept of conversion in the Law of Return must be interpreted as a conversion that took place in a recognized Jewish community in accordance with the standards contained therein. This community must have a shared, founded and permanent Jewish identity. Naor wrote in her judgment, "Notwithstanding the above, I do not see reason to enumerate, for the circumstances before us, the details of those Jewish communities that must be seen as 'recognized Jewish communities.'" The court's Chief Justice addressed the details of the petitioners' Orthodox communities, which are located in Jerusalem and Bnei Brak. Supreme Court Chief Justice Miriam Naor (Photo: Alex Kolomoisky) Justice Elyakim Rubinstein, the court's Naor's deputy, wrote in his dissenting opinion that it would be preferable to wait 18 months before implementing the verdict to allow the state time to legislate a law to set out how to recognize converts and converters, but the majority did not implement this suggestion. Naor wrote, "I do not see any justification to interpret the Law of Return in a way that will cause discrimination between those who converted in Israel and those who converted abroad. For this reason, too, we must grant preference to the interpretation according to which conversion for the purpose of the Law of Return is a conversion conducted in a recognized Jewish community () be it performed in Israel or abroad." Chief Rabbis Lau (L) and Yosef (Photos: Gil Yohanan and Shturem.net) Both of the men at the head of the governmental organization that lost its monopoly on conversions recognized for the Law of Return condemned the decision. Sephardic Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, deeming the judgment "scandalous," said, "It is inconceivable that the 'pirate' conversion industry that is not regulated by any governmental body will be recognized as official." Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi David Lau stated, "The Supreme Court and its justices will not decide who is a Jew; only the torah of Israel will." Knesset Opposition Leader Isaac Herzog strongly attacked those who are supposedly behind the publication of recent police suspicions that he violated the Parties Financing Law during the Israeli Labor Party's 2013 primary elections. "We are not suckers, and we understand well why this is happening, and whoever did this is going to receive a political kick that will teach them a lesson," Herzog said at a Thursday conference at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) in Tel Aviv. He hinted that people from inside his own party may be responsible for leaking the story. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter "I suggest that everyone remain calm," Herzog said, "Every time, before a general or internal election, there are political actors who attempt to take us down and turn the police into a part of the campaigns they try and run at our expense. We know this way (of operating) well, we have dealt with it in the past, and we will respond forcefully to any attempt to make the police a part of any political campaign of any sort." MK Herzog at the INSS. "An absurd smear." (Photo: Motti Kimchi) The Zionist Union Chair said that he is "not afraid of any examination or any investigation, and I will cooperate with any procedure. It's clear that this is an absurd smear, meant only to try and deter me from running (for reelection as party leader) and leading the Zionist Union, and to deflect me from the path in which we are progressing." He continued, saying that the Zionist Union was going on their way "in order to change the dangerous direction in which Netanyahu and the extremist right are leading us. But I will persevere, and I will lead, and I will win, and we will make sure that those who operate via these methods will be exposed and regret the moment they chose this way." "Over the years, I've proven to everyone, in our party and the public at large, that I'm no sucker, and I know how to kick when I need to," he added. "In the general election (of March 2015. -ed) I brought in a number of (Knesset seats) that no one even dreamt I would. I suggest that you not mistake the meaning of my smile. Those who try and harm me, those who try and harm us, will take a blow they won't forget." Herzog is one of two senior politicians currently under police investigation. The other is Interior Minister Aryeh Deri, who was convicted and jailed for corruption charges in the past. The two men's cases do not appear to be connected. The Attorney General has upgraded the preliminary police inquiry into Interior Minister Aryeh Deri to a full criminal investigation on Thursday night. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Earlier that day, a meeting took place between Attorney General Avichai Mendelblit, State Attorney Shai Nitzan and head of the Police Investigations Department Deputy Commissioner Meni Yitzhaki. During that meeting, the inquiry's material was presented, and the decision was made to open the investigation. At this stage, a gag order is still in effect concerning the details of the suspicions against the Minister, who is also the leader of political party Shas. It seems likely that questions will be asked regarding real estate belonging to Deri and his family. Interior Minister Aryeh Deri speaking in Tiberias (Photo: Avihu Shapira) The first stage will be collecting evidence. The investigators will continue collecting documents and statements from persons connected to the case. Once the investigators have acquired sufficient material, Deri will likely be called in to answer their questions under caution. The Minister's office says that he is prepared to fully cooperate with law enforcement and that he maintains his innocence. About an hour before the investigation was announced, the Shas leader spoke in Tiberias and addressed his family's villa in Safsufa (located in northern Israel), which seems to be related to the investigation. Deri explained, "The Deri family loves the Galilee. () We don't like abroad; we prefer Israel and the Galilee. Yes, the Deri family decided to build a house in Safsufa where we can (go on) vacation. We all built it together, with the support of my mother and my brother, and it belongs equally to my children." On March 28, Kenneth Matzner went to be with the Lord. He valiantly fought cancer since 2000 and was unable to hold out any longer. A graveside service will be held in Fort Morgan, Colo. at Fort Morgan Memory Gardens on Friday, April 1, 2016 at 1 p.m. There will be a Celebration of Life in Fort Collins, Colo. Date to be determined. Ken was born in Brush, Colo. and was raised in Fort Morgan. Upon graduation from Fort Morgan High School he attended Colorado State University and UNC, receiving his degree in education. He was in the armed forces during the Korean Conflict and returned to Fort Collins, Colo. and the Poudre Canyon which he dearly loved. He owned and operated Glen Echo Resort from 1958 until 1975, when he and Sam Shoultz, longtime best friend, created a partnership to run Glen Echo Resort together, which they did until 2001, when they sold because of Kens cancer. Many words describe Ken: honest, generous, genteel, genuine, a friend, non-judgmental, a hard worker that never quit and a true friend that wore the white hat well. Many people were proud to call him a friend. Kens life was focused on the outdoors, fishing and hunting from Africa to Alaska, he was never happier than when following these passions. He freely shared his harvest and loved to cook for friends. He was a great cook and called cooking an art. Ken and Sam had a ranch in Wyoming, raised registered Quarter Horses in Ault, Colo. and have a wholesale business as well. He was very proud of all of these endeavors and was a tireless worker. Ken was preceded in death by parents Edwin A. and Tillie C. Matzner. He leaves behind a host of family and friends. He is survived by cousins Ralph (Jackie) Matzner and families, Janet Matzner, Jim Matzner and family, Julie Hoffman (Chad) and families, Linda Wilken (Dave) and families and best friend and business partner of 41 years, Sam Shoultz. Josep Ferrer, honorary president of Freixenet, and Josep Lluis Bonet, company president. Susanna Saez All is not sweetness and light at Freixenet, the worlds largest producer of Spains sparkling cava wine: on September 5, the company narrowly averted a strike by its workforce just one day before the harvest was due to begin by agreeing a 3% salary increase. The labor dispute was followed by the companys annual report, which showed a 5.6% fall in sales to 501 million and a 71% decline in profits to just 2.2 million. The family-run companys report largely attributed the poor performance to the global financial crisis, but internal disputes suggest deeper problems. A 155-year history D. C. Freixenet dates back to 1861, when Francesc Sala Ferres set up the Casa Sala winery. Following the marriage of his granddaughter Dolors Sala Vive to Pere Ferrer Bosch, whose family had set up La Freixeneda centuries before, the winery began making cava in 1914. The couple had four children three girls and a boy: Josep Ferrer, who was made president of the company in 1957. The shares were divided up between him and his three sisters. Freixenet is controlled by three branches of the same family. The Ferrers, led by CEO Pedro Ferrer, son of honorary president Josep Ferrer, hold 42% of shares. The Bonets, led by group president Jose Luis Bonet, have a 29% stake. The Hevia Ferrers, represented by Chief Financial Officer Enrique Hevia, also have a 29% holding. The company was due to hold a board meeting on March 30 to discuss its future, but the sudden death of Carmen Ferrer Sala at age 96 on that same day has put the date on hold. The Hevias and Bonets are threatening to sell their joint stakes unless major changes are implemented in the way the company is run. Should a single buyer acquire their shares, representing 58% of the company, it would take control of Freixenet. Freixenet bottles inside the winery at Sant Sadurni. Ignacio Adeva The Bonet and Hevia families blame the Ferrers for the companys ongoing problems and its mounting debt, which currently stands at 150 million. They accuse the CEO of lowering the price of Freixenets famous black bottles in the search for new markets, rather than marketing its internationally famous cava as a luxury drink. Either the company changes its strategy or it brings in new management, say the Bonets and Hevias. Otherwise, theyll sell up. Business sources say the most likely buyer for the Hevia and Bonet shares would be German winery Henkell & Co, which already has a stake in the Spanish cava market with its Cavas Hill brand. The likely asking price for a controlling 58% stake in Freixenet would be approximately 300 million. But if the Hevias and Bonets decided to sell, Ferrer would have first option to purchase their stakes by matching that offer, although raising the capital would be very difficult, say analysts. Sign up for our newsletter! EL PAIS English Edition is launching a weekly newsletter. Sign up today to receive a selection of our best stories in your inbox every Saturday morning. For full details about how to subscribe, click here. The infighting dates back to 2013, when Dolores Ferrer passed away. Aunt Lola, as she was known, had always supported her brother, Josep Ferrer, who had inherited a controlling 35% stake, and when her 21% was distributed among the three families, the balance of power shifted, giving the combined forces of Bonet and Hevia greater control. Meanwhile, the works council, represented by Sergi Lozano, has said it will respect any new shareholder provided that it isnt an investment fund and that it continues to respect the interests of the workforce. English version by Nick Lyne. Video: Man fires shots at Catalan police officer after snatching weapon Victim was saved by bulletproof vest. Suspect has been charged with attempted homicide A man snatched a Catalan police officers service weapon and shot a fellow agent at close range on Wednesday afternoon in the Catalan town of Santa Coloma de Gramenet (Barcelona). The victim was protected by her bulletproof vest and emerged nearly unscathed from the incident. A patrol car had been dispatched to Avenida de la Generalitat shortly after 6.30pm after a man was reported to be standing in the street and hurling objects at passersby. Sign up for our newsletter! EL PAIS English Edition is launching a weekly newsletter. Sign up today to receive a selection of our best stories in your inbox every Saturday morning. For full details about how to subscribe, click here. When the officers asked the individual for identification he was reported as a 33-year-old citizen of Georgia he assaulted the police, said sources familiar with the case. Several officers restrained the suspect, who still managed to pull a weapon from its holster and shoot twice at another officer who was standing nearby. She and two other officers sustained light injuries as a result of the incident. The suspect has been charged with attempted homicide and assaulting the authorities. This is the second time in a month that an arrested individual has managed to disarm a member of the Mossos dEsquadra, the Catalan police force. On March 14, a 50-year-old man who was being subdued by several policemen grabbed a weapon, pointed it at one of the officers and shot twice. The officer was unharmed as the gun was not loaded. English version by Susana Urra. The Global and United States Hydrobike Market Report has been published by QY Research recently. Hydrobike Market Analysis and Insights This report focuses on... Alonso in Bahrain this morning. Mark Thompson (Getty) Spanish Formula 1 star Fernando Alonso will not be taking part this weekend at the Bahrain Grand Prix, the second race of the 2016 season. The decision was made after doctors from the sports governing body, the FIA, refused his authorization to drive, as a result of the huge accident he was involved in during the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne nearly two weeks ago. The crash saw Alonsos McLaren collide with the Haas of Esteban Gutierrez, launching the car into the air before it came crashing down into a gravel trap and a wall. The Spanish former world champion was traveling at nearly 300km/h when the incident took place. McLaren has already announced that GP2 champion Stoffel Vandorne, from Belgium, will take his place, thus marking his F1 debut. Alonso arrived at the Sakhir circuit on Thursday morning, and went to the medical offices of the FIA, where he spent an hour-and-a-half. When he left, he refused to make a statement to the press. But reportedly, the doctors who examined him found that he was still suffering problems in his neck as a result of the terrifying crash. A press release from the FIA read: Following an examination undertaken this morning at the Bahrain International Circuit Medical Center, it has been decided that McLaren Honda F1 Team driver Fernando Alonso should not take part in this weekends Bahrain Grand Prix. Two sets of chest CT scans were compared and it was decide that there was insufficient resolution of the signs to allow him to compete on safety grounds. A repeat chest scan has been requested before the Chinese Grand Prix and the results will be considered before allowing him to race there. This is not the first time that Alonso has missed the beginning of a season. Last year he had to sit out the first race in Australia after a mysterious crash during testing at the Montmelo circuit in Barcelona, which left him hospitalized for three days with memory loss. The full causes and details of that crash were never made completely clear either by the driver or the team. English version by Simon Hunter. Sandra Casar in the Big Brother house. Facebook When Sandra Casar sent an audition tape to the Mexican version of Big Brother she included on it a list of life goals. Skydiving, work as a missionary, do an exchange program in Israel, get to know certain cultures and be on Big Brother, she said. But the left-wing Democratic Revolution Party (PRD) has given the 30-year-old a responsibility she did not include on her bucket list. She will be the mayoral candidate for Victoria, the capital of Tamaulipas, one of the most violent states in Mexico. Casar, who goes by the username Shira La Judia (Shira, the Jew) on social media, is a psychologist. Studying human behavior was one of the reasons that made her want to appear on Televisas reality show. Its not easy being seen 24 hours a day, she said on her audition tape. She knew she would need a lot of tolerance to control her emotions. She failed. Her appearance on Big Brother was controversial because of her fits of temper. She hit one of her housemates on the head with a water bucket and threw a glass jar at her on a separate occasion. Its good to be a woman with a strong personality, she said in her defense on a chat show after she was expelled from the house. Even if we do not win, we prefer to lose than to nominate someone linked to organized crime Alberto Sanchez Neri, head of PRD in Tamaulipas The PDR leadership in Tamaulipas claim that she was not selected because of her fleeting fame. In fact, Big Brother is on the decline its last season had the worst ratings since it started in 2002. She has done altruistic work for many years, says Alberto Sanchez Neri, PRD president in Tamaulipas. Sanchez Neri said he met Shira when she was working at the local congressional offices, where he served for eight years. The PRD leader says when it came time to nominate a candidate for Victoria the party looked beyond its own members and considered choosing among its supporters and ordinary citizens. The party, he says, has been very cautious in its selection process. Even if we do not win, we prefer to lose than to nominate someone linked to organized crime, he adds. Sign up for our newsletter! EL PAIS English Edition is launching a weekly newsletter. Sign up today to receive a selection of our best stories in your inbox every Saturday morning. For full details about how to subscribe, click here. Shira, Neri says, is a beloved figure in the city because of her work at animal shelters and her discipline when it comes to exercise. She has put Tamaulipas up in lights at national and international bodybuilding events, he says of her participation in bikini competitions. Still, the party could benefit from Casars popularity. She has more than 94,000 followers on Twitter and nearly 130,000 on Facebook more fans than the votes PRD received in the last three mayoral elections. Casar will have to work hard to keep the party from losing in the capital. PRD usually falls in third place behind the National Action Party (PAN) and the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) but it has lost even more ground in recent years. In 2007, it received 2,979 votes while the winner, PRI, brought in 65,447 votes. Three years later, PRD lost 400 votes. And it only managed to get 1,583 votes in the last elections. The party could benefit from Casars popularity she has more than 94,000 followers on Twitter and nearly 130,000 on Facebook Victoria, a city of 278,000 residents, is located in one of the most violent states in Mexico. Turf wars between the Gulf Cartel and Zetas keep it at the top of the list for homicides and kidnappings. Over the last few weeks, there has been even more unrest, especially in northern Tamaulipas, near the border with the United States. The violence has also marred regional politics. Six years ago, PRI gubernatorial candidate Rodolfo Torre Cantu was killed. Mayors and former mayors have been attacked. Tamaulipas candidates are set to launch their campaign season in this hostile environment on Sunday. All [of us in] Tamaulipas run the risk of being attacked, of dying in the crossfire. We are all at risk, not just Shira, Sanchez Neri says. English version by Dyane Jean Francois. LIVE-2 Inning |23-27 SRI LANKA VS IRELAND SL 52/0 VS 128/8 IRE Sri Lanka need 77 runs in 82 balls at 5.63 rpo Presidente Maduro in Caracas on Wednesday. F. PARRA (AFP) More information El veto de Maduro a la ley de amnistia abre otro conflicto de poderes en Venezuela A new conflict between the powers of government is brewing in Venezuela. The opposition-led National Assembly has approved the National Amnesty and Reconciliation Law, a measure that would see 78 political prisoners freed. But President Nicolas Maduro has said he will veto the bill, while chavista congressional leader Hector Rodriguez said it would be inapplicable because it violates Venezuelan and international laws. The Venezuelan Constitution allows the president the right to veto, offer observations and return the bill to parliament for revision and a subsequent vote but there is a much more effective route available to him. He may also send it to the Supreme Court of Justice, where the Constitutional Court will decide whether the law violates the Constitution. According to a book by Antonio Canova, a Venezuelan lawyer, since the chavista regime increased the number of judges on the bench in 2004, it has not lost a single legal battle in that court. The amnesty bill has revived the war the executive and legislative branches have waged against one another since the inauguration of this session of parliament The amnesty bill has revived the war the executive and legislative branches have waged against one another since the inauguration of this session of parliament in January. Thus far, the opposition has lost every single fight. The administration has won not only because of the present constitution but also because the five justices on the Constitutional Court share the political values of the self-proclaimed Bolivarian Revolution. Sign up to our newsletter! The EL PAIS English Edition is launching a weekly newsletter. Sign up today to receive a selection of our best stories in your inbox every Saturday morning. For full details about how to subscribe, click here. Since January, the Supreme Court has blocked several legislative measures. Opposition leader Henry Ramos Allup tried to swear in three congressmen from the state of Amazonas (southern Venezuela) but the Maduro administration challenged their electoral victories. These three seats would have given the opposition groups, huddled together under the coalition known as Unity Roundtable, a two-thirds majority. But, the court blocked the investitures and the opposition chose not to get bogged down in a political quarrel over three votes. Amazonas remains without parliamentary representation, pending a decision from the Court. The opposition then tried to revert the regimes decision to push through the appointment of nine new Supreme Court justices at the very end of the last congressional session, just before it lost parliamentary majority. The court struck the measure down saying the National Assembly lacks the authority to review, annul, revoke or not respect the appointments made. Despite its uncertain destiny, the new amnesty law has given some hope to the relatives of prisoners whom it might benefit. Lilian Tintori, the wife of political prisoner Leopoldo Lopez, said: Its the beginning of the rescue of justice, reconciliation and freedom in Venezuela. Chavistas beg to differ. Amnesty is forgetting without reparations for the victims, said congressman Pedro Carreno during the debate. President Maduro has denounced the law as a measure to protect terrorists and criminals. President Maduro has denounced the law as a measure to protect terrorists and criminals For its part, the opposition is trying to counter the view that the law is intended to protect those who were convicted of the 43 deaths that took place during the February 2014 demonstrations led by Lopez, former Congresswoman Maria Corina Machado and Caracas Mayor Antonio Ledezma to urge the Maduro administration to resign. Opposition leaders say the law would only apply to those accused of committing crimes during political demonstrations and individuals who have been unfairly convicted. Many of those who spoke during the bills presentation reminded their audience that Hugo Chavez became such an important leader because then-President Rafael Caldera pardoned him and his comrades-in-arms in 1994. The rest is history. English version by Dyane Jean Francois. Patna: The ban on country-made and spiced liquor in Bihar will come into effect from Friday onwards. "The state cabinet gave its nod to Excise and Prohibition department's proposal to issue a notification for implementing prohibition in rural areas besides putting a blanket ban on country-made and spiced liquor," a senior state government official, wishing anonymity, told PTI. "A notification has been issued for implementing prohibition in rural areas besides banning country-made liquor across the state," Kunwar Jang Bahadur told PTI. This means that the person indulging in manufacturing trade, transportation, sale and consumption of country-made and spiced liquor across the state will be punished for violating the stringent provisions of the Bihar Excise (Amendment) Act, 2016. The Act was passed by both the Houses of Bihar Legislature yesterday that various stringent provisions including awarding 'capital punishment' for those who manufacture and sell illicit liquor that causes death. As per the provisions of the Act, complete prohibition will be implemented in rural areas besides a complete ban on country-made spiced liquor across the state from tomorrow. Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) will be sold in limited areas of the state i.E. Municipal corporations and councils through the outlets of Bihar State Beverages Corporation Ltd (BSBCL). Excise and Prohibition department and other government agencies and district administration are taking up measures to implement partial liquor ban in the state. In Patna, around 13.50 lakh bottles of country made liquor were destroyed at BSBCL godown in Khagaul with the help of earth-mover machine amid tight security in the presence of other senior officials led by Patna District Magistrate Sanjay Kumar Agarwal. "We have destroyed 13.50 lakh bottles of country made liquor....Worth Rs 3 crore...Shops are being sealed by the magistrates appointed for the purpose," Agarwal told From tomorrow onwards, there will be a limited number of shops of foreign liquor and that too will be run by the state government undertaking BSBCL, the DM said. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, while replying to a debate on Wednesday in the Assembly, said that IMFL would be sold only in urban areas through 655 CCTV fitted outlets run by BSBCL. Vendors selling foreign liquor found offering heavy discounts to exhaust their stocks before March 31 to escape the stringent provisions of new law. "Initially liquor shops was offering one bottle free on purchase of two bottles but later they sold one bottle on purchase of one bottle in Muzaffarpur today," said Sanjeev Kumar who has a shop adjacent to liquor shop in the town. On Nitish Kumar's appeal for 'charity begins at home', both the Houses adopted a resolution stating that they would not consume liquor and to discourage others from doing so. Excise and Prohibition department has also issued toll free numbers of 15545 and 18003456288 on which people can dial for to inform about violations of liquor ban rules. People can send their grievances and complaints regarding violations of new excise policy through 'fax' on 0612-2215843, email at 'excisecontrolroom@gmail.Com' and send their SMS on 7762990523. The identity of the complainants would not be revealed, official sources said. Altogether 35 complaints were received today on number set up in round the clock control room established in police headquarters, a DGP control room release said. The prohibition police control room set up at police headquarters would be function round the clock in four shifts, it said. It may be noted that the CM had said that the idea of enforcing ban came when some women had demanded a total prohibition on alcohol in the state during an official function on July 9 last year, to which "I promised them that I would enforce ban on liquor if I return to power." Kumar said that he had announced on November 26 on the occasion of 'Prohibition Day' that his government would implement a complete ban on country-made liquor from April 1, 2016. (With Agency inputs) Raipur: The CRPF believes that information regarding the movement of its troops, killed in a deadly landmine blast in Dantewada, was "leaked" and it has begun a probe to find out the mole who could be from "within or outside" the paramilitary. "It is certain that the information about their movement was leaked. Somewhere or at some stage this has happened.The boys were doing a surprise non-operational movement and hence were in mufti. We are looking into it," CRPF director general K Durga Prasad told PTI. Seven CRPF men were killed yesterday in a deadly landmine blast carried out by Naxals that also left a massive four-feet deep crater on the road in the worst Maoist violence-affected Dantewada district. The DG reached Chhattisgarh late last night and will travel to the blast site near Melawada village in the said district where Naxals blew off a Tata-709 mini-truck being used by the CRPF men to go from one camp to the other. A senior CRPF official said that apart from a Court of Inquiry instituted into the incident, the force is also probing the role of a "suspect mole who can be from either from within the force or outside. " DG Prasad, who rushed to the state from a tour of Maharashtra, said they are working on the leak theory due to a number of?facts visible in the incident. "The men were travelling in normal, non-force vehicle and were not going for any operation. There has been no attack on that road and hence no advance road opening party used to be deployed there. But, information got leaked about their movement. We are looking into all the aspects," he said. The DG said the blast was "big" and it is suspected that about 50-60 kgs of explosive could have been planted beneath the 'pucca' metalled road to trigger the explosive. Officials in the intelligence wing of the force indicated that about 2-3 Naxals were present in the vicinity of the blast spot and are suspected to have "joined the wires" to ignite the hidden improvised explosive device as soon as the vehicle went over it. The force has called in a team of its bomb and IED experts from Pune to go into the details, the official said. The attack occurred near the Basaras-Kuakonda axis in Melawada village when a Tata-709 mini-truck of the force went over a landmine at about 3:30 PM. The troops, most of whom had just returned from leave, were going to their nearby camp. A Court of Inquiry has been ordered by the force into the incident and to find out under what circumstances the troops were travelling in a four-wheeler, banned for force personnel in these areas due to the threat of hidden IEDs, and why were they not carrying arms as it is mandatory for them while even moving for non-operational tasks. They said the troops belonged to the 230th battalion of the force deployed in south Bastar area for anti-Naxal operations. New Delhi: Delhi University's plan to make the admission process for undergraduate courses entirely online on Thursday met with protests from students who said that the move will restrict those without access to Internet from applying. The university has constituted a 24-member committee, comprising deans of faculties of Science, Commerce and Arts, nine college principals and members of the executive and academic councils, to formulate an admission policy for the upcoming academic session which will be notified by next month. The committee, following its two meetings, is believed to have reached a consensus on making the entire admission process online unlike last year when both the online and offline application systems were in place. However, the move has not gone down well with the students. A delegation of students, including members of the Students Federation of India (SFI), met the Dean of Students' Welfare in this regard after staging of a protest at the varsity's Faculty of Arts here. "The number of applicants for DU's undergraduate seats keeps on increasing every year and limiting the admission process to online form will restrict access to a significant section of students coming from the resettlement colonies, JJ clusters and working class backgrounds who have limited access to Internet," a student protester argued. "Not only this. The interaction an applicant normally has with students organisation representatives during the admission process formed an integral part of their initiation to the university life and is crucial in solving many of the queries related to the courses and colleges," another student said. The university authorities, however, say the plan is being considered following a communication from University Grants Commission (UGC) to all central universities asking them to "put in place an online admission system for all the programmes offered as it will ensure greater efficiency and promote transparency". "The process is being considered because of the directives from UGC. However, we are taking note of students' concerns and the final policy will be decided accordingly," a senior university official said. The university had last year attempted the online process for the first time for undergraduate admissions while the system was in place already for PG courses. While the admission committee was of the view that the process should be moved entirely online, following protests from a section of students and teachers, both online and offline applications were kept in place. Though the number of centres for physical application was reduced. Last year, the total number of applications received was over 3.2 lakh. Of these, over 2.32 lakh (over 70 per cent) were online. New Delhi: In what is likely to be a possible fallout of the sedition row, involving some of its students, the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has witnessed a decline in fresh applications for admission to various courses offered by the prestigious university. According to reports, JNU has received over 76,000 applications for admission to the upcoming academic session for around 2,700 seats in various programmes offered at the university - 3,000 less than previous year. While around 79,000 applications were received last year, about 72,000 candidates had applied in 2014. In the wake of a controversy over an event sympathising with the executed Parliament attack case convict Afzal Guru during which anti-national slogans were allegedly raised, concerns were raised whether the university's image will suffer a setback because of the row. "The number of applications received are 28 times more than the number of seats. This reflects the kind of competition which exists among admission seekers for the university," Bhupinder Zutshi, Director Admissions was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. Asked about whether the decrease of 3,000 is because of the controversy which hit the university around the same time when the application process was on, the official said, "in the recent years a fluctuation of around 3,000-4,000 applications has been witnessed off and on. The trends of any of the years cannot be attributed to a particular reason". According to the data available with the university's admissions department, 76,091 applications have been received for the 2,700 seats available for undergraduate, master's and research programmes at JNU. The month-long application period closed last week and the entrance exams for the courses will be held next month. Mr Zutshi, however, clarified that the figures are only for the applications received for the JNU common entrance examination. There are two more application categories - Combined entrance programme for Bio-Technology programme and NET-JRF candidates. Members of the university's teachers association argue that the alleged branding of the university as "anti-national" in wake of the sedition row, is a "superfluous" notion which exists only in a section of society and not among admission seekers. "The intellectual section of the society which is aware of the kind of research and education system JNU stands for, knows that the so called anti-national theory is a superfluous one and the admission seekers are very much aware of the reality," a member of JNUTA said. After the controversy broke out, the varsity's Centre for Social Studies was ranked at 51st position in the QS World rankings, up by 7 ranks compared to previous year. The university was also announced as winner of the President's award for excellence in research and innovation. President Pranab Mukherjee had presented the award to the Molecular Parasitology Group of JNU for its pioneering work in the area of molecular parasitology, especially anti-malaria, leishmaniasis and amoebiasis. With PTI inputs Washington: The US and China Thursday announced that they will sign the Paris climate change agreement on April 22 as the world's two biggest greenhouse gas emitters called on other countries to bring the global accord into force as early as possible. In a joint statement after a meeting, President Barack Obama and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping pledged to take concrete steps to implement the Paris agreement as early as possible. Obama and Xi also called on other countries to sign the accord next month in New York. "They encourage other parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to do the same, with a view to bringing the Paris Agreement into force as early as possible," said the joint statement. "Obama and Xi further expressed their commitment to work together and with others to promote the full implementation of the Paris Agreement to win the fight against the climate threat," it said. Leaders from nearly 200 countries forged the landmark climate deal in Paris on December 12, but the accord needs at least 55 countries representing at least 55 per cent of global emissions to formally accede to it before it can enter into force. In the joint statement, the two presidents recognised that the Paris agreement marks a global commitment to tackling climate change and a strong signal of the need for a swift transition to low-carbon, climate-resilient economies. "In this regard, the Presidents are also committed to working bilaterally and with other countries to achieve successful outcomes this year in related multilateral fora, including on an HFC amendment under the Montreal Protocol pursuant to the Dubai Pathway and on a global market-based measure for addressing greenhouse gas emissions from international aviation at the International Civil Aviation Organization Assembly," it said. To accelerate clean energy innovation and deployment, they agreed to work together to implement the goals of the Mission Innovation initiative announced at the Paris conference and carry forward the work of the Clean Energy Ministerial. "They support a successful G-20 Summit in Hangzhou this year, including strong climate and clean energy outcomes, and call on the G-20 countries to engage constructively in international cooperation on energy and climate change," the statement said. The two countries agreed to deepen and broaden bilateral cooperation through the US-China Climate Change Working Group, the US-China Clean Energy Research Center, and other efforts. "The Presidents commit to taking concrete steps to implement the commitments they made in their September 2015 Joint Statement to use public resources to finance and encourage the transition toward low carbon technologies as a priority," the joint statement said. Observing that over the past three years, climate change has become a pillar of the US-China bilateral relationship, the statement said both countries have taken strong measures at home to build green, low-carbon and climate-resilient economies, helping galvanise global action to combat climate change and culminating in the Paris Agreement reached last December. New Delhi: Haryana police has informed a Delhi court that undertrials from the state would not be produced there till the Jat agitation ends, as the cops were busy maintaining law and order. A circular issued by the office of District and Sessions Judge (headquarters) informed the concerned judges of the Tis Hazari Courts here about the letter received from Haryana Police. "A copy of fax letter has been received from the Superintendent of Police, District Jhajjar, Haryana state with the intimation that due to Jat reservation agitation in Haryana, large number of police force has been deployed on various places to maintain law and order duties during the agitation. "Therefore, it would be difficult for the police force to produce the undertrials in the court of law at Delhi from March 17 till the Jat reservation agitation ends," a circular by Additional District and Sessions Judge Shail Jain said. A Bill to provide reservation to Jats and five other communities in government jobs and educational institutions was unanimously passed on March 29 by the Haryana Assembly, ahead of the April 3 deadline set by the community which launched a violent quota agitation last month. At least 30 people lost their lives and more than 320 were injured in the worst ever Jat agitation witnessed in Haryana. Besides, financial loss to the tune of hundreds of crores was incurred by people whose homes and business establishments were damaged in the arson that followed the agitation leaving the state paralysed for nearly two weeks. New Delhi: Government today told Delhi High Court that the decision to ban 344 fixed dose combination (FDC) drugs was taken keeping in view "safety, efficacy and rationality" of these medicines. The government, however, clarified before Justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw that their initial concern was regarding licenses being granted by the states for manufacture of FDC drugs, but by the time a final decision was taken, the focus shifted on safety of such medicines. The submission came in response to the court's observation that the entire exercise of setting up a panel to look into FDCs was undertaken to deal with fresh applications for licences. The court was hearing over 150 petitions filed by several pharma firms, including Pfizer, Glenmark, Procter and Gamble and Cipla, challenging the government's March 10 notification banning 344 FDCs, a decision which has been stayed by the judge in each case filed before it since March 14. "My understanding is that the whole exercise was undertaken to deal with fresh applications for licences. If concern would have been of safety, then it (notification) would have said that so many complaints were received from patients and doctors, etc. Instead, the concern appears to be of licensing," the judge said. To this, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Sanjay Jain said, "though the initial trigger was approval or licensing by state authorities, by the time a decision was taken, there was complete clarity that concern was safety, efficacy and rationality of these FDCs". The ASG also said there was no question of "political victimisation" as the decision was implemented irrespective of "face value" of a drug or the company manufacturing it. He further argued there was no mandatory requirement to consult the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) prior to banning the FDCs, as claimed by the companies. "If DTAB involvement is not required for grant of approval to a drug, then their involvement is not required for banning a drug," he said, adding "the ultimate discretion is with the central government on whether it wants to consult DTAB, except where the Drugs and Cosmetics Act makes it mandatory to involve the Board". The hearing in the matter would continue on April 4. The ASG further contended that the power exercised by the government under the Act while issuing the notification was "essentially and primarily a legislative function" and only "partially technical" and thus there was no need to consult the DTAB. During the two-hour long hearing, he also said decision to ban the FDCs, including various cough syrups, was taken in "public interest". He said a large number of people were getting addicted to the cough syrup as it was being used by them as an intoxicant. Pfizer, which makes Corex cough syrup, told the court that it gets codeine for its drug from the government and currently had Rs eight crore worth of the ingredient lying with it, adding that if the Centre passes such orders banning FDCs, then the company "will go broke". Other drug majors argued that as per WHO guidelines, FDCs include both finished formulation of two ingredients like Corex as well as prescribing of the ingredients separately but concurrently. They said that while the government banned the finished formulation version, the second variety was not banned and this showed "complete non-application of mind". Earlier, the drug firms had argued that the Centre's ban on the 344 FDCs was taken without considering clinical data. The companies had also termed as "absurd" the Centre's claim that it took the decision to ban the FDCs on the ground that safer alternatives were available. Pursuant to the court's interim stay order, some well- known medicines on which the ban on sale was lifted were Pfizer's Corex cough syrup, P&G's Vicks Action 500 extra, Reckitt Benckiser's D'Cold, Piramal's Saridon and Glenmark's Ascoril and Alex cough syrups. The March 10 notification says: "on the basis of recommendations of an expert committee, the central government is satisfied that it is necessary and expedient in public interest to regulate by way of prohibition of manufacture for sale, sale and distribution for human use of said drugs in the country." Kolkata: Inconsolable cries of the bereaved, wails of the injured and frenetic searches for their dear ones -- hospitals on Thursday saw heart-wrenching scenes as the city witnessed one of its worst disasters when an under-construction flyover crashed in the Posta area, crushing scores of unsuspecting people. There was mad rush among doctors and nurses at the Marwari Relief Society Hospital as one after the other injured were rushed to the hospital which is just 500 metres from the crash site. Anxious family members, looking for their near and dear ones, hopped from one bed to another while the injured cried in agony. If there were a few who heaved a sigh of relief after having found their relatives sustaining minor injuries, some others had to look in another hospital. With the number of patients rising steadily, the hospital had to transfer many of them to other facilities. "Twenty-six injured were admitted here, out of which three died. Many of them were discharged and some of them transferred to other hospitals. At present, two patients are here," Ajay Sharma, general manager of the society, told IANS. Similar scenes were witnessed at the S.S.K.M. Hospital, the R.G. Kar Hospital and N.R.S. Hospital among others. As soon as the news of the tragedy spread, voluntary blood donors made a beeline to the hospitals while blood banks offered not to charge money for the victims. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who supervised rescue operations and later visited a few of the hospitals, said 21 people were killed in the tragedy while over 78 people were injured. Banerjee said 12 of the bodies have been handed over to the families while three were yet to be identified. Serzh Sargsyan invited Governor Charlie Baker to visit Armenia President Serzh Sargsyan, who is at the United States on a working visit, on March 30 met with the Governor of Massachusetts Charlie Baker. At the meeting, which took place after the official welcoming ceremony, the President of Armenia noted with satisfaction that Armenia and the United States maintain friendly relations and close cooperation. He expressed gratitude for the continued assistance provided by the US to Armenia in various areas. In the development of the bilateral interstate relations, President Serzh Sargsyan stressed the significant role played by the states and state of Massachusetts in particular. The President noted that Armenia attaches importance to decentralized cooperation and with this regard would like to establish direct ties with Massachusetts. According to the President, cooperation can be of the instructive nature but can also promote close ties in the areas of education, science, information technologies and other areas. The President of Armenia expressed gratitude for Governor Bakers resolute stance on the issue of recognition of the Armenian Genocide and support to the Armenian nation. Serzh Sargsyan noted that he was glad that the leadership of Massachusetts has traditionally maintained a fair position on this issue which is proved by the fact that at the end of the 19th century, a large number of the Armenians who had managed to escape massacres of the Hamidian era and later the Armenian Genocide, found refuge here, in Massachusetts. According to the President, it is also testified to by the fact that the history of the Armenian Genocide was introduced in the curriculum of the state schools. The President of Armenia hailed special role of Massachusetts, which played a decisive part in Americas fight for independence, toward the NK issue. Highlighting Massachusetts considerable potential in the area of science and noting that it would suffice to mention among prestigious institutions functioning here the Harvard University and MIT, President mentioned with appreciation that Massachusetts and the United States in general with its scientific and educational potential after Armenias independence has also supported Armenia in statehood building processes. The President of Armenia hailed the assistance provided by the Government of the United States in preparing high class Armenian professionals. Underlining that Armenia-Massachusetts relations have a promising future and Armenia is interested in maintaining close relations with the state, Serzh Sargsyan invited Governor Charlie Baker to visit Armenia. At the conclusion of the meeting, there took place a working dinner with the participation of Governor Charlie Baker, members of the state House of Representatives, and community leaders. Kolkata: At least 18 people were killed, over 60 others injured and many trapped as portion of an under- construction two km flyover collapsed on a congested road intersection here on Thursday, crushing people, vehicles and hawkers. Here's how the tragedy took place and what all happened after that:- 1)- The incident took place at around noon (12:30 PM) at the busy Rabindra Sarani-K K Tagore Street crossing near Burrabazar, the trading hub and one of the most congested areas in the city. Burrabazar area houses the city's largest wholesale market. 2)- At least a few persons were seen trapped under vehicles, concrete and heavy steel girders. 3)- Several people killed (at least 18 were dead till filing of this report) and leaving scores of others trapped under the debris. 4)- The injured were rushed to hospitals in the vicinity. 5)- A number of vehicles were also crushed under the concrete and steel debris. 6)- CCTV footage showed people, cars, autorickshaws and hawkers coming under the collapsed structure. Some trying to flee the spot were also trapped. 7)- A bloody hand from under a girder gestured for help as people handed over water bottles to survivors pinned underneath. 8)- Two teams of the NDRF comprising about 80 personnel have been rushed to the flyover collapse spot. Four columns of Army personnel (about 300 in number) alongwith NDRF, state disaster management, city police and fire brigade personnel joined in rescue operations. 9)- State chief secretary Basudeb Banerjee announced compensation of Rs five lakh to the kin of each of the dead, Rs three lakh to those injured seriously and Rs one lakh to those less injured. Also, the government will bear all costs for treatment of the injured. 10)- PM Narendra Modi also expressed shock and sadness over the loss of lives in the flyover collapse in Kolkata and instructed all possible central help in rescue and relief operations. "It is nothing but God's act," claimed Panduranga Rao of the Hyderabad-based IVRCL Construction company engaged in the flyover's construction, drawing all round flak. Brussels: In the wake of recently carried out dastardly terror attacks in Brussels, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday night said that India has never and will never bent down before terrorism. Addressing a huge gathering of Indian diaspora, PM Modi said, India has not bent before terrorism, and there is no question of bending. Further urging the world to unite for fight against terrorism, he said, The world needs to unite against terrorism and should stop differentiation between good terror and bad terror. Terrorism is a challenge for humankind, not just any one country or region. Those who believe in humanity should join together to tackle terrorism, said Modi to a cheering crowd. But the challenge is a huge one. I have spoken to many important leaders, including religious ones, and explained them of the need to delink terror from religion. No religion teaches terrorism, he said. PM:Terrorism must be delinked from religion. No religion teaches terrorism. This message resonated from the World Sufi Forum held in Delhi Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) March 30, 2016 Before beginning his speech, he also observed two-minute silence for those who lost their closed ones in March 22 Brussels terror bombings. He said the United Nations faces the danger of becoming irrelevant if it fails to tackle terrorism. In recent days in India, liberal Islamic scholars held a big meeting, linked to Sufism They said those who speak of terror are un-Islamic. The more such voices rise, the faster the radicalisation of youth can be prevented. Cant tackle terrorism with only bombs and guns. Misfortune of the world is that the UN does not know how to tackle terrorism, he said. He said the UN was born out of war and is unable to look beyond it. Dont know when the UN will tackle terrorism, or how. But seeing the conditions that prevail, it faces the danger of becoming irrelevant. It needs to go along with the times, he said. Modi said that during his numerous meetings the entire day, with the Belgian leadership and with the EU, the centre point of talks was terrorism. He also listed out his governments achievements, stating it is his responsibility to apprise public about his government's work. We don't believe in vote bank politics. We work for the welfare of them too who do not vote for us, said Modi. (With IANS inputs) Madurai: Asserting that people have new aspirations and want development, Union Minister and senior BJP leader Prakash Javadekar today said money power would not work in the May 16 Assembly elections as he sought a vote for change. "Money power will not work in Tamil Nadu in the coming Assembly elections, as people's heart desires for a change of government in the state," he told an election meeting organised by BJP here tonight. People of Tamil Nadu have new aspirations. They want development in the state and BJP was willing to work for it, he said. "In the 22 months (since coming to power at the Centre), we have proved ourselves and we will prove in Tamil Nadu. In a democracy, voters are Gods and they should bring change in Tamil Nadu," Javadekar said. He claimed that the biggest achievement of the NDA government was wiping out corruption and ensuring that money from the natural wealth like in auction of Coal bloc or 2G spectrum went to the state treasury and for the people. Forty coal fields had been auctioned for Rs three lakh crore though it was earlier estimated to fetch Rs 1.86 lakh crore, he said. He also said the Centre was taking a series of steps to control the prices of pulses. "We have announced a series of incentives for the farmers who produce pulses. Next year your sambar will be cheaper," he said. Hyderabad: Though veteran freedom fighter Subhas Chandra Bose's sudden disappearance and death is still shrouded in mystery, a set of files declassified by the Narendra Modi government on Tuesday have thrown enough indications that Netaji had survived the air crash in Taipei, then known as Formosa. The files declassified by the Centre hint that the maverick leader may well have lived beyond 1945, according to a report in The Times of India published on Thursday. One of the various files refers to three broadcasts made by Netaji, which came much after the crash on August 18, 1945. The content of these broadcasts are contained in File No 870/11/p/16/92/Pol from the Prime Minister's Office. The contents presumably came from the Governor House in Bengal because it is mentioned elsewhere in the same file that PC Kar, an official in the Governor's House in Bengal when RG Casey was the governor, claimed that the monitoring service there had picked up these broadcasts on the 31-metre band. A note was also placed before Casey in this regard. As per the records, the first broadcast was made on December 26, 1945, in which Subhas Chandra Bose said, "I am at present under the shelter of great World powers. My heart is burning for India. I will go to India on the crest of a Third World War. It may come in ten years or even earlier. Then I will sit on judgement upon those trying my men at the Red Fort." In his second broadcast on January 1, 1946, Netaji said, "We must get freedom within two years. The British imperialism has broken down and it must concede independence to India. India will not be free by means of 'non-violence'. But I am quite respectful to Mahatma Gandhi." The third broadcast was in February 1946. during which Netaji had said, "This is Subhas Chandra Bose speaking, Jai Hind. This is the third time I am addressing my Indian brothers and sisters after Japan's surrender... The PM of England is going to send Mr Pethick Lawrence and two other members with no object in view other than letting the British imperialism a permanent settlement by all means to suck the blood of India." The declassified file also refers to a letter of July 22, 1946, from Khurshed Naoroji, one of the secretaries of Gandhiji, to Louis Fischer (in reply to his letter to the Mahatma) in which he said, "At heart, the Indian Army is sympathetic to the INA. If Bose comes with the help of Russia, neither Gandhiji nor Nehru nor the Congress will be able to reason with the country." The file also refers to the matter of Netaji allegedly dying in an air crash being taken up by the British government on October 25, 1945, with the PM of UK chairing the meet to consider, among other things, what to do with Bose in the post-war situation. The British cabinet also discussed a confidential note sent by the Viceroy of India, Lord Wavell, regarding `finalisation of a policy towards Bose'. The file also mentions that Lord Mountbatten's diary indicates that he received a despatch from the British directorate of military intelligence after the news of Bose's death in the air crash was broadcast. Mountbatten was then the supreme commander of the Allied forces in SE Asia. The message read, "When Bose was preparing to leave Burma by plane, the Chinese intercepted a message from the Japanese asking him to remain in Burma. Bose subsequently escaped to Thailand." New Delhi: The Congress on Thursday said Pakistan's insistence that Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar was not involved in the Pathankot attack was a "major embarrassment for India". "Pak JIT led by ISI, has given a clean chit to Masood Azhar. This is a major embarrassment for India," the party said in a tweet. Media reports claimed that Pakistan's Joint Investigation Team (JIT) probing the Pathankot attack told India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) that it was yet to find evidence to link Masood Azhar to the terror attack. India says the Pathankot attack was planned in Pakistan and Azhar and his brother Abdul Asghar Rauf were directly linked to the attack. The NIA on Wednesday expressed hope that Islamabad will reciprocate India's gesture of allowing a Pakistani team to visit the Indian Air Force base in Pathankot to probe the attack. NIA spokesman Sanjeev Kumar said it was "agreed" that the kind of cooperation India provided to the Pakistani team would be reciprocated. "This is the reciprocity agreed," Kumar told reporters on Wednesday. The remarks seemed to indicate India's intention to get similar access in Pakistan to pursue the investigation into the January 2 Pathankot attack. Home Minister Rajnath Singh, while addressing election rallies in Assam, also said that Pakistan has admitted about involvement of elements in their country in the Pathankot attack and had filed FIRs. New Delhi: In the wake of President's rule being imposed in Arunchal Pradesh and Uttarakhand owing to a crisis in the ruling party, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday said he will never let such an "incident" be repeated in the national capital. While noting that the Opposition should be heard by the ruling party MLAs, Kejriwal also asked the Opposition to respect the mandate of the people. Referring to the imposition of President's Rule in Arunchal Pradesh and Uttrakhand, Kejriwal said, "Opposition should respect the mandate of Delhiites. We will never let the incident of Arunachal Pradesh and Uttrakhand be repeated in Delhi." On Tuesday, Kejriwal had slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the imposition of President's rule in Uttarakhand, claiming that the Centre would try to "destabilise" the Delhi and Himachal Pradesh governments. "BJP knows that it will not win a single election in the next two years so it has resorted to 'goondagardi'. They will try it in Himachal Pradesh and Delhi next. In Delhi, they plan to suspend 21 MLAs first and then attempt to buy 23 more," Kejriwal had said. Thiruvananthapuram: The Class 12 Chemistry examination of Karnataka's Department of Pre-University Education (DPUE) was cancelled once again on Thursday following a fresh question paper leak. The II Pre-University (PU) chemistry exam (equivalent to Class 12) was originally held on March 21 but was cancelled and re-examination scheduled for March 31 following a question paper leak. However, the DPUE cancelled the II PU chemistry exam today as well after detecting a fresh question paper leak. DPUE officials have asked students to not come to the examination centres, The Hindu reported. According to DPUE sources, they were informed early this morning about the question paper leak by CID officials. The department will soon decide and announce the date for the next re-examination. CID had been tasked to investigate the first paper leak on March 21 following protests by students and parents. Meanwhile, students are protesting in Bengaluru following the cancellation of the exam.Bengaluru following the cancellation of the exam. Most of them are saying they won't appear for the exam again. Bengaluru: The II Pre-University Chemistry (PUC) re-examination that was scheduled on Thursday, will be conducted on April 12. Meanwhile, the Education Ministry suspended 40 employees of the Department of Pre-University Education of Karnataka. The Chemistry exam that was first scheduled on March 21 was cancelled and postponed after a II PU science student alerted the authorities about the question paper leak. Following protests by the students and parents, the state government handed over the investigation to the CID. Nearly 1.74 lakh PU students across the state were supposed to write the Chemistry re-exam today. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah earlier today said that his government will find out the persons responsible for the repeated leak of the question paper. "A stringent action will be taken on the offenders in question paper leakage incidents. I assure justice to the students and parents," he tweeted. "I have understood the pain of students and parents. I request them to be patient and keep faith on us. I assure justice to them," he added. Seconding the Chief Minister`s statement, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara also condemned the incident and said that strict action will be taken once the CID files a report. "It`s not just a 24-hour job. The CID is looking in to the matter, a second incident has happened they now will be investigating it more seriously. We will find out that who has done it. The CID is questioning few people. I understand career of so many students are involved," said Parameshwara. Mumbai: A local court on Thursday granted bail to Maharashtra independent MLA, Bachchu Kadu, who was arrested yesterday for allegedly assaulting a government officer at the state secretariat here. "Esplanade Court today granted bail to Kadu on the bond of Rs 25,000 and the court has also directed him to deposit his passport," Kadu's lawyer Hassan Pasha Patel told PTI. The legislator, who represents Achalpur Assembly constituency in Amaravati district of Maharashtra, was arrested yesterday by the Marine Drive Police in Mumbai as soon as he came out of the ongoing state Assembly session here. Kadu and his clerk Ashok Jadhav had gone to meet B R Gavit, Deputy Secretary, General Administration Department, on Tuesday. He was insisting that Jadhav be allowed to continue to stay in the government quarters and be allotted additional accommodation, in violation of norms. The officer apparently refused to entertain his demand. An infuriated Kadu allegedly abused and hit him hard on the head. Police said a case under IPC sections 353 (assault or use of criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty), 332 (voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servant from his duty), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace) and 34 (common intention), has been registered against the MLA. Kolkata: Even as massive tragedy struck Kolkata on Thursday, IVRCL Infrastructure company, builders of the flyover, said it was nothing but 'God's act'. "45% work was left, one girder missed and second one fell. It is nothing but God's act," K Panduranga Rao, Group Head (HR & Admin) of the Hyderabad-based company told reporters. "This has never happened before, we are also in shock," he added. At the same time, he said that two of IVRCL engineers were also missing from the collapsed site, adding, searches were in progress to find them. When asked about the reason for the collapse, Director (Operations), AGK Murty, said, "It's not due to any quality issue nor any technical issue, as of now". Murty said that 70 per cent of work on construction of the flyover had been completed, and today 60th slab was being "done" (when it collapsed). The two officials said the company would cooperate with government agencies. "Whatever best possible, we will be doing. All the projects have their own insurance...Whatever best possible, we will be doing for the people involved", Murty said. At least 18 people were killed and over 60 others injured and many trapped as portion of an under-construction two km flyover collapsed on a congested road intersection here, crushing people, vehicles and hawkers. CCTV footage showed people, cars, autorickshaws and hawkers coming under the collapsed structure. Some trying to flee the spot were also trapped. A blame game erupted with the ruling Trinamool Congress blaming the previous Left Front government, which started construction of the flyover when it was in power, and the Left parties hitting back. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said,"The tender was passed in 2009 by the erstwhile Left Front government and was given to Hyderabad-based IVRCL Construction," adding that the company had not provided the government details of the construction plan despite several reminders. "Stringent action will be taken against officials of the construction company and others involved," the chief minister, who cut short her election campaign in West Midnapore district and rushed back to the city, said. (With Agency inputs) Prosecutor didnt attend the court hearing on offshore case (video) Dispossessed businessman Paylak Hayrapetyan compares his story with Ashot Sukiasyan to Hovhannes Tumanyans ballad Dog and Cat. That it gives the fur, and doesnt receive the cap. I have given my fur, when will I receive the cap? He was laughing and said that it would be, why do you hurry? said Paylak Hayrapetyan. The Court of General Jurisdiction of Erebuni and Nubarashen Administrative Districts today expected to hear the testimony of Ashot Sukiasyan. But the prosecutor in the case didnt attend the court hearing and the judge had to postpone the court hearing. Ashot Sukiasyan is charged with large-scale embezzlement and money laundering in a well-known offshore scandal. Ashot Sukiasyan doesnt plead himself guilty of the charges. Until today the businessman claims that former Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan and Archbishop Navasard Kchoyan stand behind everything, so they must be interrogated in the court, If they arent aware, let them come and prove in the court that they arent aware. Ashot Sukiasyan, though, noted during one of the previous sitting that he had falsified the signatures of the former Prime Minister and Archbishop Navasard Kchoyan, He is telling a lie. The witness said that Kchoyan was in Cyprus, the copy of Prime Ministers passport was there, they opened enterprises together, added the businessman. Paylak Hayrapetyan provided all his property to Ashot Sukiasyan without liabilities and contract in order to start diamond processing business in Armenia. The court hearing on the case will continue on April 7. Kolkata: In a tragic incident, at least 21 people were killed and 88 injured and some others feared trapped as a portion of an under-construction flyover collapsed on a congested road intersection here on Thursday, crushing people and vehicles as the state government ordered a high-level probe into the incident. The Army was called in to assist in the rescue operation. Rescue efforts were still on and would continue through the night. Five columns of Army personnel (about 300 in number) along with NDRF, state disaster management, city police and fire brigade personnel are involved in the rescue operations. "We had earlier given the death count as 18. Now police have seen three more bodies, which they will extricate," Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said while on a visit to the Calcutta Medical College and Hospital here. The CM said of the 18 bodies kept in the hospitals, 15 have been identified. Twelve of them have been handed over to the family members. Banerjee, who rushed to Kolkata after cancelling election rallies in West Midnapore district, had earlier confirmed 18 fatalities and said 17 people were still in hospital after sustaining injuries in the ghastly disaster which occurred around 12.30 pm. She announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the families of the dead, Rs 2 lakh each for the critically injured and Rs 1 lakh for those who suffered minor injuries. In a related development, Kolkata Police registered a case against the Hyderabad-based construction firm IVRCL under sections 304, 308 and 407 of the IPC and sealed the local office of company engaged in the flyover's construction. "It is nothing but God's act," claimed Panduranga Rao of IVRCL, drawing all-round flak. Chief Secretary Basudeb Banerjee said that a high level inquiry has been ordered into the flyover collapse. Meanwhile city police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar handed over a report about the incident to the Chief Minister. On the other hand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed shock and sadness over the loss of lives in the flyover collapse in Kolkata and instructed all possible central help in rescue and relief operations. "Shocked and saddened by collapse of under-construction flyover in Kolkata. Took stock of the situation & rescue operations," PM Modi, who is in the US on an official visit, tweeted. "My thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives in Kolkata. May the injured recover at the earliest," he added in another tweet. The accident spot represented a horrific site. Motionless bodies, body parts smeared in blood, scattered iron girdles and concrete slabs of collapsed part of an under-construction flyover were at the site. Scattered shoes, slippers, water bottles, broken glass panes, hand bags were seen all over the busy Vivekananda Road and Tagore Street crossing spot, called the Ganesh Talkies area, as the security personnel and rescuers were sifting through the rubble in search of survivors. A video of the disaster showed the Vivekananda Road Flyover - whose foundation was laid in 2008 and where work began in February 2009 - suddenly crashing with a roar, giving no time for anyone under it to escape. (With Agency inputs) Moscow/Beirut: President Bashar al-Assad said it would not be difficult to agree on a new Syrian government including opposition figures, but his opponents responded on Wednesday that no administration would be legitimate while he remained in office. Assad, bolstered by military victory in the desert city of Palmyra, was quoted by Russia`s RIA news agency as saying a new draft constitution could be ready in weeks and a government that included opposition, independents and loyalists could be agreed. While the distribution of portfolios and other technical issues would need to be discussed at Geneva peace talks, which resume next month, "these are not difficult questions", Assad said. Opposition negotiators immediately dismissed Assad`s remarks, saying that a political settlement could be reached only by establishing a transitional body with full powers, not another government under Assad. "What Bashar al-Assad is talking about has no relation to the political process," said George Sabra of the High Negotiations Committee. The United States also rejected Assad`s comments. "I don`t know whether he envisioned himself being a part of that national unity government. Obviously that would be a nonstarter for us," White House spokesman Josh Earnest said. Syria`s crisis erupted five years ago with protests against Assad which were put down with force. It descended into a civil war which has killed more than 250,000, drawn in global military powers and helped Islamic State establish its self-declared caliphate. Nearly five million refugees have been driven abroad. At a conference in Geneva, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on countries to resettle nearly half a million Syrian refugees in the next three years. "This demands an exponential increase in global solidarity," he said, though his appeal won immediate responses from only three countries - Italy, Sweden and the United States. Assad told RIA the war had cost more than $200 billion in economic losses and damage to infrastructure. That is in line with a U.N.-backed body which estimates physical damage at $90 billion, with an additional $169 billion of accumulated losses from a collapse in GDP to less than half the 2011 level. Despite Assad`s upbeat assessment of the chances for a political solution, his comments reflected deep differences with the opposition. It says that for the last four years international agreements on Syria`s future have centred on the principle of setting up a transitional governing body. Assad`s opponents have understood that such a body would have full powers, and that he would not play a further role. But the president said the very idea of a transitional body was "illogical and unconstitutional". "That`s why the solution is forming a national unity government which prepares for a new constitution," he said, adding that its formation would be agreed in Geneva. LOOKING TO RAQQA Russia`s six-month-old intervention in Syria helped to swing military momentum in Assad`s favour, reversing last summer`s gains by insurgents including Western-backed rebels and helping government forces to drive Islamic State out of Palmyra on Sunday. The recapture of the Palmyra and its military airport, in the central Syrian desert, opens up the road further east to the Islamic State bastions of Deir al-Zor province and Raqqa. "After liberating Palmyra it is necessary to move into the nearby regions which lead to the eastern parts of the country, for example, Deir al-Zor," Assad said. "At same time, we need to start in the direction of Raqqa, which is currently the main Islamic State stronghold." Any offensive on Deir al-Zor or Raqqa however would probably need significantly more firepower than the Palmyra assault. "It`s an open question whether or not the Syrian army is going to be able to push any further to the east," said U.S. Army Col Steve Warren, Baghdad-based spokesman for the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State. "They are stretched fairly thin and they still have a significant number of forces tied up in Palmyra." Although the United States and Russia worked together to establish a limited U.N.-backed truce in Syria, which excludes Islamic State and al Qaeda`s Nusra Front, U.S. military officials have said they are not cooperating with Russian or Syrian forces. The Russian-backed Syrian ground forces are concentrated in western parts of the country, confronting Islamic State on its western front. U.S.-backed efforts in Syria, including Washington`s support for a joint Kurdish-Arab force against the jihadi group, are focused instead on its northeastern flank. However, Interfax news agency quoted Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Oleg Syromolotov as saying Moscow and Washington were discussing "concrete" military coordination to recapture Raqqa from Islamic State. In a message to the U.N.`s Ban, Assad said Syria was ready to cooperate with "all sincere efforts" to combat terrorism, state news agency SANA said. "This moment might be the most appropriate to accelerate the collective war against terrorism," it quoted him as saying. Since capturing Palmyra, Syrian government forces and their allies have been targeted two towns to the east and west of the city, seeking to eliminate Islamic State from an expanse of desert in the centre of the country. Backed by Russian air power they virtually surrounded the town of al-Qaryatain, state media have reported. Heavy air strikes have also struck near the town of Sukhna, where Islamic State fighters retreated to when they pulled out of Palmyra. Russian and Syrian officials say the retreating jihadis left mines and explosives among the 2,000-year-old ruins which they abandoned in Palmyra, and Assad appealed to the U.N. to help restore the ancient monuments. Islamic State fighters dynamited two Roman temples, a triumphal arch and funeral towers last year, and also smashed statues and displays at the city museum before they fled. Russia said earlier it was sending military engineers, sniffer dogs and "demining robots" to help defuse explosives in the old city. Brussels: Belgian police on Thursday carried out a new raid in connection with a foiled attack plot in France whose main suspect was charged this week with membership of a terrorist organisation, prosecutors said. "A raid is under way in connection with the (Reda) Kriket case. It is taking place at Marke, in the town of Courtrai" in northwestern Belgium, Eric Van Der Sypt, a spokesman for the federal prosecutor`s office, told AFP. Soldiers and police officers could be seen taking part in the operation near a busy motorway, according to images from local media. French national Reda Kriket was arrested near Paris last week and at his apartment police found a cache of assault rifles, handguns and TATP, the highly volatile homemade explosive favoured by Islamic State (IS) jihadists. French prosecutor Francois Molins said Wednesday that "no specific target" had been identified for the foiled attack, but the cache of weapons showed an imminent act of "extreme violence" had likely been prevented. Kriket`s arrest came four months after IS jihadists killed 130 people in the French capital. Investigators in France and Belgium have been stepping up efforts to smash a network of IS-linked extremists blamed for both the November Paris attacks and last week`s suicide bombings on the Brussels airport and metro that killed 32 people. Belgium has so far charged two suspects -- Abderrahmane Ameroud, 38, and Rabah M., 34 -- over the foiled plot linked to Kriket. Brussels: Belgian judicial authorities on Thursday approved the extradition to France of Paris attacks prime suspect Salah Abdeslam, prosecutors said, adding that a date for the transfer had not been set. "As Salah Abdeslam had declared to agree to be transferred to France, a federal magistrate took his formal declaration today... The transfer is possible," the federal prosecutor's office said in a statement. "Belgian and French authorities will now consider jointly on how to proceed further in the execution of the transfer," the statement added. French-Belgian national Abdeslam, 26, the sole surviving suspect in the November 13 Paris attacks in which 130 people were killed, was arrested in Brussels on March 18 after four months on the run. Abdeslam's lawyer Cedric Moisse said earlier that his client had consented to his extradition. "Salah Abdeslam wants to be handed over to the French authorities," Moisse told reporters in Brussels. "I can also confirm that he wants to cooperate with the French authorities." French President Francois Hollande announced immediately after Abdeslam's arrest that he wanted him returned to France as quickly as possible to face justice over the attacks in which he is believed to have acted as a logistics coordinator. Abdeslam, who was caught unarmed after being shot in the leg in a dramatic police raid in Brussels, told interrogators he had intended to blow himself up at the Stade de France stadium in Paris but backed out at the last minute. Abdeslam has connections to at least two of the March 22 Brussels bombers. Khalid El Bakraoui, who blew himself up at a metro station, rented a flat in Brussels where Abdeslam's fingerprints were found. One of the two airport bombers, Najim Laachraoui, who is also suspected of having made the bombs for the Paris attacks, once drove to Hungary with Abdeslam. Bogota: Colombia`s government launched peace negotiations Wednesday with the country`s second-biggest guerrilla group, setting its sights on a total end to a bloody half-century conflict. Bogota hopes the talks with the National Liberation Army (ELN) will bring it on board alongside Colombia`s biggest rebel force, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), in a bid to end what is seen as the last major armed confrontation in the West. "If we achieve peace, it will be the end of the guerrillas in Colombia and therefore in Latin America," said President Juan Manuel Santos. His chief negotiator Frank Pearl and ELN commander Antonio Garcia announced the decision in a joint statement earlier after meeting in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas. The government and ELN "have agreed to set up public talks... in order to sign a final accord to end the armed conflict and agree on changes in search of peace and equity," they said. The ELN is a leftist group like the FARC, but they have fought as rivals for territory in a many-sided conflict that started as a peasant uprising in 1964. While the FARC has observed a ceasefire since last year as its own peace talks have advanced, the ELN has continued attacks. Indeed, government data show the ELN alone has been to blame for 28 percent of recent attacks on civilians in Colombia. Accords bringing in the government and the FARC and ELN would establish peace between the main remaining players in the conflict, which over the decades has drawn in right- and left-wing guerrillas, government troops and drug trafficking gangs. "A peace process with the ELN means that Colombia now has the opportunity to end completely the 52 years of armed conflict with both guerrilla groups," said Kyle Johnson, an analyst at the International Crisis Group. The government and ELN said six other countries will act as guarantors of the peace process: Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Ecuador, Norway and Venezuela. In a Twitter message the FARC`s chief negotiator Ivan Marquez called it "a historic moment for Colombia." South American regional bloc UNASUR said in a statement the new negotiations were the "missing piece" of the peace drive. Cuba and Venezuela were among countries that hailed the breakthrough.Santos`s government has been holding talks in Havana with the FARC since 2012. They had aimed to sign a peace agreement on March 23 but that deadline passed with no deal as key issues have not yet been resolved, including disarmament. The negotiations with the ELN "are of a very different nature from the Havana process because the ELN and the FARC are very different organizations," Santos said in a speech in Colombia after Wednesday`s announcement. "But the end of the conflict is one and the same," he added. He said any deal with the ELN would be subject to the same measures due to be approved under any agreement with the FARC. Those include ceasefire procedures and the setting up of a special tribunal for hearing cases linked to the conflict. The grinding territorial standoff has killed more than 260,000 people, uprooted 6.6 million people and left a further 45,000 missing. Inspired by the Cuban revolution, the ELN was founded in 1964, the same year as the FARC. Officials estimate the ELN currently has some 1,500 members and the FARC about 7,000. One Colombian government source who asked not to be named said the ELN`s lack of a top-down command structure "has made negotiations for a roadmap more complex." As the talks with the FARC have advanced, tensions have remained high with the ELN, which unlike the FARC has not declared a ceasefire. The ELN recently released two hostages, a Colombian soldier and a politician. Paris: France on Wednesday charged the main suspect in a foiled attack plot with membership of a terrorist organisation after police found an arsenal of weapons and explosives at his home. French national Reda Kriket, 34, was arrested near Paris last week and a police raid on his apartment netted a cache of assault rifles, handguns and TATP, the highly volatile homemade explosive favoured by Islamic State (IS) jihadists. State prosecutor Francois Molins said Wednesday that "no specific target" had been identified for the foiled attack, but the cache of weapons showed an imminent act of "extreme violence" had likely been prevented. Kriket`s arrest came just four months after jihadists killed 130 people in the French capital. Investigators have been stepping up efforts to smash a tangled web of IS-linked extremists blamed for both the November Paris attacks and last week`s suicide bombings on Brussels airport and metro that killed 32 people. Another French suspect, 32-year-old Anis Bahri, was arrested in Rotterdam in the Netherlands on Sunday in connection with the foiled Paris plot and is fighting extradition to France. Both Kriket and Bahri are believed to have travelled to Syria in late 2014 or early 2015, and since then between France, Belgium and the Netherlands, the French prosecutor said. Two other suspects -- Abderrahmane Ameroud, 38, and Rabah M., 34 -- have been charged in Belgium over the foiled plot and will be held for another week, the country`s federal prosecutor said. The arrests highlight the extensive links investigators have uncovered between French and Belgian IS cells behind the Brussels and Paris attacks. Kriket, who is linked to the suspected ringleader of the Paris attacks, was found guilty in absentia in Brussels in July of being part of a jihadist recruitment network and sentenced to 10 years in jail. Investigations showed Kriket played a key role in financing the recruitment network with money from robberies and stolen goods.Brussels airport said it would remain closed to passenger flights until at least late Thursday afternoon as the operator carries out further tests. "The evaluation of the trial is still ongoing and will take at least till tomorrow afternoon. No flights till then," the airport operator said Wednesday on Twitter. The airport has been shut since suicide bombers Najim Laachraoui and Ibrahim El Bakraoui blew themselves up in the departure hall on March 22. The metro, which was due to be fully operational Wednesday, is still running on a limited service after the national security council judged the decision to reopen premature. The mayor of the Brussels district of Molenbeek, Francoise Schepmans, meanwhile, said far-right extremists had been banned from holding a planned anti-Islam rally in the neighbourhood after talks with police. The impoverished immigrant neighbourhood has long been seen as a hotbed of Islamist extremism and the prime suspect in the Paris attacks was arrested there earlier this month. Criticism of the Belgian authorities` handling of the attacks probe has mounted after the sole suspect charged over the attacks was freed on Monday for lack of evidence. Prosecutors had charged the suspect, named by media as Faycal Cheffou, with "terrorist murder" and were investigating whether he was the third airport attacker who fled after his bomb did not detonate. But the hunt is now back on for the so-called "man in the hat", seen in CCTV footage next to the two suicide bombers at the airport. Investigators are looking for Naim Al Hamed, whose fingerprints were found at the apartment used by the Brussels airport bombers, but they do not know whether he is the "third man" in the attack or another fugitive. Al Hamed has been linked to Salah Abdeslam, the key suspect in the Paris attacks, who was arrested in Brussels on March 18 after more than four months on the run. A closed-door hearing on Thursday will decide whether Abdeslam should be extradited to France. Belgium has also been accused of missing a series of leads linking the Paris attacks to those behind the Brussels bombings. In the most damning revelation, Turkey said Belgium ignored warnings from Ankara after it deported airport suicide bomber Bakraoui as a "terrorist fighter" last year following his arrest near the Syrian border. Washington: India has an important role to play in responsible stewardship of nuclear weapons and materials, US Secretary of State John Kerry said ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Washington where he will attend the two-day Nuclear Security Summit. "India has a long record of being a leader, of being responsible, and it is particularly important right now at a time when we see some choices being made in the region that may accelerate possible arms construction, which we have serious questions about," Kerry said as he met National Security Advisor Ajit Doval at the Foggy Bottom headquarters of the State Department. "India has a very important role to play with respect to responsible stewardship of nuclear weapons and nuclear materials," Kerry said yesterday, adding that the US has raised these issues with various partners in the region. Kerry said Obama has called the relationship with India a defining relationship of this century, and there are many reasons for that. "India is the largest democracy in the world, and a real partner with the United States on a lot of technology and energy issues. We're particularly grateful to India for the leadership it offered in Paris helping us to reach a climate agreement. And now, there is more that we can do with respect to the next steps in that agreement," he said. "Our hope is that this Nuclear Security Summit will contribute to everybody's understanding about our global responsibilities and choices," he said. Doval said India was "deeply interested" in ensuring safety and security of radioactive materials. "India attaches considerable value to the Nuclear Security Summit. We are is deeply interested in seeing that the safety and security of the radioactive material must be ensured," he said. Hoping for increased cooperation with the US, Doval said India and the US would look to work together on their shared concerns, including terrorism and cyber space. "We have made many strides after the new government of Prime Minister Modi has come and we have taken our relationship to new heights. We have got many areas in which we have able to improve and achieve substantial results," he said. During their meeting, Kerry and Doval discussed ways to increase diplomatic cooperation on a range of regional and global issues, including counter-terrorism efforts, State Department spokesperson John Kirby said. The Secretary of State said that the US-India civil nuclear partnership should bolster India's energy security and the strong economic relationship between the two countries. Kerry commended India for its leadership on clean energy and reducing carbon emissions, as well as its improving resilience in the face of climate change. They also discussed dealing more effectively with illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing. Islamabad: The Iranian Embassy here on Thursday slammed certain elements in Pakistan for spreading undignified and offensive remarks, which it said were attributed to President Hassan Rouhani, regarding the arrest of Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav. Elements unhappy over promotion of ties between the two Islamic countries of Iran and Pakistan are trying in various ways, including the spreading of undignified and sometimes offensive contents, to fade out the significant achievements during the visit of President Rouhani to Pakistan, embassy spokesman Abbas Badrifar told media, Dawn reported. The comments came just days after alleged Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav's arrest was announced on March 25, while Rouhani was visiting Islamabad. Badrifar said such tactics will not impact the positive views of the two countries regarding each other. He said since independence, Pakistan had always proven itself a trusted partner and neighbour, adding that the western borders of Pakistan have never been threatened. Iran considers its borders with Pakistan those of peace and friendship, the spokesman said. Law enforcement agencies announced the arrest of Jadhav, saying he had been picked up during an intelligence-based raid in Balochistan's Chaman area. Earlier the Indian government said it "categorically rejects allegations that this individual was involved in subversive activities in Pakistan at our behest", claiming that their enquiries reveal he had been harassed while operating a legitimate business from Iran. Berlin: Islamic State posted pictures on the Internet calling on German Muslims to carry out Brussels-style attacks in Germany, singling out Chancellor Angela Merkel`s offices and the Cologne-Bonn airport as targets, the SITE intelligence group reported. Western Europe is on high security alert after last week`s Islamic State suicide bombings in the Belgian capital that killed 32 people at its airport and in a metro station. On Wednesday, France said it was investigating a man on suspicion of planning an imminent act of "extreme violence". The Islamic State images and graphics, widely published by German media on Thursday, included slogans in German inciting Muslims to commit violence against the "enemy of Allah." Germany`s BKA federal police, who monitor suspected militants with German passports returning from stints fighting in Syria and Iraq, said it knew of the images but that their publication did not necessitate extra security measures. "We are aware of this material and our experts are checking it," a BKA spokeswoman said. "It is clear that Germany is the focus of international terrorism and that attacks could happen, but this material doesn`t change our security assessment." Federal police chief Holger Muench said after the March 22 attacks in Brussels that Islamic State appeared eager to carry out further "spectacular" attacks in Europe as it was suffering setbacks on battlefields in Iraq and Syria. One of the disseminated Islamic State images features a militant in combat fatigues standing in a field and gazing at Cologne-Bonn airport with a caption reading: "What your brothers in Belgium were able to do, you can do too." Another shows the German chancellery building in Berlin on fire with an Islamic State fighter and a tank standing outside the structure. The headline reads: "Germany is a battlefield." Germany joined the U.S.-led air strike campaign against Islamic State in Syria last year, though limiting its role to reconnaissance and refuelling missions, after the jihadist group killed 130 people in shooting and bombing attacks in Paris. A third graphic featured a military jet, which German media identified as a Tornado used by the German air force, against the backdrop of a mountainous area juxtaposed with the bloodied faces of women and children - apparently meant to represent civilians who Islamic State says have been killed by air strikes on areas it controls. The caption under this image says: "Will you continue to grieve or will you finally act?" All five pictures circulated on social media on Wednesday bore the logo of Furat Media, an Islamic State affiliate, according to SITE. German media also published an Islamic State video celebrating the attacks in Brussels that featured a three-second shot of Frankfurt Airport, apparently taken from German television news footage. The BKA spokeswoman said police were aware of that video as well and current security measures were sufficient. Msocow: The Islamic State jihadist group has claimed responsibility for a suicide attack that killed a policeman in Russia`s volatile region of Dagestan. An IS fighter "detonated his explosives belt at a checkpoint of the Dagestani police... killing and wounding several of them," according to an IS statement distributed online. Local police had said Wednesday`s attack had involved either a car exploding at the checkpoint or the occupants of a vehicle throwing an explosive device at a police car. One policeman was killed and another wounded, officials said. The attacks came after Syrian troops backed by Russian forces secured an important victory against IS by recapturing the ancient city of Palmyra, which the jihadists had overrun in May last year. Attacks against police are not uncommon in the North Caucasus region, which faces a simmering Islamist insurgency. Islamist rebels from Dagestan, which lies immediately east of Chechnya, are known to have travelled to join IS. Last year the group declared it had established a "franchise" in the North Caucasus. SUBSCRIBERS OF UCOMS ALL TIME BEST OFFER TO ENJOY ADDITIONAL BENEFITS Armenia-Azerbaijan: EU sets up monitoring capacity along the international borders PACE co-rapporteurs on Armenia concerned by reports of alleged war crimes or inhuman treatment perpetrated by Azerbaijans armed forces There is still 35% gender pay gap: Sona Ghazaryan Google Ad Global Finance Names Ameriabank the Safest Bank in Armenia Mikayel and Karen Vardanyans provided 136 million AMD support for the overhaul of the Myasnikyan statue, which was in unsafe state of disrepair Believe me, as a representative of a country which uses the Schengen system very often, it is quite important. Vardanyan I really look forward to having answers from the Azerbaijani side for these alleged gross human rights violations: Secretary General I call on Armenian and Azerbaijani parliamentarians to use this Assembly as an agora of opportunities President Tiny Kox UCOMS SPECIAL OFFER OF THE UNLIMITED INTERNET IS NOW TERMLESS There is no place for the death penalty in a State that respects human rights: PACE General Rapporteur EU and CoE call on two Member States that have not yet acceded to this Protocol Armenia and Azerbaijan to do so without delay An urgent debate requested on "The military hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan". UCOM AND PES-PES CONTINUE COOPERATION WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF EDUCATIONAL PROJECT The statement of the meeting between Prime Minister Pashinyan, President Aliyev, President Macron and President Michel of October 6, 2022 Largest Corporate Bond Program at the Securities Market of Armenia Completed Successfully Google Ad The statement of the Defender on the video of the execution of Armenian PoWs by the Azerbaijani armed forces LEVEL UP ONLY FOR STUDENTS: UCOM OFFERS X2 AND X3 MORE INTERNET STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN This criminal act is another proof that the Armenophobia policy. Tatoyan Nikol Pashinyan, Nancy Pelosi discuss a number of issues related to the Armenian-American agenda and regional developments Delegation by Nancy Pelosi Accompanied by Alen Simonyan Visits Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi Arrives in Yerevan Armenian Revytech, global technology leader SAP and financial services software specialist SAP Fioneer sign a cooperation agreement With 120 million drams donated by Mikael Vardanyan, the defenders of the homeland will be treated in a new building OSCE Chairman-in-Office and OSCE Secretary General call for immediate cessation of hostilities along Armenia-Azerbaijan border Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh USA Embassy Message for U.S. Citizens ANCA Issues National Call to Action to Stop Taxpayer Funding of Aliyevs Aggression Bamako: Southern Mali`s suspected jihadist leader has been arrested by special forces and transferred to the capital Bamako, security sources said Thursday. "Souleymane Keita, the top jihadist leader in the south of the country, was arrested a few days ago on the Mauritanian border, and transferred to Bamako on Wednesday," a security source said. Another security source said the arrest, near the town of Sokolo, followed the capture of one of his allies a few months ago in the centre of the country. "He was about to head to Timbuktu, probably to meet up with his mentor Iyad Ag Ghaly in the Kidal region" in north-east Mali, the source said, referring to the Tuareg leader of the Islamist Ansar Dine group. Malian intelligence has said Keita and Ag Ghaly fought side by side in 2012 when jihadist forces seized the vast northern stretches of Mali. But when French troops stepped in to oust the Islamists in January 2013, Keita headed south to his native region to set up a new group, the Khaled Ibn al-Walid "katiba", meaning combattant unit. The group, also known as "Ansar Dine of the South", has some 200 fighters, a Malian security source said. In March 2015, security services accused him of heading a jihadist military training camp discovered outside Bamako. Keita was also accused last year of attacks in Fakola and Misseni near the Ivory Coast border and of "terrorist attacks" in the capital. Washington: Proliferation and potential use of nuclear weapons pose the most dangerous threat to global security and peace, US President Barack Obama said on Thursday as leaders from over 50 countries started arriving here to attend the Nuclear Security Summit with the sole objective of preventing terrorists from obtaining and using atomic weapons. "Of all the threats to global security and peace, the most dangerous is the proliferation and potential use of nuclear weapons," Obama said in an op-ed in The Washington Post on the eve of the fourth Nuclear Security Summit, which among others is being attended by leaders from countries like India, Japan, China, South Korea and Brazil. The Indian delegation is being led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Thursday in Washington, I`ll welcome more than 50 world leaders to our fourth Nuclear Security Summit to advance a central pillar of our Prague Agenda: preventing terrorists from obtaining and using a nuclear weapon," Obama wrote. "We'll review our progress, such as successfully ridding more than a dozen countries of highly enriched uranium and plutonium. Nations, including the US will make new commitments and we'll continue strengthening international treaties and institutions that underpin nuclear security," he said. Given the continued threat posed by organisations such as the terrorist group IS, Obama wrote, world leaders will also join allies and partners in reviewing their counterterrorism efforts, to prevent the world's most dangerous networks from obtaining the world's most dangerous weapons. Obama said the international community must remain united in the face of North Korea's continued provocations, including its recent nuclear test and missile launches. The additional sanctions recently imposed on Pyongyang by the UN Security Council show that violations have consequences, he said The US will continue working with allies and partners for the complete and verifiable denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula in a peaceful manner, he said. "More broadly, the security of the world demands that nations - including the United States - ratify the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and conclude a new treaty to end the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons once and for all," Obama said. Obama said as the only nation ever to have used nuclear weapons, the US has a moral obligation to continue to lead the way in eliminating them. "Still, no one nation can realise this vision alone. It must be the work of the world," said the president. Paris: Paris attacks suspect Salah Abdeslam wants to cooperate with French authorities, his lawyer said on Thursday, confirming that his client wanted to be extradited from Belgium to France. "He wants to cooperate with the French authorities," lawyer Cedric Moisse said, as a prosecutor was set to travel to the prison in the city of Bruges where Abdeslam has been held since March 18 for an extradition hearing. Abdeslam has not spoken to investigators since Brussels was hit by suicide bombs at the airport and a metro station last week. He has links to several of those involved in the attacks on the Belgian capital. Washington: The Pentagon plans to transfer about a dozen inmates of the Guantanamo military prison to at least two countries that have agreed to take them, a US official said on Wednesday, the latest move in President Barack Obama`s final push to close the facility. The first of the transfers are expected in the next few days and the others will take place in coming weeks, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Among them will be Tariq Ba Odah, a Yemeni man who has been on a long-term hunger strike and has lost about half of his body weight. There are now 91 prisoners at the US naval base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Most have been held without charge or trial for more than a decade, drawing international condemnation. Obama, who last month presented Congress with a blueprint for closing the prison, is seeking to make good on his long-time pledge before he leaves office in January. But he faces stiff opposition from many Republican lawmakers, as well as some of his fellow Democrats. The Pentagon has notified Congress of its latest planned transfers from among the 37 detainees already cleared to be sent to their homelands or other countries, the official said. US officials have said they expect to move out all members of that group by this summer. Obamas plan for shuttering the facility calls for bringing the several dozen remaining prisoners to maximum-security prison in the United States. But US law bars such transfers to the mainland, and Obama has not ruled out doing so by use of executive action. "I do not have a timeline on when particular detainees will be transferred from Guantanamo," Commander Gary Ross, a Defense Department spokesman, said in a statement. "However, the administration is committed to reducing the detainee population and to closing the detention facility responsibly." The most prominent of those to be resettled over the next several weeks is Bah Odah, a 37-year-old Yemeni who has been force-fed by nasal tube since he stopped eating solid food in 2007. His weight had dropped to 74 pounds from 148 and his legal team feared he could die of starvation, according to a Reuters at the end of December. Lawyers for Ba Odah, who was cleared for transfer in 2009, had tried unsuccessfully to win his release on health and humanitarian grounds, but Pentagon officials said he was receiving proper care. The plan to resettle about a dozen inmates was first reported by the Washington Post. The US official declined to name the countries ready to take them in. Ten Yemeni men were sent to Oman in January. Others were recently sent to Ghana, Bosnia and Montenegro. The Obama administration has ruled out sending Yemenis, who make up the bulk of the remaining prisoners, to their homeland because it is engulfed in civil war and has an active al Qaeda branch. Guantanamo prisoners were rounded up overseas when the United States became embroiled in wars in Iraq and Afghanistan following the September 11, 2001, attacks on New York and Washington. The facility, opened by Obamas predecessor George W Bush, came to symbolize aggressive detention practices that opened the United States to accusations of torture. Russia is running a "shadow government" in rebel-held territories of eastern Ukraine under the control of the FSB intelligence service, German newspaper Bild reported Wednesday, citing minutes from an official commission. The report said that basic administrative functions of the cities of Donetsk and Lugansk are being run by six working groups at five Russian ministries. The officials, who manage areas including tax law, transport infrastructure and the establishment of an electricity market, work under the auspices of the FSB and answer to Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak, a close ally of President Vladimir Putin, according to the minutes cited in Bild. "It is notable that no members of the self-declared people`s republics in eastern Ukraine are on the commission," Bild said. "They are simply informed about its findings and their political implementation." Kozak denied the allegations, with his spokesman telling independent Russian TV channel Dojd: "We have nothing to do with that... It has never been said that Dmitry Kozak deals with any regions other than those of the Russian Federation." The minutes derive from an October 2015 meeting of the so-called Interministerial Commission for the Provision of Humanitarian Aid for the Affected Areas of the Southeast of the Donetsk and Lugansk Regions. Bild quoted an unnamed secret services agent as saying that the commission`s work allowed the separatist regions to function as a Russian "satellite state". Eastern Ukraine has been gripped for nearly two years in a war between government forces and pro-Moscow separatists. Russia has repeatedly denied allegations that it has active forces in the war zone or exercises direct influence over the territories, saying it only provides humanitarian aid there. The fighting has killed nearly 9,200 people since April 2014 and raised alarm across eastern European states about what they see as Putin`s aggressive foreign policy stance. A Western push to resolve the crisis has floundered as Ukraine and Russia have proved unable to agree on elections in the rebel-controlled areas. Kiev has expressed fears that Russia -- already having annexed Crimea in 2014 -- may try to unsettle the country further by exerting influence over Donetsk and Lugansk within a reunified Ukraine. Mogadishu: Gunmen have killed six people in a drive-by shooting, including two Turkish hospital workers, in the latest violence to hit Somalia`s capital Mogadishu, authorities said Thursday. "Six civilians, two of them Turkish nationals, have been killed, and six more were wounded," said Abdifatah Omar Halane, spokesman for the Mogadishu city authorities. The shooting took place late Wednesday. Somalia`s Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Sharmarke condemned the attack. "We condemn this cowardly act, and our thoughts are with the relatives of the victims and the Turkish government," Sharmarke said in a statement. "These innocent Turkish citizens have lost their lives while supporting their Somali brothers," he said. Turkey is a major investor in, and donor to, Somalia. No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack. In a separate incident on Wednesday, witnesses said four people were killed, including three civilians caught in the crossfire, during a shootout between members of rival units within the Somali army. "The soldiers were trying to shoot another soldier, but they have killed him together with three civilians who were passing by," said Abdirasak Ali, a witness. Several other witnesses confirmed the deaths. Somalia`s Al-Qaeda-affiliated Shebab rebels -- who are fighting to overthrow the country`s internationally-backed government -- carry out regular attacks in Mogadishu but the seaside capital is anarchic and is still awash with weapons after decades of war. Diyarbakir: Four police officers were killed and 14 people wounded in a bomb attack on Thursday targeting the Turkish police in the Kurdish-majority southeastern city of Diyarbakir, a security source said. The attack comes as Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, whose government has waged a relentless campaign against Kurdish rebels since last summer, was due on Friday to make a rare visit to Diyarbakir. The security source told AFP that the bomb exploded as a police vehicle drove past the city`s main bus terminal. The wounded included eight police, three of whom were seriously hurt, and six civilians. Turkish forces are engaged in an operation against Kurdish rebels from the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in the region. Hundreds of security force members have been killed since the PKK resumed its more than three-decade insurgency last summer. The new upsurge of violence between the security forces and Kurdish rebels erupted in July 2015, shattering a two-and-a-half year truce. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said this week that 355 members of the security forces had been killed in the fighting, along with 5,359 members of the PKK. It was not possible to confirm the toll on the rebel side. Over 40,000 people have been killed since the PKK took up arms in 1984 demanding a homeland for Turkey`s biggest minority. Since then, the group has pared back its demands to focus on cultural rights and a measure of autonomy. A radical PKK offshoot, the Kurdistan Freedom Falcons (TAK), claimed responsibility for two suicide car bombings in Ankara this year that left dozens dead. Turkish air force planes have bombed PKK hideouts in mountains across the border in northern Iraq. Ankara has vowed to smash the PKK, and authorities have imposed curfews in several towns in the region because of the fierce clashes. Ankara: Turkey`s military on Thursday angrily denied suggestions it could be planning a coup against the increasingly controversial President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Certain media outlets have carried reports speculating over the possibility of a military coup in Turkey, with Erdogan out of the country for almost a week on a visit to the United States. The Turkish military has stepped in on three occasions to oust elected governments -- in 1960, 1971 and 1980 -- and in 1997 also forced out Erdogan`s late mentor Necmettin Erbakan from the premiership. "Discipline, unconditional obedience and a unified chain of command are the basis of the Turkish armed forces," the military said in a rare political statement on its website. "There can be no talk about any illegal action that is outside the command structure or which compromises it," the statement added. The military said it would take legal action over the reports, without specifying which ones, and complained that "such baseless news" was undermining morale in the armed forces. However an opinion piece written by the scholar Michael Rubin published in Newsweek entitled "Will there be a coup against Erdogan in Turkey?" had gathered major attention in and outside the country. The army was historically considered a major force in Turkish politics, able to oust governments who it believed were eroding the secular principles of the modern republic set up by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Erdogan, in power as premier and then president since 2003, clipped the wings of the military through a succession of legal cases to ensure its loyalty. Most analysts have believed the military poses no threat to the rule of the Islamic-rooted Justice and Development Party (AKP). The president on Tuesday left for a trip to the United States amid growing signs of a major rupture in relations between Washington and Ankara as well as controversy over press freedom in Turkey. The Hague: UN judges on Thursday found radical Serb leader Vojislav Seselj not guilty on all nine charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity arising out of the 1990s Balkans wars. In their shock ruling pronounced in Seselj`s absence, Judge Jean-Claude Antonetti said the prosecution had failed to prove the charges and said: "Vojislav Seselj is now a free man." In a majority verdict, judges at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) found "the prosecution has failed to prove the existence of the joint criminal enterprise" involving Seselj. "The chamber by majority holds that the prosecution has not provided sufficient evident to establish that the crimes were committed," by Seselj, Antonetti said. Seselj, 61, had faced nine charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity over his quest to unite "all Serbian lands" in a "Greater Serbia". Prosecutors had alleged he was behind the murder of many Croat, Muslim and other non-Serb civilians, as well as the forced deportation of "tens of thousands" from large areas of Bosnia-Hercegovina, Croatia and Serbia, leading paramilitary forces called "Seselj`s men". But the judges slammed the prosecution`s case as full of "confusion" and "ambiguities" saying it had failed to clarify the broader context in which events in Croatia and Bosnia took place. The prosecution had given "at best an interpretation that hides the way the events unfolded and at worst distorts them in relation to the evidence presented to the chamber," Antonetti said. The judges agreed that during the conflict which tore apart Yugoslavia "Seselj was driven by an ardent political ambition to create a Greater Serbia." But they found that this was in "principle a political plan, not a criminal plan." And they ruled that "a lot of the evidence shows that the collaboration (by Seselj) was aimed at defending the Serbs and the traditional Serb territories, or at preserving Yugoslavia, not at committing the alleged crimes." The judges also found that Seselj had no "hierarchical responsibility" for his men once they were taken up in the regular Serb army units. The judgement comes exactly a week after former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic was sentenced to 40 years in jail for genocide and nine other charges by the ICTY`s judges. Seselj voluntarily surrendered to the ICTY in 2003, but in the past two years he has refused to return to The Hague from Belgrade after being allowed to go home in 2014 for treatment for colon cancer. He has repeatedly slammed the tribunal, and had vowed never to return voluntarily. "I don`t regret a single day in the fight against the anti-Serbian court," he recently told Russia Today. Prejudices and negative attitudes directed towards people living with HIV have very real consequences: Stigma discourages people from getting tested for HIV, sharing their HIV positive status with loved ones, and seeking care and sticking to treatment. Yet in the early years of the HIV epidemic, it was thought that the stigma surrounding HIV was too abstract to be measured. And if it couldnt be measured, it couldnt be addressed. I was first exposed to the impact and opacity of stigma in 2000. I was working on a study exploring community perceptions of programs to prevent mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV in Botswana and Zambia. We didn't ask directly about stigma, but it became a repeated theme in interviews with women, men, community leaders, and health providers. At the time, we couldnt effectively understand and respond to these findings a robust body of knowledge on HIV-related stigma just didnt exist. Seventeen years later, things have changed. We have more tools than ever to understand, measure, and monitor stigma and its impact on people living with HIV. There are also effective interventions and programs designed to lessen stigmas negative impact on people living with HIV. On the heels of Zero Discrimination Day, a day to celebrate diversity and reject discrimination, I presented at a White House meeting on HIV-related stigma. The Office of National AIDS Policy, National Institutes of Mental Health and the NIH Office of AIDS Research convened the meeting to discuss how to translate research into action that will reduce stigma and ultimately ensure more people are successfully tested, cared for, and treated. Measuring stigma is critical to not only understand its scale and dimensions, but also to design effective programs and evaluate progress. I presented a rapid-scan overview of stigma measurement over the past two decades, highlighting changing trends in the populations among which stigma is measured, where studies were conducted, and the types of stigma measured. My findings showed that a rapid growth in stigma measurement studies that use validated instruments and span multiple geographies has demonstrated that stigma measurement is both feasible and attainable. Most importantly, the common themes and barriers that emerge in these studies spanning the globe tell us the standardization of measurement tools is possible. A Exit Disclaimer developed under the USAID-funded Health Policy Project is one example. Its five key measurement areas provide a globally-standardized questionnaire to measure stigma and discrimination in health facilities, which can then help facilitate routine monitoring of HIV-related stigma, as well as the expansion and improvement of programming and policies in health facilities. Nyblade, L. & RTI International (2016). HIV Stigma Measurement: A rapid scan of two decades of work. Presentation, Washington, D.C. Now we have the opportunity to take stigma measurement to the next level: We must scale up and standardize the measurement of stigma and also integrate stigma into other measurement tools such as quality of care assessments. Brevity is key here; simplicity and clarity will help ensure tools can be used in practical settings across a range of contexts. We must expand what we measure, investigating the multiple types of stigma that exist such as stigma that is experienced, perceived, or anticipated and how these different stigmas can affect prevention, care, and treatment. There is also a gap in understanding how stigma affects adolescents with HIV, given that in 2013 alone Exit Disclaimer died from AIDS-related causes. We must also increase study on layered stigma meaning intersecting stigmas faced by individuals who are part of multiple marginalized groups, such as sex workers living with HIV. And finally, stigma measurements must be used to inform the response to HIV, as well as policies and laws. For example, stigma goals and targets must be integrated into national HIV strategies, with stigma and discrimination indicators included in national monitoring and evaluation frameworks. Stigma isnt abstract; its very, very real. And it affects not just people living with HIV, but their families, those who care for them, and those who may be at heightened risk for exposure to HIV. We have come a long way to measure and understand stigma, but we have much further to go to ensure our findings drive real action by governments and donors to create the programs, policies, and practices that will improve health outcomes and save lives. Editors note: Following the recent White House meeting on HIV stigma, we received this post via ONAP by one of the presenters. Dr. Nyblade is also the Senior Technical Advisor for the USAID-funded Exit Disclaimer . Report on possible terrorist attack at Zvartnots airport- from IP address of Azeri operator In the framework of the criminal case investigated in Yerevan Investigative Department of the RA Investigative Committee active investigatory and operative-intelligence measures are taken to identify the person who had made a false statement about blowing up the plane of flight 558 scheduled to fly to Moscow, Zvartnots airport, as well as to find the motives. The report on possible terrorism had been received on March 24 through e-mail of Zvartnots airport. In the result of inspections and actions conducted properly by RA competent bodies it was found that the report on terrorism was false and a criminal case was initiated according to the Article 259 of RA Criminal Code. A plan on investigatory and operative-intelligence joint measures was worked out and actions of great volume were conducted. In the result of urgent work implemented together with relevant subdivisions of the RA National Security Service the time, the country of the internet operator user having created the e-mail address through which the message had been sent and the steps taken to cover up the tracks were found. Particularly, sufficient evidence were obtained on the allegation that the e-mail address had been created by a person who had used IP address of Azeri operator who gained access to internet through a server of a third country (the country has been found). A number of other actions implemented by the user of the mentioned Azeri IP address were found, as well after which the connection to the internet through the IP address of the third country was stopped. Active investigatory and operative-intelligence actions are conducted together with the RA National Security Service. Other information on the criminal case shall not be published at the moment. Reporters from Fairfax Media and The Huffington Post obtained a huge trove of email from Unaoil, a business run by a rich Monaco family, that reveal that the family ran a corrupt bribery empire that spanned the world's oil-producing states, and that they world with companies like Rolls-Royce, Halliburton, Leighton Holding, Samsung and Hyundai, to rig contracts through a system of bribes and kickbacks that looted the national treasuries of some of the world's poorest countries. A particular victim of Unaoil's corruption is Iraq, whose oil fields were drained by giant western companies without meaningful benefit to the war-stricken Iraqis, thanks to Unaoil's help in bribing top Iraqi officials on behalf of the largest blue-chip companies in the world. Unaoil also ran bribery rings in Iran, Libya, Syria, Yemen, Kuwait and the UAE, with massive bribes being paid directly to the senior bureaucrats and elected leaders of those countries, from Assad's top fixer in Syria to the son of Yemen's former prime minister. Unaoil is owned by the Ahsani, a jet-setting member of the global elite who sit on the boards of charities and rub shoulders with world leaders and billionaires. They laundered their money through (where else) the City of London. The first story in the series, "The Bribe Factory," is out now. It's explosive as hell, and there's a lot more to come. Many countries have laws on the books that make executives at firms engaged in bribery personally, criminally liable. Maybe this, finally, will be the moment when we learn how far the impunity of the criminal elites really goes. But the evidence of their own internal email cache, leaked to Fairfax Media and The Huffington Post, clearly demonstrates that the multi-million dollar fees Unaoil takes from its clients are funnelled into an industrial scale bribery operation which further entrenches corruption among the powerful few. Bankers in New York and London have facilitated Unaoil's money laundering, while the Ahsanis have built a major property investment business in central London. Since 2007, Unaoil has been certified by anti-corruption agency Trace International. This in itself raises serious questions about the worth of such international accreditation. But for the western companies confronted with questions under anti foreign bribery laws in their own jurisdictions, Unaoil appears to be a reputable and discrete middle-man, giving listed businesses what is known as "plausible deniability". Companies approached by Fairfax Media and The Huffington Post about their contracts with Unaoil have emphasised they have strong anti-corruption policies, and are committed to investigating their dealings with Unaoil. THE COMPANY THAT BRIBED THE WORLD [Nick McKenzie, Richard Baker, Michael Bachelard & Daniel Quinlan/The Age/Huffington Post] By Jo Winterbottom CHICAGO (Reuters) - Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is talking with many players outside the car sector about possible collaboration, Chief Executive Sergio Marchionne said, and is keeping an open mind on what the possibilities might be. Car technology has become a prime area of interest for Silicon Valley companies including Alphabet Inc's Google, which has built a prototype self-driving car, and Apple Inc , which Marchionne said earlier this month should collaborate with carmakers to make a vehicle rather than trying to go it alone. The growing use of computing power in vehicles is providing technology companies and automakers with new business opportunities - and increasingly making them rivals. "We have parallel conversations with many players who are outside the auto sector at the moment," Marchionne said at an impromptu press conference after an industry event here. "We can't go into these discussions with a precise idea of what FCA wants. We're learning, just as they are learning," he said. "And the solution will be a shared solution and developed together with them, not developed by us alone." Marchionne, who has long-touted the need for further consolidation in the traditional auto sector, reiterated reasons for not linking up with French carmaker PSA Peugeot Citroen , which has said it is open to strategic opportunities. "We ... realized that even though there was a certain advantage in an association with PSA, it was an advantage that was too little and that in effect would limit the choices open to FCA going forward," he said on Wednesday. Marchionne indicated that any partner for FCA would have to be strong where FCA is weakest, in China, the world's biggest auto market. "The great advantage of FCA as potential partner", said Marchionne, is that the company has a strong presence in Latin America where the market is weak at the moment, and in North America and Europe, but added, "we're much weaker than the others in China. That's something we are trying to ameliorate" He, however, added that Latin America also continued to be a problem for FCA and its competitors, pointing to current political upheaval in Brazil. And while he welcomed the big changes being made by Argentina's new president, Mauricio Macri, he added that any gains in Argentina will not overcome weakness in Brazil, which is a much larger market. (Reporting by Jo Winterbottom; Editing by Himani Sarkar) By Ben Blanchard BEIJING (Reuters) - China has launched an unusual charm offensive to explain its first overseas naval base in Djibouti, seeking to assuage global concerns about military expansionism by portraying the move as Beijing's contribution to regional security and development. The message is in stark contrast to Beijing's more bellicose stance on the South China Sea, where its claims on a vital trade waterway have raised hackles across Asia and the United States. China has repeatedly said it does not seek a U.S.-style "hegemony" by extending its military reach, including through bases abroad. Now that it appears it may be doing precisely that, the government has been quietly briefing on its rationale for the Djibouti base and using state media to address fears of China's aims. "China is explaining it as part of the 'one road, one belt' strategy, to help link Ethiopia to the sea," said one Western diplomat who has been briefed by Chinese officials on the Djibouti base, referring to China's New Silk Road strategy. That involves opening trade corridors across continents that will help bolster the Chinese economy and connect it with the rest of the world. A $4 billion railway will connect Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa to Djibouti's new Chinese-invested port, where a military facility will be located, according to Chinese media. A second diplomat, also been briefed by China on the plans, said it was an "unusual" move by the normally secretive Chinese government to try and bring a degree of transparency to its plans. "China does not want to be seen as a threat," the diplomat said. INDIAN ALARM In a lengthy statement to Reuters, China's Defence Ministry confirmed it had communicated its intentions about Djibouti to "relevant countries and international organisations", reiterating the facility was mostly for resupply purposes for anti-piracy, humanitarian and peacekeeping operations. "What needs to be stressed is that China upholds a path of peaceful development ... and has never engaged in an arms race or military expansion. This will never change." Djibouti, which already hosts military facilities for the United States and France, has echoed Beijing's line that the base will be used for refuelling and other logistical support to fight piracy and protect trade routes. But it also says the West should not be worried if China seeks "military outposts", given that Western nations have had them for years around the world. Construction began in February in the country of fewer than a million people, striving to be an international shipping hub. Djibouti's location on the northwestern edge of the Indian Ocean has fuelled worries in India that it will become another of China's "string of pearls" of military alliances and assets ringing India, including Bangladesh, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. Indian military officials told Reuters that China's naval presence in Djibouti would add another dimension to India's military contingency planning, so far confined to land and air operations stemming from a decades-old border dispute with China across the Himalayas. Together with China's involvement in Pakistan's Gwadar port, another potential military base, the role of China's navy would be greatly enhanced and posed a threat to the Indian navy, Indian army brigadier Mandip Singh said in a paper for the government-funded Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses. "Djibouti also enables China to base its long-range naval air assets there. And these are capable of maintaining surveillance over the Arabian Sea as well as India's island territories off the Western coast," he wrote. The Western diplomat briefed on the Chinese plans added: "If I were Indian I would be very worried about what China is up to in Djibouti." A U.S. State Department spokesman said late last year: "We look forward to gaining greater clarity as to the roles and purposes of this new facility, and note that China participates in international counter piracy actions in the Gulf of Aden." STRING OF AFRICAN PEARLS More bases may be on the way, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi hinted at this month's annual meeting of parliament. There are several African ports which China and Chinese firms are helping to build and develop. Commercial in nature, they all could berth Chinese naval ships one day. One Chinese diplomatic source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the idea for the Djibouti facility came up last year when China's navy evacuated foreigners from Yemen. The Chinese frigate involved had to give most onboard supplies to those evacuated, leaving it with the problem of finding new supplies. Unlike the United States, China has no permanent resupply bases. "It's a supply facility pure and simple," the source said. With Beijing keen not to call Djibouti a military base, state-run media has reined back using the term to describe it. The Global Times, an influential tabloid, quoted Chinese experts shortly after Wang spoke as saying China was not building a military base in Djibouti, only a supply facility. Djibouti's government, meanwhile, is keen to develop military cooperation with China. "China is already well prepared to support Djibouti, to increase its military capabilities and guarantee its security," Chinese Defence Minister Chang Wanquan said during a visit to Djibouti in 2014, in comments carried on the website of Djibouti's embassy in Beijing. (Additional reporting by Megha Rajagopalan, Edmund Blair in NAIROBI, Sanjeev Miglani in NEW DELHI and David Brunnstrom in WASHINGTON; Editing by Mike Collett-White) CBC With cold weather on the way and a reminder that another winter is just around the corner, Calgary organizations that work with immigrants and refugees are asking for donations of warm clothing and footwear. They say an influx this year in newcomers from places like Afghanistan and Ukraine means they need more help than usual keeping them warm through their first winter here. "Right now, we need winter clothes, household items and blankets things for the winter," said Devang Sampat with the En By Philip Pullella ROME (Reuters) - Denmark overtook Switzerland as the world's happiest place, according to a report on Wednesday that urged nations regardless of wealth to tackle inequality and protect the environment. The report, prepared by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) and the Earth Institute at Columbia University, showed Syria, Afghanistan and eight sub-Saharan countries as the 10 least happy places on earth to live. The top 10 this year were Denmark, Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, Finland, Canada, Netherlands, New Zealand, Australia, and Sweden. Denmark was in third place last year, behind Switzerland and Iceland. The bottom 10 were Madagascar, Tanzania, Liberia, Guinea, Rwanda, Benin, Afghanistan, Togo, Syria and Burundi. The United States came in at 13, the United Kingdom at 23, France at 32, and Italy at 50. "There is a very strong message for my country, the United States, which is very rich, has gotten a lot richer over the last 50 years, but has gotten no happier," said Professor Jeffrey Sachs, head of the SDSN and special advisor to U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. While the differences between countries where people are happy and those where they are not could be scientifically measured, "we can understand why and do something about it," Sachs, one of the report's authors, told Reuters in an interview in Rome. "The message for the United States is clear. For a society that just chases money, we are chasing the wrong things. Our social fabric is deteriorating, social trust is deteriorating, faith in government is deteriorating," he said. Aiming to "survey the scientific underpinnings of measuring and understanding subjective well-being," the report, now in its fourth edition, ranks 157 countries by happiness levels using factors such as per capita gross domestic product (GDP) and healthy years of life expectancy. It also rates "having someone to count on in times of trouble" and freedom from corruption in government and business. "When countries single-mindedly pursue individual objectives, such as economic development to the neglect of social and environmental objectives, the results can be highly adverse for human wellbeing, even dangerous for survival," it said. "Many countries in recent years have achieved economic growth at the cost of sharply rising inequality, entrenched social exclusion, and grave damage to the natural environment." YARDSTICK FOR HAPPINESS The first report was issued in 2012 to support a U.N. meeting on happiness and well-being. Five countries - Bhutan, Ecuador, Scotland, United Arab Emirates and Venezuela - now have appointed Ministers of Happiness charged with promoting it as a goal of public policy. The 2016 survey showed that three countries in particular, Ireland, Iceland and Japan, were able to maintain their happiness levels despite external shocks such as the post-2007 economic crisis and the 2011 earthquake because of social support and solidarity. Sachs pointed to Costa Rica, which came in 14th and ahead of many wealthier countries, as an example of a healthy, happy society although it is not an economic powerhouse. (Reporting by Philip Pullella; Editing by Ruth Pitchford) Displays at Shango Cannabis shop on first day of legal recreational marijuana sales beginning at midnight in Portland, Oregon October 1, 2015. REUTERS/Steve Dipaola (Reuters) By Courtney Sherwood PORTLAND, Ore. (Reuters) - The first month of taxable commercial sales of recreational marijuana in Oregon generated nearly $3.5 million in tax revenues, far exceeding projections, the state Department of Revenue has reported. Oregon's marijuana tax receipts from January also surpassed the first-month tallies from recreational cannabis sales in Colorado and Washington state, the first two states to legalize general commercial distribution of pot for adults. Colorado collected $2.9 million in taxes when recreational sales launched there in January 2014, a sum that included revenue from both recreational and medical cannabis purchases. Washington's recreational industry, which started slow with just 18 stores licensed to sell pot, yielded $1 million in tax revenue when it debuted in August 2014. By comparison, Oregon's 300 licensed cannabis retailers sold $13.9 million worth of marijuana in January, generating $3.48 million in taxes, according to a revenue report issued on Thursday. The stronger-than-expected sales may have stemmed in part from the state's gradual approach to pot taxation, allowing more time for businesses to get established. Adults over 21 have been permitted to buy marijuana from dispensaries in the state since Oct. 1, 2015, and for the first three months those retail sales were untaxed. A 25 percent sales tax went into effect on Jan. 1, although it is waived for cannabis buyers with a medical card. Oregon's Liquor Control Commission, charged with regulating the drug, had forecast annual tax revenues of about $8 million during the first two years of legal recreational pot sales. Although tax structures vary across the three states where pot sales are currently legal, all have earmarked funds for similar programs - schools, drug and alcohol counseling, and law enforcement. Cannabis use remains classified as an illegal narcotic under U.S. federal law, putting the national government at odds with a growing number of states moving to legalize cannabis for medical purposes, recreational use or both. Story continues In Alaska, where voters legalized recreational marijuana in 2014, regulators expect stores to open by the end of this year. Voters in the District of Columbia have legalized recreational pot as well, but a congressional budget bill passed last year bars sales of the drug until 2017 or later. (Reporting by Courtney Sherwood; Editing by Steve Gorman and Tom Hogue) BERLIN/BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Germany and the European Union rejected protests by Turkey over a satirical German television show that mocked President Tayyip Erdogan, saying press freedom was sacrosanct, just as the EU is banking on Ankara's help in solving its migrant crisis. Turkey's foreign ministry last week called in Germany's envoy to explain an NDR broadcast including a two-minute song that poked fun at Erdogan, who is known for his sensitivity to criticism. German newspapers have poured scorn on Erdogan for trying to muzzle media and some have also questioned whether Germany and the EU have gone soft on Turkish human rights because they need Ankara's co-operation to stem the influx of migrants. The incident is particularly awkward for German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who has led efforts to forge the migrant deal between the EU and Turkey, a candidate for EU membership. That deal is designed to stop illegal migrants entering Europe in exchange for financial and political rewards for Ankara, prompting some of Merkel's critics to warn that the EU must not lower its standards on human rights and basic freedoms. A spokeswoman for Germany's Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday Berlin had made clear to Ankara that basic freedoms were "non-negotiable". "(It has been) made clear that despite all the interests Germany and Turkey share, the view on press freedom, freedom of expression is non-negotiable for us," she said, adding, however, that Turkey was an important partner. "We are cooperating with Turkey on various issues, not just the migrant issue but also on Syria," she said. "MOVING AWAY" FROM EU The EU was more forthright in its criticism, saying that summoning the German envoy did not seem to be in line with the EU's cherished freedoms of the press and of expression. "(European Commission President Jean-Claude) Juncker believes this moves Turkey further (away) from the EU rather than closer to us," said a spokeswoman, adding that the EU expected Turkey to uphold the highest standards on democracy, rule of law and freedoms. German newspapers took a tough line against Erdogan. "Dear Turkish President Erdogan ... Germany is not Turkey. In Germany you cannot muzzle the press," wrote a columnist in top-selling Bild daily. The center-left Sueddeutsche Zeitung also warned that the EU might be becoming over-dependent on Turkey. "Many politicians in the European Union are soft on Erdogan because they need him in the migrant crisis," it wrote. France's foreign ministry said freedom of expression was a fundamental tenet of democracy and "even more so for a member of the Council of Europe and a candidate for the European Union." Erdogan, 62, has dominated Turkish politics for more than a decade, first as prime minister and since 2014 as president. He remains popular at home, but his critics accuse him of becoming increasingly authoritarian and intolerant. Turkish state prosecutors have opened nearly 2,000 cases against people for insulting Erdogan since 2014, the country's justice ministry said this month. The defendants include cartoonists, academics, journalists and even schoolchildren. (Reporting by Madeline Chambers, Gabriela Baczynka and John Irish in Paris; Editing by Gareth Jones) Magdalen Islands fatal crash has aviation experts questioning decision to take off While an investigation by the Transportation Safety Board is underway in Quebec's Magdalen Islands to determine what caused the crash that killed all seven people on board, some pilots and other aviation experts are questioning why the flight took off in bad weather. The plane left St-Hubert Longueuil Airport on Montreal's South Shore at 9:30 a.m. ET. It went down at around 11:40 a.m. AT just three kilometres from the Magdalen Island airport, in freezing fog and rain. All seven people on board including political pundit and former cabinet minister Jean Lapierre, his wife, three siblings and two crew members were killed. TSB investigators who arrived at the crash site Wednesday afternoon said it is too soon to know for sure if weather was the cause of the crash. The Quebec provincial police also sent investigators to the site for a separate investigation to determine if there was any criminal involvement. Other flights cancelled Some pilots at St-Hubert airport told CBC News they didn't want to risk flying in the bad conditions. "The wind was blowing at 45 knots during the day, the clouds were low and visibility was reduced," said Michel Turcotte, a pilot for Pascan Aviation, a regional airline based in Saint-Hubert. Pascan Aviation cancelled its Tuesday flights for the Magdalen Islands. "If the clouds are high enough that we can see the runway, we can land. But if they drop a bit, we can't," Turcotte said. In Canada, when it comes to small aircraft, it's up to the pilot to decide whether to fly, according to Daniel Adams, an aviation security analyst. "It's always the pilot who has the last word. Based on weather data that existed [Tuesday], it is clear in my mind that I would not have [made an] approach to the Magdalen Islands," Adams told Radio-Canada. Pilot was always prudent, friend says The pilot, Pascal Gosselin, and co-pilot, Fabrice Labourel, were both killed in the crash. Story continues Christian Guy, a friend of Gosselin, said he believes the pilot was a victim of his own generosity. "Pascal wore his heart on his sleeve and I think he really wanted to help Mr. Lapierre and his family," Guy said. Lapierre, his wife and three of his siblings were on their way to the Magdalen Islands for their father's funeral. Despite that, Guy said, his friend was prudent and never took unnecessary risks. "If he decided to take off yesterday, it's because he was certain he could have done it in complete safety." Gosselin owned Aero Teknic, the company operating the flight. Aero Teknic would not comment. Other experts are raising questions about the plane itself a Mitsubishi MU-2. "This is not an airplane that is made to fly in our weather conditions. This is a plane that is made to be fast," said Charles-Eric Lamarche, an air operations consultant for Octant Aviation. "They do have small wings and it's a little tougher for them to sustain a small amount of ice." In a statement, the plane's manufacturer Mitsubishi said, "The aircraft has a best in its class safety record during the last eight years." Mitsubishi said it is sending its own investigators to the crash site as well, and will collaborate fully with the TSB investigation. Correction : An earlier version of this story said that the TSB was leading a joint investigation. In fact the TSB is the sole entity conducting the safety investigation. Quebec provincial police investigators are conducting a separate investigation.(Mar 31, 2016 12:33 PM) 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 By Herculano Coroado LUANDA (Reuters) - An Angolan court sentenced 17 young activists to between two and eight years in jail on Monday for rebellion against the government of President Jose Eduardo dos Santos. The activists were arrested in Luanda in June after organising a reading of U.S. academic Gene Sharp's 1993 book "From Dictatorship to Democracy: A Conceptual Framework for Liberation". The book's blurb describes it as "a blueprint for non-violent resistance to repressive regimes". They were charged with acts of rebellion, planning mass action of civil disobedience in the capital Luanda and producing fake passports, among other charges. Their sentences ranged from two years and three months to eight years and six months. They were sent to jail immediately but their defence lawyer requested the sentences be suspended pending an appeal in Angola's Supreme Court. "These boys who were debating their rights are the ones they want to condemn but President Jose Eduardo who steals everything is getting protected," the mother of one of the activists, Adalia Chivonde, told Reuters after the sentence was handed down. "This sentence is garbage for me, it means nothing." A halving of oil prices last year has piled hardship on Angolans as the kwanza currency plummeted and the government slashed public spending in one of the most unequal societies in the world, leading to an increase in anti-government sentiment. Human rights groups have accused dos Santos of using the judiciary to crush dissent but Angola's state secretary for human rights said last year the country needed to restore trust in its justice system. Prominent human rights activist Jose Marcos Mavungo was sentenced last year to six years in prison for an "attack on the sovereignty on the Angolan state" after he organised anti-government protests in the northern oil region of Cabinda. Dos Santos has been in power for 37 years but announced this month that he planned to step down in 2018. [nL5N16J1M5] ($1 = 159.1060 kwanzas) (Writing by Zandi Shabalala; Editing by Susan Fenton) By M.B. Pell and Joshua Schneyer ORLEANS, N.Y. (Reuters) - In this town of 2,800 just south of the Canadian border, residents have long worried about the water flowing from their taps. The water in one household is so corrosive it gutted three dishwashers and two washing machines. Another couples water is so salty the homeowners tape the taps when guests visit. Even the communitys welcome center warns travelers, Do Not Drink The Water. So, when the water crisis in Flint, Michigan happened, Stephanie Weiss and husband Andy Greene feared that, as in Flint, their corrosive water was also unleashing lead into their tap water. Weiss scoured water-testing reports in Orleans and discovered the truth: Lead levels in her water fed by a private well exceed the threshold set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for public water systems and utilities. The communitys experience is not unique. Across the country, millions of Americans served by private wells drink, bathe and cook with water containing potentially dangerous amounts of lead, Reuters reporting and recent university studies show. Researchers from Penn State Extension and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, or Virginia Tech, tested private well systems in their states and found that 12 percent of wells in Pennsylvania and 19 percent in Virginia had lead levels exceeding the maximum EPA threshold for public water systems. Lead poisoning can lead to heart disease, kidney disease and brain damage. It is especially dangerous to children, as small amounts of exposure can cause irreversible developmental delays. Though most Americans are served by public water utilities, private wells are the main source of drinking water for 15 percent of U.S. households, or 47.8 million people. Typically located in rural areas, private wells serve residents not connected to municipal water lines. Though many wells are found in impoverished communities, some serve wealthy homeowners and those living in urban environments. Story continues Little research has examined the lead risk in private well water on a national scale. But if the researchers rate played out nationally, more than 9 million Americans served by private wells would have unsafe levels of lead in their water, according to a paper published in October by some of the same Virginia Tech researchers who found lead in Flints water. For a map, click http://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/rngs/1/982/1446/WATER.jpg TESTING GAP Yet these private wells always fall outside EPA testing regulations, and only a few states require that wells be tested for lead. Unless residents pay for tests, they may not know what lurks in their water. The community in Orleans, in Jefferson County dotting the northernmost tip of New York State, is one case study. Weiss and Greene found that the water they use to cook for their two children, ages eight and 10, measured lead levels more than double the EPA threshold, town records show. When I realized that my water had the equivalent of Flint levels of lead, I got chills, said Weiss, assistant director of Save the River, an environmental advocacy organization. I felt sick thinking of all the things I had tried to get right as a mother for my kids to grow up happy and healthy, when all the while they were living with lead contaminated water. I was also angry thinking that the state government had likely caused this situation. The aquifer feeding their well is polluted with salt from a nearby barn used by the New York State Department of Transportation to store salt spread on roads during snowstorms, according to an analysis by Alpha Geoscience, a Clifton Park, New York, consulting firm that specializes in hydrogeologic studies. The study was commissioned by Stephen Conaway, a local winery owner who sued the state for allegedly polluting his water in 2011. As far back as 2004, a DOT official told Conaway it was not unreasonable to assume the salt barn was the source of contamination, according to a letter sent to Conaway and reviewed by Reuters. Flint is not served by private wells, but its battle to get the lead out of the water has triggered alarms in other communities including those served by private wells, which can draw in corrosive water that leaches lead, copper and other heavy metals from well components, water pipes and plumbing fixtures. NO STANDARDS The EPA has no standards for private wells, even as the National Ground Water Association recommends testing. Asked about the standards gap, an EPA spokesman said that the Safe Drinking Water Act, as written by Congress in 1974, makes the EPA responsible for regulating only public water systems. Under the EPA Lead and Copper Rule, published in 1991, if 10 percent of samples taken by a water utility contain a lead level of 15 parts per billion or higher, the utility must improve corrosion control and inform the public of the lead risk. The utility may have to replace lead water lines. The university researchers used this standard to assess potential harm in communities served by private wells. Water from one Virginia home had lead levels 1,600 times the EPA maximum threshold, concluded Virginia Tech researcher Kelsey J. Pieper, lead author of a study published in the Journal of Water and Health last September that examined lead levels in tap water from houses in Virginia using wells. Piepers research, along with a 2013 Journal of Environmental Health study by Penn State Extension researchers, point to a problem governments have largely failed to address. Lead exposures decreased after 1980s legislation banned lead in paint and gasoline. But private wells remain a potential source of exposure. If lead exposure from private wells is not addressed, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will be challenged to meet its goal of eliminating elevated levels of lead in children by 2020, Pieper found. Pieper said many private wells across the country have clean water, but she recommends testing. Looking at lead concentration in Flints water and our results in private wells in Virginia, they were similar, Pieper said. One of the biggest differences is its solely the responsibility of the homeowner to identify and correct the problem for private water systems. To be sure, private homeowners are responsible for testing and maintaining their wells. Yet many have no idea they should test for lead. Some who do test find troubling answers. LEAD AND CHILDREN IN PENNSYLVANIA In central Pennsylvania, Jeremiah Underhill and his wife took their one-year-old son Dalton to the family doctor for his checkup in April 2014. Knowing the family was renovating their 76-year-old house, and concerned paint in the house may contain lead, their doctor suggested testing Dalton for lead. The results showed elevated lead levels in his system. I was devastated, said Jeremiah Underhill, an attorney in Harrisburg, whose family home is surrounded by 30 acres of corn and soybean fields. The Underhills immediately began a battery of tests searching for the leads source. For years, public health experts have cited paint as the most dangerous source of poisoning for children, who may ingest paint chips and dust in older housing. But it was a water sample, not paint, which tested positive for lead. The lead level in the water was at the maximum threshold set by the EPA, though Penn State analysts warned that the levels could fluctuate and may well exceed the maximum if tested more regularly. The Underhills found that, as in Flint, their well water was corrosive and leaching lead from plumbing in their house. The family installed a treatment system to make the water less acidic. Their soda-ash injection system cost about $400, though if a family member had not helped install it, the cost would have been far higher. Today, their water has no lead and Daltons blood work is clear. The couple feels fortunate to have caught it early, knowing lead exposure can trigger brain damage. The only reason we caught this was because our doctor was smart enough to say, Lets test this, Underhill said. I mean, it was the water we used to mix Daltons formula. Most children are never tested, and rules on testing children for lead exposure are inconsistent and often ignored across the country, Reuters found. Many physicians, wrongly, dont believe that lead poisoning is still a problem, said Dr. Jennifer Lowry, a toxicologist and pediatrician at Childrens Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. They may not be seeing it because they are not testing for it. I think every kid should be tested. SURPRISING SOURCES Many people believe if they have a new home or well, their plumbing does not contain lead. Yet virtually all plumbing before 2014 has some lead in its components, and older homes tend to have more leaded plumbing. Until January 2014, lead free meant the plumbing component contained less than 8 percent lead. In Highlands, North Carolina, Robert and Suzanne Gregory discovered lead in their water after drilling a well for their home last August. Macon County required they test the new well for bacteria. Robert, an engineer, wanted to know more and paid for an in-depth test that found the water corrosive and contaminated with lead. He believed the source was the galvanized steel pipe that ran down his well. The couple had the galvanized pipe, whose coating may have contained lead, replaced with lead-free stainless steel. They tested again and the lead was gone. The combination of acidic water and galvanized steel is a problem, and I think its bigger than most people understand because most people dont even know they have galvanized, Robert said. Even if a homeowner conducts a lead test, the solutions can be too expensive for families with limited means. Some water treatment systems cost more than $10,000. Only a few states, including New Jersey and Rhode Island, require wells be tested for lead a test required when the property and well are transferred to a new owner. Though many states require tests for e coli and other bacteria, lead tests are seldom required, said John Hudson, vice president at Mortgage Financial Services in San Antonio, Texas. For a graphic, click http://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/rngs/1/982/1445/WATERPUMP.jpg A PLEA FOR CLEAN WATER Some residents know they have contaminated wells and want municipal water, but cant get it. In Orleans, New York, residents live in a region known for its boating, fishing and outdoor activities but also its doggedly high unemployment rate. The town began petitioning the state for municipal water four years ago. Since then, residents have made flyers and set up a Facebook page, but theres still no plan in place for public water. State officials say they aim to obtain $13 million to extend municipal water service to homes in Orleans with contaminated water, but Kevin Rarick, the Orleans town supervisor, calls the plan smoke and mirrors. Almost all of the money would come from a loan that would cost each water user $500 a year to pay off, and the state has not announced a plan to change the way it stores salt at the barn. Homeowner Greene, whose family has had to replace salt-tainted appliances, views the equation as unfair: The state polluted the aquifer feeding his well, and now wants his community to bankroll the solution. New York State's Department of Environmental Conservation said the source of the salt is inconclusive, and that the salt has been stored safely. An official noted that the state has given residents bottled water. If I had a salt pile that leached salt into my neighbors well, the state would be here the next day fining me and making me clean it up and making me be a good neighbor, said Greene. Thats all we want from them, to be a good neighbor. (Edited by Ronnie Greene) By Saif Hameed BAGHDAD (Reuters) - U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon called on the Iraqi government on Saturday to step up efforts to foster reconciliation between the nation's Shi'ite and Sunni Muslim communities in order to combat Islamic State. "National reconciliation is an important part of the strategy to defeat Daesh (Islamic State), who have ruthlessly exploited divisions and targeted the marginalized and disenfranchised," he told a joint news conference in Baghdad with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi. The U.N. chief was referring to the country's minority Sunnis who say they were marginalized under the Shi'ite-led government installed after the U.S.-led invasion in 2003 and some of whom have joined the militant group which seized swathes of Iraq nearly two years ago. World Bank President Jim Young Kim and president of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Ahmad Mohamed Ali joined Ban in the rare visit to Iraq's capital and were expected to accompany him to the northern Kurdish city of Erbil later in the day. The officials also met with Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari and later addressed a closed session of Iraq's parliament. Kim told lawmakers that Iraq needed to do more to empower local governments, encourage the private sector and reform the state's economic policies which are hamstrung by waste and corruption. "Inefficient state owned enterprises that stifle private sector development need to be reformed, so a more vibrant entrepreneurial sector can emerge," he said, according to a copy of the speech posted on parliament's website. Kim added that Iraq would "feature prominently" in the bank's plans to invest $20 billion in the region by 2021, without providing details. The World Bank lent Iraq around $2 billion last year for reconstruction, infrastructure, and emergency budget support to help it deal with the economic effects of the fight against Islamic State and the low price of oil, which accounts for around 90 percent of government revenues. IDB's Ali said the bank would contribute to the reconstruction of areas destroyed in fighting between Islamic State and U.S.-backed Iraqi forces seeking to recapture them. (Additional reporting by Maher Chmaytelli; Writing by Stephen Kalin; Editing by Mark Potter) By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The U.N. Security Council said on Thursday it was ready to consider changes to sanctions on Libya's sovereign wealth fund once a unity government confirms it has control of it, along with the National Oil Corporation and the central bank. The 15-member council imposed an asset freeze on the Libyan Investment Authority (LIA) in 2011 to prevent the government of former leader Muammar Gaddafi from spiriting away the wealth. A 2011 uprising toppled Gaddafi, but left the country in chaos. Libya's U.N. Ambassador Ibrahim Dabbashi has asked the council for a sanctions exemption on the investment authority, to halt billion-dollar losses caused by ineffective management. The LIA's total assets were valued at around $67 billion at end-December 2012. The U.N. Security Council unanimously renewed sanctions on Libya on Thursday and asked the new unity government, which emerged from a U.N.-mediated deal signed in December, to confirm "as soon as it exercises sole and effective oversight" over the LIA, National Oil Corporation and the Central Bank of Libya. The council said it was important these institutions continued to function for the benefit of all Libyans. The U.N. resolution took note of Dabbashi's request and "affirms the Security Council's readiness to consider changes, when appropriate, the asset freeze at the request of the Government of National Accord." A power vacuum that was created by two competing governments backed by militias scrambling for control of the oil-producing country has allowed Islamic State militants to gain a foothold in the North African state. Members of Libya's Presidential Council reached Tripoli on Wednesday, defying attempts to keep them out and prevent them from installing the unity government. Western powers have recognized it as Libya's sole legitimate government, but it faces opposition in east and west Libya. The U.N. Security Council expressed its determination to support the unity government. Libya's political turmoil has also left the LIA mired in a power struggle between two rival chairmen, Hassan Bouhadi and AbdulMagid Breish. A court case between the pair in London's High Court was adjourned earlier this month with the judge declaring it would be premature to rule. Ambassador Dabbashi said Breish "doesn't have any official post with LIA." He said the U.N. only recognizes Bouhadi, who was appointed as head of the fund in October 2014 by the internationally recognized government. (Reporting by Michelle Nichols; editing by Grant McCool) By Yeganeh Torbati WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Economic sanctions are a powerful policy weapon but should not be wielded "frivolously," U.S. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew said in an interview to be aired on Tuesday. Sanctions - blacklisting individuals and organizations, effectively barring them from the global financial system - have become a favored tool for the United States. It has used them against challenges as varied as drug trafficking, cyber attacks and jihadist financing. But the impact has to be weighed as carefully as those of military force, Lew said in an interview with Public Television host Charlie Rose, according to a transcript of the interview released on Tuesday. "We can't shy away from using sanctions because it will slow down growth, but we can't do it frivolously either," Lew said. "It's a serious step, and it's something that has to be guarded in order to have it in the future when you need it." U.S. sanctions have evolved over time from broad embargoes - such as the one imposed for decades on Cuba - to more targeted actions, he said, citing measures imposed on specific Russian industries in response to Russia's intervention in Ukraine. "They're targeted at the centers of power, where the decisions are being made," Lew said. The United States also should reward countries that change their behavior by removing sanctions, Lew said, pointing to measures against Iran that he credited with leading Tehran to agree to curb its nuclear program. Iran reached a deal with the United States and other world powers last July, winning relief from the harshest sanctions in return for limiting its nuclear program, which the West feared was aimed at building a weapon. "When you have an agreement that's predicated on 'Change your policy and get relief from the sanctions,' there has to be relief from the sanctions," Lew said. "Otherwise, no one will ever respond to a sanctions regime by changing their policy." Reversing the Iran nuclear deal under a new administration - as Republican presidential candidate and U.S. Senator Ted Cruz has pledged to do - would be "destabilizing and dangerous," Lew said. A broad economic embargo remains in place against Cuba, although President Barack Obama has used executive authority to allow commerce not specifically banned by Congress, as Washington and Havana move closer toward normal relations. Those improved ties are "going to be a force for change" in Cuba, Lew said. "We weren't getting it done the old way." (Reporting by Yeganeh Torbati; Editing by Dan Grebler) By Gavin Jones ROME (Reuters) - Italian Industry Minister Federica Guidi resigned on Thursday over allegations of a conflict of interest after her partner was placed under investigation for influence peddling, in an embarrassment for Prime Minister Matteo Renzi. Phone-tapped conversations released by the police appeared to show Guidi assuring her partner that the government would pass legislation that helped his business activities. "I am absolutely sure of my good faith and that I have done nothing wrong, but I believe it is necessary for political reasons to hand in my resignation," Guidi wrote in a letter to Renzi, published by her press office. Renzi, who is currently in the United States, said he respected the minister's decision and would name her replacement in the coming days. Guidi's rapid resignation could reduce the political fallout from the affair but opposition parties are still demanding that the whole government step down. In a telephone tap contained in an arrest warrant seen by Reuters, the minister informed her partner Gianluca Gemelli about the reintroduction of an amendment into the 2015 budget law that was useful for his business. The amendment helped France's Total in its plans to develop Italy's Tempa Rossa oil field by bypassing the need to secure permits from two Italian regions opposing the development. Gemelli, who had business ties to the development of the field, later called a manager at Total to give him "the good news" that the amendment had been re-introduced. "It's all moving again," Gemelli said according to the phone taps, which were recorded in November 2014. Matteo Salvini, leader of the right-wing opposition party the Northern League, said Renzi himself should resign. "This is the umpteenth, monstrous conflict of interest of this government," he said. The anti-establishment 5-Star Movement, Italy's second largest party after Renzi's centre-left Democratic Party, also called for the government to step down. Guidi, an industrialist who is considered close to the centre-right but has no party affiliation, is the second minister to quit Renzi's two year-old government amid scandal. Former Infrastructure Minister Maurizio Lupi resigned in March last year over allegations of a conflict of interest in the allocation of public contracts. (additional reporting by Francesca Piscioneri, Isla Binnie and Stephen Jewkes, editing by Angus MacSwan) ENOLA, Pa., March 31, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- This April, the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) will kick off its annual campaign for Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), marking the 15th anniversary of the observance. At a time in which sexual violence has come into the national spotlight unlike ever before, the 2016 campaign, "Prevention is Possible," will build on the momentum of last year's far-reaching SAAM campaign on college sexual assault and illustrate the integral role that individuals, communities and the private sector play in prevention. "Sexual assault is a serious and widespread public health issue that affects all parts of society, and its prevention requires many voices and roles," said NSVRC Director Karen Baker. "This year during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we're calling on individuals, communities and the private sector to get involved in promoting safety, respect and equality to stop sexual assault before it happens." Knowing that the cultural shift necessary to eliminate sexual violence once and for all requires significant collaboration, NSVRC is partnering with groups across the country throughout this year's SAAM campaign including The White House's "It's On Us" campaign, Peace Over Violence, the Office of Women's Health and the U.S. Surgeon General. ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN Sexual Assault Awareness Month is an awareness and prevention campaign observed every April. This year's theme is "Prevention is Possible." Join the campaign by accessing free resources at nsvrc.org/saam. Resources are available in Spanish at nsvrc.org/es/saam. ABOUT NSVRC The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) leads the U.S. in helping individuals, communities and service providers prevent and respond to sexual violence by creating research-based resources in collaboration with issue experts. NSVRC also works in partnership with the Poynter Institute and Berkeley Media Studies Group to inform the media on how to report on this complex issue. NSVRC was chartered in 2000 by the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape through a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Every April, NSVRC leads Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), a campaign to raise public awareness about sexual violence and educate communities on how to prevent it. 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 Brussels (AFP) - Belgian police on Thursday carried out a new raid in connection with a foiled attack plot in France whose main suspect was charged this week with membership of a terrorist organisation, prosecutors said. "A raid is under way in connection with the (Reda) Kriket case. It is taking place at Marke, in the town of Courtrai" in northwestern Belgium, Eric Van Der Sypt, a spokesman for the federal prosecutor's office, told AFP. Soldiers and police officers could be seen taking part in the operation near a busy motorway, according to images from local media. French national Reda Kriket was arrested near Paris last week and at his apartment police found a cache of assault rifles, handguns and TATP, the highly volatile homemade explosive favoured by Islamic State (IS) jihadists. French prosecutor Francois Molins said Wednesday that "no specific target" had been identified for the foiled attack, but the cache of weapons showed an imminent act of "extreme violence" had likely been prevented. Kriket's arrest came four months after IS jihadists killed 130 people in the French capital. Investigators in France and Belgium have been stepping up efforts to smash a network of IS-linked extremists blamed for both the November Paris attacks and last week's suicide bombings on the Brussels airport and metro that killed 32 people. Belgium has so far charged two suspects -- Abderrahmane Ameroud, 38, and Rabah M., 34 -- over the foiled plot linked to Kriket. Brasilia (AFP) - Brazil's Supreme Court on Thursday issued an interim ruling removing a politically explosive case against former president Luiz Lula Inacio da Silva from a crusading corruption judge. Judges voted to put Lula's case under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and not federal Judge Sergio Moro. Lula is accused of money laundering and concealing property in connection with a huge probe led by Moro into state oil company Petrobras. The ruling was an interim measure that could still be reversed, with parts of the case sent back to the federal court. It also did not include a decision on whether Lula can take up a cabinet post given to him by President Dilma Rousseff. Rousseff has been accused of naming him in the government in order to give him ministerial immunity from all courts, except the Supreme Court. Paris (AFP) - Last season's Europa League runners-up Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk of Ukraine were handed a one-year European ban by UEFA on Thursday for breaching financial regulations. Dnipro will sit out a season for any European tournament for which they may qualify in the next three years. Romania's Targu Mures and Inter Baku of Azerbaijan were also handed similar sanctions. All three clubs had been ordered to clear up "late payments" by January 31. Dnipro lost 3-2 to Sevilla in the Europa League final last year. Brussels (AFP) - Bomb-damaged Brussels airport said Thursday it was "technically ready" to reopen but would not resume flights yet, as prime Paris attacks suspect Salah Abdeslam indicated he wanted to cooperate with French authorities. Zaventem airport has been closed since its departure hall was wrecked in coordinated Islamic State suicide attacks on March 22 that also struck the city's metro system and killed 32 people. In a bid to end the travel chaos caused by the closure of an important European air hub, hundreds of staff staged drills earlier this week to test temporary check-in facilities as well as enhanced security measures. The bombings came just four months after 130 people were killed in terror assaults in Paris. Investigators have since uncovered connections between the two attacks, exposing a complex web of cross-border jihadist networks. Abdeslam, the sole surviving suspect of the Paris attacks, was arrested in Brussels on March 18 after four months on the run. The arrest was considered a rare success in Belgium's anti-terror fight, although he was found just metres from his family home and has refused to talk since the Brussels bombings despite having links to the attackers. "Salah Abdeslam wants to be handed over to the French authorities," lawyer Cedric Moisse told reporters in Brussels. "I can also confirm that he wants to cooperate with the French authorities." A prosecutor was to meet with Abdeslam at the prison where he is being held in the western city of Bruges to discuss his extradition under a European arrest warrant. A judge is set to rule on the extradition by Friday at the latest. - Fruitless search - Finding itself at the heart of Europe's battle against terrorism, Belgium has carried out a series of raids and arrests in recent weeks. In the latest operation Thursday, police and soldiers searched a wooded area in Marke near the town of Courtrai in western Belgium, with authorities saying the raid was linked to a thwarted plot to attack France. Story continues The main suspect in that case, Reda Kriket, has been charged in France with membership of a terrorist organisation after police found an arsenal of weapons and explosives at his home. The joint French-Belgian operation by masked police and armed soldiers along a busy motorway lasted for several hours but ended without yielding any results. "The operation is over. They didn't find any explosives or weapons and the operation did not lead to any arrests," said spokesman Eric Van der Sypt from the federal prosecutor's office. Brussels airport meanwhile said it had received the go-ahead from fire services and the Belgian Civil Aviation Authority "for a partial restart of passenger flights". "The airport is thus technically ready for a restart," it said in a statement. "However, the authorities have yet to take a formal decision on the restart date. Until Friday evening no passenger flights will take place at Brussels Airport." Under the temporary arrangements, the airport would be able to handle 800 departing passengers per hour, around 20 percent of normal capacity, it said. Arriving passengers will go through the usual baggage reclaim and arrivals area in the terminal as it was "only slightly damaged and has since been restored for use". - CCTV appeal - Belgian-born French citizen Abdeslam, 26, has refused to answer questions since the day after his arrest. Before that he was questioned for three hours solely about the Paris attacks -- and not about possible further terror plots. After the Brussels attacks he again refused to speak to investigators. Abdeslam has connections to at least two of the Brussels bombers. Khalid El Bakraoui, who blew himself up at the metro, rented a flat in Brussels where Abdeslam's fingerprints were found. One of the two airport bombers, Najim Laachraoui, once drove to Hungary with Abdeslam. Belgium is still searching desperately for a suspected third attacker, the so-called "man in the hat" seen in surveillance images alongside the two airport bombers. With no suspects in custody over the attacks, police on Thursday appealed for CCTV footage from members of the public. They asked all residents and business owners in the Brussels region who have surveillance cameras pointed at public roads not to delete any footage from March 15 onwards in case it could help the inquiry. Canada Tests Drone for Use in Coast Guard Operations The agencies said the March 28 trial will help the Coast Guard determine how drones can assist during icebreaking operations and will help Transport Canada explore the use of similar technology. The Canadian Coast Guard, Transport Canada, Canada's National Research Council, and the Royal Canadian Navy tested a drone near Fogo Island, off the northeast coast of Newfoundland, on March 28 to assess its potential to support Coast Guard operations at sea. The drone was launched from the flight deck of the CCGS George R. Pearkes, a light icebreaker, and it sent real-time data on ice conditions to the ship. The agencies said the trial will help the Coast Guard determine how drones can assist during icebreaking operations and will help Transport Canada explore the use of similar technology. The trial was conducted in partnership with Schiebel, a company based in Austria that developed the drone that was tested. A Schiebel Camcopter S-100, it can operate day and night, under adverse weather conditions, with a range of up to 120 miles, both on land and at sea. Alaska University and Memorial University of Newfoundland also participated in the trial. "I am pleased that the Government of Canada is collaborating on this important initiative. This trial is an excellent opportunity to explore technologies like UAVs [unmanned aerial vehicles] to enhance Canadian Coast Guard services for Canadians," said Hunter Tootoo, minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard. Transport Minister Marc Garneau agreed, calling the trial "an important step toward using UAV technology to enhance our operations." Nuclear Security Summit 2016 Under Way in Nation's Capital The security summit is focused on managing cyber threats and securing the use, storage, and transport of radiological and nuclear materials; it is the fourth in the series, following the inaugural summit in Washington in 2010, the second in Seoul in 2012, and the third in The Hague in 2014. The Nuclear Security Summit 2016, the final one during Barack Obama's presidency, is a March 31-April 1 event taking place in Washington, D.C., that is a forum for international leaders to discuss securing nuclear materials. Among the participants is International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Yukiya Amano, who gave a keynote address March 30 at a side event in the city, the Nuclear Industry Summit, in which he highlighted IAEA's role in supporting international efforts against the threat of nuclear terrorism. The security summit is focused on managing cyber threats and securing the use, storage, and transport of radiological and nuclear materials; it is the fourth in the series, following the inaugural summit in Washington in 2010, the second in Seoul in 2012, and the third in The Hague in 2014. "We provide guidance covering key aspects of nuclear security. We help to make borders more secure by installing radiation monitors at ports and border crossings. We help countries to improve physical protection at nuclear installations and hospitals, so that radioactive material is not stolen. We provide training and equipment to law enforcement personnel to help them identify and intercept illicit trafficking in nuclear and other radioactive material," Amano said, adding that the nuclear industry has not been immune to cyber attacks: "There have been cases of random malware-based attacks at nuclear power plants, and of such facilities being specifically targeted. The IAEA continues to do what it can to help governments, organizations, and individuals adapt to evolving technology-driven threats from determined cyber adversaries." President Obama is hosting the security summit. According to a summit-related State Department fact sheet, accomplishments in material minimization since 2009 include the removal or disposition of more than 3.8 metric tons of foreign material by the United States and its partners (enough for more than 150 nuclear weapons) and more than 29 metric tons of U.S. surplus highly enriched uranium (HEU) that the United States has down-blended (enough for more than 1,100 nuclear weapons), with about 138 metric tons of Russian weapons-origin HEU that U.S. experts confirmed was permanently eliminated under the HEU Purchase Agreement (enough for more than 5,500 nuclear weapons). President Truong Tan Sang and Samsung Vietnams General Director Han Myong Sup (Photo: VNA) President Sang expressed his delight over thriving business results by the Group, especially in Thai Nguyen and Bac Ninh provinces and Ho Chi Minh city, and that he hoped Samsung will reel in further success and realise its export target of USD50 billion to become the leading electronics company in Vietnam. He hailed the Groups cooperation with local scientific organisations in setting up a Research and Development (R&D) center in Vietnam. For his part, Han Myong Sup informed the Vietnamese leader about the progress of Samsungs projects in Vietnam, with the first smart TVs being manufactured in Ho Chi Minh city. Samsung plants in Vietnam employ more than 110,000 laborers and total shipments to foreign countries has grossed USD32 billion, he said, adding that a number of conferences on the support industry have been held by the Group since 2014 to lure local partners to join its production chain. He believes that with the Governments support, there will be more and more Vietnamese enterprises joining Samsungs production chain, which will increase the rate of locally made components in their electronic products. Some outstanding Vietnamese representatives have been chosen to attend international technical skills competitions through Samsungs programs to encourage young talent, the Samsung executive said. He highlighted that when the discussed R&D center becomes operational in Hanoi, even more excellent engineers and workers will be equipped with advanced knowledge./. Earnings growth for the six Singapore-listed office-sector real estate investment trusts' (REITs) is likely to slow down in 2016, Fitch Ratings reported Wednesday (30 March). But the ratings agency said the credit profiles of most of the office SREITs are strong, which should help to absorb the impact without any major credit implications. "We expect the sector's rental reversions to stay marginally positive in 2016, despite the pressure on Singapore office rents." said Fitch. "This is because the office SREITs' exposure is limited, with 20 percent of leases due for renewal in 2016, and because renewing leases were contracted about six years ago on average when rents were considerably lower. Amid a generally slower economic environment, and weak services sector, rents in Singapore's central region fell by three percent to six percent in Q3 and Q4 of last year, respectively. According to Fitch, as demand is likely to remain weak, rents are expected to continue to fall, while new office space could increase by up to seven percent. The ratings agency also expects vacancy rates to rise this year as new supply increases amid a weak demand. "The sector's credit fundamentals are strong with long-term revenue visibility of six years on average, low leverage and robust funds flow from operations interest cover." Nikki De Guzman, Editor at CommercialGuru, wrote this story. To contact her about this or other stories email nikki@propertyguru.com.sg More from PropertyGuru: Sturdee Residences open for preview this weekend AccorHotels Asia Pacific to move into Guoco Tower $51 million top bid for Sembawang condo site Eye on Sembawang: Flourishing in the far north Migrant returns from Greece to Turkey will begin on Monday under the terms of an EU deal that has worried aid groups, as Athens struggles to manage the overload of desperate people on its soil. Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu on Thursday confirmed the start of the returns in one of his regular televised addresses to Turks. Under the scheme agreed with the EU, one Syrian refugee will be settled in Europe legally in return for every migrant taken back by Turkey from Greece. "That's to say, with the one-for-one method, the number of refugees in Turkey will not increase," he said. "And also nobody will sustain any human loss with the ambition of travelling to Europe via the Aegean Sea," he said, referring to the death of hundreds of migrants who have drowned crossing the Aegean from Turkey to the islands of EU member Greece. "This practice will begin as of April 4," he added. Although many of the details remained unclear, a European Commission source told AFP there was "a major engagement on the part of Greece and Turkey towards sending 500 people back on April 4, barring a last-minute problem". Those being returned would include "Syrians who have not requested asylum, Afghans and Pakistanis," the official said, confirming it would be the first batch sent back under a deal reached between Brussels and Ankara on March 18. EU spokeswoman Natasha Bertaud confirmed that Monday was the "target day" when those whose asylum claims had "been declared inadmissible" would be returned to Turkey. At the same time, the EU would start resettling Syrian refugees living in camps in Turkey, she said. A Greek government source said the returns would "most probably" occur from Chios or Lesbos -- the islands that have handled the bulk of arrivals from Turkey, and where thousands of people are currently being held in overcrowded registration centres. Aid groups have criticised the agreement on ethical grounds, warning that the Greek registration sites would become de facto detention centres for people slated to be sent back to Turkey after risking their lives and spending a small fortune just to reach Europe. Philippe Leclerc, head of the UN refugee agency in Greece, said his staff wanted to ensure that "nobody is sent back without access to the asylum application procedure". He added that currently on the island of Lesbos over a thousand people had not yet had a chance to apply and should be exempted. - 'Readmission centre' - In Turkey, Hurriyet daily cited officials as saying that a "readmission centre" would be set up near the coastal town of Dikili in Izmir province for those sent back from Greece. Quoting a local official, the paper said the migrants would be processed within 24 hours and sent on to Izmir, or to refugee camps elsewhere in Turkey. Under the agreement, all economic migrants landing on the Greek islands after March 20 face being sent back to Turkey -- although the deal calls for each case to be examined individually. For every Syrian sent back from Greece, the EU has agreed to resettle one refugee directly from Turkey. A high official in the Turkish government also confirmed to AFP that the returns of migrants would begin on Monday under the terms of the EU deal and that "a number of Syrians equivalent" to those sent back from Greece "will be sent legally to the EU." For its part Greece remains cautious about the number of people who will be sent back to Turkey initially as the country is waiting for the deployment of some 2,300 European agents to carry out the details of the accord. - 'Strong signal' - The aim of the deal is to reduce the incentive for Syrian refugees to try tp cross to Greece in overladen smugglers' boats, encouraging them instead to stay in Turkish refugee camps to win a chance at resettlement in Europe. Greece's deputy defence minister, Dimitris Vitsas, said the EU programme will send a "strong signal" that will cut the migration route across the Aegean Sea. In 2015, more than a million migrants entered Europe, about half of them Syrians fleeing war. Today over 51,000 refugees and migrants seeking to reach northern Europe are stuck in Greece, after Balkan states sealed their borders. Hundreds more continue to land on the Greek islands every day despite the EU deal. Greek officials on Thursday began sending hundreds of migrants from Piraeus near Athens to other facilities, including the coastal town of Kyllini in the Peloponnese which is run by a Syria-born mayor. Greece's parliament was also expected to adopt by Friday a bill bolstering its migration and asylum services, and activating a 2013 European directive which says that migrants cannot be sent to a third country where they face danger or discrimination. Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff was left scrambling for votes to save her presidency in a looming impeachment showdown after her main coalition partner walked out of the government. The PMDB, the country's largest party, voted to immediately end its alliance with Rousseff's leftist Workers' Party, or PT, and go into opposition. "From today, at this historic meeting of the PMDB, the PMDB withdraws from the government of President Rousseff," said Senator Romero Juca, the party vice president. The meeting, broadcast live on national television, was the culmination of a long divorce with Rousseff, leaving Brazil's first female president grasping at straws as she tries to stay in power. The vote and announcement took no more than three minutes and was accompanied by singing of the national anthem and shouts of "PT out!" The split plunges Rousseff's government into fresh crisis mode and, more seriously, greatly reduces her chances of mustering the one third of votes in the lower house of Congress that she needs to defeat a first impeachment vote, expected in April. "If you look at the numbers, that's basically it," said Everaldo Moraes, a political science professor at Brasilia National University. Rousseff cancelled a trip to Washington for a nuclear safety summit on Thursday and Friday, the state news agency said. A government spokesman said that in "the current political context," it was not advisable. - Last nail in coffin? - If the lower house votes in favor, an impeachment trial would start in the Senate, where a two-thirds vote would force Rousseff from office. PMDB head Michel Temer -- who remains vice president under Rousseff despite the break-up -- would take over as interim president. Eliseu Padilha, a high-ranking PMDB member who served as minister of civil aviation in Rousseff's government, predicted that Rousseff had only weeks left. "In less than three months we'll have a new government -- in two months," he told AFP. Senator Aecio Neves, who heads the PSDB opposition party and who narrowly lost to Rousseff when she won re-election in 2014, said: "The exit of the PMDB is the last nail in the coffin." The PMDB has 69 of the 513 lower house seats and 60 of these deputies will vote for impeachment, Padilha said. Analysts say that the PMDB's exit could also encourage minor coalition partners to quit. Lawmakers from the center-right Progressive Party, which has 49 deputies, and the center-left Social Democratic Party, which has 32, said their parties would meet this week on a possible split. However, Workers' Party loyalists are negotiating intensely with individual deputies, trying to persuade them to vote against the grain. "We can't give an exact evaluation, but they are exaggerating the support for impeachment among PMDB deputies," said Alfonso Florence, from the Workers' Party, who represents the government in the lower house. Echoing Rousseff, Florence said the opposition was effectively mounting "a coup." The impeachment case alleges that Rousseff illegally borrowed money to boost public spending and mask the severity of the recession from voters during her re-election. The Brazilian bar association filed a new impeachment petition Monday, seeking to expand the accusations to include allegations of involvement by Rousseff in the multibillion-dollar corruption scandal centered on state oil company Petrobras. - Lula controversy - Although still vice president, Temer, 75, increasingly resembles a politician preparing for power. . The growing instability has spilled onto the streets with millions of Brazilians marching against Rousseff and smaller, but still vigorous, rallies held in her defense. Another round of pro-Rousseff protests was planned for this Thursday. Rousseff has called on her mentor, former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, to become chief of staff so that he could stiffen resolve in the ranks and put his negotiating skills to use. But the move prompted a swift backlash from opponents who see the appointment as a bid to give Lula ministerial immunity and protect him from corruption allegations related to the Petrobras probe. The judge leading the probe controversially released a wire-tapped phone conversation between Rousseff and Lula that was interpreted as showing her giving him the post in order to shield him. Lula has forcefully denied this and the wording of the conversation is ambiguous. The full Supreme Court is expected to issue a definitive ruling on whether Lula can take up his appointment in the coming days. Although Lula is the highest-profile politician ensnared in the Petrobras scandal, representatives of many parties, including from the PMDB, also face accusations or have been charged. The PMDB's speaker of the lower house, Eduardo Cunha, faces charges of taking millions of dollars of bribes in the Petrobras corruption scheme and hiding the money in Swiss accounts. AFP News Pro-Russian authorities on Saturday urged residents in the southern Kherson region, which Moscow claims to have annexed, to leave the main city "immediately" in the face of Kyiv's advancing counter-offensive. It comes as President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia had launched 36 rockets overnight in a "massive attack" on Ukraine, following reported strikes on energy infrastructure that resulted in power outages across the country. And Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida became the latest world leader to reproach Moscow for its talk of using nuclear weapons. Kyiv's forces have been advancing along the west bank of the Dnipro river, towards the Kherson region's eponymous main city. Kherson was the first major city to fall to Moscow's troops, and retaking it would be a major prize in Ukraine's counter-offensive. In recent days, Russia has been moving residents in the region -- which Moscow claims to have annexed in September -- east to Russia, in efforts Kyiv has denounced as "deportations". "Due to the tense situation on the front, the increased danger of mass shelling of the city and the threat of terrorist attacks, all civilians must immediately leave the city and cross to the left bank" of the Dnipro river, the region's pro-Russian authorities announced on social media. A Moscow-installed official in Kherson, Kirill Stremousov, told Russian news agency Interfax on Saturday that around 25,000 people had made the crossing. Sergiy Khlan, the Ukrainian deputy head of the Kherson region, said Russians were removing property and documents from banks and the passport office as they withdrew. Ukraine's general staff said Moscow's forces had abandoned two more settlements in Kherson and were evacuating medical personnel from a third, accusing them of looting local civilians. - A 'serious threat' - Earlier Saturday, Japan's Kishida denounced Moscow's comments regarding the possible use of nuclear weapons in the Ukraine conflict. "Russia's act of threatening the use of nuclear weapons is a serious threat to the peace and security of the international community and absolutely unacceptable," he said. The 77-year period of no nuclear weapons use "must not be ended", said Kishida, speaking in Australia. Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February, Putin has made several thinly veiled threats about his willingness to deploy tactical nuclear weapons. Earlier this month, the European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell warned that the Russian army would be "annihilated" if Russia launched such an attack. Washington has also warned Moscow of "catastrophic" consequences should they use such weapons. Japan is the only country ever to have been hit with nuclear weapons: the US atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, which killed 140,000 people, and the second US bomb on Nagasaki, three days later, which killed 74,000 people. - 'Afraid for our lives' - At a train station in the town of Dzhankoy in the north of Crimea, a peninsula that Moscow annexed from Ukraine in 2014, Kherson residents were boarding a train for southern Russia, an AFP reporter saw Friday. "We are leaving Kherson because heavy shelling started there, we are afraid for our lives," said Valentina Yelkina, a pensioner travelling with her daughter. More than a million households in Ukraine have been left without electricity following Russian strikes on energy facilities across the country, the deputy head of the Ukrainian presidency Kyrylo Tymoshenko said on Saturday. Fresh Russian strikes targeted energy infrastructure in Ukraine's west, the national operator said earlier, with officials in several regions of the war-scarred country reporting power outages as winter approaches. Russians "carried out another missile attack on energy facilities of the main networks of Ukraine's western regions", Ukraine's energy operator Ukrenergo said on social media. "These are vile strikes on critical objects," said Zelensky. "The world can and must stop this terror." Power outages were reported in other parts of the country and local officials repeated calls to reduce energy use. Some parts of Ukraine have already cut their electricity use by up to 20 percent, according to Ukrenergo. "Saturday in Ukraine starts with a barrage of Russian missiles aimed at critical civilian infrastructure," Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Twitter. He once again urged Kyiv's allies to hasten the delivery of air defence systems. In the Russian Belgorod region bordering Ukraine, at least two civilians were killed in strikes on Saturday, according to the local governor Vyacheslav Gladkov. Nearly 15,000 people were left without electricity, he added. Russia last week reported a "considerable increase" in Ukrainian fire into its territory, saying attacks had largely concentrated on Belgorod region and neighbouring regions of Bryansk and Kursk. bur-imm/jj/ah By Asad Hashim ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Pakistan has rounded up more than 5,000 militant suspects, then released most of them, in the two days since a suicide bomber killed at least 72 people in a park in Lahore at Easter, a provincial minister said on Tuesday. Investigators were keeping 216 suspects in custody pending further investigation, said Rana Sanaullah, a state minister for Punjab province from Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's ruling party. Details of the sweeping raids aimed at anyone suspected of violent Islamist extremism came as the Taliban faction claiming responsibility for the attack issued a new threat on Tuesday, singling out the media. Sanaullah said "5,221 people have initially been detained. 5,005 have been released after verifying their identities, and 216 people have been referred for further investigation. "If someone is found to be guilty, they will be charged," told journalists in the Punjab province capital of Lahore. Army spokesman Gen. Asim Bajwa said the military and the paramilitary Rangers were conducting raids across Punjab, Pakistan's richest and most populous province, in rapid response to the Easter bombing. "Right now in Rawalpindi, Multan and elsewhere, operations are ongoing, intelligence agencies and Rangers and army troops are carrying out operations," he told reporters in Islamabad. MILITANT THREAT Jamaat-ur-Ahrar, the Taliban faction that claimed responsibility for the blast aimed at Christians celebrating Easter, warned Pakistani media they could be the next target. "Everyone will get their turn in this war, especially the slave Pakistani media," Ehsanullah Ehsan, spokesman for the group, tweeted. "We are just waiting for the appropriate time." Even as authorities pursued Islamist militants across Punjab, hundreds of ultra-conservative Muslim protesters remained camped out in front of parliament on Tuesday in the capital, Islamabad, days after clashing with police. Mobile phone networks in the capital were blocked for security purposes for a second day in a row. The Easter bombing was Pakistan's deadliest attack since a 2014 school massacre claimed by the Taliban killed 134 students. The attack, which included 29 children among the 72 dead, showed the militants can still cause carnage despite military raids on their northwestern strongholds. Lahore is the capital of Punjab, Pakistan's richest and most populous province and Sharif's political heartland. "Let Nawaz Sharif know that this war has now come to the threshold of his home," tweeted Ehsan. "The winners of this war will, God willing, be the righteous mujahideen." Sanaullah said at least 160 raids have been carried out since Sunday night by a mixture of police, counter-terrorism and intelligence agents and confirmed that army and paramilitary forces would be used in future operations. "This operation will include all law enforcement agencies," Sanaullah said. MILITARY CAMPAIGN Military and government officials on Monday said that the army was preparing to launch a new paramilitary counterterrorism crackdown in Punjab, as it did more than two years ago in the violent southern megacity of Karachi. By allowing this, the civilian government once again ceded special powers to the military to fight Islamist militants. Punjab provincial leaders, particularly among Prime Minister Sharif's party, have long resisted suggestions of bringing in the paramilitary Rangers to fight extremism in reported centres of radicalism including Multan in southern Punjab. In Karachi, the Rangers' crackdown has cut back the rate of militant and criminal violence sharply, but also drawn accusations of human rights abuses and the targeting of opposition politicians. A possible renewal of their mandate by the Sindh provincial government is the subject of heated debate there. Army spokesman Gen. Bajwa said the government had agreed to send whatever forces are most appropriate to capture extremists. Jamaat-ur-Ahrar, which has declared loyalty to Islamic State, has carried out five major attacks in Pakistan since December. In recent years, Pakistan has cracked down on movements that target its own citizens and institutions, including the Pakistani Taliban who are fighting to topple the government and install a strict interpretation of Islamic law. The army and former governments have been accused of fostering hard-line religious movements to boost their own support and to use militant groups to help pursue objectives in Afghanistan and against Pakistan's old rival India. However, moves by the government to crack down on extremism have prompted a backlash. The recent outpouring of anger over the execution in late February of ex-bodyguard Mumtaz Qadri, who assassinated the Punjab governor he guarded because the politician campaigned against Pakistan's harsh blasphemy laws, highlights the tension. The demonstrators, incensed by the hanging of a man they consider a hero for defending Islam, now demand the immediate execution of hundreds of people in jail on blasphemy charges. (Writing by Kay Johnson; Editing by Tom Heneghan) By Idrees Ali and David Rohde WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan warned on Thursday that he will continue to sue critics who insult him in Turkey, where journalists and other critics of the president have been imprisoned. He issued the admonition in Washington, a day before a hearing in Istanbul resumes in the trial of two high-profile Turkish journalists. "I would (thank) each and everyone one of those who criticise me but if they were to insult me, my lawyers will go and file a lawsuit," said Erdogan, speaking at an event on the sidelines of the Nuclear Security Summit. A Turkish court on Friday resumes hearings in the trial of the two journalists for publishing footage that purportedly showed Turkeys intelligence agency shipping truckloads of weapons to opposition fighters in Syria in early 2014. As protesters chanted and waved banners outside, Turkish security personnel tried to block three Turkish journalists from covering the event, held at the Brookings Institution think tank. Adem Yavuz Arslan, a reporter with Ozgur Dusunce, a Turkish opposition newspaper affiliated with U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, a former Erdogan ally, said the security guards threatened him. "They said, 'We are going to kill you. You are a terrorist,'" said Arslan. A prosecutor has charged Can Dundar, editor-in-chief of Cumhuriyet, and Erdem Gul, the newspaper's Ankara bureau chief, with trying to topple the government by publishing video purporting to show Turkey's state intelligence agency helping to truck weapons to Syria in 2014. Erdogan, whose government has come under international criticism for restrictions of press freedom, has vowed Dundar will "pay a heavy price". The two journalists could face life in prison if convicted. In his speech in Washington, Erdogan said there were no journalists in jail because of their work, adding that most of the 52 journalists in Turkish prisons have been convicted on or face terrorism charges. Journalism rights groups say the government uses vague terrorism charges to silence journalists. Since becoming president in August 2014, Erdogan has filed a record 1,845 court cases against individuals for insulting him, resulting in a more than a dozen sentences, activists have said. Insulting the president carries a maximum of four years in prison in Turkey. The New York-based advocacy group Committee to Protect Journalists describes Turkey as a country of concern with at least 13 and as many 20 journalists in prison for their work. Erdogan also said the West needed to take more responsibility in dealing with Syrian refugees, accusing it of failing its commitments under international human rights accords. Even though almost all EU nations are wealthier than us, they have taken a (handful) of Syrian refugees while we have opened our doors," he said. Turkey agreed with the EU this month to take back all migrants and refugees who cross illegally to Greece in exchange for financial aid, faster visa-free travel for Turks and slightly accelerated EU membership talks. The returns are supposed to begin on April 4 under the plan, which aims to close the main route by which a million migrants and refugees poured across the Aegean Sea to Greece in the last year before heading north mainly to Germany and Sweden. Erdogan also said he expected a meeting of Turkish and Israeli officials next month to yield positive results, after the sides collaborated closely following a bomb attack in Istanbul that killed Israeli tourists. (Additional reporting by Ayla Jean Yackley; Editing by Don Durfee and David Gregorio) UN war crimes judges Thursday acquitted radical Serb leader Vojislav Seselj on all nine charges of committing atrocities in the 1990s Balkans wars in a surprise verdict swiftly denounced as "shameful" by Croatia The three-judge panel found by a majority that the prosecution "had failed to prove beyond all reasonable doubt" or provide sufficient evidence that Seselj was responsible for the crimes with which he was charged. "Vojislav Seselj is now a free man," declared French judge Jean-Claude Antonetti at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). Some experts appeared surprised at the ruling. "This looks to me like a collateral error on the part of the majority of the trial chamber," Goran Sluiter, professor of international law at the University of Amsterdam, told AFP. The acquittal clears the way for the firebrand leader of the Serbian Radical Party to stand unencumbered in next month's general election in Serbia, and he welcomed the verdict as "honourable and fair." Seselj, 61, had faced nine charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity over his unrelenting quest to unite "all Serbian lands" in a "Greater Serbia". Prosecutors had alleged he was behind the murders of many Croat, Muslim and other non-Serb civilians, as well as the forced deportation of "tens of thousands" from large areas of Bosnia-Hercegovina, Croatia and Serbia. - 'Confusion and ambiguities' - But the judges by a majority said the prosecution had failed to prove "that there was a widespread and systematic attack against the non-Serb civilian population in large areas of Croatia and Bosnia Hercegovina". And although crimes were committed, Seselj was not the "hierarchial superior" of his paramilitary forces after they came under the control of the Serbian army and therefore not responsible for what they did. "The totality of the evidence substantiates the fact that the purpose of sending volunteers was not to commit crimes, but to support the war effort," Antonetti said. He slammed the prosecution case as full of "confusion" and "ambiguities," saying it failed to put events in their broader context. The prosecution had given "at best an interpretation that hides the way the events unfolded and at worst distorts them in relation to the evidence presented to the chamber," Antonetti said. Chief prosecutor Serge Brammertz said he was surprised by the verdict, and was considering an appeal saying many of the judges arguments were "not in line with the factual reality". "We understand that many victims will be disappointed. We in a large part share their frustrations," he told reporters. Seselj, who was excused from attending the judgement on medical grounds after returning to Belgrade in 2014 for treatment for colon cancer, hailed his acquittal. "This time, after all the trials that accused innocent Serbs who received draconian sentences, two judges appeared who are honourable and fair people," he told reporters. - 'Shameful verdict' - Croatia's Prime Minister Tihomir Oreskovic however was dismayed. "The verdict is shameful. It is the defeat of The Hague court and the prosecution," he said. "He is a man... who committed evil and did not show any remorse, neither then nor today." Croatia's interior ministry told border police "to deny Seselj entry into Croatia if he appears at a border crossing," police spokeswoman Helena Biocic told AFP in Zagreb, saying he could represent a threat to public order. In an unusually strong dissenting opinion on the war crimes chamber, judge Flavia Lattanzi said she "felt I was thrown back in time to a period in human history, centuries ago" when there was no law in times of war. "The majority sets aside all the rules of international humanitarian law that existed before the creation of the tribunal and all the applicable law established since the inception of the tribunal." The judgement comes exactly a week after former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic was sentenced to 40 years in jail for genocide and nine other charges by the same court. While the judges agreed that "Seselj was driven by an ardent political ambition to create a Greater Serbia" during the Balkans wars, they ruled this was in "principle a political plan, not a criminal plan". And they argued that "a lot of the evidence shows that the collaboration (by Seselj) was aimed at defending the Serbs and the traditional Serb territories, or at preserving Yugoslavia, not at committing the alleged crimes". Some of Seselj's inflammatory speeches such one made in 1991 outside Vukovar, a Croatian town razed by Serb forces, "were made in a context of conflict and were meant to boost the morale of the troops... rather than calling upon them to spare no one". Seselj gave himself up in 2003 and his trial started in 2006, but was halted only weeks later after he went on hunger strike. It was then nullified. A new trial started in late 2007 and proceeded with multiple delays until the closing arguments in March 2012. The human gut is a complex and amazing system, and the more we learn about it, the more amazed we are. It turns out Research Survey Shows Schools Hitting Digital Hard A recent survey found that half of school districts believe they've completed their 1-to-1 initiatives and the infrastructure required; and almost 4 in 10 (38 percent) are planning to or will definitely "modernize" in the next 12 to 24 months. More districts also have digital content and curriculum strategies in place this year compared to last year up from 49 percent to 62 percent. Another 33 percent of districts have one under development. More than half of those existing strategies incorporate the use of open educational resources. So go the results from this year's Digital School Districts Survey, run by the Center for Digital Education and National School Boards Association. The same survey, which is open to all American public school districts, reported that personalized learning tops the priority list for IT in the coming year. Digital content and curriculum took second place; and professional development and skills training for integrating technology into the classroom was third. School boards are increasingly using technology for communication too. More than a quarter of districts (28 percent) said they use a social media channel such as Twitter during school board meetings to take the pulse of public feedback on issues facing the board. Six in 10 districts solicit public input about their school board activities through either the board's Web site or the district's site. The same survey also invited districts to describe their infusion of technology, in order to issue awards recognizing "exemplary use" of technology in their operations and classrooms. The winner in the category of the largest districts those with 12,000 students or more was Hampton City Schools in Virginia. There, the district livestreams board meetings and produces podcasts for parents, teachers and students. It also emphasizes digital literacy training for parents, including Internet safety and privacy and acceptable use policies. At the high school level, students take on tech support roles. And it's experimenting with blended learning using digital content from Virginia Beach public television station WHRO and EverFi. In the medium-sized category (3,000 to 12,000 students), the winner was White County School District in Georgia. The charter school system has replaced its print textbooks with digital resources, online collaboration, quiz tools, instructional games, simulations, films, TV and YouTube programs for instruction. The district is running online courses with the University of North Georgia and collaborating with the county government on a 3D virtual mapping program. District leaders also anticipate adding Wi-Fi to school buses and making Internet access available in home for those families that need it. They've just begun a 1-to-1 program for freshman, which will continue expanding over the next four years until everybody in the high school has his or her own computing device. In the small district category (fewer than 3,000 students), New Jersey's Springfield Public Schools captured the top spot. That district spent a year analyzing test score data over a four-year period with the intent of understanding where its students struggled most and what types of questions caused the most difficulty. Then it began a parent-student program in the evening that included dinner and offered training in how parents could help their kids with their studies. This year the program has been updated to incorporate English language learning through the use of a software-based language program. "School districts, with the support of their school boards, are increasingly focused on learning through innovative technologies," said Kecia Ray, executive director for the center. "As a result, students are using all kinds of cutting-edge tools that assist learning, inspire creativity and help prepare them for the future. It's my privilege to congratulate these school districts that are making exceptional gains to transform education systems with effective uses of technology." Representatives visited the exhibition (Photo: dangcongsan.vn) The exhibition showcased the winning paintings of a contest for children called I draw Vietnam, I draw Russia which was held by the Russia Vietnam Friendship Association on the occasion of 65th anniversary of Vietnam Russia diplomatic ties (30/01/1950 30/01/2015). The exhibition includes around 70 of the best paintings by Vietnamese and Russian children. Addressing the event, Vice Chairman of Vietnam Russia Friendship Association Trinh Quoc Khanh said the contest was a connection between the young generations of the two countries, contributing to fostering more study on the country, people, historical tradition and cultural characters of the friendly country. The exhibition will remain open until April 1st. All the paintings on display will be presented to the Hanoi Childrens Cultural Palace./. BEIJING (Reuters) - The Chinese government warned Taiwan on Wednesday that the passage of a proposed new law governing relations between the two could seriously damage the basis for talks, and that Beijing opposed any obstacles to developing ties. China has looked on with suspicion at Taiwan since Tsai Ing-wen and her pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) won presidential and parliamentary elections in January on the back of a wave of anti-China sentiment. In 2014, hundreds of students occupied Taiwan's parliament for weeks in protests nicknamed the Sunflower Movement, demanding more transparency and fearful of China's growing economic and political influence on the democratic island. The protests over the 2013 Cross-Strait Service Trade Agreement, which aimed to open up investment from both sides in industries such as banking, healthcare, and tourism, were the largest display of anti-China sentiment in Taiwan in years. The DPP is proposing Taiwan's parliament first passes a so-called cross-Taiwan Strait supervision law before it will consider agreeing to the trade pact. China is worried that the law would stymie future agreements with Taiwan. Asked about the law, a spokesman for China's Taiwan Affairs Office said the basis for talks between the two sides should not be damaged. "Anything that damages the basis for consultations and negotiations between the two sides of the strait, interferes in or impedes relevant progress or puts up man-made blocks on the development of ties, we will resolutely oppose," spokesman An Fengshan said at a regular briefing. He did not elaborate. The trade deal has stalled in Taiwan's parliament, although the manner in which the self-ruled island moves forward in the current February-to-May session will be seen as a sign of how Tsai will steer Taiwan-China ties. China's trade minister last month urged Taiwan to pass the trade pact. China considers Taiwan a wayward province, to be brought under its control by force if necessary. Defeated Nationalist forces fled to the island in 1949 after the Chinese civil war. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Paul Tait) By Louis Charbonneau UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - By launching nuclear-capable missiles Iran has defied a United Nations Security Council resolution that endorsed last year's historic nuclear deal, the United States and its European allies said in a joint letter seen by Reuters on Tuesday. Iran's recent ballistic tests involved missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons and were "inconsistent with" and "in defiance of" council resolution 2231, adopted last July, said the joint U.S., British, French, German letter to Spain's U.N. Ambassador Roman Oyarzun Marchesi and U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon. The letter said the missiles used in the recent launches were "inherently capable of delivering nuclear weapons." It also asked that the Security Council discuss "appropriate responses" to Tehran's failure to comply with its obligations and urged Ban to report back on Iranian missile work inconsistent with 2231. Spain has been assigned the task of coordinating council discussions on resolution 2231. Council diplomats have said the case for new U.N. sanctions was weak, hinging on interpretation of ambiguous language in a resolution adopted as part of a July nuclear deal to drastically restrict Iran's nuclear work. Western officials say that although the launches went against 2231, they were not a violation of the core nuclear agreement between Iran, Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States. Russia, a permanent veto-wielding council member, has made clear it does not support new U.N. sanctions on Iran. Both Russia and China had lobbied against continuing restrictions on Iran's missile programme during last year's negotiations on the nuclear deal. The four powers' carefully worded letter stopped short of calling the Iranian launches a "violation" of the resolution, which "calls upon" Iran to refrain for up to eight years from activity, including launches, related to ballistic missiles designed with the capability of delivering nuclear weapons. Diplomats say key powers agree that request is not legally binding and cannot be enforced under Chapter 7 of the U.N. Charter, which deals with sanctions and authorization of military force. But Western nations, which view the language as a ban, say there is a political obligation on Iran to comply. International sanctions on Tehran were lifted in January under the nuclear deal. The commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guards' missile battery said the missiles tested were designed to be able to hit U.S. ally Israel. The United States condemned the remarks and Russia said countries should not threaten each other. The letter said the four Western powers "note with concern that Iranian military leaders have reportedly claimed these missiles are designed to be a direct threat to Israel." Several diplomats said the most Iran could expect would be a public rebuke by the Security Council. Under the nuclear deal, the reimposition of U.N. sanctions would only be triggered by violations of the agreed restrictions on Iran's atomic work. But a council rebuke could provide a legal springboard for European countries to consider new sanctions against Iran, Western diplomats said. Last week the U.S. Treasury Department blacklisted two Iranian companies for supporting Iran's ballistic missile programme, and also sanctioned two British businessmen it said were helping an airline used by Iran's Revolutionary Guards. France has also suggested there could be unilateral European Union sanctions against Iran over the launches. (Additional reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Andrew Hay) Photo for illustration Indonesia became the biggest importer of Vietnamese rice in the first two months of 2016, with a market share of 31.42%. Rice exports to the market reached 330,000 tonnes in the two months, valued at USD131.1 million. China ranked second with over 160.6 million tonnes of rice imported from Vietnam, worth USD71.5 million, up 39.2% in volume and 53.6% in value, accounting for 17.15%. They were followed by the Philippines with a more than 11 fold increase in both volume and value, Malaysia with a 51.49% rise in volume and a 49.27% rise in value, and United Arab Emirates (UAE) with a 42.27% rise in volume and a 23.85% rise in value. Meanwhile, markets witnessing sharp reductions are Ivory Coast (25.19% in volume and 8.04% in value) and Singapore (20.1% in volume and 21.8% in value)./. TBILISI (Reuters) - British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said on Wednesday Russia was not complying with a ceasefire agreement in Ukraine and the situation had recently worsened. "We've gone backwards over the last few months with more and more violations of the ceasefire," he told Reuters. Hammond also said Russia must come up with proposals for a "post-Assad Syria" to end the conflict in that country. (Reporting by Margarita Antidze; Writing by Jack Stubbs; Editing by Alexander Winning) By Johan Purnomo and Angie Teo SERANG, Indonesia (Reuters) - Indonesian rice farmer Usman has kept his 19-year-old son chained in the family's tiny wooden hut for more than a month, reluctant to release the mentally disturbed boy for fear he might wander off and steal neighbours' livestock. The teenager is one of nearly 20,000 Indonesian victims of mental illness kept in shackles by families and government institutions, an illegal practice President Joko Widodo's administration aims to stamp out by the end of 2017. "He stole buffaloes and clothes," Usman told Reuters as he sat beside his son Deden, in the hut in the district of Serang, on Indonesia's island of Java. "We are the ones who are embarrassed, so I chained him up in case he disturbs the neighbours." Usman lets a doctor give his son a medical check-up every two weeks, but says he will not free the boy until he is "more stable". In a programme launched this year, Indonesia sends teams of workers into often-remote hamlets to help free patients kept in chains and ensure they get the medical treatment they need. "The social ministry and agencies across Indonesia recognise that there are still a lot of such cases, so we are determined to end the shackling practice by December 2017," said Social Affairs Minister Khofifah Indar Parawansa. The world's fourth most populous nation has outlawed such shackling for decades but the practice continues, particularly in poor areas. In the village of Jambu, 80 km (50 miles) from the capital, Jakarta, 28-year-old Jumiya has spent more than four years locked in a dark wooden shed after showing signs of a mental disorder following her return from a job in Syria, her family said. "People spend years locked up in chains, wooden stocks, or goat sheds because families don't know what else to do, and the government doesn't do a good job of offering humane alternatives," said Kriti Sharma, the author of a report on the issue published this month by Human Rights Watch. The group said shackling was sometimes linked to superstitious beliefs, with families attributing medical disorders such as schizophrenia or depression to the action of curses, black magic and evil spirits. Human Rights Watch urged the government to develop more educational programmes on the treatment of mental illness, boost training for health care professionals and widen protections for disabled Indonesians. In Serang, the teenaged Deden said he was not sure why his father had chained him up in the first place. "I don't know, maybe I created trouble," the soft-spoken boy told Reuters, with his left hand shackled to a tree. (Reporting by Johan Purnomo in Serang and Angie Teo in Jakarta; Additional reporting by Quincy De Neve; Writing by Randy Fabi; Editing by Clarence Fernandez) SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korea test-fired a short-range missile on its east coast on Tuesday, South Korea's military said, amid heightened tension over the isolated country's nuclear and rocket programs. The missile was fired from near the North Korean coastal town of Wonsan at 5:40 p.m. (0840 GMT) and flew northeast for about 200 km (124 miles) and then "made contact" with the mainland, South Korea's military said in a statement. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has presided over a string of short-range missile launches in recent weeks in what the communist-ruled nation's state media has characterized as a response to U.N. sanctions imposed for its fourth nuclear test in January. The U.S. State Department said it was aware of the report of the missile firing. "North Korea should refrain from actions and rhetoric that raise tensions in the region and comply with its international obligations and commitments," said Katina Adams, a spokeswoman in the State Department's East Asian and Pacific Affairs bureau. U.S. President Barack Obama will meet South Korean President Park Geun-hye and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday to discuss North Korea's nuclear program, the White House said on Monday. The meeting on the sidelines of the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington will take place the same day Obama talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. (Reporting by Rebecca Jang and Ju-min Park; Additional reporting by David Brunnstrom; Wrting by James Pearson; Editing by Robert Birsel and Paul Simao) Members of the audience cheer as they listen to speakers at a union rally for higher minimum wages in New York, January 4, 2016. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson By James Odato ALBANY, New York, (Reuters) - Governor Andrew Cuomo and state legislative leaders reached a tentative deal on Thursday to raise New York state's minimum wage toward $15 per hour but fell short of a uniform state-wide increase, lawmakers said. The deal outlines a faster rise in New York City, but carves out a slow lane for small businesses and its surrounding counties. In less prosperous areas north of the city it rises to $12.50 per hour before a state review of the law's impact. The minimum wage has been a sticking point in difficult budget negotiations that threaten to delay a spending plan past the start of the state's fiscal year on April 1. The agreement still needs to be approved by lawmakers. Phil Steck, a Democratic Party Assembly member, said that under the terms of the deal the minimum wage would rise from its current $9 per hour to $15 over three years in New York City starting on Dec. 31, 2016. City businesses with up to 10 employees would be given four years to implement the measure. Long Island and Westchester County around New York City would be given six years to push through the increases while the rest of the state would see the minimum wage rise to $12.50 in five years, with increases to $15 possible after review. Several other lawmakers confirmed the terms of the agreement to Reuters. The compromise is a climb down for Cuomo and his fellow Democrats who had pushed for a $15 state-wide minimum and no carve outs for small businesses. Republicans argued that a flat state-wide rate could hurt businesses in less wealthy areas. Steck, however, who represents a district 165 miles (265 km)north of the city, argued that the opposite was true. "We have a very strapped economy in upstate New York and the surest way to ensure continued poverty is to run a low wage economy." he said. "If anything, the poorer areas of the state needed an increase in the minimum wage more." The multi-tier solution could also dampen the national drive for a $15 minimum wage that has gathered pace as Democrats mobilize their base ahead of the presidential election in November. They hailed an important victory when California Governor Jerry Brown and legislators reached an agreement on Monday to raise the state's minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2023. (Corrects date of start of minimum wage rise in paragraph 4.) (Reporting by James Odato, Writing by Edward Krudy; Editing by Daniel Bases and Grant McCool) Update for 1:30 pm ET: Russia's Progress 63P cargo ship has successfully launched into orbit. Read our full story here: Russia Launches Robotic Supply Ship Toward Space Station. Russia's space agency, Roscosmos, is counting down to the launch of a new supply ship for the International Space Station today (March 31), and you can watch the mission blast off via a live webcast. The unmanned Progress 63P spacecraft crammed with 3 tons (2.7 metric tons)of supplies for the station's crew is scheduled to launch on a Soyuz rocket at 12:23 p.m. EDT (1623 GMT) from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, where it will be late evening local time at liftoff. You can watch the Progress cargo ship launch live via Space.com beginning at 12 p.m. EDT (1600 GMT), courtesy of NASA TV. Unlike most of the recent Progress delivery missions to the space station, Progress 63P will not be making a one-day trip to the orbiting lab. Instead, it will spend two days chasing the space station before arriving on Saturday (April 2) at 2 p.m. EDT (1800 GMT), according to NASA officials. [The Space Station's Robotic Cargo Ship Fleet in Pictures] "The two-day rendezvous for Progress is deliberately planned to enable Russian flight controllers to test new software and communications equipment for the new vehicle configuration that will be standard for future Progress and piloted Soyuz spacecraft," NASA officials wrote in a statement. Russia's Progress spacecraft are similar in design to its crewed Soyuz space capsules. Both are three-module vehicles, with a propulsion module at the aft and an orbital module at the front. Soyuz vehicles include a crew capsule at the center, while Progress vehicles have a module with propellant to fuel space station maneuvers. It's a superbusy time for the International Space Station. Today's launch will mark the third launch to the space station in three weeks, as well as the second cargo mission to launch in nine days. Story continues On March 18, a Russian Soyuz spacecraft launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome to ferry American astronaut Jeff Williams and Russian cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin and Oleg Skripochka on a one-day trip to the space station. The trio arrived at the orbiting lab about 6 hours later to join three other crewmates NASA's Tim Kopra, Russia's Yuri Malenchenko and British astronaut Tim Peake on board. Then, last week, on March 22, an unmanned Orbital ATK Cygnus spacecraft launched to the space station on a delivery mission for NASA. It launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida and arrived on March 26. Next week, on Friday (April 8), a commercial SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch an unmanned Dragon cargo ship to the station from Cape Canaveral. That mission is currently slated to lift off at 4:43 p.m. EDT (2043 GMT) on April 8. This story was updated at 12:13 p.m. ET to correct the docking time of Progess 63P at the International Space Station. Email Tariq Malik at tmalik@space.com or follow him @tariqjmalik and Google+. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com. Editor's Recommendations Copyright 2016 SPACE.com, a Purch company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and WB Country Director Victoria Kwakwa (Source: VNA) He asked for the WBs support in resources, policy consultation and technical assistance in infrastructure, sustainable poverty reduction, health care, education-training and human resources training, as well as in response to climate change and rising sea levels. The host expressed hope that the WB, with its prestige, will continue raising its voice towards the effective and sustainable use of the Mekong River resources, especially waste. The leader also spoke highly of the outcomes of the WB President Jim Yong-kims visit to Vietnam last February and the joint work done to build the report Vietnam 2035: Toward Prosperity, Creativity, Equity and Democracy covering specific recommendations for Vietnams development orientations. Kwakwa, for her part, said the WB is working closely with Vietnamese ministries and agencies to effectively realise commitments reached during Jims visit and goals set in the Vietnam report. The WB pledges to liaise with partners in seeking a suitable roadmap for Vietnam to achieve priority development goals and ensure the State budgets sustainable solvency, she said. Sharing sympathy with losses caused by ongoing severe drought and saline intrusion in the central, Central Highlands and Mekong Delta regions, she said the lender is actively working with Vietnamese ministries, agencies and localities to mitigate the impacts of climate change and extreme weather phenomena over the short, mid and long terms./. Photos and videos circulating on Thursday appeared to show chaos erupting as reporters and protesters were waiting outside of a Brookings Institution event where Turkish President Recep Erdogan was due to speak. Many journalists said that they were roughed up by Erdogan's security detail before being kicked out of the event, which was hosted by the DC-based think tank. Erdogan's thugs attack journalists in Washington DC outside his hotel. pic.twitter.com/5LNAPrKWLe Mahir Zeynalov (@MahirZeynalov) March 29, 2016 Erdogan's thugs attack reporters outside @BrookingsInst as Erdogan speaks inside. pic.twitter.com/kg7Ae88qes Mahir Zeynalov (@MahirZeynalov) March 31, 2016 This Erdogan security detail called me "a pkk whore" For standing in the driveway of @BrookingsInst pic.twitter.com/jMxwcG1ftd Amberin Zaman (@amberinzaman) March 31, 2016 Never seen anything like this:a female protester just tackled. DC cops are in the street trying to keep Turkish guards from hurting folks Yochi Dreazen (@yochidreazen) March 31, 2016 Business Insider cannot independently verify the identity of the people who appear to have been removed from the event. But Turkish journalist Adem Yavuz Arslan tweeted that "Erdogan's abusive men grabbed me" and tried to remove him from the event even though he had shown them his credentials. Video of that moment: Erdogan's detail kick out critical Turkish journo @ademyavuza out of @BrookingsInst This is happening in Washington! pic.twitter.com/UO8tXtV9E2 Mahir Zeynalov (@MahirZeynalov) March 31, 2016 Story continues The scene was poignant given Erdogan's policy of suppressing media freedoms in Turkey, where hundreds of journalists have been arrested under his administration and accused of having links to terrorism. The National Press Club issued a statement on Thursday expressing "alarm" about reports that Erdogan's security personnel had "physically abused journalists" outside the event. "We have increasingly seen disrespect for basic human rights and press freedom here in Turkey," the statement read. "Erdogan doesn't get to export such abuse." Inside the event, Erdogan responded to a question about his country's practice of jailing journalists by saying that "only seven of them [in jail] are actually journalists ... and two have ties to terrorists." He added that while he accepts and encourages criticism, he cannot allow himself to be insulted by the press. "Insult is not humane ... Criticism is humane," Erdogan told Brookings' Executive Vice President Martin Indyk. "I have seen insults involving my family, my children ... from corruption to theft, anything." He added: "Despite all of these developments, the people made me the president." protests erdogan Throughout the event, Erdogan referred to Turkey's democracy more than once in an attempt to justify the policies he was questioned about. Many experts have pointed out, however, that while Turkish elections are free and fair, they are undermined by the lack of free press that is essential to a well-functioning democracy. Turkey's largest opposition newspaper, Zaman, was seized by Turkish police in a raid on its headquarters earlier this month. The government takeover of Today's Zaman was evidently in response to Erdogan's perception of the paper as a front for the Gulen movement a social movement led by a Turkish scholar and preacher, Fethullah Gulen, that is openly critical of Erdogan's government. The highly publicized arrest of Can Dundar, editor in chief of leading Turkish newspaper Cumhuriyet, was also widely condemned. He and Cumhuriyet's Ankara bureau chief, Erdem Gul, were detained after Cumhuriyet reported that a weapons shipment had been seized at the Turkish border, presumably bound for rebels in Syria. More From Business Insider The Independent Elon Musk plans to lay off most of Twitters workforce if and when he becomes owner of the social media company, according to a report by The Washington Post.Musk has told prospective investors in his Twitter purchase that he plans to cut nearly 75% of Twitters employee base of 7,500 workers, according to Thursday's report.If confirmed, the cuts would leave the company with a skeleton crew, according to the Post.The newspaper cited documents and unnamed sources familiar with the deliberations.San Francisco-based Twitter and a representative for Musk attorney Alex Spiro did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment.SEE MORE: What Happens If Elon Musk Buys Twitter?While job cuts have been expected regardless of the sale, the magnitude of Musk's planned cuts are far more extreme than anything Twitter had planned.Musk himself has alluded to the need to cull some of the company's staff in the past, but he hadn't given a specific number - at least not publicly.Already, experts, nonprofits and even Twitter's own staff have warned that pulling back investments on content moderation and data security could hurt Twitter and its users.With as drastic a reduction as Musk may be planning, the platform could quickly become overrun with harmful content and spam.After his initial $44 billion bid in April to buy Twitter, Musk backed out of the deal, contending Twitter misrepresented the number of fake spam bot accounts on its platform.Twitter sued, and a Delaware judge has given both sides until 28 October to work out details.Otherwise, there will be a trial in November.Additional reporting by The Associated Press. By Andrea Shalal WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States has told China it will not recognize an exclusion zone in the South China Sea and would view such a move as "destabilizing," U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Robert Work said on Wednesday. U.S. officials have expressed concern that an international court ruling expected in the coming weeks on a case brought by the Philippines against China over its South China Sea claims could prompt Beijing to declare an air defense identification zone, or ADIZ, in the region, as it did in the East China Sea in 2013. Work told an event hosted by the Washington Post that the United States would not recognize such an exclusion zone in the South China Sea, just as it did not recognize the one China established in the East China Sea. China claims most of the South China Sea, through which more than $5 trillion in global trade passes every year. "We don't believe they have a basis in international law, and we've said over and over (that) we will fly, sail and go wherever international law allows," Work said. "We have spoken quite plainly to our Chinese counterparts and said that we think an ADIZ would be destabilizing. We would prefer that all of the claims in the South China Sea be handled through mediation and not force or coercion," he said. Work spoke as Chinese President Xi Jinping prepared to visit Washington for a nuclear security summit this week. The United States has accused China of raising tensions in the South China Sea by its apparent deployment of surface-to-air missiles on a disputed island, a move China has neither confirmed nor denied. China, for its part, has repeatedly accused the United States of militarizing the South China Sea through its freedom of navigation patrols in the region and the expansion of military alliances with countries such as the Philippines. In February, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said his country's South China Sea military deployments were no different from U.S. deployments on Hawaii. Tensions between China and its neighbors Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines and Taiwan over sovereignty in the South China Sea have risen after Beijing embarked on significant reclamations on disputed islands and reefs in the area. (Reporting by Andrea Shalal; Editing by Alan Crosby) WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Obama administration ordered the families of U.S. military and diplomatic personnel to leave parts of southern Turkey on Tuesday and warned U.S. citizens against travel to the region amid mounting security concerns. The Pentagon said 670 dependents of U.S. military personnel would be affected by the order to depart areas of southern Turkey, including Incirlik air base, which is used heavily in the fight against Islamic State militants. The U.S. State Department said a small number of diplomatic families would be affected but did not give numbers. The Pentagon said 100 military dependents in Ankara and Istanbul were not affected by the departure orders because of security measures in place there. State Department spokesman John Kirby said the move had been under consideration for several weeks, and was not the result of any specific threat and had nothing to do with the visit to Washington this week by top Turkish officials. Secretary of State John Kerry met Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Monday, and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan is due to attend a Nuclear Security Summit with other world leaders later in the week. Kirby said Kerry had discussed the security announcement with Cavusoglu at their meeting on Monday. "The decision to do this wasnt taken lightly. It was done after careful thought and consideration, and inter-agency coordination," Kirby told a daily briefing at the State Department. "The timing of it was completely considered independently of the Nuclear Security Summit and the visit here to Washington by Turkish officials," he added. The U.S. military's European Command said it had ordered the departure of families of personnel stationed in Adana, home of Incirlik. It said families of U.S. military personnel also had been told to leave Izmir and Mugla provinces in southeastern Turkey. "We understand this is disruptive to our military families, but we must keep them safe and ensure the combat effectiveness of our forces to support our strong ally Turkey in the fight against terrorism," General Philip M. Breedlove, commander of the U.S. European Command, said in the statement. The departures do not indicate a decision to permanently end U.S. families' presence at military facilities in southern Turkey, the statement said. The U.S. State Department said it had ordered the departure of family members of government workers at the U.S. Consulate in Adana. Dependents of U.S. government employees in Izmir and Mugla provinces were also asked to leave. The State Department issued a statement cautioning U.S. citizens more broadly against traveling to southeastern Turkey. It also warned of "increased threats from terrorist groups throughout Turkey." (Reporting by Lesley Wroughton, Yeganeh Torbati and Washington newsroom; Editing by Bernadette Baum, Bernard Orr) By Elias Biryabarema KAMPALA (Reuters) - Uganda's Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed a petition seeking nullification of President Yoweri Museveni's disputed re-election last month, clearing the way for the 71-year-old veteran leader to extend his three-decade rule. The ruling had been widely expected by political observers and the opposition in a country where the judiciary is frequently accused of bias toward the incumbent. Museveni won another five-year term in the Feb. 18 presidential election with 60 percent of the vote, but all his main opponents rejected the results, alleging widespread rigging and intimidation by security forces. Veteran opposition leader Kizza Besigye, who came second in the election with 35 percent, has been kept under virtual house arrest since polling day. On March 1 Amama Mbabazi, who came a distant third with less than 2 percent of the vote, appealed to the Supreme Court to overturn the result of the poll. He cited delays in delivering ballot materials, improper supervision of voting, bribery and interference by security forces which he said had tainted the outcome. In a judgement by nine justices, the head of the Supreme Court, Bart Katureebe, said they had found valid evidence of several malpractices including security interference with Mbabazi's campaigns and late delivery of polling materials, but declined to nullify the result. "We find that there was non-compliance with the principles of free and fair elections," he said. "But we are not satisfied that non-compliance affected the result in a substantial manner... This petition is dismissed." CRITICISM Under Uganda's electoral law someone who alleges malpractices and seeks nullification of the result of a presidential election must prove that the irregularities affected the result in a "substantial manner". Two similar petitions by Besigye in 2001 and 2006 seeking cancellation of Museveni's re-election were dismissed on the same grounds, sparking heavy criticism. Some Western governments which have lauded Museveni in the past for helping in the fight against Islamist militants in Somalia have lately criticised him for clamping down on critics and harassing the opposition. Ugandan political analyst Nicholas Ssengoba told Reuters Museveni's court victory reflected the difficulties the opposition had in gathering evidence. Soon after the petition was filed, thieves broke into two offices of Mbabazi's lawyers and stole some of the evidence. Mbabazi said the theft was probably orchestrated by the police, an allegation the government denied. "There were so many handicaps placed on Mbabazi, they couldn't do much," Ssengoba said. (Reporting by Elias Biryabarema; Editing by Gareth Jones) Photo for illustration (Source: duhochanquoc.net.vn) After Vietnamese students are Mongolian students with 5,262 people (5%), Japan 2,739 people (2.6%), Uzbekistan 1,581 people (1.5%) and Indonesia 1,512 people (1.4%). RoKs Ministry of Justice stated, in terms of the type of visa, the number of overseas students residing in the country under the student visa is 76,949 people (73.2%), while the number with the visa for studying Korean language is 28,238 people (26.8%). The number of overseas students in RoK began to increase sharply from 2015 to 96,357 people. The reason is said to be that universities in the country have implemented various policies to attract students, as well as the positive effects that the Korean culture wave (Hallyu) brings./. The US State Department and the Pentagon have ordered the families of US diplomats and military personnel to leave posts in southern Turkey over "increased threats from terrorist groups". The two agencies said on Tuesday that dependants of US staffers at the consulate in Adana, the Incirlik airbase and two other locations must leave. Pentagon press secretary Peter Cook said no specific threat had triggered the order, but said it was done "out of an abundance of caution". No deadline has been set for families to leave, but he said "this will move very quickly". :: IS Planning 'Imminent' Attack On Jewish Schools In Turkey In a statement, the military's European Command said the step "allows for the deliberate, safe return of family members from these areas due to continued security concerns in the region". The so-called "ordered departure" covers the Adana consulate, US military dependants in Incirlik, Ismir and Mugla, as well as the family of US government civilians at Ismir and Mugla. The State Department has also restricted official travel in the area to only that which is "mission critical". Mr Cook said the order does not affect around 100 family members based in Istanbul and Ankara. The move comes amid heightened security concerns in Turkey brought about by the conflict against Islamic State in Syria and Iraq. Last week, the US State Department issued a travel alert for US citizens in Europe following the terrorist attacks in Brussels, which IS claimed responsibility for. In a statement, European Command said: "We understand this is disruptive to our military families, but we must keep them safe and ensure the combat effectiveness of our forces to support our strong ally Turkey in the fight against terrorism." Incirlik is a critical base in the US-led coalition against IS. Turkey's decision to allow the coalition to conduct airstrikes from the base shortened the time needed for jets to reach Syria and Iraq. Story continues The Pentagon said the order would affect around 680 military family members and some 270 pets. It follows a voluntary withdrawal of staff in Ismir and Mugla in September last year after Turkey announced it would step up its role in the fight against IS. On Tuesday, Sky News' Foreign Affairs Editor Sam Kiley revealed IS was plotting an "imminent" attack targeting Jewish children in the country. Metis, a new Hungarian private equity fund with 100m in capital, is gearing up to to acquire a controlling stake in KKR has agreed to buy into seeds provider Advanta Enterprises in a deal which values the business at about $2.25bn. German Flossbach von Storch has held the first close for its third private equity fund of funds on 75m this month. T Request Williams-Sonoma Privacy Class Action Lawsuit Legal Help Please complete this form to request a review of your complaint by an attorney. First Name Last Name Email Address Phone Number Zip/Postal Code Defendant (Who caused the harm?) Describe Your Complaint Send us your claim There is absolutely no cost to you to submit this form. Doing so places you under no obligations and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Receive our weekly newsletter from our sister publication LawyersandSettlements with the latest lawsuit news and legal information. 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 Modified On Mar 31, 2016 03:42 PM By Sumit for Maruti Baleno 2015-2022 The Baleno is now the most exported car in Maruti Suzukis portfolio. The achievement comes at a time when the premium hatch has been launched in Japan and is ready to explore other international markets as well. The Indo-Japanese carmaker exported 3,400 units of the Baleno in February. The number is substantially higher when compared to other models. Maruti exported 1,645 units of the Alto 800 and 1,425 Swift in the similar period. A chunk of the exported Balenos (1,800 units) has been sent to Japan. Other international markets include Germany, Italy, Belgium, Poland, Slovenia and Spain. Maruti is quite ambitious as far as its plans for the Baleno are concerned. It has announced that it will be exporting the vehicle to more than 100 countries. Target markets include countries like Chile, Paraguay, Colombia, France, Netherlands and Denmark. The Baleno is powered by a 1.2-litre petrol and a 1.3-litre diesel engine. It comes with a 5-speed manual transmission as standard and offers a CVT as an option. Maruti is also planning to introduce a 1.0-litre petrol engine which will be a more powerful and fun alternative to the existing petrol. The Baleno with the BoosterJet engine will take on the Volkswagen GT TSi with 109bhp and 170Nm on tap. The Baleno has proved to be a spectacular success for Maruti Suzuki. The automaker has received more than 1 lakh bookings within six months of launch. Watch First Drive of Maruti Baleno Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Baleno crosses 1 lakh bookings Read More on : Maruti Baleno price Modified On Apr 01, 2016 12:13 PM By Sumit for Volkswagen Ameo Volkswagen (VW) is planning to launch its much-awaited sub-4 metre compact sedan Ameo this June. The car was unveiled at the recently held Auto Expo and created quite a buzz with some of its segment-first features. The fact that the launch date was kept under wraps had added to the excitement around the car. It will be based on the Polo which, given the latters credentials, in our opinion is a good thing. The car will sport 15" alloys like the ones seen on the Polo. The interiors too will be borrowed from the hatch and will be superbly fitted in typical VW style. The overall cabin feel is premium and it will be a nice place to be in. Other important features include a touchscreen infotainment system, a reverse parking camera, electrically folding mirrors and a segment-first cruise control and rain sensing wipers. The vehicle will be manufactured at VWs Chakan facility, Pune. It will be offered in the very familiar 1.2 Petrol and the 1.5 Diesel engines. The former produces 74bhp of power with 110Nm of torque and the latter, 89 horses with 230Nm. On the other hand the Honda Amaze facelift , the Ameos toughest competitor, churns out 87bhp of power with 109Nm from the petrol motor and 99bhp with 200Nm from the diesel. The petrol-powered Ameo may seem underpowered. However, given the platform that the Ameo is based upon, we expect the car to be a fine handler with a pliant ride. Transmission duties for the Volkswagen offering are likely to be carried out by a standard five-speed manual and an optional automatic 7-speed DSG only in the diesel variant. The Ameo will be competing in a highly competitive segment comprising the Ford Figo Aspire, the Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire, the Tata Zest, the Hyundai Xcent and the new Honda Amaze (Check our comparison). If the German carmaker is able to price this product competitively, we expect to see decent sales figures. Watch Showcase Video of Volkswagen Ameo With the Department of Labors (DOL) release of the final fiduciary rule imminent, Congress is stepping up scrutiny of the rulemaking process. Legislative efforts are underway to stop the DOL from implementing the final rule. The DOLs fiduciary rule would expand the definition of fiduciary under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), by redefining the term investment advice to encompass activities that occur within pension and retirement plans, but that do not constitute investment advice under the existing definition of investment advice. The DOLs expanded definition of fiduciary of an employee benefit plan would add brokers and advisers providing advice to IRA owners to the definition. This raises the specter that credit unions that partner with brokers to offer investment advice to IRA owners could become subject to the regulations. The DOL first issued proposed regulations in October 2010, but withdrew them in 2011 in the face of heated opposition from the industry and members of Congress, only to re-propose them in 2015. Last August, the DOL held four days of public hearings on the proposed regulations, hearing from more than 70 witnesses and receiving thousands of comment letters. The Credit Union National Association (CUNA) submitted two comment lettersone prior to the public hearings and another immediately afterto highlight credit union concerns with the proposed regulations. For most credit unions offering brokerage services, compliance with the DOLs proposed rule will fall to the third-party broker that the credit union contracts with to provide the service. Credit union employees who interact with both IRA owners and the third-party broker offering IRA services have a limited role and generally are not involved in selling the products. However, CUNA is concerned that under the proposed regulations, credit unions could be swept into the definition of fiduciary in those instances where the credit unions share employees with the third-party broker. And, that as sponsors of third-party brokers, credit unions could be included in class action lawsuits brought under the DOLs enforcement mechanism when plaintiffs bring actions against multiple parties. CUNA also asked the DOL to consider concerns voiced by a number of witnesses at the public hearings that the proposed regulations may discourage financial institutions from offering opportunities to educate their account owners about saving for retirement and planning for the future. A number of witnesses indicated that the compliance costs associated with the proposed regulations is likely to adversely affect low- and middle-income income households as advisors and brokers focus solely on high net-worth clients. CUNA is concerned that credit union members, who look to their credit unions for information on saving for retirement, may not have access to the financial advice that they need. CUNA wants to ensure that credit union members continue to have opportunities to learn about retirement investment options. A majority staff report of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs also found that middle class households could be adversely affected by the proposed regulations. The report noted that the proposed regulations could increase the price of investment advice and ultimately decrease the availability of advice for low- and middle-income investors. Presumably, after reviewing the comment letters and testimony from the public hearings, amendments to the proposed regulations were made before sending the final rule to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review. Upon completion of the review, Congress will have 60 days to examine the regulation before it can be officially finalized. Congressional efforts are now underway to delay the final rule or scuttle it altogether. Last October, the House of Representatives, by a vote of 245186, passed H.R. 1090, the Retail Investor Protection Act of 2015. Sponsored by Representative Ann Wagner (R-MO), H.R. 1090 addresses concerns that comments from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) were not considered by the DOL in drafting the proposed regulations. H.R. 1090 would delay the final rule until the SEC issues a rule governing standards of conduct for brokers and dealers. Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO) earlier this year introduced a Senate version of the bill. In early February, the House Ways and Means Committee, by a vote of 2612, approved H.R. 4294, the Strengthening Access to Valuable Education and Retirement Support (SAVERS) Act, sponsored by Representatives Peter Roskam (R-IL) and Richard Neal (D-MA), which would require Congress to approve the DOLs final fiduciary rule before it goes into effect. Senator Mark Kirk (R-IL) has introduced a Senate version of the bill. Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA) has introduced similar legislation, the Affordable Retirement Advice Protection Act, which also would require Congressional approval of the DOLs final rule. A companion bill, H.R. 4293, has been introduced in the House. It is unclear whether the full Senate will take action on any of the bills, but even if any of the bills were to pass both the House and Senate, it is a given that President Obama would veto the legislation. And, while there are no guarantees, it is very unlikely that Congress would have enough votes to override the veto, which requires a two-thirds majority in both the House and the Senate. CUNA has sent letters of support to the sponsors of the legislation outlining the concerns that credit unions have with the proposed regulations. CUNA is concerned that the proposed regulations may reduce options for low- and middle-income credit union members to save and invest. CUNA also is concerned that the proposed regulations could negatively affect credit unions that offer investment services through third-party brokers and limit the opportunities for credit unions to educate their members about IRAs and retirement plans. Credit unions would be well-advised to carefully review the final rule once released, especially if they offer investment services through third-party brokers. The Credit Union National Association (CUNA) will build off momentum from the first quarter of 2016, using it to advance credit union advocacy priorities going forward. In particular, CUNA is encouraged by bipartisan efforts from Congress to highlight the regulatory burden facing credit unions, and those same members calling for relief from regulators. In CUNAs latest Advocacy Update video, Chief Advocacy Officer Ryan Donovan highlighted CUNAs numerous successes on the advocacy front so far this year. Most notable are the 329 legislators who called for the CFPB to use its exemption authority and the subsequent requests for regulatory relief language to be inserted into appropriations legislation. At least six legislators have requested CUNA-supported regulatory relief languageeverything from general regulatory relief to raising the member business lending capbe included in appropriations bills. NCUA is inviting public comment on its current investment reporting regulations, specifically whether the reporting requirements on securities, deposits and other investments are necessary and ways to minimize federal credit unions information-collection burden. Comments are due to the agency by May 31. NCUA, through a Federal Register notice, said the information it collects from federal credit unions on their investment programs is used to determine the level of risk within a credit union and actions taken to mitigate such risk; and helps prevent losses to credit unions and the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund. Protest Against the Clinton's Prison Industrial Complex and War Machine Date: Saturday, April 02, 2016 Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Event Type: Protest Organizer/Author: Mark Location Details: Sather Gate at UC Berkeley We are calling on all members of the San Francisco Bay Area community to come out and oppose the Clinton Foundation summit at UC Berkeley on April 2st, 2016. We must not allow the Clintons to put on a dog and pony show at the birthplace of the free speech movement. We must not pretend that they are not part of the many problems we now face today. These Clinton policies must be rejected with active protest. We believe that the Clinton Foundation has been nothing more than the financial arm of the Clinton family which funds their pursuits for power. Despite the good efforts the organization claims to do, it spends the majority of its funds on payroll and travel. Hillary Clinton often appears to make little distinction between her own money and that of the foundations. Of the many speeches she has given to Wall Street she has accepted pay as either revenue or donations to the Clinton Foundation. We know that Secretary Clinton has a record of supporting war and military intervention overseas. These decisions have been disastrous to Americans, particularly minorities who are overrepresented in the military due to increased advertising and recruiting from poor minority neighborhoods. Meanwhile the Clintons, via the Clinton Foundation and other means, have enriched themselves from war. The Foundation received $10 million dollars from the Saudi Arabian government a couple of years before Hillary herself signed off on a deal to sell the Saudi Arabian government over 60 Billion dollars of military weapons, the largest sale in US history. Just two months before Secretary Clinton authorized the deal, Boeing had given the Clinton Foundation $900,000 dollars (Boeing manufactured the F-15s being sold to Saudi Arabia in that arms deal). Since then, the Saudi Arabian government has since been accused of various war crimes and human rights violations. In one attack alone, over 120 people were killed when the Saudis targeted a market place. 20 children died in that attack. The Clintons have been directly responsible for the current incarceral state in America. The archaic 1994 Violent Crime Control ACt pushed through congress at the urging of Hillary Clinton has led to the mass incarceration of black and minority youth in America. The Clintons have sentenced millions of families across America to a life of misery and suffering. Hillarys claims that black youth are super-predators are a deep reflection of her racist past and policies. The Clintons have also benefited financially from the prison system. 39% of prison pop. is black but the black pop. is only 14% in the US. Hillary claims a desire to end mass incarceration yet she has received $130,000 from corporations that operate private for-profit prisons. We are calling for a protest to begin at Sather Gate in UC Berkeley on April 1st, 2016 at 6:00 PM. Join us on April 2st and be part of the movement. Help us distribute this material on Twitter and Facebook. #stopthewarmachine Breitbart reports: Breitbart editor Milo Yiannopoulos has been banned by his own alma mater, the University of Manchester, from participating in a debate on campus about free speech. Manchesters student union also banned Yiannopouloss debate opponent, Julie Bindel, from discussing whether modern feminism has a problem with censorship. Yiannopoulos briefly attended Manchester as a Philosophy undergraduate before dropping out to take up a place at Cambridge. According to their announcement, the student union believes that Yiannopoulos and Bindel could compromise the safety of students by inciting hatred. As reported by award-winning journalist Victoria Brownworth, the same student union could not come to a decision about whether or not to sanction the terrorist group ISIS, but has decided that a lesbian feminist and a gay conservative columnist represent a threat to student safety. The Manchester Student union also invited a Muslim preacher who called for gay people to be killed. Douglas Murray writes at The Telegraph: How many more excuses are we going to make before we face the facts? How many more fifth-rate, sixth-form debates will we have to sit through? Why, whenever any act of Islamist terror is carried out on Western society do we race to ask all the wrong questions, all based on the central fallacy that this is somehow our own fault? We wring our hands and make excuses. And then we blame ourselves. What did we do to make this happen? we ask, time after time. Unfortunately, there are always people on hand eager to feed our self-absorption and ignorance. It is your foreign policy, they say. Perhaps after Brussels people might question this response a little more searchingly. Aside from Bhutan, Belgium probably has the least interventionist foreign policy of any country in the world. True. Other apologists answer that terrorists are moved to blow up trains and gun down people in cafes because they feel disenfranchised and ostracised, with few employment opportunities. This is particularly strange when you consider that there is record unemployment in Southern Europe right now and none of our cities has yet been visited by a jobless Catholic Italian modelling a suicide vest. It is about poverty, excuse-seekers say. Yet nobody from the most deprived estates of Glasgow has yet carried this idea to its illogical conclusion. Its silly that some try to ignore the religious motivation of Islamic terrorism. The problem of Islamic extremism is caused astonishingly enough by Islamic extremism. As France, Belgium and many other societies can now attest, the larger your Muslim population, the larger your Islamic extremism problem. Not because most Muslims are terrorists. Obviously not. But because that small minority we always hear about grows proportionally bigger the larger the community is. What matters is the numbers, the density (thus their ability to hide and be hidden) and the type of Islam that is followed. Given Europes current demographic trajectory this poses a pretty terrifying problem which well have to face up to one day. But in the meantime it remains so much more comfortable to blame the only people were kidding. Ourselves. The type of Islam followed is key. We should reject discrimination against Muslims, but when deciding who is allowed to immigrate to NZ, we should strongly test whether their beliefs are compatible with NZ values. One easy test is whether they support the death penalty for apostasy. Anyone who does should not be allowed to migrate here. Houston, TX Derek Williams has a bone to pick with Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. (MetLife), and as do a number of others in his position, hes doing his picking in the court of law. Williams, a client of MetLife through his employer, accuses the insurer of denying long term disability benefits to which he is entitled and has launched a Derek Williams has a bone to pick with Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. (MetLife), and as do a number of others in his position, hes doing his picking in the court of law. Williams, a client of MetLife through his employer, accuses the insurer of denying long term disability benefits to which he is entitled and has launched a Long term denied disability lawsuit According to the(2/19/16), Williams suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression. The plaintiffs last day on the job with Alpha Natural Resources coincided with his application for disability benefits from MetLife, on August 17, 2012. Williams initially received short-term benefits, only to be denied additional benefits in June of the following year.Williams successfully appealed, with MetLife reversing its denial of additional short-term benefits and subsequently advancing further benefits to the plaintiff.But the story doesnt end there. The plaintiffs Wrongly Denied Disability Claims extend to a denial of long-term benefits, in spite of having met all requirements mandated by the insurer, and in spite of expert medical opinion duly provided by his doctors.Last month, Williams filed a bad faith insurance lawsuit in US District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia at Charleston (Case No. 2:16-cv-01283).Meanwhile, the(1/6/16) reports on a similar long term disability denied lawsuit filed by a computer engineer from Houston. The defendant in this case is Life Insurance Company of North America.According to court documents, plaintiff Wilfred Brasseur, a computer engineer, filed a claim in 2014 for long term disability benefits based on work-related depression and anxiety. Brasseurs psychiatrist recommended both treatment and counseling for his patient, supporting the plaintiffs claim for benefits. However, on May 22, 2014 - a month after Brasseurs application for benefits - his claim was denied.Brasseur filed his lawsuit alleging wrongly denied disability claims December 8 of last year in US District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division (Case No. 4:15-cv-03570).Both plaintiffs seek payment of benefits in accordance with what is contractually their due, together with interest, legal fees and court costs. San Francisco, CA The federal judge in a The federal judge in a California employment lawsuit said in March that the settlement isnt high enough to adequately compensate plaintiffs. The California lawsuit, which was filed by Lyft drivers against the ride-sharing company, alleged drivers were employees and not independent contractors, meaning they should have been paid for overtime, reimbursed for expenses and received other employee benefits. In January, Lyft agreed to settle the lawsuit for $12.25 million, but on reviewing the settlement, Judge Vince Chhabria said the $12.25 million was not enough. According to reports, the $12.25 million settlement was based on Lyfts own driver data. That data put the potential claim for reimbursement at $64 million, which was negotiated down to $12.25 million for the settlement. The reimbursement amount would have been owed to the drivers if they were employees, but because they were independent contractors, they did not receive expense reimbursement for costs such as gas and car maintenance. Based on the settlement amount, each driver would receive an amount less than $60 once attorneys fees and expenses were factored in, according to(3/24/16). Drivers would also receive non-monetary benefits, such as a clause in the contract preventing Lyft from unilaterally ending relationships with drivers.But new data on Lyfts drivers through February 2016 increased the potential reimbursement to $126 million, double what had initially been determined. Judge Chhabria questioned why the settlement amount wasnt based on the larger reimbursement figure. So far, he has not yet ruled on the legitimacy of the settlement, but has questioned whether it is fair for the drivers.And so I wonder if youre now in a position of having to explain why a settlement of $12 million, 30 percent of which you propose to go to the lawyers, is a reasonable settlement, Judge Chhabria said (as quoted in the; 3/25/16), given the true maximum value of the lawsuit, which is somewhere in the neighborhood of $170 million.The Teamsters union also got involved, arguing that the settlement should be rejected because it keeps the drivers as contractors rather than reclassifying them as employees. Unlike independent contractors, employees are eligible for a variety of benefits and protections, including overtime pay, vacation and sick days, and expense reimbursement.The settlement decision will be watched closely by Uber Technologies, which faces similar allegations to Lyft regarding driver misclassification. Lyft has said it believes the settlement is fair.The Lyft lawsuit is, 13-cv-04065, US District Court, Northern District of California (San Francisco). The Uber lawsuit is(13-cv-03826, US District Court, Northern District of California (San Francisco). Boston, MA The makers of Xarelto face accusations from plaintiffs attorneys that they hid information from editors at The New England Journal of Medicine. The New York Times (3/1/16) published an article reporting that a letter, which was written by researchers at Duke University and published by The New England Journal of Medicine, left out vital laboratory data. Lawyers involved in The makers of Xarelto face accusations from plaintiffs attorneys that they hid information from editors atThe(3/1/16) published an article reporting that a letter, which was written by researchers at Duke University and published byleft out vital laboratory data. Lawyers involved in Xarelto lawsuits say that information may have misled editors as to Xareltos safety and/or effectiveness. The letter was published in February, and involved the Alere INRatio Monitor System. That system was used as part of the ROCKET AF trial (Rivaroxaban Once Daily Oral Direct Factor XA Inhibition Compared with Vitamin K Antagonism for Prevention of Stroke and Embolism Trial in Atrial Fibrillation) comparing rivaroxaban (the generic version of Xarelto) with warfarin. In 2014, the Alere INRatio Monitor System was recalled because of abnormal readings. Those abnormal readings could have resulted in warfarin patients having their doses unnecessarily increased, which would have also increased their risk of bleeding events.The ROCKET AF trial found that although there was no significant difference between rivaroxaban and warfarin when it came to the risk of a major bleeding event, rivaroxaban was associated with a decreased risk of bleeding in the brain and fatal bleeding events.In their letter toresearchers at Duke University said they reviewed data and found that possible issues with the Alere INRatio Monitor System did not significantly affect the outcome of the trial.These results are consistent with the overall trial findings and indicate that possible malfunction of the point-of-care device used for INR measurement in the ROCKET AF trialdid not have any significant clinical effect on the primary efficacy and safety outcomes in the trial, researchers wrote in their analysis.But according to the New York Times article, that analysis failed to include vital laboratory data. And while it was the researchers who wrote the letter, lawyers argue the drug companies stayed silent on the issue. Specifically, critics say the researchers method of reviewing their findings involved them guessing which patients might have been affected by the device, rather than comparing device readings with results from a different, central laboratory. In their letter toresearchers omitted information about test results from the central laboratory.At one point, a peer reviewer (an independent reviewer who checks the study design and methodology) asked about lab data to compare INR readings, but no information from the central laboratory was provided.For their part, editors attold thethat they were not aware of additional data, but that they stood by the analysis they published. A spokesperson for Johnson & Johnson told the newspaper that the study was conducted separately from the company.The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reportedly said it would review data concerning the INRatio Monitor system. Meanwhile, the European Medicines Agency has issued a news release on its website that the recalled device did not affect the outcome of the ROCKET AF trial.As of March 15, 2016, there are 4,585 lawsuits consolidated for pretrial proceedings in MDL 2592, In Re: Xarelto (Rivaroxaban) Products Liability Litigation. That the increasing number of people delving into prostitution in Nigeria is a problem cannot be debated, not when the growth of the trade is to a large extent linked the economic hardship which many Nigerians have been forced into. A major call-girl in Lagos state. Beyond hypocrisy and sanctimony, Nigeria definitely needs to look into this growing concern. A night walk in the biggest economic hubs of Nigeria (Lagos, Abuja, Rivers) will leave anyone who still has his right mind intact shocked as to how many women and even men trade their bodies as a source of livelihood. The situation is so bad that even some who have regular day jobs indulge in the trade after their official working hours, plying their trades in bars, clubs, hooker houses, strippers joints in the streets and certain other "lewd" place where revelers and lechers visit. To act as if all is well is to fool ourselves. True there is currently no legal backing for the trade, however, in the redlight zones where the trading activities take place, the authorities and security agents turn a blind eye and watch it thrive. Unions have been formed by the ladies-of-easy-virtues and they continue to push for what they would term "liberation" (the legalization of their trade). READ ALSO: Its no news that Nigeria has one of the highest number of ladies exported or sent abroad for prostitution, with many teenagers caught-up in a storm in which their futures are drowned, forever. This issue which cuts across and beyond cultural values, morals, ethics and religious believes with a sickening undertone of economics and politics intertwined, cannot be shoved aside. Having said that, Nigerians have been reacting to the controversial issue, some seeing things from the moral and religious angle while others take a diverse look at the matter. READ ALSO: Six signs to know if you are dating a covert prostitute Below are what Nigerians have to say about the move to Legalize prostitution in Nigeria, just as countries like such countries as Brazil, Dominican Republic, Israel, Netherlands, Ireland have done. Decency Uche said: "Whoever thinks of legalizing prostitution should first of all think about the dangers ahead. First, your girl child might be the first person to get the certificate of prostitution business. "Secondly, your male child may be the 1st to use your hard earned money to patronize them without being afraid." Still on the moral side of the issue, Nicholas Ibemere said: "No. It's just like asking Nigeria to legalize homosexuality because USA, in all its 'wisdom', did. Let Nigeria stick to its cultural heritage and never compromise on it,for any reason" One Mr Uduma was of the opinion that Nigeria cannot be the first African nation to pass such a bill. According to Nkeiru Nzenwa George, legalizing prostitution is like sending people to an early grave, legalizing this will amount to stamping on abomination, adding to the salt on an existing injury, "even if other country's do it, Nigeria shouldn't," he said. Taking the matter to the government, Chinyere Gift Chukwunyerem said: "PMB should create more better jobs for youths if that is done, then prostitution will reduce drastically." Gurpreet Singh said: "Government must look into the matter of employment, legalizing prostitution will be proof of acceptance and approval of wrong things in the society. It must be banned and everybody must try to get a honest job." Obiora Chukwudubem noted that legalizing prostitution is just like legalizing child marriage. READ ALSO: After one round with Delta prostitute, read the unbelievable thing that happened to businessman In aversion to the moralist and religious takes on the controObiiversial issue, Gaddafi Avutu noted that "This trade has gone beyond being legalized or not. Married women, grandmothers, children, and many more are engaged in this. The era of street prostitutes has been taken over by organized prostitution using the high and higher institutions as fronts. Come into town and whisper that you want a girl, you will be asked how many you want. Get a girl and she will ask if she should bring her friends. The competition between married women and single ones is so fierce now. Men also engage in prostitution but due to the fact that most girls see prostitution as the only quick means of making money, the blame hammer falls more on them." READ ALSO: Popular Nollywood actors ex-girlfriend arrested for prostitution in US (photos) Okpala Nnamdi Collins said: "What are we talking about? These people have associations so which approvals do you think they still need? Make una just tell una self the truth because the way it is now, it's no longer secret something so they have the green card it has been legalized long ago you people can't deceive me." An obviously angered Mekalivs Benson said: "Why will they not prostitute?, Is there any job or work in this country for the poor people, that do not belong to APC, or PDP family?" Rex Xander was of the opinion that Nigerians are religious, but not Godly. "If all this people condemning prostitution are as good as they sound there will be no problem in Nigeria. Hypocrites, stop deceiving yourselves, you cannot go to heaven by pretending to be upright. Now, to the question , Yes!," Xander stressed. Onileowo Tolu was of the opinion that the trade should be legalised. Tolu noted that the only thing that can't be legalised, is anything that caused negative effect to one's immediate neighbor. "As far as I am concerned, prostitution is not in anyway endangering our lives, so it should be legalized." READ ALSO: For not performing up to expectations sexually, read what man did to prostitute In conclusion, for some its a capital "NO!" for others it has always been there and needs no one to legalise it, some others can't care less if it is legalised especially because of the economic problems. However, there is more to this issue than meets the eye, one would notice that the issue of legalizing prostitution in Nigeria can still raise issues on gender equality, child and human trafficking, women rights and child abuse, rape and child marriages etc. In the end we realise that there is alot that the government of the day must do in changing the society, however, the people must like Ghandi begin to be the change that they expect to see. Democracy is a government of the people, and in the end the government is the people. What the people decide cannot be denied them. READ ALSO: MUST READ! Lamentations of Lagos prostitutes, read how much they now charge READ ALSO: Delta babe was caught sleeping with her friends man, you wont believe what happened to her READ ALSO: Ways of toasting a girl in Nigeria Source: Legit.ng President Muhammadu Buhari may be the most powerful person in Nigeria by virtue of his position, however, there are some people he holds in high esteem. For this reason, many have insisted that the president cannot touch these people regardless of whatever wrong the Nigerian public has associated their names with. These people, also, are part of the shakers and movers of the Nigerian political scene, although occasionally from the background, they are behind certain decisions made by President Buhari (which Nigerians get to see). Legit.ng has compiled a list of seven such people and present them below: 1. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo Touted as one of Nigeria's strongest politicians ever, Obasanjo, a former Nigerian president, is one of the 'untouchable' Nigerians in this age. Despite the fact that many calls have been made by many Nigerians and different groups for the probe of the former military ruler, he has never for once been invited for questioning by the anti-graft agencies over any form of misappropriation. He has also been within the corridors of power since he became Nigeria's democratically-elected president in 1999. Chief Obasanjo, a respected Ogun high chief, has also parleyed with every president who has emerged he left the post. Ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo wants Nigerians to shun violence and embrace peace. 2. Major General Abdulsalami Abubakar His eleven-month rule over Nigeria (from June 1998-May 1999), especially because of the manner in which he relinquished power to a civilian, has earned him a legendary status in Nigeria. Whether or not he is guilty of any form of corrupt act, Abdulsalami has overseen many of the conflict resolution committees in the country, and was also reportedly among those who aided ex-president Goodluck Jonathan in making that invaluable call to President Muhammadu Buhari to concede defeat in last year's presidential election. And despite the fact that his name has been consistently mentioned in the infamous Halliburton scandal, there has not been any reason for him to be invited over for questioning. Abdulsalami Abubakar says natonal untiy needed to help the govt fight Boko Haram. 3. Ex-president Goodluck Jonathan Nigeria's former president's administration has been termed the most corrupt in the country's history, this is no longer news, but Nigerians have been stunned that he is yet to be invited by the anti-graft. Such was the corruption under his administration that The Economist referred to him as an ineffectual buffoon for watching his ministers and cronies swindle monies under his watchful eyes. The reason for this is not far fetched, he is one of the most powerful Nigerians who remain untouchable for the present Nigerian president. Unconfirmed sources revealed that one of the reasons he made that call to President Buhari after losing the March 2015 presidential election, was because he had been promised a soft-landing as soon as he relinquishes power smoothly. After his loss, he has been invited to countless events, where he has been asked to mentor upcoming leaders, as well as other African leaders on peace and conflict resolution. Ex-president Jonathan is not under investigation, but many of his ex team members are 4. Atiku Abubakar One of those fingered in the Halliburton case, Nigeria's former vice president is surely one of the most powerful Nigerians in this generation. He is not just one of the stakeholders in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku ranks as one of those who make decisions in the northern part of the country. There were even reports that there was friction between him and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the 2019 presidency, as he was believed to have started parleying with some of his loyalists to take over from President Buhari. But, in spite of all the claims made against Atiku, President Buhari is said to hold him in high esteem and cannot seem to find any fault against him. Atiku is also one of the many philanthropic Nigerians, and this gesture has endeared him to many. Atiku's reputation may help him as the year 2019 draws closer 5. General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida Another name mentioned in the infamous Halliburton Scandal, General Babangida is another Nigerian who remains ever powerful. Fondly referred to as 'Maradona', the former Military president has been acting behind the scene since he left office in 1993. He is mostly famous in the Nigerian political sphere for his annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential which late Moshood Kashimawo Abiola was believed to have won among other corruption allegations. Many groups and bodies have called for his probe as they believe his regime was the most corrupt of all former Nigerian military heads, but like others on this list, he remains one of those President Buhari is yet to invite for questioning. Perhaps, a day is coming when the Halliburton scandal would be reopened and he would be mentioned for questioning. But at the moment, he remains an untouchable political figure operating from the background. Ex-military president, Ibrahim Babangida is also among those fingered in the Halliburton scandal. 6. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu The Jagaban of Borgu, as he is fondly called, is arguably the most powerful politician in the country at this moment. The former two-term governor of Lagos state and national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), almost single-handedly oversaw the ouster of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2015 general elections and has attained a legendary status in the country (especially among Yorubas) ever since. But, then, he has been plagued with series of controversial allegations. Many believe that he has many skeletons in his cupboard, but then he has never been convicted of committing any corrupt act. He remains one of the shakers of Nigeria's economy and about the greatest decision maker in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) despite the fact that he is only a national leader of the party. Some Nigerians even believe that he is as strong as President Buhari or even stronger. 7. Rotimi Amaechi He is touted as the Lion of Niger Delta, Rotimi Amaechi is one of Nigeria's most rugged politicians. Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers state, is Nigeria's minister of transport, having gone through a stern screening session at the National Assembly. His screening was postponed severally because there were reports of corruption allegations against him from certain quarters in his native Rivers state, but when it eventually held, Amaechi noted publicly that he had never collected bribe in his life. President Buhari had been asked to probe the former Speaker of the Rivers state House of Assembly, for corruption as many also believe he dug into the state's coffers to ensure the APC won the last general elections, a major reason sources say the president cannot probe him. About two weeks ago, there was violence in the Niger Delta state and Amaechi was in the state and allegedly contributed to the malpractice in the election. Yet, the president still rates him as one of his most trusted allies, especially within the APC caucus. Maybe the former governor would be invited for questioning in the coming months, but as things stand now, President Buhari cannot still touch him. Minister Amaechi is often referred to as "the Lion of Niger Delta" Do you agree with this list? Any addition or subtraction? Source: Legit.ng It looks like nothing was found at this location. Maybe try a search? Search for: Search In the Renault Group of companies, Renault India ranks 7th, as far as sales are concerned. This has been made possible only due to the new Kwid. Yes, the new small car from Renault India has succeeded in unsettling the small car stronghold of Maruti Suzuki India. Offered in a choice of petrol 800 cc and a 1.0 liter engine option, Kwid sales today average at about 10,000 units a month. This when you consider the fact that Renault Indias monthly sales are about 13,000 units. You get the picture, that how important new Kwid is for Renault India. First launched back in September 2015, the new Kwid was only offered with a 800 cc petrol engine mated to a 5 speed manual transmission. Today, the Kwid is offered with a 1.0 liter engine option as well. This option comes mated either with a 5 speed MT or a AMT gearbox. Kwid AMT was launched a few months back, and as expected, has brought a boost in sales for Renault India even further. Until now, the 1.0 liter option was offered only with the top-end RxT trim. Renault India has now announced the launch of 1.0 liter variant with manual as well as AMT gearbox with the RxL trim as well, making it more affordable for customers who want the more powerful variant of Renault Kwid. Price of Kwid RxL starts from INR 3.68 lakh, ex-Delhi. The 800 cc engine is rated to deliver 53 bhp @ 5678 RPM and 72 Nm @ 4386 RPM while the 1.0 liter mill delivers 67 bhp @ 5500 RPM and 91 Nm @ 4250 RPM. Mileage claimed by the manual variants stand at 25.17 kmpl, 23.01 kmpl, while the AMT variant claims to deliver 24.04 kmpl. Also read Carlos Ghosn confirms CMF-A sedan and crossover Loaded with best in class features, and offering more space than any other car in the segment, Kwid sales continue to increase. The Renault Kwid has surpassed 170,000 bookings so far in India, meaning that the waiting period now extends up to 9 months in some cases. Overall sales of Kwid in India have crossed the 1.3 lakh mark. Also Read Renault Kwid 800 cc review Renault Kwid 1.0 liter MT and AMT review Spanning over 6.5 lakh square feet of floor space, the 2019 BIMS featured 33 car companies and 14 motorcycle makers from China, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, UK, and USA, most of whom had something new to unveil to the market. More than 10 new models were launched at the event. The car brands included Chevrolet and Ford from the USA, Hyundai and KIA from Korea, Honda, Isuzu, Lexus, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki and Toyota from Japan, and Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Land Rover, Maserati, McLaren, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Porsche, Rolls-Royce and Volvo from Europe. There were two electric vehicle manufacturers, namely FOMM and MIND. This edition of the Bangkok International Motor Show also marks the inaugural participation of one of the worlds most envied supercar brand McLaren. The motorcycle brands that were present at the show included GPX, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Triumph, Vespiario and Yamaha. Mr. Jaturont Komolmis, Executive Committee / Chief Operating Officer of Grand Prix International Public Company Limited and the Vice Chairman of the 40th Bangkok International Motor Show revealed that the total number of visitors at 2019 Bangkok Motor Show was 1.6 million people, close to that of the previous year. He added that The booking of cars and motorcycles generated within the event this year, has a total amount of 49,278 units, which is divided into 37,769 cars, 5,343 motorcycle, while those brands of Electric Vehicle or EV gain 6,166 units. Mr. Komolmis went on to reveal that the SUV was the most popular segment in terms of sales at the motor show, with an average booking of around 30 percent. There was also a good amount of response in the luxury segment, with a recorded booking of 5,055 units this year. The other segments like pickup trucks, double-cab pickups, passenger cars, etc had a similar trend as before. Considering the sales brand-wise, Toyota received the highest bookings among all other brands, with a tally of 6,110 units. Mazda turned up second in the ranking with a booking total of 5,211 units. Honda closed the show 4,910 reservations, claiming the third spot. The fourth place was held by Mitsubishi with 3,019 units, while Isuzu scored fifth with 2,715 units. The EV maker MINE Mobility bagged 4,500 bookings at the BIMS 2019, while FOMM received 1,666 orders. In the motorcycle segment, Honda sealed the deal at the top spot with 1,274 units. Yamaha came a not-so-close second with total reservations 723 units. The third place best was Kawasaki with 539 units booked at the show. All these incredible orders were received by the companies in just 14 days of the Motor Show. Dr. Prachin Eamlumnow, Chairman of the 40th Bangkok International Motor Show says The Bangkok International Motor Show has been internationally recognized as the Greatest Motor Show of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Talking about the growth and future of Thai automotive market, Dr. Prachin shared that Thailand is expected to produce over 2.2 million units in 2019 a growth of 4% from 2018, among which around one million will reflect in domestic sales and the remaining 1.2 million will be exported. He added that the Thai government will be introducing a tax rebate to promote the use of clean energy vehicles. This will see Thai consumers accepting such innovative products more quickly. The industry will see the growth in the Plug-in Hybrid vehicle, Electric Vehicle (EV), Eco-Car and Eco-Hybrid sectors, he says. Mr. Komolmis says that there is a fast-growing acceptance of electric vehicles in Thailand. We see that more and more vehicles from the green energy segment have been introduced and sold lately by many brands, he added. Every year, tens of millions of individuals across Europe undergo endoscopic procedures to assist with the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal diseases. However, significant variation in current endoscopy provision across Europe has been reported1, with back-to-back colonoscopy studies demonstrating that a concerning 22% of all adenomas are missed and that a three-to-six fold variation in adenoma detection is present between endoscopists2. This inconsistent provision, coupled with improved first-line screening methods, has created a requirement to improve the quality of endoscopy services as endoscopy of a high quality have been shown to deliver superior health outcomes, better patient experience and fewer repeat procedures3. United European Gastroenterology (UEG) and The European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) have therefore published a joint paper which identifies a need for change and outlines the first phase of a series of recommendations for improvements in quality standards of endoscopy. UEG endoscopy specialist Professor Thierry Ponchon, who is a member of the ESGE Quality Improvement Committee, welcomes the publication of new standards. "Endoscopy services throughout Europe are at a critical point at the current time. We must make improvements in the quality of service for our patients a major and immediate priority. Our aim is achieve high quality standards for endoscopy throughout Europe over the next two years and create a thriving community of endoscopy services for all." Central to any endoscopy practice is the endoscopy report, which facilitates the exchange of essential information such as the endoscopy findings and clinical recommendations. As with many forms of medical records, endoscopy reports are traditionally unstructured and utilise free text, which acts as a barrier for quality assurance and increases the difficulty in comparing and translating records. In facilitating UEG and ESGE's vision and to ensure the continuous measurement of endoscopy quality for patients, ten requirements for endoscopic reporting systems have been outlined and published in the April issue of the UEG Journal4: Endoscopy reporting systems must be electronic. Endoscopy reporting systems should be integrated into hospital patient record systems. Endoscopy reporting systems should include patient identifiers to facilitate data linkage to other data sources. Endoscopy reporting systems shall restrict the use of free text entry to a minimum, and be based mainly on structured data entry. Separate entry of data for quality or research purposes is discouraged. Automatic data transfer for quality and research purposes must be facilitated. Double entry of data by the endoscopist or associate personnel is discouraged. Available data from outside sources (administrative or medical) must be made available automatically. Endoscopy reporting systems shall enable the inclusion of information on: a. Histopathology of detected lesions b. Patient's satisfaction c. Adverse events d. Surveillance recommendations. Endoscopy reporting systems must facilitate easy data retrieval at any time in a universally compatible format. Endoscopy reporting systems must include data fields for key performance indicators as defined by quality improvement committees. Endoscopy reporting systems must facilitate changes in indicators and data entry fields as required by professional organisations. Professor Matthew Rutter, Chair of the ESGE Quality Improvement Committee, comments, "The implementation of appropriate information technology infrastructure, based around electronic endoscopy reporting systems, is an important step in quality improvement. Units should ensure that they have, and use, such a system -- both to capture endoscopic data and create structured endoscopy reports, and to permit standardized performance measure reporting." References Unmanned ships have received relatively little media attention compared to aerial drones and self-driving cars. Researchers in Korea have been developing technologies to enable and facilitate the realization of unmanned autonomous ships in the near future. Unmanned ships (i.e. robotic ships or drone ships) have received relatively little media attention compared to aerial drones and self-driving cars. However, their potential benefit and impact to scientific, defense, and industrial applications could be immense. Researchers at Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) have been developing technologies to enable and facilitate the realization of unmanned autonomous ships in the near future. Aerial drones and self-driving cars have been prominently featured in news headlines lately. Although there are numerous technical challenges and skepticism in fully replacing manned vehicle systems with unmanned ones, their common appearance in our daily lives does not seem to be very far away. Compared to unmanned aerial and ground vehicles, relatively little public attention has been paid to unmanned robotic ships, which are more commonly known as unmanned surface vessels (USVs). In fact, USVs have long attracted research interest in defense sectors for their applicability toward unmanned reconnaissance and surveillance missions. Recently, greater emphasis has been placed on USV intelligence and autonomy, and, in particular, USV usage in scientific and industrial applications has been more seriously investigated. In line with this, the inaugural Maritime RobotX Challenge (MRC), sponsored by the U.S. Office of Naval Research (ONR), was held in Singapore in 2014. The competition was composed of five mission tasks that were designed considering the capability and potential applicability of USVs in the future. Intelligence was a key factor, and all the mission tasks were required to be performed autonomously with no human intervention. Team "Angry Nerds" led by Prof. Jinwhan Kim in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at KAIST participated in the competition. After a fierce week-long competition, the KAIST team advanced to the final and took the second place out of 15 teams from many universities including KAIST, Seoul National University, MIT, University of Tokyo, and National University of Singapore. The KAIST research team has continued to carry out research projects for developing USV system technologies, funded by the Korean government. The team has been particularly focusing on developing vehicle autonomy and perception capabilities by fusing various sensor information. The developed USV system is expected to be applied to time-consuming and/or dangerous operations in marine environments such as hydrographic surveys, environmental monitoring, illegal fishing control, pollution management, and search and rescue. The team is also pursuing research towards automation of commercial ships for improved operational safety and efficiency. This has been an important issue in marine shipbuilding and transportation industries with increasing labor and energy costs and the new energy efficiency regulations imposed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Major research institutions and companies in Europe are already devoting great research effort, and KAIST has been trying to support the world's leading Korean shipbuilding industries to maintain their competitiveness and initiatives in next-generation shipping technology. Two astronomers at Columbia University in New York suggest humanity could use lasers to conceal the Earth from searches by advanced extraterrestrial civilisations. Professor David Kipping and graduate student Alex Teachey make the proposal in a paper in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. Several prominent scientists, including Stephen Hawking, have cautioned against humanity broadcasting our presence to intelligent life on other planets. Other civilisations might try to find Earth-like planets using the same techniques we do, including looking for the dip in light when a planet moves directly in front of the star it orbits. These events -- transits -- are the main way that the Kepler mission and similar projects search for planets around other stars. So far Kepler alone has confirmed more than 1,000 planets using this technique, with tens of these worlds similar in size to the Earth. Kipping and Teachey speculate that alien scientists may use this approach to locate our planet, which will be clearly in the 'habitable zone' of the Sun, where the temperature is right for liquid water, and so be a promising place for life. Hawking and others are concerned that extraterrestrials might wish to take advantage of the Earth's resources, and that their visit, rather than being benign, could be as devastating as when Europeans first travelled to the Americas. The two authors of the new study suggest that transits could be masked by controlled laser emission, with the beam directed at the star where the aliens might live. When the transit takes place, the laser would be switched on to compensate for the dip in light. According to the authors, emitting a continuous 30 MW laser for about 10 hours, once a year, would be enough to eliminate the transit signal, at least in visible light. The energy needed is comparable to that collected by the International Space Station in a year. A chromatic cloak, effective at all wavelengths, is more challenging, and would need a large array of tuneable lasers with a total power of 250 MW. "Alternatively, we could cloak only the atmospheric signatures associated with biological activity, such as oxygen, which is achievable with a peak laser power of just 160 kW per transit. To another civilisation, this should make the Earth appear as if life never took hold on our world," said Alex. As well as cloaking our presence, the lasers could also be used to modify the way the light from the Sun drops during a transit to make it obviously artificial, and thus broadcast our existence. The authors suggest that we could transmit information along the laser beams at the same time, providing a means of communication. David comments: "There is an ongoing debate as to whether we should advertise ourselves or hide from advanced civilisations potentially living on planets elsewhere in the Galaxy. Our work offers humanity a choice, at least for transit events, and we should think about what we want to do." Given that humanity is already capable of modifying transit signals, it may just be that aliens have had the same thought. The two scientists propose that the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI), which mostly currently looks for alien radio signals, could be broadened to search for artificial transits. Especially with improved chances of survival from severe combat trauma, plastic surgeons play a critical role in managing injuries sustained in modern warfare, suggests an experience at a combat hospital in Afghanistan described in the April issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). "This study shows that if plastic surgeons are deployed as part of a military surgical team, they contribute to a large proportion of the surgical activity," according to the report by Dr. Shehan Hettiaratchy and colleagues of the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Birmingham. Plastic Surgeons Involved in 40 Percent of Combat Trauma Cases The researchers analyzed the activity of British plastic surgeons deployed to a military hospital in Afghanistan (the Role 3 Medical Treatment Facility at Camp Bastion) from 2009 to 2012. The study included information on more than 1,650 surgical cases, representing different surgeons and changes in combat activity, wound patterns, and hospital mission. Overall, plastic surgeons were involved in 40 percent of cases--a figure that remained about the same throughout the experience. International coalition forces accounted for about 40 percent of plastic surgery cases, Afghan National Security Forces for 20 percent, and civilians for the remaining 40 percent. One-third of civilian cases were children. Most plastic surgery cases involved the limbs, reflecting the high rate of injuries caused by blasts from improvised explosive devices (IEDs)--the "signature wounding mechanism" of the war in Afghanistan, according to the authors. However, plastic surgeons were also involved in cases involving injuries to other body areas, including the head and neck, the face and eyes, and the trunk. "This demonstrates the breadth of surgical expertise required of a military plastic surgeon," Dr. Hettiaratchy and colleagues write. In about two-thirds of cases, plastic surgeons worked on teams alongside orthopedic and general surgeons. Plastic surgery involvement was similar for patients who were and were not wearing combat body armor when injured. Most plastic surgery cases were classified as debridement--removal of damaged or contaminated tissue. Relatively few procedures involved surgery to save a limb or surgical reconstruction. This reflected the emphasis on transferring injured soldiers for staged surgery and definitive reconstruction away from the combat zone. Reconstruction was more likely to be done in Afghan soldiers or civilians. The need for plastic surgeons reflects the injury patterns sustained in modern warfare--particularly the multiple limb injuries caused by IEDs. "In previous conflicts, this severity of injury was not as survivable," according to Dr. Hettiaratchy and colleagues. Advances in prehospital and acute care have increased the chances of survival for individuals with multiple severe injuries. For these injured fighters, the researchers write, "Survival is not enough....It is essential that the maximum functional outcome is achieved for each injured limb." While the experience can't prove that plastic surgery expertise improves patient outcomes, it strongly support the value of the diverse skills of plastic surgeons in treating the severe and extensive injury patterns characteristic of modern combat. "This study shows that a team consisting of plastic, orthopedic and general surgeons can manage almost all injuries sustained in modern conflict using their normally-practiced and therefore maintained skill sets," Dr. Hettiaratchy and colleagues conclude. The passing of the Radio New Zealand Amendment Bill ensures the iconic broadcaster is better equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities of a multi-media era, says Broadcasting Minister Amy Adams. This Bill strongly reaffirms RNZs role as an independent, commercial-free, public service broadcaster, providing it with the freedom to speak for and comment on New Zealand society, Ms Adams says. The new Charter setting out RNZs purpose is up-to-date and flexible. Section 8 of the Bill, covering the revised Charter, provides the multi-media broadcaster with the impetus to take advantage of the most effective means of delivery to reach its audiences. This multiplatform approach sees RNZs services, whether it be podcasts, live streaming or a smartphone app, tailored to meet audience needs. This framework ensures RNZ is fit for purpose and the Bill reflects its role as a responsive public broadcaster operating in a multi-media landscape. The Bill also clearly defines what it means for RNZ to be commercial-free. Operating without sponsorship or advertising ensures that its content does not disappear behind a pay wall. Additionally the Bill sees a change to how often the Charter must be reviewed by Parliament. This remains at five-yearly intervals, but only takes place five years after any review has been completed and any changes made. RNZ now has some room to explore opportunities for strategic partnerships and audience-building through content, without losing any integrity as a public service provider. Ms Adams said the review and subsequent changes to the Charter confirm the service and range and breadth of content New Zealanders expect from their public radio. RNZ continues to grow its audience base across all platforms, with a live-listening audience of over 560,000 per week and 4.2 million items downloaded in 2014/15 (up from 3.5 million the previous year). In 2014/15, radionz.co.nz page views reached 36 million (15 million higher than the previous year) and users of the RNZ mobile app grew by some 50 per cent, Ms Adams says. This Bill ensures RNZ will have greater freedom to explore new media platforms and extend its reach, in turn providing greater value for every dollar spent on RNZs content. Source: Office of Amy Adams. Surviving in the wild can be a challenge for pets who are accustomed to the luxuries of domestic life. But one gigantic cat became a stray and didn't just survive - he was able to maintain his weight at a whopping 20 pounds. Those actions made Goliath, master stray, something of an internet sensation back in 2007. This browser does not support the video tag. YouTube/The Oregonian So how'd he manage to keep on all that weight when nobody was feeding him? "He was sneaking into this woman's garage eating the dog food," Barbara Baugnon, marketing communications director for the Oregon Humane Society (OHS), told The Dodo. She believes that for most of the six months that Goliath had been separated from his owner, he'd been going to town on the food he found. As clever as the scheme was, it eventually led to him getting caught. He was found stuck in the doggy door he used to reach the dog food. The homeowner called OHS to help remove him from the door and bring him to the shelter. Dodo Shows Wild Hearts Guy And Wild Shark Have Been Best Friends For Decades On the left, 20-pound Goliath, and to the right, a relatively more average-sized kitten | Oregon Humane Society It was that day that OHS took him in and named him Goliath. That very night, he became a star after a feature on the local evening news. This browser does not support the video tag. YouTube/The Oregonian "It's not often that we get a cat that heavy," Baugnon recalled. "He was a good boy. He loved attention. He loved food." And people loved Goliath. "I don't know why, but it became a sensation over here in Portland," Baugnon said, before taking a guess at what exactly drew folks to Goliath's story. "People love fat cats here." This browser does not support the video tag. YouTube/The Oregonian Goliath's owner saw the story on television that night and instantly recognized his cat. The very next day, he came into OHS with photographic evidence that the cat was indeed his. "When the owner stepped forward, we found out his name was Hercules," said Baugnon. They also learned the story behind how Goliath, aka Hercules, had become separated from his home. Six months prior, the cat's owner had traveled to Canada for a double-lung transplant. During that time, Hercules ran away from the pet sitter who was caring for him back at home. "The only reason why he pulled through was because he loved his cat so much," Baugnon said of the owner. This browser does not support the video tag. YouTube/The Oregonian Although Hercules' stay at OHS only lasted one night, he and his owner became regulars. Over the following years, they returned to give talks to the OHS' summer camp program about the importance of organ donation and, of course, cat fitness.

Twitter/Animal Protection

A lion named Mohawk, one of the most beloved big cats in Kenya, was killed Wednesday. He escaped from Nairobi National Park and ended up injuring a bystander - so wildlife rangers shot him. WARNING: Graphic images below. The lion, who earned his name because his mane is reminiscent of a punk-rock haircut, was a real crowd-pleaser at the park, the New York Times reports. He was 13 years old. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) explained on Twitter Thursday that it sent a veterinary and security team to the area where Mohawk was found, about 35 miles south of Nairobi. The team was not equipped with tranquilizers - only rifles. Dodo Shows Faith = Restored Rescued Wild Horse Loves To Play With A Little Donkey A second team was on its way with tranquilizers as the first group stood guard. A crowd soon gathered to gawk at Mohawk, which "brought about a visible agitation in the lion due to the rowdiness and size of the crowd." An estimated 400 people ended up watching the increasingly dramatic scene. Mohawk grew more and more agitated and charged at a cluster of people, injuring a man on a motorcycle, the Associated Press reports. That's when the officers shot him "to avert injuries or at worst, deaths to members of the public," according to KWS. The news of Mohawk's death prompted swift internet outrage, echoing concerns about another beloved lion you may remember named Cecil. People were not pleased with how this was handled. "It's a lion's natural instinct to protect itself if threatened, which Mohawk was forced to do," World Animal Protection said in a statement Thursday. "It is tragic that his life ended this way, and like many, we want answers of why rangers were not prepared and ready to protect Mohawk." The following video captures Mohawk's final moments: An official website of the United States Government My first clear memory is of my father being booed, writes Tin House magazine co-founder Rob Spillman at the beginning of this convivial, page-turning memoir. From there, the levels of critical appraisal and occasional humiliation only get deeper, as Spillman repeatedly throws himself into the abyss. Which abyss? Propelled by restlessness and a genuinely heroic amount of absinthe, he might say any abyss will do. All Tomorrows Parties recounts two timelines of intense travel. In his childhood, he bounces between Berlin and the United States, the locales of his divorced parents, while trying to piece together the mysteries of identity his own and his fathers. In the second, he and his wife, writer Elissa Schappell, tumble through the ruins and artistic potential of post-wall, pre-unification East Berlin. Each story is about the roller-coaster ride of attempting that hardest of artistic challenges: to experience something, to belong somewhere and to bring back an account like a trophy hunter. He opens each chapter with a quotation, generally about the artistic impulse, and a soundtrack song that is supposed to illuminate the text. In this way, Spillman lays down a gauntlet for himself, as the life had better live up to the statements by Paul Bowles and Rimbaud and the music of Johnny Cash and Sonic Youth. For the most part, it does. That booing sound occurs in Berlin, in 1969, which even a 4-year-old recognizes as a creative mecca punctuated by guard towers with machine-gun turrets. Passing through Checkpoint Charlie, and the attendant fear, makes him grow up as an adrenaline junkie. He leans into harms way so often that the multiple car crashes toward the end of the narrative are cathartic in a way that only J.G. Ballard might comprehend. Much of this made an eerie read for me, as his education as an artist is weirdly similar to my own (long-distance flights as an unaccompanied minor; slam-dancing as a sign of full commitment; discovering the Paris Review Writers at Work series; a bookstore job at a crucial moment). He worries just as much as I did why he was cursed to be born at the wrong time and place and invokes the familiar cringe-worthy hope that everything he and his friends do together glowed with importance. He has those postcards of Ginsberg and Burroughs and Bowles, and at a hopeful moment a friend says, I wonder what the postcards of us will look like. Ouch. I wondered, too. But Spillman also struggles with something darker here. Watching the audience and the cast react joyously to the music of The Magic Flute, he feels nothing and plummets into worrying that he has no soul. The authentic experience he craves seems to be just out of reach. Thus Berlin calls him back: If I could get it right, he says, I would return to being a Berliner, which would define me and make me real, not some nebulous amalgam of other peoples histories and creations. At times, this citing of literary forebears became actually dangerous. In search of the punk/artist/squatter life, Spillman takes a terrifying walk into a den of soldiers and almost gets himself and his wife killed. But he doesnt register that. Would Joseph Conrad, George Orwell, Jack Kerouac, or Ken Kesey turn back? he asks. I dont think so. Author Rob Spillman. (Foster Mickey) Its an endearing thing, that self-doubt wrapped in the desire to be legendary. Ironically, it might be the least legendary moments that most bring his travels to life. When he and Schappell go to Pamplona, the real danger occurs not with the running of the bulls but later, when an intimidating man asks her to dance. One of the best set pieces involves Spillman attempting to get a laundromat to do his laundry in the ruins of East Berlin. With the enthusiasm of a romantic finally in the right place at the right time, he realizes that when capitalism comes, if these guys havent figured out how to do laundry the way the West does it, theyre doomed. Alas, even this tiny quest is quixotic, the dryers spin like windmills, and Spillman learns a hard lesson about how little valiant intent matters when faced with intractable mind-sets. Need I add that this scene tips us casually to Spillman launching himself as the editor of a literary magazine? Now, about those quotations and songs. Im not fond of them as they accrue. I begin to understand that phrase the anxiety of influence. Spillman begins one chapter with this: Put down the pen someone else gave you. No one ever drafted a life worth living on borrowed ink Jack Kerouac. Great quotation, and its use is sly, a Mobius strip of implications that Spillman doesnt need. I want to assure him, as Ive assured myself: Worrying about having the experience is the experience. It just happens that life is fabulously anxious. Writers are not the ones invited to the dance. Were the ones with our noses to the window, wondering about the people who seem to be having such a good time. Spillmans life is a good one to read, and when people start to quote from it, the dance will continue. Glen David Gold is the author of the novels Carter Beats the Devil and Sunnyside. Ron Charles will be back next week. Jared Nielsen, 37, of the District creates a mechanical automata in the Fab Lab, a makers space on the second floor of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library in downtown Washington. (Mary F. Calvert/For The Washington Post) On a Saturday afternoon, a group of teenagers plays with batteries, wire and soldering irons that can reach temperatures of 600 degrees in a room on the second floor of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library known as the Fab Lab. Its a maker space lined with equipment such as a laser cutter and something called a DIWire that bends thin strips of metal. The kids seem honored that theyve been trusted to use these tools (with supervision, of course) to re-create a sculpture, made up of tangled metal bits and lights run on watch batteries, that looks like a deconstructed Christmas tree. Folks come in to start or check on 3-D printer projects: a man making costume accessories he sells on eBay, and another guy creating a figurine. In the hallway, a man who appears to be homeless eyes the crafters curiously as they leave the lab. What is that? he asks me, smiling as he inspects a sculpture. When he catches sight of the watch batteries, he says, I have a few of those! and pulls a handful from his pockets. He doesnt stick around, though, and heads for the lobby. Maker spaces have been popping up in public libraries for the past five years. As spending on collections has gone down, theyve become a way to make libraries relevant, even indispensable, to patrons who can get books and information with a click. [Meet the man who is turning D.C.s library system into a national model] But the experience of the Fab Lab at MLK has raised questions about the extent to which such spaces support a core mission of public libraries to help equalize access to knowledge and technology. Tools and objects made in the Fab Lab, which requires users to complete a 10-minute orientation. (Mary F. Calvert/For The Washington Post) MLK draws more homeless people than any other branch in the system. City-funded buses drop scores of them at the library each morning and pick them up at days end to take them to shelters. Terry Lynch, executive director of the Downtown Cluster of Congregations, which provides services to the homeless, says as a result MLK is a de facto drop-in homeless center. D.C. Public Library is one of a handful of systems nationwide to employ a full-time homeless coordinator, a licensed social worker who helps homeless people get services and trains library staff to deal sensitively with them. [D.C. adds a social worker to work with homeless library patrons] Ray Hicks is a regular user of the Digital Commons a giant computer lab on the ground floor especially in the winter. Id be out here all night and have a chill on my bones, says Hicks, a vendor for Street Sense, a newspaper produced and sold by the homeless. The library saved my life. Soon after the Lab left Digital Commons for its own space in 2015 , two librarians hosted a Reddit chat about it and fielded questions such as this: With the changing demographics of Gallery Place/Chinatown, how will MLK Memorial Library continue to serve its low-income and homeless patrons? What services in the Fab Lab will be available specifically for these users? [Shes a childrens librarian, but you might be surprised where her job takes her] There are not specific services for those users, but librarians say they are determined to teach the nuances of 3-D scanning and printing, laser cutting and the like to anyone who asks. We want to remove all barriers to access, says Adam Schaeffer, a founding Fab Lab librarian . Two obstacles they have trouble overcoming, he says, are extreme computer illiteracy and untreated mental illness. Another librarian said a colleague recently had to refer a woman who kept falling asleep during the required 10-minute orientation (she blamed her psychiatric medication) to the homeless coordinator. But Schaeffer hopes for more success stories such as the homeless man who took an Intro to 3-D Printing and Modeling class and comes regularly to make 3-D models and jewelry, which he sells. Every time I see him, Schaeffer says, hes wearing something around his neck that he has made. Sarah Godfrey is a writer in Alexandria, Va. To comment on this story, email wpmagazine@washpost.com or visit washingtonpost.com/magazine. E-mail us at wpmagazine@washpost.com. For more articles, as well as features such as Date Lab, Gene Weingarten and more, visit The Washington Post Magazine. Follow the Magazine on Twitter. Like us on Facebook. T o: The General Assembly of the Student Government of Bowdoin College Re: My confession, atonement and plea for punishment Dear earnest young adults: I am looking at what was, until recently, one of my favorite family snapshots. Now it is a source of shame only. It is of my daughter, taken on Halloween 1984. Molly was 3 1/ 2 . She is dressed in fringed faux buckskin, with a colorful headband containing a single feather. She is holding a little tom-tom. For unclear reasons she looks troubled. (Was she perhaps aware of the moral felony to which she, an innocent, had been made a party?) Her mom made this outfit, and I allowed her to walk the streets in it. I thus confess to having appropriated the culture of Native Americans, a historically oppressed minority, and having done so via stereotype. I know this was a long time ago, but there is no statute of limitations on crimes against humanity. I will accept whatever punishment you mete out. I have chosen your august body because I cannot trust anyone else to treat this matter with the positively suffocating degree of gravity it deserves. I trust you because of your recent swift and decisive actions in The Sombrero Affair. After social media photos surfaced of students at your Maine campus wearing festive mini-sombreros at a tequila-themed party, you did not merely chide the participants for possible insensitivity. You issued a denunciatory manifesto that contained about as many words as the Declaration of Independence, and with many more whereases and be-it-resolveds. You recommended that the school establish warm and welcoming safe spaces for anyone whose sensibilities were hurt or who felt physically endangered by this incident of cultural hostility. Student government leaders who attended the party were threatened with impeachment and encouraged to issue self-critical statements of abasement and contrition, in the Maoist style. I found this stance brave, a word I use in a purely adjectival way, untethered to its noun form, which I denounce and disavow inasmuch as it was foisted on Native Americans by Europeans, supplanting their indigenous terms for warrior, such as ozuye. My point is that in taking this stance of less than zero tolerance, you courageously stood up against the mounting national criticism of an epidemic of creeping lefty political correctness at Americas liberal arts colleges. This epidemic supposedly fosters a fragile-flower climate, cosseting and infantilizing young adults while punishing dissent and discouraging free speech, all against a backdrop of almost comical histrionics. If you ask me, its simply activism, and activism is good. I fondly remember my own college years, the turbulent 1960s and 1970s, when we, too, protested against the actions of the entrenched and powerful against those who were poorer and weaker. We were protesting the Vietnam War, mostly, but the War on Hurt Feelings is a valid theater of combat, too. Anyway, I stand ready to accept your punishment. I was going to say that you are my only hope, but I just now read a story about recent events at the University of Pittsburgh, where a Republican club invited an address by a rude reactionary free-speech activist named Milo Yiannopoulos. He believes, among other things, that all feminists hate men, that women are not financially discriminated against in the workplace, and that the Black Lives Matter movement is a racial supremacy group. Milo is a provocateur and, in my mind, a jackass. But after the jackass spoke and said those things, the campus went nuts. The Pitt newspaper quoted a student government leader saying that his peers felt in danger and criticizing the school for not having provided counselors and a safe room to protect students who felt traumatized or invalidated by Milos opinions. Being told of these hurt feelings at a public meeting, the president of the student government got all weepy. So, Bowdoin Board, Id appreciate a ruling quickly. If I dont hear from you in a few days, Ill go elsewhere. If that invalidates you, I know a safe space where you can go. Richard McCann, the author, in 1970. (Courtesy of Richard McCann) A photograph Bette Davis sent to the author. (Courtesy of Richard McCann) We movie stars all end up by ourselves. Who knows? Maybe we want to. Bette Davis In those long, mute nights following my fathers sudden death, when I was 11, I often sat with my mother in the living room of our small ranch house in a suburb just north of Washington, D.C., watching old movies on our Dumont TV. We both loved movie stars, especially those whod been popular when my mother was still young Joan Crawford, for instance, and Loretta Young, Joan Fontaine and Gene Tierney, who had what my mother described as Spanish eyes, just like her own. Those were special nights, just me and my mother, and no father to remark upon what he had termed my girlishness when he caught me playing school or skipping rope with some of the neighbor girls. Shed put down whatever thick paperback she was reading Marjorie Morningstar, perhaps to tell me which of the clothes the stars were wearing were almost identical to those she had also once worn. Other nights, however, when she was lonely and scared and angry, shed deride almost everything me, our little house, our dull neighbors including even the movie stars she said she adored. Once, when I told her that I thought Barbara Stanwyck was a great actress in Stella Dallas, she said everyone knew that Barbara Stanwyck was really nothing more than a poor mans Bette Davis. Among all the stars, there was only one whom she considered beyond reproach: Bette Davis herself, The First Lady of the American Screen, so powerful, strong-willed and magnificent. Together, and largely in silence, like the mournful, invalided congregants one could see each Sunday morning on Mass for Shut-Ins, we watched as many of her movies as we could find as reruns on late-night TV. It was at this point that my life turned inward and deep within, even though I knew at least in some small way that I was playing a kind of make-pretend, I began to feel different from the boy I appeared to be to others a pudgy, pleasant boy, praised for his manners and his Catholic piety; an anxious swain, escorting his mother to dinner at the Hot Shoppes. The more I watched Bette Davis, the more I became like Bette Davis herself, and, as her, I managed to walk with a bit less fear as I went down the junior high school corridors where the hoods and louts were always loitering, waiting to whisper words like flit and faggot. Deep within, I could imagine I possessed the great, hard dignity of Elizabeth I, as Bette Davis played her in The Virgin Queen, and possessed as well Elizabeths power to calculate and execute a hideous revenge for anyone who crossed her. McCanns mother, Marie Dolores, looking a bit like a movie star herself in 1945 in Greenwich Village. (Courtesy of Richard McCann) A photo of the author at his first communion, a few years before his father died. (Courtesy of Richard McCann) Is it any wonder, then, that as soon as I saw Bette Daviss 1962 autobiography, The Lonely Life, in a bookstore at our local mall, I shoplifted it? Or that I went back to shoplift also The Films of Bette Davis, a compendium of all of Daviss movies, complete with plot summaries and more than 200 black-and-white photo stills. Sometimes, at night, when my mother went out to smoke and play cards with her Catholic widow friends, I flipped through the stolen books, and it was on one of those nights that I got the idea to write to Miss Davis directly. I recall, word-by-word, how the letter began: Dear Miss Davis, I wrote. I want to tell you that I consider The Lonely Life a masterpiece. The only fault I could possibly find within it is that you take entirely too much blame upon yourself for the failure of your four marriages. I went on to assure her shed been right to sue her former studio, Warner Brothers, for better parts, even if shed lost. I then briefly described myself as a 14-year-old fan and member of the school drama club, working to earn sufficient points for induction into the International Thespian Society. I ended by asking her which of her movies was her personal favorite Dark Victory, perhaps, or Now, Voyager? One afternoon, maybe a month after mailing my letter, I came home from school to find in the mailbox a manila envelope, with my name and address written in large letters across the front. I recognized the handwriting at once the blocky cursive; the oversized letters, drawn with what looked to be a hard and definitive hand; the penchant for fat dots suspended above the is and dramatic underscorings. Dear Master McCann, it read. To receive a letter from a young man of your years, with its many perceptive remarks, is quite an experience. ... You talk of how much blame I put upon myself in my book. That was necessary, I felt, in order that I would not appear to be too pleased with myself to the reader. I knew right away what she meant, of course the blame had really belonged to others. That you admire my performances, she wrote, makes me very happy and proud. All About Eve is, of course, one of my all-time favorites. Most sincerely, Bette Davis. As I lay on my bed, reading the letter over and over again, I felt a sudden, wild glee that Bette Davis, the great Bette Davis, now knew my name and address and that I was alive in the world, just like her, even though I knew myself to be unremarkable and really not too much of anything. I went right back to The Lonely Life, underlining passages that I might ask her to explicate more fully. To these questions, I added an occasional opinion with which I felt sure shed fervently agree, telling her, for instance, that Joan Crawford was essentially talentless, as well as too broad-shouldered and mannish. In this way, our letter writing went on, back and forth, though, I am sorry to report, I lost all of Bette Daviss letters to me except for the first and the last. There were only maybe four rounds of letters, and heres how the last one ended: If you ever find youre in a city where Im making a movie, please be sure to ring through to the set to arrange a visit. Ring through to the set, I remember thinking. Ring through to the set. I was sure I had never before heard anything quite so sophisticated as that. Richard McCann writes fiction, nonfiction and poetry. He teaches at American University and is president of the PEN/Faulkner Foundation. (Courtesy of Richard McCann) This essay is excerpted from an essay in the book Crush, edited by local writers Cathy Alter and Dave Singleton. It will be published by William Morrow on April 5. (Courtesy of William Morrow) Inspired by Miss Davis, I went on to acting school, though I didnt last long there. In fact, I barely completed the first semester. I wondered why no one could see who I really was inside; had I not been born to become a great tragedienne? But perhaps, it occurs to me now, the problem was not that I went unseen; perhaps the problem was that I was all too disquietingly visible this heavy, oddly genderless boy who waved his hands about too much as he spoke, his laughter always a bit too eager, too shrill and calculated. Of course I didnt know, when I dropped out of drama school, that Id find myself hanging with what was then called the druggy crowd, a mixture of hippies and petty criminals and artists, or that eventually Id be hanging with the dealers themselves, getting stoned and watching old horror movies on a portable Philco TV. In time, they asked me to join them on a 1,800-mile drug run all the way to Albuquerque, where they knew a guy who smuggled bricks of weed up north from Mexico. And then I was there, in Albuquerque, having breakfast with the guys one morning at a diner, when I noticed a news item in the Albuquerque Journal: Bette Davis, 63, had just arrived to make a movie with Ernest Borgnine about a pair of senior citizens who robbed banks while disguised as hippies. Bette Davis, I thought. Bette Davis. Then I remembered what she had told me in the last of her letters that if I were ever near any location where she was making a movie, I should ring through to the set and arrange a visit. Ring through to the set, I thought. Ring through to the set. For a moment, I wanted to tell my buddies how the great film star Bette Davis had once said this phrase to me. I wanted to ask one of them for a lift to the set, wherever that was, so I could finally meet her just for a laugh, of course, just for a laugh at the old lady. But I already knew there was no way that I could say these words, not at least to those gathered at our Formica-topped table. The guys were finishing their breakfasts, pushing the last of their home fries into the small puddles of ketchup left on their plates. Suddenly, the one who called himself Danny said, Hey, lets score some psilocybin. I know a place in the desert where we can get some. Then he turned to me and asked, almost as if daring me, What about you? You coming, too? Of course, I said. And before long, we were all driving down some sunbaked desert highway in an old, crapped-out Buick Caballero, the windows open and some song by Cream blasting from the AM car radio. It was then that I began to live what was to become for a long time my version of the lonely life. Richard McCann is the author of Mother of Sorrows, a collection of linked stories. This essay is excerpted from his contribution The Lonely Life in Crush: Writers Reflect on Love, Longing and the Lasting Power of Their First Celebrity Crush . The anthologys editors, Cathy Alter and Dave Singleton, will appear at Sixth & I Historic Synagogue on April 19. E-mail us at wpmagazine@washpost.com. For more articles, as well as features such as Date Lab, Gene Weingarten and more, visit The Washington Post Magazine. Follow the Magazine on Twitter. Like us on Facebook. Haydees Restaurant in the Districts Mount Pleasant neighborhood is something of an homage to El Salvador, and a family-friendly place thats been around for two decades. (Callan Swenson/For The Washington Post.) On a recent Friday night, Christmas lights twinkled over the dance floor at Haydees Restaurant in Mount Pleasant. In the rainbow glow, Little Red & the Renegades, a steel-drum-powered local zydeco band, ripped through a Bayou-ized version of the Beatles Money (Thats What I Want). Among the groovers on the small floor: a middle-aged white couple doing a casual foxtrot and an elderly bow-tied black guy doing something that looks like the Electric Slide. A Hispanic couple, four kids in tow, munched on chips and salsa at a nearby table, one of their sons tapping his toes, the smallest child napping in his mothers arms. Such spirited, convivial scenes have been rolling at this down-home hangout at 3102 Mount Pleasant St. NW since 1996, when Haydee (pronounced eye-day) Vanegas, who emigrated from El Salvador, opened the place to pay tribute to the cooking and community of her homeland. I liked that Mount Pleasant felt like El Salvador, so friendly and with people from so many places, says Vanegas. I would be bored somewhere else. She converted the turn-of-the-last-century space, which she says was previously a private home and later a strip club, into a folksy hangout with Latin touches: murals of El Salvador, all volcanoes and palm trees; a statue of the Virgin of Guadalupe perched, sentinel-like, above the long bar; and a sombrero that gets hauled out when its time to sing Happy Birthday to a customer. The menu, a Salvadoran-Mexican mix prepared by Vanegass husband, Mario Alas, is long on pupusas and fajitas. The margaritas are strong on tequila. Ive been coming to Haydees for years, and Ive never been able to drink more than one, says Mount Pleasant resident Viviana Chieme. Like many who bring their kids, she often shows up with her tween daughter. It feels like a family place, a happy place. (A second Haydees is on Georgia Avenue NW.) The cultural feel of Mount P originated in the 1960s and 1970s, when emigrants from Guatemala, El Salvador and Cuba settled in the area, many of them living in group houses west of the main drag. When I first moved to Mount Pleasant, walking down the street was like a free trip to San Salvador, remembers historian Mara Cherkasky, who published a book on the area in 2007. Youd hear so much Spanish you felt like you were in another country. Yes, the neighborhood has gentrified and changed quite a bit since the 20th century. Those formerly cheap group houses now usually sell for more than $1 million; some older restaurants and Laundromats have been replaced by upscale grocery stores, a CrossFit-style gym and a soon-to-open art-house cinema. But the Latin cultural flavor still permeates much of Mount Pleasant Street. The Botanica Boricua (3171 Mount Pleasant St. NW) sells candles emblazoned with Catholic saints and herbs for casting Santeria spells. The basement-level Pupuseria San Miguel (3110 Mount Pleasant St. NW) offers cheap beer and the quesadilla-like Salvadoran cheese and meat fare. At the pan-Latin El Progreso Market (3158 Mount Pleasant St. NW) theres a butcher and women behind the sales counter who lovingly curate the avocado selection, often refusing to sell you an unripe piece of fruit. And late some evenings at Haydees, the raven-haired owner joins the patrons singing karaoke. Says Vanegas: They might sing rock-and-roll, but for me its still all about the Spanish ballads I grew up with. Oh, just kick us. Its April Fools time again. (iStock) Brace yourself: April Fools Day, the worst holiday of the year, is upon us again, with its annual onslaught of awkward political gags, careless media blunders, eye-roll-inducing ad campaigns, mean-spirited pranks and, if youre lucky, maybe an actual laugh. But probably not. [April Fools Day pranks: 2016s comprehensive, updating (and upsetting) list] How did we get into this mess? We asked Alex Boese, curator of the online Museum of Hoaxes. He says you can blame the Dutch (who first referenced April Fools in a 16th-century text) or the French (who overhauled their annual calendar in the 1500s, confusing fools who didnt adapt). Or maybe the U.K., home of the first April Fools Day prank on record, or Germany, which popularized fake April Fools news stories. And certainly the good ol U.S.A. because who else would be tickled by the idea of renaming a national monument the Taco Liberty Bell? Boese walked us through some of historys most influential April Fools Day jokes the notorious, the successful, the truly cringe-worthy. 1698: The washing of the lions at the Tower of London In the first documented April Fools prank, Brits handed out invitations to see the lions being washed at the Tower of London, specifically targeting clueless out-of-towners and newcomers. Ha ha. And the joke was . . . no lions? Well, actually the Tower did have a royal menagerie then, but there was no public washing. But then they resurrected the gag in the 19th century when there really werent any more lions there at all! Ha ha? Maybe you had to be there. 1905: The robbery of the U.S. Treasury The German newspaper Berliner Tageblatt decided it would be a laugh riot to print a story claiming that all the silver and gold had been stolen from the U.S. Treasury, in a highly coordinated heist orchestrated by American millionaires. Then the hoax snowballed when other newspaper editors across Europe believed the story and reprinted it without hesitation; to them, the idea of criminal millionaires hijacking Americas government didnt seem so far-fetched, Boese says. He deems this a solid prank. It caused a bit of a ruckus, but no one got hurt just embarrassed. 1957: The Swiss spaghetti harvest In an April 1 news segment, the esteemed BBC presented its viewers with a cheerful report: Swiss farmers were celebrating an unusually plentiful spaghetti crop, thanks to a balmy winter and the eradication of the menacing spaghetti weevil. The story included staged footage of workers plucking limp pasta from trees. Amazingly, a lot of people believed it, and the prank is widely considered the most successful April Fools Day joke of all time. It fooled a lot of people, so it actually worked, but then in hindsight it didnt offend anybody, Boese says. Everybody just had a good time with it. Thats actually a pretty hard combination to get exactly right. From artisanal toilet paper to aerosol TVs, here are the funniest fake ads on April Fools' Day 2016 so far. (The Washington Post) 1977: The Republic of San Seriffe Who wouldnt want to vacation on the exotic, semicolon-shaped islands of Upper Caisse and Lower Caisse in the Republic of San Seriffe? The fictional archipelago detailed in a seven-page supplement in the Guardian newspaper, rife with droll typographical puns tricked some gullible subscribers and convinced advertisers that the fools holiday could be lucrative. The supplement made a ton of money, Boese says. 1984: Resurrecting the woolly mammoth Nearly a decade before Jurassic Park, the concept of bringing animals back from extinction was so wild that any mention of it would obviously be a joke at least, that was the thinking behind an MIT Technology Review article about Russian scientists who were planning to retrobreed the woolly mammoth. But the April Fools Day fakery was picked up by the Chicago Tribune and other papers before everyone realized it was a prank. (Now, scientists really are talking about bringing extinct animals back to life.) 1992: Nixons new presidential campaign Remember that time former president Richard Nixon shocked the nation and gave NPR the exclusive scoop that he was running for office again? I never did anything wrong, and I wont do it again, he insisted except it was actually a comedian impersonating him, of course. Considering the general insanity of American politics, we can maybe forgive the many NPR listeners who believed the report and called the broadcasting company in horror. People may not initially have been thrilled by the prank, Boese says, but its definitely now regarded as an absolute classic. 1996: The Taco Liberty Bell In a widely published full-page ad, the Taco Bell fast-food chain declared that it had purchased the Liberty Bell and was hereby renaming it the Taco Liberty Bell. Philadelphians freaked out, and baffled workers at the national park were flooded with outraged calls. Taco Bell declared it the best joke of the day, which may be up for debate, but, Boese says, the prank did make history: Before then, companies mostly stuck to gimmicky wordplay in their April Fools ads (e.g., No fooling, were having a great sale!); Taco Bell paved the way for more elaborate corporate hoaxes. 1998: The Boston mayors car crash Common sense says that its probably not a brilliant idea to announce the death of a public official in a serious-sounding radio report and expect people to guffaw. But Boston radio hosts Gregg Opie Hughes and Anthony Cumia went ahead with their prank anyway, telling listeners that Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino had died in a car crash. He hadnt, but plenty of people including members of his family believed the broadcast, making the cruel prank a notorious example of what you dont want to do, Boese says. The shock jocks laughed all the way to the unemployment office. 2000: Really, Romania? Whats the best way to celebrate April Fools Day? If youre the Romanian edition of Playboy magazine, the obvious answer is: Publish a blatantly misogynist step-by-step guide titled How to Beat Your Wife . . . Without Leaving Marks on Her Body. Beat her hard and steady, the article advised, adding that you will notice that the wife sometimes wants to be beaten again. Among those who didnt laugh: women, people who respect women, and Playboys international corporate brass, who were appalled and quickly apologized, the New York Times reported. (Also that year, a Romanian newspaper announced that prisoners would be released from the Baia Mare prison. Dozens of overjoyed relatives waited in vain at the prison gates. The joke is . . . inexplicably terrible, Boese says: You wonder, what were they possibly thinking?) 2004: The dead chihuahua Perhaps you recall the hilarious scene from National Lampoons Vacation in which Chevy Chase accidentally drags Dinky the dog to his death after forgetting the animal was tied to the bumper of the car? Ugh. Well, a Florida man named Paul Goobie thought this scene was so terrific that he decided to prank his co-worker by tying a dead chihuahua hed found on the street to the back of the mans truck. Hilarity did not ensue when a sheriffs deputy stopped the co-worker and charged Goobie with failing to properly dispose of a dead animal. With restrictions on traveling to Cuba gradually easing, U.S. cruise lines and airlines are gearing up to meet the anticipated demand for transportation to the island. On March 21, Carnival received approval from Cuba to begin voyages from Miami on May 1. This will be the first time a ship has sailed to Cuba from U.S. shores in 50 years unless Pearl Seas Cruises gets Cubas permission to launch its April 5, 15 and 25 departures, which are already sold out. Meanwhile, airlines are applying for the up to 110 daily U.S.-Cuba flights that are permitted under new agreements. The U.S. Transportation Department is reviewing applications and expects to announce the routes this summer, with flights to begin in the fall. [Americans can plan people-to-people trips to Cuba, but what does that mean?] Those are the Cuban governments permissions; the U.S. government still requires Americans traveling to Cuba to have an itinerary that fits one of its entry options. For most tourists, thats the people-to-people (P2P) category, which requires engagement in educational and cultural encounters such as factory visits, architectural tours and exploration of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Since re-establishing diplomatic ties with Cuba, the U.S. has made it easier for Americans to travel to the island nation. Here is what you need to know about changes that make it easier to visit Cuba. (Claritza Jimenez/The Washington Post) Heres a primer on voyages and flights: Cruises Shauna Hoffman, chief executive of Cruising to Cuba travel planners, notes that one advantage cruises have over a land-based trip is getting creature comforts in a country known for its deteriorated infrastructure. When you travel by ship, you get a safe, air-conditioned haven to come back to every night, Hoffman said. Fathom, the Carnival impact brand that offers P2P programs in Cuba, will offer seven-night cruises aboard the 704-passenger MV Adonia, leaving from Miami with stops in Havana, Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba, every two weeks. Prices start at $1,800 per person. Interior cabins are already sold out on some May cruises and on all the cruises in September, October and November. Pearl Seas Cruises is awaiting permission to offer cruises from Miami and Fort Lauderdale on the 210-passenger Pearl Mist, stopping at seven Cuban ports: Havana, Maria La Gorda, Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Santiago de Cuba, Parque de Nacional Alejandro de Humboldt and Holguin. Ten-night voyages start at $7,810 per person; those for this April are sold out. After a summer hiatus, cruises will resume in October and continue through April 7, 2017. Seven-night voyages will be offered in April, May and October, starting at $5,465 per person. In addition, Royal Caribbean Cruise and NCLH, the parent company of Oceania, are expected to announce Cuba itineraries soon. Meanwhile, Americans who meet U.S. government criteria still have the option of booking cruises to Cuba that originate outside the country: Cuba Cruise Celestyal Cruises offers seven-night voyages from Jamaica. U.S. travelers, who must be registered for the P2P program, typically board the 1,200-passenger Celestyal Crystal in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Cuban ports are Havana, Santiago, Maria La Gorda and Cienfuegos. Passengers can book directly with Cuba Cruise or with partners Road Scholar, Insight Cuba and Globus. Departures in April, November and December 2016 as well as January, February, March and April 2017 start at about $1,500 per person. [Treasury eases restrictions on travel, other dealings with Cuba] Group IST (International Specialty Travel) offers seven-night sailing voyages aboard the 46-passenger yacht Panorama I and 48-passenger yacht Panorama II. Currently, passengers depart from Miami and arrive in Havana on chartered flights (see information below). Then they board the ship and cruise to Maria La Gorda, Cayo Largo, Trinidad and Cienfuegos. Ships depart year-round, and prices begin at $4899. International Expeditions also offers seven-night sailing trips aboard the Panorama yachts. Currently, passengers depart from Miami to Cuba on chartered flights. Cuban ports are Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Cayo Largo, Maria La Gorda and Havana. Select departures in April and December 2016 and January, February and March 2017. From $5,299. Air travel There are no regularly scheduled U.S. flights between the United States and Cuba, but that is expected to change this year. A U.S.-Cuba agreement signed in February says that each country may operate up to 20 daily round-trip flights between the United States and Havana, and up to 10 daily round trips between the U.S. and Cubas nine other international airports, for a total of 110 daily flights. The U.S. Transportation Department is reviewing the applications of U.S. carriers and is expected to announce its decision on airlines and routes this summer. Among the applications to fly to Cuba are American Airlines from Miami, Los Angeles, Chicago, Charlotte and Dallas/Fort Worth; Delta from Atlanta, New York, Miami and Orlando; United from Chicago, Houston, Newark and Washington; and Southwest Airlines from Fort Lauderdale, Tampa and Orlando. In the meantime, Americans must continue to book seats on chartered flights, which are operated by non-U.S. carriers, often in partnership with U.S. airlines. The flights are not regularly scheduled. American passengers must fit one of the U.S. governments allowed categories of visitors and have a Cuban visa. You can obtain this on your own, but charter airline companies ease the paperwork burden by obtaining visas for their passengers. American Airlines, through charter partners ABC Charters, Cuba Travel Service, Marazul and Xael, offers a total of 27 departures a week from Miami, Tampa and Los Angeles to five Cuban destinations: Camaguey, Cienfuegos, Havana, Holguin and Santa Clara. JetBlues charter partners ABC Charters, Cuba Travel Services and Xael Charters offer nonstop flights to Havana from New York, Fort Lauderdale and Tampa and also between Tampa and Santa Clara, Cuba. Copa offers chartered flights from Dulles International Airport to Havana. Aeromexico offers chartered flights from Dulles to Mexico City and onto Havana. For more information, CubaTrips.org lists charter companies, their affiliated airlines and flight times. Farecompare.com also lists various flights to Cuba. Stapen, a former USA Today travel editor, contributes to many publications. Follow her on Twitter: @familyitrips. Her website is gfvac.com. More from Travel: One of Guatemalas most exquisite boutique hotels is owned by Francis Ford Coppola How do fellow fliers annoy each other? Lets count the ways. Is Cuba the next hot travel destination for Americans? Tour operators giddily hope so. Eric Guerci, a junior at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, is the student member of the Montgomery County Board of Education. (Neil Rubino) The student member of the Montgomery County school board would get significantly expanded voting rights under a new bill that passed through the Maryland legislature Wednesday, marking a long-sought victory for the countys students. Under legislation that passed the Senate by a 39-to-4 margin, the student member of the Montgomery County Board of Education would be able to cast votes on major issues previously limited to adult board members, including collective bargaining, capital and operating budgets, and school boundaries and closings. Im very excited, said Eric Guerci, 16, a junior at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High and the boards student member. Guerci testified twice in Annapolis in support of the bill. I think its right for our students, and Im very grateful to the legislature for instilling the trust in our students and creating an empowerment of the next generation. Montgomerys eight-member school board includes a student member whom middle-school and high-school students from across the system elect to a one-year term. Student members serve much like their adult counterparts, but there have long been restrictions in voting on such issues as the budget. The approved legislation which now goes to Gov. Larry Hogan (R) comes after decades of students pushing for a greater student voice on the board. Its been a long time coming, said School Board President Michael Durso. I think its well-deserved. The student member of the board, I think, works every bit as hard as the adult members, so I think it is a step in the right direction for our board and school system. David Naimon, the first student board member in Montgomery, who served in the 1978-1979 school year, also called the legislative success long overdue. Anne Arundel Countys student board member has had full voting rights since the 1970s, he said. Naimon, now 55 and a federal government attorney, recalled that the student board member in Montgomery started out with no voting rights, and about a decade later won partial voting rights. The legislature voted to expand student voting rights for a two-year period but did not extend it. I think its a great tribute to students over the years, and in part the current students, because they are the ones who pushed it over the finish line, Naimon said. Opponents of giving the student member expanded voting rights have been concerned that the general public does not democratically elect them to the board, Naimon said, noting that the path to voting rights has been lengthy and complex. It has failed many times, in many different ways, he said. It has been a real lesson in the legislative process, both good and bad, for our students. Del. Anne R. Kaiser (D-Montgomery), who sponsored the House bill, said students have shown great maturity and ability in their board role. Theyve been very studious, and theyve been very good at representing the interests of the students, Kaiser said. They deserve the far-expanded voting rights we have given them today. The change would not give students full voting rights. The last exception involves voting on negative personnel decisions such as disciplinary actions against a teacher or principal. That limitation was kept in place to ensure that students are not voting on the teachers or principals in their schools. [Montgomery elects new student member of school board] Guerci, the student board member, said the greatest impact comes in budgetary discussions: A lot of what we want to pursue has fiscal ramifications. The National School Boards Association found that 15 percent of 2,000 school boards surveyed nationally had at least one student representative in 2002, when it did its last formal survey. Among boards with student members, 11.5 percent reported that students could vote, according to a spokesman for the group. The association did not ask questions about voting limitations. Un Castell Built for Two, an evening-length work inspired by the practice of human-tower building, will be performed Friday and Saturday at Joes Movement Emporium. (Orange Grove Dance) THU 31 Fur A dark adaptation of Beauty and the Beast from Migdalia Cruz that addresses the nature of infatuation and unrequited love. Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 3 and 8 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m., through April 10. Venus Theatre, 21 C St., Laurel. 202-236-4078. www.venustheatre.org. $20. Explorers Perspective Hyattsville Community Arts Alliance artist Paul Andersons acrylic paintings are featured. Closes Thursday. Prince Georges Plaza Community Center, 6600 Adelphi Rd., Hyattsville. 301-699-1148. www.hcaaonline.org. Free. FRI 01 Alfredo Rodriguez Trio A performance by the Cuban classical pianist, with Ricky Rodriguez on bass and Henry Cole on drums. 7 and 9 p.m. Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, Route 193 and Stadium Drive, College Park. 301-405-2787. theclarice.umd.edu. $25, students $10. Connections Literary Series Author and activist Demetria Martinez discusses her poetry collections and work for immigrant rights. 7:30 p.m. College of Southern Maryland, Building A auditorium, 22950 Hollywood Rd., Leonardtown. 301-934-7828. www.csmd.edu/Connections. $5, in advance $3. Un Castell Built for Two Orange Grove Dance presents an evening-length work inspired by the practice of human-tower building. Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. Joes Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Rd., Mount Rainier. 301-699-1819. www.joesmovement.org. $20, seniors and students $15. Hairspray Set in 1962 Baltimore, the Tony-winning musical follows a plus-size teen who goes from social outcast to teen sensation and fights to integrate a television dance show. Opens Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m., through April 24. Port Tobacco Players, 508 Charles St., La Plata. 301-932-6819. www.ptplayers.com. $18; seniors, students and military $15. I Hate Hamlet Television star Andrew Rally dreams of becoming a real actor and landing his dream role as Hamlet. But when his opportunity finally arrives, hes faced with a tough decision. Opens Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., through April 17. Laurel Mill Playhouse, 508 Main St., Laurel. 301-617-9906. www.laurelmillplayhouse.org. $20; seniors, students and military $15. Reservations requested. Elena & Los Fulanos The D.C. bilingual folk-rock band plays Americana music with a Latin-rock flair. 8-10 p.m. Brentwood Arts Exchange at Gateway Arts Center, 3901 Rhode Island Ave., Brentwood. 301-277-2863. arts.pgparks.com. $15. Phil Wiggins A performance by the D.C. blues harmonica player. 8 p.m. Montpelier Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Rd., Laurel. 301-377-7800. arts.pgparks.com. $25. SAT 02 Black Theatre Symposium Johnetta Boone, stylist and designer, leads this seminar with the theme Embracing Inclusion and Diversity in American Theatre. Attendees can participate in panel discussions and workshops and watch live performances. 9:30 a.m. Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, Gildenhorn Recital Hall, University of Maryland, Route 193 and Stadium Drive, College Park. 301-405-2787. theclarice.umd.edu. $40, registration required. Bluegrass Festival Sister Sadie headlines this years festival. Other performers are David Norris, Recycled Bluegrass, Bluegrass Gospel Express, Bubby Abell & Spoon Creek, Jay Armsworthy & Eastern Tradition, and Charlie Thompsons Bottom County Bluegrass Band. Proceeds will benefit the Hollywood Volunteer Rescue Squad. Noon-8 p.m. St. Marys County Fairgrounds, 42455 Fairgrounds Rd., Leonardtown. 301-737-3004. www.hvrs.org. $25, age 12 and younger free with paid adult. Southern Mix The College of Southern Maryland mens barbershop chorus is joined by area professional ensembles. 4 p.m. College of Southern Maryland, La Plata Campus, 8730 Mitchell Rd., La Plata. 301-934-2251. www.csmd.edu/arts. $7, in advance $5. Boundless: Aging and Creativity An exhibit by Maryland artists Alonzo Davis, Dorothy Fall, Bertrand Mao and Valerie Watson. Reception 5-8 p.m. Through May 28. Brentwood Arts Exchange at Gateway Arts Center, 3901 Rhode Island Ave., Brentwood. 301-277-2863. arts.pgparks.com. Free. SUN 03 Irene Sylvester The resident artist opens her multimedia exhibit showcasing textiles, patterns and bright colors inspired by various cultures. Opens Sunday and continues through April 24. Montpelier Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Rd., Laurel. 301-377-7800. arts.pgparks.com. Free. David Kane The classical pianist and composer performs. 3 p.m. College of Southern Maryland, Building B, multipurpose room 104, 115 J.W. Williams Rd., Prince Frederick. 443-550-6000. www.csmd.edu/arts. Free. Hidden Spaces Tour A behind-the-scenes tour of Montpelier Mansion. For age 18 and older. 4 p.m. Montpelier Mansion, 9650 Muirkirk Rd., Laurel. 301-377-7817. www.pgparks.com. $15, reservations required. MON 04 Browse Awhile The Hyattsville Community Arts Alliances new exhibit features more than 75 multimedia works. Through April 30. Robert Harper Books, 6216 Rhode Island Ave., Riverdale Park. 301-699-1148. www.hcaaonline.org. Free. TUE 05 The New Old Jamboree Ruthie and the Wranglers host this musical performance featuring guest artists playing new and old songs. 7-9 p.m. New Deal Cafe, 113 Centerway, Greenbelt. 301-474-5642. www.newdealcafe.com. Free. WED 06 Electric Brigade The Naval Academy rock band performs. 7 p.m. Calvert Library, 850 Costley Way, Prince Frederick. 301-855-1862. www.calvert.lib.md.us. Free. Compiled by Jillian S. Jarrett Johns Hopkins Medicine has performed the nations first liver and kidney transplants from a donor infected with HIV to recipients also infected with the virus, a triumph for one of the transplant surgeons, who fought for six years for federal approval of the life-saving surgery. Six years is longer than most patients spend on the transplant waiting list and that was unacceptable to Dorry L. Segev. He watched in frustration as one HIV-infected patient after another died waiting for organs while available HIV-infected organs were being discarded because HIV-to-HIV transplants were prohibited. It wasnt a medical issue, said Segev, an associate professor of surgery and epidemiology at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. It was entirely legal. HIV was the only condition banned in the National Organ Transplant Act passed in 1984, when the AIDS epidemic was new and the virus was almost invariably fatal, not the treatable chronic disease it is now. But times and medicine changed, giving Segev the opening to champion an effort to overturn the ban. He and his colleagues made repeated trips to Capitol Hill to meet with any legislative assistant who would give them time and help them navigate the bureaucracy of Congress to persuade lawmakers that a change in policy was warranted. He conducted research, published in the American Journal of Transplantation in 2011, that 500 to 600 HIV-infected donors annually would be eligible to donate kidneys, livers and other organs if the prohibition were lifted, saving about 1,000 lives each year. Allowing the transplants also would shorten the waiting list for noninfected patients. The hardest thing was to get it on their radar, Segev said Wednesday after a news conference announcing the transplants. The bipartisan HIV Organ Policy Equity or HOPE Act was introduced in early 2013. Its sponsors included Rep. Andy Harris (R-Md.), a Hopkins anesthesiologist, who was the first Republican to support the measure. The legislation was approved by Congress and signed by President Obama that year. In February, Hopkins became the first U.S. hospital to gain approval for the transplants from the United Network for Organ Sharing, the nonprofit that manages the nations organ transplant system for the federal government. The surgeries a donor provided a liver to one recipient and a kidney to another were performed this month. Segev said the effort was a thrill, not because he and others were able to use science and a heaping amount of determination to change law and policy, but because the old law undermined their ability to save lives. We were watching patients die, and we were watching organs being wasted, he said. Some doctors initially were concerned that infected organs werent healthy enough, or that they might harm patients by introducing more aggressive strains of HIV. Dr. Christine Durand, an infectious-disease specialist who is an assistant professor of medicine at Hopkins, said that most donors have viral loads that are sufficiently suppressed with medication. Protocols developed at Hopkins call for donors and recipients to be on similar drug regimens. The consensus had been growing that HIV-to-HIV transplants would be safe and effective and could save many lives by helping sick patients get transplants faster. Those with HIV who were willing would form their own line to accept organs from an HIV-infected donor, and the list for everyone else would get shorter. Illinois passed unenforceable legislation in 2004 to overturn the ban ahead of U.S. lawmakers. More than 120,000 people are on the waiting list for organs, about 80 percent of them for kidneys, according to the organ-sharing network. MARYLAND Longtime delegate taken to hospital Del. Sheila E. Hixson, 83, was treated for a medical emergency at the statehouse Thursday afternoon, shortly after the House of Delegates recessed from its morning legislative session. Hixsons condition and the reason for the emergency were not immediately available. But Senate President Thomas Mike V. Miller Jr. (D-Calvert) said on the Senate floor Thursday afternoon that Hixson, chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, had been taken to the hospital. Several lawmakers said Hixson (D-Montgomery), a delegate since 1976, complained of a rapid heartbeat during the morning session. Josh Hicks Super PAC backs Rep. Donna Edwards A super PAC largely funded by labor unions is supporting Rep. Donna Edwards in Marylands Democratic Senate primary, starting with canvassing on her behalf. The Working for Us PAC has spent $386,000 this week on canvassing, in what president Steve Rosenthal said was the beginning of an effort to support Edwards in her tight race against Rep. Chris Van Hollen for the seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski. Before entering Congress, Edwards served on the board of a nonprofit organization affiliated with Working for Us, called They Work For Us. The super PAC joins one formed by Emilys List, which focuses exclusively on electing pro-choice Democratic women and has committed $2.4 million to helping Edwards. A group backed by the National Association of Realtors has spent nearly a million dollars on a mix of advertising, canvassing and polling supporting Van Hollen. The primary is April 26. Rachel Weiner Vendor allegedly stabs man by Metro station Metro officials said they are looking for a newspaper vendor who reportedly stabbed a 24-year-old man Thursday morning outside a Metro station in Maryland. Dan Stessel, a spokesman for Metro, said the incident began about 8:37 a.m. when a man who was distributing the Express newspaper became involved in an altercation with another man at the Addison Road station. The altercation got physical, Stessel said, and the newspaper vendor tackled the victim and stabbed him outside the Metro entrance. The victim was taken to an area hospital, Stessel said. His condition was upgraded from critical to stable, Stessel said. The vendor left the scene, officials said. Stessel said he did not know what led to the altercation. Metro Transit Police is handling the investigation. The Express is owned by The Washington Post. Dana Hedgpeth A super PAC largely funded by labor unions is now supporting Rep. Donna Edwards in Marylands Democratic Senate primary, starting with canvassing on her behalf. The Working for Us PAC has spent $386,000 this week on canvassing, in what the groups president, Steve Rosenthal, said was the beginning of an effort to support Edwards in her tight race against Rep. Chris Van Hollen for the seat being vacated by Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski. [Candidates spar over super PAC in new Senate debate] Before entering Congress, Edwards served on the board of a nonprofit group affiliated with Working for Us, called They Work For Us, that targeted Democrats deemed to have betrayed the partys values. When Edwards ran against then-Rep. Al Wynn in a 2008 primary, that group supported her. Donnas voice is a really, really important voice in the Senate, given her experiences, her life experience, her work experience before she served in Congress, her years in Congress, said Rosenthal, a veteran labor and Democratic strategist. We have a long history with Donna . . . and were eager to help her win the race. He added that the groups support of Edwards takes nothing away from Chris Van Hollen, who is also a fine member of Congress. We just think, looking at the two, that Donna is a really, critically important voice in the Senate. Working for Us gets the vast majority of its funds from labor unions, along with smaller amounts of money from progressive organizations such as MoveOn.org. The super PAC joins one formed by Emilys List, which has committed $2.4 million to electing Edwards. Emilys List, which backs only female Democratic candidates who support abortion rights, has angered Van Hollen supporters who wish they would not invest so heavily in this primary. Van Hollen has far outraised Edwards, who has relied entirely on Emilys List to spread her message via campaign ads. However, in recent days Van Hollen has benefited from his own super-PAC support. A group backed by the National Association of Realtors has spent nearly a million dollars on a mix of advertising, canvassing and polling supporting the congressman. Another super PAC with unclear backing, the Committee for Marylands Progress, has spent about $16,000 on canvassing for Van Hollen this week. The involvement of super PACs has become a point of contention in the race, with both candidates accusing each other of betraying avowed campaign finance principles. Both support the elimination of super PACs and other outside groups made legal by the 2010 Citizens United Supreme Court decision, but Edwards would not agree to a pledge to keep those groups out of the race. Van Hollen points out that much of the Emilys List super-PAC funding comes from the financial sector; Edwards counters that the Realtors group has spent heavily in support of Republicans. Maryland Del. Sheila Hixson, 83, was treated for a medical emergency at the statehouse Thursday afternoon, shortly after the House of Delegates recessed from its morning legislative session. Hixsons condition and the reason for the emergency are unknown at this time, but Senate President Thomas Mike V. Miller Jr. (D-Calvert) said on the Senate floor Thursday afternoon that Hixson, chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, had been taken to the hospital. Staff at the delegates office declined to provide information about Hixons condition. Several lawmakers said Hixson (D-Montgomery), a delegate since 1976, complained of a rapid heartbeat during the session, and two members of the statehouse staff said an empty gurney seen at the facility around 1 p.m. had been for her. The Annapolis Fire Department said it responded to a medical emergency at the statehouse at 12:50 p.m. on Thursday, but the agency has not released further details about the incident to the public. Ovetta Wiggins contributed to this report Supporters of a ballot measure to increase the Districts minimum wage to $15-per-hour rally in April. Marylands Montgomery County is considering similar legislation. (Aaron C. Davis/The Washington Post) Montgomery County will join the District of Columbia in considering legislation to raise its minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2020, placing the Washington region in the middle of a national debate over the possible economic impact of such a hike. County Council member Marc Elrich (D-At Large), the architect of an unusual 2013 collaboration by Montgomery, the District and Prince Georges County to gradually raise the minimum to $11.50, said he expects to introduce the $15-an-hour bill as early as next week. Elrich said that while the 2013 increase was an important step, there is now wider recognition that the minimum must be closer to a living wage. The amount of money a person earns should be sufficient to live on, Elrich said. I think theres a broader understanding that you need to tackle wages to deal with poverty. [California minimum -wage hike: Hope and danger for workers] Prince Georges County Council Chairman Derrick Leon Davis (D-Mitchellville) said it is unlikely that his jurisdiction will join the latest effort. The county, he said, is currently facing too many economic uncertainties to justify another increase. Moreover, nonprofit providers of services to the developmentally disabled are already saying that without more help from the government, they will be unable to keep pace with the current schedule of wage increases. Our realities are catching up with us right now, Davis said. At this time, it would be imprudent to take another step in that direction. The measures in Montgomery and the District come as the Fight for 15 movement, backed by labor unions and Democratic presidential contender Sen. Bernie Sanders, is gaining momentum. On Monday, California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) announced a deal with state lawmakers to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2022. Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle have also passed laws within the past two years, each with slightly different timetables, to reach a $15 hourly wage. Last year, more than 130,000 fast-food workers in New York won an increase to $15 that will take effect in New York City at the end of 2018 and statewide in 2021. The federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour has not changed since 2009. [Fight for $15 has shifted 2016 presidential debate] The debate over whether to boost the minimum wage centers on an issue economists have argued over for years: Does a rising wage lead to job loss, ultimately hurting low-income workers more than it helps? D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) announced her proposal for a $15 minimum wage at her State of the District address March 22. She said the hike was part of a bold plan to make good on her campaign promise to create pathways to the middle class for D.C. residents. Montgomerys minimum wage is set to rise from $9.55 to $10.75 an hour in July and to $11.50 a year later. A full-time minimum-wage worker earning $15 per hour would have an annual income of about $30,000 still quite low in a county where the household median is just under $100,000. Heather Dlhopolsky, chair of the Greater Bethesda-Chevy Chase Chamber of Commerce, said a rising minimum wage would add to a growing burden on employers, particularly small businesses, which includes increasing pressure to provide paid family leave and new insurance requirements that are part of the Affordable Care Act. I think it all goes to the notion of Montgomery not being business-friendly, Dlhopolsky said. Elrich said he did not expect difficulty is assembling a majority to pass his bill, but Council President Nancy Floreen (D-At Large) was more guarded. Were in a tough situation, she said. Were trying to create a positive business climate but also create a place where people can get paid a decent salary. Were certainly not going to rush into it. Obituaries of residents from the District, Maryland and Northern Virginia. Frederick Amling, GWU professor Frederick Amling, 89, a George Washington University finance professor and a consulting economist and investment policy adviser for the trust department of the now-defunct Riggs National Bank, died Feb. 21 at a hospital in Atlantis, Fla. The cause was cancer, said a granddaughter, Nancy Harris. Dr. Amling, a Cleveland native, held faculty appointments at Miami University in Ohio and the University of Rhode Island before joining the GWU faculty in 1970. He retired in 2000. He was an author of college texts on finance and investments, an elder and trustee of Georgetown Presbyterian Church, and a member of the Cosmos Club. He was a resident of Palm Beach, Fla., and Washington. Vibeke Lofft,arts patron Vibeke Lofft, 75, an arts patron who served as a founding member of the Friends of the Kennedy Center, raising money for the art complexs construction and opening in 1971, died March 21 at a hospital in Washington. The cause was a stroke, said a son, Christopher Lofft. Mrs. Lofft, a Washington resident, was born Vibeke Thune-Stephensen in Aalborg, Denmark. She arrived in Washington in 1962 and spent about three years working at the Danish Embassy. She was a board member at organizations such as the Washington Ballet, the Washington National Operas womens committee and Friends of Blair House, the presidents guest quarters. She was a member of Columbia Country Club in Chevy Chase, Md. Frederick R. Blackwell,labor arbitrator Frederick R. Blackwell, 90, a lawyer and self-employed labor arbitrator in the Washington area, died Feb. 27 at a medical facility in Florence, S.C. The cause was pneumonia, said a daughter, Elizabeth Poston. Mr. Blackwell, a native of Gastonia, N.C., came to the Washington area in 1957 and worked on Capitol Hill as a lawyer for several Senate committees. In 1971, he became an independent labor arbitrator, specializing in transportation, mining and Postal Service issues. He retired about 15 years ago. A former resident of Gaithersburg, Md., he moved to Florence last year. Richard H. Thompson, Army general Richard H. Thompson, 89, an Army four-star general who was a veteran of three wars and retired in 1989 as chief of the Army Materiel Command, died Feb. 21 at his home in Fairfax County, Va. The cause was kidney failure, said a son-in-law, Mike Moore. Gen. Thompson was born in the Bronx. He began his military career as an enlisted soldier during World War II and later served in the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He also served in Germany and Japan. His decorations included two Distinguished Service Medals, three awards of the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star Medal. Howard N. Millner, bank executive Howard N. Millner, 95, who retired in 1986 as senior vice president of the National Permanent Federal Savings and Loan Association in Washington, died March 1 at his home in Arlington, Va. The cause was kidney failure, said a son, Wayne Millner. Mr. Millner was born in Bedford County, Va. He began his career at National Permanent as a teller in 1944. Around the time he retired, National Permanent was acquired by Citibank. Kenneth A. Donaldson, teachers aide Kenneth A. Donaldson, 54, a paraprofessional and teachers aide in the special-education program of the D.C. Public Schools system for 30 years, died Feb. 27 at a hospital in Bethesda, Md. The cause was complications from kidney disease, said a cousin, Katherine Ponds. Mr. Donaldson was a native and lifelong resident of Washington. In the schools, he worked with special-needs children, advised students to remain in school and mentored them. He also worked part time for the D.C. Department of Education. From staff reports Mamie Lee Kelly with the triplets she delivered at Adams Hospital in Washington on Jan. 18, 1953. Also shown are, from left, nurses L.E. Lee, Evelyn Cheffens and Ruth Milberrie. (The Afro-American Newspapers) When Mamie Lee Kelly gave birth to triplets on Jan. 18, 1953, at Adams Hospital near Logan Circle, Washington was gripped with Ike fever. Dwight David Eisenhower was about to enter the White House, and the new parents decided to honor the new president. The boys would be named Dwight and Alexander David and the girl would be named Mamie to jointly honor the first lady and the triplets mother. It was the sort of feel-good story that newspapers love, and the triplets were pictured in the Afro-American newspaper: the tired mother, her newborns and three Adams Hospital nurses, L.E. Lee, Evelyn Cheffens and Ruth Milberrie. Its the only picture of the triplets with their mother, for not long after it was taken, Mamie Lee Kelly suffered complications from the birth. She died when her babies were 4 days old. In November 1955, the body of their father, Alexander Kelly, was found on the shore of the Patuxent River. He had been shot. The triplets, and their older sister, Linda, were orphans. It seems weve just been erased off the earth, Alexander, now 63 and living near Fayetteville, N.C., told me recently. Alexander got in touch after seeing columns I wrote in 2009 about Adams Hospital. Hes desperate to discover whatever he can about family history. Kenneth Banks of the Afro-American newspaper, left, and Fred Cooke of the Pet Milk Co. visit the triplets in May 1953. The babies remained for a while at Adams Hospital after their mothers death. (The Afro-American Newspapers) [Answer Man finds more than he bargained for (from 2009)] I was able to find out a few things. Their father was shot by Anthony Edward Smith of Drury, Md., who was sentenced to 10 years in prison for manslaughter. Smith testified that hed tried to break up a fight at a party and that his gun had gone off accidentally. Im not sure knowing the name of the man who killed your father brings comfort, exactly, but Alexander is hungry for any scrap of information. Im a very inquisitive guy, he said. I like to know stuff. [More about D.C. hospitals that are no more (from 2009)] Alexander and his siblings were in an orphanage briefly. Then the triplets were split up. Alexander, Dwight and their older sister, Linda, were taken in by their fathers older sister, in North Carolina. Mamie went to Philadelphia to live with their fathers stepsister and her husband. Mamie told me that she didnt know they werent her parents until, while still a child, she found some legal papers in a drawer. These are the Kelley triplets Alexander, Mamie and Dwight born on Jan. 18, 1953, in Washington. They believe they are the first African American triplets born in Washington. (Jermaine Kelly/Jermaine Kelly) I thought she was my mother for a long period of time, she said. Alexander said that until Mamie started to visit every year, he thought he and Dwight were twins. The triplets cling to things they heard growing up, such as that their father was the first black mechanic to work on the city buses in Raleigh, N.C. My momma who raised me, Alexander said, referring to his fathers sister, she said she would go anywhere with him and not be worried about getting back. If the car broke down, he could fix it. Alexander worked in warehouses most of his life. Dwight worked for the state of North Carolina and now lives near Rocky Mount, N.C. Mamie served in the Army. She allows as how she always felt an estrangement from her brothers, raised apart as she was. I always say to myself that I was in the womb with them in the sack as they say but I think I was way over on the other side, she said. She wonders why she was separated. I felt like I was the black sheep of the family, Mamie said. And given that at least some of their grandparents were still alive when their parents died, why wasnt it them who took them in? That was a little disappointing, to have someone that close, a grandparent, and theyre alive and nobody tells you, Dwight said. Mamie said: There was some kind of feud in the family. My grandmother didnt want our mother to marry our father, and she married him anyway. And then she died. And then he died. Alexander is the triplet most eager to unearth family secrets, whatever those might be. For example: How did he and his siblings all end up spelling their last name Kelley? Dwight is the least interested. Hed rather focus on his daughter and two grandsons. I want to leave something they can know about, he said. And Mamie? Last month, she moved from Philadelphia to North Carolina to be closer to her siblings. They had been asking me to move down here for years, she said. I just didnt think it was the right time, and I didnt think it would work, because we didnt grow up together. I feel now is the right time. Alexander keeps searching. What were trying to do, he said, is to mend the hurt and all the loss that we have accumulated through the years, because of not knowing where we come from and what we are. Twitter: @johnkelly For previous columns, visit washingtonpost.com/johnkelly. The case began with vague, frightening clues. On Wednesday evening, the family of a 72-year-old man told police that he was missing from their home in Silver Spring. Two hours later, at 11 p.m., when the family finally reached him on his cellphone, he said that he didnt know where he was, but that he was in his car in water up to his waist and couldnt get out. He also said he was near or under a wooden bridge. But another set of clues around this time was starting to be fruitful. Cellphone data showed that the man, Shing Wong, was northeast of Baltimore in the area off Aberdeen Proving Ground. Nearly two hours later after studying satellite maps and hydrographic data, and seeking a nexus of water, roads and old bridges officers spotted Wongs Honda Accord. One waded into the 52-degree creek after midnight, found Wong in his car, and carried him to shore. Police on Thursday morning rescued a 72-year-old man whod driven into water. (Courtesy of Montgomery County police.) He was very confused, said the officer, Jason Huggins. And he was extremely cold. Time was a real factor here, said Capt. Paul Starks, a spokesman for Montgomery County police. Wong was taken to a hospital for treatment of hypothermia. His family said Thursday he was doing well. Hes great, said Carol Wong, a daughter. Hes in good condition. A native of China, Wong is a retired chef, with three children, Carol Wong said. He loves to cook, loves to eat. Hes stubborn and goofy, she said. Carol Wong said her fathers mental agility is good. But his English is poor. He doesnt keep a GPS in his car, and he can get confused with directions. She said that while driving near construction and detours in the Wheaton area, her dad got turned around, and got lost. Police respond to missing persons reports all the time. Some cases draw their attention immediately, often because the subject is young or old. In the case of Wong, police had to piece together his movements after a Wednesday morning medical appointment. They issued a Silver Alert, a public notification generally used for senior citizens. By 8:40 p.m. Wednesday, Montgomery officers were in Wongs home, on Brandon Green Drive in Silver Spring, speaking to his family. (Police officers used cell-phone data and maps to spot an area where the man likely was located. (Courtesy of Montgomery County police.)) Wongs wife told Sgt. Michael Chuckeral that her husband wasnt answering his phone and that he drove a 1997 black Honda Accord. Officers began tracking Wongs cellphone signal. At 10 p.m., the phone appeared to be in the general area of Aberdeen Proving Ground in Harford County. Police also learned that after his medical appointment, Wong may have driven into the District. They reasoned that he then headed north, became confused, and followed Interstate 95 or the Baltimore Washington Parkway to Baltimore and beyond. When Wongs wife reached him by phone, Wong said that he did not know where he was but that he was in water and his car battery had died. Officers began speaking to him. Worried he might be losing battery power on the phone, the officers asked direct and pointed questions about his surroundings, Starks said. Wong told them about the bridge. Officers in Montgomery kept studying the cellphone data, trying to get more precise locations and then looking at maps and other resources for spots where there were bridges, boat ramps and roads that ended near water. As the officers did so, they stayed in touch with two Harford sheriffs office deputies on the ground. Huggins joined that search. He picked one spot that looked promising, didnt see the Honda and went to another. We all noticed the car, Huggins said. As the coordinator of missing person searches for Montgomery police, Huggins keeps special equipment with him. In this case, he stepped into a dry suit, grabbed a flotation device and waded into the creek. Wong was at the dead end of Perry Drive, police said, where a creek flows into the Bush River. The water level was even with the drivers side window. Wong was cold and disoriented and said he could not move, officials said. Huggins got him out of his car and to the shore. Carol Wong was grateful for the police officers. Without their help, I dont think my dad would have made it, she said. Loudoun County has suspended all law enforcement training exercises in schools after explosive material was left on a bus following a CIA training exercise. (Ashleigh Joplin/The Washington Post) Loudoun County has suspended all law enforcement training exercises in schools after explosive material was left on a bus following a CIA training exercise. (Ashleigh Joplin/The Washington Post) The CIA left explosive training material under the hood of a Loudoun County school bus after a training exercise last week, a bus that was used to ferry elementary and high school students to and from school on Monday and Tuesday with the material still sitting in the engine compartment, according to the CIA and Loudoun County officials. The Loudoun County Sheriffs Office and the CIA said in statements Thursday that the explosive material was left behind after a training exercise at Briar Woods High School during spring break. The CIA said it was a training scenario for explosives-detecting dogs. CIA officials said in a statement that the material did not pose a danger to passengers on the bus, which was used on March 28 and 29. Authorities held a joint training program at Briar Woods from March 21 to 24. [Eyewash: How the CIA deceives its own workforce about operations] Loudoun schools spokesman Wayde Byard said the CIA indicated the nature of the material but asked the school system not to disclose it. Byard described it as a putty-type material designed for use on the battlefield and which requires a special detonator; such putty, or plastic, explosives including the well-known C-4 are used in demolition and are considered stable. Byard said law enforcement agencies use school facilities on occasion to conduct realistic training exercises, including active-shooter drills. As part of last weeks training exercise, CIA trainers placed explosive material into the engine compartment of a school bus on Thursday to test a dogs ability to sniff it out. They also placed the material in parts of the school. Byard said the dog successfully found the material in the engine compartment, but some of the material fell deeper inside the compartment and became wedged beneath the hoses. He said school bus drivers check under the hoods of their buses before they take them out on the road, but the package was wedged too far deep inside the engine compartment and was the same color as the hoses, so it could not easily be seen. The bus shuttled students to and from school for two days with the explosive material under the hood, making eight runs totaling 145 miles and carrying 26 students attending Rock Ridge High School, Buffalo Trail Elementary School and Pinebrook Elementary School. The bus was taken to a school system facility on Wednesday for routine maintenance. Byard said the countys buses are regularly taken off-line to check their spark plugs, hoses and to rotate tires. It was during a routine inspection that a technician discovered the explosive material. The school system immediately notified the county sheriffs office and the fire marshal, who removed it. The CIA also helped remove the material. The training materials used in the exercises are incredibly stable and according to the CIA and Loudoun County explosive experts the students on the bus were not in any danger from the training material, according to a Sheriffs Office statement. Officials said they checked all other buses at the school as a precaution. School officials on Thursday met with the CIA, Loudoun County Sheriffs Office, the fire marshal and county administrators and determined that all law enforcement training exercises at schools would be suspended until stronger protocols are established. Were all very upset by what happened, but were going to review everything that did happen, Byard said. Obviously were concerned. The CIA really expressed its deep concern and regret today, and it was sincere. CIA officials acknowledged the error in a statement and confirmed that an agency canine unit ran a training exercise with local agencies last week in the county. Agency officials said they were notified by Loudoun officials Wednesday and coordinated with them to recover the material. The intelligence service said that both CIA and Loudoun County experts said the explosive material did not pose a danger to passengers on the bus. The agency statement said they would take immediate steps to strengthen inventory and control procedures in its K-9 program and that they will investigate the canine training program. The CIA said in the statement that the agency accounted for all training explosives after performing a full inventory Thursday. Former Charles County Circuit Court judge Robert C. Nalley, right, with his lawyer, Robert C. Bonsib, outside the Federal Courthouse on March 31 in Greenbelt, Md. (Ruben Castaneda/For The Washington Post) A former Maryland judge Thursday was sentenced to a years probation for ordering a Charles County sheriffs deputy to administer an electrical shock to a defendant in his courtroom. Robert C. Nalley, a former Circuit Court judge in Charles County, had pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of violating the civil rights of the defendant, Delvon L. King, as King was about to be tried on a gun charge in 2014. To say that Im chagrined to be standing here is an understatement, Nalley said in brief remarks in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt. Nalley said he felt deep regret over his error in judgment, which he said reflected not just on himself but also on his family and the Charles County justice system. Nalley did not apologize to King, who was in the spectators gallery a few feet away, or make any reference to him. King, 27, said in court that Nalley tortured him and deprived him of a fair trial. Nalley had a deputy shock King, who was representing himself, as he made what he believed was a legal argument during jury selection on July 23, 2014. King dropped to the ground when a 50,000-volt shock was administered through a Stun-Cuff attached to an ankle. After paramedics determined that King was not seriously injured, Nalley continued jury selection. On Thursday, King told U.S. Magistrate Judge William G. Connelly that he was disoriented and fearful after being shocked and was not able to defend himself to the best of his ability. During the sentencing hearing, federal prosecutors played a videotape of the incident and, separately, an audiotape. In the audiotape, King and Nalley briefly talk about what the judge should call the defendant, who considers himself a sovereign citizen and not subject to the governments laws. They agree on a name, and as Nalley talks about the jury selection process, the defendant speaks over him, making what he believes is a legal point. Nalley, his voice agitated, says, Stop. Stop. Then he says: Mr. Sheriff, do it. Use it. King screams three times. The videotape shows King calmly spread about a dozen stacks of paper on the defense table. Nalley takes the bench. Later, King drops to the ground, falling on his right side. The incident occurred before prospective jurors were brought into the courtroom. Nalley, 72, retired from the bench in September 2013. Court officials recalled him to preside over cases on a part-time basis. About a month after the incident became public, in September 2014, the Maryland Court of Appeals, the states highest court, banned Nalley from the bench. The court did not state the reason, but said it had found good cause to take the action. The civil rights violation was not the first time Nalley has run afoul of the law. In August 2009, Nalley deflated the tire of a Toyota Corolla that was parked in a restricted area near the La Plata courthouse. Charles County sheriffs deputies witnessed the incident, and one of them recorded it. The judge placed a pen or other sharp instrument into the tires valve to release the air. Nalley considered the spot his; it turned out the car belonged to a member of the courthouse cleaning crew who parked there because she did not want to walk through the courthouse parking lot at night. Two months later, Nalley pleaded guilty to tampering with a motor vehicle, a misdemeanor. A District Court judge ordered Nalley to pay a $500 fine and write a heartfelt letter of apology to the woman. During Thursdays sentencing, Connelly, the magistrate judge, also imposed a $5,000 fine and ordered Nalley to complete an anger-management program. King said Connellys sentence which was consistent with the plea agreement worked out by Nalleys defense attorney, Robert C. Bonsib, and federal prosecutors was too light. There was no justice here today, he said. Byron Lamont McDade had a powerful advocate in his corner. The judge who sent him away for more than two decades for his role in a Washington-area drug ring personally pleaded McDades case for early release. On Wednesday, President Obama responded, and McDade is heading home to Maryland this summer eight years before his prison term was to expire. Hes already served too long, U.S. District Judge Paul L. Friedman said after learning that McDade was among the 61 inmates granted relief by the president as part of the administrations effort to roll back sentences from the nations war on drugs. McDades relatives and attorneys had been on alert for weeks after hearing that the White House was poised to issue another round of commutations. They tried not to get overly excited. Weve been waiting for this for a long time, said McDades wife, Tracey, who lives in Prince Georges County. Her daughter shared the news through tears after reading online that McDade, 48, was on the presidents list. Tracey McDade said she is particularly grateful to Friedman, who had tried unsuccessfully in recent years to urge the Bureau of Prisons and the White House to reduce to 15 years what he said was McDades disproportionate sentence. This is Judge Friedmans doing. Its very rare that you get a federal judge who keeps on it, she said. [Read Judge Friedmans letter asking for clemency for McDade] McDades sister, Jeannie, was working the phones Wednesday, alerting family throughout the country and planning a gathering for her big brother after his release, scheduled for July 28. She had just sent McDade a package of books to supplement the information technology classes he attends in prison. Initially, she said, she hopes McDade will work with the cleaning business she runs. Were going to have to take it one day at a time, said Jeannie McDade, who lives in Southern Maryland. I dont know what were going to do except jump on top of him and tackle him to the ground. As of Wednesday afternoon, McDade had not yet spoken by phone with his wife or sister, they said, because he had run out of his monthly allotment of minutes to make calls from the low-security facility where he is being held in Pennsylvania. At the time of his arrest in 2000, McDade was a 32-year-old father of four with two jobs. His one prior conviction was a misdemeanor gun charge for which he paid a $10 fine. When federal agents came looking for him, McDade fled and was on the run for months before turning himself in. It was the dumbest thing I ever did. I didnt know how to deal with the situation, McDade said during a 2014 interview with The Washington Post at a federal prison in Western Pennsylvania. McDade was convicted after a 10-day trial in 2002 for his role in what was then one of the largest drug conspiracies in the Washington area, one that involved more than 750 kilograms of cocaine. One of the ringleaders, McDades friend, had identified him as her bookkeeper a role he denies, while accepting the jurys verdict. His co-defendants, who cooperated with prosecutors, were out of prison in less than eight years. Had McDade pleaded guilty instead of going to trial, he probably would have been sentenced to 14 years in prison, Friedman said. McDades case haunted Friedman from the day he handed down the 27-year-sentence. He had no choice but to impose the lengthy prison term, he said, because of what were then mandatory sentencing guidelines. McDades attorneys, who submitted his clemency petition about a year ago, said the process took longer than anticipated because of opposition from the U.S. attorneys office. Prosecutors objected to McDades early release, according to his lawyers, in part because of the amount of drugs involved in the conspiracy. The U.S. attorneys office does not typically discuss its internal recommendations and declined through a spokesman to comment on McDades case. McDades attorneys, Mary and Christopher Davis, received word from the pardon attorneys office just before the list was officially released Wednesday morning. The office then arranged for McDade to talk with his attorneys from prison. Mary Davis said she had been dreaming about getting such a phone call for the past two weeks. Its the only dream I will ever have that comes true, she said. You could tell that he was so very thankful. Montgomery County police have arrested a 20-year-old man on charges that he kidnapped a six-year-old girl from her yard in Wheaton on Tuesday, officials said. Authorities said Kabir K. Salami opened a gate and walked into the girls yard as she played at her home in the 11400 block of Monterrey Drive and he grabbed her about 7:50 p.m. The victims mother saw Salami snatch the girl and intervened by placing herself between him and the gate, and she managed the free the girl from his grasp, police said. The mother and daughter then ran inside the house and called 911 as Salami ran from the yard, the statement said. But a few minutes later, he returned and pounded his fists on the front door for a short while before fleeing once again. Officers later located Salami in the 11200 block of Viers Mill Road, about four blocks from the home. Officials said that during an interview with police, Salami said he returned to the house to talk to the victim and give her a hug. He is being held without bond and has been charged with one count of kidnapping, one count of false imprisonment, and one count of second-degree assault. Janet Cooksey, left, is embraced as she attends the funeral of her son Quintonio LeGrier in Chicago on Jan. 9, 2016. The fatal shootings of two black people in Chicago college student LeGrier, 19, and Bettie Jones, 55, a grandmother of 10 by police officers have increased tensions. (Joshua Lott/Reuters) With tensions high over police shootings, an influential Washington police think tank recently proposed a new approach: retraining officers to avoid conflict whenever possible and stressing the sanctity of life of everyone involved, not just the officers. While many departments were quick to embrace de-escalation training, there also has been a sustained pushback by police unions, street officers and police chiefs who say the approach could cause dangerous hesitation at times when officers need to be decisive. What a ridiculous piece of claptrap! wrote the vice president of the Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs in response to a suggestion that before using force, officers consider how the public might view their actions. The officers union in San Antonio is holding a vote of no confidence on the police chief there. And in an extraordinary partnership, the Fraternal Order of Police and the International Association of Chiefs of Police issued a joint statement denouncing the proposals from the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), saying that we must continue to place our trust in the law enforcement practitioners who protect our streets and neighborhoods, not some D.C. think tank. PERF and Their Questionable Principles was the headline of a critical analysis on Officer.com. PERFs Use of Force report illustrates disconnect between street cops, administrators, read a headline on PoliceOne.com. The backlash shocked a number of big-city police chiefs and PERF executive director Chuck Wexler, who authored the 30 Guiding Principles for police use of force, subtitled Taking Policing to a Higher Standard. Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn, formerly the chief in Arlington County, Va., fired off an email to the IACP saying he was appalled by the stridency, hyperbole and vituperation dripping from your joint communication with the FOP at this time when our profession is under scrutiny on exactly this topic. Demonstrators protesting recent Chicago police shootings of local residents confront a police officer outside the home of Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Dec. 29, 2015. (Joshua Lott/For The Washington Post) The clash at the top echelons of U.S. policing could determine whether law enforcement makes a nationwide change in how it uses lethal force on civilians, particularly in cases where a person does not have a gun. Police killed 990 people in the United States in 2015, according to a Washington Post database, of which 9 percent were unarmed, 16 percent wielded knives and 5 percent used their vehicles as weapons. I dont think policing has faced this kind of fundamental challenge in over 20 years, Wexler said. This is, for better or worse, a nationwide conversation that police departments are having. And it is hitting people like a Rorschach test, all different ways. Were talking about ways to prevent officers from getting into those split-second decisions, and people are reading into it what they want. [Police chiefs consider dramatic reforms to officer tactics, training to prevent shootings] Lawful but awful One of Wexlers tenets is that when a subject does not have a gun, officers should look for other ways to resolve a tense situation, even if using a gun would be legally justifiable lawful but awful, in Wexlers words. But many police officers worry about restricting their ability to take control of a dangerous situation to protect themselves and maybe others. Terry Cunningham, president of the IACP and police chief in Wellesley, Mass., said the shift is not necessary. Theres been a negative narrative about police, and its really not true, he said. While there have been incidents of excessive force, officers make millions of arrests each year without problems. You see the ones that are horrific, Cunningham added. They are anomalies. In Pasco, Wash., officers fired 17 rounds that killed orchard worker Antonio Zambrano-Montes, who was armed only with rocks. At the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission, there is an increased focus on shifting the mentality of police officers from warriors to guardians. (Zoeann Murphy/The Washington Post) Sean Van Leeuwen, vice president of the Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs, said, Nobody would argue with the premise that reducing shootings by law enforcement is a worthy goal. But, he said, to impose a set of rules that dont apply to the suspect places us at a disadvantage. Van Leeuwen cited the fatal shooting of Sgt. Jason Goodding in Oregon in February by a man who refused to show his hands, was shocked with a Taser, then pulled a concealed gun and fired. Clearly the criminal suspects are not following PERFs principles, Van Leeuwen said. The key word for police in use-of-force situations is reasonableness: Were an officers actions objectively reasonable as the situation appeared to him at that moment, according to the 1989 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Graham v. Connor . Police see that ruling as providing them with a clear legal definition of what is and is not justifiable. Wexler proposed that police departments adopt policies and training to hold themselves to a higher standard, focusing particularly on whether an officers actions are proportional to the threat faced. There is no training in this country, Wexler said, dealing with edge weapons, or rocks or bottles. When someone pulls out a knife, you pull out a gun. Theres no training. Its amazing, in 2016. Cunningham disagreed that there is no training, and although many officers are taught the 21-foot rule on when to fire as a person gets closer, he said most officers do make smart decisions on placing distance between themselves and people armed with knives. He agreed with Wexler that some change in culture is good but said that dictating hard rules for officers in life-threatening situations is not workable. Police policy has gradually changed in some areas over the years, other chiefs noted. Where high-speed chases were once normal, they are now rare because of the dangers they pose, said Michael Chitwood, police chief in Daytona Beach, Fla. I dont understand what the uproar is, Chitwood said. All officers in his department underwent de-escalation training to keep themselves and those with whom they interact from getting hurt, he said. Wexlers proposal that a supervisor be summoned to every tense scene has been shown to reduce violence, Chitwood said, as have the proposals to increase crisis intervention training for dealing with the mentally ill, prohibiting the use of force on people who are a danger only to themselves, and administering immediate aid to someone who has been shot. Source of proposals PERF said that it had lifted most of the proposals from existing practices in departments around the country. The group noted that in 1972, New York City police officers shot 994 people. By gradually introducing new rules, such as not shooting at cars and formally reviewing all shootings, New York reduced the number of people shot by police to 79 in 2014. [Fairfax police show how they are training in de-escalation] Any time we use force, said Chief Steve Anderson of Nashville, we take a chance of getting injured ourself. But nothing in [PERFs proposals] says you have to take any chance of getting killed or injured, he said. Anderson said the PERF proposals, which also call for officers to intervene when colleagues use excessive force and for regular reports to be issued to the public, could create a seismic shift in American policing. Jim Pasco, executive director of the national Fraternal Order of Police, said that police chiefs in big cities (those with populations of more than 50,000) who make up PERFs membership face more political pressure from liberal mayors and elected officials than small-department chiefs do. And they are more willing to bend to popular demand, he said. A police officer never, ever knows what he or shes going to confront, Pasco said, and that officer needs the flexibility to respond appropriately. Over 80 percent of the police departments in the U.S. have 10 or fewer officers, Pasco said. You cant always sit and wait for your supervisor. Authorities said Daniel R. Brown is wanted in connection with a stabbing outside a Metro station. (Metro Transit Police) Metro officials said they are looking for a newspaper vendor who reportedly stabbed a 24-year-old man Thursday morning outside a Metro station in Maryland. Dan Stessel, a spokesman for Metro, said the incident began around 8:37 a.m. when a man who was distributing the Express newspaper became involved in an altercation with another man at the Addison Road station. The altercation got physical, Stessel said, and the newspaper vendor tackled the victim and stabbed him outside the Metro entrance. The victim was taken to an area hospital, Stessel said. He was first listed in critical condition but was upgraded to stable, Stessel said. The vendor left the scene, officials said. The incident was captured on security cameras and there are multiple witnesses, Stessel said. He said he did not know what led to the altercation. There was no impact to service on the rail system. Metro Transit Police is handling the investigation. The Express is owned by The Washington Post. In a statement, a Post spokesperson said, were looking into exactly what happened. We are aware that an Express contractor was involved and are currently gathering more information from the police. Registered Democrats and Republicans remain sharply divided in their views toward immigrants and Muslims, according to a survey released Thursday by the Pew Research Center, with much higher percentages of Republican voters supporting a border wall with Mexico and extra scrutiny on Muslims. Overall, however, a majority of registered voters and most Democrats expressed a positive view of immigrants. Responses among GOP voters varied widely depending on which primary candidate they supported. Those favoring Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump expressed by far the most negative views of immigrants, and those favoring Democratic candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) were by far the most positive. Supporters of Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Ohio Gov. John Kasich (R) came closest to tracking with voter responses overall. [Read the Pew survey report] Nationwide, 57 percent of voters said immigrants strengthen the country through work and talent, while 35 percent said immigrants are a burden because they take jobs, housing and health care away from those born in this country. That ratio was the most positive since Pew started asking the question in 1994. Back then, 31 percent of voters viewed immigrants positively, while 63 percent considered them a burden. Favorable perceptions have climbed steadily since, according to annual Pew polls. Among voters favoring Trump, 69 percent called immigrants a drain on society. Supporters of Cruz himself the son of Cuban immigrants were more mixed, with 51 percent seeing immigrants as a burden and 36 percent as a boon. Backers of Kasich were far more moderate, with 49 percent seeing immigrants as a benefit and 40 percent as a burden. On the Democratic side, the great majority of responders 78 percent who back Hillary Clinton and 82 percent who favor Sanders said immigrants were a positive addition to the United States. When asked about illegal immigrants, the contrasts between both parties were not quite as sharp with the exception of Trump supporters. About three-quarters of all voters said a path should be found for some undocumented immigrants to remain in the United States legally. Clinton and Sanders supporters agreed by 87 and 90 percent, respectively. On the GOP side, 58 percent of Cruz supporters and 75 percent of Kasich backers agreed. But more than half of Trump supporters 52 percent said undocumented immigrants should not be allowed to stay. [Poll: Trump would be least-popular major-party nominee in modern times] Forty-two percent of Trump supporters favored a national effort to deport illegal immigrants, compared with 30 percent who back Cruz, 24 percent who support Kasich, 8 percent who back Clinton and 6 percent who favor Sanders. Eighty-four percent of Trump backers expressed support for building a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, compared with about 67 percent of Republicans overall. Fewer Cruz and Kasich backers said the government should build a wall, and the great majority of both Clinton and Sanders supporters opposed such a plan. On the separate topic of whether Muslims in the United States should be subjected to greater scrutiny at a time of terrorist attacks and refugee surges, 61 percent of all voters said no, as did 79 percent of Democrats. Trump supporters took the opposite view, with 64 percent supporting such scrutiny. Among Cruz and Kasich backers, 53 and 37 percent, respectively, took that position. Commuters are seen riding the train at the McPherson Square Metro Station in Washington. (Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post) The Washington regions political leaders expressed grave reservations Thursday about the possibility that Metro might shut rail lines for months at a time for repairs, and Fairfax County officials said outright that they would oppose a prolonged stoppage. But most state and local leaders in Virginia, Maryland and the District said they could accept extended closures if they were well planned and truly necessary. The officials responded to the surprise disclosure Wednesday by the Metro board chairman, Jack Evans, that the system might have to close entire rail lines for up to six months. He said the needed maintenance was so extensive that there wasnt enough time if work was limited to weekend stoppages and to those hours when the system shuts down for the night. [Metro could shut down entire rail lines to do extended maintenance, board chair says] General Manager Paul J. Wiedefeld confirmed that he was considering extended closures but emphasized that no decision would be made for four to six weeks, when he plans to unveil a long-range maintenance plan. Metro General Manager Paul Wiedefeld said on Wednesday he was considering shutting down rail lines or parts of lines for as long as six months for repairs. (WUSA 9) The chilly official response highlighted the big political challenges that Wiedefeld and the Metro board will confront if they choose to reverse long-standing Metro practice by closing rail lines or segments of lines for lengthy periods. In theory, the general manager and board have the authority to operate the system as they choose. But board members pay attention, at the least, to what they hear from the state and local political leaders who appoint them and who contribute roughly half of the systems budget. In a related development, many Democratic elected officials in the region voiced support for creating a regionwide sales tax or other dedicated source of cash to help meet Metros massive demands for renovation and expansion. The top elected officials in Fairfax, Arlington and Montgomery counties all Democrats said they supported such a measure. A spokesman for D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) said she was always open to discussing a long-term, stable funding stream for Metro. The leaders were responding to Evanss impassioned pleas Wednesday for local jurisdictions to create a reliable source to kick in $1 billion a year in fresh money for the transit agency. Speaking at a regional forum, he also urged the federal government to start contributing $300 million a year for Metro operations, given that the system transports a large portion of the local federal workforce. [Will drastic action become Metros new normal] But Republicans in the region were wary of Evanss call, and members of both parties warned that it would be difficult politically to win approval of such a tax at this time. 1 of 32 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad Photos: What Washington looked like during the Metro shutdown View Photos Service was canceled across the entire rail system, March 16, for safety checks of electric cables after a fire in a tunnel. Caption Service was canceled across the entire rail system, March 16, for safety checks of electric cables after a fire in a tunnel. March 16, 2016 Near the closed Farragut West Metro station in Washington, commuters stand in line to board a bus heading toward Ballston, Va. Astrid Riecken/For The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue. The GOP-led Virginia General Assembly would almost certainly fight such a measure, they said. And Maryland Transportation Secretary Pete K. Rahn noted that his boss, Gov. Larry Hogan (R), is thoroughly opposed to tax increases. In any case, the funding issue has been discussed for years without resolution. It took a back seat Thursday to the unprecedented suggestion that thousands of commuters and other regular Metro users might have to find other means of transportation for months while Metro performed maintenance. Wiedefeld sought to tamp down public concern by issuing a statement Thursday afternoon assuring the public that any service change . . . that could affect your commute will receive ample notice to customers, businesses, stakeholders and the region as a whole. Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova (D) said she would oppose any lengthy shutdown, because it would be unfair to riders. To close an entire line for a period of three months or six months, I think, is not reasonable, Bulova said. Im not sure what the tolerance might be for a shorter period of time for closures, but I think we need to be very careful that we dont end up losing patrons entirely who make different transportation decisions and then dont return to Metro. Bulova also faulted Evans, who is also a D.C. Council member, for divulging the possibility of prolonged closures at an event designed to promote regional support for Metro. It was not a very helpful announcement, Bulova said. I was surprised to hear that at a summit that actually was meant to inspire the community to rally around Metro as theyve reached a 40th anniversary. Rep. Gerald E. Connolly (D-Va.), whose district includes much of Fairfax, also was critical. A long-term shutdown of any line is almost unimaginable and would have serious and crippling repercussions, Connolly said. Other leaders were more open to possible shutdowns, albeit with caveats. Metro shutdown Voting is closed on this poll User Poll Results: Should Metro shut down an entire rail line for an extended period of time to make repairs? Yes No Pardon the interruption! We need to verify that you are an actual person. Yes No View Results This is a non-scientific user poll. Results are not statistically valid and cannot be assumed to reflect the views of Washington Post users as a group or the general population. The Arlington County Board chair, Libby Garvey (D), joined many other officials in emphasizing that she would want to see the thinking behind any drastic action. Bowser issued a similar response. If theyve got a good analysis that shows that this needs to be done, then it needs to be done. But we would not be fine with them just dropping service, Garvey said. Garvey said Metro would have to set up replacement service, such as buses, to serve those commuters who depend on Metrorail. In Richmond, Virginia Transportation Secretary Aubrey Layne said he was inclined to back Metros leadership. But he bemoaned the fact that the track, power system and other rail infrastructure had deteriorated so much that a prolonged shutdown might be needed. Its a shame that weve gotten to this position, Layne said. We would generally be supportive, but wed like to see the plan. We want to make sure there is no other way to do this. Rahn, Laynes counterpart in Maryland, was somewhat more skeptical. He said Metro clearly had to improve its maintenance of an aged system, but he needed more information before he could support extended closures. I would have to know which lines and in which order and how they are going to mitigate that closure, Rahn said. In Montgomery, County Executive Isiah Leggett (D) hoped an alternative to shutdowns could be found. That would be pretty drastic to close down a whole line for six months, Leggett said. Shutdowns of individual segments of lines could be workable, he said, providing that buses or other alternatives were provided. Metro might decide on extended closures because its inefficient and costly to do repair work only at night or on weekends. It takes hours for workers to set up equipment at the start of a shift and to take it down at the end, sharply reducing the time available to make repairs or perform maintenance. Metro also is at a disadvantage because it has a two-track system. The New York City transit system has four tracks in many stretches and can keep two open while work is done on the others. Metro has long tried to balance the needs of its customers with the need to maintain its 40-year-old system. In 2011, board member Tom Downs floated a proposal to scale back weekend service, which a staff analysis found would add 45 days a year for maintenance. However, board members from the District pushed back against the plan, saying it would hurt D.C. businesses. [Anthony Foxx on Metro safety agency: This is one that really cant wait.] Closing a rail line would be the last place I want to go, then-General Manager Richard Sarles said. The prospect of prolonged shutdowns drew a tart response from the Federal Transit Administration, which has been pushing Metro to move more quickly to improve its safety oversight. The fact that extended Metrorail line shutdowns are being contemplated is yet another example of the years of failure by regional leadership to address the [Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authoritys] safety oversight needs, an FTA official said. THE DISTRICT Water supervisor pleads guilty in charge A D.C. Water and Sewer Authority permitting supervisor pleaded guilty Wednesday to a federal conflict-of-interest charge for approving work applications prepared by his own private company, named after his first name spelled backwards, according to court records. Londra S. Watson, 53, of the District, faces up to a maximum of five years in prison at sentencing June 27 before Senior U.S. District Judge Thomas F. Hogan of the District, prosecutors said. Federal sentencing guidelines, however, call for up to six months incarceration, they said. Watson, a 35-year utility veteran, started Ardnol of DC LLC in November 2007 and did not disclose his interest in the company to WASA, according to court papers. Through February 2012, applicants seeking to modify plumbing connections to utility lines provided checks totaling $141,066 to Watsons company, which prepared permit packages that the applicants then submitted to Watsons office for approval, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District. Spencer S. Hsu Man pleads guilty to assault charges A District man pleaded guilty Wednesday to assault charges and driving under the influence following a New Years Day crash that injured 13 people standing on a sidewalk outside of Barcode, a downtown Washington nightclub. Malik Lloyd, 25, pleaded guilty in D.C. Superior Court to three counts of assault with significant bodily injury, one count of destruction of property and one count of driving under the influence in the Jan. 1 crash. MARYLAND Hit man turns out to be undercover cop Three times in a month, a Howard County man met with the potential hit man, police say. He had a job for him: Kill his wife and make it look like a robbery gone bad at his home on Polished Pebble Way in Laurel. Price: $15,000. But it turns out the possible hit man was an undercover detective, police say, and Aafaq Manejwala has been arrested and charged with solicitation of first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder. According to Howard County police, they received a tip that Manejwala, 36, was looking for someone who would be willing to kill his wife for money. With an informants help, Manejwala and an undercover police detective posing as a hit man were introduced. On Tuesday, police said, Manejwala met with the officer and paid him $100, according to court documents. Authorities then took Manejwala into custody and charged him. He is being held without bond at the Howard County jail. VIRGINIA Body found along Woodbridge creek A body was found along a creek bed in Woodbridge, a Prince William County police spokesman said Wednesday. Authorities said a citizen who was walking by made the grim discovery at 12:51 p.m. The body was found along the edge of Powells Creek , which lies just below a bridge on Jefferson Davis Highway, said Officer Nathan Probus, a department spokesman. Victoria St. Martin THE REGION Two dead in house fires Two people were found dead after house fires in Montgomery County and the District, authorities said Wednesday. In Montgomery County, officials said the blaze began about 10 p.m. Tuesday in the 1800 block of Windjammer Way. More than 100 firefighters were called to the scene. The mans body was found in the basement. His name was not immediately released, and it was not immediately known what started the fire. The fire in the District occurred early Wednesday in a house near American University, at 45th and Sedgwick Streets. A male occupant, whose age and name were not immediately released, was pulled from the house by firefighters but died at an area hospital. Dana Hedgpeth and Peter Hermann ALABAMA Aide to governor resigns amid scandal A top political aide to Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley (R) resigned Wednesday, a week after he publicly admitted making inappropriate remarks to her but denied the two ever had an affair. Soon after, a Republican lawmaker, Rep. Ed Henry, said he planned to introduce a resolution to begin impeachment proceedings against the governor. Rebekah Caldwell Mason announced her resignation in a statement sent by the governors office, saying she would no longer be his senior political adviser and would no longer be paid by his campaign fund. Last week, Mason was thrust into the spotlight when former law-enforcement secretary Spencer Collier accused the 73-year-old governor of having an inappropriate relationship with her. Collier made the allegations a day after he was fired. Associated Press TEXAS Lethal injection halted over competency issue Just hours before a Texas man convicted of killing his two young daughters was set to be executed, a federal appeals court on Wednesday halted the lethal injection to allow the inmate time to argue that he is not mentally competent. Texas had intended to execute John David Battaglia on Wednesday, nearly 14 years after he was first sentenced to death. An attorney filed an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court last week, writing that Battaglia is incompetent to be executed, citing psychiatrists who diagnosed him with bipolar disorder. Battaglia had appealed to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas for new legal counsel and a stay of execution but was denied on both counts. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit reversed that decision Wednesday. Mark Berman HEALTH Experimental test screens blood for Zika Federal health officials are granting use of an experimental test to screen blood donations for the Zika virus, an emergency step designed to protect local blood supplies from the mosquito-borne virus. The action means U.S. territories with active Zika infections, primarily Puerto Rico, will be able to resume collecting and screening their own blood. Earlier this month, the island of 3.5 million barred local donations and began importing blood from the United States, following recommendations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Last month, the FDA advised U.S. blood banks to refuse donations from people who had traveled to Zika-affected regions in the previous four weeks. Those guidelines remain in effect. The test authorized by the FDA is made by Roche Molecular Systems, a division of the Swiss health-care conglomerate. Zika is spreading rapidly through Latin America. Although most people experience mild or no symptoms, Zika is suspected of causing a devastating birth defect babies born with abnormally small heads and possible brain damage and pregnant Americans are urged to avoid travel to affected areas. Puerto Rico has 350 confirmed cases of the virus, among them 40 pregnant women. Associated Press Nine hurt as tornadoes touch down in Oklahoma: At least nine people were injured and authorities were evaluating the damage in northeastern Oklahoma after severe storms spawned multiple tornado touchdowns Wednesday night, authorities said. A National Weather Service meteorologist said a tornado touched down and lifted up numerous times as it swept through the northern Tulsa and Owasso areas. Associated Press Bill Green, a journalist and university official who spent one momentous year as ombudsman of The Washington Post, where he conducted an investigation into a story by reporter Janet Cooke about an 8-year-old heroin addict that won a Pulitzer Prize before it was exposed as a fraud, died March 28 at his home in Durham, N.C. He was 91. The cause was complications from surgery, said a daughter, Audrey Green. Mr. Green was an editor of small-town newspapers in his native North Carolina and later worked for the U.S. Information Agency and as a public affairs officer for NASA during the Apollo space program. He was a faculty member and top official for Duke University before coming to The Post as the newspapers ombudsman for a one-year term that began in September 1980. When I discussed taking this job with The Post, I asked what the point of an ombudsman was, Mr. Green told the Duke University alumni magazine in 2003. They said it was the readers representative. And they put no constraints on it. His tenure became notable when he wrote one of the most damning and thorough critiques of malfeasance in modern journalism, revealing the depth of deception by Cooke and the carelessness of her editors that led to one of the most humiliating episodes in The Posts history. It was an intense, exhausting experience, and not all that pleasant because The Washington Post is one of our great newspapers that had made a terrible mistake, Mr. Green once told the Eastern Wake News in North Carolina. It was a dark day in journalism. [Ombudsman Bill Greens 1981 investigation of Jimmys World ] On Sept. 28, 1980, weeks after Mr. Greens arrival at the newspaper, a story appeared on The Posts front page, Jimmys World, under Cookes byline. It was a detailed, shocking account of an unnamed 8-year-old boy in Southeast Washington who was a heroin addict. Cooke described the boy, his home and his surroundings in vivid detail. There was some skepticism about the story from the beginning, but Cookes writing was so compelling that The Post nominated the article for a Pulitzer Prize. On April 13, 1981, the Pulitzer board announced that Jimmys World had won journalisms most prestigious honor. City officials sought to find Jimmy, to no avail, and murmurs of doubt began to swell into a clamor. Top Post editors questioned Cooke about her sources, learning that no supervisor had ever asked for or learned the boys true identity. Cookes story, and her personal history, began to crumble. Discrepancies arose about her educational background. She claimed fluency in several foreign languages but could not reply when executive editor Benjamin C. Bradlee spoke to her in French. Youve got 24 hours to prove the Jimmy story is true, Bradlee told her, according to an account written by Mr. Green and published in The Post. When another Post reporter drove through Southeast Washington with Cooke, she appeared unfamiliar with the areas gritty street life. Nevertheless, under questioning by other Post staffers, including then-Metro editor Bob Woodward and city editor Milton Coleman, Cooke maintained that her story was essentially true. Later, after a long conversation with David Maraniss, then the deputy Metro editor, Cooke confessed that the article was an invention. There is no Jimmy and no family, she said, according Mr. Greens investigation. It was a fabrication. I did so much work on it, but its a composite. I want to give the prize back. Cooke, once a rising star at the paper, admitted the fraud and resigned. The Post returned the Pulitzer. With the papers credibility at stake, Bradlee asked Mr. Green to investigate how The Post failed its readers and itself. Within days, Mr. Green had spoken to everyone with a role in the Jimmy story and Cookes hiring everyone but Cooke herself, who refused to be interviewed. I conducted 40-some interviews, he said in 2012. Then, there was a matter of writing what I had collected. We used typewriters in those days, and I remember typing for 28 uninterrupted hours. His investigation appeared on The Posts front page on April 19, 1981, less than a week after the Pulitzer was announced. Working almost around the clock, Bradlee wrote in his 1995 autobiography, A Good Life, Bill Green accomplished an incredibly difficult task: a no-holds-barred, meticulously reported account of what went wrong 18,000 words spread over the front page and four full pages inside. In his gripping account, Mr. Green provided an inside view of how journalism works and how it sometimes fails. His conclusions were unsparing. Theres enough blame to go around, he wrote. Ben Bradlee, the executive editor, was wrong, and Howard Simons, the managing editor, was wrong. Beginning, of course, with Janet Cooke, everybody who touched this journalistic felony or who should have touched it and didnt was wrong. Bradlee offered to resign, but publisher Donald E. Graham refused to let him go. Plans were put in place at The Post and in other newsrooms across the United States to apply rigorous new standards to reporting the news. Over time, Mr. Greens story was seen as a model of accountability of journalism itself. I think that the speed and thoroughness of that report, Graham said Wednesday, were crucial in making clear to readers that The Post was trying to tell them the whole story. William Lester Green was born Nov. 11, 1924, in Asheville, N.C., and grew up on a farm near Zebulon, N.C. He flew reconnaissance missions for the Army Air Forces in Italy during World War II. After graduating in 1949 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he began his journalism career in Durham and later became editor of the Morganton News Herald and the Shelby Daily Star. With USIA, he was a press officer in Bangladesh and South Africa, before moving to NASA. In 1970, he became director of university relations at Duke under university president Terry Sanford, a former North Carolina governor and future senator, who also sought the Democratic nomination for president. Mr. Green taught journalism and established a noted visiting journalist program at Duke before retiring from the university as a vice president in 1986. He later spent three years on Sanfords campaign and Senate staff. Survivors include his wife of 65 years, the former Isabel Yates, of Durham; five children, Lisa Kelley of Suwanee, Ga., Claudia Green of Durham, Erick Green of Washington, N.C., Bryan Green of Old Fort, N.C., and Audrey Green of Chapel Hill; two brothers; a sister; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. In a set of 15 recommendations for the newspaper at the close of his 1981 investigation of the Cooke affair, Mr. Green concluded, If the reporter cant support the integrity of his or her story by revealing the name to his or her editor, the story shouldnt be published. And if that safeguard prevents some news stories from appearing, so be it. Dougie Ford, son of former Toronto mayor Rob Ford, stands at the funeral for his father at St. James Cathedral in Toronto Wednesday. (Mark Blinch/Reuters) LIBYA Unity governments head arrives in capital The head of a United Nations-brokered Libyan unity government arrived in Tripoli by sea on Wednesday to set up a temporary seat of power despite threats from competing factions, which prevented him from arriving by air. Western nations view the unity government as the best hope for ending Libyas chaos and uniting all factions against an increasingly powerful Islamic State affiliate. But factions within two other rival Libyan governments are opposed to the U.N.-backed body. Fayez Serraj arrived with six deputies, who are members of the Presidential Council, which was established based on a U.N.-mediated deal signed by breakaway groups from the two governments last year. The council formed the new unity government. The officials were prevented from flying into Tripoli by an Islamist-backed government based there. A third government is based in the east of the country. Libya has been dominated by an array of militias since the 2011 uprising that toppled and killed dictator Moammar Gaddafi. U.S. Secretary of State John F. Kerry welcomed Wednesdays development and urged Libyans to embrace this historic opportunity for a peaceful and more prosperous Libya. 1 of 23 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad The complicated life of infamous Toronto mayor Rob Ford View Photos Rob Ford, the pugnacious, populist former mayor of Toronto whose career crashed in a drug-driven, obscenity-laced debacle, died after fighting cancer, his family says. He was 46. Caption Rob Ford, the pugnacious, populist former mayor of Toronto whose career crashed in a drug-driven, obscenity-laced debacle, died after fighting cancer, his family says. He was 46. July 15, 2014 Mayor Rob Ford pauses while participating in a mayoral debate in Toronto. Read Darren Calabrese/AP Wait 1 second to continue. Associated Press CYPRUS Egypt seeks extradition of hijacking suspect Egypt formally asked Cyprus on Wednesday to extradite a detained Egyptian national who authorities say admitted to hijacking a domestic EgyptAir flight and diverting it to Cyprus by threatening to blow it up with an explosives belt. The belt turned out to be fake. The extradition request from Egypt came shortly after a Cypriot court ordered that the suspect, 59-year-old Seif Eldin Mustafa, remain in police custody for eight days to assist the investigation. Police prosecutor Andreas Lambrianou said the suspect faces preliminary charges that include hijacking, illegal possession of explosives, kidnapping and threats to commit violence. Tuesdays hijacking, which started when authorities said Mustafa claimed to have explosives on him, ended peacefully about six hours later. Egypts Interior Ministry said Mustafa had a long criminal record and had finished serving a one-year prison term last March. Cypriot officials had described Mustafa as psychologically unstable after a bizarre set of demands he made to negotiators, including what Lambrianou said was a letter he wanted delivered to his Cypriot ex-wife in which he demanded that Egypt release 63 imprisoned dissident women. Associated Press Colombia to hold peace talks with ELN rebel group: Colombia will hold formal peace talks with the countrys second-largest rebel group, heightening expectations for a definitive end to a half-century of political violence. The government has been in exploratory talks with the National Liberation Army, or ELN, for more than a year. Those talks will now be formalized. The government has been negotiating for three years with the largest Colombian rebel group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC. Japan approves ice wall at Fukushima plant: Japanese regulators approved the use of a giant refrigeration system to create an underground frozen barrier around buildings at the wrecked Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant in an attempt to contain leaking radioactive water. Nearly 800,000 tons of radioactive water being stored at the plant have hampered the decontamination and decommissioning of the facility, damaged by an earthquake and a tsunami in 2011. The ice wall is viewed as key to a resolution. Fight with Taliban kills 15 Afghan troops: A gun battle with the Taliban killed at least 15 members of Afghan security forces in the southern Uruzgan province, an official said. The fighting occurred during an operation to reopen a key highway, said Mohammad Nabi Niazo, a district police chief. Afghan forces have retaken control of the road, Niazo said. A Taliban spokesman said, however, that the battle is ongoing. From news services OVER THE better part of a decade, Democrats who run Marylands House of Delegates have gradually been pushed to get tougher with drunk drivers, with plenty of griping along the way. In thrall to the alcohol lobby and to trial lawyers whose numbers include Joseph F. Vallario Jr. (D-Prince Georges), the powerful chairman of the House Judiciary Committee they have sought to maintain ways to go easy on motorists who are menaces to public safety. This year, thanks to Officer Noah Leotta, their foot-dragging may finally succumb to the force of public opinion. Leotta was the young Montgomery County police officer killed by a suspected drunk driver in December while on patrol along Rockville Pike. He was on the lookout for intoxicated drivers when one struck him on the side of the road, where he had pulled over another car. That tragedy changed the political equation in Annapolis. For the first time in years, Mr. Vallario could not slap down efforts by reform-minded lawmakers and advocates to tighten Marylands squishy laws. Still, real reform is in the details and the details of Marylands drunken-driving laws may be the most mind-bendingly convoluted in the nation. That appears to be by design, constituting a boon to the fraternity of defense lawyers who can solicit business by plausibly asserting that they alone can unravel the fine points in state statutes. As things currently stand in Annapolis, two versions of a bill to toughen drunken-driving penalties have passed the legislature one with real teeth, which has passed the state Senate, and a flimsier one, which, vetted by Mr. Vallario, emerged from the House. Lawmakers should opt for the stronger Senate bill. Each of the bills is an improvement on current law, which doesnt crack down on most intoxicated drivers on their first arrest unless they are falling-down drunk. However, the House version of the bill contains loopholes that would enable many drunk drivers to avoid having a mandatory Breathalyzer installed on their cars dashboard a device known as an interlock that prevents a cars engine from starting if the motorist is intoxicated. Under the Senate version, the interlock would be automatically installed in the car of any drunk motorist for 90 days upon arrest. And the clock would restart in the event the driver tried to operate his car while drunk at any point in the 90-day period. By contrast, the House bill would allow drunk drivers to opt out of an interlock by having their license suspended; many drivers with suspended licenses keep driving. The two bills also differ on drivers who refuse to take a police Breathalyzer upon arrest. Under the Senate version, refusal would result in an interlock being automatically installed for 270 days. In the House version, drivers might again opt for a suspended license, and again ignore the sanction by continuing to drive. Interlock devices are highly effective, allowing offenders to continue living a normal life if they can prove, by blowing into a tube affixed to their dashboards, that they are sober. They save lives. Maryland lawmakers have resisted such effective measures long enough, and at an unacceptably high price. Its time for a no-nonsense approach. Barack Obama is president of the United States. Of all the threats to global security and peace, the most dangerous is the proliferation and potential use of nuclear weapons. Thats why, seven years ago in Prague, I committed the United States to stopping the spread of nuclear weapons and to seeking a world without them. This vision builds on the policies of presidents before me, Democrat and Republican, including Ronald Reagan, who said we seek the total elimination one day of nuclear weapons from the face of the Earth. Thursday in Washington, Ill welcome more than 50 world leaders to our fourth Nuclear Security Summit to advance a central pillar of our Prague Agenda: preventing terrorists from obtaining and using a nuclear weapon. Well review our progress, such as successfully ridding more than a dozen countries of highly enriched uranium and plutonium. Nations, including the United States, will make new commitments, and well continue strengthening the international treaties and institutions that underpin nuclear security. Given the continued threat posed by organizations such as the terrorist group we call ISIL, or ISIS, well also join allies and partners in reviewing our counterterrorism efforts, to prevent the worlds most dangerous networks from obtaining the worlds most dangerous weapons. Beyond preventing nuclear terrorism, weve made important progress toward the broader vision I outlined in Prague. President Obama laid out the work that needed to be done to improve nuclear security in advance of the nuclear security summit beginning March 31. Obama was speaking at the closing session of the last summit, held in 2014. (The White House) First, were taking concrete steps toward a world without nuclear weapons. The United States and Russia remain on track to meet our New START Treaty obligations so that by 2018 the number of deployed American and Russian nuclear warheads will be at their lowest levels since the 1950s. Even as the United States maintains a safe, secure and effective nuclear arsenal to deter any adversary and ensure the security of our allies, Ive reduced the number and role of nuclear weapons in our national security strategy. I also have ruled out developing new nuclear warheads and narrowed the contingencies under which the United States would ever use or threaten to use nuclear weapons. Second, were strengthening the global regime including the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty that prevents the spread of nuclear weapons. Weve succeeded in uniting the international community against the spread of nuclear weapons, notably in Iran. A nuclear-armed Iran would have constituted an unacceptable threat to our national security and that of our allies and partners. It could have triggered a nuclear arms race in the Middle East and begun to unravel the global nonproliferation regime. After Iran initially rejected a diplomatic solution, the United States mobilized the international community to impose sanctions on Iran, demonstrating that nations that fail to meet their nuclear obligations will face consequences. After intense negotiations, Iran agreed to a nuclear deal that closes every single one of its paths to a nuclear weapon, and Iran is now being subjected to the most comprehensive inspection regimen ever negotiated to monitor a nuclear program. In other words, under this deal, the world has prevented yet another nation from getting a nuclear bomb. And well remain vigilant to ensure that Iran fulfills its commitments. Third, were pursuing a new framework for civil nuclear cooperation so countries that meet their responsibilities can have access to peaceful nuclear energy. The international fuel bank that I called for seven years ago is now being built in Kazakhstan. With it, countries will be able to realize the energy they seek without enriching uranium, which could be at risk of diversion or theft. Our progress notwithstanding, Im the first to acknowledge that we still have unfinished business. Given its violations of the INF Treaty, we continue to call on Russia to comply fully with its obligations. Along with our military leadership, I continue to believe that our massive Cold War nuclear arsenal is poorly suited to todays threats. The United States and Russia which together hold more than 90 percent of the worlds nuclear weapons should negotiate to reduce our stockpiles further. The international community must remain united in the face of North Koreas continued provocations, including its recent nuclear test and missile launches. The additional sanctions recently imposed on Pyongyang by the United Nations Security Council show that violations have consequences. The United States will continue working with allies and partners for the complete and verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in a peaceful manner. More broadly, the security of the world demands that nations including the United States ratify the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and conclude a new treaty to end the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons once and for all. I said in Prague that achieving the security and peace of a world without nuclear weapons will not happen quickly, perhaps not in my lifetime. But we have begun. As the only nation ever to use nuclear weapons, the United States has a moral obligation to continue to lead the way in eliminating them. Still, no one nation can realize this vision alone. It must be the work of the world. Were clear-eyed about the high hurdles ahead, but I believe that we must never resign ourselves to the fatalism that the spread of nuclear weapons is inevitable. Even as we deal with the realities of the world as it is, we must continue to strive for our vision of the world as it ought to be. I JUST think we have much bigger risks, Donald Trump told us last week. We had asked the Republican presidential candidate about human-caused climate change, a phenomenon in which he said he is not a big believer. Dont good business leaders hedge against risks, spending something now to avoid potentially negative outcomes later? I think our biggest form of climate change we should worry about is nuclear weapons, he responded. Mr. Trump is not alone among Republicans in citing other scary problems to illogically ignore the danger of a warming world. Sen. Ted Cruz (Tex.) and Ohio Gov. John Kasich both mention terrorism the real problem that faces us today, Mr. Kasich said when criticizing President Obamas efforts to slow climate change. Meanwhile, in the world of facts, evidence and science, the dangers of climate change look ever more frightening. The latest news comes courtesy of a shocking paper in the journal Nature about how Antarctic ice sheets might respond to warmer air and ocean temperatures. Scientists from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and Pennsylvania State University examined previous eras in which the planet was only a bit warmer yet seas were much higher. Previous modeling did not match these foreboding historical phenomena, so the scientists used insights into the physics of how the continents massive ice formations melt to improve the models. The result is downright scary: Antarctica has the potential to contribute more than a metre of sea-level rise by 2100 and more than 15 metres by 2500, if emissions continue unabated. With that additional melting from Antarctica, seas could rise some 6 feet by 2100. This would result in humanitarian catastrophe, swamping coastal cities all over the world and forcing massive inland migrations. In separate research, highlighted last week by The Posts Chris Mooney, scientists found strong evidence that a layer of permafrost across the frozen north is thawing, which could lead to massive stocks of organic matter breaking down, which would release more planet-warming greenhouse emissions. This feedback loop could significantly worsen global warming over time. Perhaps warmer Arctic temperatures will also lead to large-scale plant growth, canceling out some of the greenhouse gases emitted during the thaw? A group of researchers asked 98 experts on the Arctic about this possibility, and the results were not encouraging. Models predicting large offsetting effects, for example, failed to account for changes in the regions water resources. All in all, the chance that the Arctic will become an increasingly large source of greenhouse emissions this century appears to be significant, if humanity does not act to arrest warming. The interlocking effects of the Earths various systems remain complex and difficult to predict. What is beyond question is that we face significant risk. The prudent response would be to mitigate the threat, instead of waiting to discover that scientists warnings were on target or even understated after the damage has been done. PAKISTAN HAS made progress in fighting terrorism in the past two years, but a horrific suicide bombing in one of its heartland cities on Sunday showed how serious the threat remains. A militant dispatched by an offshoot of the Pakistani Taliban attacked a crowd of families in Lahore who were peacefully strolling in a park on Easter; the group later said Christians were its target. In the end, more than 70 people were killed, the majority of them Muslim, including some 30 children. Since a 2014 attack on a school that left more than 150 dead, the Pakistani government and more importantly, its military has finally begun to fight in earnest against domestic jihadists. But the latest attack exposes the gaps in the campaign. A long-overdue army offensive destroyed Taliban bases in the western frontier territories, forcing many of the militants into eastern Afghanistan. Progress was also made in combating terrorists in the southern city of Karachi. Last year saw a noticeable reduction in successful attacks. Pakistani authorities largely neglected militant groups deployed in other parts of the country, however, including in populous Punjab province, where Lahore is located. They have also shrunk from measures needed to protect religious minorities, including Pakistani Christians, who number more than 2 million. A poisonous blasphemy law, which provides the death penalty for perceived insults to Islam, remains in force and is regularly used to target Christians. Pakistans failings are hardly unique: Christians are in danger of being eliminated as a significant minority community across the Middle East. Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, like the Taliban, have adopted the genocidal aim of killing all non-Muslims, a departure from Islamic law as well as centuries of practical coexistence. Christians are being systematically driven out of Iraq, and communities in Syria, Lebanon, Egypt and the Palestinian territories are shrinking as refugees flee to the West. Even as President Obama and responsible leaders in Europe try to fight prejudice against Muslims, Muslim governments are fueling demagogues such as Donald Trump by failing to protect Christians. Following the attack in Lahore, Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif vowed in a televised address to fight terrorism until it is rooted out from our society, and authorities arrested hundreds of suspected militants. But the government faces formidable opposition: In Islamabad, thousands of demonstrators this week protested the execution of an extremist convicted of assassinating a governor who criticized the blasphemy law. The best approach, as Pakistan should have learned by now, is not to tolerate or negotiate with such extremists, but to forcefully confront them. Exceptions cannot be made for jihadists who fight for causes favored by the Pakistani elite, such as the liberation of Kashmir from Indian rule, or Taliban battling the Afghan government. While Mr. Sharif and the military leadership have come a long way toward accepting those tenets, they have not yet fully embraced them. That means terrorism will remain a threat to Pakistan for the foreseeable future. The evidence is in, and it shows that the dominant media narratives about 2016 are wrong. Our country is not roiled with across-the-board discontent, and Donald Trump is not the most important voice in our politics. Turmoil in one of our political parties is being misread as reflecting a deep crisis well beyond its boundaries. The most revealing and underplayed development of the week is Gallups finding that President Obamas approval rating hit 53 percent (not once, but three times). This was its highest level since April 2013. If the people of the United States had lost all confidence in their institutions, the president wouldnt be enjoying such a surge in popularity. Compare the current incumbent, first, to George W. Bush. His approval rating at this point in his presidency was 32 percent, on its way down to 28 percent a few weeks later. And in a comparable period in 1988, Ronald Reagans approval stood at 50 percent. Note that the incumbent party was routed in 2008 but comfortably held on to the White House 20 years earlier. And the demography of Obamas support explains why a relentless media focus on Trump and the Republican primaries entirely warps the message coming from Americans as a whole. Obamas approval rating is at 89 percent with Democrats and 50 percent among independents. But it stands at only 12 percent with Republicans and 9 percent among conservative Republicans. Yet the voices of conservative Republicans are being amplified beyond all reason by the obsession with Trump and the GOPs struggles. Sure, conservatives really dont like Barack Obama. But thats not news, and we certainly didnt need Trump to bring it to us. And speaking of Trump, the sharp partisan differences in attitudes toward him again signal the folly of viewing this years political events through a lens trained almost entirely on one party. A March 16-21 Quinnipiac poll found that Trump was viewed favorably by 62 percent of Republicans but only 34 percent of independents and 6 percent of Democrats. His overall favorability rating: 33 percent. In the case of Obama, many independents are on the same page as Democrats. In the case of Trump, affection is mostly a Republican phenomenon and even there, Trump has far less sympathy in his party than Obama has among those in Democratic ranks. Trumpism is not sweeping the nation. It has a strong foothold only in the Republican Party, and not even all of it. Now only Pollyanna or Candide would conclude that everything is going swimmingly for our country. The Trump rebellion in the GOP and the Bernie Sanders revolution among Democrats both reveal the discontent of Americans who have been left out in our return to prosperity. If there is a bipartisan message in 2016, it is that our ruling classes have ignored the plight of those being hammered by technological change and globalization. But Trumpism is a very poor guide to what needs to be done. Those hurting include both middle-aged white working-class voters, particularly men, and African Americans who as the sociologist William J. Wilson showed in his pioneering book When Work Disappears were particularly disadvantaged by deindustrialization. At a time when we need to address legitimate grievances across our lines of division, Trump is driving a racial and ethnic wedge through the country. As Jason McDaniel and Sean McElwee pointed out in an important analysis of the data on the contest so far, racial attitudes uniquely predict support for Trump, including racial resentment and explicit racial stereotypes. This doesnt mean that we should write off the pain many Trump supporters feel. Nor should we ignore Trumps challenge to conservative economic orthodoxy. But in the wall-to-wall coverage of Trump, the backlash around race and how he is courting it deserve far more scrutiny even if this means The Donald might turn down a television networks offer to do yet another telephone interview, in his pajamas, if he wishes. At the least, the media might start asking whether the presidents popularity and Trumps relative lack of it tell us something very important about what is happening in our nation that is being utterly lost in the clamor of Trumpism. We are allowing a wildly and destructively inaccurate portrait of us as a people to dominate our imaginations and debase our thinking. If you will forgive me for borrowing from the man obsessed with talking about winners, someone here is a loser, and its not Barack Obama. Read more from E.J. Dionnes archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook. If, as the March 28 World article For young refugees, parallels to past noted, Britain seems less inclined to be as generous in accepting asylum seekers as it was in welcoming nearly 10,000 Kindertransport youngsters in 1939 and 1940, the United States seems entirely consistent between then and now. In 1939, a joint congressional effort, spearheaded by Sen. Robert F. Wagner (D-N.Y.) and Rep. Edith Rogers (R-Mass.), for a United Kingdom-esque admissions program was thoroughly repudiated by other legislators and President Franklin D. Roosevelts State Department, which, among other arguments, pleaded an inadequacy of consular personnel to handle such a cohort. To date, the Obama administration has absorbed about 3,000 Syrian migrants; our neighbor to the north, some 26,000. Relative to their respective populations, this translates into nine per million for the United States and 740 per million for Canada. To be sure, neither country has yet signaled the end of resettlement, though the United States would have a long way to go to overcome the shameful disparity in its welcome mat. Joel Darmstadter, Bethesda The attacks in Brussels, on the heels of those in Paris and San Bernardino, Calif., have stoked an already white-hot debate about Islamic terrorism in the United States. Many in the West, including the two Republican presidential front-runners, Donald Trump and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.), urge a campaign that targets Muslim communities more directly, searching for those who might be prone to religious extremism and thus terrorism. But the recent bombings in Europe are being perpetrated by a new generation of terrorists who are upending our previous understanding of what motivates such people and how to find and stop them. To put it simply, todays terrorists are not religious extremists who became radicals but rather radicals who became religious extremists. The difference is crucial. Look at the two brothers who planned and executed the Brussels bombings, Ibrahim and Khalid el-Bakraoui. Born into a working-class immigrant family (from Morocco), they were not particularly religious and early on chose a life of crime. By their mid-20s, the two had participated in carjackings and armed robberies. Ibrahim was sentenced to nine years in prison for attempted murder; his brother, five years for armed robbery. And then, it seems, in prison or after, their path to jihad began. Their story is strikingly similar to those of many of the other terrorists in Belgium and France. Few were devout Muslims. Abdelhamid Abaaoud , the ringleader of the Paris attacks, regularly used drugs and drank alcohol, as did many of his comrades-in-arms. In August 2014, the New Statesman reported on two British jihadis, both 22, who, before leaving Birmingham for Syria, bought copies of Islam for Dummies and The Koran for Dummies. A remarkably thorough study by scholar Rik Coolsaet for Belgiums Egmont Institute tries to make sense of this new wave of jihadis and distinguishes them from previous ones, such as those who turned to al-Qaeda before 9/11. The average age of a European jihadi from 2001 to 2009 was 27.7. Today, it is close to 20. A decade ago, it took years of religious indoctrination to turn people into jihadis. Today, the decision to join the Islamic State is usually sudden and impulsive. Consider one telltale difference. Al-Qaeda and its ilk issued fatwas with detailed critiques and politico-religious demands. What are the demands behind the Paris and Brussels attacks? Writing about these young French jihadis, Olivier Roy, a French scholar of Islam, points out that almost none have a background in political activism (say, Palestine), fundamentalist Islam or social conservatism. Their radicalization arises around the fantasy of heroism, violence, and death, not of sharia and utopia, he writes. The Islamic State is the ultimate gang, celebrating violence for its own sake. These young men and some women are usually second-generation Europeans. In fact, Roy points out that often they are revolting against their more traditional, devout immigrant parents. They are unsure of their identity, rooted in neither the old country nor the new. They face discrimination and exclusion. And in this context, they choose a life of rebellion, crime and, then, the ultimate forbidden adventure, jihad. These circumstances would explain why Belgian Muslims make up a disproportionate share of Islamic State volunteers which is otherwise a puzzle. The Egmont paper notes that the gap in education and unemployment between natives and immigrants is higher in Belgium than anywhere else in Europe. Fifteen percent of native-born Belgians live below the poverty line, compared to a staggering half of Belgians with a Moroccan background. In addition, Belgium has a particularly poor record of assimilation, because it has its own crisis of identity, torn between two cultures, Flemish and Walloon. Why are these findings so important? They paint a picture of a new kind of terrorist, one who is less drawn into terrorism through religion but rather who has chosen the path of terror as the ultimate act of rebellion against the modern world and who then finds an ideology that can justify his desires. Radical Islam provides that off-the-shelf ideology, easily available through the Internet and social media. But it is the endpoint in the chain, not the start. This still means that Muslims have to battle and eradicate the cancer in their midst that is radical Islam. But it does suggest that for Western law enforcement, bugging mosques, patrolling Muslim community centers and even fighting fundamentalist Muslims might be focusing attention in the wrong direction if the goal is to find terrorists. Those people might instead be in the bars, drug alleys, unemployment lines and prisons, getting radicalized before they get Islamized. Read more from Fareed Zakarias archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook. The March 27 editorial North Carolinas rush to bigotry rightly condemned legislation passed in North Carolina and Georgia to legally sanction discrimination against gay or transgender citizens, but it overlooked a measure passed by the Virginia General Assembly. Senate Bill 41, vetoed this week by Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D), would have expressly permitted lawful discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in the commonwealth. The legislation proposed protection against any sanction, including civil liability, to those affiliated with a religious organization that discriminates against married same-sex couples. The bill arguably would have allowed, for example, in the name of religion, denial of educational or health-related services to couples in a same-sex marriage and, presumably, to their children. This broad immunity could well have been exploited further to creatively allow other acts of discrimination against the LGBT community. I wish business owners in Virginia had shown the same courage and determination to oppose such discrimination as their counterparts on the anti-LGBT proposals in North Carolina and Georgia. (The Georgia measure was vetoed.) The fact that Mr. McAuliffe did the right thing should not have given comfort to Virginia business owners staying in the shadows and not condemning such discrimination. Those who claim to support an open and inclusive business environment in Virginia should stand by their words. Thomas W. Greeson, Fairfax The writer is chairman of the Democratic Party of Virginias Small Business Caucus. Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event at Trump Doral golf course in Miami. Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event at Trump Doral golf course in Miami. Carlo Allegri/Reuters Businessman Donald Trump officially became the Republican nominee at the partys convention in Cleveland. Trump captures the nations attention on the campaign trail Trump captures the nations attention on the campaign trail As he tries to recover from a series of stumbles ahead of an important primary contest next week in Wisconsin, Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump made a surprise appearance in Washington on Thursday and presented himself as the presumptive leader of his party. He met with his foreign policy advisers, huddled with Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus and predicted that he would bring harmony to the fractured GOP. Looking forward to bringing the Party together and it will happen! Trump wrote on Twitter shortly after his RNC meeting. When asked about the meeting during an interview with Fox News, Trump called the party officials very good people. Two days earlier, Trump had backed away from an earlier party loyalty pledge and complained about being treated very badly by the GOP. He called Thursdays session a terrific meeting and a unity meeting, according to a transcript of the interview. The Fix's Aaron Blake breaks down what's at stake for the GOP candidates in the April 5 Wisconsin primary. (Peter Stevenson/The Washington Post) Trumps Washington visit came as his efforts to secure the nomination have encountered growing turbulence and the GOP remains in disarray. Anti-Trump forces in the party are frantically maneuvering to defeat the New York billionaire in Tuesdays Wisconsin primary, which is shaping up as a crucial moment in the battle for the GOP nomination. A Trump loss to rival Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas would increase the likelihood of a contested convention in July, which Trump critics hope could ultimately deny him the nomination. If he loses Wisconsin, he would have to completely run the table [in the remaining contests], and I dont think thats going to happen, said Katie Packer, director of Our Principles PAC, an anti-Trump group. She was referring to what would be necessary to get the 1,237 delegates needed to win the nomination on the first ballot. Until recent days, Trump appeared to be gaining strength against his GOP opponents, amassing delegates, rising in the polls and continuing to draw large crowds to his rallies. But new controversies including a battery charge against his campaign manager for roughing up a reporter and Trumps statement this week that women who receive illegal abortions should be punished threatened to thwart his momentum. The party also appeared to be fraying beyond repair, with Trump, Cruz and the third remaining presidential candidate, Gov. John Kasich of Ohio, all backing away this week from their pledges to support the eventual GOP nominee. A Wisconsin poll released on Wednesday suggested trouble was brewing in that state for Trump. 1 of 12 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad 12 memorable quotes from Donald Trump during CNNs Wisconsin town hall View Photos Top quotes from Donald Trump at CNNs town hall in Milwaukee. Caption Top quotes from Donald Trump at CNNs town hall in Milwaukee. Wait 1 second to continue. The survey, by Marquette Law School, said that Cruz had surged to 40 percent support among likely voters, up 21 points since February enough to give him a 10-point lead over Trump. Wisconsin should be favorable terrain for Trump. The state is home to a large contingent of Republican voters without college degrees, a demographic that has backed him. Forty-two delegates are at stake in Tuesdays primary, allocated in a hybrid system based on victories in congressional districts and the statewide vote. Much of Wisconsins Republican establishment, led by Gov. Scott Walker, a onetime presidential candidate, has rallied around Cruz as the best hope of defeating Trump. In an interview Thursday, Walker pointed to the support Cruz has been receiving from the states popular conservative radio talk show hosts as a key factor in giving the Texas senator the ability to compete against Trump. Walker said Cruz is the only candidate who can clear the primary and also win the general election. Arguably, there are two candidates who can mathematically win the nomination, he said. There are two candidates who have a shot at beating Hillary Clinton. Ted Cruz is the only one in both categories. The impact of the radio hosts came into clear view during a sweep of Trump interviews earlier this week. Trump struggled in responding to avowed anti-Trump radio host Charlie Sykes, who has enormous influence among conservatives in the state. Sykes hammered the candidate on the tone of the campaign, homing in on Trumps recent feud with Cruz, during which Trump ignited accusations of misogyny after he reposted an unflattering image of Cruzs wife, Heidi. I expect that from a 12-year-old bully on the playground, not somebody who wants the office held by Abraham Lincoln, Sykes said. In his appearances this week in Wisconsin, Trump irritated some conservatives by seeming to mock two of the states favorite sons, Walker and House Speaker Paul D. Ryan. His harshest comments came during an appearance in Janesville, Ryans hometown. Trump dismissed Walkers support for Cruz and poked fun at the governors obsession with Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The motorcycle guys like Trump, Trump said. And he doesnt look like a motorcycle guy to me, Im sorry. When Trump asked attendees how they liked Ryan, your new speaker, the crowd responded with boos and jeers. A loss in Wisconsin would not necessarily affect the outcomes of future states. The next big contest is Trumps home state of New York, where he is favored to win. A string of primaries in East Coast states in April could pad his delegate lead. The next Midwest contest, in Indiana, is not until May 3. Still, Trump made clear during his Janesville rally this week that he does not intend to lose. Im not going to let anything happen in Wisconsin, he said. We have to win. Look, we have to put these politicians in their place, folks. Dan Balz, Scott Clement and Dave Weigel contributed to this report. Douglas Hughes of Florida holds up a design for a stamp that was given to him by an artist as a gift, outside federal court in Washington last spring. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP) The man who landed a gyrocopter on the lawn of the U.S. Capitol last year was denied permission to join a campaign finance protest march from Philadelphia to Washington before his April 13 sentencing by a federal judge who cited the risk the pilot could join in civil disobedience. U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly of the District noted Wednesday that it did not appear that D.C. police have issued a permit for what organizers with the group 99Rise called a Democracy Spring march, featuring Douglas Hughes, 62, of Ruskin, Fla.. Hughes pleaded guilty in November to a felony charge of flying without a license for piloting his low-power gyrocopter last April 15 from Gettysburg, Pa., to the District to deliver letters advocating campaign finance reform to Congress. [Gyrocopter pilots pleads guilty] While Defendant may not intend to participate in civil disobedience, he may not be in a position to control what happens on the march, Kollar-Kotelly wrote. The judge also expressed some concern about Hughess ability to be forthright, noting that, about six months before he made his flight, he was deceptive when he told a U.S. Secret Service agent he did not own a gyrocopter or have any plan to fly to Washington. Hughes has asked for probation, and prosecutors seek a 10-month prison sentence. Hughes had been confined mainly to his home Hillsborough County, Fla., although the court has permitted him to travel to South Florida to run for Congress against Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (Fla.), the chair of the Democratic National Committee. Republican front-runner Donald Trump says he can't wait to take on Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton in the fall, but here are three reasons why he could lose a general election. (Sarah Parnass/The Washington Post) Republican front-runner Donald Trump says he can't wait to take on Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton in the fall, but here are three reasons why he could lose a general election. (Sarah Parnass/The Washington Post) If Donald Trump secures the Republican presidential nomination, he would start the general election campaign as the least-popular candidate to represent either party in modern times. Three-quarters of women view him unfavorably. So do nearly two-thirds of independents, 80 percent of young adults, 85 percent of Hispanics and nearly half of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents. Those findings, tallied from Washington Post-ABC News polling, fuel Trumps overall 67 percent unfavorable rating making Trump more disliked than any major-party nominee in the 32 years the survey has been tracking candidates. Head-to-head matchups show Hillary Clinton, as well as her Democratic rival Bernie Sanders, leading Trump, often by double digits. Even his two remaining fellow GOP contenders this week backed away from earlier promises to support the eventual nominee. And with each passing day, Trump makes moves that add further uncertainty to his ability to pivot to the general election. His defiant defense this week of his campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski, who was charged with battery for yanking the arm of a female reporter, as well as Trumps remarks Wednesday that women who get illegal abortions should be punished, might play well with his followers, but could further alienate the broader electorate. 1 of 45 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad Trump captures the nations attention on the campaign trail View Photos The Republican candidate continues to dominate the presidential contest. Caption Businessman Donald Trump officially became the Republican nominee at the partys convention in Cleveland. Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event at Trump Doral golf course in Miami. Carlo Allegri/Reuters Wait 1 second to continue. Normally, when youre in a hole, the best advice is to stop digging. That doesnt appear to be his inclination, GOP strategist David Carney said. Its like taking a wagon full of nitroglycerine across the prairie. Its great if you get to the mountains and blow them up for gold. But its pretty unpredictable. Peter Hart, a veteran Democratic pollster who has studied public impressions of Trump, said voters views of him are exceptionally rancid. In terms of any domestic personality that we have measured, weve never seen an individual with a higher negative, Hart said. Trump has drawn huge crowds and built a passionate base of supporters who have helped him amass a big delegate lead in the battle for the nomination. But his success among a segment of the Republican electorate stands in contrast to his weaknesses in a general election decided by all voters. In that broader context, his dismal standing by all traditional measures points to a big question underlying his nontraditional candidacy: whether Trump, as the GOP nominee, could leverage his celebrity persona and unusual appeal among disaffected voters in both parties to overcome his glaring disadvantages. Trumps unpopularity in the Post-ABC poll was driven in part by sharply negative ratings from Democrats and lukewarm Republicans. The greatest risk for his general election viability stems from the unusually poor ratings he gets from swing-voting independents and white college graduates. A silver lining for Trump is that voters overall also feel antipathy for Clinton, the Democratic front-runner. The distaste for Clinton is not as strong as it is for Trump 52 percent of voters see her unfavorably but Clintons vulnerabilities, combined with Trumps unpredictability, haunt many Democrats. Guy Cecil, chief strategist for the pro-Clinton super PAC Priorities USA, urged Democrats to postpone the ticker-tape parade, warning that Trump is not as weak a general election candidate as the current atmosphere would suggest. I am skeptical of the polls showing such large leads, and its incumbent upon us to view this as a close race, Cecil said. Hes going to attempt to throw everything, including the kitchen sink and maybe the refrigerator and stove, at Hillary. And I would not be surprised if he changes his views on policy issues. Overcoming his hurdles likely would require either a massive influx of working-class white male voters Trumps base or dramatic changes in his policies and presentation that might reverse the strongly negative views of him held by women and minorities. Trump and his advisers say they have plans to accomplish both objectives. They say he can reverse his favorability ratings over time by framing the fall contest around issues on which they think Trumps positions resonate powerfully across traditional demographics: the economy, trade and national security. Since Trump is not tethered to any particular ideology, his test may be convincing voters that he is not a hostile force and is fit to be president, rather than persuading them to buy into a sweeping conservative ideological project. The Trump team insists that the power of his personality and the potency of his planned attacks on Clinton would win him converts. And it is wagering that millions of working-class voters who for a generation have been politically dormant will rush to the polls and offset Trumps sizable deficit with the ascendant electorate of women, minority and young voters. What youll find is across the board, in states like Pennsylvania or New York or New Jersey or Michigan, youre going to have a bunch of blue-collar workers who have supported Trump in the past and will continue to do so, Lewandowski said. That broad appeal allows him to expand the electoral map. Concerned about his standing in the polls, Trumps allies are offering advice about how to make up ground with important demographic groups. Newt Gingrich, a former Republican House speaker who is unaffiliated but has informally counseled Trump on several occasions, suggested he campaign in black neighborhoods, send targeted messages on social media and embrace his outsider approach to government. Imagine Trump on the South Side of Chicago saying, People shouldnt be killed, schools ought to actually work, you ought to have jobs in your neighborhood and you know that Hillary cant deliver any of those because she is the system, Gingrich said. The shift from a primary fight to the general campaign would be Trumps crucible, requiring him to communicate persuasively with an entirely different electorate than the primary voters he has courted for the past year. Ben Carson, the retired neurosurgeon who endorsed Trump after dropping out of the Republican presidential race, said he has advised Trump to turn his attention to education reform and charter schools as a means of supplementing his core pitch on trade and immigration to grow his support with young and minority voters. Creating ladders of opportunity, such as school choice, is one way to do that, Carson said. Hes been very enthusiastic about that suggestion. Hell have to follow through and get through to those kids and families who dont feel like theyre getting the best possible education. There are stylistic changes Trump can make, as well, Carson said. A little humility would go a tremendous distance, no question about it, he said. Hopefully, he will find that on his own. Frank Luntz, an unaligned GOP pollster, said Trump could erase at least some his deficit if he capitalizes on the fall debates and other events, noting that history is littered with examples of candidates doing just that. The big moments cause people to change, Luntz said. And lets face it, we may have a moment outside of conventions and debates thats even bigger. If you have a Paris or a Brussels on American soil, that can completely change the dynamic. It is a tall order, however, for Trump to undo the damage his rhetoric has already done to his image with the rising national electorate that includes Latinos, single mothers and millennials. Donald Trumps whole message is somewhat backward looking, said Kristen Soltis Anderson, a Republican pollster who wrote a book, The Selfie Vote, about these voters. Referring to Trumps slogan, she added: Make America Great Again sounds like an attempt to turn back the clock to a time most young voters dont remember. Pennsylvania, a Democrat-leaning battleground that Trump hopes to target, is a case study of Trumps upside and downside. While he has picked up endorsements and blue-collar support in the states industrial regions, centrist Republicans from Philadelphia and its vote-rich suburbs have kept their distance. Trump needs to make inroads to win a state Republicans last carried in 1988. Ticket-splitting Republicans in the Philadelphia suburbs went for [President] Obama and if they dont feel comfortable with Trump, they could go for Clinton, said G. Terry Madonna, a professor at Franklin & Marshall College, which conducts polling in Pennsylvania. Madonna said that more than 120,000 voters statewide, mostly Democrats and independents, have switched their registration to Republican since January. But he cautioned against interpreting the moves as a Rust Belt tilt toward Trump. Even if these children of Reagan Democrats love his talk about manufacturing and American pride, hes going to have to make sure hes not losing the Republicans who are the heart of the party, said John Brabender, a GOP strategist who has guided the political career of former senator Rick Santorum (R-Pa.). That will require a campaign of surgical precision. Scott Clement contributed to this report. South Korean President Park Geun-hye, left, shakes hands with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe after their meeting with President Obama at the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington on March 31. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP) President Obama sought Thursday to consolidate support among Asian powers to contain North Koreas growing nuclear threat. But the White House also was forced to respond to Donald Trumps latest campaign trail broadside, calling his suggestion that Japan and South Korea develop nuclear weapons of their own a catastrophic idea. A top presidential aide denounced Trump during a briefing with reporters on the opening day of the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington and declared that the Republican presidential front-runners suggestion runs counter to decades of U.S. foreign policy. The entire premise of American foreign policy as it relates to nuclear weapons for the last 70 years is to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons to additional states, deputy national security adviser Ben Rhodes said. Thats the position . . . of everybody who has occupied the Oval Office. It would be catastrophic were the United States to shift its position and indicate that we support somehow the proliferation of nuclear weapons to additional countries. The sharp response came as Obama welcomed 56 world leaders for the two-day summit at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. In a move that symbolized his administrations efforts to shift U.S. foreign policy focus toward Asia, the president held a meeting with the leaders of Japan and South Korea and, separately, with Chinese President Xi Jinping. White House officials described both sessions, which spanned a range of issues, as frank and constructive. Obamas discussions with Xi lasted two hours amid ongoing areas of tension between the two world powers. At MSNBC town halls and one-on-one interviews on March 30, presidential candidates Donald Trump, John Kasich, Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders delved into their opinions on abortion, fighting terrorism, their paths to the White House and more. (The Washington Post) Our cooperation is increasing and, simultaneously, our competition is increasing. We will not paper over that fact, said a senior administration official, who was not authorized to speak on the record. The president was quite candid today on key differences, including human rights, maritime security in the South China Sea and cybersecurity issues related to U.S. business secrets. [With ambitions tapered, Obama opens his last nuclear summit] Administration officials said there was no talk of the U.S. presidential campaign during Obamas meetings. But Trump still colored the meetings. He has suggested several times in recent days that the United States can no longer afford to protect Japan and South Korea under its nuclear security umbrella. Trumps rise in the polls during the 2016 campaign has alarmed officials in Tokyo and Seoul who fear that the real estate magnate would seek to withdraw from longtime alliances in the region. Trump has questioned U.S. trade policies with Japan and expressed concerns about the two countries security partnerships. Northeast Asia, with several major economic powers, has been a region where growing competition has fostered increased tensions, made more uncertain by Pyongyangs hostile and unpredictable behavior. North Korea declared that it had tested a hydrogen bomb in January, prompting the United Nations to impose additional economic sanctions. China has a nuclear weapons arsenal as well. View Graphic Eight countries. 2,054 nuclear tests. 70 years mapped Rhodes emphasized the rock-solid security assurances from the United States to its allies and said Trumps remarks are not particularly relevant to serious discussions about the security situation in Northeast Asia. It flies in the face of decades of bipartisan national security doctrine, Rhodes said. Obamas first meeting Thursday, with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and South Korean President Park Geun-hye, came as he sought to signal a unified front against North Korea. During the meeting, the president emphasized the importance of enforcing the United Nations economic sanctions. Trilateral security cooperation is essential to maintain peace and stability in Northeast Asia, deterring the North Korean nuclear threat and the potential of nuclear proliferation, Obama told reporters. Japanese Foreign Ministry spokesman Yasuhisa Kawamura declined to comment directly on Trumps remarks, but he said that the world is watching very closely and emphasized that Tokyo will expect to maintain a strong alliance with Washington no matter who wins the White House in November. Whoever becomes the president of the United States, Japan considers the Japan-U.S. alliance to be the cornerstone of Japanese foreign policy-making, Kawamura said. Japan and the United States will continue to work closely for the peace and prosperity of the Asia Pacific and the world. The president also sought to emphasize areas of cooperation with China during his meeting with Xi. Washington and Beijing pledged to sign a global climate agreement to reduce greenhouse gases, announced during an international summit in Paris in December, as soon as the document is finalized in April. President Xi and I are both committed to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and full implementation of U.N. sanctions on North Korea, Obama said. So were going to discuss how we can discourage action like nuclear missile tests that escalate tensions and violate international obligations. [Japan, South Korea bewildered by Trumps suggestion on nukes] Officials said Obama will meet with French President Francois Hollande on Friday to discuss the international response to the Islamic State militant group. The president is scheduled to hold a news conference Friday afternoon. President Obama welcomes world leaders to Washington on Thursday for a two-day summit on nuclear security that aims to refocus global attention on an issue he has called a top priority but on which his administration has had limited success. Seven years after he envisioned a world without nuclear weapons during a high-profile speech in Prague, Obama enters the last of four nuclear summits having proposed deep budget cuts next year on programs to stop nuclear proliferation while leaving intact military spending on a new generation of weapons. Countries that have not given up stockpiles of nuclear material include the riskiest ones, such as Pakistan and India, which have fought four wars. And this weeks summit will have a glaringly empty chair: Russia, the worlds other nuclear superpower, has chosen not to attend amid tensions with the United States. The president has only accomplished a fraction of what he hoped to achieve, said Joseph Cirincione, president of the Ploughshares Fund. Obama has won a landmark agreement to limit Irans nuclear program, has persuaded about a quarter of the countries with loose nuclear materials to move them off their soil and signed with Russia a new START treaty that includes new weapons limits. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and President Obama shake hands in Manila on Nov. 19, 2015. The leaders of Japan and South Korea are among the heads of government coming to Washington for a summit on countering the threat of nuclear terrorism. (Susan Walsh/AP) But after the exhausting negotiations with Iran, Cirincione said, some of the steam has gone out of Obamas disarmament agenda. [The path to a final Iran nuclear deal: Long days and short tempers] White House officials defended the administrations track record on nuclear security and disputed the suggestion that Russias absence is a significant setback. Deputy national security adviser Ben Rhodes noted Russias support of the nuclear pact with Iran, which hammered out between Iran, the United States and five other world powers, and said Moscows decision not to participate in the summit is a missed opportunity for Russia above all. All theyre doing is isolating themselves, Rhodes said. He emphasized, however, that the United States maintains ongoing cooperation and dialogue with them on issues related to nuclear security, and thats important work that is ongoing. Obama launched the biennial summits with a gathering in Washington a year after his speech in Prague in April 2009. Since then, international summits have been held in Seoul and The Hague, and this weeks gathering is one of the presidents final chances to restore momentum to the project. It comes at a fraught time. North Korea alarmed Washington and its Asian neighbors with a provocative test of what it claimed was a hydrogen bomb in January, and mass-casualty terrorist attacks by the Islamic State and other groups have raised the specter of an even more deadly plot if such networks obtain nuclear material. Aides said Obama will hold a separate bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, and a trilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and South Korean President Park Geun-hye, to discuss North Korea and other matters. The White House has sought to convince Beijing to exert greater pressure on Pyongyang, and China supported additional economic sanctions imposed by the United Nations after North Koreas most recent test. On terrorism, Yukiya Amano, the head of the watchdog International Atomic Energy Agency, said in an interview Wednesday that the threat of groups such as the Islamic State obtaining nuclear materials is real. In the past two decades, there have been about 2,700 reported incidents of missing radioactive materials, including some involving highly enriched uranium. We never know if we know everything, Amano said. This could be the tip of the iceberg. Some are illicit trafficking, very professional. Some people are trying to sell it. We have to think that the threat is real. Amano said one potential safeguard will come with an amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material. The amendment requires countries to protect nuclear facilities and radioactive materials within their borders. Serbia and the Marshall Islands announced Wednesday that they would ratify it, and six more countries are needed for it to take effect. Amano said he expected more to sign on in the near future. Meanwhile, Obama has announced a special session during the nuclear summit devoted to coordinating efforts to defeat the Islamic State, and the president also is expected to speak informally to world leaders on the sidelines of the meetings, White House aides said. But even as new terrorist threats emerge, older concerns remain. Bruce Blair, a nuclear security expert at Princeton University, said the United States and Russia still have 1,700 weapons on launch-ready alert. Blair has been urging both governments to relax their postures, but he said two senior administration officials told him such action was not prudent. Dealing with Russia is the key to dealing with nuclear issues, said former Democratic senator Sam Nunn (Ga.), who worked intensively on disarmament issues during his time on Capitol Hill and now is chief executive of the Nuclear Threat Initiative. With both countries having the ability to destroy each other in a short time, the continuing posture, in my view, is very, very dangerous over a long period of time. Weve been fortunate. Carol Morello contributed to this report. Reclaimed wood is becoming popular among millennials as a home design element. (By Stikwood) LED lights in the shower that bathe a user in color, and a reclaimed wood accent wall near the fireplace. Artisan hand-baked clay tiles as a kitchen backsplash, and a bathroom exhaust fan that turns on and off through a sensor. A barn door on the master bedroom closet and upper kitchen cabinets that lower to the counter with the touch of a button, eliminating the need for a step stool. Rustic-tech chic is hot, particularly with millennials who like the yin and yang approach to home decorating. D.C.-area buyers are ahead of the curve in terms of their high expectations for their homes, said Daryl Judy, an associate broker with Washington Fine Properties in Washington, who also works with local developers to design new homes. But theres only a very small market here for ultra-modern homes. Most D.C. home buyers have transitional tastes that cross over between traditional and contemporary style. Every year, interior designers, architects, real estate professionals and home builders pour into Las Vegas to view the latest trends at the International Builders Show, the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show and the Consumer Electronics Show. While theyre checking out ideas for the future, these industry pros attempt to match what they see to the personality of their local market and to upcoming home buyers, particularly millennials. [Why its so hard for millennials to buy a home in the D.C. area] Some of the design trends seen locally and around the country that particularly resonate with millennials may seem contradictory: These buyers want modern, sleek lines in their homes, yet they also love rustic looks. Millennials love natural materials such as wood and stone but are also drawn to colored lights that can turn a shower into purple rain. Smart-home technology is revered, but so are artisanal items that can add a curated look to their homes. 1 of 16 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad What millennials like in home decor View Photos Rustic surfaces, handmade crafts, organizational elements and colored lights in the shower are popular with this age group. Caption Rustic surfaces, handmade crafts, organizational elements and colored lights in the shower are popular with this age group. A formerly sunken family room was raised to improve function, safety and aesthetics. A new gas fireplace flanked by built-ins provides a focal point to the room. Geoffrey Hodgdon Wait 1 second to continue. Natural materials Barn doors seem to crop up more and more often in new or remodeled homes, sometimes as sliding doors to define spaces but allowing them to be entirely open and other times in smaller iterations such as a closet or pantry door. Farmhouse sinks and mix-and-match faucet handles were everywhere at the Kitchen & Bath show, said Stacy DeBroff, a brand strategist and chief executive of Influence Central in Boston. One company at the intersection of rustic style and innovation is Stikwood, which takes recycled wood and turns it into peel-and-stick natural wood siding. Susan Matus, director of project development at Case Design/Remodeling in Bethesda, said Stikwood could be used on one wall as a focal point or in a mudroom or laundry room. That kind of rustic look is turning up unexpectedly in places where you want to mix textures such as natural wood next to something shiny and sleek, Matus said. Julia Walter, showroom manager at Boffi Georgetown, an Italian luxury kitchen and bath designer, said Boffi displays a rustic wood shelf with a modern shape, a metal sink below and a big mirror above it. [Millennials wanted in the housing industry] Its definitely a trend to combine reclaimed wood with a contemporary steel frame, Walter said. Its an interesting play between old and new. People like contemporary lines, but they want the warmth of bringing in an older element into their home, especially the kitchen where people have an emotional connection with their childhood kitchen. Above the built-in bench with integrated shoe and boot drawers, a cased opening provides light and visual connection to the living room beyond. (By Geoffrey Hodgdon) Millennials like colored lights in the shower. (By Stacy DeBroff) Color in unexpected places On the opposite end of the spectrum from natural wood are colored LED lights, which are turning up in gas fireplaces, kitchens and even bathrooms. Colored lights that you can control with an app were everywhere at the Vegas shows from gas fireplaces to above-kitchen cabinets to around the rim of a shower, DeBroff said. They had shower heads with lights so that you can take a purple shower or a red shower on a whim. Essentially, you can make a space really cool that isnt otherwise all that interesting. While shower heads with colored lights are already available on Amazon, DeBroff said that high-end toilets are being designed with a built-in night light that illuminates the water in the bowl. She anticipates that in a year or so consumers will be able to find an attachment that adds that feature to regular toilets. [How policymakers can help more millennials become homeowners] Pops of color are turning up in the kitchen, too, with small household appliances and pots and pans manufactured in a wide range of colors. Larger kitchen appliances in bright colors and pastels are available from manufacturers, said Danielle Procopio, a real estate agent and certified home staging consultant with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Hinsdale, Ill. But she doesnt see that as much of a trend yet, in part because they are much costlier than appliances with standard finishes. The most popular color schemes in the kitchen right now are dark cabinets with a light counter top, Procopio said. At the Kitchen and Bath show, they were showing bright green and blue cabinets, but most people are sticking with standard color palettes. One client has a house with a very simple, clean white kitchen but with a bright yellow oven, but thats very unusual, Walter said. She said shes seeing more use of warm colors in the kitchen such as olive green and different shades of beige in combination with wood. A formerly sunken family room was raised to improve function, safety, and aesthetics. A new gas fireplace flanked by built-ins provides a focal point to the room. (By Geoffrey Hodgdon) Michael Merschat, design studio manager and architect with Wentworth Inc. in Chevy Chase, Md., said hes not seeing many brightly colored appliances in the Washington region, but he does see homeowners using a richer accent color on one wall of cabinets or on the kitchen island to make it stand out. Procopio said homeowners who want to personalize their homes can have their center island custom-painted before its installed. A more common trend in the Washington region is to add a pop of color with a backsplash. One of my clients has a neutral gray and white kitchen, but she added color with a backsplash of handmade pale green tiles with a crackled surface, Matus said. [Millennials have transformed Arlington, but will they stay?] Artistic elements Handmade items or artistic features bring in an element of personalization that appeals to many millennials, DeBroff said. Introducing a unique piece of art to your home decor can be costly, but DeBroff found affordable tempered glass bowls from MR Direct that can transform an ordinary bathroom into a museum-quality space. These hand-blown glass bowls cost $79 or $119 if you buy a faucet with them, but they look far more expensive and are a budget-friendly way to personalize your space, DeBroff said. Matus said manufacturers are making more multidimensional tiles with a pyramid-type shape or with a wave pattern for visual interest. There are lots of interesting ways to use tile now, including making a rustic wall in your kitchen from artisan hand-baked clay tiles that have kind of ancient character but can look very modern, Walter said. You can also find mosaic tiles that can be installed by the sheet. Modern style Colorful and artistic touches can be used to relieve the sea of gray and white in new homes, but millennials still want most of their homes to have clean lines and modern style. Large tiles for your floors and walls allow you to have a cleaner look with less grout, Walter said. In some cases, the tiles are so large and can be seamlessly installed to look like one monolithic floor. Matus said younger buyers still like crown moldings, but they prefer simple streamlined styles near the ceiling and opt not to include chair rail moldings or wainscoting. In homes with an open floor plan, a lot of buyers want an extremely clean-looking kitchen with less visible sinks, faucets and appliances, Walter said. Most appliances in these homes are fully integrated and look built-in. Part of having an open kitchen is treating that area like furniture so that you have an overall connection with the living area. Millennials definitely like a clean look thats more transitional or modern than traditional, Merschat said. If you show them a cabinet with moldings on it theyll ask how to clean it and then choose something with a cleaner, sleeker look. Millennials like extreme kitchen organization. (By Stacy DeBroff) While stainless-steel appliances continue to be popular, new variations with a matte finish or slightly darker tone make them easier to keep clean and free of fingerprints, Procopio said. The good news is that the new stainless-steel appliances blend with older stainless finishes so you dont have to replace everything at once. Another innovation that keeps your kitchen looking less cluttered is the installation of an electrical outlet strip hidden under your cabinets that includes USB ports as well as standard outlets, Judy said. Technology can be used to simplify the way your home functions and looks, Matus said. Even the new door locks that can be operated remotely from your phone are starting to look aesthetically more beautiful instead of like a big clunky keypad. Things like Sonos wireless speakers can be used to keep your rooms clear of clutter, and theyre portable for entertaining outside. Technology can simplify your life, too, Matus said, with items such as new bathroom exhaust fans from Panasonic that are controlled by a sensor that turns them off and on according to the steam in the room. Sustainability, organization The Nest thermostat, which learns your pattern of using heat and air conditioning, is at the intersection of technology and sustainability that appeals to millennials, Judy said. Millennials are looking for highly efficient appliances to reduce their energy use and want to use sustainable and natural materials everywhere they can, he said. Counters made of engineered stone or recycled materials such as quartz and Caesarstone are environmentally friendly and yet also easy to maintain, both aspects of which appeal to millennials. Millennials consider sustainability in every sense of the word, Merschat said. Environmental impact is driving the selection of materials, but they are also concerned about durability and functionality of the things they buy. For example, a lot of people love the way Cararra marble counters look, but they realize that it stains easily, so they are willing to turn to manmade materials that are similarly beautiful but are a better fit for their lifestyle. One home priority that transcends generations is the desire for an organized home with efficient and abundant storage space. Millennials are likely to be intrigued by the new kitchen designs that come with a complete built-in organization system so theres a place for knives, spices and every specialty kitchen gadget, DeBroff said. Another cool innovation are cupboards that lower down to the counter with the push of a button so you dont need a step stool to reach everything. An oversized living room was reconfigured to create a functional and aesthetic foyer-like space. A tile floor accommodates muddy or wet feet. Riding boots and equestrian gear is accommodated in the custom built-in storage units. (By Geoffrey Hodgdon/By Geoffrey Hodgdon) DeBroff said that with the advent of Pinterest and Instagram, millennials have high expectations for their organized spaces to be visually beautiful. Procopio said automated shelving and stacked drawers that slide back to reveal a second layer are particularly appealing to young people who may be buying a smaller home in the city or inner suburbs. Newly built homes, particularly small but costly condos, feature built-in closet organizers and extra storage in unexpected spaces such as a handful of built-in drawers next to a laundry closet. A lot of city homes have smaller bathrooms, so we offer solutions like integrated or hidden cabinets that have storage space but dont interrupt the clean lines of the room, Walter said. In the kitchen, we have three- or four-feet-wide cabinets with pocket doors as a designated breakfast prep area so you can close it off and not see the coffeemaker, toaster and juicer out on the counter. The open floor plan popular with many buyers today leads some to want a more organized kitchen, since that space is frequently on display to guests and to the family when they are eating or relaxing in the adjacent living and dining area. A lot of families want a family command center or tech space near the kitchen but a little separate since those spaces can be messy, Matus said. If theres space, they want a highly organized mudroom or laundry room on the first floor. If you live in a smaller place, the key is to have extremely well-organized closets with shelves and cubbies in your bedrooms, your bathrooms, your home office and your kitchen. In larger homes, millennials opt for personalized storage solutions when remodeling a home. For example, Merschat recently built a wall of cabinets, including an L-shaped bench for storage and seating and a special cabinet for riding boots for a family that enjoys equestrian activities. Most millennials dont want an old-school mudroom with a washer and dryer, Merschat said. They want a more organized space for the entire family, including lower hooks for their kids to hang up their own jackets and backpacks. The 1,600-square-foot four-bedroom and three-bathroom home at 4405 Greenwich Parkway NW in Washington's Foxhall neighborhood is listing for $990,000. (By Sean Shanahan/HomeVisit) If youre a prospective home buyer, you probably started feeling warm spring air back in February. While Januarys blizzard slowed the housing market briefly, buyers dug their way out quickly and got back to the business of touring homes and making offers, particularly in the city. While the number of homes listed for sale is up from this time last year, theres still a lot of competition, and multiple offers are common in the District. All indications are that this spring will be a fast-paced market, but possibly not quite as intense as last spring since we do have an increase in inventory that takes a little of the pressure off for buyers, says Jonathan Hill, vice president of marketing and communications for multiple listing service MRIS in Rockville. According to MRIS, the Districts inventory rose 11.4 percent from February 2015 to February 2016. Median sales prices were up 4 percent, from $495,000 in February 2015 to $515,000 in February 2016. In spite of the increase in inventory, homes in the District are selling faster than ever, with the average number of days a home stays on the market dropping by 9.4 percent to 48 days in February 2016. Many homes sell in less than a week. Low inventory is particularly a problem on the lower end of the market, with very few new listings priced under $490,000, says Nela Richardson, chief economist for Redfin in Washington. The renovated 1,508-square-foot three-bedroom, four-bathroom home at 5503 Eighth St. in Washington's Petworth neighborhood is listing for $629,000. (By HomeVisit) [D.C. home back on market after surviving bomb, international custody battle] Unfortunately for first-time buyers, the threshold to purchase a rowhouse or single-family home rather than a condo has now reached $500,000 in nearly every neighborhood, says Morgan Knull, an associate broker with Re/Max Gateway in Washington. If you want a typical refurbished rowhouse with three levels, usually with about 500 square feet on each level and maybe a second bathroom in the basement, its $500,000 and up in Brentwood, Trinidad, Brightwood, Upper Petworth and on Capitol Hill including Kingman Park and H Street, says Knull. Ive seen smaller two-level rowhouses with about 800 square feet going for $515,000 when theyre a little closer to a Metro station, but there arent many of those in the city. Competition for all home types under $500,000 in the city is particularly heated, says Richardson, with first-time buyers competing against bigger investors and people who want to invest in one property for rental income. Redfin did a report on flipping real estate and found that the Petworth neighborhood is number one in the country for flipping, just as it was two years ago, says Richardson. Thats a double-edged sword because buyers who want to fix a home and live in it need a construction loan, and that makes it even harder to compete with an investor who has cash. Richardson says properties are often selling well above their listing price, such as a Mount Pleasant property that sold for $150,000 above the asking price in early March after receiving 10 offers. Knull says move-up buyers dont have it much easier, with the new normal in that market for a three-bedroom home starting at $1 million. A 494-square-foot one-bedroom condo at 1 Scott Circle NW #617 in Washington is listing for $245,000. (By HomeVisit) If you look at [American University] Park in Northwest, which is popular with families because of Janney Elementary School and the location near the Friendship Heights Metro station, there isnt a single three-bedroom home on the market for less than $1 million, says Knull. These arent huge homes, either. [Seven new condos coming to D.C.s Columbia Heights] According to Hill, the largest number of listings in the city are condos and co-ops in the $300,000 to $400,000 range, many of which are one-bedroom residences. The second price range with the most listings is homes priced from $600,000 to $800,000, most of which are attached rowhouses. D.C. is always pulling in more people for jobs, so the demand for homes here doesnt slow down, says Hill. Well probably see a little more inventory as the spring goes on, which should hold prices steady in the city. Richardson points out that new construction is not meeting demand in the city, with most of it either rental units or high-end condos. The limited supply creates a domino effect, with sellers needing to sell first before they can buy and sellers at the top of the food chain demanding contracts without any contingencies, says Richardson. A relatively new trend is for buyers to have a pre-contract home inspection in order to make an offer without a traditional home inspection contingency, says Knull. Its like a nuclear arms race: Once one person does it, everyone else does it, too, he says. For buyers, it allows you to get a quick diagnosis of the house before you make an offer, but youre also spending hundreds of dollars and dont even know if youll go under contract on the home. [Proposal to displace farmers market could scuttle Adams Morgan condo project] Sellers benefit from a pre-inspection because they know they wont have to deal with an offer contingent on a full home inspection and wont need to negotiate on inspection items, he says. A pre-contract inspection usually costs about half as much as a full inspection because youre getting just a walk-and-talk inspection without a written report, says Knull. Buyers just learn from the inspector about what could make them increase or decrease their offer, but they dont get a lot of detail. At one property this morning, there were seven or eight pre-contract inspections going on at the same time. Theres just a shortage of inventory at every price point and in every neighborhood, and that contributes to the frenzy among buyers. With competition so heated, particularly for first-time buyers, Dan Fulton, senior vice president of John Burns Real Estate Consulting in Reston, says buyers may want to consider some of the more affordable options under construction in the suburbs. Every buyer needs to turn the dial and decide which of these four trade-offs to make: the size of the home, the age, the location and the price, says Fulton. Buyers who want to live in a newly designed and built home or who want a little more space may need to trade-off living in the city for a walkable community in the suburbs and a longer commute. Coming up in the Spring Home Guide: Maryland market, April 9; Virginia market, April 16. Kim Yong-shil recounts her experience fleeing from North Korea. Since she defected to South Korea in 2006, her mother and brothers defected and settled down in the South one by one. She lives in a rented apartment provided by South Korean authorities. (Jun Michael Park/For The Washington Post) First came Kim Yong-shil, in 2006. Then her husband, her two grown daughters, her teenaged son. Two years later, out came her mother, then one brother, then in 2012, the other. One by one over the past decade, the members of this family have escaped from North Korea, the ones who made it out first earning money and meeting brokers so they could bring out the others. This process called chain defection is almost the only way to escape from North Korea now, as security along the border has tightened dramatically since Kim Jong Un took control of the state four years ago. In the past 20 years, some 29,000 North Koreans have fled hunger and repression at home by escaping across the river that forms the countrys border with China. The flow of refugees had been tracking steadily upward until plummeting during Kims first year in power. By last year, fewer than 1,300 people had escaped, less than half of the peak recorded in 2009. [Photos: What life looks like inside North Korea] The vast majority of the people making it out now are those with family members who escaped to South Korea before them and can rustle up the $12,000 it costs to extract one person from the North. If you dont have family living outside North Korea, its impossible to come out because someone has to pay, said Jung Kwang-il, a defector who works as a human rights activist in South Korea. Families in the South cobble together their often meager wages to try to extract relatives. There is a well-established process involving defectors in the South who act as brokers, traders on the border between North Korea and China who move money back and forth, and soldiers in North Korea who can be bribed to show would-be defectors where and when to cross. [As Pyongyang celebrates, ordinary North Koreans must flee to survive] For the Kim family, Yong-shil, now 56, was the first link in the chain. After two failed attempts, she finally managed to escape in 2006, spending three years in China before making it to South Korea. After her husband, daughters, and son got out, she arranged through a broker in South Korea to secret out her mother, who is now 77. But three younger siblings were still in North Korea. Her youngest brother was working as a trader on the border and managed to call Yong-shil from a Chinese cellphone to tell her that the next older brother had resorted to begging and was starving. In an old photograph from North Korea, Kim Yong-shil stands in front of the portraits of the now-deceased supreme leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il. (Jun Michael Park/For The Washington Post) So Yong-shil, who has worked in a bathhouse and is trying to start a restaurant with other defectors, contacted a broker about getting him out, too. I worked with a broker for a year to get him out, Yong-shil recalls. Now 45 years old, he works here in the South as a night security guard. But the younger brother remained in North Korea with his wife and two sons. He had twice been caught crossing the river for his trading activities and was worried he would be arrested if caught again, so Yong-shil encouraged him to escape, too. (The brothers did not want their names used for fear of jeopardizing family still in North Korea.) I found someone who said that if [the youngest brother] could get himself to China, he could take him from there, Yong-shil said. He was successful on his second attempt, but it cost the family $8,000. It was cheaper back then, Yong-shil said. Now, it costs about $12,000 to extract someone from North Korea. [In latest outburst, North Koreas Kim orders nuclear weapons at the ready] In the South, the younger brother lives a grim existence. He drives a truck six days a week and lives with his sister. He spends little on himself he had not eaten all day when he met reporters for dinner after work so he can send money to his family. I work this hard, work these long hours, with my family in my mind, he said, saying he sends them about $3,000 a year. But $3,000 goes a long way in North Korea. He talks to his wife on the phone every three months. His sons are well-fed and well-dressed but not too well-dressed, for fear of attracting attention and they are doing well at school. But the chain has been broken. It has become so difficult and consequently, so expensive to get people out of North Korea that the youngest brother has little hope of seeing his family again. Now, it could take as much as $40,000 to get them out and even then, theres no guarantee that they will get to safety, he said, pulling his Samsung Galaxy phone out of his pocket with his oil-ingrained hands, to show reporters photos of his family. There is still one Kim sibling left in North Korea: a sister, who has a husband and two children. They want to come out, too. But this would also cost tens of thousands of dollars that the family does not have. Plus, theyre scared, Yong-shil said. Brokers say that the price has skyrocketed because it has become much more difficult to get people out in the past four years. I heard that there was an order from Kim not to take the money, just arrest them, said one defector, who now works as a broker and asked not to be named because so few people do this work. [China urged not to repatriate North Koreans caught trying to escape\] That means as many as eight people must be involved in extracting North Koreans: the main broker in South Korea who plans everything, the broker in North Korea, the person who gets the would-be defector across the river, a person waiting on the Chinese side, another person to take the defector down through China. Then there are other brokers in Thailand, Laos and Vietnam, through which the migrants generally travel on their way to South Korea. And all these people are working for money, the broker in Seoul said. Brokers in South Korea are often considered to be vultures preying on naive defectors, all of whom stand to get about $17,000 in government benefits when they arrive in the South, two-thirds of it earmarked for housing. But this broker said he makes only about $1,000 for each North Korean he helps and that their families often try to avoid paying. I feel for these people. I feel for them, but if there was no money, then why would I do it? he asked. For now, the younger brother tries to avoid places where he might see happy families spending time together. Instead, he spends his Sundays sleeping or distracting himself with video games. When I left North Korea, I told my family that maybe it would be the last time we would see each other, he said. But when it actually happens, its so hard. Yoonjung Seo contributed to this report. Read more: What its like to be an American held in North Korea North Koreas possible nuclear warhead looks silly but its still concerning North Koreas making a lot of threats these days. How worried should we be? Aziz Alwan, third from left, in 2011. He was an integral member of The Posts Baghdad bureau from 2008 to 2012. (Aaron C. Davis/The Washington Post) Aziz Alwan, a veteran Iraqi journalist who covered the Iraq War for The Washington Post and National Public Radio and served as a resourceful in-country guide to international reporters, died March 29 in Baghdad. He was 57. Mr. Alwan died after he was taken to a hospital for treatment of stomach problems, his family said. From 2008 to 2012, Mr. Alwan was an integral member of The Posts Baghdad bureau, covering the war during some of its most tumultuous periods, including the sectarian conflict and the political turmoil that emerged after the U.S. military withdrawal in late 2011. He later joined NPR, reporting on the rise of the Islamic State militant group and the growing violence across Iraq. Mr. Alwan could appear quiet and reticent, friends and colleagues recalled. But those fortunate enough to know him well found under the surface a generous and sensitive man with a wealth of knowledge and insight about Iraqs complexities an asset that was invaluable to the Western correspondents who worked with him. To me, he embodied both the pain and the fortitude of his country, said Dan Zak, a Post feature writer who worked with Mr. Alwan in Iraq. He was prickly, tender, weary, wise. In a divided country where mistrust runs deep, Mr. Alwans mild-mannered personality and diplomatic demeanor allowed him to have good relationships with people on all sides of Iraqs politics, military, religious institutions and tribes. They all seemed to trust him. During moments of chaos and there were many in Iraq Mr. Alwan was a steady force, exuding a quiet yet phenomenal courage. Leila Fadel, a former Baghdad bureau chief for The Post, recalled how Mr. Alwan calmly moved her and other colleagues away from the windows and into a safer room when a hotel in their compound was bombed sending shards of glass flying into the office and gunfire erupted outside. Azizs arm was wounded and his ribs bruised, recalled Fadel, now NPRs Cairo correspondent. He told no one, ignored the pain and started pulling others into the room until he collapsed. As he covered Iraqs tragedy, it was not uncommon to see Mr. Alwan emotionally affected by his nations suffering. At the end of an interview last year with an asylum-seeking family that lost two children at sea while trying to reach Europe, Mr. Alwan was in tears, recalled Alice Fordham, an NPR Middle East correspondent who worked closely with him. He traveled far and wide across Iraq to give voice to his countrys voiceless, including with Anthony Shadid, a Pulitzer-winning former Post correspondent who died in Syria four years ago. Aziz was never scared, never flustered, Fordham recalled. Hed seen it all before, way too many times. His usual response was to look mildly disdainful and light a cigarette. Aziz Jawad Alwan was born July 1, 1958, in the southern Iraqi city of Nasiriyah. He was one of 10 children. After graduating from the National Security College in Baghdad, he held a variety of jobs with the Iraqi government, including a posting in New York. By the late 1990s, he was living in Lebanon with his family, returning to Iraq after Saddam Hussein was toppled in the U.S.-led invasion in 2003. For many Western correspondents newly arrived in Baghdad, Mr. Alwan doubled as translator and encyclopedia, quickly bringing them up to speed on Iraqs politics. In one instance, he took a Post reporter on her first day in the city to a protest inspired by the revolutions unfolding in the Arab world at the time. There was one problem, though: The government had imposed a daytime curfew on cars. So Mr. Alwan decided to walk miles through the battered capital to reach the protest, all the while explaining to the reporter why it mattered. He was brave and tireless, and he knew how important it was to witness this uprising firsthand, recalled the reporter, Stephanie McCrummen. Mr. Alwan also had a lighter side, poking fun at his own tribe at times and driving around Baghdad in a bright-red car, smiling good-naturedly at the ribbing he got from colleagues. He once crossed a river in a rickety boat after a bridge was blown up, despite not being able to swim. His survivors include his father, his wife, three grown daughters and two grandchildren. Even after he left The Post, Mr. Alwan remained in close contact with former colleagues, helping some get letters of recommendation to apply for asylum in the United States. He was well aware of the dangers of working in Iraq, so much so that last year he telephoned another former Iraqi correspondent for The Post and had his daughter come on the line. He told her, If I die, call Zaid, recalled Zaid Sabah, a journalist with Bloomberg News in Washington. And she did two days ago. This will live with me my entire life. A deadly explosion Thursday targeted security forces in Turkeys mainly Kurdish region, killing at least six people in the latest violence to hit the country amid a string of suicide blasts and other attacks, reports said. There was no immediate claim of responsibility following the explosion in Diyarbakir, the main city in Turkeys predominately Kurdish southeastern region. But the area has been the scene of increasing clashes between Turkish forces and Kurdish separatists, who have stepped up a decades-long fight for greater autonomy. [Pentagon, State Department order families of personnel to leave Turkey] At least six people were killed and 23 were injured in the blast, which went off near a small bus carrying police special forces, the state-run Anadolu news agency reported. The Associated Press, citing security sources, said all the fatalities were among security personnel. The blast came two days after the United States announced it would withdraw nearly all family members of U.S. troops and diplomats from its facilities in Turkey, citing security concerns linked to the U.S.-led battles against the Islamic State in neighboring Syria. A man walks past damage from a deadly bomb attack in Diyarbakir, Turkey, on Thursday. (Ilyas Akengin/AFP/Getty Images) [Turkey strikes back against Kurdish group] On March 13, a car bomb killed 37 people in the capital, Ankara, in an attack claimed by a breakaway Kurdish rebel faction. Less than a week later, a Turkish man with suspected ties to the Islamic State set off a suicide blast in Istanbul, killing four foreign tourists, including two Israeli Americans. It was the sixth major suicide bombing in Turkey in eight months. A shadowy Kurdish group called the Kurdistan Freedom Falcons has asserted responsibility for two major suicide attacks in Ankara this year, including the one this month. The faction is thought to be an offshoot of the Kurdistan Workers Party, which has waged an insurgency in Turkey since the 1980s. The group is designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey and the United States. After the latest Ankara attack, Turkish warplanes waged airstrikes against Kurdish militant strongholds in northern Iraq, a staging ground for cross-border operations by the rebels. In Washington, Turkeys president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, met with Vice President Biden and other officials before attending a nuclear security summit. Read more: Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Moqtada al-Sadr, the troublesome cleric whose militia repeatedly battled U.S. troops more than a decade ago, is back in action in Iraq this time as a champion of political reforms. And what a comeback it has been, replete with high political drama, bold gestures of choreographed symbolism and moments of nerve-racking tension that have seen Baghdad brace for a potential new war. Sadrs return to the limelight began in February, when he emerged from years of self-imposed retirement from politics to lead a mass protest campaign calling for the creation of a new government and an end to the corrupt practices of the countrys despised political elite. On Thursday, after spending five days holed up in a tent inside Baghdads heavily fortified Green Zone to press his demands, he was handed a victory, in the form of a proposed new government presented to parliament by Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi. The new, streamlined cabinet is to be composed not of politicians but technocrats with the skills required to run ministries meeting one of Sadrs top demands. Whether a new government will be formed is in question. Parliament wont vote on whether to approve the candidates for another 10 days. This reform proposal may yet founder, like others before it, on the paralyzing squabbles of the countrys feuding politicians. The proposal did mark a small first step toward a larger package of reforms long promised by Abadi but never implemented because of resistance from the countrys powerful political blocs. [Iraqis think the U.S. is in cahoots with the Islamic State] It was also a significant triumph for Sadr, the heir to the legacy of one of Shiite Islams most revered religious families and also the overall commander of one of the countrys more powerful militias, known in the earliest years of the U.S. occupation of Iraq as the Mahdi Army and now called the Saraya al-Salam, or Peace Brigades. Yet again Sadr has demonstrated that he has the power to mobilize the street, tilt the balance of power in Iraq and dictate outcomes on his terms. Our efforts have been rewarded, Sadr said, calling off the protests, in a televised speech beamed from his Green Zone tent to thousands of cheering supporters gathered just beyond the zones fortified blast walls. We will never be humiliated! the crowd chanted back, pumping their fists at the screen on which his speech was being broadcast before dispersing into the night, tooting horns and waving Sadrs picture. Sadr headed back to his home in the southern city of Najaf in a 24-vehicle armored convoy. Abadi, in his speech to parliament, thanked Sadr for his role in organizing the protests that helped him formulate the proposed new government. Supporters of Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr take part in a sit-in outside Baghdad's fortified Green Zone on March 30. (Ahmad Al-Rubaye/AFP/Getty Images) Everybody comes out looking well, which was what was needed, said Sajad Jiyad of Al-Bayan Center for Planning and Studies, who has advised Abadi in the past. Sadr has presented himself as an agent of reform. The prime minister kept his job and looked calm and reasonable, as if he is in charge. The deal culminated more than eight months of escalating unrest that has seen huge crowds gather in Baghdads Tahrir Square to demand that Abadi boot out corrupt ministers and abolish the practice of distributing government positions according to sectarian quotas, adopted after the U.S. invasion in 2003. The momentum stalled after reforms swiftly promised by the prime minister failed to materialize until Sadr stepped in. He gave Abadi a 45-day ultimatum to appoint a new government, after which Sadr would order his supporters to storm the Green Zone and do the job themselves. [Is it too late to solve the mess in the Middle East?] To underline the threat, Sadrist supporters set up a tented protest camp just beyond the Green Zones fortified walls, echoing similar camps set up elsewhere in the region during the Arab Spring revolts except that unlike those popular revolts, this one was underwritten by a private army. When the deadline passed without result, instead of ordering an assault, Sadr strode into the Green Zone, flanked by just a handful of aides, and declared that he was ready to sacrifice his life for the sake of the peoples demands. The soldiers, ostensibly there to keep outsiders out, embraced him. The general in charge of security knelt and kissed his hand. Sadrs aides erected a tent for him. Then he took a selfie with five of his closest cleric and militia friends showing him inside the tent inside the Green Zone, which was transmitted across Baghdad via social media accounts. The message was clear: The political elite living in luxury behind their fortified walls cannot be protected from Sadrs wrath, and even the security forces could not be counted on to defend them. Abadi was never Sadrs target, his supporters say. Rather, they explain, the goal was to bolster Abadis wobbly hold on power by pressuring the more powerful politicians blocking Abadis reforms to acquiesce to changes that will presumably see them kicked out of their jobs. What we want to do is set Abadi free from the pressures of the blocs and the parties so that he can meet the peoples demands, said Hakim al-Zamili, a Sadrist member of parliament and one of the select few who accompanied Sadr on his Green Zone foray. [Green Zone opens to the public for the first time in 12 years kind of] And indeed, although Sadr has portrayed himself as the champion of the people against the government, its more complicated than that. His challenge has revived multiple, long-standing feuds within the powerful Shiite establishment, many of them predating its ascent to power after the toppling of Saddam Husseins more Sunni-oriented regime. They include some of the rising stars in the other Shiite militias who have soared to prominence because of their role in fighting the Islamic State, and who are poised to play a significant role in the countrys political future perhaps taking support and future votes away from the Sadrists. Sadr has demonstrated that he has more popular support than those militias, said Mohammed Naaina, a professor of political science at Baghdad University. No party right now would dare clash with Moqtada Sadr because they know they wont win. Read more: Iraq is broke. Add that to its list of worries. Weve had enough: Baghdad protests challenge Iraqs Abadi Iraqi leader wins backing for reforms but walks a dangerous line If this Iraqi dam collapses, half a million people could die A Maryland appeals court has issued what civil liberties groups called the first appellate opinion in the country stating that police must obtain a warrant before using covert cellphone-tracking devices, rebuking Baltimore police and prosecutors for misleading judges for years about secret and unconstitutionally intrusive conduct. Marylands intermediate Court of Special Appeals issued the strongly worded opinion late Wednesday following a March 3 order that Baltimore police could not use evidence collected by a cell-site simulator device against defendant Kerron Andrews, charged with attempted murder in 2014. Such devices, known by commercial names such as StingRay, Triggerfish and Hailstorm, imitate a cellular tower to have phones in an area connect to it. That enables real-time tracking of phones. The briefcase-size devices can be transported in vehicles and collect data from any bystanders phones in range. We conclude that people have a reasonable expectation that their cell phones will not be used as real-time tracking devices by law enforcement, and . . . that people have an objectively reasonable expectation of privacy in real-time cell phone location information, Judge Andrea M. Leahy wrote for a three-member panel that included judges Dan Friedman and Raymond G. Thieme Jr. The court admonished Baltimore police and prosecutors for using the technology and signing an agreement with the FBI and device manufacturers to never disclose its existence to the public, courts or defense counsel. Other law enforcement agencies across the country have entered into the same secrecy deals, according to information gleaned through litigation or public-records requests. [Secrecy around police surveillance equipment proves a cases undoing] In the Andrews case, police hid their use of a Harris Corp. Hailstorm device by obtaining approval from a judge for a pen register/trap & trace order, a technique used to collect all numbers dialed to or from a particular phone line, the opinion stated. However, such orders traditionally have gone to phone companies, do not obtain a target phones real-time location and require presenting a lower standard of proof to a judge than would a search-warrant request. The FBI nondisclosure agreement obstructs the court from exercising its fundamental duties under the Constitution, Leahy wrote, to protect Americans against illegal searches under the 4th Amendment. We perceive the States actions in this case to protect the Hailstorm technology, driven by a nondisclosure agreement to which it bound itself, as . . . inimical to the constitutional principles we revere, the court wrote. In a statement, David Nitkin, a spokesman for Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh (D), said, We are reviewing the written ruling and evaluating next steps. The Baltimore Police Department did not respond to requests for comment. The ruling by Marylands second-highest court covers scores of pending cases throughout the state, although the court left open whether its reasoning would apply retroactively and allow post-conviction appeals in closed cases. Baltimore police testified in the case to using the technology 4,300 times since 2007. State and Anne Arundel and Baltimore county police have also confirmed use of the technology. Assistant Maryland Public Defender Daniel Kobrin, who argued the appeal, called the decision a landmark ruling for how our privacy laws can keep up with advancing technology in the digital age, when smartphones are ubiquitous. Nathan Freed Wessler, staff attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union, which filed a friend-of-the-court brief with the Electronic Frontier Foundation in the case, said he expected courts across the country to look to the Maryland opinion, which he said shows why it is so important for these kinds of privacy invasions to be subjected to judicial review. [D.C. appeals court weighs challenge to StingRay use by D.C. police ] Police in Charlotte, Milwaukee and Tacoma, Wash., have reported using cell-site simulators in hundreds of cases in recent years, including under pen-register orders. New York City police, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Sacramento sheriffs department also disclosed using devices thousands of times. State legislatures in Utah, Minnesota, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin have passed laws requiring police to obtain warrants for using the devices, a policy the U.S. Justice Department also announced in September. The Wisconsin State Supreme Court in July 2014 allowed the warrantless use of a StingRay device in a 2009 case, ruling that a court pen-register order explicitly authorized police to identify the location of a phone. The ruling in the 2009 case came after the state legislature in 2014 passed a warrant requirement that covered future cases. [Justice Department: Agencies need warrants to use cellphone trackers] While the success of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) in three state elections March 13 horrified many workers and young people, politicians and the media are now courting the far-right party. The friendly overtures extend from the Left Party adopting the AfD's slogans to direct offers of coalition from the Christian Democrats. The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) parliamentary deputy Klaus-Peter Willsch held out the prospect of future coalitions with the AfD. One must look soberly at who we have the most overlap with: the Social Democrats, the Greens or the AfD. Because I see the most overlap with the AfD, he told Spiegel Online. The chairman of the Christian Democrats parliamentary group, Georg Nusslein, advised not to simply force the AfD into the right-wing populist corner. Sarah Wagenknecht, the leader of the Left Party parliamentary group, expressed similar sentiments and said that one should not paint as racists all those who worry about jobs, social benefits, acomodation and rising rents as a result of the high numbers of refugees. This also applied to AfD voters, she said. Following its catastrophic election defeat, the Left Party is not only advocating electoral alliances with the CDU, Wagenknecht's populist and nationalist course is hardly distinguishable from that of the AfD. While all the establishment parties are moving politically in the direction of the AfD, the media is painting it as a normal democratic party. The latest highpoint is an interview with two leading AfD politicians, Frauke Petry and Marcus Pretzell, in the current edition of Bunte magazine. Under the sensationalist headline, How dangerous is this party? is a picture showing the AfD spokeswoman and her partner sitting on the ground laughing. Petry sits next to Pretzell looking girlish and sweet, the magazine remarks. Pretzell also endevours to look charming. This revolting attempt to build up these two extreme right-wing figures as new political stars has also found an echo in the serious bourgeois media. Above all, the weekly news magazine Der Spiegel represents a prime example of the sharp turn to the right undergone by the German elite in the last weeks. In its current edition can be found an extensive interview with Petry, including an entire page of glossy photos. The AfD leader is presented by Der Spiegel as a serious politician worthy of state office. Petry is being offered a platform for her right-wing propaganda. Among other things, she could declare, we believe that a healthy patriotism should be self-evident in Germany. Without a healthy relationship to ones own identity, it was not possible to act in a forward-looking way at home and abroad. The AfD held that politicans exclusively cloaking themselves in guilt were wrong. The German past was being used to prevent the resurection of a German nationalism once and for all, and that disastrous migration policies had been justified with reference to Germany's past. Without being contradicted, Petry agitates against Muslim refugees and attacks the policies of Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) using right-wing populist slogans. What was clear, she claimed, is that the immigration of so many Muslims will change our culture, and despite this, Chancellor Angela Merkel had simply opened up the borders and invited everyone in, without asking parliament and the people. For Der Spiegel, these views are now no longer right-wing but part of the political centre. In the lead article in its last edition, titled Welcome! Germany's most-read newsweekly declared, In light of the election results, the AfD must be re-evaluated and dealings with it re-assessed. A party that achieves 15 percent in Baden-Wurttemberg and 24 percent in Saxony Anhalt, was also a party of the centre, as hard as it may be to recognise this. The attempt of Der Spiegel to deny the essentially right-wing character of the AfD, which was merely in charge of a small, populist-racist block, is absurd. In reality, the party leadership not only enjoys close links to the far-right but also advocates extreme militarist, anti-democratic and populist-racist positions. Two examples: In 2012 in the Tagesspiegel, the deputy AfD spokesman Alexander Gauland accused Germans of lacking esteem in the Bundeswehr [Armed Forces]. After two lost world wars, they must finally put an end to their whole-body pacifism and learn again from Bismarck that the great questions of the time can only be decided through blood and iron. During the 2014 state elections in Saxony, Petry herself had justified a referendum on abortion and harsher immigration policies with the demand, German politicians had a responsiblity to secure the survival of their own people, their own nation. In an interview at the end of January, she demanded that police officers must use their service weapons, if necessary in order to prevent illegal border crossings. Der Spiegel knows well that it is dealing with extreme right-wing political forces when it comes to Petry, Gauland and the entire AfD. Just a few weeks ago, it ran a cover picture of Gauland and Petry standing in a fascist pose, titled The Preachers of Hate. In the cover story, headlined In the trenches, they said: The AfD ... is a dangerous party. It is gathering together right-wing radicals and agitators who play with fire. Its existence, 70 years after the end of the war, throws up the question, what has Germany learned and understood from the dictatorship. The AfD appears to be becoming a German National Front: xenophobic, chauvinist, anti-European. How is the sudden change of opinion by Der Spiegel to be explained? A glance at the editors responsible is instructive. Significantly, the interview with Petry was conducted by Jan Fleischhauer. His weekly column, titled The Black Channel, is repulsive, and its racist, militarist and anti-democratic undertones mean it could easily appear in the AfD party newspaper. The author of the lead article welcoming the AfD is Dirk Kurbjuweit, who has long argued for the revival of German militarism. In 2010, Der Spiegel published an article titled, Taming the Beast. Regarding the difficult relationship of democracy and war. Its central argument: The war in Afghanistan was so important for the strategic interests of German imperialism that it must be conducted despite heavy losses and against the will of people. In February 2014, Kurbjuweit then wrote a story on World War I Guilt, in which he argues for a revision of accounts of the crimes of German imperialism in the first and second world wars. As chief witness for this transformation, he introduces the Humboldt professors Herfried Munkler (Political Theory) and Jorg Baberowski (History), as well as the most famous recent German Nazi apologist Ernst Nolte. Among other things, Kurbjuweit cited Noltes words, referring to the outbreak of World War II, I am more and more convinced that we should attach more weight to the role played by the Poles and the British than is usually the case. At the same time, Nolte accuses the Jews of their own share of the gulag because some Bolsheviks were Jews. Although Kurbjuweit comments that this has long been an argument of anti-Semites, he adds, But not everything this man [Nolte] says is wrong. Then he quotes Baberowski, a declared supported of Nolte, saying: Hitler was no psychopath, and he wasnt vicious. He didnt want people to talk about the extermination of the Jews at his table. The foreword of the book Scholarship or War Propaganda, which examines the deeper historical, political and social causes for the sharp turn to the right by the ruling elites, and which was recently presented to a large audience at the Leipzig Book Fair, states: Such historical falsifications were previously voiced only by ultra-right and fascist circles. Their promotion today is closely linked with the attempts of the German government to revive German militarism. The article in Der Spiegel appeared ten days after the Munich Security Conference, where German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Defence Minister Ursula Von der Leyen announced that Germany was too large and too important to stay out of crisis regions and areas of conflict in the world. It was also published ten days before the coup in Kiev that brought to power a right-wing, anti-Russian regime backed by Berlin and Washington. Since then, the German government has intensified its military war programme. Under the pretext of the fight against Islamic State (IS), it has sent weapons and soldiers to Syria and Iraq, agreed to a new military mission in Mali and massively increased the defence budget. The courting of the AfD is a warning. In the deepest crisis of European and international capitalism since the 1930s, the German elites are once again ready to place their hopes in an extreme right-wing party in order to defend the interests of German imperialism with increasing violence at home and abroad. Citing an internal company document, the Seattle Times reported Wednesday that Boeing, the giant commercial and military airplane manufacturer, plans to slash 4,000 jobs at its Washington state-based commercial division by June, with an additional 4,000 job cuts likely to come by the end of 2016. Boeing responded to the news report by acknowledging that it planned to slash about 4,000 jobs in its commercial airlines division by mid-year, and an additional 550 jobs in a unit that conducts flight and lab testing. However, it refused to confirm press reports that these cuts were only part of a planned 10 percent reduction at the division by year-end, which would bring the job reduction to 8,000 positions. There is no employment reduction target, company spokesman Doug Alder said. The more we can control costs as a whole, the less impact there will be to employment, he added. The latter statement is intended to put pressure on workers to accept new concessions in the name of saving jobs, and provide the International Association of Machinists union (IAM) with ammunition to press its members for further give-backs. The report sent shockwaves throughout the state, and particularly the Seattle region, where the bulk of the companys commercial aircraft production is located. More than 9,000 Boeing jobs have been eliminated since 2012, after the IAM agreed to an extension of a sellout contract it imposed following a seven-week strike in 2008. Boeing announced last month that it would begin trimming its work force, starting with executives and managers. Even so, the scale of the cuts announced Wednesday appeared to come as a surprise to the media, not to mention the public. The job cuts at Boeing will impact hundreds of supplier firms and ripple through the economy of the state and the rest of the country. In Wichita, Kansas, one Boeing supply firm, Spirit AeroSystems, laid off 42 workers earlier this month after 265 IAM workers accepted voluntary retirement packages. At the end of 2013 and beginning of 2014, the IAM responded to threats by Boeing to move production of its 777X commercial plane to a low-wage state unless it received sweeping labor concessions and huge tax cuts from the state government by ramming through an additional, eight-year contract extension. That agreement eliminated pensions for current employees, imposed higher health care costs, and slashed wage increases. It also extended a no-strike provision to 2022. The extension was initially rejected by IAM District 751 members by a 2-to-1 margin. It was only narrowly passed in a revote ordered by the International union leadership and conducted over the Christmas vacation period. In late 2013, the state government, headed by Democratic Governor Jay Inslee, approved an $8.7 billion tax break for the airplane manufacturer, the largest corporate tax abatement in US history. The legislation imposed no requirement on Boeing to maintain its current level of employment in the state. Boeing is in the midst of its biggest peacetime boom in its 100-year history. In 2015, the company set records for both commercial deliveries, 762, and revenues, $96.1 billion. With the assistance of the IAM, it has dramatically increased the ratio of planes produced to the number of workers employed in their production. It is now insisting, however, that new and even more sweeping cost-cutting measures are required to make it competitive with its main rival, European-based Airbus. The Seattle Times said it had obtained the transcript of an internal webcast from February in which Boeing Commercial Airlines CEO Ray Conner first informed workers that job cuts were coming. Conner said the cuts were needed to win the market, fund our growth and operate as a healthy business. He focused on the struggle with Airbus for commercial airplane orders, arguing that labor costs had to be slashed in order to lower Boeings prices. Were being pushed to the wall, he declared. The company had said the cost-saving push involves taking out billions of dollars in cost by the end of 2016. Boeing spokesman Adler said the 4,000 job cuts by June will include some 1,600 voluntary layoffs and 2,400 job losses through attrition. However, Boeing has broadly hinted that further job cuts this year would include involuntary layoffs. The IAM has played a critical role in helping the company pit Boeing workers against their fellow workers at Airbus. The logic of its economic nationalist and corporatist policies is a race to the bottom, in which one section of workers competes with another for a dwindling pool of jobs by working harder and longer for lower wages and benefits. Both the IAM and the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA), the union for Boeing engineers and technical workers, reacted to the announcement of the job cuts with impotent appeals to the state legislature to bar the company from slashing jobs as part of its tax windfall. IAM District 751 posted a statement on its Facebook page from the district president, Jon Holden, which merely said: We have not been notified of these types of workforce reduction numbers. We continue to have concerns about work that has been moved outside of Washington state, which is why we focused so much energy on trying to get job number guarantees for the $8.7 billion in aerospace tax incentives that our citizens are paying. A spokesperson at the district office told the World Socialist Web Site that the union did not have any information about the job cuts, including whether they would impact its members. We would hope that the company would inform us sooner rather than later, she said. The job cut announcement by Boeing is one of several major layoffs and closures that have been reported in recent days. The Boston Globe reported Tuesday that the Boston-based financial firm State Street Corp. plans to shrink its workforce by up to 7,000 workers by 2020. And Alcoa permanently closed a 56-year-old aluminum smelter in Warrick, Indiana on March 24, eliminating 325 jobs. Layoffs are also taking place in the steel industry, and since January of last year, over 25,000 jobs in oil, gas and supporting industries have been wiped out as a result of the collapse in oil and commodity prices. The most striking feature of the 2016 US election campaign is the virtual absence of discussion of what is by far the most serious issue facing the people of the United States and the world, looming over everything else: the escalating military conflict that threatens to plunge the entire planet into a new world war. While it is not a topic of significant debate among the various candidates contending for the presidential nomination of the Democratic and Republican parties, hardly a day goes by without a new provocation that raises the prospect of a military confrontation involving the US, China, Russia and the European powers. Yesterday was no exception. US Deputy Defense Secretary Robert Work announced that the Obama administration would not recognize any air defense identification zone (ADIZ) that China might proclaim in the South China Sea in response to an upcoming international court ruling on territorial disputes in the region. Earlier this month, Washington Post columnist David Ignatius, referring to a future conflict over an ADIZ, wrote that the US is heading toward a dangerous showdown in China. Ignatius quoted Kurt Campbell, former assistant secretary of state for Asia, who said: This isnt Pearl Harbor, but if people on all sides arent careful, it could be The Guns of August. Campbell was referring to the book by Barbara Tuchman on the events that led up to World War I, which led to the deaths of 17 million people. Also on Wednesday, the Wall Street Journal reported that the Pentagon has drawn up plans to position American troops, tanks and other armored vehicles full time along NATOs eastern borders in what would be the first such deployment since the end of the Cold War. Work, who last month declared that a test of intercontinental ballistic missiles was designed to show that we are prepared to use nuclear weapons in defense of our country, told the Journal that with the additional forces there will be a divisions worth of stuff to fight [Russia] if something happens. As far as the media and the candidates of the Democratic and Republican parties are concerned, all of this falls under the category of the great unmentionable. Indeed, the Obama administration is attempting to temporarily postpone a full conflict with Russia or China, following a well-established pattern in which major military operations are launched after presidential elections. The aim is to prevent the question of war and the war plans of the ruling class from becoming a topic of political discussion among broader sections of the population. Particularly since the launching of the war on terror, and then following the mass protests in 2003 against the impending invasion of Iraq, the American ruling class has worked systematically to exclude any expression of anti-war sentiment from the political process. In 2002, the Democrats kept the issue of the looming invasion of Iraq out of the mid-term elections, after Democrats in Congress agreed to give Bush a blank check to use military force. In 2004, opposition to war was so intense that it threatened to overwhelm the election cycle. That was the year that Howard Dean, the governor of Vermont, won widespread support due largely to his stated opposition to the Iraq war, and appeared to be on the path to winning the Democratic nomination. His campaign was then derailed through a carefully coordinated operation by the Democratic Party leadership and the media, which proclaimed him unelectable. Senator John Kerry, who had voted for the Iraq war, was brought forward, the antiwar Democrats mobilized behind him, and the issue of war was removed from an election that culminated in the victory of George W. Bush for a second term. Two years later, despite the efforts of the Democratic Party to keep the mid-term elections from becoming a referendum on war, opposition to the Iraq invasion led to a massive defeat for the Republicans and gave control of both houses of Congress to the Democrats for the first time since 1994. The Democrats responded by rejecting any move to force a change of course, let alone bring charges against Bush administration officials. They funded all of the Bush administrations military appropriation bills, including for the 2007 Iraq surge. The channeling of anti-war sentiment behind the Democratic Party was carried out with the critical assistance of the organizations of the middle class that had led the anti-war protests in 2003. This culminated in the campaign of Illinois Senator Barack Obama in 2008. Obama was presented as the transformational candidate who would reverse the eight years of war and social reaction under Bush. During the primaries, Obamas political trump card was the fact that he had opposed the invasion of Iraq while his principal opponent, Hillary Clinton, had voted for it in the Senate. In fact, the Obama administration became the vehicle for the middle class organizations surrounding the Democratic Party to fully and openly embrace imperialism. After more than seven years of Obama as commander-in-chief, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan continue. The Obama administration has led a war to overthrow the government in Libya, stoked a civil war in Syria through the promotion of Islamic fundamentalist militias, launched drone strikes on Pakistan, Somalia and Yemen, supported the Israeli assault on Gaza, backed a brutal Saudi bombardment of Yemen, and overseen the militarization of the South China Sea and Eastern Europe. All indications are that within a year, if not earlier, the extent of US military operations will be far greater. Despite the looming danger of a global conflict involving nuclear-armed powers, the media and the various candidates are keeping the ongoing military operations off the agenda. When war is discussed, it is from the standpoint of general agreement among Republicans and Democrats on the need to destroy ISIS and confront Chinese and Russian aggression. In the Democratic Party campaign, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has emerged as the preferred candidate of the military and intelligence apparatus. She is personally responsible for launching the war in Libya and the CIA-backed destabilization operation in Syria. On her campaign web page, Clinton boasts of having called out Chinas aggressive actions in Asia. The Clinton campaign web site adds, Hillary will confine, contain, and deter Russian aggressions in Europe and beyond, and increase the costs to Putin for his actions. As for Bernie Sanders, he has said virtually nothing about war or foreign policy, aside from criticizing Clinton for supporting the 2003 invasion of Iraq. On his campaign web site, war and peace is relegated to the 25th of 28 issues in the election. He calls the 2003 invasion the worst foreign policy blunder in modern US history. The invasion of Iraq was, according to Sanders, not a crime, but a strategic mistake from the standpoint of the interests of the American ruling class. He proclaims that as President and Commander-in-Chief, I will defend this nation, its people, and Americas vital strategic interests, but I will do it responsibly. He boasts of having voted for war in the Balkans in 1999 and in Afghanistan in 2001. He has supported the Obama administrations drone strikes, denounced Russia, and insisted that the US maintain the largest military in the world. For all his rhetorical criticisms of the billionaire class and its influence over American politics, Sanders never suggests that foreign policy is dictated by this same billionaire class. Nor does he propose any cuts to the gargantuan military budget. Sanders too would defend Americas vital strategic interestscode words for the drive by the American corporate and financial elite to control the world and its key sources of raw materials, cheap labor and trade routes. Nothing could more fully expose the fraud of Sanders socialism. There remains deep and broad-based anti-war sentiment among American workers and youth. Large sections of the voting population have lived their politically conscious lives under conditions of permanent war. There is no mass support for war against China or Russia, or for the measures including a further destruction of democratic rights at home and the introduction of the military draftthat would inevitably accompany such a war. There remains, however, a huge danger. As a consequence of the conspiracy of silence by the media and the political establishment, the population as a whole is largely unaware of what is currently taking place and what is being planned in the aftermath of the elections. It is a life-and-death question that the attention of the working class be focused on the war plans of the ruling class and that the political foundations be laid for a new mass anti-war movement. The fight against imperialist war requires the building of an independent political movement of the working class, based on an internationalist and socialist program. Workers must not allow themselves to remain trapped within the pro-imperialist confines of bourgeois politics and the Democratic Party. The working class must intervene with its own program and perspective, connecting the fight against war with the fight against inequality, dictatorship and the capitalist system. Turkey seeks to increase tourists from Ukraine by over 40% in 2016 Turkey seeks to increase the number tourists from Ukraine by over 40% in 2016, to 1 million people, Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism Mahir Unal has said. "Our goal in 2016 is to increase the reception of tourists from Ukraine from 730,000 to 1 million people. We will show our hospitality to everyone who will come," he said at the presentation of the Turkey's stand at the Ukraine International Travel & Tourism Show (UITT) 2016 in Kyiv on Wednesday. Unal pointed out the large importance of air communications for development of the tourism. "Air transport plays a large role in developing the tourism sector. They are very developed between Turkey and Ukraine. I'm glad that Turkish Airlines today opened the seventh airport in Ukraine for the airline and launched flights to Ivano-Frankivsk," he said. "I would like to thank all tour operators who send tourists to Turkey," the minister added. The culture and information office of the Turkish Embassy in Ukraine told Interfax-Ukraine that tourist flow from Ukraine to Turkey in 2015 totaled 706,551 people. Turkish Airlines on March 30, 2016 launched daily flights on the Istanbul-Ivano-Frankivsk route The Ukrainian government has proposed that the Verkhova Rada toughens provisions of the convention signed by Ukraine and Cyprus on avoiding double taxation and preventing tax evasion. The decision was made on March 30, Ukraine's Finance Ministry has reported. Income received by residents of Cyprus in Ukraine from selling stocks and other corporate rights will be taxed if over 50% of their value directly or indirectly relates to immovable property located in Ukraine. In addition, taxpayers who seek to apply 5% tax on dividends are to hold at least 20% of shares in a company and invest no less than EUR 100,000 in its charter capital. At least one of the conditions can currently be met. The 10% tax rate will apply in other cases. The tax rate for dividends will be increased from 2% to 5%. The new conditions for taxation will take effect no earlier than January 1, 2019. "The ministry is taking active steps to bring the economy out of the shadows and combat against outflow of capital to offshore zones. The Finance Ministry entered into an arrangement with the Cypriot government to make amendments the convention on avoiding double taxation recommended by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)," the ministry said. KYIV. March 31 (Interfax-Ukraine) The Ukrainian government has proposed that the Verkhova Rada toughens provisions of the convention signed by Ukraine and Cyprus on avoiding double taxation and preventing tax evasion. The decision was made on March 30, Ukraine's Finance Ministry has reported. Income received by residents of Cyprus in Ukraine from selling stocks and other corporate rights will be taxed if over 50% of their value directly or indirectly relates to immovable property located in Ukraine. In addition, taxpayers who seek to apply 5% tax on dividends are to hold at least 20% of shares in a company and invest no less than EUR 100,000 in its charter capital. At least one of the conditions can currently be met. The 10% tax rate will apply in other cases. The tax rate for dividends will be increased from 2% to 5%. The new conditions for taxation will take effect no earlier than January 1, 2019. "The ministry is taking active steps to bring the economy out of the shadows and combat against outflow of capital to offshore zones. The Finance Ministry entered into an arrangement with the Cypriot government to make amendments the convention on avoiding double taxation recommended by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)," the ministry said. Avangard agricultural holding anticipates a technical decision of cross-default on its eurobonds due to the delay in payment by the parent structure Ukrlandfarming. "We will have cross-default, as Avangard acts as a guarantor on Ukrlandfarming's eurobonds. We hope that the cross-default will be settled in the near term. We think that it would be technical," Avangard CEO Iryna Marchenko said at a phone conference with investors on Wednesday. She said that Avangard will not take any steps on the issue until the restructuring of Ukrlandfarming's eurobonds is finished. "As far as I know, Ukrlandfarming issued a press release. This is the start of the restructuring process due to the delayed payment of the coupon. We will wait for the decision of the parent company Ukrlandfarming," she said. Ukrlandfarming, Ukraine's largest agricultural holding in terms of land bank, on March 30 announced that the company intends to make a proposal for restructuring its eurobonds worth $500 million with a rate of 10.875% and maturing on March 26, 2018. The holding has refused coupon payment until that time. KYIV. March 31 (Interfax-Ukraine) Avangard agricultural holding anticipates a technical decision of cross-default on its eurobonds due to the delay in payment by the parent structure Ukrlandfarming. "We will have cross-default, as Avangard acts as a guarantor on Ukrlandfarming's eurobonds. We hope that the cross-default will be settled in the near term. We think that it would be technical," Avangard CEO Iryna Marchenko said at a phone conference with investors on Wednesday. She said that Avangard will not take any steps on the issue until the restructuring of Ukrlandfarming's eurobonds is finished. "As far as I know, Ukrlandfarming issued a press release. This is the start of the restructuring process due to the delayed payment of the coupon. We will wait for the decision of the parent company Ukrlandfarming," she said. Ukrlandfarming, Ukraine's largest agricultural holding in terms of land bank, on March 30 announced that the company intends to make a proposal for restructuring its eurobonds worth $500 million with a rate of 10.875% and maturing on March 26, 2018. The holding has refused coupon payment until that time. Ukrainian Finance Minister Natalie Jaresko, who heads a Ukrainian delegation at the Business Forum Netherlands-Ukraine in Nootdorp has discussed the expansion of economic cooperation between the two countries with her counterpart Jeroen Dijsselbloem. "Met Dutch Finance Minister Dijsselbloem. Thankful for his continual personal support of UA and its association with EU We discussed opportunities for increasing trade, step in combating corruption, work over the double taxation convention with NL," she wrote on her Twitter page on Wednesday. The Business Forum Netherlands-Ukraine was opened on March 30. The Ukrainian delegation includes Minister of Agricultural Policy and Food Oleksiy Pavlenko, Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration Dmitry Shymkiv, First Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Trade Yulia Kovaliv, Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Trade Representative of Ukraine Natalia Mykolska and Deputy Infrastructure Minister Yuriy Vaskov. On the Dutch side the forum will be attended by Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Lilianne Ploumen, the director of the agricultural department at the Ministry of Economic Affairs, a board member of the energy market and innovation team at the Ministry of Economic Affairs. The forum will be attended by more than 300 representatives of business and government. The parties will discuss cooperation in the field of energy efficiency, transport and infrastructure, IT and engineering, as well as agriculture. Ukraine's Ministry of Finance wants to sign new agreements with the European Union states to avoid double taxation and plans to soon hold talks with the Netherlands, Britain, Belgium, Switzerland and Austria, according to a report, with reference to Deputy Finance Minister Olena Makeyeva. According to the ministry, Makeyeva on March 30 at a meeting with representatives of the member companies of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine said that the Finance Ministry has developed its own strategy for revision of international conventions for avoidance of double taxation, whose member is Ukraine, and signing new agreements with the EU countries to attract foreign investment. At the meeting Makeyeva reported that the Verkhovna Rada is expected to ratify the convention for avoidance of double taxation between Ukraine and Malta. Increasing the level of compliance with international tax law and the provisions of the U.S. Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) were also discussed at the meeting. As reported, Ukrainian Finance Minister Natalie Jaresko and Dutch Minister of Finance Jeroen Dijsselbloem discussed continuation of work on the convention on avoidance of double taxation at the Ukraine-Netherlands business forum in Nootdorp on March 30. The International Financial Corporation (IFC), a division of the World Bank Group, and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs of Switzerland (SECO) will allocate $3.5 million in 2016-2018 to finance an advisory program to help improve the investment climate in Ukraine. The funding will be $3.5 million, the project is designed for three years until December of 2018, and its partner is the Swiss government, the World Bank project manager in Ukraine, Eugeniu Osmochescu, said at a press conference in Kyiv on Thursday. According to him, the program's partners in Ukraine will be the Economic Development and Trade Ministry and the Agrarian Policy and Food Ministry. The program is aimed at creating an effective regulatory environment for enterprises, the reduction of costs for the implementation of business activities and providing assistance in opening new markets to Ukrainian agricultural producers. The new project will focus on improving regulatory procedures such as obtaining permits, licensing and inspection of enterprises in all sectors of economy. It will also help adapt Ukrainian legislation to international requirements. The program will also help simplify the logistics in ports and river transportation in order to facilitate the development of trade and exports. This project is based on the results of preliminary work conducted by the IFC in agriculture. Representatives of the ad hoc group of the State Agency of Automobile Roads of Ukraine (Ukravtodor) on March 31-April 1 will attend the second Cluster World Congress in Poland to find partners and investors in building a Big Circular Road around Kyiv. According to the press service of Ukravtodor, group representative for the project implementation Volodymyr Rudy will speak at the congress. "Today European investors are not interested to invest money in the construction of only one road. Popular investment projects are those that combine many opportunities. In our case this is a project of the infrastructure attractiveness of the region the construction of the Big Circular Road - to link the existing international and national transport corridors with railway, water and air transport, create industrial parks near the road, engineering plants and build new industrial enterprises in Kyiv region," he said. According to Rudy, the construction of the Big Circular Road alone will create more than 15,000 new jobs. As reported, the Cabinet of Ministers in September 2013 authorized the State Agency for Investment and National Projects Management to conduct a concession tender for building the City Circular Road around Kyiv from Stolychne Highway to motorway M03 Kyiv-Kharkiv on the Kyiv-Boryspil section and sign a concession contract. Naftogaz Ukrainy still believes a trilateral format with the involvement of the European Commission is the best option for talks with Russia's Gazprom, Naftogaz CEO Andriy Kobolev has told journalists in Kyiv. "We are ready for a bilateral meeting but a trilateral format is most comfortable for us. This will allow us to avoid speculation and stories that Naftogaz has some separate policy," he said. According to the Naftogaz head, the success of the previous negotiations was provided by the factor of their transparency, rather than backroom arrangements. Kobolev said that no progress has been made to arrange the tripartite meeting. "We have more negative information on the part of Gazprom. We see that they have not yet agreed to extend the winter package, which is somewhat frustrating for us," the official said. Ukrainian Minister of Energy and Coal Industry Volodymyr Demchyshyn and Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop have signed an intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in nuclear energy use for peaceful purposes. According to an Interfax-Ukraine correspondent, the agreement was signed in Washington on March 31 as part of the working visit of Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko to the United States. "In particular, the agreement concerns the issue of uranium supplies from Australia to Ukraine for nuclear energy," the energy ministry earlier said. Demchyshyn in October last year reported that Ukraine is in talks with Kazakhstan and Australia for purchase of uranium concentrate to diversify its supplies. The annual needs of Ukrainian nuclear power plants for uranium concentrate are about 2,400 tonnes, while its internal production by state enterprise VostGOK in 2015 is planned in the amount of 1,200 tonnes. Ukrainian opposition government leader, Borys Kolesnikov, has called for the economic blockade of the separate districts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions to be lifted. "The economic blockade of the so-called republic must be lifted immediately to enable all enterprises working under Ukrainian jurisdiction to resume their work, provide people with jobs, salaries," Kolesnikov said, during a presentation of the opposition government's anti-crisis plan in Kyiv on Wednesday. To lift the blockade, the Cabinet should not wait for the final implementation of the Minsk agreement but repeal, today, its decree N595 approved over a year ago, which had no result, Kolesnikov said. He also slammed the access control system currently in place in government-controlled and breakaway parts of Donbas. "It is a real concentration camp. People are queuing there for days," he said. One simple solution to this issue is "to re-open passenger train service to Luhansk and Donetsk stations," the shadow government leader said. "Since you allow buses and cars in there, why would it be difficult to send trains there with a half an hour checkpoint [a half an hour stop at the checkpoint]?" he said "We demand that the economic blockade be lifted, order at the checkpoint, and that the entire passenger flow be moved onto the railroad," Kolesnikov said. It was reported earlier that on November 7, 2014, the Ukrainian Cabinet passed the N595 decree, entitled "Several aspects of financing for publicly-funded institutions, social payouts to population and provision of financial support to certain enterprises and organizations in Donetsk and Luhansk regions." Ukraine is working to secure the release of 120 people being held captive by the militia in Donbas, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has said. "After months of negotiations, we still cannot get over 120 Ukrainians from captivity in Donbas," Poroshenko told a forum, titled 'Ukraine's Battle for Freedom Continues,' at the U.S. Congress building. According to the Ukrainian president, representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have been denied access to the people being held illegally in Donbas. ICRC officials have also been denied access to the search for around 800 people who went missing, Poroshenko said. Poroshenko also mentioned 11 Ukrainian citizens being held in detention in Russia. The state of health of some of them is critical, he added. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko says that local elections in certain districts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions are possible only on certain conditions. "We are keen to unlock the political process and hold the local elections in Donbas," the president told the 'Ukraine's Battle for Freedom Continues' forum at the U.S. Congress building, naming the conditions. "However, these elections are possible only if Russia implements security provisions of the Minsk arrangements and does not manipulate with the phrase 'holding local elections in line with the Ukrainian legislation and international standards,'" Poroshenko said. Other important conditions include the deployment of an "enhanced OSCE police mission in Donbas to ensure security before, during and after the elections" and "eventual restoration of Ukraine's control over the border," Poroshenko said. "The recipe for the settlement is rather simple as that," he added. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko says that U.S. support has been critical for successful resistance to the Russian aggression. "Ukraine highly appreciates a bond with the United States. The American leadership has been very important for progressive reforms in Ukraine. U.S. support has been critical for successful resistance to the Russian aggression," the president said at the 'Ukraine's Battle for Freedom Continues' forum in Washington on Thursday. He called the United States to boost bilateral dialogue and upgrade the two countries' strategic alliance. "It is high time to boost Ukraine-U.S. bilateral dialogue in form and content. It is also time to upgrade our strategic alliance and to channel our intense cooperation in defense and security into a comprehensive bilateral security agreement," he said. "I believe that this would be to benefit of all," he added. Poroshenko also called on the United States not to forget about values, namely freedom. "In the times of global weakness, there is a thing that counts more than anything else leadership. It is a privilege and a heavy burden. Not everyone wants it. Not everyone deserves it. There are so many reasons not to carry it: indifference, fatigue, self-doubtAnd there is only one reason to carry it: you should have it in your blood. In these times of doubt, I urge America to be strong and believe in herself just like people of goodwill worldwide keep believing in America. Don't let pragmatism make you forget about values, with freedom being at the top of them," he said. "Don't let America become small-minded," he added. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko says he does not understand the international community's reluctance to provide weapons to Ukraine. "Yet, I could never explain one thing to myself and to my compatriots reluctance of the international community to supply weapons to the legitimate Ukrainian government and regular Ukrainian army which holds the line against attack on the international order," the president said at the 'Ukraine's Battle for Freedom Continues' forum in Washington on Thursday. "I think it is time to revisit this attitude. Every effort applied to protect Ukraine is an investment into long-term security of the West and sustainability of democratic values," he said. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko claims Russia's leaders are seeking to deploy nuclear weapons in the temporarily occupied Crimea. "Russia heavily militarizes Crimea. It seeks to deploy nuclear weapons there, too. This is Russia's understanding of security in the region," the president said at the 'Ukraine's Battle for Freedom Continues' forum in Washington on Thursday. He said that Ukraine in 1994 abandoned the third largest nuclear weapons arsenal and received guarantees of the signatories to the Budapest Memorandum in response. "We received security assurances under the 1994 Budapest Memorandum about sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of my country. Very clear. Give up nuclear weapons and receive security guarantee. Sounds good, but what has it turned to be in reality? Russia simply defied its assurances to Ukraine and committed a direct armed aggression against my state," he said. The president also criticized human rights violations in the Russian-occupied Crimea. "The occupation regime targets everyone who shows dissent, especially Ukrainians and Crimean Tatars who support sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine. The Russian occupation regime has launched over 130 criminal cases against Crimean Tatars, including a case to ban their main organization the Mejlis," he said. One hundred and twenty people are still held in by militants in captivity in Donbas, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has said. "After months of negotiations, we still cannot free more than 120 Ukrainians from captivity in Donbas," the president said at the 'Ukraine's Battle for Freedom Continues' forum in Washington on Thursday. According to him, the International Committee of the Red Cross is banned from visiting them and is prohibited from searing for about 800 missing persons. The president also said at least 11 Ukrainian citizens have become political prisoners in Russia. "Some of them, including [captive Ukrainian pilot, Member of Parliament] Nadia Savchenko, are in critical health," he added. Ukrainian army positions in Donbas have been attacked 49 times in the past 24 hours, the press center of the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) headquarters wrote on Facebook. "ATO positions did not change despite the tactics of simultaneous use of weapons of all calibers and higher intensity of gunfire in some frontline sectors. Militants attacked 49 times during the last 24 hours," the report said. Ukrainian positions near the villages of Opytne and Pisky, which are near the ruined Donetsk airport, came under seven attacks by use of 82mm and 120mm mortars. "The simultaneous use of 122mm artillery weapons made the hostile attacks on our positions even more complex," the report said. The town of Avdiyivka in the Donetsk sector came under mortar fire seven times over the period under review. The press center also reported mortar attacks in the Mariupol sector, namely in the villages of Shyrokyne, Pavlopillia, Talakivka and Hnutove. Ukrainian positions in Luhansk region were attacked with small arms, grenade launchers and large-caliber machineguns near the village of Troikhizbenka. Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada has called on international organizations, world leaders and members of the international community to condemn the violation of Crimean Tatar people's rights by Russian occupying authorities and their ban on the Mejlis in Crimea. Draft resolution No. 4247 was supported by 233 lawmakers at a meeting on Thursday, according to Interfax-Ukraine. The resolution asks the international community to condemn the ban on the Mejlis, as well as to support efforts to protect the Crimean Tatars from discrimination and harassment by the Russian Federation. The Verkhovna Rada urges the international community to exert pressure on Russia, which in various ways violates the rights and freedoms of the Crimean Tatars on the peninsula. At the same time, the Ukrainian parliament calls on the international community to contribute to the restoration of international human rights monitoring missions' work in Crimea. "The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine calls on the international community to condemn repressive actions by the Russian Federation in the occupied Crimea, against human rights and freedoms by prohibiting the Mejlis and recognizing it as an extremist organization. [It urges] solidarity and calls for increasing pressure on Russia in order to restore the jurisdiction of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders," the document said. What is more, the Ukrainian parliament calls on Russia to immediately stop the policy of human rights violations in Crimea, including against Crimean Tatars as an indigenous people of Ukraine. Ukrainian lawmakers also drew attention to the need for supporting and safeguarding the Crimean Tatars against illegal actions by the occupying power in Crimea in connection with the recognition of the Mejlis as an extremist organization and its ban, which would translate into the prosecution of members of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people who do not recognize the annexation of Crimea. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko expects his U.S. and European partners to display solidarity in imposing sanctions on a number of Russian and Ukrainian citizens, including judges, prosecutors, and investigators involved in unlawful actions in relation to Ukrainian citizens Nadia Savchenko, Oleh Sentsov, and Oleksandr Kolchenko. "We have approved the sanctions list against individuals who had partaken in the farce trials against Ukrainian political prisoners in Russia. The so-called Savchenko-Sentsov List. Very similar to the Magnitsky List. We expect that our US. .and European partners will join this initiative," he president said at the 'Ukraine's Battle for Freedom Continues' forum in Washington on Thursday. The Savchenko-Sentsov sanctions list, which was introduced by the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine and enacted by Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, is made up of citizens of Russia and Ukraine, including judges, prosecutors and investigators involved in the unlawful criminal cases against Ukraine's Nadia Savchenko, Oleh Sentsov and Oleksandr Kolchenko. According to the annex to the resolution of the National Security and Defense Council dated March 25, 2016, the list of individuals, who are subject to restrictive measures (sanctions) includes: Russian citizen, Chairman of the Investigative Committee of Russia, Alexander Bastrykin, who has been banned access to the territory of Ukraine. His assets have been frozen, his right to use and dispose of property belonging to him has been temporarily restricted; the withdrawal of funds outside Ukraine has been prohibited and other sanctions provided by law have been applied against him. The same sanctions apply to the following Russian citizens: Russia's Federal Security Service Chief, General Alexander Bortnikov, the prosecutor of Crimea Natalia Poklonskaya and others. The Ukrainian citizens who fall under the sanctions include former leader of an illegal armed formation of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic (LPR) Valeriy Bolotov and leader of an illegal armed formation of the LPR Igor Plotnitsky. The sanctions include assets freezing, temporary restrictions on the right to use and dispose of their property and other restrictions. The sanctions also apply to judges, prosecutors, investigators and witnesses involved in the unlawful prosecution of Savchenko, Sentsov and Kolchenko. The sanctions list includes: judges of the Moscow City Court Igor Alisov, Natalya Nikishina, Natalya Olikhver; judge of the Moscow Regional Court of the Russian Federation Regina Bogacheva; judge of the Lefortovo District Court in Moscow Yelena Galikhanova; judge of Kievsky District Court of Simferopol Yanina Okhota; Chairman of the Donetsk City Court of the Rostov region of the Russian Federation Ali Khaibulayev; senior investigator of the 2nd investigation department of the office for the investigation of crimes related to the use of prohibited means and methods of warfare of the Russian Investigative Committee Dmitry Bokunovich; senior investigator for particularly important cases of the Investigative Department of the Federal Security Service Artem Burdin; investigator of the Federal Security Service K.V. Selivanov; employee of the prosecutor's office of Russia's Voronezh region Yevgeny Butyrin; deputy head of the Federal Security Service of the Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol Sergei Voronin; head of the Russian Federal Security Service's branch in Crimea and Sevastopol, Lieutenant-General Viktor Palagin; prosecutor of the department of the Rostov region's prosecutor's office Alexander Glyuzitsky; Deputy Prosecutor General of the Russian Federation Viktor Grin and others. In addition, individual sanctions have been introduced against Russians the witnesses for the prosecution in the criminal cases against the above-mentioned Ukrainian citizens, namely against the operator of the Rossiya TV Channel Viktor Denisov, cameraman for Channel One (Russia) Roman Khrolenko and the owner of the "Euro" hotel in Russia's city of Voronezh Olga Chaplygina. All in all, there are 84 names on the Savchenko-Sentsov List. Crimea is part of Russia's territory, and Moscow does not intend to discuss its measures on the peninsula with anyone, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said after being asked about the possibility of placing nuclear weapons in Crimea. "As far as nuclear or non-nuclear weapons in Crimea are concerned, since Crimea is a region of the Russian Federation, Russia has no intention of discussing with anyone its steps on its own territory that are taken in strict compliance with the norms and principles of international law," he told reporters. Peskov said this when commenting on remarks made by Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko in Washington that Russia intends to place nuclear weapons in Crimea. On Tuesday, April 5, at 13.30, the Interfax-Ukraine news agency's press center will host a press conference by the Union of Leftist Forces party, entitled "The Union of Leftist Forces is a Left-Wing Alternative." The participants will include Union of Leftist Forces Chairman Vasyl Volha, members of the party's presidium Oleksandr Holub, Yevhen Filindash, Ivan Bondarchuk, and Rudolf Povarnitsyn (8/5-A Reitarska Street). Admission requires press accreditation. Additional information by phone: (050) 445 2192, e-mail: info@sls.net.ua NANNING, March 31 -- China and Vietnam are building a floating bridge to support border trade, the government of Dongxing City in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region announced Thursday. The removable steel bridge, which will cost an estimated 7.5 million yuan (about 1.2 million U.S. dollars), will likely be built 3.5 kilometers upstream from Beilun River Road Bridge. The floating bridge will support border trade between Dongxing and Mong Cai, Vietnam, by reducing transportation time and cost, according to Dongxing Mayor Chen Jianlin. In 2015, 281,900 tonnes of goods and 6.1 million people crossed the border at Dongxing Port, according to Chen. Dongxing is an important port for trade between China and ASEAN. Photos taken on March 22, 2016 present an island in Aoshim, south Japan where cats may find themselves in the heaven on earth. The cats were originally introduced to the island to deal with mice, they stayed, and multiplied. Now there are over 120 cats on the islands, with the company of only 16 pensioners who did not join the waves of migrants seeking work in the cities after WWII. With no restaurant, car, or shop whatsoever, the island offers no appealing condition for tourists, but cat lovers are not complaining. The cats, on the other hand, are roaming the island fearlessly due to a lack of predators and the abundant food brought along by the tourists. Photos taken by David Silverman in Brooks Falls, Alaska, U.S., captured the moment of a fierce battle between two bears, as a sloth of them were hunting for fat fish by the water. The bear who claimed the territory first retained its sovereignty by fighting the other off. China's Midea Group and Toshiba on Wednesday announced that they have agreed to transfer Toshiba's home appliances business to Midea. According to the joint statement, Midea will acquire an 80.1% stake in Toshiba Lifestyle Products & Services Corporation, or TLSC, while Toshiba will retain a 19.9% shareholding. The deal costs Midea a total of 3.1 billion yuan (nearly 470 million USD). According to the statement, the agreement gives Midea a 40-year license to use the Toshiba brand on home appliances. After the acquisition, the home appliances arm of Toshiba will continue to develop, manufacture and market white goods, such as refrigerators, washing machines, vacuum cleaners and other small domestic appliances, under the Toshiba brand name. And Midea will receive more than 5,000 intellectual property assets and a license to use other home appliance related intellectual properties retained by Toshiba. Three red-crowned cranes landed in a residential area in northeast Chinas Shenyang city on March 29, 2016. Citizens in the area were marveled to see such rare big birds. Fortunately, environmentalists who arrive at the scene gave the birds a body check and found no injury. It later turned out that a neighboring residential area also found two red-crowned cranes, as it is their migration time. The birds are currently well-kept in the local raptor rescue center, and will be released in a couple of days. The red-crowned crane is a large East Asian crane and among the rarest cranes in the world. In some parts of its range, it is known as a symbol of luck, longevity and fidelity. There are knowingly less than 3,000 red-crowned cranes left in the wild. 'A prosperous and stable neighbor serves China's best interests' Myanmar's new president U Htin Kyaw and National League for Democracy party leader Aung San Suu Kyi arrive at parliament for the presidential inauguration ceremony in Naypyitaw on Wednesday. Stringer / REUTERS Ties between China and Myanmar will embrace an even brighter future after Myanmar's political transition, according to the Chinese ambassador to the Southeast Asian nation. Hong Liang said a stable and economically prosperous Myanmar also contributes to China's economic and security interests. "When our two countries established diplomatic ties, we decided to take the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, which have become internationally recognized norms governing nation-to-nation relations, as a guide to our bilateral ties. We will continue to uphold these principles," the ambassador said. Hong made the remarks in an interview with China Daily in Yangon before U Htin Kyaw was sworn in as the country's new president on Wednesday. U Htin Kyaw, from the ruling National League for Democracy, won the presidential election on March 15 through a secret ballot held by a NLD-dominated parliament. There are high expectations that he and his party will push for domestic national reconciliation as well as boost economic and social development to improve people's livelihoods. The presidential inauguration ceremony was held in Naypyitaw, Myanmar's capital. The NLD, led by its leader Aung San Suu Kyi, swept to victory in elections in November. Since then, ways in which the NLD will lead Myanmar onto a better road to development and handle its relations with key international partners, including China, have been in the regional and global spotlight. Sharing a border of more than 2,000 kilometers, China and Myanmar have maintained good-neighborly ties for more than six decades. A new government in Myanmar is widely perceived by both countries as a good opportunity for them to re-engage and reconnect with each other. Beijing and Hanoi have agreed to seek fundamental solutions to disputes over the South China Sea through dialogue, with their defense ministers concluding talks on Wednesday. The two countries have "both the wisdom and capability to control disputes and tackle the South China Sea issue properly", State Councilor and Defense Minister Chang Wanquan told reporters. He was speaking at a joint news conference in Pingxiang, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, after holding "candid" discussions with his Vietnamese counterpart, Phung Quang Thanh. The two held a third border meeting that started on Monday in Lang Son, Vietnam. Thanh said at the news conference that although Vietnam and China hold different positions on the South China Sea, "we both agreed to handle the issue through peaceful and friendly negotiations on the basis of international law, while abiding by the consensus reached by our leaders". Bilateral ties have been hampered in recent years, as the two countries both claim territory in the South China Sea. Before the border meeting, Chang met on Sunday in Hanoi with Thanh and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong, who said Vietnam values cooperation with China. He added that military cooperation has played a major role in pushing forward relations between the two countries. Trong visited Beijing in April last year, and President Xi Jinping visited Hanoi in November, helping to improve bilateral relations. Chang said the two militaries have reached a consensus to increase high-level exchanges and boost personnel training, as well as expanding cooperation on military academic research, the defense sector and UN peacekeeping. Sharing a border of more than 1,450 kilometers, China and Vietnam started joint border patrols in 2012, and on Wednesday morning the two ministers witnessed patrols on both sides of the border. Chang said the aim of the latest border meeting is to implement the agreement reached by the two countries' leaders, and strengthen the political trust and pragmatic cooperation of both armies to contribute to peace and stability along the border. Major Wang Mingwen, head of the Chinese patrol squad, said the joint patrols help to avoid misunderstandings and conflict between the two armies in handling problems such as "incursions" by people living near the border to plant crops, or other illegal activities. By conducting the patrols, communication with the Vietnamese can be established to unify their countermeasures when dealing with similar problems, Wang said. Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Xuan Thang, head of the Vietnamese squad, said the joint patrols also help to strengthen friendship and trust between soldiers. Jia Duqiang, a researcher of Southeast Asia studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences' National Institute of International Strategy, said the ministers' remarks show that the two countries will not let the South China Sea dispute affect overall relations. Jia said the experience and trust accumulated in previous border negotiations will be conducive to the eventual solution to the South China Sea dispute, which is the only remaining border dispute between the two countries. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea launches a long range rocket in this file still image taken from KRT video footage, released by Yonhap on February 7, 2016. [Photo/Agencies] Emphasis expected to lie on overcoming suspicion on the Korean Peninsula issue President Xi Jinping's upcoming meeting with US President Barack Obama will stress the crucial importance of overcoming suspicion regarding the Korean Peninsula issue that is hampering progress, experts have said. "Tensions on the Korean Peninsula are expected to last for a long time, and the stance of the US is critical to solving the issue," said Tao Wenzhao, a US studies researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Washington's long-standing refusal to discuss a peace treaty with Pyongyang is believed to be a major reason behind Pyongyang's nuclear test earlier this year. The meeting between Xi and Obama is scheduled for Thursday on the sidelines of the fourth Nuclear Security Summit in Washington. It will be Obama's only bilateral meeting during the summit, which will be attended by more than 50 heads of state and government. "Since the start of this century, Chinese and US heads of state have traditionally met on the sidelines of every international conference they attend," Tao said. The two presidents met in Washington in September during Xi's state visit. They met again in Paris on Nov 30 on the sidelines of the climate conference, and they have since had three phone conversations. In September, they are expected to meet on the sidelines of the G20 summit in China. Tao said the South China Sea issue will be high on the agenda, since both countries are concerned over the security situation. "In addition, Beijing still hopes to reach an agreement on a China-US bilateral investment treaty within Obama's term," he said. Kenneth Lieberthal, senior fellow at the John L. Thornton China Center of the Brookings Institution, described the tension in the South China Sea as a difficult issue. He said all sides must figure out how to reduce the tension. Xi and Obama are also expected to talk about the new Taiwan regional leader Tsai Ing-wen, head of Taiwan's pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party, who will take office on May 20 and "will definitely change the status quo across the Straits; the only uncertain thing is how much," Tao said. US Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Tuesday that the US proposes discussing with China its possible deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense anti-missile system in the Republic of Korea in response to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's nuclear and missile threat. China and Russia have both expressed concerns about a possible THAAD deployment. Fatih Birol, executive director of the Paris-based IEA. [Photo provided to China Daily] China is very likely to meet the target of having 15 percent of its energy demand coming from renewables by 2020, said the head of the International Energy Agency. Fatih Birol, executive director of the Paris-based IEA, said on Wednesday that he doesn't see any reason for China to fail to reach the target as long as the country's push for renewable energy continues. "China has made some major moves in energy transition. It is No 1 in wind energy production, No 1 in solar energy production and No 1 in hydropower energy," Birol told China Daily in an exclusive interview in Beijing. "At the same time, its coal consumption declines. China last year was the champion of the world in terms of reducing carbon emissions," he said. According to a projection made on Wednesday by Sun Longde, vice-president of PetroChina Co, China's energy consumption is expected to peak in 2035 as its economy rebalances. Birol didn't project on which source of energy will play major role in China' s energy mix in the long run as he sees the country is diversifying its energy mix and making its energy system more efficient at the same time. "We will see more renewable energy, more natural gas, more nuclear power, and less coal in China," he said, adding that the Chinese government's determination is crucial because the low price of oil and natural gas may complicate the growth of renewable energy worldwide. Birol, who came to Beijing to attend a ceremony marking the 20th anniversary of China-IEA Engagement, announced on Wednesday that the IEA and China's National Energy Administration started the process of the establishment of a joint energy cooperation center in Beijing. The IEA-China Energy Cooperation Center will help China access energy-related advice and share the IEA's expertise in energy. Three Chinese state-owned banks, Bank of China (BOC), Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) and China Construction Bank (CCB) made a combined net profit of 1.88 billion yuan per day in 2015, according to their recently released annual reports. However, this is the worst performance of the "big three" Chinese banks in the past ten years. In recent years, the banks often saw double-digit growth; this year, in contrast, the growth rate in net profit for ICBC and CCB both dropped below 1 percent. The annual report shows that BOC's after-tax profits saw a year-on-year increase of 1.25 percent to 179.4 billion yuan, which breaks down to 492 million yuan per day. ICBC saw a year-on-year increase of 0.5 percent to 277.7 billion yuan, or 760 million yuan per day, and CCB had a year-on-year increase of 0.14 percent to 228.1 billion yuan, earning 625 million yuan per day. It is hard to estimate whether profit growth in 2016 will be positive or negative, said ICBC governor Yi Huiman at a meeting on March 30. It will depend on both internal and external factors. The external factors include development trends of the macro economy, as well as the impact of revised national policies. Internal factors include the banks' own innovations and changes, as well as risk management and control, Yi added. Despite the decline in net profit growth for all three banks, ICBC's total assets reached 22.21 trillion yuan, an increase of 7.8 percent from last year. Following that is BOC, with assets amounting to 16.82 trillion yuan, up 10.26 percent, and CCB, with assents reaching 18.35 trillion yuan, representing an increase of 9.59 percent. An aged woman of the Qiang ethnic group instructs embroidery skills in Muka Village of Lixian County, southwest China's Sichuan Province, April 15, 2011. The embroidery of the Qiang ethnic group has been listed as one of the national intangible cultural heritages. (Xinhua/He Junchang) BEIJING, March 30 -- China will increase the allowance given to practitioners of intangible heritage, as many practices are in danger of dying out, according to the Ministry of Culture (MOC) on Wednesday. Allowances have been given to iconic figures of national-level intangible heritage practices since 2008. The allowance will be raised to 20,000 yuan (3,088 U.S. dollars) per person per year from the current 10,000, according to the MOC. It started at 8,000 yuan in 2008. The allowance is designed to support pedagogic activities, and is not a living allowance. Ma Shengde, an MOC official, said the increase would encourage leading figures to pass on their skills. According to official figures, 295 out of 1,986 practitioners of national-level intangible heritage have passed away. To prevent the practices from being forgotten, the MOC also started to collect detailed records of the practices and their leading practitioners. Intangible heritage includes traditional rituals, verbal literatures and art forms, among others. Acrobatics, for example, is a typical Chinese intangible heritage. Dogs may be man's best friend, but you may not trust them to pilot a plane. However, a video clip proves they are capable of this incredible feat. Three rescue dogs, Shadow, Reggie and Alfie finished flight school and viewers of Sky 1s series, Dogs Might Fly will see them attempt to take sole charge of a plane this coming weekend. Sky has now shared a clip with MailOnline that shows Shadow, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier-Collie cross, piloting a plane. Dogs may be man's best friend, but you may not trust them to pilot a plane. However, a video clip (screenshot shown) proves they are capable of this incredible feat. The barking mad aviation experiment is the climax of the show in which the courageous canines will tackle a figure-of-eight manoeuvre at 3,000ft (919 metres) The barking mad aviation experiment is the climax of the show in which the courageous canines will tackle a figure-of-eight manoeuvre at 3,000ft (919 metres). The plane's controls were specially modified to make it possible for the pets to press buttons and steer. around the UK and had been 22 hours away from being put down by a pound, before he was picked up by the rescue centre. Animal expert Charlotte Wilde, who joined Shadow in the plane during his attempt said: We set out to show that dogs have extraordinary abilities and flight was the ultimate test. 'Each year 5,000 dogs just like Shadow are put down, but through this show we wanted to demonstrate just what remarkable and intelligent animals they are. Sky has shared a clip with MailOnline that shows Shadow, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier-Collie cross, piloting a plane (screenshot shown). Viewers can see the full clip of Shadow flying this Sunday at 7pm on Sky 1. Shadow (pictured) was scouted from 120,000 unwanted dogs rescued annually by centres around the UK and had been 22 hours away from being put down by a pound, before he was picked up by the rescue centre. After being put through a series of problem-solving tasks, a flying squad of 12 dogs were given 10 weeks intensive training under the direction of Driving Dogs trainer Mark Vette. Over the weeks, they were whittled down to three, who viewers can see flying this Sunday at 7pm on Sky 1. The original 12 finalists included a 23-month-old collie-lurcher cross called Alfie, a two-and-a half-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier-collie cross named Shadow and 'boisterous puppy' Tess, an 18-month-old, Belgian shepherd. Chilli the Pyrenean shepherd cross and Spain and 22-month-old Labrador cross Blondie live in Spain. A total of 12 dogs, including Spot (pictured), were chosen to take part in Sky 1's Dogs Might Fly show in which the cognitive abilities of man's best friend are put to the ultimate test to see if they can pilot a plane. Three previous strays, including a lurcher cross called Honey, an 18-month-old German shepherd Labrador cross called Reggie and Spot the terrier-beagle cross were also on the squad. Parson-Jack Russell cross Spike was described as 'inquisitive', Wilf a collie cross with 'bundles of personality' and Sox, an 18-month-old boxer-Labrador cross, was said to be a 'comedian. The final member of the flying quad was 'bright' Poppy, a two-and-a-half-year-old Australian kelpie-collie cross. The dogs were being put through their paces at a mansion in Sussex, and the experiment was filmed by Oxford Scientific Films for Sky's show. During the test, the experts studied how the dogs respond to various stimulation tasks. They were also taken to the top of London landmarks, and on a speedboat on the Thames to test how they reacted to heights and speed. Sky's show is presented by Jamie Theakston (pictured left). The dogs were trained by experts led by clinical animal behaviourist Mat Ward (pictured right) and dog trainers Cath Philips and Charlotte Wilde. Finalist Honey is pictured centre. The dogs were taken to the top of London landmarks, and taken on a speedboat on the Thames (Spot, Shadow and Honey are pictured left to right) to test how they react to heights and speed. All of these experiments were designed to show how the dogs react to the tests, as well as acclimatise them to being in a plane. Oxford Scientific Films explained before the series aired: 'We will make even the most devoted dog lovers see their pets in a whole new light; proving that dogs have distinct personalities and incredible levels of intelligence. 'A nationwide search for dogs from rescue centres finds twelve of Britain's most extraordinary canine characters bursting with potential. 'A team of experts and trainers examine their skills in communication, empathy, memory and reasoning before tasking them with some breathtaking challenges. 'The top three go forward to Flight School where under the stewardship of New Zealand Driving Dogs Star Mark Vette they train for a world first - could one of them really fly an aeroplane?' Stanley Coren, professor of canine psychology at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver has criticised the show. He told The Independent: 'Given that we would not expect a human three-year-old to be able to fly a plane, I would not expect that a dog could do so either.' The plane's controls were specially modified to make it possible for the pets (Spot pictured) to press buttons and steer, and the best performers were subjected to 10 weeks of intensive training in how to use this dog-friendly control panel before taking to the sky. The raising ceremony of the Chinese national flag (Front) and the flag of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is held at the Golden Bauhinia Square in Hong Kong, south China, July 1, 2015 to celebrate the 18th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China. [Photo: Xinhua] China's State Council Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office has voiced "resolute opposition" to an organization advocating "Hong Kong independence." It also declared that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) government's refusal to register such organization was "proper." "We resolutely oppose any statement or action advocating 'Hong Kong independence'," said a spokesperson for the office on Wednesday. The spokesperson said that as an inseparable part of China, the Hong Kong SAR implements the principles of "one country, two systems" and "Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong" with a high degree of autonomy in accordance with its Basic Law. "We believe that the attempt by a very few people in Hong Kong to set up a 'Hong Kong independence' organization undermines national sovereignty and security, jeopardizes Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, and risks the fundamental interests of Hong Kong," the spokesperson said. Such act is resolutely opposed by all Chinese people, including the 7 million plus Hong Kong citizens, and it also violates the country's Constitution, the region's Basic Law and other existing laws, according to the spokesperson. "We believe that the SAR government will handle this case legally. We noticed that the SAR government has, according to law, refused to register such organization," the spokesperson said, adding that such refusal is "proper." By Xu Xiujun, deputy director of International Politics and Economics Department, Institute of World Economics and Politics, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences; cartoon drawing by Chi Ying Chinese President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to the Czech Republic on March 28-30. President Xi and leaders of the Czech Republic exchanged views on common concern, such as China-Czech relations, China- Europe relations and cooperation under the "16+1" framework between China and Central and East Europe (CEE). They decided to upgrade bilateral ties into a strategic partnership. That spells the beginning of a comprehensive coordination of strategies under the framework of the "Belt and Road" initiative and "16+1" China-CEE mechanism. When addressing the China-Czech Economic Roundtable, President Xi had emphasized further economic cooperation of both sides so as to inherit friendship and usher in new era of bilateral business cooperation. Xi's visit features high-level contacts, closer relations and fruitful cooperative results, which have left an unforgettable "Chinese Impression" on the bank of the Voltava River. The public has spoken highly of Xi's visit, saying it has created new opportunities for China-CEE cooperation. After concluding his state visit, Xi left Prague for the United States to attend the fourth Nuclear Security Summit in Washington D.C. ( The opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Panview or CCTV.com. ) CGN engineers introduce technology applied in China's Hualong One reactor to officials from the Sudanese Ministry of Water Resources and Electricity. (Photo: Xinhua) Chinas nuclear energy industry has made many technological advances since the establishment of its first research facility over six decades ago. Analysts say that thanks to the countrys excellent nuclear security record, Chinese nuclear power enterprises have broken into the global market. According to Fan Jishe, a senior researcher with the Institute of American Studies of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, China is building more nuclear facilities than any other country in the world. Most are located on the coast across eight provinces, including Liaoning, Jiangsu, Guangdong and Hainan. Besides leading in numbers, safety and reliability of nuclear power are top priorities for China. After the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear incident in 2011, the State Council, Chinas cabinet, ordered a complete safety check on nuclear power plants and facilities across the country. The inspection, lasting nine months, concluded that the safety of nuclear plants in China is guaranteed and the quality of ongoing projects is under control, according to the report submitted by National Nuclear Safety Administration, National Energy Administration and China Earthquake Administration. Moreover, the Information Office of the State Council released China's Nuclear Emergency Preparedness, the countrys first white paper on nuclear security this January. Yao Bin, an official with the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense, pointed out that China has not encountered a nuclear incident above level II in 30 years. China will continue to shoulder the international responsibility of peaceful application of nuclear energy out of the dual need of global status and public safety, Yao added. The reason that China develops nuclear energy lies in its seeking of clean energy and its effort in dealing with climate change, said Fan, adding that China is ready to promote its nuclear technology and help other countries to obtain safe and clean energy. Neil Renwick, an expert in global energy safety and professor of UK-based Coventry University, told Peoples Daily that China has made significant achievements in nuclear power development. Many Chinese nuclear power enterprises have set up branches overseas and spread safe technology to the world, said Renwick. China General Nuclear Power Corporation (CGN), a major energy corporation of China, will partner with Paris-headquartered Electricite de France (EDF) to invest over 18 billion pounds in the Hinkley Point C, a British nuclear power plant. The EU has approved the project. The CGN will also partner with Romania to develop Unit 3 and Unit 4 at the Cernavoda Power Plant. At the same time, it is considering to build a nuclear station in South Africa. Thanks to the Go Global strategy, Chinese nuclear power companies have initiated projects in several countries such as Argentina, Armenia, Egypt, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Turkey, the UK, Pakistan and South Africa. In addition to technology and equipment, they also offer countries personnel, finance and safety support. Regarding security as the lifeline for the sustainable development of nuclear energy, China vows to further contribute to global nuclear security governance while securing its own safety. (Wu Qiong contributed to this story) Just two days after the terrorists attack at Brussels airport and subway, a security guard of a Belgian nuclear plant was murdered, leading to an emergency evacuation of the facility. Possible terrorist threats for nuclear plantscame into spotlight once again. Nuclear terrorism has now become one of the most challenging threats of global security. With the aim to eliminate the threat, Chinese national leaders never missed a Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) from the first one six years ago to this years session.Their attendance at all the four summits demonstrates Chinas emphasis on nuclear security and responsibility for global security. Even though no major nuclear terrorism incidents haveoccurred in recent years, the anti-terrorism arenahas been complicated given the rise of Islamic States and other terrorist forces. In addition, more and more countries are acquiring nuclear weapons and power plants, and are applying the technology in a wide range of civil uselike agriculture and medical treatment. The possibility ofnuclear proliferation and leakagehas increased. Therefore, all countries are encouraged to engage in the global nuclear security governance mechanism represented by the NSS, in a bid to safeguard national security and build a peaceful global environment. Neighboring a number of nuclear states, China boasts the world's largest nuclear power capacity under construction and devotes to exporting its nuclear expertise. With such a backdrop, moreengagement at the NSS will help China learn from experiences of other countries, improve its own nuclear security work and push its nuclear energy to go global. Chinas involvement in the summits also enhances Chinas voice inglobal nuclear security and showcases its image as an open and responsible major power. During the NSS, some important principles proposed by China have been widely echoed and adopted into the summits documents, such as letting the NSS handle the safety of nuclear application in civil areas, avoiding controversial issues like nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation and enabling the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to play a central role. The draft of The Hague NSS Communique also included Chinas stance on building nuclear security center and improving nuclear response capability. Moreover, the NSS usheredSino-US nuclear security cooperation into a new chapter. As permanent members of the UN Security Council and major nuclear states, China and the US share common interests and responsibility in global governance. Based on the consensus reached at the first NSS, a nuclear security center jointly financed by China and the US was established in Beijing in March, making it the largest exchange and training center for nuclear security in the world, along with the most equipment and advanced technology. Sino-US cooperation in nuclear security areas will also aid the building of a new model of major-power relations. Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed at The Hague NSS in 2014 that nuclear security is a global endeavor. This is the responsible thing to do not only for their own sake but also for the good of the world, he said. Given such background, Chinas participation in all four summits is not to endorse the US or just for show at the global stage as some people have speculated. Instead, it not only serves domestic security and development, but also expresses Chinas voice and influence in global nuclear security governance. The Fourth Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) will be the last session attended by national leaders, as it will be replaced with ministerial meetings hosted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Analysts predicted that China will play a bigger role in global nuclear security in the "post-summit" era. IAEAs first-ever nuclear security ministerial meeting will be held in December in its headquarters in Vienna, capital of Austria. The changes mean that after the conclusion of two-day Washington DC summit on Thursday and Friday, the current summit mechanism participated by the heads of state will be stopped. Fan Jishe, a scholar from Institute of American Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the People's Daily that an IAEA-led nuclear security process complies with principlesadvocated by China. The IAEA, coordinated with the UN, serves as a platform for all governments in research and technology cooperation on atomic energy, Fan said, adding that in the future, it will be a mainstream for states to collaborate with the organization or conduct multilateral cooperation with other countries via the platform. He explained that despite having limited functions in the past, the IAEA has expanded its capabilities and is now strong enough to shoulder its responsibility as a cooperation platform after rounds of consultations at the previous summits. The UN, as the largest inter-governmental organization worldwide, is also an indispensable platform in addressing global issues like nuclear security, Fan added. According to him, the International Criminal Police Organization also needs to step up efforts in fighting theft, cross-border smuggling and the illegal trade of nuclear material. Countries should devote more to intelligence sharing as well. Besides the resolutions adopted by the UN, some other international conventions will come into effect. The International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism and Convention on Physical Protection of Nuclear Material are two of them. But some risks still challenge the nuclear security progress in the "post-summit"era, Li Bin, professor from Tsinghua University told People's Daily. The present global devotion to institutional construction mainly focuses on organizations and international law, but more efforts are demanded to urge the countries beef upcooperation with IAEA and provide financial and technical support, Li explained. It is also uncertain whether the resolutions of UN Security Council and other international treaties will be abided by, he stressed. Global society has been asking about the role of China in global nuclear security cooperation as a major nuclear country. Fan predicted that China will play a more active role in engaging in and promoting nuclear security. It will probably become one of major players, he added. The scholar elaborated that China maintains a good record in nuclear security, which itself is a great contribution to the world. He further pointed out that in global cooperation, China has set up a nuclear security center together with the US. The center will contribute to global exchanges, cooperation, education, training, as well as research and demonstration of new technologies in the Asia-Pacific region and the world at large. China also offers technological support to other nations, stressed the scholar, citing an example that it now is helping Ghana reduce the use of high-enriched uranium material in its miniature nuclear source reactors. It is also broadening its cooperation with other countries to fight against the illegal trade of nuclear materials in its territory and neighboring regions, Fan added. (Wu Qiong contributed to the story.) A natural gas plant in Suining, southwest China's Sichuan China National Petroleum Corp. (PetroChina) and British company BP plc on Thursday signed production sharing contract (psc), securing joint shale gas exploration, development, and production in the Neijiang-Dazu block of the southwest Chinas Sichuan basin. The area covers roughly 1,500 square kilometers. The PSC is a significant milestone as part of our strategic partnership with CNPC, building on our successful cooperation in and outside of China, BP CEO Bob Dudley said. BP plans to share with CNPC technology, operational and subsurface techniques in unconventional resources. We will bring our worldwide experience to our first unconventional gas project in onshore China with CNPC. We will combine this with CNPCs knowledge and experience to bring gas to Chinas growing clean energy market. China continues to be an important part of BPs portfolio, Dudley said. The contract is the first achievement by the partners following a framework on strategic cooperation that was signed when Chinese President Xi Jinping went to Britain for a state visit last October. Baku, Azerbaijan, March 31 By Maksim Tsurkov - Trend: During the period of 1995-2015, investments in the Azerbaijani economy totaled $220.4 billion, Shahin Mustafayev, Azerbaijani economy minister, said in an interview with The Business Year magazine. He said that the political and economic stability in Azerbaijan and the protection of the rights and interests of investors are important indicators of the business and investment climate of the country. "Furthermore, the geographical location, hydrocarbon reserves, rich raw resources of precious metals and building materials, and a favorable climate for agriculture and tourism create many opportunities for local and foreign investors," Mustafayev said. "To increase the efficiency of transit and logistics operations, the Coordinating Council was established to regulate the transit of goods," he said. "Cargo transportation tariffs were also reduced, creating favorable conditions for increasing the transit cargo transportation capacity of the country." Within investment promotion measures carried out in 2015 alone, Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO) organized 261 events, out of which 177 took place in Azerbaijan and 84 abroad, according to him. "These events showcased investment opportunities in the country to local and foreign businessmen, promoted Azerbaijani products for exports, and saw export contracts signed with foreign partners," he said. "Exemplifying Azerbaijan's investment attractiveness in the world, in 2015 alone over $20 billion was invested in the country's economy." "In total, during the period of 1995-2015, investments in the Azerbaijani economy totaled $220.4 billion, about half of which came from foreign investments," he said. "In addition, there are more than 7,000 foreign-invested companies currently operating in various fields." Baku, Azerbaijan, March 31 By Maksim Tsurkov - Trend: The acquisition issue of 66 percent stake of Greece gas distribution network operator - DESFA by the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) and sale of 17 percent share to European companies can be solved by late 2016, the website Natural Gas Europe reported March 31 quoting sources in the SOCAR. "SOCAR's purchase of a controlling stake of DESFA is of great importance to Azerbaijan, giving it control of a European gas supplier and enhancing its role in providing energy security for Europe," the company sources said. "Currently we are in the process of reducing the stake of DESFA through sales to potential buyers in Europe and this process is expected to be completed in late 2016." The source in the SOCAR denied any rumors that company was set to withdraw from the DESFA deal owing to the plunge in oil and gas prices over the past couple of years. The source also stated that the state oil company is keen on LNG business. "The plans to upgrade the country's LNG terminal in Revythoussa near Athens will meet these interests and is important for gas supply in the wider region beyond current route of the southern gas corridor," the source said. Last December SOCAR has extended their sales and purchase agreement (SPA) for the deal by six months. SOCAR originally agreed to purchase a 66 percent stake in DESFA for 400 million euros after winning an international tender in 2013. However, the acquisition of major stake in the Greek gas transmission operator is still on hold as the European Commission intervened to demand that it surrender 17 percent to a certified European operator. Belgium's Fluxys, Spain's Enagas and Italy's Snam have conducted due diligence procedures to be finalized early this year in preparation for their expected offers. However, Fluxys has rejected a proposal to discuss the possible investment, Greek EnergyPress reported. The news circulated on the sidelines of an energy conference in Athens organized by TEE, the Technical Chamber of Greece, last week, sources said, adding that Italy's Snam has also decided to no longer consider the DESFA stake. The third potential buyer however, Spain's Enagas, remains interested. "The potential investors considering taking on the surrendered 17 percent were advised by consultants to avoid the move as a result of the risk factor surrounding investments in Greece and the possibility of regulatory revisions that would lessen the gas operator's revenue potential," reports said. Fluxys, Snam and Enagas are partners in the TransAdriatic pipeline that will deliver gas from Shah Deniz 2 gas development in Caspian to Greece and Italy. Moscow, Russia, March 31 By Orkhan Yolchuyev - Trend: Russia and the US are working together within joint international mechanisms to resolve the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, says Mariya Zakharova, Russian Foreign Ministry's spokesperson. Approaches of Moscow and Washington cannot be said to be identical or to coincide on all the issues, Zakharova said at a briefing March 31, Trend correspondent in Moscow reported. "Nevertheless, we are seeking a resolution and use diplomacy for this," she added. 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 31 Trend: The US affirmed support for Azerbaijan`s territorial integrity, said US Department of State spokesperson John Kirby following a meeting between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and US Secretary of State John Kerry. "The two discussed efforts to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Secretary Kerry affirmed US support for Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and underscored our concern about violence along the Line of Contact and the international border. He emphasized our commitment to working with the sides to reach a comprehensive settlement based on the principles of international law, the UN Charter, and the Helsinki Final Act," said Kirby. "Secretary Kerry commended Azerbaijan`s role in European energy security as a leader in developing the Southern Gas Corridor. He expressed US support for Azerbaijan`s efforts to become a regional trade hub. He also thanked President Aliyev for Azerbaijan`s contributions to NATO`s mission in Afghanistan, its support for peacekeeping operations, and its important counterterrorism role. On democracy and human rights issues, Secretary Kerry welcomed Azerbaijan`s recent positive steps," he added. Baku, Azerbaijan, March 31 By Elena Kosolapova - Trend: Kazakhstan's delegation to the 7th Global Forum of the UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, is expected to be led by the Kazakh Senate Chairman Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the country's embassy told Trend. The 7th UNAOC Global Forum will be held April 25-27 in Baku. Invitations for participation in the Global Forum have been sent to 195 countries and 26 international organizations. The UNAOC was established in 2005 as a political initiative of the former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. The UNAOC maintains a global network of partners, including states, international and regional organizations, civil society groups, foundations and the private sector to improve cross-cultural relations among diverse nations and communities. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @E_Kosolapova Baku, Azerbaijn, March 31 Trend: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has met with a group of congressmen of the United States of America in Washington, AzerTac news agency reported. The sides noted successful development of Azerbaijani-US relations in a number of areas, particularly politics, economy, energy, defense, and security. It was noted that US congressmen could contribute to the development of these ties. President Ilham Aliyev spoke of Azerbaijan`s successful development over the recent years. The sides had a broad exchange of views over the Southern Gas Corridor project. The head of state then responded to the congressmen`s questions. Baku, Azerbaijan, March 31 By Elmira Tariverdiyeva - Trend: Rabbi Yonah Bookstein and his colleagues sent a letter to Paul Ryan, Speaker of the US House of Representatives, noting the importance of strengthening relations with Azerbaijan. The letter was published by Jewish Journal. "I am deeply concerned about upcoming legislation that would harm our friend and ally Azerbaijan," Bookstein wrote. "In May 2015, I travelled to Azerbaijan to speak at an international conference on multiculturalism and tolerance," he wrote. "For three days we met with people from all faiths and nationalities, in a kind of conference that I have never seen." He wrote that Azerbaijan is 95 percent Muslim, adding that Jews, Christians and Muslims are living in peace here. "We all hope that as Azerbaijan grows, prospers and develops, they will enjoy the same kind of Democracy that we have in America - but that isn't going to happen in a few short years," he wrote. "It would also be completely hypocritical and harmful to America, Israel and the Jewish community, if we were to implement sanctions against our allies in Azerbaijan." He wrote that for example: in Saudi Arabia, a strong American ally, Jews are not permitted to be citizens - but in Baku the government builds Jewish schools and synagogues. The letter said that in Kuwait, Israelis can't even fly on the state airline - but there are direct flights between Baku and Tel Aviv. "No one is rushing to sanction these countries that don't even have chance of a secular democracy," the letter said. "Friendship is an important Judeo-Christian value," the letter said. "We believe that the U.S. policy towards the Republic of Azerbaijan should be one based on friendship, of engagement and support, not one of suspicion and withdrawal." "As a huge supporter of the U.S. led efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq, and as a time-tested staunch ally in Eurasia, Azerbaijan has shown itself to be a strong partner - and friend - to the U.S., fighting side by side with our troops in wartorn countries, and providing logistical support for U.S. military operations," the letter said. Baku, Azerbaijan, March 31 Trend: The Turkish foreign ministry has officially confirmed the identity of a female citizen of Azerbaijan who died in a drive-by shooting in Somalia capital of Mogadishu, Hikmat Hajiyev, spokesman for the Azerbaijani foreign ministry, told Trend March 31. He said that Kamaliyya Ismayilova is Azerbaijani, who died in the result of the attack. A microbus which was carrying employees to a Turkish hospital was shot at from a car by unknown gunmen March 30, RIA Novosti reported earlier. Six people were killed during this attack, the statement said. Baku, Azerbaijan, March 31 By Elmira Tariverdiyeva - Trend: Today, the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is the most serious problem in the South Caucasus region and the situation becomes more dangerous from year to year. Speaking at all international platforms, leaders of various countries more frequently talk about the necessity of resolving this conflict, or at least achieving progress in this issue. As a powerful geopolitical force and one of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs, the US has all the chances to play a separate significant role in the peace process. The question is - how badly Washington wants it. Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev met with the US State Secretary John Kerry in Washington on March 30. Before the meeting, they made the press statements. Azerbaijan's president noted that the conflict must be resolved based on United Nations Security Council resolutions, which demand immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Armenian troops from Azerbaijan's territories. The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, all the conflicts in post-Soviet area and in the world, must be resolved based on territorial integrity of the countries, the president added. "We want to see an ultimate resolution of the frozen Nagorno-Karabakh conflict that needs to be a negotiated settlement and something that has to be worked on over time," Kerry said. President Aliyev clearly defined Azerbaijan's position, which is known and which is the only possible way to resolve the conflict. This position is based solely on international law, in contrast to the occupation policy of Armenia. At the same time, the US should understand that it is necessary to bring the peace process to a new level in order for the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict to be solved. Armenia, if given chance, will continue protracting the conflict for quite a long period of time in order to maintain the status quo, with which it is completely comfortable with, despite being the occupier country. However, the fact that the Minsk Group co-chairing countries and all global institutions continue to expect Armenia to change its position, allow the country to continue to pursue the occupation policy, creating turbulence in the strategically important region of the South Caucasus. If Armenia is forced to sit at the negotiating table and make real decisions, rather than to imitate the work, the process will be able to move forward. This will bring benefits to all sides involved in the negotiation process, of course, except Yerevan's authorities, who will have to return someone else's property. And then there is the the question of the US ability to do something as one of the main mediators of the Nagorno-Karabakh process. Had the US been active in foreign policy today as it was during the times of George W. Bush's presidency, positive changes in South Caucasus and in the Nagorno-Karabakh issue could've been expected. The US is a country with big opportunities, starting from sanctions and up to use of financial assistance. The US could have forced Armenia to respect and fulfill the UN Security Council's resolutions and liberate Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. Moreover, the US could have also attracted its Western allies in the process of restoring Azerbaijan's territorial integrity. It is obvious that the US has its own interests in the Caucasus region, and one of them is the need to diversify energy routes to the West, which should affect the results of Washington's mediation efforts. When the OSCE Minsk Group new US co-chairman James Warlick arrived in Baku on Sep. 9, 2013, "the US' strong and unequivocal commitment to achieve a peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict by its parties," as well as "support for opportunities of direct dialogue with Armenia, co-chairs' time and ability to find a way out of the current desperate situation during the negotiations" was expressed in Warlick's cover letter from the US President Barack Obama addressed to Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev. Three years have passed, and there is no progress. Meanwhile, Baku sees less and less point in the negotiations with Armenia, which does not want to change anything in the current situation, from which, perhaps, only the Armenian authorities don't suffer. And nothing will change if the international community does not force Armenia to achieve peace. Taking this into account, the US, as well as other co-chairs will be able to change the existing situation using their influence and the various tools of persuasion. Baku, Azerbaijan, March 31 Trend: The meeting of the CIS Council of Foreign Ministers will be held in Moscow, Apr.8, TASS news agency quoted Mariya Zakharova, Russian Foreign Ministry's spokesperson, as saying March 31. The ministers will discuss the multifaceted cooperation, as well as strengthening the foreign policy coordination, she added. Zakharova noted that the participants will also focus on training of specialists in the field of mine clearance. Edited by SI Baku, Azerbaijan, March 31 Trend: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has met with public figures of the United States - President of Armitage International Richard L. Armitage and president of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace William J. Burns. They exchanged views over the enhancement and strengthening of relations between Azerbaijan and the US. They hailed good cooperation between Azerbaijan and the US in energy, security and peacekeeping, and other fields. The sides noted the fact that relations between the two countries were built on solid foundations, saying the ties now entered a new level. They expressed confidence that Azerbaijani-US cooperation would further expand and strengthen in all areas. Negotiations over the settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict were also discussed at the meeting. Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 1 Trend: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has met with vice chairman of General Electric John G. Rice in Washington. John Rice said the fruitful meetings held during President Ilham Aliyev`s U.S. visit were followed with interest. He highlighted the activity of GE, particularly the company`s work in Azerbaijan. John Rice commended his company`s participation in several projects in Azerbaijan. The Vice Chairman said GE was involved in Azerbaijan`s oil and gas pipelines system, saying they also established cooperation in the field of oil extraction. He stressed that the company operated in the fields of transportation of oil across the world, installation of the equipment producing electric power and gas turbines, aviation and agriculture, and invested in the application of advanced technologies. President Ilham Aliyev hailed General Electric`s activity in various fields of Azerbaijan`s economy. The head of state spoke about work to modernize the Azerbaijani economy, implement infrastructure projects and improve business environment. They exchanged views over cooperation prospects. Baku, Azerbaijan, March 31 Trend: The Azerbaijani embassy in Ankara is ascertaining the identity of an Azerbaijani citizen killed during an attack on a vehicle in the capital of Somalia - Mogadishu, the Azerbaijani foreign ministry said March 31. A microbus which was carrying employees to a Turkish hospital was shot at from a car by unknown gunmen March 30, RIA Novosti reported earlier. Six people were killed during this attack, the statement said. At the same time, the gunmen opened fire at a school bus. The exact number of victims is still unknown, the statement said. Baku, Azerbaijan, March 31 By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend: The signing of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) agreement between the EU and the US, which provides for duty free import of the US goods, may have a negative impact on the Turkish economy, the country's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, the Turkish TV channel TRT Haber reported March 31. Erdogan made the remarks during a meeting with the US businessmen in Washington. Turkish president is in the US to attend the Nuclear Security Summit 2016. Erdogan said that the EU and the US should take into account the interests of Turkey when signing the agreement. Turkey has been a member of the European Union Customs Union (EUCU) since 1995, and in case if this agreement is signed, US goods will be delivered duty free to the Turkish market as well, Erdogan said, adding that this means Ankara will lose billions of dollars. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu Baku, Azerbaijan, March 31 By Elena Kosolapova - Trend: JSC KazMunaiGas Exploration Production (KMG EP) held its regular board meeting, the company said March 31. During this meeting, the board approved the revised budget for 2016. The revised budget for 2016 assumes an average annual Brent price of $30 per barrel and an average annual exchange rate of 360 tenge per US dollar. It also assumes an export duty rate linked to Brent price from March 1, 2016, the statement said. After several rounds of negotiations and consultations with NC KMG and the Board of Directors, KMG EP's management has decided to change the process for domestic supply with the sale of oil products. The new processing scheme, which the Board of Directors endorses, will take effect in April 2016. Changes associated with this new scheme have already been included in the approved 2016 budget. A transitional price is being agreed with respect to the first three months of the year on the basis of the netbacks generated by the new processing scheme, the statement said. For the first time since the company's IPO, the Board of Directors has recommended not to pay dividends on ordinary shares. In accordance with KMG EP's Charter, an annual minimum guaranteed dividend of 25 tenge per share will be paid on preferred shares. This decision is subject to approval by the shareholders at the AGM on May 24, 2016. The decision not to pay dividends is caused by sharp decline in oil prices since end of 2014, as a result of which the company's cash flow and operating profit turned negative, the statement said. KMG EP is among the top three Kazakh oil producers. The overall production in 2015 was 12.4 million tons. The volume of KMG EP's proved and probable reserves, excluding the shares in the joint ventures, amounted to 152 million tons as of late 2015. --- Follow the author on Twitter:@E_Kosolapova Baku, Azerbaijan, March 31 By Maksim Tsurkov - Trend: Azerbaijan's state oil company SOCAR has invested over 200 million euros up to now in the construction of a resort on the Adriatic coast in Montenegro, said the Montenegrin President Filip Vujanovic in an interview with the bne IntelliNews agency. Vujanovic said the Boca Bay area, where the resort is being constructed, is one of the nicest places on Montenegro's coast. The Boca Bay area used to be a military base during Soviet times, he said. "SOCAR has already invested more than 200 million euros in the project, and we expect [the resort] to open by the end of 2017," added Vujanovic. The project started in 2014, and in accordance with its conditions, SOCAR leases the Orijen Battalion barracks in the town of Kumbor for 90 years period. The tenant has the right to establish a local company in Montenegro, which will transfer all rights and obligations under the lease agreement. During the first four years of the lease, SOCAR is expected to invest at least 52 million euros in the resort's development. Total investment of 258 million euros will be made during the first eight years of the lease period. The company will pay the rent for the first 45-year period upfront. After making the first part of investments, worth 52 million euros, the lessee may assign the contract to a third party that is able to meet all the financial obligations under the lease. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @MaksimTsurkov Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, March 31 By Huseyn Hasanov- Trend: Ten high level-officers from the State Border Service of Turkmenistan took part in a roundtable meeting March 31, the OSCE Centre in Turkmenistan said. The meeting was organized by the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat in co-operation with the State Border Service of Turkmenistan to assess the needs of the national border guards with the aim of enhancing their border patrol capacities. This roundtable discussion was designed to align the OSCE's planned training curriculum on border patrol capacities in 2016 to the current needs of the State Border Service, the statement said. Experts from the OSCE Secretariat and OSCE Office in Tajikistan shared best practices in implementing similar projects in other OSCE participating States. The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat also invited experienced international trainers to assist in identifying the needs and further elaborating the patrol training curriculum. "This roundtable offers an excellent platform for all involved parties to discuss future co-operation that will contribute to addressing the needs of the host Government in strengthening national border patrol capacities," said Richard Wheeler, Officer-in-Charge of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat. "We are more than confident that providing technical and other support to the State Border Service of Turkmenistan serves our common goal to maintain regional security within the Central Asia region and beyond." Today's discussion is a continuation of activities held as part of an OSCE extra-budgetary project on strengthening border guard capacities in Turkmenistan launched in 2014 and implemented with financial support from the governments of Germany, Luxembourg and the United States, the statement said. Turkmenistan approved a military doctrine, the essence of which has recently remained unchanged, i.e. the defense sufficiency, the policy of positive neutrality, and refusal to participate in any military-political blocs. Turkmenistan borders Kazakhstan, Iran, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan onshore, and with Azerbaijan, Russia, Kazakhstan and Iran offshore. By Sohbet Karbuz for Trend: Global oil markets have been undergoing a structural shift since the mid-2014. Brent crude dropped 77 percent, from $115 per barrel on 19 June 2014 to $26 on 20 January 2016. For majority of the oil producing community this drop in 18 months was regarded as a catastrophe. For some, as if the sky was falling. Then, Brent price recovered to $40 when March was about to close. Analysts continue to provide, or better said, struggle to explain, the reasons that explain why prices dropped 77 percent in 18 months and then surged more than 50 percent over the past 2 months. Whether real changes in the supply/demand balance have been at work or other factors such as market psychology, monetary policy, casino capitalism accelerated by financial players, etc, were the main culprit will not find a universally accepted answer. Bearish news (post-sanctions production increases in Iran, lower demand from a weak Chinese and some other Asian economies, high U.S. oil inventories, stubbornly robust production, more resilient shale oil output than first thought) are among the frequently listed reasons for the drop, and Keynes' animal spirit helped by financial players, a weak dollar as well as hopes that key producers will agree on output freeze at an upcoming meeting in Doha are among the top reasons for the recent increase. Perhaps, artificial pressure (whatever that may be) to keep oil prices down is also lifting if you pay attention to conspiracy theories. However, none focus on the turbulence we have been witnessing in oil markets since the last 3 months markets due to high volatility. World oil statistics, in scope and accuracy, are still far from perfect. They are of poor quality, imprecise, mostly contradictory, and subject to sometimes radical but mostly not noticed revisions. Therefore, they can easily lead to misguided conclusions regarding the state of market fundamentals. Without proper attention directed at statistic caveats, the ensuing interpretation of oil market data opens the door to unnecessary volatility, and can distort perception of market fundamentals. The recent roller coaster in oil prices is just a blunt example. Volatility in spreads among three crude oil benchmarks often has implications on the flow of oil trade. Or perhaps the reverse is true from time to time. Whatever the direction of the causality, traders may switch for instance, from crude oil that's priced off Brent blend to Middle East crude grades that are priced off Dubai. We can list additional developments that provided oxygen to the already burning market. The lifting of the US crude oil export ban has opened the arbitrage for European sales. Lifting of the sanctions has enabled Iran to boost its oil exports. And OPEC has abandoned its output target. OPEC's current Saudi-led supply strategy is working or not, is debatable. Prioritizing market share and production over price may be an inappropriate policy at a wrong time with painful consequences. Despite oil production freeze, Saudis perhaps will continue to produce more, particularly when one takes into account of resumption of production at Khafji field jointly operated by Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Output freezing policy is doomed to fail simply because what market needs is a reduction in production, not sustaining the current level and hoping that those producers with higher production costs would be forced to cut at one point. Libya has many other priorities to focus on right now than a possible oil production freeze. Despite the desire to return to pre-civil war production levels, currently a production increase there is unlikely as internal dispute between two governments continue. Except for Iran, countries that may agree on output freeze are already producing at near capacity, and hence overall impact on production freeze on global supply-demand balance will be little. This is why Iran makes a difference, perhaps not immediately, but soon. Iran is unlikely to agree on output freeze until its production level reaches pre-sanctions period. At least, this was the motto announced so far. Iran's exports are already adding to the supply glut and more importantly Iran made it clear so far that it wants to regain market share lost in Europe and Asia while under Western sanctions. In this sense, any inclination by Iran towards production freeze could imply a loss in credibility. Meetings between major oil producers should be more on finding out how to establish a mechanism so that in the mid to longer term prices could cycle in a range between a floor and a ceiling, than simply freezing output which may backfire. How this can be done, however, requires some imagination. Sohbet Karbuz is the Director of Hydrocarbons, France, Mediterranean Energy Observatory (OME). Baku, Azerbaijan, March 31 By Maksim Tsurkov - Trend: OPEC oil basket's price stood at $34.91 per barrel on March 30, or $0.41 more than on March 29, the cartel told Trend March 31. The OPEC Reference Basket (ORB) is made up of the following oil brands: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Oriente (Ecuador), Minas (Indonesia), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Qatar Marine (Qatar), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela). The global oil prices decreased March 31 amid the data of the US Department of Energy, which registers the growth of oil reserves in the country up to a record high level seven weeks running. This again exacerbated concerns over the oversupply of crude oil on the market. The price for June futures of the North Sea Brent oil mix decreased by 0.89 percent - up to $38.91 per barrel as of March 31, 11:28 (UTC/GMT+4 hours), while the price of May futures for WTI oil decreased by 1.3 percent - up to $37.82 per barrel. Baku, Azerbaijan, March 31 By Aygun Badalova - Trend: Three gas pipelines, of which two are already under construction - the Trans-Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP), Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) and Ionian Adriatic Pipeline (IAP) - prove Azerbaijan's commitment to the development of the Balkan region, President of Montenegro Filip Vujanovic said in an interview with BNE IntelliNews. "Gas imports will fuel industrial development in Montenegro and further, cement our ties," the president said. Vujanovic said that while work on TAP should start before the summer, IAP remains wishful thinking for now. The pipeline would connect the Albanian town of Fier, which is crossed by TAP, to Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Croatia, he said adding that building this conduit would require that Azerbaijan further increases its gas exports. TAP project envisages transportation of gas from the Stage 2 of development of Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz gas and condensate field to EU countries. The 870 kilometers long pipeline will be connected to the Trans Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) on the Turkish-Greek border, run through Greece, Albania and the Adriatic Sea, before coming ashore in Italy's south. The initial capacity of TAP will be 10 billion cubic meters per year, expandable to 20 billion cubic meters. It is planned to start the pipeline's construction in mid-2016. TANAP project envisages transportation of gas of Shah Deniz field from Georgian-Turkish border to the western borders of Turkey. IAP pipeline with a length of around 516 kilometers will be connected to TAP in the city of Fier in Albania. The pipeline will pass through Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and end in the city of Split in Croatia, where it will be connected to the existing gas distribution system of the country. From Croatia, the gas can go to Hungary and other countries of Central and Western Europe. The capacity of the IAP will be five billion cubic meters per year. The pipeline will be capable carry out reverse supply. Baku, Azerbaijan, March 31 By Elena Kosolapova - Trend: Despite the fact that the European Union is ready to resume talks with Russia over the South Stream gas pipeline, the project should fully comply with the rules of the Third Energy Package, independent European Researcher Andreas Marazis believes. Meanwhile Russia's unwillingness to meet its requirements was the reason why the project was abandoned in the first place. The EU legislation, and the Third Energy Package in particular, prohibits companies from both owning the gas and operating the pipeline. "On one hand, the European Union could resume talks with Russia on South Stream as European demand for Russian gas would increase in the long-term, but on the other hand, the EU's legislation (Third Energy Package) shows that the EU will not abandon its free-market values in exchange for cheap natural gas. Third-party access and unbundling are now prerequisites for any new pipeline project, as well as for every new contract for existing infrastructure that is to be signed after the expiration of existing ones and this is a reality that Russia will have to comply with," Marazis told Trend. Russia suspended the South Stream project, designed to supply Russian gas to Europe bypassing Ukraine, in December 2014. Russia said "the EU's non-constructive position" was the reason for the project's suspension. Then it was decided to build the Turkish Stream through the territory of Turkey, instead of the South Stream. But the project came under threat in late 2015 due to sharp deterioration of relations between Moscow and Ankara when Turkey shot down a Russian Su-24 bomber with two pilots on board. In March EU's Ambassador to Russia Vygaudas Usackas said the European Union is ready to resume talks with Russia over the South Stream pipeline to southern Europe. Later some countries of the South-Eastern Europe expressed their interest for this project. Marazis believes that discussions concerning the revival of South Stream, as it was initially planned, are high unlikely. Russia seems to be in favor of similar projects in Southeastern Europe, like Greece-Italy Transit Route, he said. The analyst noted that there are two main reasons why Moscow might resume the project. "One of them is the sharp deterioration of relations between Russia and Turkey following the downing of a Russian plane on November 24, 2015. The second reason is the recession in the Chinese economy, which has stalled the "Power of Siberia" project," he said. Marazis said that Europe has been a key energy export market for Russia since the 1970s and this will be the case for the coming years as well. This has led to an increasing infrastructural inter-dependence, according to the expert. The analyst believes that countries such as Greece and Italy that in February signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a pipeline route from Greece to Italy for Russian gas, will benefit from this deal. Bulgaria, which imports almost 80% of its natural gas from Russia will also benefit as well once it is connected. Meanwhile he noted that the South Stream, Turkish Stream, and the "updated version" of South Stream, are all politically oriented projects specifically designed to avoid and isolate Ukraine. "Right now the most attractive gas supply project is by far the Southern Gas Corridor which is expected to deliver 10 billion cubic meters to the European markets by 2020," Marazis said. Today the Southern Gas Corridor is among the European Commission's priority energy projects, which aims at the diversification of the EU gas supply sources and routes. The project envisages transportation of 10 billion cubic meters of Azerbaijani gas from the Caspian Sea to Europe through Georgia and Turkey. At the initial stage, the gas to be produced as part of the Stage 2 of development of Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz field is considered as the main source for the Southern Gas Corridor projects. As part of the Stage 2 of the Shah Deniz development, the gas will be exported to Turkey and European markets by expanding the South Caucasus Pipeline and the construction of Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline and Trans-Adriatic Pipeline. Marazis also said that in the list of so called "Project of Common Interests" regarding future energy infrastructure projects there is also the Eastring project, although it is in early negotiation phase. Eastring will transport natural gas from different areas and alternative sources - in its first stage it will provide the Balkans and/or even Turkey with gas from the European gas market. In its final stage, when its bi-directional mode should be in place, Eastring will transit prospective Romanian Black Sea natural gas, Caspian and Middle East natural gas to Europe. Edited by SI Follow the author on Twitter:@E_Kosolapova Baku, Azerbaijan, March 31 By Elena Kosolapova - Trend: Kazakhstan and the EU agreed to continue working together in an attempt to diffuse the 'standoff based on sanctions' between the EU and Russia to the benefit of all the parties involved, especially given their effect on Kazakhstan, Nazarbayev said at a briefing held jointly with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, after talks in Brussels. The president was quoted in a statement issued by his press office. "We talked about regional policy, the situation in Ukraine, sanctions imposed on Russia, which influences us very strongly, and have agreed to work together in these areas for the benefit of Europe and Russia, and, of course, Kazakhstan," Nazarbayev said after the meeting with Juncker. Nazarbayev noted that Kazakhstan is building friendly, close relations with its neighbors - China and Russia - which are its main partners for economic cooperation. Nazarbayev invited the EU countries to participate in the exhibition EXPO-2017 and support the creation of International Financial Centre Astana. He noted that in the course of the talks issues of travel of citizens of Kazakhstan and the EU were also touched upon, including the possibility of the introduction of 'mirrored' conditions by the EU on the visa matter. The sides also discussed aspects of the resolution of the situation restricting flights of Kazakhstan airlines to the EU. Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, March 31 By Huseyn Hasanov- Trend: The Majlis (parliament) of Turkmenistan during its regular meeting adopted the law "On freedom of religion and religious organizations", Turkmen government said in a message March 31. This law is based on the fact that Turkmenistan, being a democratic, legal and secular state, guarantees freedom of religion and belief. Turkmenistan ensures equal rights to every person, regardless of his (her) religious beliefs, the message said. A nationwide discussion of the draft of new edition of the Turkmen Constitution is being held in the country at this stage. Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, March 31 By Huseyn Hasanov- Trend: Turkmenistan and Belarus expressed interest in further expansion of cooperation, the priorities of which will be mutual trade, cooperation ties in the spheres of industry and services. These issues were discussed during the meeting of the Belarusian Ambassador to Turkmenistan Oleg Tabanyukhov and Turkmenistan's Deputy Prime Minister Batyr Atdayev, said the message of the Belarusian embassy in Ashgabat March 31. It was noted during the meeting that the high level of cooperation achieved in various spheres, including the supply of engineering products, wood processing, building materials and technological equipment. It was also noted that the cooperation in the areas of construction, education, transport and other services achieved the dynamic development, according to the message. Tabanyukhov also met with the Turkmen Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov, said the message. The parties noted the high level and systemic nature of the bilateral cooperation in political, economic and humanitarian spheres, as well as exchanged views on topical issues in these areas. The parties confirmed the strategic nature of the Belarusian-Turkmen relations and defined prospects for further expansion of mutually beneficial cooperation in several areas. One of the main joint projects is the construction of the mining and processing plant in Turkmenistan's Lebap region, the first phase of which is estimated at $1 billion. The project is being built jointly with Belarusian Belgorkhimprom JSC since August 2009. Tashkent, Uzbekistan, March 31 By Demir Azizov- Trend: The charter of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) was ratified during the meeting of Uzbekistan's Senate on March 31. The OIC charter was adopted in Dakar, Senegal, on March 14, 2008. By adopting the law on ratifying the OIC charter, Uzbekistan reaffirmed its political support and intention to develop and strengthen the cooperation with this organization and Muslim countries, Sadyk Safayev, head of the Senate Committee for Foreign Policy, said. He said the ratification of this law will make it possible to intensify the process of attracting financial resources from Islamic financial institutions, in particular from the Islamic Development Bank. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) was established in September of 1969 to ensure Islamic solidarity in social, economic and political spheres. The organization has 57 member states. Uzbekistan became an OIC member in 1996. The country took over the presidency of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the OIC in 2016. Edited by SI Tashkent, Uzbekistan, March 31 By Demir Azizov- Trend: The Senate of Uzbekistan's Supreme assembly (Oliy Majlis) has approved the staff of parliamentary Commission for control over activity of bodies of Prosecutor's office at its session March 31. The candidacy of the Commission's 15 members from among the senators, which represent all regions of the country, has been approved at this session. The Commission will report to the Senate's Council twice a year about the progress in its work. The decision on creation of the Commission was made at the joint session of the Uzbek parliament's Senate and the Legislative chamber on Feb. 19. The Commission has been entrusted with the implementation of a systematic parliamentary control over the activity of prosecution bodies, the effective implementation of assigned tasks to ensure the rule of law, protection of the rights and freedoms of citizens, a comprehensive study and compilation of law enforcement practice of the prosecution authorities, development of proposals to further improve of legislation regulating the activities of prosecution bodies and law-enforcement practices and their working methods. Tehran, Iran, March 30 By Mehdi Sepahvand -- Trend: The upcoming Doha meeting on oil production will yield positive results on prices, yet it is far from an ideal move, said Mohammad Ali Khatibi, former Iranian representative in OPEC. The reason is that the meeting is going to focus on fixing outputs rather than reducing production, he told Trend March 30. Iran will attend talks with fellow OPEC members and Russia in Qatar next month without joining their proposal to freeze crude oil production, Bloomberg quoted a person familiar with the nation's policy as saying earlier this week. Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh will attend the discussions in Doha on April 17, said the person, who asked not to be identified as the talks are private. Iran will maintain its policy of regaining market share lost during years of sanctions so won't accept limits on its output, the person said. Most OPEC members, including Saudi Arabia, have said they will go to the meeting. Khatibi said Iran, along with Libya, is right in stressing its plan to keep boosting production for it has experienced great reduction in the past years. "If the meeting sides could go into reducing their production, prices would have been hoped to heal more rapidly. But as they are going only to stop at their current levels, prices will be healed only after some time when demand catches up with production," the Iranian expert noted. Iran's oil export fell from 2.3 mbpd to 1 mbpd under sanctions that were only lifted this January. Zanganeh has said Iran is heading an output of 4 mbpd before considering any freeze. The country is heavily oil-dependent and has suffered greatly from plunging prices is the past couple of years. According to an official OPEC agreement, the organization's output should stand at 30 mbpd, but it now practically stands at 31.5 mbpd because some members are producing beyond their quotas. Baku, Azerbaijan, March 31 By Dalga Khatinoglu - Trend: Iran's oil products imports from Caspian littoral states decreased significantly in first quarter of 2016, the official statistics indicate. According to Iranian Ports and Maritime Organization, the unloading of oil products at Iran's Caspian ports decreased significantly. Iran's Neka, Anzali, Fereidoon Kenar and Amirabad ports are located on the Caspian coast, where Iran unloaded 175,679 tons of oil products in three months of 2015, while the figure for Q1 2016 decreased to 112,569 tons. Iran decreased unloading of oil products from all Caspian ports, except for Neka, during the last three months. In total, Iran unloaded 5.722 million tons of oil products from all of its ports, including those located on Persian Gulf's coast, during Q1 2016, while the figure for the same period of the previous year was 9.129 million tons, which indicates a huge decrease. On the other hand, Iran has not loaded any oil products from its Caspian ports, while the total loading of oil products at all ports reached 30.173 million tons in Q1 2016, about 5.346 million tons more than the same period of the last year. Baku, Azerbaijan, March 31 By Farhad Daneshvar - Trend: Over 50 world leaders are getting ready to participate in the US-hosted Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, but Iran, that is actively seeking integration into the world after years of sanctions, has been excluded from the event. Iran's absence from the summit casts shadow over a brilliant diplomatic achievement - the nuclear deal inked between the Islamic Republic and the P5+1 group of world powers (aka the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action /JCPOA). Iran's absence from the Nuclear Security Summits is not something new as Tehran never attended the previous rounds of the summits, inaugurated for the first time in 2010. Back then a strong argument was in place: a consensus over Iran's controversial nuclear program wasn't yet reached and it didn't meet the goals of the summit discussions. Well, not anymore. International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) Board of Governors adopted a resolution last December closing the PMD (possible military dimensions to Tehran's nuclear program) file - a move that verified Tehran has met all terms and commitments under the JCPOA which means the Middle Eastern nation's current nuclear activity is fully peaceful. In addition, the UN Security Council on 20 July 2015 adopted resolution 2231 (2015) endorsing the Joint JCPOA, another document that testifies to Iran's peaceful nuclear activity. On the other hand, given the goals of the ongoing summit on improving the global nuclear security and taking into consideration that Iran's nuclear facilities could indeed be subjected to terrorist threats as the country is situated in the war-torn Middle East, Tehran's participation in the summit would be hailed as a move forwards contributing to the reintegration of the Islamic Republic into the international nuclear order. Now, with the recognition of Iran's right to a peaceful nuclear program, concerns over the Islamic Republic's nuclear activity have been removed. Therefore, Washington needs to address those who question the reasons for excluding Iran from the summit which is described as a "missed opportunity" by international media over the past week. The international community should understand that Iran expects assistance from the world powers to make use of nuclear energy following the implementation of the nuclear deal. Instead, Iranian officials weren't given a pass to the summit and were left to watch the event at home. Farhad Daneshvar is Trend Agency's staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @Farhad_Danesh Baku, Azerbaijan, March 31 By Umid Niayesh - Trend: The Twitter account attributed to Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, chairman of Iran's Expediency Discernment Council, has modified its controversial tweet following the recent harsh criticism by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The account believed to be close to Rafsanjani, a former president and influential supporter of Iran's moderate President Hassan Rouhani, tweeted March 24 that "tomorrow's world is the world of dialogue, not of missiles." During a speech March 30, Khamenei, while defending Iran's missile program, accused its critics of "treason." Khamenei's website quoted him as saying those in Iran, who claim that tomorrow's world is the world of negotiations, not of missiles, show their unawareness if they say this unwarily, otherwise such claims constitute "treason". Following that, the Twitter account, which introduces itself as an account of Rafsanjani's official website, posted an "amendment tweet" saying the controversial post was a summarized version of a full comment. According to the new tweet, Rafsanjani's full comment read, "tomorrow's world is the world of discourses, such as the Islamic Revolution discourse, not of intercontinental missiles and nuclear bombs." After the first tweet was posted last week the Iranian conservatives attacked the 81-year old influential politician, accusing him of "undermining the government's stance" and "justifying" the West's promotional war against Iran's missile program. However, the explanation and revision to the tweet were made only after Khamenei's yesterday remarks. Iran's ISNA news agency, close to moderates, also quoted an "informed source" as saying March 31 that Rafsanjani doesn't have any Twitter account. The account that posted the disputed tweet is run by chief editor of Rajsanjani's official website, and the veteran politician doesn't control its contents, according to the report. Baku, Azerbaijan, March 31 By Elmira Tariverdiyeva - Trend: Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili has met with President of the Rumsfeld Foundation and former US Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld within the framework of the working visit to the US, the website Georgia Online reported. At the meeting, Margvelashvili said in particular that Georgia develops close relations with its neighbors Azerbaijan and Turkey. Joint projects are related to both energy carriers from the Caspian Sea till the Black Sea region and transport, logistics areas, he said. "The Lapis Lazuli Corridor is quite an important project, there is active consideration going on today with Turkmenistan in connection with this project, which includes Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey," said President Margvelashvili. During the meeting the parties discussed the Southern Gas Corridor project, which envisages the supply of Azerbaijani gas to Europe via Georgia and Turkey. The Southern Gas Corridor is one of the priority energy projects for EU. It envisages the transportation of gas from the Caspian Sea region to the European countries through Georgia and Turkey. At the initial stage, the gas to be produced as part of the Stage 2 of development of Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz field is considered as the main source for the Southern Gas Corridor projects. Other sources can also connect to this project at a later stage. As part of the Stage 2 of the Shah Deniz development, the gas will be exported to Turkey and European markets by expanding the South Caucasus Pipeline and the construction of Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline and Trans-Adriatic Pipeline. Citizens of Turkey, Somali and Azerbaijan were killed Wednesday when unidentified assailants targeted a school vehicle in the Somali capital, Anadolu Agency reported. The Turkish Foreign Ministry condemned the "vicious" attack in Mogadishu in a statement, saying its embassy is monitoring the conditions of a number of Turkish citizens who were also in the vehicle. In earlier reports, Somali police sources said that gunmen attacked a school minibus that was carrying Turkish children living in Somalia. The same sources added that the Somali driver and a translator were killed in the attack while other Turks were injured and taken to hospital. A group of Belgian police officers from the federal airport police sector have pointed to weak spots in the Brussels airport security system in an open letter sent to the authorities, Sputnik reported. According to the letter, quoted by the Belgian La Libre newspaper on Wednesday, four levels of the airport building are "very accessible to everyone," including criminals. The police officers also complain of "obsolete weapons" and a "worrying" procedure for the treatment of abandoned baggage. They claim that a relatively high proportion of workers in baggage handling areas have a criminal record. The police officers are calling for thorough passenger checks at the entrance to the airport building and want a ban on vehicles within a radius of 100 meters (328 feet) around it. They also want the establishment of a Rapid Response Team. The Belgian authorities have introduced stricter security measures in the country after suicide bombers attacked the Brussels international airport and a metro station in the capital on March 22, killing 35 people and injuring over 300. The Daesh terrorist group, banned in a range of countries, including Russia, claimed responsibility for the attacks. In their open letter, the Belgian aviation police officers claim that the weak spots in airport security were assessed by scouts sent in prior to the terrorist attacks. Baku, Azerbaijan, March 31 By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend: The police have detained four members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) terrorist group in Turkey's Hakkari province, IHA news agency reported March 31. Two women are among the detained and one of them is an Armenian national. They were planning to have trainings at a PKK camp in northern Iraq. Reportedly, the detained PKK member of Armenian nationality is responsible for the activities of this terrorist group in Yuksekova district of Hakkari province. Earlier, Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that over 5,359 PKK members have been eliminated as a result of the operations against this terrorist group since July of 2015. He added that 355 Turkish servicemen were killed during these operations, which will continue until the complete destruction of the PKK. The conflict between Turkey and the PKK, which demands the creation of an independent Kurdish state, has continued for over 25 years and has claimed more than 40,000 lives. The UN and the European Union listed the PKK as a terrorist organization. Edited by SI --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu Baku, Azerbaijan, March 31 By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend: Europe doesn't share intelligence data with Turkey in the fight against terrorism, President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in an interview to CNN channel. Turkey is fully focused on fighting the "Islamic State" terrorist group (IS, aka ISIS, ISIL or Daesh) and expects from Europe the same deliberate policy in the fight against terrorism, according to the president. Turkey has faced deadly terrorist attacks in recent weeks. On March 13, a car bomb attack in Ankara left 37 people dead. Istanbul was also targeted by a suicide attack on March 19, leaving five people dead. Turkish authorities have accused the IS, the PKK and the PYD terrorist groups for the attacks. The IS and Jabhat al-Nusra are the most active terrorist groups in Syria. Baku, Azerbaijan, March 31 By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend: The General Staff of Turkish Armed Forces has denied the information spread by some media outlets about preparation of a coup by the servicemen, said the General Staff website March 31. To date, the General Staff has never taken unconstitutional steps, said the website. Earlier, some Turkish media outlets reported that allegedly, Turkey's General Staff is preparing a coup in the country. Edited by SI --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu Baku, Azerbaijan, March 31 By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend: Alparslan Celik, who shot at the second Russian pilot who catapulted after the destruction of the Russian SU-24 bomber, has been arrested in Turkey's Izmir province, Hurriyet newspaper reported March 31. Upon arrest, firearms were seized from Celik. Aside from him, 14 more people have been arrested. Relations between Russia and Turkey have deteriorated after Turkish Air Force jets shot down the Russian SU-24 bomber when it entered Turkish airspace Nov. 24, 2015. After the incident, Russia's president signed a decree on measures to ensure national security and on special economic measures in regard to Turkey. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu In 2015, roughly 26 million foreign tourists flew to China, according to the China National Tourism Administration, representing a 1.4-percent drop from 2014 data. (Photo : Getty Images) While outbound tourism is strong, China's inbound tourism is struggling to attract foreign travelers. Marketing strategies and visa restrictions count as main factors that deter foreign tourists from entering the country. Chinese tourists will find their way in different cities and towns all over the world, eventually overtaking the spending habits of German tourists, which, until Chinese tourists emerged, reigned as the highest-spending travelers. Advertisement Such is the case in the United States. Back in 2003, only 200,000 Chinese tourists visited the country. The number has significantly increased, however, reaching nearly 2.2 million and 2.7 million in 2014 and 2015, respectively. An average Chinese tourist in a regular trip usually spends about $6,000 to $7,200 per trip in the United States, according to Brand USA China's 2014 Market Update. Chinese tourists have also become important to the Australian economy, as their spending habits accounted for 6 percent of Australia's economic growth last year. It helps that Chinese companies have taken it upon themselves to bring thousands of employees on overseas corporate trips, a trend among well-to-do firms. No matter how successful outbound tourism has become, however, Chinese inbound tourism remains painfully stagnant, according to an article by China Daily. In 2015, roughly 26 million foreign tourists flew to China, according to the China National Tourism Administration, representing a 1.4-percent drop from 2014 data. It's a puzzling revelation, as the country is home to the largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Experts suggested that the problem is not with China's historical and cultural allures, but in its marketing strategy. CNTA has yet to tap into the Middle Eastern market, which it can do by opening an office in the region. Opening tourism offices in foreign locations was the strategy Iran and Dubai used to attract more travelers. Visa regulations and high fees also deter European tourists from traveling to China. "Visa restrictions can deter potential visitors who may choose more accessible destinations," the 2016 China Tourism Report made by London-based BMI Research Group said. Chinas service industry is becoming a hot destination for investors, as it accounted for 50.5 percent of Chinas GDP growth last year. (Photo : Getty Images) An international consumer finance provider based in the Czech Republic has announced plans to invest 6 billion yuan ($921 million) in China as part of its expansion efforts, according to an article by China Daily. Advertisement Home Credit Group's chief executive officer Jiri Smejc made the announcement on Monday, March 28. Through the investment, Home Credit Group hopes to reach its 2017 goal: to double its business operations. In addition to the billion-yuan investment, Home Credit Group has already established a research and development center in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, last year. "This is a great business opportunity for us as we expect that an entire lending ecosystem will revolve around the smartphone," Smejc said in an exclusive interview with China Daily. "Our immediate goal is to build an independent online lending platform in China that is at least as robust as our physical sales network," Smejc added. To effectively reach the company's goal, Home Credit Group will increase the number of loan products offered in China. The firm is also looking into accelerating the development of its own online business. It will be tricky, however, as the volume of goods bought on credit offline is still about 10 times higher than those bought on the Internet. China's service industry is becoming a hot destination for investors, as it accounted for 50.5 percent of China's GDP growth last year. Due to its rapid development, the use of new technologies in the sector is expected to rise. Home Credit first entered the Chinese market in 2007. Since its entry, the company has registered a capital of 3.3 billion yuan. Operations are scattered throughout more than 260 cities in 24 different provinces and municipalities. To date, the company currently has over 33,000 employees. "To give you an idea of our business scale, we're talking about loans of 400 million yuan consumer goods alone," Smejc said. "Since 2007, when we came to China, up to the year-end, we have already supported household consumption with some 100 billion yuan in loans for different goods." Xi and his Czech counterpart, Milos Zeman, signed nine documents solidifying the partnership between both countries. (Photo : Getty Images) "The door is open to a friend," says Prague Mayor Adriana Krnacova as she offers President Xi Jinping the keys to the city, China Daily reported. The cordial welcome for President Xi comes amid China's agreement with the Czech Republic to strengthen diplomatic ties and strategic partnership last Tuesday. Advertisement It is considered as the first state visit by a Chinese president since diplomatic ties were established with the former Czechoslovakia almost seven decades ago. Xi and his Czech counterpart, Milos Zeman, signed nine documents solidifying the partnership between both countries. The agreements covered fields such as electronic business and investment. Zeman visited Beijing in Sept. 2015 to attend the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1937-45). "The strategic partnership has laid a political foundation for future development of our relations," said Xi. The timing of the agreement coincides with China's Belt and Road Initiative. For the Czech Republic, this represents a strategy to further expand its market and its investments. Zeman told reporters on Tuesday that the Czech-headquartered automobile company Skoda will invest 60 billion crowns ($2.48 billion) in China to build factories. Zeman has praised the visit, stating that the agreement could bring nearly $4 billion in fresh Chinese capital by the end of 2016. The two nations will aim to foster cooperation in infrastructure, financing and high-technology and sign deals on large nuclear energy projects. "I hope the Czech Republic will become the gateway for China to enter the European Union," said Zeman. China is the Czech Republic's largest trading partner outside the EU, with annual bilateral trade worth over $21 billion. In addition, the two countries have agreed to establish a renminbi clearing center in the Czech Republic. According to Ma Junchi, a researcher with European Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Xi's visit comes as the two nations have experienced the fastest economic development since diplomatic ties were established. The smart rice cooker becomes available in China on April 6. (Photo : Miui) After leaving its mark in the smartphone space, Xiaomi is now betting bigger on the smart home segment. The China-based company has unveiled a $150 smart rice cooker in Beijing in a move to capture domestic consumers. The revolutionary appliance is part of the Xiaomi Ecosystem, which invests in startups to develop a range of products, including smart air purifiers, intelligent TVs and other Internet of Things (IoT). Advertisement Called the Mi Induction Heating Pressure Rice Cooker, the product pairs with a smartphone and uses an app to enable various functions. For example, it can scan a rice package to identify its type and origin. Data will be uploaded to the cloud. Based on gathered data, the rice cooker will apply the most suitable heating method. The product is said to recognize about 200 rice brands and support up to 2,450 heating techniques. Xiaomi's decision to expand its line of smart appliances comes as no surprise. According to ABI Research, the smart home market is seen to double this year. Several companies are already joining the bandwagon, including Sony and Samsung, who launched a smart home hub and an IoT-ready smart TV, respectively. Xiaomi has already ventured in this market as manifested by its $200 million investment in Midea, a company that specializes in home appliances. With the new rice cooker, Xiaomi wants to lure buyers looking for low-cost yet high-quality appliances. According to a report by Ars Technica, Xiaomi's goal is to make a rice cooker from China that will be able to compete against veteran brands in the segment, such as Toshiba. Instead of buying from Japan, China's rival when it comes to consumer electronics, homeowners can now consider looking at their own backyard for quality appliances. The rice cooker is marketed under the Mijia brand to differentiate itself from Mi, the brand that ships the company's smartphones. It will be available in China starting April 6. Setting aside regional rivalry, India is attracting Chinese enterprises to invest in India to boost its economy and create more jobs for its young workers. (Photo : Reuters) Indian entrepreneurs are trying to attract Chinese capital by intensifying their efforts at promoting investment opportunities in India, according to speakers at the India China (Wuxi) Business and Investment Forum, held Monday, March 28, in Wuxi, East China's Jiangsu Province, the Global Times reported. Advertisement The report said that in the past two years, the "Make in India" campaign has been promoted by the Indian government around the world. In its effort to boost the economy, India has eased several restrictions on foreign capital in various sectors that include mining, defense and civil aviation, media reports said. "The Indian government is quite eager to attract more foreign capital to boost its manufacturing sector, which is a major channel for employment," Li Qin, a Chinese legal counsel with India-based law firm D.H. Law Associates, said. "About 65 percent of Indians are younger than 35, but there aren't enough jobs for them," Li was quoted as saying. The Beijing-based Economic Information Daily reported in late Dec. 2015 that a total of $19.4 billion in foreign direct investment was received by India in the first half of 2015, an increase of 30 percent year-on-year. From 2006 to 2014, China's investment in India had increased more than 30-fold, according to people.com.cn. "It is quite obvious that more and more Chinese enterprises are entering India," Wan Qian, assistant to the general manager at state-controlled China Machinery Engineering Corp., told the Global Times. Wan, however, cautioned that there are legal risks in India and Chinese enterprises must pay careful attention to these. "The legal systems in different parts of India are quite different," he said. Li agreed, saying that "soft factors such as the law can never be ignored." He said that Chinese enterprises interested to make profits in India must consider the challenges posed by language and enterprise localization. Li, however, expressed optimism with India's domestic demand-driven economic model, which presents investment prospects. "But Chinese investors should not expect that a return on investment will be quick," Li noted. "It usually takes several years." Li added that the lack of infrastructure in India could actually be a source of investment opportunities, the report said. The additional vaccines WHO is asking China to add in its program are all beneficial to children, according to Lance Rodewald, team leader of WHO Chinas Expanded Program on Immunization. (Photo : Getty Images) The World Health Organization (WHO) called on China on Tuesday, March 29, to include five vaccines in the country's vaccine program, according to an article by China Daily. Despite the scandal that erupted in China involving substandard vaccine worth over 570 million yuan ($88 million), WHO is confident Chinese vaccines are well-made. Advertisement The vaccine scandal shone the spotlight on the regulation and management of vaccines under the Category 2 label. The additional vaccines WHO is asking China to add in its program are all beneficial to children, according to Lance Rodewald, team leader of WHO China's Expanded Program on Immunization. The vaccines were labeled as Category 1 substances to be provided by the government for free, allowing China to improve oversight and distribution to protect children's health in the country. Among the vaccines are inactivated polio, pneumococcal conjugate, and rotavirus, all of which were recommended by WHO to all countries for mandatory use, Rodewald said at a news conference. "Children . . . won't need expensive treatment if they have been protected by the vaccines," he said. Vaccines in China normally fall under two categories. Category 1 vaccines include 11 vaccines for children, dealing with polio, measles and hepatitis. Category 1 vaccines are included in China's Expanded Program on Immunization. Meanwhile, five vaccines are under Category 2, optional for children use and available for sale. "China's health commission is quite interested in the addition of new vaccines," said Rodewald. The Chinese government is mulling over relying on locally made vaccines instead of depending on imported products, Rodewald added. So far, the National Health and Family Planning Commission has not made any statements to address the WHO suggestion. "Huge financial support is needed if all vaccines used in China are included in Category 1," said Wang Huaqing, a physician from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, at a news conference last week. Anbang Says Its $14 Billion Starwood Bid in Line with Rules A person walks into a Sheraton Hotel in downtown Brooklyn in New York City on March 14, 2016. Sheraton is one of the key brands of the Starwood hotel chain. (Photo : Getty Images) Chinas Anbang Insurance Group on Tuesday said that it is well within the rules with its increased offer of $14 billion for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, beating the latest bid from hotel chain Marriott International. The proposed investment conforms to government rules and regulations and Anbang has an ample investment quota for this year, a spokesman from Anbang said in a statement. Advertisement Chinese financial magazine Caixing earlier reported than the China Insurance Regulatory Commission, the country's industry watchdog, may not approve Anbang's deals on the basis that it violates a rule forbidding local insurance companies from investing more than 15 percent of their total assets abroad. Anbang has already spent more than 171.6 billion yuan ($26.4 billion) in investments, including bids to acquire Starwood and Strategic Hotels & Resorts, according to Caixin. The company is estimated to have less than 1 trillion yuan in total insurance assets as of 2015. Several experts, however, have expressed confidence that Anbang has yet to exceed its overseas investment quota and can benefit from China's policies encouraging investment abroad. Hao Yansu, director of the School of Insurance at the Central University of Finance and Economics in Beijing, told China Daily that while the rules prohibit Anbang from investing more than 15 percent of its total assets overseas, it does not cover its total insurance assets. Anbang's total assets are estimated to be more 1.9 trillion yuan, which allows the company to make overseas investments of up to 285 billion yuan, said China Daily. Gui Jieying, an analyst with Zero2IPO Group, said that Anbang has aggressively pursued foreign investments since 2014, when Beijing issued a guideline that improved the capabilities of Chinese investment companies and encouraged them to invest abroad. "China is relaxing rules on insurance companies' investment, and Anbang is a market leader," Gui added. Several of Anbang's recent high-profile investments include the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York, U.S. life insurance provider Fidelity and Guaranty Life, Belgium's Fidea Assurances and Delta Lloyd Bank, and Dutch insurance company VIVAT. The company also bought a controlling stake in South Korea's Tong Yang Life. All these investments "can help Anbang to set up a global insurance business network and stabilize returns," Gui said. In a report from real estate consultancy company JLL published in October the previous year, China's outbound real estate investment skyrocketed by 50 percent to $15.6 billion a year to date, thanks to growing interest in insurers to increase the allocation of their real estate assets. Last week, Marriott increased its offer to purchase Starwood at $13.6 billion, topping Anbang's previous bid of $13.2 billion. In a statement, Marriott said it was "committed" to completing its deal with Starwood but has declined to increase its current offer. Still Great at 68: Hong Kong Welcomes Li Huayi and His Works Behind every great artist is a great piece of art, in the literal sense of the word, as shown in the picture: Li Huayi posing with one of his creations. (Photo : dlasseurgvm/YouTube) You cannot force someone to be an artist. Shanghai-born visual artist Li Huayi said that to Hong Kong-based journalist Kate Whitehead in an interview for the South China Morning Post. Li, 68, who relocated in San Francisco, California, in 1982, flew to Hong Kong for the first time for Exotica: Latest Works of Li Huayi, on view at the Kwai Fung Hin Art Gallery in Central. Advertisement At 6, his father brought him to Wang Jimei, a distant relative, to learn painting. And he did so for 10 years. I started learning by drawing simple lines, a simple bamboo leaf, he told Whitehead. His hand now creates masterful landscape portraits of mountains, trees and misty vistas, said Dutch-born, London-based art dealer Michael Goedhuis on his website. Goedhuis described Lis works as rich, detailed and powerful in their ability to capture an ancient world in hues of brown, grey, green and black. Artsy, an online resource for art collecting and education, said on its website that Li fuses a traditional Chinese painting style with modern American abstraction to create ethereal, misty landscapes. When 20 of his paintings got displayed in Europe for the first time, Souren Melikian, in a 2007 New York Times article, said that the event is bound to be remembered as a historic landmark. A protege of Chinese artist and sculptor Zhang Chongren (1907-1998), where he learned Western art theory and practice, Li creates works that can sell for a cool million dollars and can even fetch higher than that. Lis Immoral Mountain-Pureland Streams (ink on paper) was one of the artworks presented as part of the group show, A Private Journey, at Gallery 100 in Taipei from May 16 to June 7, 2015. It carries a price tag of $400,000 to $500,000, according to Artsy. Gallery 100 already sold some of his works. Someone purchased Cliff in the Mist (ink on paper, 2014) for $750,000 to $1,000,000. Waiting for a buyer is a 2015 creation worth $1 million to $1.5 million. According to Goedhuis, two of the prominent buyers of Lis works included the Robert Ho Foundation and Taiwanese-born American businessman Jerry Yang, co-founder and former CEO of Yahoo! For those who will see Lis works for the first time, KQED Arts reminded on its website: Although Li Huayis paintings appear to be classical paintings, they are actually contemporary artworks that are made in the style and tradition of Chinese landscape paintings using traditional materials, subjects and compositions. People can view Exotica: Latest Works of Li Huayi until May 21. Teacher Who Makes $2,890 an Hour Puts China's Online Teaching Industry in the Spotlight A teacher writes on a blackboard during a class for young earthquake survivors at a temporary housing area after the May 12 earthquake, June 1, 2008 in Dujiangyan, Sichuan Province, China. (Photo : Getty Images) A Chinese physics teacher is making social media rounds recently for earning up to 18,842 yuan ($2,890) per hour for teaching courses online, although authorities are not so amused. A total of 2,617 students have registered on Wang Yu's tutoring course on high school-level physics, which is done online at 9 yuan per audience member, according to state-owned news portal Sina.com. The classes, divided into seven groups, have attracted as many as 9,479 students across the country as of Tuesday. Advertisement Online educational services are booming in China, with tutoring sites hosting as many as 15 million registered students. In a report on China's Internet development released in January, 110 million Chinese Internet users had tried online education in 2015. In a separate investigation conducted by Beijing-based Tianto Info Consulting, the online education industry is expected to grow by 28 percent year-on-year in 2016. Xie Mingbo, a Chinese writing teacher, told Shanghai Daily that he left his job as a classroom teacher in order to teach online full-time. Xie said his courses, which range from 499 to 799 yuan, has at least 100 paid followers and has earned him more than 1 million yuan in the previous year. The sites have also become a preferred choice for teachers seeking extra income, as the Internet cuts down on travel time and cost and allows for more flexible instruction. "A computer with a camera will do, as long as the network is stable," Wang said in an interview. The low costs and high efficiency of online classes have also made it alluring for parents. "Compared with real classes that cost one or two hundred yuan, online equivalents are available for less than 10 yuan. I prefer this mode if it helps my child," one parent told Sina. But while it has drawn praise from the public, online classes have attracted increasing scrutiny from local governments worried about the quality of instruction and the credibility of online teachers. An official from the Education Bureau in Nanjing, the capital of east China's Jiangsu Province, said the city prohibits teachers from offering paid tutoring services including those online. "Teachers may shift their focus and energy to online teaching, and that will inevitably affect their performance at school. This is unfair to school-goers," said Xiong Bingqi, vice president of the 21st Century Education Research Institute. Liu Chengbo, a researcher with the Department of Education, said that teaching students is best done through face-to-face interactions. The traditional classroom's holistic approach to development, teaching children social responsibility, innovative thinking, interpersonal skills, and problem solving ability can never be satisfied by online education, said Liu. Android 6.0 Marshmallow release news for Sony Xperia Z2, Z5, C5 Ultra, Z4, Z3 Tablet Compact; Xperia Z5 experiences issues after update - tips to fix them (Photo : YouTube/ Sony Xperia) Here is Android M release news for Sony Xperia Z2, Z5, C5 Ultra, Z4, Z3 Tablet Compact and other devices. According to several reports, the tech giant Sony declared that the Xperia Z3+, Z4 Tablet and Z5 series are set to get Android 6.0 Marshmallow update beginning March 7. It means that other devices will soon get the newest Marshmallow update. However, the update has been causing problems for the Xperia Z5 devices. Advertisement Many Xperia Z5 users have complained about being not able to access the Google Play Store after updating their device to the newest operating system. Some users also said that their devices have crashed with a pop-up window saying that Google Play Store has stopped. One user said on the support forum that as soon as they updated to Android 6.0 Marshmallow, they keep receiving the message that Google Play Store has stopped. The user further said that they tried signing out of google, force closing, deleting data, clearing the cache and disabling the app. But they keep receiving the pop up continuously and it occurred as soon as it updated to Android 6.0 Marshmallow. The tech company responded by recommending their customers go with a factory reset. Some users said that fixed the problem, whereas other users said that their problems continued. According to some users, using the Sony PC Companion is a better option. But it is recommended that you should not uninstall the Play Store app as it may create more problems. One user said that the problem has been corrected after they re-installed Android Marshmallow from the Sony PC Companion and factory wiping their device. The user advised that one should not update their device via wifi or through the devices 'Software Update' panel. One should only update through their PC using the Phone companion. Also, some users have found that rebooting the phones fixes the issue. Various reports claim that the Android 6.0 Marshmallow update has been stopped in Canada. Canadian branch has decided to halt the Xperia Z5 Premium and Xperia Z5 Android Marshmallow update in Canada. The company will roll out an update that will fix the problem permanently. Other devices that will get the Android 6.0 M update are the Xperia C4, Xperia M4 Aqua, Xperia C5 Ultra, Xperia M5, Xperia Z2 Tablet, Xperia Z2, Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact, Xperia Z3 Compact and Xperia Z3, according to Sony's official blog. Ahram Hebdo: How do you respond to those who call for amending the 2014 Constitution? Amr Moussa: We should not and we cannot talk about amending the constitution before implementing it. I am always surprised by those who call for amending the constitution that was passed in 2014, as according to its articles it is not impeding the work of any state institution. It is the main instrument that enforces order in the country. According to its articles state apparatuses work and we should all unite to fulfill the roadmap that was drawn to restore stability of the state following two revolutions made by Egyptians. For the sake of an institutional state enacting social justice, which is what the constitution stipulates, let us give it a chance so that it can be implemented and translated into laws that will remedy all the negatives we have been suffering from for decades. How did you come up with the idea of creating an institution that protects the constitution? The Egyptian Institution to Protect the Constitution came into being as a proposal by member of the 50-Member Committee (tasked with amending the 2012 Constitution) Hoda El-Sada. The idea was adopted by politician Mohamed Abul-Ghar, who was also a member of the 50-Member Committee. Abul-Ghar presented the idea to me as the head of 50-Member Committee and I immediately agreed to be part of it. The institution has held a number of meetings, which included former vice president and economist Zaid Bahaa Eldin, prominent journalist Abdallah El-Senawy, as well as constitutional expert Nour Farahat. We were aiming at uniting our efforts to enforce the articles of the constitution and to protect the gains of the Egyptian people in a constitution that passed with a majority in a popular referendum. What is the legal framework of the Egyptian Institution to Protect the Constitution? The Egyptian Institution to Protect the Constitution is a civil institution that is subject to Egyptian Law 84/2002. The institution aims at protecting the principles of the constitution for which the Egyptian people voted in a vast majority, and which is considered to be one of the most important achievements of the political roadmap, and also of the two revolutions of 25 January and 30 June. The institution is not against anyone, yet it aims at defending the rule of law, rights and freedoms as guaranteed by the constitution. According to the law, the institution does not work by politics. It encourages community dialogue on draft laws that are complementary to the constitution. Diplomats, journalists, lawyers, university professors, and trade unionists are among members of the institution. Did the institution come in response to the demands of some linked to the Egyptian presidency, who have been calling for amending the constitution as it curtails the powers of the president? The Egyptian Institution to Protect the Constitution is not a reaction to demands for amending the constitution. The institution aims at explaining the principles of the constitution and raising awareness on its articles. This has been and still is and our aim in this non-governmental institution that works in the framework of civil society. While working to form this institution, some called for amending the constitution. Amending the constitution is not out of the question; but it has to happen at the right time. It is not appropriate to speak of amending the constitution before it is implemented. First, we need to issue legislation that complements and implements the constitution. I personally have some ideas concerning amendments of the constitution, but the issue is not on the table for discussion now. It is not appropriate that we discuss that before the issuance of laws suggested by the constitution. Inaugurating our institution took time as different people spent a lot of time negotiating and finally asked me to head the board of trustees of this institution and we started it. How do you respond to criticism that is being directed to the institution that it interferes in the power of the parliament? This is totally unacceptable. Parliament is the only authority that has the power to amend and vote on changes that will be made to the constitution. We are just a non-governmental organisation for awareness, and for civil society, so that the constitution doesnt get removed from its context. We should not control the views of the people who believe in amending the constitution, even if we believe it improper from our point of view. It is necessary that people express their views. But it is also our right to make citizens aware of their constitution. What do you say to those who believe that the constitution reduced the powers of the president and is impeding his job? This is also not acceptable. The constitution is neither reducing the powers of the president nor impeding his work. We have chosen a roadmap that starts by writing the constitution, then electing a president and finally electing members of parliament. According to this constitution we have conducted presidential and parliamentary elections. The president have been ruling based on its articles. MPs should issue laws and legislation that implement it. DId you coordinate with the Egyptian presidency before announcing your institution? Our institution notified the presidency and the House of Representatives of the inauguration of a new non-governmental institution, in the pursuance of the principal of transparency. We do not work in darkness. I have personally notified parliament speaker Ali Abdel-Al. We currently have workshops that include legal experts to explain articles of the constitution, and we might publish articles and books to help Egyptian citizens. What common violations of the constitution have occurred until now, and how does the institution propose countering them? It is necessary that the parliament follows this matter. The parliament is the legislative power that has to issue laws that go in line with the constitution. We will also follow the matter and give our comments and reports to authorities. Are you optimistic about the political scene in Egypt nowadays? Yes, I am optimistic. We have achieved a lot and Egypt is moving on the right path. We have a constitution, we have an elected president who enjoys popular support and who works diligently and faithfully, and we should all help him. The scene around us, whether regional or international, shows that Egypt is back on track and that it has survived of a lot of dangers and challenges. Yes, we still have huge economic challenges, and face terrorism, but the roadmap is complete and there are a lot of large national projects underway on ground. We sometimes have different opinions, but we must respect this difference. * This article was originally published by Ahram Hebdo. Search Keywords: Short link: Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry met with the US Democratic Party primary candidate where they spoke about bilateral relations Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry met during his visit to Washington Wendy Sherman, an adviser to the US Democratic Party's presidential primary candidate Hillary Clinton, the foreign affairs ministry announced on Thursday. The Egyptian foreign ministry spokesperson Ahmed Abu Zeid stated that during the meeting Sherman listened to Shoukry's evaluations of political and economic developments taking place in Egypt, the country's regional and international relations, as well as the country's efforts to fight terrorism. "The meeting reflected the mutual wish to enforce Egyptian-American relations if Hillary Clinton wins the US presidential elections," the foreign ministry statement read. Sherman noted that she was ready to transfer any message from the Egyptian side that would enforce the US's relationship with Egypt to Hilary Clinton, Abu Zeid said in the statement. The foreign ministry statement also noted that Shoukry previously knew Wendy Sherman from his time as Egypt's ambassador to Washington when she was the under-secretary of state for political affairs. Sameh Shoukry is currently on a visit to the United States where Egypt is participating in the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington. The former Secretary of State Hilary Clinton is competing against Senator Bernie Sanders in the on-going presidential primaries. Unless one of the candidates pulls out of the race, the Democratic Party's official presidential nominee will not be decided until the party's national convention in July. The US presidential elections will be held in November 2016. Search Keywords: Short link: US Secretary of State John Kerry underlined in talks the importance of 'easing restrictions on association and expression' and 'allowing human rights NGOs to operate freely' in Egypt Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry met Wednesday US Secretary of State John Kerry in Washington. The two discussed a number of issues, foremost among them regional development in Syria, Libya and Yemen, the Egyptian foreign ministry announced. In a statement issued Thursday, Egyptian foreign ministry spokesperson Ahmed Abuzeid stated that the talks included joint evaluation and coordination on the situations in those countries. Shoukry is currently in Washington to attend the Nuclear Security Summit. According to Abuzeid, Shoukry discussed with Kerry the political process in Syria and enforcing the ceasefire there, as well as ways to support the national unity government in Libya, especially in fighting terrorism. Kerry and Shoukry also evaluated progress in Yemeni talks held under UN sponsorship. The Egyptian foreign minister discussed with Kerry bilateral relations between Egypt and the United States. Kerry reportedly underlined the importance of "easing restrictions on association and expression" in Egypt and "allowing human rights NGOs to operate freely," according to a brief statement issued by the US State Department Wednesday. Shoukry also met in Washington David Thorne, senior advisor to US secretary of state for economic affairs, where they discussed different aspects of Egyptian-US economic and commercial relations, the Egyptian foreign ministry stated. "The meeting reflected the American desire to help and support Egypt amid different economic challenges," Abuzeid said, adding that Throne stressed that it is in the US interest to support and enforce Egypt's ability to face economic challenges. Shoukry discussed with Thorne the various economic projects and programmes Egypt is currently implementing, including the Suez Canal Area Development Project, and national infrastructure projects. Search Keywords: Short link: With Islamic State group militants (IS) on the doorstep of his hometown in eastern Syria, Yaroob al-Abdullah had little time. He had already rushed his wife and four daughters to safety. Now he had to save the thousands of ancient artifacts he loved. In a week of furious work in summer heat, tired and dehydrated from the Ramadan fast, the head of antiquities in Deir el-Zour province and his staff packed up most of the contents of the museum in the provincial capital. Then al-Abdullah flew with 12 boxes of relics to Damascus. The pieces included masterpieces: A nearly 5,000-year-old statuette of a smiling worshipper. A colorful mural fragment from a 2nd-century temple for the god Bel. Thousands of fragile clay tablets inscribed with cuneiform writing, including administrative records, letters and business deals that provide a glimpse at life nearly 4,000 years ago in the Semitic kingdom of Mari. The move, carried out in 2014, was part of a mission by antiquities officials across Syria to evacuate everything that could be saved from IS group extremists and looters. The extent of the operation has been little known until now, but its participants described to The Associated Press a massive effort at least 29 of Syria's 34 museums largely emptied out and more than 300,000 artifacts brought to the capital. The pieces are now hidden in secret locations known only to the few specialists who handled them, said Maamoun Abdulkarim, who as head of the Directorate General of Antiquities and Museums in Damascus oversaw the operation. "Other than that, no one knows where these antiquities are not a politician, not any other Syrian." There's much that couldn't be saved. The damage is most symbolized by Palmyra, the jewel of Syrian archaeology, a marvelously preserved Roman-era city. IS group militants captured it last year and proceeded to blow up at least two of its most stunning temples. Over the weekend, Syrian government forces recaptured Palmyra from the militants and discovered they had trashed the city museum, smashing statues and looting relics though fortunately about 400 pieces had been hidden away by antiquities officials before the IS group takeover. Across the country, the destruction has been tragic. Wherever they overran territory in Syria and Iraq, IS militants relentlessly blew up, bulldozed or otherwise tore down monuments they consider pagan affronts. They and other traffickers have taken advantage of the chaos from the 5-year-old civil war to loot sites and sell off artifacts. Even in the museums that were evacuated, some items were too large to move giant statues or ancient gates and murals and fell into IS group hands, their fate unknown. But the 2,500 archaeologists, specialists, curators and engineers with Syria's antiquities department, including some who defected to join the opposition, have often risked death to protect what they can. One 25-year-old woman led a military convoy carrying antiquities out of the northern city of Aleppo, a major battleground between rebels and government forces. Out of fear for her safety, she requested anonymity. Guards at archaeological digs and other sites in areas now under IS group control secretly keep tabs on the ruins and feed Abdulkarim photo updates on WhatsApp. Several of them have been killed. Khaled al-Asaad, Palmyra's retired antiquities chief, was beheaded by the extremists in August after spiriting away artifacts from the city's museum. Ziad al-Nouiji, who took over from al-Abdullah as head of antiquities in Deir el-Zour, brought a second load of relics to Damascus last June. But otherwise he has remained in the government-held part of Deir el-Zour city. He knows the danger: IS group militants besieging the area are hunting for him, posting his name on their Facebook pages as a wanted man. He relocated his family abroad but is staying put. "This is my duty, my country's right. If we all left the country and our duties, who would be left?" he asked. In the rebel-held northwestern city of Maarat al-Numan, archaeologists affiliated with the opposition protected the city's museum, which houses Byzantine mosaics. There the danger was from government airstrikes, so they erected a sandbag barrier with financial and logistical support from former antiquities directorate chief Amr al-Azm, who sided with the opposition. Last June, just after the sandbagging was complete, a government barrel bomb damaged mosaics in the outside courtyard, he said. "The heroes here are the Syrian men and women on both sides who ... are willing to risk their lives for their heritage," al-Azm said by telephone from Shawnee State University in Ohio, where he teaches. "That's what gives me hope for the future of Syria." The antiquities authorities didn't take any chances, even clearing museums in government-controlled areas. At the National Museum in Damascus, the halls and galleries have been empty since the artifacts were hidden away in 2013 for fear rebel shelling could hit the building. In the pottery room, dust rings mark where the pieces once stood and only the labels remain. In 2014, with EU funding, the U.N. cultural agency UNESCO began training Syrian staff in storing artifacts and helped establish a nationwide system to document their inventory. In Damascus last month, a team of archaeologists and archivists was still processing the collection brought from the Daraa Museum in southern Syria. "With a good team, a charismatic leader and our support they managed an extraordinary feat," said Cristina Menegazzi, head of UNESCO's Syrian heritage emergency safeguard project. A vital crossroads throughout history, Syria holds a legacy from multiple civilizations that traded, invaded and built cities across its territory the Akkadians, Babylonians and Assyrians of ancient Mesopotamia, various Semitic kingdoms, the Romans and Byzantines, and then centuries of Islamic dynasties. The country is dotted with "tells," hills that conceal millennia-old towns and cities, some of which have been partially excavated and many more that are still waiting to be discovered. Deir el-Zour, a region along the Euphrates River, is rich with such sites. Among them is Mari, the capital of a kingdom dating back to the early 3rd millennium B.C that grew on trade between Mesopotamia and the Levant for more than 1,000 years until it was crushed by the Babylonians. Its trove of thousands of tablets in the Akkadian language has given archaeologists a rich picture of the era. Upriver is Dura Europos, a city that grew under Roman rule in the early centuries A.D. and its ruins revealed evidence of perhaps the earliest use of chemical warfare, when Parthian invaders apparently used sulfuric smoke to smother Roman defenders during a siege. In this rich environment, al-Abdullah and his peers grew up amid a heritage that inspired them to display such bravery. The 48-year-old al-Abdullah said he developed a passion for archaeology as a child watching American and French excavators work in the ruins of Terqa, an ancient city buried under his hometown of al-Asharah. He later led 10 archaeological expeditions along the Euphrates. In the summer of 2014, IS group militants declared their "caliphate" stretching across parts of Syria and Iraq. They swarmed over 90 percent of Deir el-Zour province and shortly after al-Abdullah's emergency museum evacuation mission took part of Deir el-Zour city. Al-Abdullah, now the head of the Damascus museum, says it was as natural to save his hometown's heritage as it was to save his daughters. "People who worked in digging know what it is like to look for a certain piece and then to find it," he says. "We consider this piece as one of our own children. As we fear for our children and family, we fear for those antiquities." Search Keywords: Short link: A drone strike near the Islamic State group's (IS) de facto Syrian capital Raqa killed a militant commander heading to Aleppo province on orders from the organisation's chief, a monitoring group said Thursday. His death is the latest in a series of blows to the militants group in recent weeks, and comes days after Russian-backed Syrian government forces recaptured the ancient city of Palmyra from its grip. Abu al-Hija, a high-ranking Tunisian IS group commander, was killed late on Wednesday in a strike by a drone that was "most likely operated by the US-led coalition", the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. He had travelled to Syria from Iraq just 24 hours earlier at the behest of IS group chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the Britain-based monitoring group said. Abu al-Hija is the latest senior IS group member to be killed in recent weeks. Last week, US forces killed IS group deputy leader Abd ar-Rahman Mustafa al-Qaduli. Earlier this month one of the group's most notorious commanders, Omar al-Shishani, also died. "IS's leadership is being debilitated," Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP. "Without infiltration of IS group, these killings would not have been possible." The latest killing came after Syrian government troops backed by Russian forces seized Palmyra on Sunday. The recapture of Palmyra, known as the "Pearl of the Desert" for its colonnaded alleyways and stunning temples, was seen as the biggest blow so far in the war against IS group in Syria. While Russia and the United States back opposing sides in the conflict between the Syrian government and rebels, both are intent on crushing the militants. "It is clear that Russia and the United States are coordinating in the fight against IS group," Abdel Rahman said. Abu al-Hija had been ordered by Baghdadi to travel from Iraq to Aleppo province near Turkey's border, to oversee IS group resistance to an offensive by US-backed fighters of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces. "The fighting, which has been especially fierce in the past four or five days, could lead to IS group being expelled from the area and pushed eastwards into Raqa province," Abdel Rahman said. A top Pentagon official said earlier this week that IS group was losing the fight against the US-led coalition in both Syria and Iraq, even as it continues to mount attacks overseas, like the suicide bombings that killed 35 people in Brussels on March 22. Search Keywords: Short link: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged Europe to get behind his campaign against Kurdish separatists Thursday, condemning the latest attack against Turkish forces. "We have regrettably lost seven members of the security forces who have lost their lives and we have 14 injured," he told an audience in Washington. "We cannot tolerate this anymore. European countries and other countries, I hope they can see the true face of terrorists in these attacks." Earlier, Turkish officials said six police officers were killed and at least 23 people wounded in a bomb attack on their vehicle in the Kurdish-majority city of Diyarbakir. Erdogan told the audience at the Brookings Institution think tank that the whole world must come together to fight the scourge of terrorism. And he insisted that the Kurdish rebels that his forces are fighting are as dangerous as the fighters of the Islamic State group, which has become the West's main target. In Syria, US-led coalition forces are assisting the YPG, a Kurdish militia which Ankara regards as a subsidiary of the PKK group, against the IS group. "YPG is a gang of terrorists. Another group is fighting against Daesh so they are 'good terrorists'?" he demanded, using an Arabic abbreviation for IS. "This is unacceptable to us. These are the organizations that are auxiliaries of the PKK." Search Keywords: Short link: -Libya's unity government was trying to assert its authority in Tripoli Thursday after the new prime minister-designate's sudden arrival, as the EU imposed sanctions on three Libyans for obstructing peace efforts. Fayez al-Sarraj's arrival at a naval base on Wednesday drew fury from the militia-backed authority in charge of Tripoli, which demanded he leave or surrender. Gunmen stormed the headquarters of a Libyan television station overnight, apparently in support of the new government, but the capital appeared calm on Thursday. Banks and shops were open, police were posted on the streets and flights had resumed at Metiga airport after being suspended the day before "for security reasons". "The reactions have been better than we hoped for. The situation is good," an adviser to Sarraj told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity. The international community hailed the new government's arrival as a crucial step in restoring order to Libya, which has been wracked by chaos since the 2011 overthrow of Moamer Kadhafi. Formed under a power-sharing deal agreed in December, the unity government is meant to take over from rival groups running the country. Libya has had two administrations since mid-2014 when the militia alliance overran Tripoli, setting up its own authority and forcing the internationally recognised parliament to flee to the country's remote east. International leaders, increasingly alarmed by the rise of jihadists and people-smugglers in the impoverished North African state, have called on Libya's political rivals to back the unity government. The United States and its European allies have threatened action against those who undermine the political process. EU member states on Thursday agreed to impose sanctions on three Libyans for obstructing the formation of Sarraj's government. One European source said the measures comprise "a ban on travelling in the European Union and a freeze on assets in the EU." A European diplomatic source told AFP recently that EU sanctions would target the Tripoli government's prime minister Khalifa Ghweil, the head of the General National Congress Nuri Abu Sahmein, and Aguila Saleh, speaker of Libya's internationally recognised government. Sarraj held talks with officials including lawmakers and local mayors on Thursday and was set to meet the governor of Libya's central bank to discuss the nation's crumbling economy. "We have effectively started work today," the UN-backed body's vice president Moussa el-Koni told AFP. UN envoy Martin Kobler said he was in "intensive discussions" with Tripoli-based lawmakers, tweeting that most supported Sarraj's administration. But the prime minister-designate still faces an uphill battle as both of Libya's rival administrations have so far refused to cede power. The Tripoli government on Wednesday insisted he leave the capital or "hand himself in". A member of the unrecognised Tripoli authorities said lawmakers in the capital were "unanimous" that Sarraj and his entourage had entered Libya illegally. Cracks of gunfire were heard around the capital late on Wednesday and the armed men seized control of the Al-Nabaa satellite television station in the city centre, cutting transmissions and forcing out staff. The channel is close to the Tripoli authorities. But there were no other reports of major violence. "I just dropped off my girl at school. Everything seems normal but we are watching very carefully in case things degenerate," said Tripoli resident Jamal, on his way to join friends at a cafe. Sarraj's government posted on its Facebook page calling for calm and for residents "not to instigate violence and to preserve security in the capital." Italy's Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni, who spoke by phone with Sarraj, said Rome would authorise urgent food and medical aid to be distributed by the new administration. A total of 860 tonnes of aid including food and medicine for 30,000 patients would be handed out, his ministry said. Western powers are especially worried by the growth of the Islamic State group in Libya. The jihadist organisation has seized control of Kadhafi's coastal hometown of Sirte and launched a wave of attacks, both against rival Libyan forces and across the border in Tunisia. Tunis on Thursday expressed hope that Sarraj's government could help tamp down the threat of extremism and secure the two countries' shared border. The foreign ministry urged "all Libyan parties to support the unity government (in) its work to fight terrorism, secure its borders and improve the living conditions of the Libyan people". Western countries are considering military action against the jihadists in Libya but want a unity government to request help first. Libya has long been a stepping stone for migrants seeking to cross the Mediterranean to Europe, and traffickers have also exploited its instability. Some 330,000 migrants have landed in Italy from Libya since the start of 2014. Search Keywords: Short link: The US and Saudi Arabia on Thursday sanctioned four individuals and two groups suspected of raising funds for terrorists, including a man who grew up in Scotland and became a Taliban sympathizer. Thursday's action targeted James Alexander McLintock and his Pakistan-based Al-Rahmah Welfare Organization, which the Treasury Department said is a front organization that provides money for al-Qaida, the Taliban, Lashkar-e-Taiba and other Afghan extremists groups under the guide of helping orphans. "As of early 2013, McLintock recruited Afghan insurgents to obtain photos of children, Afghan identity documents and cell phone numbers to create falsified dossiers used to obtain donations," Treasury said in a statement. The department said McLintock used his organization to allegedly provide money to Afghan orphans while helping finance Taliban militant activities in Afghanistan's Kunar province. McLintock received about $180,000 from donors in Britain between April 2011 and April 2012 and also received money from charities in the Persian Gulf and the United Kingdom, Treasury said. McLintock also is suspected of smuggling cash to insurgents in Afghanistan and moving parts for improvised explosive devices between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Also sanctioned were: Abdul Aziz Nuristani and his Jamia Asariya Madrassa in Peshawar, Pakistan, which is suspected of supporting terror groups and recruiting students to become militant fighters. Naveed Qamar, who has held several influential positions with Lashkar-e-Taiba, including running a training camp, supervising commanders from Karachi and helping raise money for the group. Muhammad Ijaz Safarash, who has been a Lashkar-e-Taiba operative for several years, acquiring travel documents and facilitating financial transfers in Saudi Arabia. Treasury put the six on its list of specially designated global terrorists. The action freezes any property they have within US jurisdiction and bans Americans from doing business with them. Saudi Arabia designated the same six suspected of having ties across Afghanistan, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Search Keywords: Short link: Paris attacks suspect Salah Abdeslam wants to cooperate with French authorities once he is extradited from Belgium, his lawyer said Thursday, as Belgian police carried out a raid linked to a foiled French terror plot. Soldiers and police could be seen taking part in the operation near a busy motorway in Courtrai in northwestern Belgium, the latest in a series of raids since the Paris and Brussels terror attacks exposed a tangled web of cross-border jihadist cells. The sole surviving suspect of the November 13 Paris attacks in which 130 people were killed, Salah Abdeslam was arrested in Brussels on March 18 after four months on the run. The arrest was considered a rare success in Belgium's anti-terror fight, although he was found just metres from his family home and has refused to talk since the Brussels attacks despite having links to the attackers. "I can confirm that Salah Abdeslam wants to be handed over to the French authorities," lawyer Cedric Moisse told reporters at an extradition hearing in Brussels. "I can also confirm that he wants to cooperate with the French authorities." A prosecutor was set to travel to the prison in the city of Bruges where Abdeslam is being held to discuss his extradition under a European arrest warrant. Belgian federal prosecutors "do not object" to handing the suspect over to France, said spokesman Eric Van der Sypt. A judge is set to rule on the extradition by Friday at the latest. Belgium has increasingly found itself at the centre of Europe's battle against terrorism and authorities have faced strong criticism for not doing enough to keep tabs on suspected extremists. Its latest raid was linked to a new plot in France, in which the main suspect, Reda Kriket, was charged in France on Wednesday with membership of a terrorist organisation after police found an arsenal of weapons and explosives at his home. "A raid is under way in connection with the (Reda) Kriket case," Van der Sypt told AFP. He said it is taking place at Marke, in the town of Courtrai. In what could signal improved security cooperation, several European countries have made arrests in recent days over the thwarted plot linked to 34-year-old Kriket. Kriket was himself arrested near Paris last week and a police raid on his apartment netted a cache of assault rifles, handguns and TATP, the highly volatile homemade explosive favoured by IS jihadists. Another French suspect, 32-year-old Anis Bahri, was arrested in Rotterdam in the Netherlands at the weekend in connection with the plot. Two other suspects -- Abderrahmane A., 38, and Rabah M., 34 -- have been charged in Belgium accused of involvement in the same plot. Abdeslam 26, has asserted his right to remain silent since the day after his arrest, having been questioned for three hours only about the Paris attacks and not about possible further activity. The Belgian-born French citizen, who was caught unarmed after being shot in the leg in a dramatic police raid in Brussels, told interrogators he had intended to blow himself up at the Stade de France stadium in Paris but had backed out at the last minute. He also refused to speak to investigators after Brussels was hit on March 22 by suicide attacks at the airport and a metro station that were claimed by the Islamic State group in which 32 people died. Abdeslam has been linked to at least two of the Brussels bombers. Khalid El Bakraoui, who blew himself up at the metro, rented a flat in Brussels where Abdeslam's fingerprints were found following a raid on March 15. The second airport bomber, Najim Laachraoui, once drove to Hungary with Abdeslam. According to Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reynders, Abdeslam had also been planning to target Brussels. Another of his lawyers, Sven Mary, said last week that Abdeslam did not have prior knowledge of the March 22 attacks in the Belgian capital. Search Keywords: Short link: Eight migrants were hospitalised early Thursday after a late-night brawl between Syrians and Afghans in the overcrowded migrant camp at the Greek port of Piraeus, authorities said. A coastguard spokeswoman said the injured were only lightly hurt and were to be released later Thursday. Scuffles frequently break out between migrants and refugees of various nationalities at Piraeus, and at the similarly dismal camp of Idomeni on the Greek border with Macedonia. There are over 11,000 people at Idomeni and some 5,700 at Piraeus, waiting in vain for Balkan states to open their borders and permit them passage to wealthy northern Europe. Desperation has spiked following an EU deal with Turkey earlier in March that foresees that tens of thousands of migrants not given asylum will be sent back to Turkey. On Wednesday, hundreds of mainly Afghan migrants demonstrated in Athens to demand the reopening of borders, which have been closed since the beginning of the month. There are over 51,000 people trapped in Greece and hundreds continue to arrive, despite the deal with Turkey on limiting the influx nominally taking effect on March 20. Search Keywords: Short link: Belgian judicial authorities on Thursday approved the extradition to France of Paris attacks prime suspect Salah Abdeslam, prosecutors said, adding that a date for the transfer had not been set. "As Salah Abdeslam had declared to agree to be transferred to France, a federal magistrate took his formal declaration today... The transfer is possible," the federal prosecutor's office said in a statement. "Belgian and French authorities will now consider jointly on how to proceed further in the execution of the transfer," the statement added. French-Belgian national Abdeslam, 26, the sole surviving suspect in the November 13 Paris attacks in which 130 people were killed, was arrested in Brussels on March 18 after four months on the run. Abdeslam's lawyer Cedric Moisse said earlier that his client had consented to his extradition. "Salah Abdeslam wants to be handed over to the French authorities," Moisse told reporters in Brussels. "I can also confirm that he wants to cooperate with the French authorities." French President Francois Hollande announced immediately after Abdeslam's arrest that he wanted him returned to France as quickly as possible to face justice over the attacks in which he is believed to have acted as a logistics coordinator. Abdeslam, who was caught unarmed after being shot in the leg in a dramatic police raid in Brussels, told interrogators he had intended to blow himself up at the Stade de France stadium in Paris but backed out at the last minute. Abdeslam has connections to at least two of the March 22 Brussels bombers. Khalid El Bakraoui, who blew himself up at a metro station, rented a flat in Brussels where Abdeslam's fingerprints were found. One of the two airport bombers, Najim Laachraoui, who is also suspected of having made the bombs for the Paris attacks, once drove to Hungary with Abdeslam. Search Keywords: Short link: Nearly 400,000 students and workers demonstrated against labour reforms across France on Thursday, about double the crowds that protested a week ago, the interior ministry said. More than 100 people were arrested following clashes with the police, in which 13 members of the security forces were injured, the ministry said. The unions claimed 1.2 million people had taken to the streets. Students and workers clashed with police in several French cities on Thursday during angry protests over labour reforms. Striking rail workers disrupted services across France in protest at the proposed reforms and students forced the closure of some 200 schools. Riot police used tear gas against stone-throwing demonstrators in the western cities of Nantes and Rennes, while around 30 youths were arrested after clashes in Paris, Toulouse in the southwest and elsewhere. The clashes came a day after President Francois Hollande was forced into an embarrassing U-turn over constitutional changes. Adding to the president's miserable week, dozens of flights were cancelled due to a separate strike by air traffic controllers. The Socialist government is desperate to push through reforms to France's controversial labour laws, billed as a last-gasp attempt to boost the flailing economy before next year's presidential election. But it has faced a wave of often violent protests by unions and students angry over plans to make it easier for struggling companies to fire workers, even though the reforms have already been diluted once in a bid to placate critics. Hollande's government was still reeling from his decision Wednesday to abandon constitutional changes that would have allowed dual nationals convicted of terrorism to be stripped of their French citizenship. The measure had been derided as ineffective and divisive, including by leftwing rebels within the Socialist party, but Hollande's critics accused him of yet another humiliating climbdown. Already the least popular president in France's modern history, Hollande's numbers continue to fall, with a poll Thursday showing his approval rating at a new low of 15 percent. Another poll on Wednesday showed he would not even reach the second-round run-off in the presidential election. Hollande, 61, has vowed not to run again if he cannot cut the country's stubbornly high unemployment figures -- long stuck at around 10 percent -- and he hoped the labour reforms would encourage firms to hire more staff. Pressure from the street and parliament's back benches caused the government to water down the proposals two weeks ago so that they apply only to large firms. Some reform-minded unions have backed the changes, but the unions behind Thursday's protests said in a statement: "Clearly, this bill will not lead to the necessary job creation, will make insecurity more widespread and will deepen professional inequality, notably for women and young people." A recent opinion poll found 58 percent of the public still opposed the labour reform bill. Joblessness is nearer to 25 percent among the young, with many stuck in an endless cycle of short-term contracts and internships. "Look at your Rolex, it's time for an uprising," read a poster brandished by one student. Bosses are also unhappy with the reforms, particularly over the removal of a cap on compensation paid for unfair dismissal, and the scrapping of plans that would have allowed small- and medium-sized companies to unilaterally introduce flexible working hours. Labour Minister Myriam El Khomri said: "I hear the worries of the young" but argued that the reforms were "necessary and just". Parliament is to vote on the reforms in late April or early May. Aviation authorities told airlines to cancel 20 percent of their flights from Paris' Orly airport on Thursday and a third of flights from the Mediterranean city of Marseille as air traffic controllers went on strike again. Paris' Charles De Gaulle airport was not affected by the 36-hour walkout over job cuts and a lack of investment in new technology. The Airlines for Europe lobby group said it was the 43rd strike by French air traffic controllers since 2009. It was due to end at 5:00 am (0300 GMT) on Friday. *The story was edited by Ahram Online. Search Keywords: Short link: Minister of Antiquities Khaled El-Enany says moe study is needed before taking a decision on re-exploring Tutankhamuns tomb, hours before the beginning of a new radar survey During an inspection tour of Karnak Temple, Minister of Antiquities Khaled El-Enany told Ahram Online that he would attend the radar survey today evening on Tutankhamuns burial chamber, because the Ministry of Antiquities has started a scientific investigation to test the theory launched last August by British Egyptologist Nicholas Reeves who claimed that the burial place of Queen Nefertiti is hidden inside the tomb of her son-in-law, the boy king Tutankhamun. He went on saying that the ministry and Reeves, along with a scientific committee, embarked on a field exploration of Tutankhamuns tomb and saw, without technological assistance, that there is something on the west and north walls of Tutankhamuns burial chamber. El-Enany explained that Reeves has suggested there is something concealed behind the west and north walls of Tutankhamuns burial chamber and the ministry had two choices: to ignore his claims and close the subject, or use technology and carry out a radar survey. The ministry, he said, selected the second choice and authorised two radar surveys. I did not participate in the previous radar survey, as I was not a member in the project scientific committee that carried out the survey, but today, as minister of antiquities, I will attend the survey in order to follow up on the situation, to review the project, and to study its different parts in detail, and carefully, El-Enany told Ahram Online. He went on saying that a scientific discussion is to be held afterwards. They have their own opinion. We will listen to it, of course, as well as the opinions of our scientists, Egyptologists and geological experts in the scientific committee, among them former Minister of Antiquities Mamdouh Eldamaty, who started the project and will attend todays radar survey. El-Enany said, adding that he came to listen. El-Enany pointed out that the results of the project couldnt be announced after the radar survey of today evening. I have to listen first, review the whole project in detail, and study all its parts in order to achieve a result, El-Enany said. He went on saying that when taking up Egypts antiquities portfolio last week, he knew that a visit to Luxor was planned on Thursday with a radar survey by an American expert in collaboration with an Egyptian team. However, due to his belief in the work of associations in the country, El-Enany was keen to continue the project as long as it is worthy of past work in antiquities and archaeology. The project has to be efficiently evaluatedm and anything that would be worthy for antiquities we would go ahead with. But anything that could harm, with frivolity, antiquities would be stopped immediately, El-Enany told Ahram Online asserting, I am not talking about Tutankhamuns tomb re-exploration project as such; that goes for any other projects. Due to my proficiency and my eagerness on scientific credibility, we will listen and the project will be studied and results announced after some time, El-Enany said. El-Enany said that no one can touch the paintings in Tutankhamuns tomb, and the suggestion to use a tiny optic camera to probe a one inch hole from the treasury room of Tutankahmuns tomb, which has no paintings in it, to explore what lies behind the north and west walls, is just a suggestion proposed if the surveys and studies prove there is something to find behind the north wall. "Although, the exploration mission got the approval of the ministrys permanent committee, I dont want to get ahead of events, El-Enany said, adding that the new radar survey and studies may prove nothing. El-Enany's inspection tour in Karnak focused especially the works carried out by the Egyptian and French mission. Tonight he is to visit Luxors west bank, including the Deir Al-Madina necropolis, Amenhotep III's funerary temple, Habu and the Valley of the Kings. Tomorrow he will embark on a two-day inspection tour across the south, visiting several archaeological sites, including Al-Tod, Madamoud, Qift, Armant, Esna, Edfu, Komombo, Aswan and Elephantine Island. Search Keywords: Short link: El-Aswany's novel was released on Wednesday in Hebrew without the author's permission, according to the writer's Twitter page Renowned Egyptian novelist Alaa El-Aswany denied on Thursday giving permission to an Israeli publisher to publish a Hebrew version of his novel The Yacoubian Building. El-Aswany said in a Twitter statement that he did not at any time sign a contract with any Israeli publisher to publish his works. Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee announced on his Facebook page on Wednesday that El-Aswany's novel was translated into Hebrew by Bruria Horowitz and published by Tobi publishing house in Israel, with Adraee posting the cover of the Hebrew edition of the book. This is not the first time an Israeli publisher released El-Aswany's works reportedly without his permission. In 2010, El-Aswany said he would sue the Israel-Palestine Centre for Tolerance for publishing the same novel without his approval. First published in Arabic in 2002, The Yacoubian Building which was made into a film in 2006 and a TV series in 2007 shot El-Aswany to prominence and remains his most well-known work. El-Aswany is one of Egypt's most well-known writers, with his books translated into English, French, Spanish and German, among other languages. He is also a frequent commentator on Egyptian politics and is known for his opposition to the rule of ex-president Hosni Mubarak, who was ousted after mass protests in 2011. El-Aswany also supported the toppling of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in 2013, and has been critical of sitting president Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi. El-Aswany was included in the Jordanian Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre's list of the top 500 most influential Muslims in the world, and in 2012 he was awarded the Tiziano Terzani Italian literary prize for his book " Did the Egyptian Revolution Go Wrong?" Search Keywords: Short link: The formal unveiling of the 13th Five-Year Plan has come at a pivotal moment in the nation's development journey. After 35 years of extraordinary success, the Chinese economy faces a tough combination of external and internal pressures. To remain effective, China's strategy must adapt to those pressures. And for good reason. The global economy is in the midst of a protracted period of weakness, unable to support the external underpinnings of China's long powerful export-led growth structure. And the domestic economy suffers from a multitude of imbalances from surplus saving and excess investment to high debt and mounting income inequality. The growth strategy that worked so well in the first stage of development basically a producer model that was closely aligned with a vigorous expansion of global trade is ill-equipped for the daunting transition to the next stage. The leadership has long been aware of these challenges. The now-completed 12th Five-Year Plan focused on the imperatives of a consumer-led rebalancing as the only viable option for sustained development. While there was good success in several key aspects of this plan especially the development of services and the push toward urbanization much remains to be accomplished. The 13th Five-Year Plan is aimed at filling in the missing pieces of the core development strategy. The urgency of the country's strategic challenges has been underscored by a significant slowing of GDP growth, the bursting of an equity bubble and pressures on its currency. Inasmuch as the economy has been the major driver of world output over the past decade, these concerns have led to heightened anxiety in world financial markets over prospects for global economic growth. The result is an increasingly powerful negative feedback loop with China's problems leading to global concerns, which then exacerbate the angst over an externally dependent Chinese economy. In keeping with this broad constellation of pressures, the 13th Five-Year Plan focuses on both the demand and the supply sides of the economy. It continues to emphasize private consumption, underpinned by the services- and urbanization-led rebalancing featured prominently in the prior plan. But it ups the ante by an intensified focus on the social safety net namely, consolidating social security and health care systems, hukou reform, and a relaxation of the one-child family planning policy. The hope is to provide more security for a new generation of middle-class consumers encouraging them to convert fear-driven precautionary saving into a new and vigorous source of growth in discretionary consumption. At the same time, a new supply-side agenda is aimed at improved efficiency and productivity enhancement. The 13th Five-Year Plan actually features a specific, albeit narrow, productivity target a first for modern China. The stated goal is to boost per capita labor productivity (i.e., output per worker) in so-called advanced industries (high-end manufacturing, modern services, and strategic and emerging industries) from 87,000 yuan in 2015 to over 120,000 yuan by 2020. That works out to a 38 percent increase over the five-year planning period, or roughly a 7 percent average annual rate of labor productivity growth in this key segment of the economy. That would be a spectacular result, by any standards if, of course, it can be achieved. The new supply-side initiatives also feature the elimination of excess capacity in "zombie state-owned enterprises," meaning coal, steel, cement, glass and shipbuilding; associated headcount reductions in SOEs of at least 5 million workers; a reduction of excess housing inventory; and a deleveraging from the post-crisis credit binge. In the end, productivity will be the ultimate arbiter of success. As China transitions from capital-intensive manufacturing to labor-intensive services, its productivity growth will slow naturally. The key is to cushion the downside of this slowing. Its commitment to a broad program of supply-side initiatives and productivity enhancement in its advanced industries should be viewed in that critically important context. In keeping with this focus, the new five-year plan makes repeated references to a more sophisticated and innovative manufacturing sector, stressing new features of higher-value added industrial development. Under the broad umbrella of a high-profile push launched in 2015 dubbed "Made in China 2025," the plan emphasizes entrepreneurship and new business formation as well as state-directed focus on strategic emerging industries from biotech and electric cars to alternative energy and new materials. Similarly, there is a comparable emphasis on "Internet-Plus" driven by innovation in cloud- and big data-based increases in e-commerce with equally important implications for productivity enhancement in China's modern services sector. Alas, there is an important twist to the growth strategy that became evident in the rollout of the new five-year plan. In his "work report" presented to the recent National People's Congress (NPC), Premier Li Keqiang put supply-side reforms at number two in the top "eight tasks" for 2016 second only to the government's focus on economic stability in countering the growth slowdown. By contrast, emphasis on boosting domestic demand long the focus of the consumer-led rebalancing strategy was downgraded to third place on the so-called work agenda. In China, where internal debates are carefully scripted, nothing happens by accident. In the keynote speech at this year's China Development Forum, a high-level event that follows immediately on the heels of the NPC, Vice Premier and Politburo Standing Committee member Zhang Gaoli drove this point home, emphasizing the need to direct supply-side initiatives at China's "main threat." By contrast, there were only passing mentions of consumer-led rebalancing. Maybe I am guilty of splitting hairs. After all, every economy needs to focus on both the supply and the demand sides of its growth equation. But this shift in emphasis in the 13th Five-Year Plan as well as in the debate and messaging at this year's China Development Forum appears to be an important signal. I worry that it could indicate a premature shift away from the consumer-led model back to China's comfort zone of a producer model that has long been more amenable to the industrial engineering of central planning. Yet much remains to bring the consumer to life. It is, indeed, a tough challenge. But de-emphasizing that commitment could call into question a crucial shift now required of core economic strategy. In the end, strategy is China's greatest strength, lending credibility to its commitment to structural transformation. This sets the country apart from more short-sighted economies in the West, where strategy was once mockingly referred to as "the vision thing" by former U.S. President George H.W. Bush. The 13th Five-Year Plan could well represent modern China's most important test. In theory, it lays out important steps in the right direction absolutely essential if the nation is to avoid the dreaded "middle-income trap" by making a successful transition to a new growth model. But with less margin for error, there is heightened much urgency to accelerate reforms. That puts the pressure squarely on implementation ultimately the nation's greatest challenge. Stephen S. Roach is a faculty member at Yale University, former chairman of Morgan Stanley Asia and the author of Unbalanced: The Codependency of America and China (2014). This article is drawn from a longer paper (click here to read) presented at this year's China Development Forum (Beijing) The country's financial regulators are setting up creditor committees at certain companies in an effort to prevent individual banks from causing a crisis by demanding early repayment of a loan. Leaders at the China Banking Regulatory Commission (CBRC) arrived at the decision at a meeting in January, records of the meeting viewed by Caixin show. "The intention is to create a platform and mechanism that can harmonize creditors' moves," the document cites one executive of the commission as saying. The committees, which are to represent all the banking creditors of a company, aims to prevent banks from demanding debt payment before it is due, the executive said. The regulator's local branches can decide what firms need the committees, the records said. Banking regulators in the central province of Henan have required creditor committees be set up for firms that owe a total of more than 300 million yuan to more than three banks, the Henan Daily reported. The largest creditor will be responsible for organizing and leading the committee, the official newspaper said. The local branch of the banking office held a signing ceremony for the launch of committees at 535 companies, Henan Daily said. Some 125 banks were involved. "The creditor committee policy will enhance communication among banks and thus allow for concerted actions in difficult times," Zhang Chun, an official at the banking regulator in Henan, told the newspaper. As the economy slows, some banks have started calling in loans before they are due over worries a company is heading for trouble. Shanxi Highsee Iron and Steel Group, a major private steel maker in the northern province of Shanxi, ran into trouble in 2014 when banks demanded repayment of loans early. (Rewritten by Chen Na) (Beijing) Transport authorities in Shenzhen have given companies running car-hire apps until April 10 to stop working with drivers whose vehicles are registered in other cities in a bid to ease traffic problems. The southern city's transport commission said at a news conference on March 29 that it summoned representatives of five car-hire companies, including Didi and the Shenzhen subsidiary of California-based Uber Inc., to brief them on the decision. The commission said the firms will be punished if they are found to continue working with drivers whose cars are not registered in Shenzhen, but did not say what that punishment might involve. Car-hire apps have grown popular since arriving in China in 2011 because they help address a shortage of cabs, particularly during rush hour in big cities. The service is popular with young urbanites, in part because it is often superior to that of government-backed taxi companies. This popularity has prompted drivers to get cars from wherever they can, from nearby provinces if necessary, in a bid to cash in on the popular business. Shenzhen has 300,000 cars from outside its borders cooperating with the app companies on its streets, data from the transport commission show. Authorities in the city neighboring Hong Kong complain this has exacerbated traffic problems in the city, which has 3.3 million vehicles of its own. Some 45 percent of 750,000 traffic violations linked to the car-hire service in Shenzhen last year involved vehicles out of town, the commission added. The commission also said it has ordered the app companies to tighten screening of drivers after it found many using drugs or with criminal records that would bar them from working as taxi drivers. (Rewritten by Li Rongde) Hundreds of students occupied the legislature in a protest that became known as the Sunflower Movement. Hundreds of thousands of Taiwanese took to the streets and protested outside the presidential office. In 2014, when the ruling Nationalist Party (KMT) tried to force the bill through the legislature, Taiwan saw its largest outpouring of anti-China sentiment in years. China has ignored concerns on the island and repeatedly called for the quick passage of the 2013 Cross-Strait Trade and Services Agreement, which is supposed to open up investments on both sides, including industries such as banking, health care and tourism. The new draft law would allow more government oversight of agreements with Beijing. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which gained a majority of seats in the legislature following election victories in January, is proposing that the law be considered before a long-stalled and controversial trade pact with China is passed. China has warned Taiwan that a new law under review in the island's legislature could hurt the ability of the two sides to conduct negotiations and further ties. DPP's Election Sweep Beijing latest warning follows the DPP's election sweep, in which some members of the Sunflower Movement were elected to the legislature. Some analysts say the movement's groundswell of youth activism played a key role in Tsai Ing-wen's triumph over the KMT, which will see her take office as the island's first female president on May 20. Still, the dramatic and historic shift appears to be a difficult one for authoritarian China to digest. And on Wednesday, the head of a top government body on affairs with Taiwan voiced Beijing's concerns. "Anything that damages the basis for consultations and negotiations between the two sides of the strait, interferes in or impedes relevant progress or puts up man-made blocks on the development of ties, we will resolutely oppose," said An Fengshan, spokesman for China's Taiwan Affairs Office. China regards self-ruled Taiwan to be part of its own territory. The two sides split amid a civil war in 1949 and while both were remarkably similar in their authoritarian control for decades, Taiwan eventually began moving toward democracy, holding its first presidential elections in 1996. An also expressed worry that the bill might usurp power from semi-official bodies that the two sides have set up to navigate political differences. But Alexander Huang, assistant professor at Taiwan's Tamkang University, disagrees. Instead of creating more tension, he says, the bill could actually help ease suspicions. As a full-fledged democracy, he said, "it is very natural for our parliament to ask for the rights and exercise their power to supervise Taiwan government deals with any external entities." Huang also said that while there are concerns that the bill could refer to the two sides as separate countries -- a position that Beijing rejects -- the DPP has modified its original version of the law, referring to relations as those "across the Taiwan Strait," in what he called a clear signal of goodwill to China. "With the legislature's supervision, that will strengthen the agreements that are signed between China and Taiwan," he said. Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou and President-elect Tsai Ing-wen met for 70 minutes on Wednesday to discuss the impending government handover. According to a Ma administration official, the two did not exchange views on mainland-Taiwan relations, but agreed that it was "very important to promote diplomacy." A Vietnamese court has sentenced three women who held up the flags of the defeated U.S.-backed South Vietnam to up to four years in prison on charges of spreading anti-state propaganda, media reported Wednesday. The women were convicted of holding anti-state banners, the flags and chanting anti-state slogans outside the United State diplomatic mission in Ho Chi Minh City in July 2014, Thanh Nien newspaper reported. Their trial lasted half a day Wednesday. Ngo Thi Minh Uoc, 57, got four years, and Nguyen Thi Tri and Nguyen Thi Be Hai, both 58, were given three years in prison by the People's Court in Ho Chi Minh City. The newspaper said the three were also given two years of house arrest after serving their sentences. It quoted the verdict as saying their action was "very serious, infringing on national security, distorting, instigating, causing suspicion and mistrust of the people in the [Communist] Party and state." U.S. Treasury chief Jack Lew warned Wednesday against the excessive use of economic sanctions on other countries to change their behavior, saying they could imperil the U.S. role in the world economy. The United States has imposed sanctions on foreign countries for decades, most recently successfully to push Iran into negotiations to block its development of nuclear weaponry and so far unsuccessfully to overturn Russia's takeover of Ukraine's Crimean peninsula. The U.S. and European sanctions, along with very low world oil prices, have helped push the Russian economy into a recession, but Moscow maintains full control of Crimea. Lew, in a Washington speech to the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, adopted a measured view of the effectiveness of economic sanctions. "Sanctions should not be used lightly," Lew said. "We must be conscious of the risk that overuse of sanctions could undermine our leadership position within the global economy, and the effectiveness of our sanctions themselves." While the constitutional amendments passed the socialist-controlled National Assembly, or lower house, earlier this year, the conservative-controlled Senate offered up a different version of the legislation, making its passage difficult, if not impossible. Both France and Belgium are grappling with how to respond to the terrorist threat, but Hollande's push for constitutional changes and France's current state of emergency -- now in its fifth month -- have been particularly divisive. The move underscores the deep rifts over how to deal with terrorism four months after the attacks in Paris, and just a week after the Brussels bombings. The two appear to be closely linked. "Part of the opposition has been hostile to all constitutional revisions," Hollande said as he made his announcement, adding, "I deplore this attitude." Blaming his political opponents, French President Francois Hollande abandoned plans Wednesday to push through deeply controversial constitutional changes that included stripping French citizenship from convicted terrorists and enshrining the state of emergency into the nations charter. Casting Blame A year before general elections, politicians on both sides of the aisle lost no time pointing fingers. "We are at the heart of Mr. Hollande's system," said former president Nicolas Sarkozy who heads the center-right Republicans party. "While promising everything and its contrary, piling lies upon lies, the reality is he is condemning the country to blockage and immobility." But Socialist Party head Jean-Christophe Combadelis laid the blame squarely on the conservatives for failing to put aside partisan differences and "enter into a national union" to fight terrorism. Either way, analysts assess the fallout as a fresh setback for deeply unpopular Hollande, who is struggling to revive the economy and grow jobs before he faces reelection. "For Francois Hollande, this renouncement is a heavy political defeat, especially since he did everything to try to reunite Congress," wrote the French newspaper La Croix. Hollande is additionally weakened within his own leftist ranks, where the legislation has likewise been divisive. His justice minister, Christiane Taubira, resigned in January over the nationality-stripping clause. Unfair to Muslims Rights groups also sounded the alarm over the measures. "We are relieved the government finally realized the need for political and citizen debate over these fundamental rights such as stripping citizenship and the state of emergency," said free speech advocacy officer Dominique Curis of Amnesty International France, reacting to the repeal of the measures. "Stripping citizenship is probably not the answer to terrorism," she added. "There are more risks than benefits." Even without being enshrined in the constitution, France's current state of emergency -- announced following Novembers attacks that killed 130 people -- is still extremely controversial. Thousands of soldiers have been deployed across the country to guard sensitive sites, and police have been granted sweeping powers to search premises and place suspects under house arrest without court warrants. While many ordinary French supported the extrajudicial measures after November's attacks, rights groups and activists denounce them as unfair and biased against France's five-million strong Muslim community. "It's arbitrarily targeted a whole population, who have been prevented to work, whose apartments and lives have been overturned because of suspicions based on almost nothing," said Alexandre Piettre, a sociologist at the Societies, Religions and Secularity Group, a Paris-based think-tank. Strikingly, the Belgian government has not instituted a state of emergency following last week's terror attacks, even though the attacks were eerily similar to those in Paris, with shared suspects. Former French anti-terrorist judge Marc Trevidic strongly urged Belgium not to follow France's example, saying the emergency measures had led to mistakes and were only marginally effective. "It makes no sense," he told Belgium's Le Soir newspaper. "It's stupid. But nobody wants to say so." North Korean trade officials have been reduced to smuggling in foreign currency by train as a global ban on remittances bites, according to the Daily NK website. The news site quoted a source as saying inspections are less stringent on cross-border trains from China than at airports. It said the officials are using special wrapping paper to avoid detection. China is tightening financial controls in the border region and is conducting stringent inspections of cargo bound for the North, but bags full of cash travel under the radar. But another source said that only works for smaller amounts, while entities that are owed money for coal or manufactured products have considerable difficulty. Early this month, two North Koreans were caught in Sri Lanka carrying large sums of dollars while attempting to switch to a plane to China. Ruling and opposition candidates for the National Assembly are neck-and-neck in many constituencies not only in the Seoul metropolitan region but in their old strongholds as well. A poll Tuesday by Media Research for the Chosun Ilbo shows five out of six constituencies in the metropolitan region and Chungcheong and Jeolla provinces with no clear winner. Kim Ji-yeon of Media Research said, "There are many hotly contested areas due to the split within the opposition camps. The outlook remains unclear." A movie featuring Liam Neeson about the Incheon Landing during the Korean War has attracted W500 million in crowdfunding (US$1=W1,148). If all goes well, "Operation Chromite" will be released later this year. It tells the story of intelligence officers in a spy operation during the landing, with Neeson appearing as Gen. Douglas MacArthur. This is the first time that a Korean film production has attracted money through stock-type crowdfunding which gives investors a slice of the profit, however small. The Financial Services Commission on Wednesday said the producers attracted 288 investors in just seven days and met their target of W500 million. Investors will receive a 5.6-percent profit after the break-even point of 5 million viewers. Samsung Heavy Industries and Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering won no vessel orders at all in the first quarter of this year. Data from London's Clarkson Research Services show Korean shipbuilders won only eight orders so far this year or six percent of the 170,000 compensated gross tons in vessel orders they won last year. Among the eight, five were clinched by Hyundai Heavy Industries, Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries and Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, and the other three by mid-sized firms. Samsung and Daewoo employ more than 30,000 workers. Dialogue 'is the key' to solve sea dispute 2016-03-31 05:38 Beijing and Hanoi have agreed to seek fundamental solutions to disputes over the South China Sea through dialogue, with their defense ministers concluding talks on Wednesday. The two countries have "both the wisdom and capability to control disputes and tackle the South China Sea issue properly", State Councilor and Defense Minister Chang Wanquan told reporters. He was speaking at a joint news conference in Pingxiang, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, after holding "candid" discussions with his Vietnamese counterpart, Phung Quang Thanh. The two held a third border meeting that started on Monday in Lang Son, Vietnam. Thanh said at the news conference that although Vietnam and China hold different positions on the South China Sea, "we both agreed to handle the issue through peaceful and friendly negotiations on the basis of international law, while abiding by the consensus reached by our leaders". Bilateral ties have been hampered in recent years, as the two countries both claim territory in the South China Sea. Before the border meeting, Chang met on Sunday in Hanoi with Thanh and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong, who said Vietnam values cooperation with China. He added that military cooperation has played a major role in pushing forward relations between the two countries. Trong visited Beijing in April last year, and President Xi Jinping visited Hanoi in November, helping to improve bilateral relations. Chang said the two militaries have reached a consensus to increase high-level exchanges and boost personnel training, as well as expanding cooperation on military academic research, the defense sector and UN peacekeeping. Sharing a border of more than 1,450 kilometers, China and Vietnam started joint border patrols in 2012, and on Wednesday morning the two ministers witnessed patrols on both sides of the border. Chang said the aim of the latest border meeting is to implement the agreement reached by the two countries' leaders, and strengthen the political trust and pragmatic cooperation of both armies to contribute to peace and stability along the border. Major Wang Mingwen, head of the Chinese patrol squad, said the joint patrols help to avoid misunderstandings and conflict between the two armies in handling problems such as "incursions" by people living near the border to plant crops, or other illegal activities. By conducting the patrols, communication with the Vietnamese can be established to unify their countermeasures when dealing with similar problems, Wang said. Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Xuan Thang, head of the Vietnamese squad, said the joint patrols also help to strengthen friendship and trust between soldiers. Jia Duqiang, a researcher of Southeast Asia studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences' National Institute of International Strategy, said the ministers' remarks show that the two countries will not let the South China Sea dispute affect overall relations. Jia said the experience and trust accumulated in previous border negotiations will be conducive to the eventual solution to the South China Sea dispute, which is the only remaining border dispute between the two countries. Wang Qingyun in Beijing contributed to this story. Contact the writers at wangxu@chinadaily.com.cn Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan has also criticized other ministers and the State Government over their reactions on the appointment of the Technical University Vice Chancellor. #MLB Padres' Kim Ha-seong gets 2 hits, RBI in NLCS defeat The San Diego Padres' South Korean shortstop Kim Ha-seong had his second career postseason multihit game, though his club got pushed to the brink by the power-hitting Philadelphia ... A while back we discussed Disney's plans to go full steam ahead with the Star Wars universe and release a new movie every year until there's no longer an appetite from the fans. This will include both a continuation of the saga set up in the Star Wars films thus far as well as self contained spin offs focusing on characters in the extended universe. Rogue One, which will be released later this year will be the first of these spin offs and a standalone Han Solo movie will be the second. Provided these spin offs are a hit with fans, Disney will surely be looking to see what other characters they can mine for future movies. One character which could be perfect for such treatment is Obi Wan Kenobi and Ewan McGregor, the man who portrayed him in the prequel trilogy is very much on board with the idea. McGregor sat down with Collider and discussed the possibility of an Obi Wan standalone in the below video. Please enable Javascript to watch this video "Id very much like to do one too. I think the story between Episode III and Episode IV, I think theres a story there. I think thats the Obi-Wan Kenobi movie, if there is one. The one that bridges my Obi-Wan Kenobi and Alecs Obi-Wan Kenobi because theres a -I dont know how long hes in the desert there, but its got to be twenty or thirty years." As McGregor himself says there's a good twenty years or so between the end of Episode III and the start of IV so it wouldn't be unlikely that he took a break from watching over Luke every now and again to go save the Galaxy. Also if certain theories about Rey's origins turn out to be true, there'll be a LOT of explaining to do. A trilogy might be stretching it though! Troubled productions don't necessarily produce troubled works. For every three Apocalypse Now-type shoot, there's a Jaws to balance it all out. Of course, some have been more rough than others and some have passed on into legend. Here's a rundown of some of the worst, most bedraggled, most intense productions of all time. 6. 'The Island Of Dr. Moreau' There's a reason you're not overly familiar with this film. In a nutshell, it was a giant mess from start to finish and cruel, twisted fate had a big part to play. The film went through two directors, various rewrites, a tumultuous relationship between its star (Val Kilmer) and the replacement director (John Frankenheimer) and Marlon Brando trying to cope with his daughter's suicide on set. Yeah, really. The original director, Richard Stanley, had spent years developing the film and was even a descendant of a real-life explorer who served as an inspiration to H.G. Wells' writing. What happened? The studio went behind the original director's back and tried to cut him out, offering it to Roman Polanski instead. The original director then managed to get Marlon Brando and Bruce Willis onboard and was ready to begin production. Before filming began, Bruce Willis dropped out due to his highly-public divorce with Demi Moore whilst Marlon Brando's daughter, Cheyenne, committed suicide. Brando retreated to his private island and refused to return to the set for filming. Brando and the original director had formed a bond and were fighting off studio interference. Val Kilmer was brought on to replace Bruce Willis, who immediately demanded 40% less screentime and less time on set. As well as this, Kilmer was reportedly ALSO in the middle of an acrimonious divorce from his then-wife, Joanne Whalley. Set crew and actors also attested to Kilmer being nothing short of a bully during his time, regularly berating Richard Stanley's ideas as director and undermining him at every opportunity. The fallout After a total of three days on set, Stanley was fired by the studio and offered his full director's fee if he left quietly and said nothing. The female lead clashed with studio executives and ordered her PA to drive her from Cairns Island to Sydney - in a limousine. That's a trip over 2,000 miles. Another director, John Frankenheimer, was brought in who held the studio over a barrel and got a three-picture deal and a huge fee off them. The production lurched on, with more hassle between Frankenheimer, Kilmer, Brando and the crushing weather in Australia. What's more, the film was a critical and commercial bomb. 5. 'Blade Runner' Often cited as one of the most inventive and original sci-fi films ever made, 'Blade Runner' is hailed as the crux point between arthouse cinema and blockbuster. Pioneering special-effects, a director at the height of his powers, a strong cast - all that couldn't stop a truly difficult shoot for all concerned. What happened? As with most of these things, studio interference and a headstrong director. Ridley Scott came from a background where he worked with small English crews on commercials and was used to his orders being followed without question. The film was shot mainly at night, which became hugely expensive for crew costs and was taxing on all the actors involved. Harrison Ford, meanwhile, "tangled" with Ridley Scott on more than one occasion. Ridley Scott's clashes with the crews became even worse when, during an interview with a British tabloid about the production, said that he preferred working with British crews over US crews. The 'Blade Runner' set crew got wind of the article and turned up wearing t-shirts that directly referenced the interview. Meanwhile, the film's budget began to get bigger and bigger and the special effects became more and more complex. The fallout Harrison Ford was on the hook to record a voiceover track, despite the fact he was expressly against it. The film, meanwhile, was marketed completely differently to what the film really was. Early trailers and previews pitched Blade Runner as an action / adventure. The film received middling reviews, with one review calling it "Blade Crawler" whilst others felt the special effects overshadowed everything else. The film went through three different versions - the Theatrical Cut, the Director's Cut and, 25 years after its release, the Final Cut. Still, it's since been reevaluated for what it is - one of the best sci-fi films ever made. 4. 'Ishtar' Ishtar didn't so much as destroy the promising career of director Elaine May as it nuked the whole thing from orbit - she wouldn't direct another movie again until 29 years later. Despite the initial help from Warren Beatty and Dustin Hoffman, the arduous filming in the North African desert began to take its toll whilst the worsening political situation in Morocco made production even worse. What happened? Elaine May had worked up a lot of favours in Hollywood, having helped with rewrites of 'Reds', 'Tootsie' and many more. With that in mind, Warren Beatty had gone to bat for May and urged the studio to hire her - despite the fact she was relatively untested as a film director. On-set battles raged between Beatty and May, with matters coming to a head when May effectively told Beatty to shoot the film the way he wanted. The result was that the number of takes on the film doubled and so to did the production's costs. Towards the end of the film's production, a new studio exec was brought on who had a score to settle with Beatty and Hoffman and leaked stories about the film's troubled production to the press. The fallout As mentioned, Elaine May didn't work again for three decades as a director. She and Warren Beatty, who were close friends up until the film, didn't speak for two years. To this day, May reportedly is incredibly bitter about the entire experience. The film, naturally, was a complete disaster - both critically and commercially and is regularly cited as one of the worst films ever made. 3. 'Blade: Trinity' The third and final film in the Blade Trilogy currently sits at 25% on Rotten Tomatoes. Yet, despite this, the film was a financial success for New Line. Of a budget of $65,000,000, it managed to earn a total of $128,900,000. However, the on-set tension between Wesley Snipes and David S. Goyer was nothing short of legendary. What happened? We'll let Patton Oswalt, who starred in the movie explain it all in a way that only he can. "He (Wesley Snipes) wouldnt come out of his trailer, and he would smoke weed all day. Which is fine with me, because I had all these DVDs that I wanted to catch up on. We were in Vancouver, and it was always raining. I kept the door to my trailer open to smell the evening rain while I was watching a movie. Then I remember one day on the setthey let everyone pick their own clothesthere was one black actor who was also kind of a club kid. And he wore this shirt with the word Garbage on it in big stylish letters. It was his shirt. And Wesley came down to the set, which he only did for close-ups. Everything else was done by his stand-in. I only did one scene with him. But he comes on and goes, Theres only one other black guy in the movie, and you make him wear a shirt that says Garbage? You racist motherfucker! And he tried to strangle the director, David Goyer." "So later that night, Ron Perlman was in the city. Everyone who makes movies in Vancouver stays in the same hotel. Its like an episode of The Love Boat. Every time the elevator stops, youve got a different celebrity getting on. Like, [announcer voice] Hey, now weve got Danny Glover! So we went out that night to some strip club, and we were all drinking. And there were a bunch of bikers there, so David says to them, Ill pay for all your drinks if you show up to set tomorrow and pretend to be my security. Wesley freaked out and went back to his trailer. And the next day, Wesley sat down with David and was like, I think you need to quit. Youre detrimental to this movie. And David was like, Why dont you quit? Weve got all your close-ups, and we could shoot the rest with your stand-in. And that freaked Wesley out so much that, for the rest of the production, he would only communicate with the director through Post-it notes. And he would sign each Post-it note From Blade." The fallout Surprisingly enough, it was quite small-scale with Wesley Snipes coming off the worst. Snipes sued the studio for $5 million and argued that one of the film's crew members wore a racist t-shirt whilst he was being pushed out of the production. David S. Goyer, meanwhile, went on to work on Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy and Zack Snyder's 'Man of Steel' as well as 'Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice'. The co-stars, Ryan Reynolds and Jessica Biel, both went to even more success - Wesley Snipes did three years in jail for failing to file income tax returns. 2. 'Alien 3' Before a single frame of film was shot for 'Alien 3', a whopping $7 million had been spent on pre-production, artwork, conceptual imagery and a number of directors and screenwriters. To say that 'Alien 3' was doomed before it even hatched was an understatement. What happened? David Fincher was one of several directors approached to take on the film. His first big-budget film, Fincher had honed his craft working on music videos and commercials - much like Ridley Scott had done back in 1979. However, with no script locked in and a deadline to meet, Fincher launched himself into the production. Pretty soon, studio pressure became instantly apparent and constant phonecalls between the studio and Fincher were the norm. Charles Dance, who played Clemens, spoke highly of Fincher's abilities. "Fincher had the studio on his back the whole time phoning him at all hours of the day and night not taking into account the time change... I remember walking on this huge set at Pinewood Studios and Fincher comes up and fires off his shot list for the day. Heres this guy young enough to be my son who knew all the crews jobs, all the shots he wanted, and where he was going to make the cuts in the film, and I thought, my God, this guy is going to go far." The fallout David Fincher rarely speaks of 'Alien 3' in interviews and has been pretty open about how much he hates the film. In a BFI interview, Fincher said that 'Alien 3' was a "baptism by fire." "I was very naive. For a number of years, I'd been around the kind of people who financed movies and the kind of people who are there to make the deals for movies. But I'd always had this naive idea that everybody wants to make movies as good as they can be, which is stupid." Of all four of the 'Alien' films, Fincher was the only director who refused to take part in the restoration of them for a DVD boxset. The series continued on, with 'Alien: Resurrection' and the sort-of spinoff sequel 'Prometheus' and the very much a sequel 'Alien: Covenant'. Pretty much everyone walked away unscathed, which is rare for such a high-profile failure. 1. 'Apocalypse Now' Easily the most well-known of troubled productions. Forget 'The Revenant'. Forget 'Justice League'. Forget any of these. 'Apocalypse Now' had heart-attacks, Communist insurgencies and a director slowly but surely going mad in the jungle. What happened? What didn't happen? To properly understand just how batshit insane Apocalypse Now was, seek out the excellent documentary 'Hearts Of Darkness' that gives you a full insight into exactly what happened. The cliff notes? Martin Sheen, who was a high-functioning alcoholic throughout the production, was trying to sober up. Pretty soon, he had a massive heart-attack. Marlon Brando would only work a total of 30 days or so on location for a then-gigantic fee of $3.5 million. When Brando did turn up on set, he was overweight and hadn't learned any of his lines. In fact, he didn't even really understand what the film was about. Francis Ford Coppola then had to cut around Marlon Brando's ballooning shape and rewrite the ending to suit. Costs spiralled out of control as Coppola became more and more pressured by the film's constant problems and the fact that it was his own money on the line. The fallout For all the problems, the madness and the infamy that surrounded 'Apocalypse Now' the end most definitely justified the means. 'Apocalypse Now' is the definitive Vietnam War movie, charting the brutality and callousness of US military involvement in the region, the lingering madness of the jungle and the oppressive reality that war is a part of humanity as much as anything else. Bleak, dark and utterly, utterly brilliant, 'Apocalypse Now' is one of those films that's required viewing and knowing the sheer scale of the problems involved in making it has fuelled its legacy. Pop fans in Belfast must be feeling cursed right about now, as it's been announced that both Little Mix shows that were due to take place today - a matinee and an evening show at the SSE Arena - have been cancelled. The reason that promoters gave for the cancellation was that group member Jesy Nelson is 'unwell and unable to perform'. Last year, One Direction cancelled their first-ever gig in Belfast when Liam Payne was taken ill before the show. A statement from promoters reads: Little Mix have unfortunately had to cancel both of their Arena shows in Belfast today. Sadly Jesy is unwell and unable to sing, and as a result both the matinee and evening shows are cancelled. Little Mix would like to apologise to their fans. Ticket holders should hold on to their tickets and await further news." The girl group played Dublin last night and they are due to return to Belfast for another gig on April 19th, as well as a date at Dublin's 3Arena on the 18th. Charlie Cox says his return as Daredevil "still feels too good to be true" The European Union intends to stop funding Burundis peacekeeping contingent in Somalias AMISOM force in an attempt to make the countrys President Pierre Nkurunziza start talks with adversaries and thus prevent a looming ethnic conflict. Mr Nkurunzizas government has largely ignored other cuts in aid from international donors, who have been trying to pressure the government to end a year-long political standoff that could lead towards a new armed conflict in Africas volatile Great Lakes region. Burundis 5,400-strong peacekeeping contingent earns the country about $13 million and its soldiers a combined $52 million a year. The decision to scrap the funding may be a decisive motive to persuade Bujumbura to negotiate, as the government wants to keep its military forces satisfied and happy with the extra pay that they make from peacekeeping. However, a European diplomat commented that support for Burundis contingent of AMISOM cannot continue as it is. Currently, for each African soldier sent to Somalia, the respective government receives $1,000 a month for wages and logistics paid mostly by Brussels. In Burundi, each soldier gets $800 and the government $200. Although the EU would like to see all funding cut, this would force the African Union (AU) overseeing AMISOMs 22,000-strong force find another donor to pay for Burundis troops. The AI is already under pressure as it has to lower its funding for the Somalias peace-keeping mission suggesting that more donors should be involved. The EU is currently in talks with the AI to find a way to bypass the current Burundi cabinet altogether. While admitting that cutting all funding is far from a reality now, Brussels proposes that the money will no longer be channelled via the government and the fifth that is kept by the state, worth about $13 million a year, will be scrapped. Foreign Affairs Committee MEPs issued a statement that the key political and administrative reforms needed in Albania were progressing but they were still insufficient to start EU accession talks. In a separate announcement, the Committee welcomed the EU membership application of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Albania would like to start accession negotiations but the EU Parliament says that it must first of all strengthen its reform efforts in major areas, such as judicial system, the rule of law, the fight against corruption and organized crime, fundamental rights and public administration. However, despite the efforts of the Albanian government, MEPs are still concerned by widespread corruption, lack of progress in health care and education, as well as widespread self-censorship among journalists, who are sometimes physically obstructed from covering specific events, assaulted, or threatened because of their work. In contrast, MEPs praised Tiranas commitment in fight against radicalization and terrorism and urged it to share more information with the EU Member States. At the same time, Foreign Affairs Committee welcomed the application of Bosnia and Herzegovina and called on the Council to examine this application at the earliest opportunity. Moreover, MEPs encouraged the country to carry on with their constitutional, legal and political reforms to make a steady progress towards the EU. The resolution drafted by the Committee also condemns the idea of holding a referendum in Republika Srpska on Bosnia and Herzegovinas state-level judiciary, because, it says, this challenges the cohesion, sovereignty and integrity of the country. The Committee also raised its concerns regarding corruption in the country as well as the increasing pressure of the political elites on the judicial system. The resolution also calls on the government to boost their efforts to ensure more effective countrywide cooperation between the police, intelligence and security agencies in the fight against terrorism. Xi-Obama bilateral talk to advance ties Updated: 2016-03-31 09:48 By CHEN WEIHUA in Washington(chinadaily.com.cn) President Xi Jinping and US President Barack Obama will meet Thursday afternoon on the sidelines of the fourth Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) in a bid to expand cooperation and manage differences between the two super powers. Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives on his official plane to attend the upcoming Nuclear Security Summit meetings in Washington, on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland March 30, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua] Xi arrived at the Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Wednesday evening from Prague, Czech Republic, where he paid a three-day state visit. Prague was also where Obama made his speech about a nuclear-free world on April 5, 2009, which led to the birth of the first NSS in Washington in 2010. Both Chinese and American officials and experts hope the meeting, the eighth between the two presidents since 2013, will help keep bilateral relations on a healthy track. Cheng Li, director of the John L. Thornton China Center of the Brookings Institution, praised Xi's visit despite growing tension in the South China Sea. Many Chines believe that disputes over maritime territories between China and some of its neighbors have become more complicated in recent years because of US involvement. Li said a high-level meeting is important in building trust. "I always believe that the problem between China and the US is not ideology or interest, but miscalculation," he said. He hoped that Xi and Obama will reach some agreement on the South China Sea issue. Jeffrey Bader, a senior fellow at Brookings in Washington and a principal adviser for Obama on Asia from 2009 to 2011, described Obama's only bilateral meeting during the summit that will be attended by 50 plus heads of state and government as "a sign of respect" for Xi and an indication of how important Obama considers the US relationship with China. He believes the meeting is likely to focus a good deal on the South China Sea, saying there is concern in Washington and the region about how China might react, beyond formal rejection, to a decision by the International Tribunal in April or May regarding the Philippine complaint on the UN Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Credit: Robin Harper Looks like Beyonce might have a powerful woman possibly making a cameo in her next music video. According to Us Weekly, the diva got a surprise visit from Hillary Clinton during a shoot for a new music video in Los Angeles last week. While it's unclear what the shoot was for, sources tell the mag that Beyonce's sixth studio album will come with music videos and that it will "likely" have an April release. The meeting comes just months after Hillary proclaimed that she wants to be "as good a president as Beyonce is a performer" during a town hall in Iowa. Copyright 2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Fernando Alonso will miss this weekend's Grand Prix in Bahrain for medical reasons following his dramatic crash at the Australian GP (AFP Photo/Jose Jordan) Manama (AFP) - Fernando Alonso will not take part in this weekend's Grand Prix in Bahrain for medical reasons following his dramatic, death-defying crash at the Australian GP. "Following a decision by the FIA doctors, Fernando Alonso will not be participating in this weekends 2016 Bahrain Grand Prix," Alonso's McLaren team said in a statement. Belgian Stoffel Vandoorne, the reigning GP2 champion, will make his Formula 1 debut in place of Alonso. FIA said that "following an examination undertaken this morning at the Bahrain International Circuit Medical Centre, it has been decided that McLaren Honda F1 Team driver Fernando Alonso should not take part in this weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix". "Two sets of chest CT scans were compared and it was decided that there was insufficient resolution of the signs to allow him to compete on safety grounds," FIA said. "A repeat chest scan has been requested before the Chinese Grand Prix (on April 17) and the results will be considered before allowing him to race there." McLaren added: "Following any on-track incident, we will always abide by the FIA doctors' decisions." Alonso said he had battled until the last moment in a bid to be fit for Sunday's race. "I tried until the last minute to race in Bahrain after the accident in Australia, (they have) have been hard days logically after such an impact, but until the last second I try to race to help the team after the incredible work they have done this week," he said on his Instagram account. "I understand the position of the FIA doctors and now I will try to help my teammate @svandoorne to make the most of the weekend. Thanks to everyone #mclarenhonda #oneteam." Alonso's McLaren was sent into a terrifying barrel roll at the Australian GP after he clipped Esteban Gutierrez's Haas at close to 200mph on lap 17 of the 57-lap season-opener. The 34-year-old two-time champion, competing in his 253rd F1 race, crawled from the wreckage before walking away unaided. Story continues Alonso, a three-time winner in Bahrain (2005, 2006, 2010), confirmed he had no injuries despite plasters on his knee and leg, but had complained about bruised ribs that complicated his breathing and prevented him from sleeping well. It was an accident former FIA president Max Mosley argued would surely have been fatal in a previous era. Since Ayrton Senna's death at Imola in 1994 prompted tightened security measures, Frenchman Jules Bianchi, who died after a crash at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix, is the only F1 driver to have lost his life in a race. Mosley's reign as FIA (International Federation of Automobiles) chief between 1993 and 2009 coincided with a big safety push that continues today, with the planned introduction of the Halo device to protect drivers' heads. "It's very satisfying to see Alonso walk away. You work hard and it's very satisfying when you see the results. It was quite an impressive crash," said Mosley. Google's Rising Interest in the Cloud Space Heats Up Competition (Continued from Prior Part) Amazon launched AWS Database Migration Service Previously in the series, we discussed the initiatives Google (GOOG) (GOOGL) has taken recently to improve its position in the fiercely competitive cloud space, wherein Amazon (AMZN) is winning. Googles recent customer wins of Spotify and Apple (AAPL) indicate that the company is definitely on the right track to enhancing its position in the approximately $26 billion cloud computing space. Competition in the cloud space is heating up. A few days back, Amazon announced the launch of cloud migration service AWS Database Migration Service. Through this service, companies can move their databases to AWS. Amazon claims that it can set up their migrations in less than ten minutes. Leading cloud players are competing to provide swift and easy database migration services Amazon stated that since January 1, 2016, more than 1,000 databases have migrated to AWS. Through AWS Database Migration Service, Amazon is enticing companies to shift their on-premise data from other databases like MySQL, Oracle (ORCL), and MariaDB to Amazons cloud. Recently in March 2016, Microsoft (MSFT) made its SQL Server database available on Linux OS. Before this announcement, the SQL Server database was available only on Windows OS. SQL Server database is Microsofts enterprise database platform that stores, retrieves, and interprets huge information data sets. By freeing its SQL Server to run on Linux, Microsoft intends to surpass Oracle in the database space. However, Oracle continues to be frequently cited as the undisputed leader in the database space. You may want to consider investing in the iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (IWF) to gain exposure to Microsoft. IWF has ~13% exposure to application software and invests ~2.4% of its holdings in Microsoft. Browse this series on Market Realist: Heres a curious contrast in numbers: There have been at least 63 instances since 2012 when the government went to court seeking a tech companys help cracking into a smartphone, according to new research from the American Civil Liberties Union. Only 9 of those cases, or 14%, involve an Android device. Yet Androids share of the U.S. smartphone market is 52%, according to comScore. So the proportion of Android devices in use is much larger than the portion the feds need help cracking into. Do bad guys prefer iPhones? Its possible, especially since the recent controversy over accessing the iPhones of criminal suspects has shown Apples (AAPL) products to be unusually robust against hackers. But the more likely explanation is that the bad guys own Android devices in the same proportion as the general public, and the government is just a lot better at hacking into Android devices than into iPhones. That would make sense, since Googles (GOOGL) Android system is open-source software accessible to anybody on the Internet. Open-source software typically encourages widespread adoption and makes it easy for anybody with an interest to develop applications and programs that work in conjunction with the software. Making the Android mobile operating system open-source helped Google become a big player almost overnight, even though Google never built a phone until 2008. (The first BlackBerry arrived in 1999, while the iPod, progenitor of the iPhone, debuted in 2001.) But opening software to developers also opens it to hackers. Because the source code is open, it allows mobile forensics companies to go in and exploit it a lot more, says Patrick Siewert of Professional Digital Forensic Consulting in Henrico, Va. Well-developed mobile forensic software can access data and sometimes spit back the passcode or swipe code for an Android device. There are many ads on the Internet for spyware and other tools that claim to be able to hack an Android device to, say, look for clues that a spouse might be cheating. Google polices the apps marketed in its app store, to make sure they dont harm Android users. But monitoring apps can be "sideloaded" from other sites Google doesnt monitor. Story continues An Android security features monitors apps for malware and other threats, no matter where the app comes from. But Apple exerts even more control. IPhone users can only download apps directly from Apple's app store. And Apples iOS software is proprietary, which means only Apple knows the source code. Plus, Apple controls both the hardware and software portions of an iPhone, whereas Googles Android software resides on devices produced by dozens of manufacturers. Some providers advertise spyware for iOS devices, but they either require consent of the iPhone user (think kids or employees using a company-owned phone) or work on earlier versions of the operating system. Apples iOS 9, the latest version, is considered virtually impervious to hacking. Or was. Earlier this year, the FBI sued Apple asking for help cracking into the iPhone 5c used by one of the two shooters in last Decembers San Bernardino terrorist murders. The government has since withdrawn the suit, saying a third party helped it access the phone, which runs on iOS 9. Industry experts speculate that Cellebrite, an Israeli mobile forensics company, pulled off the hack. Cellebrite is well-known for its ability to crack into smartphones, including iPhones running on Apple's older software -- a service it offers mostly to law enforcement agencies for several thousand dollars per phone. Nobodys saying how the FBI got into the San Bernardino phone, however, and even Apple itself would like to know. Whats clearer is that the encryption wars are intensifying. Google and the many Android phone makers are amping up their own security, while Apple will assuredly patch any holes in iOS the FBI and its contractor may have found. The hackers will counter with new breakthroughs of their own, while ordinary phone users will continue to wonder whether the good guys, or bad guysor all of themare checking out their info. Rick Newmans latest book is Liberty for All: A Manifesto for Reclaiming Financial and Political Freedom. Follow him on Twitter: @rickjnewman. By Osamu Tsukimori TOKYO (Reuters) - Asian imports of Iranian oil jumped nearly a quarter from a year earlier to a two-year high in February, as shipments into India and South Korea roughly doubled weeks after international sanctions were lifted on Tehran's disputed nuclear programme. International oil and shipping companies have been eager to renew business with Iran since sanctions related to its nuclear programme were lifted in January. Tehran's exports may also get further support as progress has been made on reinsurance issues that had been hampering its oil trade. Aside from the greater volumes taken by Asian buyers, Iran's oil flows to Europe have also begun to pick up after a slow start. An Iranian official said last week that exports had risen by 900,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 2.2 million bpd in the past two months. Imports by Iran's top four buyers - China, India, Japan and South Korea - came to 1.28 million bpd in February, up 24.6 percent from a year ago, government and tanker-tracking data shows. That was the highest volume taken by Tehran's four biggest oil clients since they bought 1.37 million bpd in February 2014. Iran has been seeking to ramp up exports to regain market share and help boost an economy that stagnated under the restrictions related to its nuclear programme. The sanctions kept Iran's exports at around 1 million bpd - down from an average 2.5 million bpd in 2011 - and have been credited with forcing Tehran to the negotiating table over its disputed nuclear activities. India's imports last month grew 111.1 percent to 215,800 bpd, the most since December. South Korea's imports hit a two-year high of 282,000 bpd. Imports by China and Japan were mostly steady from a year earlier. The following tables show Asia's Iran crude imports in bpd for last month and the year to date. (Reporting by Osamu Tsukimori; Editing by Tom Hogue) (Adds comments from Safra Group throughout) By Silvio Cascione and Guillermo Parra-Bernal BRASILIA/SAO PAULO, March 31 (Reuters) - Brazilian prosecutors on Thursday charged Joseph Safra, the world's richest banker, in connection with an alleged scheme to pay bribes to government officials in return for waiving tax debts. In a statement, prosecutors said that Safra had knowledge of a 2014 plan by executives at his Banco Safra SA to pay 15.3 million reais ($4.2 million) in bribes to federal tax auditors. The accusation is based on tapped phone calls between Banco Safra executive Joao Inacio Puga and tax officials, the statement added. Safra, who alongside his family owns Banco Safra SA and a number of private-banking institutions including Switzerland's J Safra Sarasin, was not directly involved in the negotiations on the bribery plan, the statement noted. Still, the conversations showed that Puga reported to Safra on the bribery talks, prosectors said. In a separate statement, Safra's investment holding company Safra Group said the allegations "are unfounded," adding that "there have not been any improprieties by any of the businesses of The Safra Group." No Safra Group representative "offered any inducement to any public official and the Group did not receive any benefit in the judgement of the tribunal," the Safra Group statement said. The charges filed are a follow-up of a broader police inquiry, known as "Operation Zealots," into kickbacks by companies through lobbyists. Dozens of other Brazilian firms, including steelmaker Gerdau SA, have also been under investigation for suspected kickbacks. The case is investigating whether companies bribed members of CARF, a body within the Finance Ministry that hears appeals on tax disputes, to get favorable rulings that reduced or waived the amounts owed. Over 70 industrial, agricultural, civil engineering and financial companies, including banks, are being probed in Operation Zealots. Story continues The Lebanese-Brazilian billionaire, whose fortune is estimated at about $18 billion by Forbes Magazine, controls a banking and financial conglomerate that operates in 19 countries. In addition to "Operation Zealots," Brazil has been gripped by the far-reaching corruption probe around state-run oil company Petroleo Brasileiro SA, known as Petrobras, and major engineering conglomerates in the past couple of years. ($1 = 3.5931 Brazilian reais) (Editing by W Simon and Andrew Hay) No questions asked. In early 2013, the Philippines toughened up its laws against money laundering, which had been enacted in 2001. Now the rules would apply to more businesses besides banks. Casinos, however, managed to persuade the government to keep them free of the burdensome regulations. Today, their victory is turning out to be bad news for the central bank of Bangladesh. Money stolen from Bangladesh Bank by hackersover $80 millionended up in Manila casinos and with junket operators, and most of it has vanished since then. The money can be traced up to a certain point. Its known to have entered Philippines financial system through a handful of accounts at Rizal Commercial Banking, before being consolidated into one account. Most of it then ended up in casinos, where it was used to buy casino chips or pay for losses. The paper trail ends there. That is the problem, Teofisto Guingona, head of the Philippine senates anti-corruption committee, told Reuters. Right now we are at a dead end. Because of the exemption voted in years ago, authorities investigating the case cant compel casinos to submit reports on operations or specific players. As a result, its unclear whether Bangladesh Bank will be able to recover its missing funds, barring an investigative breakthrough of some sort. The gaming establishments involved include City of Dreams Manila (owned by Melco Crown Philippines Resort Corp.) and Solaire Resort & Casino (owned by Bloomberry Resorts). In 2012/13, Filipino lawmakers excluded casinos from the list of institutions required to report suspicious transactions. Yet in 2011, Vicente Aquino, executive director of the Anti-Money Laundering Council, made convincing arguments that casinos should be subject to the regulations: Casinos are actually known conduits of money laundering because buying casino chips and exchanging (them) with cash later without actually gambling, thats laundering of funds As a general rule, casino gamblers use financial institutions such as banks to deposit or transfer the funds, but there are certain instances where banks are not used to transact casino winnings or casino bets. Story continues Arguing on behalf of the casinos was state-owned Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., or Pagcor, which contributes significant revenue to the government. It argued that the rules would be seriously detrimental to its operations, making it less competitive in the gaming industry, including against local players. Today, Bangladesh Bank can at least take comfort that the damage wasnt worse. Hackers attempted to steal $850 million more, and were thwarted only by an attention-grabbing spelling error. There, at least, the bank enjoyed a bit of luck. Sign up for the Quartz Daily Brief, our free daily newsletter with the worlds most important and interesting news. More stories from Quartz: PARIS (Reuters) - China needs to ensure clear communication about key policies, including about foreign exchange, in light of its growing weight in the world economy, International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde said on Thursday. China has taken flack from some of its international partners for not communicating more clearly to financial markets, which has helped fuel bouts of volatility last year and at the start of this year. "As China now plays a considerable role and is an important actor in global growth, it absolutely must communicate precisely with everyone including in the market, especially as regards its foreign exchange policy," Lagarde told a news conference. Speaking at a seminar on the international financial architecture at the French finance ministry, Lagarde said that risks from swings in international capital flows were on the rise, which raised the importance of improving financial safety nets in place to help countries in need. Chinese central bank governor Zhou Xiaochuan suggested that broader use of the IMF's special drawing rights might be an answer, starting with reporting central bank reserves in them and possibly issuing some bonds denominated in them. "The SDR could be a stabilising force in the international financial system and its broader use might not be that difficult," the governor said. Lagarde said the IMF would also need to look at how to remove the stigma attached to using precautionary and liquidity credit lines that were put in place following the global financial crisis, but which have seen limited take-up. The seminar was intended to prepare the ground for talks on the global financial architecture under China's G20 presidency ahead of a summit in September which is to address those issues. (Reporting by Leigh Thomas; editing by John Irish) By David Brunnstrom WASHINGTON, March 31 (Reuters) - China remains committed to its plans for nuclear reprocessing, its top nuclear industry official said on Thursday, despite concerns this could lead to a competitive buildup of plutonium stockpiles in Asia. "China is dedicated to the establishment of a complete nuclear fuel-cycle system," Xu Daxhe, chairman of the China Atomic Energy Authority, told reporters on the sidelines of the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington. "When we are constructing a number of nuclear power plants in China we are also taking into consideration the development of a reprocessing capability," he added. Xu noted that China was in discussions with French firm Areva over the construction of a commercial reprocessing plant, although he added that there was still "a long way to go to complete the negotiation, both technically and commercially." Industry watchers say the two sides are still far apart in terms of a price for the multibillion-dollar project. Asked about this, Xu said, "yes, so the negotiations still have a long way to go." Speaking at a news conference earlier, Xu reiterated concerns about the size of the plutonium stockpile possessed by Japan, which plans to open its own reprocessing plant in 2018. "There is a mismatch between the current stockpile of the plutonium in Japan and its real need for development," Xu said. Japan has an estimated 50 tonnes of plutonium, enough to produce 2,000 nuclear weapons, and is building a large plant at Rokkasho in northern Japan to reprocess spent fuel from power plants, although its start has been repeatedly delayed. It has until now relied on the British and French to extract plutonium from spent uranium fuel rods, but with nearly all of its reactors shut down after the Fukushima nuclear disaster five years ago and no schedule for further restarts there is little use for the material. Japan remains an avowedly anti-nuclear-weapons state as the only country ever to have suffered a nuclear attack. However, anti-proliferation advocates worry that if it goes ahead with plans to open Rokkasho, this will raise fears about its future intentions, spurring China's plans and also encouraging South Korea to pursue reprocessing capability. Story continues U.S. concerns had been rising about the prospect of growing stockpiles of nuclear raw materials in East Asia and in mid-March, Thomas Countryman, an assistant U.S. secretary of state in charge of non-proliferation, called into question the renewal of an agreement between Washington and Tokyo that allows Japan to reprocess and produce weapons-grade plutonium. The agreement is due to be extended in 2018, but with a new U.S. administration starting in January its status is unclear. (Reporting by David Brunnstrom; Editing by James Dalgleish) col Yang Yujun China's Defence Ministry denounced as gesticulation on Thursday speculation it would declare an air defense zone over the disputed South China Sea, after the United States said it had told China it would not recognize one. U.S. officials have expressed concern that an international court ruling expected in coming weeks on a case brought by the Philippines against China over its South China Sea claims could prompt China to declare an air defense identification zone, or ADIZ, as it did over the East China Sea in 2013. U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Robert Work said on Wednesday the U.S. would view such a move as "destabilizing" and would not recognize such an exclusion zone in the South China Sea, just as it did not recognize the one China established over the East China Sea. Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun, asked about Work's remarks, said any sovereign state had the right to set up an ADIZ. red line "On this, there is no need for other countries to gesticulate," Yang told a monthly news briefing. "Whether or not to or when to set up an air defense identification zone depends on whether there is an aerial threat or the level of aerial threat. It needs many considerations," he added, without elaborating. China claims most of the South China Sea, through which more than $5 trillion in global trade passes every year. China drew condemnation from Japan and the United States when it imposed its ADIZ, in which aircraft are supposed to identify themselves to Chinese authorities, above the East China Sea. The ministry's comments come as President Xi Jinping arrived in Washington for a nuclear security summit, where he will meet U.S. President Barack Obama. Tensions between China and its neighbors Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines and Taiwan over sovereignty in the South China Sea have risen after Beijing embarked on significant land reclamations on disputed islands and reefs in the area. Story continues south china seas The United States has accused China of raising tension by its apparent deployment of surface-to-air missiles on a disputed island, a move China has neither confirmed nor denied. China, for its part, has accused the United States of militaristic the South China Sea through its freedom of navigation patrols in the region and the expansion of military alliances with countries such as the Philippines. Yang said this month's agreement between the United States and the Philippines allowing for a U.S. military presence at five Philippine bases represented "outdated Cold War thinking" which the United States should ditch. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Robert Birsel) NOW WATCH: China has been upgrading its military and is now stronger than ever More From Business Insider TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / March 31, 2016 / Ecuador Gold & Copper Corp. (EGX.V) (the "Company"), is pleased to announce that, further to the Special Meeting of the Company's shareholders held on March 4, 2016, a majority of the minority shareholders approved the amendment of the terms of all outstanding senior secured convertible debentures (the "Debentures") (the "Debenture Amendments"), which have an aggregate principal amount of US$2,605,000, to extend the maturity date of the Debentures to December 31, 2016 in exchange for a new conversion price and increasing the principal amount of the Debentures by the amount of the accrued interest owing. The TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") then conditionally approved the Debenture Amendments continuing to bear interest at the same rate of 12% per year with a new aggregate principal amount of US$3,156,025 inclusive of the US$551,025 accrued interest owing, all maturing on December 31, 2016, convertible into units (the "Units") comprised of one common share and one half common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant a "Warrant") at a price per Unit of $0.20 of principal outstanding. Each Warrant then entitling the holder to acquire a common share at an exercise price of $0.20 per share for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance. Accordingly, the Company has completed the Debenture Amendments effective as of today's date. In addition, the Company also wishes to announce the completion of a non-brokered private placement offering of a further US$500,000 of senior secured convertible debentures (the "New Debentures"). Each New Debenture will bear interest of 12% per year with the principal amount and interest due and payable on the same extended maturity date of December 31, 2016 (the "Maturity Date") as described above for the other Debentures unless converted into Units prior to the Maturity Date at a conversion price of $0.20 per Unit. Neither the Debenture Amendments nor issuance of the New Debentures has resulted in the creation of a new control person. Story continues The sale of the New Debentures was made to three of the major shareholders of the Company, including Aura International Services Ltd. ("Aura"), in reliance of certain prospectus exemptions. Aura presently owns 12,906,358 common shares of the Company, representing 50.2% ownership. Accordingly, Aura is a control person of the Company under applicable securities laws and is therefore also a related party to the Company. Consequently, the sale of New Debentures to Aura is a related party transaction, which was carried out under exemptions from the requirements of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). Likewise, the Debenture Amendments also constituted a related party transaction under MI 61-101, and such amendments were conditionally approved by the TSXV and were approved by the majority of the minority shareholders. For the Debenture Amendments, the Company has relied upon an exemption from formal valuation requirements under section 5.5(b) of MI 61-101 as described below in the context of the New Debenture offering. Under the New Debenture offering, the Company is relying upon exemptions from both the formal valuation requirements and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 under sections 5.5(b) and 5.7(1)(b) thereof, respectively. The Company is not aware of any valuation of the Company or its mineral properties. The Company is entitled to rely upon the exemption under section 5.5(b) because it is listed only on the TSX Venture Exchange and not one of the specified markets listed therein. The Company is entitled to rely on the exemption under section 5.7(1)(b) because the New Debenture offering is a distribution of securities for cash of not more than $2,500,000. Aura has acquired New Debentures in the principal amount of US$416,600 under the New Debenture offering and has already acquired prior Debentures having an aggregate principal amount of US$2,582,357 (including the accrued interest under the Debenture Amendments). If Aura were to convert all such New Debentures and prior Debentures as well as the Warrants contained in the Units together with all other common share purchase warrants of the Company held by Aura at the existing conversion prices prior to the New Conversion Price taking effect in the prior Debentures, and assuming that no other holders of convertible securities of the Company converted or exercised their securities, then Aura would hold approximately 42,820,955 common shares of the Company (assuming an exchange rate of C$1.33/USD) representing approximately 77.0% ownership. The proceeds of the New Debenture offering are being used for the Company's Condor Gold Project, in-country working capital in Ecuador, and as additional working capital of the Company. All securities issued under the New Debenture offering and Debenture Amendments will be subject to a statutory four-month hold period from the date of issuance. No finders fees were paid in connection with the New Debenture offering or Debenture Amendments. About Ecuador Gold and Copper Corp. Ecuador Gold and Copper Corp. is a Canadian exploration and mining company focused on its gold and copper mineral properties located in the Province of Zamora-Chinchipe in southern Ecuador. The Company has completed a Preliminary Economic Assessment of its Santa Barbara Gold and Copper Project dated May 29, 2015, and is currently listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "EGX". For additional information, please visit us at www.ecuadorgoldandcopper.com. For further information please contact: Heye Daun President, Chief Executive Officer and Director Telephone: +1-604-687 2038 (Vancouver Office) Email: hdaun@ecuadorgoldandcopper.com Cautionary Note Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Not for distribution to U.S. Newswire Services or for dissemination in the United States. Any failure to comply with this restriction may constitute a violation of U.S. securities laws. SOURCE: Ecuador Gold and Copper Corp. VANCOUVER, BC--(Marketwired - March 31, 2016) - GoldQuest Mining Corp. (TSX VENTURE: GQC) (M1W.F) (M1W.F) ("GoldQuest" or the "Company") is pleased to announce an update on the district wide exploration of the Company's 100% owned Tireo Project surrounding their multi-million ounce Romero gold/copper deposit in the Dominican Republic. The Project covers around 50 kilometres in strike length of the Tireo volcanic formation, only a small fraction of which had been subject to detailed exploration. GoldQuest geologists have been mapping and sampling the complete Project area for the past 12 months. This program has highlighted a corridor of alteration indicating mineralizing hydrothermal activity, as seen at Romero. The Company is following this up with an extensive ground geophysical survey employing induced polarization (IP) covering over 30 square kilometres that is in progress. With around a quarter of this survey's area covered, at least four new exploration targets considered worthy of drilling have been identified, which are shown on the map found here: http://www.goldquestcorp.com/images/maps/Tireo/Tireo_Formation.pdf In the area surveyed to date, 17 grab samples returned over 1 g/t gold, with the highest sample returning 9.7 g/t gold. GoldQuest's Chairman Bill Fisher commented, "Our new exploration targets display a number of similarities to our 2012 Romero discovery, which was discovered by drilling targets generated by the first IP program deployed in the region. The new IP survey has made a great start and we look forward to reporting on further results as the program unfolds, as the areas with the greatest extent of intense argillic alteration have yet to be surveyed. GoldQuest has always stressed the importance of the Tireo trend as a potential "mining camp" capable of hosting multiple deposits. We view the results of the ongoing program as the roadmap to potential new discoveries. " "The targets highlighted in this release are in areas of deeper erosion which created surface exposures of the target rock types and areas of intense alteration, some of which report highly anomalous gold results from grab samples. This direct evidence, at surface, rather than "blind" and at depth as at Romero, increases our confidence in the potential for further discoveries," commented Julio Espaillat, GoldQuest's President & Chief Executive Officer. Story continues The list of characteristic features below have been identified at Romero, and are clearly visible in these new targets. This set of features suggests potential for new discoveries of similar styles of mineralization. Gold and/or copper at surface, particularly in dacite and andesite volcanics Magnetic lows - hydrothermal fluid movement destroys the surrounding rock's magnetism. Argillic alteration -evidence of hydrothermal fluids "cooking" the surrounding rocks. High Chargeability - shows the plume of sulphides within which lies the highest potential for gold/copper - this is the technique that discovered Romero. High resistivity - shows the area where silica creates a resistive core to a chargeability high -- very distinctive at Romero. Rhyolite domes in the area - evidence of volcanic activity possibly related to metals emplacement. A continuous high chargeability trend along magnetic lows has emerged from the current survey with four distinct zones of even higher chargeability values. The trend and the higher chargeability zones within it are clearly visible as areas of red and pink shading on the map found here: http://www.goldquestcorp.com/images/maps/Tireo/Tireo_Formation.pdf The map also displays approximate boundaries of intense argillic alteration showing the clear spatial correlation between alteration at surface and areas of underlying high chargeability. All four high chargeability zones are 500 metres or more in length and up to 200 metres in width, with a high resistivity signature coincident with the high chargeability. They also display anomalous gold and copper in grab samples, argillic alteration and adjacent rhyolite domes. These are characteristic features of the area surrounding the Romero deposit which has high concentrations of chalcopyrite, a copper sulphide, gold and quartz (silicification). The high silicification areas of Romero are correlated to the highest gold grades. IP surveys and other ground exploration are continuing southwards through the Tireo Project. The Company will issue further news on other new discovery areas and exploration results as they become available. The information in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Jeremy Niemi, P. Geo., Vice President, Exploration of GoldQuest and a Qualified Person for the technical information in this press release under NI 43-101 standards. About GoldQuest GoldQuest is a Canadian based mineral exploration company with projects in the Dominican Republic and trades on the TSX-V under the symbol GQC and in Frankfurt/Berlin with symbol M1W. Additional information can be viewed at the Company's website www.goldquestcorp.com. On Behalf of the Board of Directors of GoldQuest Mining Corp., "Bill Fisher" Chairman Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this news release are "forward-looking" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward looking information. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to exploration on the Tireo Project, exploration results, the Company's future plans and exploration programs, including the timing of such plans and programs, and the merits of the Company's mineral properties. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential", "indicate" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon the current belief, opinions and expectations of management that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and other contingencies. Many factors could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. These factors include, among others, the timeliness and success of regulatory approvals, market prices, metal prices, availability of capital and financing, general economic, market or business conditions, as well as other risk factors set out under the heading "Risk and Uncertainties" in the Management's Discussion and Analysis dated September 30, 2015, which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. Google Last week, Google executive chairman Eric Schmidt explained that Google is working on a new generation of super smart "machine learning" apps that will create "something that's better than what humans can do." Today, we bring you a mind-blowing example of that. Reddit user "barney13" was experimenting with all the voice commands in Google Now and Google Photos. He's got an Android phone and pretty much uses all of the Google services, Gmail, Drive, YouTube, Google Now and Google Photos, which automatically uploads and geotags his photos. He was asking Google Now to show him photos from various trips he took. He asked to see his photos of San Francisco, and they appeared. He asked to see photos of Spain. There they were. Then he asked to see photos of Nice, France. Out of the blue, before Google showed him those photos, Google Now's woman's voice said something that made him cry. She said, "According to Gmail, firstly let me express my deepest sympathy to you, your mum and the whole family at your loss. Your dad was a fantastic man, as I am sure you already know." His dad had died in an accident in Nice, France in 2010. Google Now was offering him condolences on the death of his dad before showing him what could be emotionally charged photos. "Mind. Blown. I'm sad, I'm amazed, I'm taken back. What a lovely moment for some automated robot voice to express it's sympathy to me," he said. He also explained, "It turns out she read out a snippet from an email I received from a family friend soon after my dad's death. But the fact that she knew to say it was pretty staggering. It was in the third paragraph of an email sent to me back in December 2010." We can't help but compare this nuanced response from Google's bot with the racist rants emitted by Microsoft's Tay chatbot earlier this month, after online troublemakers gamed the bot and caused it to go rogue. Microsoft quickly took the bot online, but the incident made it look like bots have a long way to go before they can be trusted to understand human behavior. Story continues Google demonstrates that some bots already "get" us. On the other hand, this story also proves that "Google knows everything," about each and every one of us, even when and where our parents died, writes barney13. But having experienced it, he says "I'm not scared of it knowing everything quite so much anymore." Because this is Reddit, the crowd demanded proof of Google Now's touching message. So "barney13" uploaded this YouTube video. NOW WATCH: Forget Snapchat you can send self-destructing videos from your iPhone More From Business Insider ATHENS, March 31 (Reuters) - Greece said on Thursday that Canadian miner Eldorado Gold needs to reach a "compromise" with local communities and the government to move ahead with its gold mine project in the country. The Vancouver-based miner had been in a dispute with Athens over plans to develop gold mines in a forested area in northern Greece, with the leftist government revoking its permit last summer over environmental concerns. Tensions came to a head in January, when Eldorado said Athens was delaying the necessary permits. The company halted construction of its Skouries mine in Halkidiki and threatened to do the same with the Olympias mine unless a permit was granted on time. Energy Minister Panos Skourletis told reporters on Thursday that a "compromise" was necessary among local communities, Eldorado and the government, for the investment to go ahead. He did not clarify how such a compromise could be achieved but said all parties should "water down their demands". Skourletis said Eldorado should respect the environment, state interest and Greek law. "Such a big investment should also make sure ... there is social harmony in order to go ahead," he said. Eldorado's country manager for Greece, Eduardo Moura, told Reuters that the company was looking forward to "developing a constructive relationship with Greece's Ministry of Energy for the benefit of all stakeholders". Local communities in Halkidiki have been divided over the investment, with some in favour due to hopes for job creation but others citing environmental concerns. Many protests have taken place in recent years, some of them violent. Eldorado last month received a permit to set up a processing plant in Olympias and is awaiting another licence for the Skouries mine, which will determine whether construction work at the site, which halted in January, will restart. The miner has invested about $700 million to develop the Skouries and Olympias mines since 2012 and plans to allocate another $1 billion to the projects. Story continues Skourletis also said Greece had committed to conclude the sale of its natural gas grid operator DESFA to Azerbaijan's state energy firm SOCAR. SOCAR clinched the deal in 2013 to buy a 66 percent stake in DESFA for 400 million euros ($453 million) but European Union antitrust concerns have delayed the transaction. The Azeri company is now seeking to divest about 17 percent of DESFA to a third party once the transaction is sealed. An official close to the matter said Italian gas grid operator Snam was interested in the stake, while Spain's Enagas and European equity fund Marguerite were looking for a partner to bid for it after Belgium's Fluxys dropped out. ($1 = 0.8823 euros) (Reporting by Angeliki Koutantou; Editing by Dale Hudson) OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Mar 31, 2016) - Humanist Canada is highlighting the expansion of Secular Humanism in Canada with its support of the Imagine No Religion Conference in Vancouver on May 20-22, 2016. This is the premiere Conference for Secular Humanism in Canada. The three day event celebrates an inclusive ideology that represents the fastest growing demographic in North America. The conference, now in its 6th successful year, leads the way among the 5 Canadian cities hosting Humanist conferences. Last year's success, with Richard Dawkins and Lawrence Krauss as well as Humanist of the Year M.P. Kennedy Stuart, is being followed with a spectacular, 12 person line up including: A.C. Grayling, Julia Sweeney, Ali A. Rizvi, Christopher DiCarlo and a special appearance by James Randi. We strongly suggest that the education coming from the "Imagine" event will help Canadians evolve to a truly Secular society as the conference focus has always been about generating respectful conversation. Please join Humanist Canada in supporting this truly important event. Respectfully Eric Thomas, President Humanist Canada Demonstrators protest against new security laws in Tokyo on March 29, 2016 (AFP Photo/) Tokyo (AFP) - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said that new security laws that took effect Tuesday will strengthen Tokyo's ability to defend itself amid increasing threats as opponents took to the streets to say they risk hurling the country into war. Legislators in September passed the bills into law, a shift that could see Japanese troops fight abroad for the first time since the end of World War II. The approval was a milestone in Japan, where a constitution imposed by the United States after Japan's defeat renounces its sovereign right to wage war. That clause, known as Article 9, is unchanged, but staunch nationalist Abe wants to revise the constitution to throw off what he and many conservatives see as outdated foreign-imposed constraints that hinder Japan from playing a more robust role in regional and global affairs. "The security environment surrounding our country is becoming more severe," Abe told a nationally televised news conference, citing threats including from nearby North Korea, which this year has carried out fresh nuclear and ballistic rocket launches. "No country in the world can protect itself alone," he added. As Abe spoke at his official office, an AFP journalist estimated that about 2,000 people rallied outside parliament nearby in a show of opposition to the laws that opponents fear could fundamentally reshape the proudly pacifist nation. Fumiko Yamaguchi, who attended the demonstration, said she survived devastating US air raids on Tokyo as a child even as an aunt was killed. "I don't want Japan to be engaged in any war," she told AFP. "I don't want my children and our grandchildren to go to war." Abe says that the new laws are part of a normalisation of Japan's military policy, which had been restricted to self-defence and aid missions by the constitution. The changes, which would allow Japanese troops to fight in defence of allies, drew tens of thousands of protesters onto the streets outside parliament or the prime minister's office in the runup to their passage in September. Story continues Abe and his backers say the laws are necessary because of threats from an increasingly belligerent China and unstable North Korea. Opponents argue they go against both the constitution and the national psyche, and could see Japan dragged into far-flung US wars. Washington has backed the changes, but regional rivals China and South Korea have expressed concern at any expansion of Japanese military scope. Abe also said that the alliance with the US remains strong and will not change after the Us presidential election in November. "No matter who will be the next president, the Japan-US alliance is the cornerstone of Japan's diplomacy," he said. "For the sake of the peace and prosperity of Asia, the Pacific and the world, close cooperation with the US won't change." KCG LAUNCHES CLIENT TRADING STRATEGY "CATCH" IN EUROPE KCG "Catch" is an Algorithm Designed to Intelligently Adapt and Capture Liquidity London - 31 March, 2016 - KCG Holdings, Inc. (KCG) today announced the European release of "Catch," a client execution algorithm designed to leverage smart logic, adaptability and advanced analytics to capture liquidity and achieve incremental micro alpha. Catch is the latest in a suite of client algorithmic trading offerings developed by KCG to translate the firm`s deep market making expertise to the benefit of its electronic trading clients. "Catch uses our nuanced fair value models, analytics processing power and optimized routing logic to expertly navigate the EU marketplace," said Rob Crane, Head of Execution Services for KCG Europe. "We designed it for our clients who want an adaptive strategy that minimizes potential impact, and yet benefits from those opportunities to extract better incremental performance. It manages orders using the tactics a market maker would use - staying highly flexible and minding inventory and market conditions in real time." Catch has a highly flexible participation range, so that it has room to move and pursue liquidity as needed. Clients can determine its urgency level, selecting "Passive," "Neutral" or "Aggressive," depending on how they want the strategy to behave. This launch follows on the success of the firm`s earlier release of Catch in the US, which quickly became a popularly selected and differentiated offering for institutional clients. Phil Allison, CEO of KCG Europe, said: "Our goal is for our agency trading offerings to harness the firm`s specific areas of expertise: our focus on execution quality, consistently high hit rates, deep understanding of liquidity and market microstructure, and our commitment to powerful technology. Catch should serve as an example of how our execution-only business model can translate to meaningful benefits for our clients." Story continues The algorithm is being deployed via the firm`s open architecture network of major OMS and EMS providers. For questions, contact the algorithmic trading team at algos@kcg.com. About KCG KCG is a leading independent securities firm offering investors and clients a range of services designed to address trading needs across asset classes, product types and time zones. The firm combines advanced technology with exceptional client service across market making, agency execution and venues. KCG has multiple access points to trade global equities, fixed income, currencies and commodities via voice or automated execution. www.kcg.com Certain statements contained herein and the documents incorporated by reference containing the words "believes," "intends," "expects," "anticipates," and words of similar meaning, may constitute forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These "forward-looking statements" are not historical facts and are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about KCG`s industry, management`s beliefs and certain assumptions made by management, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and beyond our control. Any forward-looking statement contained herein speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Accordingly, readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict including, without limitation, risks associated with: (i) the inability to manage trading strategy performance and sustain revenue and earnings growth; (ii) the sale of KCG Hotspot, including the receipt of additional payments that are subject to certain contingencies; (iii) changes in market structure, legislative, regulatory or financial reporting rules, including the increased focus by Congress, federal and state regulators, the SROs and the media on market structure issues, and in particular, the scrutiny of high frequency trading, alternative trading systems, market fragmentation, colocation, access to market data feeds, and remuneration arrangements such as payment for order flow and exchange fee structures; (iv) past or future changes to KCG`s organizational structure and management; (v) KCG`s ability to develop competitive new products and services in a timely manner and the acceptance of such products and services by KCG`s customers and potential customers; (vi) KCG`s ability to keep up with technological changes; (vii) KCG`s ability to effectively identify and manage market risk, operational and technology risk, cybersecurity risk, legal risk, liquidity risk, reputational risk, counterparty and credit risk, international risk, regulatory risk, and compliance risk; (viii) the cost and other effects of material contingencies, including litigation contingencies, and any adverse judicial, administrative or arbitral rulings or proceedings; (ix) the effects of increased competition and KCG`s ability to maintain and expand market share; (x) the announced plan to relocate KCG`s global headquarters from Jersey City, NJ to New York, NY; and (xi) KCG`s ability to complete the sale or disposition of any or all of the assets or businesses that are classified as held for sale. The list above is not exhaustive. Because forward looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, the actual results and performance of KCG may materially differ from the results expressed or implied by such statements. Given these uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Unless otherwise required by law, KCG also disclaims any obligation to update its view of any such risks or uncertainties or to announce publicly the result of any revisions to the forward-looking statements made herein. Readers should carefully review the risks and uncertainties disclosed in KCG`s reports with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including those detailed in "Risk Factors" in Part I, Item 1A of KCG`s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, "Legal Proceedings" in Part I, Item 3, under "Certain Factors Affecting Results of Operations" in "Management`s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in Part II, Item 7, in "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" in Part II, Item 7A, and in other reports or documents KCG files with, or furnishes to, the SEC from time to time. This information should be read in conjunction with KCG`s Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes thereto contained in its Form 10-K, and in other reports or documents KCG files with, or furnishes to, the SEC from time to time. 2016 KCG Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved. Offered by KCG Americas, LLC, member FINRA and SIPC and KCG Europe Limited, a U.K. registered broker-dealer authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Each are wholly-owned subsidiaries of KCG Holdings, Inc. For additional information about KCG Holdings, Inc. (KCG), please visit kcg.com. CONTACTS Sophie Sohn Jonathan Mairs Communications & Marketing Investor Relations +1 312-931-2299 +1 201-356-1529 media@kcg.com jmairs@kcg.com This announcement is distributed by NASDAQ OMX Corporate Solutions on behalf of NASDAQ OMX Corporate Solutions clients. The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein. Source: KCG Holdings, Inc. via GlobeNewswire HUG#1998815 Protesters chant slogans during a rally in Lahore, in November 2010, against Asia Bibi, a Christian mother sentenced to death for blasphemy (AFP Photo/Arif Ali) As Islamist protesters turned up the pressure on the Pakistani government this week to hang Asia Bibi, a Christian mother of five convicted of blasphemy, one man is risking his own life to stand between her and the gallows. Police guard the house in a quiet neighbourhood in Lahore where lawyer Saif-ul-Mulook lives with his daughter and wife. They were deployed, he told AFP, "after intelligence officials said a group has carried out a recce of my office for a planned assassination". Mulook is not famous, but his client is. Bibi has been on death row since 2010 -- convicted for blasphemy after an argument with a Muslim woman over a bowl of water. Her plight has prompted prayers from the Vatican and calls from hardliners in Pakistan for her to be hanged, repeated this week by Islamist protesters in a stand-off with security forces in the capital. To stay alive long enough to defend her, Mulook, who is Muslim, says he lives in the shadows, moving only between his office and home. "Nobody comes here," the 60-year-old told AFP. "We don't go out to meet relatives or friends. They don't come here to meet us." The danger is real. Blasphemy is a hugely sensitive issue in Muslim-majority Pakistan, where even unproven allegations can stir mobs and violence. Rights groups say the legislation is often hijacked for personal vendettas, with minorities largely the target. A Christian couple was lynched then burnt in a kiln in Punjab in 2014 after being falsely accused of desecrating the Koran, while Bibi was moved to solitary confinement last year over fears of vigilantes. "When I took (her) case, my fellow lawyers said 'You have hammered the last nail into your coffin,'" Mulook said. - 'Attack like vultures' - But when Bibi became Mulook's client in 2014 he was no stranger to being a target: he was also the special prosecutor in the high-profile murder case of Punjab governor Salman Taseer. Story continues Taseer was gunned down by his bodyguard, Mumtaz Qadri, in Islamabad in 2011 over his call for blasphemy law reform. The brazen killing saw Qadri feted as a hero by Islamists. Mulook was the only lawyer willing to risk their wrath to send the former police bodyguard to the gallows. The two cases are linked: part of Taseer's stance on the blasphemy law had been his call to see Bibi released. Islamabad's decision to execute Qadri on February 29 brought tens of thousands of people into the streets chanting slogans supporting the laws -- and calling for Bibi to be hanged. On Sunday, Qadri supporters marched on the capital amid violent clashes with police and staged a four-day sit-in. They vowed they were ready to die unless the government meets their demands, including Bibi's execution -- though they dispersed Wednesday peacefully. Activists said the protests placed Bibi in peril, while intelligence officials warned Mulook to stay home after Qadri's execution, he said. But the day of Qadri's funeral he had an important meeting in Islamabad. Driving along the historic Grand Trunk Road towards the capital he found himself caught in a wave of hundreds of Qadri supporters heading for the funeral. It was a terrifying moment. "If they had discovered who I was they would have attacked me like vultures, making pieces of me," he said. Qadri is a "goldmine" for the mullahs, Mulook said. "They were losing their space in society so they were declaring each other infidels. But now they have found one common element... Mumtaz Qadri." - Already damned - Now his colleagues look at him with distaste when he walks in the courtroom. "Friends told me that you are crazy," he said. "They said I was being an enemy to my own family." Pakistan has 17 people on death row for blasphemy, including Bibi, but has not executed anyone yet. Mulook sees little hope, and warns the "Qadri phenomenon" will only grow. He takes a fatalistic view towards his position: to give up the fight for Bibi's life would be cowardly, and anyway he had already condemned himself when he successfully prosecuted Qadri. "I said to myself, look, you have already done the damage ... It is time to stand up for this poor woman." Meanwhile Bibi, whom he visited recently in prison in the central city of Multan, is in good spirits, he said. "I spent two and half hours with her... I saw her eyes shining and I can say that she is hopeful, very hopeful." MarketWatch As Tom Lee, head of research at Fundstrat says after conversations with clients this week: The main question is why should any investor expect equity prices to stage any meaningful gain from here, in the midst of a Fed tightening cycle and in the midst of great uncertainty around the Russia-Ukraine war, increasing stress in financial markets (UK issue tabled for now) and in the midst of massive gloom of CEOs and Americans and investors. A scenario where the CBOE Vix index (VIX) the gauge of expected S&P 500 volatility, spikes above 40, stocks drop another 20% and there is some sort of financial accident, like a hedge fund imploding. But this is not the only capitulation that could lay ahead, he argues in his latest note. BRUSSELS/KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Luxembourg's state prosecutor has launched a judicial inquiry into allegations of money laundering involving hundreds of millions of dollars against Malaysia's sovereign wealth fund 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB). The prosecutor said on Thursday that the inquiry followed evidence that funds held by the Malaysian government in offshore accounts in Singapore, Switzerland and Luxembourg had been misused. "The investigation aims to trace the origin of four transfers in 2012 and one in at the start of 2013 for a total of several hundreds of millions of dollars," a statement from the prosecutor's office said. The allegations concerned in particular the sums paid upon the issuance of two bonds in May and October 2012. 1MDB, whose advisory board is chaired by Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, has been the subject of multiple investigations over the last year by authorities in Malaysia, Switzerland, Singapore and the United States following accusations of financial mismanagement and graft. The fund said in a statement that it had not been contacted by any foreign legal authorities on any matters related to the company. Switzerland's chief prosecutor said in January that a criminal investigation into 1MDB had showed about $4 billion (2.7 billion) appeared to have been misappropriated from Malaysian state companies. Singapore said it had sequestered a large number of bank accounts as part of an investigation into possible money-laundering linked to the fund. (Reporting by Robert-Jan Bartunek and Rozanna Latiff; Editing by Tom Heneghan) Just how bad would a Donald Trump candidacy be for the Republican Partys chances of winning the White House in 2017? The team at the University of Virginias Center for Politics threw its usual caution to the wind on Thursday and took its best guess at how the 50 states and D.C. would break when Electoral College votes are parceled out, assuming the Democrats nominate Hillary Clinton and the GOP nominates Trump. Its not a pretty picture for Republicans. Writing on the Sabatos Crystal Ball website, Larry Sabato, Kyle Kondik, and Geoffrey Skelley summed up the results this way: Election analysts prefer close elections, but there was nothing we could do to make this one close. Related: Seriously Now, Does Trump Really Want to Be President? The Crystal Ball analysis shows Clinton with 347 votes (she would need 270 to win) and Trump with only 191. To be fair, the projection is caveated to within an inch of its life, and rightly so. A lot can happen in the seven months between now and Election Day. 2016 map However, the analysis points to an uncomfortable truth for Republicans who are contending with two equally bad possibilities. A Donald Trump candidacy takes states that would normally be in play in a general election like Colorado, Florida, Virginia and Ohio and makes them Clintons to lose. But if the GOP engineers a way to deprive Trump of the nomination despite having won the largest share of the delegates in the primary, a sizable percentage of Trump voters could defect to a third-party ticket or sit out the election. The GOP labors under a significant demographic disadvantage in presidential election years, and the electoral path to victory in a presidential race is narrow. Losing even a relatively small percentage of its voters could be enough to guarantee defeat. A key point about the Sabato teams analysis is that in a Trump v. Clinton matchup, every single change to the map favors Clinton. The Center on Politics rates states on a seven-point scale, with Safe, Likely, and Leans ratings for each party, and a Toss-Up category in the middle. All 14 changes either moved toss-up states into the Democratic column or signified a weaker GOP hold on states in its column. Story continues Related: Trumps Latest Shocker: Women Should Be Punished If They Get an Abortion Over the years weve put much emphasis on the seven super-swing states: Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire, Ohio, and Virginia. While some will fall to the Democrats less readily than others, it is difficult to see any that Trump is likely to grab, they write. In fact, four normally Republican states (Arizona, Georgia, Indiana, and Missouri) would be somewhat less secure for the GOP than usual. North Carolina, which normally leans slightly to the GOP, would also be well within Clintons grasp in this election after being Mitt Romneys closest win in 2012. Again, its a long way to November, but given Trumps current lead in delegates and recent polling showing his overwhelmingly negative numbers among the general population its hard to paint anything other than a grim picture of the GOPs chances to take over the White House in this cycle. Top Reads from The Fiscal Times: PORT LOUIS (Reuters) - Mauritius has agreed to sell a near 25 percent stake in Kenyan insurer British-American Investments Co (Britam) (BRIT.NR), after seizing it from a disgraced tycoon, to the existing shareholders, the government said on Thursday. The Indian Ocean island seized the assets of Dawood Rawat, a Mauritius citizen, in April 2015 after accusing him of running a Ponzi-like scheme through a Mauritian insurer. Minister for Financial Services Sudarshan Bhadain told parliament that an offer from another operator could not go through because the existing shareholders in Kenya were not willing to allow third parties into their company." They came to Mauritius and they said to us that they are willing to buy those shares themselves, this has been done, Bhadain said in comments posted on parliament's website. A memorandum of understanding has been signed between both parties and the minister said the money is going to hit the bank account this week and then there is a second part which is going to be paid by April 30." He did not give further details. Rawat, who has been in France since last year, has filed a case before the International Court of Arbitration against the government of Mauritius where he is asking for $1 billion (0.69 billion pounds) in compensation, claiming illegal appropriation of Britam by the state. Mauritius aims to use the funds from the sale to help repay those who lost money in the Ponzi-like scheme. (Reporting by Jean Paul Arouff; Editing by Susan Fenton) Image Group LA/ABCEveryone calm down: Ariana Grande did not purposely unfollow Justin Bieber, even if her Twitter account did. In a new interview, Ariana denies there's any beef between her and Biebs. "I didn't know that this happened!" Ariana told London's Capital FM. "I went online and they were like 'Mom, why did you unfollow Dad?' And I was like, 'Who's Dad?' and then I kept looking and...I was like, 'What happened?' Nothing happened. I don't really know what happened. But I followed him back!" When asked directly, "So you didn't purposely unfollow him?" Ariana exclaimed, "No! Of course not. I haven't even spoken to him in months. There's no drama, I'm sorry to report." During a separate interview, Ariana was told by one of Capital FM's hosts that Taylor Swift reportedly wants her to join her squad. "Oh wow, that would be so crazy. Do you have to do anything weird to get in?" Ariana asked. "All those girls are really nice. I would be so down [to join]." Your move, Taylor. Copyright 2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. juarez mexico police The head of Mexicos National Defense Secretariat said in an interview that Mexico had made a mistake in deploying the military as part of the countrys war against drug cartels and organized crime. Of course we have committed errors, said Gen. Salvador Cienfuegos Zepeda, in an interview with Mexican news outlet Pulso in mid-March. One of those was when we entered fully combat against drugs, he continued. This deployment, which ramped up under former President Felipe Calderon, left Mexicos armed forces to deal with "a problem that is not ours," Cienfuegos said. "The military is not intended for the work it does today," Cienfuegos said. No one with responsibility for this institution is prepared to do the functions of the police. Putting "soldiers prepared for war" in the streets alongside police to face down criminals has created dangerous situations for civilians, Cienfuegos said, singling out daytime raids the military has launched against gangs and other criminal groups. "Another problem that we had, which I consider an error, was confronting criminals, in daytime hours, when people are in the streets and that caused many innocents to end up hurt," he said. Calderons strategy to fight organized crime increased troop deployments in Mexico from 20,000 to 50,000 soldiers, focusing on urban drug-trafficking hubs, rather than rural areas where drug production was concentrated. Calderon human rights complaints Mexico Almost immediately, reports of abuses including extrajudicial killings, torture, and disappearances committed by soldiers started to build up. The number rose from 182 in 2006 to a peak of 1,800 in 2009, falling only slightly to 1,626 in 2011, according to a report from the University of San Diego's Trans-Border Institute. Story continues Mexican political scientist Jose Merino wrote in a 2011 Nexos article there was a causal effect between the deployment of joint military operations and the rise of the murder rate in the parts of Mexico where those operations took place. That same research found that there could have been more than 7,000 fewer homicides between 2008 and 2009 had soldiers not been deployed to fight organized crime. An international commission also noted recently that 2% of the Mexican population, or about 1.65 million people, were displaced by violence or the risk of violence during Calderon's time in office. Even now, there are signs that the Mexican government does not intend to reduce the military's role in domestic security, despite what the UN high commissioner for human rights called a "very bleak" outlook for a country "wracked by high levels of insecurity." 'They are responsible for nothing' Cienfuegos has stressed the military was not taking on the duties of police, but rather "helping [the police] with our means, with our resources." He also defended the military against abuse allegations, naming two recent high-profile incidents: The killing of 22 suspected criminals in Tlatlaya and the disappearance and suspected killing of 43 students in Iguala. Obregon mexico In the Tlatlaya case, Cinefuegos said four of the seven accused soldiers had been released because they are responsible for nothing, even though a judge only ruled that there was insufficient evidence to try them. In the Iguala case, in which soldiers are suspected of observing the students abduction by gang members but failing to intervene, Cienfuegos said that despite allegations, he did not see the military as responsible. Though Cienfuegos disputed the allegations of abuse levied against Mexican troops, numerous sources have linked military deployment in citizen-security roles to increased human-rights abuses. Support for military role in domestic security in Latin America Mexico is not the only country that has turned to soldiers to bolster and replace police forces. Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala have all created joint police-military forces, and relied on soldiers to combat gangs. Brazilian military police deployed in Sao Paulo have killed thousands over the last 20 years. In Venezuela, where efforts at police reform have been scrapped, military units have been put on the streets in policing roles, and they have often gotten involved in the very crimes they are supposed to be fighting. Despite these often violent results, governments and citizens throughout the region still express support for using the military in domestic-security roles. The Latin America and Caribbean region has registered one-third of the worlds total homicides, despite having just 8% of its population. That helped make the region home to 42 of the 50 most violent non-war-zone cities on the planet, according to the Mexico Citizens Council for Public Security. With violence surging in Mexico, it seems unlikely that day-to-day life for many Mexicans and the role the military has in it is unlikely to change soon. "The de facto reality is that you have a situation that would be very shocking to the average American citizen. The idea of soldiers driving up and down the main streets of your city with M16s is exactly what the NRA is terrified of, University of San Diego professor David Shirk told Business Insider last year. And this is the everyday of reality for millions of people around Mexico." NOW WATCH: Forget 'El Chapo' this is Mexico's most powerful drug lord More From Business Insider VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Mar 31, 2016) - Peregrine Diamonds Ltd. ("Peregrine" or "the Company") (PGD.TO) is pleased to provide an update on its Botswana diamond exploration program. The Company's primary assets in Botswana are 11 prospective diamond Prospecting Licences that cover 6,613 km2. The 2015 diamond exploration program focused on the Moralane and Malolwane areas and included drill testing of four priority kimberlite targets in the Moralane block. In addition, Peregrine secured three new licences covering the diamondiferous Sikwane kimberlites. The 2016 work program will focus on core drilling of the Sikwane kimberlites and target verification in the Mmashoro and Sikwane project areas. 2015 Work Program Update The 2015 exploration program focused on two main target verification projects at Moralane and Malolwane, and limited target generation work at Gope and Nata. The Moralane license covers 664 km2 and hosts a compelling Kimberlite Indicator Mineral ("KIM") anomaly with associated isolated magnetic anomalies. Microprobe-confirmed KIM compositions define a unique, diamond-compatible signature that cannot be matched to indicators from known kimberlite clusters in the region. Previous operators in the area focused their drilling on the highest indicator mineral counts and drilled shallow holes to reach the basal Kalahari sequences. Approximately 170 km of high resolution ground magnetics were acquired over 11 targets in the Moralane license. The results were used to identify and prioritize four drill targets possibly representing syn-or pre-Karoo intrusives that would be deeper than previous drilling. A total of 570 m of reverse air blast ("RAB") drilling was completed on the four targets in 2015. No kimberlites were intersected. At Moralane, a 170 m hole on a 15 ha remnant magnetic high (G89-15-10 North) intersected Lebung and Beaufort Group sandstones and siltstones and terminated in Ecca Group carbonaceous siltstones and minor coal measures. A 100 m hole drilled on an 8 ha textured magnetic low (G89-15-10 South), intersected similar Lebung and Ecca group sedimentary rocks and terminated in a monzogranite. A 150 m hole was drilled on a 20 ha magnetic dipole (G89-15-11) which encountered mainly Lebung and Beaufort sandstones and siltstones, terminating in Ecca Group carbonaceous siltstones and minor coal measures. A 150 m hole was drilled on a 38 ha magnetic dipole (G89-15-RC03) encountering Lebung and Beaufort Group sandstones and siltstones. Processing of downhole KIM samples is ongoing and results will guide follow-up programs. Detailed interpretation of the drill logs together with regional geophysics is in progress to better understand the structural geology of the area. Story continues In the Malolwane license, which covers 251 km2, a KIM sampling program was completed during which a total of 288 samples were collected. The samples were processed at the in-house sample treatment facility and sorted to recover KIMs. Several KIMs were recovered, including ilmenite and chromite. Additional in-fill KIM sampling to define drill targets is being planned. At Gope, Peregrine holds two licences covering 1,001 km2. In 2004 a detailed, low level aeromagnetic survey was flown by the previous operator. The survey identified numerous priority targets to the north of the known Gope kimberlites. The previous program was terminated before these targets had been drill tested. Reinterpretation of the Gope low-level aeromagnetic survey by Peregrine has identified 20 priority magnetic targets. Ten of these targets were prioritised for target-scale KIM sampling and forty 60 litre screened samples were collected during November 2015. The samples were submitted for KIM extraction and a kimberlitic garnet was recovered from one of the targets. In addition, four garnets were reported by a previous operator from samples collected over an additional magnetic anomaly in the licence, though the target remains untested. Low-count KIM recoveries are significant in thick Kalahari sand covered areas and further work at Gope is planned. At Nata, Peregrine holds four licences covering 3,830 km2. Regional airborne geophysics has highlighted a number of magnetic anomalies in an area favourable for kimberlite intrusives but this program has not been prioritised for any exploration work during 2016. Sikwane Kimberlites The Company continues to expand its land position in Botswana. A new prospecting licence, that includes the diamond-bearing Sikwane kimberlites, has recently been acquired. These kimberlites were originally discovered by De Beers in 1997. The license covers 453 km2 and hosts previously drilled diamondiferous kimberlite intersections with compelling KIM chemistry and unresolved KIM and magnetic anomalies. 2016 Work Program The planned 2016 work program will focus on target drilling and target verification by ground truthing. The program is expected to commence in mid-April and continue until late November. The total budget for the 2016 work program is approximately CDN$550,000. Target testing via core drilling will be prioritized on the Sikwane license. Previous operators in the area focused their drilling on the highest indicator mineral counts and failed to resolve the morphology and extent of the intersected diamondiferous kimberlite intrusives. Approximately 500 m of core drilling is planned to test five previously identified diamondiferous kimberlitic occurrences. These targets are supported by drill logs submitted by previous operators. Key to the program is to resolve the emplacement morphology of the kimberlitic material and to determine the potential for hosting economic volumes of diamond bearing kimberlite. Target verification will focus on two areas. The Mmashoro area, which has unresolved aeromagnetic anomalies in a terrain where kimberlites predominantly present with magnetic signatures. The Sikwane area, where several discrete aeromagnetic anomalies remain unresolved. Activities in these two areas will include further KIM sampling, as well as detailed ground geophysical surveys. NEW WEBSITE Peregrine is pleased to announce that it has recently launched its updated corporate website. The new website has been designed to provide investors with easy access to important information regarding the Company and its activities. The new website can be found at www.pdiam.com. ABOUT PEREGRINE DIAMONDS Peregrine Diamonds core asset is its 100 percent-owned, 513,249 ha Chidliak project, located 120 km from Iqaluit, the capital of Nunavut, where 71 kimberlites have been discovered to date with eight being potentially economic. An Inferred Mineral Resource of 8.57 million carats in 3.32 million tonnes of kimberlite at a grade of 2.58 carats per tonne has been defined for a portion of the CH-6 kimberlite. In addition, a target for further exploration ("TFFE") of 3.20 to 4.38 million tonnes of kimberlite to a depth of 380 metres below surface has been identified at CH-6. An independent diamond valuation by WWW International Diamond Consultants, of a 1,013 carat parcel of diamonds from CH-6 returned an average market price of US$213 per carat and modelled prices that ranged from a minimum of US$162 per carat to a high of US$236 per carat, with a base model price of US$188 per carat. A TFFE of 3.72 to 6.01 million tonnes to a depth of 290 metres has been defined at the CH-7 kimberlite. In 2010, a 47 tonne mini-bulk sample collected from the surface of CH-7 returned a grade of 1.04 carats per tonne. A TFFE of 1.27 to 3.19 million tonnes to 250 metres depth has been defined at the CH-44 kimberlite pipe. The TFFE's identified above are conceptual in nature and are not Mineral Resources. It is uncertain whether further exploration will result in any of these tonnages being delineated as Mineral Resources. In addition, Peregrine now controls eleven prospective diamond prospecting licenses in Botswana that cover 661,330 hectares. Peregrine Exploration, a wholly owned subsidiary of Peregrine Diamonds holds the 8,493 hectare Lac de Gras project in the Northwest Territories, located approximately 27 kilometres from the Diavik Diamond Mine. The nine hectare 72.1%-owned DO-27 kimberlite, located at Lac de Gras, hosts an Indicated Mineral Resource of 18.2 million carats of diamonds in 19.5 million tonnes of kimberlite at a grade of 0.94 carats per tonne and it is open at depth. Through comprehensive evaluation of its extensive diamond exploration databases, Peregrine Exploration is working towards acquiring and developing new diamond properties in North America. A key asset being utilized in the search for a new Canadian diamond district is a proprietary database acquired from BHP Billiton that contains data from approximately 38,000 kimberlite indicator mineral samples covering approximately three million square kilometres of Canada. For information on data verification, exploration information and resource estimation procedures see the technical reports entitled, "2015 Technical Report for the Chidliak Project, 66 21' 43" W, 64 28' 26" N Baffin Region, Nunavut" dated February 23, 2015, and "Peregrine Diamonds Ltd. Lac de Gras Project Northwest Territories, Canada NI 43-101 Technical Report" dated July 15, 2014, both of which are available on SEDAR and the Company's website. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future including, without limitation, statements relating to proposed exploration and development programs, funding availability, anticipated exploration results, grade of diamonds and tonnage of material, resource estimates, anticipated diamond valuations and future exploration and operating plans are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect the current expectations or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company. Forward-looking statements are made based upon certain assumptions by the Company and other important factors that, if untrue, could cause the actual results, performances or achievements of the Company to be materially different from future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the price of diamonds, anticipated costs and ability to achieve goals. Certain important factors that could cause actual results, performances or achievements to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: receipt of regulatory approvals; anticipated timelines for community consultations and the impact of those consultations on the regulatory approval process; market prices for rough diamonds and the potential impact on the Chidliak Project; and future exploration plans and objectives. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements and, even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, the Company. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things, uncertainties relating to availability and cost of funds, timing and content of work programs, results of exploration activities, interpretation of drilling results and other geological data, risks relating to variations in the diamond grade and kimberlite lithologies; variations in rates of recovery and breakage; variations in diamond valuations and future diamond prices; the state of world diamond markets, reliability of mineral property titles, changes to regulations affecting the Company's activities, delays in obtaining or failure to obtain required project approvals, operational and infrastructure risk and other risks involved in the diamond exploration and development business. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to their inherent uncertainty. PROVIDENCE, RI--(Marketwired - Mar 29, 2016) - Patrick K. Sullivan, MD, FACS, a board certified plastic surgeon in Rhode Island, has been invited to speak at three meetings in April 2016: The "13th Annual Aesthetic Symposium" hosted by the American Society of Plastic Surgical Nurses (ASPSN), "Skin Care 2016" hosted by the Society of Plastic Surgical Skin Care Specialists (SPSSCS), and "The Aesthetic Meeting 2016" hosted by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). Set to take place in Las Vegas, Nevada, Dr. Sullivan explains that The Aesthetic Meeting -- supplemented by its two supporting conferences -- is a global gathering of Aesthetic Innovators and Experts. "It is an excellent opportunity to share the exciting advances we have found, connect with brilliant minds, learn about ground-breaking new advances, and exchange information about the wonderful world of plastic surgery," he states. At the ASPSN panel, Dr. Sullivan will present on: "How Do We Choose the Best Type for Neck Rejuvenation?" He will cover the following: 1. How to use KYBELLA, the new, recently FDA-approved non-surgical injectable designed to help get rid of double chins and neck fat. 2. The latest surgical rejuvenations for getting rid of excessive fatty deposits in the neck and jowl area, treatment of aging lax skin, Platysma banding (turkey necks), and how this all relates to facial aging. 3. Who is the best candidate for surgical vs. non-surgical rejuvenation. At the SPSSCS meeting, Dr. Sullivan's panel topic is: "How Do We Choose the Best Protocol for Neck Rejuvenation?" He will focus on Skin Care Specialists and how they can work together with Plastic Surgeons on neck rejuvenation. He will also contrast KYBELLA vs. surgery and cover the following: 1. Aging of skin and how this helps determine the most appropriate treatment of the neck. 2. The Skin Care Specialist's role in caring for people with concerns about their neck and facial area. 3. How the Skin Care Specialist and Plastic Surgeon can work together to give the patient the very best result that neither one could achieve without the other. Story continues At the ASAPS meeting, Dr. Sullivan -- along with Glenn Jelks, MD of New York -- will be conducting a course on Tuesday, April 5th from 2:00 - 4:00 pm. Titled "Aesthetic Eyelid and Forehead Surgery that Focuses on a Natural Result for the Patient," it will provide participants an in-depth view of practical anatomy of the upper face and eyelid region. Treatment rationale and clinical applications for a variety of techniques will be covered, including the use of proven blepharoplasty techniques that are designed to be very atraumatic, yet effective. The emphasis of this course will be on techniques to improve eyelid appearance, reduce or eliminate lid-cheek junction abnormalities, and improve skin texture. Along with Tim Marten, MD of San Francisco, Dr. Sullivan will also be conducting a course titled "Advanced Techniques for Rejuvenation of the Neck and Lower Face" on Tuesday, April 5th from 4:30 - 6:30 pm. He will cover the following: 1. For the lower face, identify how to establish contours that blend with the neck to give a beautiful, natural result. 2. Diagnose the various neck deformities and implement appropriate treatments. About Patrick K. Sullivan, MD, FACS Dr. Sullivan is division chief of cosmetic surgery at Brown University's School of Medicine in Providence, Rhode Island. He specializes in cosmetic surgery of the face, neck, eyelids, breasts, and body. He is double Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as well as by the American Board of Otolaryngology in Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Sullivan is available for interviews upon request. For more information, visit drsullivan.com. To view the original source of this press release, click here: http://www.drsullivan.com/press-releases/rhode-island-plastic-surgeon-to-lecture-at-asaps-2016-and-two-supporting-conferences-in-las-vegas/ Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=2984557 richard branson Everyone should be wary of any "news" from the Virgin Group on April 1 or March 31, depending on what time zone you're in. Its founder and chairman, Richard Branson, is a notoriously huge fan of April Fool's Day and he enjoys using it as a way to score some marketing for his brands and trick the media and public in the process. Virgin hasn't given up the joke yet, but its latest assumed prank is an Airbnb-esque logo redesign for its airline Virgin America, in the shape of a woman's bikini top. It even comes with a launch video satirizing the self-importance of Silicon Valley. Last year, Branson collaborated with the government of Branson, Missouri, to announce that he was relocating Virgin's United Kingdom headquarters to the small town. Branson explained in his 2014 book "The Virgin Way" that an essential part of the brand is fun, and so a harmless April Fool's Day joke is a perfect fit. But one of the biggest pranks he ever backfired spectacularly and landed him in a holding cell for almost 12 hours, in his pajamas, he wrote. On March 31, sometime back in the '90s, Branson decided that his early Virgin Records business partner, Ken Berry, was going to be his April Fool's target. Branson invited Berry and his girlfriend to a nice late-night dinner at a rooftop restaurant he owned for the purpose of distracting him while some "hired hands," as Branson calls them, broke into Berry's apartment at midnight and stole his furniture, television, and stereo. When Berry arrived at his emptied apartment, actors posing as policemen would follow him in to interrogate him and dust for fingerprints. After Berry suffered long enough, Branson would pop in to yell "April Fool!" and move everything back in. virgin america april fools day logo But things started to go wrong when Branson returned to his table from a phone call at 12:15 to find that Berry and his girlfriend had left, leaving a note saying, "Thanks for dinner, see you tomorrow. Ken." Branson writes that he started to panic, since he was supposed to sneak over to Berry's place to manage the prank. Story continues "Not knowing what to do I headed for home and was greeted by my wife Joan (who wasn't in on the joke because she would have totally disapproved of it) saying, 'Richard, something awful has happened. Kenny's flat's been broken into and the police are there now. He called to ask if his girlfriend could spend the night with us as she's too scared to stay in the flat,'" Branson writes. Branson decided the joke was long past spoiled, and he called Berry to come clean. The thing was, Berry had already filed a police report. He told Branson he'd try to work something out. Before Branson had a chance to go to bed, two cops showed up at his door and arrested him. He was in his bathrobe and slippers as he protested, "This is all a terrible mistake." They took him to the Harrow Road Police Station and tossed him into a holding cell, taking his robe's sash from him, following protocol for potential suicide threats. After a half hour of dozing, Branson writes, he was startled by screams coming from the cell next to him. He couldn't see what was happening, but "it sounded like a beating was underway as I heard, 'Please don't hit me again. Honest, guv, I didn't do nothing!'" Branson spent the entire night and morning in the cell before two police officers took him upstairs around noon to charge him with "a dozen or more offences including wasting police time," he says. Confused, tired, and ashamed, he stepped outside into the daylight and was greeted by his Virgin Records staff, led by Berry and police. "April Fool!" they yelled. Branson then learned that after he had confessed to Berry on the phone that the burglary was just an elaborate prank, Berry asked the police officers to drop the case. english cops police The annoyed cops wanted to charge Branson with criminal mischief and wasting police time, but Berry claims he was able to strike a deal: They wouldn't press charges if they could keep Branson in a holding cell until noon, which according to "official" April Fool's rules, is when you have to announce a prank. The beating in the cell next to Branson was staged for extra flair. So while this all may seem like "fun" that's gotten out of hand, Branson insists it's just a byproduct of the kind of corporate culture that has allowed Virgin employees to feel free to express themselves and give their all to the company. In the "Virgin Way," he writes, "At every step along the way, from 'Student' magazine to Virgin Galactic and everything in between, we have certainly enjoyed great times together and laughed a lot quite often at my expense, as with my night locked up in a London police station cell!" Here's Virgin's cheeky video about the launch of the "new Virgin America logo": NOW WATCH: What an expert on con artists thinks of Donald Trump More From Business Insider Brokers trade at their computer terminals at a stock brokerage firm in Mumbai January 15, 2015. REUTERS/Shailesh Andrade/Files REUTERS - The BSE Sensex ended unchanged on Thursday after a volatile session due to the expiry of monthly derivative contracts, but indexes still posted their best monthly gain in more than four years boosted by big overseas inflows. The broader NSE Nifty rose 0.04 percent to end at 7,738.40, after falling as much as 0.4 percent earlier. The index surged 10.75 percent in March, its best monthly gain since January 2012. The benchmark BSE Sensex gained 0.01 percent to close at 25,341.86, after gaining 10.2 percent this month. (Reporting by Aastha Agnihotri in Bengaluru; Editing by Biju Dwarakanath) * Deficit reached 5.2 pct of GDP vs 4.2 pct EU-agreed target * 'Concerned' EU to review Spain's finances in May * Regions' overspend main reason for miss, says minister (Updates with government figures, adds quotes) By Sarah White and Carlos Ruano MADRID, March 31 (Reuters) - Spain's next government seems certain to be hamstrung by tough spending restrictions after the country missed its 2015 public deficit target by almost a full percentage point, far more than expected. Months of fruitless coalition talks following inconclusive national elections in December have left it in political limbo, and on Thursday public finances also took a turn for the worse. The deficit reached 5.16 percent of economic output, the acting treasury ministry said, well beyond the 4.2 percent target agreed with the European Commission and the 4.8 percent Brussels had forecast. Economic Affairs Commissioner Pierre Moscovici said in a statement the data confirmed the EU executive's concerns about Spain's finances, which it would assess fully in May. Spain's acting government is hoping to persuade Brussels it can get close to the 2016 deficit target of 2.8 percent via stricter controls on regional finances and by leveraging a strong economic recovery. Acting Economy Minister Luis de Guindos told reporters in Paris that 2016's budget, passed last year by the centre-right People's Party (PP), would not otherwise need amending. But to hit the target, the next administration will have to find savings of around 25 billion euros this year, according to Reuters calculations, possibly in the form of unpopular tax hikes or social spending cuts. Barclays said in a note it expected Spain's 2016 deficit to reach 3.8 percent, again one point wider than targeted. "Whoever leads the next government will have to deal with the inescapable reality of further fiscal consolidation," added Antonio Barroso, economist at Teneo Intelligence. "The Commission will probably be much more aggressive once a new administration is in place." Story continues The unpromising state of coalition negotiations suggests that seems unlikely before a second national election takes place, probably in June. LESS LEEWAY? The 2015 miss also makes it harder for Spain to get leeway on the tough 2016 goal -- a stance advocated by parties currently in talks over forming a government including the Socialists, leftist Podemos ("We Can") and centrist Ciudadanos ("Citizens"). Caretaker Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy signalled in February he was also open to asking Europe for flexibility on the deficit target, and de Guindos did not rule out such a move on Thursday, saying the deficit miss opened up a period of discussion with the Commission. "It's bad news," said Daniel Fuentes, economist at think tank AFI. "They'll get to Brussels... facing questions on whether they're making enough of an effort." The miss is a blow for the acting PP government, perceived as the party with the firmest grasp on the economy, which assured voters in the run-up to the election Spain would come close to hitting the target. Government finances were pushed over the limit by over-spending by regional governments, especially the eastern regions of Catalonia and Valencia, and one-off costs such as a national health bill to treat hepatitis C patients, Acting Treasury Minister Cristobal Montoro told a news conference. Spain has whittled down the deficit since a financial crisis, after the PP wielded deep spending cuts. But the PP also brought in tax cuts before the election, and the government failed to keep within yearly limits established by Brussels throughout its term. Including international financial aid from a 2012 banking bailout, the 2015 deficit came to 5.24 percent, confirming data from the National Statistics Institute. ($1 = 0.8801 euros) (Additional reporting by Blanca Rodriguez; Writing by Sonya Dowsett; Editing by Julien Toyer and John Stonestreet) Doug Evans, juicero, sv100 2015 Juicero is a startup with a simple goal: it wants to to make the freshest juice you've ever tasted. And after roughly three years in stealth mode and raising a war chest of capital that's pushing $100 million the startup finally launched on Thursday morning. Juicero can most simply be described as a "Keurig for juice." The product is a smart, Wi-Fi connected kitchen appliance that presses pouches the size of IV bags into tasty concoctions of fresh fruits, water, and veggies. There's also no preparation, mess, or cleanup. You simply slip in the pouch, press a button, and out pours your juice. juicero The appliance can tell the user the nutritional value of what they're drinking. It can also order another pouch for the user once one has been pressed and used. And because Juicero's pouches are going from a farm straight to your house, with no grocery store in between, it's apparently fresher than most other juices you've tried. The Juicero appliance will be pricey, about $699, a Juicero investor tells Business Insider, although final costs are still being determined. But the product, this person says, is "magical." It's so magical, in fact, that celebrities like Dr. Oz and Gwyneth Paltrow have tried the juice and are said to have been blown away. Apple design genius Jony Ive and Yves Behar had a hand in Juicero's design, as did Nest founders Tony Fadell and Matt Rogers. Juicero is the brainchild of Doug Evans, a vegan who was formerly CEO and chairman of health-food chain Organic Avenue. Juicero's major investors include Campbell Soup, Google, Artis Ventures, and Kleiner Perkins, with additional funding from Double Bottom Line Ventures, Thrive Capital, and Vast Ventures among others. Campbell apparently agreed to invest after tasting a V8-like juice that Juicero's team whipped up. Shortly after, Campbells committed to a large investment in the startup. Story continues The problem other than the high price point is that juicers produce a lot of sugar. And at the moment, the world is not too hot on sugar. In November, the Food and Drug Administration stated that Americans shouldn't eat or drink more than 50 grams of sugar, which has brought a lot of negative attention to companies like Coke and Pepsi. Some have even likened sugar to tobacco. Juicero But Stuart Peterson, a partner at Artis Ventures and a self-proclaimed sugar addict, notes that Juicero doesn't take out all the healthy fiber like normal juicers do, and he says he craves less and less sugar since he started using Juicero. Plus, it just tastes great, he says. "This product, when you drink it, it's alive," Peterson tells Business Insider. "When you have Keurig coffee, I guess its a good cup but it doesnt blow your mind. This blows your mind because [the fruits and vegetables are] in a natural state. Its just a beautiful thing." NOW WATCH: A green comet is appearing this week thats 100 times brighter than astronomers predicted heres how to see it More From Business Insider LIMA, PERU and TORONTO, ON --(Marketwired - March 31, 2016) - Telefonica Educacion Digital S.L.U. ("Telefonica"), a company within the Telefonica Group that offers comprehensive online learning solutions for education and training, and ELL Technologies Ltd. ("ELL Technologies"), a subsidiary of Lingo Media Corporation (TSX VENTURE: LM)(LMDCF) ("Lingo Media), an EdTech company that is 'Changing the way the world learns English' through innovative online and print-based technologies and solutions, are pleased to announce that they have entered into a commercial distribution partnership. Telefonica has been granted the rights to market, sell and distribute ELL Technologies' full product suite of English language training products in Peru. "After a long evaluation process of ELL Technologies, we have determined that the solutions which ELL Technologies' offers are some of the best-in-class eLearning online courses for English training available on the market in Peru," said Marco Esparza Montejo, CEO of Telefonica Educacion Digital in Peru. "Our vision is to continually innovate and equip the citizens of Peru with leading-edge capabilities in education technology in order for them to learn English effectively and efficiently, and help them enhance their communication skills." "We are pleased to finalize this agreement with Telefonica as we recognize the company as a key strategic distribution partner in the Peruvian marketplace, that will help us make significant inroads in this market," commented Michael Kraft, President & CEO of Lingo Media. "Telefonica will work with ELL Technologies to help grow our existing sales pipeline, as well as reach out to their own industry contacts. Both companies have previously worked together on select smaller projects and the experience was very constructive. We are excited about the opportunities that this new partnership offers. In 2014, Telefonica Educacion Digital experienced great growth, with over 400 employees in 5 countries (Spain, Colombia, Chile, Peru and Brazil), 300 customer groups and 4 million students via different platforms. The company has expanded its product and services portfolio in the education field by carrying out teacher training programs and deploying educational technology platforms for schools, to provide a more customized and collaborative digital learning approach. The system of education in Peru is somewhat similar to that of the United States. It has basic education (ages 3 to 5 years old), primary (ages 6 to 11 years old) and secondary (ages 12 to 16 years old), all of which are free. However, school is only mandatory from ages 6 to 16 years old. Higher education is not mandatory or free. In recent years, education in Peru has expanded significantly -- enrollment has increased, literacy has improved, and government spending has more than quadrupled. "Spending money is not enough by itself; it needs to be spent productively. This is where ELL Technologies excels and where it yields proven results for its customers," said Gali Bar-Ziv, COO of Lingo Media. "We look forward to bringing greater access and improved learning outcomes for students and employees across Peru in conjunction with our new partner Telefonica." About Telefonica Educacion Digital Telefonica Educacion Digital is a company within the Telefonica Group that specializes in offering comprehensive online learning solutions for Education and Training. They rely on a multi-skilled team of educators, consultants, technology experts, web developers, web designers, managers, teachers, tutors and student assessors that develop a wide range of eLearning products and services aimed at its customers. Telefonica Educacion Digital's parent company Telefonica, S.A. is one of the world's largest telecommunications network operators by market capitalization and number of customers. What's more, taking into account every sector of activity, it is one of the 50 largest companies in the world by market capitalization and one of the 100 biggest in terms of revenue. Present in 21 countries with 125,000 professionals. Consolidated revenues of 47,219 million euros in January-December 2015 and more than 322 million total accesses at December 2015. To learn more, visit www.telefonicaeducaciondigital.com. About Lingo Media (TSX VENTURE: LM) (LMDCF) Lingo Media is a global EdTech company that is 'Changing the way the world learns English', developing and marketing products for learners of English through various life stages, from classroom to boardroom. By integrating education and technology, the company empowers English language educators to easily transition from traditional teaching methods to digital learning. Lingo Media provides both online and print-based solutions through two distinct business units: ELL Technologies and Lingo Learning. ELL Technologies provides online training and assessment for English language learning, while Lingo Learning is a print-based publisher of English language learning programs in China. Lingo Media has formed successful relationships with key government and industry organizations internationally, with a particularly strong presence in Latin America and China, and continues to both extend its global reach and expand its product offerings. To learn more, visit us at www.lingomedia.com Follow Lingo Media On: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LingoMedia Twitter: @LingoMediaCorp YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/lingomedialm LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lingo-media-corporation RSS: http://feeds.feedburner.com/LingoMedia Portions of this press release may include "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of securities laws. These statements are made in reliance upon Sections 21E and 27A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties or other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results, performance, or expectations implied by these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on management's current expectations and involve certain risks and uncertainties. Actual results may vary materially from management's expectations and projections and thus readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Lingo Media has tried to identify these forward-looking statements by using words such as "may," "should," "expect," "hope," "anticipate," "believe," "intend," "plan," "estimate" and similar expressions. Lingo Media's expectations, among other things, are dependent upon general economic conditions, the continued and growth in demand for its products, retention of its key management and operating personnel, its need for and availability of additional capital as well as other uncontrollable or unknown factors. No assurance can be given that the actual results will be consistent with the forward-looking statements. Except as otherwise required by US Federal securities laws, Lingo Media undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or any other reason. Certain factors that can affect the Company's ability to achieve projected results are described in the Company's filings with the Canadian and United States securities regulators available on www.sedar.com or www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml. NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/3/31/11G090551/Images/telefonica-eb330bd8101e81fd85474a4bc091ec39.jpg Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/3/31/11G090551/Images/Educacion_Digital_Fundacion_Telefonica_Apertura-6dca770b4dce9dec870c7752b09eb0b7.jpg Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/3/31/11G090551/Images/Digital_Education-2a1e6e3c8db7aee8a6558a81d74cb4e5.jpg For Immediate Release Chicago, IL March 31, 2016 Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include American Airlines Group (AAL), Virgin America (VA), United Continental Holdings (UAL), JetBlue Airways Corporation (JBLU) and Alaska Air Group Inc. (ALK). Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Get #1Stock of the Day pick for free. Here are highlights from Wednesdays Analyst Blog: Airline Stock Roundup: On Brussels & Virgin America The past week saw quite a few updates in the airline space with the twin attacks in Brussels taking up most of the attention. Terror attacks on Mar 22 at the Brussels airport and the Maelbeek metro station in central Brussels negatively impacted travel stocks, which includes the airline players. Apart from the horrific attacks, the past week saw Fort Worth, TX-based American Airlines Group (AAL) finally giving in to the profit sharing scheme after opposing it for a long time. Moreover, reports of the low-cost carrier Virgin America (VA) putting itself up for sale also grabbed headlines. Meanwhile, customer-friendly updates from United Continental Holdings (UAL) and JetBlue Airways Corporation (JBLU) also invited attention. Read the last Airline Stock Roundup for Mar22, 2016 . Recap of the Past Weeks Most Important Stories 1. Airline stocks shed value following the twin terror attacks in Brussels which claimed over 25 lives apart from injuring more than 200 people. However, the impact of such terror attacks is generally found to be short-term in nature. Moreover, according to media reports, U.S. carriers do not have a huge exposure in Belgium. This should further limit the damage caused to stocks in the US airline industry (read more Airlines Attractive Despite Brussels Attacks: 5 Solid Picks). Story continues 2. American Airlines reversed its stance on profit sharing and announced that it would pay 5% of 2016 pretax profits to its employees apart from those in management. Consequently, the carriers first profit sharing payment will be made early next year (read more: Airlines Profit Sharing in Vogue, Courtesy Cheap Oil). 3. Virgin America was a major news maker last week following a Bloomberg report on Mar 23 that suggested that the airline is up for sale. Reportedly, JetBlue Airways and Alaska Air Group Inc. (ALK) have submitted bids to buy the California-based low-cost carrier (read more: Virgin America Taking Bids: Gains 10% on the Day). 4. In line with its efforts to expand further, United Continental inked a multi-year deal with premier Chinese carrier Air China. The carriers have also established a joint strategic initiative aimed at benefiting fliers in the two countries (read more: United Continental Aims to Broaden Chinese Footprint). 5. In a customer-friendly move, JetBlue Airways announced the expansion of its partnership with Azul Brazilian Airlines. The unilateral codesharing pact inked by the two carriers will however take effect once it receives government clearance (read more: JetBlue Extends Partnership with Azul Brazilian Airlines). Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report >> About Zacks Equity Research Zacks Equity Research provides the best of quantitative and qualitative analysis to help investors know what stocks to buy and which to sell for the long-term. Continuous coverage is provided for a universe of 1,150 publicly traded stocks. Our analysts are organized by industry which gives them keen insights to developments that affect company profits and stock performance. Recommendations and target prices are six-month time horizons. Zacks "Profit from the Pros" e-mail newsletter provides highlights of the latest analysis from Zacks Equity Research. Subscribe to this free newsletter today. Find out What is happening in the stock market today on zacks.com. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report AMER AIRLINES (AAL): Free Stock Analysis Report VIRGIN AMERICA (VA): Free Stock Analysis Report UNITED CONT HLD (UAL): Free Stock Analysis Report JETBLUE AIRWAYS (JBLU): Free Stock Analysis Report ALASKA AIR GRP (ALK): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. 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. Idaho legalized the carry of a concealed firearm without a permit on Friday.Republican Gov. Butch Otter signed SB 1389 into law after it passed both the House and Senate with large majorities. The law allows everyone who is a resident of Idaho, is 21 years of age or older, and legally allowed to posses a firearm, to carry a firearm concealed on their person without obtaining a permit first.The move makes Idaho the ninth state, following on the heels of West Virginia , to adopt a permitless framework, commonly referred to as constitutional carry. The trend of states moving to constitutional carry laws has accelerated sharply since 2003, when only Vermont had such a system.Though gun carry laws vary from state to state, most laws adhere to one of three standards. The most popular of these is the shall-issue framework, which 33 states now employ, and it requires state officials to issue a permit to anybody who meets certain training requirement and passes a background check.The most restrictive standard, employed by only eight states, is often called may-issue and gives government officials ultimate discretion over who can obtain a license.Constitutional carry is now more popular than the shall issue framework for the first time in the history of the United States.Gov. Otter said he signed the bill into law because he considers himself a gun rights champion. Im a gun owner, a hunter and a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association, he said in a letter to the president of the Idaho State Senate. I have consistently championed our citizens gun rights throughout my years in public office, and I do so again today in signing Senate Bill 1389 into law.He also encouraged anybody considering carrying a gun to seek training and rebuked the legislature for not including a training requirement in the bill.Gun rights activists, who have constitutional carry bills pending in a number of other states across the country, celebrated the bills passage.This is a great day for law-abiding gun owners in Idaho, Chris Cox, the NRAs lead lobbyist, said in a statement. Now, the residents of Idaho can choose what method of self-defense suits them best no matter where they are in the state.The law will officially go into effect July 1. The Mevlana Cultural Center in Konya, Turkey will welcome thousands of delegates for the worlds biggest international conference on halal tourism - an industry now worth over $150 billion. The Halal Tourism Conference 2016 is being held on 3-5 May 2016 in Konya, Turkey and will bring together some of the worlds leading names in the travel industry. Themed Developing Halal Tourism Industries the two-day event will feature a number of keynote speeches, panel discussions and workshops and will also see new campaigns and projects launched. Alongside the conference, there will also be a three-day exhibition featuring over 100 businesses from across the world. Over 1,000 delegates from all over the world are expected to attend including tourism boards, travel agencies, tour operators, hotels and airlines. This years event will also feature from Hajj and Umrah providers, financial institutions and food and drink businesses. It is the second time the event is being held in Europe following the success of the inaugural event in Andalucia, Spain. A recent study has revealed that in 2015 the estimated total Muslim visitor arrivals were 117 million representing close to 10% of the entire travel economy. This is forecasted to grow to 168 million visitors by 2020 and 11% of the market segment with a market value projected to exceed $200 billion. Organiser Bilal Domah, from CM Media, based in UK, said the 2016 conference would be the biggest seen in Europe. Confirmed guest speakers at the event will include Dr. Bandar, Fahad al Fehaid, Delegation of Arab Tourism Organization of the Arab league, Fazal Bahardeen, CEO of Crescentrating & HalalTrip, Simon Coombs, President & CEO Shaza Hotels, Irfan Onal, Director General, Ministry Of Culture and Tourism Promotion and Rafi-Uddin Shikoh, CEO of Dinar Standard. The conference will be hosted alongside an exhibition which will last for three days with the final day opened to trade and public. It will feature over 100 exhibitors from Turkey and the rest of the world. For more information on the event including how to attend as a delegate please visit http://www.halaltourismconference.com With existing service to Zagreb, Turkish Airlines now adds Dubrovnik, one of the largest cities in Crotia to its expanding network. The airline offers a promotional fare for the launch. Beginning from 10th May, Dubrovnik flights will be operated 3 times weekly. Introductory trip fares are available from Istanbul to Dubrovnik starting from 99 USD and from Dubrovnik to Istanbul 99 EUR (including taxes and fees). Additionally, for the first 6 months of operation to the new destinations, there is a special offer for Miles&Smiles members, with a 25% reduction in the miles needed to redeem either award tickets or upgrades.* Dubrovnik flight times as scheduled from May 10th; Flight No. Days Departure Arrival TK 439 Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday IST 09:20 DBV 10:10 TK 440 Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday DBV 11:05 IST 13:50 All times are in LMT. To view the flight schedules please visit www.turkishairlines.com * Turkish Airlines reserves the right to make changes in this regard. The Ukraine International Travel & Tourism Show (UITT) is taking place in Kiev. Following the loss of Russian market, Turkish tourism industry eyes the Ukrainian travel and tourism market. Turkey hosted some 700,000 tourists from Ukraine in 2015. Our aim is to lure 1 million tourists from Ukraine over this year, said Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Mahir Unal who attends UITT 2016. Ukraine is not only a neighbor for us, but also a country with which we have high-level strategic cooperation. It is essential to plan our region together in terms of tourism [and] joint cultural heritage, Unal added. UITT 2016 - "Ukraine - Travel and Tourism" is holding from 30 March to 1 April in IEC Kyiv. It is also should be noted that at the third day of UITT-2016 1 April exhibitors prepared for their guests tourists - a lot of special offers, interesting gifts and surprises. Visitors will be able to participate in the certificates drawing and could buy tours at competitive prices from leading travel companies. KANDAHAR, Afghanistan Two years ago, Abdul Sawab had big dreams. He hoped for a steady teaching job and the chance to impart what he knew about poetry and prose in his native Pashto language to his students. But Sawab is still jobless after sweating over a four-year degree in Pashto literature from the Education University in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar. "The universities keep on churning out graduates," he told Radio Free Afghanistan. "But we are unable to find any jobs." Hundreds or perhaps thousands of university graduates have similar stories in Kandahar and across Afghanistan. A few years back, Ahmad Shah established a nongovernmental organization after getting an economics degree from Kandahar University. The magazine he established managed to generate a few editing and writing jobs. But he was forced to stop printing the magazine and fire his staff, as he became jobless soon after NATO's Provincial Reconstruction Team stopped funding his organization as part of its winding down of operations three years ago. "All the private companies here are family businesses and only employ friends and family. In the government sector, [political] connections and contacts often trump meritocracy," he told Radio Free Afghanistan. "This ultimately prevents the private companies from growing. Government organizations, on the other hand, are unable to serve citizens by providing the services they are tasked to deliver." Shah is not optimistic about finding a job unless meritocracy can exist in Afghanistan. Hazrat Mir Totakhel, the vice chancellor of Kandahar University, says he is running a student employment office on campus and is doing his best to help students find jobs after graduation. "We have organized job fairs and have done our best to introduce our graduates to prospective employers," he said. While reliable statistics are difficult to come by, various Afghan and international organizations estimate the unemployment rate in Afghanistan is between 25 percent and 50 percent of the work force. Unemployment has sharply sparked amid the departure of most international troops and aid workers since 2013. Abubakar Siddique wrote this report based on reporting by Mohammad Sadiq Rashtinai from Kandahar, Afghanistan. MASON CITY A Mason City man was sentenced to up to five years in prison Wednesday for injuring an infant at his home. DAirio J. Cryer, 21, was sentenced to up to five years in prison each on two counts of child endangerment causing bodily injury, a Class D felony, in Cerro Gordo County District Court. The two sentences are to be served concurrently with each other. Two $750 fines were suspended. Cryer was accused of pushing a bulb syringe up an infants nose in December, causing a one-millimeter gash in the childs nostril, according to court documents. Previously, he also allegedly squeezed the child, causing several ribs to fracture. The child was transported to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He originally was charged with two counts of child endangerment resulting in serious injury, a Class C felony. He pleaded guilty to lesser charges in February. Mary Pieper MASON CITY A woman who was employed at a former Mason City massage business agreed Monday to plead guilty to a charge of prostitution. Mason City massage worker charged with prostitution MASON CITY A worker at a Mason City massage business has been charged with prostitution. Suling Lu, 49, formerly of Mason City and now a resident of Iowa City, was arrested on that charge, an aggravated misdemeanor, by the Mason City Police Department on Feb. 24 during an investigation of her place of employment, Asian Body Work, 546 E. State St. Her sentencing is set for April 18. The Cerro Gordo County Attorneys Office has agreed to recommend a deferred judgment for Lu, according to the written guilty plea. Police say they investigated Asian Body Work after receiving complaints about people being able to pay for sex acts at the business. Asian Body Work is now closed. Mary Pieper Swedish English For further information: Jacob Landen, General Counsel, +46 70 894 12 16 The ninth and final opportunity to convert debentures into shares under the staff convertible debenture program decided by the annual general meeting 2012 occurred in March 2016. The number of shares before the conversion was 78 253 437 and the number of votes was 107 213 205. Through the conversion in March 2016 the numbers of B-shares and votes have increased by 80 016. The total number of shares after the conversion amounts to 78 333 453, of which 3 217 752 are A-shares and 75 115 701 are B-shares. The number of votes after the conversion is 107 293 221. Corporate Communication AF AB (publ) The information contained in this press release is such that AF is required to disclose pursuant to the Swedish Financial Instruments Trading Act. The information was submitted for publication on March 31, 2016. AF is an engineering and consulting company for the energy, industrial and infrastructure markets, creating progress for our clients since 1895. By connecting technologies we provide profitable, innovative and sustainable solutions to shape the future and improve people's lives. Building on our strong base in Europe, our business and clients are found all over the world. AF - Innovation by experience HUG#1998708 Press release, Stockholm, Sweden 31 March 2016 TagMaster, the leading producer of advanced RFID products & ANPR cameras for long range vehicle identification in Traffic Solutions and Rail Solutions, are pleased to announce a new ANPR camera, the CitySync 50. UK-based ANPR specialists CitySync Limited, part of TagMaster, are pleased to announce the next model in a new range of ANPR cameras, the CitySync 50 that will be launched at Intertraffic in Amsterdam, 5-8 April. The CitySync 50 camera is the most complete intelligent (all-in-one) camera for the parking (free-flow), access control/security and traffic markets. While other cameras can read plates on board and trigger barriers from a simple white-list, the CitySync 50 offers much more comprehensive on-board capabilities. It is designed to be used globally with a variety of illumination options (both infra-red and white light) to provide the best quality images, regardless of plate type and lighting conditions. The camera outputs up to 2 separate relays based upon multiple rule groups, can output email alerts, communicate directly with LED signs and even act as a Wiegand device. All of this is without the need for further PCs or software. The camera setup is quick and easy thanks to a brand new web-based interface and configuration wizard, greatly reducing setup times and costs. There is also a HD sensor which eliminates the need for varifocal configuration thanks to a depth of field of up to 10m from a fixed lens. For even greater flexibility, multiple CitySync 50 cameras can be connected to the JetParking Server software, enabling car park overstay, or dwell-time analysis. The optional HD overview makes it a perfect tool in a parking or bus-lane enforcement environment. The camera has been developed through co-operation and collaboration between CitySync and TagMaster technical teams, with valuable input from our existing partners in the parking and access control markets. Danny Malone, the ANPR Product Manager for CitySync stated, There has been a renewed drive since the TagMaster acquisition, to get high quality products to the market quickly and efficiently. The CitySync 50 is following the launch end of last year of the CitySync 30 and shows our commitment to innovation For further information, please contact Jonas Svensson, CEO, +46 8 632 1950, jonas.svensson@tagmaster.com About TagMaster TagMaster is an application driven technology company that designs and markets advanced identificationsystems and solutions based on radio & vision technology (RFID & ANPR) for demanding environments. Business areas include Traffic Solutions and Rail Solutions providing innovative mobility solutions, sold under the brands TagMaster & CitySync, in order to increase efficiency, security, convenience and to decrease environmental impact within Smart Cities. TagMaster has dedicated agencies in the US and in China and exports mainly to Europe, Middle East, Asia and North America via a global network of partners, systems integrators and distributors. TagMaster was founded in 1994 and has its headquarters in Stockholm. TagMaster is a public company and its shares are traded on First North stock exchange in Stockholm, Sweden.TagMasters certified advisor is Remium AB. For more information about TagMaster, please visit www.tagmaster.com COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 31, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- K-12 website and software developer eSchoolView continues to make its mark in the eyes of education technology leaders, earning praise from EdTech Digest. OneView, the Columbus, Ohio-based company's solution for enhancing data integration, was recognized as a 2016 Cool Tool by the online publication. OneView allows school districts to read and push data back into various student information systems (SIS), such as ProgressBook, PowerSchool or Infinite Campus. In turn, the software increases internal efficiency and parent engagement through one login. "The recognition our team has earned is truly reflective of how we approach our work," eSchoolView Executive Director Rob O'Leary said. "It's all about our clients. We focus on the technology and create the best product to meet their needs. They focus on delivering the best education to their students." This is the third year EdTech Digest has praised eSchoolView for its work. In 2014, eSchoolView earned Cool Tool awards for its Mobile Suite and Instant Connect alert system, and O'Leary and co-founder Grant Wright were acknowledged for their trendsetting leadership. eSchoolView's Parent Portal and the Mobile Suite were named Cool Tools in 2013. "Technology is opening the door to a renaissance in education," EdTech editor-in-Chief Victor Rivero said. "The edtech sector has experienced tremendous growth in the past several years, and there is also tremendous quality of products and very talented people out there. These honorees are among edtech's best and brightest." The EdTech Digest Awards Program sets out to acknowledge the services, leaders and trendsetters that undauntedly energizing education. "This year's program had some very stiff competition, and hard decisions were made in selecting winners," Rivero said. "We're proud to honor these cool tools, leaders and trendsetters in education technology." eSchoolView was selected in late 2015 by CIO Review as one of the nation's 50 most Promising Education Technology Solution Providers. The company, which got it start in 2008, recently doubled its downtown Columbus office space and opened an office in Charlotte last year. eSchoolView created its cloud-based Content Management System (CMS) specifically for schools and educational organizations. Its flexible, easy-to-use software features nearly 20 components through which staff can collaborate to share timely information with their communities. Revenue growth lands eSchoolView near the top third (at 1907) of Inc. Magazine's 5000 list of fastest growing private companies in the U.S. for the second consecutive year. With an additional office in Arizona, the company serves more than 1,500 schools and school districts across the country. WILMINGTON, Del., March 31, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rigrodsky & Long, P.A.: Do you, or did you, own shares of Primero Mining Corp. (NYSE:PPP) ? (NYSE:PPP) Did you purchase your shares between October 5, 2012 and February 3, 2016, inclusive? Did you lose money in your investment? Rigrodsky & Long, P.A. reminds shareholders of Primero Mining Corp. (Primero or the Company) (NYSE:PPP) of an upcoming deadline involving a securities fraud class action lawsuit commenced against the Company. A complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California on behalf of all persons or entities that purchased the common stock of Primero between October 5, 2012 and February 3, 2016, inclusive (the Class Period), alleging violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 against the Company and certain of its officers (the Complaint). If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than April 15, 2016. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. Any member of the proposed class may move the court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. If you purchased shares of Primero during the Class Period, and wish to discuss this action or have any questions concerning this notice or your rights or interests, please contact Timothy J. MacFall, Esquire or Peter Allocco of Rigrodsky & Long, P.A., 2 Righter Parkway, Suite 120, Wilmington, DE 19803 at (888) 969-4242; by e-mail to info@rl-legal.com; or at: http://rigrodskylong.com/investigations/primero-mining-corp-ppp. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Former New York Senator Hillary Clinton kicked off her campaign to win the April 19th New York state Democratic primary in Harlem this morning, telling supporters at the Apollo Theater this afternoon that its wonderful to be back home. In a half-hour speech, Clinton focused on her record of advocacy on behalf of the middle class, and her strong stance against income inequality. The policy proposals of her opponent, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, who was never named by Clinton, loomed large during the former Secretary of States speech (despite her 71% to 23% lead in the most recent poll). My opponent and I share many of the same goals, but some of his ideas for how to get there wont pass, others just wont work, because the numbers dont add up, Clinton told the crowd filled with fervent supporters and the attendant media scrum of a presidential frontrunner. And that means people wont get the help they need and deserve. The speech both endorsed the ideas of Senator Sanderslike proposing exit taxes for corporate inversionsand referred to them as impractical or unrealistic, a sentiment shared by many Clinton supporters. I like Bernie Sanders, I dont have anything to say negative about him, I just think Hillary is more qualified, said Jeanna McGinnis, 35, who was there with her 18-month-old son. I havent juggled, Ive been a HIllary supporter this entire campaign. With a warm-up playlist leaning heavily on Michael Jackson, campaign workers organized the supporters who would be standing behind Clinton, leading them in chants of Its time, its time, its time for a woman in the White House. Senator Chuck Schumer made an appearance, and retiring Harlem Congressman Charlie Rangel got up on the stage to dance, before Hamilton actress Renee Elise Goldsberry sang the national anthem. (Max Rivlin-Nadler / Gothamist) Rebecca Hernandez, 31, who attended the event with her uncle, said she was committed to voting for Clinton, but keeping an open mind. I believe that to be President, you have to be molded for it. I believe that shes learned a lot from her years of experience in government. I like Bernie though, and that hes such a Socialist who really cares about other people, Hernandez said. Brandon Powers and Nick Day, both 24, stood out from the rest of the crowd. As two young white men, a demographic that has swung heavily for Bernie, they were outliers. We knew why people have been looking at us and trying to talk to us, said Powers. I hear a lot about Bernie Sanders, especially given my friend group and social networks. So this rally is especially useful in rallying myself this morning. Im really excited for HIllary because of her wide-range of experience, her foreign policy, her support of anti-gun laws. I find it really important that we have a woman in office. I have not even been tempted by the Bern, Day added. Bernie is an admirable person, hes had a long career of standing up for his values, but that does not a president make. A president is someone who has relationships, a breadth of vision, and being able to talk about any number of issues once they walk into the Oval Office. Nick Day (left) and Brandon Powers (Max Rivlin-Nadler / Gothamist) Clinton ended her speech on a strong and somber note, referencing the xenophobia being spouted by her Republican rivals, and then sharing the story of Mohammad Salman Hamdani, an NYPD cadet and EMT who died on 9/11 after he rushed to the scene to assist first responders. Mohammed was an immigrant, he was a New Yorker, and he died trying to help others live, Clinton said. Its up to us to make sure that his sacrifice still counts for something. We do that by standing up against bigotry in all its forms, just like countless New Yorkers do every day, in a million quiet ways. Were going to stand up for the values that make New York great, and make America great. We rely on your support to make local news available to all Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2022. Donate today Between the sexist tweets about Ted Cruz's wife, his campaign manager's assault charges, possible pen attacks, and his very public flip-flops on abortion, Donald Trump has been having a very bad, no good week. Stephen Colbert invited him on the show (or at the very least, said he invited Trump on) to defend himself, but "he was busy being on every other channel on television, plus I think he's turned into a cartoonish version of himself at this point. So instead, we invited a less cartoonish version, Cartoon Donald Trump." That stupid-head, poopy-pants Anderson Cooper will think twice before he calls anyone a 5-year-old again. If only every political argument could be settled with infinities. Colbert also had Elizabeth Warren on, and while he couldn't get her to say whether she supports Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders, he didn't have to do much to get her talking about Trump: "Donald Trump is looking out for exactly one guy, and that guy's name is Donald Trump," she said. "Calling on Donald Trump for help is like if your house is on fire, calling an arsonist to come help out." Meanwhile, Jimmy Kimmel had Ted Cruz on to uncomfortably joke about Muslim watch lists, his hatred for Obamacare, his favorite cereal (Mueslix), his love for Star Wars, his first concert (Men At Work), and of course, his antipathy toward Trump. Asked whether he hated Obama or Trump more, Cruz said: "I dislike Obamas policies more, but Donald is a unique individual...If I were in my car and getting ready to reverse and saw Donald in the backup camera, Im not sure which pedal Id use." Asked about his plan to have police patrol Muslim neighborhoods, Kimmel asked Cruz, "I know you're a guy who loves the Constitution... isnt this in direct competition with the Bill of Rights?" And here's Cruz discussing how unpopular he is among his colleagues: Completely incidentally, Colbert Trump Cruz Kimmel (CTCK) would be a great name for a law firm and/or a mid-'90s RnB vocal group. An earlier version of this story stated, based on court documents, that NYPD Captain Ludwig Romero was present for the arrest and alleged beating of Irving Mizell in 2013. Lawyers for Mizell's family placed Romero at the scene along with other officers in the lawsuit they filed in July 2014 and subsequent court papers, but they are now in the process of removing him from the case because, according to the Captains Endowment Association union, Romero's only connection to the arrest was that he signed off on a voucher for Mizell's property, and he was not on duty when the arrest took place. The story has been updated to reflect this. On March 7th, 2013 four NYPD officers responded to a call of a man violating a protective order outside a woman's apartment in the Richmond Terrace public housing development in St. George. The officers arrested 52-year-old Irving Mizell at the scene at around 6:30 p.m., and according to a lawsuit filed by Mizell's daughter, Shandrica Edwards-El, dragged him down seven flights of stairs, beating him along the way. The lawsuit claims that there were several working elevators that the officers could have taken, but that they chose the stairs knowing that NYCHA buildings don't have cameras in the stairwells. The suit claims further that at the neighborhood's 120th Precinct Mizell made repeated pleas for medical care, but the officers "intentionally [denied] or [delayed] access to medical care, and intentionally [interfered] with the treatment once prescribed." Paramedics arrived to drive Mizell to Richmond University Medical Center in an ambulance shortly before 9 p.m., and doctors at the hospital pronounced him dead on arrival, the suit says. Mizell suffered head, neck, back, and body injuries, and doctors declared the death the result of those injuries, according to the lawsuit. The Medical Examiner's Office, however, found that his death was accidental, caused by heart failure brought on by a heart defect and exacerbated by muscle relaxers and alcohol in his system. Thomas Giuffra, one of Mizell's family's lawyers, told the Daily News: "To say his death was an accident is absurd. Its shocking to me that this could happen in New York City in the 21st century." The Staten Island Advance reported that Mizell had a troubled past, having served three terms in state prison for drug dealing and weapons charges in the 1980s and 1990s. The paper also found that the Civilian Complaint Review Board substantiated complaints against three of the officers involved in Mizell's arrest, ruling that two abused their authority by refusing to get treatment for him and a third, Todd Craven, used excessive force and gave a false statement. Speaking to the Advance, Mizell's brother George said that Irving had chronic health problems, and that he knew his brother had been beaten when he went to identify his body. "He was in bad physical condition. He was an alcoholic. He had diabetes. He had high blood pressure, and he was in no condition whatsoever for them to even hit him," George Mizell said. "How can you do that? That's like seeing a bird in the street with a broken wing and then stepping on it. How cruel can you be?" George Mizell compared his brother's death to that of Eric Garner, killed in the same neighborhood, by officers from the same precinct. "My brother was complaining he couldn't breathe. He was crying, actually screaming he couldn't breathe, and, you know, his cries fell on deaf ears, just like Mr. Garner's, and he died in that precinct," he said. In a response to the lawsuit filed last spring, lawyers for the city blamed Mizell for his own death (as they typically do in these kinds of cases), writing, "Any injury alleged to have been sustained by plaintiff resulted from plaintiffs own culpable or negligent conduct or that of a third party and was not the proximate result of any act of the defendants." City lawyers also argued that the four officers were acting in their official capacity and therefore should have immunity from being sued as individuals. The case is ongoing, and Edwards-El's lawyers have retained experts on toxicology, police practices, and forensic pathology, according to court documents.. The NYPD has released a new video showing a man suspected of at least five violent home invasion robberies, and investigators hope the public can help them track the suspect down. In each instance, cops say he has targeted elderly women going into their homes. The first reported incident was on March 2nd, at 1 p.m., in Park Slope. Police say that "inside of 555 9 Street in Brooklyn, the suspect approached the 91 year-old female victim from behind as she entered the location, placed her in a chokehold and displayed a handgun. After he pushed her inside the location's vestibule he demanded her money. As the suspect took the female victim's money, a 50 year-old male came across the pair in the vestibule. The suspect pointed the handgun at the male victim and removed his money. The suspect fled the location with approximately $370." Then the authorities connected him to two earlier robberies: On January 20th, at 5 p.m., near Myrtle Avenue and Weirfield Street in Queens, police say the suspect "followed a 76-year-old female into her residence. As she reached the door, the male put his hands over her mouth and pushed her inside. He then demanded money at knife point and then pointed a firearm at a 87-year-old male demanding more money. The suspect fled with approximately $800." On February 11th, the suspect then allegedly struck at Prospect Place and 6th Avenue around 2:30 p.m.: "An unidentified male followed a 71-year-old female into her residence, attempted to tie her up, displayed a firearm and struck her on the left side of the lip causing a laceration. The individual removed approximately $375 and fled on foot east on Prospect Place." According to the NYPD, two more robberies occurred this month: On Saturday, March 19th, at 5:15 p.m., near Prospect Place and Carlton Avenue in Prospect Heights, "an unidentified male followed a 43-year-old male into his residence and demanded money. He then observed an 81-year-old female and approached her at gunpoint and with a box cutter in his other hand and demanded money. The suspect fled on foot with approximately $330." This past Saturday, March 26th, police say he struck again in Kensington near Ocean Parkway and Beverly Road: "The suspect followed the 83-year-old female victim into her building. Once the victim was inside of her apartment the suspect knocked on her door. After she opened the door, the suspect hit her in the face with a hard object. The suspect did not remove any items from her home and fled the building in an unknown direction." The victim said, "I guess I just got socked, I dont remember very much," and her son said, "When she opened the door, he slammed her down, knocked her in the face and broke her nose." Here's surveillance video from Kensington: The suspect is described as being 40-60 years old and around 5'10". He has brandished a gun or knife in each incident. 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 at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential. A young woman was seriously injured after she reportedly went to a Washington Heights roof to urinate and fell two stories onto the roof of an adjacent building. Her friend reportedly told 911 that she was blown off the roof by strong winds. Police say the incident happened around 2:15 a.m. Wednesday at an apartment building on W. 179th Street near Audubon Avenue. The Daily News reports that Meri Marabyan, 19, and Jesus Plata, 21, had gone to the building to visit a resident there. Police sources told the News the three were drinking rum and beer in the stairwell, and Marabyan's blood also tested positive for cocaine after the accident. It's unclear if any of that was a factor in her accident. Both women reportedly went to the roof of the five-story building to urinate when Marabyan fell off and landed on the rooftop of the next door building, which is two stories lower. "[Marabyan] was blown off the roof by the wind," Plata told a 911 operator shortly afterwards. The wind speed was around 7 MPH at that time in the city (the wind gust, which is was not recorded at that time and location by Weather Underground, was likely higher). Marabyan suffered internal injuries, and was taken to Harlem Hospital, where she is listed in critical but stable condition. According to the NY Post, investigators aren't sure whether she was blown off by the wind or if she simply lost her balance and fell. In a separate incident on Tuesday, 57-year-old Clifford M. Lemay died after falling from the roof of a seven-story office building in Teaneck, NJ. Police have attributed his death to a "horrific accident," with a peak wind gust around 32 MPH in the area around the time of the fall. A 24-year-old security guard at a Long Island high school was arrested yesterday after he allegedly filmed a 16-year-old boy in the bathroom and then shared the video on Snapchat. Daniel Williams, 24, allegedly took the video on Tuesday morning in a bathroom at Roosevelt High School in Nassau County. The student was in a stall, and Williams is accused of filming him from the outside. "This is a rather embarrassing situation for the victim. I can tell you, the defendant did go into the bathroom, did follow the student in, and he was able to videotape the student using the bathroom. Then he posted it on Snapchat," Det. Lt. Richard Lebrun of the Nassau County Police Department told reporters. It's unclear why Williams allegedly chose to publicize the video on Snapchat, but someone who saw the video alerted police. Williams was arrested on Wednesday, with the video apparently still on his phone. He has been "administratively reassigned to home with pay," according to the school superintendent, and is prohibited from setting foot on school grounds. The school is looking into whether there are other victims. He has been charged with unlawful surveillance and endangering the welfare of a child, and could be sentenced to up to four years in prison if convicted. Rising sea levels are unfortunately nothing new, but it's sometimes all too easy to think of these repercussions of climate change as far in the futuredespite the fact that islands in the Pacific are growing smaller every day as the tides creep higher and higher. Now, according to a thoroughly alarming new study, the future of our coastlines are more immediately dire than previously feared: the massive West Antarctic ice sheet is at risk of disintegrating in the next few decades, meaning that people born today could very well witness devastating effects along the world's coastlines. Extend that model by a couple more centuries, and New York City will be plunged completely underwater, along with cities like Miami, New Orleans, London, Hong Kong and Sydney, the New York Times reports. The Midwest isn't looking so bad now, is it? "Sea level rise is not going to be felt evenly over the surface of the Earth," Rob DeConto, one of the study's co-authors, told the Washington Post. "It's really bad for New York, Boston. We are sort of in the bullseye." If the sheet breaks up completely as a result of global warming, it could raise the global sea level by at least 12 feet. Until now, scientists thought it could take hundreds to thousands of years for that to happenbut according to this study, if we keep emitting greenhouse gases at anything close to our current rate, it could happen much, much sooner, and well within most of our lifetimes. By 2100, sea levels could rise as much as three feet as a result of the ice sheet's breakup, according to this study. Coupled with ice melting occurring in other areas, it could be closer to six feet. Here's the effect that would have on some of the city's coastal areas, according to one model: And that's just with an addition of six feet: after 2100, things could get much worse, much more quickly: sea levels could rise by a foot each decade by 2150. "We are not saying this is definitely going to happen," David Pollard, the other co-author, told the Times. "But I think we are pointing out that there's a danger, and it should receive a lot more attention." Not all hope is necessarily lost: if the world's leading carbon-emitting nations significantly curb their greenhouse gas emissions, the West Antarctic ice sheetwhich is the size of Mexicocould avoid collapse, this study found. Unfortunately, the Paris Climate Deal, which will be officially signed by world leaders next month in New York, doesn't go far enough: we would have to more drastically reduce our emissions, and soon, to prevent the sheet from collapsing, according to these researchers. So things aren't looking greatand this is on top of the fact that 2015 was the hottest recorded year on earth. Maybe this latest will get Mayor de Blasio to rethink his $2.5 billion waterfront streetcar, considering that at this rate, many of the neighborhoods on its route could be submerged within decades of its completion. On October 20th, 2015, in a leafy plaza just east of First Avenue, members of a hardline tenants association, wary and callused from years of fighting to maintain the affordability of their homes, broke character and cheered the smart-suited representatives from Americas largest landlord, who had just spent about $5.4 billion to buy the apartments they live in. The press conference had been organized by Mayor Bill de Blasio to announce the purchase of the Stuyvesant Town-Peter Cooper Village apartment complex by the Blackstone Group, a real estate investment force which manages some $93 billion worth of hotels, office space, and residential property worldwide, with a growing portfolio of close to 100,000 rentals spread across the country. Blackstones investment partner in the purchase was Ivanhoe Cambridge, the real estate arm of the Canadian pension fund manager Caisse de depot et Placement du Quebec. Ivanhoe is a frequent Blackstone partner with similarly massive real estate holdings and an affinity for Manhattan property. Not counting their 50% stake in the Stuy Town deal, the Quebeckers have invested close to $4 billion in Manhattan property over the past 5 years, more than local real estate giants like Related and Brookfield Properties. While it was an odd mix of crowds to catch backslapping, the celebration was not entirely without cause. Stuyvesant Towns middle-income apartments have historically been a stronghold of truly affordable housing. But over the past decade, a succession of speculative owners had begun dismantling the complexs long-standing rent stabilization protections. In 2000, 99% of Stuy Towns 11,232 apartments were provided the protections of rent stabilization, and the complex proudly housed a thriving, long-term community of middle class New York families. By early 2015, nearly 50% of the complexs units had been deregulated and were being rented on the open market, with two-bedroom units easily commanding $4,200 a month. Every year around 300 apartments lost their rent protections. The demographic shift within the complex was obvious. As sales negotiations between Blackstone and Stuy Towns current owners CW Capital began, the de Blasio administration stepped in to help negotiate an agreement that would curb that attrition and guarantee twenty years of relatively affordable rents for 5,000 of the complexs 11,232 units. The Blackstone purchase was a PR triumph for all parties: embattled current tenants are granted a respite; the Mayors office leaps 5,000 units closer to fulfilling its ambitious goal to create and preserve 120,000 units of affordable housing over ten years; and Blackstone is able to secure control of Manhattans largest housing complex while positioning itself as an advocate for the public good. Mayor de Blasio called it the mother of all preservation deals and the New York Times' Editorial Board cooed their approval. The Guardian called the deal a victory beyond numbers and proof that affordable housing can still be a municipal priority. Susan Steinberg, the president of Stuy Towns Tenants Association, also endorsed the sale, saying, I feel that we have saved our community as a middle-class enclave. Yet scrutiny of the deal reveals an agreement that prioritizes profitability for Blackstone, a company that, even without the $221 million in financial giveaways the City bundled into the sale, stands to make billions of dollarshundreds of millions of dollars annuallyfrom Stuy Town. Buried in the deals Terms Sheet and curiously unmentioned during the press conference, is a further promise from the City to support [Blackstones] efforts to transfer unused development rights from Stuy Town to other appropriate receiving areas. A commitment that opens the door for Blackstone to access one million square feet of air rights in one of the most desirable neighborhoods in New York City, air rights that are worth untold millions. All this financial assistance has been framed as a way for the city to incentivize the preservation of affordable housing, but in reality, the agreement will likely be used to protect fewer units than it promises to. The deal creates no new affordable apartments, offers no assistance for the thousands of tenants already loaded with market rate leases, and suggests only the slightest consideration of Stuyvesant Towns future affordability. How has the city settled into such a low expectation of success in the preservation of affordable housing? How did Stuyvesant Town, which so recently stood as the paragon of affordable, middle class housing in Manhattan, fall so far? In a city that prioritizes affordable housing over every other issue, how is preserving the status quo in exchange for $221 million in taxpayer money and hundreds of millions more in development rights considered a victory? Originally created through a public-private partnership between Mayor Fiorello La Guardia and the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, Stuyvesant Town, with its sister development Peter Cooper Village, houses 30,000 residents and forms an improbably large complex of 110 red brick apartment buildings stretching for 80 acres along First Avenue between 14th and 23rd Streets. Opened in 1947 to house returning veterans, the complex was created so that families of moderate means might live in health, comfort and dignity in park-like communities and symbolized a new municipal and corporate commitment to a middle class city. For decades, MetLife maintained the complex with a kind of laissez-faire benevolence that allowed Stuy Towns unglamorous high-rises to stand as a stronghold of stable affordability. The complex became a haven for teachers, firemen, city workers, and nurses and, although it has historically been heavily populated by Irish, Jewish and Italian families, Stuy Town has also absorbed populations of the citys arriving immigrants: an unlikely and inspiring middle class suburb thriving on lower Manhattans eastern flank. It did not, however, welcome black New Yorkers, and subsequent legal battles over the development's racist policies ultimately led to the federal Fair Housing Act of 1968, which outlawed discrimination in housing rentals and sales nationwide. Stuy Town operated as a reasonably profitable and quiet investment for MetLifethe complex reported a $112 million Net Operating Income in 2006but the owners attitudes began to change in the early 2000s, when MetLife became a publicly traded company and was forced to maximize shareholder returns at the expense of tenants. In 2000, MetLife quietly closed the waiting list for affordable units and began slowly stripping apartments of their rent protections and moving to lease them on the open market. In 2006, hoping to narrow its institutional scope and further capitalize on Manhattans frothy pre-crash real estate market, MetLife arranged an unprecedented $5.4 billion deal to sell the Stuy Town complex to a joint venture formed by the commercial real estate development firm Tishman Speyer and the money management group BlackRock Realty. Rob Speyer, the lead negotiator of the deal and the heir-apparent to the eponymous real estate empire amassed by his father, Jerry, told the Post "the opportunity to buy 11,000 units in Manhattan is what you live for." It was, Daniel Garodnick, a City Councilman and lifelong Peter Cooper Village resident told Gothamist, a prescription for disaster. Tishman Speyers purchase of the complexboth in its execution and in its ideologyset the stage for Stuy Towns current drama. (Christian Hansen / Gothamist) Like so many other heady pre-crash deals, the purchase was financed almost entirely by leveraging debt. Wachovias commercial-lending division quickly secured $4 billion in loans for the buyers. Merrill Lynch contributed another $500 million. Nearly all of that debt was securitized, turned around, and sold to secondary and tertiary investors. Tishman Speyer and BlackRock each contributed just $56 million of their own money to the deal, with neither offering up any of their other holdings as collateral. When the deal closed in November of 2006, Stuy Towns rental income covered a scant 40% of its new, inflated debt load. Speyer immediately doubled down on MetLifes earlier deregulation project and set about working to replace the complexs 8,000 remaining rent-stabilized residents with new, younger and more affluent tenants paying market rates. Tenant harassment became the driving force behind Tishman Speyers business model. Two years later, still up to their armpits in debt and increasingly desperate to convert apartments into market rate earners and speed along profits, Tishman Speyer tasked three law firms and a private investigations group with ferreting out tenants it believed to be unlawfully holding on to stabilized leases. In 2009, they rained down threats of eviction and distributed nonrenewal notices around the complex like takeout menus. Residents organized to challenge the nonrenewals but, faced with intimidation and harassment, hundreds of tenantsboth legal and notvacated their apartments. Ultimately, even those aggressive tactics could not ratchet the number of market rate apartments high enough for the complex to approach profitability. In October 2009, with the real estate market bottoming out, a decision from the New York State Court of Appeals ruled that Tishman Speyer and Metropolitan Life had wrongly deregulated 4,400 apartments and ordered that they pay compensation, the blow that killed any remaining hopes Speyer held of earning a buck off Stuy Town. On January 8th, 2010, three short years after they were handed the keys to the development, Tishman Speyer and BlackRock Capital defaulted on $4.4 billion in loans and walked away from the complex. The owning partners had pumped $6.3 billion into their Stuyvesant Town romp but the pair somehow rolled away from the wreckage relatively unharmed. All told, BlackRock and Tishman Speyer lost just their initial combined cash investment of $112 million. Dozens of companies, banks, countries and state pension funds each lost hundreds of millions of dollars in the blunder. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (and by proxy the tax paying public) ended up catching $2 billion of the debtthe majoritybut everyone from the government of Singapore to the Church of England was forced to write off their investments and eat the loss when the deal blew up. Following Tishman Speyers default, responsibility for the complex and its debt was transferred to CWCapital Asset Management, a financial special servicer essentially tasked with managing the property and shepherding it through the Chutes and Ladders of litigation necessary in untangling the interests and battered investments of the lenders still holding on to Stuy Town. Residents had been forced into a new routine: paying rent to CW and waiting for outside parties to negotiate the ownership of their homes and deliver some news about the future of their community. All the while watching as neighbors were displaced and the apartments around them were filled with a succession of wealthier, shorter-term replacements. It is a terrible shame what has happened, argues tenants activist and Tenants PAC organizer Michael Mckee, and the response from the city has been inadequate in every way, and thats both the Bloomberg and de Blasio administrations. As CWCapital and its partners tried to recoup some of their losses, Stuy Towns value had ballooned over the past four years. The grinding expense of living in New York City accelerated the shift away from homeownership, and steadily climbing rents have helped multifamily rental properties lead the upturn of Manhattans wider commercial real estate market and lured new crowds of investors to the field. In 2014, when prices for multifamily buildings were 33% higher than they were at the previous peak four years earlier, half of Stuy Towns units were leased at or near market rate. The Times reported that the complexs net operating income had risen to $177.5 million annually, up 34 percent from 2012 and nearly 60 percent since MetLife put the complex on the market, and expected to continue to climb again in 2015. The complexs growing profitability did not go unnoticed. Stuy Towns fate has been on de Blasios radar for years and presents a serious challenge for his administration. During his 2013 mayoral campaign, de Blasio, then the Public Advocate, wrote in a forceful op-ed for the complexs Town and Village newspaper that its the responsibility of the city to ensure that these homes and other affordable housing are never beyond the reach of middle class New Yorkers. Losing the complex and its 11,000 apartments to a developer looking to further convert it into a luxury district would be a major setback for de Blasio. The tenants and the city were rightfully concerned that this deal could have proceeded without any long-term affordability and without any real community participation, recalled Garodnick. As Blackstone emerged as a serious bidder, Deputy Mayor and former Goldman Sachs urban investment executive Alicia Glen, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, Garodnick, and other elected officials, all determined to stave off a repeat of Tishman Speyers 2006 recklessness and prevent a speculative buyer from turning it into a wholesale luxury complex, asserted themselves and stepped into the negotiations. The deal came together quickly and quietly during the early weeks of October. On October 19th, after ten days of talks, Blackstone and Ivanhoe Cambridge signed a contract to buy the Stuyvesant Town complex from CWCapital for $5.4 billion. The final deed was signed December 18th, after months of paperwork. The purchase price pegs the complexs value at roughly $471,100 per unit. In contrast to Tishman Speyers debt-fueled acquisitionin which Tishman and BlackRock each contributed less than 1% of the winning bid in cashBlackstone and Ivanhoe Cambridge contributed $1.3 billion in equity to the purchase. The remaining $2.7 billion in financing is being supplied by Wells Fargos multifamily division and guaranteed by Fannie Mae. Given how few cards the city had to play, they overall did an impressive job of trying to get something good out of a bad situation without getting their pockets picked, explains Benjamin Dulchin, the director of the Association for Neighborhood and Housing Development, an affordable housing advocacy group. The wins for the city are not immaterial, but they are comically overshadowed when held up alongside the benefits afforded to Blackstone. On the most basic level, Blackstone stands to see sizable gains from the rental income generated by Stuyvesant Towns 11,232 units, more than half of which currently fetch market rates. Residential rents across the boroughs seem to stride to new records every month, with the latest Citi Habitats report putting the average in Manhattan at $3,400, up 25% from 2010 and steadily climbing. Over just the past few years, betting that demographic shifts and stagnant incomes will continue to fortify the demand for rental apartments, Blackstone has quickly hurled itself into the top ranks of New York Citys landlords and grown its jurisdiction in the larger rental market. The Stuyvesant Town purchase brings Blackstones total multifamily holdings to close to 50,000 apartment units nationally, a presence further expanded by the more than 48,000 single-family rental homes it has bought since the beginning of 2012. This feverish pace of acquisition has allowed Blackstone to come to control a comfortable share of the residential rental marketin the five boroughs and nationally. Quite simply: A control of supply equates to a certain control of demand. Blackstone is not a charity, Michael McKee, of Tenants PAC, told The Real Deal. They would not be buying this if they didnt think they would be making money. In exchange for the affordability program Blackstone will extend to 5,000 units, the city agreed to waive the standard mortgage recording taxes the firm would have otherwise paid upon assuming control the property, a loss of some $77 million dollars. That amount would have covered roughly three-quarters of the citys planned expenditures for homelessness prevention and assistance in 2016 but still represents less than 1.5% of the $5.4 billion overall value Blackstone and Ivanhoe see in Stuyvesant Town. That $77 million waiver comes in addition to a $144 million loan from the citys public Housing Development Corporation; a loan that is deliberately structured to self-amortize and excuse Blackstone from paying a single dollar in either principal or interest, essentially functioning as an additional cash subsidy from the city. The $143,718,750 HDC loan, outlined on page nine of the sale agreement's Terms Sheet, will have a term of 20 years at 0% interest, with the principal amount being forgiven annually at a rate of $7,185,937.50 per annum. More plainly, that rate of annual forgiveness will wind down the principle amount owed by Blackstone to nothing by the time payment is due. At 0% interest, Blackstone ends up owing exactly zero dollars and zero cents on a twenty-year, $144 million loan. Nice! Aside from the subsidies and waived fees the city could bring to the deal, its primary point of entry into the negotiations actually came from New York Senator Charles Schumer. According to analyses of campaign finance disclosure reports conducted by the Center for Responsive Politics, executives and employees from Blackstone have been the primary financial supporters of Senator Schumers re-election efforts, directing $107,800 to his campaigns from 2011 to 2016. In 2014 alone, Schumer received $45,000 from Blackstone affiliated donors, making him the #1 Blackstone-supported politician in New York State and the #4 Blackstone supported politician nationwide. In 2014, Schumer lobbied the Federal Housing Finance Agency in Washington to ensure that Fannie Mae and Freddie Macthe two massive, federally backed mortgage providers overseen by the FHFAwould not extend their comparatively low-risk and inexpensive financing support to a Stuy Town buyer that does not have the blessing of the tenants and the city, a valuable bargaining chip considering that bankrolling such a large purchase with riskier private market loans would mean much higher interest payments and significantly more risk exposure for the buyer. Wiley Norvell, a spokesperson for the Mayors office, called Schumers pact with the FHFA a significant point of leverage. But what is very likely the most lucrative dispensation for Blackstone included in the agreement is outlined in a two-sentence clause that went unmentioned during the mayors triumphant press conference announcing the deal: The citys support of Blackstone transferring pieces of Stuy Towns large cache of unused development rights to properties elsewhere in Manhattan. Under the citys zoning regulations, each lot on a block is allocated a set number of development rights, or air rights, that restrict the height of the structures built on top of it. If a building tops out below its allocated maximum vertical allowance, the owners can generally transfer or sell the unused development rightsliterally the right to build higherto an adjacent property on the same block. The Stuy Town complex includes one-hundred and ten buildings spread across eighty acres, and comes with more than one million square feet of unused, transferable development rights. When pressed on what exactly city support for a transfer of development rights looks like, Norvell explains that in this case, support equals a willingness to study alternative locations for those air rights, to determine if any appropriate sites exist. Blackstone has not yet made public any plans for its new staggering cache of development privileges and there dont currently appear to be any sites in Stuy Towns immediate vicinity that could immediately absorb the tranche of development rights. However, any transfer that resulted in residential use would be subject to mandatory inclusionary zoning, which means at least 25-30 percent affordable housing, and the de Blasio administration has shown itself willing to make concessions on height and density restrictions if the new developments include benefits for affordable housing. The air rights themselves are probably worth more than everything else, says Thomas Angotti, a Professor of Urban Affairs and Planning at Hunter College. It would definitely be interesting to sit down and calculate. It seems far-fetched to imagine that Blackstone hasnt already begun to parse out where the privileges could be reallocated and what additional political choreography is necessary to get them there. A proposal extending Stuy Towns 20-year affordability timeline in exchange for wider latitude in the transfer of the complexs development rights is likely stewing in some Blackstone execs brain. The tenants also have their eye on the future. Of course the tenants would love to extend that timeline and I think that it is an issue that will be revisited in the coming years, Susan Steinberg, the president of the Stuy Town Tenants Association told us. It can be hard to calculate value without a clear sense of where the development rights will end up, but it is reasonably safe to assume that Blackstone stands to make hundreds of millions of dollars through nearly every imaginable outcome, and not just by using the rights to expand their own development projects, or through a straightforward sale of the rights to other developers. Thinking more broadly, Blackstone can quite easily wring the maximum profit from this opportunity by strategically assigning and selling the rights to developments that will help to buoy the value of any nearby properties they already own. If you anticipate a rising tide, it seems wise to buy a lot of boats. Over the next 20-odd years, as Manhattan continues to grow more densely developed and sprout higher and higher residential and commercial towers, Stuy Towns mid-rise buildings, leafy walkways, and self-contained suburban feel, will likely stand in stark contrast to the feel of surrounding blocks. It is not hard to imagine Stuyvesant Town in 2040, with its rent protections expired and its green, wide-open walkways and once unremarkable buildings now feeling charming in comparison, commanding incredible rents from wealthy families discontented with the behemoth glass and steel alternatives lining the surrounding avenues. What more predictable New York story is there than the once peripheral redoubts of the middle class turning, through the years, into verdant playgrounds for the ultra wealthy? The most troubling part of the Stuy Town agreement is not that Blackstone and its partners stand to gain so much, but that the affordability protections negotiated in exchange actually do so little. The structure of the protections for affordable housing and their working definitions of affordability expose just how low our standards of success have fallen. The loss of affordable apartments to deregulation has been a major issue for Stuyvesant Town, but to say this deal outright preserves 5,000 units of affordable housing on day one is a bit of a stretch. Today, thanks to the protections of the states Rent Stabilization Law, there are just over 5,200 Stuy Town units leased at below market rates. Those 5,200 units are already preserved under the state law and wont fall under the jurisdiction of Blackstones affordability program until their current tenants leave and the units shed their existing protections. Iffor whatever reasona rent stabilized unit becomes vacant at some point in the next twenty years, instead of offering the apartment on the open market, Blackstone must replace the outgoing tenants with new, income-qualified renters paying reduced rents. The new agreement is less a preservation of the complexs current affordability protections than it is a secondary safety net set up to catch up to 5,000 potential units that could be lost to deregulation during the next twenty yearsexactly how many apartments that will be in practice still remains to be seen. A press release put out by the Mayors Office on October 20th announcing the complexs sale says that without intervention, the City predicts that all but 1,500 apartments at the entire complex would be converted to luxury units within 20 years, a prediction thatby the citys own calculationswould put the total number of below market rate units actually preserved closer 3,500. This is about hard and fast guarantees, countered Norvell in an email last month. We have a general understanding of the overall rate of slippage from rent regulation, but no one knows which units could potentially turn over in next twenty years. The only way to ensure they ALL remain affordable for this and future generations is lock each and every one into a preservation program. One accomplishment of the 5,000 unit affordability program is the way it disincentivizes Blackstone from pursuing the erasure of any existing protectionswhy push to deregulate a unit renting at below market rates if it will only fall under the jurisdiction of another below market rate agreementlikely a welcome assurance for current tenants with a memory of Tishmans deregulation campaign. The actual affordability of the units protected under Blackstones program is also quite broadly defined. Like many of the citys housing initiatives, the Blackstone program measures the affordability of its rents against the Area Median Income (AMI), a frustratingly flawed federal formula that is calculated with income data from a wide swath of the metro areaincluding the wealthy suburbs of Westchester County and Long Islandresulting in a baseline median income that, when compared to the actual take home earnings of many New Yorkers, skews dramatically high. Because of the vagaries of AMI, only a small percentage of the apartments protected under the Blackstone program will be clearly, recognizably affordable. Ten percent of the protected apartments will be reserved for families earning 80% the Area Median Income, or about $62,000 a year for a family of three. The remaining ninety percent of the protected units will be set aside for households earning no more than 165% of the Area Median Income, which factors out to about $128,000 for a family of three. It is an incredible deal for the developer, says Hunter College professor Thomas Angotti. Twenty years of affordability at 165% of AMI doesnt begin to get at the most critical population in need of city subsidies. Pausing the endemic deregulation of rent-stabilized apartments for twenty short years may mean that 5,000 units can be tallied in the citys Preserved column, but it does little to ensure the the long-term affordability of Stuyvesant Town and even less to correct the course of New Yorks real estate market. I do not think that City Hall understands neighborhoods. The city understands quantitative goals. Angotti says with a sigh. They have set goals for the preservation of affordable housing and they're working to get every unit they can. The Mayors Office and the politicians involved in the deals negotiations have been consistent in pointing out the fate otherwise in store for Stuy Town. "The status quo in Stuyvesant Town and Peter Cooper would have kept the community on track to lose every single one of its affordable units over time, said Councilman Garodnick when pressed about ground gained through this deal. We negotiated a preservation deal of 5,000 units, where the alternative was zero." New Yorkers deserve a political imagination that looks beyond the horizon of the status quo and works to accomplish its goals in the streets, not just on paper. Calling this a victory involves a certain degree of nihilism. The existence of an affordable housing agreement in-and-of-itself is a victory only to people who see an unaffordable New York as a foregone conclusion. The saga of Stuyvesant Town over these past fifteen yearsfrom MetLifes initial push for deregulation, through the shameful war years of Tishman Speyers tenure, and into the resigned present of diluted, straw man affordabilityis as good of an example of the appetite that has pushed much of New Yorks housing stock beyond any recognizably-accessible territory as I can ask for. It represents an appetite that flourishes in a market ideology that sees housing primarily as something to be profited from with maximum efficiency and prioritizes the returns of private real estate developers over the housing of citizens. It is an appetite that is most apparent in the city's blood-pumping housing market but that grows more and more philosophically dominant in its other organs every day. It is a way of thinking that is redefining the understanding of whom the city is for and it is wrapped so thoroughly around our political practice that we sometimes cannot see beyond it. When we let that philosophy change our definition of success we admit defeat. The trouble is that we dont need more luxury housing, explains Peter Marcuse, professor emeritus of urban planning at Columbia University. If you make low income housing only a small proportion of the housing that you are fostering, then you are going to increase property values, you are going to increase the cost of rental units throughout the neighborhood, and youre going to displace people. In a city hemorrhaging its core middle-class population at a rate like New Yorks, twenty years of watered down protections on 5,000 units is not a triumph, its a tourniquet. Kevin Sweeting is a person on the internet and other places also. Culture Shooting for Double XL was a liberating experience for Huma Though Huma has mentioned multiple times, in jest, that this was the best prep she ever had to do for a role since she got to eat everything she wante... iStock/Thinkstock(ANCHORAGE, Alaska) Three first graders at an Anchorage, Alaska, charter school were suspended last week after allegedly plotting to poison and kill a fellow classmate. School officials said they found out about the alleged plan only after other students overheard them talking about it. "We're grateful that we had students come forward and share their concern," said Ed Graff, Superintendent with the Anchorage School District. According to police, the young girls planned to take silica gel preservation packets from their lunchtime food bags and put them into another student's lunch. The students were unaware that silica gel -- a drying agent used to keep packaged goods fresh -- is actually non-toxic, though the tiny beads could pose a choking hazard. "We also will talk to students about where they learn this and do they recognize the seriousness of their comments and their actions," said Graff. Immediately following the incident last week, Winterberry Charter School sent parents a letter which included asking them to "connect with your child" and "talk about what it means to tell in order to be helpful." Officials said that while the alleged plot wasn't carried out and no criminal charges were filed, it still left some parents alarmed. "A resource officer spoke with each student involved as well as the victim and thoroughly went over with them the repercussions of this kind of stuff," said Anchorage police spokeswoman Jennifer Castro. "We really tried to give them the straight talk and the big picture of what this could have potentially turned into," she added. Copyright 2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. 404 For All U of U Health Patients & Visitors Montanas top law enforcement officer subdued an apparently intoxicated man who was throwing punches at bystanders Tuesday night after the Montana Energy Conference. Montana Attorney General Tim Fox held the man, 34-year-old David E. Carpenter, to the ground until police could respond, said Billings Police Capt. Kevin Iffland on Wednesday. Just before midnight, Carpenter became belligerent and enraged when someone went to take his drink away and he began to throw punches, Iffland said. The chief of staff for Sen. Steve Daines, Jason Thielman, was being swung at by Carpenter, and when Fox stepped in, Carpenter allegedly struck the attorney general in the face. Fox, 58, took him to the ground and restrained him until police arrived, Iffland said. Fox, a hurdler during his undergraduate days at the University of Montana, said he and others had been awakened by a fire alarm at the hotel. He got dressed and went downstairs, where a crowd of hotel guests was gathering. Fox said he saw the man go after Thielman and his cellphone. Thielman was also attending the conference. Fox moved between the two men. As Montana's top lawman was trying to calm the man down, Fox said "he hit me in the face and knocked off my glasses, and then he went after Jason again." "He coldcocked me," Fox said. Fox said Carpenter pushed him into Thielman, then grabbed Thielman. At that point Fox flipped Carpenter over and "got him in a half-nelson. He gave up when I sat on him." Police arrived four or five minutes later, Fox said. "An officer asked me for my name, and I said, 'I'm Montana Attorney General Tim Fox,' and she had a big grin on her face," he said. "They asked me if I wanted to press assault charges, but I said no, and Jason said no." Since no one involved in the donnybrook, which was reported to police at 11:36 p.m., wanted to press assault charges against Carpenter, police took him to jail on disorderly conduct charges. Carpenter was not listed on the Yellowstone County Detention Facility inmate roster as of Wednesday afternoon. Thielman said he was grateful for Fox's intervention. "My respect and admiration for him has grown" since Tuesday night's fracas, Thielman said. Tuesday night's kerfuffle wasn't the first time Fox had sprung into action. About 15 years ago, while working as general counsel for Mountain West Bank in Helena, a bank vice president speaking with Fox "turned ashen" as he watched a robber take a woman hostage. The man let the woman go, who warned Fox the suspect was armed. Undeterred, Fox ran along Helena streets to keep an eye on the man, who'd escaped on a four-wheeler. The bank president pulled up in his pickup, and he and Fox pursued the man. Near a cemetery outside town, the bank president pushed the four-wheeler aside into a barbed wire fence. The president and Fox jumped out just as a deputy sheriff arrived to arrest the man. Fox tried to downplay Tuesday's events, but acknowledged it was among the most popular points of conversation Wednesday morning. "You tie in the fact that the state's chief law enforcement officer takes someone down, and people make a big deal of it," he said. The conference, which concludes Thursday, is taking place at the Radisson Hotels Montana Convention Center in Billings. Daines is hosting the event. Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy The Jefferson High School District Board of Trustees unanimously voted not to update its nondiscrimination policy with wording related to transgender students, said board chairman Sabrina Steketee. The board had been considering a revision to insert wording recommended by the Montana School Board Association and Federal Office of Civil Rights. The language clarified that sex discrimination prevents discriminating based on gender identity, sexual orientation, or failure to conform to stereotypical notions of masculinity or femininity, which is meant to cover transgender individuals. The policy change had been tabled at the school boards February meeting, while the board and community members sought more information. On Tuesday night, after an hour of a very participative discussion, the board voted to stay with the policy we have, said Steketee. She added that the board made sure our administration has good processes in place to ensure that the administration, staff, school and community understand that there has been a change in how the Office of Civil Rights is viewing protections under gender and gender identity. Were not making a policy change because the feeling is that the current policy covers it, said Steketee, and that with or without the policy we have the same obligation to follow the law and not discriminate against any student. It is the school boards understanding, she said, that it will not face any funding repercussions by sticking with its current policy. Attorney Michael Dahlem, who specializes in school law, advised the board that hes not aware of any adverse impact to a school because they lack a gender identity reference in their nondiscrimination policy, said Steketee. Dahlem publishes a monthly publication on school law updates, she said. Hes really on top of all of this. She had reached out to him for additional information on the pros and cons of the policy change, she said. School district superintendent Tim Norbeck described the board meeting as very positive and professional. Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Catch the latest in Opinion Get opinion pieces, letters and editorials sent directly to your inbox weekly! Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy On March 24, I was stunned again by Landon Hemsley, who has been enjoying a free lunch at your newspaper far too long. He knows very little of the history of Cuba. He doesnt know, for example, that what led to the communist overthrow of the brutal dictatorship of Juan Batista in the first place was the result of the installations of free markets, which Hemsley declares is the cure for Cubas current economic problems. Give it back to the Mafia? I doubt Mr. Hemsley know about that part of the story. The Cubans who fled before Castro were those tied to the Batista regime, and the people had good reason to want to kill them. Indeed its not a surprise, as Hemsley points out, they became Republicans in America. As for not taking cheap shots and rising above nasty politics, how about his comparison of Bernie Sanders to Raul Castro in corny flourishes of language? I am sick of this writer and embarrassed that he is given such scope by you to ramble on about his own poorly considered, self-righteous notions without making even a cursory attempt at research. Thats for us to do, the ordinary citizens, those who have no free lunches, or shouldnt have, as Mr. Hemsley might add. He makes a fair crusader with his battle cry of no free lunches. In solidarity a jihadi might chime in, Death to those who need help. Phil Cohea Helena How can Donald Trump be stopped? For months, conservatives have debated what Trump represents and whether they can or should support him. While millions of voters still have time to make their choice, and still need to be informed about his baleful record, among those pundits, politicians, activists, donors and strategists who've been hashing this out for a seeming eternity, that argument is over. Trump is either someone you can live with, or celebrate as the standard-bearer of your cause and your party, or he isn't. As I wrote last week, this is an insurmountable divide within the party and the conservative movement. That means it's a zero-sum contest. There will be winners and losers. Either Trump wins or #NeverTrump wins (that's the umbrella Twitter hashtag for a diverse coalition of conservatives who will never vote for the man). There's no compromise. So if you're a #NeverTrumper, the debate now is all about the how. The most desirable, but least plausible, way to stop Trump would be for Ted Cruz or John Kasich simply to beat him before the Republican convention in Cleveland. Unfortunately, Cruz would need to secure more than 80 percent of the remaining delegates to win the nomination outright. Kasich, the longtime candidate of math deniers, would need to capture a lot more than 100 percent. The second-best, but more likely, scenario is to deny Trump the 1,237 delegates required to automatically win on the first ballot. Right now, that seems quite doable. Recently, University of Virginia political scientist Larry Sabato projected the most likely scenario for Trump to get to 1,237. It required Trump to carry both Wisconsin and Indiana handily, and even then he only landed at 1,239. Right now, that looks unlikely. And if Trump loses just a couple congressional districts in Sabato's scenario, he'll fall short. Most observers believe that if Trump can't reach the magic number, he'd hemorrhage support after each ballot at the convention, because delegates tend to be party regulars, and more and more delegates are released to vote their conscience after each round of voting. That's why the margin of Trump's shortfall matters so much. If he comes just a few shy of 1,237, he could probably cut deals with a handful of delegates. Or he could horse-trade with Kasich, making the Ohio governor his running mate. What's more important, however, is delegate psychology. Some argue, in defiance of the rules, that Trump should be the nominee even if he fails to reach 1,237. My Fox News colleague Sean Hannity says he "will support whoever gets the most delegates," which, given the math, means he will support Trump, no matter what. That sentiment might be compelling with a narrow shortfall. But if Trump misses the mark by, say, 150 delegates, that would be significantly more than the delegate totals of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina combined. It's one thing to deny the trophy to the guy who finished a few yards shy of the finish line. It's another if he misses it by a mile. The bigger the shortfall, the easier it is to convince delegates that they are not defying the popular will by denying Trump, particularly given the widespread conviction that Trump would be crushed in a general election, with the GOP being torn apart in the process. Cruz would be the most likely victor in a floor fight, but that isn't assured. The longer the balloting goes, the more likely it is that the bitter and bleary-eyed delegates will opt to order off-menu. That's what Kasich is allegedly counting on. But Kasich is widely disliked, and it might be a good deal easier to find a unifying candidacy in, say, Rick Perry, Scott Walker, Nikki Haley or Mike Pence. The third option is what Weekly Standard editor Bill Kristol calls "Plan B." If the #NeverTrumpers fail to stop Trump at the convention, they could rally around an independent candidate. Who might that be? That's the billion-dollar question. Some want a true outsider like retired Marine General James Mattis. Others think Mitt Romney could leap into the breach. The path to an independent candidacy is perilous. But if you're of the opinion that Trump and Hillary Clinton aren't acceptable options, the perilous path is the only one available. Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan, currently on a working visit to the U.S., met with Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker on March 30. At the meeting, President Sargsyan noted that Armenia and the United States maintain friendly relations and close cooperation, and expressed his gratitude for the continued assistance provided by the US to Armenia in various sectors. In the development of bilateral interstate relations, President Sargsyan stressed the significant role played by U.S. states and of Massachusetts in particular. The President noted that Armenia attaches importance to decentralized cooperation and would like to establish direct ties with Massachusetts. President Sargsyan expressed gratitude for Governor Bakers resolute stance on the issue of recognition of the Armenian Genocide and support to the Armenian nation. Sargsyan noted that he was glad that the leadership of Massachusetts has traditionally maintained a fair position on this issue. Sargsyan hailed the special role of Massachusetts, which played a decisive part in Americas fight for independence, toward the Artskah issue. Underlining that Armenia-Massachusetts relations have a promising future and Armenia is interested in maintaining close relations with the state, Sargsyan invited Governor Charlie Baker to visit Armenia. At the conclusion of the meeting, a working dinner with the participation of Governor Charlie Baker, members of the state House of Representatives, and community leaders took place. By Jason Sohigian WATERTOWN, MA--You've probably heard that Armenia Tree Project (ATP) has planted nearly five million trees over the past 21 years. Tens of thousands more trees are being planted this spring. What you probably dont know is how this program operates. We have three nurseries where we grow all of the trees that ATP plants in communities around Armenia and Artsakh, explains Executive Director Jeanmarie Papelian. Our fruit and decorative trees are grown in nurseries in the villages of Karin and Khachpar, while our reforestation seedlings are grown in the Mirak Family Nursery in Margahovit Village. These nurseries provide full time employment for 35 people, creating important co-benefits for the community. For years, visits to the ATP nurseries have been one of Armenias best-kept secrets, but the new leadership team has opened up the organization to the public more and more each year. For 2016, we are planning a series of tours to our flagship nursery in Karin Village, where guests can tour the site, meet our committed staff, and even learn how to graft a fruit tree, says Country Director Lucineh Kassarjian. Were excited to open our doors to the public, whether its a family visiting Armenia, a young volunteer in the Birthright program, or a local resident who has lived in Armenia all her life. We want everyone to join us to learn, enjoy and ask questions. Our team is very skilled and personable, and anyone who has visited leaves inspired, notes Papelian. Our theme for this year is Get Rooted, and it is centered around these visits and planting trees either on the ground or virtually via our website. The next ATP tours are scheduled for April 29, May 30, June 5, September 5, October 1 and November 1. Other dates may be available. ATP encourages you to contact its Watertown or Yerevan office to join these Get Rooted tours, and to be a part of this movement to create a green future. Since its inception in 1994, ATP has planted more than 4.9 million trees, established three nurseries and two environmental education centers, and has greened villages, churches, parks, and open spaces throughout Armenia. In the process, the organization has provided employment for hundreds of people and provided vital resources to thousands of villagers. For more information, visit www.armeniatree.org. Photo: A young volunteer helps to plant one of the trees grown at ATPs nursery in Karin Village Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Bradley, left, responds to a question during a debate with her challenger, state Appeals Court Judge JoAnne Kloppenburg, March 15 at Marquette University Law School. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz has leaped ahead of Republican front-runner Donald Trump in Wisconsin, while Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders has an edge over Democratic leader Hillary Clinton, according to the latest Marquette Law School Poll. Released Wednesday, the poll comes less than a week before Wisconsins presidential primary on Tuesday, a critical contest for all campaigns. Cruz is looking for a victory to blunt Trumps momentum toward the nomination, while Ohio Gov. John Kasich seeks a good showing to remain in the conversation, and Sanders hopes another lopsided win dents Clintons sizable delegate lead. In the poll of 957 likely voters, Cruz received support from 40 percent of likely Republican voters, Trump got 30 percent, and Kasich trailed with 21 percent support. Sanders held a 49-45 lead over Clinton among likely Democratic voters. The poll was conducted March 24-28, with a margin of error of plus or minus 4.1 percentage points. The GOP sample included 471 likely voters and a margin of error of 5.8 points. The Democratic sample included 405 voters and a margin of error of 6.3 points. The last Marquette poll in February showed Trump with a double-digit lead in the battle for the GOP nomination, but the landscape has changed immensely since then. That poll was taken before Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson dropped out of the race. The latest poll comes as Trump, Cruz and Kasich have begun campaigning in Wisconsin, conservatives have weighed in heavily for Cruz and against Trump, and outside groups have begun spending millions of dollars to influence the outcome of the race. In the days before the poll was taken, Trump and Cruz engaged in a pitched battle involving the physical appearance of their wives. Other polls out in the past week show a tightening race, though unlike the Marquette poll they use automated calls and dont attempt to call cell phones, according to Marquette poll director Charles Franklin. The last Marquette poll showed Sanders with a small lead over Clinton within the polls margin of error. Clinton has been steadily losing ground to Sanders over the course of several Marquette polls dating back over the past year. In November she led Sanders 50-41. A regional breakdown of the results showed Cruz leading in the Milwaukee media market and Kasich leading in the Madison media market, which includes Dane County and its bordering counties. The Republican primary awards three delegates to the winner of each congressional district, so Kasich could snag delegates if he wins the heavily Democratic 2nd Congressional District centered on Madison. Kasich has argued he has the best shot against Clinton in the general election. The poll demonstrated that in Wisconsin, with Kasich leading Clinton 48-39 in a hypothetical matchup, whereas Cruz is tied and Trump lags by 10 points. Sanders leads all three Republicans, though Kasich by only two points. Trumps strongest areas are in the northern and western parts of the state in areas covered by the 3rd and 7th congressional districts, though Cruz only trailed by one point. Cruz also held a lead in the Green Bay media market and had a two-point lead over Trump among respondents without a college degree. State Rep. James Edming, R-Glen Flora, the first state lawmaker to publicly back Trump, said he is confident Trump will win in his district, located in the northwest part of the state, far from the influence of Milwaukee area conservative talk radio, which battled with Trump this week. The more the news media and the press bashes him, the harder hit hes going to make, Edming said. That just makes me ugly. If you cant get out there to say what you want to say, dont bash the other guy. Sanders has the largest lead in the Madison region, but he also has a slight advantage in the Milwaukee region. Clinton has performed better in states with large minority populations. Franklin said the results show turnout on Tuesday could make interesting differences. Cruz and Sanders held events in Madison on Wednesday, while Trump held rallies in De Pere, Appleton and Green Bay after slamming Gov. Scott Walker at a rally in Janesville on Tuesday. Walker endorsed Cruz on Tuesday. Walker on Wednesday predicted Cruz would defeat Trump and Kasich next week, and carry the momentum from Wisconsin through the rest of the primary campaign. I think thats going to be one of the turning points in the campaign, Walker said. I think that will set him on pace to go into the convention in Cleveland with 1,237 (delegates), and to unite the party behind our nominee and to take on Hillary Clinton. Walker did not answer when asked whether he would support Trump in the general election if the business mogul wins the Republican nomination. State Journal reporter Nico Savidge contributed to this report. The booming Capitol East corridor could become the home of Summit Credit Union as the company explores building a new headquarters. The Madison-based credit union and Stone House Development are seeking to build a 10-story headquarters along with townhouses and a 420-vehicle parking structure on the 1000 block of East Washington Avenue, according to company and city officials. It would be adjacent to an 11-story Stone House redevelopment planned on the west end of the same block. Summit will bring its plan to Tenney-Lapham neighborhood residents at a community meeting April 7. Summit CEO Kim Sponem said the building would provide 140,000 square feet of space for its current employees and accommodate future growth. She said the plan would help to consolidate administrative staff spread across the Madison area, including Sun Prairie and Waunakee, into one building, which could also serve as a training center. Sponem said a branch of the credit union is also included in the proposed designs. The land on which the headquarters could be built would be purchased by Summit from Stone House, she said. Summit had about 375 employees as of January. It plans to add 35 jobs this year, Sponem said, about as many as it did in 2015. Summit merged with Greater Milwaukee Credit Union in 2014 and Educational Employees Credit Union in 2015. Its now the second-largest credit union in Wisconsin, with $2.3 billion in assets. As part of the proposed project, Stone House would build townhouses on the portion of the block facing East Mifflin Street. Officials from the company did not return requests for comment Wednesday. Along East Washington Avenue, rising buildings have started to become a frequent sight as developers and city officials look to renovate the once largely industrial stretch of the city. Patty Prime, president of the Tenney-Lapham Neighborhood Association, said the size of Summits proposed building is appropriate for the neighborhood and city plans for Capitol East, but she said she was looking forward to hearing more about the projects during the public meeting. The new growth and revitalization of the area has mainly brought positives, Prime said, noting that some challenges, such as affordable housing, persist. As the Isthmus, you know, keeps adding all this housing, I think its putting a lot of pressure on the price to live here, she said. The possibility of Summit moving to the neighborhood could benefit the community with employment opportunities, Prime said. Were really interested in hearing what the neighborhood has to say about our project and us being a part of the neighborhood, Sponem said. Ald. Ledell Zellers, who represents the area, did not return calls seeking comment Wednesday. On the west side of the 1000 block, Stone House is working on an 11-story mixed-used building that will replace the vacant Madison Dairy Produce and Straus Printing buildings. Tuesday night, the Madison City Council approved $3.45 million in tax increment financing (TIF) for the project, which is set to bring in about 200 housing units, 55 of them lower-cost, plus 18,000 square feet of retail space and 61,000 square feet of office space. Gebhardt Developments $90 million Galaxie building on the 800 block of East Washington has yet to open, while the companys $39 million Constellation building opened in 2013. Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 16-03-31 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 TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW No. 60/16 31.03.2016 [A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS [01] TDP conveyed to Schulz a letter with the party's views on the solution of the Cyprus problem [02] Eide met with Akinci [03] The occupation regime cannot fully pay the salaries for March; Turkey is reportedly furious because the "economic protocol" is not signed [04] The Turkish Cypriot "chamber of industry" calls on Akinci to insist on the implementation of the common understanding on the halloumi issue [05] Atun: "The TRNC is the most secure place for investments" [06] Sucuoglu said that 15,000 Russian tourists visited the breakaway regime last year [07] Obama to hold informal talks with Turkish President Erdogan [08] Cavusoglu: Turkey 'won't fall out with US over PYD' [A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS [01] TDP conveyed to Schulz a letter with the party's views on the solution of the Cyprus problem Turkish Cypriot daily Diyalog newspaper (31.03.16) reports that the Social Democratic Party (TDP) conveyed to the President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz a letter with the party's views on the solution of the Cyprus problem during his current visit to Cyprus. The letter was handed to Schulz by the party's leader, Cemal Ozyigit. According to the paper, TDP states in the letter that it supports the continuation of the Cyprus negotiations and that it has the struggle for Cyprus unification as its priority. It also noted that, as it is stated on the February 11, 2014 Common Statement, it supports a solution based on political equality, single sovereignty and single international identity. However, it was also noted at the letter that the Turkish Cypriots have the right to have the two out of the six chairs that Cyprus is entitled at the European Parliament. (CS) [02] Eide met with Akinci Turkish Cypriot daily Vatan newspaper (31.03.16) reports that Espen Barth Eide, UN Secretary-General's Special Adviser for Cyprus held yesterday a new meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci. During the meeting, Eide and Akinci re-assessed some issues which are necessary to be solved within the next weeks. The Turkish Cypriot negotiator Ozdil Nami, the so-called presidential spokesman Baris Burcu, the "undersecretary" of the so-called foreign ministry, Erhan Ercin and UN Secretary-General's Special Representative and Head of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) Lisa Buttenheim were also present at the meeting. In a short statement after the meeting, Eide said that they are working hard, that time is running and that it is beneficial to have frequent meetings with the aim to speed up the process. Stating that they are discussing some concrete issues which they would like to be solved in the following weeks, Eide stated that it is beneficial to hold frequent separate meeting with both leaders and the negotiating teams. Eide also stated that they are certainly progressing towards the right direction and added that the message he would like to convey to both leaders is that they could speed up the process and sometimes to make good use of the time. Eide also said that during the meeting with Akinci they discussed some practical ways on how some concrete issues could be solved. Eide referred also to the meeting of the two negotiators which took place the other day and described it as encouraging. He explained that they are waiting for similar results in the weeks to come. (AK) [03] The occupation regime cannot fully pay the salaries for March; Turkey is reportedly furious because the "economic protocol" is not signed Under the title "Salary whip", Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (31.03.16) reports that Turkey is furious because the "economic protocol" with the breakaway regime has not been signed yet and therefore is punishing the Turkish Cypriots. According to the paper the self-styled ministry of finance cannot fully pay the salaries for March 2016. For this reason those who have a salary higher than four thousand Turkish liras (TL) will receive only 60% of their salary [Translator's note: One euro is bought for 3.19 TL and sold for 3.23 TL today]. Self-styled prime minister, Omer Kalyoncu said yesterday that the rest of the salaries will be paid within a few days and added that those who receive a net salary up to four thousand TL will be paid their full salary. Also, Turkish Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi newspaper (31.03.16) recalls that because the "economic protocol" has not been signed yet all kinds of transfer of financial resources from Turkey to the occupied area of Cyprus have stopped as of January. Noting that this is the first time after 33 years that the salaries in the occupied area of the island will be paid by installments, the paper writes that the "ministry of finance" is in a very difficult situation and that the previous month the salaries had been paid very difficultly. According to the paper, the projects financed by Turkey have not been launched in 2016 because the "protocol" is not signed. "Turkey, which showed as pretext the non-signing of the protocol, did not send its 90 million TL contribution for the payment of the salaries in the TRNC", notes the paper. Referring to the issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (31.03.16) reports that Mehmet Ozkardas, chairman of the "civil servants' trade union" (Kamu-Sen) said that "a very bitter surprise was made to the civil servants". Noting that according to his assumptions, this practice was implemented due to the negotiations on the "financial and economic cooperation protocol" for 2016-2018, Ozkardas noted that the infrastructure was prepared for giving the message that the situation is very bad and if the "protocol" is not signed neither the "civil servants" nor the pensioners will be paid. Ozkardas said that they do not know when the 40% of the salaries will be deposited and whether it will be deposited, as they were not able to communicate with "government officials". Moreover, Ahmet Kaptan, chairman of the Turkish Cypriot "civil servants'" trade union (KTAMS), said that the incapability, insincerity and ignorance of the "government" were once more proved. Finally, Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis (31.03.16) reports that the National Unity Party (UBP), the "minor coalition partner", is furious about the fact that the signing of the "protocol" is delayed and started considering the establishment of a "government" without the Republican Turkish Party (CTP). This "government" will sign the "protocol", make reforms and afterwards carry out "elections". (I/Ts.) [04] The Turkish Cypriot "chamber of industry" calls on Akinci to insist on the implementation of the common understanding on the halloumi issue Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (31.03.16) reports that the Turkish Cypriot "chamber of industry" (KTSO) has said that they support the continuation of the insistent efforts exerted by the Turkish Cypriot leadership on the issue of the implementation of the common understanding achieved in July 2015 between President Anastasiades, Turkish Cypriot leader Akinci and the President of the EU Commission Junker for the registration of halloumi-hellim as Cypriot product of origin. In a written statement issued yesterday regarding the recent developments, the "chamber" called on the Greek Cypriot side to remain faithful to the common understanding. The "chamber" accused the Republic of Cyprus' Ministry of Agriculture of acting outside the framework of this understanding and of undertaking initiatives which will result against the Turkish Cypriots. "While noting that we consider as proper the initiatives recently undertaken by president Akinci on this issue, we support that the insistent efforts of the Turkish Cypriot leadership on the issue of the registration of hellim should continue and increase", argues the statement, which described as "evident violation of the agreement" some proposals for changes to the above-mentioned common understanding made by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Cyprus. According to the statement, this situation harms the trust between the two communities and the negotiating process for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem. (I/Ts.) [05] Atun: "The TRNC is the most secure place for investments" Turkish Cypriot daily Gunes newspaper (31.03.16) reports that so-called minister of economy, industry and trade, Sunat Atun, in statements during a meeting he held in Istanbul with Turkish investors claimed that the "TRNC" is one of the most secure countries at present for investments. Atun added that he held contacts recently with many investors from Turkey and several other countries that had visited the "TRNC" and stated that their interest is especially concentrated in the sector of tourism and "universities". He also alleged that investor's groups from third countries are also looking for investment opportunities in the "TRNC". Meanwhile, within the framework of his contacts in Istanbul, Atun met with the Qatari Ambassador in Turkey. (AK) [06] Sucuoglu said that 15,000 Russian tourists visited the breakaway regime last year Turkish Cypriot daily Diyalog newspaper (31.03.16) reports that Faiz Sucuoglu, the self-styled minister of culture and tourism, evaluated the participation of the breakaway regime in the MITT Moscow Tourism Fair which took place between 23-26 of March, 2016. Sucuoglu, stated that 15,000 tourists visited the breakaway regime last year and added that 7,000 of them spent the night there. Referring to the fair, he said that this was the first time that Turkey did not participate in it due to the crisis between Ankara and Moscow. Sucuoglu further stated that he met with German tourists who showed a great interest to visit the occupied area of Cyprus. (CS) [07] Obama to hold informal talks with Turkish President Erdogan Turkish Hurriyet Daily News (31.03.16) reports that the U.S. President Barack Obama will hold informal talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Washington this week, the White House said on March 29, dismissing suggestions that the lack of a formal meeting represented a snub to Ankara. Erdogan will be among more than 50 world leaders attending a Nuclear Security Summit in Washington on March 31 and April 1, during which time he is due to have a formal meeting with U.S. Vice President Joe Biden. There had been intense speculations in the Turkish media over whether Obama would meet Erdogan, with some suggesting a failure to do so would mark a deliberate U.S. snub amid differences over Syria and Washington's concerns over the direction of Turkey's domestic policies. At a news conference in Istanbul before leaving for the United States earlier on March 29, Erdogan said a meeting with Obama at the nuclear summit was planned, although he said he did not know how long it would last. Biden's office later said the Vice President would host Erdogan for a meeting on March 31 in Washington. One U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, acknowledged there were strains between the United States and Turkey on a range of issues, but added that Washington regards Ankara's assistance as essential to fighting ISIL. In addition, Ankara Anatolia news agency (31.03.16) reports that Erdogan received representatives from Jewish Societies during his visit to Washington. "Jewish leaders must stand against Islamophobia, anti-Semitism and xenophobia", he stated during the meeting. "The meeting comes at a time when Turkey and Israel are trying to repair a damaged relationship following a deadly assault in 2010 on a Turkish flagged ship that was part of an aid flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to the Gaza strip", AA broadcast. Moreover, Turkish daily Sabah (31.03.16) writes that speaking at a meeting with representatives from think tanks and academics at the St. Regis Hotel where he is staying while in the U.S., Erdogan said: "Our relations with the U.S. are irreplaceable for Turkey, today as in the past. We put in all kinds of effort to develop our cooperation on the basis of common values and mutual interest. We will continue to do so. [?] Although we sometimes feel that we are alone in this effort, we would like to think that the U.S. understands us and is together with us [08] Cavusoglu: Turkey 'won't fall out with US over PYD' Turkish Hurriyet Daily News (31.03.16) reports that Turkey and the United States will not fall out over their differing stances on the Syrian Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD), Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has said. "Not every two countries can be like-minded on every issue. For example, they [U.S.] think differently, we think differently, but we will not fall out because we have differing thoughts," Cavusoglu told Voice of America on March 30, after lecturing at George Washington University. "We are two significant partners and we have common targets but we can think differently on some topics. When we express our thoughts, then it is perceived as though there is a problem between the two countries," he added. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio (CS/AM) Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 16-03-31 Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article From: The Athens News Agency at CONTENTS [01] Refugee returns to Turkey will begin next week, minister tells ERT [02] Migration minister fends off opposition anger over fast-track debate of migration bill [01] Refugee returns to Turkey will begin next week, minister tells ERT The process of returning refugees to Turkey will begin next week, Alternate Defence Minister Dimitris Vitsas said in an interview on an ERT state broadcasting organisation radio programme on Thursday. Vitsas once more called on the European Union to put pressure on Turkey so that it was also fully ready for the start of the return-resettlement process. "The process of returns is a great signal, which will end the matter of traffickers. It's a disincentive. The process of relocation from Greece - which is yet to start - keeps the expectations of all those wanting to travel to other countries high," he said. Vitsas added that the government will intensify efforts to persuade the migrants and refugees that are currently staying at the camps that have arisen at Piraeus port and Idomeni to move to more organised accommodation facilities, noting that this process must be completed within 15 days. He also referred to a need to "remove those elements that misinform for their own ends, either financial or ideological. You cannot have something going on under your feet that you can see is illegal and doesn't help the process," Vitsas noted. Commenting on the role of non-governmental organisations, the minister pointed out that the Greek government did not give money to the NGOs. "Money comes from the UNHCR and the programmes handled by the EU. The organisations that receive money in an official manner are certified organisations; those are the ones we collaborate with. There were also some 'organisations' that were self-financing - I am not talking here about volunteers and supporters, who are making a very great effort and contribute without profiting," he said. [02] Migration minister fends off opposition anger over fast-track debate of migration bill Alternate Minister for Migration Policy Yiannis Mouzalas defended the accelerated procedure used to approve a draft bill on migration which the government tabled in parliament on Thursday, saying they are required by the EU-Turkey deal. The bill incorporates EU law on asylum seekers and will allow the implementation of the recently signed EU-Turkey deal. It also introduces provisions for registering refugees, allowing them to find work and to qualify for international protection. Introducing the bill in the relevant parliamentary committees, Mouzalas cited the "constricting timeframe" for the short debate session, while SYRIZA rapporteur Ilias Kamateros said increased needs to handle asylum applications require that asylum services are improved quickly. Opposition parties slammed the procedure, with New Democracy rapporteur Vasilis Kikilias noting the "unacceptable tactic" used by the government to legislate, which cancels any good faith shown by the opposition. He said a 150-page bill is impossible to read and review in just one day. "You use the accelerated procedure when you know you have to submit 56 regulatory acts? You won't even be able to implement them in three years," Kikilias said. "You're destroying the country's structures. It goes without saying that we demand that it is not debated with an accelerated procedure," he added. Taking his turn, the rapporteur of the Democratic Coalition, Theodoros Papatheodorou, predicted that "in a year from now, nothing will be working". Golden Dawn rapporteur Yiannis Lagos wondered why the government doesn't want to allow the parliament to debate on the bill for five or six days. The Communist Party accused the government of using autocratic methods and described the bill as a "monstrosity" that violates international law and the Geneva Convention on refugees, while the rapporteur of Potami, Iason Fotilas, said the government is employing "authoritarian practices". "Time is the big enemy because this is a national issue," said Independent Greeks rapporteur Konstantinos Katsikis. "This [bill] empowers the minister to issue regulatory acts and I do not understand why it has to be tabled as an emergency procedure," said Giorgos Karras from the Centrists' Union. The bill will be sent to the plenum for a fast-track debate on Friday. Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article I have historys assurance that Reagan was right. It is the spirit of his words that are most relevant and they reach back to the dawn of our Republic . Make no mistake: Im a realist, and I have no illusions about the detrimental impact the last seven years have had on every quarter of our nation. But I do not get caught up in the 24-hour news spin cycle, be it CNN or Fox, and the chicken little syndrome they propagate. A flood of pessimism continues to swamp our nation, and in the process it has swept away the hopes and dreams of a hundred million Americans, leaving most justifiably angry, if not merely depressed. After more than seven years of abject domestic and foreign policy failures under the Obama regime and its cadres of Socialist Democrats , too many Americans, including more than a few of my fellow Patriots , have lost sight of all that is good and right with America . I have to ask: Do you believe Reagans pronouncement of nearly a quarter-century ago to be true today? If you answered no, I certainly understand why. But I believe President Reagans words are as true today as in 1992. Allow me to tell you why. At the 1992 GOP convention , even though it was becoming apparent that a draft-dodging serial adulterer named Bill Clinton might bookend the optimism and character of the Reagan/Bush era, former President Ronald Reagan had this to say about our nations future: Americas best days are yet to come. Our proudest moments are yet to be. Our most glorious achievements are just ahead. America remains what Emerson called her 150 years ago, the country of tomorrow. In 1777, ahead of the devastating winter at Valley Forge during the darkest days of the American Revolution, when it seemed all was lost George Washingtonremained resolute: We should never despair, our situation before has been unpromising and has changed for the better, so I trust, it will again. If new difficulties arise, we must only put forth new Exertions and proportion our Efforts to the exigency of the times. Those inspirational words are timeless, and they reflect the extraordinary character of our nations greatest leaders, from Washington to Reagan, and the generations of Patriot citizens and soldiers between. That character is manifest in the determination that, no matter how dire our current circumstances may be, our devotion to Liberty will ensure a brighter future. Our circumstances may grow worse much worse indeed before growing better. But being rightly and firmly convicted as I am that Liberty is irrevocably endowed by our Creator the foundational premise of our Declaration of Independence I must ask my doubting brethren: What is the basis for such pessimism? We dont have to venture back to Valley Forge for evidence that America, under the banner of Liberty, can endure incredible hardship. Lets look back just 100 years. In 1916, our nation was on the verge of entering World War I, a horrific conflict in which allied nations lost 5.5 million of their best and brightest young people. A decade after the conclusion of The War to End All Wars, which most certainly didnt, our nation was at the precipice of the Great Depression in 1929 and the extended recession that lasted until 1937. Four years later, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, thrusting the U.S. into World War II, and the bloody theaters of both Europe and the Pacific. While I have read extensively the scholarly opinion on these three cataclysmic events, I learned most about them in personal relationships with those who lived through them including my grandfather and particularly my father. Those events shaped my dads optimism and his devotion to our country and our countrymen. I share that devotion. The American economy enjoyed stable growth between 1945 and 1975, but the harmony of national prosperity was punctuated by the Korean War, the Cold War, social and civil unrest in the 1960s and the slog of Vietnam. In the mid-1970s the U.S. economy hit a wall, and American prestige and morale hit rock bottom during the malaise, stagflation and geopolitical impotence of the Jimmy Carter years. So much so that a Misery Index was created. Enter Ronald Reagan. In the decade that followed the 1980 election of President Reagan, his domestic policies halted the economic decline and led to one of the longest and strongest periods of economic growth in our nations history in stark contrast to the fun-with-numbers economy of Barack Obama. Reagans humor and optimism buoyed the nation. And notably, Reagans ardently anti-communist foreign policy resulted in the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Unions Evil Empire. A decade later, we suffered the devastating 9/11 attack on our nation the direct result of Bill Clintons failure to confront the emerging Islamic terrorist threat, and his unwillingness to eliminate Osama bin Laden when we had him, literally, in our sights. The economy was already in a slide with the bursting of the dot-com bubble during Clintons last year in office, and the 2001 jihadist attack merely sealed our economic fate. Under the leadership of George W. Bush, our nation engaged the Islamic threat on two deadly and protracted warfronts: Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. As Bushs second term concluded, the nation suffered its most significant economic threat since 1929 the cascading collapse of financial institutions sparked by the bursting of the Democrat-policy induced U.S. housing market bubble. A smooth-talking domestic and foreign policy neophyte, Barack Hussein Obama, glided into the presidency on those financial woes. Since then, Obamas failed economic policies have resulted in a sustained recession. His foreign policy failures in the Middle East, under the supervision of his former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, have been no less spectacular. In fact, theyve resulted in the deadly rise of the Islamic State and an epic humanitarian crisis. All that being said, as visceral and dangerous as the current economic and foreign policy threats are, our nation has suffered and survived much worse. Tomorrows challenges might rival those of the last hundred years, but that would not change my devotion to Liberty at all costs, and the understanding that this is an eternal mission. I do not belittle the concerns and consequences of the Obama era. On the contrary, I note that these are perilous times for Liberty. But as General Washington said, We should never despair. As I look back over the challenges of the last hundred years, and in fact all the years since the first shots of the American Revolution in 1775, the common distinguishing characteristic of all great Patriots is that they devoted their lives to something much bigger than their own self interest. That is the underlying message from Washington and Reagan. In his 1989 farewell speech to the nation, President Reagan responded to being labeled The Great Communicator. He said, I wasnt a great communicator, but I communicated great things, and they didnt spring full bloom from my brow, they came from the heart of a great nation from our experience, our wisdom, and our belief in the principles that have guided us for two centuries. Those great things have not changed, nor has our mission to advance them. For the pessimists among our ranks, I offer a final word. In 1650, English theologian Thomas Fuller wrote, It is always darkest just before the Day dawneth. The darkest hour of this era may be yet to come, but dawn will surely follow. I am certain that at the end of the current darkness, there will be a bright new dawn for Liberty, just as the sun has dependably risen after the darkest of times throughout our history. In the meantime, fellow Patriots, as President Reagans friend Barry Goldwater declared in mock Latin, illegitimi non carborundum (dont let the bastards get you down)! From MSNBC.com: OK, Illinois, it's your turn. Following this week's $30 billion budget deal in Pennsylvania, Illinois became the last state without a tax and spending plan for the fiscal year that began last July. While most states are busy planning next year's budget, Illinois now holds the dubious record for the longest budgetary foot-dragging in recent memory, according the National Conference of State Legislatures. (Until this week, Pennsylvania had tied with Kentucky, which didn't get around to approving its fiscal 2003 budget until late March of that year, according to the organization.) Despite their spectacular fiscal fail, lawmakers in the Land of Lincoln are showing little sign of progress in breaking the deadlock, now dragging on nine months past the deadline. Since then, Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner has been holding out for a package of business incentives and changes in collective bargaining laws that a Democratic-controlled legislature wants no part of. More than 30 students of a school in Bengaluru could lose one year due to the gross negligence of the school authorities. By India Today Web Desk: More than 30 students of a school in Bengaluru could lose one year due to the gross negligence of the school authorities. Students of Swami Vivekananda School (private school) in Sarai Palya near Nagavara and St George Public School were in for a rude shock when they were not allowed to write their Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) examination on Wednesday, March 30, as their school did not issue them admits cards. advertisement The students had reached the school as early as 7 am; however, they were told that they could not take the examination, as they did not have the hall tickets. Many students broke down, fearing the impact it would have on their future. Angry students also resorted to sloganeering on the campus while demanding their admit cards. However, it was to no avail. It was revealed later that the school was not recognised and the school authorities did not even bother to contact the relevant department and get themselves registered. Since the school was not registered, the officials of Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board expressed their inability in helping the students. The officials said that unless students got a court order they couldn't allow these students to appear for the remaining examinations even as private candidates. Check: HRD minister Smriti Irani announces benefits for women, disabled PhD students Click here to get more education news. Get latest updates on exam notifications and scholarships across India and abroadhere. --- ENDS --- In a major embarrassment to the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal and BJP alliance, the Aam Aadmi Party on Wednesday released the confessional statements of three Canadian-Indian synthetic drug smugglers, which were recorded by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) during 2015. According to AAP, the drug racket was being run from Majhithia's house. By Mail Today: In a major embarrassment to the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal and BJP alliance, the Aam Aadmi Party on Wednesday released the confessional statements of three Canadian-Indian synthetic drug smugglers, which were recorded by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) during 2015. Addressing media persons, senior AAP leader Sanjay Singh and AAP National Spokesperson Ashish Khetan circulated the confessional statements and said the state police mislead the court and did not register a case against Punjab Revenue Minister and the brother in-law of Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal on the basis of these statements, which clearly point at the minister. advertisement "One hundred and four people were arrested in connection with the drug smuggling on the basis of the confessional statements, but not Bikramjit Singh Majithia. Punjab police did not take action agaist him as they report to Badal," Ashish Khetan, national spokesperson, AAP, said. AAP leaders said despite the clinching evidences against Majithia during the course of investigations in the multi-crore drug racket, ED and Punjab Police failed to act against him and take the case to its logical end. "The drug racket, which was being run from Majithia's Amritsar house churned hundreds of crores of rupees and the money was circulated via Hawala. Why did the ED not attach Majithia's properties despite the evidences?," AAP's Punjab incharge, Sanjay Singh asked. AAP leaders said that the confessional statements of three smugglers Maninder Singh Aulakh, Jagjit Singh Chahal and Jagdish Singh Bhola clearly show that Bikramjit Singh Majithia was the kingpin of the drug racket and the three Canadian -Indian smugglers - Satpreet Singh Satta, Amarinder Singh Laddi and Parminder Singh Pindi - ran their business from Majithia's Amritsar home. "Majithia provided his official vehicle, driver and gunmen to facilitate the drug smugglers Satpreet Singh Satta, Amarinder Singh Laddi and Parminder Singh Pindi. He also introduced them to their Indian counterparts," Ashish Khetan said. Khetan, while presenting the documents to the media, said several accused named Majithia as a link between local smugglers and international cartels. He said ED records showed that drugs worth thousands of crores were both smuggled in and out of Punjab by cartels linked to Majithia. "Punjab police obliterated evidence linking the arrested drug smugglers with the revenue minister. Majithia's mention was omitted from the statements of the drug smugglers recorded by Punjab Police," Ashish Khetan said. --- ENDS --- A gang of 5 African students allegedly assaulted a landlord after he objected to their late night party and revelry in Banaswadi in the city on Wednesday. The students are absconding and the police have launched a search operation to nab them. By Mail Today: A gang of 5 African students allegedly assaulted a landlord after he objected to their late night party and revelry in Banaswadi in the city on Wednesday. The students are absconding and the police have launched a search operation to nab them. According to a complaint lodged with the police, Anand, who had rented his home to African students in Kullappa Circle in Banaswadi, received complaints from neighbours on his tenants partying late into the night and disturbing peace in the locality. On Wednesday night, Anand visited his tenants, who were already in a drunken state. He objected to their behaviour leading to an altercation. advertisement It is alleged that the students assaulted Anand as well as his relative Karthik. By then, local residents had gathered and sensing trouble the African students fled in their car. The local residents chased the car in vain. A case has been registered and the police have summoned the office-bearers of the African Students' Union to help identify the culprits. --- ENDS --- Karan Singh Grover had apparently proposed marriage to Bipasha Basu about a year ago. It took all this while for the couple to finally take their relationship to the next level because of a certain man. By India Today Web Desk: Bipasha Basu and Karan Singh Grover are all set to take their relationship to the next level: marriage. While the couple is busy preparing for the big day and their friends are beside themselves with happiness for them, it has now been revealed that Karan and Bipasha could have gotten married a year ago. However, Bipasha couldn't accept Karan's proposal of marriage because of, well, her father. advertisement ALSO READ: All you need to know about Bipasha Basu and Karan Singh Grover's wedding Several reports in the media have hinted at Bipasha's parents having had issues with their daughter planning on getting married to a twice-divorced man. Karan was first married to TV actor Shraddha Nigam, and the marriage fell apart in a mere 10 months. While married to Shraddha, Karan had begun dating his Dill Mill Gaye co-star Jennifer Winget, who he later married. Karan and Jennifer's marriage lasted for about two years, from April 2012 when the two tied the knot, to November 2015, when they filed for a divorce. A report in Mumbai Mirror has stated that Karan had proposed to Bipasha with a solitaire long ago. Though the Raaz 3 actor was exhilarated at the same, she could not take the relationship further because her father Hirak Basu wasn't very happy with it all. A friend of Karan has been quoted by the tabloid as saying, "So even though Karan was clear, since early 2015, that he wanted to marry Bipasha, her father did not want her to tie the knot with him and even told Karan's mother (Deepa Singh) this." "Since Bipasha's father wasn't ready to give them his blessings, the couple moved in together into a plush Khar apartment, much to their parents' dismay. After a year, their parents called it truce, and Bipasha will now take the pheras with Karan," added the friend. Bipasha and Karan have been dating since the time they shot together for the film Alone. --- ENDS --- The company is planning to launch two smartphones dubbed - Hamburg and Rome, which could run on Android. By Sahil Mohan Gupta : BlackBerry has taken a beating in the smartphone market in the last few years. It has been reported that the company could announce leaving the hardware space altogether, but despite that, there are murmurs that suggest that it could release not one but two Android smartphones this year. According to BBCzech, the company is planning to launch two smartphones dubbed - Hamburg and Rome, which could run on Android. Rome could actually be a high-end device like the recently launched Priv, which will come with a keyboard and a touchscreen. The Hamburg could be a mid-range smartphone with only a touchscreen. advertisement This news comes alongside rumours of a phone called the Vienna, which has been reported to have full QWERTY keyboard in the style of classic BlackBerry smartphones. BlackBerry was slated to launch the product at an event in Mobile World Congress in February, but that never happened. Of late, chatter has increased that Blackberry could actually be planning an exit from the smartphone market. An analyst has already said that it will announce the exit from the hardware business on April 2 on its Q4 earnings call. It has been said that if it offloads its hardware business it will be in a healthier position as a software company. Almost 50 per cent of its R&D expenditure goes into its smartphones, which has been bleeding money. In fact, its BB10 smartphone platform has bombed. Developers are quickly dropping support for it. This also includes Facebook which will discontinue support for its app on BB10. Later in the year, even WhatsApp will drop support for it. Even its latest overture in the Android space hasn't set the market on fire. For the Priv smartphone BlackBerry reworked the Android kernel to add functionality that BlackBerry is known for. That must've been a burden on the company, so it remains to be seen if it is really going to launch any more phones or not. You may also like to read: BlackBerry Priv review: Android inside but too little, too late --- ENDS --- Outside Nigeria, Cameroon has been hardest hit by Boko Haram, which now operates out of bases in the Mandara Mountains, Sambisa Forest and Lake Chad. By Reuters: Adama Simila wears a knife tied to his belt by a piece of rope, his only protection against Boko Haram, the Nigerian Islamist insurgents who have repeatedly targeted his home town in remote northern Cameroon. While the threat once came from heavily armed, battle-hardened jihadists crossing from neighbouring Nigeria, today Simila knows he is more likely to die at the hands of a teenage girl strapped with explosives. advertisement "We're here to look out for suicide bombers," said the 31-year-old, a member of a local civilian defence force in the town of Kerawa. After watching its influence spread during a six-year campaign that has killed around 15,000 people according to the U.S. military, Nigeria has now united with its neighbours to stamp out Boko Haram. A regional offensive last year drove the insurgents from most of their traditional strongholds, denying them their dream of an Islamic emirate in northeastern Nigeria. An 8,700-strong regional force of troops from Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria is seeking to finish the job. Now, increasingly on the back foot, Boko Haram is retaliating with a deadly guerrilla campaign against civilians, and ordinary people like Simila have become the last line of defence. "I'm not scared. They are people, we are also people. We must die to live," said Simila, who was at the Kerawa market in September when two girls detonated themselves, killing 19 people and injuring 143 others. A nearly identical bombing at the same market followed in January. Outside Nigeria, Cameroon has been hardest hit by Boko Haram, which now operates out of bases in the Mandara Mountains, Sambisa Forest and Lake Chad -- areas straddling the borders between Cameroon, Nigeria, Chad and Niger. Since August 2014, the sect has carried out 336 attacks in Cameroon, according to the Cameroonian army, which has lost 57 of its own men while defending the north. Of 34 recorded suicide bombings killing 174 people, 80 percent were carried out by girls and young women aged 14 to 24 years. Girls abused as sex slaves by the group are psychologically damaged and therefore more vulnerable, the army says. Boko Haram also uses girls because they are thought less likely to arouse suspicion, although that may be changing now. "The goal now is to stop Boko Haram incursions into villages, stop them from planting IEDs (home-made bombs), and stop suicide bombings," said Lieutenant-Colonel Felix Tetcha, a senior officer in the army's operation against Boko Haram. Cameroon has thrown vast resources into protecting the north. In total nearly 10,000 of its troops are deployed against Boko Haram. The army's Rapid Intervention Brigade (BIR), comprised of its most professional, best equipped soldiers, patrols a high-risk 400-km (250-mile) stretch of the border with Nigeria. advertisement The US military backs them with equipment, training and intelligence gathered from American drones flown out of a base in the town of Garoua. A Reuters reporter saw a small American military camp inside another BIR base in nearby Maroua. Still, the terrain is mountainous and Boko Haram has rigged many roads with explosives designed to kill soldiers. Army officers are convinced that some fighters from Boko Haram, which pledged allegiance to Islamic State last year, have been trained at IS camps in Libya. Armed incursions by Boko Haram fighters have dropped. But the army does not have enough soldiers to deploy in every town in northern Cameroon, and suicide bombers strike regularly, often several times in a single week. "The border is under control, but it's still very porous," said Lieutenant-Colonel Emile Nlat Ebal, head of operations and logistics for the BIR's mission in the north. "EVERYBODY SUFFERS IN THIS PLACE" Faced with such an asymmetrical threat, Cameroon's army has turned to so-called vigilance committees for help. As the blazing midday sun beat down on Kerawa, Bouba Ahmada walked along a dry, scrub-lined creek bed, an ancient flintlock musket slung around his neck. advertisement "Here is Cameroon, over there is Nigeria," he said, gesturing towards the abandoned homes just across the dusty expanse. "It's empty. Only Boko Haram stays there." Made up of men and boys armed with machetes, home-made rifles or bows and arrows, these self-defence forces have the blessing of the local government. They accompany the army on patrols and intelligence gathering missions, question travellers, and denounce to the military anyone deemed suspect. Last week they intercepted two female suicide bombers and handed them over to the army before they were able to detonate. "We are not 100 percent dependent on this information, but this information is crucial," said Lieutenant-Colonel Tetcha, who is not only defending Cameroon but also a growing number of Nigerians. Close to the border sits the UN-run Minawao camp, home to nearly 57,000 refugees who have fled Boko Haram in Nigeria. "Everybody suffers in this place," said James Zapania, a 24-year-old camp resident from Gwoza, Nigeria. "We're not worried about Boko Haram coming here, we're worried about food." Refugees like Zapania often receive a chilly welcome from suspicious local villagers, many of whom view them as collaborators or even underground Boko Haram fighters. According to one Cameroonian officer, the army has removed a number of individuals from Minawao for "activities that were not in line with the behaviour of a normal refugee". advertisement Suspicion is everywhere. And while Boko Haram infiltrators make up only a tiny portion of fleeing refugees, many, including the Cameroonian military, fear that desperation provides fertile ground for recruitment. "We need to act quickly. There are young people with no work who could be vulnerable. When people are hungry, they are easily approached," said Colonel Didier Badjeck, a Cameroonian military spokesman. ALSO READ Cameroon forces kill 162 Boko Haram militants, retake town --- ENDS --- She has been a hero. She has been part of more than 150 operations at the sensitive Delhi airport. Her nose has been just perfect. By Mail Today: She has been a hero. She has been part of more than 150 operations at the sensitive Delhi airport. Her nose has been just perfect. However, diagnosed with cancer recently, Sweety- the top sniffer dog guarding the airport as part of the CISF dog squad for nearly a decade-is now due for a painful retirement. Her mammary tumour, which is malignant, was noticed during a training session as she was not in her usual, jovial self. "Doctors told us that she has cancer and it will take time to remove the tumour. After analysing for almost five days, an immediate surgery was required for which we took her to Bareilly where she was operated," said her handler Mohan Singh. advertisement Until a few months ago, Sweety-a light brown-coloured Labrador-was often seen walking around the Delhi airport, alert as always in detecting anything suspicious. Now, she spends most her time in a secluded air-conditioned room away from the clamour of the airport. Sweety was the main sniffer dog when in October last year three international aircraft had received bomb threat calls after takeoff. Sweety led the operation and within hours, the aircraft were sanitised, recalls Mohan, who has not lost hope and expects her to be back in action soon. Sweety joined the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) on December 4, 2006, and after almost one year training, she was inducted in November 2007. "She has done a perfect job every time she was pressed into action," said Mohan, patting a frail-looking Sweety, recalling the days when she was one of the toughest canines in the force. Mohan, who has been with Sweety for the past six years, has several anecdotes to share. "Recently, a baggage carrying some suspicious element was noticed. Hi-tech gadgets were used to scan the baggage, which raised an alarm. Finally, Sweety was called and she gave her clearance to it. When the baggage was opened, harmless chemical was found," he said. Impressive Mohan added with a chuckle that senior officers were very impressed with Sweety and ordered a special treat for her. Though, she has got the finest treatment but still she is not agile enough to be put in action again. According to the CISF, she is among the best sniffer canines in the bomb disposal squad and despite not being in action for the last three months, she is still very popular among the squad officials. "Sweety is above all with her sniffing abilities but after being diagnosed with cancer, her health has quite deteriorated. She is as old as a 70-year-old man but she is still ready to serve the nation," said a CISF officer. According to Mohan, Sweety is very friendly, especially with children. "She knows her job but was never shy of mingling with passengers during duty hours." advertisement For more than a month, she was not able to walk, confined to a room and also forced to sleep in a particular position. Though her doctor has given her a green signal, she is not involved in recent operations as she is not fully fit. When asked about Sweety's post-retirement plan, CISF said there is a board who decides the future of dogs serving the force. "She may get a new owner after a prescribed auction. Many civilians buy dogs from the force as they are very disciplined and obedient. It may be possible that she stays with CISF if the board decides that we have to take care of her during her last days. She will retire in a couple of months," Sweety's handler explained. "From top official to lower level staff, everyone has to leave Delhi airport due to posting but we normally don't transfer dog handlers as they treat their dogs as family. Once a dog trainer was transferred, he went to the headquarters and cried for almost 20 minutes when he was asked to leave his dog. Later, the order was cancelled on emotional ground," a senior CISF official, responsible for security of airports, told Mail Today. --- ENDS --- advertisement The tele-evidence facility streamlines the process of doctors appearing in courts in response to summons and saving time not only for patient care but also for medical education and research. This facility has already been started at Chandigarh's PGIMER. By Mail Today: Doctors would soon be free from physically appearing in courts for attending medico legal cases. Union Health Ministry will implement tele-evidence facility across the country. The programme has already been started in Post-graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh and would soon be implemented in other states, the health ministry has said. The telemedicine initiative of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Department of Information Technology and Ministry of Communication aims at creating telemedicine nodes at district and sub-district levels. "Tele-evidence is the integration of telemedicine with telejustice. It has shown possitive results at Chandigarh's PGIMER. This would soon be adopted at the national level in other states too," said a senior health ministry official. advertisement The tele-evidence facility streamlines the process of doctors appearing in courts in response to summons and saving their time not only for patient care but also for medical education and research. As per the plan, the healthcare centres and courts would be linked through tele-evidence (video conferencing) for the speedy delivery of justice. "This will go a long way not only in speeding up the justice process but also in saving the invaluable time of the doctors all over the country who have to compromise patient care time in attending the various far flung courts as part of their duty towards the judicial system. It will also prevent the consumption of fossil fuels and reduce the carbon footprints (the total set of greenhouse gas emissions caused by an individual, event, organisation, product expressed as carbon dioxide," the official said. With the help of tele-evidence facility, around 500 summons were attended during the period from March 2014 to February 2015 at PGIMER. The Institute saved the cost of travelling 1,28,642 kilometres or on an average 262 kilometres per tele-evidence. Also, a total including traveling time of 3,899 hours (162days) was saved equivalent to 476 minutes (8 hours) per tele-evidence. The health ministry is planning the project in three phases according to the number of summons received by the healthcare centres. In the first phase the existing telemedicine facility of the medical colleges and universities would be integrated with courts to submit testimony. In the second phase district hospitals would be integrated with the courts to submit testimony and finally in the third phase, training of associated persons would be started. "The pendency of cases in the courts will reduce because many cases are held up because of unavailability of the doctors to testify because of professional reasons resulting in faster resolution of court cases and will reduce load on the judiciary," said the official. "The precious time of doctors spent in travelling to far flung court rooms and wasted in waiting at the court premises along with the added strain will be saved and shall be gainfully employed in their primary task of patient care," he said. --- ENDS --- advertisement We caught up with some ladies from the Capital and asked them about how safe they feel, and what helps them combat sexual harassment and eve-teasing in public places. By Mini Dixit: There is a simple reason why cases of sexual harassment and eve-teasing keep surfacing every now and then. It's because, they ARE prevalent. And if you think the above mentioned topics are "blown out of proportion", "overhyped" or "given way too much importance, you are in dire need of a reality check. We don't mean to sound harsh, but those are just some of the responses we have been audience to. advertisement And the reason to bring it up this time around is a recent survey that has gone on to reveal that 40 per cent of women in Delhi experienced sexual harassment in 2015. The study that was published in the journal, International Criminal Justice Review, said that these incidents took place mainly in public spaces, and happened during broad daylight. While these figures are enough to reveal the ugly and very-prevalent truth about sexual harassment, we asked the women of Delhi to share their thoughts on the topic, the survey and how they do their bit in keeping themselves 'safe' from social evils like sexual harassment and eve-teasing. A young lady, who did not want to appear on camera went on to say, "I've gone to the extent of wearing a burqa up till the washroom of a night club, because I did not want to step out in a dress." Yet another said, "I'm not a young woman any more, but I still don't feel safe while travelling in a bus or simply walking alone after a certain hour of the day. It's like I have to have a total of 6 eyes on me, because I can't help but turn around to make sure no one is following me." Here's what some others had to say about sexual harassment and eve-teasing, and what they do to keep themselves 'safe' from the lurking danger. --- ENDS --- From now on, you need not hesitate to help an accident victim fearing legal, procedural hassles and harassment in hospital, police station or courts. Now, you will also be rewarded or compensated for the life-saving initiative. By Mail Today: From now on, you need not hesitate to help an accident victim fearing legal, procedural hassles and harassment in hospital, police station or courts. Now, you will also be rewarded or compensated for the life-saving initiative. A supportive legal framework for Good Samaritans, which can help reduce the number of accidental deaths in the country drastically, finally came into being with the putting its stamp of approval on the guidelines framed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. advertisement "We approve the guidelines. The central government shall now give wide publicity to the guidelines through the print and electronic media so that people who help others in the time of distress are not victimised by any authority," said a bench comprising justices V Gopala Gowda and Arun Mishra. According to the guidelines issued in a Public Interest Litigation filed by NGO Save Life Foundation, a bystander or an eyewitness to an accident who takes the injured to the hospital may leave immediately after furnishing address and no question will be asked to him. Similarly, the police can't force the person informing about the accident to reveal his name and personal details. It will be his or her choice to share name and contact details in medico- legal case forms, which the police fill when an accident victim is brought to the hospital for treatment. The accident eyewitnesses will be examined only once during police investigation investigation or trial in court. The witness will also be given a chance to depose in the court through video-conferencing. Action will be taken against government officials who force a bystander to reveal name and personal details. If the witness volunteers to go before the court to depose in the case, the trial judge shall complete his examination in one sitting and shall not make him wait endlessly in the court. The guidelines, have also asked the state governments to work out a plan to reward or compensate good samaritans to encourage citizens to come forward and help road accident victims. After framing the guidelines, the ministry had said it wanted its guidelines to be incorporated in a judicial order so that all are bound by it. A lethal blend of poor law enforcement and lack of emergency medical care makes India the world's road death capital. Nearly 150,000 people get killed every year and more than three times as many are injured in road accidents, says a recent World Health Organisation report. "Annual social loss due to these accidents is 3 per cent of GDP. Timely help can save about 50 per cent of the lives. If proper medical care is provided to victims within an hour after the accident, the chances of victims' survival will be the highest," said former Delhi High Court judge VS Agarwal in a report compiled by a Supreme Court-appointed panel he headed on framing guidelines for the protection of Good Samaritans. --- ENDS --- In order to restore peace in the University of Hyderabad, the students' union of the varsity has urged President Pranab Mukherjee to sack Vice Chancellor P Appa Rao. By India Today Web Desk: In order to restore peace in the University of Hyderabad, the students' union of the varsity has urged President Pranab Mukherjee to sack Vice Chancellor P Appa Rao. In a letter to the president, who is the Visitor of the university, the union said Rao was an accused in the suicide of Dalit research scholar Rohith Vemula and also unleashed brutal violence on the students. advertisement Students' union president Zuhail KP said that they sought the president's intervention to save the university from further damage. He brought to the notice of the President that the two-member fact finding committee appointed by the Human Resource Development ministry to investigate the disciplinary action on five Dalit research scholars which led to the suicide of Vemula pointed out that the university administration under Appa Rao mishandled the case. Appa Rao was booked under the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and for abetment to suicide. The high court did not grant him bail while the judicial commission formed is still probing the matter, the letter said. It was also brought to the president's notice that Appa Rao, instead of waiting for the judicial commission's report, showed utter contempt for the judicial process by cancelling his leave and resuming office on March 22 with the help of some teachers loyal to him and ABVP students. Zuhail said that when the students protested his resumption of office, he "unleashed brutal violence on the protesting students to levels unheard of in the university history". Telangana Police arrested 24 students, two professors and one media person after a baton charge and booked many others including women. The letter alleged that Appa Rao with the help of 'loyal' non-teaching staff closed the hostel messes, cut off water supply and disconnected internet. --- ENDS --- Ever wondered where all the money that you paid while visiting a monument went? Well, it has filled the government's coffers with a whopping 190 crores in a span of just two years. While Taj Mahal made it to the top of the list with 43.1 crores, Hampi recorded a drop by 75 per cent in 2014-15. By India Today Web Desk: Have you ever wondered where all entrance fee that that you pay while visiting historical monument goes? All that is collected from the fee at the ticketed monuments of the Archaeological Survey of India is remitted into the Government account in the Consolidated Fund of India. The Archaeological Survey of India has 116 monuments in 19 states under their vigilance. advertisement According to the Government of India statistics, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi are the biggest contributors: Uttar Pradesh and Delhi have 23 per cent of all the monuments under the ASI. In numbers, there are 16 monuments from UP and 10 from Delhi under the ASI. Together they have contributed 69 per cent of the total revenue collected in the period between 2013-14 and 2014-15. While UP accounted for 83.5 crore, Delhi pitched in 48.15 crore. Total revenue collected from Maharashtra, Karnataka and other states : With 16 monuments under the ASI in Maharashtra the total revenue collected from entrance fees stood at 13.94 crore, making it the third biggest contributor. Karnataka which has 12 monuments under the ASI's care, collected revenue just a few points below Maharashtra with a total of 13.28 crores, making it the fourth largest collector. Although Telangana has only three monuments, the total revenue stood at 3.83, bringing it close to Dehi and Uttar Pradesh, in terms of average. Ministry of Culture, Lok Sabha/Factly The highest revenue from entrance fee from individual monuments: Taj Mahal monopolized the revenue in entrance fee with 43.06 crore in two years. Agra followed suit with 20.8 crore while Qutb Minar, Humayuns Tomb and Red Fort garnered 20.44, 13.47 crore 12.04 crore respectively. Fatehpur Sikri on the other hand recorded the highest increase in revenue with 69.4 lakh increase followed by the Agra Fort. Revenue increased by more than 10 lakh for eight monuments. Hampi faced a 75% drop in Revenue in 2014-15 The marginal drop of 3.46 crore in entrance fee revenue in 2014-15 was largely because of the 75% drop in ticket revenue from Hampi. In Hampi, the revenue dropped from 5.82 crore in 2013-14 to 1.47 crore in 2014-15. Apart from this, various state governments have sent 22 proposals for various monuments to be given central protection. These proposals are at various stages of consideration. These include birth places of Dr. B R Ambedkar and Madan Mohan Malviya. Source:Factly --- ENDS --- advertisement The travellers have spoken. HolidayIQ's Better Holiday Awards present the best of India in unconventional accommodation, tourist attractions, destinations, and more, all based on ratings and reviews. By Simar Singh: From relaxing in houseboat to enjoying a nature camp to submerging oneself in the cultural richness of a place, India is full of possibilities for every type of traveller. Today, the Indian traveller is driving tourism within the country like never before, and travel community portal HolidayIQ's first-ever Better Holiday Awards acknowledged just that by recognising the best accommodations, attractions and destinations across the country. The awards celebrated the best across several interesting categories such as homestay options, holiday cottages and farm stay as well as conventional ones like spiritual attractions, heritage destinations and hill stations. advertisement Also Read: Travel trends of 2016 "All the winners are purely chosen on the basis of ratings and reviews shared by millions of Indian travellers on the HolidayIQ platform," said HolidayIQ's founder and CEO, Hari Nair, explaining the selection process for the awards. The platform currently boasts of a community of 12 million travellers. While Jammu & Kashmir got the travellers' stamp of approval as India's best state for tourism, Maharashtra won the spot of the most popular state for holidays. Additionally, the Better Holiday Awards named Odisha as the country's emerging state for tourism. Here is a complete list of winners. Top 10 holiday accommodations in India Mumbai's iconic Taj Mahal Palace was named as India's favourite city hotel. Picture courtesy: Reuters Houseboat- Moonvalley Houseboat, Srinagar Homestay- Dhangiri Homestay, Vythri Holiday cottage- Tree Hill Cottage, Manali Boutique hotel- Old Harbour Hotel, Kochi Holiday camp- Winds Desert Camp, Jaisalmer Farm stay- Jungle Retreat, Wayanad Hotel- Oberoi Cecil, Shimla City hotel- Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai Resort- Mayfair Gangtok Resort & Spa, Gangtok Apartment hotel- Oakwood Premier, Pune Top tourist attractions in India Travellers have chosen the Nathu La Pass as their favourite adventure attraction. Picture courtesy: Reuters Travellers have chosen the Nathu La Pass as their favourite adventure attraction. Picture courtesy: Reuters Adventure attraction- Nathu La Pass, Gangtok Beach- Radhanagar Beach, Havelock Island Urban attraction- Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad Hill attraction- Triund, Mcleodganj Historical attraction- Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur Natural attraction- Somnath Temple, Somnath Waterfall- Dhuandhar Falls, Jabalpur Top tourist destinations in India Vaishno Devi is India's favourite pilgrimage destination. Picture courtesy: Reuters Adventure sports- Auli, Uttarakhand Sea-side- Tarkali, Maharashtra City- Chandigarh Hill Station- Shillong, Meghalaya Heritage- Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh Wildlife- Dandeli, Karnataka Pilgrimage- Vaishno Devi, Jammu & Kashmir Waterfront- Alappuzha, Kerala --- ENDS --- Mamata Banerjee refused to take the blame for the collapse of a flyover in north Kolkata's Girish Park area that claimed at least 21 lives and left several injured. By India Today Web Desk: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today refused to take the blame for the collapse of a flyover in north Kolkata's Girish Park area that claimed at least 21 lives and left several injured. Mamata Banerjee said that the "construction began on flyover in 2008, during CPM time not our time". "The tender was passed in 2009 by the erstwhile Left Front government and was given to Hyderabad-based IVRCL Construction," Banerjee said. advertisement In pics: Under-construction flyover collapses in Kolkata She alleged that IVRCL had not provided the West Bengal government details of the construction plan despite several reminders. "It's nothing but a God's act" was how a senior official of IVRCL reacted and denied any quality or technical issue as the cause behind the incident "as of now". "It's nothing but a God's act. So far in 27 years we have constructed several number of bridges... it never happened," K Panduranga Rao, Group Head (HR and Admin) of the Hyderabad-based company said. Mamata Banerjee arrived at the flyover collapse site after cancelling a political rally for the upcoming state Assembly polls. Instructing the police on a loudspeaker for the rescue work, she said, "Our main focus is to rescue those who are trapped." Responding to demands by the Opposition for a CBI enquiry, Mamata said that her first focus is on rescue operations and she "will see about future course of action later." "This is a very serious incident, law will take its course," she said. Kolkata flyover collapse LIVE: Tragedy an act of god, says builder Mamata Banerjee also announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the families of the dead and Rs 2 lakh each for those critically injured. She also announced Rs 1 lakh for those who suffered minor injuries in the mishap. Earlier in the day, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) held the Mamata Banerjee government responsible for the tragedy and demanded strict action against people associated with the flyover. "Mamata ji's govt is responsible for this. We want action to be initiated against the ministers and people associated," said Kailash Vijayvargiya, BJP in-charge in West Bengal. The Army has deployed four columns of rescue personnel at the site of the mishap. One Engineering team of the Army has also been pressed to service. At least 18 people are confirmed dead and over 50 injured after an under-construction flyover collapsed in north Kolkata's Girish Park area. A 140-tonne crane brought to the scene was unable to lift the concrete slab under which many people were feared trapped, including passengers in a minibus. advertisement ALSO READ Kolkata flyover tragedy: 7 things you need to know Twitter reacts to Kolkata bridge collapse --- ENDS --- Lack of proper planning, delays, lacunae in design and bad tendering may have triggered the collapse on Thursday of a 100-metre section of an under-construction flyover, leaving at least 14 dead and many injured, said engineering experts. By Indo-Asian News Service: Lack of proper planning, delays, lacunae in design and bad tendering may have triggered the collapse on Thursday of a 100-metre section of an under-construction flyover, leaving at least 14 dead and many injured, said engineering experts. The long-delayed 2.5-km Vivekanda flyover under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission was expected to tackle congestion in Burrabazar area - the location of one of the largest wholesale markets in Asia - up to the Howrah station, the gateway to the city. advertisement Shocked at the incident, Indian Institute of Technology-Kharagpur (IIT-Kgp) architecture faculty Joy Sen, who is "very familiar" with the heavily-congested area, said such large-scale projects are executed in phases and if time is not taken into consideration, then it becomes risky. "Phasing of construction and time and use of materials are interlocked. If these things are not done on time, then construction like these which are exposed to weather becomes very risky. "They have a time schedule and you cannot delay with these projects. You need proper planning and you can't play with human lives," Sen, a professor and head of architecture & regional planning department at Ranbir and Chitra Gupta School of Infrastructure Design and Management, IIT-Kgp said. Expressing concern over the quality of construction and tendering practices, Sen said, "It should be based on experience and shouldn't be simply handed over to a firm which quotes the lowest price." Civil engineering expert Arup Guha Niyogi expressed doubts on the stability of the structure. "There can be many reasons for the collapse of a under construction flyover. It seems there may be some problems related to stability. There may be insufficient steel girders used or faulty placement of steel girder could lead to this collapse," Niyogi, a professor at Jadavpur University's civil engineering department, told IANS. Niyogi who specialises in structural and bridge engineering, also said there might be some defects in design and construction. "Since the concretisation was done yesterday (Wednesday), the concrete remains in a weak state in which it has weight but has not acted as the load-bearing structure," he said. Locals attested to the fact concretisation was carried out on Wednesday night and complained the project overall has been riddled with problems. The project's foundation was laid in 2008 and work on the Rs.164-crore project began on February 24, 2009. It was scheduled to be completed in 2012 but land acquisition issues delayed its completion. The implementing agency too ran into financial troubles. Also Read At least 15 dead after under-construction bridge collapses in Kolkata Kolkata bridge collapse LIVE: As Army looks for survivors, political blame-game begins advertisement Twitter reacts to Kolkata bridge collapse --- ENDS --- CV Kumar, who has produced many quality films including Pizza and Soodhu Kavvum, is donning the director's hat for the first time for Maayavan. By India Today Web Desk: Bollywood actor Jackie Shroff has been roped in to play the antagonist role in producer CV Kumar's first directorial venture, Maayavan, according to a report published in The Time Of India. ALSO READ: Theri - Telugu version of Vijay's film is titled Policeodu The film has Sundeep Kumar and Regina Cassandra in the lead roles. The makers have met the Brothers actor last week in Mumbai and discussed the story of the film. Shroff, who felt his role was powerful, has readily accepted to star in the upcoming film. advertisement Jackie Shroff has already acted in two Tamil films- Aaranya Kaandam and Kochadaiyaan. He was also approached for Atharva's latest outing Kanitha, but it is said that Shroff declined the offer. Shroff will be seen as a gangster in Maayavan. CV Kumar, who has produced many quality films including Pizza and Soodhu Kavvum, is donning the director's hat for the first time. The film has already gone on floors and Shroff will join the sets for next schedule, which will start on April 4 in Chennai. --- ENDS --- n another dramatic twist to the Uttarakhand saga, the Centre on Wednesday regained some lost ground after a Division Bench of Nainital High Court stayed the floor test in the State Assembly. By Mail Today: In another dramatic twist to the Uttarakhand saga, the Centre on Wednesday regained some lost ground after a Division Bench of Nainital High Court stayed the floor test in the State Assembly. The bench ruled that the voting in the Assembly will now take place on April 7 instead of March 31. But, the bench asked some pointed questions to the Centre on the haste shown to impose President's rule in the state and held that a floor test would have been the best way to decide majority. advertisement The trust vote was first slated to be held on March 28, but the Centre had imposed President's Rule just a day before the floor test, citing breakdown of Constitutional machinery in the state. The decision was challenged by Congress Chief Minister Harish Rawat before the single judge, UC Dhyani, of High Court. The court, while ordering the floor test to be held on March 31, had also allowed nine disqualified rebel Congress MLAs to participate in the voting. Meanwhile, Congress has come under immense pressure after the fall of its government in Uttarakhand as its governments in Kerala and Assam are facing electoral test. The BJP welcomed the court order on Wednesday. "We welcome the order. It has given a lot of clarity. Congress has been caught in its own trap and should not blame the BJP for the President's Rule because no government can be run when a majority of MLAs are against its continuation. The Governor's report also mentioned about the horse trading involving the then Chief Minister Harish Rawat. He was caught offering allurements to his own party MLAs. Congress has shamed democracy," BJP National Secretary Shrikant Sharma said. ALSO READ: Full text: Arun Jaitley's blog on Uttarakhand crisis --- ENDS --- By PTI: From Lalit K Jha Washington, Mar 30 (PTI) Republican presidential front- runner Donald Trump has said he wants to protect the rights of of Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs and other minority groups in the US but asserted that there was a need to recognise the "very serious problem" of "radical Islam" at the same time. "I want to do that also, and I do want to do that, but I at the same time we have to recognise we have a serious problem (with regard to Islamic fundamentalism)," Trump said during a CNN town hall when asked about protecting the rights of minority groups like Muslims, Sikhs, Jews and others inside the United States. advertisement The question in this regard was asked by Lt (rtd) Brian Murphy, who was the first the officer to report to Gurdwara massacre in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, in 2012. At the risk of his life, he had saved a number of Sikhs. He was shot at 15 times. "In Milwaukee, you heard about the Sikh temple shooting. Six people were killed. 99 per cent of the men in the United States who wear turbans are actually Sikh and not Muslim. How would you suggest we help educate the public and not alienate these groups and, at the same time, how do we protect the constitutional rights of minority groups like the Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, and Jews, while still addressing radical Islamization?" Murphy asked Trump during the town hall. Trump responded to the question from Lt Murphy, saying, "We have a tremendous problem with radical Islam whether we like it or we dont. We have a president who wont talk about it," "When I called for the temporary banning (Muslims), we have to look at it. We have a serious problem, I think youll admit that, Brian. We have a very, very serious problem with radical Islam, and if we dont want to discuss it, and if we dont want to look at it, were never going to solve the problem," the 69-year-old real estate tycoon said. "We have to be extremely strong with ISIS. We have to wipe ISIS off the face of the Earth so fast and so violently we have no choice. We have no choice," Trump said in response to the question. The United States, he said, needs to be very vigilant. "Very smart, and frankly, Brian, we have to be very tough because its only going to get worse," he said. Trump argued that thousands of people were being allowed into the country over short periods of time coming "supposedly from Syria". "We have no idea who they are, we have no idea where is their paperwork. They have no paperwork; they have no identification. Theyre coming into this country and its going to be a big, big problem," he argued. "We have to be extremely vigilant in those areas, we have to look very seriously at the Mosques. Lots of things happening in the Mosques, thats been proven. You look at whats going on in Paris where Mosques are being closed, OK? And, we have to look very, very seriously," Trump said. PTI LKJ ASK ASK --- ENDS --- advertisement A New Delhi-based five-star hotel says it has received a call from Dubai informing it of more attacks like Pathankot being planned in the national capital, triggering an alert across the national capital. By Atir Khan: A New Delhi-based five-star hotel says it has received a call from Dubai informing it of more attacks like Pathankot being planned in the national capital, triggering an alert across the national capital. According to sources, the call which was made to a landline number of an unnamed five-star hotel from the purported owner of a hotel in Dubai. Sources said the caller has given specific information of attacks being planned in leading hotels, malls, hospitals and railway stations in New Delhi. advertisement The famous Akshardham temple on the banks of Yamuna, the Hanuman Mandir in Kalkaji, and the Gauri Shankar temple are also on the terror radar, they said. The caller also mentioned a number of flights under threat, especially the ones bound to Mumbai, Kolkata, Allahabad, and Varanasi. The caller claimed that he had heard one of his Pakistani guests named Abdul Razzak saying that those behind Pathankot attack are planning similar strikes in India. The Delhi Police has informed the central intelligence agencies about the phone call, following which an alert has been sounded across the national capital. India has accused Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed of orchestrating the attack on the Indian Air Force base in Pathankot in January in which seven security personnel and all six terrorists were killed. --- ENDS --- Another woman has claimed that she was sexually harassed by the former head of TERI RK Pachauri, who is already charged with sexually harassing, stalking and intimidating two female colleagues. By India Today Web Desk: Another woman has claimed that she was sexually harrased by the former head of TERI RK Pachauri, who is already charged with secually harassing, stalking and intimidating two female colleagues. The European woman, who worked as Pachauri's secretary back in 2008, said that she contacted advocate Vrinda Grover, in February 2015 after she came to know of an FIR against Pachauri in a sexual harassment case. advertisement When contacted, Pachauri refused to comment but his lawyer Ashish Dixit termed it as a "conspiracy" to defame his client and questioned why every time such a case came up it was Grover who gave statements and there were no police complaints. Grover sent to media houses the statment of the woman who said," I remember that in the third week of February 2015, I had read some news reports which said that an employee of TERI had filed a criminal complaint against RK Pachauri for sexually harassing her. "On reading these news reports, I was 0 percent surprised. I can very much relate to what the other women wrote in her statement," she said. Also Read Pachauri wrote six poems to woman colleague, says chargesheet Sexual harassment case: RK Pachauri wanted to give me head massage, says ex-TERI employee --- ENDS --- India's intelligence agencies suspect that a group named Jaishul Adil that owes its allegiance to the Al-Qaeda and reportedly houses around 500 fighters, is responsible for kidnapping Indian businessman Kulbhushan Jadhav from the Iran-Pakistan border. Indiaas intelligence agencies believe If Jadhav was a RAW agent, it would have been easier for him to carry Pakistani identity papers instead of running the risk of getting caught with an Indian passport. By Gaurav C Sawant: India's intelligence agencies suspect that a group named Jaishul Adil that owes its allegiance to the Al-Qaeda and reportedly houses around 500 fighters, is responsible for kidnapping Indian businessman Kulbhushan Jadhav from the Iran-Pakistan border. A high level assessment compiled by India's intelligence agencies reveals multiple inconsistencies in the alleged spy video released by Pakistan. These glaring loopholes raise very serious doubts about the veracity of the claims being made by the Pakistan army to implicate India in fomenting a sectarian insurgency in Balochistan. advertisement A forensic examination of the video conducted by India's intelligence agencies shows that the 'spy video' has been heavily edited and the audio has been spliced in several places. At different points, Kulbhushan's facial expressions do not match what is being said in the voice over. The question therefore rises that if Pakistan does have the genuine confession by an Indian agent then why has a heavily edited version of the video been put out instead of the original tape. Pakistani media reported that Jadhav was picked up on March 3, whereas his arrest was announced only on March 24. India's intelligence agencies say a three-week gap between Jadhav's detention and arrest raises serious doubts about whether coercive, third degree techniques were used on Jadhav to extract a statement dictated by the Pakistani agencies. One of the biggest loopholes in Pakistan's allegations is the claim that Kulbhushan was carrying an Indian passport in the name of Mumbai resident Hussain Mubarak Patel. India's intelligence czars argue that no specially-trained field agent will be nave enough to carry a passport which links him back to his native country if he is entering hostile territory. If Jadhav was indeed a RAW agent, it would have been easier for him to carry Pakistani identity papers instead of running the risk of getting caught with an Indian passport. Sources say, this claim by Pakistan is by itself proof that Jadhav was an Indian businessman, who was transacting bonafide business activities in Iran's Chabahar rather than an undercover agent. The Home Minister of Pakistan's Balochistan province, Sarfaraz Bugti, first announced that Jadhav was picked up from Chaman. But, in the Pakistan army's press conference on Tuesday, the Director General of the Inter Services Public Relations General Asim Bajwa, announced that Jadhav was picked up from Saravan. Now Chaman is the eastern-most extremity of Balochistan and is near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, whereas Saravan is in the south-east of Zahidan and is near the Pakistan-Iran border. Chaman is 873 kilometres from Saravan by road. This is a major inconsistency in the claim made by Pakistan's agencies. advertisement India's intelligence agencies believe that the release of the 'spy video' is a consequence of the internal politics of Pakistan. The Pakistan army is not happy with the peace overtures made by the Nawaz Sharif government and the arrest of an Indian national seems to be an attempt on the part of Pakistan's military establishment to restrict Sharif's ability to walk down the road of peace with Prime Minister Modi. For the first time after the recent Pathankot attack, Pakistan's civilian government admitted that the terrorists came from Pakistan. A Joint Investigation Team from Pakistan was sent to India to probe the terror attack. Indian agencies believe that the ISI has been very unhappy with the concessions made by the civilian government and the 'spy tape' is an attempt to shrink the space for peace available to Sharif. The assessment compiled by India's intelligence agencies also suggests that the Pakistan army has been extremely wary of India's involvement in the Chabahar port project in Iran. India has so far helped conduct a feasibility study to develop the port area and has committed to helping Tehran develop the port in future. Pakistan sees the Chabahar port as a direct threat to the ambitious Gwadar port project in Balochistan, which is being developed in close association with Beijing as part of the China-Pakistan economic corridor. Indian agencies believe that Pakistan is trying to kill the Chabahar project by driving a wedge between Delhi and Tehran. advertisement The Indian assessment ends by stating that the insurgency in Balocistan is deep rooted and enjoys widespread public support. And it is foolhardy to think that an obscure Indian businessman in Iran can influence the course of events in Balochistan. Also read: Indian 'spy' abducted by an Al-Qaeda ally? --- ENDS --- Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the United States to attend the 4th Nuclear Security Summit, in which leaders of more than 50 countries will assess the threats of nuclear terrorism. Smita Sharma spoke to former Pakistan High Commissioner Akbar Ahmad and research fellow at the Hudson Institute Aparna Pande in the US. By India Today Web Desk: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the United States today to attend the 4th Nuclear Security Summit, in which leaders of more than 50 countries will assess the threats of nuclear terrorism. This is PM Modi's third visit to the United States since he took office. He was received at the Andrews Air Force Base by US Ambassador to India Richard Verma and Indian Ambassador to the US Arun Singh. advertisement Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met members of the Indian community in Washington and will soon be attending a leaders-only thematic dinner to be hosted by US President Barack Obama at the White House. Attending the Nuclear Security Summit for the first time, PM Modi is expected to lay out his vision of securing nuclear weapons. Rajdeep Sardesai on his show News Today spoke to diplomatic editor of India Today TV Smita Sharma to understand what is in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's agenda and what expectations should one have from this visit. Smita Sharma spoke to former Pakistan High Commissioner Akbar Ahmad and research fellow at the Hudson Institute Aparna Pande in the US. Commenting on Pakistan's vulnerability to nuclear terrorism, Akbar Ahmad said, "Let me assure you, as far as the Pakistan nuclear program is concerned it's probably the safest element in the government of Pakistan and is regarded specifically by the Army. It has been given the highest priority and I know how much effort goes into that." Asked what India will be bringing to the table in the nuclear summit, Aparna Pande said, "Mr Modi brings what every other prime minister has brought which is that India is a responsible nuclear power and a mature power and that it has signed almost all global conventions. It has recently ratified the nuclear liability convention and therefore expects companies like... I just heard today that Toshiba is going to set up 6 nuclear reactors starting June in India. "So India wants to present the face of a responsible power to the world and that's what Mr Modi will try to do at this summit," she added. "The summit would deliberate on the crucial issue of threat to nuclear security caused by nuclear terrorism. Leaders would discuss ways and measure through which to strengthen the global nuclear security architecture, especially to ensure that non-state actors do not get access to nuclear material," PM Modi had said in a statement before leaving on the current three-nation tour of Belgium, the US and Saudi Arabia. WATCH FULL SHOW ALSO READ Modi, Belgian PM Charles Michel launch Asia's biggest telescope 3-tier security for PM Modi during Brussels visit Modi in Brussels: India will never bow to terrorism --- ENDS --- advertisement Prime Minister Narendra Modi today reached the United States to attend the fourth Nuclear Security Summit. By India Today Web Desk: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on today reached the United States to attend the fourth Nuclear Security Summit. In the evening, Modi will be attending a leaders-only thematic dinner hosted by US President Barack Obama at the White House. This will be followed by three plenary sessions on Friday when India, along with other participating nations, will submit their national nuclear progress reports. advertisement "After Belgium, I will be in Washington DC on March 31 to participate in the Fourth Nuclear Security Summit, where several nations and global organisations would be represented," Modi said in a statement on Tuesday ahead of his departure to Brussels. "The summit would deliberate on the crucial issue of threat to nuclear security caused by nuclear terrorism. Leaders would discuss ways and measure through which to strengthen the global nuclear security architecture, especially to ensure that non-state actors do not get access to nuclear material," he had said. Leaders of 53 nations and four international organisations will be attending the NSS in Washington. A look at PM Modi's itinerary in US 08:30- 09:30 pm: Meeting with Rt Hon John Key, Prime Minister of New Zealand (Bilateral Meeting Room, Hotel Willard InterContinental) 9:40 pm: Meeting with Scientists from Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) (Bilateral Meeting Room, Hotel Willard Inter Continental) 11:00 pm: Media briefing (Media Briefing Hall, Hotel Willard Inter Continental) 3:00 am: Arrivals and reception at the White House (The White House South Lawn (Arrivals); Cross Hall Reception) 2:30-3:00 am: Head of delegation receiving line with President Barack Obama (Blue Room, The White House)(White House Media only) 3:00-5:00 am: Head of delegation dinner hosted by US President Barack Obama(East Room, The White House) #WATCH: PM Modi arrives in Washington DC to attend 4th Nuclear Security Summit, received by US Ambassador to Indiahttps://t.co/68LqfT1jGC ANI (@ANI_news) March 31, 2016 Watch video here: Also Read India will never bow to terrorism: Top 10 quotes from PM Modi's Brussels speech Modi in Brussels: India will never bow to terrorism Modi, Belgian PM Charles Michel launch Asia's biggest telescope --- ENDS --- Just yesterday, Ankita Lokhande refuted all the rumours related to their break-up. And now the gossip mills are abuzz with rumous that Ankita has asked Sushant Singh Rajput to move out of their Bandra residence. By India Today Web Desk: Sushant Singh Rajput and Ankita Lokhande's break-up rumours have become the talk of the town. And after the news of their break-up started the rounds, the gossip mills were abuzz with many rumours. And now the latest one is that Ankita has asked Sushant to move out of their Bandra residence and now he has shifted to a hotel in Juhu. advertisement ALSO READ: Sushant Singh Rajput-Ankita Lokhande break-up - Ankita opens up on their relationship ALSO READ: Sushant Singh Rajput has this to say about his break-up with Ankita Lokhande According to a report in DNA, a source said, "The Bandra apartment that Sushant and Ankita lived in, belongs to her. She asked him to move out. Sushant had no choice but to do so. So he moved far away from Ankita's radius to Juhu." Just yesterday, Ankita refuted all the rumours related to their break-up. In an interview to Mumbai Mirror, Ankita said, "I don't know why everyone's speculating about our six-year relationship, and saying that it has ended and that we are no longer together. It's unnecessary and uncalled for. I am there with him as always, I love Sushant Singh Rajput unconditionally. These rumours are completely baseless and in bad taste." Reportedly, Ankita was miffed with Sushant as the Kai Po Che actor was busy with his films and was barely left with any time for her. Not just this, earlier Sushant's closeness to his Shudh Desi Romance co-star Parineeti Chopra was also said to be the reason of their split. However, the real reason behind their split is still unknown. The two were to get married this December, but the reports have a different story to say. Sushant and Ankita have put their marriage on hold. Earlier, there were rumours that Ankita's chronic alcohol addition has also played its part in their break-up. Sushant and Ankita first met on the sets of their show Pavitra Rishta and fell in love instantly. And with trouble in their love-nest, it be said that 2016 is the year of B-Town divorces and break-ups. --- ENDS --- The Karnataka pre-University examination of chemistry had to be cancelled for a second time after the question papers were leaked, leading to a strong protest by the students and their parents in Bengaluru and other cities. By India Today Web Desk: In a shock to thousands of second year pre-university course (equivalent to class 12) students, the Karnataka pre-University examination of chemistry had to be cancelled for a second time after the question papers were leaked, leading to a strong protest by the students and their parents in Bengaluru and other cities. The examination was originally scheduled to be held on March 22 but had to be cancelled due to the quesiton paper leak. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said, "We will find out who is responsible for this." advertisement In the re-examination today, it was found that handwritten question papers were being circulated at some examination centres, forcing the administration to cancel it again. Senior officials in Bellary and Kolar were suspended after it was found that the first paper leak happened at the centres administered by them. Around 1.74 lakh students were supposed to take the science subject exam though a majority of them were unaware that their question paper in English and Kannada was leaked at some centres and got circulated to other centres by noon. The PUC exams in the state, equivalent to second year intermediate course or 12th class in central schools, began on March 11 across the state, with 6.5 lakh students appearing in this academic year. --- ENDS --- By PTI: Kolkata, Mar 30 (PTI) Over Rs 7 crore has been seized from West Bengal so far during the pre-poll drive against financial transactions without valid documents. Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Amitjyoti Bhattacharya said the IT department seized Rs 4.86 crore while the flying squads have seized Rs 91.75 lakh. Another Rs 1.47 crore has been seized by static surveillance teams, he said. advertisement The Election Commission is monitoring poll-related expenses of candidates and have started an election expenditure monitoring cell in each of the districts. Officials said since the election process started in the state, they have been keeping an eye on anyone carrying cash in large quantity. If anyone is found carrying cash above Rs 10 lakh then the income tax department is informed to trace the source and destination of money. Through the mobile app Samadhan, the EC is getting complaints both from public as well as political parties on poll-related issues like electoral rolls, voter ID cards, model code of conduct violation, etc. Altogether, 9,914 complaints have so far been received out of which over a thousand complaints are yet to be disposed off. More than half of the complaints are from politicians, Bhattacharya said. (MORE) PTI NIK MD IKA --- ENDS --- UN judges acquitted Serbian nationalist firebrand Vojislav Seselj of war crimes and crimes against humanity on Thursday, a shock verdict that delivered a boost to his anti-EU Serbian Radical Party ahead of April elections. By Reuters: UN judges acquitted Serbian nationalist firebrand Vojislav Seselj of war crimes and crimes against humanity on Thursday, a shock verdict that delivered a boost to his anti-EU Serbian Radical Party ahead of April elections. War victims and leaders of neighbouring countries reacted with dismay to the acquittal of Seselj, who was accused of stoking murderous ethnic hatred with his fiery rhetoric during the 1990s wars that followed the break-up of federal Yugoslavia into seven successor states and killed 130,000 people. advertisement On one occasion, Seselj gave a speech to Serbian troops, telling them: "Not a single Ustasha must leave Vukovar alive," using a derogatory term for Croats in 1991 in the eastern Croatian city on the Danube River border with Serbia. But the UN tribunal ruled that this did not amount to incitement. It could not be ruled out that such speeches were made "in a context of conflict and were meant to boost the morale of the troops of his camp, rather than calling upon them to spare no one," said Judge Jean-Claude Antonetti, who headed a three-judge panel that voted 2-1 in favour of acquittal. At Radical Party headquarters in Belgrade, Seselj's supporters cheered the stunning outcome at the UN tribunal - Seselj himself had expected a 25-year sentence. Polls show his party hovering just above the 5 percent threshold it would need to return to parliament next month after four years outside. "This acquittal leaves me speechless," said Vesna Bosanac, the head of a Vukovar hospital besieged by pro-Seselj militia in 1991. "The only thing that awaits him is the judgment of God." Croatian Prime Minister Tihomir Oreskovic labelled the verdict "shameful" during a visit to Vukovar, where he laid wreaths in memory of war dead, a sentiment echoed by his Bosnian counterpart Denis Zvizdic. Munira Subasic, who lost her husband and son in the 1995 Serb massacre of 8,000 Muslim men and boys in the Bosnian town of Srebrenica, said the tribunal had rewarded "an ideology of persecution and war crimes". In a scathing and unusually strong dissent over the acquittal, one of the three judges said Seselj and his allies outside the courtroom had intimidated prosecution witnesses. "The majority sets aside all the rules of international humanitarian law," Flavia Lattanzi wrote. Pressure on pro-EU government Thursday's verdict ramps up the pressure on the right-wing government of Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic, once an ally of Seselj who dropped his nationalism in favour of a policy of seeking Serbia's admission to the European Union. The government is walking a tightrope at a time of growing Russian influence in southeastern Europe and risks losing votes to Seselj's camp if it is seen as too accommodating of the EU-backed ICTY, which has prosecuted mainly Serbs. advertisement Seselj, 61, is a prolific writer known for his pugnacious temper and was a close ally of late Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic, who died in his UN tribunal cell in The Hague a decade ago before his war crimes trial could be completed. Seselj has never abandoned his ideal of a "Greater Serbia" incorporating parts of Croatia and Bosnia that Serb nationalist forces fought for after Yugoslavia's federal republics split away, and his message could yet tempt back Vucic supporters. "This panel of judges contributed to removing the taint from the Serbian people," Seselj told a news conference after the news of his acquittal. Last week, the UN tribunal sentenced Radovan Karadzic, former political leader of the Bosnian Serbs, to 40 years in prison for war crimes and genocide, while Ratko Mladic, the ex-Bosnian Serb military commander, remains on trial. But since Milosevic's death, the tribunal has never managed to pin legal responsibility for Bosnia's genocide on a Belgrade Serb. Seselj's acquittal also came as a blow to prosecutors at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia after the decade-long trial, the longest in the history of the ICTY. advertisement Prosecutors said they were considering appealing against the acquittal of Seselj, who has been living freely in Belgrade since 2014 after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. Still vigorous, he defied judges by re-immersing himself in politics. "With this acquittal on all the nine counts of the indictment, the arrest warrant issued by the appeals chamber is rendered moot," said Antonetti. "Vojislav Seselj is now a free man." --- ENDS --- An under-construction bridge collapsed near the famous Ganesh Talkies in north Kolkata's Girish Park area today. 150 people are feared to be trapped under the debris in the busy neighbourhood. By India Today Web Desk: UPDATES: Rescue operations continued through out the night. Rescue operations continue after the collapse of an under-construction bridge in #Kolkata pic.twitter.com/9UXMWVcQCt ANI (@ANI_news) April 1, 2016 Death toll rises to 21, 85 injured according to Mamata Banerjee. 3 more NDRF teams sent to #Kolkata bridge collapse spot keeping in view the prolonged rescue ops. 10 teams with 400 rescuers on spot now. We will take care of all the expenses of all the injured, we hope for their speedy recovery: WB CM on #Kolkata bridge collapse ANI (@ANI_news) March 31, 2016 Army has deployed 4 columns of rescue personnel. There are 3 medical teams, 2 ambulances, surgeons and nursing assistants in each team. One Engineer team of Army has also reached with special equipment's. Helpline numbers: 1070, 033-2214-3526, 033-2253-5185, 033-2214-5664 Call us at 8585902617 in case of any blood donations in #Kolkata requirements. Kolkata- Reprise (@TweetKolkata) March 31, 2016 Shocked & saddened by collapse of under construction flyover in Kolkata. Took stock of the situation & rescue operations. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 31, 2016 Horrifying moment that flyover came crashing down in #Kolkata today. Truly terrible. pic.twitter.com/yk1ZbnQnkp Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor) March 31, 2016 Two NDRF units have been rushed to the spot to help in rescue operations. (Photo: Shyam Sundar Ghosh advertisement Police, fire brigade and disaster management personnel have rushed to the accident site and started rescue work. Cranes have been pressed to remove the debris. The injured people have been shifted to the Calcutta Medical hospital for medical aid. WATCH: Desperate attempts being made to lift up fallen under-construction bridge to rescue trapped people in Kolkatahttps://t.co/qyt7XktjuX ANI (@ANI_news) March 31, 2016 Two NDRF units of 70 members have also been rushed to the area to help in rescue operations. However, there was little sign of a coordinated rescue operation, with access for heavy lifting equipment restricted by the proximity of buildings on either side of the flyover and heavy traffic. "Spoke to DG NDRF who apprised me of situation at the accident site in Kolkata. NDRF teams rushed to spot for rescue ops," Home Minister Rajnath Singh said IVRCL, the company that was building the #Kolkata flyover, says it was "an act of God". Is it suggesting that the FIR should be against God? T S Sudhir (@Iamtssudhir) March 31, 2016 Taxi buried under the debris of the collapsed bridge. (Photo: Shyam Sundar Ghosh Taxi buried under the debris of the collapsed bridge. (Photo: Shyam Sundar Ghosh The flyover has been under construction since 2009 and has missed several deadlines for completion. Television footage from the scene showed a bloody hand reaching out from under what appeared to be a massive girder. People were trying to hand bottles of water to survivors pinned underneath. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has cancelled her election rally in West Midnapore and is at the site of the accident. In the election-bound state, senior BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya lost no time in blaming her government for the tragedy. "Mamata ji's government is responsible for this, we want action to be initiated against the ministers and people associated" Vijayvargiya said. Under-construction bridge collapsed near the famous Ganesh Talkies in north Kolkata's Girish Park area today, killing several people and creating panic in the area. In Pics A portion of the Vivekananda Flyover crashed and fell on the busy main road traffic in the congested Barabazar area. Many passenger vehicles, trucks and rickshaws were seen under the debris but it was not immediately known as to how many people were trapped. advertisement A loud rumble was heard by the residents of the area which was followed by a huge cloud of smoke. "It was a powerful collapse, sent shivers down my spine. People here are very scared," said and eyewitness. Army has been called in to assist in the rescue work. (Photo: Shyam Sundar Ghosh Some workers have been pulled out from under the concrete. Civilians are also helping out in rescue operation. "Cement and concrete were poured in yesterday only, it suddenly collapsed today," said another eyewitness. The area is considered as one of the most congested areas of North Kolkata. Watch video: --- ENDS --- ABC News(WASHINGTON) -- Wisconsin has become an unexpected battleground in the presidential race with Ted Cruz beating Donald Trump by up to 10 points in the polls ahead of the states primary on April 5. Marquette University Law School released a poll that surveyed residents on different political issues. When asked about Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walkers job performance, 53 percent did not approve of Walker while 43.2 percent did approve. Professor Barry Burden from the political science department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison said that Walker qualifies as a key issue in the campaign. He recently endorsed Ted Cruz and has been ridiculed by Donald Trump in debates and campaign speeches, Burden said of Walker. Republican voters will decide between Cruz and Trump based in part on what they think about Walker. In addition to their specific feelings on the individual candidates, poll respondents were asked about their thoughts on various issues like fighting ISIS, the role of trade deals, immigration and tax reform. The two issues with the closest splits were free trade agreements -- 41.2 percent said free trade was good for the U.S. while 40.4 percent disagreed -- and whether the U.S. should send troops to Syria to fight Islamic militants -- 44.6 percent said yes while 48.6 percent said no. There was another fairly close split on the possible congressional hearings to confirm Merrick Garland as a new Supreme Court justice, with 49.3 percent saying the hearings should be scheduled before the 2016 election and 41.1 percent saying the hearings shouldn't be held until 2017. A majority of respondents -- 59.7 percent -- believe undocumented immigrants should stay and apply for citizenship. Only 15.6 percent of respondents believe they should be required to leave the country. Nearly two-thirds of respondents are in favor of increasing taxes on wealthy individuals or corporations in order to reduce income inequality, while just less than a third of respondents opposed the idea. That said, more people (52.8 percent) said they do not believe it is the role of the government to reduce differences of income, while 41.2 percent believed it was. More than three-quarters of all respondents categorized the government in Washington as representing their views either "not too well" or "not well at all." Copyright 2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. A crucial scene from a German film called Der Untergang, Downfall has been a haven for subtitled parodies for a long time. Here are a few hilarious fan-made parody videos of Adolf Hitler reacting to some of the most important Indian issues. By India Today Web Desk: Downfall, or Der Untergang is a popular German film detailing the last days of World War II. An important scene from the film where the Nazi dictator rebukes his officers for losing to the Allies became fodder the most remarkable spoof clips on the internet. These video's titled 'Hitler reacts to' spread in the internet like wildfire, with the Nazi dictator going on an epic rant on just about any topic under the sky. advertisement The parodies aren't about the regime or the war but about the exaggerated reactions people have to everyday problems and is mainly in the name of good humor. Here are a few hilarious fan-made parody videos of Adolf Hitler reacting to some of the most important Indian issues ranging from Net Neutrality to UPSC results to Vijay Mallya's outrageous tweets. Warning: Some of the subtitled translations might contain strong language. Watch the Fuhrer react to Vijay Mallya's ridiculous tweets after leaving the country. This parody on Campus interview will resonate with almost all the engineering students. That nail biting last semester when time placements are dangerously close, 'Even Babita aunty's dumb son getting a job with pappu pipes' is enough to demotivate you. Watch the Nazi dictators frustrated reaction to Airtel's plan with violate Net Neutrality with this epic dialogue: '"My ringtone is AR Rahman's Airtel Song. My dog looks like the Vodafone pug. And now you're telling me all telcos want to violate net neutrality?" And the cherry on the cake is Adolf Hitler's reaction to Tahir Shah's classic Eye to Eye music video which drove the internet crazy. He says,'Please stop this, Whoever has not listened to this completely, save yourselves.' --- ENDS --- Soon after US Republican presidential runner Donald Trump said that there should be some form of punishment for women who go for abortions, the Twitterati was all out with anything but praises for him. By India Today Web Desk: We all are aware that US Republican presidential runner Donald Trump has a knack of making controversial statements. From calling US President Barack Obama a cheerleader to calling for ban on Muslims from emigrating to the United States, the list is just increasing. In an interview, Trump said "there has to be some form of punishment" for women who end up pregnancies. However, he moderated his statement later on. advertisement When the social media fired all guns on Trump, he said "the doctor or any other person performing this illegal act upon a woman would be held legally responsible, not the woman." During a town hall forum on news network MSNBC, Trump made the initial comments which received flak from Democrats and some Republicans as well. He has been calling himself 'pro-life' since 1999 and has hated the concept of abortion ever since. Trump was asked if he believes in punishment for abortion or not, to which he answered, "there has to be some form of punishment". He later on changed the course and said a woman who has an abortion "is a victim in this case as is the life in her womb." This is how people have reacted to his statement- Abortion is a right of a woman if she does not want pregnancy. No one can take it away.(unless for gender selection) https://t.co/nRDibZTeri Kiran Bedi (@thekiranbedi) March 31, 2016 Donald Trump's mom so I could get an abortion and really make america great again https://t.co/AnbwqVmELP Broadway Babygirl (@madixbetts) March 22, 2016 No person should EVER be afraid of #abortionpunishment. Our right to control our body is protected by SCOTUS - no one can take that away! Feminist Campus (@feministcampus) March 30, 2016 LOVE it when #Trump follows GOP agenda to its logical conclusion only to blow the lid off their pretend compassion #Abortionpunishment Silly Heathen (@MaxwelltheRed) March 30, 2016 showed her disapproval over Trump's comment - Even by his impossibly low standards, @realDonaldTrump's suggestion that women be punished for seeking abortion is abhorrent. Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) March 30, 2016 Remember: If you make abortion a crime, you make women who seek abortions criminals. You put one in three women at risk. Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) March 30, 2016 too could not agree with Trump- Your Republican frontrunner, ladies and gentlemen. Shameful. https://t.co/y49Z8YfRgV Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) March 30, 2016 --- ENDS --- The time leap of Yeh Hai Mohabbatein will start with Karan Patel and Divyanka Tripathi's characters separated and living their lives in different cities. By Indo-Asian News Service: The long impending leap of Yeh Hai Mohabbatein will not only usher in a new story, but a new look for the cast along with a new location. The leap of the Star Plus show will start with Karan Patel and Divyanka Tripathi's characters separated and living their lives in different cities. Nidhi Chabbra (played by Pavitra Punia) will be seen eloping with Ruhi to Dubai and settling down there with her. The cast will be seen going to Dubai to get her back. advertisement The cast and crew will soon travel to Dubai to shoot in the city's tourist locations. And the cast is all set for a new look post the leap which will only get finalised after Ekta Kapoor seeks advice from a priest, read a statement. Also read: Yeh Hai Mohabbatein Spoiler: Here's why Raman will kill Ishita A source from the production team revealed: "The look and story line is being kept very confidential. The new cast is still getting locked and everything will only be decided once Ekta has her meeting with a pandit, who is going to give the right kind of advice for the entire leap track. As of now, Nidhi's character will be eloping with Ruhi to Dubai is locked, and we're looking forward to lock an actress who will play the elder Ruhi on the show." Also read: Is Yeh Hai Mohabbatein's magic waning? --- ENDS --- Insurance Back Digital technologies in support of the property insurance business, discussed in Munich "A 1% rise in insurance penetration translates into a 13% reduction in uninsured losses, a 22% reduction in the taxpayers' contribution following a major disaster, and increased investment equivalent to 2% of national GDP," says a Lloyd's report*. Still, increasing insurance penetration rates still lacks behind the real need in many countries, especially in the less wealthy ones, which threatens the more their economic stability in case of a major natural catastrophe. The difference between total damage and the total insured damage, or the 'insurance gap', has a strong effect on the cost which ultimately falls upon the taxpayer, is one of the main conclusions of the report. Moreover, the cost to the taxpayer can exceed the estimated total damage because in the aftermath of a large scale event as governments may use the aftermath of catastrophes to improve infrastructure by reconstructing structures to a higher standard than those which they replace, as well as the improving defenses against future natural catastrophes. Overall, the matter needs more attention and practical measures keeping the pace with the increasing frequency and intensity of the natural catastrophic phenomena mostly driven by the changing climate. Which are so far the results achieved in Europe, especially in the CEE, in this respect and how large is the Nat Cat insurance gap in the region, are some of the main topics of the forthcoming edition of "IIF 2016 - Property Insurance in A Stormy Era" conference. Digital technologies and the way in which they can support risks assessment and management and the financial effectiveness of the property insurance business are also among the main subjects on the event's agenda. The conference will take place in Munich, on June 21- 21, co-organized by XPRIMM and NTT Data, with the special support of VERISK Analytics. Registrations are opened at www.internationalinsuranceforum.com More details www.internationalinsuranceforum.com Author: Daniela GHETU on 31.03.2016 Archive Comment this article 0 comments Atention! "Comment" and "E-mail" are mandatory Name: If you are logged on and you do not fill in your name, will be used the name that you used when you registered If you are not logged on, your name will appear preceded by '(Anonymous)'. For authentication, click here If you are logged on and you do not fill in your name, will be used the name that you used when you registered E-mail: Comment: < 10.000 car. Fill in the code from the image: Independent projections about the timeframe for such an expansion are varied but are overwhelmingly more modest than Irans own projections. More than that, economic analysts tend to recognize that Irans financial future is still very much uncertain and that it depends on the countrys ability to secure foreign investment, including investment from traditional enemies in the West. On Wednesday, Reuters reported that the International Energy Agency had predicted that Iran could increase its output by 500,000 bpd in a years time. Iran had previously claimed that it would be able to achieve this outcome within a period of only months, but the IEA prediction is nonetheless highly significant. Still, that prediction is tentative and it notes that to achieve that level of increase Iran will have to prove to potential foreign investors that the investment conditions are favorable to them and that the situation in Iran will remain stable over the long term. This may be a very difficult task in light of the provocative gestures that Iran has made toward the US and its allies in recent weeks. These include three ballistic missile launches in early March and a speech by Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on Wednesday describing as ignorant and traitors any Iranians who believe the countrys future lies in negotiations, rather than in missiles. These and other aggressive measures contribute to international banking institutions fears that sanctions could be reimposed on the Islamic Republic in the event of the breakdown of the current climate or relations between Iran and the West. And even though Khamenei has personally contributed to the worsening climate, he has also blamed the US for stoking the fears that have thus far held back Irans potential recovery. At the same time, there are signs that US President Barack Obama may be taking it upon himself to direct his administration to dispel concerns about an unstable Iranian investment situation. Last week it was reported that US diplomats had been talking favorably about the nuclear agreement with US-based businesses that might be interested in resuming business with Iran. This has led to anxiety among many of Obamas critics who believe that he may be working to provide backdoor access to US dollar transactions, thereby undermining sanctions measures that were meant to be left in place following the nuclear deal. On Wednesday, The Tower published another article conveying some of the criticism of this plan and noting that US State Department spokesperson John Kirby had repeatedly dodged questions on the topic, directing the press to instead ask the Treasury Department about its plans for future sanctions enforcement or opening of the US financial system. Matt Lee, the Associated Press correspondent who grilled Kirby on the topic on Tuesday, responded to his answers by saying, I have to say that doesnt sound like its going to ease any of the concerns on the Hill. And that being the case, it can be taken for granted that many legislators, particularly from the Republican Party, will continue to put pressure on the Obama administration to avoid overstepping the limits of a sanctions relief package that Republican overwhelming disapproved of in the first place. At the same time, that pressure will also come from independent think tanks and advocacy groups that have long opposed normalized relations with the Islamic Republic, largely out of concern for Western money ending up dedicated to illicit Iranian projects, or in the hands of Iran-backed terrorist groups. Among these groups is United Against a Nuclear Iran, which was the subject of a Business Wire report on Monday regarding its expressions of concerns about the Obama administrations apparent steps toward allowing access to the US financial system. In addition to publicly calling upon the administration to continue denying such access, UANI has reportedly been engaged in a campaign to warn companies around the world about the risks of investing in Iran. Earlier this week, Reuters reported that international businesses had already reported extensive difficulties in convincing Iranian expatriates to return to their country of origin until such time as the Iranian government has initiated serious reforms. This has no doubt increased awareness of the prospective risks, alongside the negative advocacy coming from UANI and other groups. All of this indicates that Irans prospective growth may continue to be held back in the current climate, even if the Obama administration moves to undermine Khameneis claims that the source of those obstacles is only the aggression of the US government. [March 30, 2016] IEEE-USA: On H-1B, Administration Allergic to Common Sense WASHINGTON, March 30, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "Washington is making its annual April Fool's Day joke, receiving applications for the H-1B visa lottery," said Peter Eckstein, IEEE-USA President. "There will be misleading news stories about how 'running out' of H-1Bs in five days means demand exceeds supply. Government officials, industry spokesmen and some reporters will pretend this 'demand' has nothing to do with outsourcing and cheap labor but the American people know better and will wonder why this problem has not been solved." "The Obama Administration has not been shy about changing other rules, and could change these without legislation," Eckstein pointed out, noting recent changes to OPT regulations. "If the administration really cares about Americans losing their jobs to H-1B outsourcers, why keep using a system which perpetuates their advantage? Why so reluctant to fix this problem?" Responding to a request from the White House for proposed changes to the H-1B visa system, IEEE-USA urged the administration to replace the H-1B lottery more than a year ago: Rather than handing (H-1B visas) out literallyat random, USCIS should prioritize H-1B issuances to companies that are not outsourcers, i.e., which are non-dependent H-1B employers as already defined. This would not require legislation and would distribute the available supply of H-1B visas to the employers who most benefit the U.S., e.g., those who use the H-1B as a stepping stone to green cards. "Americans who lose their jobs to H-1B outsourcers, as well as small business who struggle with hiring, are at a severe disadvantage in the bizarre H-1B lottery process," Eckstein said. "But this is evidently a problem the Administration simply does not want to fix or they would be allocating H-1Bs by salary, with a set aside for small business." Eckstein continued, "If the Administration won't prioritize the distribution of H-1B visas, Congress could by passing Senators Grassley and Durbin's bill, S. 2266. This common-sense bill addresses many of the flaws in our current high-skill immigration system." IEEE-USA serves the public good and promotes the careers and public policy interests of nearly 200,000 engineering, computing and technology professionals who are U.S. members of IEEE. Web: www.ieeeusa.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/ieeeusa Twitter: www.twitter.com/ieeeusa Benefits of IEEE membership: www.ieee.org/join Contact: John Yaglenski Director, IEEE-USA Communications 202-530-8359 [email protected] Contact: Russell Harrison Director, IEEE-USA Government Relations 202-530-8326 [email protected] Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150814/258612LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ieee-usa-on-h-1b-administration-allergic-to-common-sense-300243660.html SOURCE IEEE-USA (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 31, 2016] SecurityScorecard Offers Companies FREE Instant Security Assessment Amid Global Cybersecurity Crisis NEW YORK, March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- SecurityScorecard, the most accurate benchmark of cybersecurity risk across the entire business ecosystem, today announced the addition of a new, free capability to the company's platform, which provides an overall security rating and a summary of underlying vulnerabilities for any organization. The new feature, Instant SecurityScorecard, enables customers to run a scan and receive a security 'posture score,' evaluating and pinpointing their cybersecurity weaknesses. Only SecurityScorecard discovers and computes security ratings based on end-of-life products, patching cadence, hacker chatter, dorking, social engineering, cubit score, malware and other critical factors to provide the most accurate risk assessment on the market. The platform also provides continuous, non-intrusive monitoring for any organization including third and fourth parties utilizing AVD (Automatic Vendor Detection). In the process, a broad range of risk categories are observed such as application security, IP reputation, patching cadence, network security and passwords exposed. SecurityScorecard enables companies to compare their cybersecurity risk posture to counterparts in their industry. With consistent, continuous monitoring, Instant SecurityScorecard allows a company to always know where they stand in relation to the larger vertical segment with companies of comparable size. "It's not practial to completely rely on questionnaires and penetration tests to determine the security posture of 3rd party vendors," said Michael Belloise, Director, Information Security at TriNet. "In addition to questionable accuracy, it only provides us with a point in time assessment and may not accurately reflect the true cybersecurity risk of doing business with someone. The SecurityScorecard platform is a valuable asset to help understand our own security posture, and that of all our vendors." "Instant Security Scorecard provides full details, or 'a hacker's view,' of what is seen in a company's infrastructure from the outside looking in," said Sean Goldstein, Vice President of Marketing, SecurityScorecard. "We are thrilled to be able to help companies around the world understand security weaknesses within their infrastructure with a complimentary security assessment and consultation. We strongly believe that this new tool will help organizations understand the cybersecurity risks they face, and how they can better protect themselves from those risks." To receive a free Instant SecurityScorecard assessment and consultation, visit instant.securityscorecard.com. About SecurityScorecard SecurityScorecard provides the most accurate benchmark of security risk across the entire business ecosystem. The cloud platform helps enterprises gain operational command of the security posture for themselves and across all their partners and vendors. It offers a breadth and depth of critical risk factors not available from any other service provider and in a completely self-service and automated tool. It's based on the ThreatMarket data engine which collects over 30 million daily security risk signals from the entire Internet. SecurityScorecard was founded in 2013 by two former Chief Information Security Officers, Dr. Aleksandr Yampolskiy and Sam Kassoumeh. It is made up of veteran security researchers, cryptographers, data scientists, and software engineers. The company is privately held with headquarters in New York City. Security Scorecard investors include Sequoia Capital, Evolution Equity Partners, Boldstart Ventures, and others. Media Contact: North 6th Agency, Inc. 212-334-9753, [email protected] To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/securityscorecard-offers-companies-free-instant-security-assessment-amid-global-cybersecurity-crisis-300243975.html SOURCE SecurityScorecard [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] proxima Nueva Ley: los consumidores israelies tendran que pagar por las bolsas de plastico Yes, you can transfer your domain to any registrar or hosting company once you have purchased it. Since domain transfers are a manual process, it can take up to 5 days to transfer the domain. Domains purchased with payment plans are not eligible to transfer until all payments have been made. Please remember that our 30-day money back guarantee is void once a domain has been transferred. For transfer instructions to GoDaddy, please click here. 2 Nepalis killed, 3 injured in Malaysia car accident Two Nepali youths were killed and three others injured in a car accident at Kajang, Malaysia on Tuesday night. 49 Supreme Court orders yet to be implemented Nepals law and order situation is not impressive, but it is hard to imagine that ministry in charge of upholding the law in the country would be consistently slacking in its duties. 87 Nepalese left high and dry in Saudi Arabia A total of 87 Nepali workers in Saudi Arabia are left high and dry as they were not given work and facility as per the agreement. CK Raut's interview lands ABC television in hot water Press Council Nepal (PCN) is preparing a probe into the ABC television for broadcasting the interview of CK Raut, the coordinator of the independent Madhes campaign. CoAS Chhetri meets Chinese military vice-chair XU Chief of Army Staff Gen Rajendra Chhetri has met Vice-chairman of Chinas Central Military Commission (CMC) Gen Xu Qiliang in Beijing. Chetteri is currently in China on an official visit. Four invigilators expelled in Rautahat Four invigilators were expelled in Rautahat on the first day of the School Leaving Certificates examinations for alleged irregularities. Govt asked to provide necessary resources pronto The Parliament Committee on Social Justice and Human Rights has directed the government to provide the Truth and Reconciliation Commission with necessary budget, staff and legal documents to proceed with transitional justice process. Himalaya Airlines makes proving flight to Delhi Himalaya Airlines, a Nepal-China joint venture, conducted a proving flight on Wednesday on the Kathmandu-Delhi-Kathmandu sector with its Airbus 320. Indian SSB detain 24 Nepali including 13 children for alleged child labour The Indian Seema Surakshya Bal (SSB) has arrested 24 people including 13 children at Nepal-India border in Rautahat while the latter were on the way to India for employment on Thursday morning. Kalikot villages celebrate birth of male child Locals of Daha VDC in Kalikot district celebrate whenever a male child is born in a family. Baby girls, however, never get such reception. Land service centres to be established The government has amended the land revenue regulation to allow the establishment of land service centres which will help the public to submit the required paperwork online. Libya's unity government leaders in Tripoli power bid Leaders of Libya's new unity government have arrived in the capital, Tripoli, by boat in an attempt to take control. NC leader Mahat injured Former Finance Minister and Nepali Congress (NC) leader Ram Sharan Mahat, who was injured when he fell down on the stairs of his house at Bansbari in Kathmandu on Wednesday noon, is receiving treatment at Grande International Hospital in the Capital. Pokhara to witness a 24-hour performance art The Lake City Pokhara is slated to play host to a 24-hour performance art exhibition by the artist Jyoti Hamal. Reporters Club awards journos Reporters Club Nepal on Wednesday celebrated its 18th anniversary and fourth convention by awarding journalists based on their performance. Singhaniya murder suspect arrested Dhanusha police on Wednesday arrested Chandradeep Yadav, the mastermind in the murder of media entrepreneur Arun Singhaniya, including six other people with weapons. South Africa's Prez Zuma breached constitution - court The highest court in South Africa has ruled that President Jacob Zuma violated the constitution when he failed to repay government money spent on his private home. The Supreme Court of Uganda has dismissed the Presidential Petition filed by the Go Forward Presidential Candidate, Amama Mbabazi challenging NRMs candidate Yoweri Musevenis victory in the February 18th 2016 elections. The petition was heard by a panel of 9 judges led by the Chief Justice Bart Katureebe who read out the ruling. Speaking shortly after the ruling was made the minister for the presidency Frank Tumwebaze has congratulated the president saying it has dismantled what he calls deceptive propaganda. He says the country should now move on in the spirit of reconciliation. Meanwhile the Democratic Party president Norbert Mao who was part of the Go Forward team says although they respect the courts decision, they do not agree with it For the Chairman of the Citizens Coalition for Electoral Democracy Dr Livingstone Ssewanyana, the stability and progress of Uganda should be the paramount consideration that guides our every action in these post-election difficult days. He adds that without electoral reforms to streamline the electoral process, there will more such petitions in future. FDCs Dr Kiiza Besigye says the ruling was expected, but the election was not subjected to an overall audit. Earlier, the Chief Justice pointed out that the Electoral Commission confirmed in its submissions that by the time it announced the winner of the presidential elections it had not yet received results from 1,787 polling stations, representing 1,0 57,728 registered voters. He says the second respondent justified its actions saying the first respondent had already emerged as clear winner with more than 50% and had to comply with the constitutional requirement to declare a winner within 24hrs. The Chief Justice however, notes that the second respondent did not provide credible explanation why the remaining results had not been sent at the time. He also notes that the detention of the petitioner who was also candidate en route to Mbale during campaigns was unjustified and high handed. The Chief Justice has also noted although the petitioner claimed that his agents were denied access to polling center, the absence did not in any way affect the final tally of the votes cast at these centers. Justice Katureebe however says that having carefully considered the affidavits in support of the petitioners alleged they found that the agents were indeed denied important information. The court has also ruled on six issues raised by Amama Mbabazi including whether there was noncompliance of the presidential elections Act and the Electoral Commission Act respectively, whether election was not conducted in accordance with the law, whether alleged illegal practices were committed by first respondent who is President Yoweri Musievni personally or with his consent among others. Court also noted that former Presidential candidate Amama Mbabazi failed to adduce sufficient evidence to convince Court on a number of issues he cited in his election petition to the Supreme Court. According to the judgment being read by the Chief Justice Bart Katureebe, there was evidence of noncompliance to the electoral laws by both President Yoweri Museveni and the Electoral Commission. Mbabazi, in his petition alleged that the Electoral Commission abdicated its duty of properly compiling and securing the national voters register, and that the commission irregularly retired the 2011 registere and purported to create another one using data compiled by the ministry of internal affairs for purposes of issuing national Identity cards. Former presidential candidate Amama Mbabazi petitioned the court seeking a re-count of votes from the February 18th election in some districts and an order to nullify Musevenis victory. Mbabazi sued Yoweri Museveni as a candidate, Electoral Commission and Attorney General of Uganda Fred Ruhindi. The petition was heard by nine justices led by chief justice Bart Katureebeare to rule on the matter. The other judges are Jotham Tumwesigye, Esther Kisakye, Stella ArachAmoko, EldardMwangushya, Lillian Tibatemwa, Rubby Opio Aweri, Augustine Nshimye and Faith Mwondha. Fab Defense has an M4 carbine stock with a built-in magazine carrier that looks pretty handy. The GL-MAG M4 Survival features a sleek 10-round magazine carrier that incorporates a quick-release button for swift mag changes. It will not interfere or change buttstock-to-shoulder positioning and accepts all standard 5.56mm M16/M4/AR15 magazines. The M4 Survival has ambidextrous, quick-detach rear sling swivel connectors and fits on both Mil-Spec and commercial tubes. You can read the full article on Recoil Magazines website. Kendallville, IN (46755) Today Sunshine along with some cloudy intervals. High near 75F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy early with increasing clouds overnight. Low 57F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. MINNEAPOLIS Two white police officers involved in the fatal shooting of a black man last fall will not face criminal charges, a prosecutor announced Wednesday in a decision that drew outrage from community members who said the move showed that the legal system is rigged against African-Americans. Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman said his decision not to charge the officers in the death of 24-year-old Jamar Clark was based on forensic evidence that showed Clark was not handcuffed, as claimed by some people who said they saw the shooting, and had attempted to grab an officers weapon, which made them fear for their lives and justified use of deadly force. Clark ignored warnings to take his hands off Mark Ringgenbergs gun before he was shot and told Ringgenberg and officer Dustin Schwarze: Im ready to die, the prosecutor said. This is a fairy tale. None of this happened, said Mel Reeves, an organizer for a group called Twin Cities Coalition 4 Justice 4 Jamar Clark. Its not justice. It sends us a clear message that the police are above the law. Police union head Bob Kroll said the public should accept the results of the investigation. He appealed for calm. Hostility is going to get all of us nowhere, Kroll said. Protesters had demanded that the case not go to a grand jury, which operates in secret. Freeman decided the issue on his own. Police encountered Clark early on Nov. 15 after paramedics called for help from a scene where they were attempting to treat Clarks girlfriend after she was assaulted. The paramedics said Clark, the assault suspect, was interfering with their work, and they feared for their safety, Freeman said. When police arrived, Clark kept putting his hands in his pockets and refused orders to show his hands. Officers tried to handcuff Clark but couldnt. The handcuffs were later dropped, Freeman said. Ringgenberg then took Clark to the ground and ended up on top of Clark, who was lying on his back. Ringgenbergs back was to Clarks stomach, Freeman said. The officer felt his gun shift from his hip to the small of his back and reached back and felt Clarks hand on his weapon, Freeman said. Ringgenberg said, Hes got my gun, Freeman said. Schwarze said he put his gun to the edge of Clarks mouth and warned him to let go or he would shoot. At that point, Clark looked directly at Schwarze and said he was ready to die. Schwarze said the only thing he could do to save everyone in the area was to pull the trigger. The shooting happened 61 seconds after police first approached, Freeman said. Clarks blood-alcohol level was .09 percent, just above the legal limit to drive in Minnesota. His blood also contained THC, the active compound in marijuana. Freeman called the handcuff question a key issue in the case and went into particular detail. Twenty civilian witnesses gave different versions of whether Clark was handcuffed. Of the 12 who said he was handcuffed, their stories differed and did not match the forensic evidence, Freeman said. The prosecutor said he does not believe those witnesses were lying, explaining that its not uncommon for people to have contradictory statements when observing chaotic situations from different vantage points. Forensic evidence showed Clark had no bruising on his wrists consistent with being handcuffed, and his DNA was not found on the inside of the handcuffs, which were on the ground, Freeman said. In addition, Clarks DNA was found on Ringgenbergs belt and on the grip of his gun. Clark simply could not have been handcuffed when he attempted to seize the gun while they were on the ground, Freeman said. Freeman, who decided earlier this month against taking the case to a grand jury, faced tough questioning from the public at his hourlong presentation, including a woman who called his account propaganda. Investigators had video of Clarks shooting from several sources, but said early on that it did not provide a full picture of what happened. Freeman released the video publicly on Wednesday. Public skepticism over grand juries, which do their work in secret, grew after police officers were not indicted in the high-profile deaths of blacks in other cities, including the fatal 2014 shootings of 12-year-old Tamir Rice in Cleveland and 18-year-old Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, as well as the 2014 chokehold death of 43-year-old Eric Garner in New York. Mica Grimm, an organizer with Black Lives Matter Minneapolis, predicted that Freeman would not be re-elected. We will not stand for this injustice anymore. We will not come down to the government center and be lied to our faces anymore. If we cannot find justice here, we will find it in the streets. Activists planned rallies in Minneapolis for later Wednesday evening. The FBI, the U.S. Attorneys Office in Minnesota and the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division are conducting a separate federal criminal investigation to determine whether police intentionally violated Clarks civil rights through excessive force. The Justice Department is also reviewing how the city responded to protests after Clarks death. Clarks shooting sparked weeks of largely peaceful protests in Minneapolis, including an 18-day encampment outside a police precinct. The unrest over Clarks death also included demands that city and state leaders do more about the persistent poverty seen as the root of racial tensions. The state is considering funneling millions of dollars into job training, loans and other initiatives to help black residents get ahead. Its not justice. It sends us a clear message that the police are above the law. Mel reeves, an organizer with the group Twin Cities Coalition 4 Justice 4 Jamar Clark In 2012 the inaugural commemoration ceremony of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War was held in Washington, D.C., and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. On Tuesday, the Tomah VA Medical Center became a partner in the 50th anniversary observance by hosting a commemoration ceremony. Due to the long nature of the war, lasting from Nov. 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975, commemoration of the war extends from Memorial Day 2012 through Veterans Day 2025 to recognize as many veterans as possible, regardless of location. The reason for this is not only the length of the war but the fact that soldiers were never welcomed home and werent supported by many citizens at home. Matthew Gowan, public relations officer, said it was a privilege to see the Tomah VA host the ceremony. I joined the Navy in 1985, and two of my mentors that basically help me even still today are Vietnam veterans, he said. So when we had the opportunity to become a commemorative partner of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, I really jumped at the chance of being able to help bring the ceremony here. And we are here to celebrate the service of those 7.2 million Vietnam veterans, 9 million families of those veterans and countless others who supported veterans and supported the United States during the war effort. Jeff Evanson, acting associate director at the Tomah VA, said this was a great opportunity. This certainly is a wonderful opportunity to provide thanks and appreciation that didnt occur as long as 50 years ago, he said. The full house we saw here today, if thats any indication of how well it will be received by veterans (in the future), I cannot imagine it will not be a wonderful opportunity as we go forward out through 2025 to make sure we capture as many as possible. Vietnam veteran Terry Towne said it was a welcomed ceremony. He served in the Army, 41st Infantry, Second Armored Division. Its really great, he said. It brings up a lot of memories. You can look around and see that. It revived memories for Towne too, who shed a few tears during the ceremony. (Coming to the ceremony) you think about things, and last night I was telling my wife about how we had a bad ambush (in Vietnam), he said. We lost 60 guys, but until just the other night, it never dawned on me who the five guys were that were left. It was me and four other guys. That was the first time I ever really sat and said their names. The commemoration ceremony, Towne said, is a good way to remember those who served. This is good, it was a long time ago, he said. But it never gets a lot easier, but its alright to let people know that (the war) was a real thing. If you want to know anything about tobacco farming in the Westby area, you probably have to go no further than to a local restaurant or community gathering with someone in attendance greater than 40 years old. There are thousands of stories of the back breaking work and the manual processes involved with tobacco production. People have even gone as far as to writing poems about the experience. But the story for most people probably ends with Delivery Day, receiving that annual check, getting a special meal or treat as the reward for a job well done and looking forward to the process starting all over again in five or six months. Other people may go a little further and talk about taking the check to the bank and making that payment on the mortgage or paying the property taxes. Delivery Day is where this story starts. The stories of the tobacco warehouses and the significance of them in the Westby we know today. We begin on August 13, 1879, when the first Chicago, Milwaukee, Saint Paul and Pacific Railroad cars roll into Westby. The railroad tracks were vital for the transportation of grains to the eastern grain markets. Lumber, along with wheat, oats, corn and barley were the first cash crops of the early Norwegian farmers. But soon, these tracks would become part of a much more important piece of Westby history and the primary cash crop was about to change. In the 1870s, tobacco was first introduced to the area by Norwegians with ties to tobacco growing in Dane County, Wisconsin. Tobacco was not grown in Norway, so tobacco was a new experience to the hard working Norwegian families. By the 1890s, tobacco warehouses had begun appearing along the railroad tracks on the southeast side of town. Early warehouse owners names included Golberg, Neprud, Eckert, Hanson, Johnson, Shannon and Bekkedal. In 1900, five tobacco warehouses were present. By 1904, the number had grown to six. In 1911, while still at six warehouses, the names on four them had one thing in common, M.H. Bekkedal. In the next few years, the Bekkedal name would appear on all six warehouses in Westby and a total of 19 warehouses in southwestern Wisconsin. The tobacco empire of M.H. Bekkedal and Son had begun. While there are a few stories to be shared regarding all the early tobacco warehouse owners, the stories of the Bekkedal warehouses and the impacts to Westby history are many. It is fair to say that the Westby that is here today would be far different if not for Martin H. Bekkedal. While only two of the warehouses still stand today, following the recent demolition of Warehouse #1 or Big Bertha as it was affectionately known, the Bekkedal Mansion and the BekkedalUnseth Building are also reminders of the Bekkedal legacy. At the height of the Tobacco Industry in Westby, Bekkedal employed nearly 300 people, with a majority being women. He provided a market for many tobacco growers and made it the source of cash to pay for many farms. Today, you would find many of those farms are still owned by families of the original owners. The Westby Area Historical Society invites you to join Madeline Anderson and Garland McGarvey for a lecture entitled Westbys Tobacco Road. It will be held in the Westby Community Center, located in the lower level at Bekkum Memorial Library, on Saturday, April 16, at 1 p.m. We invite you to attend to see photos, hear stories and to share your photos, memories and stories of life and times in the Westby tobacco warehouses. Refreshments will be provided. Mark your calendar and join us for an interesting afternoon. The next general meeting of the Westby Area Historical Society will be Monday, April 4, at 1 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend. 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 This one of those times where we had to look of the legal definition of "legal definition," to see what "is" is, really, and to make sure you didn't have too big a lunch. A jury on Wednesday sided mostly with former San Diego mayor Bob Filner in the sexual battery and harassment case brought against him by a city employee, one of over a dozen women who have accused Filner of inappropriate sexual contact, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports. Stacy McKenzie, city parks manager at the time of the alleged 2013 assault, claimed Filner grabbed her breasts and buttocks at a park on one of her days off. According to Fox5 San Diego, the city refused her request for $500,000 to settle the matter, prompting her civil lawsuit, which claimed McKenzie suffered mental and emotional damage. The jury, however, failed to see it that way. Answering a series of verdict questions as to the allegations of battery, they did not believe Filner had touched McKenzie with the "intent" of being harmful or offensive. In regards to harassment count, the jury affirmatively answered the question asking if Filner had harassed McKenzie simply because she was a woman. So, Bob Filner is technically responsible for harassment. Not so fast, though. Asked if that harassment was "severe or pervasive," the jury answered "no." McKenzie, who was seeking $150,000 in damages plus about $20,000 for two years of therapy, was awarded nothing. At a press conference afterward, San Diego City Attorney Jan Goldsmith said the defense had failed to prove Filner's actions constitutes the legal definition of harassment. He also said photos of McKenzie on posted social media while on vacation, as well as joking emails that circulated about the incident, proved she was not too traumatized by the incident. McKenzie's attorney lamented the verdict, saying the fact that the incident happened off-the-clock might have accounted for the jury's decision. McKenzie, who still works for the city, said she was disappointed, but that she was glad she brought of the issue to light. The "arrogant" ex-mayorso-called by the plaintiff's attorney during the civil trialtenaciously held on to his seat when allegations began surfacing about his abusive behavior towards women in 2013. He finally resigned and in October of that year pleaded guilty to misdemeanor battery and felony false imprisonment in a criminal trial. He avoided jail time by giving up his pension and agreeing to never again run for office, in addition to three months house arrest and counseling. Asian children are becoming increasingly under-nourished or obese, a new report says. The United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) joint report was released Monday. The two agencies call for better regulation of junk food and a limit on sugary drinks for children. They also call for action against malnutrition. A lack of food has stunted children or hurt their development who live in poverty. The report says the costs of child malnutrition and obesity in Southeast Asia are great. These problems are seen in the middle-income countries of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand. In Indonesia, the report says, child malnutrition hurts child development and leads to diseases that cost $248 billion a year. Dorothy Foote is a UNICEF regional nutritional specialist. She said the problems are a burgeoning crisis or one that is growing. It covers both child nutrition and the general population, she said. At UNICEF we are particularly concerned about children, but in general, we do have a crisis. Thats going to affect not only families and communities but also governments and societies, that the costs of the double burden are tremendous, Foote told VOA. The report found that in most countries, there are equal amounts of overweight and under-nourished children. For example, in Indonesia, 12 percent of children are overweight, the same number as those who are malnourished. In Thailand, it says numbers are increasing with 7 percent of children malnourished and 11 percent overweight. Foote said there is still a tremendous burden, with lack of nutrition, both chronic and acute. That means the problem is ongoing, and severe. The levels of stunting are very serious. Laos has the highest number of stunted children, with 44 percent. High rates are also reported in Cambodia, Myanmar, the Philippines and Indonesia. The report says most of them 12 million of the 17 million stunted children in Southeast Asia -- live in Indonesia and the Philippines. Foote said the lack of food affects childrens height and development inside their bodies. But at the same time, the area is facing skyrocketing levels of overweight children. The main reason for the food problems, the report says, is there is more junk food available, food that does not provide nutrition. Another problem is drinks with high sugar or high trans-fat, but low nutritional value. Lack of physical activity is also part of the problem, the report says. The agencies say these problems exist despite years of economic development. Southeast Asia is seen as a key economic driver for the world economy. But the gap, or distance, between rich and poor has grown. Foote said this is seen in nutrition across the area. She said people lack knowledge about what is needed and normal for healthy child development. The economic growth in the area has brought unhealthy products to rural areas. Poor and middle-class families buy them and do not make the right choices to use healthier foods instead. Poor feeding practices, especially for children younger than two, mean ongoing high levels of malnutrition. The report says governments need to regulate the marketing of junk food and sugary drinks to children. It also calls for better feeding practices for infants and young children, and treatment for severely malnourished children. And it says countries should work to reduce poverty and make sure that girls stay in school. Im Anne Ball. Ron Corben reported on this story for VOANews.com. Anne Ball adapted this story for Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or find us on Facebook. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story malnutrition n. unhealthy condition due to lack of proper food, nutrition, not eating enough of the right foods stunted v. someone or something stopped from growing or developing burden n. something or someone very difficult to accept, do or deal with skyrocketing idiom. moving up quickly, like a rocket climbs into the sky Former Cuban dictator Fidel Castro has rejected President Barack Obamas efforts to improve relations between the two countries. Castro wrote a column in state-run media, saying, We do not need the empire to give us any presents. Castro is 89 years old. He turned over control of the communist island nation to his brother Raul in 2008. Raul is now 84. Fidel Castro was not seen during Obamas recent three-day visit to Cuba. It was the first visit to that island nation by an American president still in office in almost 90 years. In Havana, Obama said more than 50 years of hostility between the countries had ended. He said it is time now for us to leave the past behind. But earlier this week, in a column called Brother Obama, Castro wrote: I imagine that any one of us ran the risk of having a heart attack on hearing these words from the president of the United States. Castro wrote about exiled Cubans, or those who fled the island when Castro took power in 1959. A group of those exiles were trained by the U.S., returned to Cuba in 1961, and attempted to overthrow Castro. But the overthrow attempt called the Bay of Pigs operation -- failed, deeply embarrassing President John F. Kennedy. Cuba is 145 kilometers south of the United States. There is a U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Terrorists suspected of acting against the U.S. are held there. The two countries have reopened embassies in Washington and Havana, but a U.S. trade embargo remains in place. Obama has improved economic relations between the two countries. More than 50 years ago, Castro seized American businesses on the island. By the end of this year, U.S. airlines will begin up to 110 flights to Cuba every day. And some American businesses are beginning to operate in Cuba. Fidel Castro seemed angry about the renewed business relations. He wrote: No one should pretend that the people of this noble and selfless country will renounce its glory and its rights. We are capable of producing the food and material wealth that we need with work and intelligence of our people. Castro suggested that Obama not try "to develop theories about Cuban politics. Presidential spokesman Josh Earnest said, The fact that the former president felt compelled to respond so forcefully to the president's visit, I think, is an indication of the significant impact of President Obama's visit to Cuba. Im Jonathan Evans. VOA's Ken Bredemeier wrote this story. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted it for Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section, or visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story column - n. a commentary or opinion piece in a newspaper pretend - v. to act if something is true when it is untrue compelled - v. forced to do something respond - v. to say or write something in answer to something else indication - n. a sign or evidence of something Police and security forces have arrested more than 200 suspected Islamist militants after a suicide bombing in Lahore on Sunday. The attack took place at a crowded public park in the capital of Punjab, the most populous province of the country. At least 72 people, many of them Christians celebrating Easter, were killed. Twenty-nine children were among the dead. More than 300 people were wounded. Tuesday, the provincial law minister told reporters that more than 5,000 people were detained. He said they later released all but 216 people. Police and special counter-terrorism units have taken part in many raids across Punjab. Pakistani officials said intelligence agencies and troops also carried out raids against suspected sleeper cells and terrorist hideouts in several cities of Punjab. Jammaatul Ahrar, a group that once was part of the Pakistani Taliban, claimed responsibility for the bombing. It said the suicide attacker targeted Christians. A spokesman promised that the group would carry out more attacks in Punjab. The threat caused officials to temporarily close all of the public parks in the province. The spokesman also threatened to attack local media. Everyone will get their turn in this war, especially the slave Pakistani media. We are just waiting for the appropriate time, the spokesman said on the social networking site Twitter. The Easter Sunday bombing was the deadliest attack in Pakistan since a raid by militants on a school in Peshawar in December 2014. Almost 150 people were killed, most of them children. The Pakistani Taliban and groups linked to it have attacked the government for more than 10 years. Tens of thousands of people have been killed in the attacks. Im Christopher Jones-Cruise. Reporter Ayaz Gul in Islamabad wrote this story for VOANews.com. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted it for Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section, or visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story park - n. a large area of public land Easter - n. religious holiday when Christians celebrate the return of Jesus after his execution unit - n. group appropriate - adj. right for some purpose or situation U.S. President Barack Obama opened his final nuclear security summit in Washington on Thursday, expressing concerns over North Korea's nuclear weapons development and the possibility of dirty bombs from terrorists. Ahead of the summit, Obama met with South Korean President Park Geun-hye and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to discuss the North Korean nuclear threat in the region. He said, "One of the topics now most on our minds is the issue of North Korea and we are united in our efforts to deter and defend against North Korean provocations" North Korea nuclear threat On Thursday, The Washington Post published an opinion article from President Obama. He wrote, The international community must remain united in the face of North Koreas continued provocations, including its recent nuclear test and missile launches. The additional sanctions recently imposed on Pyongyang by the United Nations Security Council show that violations have consequences. The U.N. Security Council adopted a resolution earlier this month to impose tough new sanctions on North Korea. The sanctions are meant to punish North Korea for its recent nuclear and long-range missile tests. The resolution will need Chinas cooperation since 90 percent of North Korean trade goes through China. The U.S. has been asking China to use its influence to limit North Koreas nuclear activities. Rose Gottemoeller is an Under-Secretary of State. She said on Wednesday that the cooperation between the U.S. and China has been "very, very good." "China joins with us in a very strong and intense focus on ensuring good, solid implementation of the U.N. Security Council resolution, which, as many of you know, places strong constraints on North Korea's ability to continue to conduct commerce across its borders, whether by sea, air or land," said Gottemoeller. The U.S. and South Korea have also been discussing the deployment of a missile defense system, called THAAD. It stands for Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense. The missile system is to protect South Korea from the Norths nuclear threat. China has opposed the deployment since it would also give the U.S. radar coverage over Chinese territory. U.S.-China relations U.S.-China relations, however, are complicated with maritime disputes in the South China Sea. China has launched major construction projects in the South China Sea for the past two years. It has claimed sovereignty over a large part of the sea. China has built new artificial islands, airport runways and buildings, ignoring claims from Taiwan, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei. Recently, China has deployed a radar system and an advanced surface-to-air missile system on Woody Island. The island is part of the Paracel Islands, also claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam. While the U.S. does not claim any territory in the South China Sea, it has been sending warships through the disputed water near the Spratly and Paracel islands. China has called U.S. operations in the South China Sea provocative behavior. But both countries have avoided any escalation of tensions. Terror threat Leaders at the summit are especially concerned about the security of nuclear materials and facilities in countries such as Pakistan. On Easter Sunday, a terrorist attack in Lahore killed more than 70 people. The Brussels terrorist attacks on March 22 showed how dangerous terrorist groups like the Islamic State have become. After the attacks, Belgium has put armed guards at its nuclear facilities. Sharon Squassoni is an expert with the Center for Strategic and International Studies. She said while progress has been made to secure nuclear materials, there is still material out there and the material that were talking about is highly enriched uranium. The U.S. says the world has 2,000 metric tons of highly enriched uranium and separated plutonium in civilian and military programs. Ben Rhodes is the White House Deputy National Security Adviser. He said, We know that terrorist organizations have the desire to get access to these raw materials and their desire to have a nuclear device. Ken Bredemeier and Mary Alice Salinas reported on this story for VOANews.com. Hai Do adapted their reports for Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story provocation - n. an action or occurrence that causes someone to become angry or to do something consequence - n. something that happens as a result of a particular action or condition implementation - n. the action of beginning to do or use something Terrorists getting nuclear material to make bombs will be discussed among world leaders at this weeks Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, D.C. It isnt just the deadly March 22 terrorist attack in the Belgium capital. It is also reports from Belgium officials that two brothers who carried out suicide attacks at the Brussels airport tried to get nuclear materials. The two Khalid and Ibrahim el-Bakraoui -- placed a camera near the home of a nuclear researcher in Belgium. Officials suspect they were monitoring the man to obtain material that makes a more powerful bomb. Jane Harman is director of the Wilson Center in Washington, D.C. She said leaders from 53 nations who will attend the summit should focus on three major issues. The threats arent one size fits all, Harman said during a nuclear summit preview this week. We have to keep our eyes on great powers like Russia. We have to watch regional pariahs like Iran and North Korea, and ensure that terror groups never get their hands on nuclear materials. Harman said the concern is that Islamic State, or other terrorist groups, could set off a dirty bomb. A dirty bomb uses conventional explosives, such as dynamite, mixed with radioactive materials. The Washington nuclear summit runs Thursday and Friday, March 31 and April 1. The White House released a brief Tuesday, saying that a terrorist attack using nuclear material would create political, economic social and psychological havoc. Ben Rhoades is Obamas deputy national security adviser. We have seen ample proof that terrorist organizations like (Islamic State) have no regard for innocent human life or international norms, and that only redoubles the need for us to have effective international nuclear security approaches, he said Wednesday. One nation that will not be represented at the summit is Iran. Kelsey Davenport of the Arms Control Association told VOA that Irans participation would have provided a chance to build on last years nuclear deal. The deal required Iran to remove enriched uranium and take down nuclear-making equipment. But Davenport said Iran is not providing adequate assurances that its nuclear activities are protected against acts of nuclear terrorism. Previous nuclear summits have worked to reduce the number of nations with nuclear arms. The White House says 14 countries and Taiwan have eliminated all nuclear materials from their countries since 2010. That includes Ukraine and Japan. More countries with nuclear weapons would create an arms race, said Daniel Pinkston, a lecturer in international relations with Troy University in Seoul. It would be extremely damaging and plays right into the hands of the hardliners, such as North Korea. I'm Bruce Alpert. Brian Padden and Barbara Slavin reported on this story for VOANews.com. Bruce Alpert adapted their reports for Learning English. Kathleen Struck 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 regional adj. an accent that occurs in a particular place pariah adj. a nation that is hated and rejected by people dynamite n. a powerful explosive that is often used in the form of a stick radioactive adj. having or producing a powerful and dangerous form of energy, called radiation ample adj. having or providing enough or more than enough of what is needed proof n. something which shows that something is true or correct approach n. a way of dealing with something participation n. to take part in an activity or event with others hardliner n. someone who takes a rigid, uncompromising position. LEXINGTON, Neb. After months of waiting, members of the Lexington Regional Health Centers Board of Directors heard about the opening of the Outpatient Specialty Clinic during its monthly meeting on Tuesday. The Outpatient Specialty Clinic opened on Monday, March 28. Chief Nursing Officer Nicole Thorell said the opening went smoothly, and added the operating rooms in the new clinic are expected to be up and running by next week. LRHC staff is completely moved into the recently renovated North Wing of patient rooms. This area of the hospital features six private rooms which are American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant, with walk-in bathrooms big enough for patients and staff to enter. The North wing also has four private rooms with normal sized bathrooms, she said. The patients love the new beds. The computers are right next to the beds, we have new call light buttons, there is a button for pain, water. The rooms are designed so patient needs are taken care of in a more timely experience, Thorell said. One issue that has come up repeatedly for LRHC patients are complaints that their hospital records aren't being received by the patients' Plum Creek Medical Group providers. We will take the extra step to ensure that happens, Thorell said. She said from now on LRHC staff would call a patients healthcare providers at PCMG to provide any necessary appointment information or medical notes. The most important thing for us is that the patient receives the care they need where they want, she said. LRHC Executive Director of Ancillary Services Don Young gave a construction update at the meeting. Young said the rest of the surgery equipment would be moved into the Outpatient Specialty Clinic in the coming days to expedite the use of the operating rooms in about a week. The next area to be renovated in the main hospital building would be the East Wing of patient rooms, he said. Young said the East Wing is being stripped of its old furnishings and will be renovated with new plumbing and electrical work, which is moving fast. Local contractor TL Sund is currently working on finishing up concrete work in the east parking lot, Young said. Young said he hoped some issues with door access and employee card access could be fixed and allow for the front lobby area to be open to the public by next week. Jill Denker, executive director of human resources and physician liaison, said an open house for the Outpatient Specialty Clinic is being planned for Sunday, May 3. Denker said she was pleased with the big amount of interest in the director of marketing position at LRHC. She said several interviews with applicants were scheduled in the coming weeks. She said some patients have voiced confusion about whether or not they could receive care at LRHC from specialists, possibly out of a lack of information or lack of referral. LRHC staff were working on a new marketing campaign to promote the services and specialists available at the hospital, Denker said. Denker also noted that the Elwood Clinic opened on Tuesday. The clinic will be open to serve patients two days a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, she said. Office hours are 8 a.m. to Noon. For more information call the Elwood Clinic at 308-785-8175. LRHC Chief Finanical Officer Wade Eschenbrenner said he had received two freedom of information requests, known as a FOIA, one from Jean Ford and one from Plum Creek Medical Group. Eschenbrenner said the information asked for was the percentage of LRHC employees who lived outside the hospitals district and the number of full-time employees the hospital had in the past two years. He said no information was complied by the hospital about the percentage of employees who lived outside the hospital district, so that information was not available. Eschenbrenner said LRHC had about 200 full-time employees in 2014 and 2015, with a slight increase in staff last year. He then handed the available information for the FOIA in a manila envelope to Ford. He also provided a financial and profit and loss report for the month of February. There were 58 patient days and 76 swing bed days in the month. Eschenbrenner said strides had been made in reducing the number of unbilled statements in the past month, leading to a 54 percent reduction that would be seen in later financial reports. LRHC had 136 days cash on hand in February with a negative 12.08-percent operating margin. Eschenbrenner said the financials for March would look better because some surgeries in February had been postponed to March. Also, the new patient rooms in the North wing opened this month, leading to patient enthusiasm, he said. In the profit and loss report, Eschenbrenner said LRHC had total operating loss of negative 189,000. Weve seen an increase in patient activity. We expect to see that excitement in our outpatient areas, Eschenbrenner. LRHC Board Member Tara Naprstek, an accountant, said she was impressed that LRHC had made up $1.7 million in contractual adjustments and was only $1.6 million down with total operating revenue. These are good things, she said. The meeting was attended by some candidates in the audience running for board positions in the primary election. After months of relatively calm Lexington Regional Health Center Board Meetings with few public comments, tension resurfaced at the end of Tuesdays monthly meeting. During the public comments portion of the meeting, Ford asked the board why the link to a financial report posted on the hospitals web site didnt work. She said she was not able to view the hospitals financial statements online. LRHC Chief Executive Officer Leslie Marsh said the link and postings were handled by former marketing director Laura Robbins. Marsh said Robbins was currently fully employed but would fix the link to the financial statement as soon as possible. Marsh said she would ask Robbins to show another LRHC staff member how to manage and post links on the hospitals web site. LRHC Director of Risk and Regulation Sandy Nichelson said she has experience working at other Dawson County hospitals, and pointed out neither Cozad Community Hospital nor Gothenburg Memorial Hospital post their financial reports on their websites. In response to a Freedom of Information Request from Ford asking the percentage of LRHC employees who lived outside the hospital district, Erin Nelson spoke out. Nelson is a LRHC employee. I drive 45 minutes to work to work with great people, she said. Nelson continued that she loved the people she worked with and looked forward to going to work everyday, before chastising Ford for continuing to spew negative comments. Finally, candidate for hospital board Dave Irwin asked where he could get an audited report of the hospital. Disclosure: Some links on this page are monetized by the Skimlinks, Amazon, Rakuten Advertising, and eBay, affiliate programs. All prices are subject to change, and this article only reflects the prices available at time of publication. Lenovo offers two completely different versions of its IdeaPad 100S laptop. While both are low-cost notebooks with 11.6 inch displays, one is a Chrome OS notebook with an Intel Atom Z3735F Bay Trail processor and the other is a Windows notebook with a Celeron N2840 Bay Trail processor. Both are normally priced at around $180 but right now both are also on sale for lower prices. Best Buy is selling the Chromebook version for $149, and Amazon has a Windows model for $170. Here are some of the days best deals on notebooks, tablets, smartphones, accessories, and digital media. You can find more bargains in our daily deals section. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Protests erupted in Bengaluru following the Karnataka Department of Pre-University Education's (DPUE) decision to cancel the chemistry re-examination for the second time, after the paper was leaked again. The first examination was scheduled for 21 March was postponed after the board was alerted of a leak. Worried students and anxious parents pelted stones at the building in revolt, reported The News Minute Speaking to reporters, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah "We don't know how this happened. The last leak is being investigated and we will investigate this one too." Agitated students and parents are now strongly opposing the idea of students preparing to appear for the exam a third time. Most of the concerns were related to the re-scheduling of the exam hindering their children's preparations for national level examinations. One of the parents present at the protest told CNN IBN, "What is the significance of PU exams? Why is there so much hype around a leaked paper? How much will a student prepare in extra two hours?" The exam was scheduled for 31 March, for the second time in 10 days and news of the second leak came in at 3.30 am. The investigation into the leaks has been handed over to the Crime Investigation Department (CID) due to the mounting pressure from students and parents, reported Zee News Speaking to Times Now, Union Minister Ananat Kumar said "The state government has falied the exams twice already." An under-construction flyover collapsed near Ganesh Talkies in north Kolkata's Girish Park area killed at least 18 people and injured 78 on Thursday. The Vivekananda Setu crashed on a moving traffic. Rescuers and authorities confirmed to media that there were many who are still trapped under the debris. Rescue teams are working to pull out cars at the site of collapse. The place around the crash remained chaotic as Army personnel were deployed in large number, Firstpost correspondent from Kolkata, Sujanya said. Several political leaders expressed their grief and support over the mishap. Here is what they had to say: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in touch with officials in Delhi and has instructed all possible assistance to be extended by Army and NDRF in rescue and relief operations, expressed shock and sadness over the loss of lives in the collapse. Shocked & saddened by collapse of under construction flyover in Kolkata. Took stock of the situation & rescue operations. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 31, 2016 My thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives in Kolkata. May the injured recover at the earliest. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 31, 2016 West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee told CNN-IBN: This is a serious matter and case of gross negligence. Will take strong action against those responsible. We will take care of all the expenses of all the injured, we hope for their speedy recovery. Rahul Gandhi, Congress vice-president: News of the collapse of a flyover in Kolkata extremely tragic. I hope rescue &relief ops reach those trapped and injured at the earliest Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) March 31, 2016 Home Minister Rajnath Singh Deeply saddened to know that precious lives have been lost in the Kolkata accident.My heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased Rajnath Singh (@BJPRajnathSingh) March 31, 2016 Derek O'Brien: Monumental tragedy. Rescue ops on.Many feared dead. Chief Sec/Home Sec at site. CM headed back to Kol immediately.This is the update I have Derek O'Brien (@quizderek) March 31, 2016 K Panduranga Rao, a senior official of the IVRCL group, one of the builders of the bridge: A girder must have been missed and another probably fell. It is nothing but God's act. This has not happened to us in 27 years. Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Rajya Sabha member: This is a clear case of corruption, there should be a CBI inquiry into this," ANI quoted Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi as saying. Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs: It is a very sad news for us. NDRF teams have been dispatched. We will provide whatever support needed. State government is already doing whatever is necessary. Monetary requirements are not the priority right now, rescue and relief is. Any development projects need to incorporate disaster mitigation concept. Basudeb Banerjee, Bengal chief secretary: The state government will pay a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the next of kin of every person who died and Rs 2 lakh for those who are injured. Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Congress leader: Urban development minister Firhad Hakim should be arrested immediately. The police came to the spot after a good two hours. Why? The rescue operation should have been started within an hour. We demand full investigation. People are dying like cats and dogs. We will go to the hospitals and our supporters will donate as much blood as required to treat the injured. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports: The MHA, disaster management agencies always take cognisance of such incidents. The central government has been forthcoming even in the past when there was a natural calamity like this. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal V sad to hear the tragedy in Kolkatta. My prayers with victims n their families. Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) March 31, 2016 Asok Bhattacharya, ex-Urban Development Minister and CPM leader The present urban development minister has to shoulder responsibility. There should be a high-level inquiry. Suhel Seth, author: The flyover collapse in Calcutta is a horrible tragedy. Let's refrain from playing politics over it. SUHEL SETH (@suhelseth) March 31, 2016 OP Singh, NDRF DG: Our priority is that those who are alive under the debris should be rescued. All kinds of cutters are being used to make an entry. We dont have the death toll or information on how many are injured. 100 metres of the bridge have collapsed. Kolkata: A senior official of the infrastructure company that was in charge of the construction of a Kolkata flyover, a portion of which collapsed on Thursday killing at least 14, described the incident as an "act of god". "This particular work was given to us by the government of Kolkata. 60 to 70 per cent is already over. One girder missed and the second one fell. This is how the accident has taken place. It is nothing but god's act," KP Rao, a senior official of the Hyderabad-headquartered IVRCL group, told the media. "So far in 27 years we have constructed a number of bridges. This has never happened before. We in the management are also under shock," he said. At least 17 people have been reported killed in the tragedy, that took place on Thursday afternoon on the busy Rabindra Sarani-KK Tagore street, leaving scores of others trapped under the debris. "Two persons were brought dead and two others were in a serious condition," Kolkata Medical College and Hospital superintendent Sikha Banerjee said. "More injured persons are still being brought in to the hospital," Banerjee said. Cutting short her visit to West Midnapore district, chief minister Mamata Banerjee, who was campaigning there, rushed back to the city and visited the site and directed the authorities to speed up the relief and rescue operations carried out by police, fire brigade and disaster management personnel. Several passenger vehicles, including a bus, were trapped under the debris, as operations were on to clear the rubble and bring out those trapped under. Huge cranes and other rescue vehicles were pressed into service to clear the debris and bring out the injured. A PTI correspondent who was at the accident site, saw a number of severely injured persons lying in a pool of blood. At least a few persons were seen trapped under vehicles, concrete and heavy steel girders. A number of hawkers operate under the flyover, which is also used for parking several vehicles. NDRF personnel were also rushed to the site to to assist in the rescue operations. The government sought army help in the relief and rescue operations after which four columns of rescue personnel were deployed. Each column has three medical teams with two ambulances and surgeons along with nursing assistants, a defence official said. A team of engineers from the army has also reached the spot with specialist equipment to help the civic authorities dismantle the debris. The state government has opened an emergency helpline with number 1070 from the state secretariat Nabanna to provide information related to those injured or killed in the mishap. Vivekananda flyover - Problematic since its inception The Vivekananda flyover has been facing issues since the operations began in December 2009. The construction is years behind schedule and as of March 2016, over 25 percent of the work was still pending, report in The Times of India said. The Rs 164-crore project was supposed to be completed by 2012 but issues with land acquisition has delayed its completion. The Times of India report further added that the project that was to be completed by March 2016 was scheduled for August 2016 for completion. The design has been changed several times and the residents living around the construction even went to court as the flyover was inching dangerously close to their homes. A 2014 report from The Telegraph said that IVRCL, the company responsible for building the flyover, wanted to wash its hands off the project as it was cash-strapped and running 42 months behind schedule, with only 69 per cent of the work done. A source in The Telegraph report said that the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) was lax in monitoring the project and allegedly funded the flyover operations very poorly. The KMDA also failed in its part in getting permissions to block the road and as a result the construction continued in fits. Another The Times of India report from 2015 said that Mamata Banerjee held a review meeting to overlook the progress on various development projects and even expressed her displeasure with various departments over the slow progress. The report also said that the bridge was slated to be inaugurated by the end of 2015. With agency inputs In a major breakthrough in the Pathankot attack case, the National Investigation Agency(NIA) has identified the four fidayeen who attacked the IAF airbase and two of their Pakistan-based Jaish operators. A Times of India report reveals the names of the four fidayeen Nasir Hussain, Hafiz Abu Bakar, Abdul Qayum and Umar Farooq. The report also reveals that these attackers' residence Vehari (Punjab), Gujranwala (Punjab), Sukkur (Sindh) and Sanghar (Sindh) districts in Pakistan. The NIA has shared this information with the Pakistani Joint Investigation Team (JIT). The names and addresses of the attacker were discovered after their bodies were recovered from the encounter site and according to Sharad Kumar, DG NIA, they are waiting for the JIT to give them a confirmation on the names and get back to the NIA. A source, speaking to DNA, has said that Pakistan has more than enough evidence that the attackers were affiliated with Jaish and that they should punish them. The source further added that the JIT will investigate into the issue for a few more days - which includes talking to the witnesses - and have also allegedly expressed their satisfaction. The JIT, reported DNA, will require all the evidence under section 188 of their criminal procedure code (Cr PC) so they can produce it back in their courts; this would empower them to collect information about nationals in their country that are involved in crimes in other countries. Pakistani-based operators, identified as Kashif Jan and Shahid Latif, are allegedly responsible for operations in operations Sailkot and lauching cadres in India respectively, reported TOI. The report further added that Kashif has been missing since his name came in the investigations and Latif was deported back to Pakistan after having served 10 years in an Indian jail. The NIA is slated to visit Pakistan to further the Indian side of investigations, hoping to get access to Maulana Masood Azhar and his brother Rauf. The investigations carried out on Wednesday included the NIA seeking voice samples of Azhar, Rauf, Latif and Kashif and DNA/voice samples of Fidayeen Nasir's mother, identified as Khayyam Baber, who received calls from her son from Pathankot, said TOI's report. The NIA's probe into the attacks has eliminated all possibilities of the JIT denying that the attack was planned on their soil and facilitated by Pakistani fidayeen and handlers. The JIT will examine witnesses which include Gurdaspur SP Salwinder Singh, Rajesh Verma who is Salwinder's jeweller's friend Salwinder's personal cook Madan Gopal, said the DNA report. The witness examinations will be done through NIA officials and not directly by the JIT. New Delhi: Suspended Gurdaspur Superintendent of Police Salwinder Singh on Thursday arrived at the NIA headquarters here to be questioned by the Joint Investigation Team from Pakistan on the Pathankot terror attack. Singh, his cook Madan Gopal and friend Rajesh Verma reached the NIA office where the JIT will question the three in the presence of National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials, informed sources told IANS. The three were questioned by the NIA on 26 March in the national capital and have been living under the agency's supervision since then, the sources said. Singh has claimed that he, Verma and cook Gopal were abducted by four or five heavily-armed terrorists near Punjab's Kolia village on 2 January. The terrorists later attacked the Pathankot Indian Air Force base in which seven security personnel were killed. The Pakistani terrorists were later killed in a shootout. The Pakistani team is in India to probe the Pathankot attack, which New Delhi says was masterminded by Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Maulana Masood Azhar. On Monday and Tuesday, the NIA submitted evidence to the five-member Pakistani team on the terror attack. According to NIA sources, the evidence show that the Pathankot operation was planned by elements in Pakistan. The visiting team comprises among others Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) official Lt. Colonel Tanvir Ahmed and military intelligence officer Lt. Colonel Irfan Mirza. Over two months after a major fire at the Deonar dumping ground in Mumbai, the central government has directed the city's civic to close the dumping area, according to a report by The Times of India. This was at a meeting of the union environment minister Prakash Javadekar with a civic body team led by commissioner Ajoy Mehta. After the meeting, Javadekar tweeted- Holding a meeting with Maha & Mumbai Mahanagar Palika officials on #Deonar #garbage Dump fire issue. pic.twitter.com/wyZTiFWaO6 Prakash Javadekar (@PrakashJavdekar) March 30, 2016 In wake of recent fires in #Deonar garbage dumping site, discussed short,medium & long-measures for effective integrated waste management. Prakash Javadekar (@PrakashJavdekar) March 30, 2016 On Tuesday, Javadekar said that the matter had been taken up seriously and following discussions with Maharashtra officials and Mumbai Municipal Corporation, strict action, if required, will be taken under the Environment Protection Act against violators. "It is a serious lapse and we have taken it very seriously. We will issue, if required, necessary orders under Section 5 of Environment Protection Act. This means strict action. We will issue directions. They have to comply with it," Javadekar said. Asked about reports hinting that the fire was a 'sabotage', he said that all such aspects would be discussed during the meeting and action will be taken accordingly. The Environment Ministry had earlier constituted a two-member team to probe the fire. Air quality in several parts of Mumbai had oscillated between 'poor' and 'very poor' in the wake of the fire. According to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), the average level of fine respirable pollutants PM 2.5 fell in the 'poor' category in Mumbai recently. A six-month old boy had also died in a locality near Deonar dumping ground with the parents saying he died of suffocation due to emission of toxic gases from the blaze, a charge which had been refuted by officials. Reports said that even as cooling operations continue at the dumping ground, residents in the area and policemen deployed at the site are facing health issues due to the smoke still emanating out of the dump. Congress had staged a road blockade recently near the Deonar dumping ground and demanded that it be shifted to Taloja in Navi Mumbai. With inputs from PTI A Centre-appointed committee, set up to review aspects of personal laws relating to marriage, divorce and custody prevalent in religious minorities, including Muslims, has called for a ban on the practice of verbal, unilateral, triple talaq and polygamy, as reported by The Indian Express. The Supreme Court had directed the Centre on 28 March to submit the report in six weeks while hearing a plea filed by Shayara Bano from Uttarakhand. Bano, who is from Kashipur in Uttarakhand, was divorced by triple talaq in 2015. She had filed a writ petition this year challenging the constitutionality of Muslim practices of polygamy, triple talaq (talaq-e-bidat) and nikah halala. The committee stated that talaq makes wives extremely vulnerable and insecure regarding their marital status, the report further said. It also suggested amendments to the Dissolution of Muslim Marriages Act 1939, the report added. A bench comprising Chief justice TS Thakur and Justice UU Lalit also asked the Ministry of Minority Affairs to file its response to the petition filed by Bano. She has stated in her petition that her family was compelled to pay dowry and her husband and his family subjected her to cruelty and administered drugs to her that "caused her memory to fade and kept her unconscious" which made her critically ill. She said that her husband divorced Bano by triple talaq. The petition further states that the practice of triple talaq is not "harmonious with the modern principles of human rights and gender equality and is not a part of the Islamic faith." It further stated that countries like Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Iraq have banned or restricted this practice. "The practice of talaq-e-bidat and divorce of a woman without proper attempt at reconciliation violates the basic right to live with dignity of every Muslim woman," said Bano said in her petition. Here is the full petition: Shayara Bano Writ Petition Maari Baari 62 18032016 According to Live Law, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board has filed an Interlocutory Application stating that the Muslim Personal Law is a cultural issue and questioning the validity of marriage, divorce and maintenance under the law is out of question. The group had stated that the rights of the Muslim women are protected under Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986, the report said. Kamal Faruqui, a member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board was quoted by The Indian Express saying that they will not be accepting the ban on triple talaq or polygamy. "This will mean direct interference of the government in religious affairs as Sharia (Islamic law) is based on the Quran and Hadith," he was quoted in the report. According to the report, the panel was formed in February 2012 under the UPA government and it was reconstituted again in 2013. Activists have been campaigning for a change in the Muslim personal law as it allows polygamy and the use of the triple talaq system. With inputs from PTI If this contest to dominate the 126-member Assam Assembly has been the toughest in 30 years, the run-up has also been the most bitter. The stakes are high for BJP mascot and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party president Amit Shah on one side, and Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, and Chief Minister and Assam Congress veteran Tarun Gogoi, on the other. Tarun Gogoi will turn 90 soon...Some people came to me and said we have a problem with the alphabet I, and so from now on, they told me they would say Tarun Gogo..Go Go.., mocked Prime Minister Modi in course of his campaign tour Saturday. In reply, Gogoi, who will turn 81 soon, said, Modi is a good actor, he should get an Oscar. The Chief Minister appeared emotional and asked whether Modi, by deliberately putting his age at close to 90, was actually praying for his demise. I was made Chief Minister by the people of Assam, not by Modi or Shah, Gogoi said. The Congress, like the BJP, has been combative. The party put up huge hoardings with a photograph depicting BJPs chief ministerial candidate Sarbananda Sonowal bowing to apparently touch the feet of Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. The Congress text alongside the picture says, "How can a leader who can surrender Assams self-respect on Delhis streets protect the rights of the people of the state? The BJP has moved the Election Commission saying such a campaign was against the model election code of conduct. On its part, the BJP has been accusing the Gogoi-led Congress government of being corrupt and of hoping to face the polls with the backing of the Bangladeshi vote bank. BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sharma, who had defected to the saffron party six months ago with nine other Congress MLAs, has been going around describing this election as the last battle of Saraighat. Fought in 1671, the much weaker local Ahom army defeated the Mughals on the banks of the Brahmaputra near Guwahati. The Ahom victory in that battle halted Mughal expansionism into Assam. Sarmas explanation is that if the BJP does not win this time, Assam will come to be ruled by people who may not be of Indian origin, implying that it could be governed by the Congress-All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) combine who may win with votes of alleged Bangladeshis. After the drubbing in Delhi and Bihar, it has become extremely important for the BJP to snatch a victory in a key state. And, among the five states going for Assembly polls, including West Bengal, the BJP stands a fair chance to grab power in Assam, riding on the perceived anti-incumbency against the Congress that had managed a hat-trick in 2011, and now trying for its fourth successive win. For Rahul Gandhi, the elections in Assam, considered a party bastion, is important to retain the Congress dominance in regions that have been its strongholds. Despite raging insurgencies, fuelled by sub-national aspirations, a national party like the Congress has managed to dominate the politics in the Northeast. Even today, the Congress is in power in four of the eight northeastern states. The BJP has managed to taste power in the region, albeit indirectly, when the Congress government in Arunachal Pradesh recently transformed itself into a regional party government led by the Peoples Party of Arunachal (PPA), backed by the states 11 BJP MLAs. To put it simply, a majority of Congress MLAs in Arunachal Pradesh toppled the Congress government of chief minister Nabam Tuki by joining the existing PPA and is now in power backed by the BJP. In this backdrop, Chief Minister Gogois startling claim Tuesday assumes significance. He accused the BJP of spending crores before the Bihar elections to topple the Congress government in Assam with the help of Himanta Biswa Sharma. Gogoi said Sharma, once his close associate, tried to influence 30 Congress MLAs but failed. With less than 100 hours left for the first phase of voting, truth is at a premium in Assam, at least in so far as the politicians are concerned. A local court has, for instance, restrained Gogoi and a media house from repeating charges against BJP star campaigner Himanta Biswa Sharma that he was an accused in a big chit fund scam. Sharmas lawyers had produced the CBI summon notice that described Sharma as a witness, not an accused, convincing the court that issued the order to restrain. In this blistering war of words, hardly anyone is talking about Assams key issuesfloods and erosion, lack of electricity, the huge unemployment problem, measures to boost agriculture and market linkage for the farmers produce etc. Some of these promises are, of course, confined to the poll manifestos released rather late in the day by the two main players, the Congress and the BJP. Wasbir Hussain is a Guwahati-based political commentator and television talk show host. New Delhi: Debt-ridden Jaiprakash Associates today announced the part sale of its cement business to the Kumarmangalam Birla-led UltraTech for Rs 15,900 crore, marking the biggest consolidation in the cement sector. However, the size of the deal announced last month has been reduced from Rs 16,500 crore as Jaiprakash Associates Ltd (JAL) decided not to sell its cement plant in Karnataka with a capacity of 1.2 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). In a filing to the BSE, JAL said: "Board today approved the definitive agreement with Ultratech Cement Ltd (UTCL) for sale of part of its cement business comprising identified operating cement plants with an aggregate capacity of 17.2 MTPA spread over the states of UP, MP, HP, Uttarakhand and Andhra Pradesh, besides a grinding unit of 4 MTPA capacity, which is currently under implementation in UP." Both the parties have mutually agreed to exclude Shahabad plant in Karnataka from the transaction, it added. "The total enterprise value is Rs 15,900 crore and additional amount of Rs 470 crore shall be paid by UTCL for completion of the grinding unit under implementation," it said. WHY DONT YOU READ THESE? Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive in Washington on Thursday to attend the two-day Nuclear Security Summit. The summit will begin on Thursday evening with a working dinner at the White House where US President Barack Obama and the heads of the respective national delegations "will share their perspectives about the threat of nuclear terrorism," Deputy National Security Adviser Ben Rhodes has said. Apart from Modi and Obama, some of the other world leaders at the summit include French President Francois Hollande, Britain's PM David Cameron, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko, and the president of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev. What is the Nuclear Security Summit? The Nuclear Security Summit is a forum for the leaders of the world to discuss and address the issues of nuclear security, threats and terrorism. "By focusing high-level attention on the threat of nuclear terrorism, the Nuclear Security Summits are designed to energize, enhance, empower, and elevate the many existing multilateral and cooperative institutions and structures aimed at securing nuclear materials and preventing nuclear smuggling," says the official website of the summit. The site also states that the goals of the summit include minimising the use of highly enriched uranium (HEU), improving the security at nuclear facilities, increasing membership in organisations like the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), preventing illicit trafficking in nuclear and other radioactive materials and developing technology to better nuclear security. Moreover, some of the notable achievements of the summits held so far include removal of over 3.2 metric tons of vulnerable HEU and plutonium material and complete removal of HEU from 12 countries. The first summit was held in Washington on 12 and 13 April, 2010, after which the Washington Working Plan, which provides guidelines for concrete actions to be taken for nuclear security, was issued. 47 countries had taken part in that summit. Six more countries participated in the second summit, which was held in Seoul on 26 and 27 March, 2012. A third summit was also held in The Hague on 24 and 25 March, 2014, hosted by the Netherlands. What will happen in the 2016 summit? Discussion about the misuse of nuclear materials, especially by the Islamic State or other terrorists groups will be the focus of the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, involving more than 50 countries, with the notable exception of Russia. Russia, the world's other great nuclear power along with the US, is skipping the summit to protest "a certain lack of cooperation during the preliminary stage of working on issues and topics of the summit", Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov had said on Wednesday, according to IANS. Last week's terror attacks in Brussels have given further impetus to efforts to safeguard stockpiles of nuclear material. According to ANI, there will be three plenary sessions on 1 April, with a focus on national actions to improve nuclear security, said Indian Joint Secretary (Disarmament and International Security Affairs) Amandeep Singh Gill. The first meeting will then be followed by a working lunch, after which the third and final discussion will take place, during which there will be a policy discussion on nuclear terrorism based on a hypothetical scenario. The summit will then conclude with the adoption of a communique and five action plans. "India expects that the summit would contribute further to raising high-level awareness of the threat of nuclear terrorism and the need to strengthen international cooperation against terrorists and nuclear traffickers," ANI quoted Gill as saying. (With agency inputs) BEIRUT At least 23 people were killed and dozens wounded in Syrian government air strikes on a rebel-held suburb of Damascus on Thursday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said. The strikes killed at least four children and some civil defence personnel in the town of Deir al-Asafir in Eastern Ghouta, where around 2,700 families live, the British-based Observatory said. "All through the ceasefire clashes have continued in Eastern Ghouta and regime forces have advanced...they are now less than 2 km from the Deir al-Asafir area," Observatory director Rami Abdulrahman said. "They are trying to surround Deir al-Asafir." A temporary truce introduced over a month ago has greatly reduced violence in Syria but it excludes groups such as Islamic State and the al Qaeda-linked Nusra Front. The eastern districts of Damascus are controlled by different factions, including rebel forces covered by the truce as well as Nusra Front. The Observatory and rebel group Jaish al-Islam reported clashes between government forces and rebels and air strikes on the northeast edge of Damascus between Jobar and Douma on Wednesday. "In Douma air strikes completely destroyed one of the town's mosques in a direct hit," a Jaish al-Islam statement said. Jaish al-Islam is one of the biggest rebel factions fighting President Bashar al-Assad in western Syria and an influential member of the main Saudi-backed opposition council, the High Negotiations Committee. (Reporting by Lisa Barrington; Editing by Angus MacSwan) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Brussels: Belgian judicial authorities on Thursday approved the extradition to France of Paris attacks prime suspect Salah Abdeslam, prosecutors said, adding that a date for the transfer had not been set. "As Salah Abdeslam had declared to agree to be transferred to France, a federal magistrate took his formal declaration today... The transfer is possible," the federal prosecutor's office said in a statement. "Belgian and French authorities will now consider jointly on how to proceed further in the execution of the transfer," the statement added. French-Belgian national Abdeslam, 26, the sole surviving suspect in the 13 November Paris attacks in which 130 people were killed, was arrested in Brussels on 18 March after four months on the run. Abdeslam's lawyer Cedric Moisse said earlier that his client had consented to his extradition. "Salah Abdeslam wants to be handed over to the French authorities," Moisse told reporters in Brussels. "I can also confirm that he wants to cooperate with the French authorities." French President Francois Hollande announced immediately after Abdeslam's arrest that he wanted him returned to France as quickly as possible to face justice over the attacks in which he is believed to have acted as a logistics coordinator. Abdeslam, who was caught unarmed after being shot in the leg in a dramatic police raid in Brussels, told interrogators he had intended to blow himself up at the Stade de France stadium in Paris but backed out at the last minute. Abdeslam has connections to at least two of the 22 March Brussels bombers. Khalid El Bakraoui, who blew himself up at a metro station, rented a flat in Brussels where Abdeslam's fingerprints were found. One of the two airport bombers, Najim Laachraoui, who is also suspected of having made the bombs for the Paris attacks, once drove to Hungary with Abdeslam. Brussels: Wrapping up his Belgium visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tonight left for Washington where he will attend the Nuclear Security Summit as part of his three-nation tour. Spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs Vikas Swarup tweeted that the Prime Minister is on his way to Washington. Thank you Brussels! An intense day of diplomacy ends as PM @narendramodi emplanes for Washington DC pic.twitter.com/jCibJxWQ9M Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) March 30, 2016 Modi will attend the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington today and tomorrow and from there he will travel to Saudi Arabia on a two-day visit with a focus on boosting energy and security cooperation. The fear that nuclear materials may fall into the hands of Islamic State or other terrorist groups will be the focus of the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, involving more than 50 countries with the exception of Russia. The event was started in 2010 at the initiative of US President Barack Obama. Last week's terror attacks in Brussels have given further impetus to efforts to safeguard stockpiles of nuclear material. The summit will begin on Thursday evening with a working dinner at the White House where Obama and the heads of the respective national delegations "will share their perspectives about the threat of nuclear terrorism," Deputy National Security Adviser Ben Rhodes said. Along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, French President Francois Hollande, Britain's David Cameron, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Ukraine's Petro Poroshenko, and the president of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev will also attend the event. In Brussels, Modi attended the 13th India-EU Summit and held bilateral talks with his Belgian counterpart Charles Michel. With inputs from agencies Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in Riyadh on Saturday for a two-day high-profile visit to Saudi Arabia. Even before Modis arrival, however, the hosts have already set the template for the high diplomacy to be played out in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia, where Modi will be on Saturday and Sunday, has sent a very powerful signal by imposing sanctions on Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Al Qaeda, the Taliban and four individuals with terror links across Pakistan, Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia. These entities and individuals include those who bankrolled LeT chief Zaki-ur Rehman Lakhvi, the mastermind of 26/11 Mumbai attack. Riyadh and the US jointly announced this decision in Washington while Modi was there to attend the Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) meeting. The two countries, particularly the latter, appear to have deliberately chosen the moment in Washington where heads of over 50 countries had gathered to convey a warning to Pakistan. The message is that even its old allies are getting impatient with Pakistans policy of brinkmanship on the issue of terrorism. Pakistan had certainly been aware that it was in for a rebuke. Thats why Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif chose to stay away from such an important meeting of world leaders. Modi will also take up the issue regarding Pathankot mastermind Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar. He will be telling his hosts how disappointed India was with China for having blocked the UN's bid to ban Azhar at the behest of Pakistan, one day after Saudi acted against LeT and its operatives. Modi will impress upon Saudi leaders the need to put further pressure on Pakistan to act against JeM and Azhar and to send a powerful message across that cross-border terrorism must stop. Saudi Arabia's keenness to partner India in a fight against terrorism is predicated on its own experience of being at the receiving end of terrorism, and a threat perception arising out of global terror networks like Al Qaeda and Islamic State. Saudi Arabia has taken several steps in enhancing intelligence and security cooperation with India in the recent past. For instance, in June 2012, it deported Zabiuddin Ansari aka Abu Jundal, a terrorist wanted for his involvement in the Mumbai attack, overlooking opposition from Pakistan. Abu Jundal was living in Saudi Arabia on a Pakistani passport. Many others suspected of involvement in terrorist activities have also been deported to India since then. It implies that the Saudis mean business. Having looked at their bilateral relations only through the prism of Pakistan, both India and Saudi Arabia had been limiting the possibilities of wider and more meaningful cooperation for a long time. All that has been changing since the last few years. The security situation in the Arabian Gulf and Middle East, the fluctuations in oil prices, and the gradual withdrawal of the US as a guarantor of security in the region have forced Saudi Arabia to have its own pivot to East. India, with its historic ties with West Asia, its vast diaspora and growing risk from terror outfits, too realised the futility of confining relations to trade, culture and people-to-people contacts. It needed a hard look at security and strategic dimension of relations. The ice was broken after the visit of the Saudi king to India in 2004 after five decades. Manmohan Singhs visit to Riyadh in 2010 began the process of unlocking the potential. During Singhs visit, the two countries signed the Riyadh Declaration, which envisioned the strategic partnership. The 26/11 Mumbai attack brought about a sea change in the manner in which Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations looked at the menace of terrorism and the radicalisation of youth. They began reassessing the role of Pakistan and were keen to address Indias concerns. However, it would be futile to say that Pakistan is not a factor. Saudi Arabia and Pakistan enjoy a relationship of trust, depth, shared Islamic values and culture. India cant wish it away. Saudi Arabian foreign minister Adel Al Jubeir, during his visit to New Delhi, recently emphasised that Riyadh's relationship with Pakistan stood independent of India and will stay so. The rise of the Islamic State has further alerted the Gulf leadership to the threat terrorism poses to all and the need to move away from the selective engagement. The danger posed by the IS and the strategy to combat it will also be on top of Modis agenda during his stay in Riyadh. India is lucky that its Muslim youth have been insulated from IS propaganda and recruitment. Less than two-dozen Indians have thus far been reported to have gone to join IS. However, its a threat that India can ignore at its own peril. The IS has been losing ground in Syria and Iraq, forcing the outfit to fan out in other countries and look for other vulnerable areas. Europe is already feeling the heat from IS fighters fleeing Syria and Iraq. The IS will be looking to spread its tentacles in the subcontinent with renewed vigour. It has got a foothold in Afghanistan. It will be looking to entering into partnerships with Pakistan-based outfits like LeT, JeM and Taliban to target India. However, Modi must be cautious and avoid getting involved into a larger anti-IS war in the Middle East. Besides Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and India will also engage on Iran. Saudi-Iran relations have nosedived in the recent past. Pakistan has offered to mediate between the two. But given its relations with Iran, India is in a much better position to play the role of peace broker between the Gulf rivals. Modi has an historic opportunity to unlock Indias potential in West Asia. Bangkok: At least one person was killed and 14 others, including 11 policemen, were injured, in 10 separate bomb attacks in Thailand's insurgency-hit Pattani district. Authorities later sealed the Tambon Yaring Municipality and ordered residents and children to stay indoors as they swept the area for more bombs in the morning. At least 10 bombs went off in Pattani's Yaring district, including two at bank cash dispensing machines, wounding 11 policemen, officials said. There were six explosions around midnight in the municipality area, of which three were remote bombings but no one was injured. Later, a pipe bomb exploded near a post office killing one person and injuring one. Several more bombs went off later, injuring 11 persons, including six members of the bomb squad. No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks, which authorities have blamed broadly on insurgent groups. WASHINGTON Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump made a surprise closed-door visit to the Republican National Committee on Thursday after a tumultuous two days that featured a reversal of his pledge to support the party's nominee. Trump, who also has struggled to contain the fallout from his comments on Wednesday in support of punishing women for having an abortion, said on Twitter afterward he had a "nice meeting" with RNC Chairman Reince Preibus but divulged no details. "Looking forward to bringing the party together," he said. "And it will happen!" Trump's relationship with the RNC has been contentious at times, and he recently complained the party was not treating him fairly as it made preparations for a possible contested convention in July in Cleveland. On Tuesday, Trump backed away from a loyalty pledge he signed in September promising to support the party's eventual nominee and not to run an independent campaign for the White House. The RNC pledge has unravelled as Trump's remaining rivals, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas and Ohio Governor John Kasich, also indicated they were unlikely to observe the pledge if Trump was the nominee. Barry Bennett, an adviser to the Trump campaign, said Thursday's visit was about Trump helping the RNC raise money. "The meeting is to help the RNC," he said on MSNBC. The billionaire businessman was in Washington for an announced meeting with members of his newly established foreign policy team. His campaign said it also was setting up a Washington office to run its convention operations and work with the RNC and Congress. But Trump's campaign also was trying to dig out from under a torrent of criticism about his comment on Wednesday that women should face punishment for getting an abortion if the procedure was outlawed, although he quickly reversed his stance. Trump, leading in the race to win the Republican nomination for the Nov. 8 presidential election, pulled back from his initial comments within an hour, first issuing a statement that U.S. states should handle abortion issues and later saying doctors who perform abortions are the ones who should be held responsible. 'SIMPLE MISSPEAK' "You have a presidential candidate that clarified the record not once but twice," Trump spokeswoman Katrina Pierson told CNN, describing the initial comments as a "simple misspeak." She said Trump was "pro-life with exceptions" and said his statements after the comments in an MSNBC interview were an accurate depiction of his views. "We shouldn't make this a 24-hour headline when we have things like terrorism going on in the world," Trump's latest controversy threatened to further erode his standing with women voters, many of whom have been offended by his use of vulgarities and insulting language to describe women during the presidential race. The abortion flap erupted as Trump campaigned in Wisconsin ahead of the state's critical primary on Tuesday. An opinion poll released on Wednesday showed Cruz had advanced and was now ahead of Trump by 10 percentage points in Wisconsin. Trump's meetings with his new foreign policy advisers follows several controversial statements on national security issues, prompting critics to question his suitability to be commander in chief. In recent interviews, Trump has declared NATO obsolete, said Saudi Arabia is too dependent on the United States and said Japan and South Korea may need to develop their own nuclear programs because the U.S. security umbrella is too costly to maintain. In the same MSNBC town hall where he made the abortion comments, Trump refused to rule out the potential use of nuclear weapons in Europe or the Middle East to combat Islamic State militants. "I would never take any of my cards off the table," he said. Many establishment Republicans have labored to block Trump from the getting the nomination at the July convention, worried that he will lead the party to a broad and overwhelming defeat in November. Trump's Republican rivals said his abortion comments were just the latest in a series of controversies that raise questions about his suitability for the White House. "It just shows that he's really not prepared to be president of the United States," Ohio Governor John Kasich told reporters at a New York news conference arranged so that he could address the controversy. Kasich said the president should not be constantly rowing back on a series of "wild-eyed suggestions." "I have to tell you that as commander in chief and leader of the free world, you don't get do-overs. You need to be able to get it right the first time," Kasich said. Opposition to abortion, which was legalized in a Supreme Court ruling more than 40 years ago, is a central plank in the platform of most conservative politicians. But conservatives have questioned whether Trump, who once supported access to abortions, is sincerely committed to his anti-abortion stance. (Additional reporting by Doina Chiacu, Susan Heavey, Megan Cassella; Editing by Jonathan Oatis) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Tributes are pouring in for pioneering and much-loved Sydney DJ, Paul Holden, who has died suddenly after falling at home. Holden, 51, who was regarded as a leader in the emerging rave culture in Sydney in the late 1980s and early 1990s, fell at home in Mosman home on Tuesday hitting his head, according to a friend who spoke to Fairfax. Holden was alone and not found until Wednesday morning when a family member found him. Holden's longtime friend and fellow DJ Mark Dynamix wrote on Facebook: "I have no words right now, I can't speak, utterly shocked. I have just heard that my partner in Jack The House, Mr. Paul Holden has passed away. Absolutely devastated." The federal government would stop funding public schools while continuing to support private schools under a dramatic change to the nation's education system outlined by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. Labor immediately accused Mr Turnbull of "walking away" from public school students and said the move would undo decades of work, including the Gonski school reforms, to lift standards in all the nation's schools. The proposal was originally contained in a discussion paper leaked to Fairfax Media last year. Mr Turnbull on Wednesday outlined his plans for states to be able to raise a proportion of income tax for the first time since World War II, a move he said would make them more accountable for the services they deliver. "I figured if his bomb was real I'd nothing to lose anyway so I took a chance to get a closer look." Innes told the newspaper that he got one of the cabin crew to translate for him and asked for a selfie. "He [Mustafa] just shrugged OK, so I stood by him and smiled for the camera while the stewardess did the snap. It has to be the best selfie ever," Innes said. Innes wasn't the only person on board the hijacked flight to seize the opportunity for a photo. A photo of a member of the cabin crew, Naira Atef, was also posted to Facebook. In it, she smiles as she stands next to Mustafa. Innes said while part of his motivation was to get a selfie, it was also to try and see what sort of trigger was attached to the suicide belt. "We were sitting around and I thought, why not? If he blows us all up it won't matter anyway. It would be the best selfie you could ever send to your mates - better than anything you'd ever get on a night out or on holiday," he told The Sun. "But I also thought it would be a good way of getting close enough to have a look at his device to try and work out if it was real. "I could see something taped around his waist and he was holding onto some sort of trigger. "I wanted to work out if it was a dead man's trigger that would set off the bomb if he let it go." Innes' actions were described as reckless by security experts and condemned by a fellow hostage. The selfie received a mixed reaction from his friends and relatives. One friend reportedly responded: "Wtf? Is that a bomb attached to the guys chest? You ok? Let us know when you get off," the Daily Mail reported. A woman identified as Mr Innes' sister, Sarah, later tweeted: "Only Ben could get a selfie! #proud #EgyptAir". The tweet was later deleted after she was inundated with requests for interviews. Mr Innes' mother, Pauline, told The Telegraph in London that she did not want to comment until her son was safely home, but pointed out the photograph was not a selfie. "All we can say is that the picture is clearly not a selfie as everyone has been describing it," she said. "You can clearly see that it is not Ben who is taking the picture. He's in it but he's not taking it. "But we don't want to speak about anything until he's back home." An unidentified friend told the newspaper that Mr Innes' actions in posing for the photograph did not surprise him. "Ben is a wild man and this is totally in character for him," the friend said. "He was a big rugby guy and very into his banter and didn't have much respect for authority." Passengers or crew members leave the hijacked aircraft of Egyptair at Larnaca airport. Credit:Petros Karadjias After the hostages were released, a man who appeared to be Mr Innes was photographed running across the tarmac with his arms raised in the air. Eighty-one people, including 21 foreigners and 15 crew members, were on board the Airbus 320 when Mustafa allegedly hijacked the aircraft on Tuesday, local time, Egypt's Civil Aviation Ministry said in a statement. Once the plane landed in Cyprus, Mustafa initially allowed women and children to leave the plane, before releasing Egyptian citizens a short time later. But for a tense five hours he kept four unidentified foreign citizens hostage on the plane as he issued his bizarre demands. He allegedly threatened to blow himself up before demanding to be reunited with his estranged Cypriot wife, and reportedly called for the release of several female prisoners in Egypt and asked for political asylum in Cyprus. A man leaves the hijacked aircraft of Egyptair from a pilot window. Credit:Petros Karadjias He also reportedly asked to meet representatives of the European Union, and to be taken to other airports. During the drama, one of the passengers was seen escaping by climbing out of the plane's cockpit and falling onto the runway. JEFFERSON CITY The architect of a plan to improve roads and bridges in Missouri wants voters to say yes to a boost in the gasoline tax. State Sen. Doug Libla won preliminary approval in the Senate for a revamped plan to hold a statewide referendum in November on whether to raise the states 17-cent-per-gallon motor fuel tax by 5.9 cents. Thats a significant switch from an earlier proposal he floated, in which he wanted the Legislature to impose increases of 1.5 cents for most motorists and 3.5 cents for diesel users as a way to generate millions of dollars for road and bridge improvements. Libla, R-Poplar Bluff, said the new plan was a compromise designed to help pave the way for $165 million in new revenue for state highways and bridges. Local governments also would reap some of the added revenue. Lets see if Missourians would really like to start working on our roads and bridges, Libla told members of the Senate during a debate Wednesday. The plan would push Missouris state motor fuel tax to 22.9 cents per gallon, which is higher than the 20.88-cent national average, according to the American Petroleum Institute. But Libla said the fuel tax is the fairest way to finance highway projects at a time when the list of deficient bridges and roads is growing. If you drive more, you pay a little more. If you drive less, you pay a little less, said Libla, who is sponsoring the measure. The measure faces a questionable future. House Speaker Todd Richardson, R-Poplar Bluff, said Republicans who control the chamber are not backing a tax hike. State Sen. Rob Schaaf, R-St. Joseph, said even if the measure makes it to the ballot, it may not fare well. I will make a prediction, which is that the people will turn it down, Schaaf said. GOP lawmakers have discussed using money from the states general checkbook to help pay for road construction, but Libla dismissed that as short-sighted. Thats no long-term highway funding plan, Libla said. Every day were falling further and further behind. Its all smoke and mirrors. Libla said the Missouri Department of Transportation has shown it can cut bureaucratic costs. The number of employees has dropped from 6,200 in 2010 to about 5,100 now. Business groups, including the trucking industry and convenience store owners, have testified that a road improvement plan is needed. The legislation is Senate Bill 623. Michelle Obama published an article in The Huffington Post in February in which she discusses the incredible importance of improving access to mental health care in the United States. The piece was posted a little more than a month after President Barack Obama announced a proposal to spend $500 million on improving access to mental health care. We must continue to remove the stigma around mental illness and its treatment and make sure that these individuals and their families know they are not alone, said Obama in a Jan. 4 statement. While increasing public funding for mental health programs has been one of the more popular policy proposals offered by lawmakers at the federal and state levels, evidence shows existing government regulations on the health care industry may be more to blame for the lack of mental health care services in some parts of the country, especially in rural regions. Mental health care is a particularly important issue in Missouri, where the per capita suicide rate is among the 20 highest in the nation. According to the American Association of Suicidology, Missouris suicide rate of 15.9 per 100,000 people was the 18th-highest in 2012. Studies show reduced access to mental health care services has been linked to greater suicide rates, and the Health Resources and Services Administration a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports Missouri has 105 different health professional shortage areas related to mental health services, making it one of the worst states in the nation in providing access to mental health care. In order for Missouri to improve its mental health care system, it needs to greatly expand health care services, but the states current certificate of need (CON) regulations make accomplishing this goal far more difficult than it ought to be. Certificate of need laws impose regulations on the health care industry. They mandate health care providers receive approval from a state government agency for various expenditures, including the construction of new hospitals, the purchase of some medical equipment, and the expansion of existing services, among many others. Currently, 36 states have certificate of need laws, although the number of CON regulations vary significantly by state. The goal of CON laws is to reduce health care costs by eliminating unnecessary services and encouraging the consolidation of health care providers, but numerous studies show CON laws have actually caused a number of significant problems. According to research conducted by Thomas Stratmann and Jake Russ at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, states that have enacted CON laws have on average 99 fewer hospital beds per 100,000 people and 4.7 fewer hospital beds per 100,000 people for each additional service a state regulates, compared to states without certificate of need laws. Research shows this has directly impacted the availability of mental health care services. Out of the 26 states listed as having the greatest number of health professional shortage areas related to mental health by the Health Resources and Services Administration, a division of the Department of Health and Human Services, 19 states or approximately 73 percent of the total have CON laws, including Missouri. Of the 34 states with suicide rates that are higher than the national average, 24 have certificate of need laws. Increasing public funds to help improve access to mental health care services may have a positive effect on suicide prevention, but without more mental health care doctors and facilities, which are restricted by Missouris certificate of need program, all the federal funds in the world wont help to solve this tragic problem. Research shows when CON laws are not in place, there are more health care services available, including services to help those with a mental illness. This means by eliminating certificate of need, the lives of countless Missourians suffering with mental health problems will be improved, making the state healthier and safer for everyone. Justin Haskins (jhaskins@heartland.org) is executive editor of The Heartland Institute and author of Heartlands weekly Consumer Power Report. On a Thursday afternoon, police in riot gear lounge inside armored buses as people sit on train tracks in protest. New signs in English say, We demand a peaceful place to live, and We dont demand food and water. We demand to OPEN the BORDER. Small though it may be, keeping a train line between Greece and Macedonia closed in protest is the only leverage these refugees have to try to convince officials to open the borders, Rami, a 26-year-old car mechanic from Syria, tells VOA. We dont want to demonstrate, he said, adding, We just want to go. For more than a month, this border area in Greece has been packed with thousands of people seeking to go to Western Europe, following the more than a million people who migrated last year. Now stuck in Greece, refugees and other migrants who traveled by rubber boat in the dead of winter say they are trapped. Even if they wanted to go back, they spent nearly all their money on smugglers to get to Europe. And for Rami, who has two small children, staying in the camp, in dangerously squalid conditions, is also not an option. The people here will not leave the train tracks until the border is opened, he says, explaining that when one person leaves, someone else replaces that individual. Were doing this for the women and children. Watch: Heather Murdock's report from Idomeni. Many people believe their stamina, the sheer force of their determination, will eventually open that border. Others say alternate solutions must be found because life in this unplanned camp, where masses of people are becoming increasingly exhausted and ill, is not sustainable in the long term. And constant rumors of possible border openings serve only to prolong the agony, says Marco Rivas, an independent volunteer from Spain who arranges activities and lessons for the children, all long out of school. The Macedonian government has decided to put more police and more army along the borders, he said. So its a clear reason to know that they are not opening the border. Bitterness grows Tents and walls of makeshift aid buildings are littered with graffiti, saying things like Open the Borders, Stop the EU War Against Migrants, and more explicit language describing what people here think of the racist borders. The bitterness and sorrow are palpable. As the days drag on with no sign of the border opening, it only becomes harder. One man showed VOA a handwritten flyer in Turkish. I want to go back to Turkey, says Adnan Fenesh, a 26-year-old who fled Islamic State militants with his three-year-old daughter, and is now out of money. They said call this number for help. Other refugees say they tried to re-enter Turkey by land and were refused. When asked about the European Union plan to send migrants back to Turkey for free, Taha, a Syrian interpreter who lives in the camp, shakes his head and laughs. Thats not true, he says, not believing it will happen. One teenager who snaps his fingers to the beat of his words says the camp is worse than what he fled - Islamic State-controlled Syria. If he doesnt get into Macedonia this week, he wants to go back home. When asked if Islamic State would kill him if he was there there and did not fight with them, his response was simple: Then I will die. Xenophobia Over by the train tracks, other refugees say besides being blocked from moving forward without the means to go back, they are relegated to quiet protests they hope will gather international sympathy. Besides being unarmed, under-fed civilians, refugees are keenly aware of growing xenophobia in Europe after the terrorist attacks in Paris and Brussels, says Basil, a 26-year-old who worked in construction with his father in Syria. They dont want to give anyone an excuse to call them violent. The people here are not terrorists; they ran from terror, he says, repeating a refrain often heard among refugees attempting to stem the tide of racism. These people will never harm the police. On Tuesday, clashes between migrants and the police were reported from Idomeni as police attempted to clear out the protest. On the train tracks, the young men insist they werent fighting, but rescuing a woman from being grabbed by the police. Rami, the auto mechanic, pulls down his shirt, revealing a bruise on his shoulder he says police inflicted on him in the scuffle. They were grabbing a woman, he says. We grabbed her back. Camps Government camps are another option for the tens of thousands of people massed in Idomeni. In theory, refugees are welcome, even encouraged to go to camps via buses provided near the border. Conditions in the camps are supposedly better than here, where theres not enough food and clean water or medical supplies. As refugees continue to arrive in Greece by the hundreds almost every day, the camps have become increasingly militarized. Refugees say if they go to a camp, they may not be able to leave. I will stay here until the border opens because there is no going back, said Mohammad el-Shahaby, a 30-year-old father of two. And the camp is not a solution. A few of his travel companions opted for the camp to escape the squalor of this border area, and havent been allowed to leave for the past four days. Without any real information, el-Shahaby says his only choice is to wait and hope. Hope, however, is slowly fading for many, said Rami. The media en masse covered this camp earlier in March, as protests turned to clashes when the border closed. Even then, the young men told me, the police spokesmen received more media attention than the humanitarian crisis they are living. Nowadays, reporters still appear in Idomeni, says Basil, who says he doubts that they are sympathetic to the people. Otherwise, how could the world abandon them? The people in the world just must not see the real situation here, Rami said. And new signs at the protest echo his confusion. Refugees say they wonder why the world's outpouring of sympathy for the child Alan Kurdi, whose body was photographed on a Turkish beach last year, doesnt seem to extend to those stuck here. European people, it reads, You already cried on the death of the child Alan. Now we are dying here in Idomeni. Dying slowly Drivers The Twin Falls Senior Center is looking for volunteers to deliver meals to homebound seniors in the Twin Falls area. The center delivers meals Monday through Friday, and routes take one hour or less to complete. Commitment is based on your availability. Volunteers can commit as little as one hour a week or up to five days a week. Several positions are available. Volunteers must be age 18 or older with their own car and have proof of liability insurance. Drivers are reimbursed for fuel. Information: Sandee Earl, 208-734-5084. Volunteers The Senior Companion Program at the CSI Office on Aging needs volunteers, age 55 and older, to assist homebound seniors by providing friendly visits and transportation as needed. Information: Marisol, 208-736-2122 or toll free, 800-574-8656. Drivers The Senior Assisted Services (SAS) program at CSIs Office on Aging is looking for volunteer drivers for their transportation department. The volunteers will transport the programs senior clients to doctor appointments, shopping, and personal necessities. Information: Kathy, 208-736-2122. Volunteers Hospice Visions Inc. is looking for volunteer handy men and women for light home modifications, light touch massage therapists, hair dressers, volunteers for meal assistance, and to visit with, play music and games with those on hospice services. Volunteers are needed with licensed certified therapy animals to love on our hospice patients in their own homes or assisted living centers. Hospice Visions would like volunteers interested in doing art projects with our patients; take someone to the store, run an errand or out for a drive; and as pet assistants to help patients receive regular visits from their beloved pets. Veterans can become a Vet-to-Vet Volunteer and visit with other veterans. Volunteers are also needed to assist with fundraising events and provide office assistance. Information: Nora, 208-735-0121 or nwells@hospicevisions.org. Volunteers The Foster Grandparent Program at the CSI Office on Aging has openings for volunteers, age 55 and older, to read to children ages 2 to 9 and assist with their academic and social skills. Placements are available throughout the Magic Valley in Head Start programs and public elementary schools. Information: Marisol, 208-736-2122 or toll free, 800-574-8656. Volunteers The CSI Office on Aging is looking for a volunteer with general office skills. The volunteer will sit at the front desk, greet customers, answer phone calls, file, input data on computer and perform other general office duties as requested by the director. The office is open from 8 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Info: Suzanne, 208-731-2122. Volunteers The CSI Refugee Center is in need of adult volunteers to assist refugees with English as a Second Language instruction and one-to-one ESL tutoring of adults. No previous teaching experience is required. Information: Kathy at 208-736-2166. SHOSHONE | There's a new sheriff in town. Or there will be, starting next year, in at least two of the Magic Valley's eight counties. In Camas and Gooding counties, the incumbent sheriffs are running unopposed, while in Twin Falls, Jerome, Minidoka and Cassia counties, the races will be decided during May's Republican primary. But two current sheriff's are retiring from law enforcement after deciding not to run in 2016. Blaine County Sheriff Gene Ramsey is retiring, and his chief deputy, Steve M. Harkins, is running unopposed to replace him. Ramsey has been with the Blaine County Sheriffs Office for 39 years and said it seemed like the right time to retire, especially because his chief deputy was ready and willing to take over. Im proud of a whole lot of things, this office has made a lot of strides over 39 years, Ramsey said over the phone Monday. Im most proud of the people weve developed and the people Ive worked with. Ramsey said the people of Blaine County can expect excellent leadership from Harkins, who worked in the Hailey police department for five years before he was hired in 1998 to be a Blaine County sheriffs detective. Harkins also served as chief of police in Ketchum, a division of the sheriffs office, until he became chief deputy in 2014. It is during my time at Ketchum that I learned how to effectively manage a department while maintaining fiscal restraint and accountability, Harkins wrote in an email announcing his candidacy. Harkins, a Democrat, said Monday the sheriffs office is in a good place and hell look to keep the team weve built and continue the great office. Harkins called Ramsey an icon of our law enforcement community. I sincerely appreciate his mentoring and wish him the utmost happiness in a well-earned retirement, Harkins wrote in his announcement email. As for Ramsey, he still hasnt made up his mind about what retirement will look like for him. I guess I got plenty of time to decide, he said. Lincoln County When Sheriff Kevin Ellis steps down next year after two terms, hell have been part of the office for 25 years. Its time, Ellis said Wednesday. Ive accomplished the biggest majority of the things I set out to do. My guys are driving decent rigs, they have the tools they need to do their jobs, weve got enough people to cover the county 24 hours a day. While he might be retiring from law enforcement, the 66-year-old still plans to work expanding his property management company and, most importantly, playing with his grandkids. As for what hell miss most about being sheriff, he said working with his deputies and the people of his county. But unlike Blaine County, which looks to be a clean handoff from Ramsey to Harkins, the race to fill the vacuum left by Ellis retirement is packed. Five Republicans and one independent candidate are vying to fill the void. Republican Rene Rodriguez, a Shoshone police sergeant with experience as a sheriffs deputy in Blaine and Lincoln counties, is the candidate Ellis is endorsing. I think that Rodriguez would make a good sheriff, Ellis said. Rodriguez wrote in announcing his candidacy that he plans to take a data-driven approach to crime and traffic safety. He also plans to promote interagency training within the county and the region and has promised 24-hour business patrols. George JR Gregory, also a Republican, announced his candidacy back in July. He was a sheriffs sergeant in Lincoln County until he resigned in 2015, but after stepping away he realized he missed law-enforcement work too much. Gregory has worked as a school resource officer and said he is committed to an open-door policy with both citizens and media. County Commissioner Cresley McConnell, a Republican, is looking to take on a different role in county leadership as he runs for sheriff. My focus is to improve the safety of this county from the children to the senior citizens, and everybody in between, McConnell said Wednesday. McConnell is a reserve deputy who doesnt have full-time law-enforcement experience, but said he has a lot of common sense and his experience as county commissioner will carry over. I have a vast working knowledge of administration as well as Idaho laws and statutes, McConnell said. William T. Irving, another of the five Republicans, said during a speech last Saturday at the Lincoln Day Event that he has 13 years of law-enforcement experience, the majority of it in Lincoln County. His platform is what he called trust issues between the community and the sheriffs office and talked about fixing the trust and the communication within the office. During the same event, Verlon C. Southwick, also a Republican, said hes been a resident of Lincoln County since 1978. Ive been involved in search and rescue, EMS and law enforcement, Southwick said. As Ive watched this political season, watched Facebook and Youtube and the things that happen between law enforcement and the communities, we need to bring our communities back to the trust that we need. Our community members need to know that we are here for them. The only non-Republican in the race is Craig Gill, an independent. The law should apply to everybody equally, no matter who you are or who you know, Gill said for why hes running for sheriff. The business owner has no law-enforcement experience but says managing his business through tough times last decade gave him valuable administration skills. The leader of the Future Movement party and once prime minister of Lebanon, Saad Hariri, met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to discuss the situation in Lebanon and other regional matters of common interest. During the meeting in Moscow, Hariri told Lavrov that we appreciate the important role that Russia is playing in the region but lamented that the meddling of foreign actors into regional affairs especially in Lebanon is preventing the election of a head of state. Lebanon has been without a president since May 2014 and there is no likelihood of the political parties reaching an agreement any time soon as they are divided between two camps and none of them has enough parliamentary votes to win an outright majority to elect a president. Lavrov said Russia is interested in preserving the Lebanese community and state institutions by continuously cooperating with Lebanese political groups including those that are not in the cabinet. He underlined the unconditioned respect of the countrys sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence while noting that the Middle East continues to be a region that is too complicated. Lavrov, who expressed his countrys keenness to safeguard Lebanon, called on rival Lebanese leaders to maintain the countrys best interest away from foreign interference. Future Movement MP Atef Majdalani said the visit is part of Hariris flurry of regional and international activity aimed at serving the interests of Lebanon and the Lebanese as well as protecting Lebanon from the repercussions of regional conflicts, namely the war in Syria. Interfax news agency quoted Hariri saying that Lebanon is ready to cooperate with Russia militarily and [on] various other matters. On Syria, he added that President Assad cannot be part of a final solution. Bahrains oil and gas investment and business development company Nogaholding signed a five year $750 million multi-bank Islamic loan to finance the expansion and development of some projects including the construction of a liquefied natural gas import terminal. The loan is the first of its kind for the company since its creation in 2007 and the book was significantly oversubscribed according to reports. The company arranged the loan with 10 banks and the demand of participating banks was strong. The CEO of Nogaholding Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa said the syndicated financing was designed to fulfill the companys ambitious plans to further expand its portfolio and said it was an investment in the future. The Gulfs first oil field was discovered in Bahrain in 1932 and it had a production capacity of 44,000bpd in 2014 but most of its oil comes from a joint field with Saudi Arabia. The companys CEO said there are ongoing efforts to grow the Kingdom of Bahrains oil and gas assets and position our nation as a significant regional and international player as he admitted that the loan will contribute to it. The funds would finance several strategic projects. The company has outlined substantial expansion plans and expects to invest in excess of $7 billion across several separate ventures in the next five years. The BAPCO refinery will be modernized and the LNG Import Terminal will be supported on a Build-Operate-Own-Transfer basis with a consortium of international investors and a new gas plant project will be constructed to increase gas processing capacity within Bahrain. Bahrain is trying to boost its capacity in the oil and gas sector amid the low global oil prices which affected the coffers of several oil dependent companies. President Assad on Wednesday signaled that he is willing to form a unity government with opposition and independent figures but the High Negotiations Committee (HNC,) a coalition of Syrian opposition parties, quickly rejected the proposal. In an interview with Russian news agency RIA, Assad said it was logical for the different pro, opposition and neutral forces to be represented in a cabinet but stressed that calls for his exclusion are illogical and unconstitutional. He argued that the national unity government will prepare a new constitution as he downplayed the need for a transitional body of power because it cant be found neither in the Syrian constitution nor in the constitution of any other country in the world. HNC reacted to the interview with senior member Assad al-Zoabi saying that international resolutions on Syria urged for the formation of a transitional body with full powers, including presidential powers. Assad should not remain for even one hour after the formation, Zoabi said. George Sabra, a representative of HNC, added that President Assads comments have no relation to the political process Assad claimed some (Syrian parties) have agreed to the drafting of a constitution and it could be ready within weeks although other Syrian parties have not yet agreed to this principle of a unity government. He said that these are not difficult questions to agree on. In a separate interview published by Sputnik, Assad accused Turkey, France, Britain and Saudi Arabia of supporting terrorism in Syria. He said Russia, China and Iran are supporting Damascus and they would be given the priority during the reconstruction process while claiming that Western countries will try to have a share. The Kenyan government on Wednesday signed agreement with China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) that will carry out a cross-country rail project to link the East African nations port city of Mombasa to Uganda, Burundi and South Sudan. According to the Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) the Chinese firm will develop Naivasha-Kisumu/Malaba SGR project, Kisumu Port and the Inland Container Depot at a total cost of 5.3 billion U.S. dollars. Under the agreement, the two firms, CCCC and KRC, will also, facilitate transfer of technology; creation of skills and capacity for construction, maintenance and operation of the railway upon completion. The 900km-long railway will ease congestion in main highways and facilitate cross border trade. Construction work will start later this year. Wilson Nyakera, principal secretary in Kenyas transport ministry said the government expected to conclude a financing agreement for the Naivasha-Malaba leg in the next six months. Especially with improved chances of survival from severe combat trauma, plastic surgeons play a critical role in managing injuries sustained in modern warfare, suggests an experience at a combat hospital in Afghanistan described in the April issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). "This study shows that if plastic surgeons are deployed as part of a military surgical team, they contribute to a large proportion of the surgical activity," according to the report by Dr. Shehan Hettiaratchy and colleagues of the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Birmingham. Plastic Surgeons Involved in 40 Percent of Combat Trauma Cases The researchers analyzed the activity of British plastic surgeons deployed to a military hospital in Afghanistan (the Role 3 Medical Treatment Facility at Camp Bastion) from 2009 to 2012. The study included information on more than 1,650 surgical cases, representing different surgeons and changes in combat activity, wound patterns, and hospital mission. Overall, plastic surgeons were involved in 40 percent of casesa figure that remained about the same throughout the experience. International coalition forces accounted for about 40 percent of plastic surgery cases, Afghan National Security Forces for 20 percent, and civilians for the remaining 40 percent. One-third of civilian cases were children. Most plastic surgery cases involved the limbs, reflecting the high rate of injuries caused by blasts from improvised explosive devices (IEDs)the "signature wounding mechanism" of the war in Afghanistan, according to the authors. However, plastic surgeons were also involved in cases involving injuries to other body areas, including the head and neck, the face and eyes, and the trunk. "This demonstrates the breadth of surgical expertise required of a military plastic surgeon," Dr. Hettiaratchy and colleagues write. In about two-thirds of cases, plastic surgeons worked on teams alongside orthopedic and general surgeons. Plastic surgery involvement was similar for patients who were and were not wearing combat body armor when injured. Most plastic surgery cases were classified as debridementremoval of damaged or contaminated tissue. Relatively few procedures involved surgery to save a limb or surgical reconstruction. This reflected the emphasis on transferring injured soldiers for staged surgery and definitive reconstruction away from the combat zone. Reconstruction was more likely to be done in Afghan soldiers or civilians. The need for plastic surgeons reflects the injury patterns sustained in modern warfareparticularly the multiple limb injuries caused by IEDs. "In previous conflicts, this severity of injury was not as survivable," according to Dr. Hettiaratchy and colleagues. Advances in prehospital and acute care have increased the chances of survival for individuals with multiple severe injuries. For these injured fighters, the researchers write, "Survival is not enough....It is essential that the maximum functional outcome is achieved for each injured limb." While the experience can't prove that plastic surgery expertise improves patient outcomes, it strongly support the value of the diverse skills of plastic surgeons in treating the severe and extensive injury patterns characteristic of modern combat. "This study shows that a team consisting of plastic, orthopedic and general surgeons can manage almost all injuries sustained in modern conflict using their normally-practiced and therefore maintained skill sets," Dr. Hettiaratchy and colleagues conclude. Explore further Good outcomes with multiple limb salvage after severe combat injuries More information: Laura Maitland et al. The Role of Military Plastic Surgeons in the Management of Modern Combat Trauma, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (2016). Journal information: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Laura Maitland et al. The Role of Military Plastic Surgeons in the Management of Modern Combat Trauma,(2016). DOI: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000002020 Cong-Hui Yao, a graduate student in the Patti Lab at Washington University in St. Louis, explains a surprising finding about the metabolism of cancer cells. A McDonnell scholar, she is the first author on a new publication that suggests dividing cancer cells don't soak up more glucose if they can scavenge lipids instead of synthesizing them. Credit: Patti Lab Cancer cells are defined by their ability for uncontrolled growth, one cell quickly becoming two becoming many. "It's a fascinating process," said Gary Patti, PhD, associate professor of chemistry at Washington University in St. Louis. "Imagine creating two copies of yourself every few days instead of just maintaining the one you have. In the past 15 or 20 years people have become really interested in how a cell does that." For more than 80 years the reigning idea has been that cancer cells fuel their explosive growth by soaking up glucose from the blood, using its energy and atoms to crank out duplicate sets of cellular components. One of the reasons so much glucose is taken up is to make the lipids, or fats, that are assembled into cell membranes, the thin veils that separate the contents of a cell from its environment. In 1970s and '80s, scientists working with radioactively tagged glucose showed that practically all the lipids inside tumor cells were made from glucose the cells took up from the extracellular environment, a finding that seemingly corroborated the "glucose hypothesis." The hypothesis makes sense, but like many other things that make sense, it may not be right. While pursuing other work, the Patti lab discovered that proliferating fibroblasts make most of their lipids from glucose only if they are grown in standard cell-culture medium, which is nutrient-rich but lipid-poor. When the scientists spiked the culture medium with lipids, raising concentrations to those typical of blood, the cells preferred to scavenge lipids from the medium rather than synthesizing them. And under these conditions, rapidly dividing cells took up no more glucose than cells that weren't dividing. Graduate student Nathaniel Mahieu works in the Patti Lab at Washington University in St. Louis. He is a co-author on the new publication about cancer cell metabolism. Credit: James Byard/WUSTL Photos This effect was discovered in cultures of fibroblasts, which divide until they touch one another and then stop, giving scientists a chance to compare the metabolism of proliferating and quiescent cells. But intrigued by the "lipid effect," the scientists checked for it in two cancer-cell lines, the famous HeLa cells and a lung cancer cell line called H460. These cell lines responded less strongly but similarly to lipid concentrations. The startling result, published online in the March 31, 2016, issue of Cell Chemical Biology, calls into question aspects of cancer research and treatment founded on the glucose hypothesis. "It has only been possible to think about glucose metabolism at the systems level for the past few years," Patti said, referring to the new discipline of metabolomics. "Before that the technology to follow glucose through all the possible metabolic pathways just didn't exist." Are glucose-uptake images accurate? "The idea that increased glucose uptake is a metabolic hallmark of cancer cells is deeply embedded in our thinking. It's the basis for how we diagnose cancer and manage its treatment in the clinic," Patti said. In diagnostic FDG-PET scans, patients are injected with a small amount of a glucose analog that includes a radioactive atom and are then scanned to create images of glucose uptake by various organs. Bright spots on these images indicate potential cancer. Our study raises questions about the sensitivity of these scans, Patti said. "Perhaps cancer cells can live off fats floating in the blood rather than making them all out of glucose, particularly in the case of obese or diabetic patients whose blood lipid concentrations can be higher than normal." Could this allow cancer cells to fly under the radar, leading to false negatives? Should cancer drugs target glucose metabolism? Because of the glucose hypothesis, scientists have devoted a lot of attention to developing cancer therapies that inhibit either glucose metabolism or lipid synthesis. But if the assumption is wrong, would blocking glucose metabolism slow cell growth? Wouldn't the cells just scavenge lipids from their surroundings? To test this possibility, the scientists tried dosing their cell lines with 2DG, a glucose molecule with a hydrogen atom substituted for a hydroxyl (OH-) group that gets stuck in the pathway that breaks down glucose. They found that if they spiked the cultures with lipids as well, 2DG was much less effective in slowing the growth of cancer cells. This finding challenges the reasoning behind one strategy for killing cancer cells, Patti said. 2DG is now in clinical trials. What about targeting lipid uptake? If the work in the Patti lab suggests that cancer cells might not respond as hoped to drugs that block the glucose uptake, it also suggests blocking lipid uptake might be effective . he scientists tested this idea by dosing their cultures with a drug called SSO that irreversibly binds to a lipid transporter in the cell membrane, inhibiting lipid uptake. When they did this, all three cells lines were slower to grow and divide. Perhaps we should be thinking more about inhibiting lipid uptake, Patti said. Cells in culture are artifacts 'The last point," Patti said, "and I think most people accept this, is that cell cultures are highly artificial systems that often give misleading results. Whether cell culture findings translate to animal models or patients is really questionable; it's hard to place a lot of trust in them," he said. "In this case, the standard cell culture media that everyone uses has such low lipid concentrations that it really skews what the cells in culture are doing. "Even though we all do the same cell culture in the same way it is dangerous to assume the results apply to the clinic," he said. Explore further Research describes how glucose regulation enables malignant tumor growth New research from David Gutmann, MD, PhD, may help doctors determine which medical issues are likely to manifest in patients with the inherited cancer syndrome neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). The findings indicate that varying mutations in the NF1 gene may lead to different clinical outcomes. Credit: Robert J. Boston/School of Medicine Children with the inherited cancer syndrome neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) are prone to developing brain and nerve tumors as well as myriad other medical problems, including autism, epilepsy and bone defects. While the disorder is caused by a mutation in a single gene, the range and severity of clinical abnormalities vary widely, making the impact of NF1 on children and adults difficult to predict and treat. But new research at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis may help doctors determine which issues are likely to manifest in patients with NF1. The findings indicate that varying mutations in the NF1 gene may lead to different clinical outcomes. The research is published online in Human Molecular Genetics. "This discovery could enable us to better predict how NF1 will affect specific individuals, showing us what problems are likely to develop and how best to address them," said senior author David H. Gutmann, MD, PhD, the Donald O. Schnuck Family Professor of Neurology. "These early-phase findings bring us one step closer to being able to individually tailor how we monitor and treat people with NF1." While all individuals with the disorder are born with a mutation in the NF1 gene, there are thousands of different NF1 gene mutations. To determine whether specific mutations of the gene increase the risk of developing optic gliomas, one of the most common brain tumors affecting children with NF1, the researchers used mice genetically engineered with patient-specific NF1 gene mutations. Surprisingly, Gutmann and his colleagues found that mice harboring one specific patient-derived NF1 gene mutation developed optic gliomas, while mice with another patient-derived NF1 gene mutation did not. The mice with optic gliomas also had greater eye dysfunction. Optic gliomas are known causes of vision loss in children with NF1. To determine why the specific mutation had such a dramatic effect on optic glioma formation and vision, Joseph Toonen, PhD, a postdoctoral research fellow, built upon previous research in the Gutmann laboratory that demonstrated a critical role for microgliaimmune cells in the central nervous system that defend against invaders in mouse brain tumor growth. Toonen discovered that the number and activity of microglia were affected differently by each mutation. There were more microglia in mice with one patient-derived mutation, leading to greater tumor growth and increased optic nerve injury. In striking contrast, these findings were not observed with the other patient-derived mutation. The scientists now are researching how microglia promote optic glioma growth and vision loss. "Based on these exciting results, we can now envision using a mini-clinic of mice with different NF1 gene mutations," said Gutmann, who also directs the Washington University NF Center. "This would offer us a valuable representation of the spectrum of clinical variability in this very heterogeneous disorder. "Moreover, should specific gene mutations play a major role in determining brain tumor development, families could be better informed about the risk that their children may develop such tumors," Gutmann said. For this reason, the researchers are incorporating the mice into preclinical drug-discovery and evaluation efforts as a means of developing precision medicine strategies for children and adults with the disorder. Explore further Finding may aid diagnosis of learning disabilities linked to brain tumor syndrome More information: Joseph A. Toonen et al. germline mutation differentially dictates optic glioma formation and growth in neurofibromatosis-1 , Human Molecular Genetics (2016). Journal information: Human Molecular Genetics Joseph A. Toonen et al. germline mutation differentially dictates optic glioma formation and growth in neurofibromatosis-1 ,(2016). DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddw039 The number of children in Europe and the USA with type 1 diabetes is growing by four percent each year. A group of European researchers has now joined forces under the leadership of the Goethe University, with the goal of sparing affected people from lifelong insulin therapy. They plan to develop three-dimensional cellular structures of insulin-producing cells (organoids) in the laboratory and to work with pharmaceutical industry partners to develop a process for their mass production. The European Union is providing over five million Euro over the next four years to support the project. The first clinical studies on transplantation of organoids are planned after that. Patients with type 1 diabetes are unable to produce insulin due to a genetic defect or an autoimmune disorder. They could be cured by transplanting a functional pancreas, but there are not nearly enough donor organs available. This is why researchers had the idea of growing intact insulin-producing cells from donor organs in the laboratory to form organoids, which they would then transplant into the pancreas of diabetes patients. "The method has already been shown to work in mice", explains Dr Francesco Pampaloni, who coordinated the first project together with Prof. Ernst Stelzer at the Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences at the Goethe University. Researchers have only recently discovered how to produce organoids. Adult stem cells, which develop into cells for wound healing or tissue regeneration in the body, are the starting point. These cells can be grown in the laboratory through cell division and then allowed to differentiate into the desired cell type. The key is now to embed them in a matrix so that they grow into three-dimensional structures. The organoids are typically spherical, hollow on the inside and have a diameter of approx. 20 micrometres - about half as thick as the diameter of a human hair - to hundreds of micrometres. "If the structure were compact, then there would be a risk of the inner cells dying off after transplantation because they wouldn't be supplied by the host organ's cellular tissue", Pampaloni explains. Mouse pancreas organoid imaged with a Digitally Scanned Light Sheet-based Fluorescence Microscope (LSFM, mDSLM). Left: actin cytoskeleton (staining Phalloidin-Alexa488). Right: cell nuclei (staining Draq5). Illumination objective lens Carl Zeiss Epiplan Neofluar 2.5x, NA 0.05. Detection objective lens Carl Zeiss W N-Achroplan 10x, NA 0.3. Credit: Imaging and visualization by Francesco Pampaloni, Goethe University Frankfurt, BMLS. Pancreas organoids from Meritxell Huch and Christopher Hindley, Gurdon Institute, Cambridge, UK The task of the Frankfurt group under Stelzer and Pampaloni is to control the growth and differentiation of the filigree organoids under a microscope. To do so, they use a light microscopy method developed by Stelzer with which the growth of biological objects can be followed cell for cell in three dimensions. The project is called LSFM4Life, because light sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM) plays a key role in the project. The Frankfurt group is also responsible for developing quality assurance protocols, because of the cooperation with industrial partners in Germany, France, the Netherlands and Switzerland, the original goal of the project is the large-scale production of organoids in accordance with good manufacturing practices for pharmaceuticals. Two research groups in Cambridge specialise in isolating insulin-producing cells from donor organs and growing organoids, while a group of clinicians in Milan is developing methods for transplanting organoids. As is the case for all organ transplants, care will have to be taken with organoids as well so that rejection responses by the recipient's immune system are avoided. However, over time the researchers plan to build cell banks from which immunologically compatible cell types can be selected for every recipient. Explore further In boost for transplants, kidney tissue grown in lab Provided by Goethe University Frankfurt This is a scanning electron micrograph (false color) of a human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neuron. Credit: Thomas Deerinck, UC San Diego (Medical Xpress)In dynamic neuronal networks, pervasive oscillatory activity is usually explained by pointing to pacemaking elements that synchronize and drive the network. Recently, however, scientists at The Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel studied synchronized periodic bursting that emerged spontaneously in a network of in vitro rat hippocampus and cortex neurons, finding that roughly 60% of all active neurons were self-sustained oscillators when disconnected from the network and that each neuron oscillated at its own frequency, which is controlled by the neuron's excitability. The researchers say that neuronal oscillations are widespread in the brain, not only in processes that require timing but also observed over natural activity characteristic of many areas and that their realization that single neurons operating in default mode with no relevant input tend to oscillate may be important in deciphering the activity in these areas. Similarly, they state, the ability to couple and create large ensembles of synchronized oscillations will be important to understand how the activity spread to larger areas. Prof. Elisha Moses and Medical Xpress discussed the paper that he and his colleagues published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. "Employing multielectrode arrays to follow the spontaneous activity of up to 59 single neurons continuously and simultaneously in a dissociated culture was a basic technical capability that has made our discoveries possible," Moses tells Medical Xpress. "In our labs, we use three basic measurements to monitor network activity in neuronal cultures. The first the one our paper mainly discusses is an electrical measurement using multi-electrode arrays, in which the external signature of the neuronal action potential, or spike, is monitored with an array of metal electrodes." Multielectrode arrays (MEAs) act as neural interfaces that connect neurons to electronic circuitry. The scientists used the MEAs to measure spikes in multiple neurons simultaneously. "Our second technique was fluorescent calcium imaging, which involves optical imaging of fluorescent cellular activity that changes once the neuron fires and calcium flows inside. An advantage of this technique," Moses explains, "is that a large number of neurons can simultaneously be monitored." Their third method was the classic patch clamp electrophysiology technique, which allows the measurement of single or multiple ion channels in neural and other cell types with great precision, control and detail. "If the cell participates in network activity, there are subtle signs in its activity that can be observed and that inform us of the entire network activation. The use of MEAs in particular," he adds, "has enabled us to measure a regime that was mostly ignored up to now, in which there is no calcium in the external medium. This is a regime that was not probed in detail before, where electrical signals are still measurable but calcium fluorescence imaging is not." Moses points out that the use of MEAs has turned out to be crucial for observing the oscillations of individual and independently active neurons. A critical aspect of their study was showing that hippocampal and cortical neurons fire in an oscillatory manner, both individually and as a network. "The periodicity of the network at nonzero calcium concentrations is an observation that has been under some controversy over the years," Moses notes. Previously, the inter-burst interval (the time between bursts, or IBI) has been reported by others to have complicated, even fractal, statistics. If so, Moses points out, this might indicate that neurons are in a critical physical phase transition regime. "However, we showed that the behavior of IBIs depends strongly on the composition of the external fluid in which the measurement is carried out: For a well-controlled composition of this fluid under physiological conditions," he illustrates, "we consistently observed periodic firing behavior; however for fluids with less-controlled components the behavior can indeed become highly complex." Since this was important in resolving the previous reports, the scientists verified and complemented the measurement made with MEAs by using the fluorescence calcium imaging as well as the patch clamp measurement methodologies. Movie S1. Disconnected network: 0 mM [Ca2+]o. (Upper) Relative topography (on the MEA) of the active electrodes. When a neuron fires a spike, its corresponding location flashes in white. (Lower) Equivalent total activity (sum of spikes over all electrodes) is shown in 20-ms bins. The same culture (depicted in Fig. 3A) is shown in consecutive recordings at different calcium concentrations corresponding to different coupling strengths. Credit: Copyright Penn Y, Segal M, Moses E (2016) Network synchronization in hippocampal neurons. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 113(12):3341-3346. At the same time, Moses adds, the independent periodicity of individual neurons within the neural culture is a completely new observation. "In principle, to get independently firing neurons one must disrupt the synaptic connections that make up the neuronal network. Traditionally, this was done by blocking receptors for a variety of neurotransmitters on the receiving end that is, at the post-synaptic neuron. This was always followed by a complete suppression of the activity, both of the network (since it was now disconnected) but surprisingly also of the single neurons. Our approach, on the contrary, was to block the sending side, or pre-synaptic neuron." The researchers achieved this by going to zero calcium concentration in the fluid, which bathes the neuronal network, and relying on MEAs for the measurement of firing activity. At zero calcium the ability of the synapse to release and eventually recruit vesicles for the synaptic connection is disrupted, Moses tells Medical Xpress, thereby being an alternative way to break up the network into individual neurons. "In retrospect, we understand that under physiological conditions that is, 1-1.5mM calcium and 4-5 mM potassium the excitability of the neurons is low, and therefore most single neurons are not active when the network is disconnected by blockers. However, when they're connected under the same conditions, network bursts are enabled by the activity of only a few percent of the neurons in the network, whose excitability is higher." (A millimole (mM) is one-thousandth of a mole, the latter being the amount of a chemical substance that contains as many elementary entities such as atoms, ions, molecules, or free radicals as there are atoms in 12 grams of carbon-12, which is a constant expressed by Avogadro's number, 6.023 1023.) A key finding was that calcium has an effect on excitability, enabling network connectivity by increasing synaptic release while concurrently reducing single neuron excitability. Moses notes that the important and wide-ranging effects that calcium concentration both in the cell and outside it are well documented. "Calcium is important both for the fast ready to release pool of vesicles and the slower process of recruitment of vesicles to the synapse. By using barium instead of calcium, which is known to play a role in the second process but not in the first, we were able to see synchronization of the frequency but not of the phase, so that we saw network bursts that are wide in time rather than abrupt and simultaneous. We have therefore been able to show that a large number of the properties that make calcium special as a control element come into play in the coupling between neurons in the neuronal culture." At low calcium, he adds, neurons are very active but not coupled; at higher concentration they are less active but highly coupled so the balance struck by the neural culture is really quite striking, and can be easily disrupted or controlled by varying the concentration of calcium. Relatedly, magnesium decreased excitability without affecting connectivity, but did not participate in the synaptic processes, where Moses says calcium is the key player. By adding magnesium the researchers were able to dissect the two contributions of calcium, showing what the effect on excitability alone does. In their paper, the researchers reported that periodic network bursts originate in collective effects rather than in specialized pacemaking elements that control the rest of the network. Specifically, Moses says that there are three scenarios for the origin of periodic firing in the network: 1. One or a few specialized individual neurons oscillate and they drive the network at their own frequency 2. The network has its own dynamics, unaffected by and unrelated to the activity of a single neuron, that fixes its frequency 3. The neurons have individual dynamics with different frequencies, but when connected they influence each other and reach a collective mean frequency that is adopted by the network Movie S4. Strongly coupled network: 0.5 mM [Ca2+]o. (Upper) Relative topography (on the MEA) of the active electrodes. When a neuron fires a spike, its corresponding location flashes in white. (Lower) Equivalent total activity (sum of spikes over all electrodes) is shown in 20-ms bins. The same culture (depicted in Fig. 3A) is shown in consecutive recordings at different calcium concentrations corresponding to different coupling strengths. Credit: Copyright Penn Y, Segal M, Moses E (2016) Network synchronization in hippocampal neurons. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 113(12):3341-3346. "The third scenario has a long and distinguished list of models and of people who've worked on how neurons interact to create this collective effect," Moses says. "Kuramoto1 suggested the initial model, whereby sinusoidal oscillators interact to make a network oscillation. This was generalized by Strogatz2 to describe units that couple by spikes rather than continuously. Finally, Ermentrout3, Hansel4 and Golomb5 then showed how this is relevant for neurons. However," Moses stresses, "while we have not proven this beyond any doubt, our results strongly support the third scenario by showing the relation between the frequency of the bursting network and the mean of the distribution of the individual neurons. Furthermore, we're able to follow the transition to collective behavior as we gradually crank up the coupling strength between the neurons, and we were able to see how the neurons first synchronize their frequency and then gradually line up their phases so that they are firing simultaneously in the bursting network characteristic of the final stage of synchronization." The scientists also reported that excitability and connectivity could be modified by systematically varying the network environment. "Network dynamics are usually thought to be determined by their connections that is, synaptic strength. However, we're able to take the same network and, without any change in its architecture, obtain very different dynamics just by changing the conditions that the synapse is feeling externally." Moses says this shows that most of neuronal dynamics can be controlled externally for example, by the glial cells or by slightly changing the extracellular ion concentrations and adds that the external environment can also explain some of the controversies related to the wide variety of neuronal activities that has been observed by different experimental groups over the years. The paper reports that synaptic blockers elucidated the involvement of neurotransmission in coupling individual neurons. "In general, the role of synaptic blockers for disrupting the network has been confusing because the neural excitability is low," Moses explains. "We were able to raise or lower the excitability by adding potassium or magnesium, respectively, and in both cases saw that the neurons tend to be oscillatory both on their own and collectively when connected. Moreover, the gradual appearance of synchronization as calcium is increased gives a clear intuition onto the role of the connectivity in driving the network oscillations." In addition, the researchers write that glial cells and other coupling mechanisms should also be considered. "The effect of one neuron on its neighbors is complex, and mediated by several mechanisms," Moses tells Medical Xpress. "A number of mechanisms that influence the coupling between neurons exist, such as the effect of glial cells, which are abundant in our neuronal culture and whose influence on the network activity is generally accepted to be relevant and important. Our work has not covered the possible contribution of glial cells, and this is certainly an open problem that can be of interest in our future studies." Medical Xpress asked Moses if, given the paper's focus on the hippocampus, he has any comments on the work by Berger6 and his colleagues at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles in implementing a functional hippocampal prosthesis a device that has performed well in laboratory testing in animals and reportedly is being evaluated for use in human patients. "There's no doubt in my mind that prosthetics will prove a driving force in unraveling fundamental questions of neuroscience, since they are driven by a real medical need and can provide a unique window into the function of the brain along with a handle into influencing its dynamics in ways that we have not seen before. Since the prosthetics offer a communication gate into neurons in the brain, our results offer insight and can be important in identifying how to talk with those neurons in vivo. The unknown language or code by which neurons communicate is a major question that is still not well understood, and our realization that oscillations are the basic building block of the neuronal repertoire may turn out useful in this context." Regarding the researchers' plans, Moses says, two immediate questions relate to the nature of the individual neuronal oscillations and of the networks bursts. "We intend to identify different cells within the culture, and to find out the range of oscillatory behavior and frequencies for the different types. Current ability to separate neural populations by FACS promises the ability to build networks of different neuronal elements and to relate neuronal properties with their firing dynamics. In the longer term, our lab has an ongoing effort into the construction of neuronal logical devices, where the addition of a natural intrinsic clock for the computation is of fundamental importance. In parallel, we cooperate with theoretical physicists from Diderot University in Paris who are developing predictive models to describe the transition to synchrony." In addition, the group is looking into the ability to externally excite neurons with technologies such as magnetic and ultrasonic stimulation, and other avenues of research involve the network structure of activity in the whole brain. "Synchrony covers a wide range of phenomena, from the synchronization of firefly nocturnal firing to the discovery of menstrual synchrony by McClintock7 and its implications on how humans communicate," Moses tells Medical Xpress. "Our results add neural synchrony as an important member to this family of systems where coupling between individual oscillating units leads to a large collective bursting oscillations." In general, he adds, the dynamics of neural networks are interesting not because they model the brain (they actually don't, since the connections are very different), but rather because they present a simplified system in which neuronal activity can be understood in full, presenting a model to study the interactions between the single neurons and the collective computation that results. "Our work is mostly a successful application of synergy between physics and neuroscience," Moses concludes. "We've been able to join the physical picture of a network and the coupling between its nodes, with the neurobiological picture of single neuron excitability and dynamics." Explore further Which neuron is more mature? Single cell transcriptome knows More information: Network synchronization in hippocampal neurons, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences March 22, 2016 vol. 113 no. 12 3341-3346, Network synchronization in hippocampal neurons,March 22, 2016 vol. 113 no. 12 3341-3346, doi:10.1073/pnas.1515105113 Related: 1Kuramoto Y (1975) Self-entrainment of a population of coupled non-linear oscillators. International Symposium on Mathematical Problems in Theoretical Physics (Springer, Berlin), pp 420422 2Strogatz SH (2000) From Kuramoto to Crawford: Exploring the onset of synchronization in populations of coupled oscillators. Physica D 143(1):120 3Ermentrout GB, Kopell N (1991) Multiple pulse interactions and averaging in systems of coupled neural oscillators. J Math Biol 29(3):195217 4Hansel D, Mato G, Meunier C (1993) Phase dynamics for weakly coupled Hodgkin-Huxley neurons. Europhys Lett 23(5):367372 5Golomb, D, and Hansel, D. The Number of Synaptic Inputs and the Synchrony of Large, Sparse Neuronal Networks. Neural Computation May 2000, Vol. 12, No. 5, Pages 1095-1139, Posted Online March 13, 2006, DOI: 10.1162/089976600300015529 6Berger TW, Hampson RE, Song D, Goonawardena A, Marmarelis VZ, Deadwyler SA (August 2011). A cortical neural prosthesis for restoring and enhancing memory. Journal of Neural Engineering 8 (4): 046017. DOI: 10.1088/1741-2560/8/4/046017 7Mcclintock, Martha K. Nature 229, 244 - 245 (22 January 1971); DOI: 10.1038/229244a0 Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences , Journal of Neural Engineering , Nature 2016 Medical Xpress Japanese researchers found evidence that babies born prematurely are less interested in other people compared to infants born full-term, when tested at 6 and 12 months of age. The study adds further insight into recent reports about the links between premature birth and autism. Credit: Eiri Ono/Kyoto University Attention to other people is a fundamental role for social cognitive development in the early stages of life. However, infants born prematurely show a different attentional pattern. In a new study, a Kyoto University team found evidence that such babies are less interested in other people compared to infants born full-term, when tested at 6 and 12 months of age. This new study brings light to the links between premature birth, development of social communication skills, and ultimately autism. Recent studies illustrate that infants born prematurely are at more risk of autism. "Autism occurs from a mix of genetic and environmental factors. Preterm infants get a tremendous amount of stress in the early days of birth, because the environment is profoundly different from that of the womb," says Masako Myowa-Yamakoshi, who heads the team. "This make them much more prone to developmental difficulties, even if they seem perfectly fine when they leave the hospital." Lead author Masahiro Imafuku adds that a lack of interest in social stimulifor instance, another personcould be an early sign for whether preterm infants are following a path toward atypical social development. "We examined interest in social stimuli in preterm and full-term babies by following their gaze with an eye tracker," he explains. In the first part of the study, the researchers simultaneously displayed videos showing people and geometric patterns to 6- and 12-month old infants, testing which videos the infants preferred. Gaze signifies interest, meaning that the longer time spent looking at the people video, the more interest there is in others. This technique revealed that full-term infants spent more time looking at the people video, but a significant number of preterm babies at term-equivalent ages showed more interest in the geometric motion. In a second task, the team examined how well infants could follow the gaze of other people. "Being able to follow where other person is looking is related to understanding of others' intention, and of language acquisition," says Imafuku. Much like in the first task, 6-month-old full-term infants followed the gazes of people in the video, whereas preterm infants showed difficulty. The team points out that, significantly, interest in other people and following eye directions does develop in most preterm infants from 6 to 12 months. This, when coupled with another study, indicates that the nervous systems of several preterm babies may develop in radically different ways from that of a full-term babies in the first year of life. In a related study the researchers found that preterm babies cry with a shrill, high pitch. This is because the activity of the vagus nerveone of the main parasympathetic nervesis weak in preterm infants compared to full-term babies. "The low activity of the vagus nerve makes the vocal cords contract excessively," says Yuta Shinya, who authored the second study. "The distinct shrill of preterm babies reflects the activity of this nerve, which is related to the regulation of heart and throat function, health, and cognitive abilities. We're looking into whether the shrill cries correlate with atypical cognitive development in infancy." "Preterm birth incidence is rising in developed countries like Japan, since people increasingly give birth at an older age, and given assumed risks with IVF," says Myowa-Yamakoshi. "We hope that studies like ours contribute to earlier diagnoses, so that we can offer appropriate support at as early a stage as possible." Explore further Hypoxia challenge test can ID fitness to fly in neonates More information: The paper "Preference for Dynamic Human Images and Gaze-Following Abilities in Preterm Infants at 6 and 12 Months of Age: An Eye-Tracking Study" appeared 31 March 2016 in Infancy, with The paper "Preference for Dynamic Human Images and Gaze-Following Abilities in Preterm Infants at 6 and 12 Months of Age: An Eye-Tracking Study" appeared 31 March 2016 in, with DOI: 10.1111/infa.12144 What does Georgia offer Belarusian investors? "Georgia is offering attractive opportunities to run European businesses, invest and implement innovative ideas.These words were how Georgias Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili addressed members of the Belarusian business society at the Georgia-Belarus Business Forum.The Belarusian capital hosted the international forum on March 22-23. Georgias PM visited Minsk to attend the Forum and the events it included.Fifty Georgian and Belarusian businesses participated in the bilateral forum.Speaking to participants, Kvirikashvili highlighted the advantages entrepreneurs could enjoy if they invested in Georgia.An open, transparent and inclusive business environment is at your disposal. Our easy customs and tax system, and a non-corrupt Government are also part of our business-friendly environment, Kvirikashvili said.The PM told the Belarusian investors that Georgia had agreements to avoid double taxation with 44 countries and Free Trade deals with the European Union (EU), Turkey and other countries in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) reaching markets of 800 million customers.As of today, Georgia is also negotiating with China to establish a Free Trade agreement.Furthermore, Kvirikashvili stressed Georgia enjoyed a Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) with the United States (US), Canada, Japan, Switzerland and Norway reaching markets of 500 million customers.Kvirikashvili announced Georgia was working on new law together with international financial corporations that focused on investors rights based on best international practice and recommendations.Georgias state programs that supported business were introduced at the forum. As an example, Kvirikashvili spoke about the Produce in Georgia state scheme, which financed 154 projects worth totalling 375 million GEL (about $162 million/145 million*).The Georgian Prime Minister added local foundations such as Partnership Fund and the Co-Investment Fund would also support Belarusian investors in their activities in Georgia.Georgias strategic location and its transit role was another advantage that could attract Belarusian investors, Kvirikashvili stated. He talked about the future projects that could link different countries of the region, and connect Asia to Europe.He named the Anaklia Deep Sea Port development project, the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars Railwayproject, the Silk Wind Train project and the Silk Road Forum as examples.Kvirikashvili said Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) were also increasing in Georgia and this contributed to a growing economy.FDIs increased by 97 percent in 2014 compared to 2013. Preliminary data says FDIs reached $1.35 billion USD in 2015, said Kvirikashvili.Trade turnover between Georgia and Belarus was positive but the partnership could intensify to reach $200 million USD, believed Belarusian officials. Georgias PM announces launch of vocational education reform By Messenger Staff The Prime Minister of Georgia, Giorgi Kvirikashvili, has unveiled a plan of vocational education reform, stressing that the plan would provide an absolutely different learning model in the country.The PM said the model would be based on cooperation between the public and private sectors that will enable students to receive practical experiences in the process of studying.It is very important that students have a chance to communicate and establish a relationship with his/her future employer. After the students complete their studies they will decide whether or not to continue cooperation with the employer, to start his/her own business or to advance to further education, Kvirikashvili said at Georgias newly established Technology Park.The students will have the choice, as the state will create conditions for them in all three directions, the PM added.Kvirikashvili continued that the major drawback for the Georgian economy was the lack of enough qualified staff in various directions.Thats why we initiated this vocational education reform, in order to produce more professionals based on the market demand, Kvirikashvili said.The PM stressed successful implementation of the reform would be a serious, positive push for the country's economy.Kvirikashvili also said a special financial institute would be established that would support start-up ideas and beneficial youth initiatives without following current bank procedures.As it was said, the institute will start functioning in a month's time.Georgia really requires vocational education reform, as Georgias whole education system needs systemic changes.Successive Georgian Governments started reforms in the education system, but most of their reform plans had no real plans and did not provide vital changes based on reasonably elaborated plans.The initiative is welcome, as Georgia needs high quality specialists in various fields, but competent specialists also require appropriate working places with relevant salaries.Consequently, the Government should actively work in different directions to provide real changes. The News in Brief Corporate Income Tax Reform Delayed Until 2017 Citing a request from business associations, the Finance Ministry said it has decided to postpone the enforcement of corporate income tax reform by six months. According to the proposal, which is based on the Estonian model, corporate income tax (a regular rate of which is 15%) will only apply to distributed profit; undistributed profits, reinvested or retained, will not be subject to income taxation. The proposed changes in the tax code will still go through Parliament for confirmation, but, if adopted, they will be brought into effect from January 2017, according to the Finance Ministry. In the event that the reforms had been introduced this year, the government was expecting a drop in tax revenues, which would have required budget cuts of about 350-400 million GEL this year, Finance Minister Nodar Khaduri, said on March 22. He suggested that these changes will no longer be needed because of the six-month delay in enacting the reform. However, he did not rule out other budgetary changes for the purpose of diverting some administrative expenses to funding infrastructure projects. The governments initial proposal was made excluding banks, insurance companies and microfinance institutions from the planned corporate income tax reform. The Finance Minister, however, said on March 22 that changes will also apply to the financial sector, but, unlike other businesses, from 2019 and not from January, 2017. We have analyzed business associations proposal and agree that the changes should go into force from January 1, 2017, Finance Minister Khaduri said on March 22. I want to ask the Georgian Parliament to speed up discussion of the bill as much as possible in order to have it adopted in April if possible. While expressing their support to the proposed reform, the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Georgia and Business Association of Georgia (BAG) have called on the government not to hurry with its enforcement and to postpone it until next year. In a letter to the PM in early March, AmCham Georgia said that that bringing the proposal into effect in the middle of the tax year will be quite problematic for implementation. Our concern is that this is simply too soon to allow companies to put in place the necessary changes in their accounting practices. There are also concerns that, in order for companies to be able to change to the new system half way through the year, they would have to close their financial year in the summer and in the New Year. This would create large administrative burdens that may negate the benefits intended in the change for the current year, Sarah Williamson, the president of AmCham in Georgia, wrote in the letter. BAG also voiced similar concerns and said that hasty implementation of the proposed reform was fraught with risk. BAGs executive director, Irakli Aslanishvili, also pointed that some potential shortcomings of the proposed bill may only surface when it is put into practice, which would require prompt legislative changes something that might be problematic in the view of upcoming parliamentary elections in October, which could have delayed urgent amendments until after Parliament is convened again. (civil.ge) Massive crude oil theft: Two men arrested in Georgia Two men have been arrested for regularly stealing large amounts of crude oil from the BP-operated Baku-Supsa Pipeline in Georgia. Georgian police detained two men in the central Georgian village of Ruisi for the crime which, if proven was committed, will see the offenders go to jail for up to 10 years. Police said an investigation revealed that the offenders allegedly broke into the 833km-long oil pipeline, which runs from the Sangachal Terminal near Baku, Azerbaijan to the Supsa terminal in Georgia. The men allegedly installed a tap at the broken pipe area and fitted a smaller pipeline to the broken pipe that transported oil to a personal reservoir about a kilometre away. Consequently, a portion of crude oil permanently ran from the Baku-Supsa Pipeline to their personal reservoir. Law enforcers did not specify how long the men had allegedly been siphoning oil but said it was an act of "massive theft. When transporting the stolen oil from Ruisi Village to Tbilisi by car, the alleged offenders covered the tanks with vegetables to disguise them. Once in Tbilisi, the crude oil was stored in reservoirs in an old factory on Tavtchrelidze St, near the Kakheti Highway. Afterwards, the oil was processed and sold. The BakuSupsa Pipeline is a refurbished Soviet-era pipeline with several newly built sections. It has six pumping stations and two pressure reduction stations in western Georgia. The four storage tanks at the Supsa terminal have a total capacity of 160,000 cubic metres. The capacity of the pipeline is 145,000 barrels per day with proposed upgrades to between 300,000 to 600,000 barrels per day. The pipeline runs very close to the Administrative Boundary Line (ABL) that separates Georgia and its Russia-occupied Tskhinvali region (South Ossetia). Last summer Russia advanced 2km into Georgian territory, which saw certain segments of the oil pipeline fell behind the new "border signs. (agenda.ge) Prosecutors Office to do its best to make Davit Akhalaia appear before Georgian judiciary The Chief Prosecutors Office of Georgia will use all international instruments and possibilities in order to make convicted Davit Akhalaia appear before the Georgian judiciary, reads the statement of the Prosecutors Office. The agency has released the statement in response to the fact that he was removed from Interpols wanted list. According to the Prosecutors Office, the Interpol General Secretariat has made the decision according to the instructions approved on February 18 by the executive committee according to which the issues of refugees are differently regulated. According to the Prosecutors Office, Data Akhalaia was granted refugee status which caused the annullment of his wanted status. According to the statement, this is not the only case of the search being called off for a wanted man, as the Interpol General Secretariat has also ceased looking for another 209 people wanted by different countries. (ipn.ge) The Palm Beach Post wrote about the role of the county's state attorney, Dave Aronberg, in the case involving Donald Trump's campaign manager. Aronberg, a Democrat, vows that party affiliation won't play a role and he has some ties to a few of the presidential candidates: Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg, whose office will decide whether to pursue misdemeanor battery charges against Donald Trumps campaign manager, is a Democratic Hillary Clinton donor who knew Ted Cruz in law school and has close ties to Republican Attorney General and Trump endorser Pam Bondi. Politics wont be a factor in deciding whether to prosecute Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski, Aronberg said Wednesday, and some prominent local Republicans have given Aronberg high marks for the way hes run his office since his 2012 election. But theorizing about political motives has already begun, with some conservative outlets drawing attention to the Clinton campaigns November rollout of a 150-member Florida Leadership Council that includes Aronberg. Aronberg also contributed $1,000 to Clinton in January. COREY PROSECUTOR OUTED AS HILLARY SUPPORTER, the Drudge Report blared on Wednesday, linking to an article that erroneously reported that Aronberg had brought battery charges against Lewandowski. While the Jupiter Police Department determined there is probable cause to charge Lewandowski, Aronbergs office stressed on Wednesday that it has not yet received any information on the case to determine whether to prosecute. Law enforcement charges on a probable cause standard. The state has to proceed on a legally higher standard of proof, which is beyond a reasonable doubt as well as whether there is a reasonable likelihood of a conviction, Aronberg said in a statement released Wednesday. Keep reading the Palm Beach Post's article here. @MichaelAuslen The Florida Supreme Court on Thursday approved a constitutional amendment backed by utility companies that would maintain the status quo in how solar energy is regulated. It will appear on the ballot in November's election as "Amendment 1," and 60 percent of voters must approve it in order for it to go into effect. Under the proposed amendment -- called Consumers for Smart Solar -- local and state regulators would maintain control over solar energy. We are pleased that the Supreme Court will allow the people of Florida to have a voice on our amendment to advance solar energy in the Sunshine State," Consumers for Smart Solar co-chair Dick Batchelor said in a written statement. "We look forward to making our case to the people of Florida that we must advance solar energy and do it the right way a way that protects all consumers, whether they choose solar or not." The solar issue has been a hot one, though. The utility-backed group launched after another ballot item was proposed that would have allowed property owners to sign lease agreements with solar companies to finance and install equipment. That could have threatened monopolies heald by the utilities. That amendment -- Floridians for Solar Choice -- failed to gather enough signatures to appear on the ballot. They're looking to 2018. Floridians for Solar Choice was supported by many environmental groups as a way to encourage more alternative energy. Shortly after the Supreme Court's ruling on the utility-backed Consumes for Smart Solar, environmentalists started to chime their opposition. This amendment hoodwinks voters by giving the impression that it will encourage the use of rooftop solar when, in fact, it would do the opposite," said Earthjustice attorney David Guest. "If the Constitutional amendment passes, people who install rooftop solar could end up with higher utility bills than if they did not have solar." A separate solar power constitutional amendment to give commercial property owners a tax break on solar panels will appear on the August ballot. The lack of a ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court means Alaska must follow the U.S. Forest Service Roadless Rule in its timber harvest, nearly ending 16 years of legal challenges to management of undeveloped forest. The high court opted not to hear the Alaska state governments appeal of a U.S. 9th Circuit Court decision upholding the 2001 Roadless Rule. While the decision applies only to Alaskas attempts to manage federal timberland, the rule affects all Forest Service land in the United States. Montana has the third-largest inventoried roadless area in the nation, after Alaska and Idaho. The Roadless Rule was developed because of concern that if you didnt look at these lands from a national perspective, you might gradually lose the ecological services these areas provide, said Brian Riggers of the Forest Services Region 1 headquarters in Missoula. Projects developed at a local level may not identify the importance of big pieces of land without looking at it from a national perspective for things like watershed quality, wildlife habitat or ecosystem health. Also, we had a road maintenance backlog, and no money to maintain the roads we had. The 9th Circuit decision denied Alaskas attempt to create a local exemption for the 17 million-acre Tongass National Forest, the largest federal forest in the nation. About 1.5 million acres of that land is roaded, according to Owen Graham of the Alaska Forest Association, which supported the states legal challenge to the Roadless Rule. Alaska has one remaining challenge aimed at the heart of the Roadless Rule, questioning the federal governments ability to impose it in the first place. That suit rests before Washington, D.C., District Judge Richard Leon, coincidentally the same judge hearing the dispute over drilling rights in the Badger-Two Medicine area south of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in Montana. While the Forest Service dominates federal land ownership in the western U.S., its a bit player in Alaska. It oversees about 22.4 million acres in the Tongass and Chugach national forests. But the Bureau of Land Management covers 82.5 million acres, while the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has another 79 million. About 52 million acres are in national parks. The state manages 89 million acres, and Native American tribes control 38 million acres. The timber industry there has also shrunk. Graham said up to the 1990s, loggers and mill workers totaled about 4,000 employees serving five major lumber mills and two pulp mills. Today, Graham said, those figures have shrunk to about 400 workers and one major lumber mill, along with about a dozen small-scale mills. In that country, most of the harvestable forest exists on the fringe of the ocean, said John Gatchel of the Montana Wilderness Association, who has studied the Roadless Rule for years. Once you go inland, a whole lot of the Tongass is ice and snow. The Roadless Rule grew out of two nationwide inventories in the 1970s and 80s that identified most federally owned parcels larger than 500 acres with no or little road development. In Montana, that totals about 6.5 million acres, or about 7 percent of the national forest land here. That figure does not include roadless acres in places like Glacier National Park or BLM-managed national monuments. It does include wilderness areas recognized by Congress, but not all Forest Service-designated wilderness study areas. The Roadless Rule prohibits construction of new permanent roads into inventoried roadless areas, although it does not prohibit timber harvest. It also does not affect recreational access, including motorized off-road vehicles. It applies to about 58 million acres in 38 states. But lots of timber sales dont happen unless you can build a road, said Peter Aengst of The Wilderness Society in Bozeman. Most people wont do horse logging or helicopter logging. Idaho and Colorado successfully developed exemptions to the federal Roadless Rule, giving their local governments more say over the management in federal roadless areas on about 13 million acres. BILLINGS Republican lawmakers say Gov. Steve Bullock has "shortchanged" taxpayers in his reimbursement for campaign-related use of the state airplane. In a letter to the Democratic governor Tuesday, 40 Republican legislators asked Bullock to show the math behind his $2,672 reimbursement to the state for 21 plane trips involving not only official government business, but also campaign functions. "We believe Montanans have been shortchanged to the amount of tens of thousands of dollars," wrote Rep. Brad Tschida, R-Missoula, author of the request. Tschida raised the issue of the governor's flights three weeks ago at a time when Bullock was not reimbursing the state. After reviewing the reimbursement amount Bullock submitted, Tschida told the Billings Gazette that the estimate seemed too low, given the governor's plane expenses revealed in the 2015 Legislature. "I don't see it," Tschida said of the governor's reimbursement, "not flying a plane that uses that kind of fuel and takes that kind of maintenance and the cost of the pilots flying it." During the 2015 Legislature, the Government Affairs Subcommittee determined the hourly cost of the plane to be $1,650, based on information from the governor's office. At issue were a handful of campaign fundraisers branded as Women for Bullock events that capped state business flights to Montana communities in March and February. Criticism of the flights surfaced on social media after it was mentioned in a Feb. 10 Associated Press report that Bullock, a Democrat, was unavailable for comment because he was in Billings making peanut butter sandwiches for the homeless and attending a campaign fundraiser. Bullock had flown to Billings for those events, plus a TV interview and a meeting with a union official. Bullock announced March 18 that, as a policy, he would reimburse the state for flights dating back to April 29, 2014, as well as future flights. The compensation was based on pilot time. On Tuesday, the governor's office referred all questions to his re-election campaign. Jason Pitt, campaign spokesman, said Bullock's team had questions about an airplane used by Republican candidate for governor Greg Gianforte. The plane used by Gianforte for campaign trips was registered to the nonprofit Bozeman Technology Incubator Inc., whose purpose was to provide mentoring for high-tech and manufacturing purposes. That plane is not owned by the government, Pitt acknowledged, but there are limits under federal tax law for nonprofits concerning campaigning. "They're talking about improper use of a plane for campaign reasons, and we're talking about using a plane for campaign purposes," Pitt said. Pitt's source for the Bozeman Technology Incubator being a nonprofit company was a description of the company on the Bozeman Chamber of Commerce website. That description is false, said Aaron Flint, spokesman for the Gianforte campaign. The Bozeman Technology Incubator Inc. isn't a nonprofit company and is registered for general business with Montana's secretary of state. The issue with Bullock's use of a state plane for campaigning is rooted in state political law, which states that with few exceptions "a public officer or public employee may not use public time, facilities, equipment, supplies, personnel or funds to solicit support for or opposition to any political committee, the nomination or election of any person to public office, or the passage of a ballot issue." "On the rare occasion that Greg and Susan Gianforte have used an airplane to travel to or from campaign events, they have paid for the travel out of their own checking accounts," said Flint. Those travel expenses are listed on Gianforte's campaign reports, Flint said. "And now, even after being caught red-handed and admitting to wrongdoing, the governor is trying to shortchange the taxpayers," Flint said. "Rather than being held accountable, the Bullock campaign is desperately trying to divert attention." On the first day of January, Eighteen ninety-two, They opened Ellis Island and they let The people through. And first to cross the threshold Of that isle of hope and tears, Was Annie Moore from Ireland Who was all of fifteen years. For decades, Paul Linehan, a 47-year-old tenor from Narraghmore in County Kildare, Ireland, would sing those lines from the maudlin Irish ballad Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears, but last week, for the first time, he choked on the lyrics. Mr. Linehan, an adviser to primary schoolteachers, had visited Ellis Island in 2000. He had seen Annie Moores statue there and also her likeness in Cobh Heritage Centre (formerly Queenstown) in County Cork where she boarded the steamship Nevada in 1891, on her way to New York, where she became the first immigrant processed when Ellis Island opened. (She was actually 17 at the time.) But until this month, Mr. Linehan did not know he was Annies first cousin three times removed. Two weeks ago no one was aware of this connection, he said. Annie Moore was just a statue to us. On Wednesday, Mr. Linehan, an emissary of Ms. Moores Irish progeny, and Michael Shulman of Silver Spring, Md., a grandnephew representing her American descendants, met in New York for the familys first trans-Atlantic reunion. Under the bill, a state or jurisdiction could be subject to preclearance if a court ruled that it had discriminated against voters on the basis of race five or more times in the most recent 15 years. States that stopped discriminating automatically would fall out of the bills protections; states that started discriminating would fall in. In this way, the bill responds to the Supreme Courts concerns about the dated formula and resurrects the protections of the law that have been a part of American elections for five decades. The bill also includes important transparency provisions. One of the most effective ways to suppress voting is to change the rules. The proposed Voting Rights Act would require officials to give public notice within 48 hours of certain voting changes that are made 180 days before a federal election. Local governments may have valid reasons to change polling locations or the resources they spend on an election, but the public should be well informed about them before Election Day. We watched this problem unfold recently in Arizona when thousands of people waited hours to vote in both the Democratic and Republican primaries. The culprit was fewer resources devoted to voting. Maricopa County in Arizona, for example, had just 60 polling stations. This was down from at least 200 stations four years ago, and 400 stations in 2008. The proposed bill would have ensured that meaningful debate over polling stations happened before the primary. More people might have voted. Would that have changed the results? Well never know. The Voting Rights Act of 2015, which has more than 100 co-sponsors, 13 of them Republicans, has been introduced in the House and referred to the Judiciary Committee, where it awaits action. Some of my colleagues view the bill as unnecessary because of the progress we have made against voter discrimination. The bills structure, however, ensures that preclearance will apply only if in fact discrimination occurs. Ensuring that every eligible voter can cast a ballot without fear, deterrence and prejudice is a basic American right. I would rather lose my job than suppress votes to keep it. The layout reflects a democratic aim, but Mr. Itos work takes first position. Through gaps in the fabric one can look over at the section on SANAA, or down the hall at models by the up-and-coming Mr. Hirata. Mr. Fujimoto, best known for his 2013 Serpentine Pavilion in London, a cloudlike lattice of white steel poles, has work sandwiched between Mr. Hiratas and Mr. Ishigamis ethereal constructions. The Minimalist designs of Mr. Ishigami can seem like pranks until you see that some, like the Kanagawa Institute of Technology Workshop (2005-08) in Atsugi, Japan, have actually been built. That project looks like an absurdly elegant park shelter: a flat roof, supported by 305 columns, the thinnest of which are five-eighths of an inch across, grouped to form clearings as if planning a forest, the architect says in the catalog. Mr. Ishigamis spaces seem like fairy-tale versions of the everyday, the modernist dream of space that shelters but doesnt require the clunky imposition of enclosed plumbing or rooftop air-conditioning equipment. As such, even the models evoke a kind of awe. There is one building where their aims come together: radical structure, public engagement and demonstrated function. It is the first building in the show: Mr. Itos Sendai Mediatheque (1995-2001), designed with the engineer Mutsuro Sasaki. The structure is a new type of multimedia library for which Mr. Ito developed a system of hollow columns made of steel latticework that look like waving seaweed and yet stood up to the earthquake of 2011. (You can watch a video of the building with glass doors flapping, plaster chunks falling and users hiding under amoebic desks on YouTube.) The guts of the building run through the columns, allowing the floors to read as thin lines pressed against a column-free glass facade. From the outside, in photographs and Mr. Itos 1995 sketch, the building always looks as if it is swaying, as if you are not on land at all but in an underwater Japanese Atlantis. All of these architects share an interest in extremes the thinnest roof, the clearest glass, the simplest cave and are willing to work through the technology required to achieve the effect they desire. That makes it disappointing that the curators did not include more information about the engineers in Mr. Itos dotted circles, namely Cecil Balmond, Mr. Sasaki and Masato Araya, for these buildings demand close collaboration between the two professions. These practices also rely heavily on physical models, and it was great to see a number in the show, including two big, blocky roughs for SANAAs New Museum, showing its development from a stack of cardboard boxes, and two elegant, shell-like paper models of the roof at their Rolex Learning Center in Lausanne, Switzerland, plucked from a pile of hundreds more. These artifacts offer a tiny suggestion of the lengths these architects will go to make apparently seamless work, but there could be more reference to that process. Strikingly, Ms. Hadid never allowed herself or her work to be pigeonholed by her background or her gender. Architecture was architecture: it had its own reasoning and trajectory. And she was one of a kind, a path breaker. In 2004, she became the first woman to win the Pritzker Prize, architectures Nobel; the first, on her own, to be awarded the RIBA Gold Medal, Britains top architectural award, in 2015. Inevitably, she stirred nearly as much controversy as she won admiration, provoking protests from human rights advocates when her $250 million cultural center in Baku, Azerbaijan, forced the eviction of families from the site. A commission to design a stadium in Qatar a sensuous plan that more than a few observers likened to female anatomy became, in truth unfairly, a lightning rod for critics who decry the treatment of foreign laborers by the government there. She sued for defamation one critic who falsely reported that 1,000 workers had died building her stadium before construction had even begun. She won a settlement and an apology. After winning the competition to design a new stadium for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Ms. Hadids firm was fired by Japanese authorities, over accusations about looming cost overruns, a decision Ms. Hadid loudly declared unjust and political. Zaha Hadid was born in Baghdad on Oct. 31, 1950. Her father was an industrialist, educated in London, who headed a progressive party advocating for secularism and democracy in Iraq. Baghdad was a cosmopolitan hub of modern ideas, which clearly shaped her upbringing. She attended a Catholic school where students spoke French, and Muslims and Jews were welcome. After that, she studied mathematics at the American University in Beirut (she would later say her years in Lebanon were the happiest of her life). IDOMENI, Greece WHEN we first got here we had money to buy a little food. Now its gone. We stand in line for hours for a sandwich. My husband told a journalist recently: People are fed up. Maybe tomorrow they will break down the gate and flood across the border. The journalist said, How many weapons do you have? If we knew how to carry weapons or wanted to carry weapons we would not have fled Syria. We want peace. We are sick of killing. We fled a war, and now the European Union is making war against us, a psychological war. When we hear rumors that well be let into Europe, we celebrate. These leaders give us new hope, then they extinguish it. Why did you open the door to refugees? Why did you welcome people? If they had stopped it before, we would not have come. We would not have risked death, me and my children, and thousands of others, to make the crossing. Im 39 and Kurdish, from the city of Hasakah. I knew from watching the news that Hasakah was under threat from the Islamic State. Every day last spring, the government would shell the citys outskirts. Sometimes a stray shell would land near us. Image Lailas tent, right, at the refugee camp. Credit... Eirini Vourloumis for The New York Times One day, at 5 in the morning, we heard the shelling and we knew that the Islamic State had arrived. I took my children and two bags and fled. In those days, everyone had two bags ready at all times: one containing important documents and the other clothes and other essentials. We ran through a dry riverbed. It was still muddy and we sank in up to our ankles. The Ukrainian Parliament finally voted to oust Ukraines odious prosecutor general, Viktor Shokin, on Tuesday. The United States and European countries that have provided aid to Ukraine had long pressed for his dismissal; in his year in office, Mr. Shokin became a symbol of Ukraines deeply ingrained culture of corruption, failing to prosecute a single member of the deposed Yanukovych regime or of the current government while blocking the efforts of reform-minded deputies. Alas, nothing is likely to change unless President Petro Poroshenko and Parliament agree to install some real corruption fighters and approve serious judicial reform. Corruption has been pervasive in Ukraine since independence, fed by close-knit ties between politicians and oligarchs and a weak justice system. The protests in 2014 that led to the removal of President Viktor Yanukovych were largely fueled by popular fury at his monumental corruption and abuse of power. Yet his overthrow has yet to show results. In a speech in Odessa last September, the United States ambassador, Geoffrey Pyatt, said corruption was as dangerous for Ukraine as was the Russian support for a military insurgency in eastern Ukraine. And on a visit last December, Vice President Joseph Biden Jr. said corruption was eating Ukraine like a cancer. Among the examples Mr. Pyatt cited was the seizure in Britain of $23 million in illicit assets from the former Ukrainian ecology minister, Mykola Zlochevsky; Mr. Shokins office, however, declared that there was no case against the minister, and the money was released. Television video showed a large structure of metal and concrete that had crashed to the ground in a cramped, congested area. People could be seen digging through the wreckage with their bare hands, and cranes were removing crushed cars. The overpass is in the crowded Ganesh Talkies neighborhood, named after an old movie theater. The project had been under construction since 2009 and has missed several deadlines for completion, according to The Telegraph, an Indian daily. In 2014, IVRCL, the company building the overpass, asked the government for more funds, citing its inability to buy materials. At that point, the project was more than three years behind schedule, and residents had complained that it was dangerously near their homes a growing peril as India undertakes infrastructure projects in its increasingly crowded cities. It was not immediately clear what had caused the accident. K. Panduranga Rao, an official with IVRCL, told reporters on Thursday that a girder supporting the structure had collapsed. But his associate, A. G. K. Murty, said it was too soon to know the cause. NAYPYIDAW, Myanmar The governing party of Myanmars democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi took a step to formalize her role as the countrys leader on Thursday, circumventing a stricture in the Constitution that prevents her from being president. Her party, which won elections in a landslide last fall, introduced a bill in Parliament to create a new post for her as state counselor, which some analysts are comparing to prime minister. The position would cement her influence over the executive and legislative branches, which are already controlled by her allies, and would cap a remarkable rise for a woman who was a political prisoner for 15 years. Along with the four cabinet positions she was sworn into on Wednesday, including foreign minister, and her leadership of the majority party in Parliament, the array of titles will officially make her the most powerful person in the government. The March 1 Independence Movement, as it is now called, is enshrined in the Constitution of South Korea as a pivotal event in Koreans struggle to break free from the Japanese. In preparation for the centenary celebration of the revolt, the home is being turned into a museum. None of those who lived there, their neighbors or local officials knew the history of the house, said Stanley Kim, a professor of film and television at Seoil University in Seoul who in 2005 helped rediscover the buildings link to Mr. Taylor. None of them knew the meaning of the word Dilkusha carved in a foundation stone. Image Albert Wilder Taylor in 1910. Credit... via Jennifer Linley Taylor Built on a slope of Mount Inwang, which overlooks the royal palace here in the capital, Dilkusha was the most prominent among colonial-style houses owned by Westerners in Seoul a century ago. Mr. Taylor built the home in 1923 and lived with his family there before the Japanese authorities expelled them from Korea in 1942. Mr. Taylors ties to the house and his role in the revolution were quickly forgotten. A politician occupied the house for a while, but after he was banished for corruption in 1963, homeless families moved in. As many as 20 households once squeezed inside, the authorities say. A forest of terraced houses, apartments and churches has sprouted up in the neighborhood, obscuring Dilkusha. THE HAGUE A United Nations tribunal on Thursday acquitted a Serbian nationalist, Vojislav Seselj, of war crimes and of crimes against humanity for his role in the Balkan wars of the 1990s, igniting a celebration by his followers and outrage among relatives of the victims. It was the only possible verdict, Mr. Seselj said in a defiant news conference in Belgrade, where he had gone for cancer treatment in 2014 and stayed on. When I went to The Hague, I knew they could not prove any crime. There, I broke all the false accusations. To those representing the victims, the acquittal was as gut-wrenching as it was surprising. This verdict is offensive and shocking, and the process of reconciliation among people and neighboring countries will be devastated, said the Croatian foreign minister, Miro Kovac, in a statement. All those in the world who incite war, calling for ethnic cleansing and a policy of forced changes to internationally recognized borders were given a moral blank check with this verdict. The acquittal by a three-judge panel came one week after the same court, the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, convicted the former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic of genocide and 10 other counts of grave crimes. The country was founded on an alliance between the Saud family, whose members became the monarchs, and a cleric named Sheikh Muhammad ibn Abdul-Wahhab, whose teachings were used to justify military conquest by labeling it jihad against those deemed to be infidels, most of whom were other Muslims. Sheikh Abdul-Wahhabs descendants still dominate the religious institutions of the Saudi state, which now play down the violence in the countrys history and emphasize aspects convenient to an all-powerful royal family, like the importance of obeying the leadership. Saudi officials reject comparisons between their ideology and that of the Islamic State, noting that millions of non-Muslims live in the kingdom and that the government is closely allied with the United States and participates in the American campaign against the militant group. They also say that Saudi Islam does not promote the caliphate, as does the Islamic State, and that senior clerics condemn the terrorist attacks and have branded the group deviant. But critics argue that many Saudi clerics have never renounced the aspects of the Wahhabi tradition that the Islamic State has adopted, especially with regard to Shiites, who make up an estimated 10 percent of the kingdoms 20 million citizens. Many Saudi clerics consider Shiites heretics and accuse them of loyalty to Saudi Arabias regional rival, Iran. The jihadists have exploited this by repeatedly launching suicide attacks on Shiite mosques and then accusing Saudi clerics of hypocrisy for condemning the violence. It is clearly hard for Saudi clerics to condemn outright attacks on Shiites, said Mr. Bunzel, the Princeton scholar. And you get the feeling that they dont care as much if the Shiites get attacked, since theyre not really Muslims in their view. Butte Police Reports ESCAPEE CAUGHT Charles Joseph Madigan, 27, was spotted and arrested by police on the 2000 block of Harrison Avenue on Tuesday. He had walked away from the Butte Prerelease Center on March 20. He faces felony escape charges. TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS John Michael Dunne, 27, was arrested on the 500 block of South Montana Street for driving without liability insurance and for being a habitual offender operating a vehicle, both misdemeanors. ASSAULT Zachary Schelin, 32, of Butte is facing a misdemeanor charge of partner assault after his wife, 34, said he punched her back twice and twisted her arm in their home on the 1700 block of Longfellow Street. Police say he confirmed her story. Their children, ages 5, 7 and 8, witnessed the incident. SHOPLIFTING Police are seeking a man who allegedly stole a $55 hat from Cavanaughs County Celtic, 131 W. Park St., on Tuesday. He was seen on video surveillance and is described as 50 years old, weighs 190 pounds and has gray and dirty blonde hair. Terrorism-related deaths are up 800 percent in the past five years according to a new report. Thats nearly 30,000 people who are killed per year by terrorists. While suicide bombers and gunmen have been killing civilians around the globe almost constantly, it was last weeks coordinated terrorist attacks by ISIS in Brussels that violently shook the world awake. I believe in the power of prayer for the victims and their families, but I also believe in the power of U.S. leadership against this evil. Its time for the U.S. to get serious about defeating ISIS. ISIS is not the J.V. team as President Obama famously claimed in 2014. They have attacked our allies, they have driven millions of people from their homelands, and they have attacked us on our own shores in San Bernadino. Being the president is not an episode of Dancing With the Stars; the presidency is about being, above all, the Commander in Chief. Rather than dance the Argentine Tango with stars in South America, President Obama and his advisers must come up with a detailed plan to defeat and destroy ISIS. I recently introduced legislation with Illinois Congressman Adam Kinzinger, who is a veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Our bill, Comprehensive Strategy to Destroy ISIL Act of 2016 will require the President regardless of whom that may be to submit a report to Congress that details a strategy to destroy ISIS and its affiliates around the world. Codifying a biennial report to Congress will put pressure on the current and next president to develop and maintain a long term strategy to wipe this enemy off the face of the planet. I have long been a critic of the current strategy to combat ISIS, and even more so, Ive been a vocal opponent of the overly restrictive rules of engagement our troops are forced to navigate while trying to stay alive. Right now the President believes the United States role is to provide a small sprinkling of Special Operations to advise and train local militaries and conduct some airstrikes (after weve dropped pamphlets telling militants to abandon the areas). As General Dempsey said, theres not a snowballs chance that airstrikes alone will work. It will take a force package great enough to win decisively and that means providing the right funding, tools and munitions, providing troop levels adequate for a quick reaction force to come in if our guys and gals get in trouble, and it means ensuring the right rules of engagement necessary to win and win decisively on the field of battle. We also need to do more to develop intelligence and target combatants before they detonate themselves or other weapons like in Paris, Brussels and Pakistan. When creating an anti-terrorism plan, its important to think about more than just the person who pulls the trigger. A terrorist comes in all shapes and sizes: those who offer shelter, weapons and ammunition, as well as those who turn a blind eye to it, are all terrorists and bear the same level of responsibility. The network is as dangerous as the suicide bomber. President Obamas policy in Iraq created power vacuums and is responsible for the rise and spread of ISIS and the refugee crisis. The continual terrorist attacks around the globe will not stop until the United States gets serious about defeating and destroying ISIS, and that requires a detailed strategy. The President has ignored ISIS since day one. If we dont get serious about the threats we face, its only a matter of time before they attack America again. -- U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke is a Republican from Montana. Les emplois a Rennes sont abondants et varies. Il y a quelque chose pour tout le monde. Que vous soyez a la recherche dun emploi [] Les blattes ou cafards (Blatta orientalis) sont des insectes qui appartiennent a la famille des Blattoptera. Ils se caracterisent par leur forme allongee, leurs ailes [] BRUSSELS - Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to the Czech Republic will strengthen relations between the two countries and promote the "16+1" cooperation, Luigi Gambardella, president of ChinaEU, a business-led association, told Xinhua in an interview on Wednesday. Xi on Wednesday concluded a historic three-day state visit to the Czech Republic and left for Washington to attend the fourth Nuclear Security Summit. The two sides had in-depth exchange of views on bilateral ties, China-EU relations, cooperation between China and the Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries, and international and regional issues of common concern. A broad consensus has been reached. Gambardella said he is confident that Xi's visit to the Czech Republic will greatly boost mutual trust, deepen the economic cooperation between the two sides and raise their bilateral relations to a new height. During the visit, China and the Czech Republic issued a joint statement on lifting their relations to a strategic partnership, which Xi hopes will "renew and energize the development of the China-Czech ties." Meanwhile, a series of intergovernmental agreements to promote relations in various areas were signed, including cooperation in digital economy, finance, aviation and the healthcare sector. "China showed a strong willingness to work with the Czech Republic to boost air connectivity, further cooperate in the construction of high-speed railways, roads and bridges, and continue to collaborate in such areas as telecommunications, smart industry, automobile, aviation, nano-technology and nuclear power," Gambardella said. The Czech Republic is looking forward to linking its development plan of further cooperation with China to the Belt and Road Initiative, and is willing to play a crucial role in China's effort to develop its ties with the EU and become a transport, logistics and financial hub in Europe for the Silk Road Economic Belt, Gambardella added. China is the Czech Republic's second-biggest trading partner, next to the EU, while the Czech Republic is China's second-biggest trading partner in Central and Eastern Europe. The Czech Republic is also one of China's main investment destinations in Central and Eastern Europe. The Czech Republic is "hoping to finally get a bigger slice of the Chinese investment cake after long lagging behind neighbors such as Poland and Hungary," said Gambardella. According to him, the visit will also lend great impetus for the "16+1" cooperation, or the cooperation between China and the 16 CEE countries. Located at the heart of Central and Eastern Europe, the Czech Republic is one of the most developed countries in the region and it has actively supported and participated in China-CEE cooperation. Gambardella said the historic visit will not only bring a "bright new era" for cooperation between China and the CEE countries, but also enhance relations between China and the European Union. All 16 CEE countries are seated along the route of the Belt and Road Initiative, while 11 of them (including the Czech Republic) are EU members. Gambardella said that China is a major economic partner of the EU, and the Czech Republic is committed to becoming a gateway for China to the EU. "It is clear to both countries that the China-CEE cooperation and the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership are complimentary to each other, and should thus be carried on in parallel," Gambardella said. ChinaEU is a business-led association that aims to strengthen joint research and business collaboration and investment in the Internet, telecommunications and high-tech between China and Europe. Paul Le Rouxs story reads, as the Daily Mail put it, like the tale of the villain from a James Bond movie. Atavist magazine is running a story titled The Mastermind in weekly installments, with Episode 3 (He Always Had a Dark Side) connecting Le Roux to TrueCrypt. TrueCrypt is the software Edward Snowden taught journalist Glenn Greenwald to use before leaking classfied NSA documents to him. Born in Bulawayo on 24 December 1972 and put up for adoption without receiving a name from his mother, Le Roux lived in Mashava, Zimbabwe for the first 12 years of his life. In 1984, four years after Robert Mugabe became Prime Minister, the Le Roux family moved to Krugersdorp. Shortly after the move, Le Rouxs father bought him his first computer. Wing Commander, released in 1990, became his favourite game. Before this, though, in the 1980s when he was 15, Le Roux was arrested in his family home for selling porn. Although he was an excellent student, he hated learning Afrikaans which he said was a dead language and eventually dropped out of school at 16 to focus on his love for computers. At 17 he told his parents he was moving, and left for the United Kingdom. After he left South Africa, Le Roux became nomadic, moving from the UK to the US, and then to Australia. Atavist reported that it traced him through an archive of posts to old online message boards, where he posted angry, sarcastic, or offensive material to troll other users. Sowing the seeds of TrueCrypt Through the clues Le Roux left in his message board postings, Atavist connected him to Encryption for the Masses (E4M) which he began developing in 1997. I have set up a company in South Africa, and am offering good-quality programming services at excellent developing-country rates, he said on the old E4M web page. South Africa is a good choice for offshore programming because there are many skilled programmers, and salaries are cost effective. A former collaborator and employer said Le Roux was desperate for money around that time. After a professional falling out and later reconciliation, Le Roux tried his hand at building a game engine for an online casino he wanted to launch in Canada and Romania. By October 2002, his company was defunct and he asked for contract programming work on a Scramdisk-related security forum. TrueCrypt was released in 2004, built on the code for E4M, with little known about the groups developing or funding the software. Le Rouxs former colleagues at SecurStar suspected he was part of the TrueCrypt team, but couldnt prove it. TrueCrypt and Edward Snowden In 2012, Edward Snowden, under the handle Cincinnatus, arranged a cryptoparty in Hawaii to which he invited journalist Glenn Greenwald. There Snowden taught attendees how to use TrueCrypt, one of a few encryption programs that had resisted the NSAs attempts to crack it. What Snowden and the rest of the world wouldnt know for another two years was that Paul Le Roux, the man whose code formed the foundation of True Crypt, was at that very moment in the custody of the US government, Atavist reported. He faced prosecution for a number of crimes, with reports suggesting that he stood accused of everything from dealing in arms and drugs, to murder. The only way out was to spill his secrets, Atavist said, ending its latest installment on Le Rouxs life. Caught in a sting Le Roux was nabbed in Liberia after being lured there by US Drug Enforcement Administration agents in September 2012, The Star Tribune reported. He has been charged for an array of crimes, with links to international gun running, North Korean methamphetamines, and Somali militias. Seven murders are listed among the charges he is on trial for in a US court in Minnesota. The Mastermind is being published on Atavist. At the time of publication, the magazine had published the first 3 episodes of Paul Le Rouxs story. More security and crypto news Massive security flaw in CCTV systems 11-year-old selling cryptographically-secure passwords online Cryptography and jailtime in SA Hacker Batman may be out there, watching over your ADSL router Everyones favorite socialite, Huddah Monroe, is working on a big project with Nollywood actor Mike Ezuruonye. The Nigerian heartthrob quietly jetted into the country over Easter for a movie project which is set to be shot in April. According to reports, the actor was set to oversee auditions for the cast of the film. Word on the street has it that the film is a comedy that will showcase Kenyas rich tourist attractions and vibrant culture. Mike Ezuruonye will be playing a naive Nigerian man who suffers cross-cultural stigma when he first comes to Kenya. Huddah, who has been lowkey lately, may have made the cut after she posted photos of herself in the company of the actor, former Miss Kenya and TV producer Juliet Ochieng and director of the film Charles Uwagbai. Huddah captioned the photos: A VERY BIG PROJECT loading. Cant wait , Im too excited ?? SACRAMENTO California state lawmakers are poised to enact the nation's highest statewide minimum wage on Thursday, with gradual increases to $15 by 2022. Gov. Jerry Brown and Democratic legislative leaders are promoting the boost as a matter of economic justice, and as an example to a nation struggling with a growing divide between rich and poor. "There's no doubt in this country the gap between the better off and those that struggle at the bottom of our economic world has grown bigger and bigger, and it is quite incredible that there is so much power, so much wealth, and so many people struggling," the Democratic governor said as he unveiled his agreement with labor unions. "You've got a Congress that doesn't get it, that's so out to lunch...." But opponents said the planned votes in the Assembly and Senate will further harm California's already poor business climate. Economists, meanwhile, warned that some low-wage workers will lose their jobs, even as others see higher paychecks. Supporters say the raises would benefit more than 2 million Californians earning minimum wage. It would have a ripple effect for those earning near the minimum, according to the University of California, Berkeley, Center for Labor Research and Education, increasing pay for 5.6 million Californians by an average of 24 percent. Nearly all the affected workers are at least in their 20s, researchers found, and nearly three-quarters are in their 30s or older. More than a third are parents, and Latinos would benefit most because they hold a disproportionate number of low-wage jobs. The right-leaning American Action Forum countered with its own projection that the increases could cost nearly 700,000 jobs Under the bill, the climb to $15 an hour would start with a boost from $10 to $10.50 next year. Hourly $1 raises would come every January until 2022. Businesses with 25 or fewer employees would have an extra year to comply. The governor could delay annual increases in times of budgetary or economic downturns. Wages would increase to keep up with inflation after 2023. Democrats need only majority votes to send SB3 to Brown, and they control majorities in each legislative chamber. LARNACA, Cyprus A Cypriot court on Wednesday ordered an Egyptian man to be detained for eight days after authorities said he admitted hijacking a domestic EgyptAir flight and diverting it to the Mediterranean island by threatening to blow it up with a fake explosives belt. Cyprus police prosecutor Andreas Lambrianou said the suspect, whom authorities had identified as 59-year-old Seif Eddin Mustafa, faces preliminary charges including hijacking, illegal possession of explosives, kidnapping and threats to commit violence. The allegation regarding explosives could be dropped if the liquid found with Mustafa is not explosive material. Judge Maria Loizou said she found the police request for the maximum eight-day detention necessary because of fears the suspect might flee and the fact that he admitted to the hijacking in a voluntary statement to police. Egypts General Prosecutor Nabil Sadek, meanwhile, has officially asked Cyprus to extradite Mustafa in order to start an investigation, his office said. Tuesdays hijacking, which started when authorities said Mustafa claimed to have explosives and forced a flight from Alexandria to Cairo to land in Cyprus, ended peacefully about six hours later. Most of the 72 passengers and crew aboard the Airbus A320 were released soon after the plane landed, although a handful were held for longer. All were let go before Mustafa surrendered. Lambrianou said after Mustafa was arrested, he told police: Whats someone supposed to do when he hasnt seen his wife and children in 24 years and the Egyptian government wont let him? Egypts interior ministry said Mustafa had a long criminal record but had finished serving a one-year prison term in March 2015. An official at the general prosecutors office in Egypt, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the press, said there was no travel ban on him. After the hearing Wednesday, a handcuffed Mustafa flashed the V for victory sign out the window of a police vehicle as he was driven away from the Larnaca court house. Cypriot officials had described Mustafa as psychologically unstable following a bizarre set of demands he made to police negotiators, including what Lambrianou said was a letter he wanted delivered to his Cypriot ex-wife in which he demanded the release of 63 dissident women imprisoned in Egypt. Lambrianou said 15 minutes into flight MS181 Mustafa demanded that the aircraft be diverted to an airport in Greece, Turkey or Cyprus. Despite an initial refusal from Cypriot authorities, the plane eventually landed in Larnaca after the pilots warned of low fuel. The police prosecutor said witnesses saw Mustafa wearing a white belt with pockets that had cylindrical objects stuffed inside. Wire protruding from the cylinders led to what appeared to be a detonator in his hand. Among those held was Ben Innes, a British man pictured in a photo with Mustafa that quickly made the rounds on social media. Innes told The Sun newspaper he wanted to take the selfie of a lifetime while the incident was unfolding. The bizarre photo, taken by a member of the cabin crew and shared on social media, shows him posing smiling next to Mustafa, who has his jacket open to reveal the fake explosive belt. I figured if his bomb was real Id nothing to lose anyway, Innes, 26, told the newspaper in a story published Wednesday. He told The Sun he had been texting his mother throughout the ordeal. Mustafa had threatened to detonate the belt if police attempted to neutralize him, Lambrianou said, but he eventually gave up after the crew and passengers were released. Lambrianou said no explosives were found in the belt, except for a container filled with an unidentified liquid. Police also found an unidentified liquid in the suspects bag, as well as numerous documents in Arabic. The prosecutor said Cypriot authorities will ask for help from Interpol to determine how the suspect managed to get the fake belt through airport security in Egypt. RALEIGH, N.C. North Carolina's governor met Thursday with gay-rights advocates bearing a letter signed by more than 100 corporate executives urging him to repeal the nation's first state law limiting the bathroom options for transgender people. The law also excludes lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people from anti-discrimination protections, and blocks municipalities from adopting their own anti-discrimination and living wage rules. Opponents of the law declined to describe Gov. Pat McCrory's response. The governor "appreciated the opportunity to sit down and deal with these complex issues through conversation and dialogue as opposed to political threats and economic retaliation," his spokesman, Josh Ellis, said in a statement. Gay-rights advocates argue that companies may reconsider doing business in the country's ninth-largest state. That's unlikely in most cases, but the outsized megaphone and lobbying power of major corporations could reshape how prospective talent and investors perceive North Carolina as a place they want to be, business observers said. "These companies have made long-term investments or are thinking about long-term investments in North Carolina" and won't likely retreat solely due to this law, said DJ Peterson, who advises companies on political, social and economic issues as founder of Longview Global Advisors, a Los Angeles consulting firm. But as businesses showed Georgia this week, "the political pressure, the visibility they're bringing to the issue, politicians do have to pay attention to it," Peterson said. After Walt Disney Co., Marvel Studios and Salesforce.com threatened to take their business elsewhere and the NFL suggested Atlanta could lose its bids for the 2019 or 2020 Super Bowl, Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal vetoed a measure that would have allowed individuals, businesses and faith organizations to deny services to others based on their "sincerely held religious beliefs." The blowback so far from North Carolina's law is hard to measure. Charlotte convention officials and the organizers of one of the world's largest furniture markets say some customers have canceled travel to North Carolina in the week since the law was adopted. Lionsgate, the entertainment company based in Santa Monica, California, had been lining up hotel and equipment rentals and hiring more than 100 workers in North Carolina, but scrapped its plans for about eight days of shooting for the pilot episode of a potential comedy series, said Jennifer Irvine, a Charlotte production coordinator. A day after McCrory signed the bill into law, the production's California managers called to say they'll shoot in Canada instead, said Irvine, who applauds Lionsgate's decision, despite the lost business. Leaders of many economic sectors signed onto the letter. Tourism is represented by Hilton, Marriott and Starwood hotels; AirBnB, Uber and Lyft; and American Airlines, which has a major hub in Charlotte, the state's largest city. Banking and finance executives include the leaders of Bank of America, Citibank, TD Bank, PayPal, and others. Restaurateurs and retailers include leaders of Starbucks, Barnes & Noble and Levi Strauss; and technology executives joined in force, including the leaders of IBM, Apple, Intel, Google, Facebook, Yahoo, eBay, Twitter, YouTube, and many others. The new law "will make it far more challenging for businesses across the state to recruit and retain the nation's best and brightest workers and attract the most talented students from across the nation. It will also diminish the state's draw as a destination for tourism, new businesses, and economic activity," the letter said. Withdrawing business is much more difficult for companies with existing investments in buildings, equipment and people. "Company location decisions are made on a number of issues and North Carolina is attractive on many, many fronts. I think it would be very difficult to say that companies are going to change their location decision," Peterson said. Bank of America is the biggest of only a handful of North Carolina-based companies to sign on to the repeal letter. The country's largest electric company, Duke Energy Corp., doesn't take a position on social issues, spokesman Tom Williams said. Duke Energy's anti-discrimination policy includes sexual orientation and gender identity along with race, religion and ethnicity, he said. The state's Chamber of Commerce has not expressed a position on the law, which includes provisions some companies may appreciate, including a prohibition against local requirements that businesses to pay more than the state's minimum wage, currently $7.25 an hour, and an effective ban on employment discrimination lawsuits in state courts. When Indiana adopted a "religious freedom" law, that state's business chamber was among the most vocal opponents, joining an outcry that forced the legislature and governor to revise the law. The state's tourism group, Visit Indy, estimates a $60 million loss in net state revenue after 12 different convention groups cited the religious objections law as part of the reason they took events elsewhere. But the spokeswoman for the North Carolina chamber, Kate Catlin, would not describe any feedback from its members, or explain why the business lobby has not taken a position. Companies like the prospect of avoiding baseless lawsuits, but won't say so at the risk of being misconstrued as wanting to discriminate, said Hans Bader, a lawyer with the anti-regulatory Competitive Enterprise Institute, which is tracking a lawsuit challenging the North Carolina law. "A silent majority of North Carolina businesses may well approve of North Carolina's new law," Bader said. A company "is not going to say so publicly, since that could lead to angry demonstrators picketing or surrounding its headquarters or places of business." Corporations opposing the law may be expressing core corporate values, but they also need to be perceived favorably by customers, especially affluent gay ones, and to motivate highly educated, high-value employees who value diversity, said Peterson, who wrote a guidebook for global companies who want to expand LGBT inclusion. LEMOORE U.S. military officials say a wrong-way driver being chased by the California Highway Patrol crashed through a gate and into a fighter jet at Naval Air Station, Lemoore, killing the driver and a passenger. The Navy said in a press release that the chase began late Wednesday when an officer spotted the vehicle going the wrong way on State Route 198 south of Fresno. The driver eventually left the freeway, smashed through a gate at the base and into a parked FA-18E Super Hornet. The passenger died at the scene. The driver died at a hospital. Officials say the car hit the jets horizontal stabilizer but have not detailed the damage. Naval Air Station, Lemoore, built in 1961, has two runways and hosts four Carrier Air Wings. Author to appear at Copperfields Christopher Scotten, author of The Secret Wisdom of the Earth, will appear at Copperfields Books at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 3. RSVP in advance of the event and receive 10 percent off the book on the day of the event. Rewards Club members receive an additional 10 percent off. Go to Copperfieldsbooks.com for more information and to RSVP. Copperfieldss is located at 1330 Lincoln Ave. Wildlife at the Castello The second annual gala for the Wildlife Rescue Center of Napa County will celebrate the launch of the groups capital campaign to build a new, full-range center where raptors, birds and other wildlife can be treated and rehabilitated to be released back into the wild. A Wild Night at The Castle II, with Honorary Chairman Dario Sattui, will take place from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday, April 22, at Castello di Amorosa, 4045 St. Helena Highway in Calistoga. Tickets at $165 per person are available at napawildliferescue.maestroweb.com. Creative Arts worshop at Rianda House International artist Dinah Cross James will teach two hands-on collage workshops from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on April 6 and April 20 at the Rianda House Senior Activity Center, 1475 Main St. in St. Helena. Bring small memorabilia and found objects to personalize your collage. RSVP by calling 963-8555. Materials fee is $5 per session. Voices coordinator to address womens group The Federated Women of Upper Napa Valley will meet at 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 6, at the First Presbyterian Church, 1428 Spring St. in St. Helena. The speaker for this meeting will be Andres Cantera, site coordinator from Voices in Napa. Kat Oriarte, on the youth staff at Voices will be joining him. It is a fascinating story to hear. Voices, a nonprofit organization, was created by former foster youth (like Cantera) to provide housing, education, employment and wellness to youth transitioning out of foster care. Everyone is welcome and light refreshments will be provided at the end of the meeting. 50th anniversary celebration of famed Cuban cigar Harvest Inn by Charlie Palmer will host a new weekend-long series of events from April 7-10 in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the famed Cuban cigar, Cohiba. The event includes upscale food, wine and cigar-focused experiences. The weekend host will be Ajay Patel, proprietor of Londons La Casa Del Habano. Event proceeds will go to local charitable organizations, including the Boys Club of St. Helena and Calistoga, St. Helena Montessori School, and other local charitable organizations. For additional information visit harvestinn.com/specials-and-packages. Uptons photography on exhibit The Rianda House Art Gallery will showcase the photography of Priscilla Upton from April through June. This local artist has had the opportunity to take her camera into many different locales: from beautiful Napa Valley to the plains of the Midwest to the subways of New York; from Chile to China; from Japan to the European continent; and from Yosemite to the Hibernian Isles. Drop-in to view her show during regular business hours, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. The artists reception will be 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 6. Light refreshments will be served. The Rianda House Senior Activity Center is located at 1475 Main St. in St. Helena. Schaupp to address GOP group The Upper Napa Valley Republican Women Federation will host Charlie Schaupp, candidate for State Assembly District 4 on Monday, April 11, at Cindys Backstreet Kitchen, 1327 Railroad Ave. in St. Helena. The event begins at 11:30 a.m. with a meet and greet, and lunch is served at noon. Cost is $27, which includes main course, dessert, ice tea or coffee. Reservations are required by Wednesday, April 6, by calling Bev Borges, 963-3148. Pawsport NV is May 12-15 Pawsport Napa Valley, benefiting Napa Humane, will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 12-15. Guests enjoy experiences at 16 Napa Valley wineries and tasting rooms, featuring tastings, food pairings, discounts on bottle purchases, souvenirs for you and your pup, treats for four-legged friends, and more! Pawsports are $75 per person. Must be age 21 and up to attend. For information, visit napahumane.org/PawsportNV. A Napa State Hospital patient was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of assault, according to officials with the Department of State Hospitals. The patient allegedly struck a psychiatric technician several times in the head last week, said Ralph Montano, public information officer with the Department of State Hospitals. The employee was taken to the hospital by ambulance for treatment of a possible injury, but was not admitted, Montano said. Dennis Cruz Carreon, 39, was booked at the Napa County jail on suspicion of battery with great bodily injury, felony assault and false imprisonment, according to the Napa County booking sheet. Due to privacy laws, Montano could not confirm that the patient involved in the alleged assault was Carreon. How can it be that the Academy of Country Music Awards (ACM Awards) are once again upon us? The 51st Annual ACM Awards will take place this Sunday night in Las Vegas (broadcasting live on CBS at 8pm ET/delayed PT), and, this year, the Academy of Country Music has given us quite the performance lineup to look forward to. Award recipients, icons, pop stars, and chart-toppers, those are just a few of the categories into which the stars who will grace the ACM stage fall. The past ACM Awards shows have treated us to star-studded bills, but few can come close to what is in store for us this weekend. However, there were many standout performances throughout the years that we would classify as unforgettable for some reason, whether it was an icon breaking a record, legends sharing the stage, a phenomenon drawing a standing O, or a breakout superstar meeting the inspiration for her debut single, the ACMs never disappoint. Here are some of our favorite past performances in recent ACM Awards history, starring some of our favorite artists who still bring us great music and lives shows today. Alan Jackson & George Strait Murder On Music Row (2000) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zT2i0PvKM3Y For the first time, two legends shared the stage and sang about a place that we all know quite well Music Row. At the 35th Annual ACM Awards, the Class of 1989s Top Male Vocalist and three-time ACM Entertainer of the Year joined forces for a duet about murder on the row, making the first ACMs of the new millennium one to truly celebrate. Blake Shelton, Pistol Annies, and Friends Boys Round Here (2013) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qReni_vkkjs Just when we thought that Blake Sheltons Boys Round Here couldnt get any better, he pulled out the cameos during his 2011 performance of the Peach Pickers penned tune. At the 2013 Awards, the shows host didnt just rely on album cut background vocalists Pistol Annies; he had label mate Sheryl Crow, co-host Luke Bryan, and guitar extraordinaire Brad Paisley lend their support. The result was a roof-raising riot that nobody could forget. Carrie Underwood & Steven Tyler Undo It & Walk This Way (2011) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vN3Uuk2_86A Before Steven Tyler made the crossover to country music official, he joined forces with Oklahoma sweetheart, Carrie Underwood, for a country rockin good time at the 2011 ACM Awards. Blending their music together to create one mega-performance, the two former American Idol stars formed a new duo: The Icon and the Idol. Faith Hill & Tim McGraw Lets Make Love (2000) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPaA-x8tixQ Country couples dont get more beautiful than Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, and even today, sixteen years after they debuted their duet, Lets Make Love, the McGraws can stop hearts with a simple appearance. In 2000, the married pair shared their Parisian music video and sexy ballad with the ACM Awards crowd, making us all deeply believe that the couple that sings together, stays together. Garth Brooks To Make You Feel My Love (1999) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=om3P8wY6L7c Just Garth Brooks and a guitar. Does anybody need more than that? In 1999, Brooks took the ACMs stage to perform his song from the Hope Floats soundtrack and made sure that the entire audience felt his love for the words he was singing. Following the solo effort, Brooks received a standing ovation from his peers and fans, recognizing that the man with the high-energy live show is also fully capable of stripping it down and just delivering a gorgeous ballad. Jo Dee Messina Stand Beside Me (1998) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tW9sKzRE7Xo In 1998, Jo Dee Messina won the Top New Female Vocalist Award at the ACMs. The same night, the fiery female powerhouse took the stage to celebrate another history-making moment in her career and in the industry. Singing Stand Beside Me off her double-platinum Im Alright album, Messina was welcomed to the stage as the first female in history to achieve three consecutive multi-week Number 1 hits. Of course, the woman who still has limitless energy on stage reminded the world why she holds the honor of being recognized as a top vocalist. Reba McEntire Medley (2015) During the 50th Annual ACM Awards in Arlington, Texas last year, Reba McEntire was awarded a Milestone Award by the Academy. Introduced by daughter-in-law Kelly Clarkson with one of the most colorful presentations in show history, the Milestone Award recipient entertained the audience and at-home viewers with a medley of songs: Is There Life Out There, The Night the Lights Went Out In Georgia, Fancy, and then current single Going Out Like That. At the close of the performance, country fans everywhere were well aware that McEntire refused to go out like that and more was to come from the queen of the genre. Taylor Swift Tim McGraw (2007) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kjyrH-_i6Q Once upon a time, Taylor Swift was just like you and me. Okay, thats not true. Swift was never anything like us. In 2006, a starry-eyed teenager penned a song about hit-maker Tim McGraw and catapulted to super stardom. At the 2007 ACM Awards, Swift was invited to perform the debut breakout tune and came face-to-face with the man whose music inspired it. Right there on live national television, we saw Taylor Swift meet Tim McGraw, the man she would ultimately collaborate with on a double-platinum hit (Highway Dont Care). BONUS: Joey + Rory Red Carpet Interview (2013) The world was glued to the collective life of Joey + Rory this year, as Joey Feek battled cancer and passed away peacefully in her Indiana home. This video is just a snippet of the kindheartedness the genre and world lost when Joey was laid to rest. Our continued prayers are with Rory, Indiana, and the entire Feek family. Iranian MP: Iran will conduct military exercises wherever it deems necessary Finnish delegation to visit Ankara to discuss NATO membership Social media giants are likely to oppose Turkey's new law Pastor steals $900,000 to buy stocks and car in U.S. Lithuanian President Nauseda is named most popular politician in country Charles III will embark on longest tour of world in history of royal family Deputy Director of Institute of Oriental Studies of RAS: Baku's goal is that Karabakh has no Armenian population Hurricane Roslyn in Pacific Ocean intensifies to third category Italy's new prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, begins forming government U.S. Treasury Department records budget deficit of over $429 billion in September Why does Baku need aggravation on border with Armenia? Skakov assesses likelihood of new aggression Iranian Foreign Minister: I had important meeting with Pashinyan in Armenia Johnson spotted in economy class on flight from Dominican Republic to Britain Armenian PM and European Parliament Resident Rapporteur for Armenia discuss Karabakh situation Authorities in Kherson urge residents to immediately leave city Russian expert: Baku's attempts to open corridor by force will cause negative response not only from IRI or Russian Telegraph: Britain to send about 60 old tanks to NATO base in Germany for exercises Artak Beglaryan: You will see me in new position Netanyahu: Iran nuclear deal could bring Russia 'hundreds of billions' Russia and Turkey begin to develop gas hub project PM Pashinyan discusses agenda of bilateral relations with Iranian FM Anna Hakobyan meets Armenians in Paris Sargsyan: Recognition of Artsakh people's right for self-determination must be reflected in legal documents Italy's first female prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, sworn in Private jet goes missing off coast of Costa Rica Times of India: India tests nuclear-capable Agni Prime missile Spiegel: German Foreign Minister and Defense Minister ask to allocate 2.2 billion for military aid to Kiev Deputy PM of Armenia and Head of Sharjah Heritage Institute discuss strengthening of Armenian-Emirati relations Biden allows participation in U.S. presidential election in 2024 Secretary of Security Council of Armenia and representatives of AIISA discuss security issues Kakhovka reservoir increases water discharges in case of possible destruction of HPP Pashinian's spouse: Yesterday at Elysee Palace I was received by dear Brigitte Macron At least 15 people killed in bus-truck collision in India Explosion at Uzbek Defense Ministry depot injures 16 people Armenian NA Speaker receives Iranian FM: Tehran opposes obstacles on border with friendly Armenia President Harutyunyan receives group of members of Union of Artsakh Reserve Officers NGO Newspaper: Armenia restores diplomatic ties with Hungary? China hit by 5.5 magnitude earthquake Armenian Defense Ministry denies Azerbaijani report on shelling, calling it disinformation Blinken: Moscow is not interested in stopping aggression against Ukraine 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 President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan, who is on a working visit to the US, on Wednesday met with governor Charlie Baker of the State of Massachusetts. The President noted that there are close partnership and friendly relations between Armenia and the US, and he expressed gratitude for the continued US support to Armenia. In terms of the development of Armenia-US relations, Sargsyan underscored the role of the US states, especially of Massachusetts. He noted that Armenia highlights decentralized cooperation, and in this connection, it wishes to establish direct ties with the State of Massachusetts. Also, the President thanked Governor Baker for his resolute stance in favor of Armenian Genocide recognition, and for supporting the Armenian people. In addition, the Armenian President lauded the State of Massachusetts special position toward the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. President Sargsyan added with appreciation that the State of Massachusettsand the US, in generalhas contributed to the strengthening of Armenias statehood, with its scientific and educational potential, too. Serzh Sargsyan invited Governor Charlie Baker to Armenia. At the end of the talk, a working dinner was served, and it brought together Governor Baker, community leaders, and members of the Massachusetts House of Representatives. The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) has communicated the Armenian American communitys profound concern to the U.S. government regarding reports that the Turkish government has confiscated the recently restored St. Giragos (Surp Giragos) Armenian Church and a range of other religious sites in the Diyarbakr, Turkey, as part of a broader emergency expropriation decision of over 6,000 properties in the area, reported Asbarez Armenian daily newspaper of the US. In response to ANCA inquiries, a senior Obama Administration official, speaking on background, noted that the U.S. Embassy in Ankara and consulates in Adana and Istanbul are closely tracking the recent cabinet decree and have, in recent days, raised the matter with both the central government and local authorities. The Turkish government has informed U.S. officials that the decree is a bureaucratic measure to facilitate the restoration of structures damaged during fighting in recent months. This official noted that legal challenges have already been filed against this action in local courts. According to the Turkish Council of Ministers decision, all structures in Sur district of Diyarbakr, including the Surp Giragos Church, have been expropriated. The Surp Giragos, which is one of the largest churches in the Middle East, had reopened as a functioning church and was reconsecrated in October 2011. The church was renovated with the co-funding by Diyarbakr Armenians throughout the world and Diyarbakr City Hall. MOSCOW. Staff members of the Armenian embassy in Moscow will visit Armenian driver Hrachya Harutyunyan, who is serving a prison sentence in Russia, in the latter half of April, the embassy informed Armenian News-NEWS.am. The objective of this visit will be to get familiarized with the state of Harutyunyans health and his prison conditions. We can see Hrachya Harutyunyan two weeks after informing the Russian side of our visit, the embassy informed. Armenian citizen Hrachya Harutyunyan had pleaded guilty to causing a major traffic accident in Russia. The truck he was driving had crashed into a passenger bus in July 2013, outside capital city Moscow. The impact of the crash was so powerful that the bus, which was carrying 64 passengers, had split in two. The accident had claimed 18 lives and injured more than 40 others. In April 2015, a Moscow district court sentenced Harutyunyan to 6 years and 9 months in prison on charges of violating traffic and vehicle operation rules and causing death. And the Moscow Municipal Court upheld this verdict. The Armenian side, however, is seeking to have Hrachya Harutyunyan extradited to Armenia. President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan, who is on a working visit to the US, on Wednesday visited the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, where he met with the Armenians who are studying in this educational institution. Also, the President delivered a lecture at this school. We are setting off on the quarter-century of Armenias independence with the reforms of the Constitution, the backbone of our statehood, Sargsyan specifically noted in his lecture. Subsequently, he responded to the questions posed by those in attendance. The Armenian President also met with Harvard University Marshal Jackie ONeill. Afterward, he signed the honorary guestbook of this prestigious institution of higher education. I am glad that today Armenian youth have the opportunity to study at this university, and to make the thorough knowledge they receive here to serve for the progress of mankind, strengthening of Armenia, and prosperity of the society, the President specifically wrote in the guestbook. The Azerbaijani regime uses the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict to justify the problems in its own country. President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan, who is on a working visit to the US, on Wednesday stated the aforesaid during his lecture delivered at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. In his words, even though 22 years have passed since the armistice signed with Azerbaijan, the residents in Armenias state border and various settlements of Nagorno-Karabakh are under daily threat of shootings, to this day. Reflecting on the use of the word occupation in the context of Nagorno-Karabakh, President Sargsyan specifically said: Karabakh itself was the victim of [Azerbaijani] occupation for 70 years. () The real reason for the [current] conflict is that initial occupation, and therefore Nagorno-Karabakh has nothing to do with the concept of the territorial integrity of todays Azerbaijan. In President Sargsyans words, the Armenians directly feel the impact of Azerbaijans policy of completely emptying Nagorno-Karabakh of its native Armenian population, since the bitter experience of the depopulation of Armenians already exists in another Armenian-populated region, Nakhichevan. The lifting of sanctions on Iran opens new opportunities for the businessmen of Armenia. President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan, who is on a working visit to the US, on Wednesday stated the aforesaid during his lecture delivered at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. In his words, the reaching of an agreement over Irans nuclear program was a very positive development for Armenia. It is apparent that, to be interesting for the major foreign economic partners, Armenias small market () needs to be integrated into the formats of greater economic cooperation, the President stressed, in particular. Being clearly aware of this fact, we [i.e. Armenia] became a member in the Eurasian Economic Union. [But] of course, this doesnt prevent us from enlarging the agenda of our cooperation with the EU [i.e. the European Union], in a normal way. Sargsyan added that Armenia is endeavoring to advance its joint energy and transport projects with some of its neighboring countries. With such initiatives, Armenia is trying to reduce the losses of the decades of [ongoing] unlawful blockade imposed by its eastern [i.e. Azerbaijan] and western [i.e. Turkey] neighbors, Serzh Sargsyan added. Iranian MP: Iran will conduct military exercises wherever it deems necessary Finnish delegation to visit Ankara to discuss NATO membership Social media giants are likely to oppose Turkey's new law Pastor steals $900,000 to buy stocks and car in U.S. Lithuanian President Nauseda is named most popular politician in country Charles III will embark on longest tour of world in history of royal family Deputy Director of Institute of Oriental Studies of RAS: Baku's goal is that Karabakh has no Armenian population Hurricane Roslyn in Pacific Ocean intensifies to third category Italy's new prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, begins forming government U.S. Treasury Department records budget deficit of over $429 billion in September Why does Baku need aggravation on border with Armenia? Skakov assesses likelihood of new aggression Iranian Foreign Minister: I had important meeting with Pashinyan in Armenia Johnson spotted in economy class on flight from Dominican Republic to Britain Armenian PM and European Parliament Resident Rapporteur for Armenia discuss Karabakh situation Authorities in Kherson urge residents to immediately leave city Russian expert: Baku's attempts to open corridor by force will cause negative response not only from IRI or Russian Telegraph: Britain to send about 60 old tanks to NATO base in Germany for exercises Artak Beglaryan: You will see me in new position Netanyahu: Iran nuclear deal could bring Russia 'hundreds of billions' Russia and Turkey begin to develop gas hub project PM Pashinyan discusses agenda of bilateral relations with Iranian FM Anna Hakobyan meets Armenians in Paris Sargsyan: Recognition of Artsakh people's right for self-determination must be reflected in legal documents Italy's first female prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, sworn in Private jet goes missing off coast of Costa Rica Times of India: India tests nuclear-capable Agni Prime missile Spiegel: German Foreign Minister and Defense Minister ask to allocate 2.2 billion for military aid to Kiev Deputy PM of Armenia and Head of Sharjah Heritage Institute discuss strengthening of Armenian-Emirati relations Biden allows participation in U.S. presidential election in 2024 Secretary of Security Council of Armenia and representatives of AIISA discuss security issues Kakhovka reservoir increases water discharges in case of possible destruction of HPP Pashinian's spouse: Yesterday at Elysee Palace I was received by dear Brigitte Macron At least 15 people killed in bus-truck collision in India Explosion at Uzbek Defense Ministry depot injures 16 people Armenian NA Speaker receives Iranian FM: Tehran opposes obstacles on border with friendly Armenia President Harutyunyan receives group of members of Union of Artsakh Reserve Officers NGO Newspaper: Armenia restores diplomatic ties with Hungary? China hit by 5.5 magnitude earthquake Armenian Defense Ministry denies Azerbaijani report on shelling, calling it disinformation Blinken: Moscow is not interested in stopping aggression against Ukraine 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 The European Commission (EC) intends to raise the issue of the shooting of refugees by Turkey in the negotiations with Ankara, the official representative of the EU Natasha Berto announced at a press conference in Brussels on Thursday, commenting on earlier media reports. Berto said that they had seen messages in the press, but they had no information confirming them. The European Commission will raise this issue in its contacts with the Turkish authorities, TASS reported. At the same time she emphasized that "Turkey's migration policies must comply with all standards on human rights". Journalists questions were connected with the message of the The Times newspaper that Turkish authorities shoot the refugees trying to cross the border of the country from Syria. According to the newspaper, Turkish frontier troops shoot refugees while they escape from civil war in Syria, - the newspaper reported quoting data from the London-based human rights organization Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Sixteen migrants, including three children, have been killed for the last four months when they were making their way to Turkey. The Centre has collected information on details of the executions, which led to murder: a man and a child were killed near Ras al-Ayn (the Syrian city) in the eastern part of the Syrian-Turkish border on February 6," - the edition continues , noting that two migrants were shot in the western section of the border on March 5. With reference to the smuggler, involved in trafficking of migrants, The Times reports that the refugees still cross the border, but now they wish that they were either killed or captured. At the same time the newspaper reminds that "the Turkish authorities claim that they continue to adhere to the policy of open borders for Syrians whose lives are under direct immediate threat. The deaths of refugees poses questions to an agreement signed with EU 11 days ago, The Times stresses. It classifies Turkey as safe third country, this means that refugees can be returned there without fear that they may be prosecuted. The visit of the Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan to the U.S. is underway. Sargsyan today visited St. Stephen's Armenian Elementary School in Boston. Together with principal Houri Boyamian and other representatives, the Armenian President toured the school, inquired about its current activity and programs, existing problems, as well as talked to the schoolchildren and teachers. Over 170 Armenian children of different ages attend this educational institution, which was founded by St. Stephens Armenian Apostolic Church about 30 years ago. Thereafter Sargsyan visited Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate, where he was received by the widow of U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy, Vitoria Kennedy, who invited him to make a tour. By the end of the tour, Sargsyan made the following note in the institute guestbook: Its symbolic for me to be present at the institute named after Edward Kennedy, a great American, whose activity has deservedly earned him the title of Fiend of Armenia. This vision, which the Senator had during his lifetime, reflects in the best way possible his devotion to unconditionally serve people and his aspiration to enhance confidence of the society towards the political institutions, specifically the Senate. Exactly such institutions educate generations with high political recognition, including future leaders, Sargsyan said. The Armenian President has left Massachusetts for Washington, where he will take part in the Nuclear Security Summit. Posted by Mark Williams | March 31, 2016 Vehicles Affected: Approximately 4,650 model-year 2015-16 F-650 and F-750 medium-duty trucks manufactured at the Escobedo Assembly Plant in Mexico between Jan. 28 and April 23, 2015, as well as the trucks manufactured at the Ohio Assembly Plant between Jan. 31 and Nov. 30, 2015 The Problem: Select parking brake cable connector clips were not manufactured to proper specifications and could break, resulting in the movement of the big trucks, increasing the risk of injury or damage. The Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the cable and connector clip free of charge. What Owners Should Do: Ford did not immediately announce an owner-notification schedule. Owners can call Ford at 866-436-7332, enter their vehicle identification number at the Ford recall site), call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's vehicle-safety hotline at 888-327-4236 or go to www.safercar.gov for more info. Need to Find a Dealer for Service? Go to Cars.com Service & Repair to find your local dealer. Manufacturer image BENGALURU: From the day Google launched, the features of it are focused on resolving social impacts such as powerful search engine, data storage, analytics, and more. Google Photos is one such product from Google that allows users to experience the inexperienced. Google Photos is a photo storing app, but there is lot more to do with the app than just storage. Here are 8 cool things that photo buffs need to watch out for (Courtesy: Techradar and howtogeek): Search for Particular People, Place, and Things: Google photos sync the photos of users and automatically arrange the uploaded pictures by location and by date. The advanced image recognition and Googles large database of information capture the subject of the picture, whether the picture was taken at wedding occasion or at holiday trips. The users are able to search and sort images with respect to date, location and the subject of search. User can search by food, bike to locate specific photos which is related to food and bike. Read Also: These Insane Headphones Will Get You High, Literally! Strange Inventions that can Ease Living BENGALURU: It is that time of the year again which sees Microsoft to host its Build developer conference. It is an annual tradition in which the software juggernaut lays out its software plans for the rest of the year. While Build 2015 witnessed some grand plans unveiled by the firm for Android and iOS apps on Windows 10, this year Microsoft is expected to make vital announcements for Windows 10, Universal Windows Platform, Azure and HoloLens among others. The main focus of Build 2016 would be to attract developers to Microsofts platform with updates it has planned. HoloLens has also attracted many eye balls and will be an important topic of discussion in the conference. With Microsoft all set to host their annual conference, much has been already anticipated of this. We bring to you 5 prime things to expect from Microsoft Build 2016 as compiled by TOI Tech. Read Also: Strange Inventions that can Ease Living Twitter's Periscope Broadcasts 200 Million Streams in First Year BENGALURU: Ola, Indias most popular mobile app for transportation, today announced the launch of Ola Wi-Fi, a proprietary experience from the companys innovation labs, that allows users to auto connect to Wi-Fi in an Ola cab without having to enter credentials every single time. Users with a one-time authentication on their phones, can use Ola Wi-Fi on their devices without having to key in login credentials and passwords in subsequent rides, staying connected with Olas secure network whenever they take a ride. Auto-Connect Wi-Fi is currently available for free on Ola Prime and will soon be available across all categories including Micro, Mini and Auto-rickshaws available on the Ola app. Wi-Fi hotspots that are available publicly today, are cumbersome to use with login credentials and unique passwords to be input every single time, making for a broken connectivity experience on the move. Also, the need for seamless connectivity is extremely important in a local market like India which is seeing a massive growth in the user base of smartphones that is upward of 40% year on year. Over 200TB of data was consumed on a monthly basis by users of Ola Prime, which was earlier making available high speed Wi-Fi in-cab with a standard authentication process. 65% customers who chose Ola Prime, connected to the in-cab Wi-Fi. With auto-connect Wi-Fi innovation, Ola foresees a massive surge in adoption, given the unmatched customer experience for users while on the move. Raghuvesh Sarup, Head of Categories & Chief Marketing Officer said, Ola Wi-Fi addresses the need for consumers to be connected to the internet while on the go, without the hassles of having to use unique credentials every single time. With over 40 minutes spent on an average cab ride in Indian cities, an auto-connect Wi-Fi experience can make every Ola, the third place for consumers, beyond their home and workplace. We are ushering in a digital revolution in the country that has the potential to transform the experience of mobility for a billion Indians in the time to come. The Auto-Connect Wi-Fi experience from Ola is built on the foundations of key Government initiatives including Digital India and Smart Cities. Globally respected technology companies like Google, have also come forward to set up innovative projects that can connect public spaces. This first of its kind innovation for India, can in the long run, help connect large communities of users, improving the quality of time spent while on the move. Ankit Bhati, Co-founder & Chief Technology Officer at Ola added, We are thrilled to bring our proprietary Ola Wi-Fi experience to users, changing the way they will stay connected on the move. As part of Olas Innovation Labs, this first of its kind experience is in line with the Governments initiatives of Digital India and owes inspiration to large projects like free Wi-Fi in railway stations. We also see this as the beginning of connected cities, with hundreds of thousands of vehicles connecting millions of users on the go! Olas Innovation Labs have constantly built technology that solves for local market and consumer needs that the company is in a unique position to understand. In the past, Ola has enabled 2G optimization for its app, allowing for a lightning fast experience for users even on slower networks; a problem that is commonly encountered in many parts of the country. Ola has also made available its app for auto-rickshaw drivers in over 9 local languages and enabled turn by turn navigation features for driver-partners registered on the Ola app. Read Also: Video-On-Demand Services that You Can't Afford to Miss Oculus Rift Inspires Art, Medicine, Tourism and Automotive Sectors Stanford scholars play an important role in efforts to bring about reconciliation among Asian nations still grappling with memories of World War II. (Stanford Program on International and Cross-Cultural Education) Stanford historical memory project seeks WWII reconciliation in Asia A Stanford project encourages World War II reconciliation and historical accuracy about the conflict and its consequences in Japan, China, Korea, Taiwan and the United States. Progress has been made on classroom textbooks and scholarly discussions and exchanges. From atomic bombs to harsh military occupations in the World War II period, the past is very much the present in the Asia Pacific region. Stanford scholars are striving to help heal these wounds from yesteryear. Helping old enemies better understand each other today is the aim of the Divided Memories and Reconciliation project, a multi-year comparative study of the formation of historical memory regarding the wartime period in countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and the United States. Left unattended, misguided wartime narratives may exacerbate current disputes to the point of armed conflict, said Daniel Sneider, associate director of research at Stanford's Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center. He leads the Divided Memories project along with Gi-Wook Shin, a Stanford sociology professor and the Shorenstein center director. Rod Searcey Rylan Sekiguchi, a Stanford curriculum specialist, presents a curriculum demo for textbooks focused on Korea at a 2014 conference on campus for American teachers. Sneider points out the critical importance of textbooks and what is taught in schools especially given the rise of nationalism among youth in China, Japan, Taiwan and South Korea. "Dialogue among youth of the different nations is needed, along with an appreciation for the diversity of views and the complexity of history," he said. Shin said, "Each nation in northeast Asia and even the U.S. has selective or divided memories of the past, and does not really understand the views of the other side." Education and history Launched in 2006, the Divided Memories project has published research findings, issued recommendations and convened conferences. In the early days, the researchers examined high school history textbooks in China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and America. The outcome was the project's first book in 2011, History Textbooks and the Wars in Asia: Divided Memories, which suggests that an "introspective effort" to understand national narratives about WWII has the potential to bring about historical reconciliation in the region. Sneider describes it as the first comparative study of textbooks in the countries involved; it soon evolved into a classroom supplemental textbook published by the Stanford Program on International and Cross-Cultural Education. "Formal education is a powerful force in shaping our historical understandings," Sneider noted. "We wanted to look at the textbooks that have the most impact and usage." A 2014 book, Confronting Memories of World War II: European and Asian Legacies, which was co-edited by Shin, Sneider and Daniel Chirot, a sociologist with the University of Washington, compared successful European WWII reconciliations with lagging Asian efforts. Another book, Divided Lenses, published earlier this year, examined the impact of dramatic film and other forms of popular culture on wartime memory. A new book is due out this summer, Divergent Memories: Opinion Leaders and the Asia-Pacific War, which focuses on leaders in politics, the media and academia in Japan, China, South Korea and the U.S. The Divided Memories project aims to generate discussions and collaborations among those who create "historical memories" educators, policymakers and government leaders. One report that grew out of such dialogues included suggestions for reconciliation: Create supplementary teaching materials on the issue. Launch dialogues among Asian, American and European historians. Offer educational forums for journalists, policymakers and students. Conduct museum exchanges and create new museums, such as one wholly dedicated to WWII reconciliation in Asia. Increase student exchanges among all the countries involved. History is reflected in today's geopolitics, as noted in the revived disputes by these nations over rival claims to islands in the South China Sea and elsewhere. Without resolution, these disagreements can flare up into military conflicts, Sneider wrote. "The question of history taps into sensitive and deeply rooted issues of national identity," he noted. Whether recounting Japanese atrocities in China, China's exaggerated account of its Communist fighters' role in World War II, or the U.S. decision to drop atomic bombs on Japan, no nation is immune to re-creating the past to further its own interests today, Sneider wrote. For example, Divided Memories research on Chinese textbooks shows how the Chinese government in recent decades embarked on a "patriotic education" campaign to indoctrinate young people by exaggerating its role in Japan's WWII defeat. This narrative suits the nationalistic desires of a Chinese government no longer exclusively motivated by communist ideology, Sneider said. One project of APARC and its Japan Program that was also an outgrowth of Divided Memories involved Stanford scholars urging Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to show "clear, heartfelt remorse" in a 2015 speech on the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII. A 15-page report featured hypothetical statements suggesting what Abe might say to make amends for Japanese actions in China and Korea. "While we cannot claim to have directly influenced the prime minister, his statement did go further in the direction of an expression of remorse over the war and the need to continue to look clearly and honestly at the past than many expected," said Sneider. Generations and grievances Consciousness-raising on other fronts, however, is getting results, thanks to Stanford's Divided Memories project. A 2015 landmark agreement between Japan and South Korea over the WWII "comfort women" dispute was reached due to extensive U.S. involvement. Comfort women were women and girls who were forced into sexual slavery by the Imperial Japanese Army in occupied territories before and during World War II. In an article, Sneider explained how the U.S. perceived that the dysfunctional relationship between South Korea and Japan over this issue, among others, threatened to undermine American strategic interests in Asia. Shin highlights the importance of U.S. involvement. "The U.S. is not just an outsider to historical and territorial disputes in the region," he said. "From a geopolitical perspective, the U.S. has done a wonderful job in reviving the devastated region into a prosperous one after 1945, but from a historical reconciliation perspective, the U.S. has done a poor job." He suggests that America should "play a constructive role in promoting historical reconciliation" among the countries involved. And so, the Divided Memories project has included the United States in its efforts. According to Sneider, Divided Memories is unique among all reconciliation projects for its emphasis on the inclusion of the U.S.; comparative analyses across countries; and real-world policy impacts. As part of the Shorenstein research center, it is housed within Stanford's Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies. "This project reflects what Stanford, our center and the Freeman Spogli Institute are all about true interdisciplinary research and engagement," Sneider said. Media Contact Daniel Sneider, Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center: (650) 724-5667, dsneider@stanford.edu Clifton B. Parker, Stanford News Service: (650) 725-0224, cbparker@stanford.edu Three new members named to UF Board of Trustees Gov. Rick Scott has appointed former Board of Governors Chairman Morteza Mori Hosseini to the University of Florida Board of Trustees. Hosseini is the chairman and chief executive officer of ICI Homes in Daytona Beach. He joins Marsha Powers, chief executive officer for Tenet Healthcares Florida Region, and Leonard Johnson, a UF alumnus and Tampa Bay area attorney, as the newest board members. Powers and Johnson were recently appointed to the UF board by the Florida Board of Governors. Skilled practitioners in their fields, these individuals bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to our board, UF President Kent Fuchs said. All three are dedicated to helping guide the university in its quest to be recognized as one of the very best in the nation. We are pleased to welcome them. Hosseini received a bachelors degree from the Chelsea College of Aeronautical Engineering and a bachelors and masters degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Hosseini founded ICI Homes, one of Florida's largest residential homebuilder/developers, in 1980. Consistently ranked by Builder Magazine among the nation's Top 100 homebuilders, ICI Homes has built thousands of homes in most major Florida markets including the counties of Volusia (corporate office headquarters), Flagler, St. Johns, Duval, Nassau, Seminole, Orange, Osceola, and Brevard. In addition to land development and homebuilding operations, Hosseini is involved in many other enterprises throughout Florida including a lumber company and a title insurance company. Hosseini also serves on several corporate, civic and public boards and associations.He succeeds Christopher Corr of Jacksonville, who has served since 2012. Corr is senior vice president of real estate for Rayonier, a public company, and president of TerraPointe, its real estate subsidiary. Powers, a veteran health care executive, has more than three decades of experience, including operational responsibility for large and diverse hospital networks. At Tenet Healthcare, Powers is responsible for directing the strategy and operations for 10 acute-care hospitals in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Tenet's Florida hospitals have 3,483 beds, almost 10,000 employees, an annual payroll in the state of more than $670 million and revenues exceeding $1 billion. Prior to joining Tenet, Powers served as a division president of Triad Hospitals and as president of Quorum Health Service's Southeast Region. Powers holds a bachelor's degree in biology from Sweet Briar College in Virginia, and a master's degree in business administration, specializing in health and hospital administration, from the University of Florida. Powers succeeds Charles Edwards, an attorney from Fort Myers. Edwards has served on the Florida Board of Regents and Board of Governors, as well as serving on the universitys Board of Trustees for the past five years. Leonard Johnson practices law in the Tampa Bay area with a focus on real estate law, business law, banking law, construction law and land use and development law. He has represented banks and other businesses, as well as individual clients with complex issues related to buying and selling real estate and businesses, finance transactions, construction matters, and land use and development issues. Johnson is as a member of the Gator Boosters Board of Directors and is its president-elect. He earned a bachelors degree in finance and a law degree from the University of Florida. Johnson succeeds Susan Cameron, an alumna who is president and chief executive officer of the public company Reynolds American, Inc. Cameron has served as a trustee for the past five years. The March 31-April 1, 2016 Board meeting is the last for Faculty Senate Chair Paul Davenport, a distinguished professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine with a joint appointment in the College of Medicine, and Student Body President Joselin Padron-Rasines, a senior studying political science and international studies. Associate Professor of Agricultural Leadership Nicole Stedman will succeed Davenport, and Susan Webster, a fourth-year student studying international studies and Chinese language, will succeed Padron-Rasines. UFs 13-member board consists of six members appointed by the governor and five members appointed by the Board of Governors. The chair of the Faculty Senate and the president of the student body also serve as voting members on the board. Board members serve staggered, five-year terms. UF ranks 2nd on Forbes 2016 list of Best Value Public Schools, 3rd overall The University of Florida is ranked No. 2 on Forbes' 2016 list of Best Value Public Colleges and No. 3 on the magazine's overall list of best value schools nationwide. Only the University of California, Berkeley, ranked higher than UF on the list of public institutions. The University of California, Los Angeles came in at third, the University of California, San Diego ranked fourth and the University of Illinois rounded out the top five. It is gratifying to see that UF is ranked so highly among peer institutions that are known for their excellence and providing an outstanding return on investment, UF President Kent Fuchs said. UF students and alumni also should be pleased to know that their degrees are becoming more valuable all the time. Forbes staffer Caroline Howard wrote, This is our newly reimagined Best Value Colleges ranking, an analysis of the brainiest research universities and leading liberal arts schools, both public and private, that are well worth the investment. Not only do these colleges have a good reputation, she wrote, theyre also a great deal. Youll walk away with both a degree and some extra money in your pocket. Last year, Forbes ranked UF seventh among public schools and 10th overall; however, the magazine this year uses a different methodology that included what Howard described as much more rigorous metrics so the two years cannot be compared. To create the rankings, Forbes set out to find out what schools are worth the investment. Forbes partnered with the Center for College Affordability and Productivity, which gathered data from a variety of sources. The five general categories and weights are: Quality (35%): Based on the 2015 FORBES Top Colleges ranking. Drop-out risk (15%): Based not on retention rates but rather the percentage of students who do not graduate in six years. Graduation success (15%): The average expected number of years it takes to graduate of those who do graduate within six years. Post-graduate earnings (25%): Forbes uses its own model of mid-career earnings (meaning at least 10 years of working), based both on PayScale and the new U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Value-added (10%): Last year Brookings created a ranking system of its own, A Value-Added Approach To Assessing Two- And Four-Year Schools. That list is described as an attempt to isolate the effect colleges themselves have on those outcomes [like salaries], above and beyond what students backgrounds would predict. The resulting score is divided by gross tuition and fees.For public schools, Forbes accounts for differences between in- and out-state tuition based on percentage of in- and out-state students. Why do people risk their lives for the perfect selfie? 2016 hasnt been a great year for the selfie. In February, Argentinian tourists passed around a baby La Plata dolphin in order to take selfies with it. The endangered animal subsequently died from stress and heat exhaustion. Then, in early March, a swan died after a tourist dragged it from a lake in Macedonia all for the sake of a selfie. While both animal deaths elicited widespread anger, humans have been more likely to put their own lives at risk in order to snap the perfect photograph. In 2015, Russian authorities even launched a campaign warning that A cool selfie could cost you your life. The reason? Police estimate nearly 100 Russians have died or suffered injuries from attempting to take daredevil selfies, or photos of themselves in dangerous situations. Examples include a woman wounded by a gunshot (she survived), two men blown up holding grenades (they did not), and people taking pics on top of moving trains. Heights have also resulted in selfie fatalities. A Polish tourist in Seville, Spain fell off a bridge and died attempting to take a selfie. And a Cessna pilot lost control of his plane killing himself and his passengers while trying to take a selfie in May of 2014. Putting oneself in harms way is not the only way our selfie obsession has resulted in death. One male teen who allegedly suffering from body dysmorphic disorder attempted suicide after spending hundreds of hours trying to take an ideal selfie. People who frequently post selfies are often targets for accusations of narcissism and tastelessness. But with social networking apps like Snapchat becoming more and more popular, selfies are only proliferating. So whats going on here? What is it about the self-portrait thats so resonant as a form of communication? And why, psychologically, might someone feel so compelled to snap the perfect selfie that theyd risk their life, or the lives of others (animals included)? While there are no definitive answers, as a psychologist I find these questions and this unique 21st-century phenomomenon worth exploring further. A brief history of the selfie Robert Cornelius, an early American photographer, has been credited with taking the first selfie: in 1839, Cornelius, using one of the earliest cameras, set up his camera and ran into the shot. The broader availability of point-and-shoot cameras in the 20th century led to more self-portraits, with many using the (still) popular method of snapping a photograph in front of a mirror. Selfie technology took a giant leap forward with the invention of the camera phone. Then, of course, there was the introduction of the selfie stick. For a brief moment the stick was celebrated: Time named it one of the 25 best inventions of 2014. But critics quickly dubbed it the Naricisstick and the sticks are now banned in many museums and parks, including Walt Disney Resort. Despite the criticism directed at selfies, their popularity is only growing. Conclusive numbers seem lacking, with estimates of daily selfie posts ranging from one million to as high as 93 million on Android devices alone. Whatever the true number, a Pew survey from 2014 suggests the selfie craze skews young. While 55 percent of millennials reported sharing a selfie on a social site, only 33 percent of the silent generation (those born between 1920 and 1945) even knew what a selfie was. A British report from this year also suggests younger women are more active participants in selfie-taking, spending up to five hours a week on self-portraits. The biggest reason for doing so? Looking good. But other reasons included making others jealous and making cheating partners regret their infidelities. Confidence booster or instrument of narcissism? Some do see selfies as a positive development. Psychology professor Pamela Rutledge believes they celebrate regular people. And UCLA psychologist Andrea Letamendi believes that selfies allow young adults to express their mood states and share important experiences. Some have argued that selfies can boost confidence by showing others how awesome you are, and can preserve important memories. Still, there are plenty of negative associations with taking selfies. While selfies are sometimes lauded as a means for empowerment, one European study found that time spent looking at social media selfies is associated with negative body image thoughts among young women. Apart from injuries, fatalities and tastelessness, one big issue with selfies appears to be their function as either a cause or consequence of narcissism. Peter Gray, writing for Psychology Today, describes narcissism as an inflated view of the self, coupled with a relative indifference to others. Narcissists tend to overrate their talents and respond with anger to criticism. They are also more likely to bully and less likely to help others. According to Gray, surveys of college students show the trait is far more prevalent today than even as recently as 30 years ago. Do selfies and narcissism correlate? Psychologist Gwendolyn Seidman suggests that theres a link. She cites two studies that examined the prevalence of Facebook selfies in a sample of over 1,000 people. Men in the sample who posted a greater number of selfies were more likely to show evidence of narcissism. Among female respondents, the number of selfie posts was associated only with a subdimension of narcissism called admiration demand, defined as feeling entitled to special status or privileges and feeling superior to others. Bottom line: selfies and narcissism appear to be linked. How we stack up against others Selfies seem to be this generations preferred mode of self-expression. Psychologists who study the self-concept have suggested that our self-image and how we project it is filtered through two criteria: believability (how credible are the claims I make about myself) and beneficiality (how attractive, talented and desirable are the claims I make about myself). In this sense, the selfie is the perfect medium: its an easy way to offer proof of an exciting life, extraordinary talent and ability, unique experiences, personal beauty and attractiveness. As a psychologist, I find it important not only to ask why people post selfies, but also to ask why anyone bothers looking at them. Evidence suggests that people simply like viewing faces. Selfies attract more attention and more comments than any other photos, and our friends and peers reinforce selfie-taking by doling out likes and other forms of approval on social media. One explanation for why people are so drawn to looking at selfies could be a psychological framework called social comparison theory. The theorys originator, Leon Festinger, proposed that people have an innate drive to evaluate themselves in comparison with others. This is done to improve how we feel about ourselves (self-enhancement), evaluate ourselves (self-evaluation), prove we really are the way we think we are (self-verification) and become better than we are (self-improvement). Its a list that suggests a range of motives that appear quite positive. But reality, unfortunately, is not so upbeat. Those most likely to post selfies appear to have lower self-esteem than those who dont. In sum, selfies draw attention, which seems like a good thing. But so do car accidents. The approval that comes from likes and positive comments on social media is rewarding particularly for the lonely, isolated or insecure. However, the evidence, on balance (combined with people and animals dying!), suggests there is little to celebrate about the craze. This article originally was published in The Conversation on March 24, 2016. The capture of Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav by Pakistan "has not led to a meltdown in relations altogether", said an influential daily which added that the broader issue of spying between Pakistan and India should be worked out between the two states. In the editorial "The Spy Affair", the Dawn on Thursday said that while questions remain about the exact nature of Jadhavs activities in Balochistan and the circumstances of his arrest, "it is obvious that India has a great deal to answer for". "Moreover, the weak and confused denials of Indian officials so far has added to a sense that the Pakistani version of events surrounding Jadhav is far closer to the truth than the Indian version," it said. "After years of unproven allegations, the Pakistani state has rather dramatically produced evidence of Indian interest and interference in Balochistan," it added. The daily said that perhaps what is most impressive is that the capture of an Indian national by Pakistan "has not led to a meltdown in relations altogether". "Had Jadhav been captured a year ago, it is more than likely that the already tense bilateral relationship would have plummeted to yet another low." The daily noted that in India too there has been a relatively muted reaction given that an Indian national has been shown confessing on national TV in Pakistan. "Yet, it is in the continuing work of the Pathankot JIT that a real sense of perspective has been maintained," the editorial said. "In Pakistan allowing the investigators to go to India and the latter receiving them and permitting them to work as planned, both states have shown that the Jadhav affair is not going to overrule and cancel all other crucial issues." It went on to say that while prime ministers Nawaz Sharif and Narendra Modi will now not meet in Washington after Sharif cancelled his trip in the wake of the Lahore park attack, it is hoped that a meeting elsewhere will be possible soon. "...Instead of a public trial leading to all manner of nationalist and anti-Indian sentiment being unleashed, the fate of Jadhav and the broader issue of spying between Pakistan and India should be worked out between the two states," the Dawn said. It stressed, "If at the height of the Cold War, the US and the Soviet Union were able to manage the issue of spies captured, surely there is a way for Pakistan and India to do the same." It added that more troubling, though, is the allegation of going beyond mere spying and actively stirring unrest inside Pakistan. "A new set of rules needs to be drawn up on that front." --Indo-Asian News Service rd/vt ( 459 Words) 2016-03-31-11:31:31 (IANS) Singh, his cook Madan Gopal and friend Rajesh Verma reached the NIA office where the JIT will question the three in the presence of National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials, informed sources told IANS. The three were questioned by the NIA on March 26 in the national capital and have been living under the agency's supervision since then, the sources said. Singh has claimed that he, Verma and cook Gopal were abducted by four or five heavily-armed terrorists near Punjab's Kolia village on January 2. The terrorists later attacked the Pathankot Indian Air Force base in which seven security personnel were killed. The Pakistani terrorists were later killed in a shootout. The Pakistani team is in India to probe the Pathankot attack, which New Delhi says was masterminded by Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Maulana Masood Azhar. On Monday and Tuesday, the NIA submitted evidence to the five-member Pakistani team on the terror attack. According to NIA sources, the evidence show that the Pathankot operation was planned by elements in Pakistan. The visiting team comprises among others Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) official Lt. Colonel Tanvir Ahmed and military intelligence officer Lt. Colonel Irfan Mirza. --Indo-Asian News Service ao-rak/rn/mr ( 238 Words) 2016-03-31-14:07:33 (IANS) Lt Gen Asim Saleem Bajwas tweets and statements have exposed the fissures "at a time when the nation expects the best coordination between the two sides in their fight against terrorism", the Daily Times said. "The civil government might not be delivering as per the expectations of the military establishment but making such differences public will not benefit the cause of effectively fighting terrorism and extremism." This, the daily warned, undermined the civilian government's supremacy "and gives the impression as if the military is acting like a supra-governmental body over and above the countrys chief executive". After the suicide attack at a Lahore park on March 27 that left more than 70 people dead, Gen Bajwa announced that the army chief had chaired a high-level meeting to commence operations against terrorists. The daily said that after the Lahore attack, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Pakistan Army chief General Raheel Sharif had been holding meetings separately. They "have yet to sit together for a coordinated effort", it said. The military also said that Gen Sharif had told Iranian President Hassan Rouhani about the Indian spy agency RAW's involvement in Pakistans internal affairs, especially in Balochistan. But the same evening, the Iranian president denied that the RAW issue was discussed. --Indo-Asian News Service mr/rd ( 242 Words) 2016-03-31-15:43:31 (IANS) Speaking an election rally in Assam's Thowra assembly constituency, Singh said Pakistan had been continuously saying that it has no involvement in militant and terror activities in India. He said, however, now Pakistan has acknowledged that the Pathankot attack and filed an FIR. He said the Pakistani probe team has come to India and our team is going to Pakistan. Singh said the change has come due to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's astute and positive political capability. He said, all the countries of the world are acknowledging that India's strength is increasing. (ANI) EVMs containing Braille numerals by the side of the ballot buttons will be provided to assist the visually challenged voters in the May 16 Assembly election in Kerala. Official sources said here today that in tune with the direction from Election Commission of India, special facilities would be ensured for the physically disabled electorate at all the polling stations so that the persons with disabilities could exercise their franchise without any difficulty. The personnel at the polling station will ensure that physically challenged electors were given priority for entering the polling station without having to wait in the queue with other electors. All necessary assistance as may be required should be provided to them at the polling station, the sources added. Electors with speech and hearing impairment would also be given special care as in the case of other disabled persons. A separate queue and special arrangements would be ensured for them at polling stations. Even the existing EVMs have also been designed keeping in view the needs of the visually handicapped and hearing-impaired electors, the sources said.UNI DS CS 1030 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0414-661062.Xml Jammu and Kashmir police and Paramilitary forces have launched a joint operation to arrest the gunmen responsible for killing a woman in south Kashmir district of Pulwama last night.However, no militant outfit has claimed responsibility for her killing. As reported a 50-year-old woman Hameeda Begum was shot dead by a group of unidentified gunmen in her house at village Noorpora, Tral, in Pulwama district last night.Official sources said that gunmen entered her house and shot her dead before escaping under the cover of darkness. It was not immediately clear why she was killed, they said adding police has also registered a murder case.This was the first killing of a woman in several year in south Kashmir where about a dozen militants were killed in encounter with security forces during the past few months. Militants killed a person and shot at and wounded another in Pulwama during the past two months.UNI BAS QAB AY RAI0953 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0153-661037.Xml There was still no relief for hardline Hurriyat Conference (HC) General secretary who remained under detention while more than 25 leaders and activists of the amalgam have been booked under Public Safety Act (PSA) in the Kashmir valley.Meanwhile, a local court has quashed the detention of a HC activist arrested under PSA. A HC spokesman Aiyaz Akbar told UNI that senior separatist leader Shabir Ahmad Shah remained under detention for the past more than a month. Shah has been lodged in police station Raj Bagh, he said. However, there was no restriction on other leaders of the amalgam, he said adding chairman ailing Syed Ali Shah Geelani is in New Delhi. He will return within next few weeks as tests conducted yesterday in the hospital were normal and he was recovering very fast, Aiyaz said. He said there are 26 leaders and activists of the HC, including Masarat Alam, Amir Hamza Shah, Mir Hafizullah and Abdul Gani Bhat who have been booked under PSA.Aiyaz said though the PSA of several detained leaders had been quashed by courts but they have not been released and re-arrested again under PSA .He said PSA was against Alam was quashed about half a dozens but he was again re-arrested each time.Alam was released in March last year after serving four years jail term by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) government headed by then Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed which evoked sharp reaction from leaders of saffron party and Congress.Alam, who heads 2010 mass pro freedom demonstrations, was later arrested in April last year under PSA and shifted to Kotbalwal jail, Jammu for his participation in a rally organized to receive Mr Geelani at Hyderpora from New Delhi.Meanwhile a local court here has quashed the detention under PSA of a HC activist Mehrajuddin Ganie, a resident of Zainakote who was arrested for allegedly participating in stone pelting. The court has directed police to release Ganie, detained in Kupwara jail if he was not involved in any other case.UNI BAS QAB AY RAI1019 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0153-661053.Xml Congress has lamented 'insensitive and irresponsible' behaviour byUnion Minister of State for Agriculture Sanjeev Balyan with a problems ridden farmer with whomthe Minister has reportedly involved in an unpleasant dialogue at a function (in Rajasthan). The opposition party has posted tweet on its official page last evening narrating the incidentand targeting the Modi Government for show of 'insensitive attitude' of some of its Ministers inpublic affairs. "Modi Government's Agriculture Minister(MoS) Sanjeev Balyan taunts struggling farmers to commit suicide. #Shameful", the party remarked in the tweet. Narrating on the Minister's face off with farmer, it wrote "Kisan bola "nuksaan se pareshan hun, agar meri madad nahin ke gayi tao mein atmhatya kar lunga (farmer said "I am upset dueto loss , If I am not helped out, I shall commit suicice).//.Kendriya Mantri bole "Ja kar le phir (Go then, commit!)". "Modiji Ke Amanviya Mantri(Modi's Ministers, lacking humanity)", the party taunted.UNI SS -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0089-661143.Xml Officials of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) today seized about2.5 kg gold bars, valued at Rs 85 lakhs, from a passenger who arrived here from Abu Dhabi at the Anna International airport here this morning. Airport sources said, the DRI officials, acting onintelligence, checked the hand baggage of the passenger and seized the gold bars. He was being questioned to ascertain the sourceof the gold and to whom he was carrying. The passenger, identified as Paramath, was a native of Kerala. In another incident, two people, bound for Singapore, were detained for carrying Rs 18 lakh cash without valid documents. The duo--Buhari and Khaja Moideen--hailing from Madurai were being questioned by the customs authorities.UNI GV ADB 1055 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0415-661084.Xml The Election Commission has issued instruction to provide a Complaint Redressal Mechanism Call Centre & Web-Based Management in all the four election going states--Assam,Kerala,Tamil Nadu and West Bengal and Union Territory of Puducherry. The main objective of this IT platform is to manage the complaints being received through call centres/telephone/online/fax/ post /paper complaints/in person in an integrated way and a time bound manner. Inform the complainants about the status of receipt and disposal of complaints. Through these Complaint Redressal Mechanisms, the EC ensures that complaints at all level are properly addressed and timely redressed and the entire election process is made smooth, hassle free, transparent and effective, the ECI said in a statement today. In Assam, the complaints are received through toll free number 1950, online application 'SAMADHAN' available at district websites with URL http://election.cloudapp.net/assam-samadhan and at CEO website www.ceoassam.nic.in, Android based mobile application available in Google Play Store as SAMADHAN [ASSAM]. Individual can lodge complaints in physical copies in person/post/fax etc and can still get SMS or view status of complaints if s/he wishes to.In Kerala, e- Pariharam has been lodged in Kerala to facilitate lodging complaints online. Complainants can also visit Akshaya Centres (CSC) and use helpline numbers. Complainants will receive SMS alerts while lodging as well as at the time of disposal of complaints. Photos/videos can be uploaded as part of complaints. The URL of website is: http://e-pariharam.kerala.gov.inIn Tamil Nadu, apart from paper, phone, e-mails, online modes of complaint receipt, the complaints are also being received through Facebook, twitter etc. The option for lodging online complaint is available on website of CEO, Tamil Nadu: http://www.elections.tn.gov.in/ In West Bengal, the IT platform is available at the URL: http://election.cloudapp.net/wb-samadhan . The App is also available in the form of mobile App at Google Play Store: SAMADHAN [WEST BENGAL]. The disposal period of complaints received has been prescribed as 24 hrs in general, and half hour on poll day.In Puducherry, CEO, Puducherry has established 24x7 helpline call centre with 5 dedicated trunk lines under supervision of an officer of Tehsildar level. Complaints are also being received through SMS, Whatsapp (8903331950), e-mail etc. The online complaints registering mechanism is also available for the use of public. The Assembly polls in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Assam and Union Territory of Puducherry will be held between April 4 and May 16. UNI NY AY ADG 1210 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0099-661136.Xml Government of India and the World Bank signed an agreement for the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) amounting 1.5 billion dollar loan to support operation project to support India . The loan agreement for the project was signed by Raj Kumar, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance on behalf of the Government of India and Onno Ruhl, World Bank Country Director, India on behalf of the World Bank. In efforts to ensure that all citizens in the rural areas have access to improved sanitation with a focus on changing behaviour and eliminating the practice of open defecation by 2019. The Government of India's Swachh Bharat Mission is the country's largest-ever drive to improve sanitation. The SBM aims to end open defecation and improve the management of liquid and solid wastes added Mr Kumar. Specifically, this project will support the rural component, known as SBM Gramin (SBM-G), over a five-year period using a new performance-based program which links funds directly to results, ensuring that benefits are delivered to the people in need more than 60 percent of India's population that resides in rural areas. The SBM-G program focuses on ensuring usage of toilets along with their construction. States and their implementing agencies will be given incentives for meeting performance standards. Performance will be measured against the states' ability to reduce open defecation, sustaining their open defecation free (ODF) status and improving solid and liquid waste management in rural areas. The loan, from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), has a maturity of 18 years including a grace period of 5 years. "One in every ten deaths in India is linked to poor sanitation. This project, aimed at strengthening the implementation of the Swachh Bharat Initiative of the government, will result in significant health benefits for the poor and vulnerable, especially those living in rural areas," said Onno Ruhl, World Bank Country Director for India. The Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation (MDWS) will oversee and coordinate the project and support the participating states. Funds will also be used to develop the capacity of MDWS in program management, advocacy, monitoring and evaluation. The Bank will also provide a parallel 25 million dollar technical assistance to build the capacity of select state governments in implementing community-led behavioural change programs targeting social norms to help ensure widespread usage of toilets by rural households. UNI RN RAI1232 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0311-661134.Xml The Anti-Corruption Bureau of Aurangabad and Beed unit have arrested four people including Head constable and Deputy General Manager of MSEDCL in two separatetraps, while accepting a bribe in the past 24 hours. According to officials sources from ACB Aurangabad said that, Head constable Vitthal Chavan attached with Pimpalner police station in Beed district and one agent Lalasaheb Nagargoje were nabbed last night opposite to Hotel Manmandir in Aurangabad by the ACB unit while accepting bribe of Rs 1,40,000 from a cotton traderfor not taking any action him in a compliant registered by one farmer from Balasaheb Nagargoje in connection of fraud in measurement of cotton, they said. In another trap at Parli town in Beed district, DGM of Information and Technology department of MSEDCL Mr Yogesh Khairnar and electrical contractor Milind Kamble were also caught red handed by Beed ACB when they accepted Rs. one lakh as bribe from a complainants for initiating inquiry reports as positive against himin a fraud of Rs.2.5 crores in electricity bills, they added.UNI VKB NV SM AY RAI1217 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0169-661152.Xml With an aim to support young professionals overcome their mid-month and month-end financial needs. Mobile app EarlySalary.com today launched its operations in Bengaluru. EarlySalary App has seen 32000 downloads and received an overwhelming response in its first month of pilot launch in Pune. Now, the app is extending to Bengaluru to answer the huge customer demand coming in from this Tech Savvy city.The company offers short term personal loans up to Rs 100,000 for 7 to 30 days. The app is currently available on Google Play Store for android smartphone users and will launch the iOS version this week, said the company.The Pune based Fin-tech Startup uses new age technology which power first of its kind Social Worth Score which combines credit bureau reports to social media details of the user and decision within few minutes. User can get instant fund transfer to his bank account and can use it every month anytime he likes."Traditional banking instruments don't cater to short term needs, they are also age biased when you are young. We wanted to solve the problem of the younger population needing access to short term funds and the idea of EarlySalary took shape,said Akshay Mehrotra, Co-founder and CEO at EarlySalary.com in a statement.The Idea for the app was to give credit to youth of India by offering short term credit to salaried individuals. Its unique product positioning allows to get instant cash transfer to their bank account,the company stated. We have developed a unique social worth score which allows to judge the credit in non- traditional way and provide a better assessment of risk. It also broadens the target group. Technology savvy Bangaloreans are our key customers, we are very sure EarlySalary will appeal them,added Mr Mehrotra.UNI RN RAI1312 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0311-661200.Xml The sit-in agitation that started since Tuesday by the Akhil Bharatiya Kisan Sabha (ABKS), the farmer wing of CPI (M) in city has been temporarily called off after successful meetingwith the state Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis. A delegation of ABKS met the chief minister yesterday, and discussed various demands of adivasi and farmers. The CM assured the Kisan Sabha leaders that union government's help will be taken for blanket loan waiver to farmers. Thereafter, the loans will be waived off. He also assured that the forest land claims will be taken within three months. In a bid to give remunerative price to farm products including fifty per cent profit and to decide such basic support price a cropwise proposal will be prepared and sent to the union government. The Kisan Sabha has demanded forest land rights for tribal farmers, blanket loan waiver for farmers, waiver of electricity bills, remunerative prices for all crops as per the recommendations of the Swaminathan commission, water , fodder, work and crop compensation to drought -hit area of Marathwada and Vidarbha regions, stringent implementation of the forest rights act and forest land, pasture land and temple land to the vested in the name of the actual tillers.UNI RDS NV SM CJ 1409 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0169-661272.Xml Thailand is looking to reinvent itself as an automotive research and development (R&D) centre, starting with a proposed $105 million automotive test centre on its eastern coast.For years, Southeast Asia's second-biggest economy has been a regional base for some of the world's top car makers such as Toyota Motor Co and Honda Motor Co, banking on its reputation as an assembly line and auto parts producer."We need to upgrade ourselves to be more value-added," Thavorn Chalassathien, vice chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries, told Reuters on Thursday.On Tuesday, Thailand's Cabinet approved a plan to invest 3.7 billion baht ($105.1 million) in an automotive test centre in Chachoengsao province near the eastern seaboard.Built on around 1,200 rai (200 hectares) of land, the site will be used to help local manufacturers develop new automotive technology.Thailand currently spends 0.3 to 0.4 percent of gross domestic product on R&D across all industries, said Hirunya Suchinai, secretary-general of Thailand's Board of Investment.The government wants to increase this to 1 percent within the next two to three years, Hirunya said.But some economists say Thailand needs more skilled workers if it wants to become a R&D centre, and that becoming a hub would require foreign expertise."They would require a lot of foreign experts to help set it up, to bring in the intellectual capital," said Euben Paracuelles, an economist at Nomura in Singapore."For that to happen you will need to provide a lot of incentives and reasons for them to be based in Thailand. It is not going to happen overnight."Thailand's industrial output contracted again in February from a year earlier, led by autos, steel and electronics.REUTERS CJ AS1601 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0400-661508.Xml : The Union Government is taking steps to ensure the release of 481 Indian fishermen languishing in Pakistan prisons. National Fish Workers Forum(NFF) chairperson M.Illango in a release here today said that he had written a letter to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on February 23 in this regard and he was informed in the reply written by deputy secretary to the external affairs ministery C Soumiya that all steps were taken to get the fishermen released. It was informed that the issue of fishermen were being approached with humanitarian attitude and that on every January one and July one, India and Pakistan are exchanging the list of prisoners of both the countries in prisons. As per that information, presently 481 Indian fishermen were in Pakistan prisons now. Frequent talks were being made with the Pakistan government, proper guidance was being given to the prisonsrs through the embassy and the welfare of the fishermen in prison are also being monitored. He was informed that the issue of the fishermen would be taken up in the proposed talks between both the countries as per the decisions taken at Islamabad on December nine last year.As many as 448 Indian fishermen and their 57 boats were released from Pakistan prisons in 2015, following the union government taking initiatives in this regard. Later, 86 Indian fishermen were released from Pakistan prisons on March 8 this year . Further the fishermen were advised not to cross the Indian waters in future.UNI PAB KVV AK 1545 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0414-661353.Xml At least 15 people were killed and 50 injured when a portion of an under-construction flyover collapsed in north Kolkata's Posta area, the city's business hub today. Police said many construction workers, a crowded minibus, several cars, taxis and autos were buried and massive operations were on to retrieve those trapped inside. The toll is likely to shoot up further. The injured have been admitted to three different hospitals. The tragedy befell when a portion of the under-construction Vivekananda Flyover suddenly collapsed near Ganesh Talkies cinema hall on the crossing of Rabindra Sarani and Vivekananda Road at around 12:30 pm. Two teams of National Disaster Response Force, besides Fire Brigade, Army, police and local people were engaged in rescue operation. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who was away from Kolkata on election campaign, headed to the city following the incident. The Chief Secretary, Home Secretary and the city Mayor have rushed to the spot to oversee the rescue operation. Cranes have been called in to lift the collapsed concrete blocks. Iron cutters have been brought to break through the mangled rods of the bridge. Trinamool Congress MP Derek O'Brien called the collapse as a 'monumental tragedy'. "Monumental tragedy. Rescue ops on.Many feared dead. Chief Sec/Home Sec at site. CM headed back to Kol immediately.This is the update I have," he tweeted. The 2.2 KM flyover, a part of which suddenly collapsed, is located near Girish Park metro station in one of the busiest sections of the city -- the Burrabazar area, which is known as the business district and for its wholesale markets. The construction work for the bridge began in 2009. UNI KDG PL ADG AS1533 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0211-661428.Xml The Odisha Assembly was adjourned twice today during the zero hour over the traders' threat to stop import of all essential commodities from April one next. Speaker Niranjan Pujari adjourned the house first at 1134 hrs to 1240 hrs and again from 1241 hrs to 1500 hrs for lunch after the opposition Congress members rushed to the well, shouted slogans and disrupted the proceeding insisting the government to hold a dialogue with the traders and resolve the crisis. The issue was raised by Opposition Chief whip Tara Prasad Bahinipati who said the traders have announced to stop importing essential commodities like dal, sugar, pulses and wheat from tomorrow if the government failed to withdraw the 5 per cent VAT imposed on food articles. He said the prices of essential commodities would go up and the people will suffer, affecting the economy of the state if the traders stopped importing the pulses and food grains. The Congress members demanded a ruling from the Speaker to direct the government to hold discussion with the traders not to stop importing essential goods from tomorrow. Mr.Bahinipati urged the Speaker to immediately give a ruling directing the finance minister to hold discussion with the traders and resolve the problem. As the Speaker did not pay any heed, the Congress members rushed to the well and shouted slogan in support of their demand. The Speaker's appeal to the members to cooperate in conducting the business of the house did not have any impact on them. Finding no other alternative the Speaker adjourned the house at 1134 hrs till 1240 hrs.When the house reassembled at 1240 hours, Mr Bahinipati again raised the issue and urged the Speaker to give a ruling. Soon the Congress members rushed to the well and shouted slogans reiterating their demand to resolve the traders crisis. The Speaker, however, appealed to the the opposition members to go back to their seat and participate in the debate on the adjournment motion but the Congress members did not oblige him.The Speaker was then forced to adjourn the house at 1241 hrs till 1500 hrs without transacting any business. UNI BD DP PL SHS PM1618 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0211-661497.Xml The independent MLA who was sent to judicial custody till April 8 is asked to surrender his passport. Maharashtra government employees working at the Mantralaya, the state secretariat, had yesterday called off their protest against the alleged assault on an official by an Independent MLA. The Mantralaya employees had gone on a flash strike on Tuesday to protest against the incident and demanded action against the legislator. The protest continued on Wednesday, with the staff assembling in Mantralaya, seeking action against Achalapur MLA Bacchu Kadu, against whom an FIR has been lodged. Earlier, Revenue Minister Eknath Khadse announced an enquiry by the Chief Secretary into the alleged assault. Kadu, along with a clerk Ashok Jadhav, had gone to meet B. R. Gavit, Deputy Secretary, General Administration Department on Tuesday. He was insisting that Jadhav be allowed to continue to stay in the government quarters and be alloted additional accommodation, in violation of norms, a Mantralaya official said. (ANI) The World Bank will provide 250 million dollar loan to finance the entire cost of Rajasthan government's programme for turning around its power distribution sector.Raj Kumar, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs and Onno Ruhl, country director, World Bank, today signed an agreement. Sanjay Malhotra, Principal Secretary, Department of Energy, Government of Rajasthan and the Country Director (India) on behalf of the World Bank signed the Programme Implementing Entity Agreement."The objective of the programme is to support the Government of Rajasthan (GoR)'s program for the turnaround of the distribution sector in Rajasthan under the 24x7 Power for All programme," said an official release.The main areas of the programme that are supported by the proposed operation include Strengthening Governance in the Rajasthan Electricity Distribution Sector; Financial Restructuring and Recovery; and Improving Operational Performance' of Distribution Utilities. The project has been designed as a result based financing programme, under which funds will be released only on achievement of agreed results/indicators," the release added.UNI NM SHS 1713 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0426-661705.Xml Eminent industrialist and economic thinker Shyam Sundar Kanoria passed away this morning at his city residence. Founder chairman of Kanoria Chemicals and Industries, the country's leading manufacturer of intermediate chemicals, Mr Kanoria was also credited with many path-breaking work in sugar and jute industries. Elected president of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry in 1971-72, Mr Kanoria's tenure was distinguished by his efforts to create goodwill and understanding between the government and business when it was largely missing. As FICCI president, he prevailed upon the business community to hold the price line during the Indo-Pakistan war, which earned him praises from the government and the community at large. Ahead of the war with Pakistan, Mr Kanoria went to Germany at the instance of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi as leader of an economic delegation where he had a highly fruitful meeting with Chancellor Willy Brandt. He represented India in many international forums with distinction. He was president of the Indian national committee of International Chamber of Commerce. Mr Kanoria made significant contribution as member of committees such as Central Advisory Council of Industries, Board of Trade and Direct Taxes Central Advisory Committee. Mr Kanoria had the distinction of becoming the youngest ever president of Indian Sugar Mills Association at the age of 28 in 1956-57. He in that capacity pioneered the export of sugar from India and also promoted an enduring partnership between sugar factories and cane growers for sustainable growth of the agro-based industry. Mr Kanoria believed that the traditional jute mill industry must make a break with the past to stay relevant in present times. His work at Ludlow Jute and Specialities involving thorough modernisation from preparatory to finishing stages and introducing high value added diversified products stood out as an example for the industry. Younger businessmen saw in Mr Kanoria a guardian angel whose advice they sought. A Calcutta University graduate in economics, Mr Kanoria was chairman of the editorial board of the book 'Footprints of Enterprise Indian Business through the Ages', a history of entrepreneurship in India going back 4500 years. During his chairmanship (1982-85), the Economic and Scientific Research Foundation, New Delhi published many research papers of enduring value.UNI BM SHS AS1739 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0214-661738.Xml "Extending her condolences to the family members of the deceased, Smt. Gandhi hoped that the injured are being suitably treated," tweeted INC India, the official Twitter account of the Indian National Congress. "She has instructed the PCC (Pradesh Congress Committee) and Congress frontal organizations to assist in relief efforts," the party tweeted. A portion of a flyover under construction in Kolkata collapsed on Thursday, burying several vehicles. Besides the 14 people killed, around 70 others were injured. --Indo-Asian News Service sid/rn/bg ( 115 Words) 2016-03-31-18:25:32 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is demanding from its ally Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) an equal share in Jammu and Kashmir's new government and also a free hand in the administration of the Jammu region. A BJP insider said that the party leaders were of the view that since both the partners have almost an equal number of MLAs in the 87-member house, it was natural to demand an equal share in the new cabinet to be headed by PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti. "The BJP wants better share in governance to keep its boat on even keel vis-a-vis its vote bank in the Jammu region. We also want a free hand in general administration so far as the Jammu region is concerned," the source told IANS. The insider refused to be identified because the two sides were still negotiating the formation of the state government. Mehbooba and BJP's Nirmal Singh, tipped to be her deputy, staked claim to power last week when they met Governor N.N. Vohra. Since then, there has been no major headway in government formation in the state that has been without an elected government since January when then chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed died in a Delhi hospital. It is believed that the swearing-in of Mehbooba as the chief minister, and her council of ministers has been delayed because the two parties are still negotiating berth sharing. In the previous ruling coalition that lasted for about 10 months, the PDP had 11 cabinet ministers while the BJP had eight. Both parties had three junior ministers each in the ministerial council. The key portfolios of home, general administration, finance, education, law and parliamentary affairs, tourism, agriculture and revenue were with the PDP. The BJP had power development, social welfare, forest, public health engineering, industries and commerce and flood protection departments. The PDP's number in the assembly has been reduced to 27 now from 28 when Sayeed was alive. It also enjoys the support of one independent candidate. The BJP has 25 but is supported by three more -- including two from the Peoples Conference, led by Sajad Lone, and an independent. --Indo-Asian News Service sq/sar/bg ( 371 Words) 2016-03-31-19:27:32 (IANS) Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Thursday held separate meetings with three top leaders of Kerala -- Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala and state Congress chief V.M. Sudheeran -- to sort out differences over selection of candidates for the assembly polls. The candidate selection hit a roadblock when Sudheeran reached Delhi on Monday and told the party leadership that he wanted a few ticket hopefuls to stand down this time. They include Excise Minister K. Babu, who is facing allegations in the bar scam, Revenue Minister Adoor Prakash, who is embroiled in a row over land transfer, Culture Minister K.C. Joseph who has been a legislator since 1982, Benny Behanan for allegedly having links with solar panel scam accused, and legislator A.T. George. Chandy on Wednesday took a strong stand and made it clear that under no circumstances can any of these five legislators be asked to stand down. He said that if this was to happen, he will also stand down as he was also facing allegations. "He (Chandy) made it clear that under no circumstances can any of these sitting legislators be asked to stand down. He has convinced the party president (Sonia Gandhi) why he is standing firm," a source close to Chandy told IANS. After meeting Gandhi, a not-too-happy Sudheeran told reporters that he only discussed with her the party's affairs in Kerala. Chandy, according to sources, was not happy when Chennithala sought to play truce and requested the chief minister to see that things were amicably settled. On Friday, a final meeting will be held in the presence of Gandhi, where all the issues are likely to be sorted out. "Of the 82 seats the Congress party will contest, close to 70 seats have been cleared. In tomorrow's (Friday's) meeting, the remaining also will be sorted out," said the source. In a lighter vein, the source added that this has been very common in the Kerala unit of the Congress for many decades. Polls for the 140-member Kerala assembly will be held on May 16. --Indo-Asian News Service sg/pm/ ( 357 Words) 2016-03-31-19:27:34 (IANS) NHRC has issued a notice to the Jharkhand government over the attacks on Muslim cattle traders and mob lynching of two of them in the state on March 18.''The Jharkhand government been granted a month's time to submit a detailed report on the issue,'' NHRC spokesperson said. ''The NHRC issued notice to the Jharkhand government on March 29, 2016 over mob lynching of two Muslim cattle traders in Latehar district of the state on March 18, 2016.It is alleged that both the traders were taking their cattle to a fair, when they were stopped by a mob; beaten up and hanged. ''On March 18, 2016, their bodies were found and taken to the administration headquarters, when the police misbehaved with the crowd. Allegedly, they were told to give up cattle trade and threatened of dire consequence by some cow protection vigilantes about a month ago'' , the spokesperson said.The administration to save its skin is propagating ''personal dispute'' as the reason for the dispute. It is trying to defend self-proclaimed cow protectors, who are targeting the minority community in the region, he alleged. The deceased, the only bread earners in the family, have been awarded Rs one lakh compensation.UNI SY RJ 2008 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0093-662162.Xml BJP MLA OP Sharma was suspended today from the Delhi Assembly for the upcoming two sessions over his alleged sexist remarks against Aam Aadmi Party legislator Alka Lamba and remaining 'unapologetic' about it. The decision followed a discussion on the report of the Delhi Assembly's Ethics Committee, which yesterday recommended mr Sharma's "expulsion" as he has remained "unrepentant" about the controversial remarks against the AAP MLA from Chandni Chowk.Addressing the Assembly, Mr Sharma said, "Ms Alka Lamba is like my younger sister. I wanted to praise Ms Alka at that time, when the incident took place, but I was interrupted in between without completing my sentence. If my incomplete sentence has hurt someone, then I express regret for that."On the other side, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said Mr Sharma had not accepted his mistake that he committed on that day. If he accepts his mistake, then he will be forgiven. But if he does not, he should be suspended from the Assembly for the upcoming next two sessions, Mr Sisodia added.Asking Mr Sharma to accept the mistake and the mandate of Delhi as the AAP has won 67 of the 70 seats in the House, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said, ''He should accept and respect the finding of the Ethics Committee report, that has found him guilty. We will forgive him, if he accepts his own mistake committed on that day.''The proposal was passed by the Delhi Assembly by voice vote.The committee's report, presented in the Assembly yesterday, described the BJP MLA as a "habitual offender" and gave him another opportunity to apologise for his remarks till the discussion on the matter.The report said, "From the proceedings of November 25, 2015, it is abundantly clear that Sharma used the words 'raat bhar ghumne wali' in the most derogatory and defamatory sense against Lamba. ''It amounts to character assassination of a lady. He has neither shown remorse nor any sign of learning from his past mistakes proving to be a habitual offender," the report added. UNI SM RJ 2034 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0377-662276.Xml : The main opposition members of Congress party have boycotted the Power-point presentation delivered by Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on irrigation projects and government's plan to redesign in the House today. In a first of its kind, a power-point presentation on irrigation projects was presented by Mr Rao, after installing giant LED screens in the House and also one LED screen set at in the Council Hall to enable the members of both the Houses of the Legislature to view the presentation. Pen drives and booklets containing the text of the CM's audio visual presentation was also distributed to the members.. Leader of the Opposition in the House and Telangana Congress legislature party (CLP ) Member K.Jana Reddy earlier in a letter addressed to Speaker Madhusudhana Chary said the procedure for presentation of any document by the government in the house is that both hard and soft copies are places in the House and the members are given a day or two to prepare and debate in the House. The procedure may be followed in respect of proposed irrigation projects discussion in the House. We found there is no precedent in Parliament or in any assembly in India, wherein a debate is initiated on the basis of audio-visual presentation, he said. In fact, there is no precedent even in Parliament or in Assembly of giving on audio-visual presentation in the House. This is unhealthy precedent because if all the members wish to speak only through audio-visual presentation of any subject in the House, it would be against present Parliamentary practices, Mr Jana added.UNI KNR KVV AK 1920 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0414-661813.Xml Addressing a press conference here, Mr Mallik alleged that the state government was troubling the IAS and IPS officials in the state. He said the state government was also not concerned about the plight of the minorities in the state. Mr Mallik said while the honest officials were being harassed, corrupt and dishonest officials were being given plump postings. Several other leaders of the district Congress unit were also present on the occasion.UNI XC-AK BM RJ VN2003 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0214-662009.Xml The Special Judge, Vigilance, Special Court, Bhubaneswar today convicted former Executive Engineer Rural works division Koraput Jagannath Mohini for possessing disproportionate assets worth of Rs 35,45,395. The judge also convicted Renubala Mohini, wife of Jagannath Mohini under Section 109 of IPS for abating the offence. Jagannath Mohini was sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for three years and to pay fine of Rs 10,00,000 in default to undergo rigorous imprisonment for 20 months and his wife Renubala Mohini was sentenced to undergo simple imprisonment for 1 year and to pay fine of Rs 1,00,000 in default to undergo simple imprisonment for six months . Vigilance sources said a case under prevention of corruption act was registered against Jagannath Mohini, Executive Engineer on the allegation of possession of disproportionate assets to his known sources of income. His office-cum-residential house at Koraput, office chamber at Koraput, parental house and father-in law house were searched simultaneously on September 20,2005 to detect disproportionate assets. After investigation charge sheet was places against Mr Mohini and his wife Renubala on December 31, 2005 for possession of disproportionate assets worth of Rs 40,85,535. Mr Mohini entered in to service as Junior Engineer in the year 1982 and later promoted to the post of Assistant Engineer then Executive Engineer, RW Division, Koraput and at present working as Executive Engineer, R & B Division, Rayagada.UNI DP BM RJ BL2007 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0214-662085.Xml A day after a bank was looted in the Madhya Pradesh capital's Bagh Sewania area, two accused were arrested and more than Rs 4.84 lakh recovered. ''The duo identified as Ajay Singh Jat and Ashish was apprehended at P and T Colony following a tip-off. They were on the verge of decamping from the city. ''Jat hails from Meerut and was dwelling at the Bhadbhada Road area here. He was charged in another bank dacoity committed here some years back. Criminal cases are registered against Ashish as well and the two met in prison,'' Superintendent of Police (South) Anshuman Singh said. The due decided to target the UCO Bank branch, as it is staffed mostly by women, and took Rs 5.73 lakh. The crime was caught on CCTV camera.UNI PKJ-AC RJ VN2120 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0044-662342.Xml Addressing a news conference at the secretariat, the Chief Minister said, "The sister-state programmes will develop relationship between two states, help in promotion of tourism and increase the prospective opportunity for economic, social, cultural, educational and environmental exchanges. "It will help to minimise the barriers to greater foreign investment and encourage increased cross-collaboration between those in the film industry in India and Hawaii." In December 2014, Tulasi Gabbard, member of the US Congress, had visited Goa. She had called on Governor Mridula Sinha, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar. During discussion, Ms Gabbard expressed her views regarding strengthening of relationship between Hawaii and Goa. She had held discussions on various categories like promotion of trade, tourism, sport, technology, pharmaceuticals, yoga, Ayurvedic and ancient Hawaiian Lomi, Lomi massage and other wellnessand educational academics, pilgrimage, Hawaiiian products, world peace and interfaith conference in future. The proposal has been vetted by the Ministry of External Affairs, the Chief Minister said. Goa is a popular tourist destination while Hawaii is America's tropical island. The programme will develop a relationship between the two states, which would help in promotion of tourism, Mr Parsekar added.UNI AKM SS RJ VN2130 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0169-662320.Xml A team of journalists from Manipur who went to Thailand and Thai Manipuri Diasporas have formed "Thai Manipuri diaspora" organisation with the launching of a Facebook group named Global Manipuri Platform (Thailand) . President of Editors' guild Manipur A Mobi today said Editors of the state toured Thailand during March end to see the effect of Act East policy. By meeting the Manipuris settled at Thailand, it was decided to form a Facebook group to serve as a Global platform for Manipuri expats living and working outside Manipur. He said the group has started drawing several interested persons from countries like Canada, UK, Singapore, Bangladesh, Malaysia Thailand and India. Administrator Chingakham Dina, underlining the objective of the face book group, said the platform was opened to all Manipuris around the world. "Please share information about business, job and education," he said. Editor's Guild Manipur, instrumental in activating the diaspora group assured that the Editors' Guild Manipur and its media houses would cooperate fullest to facilitate the group achieve its goal. The Editors expressed their desire to those residing in Thailand to assist any Manipuris who would like to come to Bangkok or any of the Thai cities either for business or leisure or even seeking employment. The diaspora members, many of whom are on work visa and working as teachers said there was demand for Computer, Maths and English teacher. The Thais, weak in spoken English are now realising the importance of the global language as South East Asian countries are grouping into the political and economic organisation the ASEAN. However the selection process are very stringent, they added. They will not recruit based on marks. The probable recruits have to demonstrate their classroom transaction skill and students were allowed to judge them over a period of two to three months. Some members of diaspora into business of transportation are eagerly looking forward to the opening up of the Trans Asian Highway and railway. Already huge volume of goods from Bangkok is moving into different states of NE India, but at a huge cost, they said. A land route would place Manipur as a strategic point, from where goods could be disbursed to the rest of India, they opined.UNI NS BM RJ BL2118 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0214-662286.Xml Asserting that India would never bow down to terrorism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi left terror-struck Brussels for Washington on Wednesday night to attend the Fourth Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) after attending the 13th India-EU summit and resolving to fight terrorism together with Belgium. "Leaving for Washington DC after a satisfying Belgium visit. My thanks to Belgian people & Government for their exceptional hospitality," Modi tweeted soon after he finished addressing the Indian diaspora in the Belgian capital. "Am certain my visit will lead to stronger ties with Belgium & EU. India, Europe and the world will gain from strong ties between us," he added. At least 35 people, including an Indian national, were killed in twin explosions at Zaventem airport and in another explosion at a metro station in the Belgian capital on March 22. "All set for the trans-Atlantic voyage. PM leaves for USA where he will join Nuclear Security Summit," the Prime Minister's Office tweeted. During a daylong visit to Brussels, his first official visit to the Belgian capital which is also the headquarters of the European Union, Modi said that India stood fully in support and solidarity with the Belgian people following the terror attacks. Leaders of 53 nations and four international organisations will be attending the NSS in Washington. On Thursday evening, Modi will be attending a leaders-only thematic dinner to be hosted by US President Barack Obama at the White House. This will be followed by three plenary sessions on Friday when India, along with other participating nations, will submit their national nuclear progress reports. "After Belgium, I will be in Washington DC on March 31 to participate in the Fourth Nuclear Security Summit, where several nations and global organisations would be represented," Modi said in a statement on Tuesday ahead of his departure to Brussels. "The summit would deliberate on the crucial issue of threat to nuclear security caused by nuclear terrorism. Leaders would discuss ways and measure through which to strengthen the global nuclear security architecture, especially to ensure that non-state actors do not get access to nuclear material," he said. --Indo-Asian News Service ab/vr ( 357 Words) 2016-03-31-03:03:32 (IANS) In one attack, three suicide bombers drove their explosive-laden vehicles into the positions of the security forces in Thirthar area north of the IS-held city of Fallujah, some 50 km west of Baghdad. The troops destroyed the vehicles with guided anti-tank missiles and killed the three suicide bombers aboard, a provincial security source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity. Separately, 17 IS militants were killed in an air strike by US-led coalition warplanes on near the town of Heet, some 160 km west of Baghdad, the source said. Meanwhile, coalition warplanes bombarded a fuel station used by IS militants in the town of Heet, killing 14 IS militants and destroying three fuel truck tanks, the source added. In Anbar province, three security members were killed and five others wounded when trying to defuse two roadside bombs in the provincial capital city Ramadi, some 110 km west of Baghdad, the source said. Iraqi security forces and allied Sunni paramilitary tribal units have been battling IS militants to repossess control of large territories in northern and western Iraq, seized by the IS since June 2014. The troops have so far recovered Ramadi, the provincial capital of the country's largest province of Anbar last December. --Indo-Asian News Service vr/ ( 245 Words) 2016-03-31-03:25:53 (IANS) Welcoming robust bilateral economic engagement between the two countries, India and Belgium on Wednesday recognised the importance of the diamond sector in bilateral trade and the ongoing cooperation in the framework of the Kimberley Process, and resolved to further consolidate this mutually beneficial partnership. Taking a positive note of Belgium being India's second largest trade partner in goods in the EU and India being Belgium's second largest export destination outside the EU, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Belgian counterpart Charles Michel committed to further strengthening the economic engagement by diversifying the bilateral trade basket and expanding investment ties. Recognising the key role of the services sector in the two economies, the two Prime Ministers encouraged partnerships between services sector industries, especially in the areas of Information Technology, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and renewable energy. They also acknowledged the valuable contributions made by skilled workers to the service sectors of the two economies and the importance of smooth movement of skilled personnel in the framework of people to people exchanges. The leaders recognised the importance of global cross-border transfer of information by electronic means for business purposes and resolved to address regulatory issues, and agreed on the need to tap into the full potential of the EU-India strategic partnership and looked forward to the resumption of negotiations on the India-EU Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement on mutually-agreed terms. They discussed various flagship development initiatives launched by the Government of India and agreed to explore enhanced cooperation in these areas, especially the Smart Cities and the Clean Ganga programmes, including the management of water resources in the Ganga River basin. Prime Ministers noted the presence of more than 160 Belgian companies in India and around 80 Indian companies in Belgium. The Prime Ministers encouraged businesses on both sides to take advantage of the growing trade and investment opportunities, especially in sectors with mutual complementarities such as ports, railways, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, information technology, health, research and innovation. Noting the vibrant passenger traffic between the two countries and recognising the need for direct passenger flights, the two Prime Ministers hoped that efforts would be undertaken to maintain air connectivity between Belgium and India either through direct flight or through code-share operations. They also welcomed the conclusion of the amending protocol that makes the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) more comprehensive and contemporary. This is Prime Minister Modi's first official visit to Belgium. From Belgium he will proceed to Washington D.C. to participate in the Nuclear Security Summit, and on the return leg, he will visit Saudi Arabia. (ANI) Describing terrorism as the greatest challenge of the times, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today called for de-linking it from any religion and putting a joint fight against it. "You are India's messengers who present India and its culture to the world through your conduct and speech" Mr Modi said to the Indian community here. So many nations have suffered due to terrorism. Terrorism is not a challenge to a nation, it's a challenge to humanity. All powers who believe in humanity have to come together to fight terror, Mr Modi said. India has been battling terrorism for four decades. But the rest of the world recognised the danger only after 9/11. No religion teaches terrorism. This message resonated from the World Sufi Forum held in Delhi. "I met leaders of the EU today. We talked on many things but terrorism was the focal point of all discussions." PM said. In a time when the world economy is not doing so well, it is generally agreed that India is a ray of hope. "Our campaign on gas subsidy led to 9 million people surrendering their subsidy, helping millions of poor families to get gas connections." he said "We have introduced JAM scheme. It means Jan Dhan-Aadhar-Mobile. We have connected gas subsidy to Jan Dhan accounts." Mr Modi said. "For years OROP was promised but even when an allotment was made, it was a token amount. We changed this." Prime Minister said. "We managed to resolve the Land Boundary Agreement with Bangladesh which had been pending for decades," he added. Earlier the Prime Minister was given a grand welcome at a colourful reception held in his honour by the thousands of Indians living here. He was frequently cheered by the crowd during his address. This was Mr Modi's last programme in his day-long visit to Belgium during which he held bilateral talks with his Belgian counterpart Charles Michel and participated in the India EU Summit.UNI XC NAZ JW0430 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0364-660985.Xml US Secretary of State John Kerry called yesterday for "an ultimate resolution" of the two-decade-old Nagorno-Karabakh conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia during talks with Azeri President Ilham Aliyev at the State Department.Aliyev is in Washington for a two-day nuclear security summit hosted by President Barack Obama today and tomorrow."We want to see an ultimate resolution of the frozen conflict of Nagorno-Karabakh that needs to be a negotiated settlement and something that has to be worked on over time," Kerry said during a brief photo opportunity with Aliyev.The conflict broke out in the dying years of the Soviet Union but efforts to reach a permanent settlement have failed despite mediation led by France, Russia and the United States.Nagorno-Karabakh lies inside Azerbaijan but is controlled by ethnic Armenians.Aliyev thanked the United States for trying to end the conflict but said it could only be resolved through a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for the "immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Armenian troops" from Azerbaijan."The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, all the conflicts in post-Soviet area and in the world, must be resolved based on territorial integrity of the countries," he said.Oil producing Azerbaijan frequently threatens to take the mountainous Nagorno-Karabakh region back by force. Clashes around the region have fueled worries of a wider conflict breaking out in the South Caucasus, which is crossed by oil and gas pipelines.REUTERS JW0530 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0364-660994.Xml The Pentagon has notified the USCongress that it plans to transfer about a dozen prisoners held at the Guantanamo military prison to at least two countries, a USofficial said , the latest move in President Barack Obama's push to close the facility.The first of the transfers are expected to take place in the next few days and the others will be occur in coming weeks, according to the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Among the group will be Tariq Ba Odah, a Yemeni man who has been on a long-term hunger strike, the official yesterday said.Some 91 prisoners are currently held at the prison at the US naval base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Despite congressional resistance, Obama is seeking to shutter the facility before he leaves office in January.REUTERS JW PR0724 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0364-661005.Xml This is Prime Minister Modi's third visit to United States in nearly two years. He was received at the Andrews Air Force Base by U.S. Ambassador to India Richard Verma and Indian Ambassador to the U.S. Arun Singh. Earlier, the Prime Minister's Office tweeted, "All set for the trans-Atlantic voyage. PM leaves for USA where he will join Nuclear Security Summit." Leaders of 53 nations and four international organisations will be attending the NSS in Washington. In the evening, Prime Minister Modi will be attending a leaders-only thematic dinner to be hosted by President Barack Obama at the White House. This will be followed by three plenary sessions on Friday when India, along with other participating nations will submit their national nuclear progress reports. "After Belgium, I will be in Washington D.C. on March 31 to participate in the Fourth Nuclear Security Summit, where several nations and global organisations would be represented," Prime Minister Modi said in a statement on Tuesday prior to his departure to Brussels. "The summit would deliberate on the crucial issue of threat to nuclear security caused by nuclear terrorism. Leaders would discuss ways and measure through which to strengthen the global nuclear security architecture, especially to ensure that non-state actors do not get access to nuclear material," he said. Earlier, briefing the media in New Delhi, Joint Secretary (Disarmament & International Security Affairs) Amandeep Singh Gill underlined India's main expectations from the summit. He said, "India expects that the summit would contribute further to raising high-level awareness of the threat of nuclear terrorism and the need to strengthen international cooperation against terrorists and nuclear traffickers." "We also expect that the summit would help bolster legal, institutional and enforcement measures to strengthen the security of nuclear material, radioactive sources, associated facilities and technologies," he added. (ANI) Ten people were wounded when an explosion hit a passing police vehicle in the southeastern Turkish city of Diyarbakir today, a security source said.Broadcaster Haberturk TV said the blast hit near a bus station in the city, the largest in the mainly Kurdish southeast. Ambulances rushed to the scene, Haberturk said.The southeast has been scorched by waves of violence since a ceasefire between the militant Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and the government collapsed last July. REUTERS PY BL2023 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0298-662279.Xml A new fossil found in France is almost a spider, but not quite. The arachnid, locked in iron carbonate for 305 million years, reveals the stepwise evolution of arachnids into spiders. Dubbed Idmonarachne brasieri after the Greek mythological figure Idmon, father of Arachne, a weaver turned into a spider by a jealous goddess, the "almost spider" lacks only the spinnerets that spiders use to turn silk into webs. "It's not quite a spider, but it's very close to being one," said study researcher Russell Garwood, a paleontologist at the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom. [See Images of the Fossilized 'Almost Spider'] Locked in rock Arachnids are an ancient group with murky origins, Garwood told Live Science. The creatures were among the first land-dwellers, adopting a terrestrial life at least 420 million years ago. There are very few rocks laid down on land from that time, so little of arachnids' early history is preserved, Garwood said. And figuring out arachnid evolutionary relationships from DNA is likewise difficult because arachnids diversified so early, leaving few traceable evolutionary changes in their genes. The oldest known spider fossil comes from the Montceau-les-Mines, a coal seam in eastern France. That spider was 305 million years old. The newfound fossil from the same time period reveals that these ancient spiders lived alongside not-quite-spider cousins. The 0.4-inch-long (10 millimeters) arachnid was discovered decades ago, but no one could make much of it, because the front half of the fossil is buried in rock. Computed tomography unlocked the mystery by allowing Garwood and his colleagues to peer inside the rock at the arachnid's walking legs and mouthparts, which are important for identifying the genus and species of this kind of creature. Long-lost cousin The arachnid turned out to have had spiderlike mouthparts and legs. But unlike true spiders, it lacked spinnerets. It also had a segmented abdomen, rather than a fused abdomen, which modern spiders have. Story continues "We're looking at a line of spiderlike arachnids that haven't survived but must have split off before 305 million years ago," Garwood said. Members of an earlier arachnid branch, called the Uraraneida, known from 385-million-year-old fossils, were also spiderlike in appearance, Garwood said, but had a long, tail-like structure called the flagellum that disappeared before I. brasieri branched off the family tree. Uraraneida did not have spinnerets, but did have structures called spigots that could have excreted silk. As a result, the researchers said they suspect that I. brasieri might have produced silk, too, just without the spectacular weaving abilities that spinnerets allow. The researchers said they plan to examine other fossils to get a better understanding of the rise of spiders. Very little is known about how spiders and other arachnids, such as scorpions and harvestmen, fit together in a family tree, Garwood said. "Arachnids as a whole are an incredibly successful group," he said. "They're the most diverse group of living organisms after insects. They're really, really successful but we have a very limited understanding of how they are related to each other." Follow Stephanie Pappas on Twitter and Google+. Follow us @livescience, Facebook & Google+. Original article on Live Science. Copyright 2016 LiveScience, a Purch company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. From Cosmopolitan The passing of marriage equality was a huge step for LGBT people in America, but the amount of discrimination that still exists for queer couples can't be denied. Here are ways things are still pretty rough for gay couples. 1. You could still be denied the ability to rent or buy a home just because you're LGBT. The Human Rights Campaign says that LGBT couples can face discrimination when trying to rent or buy a home, and there is no federal law stopping that discrimination. However, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington all have laws in place that prohibit housing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and all of those states with the addition of Maryland, New Hampshire, New York and Wisconsin prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation only. But everyone outside of those states is pretty screwed. 2. Some states allow wedding vendors to refuse service to same-sex couples. In 2015, Indiana Governor Mike Pence signed a bill into law that would allow businesses to discriminate against same-sex couples if their religion dictated that being gay was wrong, making Indiana pretty much the worst place to try and throw a same-sex wedding (you can see the other offenders on his handy National Equality Map.) 3. Your children could be kicked out of school because they have same-sex parents. San Diego private school Mt. Erie Christian Academy barred a 5-year-old girl from attending school allegedly because she had same-sex parents, causing her parents to consider filing a civil rights suit against the school alleging discrimination. An administrator told the local news outlet that the school had a non-discrimination policy, but when KGTV asked her if the school had discriminated against the child because she had same-sex parents, the administrator said, "The Bible says homosexuality is a sin. We don't condone any sinful lifestyles." They later stated on their school's Facebook page that they'd made a "Biblical decision" regarding their admissions policy and because the school doesn't receive money from the federal government, they're protected by the First Amendment. Story continues 4. You could be kicked out of a Christian college simply for being affectionate with your same-sex partner. Several Baptist universities in America have clauses that prohibit gay students from being romantic with each other in public, when they only prohibit sexual contact among straight students. Messiah College's handbook for example, allows heterosexual students to date as long as they're not sexually active, but homosexual students are told they must "refrain from 'same sex sexual expression' as it is embodied in culturally contextual practices (e.g., identifying as a couple or exhibiting expressions of physical intimacy)." So while they might allow you to attend as a gay student, if you openly show "evidence" that you're gay, you could be asked to leave. 5. You could be denied fertility treatments because you're a gay couple. A Brooklyn lesbian couple tried to raise money for fertility treatments via Indiegogo in 2015 after their insurance company, UnitedHealthcare, found they didn't meet the criteria for infertility because they didn't fit the criteria of an "inability to achieve pregnancy after 12 months of unprotected heterosexual intercourse." A spokesman for UnitedHealthcare said they simply used the clinical definition of infertility given by the American Society of Reproductive Medicine. Aetna said their policy also goes off that same definition, but their current policy has an exception stating "a woman without a male partner may be considered infertile if she is unable to conceive or produce conception after at least 12 cycles of donor insemination (6 cycles for women aged 35 or older)." Sadly, that means they would only cover fertility treatments once the woman had already paid out of pocket for IVF and failed to get pregnant. Similarly, 15 states have regulations stating that insurance companies must offer coverage fertility treatments, but in 14 out of 15 of those states (with the only exception being California), you have to be diagnosed as infertile (via an inability to get pregnant via heterosexual intercourse) before they'll cover it. 6. You can be denied an adopted child just because you're gay. According to the Family Equality Council, there is no federal standard that prohibits states from discriminating against LGBT people and same-sex couples in foster care and adoptive placements, so you could be denied a child simply based on your orientation and have zero legal recourse. There are individual state standards that prohibit discrimination of same-sex couples in foster care and adoption, but only in California, Nevada, New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Maryland, and New Jersey. Seriously, is it the future yet? I'm ready for the future. Follow Lane on Twitter and Instagram. The Food and Drug Administration has approved changes to the label for mifepristone, also known as "the abortion pill," the agency said this week. The new label says that the drug (sold under the brand name Mifeprex) can be taken later in pregnancy and at a lower dose than what was recommended on the old label. Many doctors already follow the new regimen in what's known as "off-label" use, because recent studies have shown that this regimen is safer and more effective than the protocol on the old label. But a few states, including Ohio, Texas and North Dakota, had laws that required doctors to follow the regimen on the label exactly. "These laws compelled health care providers to use an outdated, inferior and less effective regimen," Planned Parenthood said in a statement, weighing in on the FDA's new rule. "The FDA's approval of the new Mifeprex label means that medication abortion [using drugs to end a pregnancy] can once again be provided everywhere in the U.S. in accordance with what research shows is safest and most effective," the statement said. [11 Big Fat Pregnancy Myths] Here are the facts about mifepristone: What is mifepristone? Mifepristone is a medication used to induce abortion. It's taken in combination with another drug, called misoprostol, to end a pregnancy early on. The drug combination is an alternative to the surgical abortion procedure performed in a clinic, called an aspiration abortion.. How does it work? Mifepristone blocks the action of the hormone progesterone, which is important to maintain a pregnancy. Blocking progesterone causes the lining of the uterus to break down, and ends the pregnancy, according to Planned Parenthood. What changes did the FDA make to the mifepristone label? The old label said that mifepristone could be taken up to 49 days after a woman's last menstrual period, but the new label says that the drug can also be taken later in pregnancy: up to 70 days after a woman's last period. The new label also lowers the dose of the medication, from 600 milligrams to 200 mg. This regimen reduces the side effects, and also the cost, of a medication abortion, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Story continues Finally, the new label reduces the number of appointments that a woman needs for a medication abortion from three to two. The old label said that in addition to the initial appointment needed to get a prescription for the medication, women needed to return to the doctor three days after taking mifepristone, and again 14 days after taking the drug. But the new label eliminates the appointment after three days, and says that a woman should return for follow-up with her health care provider seven to 14 days after taking the medication. Is mifepristone the same as the morning-after pill? No, the morning-after pill, also called emergency contraception, is taken to prevent pregnancy from occurring a short time after unprotected sex; it does not affect an established pregnancy. What are the risks? Common side effects of a medication abortion include nausea, weakness, fever/chills, vomiting, headache, diarrhea and dizziness, according to the FDA. Serious side effects are rare, but can include infection and hemorrhage; these occur in less than 0.5 percent of people who take the medication, the FDA said. Follow Rachael Rettner @RachaelRettner. FollowLive Science @livescience, Facebook& Google+. Original article on Live Science. Copyright 2016 LiveScience, a Purch company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. BEIRUT (Reuters) - At least 21 Islamic State members were killed in air strikes in Syria's eastern city of Deir al-Zor, a monitoring group said on Thursday. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said it was not clear which country's air force carried out the strikes on an Islamic State base in al-Husseiniya, a northwestern district of Deir al-Zor. Fifteen of the dead Islamic State militants were foreigners, and some had already been buried, it said. It was not immediately possible to verify the report by the Observatory, which monitors Syria's conflict through a network of sources across the country. (Reporting by Dominic Evans; Editing by Mark Trevelyan) Ive been having a running argument with Donald Trump supporters on social media. Is America poor? Rich? Somewhere in between? Trump, the leading Republican presidential candidate, says the United States is poor, a claim I debunked in a recent story. But some readers dont buy my argument so Im digging deeper into the numbers. The basic objection comes down to one thing: A nation cant possibly be wealthy with a national debt of $19.3 trillion, or about $160,000 per U.S. household. If Washington had to pay that off all of a sudden, it couldnt possibly come up with the money. And if you cant pay your debts, you must be poor. That logic might make sense for a family or even a business, but not necessarily for the U.S. economy as a whole. The U.S. government does, in fact, have a negative net worth. It has assets of more than $5 billion, including buildings, land, intellectual property, loans made to consumers, currency and many other things. But its liabilities are much bigger, due mostly to the national debt. On the whole, the governments net worth is - $12.3 trillion, according to the latest data from the Federal Reserve. Americas wealth has never resided in the government, however; it resides in the private sector, which is bursting with bounty. Households, businesses and nonprofits have a combined net worth of about $98 trillion, according to the Fed. This table shows the entire net worth of the United States, including all of the nations assets and liabilities, in every sector: Source: Federal Reserve. Figures are for year-end 2015. Bottom line: The total net worth of the U.S. is nearly $100 trillion, give or take a few trillion due to fluctuations in the stock market and other variations. Again, that accounts for all debt, both public and private, including the $19.3 trillion Washington owes. (A methodology note explaining each category is at the bottom of this story.) So is $100 trillion of net worth a lot of wealth? Uh, yeah. Its 165 times the value of Apple, the world's most valuable company, and 5.5 times Americas entire GDP, a portion that has risen sharply since the recession. Total net worth peaked at 5.7 times GDP in 2006, the final year of the housing boom. It bottomed out at 4.8 times GDP from 2009 through 2011, as home values fell, then turned upward in 2012 as both homes and stocks once again gained in value. Heres the ratio of total net worth to GDP since 1960: Story continues Source: Federal Reserve, Dept. of Commerce, Yahoo Finance Its difficult to do apples-to-apples comparisons with other countries, but the United States ranks as one of the worlds wealthiest countries almost any way you look at it. U.S. disposable income per householdwhats left of family income after taxesis the highest in the world, and its multiples of what people earn in China and Mexico, the two bogeynations Trump frequently blames for killing American jobs. And the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development ranks the United States fourth in terms of household net worth as a percentage of disposable income, after Great Britain, Belgium and the Netherlands. That's an important measure of wealth when you account for income. Theres one huge caveat to all these rah-rah numbers: wealth in the United States is divided very unevenly, with the rich snagging a larger portion than in virtually every other advanced nation. The U.S. has a less generous safety net than many other countries as well. Many lower-earning Americans are undoubtedly struggling, while waiting for wealth stubbornly stuck at the top to trickle down, which may never happen. When Trump says America is poor, it resonates with a lot of people who feel that way. But if the question is whether America has the resources to pay its current and future obligations even in an emergency -- the answer is yes. It may not be possible under the current tax structure, which doesnt raise enough money to cover what the government spendsespecially with the economy growing at an anemic 2% or so. But the power to levy taxes is a remarkable tool, and it makes government finances quite different from the typical household budget. Tax rates can and do go up, usually when theres an urgent need for government revenue and other measures arent enough. The top tax rate soared from 25% before the Great Depression to 63% in the early 1930s, to 79% in the late 1930s, and to 91% during World War II. Today the top tax rate is 39.6%, and even lower for capital gains, which mostly accrue to the wealthy. Parting with some of that $100 trillion, if ever necessary, would surely be painful for those who own it. But ruinous, no. [Methodology: Heres some of the fine print on net worth astute readers will no doubt wonder about. The sector known as nonfinancial corporate business includes all U.S. for-profit public companies. The net worth number seems small because the market value of those companiesthe stockis mostly accounted for in the household category, under financial assets. Nonfinancial noncorporate business includes all privately owned U.S. companies. Financial business includes the banking sector, asset managers, insurance companies and other financial institutions, and its net worth is negative mainly because the loans and securities such firms issue count as liabilities, offsetting deposits and other assets. Rest of the world includes U.S. transactions by foreigners. And state and local government has a positive net worth because assets such as buildings, equipment, pension funds, and currency exceeds liabilities such as municipal debt and pension obligations. For those who want to know more, the Fed has published 47 pages of footnotes relating to these accounts.] Rick Newmans latest book is Liberty for All: A Manifesto for Reclaiming Financial and Political Freedom. Follow him on Twitter: @rickjnewman. Sprout, NBCUniversal's 24-hour preschool network, has tapped Amy Friedman as senior vp programming and development. In this role, Friedman will create and execute the network's overall content strategy and develop preschool franchises that will support both the brand and its business objectives. Friedman joins Sprout on Friday; the announcement of her hire was made today by Frances Berwick, president of lifestyle networks at NBCUniversal, who added oversight of Sprout to her duties in February. "Amy is extensively qualified to lead Sprout's programming as we deliver on our promise to create and acquire great content that is unique to preschool television," said Berwick. "Her track record speaks volumes - she has launched both successful series and the networks that aired them - and her sensibility and smarts make her a perfect fit for this role." Read More: Sprout Ramps Up Original Programming With New Series 'Kody Kapow,' Three Holiday Specials, 'Ruff-Ruff' Renewal (Exclusive) In her new role, Friedman will be responsible for the articulation of a programming vision as well as the leadership of all developmental efforts for Sprout Original Series, creating a slate of animated and live-action projects. She also will manage the production of the network's current series, including storytelling and creative, and will have oversight of the live daily morning show Sunny Side Up. Friedman also will serve as a key member of Sprout's executive team, contributing to the strategic direction of the brand and business. She replaces Andrew Beecham, who departed the network in January. Most recently, Friedman served as senior adviser for Scratch, Viacom's creative S.W.A.T. team, and was president of Redhead Consulting, a brand creation and content development company across all media. She also has held senior management positions at Nickelodeon networks including Nick, Noggin and TeenNick. Port Talbot (United Kingdom) (AFP) - As smoke rises from the blast furnaces of the steelworks that employ thousands in the coastal Welsh town of Port Talbot, there is little outward sign of trouble. Workers cycle home from their shifts in the spring weather, and the only sign of anything untoward is a cluster of television crews. But beneath the surface all is far from well after Indian owner Tata Steel announced plans to sell its assets in Britain The announcement could prove a critical blow to Britain's once world-leading steel industry, which has been hit by a wave of layoffs and closures as producers struggle against high energy costs and plunging prices caused by a chronic global oversupply of steel. "It wasn't totally unexpected but it was still a shock," said Alan Coombs, a representative of the Community trade union. "I didn't think that they would be so direct in saying that they wanted to put the UK steel concern up for sale." Tata's plans to sell its British assets include Port Talbot and works in Scunthorpe and Rotherham in England, which they say are being particularly hit by cheap steel from China. The group had already announced hundreds of jobs would go at Port Talbot, but the decision to sell puts some 15,000 jobs at risk -- the bulk of those employed in Britain's dwindling steel industry. The Conservative government of David Cameron called crisis talks in response and the business minister flew back early from a trade trip to Australia as unions called for state help for the sector. The Port Talbot factory, a major Welsh employer and once a cutting-edge plant, employs 4,000 people and many more indirectly. The owner of the cafe across from the plant says the impact of the industry's decline will hit the local economy hard. "It's not just the steel workers... I think it will wipe out south Wales," she said. - 'Save the steel industry' - Behind the calm exterior, the feeling among workers is "trepidation, confusion... anger" according to Mark Turner, a steelworker and representative of the Unite union. Story continues "People within this workplace want to know, have they got a future, can they pay their mortgages," Turner said. "They're having to put their life on hold just in case of bad news." The crisis has provoked anger against the British government, with critics drawing comparisons with the assistance given to the banks following the 2008 economic crisis to ask why the steel industry shouldn't get help. There were even calls for business secretary Sajid Javid to resign after it emerged he took his daughter with him on the Australia trade trip as the Tata company board met to decide the future of its British interests in Mumbai. For Coombs, the union representative, blame does not lie with the factory's Indian owners. "It's hard to blame Tata with the investment they put in over the years," Coombs said. "There is a responsibility that's got to lay at the feet of the Westminster government because they haven't supported our industry for a long period of time." London-based magazine The Economist argued in an analysis that Britain's historical dominance of steel manufacturing was long gone and that the government should resist demands for a bailout. "The state's energy should now be concentrated not on propping up a waning business but on helping steelworkers move onward and upward," it wrote. "Spending to keep the plant itself in business would just prolong the inevitable." But Coombs insists the industry has a future and that the government should provide "for a limited period, a bit of support". "I'm convinced we can get a buyer and we can be positive and we can move forward," Coombs said. Daniel Helson, a 20-year-old coke oven labourer, insists that the government should go further and protect the industry that is the lifeblood of the town where he was born and bred. "Everyone knows each other outside of work. It's devastating," Helson said. "I think we'll have to nationalise it. It has to become British Steel again. It has to be British made for British people." Seoul (AFP) - The future of Asia's top film festival is being threatened by a bitter dispute over what organisers are calling an unacceptable political challenge to their artistic independence, with moviemakers pushing an "empty red carpet" boycott of this years event. The Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) -- held every October in the South Korean port of Busan -- marked its 20 anniversary last year, but celebrations were soured by a lingering row that has since snowballed into a full-blown crisis. A flurry of official probes targeting its organisers and an unprecedented cut in state funding have raised serious doubts over the event's artistic and financial viability. Artistic director Lee Yong-Kwan was forced to step down in February, even as his counterparts from other top international film festivals like Cannes and Berlin wrote an open letter warning that political pressure was threatening BIFF's future. Organisers say they have become targets of political retaliation for screening a film in 2014 -- in defiance of state opposition -- about the government's handling of the Sewol ferry disaster. The scathing, highly emotive documentary slammed Seoul's botched rescue efforts in the immediate aftermath of the ferry sinking in April 2014 that claimed more than 300 lives, most of them school children. - 'Hefty price' - "We are paying a hefty price for screening the movie that the government disliked," a BIFF spokeswoman, Kim Jung-Yun, told AFP. "Everyone is concerned about artistic and political independence of the BIFF... this is the biggest crisis we have ever faced," Kim said. "Diving Bell" (or "The Truth Will Not Sink With Sewol") had its world premiere at the 2014 BIFF, against the wishes of the Busan city mayor, Suh Byung-Hoo, who serves as festival chairman and who deemed the movie "too political". The premiere went ahead after a barrage of protest from filmmakers who accused Suh of compromising the festival's independence. Story continues But state funding was nearly halved to 800 million won ($700,000) for the 2015 event, while BIFF director Lee became the target of a series of probes by state auditors and prosecutors over the festival's financial dealings. Lee was eventually compelled to leave in February after Suh refused to renew his contract. - Global industry support - The same month saw the publication of an open letter of protest to the mayor, signed by more than 100 prominent overseas cineastes including the directors of the Cannes, Berlin and Venice film festivals. "Our concern leads us to call on you... not to damage the festival or its independence, and to stop applying political pressure to the festivals leaders and programmers," the letter said. "The events of the past year not only threaten that independence but also put the entire future of BIFF at risk," it added. Hundreds of South Korean actors, directors and producers have staged street rallies for months urging the authorities to back off. "This festival is not a personal possession of state officials, but a valued cultural heritage nurtured and enjoyed by movie fans," an amalgam of Korean filmmakers' associations said in a joint statement released in March. The group vowed to boycott the 2016 event unless the Busan city council -- a major BIFF sponsor and stakeholder -- accepts changes to the festival rules that they say would ensure its artistic independence. - 'Empty red carpet' - "The world will witness the empty red carpet for the first time in 20 years of BIFF's history and the audience from all over the world will stop coming to Busan for the festival anymore," the statement said. The council rejected the ultimatum, insisting the government probes and Lee's departure had nothing to do with the controversial documentary. "I was simply trying to overhaul the unreasonable operations of the festival that have been dominated by a few," Suh told a press conference. "These people are trying to frame my efforts as political oppression and deceive many citizens," he said. With the dispute showing no signs of abating, the festival organisers fear its integrity is in peril. "For now we are trying our best to prepare for this year's event but we are afraid the crisis is greatly hurting our reputation," said spokeswoman Kim. "Who would want to come to see a film festival with no freedom of expression?" By Jack Stubbs and Lisa Barrington MOSCOW/BEIRUT (Reuters) - President Bashar al-Assad said it would not be difficult to agree on a new Syrian government including opposition figures, but his opponents responded on Wednesday that no administration would be legitimate while he remained in office. Assad, bolstered by military victory in the desert city of Palmyra, was quoted by Russia's RIA news agency as saying a new draft constitution could be ready in weeks and a government that included opposition, independents and loyalists could be agreed. While the distribution of portfolios and other technical issues would need to be discussed at Geneva peace talks, which resume next month, "these are not difficult questions", Assad said. Opposition negotiators immediately dismissed Assad's remarks, saying that a political settlement could be reached only by establishing a transitional body with full powers, not another government under Assad. "What Bashar al-Assad is talking about has no relation to the political process," said George Sabra of the High Negotiations Committee. The United States also rejected Assad's comments. "I don't know whether he envisioned himself being a part of that national unity government. Obviously that would be a nonstarter for us," White House spokesman Josh Earnest said. Syria's crisis erupted five years ago with protests against Assad which were put down with force. It descended into a civil war which has killed more than 250,000, drawn in global military powers and helped Islamic State establish its self-declared caliphate. Nearly five million refugees have been driven abroad. At a conference in Geneva, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on countries to resettle nearly half a million Syrian refugees in the next three years. "This demands an exponential increase in global solidarity," he said, though his appeal won immediate responses from only three countries - Italy, Sweden and the United States. Assad told RIA the war had cost more than $200 billion in economic losses and damage to infrastructure. That is in line with a U.N.-backed body which estimates physical damage at $90 billion, with an additional $169 billion of accumulated losses from a collapse in GDP to less than half the 2011 level. Despite Assad's upbeat assessment of the chances for a political solution, his comments reflected deep differences with the opposition. It says that for the last four years international agreements on Syria's future have centred on the principle of setting up a transitional governing body. Assad's opponents have understood that such a body would have full powers, and that he would not play a further role. But the president said the very idea of a transitional body was "illogical and unconstitutional". "That's why the solution is forming a national unity government which prepares for a new constitution," he said, adding that its formation would be agreed in Geneva. LOOKING TO RAQQA Russia's six-month-old intervention in Syria helped to swing military momentum in Assad's favour, reversing last summer's gains by insurgents including Western-backed rebels and helping government forces to drive Islamic State out of Palmyra on Sunday. The recapture of the Palmyra and its military airport, in the central Syrian desert, opens up the road further east to the Islamic State bastions of Deir al-Zor province and Raqqa. "After liberating Palmyra it is necessary to move into the nearby regions which lead to the eastern parts of the country, for example, Deir al-Zor," Assad said. "At same time, we need to start in the direction of Raqqa, which is currently the main Islamic State stronghold." Any offensive on Deir al-Zor or Raqqa however would probably need significantly more firepower than the Palmyra assault. "It's an open question whether or not the Syrian army is going to be able to push any further to the east," said U.S. Army Col Steve Warren, Baghdad-based spokesman for the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State. "They are stretched fairly thin and they still have a significant number of forces tied up in Palmyra." Although the United States and Russia worked together to establish a limited U.N.-backed truce in Syria, which excludes Islamic State and al Qaeda's Nusra Front, U.S. military officials have said they are not cooperating with Russian or Syrian forces. The Russian-backed Syrian ground forces are concentrated in western parts of the country, confronting Islamic State on its western front. U.S.-backed efforts in Syria, including Washington's support for a joint Kurdish-Arab force against the jihadi group, are focused instead on its northeastern flank. However, Interfax news agency quoted Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Oleg Syromolotov as saying Moscow and Washington were discussing "concrete" military coordination to recapture Raqqa from Islamic State. In a message to the U.N.'s Ban, Assad said Syria was ready to cooperate with "all sincere efforts" to combat terrorism, state news agency SANA said. "This moment might be the most appropriate to accelerate the collective war against terrorism," it quoted him as saying. Since capturing Palmyra, Syrian government forces and their allies have been targeted two towns to the east and west of the city, seeking to eliminate Islamic State from an expanse of desert in the centre of the country. Backed by Russian air power they virtually surrounded the town of al-Qaryatain, state media have reported. Heavy air strikes have also struck near the town of Sukhna, where Islamic State fighters retreated to when they pulled out of Palmyra. Russian and Syrian officials say the retreating jihadis left mines and explosives among the 2,000-year-old ruins which they abandoned in Palmyra, and Assad appealed to the U.N. to help restore the ancient monuments. Islamic State fighters dynamited two Roman temples, a triumphal arch and funeral towers last year, and also smashed statues and displays at the city museum before they fled. Russia said earlier it was sending military engineers, sniffer dogs and "demining robots" to help defuse explosives in the old city. (Writing and additional reporting by Dominic Evans in Beirut; additional reporting by Vladimir Soldatkin in Moscow, Stephen Kalin in Baghdad and David Alexander in Washington; editing by Giles Elgood and David Stamp) Brussels (AFP) - Belgian authorities approved the extradition of Paris attacks suspect Salah Abdeslam to France, as officials at the bomb-damaged Brussels airport said it was ready to reopen although flights would not resume immediately. Abdeslam, the sole surviving suspect in the November attacks in Paris that killed 130 people, was arrested in Brussels on March 18 after four months on the run as Europe's most wanted man. Four days after he was arrested, the Belgian capital was struck by coordinated Islamic State group bombings at the airport and a metro station carried out by suicide attackers with links to Abdeslam and the Paris attacks cell. Abdeslam's lawyer said that his 26-year-old client had agreed to be transferred to France under a European arrest warrant, clearing the way for a fast-track extradition. "What Salah Abdeslam wants to make known is that he wants to cooperate with the French authorities. These are the words he wants to make known," lawyer Cedric Moisse told reporters in Brussels. Abdeslam's arrest was considered a rare success in Belgium's anti-terror fight, although he was found within a short distance of his family home in the Molenbeek district of the capital. He has refused to talk since the Brussels bombings. The transfer to France should happen "within 10 days", said French justice minister Jean-Jacques Urvoas. Belgian investigators will still be allowed to question Abdeslam in France. He is believed to have acted as a logistics coordinator for the Paris attacks and has told investigators he was meant to carry out a suicide bombing at the Stade de France stadium but backed out. - Police concerns at airport - Brussels airport, closed since its departure hall was wrecked in the attacks, said it had received the go-ahead from fire services and the Belgian Civil Aviation Authority "for a partial restart of passenger flights". "The airport is thus technically ready for a restart," it said in a statement. "However, the authorities have yet to take a formal decision on the restart date. Until Friday evening, no passenger flights will take place at Brussels Airport." Story continues In a bid to end the travel chaos caused by the closure of a major European air hub, hundreds of staff staged drills this week to test temporary check-in facilities as well as enhanced security measures. Under the temporary arrangements, Zaventem airport would be able to handle 800 departing passengers per hour -- around 20 percent of normal capacity, it said. Adding to the airport's woes, police unions threatened to go on strike if security measures are not improved ahead of the reopening. Also Thursday, Portugal stepped up security at its airports following a message purportedly from the Islamic State group threatening attacks on Lisbon. "Necessary security measures have been taken, including at airports," said Helena Fazenda, head of the country's internal security force, after the non-authenticated message was circulated on social media. - Jihadist web - Close links have emerged between the Paris and Brussels attackers, exposing a tangled web of cross-border extremist cells and triggering a series of raids and arrests in several European countries. In the latest operation on Thursday, police and soldiers searched a wooded area in western Belgium, with authorities saying the raid was linked to a thwarted plot to attack France. The main suspect in that case, Reda Kriket, has been charged in France with membership of a terrorist organisation after police found an arsenal of weapons and explosives at his home. The joint French-Belgian operation by masked police and soldiers along a busy motorway lasted for several hours but Belgian prosecutors said no weapons or explosives were found and no arrests were made. Belgian-born French citizen Abdeslam has connections to at least two of the Brussels bombers. Khalid El Bakraoui, who blew himself up at the metro, rented a flat in Brussels where Abdeslam's fingerprints were found. One of the two airport bombers, Najim Laachraoui, drove to Hungary with Abdeslam in September. Belgium is still searching for a suspected third attacker, the so-called "man in the hat" seen in surveillance images alongside the two airport bombers. With no suspects in custody over the attacks, police appealed for possible images taken by members of the public. BRUSSELS (Reuters) - A Belgian court decided on Thursday that Paris attacks suspect Salah Abdeslam could be extradited to France, Belgium's federal prosecutors said. A lawyer for Abdeslam said earlier that Abdeslam had dropped his initial objection to being extradited and had also renewed an offer to cooperate with French authorities investigating the Nov. 13 attacks that killed 130 people. "Salah Abdeslam wishes to be transferred to the French authorities," lawyer Cedric Moisse told reporters. "He wishes to cooperate with the French authorities." Prosecutors said France and Belgium would now discuss how to proceed with the transfer, which the French Justice Ministry said should take place within the next 10 days. After his arrest in Brussels on March 18, Abdeslam answered some investigators' questions but then exercised his right to silence following the suicide bombings in Brussels on March 22 that killed 32 people. Investigators believe the attacks in Paris and Brussels were carried out by militants from the same Islamic State network. (Reporting by Gabriela Baczynska and Robert-Jan Bartunek, Editing by Alastair Macdonald and Mark Trevelyan) Some critics argue that Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., should bow out of the Democratic presidential primary as his chance of defeating Hillary Clinton becomes increasingly slim. However, Clintons husband, former President Bill Clinton, does not think Sanders needs to give up. Yahoo News asked Clinton if he wants Sanders to leave the race at a campaign event in New York City on Thursday afternoon. He noted that Sanders has generated substantial support. We have an election that goes all the way through June, and she believes and I believe that everybody has a right to their own timetable, Bill Clinton said. Hes got a lot of supporters. Hes got a perfect right to stay in if thats what he wants to do and run his race. Its his decision. Despite a string of recent victories, Sanders is still behind Clinton in the pledged delegate count. Sanders would need to win a majority of the vote in every remaining primary in order to get ahead of her. Former President Bill Clinton speaks at Clark College in Vancouver, Wash., on March 21. (Photo: Natalie Behring/The Columbian via AP) Sanders and his campaign have argued he is more electable than Clinton in a general election matchup against Republican frontrunner Donald Trump. Some Sanders supporters have pledged that for them its Bernie or Bust and said they would not support Clinton if she wins the primary. At a campaign rally in Westchester County, N.Y., on Thursday, Clinton was interrupted by Sanders supporters who shouted, If she wins, we lose! She responded by touting the volume of her support in the primary and arguing that her proposals are more realistic than his. The Bernie people came to say that. Were very sorry youre leaving, Clinton said as the protesters were escorted out. As theyre leaving, I want to say I have earned 9 million votes in this election already. I have 1 million more votes than Donald Trump and I have 2.5 million more votes than Bernie Sanders. What I regret is they dont want to listen to anyone else. They dont want to hear the contrasts between my experience, my plans, my vision, what I know I can get done and what my opponent is promising. JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - Disgraced Olympic and Paralympic gold medallist Oscar Pistorius will face sentencing in June following his conviction for murdering his girlfriend, Sky News reported on Wednesday. Citing sources, Sky News said Pistorius will be sentenced between June 13 and 17. Pistorius, known as "Blade Runner" for the carbon fibre prosthetic blades he used to race, faces a minimum 15-year jail sentence. The Supreme Court in December upgraded the 29-year-old Paralympian's sentence on appeal to murder from "culpable homicide" - South Africa's equivalent of manslaughter, for which he had received a five-year sentence. Pistorius was released from prison and placed under house arrest on Oct. 19, having spent one day less than a year behind bars for shooting dead model Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine's Day in 2013, in a case that attracted worldwide interest and continues to fascinate and divide South Africa. (Reporting by Tiisetso Motsoeneng; Editing by Hugh Lawson) Brasilia (AFP) - Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff's fight against impeachment gathered speed when tens of thousands of people marched nationwide to oppose what they said was a "coup." The rallies late Thursday were part of a concerted attempt by Rousseff to turn the tide ahead of an impeachment vote over her alleged manipulation of government accounts to disguise the depth of Brazil's recession during her 2014 reelection. Further boosting Rousseff, her chief ally in the spiraling political crisis -- fiery ex-president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva -- won a major court battle that removes him from the jurisdiction of a crusading anti-corruption judge. The peaceful demonstrators, many waving the red flags of Rousseff's Workers' Party, gathered in 31 cities, including Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and northern centers like Recife. The Globo news site quoted police estimates for total turnout at more than 110,000, while organizers claimed nearly 600,000. At one of the larger rallies, in Brasilia, police told AFP that at least 25,000 to 30,000 people marched. "No to the coup," said one placard popular at the protests. "Democracy," read a large banner at the gathering in Rio, where more than 5,000 people turned out across the city some four months ahead of the 2016 Olympics. In Sao Paulo, Brazil's financial powerhouse, Francisco Ranieri, 50, said he had taken to the streets "because now is the moment." "The opposition wants to push Dilma from power to end the people's government," added Ranieri, a shopkeeper. "Dilma is the victim of a coup," said another demonstrator, teacher Ana Cristina Bentes, 52. Lula, the hugely influential founder of the Workers' Party and pillar of Brazil's left, had been due to lead the Brasilia rally but cancelled at the last minute. His spokesman did not explain the change in plan. - Court victory - Just as protesters gathered, Lula won a significant court victory that could help boost Rousseff's cause. Story continues Rousseff has been counting on the well-connected ex-president to lead the fight against impeachment in Congress and reorganize her flailing administration after the main coalition to the Workers' Party quit earlier this week. But the leftist heavyweight's comeback has been derailed by corruption charges linked to a sprawling probe led by federal Judge Sergio Moro into a bribes and embezzlement scheme at state oil company Petrobras. On Thursday, the Supreme Court issued an interim ruling removing the politically explosive case from Moro and putting it with the high court -- a decision expected to give Lula considerable breathing space. It was a rare victory for Rousseff whose chances of defeating impeachment are thought to have nosedived since the collapse of her coalition. She vigorously dismissed the impeachment drive as a trumped up campaign and on Thursday told a group of artists and academics that the accounting tricks she is accused of using illegally have always been accepted. "If I suffer impeachment, then it means that every previous government should have been impeached too, because all of them, without exception, did the same thing," she said. "I was always respecting the law." - Battle for votes - Congress's preliminary impeachment commission is expected to begin deliberations next Tuesday before making a recommendation mid-April. Its recommendation is non-binding but will set the tone for a vote shortly after by the lower house, where 342 votes out of 513, or two thirds, are needed to launch an impeachment trial in the Senate. If Rousseff manages to get more than 171 votes she would defeat the measure, but impeachment could also fail through abstentions or deputies not attending so that the 342 figure is not reached. Until only recently Rousseff seemed likely to narrowly prevail, despite her unpopularity and the intense hostility of opponents in the increasingly divided country. But the exit this week of the centrist PMDB from her coalition left her congressional support in tatters. Loyalists are putting on a brave face, insisting that they can cobble together a new coalition and also target individual congressional deputies, regardless of their party's affiliation. With seven ministries that had been held by the PMDB and some 580 other posts to hand out, the government hopes it will be able to horse-trade for support. Brasilia (AFP) - Supporters of embattled Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff were to hit the streets in rallies across the country Thursday aimed at pressuring Congress ahead of an impeachment vote. Pro-government organizations and the leftist Workers' Party called protests in 31 cities, with the main one in the capital Brasilia, headed by controversial former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Lula, who founded the ruling Workers' Party and remains a heavyweight figure on the left, called for supporters to hit the streets on his Facebook page. On Wednesday, Rousseff branded the attempt to bring her down as based on trumped-up charges and amounting to "a coup." She has been left dangerously isolated after the main coalition partner for her Workers' Party, the PMDB, announced Tuesday that it was pulling out and would support impeachment. Rousseff is also dealing with the deepest recession in a generation and fallout from a huge corruption scandal at state oil company Petrobras that has snared a cross-section of the country's elite -- including Lula. An Ibope poll showed approval for Rousseff's government remains around record lows of 10 percent, while her personal approval rating was 14 percent. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon expressed his concern, telling O Estado de Sao Paulo newspaper that "any political instability in Brazil is a reason for worry." - Mathematical challenges - Rousseff faces impeachment over allegedly illegal budgetary manipulations to cover the extent of Brazil's recession during her re-election campaign in 2014. The potentially lengthy process is under way in a preliminary commission and the lower house of Congress could vote as early as mid-April on whether to send the case to the Senate for full trial. To impeach Rousseff, 342 out of 513 deputies, or two thirds, must vote in favor. If Rousseff managed to get more than 171 votes she would defeat the measure, but it could also fail through abstentions or deputies not attending. Story continues Until only recently Rousseff seemed likely to narrowly prevail, despite her unpopularity and the intense hostility of opponents in the increasingly divided country. With the PMDB's exit, the math gets far dicier, analysts say. "The likelihood of impeachment has greatly increased," said political analyst Michael Freitas Mohallem of the Fundacao Getulio Vargas in Rio de Janeiro. Loyalists put a brave face on Tuesday's debacle, with Chief of Staff Jaques Wagner calling it an opportunity to "renew" the government. Put another way, the government now potentially has seven ministries and some 580 other posts to hand out and is ready to horse-trade for support. Rousseff hopes to employ Lula, a renowned wheeler and dealer with huge respect in some quarters, to front her fightback. However, after being accused in the Petrobras corruption scandal, Lula has also become a lightning rod for opposition attacks. "They're all on their computers counting votes, trading votes for jobs and ministries," Mohallem said. - Countdown and protests - A cross-party commission is hearing arguments and is expected to make its recommendation on impeachment on or about April 12. Rousseff's defense is expected to wind up on Monday. The lower house would then debate and could vote April 14-16, according to a preliminary estimate of the timetable. If deputies do send the case to the Senate, then a process possibly taking months begins. A two-thirds vote would again be needed to depose Rousseff. While Congress fights, ordinary Brazilians are becoming increasingly angry over the dismal economy and the constant drip of corruption revelations. Demonstrations both against and in favor of Rousseff and Lula are multiplying. Rousseff loyalists held rallies with some 270,000 people, according to police estimates, on March 19. The opposition, meanwhile, staged much larger rallies on March 13. Brasilia (AFP) - Supporters of embattled Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff -- with her fiery predecessor at their head -- were taking to the streets Thursday to protest against a looming impeachment vote. Crowds waving the red banner of the ruling Workers' Party had already begun to gather in the capital Brasilia where the main protest was due later, headed by controversial former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Rallies were also due in about 30 other cities. Meanwhile an impeachment committee held hearings in Congress, where the full lower house is expected to vote on Rousseff's fate by mid-April. She is accused of illegally manipulating government accounts to mask the depth of Brazil's financial woes during re-election in 2014, but dismisses the case as fabricated and an attempted "coup." The country's first female leader is scrambling to find sufficient support to defeat the impeachment vote, a task that suddenly became harder this week when the main partner in a coalition with her Workers' Party, the PMDB, pulled out and went into opposition. On another front in the political battle engulfing Latin America's biggest country, the Supreme Court was expected to rule on whether to allow a crusading judge to pursue his explosive probe into alleged corruption by Lula. Lula, the heaviest hitter on Brazil's left, is accused of money laundering and hiding property linked to a huge embezzlement and bribery scheme at state oil company Petrobras. He says the charges are politically motivated. - Hunt for allies - Congress's preliminary impeachment commission continued to hear defense arguments from Rousseff's team Thursday. It is expected to begin deliberations next Tuesday before making a recommendation mid-April. Its recommendation is non-binding but will set the tone for a vote shortly after by the lower house, where 342 votes out of 513, or two thirds, are needed to launch an impeachment trial in the Senate. Story continues If Rousseff managed to get more than 171 votes she would defeat the measure, but impeachment could also fail through abstentions or deputies not attending so that the 342 figure was not reached. Until only recently Rousseff seemed likely to narrowly prevail, despite her unpopularity and the intense hostility of opponents in the increasingly divided country. With the PMDB's exit, the math gets far dicier, analysts say. Loyalists are putting on a brave face, insisting that they can cobble together a new coalition and also target individual congressional deputies, regardless of their party's affiliation. With seven ministries that had been held by the PMDB and some 580 other posts to hand out, the government hopes it will be able to horse-trade for support. However, Rousseff's attempt to make Lula a lynchpin in that behind-the-scenes struggle has so far backfired. Rousseff tried to make Lula a minister, saying that his huge political clout and negotiating skills were needed. However, she was accused of trying to bring him into government so that he could gain ministerial immunity from the chief judge in the Petrobras probe, Sergio Moro. The Supreme Court, which is due at some point to rule on whether Lula can take up his cabinet post, was set Thursday to rule separately on whether Moro can retain jurisdiction over the former president. BRASILIA (Reuters) - Brazil's Supreme Court ruled on Thursday to remove a corruption investigation into former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva from the jurisdiction of a lower court judge who released a wiretapped conversation of him with President Dilma Rousseff. The 8-2 decision grants Lula a breather from crusading anti-corruption Judge Sergio Moro, putting his case temporarily in the hands of the top court, all but 3 of whose members have been named since his Workers' Party took office in 2003. Lula is under investigation for allegedly benefiting, in the form of payments and a luxury real estate, from a massive graft scheme uncovered at state-run oil company Petrobras. The case comes as Brazil is struggling to overcome a series of political and economic crises amid accusations of widespread corruption at high levels of government. Lula's protegee Rousseff, herself facing possible impeachment, tried to appoint the popular former president to her Cabinet, which would give him some immunity from prosecution because ministers and elected officials can only be tried by the Supreme Court in Brazil. Hours after he was named, Moro released a recording of them discussing the appointment. A Supreme Court justice suspended Lula's appointment arguing that it was aimed at illegally shielding him, adding to a political storm that threatens to oust Rousseff from office. Thousands of Brazilians in 17 states and the nation's capital took to the streets on Thursday in defense of Rousseff, who is scrambling to hold together her crumbling ruling coalition as partners abandon her. The lower house of Congress is due to vote in mid-April on whether Rousseff should stand trial in the Senate for manipulating government accounts to win re-election in 2014. She is not being investigated for corruption. In the Lula case, the Supreme Court said it was the only court authorized to wiretap a conversation involving the president, and overruled Moro's decision to release the recording of his call with Rousseff. Several justices said the conversation should not be accepted as valid evidence when the court eventually decides on Lula's suspension. Moro could still take some parts of the Lula investigation, depending on future Supreme Court rulings and whether Lula is ultimately allowed to take the Cabinet position. (Reporting by Anthony Boadle; Editing by Sandra Maler and Alistair Bell) London (AFP) - Prime Minister David Cameron held crisis talks Thursday to salvage Britain's steel industry after Indian giant Tata Steel said it was putting its business in the country up for sale, threatening 15,000 jobs. The sale throws into doubt the future of an industry that fuelled British industrialisation and helped build its empire. Tata's decision also puts at risk Britain's biggest steel plant at Port Talbot in the former industrial heartland of south Wales. The facility is Wales's biggest single employer and closure would have a devastating impact on the local economy. While Cameron said "I don't believe nationalisation is the right answer" to protect the steel industry -- hit by plunging prices triggered by cheap imports from China -- he vowed to explore all options to help find a new buyer after Tata's announcement Wednesday. "Those jobs are vital to workers' families, vital to those communities and the government will do everything it can working with the company to try and secure the future of steelmaking in Port Talbot and across our country," Cameron said after meeting ministers following his early return from holiday. Port Talbot, a central part of the Welsh economy since 1901, is reportedly losing 1 million (1.3 million euros, $1.4 million) a day in the face of high energy costs and plunging prices caused by a chronic global oversupply of steel. "Everyone either works in Tata or knows somebody who does," said Christina Rees, a local MP for the main opposition Labour party. "For every job lost at Tata, four others will be affected in the local communities." Daniel Helson, a 20-year-old who works in the town's coke ovens, said Port Talbot would "just disappear, disintegrate" if the plant closed. "The houses will go. There'll be nothing here for anyone. Well all have to move away," he added. - EU referendum implications - Story continues Cameron is also battling to avoid the situation giving fuel to campaigners who want Britain to leave the European Union in a tight referendum on June 23. Nigel Farage, leader of the anti-EU UK Independence Party, said Port Talbot's position showed that a vote to remain in the EU would mean "the end of the steel industry in this country." But Cameron said it highlighted that Britain needed to be in Europe "making sure the markets are open". The government has been accused of turning a blind eye to Chinese dumping of steel on world markets in order to secure wider investment in Britain's economy. It rolled out the red carpet for China President Xi Jinping during a state visit last year while opposing EU plans to impose higher tariffs on Chinese steel. Compared to the United States, EU import tariffs on Chinese steel imports are low -- there is duty of 16 percent on Chinese cold-rolled steel compared to a 236 percent tariff in the US. "It is galling that the UK government... has continued to block these changes in the EU -- leaving the steel industry on its knees," said Gareth Stace, director of UK Steel, the industry's trade association body. "The government must support the lifting of the lesser duty rule, otherwise steel manufacturing will be lost in the UK." - 'Not going to find a buyer' - Metal processing company Liberty House said it was looking at some of Tata's British assets but the group's president Sanjeev Gupta suggested it was more interested in processing plants rather than production facilities like Port Talbot. Analysts warned Tata would struggle to offload the production plants, of which there are three in total. "They are not going to find a buyer because they would ask for substantial help and if they (the government) were ready to give such help, then they would have rather helped Tata," Mohan Sodhi from the Cass Business School at London's City University told AFP. The steel industry's woes are the latest chapter in the demise of Britain's once-proud heavy industry in traditionally working-class regions in Scotland, Wales and the north of England. Britain accounted for 40 percent of the world's steel production in 1875, exporting to its empire and the United States. The industry dwindled as it lost foreign and domestic market share to cheaper rivals and it has since become a politically-charged lightning rod for Britain's industrial policy. It was nationalised by Labour in 1949, privatised by the Conservatives in 1952, nationalised by Labour in 1967 and then privatised again by the Conservatives in 1987. Beirut (AFP) - Britain will provide nearly $30 million to the Lebanese army, mostly to boost security along the country's volatile border with Syria, the UK's top diplomat said on Thursday. In his first visit to Beirut as foreign secretary, Philip Hammond announced Britain would provide Lebanon with an additional 4.5 million pounds ($6.5 million, 5.7 million euros) to help train more than 5,000 soldiers. Another 15.3 million pounds would be allocated "for the training and mentoring of the Lebanese Armed Forces' Land Border Regiments, over the next three years," according to a statement from the embassy. Hammond said the "aim is for Lebanon to have secured 100 percent of its border with Syria, and for the UK to have trained over 11,000 Lebanese soldiers in the specialist techniques of urban counterterrorism by 2019". "Lebanon is an important part of the front line against terrorism," he told journalists after meeting Lebanese Prime Minister Tammam Salam. Since Syria's conflict erupted in 2011, Lebanon's army has fought off armed groups and jihadist factions along the country's eastern border. In August 2014, the army clashed with the Islamic State group and Al-Nusra Front, Al-Qaeda's affiliate in Syria, in the border town of Arsal. As they withdrew, IS and Al-Nusra kidnapped 30 Lebanese soldiers and policemen, 16 of whom were released after nearly 18 months of negotiations. The Lebanese army and Internal Security Forces receive significant military support from outside countries including the United States and France. Since 2011, Britain has spent more than $59 million on supporting Lebanon's security forces, according to the Foreign Office. Last month, Saudi Arabia halted a $3 billion programme funding military supplies to Lebanon's security forces in protest against Hezbollah, the powerful Shiite movement allied with Saudi's main regional rival, Iran. Riyadh said it would keep the weapons, which had been provided by France. LONDON (Reuters) - Britain will ship 700 kilograms of nuclear waste to the United States under a deal to be announced by Prime Minister David Cameron at a nuclear security summit in Washington on Thursday, a British government source said. In return for the shipment, the largest ever movement of highly enriched uranium, the United States will send Europe a different type of nuclear waste that can be used to produce medical isotopes for the treatment of some cancers. "The prime minister will be announcing a landmark deal that we have agreed with the US and with (European Atomic Energy Community) Euratom," the British government source said, on condition of anonymity. "It is a win-win. We get rid of waste and we get back something that will help us to fight cancer." At the two-day summit, being attended by more than 50 world leaders, Britain and the US will also announce plans to host a joint exercise later this year to test the ability of their governments and nuclear industries to deal with a cyber attack in the civil nuclear sector. The source said this was not in response to intelligence about a specific threat, but "prudent planning". Last week, Belgian newspaper DH reported suicide bombers who blew themselves up in Brussels were originally considering an attack on a nuclear site in Belgium. Britain will also invest more than 10 million pounds ($14 million) in improving nuclear security standards worldwide and, separately, launch a scheme to help other countries strengthen their ability to withstand cyber attacks on their nuclear sectors. Japan, South Korea, Turkey and Argentina are among those expected to be involved in that scheme, the source said. "They have come to us and said they would like to benefit from expertise we have in this area and work with us on it," the source said. (Reporting by Kylie MacLellan; editing by Stephen Addison) Paris (AFP) - France's women's rights minister faced growing criticism on Thursday, including calls on social media to resign, after comparing women who wear the Muslim headscarf and veil to "negroes who supported slavery". An online petition that collected nearly 18,000 signatures within hours urged Prime Minister Manuel Valls to punish Laurence Rossignol, while a leading French Muslim group accused her of aiding the Islamic State group. It was as if she had "set out to help the recruiters of Daesh", said Abdallah Zekri, president of the National Observatory against Islamophobia, using a pejorative Arabic term for IS. The minister had "stigmatised" thousands of women, he added, and "spat in the face of the (secular) laws of the Republic by trying to interfere with the way women dressed." The row was also trending on Twitter across France with a hashtag #RossignolDemission (#RossignolResign) demanding that she step down. The League of French Muslim Women also condemned her comments, calling them "dangerous and irresponsible" and reminding her that women who wear the veil and headscarf were the main victims of racist attacks in the street. "It is all the more surprising because the government has just launched an (advertising) campaign against racism, anti-Semitism and Islamophobia," the league's statement added. Rossignol, who is also minister of family and child matters, tried to row back on the comments made during a radio interview Wednesday. She told AFP the n-word was a reference to an abolitionist tract by the French philosopher Montesquieu, "On the Enslavement of Negroes". Her controversial remarks came as she was asked about the wave of big fashion chains that have followed the Italian designers Dolce & Gabbana in catering specifically to the Muslim market, creating lines of hajib headscarves and "burqini" all-body swimming costumes. Story continues The gaff was also pounced on by satirists. Comedian Olivier Perrin joked that she would make a good campaign director for US presidential hopeful Donald Trump, who has drawn fire for his comments about women and Muslims. Perrin had earlier posted a picture on Twitter of a hooded Ku Klux Klan member giving the Nazi salute with the caption, "Laurence Rossignol wishes you a good day." The cartoonist of Le Monde daily, Plantu, also came in for criticism on social media for his take on the row, showing two headscarved women asking when they could get designer explosives belts. Originally surrounded by orchards, Red House, in the leafy London suburb of Bexleyheath, was built in the 1860s to reflect William Morris love of simple, medieval Gothic architecture and decorated as a testament to his rage against the industrial machine. It was also described as the beautifullest place on Earth by an artist friend who helped bring Morris vision to life. Born in Walthamstow, Morris hated ornate Victorian decor and used his first marital home to show how art could be stripped back to the basics to celebrate medieval creativity. The stunning result a uniquely designed functional home filled with handcrafted and wooden Gothic furniture, handwoven tapestries and hand-painted walls was considered simplistic in the 1860s. But it spurred a design movement that continues to inspire artists to this day. Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful. Morris, who hated mass-produced materialism and believed machines devalued craftsmen, had a golden rule for interiors: Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful a lyrical way of saying that form should follow function. But once his friend and architect Philip Webb designed this Gothic-arched, asymmetrical home, Morris struggled to find furnishings that lived up to his motto. So he called in reinforcements, and many attribute the birth of the Arts and Crafts Movement to when he invited his friends and their wives to decorate the interior themselves, says Helen Elletson, manager of the William Morris Society. Morris and others, including Edward Burne-Jones and Dante Gabriel Rossetti, painted walls, tiles and glass, sewed tapestries and crafted furniture for Red House. Red house home of william morris Red House, in Bexleyheath, England. Source: Public Domain Morris was influenced by the renowned art critic John Ruskin, who believed men should find pleasure in their work, and that by dividing designers from craftsmen, the free, creative and fulfilling work of the medieval artisan was destroyed, writes Elizabeth Wilhide in William Morris: Decor & Design. He was also inspired by Ruskins love of the natural world Morris is well known for fluid, floral designs as well as Augustus Pugin, who pioneered Gothic Revival style. But Morris stands apart from those who influenced him, says Rowan Bain, curator at the William Morris Gallery, because he had a practical output. He practiced what he preached, enhancing the theoretical education hed gained at Oxford by becoming a painter, weaver, typographer, illustrator and designer of stained glass, tiles and furniture. Story continues A fervent socialist, Morris hated the Industrial Revolution and everything it stood for, says Elletson, referring to his disdain for the periods poor factory conditions and what he saw as ugly products. That, combined with his belief that others might enjoy handcrafted furnishings like the ones created for Red House, led Morris and his colleagues to launch Morris, Marshall, Faulkner and Co. They billed themselves as Fine Art Workmen in Painting, Carving, Furniture and Metals, offering tasteful alternatives to the mass-produced items churned out by sweatshops. The firm thrived its designs still sell creating wallpapers, rugs and tapestries that rejoiced in the natural world, as well as medieval-style stained glass and furniture made in a simple Gothic style. And while Morris wouldnt have known the term arts and crafts, he served as the movements inspiration, providing early glimpses of simple forms, an appreciation for various woods and other materials, a celebration of traditional craftsmanship and natural motifs. His designs would inspire generations of great artists, including Rennie Mackintosh, Frank Lloyd Wright and Gustav Stickley, who launched the American Craftsman style. But Morris greatest artistic impact came long after his 1896 death, as arts and design schools opened toward the end of the century, giving rise to the Arts and Crafts Movement dedicated to functional interior beauty. In fact, many also consider Morris the founding father of Modernism planting the roots that led right through to Bauhaus, Bain explains. There are parallels, she says, with the stripping things back so you can see how furnishings are made, as well as a faithfulness to materials. Even though modern processes like 3-D printing fascinate, says Bain, theres still something very appealing about having something you can see people have made and crafted themselves. Some of the original 1860s furniture survives in Red House, but most of the walls have been painted white, hiding the vibrant, medieval scenes created by Morris and his friends. But Morris furniture, wallpaper and textile designs, and those he inspired, have sprung up in homes all over the world colorful symbols of a timeless, artistic era of endeavor. Related Articles By Paul Sandle and Andy Bruce LONDON/PORT TALBOT, Wales (Reuters) - - Prime Minister David Cameron said there was no guarantee a buyer could be found for Britain's biggest steel producer after Tata Steel announced it was pulling out, and a state takeover was not the answer. Cameron said he was doing all he could following the Indian company's decision to sell its British operation, a move that has put 15,000 jobs at risk and exposed the government to accusations of failing to protect the industry from cheap Chinese imports. Tata's biggest plant in Port Talbot, south Wales, is losing around $1.4 million (971,400) a day as a result of depressed steel prices and high costs. "We're going to work very hard with the company to do everything we can, but it is a difficult situation, there can be no guarantees of success because of the problems that the steel industry faces worldwide," Cameron said after chairing an emergency meeting on the crisis on Thursday. "We're not ruling anything out, (but) I don't believe nationalisation is the right answer." Cameron's government has faced criticism over its response to Tata's decision, with opposition MPs saying it was "asleep at the wheel" when the Indian group said it was pulling out after nearly a decade in Britain. The prime minister and Sajid Javid, the Secretary of State for Business, were out of the country when Tata's board met in Mumbai on Tuesday, leaving a junior colleague to respond. The opposition Labour party and Britain's media said the handling of the crisis had been "chaotic" after the government rowed back on an initial suggestion from a junior minister that it could nationalise the plants for a period. "It's absolutely extraordinary that they've been asleep at the wheel for this long," Stephen Kinnock, the local MP in south Wales, told Sky News on Thursday. "Why is it that the prime minister seems to be reacting to this as if he didn't see it coming. They're in total disarray." VITAL INDUSTRY Steelmakers in Britain pay some of the highest energy costs and green taxes in the world, but the government maintains that the fundamental problem facing the industry is the collapse in the price of steel, caused by overcapacity in China. Britain imported 826,000 tonnes of Chinese steel in 2015, up from 361,000 two years earlier, according to the International Steel Statistic bureau. Cameron's government, eager to cultivate closer ties with China, has opposed measures in Europe that could increase the tariffs paid on Chinese imports of steel, which are a fraction of the levels imposed by the United States. Nonetheless, anti-EU campaigners said Brussels was part of the problem because rules on state aid limited the steps Britain could take to save the industry. Cameron, who does not want to stoke anti-EU sentiment ahead of a referendum on Britain's EU membership in June, said half of the country's steel production went into European markets and the products could face European tariffs and taxes if Britain left. He said ministers had been working on measures to help the industry, including encouraging major infrastructure projects to use British steel and cutting energy costs. The government's intervention, he said, had helped avert an outright closure of the loss-making operations by Tata. But steel workers in Port Talbot said politicians had hindered rather than helped the industry. They pointed to the policies of Cameron's right-leaning Conservative government as well as the European Union, which has been slow to penalise China for dumping steel. "Do I blame the EU? To a certain extent, they've been very slow to act," said Dave Bowyer, 59, a steelworker for 40 years at Port Talbot and a representative of the Unite union. "But I think most of the blame has to lie with the UK government. Mr Cameron will long be remembered as the prime minister who sat on his hands as the steel industry rolled into decline." Business minister Javid said on Wednesday that there were buyers for the assets but government support might be needed, prompting speculation that the government could offer loans to any new buyer. (Additional reporting by Michael Holden; editing by Kate Holton) By Ethan Lou TORONTO (Reuters) - A Canadian court has ordered a Vice News reporter to give police his communications with a man police have alleged is an Islamic State fighter and charged with terrorism-related offences. According to a copy of the decision provided by Vice lawyer Iain MacKinnon, national security reporter Ben Makuch was ordered by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice on Tuesday to surrender his instant messenger chat logs with Farah Shirdon to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Makuch had interviewed Shirdon. Police said last year that they believe Shirdon left Canada in March 2014 to fight with Islamic State militants in Syria. He was charged in absentia with leaving Canada to take part in the activity of a terrorist group, and making threats towards Canada and the United States in an Islamic State video. According to the decision, the RCMP obtained a court order to seize Makuch's files last year, and the news organization applied to quash it. The decision notes the RCMP said Makuch's communications with Shirdon are evidence, while Vice said seizure of any journalist's records would violate press freedoms. Justice Ian MacDonnell dismissed Vice's application. In his decision he said the logs relate to serious allegations, and that there is "strong public interest" in their "effective investigation and prosecution." MacKinnon said Vice is considering an appeal, and Makuch would not need to hand the files over until a decision on that has been made. Makuch said the order will affect the willingness of confidential sources to speak with media, knowing records of their conversations can be seized and used against them. "I really don't want to comply with this, and I'm going to look at every legal option available," he said. An RCMP spokesman said in an email that the police force respects the court decision Started in 1994 as a Montreal punk magazine, Vice Media Canada Inc has grown into a global multimedia brand with print, television and online content. Its investors include Walt Disney Co. (Editing by David Gregorio and Frances Kerry) (Adds analyst quote, details on Bank of Canada official's speech, finance minister's comments, updates prices) * Canadian dollar at C$1.2965, or 77.13 U.S. cents * Loonie touched its strongest since Oct. 19 at C$1.2913 * Bond prices lower across the maturity curve By Fergal Smith TORONTO, March 30 (Reuters) - The Canadian dollar strengthened to a five-month high against its U.S. counterpart on Wednesday as investors rowed back expectations for interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. The currency has rallied 13 percent since hitting a 12-year low in January at C$1.4689, helped by recovery in crude oil prices, stabilization in financial markets and reduced expectations for Bank of Canada rate cuts. "Recent strength is a result of participants reassessing the outlook for (U.S.) central bank policy," said Lennon Sweeting, North American FX dealer at OFX. The U.S. dollar weakened against a basket of major currencies after Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen said on Tuesday the U.S. central bank should proceed "cautiously" with rate hikes. Canada will take more than two years to fully adjust to the drop in oil prices, Bank of Canada Deputy Governor Lynn Patterson said, signaling no quick end to a shock that has roiled the economy. But the implied probability of a Bank of Canada rate cut this year has dropped to 30 percent from more than 50 percent at the start of the month. Oil prices erased most of the day's gains after U.S. government data showed crude inventories at all-time peaks again despite strong refinery runs. U.S. crude prices were up 0.05 percent to $38.3 a barrel. The Canadian dollar ended at C$1.2965 to the greenback, or 77.13 U.S. cents, stronger than Tuesday's close of C$1.3065, or 76.54 U.S. cents. The currency's weakest level of the session was C$1.3079, while it touched its strongest since Oct. 19 at C$1.2913. Canadian Finance Minister Bill Morneau said it may take more time for the country's economy to reap the benefits from a weaker Canadian dollar as domestic manufacturers adjust to its impact. Story continues Canadian government bond prices were lower across the maturity curve, with the two-year price down 4 Canadian cents to yield 0.533 percent and the benchmark 10-year falling 46 Canadian cents to yield 1.229 percent. On Tuesday, the 10-year yield hit a three-week low at 1.177 percent. The Canada-U.S. two-year bond spread was 5.5 basis points narrower at -22.8 basis points, while the 10-year spread was 3.5 basis points less negative at -59.8 basis points as Canadian government bonds underperformed. January gross domestic product data is awaited on Thursday. Analysts expect 0.3 percent growth for the month, which would reinforce expectations that first-quarter growth will exceed the Bank of Canada's forecast of 1 percent. (Reporting by Fergal Smith; editing by Nick Zieminski, G Crosse) By Fergal Smith TORONTO (Reuters) - The Canadian dollar weakened slightly against its U.S. counterpart on Thursday, turning lower on month-end transactions after strong domestic data helped drive the currency to a five-month high earlier. Month-end buying of U.S. dollars was accompanied by unwillingness to be short the greenback ahead of Friday's U.S. employment report, according to analysts. "I think this is nothing more than a month-end, quarter-end short-squeeze with a little U.S. dollar demand," said Patric Booth, head of derivatives trading at Velocity Trade. Still, the Canadian dollar ended the first quarter 6.5 percent higher than at the end of 2015. It has rallied more than 13 percent since hitting a 12-year low in January at C$1.4689, helped by recovery in crude oil prices, stabilization in financial markets and reduced expectations for Bank of Canada rate cuts. It approached key resistance between C$1.2800 and C$1.2830, according to Bipan Rai, executive director, macro strategy at CIBC Capital Markets. "The inability to close below there for today implies further consolidation to come," he added, suggesting there may be a cap on the upside for the currency. Canada's economy grew by a much larger-than-expected 0.6 percent in January. It was the fourth straight monthly gain and the biggest since July 2013. That puts the economy on track to grow much faster than the Bank of Canada's 1 percent estimate for the first quarter, according to Paul Ferley, assistant chief economist at Royal Bank of Canada. The implied probability of a rate cut this year dropped to less than 20 percent from 26 percent before the data. It was more than 50 percent at the start of the month. The Canadian dollar ended at C$1.2987 to the greenback, or 77.00 U.S. cents, weaker than Wednesday's close of C$1.2965, or 77.13 U.S. cents. The currency's weakest level of the session was C$1.3012, while it touched its strongest since Oct. 16 at C$1.2859. U.S. crude prices were down 0.47 percent at $38.14 a barrel, but still posting large monthly gains. [O/R] Canadian government bond prices were mixed across the maturity curve, with the two-year price down 2 Canadian cents to yield 0.544 percent and the benchmark 10-year falling 6 Canadian cents to yield 1.232 percent. The Canada-U.S. two-year bond spread narrowed 5.1 basis points to -18.1 basis points, its least negative since Nov. 3. Meanwhile, the 10-year spread was 6 basis points narrower at -54.5 basis points, its least negative since Oct. 20, as Canadian government bonds underperformed. (Reporting by Fergal Smith; Editing by Meredith Mazzilli and Andrew Hay) Ottawa (AFP) - A court has ordered a Canadian news outlet to hand over records of a reporter's online chat with an alleged jihadist to federal police, according to the ruling obtained by AFP Thursday. The information includes screenshots of an online chat between Vice Media reporter Ben Makuch and Farah Shirdon, a Canadian charged in absentia last September with leaving the country to join a banned terrorist group, threatening Canada and its allies, and related offences. Shirdon is suspected of involvement with the Islamic State group. Police said he travelled to Iraq or Syria join the group in March 2014. Between June and October 2014 Makuch wrote three articles published by Vice Media about Shirdon's involvement with IS, based on communications with him. Ontario Superior Court Justice Ian MacDonnell said in his ruling that the information is important evidence in a serious criminal case, in which there is a strong public interest. The decision, however, raises concerns about compromising media independence and the impact on sources' willingness to share sensitive information with journalists. "I'm very upset about (the decision)," Makuch told AFP. "I think it's going to in a negative way affect the way journalists in Canada interact with sources and it could prevent sources from wanting to speak with journalists," he said. Tom Henheffer, executive director of the Canadian Journalists For Free Expression advocacy group, echoed that view. "Having journalists be an arm of law enforcement is an untenable position," he said. Henheffer suggested there may be a need for new legislation in Canada to shore up journalists' ability to protect their sources. He noted, however, this raises counter-concerns, such as whether journalists deserve rights beyond those of average citizens, and whether the government should be left to decide who is a journalist and who is not, which would need to be defined in legislation. In his decision, the judge noted that Shirdon was not a confidential source and that Vice had published most of the information sought by police, who simply needed proof Shirdon had been in the Middle East in order to prosecute him. BANGUI (Reuters) - Central African Republic's newly elected president, Faustin-Archange Touadera, said at his inauguration on Wednesday that he would focus on building peace and enacting reforms to end years of violent turmoil in the impoverished, landlocked nation. A former prime minister, Touadera won a presidential run-off last month in what was widely seen as a step towards reconciliation after years of violent turmoil. But huge challenges remain in Central African Republic, (CAR), one of the world's most unstable countries, which is divided along ethnic and religious lines and is largely still controlled by warlords. [ID:nL8N15X246] Touadera said he aimed to disarm the country's rival factions, reform the armed forces and boost the agriculture sector. "I will make sure to quickly apply the Disarmament, Demobilization, Rehabilitation and Reintegration programme," he said in his inauguration speech. "We're going to make CAR a united country, a country of peace, a country facing development." In one bright spot, the country's economy grew by 4.9 percent last year, the biggest growth in 16 years, as it began to emerge from years of conflict. In 2013 it had contracted by 37 percent. [ID:nL5N16N6VK] CAR, a former French colony, suffered the worst crisis in its history in early 2013 when mainly Muslim Seleka fighters toppled president Francois Bozize. Christian militias responded to Seleka abuses by attacking the Muslim minority. A fifth of the population fled their homes to escape the violence. (Reporting by Crispin Dembassa-Kette; Writing by Edward McAllister; Editing by Gareth Jones) By Lucien Libert and Morade Azzouz PARIS (Reuters) - Hundreds of thousands of workers and high-school students joined protest marches across France on Wednesday to challenge plans to loosen the country's protective labor laws that unions say favor businesses. The day of protest -- which led to scores of arrests as youths and police clashed in Paris, Lyon and Nantes -- marked the fourth such test of strength in a month for President Francois Hollande. He has been plagued by low popularity and a jobless rate that is stuck stubbornly above 10 percent little more than a year before a presidential election. Organizers said more than 1.2 million people took part. The interior ministry put the number at just under 400,000, higher numbers -- despite persistent rain -- than in some other recent protests. The three protests to date had been relatively low-key, but with rail, air traffic and utility staff among those to stop work, there was significant disruption across the country. On Thursday, Reuters TV footage showed hooded youths in Paris jumping on cars, taunting police and throwing projectiles, prompting riot police to charge some groups. Reuters reporters also witnessed clashes in France's second city Lyon and in Nantes. Police arrested more than 100 people and at least 13 officers were injured, the interior ministry said. Unions said they planned further rallies on April 5 and 9 with the hardline CGT union saying the protests would not end until the draft labor bill was withdrawn entirely. "Small employees are treated like dirt, we've had enough, (and) it's Hollande who pretends to represent the left," said Jean-Luc Gutel, a CGT representative who works in the delivery service in Paris. "The youth are told to study for years, but what for?" TRANSPORT DISRUPTED State railway SNCF said stoppages among its staff had cut some services by 40 to 50 percent on Thursday. About one in five flights were canceled at Orly airport south of Paris, the DGAC air transport authority said. French utility EDF said power output at several production units was cut after nearly 14 percent of its staff joined rallies. Under rainy skies, secondary-level school pupils also mobilized in dozens of cities alongside labor unions. At issue is a proposed overhaul of France's labor code, a set of regulations bosses claim deters recruitment. Critics say the reforms will lead to worse working conditions and more sackings. The reforms, due to be debated in parliament next week, would give employers more flexibility to agree in-house deals with employees on working time. After Communist lawmakers brandished signs in the Senate demanding the withdrawal of the text, Prime Minister Manuel Valls said many had a "distorted" view of the reform. "We have already lifted a number of concerns," he said. "The door remains open ... to work this out for companies, workers and the youth of this country." The protests come a day after Hollande, who has said he will not run for re-election if he fails to make a dent in the jobless rate, abandoned another piece of legislation - plans to strip convicted terrorists of French citizenship. That climbdown was forced on him by other lawmakers, many of them in his own camp. Hollande's government watered down the initial labor reform proposal shortly before it was unveiled this month by ditching a clause that would have capped severance pay awards. Economists fault the French system for creating a divide between older people with open-ended work contracts and first-timers condemned to move between short-term jobs. (Additional reporting by Sophie Louet; Writing by John Irish and Brian Love; Editing by Gareth Jones and John Stonestreet) BEIJING (Reuters) - China's violence-prone far western region of Xinjiang has begun a campaign to promote ethnic unity with a call for respect of the cultures of the minorities who call the region home, while vowing another crackdown on terrorism and separatism. Hundreds of people have been killed in unrest in Xinjiang in the past few years. The government blames the violence on Islamist militants who want to establish an independent state called East Turkestan for minority Uighurs, a mostly Muslim people who speak a Turkic language and hail from Xinjiang. Rights groups and exiles say one of the major problems in Xinjiang is government controls on Uighur culture and Islam, and point out that few Han Chinese who live and work in Xinjiang make any effort to learn Uighur or make Uighur friends. Zhang Chunxian, Xinjiang's Communist Party boss, launched "the year of ethnic unity progress" at a meeting in the region's capital, Urumqi. "We must respect differences, and take a respectful attitude towards dealing with problems of (different) customs, to create an atmosphere in society of respect for the culture and customs of different peoples," Zhang said, in comments carried in Thursday's official Xinjiang Daily. This can start from the smallest things in daily life, and people should be "guided" to live, work and study together so they can learn respect and tolerance, added Zhang, who is a member of the Han majority. While saying there was progress in combating extremism and getting the various ethnic groups to get along with each other, he admitted that there had been a rise in ethnic disputes and terrorism remained a problem in some parts of Xinjiang. Companies that operate in Xinjiang need to be pushed into employing more minorities, and their culture and languages need encouragement and protection, Zhang said. Bilingual education also needs improving, he added, referring to a policy that has long proved controversial in Xinjiang as many Uighurs fear their mother tongue is being pushed aside in favor of Mandarin. Han Chinese are generally not taught Uighur or about Islam at school in Xinjiang. Zhang, who has repeatedly called for the different peoples in Xinjiang to get along better with each other, vowed a "resolute crackdown" on terrorism and separatism, though said people involved in this were a small minority. Uighurs have traditionally followed a moderate form of Islam but many have begun adopting practices more common in Saudi Arabia or Pakistan, such as full-face veils for women, as China has stepped up a security crackdown in recent years. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore) China prevented a human rights lawyer from travelling to the United States to receive an award for her work, she told AFP Thursday as she condemned the restriction on her freedom. Authorities refused to provide Ni Yulan with a passport to attend a ceremony on Tuesday in Washington DC honouring "International Women of Courage", a day before Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in the city for a nuclear summit. The Public Security Bureau "would not let me leave", Ni said, adding that authorities informed her she was being stopped due to her involvement with more than 200 rights lawyers and activists detained by the government last summer. "It is purely to limit my personal freedom," she said. Ni is best known for her advocacy on behalf of Beijingers' property rights. She has been jailed twice and is paralysed from the waist down, a result she says of beatings received during her detention. In a tongue-in-cheek letter posted online Wednesday, she thanked the "party and government" for making her award nomination possible, noting it was the direct result of an incident in 2014 when she says authorities held her in her apartment without food or water. In desperation, she wrote, she reached out to "foreign diplomats" who brought supplies to her home and negotiated with China's foreign ministry on her behalf. - 'Exceptional courage' - Ni is one of a widening group of campaigners put under tightened control by Beijing as it seeks to tamp down activities that go against the party line. She was one of 14 women from around the world recognised by the US State Department for "exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for peace, justice, human rights, gender equality and women's empowerment, often at great personal risk". At the event, US Secretary of State John Kerry bemoaned the fact that China had refused to allow Ni to attend "despite repeated requests", and praised her "leadership in advocating for the rule of law and full, equal rights in China". Story continues Ni was the only award-winner not present at the ceremony. The US embassy in Beijing has "raised our concerns about Ni's passport refusal with the Chinese government", a spokesman told AFP. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei said that Ni had "committed crimes in the past and was sentenced to prison". "The US government has ulterior motives in giving this award to this person," he told a regular briefing, adding: "We oppose any foreign government's interference in China's domestic affairs under the pretext of human rights." The Global Times, a newspaper linked to China's ruling Communist Party, quoted analysts as saying that the award was an attempt by Washington to "smear China's image and stir trouble". Earlier this year, Beijing stopped journalist Yang Jisheng from travelling to the US to receive an award for his work documenting tens of millions of deaths from starvation during China's Great Leap Forward in the 1950s. Government-affiliated academics have said his work is anti-China propaganda. BEIJING (Reuters) - China's Defence Ministry denounced as gesticulation on Thursday speculation it would declare an air defense zone over the disputed South China Sea, after the United States said it had told China it would not recognize one. U.S. officials have expressed concern that an international court ruling expected in coming weeks on a case brought by the Philippines against China over its South China Sea claims could prompt China to declare an air defense identification zone, or ADIZ, as it did over the East China Sea in 2013. U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Robert Work said on Wednesday the U.S. would view such a move as "destabilizing" and would not recognize such an exclusion zone in the South China Sea, just as it did not recognize the one China established over the East China Sea. Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun, asked about Work's remarks, said any sovereign state had the right to set up an ADIZ. "On this, there is no need for other countries to gesticulate," Yang told a monthly news briefing. "Whether or not to or when to set up an air defense identification zone depends on whether there is an aerial threat or the level of aerial threat. It needs many considerations," he added, without elaborating. China claims most of the South China Sea, through which more than $5 trillion in global trade passes every year. China drew condemnation from Japan and the United States when it imposed its ADIZ, in which aircraft are supposed to identify themselves to Chinese authorities, above the East China Sea. The ministry's comments come as President Xi Jinping arrived in Washington for a nuclear security summit, where he will meet U.S. President Barack Obama. Tensions between China and its neighbors Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines and Taiwan over sovereignty in the South China Sea have risen after Beijing embarked on significant land reclamations on disputed islands and reefs in the area. The United States has accused China of raising tension by its apparent deployment of surface-to-air missiles on a disputed island, a move China has neither confirmed nor denied. China, for its part, has accused the United States of militaristic the South China Sea through its freedom of navigation patrols in the region and the expansion of military alliances with countries such as the Philippines. Yang said this month's agreement between the United States and the Philippines allowing for a U.S. military presence at five Philippine bases represented "outdated Cold War thinking" which the United States should ditch. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Robert Birsel) Beijing (AFP) - Beijing's defence ministry on Thursday warned the US navy to "be careful" in the South China Sea and slammed a newly signed agreement between Washington and the Philippines. Earlier this month, Manila agreed to give US forces access to five military bases, including some close to the disputed South China Sea, where tensions have risen over Beijing's assertion of its territorial claims. China claims virtually all the South China Sea despite conflicting claims by Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam, Taiwan and the Philippines, and has built up artificial islands in the area in recent months, including some with airstrips. Washington has since October carried out two high-profile "freedom of navigation" operations in which it sailed warships within 12 nautical miles of islets claimed by China. Asked about a recent report on US patrols in the sea, defence ministry spokesman Yang Yujun told a briefing on Thursday: "As for the US ships which came, I can only suggest they be careful". The agreement between Washington and Manila applies to the Antonio Bautista Air Base on the western island of Palawan, directly on the South China Sea. Asked about the deal, Yang said: "To strengthen military alliances is a reflection of a Cold War mentality". "It is in the opposite direction of the trends of the era for peace, development and cooperation," he said, adding bilateral military cooperation "should not "undermine a third party's interests". Washington regularly accuses Beijing -- which says it has built runways on and deployed unspecified weapons to islands in the South China Sea -- of militarising the area. Beijing denies the accusations and says US patrols have ramped up tensions. "Now, the United States has come back, and is reinforcing its military presence in this region and promoting militarisation in the South China Sea," Yang said. Beijing acknowledges that the facilities on its new islands will have military as well as civilian purposes. China's comments came as Malaysia accused "a large number" of Chinese fishing trawlers and a coast guard vessel of entering its waters, understood to be last week. Kuala Lumpur said China's envoy to Malaysia was summoned on Thursday "to seek clarification as well as to register Malaysias concerns over the matter". New York (AFP) - China's Anbang and its partners said Thursday they had withdrawn a $14 billion takeover offer for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, leaving Starwood free to merge with Marriott International. In a brief statement, the Anbang-led consortium said it "has determined not to proceed further" with the offer for the US hotel operator, "due to various market considerations." Starwood now can pursue its agreed $13.6 billion merger deal with Marriott International that would create the world's largest hotel chain. Starwood and Marriott shares sank after Anbang dropped the bid. Starwood shares fell 4.1 percent to $80.05 in after-market trade and Marriott was down 5.0 percent at $67.61. Starwood was not immediately available for comment. "We were attracted to the opportunity presented by Starwood because of its high-quality, leading global hotel brands, which met many of our acquisition criteria, including the ability to generate consistent, long-term returns over time," the statement said. "However, due to various market considerations, the consortium has determined not to proceed further." Starwood is now free to finalize its discussions with Marriott. Both companies have scheduled shareholder meetings on April 8 to vote on the merger, which brings together the two largest US hotel groups. Marriott has more than 4,400 properties worldwide, with a portfolio of brands including The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott and Gaylord Hotels. Starwood has 1,270 properties in 100 countries and includes the St. Regis, Sheraton, Westin and W Hotels brands, among others. The combination would help Marriott expand in China, India and Europe, regions where Starwood has a strong presence. Marriott estimates the merger will yield $250 million in annual cost synergies within two years after closing which is expected by mid-2016. The announcement by Anbang Insurance Group and its partners, China-based Primavera Capital and US private-equity investor JC Flowers & Co., ended a surprisingly heated bidding war. Story continues Starwood initially accepted a Marriott stock-and-cash merger offer in November, then Anbang swooped in with a higher bid. Marriott raised its offer to $13.6 billion, which Starwood accepted on March 21. Over the weekend the Anbang-led group sweetened its all-cash offer to $82.75 per share, or $14 billion. Starwood said Monday it was considering the new Anbang bid, which was "reasonably likely" to be superior to Marriott's, but was continuing to discuss "non-price terms" with the suitors. Starwood at the time said its board was still recommending the offer from Marriott, which reaffirmed its commitment to the acquisition. But Marriott warned Starwood shareholders to focus on the Anbang-led offer's financing and timing of any required regulatory approvals. - Anbang's US hotels fever - An Anbang acquisition of Starwood would have been the largest Chinese takeover of a US company, exceeding pork producer WH Group's purchase in 2013 of Smithfield Foods in a $7.1 billion deal. Anbang's heated pursuit of Starwood raised eyebrows. The Chinese company, which started out just 12 years ago as a property insurance firm before expanding into other financial services, has solid political connections but its stakeholders remain unclear. Starwood was not the only hotel target in the United States for the deep-pocketed Anbang, which has $254 billion in assets. Anbang earlier this month proposed $6.5 billion to acquire luxury properties from US investment fund Blackstone. It bought New York's historic Waldorf Astoria hotel for nearly $2 billion in 2014. Analysts question why a Chinese insurance company wants to become an international hotelier. And Chinese authorities have expressed concern. Respected business magazine Caixin reported earlier this month that China's insurance regulator opposed Anbang's multi-billion-dollar bids for Starwood and the Blackstone properties. The China Insurance Regulatory Commission is against both of Anbang's proposed acquisitions under rules which reportedly ban insurers from investing more than 15 percent of their assets overseas, Caixin quoted a source as saying. The regulator also had a "disapproving attitude" towards the deals, the magazine said. Conan OBriens next stop will be South Korea. TBS will broadcast a special extended episode of late-night show Conan featuring the hosts recent visit to South Korea, the network announced Wednesday. The special, Conan in Korea, is set to premiere Saturday, April 9, at 11 p.m. and will feature OBrien traveling the country with The Walking Dead star and Korean-American actor Steven Yeun. The two will visit Seoul and other parts of the country, including the Korean Demilitarized Zone and the Joint Security Area. The Korean special will be the newest in a series of Conan episodes shot abroad. The late-night show has traveled in the last two years to Qatar, Armenia and Cuba. OBrien has also taken his Los Angeles-based show to San Diego for Comic-Con, as well as New York, Chicago, Dallas and Atlanta. The trips abroad have been ratings boons for Conan. The Cuba episode last year drew 1.81 million total viewers up from 642,000 the previous night. With increased competition in the space, most late-night shows have seen their ratings decline this year. For the week of March 20, Conan averaged a 0.27 rating in Nielsens advertiser-coveted 18-49 demo down 18% from the same week a year prior. Related stories Soledad O'Brien to Take Part in Historic Cuba Trip With President Obama, First Lady The Rolling Stones to Play Free Concert in Cuba Billy Bollotino Is Now Director of 'Conan' By Aaron Ross KINSHASA (Reuters) - Leading opposition parties in Democratic Republic of Congo endorsed a prominent former governor, Moise Katumbi, for president on Wednesday, hoping to rally support for an alternative to President Joseph Kabila. The multi-millionaire Katumbi governed Congo's southeastern copper mining heartland from 2007 until last September when he quit Kabila's ruling party, accusing it of plotting to keep the president in power beyond the country's two-term limit. Kabila, who has ruled since 2001, is barred by the constitution from standing for a third term in an election slated for November, though critics say he is deliberately delaying the poll. The G7 group of opposition parties, which were dismissed from Kabila's ruling coalition last September after publicly calling on the president to leave office this year, announced their decision to back Katumbi at a convention in the capital Kinshasa. "Moise Katumbi Chapwe presents the ideal profile to assume such leadership and realise the common programme in government of the G7," said the moderator Didier Molisho to cheers from a hall packed with supporters. Katumbi, who has yet to announce his candidacy, could not be immediately reached for comment. The G7 announcement could galvanise opposition parties to present a united front against Kabila, analysts said. The biggest opposition party, the Union for Democracy and Social Progress, has not said whom it plans to support. Several local and provincial elections have already been missed, with the government citing logistical and budgetary constraints. Congo's electoral commission president, Corneille Nangaa, told U.S. radio earlier this month that he would ask the constitutional court for "a small extension" to November's election to update voter rolls. (Reporting By Aaron Ross; Editing by Edward McAllister and Gareth Jones) KINSHASA (Reuters) - Twenty soldiers from Democratic Republic of Congo went on trial this week for alleged rape and other crimes committed while serving as U.N. peacekeepers in neighboring Central African Republic, the Congolese government said on Thursday. The soldiers have been in jail since returning to Congo in December and January following investigations conducted in Central African Republic by military investigators, said Jeanine Mabunda, President Joseph Kabila's adviser on sexual violence. In a statement, Mabunda said that the soldiers are being tried by a military court in the capital Kinshasa. Their identities were not disclosed. The U.N. mission in Central African Republic has been beset by accusations of sexual abuse since taking over control from an African Union mission in September 2014. Congo's 800 peacekeepers serving in that mission were repatriated last month following a series of accusations of sexual abuse of women and children. Congolese authorities have promised to investigate the different allegations, though a government spokesman previously dismissed many of them as fabricated and accused the United Nations of singling out Congolese soldiers. The problem has surfaced elsewhere. The U.N. said this week that it had received new sexual abuse allegations against peacekeepers from Morocco and Burundi, including one that involved a 14-year-old girl. (Reporting By Aaron Ross; Editing by Edward McAllister and Raissa Kasolowsky) Photo: Digital Trends. Late Monday evening, the FBI announced that it had finally unlocked the iPhone used by San Bernardino shooter Syed Rizwan Farook, ending investigators month-and-a-half dispute with Apple over access to the password-protected and encrypted device. But that doesnt mean the so-called crypto-wars are over. Far from it: As the need to investigate communications between terrorists remains critical, major U.S. tech companies must now look to Congress to address many of the disagreements that played out in the legal filings between law enforcement and Apple. Just last week, representatives from the House Judiciary and Energy and Commerce committees formed a working group to look into the issues surrounding this ongoing national debate. Though theyve yet to do anything but assert their jurisdiction, their announcement comes at a time when Congress may soon consider a bill that would give law enforcement access to encrypted data. According to the Hill, Intelligence Committee members Sens. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., and Richard Burr, R-N.C., plan this month to circulate a draft of such legislation, which has been in the works since last years terrorist attacks in Paris. The bill, which has been submitted to both the Justice Department and the White House for input, is expected to force companies like Apple to comply with court orders like the FBIs in investigations involving hard-to-access, encrypted data orders that Electronic Frontier Foundation staff attorney Nate Cardozo says could endanger practically all the encrypted technology Apple has designed. As the bill is being drafted, members of Congress are seeking to bone up on the myriad issues surrounding encryption. According to Nathan White, a legislative manager at the advocacy group Access Now, the working group will probably focus on a better understanding of encryption rather than suggesting solutions to issues of law enforcement access. Theres a lot of complication that needs to be teased out and explained, White told Yahoo News. This working groups goals over the next six months or so are going to be to educate members about the complicated details of the encryption conversation, beyond just the going dark argument that we hear from [FBI] Director [James] Comey. Story continues This isnt the first time Congress has addressed encryption since the FBIs spat with Apple became national news. Last month, the House Judiciary Committee held a testy, five-hour hearing during which members interrogated Comey along with a professor of cybersecurity and Apples lead counsel. Several representatives who asked Comey skeptical questions about the FBIs approach to its lawsuit with Apple including John Conyers, D-Mich., and Darrell Issa, R-Calif. have joined the encryption working group. According to Neema Singh Guliani, a legislative expert from the American Civil Liberties Union, representatives are signaling that they will not vote on a definitive bill without fully understanding the implications of their decision even in the face of ongoing investigations into terrorist attacks. I think what youve heard from a lot of members of Congress some who are very supportive of encryption, some who are still sort of developing their points of view is a lot of people saying: Lets not have a knee-jerk reaction. Lets try to approach this much more thoughtfully, she said. Ultimately, that caution may block the forthcoming Burr-Feinstein bill from gaining traction, especially during Congresss election year. If youre a congressional staffer and youve got the Burr-Feinstein bill even if you want to be tough on crime, tough on terrorism you dont want to put your boss on record supporting the bill without considering all of these other issues, White told Yahoo News. Its too dangerous for a member of Congress to put themselves on record for something like that. Meanwhile, tech companies are rushing to shore up any technical vulnerabilities that could potentially be targeted by law enforcement through the legal system. I think Apple needs to pedal to the metal, full-speed-accelerate on those plans as much as possible, said EFFs Cardozo. Safety is a key concern for parents of students wishing to study overseas, and the religious climate of a country is a piece of the safety puzzle. Alex Jakubowski, executive director of Kahal: Your Jewish Home Abroad, an organization that connects primarily U.S. study abroad students to Jewish communities in their host countries, says it's common for parents of students traveling to certain parts of Europe to ask if it's safe for their children to practice Judaism there. "We tell them yes, for the very, very most part," he says. In addition to talking with organizations like Jakubowski's, there are actions students and parents can take to get informed about the realities of practicing a religion abroad. [Explore the Best Global Universities by country.] One step is to research the degree of religious tolerance in the host country that interests them, experts say. A resource to explore is the International Religious Freedom Report published by the U.S. Department of State, which details the status of religious freedom in countries around the globe. If prospective international students are comfortable with the way their destination country treats different religions, reaching out to a local faith-based community can be a great way to ease the transition into life in another country. "Don't underestimate just how welcoming these communities can be and how glad they are that you're there," says Jakubowski. Students can turn to members of a local religious community for support and guidance about what it's really like to practice their faith in a particular city. Locals can offer practical advice, for example, by pointing out any neighborhoods where it would be safer not to openly observe their faith or wear religious symbols, says Jakubowski. In addition to organizations like Jakubowski's, university chaplains, faith-based university student groups and other organizations can help international students find local places of worship. International students can also ask leaders in their religious communities back home if they have any connections to faith communities in the city they'll be traveling to. Story continues "Just put yourself out there," Jakubowski says, "because if you do it one time, the community will do the rest of the work." In addition to off-campus opportunities for worship and fellowship, students and parents can look into faith-based activities on international university campuses. Some schools employ chaplains who offer worship services and opportunities for students to talk about spiritual matters. The Rev. Canon Megan Collings-Moore, an Anglican chaplain at the University of Waterloo in Canada, says there's a misconception that university chaplains are out to convert students. "At most chaplaincies, it's not about converting you to their faith," she says. "It's very much about connecting you into where you need to be." [Learn 3 facts about earning a bachelor's degree in Canada.] Joining a faith-based campus student group is another way international students can engage with people who share their religious beliefs. These groups vary in size and scope from campus to campus, country to country and offer a range of religious, social, service and advocacy opportunities. For example, there are more than 100 Muslim student groups in the U.K. and Ireland alone, says Zara Mohammed, a vice president of the Federation of Student Islamic Societies, a national organization that works with these groups. Islamic societies comprise a diverse mix of international and domestic students, which is one of the benefits of joining them, Mohammed says. D uring the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, international students in the Islamic society at Mohammed's university, the University of Strathclyde in Scotland, took turns cooking and sharing foods from their home countries for i ftar, the meal eaten after a day of fasting. It's not just Muslims who can find camaraderie in student groups -- organizations exist for students of many faiths. A university's website will often have information about the groups active on a particular campus, experts say. International students can also reach out to umbrella organizations like Mohammed's FOSIS or the European Union of Jewish Students for help getting connected with groups on their campus. [Discover the 10 least religious countries, as ranked by perception.] Some schools have religious student groups that are specifically for international students. For example, in Australia, a ministry called the Fellowship of Overseas Christian University Students offers services, Bible study groups and social events geared toward students from other countries on around 25 campuses. But no matter where in the world students go, there is a chance that they will encounter intolerance of some sort. If a student is bullied for their religious or cultural background, Mohammed says she encourages them to speak up. "Just tell someone," she says. "People will help you. Don't feel like you need to accept it, you don't." Want to earn a degree abroad? Check out the complete rankings of the Best Global Universities. Kelly Mae Ross is an education staff writer at U.S. News. You can follow her on Twitter or email her at kross@usnews.com. Researchers want school surveys to ask kids for their gender identity and sexual orientation so they can collect data on bullying and discrimination. Indiana Universitys Equity Project released a report Monday that shows there is a lack of data that makes it hard to measure when LGBT students are targeted for harassment or disciplined more harshly in the classroom. By asking, What is your gender identity and sexual orientation? on survey forms, report coauthor and professor Russell Skiba says, schools are taking the first step to figuring out better inventions. We do not have any clear path to get the data to identify over-discipline or bullying and harassment, and without that we dont know how to target efforts to reduce it, Skiba told TakePart. The authors didnt specify an age group but said some researchers suggest the question should apply to students age 10 and up. The report offers several suggestions for how federal surveys can gather and measure this data. The School Crime Supplement, a survey directed at 12- through 18-year-olds in public and private schools nationwide, asks questions about harassment and bullying but doesnt ask students for data on gender and sexuality. The School Survey on Crime and Safety, an annual survey distributed at more than 3,000 public schools nationwide, has a section that asks how many students are targeted based on gender and sexuality, but principals rather than students answered the survey. RELATED: When It Doesnt Get Better: LGBT Youths Face Long-Term Effects of Bullying The report also pushes policy change, urging Congress to pass the Student Non-Discrimination Act, which would extend the status of protected class based on sexual orientation. Nineteen states and the District of Columbia have created their own legal protections against bullying on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, according to the report. LGBT students experience higher levels of harassment than their heterosexual, cisgender peers, according to a 2013 report from the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network. More than half of LGBT students feel unsafe at school. Seventy-four percent of LGBT students say theyve been verbally harassed and 36 percent say theyve been physically harassed for their sexual orientation. Story continues The study also showed that a majority of students who were harassed did not report the incident to school staff for fear the issue would be swept under the rug. Researchers at the Equity Project say this is a big issue theyre trying to target. If LGBT students are being disciplined or bullied more seriously than other kids, those things have very serious consequences, said Skiba. This call to action raises questions about whether the change would be entirely positive for the LGBT student community. The Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act gives parents access to inspect and review their childrens educational records so long as they are under 18. RELATED: A Safe Place for LGBT Youths For many, the idea of coming out, even on paper, and even in a secure and private way, could be stressful, or even a deterrent to answering the survey honestly, according to the report. The idea of coming out on a form that ones parents have access to could be an even bigger deal breaker. For Scott Meyer, it certainly was. Meyer is a student teacher for high school freshman and sophomores in a conservative county in Indiana. He said that he didnt come out until his senior year of high school, and although he attended a more forward-thinking private school, identifying as homosexual on a school survey would have been a difficult decision to make. It would have depended on who would have been able to see it, Meyer told TakePart. If it were a school guidance or teachers, I wouldnt care.... If it was available to my parent, that would have been a deterrent for me. Meyer said his students at Brown County public school, where the words gay and faggot are often used derogatorily, probably would have a similar reaction, especially if they thought their parents or other students might find out. Overall, however, Meyer thinks the positives to measuring harassment and bullying in the LGBT community would outweigh the negatives by showing a disparity really exits. It would have a positive impact for those who dont think [bullying and harassment in the LGBT community] is an issue. To actually show them, look, this is going on, you create the potential for a dialogue, said Meyer. Our goal is to start the conversation, said Skiba. We hope its a good stimulus to expand data collection to enable us to know what harms the LGBT are facing. Take the Pledge: Pledge to Be an Ally of the LGBTQ Community Related stories on TakePart: One LGBT Schools Effort to Stop Bullying Starts Young How the Day of Silence Encourages LGBT Students to Speak Up Tolerating Intolerance: LGBT Students Struggle for Equality Original article from TakePart By James Pearson PANMUNJOM, South Korea (Reuters) - In a tiny mess hall set amid pine trees and rose bushes on the heavily fortified Korean border, a lunch of steak and asparagus is served. Outside, birdsong competes with the drone of North Korean loudspeakers blaring propaganda. "This is the best restaurant in the DMZ," says Major General Mats Engman, who heads the Swedish delegation to the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission (NNSC), set up after the 1950-53 Korean War to uphold a fragile armistice in place of a peace treaty. Originally a four-nation commission including representatives on the North Korean side from Poland and the former Czechoslovakia, only the Swedes and Swiss remain, based in 1950s-era huts just metres from North Korea. The camp is staffed by five Swedish and five Swiss officers, a fraction of the 200 based there in the mid-1950s. The NNSC holds weekly meetings in a light blue hut straddling the border inside the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the world's most heavily defended frontier, sharing with the North Koreans the minutes of its proceedings in a wooden mail box. "Since May 1995, they've never emptied that pigeon hole," said Swiss Major General Urs Gerber. "Their argument is they can't take mail from an organization which doesn't exist," said Gerber, who this week presided over the group's 3,500th meeting. The NNSC empties the mail box every few months to stop it overflowing. North Korea, which has long sought a peace treaty with the United States, has said the armistice is "long defunct" and, with it, the NNSC has been "forgotten in history". Isolated North Korea and the rich, democratic South are still technically at war after the 1950-53 conflict ended in the armistice, not a treaty. China and North Korea fought side-by-side against a U.S.-backed South Korea, which joined forces under the U.N. flag. U.S. troops now in South Korea are under the command of a U.S. general who also heads the United Nations Command - the only active U.N. fighting force in the world. 'GHOST ORGANIZATION' North Korea stopped recognizing the NNSC in 1995 when it expelled the Polish delegation after the Soviet Union collapsed. Two years earlier it had kicked out its Czechoslovakian delegation after the country split into Slovakia and the Czech Republic. "They call us a ghost organization," said Gerber. The only independent military body on the Korean peninsula, the NNSC has reinvented its post-Cold War self as an impartial observer to the annual U.S.-South Korea military exercises that the North complains are preparation for attack and the U.S.-South Korean side says are defensive. Through regular inspections, Swiss and Swedish officers make sure those exercises don't infringe the armistice. The NNSC also operates an education program, traveling to South Korean frontline units to lecture on the armistice that ended hostilities in 1953. And it is that document, not the Swedish, Swiss or U.S. capitals, from which the NNSC takes its orders. "Only a peace treaty or war would end our operation here," said Gerber. 'POPS IN THE FOREST' A bright red Swiss Club houses a pool table and is decorated with cow bells, while its Swedish counterpart has a fireplace and Viking helmet. In the early 1970s, before enemy soldiers were locked in a face-to-face stand-off at Panmunjom, North Korean generals would occasionally visit for a quiet drink at the Swiss Club bar. "It's like a resort here," said Engman, a Swedish air force general. "It's nice and quiet. The air is fresh". Wary of the complacency the holiday camp atmosphere can breed, NNSC staff remain on high alert to the dangers beyond the camp's perimeter fence. No independent body exists to make sure Pyongyang upholds its side of the armistice. The sound of a pop from the thick North Korean woods can be heard some nights, as a deer or wild boar treads on a landmine. This year, the biggest disturbance has been North Korean propaganda broadcasts, turned on in response to South Korean speakers after Pyongyang tested its fourth nuclear device in January in defiance of U.N. resolutions. "It's an irritation," Engman said. "It's not on the level that we can't sleep. But some nights you have to use ear plugs." (Editing by Tony Munroe and Nick Macfie) Zagreb (AFP) - Croatia and Bosnia on Thursday slammed the acquittal of far-right Serb leader Vojislav Seselj on war crimes charges in a ruling that threatened to damage already fragile relations in the Balkans. UN judges at The Hague found Seselj not guilty on all nine counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity arising from the 1990s Balkan conflicts, shocking many across the region. Croatian leaders condemned the verdict as "shameful" and underlined their outrage by banning the 61-year-old Serbian Radical Party leader from entering the country. The ruling was however celebrated by Seselj's supporters, some of whom drove through Srebrenica in Bosnia -- where around 8,000 Muslim men and boys were killed by Bosnian Serb forces in the war -- honking their car horns and waving flags, the town mayor told AFP. Prosecutors alleged Seselj was behind the murder of many Croat, Muslim and other non-Serb civilians, as well as the forced deportation of "tens of thousands" from large areas of Croatia, Bosnia and Serbia, leading volunteers known as "Seselj's men". But judges at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) declared him a free man after finding there was insufficient evidence to convict him. - 'Committed evil' - "Croatia cannot and will not accept this shameful verdict and we will continue to do everything we can so that justice is served," said Croatia's President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, according to the state-run HINA news agency. Croatian Prime Minister Tihomir Oreskovic said Seselj "committed evil and did not show any remorse, neither then nor today". Police spokeswoman Helena Biocic told AFP that Seselj was banned from entering the country because he could represent a threat to public order. A defiant Seselj, who returned to Belgrade for cancer treatment in 2014, retorted that he did not recognise Croatia's independence but would go there "to have a walk" in Zagreb. Story continues "If they forbid me I'll launch a judicial procedure," he said. Seselj served as Serbia's deputy prime minister from 1998 to 2000 and plans to stand in a general election in late April. He said the tribunal judges had "shown that their professionalism and honour are above any political pressure" and brought "the only possible verdict". Having spent nearly 12 years in detention at The Hague and more time awaiting a verdict, Seselj said he would seek 14 million euros ($16 million) in compensation. - 'Defeat of justice' - Protesting against the "defeat of justice", a few dozen civil activists rallied in Zagreb, while Bosnian Muslims also expressed anger and bewilderment. "The verdict rightly provoked anger because a war criminal was acquitted," said Bakir Izetbegovic, the Muslim member and chairman of Bosnia's tripartite presidency. "It is quite clear that Seselj had organized, armed, inspired and encouraged criminals to enter Bosnia and Croatia and to commit crimes and ethnic cleansing," he said. Fikret Grabovica, who leads an association of parents whose children were killed in the war, said drily that the verdict "only lacked the judges concluding that Seselj's paramilitary units had in fact been on a peace mission in Bosnia". Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic, once Seselj's closest ultranationalist ally, said he was "indifferent" to the news. Jovo Bakic, a sociology professor at Belgrade University, said Seselj's acquittal would "further sharpen already strained relations" in the region. His comments were echoed by those of Serbian activist Aleksandar Popov at the prominent Centre for Regionalism, who said the ruling was an "enormous injustice" that would likely damage regional ties. "There have been sparks with regard to Seselj even before this, and now the situation is just going to get more complicated instead of us moving on," Popov told the N1 news channel. Nicosia (AFP) - The Cypriot ex-wife of an Egyptian accused of hijacking a plane in a bid to see her has said their marriage was hell and he had shown no interest in her or their children since they separated. Marina Paraschou told the Phileleftheros newspaper that she had met Seif al-Din Mohamed Mostafa on the island when she was just 18 and he was 26, and that their five years of marriage were a "black period" of her life. "Most of the media painted a picture of romance in which a man was trying to reach out to his estranged wife," Paraschou said in comments published on Thursday. "But that couldn't be further from the truth and they would have a different opinion if they knew what he was really like. "It was a black five years." Paraschou alleged that her ex-husband, now in custody as police weigh charges, had been violent and abusive towards her and their three children, had refused to work and had taken drugs. Paraschou was brought to Larnaca airport by police during the six-hour standoff that culminated in her ex-husband's surrender. But she said that was solely to confirm his identity and not to meet the demand he had made in a written note passed to authorities from the plane. "They took me there to confirm it was his voice. To say they took me there to speak to Seif because he requested it in his letter is a lie," she said. Mostafa, 58, is accused of using a fake suicide belt to force the Alexandria-to-Cairo flight to divert to Cyprus, where he was remanded in custody on Wednesday for eight days. He faces possible charges of hijacking, kidnapping, reckless and threatening behaviour, and breaches of the anti-terror law. Police prosecutor Andreas Lambrianou told the court that after his arrest, the suspect had told officers he acted out of desperation to see his ex-wife and children. "What's someone supposed to do when he hasn't seen his wife and children in 24 years and the Egyptian government won't let you?" Lambrianou quoted him as saying. Story continues But Paraschou alleged that after they split up in 1990, Mostafa had been indifferent to the point of callousness towards her and their three children, one of whom died in an accident after their divorce. Most of the 55 passengers on the hijacked EgyptAir flight were quickly released after it landed in Larnaca. But some passengers and crew escaped only minutes before the standoff ended, including one uniformed man who was seen clambering out of a cockpit window and dropping to the ground. By Dave McKinney and Justin Madden CHICAGO(Reuters) - Decried as illegal by critics, 27,000 Chicago public schoolteachers planned on Friday to leave their classrooms to protest the lack of a contract and failure to stabilize the finances of the third largest U.S. public school system. The Chicago Teachers Union's one-day strike comes at a point when educators have worked without a labor agreement since last July. The district, with its $1.1 billion deficit, also faces the possibilities of state funding cuts and a state takeover pushed by Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner, a Republican. With more than two dozen union events planned, Fridays forced day off for about 400,000 Chicago school students represents the highest-profile action in a multi-union, multi-purposed mass protest. Besides Chicago Public Schools' precarious finances, demonstrators intend to rally against what they have described as Rauners assault on unions and his unwillingness to fund social-service programs and public universities. Already facing furloughs, the CTU has hinted at a full-blown teachers strike in mid-May over pay increases that are threatened and a desire to protect a retirement perk for teachers where CPS picks up the majority of their pension premiums. Both Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuels administration, which controls the Chicago school system, and Rauner have declared Fridays walkout illegal. Without offering details, schools CEO Forrest Claypool said on Thursday the district is preparing a legal action against the strike but said teachers participating in the walkout would not face punishment. "When adults play politics, students suffer," Claypool said. "Instead of forcing our students to miss out on a day of learning, we need to work together to fix a broken state funding system. When CTU President Karen Lewis brought her request for a daylong strike to her membership last week, the 486-124 vote authorizing the walkout showed some dissent, but Lewis warned her members not to waver. Story continues If you let Claypool scare you into crossing the picket line, expect worse things to happen, Lewis wrote on her Facebook page. They will never be satisfied with three furlough days. They want deep cuts and to drive a wedge between you and your sisters and brothers. Part of the school systems financial struggles rests with its inability to navigate around a nine-month state budget standoff between Rauner and Democrats controlling the legislature. CPS call for $480 million in state assistance to pay a required June pension payment for teachers has gone unanswered, leaving the payment in doubt. (Editing by Tom Brown) The decision to get a master's degree in an artistic field can be a fraught one. If you're good, after all, you should be able to make it without one, right? And you're already looking at a high probability of living in relative poverty, at least compared with MBAs and techies, so why make matters worse with thousands in debt? The occasional superstar notwithstanding, government data puts median annual earnings at around $44,000 for "fine artists" -- including painters, sculptors and illustrators -- and at about $30,000 for photographers. Architects, with median earnings of $74,520, and graphic designers, with median earnings of $46,000, may enjoy more job opportunities and better earning power, but a steep investment in a graduate degree can still be a tough call. "It's a big responsibility to put young people out in the world following this track, and it weighs on you as a professor," says Mary Ellen Strom, who teaches courses in video and directs the MFA program at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, where tuition runs $42,000. [Figure out if graduate school is worth it.] Despite the less-than-terrific earnings potential, graduate programs in artistic fields are enjoying relatively healthy growth. More than 17,000 master's degrees in the visual and performing arts were awarded in 2012 -- the most recent data available -- for example, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. That's 2.5 times more than were earned in 1970. There's no doubt that such aptitudes can translate into interesting and perhaps even lucrative careers as long as you're willing to create in diverse and unexpected places: anywhere from Fortune 500 companies to Etsy. Do-it-yourself career paths -- a staple of artists for millennia -- have received a huge boost from the Internet. Still, college-level teaching positions in the fine and performing arts, and even those in some high schools, require an MFA. And while entry-level jobs in architecture and graphic design usually require no more than a bachelor's degree in those disciplines, a master's can help employees move up in the profession. Story continues [See the complete rankings of fine arts schools.] But unlike fields such as social work, where a master's is a hard-and-fast entry credential, advanced study in the arts is often more about the process than achieving a practical outcome. Students can immerse themselves in their art in a way often not possible in day-to-day life and widen their horizons by being part of a community of artists, notes Patti Phillips, dean of graduate studies at Rhode Island School of Design. Grad programs can also be appealing for the intense collaborations with fellow students, faculty and visiting artists that are possible or required, and professional contacts that may pay off in a big way later. "I had a lot of new doors open to me," says Lavina Jadhwani, 32, one of only two candidates admitted to the directing program at the Theatre School at DePaul University for the class that graduated in June 2015. And an advanced degree can certainly be the ticket to a redirected career path. Lea Hershkowitz, 26, who's due to graduate from RISD this year with a master's in interior architecture, sought the technical skills and credentials necessary to switch careers after majoring in psychology and photography and working as a creative marketing producer at Juicy Couture. She says the cutting-edge digital design skills she's gained at RISD have caused associates at architecture firms she has worked with on projects to ask her to teach them the technologies. Arts programs vary widely in their ability to help students with expenses. Some offer a full ride, but most can't afford to be so generous. DePaul typically offers half-tuition scholarships; Jadhwani footed the rest of the bill out of savings from several years working as a director in local theater and grant funding she found from the state of Illinois. Hershkowitz has supported her studies with a scholarship from RISD, multiple grants from other sources, several assistantships that involve both research and teaching, a work-study job and a part-time consulting gig, though she says she still has incurred significant debt. [Get tips on finding graphic design scholarships.] Because of the money and time commitment and the uncertainty of the payback, it's essential to be clear-eyed about what you hope to gain by pursuing an advanced degree, whether it's to develop your studio work, land a specific job, or change direction. "The worst reason to do an MFA is because you don't know what else to do," cautions Jeannene Przyblyski, provost at California Institute of the Arts in Valencia. She advises researching programs thoroughly, including opportunities to study with particular people whose work you admire. The institute recruits many of its graduate faculty from working professionals in nearby Los Angeles. Professors not only mentor their students through the postgraduate employment search, but also they sometimes hire them onto current projects or refer them to colleagues while they're still in school. Check out studios, performance spaces and equipment resources as well. While Jadhwani didn't pick DePaul for its facilities, the new building that opened in her second year there is "quite astonishing," she says, with two state-of-the-art theaters, 10 acting labs that can also host performances, and over 7,000 square feet of scenery-building space. Working in such an environment was part of the reason, she says, that the program turned out to be even more rewarding than she'd hoped. This story is excerpted from the U.S. News "Best Graduate Schools 2017" guidebook, which features in-depth articles, rankings and data. The extinct human lineage nicknamed "the hobbit" for its miniature body may have vanished soon before or soon after modern humans arrived on the hobbits' island home, rather than living alongside modern humans for thousands of years as was previously thought, researchers say. By using new techniques to date hobbit skeletons and the sediment where they were buried, researchers determined that the "hobbit" species, Homo floresiensis, likely vanished earlier than prior estimates had suggested. Even so, the scientists aren't sure whether modern humans had anything to do with the extinction of the hobbits. "Homo floresiensis reminds us that human diversity was far greater in the past than it is today," said study co-lead author Matthew Tocheri, a paleoanthropologist at Lakehead University in Ontario. "There were lots of different kinds of hominin species, and some of them shared this planet at the same time as us. But all of these other hominins have gone extinct, and we modern humans are the only ones left. We need to better understand why they went extinct and we survived in order to make better decisions as a species for how we take care of our planet and each other for the future." [See Images of Hobbit Skeleton and the New Excavations] Dating hobbit fossils The first hobbit fossils were found in 2003 in Liang Bua cave on the Indonesian island of Flores. Scientists weren't sure what species the fossils belonged to, but they found that the individuals were equipped with grapefruit-size brains and would have stood just 3 feet (1 meter) tall hence the "hobbit" moniker. Examination of the fossils suggested that Homo floresiensis belonged to a unique branch of the human lineage. But a question remained: Did these hobbits live with their bigger-bodied relatives? Prior work suggested that the sediments in which the hobbit fossils were found were about 12,000 to 95,000 years old. The unexpectedly young ages of the fossils suggested that the hobbits may have survived until long after modern humans reached Australia and likely other nearby Indonesian islands about 50,000 years ago. Story continues "This long period of potential overlap was always a puzzle to us, as extinctions seem to follow hot on the heels of modern humans when they arrive somewhere new," said study co-author Richard "Bert" Roberts, a geochronologist at the University of Wollongong in Australia. Mixing sediment layers From 2007 to 2014, Tocheri, Roberts and their colleagues conducted new excavations in Liang Bua cave. They found that hobbits used this cave between 190,000 and 50,000 years ago not until as recently as about 12,000 years ago, which had been suggested previously. "There was no lengthy period of overlap between the two species, as far as we can determine," Roberts told Live Science. "In fact, we don't even know if they overlapped at all." The researchers exposed parts of Liang Bua cave not seen in the original excavations, revealing that layers of sediment in the cave are not deposited evenly. "Liang Bua is an amazing site, and incredibly complex, too," study co-lead author Thomas Sutikna, an archaeologist at the University of Wollongong in Australia, told Live Science. "Every year we return to excavate, we learn something we didn't know or realize before." [Top 10 Mysteries of the First Humans] The researchers discovered that the sediment deposits in which the hobbits were found were actually similar in age to ones near the center of Liang Bua cave that the researchers dated as about 74,000 years old. The hobbit deposits were later covered by much younger deposits during the past 20,000 years, making them appear younger than they were. "Our new excavations and analyses show that the skeletal remains of Homo floresiensis at Liang Bua are between approximately 100,000 and 60,000 years old, while stone artifacts reasonably attributable to this species range from about 190,000 to 50,000 years old," Tocheri said. Giant storks, pygmy elephants and dragons The hobbit was not the only species that suddenly disappeared from the Liang Bua deposits about 50,000 years ago. Vultures, giant marabou storks, Komodo dragons and pygmy Stegodon an extinct relative of elephants vanished from the area at about the same time as the hobbit. Possible reasons for this mass extinction include not only the arrival of modern humans, but also volcanic eruptions and climatic shifts, Tocheri said. "More research is clearly needed to document what exactly happened," Tocheri said. Tocheri noted that the pygmy Stegodon was the only large-bodied herbivore known to live on Flores when the hobbit was alive, "and it was clearly a primary food source for Homo floresiensis, vultures, giant marabou storks and Komodo dragons. If something happened to cause the pygmy Stegodon population to crash," he said, "then it more than likely would have had an adverse effect on these other species." (Previous research suggested that these giant carnivorous storks snacked on hobbits.) It remains an open question whether hobbits and modern humans ever lived alongside each other. "The earliest known evidence of modern humans on Flores is from about 11,000 years ago and after, but we do know that modern humans were on other islands in the region around this time and had reached Australia by about 50,000 years ago," Roberts said. "At least for Australia, the weight of evidence points to humans playing a decisive role in the extinction of the giant endemic animals the 'megafauna' that once roamed the continent." Roberts added, "So was Homo floresiensis another casualty of the spread of our species? This is certainly a possibility that we take seriously, but solid evidence is needed in order to demonstrate it. One thing we can be certain of it will definitely be a major focus of further research." The scientists detailed their findings online March 30 in the journal Nature. Follow Charles Q. Choi on Twitter @cqchoi. Follow us @livescience, Facebook & Google+. Original article on Live Science. Copyright 2016 LiveScience, a Purch company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. In many places around the country, carefully planned school integration is a thing of the past. Objections over long commutes for children and the costs of busing, as well as debates over academic achievement and racial tension, have meant that many school districts once again look like they might have decades ago: segregated and unequal. There is a theoryacademics call it perpetuationthat racial isolation, even in school, can have lasting effects on kids lives, shaping their earnings and occupation down the line. While scholars and school districts continue to debate the impact of school segregation on children, a recent paper focuses more narrowly, investigating the link between the racial composition of ones high school and the the workplace. More From Our Partners The Next Economy In order to do that, the researchers Adam Gamoran, Sarah Barfels, and Ana Cristina Collares used two data sets from the U.S. Department of Educationone that started in 1980 and the other in 1990that each tracked more than 10,000 high-school students at two-year intervals for about a decade. This allows them to observe respondents as they enter the workforce and report back on factors such as occupation, income, and the racial diversity of their workplace. For some of the more widely discussed measures of a demographic groups economic progressthings like employment rates and earningsthe study didnt find significant correlations between the racial makeup of ones high school and an individuals eventual success. But there was a link between the racial composition of a students high school and how integrated (or not) their eventual workplace wound up being. Recommended: An Ethicist Reads "The Art of the Deal" For both cohorts studied, white respondents who went to predominately white high schools were more likely to work in an environment that was made up of coworkers looked like them. And blacks who went to schools that were predominately white also had a higher likelihood of working with more white coworkers. And, similarly, those who attended more diverse schools were more likely to have more diverse offices. Story continues According to the study, the way in which the school was integrated didnt have any bearing on this finding. Those who attended schools that were more diverse due to busing were just as likely to work in more diverse offices as those whose schools diversity was a result of racially integrated neighborhoods. There was one discrepancy in the work-school link. Nonblack minorities who went to predominately white schools where there were significant levels of racial conflict (as reported by a principal) were less likely to work with predominately white coworkers later in life. While the researchers didnt find strong links between high-school composition and income or occupation, they note that the link to workplace diversity is still important. Racially mixed work environments are an indicator of social cohesion and, along with schools and communities, are central to efforts to reduce racial exclusion, the authors write. Interactions with a diverse student body may mean that individuals are more likely to live in communities that are more diverse, or more willing and comfortable in racially diverse settings later in life. Of course, simply working in a more diverse environment isnt enough by itself to shift structural economic inequality, as the researchers note. Read more from The Atlantic: This article was originally published on The Atlantic. Donald Trump made a surprise visit to the headquarters of the Republican National Committee in Washington on Thursday, where he met with party chairman Reince Priebus. It was not immediately clear what the two talked about or who requested the sitdown, but Trump later tweeted that it was a very nice meeting. Looking forward to bringing the party together, the Republican presidential hopeful wrote. And it will happen! Trump was in Washington for a meeting with campaign advisers, including his foreign policy team. Word of Trumps visit with the RNC was first reported by Politico. Trumps relationship with the Republican Party has been somewhat rocky. Shortly after Trump launched his presidential campaign in June with a series of controversial comments about Mexican immigrants, Priebus reportedly urged Trump to tone it down in a phone call. Trump subsequently disputed those claims. The pair spoke in September when Priebus visited Trump Tower. At that meeting, Priebus got Trump to sign a loyalty pledge wherein he promised to support the partys nominee if he loses the primary. In return, Trump said he received assurances the party would treat him fairly. In a CNN town hall on Tuesday, Trump said he would no longer stand by that pledge to support any Republican nominee because he objects to how the RNC and the GOP establishment have treated him during the campaign. Trump specifically cited the fact that the partys 2012 presidential nominee, Mitt Romney, spoke out against him after he emerged as the frontrunner in this years race. I have been treated very unfairly, Trump said. Donald Trump speaks with Reince Priebus, chairman of the Republican National Committee, at a debate on March 3, 2016, in Detroit. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) The meeting also came in the wake of Trumps recent complaints about the delegate process ahead of what many believe could be a contested party convention this summer. Last week, Texas Sen. Ted Cruzs campaign claimed more delegates in Louisiana than Trump, even though the real estate mogul won a majority of the vote in the states primary earlier this month. I won. And then I found out that I got 10 delegates less than the guy who lost, Trump complained to CNNs Anderson Cooper on Tuesday. I call it bad politics. When someone goes in and wins the election and gets less delegates than the guy that lost, I dont think thats right. The emirate of Dubai, whose airport is the world's busiest for international passengers, announced Wednesday it was introducing a tax on travellers to help finance expansion, as Gulf governments grapple with plummeting revenues. The 35-dirham ($9.50) fee will apply to all passengers, including those transitting in Dubai, on all flights from June 30, according to a statement carried by WAM state news agency. It is the first time Dubai has announced a passenger tax, which is imposed in many airports worldwide. More than 78 million passengers passed through Dubai International in 2015, keeping its place as the world's busiest for international passengers since overtaking London Heathrow in 2014. Last month, Dubai Airports increased the capacity of its main airport to 90 million passengers with the opening of concourse D, at a cost of $1.2 billion. Dubai has a smaller second airport, Al-Maktoum International, which opened in 2013 and will receive 120 million passengers a year once completed. The receipts of the new tax will be channelled into funding the expansion of Dubai airports, the statement said. Although part of the oil-rich United Arab Emirates, Dubai has dwindling oil wealth, and its revenues are diversified compared to its oil-dependent Gulf peers. But the whole region is struggling to cope with a sharp drop in oil revenues since crude prices nosedived. Situated on transcontinental air routes, Dubai is one of several Gulf-based airports to experience prodigious growth in recent years. Around 100 airlines fly to more than 240 destinations from the international hub, which is also home to carrier Emirates. Today in One Paragraph President Obama commuted the sentences of 61 inmates. The Department of Justice and the city of Newark agreed on a plan to reform the Newark Police Departmenttwo years after an investigation revealed officers use of excessive force and racial profiling in stops and arrests. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration eased requirements for women taking abortion medication. Two Minneapolis police officers involved in the shooting death of Jamar Clark last year will not be charged, the prosecutor said. And in an unprecedented move, the National Border Patrol Council endorsed Donald Trump. Top News Obama Grants Early Release to Inmates. The White House commuted the prison sentences of 61 inmates serving time for drug offensesmore than one-third of whom were serving life sentences. The move is part of the administrations broad push to relieve inmates serving time for nonviolent drug offenses; so far in his presidency, Obama has commuted the sentences of 248 people. (Allie Malloy and Wesley Bruer, CNN) Recommended: The Obama Doctrine Changes for Newark Police Force. The settlement reached between the Department of Justice and the city of Newark will require all officers and squad cars to be equipped with body cameras and participation in re-vamped use-of-force training. (Carimah Townes, ThinkProgress) A Huge Step for Abortion Rights. The Food and Drug Administration approved a new label on an abortion medication, a move that could expand the procedures accessibility. The changes include lowering the dosage requiredand therefore, the costand increasing the number of days a woman has to use the medication to induce abortion. (Sabrina Tavernise, The New York Times) No Charge for Officers in Minnesota Shooting. Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman said Officers Mark Ringgenberg and Dustin Schwarze will not be charged in the November shooting death of Jamar Clark. Freeman said the officers actions were justified because Clark had tried to grab one of the officers guns. (By Paul Walsh, David Chanen and Libor Jany, Star Tribune) Story continues NBPC Backs Trump. The National Border Patrol Council, a labor union representing 16,500 agents, endorsed Donald Trump, citing the Republican front-runners hardline stance on immigration. Its the groups first-ever endorsement of a candidate in a presidential election. (Priscilla Alvarez, The Atlantic) Tomorrow in One Paragraph. Hillary Clinton will be fundraising and campaigning in Massachusetts and New York, and Bernie Sanders will be in Pennsylvania and the South Bronx. And leaders from 50 countries will be meeting for the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, DC. Recommended: What Black Americans Lost by Aligning With the Democrats 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 Trump is louder and more commanding of the news cycle better than any bully Clinton has faced before, offering no clear historical precedent. (Shes done pretty well against bullies, as one former aide put it, but this is a whole different stratosphere.) BuzzFeeds Ruby Cramer on how Hillary Clintons campaign plans to take on Donald Trump if he becomes the Republican nominee. Top Lines Does Strategic Voting Work? Voting for someone other than ones preferred candidate in order to skew election results has been a prevalent strategy in the 2016 presidential race, but its a strategy fraught with uncertainty because its so difficult to corral a group of voters toward a shared objective. (Toni Monkovic, The New York Times) Options for #NeverTrump. There are three scenarios in which Donald Trump could be denied the nomination, and ultimately the presidency, The National Reviews Jonah Goldberg writes, but the most likely possibility rides on the Wisconsin primary. Top Views Bad for the Working Man. These two charts from The Washington Post show that the wage gap between upper- and middle-income male earners last year was the largest its ever been. (Niraj Choshi) 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. Associated Press Saudi Arabia's powerful 37-year-old crown prince will not attend an upcoming summit in Algeria after his doctors advised him not to travel, the Algerian presidency said early Sunday. Saudi Arabia offered no immediate acknowledgment of the comments by Algeria about the condition of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has quickly risen to power under his 86-year-old father King Salman. Much of the focus on the Al Saud royal family in recent years has been on King Salman's health, with analysts suggesting Prince Mohammed could rule the OPEC-leading nation for decades after ascending to the throne. San Salvador (AFP) - Lawmakers in El Salvador on Thursday began examining a government bill to impose heavy restrictions on imprisoned leaders of violent gangs that have made the country one of the most dangerous in the world. The proposed measures include boosting security and monitoring in at least seven penitentiaries, limiting family visits and forcing telephone companies to block cellphone signals from the facilities. The aim of the bill, which would put in place a state of emergency for the prisons lasting one year, is to prevent locked-up gang leaders from continuing to give orders to their followers outside. "This is an issue of national security, and we are all obliged to work towards better security, and this includes the telephone companies," Vice President Oscar Ortiz said. The bill was presented to the Salvadoran Congress by Justice and Security Minister Mauricio Ramirez. Lawmakers are to debate the measures in a plenary session on Friday. - Gangs unnerved - The proposals have unnerved the main gangs active in El Salvador. Nearly 20 percent of the country's estimated 70,000 gang members are behind bars. Last weekend, three of the gangs called a temporary halt to murders by their members while urging the government to drop the proposed "unconstitutional" crackdown. But the head of the police force, Howard Cotto, has rejected any negotiations with the gangs, saying: "We have nothing to talk about with members of criminal organizations." More than 6,600 people were murdered in El Salvador last year, with the government saying most were victims of gang violence. Police say the killings have ticked up even further this year, with an average of 22 people slain each day. The nation's per-capita homicide rate of 104 per 100,000 inhabitants is the highest in the world for a country not at war. El Salvador along with neighboring Honduras and Guatemala make up what is known as Central America's "Northern Triangle" -- a trio of countries scarred by civil wars that once raged in the region and prey to ultra-violent gangs imported from Los Angeles' mean streets and US prisons. Story continues The Salvadoran government under President Salvador Sanchez Ceren has already been waging an offensive against the gangs since 2014, boosting police and soldiers on patrol. In anticipation of possible gang action against the proposed measures in the new bill, 1,000 army reservists are to be sent to prisons to back up police, Defense Minister David Munguia said. They add to 6,000 soldiers already deployed to reinforce public security in the streets and to boost border checks. - Doubts about crackdown - But analysts say the crackdown has been ineffective so far. "You have to look at it with caution, because these aren't measures that will resolve the issue of insecurity. These are measures that address the need to impose greater control, but they don't go beyond that," said Jeaneth Aguilar, a gang expert. Dagoberto Gutierrez, a deputy chancellor at the country's Luterana University, said he believed fighting gang violence with state violence will only "aggravate the insecurity." "These are acts in crisis, but they are not planned out, there is no substantive work to get at the causes of the problem which comes from poverty and marginalization. And violence can follow from this and maybe it will get worse," he said. LIMA (Reuters) - A lower electoral board in Peru said Wednesday it was opening a formal inquiry into whether presidential hopeful Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, the chief rival of front-runner Keiko Fujimori, broke a new law against vote buying. If electoral authorities find the center-right candidate improperly bought beer and liquor for an Andean town, as alleged by opponents he would be barred from April 10 elections. Analysts said the board would likely keep Kuczynski in the race, especially after the same lower electoral board cleared Fujimori of similar allegations. The country's five-member National Jury of Elections is expected to hand down a final ruling on Fujimori this week to settle an appeal. The National Jury of Elections tossed two presidential hopefuls from the race earlier this month in an unprecedented move that has shaken the legitimacy of this year's elections and stoked opposition to Fujimori, whom many see as unfairly favored. Electoral authorities have denied any political bias or wrongdoing and have criticized Congress for passing the new ban on gift-giving by campaigning politicians that allows candidates to be disqualified so close to elections. (Reporting by Mitra Taj; Editing by Andrew Hay) Washington (AFP) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused the West on Thursday of ignoring his calls for a common stance against jihadist extremism and not sharing intelligence on the threat they pose. "We were left alone by Western countries. Our intelligence-sharing expectations were never met," Erdogan said in an interview with CNN, which aired excerpts. "We have been calling the nations for a common stance against terrorism, and many of the European member states seem to have failed to attach the significance that this call for action deserves," he added. Erdogan, who is in Washington for a nuclear security summit, was particularly critical of Belgium for not acting on information Ankara had provided about one of the bombers in last week's attacks in Brussels, Ibrahim El Bakraoui. Turkey arrested the Belgian national near the Syrian border last June and deported him to the Netherlands. Bakrouai managed to make it back to Brussels, where he blew himself up at the airport during the March 22 attacks. His brother Khalid blew himself up at a Brussels metro station. "The Netherlands nor the Belgians seem to have understood what the jihadis stand for," Erdogan said. On Tuesday, Dutch Justice Minister Ard van der Steur said the Netherlands had notified Belgium a week before the Brussels attacks of an FBI report on the Bakraoui brothers' radical backgrounds. Ibrahim El Bakraoui had been on a US terror watch list since September 25, 2015, he said. The United States has long seen Turkey as a key Muslim ally and a moderating force in the Middle East. But the two have been at odds over Syria in recent months, with Washington calling on Ankara to do more to fight Islamic State group jihadists. Turkey, for its part, has been upset by US support for Kurdish fighters in Syria, fearing it will strengthen Kurdish separatists in Turkey. BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union on Thursday expanded trade and financial sanctions on North Korea, following up on harsh new measures imposed by the U.N. Security Council earlier this month. The extension follows a nuclear test carried out by North Korea in January. The EU's External Action Service, which oversees the bloc's policy in international affairs, said the new sanctions extended export and import bans on items that could help build up capacity of North Korea's armed forces. The 28-nation EU also expanded financial sanctions against North Korea, including a new asset freeze on government entities linked to Pyongyang's nuclear or ballistic missile programs. The EU first imposed sanctions on North Korea in 2006. (Writing by Gabriela Baczynska; editing by John Stonestreet) BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Union aviation security experts agreed on Thursday that police and intelligence agencies should share more information with transport authorities and operators to help prevent attacks like last week's twin bombings at Brussels' Zaventem airport. Three suicide bombers killed 32 people at the airport's departure hall and at a crowded rush-hour metro station on March 22. The strikes on Zaventem reignited a debate about how to secure Europe's airports without creating too much disruption for travelers. At an emergency meeting of the Committee for Civil Aviation Security, European Commission sources said experts reviewed existing security measures in landside areas of EU airports, meaning departure halls and other areas that can be accessed without going through normal security checks before boarding. EU Transport Commissioner Violeta Bulc said they agreed on the need for better intelligence-sharing in order to be "even more proactive and even more efficient in safety". However, any additional security measures must be proportionate and risk-based, she added. "Right now this is a matter for national authorities." Officials have stressed the need to avoid simply "moving" vulnerable areas, for example by introducing screening at airport entrances and thereby creating queues in front of terminals. Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the Brussels bombings and for strikes that killed 130 people in Paris last November. The need for better intelligence-sharing has become a mantra since the attacks, but this is easier said than done in a bloc of 28 member states with scores of law enforcement and intelligence bodies. (Reporting by Julia Fioretti and Francesco Guarascio; Editing by Mark Trevelyan) After years of anticipation, Tesla later today will finally take the wraps off of the Tesla Model 3 at a special event in California. Arguably, the upcoming Model 3 unveiling represents the most highly anticipated car introduction the auto industry has seen in years, if not decades. It's hardly an overstatement to state that the entirety of Tesla's existence has been building up to today's event. You see, the Model 3 is much more than a new electric vehicle meant to diversify Tesla's product line and serve as a quiet alternative to the Model S and the Model X. On the whole, the Model 3 represents Elon Musk's big bet that an affordably priced electric vehicle can gain a foothold among mainstream car buyers. The Model 3, from its very inception, was designed to be a car for the masses as opposed to a niche vehicle for environmentally conscious individuals with disposable income. DON'T MISS: I really tried, but there's just no way I can ditch my iPhone for a Galaxy S7 What makes Tesla's Model 3 introduction all the more compelling is that the car is the culmination of a multi-year strategy that was originally put into motion in 2008, back when deliveries of the Tesla Roadster began. Indeed, Tesla's grand vision for EV domination is hardly a well-kept secret. From the very beginning, Tesla's two-pronged EV strategy was simple: 1) Use profits from the high-end Roadster to fuel development of a luxury sedan, later to be called the Model S and 2) Use profits from the Model S to fuel research and development of an affordable four-door car for the masses, aka the Model 3. One of the many reasons why Thursday's event will be so incredibly exciting is that there's still a lot we don't know about the Model 3. Much like Apple, Tesla seems to value the 'big reveal.' That nonwithstanding, it's not as if the Model 3 is a complete mystery. So to get you primed for Tesla's event later today, we've compiled a list detailing all of the rumors and facts surrounding the upcoming Model 3. While we'll obviously know more soon enough, the list below should help provide a good framework regarding what we can expect to see once Elon Musk triumphantly takes the stage. Story continues How can I watch the event? Grab some popcorn and make sure you're well rested. The event will stream live on Tesla.com at 11:30 p.m Eastern Time. Be warned: Tesla events have a bad tendency to start late, so you may have to hang in there for a bit before the festivities kick off. What's the Model 3 going to look like? The biggest mystery surrounding the Model 3 is what it's going to look like. What we do know is that the Model 3 is not going to be a smaller carbon copy of the Model S. On the contrary, CEO Elon Musk said on the record that the "Model 3 won't look like other cars." And lest you think that Musk was simply trying to build up intrigue ahead of the Model 3 launch, it's worth adding that Tesla chief designer Franz von Holzhausen, during a 2013 interview with Gigaom, said that whereas the Model S embodied more of a "ready to wear" design, the Model 3 will be more expressive and will feature a more couture design. Now how this will manifest into the final design remains to be seen, but it stands to reason that the Model 3 will be eye-catching. How big will the Model 3 be? While the actual design of the car remains a closely guarded secret, the size of the car shouldn't be much of a surprise. For years, Tesla hasn't hidden the fact that the Model 3 will be approximately 20% smaller than the Model S. More recently, Tesla CTO JB Straubel indicated that the Model 3 will be similar in size to an Audi A4, a photo of which can be seen below. audi a4 For those curious about specific measurements, the Audi A4 is 15 feet long, 4.6 feet high and about 6.6 feet wide with the side view mirrors. The Model S, in contrast, is about 16.3 feet long and 4.7 feet high. Model 3 range will not disappoint One of the bigger Model 3 details to keep an eye on is the vehicle's range. While it's likely that the entry-level Model 3 will sport a range of 200+ miles on a single charge, a recent report claims that an upper tier version of the vehicle will be able to go 300 miles on a single charge. That said, we can safely assume that if you want a Model 3 with 300 miles of range, you'll have to spring for a model that will cost you a bit more than the $35,000 entry price. On a related note, there have also been reports of Tesla pushing its engineers to realize a Model 3 design with a drag coefficient lower than .2. By way of contrast, the Model S has a drag coefficient of 0.24. An Electrek report from this past November reads: What Im hearing internally is that CEO Elon Musk is intensely driving the engineering designers to deliver a design with a drag coefficient lower than .20 which would make it the lowest of any mass production car in the world and close to extreme vehicles like GMs EV1 and Volkswagens XL1... How fast will the Model 3 be? The Model 3 will be fast, but will not be as fast as the Model S. Still, for a mass market vehicle, the Model 3 will likely impress. Just yesterday, a rumor hinted that the Model 3 will be able to go from 0-60 in less than 4 seconds. While Tesla has gone all out to turn the Model S into a speed demon, it's worth noting that raw performance wasn't the top priority for the Tesla team when designing the Model 3. As Tesla CTO JB Straubel recently intimated, Tesla with the Model 3 prioritized cost above all else. "We don't really need more performance," Straubel said while speaking at IHS Energy CERAWeek in Houston, Texas last month. The Model 3 will be new in every single way Whereas the Model X was effectively built on the same platform as the Model S, the Model 3 required Tesla to start from scratch and design a new car from the ground up. During a Q&A session that followed a talk at the University of Nevada at Reno, Straubel explained: Most of Model 3 has to be new. With X, we were able to build on a lot of common components with S, but with Model 3 we cant do that. So were inventing a whole new platform for Model 3. Its a new battery architecture, its a new motor technology, brand new vehicle structure. Its a lot of work. This is something we started on even a few years ago. It is a brand new vehicle, and it has to be. Will the Model 3 have a signature series? No, no it will not. Whereas previous Tesla models were offered to users in a signature series, the Model 3, per Elon Musk himself, will not. Let's talk price. How much is the Model 3 going to cost me? Teslas has previously confirmed that the Model 3 will cost only $35,000, and that's before any tax breaks are taken into account. We can confirm its $35,000 before incentives, Tesla spokeswoman Khobi Brooklyn said last month. We havent changed our minds. Once tax subsidies are factored into the equation, some prospective buyers may only end up spending $22,000 on the Model 3. Of course, tax incentives are unique from state to state so the actual savings will vary depending on where you are. It will feature next-gen technology Tesla CTO JB Straubel last month stated that the Model 3 will surprise people with the level of features it includes." Further, Straubel added that the Model 3 will feature next-gen Tesla technology, perhaps alluding to some next-level auto pilot features that haven't yet hit the Model S. Does this mean the Model 3 will be fully autonomous? Not quite, though Elon Musk does believe that such technology will be ready for primetime in as little as five years. Long term, Musk is on record as saying that "in 20 years, if you have a car that isnt autonomous, it will be like owning a horse. Youre really just owning it for sentimental reasons. How to order one Pre-orders for the Model 3 will begin on March 31 in Tesla stores only and will require a $1,000 reservation fee. Curious if there's a Tesla dealership in your area? You can quickly check this page and enter your location to find out. For those who can't make it into a Tesla store on March 31, not to worry: Online reservations will begin one day later on April 1. Notably, pre-orders are going to be "global", which is to say that customers from the U.S. won't be given any preferential treatment. Will it be safe? Given Tesla's track record, we'll go out on a limb and say that the Model 3 will be exceedingly safe and may very well be the safest vehicle in its class once safety tests come back. You might remember that the Tesla Model S P85D performed so well during Consumer Reports testing that it literally broke the company's testing scale when it scored 103 out of 100, prompting CR to recalibrate its methodology. Will the Model 3 ship on time? Yes, and it's going to ship in late 2017 Tesla has famously struggled to get its previous models released on time. From the Roadster to the Model S to the Model X, shipping a new car on schedule hasn't exactly proven to be Tesla's forte. Nonetheless, the company is adamant that deliveries will in fact begin in late 2017. To this point, Bloomberg recently reported: The firms are telling investors that Tesla is learning from the mistakes that delayed its previous launches and is on track to make the shift from producing tens of thousands of $80,000 cars to hundreds of thousands of $35,000 cars Still, Tesla's history would suggest that only individuals who put in reservations super early will be able to get their hands on a Model 3 by 2017. More than likely, most consumers will have to wait until 2018 before their Model 3 arrives. Related stories Bad news: Tesla Model 3's full feature set won't be revealed at today's event People are already lining up in tents to pre-order the Tesla Model 3 Is Tesla's Model 3 hiding underneath this black cloth? More from BGR: It has begun: The FBI will unlock other iPhones in criminal investigations This article was originally published on BGR.com Gill Braulik conducts scientific research and conservation on cetaceans in the western Indian Ocean for the Tanzania Program at the Wildlife Conservation Society. She contributed this article to Live Science's Expert Voices: Op-Ed & Insights. The coast of Tanzania spans nearly 500 miles (800 kilometers), and all of it is potential habitat for dolphins and whales. Locating these threatened animals is a daunting undertaking, as each dolphin is just a tiny speck in an immense ocean. In fact, for the 40 days of our expedition, it takes incredible concentration and the sharpest, most practiced eyes to find them. But find them we will. The largest marine animals such as dolphins, whales, sharks and marine turtles are some of the most iconic creatures in the ocean. But even after decades of dedicated conservation efforts, these animals are still disappearing. Intense fishing has resulted in massive declines, mostly due to accidental entanglement in nets, hunting or targeted fishing. They also face threats from ship strikes, accumulated toxins and the increasing noise from ships, construction, oil exploration and naval sonar. Whales and dolphins are not as well understood as land-dwelling mammals. But the threats these marine mammals face are often more severe, and many populations are threatened with extinction. How do we even begin to prioritize or conserve important species or areas, when the scale of the unknown is so enormous, the threats are so great and the resources are so meager? The current survey is an attempt to address this problem. To solve the problem, first understand it For 15 years, I've been working to understand, and conserve, endangered dolphins in Asia and Africa. The work I'm leading in Tanzania conducted by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), with funding from the Pew Charitable Trust is a new approach to rapidly generate information on marine mammals and the threats they face across the entire coast of a single country. In this case, the country is Tanzania, which is a little known but potentially important marine area because of its large variety of habitats, depths and strong coastal currents. Story continues What we learn will enable us to target conservation to the most critical places. If our effort is successful on the coast of mainland Tanzania, it will be replicated in other parts of Africa. All of our team members are Tanzanian nationals who work on marine conservation issues but who, prior to this expedition, had never seen a wild dolphin. After rigorous training, they are now running the survey capably and reveling in the experience. Leading the effort is Magreth Kasuga, a smart, resourceful and tough young Tanzanian woman from Dar es Salaam. Every time we see a new species, the team pulls out the identification books and scours them for information about what we just saw. "Did you know pilot whales normally eat squid?" Kasuga asked me. "They live to be more than 60 years old, and males weigh more than 3 tons!" This work will contribute to Kasuga's master's thesis, one of the first in the country focused on dolphins, and designed to provide a more detailed understanding of population size and movements of coastal dolphins in northern Tanzania. Spotting the spinners On day 30, our team of seven entered the Pemba Channel in northern Tanzania, and the anticipation was palpable. With its ripping ocean current and depths of up to 2,625 feet (800 meters), the channel offers spectacular sightings of unusual animals, including big groups of pilot whales, dramatic false killer whales and beautiful but rarely seen Fraser's dolphins. Today, the weather is calm, but the sun is hot. Another observer, Haji Mohammad, calls out a sighting. "Surfacing, 25 degrees to port!" As the boat turns toward the splash, all hands are on deck, eyes on the water. A group of spinner dolphins erupts out of the sea. While spinner dolphins seem to be the most common dolphin species in Tanzania, they are also one of the most spectacular, named for the way they leap clear out of the water and spin on their axis in what appears to be an act of sheer joy. In every direction, dolphins are leaping and spinning and many animals come and ride the bow wave of our boat. We estimate 800 individuals in this group a record high so far. It's impossible not to feel exhilarated by this interaction with these wild, intelligent creatures. In addition to our visual observers watching from a high platform, we also used underwater hydrophones to record the clicks and whistles the animals produce. From those observations, we have made an unexpected discovery: The hydrophones also record the sounds of explosions from dynamite fishing. An explosive threat This destructive and illegal activity involves the use of explosives to blast the sea, stunning or killing all nearby marine life. Blast fishing is an environmental catastrophe. According to research published in Marine Ecology Progress Series, a typical charge will kill most marine organisms within a radius of 5 to 20 meters ( 17 to 67 feet), depending on the situation. Widespread blasting can ultimately reduce coral reefs to rubble and degrade fisheries, and it accelerates the collapse of fish populations, according to WWF's Helen Fox. [In Photos: The World's Most Endangered Marine Mammal ] We have already recorded more than 300 blasts, with the highest density close to Dar es Salaam, the nation's biggest city. Although it's well known to those involved in fisheries, tourism and conservation that blast fishing is rampant, we are shocked at the sheer scale of the problem. For whales and dolphins that rely on underwater sound for navigation and communication, the impact of underwater blasting is likely to be severe. Knowledge from studies of cetaceans impacted by noise, including from underwater explosions in other parts of the world, shows that, at best, animals might be disturbed and move away from their preferred habitat or, at worst, will be injured or killed. Plotting a course for protection As day 30 ended, and the observers packed away the equipment for the night, we downloaded the data and updated our sighting tally. We had seen 10 species and 69 groups by day 30 and by day 40, those numbers grew to 11 species and 75 groups. It's an impressive list. Despite many threats to the marine environment in East Africa, our national survey has found large numbers, implying sizable populations of many dolphin species. Tanzania home of the Serengeti and Mount Kilimanjaro, and the land of elephants, lions and migrating wildebeest has another jewel in its already impressive crown: a large diversity of dolphins it its oceans. Now that we have made this discovery, the next step is to set about protecting these amazing creatures. This article is the first in the series Women's History Month: Blogs from WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society). Read more on the WCS Expert Voices landing page. Follow all of the Expert Voices issues and debates and become part of the discussion on Facebook, Twitter and Google+. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. This version of the article was originally published on Live Science . Copyright 2016 LiveScience, a Purch company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Mexico City (AFP) - Jailed Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman suffered a setback Thursday in his battle against efforts to extradite him to the United States, authorities said. A Mexico City court overturned Guzman's appeal seeking to block the government's request for an extradition warrant, judicial authorities said in a statement. They cited procedural irregularities and a lack of evidence in the case brought by lawyers of Guzman, considered one of the world's most powerful drug bosses. Guzman was captured in January after months on the run in a colorful episode involving a Mexican soap opera actress and US film star Sean Penn, who met with the drug boss in hiding. Guzman had escaped through a hole in his jail cell's shower in July in a drama that embarrassed the government. He faces two extradition demands by courts in California and Texas, for homicide and drug trafficking. Mexican authorities have said the extradition process may take at least a year. Beijing (AFP) - Tall and stereotypically thin, Chinese fashion model Xu Naiyu exudes a happy optimism but is matter-of-factly realistic about the fickleness of her chosen career, and how conventions of beauty change around the world. The 21-year-old has been a frequent sight on the runways of China Fashion Week, which concludes Thursday, showing off everything from a simple green top to a pieced-together dress accessorised with protective goggles and a yellow-streaked wig. "In this industry, luck is so important," she said in between events at the Beijing Hotel, a longstanding establishment near Tiananmen Square in the Chinese capital. "It's not even about trying hard, because theres nothing you can do to change how you look if people dont happen to like it." Concepts of beauty vary drastically across cultures, said Roye Zhang, chief agent for China Bentley Culture & Media, which represents Xu and has been operating since 2003, when Chinas fashion industry was in its infancy. There are big differences between eastern and western aesthetics -- a face we find beautiful in China won't necessarily work abroad, and vice versa," he said. Overseas shows sought men with "single eyelids and small eyes, who are thinner and not so tall", and women who "look like Mulan from the Disney cartoon -- she's not exactly pretty, but shes memorable at just a glance". Women such as Ju Xiaowen -- announced as a new face of L'Oreal Paris in February -- did well abroad because they had something unique, he said, rather than adhering to "Chinese traditional aesthetic standards, which prize very big eyes, double eyelids, and pale and serene beauty". The gulf in perception is so wide that his agency brings in foreign CEOs and bookers to assess their pre-vetted Chinese talent. "The vast majority of our models are more suitable for the Chinese market -- theres only a very few of them who will be able to go abroad," he said. Story continues Xu, her agent said, "has the kind of pretty face and eyes that appeal to Chinese people but falls somewhere in the middle; she can appeal to both people in China and abroad". Competition is fierce, as shows abroad will only use a few Asian models at most, but the middle way can be lucrative -- when they return to China, those who have strutted foreign runways are able to earn double or triple their mainland-only counterparts. - Pale shadow - Xu wanted to be a model from childhood and dreams of walking shows for famed brands like Prada or Chanel. Her parents sent her to classes when she was still at school to learn to strut and pose. "I love how it feels to stand on the catwalk," she said. "Especially now, when Im both young and pretty, I want get out there and give this industry a try, whether it works out in the end or not." Now a second year at the Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology studying modelling and design, she booked her first professional gig only in 2014 but has since walked dozens of shows both in China and abroad at the star-studded Milan and New York Fashion Weeks -- her first trips overseas. The Chinese version is a pale shadow of such events, she noted, with no major foreign brands, simple sets and just two locations. The fashion industry of the world's second-largest economy is replete with brands unknown elsewhere, and few designers are integrated with the international fashion buyer system. "If you want to get to the next level, you still have to go abroad to fashion capitals like Milan or Paris, because this profession is one that came into China from the outside world," Xu explained. The industry was "torturous" at times, she admitted. "I'm not that kind of single-eyelid girl whos instantly recognisable," she said. "Youll go to 20 castings in a day and come back with nothing, and its devastating. Its like theyre shopping for clothes -- youre picked over, assessed and put aside." Two years ago, the U.S. Defense Department was preparing to debut the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter at a pair of major international air shows when an engine fire aboard a single aircraft in Florida prompted the agency to ground its entire jet fleet. The engines manufacturer, Pratt & Whitney, redesigned the part that led to the blaze and the Pentagon in recent months has been champing at the bit for a do-over at the Royal International Air Tattoo and Farnborough air shows in July. Related: The 10 Most Expensive Weapons in the Pentagons Arsenal However, a new Pentagon report suggests says there are still recurring manufacturing quality issues with the planes engines, according to Bloomberg. Defects in turbine blades and electronic control systems resulted in maintenance activity to remove suspect hardware from the operational fleet, the report states. There were five engine quality incidents in August 2015. Its unlikely that the new assessment will threaten the F-35s summertime coming-out party, though. Pratt & Whitney says it has taken action to improve quality surveillance within their manufacturing processes and manufacturing quality experts at the Pentagon have ensured fixes are in place as production of the aircraft, which has already cost the U.S. around $400 billion to develop, ramps up. However, news of the acquisition report has to put some of the fighters supporters on edge, especially as the military branches are hoping to show off their fighters. Defense News reports that the Marine Corps is considering demonstrating a vertical takeoff with its version of the F-35 at airshows this summer. Related: Another F-35 Glitch Requires Restarting the Radar System in Flight The Pentagon plans to spend roughly $49 billion to buy 2,457 engines for the Lockheed Martin-manufactured aircraft. Congress has approved $6.7 billion to date for the engine and the Defense Department wants to purchase 63 more engines next year, climbing to 105 annually by 2021. Story continues A spokesman for Pratt & Whitney told Bloomberg that the company is investing in new production procedures and that the reliability of installed engines is exceeding 90 percent. Should another engine incident occur, before the air shows or beyond, it would no doubt create yet more delays for the F-35 program, which is already years behind schedule. But the effort has become too big to fail in the opinion of the Pentagon, defense industry executives and Capitol Hill lawmakers, and will almost certainly continue, whatever the cost. Top Reads from The Fiscal Times: In the first-look photo from the second season of Fortitude, new recruit Dennis Quaid appears to have gone full fisherman. The psychological thriller, an original series from European pay TV giant Sky and Participant Media's Pivot, is currently shooting in the north of Iceland, with Quaid having joined the returning Sofie Grabol (The Killing) and Richard Dormer ('71, Game of Thrones). Set in a fictional Norwegian settlement in the Arctic, the new season will see a fresh murder once again rock the locals and plunge the town into turmoil, while the ongoing natural disturbances become even more dangerous. In addition to Quaid, new castmembers also include The Blacklist's Parminder Nagra, plus Michelle Fairley (Game of Thrones), Robert Sheehan (Misfits) and Ken Stott (The Missing). The first season - which starred Stanley Tucci, Michael Gambon and Christopher Eccleston - was the biggest drama commission by Sky's British Sky Atlantic channel, with the premiere viewed more than 3.2 million times and recently being nominated for four BAFTA craft awards. It also marked the first original scripted drama series for Pivot, becoming its highest-rated original series to date. The series was created, written, and executive produced by Simon Donald, who has returned for the second series. Fifty Fathoms and Tiger Aspect are again producing with Sky Atlantic. Like the first, the second season of Fortitude will be simulcast across Sky's European territories and on Pivot in the U.S., and is due to air later in 2016. Read more: 'Fortitude' Renewed for Second Season at Pivot, Sky Atlantic (Reuters) - A former Stanford University swimmer was convicted on Wednesday of sexually assaulting an unconscious woman following a party on the campus of the prestigious California school, the Los Angeles Times reported. Brock Turner, 20, was arrested in January 2015, after two men riding bikes saw him on top of an unconscious woman lying on the ground, the Times said, citing the police report. The two men said Turner jumped off the woman and fled when they spotted him, according to the newspaper. Turner and the woman had attended the same fraternity party that evening and both were intoxicated, according to the report. The victim was found passed out behind a dumpster, it said. "Drunk means no. Passed out means no," Santa Clara District Attorney Jeff Rosen said, according to the San Jose Mercury News. Turner had pleaded not guilty to three felony charges of sexual assault. He said the woman, then 22, was conscious throughout their encounter, the Mercury News reported. The victim testified she woke in the hospital and had dried blood on her hands and elbows. Turner, a freshman when he was arrested, voluntarily withdrew from school after he was charged. He faces up to 10 years in prison. U.S. Vice President Joe Biden has called campus sexual assault an epidemic. The White House launched a task force to address the issue in 2014. (Reporting by Victoria Cavaliere in New York) Paris (AFP) - Students and workers clashed with police in several French cities on Thursday during angry protests over labour reforms that drew nearly 400,000 people. Striking rail workers disrupted services across France in protest at the proposed reforms while students forced the closure of some 200 schools. Riot police used tear gas against stone-throwing demonstrators in the western cities of Nantes and Rennes, while around 100 people were arrested after clashes in Paris, Toulouse in the southwest and elsewhere. Official figures said 390,000 people had braved heavy rain to join demonstrations around the country -- twice the crowds that turned out a week ago -- while unions put the figure at 1.2 million. The clashes came a day after President Francois Hollande was forced into an embarrassing U-turn over constitutional changes. Adding to the president's miserable week, dozens of flights were cancelled due to a separate strike by air traffic controllers. The Socialist government is desperate to push through reforms to France's controversial labour laws, billed as a last-gasp attempt to boost the flailing economy before next year's presidential election. But it has faced a wave of often violent protests by unions and students angry over plans to make it easier for struggling companies to fire workers, even though the reforms have already been diluted once in a bid to placate critics. Hollande's government was still reeling from his decision Wednesday to abandon constitutional changes that would have allowed dual nationals convicted of terrorism to be stripped of their French citizenship. The measure had been derided as ineffective and divisive, including by leftwing rebels within the Socialist party, but Hollande's critics accused him of yet another humiliating climbdown. - Least popular president - Already the least popular president in France's modern history, Hollande's numbers continue to fall, with a poll Thursday showing his approval rating at a new low of 15 percent. Story continues Another poll on Wednesday showed he would not even reach the second-round run-off in the presidential election. Hollande, 61, has vowed not to run again if he cannot cut the country's stubbornly high unemployment figures -- long stuck at around 10 percent -- and he hoped the labour reforms would encourage firms to hire more staff. Pressure from the street and parliament's back benches caused the government to water down the proposals two weeks ago so that they apply only to large firms. Some reform-minded unions have backed the changes, but the unions behind Thursday's protests said in a statement: "Clearly, this bill will not lead to the necessary job creation, will make insecurity more widespread and will deepen professional inequality, notably for women and young people." A recent opinion poll found 58 percent of the public still opposed the labour reform bill. Joblessness is nearer to 25 percent among the young, with many stuck in an endless cycle of short-term contracts and internships. "Look at your Rolex, it's time for an uprising," read a poster brandished by one student. - 'Not a blank cheque' - Bosses are also unhappy with the reforms, particularly over the removal of a cap on compensation paid for unfair dismissal, and the scrapping of plans that would have allowed small- and medium-sized companies to unilaterally introduce flexible working hours. Labour Minister Myriam El Khomri said: "I hear the worries of the young" but argued that the reforms were "necessary and just". Parliament is to vote on the reforms in late April or early May. Aviation authorities told airlines to cancel 20 percent of their flights from Paris' Orly airport on Thursday and a third of flights from the Mediterranean city of Marseille as air traffic controllers went on strike again. Paris' Charles De Gaulle airport was not affected by the 36-hour walkout over job cuts and a lack of investment in new technology. The Airlines for Europe lobby group said it was the 43rd strike by French air traffic controllers since 2009. It was due to end at 5:00 am (0300 GMT) on Friday. Johannesburg (AFP) - A runaway South African lion who may be euthanized after repeatedly escaping from a national park has been re-captured, officials said Thursday, adding that a decision would soon be made on his fate. Sylvester the lion slipped out of the Karoo National Park in the south of the country at the weekend, triggering a major hunt for him by wildlife authorities. He was caught after being shot with a tranquiliser dart fired from a helicopter, the South Africa National Parks authority (SANParks) announced, without saying when. The escape was Sylvester's second in as many years. On his latest prowl he killed a cow on a private farm, local media reported. Last year, the big cat killed 28 sheep, a cow and a kudu antelope during three weeks on the run in which he roamed for hundreds of kilometres. The three-year-old lion was eventually caught after that breakout and fitted with a tracking collar. After his latest escape, SANParks announced it would put him down, but then back-tracked on the decision after objections from animal lovers. "The lion was darted from the air in difficult terrain high up in the mountains and will need to be transported in a stretcher, on foot, for three kilometres (two miles) to the nearest awaiting vehicle," SANParks said in a statement. "The lion will be kept in the park in a boma (enclosure) until a final decision is reached on its future." Instead of being put down, Sylvester could be moved to another national park or private game reserve, or fencing could be improved to keep him inside the Karoo park. Wildlife officials had warned he may pose a danger to humans. Lions were re-introduced to Karoo National Park, in Western Cape province, in 2010 after an absence of almost 170 years. Weve had International Womens Day come and go this month. A day where the accomplishments of women were (quietly) celebrated. Before the month ends, let us take a moment to reflect on how far women in Singapore have come. Singapore was put third on the world map in 2014, where Singapores female CEO representation was the highest in Asia Women held 15 percent of CEO positions. Despite this, female representation at the board level remained low at 7.9 percent, with the global average being 12.9 percent. While Singapore may hold the highest female CEO representation, what about entrepreneurship in the booming tech industry? Compass Startup Ecosystem Ranking 2015 Report ranked the best ecosystems in the world for entrepreneurs to start their businesses. Not surprisingly, the US held seven of the top 20 cities. More importantly, Singapores startup scene made the 10th spot, moving up seven spots since 2012. The city-states pro-business policies have contributed to its rise as an ideal place for startups. The lion-city got above average marks on startup experience, funding, and market reach, with slightly lower marks on performance. This is because according to the report, talent is hard to find and hard to maintain in Singapore, due to issues of availability and quality. Software engineers are the roles most in demand, but these jobs with technical talent remains a Boys Club. Even Google admitted to gender imbalances, stating that while 60 percent of its total workers are male, in the tech sector alone, that number increases to 83 percent. It is pretty apparent to say that startup ecosystems are predominantly male saturated. Globally, there has been a growing trend of female entrepreneurs, increasing by 80 percent in the last three years. Also, in the top 20 ecosystems listed by Compass, 18 percent of startups have female founders a number which has doubled since 2014. Although we count the small victories in this huge battle for gender equality, we still need to continue to empower all women in the pursuit of economic parity. Story continues Studies have shown that an unconscious bias continues to prevail in startup culture. Women working full time in the tech-industry make an average of 77 cents (USD) for every dollar earned by their male counterparts, which is pretty much equates to the nationwide average. In Singapore, according to the 2014 Labour Force Statistics, women earn 10 percent less than men in all occupational categories (and in some cases more than 10 percent). Start ups are meant to have a non-traditional culture, and above all, be forward and social thinking however, it is apparent that they fall short on the latter. A Better Florist celebrates international womens day #flowerpower #abetterflorist A photo posted by A Better Florist (@abetterflorist) on Mar 8, 2016 at 12:46am PST We need men to join our army in this battle. People need to recognise that gender equality is beneficial to all, its not a zero-sum game. Gender equality is a win-win situation. This applies to countries and companies. A lot of studies have shown the correlation between countries that are most gender equal and countries that rank highest on the happiness scale. It also turns out that gender equality benefits companies, as companies that are more gender equal generally have happier labour forces, lower job turnover, higher job satisfaction, higher rates of productivity and higher job retention. So heres a question for startups: how much is gender inequality costing you? Many anecdotal evidence also point to the male dominated startup industry in Singapore. Traditional views of womens roles as wives and mothers may still be holding women back from pursuing entrepreneurial or tech-based careers. In relationships, gender equality benefits all. Studies have shown that the more egalitarian the relationship, the happier the relationship. As traditional Asian values are starting to evolve with modernisation, and it becomes increasingly common for women to be wage earners or breadwinners, we are starting to see men staying at home as primary caregivers. Female tech icons such as Sheryl Sandberg (Facebook) and Marissa Mayer (Yahoo!) continue to pave the way for the millennial generation. They, and others after them, open up necessary conversations that all genders engage in to effectively address the nature patriarchal structures in place. Only then can we begin to build a truly inclusive society. International Womens Day may just be an annual event, but in reality, the battle for gender equality continues to be fought every day. We must start properly and actively acknowledging the many strengths women are able to contribute not only in board rooms, meetings, and offices but in the general society as well. Content By: Hanako Shimada from A Better Florist (@ABetterFlorist on socials), an online flower delivery startup in Singapore. Cover Photo: A Better Florist, used with permission. This article Gender Equality In Singapore Startups: Are We There Yet? appeared first on Popspoken. George Clooney will present a $1 million prize for those people who intervene to preserve lives and advance humanitarian causes in the midst of crises. Clooney - who will travel to Armenian capital Yerevan next month to hand out the award, accompanied by his wife, prominent British-Lebanese human rights lawyer Amal Clooney - is a co-chair of the Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity. The $100,000 main prize will be awarded to one of four finalists chosen for their courage in saving lives in the face of human hatred. He or she will then select an organization to receive a $1 million grant. Read More: George Clooney: Donald Trump Is a "Xenophobic Fascist" Clooney, known for his Not on Our Watch project to eliminate genocide - and a highly publicized visit to Sudan in 2014 - has teamed up with 100 Lives, an initiative set up by Armenian businessmen and philanthropists Vartan Gregorian, Ruben Vardanyan and Noubar Afeyan to commemorate those who helped people during the Armenian Genocide that began in 1915 and to "continue in their spirit by supporting people and organizations that keep the legacy of gratitude alive." Amal Clooney is separately involved as patron of a scholarship in her name that will send one female student from Lebanon each year to an international baccalaureate program at UWC Dilijan, a college in Armenia. The Yerevan visit includes a global forum on genocide, The Aurora Dialogues and a tour of the Armenia Genocide Museum. It will end with the prize award ceremony on Sunday April 24. The four finalists for the prize are an orphanage founder in the central African state of Burundi who stood up against a bloodthirsty mob; the only doctor serving 500,000 people in Sudan's Nuba Mountains; a Pakistani champion for indentured laborers; and a Roman Catholic priest who saved more than 1,000 Muslims from fatal persecution in the Central African Republic. Clooney will be joined by other members of the prize selection committee that include Nobel Peace Prize winner and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel; former Irish president and former U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson and former Australian foreign minister Gareth Evans. Read More: George Clooney, Julia Roberts' 'Money Monster' to Screen at Cannes Film Festival (Exclusive) By David Beasley ATLANTA (Reuters) - A man who was convicted of beating another man to death with a wooden closet rod in 1994 and also admitted to being involved in a second murder is due to be executed in Georgia on Thursday. Joshua Bishop, 41, is scheduled to die by injection at 7 p.m. EDT at the Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison in Jackson. His execution would be the third in Georgia this year and the 10th in the United States, according to the nonprofit Death Penalty Information Center. Bishop told police he had wanted to take the car of a man who was sleeping inside a friend's mobile home after they had been out for a night of partying. He reached into the pocket of Leverett Morrison, 35, to take his car keys, but Morrison awoke and Bishop beat him with a rod, a court synopsis of the case said. I hit him too hard, I reckon, and he didnt say anything," Bishop told police in Milledgeville, Georgia, court records show. "He just wouldn't breathe. Bishop dumped the victim's body and burned his car with the help of the man living in the mobile home, Mark Braxley, who avoided a death sentence by pleading guilty. Bishop was never offered a plea deal, his attorneys said in a clemency petition filed on Monday with Georgia's State Board of Pardons and Paroles. Bishop has been "haunted by his crimes," his attorneys wrote, asking for his sentence to be commuted to life without parole. The parole board denied his petition on Thursday. Bishop was heavily intoxicated when he killed Morrison, the petition stated, and had suffered an abusive childhood in which he was frequently homeless and often hungry. Bishop also confessed to involvement in the killing of Ricky Lee Wills two weeks before Morrison's death but was never tried on that charge, according to court records. The evidence of the first killing was not introduced until the penalty phase of his trial for Morrison's murder. Bishop requested a last meal on Thursday of a barbecue sandwich, Brunswick stew, potato chips, coleslaw, lemonade and purple candy, according to the Georgia Department of Corrections. On Wednesday a U.S. appeals court halted the execution of a Texas man who killed his two young daughters in 2001. (Editing by Letitia Stein and Bill Trott) Berlin (AFP) - A German satirical TV show that sparked a diplomatic row with Turkey over media freedom has fired another salvo by re-broadcasting a song lampooning President Recep Tayyip Erdogan -- with Turkish subtitles. "Perhaps Erdogan didn't understand the piece," presenter Christian Ehring said of the tune "Erdowie, Erdowo, Erdogan" that ridicules the president, his alleged extravagant spending and crackdown on civil liberties. "So here it is again, this time with Turkish subtitles," Ehring said in Wednesday night's screening of the "extra 3" programme on regional public broadcaster NDR, hailing Erdogan as Turkey's "greatest comedian". Ankara last week called in the German ambassador to protest at the song and demanded it be pulled off the air. The spiralling controversy has made the two-minute clip a YouTube hit viewed millions of times. Ehring quipped that if Erdogan, the show's new "employee of the month", wanted to hear critical views he should watch "extra 3" and that "if he doesn't want criticism, he better meet the chancellor" Angela Merkel. Merkel's government has drawn fire over its delayed public response to the spat and its reluctance to directly criticise Erdogan, with the EU relying on Turkey to limit the flow of migrants to Europe. Merkel's spokeswoman said Wednesday that Berlin's ambassador to Ankara had made clear to his Turkish counterparts that values such as freedom of expression "are non-negotiable". German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier added that "we should be able to expect a partner country of the European Union to share our values". But the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung said that initially the government had "remained lost for words before the chancellery and foreign ministry recognised that they couldn't just stay silent on the latest scandal sparked by Turkish president Erdogan". Story continues It charged that "the government reluctantly followed up on what it should have made clear from the very beginning". Erdogan's government has been accused of increasing authoritarianism and muzzling critical media as well as lawmakers, academics, lawyers and NGOs. The satirical song -- set to the tune of German pop star Nena's 1984 love song "Irgendwie, Irgendwo, Irgendwann" (Anyhow, Anywhere, Anytime) -- charges, among other things, that "a journalist who writes something that Erdogan doesn't like/ Will be in jail by tomorrow". The EU, faced with a huge influx of refugees from Syria, two weeks ago agreed a deal under which Ankara will take back all migrants landing on the Greek islands in exchange for concessions including financial aid and a pledge to speed up Turkey's EU membership bid. But the deal has sparked criticism that the 28-nation bloc sold out its principles in a desperate bid for Ankara's help, especially after a crackdown on media that oppose Erdogan. William Shakespeare arguably the greatest playwright of all time is missing his head, scientists have discovered. Archaeologists recently scanned the famed writer's grave with ground-penetrating radar. They found that the bard's skull was missing and that he isn't buried in a coffin. Instead, Shakespeare's body is wrapped in cloth and buried inside a shallow grave less than 3 feet (1 meter) deep, the researchers said. "Now, we all have a much greater understanding of what lies beneath his gravestone," said Kevin Colls, an archaeological project manager at Staffordshire University in the United Kingdom. [8 Grisly Archaeological Discoveries] Shakespeare died in 1616, and his grave in Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, continues to draw crowds. It also attracts researchers one anthropologist, for instance, wants to study Shakespeare's bones to determine whether the poet smoked pot but no one has officially been allowed to open up the grave. But these rules didn't stop grave robbers. According to one tale, grave robbers, led by a certain Dr. Frank Chambers, broke into Shakespeare's grave in 1794. The account was later published in an 1879 story, which noted that Chambers sold the famous skull for 300 British pounds, or 39,000 British pounds (about $56,000) in today's money, Colls said. But until now, there was little evidence to determine whether the tale was true, he said. One day in 2010, Colls found himself talking with the former vicar of Holy Trinity Church. Colls was doing an archaeological project at Shakespeare's last home, and they got to "chatting about the fact that no one had ever been allowed to investigate his grave using archaeology," Colls told Live Science in an email. Intrigued, Colls asked whether he could use radar a nonintrusive technique to study the grave's contents. The church agreed. "There are so many myths and legends associated with [Shakespeare's] burial," Colls said. "Some suggest he was buried 17 feet [5.2 m] down. Others say he was buried in a family crypt with the rest of his relatives. [The] truth is that no one knew which, if any, were right." Story continues Shakespeare's grave Colls and his colleagues used ground-penetrating radar to scan the famed grave. This technique works by pulsing radio waves through the ground. These waves are reflected back to a receiver as they bounce off buried material and objects, he said. "Each different material in the ground reflects these waves back differently, which means we can map these changes to visualize what is under the ground," Colls said. They scanned the bard's grave and the graves of four family members buried next to him, including his wife, Anne Hathaway. Despite rumors that Shakespeare's grave was empty, they found a body hopefully, Shakespeare's buried under his gravestone. [Top 10 Weird Ways We Deal with the Dead] Interestingly, the western side of the grave, where Shakespeare's head would have rested, was disturbed, and a "boxlike structure was present, cutting through his grave to possibly repair the floor in that area," Colls said. In addition, the story about Dr. Chambers mentions that the grave robbers dug to a depth that matches the newfound measurements of Shakespeare's grave, Colls said. "The area of disturbance was a surprise, as all of the tales of grave robbing of his tomb had always been dismissed as fiction," Colls said. "Secret History: Shakespeare's Tomb," a TV documentary featuring the findings, aired this past Saturday (March 26) on British TV station Channel 4. The research team plans to publish the results in the journal Archaeological Prospection later this year and to write a book about it thereafter. In the meantime, they'll be searching for Shakespeare's skull. "We believe that his skull is probably located somewhere else, and further research is required to figure out where that might be," Colls said. Follow Laura Geggel on Twitter @LauraGeggel. Follow Live Science @livescience, Facebook & Google+. Original article on Live Science. Copyright 2016 LiveScience, a Purch company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The number of deaths from hepatitis C in the U.S. is on the rise, and the increase is hitting particularly hard among middle-age people, a new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports. The study found that the number of deaths in the U.S. from hepatitis C rose from 11,051 in 2003 to 19,368 in 2013. And baby boomers, or those ages 55 to 64, accounted for 51 percent of the deaths in 2013, according to the study, published online (March 17) in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases. The hepatitis C virus infects the liver cells and can lead to serious liver problems, including cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) or liver cancer. This rise in deaths from hepatitis C is "alarming," said Amy Nunn an associate professor of behavioral and social sciences at the Brown University School of Public Health in Providence, Rhode Island. Nunn is currently working on a study about hepatitis C screening and treatment in Philadelphia; she was not involved in the new report from the CDC. "This is an epidemic of enormous magnitude," she said. In the analysis, CDC researchers looked at data collected from death certificates in the U.S. between 2003 and 2013. The researchers compared the number of Americans who died each year from hepatitis C to the number of deaths from 60 other "nationally notifiable" infectious conditions, meaning diseases that health officials in every state are required to report to the CDC. These include HIV, pneumococcal disease, tuberculosis, measles, mumps, rabies and Lyme disease. [The 9 Deadliest Viruses on Earth] During the study period, there was an average yearly increase in deaths from hepatitis C of more than 6 percent, the researchers found. During the same period, deaths from the 60 other infectious conditions included in the study decreased: They fell from 24,745 in 2003 to 17,915 in 2013, or an average yearly decrease of more than 3 percent, according to the findings. Story continues In 2012, the number of Americans who died from hepatitis C exceeded the total number of deaths from all 60 of those other notifiable infectious conditions, the researchers found. The hepatitis C virus is one of five viruses that are known to cause hepatitis, or inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis C spreads primarily when people share needles, syringes or other equipment used to inject drugs. But before 1992, when the U.S. began screening the blood supply for the virus, hepatitis C was also commonly spread through blood transfusions and organ transplants. Less common ways of contracting the virus include accidental needle punctures among health care workers; sharing personal care items that may have come in contact with another person's blood, such as razors or toothbrushes; and sexual contact with a person infected with hepatitis C. Many people who are currently infected with hepatitis C are baby boomers who may have dabbled once or twice with an injectable drug when they were younger, Nunn told Live Science. Because people are not routinely screened for hepatitis C, about 85 percent of those infected with the virus don't know they have it, she said. There is a stigma and shame attached to hepatitis C because some of those infected are current or former injectable drug users, Nunn said. More screening, better treatment The study findings also come as no surprise to Dr. Raymond Chung, director of hepatology and the Liver Center at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, he said. "Hepatitis C may be a different beast from other infections" that affect the liver, that may be shorter in duration or have more symptoms, Chung said. Hepatitis C can be a silent illness, and people may have no symptoms for decades, allowing the disease to progress in the liver unnoticed, he explained. [7 Devastating Infectious Diseases] Three million to 4 million Americans may be chronically infected with hepatitis C, and most of those people are in their baby boomer years, Chung told Live Science. "That's the group where the epidemic resides," he said. Baby boomers were likely infected in the 1970s and '80s, and have had the disease for about three decades, Chung said. The illness may be diagnosed when these people seek treatment for their symptoms, but the individuals may already have more advanced liver disease and more complications from it, he said. Chung said that some people die from hepatitis C after the virus leads to liver failure or liver cancer, which reflects the trend of people being diagnosed only later in the disease process. This increase in the number of deaths may continue for another five years or longer before it peaks, Chung said. Then, the baby boomers will get older, and may be more likely to die from other causes. The challenge to health care providers is to identify people with hepatitis C earlier, through screening, and to get these individuals into care sooner, he said. There are now treatments that can cure the infection, or stop the development of the disease, Chung said. [Tiny & Nasty: Images of Things That Make Us Sick] Some of the medications used in the past to treat the disease were poorly tolerated and had lots of side effects, Chung said. "The cure had a reputation for being worse than the disease itself," he noted. The new drugs are better, but another problem is that they are very expensive, and some people are having a hard time getting access to them in early stages of the disease, Nunn said. Hepatitis C deserves more media and public policy attention than it has received, Nunn said. Awareness of the new findings may lead more people to seek screening and treatment, she said. 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. The Hong Kong government has threatened to "take action" against a new independence party and China slammed the group, which said Thursday it had been blocked from registering for political reasons. The Hong Kong National Party, made up of 30-50 students and young professionals, launched Monday saying it is tapping in to the semi-autonomous city's increasing desire to break away from the mainland. There have been growing calls for independence from Hong Kong's youth over fears Beijing is seeking to curb freedoms in the city. The Hong Kong government said advocating independence was against the city's mini-constitution and would "undermine the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong". "The SAR government will take action according to the law," it said in a statement late Wednesday. Officials told AFP they had "no further comment" on what that might entail. The Hong Kong National Party hit back Thursday saying: "The...allegation that we may incur criminal liability for advocating the independence of Hong Kong is absurd." It added that if anyone was charged for simply speaking about independence there would "be a fundamental constitutional and political crisis". China's State Council Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office voiced "resolute opposition" to calls for independence, according to official news agency Xinhua. It said the Hong Kong government had "refused to register" the new party, a move it termed "proper". A member of the pro-independence party confirmed to AFP Thursday the group had been blocked from registering as a company, which could make it difficult for it to stand in any election. Kris Lai said the party had approached the Companies Registry via an accounting firm, which told them "that because of political problems they turned us down". - 'Unconstitutional and idiotic' - Hong Kong solicitor and legislator James To said a party had to be officially registered as a company or society in order to feature on a ballot paper. Story continues "It will be difficult" for candidates to run without the registration, To said. However, some small parties told AFP they had succeeded in doing so, apparently flouting the rules. The city's electoral office could give no immediate comment on whether the failure to register as a company would prevent the Hong Kong National Party from standing. Hong Kong's freedoms are protected by a 50-year agreement signed when Britain handed the city back to China in 1997, but there are fears those freedoms are dying. Concerns have been fuelled by the disappearance of five Hong Kong booksellers, known for salacious titles critical of Beijing, who later turned up on the mainland. Four of the men are now under criminal investigation in China and the fifth is flitting between Hong Kong and the mainland, where he says he is "assisting" with the investigation. The failure of mass protests in 2014 to win political concessions from Beijing have also led to the rise of "localism", dominated by young activists who want more autonomy. In a strongly worded editorial Thursday, the government-published China Daily accused the new party of trying to advocate separation through "illegal means". "Do they know what they advocate is illegal, unconstitutional and idiotic?" it said. By Marcus E. Howard NEW YORK (Reuters) - Hundreds of homing pigeons kept atop a Brooklyn rowhouse were among the victims of a fire this week that displaced more than 20 families in the New York borough, fire officials and local media said on Thursday. The pigeons, prized for their long-distance racing skills, died in a Tuesday night fire that burned at least five row houses in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn. About 200 emergency personnel responded to the six-alarm blaze, according to the Fire Department of New York. The birds lived in coops on the roof of one of the damaged buildings, said Abby Hoke, 29, a neighbor who lives in a nearby building that suffered minor smoke damage. "By the time I walked outside it was fully involved in flames. You could just hear this squealing noise. That just added to the heart-wrenching of all of this," said Hoke, who is raising money for a displaced elderly neighbor. Raising homing pigeons, which have an innate ability to return to their nests, was once a popular pastime in New York City, where enthusiasts would set up coops, known as "lofts," on tenement rooftops and participate in races with other bird fanciers. Some people who keep the birds simply enjoy releasing them and watching them return. Pigeon-keeping still has a big following. The American Racing Pigeon Union has nearly 10,000 members who breed and race the birds, it said. The owner of the birds that perished in Brooklyn, identified by local media as Gil Areiliares, told the New York Post he had maintained the coop for more than 20 years. At least 500 birds perished in the blaze, the paper said. Areiliares could not be reached for comment. (Reporting by Marcus E. Howard; Editing by Frank McGurty and Cynthia Osterman) By Marton Dunai BUDAPEST (Reuters) - Hungarian novelist and Auschwitz survivor Imre Kertesz, winner of the 2002 Nobel Literature Prize, died on Thursday at the age of 86 after a long illness, the state news agency MTI reported, citing his publisher. Kertesz became a Nobel laureate for works the judges said portrayed the Nazi death camps as "the ultimate truth" about how low human beings could fall. As a Jew persecuted by the Nazis, and then a writer living under repressive Hungarian Communist rule, Kertesz went through some of the most acute suffering of the 20th century and wrote about it in both direct and delicate prose. He won the $1 million Nobel prize for "writing that upholds the experience of the individual in the face of a barbaric and arbitrary history," the Swedish Nobel Academy said when it awarded literature's highest honor. In his work, Kertesz returns repeatedly to the experience of Auschwitz, the camp in German-occupied Poland where more than one million Jews and other victims of Hitler's Third Reich died. "He is one of the few people who manages to describe that in a way which is immediately accessible to us, (those) who have not shared that experience," Horace Engdahl, permanent secretary of the academy, said in 2002. Kertesz's defining first novel, "Fateless" - a first-person story of a boy's survival in a concentration camp - was written between 1960 and 1973, and rejected for publication at first by Hungary's Communist regime. It was finally released in 1975 but initially largely ignored the public. Kertesz wrote about that in "Fiasco" (1988), seen as the second volume of a trilogy closed by "Kaddish for a Child not Born" (1990). Kaddish is the Jewish prayer for the dead, and in that novel, Kaddish is said by the protagonist for the child he refuses to beget in a world that allowed Auschwitz to exist. Born in Budapest in 1929, Kertesz was deported to Auschwitz in 1944, and on to the Buchenwald concentration camp in eastern Germany whose prisoners were liberated by U.S. forces in 1945. He returned to Hungary and worked as a journalist, but lost his job in 1951 when his paper adopted the Communist Party line. Kertesz was the first Hungarian to win the Nobel literature prize, though Hungarians had already won Nobel science awards. He spent the better part of the decade after winning the award in Berlin, where he produced his last works, and later returned to Budapest. He suffered from Parkinson's disease, and rarely left his Budapest home. (Additional reporting by Gergely Szakacs; Editing by Mark Heinrich) The Student Loan Ranger talks a lot about the various repayment options available to student loan borrowers. With most of the new income-driven plans, there's usually a caveat that only federal direct loan borrowers are eligible for the plan, while Perkins and federal family education loan borrowers are not unless they jump through some hoops. There is a plan, however, that's only available to FFEL loan borrowers: income-sensitive repayment. While this plan has sort of fallen by the wayside with the creation of income-based repayment -- FFEL loans are eligible for income-based repayment, but not the other income-driven plans -- it could actually be the best plan out there, especially if you're a borrower who has a finely tuned budget and a payoff goal. Here's why income-sensitive repayment might be one of our favorite repayment plans: The borrower can often pick his or her payment amount. That's right -- you get to pick. The regulations are fairly vague when it comes to income-sensitive repayment; this means that the loan holders have some wiggle room as to how they offer this plan to their borrowers. With that said, the Student Loan Ranger has found that most handle the plan in a similar fashion. Let's go over some of the constants first. Regardless of your loan holder, the plan is based on the borrower's gross monthly income, not adjusted gross income like most other plans, from all sources. In contrast with the other income-driven repayment plans, income-sensitive repayment is never based on a spouse's income unless that spouse is a co-borrower on the loan. Borrowers applying for the plan must send in proof of their gross income in the form of tax returns, bank statements or pay stubs -- most loan holders require the most recent months' worth. From there the payment will be calculated based on this income, to an extent. Regulations require that borrowers applying for income-sensitive repayment pay at least the monthly interest accruing on the loan. If the payment is calculated lower than that, the borrower will either be placed on a reduced payment forbearance or be counseled that income-based repayment, with its limited interest subsidies, may be a more productive option. Story continues [Get familiar with private student loan repayment options.] Income-sensitive repayment can be used a total of five years and does not extend the term of the loan like the other income-driven plans do. One other aspect of this plan to be aware of is that regulations dictate that no single required payment amount may be more than three times another payment amount under the plan. If your chosen payment amount would result in such a situation, the loan holder may require you to increase the payment or use a type of forbearance. Here's where things may vary depending on the loan holder, but most have the following protocols. Once the borrower has established his or her monthly gross income, he or she chooses a percentage of that income, generally between 4 and 25 percent, to be the required payment amount. A minimum payment of $5 is required. So, for example, if your standard monthly payment is $500, which is too high for your budget, and your payment under the income-based repayment plan is $200, and your budget can handle a payment of $400, this may be the plan for you. Just pick the percentage of your gross income that comes closest to that $400 per month. [Don't fall for eight student loan repayment myths.] Note that there's no prepayment penalty for federal student loans, so another strategy might be to take that $200 income-based repayment plan payment and pay extra every month. While that works for some consumers, others may not have the financial personality to maintain that type of discipline every month, and prefer that the higher payment be required. Also, paying extra can result in a borrower's due date being pushed ahead, which can make things difficult for those using an automatic debit payment tool or service. Remember: If you choose an amount less than interest only, you're going to also have to agree to a forbearance or income-based repayment rather than income-sensitive repayment, which will likely result in capitalized interest, but that result is still better than not paying anything at all. The more you pay on your debt now, the less you'll pay in total interest later. If you're trying to find a way to decrease or increase your monthly payment amount, and know exactly what you can afford, income-sensitive repayment may be the way to help you find that perfect payment fit. Betsy Mayotte, director of regulatory compliance for American Student Assistance, regularly advises consumers on planning and paying for college. Mayotte, who received a B.S. in business communications from Bentley College, is a frequent contributor to ASA's SALT Blog; responds to public inquiries via the advice resource "Just Ask;" and is frequently quoted in traditional and social media on the topics of student loans and financial aid. BERLIN (Reuters) - Islamic State posted pictures on the Internet calling on German Muslims to carry out Brussels-style attacks in Germany, singling out Chancellor Angela Merkel's offices and the Cologne-Bonn airport as targets, the SITE intelligence group reported. Western Europe is on high security alert after last week's Islamic State suicide bombings in the Belgian capital that killed 32 people at its airport and in a metro station. On Wednesday, France said it was investigating a man on suspicion of planning an imminent act of "extreme violence". The Islamic State images and graphics, widely published by German media on Thursday, included slogans in German inciting Muslims to commit violence against the "enemy of Allah." Germany's BKA federal police, who monitor suspected militants with German passports returning from stints fighting in Syria and Iraq, said it knew of the images but that their publication did not necessitate extra security measures. "We are aware of this material and our experts are checking it," a BKA spokeswoman said. "It is clear that Germany is the focus of international terrorism and that attacks could happen, but this material doesn't change our security assessment." Federal police chief Holger Muench said after the March 22 attacks in Brussels that Islamic State appeared eager to carry out further "spectacular" attacks in Europe as it was suffering setbacks on battlefields in Iraq and Syria. One of the disseminated Islamic State images features a militant in combat fatigues standing in a field and gazing at Cologne-Bonn airport with a caption reading: "What your brothers in Belgium were able to do, you can do too." Another shows the German chancellery building in Berlin on fire with an Islamic State fighter and a tank standing outside the structure. The headline reads: "Germany is a battlefield." Germany joined the U.S.-led air strike campaign against Islamic State in Syria last year, though limiting its role to reconnaissance and refueling missions, after the jihadist group killed 130 people in shooting and bombing attacks in Paris. A third graphic featured a military jet, which German media identified as a Tornado used by the German air force, against the backdrop of a mountainous area juxtaposed with the bloodied faces of women and children - apparently meant to represent civilians who Islamic State says have been killed by air strikes on areas it controls. The caption under this image says: "Will you continue to grieve or will you finally act?" All five pictures circulated on social media on Wednesday bore the logo of Furat Media, an Islamic State affiliate, according to SITE. German media also published an Islamic State video celebrating the attacks in Brussels that featured a three-second shot of Frankfurt Airport, apparently taken from German television news footage. The BKA spokeswoman said police were aware of that video as well and current security measures were sufficient. (Reporting by Joseph Nasr and Tina Bellon; Editing by Mark Heinrich) Jerusalem (AFP) - An Israeli soldier caught on video shooting a wounded Palestinian assailant in the head as he lay on the ground is being investigated for manslaughter and not murder, the military said Thursday. The lawyer for the soldier, who has not yet been charged, welcomed the prosecutors' move. "The significance from our point of view is that, first of all, the prosecution has climbed down," Ilan Katz told army radio. "I believe that in a short time that suspicion will also be dropped." Under Israeli law, manslaughter signifies an intentional but not premeditated killing. Prosecutors sought to extend the remand in military prison of the soldier, who was arrested after the March 24 shooting. The court ruled that he should instead be confined to barracks without being locked up but after the prosecution objected, the judge ordered another hearing for Friday. "Due to this, the soldier will remain in detention until the conclusion of tomorrow's deliberations," an army spokeswoman said in response to an AFP query. Separately on Thursday, Israel's supreme court ruled the family of the slain Palestinian would be allowed to have a pathologist of their choosing present at his autopsy. Top military and government officials have strongly condemned the soldier's behaviour, but far-right politicians and protesters have reacted angrily to his arrest and demanded his release. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a former special forces officer, appeared on Thursday evening to walk a line between backing the military justice system and showing some empathy for the accused, when he spoke to the soldier's father. "I heard your words and... I understand your distress," Netanyahu's office quoted him as saying in the call, which a statement pointed out was at the request of the family. "In recent months our soldiers have bravely and resolutely stood up in the face of terrorist attacks and murderers who set out to kill them," Netanyahu said. Story continues "I am convinced that the investigation will be professional and fair toward your son." - Death threats against cameraman - The accused soldier's identity and that of his family remain secret under a gag order, granted at the request of his lawyers. Video of the March 24 killing in the flashpoint West Bank city of Hebron spread widely online, sparking heated political debate. Shot by a Palestinian volunteer for Israeli rights group B'Tselem, it showed a 21-year-old Palestinian, who along with another man had allegedly stabbed a soldier minutes earlier, lying on the ground, apparently after being shot. The soldier then shoots him again, in the head, without any apparent provocation. The Palestinian, Abdul Fatah al-Sharif, was killed. The case threatens to exacerbate Israeli-Palestinian tensions amid a wave of violence that began in October. B'Tselem said on Thursday it had asked the Israeli army and police to ensure the safety of the cameraman, Imad Abu Shamsiyeh, who lives near the site of the incident, adjacent to Jewish settlers. "Since the footage was released, Abu Shamsiyeh and his family have already been subjected to threats of murder, stones thrown at their home, and hateful posts on Facebook. Most of this violence was instigated by Hebron settlers." Violence since October has left 200 Palestinians and 28 Israelis dead. Most of the Palestinians killed were carrying out knife, gun or car-ramming attacks, according to Israeli authorities. But Israeli forces have also been accused of using excessive force in some cases, charges which they have firmly denied. A letter from 11 US lawmakers in February that has recently come to light calling on the State Department to look into allegations of possible "extrajudicial killings" by Israel has received widespread attention in the country. Netanyahu reacted angrily to the letter, saying "where is the concern for the human rights of the many Israelis who've been murdered and maimed by these savage terrorists?" Rome (AFP) - An Italian nurse has been arrested on suspicion of being a serial killer who administered fatal doses of a blood-thinning drug to 13 intensive care patients in less than two years. Fausta Bonino, 56, allegedly killed the patients aged between 61 and 88 between January 2014 and September 2015 at a hospital in the Tuscan town of Piombino, local police told a press conference on Thursday. Investigators believe that the victims, all seriously but not terminally ill, died as a result of being given strong doses of the anticoagulant drug Eparina. "None of the victims' lives had been in danger at the time the drugs were administered," said Erasmo Fontana, one of the detectives involved in the investigation. Marketed as Heparin in the United States and other markets, the drug is used to prevent blood clotting. Bonino is accused of having given her victims up to 10 times the usual dose of the drug, including in certain cases where it had not been prescribed by the physicians treating the patients. The result, police said, was to rapidly trigger multiple and irreversible internal bleeds which killed 12 of the alleged victims. The other one died from cardiac arrest. Bonino was arrested Wednesday after a review of all the recent abnormal deaths at the hospital identified her as being the only staff member involved in every case. The review was triggered after the unit's death rate for admitted patients spiked from 12 percent to 20 percent. Police at Thursday's press conference said the arrest had potentially averted further deaths. But local newspaper Il Tirreno suggested the hospital authorities may have had suspicions about Bonino early last year. The nurse was moved from the intensive care unit in October 2015 to a role in which she had no contact with patients, according to the paper. - Depression, drink problem? - "In the horror rankings we have reached a new peak of human misery," Health Minister Beatrice Lorenzin said in a statement on what may prove to be one of the biggest serial killings in Italy's history. Story continues Bonino has been imprisoned pending formal charges. Prosecutors want her to be charged with multiple homicide with a number of aggravating factors, including cruelty and neglect of her duties as a nurse and public service. Police said that the married mother of two grown-up children had been treated for depression and Il Tirreno reported she also had problems with alcohol and prescription drugs. Bonino's case follows that of Daniela Poggiali, a 44-year-old former nurse who received a life sentence in early March for the murder of one of the 38 patients she was initially suspected of having killed at a hospital in southern Italy. Poggiali achieved global notoriety after it emerged she had taken "selfies" next to recently deceased patients and as a result of reports that she had given huge doses of potassium to sick people she found "annoying". "Sadly this (the Bonino case) is not the first time that serial killings have been uncovered with a killer nurse as the protagonist," Lorenzin said. "Such action goes against every medical and ethical code. "This latest episode shows once again the necessity of careful monitoring of the oldest and most fragile people when they trust their lives to health institutions," she added. "We have to defend life with all our powers at every stage, including the terminal one. The defence of life is a fundamental value." Rome (AFP) - Italy's Economic Development Minister Federica Guidi resigned on Thursday after her partner was accused of abusing his connections to the centre-left government. Guidi's partner, Gianluca Gemelli, is being investigated but has not been arrested as part of a criminal probe into the illegal disposal of waste from an oil production centre in the Basilicata region in the south of the country. ENI, the energy group, which operates the Val d'Agri facility said it was suspending production at the 75,000-barrels-a-day plant following the arrest of six employees suspected of conspiring to present dangerous waste as benign. Gemelli, a local businessman with interests in oil services, was allegedly implicated in the disposal of the waste. Italian media reported that, as part of their probe, the investigators had recorded a conversation between the minister and her partner in which she assures him that the council of ministers would approve an amendment to last year's budget which he had suggested. The prosecutors suspect he was acting on behalf of French oil company Total in return for a promise his company would be given the right to bid for sub-contracted engineering work at another extraction centre in the region, Tempa Rossa. In her resignation letter, Guidi told Prime Minister Matteo Renzi she was stepping down immediately to save the government further damage but insisted she had done nothing wrong. "Dear Matteo, I am absolutely certain I acted in good faith and in the correctness of my actions," she wrote. "I believe however it is necessary for political reasons that I resign from my post as minister." Guidi's resignation comes a year after Renzi ordered his transport minister Maurizio Lupi to quit after it emerged a businessman embroiled in a corruption scandal had given Lupi's son a 10,000-euro Rolex watch. The latest scandal will come as a further blow to Renzi's attempts to portray himself and his government as representing a break from Italy's dark past of cronyism and sleaze in public life. By Alex Dobuzinskis (Reuters) - An airliner flying from Hawaii to Japan was forced to turn back and land in Honolulu after a passenger insisted on doing yoga in the galley in defiance of the crew, an FBI spokesman said on Thursday. Hyongtae Pae, 72, was charged in federal court on Monday with interfering with the crew of an aircraft in connection with the disturbance last Saturday aboard United Airlines flight 903 bound for Tokyo's Narita airport. Pae reportedly ignored crew instructions and, during meal service, headed to the galley in the back of the plane to "meditate and do yoga," according to an affidavit filed in federal court. When his wife, who was traveling with him, tried to persuade him to sit down, Pae reportedly grew agitated, pushing her and yelling. Several U.S. Marines who were on the plane helped the crew escort Pae to his seat, said Federal Bureau of Investigation special agent Tom Simon, a spokesman for the agency's Honolulu office. "While yoga and meditation can be beneficial activities, it doesn't negate the need to obey flight crew instructions while in the air," Simon said. "The fact that the defendant's alleged misconduct caused the flight to be turned around in the air gives you an idea of the seriousness of this situation," Simon said. Pae, a retired farmer, was headed home to South Korea, via Japan, and was sleep-deprived after his first visit to Hawaii, his attorney, J.T. Kim, told Reuters. "He was trying to calm himself down," Kim said. "I guess that's why he wanted to do some yoga, to calm himself down." A federal judge on Wednesday ordered Pae released on bail of $25,000, but told him to turn over his South Korean passport and stay on the island of Oahu. If convicted, Pae faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. (Reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis in Los Angeles; Editing by Sara Catania and Sandra Maler) For the past few years, The Walt Disney Co. has been embroiled in legal controversy over an alleged conspiracy that the Justice Department once asserted had the effect of denying those in the visual effects community better work opportunities and better compensation. The company, along with DreamWorks Animation, Sony Pictures and Blue Sky Studios, is now fighting a putative class action claiming a violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act. On Wednesday, however, a California magistrate judge handed down an extraordinary decision that came to the conclusion that secret documents involving former Pixar general counsel Lois Scali don't establish a criminal or fraudulent scheme. The seeds of this controversy date back to the 1980s when George Lucas sold his computer division to Steve Jobs, and the two reached an agreement to restrain competition for skilled labor at both Pixar and Lucasfilm. Other companies are said to have been brought into the fold - some operating under a "gentleman's agreement" not to cold call each other's employees, provide notifications when making offers, and make no counteroffers. In 2010, after an investigation, the Justice Department reached a settlement with Apple, Google, Intel, Adobe and Pixar that forbade the anti-poaching pacts. Civil lawsuits commenced. The tech companies arrived at a $415 million settlement with former employees while Pixar and Lucasfilm came to a $9 million one. But that wasn't enough to stop more lawsuits from happening. Last August, U.S. District Judge Lucy Koh refused to dismiss a consolidated class action led by Robert Nitsch Jr. The case is now in the discovery stage, where a fairly novel side dispute erupted over which documents were shielded by attorney-client privilege. The plaintiffs in the case aimed to see the Scali documents and argued for something called the "crime-fraud exception," under which communications aren't privileged if they are made with the intention of committing or covering up a crime or fraud. "The existence of Pixar's conspiracy cannot be disputed," wrote plaintiff's lawyers in a motion to compel. "A Department of Justice investigation concluded that Pixar and Lucasfilm 'agreed to a three-part protocol that restricted recruiting of each other's employees,' an agreement that the DOJ deemed 'a naked restraint of trade that was per se unlawful under Section 1 of the Sherman Act." "Nor can Scali's involvement in, and furtherance of, Pixar's then-ongoing conspiracy be doubted," added the plaintiffs. "Indeed, Pixar's own internal documents and sworn testimony confirm as much." In response, Disney framed the the motion as an attempt "to cripple the attorney-client privilege in civil antitrust cases by advancing a sweeping, novel, and unsupported view of the crime-fraud exception. At bottom, Plaintiffs are attempting to shoehorn the critical and contested merits of this entire lawsuit - whether a preponderance of the evidence demonstrates the defendants civilly violated antitrust law as alleged in the complaint - into an early-stage discovery dispute." Despite the opposition, U.S. Magistrate Judge Paul Grewal ordered Disney to submit documents for an in-camera review. The outcome, though, might be better than what the defendant expected. On Wednesday, Grewal wrote in an order that the DOJ's conclusions were "never admitted or established" and are "irrelevant for purposes of establishing whether the crime-fraud exception applies." But even better for Disney's Pixar, Grewal adds, "Critically, nothing in the documents reviewed moves Plaintiffs closer to the goal line. Put another way, these documents do not establish a Section 1 violation by a preponderance of the evidence any more than the materials previously considered. This does not mean that Plaintiffs are out of luck on the underlying claim - that is a question for a finder of fact on a complete record. It does mean that, on the record assembled and presented to the undersigned, Plaintiffs have not persuaded the undersigned that a per se violation is more likely than not." Pixar won't have to turn over these documents. NAIROBI (Reuters) - Kenya's National Bank on Thursday reported a 1.2 billion shilling ($11.9 million) pretax loss for 2015, hurt by bad loans that rose towards the end of the year, leading to a sharp increase in impairment charges. The bank said its loan impairment charges rose by 3.2 billion shillings last year, denting its overall performance. National Bank reported a pretax profit of 1.3 billion shillings in 2014. "The bank's non-performing loan portfolio increased sharply towards the end of 2015 undoing gain of 3.3 billion shillings in profit before tax reported by the bank in quarter three of 2015," it said in a statement. The bank's assets edged up 1.6 percent to 125 billion shillings in 2015 while its net loans and advances climbed 3.3 percent to 67.8 billion shillings, it said. National Bank's net interest income, however, declined by 0.4 billion shillings to 6.4 billion, due to an increase in interest expenses which rose by 50 percent to 5.9 billion shillings on account of tight liquidity in 2015. National Bank reported its financial results two days after it said its chief executive and five top managers had been placed on compulsory leave pending an internal audit. [nL5N1723X1] The central bank said on Tuesday it welcomed the board of National Bank's actions to strengthen the bank while ensuring its operations continued smoothly. Two Kenyan lenders, Imperial Bank and Dubai Bank Kenya Ltd, were placed under statutory management by the central bank last year, causing central bank Governor Patrick Njoroge to vow to tighten supervision of banks. ($1 = 101.2500 Kenyan shillings) (Editing by Edith Honan and Anand Basu) The French perfume brand Kilian is launching a new fragrance this spring called "Moonlight in Heaven" which is inspired by the moon and its reflections. This new romantic scent will be available from April 1 at the Kilian store in Paris and from the luxury brand's website. The moon, its changing light and its aura have inspired Kilian to create a new fragrance which is made up of ingredients that bring to mind an exotic, romantic escapade. It has a delectable, almost addictive feel which takes us on a voyage to a forbidden paradise, which is a recurring theme for the brand. This new fragrance is the work of the perfumer Calice Becker, who has already created a number of perfumes for Kilian (including "Intoxicated" and "Rose Oud"), as well as "J'adore" by Dior. She has opted for a citrus duo of lemon and grapefruit for the top notes, enhanced by pink pepper. The fragrance has a mouth-watering heart with hints of rice milk and coconut combined with juicy mango notes, rounded off with tonka bean and vetiver. In keeping with the Kilian tradition, the packaging for the bottle is a fashion accessory in its own right, taking the form of a black clutch decorated with an authentic pearl, reminding us of the reflections of the moon. The bottle itself showcases the deep dark blue perfume. In addition to launching this new fragrance, Kilian is also unveiling a brand new bottle inspired by a cognac carafe, made in the time-honored glass-making tradition. The bottle is decorated with geometric details and topped with a glass and metal stopper. "Moonlight in Heaven" will be available from April 1, exclusively at the Kilian store in Paris and from the brand's website, then from April 15 at approved points of sale. Price: 110 per 50ml refill, 225 per refillable 50ml bottle in a box, and 440 per 250ml mini-carafe bottle. Seoul (AFP) - South Korea's Constitutional Court on Thursday upheld a strict anti-prostitution law that punishes individual women who trade sex for money. The legislation, enacted in 2004, carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison and a fine of three million won ($2,580) for anyone convicted of selling or purchasing sex. Thursday's ruling centred on a case brought in 2012 by a then 41-year-old prostitute. She challenged her arrest and 500,000 won fine, arguing that punishing voluntary prostitution, especially when the sex worker has no other means of income, violated her constitutional rights. However, the court rejected the idea that buying and selling sex could be non-coercive. "Prostitution is violent and exploitative in its nature, and therefore cannot be seen as a free transaction," the judges said in a six-to-three ruling. The decision sparked angry reactions among sex workers and activists present. "The establishment has no sympathy for sex workers, driving them to death," Kang Hyun-Joon, an activist who runs a sex workers association, told journalists. "Aren't we part of the Korean people?" sex worker Jang Se-Hee asked tearfully. "They have no consideration for us." Prior to the 2004 act, prostitution, while nominally illegal, was largely tolerated in South Korea with officials and police turning a blind eye to thriving red-light districts. But the law, prompted in part by public outrage over a fire two years earlier that killed 14 young prostitutes trapped in their rooms, specifically criminalised the act of prostitution. It led to a significant increase in police crackdowns in an apparent effort to eradicate the practice entirely. Critics say the legislation has had little impact beyond closing red-light districts and driving prostitution underground, where it is harder to monitor for sex-trafficking and abuse. The court's decision had been highly anticipated after last year's ruling to decriminalise adultery -- a reflection of changing societal trends in a country where rapid modernisation has frequently clashed with traditionally conservative norms. Story continues During a hearing into the prostitution case, a lawyer representing the Justice Ministry said the 2004 law was about protecting human dignity. "In order to root out prostitution, criminal punishment is inevitable," the lawyer said. "Prostitution has nothing to do with rights to sex or freedom to choose occupations, as it turns human bodies into the objects of commercial deals," she added. (Reuters) - Kuwait's Interior Ministry has arrested a Kuwaiti man who had lived in Britain and charged him with publishing "offensive videos and sarcastic comments" about Gulf leaders on social media, the state news agency KUNA said on Thursday. KUNA, quoting an Interior Ministry statement, said Salem Abdullah Ashtil Dossari had failed to respect Kuwait's customs and traditions in the words he used to describe leaders in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). It said he was born in 1975 and had been residing in Britain but it gave no date for when he returned to Kuwait. The ministry also accused him of openly inciting rebellion and sowing sectarian contempt, without elaborating on the content of his postings. While Kuwait allows more freedom of speech than some other Gulf Arab states, the government has said it would strike hard against dissent. In June it sentenced a prominent female human rights activist to three years in jail on charges of insulting the country's ruler, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah. The Western-allied country avoided serious unrest during the 2011 Arab uprisings but citizens held large street protests in 2012 over changes to the electoral law. (Reporting by Katie Paul; Editing by Angus MacSwan) The tax deadline of April 18 is fast approaching. If you haven't done your income tax return yet, it's time to get cracking. You've got three extra days to file this year because the District of Columbia celebrates Emancipation Day on April 15, so the deadline for filing has been extended to April 18. Residents of Maine and Massachusetts, which celebrate Patriots Day on April 18, have until April 19 to file. With just a few weeks to go, you may think it's too late to save any money on last year's taxes. But there are still a few steps you can take. "The first thing I would always tell everybody to do before they file their tax return is take a good hard look at last year's tax return," says Paul Gevertzman, a partner at Anchin, Block & Anchin in New York City. "If you don't look at last year's return, there's going to be things that you're going to overlook." Before running around seeking deductions, taxpayers may want to estimate whether they are better off taking a standard deduction, which requires less paperwork than itemizing deductions, says Leslie Thompson, managing principal of Spectrum Management Group in Indianapolis. [See: 9 Red Flags That Could Trigger a Tax Audit.] For 2015, the standard deduction is $6,300 for a single person or a married person filing separately, $9,250 for a head of household, $12,600 for a married couple filing jointly and $12,600 for a qualifying widow or widower. For someone who doesn't have a home mortgage or own a business, the standard deduction may be the best option. Tax software usually weighs both options and tells you which is best for your situation. "Most people just assume that they itemize," Thompson says. "They don't." Those who are on the borderline might want to batch qualifying deductions into one year (paying two years' of real estate taxes in one year, for example) and itemize every other year. Story continues On the other hand, it's important to know which deductions you qualify for so you don't miss out. Most years, for example, you may not have enough medical expenses to qualify for that deduction, since expenses have to exceed 10 percent of your adjusted gross income. But if you experience high medical expenses in a year with a low income, you might be qualify. "Don't make assumptions that you don't qualify for certain deductions," says Barbara Weltman, a contributing editor for "J.K. Lasser's Your Income Tax 2016." "You have to run the numbers." If you don't have all your paperwork together or you just realized you need to find an accountant, you would be wise to seek an extension, which is granted automatically and will give you until Oct. 15 to file your return. "People are afraid of extensions," Gevertzman says , but they are a good option for someone who isn't ready. "You make fewer mistakes because you don't have to rush." An extension for filing your return doesn't give you an extension to pay what you owe, even if you have to make a rough estimate. Even if you can't pay, it's important to file on time (or get an extension). "You want to file to avoid late filing penalties and interest," Weltman says. If you can't pay, consider using a credit card (though that incur fees and interest if you can't pay it off immediately) or asking the IRS for an installment payment agreement. "It's not a big deal," she says. "Once you do this, you can sleep at night." [See: A Checklist for Last-Minute Tax Filing.] While it's too late to make a major dent in your 2015 tax bill, you can still take steps to save big next year. "The best planning may be getting a head start on tax planning for 2016," Thompson says, including improving your organization skills. "The earlier you start keeping detailed records, the less onerous is it," she says. Here are seven things you can still do to save on 2015 taxes: Contribute to an Individual Retirement Account. If you have earned income, you can contribute up to $5,500 a year to an IRA, plus an extra $1,000 if you're 50 or older. The deductibility of your contributions depends upon your income and whether you are covered by a retirement plan at work. You are allowed to make IRA contributions until you file your tax return. Contribute to a SEP-IRA. The Simplified Employee Pension IRA allows self-employed taxpayers or small business owners (including those who run businesses on the side) to make tax-deductible contributions of 25 percent of compensation, up to $53,000. Depending on income, you may be able to deduct both IRA and SEP contributions. You have until you file your tax return, including extension time, to make those contributions. Contribute to a health savings account. If your health insurance plan was HSA-eligible, you can contribute up to $3,350 for an individual and $6,650 for a family. Those 55 and older can save an additional $1,000. Contributions are tax-deductible or taken from pretax dollars, no matter what your income. You have until Tax Day to contribute. Treat your side hustle as a business. If you just started running a part-time business, you might not be aware of all the tax deductions available to business owners, including deductions for a home office, supplies, computers and software. "With so many people having sideline activity, you may be eligible for all the breaks," Weltman says. "You can even have a retirement plan for your sideline business." To qualify, you must operate with a profit motive, though you don't have to make a profit every year. Businessowners usually fill out Schedule C, where they can show their business income and expenses. File and pay on time. If you don't file on time and pay on time, you may be subject to interest and penalties. The easiest way to save yourself money is to follow the rules. File your taxes free and get free advice. If you plan to do your own taxes, look into options for free filing before you pay for software or help. If you make $62,000 or less, you can use software options provided by the Free File Alliance, a coalition of 13 tax software companies that works with the IRS. Higher earners can use fillable forms online. You can also get free help from volunteers certified by the IRS. [See: 10 Smart Ways to Spend Your Tax Refund.] Ask for an extension and get professional help. Accountants and tax preparers are busy this time of year, so if you don't have one, this is no time to start looking. If you get into your tax preparation and discover you need professional help, your best option is to file for an extension, estimate how much you owe and pay it, then look for help after April 15. That will save you from having to file an amended return or missing out on deductions you didn't realize you were entitled to claim. Teresa Mears writes about personal finance, real estate and retirement for U.S. News and other publications. She's also written for MSN Money, The Miami Herald, The New York Times and The Boston Globe. She publishes Living on the Cheap and Miami on the Cheap. Follow her on Twitter @TeresaMears. By Victoria Cavaliere (Reuters) - A group of surfers in Southern California should be designated a criminal gang after years of intimidating visitors and vandalizing property to keep their slice of the ocean to themselves, according to a federal lawsuit. The class-action lawsuit, filed this week in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, seeks an injunction that will bar members of the surf crew, known as the Lunada Bay Boys, from gathering together in Palos Verdes Estates, a wealthy beachside enclave south of downtown Los Angeles. The lawsuit also alleges that Palos Verdes Estates Police Chief Jeff Kepley has failed to enforce state laws or adequately investigate after crew members were accused of crimes. Kepley and Palos Verdes Estates City Manager Tony Dahlerbruch could not immediately be reached for comment. Though surfers can be notoriously territorial, the actions of the Lunada Bay Boys extended beyond localism to verbal threats, taunts, and vandalism of cars and personal items, the lawsuit alleges. The actions of the surf crew have prevented visitors to the public beach from "full and equal enjoyment of rights" to use and enjoy the ocean, the lawsuit states. The picturesque Lunada Bay is considered one of the best spots in the region for experienced surfers, with waves reaching 10 to 15 feet. Among those involved in the lawsuit, Cory Spencer, an El Segundo police officer and longtime surfer, said his hand was intentionally slashed by the surfboard of a Lunada Bay Boys surfer. Plaintiff Diana Reed said she was heckled and Lunada Bay Boys hurled vulgarities at her during her attempts to surf in the area. The lawsuit said visitors have had their cars vandalized and personal items damaged while police looked the other way. Surfing Magazine describes the Lunada Bay Boys as "the roughest and toughest wealthy middle-aged surf gang in the world". (Editing by Alison Williams) DUBLIN (Reuters) - Ireland's two largest parties will talk next week about how to end a political impasse sparked by inconclusive elections though a new government is probably weeks away, the leader of the main opposition party said on Thursday. Micheal Martin, head of the second-largest party Fianna Fail, told reporters he had spoken to acting prime minister Enda Kenny and they agreed to address the matter together after a sitting of parliament on Wednesday. Both are expected to fall short of the votes in that session required to elect a premier for the second time. "Just before lunchtime I rang the Taoiseach (prime minister) and we agreed that we would engage in the aftermath of that (Wednesday's vote for prime minister). I told him we were in negotiations with independents, just as he is, and when that process had concluded, we'd engage after that," Martin said. Fianna Fail and Kenny's Fine Gael are vying to secure the support of 15 independent lawmakers who have said they may back a minority government. But whoever wins the most support would remain dependent on the cooperation of the other main party. "We didn't get into that detail" about whether Fianna Fail would support a Fine Gael minority, Martin said. "I know people are anxious to know when a government is going to be formed and all of that, but I think we're some weeks away from that yet." Ireland became one of several euro zone countries with deeply fractured parliaments as voters angry that they were not benefiting from an economic recovery ousted Kenny's coalition from power without opting for a clear alternative. Fine Gael secured 50 deputies in the Feb. 26 election compared to Fianna Fail's 43, both well short of the 79 needed for a majority. All of the other parties in parliament have ruled out supporting a minority government led by either. The two historic rivals are strongly resistant to a formal tie-up and Martin again ruled out the prospect of a "grand coalition". He would not rule out the possibility of Fianna Fail backing a minority Fine Gael government from opposition. A senior Fine Gael minister said on Wednesday his party would not support a minority Fianna Fail-led government. The new government will be tasked with making sure the euro zone's fastest growing economy is more widely felt. Talks between the parties and independents have focused on how to tackle a severe shortage of housing supply, a struggling health service and how to revive economic activity in rural areas. (Reporting by Padraic Halpin Writing by Conor Humphries; Editing by Mark Heinrich) BEIRUT (Reuters) - At least 23 people were killed and dozens wounded in Syrian government air strikes on a rebel-held suburb of Damascus on Thursday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said. The strikes killed at least four children and some civil defense personnel in the town of Deir al-Asafir in Eastern Ghouta, where around 2,700 families live, the British-based Observatory said. "All through the ceasefire clashes have continued in Eastern Ghouta and regime forces have advanced...they are now less than 2 km from the Deir al-Asafir area," Observatory director Rami Abdulrahman said. "They are trying to surround Deir al-Asafir." A temporary truce introduced over a month ago has greatly reduced violence in Syria but it excludes groups such as Islamic State and the al Qaeda-linked Nusra Front. The eastern districts of Damascus are controlled by different factions, including rebel forces covered by the truce as well as Nusra Front. The Observatory and rebel group Jaish al-Islam reported clashes between government forces and rebels and air strikes on the northeast edge of Damascus between Jobar and Douma on Wednesday. "In Douma air strikes completely destroyed one of the town's mosques in a direct hit," a Jaish al-Islam statement said. Jaish al-Islam is one of the biggest rebel factions fighting President Bashar al-Assad in western Syria and an influential member of the main Saudi-backed opposition council, the High Negotiations Committee. (Reporting by Lisa Barrington; Editing by Angus MacSwan) BEIRUT (Reuters) - Lebanon's armed forces acquired three U.S. helicopters worth $26 million on Thursday to help in efforts to stop Syria's civil war spilling over its border, along with almost $29 million of British aid as EU countries also step up their support. The Lebanese armed forces have now received a total of nine Huey II multi-mission helicopters from the United States as part of $1.3 billion in security assistance given since 2004, U.S. interim Ambassador Richard H. Jones said. "We have no plans to slow down or alter that level of support," Jones said at Beirut's military air base. Fighting between Islamic State and al Qaeda-linked Nusra Front militants often overlaps Lebanon's mountainous northern border with Syria, where a civil war is now in its fifth year. Fighters briefly overran the northern Lebanese town of Arsal in 2014 before withdrawing to the hills after clashes with the army. Fighting in the border area killed at least 32 Nusra and Islamic State fighters this week. The helicopters will improve the army's ability to quickly reinforce "remote areas of tension along the border in support of the army's fight against terrorists", Jones said. Lebanon has a weak government and a number of nations support its armed forces, concerned that regional conflict and a power struggle between Iran and Saudi Arabia could again destabilise a country which emerged from its own civil war 26 years ago. On a visit to Lebanon on Thursday, British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond announced a further $22 million for border guard training through to 2019 and $6.5 million for general training of 5,000 Lebanese troops. "Lebanon is an important part of the front line against terrorism," Hammond said. "We are delighted by the way the UK support is being translated into strengthened border security and is enabling the armed forces to take the fight to Daesh and keep Lebanon safe from the incursions of Daesh," he said, referring to Islamic State. EU foreign policy head Federica Mogherini, who visited Lebanon last week, said that Lebanon's security was important for Europe's safety too and the EU was willing to expand its support for the Lebanese armed forces. In February Saudi Arabia suspended a $3 billion aid package for the Lebanese army in what an official called a response to Beirut's failure to condemn attacks on Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran. Lebanon's Iranian-backed group Hezbollah is also a significant military presence in the country, with extensive combat experience. It fought Israel in an inconclusive 2006 war and is supporting President Bashar al-Assad's forces in Syria. (Reporting by Lisa Barrington and Issam Abdallah; Editing by Mark Heinrich) BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Luxembourg's state prosecutor said it had requested a judicial inquiry into allegations of money laundering by Malaysia's sovereign wealth fund 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB). Prosecutors said the inquiry was launched following concrete evidence following the misuse of funds held by the Malaysian government through different offshore accounts in Singapore, Switzerland and Luxembourg. "The case particularly concerns discovering the origins of four transfers in 2012 and one in at the start of 2013 for a total of several hundreds of millions of dollars," the statement said. (Reporting by Robert-Jan Bartunek; editing by Barbara Lewis) KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak's brother received $7 million in funds that was transferred to his personal bank account from Najib's before the country's 2013 elections, the Wall Street Journal said, citing investigation documents. The funds was then disbursed to ruling party politicians, the Journal reported. The funds transferred to Nazir Razak, chairman of state-controlled bank CIMB Group Holdings Bhd, was part of more than 500 transfers from Najib's accounts before the elections, the bulk of which went to politicians, the Journal said. Reuters has not independently verified those investigation documents. Najib, who is president of the long-ruling United Malays National Organisation, is faced with calls to step down over corruption allegations after $681 million was discovered in his personal bank accounts. Najib has denied any wrongdoing, and maintained he did not take any money for personal gain. A government-appointed Attorney General cleared Najib of any criminal offense or corruption earlier this year, claiming the funds was a political donation from the royal family of Saudi Arabia. Such donations are not considered illegal in Malaysia. Nazir confirmed to the Journal that he had received the $7 million, which he said was then disbursed by CIMB bank staff to ruling-party politicians according to the instructions of party leaders, whom he did not name. A spokeswoman for CIMB said she could not immediately comment on the report. Nazir said he believed the money originated with donations he had helped raise from Malaysian corporations and individuals for the elections. "I had no knowledge whatsoever that these funds may have originated from any other source(s)," the Journal quoted Nazir as saying. "The entire amount was paid out in cash to various recipients according to the instructions of the party president and the account was closed with a zero balance." The Journal report also said some of the money in Najib accounts were used for personal expenses including $15 million spent on luxury clothing, jewelry and a car. In response to the Journal report, the Prime Minister's office referred Reuters to its previous statements that said the funds was a gift from the royal family of Saudi Arabia. It did not immediately respond to claims of payments from personal purchases. (Reporting by Praveen Menon; Editing by Ryan Woo) BAMAKO (Reuters) - Authorities in Mali have arrested a man considered to be one of the main Islamist insurgent leaders operating in the south of the country, a hub for the expansion of militancy in West Africa, defense and intelligence sources said on Thursday. The intelligence services had monitored Souleymane Keita since the capture of two of his men last year. He is believed by the authorities to be an associate of Iyad Ag Ghali, head of the northern Mali Islamist group Ansar Dine. "We'd been on his trail since then (the capture of his men). And it was recently, when he attempted to come back into Mali across the border from Mauritania, that he was arrested by our men," said one intelligence officer, who asked not to be named. According to the officer, Keita had expanded Ansar Dine's operations in southern Mali. He heads a group known as the Katiba Khalid Ibn Walid, analysts say. A senior Malian defense official also confirmed Keita's capture. Ansar Dine was among a number of Islamist militant groups, some of them with ties to al Qaeda, that seized Mali's northern desert region in 2012. A French-led military intervention drove them back a year later but violence is again rising in Mali, with insurgents increasingly striking further from their traditional desert strongholds. Islamist fighters have launched a series of bold attacks on civilian targets in southern Mali and in neighboring nations since last year. Most recently, 19 people were killed when gunmen stormed the Ivory Coast beach resort town of Grand Bassam on March 13 in an attack claimed by al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, the group's North African affiliate. (Reporting by Adama Diarra; Writing by Joe Bavier; Editing by Gareth Jones) Barbie and Hot Wheels have a new home. Mattel, the toy giant behind those iconic brands, as well as Fisher-Price, Bob the Builder and the Monster High and Winx doll lines, has set up a new, centralized division, Mattel Creations, which will bundle all its content production under one banner. Catherine Balsam-Schwaber, who joined Mattel as chief content officer last year, will head up the new division, which aims to create spinoff films, series and digital shows based on Mattel's toy line. Mattel has promoted longtime creative executive Christopher Keenan as senior vp content development & production at Mattel Creations. Read More: 'Castle' Creators, StudioCanal's Tandem Partner on 'Take Two' (Exclusive) Mattel Creations also announced the greenlight for Wellie Wishers, a new 2D animated pre-school series based on the company's American Girl brand. Mattel will unveil the series for international buyers at the MIPTV television market in Cannes next week. Mattel also announced that Dreamtopia, the latest CGI movie based on the long-running Barbie franchise, has been sold to multiple international networks, including Germany's Super RTL, Pop TV in the U.K. and Cartoon Network for Latin America. Mattel has been named MIPTV 2016's Brand of the Year; and Richard Dickson, Mattel's president and COO, will deliver a keynote speech to the market on Tuesday. See More: MIPTV: The 12 Shows Competing in the New Drama Screenings Section Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that Christopher Keenan, not Catherine Balsam-Schwaber, would head up Mattel Creations. The Hollywood Reporter regrets the error. There seems to be a huge disconnect between the nations mounting concerns about suicides among U.S. veterans of the Middle East wars and the Department of Veterans Affairs shabby treatment of tens of thousands of veterans who left the military under less than ideal terms. Early last year, Congress belatedly approved a measure providing $22 million over the coming five years to bolster VA programs to combat a rash of suicides among vets that have averaged about 1 suicide a day. Related: Congress Finally Confronts Veteran Suicide Epidemic The tragic stories of emotionally scarred veterans struggling to reenter society, find jobs and shelter are legion. More than half of the 2.7 million veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan are struggling with physical or mental health problems that often lead to debilitating depression and suicide -- according to some experts. So a new report this week that growing numbers of veterans have been ruled ineligible for VA benefits, including mental health counseling, because they had been discharged from the service with a less than general rating, is a stunning revelation. The report, by the advocacy group Swords to Plowshares, analyzed VA data going back 70 years and discovered that roughly 6.5 percent of all veterans of the conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan have been excluded from basic veterans services, such as counseling, job placement and housing assistance, because of a bad discharge. The exclusionary rate for those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan is nearly comparable to the 5.5 percent benefit exclusion rate of veterans who served in the First Gulf War between 1991 and 2001. But it is nearly four times the rate of World War II era veterans (1.7 percent) and more than twice the 2.8 percent rate of Korean War era soldiers. The study was first reported by The New York Times on Tuesday. Related: Coburns Last Act Was Blocking a VA Suicide Prevention Bill In short, more than 125,000 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have been cut loose and must fend for themselves because of what is known as bad paper or an unsatisfactory discharge from the service because of misconduct or sub-par performances. Yet the congressionally mandated regulations fail to take into account that post-traumatic stress and other emotional problems that may have directly contributed to the bad paper in the first place. Story continues Researchers say that veterans who received less-than-satisfactory discharges are more likely to commit suicide. This report exposes a historically unprecedented abandonment of American veterans, wrote Bradford Adams, a lawyer and veterans advocate, who produced the report. Veterans with bad paper discharges are at a greater risk of homelessness and suicide, yet it is nearly impossible for such veterans to navigate the bureaucracies to get VA health care or homelessness prevention services. The controversy reaches back to the 1944 G.I. Bill. The Servicemens Readjustment Act denied troops who were convicted of serious crimes or had dishonorable discharges to qualify for veterans benefits. Congress at the time wrote in some exceptions to the law to provide officials with some discretionary latitude, such as for dealing with those who were deemed undesirable or other than honorable. Related: Americas Vets: More Jobs, More Help, More Suicides However, as The Times explained, the soaring share of ineligible veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflict is largely due to the militarys increased reliance on other-than-honorable discharges. Using that designation has become the most expeditious way for the military to drum emotionally troubled men and women out of the service without having to provide them with time-consuming and costly treatment. A top VA official told the newspaper that his agency would explore ways to better serve veterans within the boundaries of the law and department regulations. However, the VA is still struggling to rebound from a major scandal a year ago in which hundreds of veterans reportedly died while waiting many months to receive treatment at VA health care centers. Among other key findings of the new report: Marines are nearly ten times more likely to be denied VA services than members of the Air Force are. Mental health and combat have little effect in determining eligibility for benefits. A stunning three out of four vets with bad-paper discharges who served in combat and suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder are denied eligibility for benefits by the Board of Veterans Appeals. Related: Americans Sour on VA after Health Care Scandal The report urges the VA to revise its regulations to more accurately reflect congressional intent that only those who served dishonorably be excluded. The agency should also require the consideration of positive and mitigating factors, and not arbitrarily disqualify veterans for minor infractions. Finally, the report calls on the VA to grant veterans access to basic healthcare while it deliberates on veterans eligibility claims. Top Reads from The Fiscal Times: RABAT (Reuters) - Morocco's National Investment Co. (SNI), an investment holding firm controlled by the country's monarchy, reported a 7.7 percent fall in 2015 net profit, it said on Thursday. Net profit attributable to shareholders fell to 3.31 billion dirhams ($343.91 million) from 3.56 billion, a financial statement published in the pro-palace newspaper Le Matin showed. Year-earlier earnings were inflated by capital gains from the sale of stakes in the food industry, it said. Consolidated turnover fell 1.4 percent to 33.42 billion dirhams while assets fell to 98.01 billion dirhams from 100.29 billions, it said. SNI is the largest private stakeholder in the North African kingdom's economy. In 2013, it sold its stakes in dairy firm Centrale Laitiere to French partner Danone, and the remaining 50 percent holding in biscuit maker Bimo to Kraft Heinz Company. It also sold the sole operator in Morocco's sugar industry, Cosumar. SNI sold its remaining minority stakes in Cosumar and Centrale Laitiere in 2015. It plans to focus its growth strategy on sectors such as tourism, telecoms and renewable energy and to expand in Africa. Rabat has recently launched a major renewable energy development plan, designed to turn the North African country into a main supplier of clean electricity to Europe. SNI's subsidiary Nareva has been a major player in the plan with heavy investment. SNI is the main shareholder in some of the country's biggest firms, including AttijariWafa Bank, miner Managem, energy firm Nareva, cement company Lafarge Maroc and Marjane, Morocco's main supermarket chain. SNI said last year that it had hired Goldman Sachs and Rothschild to advise it on the sale of a minority stake in AttijariWafa Bank, one of Morocco's biggest lenders. ($1 = 9.6247 Moroccan dirham) (Reporting by Aziz El Yaakoubi; editing by Jason Neely) * Alonso out of Sunday's race after failing medical * Spaniard has broken ribs, risk of lung collapse * McLaren driver not certain for China either * Belgian reserve Vandoorne set for F1 debut (Adds Alonso quotes) By Alan Baldwin MANAMA, March 31 (Reuters) - McLaren's Fernando Alonso was ruled out of the Bahrain Grand Prix on Thursday after revealing he had broken ribs and suffered a lung injury in a crash in Formula One's Australian season-opener on March 20. The Spaniard's absence from the second race of the season paves the way for the team's Belgian reserve Stoffel Vandoorne to make his race debut. Alonso told reporters at the Sakhir circuit that he had done all he could to be in a condition to race on Sunday, but respected the doctors' decision. He said he had undergone scans in Spain last week that had revealed a 'small pneumothorax' on the lung as well as rib fractures. "Because of that...with the G-forces (there is a risk) that the fracture could move into the lung," he explained. The governing International Automobile Federation (FIA) said a repeat chest scan had been requested before the Chinese Grand Prix and the results would be analysed before allowing him to race there. "It's not 100 percent," Alonso said of his chances of competing in the third round of the 21 race season in Shanghai on April 17. Vandoorne, last year's GP2 champion and a rising star in the sport, is McLaren's official stand-in and was flying back from Japan where he is racing in a domestic series. The Honda-powered team said the Belgian would be at the Bahrain circuit on Friday, in time for first practice with Alonso staying on to lend his support. Alonso's crash in Melbourne, after colliding with Mexican Esteban Gutierrez's Haas in the March 20 season opener, provided a moment of high drama with the race red-flagged before an eventual re-start. The Spaniard, a double world champion, was fortunate to escape serious injury, climbing out of his wrecked car without assistance and released from the medical centre after precautionary checks. Alonso had been due to race in Bahrain with a new chassis and replacement power unit after Honda said there was little to salvage. McLaren revealed this week that the impact in the flying crash had been sufficient to crack Alonso's moulded seat, although they played down the significance of that. "The fact that the seat cracked but was not broken means it did its job well," a spokesman said. "It flexed helpfully, as it was designed to do, and it efficiently absorbed a lot of the energy of the accident." Former champions McLaren, who have not won a race since 2012, are fighting back from their worst ever season and appeared to be more competitive in Australia despite failing to score points. Alonso had missed last year's Australian Grand Prix after a heavy crash in pre-season testing in Barcelona left him suffering from concussion. (Reporting by Alan Baldwin, Editing by Angus MacSwan) By Joseph Campbell and Yanting Feng BEIJING (Reuters) - China celebrates the Qingming tomb-sweeping festival on Monday, with much of the ceremonial ritual of honoring the dead these days not geared toward beloved relatives, but beloved pets. Once banned by Communist leader Chairman Mao Zedong as a bourgeois pastime, having a pet has now become a symbol of financial success in China, which has seen the emergence of dedicated pet cemeteries in the last few years. Qingqiu was among tomb-sweepers at one such Beijing cemetery to pay tribute to her fluffy Pomeranian "Huoban", who died at the grand old age of 15. "It's like a heaven for pets," Qingqiu said of the Baifu Chongwu Tiantang cemetery, or "Hundred Fortune Pet Heaven". "Huoban was very smart. He could pick up moves I taught him very quickly... Visiting the cemetery gives me a feeling that we did not lose our connection." She said Huoban had witnessed her fall in love, get married and have a child. "I want to meet you again in the next life" is engraved on his tombstone. Tian Peiheng, 66, paid respects at her Pomeranian's grave, along with her husband and daughter. "I have deep feelings for her... After she was gone, it was just like losing my own baby," Tian said. Beyond the intimacy of such tomb-sweeping visits, the pet cemeteries are also making money. A single plot at Baifu costs between 2,000 and 5,000 yuan ($308 and $770) for 30 years, with an additional yearly management fee of 50 yuan ($7.70), according to gravestone designer Zhang Youwang. Gravestones can cost anything between 2,000 and 20,000 yuan. "For those who do not have dogs or other pets, it's difficult for them to understand," Zhang said. "...but pets are just like people. They are people." Such sentiment is relatively new in Communist Party-ruled China. Pets have become fashionable in major cities in line with rising incomes. Up until the 1980s, pet dogs were illegal in Beijing. In some parts of China, dogs are still being eaten and transported in overcrowded crates to events such as the annual Yulin dog meat festival in southern Guangxi province which triggers international and local protests. China's growing middle class has started to fight what it sees as barbarous abuse of man's best friend. (Writing by Jess Macy Yu; Editing by Nick Macfie) Naypyidaw (Myanmar) (AFP) - Myanmar's new social affairs chief had just six days' notice before his appointment -- one of a legion of newcomers from Aung San Suu Kyi's party whose credentials will be sorely tested by the massive reconstruction job left by military rule. Sitting among suitcases and boxes as he prepares to move to his ministerial mansion, Win Myat Aye vowed to quickly get across his new brief at the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement. "Not only is the expectation of the people high but also our leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's expectations. We must try hard. We must sacrifice," he told AFP. But commitment alone may not be enough to appease a public hungry for change after 50 years of eviscerating military rule. Millions voted for Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy party in November's historic election. After years waiting in the wings, the NLD now takes centre stage. But its capacity to rule will also fall under the spotlight. Despite being a former rector of a university of medicine and a veteran of grassroots welfare projects, Win Myat Aye has not previously held a top government post. Like many of his colleagues he will inherit a junta-era ministry -- many of which are notorious for inefficiency and corruption. His ministry handles the response to the many natural disasters that strike the country. "We have projects that will take 100 days, ones that will take six months and others that will take a year. We are going to make practical changes, not just draft policies," he said. - Opportunity knocks - On Wednesday Barack Obama, the US president, hailed the "extraordinary" power handover from Myanmar's army to the first civilian government in half a century. The congratulatory words came hours after Suu Kyi's proxy, Htin Kyaw, was sworn in as the new president. But it was tempered with caution for a nation facing "significant challenges going forward". Story continues Those include boosting economic growth, healing bitter ethnic and religious conflicts and establishing the rule of law over entrenched interest groups who dominate natural resources, industry and land ownership. Since reforms began in 2011, life has begun to improve for ordinary people. Myanmar now has one of the world's fastest growing economies and a youthful population of 51 million eagerly grasping new opportunities. But the resource-rich nation remains one of the poorest in the region. The new cabinet of 18 ministers, which includes three uniformed soldiers has raised eyebrows. Most of its members are over 60 and older, while Suu Kyi is the only woman. She has also scooped up four ministerial posts -- a major workload that will see her take charge of foreign affairs, the president's office, energy and education. "Even one portfolio in Myanmar is a challenge," European Union ambassador Roland Kobia told AFP. "But on the other hand I think nobody knows this country as well as her and nobody got the support in the elections that she got." Suu Kyi has already warned her party colleagues that public scrutiny will intensify for elected lawmakers -- though the embarrassing revelation earlier this month that the NLD's candidate for finance minister had a fake PhD did not preclude him from the job. Her ministers have already been told they must fork out for their own renovations of their offices or ministries. But Win Myat Aye remains undaunted, buoyed by the immense pride at his appointment and the importance of the work ahead. "Serving as a minister... is a huge opportunity for me because people want change. They have placed their hopes in a people's government," he said. MADRID Velvet and Gran Hotel director Carlos Sedes and producers Ramon Campos and Teresa Fernandez Valdes (pictured) at Bambu Producciones will reteam to make the first Netflix original series shot and produced in Spain. With no official title for the moment, the 16-episode Spanish-language drama, set in the 1920s, centers on four women from different backgrounds hired as switchboard operators at Spains sole telephone company in central Madrid. Co-created by Campos and Gema Neira, his long-term writing partner, and produced by Madrid-based Bambu Producciones, Spains first Netflix original series will start production in Madrid in 2016, debuting exclusively on Netflix around the globe in 2017. Bambu founders Campos and Fernandez Valdes will serve as executive producers. Episodes will run an international standard 50 minutes, shorter than Spains norm. After the 1905-set mystery-romance drama Gran Hotel and Velvet, a romantic drama set in a rambunctious and stylish high-fashion house in 50s/60s Spain, Bambus Netflix original series returns to history to tell the story of four women from all over Spain who come to work at the forefront of a communications revolution in the middle of Madrid a place which represents progress and modernity. As in other Bambu Producciones dramas, emotions run a wide gamut. Jealousy, envy and betrayal mix with a hunger for success, with friendship and love but, above all, with dreams. It is incredibly exciting to have Netflix in Spain. We are enthusiastic fans of its original series, and it is a real honor for us to now be part of this project, said Ramon Campos. It is a joy to work with Netflixs extremely talented team, which is revolutionizing the television industry worldwide, added Teresa Fernandez Valdes, executive producer of the series. Were delighted to be working with Bambu Producciones, director Carlos Sedes and co-creator Gema Neira on our first original series filmed in Spain, added Erik Barmack, vice president of international original series at Netflix. Were huge fans of their work on Gran Hotel and Velvet, epic romances that have been embraced by our members around the world. Were certain that our members will love this unique and engaging drama created by some of the best storytellers in Spain. Story continues The Netflix-Bambu commission builds on a relationship, with Netflix having acquiring both Gran Hotel and Velvet. It is also marks further recognition for a group of TV creatives from Galicia, North-West Spain, which broke through mid-last decade with Sedes directing the Campos-created 2006 drama Life Ahead, about fishermens widows. Influenced by the U.S. mid-last-decade drama boom, and moving to Madrid where Fernandez Valdes and Campos launched Bambu Producciones in 2007, their primetime series, though produced with free-to-air broadcasters, such as Atresmedia Group, have often pushed the envelope, bringing some neo-cable edge sense of something different to productions: 2006s Desaparecida, produced by Madrids Ganga but created by Campos, brought a sense of serialized Twin Peaks intrigue to a lost-daughter thriller; Velvet is set in an (obviously) fictionalized Spain. Toplining heartthrob Spanish TV stars, Bambu has produced surefire primetime TV hits in Spain, a country where local fiction has, since the launch of private networks in 1990, often blown U.S. drama out of the water. Making series which Campos termed as melding telenovela melodrama, a British look and an American pace, Bambu has also, however, been at the forefront of Spains more recent TV revolution: its international export success. Gran Hotel ran for three seasons on Atresmedia over 2011-13, punching a first season 18.5% audience share. Sold and co-produced by Beta Film, the Italian reversion aired on RAI primetime in Italy. Original has broadcast on major Gallic broadcaster M6, U.K.s Sky Arts and, in the U.S. on VmeTV. Beta Film senior VP Christina Gockel described Gran Hotel as one of Betas biggest sales hits and franchises of recent years. In a pioneering move, Bambu also teamed with Atresmedia and BBC Worldwide to produce the high-concept English-language sci-fi drama The Refugees. Related stories TV News Roundup: Martin Sheen Producing O.J. Simpson Docuseries 'O.J. Is Innocent' & More Networks Challenge Netflix With New Binge-Streaming Strategy Younger Viewers Watch 2.5 Times More Internet Video Than TV (Study) LAGOS (Reuters) - Nigeria's Forte Oil said it plans to raise up to 100 billion naira ($503 million) to expand its operations in the country, Africa's biggest economy, and will seek shareholder approval at its annual general meeting on April 26. The company may raise the funds through a rights issue, bond or share offering, or global depository receipts, according to a statement issued on Thursday. "The capital raising is part of our preparations to take advantage of opportunities in the economy," Akinleye Olagbende, Forte Oil's chief compliance officer, told Reuters. Olagbende said the company could explore opportunities in the upstream sector of the oil industry and tap into other viable businesses to bolster its bottom line. In January, Forte Oil reported a profit before tax of 7.02 billion naira for its 2015 financial year compared with 6.01 billion naira the previous year. ($1 = 199 naira) (Reporting by Oludare Mayowa; Editing by Nerys Avery) By Matt Spetalnick and David Brunnstrom WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Just as fears of nuclear terrorism are rising, U.S. President Barack Obama's drive to lock down vulnerable atomic materials worldwide seems to have lost momentum and could slow further. With less than 10 months left in office to follow through on one of his signature foreign policy initiatives, Obama will convene leaders from more than 50 countries in Washington this week for his fourth and final Nuclear Security Summit, a high-level diplomatic process that started and will end on his watch. A boycott by Russian President Vladimir Putin, apparently unwilling to join in a U.S.-dominated gathering at a time of increased tensions between Washington and Moscow, adds to doubts that the meeting will yield major results. The recent deadly militant attacks in Brussels have fueled concern that Islamic State could eventually target nuclear plants and develop radioactive dirty bombs, a topic that may well be uppermost in leaders minds as they meet. Despite significant progress by Obama in persuading dozens of countries to rid themselves of bomb-making materials or reduce and safeguard stockpiles, much of the world's plutonium and enriched uranium remains vulnerable to theft. FROM RUSSIA, NO LOVE The absence of Russia, one of the biggest atomic powers, could detract from decisions reached in Washington this week. Obama, in an opinion piece in The Washington Post, said, "Our massive Cold War nuclear arsenal is poorly suited to todays threats. The United States and Russia - which together hold more than 90 percent of the worlds nuclear weapons - should negotiate to reduce our stockpiles further." Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday Russia was skipping the summit because of a shortage of mutual cooperation in working out the agenda. While noting that Moscow had continued joint work on nuclear security, White House spokesman Josh Earnest said Russia was going to miss out on an opportunity and that its no-show illustrated the degree to which Russia is isolated." Russia has chafed over U.S.-led sanctions over the Ukraine conflict. Efforts to make the world safer have also been complicated by North Koreas nuclear weapons advance and Pakistans move toward smaller, tactical nuclear weapons, which Washington fears may further destabilize an already volatile region. All of this weighs on Obamas agenda as he prepares to host world leaders on Thursday and Friday. He inaugurated the event nearly six years ago, after using a landmark speech in Prague in 2009 to lay out the goal of ridding the world of nuclear weapons as a central theme of his presidency. There is no guarantee that once Obama, the driving force behind the initiative, leaves office in January his successor will keep the issue a high priority. WHITE HOUSE TOUTS ACHIEVEMENTS BUT PROGRESS SLOWER The White House previewed the summit by touting a list of achievements in the U.S.-led effort to tie down loose bomb-grade materials, and arms control advocates commend Obama for galvanizing an international response to the problem. However, many say progress has slowed since the last summit in 2014 and countries such as Japan, India and Pakistan are preparing activities that could increase stockpiles of nuclear materials. The Nuclear Security Summits have had a positive effect, but the strategic goal of developing an effective global nuclear security system remains unachieved, the Nuclear Threat Initiative, an anti-proliferation watchdog, said in a report this month. According to the group's Nuclear Security Index, which tracks the safety of weapons-usable nuclear materials, the past two years have brought no improvement in a range of measures, including on-site physical protection, security during transport and the ability to recover lost radioactive materials. The report also said many countries' nuclear reactors were vulnerable to online attacks. Seven of 24 countries with weapons-grade material, including China and Belgium, received the lowest possible score for their facilities' cyber security. Other critics point to a lack of an agreed-upon set of international standards for nuclear security or a mechanism for keeping tabs on common sources of radioactive material often found in hospitals and medical labs. However, Laura Holgate, Obamas adviser on weapons of mass destruction, cited commitments from 30 countries at the 2014 summit to secure their most dangerous material. "The international community has made it harder than ever for terrorists to acquire nuclear weapons, and that has made us all more secure," she told reporters before the summit. "DIRTY BOMB" FEARS Two of the Brussels suicide bombers secretly filmed the daily routine of the head of Belgiums nuclear research and development program and considered an attack on a nuclear site in the country, according to Belgian media. U.S. experts are less concerned about militants obtaining nuclear weapon components than about thefts of ingredients for a low-tech dirty bomb that would use conventional explosives to disperse radioactive material and sow panic. U.S. officials said they had no doubt that Islamic State, which controls swaths of Syria and Iraq, was interested in obtaining such materials, but Holgate said U.S. authorities had no explicit indications that the group had tried to do so. More commitments from world leaders to enhance nuclear security are expected at the summit but anti-proliferation groups worry that without further meetings at the highest levels, interest could wane and improvements could backslide. (Additional reporting by Mark Hosenball and Roberta Rampton in Washington and Vladimir Soldatkin in Moscow; Editing by Don Durfee, James Dalgleish and Leslie Adler) Washington (AFP) - The United States turned up the heat on North Korea's nuclear program Thursday as world leaders gathered in Washington to reduce radioactive stockpiles and protect remaining inventories from terrorists. The threat of militants getting their hands on nuclear material has gained fresh urgency since last week's attacks in Brussels, where it later emerged that two bombers had links to surveillance tape of a top official from a Belgian nuclear facility. The latest Nuclear Security Summit saw President Barack Obama invite about 50 world leaders to Washington for the fourth and final meeting of its kind under his presidency. Aside from pushing for better nuclear material safeguards, Obama wants to pressure nuclear-armed North Korea. After meeting with South Korean and Japanese allies, Obama said there is a need to "vigilantly enforce the strong UN security measures" against Pyongyang. In January, North Korea detonated a nuclear device and a month later launched a long-range rocket, the latest in a series of banned tests. The White House wants to increase the economic and diplomatic cost to North Korea of ignoring international appeals to mothball its nukes. "It is important to the entire international community to vigilantly enforce the strong UN security measures that were passed in light of some of the ballistic missile and nuclear activity that Pyongyang has been engaging in," Obama said. The United States and South Korea have begun discussions on deployment of THAAD -- the Theater High Altitude Area Defense System, a sophisticated missile system. This has raised concerns in Beijing, which is unhappy at the prospect that US missiles on its doorstep will further tip the balance of power in the Pacific towards Washington. "It in no way threatens either Chinese or Russian or other security interests in the region and will do nothing to undermine strategic stability between the United States and China," insisted Dan Kritenbrink, a top Obama adviser. Story continues - South China Sea - Obama also met with President Xi Jinping of China, opening the meeting with a promise of "candid" discussion over Beijing's suspected military buildup in the South China Sea. US officials worry China's actions are not consistent with Xi's pledge at the White House last year not to pursue militarization of the hotly contested and strategically vital waterway. China is seen as key to making sanctions against North Korea bite. The United States believes Beijing could more forcefully wield its influence over Pyongyang, including encouraging its Stalinist neighbor to tone down destabilizing rhetoric. Ahead of the meeting, the White House announced that the United States and China would be among the countries signing the Paris climate accord on April 22 in New York. Obama and Xi are expected to meet again at the G20 in China in September. - Dirty bomb - The specter of the Islamic State group obtaining a "dirty bomb" also loomed over the summit, and the meeting comes just days after 32 people were killed and 340 were injured in bombings at Brussels airport and the Belgian capital's metro. The attacks featured conventional explosives, but two of the suicide bombers -- Ibrahim and Khalid El Bakraoui -- have been linked to 10 hours of video surveillance detailing the comings and goings of a senior Belgian nuclear official. Few believe the IS group could develop a nuclear weapon, but many fear it could acquire uranium or plutonium and construct a "dirty bomb." Such a device would not trigger a nuclear explosion but would scatter radioactive material -- with potentially devastating physiological, medical and economic effects. Nuclear material can be found in small quantities at universities, hospitals and other facilities the world over, often not well secured. Since the mid-1990s, almost 2,800 incidents of illicit trafficking, "unauthorized possession" or loss of nuclear materials have been recorded in an International Atomic Energy Agency database. More than 50 heads of state were invited to the summit, but the absence of leaders from Russia, North Korea, Iran and Belarus virtually ensures gaps in the united front. White House spokesman Ben Rhodes said Russia's decision not to attend at the highest level was a missed opportunity for Moscow, which itself faces significant threats of its own. "Russia's lack of participation ... is, frankly, counterproductive given this is an area where we share an interest," he said. "We want Russia at the table on issues of nuclear security." - Trump draws criticism - Though he was not at the summit, Donald Trump also drew attention after the Republican presidential frontrunner earlier suggested Asian allies should develop atomic weapons. Trump's remarks that he would pull troops from South Korea and Japan and allow those countries to develop nukes drew a scathing rebuke from Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes. "The entire premise of American foreign policy as it relates to nuclear weapons for the last 70 years has been focused on preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons," said Rhodes, one of Obama's closest aides. Attention was also diverted by Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who was greeted at a separate Washington event by noisy protesters, and whose body guards attacked members of the media. US President Barack Obama opened a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping with a promise of candid discussion over Beijing's alleged military buildup in the South China Sea. "We will have candid exchanges about areas where we have differences, issues like human rights, cyber and maritime issues," Obama said as he sat across the conference table from his Chinese counterpart. US officials have expressed concern that China's actions in the South China Sea are not consistent with Xi's pledge at the White House last year not to pursue militarization of the hotly contested and strategically vital waterway. China claims virtually all the South China Sea despite conflicting claims by Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam, Taiwan and the Philippines, and has built up artificial islands in the area in recent months, including some with airstrips. "We do continue to be concerned about militarization in the South China Sea," said senior Obama foreign policy aide Ben Rhodes ahead of the meeting with Xi. "We certainly have seen developments, reports that are not consistent with commitments to avoid and to non-militarize the South China Sea." "This will be certainly an important topic of conversation between the two presidents." Washington has since October carried out two high-profile "freedom of navigation" operations in which it sailed warships within 12 nautical miles of islets claimed by China. Xi spoke of the need to avoid misunderstandings and big disruptions in the "major power relations" between the two countries. But state-run news agency Xinhua cited the Chinese leader as saying that "China will not accept any behavior under the disguise of freedom of navigation that violates its sovereignty and damages its security interests." - Keeping up pressure on Pyongyang - Obama and Xi also discussed pressure on North Korea, which in January detonated a nuclear device and launched a long-range rocket a month later, prompting UN sanctions backed by both Beijing and Washington. Story continues "Of great importance to both of us is North Korea's pursuit of nuclear weapons, which threatens the security and stability of the region," said Obama. "President Xi and I are both committed to the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula and the full implementation of UN sanctions." "We are going to discuss how we can discourage actions like nuclear missile tests that escalate tensions and violate international obligations." The White House wants to keep up pressure on the North Korean regime, increasing the economic and diplomatic cost of ignoring international appeals to mothball its nukes. Xinhua cited Xi as saying that the sanctions should be carried out "fully and strictly." US officials have long believed that China could more forcefully wield its influence over Pyongyang, including encouraging its Stalinist neighbor to tone down destabilizing rhetoric. Tensions are only expected to rise in advance of a major North Korean Communist Party Congress in North Korea in May. The White House has begun talks with South Korea over the deployment of a missile defense system. But it has struggled to convince China that the move is only in response to Pyongyang's threats. China fears it may be an effort to deepen US influence in the region. "It is designed and capable only of responding to the North Korean threat," said Dan Kritenbrink, senior Asian affairs director at the National Security Council. "It in no way threatens either Chinese or Russian or other security interests in the region and will do nothing to undermine strategic stability between the United States and China." After the meeting the White House released a joint statement promising a series of technical measures to help boost nuclear security, including actions against nuclear smuggling and securing "radioactive sources." By David Brunnstrom and Lesley Wroughton WASHINGTON (Reuters) - China said talks on Thursday between President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Barack Obama were constructive, even as the two sides remained far apart on the South China Sea and U.S. missile defense plans for South Korea. Meeting on the sidelines of a nuclear security summit in Washington, Xi and Obama agreed to step up cooperation to ensure nuclear security worldwide and to do more on cyber security. They also agreed to continue to work on a bilateral investment treaty, China's assistant foreign minister, Zheng Zeguang, told a news briefing. But Zheng made clear that China and the United States remained at odds over the contested South China Sea, where Beijing's broad territorial claims have riled its neighbors, and over U.S. missile defense plans following North Korea's recent nuclear and rocket tests. Xi told Obama that he hoped Washington would "strictly" abide by its commitment not to take a position on sovereignty issues and instead play a constructive role to maintain peace and stability, Zheng said. "The hope is that all parties will correctly view and handle the South China Sea and adopt an objective and impartial attitude ... particularly countries outside this region," he said. China's official Xinhua news agency also quoted Xi as warning that China would not accept violations of its sovereignty in the name of freedom of navigation - a reference to air and naval patrols the United States has conducted within what China considers its territorial waters. China claims most of the South China Sea, through which about $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year. Neighbors Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims. The United States says it takes no sides in the disputes but wants to ensure free navigation. It has said it will increase what it calls freedom-of-navigation operations by its Navy ships through the waters. 'RULES-BASED ORDER' Obama, speaking after an earlier meeting with the leaders of Japan and South Korea, said the three countries shared a common vision for the Asia-Pacific based on "a rules-based order in which all countries, regardless of size, act according to shared norms and shared principles," in an apparent criticism of China's pursuit of territorial claims in East Asia. U.S. officials have expressed concern that Beijing could declare an air defense identification zone, or ADIZ, in the region, as it did in the East China Sea in 2013. On Wednesday, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Robert Work said the United States had told China it would not recognize an exclusion zone in the South China Sea and would view such a move as "destabilizing." Zheng said Xi also told Obama that China was "firmly opposed" to U.S. plans to deploy the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD, missile defense system in South Korea after North Korea's fourth nuclear test in January and a rocket launch into space in February. "Such deployment will undermine China's security interests and will affect this region's strategic balance," he said. The United States and South Korea began talks last month on possible THAAD deployment. China backed tough new sanctions on North Korea following its nuclear and rocket tests but complains that THAAD has a range that would extend far beyond the Korean peninsula and into China. (Reporting by David Brunnstrom and Lesley Wroughton; Additional reporting by Ben Blanchard in Beijing; Editing by Don Durfee and Peter Cooney) WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama said on Thursday he and Chinese leader Xi Jinping are both committed to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and that he planned to discuss human rights, cybersecurity and maritime issues with Xi. Appearing with Obama on the sidelines of the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, Xi said China and the United States have disagreements in some areas, but have effective coordination on the North Korean issue. (Reporting by Doina Chiacu) (Reuters) - Two Minneapolis police officers involved in the shooting death of a 24-year-old black man are awaiting the outcome of a federal investigation after a county attorney said they would not face local charges. Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman said Wednesday that Officers Mark Ringgenberg and Dustin Schwarze, both white, would not be charged because evidence showed Jamar Clark was not handcuffed and at one point had his hand on an officer's gun before he was shot last November. [nL2N1720OH] While local authorities did not charge the officers, the men still face a federal investigation into whether they violated Clark's civil rights, followed by a disciplinary review by the Minneapolis police department, officials said. The federal investigation will be conducted by the U.S. Department of Justice's civil rights division, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Minneapolis and the FBI's Minneapolis division. Federal officials would not comment. Authorities said Clark was a suspect in an assault and had an altercation with the officers before one of them shot him. His death came at a time of fierce national debate over the use of excessive force by police, especially against black men. Minneapolis is one of a number of U.S. cities that has seen protests because of killings by police. David Prestwood, spokesman for Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges, said city officials have no idea when the federal investigation will be completed. Police officials have said the internal police investigation will not be conducted until after the federal probe. Bob Kroll, president of the union that represents the officers, said the internal review can take several months. "I'm confident they will find no civil rights violations," he said in an email of the federal investigation, which he expects to wrap up soon. He also believes the internal review will clear Schwarze and Ringgenberg. Kroll said the officers want to return to patrol duty and their duty status is being determined by an arbitrator. They remain on desk duty, police officials said. Story continues Bob Sicoli, Ringgenberg's attorney, declined to discuss the federal investigation. He and Schwarze's attorney both previously said the evidence supported Freeman's decision. Clark's adoptive parents, James and Wilma Clark, told KSTP TV in Minneapolis that they were disappointed with Freeman's decision. "It's just sad. How can an officer of the law be like that toward another human being?" James Clark told the ABC affiliate. (Reporting by Ben Klayman in Detroit; Additional reporting by Julia Harte Harte in Washintgon; Editing by Bill Trott) (Reuters) - Several tornadoes were reported in northern Oklahoma late on Wednesday, with heavy winds blowing down power lines, damaging structures and injuring at least seven people, regional officials said. A storm system packing thunderstorms, hail, and possible twisters was moving across the Central and Southern Plains overnight, the National Weather Service (NWS) said. At least four tornadoes were reported in Tulsa County and Rogers County, according to the Storm Prediction Center. Another twister was reported in southern Kansas. "Radar imagery showed lofted debris associated with the tornado near Tulsa," said Quincy Vagell, a meteorologist with Weather.com. Seven people in the city of Tulsa were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment of storm-related injuries, and one was in critical condition, said Oklahoma's largest ambulance service provider, the Emergency Medical Services Authority. Damage to buildings and other structures was reported in many places, as well as downed power lines in north Tulsa that left several thousand people without power, city officials and utility provider, the Public Service Company of Oklahoma, said. Tornadoes may strike at any time of year but a majority of twisters in the United States occur between April and June. (Reporting by Victoria Cavaliere in New York; Editing by Clarence Fernandez) PATTANI, Thailand (Reuters) - Several bombs have gone off in Thailand's insurgency-plagued south killing one person and wounding dozens in a new wave of violence, the military said on Thursday. The blasts were in Pattani, one of three Muslim-majority provinces in largely Buddhist Thailand, near the Malaysian border, on Wednesday and Thursday. Resistance to central government rule has existed for decades in the area but violence picked up significantly in 2004. More than 6,500 people, including Buddhist monks, teachers, troops and separatist insurgents have been killed since then. At least 10 bombs went off in Pattani's Yaring district, including two at bank cash dispensing machines, wounding 11 policemen. A civilian man was killed after being caught in a blast near a hair-dressing shop, a military spokesman said. "The people causing the trouble want to show they are still active," said Colonel Yuthanam Phetmuang, deputy spokesman for the military's Internal Security Operations Command. No group claimed responsibility for the attacks which authorities have blamed broadly on insurgent groups. In January, the military and conflict analysts said violence in the south had fallen to its lowest level in more than a decade because of stepped up security efforts. The explosions followed multiple gun and bomb attacks this month in neighbouring Narithawat province. People in the south complain of years of neglect by Bangkok. The failure of successive governments to quell the violence has fanned distrust of the state in the region, which was an independent Malay Muslim sultanate a century ago before being annexed by Thailand. Shortly after taking power in a 2014 coup, the military vowed to bring peace to the south within a year. (Reporting by Amy Sawitta Lefevre, Panarat Thepgumpanat and Surapan Boonthanom; Writing by Amy Sawitta Lefevre; Editing by Robert Birsel) Beijing (AFP) - One of China's biggest private-sector conglomerates is seeking a magical solution to the horns of a dilemma about its future, pledging to "become a giant 'Unicorn' with enormous power". Fosun International used the word "unicorn" at least 19 times in its annual report, in which it declared net profits of more than eight billion yuan ($1.2 billion). "Fosun eventually will become a giant 'Unicorn' with enormous power," chairman Guo Guangchang, dubbed China's Warren Buffett, wrote in his letter to shareholders. The mythical unicorn -- long a feature of legends and children's cartoons -- has found new life in the business world as a term used to describe tech startups valued at over $1 billion, including companies such as Uber, AirBnb, and Dropbox. Hong Kong-listed Fosun, which owns Club Med and has a stake in Cirque du Soleil, vowed to pursue a unicorn strategy and "nurture" unicorns. Guo has sought to reassure investors since he mysteriously vanished for several days in December in connection with an investigation by Chinese authorities, spurring rumours of a corruption crackdown and sending the company's stock tumbling 10 percent. His loyal support of the ruling Communist Party made his disappearance especially chilling to business leaders in the country. In the annual report, released late Wednesday, Fosun said creating "a real 'Unicorn'" required "enormous resources" to be "forged step by step with artisan spirit". But the biology of a non-existent animal was crucial, it said: "First of all, the 'Unicorn' gene is necessary." LONDON (Reuters) - Chancellor George Osborne said he was talking to other governments about taking action to prevent the dumping of cheap steel after Britain's biggest producer Tata Steel put its operations up for sale. The British government has come in for criticism for its handling of a crisis in Britain's steel sector after Tata Steel announced it planned to exit the country in the face of cheap Chinese imports as well as high costs. Speaking from Paris where he was attending talks with other Group of 20 officials, Osborne said the government had already cut energy prices and would seek to make sure that British steel was used in British construction projects. "We're having conversations with other governments, like I'm doing here in Paris, to make sure we take action against unfair, cheap steel imports," he told Sky News television. (Reporting by Kate Holton and Stephen Addison, editing by William Schomberg) JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - Standard & Poor's affirmed MTN's credit rating on Thursday, saying that although the South African company faced a $3.9 billion fine in Nigeria, its decision to hold back on dividends was positive. "We view MTN's decision to lower dividends and maintain sufficient liquidity for its normal obligations, while retaining flexibility to address the pending fine, as positive," said Standard & Poor's in a statement, adding that it had affirmed the company's long-term corporate credit ratings at BBB-. MTN, which was fined $5.2 billion by Nigerian authorities in October for failing to disconnect more than 5 million subscribers in time, earlier this month gave a downbeat outlook on future dividends as it reported full-year results. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in December said it will reduce the fine to $3.9 billion and MTN has since shelved a legal challenge while making a payment of $250 million in "good faith" towards settling the matter. [nL8N163372] But the parliament of Africa's most populous nation, which is also MTN's largest market, last week launched an inquiry into whether the NCC was authorised to slash the fine. [nL5N16W3AV] Standard & Poor's said it kept MTN on a negative outlook as it reflects the uncertainty regarding the final fine amount. "We also note increased sovereign risk related to Nigeria and South Africa, which contribute, respectively, 35 percent and 27 percent of MTN's revenue," Standard & Poor's said. (Reporting by TJ Strydom, editing by David Evans) LIMA (Reuters) - Peru's former president, Alberto Fujimori, was transferred from his prison cell to a hospital on Wednesday to undergo neurological tests after feeling dizzy and briefly losing the strength in his legs, his doctor said. Fujimori, 77, serving a 25-year sentence for human rights abuse and corruption during his 1990-2000 presidency, will likely spend the night in the hospital, said Dr. Alejandro Aguinaga, who was once Fujimori's health minister. "It appears to be manageable ... we're doing a (MRI) scan now," Aguinaga said by phone. Fujimori's daughter, 40-year-old Keiko Fujimori, is the front-runner by a wide margin in this year's presidential race, although she is not expected to win outright in the first-round vote on April 10. Recent opinion polls show she will likely face Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, a former World Bank economist, in a possible runoff election, where she is seen losing narrowly. Sympathy for the ailing former leader could help blunt a resurgence in opposition to Keiko Fujimori after two of her rivals were disqualified from the presidential race this month on grounds that they broke electoral rules. She has promised that if elected, she would not use presidential powers to release her father. But she has insisted he is innocent of charges that he ordered death squads to massacre civilians in a crackdown on leftist rebels. Television images showed Alberto Fujimori being pushed toward the hospital in a wheelchair. He smiled weakly and waved to supporters, who briefly chanted: "Chino! Chino!" - his nickname in the Andean country where he was born to Japanese migrants. Fujimori is considered a corrupt dictator by many, while others credit him with fixing a broken economy and quashing a bloody insurgency in the 1990s. He has high blood pressure and has been hospitalized several times in recent years so doctors can treat a recurrent growth on his tongue and other problems. President Ollanta Humala, whose five-year term ends on July 28, rejected a pardon request from Fujimori in 2013 after concluding he was not suffering from a terminal illness. (Reporting by Mitra Taj; Editing by Peter Cooney) Paris (AFP) - Two pig's heads were found Thursday attached to the fence of the Moroccan ambassador's residence in a chic suburb of the French capital, police said. "The pig's heads were discovered by security staff on Thursday at 9:00 am. The ambassador was present," a police source told AFP. The embassy, situated in Neuilly-sur-Seine to the west of Paris, has filed a formal complaint to police. "We don't want to interpret this act, it's up to the authorities to investigate," an embassy official said. Anouar Kbibech, head of the French Council for the Muslim Faith (CFCM) and the Morocco-linked Group of Muslims in France (RMF), said there was an "unhealthy atmosphere" in France "in which Muslims are the target of acts of stigmatisation". "The attack on the ambassador's residence shows that this provocation has moved up a level," Kbibech said. "This latest desecration is aimed at the embassy of a country which is an ally of France, engaged in the prevention of radicalisation and the fight against terrorism," he added. Pig's heads have been left outside mosques in several French cities in recent years and a rise in anti-Muslim acts was recorded in the wake of the gun and suicide attacks on Paris in November last year which left 130 dead. By Todd Melby MINNEAPOLIS (Reuters) - Two Minneapolis police officers involved in the shooting death of a 24-year-old black man will not be charged, prosecutors said on Wednesday, because evidence showed Jamar Clark was not handcuffed and that he reached for an officer's gun. Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman told a news conference that Clark struggled with Officers Mark Ringgenberg and Dustin Schwarze, who are white, and that he was not handcuffed and at one point had his hand on a gun. Freeman told reporters that the officers said without the use of deadly force Clark would have taken possession of the gun. "Each stated their independent fear of being shot," he said. "Accordingly, the head of the county attorney's office has concluded criminal charges are not warranted." Freeman made the decision not to charge the officers, bypassing use of a grand jury. Clark's shooting came at a time of fierce national debate over the use of excessive force by police, especially against black men. Minneapolis is one of a number of U.S. cities that has seen protests over killings by police. Activists criticized the decision not to charge the officers and said questions remained unanswered, such as why Clark was shot 61 seconds after police arrived at the scene. The decision "sends a clear message that the Minneapolis police may act as judge, jury and executioner in interactions with unarmed black men," said Becky Dernbach, a spokeswoman for the local group Neighborhoods Organizing for Change. On Wednesday evening, hundreds of peaceful protesters led by activists from Black Lives Matter Minneapolis converged on a central government plaza, chanting "No justice, no peace, prosecute the police," and waving signs as they marched. The demonstrators, who filled the plaza, listened to speeches and sang songs. At one point, an organizer recalled a similar rally held in the city four years ago in memory of Trayvon Martin, an unarmed black Florida teenager who was shot dead by a volunteer watchman. Later, the crowd repeatedly shouted in unison, "I am a revolutionary!" Story continues Freeman's remarks, interviews that had been conducted, police and autopsy reports and video related to the case were posted on his office's website on Wednesday. (http://www.hennepinattorney.org) Fred Bruno, the attorney for Schwarze, who shot Clark, lauded the decision not to charge his client. "The scientific evidence and objective witness statements now conclusively show that Mr. Clark was neither unarmed nor handcuffed. He had control of an officers gun. Officer Schwarze responded in accordance with his training, and as the law required him to act," Bruno said in a statement. Bob Sicoli, Ringgenberg's attorney, said Freeman's decision was supported by evidence. "What is a police officer supposed to do?" he said in a telephone interview. "Just imagine you're on the ground, you can't get up, somebody has your gun belt and has their hand around your gun and says something to the effect of 'I'm ready to die.' That's every police officer's worst nightmare. They had to do what they did." Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges said she understood the anger of many residents and noted that the U.S. Justice Department and the U.S. Attorney's Office are investigating the shooting. There will then be an internal police investigation to decide if the officers should be disciplined. "Today is a hard day for everyone in the city of Minneapolis," she told reporters. On Nov. 15, 2015, police said they responded to a request to assist an ambulance that had been sent to north Minneapolis to treat Clark's girlfriend. Freeman said she had been assaulted by Clark. Police said Clark was shot during a struggle after he confronted paramedics and impeded their ability help his girlfriend. Clark died the next day. Freeman said one of the officers tried to handcuff Clark, and DNA evidence showed that in the ensuing struggle Clark got his hand on Ringgenberg's gun as they both lay on the ground. "Nothing scares a cop more than somebody trying to take their gun," Freeman told reporters on a conference call later on Wednesday. Some witnesses had said Clark was handcuffed or restrained on the ground when he was shot. Freeman said Schwarze took out his gun, put it to the edge of Clark's mouth and told him to let go or he would be shot. Freeman said Clark told Schwarze, "I'm ready to die," but only the police heard the comment. At that point, Schwarze pulled the trigger but the gun failed to fire because the slide was only partially pulled back, Freeman said. Schwarze fired again after he heard a panicked Ringgenberg urge him to shoot Clark, Freeman said. Clark's comments were not recorded. The dash-board video camera on the patrol car did not automatically start because the lights and siren, which trigger it, had not been used due to the nature of the call, Freeman said. Freeman said Clark's toxicology report showed a blood alcohol level of .09 and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive component in marijuana. In Minnesota, a blood alcohol level of .08 is considered driving drunk. Black Lives Matter activist Johnetta Elzie questioned the pertinence of that information. "This has what to do with the police killing him?! Same script, different dead black body," she wrote on Twitter. (Additional reporting by Xan Holston, Karen Pierog, Suzannah Gonzales, Anjali Athavaley and Brendan O'Brien; Writing by Ben Klayman and Eric M. Johnson; Editing by Fiona Ortiz, Bill Rigby and Leslie Adler) Belgrade (AFP) - Radical Serb leader Vojislav Seselj was acquitted Thursday on all charges arising from the 1990s Balkan conflicts in the latest verdict handed down by the UN's International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. The court has indicted 161 people, convicting 80 and acquitting 19 including Seselj while four are still on trial. Here is a rundown of the fate of some other key players in the wars: - Slobodan Milosevic - Known as the "Butcher of the Balkans", Milosevic fuelled ethnic conflict and mass murder in the former Yugoslavia during his 13 years of iron rule, defying international sanctions and NATO bombs. He was elected president of Serbia -- a constituent republic of the Yugoslav federation -- in 1990. A year later the break-up of Yugoslavia began with declarations of independence by Croatia and Slovenia. Milosevic played a key role in supporting Serb rebels during the 1991-95 Croatian war and the 1992-95 war in Bosnia. In 1998-99 he oversaw a bloody crackdown on ethnic Albanians in Kosovo. He was found dead in his cell in 2006 at the age of 64 while still awaiting the verdict on charges of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. - Radovan Karadzic - The former Bosnian Serb political leader was found guilty on March 24, 2016 of genocide and nine other charges including extermination, deportations and hostage-taking and sentenced to 40 years in jail. He was convicted of genocide for the 1995 Srebrenica massacre in which almost 8,000 Muslim men and boys were slaughtered, the worst bloodshed on European soil since World War II. Karadzic, 70, is the most high-profile figure convicted over the wars that tore Yugoslavia apart. He managed to evade arrest for 13 years until 2008 when he was arrested on a Belgrade bus, masquerading behind a bushy beard as a New Age healer. - Ratko Mladic - The notorious military leader of Serb rebels in Bosnia is accused of presiding over the bloody 44-month siege of Sarajevo from 1992-1996 and the Srebrenica massacre. Story continues After almost 16 years in hiding Mladic, 73, was arrested in Serbia in 2011 and is on trial on multiple charges of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. The court is expected to deliver its verdict next year against Mladic, the last high-ranking Bosnian Serb to face judgement. - Vojislav Seselj - Seselj, 61, a Milosevic ally and hardline leader of the Serbian Radical Party, was accused by prosecutors of being behind the murder of many Croat, Muslim and other non-Serb civilians, as well as the forced deportation of "tens of thousands" from large areas of Bosnia, Croatia and Serbia. However, the ICTY acquitted him in a surprise verdict branded "shameful" by Croatia. The judges found that although crimes were committed, Seselj had not had "hierarchial" responsibility for his paramilitary forces after they came under Serbian army control and could not be held responsible for their crimes. The verdict clears the way for him to stand unencumbered in April's election in Serbia. - Franjo Tudjman - Tudjman was a fervent nationalist elected in 1990 to lead the Croatian republic, which he took out of the Yugoslav federation the following year. The ensuing four-year war between Croatian government forces and Serb secessionists left some 20,000 people dead. A year after Tudjman died in 1999 at the age of 77, the ICTY said he would have been indicted for war crimes had he lived. - Alija Izetbegovic - Bosnia's first president was a Muslim who led the country to independence in 1992 in a move that triggered the 1992-1995 war between Muslims, Serbs and Croats. In the post-war period Izetbegovic filled the Muslim seat in the tripartite presidency that also includes a Croat and a Serb. He stepped down in 2000 due to failing health and died three years later aged 78. After his death, the ICTY said it had been investigating Serb allegations that he committed war crimes, but no charges were ever brought. - Biljana Plavsic - The former Bosnian Serb president -- the first woman to be convicted by the ICTY -- pleaded guilty to crimes against humanity and was sentenced to 11 years in jail in 2003. She was found to have played a leading role in a campaign of persecution against Croats and Muslims during Bosnia's war. Now 85, she was granted an early release in 2009. - Ante Gotovina - An army general considered a war hero by many Croatians for his role in the military offensive that effectively ended the war, Gotovina, 60, was indicted in 2001 for war crimes. He went into hiding but was arrested in Spain in 2005 and sentenced six years later to 24 years in jail. He was acquitted on appeal in 2012. - Ramush Haradinaj - Haradinaj, a wartime rebel chief of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA)and a former Kosovo prime minister, was charged with war crimes against Serb civilians during the 1998-1999 conflict in Kosovo. The ICTY acquitted Haradinaj, 47, in 2012 but the case was marred by accusations the court had failed to protect witnesses. An unmanned Russian cargo ship packed with 3 tons of supplies launched toward the International Space Station Thursday (March 31), beginning a two-day orbital delivery flight. The Progress 63P spaceship is the third vehicle to launch to the space station in the past three weeks, and the second cargo craft to launch there in nine days. The ship's cargo includes 1,940 lbs. (880 kilograms) of propellant, 110 lbs. (50 kg) of oxygen, 926 lbs. (420 kg) of water and 3,161 lbs. (1,434 kg) of dry cargo, NASA officials said. The craft blasted off at 12:23 p.m. EDT (1623 GMT) from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, and was quickly concealed by a cloudy sky as it accelerated upward. "[It's] a flawless ascent to orbit for the Progress resupply vehicle, the second in as many weeks to head to the International Space Station, with a third resupply ship, the SpaceX Dragon cargo craft, scheduled for launch on April 8," NASA spokesperson Rob Navias reported from Mission Control Houston during a NASA TV broadcast. [The Space Station's Robotic Cargo Ship Fleet in Pictures] The craft will make its way to the space station over the course of two days. Although Progress spacecraft normally take less than a day to reach the orbiting lab, this one will take its time in order to test upgraded systems that will also be used on the first crewed launch of the upgraded Soyuz spacecraft in June, which will bring three new faces to the space station. The supply craft is scheduled to arrive Saturday, April 2, at 2 p.m. EDT (1800 GMT). Currently, the station is occupied by American astronaut Tim Kopra, British astronaut Tim Peake and Russian cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko, all of whom have been in space for over 100 days, as well as three crewmembers who arrived just two weeks ago on a Soyuz craft: NASA astronaut Jeff Williams and cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin and Oleg Skripochka. It's been a very busy time on the space station: On March 22, an Orbital ATK Cygnus supply craft, flown on United Launch Alliance's Atlas V rocket, launched to the station, carrying a record-breaking load of supplies and experiments to the station. Another Progress craft left the station yesterday to free up space for the one that just launched. Next, a commercial SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch its robotic Dragon cargo craft to the station, blasting off from Cape Canaveral at 4:43 p.m. EDT (2043 GMT) on April 8. Story continues Email Sarah Lewin at slewin@space.com or follow her @SarahExplains. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com. Editor's Recommendations Copyright 2016 SPACE.com, a Purch company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Moscow (AFP) - Radical Russian artist Pyotr Pavlensky, famous for protest performances that involve intense physical suffering, has been declared sane after a month in psychiatric hospital, he said Thursday. The 32-year-old artist, who is best known for nailing his scrotum to the cobbles of Red Square, was detained in November after setting fire to the front doors of the headquarters of the FSB security services in a protest over state "terrorism." Speaking to reporters at a Moscow courthouse about his psychiatric evaluation, he was quoted by state TASS agency as declaring: "The results of the tests are in my favour". Pavlensky faces up to three years in prison over his arson attack on the giant wooden doors of the FSB, the successor to the Soviet-era KGB. He is being kept in solitary confinement in a Moscow prison, his partner wrote on Facebook. The district court on Thursday extended his detention until May 5, declaring him to be a flight risk. Pavlensky's previous painful performances have included sewing his lips together and wrapping himself in barbed wire. The Serbsky psychiatric hospital, where he underwent a battery of tests, was notorious in the Soviet era for issuing political dissidents with false diagnoses of psychiatric illnesses. A law enforcement source confirmed to TASS that "experts found Pavlensky does not suffer from any psychiatric illness and at the moment of the crime was responsible for his actions and realised their consequences." Pavlensky, who has called the FSB an "organisation of executioners" in court dismissed the charges against him as meaningless. He also repeated his demand that the judge change the charges to terrorism, in line with the charges brought against Ukrainian filmmaker Oleg Sentsov who was last year convicted of terrorism for arson attacks on the offices of a pro-Kremlin party in Crimea. Defence lawyer Olga Dinze said the damage Pavlensky caused to the FSB headquarters had been valued at 480,000 rubles ($7,150). Kigali (AFP) - A Rwandan military tribunal on Thursday condemned two senior army figures to 20 years in prison for inciting rebellion, an AFP correspondent at the Kigali court said. "The court condemns Colonel Tom Byabagamba to 21 years in jail and a reduction in rank, and retired general Frank Rusagara to 20 years in prison," said Judge Narcisse Nsengiyumva. Both men were once close to the inner circle of Rwandan President Paul Kagame. Byabagamba, a serving colonel who was once head of the presidential guard, was also convicted of withholding evidence. And Rusgara, a retired brigadier-general and former secretary-general of the defence ministry, was also convicted of illegally possessing a firearm. The two men were arrested in August 2014 and charged with inciting rebellion by "spreading rumours" and "tarnishing the image of the country and government". Both denied all the charges against them, and following the verdict, vowed to appeal. According to military prosecutors, Byabagamba had attempted to turn military officials against the government, while Rusagara had been relaying "propaganda" from the dissident Rwanda National Congress (RNC), an exiled opposition group that includes several former top members of Kagame's ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF). During the trial, the prosecutor said Rusagara had been heard saying Rwanda "is a police state and a banana republic", and that he had described Kagame as a "dictator". Critics of Kagame, however, say the trials expose the workings of a paranoid state that is increasingly nervous over the activities of the RNC. Kagame, 58, has run Rwanda since his ethnic Tutsi rebel army, the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF), ended a 1994 genocide by extremists from the Hutu majority, in which an estimated 800,000 people were massacred, the vast majority of them Tutsis. Elected first in 2003 and again in 2010, he recently announced plans to run for an exceptional third seven-year term in 2017, drawing criticism from the United States and the European Union. Rusagara's driver, former army sergeant Francois Kabayiza, was also sentenced to five years of prison for withholding evidence. He had also denied the charges and vowed to appeal. Citing the Center for Public Integritys recent Science for Sale series, a group of U.S. senators has asked the National Institutes of Health to make it easier to tell who funds research published in scientific journals. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut, on Wednesday released a letter sent to NIH Director Francis Collins asking that the National Library of Medicine make changes to its public database of 25 million journal articles, called PubMed, to reveal conflicts of interest in research. With industry now employing more scientists than nonprofits, universities and the government combined, and industry funding the research of many independent researchers, there are growing concerns about objectivity in numerous scientific disciplines including nutrition science and research on health risk from chemicals, the letter said. The letter also cited a New York Times story about Coca-Cola Co. quietly funding academic researchers who blamed lack of exercise, rather than soft drinks and fast food, for the epidemic of obesity and diabetics. The Centers series revealed how scientific consultants working for the chemical industry publish journal articles that almost always claim their clients products are safe. Examples included two consulting firms, Gradient Corp. and Exponent, which published articles to help clients win asbestos lawsuits. The NIH maintains a public database of medical and life sciences articles in more than 5,600 peer-reviewed journals. While the database often includes an abstract detailing the purpose of a study and its findings, the search results dont reveal who paid for the research. This story is part of Science for Sale. Corporations are steering millions of dollars to scientific consulting firms to cast doubt on health concerns surrounding toxic chemicals. Click here to read more stories in this investigation. Don't miss another Environment investigation: Sign up for the Center for Public Integrity's Watchdog email. The NIH requires researchers with government grants to disclose conflicts of interest in journal articles. Many journals have their own disclosure policies. Story continues While scientists regularly use PubMed to conduct and inform research, millions of nonscientists consumers, journalists, policymakers and others also make use of this public resource, the senators letter said. The Center analyzed the funding of 149 articles published by principal scientists at Gradient and found that 98 percent of the time the articles found that chemicals did not pose risks that would require stricter regulations. In order to obtain the funding information, a reporter had to go to National Library of Medicine in Bethesda, Maryland, to get the complete copy of each article. Senators who signed the NIH letter Wednesday in addition to Blumenthal were Democrats Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Edward Markey of Massachusetts, Brian Schatz of Hawaii and Richard Durbin of Illinois. This story is part of Science for Sale. Corporations are steering millions of dollars to scientific consulting firms to cast doubt on health concerns surrounding toxic chemicals. Click here to read more stories in this investigation. Related stories Copyright 2016 The Center for Public Integrity. This story was published by The Center for Public Integrity, a nonprofit, nonpartisan investigative news organization in Washington, D.C. Crafting theories about the true nature of the Donald Trump presidential campaign has been a sort of parlor game since the billionaire Republican frontrunner descended a gilded escalator in Trump Tower last summer to announce his candidacy. Theres the idea that Trump is a deep-cover mole that the Democratic Party planted in the GOP. His history of liberal positions on various issues, all recently changed, fuel the idea that his candidacy is a sort of time bomb, set to explode at a time most advantageous to Democrats. Related: Trumps Latest Shocker Women Should Be Punished If They Get an Abortion Then theres the suggestion that hes actually some kind of performance artist, feeding the worst instincts of the Republican base in order to make a point about the state of American politics in 2016. Earlier this week, the former communications director of the now-defunct Trump-backing Make America great Again Super PAC floated an idea thats had a lot of currency: Trump originally mounted what he thought would be a protest campaign something that would raise his profile without committing him to something as onerous as actually being president. But he wound up being more successful than he ever expected, and now cant find a way out. Until recently, Trump had provided just enough evidence to keep the various tongue-in-cheek theories alive. The GOPs post-2012 autopsy of the Mitt Romney campaign determined that the party needed to court Hispanic voters if it hoped for any future general election success, yet Trump launched his campaign by calling Mexicans rapists and murderers. Related: Republicans Gear Up for Convention Chaos as Loyalty Pledge Breaks Down The GOP is notoriously weak among other minority groups, yet Trump seemed conflicted about disavowing the endorsement of a prominent former leader of the Ku Klux Klan. While running for the nomination of a party that has long prided itself on a strong defense policy, he has promised to withdraw support from US allies unless they agree to pay for it. Story continues Thats been more than enough to turn off a lot of voters, but in the past 48 hours, the volume of bizarre, controversial, and downright ignorant statements coming from the man leading the GOP field by hundreds of delegates has increased to the point where you have to ask: Does he really want this job? Take today, for example. In a town hall-style interview with MSNBCs Chris Matthews, Trump advocated a total ban on abortion even as he admitted that it would drive women to dangerous illegal providers and said that women who get abortions in defiance of the law ought to face punishment. For years, the staunchest pro-life groups have avoided targeting women receiving abortions for punishment, calling instead for penalties against abortion providers in an effort to avoid alienating the female half of the U.S. electorate. Related: Ex-Trump Insider: Donald Doesnt Want to Be President In the same interview, Trump refused to rule out the use of nuclear weapons in Europe. Yes, Europe. He told Matthews he didnt want to take any cards off the table in future conflicts. But really, other thanwhat? preventing the spread of a zombie apocalypse?...its hard to dream up a scenario in which a US president needs to nuke the European continent. The Matthews interview happened on the same afternoon that Trump, almost unbelievably, lamented the existence of the Geneva Conventions the international treaties that have been in place for generations to prevent war crimes. While discussing the fight against the terror group ISIS at a rally in Wisconsin, he said The problem is we have the Geneva Conventions, all sorts of rules and regulations, so the soldiers are afraid to fight. Of course, the Geneva Conventions also protect US soldiers from abuse, so its not really clear that maligning them is a real winner for Trump with people sympathetic to the wellbeing of US troops. Related: How the 2016 Election Could Rock the Stock Market Only half a day before, Trump had been dealing with the fact that his campaign director faced charges of battery for manhandling a female reporter at a Trump press conference earlier this month. In a tweet, he directed his followers to view the video surveillance tape of the incident the one that the police officer investigating the incident cited in his report as evidence saying there is nothing there. Trump also suggested that the reporter who accused his campaign manager of assaulting her might have been carrying a little bomb with her, in the shape of the pen in her hand, and suggested that he might have grounds to file charges against he for possibly putting her hand on the sleeve of his jacket in an effort to get his attention while asking a question. All this, after the reporter in question passed a security background check, entered the Trump event through a process monitored by the US Secret Service, and attempted to ask Trump a question in full view of a Secret Service agent who did not react to her questioning Trump at all, even as his campaign manager lunged at her. In the end, Trump might really think he wants to be the President of the United States, but at this point, its not unreasonable to point out that if he were actively trying to lose the general election, he probably wouldnt be doing anything different from what hes doing right now. Top Reads from The Fiscal Times: Belgrade (AFP) - Serb academic turned far-right leader Vojislav Seselj won notoriety during the 1990s Balkan wars for his incendiary rhetoric and remains defiant since his provisional release from more than a decade in detention in The Hague. UN war crimes judges in The Hague are due to give an appeal verdict on Wednesday against the shock 2016 acquittal of the stocky, ruddy-faced former deputy prime minister, 63. Prosecutors had accused Seselj of poisoning the minds of volunteer forces who committed atrocities in the 1990s, in a quest to forge a "Greater Serbia" as Yugoslavia fell apart. Judges found there was not sufficient evidence to prove he was guilty on nine counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including the murder, torture and deportation of non-Serbs in large areas of Bosnia, Croatia and Serbia. "I do not feel guilty of anything," Seselj declared triumphantly at a press conference in Belgrade after his acquittal ruling in late March 2016. The Serbian Radical Party leader has since stuck to his nationalist line. "We will never give up the idea of a Greater Serbia," he told AFP in an interview. Prosecutors have appealed against his acquittal, saying he is is "spreading politics seeking to unite all 'Serb territories' in a homogeneous Serb state". Seselj spent more than a decade in detention before and during his trial. He was excused from attending the 2016 judgement having returned to Serbia two years earlier on medical grounds. After the acquittal ruling, he was elected as an MP in Serbia. Since his return, ill health has not prevented Seselj from appearing on reality television, publicly burning EU and NATO flags and firing up far-right rallies. He said he will not be in The Hague for the appeal verdict by the Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals, which is wrapping up the last legal cases from the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), which was closed in December after 24 years. Story continues - 'Counter-revolutionary' - Born in Sarajevo in Bosnia in 1954, Seselj studied law and obtained a doctorate, going on to lecture in political science at Sarajevo University in the early 1980s. The nationalist ideas he developed were not appreciated by the communist regime, and he was convicted of "counter-revolutionary activities" and spent two years in jail during that period. He then moved to Belgrade where, after communism collapsed, he formed the Serbian Radical Party in 1991. He quickly became an MP, known for his shocking antics in parliament -- from swearing to drawing pistols. Among his ill-famed comments as the conflicts in Croatia and Bosnia broke out, Seselj once boasted on a television talk show that Serbs would "slaughter Croats with rusty spoons". From 1998 to 2000 he was Serbia's deputy prime minister under the autocratic regime of Slobodan Milosevic, who died during his own war crimes trial at The Hague in 2006. After giving himself up to the court in 2003, Seselj forced the cancellation of his first trial three years later by going on a hunger strike to demand the right to represent himself. A second trial opened in 2007 in which he cast himself as a martyr and a victim of an anti-Serb conspiracy. He said he regretted that the tribunal did not allow for the death sentence, "so that proudly, with dignity, upright like my friend Saddam Hussein, I could put the final seal on my ideology." Among his angry outbursts, he once said he smelled the odour of gas when a German judge arrived in the courtroom, and also compared the proceedings to a "satanic ritual". - Breaking with allies - His party was Serbia's largest until 2008, when Seselj's close allies Tomislav Nikolic and Aleksandar Vucic broke ranks and formed the ruling pro-European Serbian Progressive Party. Vucic is now president while Seselj's anti-Western and pro-Russian rhetoric holds less sway, despite his attention-grabbing tactics. He briefly benefited from public attention following his acquittal and with the Radicals became the second strongest single party in the parliament at elections two years ago. But last month he was on the verge of political disappearance when his party won only two-percent support in local Belgrade polls. Political analyst and columnist Cvijetin Milivojevic said that since returning from The Hague, Seselj has toned down his criticism of his now-powerful former ally Vucic as he bids for electoral success. "Seselj is a serious, calculating politician who has rarely improvised things," Milivojevic said. "In that sense, he has not changed." South Africas highest court ruled Thursday that President Jacob Zuma violated the constitution when he used $15 million in state funds to upgrade his private estate. The Constitutional Court ordered Zuma to repay the money used for non-security upgrades to his Nkandla home, including a swimming pool, chicken run, cattle enclosure, and an amphitheater. The national treasury will determine the amount owed within 60 days; Zuma has 45 days to pay following that decision. Zuma has noted and respects the court decision, a government spokesman said in a statement. The President appreciates and reaffirms the powers of the Constitutional Court as a final arbiter on matters of the Constitution in the Republic of South Africa, the statement said. In 2014, South Africas public protector, Thuli Madonsela, issued a report that found funds were used for non-security renovations and recommended that Zuma repay the money. But Zuma said the public protectors recommendation was advice, not an order, and claimed other officials authorized the upgrades without his knowledge. He then ordered his own investigations conducted by the police and public-works ministries. One report described Zumas swimming pool as a reservoir to fight fire and, therefore, a security measure. Two opposition partiesEconomic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the Democratic Alliance (DA)appealed to the Constitutional Court. Recommended: Photos of the Week: 3/26-4/1 On Wednesday, the Constitutional Court unanimously found Zumas actions unconstitutional. The chief justice, Mogoeng Mogoeng, said by failing to comply with the remedial action, the president thus failed to uphold, comply, and respect the constitution. He described Zumas denials and investigations as substantial disregard for Madonsela. The president may have been acting on wrong legal advice, in good faith, he added. But the illegality still stands. Story continues The scandal is the latest involving Zuma, who has, over the years, been accused of rape, corruption, and other misdeeds. The charges havent stuck, but the taint has. Wednesdays ruling ends a six-year saga of reports, denials, and exonerations. South Africas opposition said Wednesday they would move to impeach Zuma, who has vowed to stay in office. Julius Malema, the leader of EF, called Wednesdays developments an opportunity for South Africa to unite and remove a criminal from office. Parliament has failed our people he said at a news conference. Let South Africa elect honorable people who will uphold the constitution. The DA also blamed Parliament, where Zumas ruling African National Congress holds a majority. Indeed it has been our assertion that Parliament failed to satisfy its constitutional mandate to hold the Executive accountable to the Constitution, it said in their joint statement calling for Zumas impeachment. Madonsela called the ruling better late than never at a press conference. Now the Constitutional Court has confirmed I did my job properly, she said, and it is someone elses job to see what happens next. Read more from The Atlantic: This article was originally published on The Atlantic. Mogadishu (AFP) - Somalia's Shebab insurgents said they carried out a suicide attack at a hotel in the central town of Galkayo Thursday in which six people died, including a senior local government official. "There was a blast, a suicide bomber blew himself up killing several people including a senior official," said police officer Abdiweli Adan. Witnesses said there was large blast near a cafe where people had gathered to drink tea. "I heard a heavy explosion and I have seen parts of dead bodies, several bits of them were strewn across the area," said local resident Ahmed Sadaq. Somalia's Al-Qaeda-affiliated Shebab rebels -- who are fighting to overthrow the country's internationally-backed government -- said they carried out the attack, in a statement broadcast on the insurgents' Radio Andalus. "The mujahedeen fighters targeted the head of the finances for Puntland in the Mudug region, and together with five of his security guards they were killed in the attack," the radio broadcast said quoting Shebab commanders. Galkayo, which straddles the border between the two districts of Puntland and Galmudug, lies some 650 kilometres (400 miles) northeast of the capital Mogadishu. - Turkish hospital workers killed - The suicide attack came a day after several people were gunned down in shootings in the capital. On Wednesday evening, gunmen killed six people in a drive-by shooting, including two Turkish hospital workers, authorities said. "Six civilians, two of them Turkish nationals, have been killed, and six more were wounded," said Abdifatah Omar Halane, spokesman for the Mogadishu city authorities, said Thursday. Those killed also included the driver and security guards of the Turks. Somalia's Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Sharmarke condemned the attack. "We condemn this cowardly act, and our thoughts are with the relatives of the victims and the Turkish government," Sharmarke said in a statement. "These innocent Turkish citizens have lost their lives while supporting their Somali brothers." Story continues Turkey is a major investor in, and donor to, Somalia. No group has so far claimed responsibility. In a separate incident on Wednesday, witnesses said four people were killed, including three civilians caught in the crossfire, during a shootout between members of rival units within the Somali army. "The soldiers were trying to shoot another soldier, but they have killed him together with three civilians who were passing by," said Abdirasak Ali, a witness. Several other witnesses confirmed the deaths. The Shebab carry out regular attacks in Mogadishu but the seaside capital is anarchic and is still awash with weapons after decades of war. Somalia, riven by decades of conflict, is also struggling to cope with severe drought. Northern Somali areas, including self-declared independent Somaliland along the Gulf of Aden and semi-autonomous Puntland, are especially hard hit, with some 385,000 people in dire need of food aid, according to the UN, with that figure feared to quadruple without help. A team of conservationists has a wild idea to save South Africas rhinos from poachers: Move some of them to an entirely different continent. The transoceanic relocation wont eliminate the poaching threat, which claimed at least 1,175 rhinos in South Africa last year, said Australian Rhino Project founder Ray Dearlove. But he believes establishing a herd of the animals in Australia would create a biological backup that could be used to repopulate the species in Africa at a later date. The project, which was founded in 2013, aims to bring a total of 80 rhinos to Australia by 2020. Dearlove expects to begin later this year with six southern white rhinos, which, as the more docile of Africas two rhino species, are good candidates to prove the endeavor can work. Weve got to get this first shipment right, for the safety of the rhinos and for our credibility, he said. Those first six rhinos are themselves survivors of South Africas poaching crisis. Dearlove said they are being acquired from a private rancher who initially planned to contribute his entire herd of 12 rhinos to the project. But poachers have already killed six, leaving just one male and five females. The guy who owns them, his worst nightmare is that he could lose the rest, Dearlove said, adding that he hopes the rhinos can be moved in time. RELATED: Rhinos Arrive in San Diego to Become Surrogates and Help Save a Species Before that happens, though, he will need to make sure that any animals leaving South Africa are free of both diseases and parasites. Australia has very strict rules about allowing nonnative animals and plants over its bordersactor Johnny Depp caused a stink last year when he snuck dogs into the countryso the rhinos will be quarantined for two months in South Africa and then for two more months when they arrive down under. Once out of quarantine, the rhinos will settle in at the Monarto Zoo safari park outside Adelaide. The ecosystem should be fairly hospitable to the animals, Dearlove said, not just because of the climate but also because some African plants that rhinos would normally eat have already become invasive species in Australia. Story continues Once the transplants have acclimated, he hopes they will eventually start breeding. Dearlove said the project has been criticized as an attempt to bring rhino hunting to Australia. He strongly denied that charge but said that tourism could become a vital element of the relocation. Well encourage tourism, to let people see these magnificent animals, he said. At an estimated $75,000 per animal, shipping a rhino halfway across the Pacific is not cheap. Dearlove said the project has raised enough money to transport the first six rhinos and has begun collecting donations for the next phase of imports. He acknowledged that this is not the only way to save rhinos from poachersnor should it be. A lot of people are spending a lot of money and risking their lives to protect rhinos, he said. This is one possible strategy among many which may contribute toward saving this iconic animal. Send a Letter: Action Needed: Help Us Ban the Ivory and Rhino Horn Trade in Massachusetts Related stories on TakePart: 500 African Elephants Are Moving to a New Home Will Bioengineered Rhino Horns Save the Species or Kill It Off? With 3 of These Rhinos Left, Heres a Chance to See Them Up Close Original article from TakePart Johannesburg (AFP) - President Jacob Zuma flouted the constitution in using public funds to upgrade his private residence and must repay the money, South Africa's top court ruled Thursday, sparking calls for his impeachment. The Constitutional Court delivered a damning verdict on Zuma's conduct after a swimming pool, chicken run, cattle enclosure and amphitheatre were built at his rural homestead as so-called "security" measures. The president had refused an ombudswoman's orders to repay money spent on the upgrades, which became a symbol of alleged corruption and greed within the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party. Zuma "failed to uphold, defend and respect the constitution as the supreme law of the land," Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng said in a strongly-worded judgement. The unprecedented rebuke came as Zuma fights back against separate allegations that a wealthy Indian family influenced ministerial appointments in a scandal that has rocked his government. Zuma has also been battered by the country's sharply declining economy. But he retains a strong grip on parliament through his dominant leadership of the ANC, and any impeachment bid looked unlikely to succeed. Public Protector Thuli Madonsela, the country's ombudswoman, ruled in 2014 that Zuma had "benefited unduly" from the work on the Nkandla property in KwaZulu-Natal province, and that he should re-fund some of the money. The president reacted by ordering two government investigations that cleared his name -- including a report by the police minister which concluded that the swimming pool was a fire-fighting precaution. Mogoeng said on Thursday that Zuma "must personally pay the amount determined by the national treasury." The work was valued in 2014 at 216 million rand (then $24 million). "President Jacob Zuma's action amounts to a serious violation of the Constitution, and constitutes grounds for impeachment," the Democratic Alliance (DA), South Africa's main opposition party, said. Story continues It added that it had officially begun the process to impeach Zuma. - Zuma weakened? - But the ANC controls parliament after winning elections in 2014, and Zuma easily survived a no-confidence vote earlier this month. A successful vote to impeach Zuma would require a two-thirds majority in the assembly. The DA brought the case to court along with the far left Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party. "We call on the president to step down with immediate effect," EFF leader Julius Malema said. "We would call upon the ANC to do the right thing and recall the president." Opposition parties hope Thursday's ruling will bring gains in local elections this year, as frustration grows over 25 percent unemployment and grinding poverty for many black people more than 20 years after the end of apartheid. Zuma has recently endured renewed corruption allegations after deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas said he was offered a promotion by the Guptas, an Indian business family said to hold huge sway over the president. The president has faced growing criticism since he sacked two finance ministers within days in December, triggering a collapse in the rand and a major withdrawal of foreign investors. "He enjoys less power inside the ANC than he did before firing the finance ministers in December," Aubrey Matshiqi, analyst at the Helen Suzman Foundation, told AFP. "But the erosion in power he has suffered is not sufficient and does not constitute a direct threat yet to his position." Zuma, 73, will have completed two terms in 2019 and is not eligible to run for president again. But the ANC, which led the fight against white-minority rule and has ruled since Nelson Mandela became president in 1994, could replace him ahead of the vote. Zuma issued a brief statement saying he respected the court's decision, while senior ANC figures were due to meet to discuss its implications. "The Constitutional Court has restored hope in the constitutional dream for a man on the street to hold the government accountable," Public Protector Thuli Madonsela said after the ruling. By Nqobile Dludla JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South Africa's top court rules on Thursday on whether President Jacob Zuma must repay the state some of $16 million spent upgrading his private home, a judgement that could hit the scandal-plagued leader politically as well as financially. Ahead of the ruling, which starts at 0800 GMT, around 50 armed police officers, some with riot shields, took up position outside the Constitutional Court in downtown Johannesburg, alongside an armoured vehicle and barbed-wire barricade. In the latest twist to a six-year saga over his sprawling Nkandla residence, the court must decide whether the findings of Public Protector Thuli Madonsela, a constitutionally mandated anti-graft watchdog, are binding. If it says they are - and signs point in that direction - Zuma faces a bill that could run into millions of rand, and more heat from members of his African National Congress (ANC) who fear his tarnished record will hurt the party in mid-year provincial elections. After a string of scandals during his seven years in office, from Nkandla to a love child, Zuma has been under intense pressure since December when his abrupt firing of finance minister Nhlanhla Nene sent the rand into a tail-spin. In a surprising move last month, Zuma offered to pay back some of the money spent on Nkandla. His lawyer, Jeremy Gauntlett, then admitted to the Constitutional Court that their Nkandla defence - based on the contention that all the improvements were security-related - had been wrong and that Madonsela's findings were binding, making it unlikely Zuma will win a ruling in his favour. The ANC's majority in parliament will almost certainly give political cover from any opposition attempt to impeach Zuma, but a large construction bill could trigger more cries of financial impropriety, stoking opposition within the ruling party. "It doesn't lead to impeachment but it does lead to the president having to come up with the money, which I think he probably can do given the kind of accumulation of wealth of his family and friends," said independent political analyst Nic Borain. "But that is going to raise the question of how has he managed to come up with that money." As president, Zuma's annual salary is 2.7 million rand. If any payments were made on his behalf, they would be liable for income tax at 41 percent. "FIRE POOL" Madonsela's 2014 report on the Nkandla upgrades made clear Zuma should pay for anything not security-related, in particular a cattle enclosure, amphitheatre, visitor centre, chicken run and swimming pool. Zuma refused to comply, ordering parallel investigations by the public works and police ministries that largely exonerated him, based on declarations that included calling the swimming pool a fire-fighting reservoir. Gauntlett's volte-face before the court in February also included an admission that the police minister's report was meaningless, and a plea to the judges not to stray too far into politics in case it gave political ammunition to the opposition. "This is a delicate time in a dangerous year," Gauntlett told the court. "It will be wrong if this court makes a ruling which may result in a call for impeachment." In her report, Madonsela said the Treasury and police should work out the "reasonable cost" of the final cost of the five items she deemed non-essential. Citing Public Works Department documents, she outlined estimated costs of 2.8 million rand ($187,000) for a swimming pool and parking garage for VIP guests, and 1.2 million rand for a 'cattle culvert'. ($1 = 15.0019 rand) (Writing by Ed Cropley; Editing by John Stonestreet) Johannesburg (AFP) - South Africa's top court will decide on Thursday if President Jacob Zuma flouted the constitution over public funds used to upgrade his private residence, in a ruling that could fuel calls for him to step down. The Constitutional Court judgement comes as Zuma fights back against separate allegations that a wealthy Indian family influenced ministerial appointments in a scandal that has rocked his government. Zuma has also been battered by the country's sharply declining economy, but he retains a strong grip on power through his dominant leadership of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party. The so-called security upgrades at Zuma's rural homestead, which were valued in 2014 at 216 million rand (then $24 million), included a swimming pool, a chicken run, a cattle enclosure and an amphitheatre. Public Protector Thuli Madonsela, the country's ombudswoman, ruled in 2014 that Zuma had "benefited unduly" from the work on the Nkandla property in KwaZulu-Natal province, and that he should pay back some of the funds. In response, the president ordered two government investigations that cleared his name -- including a report by the police minister which concluded that the swimming pool was a fire-fighting precaution. But a week before the Constitutional Court hearing last month, Zuma surprised many by offering to refund some money, arguing that the case had been "highly politicised". "What I have been refusing to do is to pay back the money (because) I don't know how much it is," he told parliament, repeating his position that he had done nothing wrong. - Zuma under pressure - At the court hearing, his lawyers conceded that Madonsela's report ordering re-payment was legally binding. "It would not be surprising if the Constitutional Court found that there was a breach of the Constitution and the law by the President," legal expert Pierre de Vos wrote in a commentary this week. Story continues "But even if this is so, the Constitutional Court does not have the power... to order the impeachment of a President." De Vos said the court might order Zuma to do what opposition lawmakers and protesters have been chanting for the last year: pay back the money. The main opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) called the case "a seminal moment in South Africa's democracy" that could "place decisive sanctions on all those implicated in the abuse of public funds". The DA brought the case to court along with the far left Economic Freedom Fighters party, which has pledged to press for the president's impeachment. But the ANC dominates parliament after winning elections in 2014, and Zuma easily survived a no-confidence vote earlier this month. Opposition parties hope to make gains in local elections this year as frustration grows over 25 percent unemployment and grinding poverty for many black people more than 20 years after the end of apartheid. Zuma has recently endured renewed corruption allegations after deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas said he was offered the top job in the treasury by the Guptas, an Indian business family said to hold huge sway over the president. Zuma, 73, will have completed two terms in 2019 and is not eligible to run for president again, but the ANC could replace him ahead of the vote. South Korea on Thursday sent the remains of dozens of Chinese soldiers killed during 1950-53 Korean War back to China for a final burial in their homeland. Coffins carrying the remains of 36 soldiers -- excavated by South Korea's Defence Ministry from March to November last year -- were flown from Incheon airport to the northeastern city of Shenyang, where China has a state cemetery for its war dead. In a separate ceremony on Monday, the remains, including bone fragments and skulls, had been placed in the coffins at a temporary mortuary in Paju, near the border with North Korea. In 2013, South Korean President Park Geun-Hye had offered to return the bodies of the Chinese war dead as a goodwill gesture during a visit to Beijing. Since then, Seoul has repatriated a total of 505 sets of remains, flying them back every year ahead of the annual Chinese Qingming, or tomb-sweeping, festival when many people visit and clean the graves of their ancestors. This year's festival falls on April 4. China fought alongside North Korea in the 1950-53 conflict -- its dramatic and crucial intervention coming after US-led forces had pushed the North Korean army into the far north of the peninsula. Casualty figures remain disputed but Western estimates commonly cite a figure of 400,000 Chinese deaths, while Chinese sources mention a toll of about 180,000. The bodies were initially buried in small plots scattered around the country. In 1996, Seoul designated a special cemetery plot in Paju, just south of the heavily fortified border with North Korea, where all the remains of Chinese and North Korean soldiers still on South Korean soil could be buried together. More than 700 North Korean soldiers are interred at Paju, but Pyongyang has ignored Seoul's offer to return them despite sporadic talks on the issue. The site also holds the bodies of more than two dozen North Korean commandos killed in a daring but unsuccessful 1968 attack on the presidential palace in Seoul. A North Korean agent responsible for the 1987 bombing of a South Korean airliner that killed 115 people, who committed suicide after he was captured, is also there. United Nations (United States) (AFP) - South Sudan told the United Nations on Thursday that it expects hundreds of rebel troops to be airlifted to Juba this week, paving the way for the return of rebel leader Riek Machar. Machar's arrival in Juba is a key step for the formation of a unity government that was agreed under a peace accord to end a brutal war which has killed tens of thousands of people over nearly 2.5 years. South Sudan's Deputy Ambassador Joseph Moum Malok told the UN Security Council that "by the end of this week, if everything remains as planned... the entire 1,370 agreed forces will be in Juba paving the way for Dr Riek Machar to eventually come to Juba." Machar, who was President Salva Kiir's deputy before the war, had been living in exile in Kenya and Ethiopia, but was re-appointed vice president in February. Under the peace deal signed in August, Machar will join Kiir in a new 30-month transitional government leading to elections. UN mission chief Ellen Margrethe Loj told the council that Machar's return to Juba to join the government "is when the hard work of rebuilding the country has to start and difficult decisions must be taken." The United Nations is pushing Kiir and Machar to implement the peace accord despite ongoing fighting and delays. UN aid chief Stephen O'Brien told the council that fighting was spreading despite the peace deal, with new outbreaks around Western Bahr el Ghazal, Western Equatoria, Jonglei and Malakal. More than 150,000 people have fled their homes in the new violence that has already displaced more than two million people over the course of the war. After winning independence from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan descended into war two years later, setting off a cycle of retaliatory killings that have split the poverty-stricken country along ethnic lines. Verizon is about to make its customers very unhappy. MacRumors obtained a memo on Thursday that outlines plans for a new $20 upgrade fee the carrier is expected to introduce next week. According to the memo, Verizon will add a new $20 flat rate fee for any smartphone upgrade on a device payment plan or purchased at full retail price. DON'T MISS: Everything we know about the Tesla Model 3 Here's the full memo, originally published by MacRumors: Verizon Upgrade Fee Memo As the memo notes, nearly everyone is going to be affected by this new fee, including customers looking to participate in Apple's iPhone Upgrade Program. You might be wondering why Verizon is saddling its customers with a new fee. The company states in the memo that the upgrade fee will "help cover our increasing support cost associated with customers switching their devices." As Verizon explains at the end of the memo, it isn't the only carrier charging an upgrade fee. AT&T charges $15 for every additional phone and phone upgrade on AT&T Next and Sprint charges $30 or more for upgrades. T-Mobile is the only carrier left that doesn't have an extra fee for upgrades. Related stories T-Mobile unleashes its most ambitious plan to troll AT&T and Verizon yet Netflix's throttling was wrong, but don't let AT&T and Verizon off the hook It's Netflix that's throttling your video, not AT&T or Verizon More from BGR: It has begun: The FBI will unlock other iPhones in criminal investigations This article was originally published on BGR.com Washington (AFP) - The US Department of State issued an apology after posting a tweet that seemed to proffer travel advice for those whose looks are less than a perfect 10. "Some have been offended by our earlier tweet and we apologize that it came off negatively," the Bureau of Consular Affairs posted on its Twitter account, after pulling down the offending message. US media posted screenshots of the tweet, part of a campaign warning those headed overseas on Spring Break, a week-long vacation when US university students famously tend to party, how to stay out of trouble while abroad. "Not a '10' in the US? Then not a 10 overseas. Beware of being lured into buying expensive drinks or worse--being robbed" the bureau advised on its @TravelGov account. What was apparently meant as a warning against potential scams initiated by unusual amounts of flattery or alcohol, quickly became the subject of mockery on the Internet. A spoof Twitter account that appeared in the wake of the post offered its own warnings: "If you're not a '10' in the United States consider whether travel is really going to fill the void inside you." The Bureau of Consular Affairs said on Twitter it had only been trying to prevent Americans from becoming victims while overseas in the series of tweets, which were hashtagged #springbreakingbadly. "We see many Americans fall victim to scams each year & want all to be careful while traveling," the bureau tweeted. Its other posts offered sound advice with a little less lip such as: "Beware of drink spiking and robbery scams when you're traveling abroad." Abuja (AFP) - A would-be suicide bomber who was arrested in Cameroon is not one of the more than 200 schoolgirls kidnapped nearly two years ago from the northeast Nigerian town of Chibok, a non-profit announced on Wednesday. The Murtala Muhammed Foundation said three representatives of the Chibok schoolgirls' parents reviewed photographs of the girl at its offices but she and a woman also detained "do not fit the description of any of the missing daughters from Chibok". Nigeria's government told the MMF on Tuesday afternoon the girl was 12 years old and was originally from Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state, but was abducted 70 kilometres (43 miles) away in Bama when Boko Haram overran the town. The woman identified herself as a 35-year-old mother of two children, the foundation's chief executive, Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, said in a statement. The pair were arrested last Friday carrying explosives in Cameroon's Far North region. But the authorities in Cameroon and Nigeria over the weekend cast doubt on the young girl's claim to be from Chibok because of inconsistencies in her age. The youngest of the schoolgirls kidnapped in Chibok was 16 in 2014, according to the Bring Back Our Girls advocacy group. Muhammed-Oyebode said they were "yet to ascertain how the girl came to describe herself as one of the missing Chibok girls". Cameroon's presidency has said the child was found to be heavily drugged, which is consistent with Boko Haram's deployment of children as suicide bombers. "The identity of the girl notwithstanding, the MMF has informed the Nigerian government of its willingness to continue to pursue the matter, and is willing to provide the captured girl and woman any support they may require," said Muhammed-Oyebode. "These girls and women are merely victims, and must be treated as such by... society. They have already undergone grave violence at the hands of their Boko Haram captors. Story continues "We must ensure that they are not made to undergo additional violence at the hands of their compatriots." Boko Haram has kidnapped thousands of young women and girls since the start of its Islamist insurgency in 2009, forcing them to become sex slaves or human bombs. The Islamic State group affiliate seized 276 schoolgirls in Chibok on the night of April 14, 2014. Fifty-seven escaped in the immediate aftermath but 219 are still being held. CBS and Viacom are no longer facing a shareholder lawsuit over decisions related to their 92-year-old controlling stockholder Sumner Redstone. In January, both companies were hit with a complaint in Delaware Chancery Court targeting bonus payouts and claiming that the company's top executives, including Viacom CEO Philippe Dauman and CBS CEO Leslie Moonves, and board members "put their personal loyalty to Mr. Redstone (in particular, and secondarily to [Shari] Redstone) well ahead of their loyalty and respective fiduciary duties they owe and owed to Viacom and/or CBS and their respective shareholders." The Hollywood Reporter has learned that this shareholder lawsuit was dropped earlier this month. According to Richard Greenfield, the attorney representing the plaintiffs, "We have pursued another course of action, dealing with CBS and Viacom through other means." Just two weeks after the shareholder lawsuit was filed, Redstone resigned as executive chairman of both CBS and Viacom, with Moonves and Dauman stepping up, respectively. The shareholder lawsuit came in the wake of a petition in Los Angeles Superior Court made by Manuela Herzer, Redstone's longtime companion, seeking to be reinstated as his healthcare agent. In November, she claimed that Redstone was "a living ghost," being manipulated by those around him. His lawyers paint her claims as being financially motivated, but a judge refused to dismiss the lawsuit and scheduled a trial for May. Before that happens, if the case isn't settled soon (and there is at least some chatter about the prospect of a deal), Dauman and Shari Redstone will give testimony under oath. He is scheduled to undergo a deposition in New York on Tuesday, while hers is set for Wednesday. The Herzer litigation has caused some unease for Viacom, which has seen its share price crater around 20 percent since November, and the company faces the prospect that there will be some talk of leadership battles at the coming trial. Story continues The task of making healthcare decisions for Redstone was formerly earmarked for Herzer, but in November, thanks to a new healthcare directive, that responsibility fell to Dauman. In deciding not to dismiss the Herzer case, Los Angeles Superior Court judge David Cowan wrote that it was "perplexing" and "unusual" that Redstone put Dauman ahead of his own daughter Shari, who also holds a stake in the family business. Referring to media accounts of a disagreement between Dauman and Shari Redstone related to business issues, Cowan added, "To the extent those accounts have any truth to them, the Court does not know if, with those seemingly strained relations, they can or do work together on the pressing issue of Redstone's present medical needs." The judge also was dubious that someone in charge of a public company in New York had the time or ability to look after Redstone. These are topics that figure to be addressed in Dauman's deposition, as well as what the Viacom chief said in a declaration concerning a visit last autumn to Redstone's home. "I found him to be engaged and attentive," stated Dauman. "Sumner and I spoke about business matters, including the upcoming Viacom board meeting." Washington (AFP) - A police officer and a gunman have died after a shootout at a bus station in the US state of Virginia -- home of America's powerful gun lobby. Police said the attacker repeatedly shot at a state trooper who had approached him. Two other police officers returned fire before the man was eventually subdued. The gunman and the injured trooper, who was named as 37-year-old Chad Dermyer, were both taken to hospital where they died from their injuries. Two women who were at the Greyhound bus station were also hurt in the incident but their injuries were not thought to be serious. Greyhound said it was closing the station until further notice. "We are fully cooperating with the authorities and providing any information they may need, including video surveillance that was captured," it said on its website. Virginia's gun laws are relatively lax, and the state is home to the National Rifle Association, the powerful pro-gun lobby. Jimmy Kimmel continued his guest list of presidential candidates on his show Wednesday night. Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders have both joined the late-night host to discuss the election process, and Senator Ted Cruz was the latest to sit down on ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live. The senator talked with Kimmel about his brief stay in Los Angeles and his real feelings toward Donald Trump. Kimmel started off his monologue by addressing his recent round of political guests, sharing some tweets from fans who were furious about what they saw as Kimmel taking sides in the election. "It adds up to everyone hates me," he concluded. "My own uncle - my godfather, even - castigated me on Facebook last week for having Hillary Clinton on, saying I embarrassed the family," Kimmel said, "as if I haven't embarrassed the family a million times before!" Introducing Cruz as "the only person running for president to publicly admit to have been bitten by an octopus," Kimmel welcomed the senator to the stage. Read More: Donald Trump, Kanye West, Kardashians Among Jimmy Kimmel's Most Important Celebrity Tweets "Have you been tempted by our decadent liberal ways?" Kimmel asked. Cruz, in town for a fundraiser, told Kimmel that California actually "has the most Republicans," to which Kimmel responded, "well, we have a lot of people." Cruz also told Kimmel about the summer he lived in Los Angeles, when he briefly thought about becoming an actor while working at a law firm. "Everything was great, except I didn't have good looks and I didn't have talent." Asking about his popularity within Congress, Kimmel brought his attention to recent comments made by fellow Republicans John Boehner and Lindsey Graham, who called Cruz "Lucifer." "When you stand up to Washington, they don't like it," Cruz explained. "Compared to Donald Trump, I am the quiet, shy, soft-spoken one." The senator also addressed Obamacare, which he called "a disaster," before Kimmel asked him a few more personal questions about Star Wars, his favorite cereal, yoga and his first concert (Men at Work). Story continues But first, "Who do you like better, Obama or Trump?" To which Cruz diplomatically answered, "Donald is a unique individual," before getting more graphic. "If I were in my car and getting ready to reverse and saw Donald in the backup camera, I'm not confident which pedal I would use." This is the first Kimmel appearance for Cruz, who also appeared on CNN's Town Hall the night before. Kimmel's other guests for Wednesday were Mike Epps and St. Lucia. Read More: Jimmy Kimmel to Host 2016 Emmys By Orhan Coskun and Seyhmus Cakan ANKARA/DIYARBAKIR, Turkey (Reuters) - A car bomb killed seven police officers and wounded around two dozen people in Turkey's Diyarbakir on Thursday, security sources and officials said, a day before the prime minister is due to visit the biggest city in the largely Kurdish southeast. A parked car laden with explosives was detonated by remote control as a minibus carrying the police officers turned a corner on a busy street, the sources said, adding that civilians were also among the wounded. President Tayyip Erdogan, who is on a visit to Washington for a nuclear security summit, denounced the attack, saying it showed the "ugly face" of militants "as they are cornered". "This shows terrorism's ugly face again. The determination of our security forces will, God willing, put an end" to it, Erdogan said in a speech to the Brookings Institute. He said 27 people had also been wounded in the attack. The southeast has been scorched by violence since a ceasefire between the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and the government collapsed last July. The government has said it has killed thousands of militants since then, while more than 350 members of the security forces have been killed in the fighting. Round-the-clock curfews have been instituted in parts of the southeast, where the economy also been devastated by the fighting. One of the hardest hit areas has been Diyarbakir's historic Sur district, which is encircled by UNESCO-listed, Roman-era walls. Development Minister Cevdet Yilmaz, in the area ahead of Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu's visit, said the government wanted to rebuild the region. "We are here to rebuild Diyarbakir and make it beautiful, and they want to destroy it," he said in comments broadcast live. "We will not retreat in fear." The government has announced an ambitious restoration plan for the southeast. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the bomb attack. A PKK offshoot has claimed two car bomb attacks this year in the capital Ankara. The first, on February 17, targeted a military bus and killed 29 people, mostly soldiers. The second, just under a month later, killed 37 in a crowded transport hub. NATO member Turkey faces multiple security threats. As part of a U.S.-led coalition, it is fighting Islamic State in neighboring Syria and Iraq. In Istanbul this month a suicide bomber, who the government said was a member of Islamic State, killed three Israeli tourists and an Iranian. (Additional reporting by Birsen Altayli, Behiye Selin Taner, Melih Aslan, Humeyra Pamuk and Ayla Jean Yackley in Instanbul and Idrees Ali in Washington; Writing by David Dolan; Editing by Nick Tattersall and John Stonestreet) Yahoo Finance is tracking the stocks youre following, based on your Yahoo Finance ticker searches. Tesla (TSLA) The electric carmaker will unveil its new Model 3. At an expected price tag of about $35,000, the new vehicle will be Teslas first mass-market car and its biggest test yet. Chipotle (CMG) Watch out McDonalds and Shake Shack! Chipotle is planning to open a burger chain. The Mexican fast-food chain has filed for a trademark for Better Burger as it looks to diversify its business. Fitbit (FIT) Demand for Fitbits two new devices is boosting the stock. The company announced it has shipped more than 1 million Fitbit Blaze smartwatch devices and more than 1 million Fitbit Alta wristbands in the first month. Target (TGT) Barclays downgraded Target to underweight and lowered its price target by $20 to $70 per share, implying a 16% downside from yesterdays close. AIG (AIG) United Guaranty, a spinoff of AIGs residential mortgage insurance business, filed for an IPO of up to $100 million. It plans to list on the NYSE. Movado (MOV) Movado reported fourth-quarter earnings per share of $0.40, topping analyst estimates by $0.01. But the companys FY 2017 guidance came in below estimates; Movado sees FY2017 EPS of $1.85 to $2.00, versus the consensus of $2.27. McDonald's (MCD) McDonald's is focusing on China. According to an interview by The Wall Street Journal with CEO Steve Easterbrook, the fast-food chain plans to add more than 1,000 restaurants in China. Photo of Caitie from the Courageous Caitie Facebook page A three-year-old Filipino girl who has been seeking treatment in Singapore since last month died on Thursday (31 March) from a rare form of leukemia. Caitlin Soleil Caitie Lucas was brought by her family to Singapore for treatment on February 21 after doctors in the Philippines who attended to her could not diagnose her disease. She was suffering from various ailments such as skin lesions, diarrhea and bleeding in her stools. Doctors at the National University Hospital, where Caitie was warded, later found out that she was suffering from juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML), a rare cancer of the blood. According to the Childrens Cancer Research Fund, JMML accounts for less than 1 per cent of all childhood leukemias. Photo of the Lucas family from the Courageous Caitie Facebook page The family has been giving updates about her condition through the Courageous Caitie Facebook page. In one post after she passed away, the family wrote, Rest now Caitie. No more wires, no more pokes, no more tears. According to the Facebook page, the family plans to return to the Philippines on Friday and cremate Caitie on Sunday. Oxygen A Tampa-area family's long wait for answers about the disappearance of their husband and father has come to an end. The Tallahassee Police Department announced this week that skeletal remains had been found in a wooded area off Apalachee Parkway, a commercial road dotted with strip malls and hotels on the east side of the city. Shortly thereafter, they announced that, with information received from the local medical examiner's office, they had identified the deceased as Jason Winoker, 52, of Lan Born in the cultural crossroads of Lisbon, Buraka Som Sistema shook up the global dance music scene and won a cult following by weaving infectious African rhythms into electronica. A decade after Buraka Som Sistema's first release, the DJ collective finds itself in a drastically changed musical landscape, with artists everywhere able to upload music instantly online, and the group has decided to call an at least temporary hiatus. Buraka Som Sistema plans to wrap up a global tour on April 9 at New York's Webster Hall and, after a farewell show back in Lisbon, to take time to reflect on the direction of world music. "We don't want to waste people's time. There is so much music online and on iTunes," said co-founder Joao Barbosa, who goes by the stage-name Branko. The proliferation of music "makes me not want to put something out unless I think it's essential to the world," he told AFP. While Buraka Som Sistema has developed fan bases in Europe and the Americas, the band is inextricably linked to Lisbon with its vast diaspora from former Portuguese colonies. "It is somewhere between a European city and an African city almost, but there wasn't any music being made based on that," Branko said. He recalled growing up in the midst of dance music with roots in Africa -- funana from Cape Verde, samba from Brazil and kuduro from Angola -- yet going out on weekends to see drum-and-bass DJs. The synthesis, he said, created the blueprint for Buraka, an "urban world music that people have sort of failed to categorize somehow." - 'From Buraka to the World' - The band's name means sound system of Buraca, a heavily immigrant area in the Lisbon region, although the group stylized the spelling to a "k" to give an edge. Starting off in Lisbon clubs, Buraka Som Sistema released an EP in 2006, "From Buraka to the World," whose first run quickly sold out. The group at first was most identified with kuduro, the festive Angolan music that cheered the country during its civil war and, much like hip-hop, is built on samples. One of Buraka Som Sistema's four core members, Andro "Conductor" Carvalho, was born in Angola and had been a prominent kuduro producer. Story continues But over three albums, the group experimented in more styles, notably zouk -- accordion-led party music from the French Caribbean territories of Guadeloupe and Martinique -- which Buraka Som Sistema infused with bass. Branko said Buraka Som Sistema had already achieved a primary goal of bringing kuduro and other genres to a wider audience. The rapper M.I.A. threw a new spotlight by teaming up with Buraka Som Sistema on the 2008 track "Sound of Kuduro," recorded in Angola. "The whole band shares a feeling that there is some sort of cycle closing," Branko said. "That is why we feel like it's a good time to breathe in some other influences and other ideas, so we can bring something fresh back to the table," he said. - Not the Indiana Jones of music - Yet Branko said he was searching for the universal in music, not necessarily hunting down obscure genres. "It's not like we're Indiana Jones. We're not sitting here and thinking of what city we're going to conquer next; we're here thinking about what music we like," he said. Global influences have increasingly been entering the mainstream. Diplo, who has worked with Buraka Som Sistema and emerged as a star producer, brought Indian and reggae hints to last year's "Lean On," which is the most streamed song ever on Spotify. More recently, Diplo created a new tropical house sound for pop celebrity Justin Bieber. Branko doubted that many listeners picked up on global elements behind the hits. And in an era of streaming and social media, artists have been forced to become "marketing businessmen" who produce and promote without stop, he said. "Sometimes posting a stupid video of your trip somewhere is going to have a bigger impact than an actual song release," he said. Branko, who released a solo debut last year, said Buraka Som Sistema could decide it serves a more useful purpose through another medium, such as a television or radio show. Yet Branko also saw greater democracy in music. Unlike a decade ago, young people anywhere in the world with a laptop can be DJs. "That's why I kind of feel like traditional 'world music' has become a thing of the past, even though there are a lot of festivals," he said. "People need to come up with a new term. I don't think it's been invented yet." Donald Trumps assertion that there has to be some form of punishment for women who have illegal abortions sparked a firestorm of criticism across the political spectrum, with Democrats and Republicans as well as abortion rights activists and antiabortion activists condemning the Republican frontrunner. Hillary Clinton was among the first to do so. Just when you thought it couldnt get worse. Horrific and telling. -H https://t.co/Qi8TutsOw9 Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) March 30, 2016 Just when you thought it couldnt get worse, the Democratic frontrunner tweeted. Horrific and telling. We cant let someone with this much contempt for womens rights anywhere near the White House.https://t.co/OjU9gRwsxo Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) March 30, 2016 We cant let someone with this much contempt for womens rights anywhere near the White House, Clinton wrote. Even by his impossibly low standards, @realDonaldTrumps suggestion that women be punished for seeking abortion is abhorrent. Even by his impossibly low standards, @realDonaldTrumps suggestion that women be punished for seeking abortion is abhorrent. Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) March 30, 2016 What he said today is among the most dangerous and outrageous statements that Ive heard anybody running for president say in a really long time, Clinton told MSNBCs Rachel Maddow. Bernie Sanders agreed. Your Republican frontrunner, ladies and gentlemen, the Vermont senator tweeted. Shameful. Story continues Your Republican frontrunner, ladies and gentlemen. Shameful. https://t.co/y49Z8YfRgV Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) March 30, 2016 Shameful is probably understating that position, Sanders told Maddow later. To punish a woman for having an abortion is beyond comprehension. Trump later walked back his comments, first saying that the abortion issue should be decided by the states, and then falling in line with antiabortion groups that say doctors who perform illegal abortions should be punished, not women. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz said Trump, who was once pro-abortion-rights, doesnt understand what it means to be antiabortion. Once again Donald Trump has demonstrated that he hasnt seriously thought through the issues, and hell say anything just to get attention, Cruz said in a statement. On the important issue of the sanctity of life, whats far too often neglected is that being pro-life is not simply about the unborn child; its also about the mother and creating a culture that respects her and embraces life. Cruz campaign staffer Brian Phillips put it a bit more bluntly. Dont overthink it: Trump doesnt understand the pro-life position because hes not pro-life. Brian Phillips (@RealBPhil) March 30, 2016 Another Trump rival, Ohio Gov. John Kasich, condemned the GOP frontrunner, too. Of course women shouldnt be punished, Kasich said. I dont think thats an appropriate response. Planned Parenthood, predictably, panned Trump. It doesnt matter who is criminalized @realDonaldTrump, women need access to safe and legal abortion. #NeverTrump pic.twitter.com/1RdwAyb8PO Planned Parenthood (@PPact) March 31, 2016 But even antiabortion groups like March for Life slammed the GOP frontrunner, calling him completely out of touch with the pro-life movement. Being pro-life means wanting what is best for the mother and the baby, March for Life President Jeanne Mancini said in a statement. No pro-lifer would ever want to punish a woman who has chosen abortion. This is against the very nature of what we are about. We invite a woman who has gone down this route to consider paths to healing, not punishment. Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the Susan B. Anthony List, another group that opposes abortion, joined the chorus of people condemning Trump. Let us be clear, Dannenfelser said in a statement. Punishment is solely for the abortionist who profits off of the destruction of one life and the grave wounding of another. Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee said Trump was blindsided by the abortion question. I dont think he was prepared. I dont think he saw that one coming. He handled it poorly, Huckabee said. It was a terrible answer. Nobody is going to defend what he said because the idea of, well, weve got to have some punishment, and even in his answer, it looked like he was fumbling around trying to figure out what to say. It was a mess-up, but to say that he hasnt thought through the abortion issue I think thats a stretch, Huckabee added. He surely had not thought through that specific question of whether or not you should enter some type of legal consequence against the woman, and he should have thought it through. Dr. Ben Carson, who endorsed Trump, said Trump is still learning how to be a politician. I dont believe that he was warned that that question was coming, and I dont he really had a chance to really think about it, Carson told CNNs Erin Burnett. That happens very frequently. And you know, what you develop with experience is how to answer that in a way that is not definitive. You know how politicians are. He hasnt really learned that, because hes not a politician, but he has now had time to come back and think about it and to talk with his people about it, and come up with a more rational and informed type of answer. Scottie Nell Hughes, a Trump supporter and tea party activist, called the abortion question was a trap set by Democrats and the liberal media. I think you have to look at the context and the situation he was in, Hughes said on CNNs New Day Thursday. This is a typical trap that a lot of Democrats, lot of liberal media do when they ask the question [of] a pro-lifer or [of] a conservative. There is no easy answer out of it, because it is a complicated situation and because its a complex issue. By Steve Holland WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump took a detour from the campaign trail on Thursday and held an unexpected meeting in Washington with Reince Priebus, the head of the Republican National Committee. It was not immediately clear what the two men discussed but the meeting came after months of tension between Trump and the party he seeks to represent in the Nov. 8 election. Trump this week abandoned a pledge to support the eventual Republican nominee if it is not him. He has also complained about the party's delegate allocation process as he seeks to win the 1,237 delegates necessary for the nomination. "Just had a very nice meeting with @Reince Priebus and the @GOP. Looking forward to bringing the Party together --- and it will happen!" Trump wrote on Twitter. Barry Bennett, an adviser to the Trump campaign, said on MSNBC that the meeting was about Trump helping the RNC raise money. "The meeting is to help the RNC," he said. Trump also met with his foreign policy team in the capital on Thursday after a series of statements by the billionaire businessman on national security issues that have drawn criticism. In recent interviews, Trump has declared the NATO alliance obsolete, described Saudi Arabia as too dependent on the United States and said Japan and South Korea may need to develop their own nuclear programs because the U.S. security umbrella is too costly to maintain. In an MSNBC town hall on Wednesday night, Trump did not rule out the potential use of nuclear weapons in Europe or the Middle East to combat Islamic State militants. "I would never take any of my cards off the table," he said. Max Boot, a conservative national security expert and member of the Council on Foreign Relations, wrote in Commentary Magazine this week that Trump is "singularly unqualified to be commander-in-chief." "With Trump in command, our enemies would have a field day Moscow and Beijing must be licking their chops at his desire to abandon U.S. allies in Europe and Asia and our friends would face mortal threats. If that isnt the single biggest threat to U.S. security, I dont know what is," Boot wrote. (Additional reporting by Doina Chiacu and Mohammed Zargham; Editing by Jonathan Oatis and Alistair Bell) By Doina Chiacu and Emily Stephenson WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump said on Wednesday that women who end pregnancies should face punishment if the United States bans abortion, triggering a torrent of criticism from both sides of the abortion debate, including from his White House rivals. After MSNBC broadcast a clip of an interview with Trump, the billionaire businessman rowed back his remarks, first saying that the abortion issue should be handled by states and later that doctors who performed abortions should be the ones held responsible. "The doctor or any other person performing this illegal act upon a woman would be held legally responsible, not the woman," Trump said in his last statement. "The woman is a victim in this case as is the life in her womb." Trump's earlier statements drew heavy fire from abortion rights supporters and opponents alike. Abortion has long been a divisive issue in American politics, even though the procedure was legalized in a Supreme Court ruling more than 40 years ago. Opposition to abortion has become a central plank in the platform of most conservative politicians. Trump has won support from Republican voters for selling himself as a Washington outsider. But the New York real estate tycoon, who once supported abortion access, has come under pressure from conservatives to prove he is truly one of them. At the same time, he has drawn criticism for comments that offended women and minority groups. "Of course, women shouldn't be punished," rival Republican candidate John Kasich said on Wednesday, saying he opposed abortion except in specific cases such as rape. U.S. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, the third candidate for the Republican nomination for the Nov. 8 election, said Trump had not thought through the issue. "What's far too often neglected is that being pro-life is not simply about the unborn child, it's also about the mother," he said in a statement. Story continues DISCORD AMONG THE REPUBLICANS Abortion rights supporters were equally incensed. "What Donald Trump said was outrageous and dangerous. I'm constantly taken aback at the kinds of things that he advocates for," Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton told MSNBC. "Once again, he has showed us who he is." Dawn Laguens of the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, the political arm of the women's health group, called Trump "flat-out dangerous" in a statement. Abortion was legalized in the United States in 1973, when the Supreme Court declared that a woman's constitutional right to privacy protected her decision to end a pregnancy. In the decades since, there have not been enough votes on the Supreme Court to reverse the ruling, but numerous states have passed laws aimed at restricting abortion. In the MSNBC interview, which is to air in full later on Wednesday, Trump said if the United States banned abortion, some women would seek to end pregnancies illegally. "There has to be some form of punishment," he said. Asked what form he would advocate, Trump said: "That I don't know." Anti-abortion groups said Trump's comments were at odds with their own stance. "In all the positions the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has taken around the issue of abortion, they have not called for punishment of women who've had abortions," said Don Clemmer, a spokesman for the group. After the backlash started, Trump's campaign sought to moderate his view. "This issue is unclear and should be put back into the states for determination," Trump said in a statement provided to Reuters by email. Later, Trump walked back his comments further to say doctors, not women, should be responsible. The dust-up was evidence of further discord among Republicans over Trump's candidacy. On Tuesday, both Trump and Kasich, the Ohio governor, abandoned pledges to support the party's eventual nominee. Cruz did not explicitly abandon the pledge but said Trump would not be the nominee. Trump had already outraged many women after he said Fox News' Megyn Kelly had "blood coming out of her eyes, blood coming out of her wherever" when she asked tough questions in a televised debate, which many saw as a reference to menstruation. According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll in March, 66 percent of all likely women voters said they had an "unfavorable" view of Trump. But among the 460 Republican women who responded to the poll, 62 percent had a "favorable" view of him, while 38 percent did not. In other remarks that have set off furious reactions, Trump has called illegal immigrants from Mexico criminals and rapists and has pushed for a temporary ban on Muslims entering the United States. In Wednesday's MSNBC interview, Trump said he would not rule out the possibility of using nuclear weapons to combat Islamic State militants. "I would never take any of my cards off the table," he said. (Writing by Emily Stephenson; Additional reporting by Megan Cassella in Washington, Letitia Stein in Tampa, Fla.; Luciana Lopez and Emily Flitter in New York and Sharon Bernstein in Sacramento, Calif.; Editing by Leslie Adler and Peter Cooney) APPLETON, Wis. Donald Trump sparked a firestorm Wednesday when he said there should be some form of punishment for women who have abortions if the procedure is outlawed in the United States a position he walked back just hours later after he came under widespread criticism, including from the antiabortion movement. In an interview with MSNBCs Chris Matthews set to air Wednesday night, the Republican presidential frontrunner repeatedly asserted he is pro-life and that abortion should be outlawed. But he was less clear when Matthews pressed him on exactly what the legal ramifications should be if a woman were to undergo the procedure if it were again made illegal. Should abortion be punished? Matthews asked. Look, in certain parts of the Republican Party, conservative Republicans would say, Yes, they should, Trump replied. But when Matthews pushed him for his personal views, Trump struggled to answer. I would say its a very serious problem, and its a problem we have to decide on. Are you going to send them to jail? Trump said. Matthews then pressed Trump on how an abortion ban would work. Well, you go back to a position like they had where they would perhaps go to illegal places, but we have to ban it, the GOP frontrunner replied. As to what the impact of such a ban would be, Trump responded, There has to be some form of punishment. Donald Trump at a MSNBC town hall Wednesday in Green Bay, Wis. (Photo: Tom Lynn/Getty Images) He indicated the punishment would be for the woman, but repeatedly said he didnt know what the penalty should be. I dont know. That I dont know, Trump said, adding it would have to be determined. When Matthews pointed out that hed taken clearer positions on other issues, Trump conceded he had. I do take positions on everything else, but its a very complicated position, he admitted. But Trump walked back his comments in a statement issued a few hours later. If Congress were to pass legislation making abortion illegal and the federal courts upheld this legislation, or any state were permitted to ban abortion under state and federal law, the doctor or any other person performing this illegal act upon a woman would be held legally responsible, not the woman, Trump said in a statement issued by his campaign. The woman is a victim in this case, as is the life in her womb. Story continues Trump, who was in the odd position of issuing a correction for a television taping that had not yet aired, also added: My position has not changed like Ronald Reagan, I am pro-life with exceptions. Trumps initial comments immediately attracted criticism from across the political spectrum, including from GOP rivals Ted Cruz and John Kasich, and from Democrat Hillary Clinton, who retweeted Trumps comments with the comment, Just when you thought it couldnt get worse. Even a top official with the March for Life condemned the GOP frontrunner, calling him completely out of touch with the pro-life movement. Being pro-life means wanting what is best for the mother and the baby, Jeanne Mancini, president of the March for Life Education and Defense Fund, said in a statement. No pro-lifer would ever want to punish a woman who has chosen abortion. This is against the very nature of what we are about. Trumps flip-flop came as his campaign is struggling to defend himself on womens issues ahead of next weeks Wisconsin primary. That includes his defense of his campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski, who has been charged with simple battery for grabbing Michelle Fields, a former Breitbart News reporter, during a campaign event earlier this month in Florida. Asked about the charge by Matthews, Trump repeatedly mocked Fields, suggesting she had exaggerated the incident. I dont have great respect for her, Trump said. I think for her to do what she did to this man over what he did is outrageous, is outrageous. But he also admitted the scandal had been a distraction for the campaign and was hurting him with women. The real estate moguls approval ratings have been low with women generally, but polls in recent days have found his numbers falling even further. A recent CNN poll released March 24 found 73 percent of women have an unfavorable view of Trump, while a March 17 Reuters poll found 50 percent of women have a very unfavorable view. In Wisconsin, Ted Cruz, who has faced his own struggles with female voters, is now surging in the polls ahead of next weeks primary in part because of support from women. A Marquette Law School poll found Cruz leading Trump among likely women voters 39 percent to 24 percent. The numbers arent good, Trump acknowledged in the MSNBC interview. The numbers arent as good with women as they were. But nobody respects women more than I do. Ankara (AFP) - Turkey's military on Thursday angrily denied suggestions it could be planning a coup against the increasingly controversial President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Certain media outlets have carried reports speculating over the possibility of a military coup in Turkey, with Erdogan out of the country for almost a week on a visit to the United States. The Turkish military has stepped in on three occasions to oust elected governments -- in 1960, 1971 and 1980 -- and in 1997 also forced out Erdogan's late mentor Necmettin Erbakan from the premiership. "Discipline, unconditional obedience and a unified chain of command are the basis of the Turkish armed forces," the military said in a rare political statement on its website. "There can be no talk about any illegal action that is outside the command structure or which compromises it," the statement added. The military said it would take legal action over the reports, without specifying which ones, and complained that "such baseless news" was undermining morale in the armed forces. However an opinion piece written by the scholar Michael Rubin published in Newsweek entitled "Will there be a coup against Erdogan in Turkey?" had gathered major attention in and outside the country. The army was historically considered a major force in Turkish politics, able to oust governments who it believed were eroding the secular principles of the modern republic set up by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Erdogan, in power as premier and then president since 2003, clipped the wings of the military through a succession of legal cases to ensure its loyalty. Most analysts have believed the military poses no threat to the rule of the Islamic-rooted Justice and Development Party (AKP). The president on Tuesday left for a trip to the United States amid growing signs of a major rupture in relations between Washington and Ankara as well as controversy over press freedom in Turkey. Ankara (AFP) - Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu Thursday said a key migrant deal concluded with the European Union to curb the flow of illegal migration would begin to be implemented on April 4 with the return of some migrants from Greece to Turkish territory. In one of his regular televised addresses to Turks, Davutoglu confirmed that, under the scheme agreed with the EU, one Syrian refugee would be settled in Europe legally in return for every migrant who arrived on Greek islands and Turkey received back. "That's to say, with the one-for-one method, the number of refugees in Turkey will not increase and also nobody will sustain any human loss with the ambition of travelling to Europe via the Aegean Sea," he said. "This practice will begin as of April 4." Davutoglu was referring to the deaths of hundreds of migrants who drowned crossing the Aegean from Turkey to the islands of EU member Greece. Turkish and EU leaders agreed this month a deal for curbing the influx of migrants that has plunged Europe into its biggest refugee crisis since the end of World War II. An EU source told AFP in Athens earlier that 500 people were set to be sent back to Turkey on Monday "barring a last-minute problem". It remains unclear how the migrants will be transported from Greece and where in Turkey they will be taken to. ISTANBUL (Reuters) - The Turkish military said on Thursday it had launched legal action against unspecified media outlets over reports it said were damaging morale, as Turkey faces an almost unprecedented combination of national security threats. The military also reaffirmed its commitment to democracy. Turkey's military has a long history of intervening in politics, pressuring an Islamist-led government out of power as recently as 1997. Turkey faces huge security challenges, including a campaign of suicide bombings by Islamist militants in its major cities, a conflict with Kurdish militants in its southeast and war in neighboring Syria. "News and commentaries in some media organs without any foundation naturally influence the morale and motivation of our heroic comrades-in-arms negatively and make all our members uncomfortable," the military said, without giving further specifics. "The administrative and legal mechanisms of the Turkish Armed Forces, which take their strength from the deep love and trust of the people and express their adherence to democracy at every opportunity, are employed constantly and effectively." It said legal action had been initiated against those writing news "with other motives" who "had gone too far". It did not name any media outlets. The leading Hurriyet newspaper said the military's statement was referring to allegations of coup preparations by military personnel loyal to President Tayyip Erdogan's ally-turned-foe, U.S.-based preacher Fethullah Gulen. Gulen is wanted by the state for allegedly running a "parallel" structure within state institutions, including the security forces and judiciary, that sought to topple Erdogan who has led Turkey, first as prime minister, since 2003. The cleric denies the charges. For decades the military was the most powerful force in Turkey. It staged a coup in 1960 and there were two more army takeovers in 1971 and 1980. The army also pressured the country's first Islamist-led government out of power in 1997. However, its power has been eroded since the Erdogan's AK first came to power in 2002 and any military intervention is considered unlikely. (Writing by Daren Butler; Editing by David Dolan and Raissa Kasolowsky) Washington (AFP) - Turkish security and pro-Kurdish protesters clashed outside of a US think tank Thursday ahead of a speech there by Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Erdogan was in Washington to attend a major nuclear security summit hosted by President Barack Obama, and was giving a speech at the Brookings Institution. Scuffles erupted as Turkish security moved to clear out about 40 protesters who had gathered outside the building carrying banners of Syria's Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD) and chanting "Erdogan baby killer." A small pro-Turkish counter-demonstration also turned up at the scene, with one banner reading, "No difference between PKK and ISIS," referring to the Kurdistan Workers' Party and the Islamic State group. A reporter with US media outlet National Public Radio was kicked by Turkish security during the scuffle, while other agents grabbed one of the effigies and ripped it up. About 20 Washington police officers tried to separate the two sides. Inside the event, Erdogan's security agents tried to remove at least one US-based Turkish journalist from the room, but Brookings staff intervened and he was allowed to stay. Turkey categorizes the PYD as the Syrian branch of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which has fought a decades-long insurrection against the Turkish state. By Lisa Lambert WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Insurer MetLife Inc won a major regulatory and legal battle on Wednesday when a federal judge struck down the U.S. government's determination that it is "too big to fail." MetLife had argued in court that the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC), made up of the heads of the country's financial regulatory agencies, used a secretive and flawed process when in 2014 it designated the company as a systemically important financial institution. The designation meant regulators believed a collapse of the insurer could devastate the U.S. financial system just as much as failure of a major bank, and triggered possible requirements for it to hold more capital and for stricter oversight. "From the beginning, MetLife has said that its business model does not pose a threat to the financial stability of the United States," the company's chief executive, Steven Kandarian, said in a statement. A representative for the U.S. Treasury said the agency disagreed with the decision and would vigorously defend the councils designations process. "FSOC conducted a rigorous analysis of MetLife, including extensive engagement with the company, and determined that material financial distress at MetLife could pose ... a threat to the financial system," said spokesman Adam Hodge. The ruling by the judge, U.S. District Judge Rosemary Collyer, is currently sealed, but parts may be made public next month, according to Wednesday's order, which also said the federal government may appeal. During a hearing last month, Collyer expressed concerns about the process and the analyses that the council, which includes the Treasury secretary and Federal Reserve chair, uses to make designations. [nL2N15P0TZ] In the order, Collyer granted three of the reasons, or counts, that MetLife gave when it argued against the designation. The company had said there were flaws in how the FSOC assessed its vulnerabilities, that some of the FSOC's assumptions and speculations were arbitrary and capricious, and that the FSOC had not given enough consideration of the designation's economic effects on MetLife. Story continues WELCOMED BY WALL STREET MetLife, the largest U.S. life insurer, said earlier this year it was considering breaking up its business to shed the designation. Its shares ended up more than 5 percent on the news, at $44.73. Those of other insurers designated systemically important, Prudential Financial Inc and American International Group Inc , also rose. "It's a major win for companies placed under this designation. It's a very large blow for the FSOC. But FSOC can appeal," said Raymond James analyst Steven Schwartz. "It's not over until it's over." Deutsche Bank Markets Research analyst Yaron Kinar wrote in a note that because of potential appeals the company's status may not "be finalized for some time" and "we'd expect the company to continue down the path of separating its U.S. retail business despite the ruling." Asset managers greeted the decision as good news with the potential to soften future regulation that their industry has been expecting. Earlier this month, the FSOC said it was discussing how to address the risks that their products could pose to financial stability. [nL2N16T22N] The nonprofit, nonpartisan group Better Markets said, however, Collyer's decision threatens "the entire structure that protects the country and its taxpayers from future financial crashes caused by nonbanks." The 2010 Dodd-Frank Wall Street reform law authorized regulators to designate nonbank companies as "systemically important," largely in response to the $182 billion government bailout AIG received during the 2008 financial crisis. White House spokesman Josh Earnest declined to comment on the decision, but said crisis-era bailouts showed "it's not just banks on Wall Street that could potentially shake the foundation of our financial system." "And if we're serious - and the president certainly is -about following through on a commitment to make sure that taxpayers are never in that position again, we need to make sure that our regulators ... can exercise, at least, some authority over nonbank institutions," he said at a White House briefing. MetLife sued last year, saying the FSOC had not followed its own guidance and essentially changed the rules to ensure the designation was made. The government argued its process was fair and a collapse by the insurer, with its many financial ties, products and contracts, would indeed hurt the financial system. It said it was open with the company during a 17-month process that included a meeting with the full council. [nL2N15P0TZ] At the same time, criticism of the council has mounted in the financial sector and on Capitol Hill, where Republicans say regulators should operate more openly. Securities and Exchange Commissioner Michael Piwowar, also a Republican, has blasted the council, saying it should be renamed the "Firing Squad On Capitalism." [nL1N13X257] (Additional reporting by Sweta Singh in New York and Sarah N. Lynch and Roberta Rampton in Washington) By Jon Herskovitz (Reuters) - Large parts of the U.S. South are expected to be pelted with hail and storms that could produce tornadoes on Thursday, the day after several twisters damaged buildings and injured at least seven people in Oklahoma. The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch stretching from Arkansas to Georgia, and put parts of southern Alabama and western Florida under a tornado watch. The severe weather is being caused by a moist and unstable air mass ahead of a cold front that has been moving through Arkansas and Louisiana, said Greg Garrett, a forecaster with the NWS in Jackson, Mississippi. He said sunny skies in parts of the region in the morning could cause the air mass to destabilize even more in the afternoon. "When we start to have thunderstorms developing this afternoon, there is a good chance they could be widespread and severe again, similar to last night," he said. On Wednesday night, emergency crews near Little Rock, Arkansas, performed a high-water rescue for a woman whose car was caught in floods. At least four tornadoes were reported in Tulsa and Rogers counties in Oklahoma, according to the Storm Prediction Center. Another was reported in southern Kansas. On Thursday, four schools were closed in Tulsa because of storm damage and a loss of power, local officials said. In southern Mississippi, Alabama and western Florida, the NWS said there was a significant threat of tornadoes, damaging wind gusts and large hail on Thursday from the storm system. The weather service said large parts of region could get about 3 inches of rain on Thursday, bringing significant risks of flooding in low-lying areas. (Reporting by Jon Herskovitz in Austin, Texas; Addiitonal reporting by Lenzy Krehbiel-Burton in Tulsa, Okla. and Steve Barnes in Little Rock, Ark; Editing by Peter Cooney) By Jonathan Stempel NEW YORK (Reuters) - Travis Kalanick, chief executive officer of Uber Technologies Inc, failed on Thursday to win the dismissal of an antitrust lawsuit accusing him of scheming to drive up prices for passengers who use the popular ride-sharing service. U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff in Manhattan said Kalanick must face claims he conspired with drivers to ensure they charge prices set by an algorithm in the Uber smartphone app to hail rides, including "surge pricing" during periods of peak demand. Passengers led by Spencer Meyer of Connecticut claimed that drivers conspired with Kalanick to charge fares set by the algorithm, with an understanding that other Uber drivers would do the same, even if they might fare better acting on their own. Rakoff said the plaintiffs "plausibly alleged a conspiracy" to fix prices in this manner, and could also pursue claims that Kalanick's actions drove out rivals such as Sidecar, enabling Uber to command 80 percent of mobile-app generated ride shares. "The advancement of technological means for the orchestration of large-scale price-fixing conspiracies need not leave antitrust law behind," the judge wrote. Meyer's lawsuit seeks class-action status on behalf of Uber passengers nationwide who have used the app and a subclass of passengers subjected to surge pricing. Uber takes a share of the revenue that drivers generate. "We disagree with this ruling," Uber said in response to a request for comment on behalf of Kalanick and the San Francisco-based company. "These claims are unwarranted and have no basis in fact." Andrew Schmidt, a lawyer for Meyer, welcomed the decision. "In creating Uber, Kalanick organized price-fixing among independent drivers who should be competing with one another on price," he said. "Today's decision confirms that apps are not exempt from the antitrust laws." Uber was not named as a defendant, despite being valued at well over $50 billion in recent funding rounds. Rakoff said in a footnote that Uber passengers are subject to "user agreements" requiring them to resolve various disputes through arbitration. He said that while claims in the lawsuit against Kalanick were "intimately founded in and intertwined with" the user agreements, Kalanick had not sought to compel arbitration, and passengers were not barred from suing him in federal court. The case is Meyer v Kalanick, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 15-09796. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Cynthia Osterman and David Gregorio) LONDON (Reuters) - Scrapping a central register of a broad range of people working in Britain's financial sector puts consumer protection at risk, a UK finance accreditation body said on Thursday. On March 7, a new system for authorising staff at banks was introduced, known as the senior managers regime or SMR. Under this system, the Financial Conduct Authority and Bank of England vet only senior officials at banks, such as chief executives, non-executive directors who chair key committees, and heads of business units. It replaces a system where regulators authorised a far wider range of employees, such as analysts and financial advisors, all of whom appeared on the FCA's public register. In future, financial firms are responsible for "certifying" less senior staff and their names will not be on a public register. Simon Culhane, chief executive of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI), which accredits finance professionals like advisers, said the lack of a central register for less senior employees is causing concern for consumers. He said investors were calling up CISI to say that when checking on the FCA register if a financial adviser was bona fide, they now read the person is "inactive", with their approval having ended on March 6. "This, naturally, alarms the customer who thinks the adviser is not able to give advice," Culhane said in a statement. "At the very least, the wording should be changed to something less dramatic, such as no longer applicable or approval regime terminated'," he added. "The position is worse for new advisers who have never appeared on the register and never will, so when a search is done on their name, they wont even show up." The aim of SMR is to make senior individuals directly accountable for decisions in their part of the business and easier for regulators to bring them to book when something goes wrong. The FCA said it had no comment. Consumers could still call the financial firm to check on a staff member's qualifications. (Reporting by Huw Jones; Editing by Tom Heneghan) London (AFP) - Britain will team up with the United States and European partners to exchange its nuclear waste for material to be used in the fight against cancer, Prime Minister David Cameron will announce Thursday. The British leader is expected to unveil the plan at a two-day international summit in Washington, beginning Thursday, aimed at ensuring that nuclear material in the world's roughly 1,000 atomic facilities is secured. The deal will see Britain send waste from nuclear facilities in Scotland for processing in US reactors in the "largest-ever movement of highly-enriched uranium out of the UK," according to a British government source. In exchange, the US will send uranium for use in reactors in the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom). "The United States is going to provide highly-enriched uranium in a different form to Euratom for use in European reactors," said the source. "They can produce medical isotopes that are used in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions including thyroid cancer." The finished product will be distributed for use around Europe. "It is an opportunity for the UK, the US and Europe to show how countries can work together on dealing with nuclear waste. It's an opportunity to show some leadership to the rest of the world," said the source. Cameron will also reveal plans to tackle cybersecurity and to test the ability of nuclear sites and power plants to withstand cyberattacks, according to Downing Street. He was expected to announce a joint exercise with the US to assess how their civil nuclear sectors would deal with a cyberattack, and a 10 million ($14 million, 12.7 million euros) investment to improve protection standards worldwide. US President Barack Obama will host the summit, following similar gatherings in 2010, 2012 and 2014. The meetings focus on preventing criminals from accessing stockpiles of radioactive materials, reducing highly enriched uranium and separated plutonium, enhancing the detection of smuggling and cybersecurity. Moscow (AFP) - An AFP photographer based in Ukraine on Thursday was stopped from travelling to Russia as he was set to board a Moscow flight from the airport of Minsk, Belarus. Sergei Supinsky, 60, a veteran, award-winning photographer who has been based in the Kiev bureau for AFP for 13 years, was approached by a man in civilian dress in the boarding area, who verified his identity and told him he was banned from entering Russia. The man did not identify himself and gave no reason for this ban. Contacted by AFP, Russian authorities could not immediately clarify the situation. AFP headquarters in Paris has sent a letter to the Russian foreign ministry asking for an explanation. Direct air travel has been suspended between Ukraine and Russia since October 2015, after Kiev banned Russian airlines from flying into the country -- part of its sanctions against its neighbour over Moscow's support for pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine. The Hague (AFP) - UN war crimes judges Thursday acquitted radical Serb leader Vojislav Seselj on all nine charges of committing atrocities in the 1990s Balkans wars in a surprise verdict swiftly denounced as "shameful" by Croatia The three-judge panel found by a majority that the prosecution "had failed to prove beyond all reasonable doubt" or provide sufficient evidence that Seselj was responsible for the crimes with which he was charged. "Vojislav Seselj is now a free man," declared French judge Jean-Claude Antonetti at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). Some experts appeared surprised at the ruling. "This looks to me like a collateral error on the part of the majority of the trial chamber," Goran Sluiter, professor of international law at the University of Amsterdam, told AFP. The acquittal clears the way for the firebrand leader of the Serbian Radical Party to stand unencumbered in next month's general election in Serbia, and he welcomed the verdict as "honourable and fair." Seselj, 61, had faced nine charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity over his unrelenting quest to unite "all Serbian lands" in a "Greater Serbia". Prosecutors had alleged he was behind the murders of many Croat, Muslim and other non-Serb civilians, as well as the forced deportation of "tens of thousands" from large areas of Bosnia-Hercegovina, Croatia and Serbia. - 'Confusion and ambiguities' - But the judges by a majority said the prosecution had failed to prove "that there was a widespread and systematic attack against the non-Serb civilian population in large areas of Croatia and Bosnia Hercegovina". And although crimes were committed, Seselj was not the "hierarchial superior" of his paramilitary forces after they came under the control of the Serbian army and therefore not responsible for what they did. Story continues "The totality of the evidence substantiates the fact that the purpose of sending volunteers was not to commit crimes, but to support the war effort," Antonetti said. He slammed the prosecution case as full of "confusion" and "ambiguities," saying it failed to put events in their broader context. The prosecution had given "at best an interpretation that hides the way the events unfolded and at worst distorts them in relation to the evidence presented to the chamber," Antonetti said. Chief prosecutor Serge Brammertz said he was surprised by the verdict, and was considering an appeal saying many of the judges arguments were "not in line with the factual reality". "We understand that many victims will be disappointed. We in a large part share their frustrations," he told reporters. Seselj, who was excused from attending the judgement on medical grounds after returning to Belgrade in 2014 for treatment for colon cancer, hailed his acquittal. "This time, after all the trials that accused innocent Serbs who received draconian sentences, two judges appeared who are honourable and fair people," he told reporters. - 'Shameful verdict' - Croatia's Prime Minister Tihomir Oreskovic however was dismayed. "The verdict is shameful. It is the defeat of The Hague court and the prosecution," he said. "He is a man... who committed evil and did not show any remorse, neither then nor today." Croatia's interior ministry told border police "to deny Seselj entry into Croatia if he appears at a border crossing," police spokeswoman Helena Biocic told AFP in Zagreb, saying he could represent a threat to public order. In an unusually strong dissenting opinion on the war crimes chamber, judge Flavia Lattanzi said she "felt I was thrown back in time to a period in human history, centuries ago" when there was no law in times of war. "The majority sets aside all the rules of international humanitarian law that existed before the creation of the tribunal and all the applicable law established since the inception of the tribunal." The judgement comes exactly a week after former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic was sentenced to 40 years in jail for genocide and nine other charges by the same court. While the judges agreed that "Seselj was driven by an ardent political ambition to create a Greater Serbia" during the Balkans wars, they ruled this was in "principle a political plan, not a criminal plan". And they argued that "a lot of the evidence shows that the collaboration (by Seselj) was aimed at defending the Serbs and the traditional Serb territories, or at preserving Yugoslavia, not at committing the alleged crimes". Some of Seselj's inflammatory speeches such one made in 1991 outside Vukovar, a Croatian town razed by Serb forces, "were made in a context of conflict and were meant to boost the morale of the troops... rather than calling upon them to spare no one". Seselj gave himself up in 2003 and his trial started in 2006, but was halted only weeks later after he went on hunger strike. It was then nullified. A new trial started in late 2007 and proceeded with multiple delays until the closing arguments in March 2012. By Valerie Volcovici WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States and China confirmed Thursday that they will sign the Paris climate change agreement in New York on April 22, a move that officials hope will help the accord enter into force this year. The world's two biggest greenhouse gas emitters issued a joint presidential statement in which they called on other countries to sign the accord next month "with a view to bringing the Paris Agreement into force as early as possible." Leaders from nearly 200 countries forged the landmark agreement to transform the world's fossil fuel-driven economy on Dec. 12 after four years of fraught negotiations. But the Paris climate agreement needs at least 55 countries representing at least 55 percent of global emissions to formally accede to it before it can enter into force. Todd Stern, the U.S. climate envoy who helped broker the deal in Paris, said hitting that threshold as soon as possible will benefit countries that are vulnerable to climate change. "The best thing that can happen for them is to get this agreement going and get it into force," he said. Stern has stepped down from his role as the chief U.S. climate negotiator. He will be replaced by his former deputy, Jonathan Pershing, on April 1. United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said earlier this month that he expects 120 or more countries will sign the accord at the April 22 ceremony at its New York headquarters. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is expected to sign on behalf of the United States. India's Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar will also attend the signing of the agreement at the United Nations headquarters, the Times of India reported last week. The U.S.-China statement also confirms that the countries will continue to cooperate on efforts to combat climate change. Both countries said they would work jointly to ensure that a global agreement to curb greenhouse gas emissions in aviation at the International Civil Aviation Organization and a pact to curb HFCs, a potent greenhouse gas, are reached this year. (Reporting By Valerie Volcovici; Editing by Jonathan Oatis) Washington (AFP) - The United States and China will be among the nations signing the Paris climate agreement in New York next month, the White House announced Wednesday, ahead of a meeting between President Barack Obama and Xi Jinping. Seeking to highlight areas of cooperation amid disputes over the South China Sea and how hard to push back on North Korea's nuclear program, the White House said both countries would take part in a signing ceremony on April 22. The two nations will also "take their respective domestic steps in order to join the Agreement as early as possible this year," according to a US statement. An agreement between Obama and Xi to tackle domestic carbon emissions was seen as a key ingredient of the global accord achieved at a summit last year. The global accord sets a target of limiting global warming to "well below" 2.0 degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit) compared to pre-industrial levels. But in the United States, Obama still faces a political and legal battle to meet the commitments. The US Supreme Court has put on hold a sweeping plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from coal-fueled power plants, which was the capstone of Obama's climate reduction initiative. De Panne (Belgium) (AFP) - Dutchman Lieuwe Westra won the Three Days of De Panne on Thursday, beating defending champion Alexander Kristoff by 13 seconds overall. Westra finished fourth in the concluding time trial, after Marcel Kittel had taken the victory in the 111km first part of stage three earlier in the day by beating Kristoff and Phil Bauhaus in a sprint. In the second part of the final day, Pole Maciej Bodnar edged out Tony Martin to win the 14.2km time-trial in De Panne. Katusha man Kristoff went into the final stage seven seconds clear of Alexey Lutsenko and 12 ahead of Westra, but Astana's Westra did enough to overhaul the Norwegian, who finished down in eighth. Kazakh Lutsenko had to settle for seventh in the time-trial and third overall, 16 seconds adrift of champion Westra. "It was stressful until the end, I did not want to finish second again," said 33-year-old Westra, who finished as runner-up in 2011 and 2012. "My legs felt good and I set a good time. Not good enough for a double win, but I am already very happy with the final victory. "Some people are a bit choosy about this time-trial, but not me. I'm just pleased to have written my name into the history of the race." Washington (AFP) - The White House on Thursday lambasted Donald Trump's suggestion that Asian allies should develop nuclear weapons, saying it would shatter doctrine held for decades, with "catastrophic" consequences. Following the Republican frontrunner's declaration that, as president, he would withdraw troops from South Korea and Japan and allow those two countries to develop nukes, Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes offered a scathing rebuke. "The entire premise of American foreign policy as it relates to nuclear weapons for the last 70 years has been focused on preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons," said Rhodes, one of President Barack Obama's closest aides. "That has been the position of bipartisan administrations, of everybody who has occupied the Oval Office." "It would be catastrophic for the United States to shift its position and indicate that we somehow support the proliferation of nuclear weapons." The remarks -- coming during a top-level nuclear security summit in Washington -- is yet another sign of how much Trump's rhetoric on the campaign trail is bleeding into America's relations with the rest of the world. Once dismissed out of hand, Trump's strong showing in the polls has forced diplomats to take his positions increasingly seriously as he gets within striking distance of the Republican presidential nomination. President Barack Obama has admitted that foreign leaders often ask about the shrill tone of the 2016 campaign to replace him. Rhodes insisted that the US treaty obligations to defend Japan and South Korea was "rock solid." The agreements, forged from the embers of the Korean War, have defined East Asian geopolitics for generations, projecting US power across the Pacific. There are nearly 30,000 US troops permanently stationed in South Korea and 47,000 in Japan, with little appetite for nuclear weapons in either nation. Japan is widely seen as having the know-how to produce nuclear arms but, as the only country to have suffered an atomic attack, public opinion is strongly opposed to such a move. Ari Emanuel was uncharacteristically terse when it came to talking about Donald Trump. In this week's Hollywood Reporter cover story, Emanuel and his WME|IMG co-CEO Patrick Whitesell were asked about the possibility of re-signing Donald Trump, a former client of the agency. "I'm not contemplating any of that," Emanuel responded. "I'm not delving into that conversation with you." The former Apprentice host remains the frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination, while Emanuel and Whitesell are Democrats who have donated to Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign. In September, Trump sold the Miss Universe Organization to WME|IMG, whose portfolio includes IMG Models as well as 32 Fashion Weeks around the world, days after purchasing NBC's half of the company. Of the deal, Emanuel simply said: "He wanted to sell it. 'Great, we want to buy it.'" Elsewhere in politics, Emanuel said that he would be happy to be "the first one in line" to help arrange a post-presidency book or speaking tour for Barack Obama, but noted that the commander-in-chief is likely to take a break after stepping down, "having heard from my brother [Rahm Emanuel, mayor of Chicago and Obama's former chief of staff] what happens with other presidents." As for Clinton's perceived troubles generating enthusiasm among Hollywood's power players, Emanuel noted that the former secretary of state's close friend, producer Haim Saban, is "probably working through that," along with other supporters. "I think it's contingent on whom she faces," he added, although when asked about a Trump-Clinton scenario, he cut the line of questioning short: "I can give you my brother's number, he'll be happy to [talk]. I don't want him to talk about Hollywood, and I don't want to talk about political issues." Read More: Ari Emanuel and Patrick Whitesell Unleashed: WME-IMG's Strategy, IPO Plans, China and the Doubters Oil worker, wife held with gun The two were arrested at their Guapo, Point Fortin home in the early hours of yesterday morning when members of the South Western Division Task Force went to execute a warrant at their home. The 40-year-old rigger ,who is employed with an oil company in Point Fortin, and his 29 year old common law wife, an employee of the Airports Authority were taken into custody yesterday. The exercise was led by head of the South Western Division, Snr Supt Nazrool Mohammed and conducted by Sgts Victor, and Ali along with Cpls George and Seecharan and PC Ramdath and other members of the South Western Division Task Force. Trini-Canadian, 69, dies in robbery What is known is that Hinkson, 69, was liming at his home with a friend when at about 8 pm, three man ran into the yard and confronted them. The three men, one of whom had a gun, tied up Hinkson and his friend and began robbing the place. Eventually, Hinksons 63-yearold friend managed to escape his ties, and ran home, too afraid to tell anyone. It was only yesterday morning that the friend related his story to someone, and a report was made to the police. Sgt Vincent, Cpl Joseph, acting Cpl Thomas-Bentham responded to the report and found Hinksons lifeless body when they arrived at his home about 9 am. According to one source however, the men beat Hinkson, during which time the friend took the opportunity to escape. It was believed that Hinkson was bludgeoned to death. Another source said Hinkson was not beaten, but was tied at his hands and feet, while his home was robbed, and that it was a possibility that he died of a heart attack. Only the autopsy, scheduled to be done today at the Forensic Science Centre, St James, would reveal the cause of death. Maureen Johnson, a cousin of Hinkson who lived nearby, told Newsday Hinkson was a Canadian citizen who would return to his home in Trinidad every November and stay through the winter months until May. She stated that Hinkson was friendly with everyone in the area and would invite people to his home for food or a drinks. However, he rarely limed outside of his home as he was concerned about the countrys crime situation. All he used to be saying is that although he loved his country, he couldnt handle the crime. Thats why he wouldnt walk about the road or be out in the night. He was always inside and he would always talk about the crime, the crime, the crime, she said. She added that when Hinkson returned to Trinidad every year, he would bring electronics and other items to sell. That (his death) has to be robbery. I cant see any other motive because I dont know him to be the type of person to have anything negative with anybody. He would share anything he had and didnt have any quarrel with anybody, she said. Friends from the area described Hinkson as a cool fella, a nice man who was a bit talkative. They said he would sell the items he brought to Trinidad every Saturday at a garage sale at the house. However, they said when he made a big sale he would immediately deposit the cash in the bank, and so they did not believe the robbers got much cash. Snr Supt Ramdhanie was at the scene along with homicide officers and crime scene investigators. No malice among Baptists However, the heads of at least two factions, Episkopus Archbishop Barbara Gray-Burke of the Council of Elders Spiritual/Shouter Baptists and Chairman of the National Congress of Incorporated Baptist Organisations of Trinidad and Tobago Reverend Hazel-Ann Gibbs-De Peza, said there was no malice between the groups . There is no separation, an adamant Gray-Burke told reporters during the lunch break of the Council of Elders Liberation Day celebration at the Empowerment Hall, Orange Grove Lands, Churchill Roosevelt Highway, Maloney . However, she claimed one of the major differences between the two groups was that the Congress of Incorporated Baptists does not sanction the appointment of female leaders of the faith, regardless of their capacity to perform the role . So that no woman would be a Bishop in the Congress, she said . Gray-Burke described the Spiritual/ Shouter Baptists as an African/ Christian religion . We read the Bible. That has been our chart, our compass, she said . Gibbs-De Peza, whose organisations Liberation Day observance was held on a five-acre plot of land at Baptist Boulevard, a short distance away from the Empowerment Hall, said the interpretation of the doctrine was one of the main reasons for the division . Some carry out the doctrine of Christ and others do not believe in that doctrine, she said. Some are based on practice and traditions which are not Bible-based. This years observances marked the 65th anniversary of the lifting of the Prohibition Ordinance which had prevented Baptists from practising their faith in the Caribbean . It also marked the 20th anniversary of Liberation Day being declared a national holiday in Trinidad and Tobago . However, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, who was scheduled to address the event hosted by the National Congress, was a no-show . Newsday understands that Rowley was in Tobago as part of his Easter vacation . Deputising for him at that the Congress celebration was Minister of Community Development, Culture and the Arts, Dr Nyan Gadsby- Dolly, and Government Senator Foster Cummings . Opposition Leader Kamla Persad- Bissessar also did not attend celebrations hosted by the Council of Elders. She was represented by United National Congress (UNC) Senator Khadijah Ameen . In her address, Gray-Burke, a former UNC senator, told the young devotees that Spiritual Baptists have struggled to gain some measure of respectability since the lifting of the Prohibition Ordinance . She said although the faith was characterised by dancing and singing it is not just about jumping up. It is much more than that. We have walked a long journey, she said . We could not assemble and hold no flowers. We could not wear our head ties to take out passport photographs. We could not park in banks with our head ties. She praised Panday for granting Spiritual Baptists a national holiday in 1996 . The people who have been loyal to us, we got to be grateful to them, she said . Later, Gray-Burke repeated her call for a secondary school, university and a place on the table of precedence. She urged followers to keep the faith . During the event, Gray-Burke also assisted with the hoisting of a flag, on the compound of the Empowerment Hall, bearing the emblem of the Council of Elders . The flag, she said, symbolised the Baptistss struggles since the implementation of the Prohibition Ordinance some 99 years ago . Councillor: Protect our children Councillor for Hardbargain/ Williamsville, Vashti Sookoo, was addressing a Phagwa audience on Sunday when she warned of the dangers facing the nations children. Everyday we are faced with issues of child abuse in this country and this is wrong in so many levels. First when a child is abused, he or she grows up with a kind of resentment for people. Secondly the abuser very often thinks he or she has won a battle against a child when they get away with the crime and they have the tendency to continue abusing, she said, adding this is the reason why every citizen should play a role in protecting and defending children. Sookoo was speaking at the Williamsville Festival Committees (WFC) annual Phagwa celebrations at Brothers Recreation Ground, Garth Road, Williamsville. The councillor warned that child-predators are everywhere and take advantage of helpless and weak children. I believe any act committed against a child should be treated with scorn. People should teach a child through the medium of love and not force, she said. Sookoo hailed the achievements of children in this country, and all over the world, who excel in academics, arts and sports. These children, she said, always have a relative who is extremely supportive of them. She urged the children at the Phagwa celebrations to speak up against any crime committed against them. Sookoo gave a donation of $3,000 to the WFC for this celebration. Tobago Baptists to get 99-year lease The Tobago Baptists are much closer to owning the space of lands donated to Baptists in 2006, Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Chief Secretary Orville London assured yesterday. It is expected that a letter will be sent to the THA legal unit soon for approval of a 99-year-old lease to the Tobago United Spiritual Organisation. London yesterday said although the space was given to the Baptist community years ago, because of a disconnect with the Trinidad council, Tobagonian members were never able to own the land. I received a letter from Mr Ray Braithwaite, the adviser to the archbishop of the council of the national body. A letter that reads I have been directed by the Archbishop Council of the National Congress of Incorporated Baptists Organisation of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to present to you the resolution of the 23rd March, 2016, which spells out its agreement for the grant of leased lands located at Signal Hill to be placed in the Tobago United Spiritual Baptist. The letter is expected to be passed on to the THA legal department and I suspect in weeks rather than months, the Tobago United Spiritual Organisation will have a 99-year lease for this plot of land renewable thereafter. He warned the parcel of land does not belong to any one section of the Baptist community, as he called for collaboration and cooperation. This belongs to all Baptists, and therefore there has to be a way that you can unite and collaborate in order to utilise it. But I want to tell you that unity does not mean fusion, collaboration and cooperation does not mean capitulation and, therefore, it is possible to have unity and still maintain your identity. The Baptist in Tobago have worked too long and hard to get this to decide to allow it to mash up, what you have got to do is to allow it to bring you closer, London said. The Chief Secretary said the THA does not allocate lands out of sympathy, as he informed the Baptists of their responsibility to the people of Tobago. The return that Tobago demands is not in money, but in resources, not in cash, not even in tangible returns. The returns are to be measured by the number of lives that you touch, the number of troubled persons that you comfort, the number of young people nurtured and prepared, the number of sinners you convert, the number of lost souls returned into the sanctity of the church and in the arms of the Lord, London said. Construction work has already started on the lands and approximately $600,000 has been spent to date. Funds were raised by the membership New law fraught with risks In a submission made to a Parliament committee that had been appointed to examine amendments to the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Property Act 2015, Jones also states the Act is not fully clear or is silent on some definition/areas. Her submission to the committee was made on behalf of what is known as the Board of Permanent Secretaries and is contained in the report of the Joint Select Committee on the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Property (Amendment) Bill 2015, tabled in Parliament last week Tuesday. In relation to the tenure of the procurement regulator who would have powers to stop contracts awarded in breach of rules or contracts subject to complaints Jones states the length of the tenure of this official would likely engender problems. The regulator shall be appointed for a term of seven years and is eligible for reappointment for two consecutive terms, Jones states. This would mean that the regulator can potentially serve 14 consecutive years. This poses inherent risks as it relates to entrenched bureaucratic relationships and/or other vested interests. In relation to the regulators powers to investigate complaints, the permanent secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister notes there is a provision calling for notice to be served and for information to be supplied in relation to matters that have arisen or complaints. But this procedure which would appear to raise the prospect of a person subject to a probe being tipped off may not accord with best practices in relation to criminal probes. As it stands, the office, during an investigation for breaches of the Act, may serve notice on any person requiring them to supply information outlined in the notice, Jones states. A breach of the Act amounts to a criminal offence. Therefore, the requirement for notice in an investigative process does not accord with the criminal process. On the question of the timeline of implementation of the new law, the Head of the Public Service states the lack of transitional provisions could cause problems. There is no transitional period contemplated to reform the Central Tenders Board, Jones states. The Act contemplates that the Procurement Office would now perform those tasks. This is fraught with inherent challenges as the performance of several of these functions will require significant human, physical and financial resources if there is to be effective implementation. It will also impact negatively on the procurement of services in the public sector during the period. Jones raises the prospect of grey areas of accountability when it comes to the regulation of contracts awarded by ministries. She states that the role of permanent secretary and accounting officer seems in conflict with that of procurement officers who are deemed responsible at various public agencies. The role of the permanent secretary as an accounting officer may be in conflict with that of the procurement officer, Jones states. The Act does not clearly define who is an accounting officer and the role of the accounting officer/permanent secretary as prescribed in the Public Service Regulations. The amendments recommended by the Parliament committee in its final report do not address any of these concerns. However, the committee recommends modification to the procurement laws which are currently only partially in force relating to the powers of the Minister of Finance. In particular, on the question of the power of the minister to determine the staffing, remuneration, funding and other operation matters of the powerful Review Board, the ministers powers have now been made subject to the Parliament. The ministers arrangements will only come into effect once approved via negative resolution of the House. The Parliament is due to debate the committees report. The committee was chaired by Minister of Finance Colm Imbert and included: Minister of Social Development and Family Services Cherrie-Ann Cr i c h l ow-C o c k - burn; Laventille East/ Morvant MP Adrian Leonce; Minister of Rural Development and Local Government Franklin Khan; Trade Minister Paula Gopee-Scoon; UNC Senator Wayne Sturge; UNC Senator Dr Bhoe Tewarie, and Independent Senator David Small. Senators must declare financial interests too A Senate committee appointed to review the workings of the new Standing Orders that govern the Senate has recommended that it be explicitly stated that a senator must declare any interest they may have in a matter under debate. The Standing Orders Committee of the Senate in its first report tabled in the Senate last week Tuesday asks legislators to agree to amend the Standing Orders so that a new provision makes it compulsory for all senators to disclose their interests. The new provision would read, Before participating in consideration of any item of business in the Senate in which he has a financial interest, a member should disclose the extent of that interest. The new Standing Orders were adopted last March and came into effect in June. While similar Standing Orders were promulgated in the House of Representatives, the Senates Standing Orders contained several differences and omissions. Though the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives call for disclosure of financial interests, no such stipulation was made in the Senate Standing Orders. Further, a special procedure by which a member could query why the Government has failed to answer a question in writing was also omitted. As such, the committee calls on the Senate to agree to include a new provision stating, If a written question remains unanswered at the expiration of 14 days after the date due, the senator who asked the question may, at the conclusion of Question Time, ask that the President write to the minister concerned, seeking reasons for the delay in answering. There are also changes to how time is to be counted in relation to the annulment of statutory instruments, with recesses and periods in which the Parliament is dissolved and prorogued to be excluded from the length of time during which an annulment motion is to be debated (within 40 days). The committees report will have to be debated and approved by way of a motion in the Senate before these new provisions if agreed to come into force. Members of the committee include: Senate President Christine Kangaloo, Senate Vice President Nigel De Freitas, Agriculture Minister Clarence Rambharat, UNC Senator Daniel Solomon, and Independent Senator Ian Roach What you need to know about the Octagon Art Festival on Sunday in Ames news Press Statement by Prime Minister during his visit to Belgium Belgium, Thu, 31 Mar 2016 NI Wire Press Statement by Prime Minister during his visit to Belgium (March 30, 2016) Your Excellency Prime Minister Charles Michel, Ladies and Gentlemen. Thank you for your remarks. Last week has been a sad week for Belgium. Let me say Mr. Prime Minister that we share the depth of sorrow and grief that the people of Belgium have experienced in the last 8 days. My deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones to the terror strikes in Brussels last week. Having experienced terrorist violence ourselves on countless occasions, we share your pain. Mr. Prime Minister, in this time of crisis, the whole of India stands in full support and solidarity with the Belgian people. I deeply appreciate your welcome and the time that you have devoted to me despite pressing demands on you. As part of our efforts to respond to this common challenge we could resume discussions on a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty. Negotiations on Extradition Treaty and a Treaty on Exchange of Sentenced Prisoners could be concluded expeditiously. Friends, Our two countries share a long history of friendship. A hundred years ago, more than 130,000 soldiers from India fought in the First World War alongside your countrymen on Belgian soil. More than 9,000 Indian soldiers made the supreme sacrifice. Next year will mark the 70th anniversary of India-Belgium diplomatic ties. To celebrate this important milestone in our friendship, we look forward to welcoming His Majesty King Philippe of Belgium in India next year. We would also be commemorating it with a joint programme of activities in each others countries. My conversation with Prime Minister Charles Michel today covered the whole spectrum of our ties. A system of bilateral foreign policy consultations would recommend concrete ways to upgrade our partnership. Friends, India is one of the brightest economic opportunities in the world today. Our macroeconomic fundamentals are robust, and at 7% plus, we are one of the fastest growing economies of the world. I believe that a combination of Belgian capacities and Indias economic growth can produce promising opportunities for businesses on both sides. Prime Minister and I have just held a productive interaction with Belgian CEOs and business persons earlier today. I invite the Belgian government and companies to pro-actively associate with India's ambitious development projects including Digital India, Start Up India and Skill India. Belgian businesses can make their global supply chains more cost effective by manufacturing in India. India's goal to modernize infrastructure, especially railways and ports, and building of 100 plus smart cities also presents a unique investment opportunity for the Belgian companies. These partnerships can help us reach new heights in our trade and commercial partnership. I have invited Prime Minister Michel to visit India with Belgian businesses to see first-hand the reality of India's economic and political promise. Clearly, it is not just diamonds that can bring shine to our partnership. Climate change is one of the greatest challenges before mankind. Prime Minister and I have agreed to enhance our cooperation in renewable energy. We would also build partnerships in areas such as harnessing waste for energy, small wind turbines and zero emission buildings. Advancement in S&T and High technology areas is of particular importance for India's development priorities. We welcome Belgiums collaboration in these areas. Prime Minister Michel and I have just activated, remotely, Indias largest optical telescope. This product of Indo-Belgian collaboration is an inspiring example of what our partnership can achieve. The work is also afoot on other agreements in the areas of Information and Communication Technology, audio-visual production Tourism biotechnology and shipping and ports. Friends, In a couple of hours from now, I would meet the E.U. leadership for the 13th India-E.U. Summit. For India, E.U. is one of our strongest strategic partners. Trade, Investment, and technology partnership between India and the E.U. would be one of the focus areas of our discussions. I feel that a progressive path and creative mind-set to India-E.U Trade and Investment Agreement can enable all the European countries, including Belgium, to benefit from Indias strong economic growth. I once again express my sincere gratitude to Prime Minister Charles Michel for his time, welcome and hospitality. I look forward to welcoming him in India. Thank you. Source: PIB Launches "Vidyut PRAVAH" Mobile Application New Delhi, Thu, 31 Mar 2016 NI Wire "Vidyut PRAVAH" App will Empower Common People to Demand 24x7 Power from The States: Shri Piyush Goyal Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal and New & Renewable Energy launched a mobile application 'Vidyut PRAVAH- Electricity, Price Availability and Highlights'at a function here today. The mobile application provides highlights of the power availability in the country on real time basis. The Web / Mobile App provides a wealth of information pertaining to the current demand met, shortages if any, surplus power available and the prices in the Power Exchange. The real time data and comparison with previous day/year data is also available. Data from multiple sources, including the States and Power Exchanges, has been made available through a single portal for convenience of all. A user friendly interface, based on the Geographical map of India, facilitates all the consumers /stakeholders in visualization of the power availability and prices at the overall country level and at States/UTs level. The information disseminated through the Application will empower the consumer, thereby leading all the stakeholders to be more responsive and efficient, bringing more economy to the country. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Piyush Goyal said that the app will empower common people to demand 24X7 power from the states. He further said that this application will take transparency to the next level and make state governments more accountable. The Minister added that this app will work as manifestation of Prime Ministers vision of good governance via inculcating transparency in the system and will put pressure on power producers across the country. Referring to the need of monitoring of the government functioning, Shri Goyal said that we welcome the probity and public scrutiny of our working . Shri Piyush Goyal also interacted with power secretaries of several states and Union Territories via video conferencing at the event. The Power secretaries appreciated Central Governments initiative for bringing transparency. Few gave valuable suggestions for enhancing the features of mobile application like adding renewable power obligation and window for power surplus states for selling excess power to the mobile application. On the occasion , the Minister felicitated Ritu Bhatnagar from Banglore for providing Vidyut PRAVAH- name for the mobile application. For adopting name of mobile application, Ministry of Power held a competition on https://mygov.in/. More than 1600 entries were received, out of which the best caption is selected as name of the application. Shri Piyush Goyal felicitated Ms. Ritu Bhatnagar from Bangalore for winning the competition and providing Vidyut PRAVAH name to the application. The Web application can be accessed through vidyutpravah.in. The mobile version will be freely available for download from the Playstore for both Android and iPhones Source: PIB Share It is hard to believe sometimes how fast time flies. An indication of this is that Nokia has announced the opening of what is now its third annual global Nokia Bell Labs (News - Alert) Prize competition. And, if you believe you have what Nokia describes as, Game-changing ideas in science, technology, engineering and mathematics with the potential to disrupt or profoundly change the human existence and experience, you have until April 20th, to enter. For those unfamiliar with the competition, prizes up to $175,000 will be awarded to first, second and third place winners. Plus, this is also a unique opportunity of the winners to collaborate with Nokia (News - Alert) Bell Labs researchers on further developing their ideas. Nokia is particularly interested in proposals focused on the challenges addressed in President Nokia Bell Labs & CTO Marcus Weldons book, The Future X Network. The book is worth spending more than a bit of time with as it provides a blueprint for an architecture that will form the digital fabric of the future. The X refers to the goal of advancing communications 10x to: Enable a future where hundreds of billions of devices are connected and applications and new knowledge creation platforms can intelligently augment human capabilities - the "Automation of Everything" (AoE). In the short video below, Weldon explains the competition. What has been impressive in the first two years of the competition has been both the quantity and quality of the submission. Nearly 700 applicants participated in the first two. And, in keeping with the truly global nature of the event, previous finalists have come from Belgium, Canada, Germany, Korea Spain, Turkey and the U.S. The grand prize winners and their contributions were: In 2015, Brandon Lucia, assistant professor at Carnegie Mellon University, presented a new way for developers to bring their communications and sensing applications into environments with scarce energy, such as living organisms, infrastructure without access to power, or even in deep space. Unlike traditional machines with tethered power or batteries, these outage-tolerant systems can compute intermittently and even scavenge their surroundings for energy. In 2014, Emmanuel Abbe, assistant professor at Princeton University, proposed new algorithms and methods for extracting actionable information from Big Data. In doing so, he was able to apply the information theory limit developed by Bell Labs pioneer Claude Shannon to make practical, fast computations on massive social and complex graph-based networks. In opening the competition, Weldon remarked that: "The Nokia Bell Labs Prize is unique in bringing global researchers and the Nokia Bell Labs community together in a collaborative way, solving some of the formidable technical challenges of the next technological revolution driven by the creation of a new digital network fabric that will enable the connection, communication, collaboration, control and contextual search of everything, everywhere. We know from past competitions and our rich history that innovation can come from surprising places, and when we bring diverse minds together we often find unique and inspired answers. We are looking forward to another year of provocation and disruptive thinking and collaboration to invent the future." As the previous winners exemplify, despite what could be called global dismay about the paucity of Big Science efforts, Nokia is keeping up Bell Labs legendary commitment to push the envelope and enabling the seemingly impossible attainable. For information on how to enter the Nokia Bell Labs Prize click here. Good luck to everyone. We look forward to covering your achievements. Edited by Maurice Nagle China is proposing a $50+ trillion global energy grid. Global Energy Interconnection (GEI), a vision of a world power grid, was outlined by the State Grid Corporation of China (State Grid) It would be based upon a global network of Ultra High Voltage power lines connecting global power generation including massive wind farm at the North Pole and solar power from equatorial areas to energy users around the world. If renewable generation grows at an annual growth rate of 12.4 percent over the world, then by 2050 renewable energy shall increase to 80 percent of total consumption, realizing clean energy supplement forever and completely solving the dilemmas caused by fossil fuels. By 2050, the total CO2 emission will be controlled at about 11.5 billion tons, half of emissions in 1990, holding the temperature rise to within 2 degrees. The accumulated investment on the global grid will exceed $50 trillion, tremendously boosting the development of new-emerging strategic industries, renewable energy, new materials and electric vehicle. From now on to 2020, we need to promote clean energy development, domestic grid interconnection and smart grid construction in various countries. By 2030, large energy bases shall be established and grids shall be interconnected among countries within the continent. China a leader in UHV grids At higher voltages, eg 500kV and above, transmission losses over hundreds of kilometres are much reduced. At ultra-high voltages (UHV) eg 1000 kV AC or 800 kV DC, losses are further reduced (eg to 5% over 1000 km) but capital requirements are greater. In Germany consideration is being given to converting some existing AC lines to DC to increase their capacity. In the USA it is estimated that transmission losses amount to about 6%, or 250 TWh per year, worth some $20 billion. In India transmission losses in 2011 were 222 TWh (21%). China is developing a very sophisticated grid system, since its main coal deposits are in the north, its main wind potential in the far west and its nuclear plants are on the coast close to load centres. The grid system run by the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) and China Southern Power Grid Co (CSG) is growing rapidly, utilising ultra high voltage (1000 kV AC from 2009, and 800 kV DC from 2010) transmission. By 2015 SGCC invested CNY 500 billion ($75.5 billion) to extend the UHV grid to 40,000 km. By 2020, the capacity of the UHV network is expected to be some 300-400 GW, which will function as the backbone of the whole system, connecting six regional clusters. By 2020 there will be 400 GWe of clean energy sources connected, of which hydropower will account for 78 GWe, and wind power from the north a further significant portion. Wind capacity by 2020 is planned to be over 100 GWe. At the end of 2009, China had budgeted to spend $600 billion upgrading its grid. Over 2014 to 2020 high-voltage transmission lines are expected to increase from 1.15 million circuit km to 1.6 million circuit km, in line with a substantial increase in generation capacity, and operational transmission losses are expected to be 5.7%, down from 6.6% in 2010. The USA has a patchwork of grids which are often barely interconnected. In 2012 a report from the American Society of Civil Engineers said that ageing equipment and lack of capacity was leading to intermittent failures, and said that an extra $107 billion investment was needed by 2020. By 2050, we need to accelerate the development of energy bases at the North Pole (wind power) and the Equatorial Regions (solar power), realizing intercontinental interconnections. By then the global energy interconnection will basically come into being. The GEI initiative will require an unprecedented technology overhaul, including innovations in power, grid, and storage technologies. State Grid has developed the necessary ultra-high voltage (UHV) grid technology to serve as a platform for extensive development, deployment and utilization of clean energy worldwide. State Grid has already built seven of its advanced power lines in China and has ten more under construction. Last year the company announced it was building an almost 1,300 mile long line in Brazil, connecting a hydroelectric dam on the Amazon River to cities in the southeastern part of the country. According to estimates from State Grids research institute, it costs USD$0.08 per kilowatt-hour to generate and send wind power to Chinas Xinjiang gird, and USD$0.04 to send it to Germany via UHV lines. The total cost of USD$0.12 is half that of clean powers generation cost in Germany. SOURCES Tdworld, World Nuclear Association Not Found The requested URL was not found on this server. Apache Server Port 80 Weather Alert ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 8 PM CDT SUNDAY FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR PORTIONS OF EASTERN NEBRASKA AND NORTHWEST IOWA... * Affected Area...In Iowa, Monona. In Nebraska, Knox, Cedar, Thurston, Antelope, Pierce, Wayne, Boone, Madison, Stanton, Cuming, Burt, Platte, Colfax, Dodge, Butler, Saunders, Seward, Lancaster, Saline, Jefferson and Gage. * Winds...South 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. * Relative Humidity...As low as 22 percent. * Impacts...Any fires that ignite may spread rapidly and exhibit extreme fire behavior. Use extreme caution if engaging in any activities that could start a fire. Outdoor burning is not advisable. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior. && 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. Frances Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault on Tuesday hammered home his countrys support for the Morocco-proposed autonomy plan for the disputed Sahara territory as tension between Rabat and the UN Head Ban Ki-Moon, heats up. Speaking at a joint press conference in Algiers with his Algerian counterpart Ramtane Lamamra, Ayrault maintained that Frances position on the Sahara issue has not changed and that Paris continues to support the autonomy plan presented by Morocco to the UN since 2007. This plan is described by many world powers and by the UN Security Council as realistic, serious and credible. Pariss position of the Sahara issue has not changed, Jean-Marc Ayrault said before expressing hope to see the mandate of the UN peace keeping mission in the Sahara, known as MINURSO, prolonged. He also expressed hope for an appeasement in relations between Morocco and the UN, referring to official and popular protests in the Kingdom against the statements and acts of the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon during his visit to the Tindouf camps, in south-western Algeria, and to Algiers early March. Ayraults comments have irked Algerian rulers who were seeking to set Paris against Rabat. A seemingly angry Lamamra responded that France should absolutely play a role up to its history, power and responsibilities in supporting and steering the Maghreb unity process. And for him, of course, such unity process implies the Sahrawis right to self-determination. Algiers felt also offended by Frances diplomatic efforts to end the feud between Rabat and the UN Chief, but Ayrault affirmed that Paris was determined to ease tensions between Morocco and the UN Secretary General. We witnessed tensions that we cannot ignore (). At a point we were blamed for such move, but this was done in a bid to smooth tension, Ayrault said. Ayraults visit to Algiers came after the UN Chief expressed on Monday, via his spokesman Stephane Dujarric, regrets for using the word occupation when referring to Moroccos presence in the Sahara, saying there was a misunderstanding about the word and that this word was neither premeditated nor intentional. The Following day, Morocco rejected the regrets saying that Bans remarks were more than a mere misunderstanding and cannot be justified nor obliterated. In a statement issued Tuesday, the Foreign Ministry reiterated Moroccos willingness to engage in a responsible and constructive dialogue about the crisis provoked by these remarks. Mrs. Latifa Ibn Ziaten, a French national of Moroccan origin, has been among a group of women from around the world honored this year by the US Secretary of States International Women of Courage Award. This Award is given to extraordinary women for their exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for peace, justice, human rights, gender equality and womens empowerment, often at great personal risk. Since the inception of this award in 2007, the Department of State has honored nearly 100 women from 60 different countries. After losing her son in a terrorist attack, Latifa Ibn Ziaten has devoted her life to combating radicalization with tolerance and interfaith understanding. Born in Morocco, Mrs. Ibn Ziaten moved to France at the age of 18. She raised five children, teaching them to value the education she never had and to embrace their dual cultural identities. In 2012, her life was shattered when an Islamist terrorist went on a killing spree that ended with the death of her son Imad, a French soldier. Desperate to channel her grief into something positive, she founded the Imad Association for Youth and Peace, starting a grassroots campaign to intervene in troubled communities. Mrs. Ibn Ziaten promotes interfaith dialogue and the importance of helping young people develop a positive identity and sense of responsibility. As France deals with terror attacks and reports of rising extremism, Mrs. Ibn Ziaten brings in a credible voice for hope and coexistence. Her association is sponsored by her countryman actor Jamel Debbouze. In February 2014, the Representative Council of Jewish Institutions in France (CRIF) of Midi-Pyrenees region honored her association and granted her an award in recognition of her work. She is also supported by the Ministry of Education which awards her association an annual grant. In January 2015, she was invited to the Synagogue de la Victoire in Paris to light a candle in honor of the seventeen victims of the attack against Charlie Hebdo and the hostage taking operation at a Kosher store in Paris. The ceremony was attended by President Francois Hollande. In November 2015, Latifa Ibn Ziaten received the Prize for the Prevention of Conflicts awarded by the Fondation Chirac, in recognition of her tireless efforts to promote inter-religious dialogue and a culture of peace. The US International Women of Courage Award was granted to thirteen other women. These are Sara Hossain (a Barrister from Bangladesh,) Debra Baptist-Estrada (Port Commander/Belize,) Ni Yulan (Human rights activist /China,) Thelma Aldana (Attorney General/Guatemala,) Nagham Nawzat (Yezidi Activist/Iraq,) Nisha Ayub (Transgender rights advocate/Malaysia,) Fatimata Mbaye, Co-founder & Head of Mauritanian association for human rights,) Journalist Zhanna Nemtsova (Russia,) Zuzana Stevulova, (Director of human rights league/ Slovakia,) Awadeya Mahmoud (founder and Chair of Womens Food & Tea Sellers Cooperative/ Sudan,) Vicky Ntetema (Executive director of Under the Same Sun/Tanzania,) Rodjaraeg Wattanapanit (Co-founder of Creating Awareness for Enhanced Democracy/Thailand) and Nihal Naj Ali Al-Awlaqi, (Minister of Legal Affairs/Yemen.) King Mohamed VI has donated 30,000 to an association in Amsterdam to build a mosque. The association based in the Dutch capital Amsterdam posted on its website a statement in Arabic and Dutch expressing thanks to the King for his generosity and for all his humanitarian actions. According to press reports, the association has been able to gather 2.3 million from donations but is still in need of more funds to complete the building of the mosque which will cover an area of 1,600 square meters. King Mohamed VI arrived in Amsterdam on Friday on a private visit. He spent most of his time meeting with Moroccan expatriates in the city. Ready for NY. Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images Bernie Sanders has the momentum. He has the enthusiasm. He has the message the Democratic Party needs to inspire yuge vota turnout in November this is the case the insurgent socialist has been outlining for Democratic voters and superdelegates over the past week, as landslide victories in a series of Western caucuses have thrust him back into contention. For a brief moment, the scene outside the Apollo Theater on Wednesday morning appeared to bolster the senators case. Hillary Clinton supporters crowded the sidewalk along 125th Street, waiting to hear the Democratic front-runner kick off New Yorks primary race. A Clinton staffer ran along the outside of the line demanding a Hill-a-ry, Hill-a-ry! chant, which the crowd chose not to provide; over their silence, you could hear a small contingent of Sanders supporters shouting something about Bernie and the middle class from across the street. But it quickly became clear that the Clintonistas quiet wasnt a product of apathy but of collective enthusiasm: Clintons supporters were too busy craning their necks toward the front of a line that stretched for blocks, too anxious that they might miss this chance to see their champion, to cheer. Inside the Apollo there was no lack of adulatory chanting. Cries of madame president and Im with her rained down on Clinton as she delivered the opening salvo of her (adopted) home states primary campaign. The stakes in New Yorks Democratic contest are far higher than they appeared when Clinton first launched her bid for the presidency. Sanderss domination among younger voters and mastery of online fund-raising has kept his underdog campaign alive well past its expected expiration date. The Vermont senators path to the nomination is narrow and full of obstacles that appear insurmountable his enormous deficit among African-American voters and superdelegates, to name just two. But national polls show the Democratic race to be as close as it has ever been, and as long as Sanders remains in mathematical contention, hell keep mounting a loud and biting critique of Clinton from here to California. MADISON, WI - MARCH 26: Democratic presidential candidate Senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT) speaks at a campaign rally at the Alliant Energy Center on March 26, 2016 in Madison, Wisconsin. Voters in Wisconsin go to the polls April 5th for the states primary. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images New York offers Clinton a chance to effectively end Sanderss hopes in April. Polls show her up in the Empire State by over 30 points. If she achieves that kind of landslide on April 19, no amount of mathematical noodling will spare Sanderss supporters from the certainty of defeat. But if she fails to earn a decisive victory in the state she served as senator for eight years, Sanderss argument about enthusiasm and momentum will have a lot more merit than it does today. I dont have to tell you this is a wild election year, Clinton cautioned her admirers in Harlem. Im not taking anything or anyone for granted. She then outlined her case against Sanders, or as she insisted on calling him throughout her speech, my opponent. When any candidate comes before you, that candidate owes it to you to be clear about how were actually going to deliver, Clinton said, before noting that she and her opponent share many of the same goals. But some of his ideas for how to get there wont pass; others just wont work because the numbers dont add up. And that means people arent gonna get the help that they need and deserve, and thats what this is supposed to be about. For Clinton, its about making a difference, not making a point. Sanders can tout the purity of his (non-gun-related) voting record all he wants, Clinton suggested, but purity is actually a breed of privilege. Some folks may have the luxury to hold out for the perfect, Clinton said. But a lot of Americans are hurting and they cant wait for the perfect; they need the good, and they need it today. This orientation toward results is the heart of Clintons pitch. It functions simultaneously as an attack on Sanderss (alleged) lack of legislative accomplishments, a preemptive defense of her heresies against the left, and a canvas to decorate with the more pleasing parts of her record. At the Apollo, Clinton touted her support for 9/11 first responders, her work on the childrens health-insurance program, and her staunch advocacy for the Brady Bills gun reforms. She supplemented this plank of her argument with several references to Sanderss ineloquence on foreign policy, reminding her audience, On April 19th, you are voting for a president and a commander-in-chief. Finally, she reiterated the charge that Sanders is a single-issue candidate, whose obsession with income inequality blinds him to other sources of systemic disadvantage. I take a backseat to no one in taking on income inequality, Clinton said. But its also important to take on racial inequality and discrimination. This has always been one of Clintons most dubious lines of attack. Sanders had a platform addressing racism and racial justice months before the Clinton campaign drafted its own. His stump speech includes calls for criminal-justice reform, boosting African-American youth employment, guaranteeing maternity leave for working mothers, and closing the gender wage gap. Still, Clintons critique of Sanderss insufficient concern for racial disadvantage has been effective. She has retained her front-runner status on the strength of her widespread African-American support. And in her speechs closing passages, Clinton illustrated one reason for that strength. After highlighting the Republican candidates recent demagoguery against American Muslims, Clinton told the story of Mohammad Salman Hamdani, a 23-year-old paramedic who died trying to provide health care at Ground Zero on 9/11. For months, he was considered missing, Clinton said. Some wondered if this young man with a Muslim name and background in science could have anything to do with the attacks. The tabloids piled on Then, after his body was found, everyone realized how wrong they had gotten it. He wasnt a suspect, he wasnt a terrorist, he was a hero. Mohammad was an immigrant. He was a New Yorker. He was an American, Clinton added. And he died trying to help others live. Its up to us to make sure that his and so many others sacrifice counts for something, and we do that by standing up to bigotry in all its forms. Here, Clinton didnt frame the right-wings Islamophobia as a practical problem, a counter-productive way of speaking that spurs jihadist recruitment. Rather, she framed it as a denial of our common humanity, one that blinds us to the goodness in each other and in our country the very things a national-security policy should seek to defend. Clinton doesnt have a better platform for combating bigotry than her opponent. But she has a rhetorical dexterity that Sanders has often lacked. Her elucidation of bigotrys evils spurred some tears and much cheering at the Apollo. Sanders has three weeks to gin up an enthusiasm gap in the Empire State. Hes going to need all the time he can get. Its up to Mississippi governor Phil Bryant to pass or veto the bill. Photo: JIM WATSON Just a week after an anti-LGBT law passed in North Carolina, and only two days after Georgias governor vetoed a similar religious-exemption bill, Mississippis Senate has passed what critics call the most sweeping anti-LGBT legislation in the United States. On Wednesday, the Senate voted 31-17 to pass House Bill 1523, which protects people, businesses, and religious organizations that refuse to service LGBT people if doing so violates their sincerely held religious beliefs. Such sincerely held beliefs include the conviction that: (a) Marriage is or should be recognized as the union of one man and one woman; (b) Sexual relations are properly reserved to such a marriage; and (c) Male (man) or female (woman) refer to an individuals immutable biological sex as objectively determined by anatomy and genetics at time of birth. The bill protects so many acts that its almost impossible to sum them up. Among them are religious organizations declining to perform a marriage; religious organizations refusing to hire or firing or disciplining individuals for violating their religious beliefs; religious organizations choosing not to rent or sell property; religious organizations that provide foster care or adoptive services (including state-funded ones) declining service; any person or business choosing not to provide counseling or medical treatment; and any person or business refusing to provide wedding services such as photography, dress-making, or floral arrangement. In addition, under the bill, any person or businesses can impose sex-specific standards or policies concerning employee or student dress or grooming, and can police bathroom use as they so choose. State employees who issue marriage licenses would also be able to deny their services without consequence. Mississippi Republicans say the bill protects those whose religious beliefs might go against the Supreme Courts marriage-equality ruling. I dont think its discriminatory, said Senator Jenifer Branning in a speech to her colleagues. It takes no rights away from anyone. It gives protection to those in the state who cannot in a good conscience provide services for a same-sex marriage. But state Democrats argue that it does much more than that they maintain that its overly broad and protects religious discrimination in too many settings. They say its about same-sex marriage, said Senator John Horhn. If thats the case, why does it include adoptions? The[n] why does it allow discrimination in medical services? The reason we are so adamantly opposed to it is because we have already been there. We dont need to put another stain on Mississippi. The bill passed the House 80-39 in February, but because it was amended slightly in the Senate, it will now return to the house for concurrence before it reaches the desk of Governor Phil Bryant. Bryant hasnt said whether hell veto the bill or not, but last week he told WLOX he didnt think the bill was discriminatory. Salah Abdeslam. Photo: AFP Paris attacker Salah Abdeslam will have to face authorities in France, after a Belgian court approved an extradition order Thursday. Abdeslam, who is a French national of Moroccan descent, has been in Belgian custody since March 19. He was captured after a nearly four-month-long manhunt, and, until apprehended, was the sole suspect still at-large from the November Paris carnage. Abdeslam likely wont fight the extradition order, though he originally planned to do so. Abdeslams lawyer said his client wants to cooperate with French investigators. This is his will, and this is the word he wants everybody to hear, the lawyer said. The terror suspect was apprehended in a raid in the heavily Muslim Brussels neighborhood of Molenbeek, just days before the bombings that killed more than 30. He was locked up in Bruges when the terrorists struck the capital, and his lawyer claims that Abdeslam had no knowledge about the attacks though there are plenty of links between the identified Brussels bombers and Abdeslam and the terrorists behind the Paris massacre. Abdeslam had also been talking to the Belgian police before the Brussels bombings but only about the Paris attacks, says the Guardian. He has reportedly refused to speak to investigators in the days since. (The day of Brussels attacks is also about the time he decided France sounded just fine, and hed stop fighting his extradition.) The Associated Press says its not yet clear whether Belgian police will also need access to Abdeslam to grill him about the Brussels plot. No extradition date has been set yet, but its likely to happen pretty quickly. Belgian police are also carrying out an anti-terrorist raid Thursday to find out more about the activities of Reda Kriket, the 34-year-old French national who was arrested in Paris last week after a raid foiled an advanced plot. Kriket, whose stash of firearms, explosive materials, forged passports, bomb-making instructions, and other light ISIS reading hit all the boxes on the terrorist checklist, was charged Wednesday in France with attempting to carry out an attack, along with a bunch of other charges relating to his weapons arsenal and fake paperwork. French Muslim attack plot: Reda Kriket 'had weapons cache' https://t.co/8LGUUBdTr3 pic.twitter.com/NlWh4EW4Sq NDL Editor (@NDLEditor) March 31, 2016 Kriket was not exactly flying under the radar before his most recent arrest; his ISIS sympathies were no secret to authorities and his militant ties had been known since at least 2012. He was convicted of terrorist activities, in absentia, in Belgium last summer and had ties to Paris mastermind Abdelhamid Abaaoud, which places him in the same network as the Paris and Brussels plotters. Prosecutors didnt give many details about what Kriket might have been planning, but, according to the Times, the size of Krikets cache would have caused mass casualties on the scale of Paris or Brussels. Trump at the MSNBC town hall. Photo: Tim Hiatt/MSNBC For eight months weve watched Donald Trump rise to the top of the Republican presidential field while saying just about everything a politician isnt supposed to say. However, some believe he finally crossed the line on Wednesday when he told Chris Matthews that he believes there would have to be some form of punishment for women who obtain abortions. In an uncharacteristic move, his campaign quickly walked back the statement twice first saying states should decide how to punish women who obtain abortions, then claiming that he actually meant only the abortion provider should be punished, not the woman. Two Trump surrogates rallied to the candidates defense. Chris Christie said Trump obviously misspoke, though its unclear how he knew this since he claimed he didnt see the ubiquitous video of Trumps remark. Dr. Ben Carson, whos been too honest for his own good recently, explained that Trump was just caught off guard and forgot to dodge the question. What you develop with experience is how to answer that in a way that is not definitive, he told CNNs Erin Burnett. Those are pretty much the only people who chose to stay in this particular car on the Trump Train. Naturally, Trump was quickly bashed by his GOP rivals. John Kasich said, Of course, women shouldnt be punished for having an abortion, and Ted Cruz argued that being pro-life is about creating a culture that respects [the mother] and embraces life. Meanwhile on the left, Hillary Clinton cut together an attack ad in no time: We cant let someone with this much contempt for womens rights anywhere near the White House.https://t.co/OjU9gRwsxo Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) March 30, 2016 And both she and Sanders went off on Trump during their own MSNBC interviews, calling his comment dangerous, outrageous, shameful, and beyond comprehension. For once, the Democrats were in agreement with anti-abortion groups, including the National Right to Life Committee, the Susan B. Anthony List, and the March for Life. The latter called Trump completely out of touch with the pro-life movement, adding, being pro-life means wanting what is best for the mother and the baby. Women who choose abortion often do so in desperation and then deeply regret such a decision. No pro-lifer would ever want to punish a woman who has chosen abortion. This is against the very nature of what we are about. Several right-leaning outlets said the incident demonstrates why Trump cant be the Republican nominee. National Reviews David French shuddered at the thought of Trump being the nations leading pro-life voice: Get ready for a slow-motion pro-life train wreck if Trumps the nominee. Supporting life is about more than merely checking off a box. A Republican nominee faces far tougher questions about abortion than Democrats ever do. Its unfair. Its ridiculous. Its also a foreseeable and predictable fact of life. Even serving temporarily as the nations most prominent pro-life advocate (or at least playing a pro-life advocate on television) would do immense damage to the cause. And The Wall Street Journal fretted that Trump is just playing into the liberals hands: Mr. Trumps loyal GOP partisans have been willing to ignore his rhetorical mistakes and excesses, but Democrats will be merciless. So will the media if he secures the GOP nomination. His abortion blunder is doubly troubling because it will reinforce his growing unpopularity among women voters in both parties. Imagine his Wednesday remarks playing as part of a national advertising loop from June to November. His talk-radio chaperones are going to have their work cut out. As FiveThirtyEights Leah Libresco explains, while anti-abortion advocates have taken pains to emphasize that theyre not anti-woman, its actually unclear where voters stand on punishing women who obtain abortions. The most recent poll she could find was conducted in 2000 by the Los Angeles Times: About a third (32 percent) of respondents said the doctor who performed the abortion should be punished, and 20 percent said everyone involved with the abortion should be held responsible. Ten percent thought the woman who had the abortion should be punished, and only 1 percent said the father should be held responsible. Almost a quarter (23 percent) of respondents said no one should be punished, and an additional 12 percent said they werent sure. Regardless, Trump was already struggling with female voters. While his negatives are high across the board, an NBC/WSJ poll released last week found his favorability with female general-election voters is 21 percent positive and 70 percent negative. Trumps entire campaign has been marked by misogynistic incidents from his feud with Megyn Kelly and his attacks on Ted Cruzs wife to his passionate defense of his campaign manager following his arrest for grabbing a female reporter and his comment about abortion will definitely be used to revive claims of a GOP war on women. In fact, the Democratic National Committee has already used the gaffe to attack the entire Republican Party. In a matter of 24 hours, Trump has gone from defending his campaign manager over charges that he assaulted a woman to now saying women should be punished for having an abortion. Trump is simply reaffirming what the country has known for years that the Republican Party doesnt stand for womens rights, said DNC spokesperson Christina Freundlich. Its possible that Trump will emerge from yet another controversy relatively unscathed (at least among GOP primary voters), but by raising uncomfortable questions about pro-life dogma, he didnt do down-ballot Republican candidates any favors. Royal Dutch Shell has confirmed media reports that it is looking to sell part of its production holdings in the North Sea, saying all these assets33 in total, including the Brent field that gave its name to the international benchmarkare being reviewed along with others, in other parts of the world. The sale is part of Shells efforts to raise around $30 billion to restore some of the money it spent on buying BG Group for around $57 billion. Plans are to carry out the sales over the next three years. Of the total, less than $10 billion is expected to be generated this year, Shells CEO Ben van Beurden said at the presentation of the companys 2015 financial results. Related: Oil Rally Unwinds Ahead Of Inventory Data No buyers have been confirmed, although reports have it that one company interested in the assets is private equity fund Neptune Oil and Gas, founded by former Centrica head Sam Laidlow. The $5-billion fund is looking for distressed assets from the energy industry around the world. Shells divestment plan is quite ambitious given the current market environment. It is under pressure from investors to deliver the sales and cut further jobs to prop up its balance sheet, so it may have to settle for a lower price than it would be happy with. Its a buyers market out there, so if Neptune decides it wants to snap up the North Sea fields, its very likely that it will dictate the terms. Especially if no other candidates turn up. Whats more, the fund, which is naturally looking for a good bargain, might actually decide not to buy the assets. They are mature, with most of their productive life behind them. And like all fields in the North Sea, they carry higher production costs than anywhere else. Related: Which Energy Companies Are Most At Risk From The Spring Redetermination? A report from Oil and Gas UK last month revealed that even with improved efficiencies and much lower production costs than two years ago, almost half of North Sea fields will continue operating at a loss through 2016 if oil prices remain subdued. And for now, this remains the most likely scenario. In short, North Sea fields are not really that attractive for buyers. For Shell, however, it will probably be a relief to get rid of at least some of the North Sea fields. With the acquisition of BG Group, the energy giant signaled a change in priorities and a move away from traditional offshore operations and towards LNG and deepwater exploration. The UK continental shelf is no longer attractive for Shell either, especially if we add the presence of smaller, more flexible competitors in the area. These are competitors that Shell can certainly do without. Related: Will Weak Fundamentals Force Saudis To Action All this suggests that Shell may decide to sell all its North Sea assets, as long as there is a buyer, of course. For the Anglo-Dutch company the move will be a success, whatever earnings it generates, seeing as they have turned into a pain in the neck because of falling production rates. The buyer, if Neptune or another enterprise decides to buy the assets, would be able to benefit from the UK governments recent decision to significantly cut taxes for North Sea oil producers. The sale is a potential win-win if it takes place, and this remains highly uncertain for now. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The worlds top oilfield services provider Schlumberger announced last week it has received approval from the Chinese antitrust authorities for its acquisition of Cameron International, a provider of oilfield technology and equipment. The approval, granted by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, is unconditional and clears the way to concluding the deal on April 1, the company said. It is the last approval Schlumberger needed, after earlier receiving an unconditional green light from the U.S. Department of Justice and the European Commission. Related: Oil Majors Only Replace 75% of Oil and Gas Produced in 2015 The tie-up between the two companies is an excellent example of the current environment in energy: with oil and gas prices at multi-year lows, the time is ripe for some major M&A activity in the sector. We recently saw the completion of the Shell-BG Group merger, which is expected to bring solid synergies for both companies, although the timing of the deal was arguably not the best for Shell. There is also another merger in the works, in oilfield services: that between Halliburton and Baker Hughes. This one has sparked doubts about the timing of such a high-level deal, as well. Related: Israels Game Changing Gas Discovery Dealt Another Blow Against this background, Schlumberger seems to be the smartest buyer. First of all, it will pay much less for Cameron ($14.8 billion) than Shell paid for BG Group ($50 billion) or Halliburton is ready to pay for Baker Hughes ($35 billion). True, Cameron is a smaller company, but it complements Schlumbergers own operations in a much better way than the other two targets. Heres why. Shell and BG Group play in the same sector, which is exploration and production. That is, their operations largely overlap, so when the market is bearish, the combined company will suffer. The same is true for Halliburton and Baker Hughes, with the added problem that because they are peers, their merger has been delayed by regulators, worried that it will create too large a company. This leads to more problems and is quickly erasing the advantages of the deal. Related: Even Utilities Are Starting To Get Behind Community Solar Unlike Shell and Halliburton, Schlumberger is acquiring a company narrowly specialized in drilling, processing, and flow control equipment and technology. That is a niche that will be added to Schlumbergers own portfolio of services, turning the combined company into a one-of-a-kind fully integrated oilfield equipment and services provider. Schlumberger played it safe and struck a deal at the right moment and with the right target. This will most likely solidify its top spot in the industry and help it weather the downturn, which, like all downturns, will be temporary, much better than Shell and Halliburton. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Reprinted from Smirking Chimp There's a huge debate going on right now about the role of the media in US politics. And two of the main questions are: "How much are the media to blame for fueling the rise of Donald Trump?" And, "What's the real relationship between Trump and the media?" Nicholas Kristof recently gave his opinion on the matter in the The New York Times. He explains that, "Those of us in the news media have sometimes blamed Donald Trump's rise on the Republican Party's toxic manipulation of racial resentments over the years. But we should also acknowledge another force that empowered Trump: Us." It's really not an either/or proposition though; those two things go hand in hand. The prevalence of right-wing hate rhetoric and the rise of Trump make it clear why, now more than ever, we need to reinstate the Fairness Doctrine and democratize our media. Between 1949 and 1987, the Fairness Doctrine was a longstanding policy of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that required broadcasters to give air time to controversial issues of public importance, and to do so in a fair manner without editorial input from advertisers. But after the FCC stopped the Fairness Doctrine under President Ronald Reagan in 1987, broadcast corporations stopped having to worry about broadcasting in the public interest. Because the main way that stations "programmed in the public interest" was by producing news -- real, actual, non-infotainment news -- and once Reagan lifted that requirement, the news divisions of the various networks came under the sway of ratings and profits. News was no longer the cost of keeping your broadcast license; instead, it became an opportunity to make more money with increasingly shallow and salacious reporting. Perhaps coincidentally, just a few months after the FCC did away with the Fairness Doctrine, Rush Limbaugh launched his show, and in the years following, conservative-owned corporations put commentators like Sean Hannity and Michael Savage on stations nationwide, so that listeners could tune in to right-wing hate radio from pretty much anywhere in the country at any time of the day or night. This was given a huge boost by the Telecommunications Act of 1996, as well as a few other smaller laws and changes in FCC policy, that let a small handful of corporations buy up all the radio stations, TV stations and newspapers in communities from coast to coast. Many of those radio stations were then programmed with hyper-corporate-friendly right-wing hate radio. It's been a big factor in the rightward-shift of our country over the past 30 years. And without the Fairness Doctrine and ownership rules in place, other broadcasters started to be more concerned about their corporate interests -- their bottom lines -- instead of the public interest. Donald Trump's candidacy has forced every media outlet to choose whether to serve the public interest by challenging his outlandish and dangerous rhetoric, or to serve their corporate interest by simply turning on the cameras and letting the film roll every time Trump does or says something outlandish. And they're choosing their corporate interests. This isn't just speculation that the media is making this choice -- it's exactly what CBS President Les Moonves recently told a group of investors. That explains why Andrew Tyndall reported last year that Donald Trump got 234 minutes of free coverage on the major nightly network news shows in 2015, as opposed to Bernie Sanders, who got less than 10 minutes of coverage from those shows over the same period. And it explains why Trump has received nearly $2 billion worth of free media during this campaign cycle, as opposed to Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton, who's gotten less than half of that. Les Moonves said it: The corporate media simply doesn't care about the well-being of the United States. About 30 years ago, in southern California, US Border Patrol officers pulled over the vehicle I was riding in to search for "illegal immigrants." They carefully checked the ID of each occupant in the vehicle. Yes, all 30 or so of us. The vehicle was a bus marked "US Marine Corps" on the side. All its occupants were Marines in uniform. That was during Ronald Reagan's first term; in the Republican primary debates in 1980, Reagan and his eventual vice-president, George HW Bush, had worked diligently to outdo each other in their support for open borders. My, how times have changed. Given the widespread moral panic and bedwetting security theatrics over "illegal immigration" that characterize the last two decades, I shudder to think how much worse life must have become on the southern US border since then, especially for Americans and immigrants of Hispanic descent. When I hear a candidate for office quack about "securing the border," I dismiss that candidate as unworthy of my vote or support. So should you. At best, that candidate is an idiot; more likely he or she is a demagogue who assumes YOU are an idiot. The United States has more than 100,000 miles of border and coastline, across which more than 500 million people (350 million of them non-citizens), 118 million vehicles and 22.5 million cargo containers travel each year. No, I didn't make those numbers up -- I got them from the people in charge of "securing America's borders," US Customs and Border Protection. It's true that the US border with Mexico is "only" about 5,500 miles long, but it's also irrelevant. Even if that border could be sealed -- and it can't be -- unauthorized traffic across it would just take to the seas. If you don't believe me, go ask a Cuban or Chinese "illegal immigrant." Attempts to "secure the border" can only have two consequences: First, they can increase the likelihood of terror attacks and so forth by creating a sea of "illegal aliens" and a lucrative industry based on getting them into the US. Actual terrorists and other evildoers become invisible in that sea and have at their disposal an illicit travel industry that would not exist absent the large demand created by "border security" nonsense. Second, they can turn the US into a police state like East Germany. In fact, they have arguably already done exactly that to the southern border zones. It's worth remembering that the East Germans were never really able to "secure their border" either, thank God. And yet candidates of both major parties for all elective offices continue to publicly pay obeisance to the dumb and evil notion of "securing the borders." Why? Because they think you want them to. Prove them wrong. Vote Libertarian. 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 (3 comments) SHARE Don't Cry Too Much For Belgium Besides being the leader in exporting weapons, Belgium is the leader in exporting a much more dangerous commodity, radicalized people. Adjusting for population size, Belgium is the largest provider of foreign fighters to the Syria/Iraq carnage. Accordingly, it has the largest pro-capita return of radicalized "jihadis" along with their hands-on experience with lethal weapons and attitude to match. Thursday, March 31, 2016Besides being the leader in exporting weapons, Belgium is the leader in exporting a much more dangerous commodity, radicalized people. Adjusting for population size, Belgium is the largest provider of foreign fighters to the Syria/Iraq carnage. Accordingly, it has the largest pro-capita return of radicalized "jihadis" along with their hands-on experience with lethal weapons and attitude to match. (1 comments) SHARE My Warning Letter to Pope Francis A warning letter to Pope Francis regarding his coming trip to Turkey. Wednesday, November 12, 2014A warning letter to Pope Francis regarding his coming trip to Turkey. (1 comments) SHARE And So Passes a Woman's Life in Turkey Note the eyes. They would tell exactly what they saw, wouldn't they? She had two children, this beautiful Lebanese-American woman. She was 30 years-old, hard-working and dedicated. Perhaps it was Napoleon who spoke about his Marshalls "marching towards the sound of the guns." She didn't need the advice. She followed the danger instinctively. Wednesday, October 22, 2014Note the eyes. They would tell exactly what they saw, wouldn't they? She had two children, this beautiful Lebanese-American woman. She was 30 years-old, hard-working and dedicated. Perhaps it was Napoleon who spoke about his Marshalls "marching towards the sound of the guns." She didn't need the advice. She followed the danger instinctively. SHARE Top U.S. General Puts It In Hi Mouth After four years of conducting an illegal war in Iraq, which has killed almost one million people, wounded and dislocated millions more, tortured countless thousands, the military's top general has put his finger on (or into) the problem, and his foot firmly into his trap. It's all about whose sexual organ rubs against another's. Thursday, March 15, 2007After four years of conducting an illegal war in Iraq, which has killed almost one million people, wounded and dislocated millions more, tortured countless thousands, the military's top general has put his finger on (or into) the problem, and his foot firmly into his trap. It's all about whose sexual organ rubs against another's. by Sen. Doug Whitsett Prior to the start of every Legislative Assembly, the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) releases its State Agency Legislative Contact Directory. This document is very useful for lawmakers, not least because it provides information on how to reach department heads and their legislative liaisons to obtain assistance for constituents who may be having problems with those agencies. The most recent edition of the directory was from just over a year ago, and is dated January 9, 2015. Anyone hoping to use the current document will encounter significant difficulty with regards to several agencies whose directors and senior staff have been sacrificed amid continued controversy and public outrage. Just over a year ago, the director of DAS resigned his position after requesting that the Oregon State Police investigate a whistleblower who released disgraced former governor John Kitzhabers e-mails to a member of the news media. The whistleblower was threatened with 6,000 counts of official misconduct by the office that employed Kitzhabers nephew as a prosecutor, one for each individual e-mail that was leaked to a Willamette Week reporter. Due partly to public outcry, no criminal charges were filed against the whistleblower. He ultimately reached a substantial financial settlement with the state in exchange for promises to not file a civil lawsuit. The controversy ultimately lead to the passage of a bill to provide additional legal protections to whistleblowers in state government and non-profit organizations, which was signed into law by Governor Brown on March 29. Meanwhile, the former DAS director is now overseeing a major bureau for the City of Portland. The Oregon Health Authoritys (OHA) director has been on the job for just over a year now. She is the fourth person to head Oregons biggest spending agency since December 2013. Steady leadership is definitely needed at that agency. OHA continues to struggle with significant legal issues, including ongoing lawsuits with Oracle regarding the failed $300 million Cover Oregon debacle. The agency is currently negotiating a lawsuit settlement with Coordinated Care Organization (CCO) FamilyCare in an effort to avoid losing nearly half a billion dollars in funding. OHA recently rejected a settlement offer, prompting FamilyCare to file a complaint and motion for a temporary restraining order against OHA. The agency has given FamilyCare until April 5 to settle the dispute under threats of finding it in breach of contract and moving its members to a different CCO. OHA must also deal with an anticipated budget shortfall of at least a half-billion dollars for the 2017-19 biennium. The deficit will result largely from its massive expansion of Oregon Health Plan Medicaid enrollment and the federal governments gradual drawdown of payments intended to cover the costs of Oregon Medicaid expansions under Obamacare. The agency is also facing already negotiated salary increases of around 30 percent for its more than 4,000 employees over the next four years, as well as likely annual one percent Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) contribution increases for at least the next six years. Significant additional cost increases related to the new minimum wage law are certain to occur. The failed Cover Oregon private sector insurance exchange has been assigned to the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS). That agency chose to use the free national Obamacare exchange to provide access to private health insurance policies. We understand DCBS is now contemplating creating another new Oregon state insurance exchange, because it seems apparent that the use of the national exchange will not only not be free in the future, but may be prohibitively expensive to use. A recent poll conducted by the Portland Business Journal shows that Oregonians are understandably reluctant to pursue a state-run exchange, given the embarrassing history of expensive failures that has occurred to date. Moreover, one of Oregons fastest growing and largest private health care insurers, Moda, appears to be experiencing significant financial distress. Multiple cash infusions from outside sources and double-digit annual insurance premium increases have been required to maintain company solvency. Earlier this year, state regulators put the company under supervision due to those, and other, concerns. All of this came after Oregon Health and Science University loaned $50 million to Moda, a risky proposition that many people found to be both troubling and questionable. Other state agencies have experienced turnover at the highest levels. The Department of Human Services (DHS) director stepped down last summer after it was revealed that some of that agencys top officials ignored complaints for more than a decade of foster care abuses at Give Us This Day, a politically well-connected nonprofit organization. Investigations into Give Us This Day are ongoing. Earlier this month, the new director of DHS fired two of its top officials as news spread that a $20 million lawsuit has been filed against the agency alleging that DHS caseworkers and top officials ignored the abuse of two children by their foster parents for over two years. The agencys chief operating officer for the child welfare and self-sufficiency program and its director of the child welfare program were abruptly terminated without significant comment or explanation regarding their roles related to the most recent DHS debacle. A separate $3.5 million lawsuit has also been filed, alleging that DHS failed to protect a four-year-old girl at a foster home. DHS will also face significant budget difficulties in paying its nearly 8,000 employees related to the already negotiated near 30 percent salary increases, increasing PERS contributions and the effects of the new minimum wage law. The agency estimated $54 million in projected impacts for just two of its divisions from the minimum wage increase set to take effect July 1. Then theres the Department of Environmental Quality. Its director submitted his resignation, effective March 15, following the revelation that neighborhoods in Southeast Portland were being subjected to pollution. A timeline submitted by the former director to Governor Brown about the series of events was found to be in direct contradiction to information contained in e-mails obtained by press outlets through records requests. The Department of Energy is currently headed by its fifth director in the past five years. That agency is at the center of the storm of controversy regarding its management of the Business Energy Tax Credits (BETC) program. I am a member of a bipartisan, bicameral Department of Energy Oversight Committee appointed by Senate President Peter Courtney (D-Salem) and Speaker of the House Tina Kotek (D-Portland) to determine how the BETC and other agency programs were allowed to stray so far from their intended purposes. The director of the Department of Revenue (DOR) announced his retirement last December, days after several Republican legislators, including Rep. Whitsett and I, asked state and federal officials to investigate the BETC program. The agencys staff were allegedly instructed to limit or forego audits of entities with potential capital gains tax liabilities related to their purchase and sale of BETCs. Estimates of the potential taxes that may never be collected range around $20 million. Governor Brown fired the director of the Employment Department earlier this year, under the guise of concerns regarding security lapses stemming from the agencys computer systems. The outdated and inadequate status of the agencys computer systems has been public knowledge for at least a decade. The legislative leadership has not only refused to fund computer upgrades for the agency but has repeatedly repurposed money saved by the agency to help pay for the much-needed new systems. I considered the former director to be one of the most trustworthy and effective agency heads in the entire executive branch. Last fall, the director of the Department of State Lands (DSL) announced her resignation. The agency is controlled of the State Land Board, which is comprised of the state Governor, Treasurer and Secretary of State. DSLs regulatory expansion in recent years has been nothing short of phenomenal. In my opinion, DSL has engaged in gross overreach regarding its Essential Salmonid Habitat rulemaking, effectively expanding its regulatory influence from the headwaters to the sea. Moreover, the agencys intended expansion of removal and fill permitting appears designed to seriously curtail or eliminate mining anywhere near an Oregon stream. The agency even contemplated expanding its emergency rulemaking efforts to broadly exclude the public from various state properties in Lake County, to the exclusion of certain activities on all state properties all of the time. All of this fits a particular pattern. Executive agency departments seems to ignore significant problems for as long as possible, and action is only initiated when the news media or public entities make a big deal about it. Too often, little is done to identify and address the cause of the problems. The typical executive response has been to deny knowledge and responsibility, remove or replace the head of the agency, and hope that the underlying issues somehow solve themselves. That game of department-head musical chairs appears likely to continue under Governor Browns tumultuous administration. Senator Doug Whitsett is the Republican state senator representing Senate District 28 Klamath Falls 190 detained in Punjab search operation LAHORE: Security agencies, with the help of Punjab police, extended search operations from main districts to small towns of the province on Wednesday and detained 190 suspects for interrogation out of the 7,618 picked up over the past two days. Sources said 58 search operations were conducted jointly by the army, Rangers and other agencies on intelligence-based information whereas Punjab police conducted 104 operations. A Punjab police spokesman said 61 suspects were arrested from Faisalabad, 39 from Lahore, 33 from Gujranwala, 37 from Sargodha, 24 from Bahawalpur, 21 from Dera Ghazi Khan and four from Multan region. The Crime Investigation Agency claimed killing five high-profile terrorists in an encounter in Lahore early on Wednesday. Lahore CCPO retired Capt Amin Wains told media men that the five terrorists were members of a banned militant outfit, Al Qaeda (Afzaal Group). They were suspected of having been involved in several terror activities, including a missile strike on the Pakistan Military Academy, Kakul, and attacks on army officers in Peshawar; an army camp in Gujrat; Ahmadis in Garhi Shahu, Lahore; Police Training Centre, Farooqabad (Sheikhupura district); a suicide attack in Model Town, Lahore; and cracker attacks at several juice corners and food outlets in Lahore. The CCPO said they had also kidnapped a relative of senior army officer Gen Tariq Majeed for Rs10 million ransom, an American citizen for Rs300m ransom and two foreigners in Multan. He said deceased terrorists Qari Saqib and Junaid Zahoor had jointly carried a head money of Rs1.5m announced by the Khyber Pakhtunkhawa government. Others were identified as Khan Wahid, Nasir Iqbal and Nadeem Iqbal. The CCPO said the CIA carried out the raid on information about the presence of the terrorists at a hideout near LDA Avenue Scheme. As soon as CIA teams surrounded the hideout, the armed men opened fire at them. Policemen retaliated and after an exchange of fire for a few hours, CIA teams found all terrorists dead. A cache of sophisticated weapons, including hand-grenades, Kalashnikovs and detonators, were recovered from the place. The suspects were being interrogated by officials of security agencies, a senior police official told reporters. Nisar Ali Khan announced end of sit-in at D-Chowk 31 March, 2016 Related News Imran Khan distributed loan cheques under Kamyab Jawan Programme PTI govt to face all challenges coming its way: Imran khan More on this View All Tips for Taking Incredible iPhone Travel Photos Top 2021 Accessories We Know You Will Love Types of Casino Payment Methods Best Poker Hands ever played on a Casino Are Slot Developers Important for players? Hand Wash and Toiletries in Pakistan And the Role of DUPAS in Reshaping the Industry Woke Bingo ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on Wednesday evening announced the end of the sit-in at Islamabad's D-Chowk by pro-Mumtaz Qadri protesters, following successful negotiations between the government and protesters. Nisar also denied media reports that a deal had been struck, saying the demonstrators left of their own accord. In the future, no political or religious gatherings and demonstrations will be allowed at D-Chowk. This is a very sensitive area and we can not allow groups of people to hold the government hostage. Nisar added that changes will be brought through by passing legislation in the parliament, and it will also benefit the police forces in establishing their writ in a more effective manner. The interior minister explained that the operation to remove the pro-Qadri demonstrators was not conducted earlier, as reinforcements were needed to shore up the federal capitals police force. He also said,We wanted to conduct the law enforcement action during daylight hours. The security czar said that the demonstrators involved in destroying or damaging public and private property, attacking government officials and involved in any other criminal acts will be brought to justice. "From Lahore to Attock, we know who all was involved in breaking the law, and we will prosecute them under law," said Nisar. Nisar also thanked 'notable personalities' for their role in bringing the stand-off to a peaceful conclusion. Earlier, the government had given the demonstrators an ultimatum to leave late Tuesday, but it went unheeded, prompting the government to issue a second call saying security forces would begin an operation to clear the area Wednesday morning. There had been no fresh warning from the government despite the expiry of the Wednesday morning deadline. Protest leader Asif Jalali had said the protesters would not move unless all 10 of their demands were accepted by the government. A police source had stated that more than 7,000 security forces were poised to clear the sit-in, including the Rangers and Frontier Corps with reinforcements from the Punjab police. Army troops are already standing guard at government buildings near the protest camp. Local media had reported the government was looking to resolve the situation amicably through dialogue. However, thousands of security forces personnel stood ready with riot gear to clear the area of protesters. Superintendent Police Rizwan Gondal while speaking to reporters had stated that security forces will not use force against protesters who surrender to them, adding, "We are waiting for orders from our senior command. We are prepared." Gondal, while briefing security forces on the operation said, "When any man surrenders to you, you cannot harm him." He instructed the forces to ensure the operation is "the first and last. We cannot leave anything to chance. We must clear the area." "We have anti-riot gear, everything has been checked. The men have been briefed. They know how to confront protesters hurling stones at them, they know how to use their shields. And our anti-riot squads who have teargas are under a DSP and will follow his instructions. If there is a need for it, they will use it. If there isn't a need, they will not use it. It will be a totally managed activity," Gondal told DawnNews. Federal Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar on Tuesday night had warned protesters that the government would clear the area "at any cost" if they refused to disperse on their own overnight. However, protesters have pressed ahead with a list of 10 demands and continued their sit-in. "We dont want bloodshed and want this to end peacefully," Nisar had said, adding that the government "is trying its best to protect peoples lives, but will make sure that it ends tomorrow [on Wednesday] anyhow". "It is not difficult to conduct an operation but there are innocent people in there who have been mislead," he said. A set of 10 demands issued by protesters under the banner of the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Ya Rasool (SAW), include the unconditional release of all Sunni clerics and leaders booked on various charges, including terrorism and murder; the recognition of Mumtaz Qadri as a martyr and the conversion of his Adiala Jail cell into a national heritage site; assurances that the blasphemy laws will not be amended; and the removal of Ahmadis and other non-Muslims who had occupied key posts. They also demanded the execution of blasphemy accused Aasia Bibi, the woman former Punjab Governor Salmaan Taseer was killed for defending. Chaudhry Nisar, while holding the Punjab government responsible for security lapses which allowed protesters to breach the Red Zone, said on Tuesday that religious parties had violated the written commitments they made earlier. The parties were granted permission to mark the chehlum of former Punjab governor Salman Taseer's killer, Mumtaz Qadri, in Liaquatbagh on Sunday on "written assurance that the participants will disperse in the evening following the Asr prayers". "But a section of the gathering violated the commitment and resorted to violence," Nisar had said, adding, "Some people are trying to do politics under the guise of a religious gathering." On Sunday, at least a crowd of at least 25,000 attended the chehlum of former Punjab governor Salman Taseer's killer Mumtaz Qadri in Liaquatbagh, after which more than 10,000 charged protesters made their way into the federal capital, where they clashed with security forces, damaged buildings and setting fire to the metro station, containers and buses, before setting up camp outside key government buildings along the capital's main Constitution Avenue. Qadri, an Elite Force commando, was executed at Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail on February 29. Qadri shot Taseer 28 times in broad daylight in Islamabads Kohsar Market on January 4, 2011. In a primetime address on Monday night, Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif warned radical Islamists that the leniency of the government and law enforcement agencies should not be mistaken as a sign of the helplessness. "Protecting people's lives and property is the government's constitutional responsibility. Until now, the government has displayed patience so that those who try to incite innocent people's religious sentiments are unsuccessful. But let it be clear that those spreading outrage, fanning the fire of hatred, inciting sectarianism and creating problems for citizens will without a doubt be dealt with by means of law," the PM said. No evidence of Maulana Masood Azhar in Pathankot attack so far: JIT NEW DELHI: Pakistans Joint Investigating Team (JIT) investigating the Pathankot airbase attack in India has told Indian interlocutors that it is yet to find evidence to link Maulana Masood Azhar to the terror outrage, The Hindu reported on Wednesday. The Indian Express said that Indian investigators had asked the JIT for the Jaish-e-Mohammed chiefs voice samples, indicating he was the prime suspect in the January 2 armed attack at the Indian Air Force base. According to The Hindu, the JIT was still verifying whether the JeM founder who was released from an Indian jail in 1999 in exchange for passengers of the hijacked IC 814 aircraft had any role in the storming of the base. The paper quoted an unnamed senior security establishment official for the claim. India has in the past said Azhar and his brother Abdul Asghar Rauf were directly linked to the attack, which was planned at the JeMs Bahawalpur headquarters. We posed pin-pointed questions about Masood Azhar; they neither confirmed nor denied that he was in detention. The JIT told us that though they have made a few detentions in the case, so far no direct evidence has surfaced against Masood Azhar, the official said. Opposition parties have slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for inviting the JIT. Home Minister Rajnath Singh seemed defensive while addressing an election rally in Assam, saying Pakistan had acknowledged the Pathankot attack and filed an FIR. Pakistan had been continuously saying that it has no involvement in militant and terror activities in India. But now it has acknowledged the Pathankot attack and filed an FIR. Their [probe] team has come here and our team is going to Pakistan, he said. On Wednesday, the NIA handed over to the JIT a list running into 34 pages. The list pertains to the evidence required by India to build a foolproof case against the JeM. The JIT is learnt to have informed the NIA of the progress made in an independent investigation being done by them. Pakistan has asked for a series of documents and evidence from India. The call detail records of the former Gurdaspur SP, Salwinder Singh, his cook Madan Gopal and friend Rajesh Verma have been sought by the JIT. The terrorists had made calls to their handlers in Pakistan through these phones only after they snatched it from its owners. They also sought the post-mortem reports and other details, the official said. On Thursday, Singh, Gopal and Verma, along with the doctors who conducted autopsies on the four terrorists (whose bodies were found at the airbase) will interact with the JIT as witnesses to assist in their investigations. We have asked for the voice samples of Masood Azhar and his brother Abdul Rauf, as also those of Khayyam Baber (mother of terrorist Nasir killed during the Pathankot attack), NIA chief Sharad Kumar said after the meeting. Obama telephoned Nawaz Sharif ISLAMABAD: US President Barack Obama telephoned Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday and expressed grief over the loss of precious human lives in Lahore blast earlier this week, Radio Pakistan reported. The US president assured every possible cooperation to Pakistan in eliminating the menace of terrorism. Pakistan has made significant progress in war against terrorism under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif, Obama was quoted as saying. Obama expressed hope that Pakistan will succeed in its war against terrorism. He was of the view that the goal of terrorists is to weaken our faith and lead people to strike out against those who look or pray differently. Nawaz told Obama that the peoples resolve to fight terrorism is getting stronger with each passing day. He said the enemy is targeting innocent people after the military destroyed their infrastructure and sanctuaries across the country. At least 72 people were killed in a suicide blast that took place in Lahore's crowded Gulshan-i-Iqbal park on Sunday evening. Around 300 others were injured. Following the attack, the army and Rangers announced to conduct a widespread operation across Punjab to target militants, their facilitators and their hideouts. Ice Camp Sargo, located in the Arctic Circle, serves as the main stage for Ice Exercise 2016. ICEX 2016 is a five-week exercise designed to research, test and evaluate operational capabilities in the region. It allows the US Navy to assess operational readiness in the Arctic, increase experience in the region, advance understanding of the Arctic environment and develop partnerships and collaborative efforts. Credit: US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tyler Thompson/Released As the Navy's Ice Exercise (ICEX) 2016 winds to a close this week in the frigid waters of the Arctic Ocean, officials at the Office of Naval Research (ONR) today reported new scientific research that took place during the event that will enhance our understanding of, and ability to safely operate in, Arctic maritime environments. ICEX, a biennial, multi-week exercise sponsored by the Navy's Arctic Submarine Laboratory, is designed to test submarine capabilities in the Arcticas well as provide a base camp for cooperative scientific research. The temporary camp sits on a thick piece of floating sea ice approximately 200 miles north of Barrow, Alaska. This year, for the second time in a row, the ICEX base camp had to be evacuated when cracks in the ice were discoveredproving anew the importance of better understanding the changing region. "ONR sponsors an active Arctic research program, and ICEX provides a unique and valuable opportunity for our researchers," said Chief of Naval Research Rear Adm. Mat Winter. "Increasing our understanding of the dynamic Polar environment will help ensure future naval operations in the region are conducted safely and efficiently." One of the significant ONR-sponsored projects involved the launch of an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) to measure temperature, salinity and ambient noise conditions beneath the surfacefactors that can dramatically impact the effectiveness of sonar operations. Sonar is a naval technology that uses sound in the water to detect and track submarines, popularly known by the famed "ping" signals shown in movie and television depictions. The ONR UUV collected data within a submerged layer of warm water, known as the Beaufort Lens, which is flowing into the Arctic from the Pacific Ocean. This knowledge could prove essential for improved detection, classification and tracking of vessels. In related efforts, ONR-sponsored students from the Naval Postgraduate School measured and analyzed the loss of transmission signals over different frequencies as sound penetrated the warm layer of the Beaufort Lens. Other students studied characteristics under the ice at the sea-ice interface. ONR's Arctic and Global Prediction program also supported Naval Research Laboratory work during the exercise that used airborne and space-based synthetic aperture radar to develop methods to remotely determine the thickness and age of Arctic sea ice floes. "The Arctic Ocean is a dynamic and particularly challenging maritime environment," said Capt. Robin Tyner, military deputy to ONR's Ocean Battlespace Sensing department. "As the changing environment opens the region for expanded maritime and naval activity, knowledge of that environment, and the ability to accurately predict weather and ice movement, will become increasingly important." The U.S. Navy Arctic Roadmap 2014-2030 assigns ONR lead responsibility for improving Arctic assessment and prediction, and developing comprehensive computer models to support ocean, ice and atmospheric forecasts. Explore further Office of Naval Research supports exercise at Arctic test range PwC Chair in Digital Economy, Professor Marek Kowalkiewicz, says in the future a digital identity will give us freedom from information as well as more control of who we share our information with. In future, the smart organisations will be the proactive ones that predict your every need, cutting through the digital overload and treating each client and customer as a segment of one. Governments will send your driver's licence application as your 16th birthday approaches, retailers will text to say they've left a new box of the laundry powder you are about to run out of at your door, says PwC Chair in Digital Economy, QUT Professor Marek Kowalkiewicz. "It won't be 'here's what customers like you buy, watch or listen to' but 'here's what you need now'," he said. Professor Kowalkiewicz said organisations were joining the digital economy's move to proactively provide services and products when they were needed, not after they'd been requested. They would even predict and supply products before we realised we needed them. "Proactivity in organisations will provide whole new ways to escape the information overload we are all experiencing, and provide a raft of new services," Professor Kowalkiewicz said. "It will change everything about the way we live and the way we do business. "At the centre of this transformation will be our individual digital identity that we alone curate to allow chosen organisations to interact with us. "Yes, we will give up some privacy but the pay-off will be more convenience. At first, we hesitated to use paywave but now everyone uses it because it saves time and effort. "Having a digital identity will give us freedom from information as well as more control of who we share our information with and what they do with it." Professor Kowalkiewicz said proactive organisations would become trusted partners and an invisible part of our lives. "For example, you are turning 16, the proactive organisation sends you a learners application. Driving instructors and defensive driving course providers will have contacted you. "Banks will analyse your credit card spend and alert you to suspicious charges, or to a possible data breach in an organisation you deal with, then automatically cancel your compromised card and send you a new one." Professor Kowalkiewicz is working in partnership with Queensland Government to explore a proactive approach to provide more time and cost-effective services whilst providing greater convenience and personalised service for customers. "For example, the proactive utility company will monitor water usage, spot a water leak before you do and with your pre-approval send someone out to fix it," he said. Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy Leeanne Enoch said the Queensland Government was working on personalised service delivery for Queenslanders. "We are looking at how we can be on the front foot in providing access to services, with the customer in mind," Ms Enoch said. "Our approach is driven by better insights about what our customers want and need, and how they want to interact with us, in order to personalise, inform and provide services around their needs and individual circumstances. "We are working with industry leaders and innovators, federal government, local councils, small businesses and members of the public, to reimagine how we can provide government services tailored to customers before they even realise they need them. "There is some very exciting and innovative work underway and the State Government looks forward to sharing more news in coming months about how we can better deliver services to Queenslanders." Professor Kowalkiewicz said advanced computing power would enable organisations to divide their customers down to a segment of one to deliver truly personalised service. "Our trusted partner organisations will take proactivity to another level and actually predict our needs," he said. "With the use of the internet of things, your laundry powder box will have a sensor in it and notify your store it's nearly empty or you'll just find a new box on the doorstep when you get home." Explore further Governments urged to engage social media in disasters So many birdies! There are more than 10,000 species of bird living on Earth today. If you recognise that birds are living dinosaurs, which overwhelming evidence indicates that they are, then this makes them more diverse than their living mammalian counterparts. So if you take the number of species to mean anything, this means we're still in the reign of the dinosaurs! These days they're just mostly a bit smaller and fluffier than their Mesozoic ancestors. But one massive question still remains for Palaeontologists and Neontologists: Why are there so many bird species around today, when we have relatively so few dinosaurs in the fossil record? This disparity is even more extreme when you consider that while non-avian dinosaurs were around for about 170 million years, there were only ever about 800 or so species of dinosaur, based on current records. The actual number fluctuates through time, as new species are discovered, and others are shown to be invalid through research broadly known as 'taxonomy'. Recently, Jostein Starfelt and Lee Hsiang Liow of the University of Oslo made a major step forward in answering one of the key questions related to this: Just how many dinosaur species were there in reality? Most previous studies of dinosaur diversity have only looked at relative diversity, which assess proportional changes from one time to another. But how do you actually estimate the real total number of dinosaurs through time? How do Palaeontologists read the fossil record? How has the sampling of the dinosaur fossil record changed through time? Credit: Starrfelt and Liow (2016) One of the major problems in calculating diversity is that the fossil record is a poor representation of the biological part of ecosystems. Animals are preserved differently due to differences in their anatomy. Also, not all animals have the same chance of becoming fossils, based on where they happen to find their final resting place. Furthermore, the geological record is preserved differently through space and time, due to where seas and rivers were to deposit sediment, and due to processes of mountain building and erosion. Once you get past these two hurdles, humans have then sampled this record differently through time, for example by collecting only from rocks where they know there is a high probability of finding new fossils, also known as the 'bonanza effect'. Dinosaurs be TRiPSin'.. All of this variation is broadly known as sampling bias. While many methods have been developed to account for these biases in different ways, Starrfelt and Liow developed a brand new one called TRiPS, which stands for True Richness estimated using a Poisson Sampling Model. This accounts for variation in the sampling of the dinosaur record by estimating both the bias and the overall diversity (richness) based on variation in the number of times each dinosaur species occurs at different points in time. For example, if we know lots of specimens of a particular dinosaur species, we can infer that it has a relatively high preservation potential and collection probability. The authors used this to investigate the dynamics of dinosaur diversity through time, and to assess possible extinction events in their history. Dinosaur species diversity through time, with confidence intervals. Credit: Starrfelt and Liow (2016) Using this new method, applied to the whole known dinosaur record through the whole of the Mesozoic (Triassic to the end of the Cretaceous), they estimated that 1543-2468 species existed altogether around the globe. While the authors acknowledge that this is a crude estimate, it is largely convergent on previous calculations too. Importantly, this number is much higher than what is currently known from the fossil record. If you break this down into the three major dinosaur groups, a slightly different pattern emerges. Theropods, the mostly carnivorous group leading to modern birds, had almost twice as many species (1115) than either the long-necked sauropods (513) or bird-hipped ornithischians (508). Steve Brusatte of the University of Edinburgh is sceptical though: "I would take these numbers with an ocean full of salt", he said. "There are over 10,000 species of birds living dinosaurs around today. So saying there were only a few thousand dinosaur species that lived during 150+ million years of the Mesozoic doesn't pass the sniff test. That's not the fault of the authors. They've employed advanced statistical methods that take the data as far as it can go. The problem is the data. The fossil record is horrifically biased. Only a tiny fraction of all living things will ever be preserved as fossils. So what we find is a very biased sample of all dinosaurs that ever lived, and no amount of statistical finagling can get around that simple unfortunate truth." Jostein Starrfelt also thinks that there is more work to be done in this domain: "Our estimate of total dinosaur richness of approximately 2000 species was done attempting to combine the sampling probabilities from all stages of the Mesozoic and should be interpreted with caution, and my gut feeling is that the total number of dinosaur species for the whole Mesozoic is higher than our total estimate suggests." The future of dinosaur hunting So what does all of this mean for dinosaur hunters? Well, it suggests that there are still hundreds more to be found out there! So get your hiking boots out and go track some dinosaurs! Brusatte said "There are huge swaths of the planet and huge stretches of the Mesozoic that have yielded few or no dinosaur fossils. The Middle Jurassic and mid Cretaceous are notoriously poorly sampled, as are Antarctica, Australia, and much of Africa. It's only been over the last few decades that we've come to appreciate the bounty of Chinese dinosaurs, and they keep coming at a furious pace. We still have a lot to find." Indeed, Starrfelt agreed that their method could be used to "get a better picture of which continents are under-sampled and for which periods (and could thus deserve some more human effort)." It also hints that there might be something fundamentally different about the evolutionary biology of bird-line dinosaurs, and non-avian dinosaurs. Many studies are beginning to unravel the origins and diversification of modern birds, but these will only truly shed light if they are considered in the wider context of dinosaur diversity through time. Starrfelt also hinted at his future plans with this line of research. "As with most scientific endeavours I wouldn't say that TRiPS has solved the major problems of using the fossil record as a source of information about the dynamics of clades; but that it might be a good start. The approach lends itself easily to being extended; in the future we might be able to include information about the 'human effort' part of fossil bias by interpreting the sampling rate as the product of a fossilization rate and a 'discovery probability', for instance. We're also in the process of putting TRiPS in a Bayesian framework." How exciting! Only by being able to estimate diversity with greater accuracy through space and time can we begin to understand the forces that have shaped the evolutionary history of animals. More information: Jostein Starrfelt et al. How many dinosaur species were there? Fossil bias and true richness estimated using a Poisson sampling model, Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences (2016). Jostein Starrfelt et al. How many dinosaur species were there? Fossil bias and true richness estimated using a Poisson sampling model,(2016). DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2015.0219 This story is republished courtesy of PLOS Blogs: blogs.plos.org. Scientists have used satellite imaging of coral reefs in the South China Sea to highlight the dire ecological consequences of reef dredging to increase land area. While much has been made of the political significance of reef dredging and land creation activities in this area, the scientists conclude that the impact on these precious environments must also be considered and the international community must cooperate to prevent the destruction of these critical ecosystems. Due to their isolation, the coral reefs of offshore distant atolls have historically been "protected" from direct human stressors. However, in an article publishing on 31st March in the Open Access journal PLOS Biology, researchers from the University of Hawaii document reef damage in isolated reefs due to dredging and land reclamation in the South China Sea (Note: reclamation is here defined as the creation of new land by filling submerged areas, with no connotation of ownership). The authors used remote sensing data from the Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager to quantify reef destruction and land creation in seven atolls in the Spratly Islands. Their results show that these seven atolls have effectively lost ~11.6 km2 (26.9%) of their reef area for a gain of ~10.7 km2 of land from February 2014 to May 2015. The study also shows that dredging has been a common practice among countries in the region, and calls for urgent international partnerships for the conservation of this disputed territory before further reclamation and destruction of atolls in the region. "We see an urgent need to bring the issue to the attention of the scientific community and the general public before more unique atolls are irreversibly damaged," says study leader, Camilo Mora. The protection of coral reefs is extremely important, as not only are they home to an incredible number of species, but they provide food and protection to many coastal populations. Coral reef dredging is a disturbingly common practice across the globe. Previous studies of the impact of reef dredging have found that it can lead to near-permanent damage to the reef and its surrounding ecosystems, and result in local species extinctions. In the South China Sea, where the ownership of many atolls is disputed, the authors call for the international community to come together to create a mechanism for conservation. One possibility would be the establishment of a multinational marine protected area. Mora says, "We suggest the need for multinational cooperation in this disputed territory as a win-win situation, before the race for further development damages more unique environments." "Countries bordering the South China Sea need to realize that the value of the Spratly Islands as a spawning ground for the same fish that support the lives and livelihoods of their citizensa source of larvae to replenish harvested fish populations throughout the region", says co-author John MacManus. The authors recommend looking to the formation of the Antarctica Protected Areas as a positive example of an ecologically important region saddled with multiple territorial claims. Explore further Scientists call for new strategy to study climate change impacts on coral reefs More information: Mora C, Caldwell IR, Birkeland C, McManus JW (2016) Dredging in the Spratly Islands: Gaining Land but Losing Reefs. PLoS Biol 14(3): e1002422. Journal information: PLoS Biology Mora C, Caldwell IR, Birkeland C, McManus JW (2016) Dredging in the Spratly Islands: Gaining Land but Losing Reefs.14(3): e1002422. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.1002422 It can be extremely challenging to integrate technologies using renewables sources such parabolic trough solar collectors (PTC), a biomass boiler, a cogeneration unit based on the organic rankine cycle (ORC), an absorption chiller and a cooling tower. But this challenge is even greater when these energy reduction systems need to be coupled to an existing and occupied building. This is what the European project BRICKER is trying to achieve at its demo site in Caceres (Spain), a complex accommodating the administrative offices of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, Environment and Energy of the Government of Extremadura. Industrial engineer Juan Jacobo Peralta, researcher at the Department of Research and Development of CEMOSA, a company specialising in materials, design and work control, outlines the renovation strategies. What's the role of your company in the project? In the initial phase (before refurbishment), we designed monitoring systems to collect the necessary data. We also worked on pre-designing the new heating and air-conditioning facility to make it compatible with the Bricker system. Another task that we have completed concerns the foundations used for securing the parabolic trough solar collectors to be placed on the building roof. Since we're dealing with large-dimensional structures, we had to make a structural calculation to evaluate the building resistance to the additional weight. We then designed the anchorages needed to secure these structures to the foundations, without affecting the safety of the building. What would you say are proving to be the most difficult challenges? Our first challenge was actually integrating the new Bricker system. We had to partially replace the existing heating and air-conditioning system which wasn't 100 percent compatible with our Bricker system, and there were difficulties in finding enough space to install everything. We are subject to RITE the Spanish standard for thermal installations in buildings and we discovered that we were required to install heat-recovery systems. Such systems consist of an appliance similar to a fan-coil unit, which needs additional space, and also the cost is higher. Furthermore, we had to visit the site a number of times to study the layout of the ducts and pipes, and to check where the existing appliances were positioned. During these visits, we looked into what the best strategy would be for replacing the existing cooling equipment with the new system, while avoiding any disruption to the normal use of the building. This poses an even bigger challenge, doesn't it? Yes, it does, because the building is used almost 365 days a year, from Monday to Saturday. This means we have to carefully identify when the least disruptive times are. We have to go from floor to floor in a strategic way to avoid making any noise, and the heating and air-conditioning system needs to keep functioning, if only partially. The ideal months for work have been found to be April and October, when energy demand is at its lowest. What do you think the Caceres demo site will contribute specifically to the Bricker project? This demo site is a great opportunity to see how these systems interactthe solar collector system, the biomass boilers, the organic ranking cycle and an absorption cooling system as well as an additional heat pumpand also to detect possible problems in their installation and commissioning. We are set to contribute invaluable knowledge about tri-generation systems adapted to buildings. Working in the depths of the polar night can have its challenges, but it can be breathtakingly beautiful, too. Credit: ystein Varpe, UNIS Global warming means much warmer winters in the Arctic, with more rain and icing. Researchers are working to understand what that will do to plants that have evolved to overwinter under a thick blanket of snow. In January 2014, a group of researchers conducted an unusual, some might say paradoxical, experiment in the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard: Their goal was to encase small plants growing out on the tundra in a thick layer of ice. While this might seem oddnature does a pretty good job of encasing plants in Svalbard with ice and snowthe researchers were trying to use their experiment as a kind of biological crystal ball. Global warming means that it will rain more in places like Svalbard during the winter, and the researchers wondered what this change in climate would do to a common tundra plant, called Cassiope tetragona, or arctic heather. This is more than just an academic question, since climatologists say that Svalbard has already seen the greatest increase in temperatures of any place in Europe over the last three decades. "We already see large changes in Svalbard's climate, and we expect more to come" because of global warming, said Brage B. Hansen, a biologist at the Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology and one of the paper's authors. "We know that when we have summer warming, plants will grow more, but when we have winter warming, which is even more profound in a place like Svalbard, we don't really know how this affects plants." Cassiope tetragona. Note the damage on some of the shoots. Credit: Brage B. Hansen, NTNU And so Hansen and his fellow scientists at the University Centre in Svalbard and the University of Aberdeen designed an experiment to see if they could figure out how Cassiope would fare encapsulated in a sheet of ice. Ice boxes The study, published in Ecology and Evolution in February, was what researchers call a pilot projectwhere they test out an idea to see if it merits pursuing. Logistics proved to be a big part of the challenge they faced in deciding to do the study. Outside of Longyearbyen, which has a year-round population of about 2000 people, there are a few scattered settlements but essentially no infrastructure. If the researchers wanted to freeze their plants in natural settings out on the tundra, they would have to haul every drop of water out to their selected research site via snowmobile, in the pitch black and bitter cold of the polar night. Their experimental design involved using 50 x 50 cm wooden, bottomless boxes, or frames, to isolate areas of Cassiope so that they could create a thick cover of ice inside the box. "We were testing out our ideas and logistics and started out relatively small, with six boxes where we encased plants in ice, and six control plots for later comparison with untreated plants," says ystein Varpe, associate professor at the University Centre in Svalbard. Then came the surprisingly difficult challenge of actually encasing the plants in ice. The researchers used 40 litres of water to freeze the plants inside each of the bottomless treatment boxes. They quickly learned if they poured water into the open-bottomed boxes too quickly it would just run out the bottom. If they ran out of water they had to drive back to Longyearbyen to tank up again, so every lost drop added to the difficulty of getting the experiment set up. They finally came up with a system where they built slushy walls of snow around the perimeter of the boxes to hold the water in until it could freeze. Freezing plants in a sheet of ice in the middle of the polar night is far more challenging than you might think. Credit: Brage B. Hansen, NTNU "It's a cold, wet and challenging job when it is -15 C and you are working with water," Hansen said. "You have to work pretty hard to make it work." More damage but more growth When summer came and the researchers returned to see the effects of the icing, they found that the plants that had been encased in ice were more likely to have damage. Cassiope is actually a tiny shrub that grows by either prolonging its shoots or sending up new shoots. "The icing treatment damaged and actually killed some of the plant's shoots and the ice-encased plants also flowered less," Varpe said. Neither of these findings surprised the team. But what did surprise them was that plants that had been encased by ice actually had more growth in their remaining undamaged shoots compared to the plants in the control plots. Initially, that didn't make senseif a plant had been harmed by freezing, why would it grow more? Hansen said he and his colleagues believe this happened because the plants were compensating for the damage. If they had fewer shoots (because some had been killed off) and didn't put energy into making flowers, the energy that might have gone into flowering and supporting the dead shoots could instead be channeled to the surviving parts of the plant, he said. "Maybe this reflects their life history strategy," he said, adding that the scientists are speculating and don't yet have definitive proof for the cause. "If you have really bad conditions, you skip reproduction and some stems die, but you allocate more of your resources to the growth of the remaining stems." Even though they had relatively few sample plots to analyse, the trend was so strong that it was statistically significant. Heres what the experimental set-up looked like after winter's end. Credit: Brage B. Hansen, NTNU Cassiope as a measure of past weather events One reason the researchers decided to study Cassiope is because of the way it grows and how other researchers have used this distinctive growth pattern in climate research. Researchers have long used tree rings as a kind of time machine, especially when it comes to weather and climate. In temperate deciduous forests, for example, a tree adds growth around its trunk each year. This ring of growth is visible when you cut the tree down and look at the distinctive pattern of concentric rings in the cross-section of the tree trunk. Not surprisingly, these growth rings are thicker when growing conditions are good, and thinner if growing conditions are bad. Trees that live a very long time, like bristlecone pines (which can live for thousands of years), offer a kind of tree's-eye view of the growing conditions for each year of growth shown in the tree rings. It turns out that also Cassiope, even though it is only a little arctic shrub, has a specific kind of growth pattern that researchers can use to measure annual growth, much like a tree ring. Each year, every surviving shoot produces a distinct new growth section with a length that can be easily measured and compared with previous years' sections. These researchers have long assumed that if Cassiope grows a lot in a year, that they can assume that growing conditions have been good, and if it grows poorly, then growing conditions were bad. This assumption has been used by some researchers to reconstruct temperature records in the Arctic back as far as 1840. This assumption might now have to be reconsidered, Hansen said. "We have to be aware that some of the findings we have (about plant growth) might be confounded by other climatic correlations," he said. "If you had a really warm summer and then you saw increased shoot growth, you might easily conclude that the warm summer was responsible for the increased growth, while it might actually be the warm winter and plant damage." Three master's students will find answers The surprising findings of the 2014 pilot study encouraged Hansen and his colleagues to begin a larger, more complicated study this past winter. This time, instead of six boxes paired with six controls, the researchers now have 22 different boxes with different experimental setups. They are also conducting their research on plants that are important as forage for herbivores on Svalbard, such as reindeer, geese and ptarmigan, instead of Cassiope, which is not eaten by grazers at all. This summer, three master's students will measure growth and flowering of all the plants in the different boxes to see what happens. The study will also extend over several years, because sometimes the effects of a harsh winter can be delayed. "We know there can be delayed effects," he said. "Maybe if you produce a lot of flowers one year then you don't produce a lot of flowers in the next, or vice versa." Explore further Large sea ice changes North of Swalbard More information: Jos M. Milner et al. Experimental icing affects growth, mortality, and flowering in a high Arctic dwarf shrub, Ecology and Evolution (2016). Journal information: Ecology and Evolution Jos M. Milner et al. Experimental icing affects growth, mortality, and flowering in a high Arctic dwarf shrub,(2016). DOI: 10.1002/ece3.2023 Program Launches With a Stable of Powerful Industry Brands Including Magento, Demandware, NetSuite and Mozu SAN FRANCISCO, CA(Marketwired Mar 31, 2016) Reflektion, the leader in next generation personalization and winner of Shop.orgs Digital Commerce Startup of the Year award, today announced the launch of The Reflektion Integrated Partner Program. eCommerce platforms Magento, Demandware, NetSuite and Mozu are among the first to partner with Reflektion. Through the new partnership program, an expanded network of retailers now has access to a quick launch integration with Reflektions innovative eCommerce personalization solutions, which are built around capturing, analyzing and responding to each individuals preferences and intent in real time as they shop. As an expanding retail company with multiple brands running on the Magento platform and using Reflektion, our team is thrilled to see this partner program launch. This will continue to help us scale as we launch more eCommerce brands, states Daniel Neukomm, CEO of La Jolla Group, the parent company to ONeill Clothing. Having seamless access to the unique and powerful approach to personalization offered by Reflektion is exactly what we want. The solution has been creating remarkable conversion rate increases for our brands. At its core, Reflektion is designed to respond in real time to each individuals preferences and intent by presenting the most relevant products to each shopper. This strategy, called Individualized Commerce, was pioneered by Reflektion and works across the complete digital shopper experience including product merchandising, site search and mobile. This is a major departure from traditional personalization tools which are based on overly broad segmentation tactics. On average, Reflektions clients generate more than a 20 percent increase in conversion rates and a 70 percent increase in engagement. Reflektions partner program makes our solution available in a turnkey fashion to even more companies. In addition to these eCommerce solution providers, weve also partnered with a number of integrators and agencies who can now offer their clients the most effective personalization solution on the market, states Sean Moran, CEO of Reflektion. In addition to launching its partnership program with Demandware, Magento, NetSuite and Mozu, Reflektion has partnered with other eCommerce technology leaders, integrators and digital agencies including Bronto, Kadro, Ardeeka, Born, Oven Bits and roboFirm. As a Magento partner, Reflektion will be exhibiting at the Magento Imagine Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada where the company can be found at booth #104 from April 11-13. Reflektion will also be attending the Demandware XChange conference in Hollywood, Florida from April 4-6. About Reflektion Reflektion drives millions of incremental conversion events for leading retailers of all sizes, including Disney, Uniqlo, ONeill Clothing, Godiva and Oriental Trading. Reflektions Individualized Commerce Solutions enable retailers to capture and respond to each individual shoppers intent in real time, which increases customer conversions and retailer revenue by over 20%. The company is backed by leading investors including Battery Ventures, Hasso Plattner Ventures and Intel Capital. Reflektion is the 2015 winner of Shop.orgs Digital Commerce Startup of the Year Award. Learn more about Reflektion at www.reflektion.com WARRENSBURG The owners of a former local fuel oil business have been fined $79,500 for environmental violations at what used to be their company headquarters and at a Lake George home where a fuel spill occurred. An administrative law judge imposed the fines on Able Energy New York Inc. after a years-long enforcement effort by the state Department of Environmental Conservation, according to documents posted on the DECs website. The company stopped delivering fuel in early 2014, and its fleet of delivery trucks was repossessed in May of that year. The site has been vacant for nearly two years. The DEC found several violations of petroleum bulk storage rules at the companys former office and storage area on Industrial Park Road during a September 2013 inspection. Among the violations were not having a permit for bulk storage, failing to protect tanks from corrosion or deterioration, failure to inspect tanks, failure to mark tanks and failure to have gauges to denote oil levels in tanks. The fuel oil spill occurred when a customers tank on Pine Grove Avenue in Lake George was being filled in January 2013. At least five gallons spilled onto the side of a home, and the drivers initial cleanup consisted of shoveling contaminated snow into the homes backyard. When the residents complained to the company, the driver went back, removed some of the contaminated snow and shoveled the rest over a fence onto adjoining property. The spill was not reported to the DEC as required, according to the agency. The law judges decision earlier this month came after years of efforts to contact the companys owners were met with no response. The company had been operated by New York City businessman Vincent Franzone, but efforts by the agency to contact him in New York City and New Jersey were not answered, and the law judge found him in default, DEC documents show. The company is still considered an active domestic corporation by the state Department of State. Law Judge James McClymonds gave the company 30 days to pay the fine and fix compliance issues with fuel tanks. A woman who answered a New York City phone number listed for Franzones business said he was not at that number Wednesday. Inventory needs to be managed and managed well, or you are going to get in recurring trouble, and lose your credibility and hard-earned conversions, whether Read more Under the stability agreement which spans 10 years, government has granted tax concessions and incentives to Goldfields to the tune of $33 million in their two (Damang and Tarkwah) mines currently operational in the country. Chief Executive Officer of Goldfields Ghana, Nick Holland believes its a step in the right direction for the company and the country. It is welcome news for the company. But it is also a good thing for the country. There is now a good reason to come up with more investment for the Damang Mine and for Takwah [we] will get a longer term sustainability plan. That is certainly more royalties, more jobs and foreign exchange for the country. Gold Fields Ghana (GFG) is presently the number one gold mining company and largest gold producer in Ghana, with annual production in excess of 935,000 ounces from its two operating mines at Damang and Tarkwa. However, there are some processes that have been tested and proven that almost every serious entrepreneur have followed in not only starting, but succeeding with their businesses in Ghana. These steps on how to start a business may work out differently in the Ghanaian context compared to other places, but others are pretty the same. For example, like businesses elsewhere, business ideas in Ghana are mostly generated from talents, hobbies, passions; or ruthless exploitation of need. However, a careful observation reveals that the latter is more the case, where entrepreneurs take advantage of scarcity in agriculture, business to business service delivery or technological improvements in one sector or the other. Whether you are a local or foreign entrepreneur searching on how to start a business, the following are steps that should generally guide you: 1. Get a workable idea The first step to starting a business anywhere in the world, including Ghana, is getting a workable business Idea. This is essentially the service or product, you wish to render. It is usually called your value proposition. For example, you can decide to go into fresh juice production, or quail farming. As stated earlier, most business ideas are generated from a need of the immediate market, a hobby, or a skill. 2. Scout competition After you decide exactly what kind of service to render, the next step will be to find out if their other competitors inthe market, and how they are rendering their service. This will help you understand their strengths and their weaknesses. It is also important to gauge how satisfied their customers are with their service, and how to beat them. Whereas the flaws of some competitors are obvious, others may not readily be, but this could mean that you either look for an alternative market, or propose a partnership. 3. Unique Selling Proposition This directly follows your analysis of the competition. At this point you decide what differentiates your product from others. This could be a quicker way of delivering the service, providing the same quality at a cheaper price, or finding a way of cutting the production cost of the service in order to increase profit margins. 4. Market Validation This is when you test your idea and the Unique Selling Proposition in your target market. You can do this with a Minimum Viable Product, which, when exposed to your target market will give you a first- hand inclination as to what they think about the product and the price they will be willing to pay for it. This process could be quite different depending on the kind of business and kind the product. For a new product, for instance, you may want to teach the market how to use it. This means lots of sampling exercises where you give out some amount of the product for free. If it is a service, however, you may want to offer it to a chosen group of clients for cheaper than planned or for free in some cases. These clients form the core base of your initial clientele. 5. Satisfy all needed legislative requirement After you are sure that a market exists for your product, and you perfectly understand what your customers want and expect, you are ready to register your company and get the needed licenses required to start you business. Of course at this point you would know if you can meet the needs of your customers. 6. Get capital and resources need for commercial production After registering the business, you are ready to pool resources together to start your business. You need seed capital for production, key partnerships with service providers in your production chain, financial partners, and other partners who will contribute in coming up with the key resources like office space, amongst others. I will however advice that you start as lean as possible, bootstrap and grow organically. I however concede that some businesses will have to grow fast and grab the market as quickly as possible. 7. Start production or service delivery Do you remember the core customers you exposed your business to in the Validation stage? They become your initial customers and the foundation of the growth of your business. When properly satisfied, they will become the ambassadors of your company and draw more customers to you. Use simple marketing methods like referrals and bundling to quickly grow. Also get testimonial from your initial customers to help you start your PR campaign. One solution may involve moving learning online. E-learning of various kinds offers a way switch to a demand-driven paradigm, putting clients students and potential employers in the drivers seat, and so reducing costs dramatically, while enhancing relevance. Indeed, if more than a tiny elite is to be educated, e-learning is the only option. Business schools can either ignore this imperative, and continue to cater to small numbers of students, or they can take the lead in e-learning and become change agents. The Director, Computer Service and Information Technology (DCSIT) of the University of Ilorin, Nigeria, Prof. Musah Isiyaku Ahmed, has tasked academic institutions in the sub-region to promote e-education in order to reach out to a larger audience. "Educational institutions, in their quest to share academic experiences among larger audiences, must adopt innovations on how to interact with other students through the use of information and communications technology (ICT)," he said. Professor Ahmed made the call at the opening ceremony of a three-day multidisciplinary and inter-tertiary cross-border conference, therefore, stressed the need to promote e-education in sharing experiences on how to transfer, integrate and adopt ICT in institutional learning. See also: University Ghana celebrates Law Week 2016 Prof. Ahmed observed that with the growth in population in the sub-region, most countries in West Africa were likely to be handicapped in teaching their students; hence the adoption of e-education to ease stress in reaching out to people. "Digital technologies have brought about changes in teacher-student relationships as they learn from each other, with the teachers role shifting from providers of information to facilitators and guides of learning," he explained. Technology has the power to transform education. It is essential to bring it into the classroom to empower learning. In the fast-paced world of e-learning the available technologies to make a course new and exciting are always changing, and course content can and should be updated quickly to give students the very latest information. This is especially important if the e-learning training is being given to employees in a sector where keeping up-to-date on industry developments is of the utmost importance. This is one of the reasons why many businesses are now offering training via e-learning - other reasons includes low costs and the ability for employees to study in their own time and place. Overall, traditional learning is expensive, takes a long time and the results can vary. In most cases, South African children are taught in their home language for the first three years of school. After Grade 3, the vast majority must switch to English as a language of learning and teaching. Imagine schooling as a ladder that children steadily climb from one grade to the next. Not knowing the language of the school is like taking away the bottom rungs of the ladder. In South Africa, most may be climbing the ladder steadily and then suddenly, around Grade 4, they find that a few rungs are missing or the existing rungs are too fragile to hold their academic weight. Layers of complexity There are several layers of complexity at play in the way that South African schools use and teach languages. The first layer originates in childrens homes and families. In some African cultures, for instance some Sesotho-speaking groups, the first language taught to young children is their fathers irrespective of whether this is the language their mother spoke growing up. Some children may spend a lot of time with carers who speak a language thats different from their parents. They will probably develop more proficiency in that language than in their real mother tongue. In South Africa, where I have conducted much of my research, many parents choose to adopt a language that is not their own mother tongue as their childrens new mother tongue. Sometimes the real mother tongue is used so rarely that speakers can hardly remember it. This variety has produced a proliferation of terms: home language, community language, first language, primary language, main language. Beyond their homes, children may struggle even when their mother tongue a standardised version of their language is used at school. The isiXhosa that is spoken in peoples homes is simply not the same as that which is taught in schools. Schools tend to use standardised varieties of languages that may differ substantially from the language used in the home. Access is yet another issue: children who grow up in a home where there are books and who are able to access digital and paper media may not find changing to another language at school much of a problem. However, those who come from print-poor homes may struggle even when their school uses their mother tongue. To add yet another layer, research again suggests that it would be ideal for children to continue learning primarily in their mother tongue once they reach secondary or high school. But many of South Africas communities are extremely multilingual, which makes it difficult for schools to cater to all pupils home tongues. Schools tend not to use the resources such as language teachers and books to support the teaching of all possible mother tongues. Finally, importantly, English is South Africas dominant academic language, another factor that pushes schools to encourage biliteracy among young pupils. Once they reach university, students are expected to be literate and to have built up academic language proficiency that can be continued or transferred to English. The reality is that this isnt happening data collected by universities suggest that most applicants arent academically literate. With all of these complexities, how can space be created for more childrens mother tongues to flourish in schools and beyond? Possible solutions The academic literacy developed in home languages in the first grades is too basic to transfer to English or, to a lesser extent, to Afrikaans (the other prominent language in primary education in the country). The only way in which home languages can support learning sufficiently is when they are used in a structured way alongside English for the rest of primary and secondary school. A number of models exist for mother tongue-based bilingual education, but the important point is that simply switching from a mother tongue to English in a random fashion is not the best idea. There needs to be a systematic and deliberate comparison of terms and concepts in more than one language to build academic biliteracy so that learners can show their understanding rather than their ability to memorise facts in the school language. There are no short cuts. For example, translating exam papers to home languages may be an important symbolic gesture but if schooling has been in English all along, it is an open question whether this really improves comprehension of, say, questions on algebra. Creating spaces for the use of mother tongues in higher education in the form of multilingual glossaries and language-specific study groups may counter perceptions that African languages are not sufficiently developed for higher education. This is starting to happen several case studies show how African languages are being used in universities. Guarding languages and identities The deceased identified as Isaac Kwesi Amponsah, an 18-year-old student, according to Daily Guide report was trying to separate the two men who were fighting when one of them stabbed him in the process. The two men identified as Justice Abban and Frank Kwabena A.ka Taller,43, were fighting over a woman at Olebu, a community in the Ga West Municipality in the Greater Accra Region. Suspect Justice Abban, who allegedly pulled the knife to stab the schoolboy, according to the eyewitness account, was severely beaten by some neighbours before he was handed over to the police. But they have a way to go before fully making the transition from voters to citizens. Whats the difference? Voters are subjects. They participate in elections hoping to get material benefits from government, but have little or no control over what they get. Citizens, meanwhile, fully understand their political rights and take judicious actions to hold elected representatives accountable. One way to deepen the attitudes and behaviours of African voters as citizens who demand their rights is to empower themwith knowledge. This has been proved in India through legislation thats allowed ordinary citizens greater access to information. The media has an important role to play in this empowerment through visualised storytelling and data journalism. What data visualisation can do Visualisation is to data journalism what petrol is to a car. It is the fuel that gets the journalist to the destination of telling complex stories driven by facts so that they can be easily understood. In simple terms, data visualisation involves presenting numerical information using pictures and graphics. Thanks to digital technology, it is now possible to capture, store, analyse and discover a wide variety of data. This retrieved information can then be presented in a consistent, organised way. It can be displayed using strikingly beautiful visuals that grab peoples attention. When its done well, visualisation reveals the trends and patterns in numerical data that could otherwise be hidden. There are many tools that help journalists turn what might appear to be dense or even dull information into something fascinating. With interactive visualisation, users can use software to drill deeper into charts and graphs for more detail. This intuitively changes what data is seen and how its processed. It enhances an audiences ability to extract answers and make meaning from the information gathered. This allows people to grasp difficult concepts easily and make informed decisions such as wholl get their vote on election day. Empowering voters with visualisation Twenty-two African countries are holding presidential, parliamentary or general elections in 2016. Critics say that the media offers only shallow reporting and analysis during election campaigns in Africa. They say that newspapers and websites prioritise maximum audience shares and profits by focusing mainly on conflict. In politics, this typically means telling tales of strong individual personalities struggling against one another for power and personal gain. This horse race journalism is further encouraged by media owners deep investment in maintaining the status quo. While there is some truth to this, another explanation is that complex social and political issues in election campaigns are difficult to package as compelling news narratives. Typically, complex stories require longer written and verbal descriptions and are more difficult to photograph or televise. They are less exciting to the reader or viewer. Data journalism and visualisation can really help here. Examples from elsewhere in the world show this is the case. In the US, for instance, interest in the 2016 presidential election is at a fever pitch. Websites, TV channels, radio stations and newspapers are full of coverage about candidates movements, their private lives and their promises. How can an ordinary voter keep track? The New York Times has collected data about candidates stances on key issues like immigration, climate change and gun control. Visitors to the site can choose a candidate or an issue to explore in depth. This could just as easily be applied in African countries to help voters keep up with their candidates. Beyond politics and elections Visualisation can be a powerful tool beyond elections, too. It can help people to engage with complex social issues. The Guardian, for example, collated an interactive map about police killings in the US. This allows a deeper but visually engaging look at whats become a huge societal problem. Also in the US, data visualisation has made people aware of the abuses in health-care administration. Visualisation has also been used effectively to track the roughly US$1 trillion developing and emerging economies lose as a result of some illegal activity. There are some good African examples of visualisation, too. Economist Max Roser has used this approach to track Africas general socio-economic and political progress. He collects often complex, multi-layered data and presents it in a way thats easy for anyone to navigate. A South African website, Wazimap, allows people to explore their own suburbs using data from the countrys 2011 census. They can see how many households in an area have access to proper water and sanitation, or map the average age of residents. Endless opportunities Yakubu Alhassan and Haruna Abdulai aka Borbor pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to commit crime and robbery. Two more people including a woman is said to be at large. According to the prosecutor, Alhassan is a welder residing at Agbogbloshie while Abdulai is unemployed and living at Ashiaman. On the 23 of March Alhassan and Abdulai together with two other suspects at large went to a forex bureau at Mpamprom under the pretext of conducting business. They pulled locally manufactured pistols and robbed the forex bureau at gun point. The prosecution said one of the forex B\bureau staff raised an alarm and with the support from a Police Patrol Team from Kaneshie, Alhassan and Abdulai were apprehended while two of their accomplices escaped. The two while on the run fired indiscriminately into a mob chasing them injuring 14 people. Alhassan has admitted the offence in his caution statement and mentioned Abdulai and one Issah, who lives at James Town and another person whose name he did not know as accomplices. ThepProsecution said GH58,000 have been retrieved from Alhassan and Abdulai as well as two locally manufactured pistols. The Court presided over by Aboagye Tandoh turned down a bail application put in by one C.K Hoeyi on behalf of Alhassan. The project which begun on Saturday, March 26, 2016, with a "share your breakfast" feeding programme at the Accra Psychiatric hospital drew 45 youth from eight West African countries to volunteer with cooking breakfast and serving it to all 485 inmates of the hospital. Ceesay Binta, a participant from the Gambia expressed her willingness to volunteer on the food programme that seeks to create sustainable means of nutrition for the vulnerable in the community. "Food security in Africa can be attained if we look at the food wastage occurring across our food supply chain and Food for All has really showed my colleagues and I how we could address this in our respective countries. Attaining the UN SDG 2 Goal in Africa requires a collective efforts from stakeholders within our food supply chain and Food for All Ghana is a platform that stakeholders must take advantage of to create sustainable means of nutrition." The Executive Director of the Food for All Ghana programme, Elijah Amoo Addo also spoke about his vision to create sustainable means of nutrition for the vulnerable in Africa through food recovery and farming. He further stated that all humans irrespective of their race or financial background have a right to food and its only through a shared collaboration that the food for all vision can be realised. He encouraged all stakeholders within the food supply chain to support and participate in the first conference scheduled in May 2016 to create efficient food supply chain. "Unreliable and inadequate power stifles economic growth. If your business cannot operate due to lack of electricity, you cannot make a profit. If you have no profit, well, thats the end of your businessand your employees incomes, as well. Read more: Mahama boasts of an end to dumsor Ambassador Jackson who addressed students of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi on Tuesday, March 29, 2016 said, "With the second Millennium Challenge compact, were investing $498 million to transform the power sector. We want to be part of the solution to dumsor dumsor." Ghana is expected to receive US$497 million from the second Millennium Challenge Compact to boost electricity supply as part of "President Obamas Power Africa Initiative". Mr Jackson said the initiative is meant to provide individuals and businesses with reliable electricity supply to help create a thriving business environment for Ghanaian entrepreneurs. Mr Jackson added that he "believes in Ghanas potential for economic growth and prosperity." He said he was optimistic about the business opportunities in the country even though Ghan I polled a number of former or current professionals in Ghana, three of them with media experience, and the consensus was that journalists dont ask the right questions. So I asked them: given the opportunity to meet the president, what will be the one most important question you will ask him? All four people I asked focused on job creation. Benezer Sowah, a former broadcaster with Obonu FM and now unemployed said he would ask the president why there is a ban on employment. I have been out of job for two to three years now, Sowah said. I have been trying to enter any of the force work [security service] but I was told there are people on the waiting list and that I have to wait. Media consultant and HR administrator at GHone TV, Efo Komla Mawugbe said he would ask the president why he has failed to create jobs for the youth as promised. He argues his question is relevant because it was embedded in the presidents manifesto. The youth are clamouring over unavailability of jobs, he said. Anita Obessebea, journalist-turned-businesswoman went personal, asking what the president would do to get her a job. I am asking this question because I want to work in the formal sector and so I need to be employed so that I can take care of my three kids in school. Micheal Ato Bassah worries about graduate unemployment. He is a bursar at Divine Lillies Montessori School in Accra. I have noticed that every year a lot of graduates come out [of] school without employment as a result of the choked [sectors] and unavailability of jobs, he said. It is quite murky when job creation becomes the most important question on peoples mind. Politicians trumpet jobs created under their watch but it appears it does not impact on the people. As I sat quietly listening to their questions, I left their presence feeling that it is time we do something about unemployment as a country. The lip service must cease. 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! The industries are cocoa farming, mining, fishing, domestic work and prostitution. This revelation was made by Fred Odisho, political officer at the US Embassy in Ghana at an event to end modern day slavery. In 2015, the US government criticised the country for not fully [complying] with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking in the Trafficking in Persons report. In all of these sectors, workers are unable to negotiate salary, working hours, general working conditions and unable to change employers, Odisho said. Ghana is the second largest producer of cocoa in the world and the continuous use of children on farms is a worrying development not just for the Ghana government but for chocolate manufacturers such as Nestle who have been working over the years to eliminate forced labour on farms in their supply chain. In a recent study by Tulane University, in the USA, in collaboration with Ghanas Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), 2.12 million children were involved in work on cocoa farms in Ivory Coast and Ghana. According to the International Labour Organization, 49,000 children are engaged in fishing on the Lake Volta alone and half of that number are believed to be working in hazardous conditions. In fishing communities along the coast, children are commonly sighted working on canoes and small boats. For domestic work, the extended family system has been implicated as the main cause. It is very common in the local setup for children to be sent to live with wealthier relatives such as aunties and uncles where they are abused. While the extended family system has been praised for its contributions to social welfare, it has been tasked to work at combating abuse. Although prostitution is not recognised as a legal trade in Ghana, the police occasionally raid brothels to rescue mostly young women. In 2008, investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas exposed the horrible situation at a popular brothel in Accra where girls as young as 14 had been recruited. From the screening of telenovelas which do not match our cultural values, to pastors promising the 'whole world' and pouring insults on their 'opponents', there is no other way to describe the scene than 'despicable.' The National Media Commission (NMC), which is expected to control content in the media landscape, has received a lot of backlash from some communication experts, media analysts and the general public for their inability to stamp their foot on the ground to ensure civility on the airwaves. However, their role will be more effective if Ghana had a comprehensive broadcasting law that sets out clearly the legal framework to regulate the industry. The NCA explained that it took off channels on the K-Net platform because they violated Section 2(4) of the Electronic Communications Act 2008, Act 775. The Act says a person shall not operate a broadcasting system or provide a broadcasting service without a frequency authorisation by the Authority [NCA]. However, a lot more 'shoddy' channels are likely to crop up as a result of an increased availability of broadcasting space following Ghana's migration from analogue broadcasting to digital. Parliament in 2015 passed the new Legislative Instrument (LI 2224), part of which states an operator shall not convey or permit to be carried, content on a public electronic communications service or a broadcasting service without obtaining a content authorization from the Commission [National Media Commission]. But, there should not be any delay in the passage of the bill due to the following reasons: 1. A broadcasting law would enable Ghana have the legal framework to regulate the broadcast industry. Operators of radio and television stations will be required to adhere to stringent regulations and ethics. 2. The media would be obliged to be responsible, as a broadcasting law would force radio and television stations to carry out their gate-keeping role more diligently and thereby protect Ghana's democracy. This becomes more imperative following the upcoming 2016 general elections, where 'hate speech' and abusive language usually becomes the order of the day. 3. Dr Charles Wereko-Brobbey, founder of Ghana's first private radio station, the RADIO EYE, has said the absence of a law to regulate independent broadcasting had literally led to the creation of an uncontrolled and messy media jungle with no defined bounds. The media practitioner believes it is high time the media allowed itself to be checked by advocating for the establishment of a broadcast law. THE SOUTH AFRICAN '3'; A CASE OF LIES, MALICE & DECEITThe Progressive People's Party finds it extremely appalling the ordeal the three South African Nationals were made to go through in the past week. It is unfortunate that a country whose democratic credentials is hailed by the world as the leader of African democracy will flout Court orders with impunity and Ministers of State will openly defend such illegality. This incident will be captured in history as one of Ghana's lowers ebb and remains one of the black spots on President John Dramani Mahama aside His #incompetence#.Related to this incident is the statement by the Interior Minister that the STL was contracted by the Electoral Commission to transmit the 2012 elections results. First of all, we want the EC to come out publicly to set the records straight that it indeed engaged the services of the STL to transmit results on its behalf. This is because, the EC had publicly denied the fact that STL was contracted to tally the results of 2012 elections. The continued silence on the part of the EC on this revelation will mean that the EC, led by Dr. Afari Gyan, International Observers led by President Obasanjo and the NDC led by John Mahama perpetrated a fraudulent explanation on us all when it was alleged that the STL was engaged in the transmission of results in the run up to the declaration of results in the 2012 elections.This clarification by the EC will have direct effect on our elections come November 7, when we go to the polls once again. The Progressive People's Party demand immediate clarification on this matter in order to salvage the credibility or sanctity of the 2016 elections.We further call for the immediate resignation of the Minister of Interior and the Minister of Communications and his deputy for the spread of palpable falsehood laced with agitprop with the intention to deceive the people of Ghana. Moreover, the BNI officials must be sacked or made to face the full rigours of the law. Our Ministers and other Government officials must learn to act responsibly and be responsible for their actions. No man is above the law especially when you are paid with the public purse.Which government in its own right senses will deport suspected terrorists or mercenaries without going through due process? The character of the NDC in 2000, the character of NPP in 2008 is evidently manifested in the character of NDC in 2016; intimidation and harassment, lies and malice, deceit and subterfuge, dictatorial tendencies and abuse of incumbency. This strategy has been adopted in the past to cajole Ghanaians to vote in certain way but the perpetrators are oblivious to the fact that it has not been an effective tool for electoral victory.The economy is sick, unemployment is on the increase and there is hopelessness in this government. These will be the basis of peoples choices and votes and not an artificial state of insecurity. The NDC must know better and fix the economy before they are booted out on November, 7th 2016.Murtala MohammedNational Secretary According to the traditional council, the regional chairman of the NDC Bismarck Tawiah Boateng and the regional Youth Organiser Apau Haruna Owiredu have made disparaging comments about the Okyehene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin. Read more: The Council has subsequently urged the Eastern regional minister who is billed to visit the palace not to come along with the banned executives. In a statement signed by Kevor Mark-Oliver, Eastern Regional Secretary of the party said the move by the palace is bias. "This we find very discriminatory since other political parties have unrestricted access to the Akyem Abuakwahene and his palace. See also: "We find such a conduct "unfatherly" on the part of the Akyem Abuakwahene considering the fact that, he is the President of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs, portions of the statement said. Below are details of the statement: NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS EASTERN REGIONAL SECRETARIAT Ban of two NDC Regional Officers Partisan and Discriminatory The Eastern Regional Executive Committee of the ruling National Democratic Congress is surprised of a decision by the Akyem Abuakwahene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panyin II and his traditional council to ban two of our Regional Officers in the persons of Messrs Bismark Tawiah Boateng and Haruna Apaw Wiredu from stepping foot in the Ofori Panyin fie (palace). We find the decision as unfortunate and vague since no instance of such "gross disrespect" leading to this decision was given. It is worth mentioning that once the Akyem Abuakwahene or any other person makes any statement or expresses his opinion that obviously has political undertones, we in the NDC as a political party have our God given right to respond appropriately in a respectful manner and that is exactly what we have always sought to do. This matter has become worth discussing because it is becoming too popular of the Akyem Abuakwahene. This is the third (3rd) time the Akyem Abuakwahene has refused NDC party Officers into his palace. The first instance was during the era of Ambassador Victor E. Smith as Eastern Regional Minister when the Akyem Abuakwahene verbally told the former not to come to the Ofori Panyin palace with NDC party officers. As if that was not enough, the Abuakwahene again verbally cautioned Hon. Helen Adwoa Ntoso as the Eastern Regional Minister not to step foot in his palace in the company of NDC party officials. The latest of this discriminatory act is the letter the Akyem Abuakwahene and his traditional council wrote to the current Regional Minister, Hon. Mavis Ama Frimpong which was leaked to the Daily Guide cautioning her not to come to the Ofori Panyin palace in the company of Messrs Bismark Tawiah Boateng and Haruna Apaw Wiredu, the Regional Chairman and Regional Youth Organizer of our party respectively. This we find very discriminatory since other political parties have unrestricted access to the Akyem Abuakwahene and his palace. We find such a conduct "unfatherly" on the part of the Akyem Abuakwahene considering the fact that, he is the President of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs. This act of his is sending a very wrong signal to the other ten (10) paramountcies in the region that they could also discriminate as to which political party they should welcome and engage. This development is obviously not healthy for our democracy and coexistence. The NDC as a political party in the Eastern Region respects the chieftancy institution in the region and has a very cordial relationship with all the paramountcies, a situation which has led to spurring monumental developments in the region of which Osagyefo is a witness to. We are by this release, calling on the Akyem Abuakwahene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panyin II to rescind this decision of his and treat all subjects and political parties equally. The National Democratic Congress will continue to constructively engage all shades of opinion in the region on matters of national development. Long Live Ghana! Long Live the Eastern Region!! Long Live President John Dramani Mahama!!! The youth, who are believed to be supporters of the immediate past District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Sampson Owusu-Boateng, have argued that the removal of the DCE from office was unfair. The angry youth subsequently started destroying property in the constituency office and ended up setting it ablaze. An NDC activist whom the youth believed to be one of the NDC supporters behind Mr Owusu-Boatengs removal from office, had his house also torched. The Brong Ahafo Regional Police Command was forced to send in reinforcement from Techiman, Kintampo and Nkoranza to save the situation which had deteriorated in the town. Meanwhile, police have arrested the man believed to be behind the riots, Addison Ayamba, while a manhunt search has been launched for the former District Chief Executive (DCE) for Atebubu, Sampson Owusu Boateng for allegedly inciting the clashes. We shall flood Kumasi with people who want to see free, fair and credible elections done in Ghana, the NPP parliamentary nominee for Asawase, Alhaji Alidu Seidu made this known at a press conference on Wednesday. According to him, the alleged flaws in the voters' register pose danger for the country's democracy. Ghana is in crisis. Our democracy is in danger. If we don't wake up, stand up and fight off those who seek to destroy our democracy, we end up with no Ghana to call our home, he added. Pro-NPP pressure group, 'Let My Vote Count Alliance' held a huge protest last year to drum home the need for a new voters' register. A five-member panel was later set up by the Electoral Commission to conduct public hearings over the demands for a new voter register. At a ceremony to elect the Greater Accra regional executives of the National Democratic Party (NDP) in Accra on Thursday, Nana Konadu said the Mahama administration's appetite for shady deals was killing the Ghanaian people. She cited for instance the ballooned budget for the Ridge Hospital. She said whereas it cost Dangote $12 million to build a 1000-bed hospital in Nigeria, the government was spending over $250 million to expand the Ridge Hospital to a 420-bed facility. She said the NDC's campaign slogan of "Changing lives, Transforming Ghana" is a mere propaganda. "You are transforming our lives into the negative. Its not positive Were being killed in this country." "We are not interested in the nicety of who is smiling on TV. We are not interested in who is walking around and telling us that he is transforming our lives. Put your hands in your pockets and see if your life is being transformed. This is an indictment on our nation. And nobody is talking about it. She stated that her administration will "restore participatory democracy" in Ghana, which will empower Ghanaians to be bold to criticize the government of the day. In a tweet the British High Commissioner said, "Oh no - Obinims TV channel has been taken down? Maybe he can reappear in animal form on discovery channel?." More here: Jon Benjamin dares Obinim to transform into a snake live on TV The controversial pastor last month on live TV claimed he could transform into a snake, enter any room, bite his target and disappear after the mission. Boasting of his spiritual powers, Obinim said he once transformed into a a tiger standing side by side with Jesus who had also transformed into a lion. TV stations shut down National Communications Authority (NCA) has taken some channels off the screens with immediate effect. Read more: According to NCA, the channels taken off were not regulated to operate, some did not meet the basic requirement to operate, and above all most didnt even have the license to operate. Among the channels taken off include the ever popular Obinim TV (OB TV) owned by Bishop Daniel Obinim, Kessben TV, Angel TV, Care TV, Dr. Nduoms ATV, Capital TV and more. That plant itself is the largest single refinery plant anywhere in the world. In addition to the refinery, we are also going to produce some petrochemical products from the same complex. These are polyethylene and polypropylene, Ahmed told journalists in Abuja. One would prefer if it was deregulated so that we know that we are playing in the open market. The key issue is that if I buy crude, whether from Nigeria or anywhere else, I buy at an international price. If I produce a product and want to sell, I should sell that product at an international price. So, I will not be affected by the decision of local pricing; it is on that concept that we went into refining. We expect that we will buy our input, especially crude, for international market price, and that when we produce products, we will sell those products at international prices. The 44-year-old Zimbabwean man identified as Dennis Muteyo, according to MyZimbabwe, was nabbed in the middle of the night by the owner of the donkey, Farai Shumba, in the village of Kasvoro. The report has it that Mutyo was caught red handed having a nice time with the donkey and even when he knew he had company, he reportedly failed to escape. The accused was forcefully marched by Shumba to his friends place. Realising he was in for a big fix, Muteyo offered to pay $150 as the bride price known as lobola, which is an equivalent of one cattle paid for brides, for the donkey and to show his seriousness he transferred $40 to Shumba immediately. But Shumba would not collect the money as he and his friends proceeded to the police station to report the incident and Muteyo was arrested. According to the Express, the 25-year-old victim lived in the apartment with his Indian girlfriend at West Delhi area. According to what the lady told the police, a group of Nigerian men numbering about seven, had visited Best at the apartment in the night of Tuesday, March 29, and after spending time discussing, an argument ensued within them, leading to Best being pushed off the balcony, resulting in his death. The West Delhi Police Spokesperson, Pushpendra Kumar, noted that the case has been registered, just as the woman said she could recognise one of the men. The housewife identified as Mrs. Oghosa Ejemai, who according to reports, lost her seven-week-old pregnancy during an attack by officials of the Edo state government, has threatened to sue the State Government for the sum of N100 million for assault, on Wednesday, March 20, 2016. Speaking on her loss with journalists provided for by the Publicity Secretary of the Edo State chapter of the PDP, Chris Nehikhare, at the PDP state secretariat in Edo State, Mrs Ejemai, also reportedly claims to have sustained injuries, as well as losing her goods during the alleged attack. Mrs Ejemai reportedly singled out the State Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Isimeme Iriogbe, as the supervisor of her alleged beating and assault, as well as other members of his staff. The woman revealed that she had been in her shop at 14, Mission Road, Benin City, at about 5:00p.m. on February 2, 2016, when the Mr Iriogbe and some other people stormed her shop and began packing her wares. Mrs Ejemai added that, in a bid to stop them from taking her goods, she had allegedly been slapped and hit. Speaking with the journalists present, Mrs Ejemai explained: They tried to push me into a vehicle, hit my head and fired shots into the air. People came to my aid that day. I was taken to the Benin Central Hospital after which I reported the case at Oba Market Police Station. The third day, I started bleeding. So I went to the hospital. At the hospital, the doctor confirmed that I had lost my seven-week-old pregnancy. When they called me to come and pick my goods, I only saw about five per cent of the goods taken from my shop. They told me to take whatever was available as they dont usually release seized goods. While speaking on Mrs Ejemai's situation, Edo PDPs spokesman, Nehikhare, revealed that the members of the PDP could not fold their arms and watch Governor Oshiomhole as well as his agents, unleashing terror on the people of the state. He added that the governor had a habit of dehumanizing citizens and residents of the state, of which, Mrs Ejemai has now been a victim. PM News reports that Mr. Iriogbe immediately responded to Mrs. Ejemai's claims, justifying their actions with the revelation that she had reportedly been trading along the walkway, adding that she had attacked the officials who had come to clear the area of traders and their wares. Mr Iriogbe said: She was trading along the walkway and she accosted the officials that were clearing the walkway. She almost tore the dress of one of the women who was removing the wares. By going to the PDP for her press conference, it means her blocking the walkway was political. I expect her to be at the court and we shall meet there because the court is for everybody. I acted decently and I did not beat her. Prostitution is illegal in South Korea but was generally tolerated in the conservative, Confucian country until a 2004 law set out punishments for both prostitutes and customers of up to a year in jail or a fine of up to 3 million won ($2,600). Prostitutes should be found new work, the court said. Activist sex workers say very few women are forced into the job and the 2004 law violates their right to work. "We are people and workers just the same," Chang Se-hee, a member of a prostitutes' activist group, told a news conference after the court's decision. "We will not surrender to this ruling but will form a sex workers union and go all the way to the United Nations." Another activist, Kang Hyun-joon, said their group planned to make an appeal to the U.N. Commission on Human Rights. He did not elaborate. The suspect, who resides at 16, Shola Arodoye Obadeyi Street, Abule Egba, a suburb of the state, was dragged to the court after he reportedly duped Adeleke of the money and is facing a two-count charge of stealing and fraud. The police prosecutor, Inspector Clifford Ogu, had earlier told the court that Olasemo collected the money from the complainant between February to December 2015, at Ikeja, under the pretext that he was going to marry her. The suspect claimed he loved the complainant and borrowed N295,000 from her on the pretext he had some domestic issues to solve. The suspect later told the complainant that their relationship cannot go further without giving any reasons for it, Ogu said. The Inspector said that when the complainant asked for a refund of her money, the suspect refused, thereby committing the offences contravened Sections 285 and 321(1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. According to the police, Adelopo had dragged the girl under the staircase and forcefully had carnal knowledge of her and medical examination conducted by specialists at the Mushin General Hospital, confirmed that the hymen of the girl had been broken and that there was penetration. The girl was said to have Adelopo's shop when she returned from school, to enquire the whereabouts of her older siblings who were not at home when she got back, and he used the opportunity to pounce on her. He was said to have grabbed the girl's hand, led her to their apartment and confirmed it was locked, after which he brought a bench which he kept under the staircase, forcefully removed the minors underwear and defiled her. When the girl's parents came back, she narrated the incident to them, saying that Adelopo had brought out a rag and cleaned her private part when he was done, ordering her to put her pants on, before taking her to his saloon where she waited until her elder brother returned. Speaking on the development, the state Governor, Aminu Bello Masari said any form of lawlessness will not be condoned in the state. He said we will not trample on the religious rights of the people to worship because there is freedom of religion but religious processions are not allowed in public places. We do not want some people to take over public places and moreover, we are not ready to allow what happened in Kaduna to take place here. We will make sure that no individuals or groups hold the peace loving people of this state to ransom. Meanwhile the leader of the Katsina state branch of the Shiite sect, Malam Yakubu Yahaya said his members were holding a peaceful procession before they were dispersed. Yahaya said We are law-abiding and we have always had peaceful processions for several years, Yahaya said in a statement. it is regrettable that somebody ordered that 10 truck load of security men should be unleashed on an innocent procession. Ajibola said sacking the over 600 workers will amount to contempt, because the matter is pending before the Osogbo High court. He said The governor claims he is good and somebody who respects the rule of law and he must demonstrate it. The case has been taken to court and he must abide by the rule of law and should not do anything against it pending the destination of the suit. Anything done after the service of the processes becomes illegal and he should not be involved in such but should rather wait patiently until the case is resolved in court. He also said "Four years ago, the management of the teaching hospital advertised vacancies in the hospital and employed those they considered qualified among the applicants." He explained why there have been power outages in some parts of the country, saying four turbines stopped working, but added that three of them have now been restored. Yesterday morning we had some outages in Jebba but I am happy to report now that all the four turbines that were down, three have been restored, so there is stability now," Fashola said. It is important why the power coming from Aba is defining, its part of what Ive spoken about. There is not enough power in the country. So how do you share what is not enough such that everybody gets enough? Its difficult, if not impossible. So what we need to do is to get more power on. So about 200 megawatts coming from there is good news for the market, he said. Fashola also blamed the shortage of electricity in the country on vandalism, theft and non-payment of bills. Everyone of us must contribute something now to solve the problem; it a problem we can solve. That will reduce the number of people who are contributing to being the problem. So those who are vandalizing electricity assets, those who are selling stolen cable, those who are not paying their bills and those diverting electricity are all problems, he said. While the threat once came from heavily armed, battle-hardened jihadists crossing from neighbouring Nigeria, today Simila knows he is more likely to die at the hands of a teenage girl strapped with explosives. "We're here to look out for suicide bombers," said the 31-year-old, a member of a local civilian defence force in the town of Kerawa. After watching its influence spread during a six-year campaign that has killed around 15,000 people according to the U.S. military, Nigeria has now united with its neighbours to stamp outBoko Haram. A regional offensive last year drove the insurgents from most of their traditional strongholds, denying them their dream of an Islamic emirate in northeastern Nigeria. An 8,700-strong regional force of troops from Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria is seeking to finish the job. Now, increasingly on the back foot, Boko Haram is retaliating with a deadly guerrilla campaign against civilians, and ordinary people like Simila have become the last line of defence. "I'm not scared. They are people, we are also people. We must die to live," said Simila, who was at the Kerawa market in September when two girls detonated themselves, killing 19 people and injuring 143 others. A nearly identical bombing at the same market followed in January. Outside Nigeria, Cameroon has been hardest hit by Boko Haram, which now operates out of bases in the Mandara Mountains, Sambisa Forest and Lake Chad -- areas straddling the borders between Cameroon, Nigeria, Chad and Niger. Since August 2014, the sect has carried out 336 attacks in Cameroon, according to the Cameroonian army, which has lost 57 of its own men while defending the north. Of 34 recorded suicide bombings killing 174 people, 80 percent were carried out by girls and young women aged 14 to 24 years. Girls abused as sex slaves by the group are psychologically damaged and therefore more vulnerable, the army says. Boko Haram also uses girls because they are thought less likely to arouse suspicion, although that may be changing now. "The goal now is to stop Boko Haram incursions into villages, stop them from planting IEDs (home-made bombs), and stop suicide bombings," said Lieutenant-Colonel Felix Tetcha, a senior officer in the army's operation against Boko Haram. Cameroon has thrown vast resources into protecting the north. In total nearly 10,000 of its troops are deployed against Boko Haram. The army's Rapid Intervention Brigade (BIR), comprised of its most professional, best equipped soldiers, patrols a high-risk 400-km (250-mile) stretch of the border with Nigeria. The U.S. military backs them with equipment, training and intelligence gathered from American drones flown out of a base in the town of Garoua. A Reuters reporter saw a small American military camp inside another BIR base in nearby Maroua. Still, the terrain is mountainous and Boko Haram has rigged many roads with explosives designed to kill soldiers. Army officers are convinced that some fighters from Boko Haram, which pledged allegiance to Islamic State last year, have been trained at IS camps in Libya. Armed incursions by Boko Haram fighters have dropped. But the army does not have enough soldiers to deploy in every town in northern Cameroon, and suicide bombers strike regularly, often several times in a single week. "The border is under control, but it's still very porous," said Lieutenant-Colonel Emile Nlate Ebale, head of operations and logistics for the BIR's mission in the north. "EVERYBODY SUFFERS IN THIS PLACE" Faced with such an asymmetrical threat, Cameroon's army has turned to so-called vigilance committees for help. As the blazing midday sun beat down on Kerawa, Bouba Ahmada walked along a dry, scrub-lined creek bed, an ancient flintlock musket slung around his neck. "Here is Cameroon, over there is Nigeria," he said, gesturing towards the abandoned homes just across the dusty expanse. "It's empty. Only Boko Haram stays there." Made up of men and boys armed with machetes, home-made rifles or bows and arrows, these self-defence forces have the blessing of the local government. They accompany the army on patrols and intelligence gathering missions, question travellers, and denounce to the military anyone deemed suspect. Last week they intercepted two female suicide bombers and handed them over to the army before they were able to detonate. "We are not 100 percent dependent on this information, but this information is crucial," said Lieutenant-Colonel Tetcha, who is not only defending Cameroon but also a growing number of Nigerians. Close to the border sits the U.N.-run Minawao camp, home to nearly 57,000 refugees who have fled Boko Haram in Nigeria. "Everybody suffers in this place," said James Zapania, a 24-year-old camp resident from Gwoza, Nigeria. "We're not worried about Boko Haram coming here, we're worried about food." Refugees like Zapania often receive a chilly welcome from suspicious local villagers, many of whom view them as collaborators or even underground Boko Haram fighters. According to one Cameroonian officer, the army has removed a number of individuals from Minawao for "activities that were not in line with the behaviour of a normal refugee". Suspicion is everywhere. And while Boko Haram infiltrators make up only a tiny portion of fleeing refugees, many, including the Cameroonian military, fear that desperation provides fertile ground for recruitment. The groups President, Mr. Emeka Ugwu-Oju, made the call on Thursday, March 31, 2016, in Abuja shortly after leading a delegation to meet Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo behind closed doors at the Presidential Villa. On the current state of the economy, we strongly suggested and advised that Mr. President, as a matter of urgency in consultation with the National Assembly, declare a three-year state of emergency on the economy," Ugwu-Oju told State House correspondents. This is not about APC and PDP; it is something that is non-partisan. Our economy is bad and people should realise that because we are making it seem like is something that will go away. We were having $100 a barrel and now we might not have $50 a barrel in the next three years and we have to factor it in. This issue of fuel scarcity is a typical example of what has happened, we didnt plan for it before, we now have to get every citizen not a question of Mr. Bad or Mr. Good, the total leadership has to realise that all Nigerians have to come together, we have to roll up our sleeves so that everyone has a role to play, he stressed. Ugwu-Oju noted both the rich and the poor must be ready make sacrifices at this time and face that the consequences of the current economic challenges together for the country to move forward. According to him, state governors and ministers among other top government officials must learn to travel in Economy Class while flying. He said Nigerians would not understand things are bad when their leaders are busy drinking champagne and flying private jets. We have to sacrifice. It is not just the poor that should be sacrificing alone. For example, I see no reason why any minister, governor or whoever should be traveling outside Economy Class. We have to show that things are bad. You cant tell me things are bad and I see you drinking champagne, flying first class or private jet, same goes for the private sector. These were the things we tried to make the Vice-President know and then communicate. We had a good engagement and as you know he is very intelligent, very hardworking, very cerebral and we are happy he is the Vice-President of the country, Ugwu-Oju added. There were media reports alleging that the Governor slapped his deputy, and he quickly retaliated. El-Rufai said he and Bala have been friends since their days in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. The Kaduna Governor also said since his friendship with his deputy started in 1976, they have never had cause to hit each other. El-Rufai dismissed the report, calling it a rumour, He also said those who fabricated the story were not intelligent enough. He said I have known Bala Bantex since 1976, I never had an argument with him, I respect his opinions, and each time I travelled out of the country, I make him an Acting governor, he signs documents on my behalf. We chair executive council meetings together, we operate like partners, and now people want to create enmity between us. I am of age, I cant descend so low. This rumour is completely false, it is created to cause division. El-Rufai also said We never discussed retrenchment of workers in the state as claimed by the rumour mongers. I have never slapped anyone in my life. I have never argued with Bala, I dont slap people, I fight people with mouth. Others are Abaji, Kuje, Gwagwalada and Abuja Municipal Area Councils which received N267,724,550.00, N295,708,856.60, N262,559,501.26 and N312,987,740.12 respectively. The Minister emphasized that the money is a bailout fund released to the Councils, which must be, used to offset the two- month salary arrears owed the Area Councils workers. Malam Bello further disclosed that the bail out to the six Area Councils would be recovered by the FCT Administration from the10% of the internally generated revenue (IGR) statutorily due to the Councils. Also speaking at the occasion, the FCT Permanent Secretary, Dr. Babatope Ajakaiye noted that the FCT Administration has been able to give this bailout because of its strict fiscal management and therefore admonished the Area Councils to imbibe discipline in funds management. The Permanent Secretary urged the Councils to cut down on their unnecessary expenditure, stressing that the era of frivolities is gone forever. He warned that the bailout must be used strictly for the payment of staff salaries as stated in the agreement between the FCT Administration and the Area Councils. Dr. Ajakaiye further revealed that due process and necessary legal steps were followed in the approval and subsequent release of the bailout funds. He said that the Administration approached the National Assembly for virement of its funds for this purpose, while Area Councils Legislative arms have also given their nod to the Chairmen to secure the bailout via letters to the FCT Administration. The FCT ALGON Chairman who is also the Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council, Mr. Micah Jiba who spoke on behalf of his colleagues thanked the FCT Minister and the Permanent Secretary for their fatherly disposition to come to their aid. He promised that the money would be used for just the purpose they were meant. Meanwhile, the Chairman of the FCT NULGE, Comrade Tanko Shemdi, appreciated the FCT Administration for intervening by assisting to bring the crisis to an end. Falana said trying people accused of financial crimes at regular courts would unnecessarily prolong their cases and give room for undeserved bails and ridiculous adjournments. He made the call on Thursday, March 31, at a Round discussion on Winning the War Against Corruption organised by the Department of Jurisprudence and International Law, University of Lagos. Right now, the regular courts are subjecting corruption and drug related cases to frivolous adjournments instead of hearing them day by day as stipulated by the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015," Falana said. As if that is not enough, the suspects are being granted bail in their own recognition or other ridiculously liberal terms by trial judges notwithstanding the gravity of the offences allegedly committed by them. Some other judges are granting interlocutory or perpetual injunctions to restrain the anti-graft agencies and the police from arresting, investigating and prosecuting exposed persons, he said. According to him, the few cases that have been filed in court under the President Muhammadu Buhari administration are at the trial stage in the High Courts. Having regard to the congestion of cases in the High Courts, there is no indication that majority of the corruption cases will be concluded before 2019. Even if the defendants are convicted, the cases will be pursued up to the Supreme Court. If the trend continues, some of the cases will not be concluded in the next 10 years,'' he said. Falana said the special courts should be empowered to hear and conclude corruption cases within 180 days, adding that appeals arising from the decisions of the court should be heard and determined within three months the Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court. According to The Cable, the meeting is aimed at bringing back peace to the association at the national, zonal and depot levels and ultimately to end the lingering fuel scarcity in the country. The Minister noted that as critical stakeholders in the downstream sector, the contribution of IPMAN is crucial in the effort to end the ongoing fuel crisis. He asked IPMAN join relevant government agencies like the NNPC, DPR and other stakeholders resolve the fuel shortage situation as soon as possible. The national secretary of IPMAN, Danladi Pasali, however expressed readiness to assist in ending the fuel crisis within the next two weeks. In the spirit of reconciliation and patriotism, we have resolved to forget our differences and work together towards providing products to our various stations across the country in order to ease the hardship on Nigerians, he said. According to an investigation by Human Rights Watch (HRW), the abduction took place after Boko Haram seized Damasak town in November 2014 but received little attention as residents claimed they were silenced by the Nigerian government. The most notable mass kidnapping by the militant group was the 276 schoolgirls kidnapped from their dormitories in Chibok, Borno state, in April 2014. HRW reveals that Boko Haram occupied Zanna Mobarti Primary School in Damasak in November 2014 after taking control of the town - with more than 300 students inside. And over the following months, the terrorists banned teaching in English and forced their captives to learn the Koran. Boko Haram fled Damasak in March 2015 when soldiers from neighboring Chad and Niger invaded the town, taking with them the 300 schoolchildren and around 100 more women. A resident of Damasak who spoke to AFP said none of the kidnapped schoolchildren have been returned, adding that they did not speak out due to pressure from the government, which was embarrassed with the abduction of the Chibok girls. However, in March 2015, former president Goodluck Jonathan's government denied reports of the Damasak kidnapping. The authorities need to wake up and find out where the Damasak children and other captives are and take urgent steps to free them, a Nigerian researcher at HRW, Mausi Segun, said. The multi-millionaire Katumbi governed Congo's southeastern copper mining heartland from 2007 until last September when he quit Kabila's ruling party, accusing it of plotting to keep the president in power beyond the country's two-term limit. Kabila, who has ruled since 2001, is barred by the constitution from standing for a third term in an election slated for November, though critics say he is deliberately delaying the poll. The G7 group of opposition parties, which were dismissed from Kabila's ruling coalition last September after publicly calling on the president to leave office this year, announced their decision to back Katumbi at a convention in the capital Kinshasa. Katumbi, who has yet to announce his candidacy, could not be immediately reached for comment. The G7 announcement could galvanise opposition parties to present a united front against Kabila, analysts said. The biggest opposition party, the Union for Democracy and Social Progress, has not said whom it plans to support. Several local and provincial elections have already been missed, with the government citing logistical and budgetary constraints. Organised labour had on Tuesday issued a seven-day ultimatum to the state government to pay the outstanding salaries or risk the industrial peace in the state. The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC) in Oyo State, Mr Waheed Olojede disclosed this to newsmen in Ibadan after a meeting between the state government and labour which lasted almost three hours. The State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi had ordered that a meeting with the labour unions be held on Thursday to address the issue. "We are happy today that the entire labour movement in the state was invited for dialogue which we started around 3p.m. "We rose from the meeting now on the understanding by the two parties that now that the negotiation has commenced, the negotiation will run within a short period. "The negotiation is expected to conclude on how to address the irregularities in the payment of outstanding pension and salaries, " Olojede said. Olojede expressed the hope that government would within a short time invite labour for another meeting, adding that this should be seen as an opportunity that will end the crisis. He urged workers in the state to remain calm and follow the negotiation process, assuring them that they will not be let down. "We will continue as leaders of workers in the state to fight for their welfare and industrial interest. This is our commitment. "This is our responsibility and this we shall pursue to a logical conclusion, he said. He appealed to the government to ensure that within the next one week, all negotiations are completed so that the existing industrial peace in the state will be sustained. Olojede, however, said that the earlier agreement on the use of 90 percent of the allocation to pay workers has become obsolete and must be reviewed to meet the prevailing circumstances. "To us, what is coming from Abuja as allocation kept on dwindling and the 90 percent is no more relevant. That is why there must be a review," he said. Also speaking on the development, Mr Yomi Layinka, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Communication and Strategy, bemoaned the action of labour for portraying government as insensitive. He said labour breached the procedures of industrial relations by issuing a strike threat when the government had not reneged on an earlier agreement with the body. "The labour unions goofed in their action because government had not in any way breached the agreement it had with labour. "The labour unions had apologised for the action and we have conveyed their apology to the governor after the meeting," he told NAN. The allegation was made by PDP Deputy National Chairman, Uche Secondus, during an interview with journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, March 30, 2016, Punch reports. Now in Rivers, because the PDP won all the elections despite the intimidation by the military, the results are being released piecemeal because the APC has failed woefully in all the constituencies, Secondus said. It is apparent that the commission has become a department in the APC. The commission is being controlled by the APC. The commission has lost its independence and we have empirical evidence on this. They havent fixed a date for rerun because of the APC. INEC is now being supervised by the leadership of the APC and the Buhari administration. They are no longer independent and we are losing confidence in INEC. In the Federal Capital Territory, election date was announced but suddenly, because they knew the APC was going to lose, they postponed the election after we had spent money and time. All these show that INEC is now a parastatal of the APC. The danger is that this current leadership that will conduct the general elections in 2019 has been compromised. The forthcoming Edo and Ondo states governorship elections are in danger. With what happened in Rivers, Nigeria is in danger. There may be no election in 2019 with the way INEC is conducting itself as a parastatal of the APC, he added. INEC was forced to cancel the announcement of results in Rivers due to the violence which broke out during the March 19 rerun elections in the state. --------------------------------------------------- We want Nigeria to succeed. And I dont say that with any element of patronising or arrogant or any kind of view other than the fact that we know there are challenges, he said. Nigeria is an extraordinary country. It has huge potential, a very rich culture. And it is finding very vibrant expression in every branch of the arts. And like the United States, it is a diverse country with a very large and assertive civil society; and like America, Nigeria is looked to for leadership in confronting some of the starkest challenges of our times. Now, Nigerias future is in Nigerians hands. We respect that. The United States is here to help to meet your needs, to listen to you carefully, to understand what it is that you believe is necessary, and to work with you where we can to implement. Our development assistance this year will top $600 million, and we are working closely with your leaders the leaders of your health ministry to halt the misery that is spread by HIV/AIDS, by malaria, and by TB. Our Power Africa Initiative is aimed at strengthening the energy sector, where shortage in electricity has frustrated the population and impeded growth. And our long-term food security programme, feed the future, is helping to create more efficient agriculture and to raise rural incomes in doing that, he added. Kerry had earlier praised the Muhammadu Buhari administration for taking the fight to Boko Haram. ------------------------------------------------- Punch reports that the blast, which occurred in Olugboboro community, Southern Ijaw Local Government, killed three employees of the multinational oil corporation. According to Sahara Reporters, the state commandant, Desmond Agu said "The NSCDC has arrested a suspected vandal by the name of Seimghale Perekeyi. This vandal, along with others, attacked the Agip pipeline in Olugboboro, Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa State on March 26, 2016 at about 1830 hours. Agu also said "The anti-vandalism unit of the Command trailed and arrested him. The other vandals are still at large, but our men are trailing them. Agip had contracted the repairs to a servicing company to remediate and clamp the vandalized points." Speaking on behalf of Saraki, the Chairman, Senate committee on Works, Sen. Kabiru Gaya said The Senate president was so much worried and concerned about the unfortunate incident; this is the reason why he asked me to represent him to bring the donation. We, the three senators from the state, will also sponsor a motion on the floor of the house for the urgent assistance of the Federal Government to victims of the disaster. Gaya announced the donation when he paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Kano, Abdullahi Ganduje. The Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has also called on Governor Ganduje to compensate Igbo traders who were affected by the recent fire incident in the Sabon Gari market. No fewer than 100 suspected looters were arrested by security agents during fire outbreak which gutted the famous Sabon Gari market in Kano. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Tuesday, March 29, 2016, also commiserated with victims of the Sabon Gari market fire incident which razed over 3,800 shops. in Kano state. Watch video below. Some of the experts are said to be from the United States and Israel, according to The Nation. The investigators will ferret out and scrutinize thoroughly all available information on the eight prosecution witnesses, including their school records, service records from their past and present places of employment and personal information that may help the defence team in the course of the trial, a source said. It is also expected that with the fear that the prosecution may present forged documents, our team needs to be vigilant and pro-active considering the manner in which the proceedings before the tribunal is being conducted. Our people believe that with the way properties that have nothing to do with Saraki are being put on the charge sheet, there are tendencies that documents to sustain their claims may have been forged. All these the experts will screen and help the lawyers with information that may help them, the source added. The experts are said to have arrived in Nigeria on Monday, March 28, 2016. Saraki is being tried on charges of asset declaration fraud levelled against him by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB). ------------------------------------------------- "However to our consternation, reinforcement was brought from neighbouring formations of the army, and roadblocks were mounted on almost all the major roads leading to Katsina city. We have been reliably informed that the army is set to replicate the wanton destruction of lives and properties it carried out in Zaria last December." "The army it seems has vowed to attack the Markaz Islamic centre in the town any moment from now, possibly kill all its occupants and raze it to ground just as it did to Husainiyya Islamic centre in Zaria," the group said. The Islamic Movement added that they are amazed at what happened to their fundamental constitutional right to peaceful assembly and practice of religion in a democratic setting. "This maulud procession is a yearly event that has been going on in several cities across the nation for decades without any incident, like so many of our educational programs. Why we should be the subject of brutal attack by the authorities is mind boggling." "We are of the view that there is a jihadi element in the Nigerian army that wants to hide under the cloak of our secular national army to achieve the clandestine aim of wiping out members of the Islamic Movement all over the federation. If that is the case, they should come out in the open and declare their intentions, since the Nigerian army we know is forbidden to do the bidding of any religious agenda "Also reports reaching us from Kebbi state have confirmed to us that security agencies in various local governments of the state have ordered members of the Islamic Movement to stop any educational program they are known to engage in." "The report states that any attempt to disregard what was said to be an order from the Federal government, would be met with ruthless clamp down. In fact, about ten members of the Islamic Movement are presently facing prosecution simply for attending an educational session in a mosque in Birnin Kebbi. Wither freedom of religion in this country? "The Islamic Movement therefore enjoins fellow citizens to call the federal government to order. Rather than pursue a religious agenda, specifically a Saudi-wahabbi sponsored agenda to kill whom they label Shiites, the federal government should devise means of relieving the masses that voted it into power the myriads of the day to day hardship they encounter in their lives." Jibrin also said Buhari can go ahead and sign the budget without seeing the details. Report say there were concerns in the presidency, that the President did not want to assent to the budget without knowing the details. Jibrin said The general public should note that the MTEF and 2016 budget proposal came to NASS very late. You will also recall that a lot of dust was raised over different versions of the budget circulated in the national assembly. Further, some ministers disowned the content of the budget during defence before NASS. Amid these inconsistencies and discrepancies, the NASS had been deeply engrossed in perfecting the anomalies, ironing out of the wrinkles and stretching the twists inherent in the 2016 appropriation bill. The lawmaker also said it is taking time to finalise the details because of the alleged budget padding and errors in the document. He also said it would be unpatriotic for the National Assembly to hurriedly put together the details, adding that the lawmakers are being careful not to make the same mistake the executive made. Jibrin also said the National Assembly has proven that it is in support of President Buharis change agenda. He said The 2016 Budget is the most challenging budget the NASS has ever passed in its recent history. Taking into account the many controversies and omissions, particularly in NYSC, Prisons, Pensions, personnel shortfalls, among others, the budget failed in many respects to connect with the policy thrust of the government. The NASS Appropriation Committees worked round the clock to address some of the omissions, bring up to date allocations in the budget towards the policy direction of Mr. President, particularly issues relating to security, anti-corruption and economic diversification. He also described as unfair, comments in some quarters blaming the National Assembly, while it was Buhari that delayed to sign the budget, so he can see the details. The lawmaker said The NASS will continue to exercise its constitutional duty of appropriation to the latter. While recognising the Presidents power to withhold assent, the NASS is also constitutionally required and has power to veto. But we dont want that to happen and we dont see this happening in this case. It is obvious that some fifth columnists are crying wolf where there is none and are also bent on creating friction and disharmony between the NASS and the Presidency. Reports say President Buhari has refused to sign the budget, unless the lawmakers show him the final details. Is this the beginning of a power tussle between the executive and legislature? Will this play out like the African proverb that says when two elephants fight, the grass suffers? While advocating for the diversification of of the economy, Akpabio said the global economic meltdown is being felt more by Nigerians because the country runs a mono-economy built around oil. He stated this while speaking to newsmen in Abia State on Thursday, March 31, 2016. He urged the Federal Government to explore other sectors of the economy like mining, agriculture, entrepreneurship ventures and foreign direct investment to boost the Nigeria's revenue base. So, what has happened here is that with the massive failure, what we call oil glut in the market, the oil price has reduced below what we expected in the last 20 years. That automatically has affected our economy," Akpabio said. It has nothing to do with which administration is in power. It has something to do with resources to be able to deliver the dividend of democracy. The country belongs to all of us and if the country collapses on our heads, it means that we bequeath nothing to our children." Nwaboshi, a member of the PDP and representative of the Delta South Senatorial District, made the declaration during a recent interview, according to Daily Trust. I was the first to address the press in Port Harcourt and I told them that Saraki was going to win the Senate Presidency and I gave them my reasons. Eventually, we went there, he won. If, but God forbids, because we dont see it coming, by chance Saraki is removed; I can tell you that the PDP will produce the next Senate President, he said. We only need three and we have it. The calculation is very clear to me. The calculation is very clear for the PDP. We know what it will take us. When I told them that Saraki was going to win, I did a lot of mathematical calculations based on the facts on the ground and it is even clearer to me now that the PDP will win it. We will win it. If anybody is thinking that a PDP man is going to vote against a PDP candidate, he is telling you a lie. We have people and we know how to get the people from the APC. We will win and that will be very interesting. I can tell you with whats on the ground that we will produce the next Senate President, he added. Nwaboshis comments were made in relation to Sarakis ongoing trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT). Saraki has been accused of asset declaration fraud by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and is said to have committed the offence during his tenure as the governor of Kwara State. --------------------------------------------------- It was dangerous for Nigeria to keep that administration for another term and the evidence of that was before us, the minister said. The country was falling apart. You must salute the courage, the passion, the foresight of Asiwaju to reach across and say let us forge a partnership to save Nigerians, to save ourselves. On whether or not there could be a merger, everyone said it wasnt going to happen, it had never happened in the history of Nigeria and as far as that was concerned, it (the merger) was a victory that the impossible had become not only probable but possible and that was due to Asiwajus self-conviction and, as I said, his ability to mobilise people and materials behind an idea, he added. One Wednesday, March 3, 2016, RIBSS tweeted that ISIS has banned Christians and Armenians from leaving the city. IS Issued a new decision to Prevent any Christians or Armenians people who Remain in #Raqqa to leave the city under any condition #Syria, the group said. Christians in Raqqa who were about 1500 before the Islamic terrorist group took over the city are now left with 25 families. The group said the remaining Christians in the city are living under harsh conditions. The reason behind the ban is yet to be known. According to RIBSS, half of the Christian families in Raqqa were Greek Orthodox worshippers while the other half were of different Christian denominations. One of the students, Mohammed Saminu Kusa, said they were protesting because since the arrest of their leader, Sheik Ibrahim El-Zakzaky by security agents, he has not been taken to court neither released. The protest is not only taking place in Kaduna metropolis but in almost big cities of Nigeria like Kano, Kastina, Sokoto, Jos and Bauchi. We will not stop the protest until our leader is released, Kusa said. A youth corp member who joined in the protest, Aisha Yunus said that many of the Shiites members are still in detention in Kaduna. According to Leadership, the three students emerged overall best students out of 1,883,775 students who sat for the examination in The Gambia, Ghana and Nigeria. While making this disclosure during the 6th annual meeting of WAEC on Thursday, March 15, President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed forces of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama described WAEC as a dominant global brand which conducts credible examinations across West Africa. In his keynote address, Mahama further commended the board members and staff of the council for their commitment to excellence. A former prime minister, Touadera won a presidential run-off last month in what was widely seen as a step towards reconciliation after years of violent turmoil. But huge challenges remain in Central African Republic, (CAR), one of the world's most unstable countries, which is divided along ethnic and religious lines and is largely still controlled by warlords. Touadera said he aimed to disarm the country's rival factions, reform the armed forces and boost the agriculture sector. "We're going to make CAR a united country, a country of peace, a country facing development." In one bright spot, the country's economy grew by 4.9 percent last year, the biggest growth in 16 years, as it began to emerge from years of conflict. In 2013 it had contracted by 37 percent. CAR, a former French colony, suffered the worst crisis in its history in early 2013 when mainly Muslim Seleka fighters toppled president Francois Bozize. The ruling had been widely expected by political observers and the opposition in a country where the judiciary is frequently accused of bias toward the incumbent. Museveni won another five-year term in the Feb. 18 presidential election with 60 percent of the vote, but all his main opponents rejected the results, alleging widespread rigging and intimidation by security forces. Veteran opposition leader Kizza Besigye, who came second in the election with 35 percent, has been kept under virtual house arrest since polling day. On March 1 Amama Mbabazi, who came a distant third with less than 2 percent of the vote, appealed to the Supreme Court to overturn the result of the poll. He cited delays in delivering ballot materials, improper supervision of voting, bribery and interference by security forces which he said had tainted the outcome. In a judgement by nine justices, the head of the Supreme Court, Bart Katureebe, said they had found valid evidence of several malpractices including security interference with Mbabazi's campaigns and late delivery of polling materials, but declined to nullify the result. "We find that there was non-compliance with the principles of free and fair elections," he said. "But we are not satisfied that non-compliance affected the result in a substantial manner... This petition is dismissed." CRITICISM Under Uganda's electoral law someone who alleges malpractices and seeks nullification of the result of a presidential election must prove that the irregularities affected the result in a "substantial manner". Two similar petitions by Besigye in 2001 and 2006 seeking cancellation of Museveni's re-election were dismissed on the same grounds, sparking heavy criticism. Some Western governments which have lauded Museveni in the past for helping in the fight against Islamist militants in Somalia have lately criticised him for clamping down on critics and harassing the opposition. Ugandan political analyst Nicholas Ssengoba told Reuters Museveni's court victory reflected the difficulties the opposition had in gathering evidence. Soon after the petition was filed, thieves broke into two offices of Mbabazi's lawyers and stole some of the evidence. Mbabazi said the theft was probably orchestrated by the police, an allegation the government denied. A roundup of legislative and Capitol news items for Wednesday: BILL SIGNING: Gov. Terry Branstad signed 16 bills into law Wednesday, including: HF 2146 authorizing the sale of lottery tickets at self-service kiosks; HF 2266 concerning unclaimed cremated remains and providing for handling veterans cremains; HF 2278 regarding kidnapping or human trafficking offenses; HF 2377 relating to the rural Iowa primary care and advanced registered nurse practitioners and physician assistant loan repayment programs; HF 2387 allowing the state dental board to offer an alternative examination for licensure; HF 2401 prohibiting persons from opening or using a credit card in the name of a minor without the consent of the minors parent; and HF 2420 relating to untested sexual abuse evidence collection kits stored at law enforcement agencies. OVERSIGHT BILLS: The Republican-led House Government Oversight Committee approved bills requiring agencies to provide more notice for rules changes, requiring parental notification for school activities that include content related to human sexuality, giving the state some oversight of boarding schools and terminating the applications of energy transmission line projects that sit idle for two years. Three of the bills were approved with bipartisan support; only the parental notification measure was passed on party lines. That bill was proposed after some legislators raised concerns with what they considered graphic content at an annual conference designed to educate LGBTQ students. SPENDING ADJUSTMENT: The House passed its version of a supplemental spending bill for the current fiscal year. Republicans amended the Senate-approved bill to reduce its overall spending by $43.2 million, to $72.4 million. Of that, $67 million would go to cover a Medicaid shortfall; the Senate passed $80 million. The House bill also struck Senate-approved $30 million to the Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund. During debate on the spending bill, House Republicans rebuffed Democrats attempt to attach a pair of Medicaid-related measures: One would have struck the contracts the state has signed with three private health-care companies to assume management of the states Medicaid program on Friday, and the other created additional levels of oversight of the new managed Medicaid program. HOOVER HONORS: House Speaker Linda Upmeyer and Sen. Tim Kapucian were honored with the Herbert Hoover Uncommon Public Service Award, presented annually to state legislators in the Iowa House and Senate who exemplify Herbert Hoovers humanitarian efforts and commitment to uncommon service. Upmeyer is the first woman to serve as speaker of the Iowa House. The Clear Lake Republican was honored for her values of leadership and integrity and for her work ethic, according to a news release. Kapucian, a Republican from Keystone, was chosen after supporters wrote that he is well-connected with Iowas leaders in agriculture and economic development. Upmeyer and Kapucian will be honored at the Hoover Foundations annual Celebration Banquet in November. QUOTE OF THE DAY: I would like to have cut the project off at the knees, to be perfectly honest with you. Rep. Bobby Kaufmann, R-Wilton, discussing a bill that would strike the applications of energy transmission line projects that sit idle for two years. Legislators expressed concern the bill was designed to upend the proposed Rock Island Clean Line; Kaufmann said the bill provides additional time for the project, which has been idle since November 2014. Times Bureau 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!) Criminal case against Russian nationalist Demushkin complete MOSCOW, March 31 (RAPSI) Investigation into the criminal case against Russian nationalist Dmitry Demushkin who is accused of publishing extremist materials on the Internet has been completed, RIA Novosti reported on Thursday. Demushkin is accused of inciting hatred or enmity. According to Julia Ivanova, a senior assistant of Moscows Investigative Committee Departments Head, Demushkin and his lawyer have already been provided with the case materials. According to investigators, in 2011-2013 Demushkin was publishing extremist articles on one of his social network pages trying to incite hatred and enmity against a group of people. Dmitriy Demushkin was a leader of the banned extremist groups such as Slavic Union (SS) and Ethnopolitical organization Russians. Russian performance artist Pavlensky found sane MOSCOW, March 31 (RAPSI) - Russian performance artist Pyotr Pavlensky accused of setting fire to the Moscow headquarters of the Federal Security Service (FSB), has been found sane, RIA Novosti reported on Thursday. Pavlensky was initially charged with vandalism but later investigators reclassified charges against him to intentional destruction of cultural heritage sites, according to his lawyer Dmitriy Dinze. Eccentric artist Pavlensky was arrested on November 9, 2015, along with several other people who claim to be journalists that were invited to the artists performance. The next day Pavlensky was detained under a court decision. Pavlensky is known for a number of controversial performances. In July 2012, he sewed up his mouth and stood at the Kazan Cathedral with a poster in support of Pussy Riot. In May 2013, Pavlensky lay down on the ground in front of the St. Petersburg Legislative Assembly naked with barbed wire around his body. In November 2013, also naked, Pavlensky nailed his scrotum to the Red Square pavement near the Lenin Mausoleum. In October 2014, he staged an eccentric stunt on the roof of the Serbsky Mental Institution in Moscow by cutting off one of his earlobes. In February 2015, Pavlensky and his accomplices burned car tyres, waved Ukrainian flags and banged sheet metal with sticks in a show of solidarity with the anti-government protesters in Ukraine. The performance was held near the Church of the Savior on Blood in St. Petersburg. Russia searches for more than 3,000 criminals and suspects through Interpol - report MOSCOW, March 31 (RAPSI) Russia is searching for more than 3,000 convicted criminals and suspects currently residing outside the countrys borders through the Interpol channels, Izvestia newspaper reported on Thursday. According to head of the Prosecutor Generals Offices department for international legal cooperation, Saak Carapetyan, there are numerous criminal cases where Russia is actively cooperating with the Interpol. Among those cases is the fulfilled request for extradition to Russia of Kazakh tycoon Mukhtar Ablyazov, who stands charged with embezzling over $6 billion from BTA Bank. Russia expects Austria to extradite Aslan Gagiyev, leader of the notorious criminal organization. By request of foreign law enforcement agencies over 100 Russians were arrested and convicted for their crimes outside Russia in the last 3 years. At the same time over 80 requests filed by Russian agencies were fulfilled by foreign courts. According to Carapetyan, foreign parties arrested over $350 million and expensive real estate properties by request of Russian authorities. Special mention went to cooperation between Russia and Switzerland. Over $110 million were returned to Russia from Switzerland and potentially over $500 million may be returned in the foreseeable future. Alleged Ukrainian spy arrested in Russia - FSB MOSCOW, March 31 (RAPSI) Ukrainian Lieutenant Colonel Yuri Ivanchenko has been arrested in Russia on suspicion of espionage, the Federal Security Service (FSB) announced on Thursday. Ivanchenko, the employee of the Ukrainian State Security Services counterintelligence division, entered Russia on the pretext of visiting relatives despite the exclusion for intelligence officers. According to the statement, Ivanchenko was prepared by Ukraines State Security Service and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) for being entrenched in the FSB. The Ukrainian State Security Services employee had to interest the FSB in his ability to extract secret information and to persuade to communicate with him through Kiev. At a certain point the CIA and the State Security Service planned to catch an FSB officer red-handed while receiving information from Ivanchenko, the statement says. As Ivanchenko had been found out before he got a chance to diminish Russias security he would be deported to Ukraine and prohibited from entering Russia. We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on the website. The purposes of using cookies are defined in the Privacy Policy of RAPSI If you agree to continue using cookies, please click the "Confirm" button. If you do not agree, you can change your browser settings. Coal production in Montana has been higher under my administration than any previous administration in our states history, helping hard-working Montana families make a living. While Im proud of that fact, there are challenges on the horizon. The bankruptcy of Arch Coal sent tremors through the industry. Global coal markets are struggling, domestic energy demand is flat, cheap natural gas is abundant, and consumers are demanding more renewable energy. And then there are the concerns related to climate change. We know it is happening because we see it. Moreover, the financial markets are reacting to it. We can sit around and try to assign blame, or we can take the lead in preparing a responsible future for Montana one that drives economic growth and creates good-paying jobs by new technologies to allow the states coal plants to generate energy with less pollution, building more renewable energy, and encouraging innovation and energy efficiency. You often hear a false choice that we can either address climate change or continue to produce power from coal but not both. I reject this choice. Some might dismiss the debate over our energy future as just more election year fodder. But while people argue and point fingers, the world moves forward. The only constant here is a changing market, and as the saying goes, youre either driving the bus, or youre under it. States like Montana are the best laboratories for finding the path forward. What we need from Washington, D.C., is more incentives and less red tape. I asked Montanas top business leaders what they thought we should do to improve our energy future, and they made several suggestions, including creating an energy infrastructure authority that develops energy opportunities and working with stakeholders to improve permitting. These are two good ideas of many. The future of energy development is shifting beneath our feet, and we must all work together to create a Montana-based plan to tap our full potential. Were all in this together, and while I respect the right of other states to decide their energy futures, our energy flows across state lines. Thats why I worked closely with legislators from both parties in Washington State and here at home to make sure Montana had a voice in legislation affecting our energy production. Because of our work, that legislation no longer directs a closure process for part of Colstrip. But I still asked Washington Gov. Jay Inslee to veto it because we can do better. Our energy future is full of tall challenges. To meet them, I'll continue working with energy leaders to chart a path that not only protects jobs in Colstrip, but also embraces the promise of new jobs in renewable energy, energy efficiency and developing technologies to better produce energy from fossil fuels. Its not a simple soundbite, but developing meaningful public policy rarely is. When we do it right, well be able to say we found the right balance: we protected our outdoors; we provided wealth to our citizens in the form of good jobs. We will be proud to pass on a Montana that is still the envy of the nation for our quality of life and economic stability. 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. Sabrang India - March 20, 2016 aMake in Indiaa has failed to resonate with businesses internationally because the accumulation of capital, worldwide, is driven by more than just propaganda and a fading charisma. But this hasnat stopped the ruling party and government machinery from amakinga at a furious pace. It has manufactured the crisis at JNU as part of a wide-ranging assault on the control of higher education in the country. To manufacture that crisis it has fabricated aseditiona charges, evidence ostensibly implicating JNUSU leaders (videos, tweets), smear campaigns, hysteria (storm-troopers in black coats), even a conception of patriotism that identifies a country not with its people and their real conditions but with some mythical, half-deified abstraction before which people, real flesh-and-blood people, have to bow in a state of permanent genuflection and fear. Behind this mixture of tragedy and farce looms the patriarchal shadow of the RSS. Of course, no one elected the RSS in 2014 but they feel they have the right to run the country and are effectively doing so. The ABVP is one of its many arms, extended ruthlessly into campuses to beat them into submission to asanghvaada. The ABVP has an assurance that it can mobilise the state machinery to enforce this drive to dominate the universities. JNUas strongly left-wing culture and tradition have warded off this attack with a remarkable display of unity and good political sense. The following write-up stems from a talk the author gave at JNU on 11 March. It isnat a transcript but a reconstruction of the essential arguments in that lecture. It looks at fascism through the work of three writers, extracting major insights from each of them. It lays out three basic theses: 1. About the constructed nature of nationalism (or fascismas use of the amyth of the nationa , Mussolinias expression!); 2. About the family/patriarchy as the most important instrument of the stateas power; and, 3. About fascist violence as a product of what Sartre calls athe continuous action of a group on a seriesa . To be able to confront fascism successfully, supporters of democracy have to be able to build resistance at each of these levels. At a talk I gave in JNU recently I suggested that it was crucial for us to deal with the deeper forces from which fascism stems and not fall into the trap of thinking, for example, that fascism only emerges in a context of massive economic crisis or is even caused by economic crisis, as a lot of Marxists still think. I identified those adeeper forcesa with nationalism, patriarchy (or the authoritarian family), and the way organised groups are able to exercise domination over the largely unorganised mass of any modern society. Each of these perspectives (1. fascism and the myth of the nation, or, if you like, the constructed nature of nationalism; 2. patriarchy as the mainstay of the stateas power in a capitalist society; and, 3. the conception of amanipulated serialitya as the heart of fascist politics) is embodied with special clarity in the work of at least one of three thinkers of the Left, viz. Arthur Rosenberg (1889a1943), Wilhelm Reich (1897a1957), and Jean-Paul Sartre (1905a1980). Sartre is too well known to say much about but the other two, Rosenberg and Reich, are worth introducing briefly. Arthur Rosenberg was a historian who was also politically active. As a member of what became the KPD (German Communist Party), he was part of the left-of-centre grouping within the party called the aBerlin Lefta. The Marxist philosopher Karl Korsch was also part of this grouping. Rosenberg was also a Reichstag deputy, that is, a member of the German parliament, but he resigned from the KPD in 1927 out of sheer disgust at the way the Comintern (under Stalinas influence) kept interfering in the affairs of the German party. He fled from Germany in 1933, and eventually died in the USA (of cancer) some ten years later. In 1934 he published Fascism as a Mass Movement, which argued that fascism only succeeds to the extent that it succeeds in becoming a mass movement. This raises the whole issue of what it means for the extreme Right (any extreme Right) to be able to construct a amassa base. How does it do that, given that its political agenda is so manifestly opposed to the economic and democratic interests of ordinary working people? Wilhelm Reich moved from Vienna to Berlin in the late 1920s. He was a psychoanalyst strongly influenced by Freud but deeply critical of the latteras separation between psychoanalysis and politics and of his excessive political timidity in the face of fascism. When Reich moved to Berlin from Vienna he started a series of aSexpol clinicsa which were hugely popular. The clinics attracted thousands of patients from largely working-class families, because they were literally the only places where ordinary people could discuss their sexual problems and their sexual lives in some overt way, especially the kinds of stress and/or distress they were experiencing. To take one example, in 1931 there were some 1 million illegal abortions in Germany and a staggering forty-four percent of those resulted in fatalities! Reich began to confront the problem of emerging fascism partly through his experience in those clinics, and soon after Hitler came to power in 1933 he published The Mass Psychology of Fascism, arguing that it was impossible to understand the appeal of the Nazis without its psychological roots, that is, without looking at the nature of families, domination within them and the sort of character-structures that lay at the back of the fascist success. Reich was promptly expelled from the German Communist Party when he published Mass Psychology, then hounded by the authorities in all the countries he fled to by way of seeking asylum, and, like Rosenberg, ended up in the USA where he died in an American prison, under FBI custody. Fascism and the Myth of the Nation To Rosenberg fascism largely reiterated ideas that were widespread in European society before the First War. (aThe ideology which is today called afascista was already widespread before the War.a ) In his analysis the conservative elites of 19th-century Europe adjusted to the era of parliamentary democracy and mass politics with an aggressive nationalism imbued with racial ideas, one that canvassed active support for strong states wedded to expansion abroad and was unashamedly willing to use anti-Semitism aas a way of preventing middle-class voters from moving to the Lefta (Weiss, Conservatism in Europe 1770-1945, p. 89). Rosenberg argued that fascism lacked a coherent ideology of its own, it was a pastiche of motifs drawn from the ultra-nationalist political circles of the pre-war period. In this sense he reversed the direction of causality between ideology and politics. The Nazis emerged from a pre-existing ideological milieu dominated by a astupid, fanatical nationalisma . aFascism developed the nationalist propaganda characteristic of the new kind of politics to perfection.a (Fascism as a Mass Movement, p. 27). Rosenberg called this a ademagogic nationalisma that aspontaneously seeks an object through which it can daily demonstrate its own superiority and release the delirium of its racial frenzya (p. 32). With liberalism in retreat across most of Europe it was this aggressive authoritarian xenophobic nationalism that came to the fore. Secondly, the targeting of minorities such as the Jews in Germany became a mobilising strategy and led in Germany to the proliferation of numerous racist aaction groupsa well before the Nazis themselves became popular. What was peculiar to fascism, Rosenberg argues, was the storm-trooper tactic, that is, the active use of violent squads that attacked Jews, destroyed Jewish property and so on in pogroms that targeted them the way Muslims and Christians have been targeted in India, but also combated the unions, strikers, Communists, etc. Street clashes between Nazis and Communists dominated the late 1920s but failed to stem the growth of Nazism. A still from the Hindi film, Parzania One reason was that the storm-troopers worked with the connivance of the state. The active complicity of the existing state authorities in condoning fascist violence is a key element of Rosenbergas argument. The authorities turned a blind eye to illegal activities such as conspiracies and political murders and to the repeated atrocities against Jews. The storm-troopers should have been tried and convicted in the courts of law but nothing of the sort happened. Trials were used as further platforms for Nazi propaganda. The police and the courts connived in fascist violence instead of dealing with it as the law required. State complicity for Rosenberg was a major reason why the Nazis could survive into the late 1920s to re-emerge rapidly as a mass movement. What about nationalism itself? In the talk at JNU I contra-posed two broad views of the subject, Gellneras conception of the constructed nature of nationalism (nationalism exists before nations do, nations are simply their invention) and Benedict Andersonas view of the nation as an aimagined communitya. For example, Eric Hobsbawm writes, awith Gellner I would stress the element of artifact, invention and social engineering which enters into the making of nations. aNations as a natural, God-given way of classifying [humans], as an inherent ... political destiny, are a myth; nationalism, which sometimes takes pre-existing cultures and turns them into nations, sometimes invents them, and often obliterates preexisting cultures: that is a realitya. In short, for the purposes of analysis nationalism comes before nations. Nations do not make states and nationalisms but the other way round.aa To explain this a bit more, to think of nations as somehow existing before and outside of nationalism is to reify them. Nationalism is not the self-awakening to consciousness of pre-formed, pre-existing entities called anationsa but the process by which nations are defined and constructed to be or to look like what they are. For his part, Anderson doesnat explain who does the aimagininga . And what does it mean to say that the nation ais imagined as a community, because, regardless of the actual inequality and exploitation that may prevail in each, the nation is always conceived as a deep, horizontal comradeshipa ? Isnat this a way of almost saying that the imaginary construct of the anationa is an attempt to make people forget that in real life they are actually divided into classes, castes, genders, and so on and that these divisions are marked by deep inequalities and relations of oppression? In her book Nationalism: Five Roads to Modernity the American scholar Liah Greenfeld describes something she calls collectivistic nationalism. This it seems to me is an apt description for the sort of nationalism that the BJP and their handlers are trying to shove down our throats today. She writes, aMuch more often a nation is defined not as a composite entity but as a collective individual, endowed with a will and interest of its own, which are independent of and take priority over the wills and interests of human individuals within the nation. Such a definition of the nation results in collectivistic nationalism. Collectivistic nationalisms tend to be authoritarian and imply a fundamental inequality between a small group of self-appointed interpreters of the will of the nation a the leaders a and the masses, who have to adapt to the elites interpretations.a We are up against an artificially engineered surge of collectivistic nationalism in India today, except that this one is strongly imbued with communal overtones. But itas important to see that much of the myth-making about the anationa is part of a wider fascist agenda. As Mosse pointed out, nationalism is the abedrocka upon which all fascist movements built themselves. The indoctrination strats early Moonje was tremendously impressed by the way the Italian Fascist Party organised the indoctrination and training of Italian youth and transposed the model to India through the RSS. Italian fascism was defeated and overthrown in the 1940s but its legacy lives on, not just in the way youngsters in India are being trained for physical combat and indoctrinated in subservience to some mythical national utopia Patriarchy as the Mainstay of the State Reichas perspective moves the focus away from broad historical movements to the mechanisms which allow ideologies like nationalism to gain a wider purchase. He locates those mechanisms in the structure of the family and the kinds of sexual repression that abound there. The authoritarian family, Reich argues, is a veritable factory of reactionary ideology and structure. As such it is the mainstay of the stateas power in modern (capitalist) society. Patriarchy for Reich is characterised not just by the domination of women by the leading males of the family but by the sexual suppression of both women and children within the family. aThe goal of sexual suppression is that of producing an individual who is adjusted to the authoritarian order and who will submit to it in spite of all misery and degradation. At first, the child has to adjust to the structure of the authoritarian miniature state, the family; this makes it capable of later subordination to the general authoritarian systema (Mass Psychology, p. 25). Reich went further. He suggested that the submissive, authority-fearing character-structure moulded in this kind of family was the key reason for the emergence of Hitler-type political leaders, FAhrers or amass leadersa with a commanding or overpowering presence that could mobilise and dominate amassesa . Fascismas ability to dominate the middle class and wider masses beyond it could be explained by the way children and adolescents grew up to identify with authority in one form or another a with their employers, with the state authorities, with the state itself and finally with the anationa . This process of aidentificationa was one sense in which ideology could be seen as becoming a amaterial forcea . aThe more helpless the individual is made by his upbringing, the more strongly does he identify himself with the FAhrera This tendency to identification is the psychological basis of national narcissism, that is, of a self-confidence based on identification with the agreatness of the nationa .a (Mass Psychology, p. 38) Manipulated Seriality and the Climate as Worked Matter Finally, Sartre. In his great work The Critique of Dialectical Reason (1960) there are two ideas specifically that we should try and integrate into our understanding of fascism. The first is his notion of amanipulated serialitya , the second his conception of the political climate or fascist violence as aworked mattera . Sartre divides modern societies into two sorts of ensembles, aseriesa and aorganised groupsa . Seriality is the condition of being unorganised, hence incapable of acting and therefore vulnerable to domination by those who are organised and who do act (collectively). That domination can take the form of manipulating seriality, that is, conditioning series or influencing them to behave in certain ways. Political propaganda works on the same principle as advertising; it generates what Sartre calls the illusion of atotalised serialitya . The series (ensembles that are unorganised, hence sharply distinct from the aorganised groupsa ) can do nothing, it is dispersed and inert, but through advertising, propaganda, the mass media, climates of fear, violence, etc. it can have a great deal done to it and even think of itself as somehow unified! Advertisers get consumers to buy things by suggesting that aothersa are buying them. Those aothersa donat actually exist, since each potential consumer is other to the other and the whole chain forms an infinite regress. The pogrom is a gruesome example of how powerful organised groups can even extract actions (dispersive acts of violence) from the series while the latter remain serial, that is, dispersed, unorganised and inert. They become the instruments of the violence orchestrated/perpetrated by organised groups. Sartre calls this sort of violence the apassive activity of a directed serialitya . Advanced criminal jurisdictions in the world today seek to cope with these situations of violence by using a robust concept of acommand responsibilitya . Climates of fear, violence, etc. that trigger a wave of lynchings, pogroms and so on are also worked matter, that is, they are the result of organised groups working serialities (or working on series), as if this was a production process where masses of people are literally the raw material of the labour (praxis, freely chosen activity) of organised groups. A climate of violence is created by organised groups as a conscious act/activity. Manipulated seriality is the heart of fascist politics, Sartre argues in the Critique. A still from Rakesh Sharmas documentary Final Solution on Gujarat 2002 mass crimes Fascist Origins of the RSS What the talk at JNU did was to look at fascism through these complementary perspectives and suggest that they need to be seen as different moments of the same general development. Subservience to authority turns out to be a central theme in the conditions that allow for fascist emergence. It was the factor that Reich himself stressed most of all, linking it with the nature of the family and describing the family itself as athe most important instrument of the stateas powera . The RSS understood this from its inception. Marzia Casolari has shown the reasoning that lay behind the emergence of the shakha. BS Moonje, friend and mentor of Hedgewar, RSS founder, described his 1931 meeting with Mussolini in his diary. Moonje, Casolari points out, aplayed a crucial role in moulding the RSS along Italian (fascist) linesa . Here is what he wrote in his diary: aThe idea of fascism vividly brings out the conception of unity amongst peoplea India and particularly Hindu India need some such institution [as the Fascist youth organizations] for the military regeneration of the Hindusa Our institution of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh of Nagpur under Dr Hedgewar is of this kindaa . The RSS would be publicly embarrassed to have these connections widely publicised since they show that its own model of moulding the minds of Indian youth stems directly from the experience of Italy and Mussolinias recommendations. Moonje was tremendously impressed by the way the Italian Fascist Party organised the indoctrination and training of Italian youth and transposed the model to India through the RSS. Italian fascism was defeated and overthrown in the 1940s but its legacy lives on, not just in the way youngsters in India are being trained for physical combat and indoctrinated in subservience to some mythical national utopia, but also in the structures that have allowed fascism to become a major threat to Indiaas democracy, not least among these being the manipulated hysteria of nationalism and the structures of patriarchy and the traditional family. The News - March 31, 2016 aTo remove hate material from curriculum, us-vs-them philosophy needs to goa By Ebad Ahmed Recent changes made by Sindh government are far from sufficient, say speakers Karachi The National Commission for Justice and Peace (NCJP) in its annual report has underlined the need for removing hate-based content from school textbooks being used in schools across the country. The report titled aHabs-Zada Taleem Se Rehaia was launched on Wednesday in a conference organised with help of Pakistan Institute of Labour, Education and Research (PILER). At the conference, titled aUprooting Religious Intolerance through Formal Educationa , speakers noted that if Pakistani society has to progress and assure the rest of the world that it is indeed peaceful, structure of school education needs to be changed and curriculum has to be amended. Speaking on the occasion, Kashif Aslam of the NCJP said the commission for the past five years had been collecting and highlighting hate content in textbooks of public schools. As part of its research, he said, the commission had studied and analysed 70 textbooks. Talking about the report, Aslam said the material published as part of report was only 25 percent of the total resource gathered from textbooks. aThough some changes have been made by governments in textbooks of Punjab and Sindh, it is far from sufficient. The two other provinces, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, have not made any progress towards decreasing hate content from their textbooks due to political compromises,a Aslam remarked. Talking to The News, he said as compared to Punjab, textbooks in Sindh contained less prejudice and hate material against religious minorities. However, given that the hate content is less in Sindh, he said, it was still far from being satisfactory. aThe education boards that call the shots, lack pluralistic values. They hold on tightly to their far-right views which are toxic for the society and state,a he said. aThe subject writers too are part of the problem; when we ask them to review their writings on religious minorities, we are told they may be able to let Christians off the hook, but couldnt do the same for Hindus.a Talking about Sindh, Aslam said though there was progress in removing hate content from textbooks, it was very slow. aOn the other hand, in Punjab we see that the process of removing hate material from textbooks has been expedited under the National Action Plan, but little or no action in this regard has been seen in Sindh,a he said. aThis is because the progressive intelligentsia in Sindh is restricted to certain sectors. Their active presence is direly needed in the educational sector.a Recommendations In its report, the NCJP recommended that besides imparting empirical knowledge, textbooks and teaching resources in schools should also focus on educating young minds on universal humanity, dignity of human beings and responsible citizenship. The report also called for reviewing the current curriculum and education policies to remove practices and material that were discriminatory and inflammatory in nature, especially towards minority communities. Ideally, it was said, public education should be separated from religious education. However, if this was not possible, then under Article 22 of the constitution, students of other faiths than Islam should get equal opportunities to study their own religion(s). aThis should be a substitute of Islamiat. Instead of general Ethics, students should be able to study their own religion,a he said. aPractical steps are required for students belonging to Hindu, Christian, Sikh and other religious groups to study their own religions as a substitute for Nazrah as well. Also, classes and subjects other than Religious Studies should not have lessons on any particular religion.a The report also called for including the role religious minorities played in the creation and development of Pakistan. Who is a minority? Dr Charles Amjad Ali, a Martin Luther King Jr Professor Emeritus for Justice and Christian Community, said Pakistan is a state in making. In sociological terms, he said, a minority was a group without power. He said any state that could not look after its minorities was fundamentally a dysfunctional state, since a state that could not protect the weak within it was not morally or systematically complete. aEvery state has its own ideology, but the problem with Pakistan is it does not have a definite ideology,a he said. aPakistan ka Matalab kiya, La Ilaaha Illallah sounds beautiful, but what does it really mean?" Dr Ali was of the view that the basic purpose of any curriculum was to instigate new thinking, imagination and innovation among its learners. However, he said, it appeared that the Pakistani educational system aspired for a society comprising only orthodox Muslims. Speaking on the occasion, Pakistan Peopleas Party MNA Dr Shahida Rahmani, lamented that the teachings of Islam were erroneously preached through the school curriculum. aIslam is a religion that upholds equal rights of all people and asks it followers to attain education and explore the universe as an obligation. This will only come through modern education,a she opined. aIslam focuses exclusively on character building of the society, and this is why there is a need to also improve the curriculum of seminaries and bring them in the fold of public school system,a she said. An MPA of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Syed Hafeezuddin, said the problem of religious intolerance was serious in Pakistan and could only be tackled with a multi-faceted approach, while observing that the number of seminaries were more than government schools. He said religious intolerance had destroyed the entire fabric of the society and political opportunists had used these elements to extend their powers over the masses. An MPA of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, Haji Shafi Jamote, observed that teachers and books played an important role in shaping the minds of children. The executive director of Piler, Karamat Ali, stressed that the influence of religion in politics should be curtailed. The dean of social sciences faculty at Szabist, Dr Riaz Sheikh, maintained that schools shaped societies. aBut in our country, the social construction of society has been based on religion and hatred of people from other faiths. This is why societal marginality in Pakistan has increased where the majority has power over minority communities, whose space in the society has shrunk. Unlike progressive societies, education in Pakistan was an agent of aanti-socialisationa,a he said. He talked about a senior educationist and a member of the government-appointed advisory committee for curriculum and textbooks reforms, Dr Bernadette L Dean, who left the country in 2015 fearing for her life after she received threatening calls and faced a hate propaganda campaign that he asserted was initiated by the Jamaat-e-Islami. aTo be able to move forward, we need to eliminate the binary of us-versus-them,a he said. o o o The Daily Times - March 31, 2016 Conference calls for removal of hate material from curriculum * Speakers stress uprooting religious intolerance through formal education in Pakistan Staff Report KARACHI: Speakers at a conference Uprooting religious intolerance through formal education in Pakistan on Wednesday underlined the need for removing hate-based content from the textbooks in the public schools. The conference was jointly organised by Pakistan Institute of Labour Education and Research (PILER) and National Commission for Justice and Peace (NCJP). The speakers noted the structure of school education needs to be changed and curriculum has to be replaced if Pakistani society has to progress and assure the rest of the world that it is a peaceful and believes in co-existence. The NCJP also launched a booklet they have compiled on the hate content in the textbooks of the courses of History, Social Sciences, Pakistan Studies, Urdu and other languages. Speaking on the occasion, PPP lawmaker Dr Shahida Rahmani said that teachings of Islam are wrongly preached and wrongly transmitted through curriculum. "Islam is a religion, which upholds equal rights of people, it asks followers to get education and explore the universe, which will come through modern education." She said Islam tells exclusively for character building of the people in society. "We need to improve the curriculum of madrassas and bring them in the fold of public schools system," she maintained. Meanwhile, PIT lawmaker Syed Hafeezuddin said the problem of religious intolerance is very serious in Pakistan, which cannot be handled and tackled with little efforts like research or these seminars. He observed that the number of madrassas is more than the government schools in Pakistan. "The mindset coming out of these seminaries is very dangerous," he remarked. He said political opportunists have used these elements to extend their power over the years. "We need to seriously think and go ahead with the right course of actions," he asserted. PML-N MNA Shafi Muhammad Jamote observed that teachers and books are very important in changing the mind of children. He lamented that teachers are appointed on political basis or through nepotism, which has been one of the main reasons behind the current problems in the society. Old syllabus could be brought back, which did have respect for people belong to all religions. PILER Executive Director Karamat Ali said religious intolerance is extremely serious issue. Use of religion in politics and society should be curtailed; otherwise future of this country will be bleak, the way it is heading forward, he added. The participants of conference also observed one-minute silence in solidarity with the victims of Lahore bomb attack. Kashif Aslam of NCJP mentioned the commission has been collecting and bringing in mainstream the hate content in the textbooks in public schools for the last five years. He noted that the material which has been published is 25 percent of total research material collected from the textbooks which contain hate content against other religions, countries, and sects. "Some of the changes have been made in the textbooks by the Punjab and Sindh governments; however, it is far from being sufficient. The two other provinces, KP and Baluchistan have not made any progress towards decreasing the hate content from their textbooks due to political compromises," he maintained. Professor Dr Charles Amjad Ali stressed the need to amend and change the curriculum which actually generates hate for other religions and fellow Muslims. Dr Riaz Sheikh of SZABIST maintained that the society changes from the schools. "In our country social construction of the society has been very much based on religion and religious hatred against fellow religious people and people of other religions has increased, where majority has sway over the minority and space for their practice has shrunk." Zulfiqar Shah of PILER said, "For peaceful society we need to take this struggle at multiple fronts. He said intolerance and violence are becoming part of the culture, while Shehla of UNICEF said, "Pakistan needs a comprehensive social protection net and other benefits for poor and unemployed." o o o SEE ALSO: posted by Jairus Banaji on Facebook, March 31, 2016 Rudolf Hilferding died in the Gestapo dungeon of La SantA in Paris in the second week of February 1941, two days after he was handed over to the Nazis by the Vichy Government. He spent the last months of his life in Arles, working on what he called a acritique of Marxisma whose first and only draft survives as aDas historische Problema (1940). The following extracts show that among other things Hilferding wanted Marxists to move towards a less passive, more dynamic conception of the state and its role in history. This is not a theory of the arelativea autonomy of the state, but of the state as an independent power (eine Macht fAr sich) and actor in history. Hilferding saw the ainterests of the statea (das Staatsinteresse) as distinct from any specific set of class interests and noted that this aautonomization of the state interesta occurs with peculiar intensity in crises involving foreign relations. Given the way the power of the capitalist state has grown in all societies worldwide in the last few decades especially, aided by the new technologies of communications and control, itas worth taking this view with the same seriousness as one reads the brilliant Finance Capital. Societyas political superstructure is a power of its own, with its own organs, tendencies and interests. The evolution of the stateas power (Staatsmacht) proceeds simultaneously with the evolution of modern economy. It is all too easy to overlook the constant growth of that power beyond the limits imposed on it either by the economy or by the legal rights of the individual. ..The power of the state was already objectively stronger in the heyday of Liberalism than it ever was in the age of Absolutism. In relation to the economy and the rights of individuals this was still a latent power, but its potential was constantly on the rise. (p. 296) The state evolves into a power organization of its own, with its own organs. As a power organization, the state acquires a certain autonomy (SelbstAndigkeit) vis-A -vis society and its various components and has its own interests, viz. the preservation and expansion of its power both domestically and abroad, and encouraging all those tendencies in the non-state sphere that dovetail with its own interests while restricting the othersa.It is quite wrong to overlook the independent significance of the power of the state and treat it simply as a pure executive organ of some specific social group. We shouldnat simply equate the interests of state-power with the interests of this or that social group, at least not in all societies or in ways that make the two overlap completely. The stateas power is to one degree or another, and with fluctuating intensity, an independent factor in historical events (p. 304) The autonomization of the stateas power, its striving to realise its own specific interests in society, comes about most obviously when what is at stake is the preservation or strengthening of its own existence. The struggle against feudalism and the emergence of the absolute monarchies and, through them, of the modern state was a struggle of the state-power (Staatsmacht) against the ruling class. This struggle was supported by the bourgeoisie or, more correctly, by sections of it, when the latter was still a dominated class. Of course, a certain degree of economic developmentais presupposed before the goal of centralizing the stateas power can be accomplished. The wealth of the bourgeoisie has to be able to yield the resources for the creation and maintenance of standing armies, of a modern bureaucracy, and of modern means of transport. Only with the development of this economic foundation was the creation of the modern state at all possible historically. But the latter was created through the power of states themselves and thanks to the interests peculiar to that poweraThe beginning and bearer of this political evolution, which was so decisive to the emergence of modern capitalism, was the autonomous potency of the stateas power which found its field of action magnified by economic development. The creation of the modern state, hence of the political and legal conditions indispensable for capitalist development was thus made possible by the way relations of production were themselves transformed. But the process itself was not the work either of the bourgeoisie or of its class struggle. It would be pure economic mysticism to suppose that the bourgeosie alone created the modern state or that it later made it into aitsa state in the course of its struggles. (p. 316) Rudolf Hilferding, "Das historische Problem," Zeitschrift fur Politik 1, no. 4 (1954): 293-324 (Organ der Hochschule fAr Politik MAnchen. - Baden-Baden : Nomos, ISSN 0044-3360, ZDB-ID 2000945) Human Rights Watch - 29 March 2016 Letter to the EU Concerning EU-India Summit Donald Tusk, President of the European Council Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission Re: EU-India Summit on March 30, 2016 Dear Mr. Tusk and Mr. Juncker, We are encouraged by the EUas ongoing efforts to engage with India, including on human rights issues and are writing regarding your summit on March 30 to update you on some key issues. There will be many mutual challenges to discuss including protection and integration of migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. The summit should re-affirm the EUas and Indiaas commitment to uphold international law and basic humanitarian principles vis-a-vis those in need of protection. Like Europe, India has dealt with numerous threats to security due to indiscriminate bombings and attacks by extremists. Each of you has a common challenge to deal with terrorist threats. It is crucial that states respond with a strong commitment to the rule of law and human rights in their efforts to prevent further attacks and possible acts of retaliation against communities and individuals. Expand Access to Basic Services, and Strengthen Fundamental Rights for Marginalized Populations In India, the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised development that will advance economic and social rights for the most marginalized. The Modi government launched several ambitious programs such as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Campaign) to clean Indiaas villages and cities and end open defecation; Make in India to encourage foreign companies to invest in India; Digital India to enable electronic delivery of services in areas such as healthcare, banking, insurance, and education services and improve e-governance; and Smart Cities to improve the quality of life of people in urban areas by harnessing technology. Several EU member states have welcomed these initiatives and promised to support them. It is important that these programs be implemented in a manner that respect fundamental rights, so that they are non-discriminatory, expand access to basic services, and strengthen fundamental rights rather than further marginalize vulnerable populations. Strengthening Civil Society, Protecting Free Speech Even as the prime minister seeks greater foreign investment in the private sector for initiatives such as Make in India, showcasing Indian democracy and diversity abroad, it uses laws such as the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act to restrict foreign funding for civil society groups. Civil society groups face increased harassment and government critics face intimidation and lawsuits. Free speech has come under threat as the authorities target those critical of the government, including students and academics. Activists that question government infrastructure and development projects or seek justice for victims of the 2002 communal riots in Gujarat have come under particular pressure. In January 2015, the government barred Priya Pillai, a Greenpeace India activist, from boarding a flight to London where she was to speak to members of the British Parliament, alleging that her testimony would have portrayed the government in a negative light. In March, the Delhi High Court ruled that authorities had violated Pillaias rights to travel and to freedom of expression. In November, authorities in Tamil Nadu state, where Greenpeace Indiaas registered office is located, cancelled the organizationas registration. Indian authorities also targeted activist Teesta Setalvad and her husband, Javed Anand, in what appeared to be acts of politically motivated intimidation, accusing them of violating the FCRA and receiving funds illegally, among other allegations. Setalvad is well-known for her work supporting victims of the 2002 Gujarat riots and for seeking criminal charges against scores of officials, including Prime Minister Modi for his alleged involvement in the riots as the stateas then chief minister. Meanwhile, free speech increasingly is coming under attack, prompting condemnation from scholars and activists around the world. The authorities used the draconian sedition law to arrest students and activists for alleged anti-national speech. Other overbroad and vaguely worded laws such as criminal defamation and hate speech laws are used to harass and prosecute those expressing dissenting, unpopular, or minority views. In several cases, when interest groups that claim to be offended by books, movies, or works of art pushed for censorship or harassed authors, the government has allowed them a aheckleras vetoa rather than protecting those under attack. We urge that you use the summit to encourage the Indian government to: Repeal the sedition law, and in the interim instruct state governments to follow Supreme Court strictures when applying the law. Amend the FCRA so that it does not interfere with the rights to freedom of expression and association and cannot be misused to choke the protected peaceful activities of civil society organizations. Protecting the Rights of Minorities Religious minorities, especially Muslims and Christians, are feeling increasingly at risk, and accuse the authorities of not doing enough to protect their rights. Some leaders of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have made inflammatory remarks against minorities while militant Hindu groups, who often claim to be supporters of the Modi government, threatened and harassed Muslims and Christians, in some cases even physically attacking them. Six Muslims were killed by Hindu vigilante groups in separate incidents across the country in 2015 and early 2016 in the name of protecting cows, considered sacred by many Hindus. The Muslim men were killed over suspicions that they had killed, stolen, or sold cows for beef. The violence took place amid an aggressive push by several BJP leaders and militant Hindu groups to protect cows and for a ban on beef consumption. Churches were also attacked in several states in 2015, prompting fears of growing Hindu nationalist militancy under the BJP government. The authorities did not press robustly for prosecution of those responsible for violent attacks on minorities, and impunity for the assailants is contributing to a sense of government indifference to growing religious intolerance. Dozens of writers protested against sectarianism and the silencing of dissent by returning prestigious literary awards bestowed by the Sahitya Akademi, Indiaas National Academy of Letters. Artists, academics, filmmakers, and scientists also added their voices to the protest. Economists and business leaders warned that the Modi government risked losing domestic and global credibility if it failed to control Hindu extremism and restrictions on freedom of expression. The Indian government continued to fail to implement policies to protect Dalits (so-called auntouchablesa ) and tribal groups from discrimination and violence. Human Rights Watch research found that despite a right to education law that mandated free and compulsory elementary education for all children, discrimination against children from Dalit, tribal and Muslim communities led to high dropout rates among these children. Those who drop out often end up being subjected to the worst forms of child labor or early marriage. A 2016 report on caste-based discrimination by the United Nations Human Right Councilas special rapporteur for minority issues noted how caste-affected groups continued to suffer exclusion and dehumanization. The report also noted that atrocities and violence against Dalits had increased by 19 percent in 2014 compared to the previous year and that despite prohibition through legislation, the practice of amanual scavenginga acleaning of human excreta a a caste-designated occupation that is mainly imposed upon Dalits, particularly Dalit women, persisted. Human Rights Watch research found that the state has institutionalized the practice with local governments and municipalities employing manual scavengers. The Modi government launched the ambitious Swachh Bharat Abhiyan or the Clean India Campaign in 2014 which includes the plan to eradicate manual scavenging and end open defecation by building more toilets and changing peopleas attitudes to sanitation. We hope that any support from the European Union or EU member states toward government initiatives on sanitation will ensure that all toilets being built are sanitary and will not need to employ manual scavengers. We hope that the European Union and the member states will follow the 2012 resolution which calls for them to include the issue of caste discrimination in their dialogues with the Indian authorities, and to prioritize programs addressing caste discrimination, including in education, and programs with particular focus on women and girls. The resolution also expects future EU cooperation with India to be assessed as to how it would affect caste discrimination. We urge you to encourage the Indian government to: Take immediate steps to eliminate abuses against Dalits, tribal groups, religious minorities, and other marginalized communities, provide concrete plans to implement laws and government policies to secure their protection, and monitor development programs that have largely failed to reach target groups. Publicly condemn crimes against minorities, and promptly prosecute all those responsible for such crimes. Uphold its commitments to end manual scavenging and ensure that all support for sanitation projects require an immediate end to manual scavenging and contain effective mechanisms for ongoing monitoring to ensure the practice is discontinued. Protecting Refugees While India has informally hosted refugees from Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Burma, Afghanistan and Tibet, among others, it is not a party to the 1951 Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol and has no domestic asylum law. We urge you to encourage the Indian government to: Ratify the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol. Ratify the 1954 Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons and the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness. Cooperate with the office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in enacting a national legal framework for asylum consistent with international standards. Provide mechanisms for asylum seekers, refugees, and stateless persons to register and regularize their status. Ending Impunity Public officials in India continue to enjoy effective immunity for human rights abuses. Government officials, including members of police and armed forces, enjoy legal cover as the Criminal Code and other legislation require government permission to initiate prosecutions against them. This has prevented proper accountability for human rights violations such as torture, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings by the police, paramilitaries, and the army. There was some progress in 2015 as the northeastern state of Tripura revoked the draconian Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), citing a decline in insurgency. However, the law remains in force in Jammu and Kashmir and in other northeastern states. AFSPA has been widely criticized by rights groups and numerous independent commissions. A May 2015 report by the United Nations special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary, or arbitrary executions noted that aimpunity remains a serious problema and expressed regret that India had not repealed or at least radically amended AFSPA. Police reforms remained stalled even as police were accused of extrajudicial killings in several new cases. In 2014 and 2015, several police officials were reinstated in Gujarat state despite having been implicated in cases of staged armed encounters, raising concerns about the governmentas commitment to police accountability. Security forces in the Maoist-affected central Indian state of Chhattisgarh have been accused of serious human rights violations including sexual assault. At the same time, journalists, lawyers, and civil society activists in the state faced harassment and arbitrary arrest. The EU has a state partnership program with Chhattisgarh state, which includes EU support in several sectors including healthcare, education, and improved livelihoods for tribal communities. In January 2016, an EU delegation visited the state and reportedly interacted with a range of stakeholders such as the government, civil society, political parties, and the State Human Rights Commission. We hope that the EU will raise concerns over attacks and arrests of journalists, police failure to act against vigilante groups and perpetrators, and repression of civil society in the state. We ask that you urge the Indian government to: Repeal the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act and remove effective immunity granted under the Criminal Procedure Code to security forces for violations of fundamental rights, including torture and ill-treatment, enforced disappearances, sexual assault, and extrajudicial killings. Implement police reform as recommended by the Supreme Court including the establishment of a complaint mechanism to address police abuse. Enact the pending Prevention of Torture Bill, but only after ensuring it conforms with the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. The law should not include any provisions that would grant officials effective immunity from prosecution. Protecting the Rights of Women, Children, and Persons with Disabilities Violence against women and girls, particularly rape and murder, made headlines throughout 2015. While legal reforms were introduced in response to the 2012 Delhi gang rape and murder, the government has yet to take steps to reform the criminal justice system or ensure effective measures to reduce sexual harassment, and improve womenas access to safe transportation and public spaces. The government has promised that its Smart Cities initiative will adopt solutions to ensure cities are safe for women and girls, and reduce inequalities between women and men. However, none of its documents provide more details regarding conditions precedent, scoring criteria, and selection criteria which incorporate important rights indicators, including those related to gender, disability, and the rule of law. [1] We hope that the European Union and its member states will insist that any support for this program will be conditional on modifying the criteria to include indicators on gender and disability that are developed in consultation with local women and disability rights groups. The EU and its member countries should underscore the importance of such a participatory approach to developing Smart Cities. The Indian central government is pressing ahead with proposals to reform existing labor laws that raise serious concerns for workers, especially women workers. These concerns should form an integral part of discussions about Indiaas Make in India campaign. The EU has played a leadership role in ensuring that labor laws are amended for the better in Bangladesh and should similarly oversee processes in India. Persons with disabilities remain particularly vulnerable with mental health and support services severely lacking in India. Human Rights Watch research found that women and girls with psychosocial or intellectual disabilities are locked up in state mental hospitals and residential institutions, without their consent, where they experience prolonged detention, face unsanitary conditions, risk physical and sexual violence, and experience involuntary treatment, including electroshock therapy. In early 2015, the Indian government initiated its first-ever survey on the condition of women living in mental hospitals across the country but has yet to publicly report its findings. The Mental Health Care Bill and Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill, both pending in parliament, seek to advance the rights of people with disabilities. However, they still fall short of international standards and further steps are needed to fully protect the rights of such individuals, including a shift from forced institutional care to voluntary community-based services and support. Last year, the parliament passed amendments to the Juvenile Justice Act to permit prosecution of 16 and 17-year-olds as adults when charged with serious crimes such as rape and murder, despite concern that this violates Indiaas commitments to child rights protections. We hope that you will encourage the Indian government to: Effectively implement laws dealing with sexual violence against women and children and provide appropriate support services, including psycho-social counseling, legal aid, emergency medical care, and reproductive and sexual health services responsive to the effects of sexual violence. Alter its selection and scoring criteria to incorporate human rights indicators, including gender and disability, which are developed in consultation with relevant human rights experts in country and indicate that the EUas investment in Smart Cities would be severely hampered without such amendments to the project. Ensure that proposals for labor law reforms in India are in line with international standards, are carried out with meaningful consultation with labor law experts, and are part of all discussions about Indiaas Make in India campaign. Repeal laws permitting prosecution of 16 and 17-year-olds as adults, in line with Indiaas international legal commitments, and in the meantime, ensure that the treatment for juveniles under 18 in conflict with law is restorative and reformative and not penal. Respect its international obligations under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities by ensuring new mental health and disability rights legislation guarantees the right to legal capacity for all persons with disabilities. Earmark financial assistance toward community-based mental health and support services, and seek to strengthen a community-based model instead of creating new or refurbished mental health institutions. Reinstating Moratorium on Death Penalty On July 30, 2015, India executed Yakub Memon for his involvement in a series of bombings in Mumbai in 1993 that caused over 350 deaths. Memonas execution sparked a debate in India over the merits of retaining the death penalty. Memonas was the third execution since the government lifted an unofficial moratorium on capital punishment in 2012. In August 2015, the Law Commission submitted a report calling for abolition of the death penalty for all but terrorism-related offenses and awaging wara against the state. Like the EU, Human Right Watch is opposed to the use of death penalty in all cases and under any circumstances. We therefore hope that you will encourage the Indian government to reinstate the moratorium on death penalty with a view to abolish capital punishment altogether. Supporting Human Rights Abroad Last year, India was a weak proponent of human rights at the UN. In March, India voted in support of a Russian-backed resolution to remove benefits for same-sex partners of UN staff. India abstained on Human Rights Council resolutions on Syria, North Korea, and Ukraine, and voted against resolutions on Iran and Belarus. In July, India reversed an earlier policy and abstained on a UN Human Rights Council resolution that called for Israeli accountability in the 2014 Gaza conflict. The Indian government said it had abstained from voting because the resolution included a reference to bringing Israel before the ICC, which India considered aintrusive.a India envisages an increasing role in global affairs, and often believes that it has a voice in supporting developing countries with emerging economies. However, this has often resulted in an obstructive outcome, instead of one where there is collaboration to uphold human rights principles and protections. The EU should encourage India to play a more positive role on behalf of international human rights and stand by victims of abuses, instead of protecting repressive governments from international scrutiny. We urge you to raise these concerns at the summit but also in all your other meetings with Indian authorities, including in your public comments. We thank you for your consideration. Yours sincerely, Lotte Leicht EU Advocacy Director Human Rights Watch Brad Adams Executive Director Asia Division Human Rights Watch Senior Polisario executives were summoned Sunday to a meeting in Algiers with the head of the Algerian government, Abdelmalek Sellal, and the Algerian Deputy Defense Minister and Army Chief, General Gaid Salah. The succession to the head of the Polisario was, according to informed sources at the Rabouni camp, the focal point of the meeting convened while the chief of the Sahrawi Front, Mohamed Abdelaziz, is hospitalized following the deterioration of his health condition. The Polisario delegation was led by the so-called Prime Minister, Abdelkader Taleb Omar, who was accompanied by a number of his close aides. Ministers of Foreign Affairs and of Maghreb Affairs, Ramtane Lamamra and Abdelkader Messahel, both hawks of the Algerian regime, attended the meeting that discussed the latest developments of the Western Sahara issue, according to the same sources. A statement issued by the Prime Ministers office said during the meeting, which is part of Algerian-Sahrawi consultations, the two delegations explored all possible options, including the military option, in the territorial conflict opposing them to the Moroccan neighbor about the Western Sahara. These consultations dealt with diplomatic, security and humanitarian issues of common interest, the statement said. However, according to the sources from Rabouni, discussions focused on the succession of Mohamed Abdelaziz and on the popular protests that shook the Tindouf camps lately. In view of the deteriorating health condition of the Polisario chief, who has reportedly been flown to the United States for treatment, Algerian authorities fear the outbreak of a tribal rebellion in the Tindouf camps, where each tribe seeks to ensure its right to succeed Abdelaziz. Such feuds may weaken seriously the position of both the Polisario and Algeria which is using this conflict as a trump card to impose its leadership throughout the Maghreb and Sahel regions. During the recent events, Morocco scored valuable points on the diplomatic battlefield by turning to its advantage the crisis opposing it to the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon thanks to the strong support it received from several permanent and non-permanent members of the UN Security Council. If you are currently a print subscriber but don't have an online account, select this option. You will need to use your 7 digit subscriber account number (with leading zeros) and your last name (in UPPERCASE). GOP frontrunner Donald Trump says "some form of punishment" would be needed for women who have abortions if procedure is made illegal | Main | Fair Punishment Project releases first major report: "Juvenile Life Without Parole in Philadelphia: A Time for Hope?" March 31, 2016 "A Fatally Flawed Proxy: The Role of 'Intended Loss' in the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines for Fraud" The title of this post is the title of this notable new article authored by Daniel Guarnera now available via SSRN. Here is the abstract: Of all federal criminal defendants, those convicted of fraud are among the most likely to receive a sentence below the term recommended by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. The most important (and controversial) driver of fraud sentences under the Guidelines is the economic loss actual or intended, whichever is greater resulting from the crime. This Article examines the role of the intended loss calculation. The U.S. Sentencing Commission designed the intended loss enhancement to function as a rule-oriented proxy for defendant culpability. By applying the framework of rules and standards, this Article argues that culpability, by its nature, is too multifarious a concept to be accurately represented by a single variable. Furthermore, a recently-enacted amendment to the definition of intended loss which restricts its scope to losses that the defendant purposely sought to inflict will only exacerbate the problem by excluding a significant subset of plainly culpable conduct. Rather than attempt to fine-tune the intended loss calculation any further, this Article contends that the purposes of sentencing in general (and the goals of the Guidelines in particular) would be better served by enabling judges to conduct a more standard-based inquiry into the wide array of facts that can bear on culpability. It evaluates several proposals that would give judges greater discretion while, at the same time, minimizing the risk of unwarranted sentencing disparities. March 31, 2016 at 10:57 AM | Permalink Comments Fraud sentences in the US are ridiculous and the US judges who impose sentences are being irresponsible. Gone are the days when they can just blame or hide behind the Guidelines, yet they still sentence like its 2002!!!! No Book, Gall, Rita etc. 150 years for Maddoff, 112 years for Stanford and so on. This is what American justice is? Come on!!! Its beyond uncivilized and would make our puritan forefathers scream "that's punitive." You know what fraudsters get in other countries? Jerome Kerviel, cost French investment bank Societe General billions, he got 5 years in prison suspended after 2 (so effectively 3 years in prison). UBS rogue trader Kweku Adoboli who cost the bank over $1 billion, got sentenced to 7 years in prison (3.5 years with good time). The executives of Parmalat in Italy, who cost the company $18 billion and drove it into bankruptcy, got suspended sentences. Now, lets go to the 3553(a) factors, did those European guys named above all get just punishment? Yes, why? Because it was no more than necessary (parsimony). They didn't have their lives ended. Economic disaster is not the same as homicide yet we punish fraudsters as severe as, if not more severely than murderers and rapists. Restitution? Yep, they were all ordered to pay restitution. Deterrence? Yea, others were deterred. Fraudsters didn't come in spades and say "yo man, I can steal a billion and just get 3.5 years." Deterrence occurs at the moment of conviction, not through 150 year sentences where the offender is out of sight and out of mind. Intended loss is a ridiculous measure and not only should we ditch it, but we should get rid of the MVRA while we are at it and go back to a system were judges take into account ability to pay. There is over $100 billion in outstanding restitution debt, yet only 3-8% is collectible. Tell me we haven't taken it all too far? Intended loss, foreseeability. Only thing we haven't blamed fraudster for is global warming....Wait there is probably a 2 point enhancement for that somewhere in the Guidelines too. Posted by: Old Lawyer | Mar 31, 2016 11:56:45 AM Sorry, but I believe that China has the right of it in having execution be an available option for fraud. Barring that my biggest gripe with Maddoff and the like is that we don't allow for a term of natural life, instead requiring a sentence of a ridiculous number of months in order to reach the same result. People snicker at a sentence of 150+ years, I don't think there would be nearly the same reaction to imprisoning someone like Maddoff until he keels over dead one day. I believe that Europe has gone completely off the rails when it comes to criminal sentencing, both for violent and purely commercial crimes, using them as an example is not going to convince me that we should follow the same road. Posted by: Soronel Haetir | Mar 31, 2016 2:00:24 PM Europe has been around before America and it hasn't gone off the rails. Its survived many wars, long before the two in 20th century, and its done just fine. They are more rational to the point where its not just the politicians but the public that accept their principles of criminal justice. If you look at some research in some old issues of the FSR, maybe it was an article by Prof. Fraser, you'd see that one of the primary reasons Europeans are not as punitive is there is less politicization of crime and justice--the media is not as prone to rile up the public. A lot of people sing the parade of horribles in the US: if we dont punish fraudsters enough, they'll have an incentive to steal more and more. The research on deterrence has shown that its not the quantity of punishment but the certainty of punishment. Putting geriatric old fools, even the king of frauds, is a waste of resources, fails to deter anyone else, and instead of just punishment, he gets three meals a day plus healthcare at tax payer expense (let me guess now, you'd want to upgrade him to the Gulag suite?) If you can't be convinced by a system in the UK, France and Germany that works, where punishments are not ridiculously one sided, then nothing will convince you. Punitive responses have a great deal populist appeal, but like Trump, they don't work. Posted by: Old Lawyer | Mar 31, 2016 4:08:55 PM Post a comment Fair Punishment Project releases first major report: "Juvenile Life Without Parole in Philadelphia: A Time for Hope?" | Main | A telling, but still unsatisfying, SCOTUS discussion of retroactivity during oral argument in Welch March 31, 2016 Extraordinany (and extraordinarily timely) issue of the Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science The March 2016 issue of The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science has an extraordinary collections of essays by an extraordinary array of legal scholars and sociologists and criminologists under the issue title "The Great Experiment: Realigning Criminal Justice in California and Beyond." Though many of the articles focus on California's unique and uniquely important recent criminal justice reforms experiences, all folks interested in and concerned about sentencing and corrections reform in the United States ought to find the time to read most or all of the articles in this collection. The special editors of this issue, Charis Kubrin and Carroll Seron, authored this introduction to the collection under the title "The Prospects and Perils of Ending Mass Incarceration in the United States." Here is an excerpt from that introduction: This volume of The ANNALS represents the first effort by scholars to systematically and scientifically analyze what Joan Petersilia (2012) has described as the biggest criminal justice experiment ever conducted in America. She went on to note that most people dont even realize its happening, a point underscored by Franklin Zimring in the volumes concluding remarks. At a historic moment in which imprisonment patterns across the U.S. are shifting for the first time in nearly 40 years, the California case is ripe for in-depth examination. The political landscape around decarceration is also shifting in ways that do not fit the debate of the last 40 years. The initiative behind the prison buildup was largely an offshoot of more conservative, law and order political agendas, but as the nation debates a move toward prison downsizing and decarceration, there is support from both the Left and the Right for this fundamental shift in policy (Aviram, this volume; Beckett et al., this volume) unusual bedfellows at a time of political polarization. While this political convergence will no doubt be contested, as Joan Petersilia emphasizes in the volumes preface, it nonetheless represents an important moment to have a systematic, rigorous, and scientific evaluation of Californias experiment and its implications on hand for policy-makers. March 31, 2016 at 03:34 PM | Permalink Comments Post a comment "A Fatally Flawed Proxy: The Role of 'Intended Loss' in the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines for Fraud" | Main | Extraordinany (and extraordinarily timely) issue of the Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science In this post yesterday I noted the new initiative emerging from Harvard Law School's Charles Hamilton Houston for Race & Justice and its Criminal Justice Institute called the Fair Punishment Project (FPP). Today I received an email concerning the great new work of this great new initiative. Here is part of this email reporting on this new report from FPP: As Pennsylvania prepares for hundreds of resentencing hearings, a new report released today by the Fair Punishment Project and Phillips Black highlights Philadelphias frequent use of life without parole sentences for juveniles, calling the county an extreme outlier in its use of the punishment. The report urges District Attorney Seth Williams to adopt a new approach to dealing with juveniles in response to the U.S. Supreme Courts recent ruling in Montgomery v. Louisiana, which determined that the courts prior decision barring mandatory life without parole sentences for youth must be applied retroactively. The report, Juvenile Life Without Parole in Philadelphia: A Time for Hope?, notes that Philadelphia County is responsible for the highest number of juvenile life without parole sentences in the country. By way of comparison, Philadelphia County is home to just .5% of all Americans, but at least 9% of all juveniles sentenced to life without parole or nearly one in 10. The latest scientific research show us that juveniles have a tremendous capacity to change their behaviors as they age, stated Johanna Wald, a spokesperson for the Fair Punishment Project. It is an injustice, and waste of taxpayer resources, to keep individuals locked up until their death for crimes they committed when they were teenagers. They should have an opportunity to prove they are worthy of a second chance. Wald notes that the Supreme Court has set a high bar to justify a life without parole sentence for juveniles. The court has said that juvenile life without parole sentences should be reserved for exceptional cases that reflect irreparable corruption. Given that adolescent brains are not fully developed and the capacity children have to change, the court rightfully assumes that it will be rare for an individual to meet this standard.... Philadelphia has sentenced more juveniles to life without parole than anywhere else in the United States, said John Mills of Phillips Black. It is an outlier jurisdiction that, thanks to the courts ruling, now has the opportunity to right the harsh punishments of the past by providing a thoughtful and measured approach to resentencing. Back in November, Hoodline caught the news that "hunter-gatherer chef" Erik Sun, who's both a partner and occasionally a chef at popular downtown Los Angeles restaurant Bestia was heading to San Francisco to open not one but two interconnected restaurants at 715 Brannan Street and 445 Harriet Street. This week Tablehopper has an update about both, the former being The Arsenal, the somewhat more high-end spot with a focus on Asian flavors and whole-animal cooking, both a la carte and omakase menu options, super-high-end Kobe beef from a small ranch funded by a beef-obsessed billionaire, and an attached 10-seat noodle bar; and The Hunted, a similarly whole-animal focused but larger restaurant in a warehouse on an alley just 50 yards away with large tables, an open kitchen, and a rustic Japanese aesthetic, with more of a focus on fire cooking, game meat, and live seafood like lobster and sea urchin. Sun is a self-taught chef whose family is from Hong Kong, and he's been known in LA for cooking elaborate 10-course meals from fish he's caught and game he's killed himself. He keeps a blog called The Pursuit of Food and an Instagram account, to give you an idea. The Arsenal is scheduled to open first in the former Showplace Caffe space at Brannan and Harriet. Sun is targeting a July opening, and the place will serve beer, wine, and sake. The noodle bar, mind you, won't necessarily be pork-based ramen, but will feature beef-based broth given the beefiness of the rest of the operation, which will include smokeless barbecue grills on all the tables. The Hunted, meanwhile, is a larger buildout in a former warehouse, and they're targeting a late summer or fall opening more likely the latter, with the way these things go. If you want to learn more about Sun's masculine, hunter-gatherer aesthetic, you can watch the very NSFV (Not Safe for Vegetarians) video below. A pedestrian was rushed to the hospital with head trauma, after he was struck by a San Francisco Municipal Transportation light rail vehicle in Mission Bay Wednesday evening. According to San Francisco Police Department spokesperson Officer Albie Esparza, the collision occurred at 8:19 p.m. Wednesday evening near Third and Mariposa Streets, right behind the UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital. Esparza says that a 22-year-old man "walked onto the Muni train tracks and was struck by the Muni train," likely the T-Third, as that is the only Muni train that runs on that route. Police activity at 3rd/Mariposa. LRV vs. Ped, expect delays on both T-line and 3rd street traffic. @sfpd @sfmta_muni Captain Vaswani (@sfvas) March 31, 2016 The man was transported to the hospital with a "traumatic brain injury," Esparza says. No update on his condition was available at publication time. San Franciscans like to think of themselves as an enlightened bunch from the love-parading nudists to the techno-utopian seasteaders, we know what's up. However, in recent years, the reputation of the quintessentially Bay Area technology industry has taken a beating as those employed within it seemingly do their best to be as clueless, sexist, and generally compassion-less as possible. And so, with an out-of-touch misogynist running for president, we braced ourselves for the possibility that campaign contribution numbers would reveal the tech industry and its nerd libertarians as a bastion of support for Donald J. Trump. Well guess what, the tech sector delightfully surprised us. "We couldn't find any high-profile tech execs who have donated to Trump's campaign," reports Business Insider, "but according to Crowdpac, Trump ranked last among presidential candidates who have raised money from the technology sector. Trump has raised only $14,000 from tech, compared to Bernie Sanders' $3.2 million." And that's not just because we're all a bunch of lefties here indeed, the publication notes that "[despite] Silicon Valley's reputation for liberal politics, much of the money spent this election is going to the Republican Party." For example, Oracle founder (a.k.a. America's Cup guy) Larry Ellison gave $5 million in support of Marco Rubio, and PayPal founder Peter Thiel (really into seasteading) gave $2 million in support of Carly Fiorina. Angel investor Scott Banister gave $2 million to Rand Paul but now supports Ted Cruz. And Chicago-based venture capitalist J.B. Pritzker of the Pritzker family has given $1.9 million to the Hillary Clinton-supporting Super PAC Priorities USA Action. It seems that despite the Donald's borderline obsessive love for iconic tech services like Twitter, the industry is just not that into him. Related: SF Ranks 2nd In Highest Per Capita Campaign Contributions To Bernie Sanders WASHINGTON -- It's bad enough that an outrage was perpetrated last week against the voters of Maricopa County, Arizona. It would be far worse if we ignore the warning that the disenfranchisement of thousands of its citizens offers our nation. In November, one of the most contentious campaigns in our history could end in a catastrophe for our democracy. A major culprit would be the United States Supreme Court, and specifically the conservative majority that gutted the Voting Rights Act in 2013. The facts of what happened in Arizona's presidential primary are gradually penetrating the nation's consciousness. In a move rationalized as an attempt to save money, officials of Maricopa County, the state's most populous, cut the number of polling places by 70 percent, from 200 in the last presidential election to 60 this time around. Maricopa includes Phoenix, the state's largest city, which happens to have a non-white majority and is a Democratic island in an otherwise Republican county. What did the cutbacks mean? As The Arizona Republic reported, the county's move left one polling place for every 21,000 voters -- compared with one polling place for every 2,500 voters in the rest of the state. The results, entirely predictable, were endless lines akin to those that await the release of new iPhones. It's an analogy worth thinking about since there is no right to own an iPhone but there is a right to vote. Many had to wait hours to cast a ballot and some polling stations had to stay open long after the scheduled 7 p.m. closing time to accommodate those who had been waiting -- and waiting. The Republic told the story of Aracely Calderon, a 56-year-old immigrant from Guatemala who waited five hours to cast her ballot. There were many voters like her. Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton, whose government does not control election management, is furious about what was visited upon his city's citizens. The day after the primary, he wrote U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch asking her to open a Justice Department investigation into the fiasco. It was not just that there weren't enough polling places, Stanton charged. Their allocation was "far more favorable in predominantly Anglo communities." There were fewer voting locations in "parts of the county with higher minority populations." In a telephone interview, Stanton made the essential point. Long lines are bad for everyone. But they particularly hurt the least advantaged who usually have less flexibility in their schedules than more affluent people do. It is often quite literally true that poor voters can't afford to wait. "If you're a single mother with two kids, you're not going to wait for hours, you're going to leave that line." As a result, Stanton said, "tens of thousands of people were deprived of the right to vote." A Democrat, Stanton asked himself the obvious question: "Am I suggesting this was the intent of the people who run elections in Maricopa County?" His answer: "In voting rights terms, it doesn't matter." What matters, he said, is whether changes in practice "had a disparate impact on minority communities," which they clearly did. And there's the rub. Before the Supreme Court undermined Voting Rights Act enforcement, radical changes in voting practices such as Maricopa's drastic cut in the number of polling places would have needed to be cleared in advance with the Justice Department because Arizona was one of the states covered by the law. This time, county officials could blunder -- let's assume, for the sake of argument, that there was no discriminatory intent -- without any supervision. Now let's look ahead to Election Day this fall. Michael Waldman, president of the Brennan Center for Justice, notes in his important new book, "The Fight to Vote," that Republicans have "moved with strategic ferocity" to pass a variety of laws around the country to make it harder for people to cast ballots. The Brennan Center reports that 16 states "will have new voting restrictions in place for the first time in a presidential election." Imagine voting debacles like Arizona's happening all across the country. Consider what the news reports would be like on the night of Nov. 8, 2016. Are we not divided enough already? Can we risk holding an election whose outcome would be rendered illegitimate in the eyes of a very large number of Americans who might be robbed of their franchise? This is not idle fantasy. Arizona has shown us what could happen. We have seven months to prevent what really could be an electoral cataclysm. If you run a B2B company (i.e., a business that sells to other businesses), have you ever wanted to benchmark your companys social media efforts? See how youre doing compared to others? TrackMaven recently conducted a study of B2B brands and their social media activity. The study found that LinkedIn just kills it when it comes to the average number of social media followers among B2B businesses. B2B companies had an impressive 109,000 LinkedIn followers on average. Other social networks didnt even come close when it came to the average number of social media followers. Facebook came in second with 34,000. Next, after Facebook, was Twitter with a mere 18,000 average followers. Instagram and Pinterest brought up the rear. LinkedIns huge lead cuts across nearly all industries according to the study. One notable exception is the computer hardware industry, where it seems Facebook is the social media platform most popular with followers. To some observers, LinkedIns near-universal B2B dominance may not be all that surprising. After all, LinkedIn is a social networking platform for business professionals. It stands to reason that if youre selling products or services to other businesses, you go where the buyers are. What may be surprising is that LinkedIn outpaces other social networks by such a huge margin. Another surprising factor may be that Facebook, with its consumer focus, came in second. But Facebooks second place finish may be more a factor of its size rather than its audience makeup. With Facebook having over a billion monthly active users, lots of business buyers are bound to be among those billion-plus users. The TrackMaven study looked at larger companies, not small businesses. The data covered 316 large B2B brands for the calendar year 2015, encompassing over 100 million social interactions. Still, there are a few takeaways for small businesses: If youre in B2B, you need to be active on LinkedIn. If youre not, your competitors probably are. That can put you at a disadvantage. And you could be missing out on an opportunity. One best practice is to focus your efforts on just a few social media platforms to get the biggest impact. For most B2B businesses, that means LinkedIn should be at or near the top of your list. Dont be content with benchmarking against large brands. Conduct your own competitive survey to discover the average number of social media followers in your industry among businesses of your size. Its not hard and the data is publicly available. Just list your top competitors, find their social media profiles, and tally up their followers on each platform. Calculate the averages. Then see how your business compares. That can give you clues about where you should be placing more or less of your attention, especially if you are dissatisfied with your current social media results. The reason may be that youre looking for love in all the wrong places. What do you make of this data? Which is your best performing platform in terms of number of followers? 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 WASHINGTON (March 30, 2016)The U.S. Department of Defense recently announced the following contract awards that pertain to local Navy activities., is being awarded aindefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to provide technical and engineering services in support of the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division's Combat Integration and Identification Systems Division. Services to be provided include design and feasibility evaluation, testing, component and system design, and system integration, in-service, and software engineering in support of the Navy and the governments of Japan, Korea, Norway, and Australia. Work will be performed in St. Inigoes, Maryland (80 percent); and various other locations inside and outside of the U.S. (20 percent), and is expected to be completed in March 2020. No funds will be obligated at time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. This contract was competitively procured as a 100 percent small business set-aside via an electronic request for proposals; two offers were received. This contract combines purchases for the Navy ($49,409,022; 99.8 percent); and the governments of Japan ($24,754; .05 percent); Korea ($24,754; .05 percent); Norway ($24,754; .05 percent); and Australia ($24,754; .05 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales program. The, is the contracting activity (N00421-16-D-0009)., is being awarded amodification to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00019-04-C-3146) for engineering services and supplies to update the flight simulators in support of the P-8A Poseidon aircraft. This modification includes the second configuration of the P-8A simulators with air-to-air refueling and flight test efforts. Work will be performed in Seattle, Washington (70 percent); and Patuxent River, Maryland (30 percent), and is expected to be completed in January 2018. Fiscal 2016 research, development, testing and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $150,000 are being obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The, is the contracting activity. GREENBELT, Md. (March 31, 2016)U.S. Magistrate Judge William Connelly sentenced former Charles County Circuit Court Judge Robert C. Nalley, of La Plata, Maryland, today to one year of probation for deprivation of rights under color of law for ordering a deputy sheriff to activate a stun-cuff worn by a pro se criminal defendant during a pre-trial court proceeding. As a condition of his probation, Nalley must attend anger management classes. Magistrate Judge Connelly also ordered Nalley to pay a fine of $5,000.The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division Vanita Gupta; and Special Agent in Charge Kevin Perkins of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office.."Disruptive defendants may be excluded from the courtroom and prosecuted for obstruction of justice and contempt of court, but force may not be used in the absence of danger," said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein.From 1988 to September 2014, Nalley served as a judge of the Circuit Court for Charles County, Maryland. According to his guilty plea, on July 23, 2014, Nalley presided over the jury selection for the victim, who was representing himself in a criminal proceeding in Charles County court. Before the proceedings began, a deputy sheriff informed Nalley that the victim was wearing a stun-cuff. Nalley was aware that when activated, the stun-cuff would administer an electrical shock to the victim, thereby incapacitating him and causing him pain.Several minutes after the proceedings began, Nalley asked the victim whether he had any questions for the potential jurors. The victim repeatedly ignored Nalley and instead read from a prepared statement, objecting to Nalley's authority to preside over the proceedings, while standing calmly behind a table in the courtroom. The victim did not make any aggressive movements, did not attempt to flee the courtroom, and did not pose a threat to himself or to any other person at any point during the proceedings. Nalley twice ordered the victim to stop reading his statement, but the victim continued to speak.According to his plea agreement, Nalley then ordered the deputy sheriff to activate the stun-cuff, which administered an electric shock to the victim for approximately five seconds. The electric shock caused the victim to fall to the ground and scream in pain. Nalley then recessed the proceedings.United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta commended the FBI for its work in the investigation, and thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristi N. O'Malley and Daniel C. Gardner of the District of Maryland, and Trial Attorney Mary J. Hahn of the Civil Rights Division, who prosecuted the case. THURMONT, Md. (March 31, 2016)After six months, Maryland state troopers have not given up their search for the hit and run driver who struck and killed a U.S. Marine who had stopped to help a disabled motorist along Rt. 15 in Frederick County. United States Marine Corps Corporal William Ferrell, 21, of Carthage, N.C., was struck and killed shortly before 11:00 p.m. on September 29, 2015, on northbound US Rt. 15, north of Auburn Road, in Thurmont, Md. Cpl. Ferrell was assigned to the Naval Support Facility in Thurmont and worked at Camp David. The investigation indicates Cpl. Ferrell had stopped in his 2012 Nissan Titan to help a motorist whose vehicle was disabled during a heavy rain storm. Evidence indicates Ferrell was standing outside of his truck on the highway shoulder when an unknown vehicle struck him, causing fatal injuries. The vehicle also struck the Cpl. Ferrell's pickup, causing significant damage. Information developed by State Police Crash Team investigators continues to indicate the striking vehicle was a heavy duty pick-up truck with a dual wheel axle. Troopers believe the truck was towing a car hauler trailer and was most likely a 'goose neck' type trailer. Investigators say damage to the striking vehicle may have been confined to the trailer and if there is damage to the pick-up truck, it is probably minor. When Cpl. Ferrell was struck, the driver of the vehicle that was disabled went into traffic to divert oncoming vehicles away from the Marine's body. At least two vehicles passed that driver before a tractor trailer was able to block both lanes of northbound Rt. 15. Police believe both those vehicles drove past the suspect's truck and trailer because the hit and run driver briefly pulled to the side of the road north of the crash scene before continuing north. Troopers are hoping both those drivers will contact them and provide any information they have about the striking vehicle. Rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the driver responsible continue to be offered by Metro Crime Stoppers, the National Warriors Foundation, and the Maryland Troopers Association. Anyone with information is urged to contact Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7LOCKUP, or 1-866-756-2587. Phone calls are not recorded and callers may remain anonymous. BALTIMORE (March 31, 2016)Walter Moffett, age 51, of Chestertown, Maryland pleaded guilty today to his participation in a drug conspiracy in connection with the operation of purported pain management clinics that were actually "pill mills." Eight co-conspirators previously pleaded guilty to the same charge.The guilty pleas was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Karl C. Colder of the Drug Enforcement AdministrationWashington Field Division; Special Agent in Charge Nicholas DiGiulio, Office of Investigations, Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services; Chief Gary Gardner of the Howard County Police Department; Charles County Sheriff Troy Berry; St. Mary's County Sheriff Tim Cameron; Chief Hank Stawinski of the Prince George's County Police Department; Calvert County Sheriff Mike Evans; Chief Cathy L. Lanier of the Metropolitan Police Department; Commissioner Kevin Davis of the Baltimore Police Department; Chief James W. Johnson of the Baltimore County Police Department; and Colonel W. Steven Flaherty, Superintendent of the Virginia State Police."Pharmaceutical pills can be just as harmful as illegal drugs when they are used without proper medical supervision and without valid medical need," said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein. "Abuse of oxycodone is one of our most significant drug enforcement challenges, and it contributes to the epidemic of heroin overdose deaths.""Last year, DEA and its partners combined their resources to identify these drug dealers who cunningly attempted to bypass the Maryland Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (CRISP). The result of these efforts was the dismantling of a drug trafficking organization that was making a toxic profit off of addiction. These "runners" and "distributors" were allowing a countless number of highly addictive prescription opioids to hit the streets of Maryland, Delaware, Washington, DC, and Virginia," said Special Agent in Charge Karl C. Colder of the Drug Enforcement AdministrationWashington Field Division. "The DEA wants to thank our law enforcement partners for their unwavering commitment to eradicating these drug dealers, who are destroying lives and making enormous profits from the diversion of pain medication."According to court documents, "pill mills," routinely engage in the practice of prescribing and dispensing controlled substancesprimarily oxycodoneoutside the scope of professional practice and without a legitimate medical purpose. The owners kept the profits from the pill mill operations and from the sales of oxycodone in cash. According to the indictments, the owners recruited "distributors" and "runners" to visit their clinics so that they would profit from the cash fees charged for an office visit. Runners are recruitedusually by a distributorto enter pill mill clinics with fictitious complaints of pain in order to obtain prescriptions for oxycodone and other controlled substances. Typically, runners filled the prescription and gave the oxycodone tablets they received to the distributor. Runners were typically paid in either cash or oxycodone tablets for their services. The distributors then generally sold the pills for a profit.According to his plea agreement, since at least 2014, Moffett conspired with other individuals to distribute oxycodone. During the course of the conspiracy, Moffett obtained large quantities of oxycodone 30 mg pills by visiting pain clinics, including PG Wellness Center, in Oxon Hill, Maryland, and A Plus Pain Center, in Washington, DC, and getting prescriptions from the doctors working there. Moffett also worked with others to go to the clinics to obtain prescriptions for oxycodone, also without a medical need. Those individuals then filled the prescriptions at various pharmacies in the Maryland, Delaware, Washington, D.C., and Virginia areas and provided the pills to Moffett and other conspirators. Moffett, who was an addict, took some of the pills himself and sold the remaining pills to co-conspirators for a profit. Those co-conspirators then re-sold the oxycodone pills for up to $30 per pill.Obtaining and filling the prescriptions for oxycodone required a significant amount of coordination between Moffett and his co-conspirators. For example, they had to ensure that individuals were not caught getting oxycodone prescriptions from multiple clinics at the same time. The Maryland Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (known as CRISP) allowed practitioners to report all narcotic prescriptions so that other practitioners could make sure that patients were not obtaining multiple prescriptions. Moffett and other members of the conspiracy regularly sought to circumvent the limitations imposed by CRISP and other states' prescription drug monitoring programs. During the course of the conspiracy, investigators overheard Moffett discussing with others conspirators the details of his and others' visits to the clinics, filling the prescriptions, and distributing the pills.During Moffett's participation in the conspiracy at least 340,000 mgs of oxycodone were distributed.U.S. District Judge Marvin J. Garbis scheduled sentencing for Moffett on August 12, 2016 at 10:00 a.m.Co-defendants; Peter Snyder, age 35, of Ocean City, Maryland;; Terrell Downing, age 26, of New Carrollton, Maryland; and John Fields, age 67, of Temple Hills, Maryland, previously pleaded guilty to the conspiracy and are awaiting sentencing. Ronald Rust, age 45, of Alexandria, Virginia, also pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two years in prison. Co-defendant Melissa Catlett, age 39, of King George, Virginia passed away before her case was adjudicated.United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the DEA Tactical Diversion Squads from Baltimore and Washington DC., HHS-Office of Inspector General, Howard County Police Department, Charles County Sheriff's Office, St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office, Prince George's County Police Department, Calvert County Sheriff's Office, Metropolitan Police Department, Baltimore County Police Department, Baltimore City Police Department, and Virginia State Police for their work in this pharmaceutical investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Kenneth S. Clark and Joshua Ferrentino, who are prosecuting this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force case. Editors note: This is part of a series on retiring gay. This article covers efforts to get federal funding for older LGBT adults. Other articles can be found at www.sfgn.com/RetiringGay. Three million. Thats the number of LGBT people in the U.S. age 55 and older, according to SAGE (Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders), the countrys largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBT older adults. Additional findings from a report recently released from SAGE include: 50 percent of single LGBT older people believe they will have to work well beyond retirement age as compared to 27 percent of single, non-LGBT people. 42 percent of LGBT people fear they will outlive the money they have saved for retirement as compared to 25 percent of non-LGBT older people. 40 percent of LGBT older people, ages 60-75, say their health-care providers don't know their sexual orientations. 40 percent of LGBT people say their support networks have become smaller over time as compared to 27 percent of non-LGBT people. 25 percent of transgender older adults report discrimination when seeking housing. Properly addressing these concerns and others, as well as ensuring this population has its needs met in other ways on a long-term and permanent basis, are the goals of advocacy organizations and lawmakers in Washington D.C. who represent congressional districts in South Florida. The LGBT Aging Issues Task Force, a congressional effort part of the LGBT Equality Caucus, is working alongside SAGE, the Human Rights Commission and National LGBTQ Task Force to initiate change. Congressman Ted Deutch, who represents South Floridas 21st District (this includes portions of Palm Beach and Broward counties), is one of the founding members of this effort. He said its important to shed light on the needs and priorities of LGBT Americans of all ages and explore policy solutions. We wanted to make more members of Congress mindful of the needs and concerns of LGBT seniors and create a dialogue around issues where there is currently none, Deutch said, adding that the needs of the LGBT community are often ignored in a conservative Congress. He is also vice chair of the House LGBT Equality Caucus. In the coming years, our aging population will present us with new challenges with respect to care-giving, health-care costs and the economic impact of so many people leaving the workforce. The sheer size of Americas aging population means that millions of LGBT Americans are also growing older. Many of them have faced enormous discrimination over the course of their lifetimes, leaving them more vulnerable to abuse, isolation and poverty in old age, Deutch said. Congresswoman Lois Frankel, who represents South Floridas 22nd District (that runs from Riviera Beach down through Fort Lauderdale), is also taking a leadership role within the task force to bring issues faced by the older LGBT population to the forefront. She said there two major tasks at hand right now. The first is getting a classification for this population under The Older Americans Act (OAA), originally enacted in 1965, supports a range of home and community-based services, such as meals-on-wheels and other nutrition programs, in-home services, transportation, legal services, elder abuse prevention and caregivers support, according to the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare. These programs help seniors stay as independent as possible in their homes and communities. In addition, OAA services help seniors avoid hospitalization and nursing home care, and, as a result, save federal and state funds that otherwise would be spent on such care. If you are classified, and minorities are classified, they get additional supportive services like meals-on-wheels, mental health services and employment opportunities, Frankel said. The other is to continue lobbying the Administration for Community Living (ACL), an organization created by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to maximize the independence, well-being, and health of older adults, people with disabilities across the lifespan, and their families and caregivers. ACL brings together the efforts and achievements of the Administration on Aging, the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and the HHS Office on Disability to serve as the federal agency responsible for increasing access to community support, while focusing attention and resources. Deutch stressed that more data, like the recent report from SAGE, on the LGBT older adult population is essential to moving these efforts forward. We cant tackle these problems without better data, so the first action of the task force has been to work with the Administration on Aging in the hopes that they will mandate better tracking of LGBT seniors along with their great work tracking other, at-risk minority populations, he said. Deutch said that he makes a point to connect with LGBT seniors in South Florida to get a first-hand account of the issues being faced by this population. I recently visited the Fort Lauderdale Pride Center, where I met with dozens of LGBT retirees and had a terrific time discussing the issues that mattered to them, he said. Frankel added, This initiative is not a be-all and end-all. There are a lot of aspects, such as financial issues, emotional issues. We will start to look for different opportunities where we can make some progress I'm for the cause. Resources for LGBT Seniors SAGE of South Florida PO Box 70516 Oakland Park, FL 33307-0516 Ph: 954-634-7219 www.sagewebsite.org National SAGE organization Additional locations in New York, Washington, D.C. and Chicago Ph: 212-741-2241 www.sageusa.org Miami-Dade County Equal Opportunity Board 111 NW 1st Street, Suite 2150 Miami, FL 33128-1965 Ph: 305-375-5272 www.miamidade.gov Palm Beach County Office of Equal Opportunity 215 North Olive Avenue, Suite 130 West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Ph: 561-355-4884 www.co.palm-beach.fl.us Florida Commission on Human Relations 4075 Esplanade Way, Room 110 Tallahassee, FL 32399 Ph: 850-488-7082 http://fchr.state.fl.us The Palm Beaches Prime Timers is a social community of older gay and bisexual men as well as their admirers. They engage in a number of social activities within the community such as bowling, movie going, dinners and more. They host monthly meetings in the Compass Gay and Lesbian Community Center, 201 N Dixie Hwy in Lake Worth. Their meetings are every second Saturday of the month from 3 p.m. until 4:30 p.m., and often have guest speakers to present new information to members. Although the chapter was initially created in 2011, the first meeting in Palm Beach was on March 3, 2012 and became the official start date. Four years later, PBPT has 120 members and growing, quadrupling from their original member base. The Palm Beaches Chapters is actively looking to expand our membership by recruiting younger and more diverse members, expanding our scope, and extending our geographical reach to adjacent counties where there is no local chapter, said Vinnie Primerano, the President and Communications Director of the PBPT. We make it known that we are a natural progression from other gay and bisexual groups such as youth groups and coming out groups. According to the Prime Timers main website, No single definition can describe Prime Timers, as they come from all walks of life. But one thing is true of all Prime Timers. They enjoy the opportunities and friendships that develop with other Prime Timers throughout the world. Every Monday, PBPT hosts an event at [email protected], a bowling alley on Commercial Trail in Boca Raton. People are welcome to come and go as they like, and are highly encouraged to socialize. The next event is March 21 at 6:45 p.m. I think the Palm Beach Prime Timers should be extremely proud of what they are accomplishing, said Julie Seaver, Program Finance Director of Compass GLCC. As they continue to reduce isolation in the community by hosting a busy monthly calendar and newsletter of lunches, museum visits and walking tours, members of the group are sharing resources and attracting new members every single week. Palm Beaches Prime Timers is just one branch of a larger Prime Timers network that spans across the world. It began in 1987 when Woody Baldwin, a retired professor, noticed the gay community focused almost exclusively on the younger generation. He planned the first event, which had over 40 attendees. Since then, the Prime Timers have expanded through North America as well as Australia and Europe with over forty chapters across the world. The organizations mission as they continue to expand is to provide support and help solve the needs and concerns of the senior gay and bisexual community. One way they do this is to provide a resource for local and gay-friendly doctors using the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association. They also provide memorials on their website for PBPT members that have passed away. We come together from all walks of life looking to enrich our social lives, engage in diverse activities, and take advantage of opportunities to make friends with other Prime Timers locally and around the world, Primerano added. We are a leading force in the GBLT community with our 80 chapters worldwide; eight in Florida alone. Just entering its fourth year, Palm Beaches Prime Timers remains a valuable resource for the local gay community as new members continue to join and participate. Community members that have just moved into the area, or perhaps recently lost their partner, continue to join the growing membership of the Palm Beach Prime Timers and we couldn't be happier the group continues to call Compass their home, Seaver said. In addition to the Palm Beaches Prime Timers, there are other Florida chapters in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Central Florida, Tampa Bay and Sarasota. To join Palm Beach Prime Timers, fill out the application on their website. There is a membership fee of $25 per term. For more information, contact Larry Jordan via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling 561-951-4163. You can visit the Palm Beach chapter website at PrimeTimersww.com/PalmBeaches. The next time Hunters wants to hold a charity dog wash or other event in its parking lot, it will have to pay a fee to the landlord. The $200 fee has been instituted by Rivercrest Realty Investors, which owns The Shoppes of Wilton Manors, where Hunters is located. It just defeats the purpose [of fundraising], said Bruce Howe-Herrera, Hunters general manager. Its very frustrating. Were not even open for business [to benefit from the dog washes]. Rivercrest is based in North Carolina and purchased the shopping plaza in 2007. The dog washes, which benefitted The Pride Centers Florida AIDS walk team, were held in front of Hunters earlier this month and in January. The first one wasnt an issue, said Howe-Herrera. Hunters provided the hose and towels and paid for the water. Pride Center provided the manpower. They were kind enough to let us use their hose, said Robert Boo, CEO of Pride Center. But Howe-Herrera, general manager of Hunters, said the fee is new. He said a fee is required by Rivercrest for the dog wash but no fee is required when Art Walk artists set up for that monthly art event. Howe-Herrera said he was told the difference is that the dog washes dont benefit the entire community. He sees both as benefitting the community. I dont know why they look at it as separate. One shopping center business owner, who declined to have his name published, said he thinks it might have something to do with the dogs possibly biting someone and Rivercrest having to take out extra insurance in case they are sued for the incident. Brooke Conn, Property Manager for Rivercrest, declined to be interviewed. The Mayor of West Palm Beach has issued a directive to all city staff: No more business trips to North Carolina. In response to North Carolina Governor Pat McCrorys decision to remove municipal ordinances that protect the human rights of all people, West Palm Beach Mayor Jeri Muoio issued the following statement: "For more than two decades, West Palm Beach has been in the forefront, protecting the civil rights and ensuring equality for the LGBT community. Until North Carolina's discriminatory law is amended or repealed, West Palm Beach taxpayers will not subsidize legally-sanctioned discrimination against LGBT people." McCrory, with the North Carolina senates backing, stripped away anti-discrimination local ordinances on March 23. The Republican Governor took particular exception with the City of Charlottes recent passing of a transgender inclusive human rights ordinance. McCrory, like many cultural conservatives before him, used public restrooms as a reason why Charlotte's ordinance is bad policy. The basic expectation of privacy in the most personal of settings, a restroom or locker room, for each gender was violated by government overreach and intrusion by the mayor and city council of Charlotte, McCrory told the Associated Press. This radical breach of trust and security under the false argument of equal access not only impacts the citizens of Charlotte but people who come to Charlotte to work, visit or play. This new government regulation defies common sense and basic community norms by allowing, for example, a man to use a womans bathroom, shower or locker room. Several Fortune 500 companies, including tech giants Apple, IBM, Google and Facebook have called on the Governor to reconsider his actions. For West Palm Beach city employees, Muoios travel ban means no official visits to the Research Triangle, Outer Banks, Great Smoky Mountains or other notable places of distinction in North Carolina. "We commend Mayor Muoio for putting her strong beliefs against bigotry into action by prohibiting taxpayer dollars being used in North Carolina," said Palm Beach County Human Rights Council Founder Rand Hoch. Gantry towers surround the Progress 63 rocket at its launch pad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Credit: RSC Energia. NASA A Russian resupply ship left the International Space Station this morning and will be quickly replaced Saturday afternoon. In the meantime, the Expedition 47 crew went about its full schedule of advanced space science and orbital lab maintenance. The Progress 61 (61P) cargo craft undocked this morning from the Zvezda service module loaded with trash. It is headed for a fiery disposal Friday, April 8th, over the Pacific Ocean. The 61P will be replaced after the Progress 63 (63P) spaceship launches Thursday at 12:23 p.m. EDT/4:23 p.m. UTC. The 63P will dock to the same Zvezda port Saturday at 2 p.m. with more than 3 tons of food, fuel and supplies. Both launch and docking activities will be covered live on NASA Television. NASA astronauts Tim Kopra and Jeff Williams explored how working in space affects detailed, interactive tasks when using a touch-based computer tablet. Kopra then helped familiarize Williams with station systems and operations. Earlier in the day, British astronaut Tim Peake assisted Williams for ultrasound scans of his arteries for the Cardio Ox experiment. Veteran station cosmonauts Yuri Malenchenko and Oleg Skripochka continued researching how international crew members interact with each other and ground controllers from around the world. First-time cosmonaut Alexey Ovchinin explored plasma features in the Earths ionosphere. He also joined Malenchenko for the Biocard heart study. The next cargo craft after the 63P will be the SpaceX Dragon when it arrives on April 10. This will be the first time since February 2011 six spacecraft are attached to the space station. The Orbital ATK Cygnus is the newest spacecraft installed at the stations Unity module port after being captured Saturday. On-Orbit Status Report 61 Progress (61P) Undock: 61P undocked from the Service Module (SM) aft port today at 9:14 AM CDT. The deorbit burn is scheduled for Friday, April 8 at 8:30AM CDT following a non-ISS related, free-flight experiment planned for April 3-7. Fine Motor Skills: Kopra, Peake, and Williams each completed a session of the Fine Motor Skills experiment when they performed a series of interactive tasks on a touchscreen tablet. Williams took documentary photos of crewmembers positioned in front of the iPad performing the Fine Motor Skills test before transferring and downlinking the photos. This investigation is the first fine motor skills study to measure long-term microgravity exposure, different phases of microgravity adaptation, and sensorimotor recovery after returning to Earths gravity. Sprint Ultrasound 2 Operations: Kopra performed the Sprint VO2 Portable PFS hardware setup including power, data, front panel, and gas connections from a temporary stow deployed position. Williams connected the Video Power Converter to a Human Research Facility (HRF) Rack and powered on the Ultrasound 2. Sprint VO2 is a test that measures oxygen uptake, ventilatory threshold, and other physiological parameters for evaluation of Sprint exercise prescription. It uses the Portable Pulmonary Function System (PFS), CEVIS, PFS Gas Cylinders, Mixing Bag System (MBS), and multiple other pieces of hardware. Ultrasound scans are used to evaluate spaceflight-induced changes in the muscle volume. NanoRacks Module-48 Imagery: Williams took videos and photos of the NanoRacks Module-48 and its contents. NanoRacks Module-48 is a collection of educational materials from Japan Manned Space System (JAMSS) including promotional/printed materials, seeds, and photographs put together by students. Williams will take pictures of the photos to document their presence on orbit. Some of the material will be trashed, however, the seeds will be round tripped and used for educational outreach. Cardio Ox: Williams, with Peake as the operator, performed Cardio Ox ultrasound session. Williams attached the Electrocardiogram (ECG) Electrodes, marked the arteries, and performed ultrasound scanning with operator assistance and remote guidance from ground teams. The goal of Cardio Ox is to determine whether biological markers of oxidative and inflammatory stress are elevated during and after space flight and whether this results in an increased, long-term risk of atherosclerosis risk in astronauts. Dose Tracker: Peake, Williams, and Kopra configured the Dose Tracker application and completed entries for medication tracking. This investigation documents the medication usage of crew members before and during their missions by capturing data regarding medication use during spaceflight, including side effect qualities, frequencies and severities. The data is expected to either support or counter anecdotal evidence of medication ineffectiveness during flight and unusual side effects experienced during flight. Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) Exposed Facility Unit (EFU) Adapter, Global Positioning System (GPS)/Wheel Demo Unit Preps: Williams installed the high rate data link to the Ethernet converter for the EFU Adapter. Peake depressurized the JEM Airlock (JEMAL), performed a leak check and confirmed JEMAL venting. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agencys (JAXAs) EFU Adapter is a new type of JEM exposed facility platform used as an interface between JEM EFU and up to 2 payloads. Cycle Ergometer with Vibration Isolation & Stabilization (CEVIS) Maintenance: Kopra completed this yearly scheduled maintenance to apply Braycote to the forward frame guide pins and mounting block bushings. This activity is scheduled to ensure that CEVIS can be rotated to the stowed position. Todays Planned Activities All activities were completed unless otherwise noted. Initiate drain from the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) Recycle Tank SEISMOPROGNOZ. Downlink data from Control and Data Acquisition Module (????) HDD (start) r/g 1595 CARDOX Material Review RGN Initiate drain into EDV ELECTRONIC NOSE. Experiment Ops / r/g 1804 ENERGY Experiment Conference MOTOCARD. Hardware check. r/g 1806 Fine Motor Skills Experiment Ops FINEMOTR Photography ENERGY Hardware Gathering DOSETRK Data Export On-orbit hearing assessment using EARQ WRS Water Sample Analysis Soyuz 720 Samsung Tablet Recharge initiate USND2 Hardware Activation JEMAL Depress and Vent Crew time for ISS adaptation and orientation TORU OBT CARDOX Setup Ops Fine Motor Skills Test CARDOX Scanning CARDOX Battery Installation 24-hour ECG Monitoring (start) / r/g 1798 CARDOX Measurement Ops Preparation to remove failed ??1? and replace with ??1? / r/g 1801 Checkout of Compound Specific Analyzer-Combustion (CSA-CP) CARDOX Equipment removal Photo/TV Camcorder Setup Verification Making assessment whether Power Switching Unit ???-1#10?=?457 can be replaced r/g 1800 24-hour BP Monitoring (start) Soyuz 720 Samsung tablet charge end MAR Hard Drive Installation into EPM laptop Closing window 6,8,9,12,13,14 shutters / r/g 6965 Common Gas Supply Equipment (CGSE) Gas Bottle Unit CO2 R&R Photo/TV Camcorder Setup Verification USND2 Hardware Deactivation TOCA TOCA Analyzer Data Recording Installation of EFU adapter HRDL to Ethernet adapter Closing USOS Window Shutters SEISMOPROGNOZ. Downlink data from Control and Data Acquisition Module (????) HDD (end) and start file compression r/g 1595 JEMAL Verifying depressurization complete WRS Recycle Tank Fill from EDV JEM Airlock Depressurization and Vent Confirmation Health Maintenance System (HMS) ISS Medical Accessories Kit (IMAK) Unpack ??? Maintenance Crew time for ISS adaptation and orientation Preparation and Photography of Progress 429 Docking Assembly from SM Window No.26 during undocking from SM Aft / r/g 1803 INTERACTION-2. Experiment Ops r/g 1805 Switch ???-?? PEV to CLOSED position MAR EPM Rack Hard Drive Installation ISS Safety Video Soyuz 719 Samsung Tablet Recharge Initiate Complete the Dose Tracker application Subject ALGOMETRIA. Experiment Ops / r/g 1808 PAO Hardware Setup Crew Prep for PAO / r/g 1797 TV Conference with NTV Channel Correspondent / r/g 1797 Soyuz 719 Samsung Tablet Recharge terminate Monthly Inspection of T2 Treadmill System CEVIS Monthly Maintenance Photo/TV Camcorder Setup Verification NANO Photo/Video SPRINT Hardware Setup Video Footage of Greetings / r/g 1807 HRF2 Supply Kit Inventory DOSETRK Questionnaire Search for ODF Ascent & Descent in Soyuz 720 ??? recess and report results to MCC INTERACTION-2. Experiment Ops / r/g 1802 ISS HAM Radio Power Up Completed Task List Items None Ground Activities All activities were completed unless otherwise noted. 61P undock JEMAL depress, leak check, venting Nominal ground commanding Three-Day Look Ahead: Thursday, 03/31: 63P launch, SPRINT VO2 ops, EMU swap, ENERGY Ops, Dragon OBT Friday, 04/01: ENERGY ops, SPRINT VO2 ops, EVA loop scrub Saturday, 04/02: 63P dock, ENERGY ops, crew off duty, weekly housekeeping QUICK ISS Status Environmental Control Group: Component Status Elektron On Vozdukh Manual [???] 1 SM Air Conditioner System (SKV1) On [???] 2 SM Air Conditioner System (SKV2) Off Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Lab Override Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Node 3 Operate Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Lab Idle Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Node 3 Operate Oxygen Generation Assembly (OGA) Process Urine Processing Assembly (UPA) Standby Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Lab Off Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Node 3 Full Up THE new government has met for the first time since the general election; it appointed a new group of state secretaries. Font size: A - | A + Its talks on March 30 were led by re-elected Prime Minister Robert Fico of Smer, whose party together with nominees of the Slovak National Party (SNS), Most-Hid and Siet (Network) constitute the ministers of the new cabinet. Fico (Smer-SD) is to file the draft programme statement of his cabinet by April 13 for the next cabinet session, ministers decided on their first meeting. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Three new ministers were officially sworn into office before the government session: Justice Minister Lucia Zitnanska (Most-Hid), Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Gabriela Matecna (SNS nominee) and Environment Minister Laszlo Solymos (Most-Hid). Health-sector-related issues were on the agenda of the session, with Health Minister Tomas Drucker (a Smer nominee) cancelling a contract worth almost 18 million. This contract, signed with the Plaut Slovensko last week by the National Centre of Health-care Information (NCZI), was meant to deliver an information system for administering and issuing chip cards to all health-care clients,. NCZI signed the contract despite the chance that chip cards might ultimately not be purchased, the daily Sme wrote. Drucker also stated, as quoted by the TASR newswire, that state-owned health insurer Vseobecna zdravotna poistovna (VsZP) should be led by someone from outside the health-care sector. The VsZP issue should be solved soon. State secretaries appointed The government also appointed another group of state secretaries to five ministries on that day. Maria Kolikova has once again become state secretary at the Justice Ministry, a post she held under the government of Iveta Radicova (2010-12), in which Zitnanska also served as Justice Minister. Bratislava-Ruzinov borough councillor Igor Adamec was appointed to the Culture Ministry. As a well-known actor, he ran on the Siet slate but was not one of its seven MPs. Norbert Kurilla, who had prepared the Environment Ministry in the long term for tasks stemming from the upcoming Slovak Presidency of the Council of the EU, will become the second in charge at the Environment Ministry. Jozef Kamenicky (Siet) was approved by the cabinet for the post of Agricultural Ministry state secretary, and his counterpart at the Defence Ministry will be Ivan Macovsky (also Siet). The kingpin of the Bratislava gang Sykorovci, Robert Lalis, nicknamed Kybel (Bucket), received a life sentence. Font size: A - | A + He was sentenced by the Specialised Criminal Court in Banska Bystrica on March 30; life sentences were also given to Jozef Rohac, nicknamed Potkan (Rat), who is currently held in custody in Hungary, and Ivan Cuper, nicknamed Vinco. However the verdict is not yet valid. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement The defendants were charged with six murders committed in 1998-99 (of Eduard and Robert Dinics, Roman Deak, Alojz Hazy, Daler Hlavacka and Milos Piliar) and the crime of founding, supporting and organising a criminal group. Another gang member identified by the court only as Martin B., called the Russian, pleaded guilty to all charges and was sentenced to 23 years in jail, the TASR newswire wrote. As for the hitman Alojz Kromka, nicknamed Lojzo Cistic (Lojzo the Eraser), the court opted not to impose any further punishment as the defendant is already serving a life sentence. Witnesses in the case confirmed that Lalis was at the top of the criminal hierarchy. They called him Bucket because of his short stature, but not to his face. According to testimonies, the gangs main income stemmed from extortion and murder and all profits flowed to Lalis who ruled the gang with an iron fist. All of his orders had to be obeyed to the letter, no defiance was condoned, said the witnesses. No one could trust anyone. Read also: Four out of five Slovaks consider helping people from developing countries important, according to a recent Eurobarometer poll on development cooperation and aid. Font size: A - | A + In view of the migration and refugee crisis, the European Commission conducted this research to find out what EU citizens think about development assistance and solidarity. The poll was carried out between November and December 2015 on a sample of 27,672 people from the 28 EU-member states, of which 1,036 were Slovak. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement The poll showed that 79 percent of Slovaks think that helping people from developing countries is important, which is below the EU average of 89 percent. The most positive attitudes towards development assistance came from Sweden (98 percent), Luxembourg (96 percent), Germany, Spain and Portugal (93 percent each). Least supportive of provision of aid were Latvians (69 percent). More than half of Slovak citizens (54 percent) agree with the notion that the fight against poverty in developing countries should be one of the EUs main priorities. However, only 30 percent said that it should also be a national priority of Slovakia. Slovakia below average Positive stances towards development assistance pervade at the EU-wide level, but most indicators of Slovaks attitudes are below the EU average, Dusan Chrenek, head of the European Commission Representation in Slovakia, said as quoted by the TASR newswire. Slovaks support for aid increases is also gradually dropping. Slovakia also lags behind in terms of awareness of the sustainable development goals, with only 27 percent feeling well informed, while 37 percent is the EU average. However, there is strong support for development cooperation among the youth, Chrenek highlighted. Brussels has committed itself to increasing the scope of assistance provided to developing countries. Half of Slovaks think that the EU should keep this promise, while 7 percent of respondents think the aid should exceed the promised scope. Peace and security are, according to 50 percent of Slovaks, among the most urgent challenges the developing countries will face in the future, while 33 percent think it will be health and 31 percent consider food security, agriculture and education to be the most pressing issues. As many as 85 percent of Slovaks are not personally engaged in helping developing countries. Others try to help via financial contributions to non-governmental or charity organisations which provide support to these countries. Around 29 percent of Slovaks are willing to pay more for foodstuffs and other products from developing countries if this will provide genuine help to people living in these countries. In the past year the number of Slovak companies domiciled in tax havens has grown; and this increase is expected to continue. Font size: A - | A + The total number now represents an increase of 211 percent compared to 2005, according to a survey carried out by the consulting and data firm Bisnode. As many as 4,701 companies have left Slovakia over the past decade in favour of countries where it is worthwhile to be domiciled thanks to a favourable tax environment. According to Bisnode consultant Milan Seliak, Slovakia reported the highest (19 percent) increase in outflow of firms to tax havens in 2006 and 2007, during the first Robert Fico-led Government. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Business-people react sensitively to change, Seliak said, as quoted by the TASR newswire. At that time, the government announced changes in the business environment and did not hide its intention to significantly tighten control of companies and ratchet up tax collection. However, the biggest year-on-year outflow of companies came later, particularly in 2012, when Iveta Radicovas government was in the midst of its meltdown. In that year, the number of companies that left for tax havens was 566 higher than a year earlier. The top three tax haven destinations for Slovak companies are the Netherlands, the USA and Cyprus. As many as 3,121 companies moved to these countries to avoid their tax duties between 2005 and 2015, and these represented 66 percent of the total number of Slovak firms domiciled in tax havens. The Netherlands is chiefly used by holding companies, since they do not have to pay a dividend tax there. The US is characterised by a high rate of ownership anonymity, however, the US is also interesting thanks to lower taxes and finally, companies residing across the Atlantic Ocean are more credible to their partners, Seliak explained. Slovak firms preferred Cyprus as a destination last year. A total of 917 Slovak companies left for there, 167 more than a year ago. Despite economic instability, Cyprus is still an EU member state and, therefore, it is not subject to dual taxation, according to Seliak. Bisnode expects the outflow of companies to tax havens to continue. As long as the tax burden is growing, firms will leave for destinations with low taxation, Seliak opined. If there are frequent legislative changes, companies will opt for countries that protect their property rights. Blueprint, the technique of textile printing various patterns with indigo, is waiting to be inscribed on the UNESCO heritage list. Font size: A - | A + Previously, it was enrolled on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Slovakia. In the Banska Bystrica branch of ULUV, the only active blueprint craftsman in the country, Matej Rabada of Dolny Kubin, presented this traditional skill in mid-March. ULUV is the Centre for Folk Art Production which strives to preserve old crafts and merge them with modern design. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement If old masters lived to see this moment, they would surely be delighted, Rabada told the SITA newswire, commenting on the recent development. This process is very demanding, requiring numerous proofs of traditional values and the legitimacy of the social, historical and cultural importance of the due element to be inscribed. A huge credit goes to the ULUV Museum in Bratislava. Technique of blueprint shown. (Source: TASR) We gradually managed to collect more than 2,400 items connected with blueprint like print moulds, folklore designs, decorative items, samplers, etc., head of the ULUV Museum Libusa Jadudova said. Apart from this, we collected around 100 pieces of clothes and accessories of blueprint. Being inscribed on the list is demanding also from an organisational point of view. Now we are in the position of someone on a waiting list, which is the first necessary step. We will apply for the inscription itself within the proven diplomatic process, together with the Czech Republic, Germany and Austria, next year, she added. A bit of history The technology of blueprint came to the Slovak territory form the Netherlands and Germany in the 18 th century. First, it got naturalised in the burgher environment, and in the course of the 19th century it made it also into folk clothing and expanded regionally and locally in manifold forms. Apart from blue-and-white blueprint (which gave the technology its name), it was also made with yellow, green, light blue or orange dyes. By around the mid-20th century, more than 30 blueprint workshops were active in Slovakia, whose production went primarily to rural areas where people wore folk costumes. After communism arrived and the social environment changed, this traditional craft almost became extinct. However, thanks to ULUV and its efforts to revive traditional folk crafts, it has survived until today. Rabada, who comes from the town of Dolny Kubin in the Orava region, was fascinated by blueprint when studying textile design at secondary school and later at college. I had no ancestors in my family who would deal with blueprint, he explains. For me, it was rather a challenge, as this technique is very unique and very demanding. He has been working with blueprint since 2012. Last year, he established a big workshop in Parnica, near Dolny Kubin, and beginning in 2016, he produces blueprint items as a self-employed creator. Read also: Read also: Blueprint in Slovakia Read more To procure recipes for dye was just one-tenth of the success it was much more demanding to find sources for raw materials and moulds and to master the technique itself on a bigger scale. This work is so difficult, he told SITA, that it cannot be done as a mere hobby. One dying tank can hold 10 metres of cloth, and just the printing itself lasts for about eight hours. Apart from using also modern methods, like screen-print, the manual character of this work has not changed, Rabada said about modern production. In one month, he produces about 160 metres of cloth 140 centimetres wide. He has plenty of clients, both ULUV shops and galleries, and private persons. A former top reformist in Slovakia, now advisor to the Ukrainian government, could become Ukraines next finance minister even without losing his Slovak passport, depending on the outcome of coalition talks. Font size: A - | A + SLOVAKIAs one-time economic reform guru is being considered for the post of finance minister in the emerging Ukrainian government. Ivan Miklos confirmed in late March that he had agreed to take the governmental post in Ukraine under the condition that he would retain his Slovak passport. His nomination is part of the coalition talks that were launched in the Ukrainian parliament on March 29, that see Volodymyr Groysman as the frontrunner for the prime-ministerial post in the potential new government. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Groysman, who reportedly wants to compose his cabinet primarily of experts and professionals, already suggested he is willing to have Miklos as his finance minister. That could mean the parliament would need to change legislation to allow a foreigner to be part of the cabinet. Miklos wants to remain a Slovak citizen Miklos has confirmed to the Slovak media that he was willing to accept the offer of Groysman if it comes to that. Beside his programme-related conditions he also insists on keeping his Slovak passport, he said in an interview for the Sme daily. The parents of Ivan Miklos, born in Svidnik, both belonged to the Ruthenian minority living in the east of Slovakia. In the 2011 census he stated his nationality as Ruthenian as well, for the first time, he admitted in an interview for the Tyzden weekly back then. Additionally he said that he understood Ukrainian, which is very similar to the Ruthenian language, but could not speak it. Remaining Slovak citizen is however just one of the conditions Miklos admitted to. First and foremost, he claims he must be able to identify with the programme of the new government if he is to be its finance minister, he said for Sme. Other things that would be important for him to decide about the position include the trust between himself and the new prime minister, as well as the personnel composition of the new cabinet. It matters for the government to endorse reforms also from the personnel point of view, Miklos told Sme. The face of reforms In Slovakia, Miklos is viewed as the face of the economic transformation that allowed the country to enter the OECD, the EU, and later the eurozone. His name is connected for instance with the introduction of the 19-percent flat tax rate, which was part of his extensive tax reform that is considered to have turned Slovakia into the Tatra tiger, as the country was labeled under the second government of Mikulas Dzurinda in 2002-2006. For his achievements in the public sector he was awarded the Euromoney magazine prize Minister of Finance of the Year 2004. In the same year, Miklos was selected the Best Minister of Finance of European developing economies, an award by the Emerging Markets magazine, and he was also recognised as the top business reformer by the World Banks Doing Business report. Withdrawal from Slovak politics Miklos, who was born in 1960, gradually disappeared from Slovak political life after the Slovak Democratic and Christian Union (SDKU), the party that nominated him twice for the post of the finance minister and once for the post of the deputy PM for economics, was ousted to parliamentary opposition following the landslide victory of Smer and its leader Robert Fico in the 2012 early election. The SDKU, which over the previous decade was considered the leading party on the right, saw its support plunge to 6.09 percent in the March 10, 2012, general election, barely above the 5-percent threshold to enter parliament. In that election Miklos made it to the parliament as an MP, but halfway through the term, in June 2014, left the party along with its former chairman and prime minister Mikulas Dzurinda. Read also: Read also: Dzurinda, Miklos quit SDKU Read more SDKU no longer made it to parliament in the 2016 elections, also due to a series of departures of its MPs before and after Miklos and Dzurinda. The party suffered losses also due to its links with the infamous Gorilla file, a lengthy document that purports to describe an operation conducted by the Slovak Information Service (SIS), the countrys main intelligence agency, which collected information about the influence of the Penta financial group on senior Slovak politicians between 2005 and 2006 under the second government of Dzurinda. In 2015, Miklos accepted the offer to work as an advisor to two Ukrainian cabinet members: the finance minister and the economy minister. Ukraine is more of a challenge Miklos said for Sme that he considers the post of the Ukrainian finance minister even more of a challenge than the same post in Slovakia in 2002. The current state of affairs in Ukraine is rather comparable with what the first government of Dzurinda had to deal with in 1998 when it replaced the garniture of Vladimir Meciar. Back then the situation in Slovakia was really bad, he said in the interview with Sme. While Ukraine still struggles with war, it has also experienced significant progress since the Maidan revolution, according to Miklos. In his view, Ukraine has great potential and definitely has a chance to go Slovakias way. If it made really deep and consistent reforms, it can really be a successful country, Miklos said. Polish LOT airlines introduced a new line between Kosice and Warsaw on March 30, with flights departing six times a week to and from Kosice. Font size: A - | A + Its the first time ever that Kosice will be connected with any Polish city, said Kosice mayor and MP Richard Rasi, as quoted by the TASR newswire. The flight from the eastern-Slovak metropolis departs at 5:35, so businessmen will be able to attend meetings in Warsaw already in the morning hours. The return flight departs at 22:35, so they can be back on the same day. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement This connection may also facilitate more Polish tourists coming to visit eastern Slovakia, Rasi opined. Slovaks will be able to travel to more than 60 destinations in the world from Warsaw airport. This line opens Kosice up for many more destinations not only in Europe but around the world, Iveta Ninajova from Kosice Tourism told TASR. Local citizens can visit Asia or the Americas. She believes that the new route will improve tourism not only in Kosice but also in the High Tatras which are only 125 kilometres away. By opening the new line, we want to offer passengers from eastern Slovakia and adjacent areas the best alternative for trips to many destinations around the world, LOT spokesman Adrian Kubicki told the SITA newswire. Until now, changing for other planes at crowded European hubs was very tiresome. He expects that by opening the Warsaw-Kosice connection, the flow of travellers between Poland and eastern Slovakia will intensify both in business and in tourism. This connection through LOT represents, according to Kosice Airport CEO Michael Tmej, an important contribution to the development of aviation accessibility of eastern Slovakia. He said that this line connects the city not just with Warsaw but also with many other destinations available to Warsaw passengers. We can serve as the entrance gate to eastern Slovakia for Polish and other visitors heading to Kosice, High or Low Tatras, Tmej summed up for SITA. Non-partisan MP Miroslav Beblavy published on March 30 a list of 93 persons who have failed in managing public funds. Font size: A - | A + In interpellations, he will now call on ministers to recall the people from his blacklist and to not appoint them to any managerial post. Beblavy, who was vice-chair of the rightist Siet (Network) party but left in protest after the party chairman Radoslav Prochazka entered a coalition with Smer, Most-Hid and Slovak National Party (SNS), registers the highest number of failures in health care, namely 34, including the management and control bodies of state-owned health insurer VsZP (and its head Miroslav Vadura) and the Health-care Surveillance Office (UDZS). Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Also the entire management of the Slovak Police Corps has been included on the list because despite earning top salaries, they failed to solve a single major case, Beblavy argues. The list also features officials responsible for allocating the European Union funds in informatisation, education and transport. It contains specific names, institutions where the individual persons in question operate, and the case or the reason why the work is deemed a failure, the Sme daily wrote on March 31. The institutions on the list include, for example, state-owned companies or institutions and firms with majority state ownership, like Nuclear and Decommissioning Company JAVYS, National Property Fund-FNM, railway company Cargo, Iuventa, operator of gas transport network Eustream, MH manazment company, Eustream, Material reserves Administration, oil company Transpetrol, Water-management Construction, Fire- and Rescue Corps, Slovak Electrisation and Transmission Company-SEPS, the National Highway Company-NDS, and also the head of the Military Intelligence. These people are receiving considerable remuneration for their positions, Beblavy said, as quoted by the TASR newswire, and so they should bear responsibility for managing these institutions. Have you ever heard any of them speaking up? NO; but each and every one of them gets money for checking, managing and being responsible. It is not a fundamental human right to be a manager; and if someone has been failing for four years, there is no reason to think that he would now not do it anymore. Beblavy summed up that the government prefers personal and corporate interests to the public interest. Tips for events around Slovkaia between April 1 and 10, including wine and exotic food tasting, travel evening, concerts, theatre performance, beauty contest casting, fashion show, parties, and more. Font size: A - | A + Western Slovakia Nitra CONCERT: Zoci voci tour 2016 The concert presenting the most popular and rising Slovak youtube stars takes place in Nitra; autographs and photos will be permitted. The brand new songs from the planned album of this group will resound; while the launch of an album is planned for autumn 2016. Starts: April 1, 17:30, PKO, Janka Krala 1048. Admission: 8-19. More info: www.bandzone.cz. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Modra WINE/GASTRONOMY: Vitis Aurea Modra 2016 The 16th year of international exhibition and wine tasting has international participation. Starts: Apr1-2, 14:00-21:00; Elesko Wine Park, Partizanska 2275. More info: www.elesko.sk. Trnava CONCERT: Slobodna Europa Tour 2016 (dedicated to Durko...) The band Slobodna Europa starts its new tour dedicated to its recently deceased drummer Duro Cerny. He was part of the band from 1991 until his death. The commemorative tour will consist of band members: Whisky (vocals), Sveto (guitar), Jerzi (guitar) and Zumo (bass). Starts: April 2, 20:00, City club, Srobarova 10. More info: www.slobodnaeuropa.sk or www.citylife.sk. Nitra CASTING: Schwarzkopf Elite Model look 2016 The series of castings all over the country of the Elite agency is an opportunity to become a model. Women must be between 13-22 years of age and at least 170 cm tall; while men must be between 15-23 and at least 182 cm tall. The ambassador of the competition is the top model Michaela Kocianova. She and the jury will choose the winners for the semi-final round. Starts: April 9, 15:00, Mlyny Gallery, Stefanikova trieda 61. Admission: free. More info: www.elitemodellook.com. Read also: Read also: Foreigners: Events in Bratislava Read more Central Slovakia Banska Bystrica LIVE MUSIC: Juraj Hnilica Milujem nasu zem/ I Love our Country (Tour Jar/Spring 2016) The successful musician from the televised show CzechoSlovakia Got Talent 2015 who enchanted all with his lyrics and performance of songs like Aka si krasna / You are so Beautiful (Milujem nasu Zem / I Love our Country) and Uleteni anjeli / Airy Angels. He continues after a successful winter concert round. Starts: April 1, 19:00, Cikker Hall, SNP Square 1. More info: www.predpredaj.zoznam.sk. Zilina CLASSICAL MUSIC: Easter Concerts Two identical concerts of Slovak Sinfonietta (SKO Zilina) hail the Easter holiday, conducted by Slovak/US Martin Majkut, with Ivan Gajan on piano, Dalibor Karvay on violin, Jozef Podhoransky on cello, Dominika Vyberova-soprano, Judita Andelova-mezzo-soprano, Cantica Collegium Musicum Martin female choir, Girls Choir of Zilina Conservatory, with choir-master Stefan Sedlicky performing Ladislav Kupkovics Variation on the Theme of W.A. Gluck, Beethovens Triple Concerto for Violin, Cello, and Piano in C major, Op. 56; and Giovanni Pergolesis Stabat Mater for Solos, Female Choir and Orchestra. Starts: March 31-April 1, 19:00 (seasonal tickets valid for the first); Fatra House of Arts, Dolny Val 42. Admission: 10-14. More info: www.skozilina.sk. Banska Bystrica LIVE MUSIC: WWW NEUROBEAT + FAJT The band was established in the 1990s in Prague. WWW was one of the first bands with rap experience in the Czech Republic. WWW prefer presentation by means of authors stylisation and the definition that hip-hop is the right platform for authenticity. Featuring Ondrej Andera (CZ) music, lyrics, electronic tools, vocals; Milesa (SRB) vocals; Pavel Fajt as guest drums, electronics; Lubomir Typlt lyrics. Starts: April 2, 20:00, Zahrada Centre of Independent Culture, SNP Square 16. Admission: 4-6. More info: www.zahradacnk.sk. Banska Bystrica LIVE MUSIC: Close Harmony Friends Harmony Tour 2016 The vocal concert of the legendary and first Slovak a cappella formation Close Harmony Friends. People have come to concerts of this band for more than 25 years all over Europe, Australia, North and South America and Japan; and this time, they perform in Slovakia. This night brings high-quality music, relaxation and opens new worlds. Starts: April 3, 18:00, Slovak Health University assembly hall, Bernolak Street near Novamede. Admission: 12. More info: www.closeharmonyfriends.sk. Banska Bystrica PERFORMANCE: Rozmanite teorie o zemi/ Various Theories about the Earth The more we know, the less we understand, suggests the subtitle of the performance written and directed by Jakub Nvota, with music by Martin Geisberg and LaBon. The performance tries to show some of the typical diagnoses, illnesses or phobias of this time with some detachment and humour. Starts: April 6, 19:00, Divadlo Studio tanca theatre, Komenskeho 12 (na Kacici). Admission: 3-6. More info: www.studiotanca.sk. Eastern Slovakia Kosice FRENCH DAYS: Singing in French language The French Alliance (FA) offers a unique opportunity for people interested in this language and culture. During March, people were able to closer acquaint with French culture and this event will be the culmination of the French month. The competitors of this popular singing competition will be divided into three categories, under 14 years; 15 to 17 years; and 18 to 28 years. Starts: April 1, 14:00-18:00, Kasarne Kulturpark, Kukucinova 2. Admission: free. More info: www.k13.sk. Presov DANCE: Princezna z jazera / Princess from the Lake This dance performance is the connection of two different cultures, eastern and western, Oriental dance and break-dance. The story inspired by the most famous ballet Swan Lake is presented by 70 domestic and foreign dancers. Performers are the dance group Fatima from Presov, ZUS Jana Poschla / Art school of Jan Poschl from Presov and dance group Bunch of Fools, also from Presov. Guests are Eglal & Oriana (CZ), Soraya (Kosice) and others. Starts: Apr 2, 18:30; Jonas Zaborsky theatre, Namestie legionarov 6. Admission: 7. More info: www.djz.sk. Kosice PARTY: Rusnakovica The Retro club invites people to Rusnakovica, a party primarily meant for ethnic Ruthenians; but others are welcome as well. Resident DJ Milan Knapik will create a great atmosphere. Starts: April 5, 21:00, Retro Cult Club, Kovacska 49. Admission: 2-3. More info: www.cultclub.sk. Kosice LIVE MUSIC: Chiki Liki Tu-A Last year, this band issued a new album Slzy tvy mamy sedivy a spol. / Tears of Your Grey-haired Mother, etc. This season brings a new programme. This Slovak band Martin Visnovsky (vocals, bass), Luboslav Petruska (guitar) a Tomas Visnovsky (drums) has played more than 1,200 concerts across Europe. Starts: April 7, 20:00, Tabacka Kulturfabrik, Gorkeho 2. Admission: 6-10. More info: www.tabacka.sk. Kosice TRAVELLING/WORKSHOP: Travel Cuisine of South Korea A country located very far from Slovakia, South Korea will be presented by Oleg Suk and Dusan Silvasi in an interesting presentation of Korean architecture, art, hidden Buddhist monasteries, spirituality and degustation of this exotic Asian cuisine takes place in HalmiCaffe. Starts: April 8, 19:00, HalmiCaffe, Hlavna 21. Admission: 4. More info: www.halmicaffe.sk or www.kamdomesta. Kosice FASHION SHOW: Roma Fashion Show This event takes place in the Alfa Gallery and is a mixture of two interesting projects, Romani Suv and Roma RestART. The main goal is to tear down the barriers, stereotypes, racial prejudices and discrimination. Students from socially disadvantaged backgrounds meet on a weekly basis. They work on costumes or discuss discrimination. Materials and photos of students will be also presented here. Starts: April 8, 17:00-19:00, Kasarne Kulturpark, Kukucinova 2. Admission: free. More info: www.k13.sk. Kosice EXBIHITION: Socharky/ Sculptors - Eastern gallery in cooperation with the Slovak National Gallery in Bratislava presents a selection of works of Czech and Slovak sculptor characters made by female authors. The exposition of works from the 20th century is focused on the sculptors, who attended classical sculptural studies at universities in Bratislava and Prague. Open: Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00 until May 21; Eastern-Slovak Museum Kosice, Hlavna 27. Admission: . More info: www.vsg.sk. Earlier this year, as part of the Cafe Imports Legendary Coffee Producers tour, Sprudge co-founder Jordan Michelman had the opportunity to conduct sit-down interviews with three of the worlds best coffee producers: Jacques Carneiro of Carmo Coffees in Carmo de Minas, Brazil; Juan Jose Miguel Sr. and Jr. of Finca Nueva Linda in Chiapas, Mexico; and Francisca Chacon of Las Lajas in Central Valley, Costa Rica. In this interview, were talking with the father-son duo of Juan Jose Miguel Sr. and Jr. of Finca Nueva Linda in Chiapas, Mexico. Juan Jose Sr. started growing coffee at the age of 17, when he was brought into the family business by his own father, a strict man who championed traditional coffee growing orthodoxy. Through many years of both growth and setbacksFinca Nueva Linda has been struck by multiple hurricanes and tropical stormsJuan Jose Miguel Sr. has helped grow the mill at Nueva Linda into a shining beacon for coffee quality in Chiapas, working with more than 24,000 small holder farmers from across the region. Enter Juan Jose Jr., who joined his father at Nueva Linda in 2014, and has helped revolutionize farming practices by introducing a series of innovations, including a solar drying facility, triple drying techniques, new Gesha variety plantings, experimental sugar cane fermentation, and the cultivation of new and rare hybrid varieties. In this interview, we discuss about the differences, and similarities, between this father and son duo, learn more about all that experimental processing, and ask these producers a simple question: what do you wish more coffee drinkers knew about your coffees? This interview was conducted with a live English to Spanish translation by Luis Lucho Arocha of Cafe Imports, with many thanks. Please give us a brief introductionhow did you get started working with coffee? Juan Jose Miguel Sr.: The first coffee farming generation of my family was my father and me. We acquired land for planting coffee. This was 43 years ago, in 1973. Juan Jose Miguel Jr.: I began working on the farm just about 2 years ago. What is the difference in the style of the father and the son? Junior: We both have an innovation mentality, but our grandfather really was the one who got innovation going. When my grandfather passed away, it coincided with the day we started to work with Cafe Imports, which opened a window for new and better prices for us. My father helped bring the opportunity to me to improve our techniques at Finca Nueva Linda. Your work is quite experimental. Im curiousdo you see this as part of the wider culture in Chiapas? Coffees from this part of Mexico are sometimes not well regarded by coffee drinkers here in America. Senior: To your question, the answer is no. To what weve seen is that many farmers around us are planting rust resistant varieties with very low quality. The goal for many is high yield, not high quality. Other farmers in Chiapas are planting resistant varieties that are not necessarily good tasting, and their process is just not enough to be called true specialty coffee. Which experiment are you most excited by, Juan Jose Jr.? Junior: The honey processfor me, it represents a lot of interest, but also the three different types of drying. But also, I am trying to improve the quality of Catimor. We have a lot of Catimor on the farm, and the highest point score so far is 87 points, so were aware we can produce high-quality Catimor. That is a big focus for us. Do you ever get to try the final product, roasted product of your coffees? Senior: No, we have not yet received a commercial roast of our coffee. But we do see photos. What is something you wish coffee drinkers of your coffee knew about your coffee? Senior: We want to build trust with our customers. We want them to know that theyll always have a quite high product from us, and that you will feel comfortable drinking the coffee we produce. And that also, the customers will be aware that theyll continue with the innovationswe will improve our quality year by year. I would also like to addwhen my dad and I were working together, my father often blocked my ideas instead of allowing me to innovate. But in my case, I want to allow my son, Juan Jose Jr. to innovate and do experiments, for constant improvement. I was not allowed to do this as a young man, but now, together, we will. Jordan Michelman is a co-founder and editor at Sprudge.com. Read more Jordan Michelman on Sprudge. Photos by Andy Reiland, courtesy of Cafe Imports. UNITED NATIONS (Sputnik) According to a UN report released earlier this month, there were 99 registered allegations of sexual abuse or exploitation filed against UN staff members last year. The number is a sharp increase on 80 similar claims filed in 2014. "On Friday 25 March the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) announced that it had received new allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse that had taken place between 2013 and 2015 by UN and non-UN personnel, as well as by local armed groups, in the Kemo prefecture of the Central African Republic. Further information was also provided by the Spokesman's Office on Monday, 28 March," the United Nations said in a Wednesday statement. A special team has been sent to the area to investigate the matter, however, the exact number and nature of the alleged sexual abuse cases has not been determined yet, according to the statement. "All actors are currently in the period of pre-negotiations the negotiations over how the actual, larger negotiations and the transitional process that conducts them are to be structured." Cobban pointed out that political transitions to greater democracy, accountability and inclusiveness are hard to accomplish, but the process, while difficult, could still succeed. "With good will, and above all, a desire to bring to an end the intense suffering caused by armed conflict the [diplomatic goals] can be achieved: Even if, as in any negotiation, no party gets all that he or she would have started out wanting." Cobban also observed that at the end of the transitional process, there will be a new constitution in Syria the one that is negotiated during the transition. "The new constitution may or may not include a degree of federal devolution of power. This does not need to be resolved yet; and doubtless the negotiations over it will continue." Other nations that had ended long civil wars could advise Damascus on ways to resolve difficult issues, Cobban suggested. "[F]or example, Mozambique, whose government made the difficult decision back in 1990 to negotiate a peace with the armed opposition that had ravaged the country for the previous 15 years," she opined. Assad would certainly continue to be cautious in the negotiating process, US Middle East expert and author Dan Lazare said on Wednesday. "I think Assad is right to be leery, although he'll clearly have to be more accommodative vis-a-vis Syria's minorities, especially a non-Arab minority like the Kurds, than the Baathists have been in the past," Lazare stated. He argued that the situation Assad had dramatically improved in recent weeks. "I'd say that things are looking better for him than at any point since the civil war began in 2011. Palmyra was a great victory, and the fact that the cessation of hostilities is still holding shows how exhausted many of the rebel forces are by this point." After five years of incredible punishment and a civil war that had cost 250,000 lives, it was remarkable that the Damascus regime was still standing, Lazare added. Moreover, Simonov noted, under this scheme, were it to be implemented, Ukraine would actually be losing money, removing itself from its role as a transit country. The country's authorities, he added, "have gotten so carried away with their fight against Russia that they do not understand that their country is part of the Russian gas business as a transit country." This may not be the case for much longer however, since Gazprom recently announced that after the end of the current contract that is, after 2019, Ukraine's role as a transit country for Russian gas heading to Europe may end. "It's worth noting that Russia not make any categorical statements," the analyst emphasized. "It was said that transit 'may be terminated'. Ukrtransgaz, for its part, understands perfectly well what this would mean for themIf the Europeans themselves end up not having enough gas for themselves, no one will reverse the transit of gas to save the Ukrainian neighbor. And it's pointless to invoke the supposed excess of supply over demand." Russia, for its part, has not only increased its share in the EU gas market significantly (by 30%) over the last year it has also "offered the EU more attractive alternatives to bypass instability-ridden Ukrainian territory. The extension of the route to Germany Nord Stream II, is one such alternative. We want to remain a stabile gas supplier. And Ukraine always generates risks." "It's enough to recall January 2009, when due to Ukrainian authorities Europe almost froze; or the recent cutting off of roads, the seizure of Russian trucks, the destruction of power transmission lines to Crimea, and the sluggish response in Kiev to these 'civil society activists'. We do not want to be held responsible for the huge risks associated with Ukrainian transit." This does not mean that the pressure over Russia will be relaxed any time soon. The Pentagon announced it will be spending $3.4 billion on deploying hardware and hundreds of rotating US troops to Eastern Europe to counter what else Russian aggression. This after the Pentagon announced it will quadruple the funds for the so-called European Reassurance Initiative in fiscal year 2017, pending Congress approval, which is all but inevitable. Moscow is not exactly worried. The US brigade will have about 4,500 troops. Then there will be a few Bradley fighting vehicles, Humvees, Paladin self-propelled howitzers and perhaps, by 2017, a Stryker brigade. No air force. Perhaps the odd Warthog. This is basically window dressing to appease hysterical Baltic vassals. Now lets sing Under Pressure Pressure over Iran. Pressure over China. Pressure over Russia which included the (failed) plot to destroy the Russian economy using the oil production of the GCC petrodollar gang even if that would mean the destruction of the US oil industry, against US national interests. Syria has graphically demonstrated Russian military capabilities to the real rulers of the Empire of Chaos and that has left them dazed and confused. Up to the Syrian campaign, the whole focus was on China, especially Chinese missiles that could hit US guidance satellites for ICBMs and cruise missiles, as well as Chinese ability to shoot down an incoming foe traveling at a speed faster than an ICBM. A silent Chinese submarine surfacing undetected next to American aircraft carriers compounded the shock. Now the Masters have realized the Pentagon is even more incapacitated compared to Russia. So Russia, and not China, is now the top existential threat. French energy giant EDF is yet to confirm the financial go-ahead for Hinkley Point C after it was thrown into doubt because of the drop in demand for nuclear power stations following the Fukushima incident in which the Japanese nuclear power stations was hit by a tsunami. This led to France, Germany and Italy all scaling back their nuclear power plans. China has agreed to finance the building of the new Hinkley Point plant by pumping in a third of the US$37 billion cost after its original backing was put in doubt. Cameron's dilemma now is that he needs to be seen to take action to save thousands of jobs threatened by cheap Chinese imports, while also not straining relations between London and Beijing. "The government will do everything it can working with the company to try and secure the future of steelmaking in Port Talbot and across our country. It's a vital industry," Cameron said. However, Cameron's government has continually blocked a provision in the EU known as the "lesser duty rule" that would allow Brussels to impose anti-dumping tariffs on imported Chinese steel. He now faces a dilemma: save the British steel industry by collaborating with his EU partners in stopping cheap Chinese imports or sacrifice thousands of jobs to save the British nuclear program. Not an easy choice for a man facing an In-Our referendum on UK membership of the EU on June 23, 2016. "Our worries are that not just Dikili but the whole region's infrastructure is not ready if they stay here whether it's health or education facilities. We have expressed these worries," Dikili's mayor, Mustafa Tosun, told Reuters by telephone. "We can't get information from the authorities we only hear rumors," he said, adding that the area was a tourist destination ill-suited to sheltering migrants in the long-term. Lack of Safeguards Doubts remain over whether Greece and Turkey have made legislative changes to put the migrant deal into action and whether they have the capacity to process the migrants. The controversial one-for-one deal has drawn criticism from human rights groups, who say the enforced return of migrants to a third party country with no certainty of how they will be looked after goes against the spirit if not the word of the Geneva Convention on Human Rights. Death rates likely to increase as refugees are forced to take riskier routes, study suggests https://t.co/vXXFIzm6aO pic.twitter.com/o3RZXCpbxy UNHCR Central Europe (@RefugeesCE) 30 March 2016 The UNHCR is concerned that the EU-Turkey deal is being implemented before the required safeguards are in place in Greece. At present, Greece does not have sufficient capacity on the islands for assessing asylum claims, nor the proper conditions to accommodate people decently and safely pending an examination of their cases. "UNHCR is not a party to the EU-Turkey deal, nor will we be involved in returns or detention. We will continue to assist the Greek authorities to develop an adequate reception capacity," Fleming said. Olexander Mischura, a military chaplain, also came to protest in front of Poroshenko's headquarters. "Two years ago, before he was elected, Poroshenko loudly promised us that he would sell his chocolate empire Roshen. I have not heard anything to the effect that he has actually done so," Mischura said. In fact, SZ confirmed, "all across Ukraine, new Roshen shops are opening up." Saying that he makes regular visits to the front lines in eastern Ukraine, the chaplain added that while "the guys are shedding blood for a better Ukraineevery time they hear that nothing is moving forward in Kiev, they get increasingly frustrated." The country's eastern regions of Donetsk and Lugansk were turned into a warzone in April 2014, after Kiev launched a punitive military operation to crush nascent pro-Russian, anti-Maidan forces in the east of the country. As to the fight against corruption, Nayyem put it this way: "For two years we have been talking about the fight against corruption and the need for an independent general prosecutor's office, and nothing has happened." The general prosecutor, the newspaper added, with 18,000 employees under his command, is formally the key figure in the fight against corruption, but is committed to the task "only on paper." Integration Minister Sylvi Listhaug of the conservative-liberal Progress Party (Fremskrittspartiet) used Sweden as an example of how not to handle migrants when speaking about the recent terror attacks in Europe. She went on to present a package of asylum reforms for the Norwegian parliament to discuss, which include tighter rules for family reunification, as well as higher support requirements for immigrants. "Many of those who have carried out terror attacks in Europe were born and bred in France and Belgium. It shows how important it is to succeed with integration, which is once again to how many come to Norway. Therefore, a tighter immigration policy is important," Listhaug said, as quoted by the Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet. Recently, Norway launched a debate on so-called parallel societies' and ethnic neighborhoods where even the police don't dare to tread, a problem which drew even more attention in the aftermath of the Brussels attacks. Listhaug acknowledged that the problem exists. The first chapter of the handbook, which is also available online and as an audio recording, contains information about the Austrian state and public festivals, and is followed by chapters on "Rights and Duties" and "Equality." Migrants are told that "Austrians eat a lot of pork, and also beef, chicken, turkey and lamb," and also that "many people drink beer or wine, particularly in the evenings." The Equality chapter has a particular focus on gender equality, and reminds newcomers that "men and women have equal rights in Austria." It tells newcomers that "it is usual to extend your hand to men and women when greeting them," and that "in Austria, it is normal for women to be on the street without a veil." "That was the same in Baghdad, where I am from," Mohamed, who worked as an English teacher, commented, regarding the advice about veils. New stats show 14,470 households accepted as homeless from Oct-Dec 2015 rise of 6% for England & 10% for London https://t.co/p8ZvVa7bTE Crisis (@crisis_uk) March 23, 2016 And these figures are expected to soar once the Housing Bill comes into effect. Councils have warned that more people will end up homeless as a direct result of the bill. 90 percent of English local authorities surveyed said their housing supplies for social tenants would significantly drop. At the end of last year there were 69,140 households in temporary accommodation, 12% higher than end of 2014. > more soon Crisis (@crisis_uk) March 23, 2016 Findings from the Local Government Association (LGS) survey also reveal that local councils are concerned the bill would make housing waiting lists even longer. The bill aims to promote so-called starter homes and boost home-ownership, but critics of the bill say it will lead to the loss of 80,000 council houses in the next four years and drive people into the expensive private rented sector leaving them with little or no opportunity to save for a home of their own. A government spokesman for the Department for Communities and Local Government said: "The sale of empty high value council assets will enable receipt to be reinvested in building new homes that better meet local needs as well as supporting home ownership through right to buy." But the Local Government Association said more affordable rented accommodation was needed not less. "With 68,000 people currently living in temporary accommodation, annual homelessness spending of at least US$473 million (330 million) and more than a million more on council waiting lists, it is clear that only an increase of all types of housing including those for affordable or social rent will solve our housing crisis", councilor Peter Box, LGS spokesman said. The Housing Bill will be scrutinized in the House of Lords on April 11, 2016; all members will be given another opportunity to make any changes to the bill. A #MarchWithTheHomeless gathering will take place in Whitehall in protest of the treatment of homeless people in Britain on April 15, 2016. Merkel who leads the CDU Party has refused to bend for call to cap the total number of refugees Germany will take this year, causing anger in Bavaria, where CSU Party leader and minister President Horst Seehofer has had to deal with the flood of migrants coming over the border from Austria. "I'm not against immigration, but why do you think the respect for other opinions makes immigration a necessity? For decades, there has been a lack of an ideology-free debate on this issue," Petry told Der Spiegel. Yet such a debate is imperative because the economic and social consequences on both home and host countries are equally momentous, as Oxford economist Paul Collier described in his book 'Exodus'. "One thing is clear: The immigration of so many Muslims will change our culture. If this change is desired, it must be the product of a democratic decision supported by a broad majority. But Ms Merkel simply opened the borders and invited everybody in, without consulting the parliament or the people," she said. Titanic Merkel has also caused anger over her strong support for the European Central Bank and the euro single currency. In an effort to keep Greece in the Eurozone, Merkel has backed a hugely unpopular bailout for Greece, which has seen taxes rise and public spending fall, leading to mass protests. Merkel has refused Athens' requests for debt relief a cancellation of part of its debts despite the fact that Germany enjoyed the benefit of debt relief in the aftermath of World War 2. Earlier on Thursday, the Brussels Airport announced in a press release that its reopening has been approved by Belgium's fire services and the Belgian Civil Aviation Authority (BCAA). The reopening date has so far not been announced. Labor unions had announced their decision to walk out over airport safety conditions on March 18, days before the terrorist attack took place. Unions demand mandatory passenger checks to be conducted before entry into the temporary constructions erected in the wake of the attack for directing departures, the Belgian RTBF public broadcaster reported. On Saturday, the airport announced that work on implementing additional security measures ordered by the Belgian government for all of the country's airports was underway, adding that the new security system will need to be approved by the authorities. Two suicide blasts ripped through the Brussels Airport departure hall in the northeastern municipality of Zaventem on March 22. A further explosion occurred at the Maelbeek station near EU institutions. A total of 31 people, including 3 suicide bombers, died in the attacks. More than 300 were injured. Tens of thousands of people took to the streets in France, taking part in numerous protests against the new labor reforms proposed by the government. According to The Local, the protesters include high school and university students, workers and members of 'leftist unions' who insist that the new reforms wont create new jobs but instead will take "France back to the 19th century." GJN says ASI has won at least US$647,4 million (450m)in aid-funded contracts since 2011. In 2014 alone, DfID spent nearly US$130 million (90m) of its money through the company, more than the entire amount spent on human rights and women's equality organizations. Shadow secretary of state for international development, Diane Abbott said: "If consultant expertise is really needed as companies like Adam Smith International claim then it's insulting in this day and age for DfID to continue to spend millions on UK-based consultants when there is such a wealth of skills and experience to be found amongst civil society and public services of those countries that aid money is supposed to be going to." Stout Defense "Our projects are always aimed at helping the poorest, not big businesses. The vast majority of the world's poor are in the informal private sector. To bring people out of poverty one must address the factors that are keeping them poor. We engage with the private sector to reduce poverty by helping create jobs and make markets more accessible. This type of development is widely reflected in donor strategies and recognized in the 8th sustainable development goal," ASI told Sputnik in a statement. "Our staff and expert associates are from diverse backgrounds: all committed to poverty alleviation. For example, 84% of our team on our Nigeria tax reform project are Nigerian. Most of our projects partner with local organizations; we help build their capacity and always encourage local ownership. Our different skills are not exclusive, they complement each other. "The three projects mentioned in the Global Justice Now report are taken out of context and misreported. The two DFID programs singled out were conceived and started by the last Labour Government and have been continued at the strong request of the Afghan and Nigerian Governments because of their evident success," the statement said. The crew says that while filming in the town of Shaddadi, located in the Syrian province Hasakah, RT reporters came across archaeological pieces, fragments of various ceramic pots. Abandoned in a tunnel, which ISIS fighters fled through, they were discovered by the Kurdish YPG troops after they liberated Shaddadi from jihadists in the summer of 2015. The note therefore proves that Daesh militants have been selling the antiquities they had looted via the same trade route, which, they used to bring in weapons and supplies. Many of the artifacts, some worth thousands of dollars apiece, have been turning up in antique markets from eastern Europe to the US. The YPG also gave RT a video interview featuring a Daesh militant after he was captured by the Kurds in the Syrian town of Tell Abiad on border with Turkey, who also confirms that there was a very loose control of the border from Turkey. "They sent me to serve in Tel Abyad [Tell Abiad] on the Turkish border. Sometimes we even crossed the Turkish border and served there. We saw the Turkish army passing by, but there was never any kind of conflict between us," militant Abu Ayub Ansari recalled. He also said that it were the Kurds who stopped the free flow between the Turks and the militants. He stressed that after Kurdish militia had recaptured Tell Abiad "the connection was lost and foreign fighters could not get in" and "the communication with the Turkish security services was broken." "From March 7-27, Russian Aerospace Forces conducted some 500 sorties around Palmyra, hitting over 2,000 terrorist targets. As a result, strongholds and artillery positions on the strategic heights were destroyed," Sergei Rudskoy, the Chief of the Main Operations Directorate of the Russian General Staff said. He added that Russian jets destroyed most of the terrorists' command centers in the first couple of days. According to him, every day Russian aviation destroyed columns of cars carrying terrorists and ammunition, which were trying to break through to Palmyra from Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor. "In Palmyra's suburb at the beginning of March there were over 4,000 terrorists, no less than 25 tanks and infantry fighting vehicles, over 20 units of standard and rocket artillery, over 40 mortars, about 100 anti-tank guided missiles, more than 50 armored vehicles. In addition, the terrorist had over 100 trucks converted into car bombs and UAVs," Sergei Rudskoy, the Chief of the Main Operations Directorate of the Russian General Staff said. DAMASCUS (Sputnik)The ceasefire process in Syria can be assessed as "better than good" and many groups have agreed to lay down their weapons in favor of politics, Syrian President Bashar Assad told Sputnik. "The ceasefire has been relatively successful. In other words, it has been better than many people expectedbecause it was expected that the truce would fail. We can say that the success of the ceasefire can be assessed as good or even a little better than good," Assad said. He noted, however, that Russia-US talks on defining terrorist groups active in Syria have failed. ANKARA (Sputnik)Several Turkish media outlets have published reports of an alleged planned military coup against Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in recent days. Some reports pointed to political-exile Fethullah Gulen, a former imam and founder of the influential Gulen movement, as the possible leader of the coup. "Discipline and unconditional subordination to command is of great importance to the Turkish Armed Forces. Any illegal actions unsanctioned by the command are impossible. Turkey's General Staff once again expresses its commitment to democracy and the country's Constitution. Such accusations are groundless, and those spreading them have been taken to court. They are demoralizing our service personnel," the Turkish General Staff said in a statement. Erdogan is currently on a visit to the United States, where a number of world leaders are expected to gather for the Nuclear Security Summit (NSS), due to run from March 31 to April 1. "Despite the savagery that was on display in the video it is kind of old news if you read the human rights reports of what goes on each time Israel launches another of its brutal operations against Gaza," said Finkelstein. "These types of killings and indifference are typical in the Palestine occupied territories." "You have Palestinians walking places with white sheets and white flags to indicate they are civilians, but they are shot dead. You have ambulances denied entry to rescue those who are injured; sometimes ambulances are fired on by missiles killing the ambulance drivers and medical crews. Then they send a second ambulance and it too is fired on while the first injured person is left to bleed to death. This is not hyperbole, it is not exaggeration, it has been documented over and over again in human rights reports." Doctor Finkelstein noted that last Thursdays incident only had really two small distinguishing characteristics. First, it was videotaped. Second, it occurred in what was not technically a war situation. Following the shooting, there was an online petition asking the Israeli government to award the IDF medic a medal for his heroism, is this a normal response by people in Israel? "Yes," said Dr. Finkelstein, "after each of Israels savage operations in Gaza there are typically calls to give the most murderous of the soldiers a medal. If you know the history and you follow the details, it isnt surprising." According to Defense One, the most prominent victory in Obama's nuclear legacy is, most likely, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a seven-nation accord on Iran's nuclear program that came into effect in January of this year. It will never be known if Iran posed a clear and present danger to wage nuclear war, but at least Obama achieved what he was aiming for: Iran is not a nuclear threat. A closer analysis of the President's achievements reveals that his more ambitious goals remain unfulfilled. He was not able to ban nuclear testing, he could not achieve significant cuts in the US and the Russian nuclear arsenals, and he was not able to end the production of materials intended for use in nuclear weapons. It is unclear if the roadblocks to Obama's nuclear-weapon goals are the result of a lack of political will to overcome an entrenched military bureaucracy, but the fact remains: new nuclear armament projects have recently been announced, and what was labeled as a policy to maintain a "safe, secure and effective arsenal" turned out to be a $1 trillion plan to adopt a new ICBM program and develop a cruise missile; both weapon systems intended as replacements for the entire US Cold War nuclear arsenal. "Some argue that the spread of these weapons cannot be stopped, cannot be checked that we are destined to live in a world where more nations and more people possess the ultimate tool of destruction." Those were Obama's words in 2009. In the little time he has left in power, the hopelessness of that statement may become the nuclear legacy of a President judged by his deeds, not by his visions. "This general statement does not imply equal status for the opposition. In the end, the ability of the opposition to influence future political changes is directly related to their bargaining power, that is their military strength." The opposition groups were in no condition to renew any military operations against the Damascus government, Schirach pointed out. "The opposition can obtain more at the negotiating table only if it could credibly threaten to walk out, resume military operations against Assad, and win a renewed conflict. This is not the case. They know it; and Assad knows it." The interview revealed that Assad believed he was still in control, and would retain control in Syria, Schirach continued. "No substantive role for the opposition is envisaged." Moreover, Assad was confident that he would be able to reassert control over all Syria, Schirach noted. "This statement shows Assad's intent. Once again this tough position underscores that Assad is implicitly telling the world that with Russia's critical help he won the war. The opposition lost. They should get adjusted to this reality." Summarizing the RISS report's findings, Naryshkin explained that since the end of the Cold War, "the confrontation of ideologies is no more." Therefore, criticizing Russia for simply being is no longer possible; "it is necessary to criticize its policies." Accordingly, the chief problem for Western mainstream media attempting to drag Russia through the mud is that Moscow's foreign policy has repeatedly demonstrated itself to be both sensible and reasonable. The situation today, Naryshkin suggests, "is reminiscent of the story surrounding Georgia in 2008, when [Western media] first blamed Russia for everything, and then were forced to admit that it was Tbilisi that provoked and unleashed the conflict, and that the actions of Russian peacekeepers, and then the armed forces, were both logical and legally sound." "After that, the same story was repeated in Ukraine, when those who seized power in Kiev were initially diligently depicted as saints, while Russia faced demonization. Two years later, disillusionment and disappointment are beginning to take hold, and Europe is chasing Kiev, telling it that the Minsk Agreement is a good and necessary thing," (something Moscow has suggested all along). Finally, there is the Syrian case. "At the start of the Russian military operation, the West again happily began accusing us of all manner of sins: on our 'attack on the opposition under the pretext of fighting terrorism'; on 'civilian casualties'; on the 'creation of the flow of refugees [to Europe]'. But now, following the withdrawal of Russian air power, after the beginning of the peace process, and most importantly, after the liberation of Palmyra, it once again becomes impossible to incriminate us" Moscow proved to be on the right side of the issue once again. MOSCOW (Sputnik), Daria Chernyshova Turkey opposes the inclusion of Kurdish groups in talks between Syrian government and opposition delegates in Geneva, and its forces continue shelling self-defense forces in Kurdish-held northern Syria. I am worried that Turkey's policy towards Syria during the present crisis may leave scars that may take long time to heal even after the crisis, especially if the present regime, or any other modified version of it, stays in power after the crisis, Yakis said. Yakis, who had served four years as Counsellor at the Turkish Embassy in Damascus, testified to the extent of Ankaras aggressive policies toward Damascus, noting that it did not need to get involved to this extent in the domestic affairs of Syria. Despite being found illegal and/or unconstitutional by three different courts, the Badger State's new Photo ID voting restriction, instituted by state Republicans, will be in place next week for the first time during a major election. The law, determined by a federal court to imperil the otherwise legal votes of some 300,000 already-registered voters, will be implemented nonetheless, thanks to a factually-inaccurate ruling by the U.S. 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in 2014. That, despite the federal judge who found it "absolutely clear," based on evidence and expert testimony during the lengthy trial he oversaw, that Wisconsin's Photo ID voting restriction will "prevent more legitimate votes from being cast than fraudulent votes." And, also, despite the lack of required notice the state has given to voters concerning the disenfranchising new restriction on voting rights. So, buckle up for that fun and for remaining primary disasters in other states where too many registered voters are waiting until Election Day to be surprised by changed voting rules, long lines and mysteriously changed party registrations. (Yes, talking to you, New York and California voters, among many others!) We also get some more information on the mystery concerning all of those delegates Bernie Sanders was supposed to have won last week in Washington and hear about the harrowing tale of the 82-year old African-American plaintiff challenging NC's Photo ID voting restriction. Finally, we take a ton of listener calls today, for a happy change, on all of the above and much more in another very lively BradCast! NOVO-OGARYOVO (Sputnik)Russia must strengthen its frontier protection against possible border-trespassing by undocumented migrants, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday. "We must secure the stretches of state borders at the directions that pose increased risks of undocumented immigrants' entry, all possible holes and gaps must be securely shut. It is necessary to step up cooperation with the relevant bodies of foreign states and international organizations, use gained experience and new forms of cooperation," Putin said at a meeting of Russia's Security Council. The Russian Security Council deals with issues of national security and prepares presidential decisions on security matters. Thursday's meeting focused on issues of improving Russia's migration policy in the interests of national security. The officer ordered his comrades to carry out an air strike on his position after he was discovered and surrounded by Daesh terrorists, a story which led to the international press naming him the "Russian Rambo" for his act of heroism. Thanks to the heroic efforts of Prokhorenko and other Russian and Syrian servicemen, last week the Syrian army was able to completely retake control of the ancient city of Palmyra, which had been under Daesh control for almost a year. "Nothing he did, regarding even something as complex as life or death, was spontaneous," Alexander Prokhorenko's class teacher Petr Rusinov told Lenta.ru. "He had a wonderful, clear, clean mind. You can't talk about impulse, that would only offend Sasha (Alexander's) dignity." "That act of heroism, to die like that, was his conscious choice in the situation in which he found himself." "From the fifth grade he didnt want to do anything else. Some people had a back-up plan, but he only wanted to be a soldier," Rusinov said. 'Alexander Prokhorenko an ordinary hero!' "We would like to name our school after him," said Nadezhda Rusinova, a teacher at Gorodetskaya Middle School, which Alexander attended. "It is a real act of bravery that we will tell our pupils about." "The whole village is in mourning. Nobody knew exactly where Sasha was serving, there was a rumor he was in the special forces. He graduated our school with a silver medal for outstanding academic achievement, and the military academy with honors. His parents were so proud of him," said Natalya Meshkova, headteacher of the school. Alexander Prokhorenko's family was informed about his death by the Ministry of Defense on March 19. His younger brother Ivan is also training to be a soldier, and other members of his family have also served in the armed forces. ,25 . . , pic.twitter.com/OiUdE9NMPv (@zlatanekrasov) 29 2016 . Alexander Prokhorenko is pictured with his grandfather, who also served in the armed forces. Alexander, who was 25 years old, married his wife Ekaterina a year and a half ago, and before he left for Syria they found out that Ekaterina is expecting their first child. "I think that, in the absence of ways to effectuate access without exposing all of its customers to additional security risks, Apple is more right than wrong. It's not about defending their customers so much as not willing to deliberately build in weaknesses to the product," Rosenzweig commented, comparing it to "asking a car manufacturer to make sure that a car breaks down every 10,000 miles." Commenting on allegations popular among conspiracy theorists, that the US Government is currently able to access any data it wants on every single American citizen, Rosenzweig argued that "the reality is that capabilities in the private sector are in most ways ahead of capabilities of the government, and I think that is true across the globe, actually." "There are sectors of excellence in the government. In the case of the US government, the NSA and US Cyber Command has some truly excellent actors. But there are still areas in which, and this case makes it clear, they can learn from the private sector," he said. According to Rosenzweig, Washington can do a lot to attract the best and the brightest specialists to government sectors, not only by raising salaries for tech personnel, but also by urging people join law enforcement agencies "for the service, because they want to serve their country." "They also come because of dedication to the mission, and sometimes people come because they can play with neat cool toys that are secret, that Silicon Valley doesn't actually have." Asked to draw a line between privacy and security, Rosenzweig argued that "the line is best drawn in case-specific circumstances, not in the abstract. I don't think that privacy is an absolute right and I don't think that security is an absolute imperative." MOSCOW (Sputnik)Former US National Security Agency (NSA) contractor Edward Snowden accused of espionage by the United States cannot prove his innocence, as long as US authorities only make cunning statements about him and do not announce the subject of his charges, one of Snowdens lawyers said Thursday. "From the first day Edward Snowden has been on the territory of Russia, sweeping accusations against him began to appear, without submitting any specific charges of committing any crime. A person must understand the subject of the charges to defend himself, and there is no such thing, there is a political chatter," Anatoly Kucherena told RIA Novosti. The lawyer also called Washingtons claims of providing Snowden with a fair trial in the United States "cunning." However, the Council is supposed to be an "honest broker" which deals with ideas emerging in the government's agencies, not a "filter." Breaking Defense editor Colin Clark believes that much of Obama's inconsistent foreign policy in the Middle East originates from "the micromanagement of the Pentagon and Intelligence Community by a bloated and lackluster National Security Council." Clark draws attention to the fact that following the bombing of the Russian airliner over Sinai and terror attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, the US President called for "doing more" to defeat Daesh. However, it still remains unclear what exact strategy the Obama administration has chosen in its fight against Daesh, the journalist noted. "I personally think Obama is right to keep America's presence on the ground in Syria and Iraq as small as possible because our being there simply provides ammunition to the madmen and aspiring caliphs who wander that part of the world. But message clarity and discipline is absolutely imperative to make sure that happens. It is a key part of the NSC's job and it is lacking," Clark underscored. According to Goldfien, scaling the size of the NSC back is a step in the right direction. At the same time, the US president should delegate more responsibility for foreign policy to the State Dept, the scholar believes. "The next administration should commit to decentralizing the foreign policy process. Further limiting the scope of the NSC staff's mission will require presidential leadership-leadership in understanding one's own limitations," the US scholar emphasizes. (a) Marriage is or should be recognized as the union of one man and one woman; (b) Sexual relations are properly reserved to such a marriage; and (c) Male (man) or female (woman) refer to an individuals immutable biological sex as objectively determined by anatomy and genetics at time of birth. The bill specifically lists all the ways in which people will be allowed to discriminate against others without repercussion. Religious organizations can decline to solemnize any marriage or provide any services related to recognizing that marriage. Religious organizations can refuse to hire, fire, and discipline employees for violating the organizations religious beliefs. Religious organizations can choose not to sell, rent, or otherwise provide shelter. Religious organizations that provide foster or adoptive services can decline service without risking their state subsidies. Any foster or adoptive parent can impose their religious beliefs on their children. Any person can choose not to provide treatment, counseling, or surgery related to gender transition or same-sex parenting. Any person (including any business) can choose not to provide services for any marriage ceremony or occasion that involves recognizing a marriage, including: Photography Poetry Videography Disc-Jockey Services Wedding Planning Printing Publishing Floral Arrangements Dress Making Cake or Pastry Artistry Assembly-Hall or Other Wedding-Venue Rentals Limousine or Other Car-Service Rentals Jewelry Sales And Services Any person can establish sex-specific standards or policies concerning employee or student dress or grooming, and can manage the access of restrooms and other sex-segregated facilities. Any state employee can openly express their beliefs without consequence. Any state employee can choose not to authorize or license legal marriages by recusing themselves from those duties. Protect Thy Neighbor warns that there will be dire consequences should the bill pass, and detailed a list of hypothetical situations. "First of all, he directly supports terrorists. He allows them to move into Turkish territory, to carry out maneuvers with tanks. This concerns not only individuals, he finances them [terrorists] through Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and through Turkey itself, of course. He trades oil that has been stolen by Daesh, at the same time carrying out artillery attacks against the Syrian army when it moves close in order to help the terrorists," Assad said. Turkey, as well as Saudi Arabia, have "crossed all possible red lines, possibly from the first weeks of the Syrian war," according to the president. "Everything they have done from the very beginning can be considered aggression. Aggression in a political sense or in a military sense providing terrorists with arms or direct aggression with the use of artillery, and other military violations," Assad stated, adding that the Syrian people lost hope "a long time ago" that Erdogan would change his ways. "Today, the war against Erdogan and against Saudi Arabia is a war against terrorists. The Turkish army, which is not even Turkish, is Erdogan's army that is fighting today in Syria. They are terrorists and when we attack these terrorists in Syria, this leads to Erdogan's direct defeat. Our response must be, first and foremost, within our own country. After that, I believe, we will be able to defeat terrorism. The Turkish people is not against Syria, not hostile toward Syria. Relations will be good if Erdogan does not interfere," he concluded. MOSCOW (Sputnik), Alexander MosesovNATO is constantly looking at ways to apply its military assets in the Middle East such as surveillance planes, maritime patrol aircraft and others, an official from the military alliance told Sputnik on Thursday. "NATO already agreed on augmenting its assurance measures for Turkey in December, with a tailored package that includes AWACS surveillance planes, air policing, maritime patrol aircraft, increased naval presence in the Mediterranean and other assets. So we have assets in the region and we are continuously assessing how to use them," the official said, answering a question on whether Russia's presence in Syria could provoke an augmentation of NATO's presence in the region. On Wednesday, Syrian President Bashar Assad told Sputnik in an interview that the Syrian people are in favor of Russia retaining a military presence in the country into the future. Assad also added that the size of the Russian contingent deployed at the Hmeimim airbase should be proportionate to the size of the terrorist threat in Syria. LONDON (Sputnik)British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond has wrapped up a brief visit to Beirut, where he held talks with Lebanese Prime Minister Tammam Salam, Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. "Lebanon is a partner in the Global Coalition to defeat Daesh [Arabic acronym IS]. It is on the frontline of the crisis in Syria and faces a high threat from terrorism. Our support for the Lebanese army is enabling them to build their capabilities, strengthen the countrys borders and protect the Lebanese people," Hammond said in a press release delivered by the Foreign Office. A pound equivalent of $6.5 million would be earmarked toward Lebanons military training facility in Hamat, which Hammond toured as part of his visit. A further $22 million is slated to go for Land Border Regiments mentoring to protect the country from Daesh, a group outlawed in a number of countries including Russia. UNITED NATIONS (Sputnik)The UN Security Council (UNSC) on Thursday unanimously adopted Resolution 2278 extending the ban on crude oil shipment from the Libyan territories controlled by the institutions not related to country's Government of National Accord. "The Security Council Condemns attempts to illicitly export crude oil from Libya, including by parallel institutions which are not acting under the authority of the Government of National Accord," the resolution reads. According to the resolution, the UNSC called on Libya's Government of National Accord to inform the international community about illicit oil trade in order to take measures against oil smugglers. "The US has said that they are concerned about issues in North Asia, including the Korean Peninsula as well as Chinas claims over the Paracel and Spratly Islands," said Ewing. "The US has been challenging Chinas sovereignty over the islands and is also now doing aggressive rehearsals of a full-scale invasion of North Korea along the coast with the South Korean Navy. This is a dangerous thing for North Korea, internally, so they are lashing out against the US and South Korea." Is there an effort underway by Western countries to oust Xi? "First of all, one of the breathtaking things is that if the US actually stood for the things it is criticizing China for not doing, I mean, the US lied to get us into war in Iraq and Libya, but any dissent was immediately hushed," said Ewing. "Is Xi Jinping losing his grip? Well, there is the letter that is circulating in the United States and on some Chinese websites, but I am skeptical of the timing." The final leg of the NAADA Winter Trotting Series was contested at Monticello Raceway on Wednesday afternoon (March 30) and once again both Bob Kenney and Bobby Krivelin emerged victorious. Both gentlemen also copped the previous legs at Yonkers Raceway on March 17. But this time each reined a different horse home first; Kenney scored with Just Like Lloyd in 2:00 while Krivelin won with Permanent Joy in 2:00.2. The afternoon fans were treated brilliant sunshine and a bright blue ski, but gusting winds and temperatures hovering around 58-degrees kept a chill in the air. In the first split, Bobby Krivelin worked himself a great two-hole trip with Permanent Joy and he refused a parked-out Boysdroolgirlsrule (Joe Lee) any room to move down along the pylons in front of him. Nautilus De Vie and Dave Yarock had surged to the lead with Krivelin and Permanent Joy in hot pursuit and both trotters raced one-two around the double oval. During the entire mile, Boysdroolgirlsrule challenged while racing on the outside. In the lane, Krivelin moved his charge to the outside of Nautilus De Vie as Boydroolgirlsrule faded after his overland trip and Permanent Joy rallied to a one-length victory. Sams Honeybee rallied from far back for third money. Krivelin was pleased when interviewed in the (race) paddock after the race. He [Permanent Joy] never gets a harness on him [between races]. I keep him out in a special pasture and only tow him along with another horse when we jog, Krivelin related. He has a sore back so we like to keep the harness off him. Krivelins Hero Stable owns the winner and Krivelin also doubles as the trotters trainer. He paid $4.80 for win. For the New York City food purveyor, it was his fourth victory in the series and he will garner the trophy as the highest point-earner of the nine-race NAADA Winter Series. In the other split, Bob Kenny took no prisoners and sent Just Like Lloyd down the road and they made every pole a winning one en route to short head victory over a stubborn Woody (Joe Lee). In that one, Just Like Lloyd drew off to an open-lengths lead with only Woody within striking distance when they headed for paydirt. Lee stalked the leader and when he pulled Woody out to challenge in mid-stretch, they began closing in on the leader, but they ran out of racetrack and finished second in the photo. Kenney, an IT Technician from Belchertown, Massachusetts, is a relative newcomer to the amateur driving scene although he has been with and around harness horses since his then-girlfriend Linda Parrotta introduced him to harness racing back in 1972 at Hinsdale Raceway where her dad raced horses. "At that time, Linda was my girlfriend and she still is after 42 wonderful years of marriage, Kenney said joyfully after he and Linda had explained his introduction to harness racing while they walked back with the winner to the horses paddock stall. Kenney, a big man at 6ft-5in, now has three wins, one second and three thirds this year in just nine starts. With just 15 drives since 2014, Kenney has reined seven winners. The winner is owned by Linda Kenney and The Di Stefano And Son Stable and trained by John DiStefano. He paid $5.30 for win. The $15,000 series final will be raced at Yonkers Raceway on Thursday, April 7, although a $6,000 consolation, if it fills, is offered at Monticello Raceway on Wednesday, April 6. (With files from NAADA) In a older pacing class that will boast the likes of Foiled Again, Freaky Feet Pete, Wakizashi Hanover and Wiggle It Jiggleit in 2016, one driver sat behind two of the horses that these pacers will look to knock off the divisional podium: Always B Miki and State Treasurer. In an interview with Meadowlands' Bob Heyden, David Miller reflected on the campaigns of Canada's Horse of the Year State Treasurer and Breeders Crown winner Always B Miki. "'Treasurer' there last year definitely hit a gear he had not had, and for about two months he was unbeatable," said Miller. "He ripped through a lot of races and did very well. Talking to Doc [Moore], he's coming back better than ever." The now seven-year-old son of Real Desire, State Treasurer banked more than $986,000 during his 2015 campaign with track records at Hollywood Dayton and Tioga Downs plus a stakes record with third victory in the Molson Pace at The Raceway at Western Fair District. He was named Horse of the Year at the 2015 O'Brien Awards in February. Miller, who was just the second catch driver to sit behind State Treasurer as a two-year-old in 2011, credits the pacer for consistently getting better with age. "He's got wicked speed, he's very quick, very fast and he's just learned to carry it a lot further." The horse that spoiled State Treasurer's chances to end 2015 on a high note was Always B Miki, who returned from injury with a vengeance. The four-year-old son of Always A Virgin rattled off four wins in four starts, the most impressive coming in the Breeders Crown at Woodbine Racetrack. "He made the lead past the half and he just drew off from an unbelievable group of horses. He's just an amazing horse," noted the recipient of Driver of the Year in the U.S. for 2015. "I'm very aware of how special he is; he gives me a lot of thrills just to sit behind him." Miller, who is on the cusp of harness racing history with earnings just shy of $200 million, also discusses Always B Miki's best race -- a race he lost, defeating Wiggle It Jiggleit with Dealt A Winner in the Cane Pace, and two-year-old trotting filly Broadway Donna. To watch the full interview, click the play button below. On Wednesday, March 30, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board unanimously voted to renew the Category 1 Racetrack Casino operator's license of Washington Trotting Association, Inc., operator of The Meadows Casino in Washington County. The seven-member board determined that Washington Trotting Association, Inc. had fulfilled the obligations under its previously-approved casino operator's license and therefore qualified to have its license renewed for an additional three-year period. The decision was based on a process utilized by the board that enables both the operator and the public to provide information relevant to the renewal decision. A public input hearing was held last year at the Washington County Courthouse Square Building where personnel of The Meadows Casino submitted exhibits and presented testimony on various aspects of the facility's operation since its last license renewal was granted in August 2011. The public was also permitted to provide testimony on the casino and its impact in the community. In reaching its decision, the board also reviewed testimony received at the hearing from local government officials, community groups and the PA State Police, along with the Gaming Control Board's Office of Enforcement Counsel, Bureau of Investigations and Enforcement, Office of Compulsive and Problem Gaming, and Casino Compliance. Additionally, a public hearing was held in Harrisburg today to permit board members to further question Washington Trotting Association, Inc. representatives about any remaining issues prior to voting on the renewal. A PowerPoint presentation provided at today's meeting is available on the board's website. The next meeting of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board is scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 27, 2016 in the PGCB's Public Hearing Room located on the second floor of Strawberry Square in Harrisburg. (Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board) Trot Insider has learned that longtime horseman Walter James Johnston passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 29 at the Brantford Hospital at the age of 86. Being a local, Johnston spent many years racing mainly at Hippodrome d'Aylmer and Rideau Carleton Raceway before moving to Brantford, Ont. He was a horseman that will be remembered by many. Funeral services are still pending, and Trot Insider will update this notice with that information when it is made available. Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Walter Johnston. Contact: Liberty Counsel, 800-671-1776, Media@LC.org ORLANDO, Fla., March 31, 2016 /Standard Newswire/ -- Liberty Counsel sent a letter yesterday to the North Carolina House and Senate offering pro bono services in defense of the Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act. The Act recently was signed into law by Governor Pat McCrory. However, Attorney General Cooper has refused to defend it. The Act was enacted after the city of Charlotte opened women's public bathrooms to men and now declares that state law overrides all local ordinances concerning wages, employment, and public accommodations. Thus, like the majority of states, the law requires statewide uniformity of nondiscrimination laws. "Liberty Counsel was encouraged to see the resolve and fortitude of the North Carolina General Assembly and Governor McCrory in enacting this Act. However, the Attorney General's unjustified refusal is a disturbing commentary on modern legal ethics. He is clearly putting his political ambitions above the law," said Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel. Liberty Counsel is an international nonprofit, litigation, education, and policy organization dedicated to advancing religious freedom, the sanctity of life, and the family since 1989, by providing pro bono assistance and representation on these and related topics. One incumbent is running in the five-candidate race for two open seats. hidden The American people should "absolutely" still have confidence in their personal privacy despite the government's success in unlocking an Apple iPhone belonging to a shooter in the San Bernardino, California, killings, the White House said on Wednesday. "The reason they should be confident in that privacy is because there are laws on the books that are assiduously followed ... that protect the privacy of the American people," White House spokesman Josh Earnest told reporters. He added that privacy will be ensured "even as we undertake the necessary actions to protect our national security." The FBI may be allowed to withhold information about how it broke into an iPhone belonging to a gunman in the December San Bernardino shootings, despite a US government policy of disclosing technology security flaws discovered by federal agencies. Under the U.S. vulnerabilities equities process, the government is supposed to err in favor of disclosing security issues so companies can devise fixes to protect data. The policy has exceptions for law enforcement, and there are no hard rules about when and how it must be applied. Apple has said it would like the government to share how it cracked the iPhone security protections. But the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which has been frustrated by its inability to access data on encrypted phones belonging to criminal suspects, might prefer to keep secret the technique it used to gain access to gunman Syed Farooks phone. With inputs from Reuters Naina Khedekar It was just recently that the Twitterati decided to give Microsoft's AI-powered bot Tay some lessons in racism, but looks like the embarrassment hasn't stopped the company from its big plans for chatbots. One of the biggest announcements at the Build 2016 keynote was that Microsoft CEO, Satya Nadella, is betting big on bots. These bots won't be as racist as Tay, but they can be fast, polite, very helpful and, in the long run, better than a human for the same reasons. Basically, they could be on your phone or desktop or other mobile communication devices, helping you book tickets, send messages and so on. Nadella clearly put forth his vision on how humans will interact with machines and didn't seem to be mincing words there. He even goes as far as to say that bots could replace apps in the future. For Microsoft, bots go hand-in-hand with its digital assistant - Cortana. On stage, a phone with Cortana was used to demo a trip planned for Ireland, wherein Cortana displayed Westin Hotels' chatbot that booked a room based on a simple chat conversation. Yes, that's communication between a digital assistant and a bot. Nadella has emphasised effective communications, which includes not just people to people interactions, but also people to bot, bot to digital assistant and so on. The company has also placed a stepping stone by opening its chatbot framework to everyone. For developers, it brings a developer portal and SDK for building Bots, a Bot Connector service to connect to social channels like Twitter and Slack, and an upcoming Bot Directory to discover and use existing bots. The best part? Everyone can start building their own bots right now. Just click here. Citing an example, Joseph Sirosh, Corp VP for the Data Group, Microsoft, has said that a pizza delivery service can allow users to review the menu, look for price promotions and also complete an order by talking to a Pizza Bot on any communication platform of their choice. Another bot could help a visually-impaired user see for example. The possibilities are endless. Basically, there will be bots everywhere. Besides, the company has also introduced Skype Bots. Yes, soon one can use Skype to book trips, shop online, and even schedule a meeting. Skype will chat with Cortana to get things done. As aforesaid, Cortana can talk to a third-party chatbot. This is something we've seen with Facebook M, but M has trainers. Facebook M is AI powered and backed by a team with a customer service background and can make travel arrangements and so on. Facebook M coupled with the recent rumours indicating that Facebook is testing an in-store purchase option mean that Facebook's future plans aren't too difficult to decipher. The social network has just announced that KLM airline passengers will be able to make travel changes, check in, get updates and also talk to customer support reps directly from its Messenger chat app. We wouldn't be surprised to see this being extended to WhatsApp too. In fact, it might just be inevitable. Then there was also the mention of video bots, something Skype plans to achieve by bringing intelligence into real-time video. Maybe a video call involving a bot, who knows? Read more about the Skype bot developer program here. Back at home, a startup community using AI-based chatbots could leverage the platform for a wider and more enhanced reach. They could tap into the existing users on Skype and other platforms. That said, a startup in India is already doing just that. "We have started working to release a Yellow Messenger Bot on Skype. This is very exciting and great opportunity for us as this becomes a channel where we can acquire millions of users already on Skype with very little competition as we are the first or one of the first ones to build Bots for commerce," said Raghu Ravinutala, CEO and co-founder of Yellow Mesenger, an AI-powered chatbot app designed help you discover and search for products. Artificial Intelligence could sure be the buzzword for 2016. After all, biggies like Google and Facebook, and now Microsoft, make it look all the more promising. However, the big question is - will it replace apps? It's a difficult question to answer at this stage, but many feel that chatbots will work in tandem with apps and quite possibly take away jobs from people. Replacing apps entirely might be too much of a stretch however. US for bolder approach to fight extremism Visiting US Department of State Under Secretary Dr Sarah Sewall on Wednesday laid emphasis on a much 'broader and bolder approach' to effectively prevent extremist groups from drawing in newer groups and spreading to new communities globally. "The US will continue to partner with you and help you build the bright and secure future that you deserve," she said while delivering her speech on "Our Common Struggle against Violent Extremism" at the Department of International Relations, Dhaka University. The Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights said she has no doubt that the people of Bangladesh will maintain their deepest tradition of 'inclusion, democracy and trusting in the power of people' in fighting against violent extremism. Sharing the 'common essence' across the globe, Sewall said governments need to 'govern effectively, transparently and inclusively' to limit the 'grievances' that allow violent extremists to impact new communities. "When governments do their job legitimately and well, violent extremists will have a difficult time taking root in the local communities," she said highlighting governments' very important responsibilities to speak out in the face of intolerance. US Ambassador in Dhaka Marcia Bernicat, Dhaka University Vice Chancellor Prof AAMS Arefin Siddique and Prof and Chairman of the IR Department Ehsanul Haque also spoke on the occasion. Emphasising young people's participation, Dr Sewall said young people also have a very important role to play because they are the most 'credible messengers' to challenge terrorists propaganda. The US Under Secretary also described the consequences of using fight against terrorism to undermine democracy and the rule of law. For example, she said, by targeting political opponents by allowing arbitrated detention by using excessive force or by restricting political space - all of these actions can drive people towards extremism and violence. Dr Sewall also talked about the attacks on innocent people in Bangladesh in the recent past including the killing of blogger Avijit Roy. "These attacks are not just attacks on Bangladeshi people but also on your long tradition of open debate, religious tolerance and moderation." The US Under Secretary also appreciated Bangladesh's role in fighting against terrorism. Quoting Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Dr Sewall said terrorism knows no religion as well as no boundary. She also appreciated Bangladesh's contribution to the global peace through peacekeeping missions. Sewall also visited Dhakeshwari national temple and listened to the Hindu minorities and their concerns. She talked to the Hindu community members on various issues during her around an hour long stay. Sewall who arrived here on Tuesday will meet government officials and civil society representatives to discuss governance issues and cooperation in countering violent extremism. Sewall, a long-time advocate for advancing civilian security and human rights around the world, was sworn in as the Under Secretary in February 2014. She used to teach at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, where she served as Director of the Carr Center for Human Rights Policy and directed the Program on National Security and Human Rights. Polls violence leaves 7 dead UNB, Dhaka: Seven people were killed and at least 60 others injured in clashes in different parts of the country during the second phase union parishad election on Thursday. The deceased were identified as Sanaullah, Ibrahim and Jamal of Sandwip upazila in Chittagong, Rafiqul Islam, 50, of Shyampur union of Melandah upazila in Jamalpur, Shuva, 10, son of Halim of Dhalikandi village in Keraniganj upazila of Dhaka, Golap Hossain of Chanchra union in Sadar upazila, Jessore and Sumon Mrida, son of Bachchu Mridha of Birangal village in Madaripur Sadar upazila. In Madaripur, a supporter of a member candidate in ward-4 of Dhurail union in sadar upazila, was killed as police opened fire on him while snatching a ballot box during vote counting. Witnesses said Sumon, a nephew of member candidate Matlab Mridha, died on the spot after police opened fire on him. Assistant police super (Circle) Moniruzzman Fakir said police opened fire as Sumon was snatching a ballot box. In Chittagong, three people were killed and seven people injured in a clash at Char Bauria union of Sandwip upazila. Executive magistrate Md Wahidul Haque said supporters of two member candidates of 5 No ward in the union locked into the clash around 3:30pm over snatching ballot papers from the centre. The supporters of both candidates opened fire which left two people -- Sanaullah, Ibrahim -- dead on the spot and seven others injured. The injured were taken to upazila health complex where Jamal succumbed to his injuries. In Jamalpur, supporters of the two member candidates locked in a clash at Uttar Baluchar Government Primary School polling centre around 11:15 am at Shyampur union in Melandah upazila. Both the groups fought a pitched battle chasing each other. During the melee, a brick chip was hurled form one side that hit Rafiqul Islam, 50, leaving him dead on the spot, witnesses said. Another person was also injured in the clash, they said. However, officer-in-charge of Melandah Police Station Nasimul Islam said Rafiqul died of heart attack while waiting in a long queue for casting vote. In Keraniganj upazila, a minor boy, identified as Shuva, 10, son of Halim of Dhalikandi village, was killed as he received stray bullets during a gunfight at a polling centre in Madhurchar during the balloting. Quoting witnesses, officer-in-charge of Keraniganj Model Police Station Ferdous Hossain said a group of BNP supporters and another of Awami League locked into a clash over capturing Madhurchar Govt Primary School polling station around 10:20am. But he could not provide further details of the incident. In Jessore, a man was gunned down during a clash between the supporters of two chairman candidates at Chanchara union in Sadar upazila. Officer-in-charge of Sadar Police Station Elias Hossain said the supporters of AL-nominated and AL-rebel candidates engaged in a clash at Bhaturia Government Primary School polling centre in Chanchra union around 11:00 am. Both the groups engaged in a chase and counter-chase and opened fire at each other, leaving Golap Hossain dead on the spot and two others injured. The injured were admitted to Jessore 250-bed General Hospital. Meanwhile, 11 chairman candidates boycotted the election in eight union parishads in Sitakunda upazila of Chittagong, Gazipur union of Chandpur, Chowara and Boropara unions under Comilla South upazila, Urfa union parishad in Nakla upazila under Sherpur and Jadabpur union under Jhenidah district on charges of various irregularities. Eight of them belong to BNP, two to AL (rebel), while one is an independent candidate. Voting at a polling centre in Nayanagar union of Melandah upazila under Jamalpur was suspended as miscreants tried to snatch ballot boxes before the start of the voting in the morning. Meanwhile, five people were injured as a clash broke during an attempt by the supporters of Jatiya Party and BNP-backed chairman candidates to resist an alleged bid of Awami League-backed candidate to capture a polling centre at Khoshbash union in Barura upazila. BNP-backed chairman candidate Zakir Hossain and JP-backed chairman candidate Shah Alam were among the injured. Police also recovered five crude bombs from the spot and picked up five people from the scene for quizzing. Police arrested an assistant presiding officer as he allegedly facilitated fake vote casting in favour of the Awami League-backed chairman candidate at Churamankathi in Jessore Sadar upazila in the morning. Police also arrested an agent of the AL candidate, Babul Hossain. During the first phase union parishad polls on March 22, at least 11 people were killed in violence across the country. Earlier, voting in the election to 639 union parishads of 82 upazilas across 47 of the country's 64 districts began at 8 am and it will continue till 4 pm without any break. As many as 31 chairman candidates, all from ruling Awami League, have already been elected unopposed as there was no rival against their respective posts in the 2nd phase of the UP polls. Of the 31 chairman posts that won uncontested, 14 are in Gopalganj, six in Joypurhat, three in Jessore, two in each Dhaka and Madaripur, one each in Kishoreganj and Munshiganj, Sherpur and Sirajganj. According to the statistics provided by the Election Commission on Wednesday, a total of 2,662 chairman contenders, including some 1493 from 17 political parties and 1,169 independent candidates are in the election races in the UPs. Candidates from two major political parties -- ruling Awami League and its archrival BNP - are frontrunners in the election. But BNP has no chairman candidate in 79 Ups, while AL has got candidates in all the 639 UPs. Suu Kyi`s party to propose giving her special `advisor` role National League for Democracy (NLD) party leader Aung San Suu Kyi leaves the parliament building after a meeting with members of her party. AFP, Naypyidaw :Aung San Suu Kyi's party will on Thursday submit a proposal to create a new "state advisor" role for her, MPs said, giving her power to liaise between the president and parliament.The Southeast Asian nation is witnessing the dawn of a new era following nearly half a century of military repression, with surging hopes that Suu Kyi's newly sworn-in administration can accelerate the country's economic and political rejuvenation.But Suu Kyi cannot become president because of rules in a junta-era constitution, despite the huge election victory she delivered for her National League for Democracy in November's historic elections.A draft of the proposal, which mentions Suu Kyi by name, would give her "responsibility to the parliament regarding the performance of advice", power to conduct any meetings deemed necessary and a budget.The post, which could mirror the role of a prime minister in other political systems, would last for the same five-year term as the president and give Suu Kyi access to the legislature, after she was forced to relinquish her parliamentary seat to join the cabinet.It will be submitted to the upper house of parliament on Thursday, according to several MPs, including Pu Gin Kam Lian from the Zomi Congress for Democracy Party, from western Chin state."It will be discussed and approved coming days," he told AFP.The Nobel laureate has pledged to rule above President Htin Kyaw, a close confidante who was sworn in on Wednesday, and she has also taken on four cabinet posts in the foreign affairs, education, energy and president's office ministries.Suu Kyi, the daughter of the country's independence hero, won a seat in 2012 by-elections and embraced the country's fledgling quasi-civilian parliament as it developed into a vibrant power centre in recent years.Last November's polls, the freest in decades, saw her party rake in 80 percent of available parliament seats, giving them a massive public mandate.The new lawmakers hail from a variety of backgrounds, from doctors to poets, but many have little experience of government and look to Suu Kyi for guidance.They are tasked with reviving a battered economy and a society straitjacketed by the army, which ruled with an iron fist between 1962 and the start of reforms in 2011 under the administration of retired general Thein Sein, who stepped aside on Wednesday.The army is also still firmly on the political scene. The military holds a quarter of all parliamentary seats and three key posts in the cabinet. Instead, the parliament swore in Htin Kyaw, a close friend and confidant of Suu Kyi, as its first president with no military ties in more than half a century on Wednesday."The whole world and the whole country know that the constitution must be amended. The military also needs to accept that," said NLD's Aung Kyi Nyunt.The NLD's bill will be discussed in the upper house on Friday, coinciding with the inauguration of Htin Kyaw's five-year term. NLD lawmakers say they want to push it through before long public holidays starting on April 9.The NLD has enough seats in both chambers to pass it.The charter has been a bone of contention between Suu Kyi and the military, whose influential commander-in-chief, Min Aung Hlaing, has reasserted the army's political clout and warned against amending it quickly.Relations between the armed forces and Suu Kyi will define the success of Myanmar's most significant break from military rule since the army seized power in 1962. Turkey army ridicules talk of 'anti-Erdogan coup' AFP, Ankara : Turkey's military yesterday angrily denied suggestions it could be planning a coup against the increasingly controversial President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Certain media outlets have carried reports speculating over the possibility of a military coup in Turkey, with Erdogan out of the country for almost a week on a visit to the United States. The Turkish military has stepped in on three occasions to oust elected governments -- in 1960, 1971 and 1980 -- and in 1997 also forced out Erdogan's late mentor Necmettin Erbakan from the premiership. "Discipline, unconditional obedience and a unified chain of command are the basis of the Turkish armed forces," the military said in a rare political statement on its website. "There can be no talk about any illegal action that is outside the command structure or which compromises it," the statement added. The military said it would take legal action over the reports, without specifying which ones, and complained that "such baseless news" was undermining morale in the armed forces. However an opinion piece written by the scholar Michael Rubin published in Newsweek entitled "Will there be a coup against Erdogan in Turkey?" had gathered major attention in and outside the country. Financial accountability of MFIs need to be restored NEWS reports in The New Nation on Thursday said Micro-credit Regulatory Authority (MRA) has cancelled license of ten more micro-finance institutions (MFIs) because of gross irregularities in their loan activities meant for various poverty eradication programme. Their closure were ordered as the news reports said for violating the rules and engaging in self-seeking activities instead of using the fund from the government and donor sources to help the poor. In fact this is not something new and the MRA has so far cancelled licenses of 74 such MFIs from 2011. It is also noticeable that the MRA has awarded new licenses to 204 MFIs or non-government organizations (NGOs) during the period to operate in areas as the sponsors of such organizations prayed for. There is no doubt that MFIs are playing a significant role to combat poverty and to bring about improvement to the life of the poor throughout the country. Field statistics show a total of about 686 MFIs are serving around 20 million borrowers now in the country with a loan outstanding of Tk 35 crore. They are engaged to help the poor to run small businesses and earn their livelihood. But it is no secret that the high rate of interest that most MFIs are charging is not only exploitative but also the owners of most MFIs treat them as private business, except some big ones having institutional set up. They have certain accountability system such as in Grameen Bank and BRAC in loan operations and recovery but their number is not quite big. Most others are not transparent and in fact being run as pocket organizations of powerful individuals. Their relatives operate them with hefty salary and other benefits. It is also no more a secret that ruling party men easily get registration of such MFIs to use specific government fund for improvement of environment, health, education, sanitation and such other needs of the poor. Needless to say most such money does not reach the beneficiaries and this may partly explain why new registration is going on along with cancellation of some others. We know that the MRA has been set up to bring discipline in micro-credit organizations enforcing transparency and accountability in their financial system and field operations. But inside story suggests they have to make compromise in real life to entertain request from powerful quarters. In our view the MRA could do better if it were able to reduce the number of MFIs to force the remaining ones to be highly compliant of financial discipline and make them answerable to people. NGOs are using tens of crore taka annually in the country with many of them seriously misusing the fund. Mere cancellation of licenses is not enough; laundering of people's money must stop. Time for a woman to lead the United Nations After 70 years and eight male leaders in a row, there's a growing movement for a woman to head up the United Nations, starting in 2017. Canada should lend its enthusiastic support to this effort. The timing is right, now that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has made clear he intends to re-engage with the UN after years of cool relations under the Harper government. There are signs that this isn't just a well-intentioned but doomed movement. In addition to intense lobbying by organizations such as Equality Now and Campaign to Elect a Woman UN Secretary-General, there is considerable activity within the UN itself to have a woman named to the top post. Last year, Colombian Ambassador Maria Emma Mejia Velez circulated a letter seeking support for a female secretary general. Fifty-three out of 193 member governments supported the initiative. Sadly, though, that included none of the five permanent members of the Security Council: the United States, Britain, France, China and Russia. Still, the movement has two things going for it that could lead to success: First, a General Assembly resolution states that "due regard shall continue to be given to regional rotation and shall also be given to gender equality." Since regional rotation has so far trumped gender equality, the time might be right for a course correction. Second, the more transparent the process, the better chance a woman has of being named to the post. And for the first time, the president of the General Assembly, Denmark's Mogens Lykketoft, has committed to an "open and transparent process," asking member states to each present a candidate from their country. Interviews are to start in April. Of course, the call for candidates doesn't mean the next UN leader will be chosen democratically. Rules still dictate that the name put forward to the General Assembly for the secretary general's position must come from the Security Council. Still, the signs that a woman could take over to lead the most important global body have never looked better. At present the buzz is that it will be a woman from Eastern Europe, with Irina Bokova of Bulgaria and Vesna Pusic of Croatia topping many lists of leading candidates. That region has never had a secretary general. But there could be a spoiler in that theory, regional rotation or not. The Security Council's permanent members must agree on a mutually acceptable candidate. Among UN watchers, it's deemed unlikely that a name from that region that is acceptable to the Russians would also be acceptable to the U.S. That could leave the door open a crack for Canada. Here's why: There has never been a secretary-general from North America, because it is deemed as part of the "region" that includes Western European countries, which have had their turn. But there's no reason it couldn't be considered if candidates from Eastern Europe are ruled out. One eminently qualified Canadian woman touted by the Campaign to Elect a Woman UN Secretary-General is Louise Arbour. The former Supreme Court judge has already served as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and as Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda. Despite all the talk, it's still a long shot. So far the UN hasn't even managed to live up to its 1995 commitment to have half of all senior positions in its own organization filled by women by the year 2000. Sixteen years after that deadline, only a quarter of senior roles at the UN are held by women. Still, as Jessica Neuwirth, one of the founders of Equality Now, says: "Maybe if we start from the top we can actually get there." Why not? After all, as Trudeau might say, it will be 2017. (Source:https://beta.thestar.com/opinion/editorials/2016/03/28/its-time-for-a-woman-to-lead-the-united-nations-.) Are we ready to implement the SDGs? Carey L. Biron : When almost every nation on the planet agreed to a set of 17 anti-poverty and sustainability goals in September, it was a historic moment. But the work on implementing those Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which went into effect in January, is just beginning. Beneath each of those goals are multiple targets, each of which needs to be measured - somehow. It's this last part that is now proving as contentious as it is important. The U.N. has called this issue the "last missing piece" of the new SDGs. After all, deciding on detailed metrics by which to gauge progress on the goals is almost certain to be highly influential in determining how the massive new strategy gets implemented on the ground, as well as who it helps and how. That last piece started to fall into place this month, when a U.N. commission approved a long list of these metrics, known as indicators. Yet as it turns out, significant work remains in finalizing this final component. A key part of that additional work is set to begin this week, when a technical group that has been shepherding the indicators process meets for three days in Mexico City. "Completing the indicator framework is of course not the end of the story - on the contrary, it is the beginning," U.N. official Wu Hongbo said 11 March in prepared remarks. "The SDG indicators will require an unprecedented amount of data to be produced and analyzed - and it is evident that this will pose a significant challenge for national statistical systems, in developing as well as developed countries." The central action here was this month's annual meeting of the U.N. Statistical Commission, which gave its long-awaited green light to more than 230 proposed indicators. Yet while the commission approved the full list of proposed indicators, it did so with significant caution. Discussion on the issue took well longer than the time allotted, and member states almost all warned that the approved list was merely preliminary. Work on refining the indicators will now begin Wednesday, when the technical body that proposed these metrics - a group known as the Inter-Agency and Expert Group (IAEG) - meets in Mexico City. The sessions will be only the group's third face-to-face meeting, and it suddenly has much more than expected on its plate. "The Statistical Commission's work opened the floodgates for the IAEG's mandate moving forward, so the scope of their work is a little unclear," said Jess Espey of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), an external group of experts launched by the U.N."A lot hinges on the meeting at the end of this month to figure out modalities on refining a lot of the indicators." A key consideration will be deciding on how the indicators can be adapted to national and local contexts, a central aim for both government and non-government supporters of this process, albeit for differing reasons. While national statistical offices will eventually be able to make available single numbers on how their countries as a whole are doing on the goals, many outside of national governments are increasingly asking about prospects for tracking progress - and thus informing policymaking - at the regional or cities level. For instance, look at the new goal on cities - Goal 11, which aims to "make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable". Even at this late date, it remains unclear how responding to the new mandates of Goal 11 will be apportioned between national governments and city authorities. Similar questions are being voiced over the intrinsically urban elements of many of the rest of the SDGs - and this concern is now taking specific form in the fight over the indicators. The SDGs framework breaks down like this. First are the 17 goals themselves, outlining the framework's overarching priorities for sustainable development over the coming 15 years. These range from traditional priorities on health, education and sanitation to newer concerns such as urbanization and climate. They also include nebulous, and highly contentious, aims around governance, justice and equality. Below each of the goals are 169 "targets", offering specifics at which the global community is supposed to be aiming over the next decade and a half. For instance, while Goal 3 outlines a broad vision around health - "Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages" - it also includes 13 related targets on how to achieve that vision, each of which is supposed to come to fruition by 2030. For example, one of Goal 3's targets directs governments to "end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age". Both the goals and targets were finalized in September at a major summit in New York, where 193 national governments agreed on the final outline. What has remained unfinished, however, has been the third level of these goals: the indicators under each of the targets. While these will offer specific yardsticks by which to gauge progress on the ground, they will also do much to guide actual implementation of each goal. It's important to recognize that these indicators are not meant to guide national-level policymaking but rather to allow the international community a way to track global progress on the 169 targets. Nonetheless, the indicators are expected to influence how domestic authorities decide on how to implement the SDGs. To go back to Goal 3, how exactly will global progress on ending preventable deaths of newborns and young children actually be measured? Through two newly approved indicators that measure the exact level of mortality for children under five and for infants. In this case, then, the indicators are quite straightforward. But that's not the case with many of the 169 targets, which venture into far more complex and politically tenuous areas - around energy consumption, perceptions of safety, experiences of corruption and much more. Few believe that the SDGs themselves lack in ambition; on the contrary, a central complaint has been that they may be too ambitious. Yet as the process to define indicators to measure progress on the goals has proceeded, some are wondering whether indicators can now be found that can actually measure up to the scope of the goals they're supposed to measure. Whose data revolution? The indicators, after all, are where the sprawling vision of the SDGs collides directly with the facts and feasibility on the ground. In detailing exactly what does (and hence doesn't) need to be measured, they will inevitably guide governments on what does (and doesn't) need to be acted upon, and how. That's why the process of formulating the indicators has drawn keen attention on all sides. National governments, for instance, are balking at the number of indicators, raising concerns over whether their statistical offices are staffed and trained well enough to maintain statistically robust data on the range of SDGs-related priorities. They're also giving voice to longstanding frustrations over being told how to structure their domestic development initiatives. Academics and civil society groups, meanwhile, are suggesting that the list of approved indicators isn't detailed enough. They're also questioning where the data will come from in the first place: solely from national statistical offices? Or will cities have a key part to play in this process? And what about citizens themselves - those who are supposed to be benefiting from this new development regime and often know best what is and isn't working? Indeed, the process of finalizing the SDG indicators offers unique insight into the power struggles that bubble beneath the surface of what is widely being discussed as a new "revolution" in the use of data in guiding policymaking, including around global development. After all, this revolution is in part powered by new technologies that have also done much to democratize the production of data. How, then, does this inform who decides on development priorities - and who controls related funding? "The UN Statistical Commission report on SDG indicators fails to distinguish between indicators that are valuable for national and state governments and indicators that are valuable (or essential) for local governments," David Satterthwaite, a senior fellow at the International Institute of Environment and Development, wrote this month. "Since much of the responsibility for meeting many of the SDGs in urban areas falls to local governments, the measures being discussed at the UN Statistical Commission need to include local government indicator needs." As yet, this is not happening. Both the Statistical Commission and the IAEG note that breaking down the indicators by different categories - a process called disaggregation - is a key requirement in order that the SDGs "leave no one behind". Further, one of the priorities for this disaggregation process is by geography. But Satterthwaite argues that "this seems to think that disaggregating by rural and urban areas is enough." Disaggregating by city or even neighbourhood, doesn't yet appear to be on the table. Further, national governments appear to have made a strong case for directing this part of the process. Although a key priority for the IAEG this year will to develop guidance around disaggregation, the Statistical Commission has now formally noted that "Indicators for regional, national and subnational levels of monitoring will be developed at the regional and national levels." Nonetheless, that process will now begin to play out under the auspices of the IAEG, starting at the Mexico City meeting. In its annual meeting, the Statistical Commission did mandate the establishment of a working group on data disaggregation within the IAEG, but the efficacy of that effort remains unclear as past working groups under the commission have been seen as ineffectual. Others are questioning why the indicators discussion continues to focus almost exclusively on official statistics, at any level. With governments expressing concern around the capacity strengthening that will be required to facilitate SDGs monitoring, civil society groups note that the same technologies that are propelling the data revolution are empowering citizens with new capacities for oversight and data creation. This could allow, for instance, a health NGO to report on district- or even neighbourhood-level statistics in a way that could bolster or watchdog official findings. "The key isn't so much the details of the indicators as ensuring that governments are committed to a diverse source of data to track progress - not just national statistical offices acting as gatekeepers but a broader multistakeholder approach," said Jack Cornforth with DataShift, a project of CIVICUS, the World Alliance for Citizen Participation. The Statistical Commission did acknowledge other sources of data outside of official statistics - a key development for civil society groups. It also noted that "when sources and methodologies other than national statistical offices are used, they will be reviewed and agreed by national statistics authorities and presented in a transparent manner." For Cornforth, who expressed frustration over the IAEG's lack of engagement with civil society thus far, this raises a question on whether the process going forward will be more open. "What we want to know is how that process is going to work in practice," Cornforth said. "The IAEG is going to need to be more inclusive regarding nongovernmental voices if this is going to be about more than keeping civil society data out of the official reporting process." This is a lot for a technical group to wade into, and resolution on many of these sticky issues won't be quick to come. Nonetheless, the IAEG's Mexico City meeting is set to be a key one for the forward-looking process it will set in place. Much of the IAEG's meeting will be devoted to creating a "tier" system for all of the approved indicators. This will establish which of the 230-plus indicators are ready and available for immediate use, which are almost ready, and which remain highly contentious or undecided in terms of agreed-upon methodology. Resolution on this latter category could take several years, observers say. Either way, finalization of this tiering strategy will do much to indicate what can be expected from national governments over the coming year. Indeed, what happens in Mexico City will allow governments to begin planning the mammoth process of implementing the SDGs and reporting on their progress. For instance, national governments that are keen to move on the new SDGs framework can now start to create ministerial task forces and other bodies aimed at taking stock of where their own development programmes and monitoring priorities stand in relation to the new indicators. Meanwhile, an important opportunity for further clarifying the SDG indicators also exists in the run-up to this year's U.?N. conference on cities, Habitat III. That event is supposed to come out with a new 20-year global strategy on urbanization, and supporters are hoping to use the opportunity to jumpstart SDGs implementation at the cities level. Citiscope will be looking at interlinkages between the SDGs indicators and post-Habitat III monitoring in the coming months, as thinking on that strategy evolves. "We are really hoping that Habitat III will be positioned as an SDG-implementation conference," Espey said. "It needs to be seen by the political and diplomatic community as the first major opportunity for implementation of these goals." (Carey L. Biron is news editor for Citiscope, where he oversees coverage of the global debate leading to the U.?N.'s Habitat III conference on cities in October 2016). Khaleda renews call for dialogue Staff Reporter : BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia has renewed her call for dialogue, urging the government to resolve the ongoing political crisis in the country through dialogue with opposition parties and holding an acceptable election. "The ball is now in the ruling party's court. We hope that they will take initiative to hold dialogue discarding the path of conflict," she said. The BNP chief was addressing a conference of a faction of Islami Oikya Jote (IOJ) in the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) on Thursday. IOJ's Chairman Advocate Abdur Rakib chaired the function, while BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, president of Jatiya Ganotantrik Party (Jagpa) Shafiul Alam Prodhan and Hefajat-e-Islam's Dkaka city unit chief Maulana Noor Hossain Quashemi also addressed it, among others. Khaleda Zia called upon the leaders and activists of the Islami Oikya Jote and the ulema-mashayekh to get united to raise voice against the misrule and misdeeds of the government. She also called upon them to be vocal for an inclusive Parliamentary election. "There is no rule of law in the country. All the institutions have almost collapsed. An anarchic situation prevails in the country," she said. She criticised the government for vote fraud and irregularities during the UP and municipality polls. The government has snatched the voting rights of the people, and the ruling party men are looting the wealth of people, she said. Khaleda Zia said that the people of the country want relief from this situation. No headway in Tonu murder investigation Staff Reporter : With no visible progress in the investigation, protests continued across the country, demanding justice for Sohagi Jahan Tonu, who was killed inside Comilla Cantonment area on March 20. Bangladesh Students' Union (BSU), a left leaning student organisation, started its pre-announced march to Prime Minister's Office at 11am on Thursday. The police stopped the march when it reached at Shahbagh intersection. At one stage, chase and counter chase occurred between the police and the activists of the BSU. At least five activists of BSU were injured. The leaders of BSU also expressed their solidarity with the strike of general students to be observed on April 3 in all the educational institutions. General Secretary of BSU GM Gilani Shuvo said that they were going to the PMO to submit memorandum, demanding exemplary punishment to the killers of Sohagi Jahan Tonu. But the police intercepted the activists of the BSU for no reason. At least five activists were injured during a scuffle with police at Shahbagh intersection, he said. Meanwhile, dozens of school-going children covered their eyes in black clothes and stood in silent resilience near the Jatiya Press Club demanding justice for Tonu on Thursday. Joyjatra Foundation arranged a rally in this regard in front of the National Press Club where at least 90 students took part with the banner "No more deaths like Tonu" Since the murder of Tonu, protests have been sparking spontaneously against killers all over the country demanding justice. Students have been in the lead in most of those protests. Social media is still vibrant in condemnation of the incident and buzzing with Justice for Tonu. The general students of Dhaka University have called for a strike in all the educational institutions on April 3 in protest. Kim Wong turns over $4.63m to AMLC Staff Reporter : Casino junket operator Kim Wong on Thursday turned over $4.63 million stolen by hackers from Bangladesh's central bank to the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) for safekeeping at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) premises, according Philippine Daily Inquirer. "Early this morning, 48 hours after the adjournment of the Senate hearing, Kim Wong asked me to visit AMLC and BSP in order to inform AMLC that we are officially turning over $4.63 million mentioned by Kim Wong at the hearing. We completed the turnover, including counting and verification of bills," Inocencio Ferrer, legal counsel of Kim Wong, told reporters Thursday evening. Ferer said it took them three hours to count the huge sum of money in denominations of $100 using "many" counting machines akin to those used in bank. Ferrer said Kim Wong needed not return the money personally as AMLC and the BSP had been "trained" anyway to deal with such transactions. Ferrer said Senator Teofisto Guingona III advised them how they could return the money to AMLC. The counsel declined to say where the money was stored before it was delivered to AMLC, only disclosing that they were provided a van with two security aides to accompany him and the huge amount on their way to the BSP. "The stature of the Philippines in the world community is restored today; even without the [intervention of] courts, part of the funds were returned," Ferrer said. Don't deport genuine BD asylum seekers The Hill : A top House Democrat this week is urging the Obama administration to halt the deportation of undocumented Bangladeshi immigrants pending a deeper dive into their asylum claims. Rep. Joe Crowley (N.Y.), vice chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, said he's hearing concerns within the Bangladeshi-American community-which is well-represented in his district-that a group of Bangladeshis "with legitimate claims of asylum are in imminent danger of deportation." He did not say how many. In a March 28 letter to Secretary of State John Kerry and Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson, Crowley presses the administration to suspend those deportations "until there can be thorough assessments of the asylum claims." "I have long believed that no one should be sent into a situation where they face danger or persecution," wrote Crowley, who also heads the Congressional Bangladesh Caucus. "While I do not know the details of all the individual cases, some members of the community here in the United States believe strongly that this scenario applies to those currently in detention." Democrats and other immigrant rights advocates have been hammering the administration's asylum policies since the very start of the year, after DHS officials arrested scores of Central American immigrants deemed ineligible for the extra protective status and set them in line for deportation. Many of those rounded up were women and children who'd arrived as part of the 2014 southern border surge. Behind the DHS' Johnson, the administration has defended its operations, arguing that the agency is simply complying with guidelines, adopted in 2014, that prioritize the deportation of criminals and new arrivals. The administration also wants to avoid another surge by sending a clear message to would-be illegal migrants that not everyone reaching the United States gets to stay. Still, the critics contend the asylum screenings have been, from the start, rigged against the immigrants, many of whom don't speak the language, don't understand the process and have no legal counsel. The advocates fear that sending those folks back to El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala-which rank among the most violent and corrupt countries in the world-would endanger their lives. Crowley, in his recent letter, is extending those concerns to the situation in Bangladesh, another volatile nation plagued by sectarian violence, government corruption and religious extremism. Just this week a series of clashes surrounding local elections killed more than a dozen people. Crowley has posed a series of questions he says "must be answered" by the administration before more Bangladeshis are deported. He wants assurances that the detainees won't be endangered if they're sent home, "including physical violence, threats, intimidation, or political retribution." He's also asking if any one sect of Bangladeshis has been targeted for detention, and whether there's evidence that anyone already deported "faced persecution upon their return home." The administration is not the only group in his sights. Crowley is also urging Republicans on Capitol Hill to take up the comprehensive immigration reforms that have eluded Congress for decades. Only then, he said, will the President have a clear blueprint "to guide our immigration enforcement policies, including deportations." "This includes a greater focus on solutions like strengthening legal representation for those requesting asylum and ensuring that our detention and adjudication policies protect civil rights," he wrote. 7 killed in UP polls violence SM Mizanur Rahman :Widespread clash and violence in different places of the country left at least six people dead and over 100 injured in the second phase of Union Parishad (UP) elections on Thursday. The deceased were identified as Mohammad Jamaludin, 32, Sanaullah Ahmed, 27, and Mohammad Ibrahim, 25, of Swandip upazila in Chittagong district; Rafiqul Islam, 50, of Shyampur union of Melandah upazila in Jamalpur; Shuvo, 10, son of Halim of Dhalikandi village in Keraniganj upazila, Dhaka; and Golap Hossain of Chanchra union in Sadar upazila, Jessore.Voting in the second phase elections to 639 UPs in 47 districts started from 8:00 am continued till 4:00 pm without any break. In the first phase of UP polls held on March 22, at least 12 people were killed in election violence.The festive mood of the polls to the lowest tier of Local Government body was largely marred by electoral irregularities and incidents of clashes between supporters of rival candidates.Storming of polling stations and ballot stuffing -- mostly by those loyal to the ruling Awami League favourites -- was reported from different Union Parishads across the country.According to our correspondents, in Chittagong, Swandip upazila of the sadar district saw the deadliest violence in which at least three people were killed and several others injured in firing by the law enforcers. At least three people were killed in police firing at Char Bauria Government Primary School at Swandip upazila in the sadar district. When contacted, Abdus Salam, Officer-in-Charge of Swandip Police Station said the supporters of an independent candidate Zillur Rahman attacked Char Bauria Government Primary School just after the voting ended. So, police fired several rounds of gunshots to disperse them, he said. "Police were compelled to fire in defence. Three people died as an aftermath. A police constable was injured," the OC said.In Dhaka, Shuvo a 10-year-old boy was shot dead during a clash outside a polling station at Dhaka's Keraniganj upazila.The local administration said that shooting erupted during a clash between rival supporters around 10:30 am at a polling centre in the upazila's Hazratpur Union. "No bullets were fired by the security personnel, the child was killed in crossfire between rival supporters," Keraniganj's Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) ABM Fakhruzzaman told journalists. "The boy succumbed to his injuries on the way to the hospital," said Kernaiganj police's Sub Inspector Monir Uz Zaman.Quoting witnesses, Officer-in-Charge of Keraniganj Model Police Station Ferdous Hossain said a group of BNP supporters and another of Awami League locked in a clash over capturing Madhurchar Govt Primary School polling station around 10:20 am. In Jamalpur, supporters of the two member candidates locked in a clash at Uttar Baluchar Government Primary School polling centre around 11:15 am at Shyampur union in Melandah upazila of Jamalpur district.Both the groups took part in a chase and counter-chase. During the melee, a brick chip was hurled from one side that hit Rafiqul Islam,50, leaving him dead on the spot, witnesses said.Another person was also injured in the clash, they said.However, Officer-in-Charge of Melandah Police Station Nasimul Islam said Rafiqul died of a heart attack while waiting in a long queue for casting vote.In Jessore, a man was gunned down during a clash between the supporters of two chairmen candidates at Chanchra union in Sadar upazila.Officer-in-Charge of Sadar Police Station Elias Hossain said the supporters of AL-nominated and AL-rebel candidates engaged in a clash at Bhaturia Government Primary School polling centre in Chanchra union around 11:00 am.Both the groups took part in a chase and counter-chase and opened fire at each other, leaving Golap Hossain dead on the spot and two others injured. The injured were admitted to Jessore 250-bed General Hospital.Apart from these, four people, including an assistant presiding officer, were arrested at the Churamonkathi Government Primary School centre, said Returning Officer Shahidul Islam.The arrested polling official has been identified as Abdullah Bin Akbar. "Supporters of UP member aspirant Shukkur Ali stormed the centre and started stuffing the ballot boxes. Later, two other contenders-Anisur Rahman and Mahbub Hasan-challenged Ali's supporters leading to a clash. Police later charged with batons to disperse them," said the Returning Officer.Later, voting was suspended there and the four people were arrested on orders of the executive magistrate.In Comilla, Clash between supporters of rival candidates erupted outside a polling station in sadar district just after voting of some UPs began.Witnesses said shots were fired during the clash at North Borura Khoshbash Union.The clash broke out after the BNP-nominated chairman candidate was injured in an attack by Awami League supporters outside the voting centre in Arifpur Govt Primary School. "Voting was disrupted for some time due to the violence outside the centre," said Presiding Officer Shoyeb Ahmed Amir Hossain.BNP-nominated chairman candidate Jakir Hossain said that he went to polling station after hearing that Awami League supporters were stuffing ballot papers. He was attacked and injured on the head.Meanwhile, 11 chairmen candidates boycotted the UP elections in Chittagong, Chandpur, Comilla, Sherpur and Jhenidah districts on charges of various irregularities. Eight of them belong to BNP, two to AL (rebel), while one is an independent candidate.Voting at a polling centre in Nayanagar union of Melandah upazila under Jamalpur was suspended as miscreants tried to snatch ballot boxes before the start of the voting in the morning.Meanwhile, five people were injured as a clash erupted during an attempt by the supporters of Jatiya Party and BNP-backed Chairman candidates to resist an alleged bid of Awami League-backed candidate to capture a polling centre at Khoshbash union in Barura upazila.BNP-backed chairman candidate Zakir Hossain and JP-backed chairman candidate Shah Alam were among the injured. Police also recovered five crude bombs from the spot and picked up five people from the scene for quizzing.Police arrested an assistant presiding officer as he allegedly facilitated fake vote casting in favour of Awami League-backed Chairman candidate at Churamankathi in Jessore Sadar upazila. Police also arrested an agent of the AL candidate, Babul Hossain.As many as 31 chairman candidates, all from ruling Awami League, have already been elected unopposed as there was no rival against their respective posts in the 2nd phase of the UP polls.Of the 31 chairman posts that won unopposed 14 are in Gopalganj, six in Joypurhat, three in Jessore, two each in Dhaka and Madaripur, one each in Kishoreganj and Munshiganj, Sherpur and Sirajganj. A total of 2,662 Chairman contenders, including some 1493 from 17 political parties and 1,169 independent candidates were in the UP election race.Candidates from two major political parties -- ruling Awami League and its archrival BNP - are frontrunners in the election. But BNP has no chairman candidates in 79 UPs, while AL has got candidates in all the 639 UPs. NCC Mayor Ivy spends night at PS to get contractor released bdnews24.com :Narayanganj City Corporation Mayor Selina Hayat Ivy has spent a whole night at a police station to 'protest' the arrest of a city corporation contractor.Police arrested Zakir Hossain, owner of Ratna Enterprise, around 10pm on Wednesday. Ivy rushed to Narayanganj Sadar Model Police Station about an hour later and stayed there until Thursday morning.Hossain was implementing a project to build an amusement park and beautify a lake at the city's Gymkhana Deobhog area. "Influential quarters hadhim arrested in a false case to foil the project," she claimed.OC Abdul Malek, however, said Hossain was arrested in a case filed on Wednesday over an incident of beating up some staff of Bangladesh Railway. The contractor was accused of beating up and injuring some railway staff with seven to eight unidentified people on March 27, the OC said. "No such incident took place. I contacted the railway secretary. He told me that he knew nothing about any such incident," said Ivy. The city corporation had awarded the contract for implementing the project on railway land and there was a dispute over this. "The contractor was working on the city corporation's directives. If anyone has a complaint, I should be arrested first," said the mayor.Ratna Enterprise got the contract for the Tk 77.5 million project in August last year. The project is scheduled to be completed by August this year. Republican front-runner changes stance BBC Online : US presidential hopeful Donald Trump has withdrawn a call for women who have abortions to be punished, only hours after suggesting it. He had proposed "some form of punishment" for women who have abortions if they were made illegal. But after strong criticism, Mr Trump repeated the Republican party line that only the person performing the abortion should be punished, not the women. The Republican front-runner supports a ban on abortions, with some exceptions. Abortion has been legal in the United States since 1973 after a landmark Supreme Court ruling. Only the Supreme Court or a constitutional amendment has the power to overturn Roe v Wade and make abortion illegal. The Republican party's official position is that abortion should be illegal. Conservative politicians and anti-abortion activists who view abortion as akin to murder, however, tend to avoid outlining any criminal punishment for women who undergo the procedure, instead targeting the doctors responsible. The reason for this is simple - to make abortion bans more acceptable to a general public that does not want to see possibly distraught women grappling with unwanted pregnancies sent to prison. Donald Trump, as he is wont to do, just trampled through this carefully constructed conservative political dance with all the grace of a rhinoceros at a tea party. Thanks to his assertion, after prodding, that women should face "some form of punishment" for having an illegal abortion, the conservative pro-life movement is going to be forced to defend their beliefs on uncomfortable ground. Republican candidates will be asked, again and again, to defend or denounce Mr Trump's comments. This is exactly the kind of scenario that terrifies Republican politicians about Mr Trump as their party's nominee. His ill-considered remarks and shoot-from-the-hip approach to media interviews could be a political minefield for their candidates in the autumn. Mr Trump's initial comments made during a town hall event with cable network MSNBC sparked a wave of criticism. But he later maintained: "The woman is a victim in this case as is the life in her womb. "My position has not changed - like Ronald Reagan, I am pro-life with exceptions." Once a Democrat, Mr Trump has been criticised for supporting abortion rights in the past. Some anti-abortion groups criticised Mr Trump's initial comments as extreme. "Mr Trump's comment today is completely out of touch with the pro-life movement and even more with women who have chosen such a sad thing as abortion," said Jeanne Mancini, President of the March for Life Education and Defense Fund. "No pro-lifer would ever want to punish a woman who has chosen abortion." Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton has been an outspoken critic of Mr Trump's stance on women's issues. "Just when you thought it couldn't get worse. Horrific and telling," said Mrs Clinton after his latest comments. Texas Senator Ted Cruz, Mr Trump's closest rival in the Republican race, also condemned the billionaire. "Once again Donald Trump has demonstrated that he hasn't seriously thought through the issues, and he'll say anything just to get attention," Mr Cruz said. His spokesman Brian Phillips added on Twitter: "Don't overthink it: Trump doesn't understand the pro-life position because he's not pro-life." Republican leaders have expressed concern about Mr Trump's prospects in the general election because polls show that the New York businessman is extremely unpopular with female voters. Mr Trump has come under fire for disparaging women including former presidential candidate Carly Fiorina and TV presenter Megyn Kelly. "If Trump's words about women - calling us 'disgusting', 'slobs' and 'fat pigs' - didn't scare us, this should," said Kate Black of Emily's List, a group committed to electing female Democrats who support abortion rights. His campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski, was arrested on Tuesday, accused of a minor assault on a female reporter. Mr Trump has vehemently defended Mr Lewandowski. Anti-abortion activists traditionally have avoided placing blame on women who undergo abortions, but have focused on those who perform the procedure. In recent years, conservatives have sought to tighten restrictions on abortion clinics and doctors rather than seek an outright ban. Abortion rights advocates say these measures are meant to restrict women's access to abortion. The new laws are particularly widespread in conservative southern states. Donald Trump is "an uninformed opportunist," says Nicholas Kristof in the New York Times. "So maybe Trump, in his flip-flopping wavering about women's issues, can at least remind us of a larger truth. Whatever one thinks of abortion, criminalising it would be worse." "GOP [Republican] analysts fear that a significant chunk of reliable Republican women voters are so horrified by the thought of a Trump presidency that they would vote for [Hillary] Clinton in November," writes Tracy Jan in the Boston Globe. Katie Glueck and Kyle Cheney in Politico say: "While Trump has become a master at firing off controversial comments and earning kudos from his core supporters for his disregard for political correctness, the real estate mogul is making little headway in his recently stated goal of convincing the Republican Party to unify behind him as the front-runner." Dhaka College student killed in road crash Staff Reporter : A student of Dhaka College was killed in a road accident after a bus ran over him at Tikatuli intersection in the capital on Thursday morning. The deceased has been identified as Arifur Rahman, 22, a student of Business Studies of the college. Witnesses said that Arifur was going to his college riding a motorcycle. When Arifur reached Tikatuli intersection, he fell from the motorcycle, which slipped suddenly. Then, a passenger bus ran over him, leaving him critically injured. He was whisked off to Dhaka Medical College Hospital where on-duty doctors declared him dead. He got injured at 10:30am at Motijheel and died in the Dhaka Medical College Hospital, said the hospital police outpost's Inspector Mozammel Haque. SC upholds HC bail for Abbas in graft case bdnews24.com :The Appellate Division has upheld High Court's bail for senior BNP leader Mirza Abbas in a case filed by the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC).The four-member bench headed by Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha on Thursday scrapped the ACC's plea to appeal against the High Court's order. The order means there are no more legal problem for Mirza Abbas' release, said his counsel Sogir Hossain.Mirza Abbas has been in prison since January 6 this year after he surrendered to a trial court in two cases of violence. The BNP Standing Committee member secured bail in the two cases from the High Court in February this year. In the graft case by ACC, the High Court on Mar 9 granted him bail until the trial was over.The ACC moved the Supreme Court's chamber judge the next day challenging the order, which forwarded it to regular appeals bench. On March 14, the Appellate Division stayed the bail and told the ACC to a file a petition to appeal against the High Court order. The ACC filed a 'leave-to-appeal' petition on March 28, which the court rejected on Thursday upholding bail for Mirza Abbas. The District Court has allowed Marshal Pope to post bond while he takes his case to the 3rd Circuit, avoiding his house arrest sentence for the time being. Pope enters the Lafayette Parish Courthouse for day one of his contempt hearing. Photo by Robin May City Marshal Brian Pope has been spared house arrest for the duration of his appellate challenges to judgments ruled against him in our ongoing public records dispute. The marshal had recently been ordered to report to Lafayette Parish Correctional Center on April 4 to begin seven days of house arrest as part of a criminal contempt of court penalty established March 24. By granting the bail bond motion, the 15th Judicial District Court has allowed Pope to avoid jail time and instead post a $500 bond, while his attorneys challenge the contempt ruling and consequent penalties with a writ before the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeal. Pope has also appealed District Court Judge Jules Edwards Jan. 4 ruling that Popes responses to two IND public records requests were woefully inadequate and his failure to comply with those requests arbitrary and unreasonable. Via those requests, The IND had sought emails that would later prove that Pope had used an official city marshals press conference in October 2015 to lob an anti-immigrant attack on then-candidate for sheriff Mark Garber in collaboration with Garbers opponent in the race, Scott Police Chief Chad Leger. For months, Pope blocked The INDs requests until a December court order, the same court order for which Pope had been recently held in contempt. That January ruling, after months of court action, saddled Pope with what became a near $100,000 bill, including accrued penalties and The INDs legal fees and court costs. Pope has posted a $150,000 suspensive appeal bond in order to secure that judgment while he pursues the appeal. According to court documents, Pope is the principal signatory to that bond. With the 3rd Circuit now reviewing two motions from Popes camp, the writ concerning contempt punishments set March 24 and the financial liability affixed Jan. 4, its unclear exactly when Pope would see house arrest or ultimately pay the hefty and ballooning bill. According to the Louisiana public records statute, Pope is liable as custodian of record in solido with his office for The INDs attorney fees and costs. The office serves as a surety in the event Pope himself cant pay the fines. The law is written to avoid saddling the requester with the legal and financial burden of public transparency. Pope could face criminal indictment for perjury, abuse of office and malfeasance, depending on whether a criminal investigation is pursued by the local district attorney's office or state attorney general. Judge Edwards himself made note of the potential perjury, malfeasance and abuse of office charges that Pope could face in his March 24 ruling. Because of the civil nature of the judgments Pope has appealed, criminal charges can still be levied without regard for the status of that appeal. To catch up on our public records dispute with the city marshal, check out our timeline. It now appears that last weeks ruling by 15th Judicial District Judge Jules Edwards in the ongoing public records battle between The Independent and Lafayette City Marshal Brian Pope is reverberating across the state. Thursdays editorial in The Advocate, a biting critique of Popes flagrant violation of the public records law and glowing assessment of Edwards decision to teach him a lesson, didnt lose sight of the next obvious step in this process: The judge said evidence produced by the suit serves as possible grounds to investigate Pope for perjury and malfeasance in office. We hope Keith Stutes, the district attorney serving Lafayette, takes Edwards lead. The editorial comes on the heels of last weeks contempt of court hearing in which Edwards threw the book at the city marshal, who was elected to a six-year term in 2014. At the heart of the legal dispute between The IND and Pope is his failure to turn over emails and records in connection with the use of his office to boost Chad Legers failed campaign for sheriff by holding an October press conference attacking Legers opponent, now Sheriff-elect Mark Garber. In December Edwards had ordered Pope to turn over the public records requested by The IND, but the judge later found that Popes responses to our requests were woefully inadequate and held him in contempt of court. At the contempt hearing on March 24, Edwards sentenced Pope to 30 days in jail with all but seven days suspended and ordered him to pay upwards of $100,000 in attorneys fees, court costs and penalties. In his ruling, Edwards painted a picture of a law enforcement official who believed himself above the law by willfully and obstinately failing to comply with two public records requests, flaunting court orders meant to remedy that failure, using the resources of his office for his personal campaign and appearing armed and in uniform while in court. There is a long-standing rule in this court that law enforcement officers who are the named parties in litigation are not allowed to come into the courtroom while armed and in uniform, Edwards said in court. The rationale for this rule is the safety of the bailiffs and prevention of witness intimidation. The marshals conduct in this regard is another example of his apparent attitude that he is above the law, the judge added. Judge Edwards ruling is clearly a strong message to public officials and custodians of public records around the state: If you willfully violate the publics trust and keep records from the public with wanton disregard for the law, there will be serious consequences, says Scott L. Sternberg, an attorney at Baldwin Haspel Burke & Mayer in New Orleans who also serves as general counsel for the Louisiana Press Association. In Louisiana, Sternberg continues, the people have decided to enact laws to require transparent government. Advocates like The Independent believe open government is better government and that people deserve accountability. While The IND was confident in its immediate hunch that Pope was working closely with the Leger campaign when he held that bizarre, awkward press conference in October, we certainly could not have imagined all of the twists and turns we were in for as this case progressed. And now we can only hope that law enforcement officials with the ability, duty and resources to dig deeper are hearing Edwards words and reading todays Advocate. Pre-purchase property inspection is a relatively new thing in the United Kingdom. Its not something that most people have heard about, but it has become increasingly popular over the last few years with the rise in property prices and increased demand for high quality homes. What are the benefits of pre-purchase building inspection? What can you expect to find out when you pay someone else to inspect your home before you buy it? And what should you look for during an inspection? Many people want to know if theyre buying a house thats been well maintained or if its had any serious problems. If youve found a place on the market that seems attractive, but then discover some issues after moving in, you may not be as excited about buying it as you thought you were. Its important to do your due diligence when looking at properties. A lot goes into making a property appealing to potential buyers, from the landscaping to the flooring to the kitchen appliances. The same applies when inspecting a property there are many things that need checking over to make sure everything is running smoothly. Here are some of the benefits of performing a pre-purchase inspection: You get to see exactly what will happen to your money When you go shopping for a new car, youll probably be shown several different models. You might even be shown one that looks like a great value, but doesnt fit around all of the extra features that you want. When it comes time to actually buy the vehicle, however, you wont have seen how your money will be spent on it once you drive it off the showroom floor. Likewise, when you shop for a new home, you dont really know what youre getting yourself into until you move in. In order to get a feel for whether the home youre considering is what you want, you normally have to spend quite a bit of time inside it. This allows you to learn more about everything that youre going to be spending your hard-earned cash on. A pre-purchase building inspection gives you much the same kind of experience without having to spend thousands of dollars. Since youre paying for the service, you can expect to see exactly what youre paying for, instead of just seeing a vague idea of what you might end up with. You find out about potential major repairs Some buildings are very expensive to maintain, which means that owners often neglect them for the sake of saving money. While youre paying for a building inspection, youre also paying for a professional who knows how to spot signs of trouble and repair work that needs doing. If you notice that a particular area of your new home needs fixing right away, you can call in an expert to take care of it quickly. If you find that theres something wrong with your boiler, you wont have to wait weeks for a plumber to come over and fix it. Instead, youll have access to a solution immediately. You can save hundreds of pounds by finding out about potential problems early on One of the biggest expenses when you first buy a home is the cost of moving in. Many people dont realize this until its too late. Buying a home involves not only paying for the actual house, but also for moving costs, furniture, and other items that have to be moved along with the home. Having a good idea ahead of time of what youre likely to encounter can help you avoid these kinds of costs. If you know youll need to replace the plumbing system, for example, youll be able to put together a budget for the expense and plan accordingly. You can protect your investment by finding out if the homes been well cared for While there are plenty of people who think that houses always look better when theyre newly built, youd be surprised at how well maintained older residences can still look nice. Sometimes, though, those homes need some additional maintenance to keep them looking their best. This could involve repairs that arent so noticeable or small improvements that you wouldnt consider otherwise. Even worse, some houses have fallen into disrepair without anyone noticing. This is why having a professional perform a building inspection prior to purchasing a home is such a big benefit. Not only will it give you insight into the state of the property, but it will also give you peace of mind knowing youre not getting taken advantage of. As long as youre aware of the potential pitfalls, youll have less reason to worry about the state of your new home. You can use information gathered during a building inspection to negotiate a lower price If youre worried about buying a home because you suspect that it may need extensive renovation work, you may already have a rough idea of how much work youll need to do to bring it up to scratch. That knowledge can come in handy if you decide to buy the home. You can use all of the details that you gather during a building inspection to present a realistic picture of what the home is worth to prospective buyers. If a potential buyer thinks that the home is worth more than what you paid for it, you can try negotiating a lower price. You can sell your home faster and for more money If you decide to list your home on the market soon after buying it, youll need to price it accurately in order to attract buyers. But if youve already done a thorough building inspection, youll know exactly what work is needed and what the current market conditions are. In other words, youll be able to make a more accurate estimate of the amount of money youve invested in the home and how much its worth. If you find that youre selling your house for close to its full market value, you can use this information to convince the potential buyer that your home is worth the asking price. Even if youre planning to stay in the home for a while before you decide to sell, the fact that you did a thorough building inspection will give you more confidence when listing it. Prospective buyers will know exactly what theyre paying for. Your home will hold its value longer As mentioned earlier, the value of a home depends heavily upon the condition of the building itself. If your home is in bad shape, potential buyers wont be interested in buying it. On the other hand, if youve performed a thorough building inspection and know what sort of repairs are necessary, you can offer your prospective buyer a compelling reason to invest in your property. When you buy a home, youre essentially agreeing to have it inspected periodically to ensure that it stays in top shape. Not only does this allow you to avoid expensive repairs down the road, but it can also increase the value of your home. You can make smart decisions about property investments Buying real estate isnt as simple as just driving a couple of minutes to pick up a house. There are lots of considerations involved, ranging from location to cost. The same is true when youre investing in property. If you find a house that meets all of your requirements, youll want to make sure that you have a solid understanding of where it stands with regards to the rest of the market. If you havent spent enough time researching the area, you could inadvertently end up with a bad deal. There are lots of resources available online that can help you determine the overall level of competition in your area. They can also help you figure out if there are any properties that meet your requirements that you didnt know about. If you own rental property, you can use the information to identify tenants who might cause damage If you own rental property and youve noticed that certain tenants consistently cause damage, you can use the results of a building inspection to identify them. You can then contact them directly to let them know that youre watching them closely and that you dont appreciate the problem theyre causing. They might start taking better care of their homes, which would be good news for everyone. It could also be the case that youll find out that theyre responsible for previous damages that werent caught during a previous visit. You can make smarter decisions about hiring contractors If youve hired contractors to build or repair your home, you might want to ask them for references. However, unless you perform a thorough building inspection, you might not know exactly what to look for. For instance, maybe you only checked the roof for leaks or the walls for cracks. You might not have looked underneath the foundation for anything that could cause a future issue. By performing a building inspection, you can ensure that you hire reputable contractors who will be trustworthy with your money. You can avoid purchasing a home thats in poor condition Of course, the main benefit of structural inspections perth is that it helps you avoid purchasing a home thats in poor condition. Before you make the decision to buy a home, you should do whatever you can to find out about the state of the building. You can also ask your realtor about what sorts of inspections are typically recommended. Some agents say that its standard practice to check the heating system, the roof, the electrical wiring, and the floors. Others will tell you that they recommend that you check the entire structure. Either way, if you choose to hire an inspector, youll find out exactly what needs to be fixed and how much it will cost to do so. As a result, it can be concluded that a pre-purchase building inspection is highly important for the buyers because it provides transparency regarding the current conditions of the structure. Additionally, the building owner is made aware of any upgrades or repairs that are required, which could lead to a fair deal throughout the purchasing and selling process. 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. 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. Foreign ministers of Azerbaijan, Russia and Iran will meet in Baku on April 7, said Mariya Zakharova, spokeswoman for Russias Foreign Ministry, Trends correspondent reported March 31. She said that during the meeting the Azerbaijani, Russian and Iranian FMs Elmar Mammadyarov, Sergei Lavrov and Mohammad Javad Zarif are to exchange views on regional cooperation issues of mutual interest. The parties are expected to discuss the promising transportation projects and multilateral cooperation on the Caspian Sea, added Zakharova. Earlier, Azerbaijani Foreign Ministrys spokesman Hikmet Hajiyev told Trend that the three countries foreign ministers will discuss the implementation of bilateral and trilateral projects, including the North-South transportation corridor project and other issues of mutual interest. /By Azernews/ By Amina Nazarli Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR, which makes huge investments both in the country and abroad is building a modern resort in the Adriatic coast, Montenegro. Montenegrin President Filip Vujanovic told BNE IntelliNews that SOCAR has invested more than 200 million euros in the construction of the resort so far. The project stipulates construction of the resort in the Boca Bay area, which is one of the nicest places on Montenegros coast, according to the president. The 500 million euro resort, which is located on the area used to be a military base during Soviet times, is expected to boost Montenegros tourism sector and overall economy. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2017. The complex will include a network of resort "One & Only" branded hotel as well as luxury apartments, villas and a harbour for super-yachts, known for its orientation towards affluent customers. An agreement on long-term lease of the site will be signed with SOCAR for 90 years. The company will pay the rent for the first 45-year period upfront. Cooperation between Azerbaijan and Montenegro started to develop faster recently. About 4,200 tourists from Azerbaijan visited Montenegro in 2014, while in 2013 their number reached only 1,500. Azerbaijan and Montenegro are keen on developing their ties by clinching new agreements on bilateral cooperation. The resort project in Montenegro is the largest Azerbaijani investment project in tourism outside the country. SOCAR annually invests billions of dollars in transport infrastructure and is involved in key projects designed to increase Europe's energy security. It owns gas stations in Azerbaijan, Switzerland, Georgia and Ukraine. It has representative offices in Georgia, Turkey, Romania, Austria, Switzerland, Kazakhstan, Britain, Iran, Germany and Ukraine and trading companies in Switzerland, Singapore, Vietnam, Nigeria, and other countries. /By Azernews/ By Aynur Karimova Greece has revealed the date and place of laying the foundation of the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline, a part of the Azerbaijan-initiated giant Southern Gas Corridor envisaging transportation of Shah Deniz gas to European consumers. Greek media reported on March 31 with reference to Environment and Energy Minister, Panos Skourletis that the ceremony will be held in Thessaloniki on May 17. The Greek minister said that a number of high-ranking officials will attend the ceremony, as the TAP is the most important project, which will allow creating a large number of jobs. TAP is meant to transport gas from the Caspian region via Greece, Albania and the Adriatic Sea to southern Italy and further to Western Europe. The pipelines total length is about 870 kilometers. TAPs initial capacity will be 10 billion cubic meters per year, expandable to 20 billion cubic meters per year. The construction of TAP will not only provide European countries with Azerbaijani gas, but also pave the way for establishing a significant gas pipeline and infrastructure network in the region. Greece, a Southern European nation with economic difficulties, sees TAP not just a major investment, but also a significant geopolitical tool for this country. Earlier, TAP's country Manager for Greece, Rikard Skoufias said that there were no clouds on the horizon for the project and that cooperation with Athens is smooth and steady in all aspects. "Already 150 Greek companies have been selected as prospective suppliers for works on the pipeline," he added. Greece has repeatedly expressed a desire to get Azerbaijani gas as soon as possible and assured to have necessary infrastructure for supply of Caspian blue fuel via the multi-billion Southern Gas Corridor. The Southern Gas Corridor project envisages the transportation of the gas to be extracted from the giant Shah Deniz field in the Azerbaijani section of the Caspian Sea. Shah Deniz Stage 2 gas will make a 3,500 kilometer journey from the Caspian Sea into Europe. The first gas supplies through the corridor to Georgia and Turkey are given a target date of late 2018. Gas deliveries to Europe are expected just over a year after the first gas is produced offshore in Azerbaijan. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has met with the United States Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker. They discussed ongoing economic processes in Azerbaijan, measures taken in the country to prevent and eliminate unemployment, the role of customs and tax reforms in developing the national economy, as well as prospects for cooperation in the field of agriculture, and ways of expanding trade relations. The importance of the Southern Gas Corridor project was hailed at the meeting. They also discussed the expansion of Azerbaijan-US energy cooperation, and the activity of American companies in Azerbaijan. /By Azernews/ By Amina Nazarli The successful development of military and security cooperation between Azerbaijan and Egypt is high on the agenda of talks in Baku, as a delegation led by the border guard commander of the Egyptian Defense Ministry visits the country. The Egyptian delegation led by Ahmed Ibrahim Mohammed Ibrahimi arrived in Baku on March 29 to mull issues of mutual interest in a number of areas. During the visit, Mohammed Ibrahimi was received by President Ilham Aliyev, who voiced that he attached great importance to further developing the friendly relations between the two countries. Pointing to successful cooperation between the border services, the head of state emphasized the significance of developing relations in the military and security areas. President Aliyev said that high-level reciprocal visits would contribute to the enhancement of these relations. The Egyptian official also pointed to the friendly relations between the two countries, noting that Egypt is also interested in developing cooperation between the two countries. Describing cooperation between the Azerbaijani and Egyptian relevant agencies, Mohammed Ibrahimi said that this cooperation covered security, military-technical and other fields. Underlining Azerbaijan's good experience in military-technical sphere and trainings, he stressed the importance of exchanging experience between the two countries' border services. During the visit, Mohammed Ibrahimi also met Emergency Situations Minister Kamaladdin Heydarov and discussed several issues of mutual interest. Heydarov stressed that the relations between the two countries are developing day by day, adding that the two states also successfully cooperate in preventing and elimination of emergency situations and their consequences. During the meeting between the Egyptian delegation and Defense Minister, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, the sides stressed they would exchange information and experiences in the fight against terrorism. Regarding the relations between the two countries in the military sphere, Hasanov emphasized the prospects of cooperation between the relevant structures of the two countries. The minister informed the guest about the military-political situation in the region, the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Armenia captured Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding regions from Azerbaijan in a war that followed the Soviet breakup in 1991. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and nearly 1 million were displaced as a result of the war. /By Azernews/ By Amina Nazarli Bloody streets full of corpses opened a horrifying scene in the capital Baku... Armenians killed Azerbaijanis in every corner of the city just because they were Azerbaijanis. The history recognizes those tragic days of March of 1918 as genocide of Azerbaijanis by Armenians. "The Armenians, breaking into Muslim (Azerbaijani) districts, were killing everyone..." Kulner, German witness described those terrible days in Baku. "In 87 Azerbaijani corpses recovered a few days after the massacre from a well, ears, noses were cut off, bellies ripped open, and genitals chipped. The Armenians did not spare children and the elderly." Ninety-eight years left from the date of the genocide committed by Armenian nationalists against Azerbaijani people. The March genocide of 1918 was committed by the Armenian terrorist organization Dashnaktsutyun in an effort to establish an Armenian state on Azerbaijani territory through destroying the local ethnic population. The collapse of the Russian Empire after the 1917 revolution opened up great opportunities for some Caucasian peoples to realize their political and national ideals and aspirations. The anti-Azerbaijan policy of Armenian Bolshevik troops led by Stepan Shaumyan reached its peak exactly during that period. Thus, Armenian armed brigades, by using the prevailing anarchic situation in the region, attempted to exterminate the Azerbaijani people. Prof Atakhan Pashayev said that the rapid development of the oil industry in Baku in the 19th-20th centuries attracted a wave of Armenian migrants to the city. The Christian Armenians were obedient subjects of the Russian Empire, so the imperial government used them as a tool in their Eastern policy. The Armenians were, therefore, able to gain privileges from the government in Bakus oil industry and soon became the major entrepreneurs in Baku oil. Armenians dominated the industry to such an extent that they were able to dictate their will to the Congress of Baku Oil Entrepreneurs, he said. Armenian workers, whose number increased considerably in the early 20th century, were active in revolutionary and socialist movements in Baku. On the eve of the first Russian revolution the Armenian nationalist Dashnaksutyun Party began spreading socialist ideas among the Armenian oil workers. The Dashnaks and other Armenian nationalist parties took advantage of the disintegration of the Russian Empire, when the Tsarist government was overthrown in the revolution of February 1918, and of the Bolshevik seizure of power in the October Revolution. They used the harsh, revolutionary ideas to promote their nationalist agenda. Stepan Shaumyan could seize absolute power in Baku after his appointment a commissar of the Transcaucasus and used his position to fight the Azerbaijanis. Shaumyan could benefit the majority of Armenian officers and soldiers serving in the Russian army for his anti-Azerbaijan campaign, Pashayev noted. Beginning on the night of March 30 about 20,000 Azerbaijani civilians including women, children and the elderly were brutally killed in the genocide in Baku. The Armenian vandals further spread to other regions of Azerbaijan to perpetrate a brutal massacre of the population throughout the country. Within a brief period of time many villages of Shamakhi, Guba, Lankaran, Salyan, and Mughan suffered cruel treatments, which claimed the lives of tens of thousands innocent people. One of the witnesses who watched these terrible events hiding in the basement told that he was horrified of what he saw. The Armenians had tied a samovar (a heated metal container) to one Muslims back and they had lit a fire too. The samovar was burning and boiling on the mans back, he said. Within a few days of March a peaceful Azerbaijani population in these cities and the surrounding areas has undergone unprecedented and terrible massacres, beatings, captivity, plunder and destruction. Armenian vandals carried away everything they could from houses and shops belonging to Azerbaijanis and then set them on fire. Tragic events that took place in Baku damaged the city greatly. The vandals even did not leave water and products in the market and shops. Robbers gathered and carried away even food. The press was writing: People were tortured by hunger. It should be noted that the attacks of the Armenian armed groups were not limited even after the establishment of Soviet power in Azerbaijan in 1920. For ten years, Armenian groups continued to commit attacks on civilians and ethnic cleansing was carried out to create Armenian autonomy in the northern region of Azerbaijan. The bloody tragedy is still stick on mind of people in Azerbaijan, leaving bloody traces on memories of each citizen. /By Azernews/ By Amina Nazarli Identities of Azerbaijani citizens, who died and were wounded in microbus attack in Mogadishu, Somali have been revealed. Foreign Ministry spokesman Hikmat Hajiyev told Trend that the Turkish Foreign Ministry has officially confirmed the identity of the Azerbaijani women who died in a drive-by shooting in Somalia. She is Kamala Ismayilova. The body of Kamala Ismayilova will be delivered to homeland in the near future, he said, adding that the Azerbaijani embassy in Turkey is in contact with the authorities of Somali. Ismayilovas two sons 11-year old Nihad Ismayilov and 10-year old Nijat Ismayilov were hospitalized with serious injuries, according to media reports. A microbus which was carrying employees to a Turkish hospital was fired from a car by unknown gunmen on March 30. Six people were killed during this attack. Also, the gunmen opened fire at a school bus. The exact number of victims is still unknown. But witnesses said at least six people including two Turkish teachers have been shot and killed and six others wounded. In earlier reports, Somali police sources said that the Somali driver and a translator were killed in the attack while other Turks were injured and taken to hospital. The killers escaped from the shooting scene. No group has claimed responsibility for the shooting but Al Shabaab carried out similar attacks in the past months. /By Azernews/ By Nazrin Gadimova Azerbaijan will commemorate one of the bloodiest pages in countrys history on March 31 the Day of Genocide committed by Armenians in 1918. A series of ceremonies, conferences, round tables and exhibitions dedicated to this massacre are being held in the country on these days. Addressing one of these events, Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, Chairman of the Caucasian Muslims Office said Azerbaijans economic and military power terrifies Armenia. He said Armenians always try to put themselves offended in a bid to carry out their dirty plans wherever they live. Touching upon issue of global terrorism, Pashazade said Azerbaijan is against this phenomenon and then urged the world to unite in the fight against terror. When the terrorist attacks occurred in France and Belgium, the world media wrote about it, while the attacks in Turkey and Pakistan were not covered so much, Pashazade said, blaming double standards prevailing in the world. Another event dedicated to the genocide was held at Baku State University. University Rector Abel Maharramov, addressing the event, said that Armenians who have created their own state on the ancient Azerbaijani lands showed aggression against Azerbaijani people throughout history. Maharramov recalled that the international community remains indifferent to the appeals of Muslim states on the elimination of Dashnaktsutiun, ASALA and other Armenian terrorist organizations. Azerbaijans Armed Forces also commemorate the genocide victims, holding a series of events with the participation of veterans, scientists and historians. In 1918, while the entire world was involved in World War I, the Armenian armed brigades, by using the prevailing anarchic situation in the region, attempted to exterminate the Azerbaijani nation. Armenian terrorists committed atrocities, to a degree of brutality and viciousness that words can begin to describe the horror of those days. They executed about 15,000 innocent people in Shamakhi, Guba, Irevan, Zengezur, Karabakh, Nakhchivan and Kars. Though this date was essentially forgotten during the Soviet times, relevant investigations on the tragedy were carried out and books were published after Azerbaijan gained independence from the USSR in 1991. President Heydar Aliyev issued a decree on March 26, 1998 to commemorate March 31 as the Day of Azerbaijanis' Genocide. /By Azernews/ By Nazrin Gadimova Azerbaijani publish commemorates March 31 the Day of Genocide of Azerbaijanis, committed by Armenians back in 1918. Thousands of Azerbaijanis visit a genocide memorial that was built in the northeastern town of Guba to honor victims of massacres committed in the area by Armenian and Bolshevik forces. The Guba burial site of genocide victims was found during excavations on 1 April 2007. In 2009, there was decided to create a memorial and conduct landscaping and improvement on the site of the mass graves. Later, the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography began extensive research on the mass grave, which was completed in September 2008. The research has established that the burial has to do with the genocide committed by the Armenians against the local civilian population in 1918. The complex established with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation includes a museum containing pictures and archive documents about life in Baku, Shamakhi, Guba, Javad and Goychay between March and July 1918. In 1918, the Armenian gangs committed an act of genocide against the civilian population almost on the entre territory of Azerbaijan. More than 50,000 of Azerbaijani citizens became victims of Armenian fascism in a matter of five months. Azerbaijanis were exposed to genocide in Baku, the Guba province, Shamakhi, Gusar, Erivan, Nakhchivan, Zangezur, Karabakh, Lankaran and practically on all Azerbaijani lands. In 1918, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic established a special investigation commission. The commission began to operate, but after the collapse of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic in 1920, it naturally ceased to exist. Though this date was essentially forgotten during the Soviet times, relevant investigations on the tragedy were carried out and books were published after Azerbaijan gained independence from the USSR in 1991. President Heydar Aliyev issued a decree on March 26, 1998 to commemorate March 31 as the Day of Azerbaijanis' Genocide. Europe doesnt share intelligence data with Turkey in the fight against terrorism, President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in an interview to CNN channel. Turkey is fully focused on fighting the Islamic State terrorist group (IS, aka ISIS, ISIL or Daesh) and expects from Europe the same deliberate policy in the fight against terrorism, according to the president. Turkey has faced deadly terrorist attacks in recent weeks. On March 13, a car bomb attack in Ankara left 37 people dead. Istanbul was also targeted by a suicide attack on March 19, leaving five people dead. Turkish authorities have accused the IS, the PKK and the PYD terrorist groups for the attacks. The IS and Jabhat al-Nusra are the most active terrorist groups in Syria. Kazakhstan and the EU agreed to continue working together in an attempt to diffuse the standoff based on sanctions between the EU and Russia to the benefit of all the parties involved, especially given their effect on Kazakhstan, Nazarbayev said at a briefing held jointly with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, after talks in Brussels. The president was quoted in a statement issued by his press office. We talked about regional policy, the situation in Ukraine, sanctions imposed on Russia, which influences us very strongly, and have agreed to work together in these areas for the benefit of Europe and Russia, and, of course, Kazakhstan, Nazarbayev said after the meeting with Juncker. Nazarbayev noted that Kazakhstan is building friendly, close relations with its neighbors China and Russia - which are its main partners for economic cooperation. Nazarbayev invited the EU countries to participate in the exhibition EXPO-2017 and support the creation of International Financial Centre Astana. He noted that in the course of the talks issues of travel of citizens of Kazakhstan and the EU were also touched upon, including the possibility of the introduction of 'mirrored' conditions by the EU on the visa matter. The sides also discussed aspects of the resolution of the situation restricting flights of Kazakhstan airlines to the EU. The foreign ministers of Turkey and Lithuania on Wednesday discussed a range of regional issues, including a recent deal between the EU and Ankara, ahead of a nuclear summit that begins here later this week, Anadolu Agency reported. Turkey has begun to block the flow of illegal migrants into Europe. There is a visible decrease in the number of illegal migrants passing to Europe over Turkey, Mevlut Cavusoglu said in a statement from the Turkish Foreign Ministry. Cavusoglu and Linas Antanas Linkevicius also discussed NATOs role in the flow of migrants, the statement read. Turkey and the EU reached an agreement that went into effect March 20 to stop refugee flows into Europe. Under the deal, refugees who illegally enter Europe will not be allowed to resettle in the EU, and all new irregular migrants crossing from Turkey to the Greek islands as of March 20 will be returned to Turkey. In return, an equal number of Syrian refugees in Turkish refugee camps will be distributed among EU countries with a limit of 72,000, at which point the exchange will stop or the EU will determine a new quota, according to Turk?sh officials. More than 800,000 refugees from North Africa and the Middle East crossed into Europe in 2015 -- Turkey's Coast Guard captured 91,611 illegal immigrants, according to data compiled by Anadolu Agency. Upwards of 5,500 refugees were captured in January and nearly 9,000 more in February. The total number of refugees captured by Turkey since the beginning of the year to March 20 was 22,000 -- 7,842 were caught in March. The March numbers fell from the previous month for the first time since the refugee crisis began in 2015. With 2.6 million, Turkey is hosting the largest number of Syrian refugees and has spent $20 billion, according to Turkish authorities. Cavusoglu and Linkevicius also emphasized a need for cooperation between Turkey and Europe to fight terrorism. Alongside several other Turkish ministers, Cavusoglu accompanied Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the U.S. capital to attend the summit that begins Thursday. The Majlis (parliament) of Turkmenistan during its regular meeting adopted the law On freedom of religion and religious organizations, Turkmen government said in a message March 31. This law is based on the fact that Turkmenistan, being a democratic, legal and secular state, guarantees freedom of religion and belief. Turkmenistan ensures equal rights to every person, regardless of his (her) religious beliefs, the message said. A nationwide discussion of the draft of new edition of the Turkmen Constitution is being held in the country at this stage. The police have detained four members of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) terrorist group in Turkeys Hakkari province, IHA news agency reported March 31. Two women are among the detained and one of them is an Armenian national. They were planning to have trainings at a PKK camp in northern Iraq. Reportedly, the detained PKK member of Armenian nationality is responsible for the activities of this terrorist group in Yuksekova district of Hakkari province. Earlier, Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that over 5,359 PKK members have been eliminated as a result of the operations against this terrorist group since July of 2015. He added that 355 Turkish servicemen were killed during these operations, which will continue until the complete destruction of the PKK. The conflict between Turkey and the PKK, which demands the creation of an independent Kurdish state, has continued for over 25 years and has claimed more than 40,000 lives. The UN and the European Union listed the PKK as a terrorist organization. Stones expected to be fit for Old Trafford trip , 31 March, That's according to the Liverpool Echo whose information suggests that the 21-year-old will be available for Sunday's return to Premier League action against Manchester United. Stones played the whole match at Wembley against the Dutch and was joined in central defence by his club skipper Phil Jagielka in the closing stages as Danny Blind's side ran out 2-1 winners. Stones has received mixed reviews for his performance, with many pointing out how assured he looked for most of the match and highlighting some of the telling passes he made coming out of defence, not least for the move that led to England's goal. Unsurprisingly, he has not escaped criticism for an awkward slip as he tried to turn away from his man that eventually led to Danny Rose handling in his area and Vincent Janssen slamming home the resulting penalty. The fact that it was a meaningless friendly and also a learning experience for the young defender has tempered the critiques, however, and he will remain hopeful that he will still be in Roy Hodgson's thinking when it comes time to pick the Three Lions party for Euro2016. In the meantime, there is the prospect of a recall for Everton when the Blues make the short trip along the M62 this weekend. With Roberto Martinez's side having suffered three consecutive home defeats in the league, conceding six goals in the process, the manager may feel it is time to shuffle his defensive options and recall Stones to the side. Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer About these ads ToffeeWeb Kuwait's Jazeera Airways said on Thursday its major shareholder had no current plans to divest its stake in the airline. The carrier was responding to press reports that Boodai Corporation, an investment holding conglomerate, hired HSBC to advise it on a possible stake sale. Sources had confirmed this to Reuters on Tuesday. Jazeera Airways' major shareholder has "confirmed that they have no plans in the near future to sell their shareholding", the carrier said in a bourse statement. "But the shareholders are always reviewing their investment funds" and with support from advisors the possibility of selling in the future cannot be ruled out, the statement added. Jazeera Airways also said that press reports on it entering into mergers or acquisitions or listing the company on global markets is not correct. - Reuters Sharjah's Hamriyah Free Zone recently organised seminars in Malaysia and Singapore to attract more investors and foreign investment to the free zone. The seminar touched on various opportunities and facilities offered by Hamriyah Free Zone, said a statement. The delegation, led by Saud Salim Al Mazrouei, director of Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (HFZA) and Sharjah Airport International Free Zone, explained ways of cooperation and ways to strengthen one's business during the road shows in the two countries, it added. The trip was aimed at promoting HFZs investment and business potential and to present the vast range of opportunities available to foreign companies in the free zone, it said. The delegates held a series of meetings with over hundred entrepreneurs from business and investment sectors in Kuala Lumpur. The KL seminar, titled Capturing trade and investment opportunities in the UAE, was organised in association with the Federation of Malaysian Manufactures. In Singapore, the event which was held in association with Singapore Business Federation and attracted a number of businesspersons. Al Mazrouei stated that, in addition to the development of quality projects, HFZs mission is to promote the investment opportunities and business strengths of HFZ, to encourage and attract investors from Malaysia and Singapore, and offer the necessary facilities and incentives for foreign investors by adopting global best practices and removing obstacles. He added: This tour is part of HFZAs business promotion strategy. Investor-friendly legal framework and the highly developed transport net-works which allow easy access to local and international markets were highlighted during the seminar. The flexibility of investment regulations and the tax-free investment scheme, as well as Sharjahs modern infrastructure and geographical position, are all elements that were received with a great deal of interest from investors during the talks, he concluded. TradeArabia News Service Pacific Control Systems (PCS), a Dubai-headquartered information and communications technology (ICT) provider, has announced the establishment of the Center of Excellence for Government Digital Services and Lifestyle. The centre was set up with the objective to partner with governments and other stakeholders to facilitate adoption of digital technologies to revolutionise the way people, businesses and governments interact, said a statement from PCS. The centre will bring together a list of global technology companies who are focused in accelerating the implementation of numerous digital technologies, such as networks, cloud services, big data analytics, Internet of Things (IoT), social media, next generation digital enablement and other disruptive technologies to help optimise the digital government infrastructure and processes, and further enhance digital lifestyle of people. Pacific Controls has negotiated strategic partnership with a number of leading international industry players, such as Microsoft, Fujitsu, Intel, VMware, WSO2, WSO2.Telco to rollout at the centre. These partners are bringing together an unparalleled pool of expertise to create unique value propositions for creating robust digital communities. PCS is seeking to rollout a number of initiatives, in partnership with governments and other stakeholders, to seize the benefits offered by digital technologies. These initiatives include government cloud services, mobile government, shared digital enablement platform, IoT for smarter communities, big data analytics, open data and web API, digital marketplaces, security and privacy, digital innovation and research and training and development services. Open data and web API initiatives aim at sharing government data to encourage businesses and citizens to innovate and solve problems through new ideas and applications. Cloud computing, open data and web API initiatives also support recently enacted Dubai Data Law which will create opportunities for collaboration, innovation and entrepreneurship between government and non-government entities. The Center of Excellence for Government Digital Services and Lifestyle, also aim to work with various industry verticals with the sole intention to promote the use of digital technologies, and hence enhance lifestyle of people. Ensuring security and privacy of Information is an essential task for digital government services to work, hence the centre will leverage Pacific Controls next generation cyber security operation centre (CSOC) to augment a fool proof security regime. Dilip Rahulan, executive chairman and CEO of PCS, said: Adoption of state of the art digital technologies is no longer an option for governments and businesses. Governments are transforming their businesses around the needs of citizens and businesses are taking full advantage of available and emerging technologies in order to meet the challenges of 21st century. Digital technologies domain is very vast, extremely complex and rapidly evolving and hence not within the competence of any one government entity to fully leverage to its advantage, he said. It was imperative that an organisation brings together full range of expertise and global best practices to support the government sectors live up to the challenge of digital age, he added. TradeArabia News Service Samsung Electronics has won a total of 38 iF Design Awards, including one Gold award, at the recent International Forum Design Awards 2016. Twenty-six of the awards were given for superior product design, eight for communication design, two for concept design, one for package design and one for interior architecture design, said a statement from the company. Samsung received the Gold award for its Serif TV, a result of its focus on design that harmoniously interacts with peoples surrounding environments and naturally blends in with everyday furniture and various household objects. The main features of the TV include: a design that resembles a capital I in serif font; a detachable stand, which allows the product to be placed anywhere within the home without standing out; and a fabric cover on the back side of the product, which heightens its beauty from every angle, it added. Additionally, the company won awards in the product category for the Galaxy S6 & S6 edge; Gear S2; Chef Collection Fridge; AddWash Front-load Washing Machine; System Air Conditioner 360Cassette; MX3 multifunction printer; Galaxy Note5 UX; Visual Identity Toolkit; TV UI (Stripe UI), it said. Samsung was awarded in the professional concept design category for its work on the Avengers Package; and for the Samsung dlight in the interior architecture category. BK Yoon, president and CEO of Samsung Electronics and the head of corporate design center at Samsung, said: We are honoured to be recognised by the International Forum Design for our excellence in product design. We will continue to challenge ourselves and develop innovative designs that benefit our consumers based on our deep insights into their needs, he added. iF Design Awards began in Germany in 1953, and is organised by the International Forum Design. Product submissions are based on a comprehensive evaluation of design, material suitability, innovativeness and seven additional categories: product, packaging, communication, interior architecture, professional concept, service design and architecture, it stated. TradeArabia News Service Bahrain Aluminum Extrusion Company (Balexco), posted a 6 per cent increase in its net profit in 2015, with the profit reaching BD1.703 million ($4.485 million). This was revealed at the companys ordinary general assembly held recently. The meeting was chaired by board member Abdul Nabi Naser Salman, on behalf of the chairman of the board of directors. He said company faced many challenges in 2014, including the problem of congestion on King Fahad Causeway, which resulted in a delay of deliveries to customers, particularly to the Saudi market, the companys major market. There was also an increase in demand for the light thickness chops by the region markets, at a time when the companys main focus was on the large thickness chops. The slowdown in the construction sector exacerbated such difficulties, he said. In 2015, the sharp decline in oil prices and the consequent measures taken by the government to decrease spending had a severe negative impact on the companys markets and sales. Bahrain market was the fastest to get affected by this, compared with other markets in the GCC, he said. The slowdown in the Chinese economy as well as the decrease in the added value on raw materials also had negative impact on the overall performance of the company, said Salman. Salman said the company will spare no effort to encounter such challenges. He revealed that the Middle East Technical Company, a sister company of Balexco, is progressing steadily and contributing greatly to the companys operational and financial resources. The general assembly approved a cash dividend of 5 per cent of the paid-up capital to the shareholders, as well as bonus shares of 5 per cent of the paid-up capital (one share for every 20 shares). TradeArabia News Service McLaren's Fernando Alonso failed a medical and was ruled out of the Bahrain Grand Prix on Thursday with the after-effects of a huge crash in Australia, paving the way for Belgian reserve Stoffel Vandoorne to make his Formula One debut. The governing International Automobile Federation (FIA) said in a statement that it had been decided the Spaniard could not take part in Sunday's race after an examination at the Sakhir circuit. "Two sets of chest CT scans were compared and it was decided that there was insufficient resolution of the signs to allow him to compete on safety grounds," it said. A repeat chest scan had been requested before the Chinese Grand Prix and the results would be analysed before allowing him to race there. Bahrain is the second race of the 21-round season. The third, in Shanghai, takes place on April 17. Vandoorne, last year's GP2 champion and a rising star in the sport, is McLaren's official stand-in. The Honda-powered team said he would be at the Bahrain circuit on Friday, in time for first practice. Alonso's crash in Melbourne, after colliding with Mexican Esteban Gutierrez's Haas in the March 20 season opener, provided a moment of high drama with the race red-flagged before an eventual re-start. The Spaniard, a double world champion, was fortunate to escape serious injury, climbing out of his wrecked car without assistance and released from the medical centre after precautionary checks. Alonso had been due to race in Bahrain with a new chassis and replacement power unit after Honda said there was little to salvage. McLaren revealed this week that the impact in the flying crash had been sufficient to crack Alonso's moulded seat, although they played down the significance of that. "The fact that the seat cracked but was not broken means it did its job well," said a spokesman. "It flexed helpfully, as it was designed to do, and it efficiently absorbed a lot of the energy of the accident." Former champions McLaren, who have not won a race since 2012, are fighting back from their worst ever season and appeared to be more competitive in Australia despite failing to score points. Alonso had missed last year's Australian Grand Prix after a heavy crash in pre-season testing in Barcelona left him suffering from concussion. Reuters Saudi Aramco is assessing the unconventional Jafurah gas basin which it says is promising, its CEO said on Wednesday as the world's largest oil exporter plans to boost gas production for power and chemical industries. Saudi Aramco has launched its exploration campaign to look for unconventional gas in the northwest area, the Eastern Province and the Empty Quarter. Jafurah is in southeast of Ghawar, the world's largest conventional oilfield. "Our exploration efforts have resulted in finding big volumes of shale gas in the Jafurah Basin close to Ahsa, they are highly promising quantities and economically feasible as they contain a high rate of liquids; activities to evaluate the reserves are ongoing," Amin Nasser told a conference. "The recent unconventional gas field in the nearby Jafurah basin is very promising, we are still assessing its potential but it could be a game changer for Al Ahsa in terms of creating more opportunities new engines for growth," Nasser told an investment forum in Al Ahsa. Nasser told the forum the focus is on manufacturing more speciality petrochemicals, instead of low-value basic petrochemical commodity. "However this downstream expansion will rely on a substantial expansion of our upstream gas." Nasser said earlier this month that Aramco plans to double gas production to 23 billion standard cubic feet per day of gas in a decade. On Wednesday, he could not give a breakdown of how much of the new gas will go the petrochemicals sector. As part of plans to boost local industry and create jobs, Saudi Aramco is also planning to develop an energy industrial city between Al Ahsa and Dammam which includes manufacturing oil and gas equipment and drilling centres for Aramco. These plans are still being studied, Nasser told reporters. Reuters Qatar is conducting the initial feasibility study to build two power plants in Pakistan, a report said. Qatari and Chinese companies are already working on four coal-based power plants in Pakistan. The construction of these plants would go a long way in reducing Pakistans energy problems, Saqr bin Mubarak Al Mansouri, Ambassador of Qatar to Pakistan, was quoted as saying in The Peninsula report. The next meeting of the Qatar-Pakistan Joint Ministerial Committee will be held in Pakistan this year, which would be a good forum to discuss new areas of mutual cooperation, he said. Qatar also plans to import more manpower from Pakistan for various ongoing projects, he added. Kuwait has signed a $2.93 billion contract with three South Korean firms for the construction of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) import facility at the Al-Zour refinery, a report said. The project was awarded to Hyundai Engineering Co., Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co. and Korea Gas Corporation, added the France 24 report. The project is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2021, CEO of national refiner Kuwait National Petroleum Co. Mohammad Al-Mutairi was quoted as saying in the report. The facility will also have a 615,000 barrel-per-day refinery and a petrochemicals plant. The cost of the complex is expected to reach $30 billion, according to Al-Mutairi. Hospitality Management Holdings (HMH) will be unveiling an exciting array of projects, products and promotions as well as promoting its existing properties during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in April. Laurent A. Voivenel, CEO of HMH, said: We are in the process of negotiating some fantastic new projects that will give us access to fabulous new destinations such as Iran. We believe ATM is an excellent platform to attract hotel owners/developers and explore new opportunities. We will also be showcasing several upcoming properties that will be a superb addition to our collection of hotels and would greatly boost our presence and offering across the MENA region. These include Coral Al Madina Hotel in Saudi Arabia and the newly signed Corp Muscat Al Muzn Hotel." HMH Hospitality Management Holdings has experienced tremendous growth since its inception in 2003 and has emerged as a key player in the 'alcohol-free' segment in the Middle East hospitality sector. Operating hotels in top destinations across the Middle East and Africa under its various brands namely The Ajman Palace Hotel, Coral Hotels & Resorts, Corp Hotels, EWA Hotel Apartments and ECOS Hotels, the group caters to diverse segments from luxury to budget. Elaborating on the market challenges, Voivenel stressed: "We are in the process of finding new markets and setting new targets. We have strategically deployed and optimised our resources to address the market challenges and to add value to our various projects and services. The GCC, with a special focus on the UAE, Oman and Saudi Arabia, is central to our expansion strategy. The scale of opportunity in the region for hotels especially in the budget segment is unprecedented. By 2020 our goal is to multiply by four our total inventory of keys and have a hotel in every GCC country while doubling our portfolio in the UAE. To achieve it we have set in motion a strong pipeline of development. We are confident our strong regional network and know-how will be instrumental in giving us greater reach and foothold in our key markets that we have so successfully positioned ourselves in." - TradeArabia News Service Hyatt Regency Dubai, an iconic luxury five star hotel, has taken the lead in creating a No Back Of The House environment for its staff. An extensive remodeling project was initiated and implemented over an 18 month period to create a workplace for colleagues at the hotel that is modern, fun and creative. The team at Hyatt Regency Dubai believed that this exercise served two purposes helped to take care of team members, which in return created a positive work atmosphere thereby boosting productivity and improving NPS growth (an indicator of our guest satisfaction and happiness). A new experience was created in each department of the hotel. This experience was created by brainstorming and encouraging each department to come-up with innovative ideas to design their own work space. The Engineering team of the hotel then implemented the design. The following areas of the hotel are now remodeled: The Avenue: The Avenue is a place for colleagues to relax, have their meals and connect with family and friends through free wi-fi. An energised experience is created through the interiors of the restaurant which draws architectural inspiration and influences from the streets and outdoor markets of Europe. A large, open show kitchen with glass panels has chefs making fresh oven baked pizza, delicious grills and tasty shawarma. A buffet showcase counter displays a spread of international delicacies. A rare, intimate and unforgettable experience for employees, who are thrilled to welcome guests from around the world to this very special location. Employee Living Room: A chic and cosy living room area was created for the team members. An eclectic mix of 18th century European decor with a dash of new age technology, this living room has been designed as a place for colleagues to relax and energise themselves. Marketing and Revenue Office: The marketing and revenue team got themselves a new Google Office inspired design complete with basket-ball net, a chess board, a dart board, colourful bean bags, walls with warm tones and king-size pictures. Human Resources Office and Training Room: Human Resources team have a large, open office space with bright colours, glass paneled walls and neat work stations. An exclusive training room was created for the team members. This training room has natural light, Gulf views, a memory wall with pictures of colleagues who worked in the hotel over the years displayed, a large aquarium with colourful fishes, a coffee room to take a training break with bar stools and high table, TV and coffee machine and tea counter. Engineering Office: A new Engineering Office has been created. A clean, Zen-like approach meets the eye when you step into the Engineering office. Neatly arranged work-stations, a large open table for discussing various projects and large glass panels now reveal the ever-hidden equipment, tools and the team-at-work. Stewarding Office: A spacious office was created for our Stewarding Team. A display showroom has been created within the office to showcase crockery, cutlery and other items. A large table with spotlights has been added to allow guests to choose the items that they prefer to use for their event. The glass paneled wall of the office reveal the behind-the-scene operations. Food and Beverage, executive chefs Office: Food and Beverage and the associates from the kitchen team along with the executive chef, now share one large, sleek, glass paneled office which leads to an outdoor patio. A pantry with coffee machine, large food pictures and neat work stations, with natural light flowing in, defines this new office space. Sales and Events Office: Sales & Events office was restructured to create a large, free flowing space apt for a young, motivated team to find a comfortable area with large desk areas, glass paneled walls and a pantry. Finance and Purchasing Office: Number crunching and negotiating with suppliers is now done in a fresh, new office space created for our Finance and Purchasing team members. With bright toned walls, neat filing cabinets and comfortable work stations and large Dubai heritage pictures and a self-sufficient pantry, this area has renewed atmosphere. The Galleria Administration Office: The Galleria Administration Office was relocated to a new area within the hotel, complete with glass paneled windows, Dubai heritage pictures, a mirror fresco, spacious work stations and mute toned walls. - TradeArabia News Service LOUISVILLE, Colo. A high school teacher is facing drug distribution charges for allegedly giving pot candies to two students after having lunch with them off campus in Louisville. Forty-nine-year-old Brian Edward duFresne was arrested Tuesday and has been suspended from his job as a choir director and language arts teacher at Monarch High School. He is out on bond but couldn't be reached Thursday. According to court documents, two 18-year-old old male students invited their teacher to lunch on Feb. 22. On the drive back to school, they told police that he gave them each a marijuana candy. A school and police investigation began after an ex-girlfriend of one of the teens became suspicious after he seemed high in class and she later recorded a conversation with him about it. PHOENIX Phoenix-based Sprouts Farmers Market is one of the latest companies to fall victim to a W-2 phishing scam. In mid-March, the companys payroll department was tricked into sending 2015 W-2 information to an unknown person, Sprouts spokesman Diego Romero confirmed. The criminals sent a phony email to your payroll team that looked like it came from one of our senior executives, Romero said. This is an isolated event, and no other systems were impacted. Sprouts has 30 stores in Arizona and employed 3,125 people in the state in 2015. The company operates 220 stores coast to coast, employing more than 21,000 people. Romero said he could not discuss specifics because of an ongoing investigation, but he said the company became aware of the scam the week of March 14. Company officials contacted authorities immediately and informed their employees the next day, he said. Sprouts is working with the FBI and the IRS to investigate this crime and to determine the best ways to protect team members tax information, he said. Anyone who received a W-2 form from Sprouts in 2015 may be impacted. It appears scammers are out in full force this year, focusing on companies payroll departments. The Internal Revenue Service said in an alert that there has been a spike in payroll phishing scams in the first quarter of 2016, and that the criminals could monetize the information in various ways, including filing fraudulent tax returns for refunds. IRS Commissioner John Koskinen said in a statement that payroll employees should be skeptical when an email comes from their companys CEO for a list of the company employees. This is a new twist on an old scheme, using the cover of the tax season and W-2 filings to try tricking people into sharing data, Koskinen said in the prepared statement. Everyone has a responsibility to remain diligent about confirming the identity of people requesting personal information about employees. Sprouts will offer its employees personal identity-theft services and look into strengthening its cybersecurity by investing in technology and training, Romero said. Whats in trends that are remolding an industry that is increasingly challenged to be intimate, innovational and instant is the theme of the 20th annual Global Retailing Conference. Sponsored annually by the Terry J. Lundgren Center for Retailing at the University of Arizona, the 2016 conference will be held April 14-15 at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort. Among the speakers this year are senior executives from retailing, consumer brand and technology companies, including: Terry J. Lundgren, chairman and CEO, Macys, Inc. Stacey Bendet, CEO and creative director, Alice + Olivia. Christiana Shi, president of direct to consumer, NIKE, Inc. Richard M. Ashworth, president, pharmacy and retail operations, Walgreen Co. Carlos Alberini, chairman and CEO, Lucky Brand. Tony Bartel, chief operating officer, GameStop Corp. Rachel Mushahwar, head of global retail, hospitality and consumer packaged goods enabling team for Internet of Things, Intel. Michael J. Massey, president and CEO, PetSmart. Melissa Phillips, president and COO, Tuesday Morning. Stephen Craig, chief executive officer, Blanco. Sarah Quinlan, senior vice president, market insights, MasterCard Advisors. Jane Buckingham, founder and CEO, Trendera. Piers Fawkes, founder and president, PSFK. Deborah Weinswig, executive director, Fung Business Intelligence Centre. Beck Besecker, co-founder and CEO, Marxent. New ideas are driving business today, and the Global Retailing Conference (GRC) is one of the primary places where the freshest concepts in retailing, wholesaling and fashion are presented and discussed, Lundgren was quoted in a UA news release. The University of Arizona, one of retailings top training grounds for upcoming talent, is a great environment to discuss whats in and what is coming, added Lundgren, who attended UA. PHOENIX The Valley of the Sun and Arizona continue to shine in a pair of new economic analyses that suggest solid near-term growth here amid broader tumult. In one report, BBVA Compass economists estimated Arizona has a zero percent chance of falling into recession in the near term and is expected to post 2.5 percent growth in economic output. By contrast, the continued struggles in the oil industry mean Texas has an 87 percent recession risk and will see its gross domestic product shrink 0.3 percent, BBVA reported. Separately, the JPMorgan Chase Institute found that consumer spending in metro Phoenix grew slightly faster in December than the average of the 15 major markets the organization has begun tracking regularly. The 3.1 percent spending growth over the past year was largely due to increases in restaurants and sales of nondurable goods, even as sales of durable goods such as appliances fell slightly, JPMorgan reported. The reports are consistent with the states improved labor market and suggest that after years of relatively sluggish growth, Arizona is belatedly returning to better performance. New data on wages from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that while the Phoenix area has made job gains in the past year, wages didnt grow much. The median annual wage in metro Phoenix as of May was $35,660, up 1.5 percent over 2014. The national annual median was about $36,200. Compared to the 21 metro areas closest in population to Phoenix, other markets usually paid more and saw bigger annual gains. Phoenix ranked 17th in median wages and 18th for wage gains in 2015. Still, Arizona was the only state that had no near-term chance of a recession in the BBVA report. Florida had a 0.1 percent chance and it was 0.7 percent for Georgia. Energy-dependent states like Texas, Louisiana and North Dakota are near-certainties for recessions these days, but most other states are seeing reasonable growth, BBVA found. BBVA defined a recession as two consecutive quarters of declining employment. While the likelihood of a U.S. recession is the highest it has been since the 2009 downturn, based on a state-by-state assessment, the overall probability remains low, BBVA economists wrote. A majority of states stand to benefit from strengthening domestic conditions in certain sectors, such as real estate, and solid consumption of durable goods, particularly autos. In addition, non-energy transportation sectors, along with state and local governments, will benefit from substantial reductions in energy expenditures. The state recession risks are based largely on recent job reports, a factor that plays heavily in Arizonas favor these days. Last week, the state announced it had formally returned in December to the employment level it had at the outset of the Great Recession. Forty-one other states filled their job holes sooner than Arizona. That eight-year wait was long, but not unexpected for a state that lost a greater share of its workers than every state in the nation except Nevada. In recent months, Arizona has seen job growth accelerate to 3 percent over the past year, a level that is closer to the states historical pattern and well ahead of national growth that has lingered near 2 percent. Maricopa County is also gaining population faster than nearly all counties in the U.S. The state is doing less when measuring its GDP growth. Ten other states, including California, Nevada, Utah and Washington, are expected to do better than Arizonas 2.5 percent. We like to think of Phoenix as a big fat chimichanga, stuffed with filler then wrapped in freeways and fried to a crisp. But if you dig a little deeper, this city of four million people has a sizable immigrant community with restaurants from every region of Mexico. Unlike Tucson with its palpable Sonoran vibe, the metropolitan center attracts people from the bustling streets of Mexico City as well as Mexico's culinary capital of Oaxaca. After a little research, I was able to find two major neighborhoods* for great Mexican food. The highest concentration of restaurants is northwest of downtown Phoenix in an area called the 16th Street Corridor. Here you'll find everything from 24-hour fast food joints to the gourmet Barrio Cafe. (And strangely one of the city's best Chinese places, Gourmet House of Hong Kong.) You can even walk most of it, heading north from 16th Street and McDowell Road. If you continue north for several miles, you'll hit the Sunnyslope neighborhood straddling the base of North Mountain. In "Little Oaxaca," we found tlayudas and black moles from the central Mexican state as well as the tortas and huaraches of Mexico City. *Over in the East Valley, you can also head to the Pascua Yaqui community of Guadalupe for Sonoran tacos and Baja seafood. But for this feature, we decided to focus on central and southern Mexican dishes that you can't get in Tucson ... TLAYUDAS (Origin: Oaxaca) The Tlayuda combinada, $12, at La 15 y Salsas in northern Phoenix These colorful Mexican pizzas are a staple item at Elizabeth Hernandez's sunny Oaxacan restaurant La 15 y Salsas, 1507 W. Hatcher Road. (Named that because the cross street is 15th Avenue.) The disks are actually much lighter than their Sonoran cheese crisp counterpart, with stringy white Oaxacan cheese rather than the melted yellow variety. The richness here actually comes from the black beans and the asiento pork lard that Hernandez slathers across the base. The name tlayuda refers to the tortilla itself, a crackly baked corn disk that she imports from her hometown of Oaxaca de Juarez. She'll make one up for you there, or you can purchase a bag at the little Oaxacan shop in the front. CHAPULINES (Origin: Oaxaca) Chapulines tacos, $3 apiece, at La 15 y Salsas in northern Phoenix Toasted grasshoppers are a common snack in southern Mexico, and here at La 15 y Salsas you can buy by them by the bagful. Some people spice them up with chile, but Hernandez does them up simply on the comal with some salt and a squeeze of lime. (The citrus tones down the dirt flavor a little bit.) But it's the texture rather than the taste that gets you: snappy and spindly, with threats of sharp extremities about to poke the crap out of your tongue. In other words, fun! Find these Oaxacan beauties on the botana appetizer platter or munch on some grasshopper tacos with handmade corn tortillas, topped with her vibrant salsas. HUARACHES (Origin: Mexico City) The Huarache Sencillo, $6.60, at El Rinconcito del D.F. in northern Phoenix There's a million ways to smash corn in Mexico City, and this is one of the most interesting: The huarache is a street food made from masa that's been pressed down on an oblong paddle in the shape of a giant pill. It's then fried up crisp and topped with various meats and cheeses like spongy queso fresco. (A meatless version is pictured above.) At El Rinconcito del D.F. at 8901 N. Twelfth Street, they stuff the huaraches with black beans for a savory boost, then top them with anything from the tart red chile chicken tinga to a fat glistening slab of bistek beef. GELATINAS (Origin: Outer space) Gelatinas artisticas, $2.50 apiece at El Rinconcito del D.F. El Rinconcito del D.F. also makes these edible works of art they call Gelatinas Artisticas, or artistic jellies. They look like delicate flower blossoms hovering in translucent snow globes, but they're actually 100 percent jello. To make them, you insert a syringe-like object into a jello mold and very carefully squeeze out different colors to make the flower petals. To be honest they taste rather ordinary, "like watered down Orange Kool-Aid" according to my dining companion. But they look so pretty! MOLLETES (Origin: Spain) Molletes, $5.99, at Los Reyes de la Torta's Tempe location "There's no tortillas, there's only bread!" But thankfully it's the addicting crusty kind you might find in one of Europe's great cities. The mollete appetizer at Los Reyes de la Torta could be considered Spain's greatest contribution to the New World (aside from Rocio Durcal) because it is simple and lovely, so effortless I was scratching my head as to why I've never seen it before. Slathered with beans, spicy chorizo and melted cheese, it tasted like a torta mated with a Sloppy Joe and made a beautiful bubbly baby. INSANE TORTAS (Origin: Mexico City) The Torta del Rey, $10.25, at Los Reyes de la Torta in Tempe It was easy to see how Brooke Edens Nashville bestie thought the Florida native came from money. Every couple weeks, Eden would fly home for two weeks. And when she came back, she had the money to pay the rent and other expenses of living in Music City. Aside from playing gigs in a handful of Nashville clubs and writing songs, Eden didnt really have a steady 9-to-5 gig. She said she never saw me work. I had a lot of jobs throughout my life, but once I graduated from college I decided I wasnt going to work on anything other than music, the 26-year-old University of Florida alum said. I figured out a way to make money by doing music, and thats it. I spent two weeks in Nashville writing and networking and then I would fly down to Florida and spend two weeks there performing and making money. Her friend didnt realize that Eden was working during her home visits. She thought I had daddys money and kind of slipped it into my bank account at the end of every month, Eden said. I was like, Girl, I aint never had daddys money. I work for my money. The friend, songwriter Kallie North, was inspired, and with songwriter Jessy Wilson penned what has become Edens debut national single. Daddys Money is one of seven songs Eden has already recorded for her debut album, which she hopes will drop later this year on Broken Bow Records imprint Red Bow Records. Expect to hear all of the songs when Eden opens Country Thunder 2016 next Thursday in Florence. She is the very first artist to go on stage for the four-day festival April 7-10 headlined by Florida Georgia Line and Eric Church. I am so excited, Eden said during a phone interview on the day before she left for the Country2Country music festival in London, England, early this month. Along with being an artist Im a huge country music fan. Getting to see all these other artists I respect so much playing their stuff is one of the perks of being in this genre. Eden has been pursuing her music career since she was a kid and stepped on stage with her dads country band in Florida. In 2012, her career got a major boost when she won a Facebook contest to sing Baby Girl with Sugarland in Florida. That was an awesome moment for my career, Eden said, recalling how Jennifer Nettles turned the mic over to Eden and let her sing the whole song. They were like, Go free spirit. OK. I was only supposed to sing a verse and a chorus. At the end, I looked over at Jennifer and she looked at me and said, Get it girl. A YouTube video of that performance attracted the attention of Broken Bow, whose roster includes Jason Aldean and Dustin Lynch and fellow newcomer Chase Bryant, who will be on the Country Thunder stage a few hours after Eden on April 7. Eden describes her music as country rock/soul: Its almost like if you mixed Jason Aldean and Adele, she said. Interesting combo. Im an open book and my songs are pieces of me, she said. You may not know me yet, but you get to hear songs that nobodys heard yet, songs that will be on my album. If you like them, let me know. Hopefully by the end they will know me just by hearing my songs. Passed away March 10, 2016, he was born November 24, 1943 in Culver City, CA to Harry and Vivien. He was the second oldest of four children, Carol, Norine and Steve. The family made their home in Tucson where David attended Rincon High. There he met his future wife Connie, the love of his life and they married in 1966. He served in the United States Navy and then returned to the University of Arizona and graduated in 1973. Upon graduation he went to work for Gene Reid at City of Tucson Parks & Recreation. He had a long career in irrigation and landscape design consulting and worked on many commercial and municipal projects throughout Arizona, Texas, the Middle East, and Southern California. San Clemente, and then San Juan Capistrano was his home since 1986. David is survived by his wife, Connie; his children, Shannon Bauschka and Tim McClain; two grandchildren and his brother, Steve. David was a loving spiritual and moral example to his family and was dear to many friends and colleagues. A Memorial to celebrate his life will be held at San Clemente Presbyterian Church at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 2, 2016 with a reception immediately following. A man believed to be responsible for multiple fake bomb threats over the last several weeks turned himself into authorities at the Douglas Port of Entry this morning. The Tucson Police Department issued an arrest warrant for 42-year-old Octavio Acosta on Thursday, saying that he was considered to be armed and dangerous, Sgt. Kimberly Bay, a department spokeswoman. Acosta was taken into custody Saturday morning, and booked into the Cochise County jail on felony warrants for hoax, interference with an educational institution and false reporting, Bay said. Over the past several weeks, 18 fake bomb threats have been called into health centers, churches, schools and government buildings. In some cases, the buildings were evacuated, disrupting work and classes for several hours. During the investigation, Tucson police have worked closely with the Marana Police Department, Pima County Sheriff's Department, Arizona Department of Public Safety and the Joint Terrorism Task Force, Bay said. United States Sen. John McCain of Arizona said in Tucson on Thursday that he will push to expand a program that allows veterans to get health care from private providers to avoid long waits at Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals. During a town-hall meeting at Universal Avionics Systems Corp., McCain said he will keep advocating for reforms to the VA health-care system, noting that veterans are still receiving poor care, two years after a scandal over some vets dying while waiting months for VA care. Veterans are still not getting the care they deserve . The system is broken and needs to be fixed, the Phoenix Republican told about 100 employees at the south-side avionics manufacturer. McCain said that, despite some reforms, on a weekly basis his office is working on 500 to 1,000 cases where Arizona veterans have been unable to get needed VA health care. Part of the solution, McCain said, is to widen eligibility for the VA Choice Card, which some veterans can now use to obtain health care from private providers if they live more than 40 miles from a VA facility or have been waiting more than 30 days for VA care. The program was part of 2014 legislation to address the VA care scandal that originated in Phoenix, but the VA has been criticized for failing to get veterans to sign up and of hamstringing the program with red tape. McCain last year introduced legislation to scrap the 40-mile limit and make the Choice Card available to all vets, and is pushing the plan at town halls as he runs for re-election this year. McCain said the VA and some veterans service groups have resisted the idea of expanding the Choice Card program, which has been disappointing to me. The VA has failed to hold staffers accountable for the Phoenix problems, he said, contending that only one employee has been fired for the systemic shortfalls in VA care partly because of appeals by federal employees unions. In response to similar criticisms, the VA has noted that several employees took early retirement following the Phoenix care scandal. The agency has recently moved forward with the process of firing three senior officials who were removed from their positions at the Phoenix hospital in the wake of the wait-time scandal. In a wide-ranging speech followed by a question session, McCain touched on several other issues: Presidential race McCain reiterated that he is not endorsing any presidential candidate. He said both Republican front-runner Donald Trump and Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders are tapping into frustration among voters who feel the rich are getting richer while America has become weaker. Were in very interesting times, politically, he said. supreme court vacancy McCain said he has no plans to meet with Judge Merrick Garland, President Obamas nominee to fill the vacancy left by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia. He also said he opposes any action on a nominee until the next president takes office, noting that Vice President Joe Biden argued the same position as a Senate Democrat in 1992. I think thats a little hypocrisy there on the part of my Democratic friends, he said. Fight against ISIS McCain reiterated his call to put a force of 10,000 American troops on the ground to fight the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, along with an allied force of 90,000 to defeat ISIS. He cited terrorist attacks in the U.S. and Europe and evidence of sophisticated terrorist planning of attacks outside of the Middle East. Were either going to fight them there, or were going to fight them here, he said. Defense in Arizona Arizona plays a key role in maintaining Americas military might, McCain said, citing installations including Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and Fort Huachuca that use the nations top live-bomb training grounds, and weapons made by Raytheon Missile Systems. Defense is a big, big part of our economy, he said, citing his so-far successful fight to save D-Ms A-10 Thunderbolt II ground-attack jets from retirement and efforts to grow things such as drone operations at Fort Huachuca. Raytheon is going to have a lot more business, because theyre firing off a lot more of their products, said McCain, who is chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. A truck crashed into a Circle K on West Ina Road, west of Interstate 10 Wednesday, resulting in minor injuries. Then minutes later, a second crash in front of the same convenience store sent two to the hospital, said Capt. Brian Keeley of Northwest Fire District. In the first crash at 4:30 p.m., a woman in her 60s accidentally drove her truck into the Circle K at 4900 W. Ina Road, said Sgt. Chris Warren, a Marana Police Department spokesman. A state Department of Public Safety trooper was in the store parking lot and called in the crash. A preliminary investigation shows that the woman mistakenly hit the gas pedal instead of the brake pedal, Warren said. Northwest Fire paramedics treated the woman for minor injuries. Another person in the store was also evaluated. Both refused to be taken to the hospital, Keeley said. The convenience store is temporarily closed for cleanup and repairs, authorities said. In the second incident, a two-vehicle crash occurred in front of the Circle K minutes after the first collision, Keeley said. A motorist was pulling out of the parking lot and collided with a vehicle traveling on Ina Road, he said. Additional Northwest Fire crews were called to the scene. One driver was extricated from her vehicle, and was transported to Banner-University Medical Center in stable condition, Keeley said. The other driver suffered minor injuries and was transported by ambulance to a hospital, said Keeley. Officers with the Marana Police Department were investigating both crashes. No further information was immediately available. OPINION: "To be sure, we have much more to accomplish at our borders, most notably by fixing our dysfunctional immigration system. But the pending progress on border infrastructure through port modernization is a monumental achievement and a big part of the picture that needs to be taken ful OPINION: "While it is important to take on cutting edge programs for an institution, Best Practices would dictate a thorough analysis of the costs of a new program versus the proven effectiveness of that new program. After all, these are taxpayer funds we are dealing with," writes Nick Pierson, candidate for the Pima Community College Governing Board. PHOENIX The next time youre chatting with lawmakers at the Capitol, dont be surprised if you notice theyre armed. House Speaker David Gowan has decided he is applying the law that allows him to keep firearms out the House building only to staff, lobbyists, media and other visitors, but allowing lawmakers to carry guns into the building. But press aide Stephanie Grisham said that does not mean legislators who have their guns are breaking the law. Grisham said the law makes it a crime to bring a deadly weapon into a public building after a reasonable request by the operator of the establishment. She said that means a crime occurs only after someone ignores a request. That request usually is made in the form of a sign that the law requires be posted at any entrance to a public building. Grisham said what Gowan did was simply remove the no weapons sign that had been in place at the back door of the building, the one that lawmakers use. The speaker did not request members to remove their guns, Grisham said. And what that means, she said, is any legislator who keeps a sidearm is not violating the law. Anyway, she said, theres a reason for distinguishing between legislators and everyone else who enters the building. Speaker Gowan strongly believes in the Second Amendment and is not going to impede on the rights of lawmakers who have been vetted by the people of Arizona, Grisham said. She also said Gowans policy is not new: He removed the sign at the back door after he was elected speaker last year. But it did not become public until Rep. Randall Friese, D-Tucson, raised the issue in an open letter to Gowan after noticing another lawmaker he would not name names was armed. Friese said he believes that Gowan can set policy for guns in the House. But Friese said hes not buying the explanation that Gowan can let legislators ignore the law simply by taking down the sign. In the absence of a clear directive from the speaker, we default to the statute, he said. And the statute says in a public building if theres a sign on the door, weapons should be secured. That means either not bringing them in the building or storing them in lockers that operators of public buildings are required to provide. Nor does he believe that removing the sign from just the rear door changes anything, what with signs still in place at the front doors. What if a member enters the front door? he asked. And Friese said staffers use the back door. All Im asking the speaker is, if you intend to allow members to carry weapons onto the floor to please make a clear directive so that the public is aware ... and so that other members are aware, Friese said. Across the courtyard, senators also can carry guns. But Senate President Andy Biggs said that, unlike Gowan, he has taken no specific action to allow that. The policy thats been in place for six years now is kind of a Were not going to ask, we dont expect you to tell us, he said. And Biggs said that, true to that, he hasnt asked. PHOENIX Gov. Doug Ducey has to decide whether to force Arizona doctors to use a higher dosage of an abortion medication than the Food and Drug Administration now says is necessary. Legislation on the governors desk would require doctors using RU-486 to terminate a pregnancy to follow the label that the federal agency had in place as of the end of last year. That means only through the first seven weeks of pregnancy. The bill was pushed by the anti-abortion Center for Arizona Policy, saying the practice of doctors in Arizona of using the drug through the ninth week of pregnancy was endangering womens health. On Tuesday, however, the FDA notified the manufacturer of the drug that it was now acceptable to use RU-486, technically known as mifepristone, through the 10th week. More to the point, the agency said all thats needed is a single 200 milligram tablet. But the bill sent to Ducey, based on the old standard first approved in 2000, mandates triple the dosage of RU-486, a drug that center president Cathi Herrod said is so dangerous that doctors should not be able to ignore the label. If Ducey signs the bill, doctors who do not comply can lose their license to practice medicine. The legislation has put Ducey in an awkward situation. The governor has pronounced himself an abortion foe. In fact, he has signed every abortion restriction sent to him since becoming governor last year. Herrod said Wednesday that she is consulting with others about what to seek from the governor. One option is to sign the bill and then have a companion measure that still comes through and addresses the change in the protocol, she said. But Herrod made it clear that, at least from her perspective, an outright veto would not be appropriate. Thats not the assessment of Bryan Howard, president of Planned Parenthood Arizona. The bill in question specifically and in perpetuity requires health-care providers like Planned Parenthood and other OB-GYNs in the community to use a 16-year-old protocol, he said. It should be a slam-dunk. Sen. Kimberly Yee, R-Phoenix, the sponsor of the legislation on Duceys desk, said shes not sure exactly what the governor should do. However, I do find it ironic that Planned Parenthood and other abortion industry representatives are saying that they now are willing to follow FDA protocol when for 16 years theyve admitted that they havent, she said. Howard responded that doctors were doing what the FDA always has allowed: off-label use of any medication in accordance with what they believe to be the best for their patients. The FDA has now caught up with us, he said. He said that Ducey should not only veto the bill in front of him but refuse to sign any measure that cements any standard into law, even the new one. Howard said these decisions are best left to doctors, unimpeded by what he said have been political concerns that resulted in the legislation in the first place. This has been a fight between health-care providers and a certain group of politicians, Howard said. He said the FDA essentially weighed in on the side of health-care professionals. Gubernatorial press aide Daniel Scarpinato would say only that his boss is reviewing the bill. He has through Saturday to make a decision. And if Ducey does not sign or veto it by then it becomes law automatically. Yee said the original 2012 law said only that doctors have to follow whatever is the FDA protocol. That would have allowed the Arizona law to change automatically with what the agency did. But a state judge, ruling in a lawsuit brought by Planned Parenthood, voided the law last year. He ruled it is unconstitutional for the Legislature to forfeit its lawmaking authority to a federal agency. That forced lawmakers to change the measure, this time using the FDA policy on a specific date the policy the agency now finds outdated. Ducey has two other related bills on his desk that also have a Saturday deadline. PHOENIX Arizona voters may get the last word on sweeping legislation that alters the rules for dark money and other anonymous donations to politicians and ballot measures. Rep. Ken Clark, D-Phoenix, who led the unsuccessful attempt to defeat the measure earlier this week, said he is setting up meetings with groups that would be interested in referring SB 1516 to the November ballot. That includes former Attorney General Terry Goddard, who had launched an initiative drive to enact new state laws forcing greater disclosure of who is influencing elections. That campaign has been suspended while Goddard looks for donations after the initial source of funding dried up. Clark actually could have an easier path to getting the issue before voters. Goddard, in proposing a new law through the initiative process, would need 225,963 valid signatures on petitions by July 7 to qualify for the ballot. But Clark is proposing is a referendum on what the Legislature has approved. And that takes just 75,321 signatures. Potentially more significant, the Arizona Constitution gives referendum organizers 90 days after the end of the legislative session to circulate petitions. At the rate the session is going, that deadline is not likely to occur before the middle of July. Theres more. If Clark gets the signatures, the legislation is placed on hold until voters get a chance to weigh in. And that means groups seeking to defeat it have to live under existing disclosure laws and not the looser rules that SB 1516 proposes. And theres one more thing that could work in Clarks favor. By law, the referendum is set up as a ratification. That means it takes a yes vote to approve what the Legislature has done. And political consultants generally agree that when people are confused, they tend to vote no. The legislation now awaiting action by Gov. Doug Ducey contains a series of changes in campaign finance laws. These include: Surrendering the states right to decide if a group is organized for a political purpose to how it is classified by the Internal Revenue service; Lifting all limits on what individuals can spend on parties to raise funds for favored candidates; Overturning a 1986 voter-approved law that prohibits candidates from transferring money between themselves; Repealing all criminal provisions of the law with a promise to put them back in next year. Clark said he is still formulating how best to get the message to voters that they should kill SB 1516. But he said it should not be hard. I think the public knows exactly what this is about, he said. Clark cited polls by both the Morrison Institute and on behalf of Goddards group, both of which he said show a vast majority of Arizonans want limits on dark money. Ducey has not said what he will do with the measure now on his desk. He was the beneficiary of outside money in his successful 2014 race. Reports on file with the Secretary of States Office show $1.8 million in outside money being spent in his favor. That includes nearly $700,000 from American Encore. That group is the successor to the Koch brothers financed Center to Protect Patient Rights run by Phoenix political consultant Sean Noble. The group is organized under the Internal Revenue Code laws as a social welfare organization says it does not have to disclose its donors. Its ties to Ducey and Arizona politics go back to 2012 when Ducey was leading the campaign to defeat Proposition 204, which would have implemented a permanent 1-cent sales tax, largely to fund education. American Encore separately spent another $767,000 in ads attacking Fred DuVal, Duceys Democrat opponent. The biggest source of anti-DuVal ads was the nearly $5 million spent by the Republican Governors Association. Most of that groups money comes from across the nation, put into a single fund from which RGA can draw. But there are some large sources of Arizona dollars that can be identified. Help India! By TwoCircles.net Staff Reporter, Hyderabad: Majlise Bachao Tehreek (MBT) has elected Dr. Khayam Khan as the new president of the party in a function of its party workers at Rahmat function hall near their headquarters at Chanchalguda. Support TwoCircles The president post of the party was vacant for last two weeks after the sudden demise of Advocate Adam Malik due to heart attack on 12th July. Adam Malik was the president of the party for nearly past ten years after the death of party founder Amanullah Khan in 2002. Newly elected MBT president Dr. Khayam Khan Dr. Khayam Khan, a MBBS graduate from Kashmir University, is the eldest son of Amanullah Khan who founded Majlis Bacho Tehreek (Save Majlis Movement) in 1992 after breaking from Majlis-e-Itehadul Muslimeen allegedly due to soft stand of the party on Babri Masjid demolition and nepotism. Amanullah Khan was the legislative assembly floor leader and the second most powerful leader in the MIM after Sultan Salahuddin Owaisi, in 1990s MIM suffered huge losses, after the broke up two MLAs was left with MIM and other two went with MBT. In 1994 elections MIM bite off dust with MBT sweeping its two seats and MIM candidate Asaduddin Owaisi winning a narrow fight from Charminar; other seat of Asifnagar was lost to Congress between the vote divide where ironically both the parties fielded brother against another brother. But in 1999 elections MIM gained back its lost spirit and ended the political run of MBT in assembly with retaining all the four lost seats, the shocker was 29 year old Akbaruddin Owaisi who defeated five time incumbent MLA Amanullah Khan from Chandrayangutta with 11,920 votes. Dr. Khayam Khan made two powerful attempts to gain back his fathers seat in 2004 and 2009 but failed desolately, in 2004 Khayam Khan pulled 46,569 votes against 58,513 votes of Akbaruddin Owaisi, in last 2009 state elections Mr. Khan pulled 30,315 votes against 45,492 votes of Mr. Owaisi. Other than Chandrayangutta constituency MBT in successive elections also concentrated in getting back Yakutpura constituency of old city into its fold, party even tried to make its mark at Hyderabad parliamentary constituency, in 2004 by fielding Majeedullah Khan younger brother of current president, who pulled just 47,560 votes, against 3,78,854 votes of MIM candidate Asadudiin Owaisi. In 2009 party supported TDP candidate and Siasat Urdu daily editor Zahid Ali Khan who got 1,94,196 votes against 3,08,061votes of MIM president Asaduddin Owaisi. MBT could gain only 1 seat in 2009 Greater Hyderabad Municipal Council elections compare to 43 seats of MIM, where Amanullah Khans youngest son Amjedullah Khan is representing Azampura division, presently becoming the only elected representative of the party. The new president Dr. Khayam Khan has a rough task ahead of him to revive the partys dying carder, as state elections are just months away. Party is currently back to square one giving all its concentration on Chandrayangutta constituency with Dr. Khyam Khan already started his election campaign to take on Akbaruddin Owaisi with the help of local and substantial Arab Yemini diaspora who got into a violent feud with current MLA. Help India! By TCN News, New Delhi: In order to ponder light on various aspects of mass biometric identification projects in South Asian countries, a Press Conference on Are Aadhaar like biometric identification projects in India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan legitimate? was organized here at The Foreign Correspondents Club of South Asia, New Delhi. Support TwoCircles On Wednesday many eminent personalities shared their views with the media included P D T Achary, former Secretary General, Lok Sabha, Dr Usha Ramanathan, noted jurist, Dr. M Vijayanunni, former Registrar General and Census Commissioner and Dr Gopal Krishna of Citizens Forum for Civil Liberties (CFCL). The Press Conference was held even as the order of Chief Justice of India headed by 5 Judge Bench in the Aadhaar matter awaits compliance and High Court Division of Bangladeshs Supreme Court is also seized with a matter related to biometric identification project. In a related development a Panel of Nepals Public Accounts Committee is examining the issues related to biometric data based Voter ID project. In the matter of Aadhaar Act, 2006, P D T Achary, former Secretary General, Lok Sabha said that it comes under the category of financial bills under Article 117 and not under the category of Money Bill. He said, Article 110(3) confirms finality on the speakers decision on the question of whether a bill is a money bill. But this constitutional provision cannot be seen as a convenient tool to deal with an inconvenient second chamber. He said that Supreme Court will have to examine whether Lok Sabha has the competence and power to expose people to grave risks. Speakers power is not absolute under the Constitution of India. It can be challenged in a Court of law. In his statement Dr. M Vijayanunni, former Registrar General and Census Commissioner and former Chief Secretary of Government of West Bengal said, China, which is comparable to India in terms of size and diversity of population, abandoned its universal ID system midway in the face of insurmountable problems encountered during its implementation, despite the supposed advantage of their totalitarian system in pushing through such a humongous but ill-advised project. He also stated, The real pressure for continuance of the scheme will be from the police and secret surveillance systems to pry into the privacy of everyone which gives them unlimited powers over the lives of helpless individuals and enjoy unchallenged supremacy in the days to come. That will sound the death-knell of freedom and democracy. Dr Usha Ramanathan, a jurist said, Biometrics, unlike passwords or pin numbers, cannot be replaced. What is a person supposed to do if their biometrics get compromised? This is a risk that is being foisted on the people, and no one else is willing to accept liability for the harm and loss that this may cause. She also said, in making biometrics compulsory for the poor, the poor are being told that they do not have any interest in privacy, and that they should only care about the money they may get from the government or the food that may be provided. This reduction of citizenship of the poor person to a rightless welfare recipient is itself unconstitutional. She further stated, This project has made it necessary to remind the governments that the Constitution is not about the power of the state over the people. It is about the limits of state power. Col. Mathew Thomas, a defense scientist and a petitioner before the Supreme Court of India against Aadhaar said, Putting the biometric and demographic data of all Armed Forces personnel into a database, which is accessed by foreign private companies, hands over the entire deployment of the Nations Defenses to foreigners. I think that UID is more dangerous than Masood Azhar. He can at best try a terror strike. UID makes our nation subservient to a foreign power. It takes away our freedom. Is there anti-nationalism that is worse than handing over the entire biometric and demographic data of the Nation to private foreign contractors and hiding the fact from us? The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance has repeatedly said that UID is a threat to national security. The danger to national security is not only from illegal immigrants entering UID database, but from the foreign private companies who are providing biometric technology to UIDAI. These foreign firms were founded by former CIA and FBI officials and are contractors to US intelligence agents. Clauses 15.1 of Annexure A and 3.1 B of the contract of UIDAI with M/s L 1 Identity Solutions Operating Company, a foreign company, provide it access to ALL personal data in the UID database and the use, transfer, processing and linking of the data with personal data of specific individuals, he added. India and Pakistan are two countries which are using the same foreign private companies for biometric technology for setting national databases UID in India and NADRA in Pakistan. No greater stupidity can ever be imagined. With this India will not just be re-booted, it will be booted (kicked) into a vassal state of a foreign power along with its neighbor, Pakistan, he strongly contended. Dr Gopal Krishna of Citizens Forum for Civil Liberties (CFCL) said, following the footprints of Pakistan, Government of India set up Unique Identification Authority (UIDAI) of India in January 2009 for biometric identification of Indian residents. The transnational companies like Ernst & Young. L1 Identities Solution, Safran and Accenture are involved in it. Ironically, these companies are taking the personal sensitive information for seven years and Government is paying for it. Governments ambitious Digital India project seeks to link mobile SIM cards with the unique identity number (UID) or Aadhaar. The development comes close on the heels of the Cabinet approving the blueprint for the Digital India project. The conference held that the section of political class which has resisted the Faustian bargain so far must examine following questions and put these biometric agencies to rigorous scrutiny to make them subservient to peoples will: Is it a coincidence that the similar schemes are unfolding in South Asia? Isnt there a design behind persuading and compelling developing countries to biometrically profile their citizens? Is it too early to infer that international bankers, UN agencies and western military alliances wish to create profiles in their biometric and electronic database for coercive use of social control measures? Is it not true that uninformed citizens, parliamentarians and gullible government agencies are too eager to be profiled and tracked through an online database? Would freedom fighters have approved of mass surveillance by any national or transnational agency? Is it not clear that UN agencies, World Bank Group, transnational intelligence companies and military alliances are working in tandem to create the bio-electronic database of Indians, Pakistanis and Bangladeshi as per their pre-determined design? Is this design structured to safeguard the interest of present and future generation? It also added that the citizens must compel these national governments to explain how national security of US, France and their allies converge with the national interest of India, Nepal, Pakistan and Bangladesh. There is evidence in public domain that indicates that under the influence of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and World Bank, Governments of India, Bangladesh and Pakistan have been compelled to adopt biometric identification for its residents. In the aftermath of disclosures by Wikileaks, Edward Snowden, Citizen Four, Glenn Greenwald and the surveillance by unaccountable institutions, now that the fearful ramifications are visible on the horizon, the question is who is stopping, the political class in the region to desist from allowing subjugation of their fellow citizens to be subjugated by transnational imperial powers. Now that Aadhaar Act, 2016 has been notified in the Gazette after it received the Presidents assent, the press conference tried to examine the constitutionality and legitimacy of such initiatives in a global and South Asian context. Supreme Court of India is seized with the matter. Election Commission of India has refused to link Aadhaar with Voter ID in compliance with Courts order. Governments of India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal appear to have been compelled to adopt biometric identification for its residents ignoring the fact that countries like UK, USA, China, Australia, and France have abandoned either their identity projects or indiscriminate use of biometrics. But the same has been bulldozed in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal. Mass surveillance is harming democracy, the conference opined. How it is working in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal One of the most successful examples of implementation of biometric identification is Pakistan. Even SIM card for mobile in Pakistan is done based on biometric identification. Pakistani authorities May 16, 2015 said they have authenticated 75.5 million SIM cards through biometric verification. In an interview, Julian Assange, founder of WikiLeaks informed Imran Khan about the grave act of omission and commission. Assange said, we discovered a cable in 2009 from the Islamabad Embassy. Prime Minister Gilani and interior minister Malik went into the (US) embassy and offered to share National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and NADRA is the national data and registration agency database. The system is currently connected through passport data but the government of Pakistan is adding voice and facial recognition capability and has installed a pilot biometric system as the Chenaai border crossing, where 30,000 to 35,000 people cross each day. This NADRA system is the voting record system for all voters in Pakistan. A front company was set up in the United Kingdom International Identity Services, which was hired as the consultants for NADRA to squirrel out the NADRA data for all of Pakistan. What do you think about that? Is that a? It seems to me that that is a theft of some national treasure of Pakistan, the entire Pakistani database registry of its people. The interview was conducted on June 19, 2012. In a related development, on December 16, 2015 Bangladesh introduced: mandatory biometric registration for all SIM card owners. With this new system in place, every mobile phone SIM card will be associated with its users identity as it appears in the national identity card database of the Election Commission. Every SIM card owner will be asked to verify their identity by providing their fingerprint, which will be checked against the fingerprint data associated with their national identification. Each person will be allowed to register a maximum of twenty mobile phone SIM cards to their national identity card. This scheme connects communications data together with individual, government-assigned identities. By implication it allows the government to have unprecedented oversight on daily lives of Bangladeshi citizens. Responding to a complaint Nepals Parliamentary Accounts Committee (PAC) raised a national security concern over the contract to be awarded to Morpho Safran, a French company working in India, for preparing the national identity card on January 4, 2016. Its members argued that any firm belonging to, or working in India or China, should not be awarded such a sensitive project as preparing the national identity card that contains all vital information on Nepali citizens. The National Identity Management Centre (NIDMC) has chosen Morpho Safran to print the national IDs, the same firm that had been disqualified earlier for a conflict of interests. Only Morpho Safran was deemed technically eligible to set up infrastructure and print the ID cards. While the selection has to be approved by the funding agency, Asian Development Bank (ADB), the fact that only one firm was found to be technically eligible has raised many an eyebrow. PAC members claimed that Morphos subsidiary firm is involved in many projects in India including in preparing a similar kind of national identity card (Aadhaar). The NIDMC of Nepals Home Ministry qualified Morpho Safran technically among five other bidders namely, Gemalto (France), IRIS Corporation (Malaysia), Informatics (Sri Lanka), Dermalog and Arjowiggins (France). Nepals PAC formed a panel to see if there are irregularities in picking only one firm. In June, 2015 the Nepal Government had called a global tender for procurement and installation of hardware at its offices and all project sites. The Asian Development Bank extended an $8 million loan for the project while the rest is to be financed by the World Bank. The report is yet to see the light of the day. It is evident that governments of Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan and India are following the footprints of an experiment which was tried, tested and failed in the developed countries. For instance, has NADRA been made accountable for this theft of national treasure of Pakistan? Will these governments be made accountable if rich data assets are stolen or sold? Has anyone been made accountable till date in such situations? Help India! Patna : A day ahead of a liquor ban from April 1 in Bihar, authorities destroyed more than 13 lakh bottles of liquor worth over Rs.3 crore here on Thursday, officials said. We used three JCB machines to destroy 13.32 lakh bottles of countrymade and spiced liquor following Patna district magistrate Sanjay Agrawals orders, said an excise department official. Support TwoCircles According to officials posted in the Bihar Police headquarters here, all police officials concerned have been directed to strictly enforce the liquor ban from Friday onwards. The Bihar assembly on Wednesday unanimously passed an amendment bill providing for death penalty for people found violating the ban on manufacture of and trade in illicit liquor in the event of a hooch tragedy. All members of both the Bihar assembly and the legislative council also unanimously adopted a resolution that they will not consume liquor. It is a first for Bihar. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who announced the alcohol ban from April 1 during campaigning for the 2015 assembly elections, was upbeat after the Bihar Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2016, was passed on Wednesday. Bihar Excise and Prohibition Minister Abdul Jalil Mastan said the manufacture and sale of countrymade and spiced liquor would be banned in the first phase, followed by Indian-made foreign liquor later this year. Help India! By Amit Kumar, TwoCircles.net Haflong: Dima Hasao, the least populated district of Assam, goes to polls on April 4 and like most of the state, this is turning out to be a straight fight between the ruling party Congress and the BJP. Or so it seems. Support TwoCircles For the people, however, the issues that worry them the most have hardly been at the centre of the electoral campaigns. The electoral fight sees Nirmal Langthasa of Congress against Birbhadra Hajeri of the BJP, Maya Singh Daulogupu of Hill State Demand Council and Neikhol Haolai Changsan of the AIUDF, a party that is contesting from the region for the first time. So far, this seems like a pretty straightforward script, but read on to know why this place matters so much in the battle for Assam. First, and most importantly, Dima Hasao has an autonomous Council called Dima Hasao Autonomous Council, earlier known as North Cachar Hill Council. Set up in 1952, it is the oldest autonomous council in he country. For the unitiated, an autonomous council functions like a mini-state: it has its own elections, its own cabinet and its own cabinet to ensure that the culture of the tribals is protected and promoted. The council, like the assembly seat, has been under the rule of Congress, for almost the entire period of its existence. Until now, this has meant that their rule has been absolute: state, ssembly and council. This is likely to play a major role in the fight for Dima Hasao. However, this has also resulted in arming the opposition with a host of issues and with power at the centre, the BJP is trying its level best to use these to their advnatage. The Congress is trying an age-old tactics of dynastic politics to wade through all the opposition. In a classic Congress move, their candidate for this seat is the son of GD Langthasa, the veteran Dimasa leader from the region who has been representing Dima Hasao for the past 30 years. The Congress, through the 15 seats that it has in the Autonomous Council, is likely to use them to mobilie support in their favour. But that is understandable, because when it comes to achievements, the list is short; some would say, too short to guarantee their victory. No water, few jobs: Haflong on the edge To start with, for a district that receives so much rainfall, water scarcity ranks among the top concerns of the citizens; in Haflong, the district headquarters, pople have to often wait for over a month for water supply and sometimes even longer. The Congress candidate, during a TV debate orgainsed in Haflong by Assamese Television channel DY 365, attributed the scarcity to lack of perennial rivers and deforestation and even suggested that shifting agriculture, the most common and the oldest form of agriculture, must be stopped. Towards this end, he even pointed the finger at the Kukis, one of the 13 tribes of Dima Hasao, and asked the AIDUF candidate if her people would stop the practise. He chose to laugh off the matter when asked back by Changsang, what do we do then? When this correspondent asked why rain water harvesting is not promoted in the area, Labgthasa attributed to lack of awareness among people. Then, there are the roads, or the lack of them, that has irked the locals to no end; bar the area around the Deputy Commissioners officce, almost all the roads are in various stages of neglect. Even in Haflong town, the bylanes have a semblance of what a road would look like, never the complete picture. The matters get worse for Congress; for they had got a Korean infrastrucure company a few years ago to work on the projects, but, as a BJP spokesperson asked, what was the point of getting Koreans if they were also going to mix the same cement and sand, and that too not properly? His question made nearly all of the audience laugh at the televised debate, except, of course, the Congress brigade. Then, there is the all-familiar point of corruption. The opposition alleges that the Langthasa regime has witnessed numerous projects stalled and funds siphoned off. In fact, 200 employees of the Autonomous Council had not been paid their salaries for the past one month and last week, the employees launched an agitation to ensure that their demands are met. Given the timing of the protest and the fact that this could derail the partys electoral campaign, Congress took immediate action and paid three months salary. However, Debojeet Thaosen, the Chief Executive Member of the Autonomous Council, said there was no chance that this would have a negative imoact on their campaign. There are more than 200,000 voters in the area and of them only 200 are employed by the Council, so it wil not impact our campaign, Thaosen told Twocircles.net. The Congress biggest achievement, they claim, is the peace that they have brought back to the distrct. From early 90s until 2009, the area wintessed a bloody armed struggle from various groups who were demanding a separate state. However, given that the last major armed group, the Dima Halam Daoga (G) surrendered in October 2009, the argument that they are still woking to maintain peace is not convincing a number of the residents. It took them almost 20 years to bring peace, but now even after seven years we are yet to see any major deelopment in the area. What are they waiing for now?asked a resident. The other issue that has been troubling the citizens, and more importantly, the youth, is the lack of employment opportunities for the local. A local youth who wished to be not named due to his family connections with the Congress candidate, aptly summarised the frustrations of the youth. Until a few years ago, youth from villages around Haflong could find odd jobs in Haflong while the youth from Haflong mostly moved to Guwahati and other larger cities for work. But now, jobs in Haflong have shrunk and even the youth in the city have few opportunities outside after the BPO sector shrunk, he says. The youth have little to do here, and this does not bode well for their future, he added. When this correspondent asked Nirmal Langthasa about the issues of the youth, his answers was largely dismissive and ambiguous. Even well-to-do Indians go abroad for jobs. We are looking to address the issues, he said without elaborating much on what his actual plans were. AIUDF could spoil the big-two fight The one candidate that has the potential to spoil he BJP-Congress fight is Changsang, the AIUDF leader. Given that the party is contesting elections for the first time, few people are giving her a chance of winning the elections. However, AIUDF has played its cards well, fieding the first-ever woman candidate from he district. However, this is not Changsangs only USP: she is the only non-Dimasa, non- Hindu candidate in the fray. Of the 13 tribes in Dima Hasao, the Dimasas are not only the most in number, but they are also associated with the Hindu religion; at least when it comes to celebrating Hindu festivals while continuing to preserve their tribal culture. Changsang, who insisted that her candidature was aimed to provide voice to the voiceless, told Twocircles.net that the AIUDF provided a viable opportunity to both the Congress and the BJP. When asked if she felt that her non-Dimasa and non-Hindu roots put her at a disadvantage, she said, No. Two-thirds of Dima Hasaos population is non-Dimasa and non-Hindu so by that logic, it should work to AIUDFs advantage. I have worked in this area as a social worker and the people know me well. A good performance by AIUDF will surely dent the chances of the Congress, because most people believe that votes for AIUDF would come mostly from the share of the Congress. The BJP knows this too, and given the general apathy of the people against the Congress regime, this is likely to be the BJPs best chance to win Dima Hasao. On April 4, when Dima Hasao goes to polls, the future of 200,000 people will be at stake. Which party gets to sterr ther ship remains to be seen. The term standard of care refers to a procedure or set of actions medical professionals generally undertake for patients facing similar circumstances, based on the formal consensus of experts. At times, as in the case of screening for testicular cancer, the clinical guidelines forming a standard of care are met with differing opinions, even opposition, from the professionals they are meant to guide. Testicular self-examination (TSE) is discouraged based on a review of its benefits vs. harms by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, originally in 2004, and updated with an affirmation of its decision in 2010. That recommendation stands today. Here, in an interview for UroToday, male health behaviorist Michael J. Rovito, PhD, CHES, FMHI, Assistant Professor of Health Sciences from the University of Central Florida and Founder/Chairman of Mens Health Initiative, Inc., explains why TSE should be standard of care for the young men at greatest risk for testicular cancer, an argument he and his co-authors made in a recent article in the American Journal of Mens Health. Q: Testicular cancer is not a common form of cancer, but as you point out, its impact is great when one considers the potential for years of life lost. What are these estimates? The average man in the U.S. lives to about 75 years of age. For prostate cancer, the average age at diagnosis is 66 years of age. Mortality with diseases such as heart diseases, prostate cancertends to occur in the 50s, 60s and 70s or older. The average age at diagnosis of testicular cancer is 33. [For these individuals] the potential for years of life lost could be as high as a half-century if we would assume the average age of death from testicular cancer is somewhere in the late 30s. To imagine potentially losing upwards of 30, 40, even 50 years of life is a very humbling concept. Q: You and your colleaguesand the literatureindicate that there is knowledge gap among the young adult and adolescent men regarding this disease. Can you speak to what you found in this regard? Some high-profile cases in the media have increased knowledge and awareness of testicular cancer, such as the case of Lance Armstrong, and Tom Green an MTV DJ in the late 90s, but these incidents havent really moved the needle in any significant fashion regarding making males more aware of the disease and taking consistent action to help prevent late-stage diagnosis. In the 1980s, young men didnt know about testicular cancer to any significant degree. [Awareness] was in the single percentages. In the 2000s, and in particular, nowadays, we are seeing from some studies indicating that 75% of sampled men have heard of testicular cancer. But studies examining awareness of this form of cancer are widely varied. For example, some studies report that 40% to 50% of men know about testicular exams. But even now, some studies suggest that 90% of men have not heard of testicular cancer. It really is all over the place. For the most part, guys, even if they have heard of testicular cancer, they dont have real knowledge about how to conduct a [testicular screening exam.. Again, to roughly summarize the literature, what has been reported is that about 50% of guys know about testicular cancer, maybe a bit higher. For testicular self-exams, maybe an average about 20% of guys know about it. If you ask how many guys actually do testicular self-examinations once a month, youre looking at single digits. Even if theyre doing it, are they doing it properly? Thats another issue. Q: Also surprising, it seems that there is a lack of unanimity regarding a standard of care for testicular cancer screening as well as what you describe as ambiguous published prevention and screening standards Could you give an example? There really is heterogeneity among the recommendations. Recommendations come from the USPSTF, the ACS, the AUA, among others. Some say we should be doing testicular self exams. Some say we should be doing physician exams. The Task Force, of course, indicates that we should not perform physical exams on testicles for testicular cancer prevention. Although the Task Force is not the last word on testicular self- examination, this organization has a strong influence on who recommends what. A recent study was published suggesting that prostate cancer cases have decreased recently not because of the disease just disappearing into the ether somewhere, but because physicians are not ordering PSAs for their patients due to its recent USPSTF D-rating recommendation. The AUA Mens Health Checklist and the ACS do endorse testicular self exams, but these recommendations usually come with a caveatan asteriskstating that the USPSTF does not recommend regular testicular examination. The Task Force has a lot of influence over the weight and consideration that is given to other recommendations for TSE. The Task Force recommendation is what is driving policy regarding thispurposely or notas well as clinical practice. Q: What is the essence of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force argument is against TSE? The argument boils it down to a harm-benefit corollary suggesting that the harms outweigh benefits. The harms are a potential increase in anxiety, and unnecessary invasive treatment. This argument has also been made about PSA and other preventive services. This is speculation to a great degree. On the issue of an increase in anxiety, and that testicular cancer mortality has not decreased because of TSE there is no evidence that was ever measured. [And] I have not found a shred of evidence regarding a guys anxiety increasing because of a false-positive TSE. I am sure anxiety will increase by feeling a lump on your testicle but it has never been measured and reported in the literature. On the other hand, studies actually do report on the influence of late-stage diagnosis and invasive surgery on anxiety and depression among cancer patients. Those are real numbers, not speculations. Q: What constitute some of the arguments, or support, for TSE you have found? What has been measuredhard evidence[indicates] that knowledge and awareness of testicular cancer will increase if we intervene and tell guys about the test. Information empowers people. Guys become more comfortable with their bodies, and when this happens, they feel more comfortable discussing their issues with their primary care physician. There is a linking of evidence [suggesting] that if we inform guys about testicular self examsincrease their knowledge and awareness of it and teach the proper way to conduct the TSE, they become more comfortable with the process, and with their bodies. As their knowledge increases, and their comfort level increases with the procedure, anxiety lessens, and they are [better able to] speak with their physicians in an informed, decisionmaking manner. The more they learn, they more comfortable they become. The more comfortable they become, the more they will open up. This is something very positive to embrace. Q: Another issue, I understand, is that men are less inclined than women to seek regular health care or to follow up. After they leave their pediatricians, men typically disappear from regular medical care until they get married. Men dont have yearly physicals per se like women do. We are from the ilk of suck it up and be a man. We know plenty of men just dont know, or it doesnt register with young adults, that they are mortal. That really is an issue with adolescent and young adult males in particular, and this is the highest risk group [for testicular cancer]between the ages of 15 and 40. These are just the guys who are not going to the clinic. We have to get these guys interested in their bodies and comfortable discussing these sensitive issues. Also, there is growing evidence that there are other uses for TSE--off-label usesomething I and my team coined in one of our recent publications, where TSE is not just about testicular cancer discovery. You can discover hydroceles, varicoceles, and even use TSE to check for STDs, and skin checks to evaluate for warts or herpes Q: You and our co-authors urge a re-defining of a standard of care that is inclusive of TSE. Could you briefly summarize your proposal? What we are saying is that the existing guidelines have been rooted in malpractice litigation. Standard of care should be really rooted in what is right for the patient. We are trying to say that we need to change the focus to what is best for the patient, not what is best to not getting sued. I understand that this is a very sticky situation, but ethics are ethics. From a public health perspective, beneficence (doing good for the patient) must primarily drive practice. In this circumstance what this is, is for young men to know about TSE and to regularly check their testicles. You can be cured of testicular cancer but you need to be aware of it in order to catch it early. The Task Force and their supporters suggest that survivorship is the premier outcome to assess. Surely, I agree. However, the quality of life measure needs to be factored into the mix. The correct message is that TSE is free; its easy; and doing it especially during mens years of greatest risk of testicular cancer should be standard of carewhat is best for the patient. The correct message is that TSE is free; its easy; and doing it especially during mens years of greatest risk of testicular cancer should be standard of carewhats best for the patient. But for some reason, the guidelines, in addition to being rooted in legal issues and limited scope(saying it does not decrease cancer mortality In addition to cancer mortality, there are other outcomes we need to look at, such as quality of life We need to redefine the standard of carewe are trying to saygoing from the original idea of care of avoidance of litigation to a more patient-oriented focus of doing good for the patient. Thats what it has to be rooted in as well as broadening the scope of the guidelines in terms, not just of survivorship, but quality of life. That is what we are rooting our argument in this How are you going about changing standard of care? We are broadening our network with other authors and health practitioners around the country and the globe. We have to go the traditional route of publications, but we are also [undertaking] other unorthodox ways to get the message out there. Mens Health Initiative, Inc., (MHI) a 501c3 nonprofit charity organization is leading the way for TSE promotion currently. MHI has partnered with the Testicular Cancer Society and Mens Health Networkalso advocates for preventive health among men and boys, inclusive of TSE. Finally, Dr. Michael Lutzs efforts with the Michigan Institute of Urology and the Fight Like a Man International Collaborative are making some fantastic strides in the community to help bring about a truer sense of public health for all. An interview with Michael J Rovito - Written by: Barbara Jones Read the original abstract. Rovito MJ, Manjelievskaia J, Leone JE, Lutz M, Perlman D. Recommendation for treating males: An ethical rationale for the inclusion of testicular self-examination (TSE) in a standard of care. Am J Mens Health. 2015. DOI: 10.1177/1557988315620468. Grids back Northeast Asia energy cooperation Updated: 2016-03-31 08:08 By Wang Yanfei(China Daily) A worker soldering power transmission facilities in Zigui county, Hubei province. [Photo provided to China Daily] State Grid Corp of China announced on Wednesday it will establish a Northeast Asia grid cooperation scheme in collaboration with firms in three neighboring countries, marking the first step in building a framework for a global energy interconnection. The State Grid has signed a memorandum of understanding with Japan-based SoftBank Corp, Russia-based Rosseti and Korea Electric Power Corp in an effort to support the global transformation toward a sustainable and cleaner energy supply. Liu Zhenya, chairman of the State Grid, expects that with an estimated $50 trillion of investment, the global cross-continent collaboration scheme will bring huge economic and social benefits when it is finally established by the end of 2050. "Through smart grids, we hope to ensure global energy supply by promoting the integration of clean energy," Liu said at the International Conference on Global Energy Interconnection held in Beijing on Wednesday. Liu added that the collaboration is helpful in addressing the inefficient usage of renewable resources, such as wind, solar and hydropower supply. Taking advantage of abundant resources, China has made a big bet on renewable energy installation to wean off dirty fossil fuels, according to Liu Jizhen, president of North China Electric Power University. But official data show that a big proportion of power generated from solar farms, solar energy projects and hydroelectric dams has failed to reach energy usersaround 15 percent of electricity generated from wind projects has been wasted and 12 percent from solar projects has no place to go last year. Liu, the university president, said that energy wasted can be better used when it is transmitted to regions with higher demand through extra high-voltage power lines. "The good news is that countries involved under the Northeast Asia collaboration framework are well-prepared with sound technology bases to build electricity transmission systems across countries," said Masayoshi Son, CEO of SoftBank Corp, which proposed the establishment of an Asia Super Grid as early as 2012 and has joined with Newcom in Mongolia to supply clean power. At the same time, Son noted that further collaboration could only be established when a clear and concrete scheme across countries is in place and geopolitics stakes are not in the way. He Dexin, head of the Chinese Wind Energy Association, suggested that China has to resolve its own inefficiency before participating in a larger collaboration framework. City government considers relocating China's first public zoo Updated: 2016-03-31 07:41 By China Daily(China Daily) Visitors look at a monkey in Beijing Zoo. [Photo/IC] Parts of the 110-year-old Beijing Zoo may be relocated to improve the living conditions of the animals and ease traffic jams for visitors, an official said. "We are indeed working on the possibility of the partial relocation of the Beijing Zoo," Huang Yan, director of the Beijing Municipal Commission of Urban Planning and a CPPCC member, told the media recently. Built in 1906, the Beijing Zoo is the first public zoo in China and receives 5 million visitors annually. The zoo's location in the city's core means some animals have suffered from the noise, despite the soundproof facilities, Huang said. The zoo is also packed with tourists on weekends and holidays, resulting in heavy traffic jams and restricted passenger access to the nearby subway station. A similar proposal, which suggested relocation of the entire zoo, was considered by a small group of experts in 2004, but was sidelined by objections. In January, the topic was reintroduced by Lian Yuming, dean of the International Institute for Urban Development in Beijing. In contrast to the previous proposals, this one recommended that animals fit to live under the current conditions should stay, Huang said. "This would reduce the number of tourists, and would be beneficial to the animals," Huang said. "The remaining animals would still fulfill the basic needs of the tourists, as well as give local residents some memories to hold on to." Liu Yuye, a Beijing native who has visited the zoo more than 10 times, said relocation would reduce the number of her visits. "I would probably not go as often," she said. "It's such a historic place, and I think the animals would have problems re-adapting. I don't want to see it move." Others showed more appreciation for the benefits of such a change. "Although I'm not in favor of the move, if the move actually benefits the animals, I think it's understandable," said Wang Yanping, holding her child in her arms after visiting the zoo. Visitors would likely be keen on the zoo keeping its rare and giant animals at the current location. "I certainly hope that the pandas would stay," Liu said. Liang Shuang contributed to this story. China raises concern on intangible cultural heritage protection Updated: 2016-03-31 11:13 (Chinaculture.org) The inheritor of Cangzhou big plank drum Wang Yinjie performed for school students in Hebei province on March 17, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua] At the Ministrys first quarter press briefing, inspector of the Department of Intangible Cultural Heritage, Ministry of Culture, Ma Shengde said, From 2016, subsidies to 1,986 national inheritors of intangible cultural heritages will rise to 20,000 yuan ($3088). They will use the allowance on the cultural heritage promotion, rather than their living improvement. Ma noted that the subsidies increase will encourage inheritors and help them to deal with the difficult problems efficiently in promoting cultural heritage activities. It can also lead the public to pay more attention to the safeguarding of inheritors and their skills. The central government started to assist inheritors by giving subsidies of 8,000 yuan ($1,235) per year for each one in 2008. In 2011, the allowance rose to 10,000 yuan ($1,544). According to Ma, the central and local governments enhanced the management of the special funding to preserve intangible cultural heritages. In 2015, the Ministry directly transfers the subsidies to the personal accounts of the national inheritors who belong to the units directly under the central government. Some places, such as Hunan and Henan province have adopted this method. The provincial department of finance or culture will give the subsidies to the inheritors directly, said Ma. 'Asymmetric harmony' for US-China ties Updated: 2016-03-31 07:20 By ROBERT LAWRENCE KUHN(China Daily) MA XUEJING/CHINA DAILY President Xi Jinping is again meeting with US President Barack Obama and pundits are eager to offer prescriptions and proscriptions to improve China-US relations. Although good-willed, much of the advice is repetitive, even soporiferous. Maybe that's a good thingbecause predictability, in sensitive diplomacy as in financial markets, is a good thing. But maybe there's better advice. The Xi-Obama meeting will take place on the sidelines of the fourth Nuclear Security Summit in Washington on Thursday. While the aim of the summit is criticalpreventing nuclear terrorismattention is focused on the Obama-Xi meeting. So how can the two sides show respect to each other without compromising their core interests? And how can they accommodate each other without appeasing? Start with what some on each side, suspicious of the other, really think. In China, some say the US seeks to "contain China" and thwart its historic rise. They see the US encircling China by alliances, explicit or implicit, with Japan, the Republic of Korea, the Philippines, Vietnam and India; coercing China to open its markets to control its industries and exploit its consumers; restricting Chinese companies' operations and acquisitions and mergers in the US; hacking China's computers and sending spy planes to patrol China's shores; fomenting "extremism, separatism and terrorism" in the Tibet and Xinjiang Uygur autonomous regions; and injecting Western values to overwhelm Chinese values, eroding China's independence and undermining its sovereignty. In the US, some say China is a looming political and military challenger, an economic superpower that plays by its own rules and whose opaque intentions are intimidating its neighbors; acts solely in its own interests, even to the detriment of the international order; is a mercantile predator that uses government power to promote commercial interests, boosting exports and stealing jobs, and allows (indeed promotes) nefarious hacking and industrial theft; and the Chinese government limits human rights to maintain control, and its mounting military power, especially its modernizing blue-water navy, betrays expansionist ambitions. How to deal with such sweeping, invidious suspicions? The normal way is for leaders to emphasize commonalities and manage differences, which seems to work well at first, but then often seems to backslide. There is no magic solution. While progress is best made incrementally, not precipitously, how do we characterize the differences between China and the US? A descriptive term could be "asymmetric". Because the core interests of China and the US are not the same, a zero-sum game is not inevitable. We hear about "asymmetric warfare". How about "asymmetric peacefare"? What are the kinds of China-US asymmetric disputes and how can they be ameliorated? There is an obvious political asymmetry. Obama is in his last year in office and seeks what's best for the US. Xi has many years in office and seeks what's best for China, transforming the country through economic transition, reform and the rule of law. More important, though, is the China-US asymmetry in core interests. China would like the US to understand and respect its three core interests: China's political system, which its leaders believe is in the best interests of the overwhelming majority of the Chinese people; China's development as its highest national priority and the need for social stability at a time of economic complexities when deep and sensitive reforms are essential; and China's sovereignty over specific land and maritime territories, which reflect both historic realities and national pride. The US would like China to understand and respect its three core interests: the sanctity of the international order and the standards of international law; accepted norms of behavior in foreign affairs and international commercial activities; and respect for human rights. I believe these asymmetric core interests should not conflict. My hope is for harmony, which is why my call is for "asymmetric harmony" to help manage US-China relations. The author is a public intellectual, political/economics commentator, and international corporate strategist. HK party an insult to rule of law and commonsense Updated: 2016-03-31 07:53 (China Daily) President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying in Beijing, capital of China, Dec 23, 2015. Leung is in Beijing to report his work to the central government. [Photo/Xinhua] A separatist organization calling itself the Hong Kong National Party was "officially" founded the other day at a press conference in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, even though its pursuit of legal status failed when the Hong Kong Companies Registry, where all political parties in the SAR have to be registered, rejected its application according to the law. By holding a press conference to announce its existence after failing to register with the government, the separatist group has already openly challenged the rule of law in Hong Kong. Chan Ho-tin, the convener of the HKNP and an undergraduate student at the Polytechnic University of Hong Kong, said the party currently has 30 to 50 members, most of them young students like him. If true, people have a very good reason to wonder what those young HKNP members are learning in school these days. Do they know what they advocate is illegal, unconstitutional and idiotic? The Companies Registry refused to accept the HKNP's request for legal recognition because it aims to turn Hong Kong into an independent republic by all means necessary, which is against the Basic Law of the HKSAR. Chan told reporters at the press conference that the HKNP is operating with money its members have pitched in, and it needs donations from the public as soon as possible. That means a not legally recognized political group seeking to separate Hong Kong from the motherland by illegal means is also trying to swindle money from local residents. As for its desire to make Hong Kong an "indigenous nation" recognized by countries around the world and represented in the United Nations, people cannot but feel sorry for the parents and teachers of these students, who either have no idea what the word "nation" means or pretend their definition of the word is completely different from the dictionary one. It is a simple fact that Hong Kong has always been a part of China's territory no matter who happens to govern the country. No person, organization or government can deny that fact or change it. Arguments over "Hong Kong independence" are ultimately a waste of time and energy because, at the end of the day, all attempts to achieve it will fail no matter who is behind them. Using individual rights and freedoms to justify such desires is ridiculous because Hong Kong is not anybody's private property. Prudence can help solve South China Sea issue Updated: 2016-03-31 13:34 By Jin Yongming(China Daily) This satellite image shows the Yongshu Jiao of China's Nansha Islands. [Photo/Xinhua] Chinas refusal to accept the arbitration initiated by the Philippines in the South China Sea issue in 2013 is entirely in accordance with the law. In 2006, China exercised its right under Article 298 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea to reject compulsory arbitration on the issue. Although the ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration on Manilas complaint will be announced later this year, a part of it has been released. And the available content of The Hague-based courts ruling has several flaws. For one, it falsely judges the ownership of a low-tide elevation according to the UNCLOS definition, which refers to a naturally formed area of land which is surrounded by and above water at low tide but submerged at high tide. In contrast, it is international law that decides whether a low-tide elevation can be owned by a relevant coastal country, particularly when it comes to territorial acquisition. Many countries, including China and the Philippines, are yet to reach a consensus on the tidal datum, which plays a vital role in judging the ownership of low-tide elevations in the light of international law, leading to disparities over delimitations in the South China Sea. Therefore, it would be inappropriate and unconvincing for The Hague-based court to make an arbitration tribunal decision before making clear the limitations of the UNCLOS in disputes over low-tide elevations. It should also be noted that the United States has intensified its security-related intervention in the South China Sea issue, although it doesnt even remotely concern its national security, to push forward its pivot to Asia strategy. To strengthen its leadership in the region and fulfill its defense-oriented obligations to help allies like Manila, Washington has sought to challenge Beijings legal construction work on its own islets and reefs. The US provocative actions over the past months, including the recent intrusions by the its guided-missile destroyers USS Lassen and USS Curtis Wilbur into the waters near Chinas islands in the South China Sea, have resulted in serious frictions between the two countries over regional maritime issues. The US is also likely to hold more joint military drills with some of its Asian allies and further bolster its military bases in the region, in the hope of consolidating its foothold in the South China Sea. In response to Washingtons increasing provocations, particularly its warships free navigation in the waters off Chinas Xisha Islands, Beijing has exercised the utmost restraint to avoid an open conflict. On the one hand, Beijing has to take a prudent stance on the South China Sea issue, because the baselines of some Nansha islets and reefs remain unclear even though UNCLOS allows reclamation work on its islets and reefs. On the other hand, coastal nations reserve the right to ask foreign ships availing of innocent passage to abide by relevant laws and regulations. Therefore, China and the US should hold more talks, in a bid to reach a consensus on freedom of navigation and major security issues. Should they succeed in their endeavor, other coastal countries can use some of the resultant rules to deal with similar disputes. To better safeguard regional peace and stability, China also needs to work with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to facilitate consultations over the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. Besides, it should make more efforts to implement the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Initiative to deepen China-ASEAN cooperation as a counter-measure to the joint efforts of the US and the Philippines to muddle the South China Sea waters. The author is director of the Ocean Strategy Studies Center at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences. Canada trade minister stresses opportunities Updated: 2016-04-01 04:28 By Na Li in Toronto(China Daily Canada) Canadian Minister of International Trade Chrystia Freeland speaks at a luncheon organized by the Canada China Business Council on March 30 in Toronto. This was the minister's first public statement on the issue of Canada's bilateral trade relationship with China, making her the first federal cabinet minister to discuss the government's China agenda. (NA LI / CHINA DAILY) There are opportunities there, but opportunities can be lost. That's how Canadian Minister of International Trade Chrystia Freeland summed up Canada's relationship with China. Freeland made the remarks at a luncheon organized by the Canada China Business Council on March 30 in Toronto. "The most important economic development in the 21 century is the rising of Asia, especially the rising of China," said Freeland, who mentioned that her three children were studying Chinese. "We should think about the challenge and opportunity that the rise of China presents to Canada and the West." Aside from the strong human connections between Canada and China, Canada has a meaningful economic relationship with China as well, she said. China is currently Canada's second-largest trading partner. It provides the largest group of foreign students in Canada (120,000 Chinese students studied in Canada last year). Chinese are also the third-largest tourist group coming to Canada. And the RMB trading hub recently launched in Toronto has boosted Canada's exports to China. "We appreciated these very much," she said. "I think the big challenge of the 21 century is to create a positive world order in which China wishes to play, and Canada can play a central role in the project through our relationship with China," she said. Freeland affirmed that Canada's approach to China is consequential, careful and thoughtful, and aimed at building the relationship over the long term. "Let's take the time to have a very clear understanding of what our mutual interests are," she said. Freeland also mentioned that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to attend the G20 summit hosted by China in Hangzhou this September. In 1973, the PM's father Pierre Trudeau made the first official visit by a Canadian prime minister to China. Chinese Consul General in Toronto Xue Bing also spoke at the luncheon. He encouraged Canada to join the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank and take part in the Belt and Road Initiative. He stressed that the two governments should initiate free trade agreement negotiations. "I hope China and Canada can seize the opportunities, and jointly push our bilateral relationship to a new high," said Xue, "and we are looking forward to Prime Minister Trudeau's attendance at the G20 Summit in Hangzhou." renali@chinadailyusa.com Anbang withdraws offer for Starwood hotels: Reports Updated: 2016-04-01 05:16 By Agencies(China Daily USA) China's Anbang Insurance Group Co is dropping its proposed $14 billion takeover of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc, US media reports said on Thursday. The surprise move comes as Anbang appeared close to securing Starwood's agreement for a deal that would have topped an earlier merger pact between Marriott International Inc. Starwood, which has popular brands including Sheraton, W Hotels, St. Regis and Westin, now plans to revert to Marriott's last offer, which valued Starwood at $13.6 billion at the time of the offer, unidentified sources said. Reuters, citing sources familiar with the matter, said that Anbang had never followed through with its March 26 proposal to Starwood to make its offer binding. The company did not provide a reason to Starwood for walking away, Reuters reported. Starwood and US representatives for Anbang did not immediately respond to requests for comment, Reuters said. Shares of Starwood fell 4.2 percent to $79.90 in after-hours trading, while Marriott shares declined 5.1 percent to $67.55. Anbang had fired the latest shot in a bidding war, offering $14 billion for Starwood against Marriott's $13.6 billion proposal. In a Monday statement, Starwood said that its board had determined that the Anbang-led offer was "reasonably likely" to lead to a "superior proposal" to the proposed Marriott deal. Starwood said at the time that the Anbang proposal was non-binding, but that the company and the consortium were "working to finalize the other terms of a binding proposal from the Consortium, including definitive documentation." Anbang has mounted an aggressive expansion into the US hospitality industry, agreeing to buy Strategic Hotels & Resorts from Blackstone for $6.5 billion earlier this month and concluding a deal last year to acquire New York's Waldorf Astoria for $1.95 billion. Vice-Premier highlights China-Israel health cooperation Updated: 2016-03-31 10:05 By ZHANG YUNBI in Tel Aviv, Israel(chinadaily.com.cn) Vice-Premier Liu Yandong has said China and Israel are expected to "increase dynamism for the two-way cooperation in healthcare industries". Liu made the calls when addressing a China-Israel healthcare cooperation seminar in Tel Aviv on Wednesday. Israel enjoys "a well-developed healthcare system, it runs effectively and it's a pioneer in technology", she noted. Cooperation should be deepened in regards to the industry new frontiers and cutting-edge technologies - such as stem cells and regenerative medicine - to "make the biological and pharmaceutical sectors a new driving force for the economic development of the two countries". "China is endeavoring to build a 'healthy China', and is consistently advancing its reform in the medical, pharmaceutical and hygiene system," she said. Also the two countries hope to boost sharing of experiences and strengthen in-depth cooperation in between, and joint research and training are hoped for health emergency management and disease prevention and control, she said. Liu is in a three-stop visit to Egypt, Israel and Palestine till Thursday. zhangyunbi@chinadaily.com.cn Kenya to burn tons of confiscated ivory, rhino horn Updated: 2016-03-31 23:30 By By Hou Liqiang in Nairobi, Kenya(chinadaily.com.cn) Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta will lead the burning of 105 metric tons (231,485 pounds) of seized ivory and 1.3 tons of rhino horn on April 30, and dignitaries from all over the world will attend the event at the Nairobi National Park, the government announced. Judi Wakhungu, cabinet secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Regional Development Authorities, made the announcement on Wednesday at a press conference at the burning site. Last year, Kenya burned 15 tons of ivory at the site. Destroying the ivory and rhino horn will not end their illegal trade, but it demonstrates Kenya's commitment to seeking a global ban on the trading of ivory and rhino horn, said Wakhungu. "As a government, we are attaching great significance to this state event and the president looks forward to hosting his peers and other dignitaries from all over the world who will come to express solidarity with our conservation efforts," she said. Wakhungu said efforts by Kenya's government to save elephants and rhinos from poaching have yielded good results. "In 2014, 164 elephants were poached in the country, which was significantly reduced to 96 in 2015. In 2014, 35 rhinos were illegally killed compared to 11 in 2015,'' she noted. Wakhungu also announced the start as of Wednesday of a 21- day amnesty for the surrender of any wildlife trophies that are held without a permit issued by the Kenya Wildlife Service. Those who turn in jewelry or trinkets made from ivory or rhino horn to the director general of the service will not be punished, she said. The wildlife service said that 64.12 kilograms of ivory was seized on Tuesday at the cargo area of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. It was concealed in gunny bags wrapped in nylon and put in buckets. The wildlife service has launched an investigation to determine the source, owners, destination and recipients. 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. Chairman of Ha Noi People's Committee Nguyen Duc Chung (third right) hands over investment certificate to a representative of Samsung Electronics Viet Nam. VNS Photo HA NOI (VNS) The Ha Noi Peoples Committee yesterday issued an investment certificate to Samsung Electronics for a research and development centre in the capital citys Hoang Mai District. To cost US$300 million, the 21-storey centre will develop high-tech electrical, electronic and telecom products. Construction will begin July 2017, and it will open in January 2020 when it will hire 4,000 employees. Speaking at the licensing ceremony, Ha Noi chairman Nguyen uc Chung said the project would help the city attract more foreign direct investment and develop skilled human resources and high technology. It would also create co-operation among local companies to develop supporting industries, he said. Ha Noi has attracted FDI worth over $810 million in the first quarter, five times the amount in the same period last year. Samsung is one of the biggest investors in Viet Nam, with a report from the Ministry of Planning and Investment saying it had invested $14 billion as of September 2015 in many big projects in the northern provinces of Bac Ninh and Thai Nguyen and in HCM City. VNS Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam ( second from right). Photo vnexpress.net HA NOI (VNS) We should change the way we think, look beyond the country and become part of the world community as it has shrunk, Deputy Prime Minister Vu uc am said. This has been made possible thanks to closer connections and exchanges, Deputy PM Vu uc am said while delivering the opening speech titled Promoting National Entrepreneurship during a National Start-up Initiative workshop took place in Ha Noi yesterday. am said suitable policies played an important role in creating a favourable environment and conditions for enterprises, including the start-up business community. However, just untying and removing obstacles to create a favourable environment and ecosystem was not enough. One needed to accelerate the implementation of these policies for everyone and all businesses to have opportunities to develop their start-up movement and strong growth. The leader said that the strong growth of ICT today was making the world smaller. We must change our thought process to grasp and bring into full play our advantages in science and technology. The Deputy PM said that the Vietnamese government was willing to invest and join hands with private investors to support the national start-up initiative from inventors. am made a promise that he would always support start-up businesses and the government would address problems facing start-up businesses as soon as possible. The Vietnamese government would continue to work with you to develop policies to create the most favourable conditions for the start-up community and incubators, am said. Dean of Ha Noi University of Technology Hoang Minh Son told participants that to make a success of the national start-up one needed to have excellent innovative ideas and a firm base of knowledge. Son said businesses should assist young people in R&D and make them a driving force in joining the national start-up initiative programme. At the seminar, participants also discussed such topics as the role of each component in the start-up ecosystem, how to build a start-up ecosystem from the perspective of science and technology, spotting the key problem which needs solving in order to promote entrepreneurship in Viet Nam, as well as proposing initiatives to make Viet Nam a start-up nation. Also in the framework of the programme, FPT and Dragon Capital Group, signed a co-operation agreement for the establishment of the Vietnam Innovative Start-up Accelerator (VIISA for short). VIISA will be an open-ended fund with the participation of many large enterprises and investment funds. FPT and Dragon Capital Group are the founders. The fund aims to train, invest and support start-up groups in the fields of information technology, mobile, Internet and finance so that they would become successful businesses. The first start-up accelerator training course of VIISA is expected to officially open in the second quarter of 2016. The establishment of VIISA was in response to the national programme to build Viet Nams start-up ecosystem launched by the Ministry of Science and Technology. VIISA will create a new start-up ecosystem to help ensure that Viet Nam will have 5,000 technology companies by 2020. The founders affirmed that they would try their best to make VIISA a centre to connect Viet Nams start-ups with businesses and investors around the world. Currently, FPT and Dragon Capital Group, are calling for more names among Top 500 enterprises in Viet Nam as well as funds and start-up incubators worldwide to build and develop VIISA. Executive Chairman of Dragon Capital Group, Dominic Scriven OBE, said, We believe in the information technology and mobile revolution. We think the growth engine of the economy in the next decade will lie with innovative start-ups that we see today. By starting to work on this programme, we do hope to accelerate the commercialisation and the application of innovative technologies in Viet Nam. After the declaration of the establishment of VIISA, the founding members signed a memorandum of agreement on the development of start-up activities at universities and high schools including VNU University of Engineering and Technology, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, FPT University and Hanoi-Amsterdam High School. The seminar was attended by around 50 guests from the Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Education and Training, VINASA and representatives from other important components in the start-up ecosystem such as investment funds, enterprises, associations, and educational institutes. VNS Viet Nams gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 5.46 per cent in the first quarter, slower than the 6.12 per cent during the same period last year, the General Statistics Office (GSO) announced this week. There were signs of GDP stagnation although Q1 is the first quarter to implement the socio-economic development plan for 2016-2020. Vietnam Television asked the economic expert Vu inh Anh whether the figure affects the target GDP growth rate of 6.7 per cent as set for this year by the government. Late last year, we were optimistic when looking forward to 2016 as it is the start of a new economic cycle. However, the Q1 growth rate shows stagnation. Are you surprised about this? Vu inh Anh. File Photo In fact I am really surprised. The GDP growth rate of Viet Nams economy reached a record high of 6.68 per cent in 2015, higher than the national expected target, and the GDP growth in a quarter was always higher than the previous quarter. Therefore, I am very surprised that national GDP growth has slowed to 5.46 per cent in the first quarter, much slower than the same period last year. This stagnation will have a great impact on the target GDP growth rate for the whole year. What is the impact of the Q1 GDP on the whole years GDP growth, especially as this is the first year of the countrys five-year socio-economic development plan for 2016-2020? I can say that the role of the first quarter in a year is very important because this is the beginning quarter. Economic growth in the first quarter is sure to affect economic development targets for the whole year. If GDP growth starts at this low level, we will face many challenges in reaching the economic growth targets for the year. For instance, if Viet Nam sets the GDP growth target for this year to at least match the 2015 growth rate, it will be very difficult to reach the target when the first quarter had a slow growth rate. More over, Viet Nam expects to gain a high GDP growth rate of 6.5-7 per cent for the five-year economic plan during the 2016-20 period, while the initial quarter of the first year under this period has shown a low economic growth rate. The government should analyse the reasons behind the low economic growth rate so as to have solutions to promote domestic economic development by the end of this year and beyond. The General Statistics Office (GSO) has listed some reasons for the slow GDP growth rate in the first quarter, including a reduction in GDP from farming. This is the first time the GDP of the farming industry has shrunk against the same period last year. Last year, the GDP growth rate of the agricultural industry reached 2.25 per cent year on year. Can you suggest other reasons? The agricultural industry has played an important role in contributing to the national GDP and also in the surge of national export value. However, in recent years it has accounted only for 10 per cent of the total GDP in Viet Nam, where as years ago it was 20 per cent. Therefore, other industries have contributed to the slow national GDP growth rate in the first quarter. The GDP of the agricultural industry in the first quarter was reduced by 1.23 per cent year on year, bringing the local economys GDP down by 0.16 per cent, so this industry is one contributor to the low GDP growth rate. The GDP of other industries have also contributed to the slow national GDP growth rate. For instance, the GDP of the industrial sector was two thirds the growth rate of the same period last year. The GDP of the mining industry shrunk by 4 per cent year on year, while the GDP of the processing and manufacturing industry that accounts for 70 per cent of the industrial fields total production value reached only two thirds the growth rate of the same period last year. Two other important fields that have a large contribution to GDP growth are export value and the total retail value of goods and services. In the first quarter of this year, the total export value had a low growth rate of 4.1 per cent, and growth for the total retail value of goods and services was at four fifths of the growth rate in the same period last year. I think that the slow growth in GDP of the first quarter is related to the agricultural, industrial and export fields. The construction and tourism industries had high growth rates in the first quarter. Do you think the State should focus on those industries to boost GDP growth by the end of this year? It is difficult to do that because the construction industry does not account for a large percentage of the total GDP, though the industry had a GDP growth rate of 10 per cent in the first quarter, and the local property market has shown signs of recovery. The GDP of the construction industry is smaller than the agricultural industrys GDP. In Viet Nam, the service field has contributed a large percentage to the total GDP, followed by industry. However, I think to promote total GDP growth, the State should focus on the development of the processing and manufacturing industries. VNS Experimental: Artist Pierre Lefeuvre will stage his electronic music and VJ concert Saycet in Ha Noi on April 9. -- Photo saycet.org Artist Pierre Lefeuvre will present his electronic music and VJ concert Saycet in LEspace on April 9, at 8pm. Lefeuvre, has toured throughout Europe and Asia and also works as a composer for the Pompidou Centre. His latest album Mirage in 2015 pushed a sonic style inspired by his recent tours. He creates sound mirages in which one loses oneself intensely. Lefeuvres live music will be enriched by the video work of Zita Cochet who also plays on materials and abstract textures. Ticket costs VN170,000. For LEspace member: VN100,000 and for students: VN80,000. Tickets are available at LEspace. VNS Songkran: The celebration includes games and activities, such as sumo wrestling, bouncy castles, water slides, coloured powder, food, and music selected by local DJs. Photo Lam Lai Saigon Outcast will celebrate the Thai water festival, Songkran, at the HCM City Youth Cultural Centre on April 16. There will be games and activities like sumo wrestling, bouncy castle and water slide, coloured powder, food, and music selected by local DJs. Nearly 5,000 people are expected to attend. They are asked to bring water guns and balloons. Must-see site: Trang An Complex is one of the many famous destinations in Viet Nam. The countrys strong point in tourism is landscapes and cultural heritage, experts said. Photo trave.com.vn HA NOI Viet Nam has many strong points to help its tourism industry grow and compete with other countries in the region, said tourism expert Pham Truong Hoang from the National University of Economics. Viet Nam possesses beautiful nature and many tourist destinations, and the service prices are cheap, Hoang said. Thats our advantage to make national tourism industry grow steadily and rapidly. He analysed Viet Nams potential for promoting tourism and the challenges it may face at a conference on ASEANs tourism strategic plan for 2016-25 and Viet Nams integration into the regional tourism industry. The conference was held yesterday in Ha Noi and was attended by travel agents and experts. The Viet Nam Administration of Tourism (VNAT) organised the conference with an aim of devising a strategy to develop tourism in ASEAN, defining Viet Nams role in developing regional tourism, and outlining ways that the country can better integrate into the ASEAN tourism market. According to the World Tourism Organisation, the number of international tourists who travelled to Southeast Asia was 96.7 million in 2014. The region has seen annual growth of 7.9 per cent, which is the highest after South Asia (8.6 per cent). By 2025, ASEAN will be a quality tourism destination offering a unique, diverse ASEAN experience, and will be committed to responsible, sustainable, inclusive and balanced tourism development, so as to contribute significantly to the socio-economic well-being of ASEAN people, said Tran Phu Cuong, deputy director of VNATs International Co-operation Department`. To work towards the vision for ASEAN tourism over the next decade, it will be necessary to complete and continue existing initiatives, such as the marketing of ASEAN as a single destination and the implementation of ASEAN tourism standards, said Cuong. Global competitiveness reports and surveys reveal that ASEANs natural and cultural heritage is one of its key competitive strengths. The main weaknesses are in the areas of infrastructure, the business environment, regulatory framework and human resources. Deputy Director Cuong said this year, Viet Nam will continue the implementation of the ASEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangement on Tourism Professionals (MRA-TP); adopt new and innovative approaches to destination and product development and marketing; work with other agencies to influence connectivity, investment, safety and security, as well as natural and cultural heritage conservation. VNS Cultural blend: Spains Leandro Marcelino creates his own style of ceramics based on local materials. Photos courtesy of Hey Camel Ceramics by Le Huong Viet Nams long tradition of ceramics has inspired many expats living here. Spains Leandro Marcelino is one among them, who not only understands clearly the different genres of ancient ceramics in the country and follows todays ceramic workers process, but also creates his own style of ceramics based on local materials. Born in Canary Island in Spain, Marcelino has been living in HCM City for the last three years, where he has discovered a rich culture in ceramics. Coming to a country that has rich and different cultures has inspired me quite a lot, he said. I decided to make my own ceramic objects based on the diversified art of ceramics all across Southeast Asia. After two years, I decided to launch my own ceramic brand, Hey Camel Ceramics. I felt more confident in making my own creations and sharing my experience with the rest of the world. Hey Camel Ceramics has taken the inspiration from the city landscape in its project entitled Tiny Houses. Sometimes I like to travel on my motorbike to observe houses and the people inside the houses. I really admire the local living culture. I reproduced that in the tiny houses, he said. He also produced plant-raising pots in shape of masks. The meaning of the masks is basically personal experiences and the influence of African culture on me, he said. I also blend in Vietnamese culture by using local materials. All these products are glazed by hand, some of them with a transparent glaze. It highlights the colour of the clay. Marcelino has also been influenced by the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi. It means natural, rough and, sometimes, not even, he said. Its kind of different. My objects, for example, in the same collection are sometimes quite different from one another. For me, making ceramics is one way of expressing myself, because they are made by hand, the objects are not similar and have our soul, which convey the feelings of the person who makes them. Marcelino often visits ai Hung Village near HCM City, where he feels more relaxed and close to the land and the environment, while watching the ceramic work of the local people. The Spanish artist also gives regular lessons to the local people and expats. His class is so intriguing, Truong Thi Van Thu, one of Marcelinos students, said. Adina Weinand, from the United States, said Marcelino was an encouraging, patient and kind teacher. Some customers come to my class and say OK I want to do it. I say OK, we will do something but not the same. Its gonna be perfect, something special, something that you cannot buy in the market, something that has your personality. Its gonna be something about this moment in the class, the moment that we share, Marcelino said. Marcelino said he would soon organise a new workshop called Blind workshop, where the students would be blindfolded and would be taught to make a cup by using all senses except vision. We want to give an opportunity to students to experience the feelings that the use of ceramics and clay involve, he said. The ceramic maker also does modelling for local designers. To me, art is not just ceramics, its also fashion, the beauty of life. I think that they are all connected, he said. I like Marcelinos style of working, Thuc Nguyen said. He works enthusiastically. Whatever I ask him to do, he follows. Hes Spanish with Spanish energy. And sometimes he comes up with good ideas, photographer Mike Pham said. The ceramic maker and fashion model said while he does not have much free time, once he finishes his work, he likes to visit the market, buy vegetables and then cook something healthy in the company of his two cats, Sambal and Sriracha, at home. He said he cannot name just one or two of his favourite Vietnamese dishes or drinks, but he often has tofu with ginger syrup, pho cuon (fresh spring roll with stir-fried beef and vegetables), and drinks herbal tea made of mushrooms or artichokes. VNS Art shop: The entrance to Leandro Marcelinos workshop, where he inspires many ceramic-making learners. Bui Quang Vinh, Minister of Planning and Investment. Photo tuoitre.vn Bui Quang Vinh, Minister of Planning and Investment, spoke to the newspaper Tien Phong (Vanguard) about money disbursement in the central and local budgets. Are there any mechanisms in place to sanction violations of the 2014 Law on Public Investment? Under the 2014 Law on Public Investment, new projects using either the State or local budget can only be started when the funding is available. Since it came into force on January 1, 2015, the Law has been applied to projects using the State budget, not yet with the local budget. Since early 2016, the State Audit Office, the State Inspectorate and the Ministry of Planning and Investment have organised several inspection visits to provinces with projects using the State budget. Prior to those inspection visits, we were granted the right to temporarily stop any non-compliant projects and report them to the government. If the project owners didnt follow our recommendations, we would cut off the funding immediately. In addition, the National Assembly and Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung have adopted resolutions that say that any locality wanting to start a new project using the State budget must first submit a report on the final financial settlement for old projects in their province. Many people have complained that there remain quite a few problems with public investment projects and the handling of outstanding debts. How do you respond to these complaints? Basically, outstanding debts will be solved in the coming five years, as these debts are managed by the central government. Under our law, the central capital, which comes from the State budget, is managed and allocated by the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) with approval from the Prime Minister. Thats why our ministry has the right to handle outstanding debt. In addition, under the Law on Public Investment, there is no chance for ministries or localities to start a project without money approved by the MPI and the Prime Minister. However, with infrastructure construction projects using the money managed by local governments, they are subjected to the authorisation of local governments. Im confident that when the central budget is put under tight control, it will have a strong impact on local budget control. But, it will take time and cannot be done overnight. Outstanding debts remain a big problem in Viet Nam . Do you agree? I couldnt agree more. Outstanding debt in infrastructure construction is an ongoing process. Construction projects always surpass the amount of money the project owners have paid them. Thats why outstanding debt in infrastructure construction is a normal issue everywhere in our country. However, for the case of outstanding debt in projects funded by the central budget, I say no problem. They are under control. For example, the Ministry of Transport owes VN13,000 billion (US$583 million) and is on the right track. That amount will certainly be settled within the next five years. What Im worried about is the debt owed by local governments. I hope the next Government will work out a plan to ensure that the budget controlled by local governments will be as strictly controlled as the central budget. As I have mentioned, the Central Government has no right to impose their will on how local governments should spend their money. VNS NA chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung. File Photo HA NOI (VNS) The National Assembly (NA) agreed to let Nguyen Sinh Hung step down from his positions as chairman of the NA and the National Election Council (NEC) during a plenary session yesterday. Among 473 votes, 431 agreed to relieve him from his duty as NA chairman, while 430 approved of his stepping down from the post of NEC leader. The legislature then adopted a resolution releasing him from the posts with 454 votes of approval (92.11 per cent of NA deputies). Later, NA Vice Chairwoman Tong Thi Phong delivered a proposal on the nomination of candidates for the position of NA head. The Politburo and Party Central Committee have nominated NA Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan to the post. The voting will be held today. If elected, Ngan will become the first female leader in the history of the Vietnamese legislature. The legislative body is also scheduled to take procedures to relieve the President of his post today. On Saturday morning, the NA will elect a new president, who will be sworn in the same day. The newly elected president is due to submit a proposal to the NA to release the prime minister of his duty on the morning of April 6. Procedures for the release will take place in the afternoon the same day. The NA will elect a new PM on the morning of April 7. All the releases and elections of these leading positions are conducted in the form of a secret ballot. Earlier in the morning, NA deputies discussed the revised law on signing, joining and implementing international treaties. Their discussion focused on principles related to signing and implementing international treaties, supervision of the signing and implementation of treaties, the adoption of treaties, and the decision whether or not to join treaties. VNS President Truong Tan Sang meets with WB Country Director to Viet Nam Victoria Kwakwa yesterday. VNA/VNS Photo Nguyen Khang HA NOI (VNS) President Truong Tan Sang said he hopes the World Bank (WB) will support Viet Nam in coping with the prolonged salt intrusion in the Mekong Delta during a meeting with WB Country Director to Viet Nam Victoria Kwakwa yesterday. He briefed the WB official, who came to bid farewell at the end of her tenure, about the developments of drought, salt intrusion and climate change in the delta, which has caused huge damage to the local economy and livelihoods. The President also mentioned the national programme on planning canal and dyke systems to prevent salt intrusion in the deltas cities and provinces, and proposed the WB give urgent support to the country in these projects. For her part, Kwakwa confirmed the WB will continue to coordinate with the Vietnamese ministries, sectors and localities to put forth effective measures to cope with climate change. She called on Viet Nam to cooperate with the bank in implementing its upcoming major programmes, and proposed that the President authorise agencies to negotiate on rural transport projects, dam safety, credit management and budget cuts. She took note of the Presidents proposals and confirmed that she will continue to support Viet Nam in the future. Later the same day, Kwakwa was received by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, who said Viet Nam wishes for continued support from the international community, including the WB, to fulfill its development goals. He asked for the WBs support in resources, policy consultation and technical assistance in infrastructure, sustainable poverty reduction, health care, education and human resource training, as well as in response to climate change and rising sea levels. The host expressed hope that the WB, with its prestige, would continue raising its voice for effective and sustainable use of Mekong River resources, especially waste.The leader also spoke highly of the outcomes of WB President Jim Yong-kims visit to Viet Nam last February and the joint work done to build the report Vietnam 2035: Toward Prosperity, Creativity, Equity and Democracy, which covered specific recommendations for Viet Nams development orientations. Kwakwa, for her part, said the WB is working closely with Vietnamese ministries and agencies to effectively realise commitments reached during Jims visit and goals set in the Viet Nam report.The WB pledges to liaise with partners in seeking a suitable roadmap for Viet Nam to achieve priority development goals and ensure the State budgets sustainable solvency, she said. Research centres On the same day, Sang received General Director of Samsung Vietnam Han Myong Sup. Sang proposed that the group support Viet Nam in developing its auxiliary industries. He said he hoped that with its development pace, Samsung would see more success, reaching an export revenue target of US$50 billion and becoming the leading electronics complex in Viet Nam. The President praised Samsungs co-operation with scientific establishments in Viet Nam to set up research centres and provide high-quality human resources training. Sup said that with Government support, more Vietnamese businesses could take part in the production process. He expected that after the development research centre started operations in Ha Noi, many generations of Vietnamese engineers and workers would get access to advanced knowledge and skills. VNS HA NOI (VNS) Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan has won a majority of the parliamentary vote to become the first-ever chairwoman of Viet Nams National Assembly. In the parliamentary vote that took place today, 472, or 95.5 per cent, of the 481 valid votes elected Ngan, 62, as the chairwoman of the NA and 467 of the 477 valid votes elected her as chairwoman of the National Election Council (NEC). The politburo member and former NA vice-chairwoman was born in Giong Trom District in the southern Ben Tre Province. She has a masters degree in financial and credit management and a bachelors degree in politics. Ngan joined the Communist Party of Viet Nam in 1981. Yesterday, the NA agreed to let Nguyen Sinh Hung step down as chairman of the NA as well as the NEC during a plenary session in Ha Noi. Of the 473 valid votes, 431 agreed to relieve him of his duties as NA chairman, while 430 approved of his resignation from the post of NEC leader. The legislature adopted a resolution, dismissing him from the posts, with 454 approval votes (92.11 per cent of the NA deputies). Later, NA Vice-Chairwoman Tong Thi Phong proposed to nominate candidates for the position of NA head. The politburo and the party central committee nominated the former NA vice-chairwoman to the post. Today, the legislative body is scheduled to implement procedures to relieve the president of his duties. On the morning of April 2, the NA will elect a new president, who will be sworn in on the same day. The newly elected president will submit a proposal to the NA to relieve the prime minister of his duties on the morning of April 6, and procedures for the dismissal will take place on the afternoon of the same day. The NA will elect a new PM on the morning of April 7. All dismissals and elections of these key leading positions are conducted in the form of secret ballot. VNS View of the Plain of Reeds, an important natural reservoir, in ong Thap Province. VNS Photo Phuoc Buu Phuoc Buu Viet Nams Mekong Delta is facing severe drought and critical inland salination at the same time. El Nino and the shortage of water to the delta due to dams built by countries in the upper Mekong mainstream are the main causes; however, Vietnamese water reserve policies are also part of the story. The Mekong River enters Viet Nams territory in two big tributes of the Tien and Hau rivers before it ends in the sea through nine estuaries. The delta has thousands of inland canals, and for centuries, it seemed hard to believe that the delta would face a water shortage. But this year, drought has occurred in many delta provinces and low levels of fresh water in the canals have facilitated the intrusion of salty water, which is said to be the strongest in 100 years now. As many as 180,000 hectares of farm land has been affected, destroying crops and causing critical shortages of water for delta residents. Local governments in the affected provinces of Long An, Tien Giang, Ben Tre, Soc Trang, Tra Vinh, Hau Giang, Bac Lieu and Kien Giang have attempted to source water from neighbouring, less affected provinces. The central government has delivered the provinces a relief package of VN650 billion (US$29 million) for dealing with salination and drought. At the same time, the Vietnamese government asked countries that own power dams on the upper Mekong mainstream to release water from their reservoirs to water the dried-up rice paddies. Scientists have argued that this will not solve the long-term problem. They urged that the practical situation in Viet Nam be looked into. First, the country needs to find a fair mechanism of water sharing on the Mekong mainstream, with strong commitments from dam operators on when and how much water will be released. The country must also find the exact cause to water shortage in the tributes basin, not on the river. The delta has two wetland zones, 489,000ha Long Xuyen Quadrangle and 697,000ha Plain of Reeds, which serve as natural reservoirs, taking water from Mekong floods and holding it to supply canals in dry season, as underground water sources. However, the closed system of earthen embankment circling wide areas of rice paddies and orchards has prevented water from annual Mekong floods entering the quadrangle and the Plain of Reeds for almost a decade now. Both natural reservoirs face a critical shortage of water. Scientists have also called for reconsidering the countrys development mindset; they want a policy switch from change and prevention to adaptation. The country should also stop chasing the title of worlds top rice producer. High concentration on rice production has resulted in the embankment system, which allows farmers a third crop of rice in a year, during the Mekong floods. Experts said annual floodwater helps clean the paddies by washing insects, rats and chemical residue away. Without the floods soil has become polluted and pests have spread, which means more chemical use and more pollution year after year. Scientists also suggested policy of switching canals with bracket water into fresh water for the aquaculture sector. Scientists said any move against nature would result in negative outcomes from the changed natural conditions. Countries should develop or select aquaculture species that can live in bracket water for the delta breeding industry. Notable Prof Vo Tong Xuan of An Giang University once said the real problem to the delta is the over concentration on rice production. Meanwhile, Associate Prof Le Anh Tuan of Can Tho University called for the return of natural delta features, which means flooding should happen naturally in the region and canals with bracket water should remain its status quo. Water from Chinese and Lao power dams could help temporarily, but only Viet Nam can save itself, by changing the policies affecting water reserves and the canals in the Mekong Delta, with a long-term vision. VNS A traffic jam in HCM City. Experts suggested increasing violation fines and taxes on private vehicles to curb the problem. -- VNA/VNS Photo Hoang Hai HCM CITY HCM City hopes to ease traffic jams by efficiently using existing infrastructure, promoting investment in public transport, developing waterway transportation and speeding up transportation projects, participants at a seminar said on Tuesday. We would like to seek the best solutions for addressing the traffic situation, and this conference is a good chance for us to listen to traffic experts and researchers, said Le Van Khoa, deputy chairman of the citys Peoples Committee. The conference was organised by the Department of Transport and the International University-National University HCM City. Deputy Minister of Transport Nguyen Ngoc ong said, The most important thing to ease traffic congestion is ensuring proper master planning for urban transportation, developing huge passenger transport systems like the metro and bus rapid transit system and improving the quality of public transportation. Dr Vo Kim Cuong, former deputy director of the municipal Planning and Architecture Department, suggested several measures, including improving the enforcement of traffic laws and educating the public about them, limiting private vehicles and rescheduling work hours. Professor Nguyen Van Hiep of the Polytechnic University said the city should sharply increase violation fines and taxes on private vehicles. Tran Quang Lam, deputy director of the Department of Transport, said, Local authorities will step up patrols, set up the urban traffic management centre before 2020, use technology for traffic management and improve public transport. Dr Huynh The Du of the Fulbright Economic Training Programme urged the city to set up a special task force to cope with congestion. Dr Vu Anh Tuan of the Viet Nam-Germany University said authorities should reduce demand for transportation and vehicles by increasing fees and taxes and encourage new and smart means of transport. The citys annual spending on transport infrastructure is considerably low at about 2 per cent of its GDP. As of 2011, it had 3,217km of roads and 989 bridges with a combined length of 50km. VNS A medical worker supervises the body temperature of visitors at the Tan Son Nhat International Airport in HCM City. To date, no Zika virus cases have been detected in Viet Nam. Photo vov.vn HA NOI (VNS) The Ministry of Health has collected a total of 784 samples for the Zika virus tests in 32 provinces and cities nationwide from the beginning of 2016 to March 30. However, to date no sample has tested positive for the deadly virus in Viet Nam, according to the ministrys Preventive Medicine Department. Viet Nam has not reported any case that has tested positive for the Zika virus, department director Tran ac Phu said. Director Phu also denied a rumour reported by local media that four people had tested positive for the virus. The ministry has established eight teams to ensure virus prevention in 15 provinces and cities nationwide. The health ministry has recommended to people that they ensure measures to prevent mosquito bites. Residents should actively kill mosquitoes and larvae by using ornamental fish and keeping water tanks and containers tightly covered. Pregnant women should take measures against mosquito bites and regularly visit the doctor for check-ups. During the first three months of the gestation period, a pregnant woman who has lived or returned from an area infected by the virus and has fever, hives or any one of the symptoms such as bone and joint pains, or conjunctivitis, should undergo tests. The ministry also warned people to minimise travelling between regions and localities. People returning from a Zika-affected area should monitor his or her health condition for 12 days. Those with symptoms should visit a medical station for early examination and treatment. VNS Nguyen Thi Tri, one of sentenced three women were sentenced to prison for anti-State propaganda at a trial yesterday. Photo sggp.org.vn HCM CITY The HCM City Peoples Court sentenced three women to prison for anti-State propaganda at a trial yesterday. According to the jury, Ngo Thi Minh Uoc (born in 1959) along with Nguyen Thi Tri and Nguyen Thi Be Hai (both born in 1958) made, stored and distributed anti-State documents. They were found guilty of anti-State propaganda as stipulated in Article 88 of the Penal Code. Ngo Thi Minh Uoc from Tien Giang Province received a total prison sentence of four years and three months. The three-month imprisonment is the sentence in another verdict given by the Peoples Court of southern Binh Phuoc province. She will also be kept under surveillance at her place of residence for three years after she completes her jail term. Uoc also has two previous convictions for intentionally causing injury and disturbing public order. Each of her accomplices, Tri (from Binh Duong Province) and Hai (from Tay Ninh Province), will be jailed for three years and under surveillance at their places of residence for two years. The imprisonment periods are calculated from July 7, 2014. At the trial, Uoc confessed that she induced her accomplices to come to her house on July 3, 2014 and make five big flags and 50 smaller ones (with the aim of distributing them to other people) along with many anti-State banners. The flags and banners were used in a demonstration four days later. The three defendants said they conducted the activities on their own and were not incited by anyone. According to the indictment, police of Ben Thanh ward in HCM Citys District 1 arrested Uoc, Tri and Hai in the morning of July 7, 2014, while they were waving flags that were not Viet Nams national flag, and holding banners and chanting anti-State slogans in the downtown area of the city. Police searched their houses and seized a number of exhibits with anti-Party and State content. Uoc, Tri and Hai had repeatedly gathered to spread anti-State messages after their land-related claims in Binh Phuoc, Binh Duong and ong Thap provinces were not resolved as they had wanted. They were previously involved in many illegal demonstrations in HCM City and were fined for disturbing public order. However, they refused to pay the fines and continued to commit violations. On the same day at another trial, the HCM City Peoples Court sentenced a man to four years in prison for anti-State propaganda following Article 88 of the Penal Code. Nguyen inh Ngoc (born in 1966) will also be kept under surveillance at his place of residence for three years after he completes his jail term. According to the jury, Ngoc made, stored and distributed anti-State documents. He was arrested on December 27, 2014. VNS Undated picture from North Koreas official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un attending a rocket launch at an undisclosed location. AFP Photo WASHINGTON North Koreas nuclear defiance will feature prominently during the first day of a major security summit hosted by President Barack Obama in Washington today. Obama will kick off the nuclear security summit by meeting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and South Korean President Park Geun-Hye, followed by a separate sit-down with President Xi Jinping of China. North Koreas threats following the January detonation of a nuclear device and a long-range rocket launch a month later, are expected to feature prominently in both meetings. The White House wants to keep up pressure on the North Korea increasing the economic and diplomatic cost of ignoring international appeals to mothball its nukes. Obama, Abe and Park are likely to call for the rigorous implementation of those sanctions and discuss the possible deployment of US missile defence systems in the region. The United States and South Korea have begun discussions on deployment of THAAD -- the Theatre High Altitude Area Defence System, a sophisticated missile system. Obama will later meet Xi, his only fully-fledged bilateral meeting with the dozens of world leaders coming to Washington. Obama will also hold what the White House is calling a "brief" meeting with Frances President Francois Hollande.AFP The US is in the midst of one of the longest economic expansions in its history. Even American factories have lately added hundreds of thousands of jobs. Meanwhile, the rest of the world is stumbling. Even China. Yet, at perhaps the least likely moment in the last several decades, misgivings about globalisation are playing a starring role in the presidential election. Why now? Read more from our special coverage on "DONALD TRUMP, US ELECTIONS," China one of great thefts of all times: Trump Anger about unbalanced trade has helped to fuel the rise of Donald J Trump, the Republican front-runner, and the success of senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont in his bid for the Democratic nomination. The manifest anger also has pushed their principal rivals, Republican senator Ted Cruz and the Democratic front-runner, Hillary Clinton, to toughen their own trade rhetoric. It is a situation that has surprised many experts because polls show voters' concern about the overall health of the American economy has declined significantly in recent years. Yet, many Americans are just taking stock of the transformations wrought by global trade. In two dozen conversations with voters across the country, only two said they had heard of the proposed new trade deal, the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), involving the United States and a host of Pacific Rim nations. Instead, the concerns they expressed were about changes in their own lives and communities over the last couple of decades. "When we first did that big trade agreement, I thought it was a good idea, but now I'm getting a little more conservative about it," said Phyllis Arthur, a 74-year-old Republican from Walnut Creek, California "I think we're being overwhelmed by the goods coming in. That's practically all that's available in the stores." Kevin White, a 47-year-old Democrat from Dayton, Ohio, said it was hard to find a job. He used to work at a hospital; now he gets federal disability payments. "The jobs went overseas," lamented White. "Then people couldn't afford their mortgages and we had a crash and nobody was able to buy anything." Douglas Irwin, an economist at Dartmouth College, who studies trade, said the impact of China's economic rise had become more visible in recent years, even though the worst effects of its rise may already be in the past. Between 2000 and 2011, imports from China grew to equal 2.6 per cent of American economic output, up from around one per cent. That "unprecedented shock" was much larger than that from the increase in Japanese imports in the 1980s or Mexican imports in the 1990s, Irwin said. China's rise, fuelled in part by currency manipulation to make its exports cheaper, played a key role in the loss of roughly five million American manufacturing jobs. Those losses, however, were offset and obscured during the housing boom by a rise in construction jobs. Now, both the factory jobs and the construction jobs have gone away. Rationally, said Irwin, "It's too late to get upset about China." The United States is no longer losing factory jobs. It has added 600,000 over the last five years. Beijing is no longer suppressing its currency; it's now trying to prop up the value. Politically, however, it appears that the moment is perfectly ripe. Ahead of another Rust Belt primary next Tuesday in Wisconsin, Trump is pressing for "fair trade" with foreign countries, while Cruz has adopted similar language. "We're going to see millions and millions of new high paying jobs," Cruz told a crowd at an Oshkosh plastics factory on Monday, "coming back to America, coming back from China, coming back from Mexico." Personalities also appear to be playing a role. Trump has proved an unusually effective spokesman for concerns among Republican voters. "You look at those empty factories all over the place, and nobody hits that message better than me," he said after winning the Republican primary in Michigan this month. Sanders has connected with a Democratic base whose support for President Obama may have damped longstanding concerns about trade. Trump and Sanders have also succeeded in focusing anger on trade as an explanation for broader economic problems afflicting many Americans. Trade flows make up a small part of America's economic activity. The primary explanations for the stagnation of middle-class incomes are necessarily domestic. "They are following in the footsteps of politicians of all stripes who have found it convenient to blame the boogeyman of unfair trade for domestic economic problems," said Eswar Prasad, a Cornell economist. "Tough talk on trade is an easy way to distract attention from taking on difficult domestic challenges." Mainstream economists regard the evidence as unequivocal that trade has produced significant benefits for the American economy and the average household. Yet, much of the American public has long been sceptical. A recent New York Times/CBS News poll found that 61 per cent of respondents favoured more trade restrictions to protect domestic industry, just as a majority of respondents has favoured increased restrictions in every such poll since 1988. 2016 The New York Times News Service Shares of two-wheeler companies remained firm in a rangebound market in noon trades on expectations ahead of their March sales numbers. Further, upside gains were capped on caution ahead of the expiry of March derviative contracts today. At 1:20pm, the S&P BSE Sensex was up 45 points at 25,384 and the Nifty50 was up 14 points at 7,749. In the broader market, the BSE Midcap and Smallcap indices were trading flat with positive bias. The rupee strengthened by 6 paise to 66.31 against the US dollar in early trade on continued selling of dollar by banks and exporters amid increased foreign fund inflows. Foreign institutional investors remained buyers in equities with net purchases of Rs 1,442 crore on Wednesday, as per provisional stock exchange data. SECTORS & STOCKS BSE Power, Healthcare, Bankex and FMCG were the top gainers while Oil & Gas was the top loser. Shares of two-wheeler companies such as Bajaj Auto and Hero MotoCorp were up 1% ahead of their March sales numbers. Pharma shares recovered from recent losses post the observations of select companies by the USFDA and the recent ban by the government on combination drugs. Sun Pharma, Lupin and Dr Reddy's Labs were up 0.6%-1.5% each. FMCG majors also witnessed buying interest with ITC and Hindustan Unilever up 0.8%-1.3% each. TCS, Reliance, Infosys and NTPC were among the other Sensex gainers. Among other shares, Shares of Natco Pharma were up 4% at Rs 415 on the Bombay Stock Exchange on plans to sell-off its non-core business.The company in a release said, the board of directors at its meeting held on March 30, 2016 approved the sale of Save Mart Pharmacy Stores located in USA which is non-core business. Shares of Mercator surged over 9% to Rs 22 on the Bombay Stock EXchange after the company said it has received approval for divesting entire stake in its Singapore-based step down subsidiary.The company in a release to the exchange said that Mercator International Pte. Ltd has received approval from the Singapore Exchange (SGX) for divestment of the entire stake in Mercator Lines (Singapore) Ltd. Chinas former leader mysteriously removed A rare public spectacle has drawn attention at the closing ceremony of China's Communist Party's National Congress, as President Xi Jinping prepares to be handed a third term in office. Zelenskys diplomacy masterclass outpacing dour, grey Putin in battle for hearts and minds When Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24 this year, there was no room for jokes or play acting, and Zelensky needed to step up. He did. Megyn Kelly fires up at Meghan Markle over her deceptive nature Sky News Australia contributor Megyn Kelly has slammed Meghan Markle over her "abject dishonesty" after the Duchess of Sussex took a swipe at Deal or No Deal in her latest podcast episode which featured Paris Hilton. WEST UNION After reviewing evidence, Judge Richard Stochl convicted Leroy Kula Jr., 35, of two counts of second-degree sexual abuse and two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. Sentencing on the felonies will be April 25 in Fayette County District Court. Kula waived his right to a jury trial, and prosecutor Denise Timmins and defense attorney Matthew Hoffey over two days in early January presented their cases and arguments directly to Stochl. In his ruling filed March 24, Stochl concluded Kula performed sex acts on two girls and recorded a third dressing. At the time, they were all less than 7 years old. The two youngest girls testified at Kulas trial via closed-circuit television. The oldest was in the courtroom and for the first time revealed an allegation Kula abused her sexually as well. Each of the young girls were competent witnesses whose testimony was believable despite inconsistencies, Stochl wrote in his ruling. Testimony from the mother of two of the girls bolstered the case against Kula, according to Stochl. She told the judge about how her daughters behavior changed after the alleged abuse began. Kula recorded the girls using a crude but extensive surveillance system in his home in Arlington. However, some of the other videos appear to have been taken by Leroy when he lived in Grinnell, Independence and Oelwein, Stochl wrote. Most rooms in the small house in Arlington had two cameras feeding images to VCRs, according to Jim Davis, chief deputy in Fayette County. He testified investigators recovered more than 200 VHS tapes and hundreds of CDs and DVDs. He also said authorities identified at least eight children in Kulas homemade recordings. Stochl said he allowed the material not as evidence of prior bad acts, but because the collection of videos show that his photographing (the oldest girl) was not done by accident. His pattern of filming children in various stages of undress across four communities indicates that he intended to film (the girl) and he did so for the purpose of his own sexual stimulation, Stochl added. With the convictions, Kula faces up to 70 years in prison. WATERLOO One person was injured and two people are in custody in a late Wednesday shooting in Waterloo. Police were called to 2007 W. Third St. at about 11:19 p.m. for a report of a shooting. The victim, Houston Simmons, 19, was taken to Convenant Medical Center by private vehicle where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries. Officers arriving on the scene were told by the residents there that a robbery and shooting had occurred and were given a description of two suspects and a vehicle they were in and a third suspect who left on foot. Daelin Elijah Cole, 18, was found on foot in the West Third Street and Fletcher Avenue area. Cole is charged with First-degree robbery, first-degree burglary, going armed with intent, willful serious injury and possession of a firearm as a felon. Jylan Curtis Moore, 19, was arrested in a vehicle matching the description in the incident and charged with second-offense possession of marijuana. Police say the incident is still under investigation and more charges might be filed. DES MOINES The Iowa Supreme Court was asked Wednesday to interpret what constitutes an infamous crime that causes a citizen convicted of the criminal act to lose voting rights. Attorneys representing a southeast Iowa woman who ran afoul of state voting laws due to a drug-related conviction, argued the high court should ease Iowas tough voter disenfranchisement law that makes it difficult for convicted felons to get voting rights restored. The case could have implications for thousands of convicted Iowa felons. Rita Bettis, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa, said removing the right to vote should be based upon offenses that pose an affront to democratic governance. Those include treason, perjury, bribery of a public official, acceptance of bribes or corruption by a public official or embezzlement of public funds. Kelli Jo Griffin, the subject of Wednesdays proceedings, was charged with perjury after she voted in a 2013 city election thinking her voting rights had been restored after she completed probation on a 2008 felony cocaine delivery charge. That was how Iowa law worked until 2011, when Republican Gov. Terry Branstad signed an executive order requiring felons to petition his office to seek restoration of their voting rights. That made Iowa one of only three states, along with Kentucky and Florida, with such a strict voter restoration process. Griffin was acquitted by a jury that determined she made an honest mistake. She argues her crime wasnt infamous, the standard Iowas Constitution sets for stripping citizens of their right to vote. We argue that by the nature of her offense she has not been disqualified by virtue of committing an infamous offense, Bettis told the seven-justice panel. Mrs. Griffin has fully discharged her sentence of probation following conviction for a non-violent drug delivery offense. Yet under the laws and policies that we are challenging, she remains barred from her fundamental right to vote, Bettis added. The right to vote is incredibly meaningful and important to her and she poses no threat to the integrity of our system of government through elections. However, attorneys representing the Iowa Secretary of State and county auditors argued felony convictions have become the dividing line for establishing voting rights in Iowa based on constitutional and case law. Our criminal justice system definitely changes and evolves, said Jeffrey Thompson of the Iowa Attorney Generals Office. All felonies are infamous crimes, but all infamous crimes arent felonies. During Wednesdays roughly 75-minute hearing, justices and attorneys engaged in back-and-forth discussions of problems associated with defining what constitutes an infamous crime. Justice David Wiggins asked: How are 99 independently elected auditors going to do that and be consistent? Because we dont want people voting in one county precluded from voting in another county. Justice Brent Appel said the issue pivots on the meaning of three words any infamous crime. What can you do to breathe life into these very vague words any infamous crime? he asked. It doesnt jump out and tell you exactly what it means obviously. We need to make some choices here. Coty Montag, an attorney with the Washington-based NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, pointed to Iowas disproportionate percentage of African-Americans negatively impacted by Iowas felon disenfranchisement policy. Q: Is it legal in Waterloo for my neighbor to run his downspout into a long tube down the lot line between our properties and flood my yard? A: There is no law specifically against that. Its an issue between two private property owners. If you feel it rises to the level of harassment you can call local law enforcement to discuss the matter. If no crime is being committed, you might have a remedy in civil court but would need to discuss the situation with an attorney. nnn Q: Does the city of Waterloo have plans in the near future to repair Idaho Street between Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Vine Street? A: Idaho Street from Dubuque Road to Martin Luther King Jr. Drive is slated to receive an asphalt overlay in 2018 based on the citys long-range street repair program. The project timing is subject to change and still requires City Council approval before any construction would take place. nnn Q: Kimball Avenue repairs were recently finished and now they are tearing it back up to do more work. Why didnt the contractors fix the road correctly the first time? A: The paving contractor missed raising a sanitary sewer manhole to the pavement surface when the paving was done last year, so they are correcting that issue, according to the Waterloo Engineering Department. nnn Q: Why has the former WCF&N Drive now become Hanover Street? A: This alley seemed to function as a street and did not have an official name. So, in July 2014 the city named it Hanover Street because there was already a street in the city that was officially named WCF&N Drive. nnn Q: When will Waterloo and Evansdale campgrounds open for the year? A: Bamboo Ridge Campground in Waterloo is open now. Deerwood Park in Evansdale is slated to open April 15, weather permitting. Black Hawk County Conservation operates several campgrounds in the area. Big Woods Lake Campground is open but the water is not on and the shower is not open. Black Hawk Park is open but doesnt have the showers turned on. Opening dates had not been set at the time this question was received for McFarlane and Hickory Hills campgrounds, while Siggelkow was closed due to soft roads. nnn Q: Has Waterloo or Cedar Falls ever considered doing citywide water softening like the city of Ames does? A: No, this has not been considered in Waterloo or Cedar Falls. Neither city has a central water treatment plant due to the high quality of the water from a deep aquifer. Softening is often part of a central treatment plant in other communities. Waterloo and Cedar Falls would face enormous costs to move water from the wells to a central softening facility and then back to the areas of the cities where the water is used. Ames is currently building a new drinking water treatment facility, at an estimated total cost of $75 million. Advertisement By West Kentucky Star Staff Mar. 25, 2016 | PADUCAH, KY By West Kentucky Star Staff Mar. 25, 2016 | 09:23 AM | PADUCAH, KY It has been making headlines for months. Will the Sansone Group build a nearly 50 acre shopping development, the first of its kind in Paducah in nearly 20 years? The Sansone Group's Jim Sansone tells West Kentucky Star that they are going to build it. A defamation of character lawsuit brought against the Paducah Economic Development Board and its CEO Scott Darnell back in September 2015 was "dismissed" in court on March 17. The reason for the mutual dismissal is not being disclosed by either side in the case. The lawsuit originally alleged that Darnell defamed Sansone by directly interfering with the retailers that agreed to open in the new development. Darnell has never commented to West Kentucky Star regarding the allegations since the beginning. Sansone told West Kentucky Star on the day the lawsuit was dismissed that they are still putting everything together for the development. There was also the request to the City of Paducah back in the summer of 2015 to annex the land into the city limits and to allow for approximately $3.5 million in TIF (tax increment finance) that would have captured a portion of the sales taxes generated by the development to help pay for the flood abatement construction needed for a development of that size. The city was not asked to give any money, just for permission to capture a portion of the taxes the new development generated until the money was paid back. The city declined the request, and also declined to allow the Sansone Group to even come before the City Commission to present the potential development. They didn't give a reason for not allowing the developer to talk with them. Approximately 91% of the nearly 400,000 square foot $50 million development has been leased out with new-to-Paducah retail and food locations, including a Burlington Coat Factory, Academy Sports, and a much anticipated Menards, according to the Sansone Group website. The development also has several more tenants that have yet to be announced, and approximately 35,000 square feet that is still available divided into smaller amounts. The closest Burlington Coat Factory from Paducah, according to the retail company's website, is in Nashville or Evansville. Counting construction jobs, the development is touted as providing a total of 1,200 jobs to the area, several hundred of those being permanent jobs when the development is expected to be complete. It is not known when construction is expected to begin at this time. The St. Louis based Sansone Group, has approximately 220 employees, and $240.8 million in brokerage transaction volume and managed property revenue of $208 million in 2013, the latest year available for the reporting. 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 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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) The Mid-Valley Literacy Center will honor former Oregon Supreme Court Chief Justice and Willamette University College of Law Distinguished Jurist-in-Residence Paul De Muniz JD 75 with the Literacy Trailblazer Award on Friday, April 29, at its second annual Spotlight on Literacy Benefit Dinner and Awards. The event will be held at 6 p.m. at the Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center, 1865 Bill Frey Drive in Salem. The Literacy Trailblazer Award is presented to someone who has demonstrated commitment and support to different levels of literacy in our community, said Vivian Ang, executive director of Mid-Valley Literacy Center. We want to honor people who have dedicated their lives to educational support. De Muniz was raised by his mother in Portland, attended Portland's public schools, joined the U.S. Air Force, and served a one-year tour of duty in Vietnam. After his discharge from the service, De Muniz received his bachelor degree from Portland State University in 1972 and his juris doctor from Willamette University College of Law in 1975. De Muniz was the first Hispanic American elected to statewide office in Oregon. In 2010, Hispanic Business Magazine named him among the 100 most influential Hispanics in America. Today, he sits on the Board of Trustees at Willamette University and the World Affairs Council of Oregon. De Muniz speaks frequently to both national and international audiences on the importance of maintaining independent state judiciaries, improving state court administration and the need for adequate state court funding. De Muniz's work has been recognized with a number of state and national awards, among them: the National Judicial College's Distinguished Service Award, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers' Judicial Recognition Award, the Oregon Classroom Project's Legal Citizen of the Year Award, the Oregon Area Jewish Committee's Judge Learned Hand Lifetime Achievement Award, the Oregon Hispanic Bar Association's Paul J. De Muniz Professionalism Award, the Edwin J. Peterson Racial Reconciliation Award, and the Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers' Association Kenneth Morrow Lifetime Achievement Award. About the Mid-Valley Literacy Center The Mid-Valley Literacy Center empowers adults with literacy skills needed to increase their economic stability and overall quality of family life. Since its start in 2009, the center has trained 580 tutors and taught 2,000 students; 186 of those students have gone on to earn their GED. Located at 1850 45th St. NE, in Salem, the center accepts calls in both English and Spanish at (503) 463-1488. The Literacy Center thrives on the involvement of trained tutors. Training sessions are designed to prepare volunteers to teach English skills and/or help adults prepare for their GED. Tutors who are over 18 years of age do not need to speak or understand a language other than English. About Willamette University College of Law Opened in 1883, Willamette University College of Law is the first law school in the Pacific Northwest. The college has a long tradition at the forefront of legal education and is committed to the advancement of knowledge through excellent teaching, scholarship, mentoring and experience. Leading faculty, thriving externship and clinical law programs, ample practical skills courses, and a proactive career placement office prepare Willamette law students for today's legal job market. According to statistics compiled by the American Bar Association, Willamette ranks first in the Pacific Northwest for job placement for full-time, long-term, JD-preferred/JD-required jobs for the class of 2014 and first in Oregon for the classes of 2012, 2013 and 2014. Located across the street from the state capitol complex and the Oregon Supreme Court in downtown Salem, the college specializes in law and government, law and business, and dispute resolution. 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. 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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 31, 2016 | By Kira A man in China suffering from severe ankylosing spondylitis, a form of spinal arthritis that causes the vertebrae to fuse together resulting in stiffness and kyphosis, the extreme curvature of the spine, has undergone a successful surgery thanks to a custom 3D printed osteotomy guide. The surgery is the first of its kind in China, and thanks to 3D printing, doctors were able to reduce operating time by half, save over one thousand dollars, and safely perform an otherwise complex and dangerous medical procedure. Mr Deng, from Shaodong County in Hunan province, had been suffering from ankylosing spondylitis for nearly a decade. The condition, which is most common in young men, had caused his spine to bend 110 degrees, reducing the man who once stood at 170cm tall to just 130cm. Not only could he not sleep properly, Mr Deng had not been able to look up towards the sky in years. According to doctors at the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Mr Dengs condition was so severe that it was affecting his internal organs as well, threatening to crush his heart, lungs, and digestion system. Although there is no cure for ankylosing spondylitis, in these severe cases a spinal osteotomy can help to reduce symptoms and pain. In this surgical operation, the bone (in this case the vertebrae) is cut to shorten and/or alter its alignment. After careful examination, Chief physician Zhan Ruisen and his team decided to amputate two bones in Mr Dengs spine: section 12 thoracic vertebrae at a 35 degree angle, and section 3 lumbar vertebrae at a 40 degree angle. Even with this careful planning, the team knew the surgery would be risky. The spine is the human central nervous system, explained Zhan. The slightest mistake will cause excessive bleeding and even paralysis. Mr Deng prior to the operation The medical team thus turned to 3D printing technology in order to create a physical, patient-specific osteotomy guide that would not only show them exactly where to the cut the spine, but actually hold the knife in place ensuring that even the doctors carefully trained hands would not slip. The 3D printed guide, made from a durable nylon material, followed the exact curvature of Mr Dengs spine. It also featured two precisely angled slits where the surgical knife could enter. During the surgery, doctors carefully inserted the knife exactly where indicated, and were able to precisely remove the vertebrae without any complications. According to Zhan, this kind of surgery typically requires 10 hours in the operating theatre, 6000ml of blood transfusion, and one week of recovery in intensive care. Prior to Mr Dengs treatment, the hospital had prepared multiple orthopedic hospital departments, 6000ml of blood, anesthetic and more to ensure Dr Dengs safety. However, he said, due to the successful use of the 3D printed osteotomy guide plate, we didnt use the emergency plans, the surgery went very smoothly. In the end, Mr Dengs surgery took only 5 hours, required 1000ml of blood, and he could go straight to the general ward, saving the hospital more than RMB 10,000 (US $1,550). Although this is the first time in China that a personalized 3D printed surgical guide has been used in an osteotomy surgery, Mr Dengs story could be used as a successful case study, encouraging more doctors and hospitals to adopt 3D printing technology for similar operations, thereby simplifying complex surgeries and helping to save lives. Best of all, Mr Dengs kyphosis has been dramatically reduced, allowing him to walk nearly upright and look towards the sky for the first time in nearly ten years. Posted in 3D Printing Application Maybe you also like: Mar 31, 2016 | By Kira For the second time this year, Dremel has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding STEM education and 3D printing opportunities in the classroom. After launching Dremel Dreams in February, a digital ecosystem that provides educators with 3D printing lesson plans, software, and equipment, the tool manufacturing company has today released the Dremel Idea Builder 3D40, the second generation of its plug-and-play, classroom-friendly 3D printer. Todays evolving workforce is increasingly in need of STEM-educated professionals, that is, skilled thinkers in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Several 3D printing industry leaders, including Stratasys, XYZPrinting, YSoft be3D, Ultimaker and more have responded by developing either easy and safe 3D printer models, or 3D printing software and lesson plans tailored to complement existing curriculums. Thanks to its Idea Builder, a line of affordable, entry-level and reliable desktop 3D printers, Dremel has been at the forefront of this movement, effectively promoting 3D printing and STEM education. The Idea Builder 3D40 2.0 has thus been configured with key improvements that will make it easier than ever to implement into classrooms, enabling educators to experiment with a technology that encourages communal problem solving and activates imaginative thinking, said the company. First and foremost, the Idea Builder 3D40 features new software and USB and WiFi-enabled 3D printing. As of May, it will also be compatible with the new Dremel 3D iOS and Android apps, providing students and teachers the freedom to design and 3D print objects remotely. Additionally, the 3D printer can be used with Print Studio software, which optimizes object design based on functionalitya vrey useful feature for learning-based making. The new Idea Builder also features active filament monitoring, a maintenance-free extruder, assistive levelling, and a larger building platform for greater flexibility in designing and scaling 3D models. As classrooms continue to approach education through hands-on learning, the advancements weve made to the Dremel Idea Builder 3D40 provide an unprecedented experience with 3D printing technology, said George Velez, manager of Dremel 3D Education. We wanted to give educators and students the ability to engage with 3D printing in a limitless capacity. I rely on the Dremel 3D Idea Builder to give my students the ability to design, test, print and modify high-quality product models, said Matt Schultz, a technology and engineering instructor at Lakeview Technology Academy in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin. The speed and durability of the Dremel 3D printing process helps build critical problem-solving skills, where students have the opportunity to reflect upon product function and produce multiple iterations of a prototype. Dremel has developed two versions of the Idea Builder 3D40: the retail version (3D40-01) comes with one Flash Drive with Print Studio software, build tape, and some environmentally friendly PLA filament. As for the EDU version (3D40-EDU), it will include a USB loaded with a 3D-specific curriculum, two build plates, extra build tape, and four full spools of filament in a variety of colors. Both models are safety-conscious, and designed for immediate, out-of-the-box use. Currently, the retail version of the Dremel Idea Builder 3D40 2.0 is available for pre-order at the price of $1,299, with full availability scheduled for June. Posted in 3D Printer Maybe you also like: Mar 31, 2016 | By Kira An FDM 3D printer without a hotend is like a car without wheels or a lamp without a bulb. The hotend is an active and crucial component, the business end of the extruder, the part that actually melts the filament and allows it to be deposited, layer-by-layer, into the form of a 3D object. It goes without saying then, that the quality and features of your 3D printers hotend can affect nearly every aspect of the 3D print, from how much plastic can be printed at a time, to the maximum layer height and level of detail, to what materials you can even 3D print with in the first place. Many commercial 3D printers already come with hotends that are unique to the model, however there is a growing market of third party, interchangeable hotends that offer various capabilities and expanded 3D printing possibilities. The latest of these to hit the market is the DyzEND-X, the second-generation all-metal 3D printer hotend by Canadian startup DYZE DESIGN. The DyzEND-X comes with several key features that, according to the company, allow it to outperform the competition, offering better durability, precision, bigger printing volumes, and overall higher 3D printing quality and efficiency. First and foremost, the all-metal structure, made from titanium and hard stainless steel, allows for fast heating up to 500C. Whereas many common hotends max out at around 300C and are therefore limited to processing PLA or ABS, the DyzEND-X can 3D print with just about any plastic filament on the market, including abrasive (e.g. carbon fiber reinforced) and flexible materials (e.g. Ninjaflex). DYZE DESIGN has also created a jam free technology that prevents the filament from jamming up and obstructing the hotend. For convenience and accessibility, the DyzEND-X is Bowden and Grove mount ready and compatible with reprap and many pre-assembled 3D printers (think ROBO3D R1, Prusa i3, Ultimaker, and more). It also comes pre-installed with a hard 100% stainless steel nozzle that can easily be swapped out at room temperature, further increasing the hotends lifespan. Finally, it is a lightweight and compact component optimized by a team of 3D printing specialists for durability and precision, and is available in either 12V or 24V, with nozzle sizes ranging from 0.2mm up to 1.20 mm. A newcomer to the 3D printing scene, Montreal-based DYZE DESIGN was founded with the goal of creating high performance parts that will improve your 3D printer. Since 2015, the company has created and launched two major products, the original DyzEND hotend and the DyzeXtruder, as well as a range of 3D printer accessories (conical washers, extension cables, stepper motors and replacement nozzles). The company also offers professional plastic 3D printing services via DYZE MAKER. Along the way, DYZE DESIGN has been recognized by the Canadian manufacturing industry for its technological advancements. The startup won the National Bank grand prize in the Accelerateur contest, was selected amongst the Fall 2015 laureates by Montreal Inc Foundation, and has been chosen by Quebecs International Youth Offices to attend REAL2016, a tech entrepreneurship summit taking place in San Francisco. With the DyzEND-X, the young Canadian company hopes to further advance its name on the international 3D printing market by providing a top-of-the-line product that it believes is the ultimate solution in order to obtain the highest 3D printing quality. Currently, the DyzEND-X all-metal 3D printer hotend is available to purchase for US$99.60 and ships directly from Montreal, Canada. Posted in 3D Printer Accessories Maybe you also like: jim cricket wrote at 7/20/2017 9:21:03 PM:i own a dyzend x and a few e3dv6's. id recommend the e3dv6 as it has a better surface finish and doesnt ooze like the dyzendx does due to its larger melt zone. also the thermisters provided with dyzendx have some propblems reading accurately due to the modular wiring setup the designer opted for over a solid wire from hotend to controllerCharle Waldie wrote at 8/13/2016 4:18:07 PM:What is the max Microns can this handle? Denis Donoghue at The New York Review of Books: R.F. Fosters Vivid Faces is a study of the backgrounds and mentalities of those who made the revolution in Ireland in 1916. On the morning of Easter Monday, April 24, 1916, members of the Irish Volunteers, a nationalist military organization, and the Citizen Army, a group of trade union volunteers, numbering in all about four hundred, marched into Sackville Streetnow OConnell Streetin Dublin and seized the most notable public building, the General Post Office. Uncertain in number, they were certain in aim: to declare a sovereign Irish republic that was independent of Great Britain. In another part of the city, then allies Eamon de Valera, Eamonn Ceannt, the Countess Markievicz, and other nationalist leaders assembled their troops close to various buildings, such as Bolands Mills, and took possession of them. Shortly after noon, Patrick Pearse, in effect the leader of the insurgents, came out of the General Post Office and read a one-page statement, headed (in Irish) Poblacht na hEireann, followed by The Provisional Government of the Irish Republic to the People of Ireland. The statement, addressed to Irishmen and Irishwomen, began: In the name of God and of the dead generations from which she receives her old tradition of nationhood, Ireland, through us, summons her children to her flag and strikes for her freedom. Five brief paragraphs followed. The first called upon the support of Irelands exiled children in America and gallant allies in Europe, these last unnamed but evidently referring to the German government, which was expected in feeble theory to invade Ireland with troops, artillery, and ammunition on behalf of the new Irish government. more here. Siddhartha Mukherjee in The New Yorker: In the winter of 2012, I travelled from New Delhi, where I grew up, to Calcutta to visit my cousin Moni. My father accompanied me as a guide and companion, but he was a sullen and brooding presence, lost in a private anguish. He is the youngest of five brothers, and Moni is his firstborn nephewthe eldest brothers son. Since 2004, Moni, now fifty-two, has been confined to an institution for the mentally ill (a lunatic home, as my father calls it), with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. He is kept awash in antipsychotics and sedatives, and an attendant watches, bathes, and feeds him through the day. My father has never accepted Monis diagnosis. Over the years, he has waged a lonely campaign against the psychiatrists charged with his nephews care, hoping to convince them that their diagnosis was a colossal error, or that Monis broken psyche would somehow mend itself. He has visited the institution in Calcutta twiceonce without warning, hoping to see a transformed Moni, living a secretly normal life behind the barred gates. But there was more than just avuncular love at stake for him in these visits. Moni is not the only member of the family with mental illness. Two of my fathers four brothers suffered from various unravellings of the mind. Madness has been among the Mukherjees for generations, and at least part of my fathers reluctance to accept Monis diagnosis lies in a grim suspicion that something of the illness may be buried, like toxic waste, in himself. Rajesh, my fathers third-born brother, had once been the most promising of the Mukherjee boysthe nimblest, the most charismatic, the most admired. But in the summer of 1946, at the age of twenty-two, he began to behave oddly, as if a wire had been tripped in his brain. The most obvious change in his personality was a volatility: good news triggered uncontained outbursts of joy; bad news plunged him into inconsolable desolation. By that winter, the sine curve of Rajeshs psyche had tightened in its frequency and gained in its amplitude. My father recalls an altered brother: fearful at times, reckless at others, descending and ascending steep slopes of mood, irritable one morning and overjoyed the next. When Rajesh received news of a successful performance on his college exams, he vanished, elated, on a two-night excursion, supposedly exercising at a wrestling camp. He was feverish and hallucinating when he returned, and died of pneumonia soon afterward. Only years later, in medical school, did I realize that Rajesh was likely in the throes of an acute manic phase. His mental breakdown was the result of a near-textbook case of bipolar disorder. More here. Adam Shatz at The New York Review of Books' Daily site: In 1931, a twenty-one-year-old American composer in Paris named Paul Bowles visited Morocco at the suggestion of Gertrude Stein. His travel companion was his composition teacher, Aaron Copland. They rented a home in Tangier, where Bowles, a composer of svelte, jazzy music in the Poulenc mould, wrote one of his first scores, an impressionistic piano piece called Tamamar, after a village in the Atlas mountains. Copland was unsettled by the clamor of drums during wedding season, and thought Tangier a madhouse, but Bowles was enraptured. He collected 78s of local music, just as he had collected old blues recordings back home, and sent copies to Bela Bartok. When I first heard Arabic music on records, he recalled later, I determined to go and live where I could be surrounded by sounds like those, because there seemed to be very little else one could ask for in life. By the time Bowles finally moved to Tangier, with his wife, the writer Jane Bowles, in 1947, he had refashioned himself as a novelist, and was busy writing The Sheltering Sky, the tale of American expatriates in Morocco that remains his best-known work. Yet it was in large part the music of Morocco that led him to make his life there. A decade later, on a grant from the Rockefeller Foundation, Bowles travelled throughout Morocco, recording traditional music of a startling varietyBerber, Arabic, Andalusian, and Jewishfor the Library of Congress. For years known mostly to specialists, the recordings from that remarkable project have now been re-edited and re-released in a meticulously prepared box set by Dust to Digital, Music of Morocco. Morocco was rich in hypnotic sounds, and in his novels Bowles described them with a composers precision. In Let It Come Down (1952), he recreated a scene he had witnessed at a concert in Chefchaouen, where a man went into a trance, slashing his arms with a long knife and covering himself in blood, as he danced in perfect rhythm with the increasing hysteria of the drums and the low cracked voice of the flute. John Stenham, the hero of The Spiders House (1955), imagines that he can find his way blindfolded through the old city of Fez merely by listening to the sounds of footsteps and water: taut, metallic reverberationsshuddered between the walls like musical pistol shots. There were places where his footfalls were almost silent, places where the sound was strong, single, and compact, died straightaway, or where, as he advanced along the deserted galleries, each succeeding step produced a sound of an imperceptibly higher pitch, so that his passage was like a finely graded ascending scale, until all at once a jutting wall or a sudden tunnel dispersed the pattern and began another section in the long nocturne which in turn would disclose its own design. As Bowles saw it, Moroccos sounds were forms of experience that had yet to be contaminated by Western influence. More here. 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. Reaper continues legacy of RPA firsts at WSEP EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- (EDITOR'S NOTE: Due to ISR and Holloman AFB policy regarding the MQ-9, the last names of maintenance, operations and intelligence personnel are removed.) The MQ-9 Reaper demonstrated a wide range of weapons capability firsts during the air-to-ground Weapon System Evaluation Program here from March 14 - 17. Students of the MQ-9 platform from the 26th Weapons Squadron, U.S. Air Force Weapons School, Nellis AFB, Nevada, participated in the WSEP for a unique training opportunity - engaging maritime threats. In 2015, the 26th WPS became the first Reaper squadron to fire live weapons at maritime platforms and remains the only RPA squadron to do so. As maritime threats to the U.S. and its allies increase worldwide, it is vital for RPA teams to understand the strategic importance of firing over water. "Air Force Reaper crews better know how to find, fix, track, target, engage, and assess maritime targets and do so in an integrated fashion," said Lt. Col. Bryan Callahan, 26th WPS commander. "That's why this WSEP is so important and why it's critical that we hit all of our shots." Also known as Combat Hammer, this air-to-ground WSEP, hosted by the 86th Fighter Weapons Squadron, is designed to evaluate a weapon system from cradle-to-grave in a combat representative environment. For this WSEP, the Reaper's participation in maritime operations will provide critical data to every combatant commander that has water in their area of responsibility. According to Maj. Marcus Kollross, 86th FWS and RPA Lead Evaluator for WSEP, the 26th WPS also executed the first maritime RPA ripple attacks, where the Reaper fired two missiles simultaneously against boats, bank angle shots, and utilized a new software version. "Every time we fly in the U.S., it's a strategic win because we show RPAs are not dangerous, we are able to fly safely in FAA airspace, and execute the mission," Kollross said. "We have a very capable platform and weapon system." The WSEP is a prime example of integration in the battlespace. The Reapers participated with Air Force fighter jets, Navy helicopters, and other platforms, such as the U-28 and E-8. "The integration of multiple aircraft gives units an opportunity to accomplish joint training that we don't often get a chance to do until thrust into a combat scenario," said Kollross. He said this creates learning opportunities for all participating platforms such as who owns the airspace or how to hand off targets to a different aircraft. The ISR aircraft can even help identify and elevate the threat of each boat faster than fighter aircraft doing a low pass. "In the end, having a nice complement of aircraft make us the most effective," said Kollross. The integration doesn't just occur in the air, but on the ground too. Kollross said the coordination to operate the MQ-9 out of Duke Field involved more than 200 people and over 20 organizations to accomplish. "As a whole, Combat Hammer has to do that on a much larger scale since we have three to four units here each WSEP...A lot of hours by a lot of people goes into making this happen and it couldn't be done without a whole team effort," he said. For Reaper operations, the 26th WPS collaborated with several units to establish an operating location. The Reapers came from the 432nd Air Expeditionary Wing at Creech Air Force, Nevada. The Texas Air National Guard in Houston provided the ground control station (the cockpit from which the pilots and sensor operators control the Reapers) and two Reaper teams. The Reaper Aircraft Maintenance Unit from Holloman AFB, New Mexico sent equipment (ground data terminal antenna, etc.) and a maintenance crew who set up the infrastructure. "In order to pull off a mission like this, it takes a lot of coordination to piecemeal it together," said Senior Master Sgt. Seth, 49th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron superintendent. "The coordination, logistics, and communication among all the units is the biggest lesson learned. Just to have all of this equipment brought together and up and running within a week is a tremendous win." One of the most unique elements to this Combat Hammer is the opportunity to strike swarms of boats. In fact, the WSEP is the only place in the U.S. where swarm operations are conducted. In these simultaneous missions against 30-35 boats at a time, the boats rocket toward a vital U.S. asset, often breaking ranks to rejoin a few moments later. "No one else in the DOD does these swarms to the level that we do," said Kollross. "We try to make it as realistic as possible. It takes a whole team, including community members who offer up their time and boats to make our military force stronger and prepared for any possible global threat." Overall the 26th WPS achieved 100 percent desired weapons effects against their maritime targets utilizing a combination of Hellfire missile variants. Participation in events like Combat Hammer will continue to play a key role in the 26th WPS' ability to innovate its missions and procedures as well as produce highly skilled RPA crews for the Air Force and combatant commanders. "The team effort required to secure participation from the MQ-9 community in Combat Hamer was immense," said Lt. Col. Sean Neitzke, 86th FWS commander. "It was a key step toward normalizing RPA training in the United States, and an important milestone for Combat Hammer supporting and evaluating the USAF's full-spectrum combat capability." More than 65 Airmen from around the U.S. are scheduled to participate in a variety of activities during the week-long air show that includes aerial demonstrations, interaction with the local community, and subject matter expert exchanges with the Chilean air force. AFSOUTH has built relationships with our partner nations, like Chile, through the facilitation of exercises and exchanges throughout the past several years, said U.S. Air Force Col. Mike Torrealday, Reserve Advisor to the 12th AF (AFSOUTH) Commander and AFSOUTH mission commander for FIDAE 2016. Its this relationship between Chile and the U.S., that AFSOUTH has cultivated, which led to us being invited to support FIDAE. Exchanges like those that will occur at FIDAE are conducted throughout the year across the U.S. Southern Commands area of responsibility where Airmen are able to share best practices and procedures with their Chilean counterparts. Through this ongoing interaction, U.S. Airmen are able to promote interoperability with our partner-nation air forces throughout the Western Hemisphere. FIDAE is a great opportunity for Airmen to work hand-in-hand with the Chilean air force, Torrealday added. The air show also gives our Airmen a chance to learn new concepts and procedures from the several other air forces that are here and it also gives them the chance to interact and learn about the latest technology in air and space. U.S. Southern Command is a joint military command supporting U.S. national security objectives, in cooperation with domestic and international partners, in order to foster security, ensure stability, and promote prosperity throughout Central and South America, the Caribbean and the global community. Air Forces Southern serves as the air component to U.S. Southern Command and is responsible for providing air and space capabilities in support of U.S. military partnerships across U.S. Southern Commands area of responsibility. Following a closely fought multi-agency pitch over the last few months, Carat India has won the media planning mandate of Ministry of Tourism. This win comes on the back of Carats continuing streak of business acquisition, including Mondelez, Pfizer, and Columbia Asia in the recent past. Commenting on the win, Kartik Iyer, MD, Carat India, said, We are absolutely delighted that the Ministry of Tourism found value in our offering and appointed us to partner them in their endeavour to promote India across the world. We look forward to working with the Ministry together with our global network. Ritesh Dutt, Vice President, Carat India, added here, We are elated to be associated with Ministry of Tourism and this is an opportunity for us to leverage our strengths in consumer insights through our proprietary tool used across all markets. As we move forward, our goal is to create unique benchmarks for our client. The Ministry of Tourism, one of the largest advertisers from India on global media, invests between $90-100 million in three years with a majority of the investment in the US, Europe market followed with other markets like Asia, Australia. Carat will manage the media planning for all the mediums, including TV, print and digital for all the investment outside India. This business will be handled out of Carats Gurgaon office. According to industry sources, the account size is pegged in the region of Rs 550 crore to Ra 600 crore. The contract is for a period of three years. How will the radically new converged ecosystem influence decisions in 2016 and beyond? What are the biggest opportunities to leverage digital platforms and extend monetisation across multiple screens? What challenges will be most daunting as policy makers and media-execs plot their respective roadmaps? What approaches are likely to get the best results as content owners and distributors in both linear and online compete for eyeballs? Media stalwarts like Aroon Purie, Chairman & Editor-in-Chief, The India Today Group; Arthur Bastings, President and Managing Director, Discovery Asia-Pacific; Sudhanshu Vats, Group CEO, Viacom18; Siddharth Roy Kapur, Managing Director, Disney India; Vikram Chandra, Executive Director & CEO, NDTV Group; and Neeraj Roy, CEO, Hungama got together to discuss these vital issues in a panel discussion on Change or Perish: Surviving the Digital Divide at FICCI Frames 2016. The discussions were moderated by Pranjal Sharma, Editorial and Knowledge Advisor - The Outstanding Speakers Bureau. Speaking about his group, Aroon Poorie remarked, We are lucky that we have all three sources there is video, news channels and newspaper. We have worked in a way where we have tried to integrate all these elements, such as including videos on websites, which go seamlessly, and then we have print content on the websites. We are not 360 degree, but have reached the level where we first think digital and then other platforms. However, the fundamentals still remain the same and I still believe in producing great content and exclusive content which nobody else does. You cannot do commodity stuff always. On whether people are ready to pay for premium content, Arthur Bastings noted, I see two different things in digital: I see an ecosystem around our core business and we have everything around it. We do not deviate from the core business. While mentioning that Viacom18 had ventured into the OTT space with its VOD platform VOOT, Sudhanshu Vats said, People using these OTT platforms known that the content isnt fully free and that they do have to pay for the data cost. From the content point of view, we know where the content is going, what exactly people are watching, who is watching and the necessary stats. Motivator has brought on board Zahid Shaikh, former CMO of Pantaloons, as Head of its South Operations. In this role, he will focus on three key areas building a comprehensive product portfolio, drive growth and enhance capability in Data, CRM, retail, marcom effectiveness and business performance. Shaikh joins Motivator from United Breweries, where he was responsible for Data Analytics to primarily optimise business results for the company. Prior to United Breweries, he was CMO, Pantaloons, where he transformed the brand, which was initially perceived as a male brand, to a unisex brand. He worked closely with Pantaloons stakeholders and Kishore Biyanis Future Group to build a fashion image for the brand. Shaikh comes in with rich Marketing, Communication, Retail, CRM, Data and business experience. Commenting on Shaikhs appointment, V Narayanan, Chief Growth Officer, Motivator, said, Over the last year, we have focused on bringing in the brightest and most diverse talent into Motivator with a vision to deliver solutions that drive clients, business performance and growth. We have created a team of partners who work closely with clients on not only their core media and advertising opportunities, but also delve deeper to understand and contribute positively by addressing their business challenges. Zahid, who comes with a wider business and marcom experience, is the fifth key hire over the last six months. Speaking on his new role, Shaikh said, What excited me the most about this opportunity is Motivators client centricity and performance orientation. Enabled with a strong foundation from GroupM and access to domain expertise in media and marketing, Motivator has a proven record of accomplishment to drive our clients business in a unique way. I look forward to working with our brilliant team and roster of clients in the South. Zee Action Indias one stop destination for action movies presents for the first time on television Raj Tilak The Ultimate Winner (In The Name of the King in Hindi) on Sunday, 3rd April at 5: 15 PM. The movie is a fantasy adventure film starring Jason Statham and Claire Forlani in pivotal roles. It is based on a video game series and revolves around revenge and kidnapping. An unknown fact is Jason Statham filmed many of his action scenes while nursing an injured tendon in his foot. He is noticeably impaired while running in the film. Another shocking trivia is that some of the villian Krugs costumes costed $10,000 (approximately Rs 6.5 lacs) each. Set in the kingdom of Ehb, the story follows Farmer (Jason Statham), and his wife Solana (Claire Forlani) along with their son. One fine day, Farmer's farm is attacked by animal warriors called Krugs controlled by the wizard Gallian (Ray Liotta). Krugs kills his son and captures his wife with devious intentions. Farmer sets out on a mission to rescue his kidnapped wife and avenge the death of his son. ~Catch this nerve-wrecking story in Raj Tilak The Ultimate Winner on Sunday, 3rd April at 5: 15 PM only on Zee Action~ First families arrive at Ramstein from Turkey The first group of families arrived at Ramstein Air Base March 30 after the State Department and the secretary of defense approved the ordered departure of dependents of service members and Defense Department civilian personnel currently stationed in Adana, Izmir, and Mugla, Turkey. As dependents depart Turkey, Ramstein AB has been designated as a 'transition location' for families to await travel to their subsequent duty locations. However, a number of families will relocate to Ramstein AB for an extended period of time. The decision for dependents to depart Turkey allows for the deliberate, safe return of family members from these areas due to continued security concerns in the region. Although the decision was not reached easily; it is based upon past practice, ongoing and maturing military operations, and keeping employees and families' best interests at the front of the decision-making process. As the number of personnel grows on the base, support agencies at Ramstein AB stand ready to meet the needs of its newest members. "It has been impressive to watch so many of our base organizations come together and be prepared to help our Air Force family members as soon as they get here," said Master Sgt. Chad Oswold, the 721st Aerial Port Squadron NCO in charge of passenger operations. "I think we are really ready for anything. Some of the agencies that are set up to help the incoming travelers include pre-coordinated hotel reservations and customs procedures, American Red Cross services, travel specialist to assist with onward travel reservations and many other. The capabilities we have as a base is just amazing," Oswald continued. "It takes a lot of people to make this happen and to see Team Ramstein come together to make this all happen is just on a different level." According to the U.S. European Command, the removal of dependents will facilitate the safe departure of family members from Turkey. The safety and security of military families is a top priority and they intend to mitigate the risk to DOD elements and personnel, including family members, within the authorities and means of the command, while ensuring the combat effectiveness of U.S. forces and mission support to operations in Turkey. Military dependents are a huge part of the Air Force family and making sure they are taken care of will be a top priority as they arrive at Ramstein. "We're all one family and these folks are going to remember this for the rest of their lives," said Lt. Col. Nathan Tarkowski, the 86th Mission Support Group deputy commander. "We want them to remember that the 86th AW was there for them when they needed it the most." Civilian Airmen can learn about available civilian developmental education opportunities during webcasts scheduled through April.The 2017 Civilian Developmental Education and Civilian Strategic Leadership Program call for nominations opened March 1 and applications must be in to Air Force Personnel Center by May 1. The webcasts support the Air Forces commitment to developing Airmen through a career-long continuum, said Virginia Banda, the civilian developmental education program manager.Details on all CDE opportunities are available on myPers' Civilian Employee page. Select the quick link in the Announcement for Airmen section. Information is useful for both employees and supervisors, officials said."The Air Force deliberately develops all Airmen to ensure they are able to fully contribute to the mission as well as achieve career goals," she said. "These webcasts will help all civilian Airmen understand their options and enable them to plan their careers."The webcasts are open to any interested civilian, will typically run two hours and will be held on the following dates and times:- March 31: 1:30 p.m. CDT- April 5: 8:30 a.m. CDT; and 1:30 p.m. CDT- April 7: 8:30 a.m. CDT; and 1:30 p.m. CDT"We encourage supervisors to sit in on a webcast as well, so that they are able to assist and support their employees' development plans," Banda said.Subject matter experts will be online to provide real-time answers to questions during the webcasts. The slides will be posted to the myPers DCS webcast site prior to the first session.To join a webcast, go to DCS using https://conference.apps.mil/webconf/CDEDCS . Registered users should enter their user names and passwords. Non-registered Airmen can log in as guests and select their email certificate. Please provide their full names and bases.Participants should check access by logging in up to 30 minutes before the webcast begins. Technical issues may prevent people from logging in after the webcast begins."Logging in promptly will help ensure you are able to access the webcast and get the most out of the experience," Banda said.Questions and answers gathered during the webcasts will be posted on myPers after each briefing.For more information about Air Force personnel programs go to the myPers website . Individuals who do not have a myPers account can request one by following the instructions on the Air Force Retirees Services website Women's history: Honoring WWII AF flight nurse During World War II, an American flight nurse was captured, becoming the only female U.S. military member held prisoner of war in the European Theater. Her name was Lt. Reba Z. Whittle. In 1943, Whittle joined the Army Air Forces School of Air Evacuation, where she trained as a flight nurse. It would be just over a year later when Whittle would find herself wounded as the result of a crash, before being taken prisoner by German soldiers. During flight nurse training, Whittle learned to attend to patients in the absence of a physician. She trained to treat pain, bleeding and shock. Whittle graduated in November 1943 and began flying on missions in January 1944. Until the time of her capture in September 1944, Whittle logged over 500 hours of flight time and flew on 40 missions. The fateful day was Sept. 27, 1944. Whittle was on a mission to gather casualties in St. Trond, Belgium. Without time to react, Whittles C-47 Skytrain was attacked and crashed to the ground. Of the flightcrew, one pilot was killed and the other was badly injured. Whittles surgical technician was also wounded and Whittle suffered a concussion. As they crawled out of the wreckage, the crew was captured by enemy soldiers. The crew was treated for their immediate injuries in a neighboring village before taken to a nearby hospital. It is reported that a German doctor told Whittle, (It is) too bad having a woman as you are the first one and no one knows exactly what to do. After being taken to an interrogation center north of Frankfurt, Whittle was separated from her crew and transferred to a prison camp hospital, which provided immediate aid to wounded prisoners. In the prison camp, Whittle remained isolated in her cell when she was not treating fellow prisoners, until her release was negotiated in January 1945. Whittle was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries sustained during the crash and later promoted to first lieutenant. On Sept. 2, 1983, Whittle was given the status of official POW. Alaska Air Guardsmen rescue three stranded near glacier Airmen with the Alaska Air National Guards 210th, 211th and 212th Rescue Squadrons saved three individuals near the Marcus Baker Glacier on the night of March 29. According to the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center, the individuals were scouting a landing area in a Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser, but could not take off again because something broke on the aircraft. The pilot and passengers were uninjured. However, they were equipped with a spot beacon and one sleeping bag for survival gear, according to the Alaska RCC. They werent as prepared as they needed to be for the weather at that altitude, according to Capt. John Romspert, a member of the Alaska RCC. Upon notification by the Alaska State Troopers, Air National Guard assets were requested for the mission, including an HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter from the 210th RQS and an HC-130 King from the 211th RQS. The HH-60 took a two-man Guardian Angel team, and one Guardian Angel was on board the HC-130. Guardian Angel teams are highly trained medical personnel made of pararescuemen and/or combat rescue officers who specialize in conducting high-risk rescue missions. Due to the altitude of the glacier, the HH-60 pilot needed as little weight, including fuel, as possible. The rescue crew picked up the individuals and refueled in-air on the way to the Palmer airport, where they were released to the Alaska State Troopers. For this mission, the 210th, 211th and 212th Rescue Squadrons were awarded with three saves. The sun beat down and reflected off a dry lake bed as a recovery team consisting of Airmen from Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Georgia, placed markers and began scanning the tops of the surrounding mountains. In the warm, winter desert afternoon, they waited for signs of a mock air war. An Airman held up a marker, testing the wind speeds of their location. Two helicopters rushed in and quickly vanished.There they are, Lt. Col. Gregory Pelech, 94th Airlift Wing chief of safety, pointed out. You can make them out right between those peaks.From above, the aircrew in a C-130 Hercules inspected the ground below, searching for their markers which designated where to drop their supplies and perform a landing, recovery and relaunch. The purpose of Red Flag 16-2 was to prepare our forces to fly, fight and win in air and space from the very first moment we enter combat operations, as a nation and as an alliance, said Col. Andrew Bernard, Red Flag 16-2 Air Expeditionary Commander. The exercise provides realistic training in a combined air, ground, space and electronic threat environment. Red Flag gives units the opportunity to simulate the first 10 days of war, said Lt. Col. Thomas Moffat, 700th Airlift Squadron director of operations. History has shown that those who make it through their first 10 combat missions have a much greater chance of surviving in a major war. Each Red Flag has its own personality, Bernard explained. With RF 16-2, we are able to emphasize and reinforce our strategic partnership with NATO Allies Italy and Turkey air forces. Each nation brought a large contingent to fly with us. In addition, four U.S. military services are participating. The Navy sent a MH-60 Detachment, there is a U.S. Marine Corps Air Control Squadron, and there are two U.S. Army Special Forces units participating. Finally, this Red Flag showcases our Total Force with the support of Air Force Reserve Commands 700th AS and their C-130H aircraft. The primary role Dobbins played in Red Flag 16-2 was infiltration and extraction of Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape specialists and Special Forces. We were responsible for forward deploying the troops and supplying them, said Capt. Anthony Toste, 700th AS C-130 Hercules pilot. We have the ability to fly over a drop zone and position the troops without landing. Anytime you are in a hostile environment, the less time you are in the air the better.Once the troops and their supplies were dropped, they would go further on into the exercise.Occasionally, the ground forces supplies would be too sensitive to be air dropped, which showcased another strength of the C-130, Toste said. We have the ability to do dirt and assault landings on dry river beds, Toste exclaimed. So this gives us the ability to land in austere locations like dry river or lake beds to off-load their equipment. The recovery team jumped into action once the supplies were dropped, and quickly loaded the Hercules once they landed on the lake bed. After being re-loaded, the aircrafts took off, with hardly a sign they were ever there.Moffatt explained the importance of this scenario, If all an adversary had to do to stop the Air Force was bomb our runways, there are not that many of them. The C-130s ability to land on pretty much any flat surface of 3,000 feet provides flexibility should runways be taken out, but also allows us to deliver troops and equipment closer to the front lines, where it's needed the most.The timing of their drops and landings also play a key role in the aircrafts mission.We have to make sure that we drop the troops and supplies on the ground at the right time and make sure they are safe, Toste said. We cant afford to be five minutes early. Everything is timed to the minute or second. If timings off, we might come in when the location where we drop is being bombed.To get the timing right, the 700th AS crews had to be in constant communication with each other and other units.For a Reserve unit, this is a huge exercise, Toste elaborated. Working with fighters and seeing how they operate has been very different. We flew with fighter escorts. So wed be listening to several radios at once plus our crew, plus were flying in formation. This definitely takes your situational awareness to the limit. Especially, the first couple of days as you are getting used to talking to all of those radio frequencies, and your crew and youre doing air drops while you are being shot at.This was invaluable to experiencing the younger crews, giving them their first 10 combat missions, Moffatt said. The concentrated nature of the exercise (10 missions in two weeks) increased their proficiency; instead of flying once or twice a month and maintaining currency, but not necessarily a high level of proficiency. The exposure to other weapons systems expanded their minds and made them think of more than just the C-130.The opportunity to train in a joint and coalition environment is an invaluable experience, said Moffatt. The war was fought over the 12,000-square-nautical mile Nevada Testing and Training Range, where the 700th AS flew against associated threats and aggressor aircraft.Fighters led the way into the battle space.The escorts would go in before us and clear the airspace, Toste said. Then we would fly in, ensuring there were no surface-to-air missiles on the ground. It was pretty interesting to hear them on the radio.Because of altitude differences, the fighters werent visible from the C-130 cockpits during the fight. In an escort the fighters are flying higher, Toste explained. So we cant see them, because they are mapping everything out with their radar systems. It gives you a sense of security, knowing you are not out there by yourself and with someone who will protect you. It makes you feel safer. One of the key strengths and benefits of the C-130 is its ability to fly low and slow, Toste said.Because we are close to the ground, we can see a lot more, the Hercules pilot added. At 20,000 feet everything looks like a tree, but at 500 feet you see the blinking lights and signal mirrors. We are able to relay any movement we see on the ground convoys, missile sites, etc. We have dedicated members of the crew who are constantly scanning the ground and we relay that to the fighters.Whenever they were targeted by enemies, their low altitude and slow speeds gave them a huge advantage.We can radar mask and terrain mask, he said. At 300 feet we can put a mountain between us. At that low we can stay undetectable. We arent a fast aircraft. We are a combat aircraft, but we arent built for speed, so we use that to our strength.The biggest take away from Red Flag was being able to put the training they received at home station to use in the exercises scenarios, Toste said.Its been a really interesting exercise, he elaborated. Weve gotten really good training on how to handle threats, the proper maneuvers, applying our weapons systems to get out of radar or missile lock and when to use them. Ive learned how to employ the tactics that have been taught to us. We dont have the active engagements that we do here [at Red Flag.] From HealthChoice.org. March 31, 2016 The CDC announced today an autism rate of 1 in 68 children (1.5% of eight year olds surveyed in 2012) for those born in 2004, unchanged from the last reported rate for children born in 2002. Meanwhile, the United States District Court for the District of Utah is preparing to hear critical motions on April 4th from a former CDC researcher and whistleblower. Although the lawsuit is directed primarily to the University of Utah, the whistleblower has also alleged that the CDCs Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network, allowed research misconduct and persistent data errors in their autism prevalence reports. These whistleblower allegations reveal serious concerns over the legitimacy and integrity of the CDCs management of its widely cited ADDM Network reports. In documents filed on January 4, 2016 in the Federal District Court, District of Utah, (Case No. 2:13-cv-1131) the former Principal Investigator for the Utah ADDM Network site, Judith Pinborough-Zimmerman asked for the right to a jury trial to adjudicate a range of claims against her employer, the University of Utah, with respect to Zimmermans work as an autism researcher for the ADDM Network. According to the January 4 motion, Dr. Zimmerman was a successful University employee until she accused [her supervisor], among others, of research misconduct and ethical misconduct. Defendants retaliated against Dr. Zimmerman for raising legal and ethical questions of employees impropriety, and took multiple adverse actions against Dr. Zimmerman because of her protected speech; her age; her disability; and her religion. Defendants also breached its contract with Dr. Zimmerman and denied her due process and liberty rights. Zimmermans complaint includes specific concerns over alleged uncorrected errors in the ADDM Networks reported autism analysis for Utah. Zimmerman reported that [university researchers] were publishing data under peoples names who had not done the work and that the data contained uncorrected errors. [emphasis added] Dr. Zimmerman further testified, I think the fact that I reported data errors, research misconduct, is significant. According to the lawsuit, knowledge of these errors was not confined to Utah. On or about December 2012, Dr. Zimmerman also reported the same concerns she had made to the Universitys Privacy & Security office to the United States Department of Health and Human Services. She reported her concerns to the CDC as well. Depositions from Zimmerman and her former colleagues suggest that the alleged data errors were serious and have the potential to produce major differences in reported Utah autism rates. In the 2008 ADDM Network Report, Utah autism rates were the highest in the country at 1 in 47. In the 2012 report released today, Utah rates plummeted nearly 20% to 1 in 58 as most other ADDM Network sites reported either rising or stable autism rates. Health Choice has long criticized the design and management of CDCs ADDM Network autism prevalence surveys. The CDC has been misrepresenting the alarming rise in autism rates since the late 1980s, says Health Choice Executive Leadership Team Chairman Mark Blaxill. His Health Choice analysis, The Autism Emergency Continues 1 in 68 born in 2004 released today (see 11 slides below) outlines a number of criticisms of the CDCs surveillance program. They have selected a partial and unrepresentative sample of states to track, changed the sample in a biased fashion over the years, and then take too long to report out the data. Todays 2012 report is over a decade behind the problem, giving us autism rates for children born twelve years ago. In addition to Utah, todays report outlines concerns in Georgia and New Jersey. If the sharp increases in autism rates began in the late 1980s, asks Blaxill, why would CDC design a tracking survey beginning with the 1992 birth year? Elsewhere, theyve published data with very low rates from the late 1980s in New Jersey and Georgia but dont connect the dots in the ADDM publications from todays 1 in 68 rate back to these earlier numbers. Health Choice, a non-profit organization whose majority is made up of family members dealing with autism, expressed deep concern about Dr. Zimmermans lawsuit. Health Choices Executive Leadership Team Chairman Mark Blaxill stated, Health Choice is very worried that the CDCs ADDM Network reporting is not accurately representing the seriousness of the autism epidemic. For most affected individuals, autism is a lifelong disability, a condition that frequently wreaks havoc on families, school systems, and state resources. Mr. Blaxill went on to say, since 1990, autism rates have exploded: something new and terrible is happening to a generation of children Its time to for the CDC stop sugar coating the inconvenient facts and confess that we have a national emergency so we can finally get to the bottom of this tragic problem. # # # Health Choice is a non-profit organization focusing on awareness of health choices, education on nutrition, healing, and prevention of chronic illnesses for children and adults. View in pdf THE AUTISM EMERGENCY CONTINUES Web Toolbar by Wibiya Date: 13 March, 2016. Place: Mexico City, Mexico. The United Mexican States is well known for being one of the best hotspots for UFO sightings on the world. For example, in 1883, astronomer Jose Bonilla detected more than 300 dark objects passing before the Sun, while studying its surface at the Zacatecas Observatory. In 2004, Mexican Air Force pilots who were performing an anti-drug operation filmed 11 unidentified flying objects in the skies over southern Campeche. Now, in 2016, another incident related to members of the Mexican Air Force has taken place in Mexico City. There were three lights. These lights were had very intense green colour, and their size was unusually large, declared Captain Carlos Rodriguez. Additionally, the UFOs moved at a very slow speed, in a straight-line trajectory. I took my mobile phone and started to record. Obviously, I was a little afraid, because I had never seen something like this before, stated the witness. Scott C. Waring, from UFO Sightings Daily, gives credit to Mr Rodriguez sighting, since he has recorded as many as 6 UFO videos in the suburbs of Mexico City. The ufologist also considers that this needs further investigation. Draw your own conclusions For further information: http://www.ufosightingsdaily.com/2016/03/pilot-sees-ufo-over-mexico-city-on.html Pilot Sees UFO Over Mexico City On March 13, 2016, Video, UFO Sighting News. Date of sighting: March 13, 2016 Location of sighting: Mexico Last week a Mexican Air Force pilot took a video of a UFO sighting in Mexico City. Captain Carlos Rodriguez reported a UFO on the evening of 13 March 2016. The sighting took place in the Aqueduct of Guadalupe area north of Mexico City. Captain Carlos has recorded as many as 6 UFO videos in the suburbs of Mexico City. You can see a UFO that changes color, moves in a zig-zag, left and right, flying low over the entire area between the Cerro del Tenayo and Chiquihuite. Then the object rises vertically into the sky and approaching an airliner that was passing at the time directed towards the international airport of Mexico City. The pilot who witnessed the sighting, said the following: "It was around 22:00 when the witness called my cell phone to let me know what was happening in the sky, never imagining that the phenomenon would continue even for several minutes." Clearly this needs further investigation. Scott C. Waring The Kurds and Assyrians: Everything You Didn't Know This piece is largely in response to the interview: "The Kurds: Everything You Need to Know" -- Dave Rubin talks to Bayan Sami Rahman. Let me plain at the outset: the idea of inviting Bayan Sami Rahman, the Kurdistan Democratic Party's (KDP) High Representative to the U.S. (and formerly to the U.K.) onto the Rubin Report without asking one difficult, uncomfortable question about the Kurds, their politics, their claims, or the narrative they have been weaving specifically in the Kurdish Region of Iraq, then calling the farce "Everything You Need to Know", is disingenuous and misleading. How low is the bar now? That said, welcome to my show, "The Kurds: Everything You Didn't Know" where I will first comment on Bayan Sami Rahman's statements then provide you with what could have been touched on in relation to her stated focus, which will be mine too: the Kurds in Iraq. Background Bayan Rahman sets the tone for the interview by claiming the three wise men who visited Jesus were from Kurdistan. Eyes bulging already, let's pretend this wasn't a serious assertion and continue. She claims Kurdistan was divided between four countries after the First World War, when in reality, it was the Ottoman Empire that was divided into different states under mandate from European powers. What she is referring to is an idealized Kurdish homeland which would be the largest country in the Middle East, all at the expense of other nations of people who live heterogeneously within those lands, many of which suffered genocide at the hands of Ottoman Turks and Kurds and were expelled, their lands forcibly seized or lying in ruin. Map showing Assyrian towns and other settlements pre-Ottoman Genocide conducted in 1915. Today, fewer than 20,000 Assyrians remain in Turkey. Speaking of the genocide: the total Assyrian population was reduced by as much as 75%, and with no recognition, no compensation, and no appreciation of this, we are simply expected to accept this great crime, to forget our murdered ancestors, and move on. "The people of Kurdistan were divided up" says Bayan Rahman, whilst conveniently omitting the fact that the people of Assyria were slaughtered by the "people of Kurdistan" on many occasions whilst they were both being divided up. These are historical facts, omitting them when talking of modern history and how Kurds have come to the precarious situation they find themselves in amongst the faltering Sykes-Picot states is nothing short of historical revisionism. She goes on: "in Iraq, they put the Sunnis and Shias together, and wanted the Kurds as the third element to balance the other two" Again, this is complete historical revisionism. It was the mixed Iraqi Levies who were put together, trained and deployed by Britain to keep order in their fledgling colony. These levies soon became almost exclusively Assyrian, since for some reason, Britain seemed more inclined to manipulate Assyrians into being this balancing force Bayan Rahman has cited. It was these Assyrian Levies that alienated the other groups in the new state of Iraq. The first military act Iraq conducted by the Iraqi Army after winning independence in 1932 was a massacre of Assyrians in Simele and surrounding areas. Under the leadership of the Kurdish General Bakr Sidqi: Kurds, Arabs and others united under one common cause: to inflict more violence against Christian Assyrians and plunder their towns and villages, murder the men, and rape and murder the women and children. Many of these Assyrians were still recovering from the Ottoman Genocide that happened less than twenty years prior. Territory This next bit is crucial: Dave Rubin asks "what will become Kurdistan?--?or what you hope will become Kurdistan?--?will encompass more areas, is that correct? And Bayan Rahman replies, "The KRG (Kurdistan Regional Government) now controls now all of the Kurdish territory, officially we administer only part of it, but after we pushed ISIS out after they attacked us, we now have control of all of Kurdistani areas in Iraq." She is starting with an idealist premise of what constitutes Kurdistan?--?an idea so loosely defined that many Kurds I speak to all have a different vision of it accompanied by a different map. Of course, what Bayan Rahman defines as 'Kurdistan' is totally in line with what the KDP define as Kurdistan, namely, areas which they do not currently control, but want to because of geography, resources etc. What is her criteria for "Kurdish territory"?--?? The common definition that persists today is simply "where Kurds live", but this definition doesn't even fit with areas like the Nineveh Plains, where Kurds have almost no presence yet still claim. She starts from the position that these lands are Kurdish and that the KRG is reclaiming them from ISIS. This is conquest masquerading as liberation. These lands never belonged to the Kurds, not in modern nor ancient history. These lands belonged to Assyrians, who have remained a constant in them for thousands of years. Nothing about the Nineveh Plains is Kurdish, nothing about Nohadra (or Dohuk) or the lands immediately surrounding it is historically Kurdish: its full administration was offered to the KRG as a bargaining chip to shift their gaze away from Kirkuk, which is much richer in oil. Huge influxes of Kurds moved into and settled in Dohuk and surrounding areas in very recent times which now seemingly made it "Kurdish".?--?(I write this knowing of Assyrians who still have deeds to their lands in Dohuk but were forced out). Employing a fluid notion of what constitutes 'Kurdistan', i.e. merely a place where even a small number of Kurds are today, this actually works. However, if one was to respect history, exhibiting even some awareness of the crimes of the past, honouring deeds to land, or any kind justice at all, it plainly doesn't. Search for Nohadra (Dohuk) on Google, and you would think the place didn't exist before the soft partitioning in 1991 which asserted the no-fly zone, and created a space from which long-suppressed Kurdish nationalism could flourish. In reality, Dohuk was seized upon in the 90's by the Barzani family as a key smuggling route into Turkey for Saddam's discreet dealings away from the UN sponsored Oil for Food sanctions. Both Barzani and Saddam cooperated in this illicit commerce and mutually benefited to the tune of millions of dollars. You can observe two things at work here: firstly, what Dave Rubin and Bayan Rahman telepathically agree to call "complex" with reference to Kurdish politics is simply "cynical", and it has proved so time and time again since the birth of the Kurdish Region of Iraq. Second, what the Kurds have adopted in Iraq is a policy of "we will take what we can get." Yezidi (some of whom identify as Kurdish, some of whom do not) and Assyrian lands were easily conquered: we have no backers, no support, and no media attention; incipit aforementioned "liberation". A revision of "Mesopotamia: The Cradle of Civilisation", this sign post near the Assyrian heritage site of Khinis, Dohuk Province (Nohadra). These sites are left unguarded and are regularly vandalised. Bayan Rahman: "Kurdistan is multicultural and multi-religious. In Iraqi Kurdistan, we have Christians, they are Assyrian, and we have Chaldeans, Yezidis, Shabaks, Kakais and Arabs as well. Maybe some of those communities may think that well we would rather be under Iraqi authority, but I'm confident that the vast majority of people who vote in the referendum would rather have self-determination than be under the authority of Baghdad." At this point, it's really becoming painful to listen to. No, you don't "have" Assyrians. What the KRG considers "having" they have taken by force to further their interests (namely, the desire to be seen by the West as progressive, pluralist and tolerant, undoubtedly to attract investments and businesses). Besides the bizarre and sickly possessive language, she is actually saying that the communities who now find themselves living under newly planted Kurdish flags have to suddenly decide and vote for Kurdish independence?--?and this implication went unchallenged. It would be like me waking up tomorrow and finding the borders of Scotland expanded to include London and being compelled, most likely with threats of violence or impoverishment by well-funded, well-armed Scots, to vote positively for Scottish independence with absolutely no thought as to who I am, my history or my own aspirations. As I understand it, even if every Assyrian voted "no", they will be outvoted by "yes"?--?and since the Assyrians all live in newly conquered Kurdish territory, their "no" won't matter, Assyrian areas won't suddenly go back to Iraqi administration (much less their own administration), they will just comprise the losing vote in a successful "yes" campaign. The referendum won't simply apply to parts of Iraqi Kurdistan for strategic, cynical reasons, but the whole of it. Peshmerga Commanders have already been quoted saying they will not "give back" these territories because "they are Kurdish". "Who wants to live under a dictatorship?" Bayan Rahman asks with reference to Saddam and other despots "For us Kurds, Iraq has failed us repeatedly. I can't think of one good thing we seen out of being part of Iraq." Let's cut the hyperbole: despite the terrible massacres, hardships and suffering the Kurds have endured in Iraq, Iraq has also given the Kurdish people more than any other country in the world. Within the incubator of Iraq, Kurds have formed first their ever recognized government in history. Established under the no-fly zone in 1992 under the protection of numerous International governments and their armed forces, and with aid rising in the billions of dollars since, the Kurdish Regional Government has grown into something ubiquitous and monolithic?--?it has 19 ministries, employs representatives in all major countries, hosts foreign embassies, has a direct relationship with all of the biggest global organisations, millions of dollars dedicated to international scholarships, trade deals independent of Baghdad etc. The myth that the 'poor KRG' is this downtrodden, underdog is truly divorced from reality. Since its inception, it has enjoyed steadfast international support at every turn: economically, politically, and militarily. What an insult to Kurds in Turkey, Syria and Iran, who have enjoyed absolutely none of these privileges. What an insult to Assyrians and other minorities, who have been crushed under the full, extended weight of unchecked and celebrated Kurdish nationalism in their own lands with no recourse to law, domestically or internationally. Weapons "Because really, in the Middle East, we are still at the stage of evolution where force is what gives you authority. [...] values of freedom and liberty, freedom of speech, are a luxury. In much of the Middle East, it's whose got the gun that counts." Interestingly, Bayan Rahman seems to say this whilst thinly suggesting Kurds in Iraq have a different mentality. Let me be clear once again: the only reliable noise you will hear from the KRG is a constant pitch for more arms to be delivered directly to them. It's something all of their officials say, wherever they are, and whoever they are talking to. This was best demonstrated after ISIS took shape and started threatening Kurdish territory: reports surfaced that arms shipped from the U.S. arriving in Erbil airport were initially seized by the KDP and not a single bullet was shared with the PUK, who were fighting ISIS in and around Kirkuk. There is no secret that the two major parties, whilst currently operating under a power-sharing deal (which has swung mightily in favour of the KDP), were killing each other in the thousands with their party-loyal Peshmerga militias as recently as the 90's in a bitter power struggle which saw the PUK move closer to Iran and the KDP bargain with Saddam for support, the man who had used chemical weapons against Kurds less than a decade previous?--?another fact shamelessly omitted by Bayan Rahman. The KDP and PUK know full well the value of arms in the Middle East, which is why they are obsessed with having all of the weapons they can get their hands on, and depriving those who are not loyal to them of those weapons. This was most notable when the KDP's personal army numbering over 10,000 was busy systematically disarming, and then abandoning minorities such as the Assyrians and the Yezidis in preparation for the ISIS assault on their respective territories. Adding to this the collapse of the widely criticised Iraqi Army, these minorities were failed twice by two governments eager to rule over them but not willing to defend or empower them. Where the Iraqi Army simply ran away, the KRG also deprived us of any means to defend ourselves and then did the same. The notice demanding disarmament circulated by the KRG among Assyrian towns in the Nineveh Plains. (courtesy of ankawa.com). Notices were distributed to the Assyrians of the Nineveh Plains by the KRG demanding full disarmament and relinquishing of weapons in July 2014, threatening severe punishment to anyone who did not cooperate. ISIS invaded less than two weeks later in August 2014. Assyrians and Yezidis were disarmed and reassured that the Peshmerga would protect them. What happened instead was a full scale retreat just before ISIS approached. This retreat was undertaken discreetly, with no notice or evacuation of the now disarmed and defenceless civilians (who would have otherwise fought and defended their homes had they been left armed). Many articles and testimonies have surfaced, such as the statement given to the UK parliament by Yezidi ex-captive Salwa Khalaf Rasho, where Peshmerga, eager to flee first ahead of Yezidi civilians, refused requests to stay and protect Yezidis or at least leave them their weapons. They even reassured them that they should return to their homes where they will be defended. Some Peshmerga even started firing on Yezidis when their protestations grew forceful, killing some, in order to clear the way for their convoy of vehicles to pass unhindered. Yazda, an organisation which campaigns for Yezidi genocide recognition, wrote in their last report in January 2016: "had they [Yezidis] been defended for one day, they could have been evacuated safely and the massacres and enslavement crisis could have been averted." Haydar Shesho, a Yezidi commander, had even requested weapons from the KDP only to be flatly refused since his allegiance was not to them. He then proceeded to acquire arms through Baghdad and the PUK, but was immediately arrested by KDP authorities for "creating an illegitimate militia" of Yezidis desperate to defend their homes. It took a German dignitary (since he is a resident of Germany) to fly to Erbil to negotiate Shesho's release. The situation in the Nineveh Plains was not dissimilar. 150,000 Assyrians were violently driven from their ancestral lands. To add to this, there is a chorus of noise from Kurds demanding any vocal, dissenting Assyrians be thankful for being robbed of all means to defend themselves and having their lands stolen?--?they define this as "protection", akin to mafia-speak. The actions of the fully armed Peshmerga here were not born from instinct, but from instruction by Peshmerga commanders and senior KDP leadership. There could be no other reason why over 10,000 soldiers would flee without firing a single bullet, positively refusing to engage ISIS on any level, even when ISIS were in the vicinity harassing fleeing civilians?--?in this, it makes no difference how well armed the Peshmerga are. If they are not willing to fight owing to political manoeuvring, they are an unreliable force. An anonymous KRG official was quoted in a Reuters article from June 2014 as saying "ISIL gave us in two weeks what Maliki couldn't give us in eight years". By disarming and disabling communities who live in territories the Kurdish leadership have designs on controlling, then letting a ready-made aggressive foreign force invade and uproot these communities, forcing them to flee, KRG forces backed by Western airstrikes will be seen as "retaking" land never even theirs. It is simply one conquering force displaced by another conquering force. One perpetrated the now recognized genocide of Yezidis and Assyrians, and the other allowed it to happen. Democracy Dave Rubin says "Everything I see about the Kurds?--?I literally see pictures of women fighters?--?women that look like Western women, fighting ISIS [...] how did the ethos of the Kurds, where you guys do respect minorities, the Yezidis and many others come from? [...] and there is a feeling that Western values are good within the Kurdish community. How did that actually flourish amongst so many places you're surrounded by where it doesn't flourish at all?" To which Bayan Rahman replies: "I think we have a tradition, a part of our heritage, a part of our culture, which looks for peaceful coexistence [...] it's just something very normal, we do have quotas for our parliament where the minorities have an allocated number of seats, whether they get the votes or not they get those seats [...] when you're surrounded by authoritarian regimes destroying everything, we are the underdogs, there is an idea of common good we all share." Besides this passage being introduced by Dave Rubin being slobbering, orientalist nonsense, Bayan Rahman's reply consists of conjuring democratic concessions for minority representation whose lands they have seized as their own. Let's briefly detail the recent history and dynamics here: the Assyrians do have quota seats, but the majority of "Assyrian" parties who run are founded and openly depend on KDP funds and support. This is done in order to split any coherent, unified Assyrian voice in the KRG, a tactic employed by all of the major tyrannies in recent history. The KRG does exceptionally well in setting themselves apart from the authoritarian regimes Bayan Rahman cites, despite having all of the hallmarks of one. In this, they actually benefit from being a relatively unknown entity in the West?--?whereby Westerners can look at pictures of smiling, unveiled women holding assault rifles or rugged men feeding puppies, and immediately feel disarmed and arrested by them (of course, in a much different way than the Assyrians and Yezidis were disarmed and arrested by Kurds in Iraq). "Why do you think the whole story of your people is simply ignored in the West?" Dave Rubin asks. "I suppose there are many reasons, the Kurdish story is complicated?--?as much as I might try and simplify and always want to be truthful to the story [...] the other is frankly speaking, money: to really run an effective campaign where you win people to your side, you need money, you need to propagate soft power, we need universities to be teaching about Kurdistan, we need advertising campaigns saying come to Kurdistan, we need heavy lobbying, particularly in countries like the United States, and everywhere, not just in Washington D.C. That needs money, we've never had that kind of money." How much more money does the KRG need? It is $25bn in debt despite its recent territorial conquests and the resources those conquests bring. There are reports from Kurds themselves in oil-rich Kirkuk of oil tankers coming and going from the city with no signs of any money coming back to it. Previously, Kirkuk had its budget allocated from Baghdad, but this ended when the KRG started making its own oil deals. Now, Kirkuk is not receiving any money from Baghdad nor from any sales of its oil by the KRG. Where is all this money? Millions in aid designated for vulnerable groups and minorities have been consistently lost to corruption, so much so that small independent charity groups like Khalsa Aid are providing support necessary for the survival of Yezidis and Assyrians under the protectorship of the KRG. "The vast majority of Kurds are Muslim, but I would say we are moderate, we believe in coexistence, we look to the West and admire the West." Bayan Rahman says. Now, any attempt to speak on behalf of tens of millions of people shouldn't be taken seriously, and this is no exception?--?for one, there are hundreds of Kurds in ISIS. In 2011, radical imams in Zakho, Dohuk Province encouraged Sunni Muslim Kurds to go on a riot and destroy Christian shops selling alcohol, places of worship, or anything else they wished. In total, 30 shops were ransacked and burned; a Chaldean Diocese in Zakho was attacked; an Assyrian Social Club in Nohadra besieged by a mob of 200 people; a Yezidi club, restaurants, hotels, and other various stores were shot at with automatic weapons. Fliers were then posted on all properties threatening more violence if reopened. "Coexistence" comes with conditions. Kurds in Zakho, Dohuk Province Iraq riot and attack un-Islamic places of commerce and worship in December 2011. ISIS In responding to how ISIS came about, Bayan Rahman says "Take ISIS in Iraq, it's a marriage between ISIS [...] and the Ba'athists [...] the Ba'athists want to come back to power in Iraq, and ISIS want a caliphate. It's a marriage of convenience." This glib, simplistic analysis ignored so much. First, the policy of de-Baathification after 2003 completely wiped out any role the Sunni Arabs had in Iraq. This is because during Saddam's reign, one had to be a Baath member to have any kind of life, or any kind of job in the public sector (including apolitical roles such as teacher or nurse). This meant huge swathes of Sunnis who did not care for the Baath party or its principles, and who were only members to secure themselves a livelihood, were immediately cast aside and smeared for the rest of their lives. This is ironic, since if anybody wants any kind of livelihood in the KRG, they must join one of the dominant political parties, KDP or PUK, in an environment resembling a prison with competing factions vying for turf and numbers. To add to the complete alienation of civilian Sunnis, the Iraqi army was disbanded in its entirety. This brought about a complete collapse of all security functions and several hundred thousand redundant soldiers, as perfectly outlined in this excerpt from a NY Times piece from 2004: "An American special-forces officer stationed in Baghdad at the time told me that he was stunned by Bremer's twin decrees. After the dissolution of the Army, he said, "I had my guys coming up to me and saying, 'Does Bremer realize that there are four hundred thousand of these guys out there and they all have guns?' They all have to feed their families." Fast forward to 2010 (and several thousand murdered Iraqis later). The Shia bloc headed up by Ayad Allawi which the Sunnis threw their support behind won the election. However, they were not allowed to form a government due to Iranian influence within Iraq and Iran's very clear preference for Maliki to retain power. What then ensued was surprising by Allawi's own testimony: the US, in the sake of maintaining whatever fragile stability they were newly acquiring in the region, advised Allawi to desist and let Maliki form a government. The bloc which won the most votes and seats across Iraq, the bloc which included the alienated and disenfranchised Sunnis, were yet again forced out of government and away from any kind of power sharing. ISIS have no doubt exploited this disconnection ordinary Sunni Arabs have felt since 2003, but to underplay the role de-Baathification had as a precursor to the horrible security situation is irresponsible. There is no doubt that hard-line Baathists would like a return to power, but for once in this interview, I would have liked to see "complex" used here where it is actually appropriate, but instead, we are treated to a partial story. Turkey Dave Rubin then asks about Turkey and how badly they've treated the Kurds, including banning the Kurdish language, at which point Bayan Rahman smiles uncomfortably: "some letters were not allowed to be used because they were not in the Turkish alphabet, so that essentially meant Kurdish names were banned. But Turkey has made a lot of progress on these things." The reluctance to elaborate on this topic and the attempt to immediately try and shift the conversation into more positive territory is quite telling. Dave Rubin: "So on one hand, they're [Kurds] on the ground fighting ISIS, and at the same time, they're being bombed by Turkey. I know it's a complex relationship [...] it seems Turkey is playing both sides." Bayan Rahman replies "I think Turkey's main focus is Syria. Turkey wants to be rid of Assad. That is President Erdogan's priority. Many of Turkey's actions can be seen through that prism. Turkey has a very large Kurdish population. Some people say twenty million, some people say thirty million[...] those people demand their rights, as they should, but Turkey has made a lot of progress, particularly under Prime Minister Erdogan, when he was Prime Minister, Turkey decriminalized the Kurdish language, there is at least one Kurdish TV station which is state run, a lot of progress has been made. There was even a peace initiative started in 2012 [...] we need Ankara and the Kurdish population in Turkey to have peace so that they can get on with things, but unfortunately, you have seen a reversal of many of those steps taken, and now there is a huge tension in Turkey." She further states: "A Kurdish party did very well in the elections and managed to get over the 10%. There has been a lot of progress [...] we have to balance a cooperative relationship with Iran and Turkey. Our oil is exported through Turkey." The sheer distance Bayan Rahman, Barzani and the KDP puts in place between themselves and Kurds in Turkey would have you believe they were different people. And this praise?--?this relentless focus on "progress" (when neutral observers would claim the opposite)?--?and the spinning of the situation to depict a benevolent, noble Turkey dealing with Kurds who have good cause but are going about it in the wrong way isn't realpolitik, it's just cowardice and cynicism designed to appease Erdogan's ruling AKP party. Here, it is the KDP and its supporters who put their party first and the Kurdish people second. I put it best in previous writing related to Barzani's last interview with Al Monitor from March 2016: As disgusting and awful as it is, I can understand why Barzani despises any non-Kurd who isn't strictly with him, and wants to crush them, drive them away, steal their lands, or disempower and absorb them. It's pretty a common drive among your standard tyrant, racist, supremacist. But Barzani is even worse than that, here's another perspective or dimension: What makes him extraordinarily repugnant is the fact that he praises Erdogan, a man whose country supported ISIS with freedom of movement, supplies, medical care, arms, money, and oil trade, a man who has imprisoned any Turkish legal official, judge, journalist, border guard, academic who has uncovered Turkish>ISIS support, a man who let ISIS militants across the border to slaughter Kurds in Syria and Iraq, a man who is still conducting massacres of Kurdish men women and children across Turkey, destroying entire towns and villages in the process, a man who simply staged another election because the Kurdish HDP party in Turkey received more votes than he wanted them to have, and then conducted a terror campaign in the interim to violently coerce more votes for his AKP?--?a party more focused on building mosques than schools and hospitals, a man who apparently had it all to give to the HDP had they entered into coalition with them, a decision not taken by the HDP which Barzani rues and disapproves of. Erdogan is the man who Barzani celebrates as understanding the Kurdish cause more than any other, and against this, he paints as the victim?--?despite the streets in the South East of Turkey littered with the bodies of dead Kurdish children. It is one thing to destroy Assyrians and Yezidis and others who do not identify with him, his party or the Kurdish people, but to forsake fellow Kurds and their families for the sake of politics, money and power?--?this really does speak of the man. "Refugee" Crisis "You're sharing a border with ISIS and you are the ones fighting them?" Dave Rubin asks, coming back to Kurds in Iraq and their battle with ISIS. Bayan Rahman takes this is an opportunity to end on a plea: "Yes we need more weapons, we need heavy weapons. We need protective gear for our Peshmerga. We are also facing a humanitarian crisis, our population is about 5m and it has increased by 30% [...] They are all refugees, they don't know anything, they can't work, they have nothing, we have to provide everything. We used to have 24 hours of electricity, suddenly we don't, because we have to share it [...] The other crisis we face is financial [...] we are trying to find a way for helping Kurdistan out of this financial crisis." This insatiable thirst for more (and heavier) weapons just betrays their intentions to have the best weapons available to their forces, securing their position in the region (reminiscent of the reality of the Middle East Bayan Rahman evoked, but mildly distanced herself from earlier). And anyway, they haven't used any of these weapons to defend the minorities they claim as Kurdistan's before they were violently purged from their own lands (which are now suddenly Kurdistan too). All in all, the whole interview was conducted without even mentioning the other "c" word: "corruption". As if the KRG, now newly anointed in the media as the West's "best bet", this old "new Dubai" needs to find its feet again, and in order to do that, the West must funnel even more money and weapons to them as they take over more and more non-Kurdish territory. The level to which the West is now invested in the KRG has reached a limit where governments simply do not even want to hear about its failures and discretions, including continuing to fund the lucrative commerce of "ghost soldiers" according to this piece by the Washington Institute, March 2016: "Each month 60,000 anonymous members of forces, names and ranks unknown to the parliament and Ministry of Peshmerga receive their salary from the Ministry of Peshmerga while 53,000 identified members of forces are receiving their salary from the Ministry." I have to add: the influx of "refugees" who "don't know anything" are mostly Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who know a great many things. Many of them were betrayed by the Peshmerga and had to flee their homes towards lands they knew their conquerors would defend. Barzani and the KDP Now onto Barzani, Bayan Rahman's paymaster, and the Kurdish Regional Government's recently announced referendum on independence (as well as all of the ugly present-day realities not mentioned by Bayan Rahman). Barzani has said that he will step down after Kurdistan becomes independent, and you can read that in two ways: first, Kurdistan won't be independent anytime soon, second, he will move for independence but then stay in power for another reason or another, as he has always done in the past. There will always be one more reason for dictators to remain in power?--?since his official (and final) term ended in 2013, he is now President by decree going on three years. And here I have to mention heroic young Kurds such as Sardasht Osman, a university student who penned a satirical poem about the Barzani family hegemony and was shortly after kidnapped and murdered, his body found in a dumpster. His murderers were never identified publicly and still walk the streets. If Barzani and his followers are willing to commit murder in the face of creative dissent, what will they do when it comes to accession to real power? Countless Assyrian martyrs who proved to be emerging dissenting forces, such as Francis Shabo, know all too well. The referendum was floated to Kurds had in the past, and it came at the height of frustration in the Kurdish region when protests were breaking out and ordinary Kurds rightly felt cheated by their government. This is a general breakdown of events then, and in some ways, now: 1. Ordinary Kurds in Iraq are angry, poor, unpaid, lied to, and start protesting. 2. Barzani threatens (or proudly declares, used interchangeably) referendum on independence. 3. Ordinary Kurds calm down, get back to work, live somehow whilst being unpaid. 4. Turkey makes a phonecall to the KRG and asks them if they are actually serious, and the KRG duly reassures them they are not. Erdogan puts the phone down and continues to kill Kurds in Turkey. 5. Issue becomes submerged, and ultimately forgotten, business as usual gradually commences. 6. Back to (1), rinse and repeat. Anyone who wants to understand the KRG must understand their economic situation as well as the often talked about political situation, so here are some very straightforward facts: They are $25bn+ in debt and are touring the West, cap in hand, begging for money. Pre-ISIS, the Kurdish Region produced 7% of Iraq's oil and had a budget allocation of 17% from Baghdad, meaning they were heavily subsidized and relied heavily on Baghdad for even basic functioning. Since ISIS, Baghdad have stopped budgetary payments to the KRG because the KRG had begun making oil deals independent of Baghdad (with Turkey). Under Iraqi law, all such oil deals must be sanctioned by the Federal Government, with all proceeds distributed centrally to the various provinces and regions. Given events, the agreement collapsed and the economy is now operating largely undocumented and unregulated. You can see the effects of this now in over six months' worth of unpaid public sector salaries in the Kurdish Region prompting emigration out by ordinary Kurds losing hope, and deserting Peshmerga no longer able to provide for their families. The Kurdish Region has a public sector that comprises 75% of the whole region wide workforce?--?meaning 75% of all workers in the Kurdish Region work for the Kurdish government in some way shape or form. Even under Saddam, this figure was 40%. This is because a very, very low % of workers in the KRG (like under Saddam's Iraq) produce most of the region's revenue (via incredibly heavy reliance on oil trade with and through Turkey) and the rest are either in the Peshmerga or occupy jobs that simply serve as 'padding' for the employment market. This means that most people in the KRG are heavily reliant on the government for money, and the KDP and the PUK take advantage of this through a patronage system: you as an individual must demonstrate complete, uncritical loyalty to our political party, its aims and its rhetoric, and in exchange we will pay you primarily for this loyalty so you can eat and feed your family. As I stated previously, the system is very similar to Baathist Iraq, which nostalgists still pine for due to the heavily conditional 'freedoms' it bestowed on them. In order to maintain this almost state-wide pseudo-welfare system, predicated on an incredibly unbalanced 'get rich quick' economy run almost entirely by a very small group of people, and endemic corruption throughout all 19 wasteful government departments from the bottom to the very top, the KRG is driven to steal more and more resource rich land to feed their aforementioned, fatally flawed economic (or kleptocratic) model. Their second political project has involved nurturing a mutually beneficial master/slave relationship with Turkey, primarily to distance themselves from Baghdad, but at the expense of helping or expressing any real solidarity with fellow Kurds who are truly suffering under the yoke of Turkish nationalism. Barzani and the KDP have done almost everything in their power to acquiesce, praise, and endorse the Erdogan government, even throughout their terror campaign against Kurdish areas in the south east of Turkey. In this affair, the KRG serves as little more than a province for Turkey and its interests in Iraq: nearly every military move the KDP adopts in Iraq via its Peshmerga is given with either the instruction or the blessing of the Turkish government. This is evidenced simply in how events have unfolded, and how they are unfolding with relation to Mosul: Turkey's "Fulda Gap", as expressed in an excellent article on the subject by War on the Rocks in December 2015. Tensions are rising so much here that the PKK/YPG and the Peshmerga forces are actually competing to liberate Mosul: the PKK for influence in the region, and the KDP at the behest of Turkey, who mustn't lose yet another corridor into what they vaguely believe is their old province, Iraq, given their failures in Syria and the emergence of the Kurdish Federal Region there. That said, with the conquering of Kirkuk, the Nineveh Plains and Sinjar, the KRG might be in a position to offset losses incurred by completely surrendering subsidies and back payments from Baghdad since they can harvest the resources in these lands. But given the economic model they are maintaining, and almost complete reliance on Turkey for any economic prosperity, it isn't sustainable. Civil war will likely erupt once again as the money inevitably runs out and the prospect of expanding territory and conquering land that is better defended becomes distant and remote. And as always, with any such tension between local, warring political parties and their personal armies, defenceless Assyrians newly absorbed and robbed of any meaningful agency will suffer the hardest, being as we are captives under a flag that is not ours. Assyrian's Mideast Fate Tied to World Powers' Agendas It is widely presumed that the Islamic State terror group essentially bears full responsibility for the near-eradication of the entire Assyrian Christian population. But understanding the complexities of how world powers interact with the Middle East can reveal surprising reasons behind the plight of one of the region's oldest Christian communities, according to retired lieutenant colonel Sargis Sangari, an expert on the Assyrians and founder of the Near East Center for Strategic Engagement think tank. Sangari is an Assyrian Christian who was born and raised in Urmia, Iran, and immigrated to the United States at age 10. He is a decorated Iraq War veteran who served in the U.S. Army for 20 years, and he currently serves as one of the American advisers to Dwekh Nasha, the Assyrian Christian militia force in the Middle East. "The Christians come last, and economic benefits to nations and global powers come first," Sangari told JNS.org. Assyrian Christians trace their roots back 7,000 years and are indigenous to ancient Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). Today, Sangari and other scholars estimate that at least 250,000 Assyrians are displaced from their homeland. There has been a long history of persecution of Assyrians, but a systematic campaign of mass slaughter began in 2003 following the liberation of Iraq and the deposing of Saddam Hussein. In June 2014, Islamic State captured the city of Mosul in northern Iraq, which had the highest population of Assyrian Christians in the country. By July 2014, thousands of Assyrian Christians fled Mosul when Islamic State told them to convert to Islam, pay the "jizya" tax on non-Muslims, flee, or die. By Augustof that year, the Assyrian towns of Qaraqosh, Tel Keppe, Bartella, and Karamlish were all captured by Islamic State. In February 2015, Islamic State conquered more than 30 Assyrian villages along the Khabur River Valley in Syria. Dozens of Christians were kidnapped and thousands fled. In addition to the murders, kidnappings, rapes, forced conversions, and displacement, a vast number of artifacts and sites belonging to the ancient Assyrian empire have been desecrated and destroyed. Sangari explained that "behind the scenes," world powers' agendas are intertwined with the fate of Assyrian Christians in the Middle East. For instance, he said that Russia is "fueling the flames" as it tries to establish a foothold in Syria (though President Vladimir Putin recently ordered the withdrawal of Russian troops from that country's civil war). He argued that Russia will benefit from its consistent partnership with the Kurds, who have been fighting against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria but who also want to use the Syrian conflict as an opportunity to achieve statehood--which, as a byproduct, would displace the Assyrians from their homeland. "Russian President Vladimir Putin is merely the latest in a long line of Russian leaders who made breaking out of the Black Sea a primary strategic and foreign policy objective," said Sangari. "Putin has achieved this goal in Syria with his support of the [Bashar] Assad regime, which has provided him with a seaport [in Latakia] on the Mediterranean [Sea] and bases for Russian combat troops and aircraft. Putin cannot let the Assad regime fall because of its economic and political importance to Russia. The Russians cannot afford not to meddle in the region. For that same reason, they have long supported the Kurds in their ongoing struggle for statehood." World powers' nuclear deal with Iran has also affected the Assyrian population, noted Sangari. Since the deal was "purely economic," he said, world leaders were willing to make the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) their ally in order to gain access to resources in Iran. But when the KRG became a Western ally, Assyrian Christians were told to obtain aid from the KRG if they wanted support, instead of world powers' providing them with the training and weapons they need to defend their own lands. Sangari said that two weeks before the Islamic State attack on Mosul in June 2014, the Kurdish Peshmerga forces collected weapons from Assyrian Christians. "[The Peshmerga forces] went home to home and collected every single weapon, under the concept that 'we are collecting weapons to make you safer because we worry about people that have loyalties to ISIS,'" he said. "This is illogical, because you won't find a Christians who is loyal to the Islamic State." The Kurds needed to escape Mosul in the middle of the night. When the Assyrians realized the Kurds were fleeing, they broke into the local armory and found that all of their weapons were stolen. "How can you fight ISIS when you don't have weapons?" Sangari said. That August, two days before the Assyrian city of Qaraqosh was cleared out, the Peshmerga forces asked permission from the U.S. to govern the Assyrians. America agreed to this request because it needed an ally in the region. Now, the homes of formerly wealthy (but now exiled) Assyrians are being occupied by Kurds, according to Sangari, who believes that the Kurds are strategically vying for the region to become unified as a Kurdish state that includes formerly Assyrian lands--without giving the Assyrians the right to return. While the Assyrians are displaced and possess no weapons, the Kurds have gained enough trust from the U.S. to acquire the weapons to fight Islamic State, with the goal of ultimately taking control of an area that was formerly settled by Christians, Sangari said. So what does this all mean? In Sangari's estimation, global powers use the Islamic State threat as a strategic and operational tool to redraw and redefine the Middle East's borders. "ISIS is everywhere. Everybody has an opportunity to use ISIS," he said. Sangari's sentiment on Islamic State and the Kurds is echoed as far back as 2002 by Edward Odisho, a linguistics scholar at Chicago's Northeastern Illinois University and an Assyrian Christian who fled Saddam Hussein's Iraq. Odisho told ABC News that year, "We (Assyrians) are in a critical stage today. We have the Arabs on one side and the Kurds on the other. And although we have good relations with our Kurdish brothers in northern Iraq, unfortunately, now the Kurds are behaving in the role of a big brother." Sangari further noted that if one looks back at "every single Christian and Yazidi woman that was taken captive and raped, and created a new generation of ISIS babies...they were all taken out of the KRG-controlled areas or Kurdish-controlled areas. At the same time, not one Kurdish woman was taken and raped." There is also a significant population of Kurdish Jews, though Sangari claimed that Jews living in Iraq's Kurdistan region are actually "closer to Assyrians in their cultural lineage." As such, Sangari told JNS.org, the Kurds "historically tie themselves to Israel, because if Israel and the U.S. are on your side, you'll be able to do what you want." Israel, in turn, must back the Kurds because it "can't tell its citizens why they aren't supporting the Kurdish Jews," argued Sangari. "Israel needs at least a strategic partner in the region" and views the Kurds as useful allies who fight the Jewish state's enemies, he said. Indeed, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly endorsed the idea of an independent Kurdish state. Another card the Kurds are playing, Sangari suggested, has to do with genocide. In March, the U.S. State Department gave the much-anticipated official "genocide" designation to Islamic State actions against Yazidis, Christians, and Shi'a Muslims in Iraq and Syria. Many human rights organizations had been advocating for that designation for more than a year. But the U.S. made no specific mention of the Assyrian Christians when it announced the designation. Sangari said the U.S. stopped short of acknowledging the Assyrians' plight because that would defeat "the narrative to create a larger Kurdistan." In the absence of an official "genocide" designation, independent relief groups like The United Assyrian Appeal try to frame the Assyrians' plight as such. The Kurdish Democratic Union Party and its allied groups, meanwhile, last year established an "auto-administration" governing structure in northern Syria that they describe as respectful to the considerations of groups like the Assyrians. The auto-administration's co-chair, Hadiya Yousef, told ARA News that the governing structure is "based on mutual agreement between the different components of the region, and includes Kurds, Arabs, Assyrians, Syriacs, and other groups in northern Syria." "As our semi-autonomous experience is fresh," said Yousef, "we are trying to further open channels of communication with different forces on a regional and international basis, trying to convey our aspirations to the world and demonstrate that we're able to manage the local affairs in a pluralistic manner." Additionally, Kurdish political parties last month formed the Kurdish National Alliance in Syria, which supports the Kurdish-led auto-administration and also calls for establishing a "federal state" in Syria in order to end the country's five-year-old civil war. "We believe by establishing a federal state in Syria, we could avoid any future clashes between the different social components, as every group would be fairly represented in a federal system," Mustafa Mashayikh, the spokesman for the Kurdish National Alliance in Syria, told ARA News. In Iraq, about 10,000 Assyrian Christians are fighting against Islamic State for the Kurdish Peshmerga forces, Sangari noted. Many Assyrians fight under the Kurdish flag in order to feed their families, but they ultimately wish to protect and defend their own homeland, he said. "We just want our own flag supported," Sangari said. March 31, 2016 Some 15 years ago, Aryeh Deri entered the gates of the Maasiyahu Prison, southeast of Tel Aviv, to begin serving time after being convicted of bribery, fraud and breach of trust while serving as minister of interior and chairman of the ultra-Orthodox Sephardic Shas Party. On March 29, Deris name was, once again, linked to suspicions of alleged criminal wrongdoing while serving, once again, as minister of interior and Shas chairman. The first Deri affair, which resulted in his incarceration in September 2000, marked a low point in the Israeli judicial system's public standing. This week, the court was again made a scapegoat by irresponsible, unbridled politicians. Back in 2000, hundreds of followers accompanied Deri to the gates of Maasiyahu, chanting, He is innocent, after unanimous court decisions involving six judges (three at the district court level and three on the Supreme Court). Public figures, rabbis and a prominent journalist, the late Amnon Dankner, made pilgrimages to a protest tent proclaimed The Roar of the Lion Aryeh means lion in Hebrew erected outside the prison gates. The May 1999 elections, for the 15th Knesset, had been held in the shadow of the tough sentence handed down to the Shas leader. Deri's Sephardic supporters turned the occasion into a no-confidence vote on the judicial system, boosting support for Shas, which won 17 seats, up from its previous 10. This time around should the initial investigation into corruption allegations against Deri turn into a full-fledged case and Deri once again recruit his legions for an assault on law enforcement and the judiciary he will find loyal partners in the top echelons of government. Already, in the days preceding a report on Channel 2 about the suspicions surrounding Deri, the prime minister and members of his Cabinet launched an attack on the Supreme Court. The alleged justification for the attack was the courts March 27 decision ordering the government to scrap the current version of the plan for exploiting the countrys natural gas reserves. In a 4-1 vote, the justices ruled that the provision committing the government to abstain from making regulatory changes to the plan for a decade was illegal. The court further ruled that, unless the state amends the plan within a year, the blueprint will be null and void. The head of the judicial panel, Supreme Court Vice President Elyakim Rubinstein who under Likud Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir served as Cabinet secretary, a stepping stone to his 1997 appointment by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as attorney general wrote that the 10-year commitment, under the so-called stability clause, had been undertaken without the authority to do so and contradicted basic regulations of administrative law. He stated, The government is not authorized to decide not to decide and not to act. Justice Salim Jubran added that the sweeping language of the stability clause could damage Israels international standing should the government be forced to renege on its commitment. Just hours after the decision was announced, Netanyahu gave the signal to storm the citadel. A statement issued by his office said, Israel is seen as a state with excessive judicial interference in which it is difficult to do business. It also claimed that the curious ruling would severely damage Israel's economy. Yuval Steinitz, minister of infrastructure, energy and water, went further, calling the Supreme Courts decision miserable. The ruling by the top court, whose judges deliberated for months, would, in his view, fail the test of democracy in other Western countries. Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked opined that the Supreme Court prevents Israel from acting as a well-regulated country. Immigrant Absorption Minister Zeev Elkin, a member of the diplomacy and defense Cabinet, accused the justices of being ensconced in their ivory tower and stealing billions from the pockets of the countrys citizens, money that could have been directed to the welfare, health, and social needs of others. Elkin called for a fundamental reform of the legal system in order to restore rational Israeli democracy. In other words, the Supreme Court is currently turning our national home into a lunatic asylum. Tourism Minister Yariv Levin, who also serves as the liaison between the government and the Knesset, took the rhetoric to another level. In a speech to the Knesset plenum, Levin accused the justices of having a political party bias. Nothing short. In a response to Knesset member Ayelet Nahmias-Verbin of the Zionist Camp, who dared defend the Supreme Court's decision, Levin said, Of course you respect [the ruling], because the people sitting there think like you; they come from the same background as you. They take your positions, which most of the public doesnt support, and thats why you are sitting on this side of the hall [on the opposition benches], and they make a switch, a jump. They turn things upside down, using the views of the opposition to replace those of the government. That same day, from the same podium, Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon attacked his fellow Cabinet ministers and Knesset members for their support of the Israeli soldier who on March 24 shot dead a wounded Palestinian in Hebron. The next day, Avigdor Liberman, chairman of Yisrael Beitenu, troubled himself to go to the military court to express solidarity with the suspect. Even if he is wrong, its not possible for everyone to abandon him and accuse him of murder, Liberman wrote on his Facebook page. This is not the first time that the former foreign minister, who himself barely escaped a series of police investigations unscathed, has found fault with the Israeli justice system. Liberman knows, of course, that the soldier is being provided a full legal defense and that the case is ongoing. Do you want a brutalized army thats without a moral backbone? Yaalon lashed out at the politicians leading the vocal campaign against the handling of the soldiers case. Its too bad that the senior politician failed to take the opportunity to direct another question to the head of the government in which he serves and to his government colleagues: Do you want a legal system devoid of a moral backbone and a brutalized democracy? Maybe theres no need to ask. The answer is evident in the politicians reactions to the court ruling on the natural gas plan. March 31, 2016 RAMALLAH, West Bank Jordan is making progress installing cameras in Al-Aqsa Mosque's courtyards, but has not set a completion date for the controversial project. The plan faces tough challenges, and some Palestinians fear Israel could use the cameras against them. Some Palestinians believe extremist Israelis are trying to gain control over the mosque, one of Islam's holiest sites. Jews are permitted to visit the mosque compound, but are not allowed to pray there. Jewish groups, sometimes accompanied by Israeli police, frequently force their way into the mosque compound, resulting in violent confrontations. Ahmed Rwaidy, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' adviser on Jerusalem affairs, told Al-Monitor that the 55 cameras will be installed in areas that settlers raid to perform the Torah and the Talmud prayers. The recordings will be used as documentation against Israel in international forums, Rwaidy said. Jordan holds the right of guardianship over all the buildings on the 35-acre Al-Aqsa Mosque grounds, including Al-Qibli Chapel, Solomons Stables and the Dome of the Rock. Jordan represents the interests and legal affairs of the holy places internationally. It also oversees and manages the Jerusalem Endowment and its properties. Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Judeh met March 24 with Abbas in Ramallah. During the meeting, Abbas said he agrees with everything Jordan decides regarding Al-Aqsa Mosque, including the installation of cameras. On the sidelines of the meeting, Judeh said the camera installation is a Jordanian initiative that aims at revealing any violations or desecration of holy places. Jordan chose the cameras [to be installed], and Abbas reiterated his support for this initiative. We are holding on to these measures to protect Al-Aqsa and the believers. On March 20, the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf announced it was purchasing cameras that were tested by specialists and engineers. The installation process will be monitored by Jordanian specialists, now that the ministry has completed technical studies, as well as the infrastructure phase, including electrical wiring. Jordan decided to install the cameras in the wake of an October agreement between Jordan and Israel under the auspices of US Secretary of State John Kerry. Kamal al-Khatib, deputy head of the Islamic Movement in the 1948 occupied territories, told Al-Monitor, We do not doubt the Jordanian intentions, but we think that these cameras will help Israel watch believers who deter the settlers incursions into Al-Aqsa mosque [compound]. He added, Internet networks in Jerusalem are connected to the Israeli communication networks, and Israels security system is capable of unlocking the cameras and watching what is on them, thanks to Israels advanced techniques. This would allow the latter to observe the defenders and believers at Al-Aqsa. Hassan Khater, head of the Jerusalem International Center and former director of the Islamic-Christian Commission For the Support of Jerusalem and Holy Sites, told Al-Monitor that Jerusalems Palestinian citizens reject the camera installation because of their bad experiences in the past. Israel occasionally installed cameras in the streets and alleys of the Old City area of Jerusalem and used them to pursue the inhabitants, arrest them and expel them from the city, he said. Although the cameras [can be] beneficial, their disadvantages outweigh their advantages, especially in terms of security and pursuit of believers, he said. The camera installation will have serious repercussions, as it will facilitate Israeli settlers' raids and lead to the pursuit of Al-Aqsa frequenters who try to deter them, he said. The October agreement calls for cameras to be installed in Al-Aqsas courtyards only. Technical problems delayed the project, but it has become more pressing, Jordanian government spokesman Mohammad al-Momani said March 16. Because settlers repeatedly raid the Al-Aqsa compound and subsequently clash with Palestinians, according to Momani, the cameras are needed to document the armed incursions and refute Israels claims that Palestinians are responsible for the Israelis' meddling in Al-Aqsa Mosque affairs. Jordans Ministry of Awqaf (Charity) is overseeing the camera project without coordinating with its Palestinian counterpart. Palestinian Minister of Awqaf Youssef Dais told Al-Monitor, My ministry had no knowledge of this project. ... This is a Jordanian affair that we know nothing about due to Jordans guardianship over Al-Aqsa Mosque. Regarding the advantages and disadvantages of the cameras, Dais said, The project cannot be judged as long as it has not been implemented, and we do not know how to manage it yet. Mahmoud al-Habbash, Abbas religious affairs adviser, told Al-Monitor, We do not doubt the good intentions of Jordan in installing cameras to watch Israeli breaches, but we are concerned about Israels motives, as it might use the cameras to harm Al-Aqsa believers, defenders or the mosque itself. He noted, We are afraid that Israel might unlock the cameras and use them to pursue Al-Aqsa Mosque believers and defenders or to impose a certain situation there, as we refuse any Israeli intervention in the mosque. If such intervention happens, Jordan will have to remove the cameras." Rwaidy said, As long as Jordan is in charge of Al-Aqsas guardianship, it can choose whichever way to protect it. Cameras are a method to document Israels breaches and show them to all Muslims across the world. A delegation consisting of Jerusalem's Awqaf and religious clerics had met Nov. 4 with Jordans King Abdullah II in Amman to discuss the kings concerns and reservations regarding the camera project. The delegation listened to the king explain Jordans efforts to protect the sanctities. Rwaidy noted, Jordan vowed not to allow the use of cameras to harm Al-Aqsa defenders and to monitor everything happening at the mosque [compound], including Israeli violations. March 31, 2016 In a March 30 speech, Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, criticized those who think the world of tomorrow is a world of discourse, not missiles, declaring it treasonous if uttered knowingly. Khameneis reference was a not-so-veiled response to a March 23 tweet by the media team of Ayatollah Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani. Hours after Khameneis speech, and a week after the original tweet, the Twitter account issued a correction, claiming that the original tweet had only contained part of Rafsanjanis comments. According to the revised tweet, Rafsanjani had originally said, The world of tomorrow is the world of the discourse of the Islamic Revolution, not intercontinental ballistic missiles and atomic weapons. Despite the hasty correction by Rafsanjanis office, Iranian figures opposed to Rafsanjanis gesture of compromise toward the United States and other Western countries took the opportunity to attack the aging statesmen and draw a hard line on Iranian missiles. Without identifying Rafsanjani, Javad Karimi-Ghodousi, a member of parliaments National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, said March 31, The individual who expressed this and said that the country does not need a missile industry is not simple, just recently arrived on the scene or unaware of the regional or world equations, and is completely aware of the threats against the Islamic Republic by the arrogant powers. Karimi-Ghodousi further stated, This individual adopted this position with awareness, and the intelligence and security services of the country, especially the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, should publish the documents of this treason. Conservative analyst Mehdi Mohammadi interpreted Rafsanjanis comments as being linked to US plans for Iran in the post-nuclear deal era. In a March 31 interview with the Fars News Agency, Mohammadi said that even before the nuclear deal was agreed to by Iran and the six world powers, It was clear that from the side of the Americans, the deal was the beginning of encouraging Iran to compromise in the area of national security. According to Mohammadi, Western countries are more concerned about Iranian missiles than the nuclear program, because the nuclear program was never a military threat, whereas Iranian missiles have ruled out an attack from another country. Most alarming for domestic critics seeking a softer approach internationally and toward the United States was Mohammadi's assertion that to weaken Irans defensive capabilities, the United States will rely on a movement and domestic network that will try to rationalize and theorize about Irans national security. On his Telegram account, Mohammadi also criticized Western media for suggesting that there is some sort of deep split in Iran between Rafsanjani and Khamenei over the missile issue. He said there can only be a split when the two sides have equal influence in the country, plus Rafsanjanis swift correction to the tweet showed that such a division does not exist. Defense Minister Hossein Dehghan appeared on Iranian television March 31 to defend the missile program and test launches carried out in early March. The tests that are conducted in various parts are for the production of arms that are an appropriate response to likely threats, said Dehghan. He also remarked that Iran would never pursue unconventional weapons, but, he added, In order to acquire the defensive capability in order to respond to any threats, [Iran] will always take action to defend itself. Dehghan asserted, In this field, we do not need the permission or confirmation of others. Dehghan also said that the recent missile tests, which were criticized by the United States and European officials, were not in violation of the comprehensive nuclear agreement and will not prompt the UN Security Council to respond. He accused the United States of not wanting Iran to increase its national strength. March 31, 2016 Theres a steep cost for treasonous language. God will settle the score with you. When the day comes, you will be greeted at the Gates of Hell by [Sheikh Ahmed] Yassin, [Abdel Aziz] Rantisi and [Fathi] Shkaki, who have come to appoint you as the head of their household. The person responsible for this string of curses was none other than former Director of the Shin Bet and current Knesset member Avi Dichter of the Likud Party. He stood at the Knesset podium on March 28 and unleashed his invective at the head of the Joint List (of predominantly Arab parties), Arab Knesset member Ayman Odeh. Dichters attack came in response to a television interview, in which Odeh called him a murderer because of his past in the Shin Bet. The incident took place in the final week of the Knessets winter session. It was characteristic of the last few months in the Israeli legislature. When the former head of the Shin Bet, once a highly regarded representative of Israeli officialdom, stoops as low as the Knessets worst detractors just to score political points, what could one possibly expect from backbenchers? There is absolutely no doubt that with the intifada of individuals raging in the background, populist rhetoric and fights between Arab and Jewish Knesset members broke new ground in the current Knesset session. The war of words between Dichter and Odeh erupted against the turbulent background of the Suspension Law, proposed by the prime minister last February, following a visit by Arab Knesset members to the homes of terrorists families in the West Bank. The law, which passed its first reading March 28, allows for the suspension of a Knesset member for supporting anyone who negates the existence of the State of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, incites racism or supports the armed struggle against Israel. According to the proposed law, if 61 Knesset members (out of 120) ask to suspend a specific member of Knesset, the Knesset Committee will meet for a hearing, during which the candidate for suspension can respond (the suspension decision itself will require the support of 90 Knesset members). This is a black day for democracy and the relationship between the majority and the minority. Today the whole world saw how the Knesset, with its aggressive agenda and a prime minister who stole [Yisrael Beitenu head] Avigdor Libermans anti-Arab agenda, is surging toward an abyss that is all hatred, said Knesset member Ahmad Tibi of the Joint List, as he summed up the significance of the law passing its first reading. In general, both Arab and Jewish Knesset members were responsible for inciting the passions, rather than being a source of calm. The individual intifada served as an incentive for right-wing Knesset members to show a complete lack of restraint, when it came to initiating anti-democratic legislation. The winter sessions legislative initiatives included a law requiring the tagging of representatives of nongovernmental organizations in the Knesset, which was intended to interfere with the work of left-wing/critical/human rights organizations, a proposal to outlaw the organization Breaking the Silence and a law to limit foreign funding for political organizations. The common feature of all these initiatives was populism in the service of politics. But there was more than just terrorism on the Knessets agenda over the past few months. This was also the session that approved the state budget, presented by Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon. While the budget did feature certain socially oriented characteristics, it failed to introduce in-depth changes, in the spirit of Kahlons election promises. In fact, the budgets biggest achievement was its approval by a narrow coalition of 61, which originally looked like it would have a hard time surviving and eventually fall apart over the budgets approval. At the end of its second session, the coalition actually seems to be stable and functioning. Nor was populism limited to the wars between Arabs and Jews. There was a tendency toward populism in social legislation too, with the social protests of 2011 still having an effect on the Knessets activities. So, for instance, the spirit of the protest movement hovered over the vote to limit the salaries of senior financial officers. Its second and third readings were approved this week. According to the proposed law, CEO salaries in major financial corporations would be capped at 2.5 million Israeli shekels ($658,000) per year. Furthermore, the CEOs salary would be limited to no more than 35 times the salary of that companys lowest paid worker, including contractors employed directly by the corporation. This law, proposed by Kahlon, received the backing of opposition member Shelly Yachimovich. While the law received compliments for being an expression of social justice which was the slogan of the 2011 protests it was also criticized for covering only bank managers, and for being in some ways brutal. Another achievement in the spirit of the protest movement was the way that the Supreme Court put the brakes on the approval of the natural gas outline for distribution of resources and benefits, by rejecting the stability clause. That clause committed the state to avoid making any changes to major issues involving the gas market for a period of 10 years. This would include taxation, gas exports, ownership of the reserves, etc. What this government was effectively doing was tying the hands and feet of any future governments. The justices granted the government a week to get back to them with an answer. Netanyahu was blocked, and the opposition scored a victory for bringing the case before the Supreme Court. Nevertheless, the bottom line is that even this was not enough to pose a threat to the governments stability or instigate a political crisis. Another feature of the last Knesset session was increasing tension in matters of religion and state. This is because in such a narrow coalition, the ultra-Orthodox parties wield disproportionate power. In this context, one need only remember the tensions surrounding new prayer arrangements at the Western Wall, allocating a mixed-gender praying space to liberal Judaism movements, and the debate over the use of ritual baths (mikveh) by reform and conservative Jews, which meant less pluralism and openness. The session earned another low grade for its handling of the gay communitys struggle for rights. It is ironic that a Knesset that includes an openly gay member from the Likud Party, Amir Ohana, rejected a series of proposed pieces of legislation to advance LGBT rights. Ohana himself came under harsh attack from the members of his own community for deciding to respect coalition discipline. They claimed that he betrayed the mission that brought him to the Knesset in the first place. As a closing crescendo, on the final day of the winter session it was revealed that two senior political figures are being investigated for alleged corruption. They are Minister of the Interior and Chairman of the Shas Party Aryeh Deri and leader of the opposition, Isaac Herzog. The investigations are only getting started, but they remain a sharp reminder of the low bar in the public eyes when it comes to corruption, both personal and political. Tolerance for corruption is low, especially now. March 30, 2016 Six months into the Palestinian uprising, Russian politicians seem to have shifted their position regarding the unrest. Having initially described the situation between Palestinians and Israelis as a state of tension that must end, Russians now are referring to Palestinian attacks on Israelis as acts of terror. Back in October, the Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement expressing its deep concern about the growing tensions and the escalating wave of violence between the Palestinians and Israel, calling on both parties for self-control. Perhaps the Russian position aligned with the generally accepted balanced positions of the diplomatic Quartet on the Middle East (United Nations, United States, Russia and the European Union) regarding Palestinians and Israelis. However, on March 8, Russia issued a statement addressing a stabbing attack by a Palestinian in Jaffa that killed an American Jew and injured four Russian Jews: Moscow strongly condemns these terrorist attacks targeting civilians, whatever the reasons behind them." Then on March 9, the Russian Foreign Ministry expressed an unprecedented position in its diplomatic statement, strongly condemning what it called Palestinian terrorist attacks against Israelis. This change in Russian rhetoric raises questions about a possible change in Russia's policy toward the Palestinian cause. It could also be seen as a shift in what Palestinians perceived as a Russian position that was balanced between Palestinians and Israelis. Abdel Hafiz Nofal, the Palestinian ambassador to Russia, told Al-Monitor by phone from Moscow, There is no change in the Russian position toward the Palestinians. We have a deep-rooted relationship with the Russians, and today Russia plays a major role in world politics. Russias intervention in Syria [in September] gave a strong indication of the great role it began to take. Nofal added, "Russia may have described the Palestinian acts as terrorist operations because Russian Jews who represent 20% of Israels population were killed [in the latest stabbing]. But this does not necessarily mean a strategic shift in Russia's support for the Palestinians, knowing that Russias intervention and then withdrawal from Syria might serve as a [foundation for] solving the Palestinian cause and the withdrawal of Israel from the Palestinian-occupied territories." Bassem Naim, a Hamas foreign relations official and head of the Council on International Relations in Gaza, told Al-Monitor, Russia is a great country that is mainly looking after its interests in the region. It believes the Palestinian territories occupied in 1948 are part of the State of Israel, and it does not see armed Palestinian acts within these borders as legitimate acts of resistance. He added, Russia believes that its rapprochement with Israel serves as a door to its relations with the West. This change in Russias stance reflects the weak Palestinian diplomacy and its dwindling effect on the Russian policy. Russia might be the world's only superpower to have positive and close relations with Hamas since the latter won the 2006 legislative elections and the Hamas leadership officially visited Moscow for the first time in March 2006. On Aug. 3, 2015, Hamas political bureau leader Khaled Meshaal welcomed Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Qatar and discussed developments in the Palestinian issue and prospects for reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas. Lavrov in turn invited Meshaal to visit Moscow, though Meshaal hasn't made the trip yet. Meanwhile, Russia Todays correspondent in Gaza, Saed Swerky, told Al-Monitor, The channels administration always insists on getting Hamas narrative from various political events in order for it to be neutral and balanced. The channel believes Hamas is a national, free Palestinian movement that has the same status as the left-wing, pro-Russian Palestinian factions such as the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and does not see Hamas as a version of the Islamic State or Jabhat al-Nusra. The Russian intervention in Syria in September, and then its sudden withdrawal in March, and the Russian-Israeli coordination there might have raised concerns among Palestinians about the possibility of a rapprochement between Tel Aviv and Moscow at the expense of the Palestinian cause. Such a rapprochement could lead to Russia taking direct positions of support for Israel on the one hand, or positions less supportive of Palestinians on the other, or even the Russian diplomacy simply paying less attention to the Palestinian cause. But Nashat Aqtash, a journalism professor at An-Najah National University in Nablus in the West Bank, told Al-Monitor, The recent Russian position regarding the intifada and describing its acts as terrorism do not come as a surprise. Russia is Israels ally more than it is the Palestinians, and wrong are those who believe otherwise. Russia was the second country in the world to recognize Israel immediately upon its establishment on the land of Palestine in 1948. March 31, 2016 On March 21, 17 new immigrants from Yemen landed in Israel. These are Jews who were born in the war-torn Muslim nation and brought to Israel in a secret operation, aided by many international players. The Jewish Agency, which works to encourage the immigration of Jews throughout the world to Israel, oversaw the operation. The secrecy of the operation did not only stem from the fear that Islamic elements would try to thwart it, but also from a fear that Jewish elements would actually try to foil the immigration of Yemeni Jews to Israel. These would be the Satmar Hasidim (ultra-Orthodox community), who are considered anti-Zionist and based in New York. According to Jews who have previously emigrated from Yemen, since 1991 Satmar Hasidim have tried to prevent Yemeni Jews from moving to Israel and have encouraged them to move to the United States instead. According to the Yemeni immigrants, the Hasidim told them that in Israel they could not keep their faith and customs, and that their children would leave the faith. Indeed, in recent years many Yemeni Jewish families have immigrated to the United States and settled in the towns of Monsey and Monroe in New York State, and the Hasidim have helped them financially. The media has reported on some cases where Yemeni Jews were allegedly kept in the United States against their will. Their [Hasidims] method is based on disparaging the State [of Israel], said Shlomo Jerafi, a 74-year-old veteran immigrant from Yemen who told Al-Monitor he has been active in recent years in all the operations bringing Yemeni Jews to Israel. Already in the early 1990s, when I first returned to Yemen, he said, I had to deal with the Satmars anti-Zionist propaganda. I had to convince them [the Jews] that in Israel no one cares if youre religious or secular. But they didnt believe me, because they were sure that they would force them to remove their [Jewish traditional skullcap] yarmulkes [in Israel], because thats what the Satmar said. According to Jerafi, the reason that Yemeni Jews especially became a target for Satmar Hasidim is the fact that they are the only Jews in the Diaspora who have all remained religious. You can see in all the waves of immigration, even the last one, that everyone has beards and sidelocks. When I brought Jews from Iraq, for instance, not one of them had a religious appearance. Even the great majority of Iranian Jews dont look religious. They look exactly like the local Arabs and so they dont interest the Satmar. The Satmars are truly convinced that only the religious can be saved from secularization. The man who is apparently heading the Satmar war against migration to Israel is Rabbi Berl Yaakovovitz, a resident of New York. Yaakovovitz initially refused to be interviewed and claimed that the media is biased against the Satmar. He later agreed and told Al-Monitor that in the last 22 years he has made more than 30 trips to Yemen and knows the local Jewish population well. According to him, no one from the Satmar Hasidim ever said anything against Israel to Yemeni Jews. While we believe that Jewish law forbids us to live in Israel, Yaakovovitz said, we never try to persuade them of that, because its not our business what they do. Our stay in Yemen is voluntary and its aim is to help Jews. If they wish to move to Israel, we have no problem with that. In fact, I knew about the latest operation to bring Jews from Yemen four months ago and kept it a secret. Only if they [the emigrants] wish to move to the United States, we help them. Until today, about 40 families have moved to the United States with our assistance, and they did so for personal reasons. Its not so unfounded to want to move to the United States, it seems to me its the most desirable country in the world for immigration. So whats the story? Jerafi argues, on the other hand, that in recent years the Satmar Hasidim have been rather unsuccessful, and a great majority of emigrants 95% according to him have come to Israel. He said that only three families have moved to the United States in recent years. In light of this, the Satmar have changed tactics and started trying to convince Jews to stay in Yemen and not to move to Israel. Today there are 40 people in Yemen under the patronage of the [Yemeni] president, and theyre staying at the embassy compound and not leaving because of the Satmar propaganda and their money, Jerafi said. Yaakovovitz does not deny that Yemeni Jews who stay in the country refuse to leave because they fear their religiousness would be hurt, but he claims that Satmar Hasidim are not responsible. They fear that in Israel they wont be able to keep their religiousness, he said, but I would never tell them such a thing or tell them what to do. I only help them; every week I send money there. I maintain a religious school in Yemen for 10 boys and a school for about 15 girls. In addition, we have a study program for married men and give families scholarships. As long as the Jews are there Ill help them; all their funding is from Satmar. The State of Israel doesnt assist. In a conversation with Al-Monitor, sources at the Jewish Agency confirmed the accusations that were aired here against Satmar, but following the public critique of publicity of the immigration operation which apparently endangered the Jews who remained in the country the agency has not issued an official response on the topic. The fight over the immigration of Yemeni Jews to Israel is the main fight today between Satmar and the Zionist organizations and the state. Unofficial Satmar sources now admit that in retrospect, their attempts to work with Yemeni Jews did not yield the desired results. March 31, 2016 The War Colleges Command in Istanbul is the highest training and education institution of the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK). After a stiff examination and selection process, about a hundred staff officer candidates are selected from among thousands of applicants. They assemble in Istanbul every March to mark the beginning of their academic year. It is a tradition for the president to make the opening speech to these selected officers, who are likely to constitute the Turkish military's future command. The speeches usually focus on national, global and regional security environments, and foreign relations. But this year and last, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's speeches deviated from this template. Last year, Erdogans speech was dominated by the anguish he felt about the mistreatment of hundreds of officers arrested on charges of involvement in the Sledgehammer and Ergenekon coup conspiracies. Prominent in his speech was his allegation that illegal branches of the Gulenist movement were behind these plots against the military. Erdogan was quoted as saying, We, too, were deceived. I never approved the detention of soldiers, but there wasnt anything we could do because of our respect for the word of the law. In that speech, which was interpreted by the media as Erdogans apology to the military, he also expressed his faith in the "solution process" with the Kurds, asked for the TSKs support for the process and called on the military to show some patience with the PKK. We cannot ignore the hopes of this nation because of some provocations, insolence and audacity. If there is a light at the end for a final solution, we have to pursue it," he said. This year, however, his 45-minute speech on March 28 focused on the determined armed struggle against the PKK. Erdogan noted that since operations were launched in July against the PKK, Turkey had suffered 355 casualties, of which 215 were soldiers, 133 were police and seven were village guards. In the same period, [Turkey] took out 5,359 terrorists they were killed, wounded or captured. But this situation does not change the reality that the pain we feel for our martyrs will continue, he said. Standing out in this years speech was his reference to a "single army, single commander." Erdogan said the unity and chain of command of the TSK must be maintained at the highest levels. I am saying this at every opportunity: one nation, one flag, one country, one state. Today I want to add 'a single army, a single commander.' Article 117 of our constitution stipulates that the commander in chief cannot be distinguished from the overriding moral existence of the National Assembly and is represented by the president, he added. Accordingly, as the commander in chief, all the officers here are my close colleagues. I have always said outright that each officer here is not any different from my own brother, my own son and close associates. There is no limit to my pride of having colleagues as brave, courageous, well-trained and loyal as you are. May God protect every one of you and give you strength in your work, he said. It is clear that Erdogan went beyond the usual rhetoric and was trying to set up a strong rapport with future commanders. What raised eyebrows among the listeners was Erdogans deviation from the established practice of treating the "commander in chief" designation as symbolic, in practice allowing the prime minister and the general staff chief to handle security issues. For the first time, Erdogan used the term executive commander in chief in other words, a functioning commander in chief. Last year, Erdogans darts were aimed at the Gulenist movement. This year, the prime target was the West. He spoke of the hypocrisy of Western countries in combating terror. No matter what we said, how much we warned, they didnt listen. At the end, snakes started to bite them and the mines began to go off under their feet. Now you can see how those who chatter about democracy freedoms, rights and laws forget all about them when they get into trouble, he said. What would a content analysis of this speech by Erdogan tell us? First of all, in contrast to traditional speeches, this one was more emotional and congenial. Instead of telling the audience about global security and the TSKs structural transformation, Erdogan wanted to relate the tough conditions he has to work under. By expressing his regret about the legal unfairness TSK personnel were subjected to, he appealed to the hearts of these young officers. It is also possible to interpret his first-ever reference to an "executive [functional] commander in chief" was a message to future commanders that the president is not going to remain as a mere symbol but will be the "real boss." We have to remember that current Chief of General Staff Hulusi Akar was in the audience. Erdogans harsh criticism of Western countries and their "hypocrisy" in combating terror while he did not even refer to Russia did not go unnoticed. This "executive [functional] commander in chief" concept is likely to become a key issue in the next presidential campaign. A Hoover man won a year's supply of free ribs - which is not the same as free ribs for a year, turns out. Chris Jordan, 32, won Shane's Rib Shack's customer appreciation contest - he didn't win the grand prize, which was a new truck, but he did get a year's supply of free ribs. What exactly is a year's supply of free ribs? A $520 gift card. Now, most people probably don't spend $520 annually on ribs. Jordan said the company told him it was based on an average amount people spend on chain meals annually. It's not ribs for breakfast, lunch and dinner. But that could probably get old. "It's probably good for my body this way," Jordan said. It doesn't stop people from thinking you can make it rain in ribs. Jordan goes to Shane's frequently with coworkers - it's close to his office. "It kind of goes away a little quicker too, because then you have to take care of coworkers too," Jordan said. Only five people won the year's worth of ribs prize. Shane's was founded in 2002 in McDonough, Georgia. Jordan's not worried he'll get tired of ribs at all. "I do like ribs," he said. "I like meat, like most guys." The Texas-based Perry's Steakhouse & Grille restaurant chain will open its first Alabama location this Monday, April 4, along the U.S. 280 corridor in Birmingham, company officials aannounced at a "ribbon-chopping" event at the restaurant today. The 10,000-square-foot restaurant is located on the former TGI Friday's site at 4 Perimeter Park South off U.S. 280. The building underwent a total interior and exterior makeover since Perry's first announced last spring that it was coming to Birmingham. "We've been looking at this market now for three or four years," Perry's president and CEO Chris Perry said prior to a charity dinner for the Autism Society of Alabama at the restaurant Wednesday night. "Great market. It's perfect for Perry's." The Birmingham steakhouse is the family-owned restaurant group's 13th location and only its third outside of Texas. Chris Perry's father, Bob Perry, started the family business when he opened a small butcher shop in 1979, and from there, Perry's has grown to include six restaurants in Houston, two in Dallas, and one each in Austin and San Antonio. Outside of Texas, Perry's is in Chicago and Denver, as well as Birmingham. The Birmingham location includes four private dining areas, an island bar and an outdoor patio, and it may accommodate up to 400 guests. Perry's steaks are cut fresh to order from Nebraska-bred prime beef that has been aged up to 28 days. Dinner prices range from $36.95 for a 6-ounce filet to $51.95 for a 20-ounce prime bone-in New York strip. In addition to its selection of filets, rib-eyes and strips, the menu features Perry's Famous Pork Chop ($37.95), a seven-finger-tall chop that is dried, cured and roasted, then caramelized and topped with Perry's signature herb-garlic butter. Seafood options include grilled salmon ($34.95), sesame-crusted ahi tuna ($39.95) and an 8-ounce steamed lobster tail ($47.95). Oliver Robinson, formerly of Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, is the executive chef at the Birmingham location of Perry's. Mike Thompson, who helped open the Chicago and Denver Perry's, is the general manager. Hours at the restaurant will be 4 to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays, 4 to 10 p.m. Saturdays and 4 to 9 p.m. Sundays. On Fridays only, Perry's will be open for lunch, offering a lunch-cut serving of the pork chop for $13.95 between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. The restaurant also includes Bar 79, a cocktail lounge named in honor of Perry's founding in 1979. The bar program features signature cocktails, as well as over 2,000 bottles of wine, including Perry's own private-label chardonnay and cabernet. For more information about Perry's Steakhouse & Grille, go here. After Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley's recent sex scandal, in which he admitted having inappropriate sexual conversations with his married former top advisor Rebekah Mason, First Baptist Church of Tuscaloosa issued a statement saying Bentley and Mrs. Mason were no longer members. The Rev. Mike Shaw, who was president of the Alabama Baptist Convention from 2010-2012, said in an interview with AL.com he has witnessed similar situations involving church leaders and explained the process for church discipline. "If you catch a leader in a sin, you go to them privately and counsel them," said Shaw, who retired as senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Pelham in 2014 after 35 years. "You don't do it to hurt them. You offer scriptural counseling. The Bible says that if you confess your sins and repent, you'll be forgiven. You tell them if they confess their sins, they can be forgiven. If they repent, that's good. If it still continues, you take someone from the church with you to talk to them. If that doesn't work, then you take it to the church." The statement from First Baptist Church of Tuscaloosa cited "church discipline," but did not specify if procedures were taken to oust them from membership or whether they left on their own. "While church discipline is a church family matter, both Governor Robert Bentley and Mrs. Rebekah Mason are no longer members of First Baptist Church Tuscaloosa," Senior Pastor Gil McKee told Christian News Network on March 25. "I continue to pray for each of them." Shaw said he sympathizes with McKee, because he's been in similar situations before. "This would be a tough situation for anybody to handle," Shaw said. Although the sins of an unrepentant church member can result in a church vote to disfellowship that member, that typically is a last resort, Shaw said. "Usually things like that are not resolved in a church business meeting," he said. "They probably withdrew from the church rather than the church taking action to force them out." Shaw said the situation with Bentley and Mason has been an embarrassment to the state. "Only the two of them and God know all the details," Shaw said. "I'm not trying to judge anybody. The Bible says to avoid the very appearance of evil. What Jesus would say is that if you have lusted after a woman in your heart, you have committed adultery." Disfellowshipping members is never the goal of church discipline, Shaw said. "In Corinthians, Paul gives strict instructions on church discipline," Shaw said. "The main reason for church discipline is not to kick someone out, it's to restore them. When we disciplined, we never told them they can't come to church. How are you supposed to get back in fellowship if you can't sit under the Word?" But church leaders need to be removed from teaching and supervision if they are living in sin and refuse to repent, he said. "If they were in leadership, they had to be removed from leadership," Shaw said. "We never told them they couldn't come back to church. Can they be on a committee, or teach class? No. If you are living in public sin, you cannot hold a leadership position in the church. The doors of the church are open to all people. How can they come under conviction to repent if they're not under the Word?" The Gov. Bentley scandal has caused even more pain to Christians because of his standing as a Southern Baptist churchman who campaigned as a Christian family man who stood up for Alabama's moral values. "It's a heartbreaking tragedy," Shaw said. "The Bentleys were married 50 years and now they're divorced. The state is in shambles. He's obviously not going to resign unless he's forced to. He was a well-respected leader in the church for many years. She (Rebekah Mason) is from a very good family. I can only imagine what the fellowship in Tuscaloosa was going through." If the drone drama "Eye in the Sky" is trying to stress the point that there are no easy answers in war, then its mission can be considered accomplished. If, on the other hand, it is trying to say something insightful, something we don't already know, then it's considerably less of a success. That's not to say director Gavin Hood's message movie is without its moments of drama and suspense. It also boasts an impressive cast that includes an Oscar winner (Helen Mirren, of "The Queen"); an Oscar nominee (Barkhad Abdi, of "Captain Phillips"); a three-time Emmy winner (Aaron Paul, of "Breaking Bad"); and a Golden Globe winner (Alan Rickman), in one of his last big-screen roles before his death in January. All help breathe life into the film's otherwise barely developed characters. But while the fast-starting "Eye in the Sky" feels both timely and important -- and knows it -- it doesn't really add much to the debate over the use of drones in America's ongoing war on terror. Instead, between its moments of genuine tension, it spins its wheels and talks the issue to death. By the time it arrives at its poignant conclusion, precious little has been gained intellectually. What Hood ("Ender's Game," "X-Men Origins: Wolverine") and company try to do with their film is put viewers in the shoes of the high-ranking military and government officials who must make life-or-death decisions in the fog of war, and often with less-than-perfect intelligence. For audiences, the prevailing question becomes, "What would you do?" In this case, Mirren plays the British military commander of a joint U.S.-British drone mission targeting a group of operatives of the terrorist group Al-Shabab in Nairobi, Kenya. She's in constant contact with Rickman, a military liaison to Britain's civilian government leaders who must sign off on any complications or irregularities should they occur. (Which, of course, they do.) She's also in contact with Paul, who plays an American Air Force member piloting the mission from an air-conditioned bunker at Creech Air Force Base in the Nevada desert. While they're all a world away from one another, they share the same central goal, which on the surface is pretty cut and dried: kill the bad guys. But it's not quite that simple. It rarely is. Turns out, they've been tracking this particular group of baddies -- which, just to complicate matters, includes a radicalized American and a radicalized British citizen -- for years now. Finally, though, thanks to no small amount of persistence, they've got a bead on their most-wanted suspects. What's more, they've apparently done so just in the nick of time to thwart a potentially catastrophic pair of suicide bombings. (Also helping: miniature remote control cameras, one resembling a songbird and another disguised a beetle, that help them go behind enemy lines and literally peek into the bad guys' windows. If you're anything like me, these gadgets will strike you as ridiculous Hollywood inventions, but it turns out -- somewhat awesomely, somewhat frighteningly -- that they are inspired by real tools in various stages of development.) But just as Mirren gives the no-brainer of an order to loose a drone-mounted Hellfire missile at the bad guys' urban hideout, a young girl walks into the blast zone and begins selling bread. Thus the film's central moral tangle: Is the very real risk of a civilian death acceptable if it also means they will be saving counting other lives? Of course, it shouldn't matter if it's an innocent child or an innocent adult. An innocent life is an innocent life. In that regard, there's a certain shameless lack of subtlety to the use by Hood's film of a sweet little girl as its central narrative device. Movies are, by their very nature, a mass manipulation of an audience's emotion, but they work better if they do their manipulation invisibly, which isn't exactly the case here. But even if audiences are aware that they're being manipulated by "Eye in the Sky," it doesn't make the situation at hand any less complicated. That's because there is no binary, yes-or-no answer. Rather, there are a wealth of hypotheticals and contingencies to consider, and Hood's film attempts to talk through all of them. And talk. And talk. Despite the occasional outbreak of tension, it all ends up becoming repetitive as "Eye in the Sky" gets bogged down in the morality of it all, spinning its wheels for long stretches. Maybe that's part of the point. In one scene, Mirren's character chides a colleague for his heming and hawing. "It's obvious to anyone not trying to avoid making a decision," she snaps. He's not the only one. There's a lot of hemming, hawing and general CYA-ing going on as character after character tries to squirm out of making the tough call. It's hard to blame them. At the same time, it also makes it hard to stay fully invested in the story. Last week, moviegoers saw the release of the action-thriller "London Has Fallen," which also includes the use of drone warfare as a narrative element. The difference between that film and "Eye in the Sky" is that "London Has Fallen" puts an emphasis on kinetic energy and shows absolutely no interest in slowing down to explore the moral ambiguities of drone warfare. "Eye in the Sky," on the other hand, errs in the opposite direction. Maybe one day we'll get a film that manages to balance both with equally deftness. ___________ EYE IN THE SKY 2 stars, out of 5 Snapshot: Helen Mirren stars with Alan Rickman, in one of his last performances before his death in January, in a drone-war drama about an officer in charge of an operation targeting terrorists in Kenya. Cast : Mirren, Rickman, Aaron Paul, Barkhad Abdi, Phoebe Fox. Director : Gavin Hood. Rating : R for some violent images and language. Running time : 1 hour 42 minutes. Calais, France Away from the forced conscriptions, enforced disappearances, torture and religious repression of their homeland, hundreds of Eritreans, mostly men, remain stuck in Calais ever-shrinking Jungle refugee camp. French authorities have bulldozed their settlements in the camps southern zone. Those who have made it across the English Channel face continual roadblocks from the UK Home Office in their requests for asylum. Eritreans make up the largest group of people applying for asylum in the UK, with 3,729 applications in 2015. But in March 2015, the UK government began dramatically slashing approvals for applicants from Eritrea, with success rates plummeting to 48 percent in 2015 from 87 percent the previous year. This shift in policy is based upon advice issued by the Home Office from a now heavily discredited report by the Danish Immigration Services (DIS). Jens Weise Olesen and Jan Olsen, who travelled to Eritrea as the reports principal researchers, have fiercely declaimed it as simplistic and distorted. After its publication in November 2014, they both resigned from DIS. WATCH: Explaining Eritreas migrant exodus On March 10, the European Parliament spoke out on human rights abuses in Eritrea. Last June, a UN human rights investigation found that the countrys use of torture, forced labour, extrajudicial executions and national service as a form of slavery may constitute crimes against humanity. Al Jazeera travelled to Calais to ask those fleeing Eritreas dictatorship what they thought about the publications key assertions and the UK governments decision to base its asylum policy on this report, which concludes that Eritrea is unique in the Horn of Africa region in that it is safe, with no crime to speak of and no corruption in clear difference from most other capitals in Africa. The government of England knows exactly whats going on, says 21-year-old Aman, whose name has been changed at his request out of concern for safety. He stands in the now demolished Eritrean part of the camp, leafing through a printed copy of the report given to him by Al Jazeera. If our country was at peace, why are we forced to go on a dangerous trip through Sudan and through Libya? Its a huge life risk. On the ocean, so many people drown. In Libya, so many people are slaughtered. Strung up and tortured for days Aman lays the report on a battered stool beside him, as he prepares a group meal of spaghetti and tinned beef over an open fire. Originally from a small rural village outside the capital, Asmara, Aman is one of an entire generation of young Eritreans whose forced conscription into the army for national service is a primary reason for escaping to Europe. The DIS report claims that Eritreas national service is not really indefinite, but when it ends is arbitrary. For many this means a lifetime. A Human Rights Watch 2015 report on Eritrea condemned the country for its continued widespread and systematic violations of human rights, indefinite conscription, prolonged detention and use of torture. In stark contrast, the DIS report continuously emphasises how people in the National Service are not overworked or working under slave-like conditions, not beaten, subjected to torture or suffering from malnutrition. And how it is definitely not government policy to retaliate against relatives of National Service evaders or deserters. Reassuring the reader that, If such treatment occurred, relatives would tell about it. Once you are interned [in the army] the situations are extreme, says Adam, 23, who did not want to reveal his real name, as he reads from the report. His conversational English is competent, though he frequently asks for clarification of words and meanings while reading. He puts down the report and begins to speak about life in the Eritrean military, turning his back to shield the fire from a long, snaking gust of wind. You cant take it. You run away from the military to your home and they send people to bring you back. I ran away from SAWA (Eritreas military training academy) when I was 16 because it was too hard, he says. They came to my village and imprisoned my mother for not bringing me back. I didnt have an option. They blackmailed me because I wanted my mother to be freed. When I returned, they strung me up for days and tortured me. They do many things to you when they catch you, Adam continues. They tell you that its OK, that you are not the first one, that you should accept your mistake. They will try to trick you into admitting you were trying to escape. If not, they will use a more forceful mechanism, he says, staring down at the dust and rolling a stone under the blue plastic sole of one of his volunteer-donated Crocs. They may put you underground in a prison. You never see light, you never go out. Maybe they will string you up for a long period of time so your veins will be cut off from circulation. Some people lose hands like this or bleed to death. They put your legs up and hit you under the back of them or on the soles of your feet anything to pressure you into admitting you planned to escape Some people cant have children because they have reproductive difficulties after the torture. Most people eventually confess simply because they cant take it. Military deserters: shoot-to-kill policy The wind picks up a little. A mass of torn plastic bags and detritus tumbles across the demolition zone. The boys form a close huddle around the fire. John, who only wanted to give his first name, a young man covered in crude, hand-poked tattoos, shields his face from the camera, nervous that his published image could bring harm to his family back home. Many Eritreans in Calais share the same fear and because of this, are unwilling to speak out against the countrys regime. Johns testimony goes against the DIS reports claim that there isnt a shoot-to-kill policy for military deserters caught trying to escape via Eritreas long, semi-porous land borders with Sudan and Ethiopia. I was 74th division artillery on the Ethiopian front during the 2000 war, he says, wiping cutlery with a bright, white napkin. Near the border there were four [Eritrean] soldiers trying to escape into Ethiopia. They were 61st ground army, not our division. My superiors told me to gun them down, but I said, I will not do that to my people, he says, clenching his fists as he recalls the memory. After rejecting a direct order from my superiors I was hung up for two days with my arms in the air and my abdomen on the ground. I was beaten on my backside. After 23 days they were trying to send me to an underground prison, but I managed to escape, he says. On his nightly trip to the outdoor toilet, a group of four men had agreed among themselves to attempt an escape and run in separate directions across the areas unfortified open ground to confuse the lone guard accompanying them. I reached a city called Manda [in Ethiopia]. From there, I paid an agent 1,220 ($1,760) to reach Khartoum in Sudan. From there, Libya, Italy and then here: Calais. The fact that all Eritrean sources (comprised of Western embassies in Asmara, UN agencies, local NGOs and a well-known Eritrean intellectual) which contributed to the DIS report required varying degrees of anonymity gives further cause for concern when trying to validate its claims, which, according to Human Rights Watch shows no indication that the authors of the report interviewed victims or witnesses of human rights violations in Eritrea. The reports one named source, Professor Gaim Kibreab, director of Refugee Studies at Londons South Bank University, has also distanced himself from its findings. In an email to DIS which he made public, Kibreab said: The way you have chosen to quote me contradicts the findings of the studies I have been conducting on the Eritrean National Service and the full information I provided you in our oral communication and in the edited version of the draft you sent to me for comments and approval. He also told The Guardian: They distorted what I said, quoted me out of context. One example: they quoted me saying that I knew people who had returned back to Eritrea without problems. What I told them was I know of a few who returned who are connected to the government, who are naturalised and have English passports and Danish passports they didnt mention that I was talking about a few who were connected. They left out so many things. The way they did it, there was an unnamed anonymous source and then they brought in my name to support their views. Eritrea is one big prison The crux of Britains decision to slash Eritrean asylum approvals is the reports central claim that it is safe for Eritreans and Eritrean military deserters whove exited illegally, to return home after signing a formal letter of apology and paying a 2 percent tax fine. When Al Jazeera presented this claim to the men at the camp, they all let out a long chorus of squawks and whoops, throwing their hands in the air. You know the reality, Adam says. We can be put in prison for life or shot for betrayal. Id like more to get crushed under a train or to drown in the ocean trying to reach freedom. Id prefer that to what the [Eritrean] government would do. Its worse for military, John says. When a person comes [back] to the country and he is a civilian, he may go to prison for three, four, five years. But for example, a mechanised soldier in the artillery, its a lifetime. Or, theyll just take your life. Internal travel without pre-approved documentation in Eritrea is also forbidden. The DIS report comments repeatedly on the general freedom of movement throughout Eritrea for nationals outside Asmara with no real checkpoints in the country except for sensitive areas. But the reality as told by these young men paints a different picture. Its impossible, says Aman, as he wedges another stick of kindling under the now boiling pot, warming his hands next to the flames. You will be caught and sent to prison. If you are military theyll automatically assume you are trying to get out of the country. If youre moving, you need a paper from your division. If you dont get that paper then [the government will suspect] you are trying to escape. Youll be sent to the special intelligence service and they will torture you and ask you cross questions for weeks, in case you say contradicting things. Aman says obtaining a passport to exit the country legally is impossible. Only the children of the authorities are allowed to get passports They think that we will use them to get out of the country. Everything is blocked. Eritrea is one big prison. Simple. READ MORE: A refugees gruelling odyssey from Eritrea to Germany You suffer your whole life for nothing Its a desolate scene in the Calais refugee camp. The wind lashes and the crude shelters which once housed an entire community have been reduced to a barren roll of discarded clothes, shredded tarpaulins and burnt wood. With many Eritreans now packed nose-to-nose alongside other communities in the camps northern sector, it may only be a matter of time before the French government resumes demolition and forces many to adopt an increasingly nomadic existence along the French coastline. I want to live in Eritrea with my family, says Adam, after piling huge forkfuls of spaghetti on to plastic plates before drowning each in thick, red sauce and handing them to John, Aman and two other Eritreans whove come to sit with the group. But I cant. We are not human we are like equipment there the government is not trying to be democratic. It doesnt want to have constitutions and its always denying the rights of its own people. The people are people who love their country very much and are the people who fought to get independence. And after doing all this, the way the government pays its people back is ruthless. They make you suffer your whole life for nothing. ISILs apparent interest in nuclear facilities has revived dirty bomb fears ahead of a key meeting on the issue. New York, United States When it comes to nuclear attacks, there is no shortage of nightmare scenarios. Saboteurs could breach a nuclear power station and start a reactor meltdown. A renegade Pakistani general could seize tactical nuclear weapons and blow up a city. Radioactive materials, which are found in many hospitals, could cause dirty bomb mayhem at an airport. Against this backdrop, US President Barack Obama will host world leaders for a Nuclear Security Summit on Thursday, in an international effort to stop possible assailants from using radioactive material to outdo the 9/11 attacks on New York and Washington. The leaders may not be doing enough. Analysts point to big gaps in the global security architecture, dozens of atomic power plants coming online in developing regions and new threats, such as Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL also know as ISIS), on the scene. The world has drastically improved nuclear security these past 25 years but significant gaps remain and the government structure for nuclear security is a patchwork, former White House science adviser Matthew Bunn told Al Jazeera. The key question for this summit is: will leaders take enough action to put the world on a path of continuous improvement and steadily reducing the risk of nuclear terrorism, or will attention turn elsewhere, progress stall, and complacency return? A psychological weapon Fears of attacks with nuclear materials resurfaced after the March 22 bomb attacks at a Brussels airport and on a packed metro, which killed 35 people and injured more than 300, and indications that the ISIL-linked attackers had nuclear ambitions. The suicide bombers may have originally planned to hit a nuclear site, according to reports. Last year, it emerged that those behind ISILs November 13 attack on Paris, which killed 130 people, had been video-recording a high-ranking Belgian nuclear official. These revelations stoked fears that ISIL sought radiological material to wrap around explosives and yield a dirty bomb that, if detonated, would cause alarm, even if the radioactivity itself was not life-threatening. Its a psychological weapon that causes economic damage, Kenneth Luongo, president of the Partnership for Global Security, a think-tank, told Al Jazeera. If those two bombs in the Brussels airport had any radioactive material in them, you would not be cleaning that airport so it reopens within in a week, you would be building a new airport. The problem for summit envoys is that a dirty bombs radiological ingredients are found in many hospitals and industrial sites around the world. Despite efforts to secure them, they go missing at a worrying rate. This is not science-fiction. Creating a dirty bomb is not difficult. Every piece of food sold in a supermarket has a barcode on it, but these radioactive sources dont. We dont have a good tracking system, added Luongo. All we have is a completely voluntary international system and national regulations. We must improve the way we secure, track and dispose of high-intensity radiological sources. An apocalyptic ideology Most insurgents are content with AK-47s, Semtex and other conventional arms, said Victor Asal of New York State University. In recent years, only about two dozen groups have upped the ante with chemical, biological and other mass-casualty weapons. According to Bunn, a Harvard University scholar, ISILs known efforts in the nuclear field fall short of its forebear, al-Qaeda, which sought highly enriched uranium (HEU) and hatched plans for a crude nuclear device akin to those dropped on Japan in 1945. Theres no public evidence of a focused ISIL nuclear programme, as al-Qaeda had back in the day. But ISIL has an apocalyptic ideology that envisions a total war with crusader forces, including the US, a nuclear-armed superpower, Bunn said. If ISIL does turn to nuclear pursuits, they have more money, people, territory and a greater ability to recruit experts globally than al-Qaeda at its strongest ever had. And theyve shown an ability to manage and implement long-term projects. Other dangers are growing too, analysts say. Pakistan has embraced smaller, tactical nuclear weapons that can be deployed on the battlefield. Islamabad insists they are secure; the US and others worry they could fall into the wrong hands. An uptake in atomic power has seen Northeast Asia become a thicket of nuclear facilities in the neighbourhood of North Koreas volatile regime, and where the security of fissile material is imperfect, said Luongo. Plans for new plutonium-yielding plants in China, India and Japan will increase the global stockpiles of bomb-making fuel, which currently amounts to about 2,000 metric tonnes. READ MORE: North Korea has nothing to lose A serious threat US officials point to improvements since Obama launched the first nuclear security confab in 2010. Stockpiles of HEU and plutonium have been removed or downblended from more than 50 facilities in 30 countries. Japan and Ukraine are ditching much of their fissile material. Hospitals and industrial plants have stricter rules on radioisotopes nowadays. Borders are better guarded. Nuclear workers are more vetted and better trained, US officials said. Delegates have made more than 260 pledges over the course of three summits. More are expected at the fourth meeting, which begins in Washington on March 31 the last in the series, before the UN, Interpol and other multination organs assume the watchdog role. Some 50 countries will take part, but Russia a key nuclear power will stay away. Governments have shown willingness to act, but not enough for more sweeping controls, said Ben Rhodes, Obamas deputy national security adviser. In an ideal world, a treaty, for instance, related to fissile material is something that we have expressed support for in the past, but there is not sufficient international buy-in to advance at this time, Rhodes told Al Jazeera. Over two days, Obama will meet the leaders of South Korea and Japan to discuss Pyongyangs recent atomic tests, and privately with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Separate sit-downs will cover ISIL and a nuclear deal with Iran. Carl Robichaud, of the Carnegie Corporation think-tank, warned that leaders may still be complacent. Governments have resisted tough curbs on plutonium activity, which has commercial uses, and fissile material for weapons, submarine engines and other military uses which account for 85 percent of global stockpiles, he said. Its hard to muster the political will to take steps, Robichaud told Al Jazeera. Its either going to be a serious incident or a very close call that drives people to take this threat seriously. Follow James Reinl on Twitter: @jamesreinl Many photographers and journalists have been documenting the refugee crisis to show the world the situation on the shores of Europe in Lesbos, at Macedonias border in Idomeni, in Calais and other locations. People are often caught on camera in their terrible and frustrated moments, when they cry after jumping off the dinghies on Greek islands or suffer in camps under terrible circumstances. Reporters travel with the refugees, interview them and collect their stories, trying to get as close as they can so that they may truly understand and capture their lives. But as outsiders, they can never truly capture the refugee experience. In December 2015, photographer Kevin McElvaney started the #RefugeeCameras project, which would allow refugees to document their own journey with single-use cameras, giving them the opportunity to tell the world their own story. McElvaney travelled along the refugee track from Izmir to Lesbos, Athens and Idomeni. At all these stations he met refugees, collected their stories and handed out cameras, some of which were returned in a pre-paid envelope. McElvaney received seven of 15 cameras back with images that show a rare glimpse into the refugee route. Follow Kevin McElvaney on www.facebook.com/derkevindotcom Diplomatic posturing between South Africa and Saudi Arabia suggests a new era in relations but how will Iran react? Thembisa Fakude is a researcher at the Al Jazeera Center for Studies. Developed nations tend to deal with Africa as a single entity. There have been several economic conferences between countries and Africa eg, US-Africa Summit, China-Africa Summit, Russia-Africa Summit, etc. But Africa is not a country; it is a continent consisting of 54 independent states with different economies, cultures and political systems. African countries are guilty of perpetuating this stereotypical treatment of the continent. Many African countries are too poor and weak to maintain standalone economic and political policies. The tendency, therefore, has been to embrace a block position when it comes to decisions on foreign and economic policies; the African Union (AU) has been utilised in this regard. Africas untapped natural resources remain the main attraction to foreign investment in Africa. However, the lack of infrastructure and political instability often discourages many businesses from venturing into the continent. Only votes at international multilateral platforms in support of developed nations propositions can guarantee investments. The most developed nation in Africa South Africa has an attractive infrastructure and is by far the most developed nation in Africa. Consequently, South Africa has demonstrated independence in its foreign policy. The re-emergence of Iran in the international economy and politics has presented opportunities and challenges for South Africa. Iran has a long history with South Africa dating back to the days of the liberation struggle. Furthermore, South African telecommunication giant MTN owns 49 percent of Irancell. MTN is also a dominant force in Nigeria. Recently, the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) handed it a $5.2bn fine for flouting regulations. READ MORE: Jacob Zumas friends and foes in South Africas media The question is whether the MTNs troubles in Nigeria are a coincidence or somehow related to MTNs involvement in Iran. This business conflict could herald a larger conflict between the two African powerhouses. On February 22, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari embarked on a state visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Almost at the same time, on February 29, Jacob Zuma, President of the Republic of South Africa, was scheduled to travel to Iran. South Africa snubs Iran The choices by the two most powerful nations in Africa to visit political adversaries drew serious global attention. If the president of South Africa fulfilled his travel engagement to Iran, this could have been by default a confirmation of their preferred alliance in the ongoing competition between Saudi Arabia and Iran. However, on February 25, his plans were interrupted by an unexpected visit to South Africa by the foreign minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Adel al-Jubeir. A communique from the presidency was circulated subsequently announcing that the presidents trip to Iran was rescheduled for a future date. South Africa committed closer ties in fighting terrorism with Saudi Arabia and Nigeria. Does it mean South Africa will change its position on Syria? by On March 27, Zuma embarked on a state visit to Saudi Arabia. Several trade and investment agreements were signed between the two nations. According to Xinhua news agency, South Africa will enhance cooperation with Saudi Arabia in fighting regional terrorist threats to domestic and regional security and stability. In the meantime, MTN made a sudden payment of $250m in what appears to be a payment towards a fine of $3.9bn imposed by the NCC. However, little is known about whether MTN will continue to pay the entire fine. The judge in Lagos last month gave both parties, MTN and the NCC, until March 18 to reach the settlement. It is possible that the visit to Saudi Arabia by both countries might have facilitated a deal. How will Iran view the snub of its invitation to South Africa in favour of Saudi Arabia? Furthermore, South Africa committed closer ties in fighting terrorism with Saudi Arabia and Nigeria. Does it mean that South Africa will change its position on Syria? Getting it right on Syria South Africa had in the past abstained from voting on a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution on Syria, claiming it was biased in favour of the opposition and leaving many Western nations confused. The partial withdrawal of Russia, a strong ally of South Africa, from the conflict will also affect that decision. READ MORE: Has Zuma lost his grip on South Africa? South Africa needs to get it right on Syria. It has already lost tremendous political credibility in the Middle East owing to its ambiguous foreign policy on Libya in 2011. South Africas position on Libya invited a barrage of criticism from Africans and Arabs alike. Many in the region saw South Africa as stalling the UNSC Resolution 1973, which authorised NATO operations in Libya. Suffice to say that South Africa did ratify the resolution and later criticised its implementation. President Jacob Zuma criticised the mission, saying: The resolution is being abused for regime change, political assassinations, and foreign military occupation. The recent political and diplomatic posturing between South Africa and Saudi Arabia suggests a new era in relations between the two countries. What is still to be seen is how Iran will react and what political and economic enticements it will use to capture South African favour. Thembisa Fakude is a researcher at the Al Jazeera Center for Studies. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy. NATO needs Turkey today for the same reasons it did during the Cold War. Luke Coffey is a research fellow specialising in transatlantic and Eurasian security at a Washington DC based think tank. He previously served as a special adviser to the British defence secretary and was a commissioned officer in the United States army. Recently, a group of members of the Russian Duma called for the renunciation of the so-called 1921 Treaty of Brotherhood between Russia and Turkey. This move follows a series of recent confrontations between Turkey and Russia along the old fault lines of the Ottoman and Russian Empires. While the Duma is likely to reject the request to renounce the treaty, this episode offers an insight into the prevalent thinking about Turkey among many of Russias political elite. Underneath the geo-political tensions in the Middle East, the South Caucasus, and the Balkans simmers a tension between Russia and Turkey going back centuries. Simmering for centuries When the Russian fighter plane was shot down last November by Turkey after illegally crossing into Turkish air space, many commentators were talking about a new confrontation between Turkey and Russia. However, for those who follow the region, there was nothing new about this at all. READ MORE: Turkeys demographic challenge Russia and Turkey have long competed against one another for influence in the region. Since the 16th century Turkey (then the Ottoman Empire) and Russia have gone to war at least 12 times nine times had some connection to the Crimea Peninsula. Russia's recent military intervention in Syria is not its first. In 1772, Russia landed troops in the Syrian Levant to back a local strongman against the Ottoman Empire. by Russias recent military intervention in Syria is not its first. In 1772, Russia landed troops in the Syrian Levant to back a local strongman against the Ottoman Empire. In 1879, Russian forces made it as close to Constantinople as the modern-day location of Ataturk Airport. During World War I, the two powers traded blows in Eastern Anatolia and across the South Caucasus, resulting in devastating losses for both sides. Russia even armed local Kurdish forces during the war. Russia has long coveted the Turkish Straits and it despises the 1936 Montreux Convention which gives Turkey sovereign control over them. Control of Constantinople (later Istanbul) has been a dream for Russian admirals for generations. After World War II there was even a failed attempt by Moscow to claim large swaths of Turkey, including the Black Sea port of Trabzon, for the Soviet Union. Old habits die hard Undoubtedly, Turkeys decision to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in 1952 was a result of the Soviet Unions aggressive behaviour. But since the end of the Cold War, Russia continues to push the envelope with Turkey and NATO. Recently a group of members of the Russian Duma called for the renunciation of the so-called 1921 Treaty of Brotherhood between Russia and Turkey. While the Duma is likely to reject the request, this still offers an insight into the prevalent thinking about Turkey among many of Russias political elite. Today Russia is probing and entering Turkish air space, transiting its warships through the heart of Istanbul with sailors on deck armed with shoulder-fired missiles, and supporting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogans arch-nemesis Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Russia is arming the Syrian Kurds, to the dismay of Ankara, and also just reinforced the 5,000 Russian troops already based in Armenia, most of which are a mere 10km from the border with Turkey. Moscow has also implemented a wide range of economic sanctions against Turkey and has cancelled important energy deals. Russias occupation of Crimea and the persecution of the Tatars who live there continues. During imperial times this alone would have been cause enough for war between the two countries. An important player It is no surprise Turkey is worried. As a member of NATO the Alliance should be worried too. READ MORE: Turkeys move against Russia Cold War redux? Turkey has the second largest military in NATO after the US. They have commanded the NATO-led mission in Afghanistan twice and have sent thousands of troops to serve under the NATO flag in multiple military operations. Turkey is also rumoured to play host to US tactical nuclear weapons which form an important part of NATOs nuclear deterrence capability. Turkey is home to an X-Band radar crucial for NATOs missile defence and Ankara contributes to NATOs rapid reaction capabilities and joint initiatives such as Baltic Air Policing. Furthermore, Turkey has close cultural and economic relations with the Central Asian Republics in the heart of Eurasia a region becoming increasingly important. The geo-political reality Without a doubt Western Europe and the USs relationship with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is complex. Many of the actions of Erdogans government, especially when it comes to the crackdown on media freedoms, sits uncomfortably with many in Washington DC, Paris or London and for good reason. But while these concerns need to be addressed with Ankara, it should be done so outside the NATO framework. NATO needs Turkey today for the same reasons it did during the Cold War. Like it or not, this is the geo-political reality and it is time policymakers acknowledge this. NATO should not cut off the nose to spite the face. In the face of Russian aggression and ISILs barbarity, pragmatism is the only way forward with Turkey. This means fully engaging with Turkey inside NATO not pushing Ankara away. Luke Coffey is a research fellow specialising in transatlantic and Eurasian security at a Washington DC-based think-tank. He previously served as a special adviser to the British defence secretary and was a commissioned officer in the United States Army. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy. Vojislav Seselj had been charged with recruiting and arming Serb fighters blamed for atrocities in Bosnia and Croatia. The Yugoslav war crimes tribunal has acquitted Serbian nationalist politician Vojislav Seselj on all nine counts that UN prosecutors filed against him in his marathon trial. Seselj was not present at court in The Hague for the hearing as Presiding Judge Jean-Claude Antonetti said on Thursday: Following this verdict, Vojislav Seselj is now a free man. Seselj surrendered to the court in 2003 and awaited verdicts in his trial that was repeatedly delayed. As a result, he had spent more than a decade in custody at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. Seselj reportedly said he would seek 14 million euros in damages from the court in The Hague for his time spent there. Tihomir Oreskovic, prime Minister of Croatia, angrily described the verdict as shameful. Its a shame for the prosecution in The Hague. I am in Vukovar today, and we all know that this man has done evil things to this town. He showed no remorse whatsoever, before or now, Oreskovic said. Slavko Juric, a Croatian war veteran from Vukovar, also condemned the decision as a disaster. I cant comprehend what happened here. Acquittal? For all the crimes he and his followers committed here? His paramilitaries were raging through Croatia and Bosnia, killing civilians, raping women. Its a disaster. Seselj was released in November 2014 for medical treatment in Serbia on condition that he did not interfere with victims or witnesses and that he would return to the tribunal if summoned. He was summoned back to the Hague court in the autumn of 2015 for trials. UN prosecutors had demanded a 28-year prison sentence for Seselj, saying his hate speeches at rallies planted the seeds of ethnic hatred and helped them grow into ethnic violence against non-Serbs. Seselj had been charged with war crimes, including planning the capture of towns in Croatia and Bosnia as part of a criminal plot involving other Serb leaders, such as former president Slobodan Milosevic, to drive out non-Serbs using massive destruction and terror. He had also been charged with recruiting and arming the Serb paramilitaries blamed for atrocities in Bosnian and Croatia. Seselj and his political party were backing Milosevic, who was accused of committing genocide in connection with conflicts in Bosnia, Croatia and Kosovo. Supporters of changes say they will make country more competitive, but critics believe workers will have fewer rights. Hundreds of thousands of workers and students took to the streets of French cities on Thursday, braving heavy rain to protest against proposed labour changes. The demonstrations which led to scores of arrests as youths and police clashed in a number of cities were part of a nationwide strike against changes that could alter Frances 35-hour working week and make it easier to hire and fire employees. Official figures said 390,000 people took part in the protests, while unions put the figure at 1.2 million. Al Jazeeras Jacky Rowland, reporting from Paris, said up to 200 demonstrations took place across the country amid a number of strikes affecting public hospitals, transport and schools. Its not just the demonstrating but also the strikes indicating that workers, the unemployed, students and high-school students are all opposed to anything that will change the kind of working conditions and the kind of labour laws that France has known for decades, Rowland said. Shocking changes The protests, the fourth in a month, add further pressure to the Socialist government of President Francois Hollande, who has been plagued by low popularity and a jobless rate of more than 10 percent. Hollande, who dropped a plan on Wednesday to strip those convicted of terrorism of French nationality, has previously said he will not run for re-election if he fails to reduce the countrys number of unemployed. Supporters of the labour changes say they will help Frances economy and make the country more competitive, while critics believe workers will end up having fewer rights. Its shocking that a Socialist government introduced this law, Paris protester Zoe Farre, 23, told the Associated Press. About 28,000 people marched in Paris streets, according to the police. Violent clashes Earlier in the day, a few dozen protesters, mostly hooded or wearing masks, broke away from a peaceful student demonstration in eastern Paris to hurl paint bombs at banks and stores. Some smashed cash machines with bats or set off smoke canisters while confronting police. Clashes also broke out between a small group of young protesters and the police in the cities of Nantes, Rennes and Toulouse. Police arrested more than 100 people and at least 13 officers were injured, the interior ministry said. The government proposal technically maintains that the 35-hour working week, but allows companies to organise alternative working times. Those include a working week of up to 48 hours and 12-hour days. In exceptional circumstances, employees could work up to 60 hours a week. The bill is to be debated in parliament in April. Unions said they planned further rallies on April 5 and 9 and the hardline CGT union said the protests would not end until the draft labour bill was withdrawn entirely. At least 15 troops killed in ISIL attacks, including eight after a convoy was struck by a suicide car bomber. Eight Iraqi soldiers were killed on Thursday after an ISIL suicide car bomber detonated near an army convoy advancing towards the town of Heet during an operation to oust the armed group, military sources told Al Jazeera. Iraqi special forces backed by army troops and US-led coalition air strikes moved on the town in western Anbar province that has been for months under the control of Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (also known as ISIS). READ MORE: US deploys Marines to Iraq Retaking Heet strategically located on the Euphrates River near the Ain al-Asad air base, where several hundred US forces are training Iraqi troops would push ISIL further west towards the Syrian border, cutting a connection to the northern town of Samarra while leaving Fallujah as the groups only stronghold near the capital, Baghdad. Fallujah siege leaves thousands of Iraqis without food Iraqi forces recaptured areas south and west of Heet on Thursday. A senior officer from the special forces the elite US-trained units that led the recapture of the key nearby city of Ramadi three months ago told Reuters news agency his troops were 1km from the town centre, about 130km west of Baghdad. Another officer, on a frontline less than 3km from Heet, said the operation had begun early on Thursday and was progressing swiftly. There are some IEDs [improvised explosive devices] along the movement, but its still good to go and we are moving, he said by phone. Both officers spoke on condition of anonymity, as is military policy. In a separate attack, military sources told Al Jazeera at least seven Iraqi soldiers were killed and 14 others wounded in an ISIL assault on military units protecting the al-Habbaniyah air base, northeast of Ramadi. READ MORE: Fallujah crisis We are being left to slow death Baghdad has had success in pushing back ISIL fighters in recent months, and has pledged to retake the northern city of Mosul later this year, but progress has often been fitful. In a statement announcing the Heet advance, the military called on civilians thought to number in the tens of thousands to move away from ISIL positions: Those targets will be destroyed. The armed group has regularly used civilians as human shields a tactic aimed at slowing the movement of Iraqi forces and complicating air strikes essential to ground operations. Prosecutor to launch inquiry into allegations of money laundering by Malaysias 1MDB, a fund linked to PM Najib Razak. Luxembourgs state prosecutor said it had requested a judicial inquiry into allegations of money laundering by Malaysias sovereign wealth fund 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB). Prosecutors said the inquiry was launched after concrete evidence emerged of the misuse of funds held by the Malaysian government through different offshore accounts in Singapore, Switzerland and Luxembourg. The case particularly concerns discovering the origins of four transfers in 2012 and one at the start of 2013 for a total of several hundreds of million of dollars, the statement said. Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak is under pressure to explain why he accepted hundreds of millions of dollars in mysterious overseas payments through the same fund. Support for Malaysias PM Najib dwindles after scandal Najib, 62, has repeatedly denied that the money was siphoned off from 1MDB, a now-struggling state firm, and said he was the victim of a political conspiracy. However, his government now acknowledged that he received $681m. Gift from Saudi Arabia The government said it was a gift from the Saudi royal family most of which was given back to promote moderate Islam. That explanation is yet to be confirmed by Saudi Arabia and is widely dismissed in Malaysia as a cover-up. Separately, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday that Najib spent about $15m on personal items, using money from his bank accounts where cash from 1MDB is suspected to have been funnelled. Among the items paid for from Najibs accounts were purchases of clothes, jewellery and a car, the US-based newspaper said, adding it saw documents that contained bank transfer information involving stores in the US, Malaysia, Italy and other places. Najibs brother received $7m in funds that were transferred to his personal bank account from Najibs before the countrys 2013 elections, the Journal also said, citing investigation documents. The funds for 1MDB were disbursed to ruling party politicians, the newspaper reported. Prosecutor downgrades charge against soldier who shot dead wounded Palestinian to manslaughter from murder. An Israeli soldier caught on video fatally shooting a wounded Palestinian as he lay on the ground will now face a charge of manslaughter rather than murder. The prosecutors decision on Thursday comes a day after the UN said the killing of Abed al-Fattah Yusri al-Sharif, 21, exhibited all the signs of an extrajudicial execution. Footage of the incident showed the Israeli soldier step forward and shoot the Palestinian in the head at close range as he lay motionless on the ground. West Bank shooting: Israel does whatever it wants [We are] hearing that the prosecutor has now downgraded the potential charge from murder which is an extremely rare charge to be levelled against any member of the Israeli army to manslaughter, Al Jazeeras Stefanie Dekker, reporting from West Jerusalem, said. Under Israeli law, manslaughter signifies an intentional but not premeditated killing. Prosecutors sought to extend the remand in military prison of the soldier, who was arrested after the March 24 shooting. The court ruled that he should instead be confined to barracks without being locked up but after the prosecution objected, the judge ordered another hearing for Friday. Due to this, the soldier will remain in detention until the conclusion of tomorrows deliberations, an army spokeswoman told the AFP news agency. Fattah and another man, who was earlier shot and killed, were accused of stabbing an Israeli soldier in Hebron. Military prosecutors said on Thursday the Israeli soldier opened fire with intent and with no operational need in Fattahs killing, Israeli radio reported. Palestinian activists in Hebron have demanded that Israel holds its army accountable for Fattahs killing. Meanwhile, hundreds of nationalist Israelis, some wrapped in Israeli flags, have demonstrated in support of the soldier outside the military court near the southern Israeli town of Kiryat Malachi. They included opposition politician Avigdor Lieberman, who told the crowd on Tuesday: I prefer a soldier who made a mistake but is still alive, over a dead soldier who hesitated. On Wednesday, Christof Heyns, the UNs special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, said: Whatever legal regime one applies to the case, shooting someone who is no longer a threat is murder. Hundreds of demonstrators had staged a sit-in that paralysed Islamabad for almost four days. Pakistan government has no plans to amend the countrys blasphemy law following protests in its capital Islamabad that left the city paralysed for almost four days. The Sunni Tehreek group descended on the capital on Sunday to denounce last months hanging of officer Mumtaz Qadri for the 2011 murder of secular governor Salman Taseer. Hundreds of protesters rallied for days in Islamabad before ending their sit-in on Wednesday after gathering assurances from the government. READ MORE: Pakistan army called in to quell blasphemy law protest Taseer had defended a Christian woman who was accused of blasphemy, a highly controversial issue in the Muslim-majority country. The demonstrators demanded strict Islamic law and the hanging of the Christian woman. The government warned that 7,000 security forces were ready to be deployed to end the demonstrations but also allowed negotiations to take place that ended the protest peacefully on Wednesday. The government assured the protesters that it had no plans to amend the blasphemy laws. We are also not going to pardon anyone convicted by courts for blasphemy, Railway Minister Saad Rafique said, who took part in talks with the protest leaders. READ MORE: Pakistani Christian couple killed by mob The protests paralysed one of the busiest areas of Islamabad. Most of the businesses in the area and schools across the city remained closed. Al Jazeeras Imran Khan, reporting from Islamabad, said: The protesters were saying that it was a victory for them. They say what they have really achieved here is putting Pakistan blasphemy law back on the national agenda and that the Pakistan government is now being forced to take a look at the laws and what it does next. The development marks the latest push in Obamas bid to shut down the facility before he leaves the White House. The Pentagon plans to transfer about a dozen inmates of the Guantanamo Bay military prison in Cuba to at least two countries, a US official has said. The first of the transfers were expected in the next few days and the others in the coming weeks, said the official on Wednesday who spoke on condition of anonymity. The transfers are part of President Barack Obamas latest push to close down the facility, which opened the US to accusations of torture. Tariq Ba Odah, a Yemeni man who has been on a long-term hunger strike and has lost about half of his body weight, will be among the prisoners being transferred. READ MORE: Hurdles ahead as Obama bids to shut Guantanamo prison Ba Odahs lawyers had tried unsuccessfully to win his release on health and humanitarian grounds, but Pentagon officials said he was receiving proper care. There are now 91 prisoners at the Guantanamo Bay prison. Most have been held without charge or trial for more than a decade, drawing international condemnation. Stiff opposition Obama, who last month presented Congress with a blueprint for closing the prison, faces stiff opposition from Republicans as well as some from his fellow Democrats. The administration wants to avoid fuelling any political outcry over specific sites during a US presidential election year. The Pentagon has notified Congress of its latest planned transfers from among the 37 detainees already cleared to be sent to their homelands or other countries. READ MORE: Guantanamo Bay closure Obama sends plan to Congress I do not have a timeline on when particular detainees will be transferred from Guantanamo, Commander Gary Ross, a defence department spokesman, said in a statement. However, the administration is committed to reducing the detainee population and to closing the detention facility responsibly, Ross added. Guantanamo prisoners were rounded up overseas when the US became involved in wars in Iraq and Afghanistan following the September 11, 2001 attacks on New York and Washington. Former US President George W Bush opened the facility, which came to symbolise aggressive detention practices. Russian combat engineers arrive in ancient city on de-mining mission days after Syrian army retook it from ISIL. Russian combat engineers arrived in Syria on a mine-clearing mission in the ancient town of Palmyra after it was recaptured from Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) this week. On Thursday, the Defence Ministry said sapper units were airlifted to Syria with equipment including state-of-the-art robotic devices to defuse mines at the 2,000-year-old archaeological site. Russian television stations showed Il-76 transport planes with the engineers landing before dawn at the Russian air base in Syria. Sundays recapture of Palmyra by Syrian troops under the cover of Russian air strikes was an important victory over ISIL fighters, who controlled the area for 10 months. Syrian army recaptures ancient city of Palmyra from ISIL Lieutenant General Sergei Rudskoi of the militarys General Staff said Russian advisers helped plan and direct the Syrian armys operation to recapture Palmyra. He said Russian warplanes had flown about 500 combat missions from March 7 to March 27, striking 2,000 targets around Palmyra, including artillery positions and fortifications. The Russian jets also hit ISIL fighters as they tried to flee towards their strongholds of Raqqa and Deir Ezzor, Rudskoi added. The high number of sorties flown in support of the offensive on Palmyra demonstrated Russias ability to provide strong backing to Syrian President Bashar Assads military despite a partial pullout of combat jets from Syria earlier this month. President Vladimir Putin has said the drawdown should help the Syria peace talks that began in Geneva, but he has vowed to continue fighting ISIL and the al-Qaeda-linked al-Nusra Front group. READ MORE: Palmyra is a major turning point in Syrias Civil War A Russian and US-brokered ceasefire in Syria that began on February 27 has largely held, but ISIL and al-Nusra Front have been excluded from it. Rudskoi said the truce helped the Syrian military to intensify its operations against those two rebel groups. The Russian military has deployed new weapons at the Hemeimeem air base in Syrias coastal province of Latakia, the heartland of Assads Alawite minority.The Russians tested their latest helicopter gunship, the Mi-28, for the first time in combat. Rudskoi emphasised the Russian jets used precision weapons to avoid any damage to Palmyras archaeological treasures. He said Russian sapper teams will now have to search more than 180 hectares (445 acres) of both historic and residential areas in Palmyra for mines. He added that the job is even more difficult because, along with standard military mines, the area is littered with a large number of booby traps and other explosive devices. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu on Thursday urged other nations to join the effort of clearing Palmyra from mines. READ MORE: With scholars killing, ISIL steps up war on history Rudskoi said the seizure of Palmyra had strategic importance because of its location at the junction of major highways. The restoration of the Syrian armys control over Palmyra will make it significantly more difficult for the bandit groups to regroup and move their resources between Syrias northern and southern regions, and it will also significantly weaken their capability around Damascus and Aleppo, he said. He added that losing areas rich in natural resources will hurt rebels ability to buy weapons and ammunition and pay their forces. The operation to recapture Palmyra highlighted Russian military deployments to the frontlines to assist the air power. Russian television stations showed reports on Thursday about Alexander Prokhorenko, a Russian military officer who helped direct Russian air strikes around Palmyra. He died when he was surrounded by ISIL fighters. Prokhorenko became the fifth serviceman killed in action in Syria, according to Russian statements. A Russian pilot whose plane was downed by Turkey in November was shot dead as he was parachuting down, a marine was killed on a mission to rescue the pilots crewmate, a military adviser serving alongside the Syrian army died in shelling by fighters and another soldier was killed on a reconnaissance mission. One soldier at the Russian base killed himself, officials said. A senior tank officer and several artillery officers were among the Russian servicemen whom Putin recently awarded with medals for their valour in Syria. UN and French peacekeepers accused of grim abuses in restive African nation, including bestiality with children. The United Nations announced 108 new sexual abuse cases allegedly by international peacekeepers in Central African Republic (CAR) with the vast majority of victims being children. A report by a US-based advocacy group said three girls in CAR told UN staff they were tied up and forced to have sex with a dog by a French military commander in 2014. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric on Thursday called the allegations shocking to the core and promised exemplary disciplinary action if theyre proven true. UN reports rise in sex abuse allegations Frances UN Ambassador Francois Delattre called the allegations sickening and odious. The accusations, dating from 2013 through last year, were first announced by the group AIDS-Free World late on Wednesday. Dujarric told reporters the UN cant confirm the allegations involving the dog at this point, but investigations continue. This issue has been out there in the public for almost a year [but] the allegations keep on coming, said Al Jazeeras James Bays, reporting from the United Nations in New York. People who were sent to protect the civilians are in fact becoming the perpetrators. A report published in late January condemned the UN for failing to respond to allegations of child abuse against peacekeepers in the Central African Republic. The independent investigation said the UNs handling of the case was seriously flawed, accusing it of not taking the required action after the alleged abuse of young boys by French soldiers became known. AIDS-Free World said 98 girls in CAR reported being sexually abused between 2013 and 2015 by perpetrators who have left the country. It also said information on the alleged rape of a 16-year-old girl by a Congolese peacekeeper only three days ago in a hotel room has been turned over to the United Nations. READ MORE: Can the UN halt CAR killings? The UN has been in the spotlight for months over dozens of allegations of child rape and other sexual abuses by its peacekeepers, especially those based in CAR, which has faced sectarian violence since 2013. Similar allegations have surfaced against the French force known as Sangaris, which operates independently in the country. We must face the fact that a number of troops sent to protect people instead acted with hearts of darkness, Dujarric said. The UN human rights chief, Zeid Raad al-Hussein, in a statement called the allegations sickening. He said all three countries whose peacekeepers are accused Burundi, Gabon and France have been formally notified. Governments must do more to stop abuse and hold their troops accountable, otherwise this awful cycle of abuse will never end, Hussein said. The golden segment of Turkeys economy is hit hard by the biggest drop in tourist arrivals in a decade. The number of foreign visitor arrivals in Turkey has taken a dive, according to latest statistics from the Turkish tourism ministry. Tourist arrivals have dropped a substantial 10 percent in February 2016 compared with February 2015. The decline, for the seventh month in a row, raises questions about the future of this key business sector as Turkey struggles to absorb the deadly terrorist attacks hitting its main cities as well as a showdown with Russia. On Tuesday, Mehmet Simsek, the deputy prime minister responsible for economic issues, said that the drop in tourist numbers was short-lived in a speech in the capital Ankara. We will go through some difficulties this year, but they are temporary, he said. Tavit Koletavitoglu, the former chairman of Turkish Tourism Investors Association, expects the annual fall in tourist arrivals to be around 30 percent in 2016 over the past year. However, the fall in turnover will be more as companies have begun decreasing prices for their services and laying off employees to be able to make income amid the crisis that hit the [tourism] sector, he told Al Jazeera. Turkey has seen multiple bombings in the capital Ankara and Istanbul in the past six months, which were claimed by Kurdish fighters and blamed on the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) apparent spillovers from the war in Syria and Ankaras fighting against Kurdish fighters in Turkey and Iraq. The Istanbul attacks in Sultanahmet the old city of Istanbul and the central Istiklal Street, two of the most popular tourist spots in the city, apparently targeted foreign tourists. The two attacks killed 17 foreigners, and injured dozens of others. OPINION: ISIL targets tourism Tourism is a golden segment of the Turkish economy, which is apparently visible in the statistics on the area with $31.5bn of turnover and 41.6 million visitors in 2015. The UN World Tourism Organisations data for 2014 puts Turkey as the sixth most visited country in the world, ahead of other popular countries such as Germany and the UK. This year is already a year of loss as most international bookings in the sector are done months before the summer. It seems 2017 will be the target year for the recovery of the sector. by Mustafa Sonmez, Economist and columnist And Istanbul, the countrys trade and tourism metropolis, was globally the fifth most visited city in 2015, according to MasterCards Global Detinations Index, beating cities such as New York, Tokyo and Amsterdam. However, the downing of a Russian warplane by a Turkish jet on the Syrian-Turkish border in November resulted in Moscow banning the countrys tour operators from sending Russian citizens to Turkey, diminishing one of the largest markets for Turkish tourism. The Russian plane incident and the political crisis that followed affected resorts in the south of Turkey and airline companies that fly to these destinations, Koletavitoglu said. Although the [tourism] sector thought it could handle this crisis, the unfortunate Istanbul and Ankara terror attacks that followed influenced the tourism industry in general, including the tourist flow to Istanbul. In 2015, the number of Russian arrivals in Turkey dropped from 3.5 million in 2014 to 2.8 million, according to the Turkish Statistical Institute. In February 2016, the same data fell by a significant 51.6 percent year on year to 20,074 Russian visitors. Following Germany, Russia has historically been the second largest tourist market for Turkey. READ MORE: Turkey: No to terrorism, no to double standards The Turkish government said it has been trying to replace the loss of Russian tourists by diversifying into other markets. We have been carrying out important promotional work in the Middle East, the Far East, South America, India and China markets, said Tourism and Culture Minister Mahir Unal recently. On Wednesday, in a separate statement, he said that Turkey expects one million tourists from Ukraine in 2016 with a near 30 percent rise compared to the previous year. The government also issued a tourism support plan, including measures such as $6,000 financial support for any plane flying to Turkey This is expected to be followed by another package aiming at ending job loss in the sector. Experts say the improvement of diplomatic relations with Russia and progress in the security situation in the country are key factors for recovery since Russia and the EU markets are crucial for Turkish tourism. This year is already a year of loss as most international bookings in the sector are done months before the summer [the high tourism season in Turkey]. It seems 2017 will be the target year for the recovery of the sector, Mustafa Sonmez, a Turkish economist, told Al Jazeera. The tourism business circles are aware of this and they are trying to compensate for their losses in alternative ways such as focusing on the local tourist market. Follow Umut Uras on Twitter: @Um_Uras Regional offensive made up of 8,700 troops seeks to defeat the armed group, but its fighting back with kidnapped girls. Adama Simila wears a knife tied to his belt by a piece of rope, his only protection against the Boko Haram group that has repeatedly targeted his home town in remote northern Cameroon. While the threat once came from heavily armed, battle-hardened fighters crossing from neighbouring Nigeria, today Simila knows he is more likely to die at the hands of a teenage girl strapped with explosives. Were here to look out for suicide bombers, said the 31-year-old, a member of a local civilian defence force in the town of Kerawa. After watching its influence spread during a six-year campaign that has killed about 20,000 people, Nigeria has now united with its neighbours to stamp out Boko Haram. A regional offensive last year drove the fighters from most of their traditional strongholds, denying them their dream of an Islamic emirate in northeastern Nigeria. A 8,700-strong regional force of troops from Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria is seeking to finish the job. READ MORE: Nigeria army: more than 800 Boko Haram hostages rescued Now, increasingly on the back foot, Boko Haram is retaliating with a deadly campaign against civilians, and ordinary people such as Simila have become the last line of defence. Im not scared. They are people, we are also people. We must die to live, said Simila, who was at the Kerawa market in September when two girls detonated themselves, killing 19 people and wounding 143 others. A nearly identical bombing at the same market followed in January. Outside Nigeria, Cameroon has been hardest hit by Boko Haram, which now operates out of bases in the Mandara Mountains, Sambisa Forest, and Lake Chad areas straddling the borders between Cameroon, Nigeria, Chad and Niger. Since August 2014, the group has carried out 336 attacks in Cameroon, according to the Cameroonian army, which has lost 57 of its men defending the north. Of 34 recorded suicide bombings killing 174 people, 80 percent were carried out by girls and young women aged 14 to 24 years. Girls abused as sex slaves by the group are psychologically damaged and, therefore, more vulnerable, the army says. Boko Haram also uses girls because they are thought less likely to arouse suspicion, although that may be changing. The goal now is to stop Boko Haram incursions into villages, stop them from planting IEDs [improvised explosive devices], and stop suicide bombings, said Lieutenant-Colonel Felix Tetcha, a senior officer in the armys operation against Boko Haram. Cameroon has thrown vast resources into protecting the north. Nearly 10,000 of its troops are deployed against Boko Haram. The armys Rapid Intervention Brigade (BIR) consists of its most professional and best-equipped soldiers, and patrols a high-risk 400km stretch of the border with Nigeria. The US military backs them with equipment, training and intelligence gathered from American drones flown out of a base in the town of Garoua. A small US military camp was reportedly seen inside another BIR base in nearby Maroua. Still, the terrain is mountainous and Boko Haram has rigged many roads with explosives designed to kill soldiers. Army officers are convinced that some fighters from Boko Haram, which pledged allegiance to Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) last year, have been trained at ISIL camps in Libya. Armed incursions by Boko Haram fighters have dropped. But the army does not have enough soldiers to deploy in every town in northern Cameroon, and suicide bombers strike regularly, often several times in a single week. The border is under control, but its still very porous, said Lieutenant-Colonel Emile Nlate Ebale, head of operations and logistics for the BIRs mission in the north. Everybody suffers in this place by James Zapania , camp resident from Gwoza, Nigeria Faced with such an asymmetrical threat, Cameroons army has turned to so-called vigilance committees for help. As the blazing midday sun beat down on Kerawa, Bouba Ahmada walked along a dry, scrub-lined creek bed, an ancient flintlock musket slung around his neck. Here is Cameroon, over there is Nigeria, he said, gesturing towards the abandoned homes just across the dusty expanse. Its empty. Only Boko Haram stays there. Made up of men and boys armed with machetes, home-made rifles, or bows and arrows, these self-defence forces have the blessing of the local government. They accompany the army on patrols and intelligence-gathering missions, question travellers, and denounce to the military anyone deemed suspect. Last week they intercepted two female suicide bombers and handed them over to the army before they were able to detonate. We are not 100 percent dependent on this information, but this information is crucial, said Lieutenant-Colonel Tetcha, who is not only defending Cameroon but also a growing number of Nigerians. READ MORE: Boko Haram has lost its fearsomeness Close to the border sits the UN-run Minawao camp, home to nearly 57,000 refugees who have fled Boko Haram in Nigeria. Everybody suffers in this place, said James Zapania, a 24-year-old camp resident from Gwoza, Nigeria. Were not worried about Boko Haram coming here, were worried about food. Refugees such as Zapania often receive a chilly welcome from suspicious local villagers, many of whom view them as collaborators or even underground Boko Haram fighters. According to one Cameroonian officer, the army has removed a number of individuals from Minawao for activities that were not in line with the behaviour of a normal refugee. Suspicion is everywhere. And while Boko Haram infiltrators make up only a tiny portion of fleeing refugees, many, including the Cameroonian military, fear that desperation provides fertile ground for recruitment. We need to act quickly. There are young people with no work who could be vulnerable. When people are hungry, they are easily approached, said Colonel Didier Badjeck, a Cameroonian military spokesman. Emad Abu Shamsiyeh, who filmed an Israeli soldier shooting an injured Palestinian, says he is ready to testify. Occupied West Bank Emad Abu Shamsiyeh received the first death threat on March 24. It came hours after Abu Shamsiyeh, an activist with the Human Rights Defenders NGO, filmed what appeared to be the extrajudicial execution of Abed al-Fattah al Sharif, a young Palestinian man, by an Israeli soldier in Hebron. I got a phone call from a blocked number. In heavily accented Arabic, the caller said I would regret publishing the video and that my family would be burned alive, he said. The next day, a group of settlers gathered outside my house and began hurling rocks at the house, while I was inside with my family. In the days that followed, physical and verbal attacks against his family continued, while his picture was posted on a number of Israeli right-wing websites, calling for his death, he told Al Jazeera. READ MORE: How impunity defines Israel and victimises Palestinians On March 24, Abu Shamsiyeh heard gunshots close to his home in the Tel Rumeida neighbourhood. He grabbed his video camera, left his home and began to film the scene in the street. There were large numbers of police and two young men bleeding in the street, Ramzi Aziz al-Qasrawi and Abed al-Fattah al Sharif, he recalled. The latter was still moving when I started recording. I didn't film anything that didn't happen. If I was asked to testify then I will go no matter what happens. by Emad Abu Shamsiyeh, Palestinian human rights activist Israeli soldiers told Abu Shamsiyeh to move away, so he moved to a rooftop and hit record again. In the footage that he took next, an Israeli soldier points his weapon at Sharif, who is lying wounded and barely moving, before firing a single bullet into his head from close range. The killing took place after the two Palestinian men allegedly stabbed and wounded an Israeli soldier. The video footage shows the shooting taking place in the presence of a group of Israeli soldiers, settlers and medical personnel who are treating a soldier. They pay no attention to the wounded al-Sharif and barely show any reaction in the aftermath of the shooting. The video was shared with human rights groups and media outlets, which eventually led to the soldier, whose name is under a gag order, being arrested. The shooting was condemned by senior Israeli political figures, including the defence minister Moshe Yaalon. However, Israeli public opinion broadly swung behind the soldiers actions, while right-wing members of the Knesset have supported him. Meanwhile, a number of right-wing Israeli websites have targeted Abu Shamsiyeh, he told Al Jazeera. One such post read: Wanted in bold, red English letters above a picture of Abu Shamsiyeh. At the bottom, in Hebrew, it read: Call for Emad Abu Shamsiyeh. I am a video activist and I took your soldier. Abu Shamsiyeh says his family has been living in constant fear. My children are nervous and we are expecting the worst to happen at any minute, he told Al Jazeera, adding that his children have been taking alternative routes to school in order to avoid the Israeli checkpoints, or even missing classes altogether. READ MORE: Israels gun policy: A licence to kill Palestinians When the soldier appeared at a court hearing on March 29, the military judge Lieutenant-Colonel Ronen Shor, said there was reasonable doubt as to the circumstances of the shooting and the video evidence was inconclusive. He ruled that the soldier could be held in detention until March 31. Al-Sharifs father Yusri described his sons killing as a horrific crime and said that he was not hopeful that the family would receive justice. I want the killer to be prosecuted. I want the ambulance workers and the soldiers to be held accountable for what they did, he told Al Jazeera. They should be tried so that something similar wont happen again. We do not know if they will try the killer. Israel does whatever it wants. The shooting of al-Sharif was the latest in a series of incidents where Palestinians have been killed while appearing to pose little or no threat, most of which have not led to investigations, according to Israeli human rights NGO BTselem, which initially distributed Abu Shamsiyehs video. There have been no investigations yet into these suspected cases when Palestinian assailants or suspected assailants were killed [by Israeli soldiers], said BTselem spokesperson Sarit Michaeli. There have only been two investigations by the department of police investigations into cases where police have killed Palestinians, according to Michaeli. One was closed and one was only opened recently. So this is a very clear message to soldiers on the ground. Despite threats made to his family, Abu Shamsiyeh stood by the video and said he would testify in court if he was called upon. I know that the Israeli military has been trying to dismiss the video and pretend I fabricated it, he said. I didnt film anything that didnt happen. What I filmed was what really took place. If I was asked to testify then I will go no matter what happens. At least 22 dead and more than 100 feared trapped after two buildings collapse in New Delhi and Tamil Nadu. Police in southern India have detained two construction company directors as rescuers continued searching for missing workers in one of two weekend building collapses that killed at least 22 people. The 12-storey building under construction in Tamil Nadu state collapsed late on Saturday, killing four workers on the spot and another seven succumbed to injuries later in a hospital, said police officer George Fernandes. Authorities said 31 construction workers had been pulled out of the rubble so far and the search was continuing for more than 100 people thought to be trapped under the rubble of the tower, that collapsed while it was still being built. Fourteen workers remained hospitalised, while six others were discharged, Fernandes said. Police officer Kanan said two directors of the construction company, Prime Sristi, have been detained for questioning as authorities began investigating the collapse. The officer uses one name. Balaguru, one of the builders, said the structure collapsed possibly due to the impact of lightning. Usually, once the construction gets over we install the equipment to prevent the building from a thunder strike. It was nearing completion, the Press Trust of India news agency quoted Balaguru, who uses one name, as saying. Builder mafia Nearly 300 police and fire service workers worked overnight, looking for survivors in the debris. Removing debris is a major challenge. It may take two to three days to clear the rubble, said S P Selvam, who is heading the rescue operation. Earlier on Saturday, eleven people including five children were killed in New Delhi after a 50-year-old apartment block with 14 occupants collapsed, authorities said. Numerous building accidents in Indias largest cities have killed about 100 people in the past year, according to local media reports. More than 50 people were killed when an apartment block collapsed in Mumbai last September. Delhis Deputy Commissioner of Police Madhur Verma told reporters an investigation into the cause of Saturdays building collapse had been launched. Former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal called the incident a nexus between the builder mafia and the municipal corporation. The corporation did not answer phone calls requesting comment. At least seventeen people killed and a dozen others feared trapped after multi-storey building collapses in Goa. At least seventeen people have been killed after a five-storey building under construction collapsed in the southern Indian state of Goa, authorities said. At least a dozen others were believed to be trapped under the rubble after the residential building in the city of Canacona caved in on Saturday afternoon. The chances of finding survivors were slim given the length of time since the accident, an official said. Only a miracle can save them, said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity. Digging at the site was halted temporarily on Monday after two adjacent buildings, also under construction, developed wide cracks, raising fears that they might also collapse. Police cordoned off the area and called engineers to inspect the two buildings, police officer Mohan Naik said. About 50 daily-wage labourers were working on the site when the accident happened, police said. Fire and emergency service crews rushed to the spot. Rescue workers using cranes and bulldozers, shovels and bare hands struggled to shift concrete slabs and other debris to free the trapped labourers. It was like an earthquake when the building fell, witness Ramesh Naik said. You could not see what exactly had happened because of the dust. Sniffer dogs have also been brought in to try to find those trapped. Goan police are searching for the builder and the contractor who have gone missing since the tragedy. Building collapses are common in India, as high demand for housing and lax regulations often encourage builders to cut corners by using substandard materials or add unauthorised extra floors. We will immediately arrest the builder, the contractor and municipal officials involved in sanctioning this construction site, Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said. I am personally monitoring the situation. Last September, a rundown five-storey residential block in Indias financial hub Mumbai collapsed, killing 60 people. British daily The Guardian collected statistics showing that 2,651 people were killed across India in 2012 due to the collapse of 2,737 structures, including houses and bridges. UF Libertarians collected clothes, canned foods and school supplies on the Plaza of the Americas on Wednesday. The group is collecting the supplies for 15 Syrian refugees living in Jacksonville, Florida. Collections for new and gently used clothes will continue through Friday on the Plaza, said Bela Cunningham, the president of UF Libertarians. The group decided to host the drive to help Syrian refugees living in Florida, the UF graphic design sophomore said. A lot of refugees came with next to nothing, the 20-year-old said. The first day of the drive surpassed the groups expectations, she said. They received enough donations to fill one large cardboard box. She hopes to fill six or seven. Cunningham said UF Libertarians started planning the event about three weeks ago after receiving a $250 grant from Students for Liberty, a nonprofit that facilitates student leadership and professional development. She hopes to educate students about why refugees should be allowed into the country, she said. She wants to diminish the negative ideas about immigration, such as their being terrorists and destroying the economy. Becky Richey, a UF international studies senior, donated costumes from Shakespeare in the Park to the drive. She said it would show refugees they are being socially accepted. It shows they are being accepted from students and faculty, the 21-year-old said. WHAT STUDENTS CAN DONATE: Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now Pants Shirts Sweaters Shoes School supplies Canned foods Trevor Noah watched as interpreters for the hearing impaired translated everything he said at the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts on Wednesday night. I am Trevor, he said, watching the translators. You know what, Im not even going to sign this stand-up for you. Im just gonna sign my own jokes. Noah, a stand-up comedian and host of The Daily Show, performed a stand-up act and answered questions from Accent Speakers Bureau Chairperson Kevin Gerson in front of a crowd of more than 1,700 people. He was paid $90,000. Noah, who was born and raised in South Africa, took jabs at the presidential candidates and joked about the lingo in America and discovering tacos. Noah said he dreamed about attending an American university like he would see in the movies. And then I saw how much you pay, and I was like Its fine, he said. He told a story about when he was with his friend who invited him to eat tacos from a taco truck, which was a new discovery for him. The vendor offered him a napkin, which means babys diaper in his home country. He refused the taco, thinking it would be served with a diaper. Now I love tacos, by the way, he said. Noah also tackled racism, an issue he said is hard to talk about but needs to be discussed. Theres nothing wrong with saying black because theres nothing wrong with being black, he said. Dont worry about seeming racist; worry about being racist. Gerson asked Noah about his start in comedy. Noah said he was invited to a comedy show, where he just got up and began telling jokes. He felt at home. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now I dont know what I spoke about; I just know the people laughed, Noah said. Noah added that seeing people of different genders, skin colors and ethnicities sitting side by side in the audience made him happy he went into comedy, which pushes the boundaries of society. I am trying to get people to think further, he said. Lets talk about the things that you may be afraid to talk about. Hannah Herrero, 24, was the first person in the line. She arrived at 3:15 p.m. I really, really wanted to get a front-row seat, the UF geography graduate student said. Herrero, who knew about Noah before he took over The Daily Show, said she enjoyed his humor because he talks about issues in Africa. Its refreshing for Americans to acknowledge positive things coming out of Africa because its so much more than the negative things that you hear about in the news, she said. @MelissaGomez004 mgomez@alligator.org Trevor Noah, the host of Comedy Centrals The Daily Show, performs at the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts on Wednesday night. In the early hours of Monday, March 21, deputies and police in Gainesville were forced to shoot 16-year old Robert Dentmond after he refused to drop what was later found to be a replica assault rifle. Hours before, Dentmond called 9-1-1 and said he was feeling suicidal and had a high-powered rifle in his possession. After arriving, authorities were forced to take precautionary measures after he began walking away from them into the apartments, failing to stop after multiple warnings. Despite this, I cant help thinking tragedies such as this might be avoided in the future if gun control in this country was tightened. Last year, 1,145 people were killed by police in the U.S., 89 percent of them by gunshot: a rate of 84 deaths per month nationally. While a small percentage of these deaths was avoidable, most of them were completely procedural, because the officers had to defend their lives and or the lives of others. If firearms were not so readily available, however, many of these could potentially have been avoided, as the police would not have to use deadly force as often. Take the U.K., for example, where there have been a total of 31 killings by law enforcement since the turn of the millennium. Granted, the U.K. only has a population of 64 million, one-fifth of the population of the U.S., but as a nation it has experienced in the last 16 years only 2 percent of the amount of killings by police forces seen in the U.S. Robert Dentmonds weapon turned out to be fake, but the police had no way of knowing that, as it is completely plausible for someone in the U.S. to own a deadly weapon; it would have been dangerous for the police to assume otherwise. A good friend of mine at UF, living on campus here, legally owns a 12-gauge shotgun, which he stores in the boot of his car. I still fail to see how or why this is at all necessary. The potential to be able to go to a range with your own weapon surely is not worth the damage caused by so many owning guns: not when you can rent out firearms at the ranges for next to no money. But far from attempting to tighten gun laws, Florida seems to be aiming for the opposite, with a bill being pushed to allow people to carry concealed firearms on college campuses. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now The idea of people carrying around hidden deadly weapons in my university terrifies me, and when people tout the notion that this is merely for security, I think, Is that not what we invest so much money and trust into our law enforcement systems for: security? The University Police Patrol Division has a total of 65 sworn officers, readily armed and extensively trained in weapon use. The argument I always hear in response to this is law-abiding citizens would never use their guns irresponsibly. I dont disagree with this, but if the police services had little or substantially less reason to believe anyone might actually have a deadly weapon on their person at all times, there might actually be less reason or need to use deadly force. Subsequently, exemplary projects implemented to improve these statistics and minimize incidences of shooting a violent offender, such as the NYPD and Los Angeles police training camps in collaboration with Scottish police might see improved results. Overall, we need not blame the police or the victims of many of these killings. We need to instead explore all of the variables in place that aggravate the violence and increase chances of police shootings, and with a clear look into the issue at large, the preponderance of guns in our country reveals itself as a clear aspect of this issue in need of reform. Joe Franklin is a UF student. Even after the successful nuclear deal, the U.S. relationship with Iran is still contentious. The leader of Iran still often leans on nationalistic and religious extremes in order to keep his control of the country. Meanwhile, the Western media focuses much of its coverage on controversial issues, such as the chants of death to America, the capture and eventual return of U.S. Navy officers after their boat broke down in Iranian waters and Irans continued missile testing. But the one thing Western media has been hesitant, or unwilling, to discuss is the set of elections that occurred in early March. Nobody is saying Iran is a full-fledged democracy, but it would also be foolish to say Iran doesnt have the trappings of democracy. Although it is true the Guardians Council, an unelected government body, has mechanisms in place to disqualify candidates solely on their political beliefs, there is also a mechanism for those disqualified candidates to draft official complaints. The fact there are elections at all in a theocracy led by such an extremist leader is remarkable in itself. The interesting thing about this election is moderate candidates have successfully won and created a majority in the Majlis Irans equivalent of a parliament and Assembly of Experts the elected body tasked with choosing the next Ayatollah of Iran. Thats right, an elected body could name Irans next dictator, and this does not seem to be a too far off prospect since the current Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is 76 years old. His current health, or lack thereof, is not accessible to public records. While there are really no formal political parties in Iran, and defining what it means to be moderate is difficult, these semi-democratic structures demonstrate how Iran is willing to open up and become further integrated into the international community. The sanctioning done before the nuclear agreement by the international community has shown Iranians the conservative faction in the country will not be good for Irans future. The nuclear deal, which was secured by moderates, has allowed for an opening in Iran to the global economy at large once again. For all the flak and opposition from American conservatives against the Iran nuclear deal, I think it is not unfair to say President Obama deserves some credit in swaying the Iranian elections. This is a president who has unapologetically made it his strategy to de-escalate outdated, Cold War-era tensions between the U.S. and countries like Iran. Much to the chagrin of Obamas conservative opposition, the plan to make peace with your enemies and not just your friends is not a new strategy, but one the U.S. has now begun to take seriously the best example being Obamas trip to Cuba over the past week and the continued openness between these two countries. The U.S. relationship with Iran is obviously more fragile and dangerous than that with Cuba, but one cannot make peace with a clenched fist. The war-hawk-ish rhetoric coming from Iran does not have to be met with the same hawkish elements here in the U.S. certainly not if we really want to secure a lasting peace process with Iran. Kevin Foster is a UF political science senior. His column appears on Thursdays. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now Santa Fe College is holding its 47th annual Spring Arts Festival in downtown Gainesville. This year is the first time the main stage is at Bo Diddley Plaza. The festival is Saturday and Sunday on Northeast First Street and on the grounds of the nearby Historic Thomas Center, located at 302 NE Sixth Ave. It is one of the three largest annual events in Gainesville and features artwork from ceramics to glass art and live music. More than 200 artists will be in attendance, working with a variety of media, and more than 100,000 people are expected to attend, Kathryn Lehman, Santa Fes cultural affairs coordinator, said. Lehman said that over 47 years, the festival has won several awards, including being top tourist attraction, and best arts and crafts festival in the state of Florida. There is a variety of food concessions and a Saturday-evening concert. Along with the festivities, Saturday at noon there is a celebration for Santa Fes 50th anniversary. There is something for everyone and the family, and its lots of fun, Lehman said. Everyone comes out, and they have a great time. Musical acts include GruvTherapy, an urban jazz/neo soul group; N2Q, a group with electric mixes of ukuleles and singing instruments; and Jewish folk music group Klezmer Katz. Admission is free and no pets are allowed. On Saturday the festival is from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and the festival is from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. For Eleanor Blair, a veteran artist at the festival, this marks her 45th consecutive year participating in the Spring Arts Festival. She recalled the early years when the festival was much smaller and held at the Hotel Thomas, which is now the Historic Thomas Center. Blair said the festival has grown to include artists from around the country, and the quality of the art has improved. Im amazed I am still doing it 45 years later still doing it and still enjoying it, she said. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now Alongside the art, Blair said there is more to experience, with music, great food and wonderful performances. 2005 .. AR's Editor Joe Shea Talks About Elections On Iranian TV Bear Stearns Saved By Fed As Lehman Bros. Falters; Major Bank Failure Looms Over Wall Street, Sends Markets Into 200-Pt. Dive Lie Upon Lie Five Years Into the Iraq War The Administration Still Churns Out Lies by Randolph Holhut A Small Tragedy Even at 90, As Friends Turn Cool She Knows the Show Must Go On by Joyce Marcel I'll Take Me Imagine John Wayne or Arnold In Heels, Silk and a Girdle by Elizabeth Andrews Sen. Nelson Calls For New Fla. Primary; Gov Crist Backs 'Do-Over' Who'll Win? Ask Spock Spock.com Engine Predicts Winners By Site Searches; It Can be Wrong by Jay Bhatti Chatting Up The Cat God Gave Me Dominion Over Him But I Think He's a Non-Believer by Constance Daley Death of a Thug The Life and Horrors of Suharto by Andreas Harsono ___________________________ This Just In Sierra Club: McCain Ducked All 15 Key Votes On Green Laws (AR) A Work By AR's T.S. Kerrigan Is Chosen As 'Best Poem' By Wordpress Site Murder At Mile 63 The Deadly Assault and Bush Administration Cover-Up by S. Eben Kirkesby and Andreas Harsono 5427 14th St. West, Bradenton, FL 34207 $6.99 Fish Fridays! Manatee Co.'s Only 24-Hr. FREE Wi-Fi Paid Advertisement On Native Ground AFTER 5 YEARS, WE'RE STILL LIED TO ABOUT IRAQ by Randolph T. Holhut DUMMERSTON, Vt. -- Next week is the fifth anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq. And it is likely that sometime in the next couple of weeks, the 4,000th American soldier will die in Iraq. [MORE] Momentum OFF TO SEE THE WIZARD by Joyce Marcel DUMMERSTON, Vt. - It's 1931, and a 14-year-old girl is standing alone on a stage. She's small and lively with dark curly hair, widespread hazel eyes, slender wrists and an open, eager face filled with the wonder of performing. Her name is Rose, and one day she will be my mother. But now she is performing an Eugene O'Neill monologue called "Before Breakfast" for a ladies' club in a wealthy suburb of Long Island. [MORE] One Woman's World COMFORTABLE WITH MYSELF by Elizabeth T. Andrews CARTERSVILLE, Ga. -- I'm not sure but I think I may be socially incorrect. [MORE] On Native Ground ENOUGH FOR A WAR, NOT FOR A PEOPLE by Randolph T. Holhut DUMMERSTON, Vt. -- Last week, the National Governors Assn. met in Washington, D.C. One of the tasks the NGA had on its agenda was to ask President Bush to increase federal spending on roads, bridges and other public works projects as a way to stimulate the economy. He rejected their pleas out of hand, claiming that infrastructure projects wouldn't offer any short-term economic boost. [MORE] Brasch Words BEWARE THE SELF-REVERENTIAL PRESS by Walter Brasch BLOOMSBURG, Pa. -- Shortly before the primary votes this past week, Newsweek's Jonathan Alter called Sen. Barack Obama's surge to the Democratic nomination "inevitable." It also called for Hillary Clinton to "start her campaign for Senate majority leader." [MORE] Constance A CONVERSATION WITH MY CAT Constance Daley ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. -- Normally, when the cat starts his evening rant of meowing continuously until he makes his point, I just take it as long as I can, pick him up, and put him in the garage for the night. He doesn't want to go, but the meowing stops and I don't care if he likes it or not. [MORE] Momentum OUT OF STRUGGLE, ART by Joyce Marcel DUMMERSTON, Vt. -- Here we are again at the crossroads of art and social change, having the opportunity to watch good and great films about the lives of women in support of the Women's Crisis Center. [MORE] Campaign 2008 HOW TO PREDICT SUPER TUESDAY II WINNERS? ONLINE SEARCH by Jay Bhatti NEW YORK, March 4, 2008, 7:00PM ET -- With the outcomes of the Texas, Vermont, Ohio and Rhode Island primaries to be decided tonight, how possible is it that online searching can predict who will win tonight's primaries? [MORE] One Woman's World DON'T VOTE; IT ENCOURAGES THEM by Elizabeth T. Andrews CARTERSVILLE, Ga. -- Call me angry and disgusted but don't call me un-American because I won't be voting come November. [MORE] On Native Ground BUSH AND THE KEYBOARD COMMANDOS by Randolph T. Holhut DUMMERSTON, Vt. -- As the days tick down toward the eventual departure of President George W. Bush from the White House, it's a hopeful sign that most Americans are no longer moved by his Administration's constant exploitation of terrorism for political gain. [MORE] Momentum WHICH AMERICA DO YOU LIVE IN? by Joyce Marcel DUMMERSTON, Vt. -- It's a little confusing. [MORE] Make My Dat THE LAWYER THAT ATE NEW YORK by Erik Deckers INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- I used to know a guy who, quite literally, didn't get hyperbole. He didn't understand exaggeration. As a result, he missed most jokes that came his way. [MORE] On Native Ground FIDEL RETIRES: NOW THE COLD WAR IS REALLY OVER by Randolph T. Holhut DUMMERSTON, Vt. -- Maybe now, we can finally say the Cold War is over. [MORE] Make My Dat THE LAWYER THAT ATE NEW YORK by Erik Deckers INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- I used to know a guy who, quite literally, didn't get hyperbole. He didn't understand exaggeration. As a result, he missed most jokes that came his way. [MORE] One Woman's World POLITICS IS NO PARTY by Elizabeth T. Andrews CARTERSVILLE, Ga. -- Are you having a hard time focusing your eyes? Do you have faint red spots all over your body? Is there a ringing in your ears and do you see wavy lines when you look at your television set? Do your hands shake when you try to hold a cup of coffee? And have you recently been forgetting what day of the week it is - or what year? [MORE] Make My Day FOR BETTER OR WORSE ... A LOT WORSE by Erik Deckers INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- "Marriage: It's Only Going to Get Worse." [MORE] Constance YOU CALL THESE RIGHTS? by Constance Daley ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. -- When you express an opinion you hope to persuade others to your point of view. It doesn't always happen but still, opinion writers try. [MORE] Momentum THE BRIDGE WOMAN by Joyce Marcel DUMMERSTON, Vt. - Out there in America - yes, still - is a generation of women who were born in the 1940s, raised in the 1950s, and who came to radical consciousness in the late 1960s and early 1970s. I am one of them. Hillary Clinton is one of them. [MORE] On Native Ground OBAMA AND MY GENERATION by Randolph T. Holhut DUMMERSTON, Vt. -- I originally planned on voting for Dennis Kucinich in the Vermont Primary on March 4. [MORE] The Willies: WARNING: THIS MEDICATION MAY MURDER YOUR FRIENDS by Joe Shea BRADENTON, Fla. -- You've heard the warnings, haven't you? Stop Prozac and you may take a shotgun, an Uzi or an AK-47 and mow down your family and friends, or even a whole classroom full of your fellow students. You didn't? Well, that warning is not on the bottle, but like countless mass-murder incidents before it, Friday's shootings at Northern Illinois University, as well as the Virginia Tech shootings that killed 32 last year, was probably precipitated by the effect of stopping medications that suppress anger and other powerful emotions but do not relieve the underlying cause. Isn't it time we started warning people - or stopped prescribing these medicines? [MORE] One Woman's World DON'T KNOCK ON MY DOOR by Elizabeth T. Andrews CARTERSVILLE, Ga. -- I wish I could feel delight in my poet's mansion being like Grand Central Station all the time, but I can't. And I wish my place was such a place that someone would one day write: "Her door was always open and she always made you feel all fuzzy and warm in her presence. She could make a cup of coffee seem like a banquet." [MORE] Reporting: Panama PANAMA'S VIOLENT LABOR UNREST INTENSIFIES Mark Scheinbaum PANAMA CITY, Panama, Feb, 15, 2008 -- After just one day of relative calm, wildcat construction strikes by some members of Panama's largest union flared up again Friday morning, four days after a police sniper shot one worker. More than 140 demonstrators have been injured and at least 500 arrested, authorities say. [MORE] Brasch Words TO STIMULATE ECONOMY, BUY A CHINESE-MADE U.S. FLAG by Walter Brasch BLOOMSBURG, Pa. -- Walking down Main Street, pushing a grocery cart loaded with clothes, toys, and appliances was Marshbaum. Fastened to the right front corner of the cart was an American flag tied onto a three-foot ruler. [MORE] Make My Day THE TOOTH, AND NOTHING BUT THE TOOTH by Erik Deckers INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- To commemorate the death of noted shark exploder Roy Scheider, and the "Jaws" movies that resulted in Erik never setting foot in the ocean again, we are reprinting this column from 2003. Shark Experts 0, Sharks 1 [MORE] Momentum THE WINTER OF MY DISCONTENT by Joyce Marcel DUMMERSTON, Vt. - As I write this, it's raining ice. Maybe a half a foot of snow and ice has already landed up here in the woods of Dummerston. Our cars are encased in it, and the door to the house is blocked. The satellite dish that brings in our Internet service quit about 20 minutes ago - frozen solid. [MORE] The Willies AMERICA TO HILLARY: GET OUT! by Joe Shea BRADENTON, Fla., Feb. 13, 2008 -- Sen. Hillary Clinton has adopted the Rudy Giuliani strategy, and it's working - for Sen. Barack Obama. It turns out to be the strategy all Democrats are seeking - an exit strategy. But it's not for Iraq. It's for her exit from the race for the 2008 Democratic Presidential nomination. [MORE] Constance CONFESSIONS OF A DISAPPOINTED VOTER by Constance Daley ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. -- A week ago at just about this time, I completed an article and was about to submit it as scheduled to The American Reporter. I was feeling rather elated, ready to show up on Super Tuesday morning, firmly touch the X next to Rudy Giuliani's name and get on with my day. He was my choice; he would get my vote. [MORE] Reporting: Florida SIERRA CLUB SET TO SUSPEND FLA. CHAPTER by Joe Shea BRADENTON, Fla., Feb. 10, 2008 -- The national Sierra Club is set to suspend its Florida chapter after years of divisive infighting, the president of the national club told Florida members in a letter delivered to some this weekend. It is the first time in its 116-year history that such a step has been considered by the club, according to news reports. [MORE] One Woman's World PLANT A NEW WORLD THIS SPRING by Elizabeth T. Andrews CARTERSVILLE, Ga. -- For a little while, the men will just have to toss and turn in their fear-free-women beds. For a small space of time Hillary Clinton will just have to trudge on toward the White House without my faint applause in the background. [MORE] On Native Ground VERMONT AND THE 5 STAGES OF CONSERVATIVE GRIEF by Randolph T. Holhut DUMMERSTON, Vt. -- First, Vermont tried to convince the nation to impeach President Bush and Vice President Cheney. [MORE] Make My Day REBEL WITHOUT A TONGUE by Erik Deckers INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- Kids' brains work in amazing ways. At times, they can grasp complex concepts and make impressive discoveries. Other times, you have to wonder how we ever survived as a species. [MORE] The Willies FOR DEMOCRATS, NOW IT'S ABOUT RACE, INCOME AND GENDER by Joe Shea BRADENTON, Feb. 6, 2008 -- It's not a good time to be a Democrat. As the Super Tuesday results demonstrated, the presidential race between Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton has divided the partly along clear racial, income and gender lines - the very distinctions the party has sought to erase in principle but has emphasized in its pursuit of diversity. [MORE] Momentum SUPER TUESDAY BLUES by Joyce Marcel DUMMERSTON, Vt. -- Super Tuesday has come and gone and I still can't get excited about the upcoming presidential elections. [MORE] The Willies ON THE BRINK OF HISTORY, YOUR PUSH IS NEEDED by Joe Shea BRADENTON, Fla., Feb. 5. 2008 -- I'm expecting a sea change tonight. I believe that for the first time in this nation's history we will once and forever banish racism as the deciding factor in the destiny of African-Americans, and indeed adopt diversity as our path to the future. [MORE] Campaign 2008 AT 88, EVERY VOTE REALLY COUNTS by Ted Manna DENVER, Feb. 5, 2008 -- Pearl Turner will caucus for Mitt Romney tonight in Denver. [MORE] One Woman's World STAND BY YOUR WOMAN by Elizabeth T. Andrews CARTERSVILLE, Ga. -- The black vote. The gay vote. The fundamentalist vote. The Hispanic vote. [MORE] An AR Special SUSPECTS IN BENAZIR ASSASSINATION HAVE TIES TO MUSHARRAF by Ahmar Mustikhan WASHINGTON, D.C. -- When Gordon Brown this past Monday feted coup-leader-turned-President Pervez Musharraf at 10 Downing Street, Britain's new prime minister probably didn't ask the Pakistani dictator a question that is now on many minds: Did you order the murder of Benazir Bhutto? [MORE] Momentum TO THE VERMONT DELEGATION: WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR US LATELY? by Joyce Marcel DUMMERSTON, Vt. Back when President George W. Bush and Dick Vice President Dick Cheney were building up to their loathsome war in Iraq, very few people were brave enough to call the bullies' bluff. [MORE] On Native Ground IF BUSH HAS HIS WAY, WE'LL NEVER LEAVE IRAQ by Randolph T. Holhut DUMMERSTON, Vt. - In his final State of the Union address on Jan. 28, President Bush cautioned against accelerating U.S. troop withdrawals from Iraq, saying that it would endanger the process that has been made over the past year. [MORE] Campaign 2008 CLASH OF COMMENTS AND PROTESTORS AT CLINTON, OBAMA RALLIES IN DENVER by Ted Manna DENVER, Feb. 1, 2008 -- At least four presidential campaigns of both partiers rolled into in Denver this week ahead of the Feb. 5 "Super Tuesday" primaries in 22 states, but it was the Democratic presidential contenders who drew the big crowds and duked it out Wednesday. If sheer numbers are any indication, Sen. Barack Obama - preceded by a buoyant and beautiful Caroline Kennedy - won the round handily. He is the overwhelming favorite to win the Colorado primary next Tuesday. [MORE] The Willies WHY THE FLORIDA PRIMARY STINKS by Joe Shea BRADENTON, Fla., Jan. 30, 2008 -- I was with my wife and daughter driving the back way from Miami home to Bradenton when we stopped at a McDonald's in Clewiston, the only big town along the vast shore of Lake Okeechobee, the state's precious freshwater reservoir. The McDonald's had three televisions at a central seating area, each tuned to a different network, and our table was in front of CNN as the very first election results started to pour in around 7:30PM. With them, almost as counterpoint, suddenly came such an overwhelming odor of cow plop that my wife started to throw up as we all ran to the parking lot. [MORE] Passings: Suharto DEATH OF A KEMUSU THUG by Andreas Harsono JAKARTA - A few minutes after hearing that former president Suharto had died in his hospital bed, Marco, a militia leader in downtown Jakarta, raced to Suhartos house, wearing his jungle camouflage and began guarding the Suhartos residence on Cendana Street. [MORE] Constance I REMEMBER YOU by Constance Daley ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga.. -- It seems to be more often lately that the sentiment is spoken but it's always been out there: "You never get over the death of your child." This is true. But the heartfelt expressions come from some who cannot fathom the notion of losing a child; their own child is who is in their mind, not another mother's child. [MORE] Instant electronic payments are a sine qua non of modern life. Real-time card-authorization systems were implemented in the mid-seventies and, in an era of mobile ubiquity, enable commerce anywhere, anytime. In contrast, payments between bank accounts generally aren't instant. Regulators, however, have been pushing for "faster-payments" infrastructure. All well and good: regulators have an indispensable role, but market actors, innovation and competition should determine faster-payments paths, services delivered and ultimate success. While there's a danger that suggestions from the Federal Reserve will be received as diktats, thus far the Fed has struck a reasonable tone, nudging the industry and providing a forum for stakeholders. Regulators' role affects the pace, quality and ultimately the value of faster-payments innovation. On one end of the continuum regulators are night watchmen, which is their proper role in a mature, competitive industry. On the other they are central planners. Central planning is a path to making the payments industry a sclerotic public utility. In between, however, there are instances where discrete interventions to improve competition or to non-prescriptively open the door to change can be helpful. In her 1998 book "The Future and Its Enemies", former Reason magazine editor Virginia Postrel argues for a limited state role in innovation in business and technology. She laid out two opposing poles of innovation: stacist and dynamist. Under the former, smart guys centrally engineer the right answer. In contrast, under seemingly chaotic dynamism, competing players innovate by trial and error. Open, market-based systems out-innovate and outperform central planning. The state played no role developing global card networks, digital wallets or mobile payments. Yet the belief by some that enlightened regulatory overlords can better direct innovation than the market is longstanding and particularly tempting in payments infrastructure. Those favoring direct involvement of government planners view market coordination as too messy and inefficient, where multiple competitors solve the same problem, price and self-interest dynamically allocate resources, and winners and losers are rewarded and ruthlessly punished, respectively, by the market. Regulators on both sides of the Atlantic are jawboning for improvements to domestic interbank account-processing systems (the ACH). Each country has at least one that reliably and cheaply delivers nonspontaneous payments between known parties such as payroll and bill payments. Historically, these transactions have been on a one- or two-day lag. For the moment, the United Kingdom leads. Under pressure from the Office of Fair Trading and HM Treasury, the bank-owned Vocalink implemented near-real-time ACH processing in 2008. British banks have also launched a new payment service Paym, providing mobile-phone-based money transfer, and soon will debut a retail-payment system Zapp to compete with MasterCard and Visa. British regulators are also pushing banks to spin off the not-for-profit Vocalink with a laudable view toward spurring payments-infrastructure competition. Meanwhile, the European Central Bank is being more prescriptive, actually defining requirements for instant interbank euro-payments. The EU's central bank aims to have its payment-scheme rules implemented by November 2017. In the U.S., the Fed wants to shepherd banks to enabling faster interbank payments. While the Fed has no statutory authority to require faster payments, it is using its bully pulpit to good effect. A committee spearheaded by the Fed including regulators, banks, networks, processors and retailers is developing nonbinding faster-ACH standards. While faster interbank payment-processing infrastructure implemented abroad will tempt some to call for a Washington mandate, treading lightly is warranted. Interested firms in the U.S. are already moving. Bank-owned processor The Clearing House engaged Vocalink to support faster ACH in the U.S., while the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta recently hired IBM to enhance its processing platform. In addition, processors FIS and Fiserv are leveraging their debit networks NYCE and Accel, respectively, to deliver instant interbank payments. And bank cooperative ClearXchange launched real-time P2P payments with Bank of America and U.S. Bank. It's also likely that Facebook, Google and Square will harness real-time ACH for their P2P services. If regulators don't foreclose or deter new and nontraditional entrants, the field of potential innovative competitors is broad. MasterCard reportedly is bidding on Vocalink, with which it could deliver real-time ACH globally. Payments software gorilla ACI Worldwide has stepped up its processing presence and is in an interesting position to deliver multinational instant payments. Faster-payments schemes and processors will be incented to interconnect to deliver genuinely ubiquitous national and multinational services. Competition and experimental innovation by private parties vying to deliver winning P2P payments solutions will produce superior results. To help make instant account-to-account payments a reality in the U.S. and worldwide, regulators should encourage multiple competitors and approaches. And that means avoiding the temptation to mandate a single solution. Eric Grover is principal at Intrepid Ventures, a corporate development and strategy consultancy advising payment issuers, networks and processors, and other payments companies. Baby Bonding: Bank of America is increasing its paid parental leave from 12 to 16 weeks for U.S. employees. In an internal memo issued Wednesday, B of A's U.S. health and wellness benefits executive, Jim Huffman, also noted that the bank offers a child-care reimbursement program, backup child-care program and up to $8,000 of reimbursement for parents adopting. "The birth or adoption of a child is a momentous occasion for an employee," Huffman said. "We want to make sure they have time to care for and bond with that child." Glass Cliff: Props to "Closing Bell" co-anchor Kelly Evans for challenging ex-Lehman Brothers chief financial officer Erin Callan Montella on the role that her gender might have played in her personal rise and fall during the dying days of the Wall Street powerhouse. "You said to them, 'We've got too much of this real estate debt on the books. We need to sell it down.' A similar conversation was happening over at Goldman and they did sell it down. But the guys at Lehman did not and, in fact, were talking to you about your outfits being a distraction during your executive meetings," Evans said. For her part, Callan Montella, who was the first woman on the executive committee at Lehman, dismissed all of the gender issues that Evans raised, saying she believes she lacked authority more so because of her short tenure in the CFO role. Now a wife and mother who has detoxed from her former Wall Street career, Callan Montella has written a book, "Full Circle," about her time at Lehman and afterward, and in it she is open about her personal experiences, including a suicide attempt. She said the whole point of the book was to be reflective and to take responsibility (rather than to blame). "It's not intended to be self-help, or advice," Callan Montella said. "I'm not proud I didn't have the resiliency to go through it." Relationship Currency: Work hard, but don't just let your work speak for itself, advises Carla Harris, Morgan Stanley vice chairman for global wealth management. Instead, always be cultivating relationships with everyone in the room; that's the most important "currency" in the workplace. Harris often speaks about performance currency versus relationship currency and says too often she's seen women gravitate toward (the less valuable) performance currency. "What will make the difference for that next big assignment are the relationships that you have," she says. "Because that next assignment is going to be based on somebody's judgment and judgments are directly influenced by relationships." Keep Your Friends Close, Competitors Closer: With fintech growing as a competitive threat to the financial services industry, Mike Bodson, chief executive of the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation, solicited some advice this week from Digital Asset Holdings CEO Blythe Masters. "Ignoring or trivializing what other people are up to is a very dangerous trade," Masters said. "It makes you feel better when you dismiss your competitors. But the risk of ignoring the opportunity is gigantic. The imperative is to stay focused on your competitive position, even if you're the sole provider of infrastructure." Bodson's post-trade financial services giant announced this week that it plans to test a distributed ledger for managing repo transactions using software developed by Masters' blockchain startup. The Opposite of You: MetLife Solutions Group managing partner Bellaria Jimenez is calling on the financial services industry to overhaul the way it attracts and retains talent. Technology, the environment and social norms are changing rapidly, and if the industry wants to keep up, it should focus on pulling in women and millennials. But what Wall Street has to offer isn't enticing enough for millennial candidates, and its lack of moral support and flexibility doesn't offer a safe space in which women feel they can succeed, she said. True success does not come from hiring people who look like you, but from hiring people who are the opposite of you, Jimenez said. Role Call Cynthia Kitner has been promoted to CEO of Jefferson Security Bank in Shepherdstown, W.Va. She was previously CFO. The New York State Department of Financial Services has named Celeste Koeleveld general counsel. She will report to Maria Vullo, the agency's acting superintendent. Koeleveld had been with the New York City Law Department since 2008. ESSA Bancorp in Stroudsburg, Pa., has appointed Christine Davis Gordon to its board. She is deputy chief compliance officer with Olympus Corp. of the Americas. HomeTrust Bancshares in Asheville, N.C., plans to have Laura Kendall join its board on Friday. She is a managing director at Aurora Management Partners in Charlotte. Heritage Oaks Bancorp in Paso Robles, Calif., said the president and chief banking officer of its bank unit plans to leave at the end of April to pursue other interests. Simone Lagomarsino, the president and CEO at the holding company, will take on the additional role of bank president, after Rick Arredondo leaves. Beyond Banking Tech Giants Closing the Pay Gap?: Intel has reported that it reached 100% gender pay parity and Apple that its female employees earn 99.6 cents to every man's dollar. Amazon has claimed its women make 99.9% of what their male counterparts make and Expedia has committed to disclosing its gender pay goals by October. The woman behind the movement, Natasha Lamb, is looking at eBay, Google, Adobe, Facebook, and Microsoft next. Lamb is director of equity research and shareholder engagement at Arjuna Capital and a shareholder in a number of tech giants. She has filed shareholder resolutions at Intel and Apple forcing them to engage with the concept of equal pay transparency. "Our clients are interested in investing in such a way that they're having a positive impact on the world with their money," she said. "We pick issues that we think are good for society, good for the environment, and will be good for the companies that manage them well." RBG on the Stage: Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg will appear in a stage production of "The Merchant of Venice" running through July. She will make a cameo appearance as a judge in the trial of the Venetian Jewish moneylender, Shylock. It won't be her first time appearing in a stage production of Shakespeare. Ginsburg, 83, recalled the time she played Dick the butcher in Henry VI, whose infamous line is: "First thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers." Applications for our 2016 Most Powerful Women in Banking and Finance program will be available soon. Please see our Women in Banking page and join our LinkedIn group. Apple Bank for Savings in Manhasset, N.Y., said Thursday that Chief Operating Officer Steven Bush is taking over as chairman, president and CEO from Alan Shamoon, who is retiring. The promotion of Bush, who joined Apple Bank in 1992 after working for Chemical Bank, took effect on April 1. Shamoon, another Chemical veteran, joined Apple in 1991 and has been chairman, president and CEO since 1994. The privately held Apple Bank has assets of $13 billion. Its roughly 80 branches are in the five New York City boroughs, on Long Island and in Westchester County, N.Y. In the wake of the tragic Brussels bombing last week, just a few months after a similar attack in Paris and our own American shooting spree in San Bernardino, one would think the attacked countries, including the United States, would be seriously rethinking their refugee immigration policies. But no. President Obama, despite increasing Islamic terrorism, is doubling down, with no plan to back off his promise to admit 100,000 Syrian and Iraqi refugees to the U.S. this year. In his Easter weekend radio address, "Obama underscored that the United States has to engage Muslims as partners in the fight against terrorism." How is that working out so far, Mr. President? Undoubtedly, the president is referring to the so-called moderate Muslims, elusive as leprechauns and unicorns, those willing to raise their voices and take a strong stand against their more radical brethren. Where are they? When is the "Million Muslim March" scheduled for the Washington, D.C. mall as a protest against violence in the name of Islam? What do the Muslim refugees migrating to the U.S. and Europe truly believe? Actually, we don't know, since these refugees are not properly vetted, especially when it comes to their beliefs and intentions regarding extremism. FBI director James Comey admitted that there is no way to adequately screen the 10,000 Syrian refugees entering the U.S. If we can't vet 10,000, how in the world can we screen the ten times more whom Obama wants to invite into the U.S.? Let's look at the beliefs in the home countries where these refugees come from. In Middle Eastern countries, where Islam is the favored religion, 80-90 percent favor sharia as the law of the land. What about more radical views? Seven to 40 percent of Muslims in the Middle East and Northern Africa believe that suicide bombing is often or sometimes justified. Well, that's in the Middle East. American Muslims don't believe any of that. Or do they? Certainly not many, but in 2007 and again in 2011, 8 percent of U.S. Muslims said "suicide bombing or other violence against civilians is often or sometimes justified to defend Islam from its enemies." Eight percent is not inconsequential. Assuming that those who would actually carry out such acts is smaller still, let's look at the numbers. Three point three million Muslims live in the U.S. Using the above figure of 8 percent, this leaves 264,000 who accept suicide bombing or other violence as options in the defense if Islam. If only one in a thousand would actually carry out such acts, that leaves 264 potential mass terrorists in the U.S. Not to mention whoever is coming in as a refugee. Don't be fooled by the term "refugee." While many are fleeing the chaos of the Middle East and Northern Africa, others have an agenda and could reasonably be considered invaders instead. ISIS claims to have smuggled thousands of extremists into Europe. How many have been granted entrance into the U.S.? We may never know until it's too late. It took only two shooters in San Bernardino and three pushing the luggage carts in Brussels. Clearly, the numbers game isn't in our favor, given the mayhem only two or three terrorists can create. America is not defensible against the type of attacks that occurred in Brussels and Paris. Soft targets are plentiful in every city and town. Think of the suicide bomber this past weekend in Pakistan, killing 72, including 29 children, at a playground. How many similar targets are there in America? The U.S. is spending close to $1 trillion annually on its national security programs, with 17 separate federal agencies charged with keeping America safe. Yet we are still vulnerable, as recent terrorist events have confirmed. The only solution is to prevent the threat from ever reaching the American homeland or better yet, eliminating the threat where it originates. Neither is happening. The threat "over there" is called the J.V. team by the president and is not being taken seriously by the Obama administration. The threat "over here" is likewise being dismissed by calling Donald Trump and Ted Cruz racists over their acknowledgment of and commonsense approaches to combating this clear and present danger. We have Hillary Clinton, and others on the left insisting that "Muslims are peaceful and tolerant people and have nothing whatsoever to do with terrorism." And Obama, in defiance of common sense and reality, doubles down by opening American doors wide to anyone and everyone, including those who wish us harm. What could possibly go wrong? Just another piece in the "fundamental transformation of America" promised by President Obama. And the continued befuddlement of the media and political elites as to Donald Trump's popularity. Brian C. Joondeph, M.D., MPS is a Denver-based retina surgeon, radio personality, and writer. Follow him on Facebook and Twitter. For the first time in over a century, all three branches of government are up for grabs. When Americans go to the polls in November, they will have a unique opportunity to pick our next president, decide on control of the U.S. Senate, and determine the direction of the U.S. Supreme Court. With the vacancy created on the Supreme Court due to Justice Antonin Scalias death, the future of pro-life progress hangs in the balance with these monumental choices. Pro-abortion advocates seek to return to an unrestricted Roe v. Wade world, where abortion is permitted until the day of birth (and in some circumstances, afterward) and the flood of recent state legislation that regulates the abortion industry is rolled back. For example, one of the first cases heard after the death of Scalia, Whole Woman's Health v. Hellerstedt, would hold abortion facilities to commonsense health and safety standards, yet NARAL, presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, Planned Parenthood, and their allies in Congress have all decried these standards as discriminatory and unnecessary. President Obama and his allies insist on installing his nominee on the Supreme Court before he leaves office. If President Obamas nominee were to be confirmed, it would be a huge victory for the pro-abortion side and a huge loss for unborn lives. Letting President Obama flip Justice Scalia's vote would open the door for partial-birth abortion to be legal (Justice Scalia's fifth vote in Gonzales v. Carhart) and allow for state and federal governments to force individuals as well as churches to pay for abortions and drugs that act as abortifacients. Do you believe that parents should be notified if their thirteen-year-old daughter is considering an abortion? Or perhaps you believe that a newborn baby that survives an abortion should get medical attention? This president and his allies disagree with all of these proposals and would accept only a Supreme Court nominee who agrees with them, not you, on what is extreme. We dont have to guess about how a President Obama-appointed Supreme Court justice would vote in cases involving abortion. When asked at a press conference on February 16 if he would put forth a moderate for the court, Obama quickly replied, "No." Less than an hour after President Obama named his nominee, the head of abortion-giant Planned Parenthood Cecile Richards was seen entering the White House. Less than an hour after that meeting, Ms. Richards released a statement praising the nominee. With such radical changes at stake, the direction of the Supreme Court should be approved by the American people in this general election. The U.S. Constitution gives the United States Senate the power to protect their vote this year. And as Vice President Joe Biden has previously said, Supreme Court nominations during an election year are a political cauldron to avoid. The late Justice Scalia recognized was that over the last few decades, the Supreme Court has transformed from a judicial body to a legislative one dictating laws to the American people. It is time the American voter stand up for itself and put a halt to this extremism. Tom McClusky is the vice president of government affairs for the March for Life Education & Defense Fund and March for Life Action. With the endless stories on Brussels, the elite media is trying to fathom "what went wrong" with Belgium's security apparatus. But when the enemy is inside the perimeter, you've already lost. Take "In Divided Belgium, Some Find That Trauma Unites Them," aired on NPR on Monday, 28 March: Turn on the radio in Belgium and you get news of the terrorist attacks in French and in Dutch. Belgium is divided into Dutch-speaking Flanders and French-speaking Wallonia. There's a German-speaking area, too. That sounds like a multicultural dream come true lots of "diversity." What could be wrong with that? But immediately the picture grows darker: To make things more complicated, Brussels, the capital, is subdivided into 19 municipalities, each with its own government. And there are six local police forces. It all adds up to a decentralized system, a dismantled federal state. NPR has thus deftly laid bare the root cause of the Brussels bombing: a "decentralized" state, with rivalry and lack of cooperation among local and national governments and police forces. The fragile beauty of diversity must be nurtured from the center by enlightened bureaucrats with the iron rod of state power in their fisted gloves. There's no telling what those crazies will do with self-government. The left has the same prescription everywhere: terrorist attack in Belgium? More control from Brussels. Immigrant crisis in the European Union? More control from Brussels. Rising health care costs in the U.S.? More control from Washington. And every failure is proof that we need more of the same. Google "molenbeek alienated" (Molenbeek is the neighborhood where the bombers grew up and lived openly for four months after the Paris attack). You will get over 55,000 hits, such as CNBC describing "jobless Muslims alienated by European society" or the Telegraph telling us that "in Molenbeek, entire parts of the society are alienated from the state." You see, Muslims were not at fault. The residents of Molenbeek are victims of "European society" or "the state." These "victims" have no responsibility to become part of their new country. No, their hosts have not done enough to be "inclusive," to "reach out," to make the newcomers feel welcome (beyond showering them with welfare benefits). There is something else that stands out in the opening of the NPR report: Belgians speak French, Dutch, or German. That's it. And they're politically divided. Something nags at the back of my mind oh, yes, isn't there another language or two spoken in the capital of the European Union? What is the predominant language in Molenbeek? Dutch or French? Could there be just a soupcon of, say, Arabic or Berber spoken there? No hint of that from NPR. For that matter, neither "Muslim" nor "Islam" appears even once in the NPR piece. Maybe the bombing was just another in the longstanding rivalry between Flemings and Walloons. And what about the assertion in the title, that "Some Find That Trauma Unites Them"? The only evidence of that comes at the end, where a Francophone father has taken his 7-year-old daughter to the memorial: "I told you that in our country, there are a lot of cultures. It's multi-cultural. And in our country, that's what makes us rich." Well, yes, dead or maimed, maybe, but multiculturally rich. Henry Percy is the nom de guerre of a writer in Arizona. He may be reached at saler.50d[at]gmail.com. When Istanbul was Constantinople during the period of the great Roman, and later Byzantium Empire, hundreds of subterranean cisterns were built underneath the streets and houses to store water. The largest and the grandest of them all is the Basilica Cistern, so called because it lay beneath the Stoa Basilica, a large Byzantine public square. This impressive structure with more than three hundred vaulted columns topped with Corinthian or Doric capitals appears like a palace, earning the cistern its modern nickname of the Sunken Palace. Locally, its known as Yerebatan Sarnc, Turkish for underground cistern. The cistern was commissioned by Emperor Justinian I and built in 532 to meet the water needs of the Great Palace and adjacent buildings. It is 140 meters long and 70 meters wide, and had a storage capacity of 100,000 tons. The ceiling is supported by a forest of 336 marble columns, each 9 meters high and arranged in precise rows and columns. Many of these columns were salvaged from ruins of older buildings, likely brought to Constantinople from various parts of the empire, together with those that were used in the construction of Hagia Sophia. Photo credit: Marc Garrido Clotet/Flickr Perhaps the most striking sight in the cistern are two giant heads of the mythical monster Medusa. The Medusa heads are used casually as supports under the two columns at the northwest edge of the cistern. One of them is positioned upside down and the other is tilted to the side. Their strange positioning and the mystery of their origin attracts the most attention from visitors. Its said that the heads were so placed to counter the deadly gaze of Medusa. However, the truth might be a bit more practical than mythical this orientation provided proper support to the columns. After Istanbul fell to the Ottoman conquest in 1453, the Ottomans established their own water facilities in the city because they preferred running water over still water. The cistern was closed and forgotten. Nearly a century later, when Dutch scholar Petrus Gyllius was in Constantinople researching Byzantine antiquities, he heard stories of how local residents near Hagia Sophia were able to obtain water by lowering buckets into holes in their basement. Sometimes they even caught fish. Gyllius decided to investigate and eventually managed to access the cistern through the basement of one of the houses in that area. Even after the discovery, the Ottomans didnt treat the cistern with respect and turned it into a rubbish dump. Once it was possible to tour the underground cistern on a boat, just like James Bond did in the 1963 movie From Russia with Love. In 1985, during restoration work, some 50,000 tons of mud were removed from the cistern and elevated platforms built throughout to replace the boats. The cistern was opened to the public in 1987. Photo credit: Mr Hick46/Flickr Photo credit: Clint/Flickr Photo credit: Ishan Khosla/Flickr Photo credit: Sergey Yeliseev/Flickr Photo credit: Bruno Girin/Flickr The inverted Medusa Head. Photo credit: mtgf/Flickr Another Medusa Head lying on its side. Photo credit: Nick Wadge/Flickr Photo credit: Sergey Yeliseev/Flickr Photo credit: Dennis Jarvis/Flickr Sources: Lonely Planet / yerebatan.com / Istanbul Trails Error. Page cannot be displayed. Please contact your service provider for more details. (25) Samsungs smartphone business has declined over the past couple of years but according to market analysts, the new Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge might be the hero devices the company needed in order to stabilize its business and maintain its market position as the worlds most influential smartphone maker. Reportedly, the Korean tech giant is likely to ship nearly 10 million new flagship phones by the end of the first quarter, and industry analysts have started raising their sales forecast for the Samsung Galaxy S7 in 2016. Despite the fact that the new Samsung Galaxy S7 series doesnt introduce a brand new design compared to last years models, the new lineup appears to enjoy massive success in various regions of the world, and analysts now suggest that the company will manage to ship nearly 10 million units by the end of the first quarter. This is likely because the new lineup is packed with features and makes little to no compromises. Although it flaunts an enclosed glass-metal design with a non-removable battery, the Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge are water-resistant, very powerful; have excellent cameras, expandable storage, as well as wireless and fast charging capabilities. Furthermore, another reason why the Samsung Galaxy S7 might have been so successful is because, in certain regions, the flagship has been paired with a free Samsung Gear VR headset on pre-order terms. Advertisement Korea Investment & Securities Jay Yoo predicts that the company is likely to ship 9.5 million Galaxy S7 units in the first quarter, up from the previous estimate of 7 million. HDC Asset Management fund manager, Park Jung-hoon, also adds that the sell-in numbers have been pretty good, leading to analysts raising their sales forecasts for the new flagship in 2016. Industry analysts are also of the opinion that Samsungs decision to release the Galaxy S7 one month earlier compared to the Galaxy S6 last year has paid off, as it gave the company an advantage over Apple, who only recently took the veil off the new iPhone SE. Samsungs shares rose by 2.4% today, reaching an 18-week high. The Android version of Microsofts digital assistant Cortana will soon be updated with a plethora of new features, the tech company announced during its Build 2016 keynote broadcasted yesterday from San Francisco, California. Among other things, Cortana will soon be able to track notifications across numerous devices regardless of the OS theyre running. Naturally, that also includes Android smartphones and tablets. This news comes shortly after Microsoft rolled out the latest Cortana update which included a new widget for voice searches, improved general loading performance of the app, added a few other goodies and brought the mobile version of one of the most popular digital assistants on the planet to 1.4.0. Other than notification tracking, Microsoft revealed that Cortana will soon also have the ability to respond to SMS messages received by ones Android device directly from the connected PC. All of the announced features will come packed in the upcoming Anniversary update of Windows 10 which is expected to launch sometime during summer. More news is expected to follow soon, so stay tuned. In any case, the upcoming update will hopefully make the general user experience of the Android version of Cortana feel a bit more seamless and intuitive, especially in regards to the new notification-tracking capabilities of Microsofts digital assistant. Thats precisely what many have been hoping for as Microsoft was recently forced to disable the Hey Cortana functionality of the Android version of the app because it was interfering with Googles OK Google voice command feature. While this doesnt seem like a big deal, Microsoft faced some complaints about its app feeling less organic to use because of that in the following months. And it kind of makes sense, as people who rely on digital assistants often prefer to actually be able to activate them with voice because theyre going to talk to them anyway. The upcoming update of Cortana might not solve that particular problem, but it seems like it will definitely make its user experience a bit more seamless for people who own multiple devices. And given how these devices include smartphones, tablets, and PCs thats pretty much everyone. As you probably already know, Motorola is expected to introduce Moto E, Moto G, Moto X Play and Moto X Pure successors in the coming months. Now, judging by the companys previous releases, the Moto E will come first, and will be followed by the rest of the listed devices. The 2nd-gen Moto E (2015) was announced in February last year, which essentially means that the company is already late with the Moto E (2016) announcement. We were actually wondering when will the company unveil this handset, and what specs it will sport. We still dont know the answer to the first question, but it seems like the next-gen Moto E surfaced on GFXBench recently, read on. If you take a look at the gallery down below, youll notice there are two images in there. These are listings for Lenovo XT1700 and XT1706, and even though the listing says Lenovo, these are quite certainly Moto devices (XT followed by four numbers, just like previous models). Now, you might recall that Lenovo announced that the Motorola naming will cease to exist, and that they plan to release Moto devices under the Lenovo Moto brand. We dont know when will that happen, but this listing might be the first hint we have, and the Moto E might be the first device to launch under that brand. Anyhow, these two variants of the device carry the same specs, and judging by those specs were looking at the Moto E (2016). According to this info, the Moto E (2016) will feature a 5-inch 720p (1280 x 720) display, along with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage. The device will be fueled by MediaTeks MT6735P 64-bit quad-core SoC clocked at 1GHz, and the Mali-T720 GPU will be in charge of graphics rendering. The 8-megapixel snapper will be placed on the back of this device, and a 5-megapixel shooter will be available up front. Android 6.0 Marshmallow will come out of the box here, and judging by Motorolas previous devices, the company will add some rather functional features to Googles OS. Advertisement Keep in mind we cannot confirm this is the next-gen Moto E handset, but judging by the specs, and the timing of this listing, chances are it is. The second-gen Motorola Moto E was fueled by the Snapdragon 410 64-bit quad-core SoC, and it seems like Lenovo plans to incorporate MediaTeks chip in the third iteration of the companys entry-level device. Anyhow, stay tuned, well let you know if anything else surfaces. Alongside LG and Hyundai, the Samsung Group is one of the largest and most well-known conglomerates based out of South Korea with business interests as varied as food processing to textiles and insurance to ship-building. However, the jewel in Samsungs crown has to be its electronics business, which operates as an autonomous, wholly-owned subsidiary called Samsung Electronics. The company manufactures a whole gamut of tech products including consumer electronics devices like television sets and refrigerators to electronic components like semiconductor chips and display panels. Currently, it is the worlds largest smartphone manufacturer ahead of companies like Apple, Huawei and Xiaomi, and also the worlds second-largest semiconductor chip-maker after Intel and ahead of Qualcomm. Now, the company has added yet another feather to its cap, having been voted by New England-based consulting firm, Reputation Institute, as the third-most reputable company in the US for the year 2016. According to the Boston, Massachusetts-based firm, the South Korean consumer electronics leader scored 84.4 points out of a possible 100, giving it the number three spot in the list of 100 most reputable companies in the US in the survey conducted by the aforementioned organization. Samsung also ranked as the most reputable firm in the tech industry for corporate social responsibilities (CSR). According to Reputation Institute, it conducts online surveys among users, to rate companies on seven parameters products and services, innovation, workplace, governance, citizenship, leadership and performance. Advertisement While many of the rankings are along expected lines, some of the findings may come off as a little surprising though. While Google has consistently topped many lists as the Best Place to Work in the US and beyond, the company fails to make it to the top 50 for at least the second year in a row, and in fact, has dropped from the 51st spot to a lowly 70th this time around. Meanwhile, Apple Inc. one of the largest and most well-known technology companies in the world, failed to get into the top 100 this year. Coming to companies that did make it to the top of the heap, Amazon came in at number one for the third year a row, having notched up 85.4 points this time around. Hallmark took up the second spot on the podium with 85.1 points, while Kellogg, Sony, Johnson and Johnson, Rolex, Intel, Netflix and Walt Disney rounded up the top ten. During Microsofts BUILD conference today in San Francisco, CA, Microsoft announced a slew of new features and updates to products. Which is normal for a developer conference. But what we also found out is that Microsoft is doing something similar to what Facebook is doing with Messenger. In fact, this morning from Facebook we heard that their partnership with KLM is going to allow users to check in for flights, and even get their boarding passes from the messenger app. Microsoft is looking to do essentially the same thing with Skype and Cortana. According to Microsoft, youll be able to chat with Cortana and plan trips, add items to your schedule, and much more. Its really endless what Skype and Cortana can do for you. Microsoft is also bringing this intelligence to real-time video soon. While they didnt demo what that might mean, the possibilities are endless right now. Additionally, Microsoft announced that while the bots are launching today, developers will be able to start coding some bots as well. Which could get a bit interesting. Advertisement Skype, which started out as a way to do voice and video calls to people around the world, is really starting to evolve. A number of people use it for everyday chat, because its one of the more popular services that is available everywhere, and is also cross-platform with video calling functionality built-in (for free of course). Skype was bought by Microsoft in 2011, and there hadnt been much in terms of innovation for Skype, which had been losing money as of late. But this new chat bots feature is going to be pretty interesting, especially if it works as well as Microsoft is saying it will. Another part of chatting with Cortana is the ability to shop from Skype. So if you need a new pair of shoes, or maybe need to pre-order a new smartphone (like the LG G5), you can just chat with Cortana and itll soon be on its way. Now that could definitely get a bit scary, especially if youre not careful with what youre buying. But this is definitely the future. In January coincidental to my assuming the Presidency of the Permanent Council of the Organisation of American States (OAS), I met, in Washington DC, the Prime Minister of Belize, Dean Barrow, who had just taken on the responsibility of Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government. Mr Barrow was in DC to meet US government Treasury officials, and regulatory bodies to explore what could be done to stop the destructive course on which US banks had embarked of cutting-off correspondent banking relations (CBRs) with banks in Belize. At the time US banks had severed relations with the majority of banks in Belize, creating high costs for every international transaction. Banks had to seek correspondent relations with countries as distant as Turkey and China in order to clear payments for goods and services between the US and Belize. The situation in Belize at the time, while dire and urgent, was not unique in the Caribbean. Indeed, no county was immune; all were affected. He and I agreed then that, as President of the OAS Permanent Council, I would convene a meeting to ventilate this issue before high representatives of the 34 states of the Americas. The objective would be to expose the adverse effect on the financial services sector and the economies of Caribbean countries as a consequence of unfair practices in certain powerful member nations of the Organisation for Cooperation and Development (OECD). Incidentally, the convening power of the OAS is one of its few real strengths. It does have the capacity to bring its 34 member states to the same table for discussion, even though its practice of decision-making by consensus allows the more powerful countries to influence or block decisions. But, were it not for the OAS, there would be no other forum for a gathering of governments of the Americas to at least raise awareness of issues that materially affect the lives of their peoples. On March 30th, the last day of my three-month stint as President of the Council, a meeting was held to look at what was euphemistically described as Finance and Banking Services Challenges to Development in the Americas. For the meeting, I assembled four experts on the issue to inform the Ambassadors, including those from countries in which correspondent banks are located, on the reality of the situation. The experts were: Ryan Pinder, a former Financial Services Minister in the Bahamian government and partner in the legal firm of Graham Thornton; Dr. Farah Diva Urrutia, Director General for Legal Affairs and Treaties of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Panama; Tax treaty expert Dr Bruce Zagaris, partner in the Washington, D.C. firm of Berliner, Corcoran & Rowe LLP; and Dr Daniel Mitchell, senior fellow with CATO Institute, who has been a long term advocate against unfair practices in the global financial sector. Each of them made powerful, compelling and irresistible presentations (which can be made available to anyone who contacts me). They left no doubt in the minds of the Ambassadors that all of the countries in the Caribbean and several in Central America are being unfairly targeted as high risk areas for financial services and that cutting off CBRs has little to do with the risk of money laundering and terrorism financing and much more to do with the smallness of the rewards global banks receive from doing business with Caribbean banks when those small rewards are measured against possible huge penalties with which they are threatened by regulatory bodies. In this regard, it was a highly successful meeting a part of the work of Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister, Gaston Browne, who is charged by other CARICOM Heads of Government to lead on this issue. As Chair of the three-hour meeting I was at pains to point out that while the problem is urgent for the Caribbean, no Central and South American country is immune from its reach. I called it a creeping cancer than must be surgically terminated. Significant facts and figures were provided by the experts. For instance, 5 banks in Belize have had CBRs terminated in the US; 2 domestic commercial banks and 4 international banks in the Bahamas have been directly impacted by the loss of CBRs; 8 domestic financial institutions in Barbados have had accounts terminated primarily by Canadian and US correspondent banks; in Jamaica, correspondent banks in the UK, the US and Canada have terminated or imposed restrictions; and in the OECS countries and Guyana, CBRs with major US banks have been terminated or notice given of such termination. The unfairness of the termination of CBRs because of perceived rather than actual risk was emphasized by Dr Zagaris when he pointed out that while Caribbean countries are in full compliance with international standards, the U.S. has the biggest volume of transactions not meeting international regulatory standards; its jurisdictions and constituents do not suffer the same problems compared to smaller jurisdictions because the U.S. controls international organizations and informal groups and they are reluctant to challenge U.S. non-compliance, let alone to seek countermeasures for the same. Among those organizations are the OECD and the Financial Action Task Force. Dan Mitchell underscored the point when he mentioned that US authorities are fond of publicly saying that 12,000 companies are registered at Ugland House in the Cayman Islands, making it either the biggest building in the world or biggest tax scam in the world. He explained that in the State of Delaware in the US, there is a building that houses over 200,000 such companies. He also asserted, based on figures produced by the Financial Secrecy Index that the US is one of the largest tax havens in the world. In truth, countries of the Caribbean and Central America are being judged by standards imposed by powerful countries that they do not follow themselves. That is why governments of affected countries have to take this matter to truly representative organizations such as the United Nations and away from informal groupings of self-serving countries such as the OECD and FATF. The meeting at the OAS was a first step to dealing with the issue in a genuine multilateral body. Caribbean and Central American countries have no wish to exclude any country from decision-making, neither do they appreciate being excluded by others. What happened in the OAS on March 30th was an important step in exposing the double standards to which the Caribbean region is being subjected on financial matters, and to building a wider international consensus. (The writer is Antigua and Barbudas Ambassador to the United States and a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, University of London and Massey College, University of Toronto. The views expressed are his own) (ANSA) - Rome, March 31 - Italy and seven other EU countries have sent the European Commission (EC) a joint letter requesting a review of the method of calculating the output gap, sources said Thursday. The output gap is an indicator used to assess budget adjustments for countries the EC says are failing to meet their objectives. The eight countries asked the EC to "eliminate the time discrepancy" between how it calculates structural surplus (based on two years) and the way individual countries do (based on four years). The other signatories to the letter sent last Friday are Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Portugal, Slovenia, Slovakia, and Spain. Italian Economy Minister Pier Carlo Padoan told Le Figaro paper in an interview out Thursday that the European Union's system for calculating debt and budget targets damages Italy and should be changed. (ANSA) - The Hague, March 31 - Italy will respect all decisions taken by an international tribunal at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague concerning the case of two Italian marines accused by India of killing two Indian fishermen during an anti-piracy mission in 2012, Italy's representative said Thursday. "If Italy, a sovereign State, says it will respect the order of a tribunal that it itself had set up to resolve the dispute, there can be no doubt," ambassador Francesco Azzarello said.The court is examining a petition by Italy for Salvatore Girone to be allowed to return home from India during the arbitration. A ruling is expected in a month. "Italy is committed to fully respecting the contents and dispositions of the court order concerning Girone's hoped-for return to Italy, whatever they might be," Azzarello added. India has argued against the marine's repatriation on grounds he might not return to India for trial should the court recognise Indian jurisdiction in the case. (ANSA) - Cairo, March 30 - Egyptian National Prosecutor Ahmed Nabil Sadeq and Rome Chief Prosecutor Giuseppe Pignatone have agreed to continue exchanging information until those who tortured and murdered Italian student Giulio Regeni in Cairo are brought to justice, the Cairo prosecutor's office said in a statement Wednesday. The two prosecutors spoke Monday on the phone. Also on Wednesday, the Rome prosecutor's office dismissed as "unreliable" a tip that Regeni's vicious murder may be linked to an archeological artifacts-trafficking gang. The tip came in an anonymous letter delivered to the Italian embassy in Cairo. The chair of the parliamentary intelligence committee COPASIR also dismissed as "a hoax" the allegation that Regeni may have been implicated in archeological trafficking "It is another fabrication that offends his memory," said Senator Giacomo Stucchi. (ANSA) - The Hague, March 31 - India said at an arbitration court in The Hague Thursday it wants assurances Italy would send marine Salvatore Girone to face trial in India, should charges be brought. Girone has been held in India for the past four years without charge, and Italy is suing for his release. "We ask the arbitration tribunal to set out the guarantees," Indian representative Neeru Chandha told an international tribunal at the Permanent Court of Arbitration after she was asked "what would be acceptable to India". Chandha ended by urging the court to turn down Italy's request. Italy's representative yesterday told the court Girone must be allowed to come home because he risks being held in India another four years without charge. This would violate his human rights and the principle of due process, Ambassador Francesco Azzarello said. Azzarello said the arbitration might last another three to four years, which means that Girone risks "being held in (New) Delhi, without any charges being brought, for seven to eight years in total". This, he said, would be a "serious violation of his human rights". "Girone is forced to live thousands of kilometres from his family (and) two small children, deprived of his freedom and his rights," said the ambassador. "Italy is suffering severe and irreversible damage by his detention". Azzarello said India failed to "respect the basic principle of due process - that of bringing a charge". Girone is one of two Italian marines accused by India of killing two Indian fishermen during an anti-piracy mission in 2012. In spite of the fact that India has not brought charges he has been not been allowed to leave - aside from a few brief permits - since the incident. Fellow serviceman Massimiliano Latorre is back in Italy after suffering a stroke in 2014. Italy has taken the marines case to international arbitration after repeated delays in its handling by India. India replied that the four-year delay in charging the marines was due not to negligence but to Italian obstructionism in lodging repeated appeals and petitions. EU, Cyprus successfully exits its aid program Financial assistance terminated, 7.3 bln since 2013 (ANSAmed) - BRUSSELS, MARCH 31 - Cyprus has ''successfully'' exited its three-year financial aid program, according to the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) fund. The fund has contributed with 6.3 billion euros, in addition to the billion in loans provided by the IMF, out of the total 10 billion of the bailout. But Cyprus did not need the remaining 2.7 billion. ESM director Klaus Regling congratulated Cyprus on its success in re-establishing growth and repairing public accounts sooner than expected. The financial sector, the main element of the crisis, was restructured, recapitalized and resized, he said. The country has recovered confidence in investors and returned on the market, concluded Regling. The program started in April 2013. (ANSAmed). MOSCOW - The first team of Russian mine clearance experts has arrived at the Latakia air base. ''A unit of the International Mine Action Center is completely autonomous and is provided with the most modern systems of demining and protection'' commented the defense minister, quoted by Interfax. The mission of the Russian team is to start clearing Palmyra's basic infrastructures as well as the historic part of any explosive device. Demining operations - according to a well-informed source - should probably begin "next week". "A camp is being set up and preparatory work is taking place", the source added. Turkey: car bomb in Diyarbakir leaves 6 dead, 23 injured Police vehicle targeted; 'probably by the PKK', media (ANSAmed) - ISTANBUL, MARCH 31 - At least 6 police officers were killed and 23 other people injured including nine civilians by a car bomb near the Diyarbakir bus station on Thursday, local television reported. A local radio station said that the car loaded with explosives had blown up when a police vehicle was passing. Local news agencies say that the attack was by the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). Clashes between the army and the PKK have since last summer resulted in hundreds of deaths. (ANSAmed). Italian FM expresses support for Libyan PM Sarraj's gov't PM 'determined to engage in dialogue with all parties involved' (ANSAmed) - ROME, MARCH 31 - Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni on Thursday expressed Italy's support for the Libyan national unity government in a phone call with Prime Minister-Designate Fayez Al-Sarraj, the foreign ministry said. Speaking from his office in Tripoli, Sarraj said that the presidential council was determined to engage in dialogue with all parties involved in Libya to consolidate the national unity government and stabilize the country. Gentiloni and Serraj also "agreed on the prompt dispatch" of 860 tonnes of urgent food aid and three medical kits able to treat 30,000 patients, the foreign ministry said. The aid will be sent by the national-unity government via Italy's development cooperation department to the neediest Libyans, it said. (ANSAmed). Prime Minister Dacian Ciolos said Sunday that he persuaded the Ford representatives that it is a good thing for them to continue their investment in Romania. "We have had talks with Ford for a few weeks, months. I am confident and they could see thats a good thing to continue their investment here", said Dacian Ciolos, adding that the company representatives have certain expectations related to infrastructure Agerpres informs. Ciolos stressed that the investments- by the Romanian business environment and by the external one - are leading to economic growth. "Growth will come from investments, both in the private sector, because the fiscal relaxation measures that have been taken should have exactly this goal - to encourage the investment of the money that was left in the private sector and which do not come into the state budget", Dacian Ciolos said. The prime minister said he already had signals to that effect, following discussions in Germany, France and the Netherlands. "Several ministers attended a forum in London with foreign investors, with discussions about Romania (...) The interest to come in Romania is high ", said Dacian Ciolos, adding, however, that businessmen also foster expectations related to the reduction of bureaucracy in Romania, the continuing of the fight against corruption, the need to reform the administration, budgetary stability and predictability in legislation development. However, Ciolos stated that, unfortunately, economic growth is driven mainly by consumption. "And unfortunately it is the type of consumerism likely to increase imports and domestic production less," he added. The community of Barefoot Carmelites of Badalona was overwhelmed yesterday when collecting clothes for refugees in Idomeni, on the border between Greece and Macedonia, in response to a call by the Solidarity Pantry of Cerdanyola and the Hesed Association in Figueres (Girona), with the support of firefighters. The photo on our front page shows the wave of solidarity that has been seen in the last few hours in Badalona: 3,000 people bringing clothes, up to 400 at once, with cars queuing in the street. Many decided to stay and help the volunteers, who couldn't handle the volume of donations. This episode stands in contrast to the failure of countries and international organizations in response to the refugee crisis. A report from Oxfam Intermon made public yesterday included an interesting exercise: it calculated how many Syrian refugees from the first wave could have been hosted by each country, according to their income level, and how many they actually committed to taking in in 2013. The result is disappointing: only three countries (Germany, Canada, and Norway) have met, or even exceeded, what was expected of them. The rest have fallen very short. Spain, for example, agreed to receive barely a thousand refugees from those who were in refugee camps in 2013, in countries neighboring Syria when, according to the NGO's calculations, it could have taken on more than 16,000 in proportion to its wealth. To make matters worse, as of today only a little over a hundred of this thousand have been taken in. These data explain in part --unfortunately the war is not over-- the tragedy that refugees have experienced firsthand during 2015 and 2016. If three years ago there had been a massive resettlement, it would have been possible to avoid the avalanche of recent months and to save many of the lives that have been lost in the Mediterranean. The ineffectiveness of national governments has worsened the humanitarian drama, and has driven the EU to sign a shameful agreement with Turkey in a desperate attempt to avoid the consequences of its failure. In stark contrast, the citizens of Badalona and other Catalan cities are mobilizing to help refugees with clothes and food. A lesson in humanity and efficacy. The agreement strengthens dnatas position as one of the UKs leading independent handlers, with the firm now providing air services for some of the worlds leading airlines across seven airports in the UK. The new UK base for the Skytrax five-star rated airline will be Terminal 3 where dnata will provide a full range of ground and passenger services, from check-in to ramp operations and baggage handling, when Boeing 777-300ER services commence on 31 March. Garudas freight will be handled at the award-winning dnata City, a purpose-built complex featuring industry-leading technology. dnata will also provide the carrier with inter-airport cargo trucking throughout the UK. Senior Vice President Business Development, dnata, Mohammed Akhlaq said: The Garuda Indonesia contract further consolidates our position as a major player at Heathrow and across the UK network where we have demonstrated our commitment to delivering high standards of safety and customer service for our airline clients. Our skilled and dedicated team of ground handlers and customer service professionals will ensure Garudas transition to its new home runs smoothly, paving the way for efficient ongoing operations at Londons biggest airport. Le CBD, cette molecule active du cannabis a aujourdhui le vent en poupe. Et cela est en grande partie du au fait quil permet... Christians joyfully celebrated the festivity in an atmosphere of growing misery and hardships. The refugee emergency has reached unsustainable levels and "aid is no longer sufficient." During Lent, the Christian charity provided medical care and treatments, and handed out food parcels. For Fr Paul, the international community must stop the war and the arms trade". Beirut (AsiaNews) Paul Karam, director of Caritas Lebanon, spoke to AsiaNews about his countrys current situation. Whilst Christians joyfully celebrated" Easter, the country remains in the grip of an economic, social, and increasingly political crisis. In fact, with widespread poverty, not everyone was able to celebrate this time of celebration, the more so since Lebanon has had to play a leading role in managing the flow of Syrian and other refugees who have been crossing into its territory for the past four years. "At Caritas, we celebrated with the whole community, visiting some Christian families. However, the current situation is weighing increasingly on people. The refugee problem compounds an already urgent economic situation. The help we are getting is no longer sufficient." Caritas employees and volunteers handed out food parcels to families in need, he explained. We wanted to give them a little help as a token of solidarity for this celebration. However, health is a real emergency as needs grow, not only among refugees, but also the Lebanese themselves." Thanks to the availability and dedication of a number of doctors working for free, we were able to provide medical care and treatment in the past few weeks. However, the needs are huge. We count on donations and partners for new projects, but unlike the past, not only do refugees need help, but so do many Lebanese families." Over the years, Caritas Lebanon has never failed to lend assistance, providing not only food aid but also psychological support and encouraging exchanges between Christians and Muslims, particularly young people. However, the needs are growing in the face of increasingly scarce resources. "We are going through a severe economic crisis, Fr Paul said, which is compounded by the failure to elect a president, who should guarantee the balance of power. "With parliament deadlocked, laws are not being passed, and this is affecting the countrys development. Lebanon has "many needs and limited means". The "large number of refugees" weighs heavily "on society, the health system, and security. The poor are the first victims. During Lent, Caritas organised activities of solidarity and development for fleeing Syrian refugees but also poor Lebanese. "The situation is critical, the clergyman said. There are great needs at several levels: food, water, medicines, shelter." The international community should provide answers, not make proclamations, above all it should "stop the war in Syria and encourage the refugees to return to their homeland. The local Caritas is also working to that effect, in order to rebuild the country after peace is reached." Yesterday, Oxfam released a report that shows that rich and developed countries took in less than 2 per cent of the more than five million Syrian refugees. For this reason, the NGO called for greater commitment to accept "at least 10 per cent" of the total. "The report is telling the truth, not hiding it, the Caritas director said. Just look at what Lebanon is doing, at the proportion of locals vs refugees. It is hard to imagine our countrys huge needs, which, with all its limits, was able to open its doors. Today the rich nations can and must do more, especially towards stopping the war and the arms trade that fuels the spiral of violence, as Pope Francis said. In a letter addressed to the Foreign Minister the Indian Bishops' Conference calls for "urgent action" to know the "real fate" of the priest. Government assures that all "available and relevant information will be shared". The bishops thanks the Vatican for diplomatic work, and asks people to continue praying for the life of the priest. Delhi (AsiaNews) - The Indian Bishops' Conference (CBCI) has appealed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in New Delhi, to do "everything possible" to ensure the safety and release of Fr. Tom, the Salesian kidnapped in Yemen by an extremist commando in early March. In an official letter addressed to the Minister Sushma Swaraj and forwarded for publication to AsiaNews, the bishops call for an "urgent" government intervention to know "the true fate" of the priest. The prelates, who since the early days of the kidnapping had turned for help to the Prime Minister and to the highest offices of the State, also asked to take "all possible" means to secure his release. In response, a top ministry official assured that the minister will receive a delegation of bishops soon and will share all "relevant available information" on the release of the priest. Fr. Tom Uzhunnalil has been in the hands of the jihadist group, in all likelihood linked to the Islamic State (IS), since 4 March, whem they stormed a home for the sick and elderly of the Missionaries of Charity in Aden, in southern Yemen. In the attack four sisters of Mother Teresa and 12 other people present in the building were massacred. So far there has been no official word on the fate of the 56 year old priest born in Ramapuram, near Pala (Kottayam, Kerala), into a deeply Catholic family. His uncle Mathew, who died last year, also a Salesian, was the founder of the mission in Yemen. Fr. Tom had been in Yemen for four years. Early last week rumors - unsubstantiated began to circulate in India of a plan drawn up by the kidnappers that included torture, murder and crucifixion of the priest on March 25, to coincide with Good Friday, the memorial of Christs passion and death. These rumors were never confirmed, instead they were denied on several occasions by the Salesians and the Vicariate of Arabia, but have helped fuel fears about the fate of the Indian priest. In response, the Salesian Family has asked people to pray for Fr. Tom on the occasion of Holy Thursday and the main celebrations dedicated to Easter. In the letter sent by the bishops, signed by the deputy secretary general Msgr. Joseph Chinnayyan, it is stressed that the CBCI headquarters in Delhi is in "constant contact" with the government, which is working in a "serious and sincere" manner to locate Fr. Tom. However, despite the effort made to date there is no "definitive answer" on the place where he is being held, or why he was seized. Condemning the rumors that spread last week about an alleged crucifixion of Fr. Tom, the bishops also point out that it is in the "interest" of "our country to step up efforts to verify the truthfulness" of these "disturbing rumors." The bishops also express their gratitude for the Vaticans efforts, through its diplomatic channels, to get news of the Salesian, the bishops invite everyone to continue to pray for the salvation of the priest. Supporters of Mumtaz Qadri, who murdered Punjab Governor Salman Taseer, began a sit-in on Sunday, which later turned into a call for Asia Bibis hanging, the application of Sharia, and the maintenance of the blasphemy law. Interior Minister denies that any deal was struck with protesters, who left on their own accord." Islamabad (AsiaNews/Agencies) Islamist protesters demonstrating in front of the Pakistans parliament building in Islamabad ended their days-long sit-in on Wednesday. Islamists had come together originally to protest against the hanging of their hero Mumtaz Qadri, the self-confessed murderer of Punjab Governor Salman Taseer. They stopped claiming the government had agreed to a number of their demands, including the hanging of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman convicted of blasphemy. However, Pakistan's Interior Minister Chauhdry Nisar Ali Khan denied that a deal had been struck, saying the demonstrators left "on their own accord." "There has been no written or any other form of agreement," Khan insisted. "We were about to give orders to law enforcement agencies for clearing the area but then two religious personalities intervened." Supporters of the governors former bodyguard had gathered in front of the parliament building last Sunday, ready to die rather than stop their protest. Their action started out as a show of support for the executed assassin, but turned into a protest against changes to the blasphemy law, for the implementation of Sharia, and the hanging of Asia Bibi, who has been on death row pending her appeal. Initially, the authorities reacted slowly, underestimating the protest. As a result of this, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif came under harsh criticism. When he spoke out, he did not offer any far-reaching measures. Eventually, the number of radical protesters reached a peak of 25,000, forcing police to deploy more 7,000 agents, including the paramilitary Rangers and Frontier Corps with reinforcements from the Punjab police, whilst army troops guarded key government buildings. Columnist Gul Bukhari said that after initially underestimating the protesters and failing to read their intentions, the government acted wisely by letting them tire out and showing overwhelming force. "The show of force was put out [sic] and in the end all they got was safe passage out," she said, adding there was nothing in the agreement claimed by the protest leaders that went beyond the current status quo and it was a "face-saving measure." Meanwhile in Lahore, the death toll from the Easter Sunday attack rose to 74. Scores of the wounded remain in hospitals. "It's a sense of great grief, sorrow and fear," said Shamoon Gill, spokesman for the All Pakistan Minorities Alliance. More than 2 thousand people join "Ethical Mongol" group to demand the resignation of the government and the withdrawal of the parliamentary mandate. The protest deals with foreign companies for the exploitation of coal mines and quarries of rare minerals. 94% of the gross domestic product comes from these areas, and 50% is in the hands of non-national companies. Ulaan Baatar (AsiaNews) - More than 2 thousand miners gathered yesterday in Ulaan Baatars Freedom Square to demand the resignation of Parliament and the Mongolian government. The demonstrators are demanding the cancellation of a $ 5.4 billion deal with an Anglo-Australian company for the mining rights in the Oyu Tolgoi area. This is yet another contract signed by the government with foreign companies, and the miners have taken to the streets concerned that the country's wealth is being "sold off at low prices. The protesters are led by former wrestler and opposition MP Battulga Khaltmaa, who says " Our wealth is shipped outside of country. Where is that money going?. The politician gathered small parties not aligned to the government and some civil society organizations in a group called "Ethical Mongol," which aims to "restore economic fairness" of the nation. After decades of a sluggish economy, based mostly on subsistence farming and herding, the country decided to exploit its rich reserves and mineral resources: coal and rare minerals have become a valuable export commodity. 94% of the entire gross domestic product comes from the exploitation of the subsoil, but the risk is that the market is being outsourced to foreigners. At the moment, according to Xinhua, 90% of Mongolian exports end up in the Chinese market. Furthermore, 49% of companies operating in the country is owned by Chinese. That's why, despite the assurances of Xi Jinping, a part of the population begins to fear a political hegemony and creeping infiltration by the Land of the Dragon. Moscow (AsiaNews) - The Russian Orthodox Church and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) will organize a great Christian leaders summit in Moscow, October 28 to 30, whose theme will be persecution in the world. The meeting should bring about a thousand delegates from 150 countries to the Russian capital. According to the spokesman of the Moscow Patriarchate, quoted by Interfax-Religion, "the reason to hold an event of this magnitude is the mass persecution, unprecedented in modern history, comparable to the persecution of Christians in the early centuries and mass repression by atheistic authorities in the twentieth century". As first revealed to AsiaNews by the nuncio in Moscow, Msgr. Ivan Jurkovic, there shoould also be a large Catholic participation, with hundreds of delegates. The BGEA was founded by the preacher Bill Graham in the United States over 50 years ago. The current leader of the association is the famous preachers son, Franklin, who is also head of the charity Samaritan's Purse. In the spring and summer of 2015, the Moscow Patriarchate and the two organizations have jointly implemented a project in southern Russia to help refugees from Ukraine and Eastern Europe. In this area, over 63,000 kits were distributed that included food, hygiene items, sheets, stationery for school and children's toys, reports Interfax. Franklin Graham is close to the head of the department for external relations of the Moscow Patriarchate, Metropolitan Hilarion. (MA) Mgr Dominik Jaroslav Duka called on the Chinese president to grant freedom to Catholics and all believers in China. He also gave the Chinese leader a book by a Czech dissident, whose works were banned under the countrys former Communist regime. Some 30 business deals were signed worth US$ 4 billion. Prague (AsiaNews) During President Xi Jinpings state visit to the Czech Republic, Mgr Dominik Jaroslav Duka, archbishop of Prague, presented the Chinese leader with a letter calling on his government to respect human rights and religious freedom. During his visit, which ended yesterday, Xi signed a strategic partnership treaty with the Czech Republic. Some 30 business agreements were also signed that could bring about US$ 4 billion in investment this year in tourism, banking, energy and car making. The visit has been controversial and sparked protests. Some activists threw black paint at some Chinese flags on display in Prague streets; other Chinese flags were covered with Tibetan flags. Falun Gong practitioners and Vietnamese were also among the protesters, slamming Chinas infringement on Vietnams territorial waters in the South China Sea. Czech President Milos Zeman received Xi in Prague Castle with full honours. He was also criticised for sacrificing human rights for economic interests. The Archbishop of Prague Dominik Jaroslav Duka (pictured) met the Chinese leader at the banquet in the latters honour two days ago. The prelate presented Xi a letter and a book by Bohuslav Reynek, whose works were banned by Czechoslovakias Communist regime after 1948. According to Mgr Dukas secretary, the letter handed to Xi Jinping called on him to respect human rights and religion freedom, not only for Catholics, but also for all believers. In it, the archbishop said he hoped Xi would understand that freedom for the Church and religious communities was an indispensable part of life in a democratic country. The prelate decided to attend the banquet with Xi to encourage religion freedom in China. An exhibit of Reyneks works was recently held in Beijing. Initially, Chinas Ministry of Culture had refused the Czech request, but after much persuasion, it gave its approval. (JA) The Kuching High Court rules in favour Roneey Anak Rebit, who was registered as a Muslim, citing Article 11 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion. For Catholic priest, he was able to return to Christianity "because he had never practiced Islam and his life had nothing to do with that religion. For others, changing religion is almost impossible." Kuala Lumpur (AsiaNews) This is good news, although it is not certain that it will lead on the short run to discussions on unilateral conversion of children, said Fr Lawrence Andrew, editor of the Catholic weekly The Herald, following a decision by the Kuching High Court in Sarawak (one of Malaysias federated states) to allow a Muslim to convert to Christianity. Such a decision is rare in a country where only a Sharia court can rule on religion changes. Anyone trying to leave Islam, an act deemed apostasy under Islamic law, faces an almost impossible task. However, this particular case falls within a specific niche of conversions involving the children of mixed couples who must necessarily be registered as Muslim, and given in custody to the Muslim parent in case of break-up. Roneey Anak Rebit, 41, was born a Christian but was converted to Islam by his parents and renamed Azmi Mohamad Azam. Since he never accepted his new faith, he was re-baptised in 1999 as a Christian, but for this to be legal, he had to change his status from Muslim to Christian with the National Registration Department. On 24 March, Kuching High Court Justice Datuk Yew Jen Kie made the decision to allow Rebit to revert to Christianity citing Article 11 of the Malaysian Federal Constitution, which recognises freedom of religion. According to Fr Andrew, Roneey Anak Rebit was able to return to Christianity "because he had never practiced Islam and his life had nothing to do with that religion. Some people testified that he never held to the Islamic faith. Hence, he was free to return to his old faith. In case of practicing Muslims, changing religion is almost impossible." The court's decision generated positive comments among Christians and Muslims. In a statement, the Association of Churches in Sarawak thanked "the Kuching High Court for coming to a fair and just decision in accordance with the law. We call upon the federal government to honour and give effect to the guarantee of religious freedom as provided in the Malaysia Agreement*." "This judgment reaffirms the supremacy of the Federal Constitution, which under Article 11 defends every Malaysian citizen's right to freedom of religion, said the Sisters in Islam in a statement. The latter is a moderate Muslim womens group established in 1988 to fight oppression of women in the name of Islam. For his part, the government has announced plans for reform regarding unilateral conversion of minors but has not yet set a date for it to be tabled in parliament. * The Malaysia Agreement of 1963 united North Borneo, Sarawak and for a short while Singapore with Malaya to form Malaysia. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha signs decree that gives the military the power to arrest and detain people for up to seven days for 27 crimes. Ostensibly, this is due to the lack of staff in law enforcement agencies. For human rights groups, it is just another attack against civil liberties in the name of national security. Bangkok (AsiaNews/Agencies) In a surprise move made public late Tuesday evening, Thailands military strongman Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha signed a decree giving the military new broad police-like powers to arrest and detain criminal suspects. Human rights groups immediately criticised the decision, accusing the general of violating civil liberties in the name of national security. The order, published in Thailands Royal Gazette under the title Suppression of wrongdoings that could threaten Thai economy and society, gives army, navy and air force sub-lieutenants and higher ranking officers the right to summon, arrest and detain suspects in a wide range of crimes for up to seven days. Military officers can act against people suspected in 27 different types of crime, including extortion, human trafficking, robbery, fraud, forgery, defamation, debt collection, gambling, child protection, prostitution, loan sharking and tour guide services. General Prayut, the former army chief, issued the decree under Section 44. The latter came into effect in the spring of 2015 to replace martial law, and is the most contested part of the interim constitution. It grants the prime minister the power to issue decrees "for the prevention, restraint, or suppression of any act which undermines public order or national security, the Throne, the national economy, or State affairs. For human rights groups, it is essentially martial law in all but name. There are people whose behavior and wrongdoings are considered crimes. They threaten the countrys economy and society, the decree says. However, given Section 44s broad sweep, the military can arrest people without a warrant in any incident. What is more Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwa said that the military would also act as interrogators and that they were taking on the new role because there were not enough police to tackle crime. Since it took power in 2014 in a bloodless coup, the military junta has restricted freedom of expression, cracked down on public protest, and censored the media, journalists and scholars critical of the government. Most recently (29 March), a 57-year-old woman in northern Thailand was arrested for posting a photo on Facebook of herself with a red plastic bowl inscribed with New Year* greetings from two former prime ministers, Yingluck and Thaksin Shinawatra, who have criticised the junta. A military court in Chiang Mai released her on 100,000 baht (,800) bail pending a military trial. If found guilty, Theerawan Charoensuk could face up to seven years in prison. * Songkran, or New Year, begins on 13 April. How To Change A Dead Car Battery Learn How To Boost A Dead Car Battery In Minutes 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. Click, click The sound of a dead battery, or rather, the lack of sound as your engine fails to turn over, will give you a sinking feeling in your gut. The time will come when youll need to jump-start your car, most likely because youve left the headlights on for an extended time. Unfortunately, this is an extremely easy mistake to make, especially with newer cars that have dash lights whether or not your headlights are on, so dont feel (too) stupid about it wed prefer not to mention how many times this has happened to us. So what are you going to do, just wait around for a tow? No. Just, NO. You can handle this, even without a high level of mechanical skill. If you know how to change a tire, you can deal with this. Because its more about being able to man up and take care of business when life throws its little curveballs. Because, as a wise man once said, when a problem comes along, you must whip it. And its surprisingly quick and easy to whip this problem with a little forethought and preparation, as well as the kindness of strangers. And if you know its going to happen and it is theres no reason to be unprepared. The first thing youre going to need is a set of jumper cables. So get your own cables to keep in your car. Without a doubt, its much more promising for your chances to approach a stranger, jumper cables in hand, to ask for a jump. Its a universally understood sign. But youre gonna look like a real jerk asking someone you dont know to not only jump your car, but to provide the cables. Its embarrassing enough when youre alone, but its especially humiliating if youve got passengers counting on you to get them to their destination, so dont be that guy. Theres really only one tool required to jump a car: those jumper cables (though, that said, it would if you had a car battery charger in your emergency kit). So what are you looking for when shopping for a set? As someone, somewhere, may have told you, length matters. Jumper cables are usually in the 10-20 foot range, but 20 feet is recommended because sometimes cars have their batteries on opposite sides of the engine and it can be hard to get the two cars close enough to one another if the cables are shorter. Moving a car with a dead battery into an easy position for a jump can be a bit of a problem, depending on how and where its parked. For example, putting two cars nose to nose on the side of a busy street may not be possible. Moreover, some models have the battery in the trunk, so if open the hood and the battery location isnt immediately obvious, do a quick check of the boot. Another consideration is the gauge, or thickness, of the cables, because the lower the gauge, the thicker the cables. You may also have heard somewhere that girth is important, and for this purpose you should look for 4 to 6 gauge. Look for cables with a good, sturdy set of spring-loaded clamps, too. And because jumper cables can be cumbersome to store and can get tangled and dirty, a set that comes with its own storage bag is a great idea. Capri Tools makes a great set that will meet your needs. At 20 feet long and 4 gauge with solid clamps, all packed into their own bag, they are handy to keep in the trunk and easy to deploy. We Recommend: $19.65 at Amazon.com Following these steps, lets jump-start that car. Youre going to want to get the two vehicles close, battery to battery most likely, front to front but be prepared for the one-off with the battery in the rear but never touching. Put each car in park or neutral, making sure the engines in both vehicles are shut off and the parking brakes are set. Open the hood or trunk and locate the battery in each car. Make sure you can identify the positive and negative terminals on each battery. Usually, red indicates positive and black is negative, but you can also look for + or POS and - or NEG to be certain. And you want to be certain. Another helpful clue is that frequently the positive post is a larger diameter than the negative post. Attach the cables. Youve got a red, positive cable and a black, negative cable. First attach the red, positive clamp to the positive terminal in the car with the good battery. Then attach the other red clamp to the positive terminal on the dead battery. Next, attach the black negative cable to the negative terminal on the good battery. Lastly, attach the remaining black clamp, AND THIS IS IMPORTANT, not to the negative terminal on the dead battery, but to an unpainted metal part in the engine compartment away from the battery, such as a nut on the engine block. (Note: youre always instructed not to attach that last clamp to the negative terminal, but rarely do you see an explanation for why it isnt done. Technically it would work, but theres a slight risk of a very bad outcome. Batteries can off-gas highly volatile hydrogen, and when you make that last contact there is likely to be a small arc, which could spark an explosion. Considering a car battery is full of sulfuric acid, and considering that your face is likely to be right above the battery when that happens, you can see why you might not want to take that risk, no matter how small it may be. So yeah, away from the battery is good). Start the vehicle with the working battery. Let it run for a couple minutes. Next, start the car with the dead battery and keep it running. Remove the jumper cables, reversing the order in which you connected them (negatives followed by positives). Thank that stranger profusely. Proper etiquette doesnt require an offer of any payment; theyll be in the same spot someday. But do pay it forward were all in this together. Drive your car for a good 15 minutes before shutting it down in order to allow the battery to get a good charge. Congratulations! Youre good to go. And youll probably remember to turn those lights off, at least for a while. What if youre in the middle of nowhere, without the benefit of a kind stranger or random passerby upon whom you can rely? Well, there is another, more expensive option to simple jumper cables. A number of companies make battery amp starters that can take the place of another vehicle, providing the juice necessary to jump your dead battery. Some can be used to power not only your dead battery, but a range of peripherals. We like the CAT 2000 Amp Jump Starter because it has enough stored energy to jump start a tractor trailer, so your whip will present little challenge. It also comes with an emergency light, because what if your battery dies at night? We Recommend: $120.00 at Amazon.com Of course, there are certain times when its not a good idea to try to jump-start your car. Dont attempt if your car is in a place where it would be dangerous for you to be moving around it, or you simply cant safely maneuver another vehicle close enough to attempt the jump; dont attempt in really rough weather conditions, such as high winds, or a blizzard. There are always times when its best to call for assistance. Most auto clubs and many insurance policies will allow for fifty miles of free towing. Check your policy and always have the number for roadside assistance. But what if the jump-start fails? If you cant start your car with the help of a jump, or youve driven the car around for over fifteen minutes and it wont hold a charge, you may have a faulty battery that needs to be replaced. If you need a jump-start every time you leave your dome light on, theres a very good chance your battery isnt up to the job. Alternatively, you may have another problem, such as a bad alternator, an issue with your ignition switch or starter connection, or even simply a bad fuse or a buildup of corrosion on the battery terminals. An alternator often doesnt fail all at once, but if it is beginning to go bad, you may see certain signs, like dimming or flickering headlights and gauges, or multiple and simultaneous electrical failures, such as the radio or the power locks and windows. It may seem like your car is haunted, like everything is going wrong with it at once, but if your battery has died and youve been experiencing some of these other symptoms, youll likely need a new alternator. An inexpensive battery tester is good to have on hand and can tell you whether your battery is holding an adequate charge. A digital multimeter is simple to use and easy to read. The Etekcity MSR-R500 Digital Multimeter is inexpensive; measures voltage, current, and resistance, and is easy to use. The meter has a backlight and large numbers for low light situations. We Recommend: $17.00 at Amazon.com Testing the Charge on a Battery Testing your battery is quick and simple. Youll need your battery tester, safety glasses, and gloves. For the most accurate reading, the engine should be off. Turn your lights on for a minute to remove any surface charge. The battery tester will have a red and a black lead. Touch the red to the positive terminal on the battery and the black to the negative terminal. A reading of about 12.6 indicates a fully charged battery, but we want to check if it will hold a charge. So with the tester still attached to the terminals, start the car. The reading will dip down, then rise up again, but it shouldnt drop below around 10, and if it doesnt rise back up again, thats a pretty good indicator that your battery isnt holding a charge. If all this is too much mucking around under the hood for you, an auto parts store can do a quick assessment of your battery, happy with the prospect of selling you a new battery. Installing a New Battery Most of todays batteries are maintenance-free, but you should still check your battery annually. Automotive batteries last about four years, on average. If your battery is old and/or isnt holding a charge, its time put in a new one. The good news is that you can do this, too. These days, the biggest cost incurred while having your car worked on is labor. Auto mechanics charge hourly rates that would make an architect blush. Sometimes its unavoidable, but installing a battery neednt be one of those times. This procedure shouldnt take you more than an hour to perform. You might think to run to your local auto parts shop, buy your replacement battery, and then start the process of pulling the old battery. You could do that, but youre going to make two trips that way, and you dont have to. First remove the old battery, then take it to the shop for proper disposal, and while there, pick up your new battery. Or better still, order your replacement online and have it sent to you. But youll still have to dispose of the old one properly. Most auto parts stores will accept used batteries for recycling. NEVER PUT A CAR BATTERY IN THE TRASH. Heres the eight items youll need to replace your auto battery: 1. Replacement battery (order online or purchase when you turn in dead battery more on this later). 2. Socket set (metric). Youre going to need this to bust that terminal nut. EPAutos reversible comes with both metric and English sockets in corrosion-resistant stainless steel, in a convenient carrying case. You wont have to chase down the right sized socket it will be right where you need it. We Recommend: $20.00 at Amazon.com 3. Battery terminal protectors. This tape protects the terminals from corrosion in lieu of grease a much neater option. We Recommend: $4.00 at Amazon.com 4. Safety glasses. A splash of Tabasco stings. A splash of battery acid? Thatll leave a mark. You dont need to go Gucci 3M makes an inexpensive pair that will provide wrap-around eye protection. We Recommend: $9.00 at Amazon.com 5. Rubber gloves. Again, chemical burns are nobodys idea of a good time. Wells Lamont gloves are made to withstand caustic or corrosive chemicals while protecting your mitts. We Recommend: $8.00 at Amazon.com 6. Memory saver. This device provides just enough electricity to save all your car computer settings, from seat positions to radio presets. Clore Automotives Memory Saver has an LED light to let you know that its actually connected to your cars OBD II, so that when you disconnect the battery, the computer still has power. We Recommend: $13.00 at Amazon.com 7. Grease for the battery terminals (optional). Any inexpensive grease will do youre looking for a coating that impedes corrosion where the protective tape doesnt cover. 8. Clean rags. If theres an abundance of corrosion on the terminals, some rags will come in handy for an initial cleanup. Start by preparing for the removal of the old battery. For this, make sure youre parked in a safe, level spot with the engine off and the parking brake set. If your car has an anti-theft code for resetting your radio or navigation system, youll want to make sure you have that handy. Usually, this is written in your owners manual. Youll have to enter the code once the new battery is installed for electronics to work properly after disconnecting the battery. Alternatively, a handy little gadget to have is a memory saver, which plugs into your lighter socket to keep the computer memory alive in all of your electronics while the main battery is being changed. Itll keep your clock set to the correct time and your radio and navigation systems functioning with all your presets in place. Technology, man, gotta love it. Wearing eye protection and sturdy gloves, check the battery terminals for corrosion or sulfate buildup, which will be a powdery white, blue, or green. This can interfere with a batterys connection, so youll want to clean that off using a wire brush. Your gloves and glasses will keep this corrosive material off your skin and out of your eyes. Using your socket wrench, loosen the bolt that holds the negative (black) terminal and cable onto the negative battery post, then twist and pull up the terminal from the post. (Note: Never touch a metal object, such as a wrench, to both terminals at the same time. This can cause sparking or even an explosion.) Remove the positive (red) terminal using the same method. Next remove the battery hold-down clamp with a socket wrench. Lift the battery out of its tray. It may be heavier than you expect, so be prepared, and lift carefully with both hands. Once the battery is out, check the terminals, the tray, and the hold-down clamp for any sulfate corrosion left behind and clean that up with a wire brush. Lift the new battery with both hands and lower it into place, making sure to align the negative post with the negative terminal and cable, and positive to positive. Put inexpensive, color-coded battery terminal protectors on before attaching the terminals and, if desired for added protection, apply a thin coat of grease to the battery posts. Both of these will help minimize corrosion. Now you can connect the positive terminal to the positive post, then negative to negative. Tighten the terminals onto their posts with your socket wrench. Replace the battery hold-down clamp and make sure the battery is securely in place and the terminals fit tightly. Congratulations, youve installed your new battery and youre finished. Reward yourself for a job well done in a method of your choosing. We suggest a cold beer. Dont forget to take that old battery in for recycling. The toxic acid and lead are easily recycled, and often the seller of your new battery will charge a small fee that is refunded upon turning in your old one. Battery Types and Recommendations Before selecting a battery, check your owners manual for the appropriate size and type and location of battery terminals. Some have terminals on top, others are on the side. Get the same type as your old battery, otherwise the connectors may not reach or fit within the space for the battery. With batteries, as with produce, freshness counts. Even in storage, batteries lose their charge. You want as new a battery as possible. Shipping codes may need a little deciphering, but the shop can tell you the age of the battery. You want one thats no more than six months old. Batteries come in two main types: Maintenance-free Lead Acid and Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM), which is a type of lead acid battery. Once upon a time, lead acid batteries required occasional topping off with water to maintain the electrolyte solution necessary for functioning. These days, batteries consume less water and will retain fluid for the life of the battery. The caps arent meant to be removed, so do yourself a favor and dont try it, MacGyver. AGMs hold a charge for longer, withstand a deeper discharge (like leaving your lights on for an extended period with the engine off), and have become common in newer vehicles with a fuel-saving stop-start function that shuts off the engine when you come to stop at a light. While AGMs can cost as much as 100% more than a lead acid battery, they are worth the expense if your vehicle sits idle for extended periods. EverStart Lead Acid Battery For a basic, no-frills lead acid battery, Everstart makes a good choice. Their sealed lead acid battery is inexpensive, comes in all sizes and terminal positions, and most have a handle for easy swap out. You can pick one up at most local Walmarts. We Recommend: From $60.00 at Walmart.com Optima Yellow Top AGM Battery One of the nice features offered by Amazon when shopping for batteries is a prompt to confirm the make and model of your vehicle to ensure proper size and type. This will save you a step. Optima Batteries Absorbed Glass Mat Battery is a good choice for those more demanding applications that make the added expense worth it. Optima has excellent battery life and capability for cold cranking, with a 66 minute reserve for continued use. We Recommend: $157.00 at Amazon.com 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. Finance Tips For Millennials 10 Finance Tips For Millennials Who Are Struggling To Get By Page 1 of 3 Getting your financial footing in todays ever-changing world can seem like an impossible task. Its hard out here for a millennial, but its certainly not impossible. Recently I spoke with Michael Thiemann, personal finance expert and CEO of Zebit, about how different the world is today compared to when he graduated from college in 1979, and we agreed the technology that todays Millennials have at their fingertips is both a blessing and a curse. Theres a ton of new pressures facing young people today, including massive student loan debt and an increasingly competitive job market that makes it more difficult to achieve financial freedom. With all this technology, though, there also comes a wealth of information to help you find your way. And guess what Michael Thiemanns best piece of advice to Millennials was? Get informed. These ten finance tips are a good place to start. 1. Cut Your Day-To-Day Expenses Right off the bat, you can start to get your finances in order by cutting back on how much money you spend on a daily basis. Instead of ordering food at work, make yourself lunch the night before. I know it can be tempting to get take-out every day, especially if you live in an area with a lot of awesome restaurants, but your wallet will thank you for packing a turkey sandwich with a slice of American cheese instead. Another thing that has really helped me is making my own coffee. For a while I was spending two dollars every morning on coffee from a small local shop, without even realizing how much it impacted my bank account. Now I buy a giant tub of Maxwell House coffee for fifteen dollars once every couple of months. The coffee certainly isnt as good, but it gets the job done and its worth the money saved. Think of things you spend too much money on every day, and cut back on them before you do anything else. 2. Get Roommates Aside from moving into your parents basement, having roommates is the easiest way to save money on housing. Sure, a studio apartment or even a house may sound awesome, but first you need to land that big job and get some money flowing. Thats why for now, until you get everything in order, its best to live in a house with at least one other person. The more people you have in a house the cheaper it will be, but each person is one more chance at having a horrible roommate, so keep your numbers limited. Make sure you decide carefully who you sign a lease with, because once you sign it youll be stuck with them until the lease expires. Sometimes, even your close friends can turn out to be the worst roommates imaginable, so watch out for red flags such as poor communication skills or an affinity for cocaine, as things like that can lead to major problems down the line. 3. Set Up A Savings Account Speaking of money saved, my savings account is one of my favorite things in the world. At first, though, it wasnt like that. I treated it like a second checking account, which completely defeats the purpose of having a savings account in the first place. When I found myself in a situation where I needed the money, and didnt have it because Id wasted my savings, I decided it was time to set some boundaries. I started putting fifty dollars from every paycheck directly into my savings account, and vowed not to touch it unless it was absolutely necessary, or if the time had come to reward myself with concert tickets or some new clothes, which is only about once every three months or so. The money just keeps on adding up, and it really comes in handy if I have an unexpected expense, like a blown tire or an above-average power bill. Dont sleep on a savings account. Ten pregnant women have served prison time in South Australia in the past two years with six giving birth behind bars, prompting calls for specialist mother and babies facilities. Judge Paul Cuthbertson heard in court this week that South Australia was the only state without such facilities after SAs program was cancelled more than a decade ago. In January, twice-convicted drug trafficker Soraya Louise Constant, who has pleaded guilty to six counts of attempting to import a marketable quantity of pseudoephedrine, sought a suspended sentence, saying her child would likely repeat her criminal mistakes if they were separated. The court was told that South Australia does not allow for mothers to keep dependant infants in prison with them, as in other states, The Advertiser reported. This week, Constants barrister Heather Stokes cross-examined Adelaide Womens Prison general manager Darian Shephard-Bayly. He said that while there is nothing purpose built in South Australia, the state does lead the nation in pre-release and home detention programs for female prisoners. At any one time we are approaching 200 women in custody in SA, with another 20 on home detention, Shephard-Bayly said. According to The Advertiser, Shephard-Bayly said that the rehabilitation in keeping mothers and babies together isnt the only concern. It would be best to keep people out of jail in the first place, and sentenced to home detention, but professional assessments need to be made, he said. Some people, when they come into custody, are at rock bottom and affected by a range of issues that impact not only on their offending but on their parenting. I dont think it would be sensible, appropriate or advantageous for all people to have access to their children in custody. Constant was remanded on continuing bail for sentencing next month. Queensland Community Legal Centres are bursting at the seams, with the demand for Community Legal Centre assistance at more than double what it was five years ago. A Queensland Association of Independent Legal Services report shows that women experiencing domestic violence are among the most vulnerable users of the service. South West Brisbane Community Legal Centre director Sandra Padgett told AAP that the increased awareness about family violence has prompted more victims to seek help. All of the publicity that has surrounded the wonderful Rosie Batty is making them more aware that certain behaviours are domestic violence and that they can get help, Padgett told AAP. There has (also) been a lot of focus on domestic violence in family law matters. In 2013-14, community legal centres were forced to turn away over 80,000 people due to a lack of resources. And centres are facing a further 30% funding cut by the government in 2017. We know we already can't meet the current needs from our service and any cuts will mean that we are turning away even more women and children experiencing violence, said Women's Legal Service Queensland co-ordinator Rosslyn Monro. QAILS is calling on the Federal Government to reinstate funding and work with legal services to develop a sustainable strategy to solving the legal problems of vulnerable members of the community. It's horrifying to think that in this environment where domestic violence has come to the fore that they are going to cut the funds we need to help people, Padgett said. Australia has committed a further eight and a half million dollars to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) in response to the Syrian refugee crisis.The Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Peter Dutton announced the extra funding at a UNHCR meeting in Geneva and said that the country has now committed more than $258 million to the humanitarian response to the Syria and Iraq conflicts since 2011.He explained that the additional funding would assist the UNHCR to deliver on the increased refugee resettlement and activities they are managing to support this including procedures streamlining, additional staffing including integrity officer positions, a staff training rollout to link resettlement with protection activities and biometric registration enhancements.It will also support UNHCR's administration of engagements in 2016 with the goal of improving the global response to refugee and displacement crises including Syria."Australia has also committed 12,000 resettlement places additional to an intake of more than 4,000 places for Syrians and Iraqis in Australia's annual humanitarian programme of 13,750 places," Dutton said."Australia has made a significant commitment to the global pool of resettlement places by increasing our overall humanitarian programme over a four year period. We remain committed to working with the international community to find practical solutions to the challenges being faced," he added.But he has been criticised over the slow intake of refugees with fewer than 30 refugees currently resettled in Australia as part of the Government's 12,000 intake from Iraq and Syria.Dutton has refused to say when more will be settled but said that about 9,000 people have been interviewed and assessed and are being processed through health, security and character checks while more than 1,600 visas have been granted to people displaced by the conflict in Syria and Iraq.He also confirmed that visas are likely to be granted to family groups rather than single men over fear that Australia could inadvertently allow would be terrorists into the country.But the slow rate of resettlement has been criticised by refugee groups who point out that Canada, for example, has resettled 1,000 Syrian refugees for every one Australia has welcomed to its shores in the past six months. The Renault Nissan CMF-A platform will spawn a crossover and a sedan; to be seen on new models for emerging markets. Carlos Ghosn, chairman and chief executive officer of the Renault-Nissan Alliance has confirmed that the alliances flexible CMF-A platform, which underpins the Kwid, will also give rise to a crossover and a sedan, among other body styles. Were going to come up with more cars on the same platform. For the moment its one car, but you can expect second, third, fourth with different designs and different shapes. Were obviously going to have crossovers and were also going to have sedans, Ghosn said on the sidelines of the recently held 2016 New York auto show. The new models based on the CMF-A architecture will cater to not just the Indian market but also to other emerging markets. While Renault already considers the Kwid a crossover, it is now likely that we could see one from Nissan and Datsun as well. Calling the Kwid an instant success which has surpassed expectations, Ghosn said that establishing the CMF-A platform is part of the companys long-term strategy. Renault India has seen a huge turnaround in its sales due to continued buoyant demand for the Kwid with bookings for the vehicle crossing the 1 lakh mark since its launch. Nissan is said to reveal its upcoming equivalent car under the Datsun brand, known by its codename, I2, or redi-GO on April 14. The redi-GO, which shares the same CMF-A platform as the Kwid, is confirmed to be a city-focused hatchback. Although it is likely to have around 200mm ground clearance, it will be shaped and marketed as a city car as opposed to a crossover. Interestingly, the carmaker will also develop an electric variant of the Kwid in the future with Ghosn saying the same would only be a logical consequence without giving a specific timeframe. TDI Instead of getting its ducks in a row, Volkswagen cheerily announces that the Beetle Dune is available to order in the UK from April 5. This is far from a bad car, but it isnt a priority on the brands rather challenging 2016 agenda. Thats about enough Dieselgate for today, so lets focus on the Beetle.Compared to the regular model, the higher-riding Beetle Dune features a lot of black plastic cladding, Dune stickers on the doors, a different front grille, and a ducktail spoiler similar to that of the 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS. Its a looker, alright. As for the interior, here we have an extensive use of contrast Turmeric stitching everywhere, from the sporty seats to the parking brake grip.Based on the Design trim level, the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle Dune can be had as a coupe or a convertible. Standard equipment includes goodies such as a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth for your mobile phone, DAB radio, SMS messaging functionality, and an 8-speaker sound system. The front and rear parking sensors are also standard fit. As for engines, two will have to do.First, theres the 1.2-liter TSI connected to either a manual or a DSG dual-clutch automatic. Then theres the 2.0-literturbo diesel, which is matched with a stick shift as standard or an optional six-speed DSG. Pricing for the 1.2 TSI model starts at 21,300. The dual-clutch transmission adds 1,460 to the price. The convertible model, on the other hand, is 2,995 more expensive. As for the oil-burning powerplant, the Beetle Dune 2.0 TDI starts at 23,805 and the six-speed DSG commands an additional 1,605. SUV Now, as you may imagine, there are two ways you can do that: one is to create something truly spectacular, while the other is to make something absolutely ridiculous. Well, here is Dartz, the crazy Latvian armored-car manufacturer with an offering that easily covers both aspects.We've talked about the Black Shark before after it's made its first appearance in Cannes back in 2014. Now, though, the company is getting ready for its commercial release, so it has launched a campaign that is probably the funniest parody we've seen in a while. It's got Sacha Baron Cohen, after all, so it couldn't be anything but funny and ridiculous.If you remember, Mr. Cohen played Admiral General Aladeen in "The Dictator," a movie where he was the supreme leader of an imaginary North African country called Wadiya. He spent most of his time enjoying the company of various virgins, but he also shot his competitors to ensure winning in sporting events and did all sorts of other dictatorial things.He was also driven around in a golden Dartz Prombron, the self-entitled "most expensive car in the world" and the perfect fit for a dictator in more ways than one. Not only is the Dartz Prombron heavily armored (B7 rating), but it's also absurdly expensive - it's well within the seven-figures realm.For 2016, Dartz is promoting its new vehicle, the Black Shark, which is based on a Mercedes-Benz - just like any presidential car should. In this case, it's a GL-Class, but we get the feeling not much of the German luxury off-roader is left intact. And, once again, Admiral General Aladeen is here to make sure people hear about Dartz's latest creation. There's also a cameo from Donald Drumpf, "Dictator of the U.S.A." played by the real Donald Trump, so take it from us, you'll be thoroughly entertained. AMG 6x6 The cars belong to Turki Bin Abdullah, a Saudi billionaire who decided to bring four vehicles from his fleet of gold-wrapped machines to the British capital. Aside from the Lambo, we're also talking about a Mercedes-Benz G63, a Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe, as well as a Mansory Bentley Flying Spur.The cars have spent quite a lot of time parked in Cadogan Place this week, in the proximity of the Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel, in Knightsbridge, the city's supercar area (think central London).As multiple British tabloids write, some of the cars even got parking tickets, with the owner leaving these untouched. While the authorities did state the fines would be tracked in order to check if they are paid, a London troll found a different way of dealing with the not-exactly-tasteful display of wealth.As you'll be able to see in the video below, the man wrapped his Ford Ka in "fake gold," parking the lilliputian vehicle right between the Aventador SV and the six-wheeled Affalterbach behemoth.However, many passersby showed a different attitude, reaching out for their smartphones and taking selfies with the shiny vehicles.In case you want answers to questions such as "how does a Porsche 918 Spyder look when given such a treatment?" or "How does a cheetah look behind the wheel of a Gelandewagen?" feel free to check out the man's Instagram account P.S.: While the first clip below shows the Ford Ka trolling move and the second one brings some of the cars under the spotlights, we also felt the need to add a third video at the bottom of the page. CROSS KraftFahrZeug Holding GmbH (Cross) is one of Stefan Pierer's companies, and is the majority shareholder of KTM AG (KTM), with 51.4% of the shares. The other significant investor in KTM is the Indian motorcycle giant Bajaj, with a 48% participation in house Mattighoffen. Still, 0.6 percent of the KTM shares are now on the free-float market, and pretty much anyone can buy and sell them.Cross wants KTM to become a privately owned company and is making a public purchase offer for the remainder of the shares. Cross is willing to pay 122.5 per share, which is equivalent to $127.4 by Google's exchange rates at the time of writing.At the upcoming annual shareholders meeting, on April 21, Cross will seek to have the board of directors authorizing the withdrawal of shares from the Third Market (Dritten Markt) of the Vienna Stock Exchange.KTM delisting its shares from the Vienna Stock Exchange will make it an entirely privately owned company, but this should not impact the consumers in any way. In fact, no longer being a public company should make KTM's life easier by making the decision process quicker thanks to fewer parties involved in the business. Also, this will leave KTM free from other formal obligations to the shareholders.Now, if you feel like investing in KTM, there is still a way to do that, but by buying Cross shares, as the company is also listed on the Vienna Stock Exchange. WP, the in-house suspensions maker of KTM, is also under Cross' umbrella, and rumor has it that this company is also slated for withdrawal from the public market, most likely for the same reason of making the business flow smoother.If you ask us, seeing KTM consolidating their business is a good thing. In a way, this looks a lot like having everything under the same roof regarding the MotoGP team. Now under Audi's umbrella, the Sant'Agata Bolognese maker of supercars has an entire department dedicated to racing activities, including a customer driving program, GT3 racing, and last but certainly not least, the Super Trofeo series.Lamborghini Squadra Corse already had a Young Drivers Program, Formula Junior Program, and GT3 Junior Program, but it has now decided to venture into a Kart Drivers Program as well.The new initiative was apparently taken to support even younger drivers to pursue a career in motorsport, hopefully driving something with an angry bull as the emblem in the future.The Kart Drivers Program is another milestone in our training programs for youngsters, which aim to select the best drivers who decide to invest in our motorsport programs to further their racing careers. Every young driver has the ambition to reach the pinnacle of the open-wheel Formula, but the GT world is a solid alternative to becoming a professional racing driver. Lamborghini Squadra Corse wants to help the most deserving youngsters in achieving this dream. said Giorgio Sanna, Head of Lamborghini's Motorsport.Lamborghini Squadra Corse has teamed up with DR Racing Kart, which is headed by Danilo Rossi, five-time kart world champion and now a maker of kart frames.The best-performing young racers will then have the option of climbing through every racing step towards the pinnacle motorsport series. After karting, they could go onward to a training category within Lamborghini's Formula Junior Program.From there, the sky is the limit, since the best of them will get the opportunity to test and actively participate in the development of the Huracan LP 620-2 Super Trofeo. Only a few will probably graduate to become members of the GT3 Junior Program, but even that can be considered as a launching ramp towards professional racing. At least that's what we suspect after watching the trailer Pagani has just released, with the main clue here being an element that appears to point to a roof scoop.Sure, Pagani should release the Huayra Roadster, but those who know the automaker better expect it to manifest its multiple personality through special editions of the fixed-roof model.We have to admit this teaser is nothing short of brilliant, since it reveals plenty of elements of the upcoming hypercar without giving away the model altogether. For instance, we can see the vehicle will sport a Blue exposed carbon skin.Returning to the (probable) roof scoop mentioned earlier, we'll take the time to remind you such elements only appear on the hottest Pagani models. The same can be said about Koenigseggs, but this is another story for another time.The scoop reminds us of the Zonda R, but this is not enough to make us bet on Pagani coming up with a Huayra R.Another question that remains to be asked has to do with what comes after the imminent release, if Pagani has reserved something for this area. You see, the Italians didn't just launch the Huayra Beny Caiola in Geneva, they also introduced the Pacheto Tempesta We're talking about a retrofit pack, and while this doesn't bring "standard" Huayras to BC spec, it gives their owners enough goodies to dismiss the feeling of being left behind.Then there's the mystery revolving around the potential purchase - let's not forget that all twenty units of the $2.5 million BC were already sold out before we even got to drool over the thing in Geneva There have been a series of mishaps that did nothing to relieve the already immense pressure everyone involved in revamping the show is under, but there are contracts to be fulfilled and really big sums of money involved, so nobody can just call it quits and go home.Well, apparently some can, as the show's executive producer (and friend of Chris Evans) Lisa Clark clearly proved when she left the boat late last year. The rest of the main figures - including actor Matt Le Blanc, famous YouTuber Chris Harris, and Nurburgring goddess Sabine Schmitz - however, seem determined to stay and do their best to guarantee the new show's success.Sometimes, though, their best might not be enough. Three of the show's presenters - Rory Reid, Eddie Jordan and Sabine Schmitz - together with a 40-odd strong crew were supposed to fly to Kazakhstan to film some footage for the BBC2 motoring show. Their flight path took them to Moscow, where a connecting flight was supposed to get them to Astana, the country's capital city.Only plans didn't exactly fall into place as they were taken off the plane, together with the rest of the passengers. It appeared that the Russian airliner Aeroflot had a dispute with the country's officials and the latter decided to ban them from entering the country. So the team returned to the UK empty handed.BBC wasn't in any way at fault here, but at the end of the day, that doesn't really matter: the harm is done, and the show is the one that's suffering with everyone else involved alongside it. Speaking on the topic, a BBC spokesperson told The Sun , Through no fault of the Top Gear team, the airline carrying them was not permitted to fly from Moscow to Kazakhstan and so they returned to London. They intend to visit Kazakhstan in the future to shoot the planned film there. The BBC will be looking to recoup the cost of the flights.It's estimated that the complete cost of the Kazakhstan trip rose to about $700,000, but BBC hasn't lost that money yet. It plans to resume its attempt of filming that Kazakhstan special on a later date and find a way to include it into the show. Earlier this year, the team performed donuts around the Cenotaph - a historical monument in London - which prompted Chris Evans to issue an apology.In a way, it's actually a good thing there's not that much time left until the new Top Gear will begin its air time: who knows what else could happen? They should just get it rolling and adjust as they go - things tend to sort themselves out better when you do that. Photo of Ford Explorer courtesy of Ford. Ford Motor Co. is recalling 5,536 2015-2016 model-year Lincoln MKC SUVs and 2016 Ford Explorer SUVs in the U.S. and Canada so dealers can address an underhood fire risk associated with the block heaters. The engine block design, coupled with the particular block heater installed in these vehicles, creates an overheating risk when the vehicle is parked and the block heater is plugged in. This condition increases the risk of an underhood fire, the automaker said. Dealers will remove the heaters and replace them with an updated design to resolve the issue, Ford said. If needed, they will also replace the cords. There will be no charge for this service. Ford noted its aware of two reports of underhood fires in Canada, but the company isnt aware of any accidents or injuries related to this issue. The recall covers certain Lincoln MKC SUVs built at Louisville Assembly Plant from Nov. 25, 2013, through Jan. 25 of this year, as well as certain 2016 Ford Explorer SUVs built at Chicago Assembly Plant from Oct. 20, 2014, through Jan. 28 of this year. The recall includes 3,129 2015-2016 Lincoln MKC SUVs and 2,407 2016 Ford Explorer SUVs. A total of 1,543 of the affected vehicles are in the U.S. and federalized territories, while 3,993 are in Canada. Photo of Ford Transit courtesy of Ford. Ford Motor Co. is recalling 37,905 2015-2016 model-year low-roof Ford Transit vehicles in the U.S. and Canada so dealers can inspect and adjust the side-curtain air bags as needed, the automaker said. The side-curtain air bags in some vehicles may be positioned incorrectly, Ford said, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. Ford noted, however, it isnt aware of any accidents or injuries related to this issue. A total of 37,066 of the recalled Transits are in the U.S. and federalized territories and 839 are in Canada. The recalled vehicles were built at Kansas City Assembly Plant from March 12, 2014 through March 18 of this year. There will be no charge for this repair. The co-pilot of the EgyptAir Airbus that was hijacked on Tuesday was the last person to remain on board the A320 with the passenger who pretended to have an explosive belt and forced the crew to land in Cyprus. According to the account Hamad el Kaddah gave Newsweek, during the flight from Alexandria bound for Cairo, Seif el-Din Mustafa came out of a bathroom and told a flight attendant he had explosives. Kaddah and the captain, Amr al-Gammal, were told they were being hijacked and to go to Cyprus, Turkey or Athens. They reported the situation to ATC, chose to head for Cyprus based on their remaining fuel, and checked that the cockpit door was secured, Kaddah said in the report. As the passengers and crew were released from the A320 as it sat on a runway at Larnaca Airport in Cyprus, Mustafa demanded fuel for the aircraft and a pilot to fly it. I said I will stay. He wanted to refuel the plane to fly to another country, Kaddah, 32, told Newsweek. He just wanted someone to be in the plane, in the cockpit, ready to go.Kaddah returned to the cockpit and closed the door. Then, he was seen climbing out the cockpit window and jumping onto the ground. Mustafa later surrendered to authorities, who found that the man was mentally unstable but did not have explosives. His motive hasnt been confirmed, and he had referred to his ex-wife during the standoff. According to Kaddahs account, Mustafa also made political demands but he was not permitted to disclose them. 31 March 2016 16:24 (UTC+04:00) By Nazrin Gadimova Azerbaijani publish commemorates March 31 the Day of Genocide of Azerbaijanis, committed by Armenians back in 1918. Thousands of Azerbaijanis visit a genocide memorial that was built in the northeastern town of Guba to honor victims of massacres committed in the area by Armenian and Bolshevik forces. The Guba burial site of genocide victims was found during excavations on 1 April 2007. In 2009, there was decided to create a memorial and conduct landscaping and improvement on the site of the mass graves. Later, the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography began extensive research on the mass grave, which was completed in September 2008. The research has established that the burial has to do with the genocide committed by the Armenians against the local civilian population in 1918. The complex established with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation includes a museum containing pictures and archive documents about life in Baku, Shamakhi, Guba, Javad and Goychay between March and July 1918. In 1918, the Armenian gangs committed an act of genocide against the civilian population almost on the entre territory of Azerbaijan. More than 50,000 of Azerbaijani citizens became victims of Armenian fascism in a matter of five months. Azerbaijanis were exposed to genocide in Baku, the Guba province, Shamakhi, Gusar, Erivan, Nakhchivan, Zangezur, Karabakh, Lankaran and practically on all Azerbaijani lands. In 1918, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic established a special investigation commission. The commission began to operate, but after the collapse of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic in 1920, it naturally ceased to exist. Though this date was essentially forgotten during the Soviet times, relevant investigations on the tragedy were carried out and books were published after Azerbaijan gained independence from the USSR in 1991. President Heydar Aliyev issued a decree on March 26, 1998 to commemorate March 31 as the Day of Azerbaijanis' Genocide. -- Nazrin Gadimova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @NazrinGadimova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 31 March 2016 19:01 (UTC+04:00) By Nazrin Gadimova An international conference entitled No genocide was held at the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) on March 31. Addressing the event, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sport Intigam Babayev said that today Azerbaijanis from all over the world commemorate the Day of Genocide of Azerbaijanis. He further spoke about a fragile stability that exists in many countries, saying that the number of hot spots is growing in the world. As a result of the policy pursued by certain forces, there is an ethnic, racial cleansings, genocide, Babayev said. These are problems most faced by young people. Therefore the issue of genocide refers not only to historians; it should be on the agenda of governmental agencies and non-governmental organizations. PhD in Political Science, Senior Consultant on Public and Political Issues of the Presidential Administration of Azerbaijan Mehseti Aliyeva, in turn, noted that not knowing the past one cannot build a future. "People, who did not preserve their past, become victims of the future. Some people do not dare to look in the past. Armenians can be called an example of such peoples. They are afraid of meeting with the tainted past. Azerbaijani people have the pure past; they look into the future with faith and hope, Aliyeva added. The Azerbaijani people have gone through the difficult times, she added. "However, we have never lost hope, we remain tolerant. There are peoples who created and wrote the history. The Azerbaijani people have been creating the history at all times. The history written by others [Armenians] is accompanied by false or distorted facts. Our people have been subjected to aggression, genocide, our lands are occupied. During the March genocide, about 50,000 Azerbaijanis were killed. We must draw conclusions from this genocide, Aliyeva concluded. Then the conference continued its work with panels. As part of the event, foreign scientists and experts will visit the Maiden Tower, Shirvanshakhs Palace, Museum of History, the Old City and Guba Genocide Memorial Complex. During March-April 1918, hundreds of Azerbaijanis were executed by Armenians in Baku, Shamakhi, Guba, Mughan and tens of thousands of people were expelled from their lands. Armenian Bolshevik troops led by Stepan Shaumyan massacred thousands of people, burnt Islamic shrines and confiscated the 400-million-manat estate of Baku residents. Tezepir Mosque was bombed, and one of the magnificent architectural buildings, Ismailiyyeh, was burnt down. The genocide policy pursued against Azerbaijanis was not limited to Baku. Armenian dashnaks killed 8,027 Azerbaijanis, including 2,560 women and 1,277 children, in 53 villages of Shamakhy, 110 km west of Baku, on March 31. Also, 16,000 Azerbaijanis were murdered in 122 villages of Guba, northern Azerbaijan. The evidence of the Armenian vandalism in Guba is the burial of remains of the genocide victims. The burial was discovered during the construction of a stadium in Guba in 2007. The Special Investigation Commission set up by the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic on July 15, 1918 collected a great number of documents and submitted them to the government. In 1919, the Azerbaijani Parliament made a decision on marking March 31 as the day of Azerbaijanis' genocide. Though this date was essentially forgotten during the Soviet times, relevant investigations on the tragedy were carried out and books were published after Azerbaijan gained independence from the USSR in 1991. President Heydar Aliyev issued a decree on March 26, 1998 to commemorate March 31 as the Day of Azerbaijanis' Genocide. -- Nazrin Gadimova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @NazrinGadimova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 31 March 2016 15:30 (UTC+04:00) By Aynur Karimova Russia and Turkey may restore their once warm relations as the nations gave some signs of desire for rapprochement. The relations between the two countries have deteriorated since last November over the Su-24 incident, which took a life of s Russian soldier. The first visit of a Russian military delegation to Izmir on March 29, as well as the two countries' recent agreement on the observation flights that were cancelled since February 4, can be considered as Ankara and Moscow's desire to restore previous close ties. Such a turnaround in the considerably "cool" relations can be regarded with a desire to calm tensions to open a new page in the bilateral ties. Commenting on Russian military delegation's visit to Turkey, Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said that Turkey has expressed regret over the jet incident and calls to reduce tensions and normalize relations, Anadolu agency reported. "Turkey and Russia are neighbors and live in peace and harmony for many years. Despite the fact that we are competitors on some issues, in general, we have been successfully cooperating in many sectors of the economy," he noted. Kurtulmus believes that neither Turkey nor Russia will abandon each other and none of them will agree to break relations because of the crisis with the aircraft. Earlier, the Russian civil aviation authorities have lifted the ban on flights to Antalya on the Mediterranean, which is known as the Turkish Riviera and a popular destination for Russian tourists. Foreign media reported that no explanation has been given for the decision, in terms of which Ural Airlines will fly seven times a week from the Russian cities of Rostov-on-Don, Nizhny Novgorod and Kazan to Antalya. In December, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed an order to extend Russian economic sanctions against Turkey. Following the jet crisis, Russia began imposing an embargo on visas on Turkish travelers, as well as banned the sale of tour packages and charter flights to Turkey. The sanctions include a ban on Russian firms importing a range of Turkish foodstuffs, as well as canceling a visa-free regime and restricting Turkish companies from working in certain Russian business sectors, including tourism. Around 80,000 Turkish citizens live in Russia, although not all are involved in business. Moscows latest decision suggests that Russian tourists may return to Turkey as before. The number of Russian tourists had dropped by a million last year to 3.6 million. Before the jet incident, about 1,500 Turkish companies operated in Russia in businesses ranging from construction and tourism to imports of Turkish fruit, vegetables and textiles. Non-official statistics show that currently, only about 200 Turkish firms are operating in Russia. Today, several Turkish business community accuse Russian authorities of creating obstacles for their firms that go beyond the measures set out in the official sanctions. This, along with economic crisis in Russia, was why increasing numbers of Turks are heading back home, they told Reuters. Many Turkish executives say they have experienced difficulties in getting Russian visas, and some have had to rearrange their affairs. Not only Russia, but also Turkey is interested in normalization of relations with Moscow as the cost of sanctions imposed by Russia on Turkey was high. Statistics show that Turkish exports to Russia fell to around $108 million in January, down two-thirds on the previous year. Russian exports to Turkey, mainly of energy, were 30 percent lower at $1.3 billion, reflecting weak oil prices. "We want to normalize our relations with Russia as well. Russia has been not only a neighbor for us, but a partner and we had a very good relationship," Turkish Foreign Affairs Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said in a speech at George Washington University in Washington, DC on March 29. Russian officials report that the breakdown in relations between Turkey and Russia is temporary. Maria Zakharova, the spokeswoman of Russian Foreign Ministry, while responding to a question whether the row between Moscow and Ankara was temporary, said certainly." Valentina Matviyenko, the Speaker of the Russian Federation Council, believes that for the ice to melt, Ankara should take the blame for the jet incident. She told RIA Novosti earlier that only after Ankara takes such a step, Russia will resume normal relations with Turkey. The Russia-Turkey relations currently could be much better, to put it softly, she said. As you know, Russia is not to blame for this cold spell. We are ready to unfreeze relations on condition that the Turkish authorities assume responsibility for the shooting down of the Russian aircraft over Syrian territory." -- Aynur Karimova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Aynur_Karimova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 31 March 2016 09:00 (UTC+04:00) By Amina Nazarli Bloody streets full of corpses opened a horrifying scene in the capital Baku... Armenians killed Azerbaijanis in every corner of the city just because they were Azerbaijanis. The history recognizes those tragic days of March of 1918 as genocide of Azerbaijanis by Armenians. "The Armenians, breaking into Muslim (Azerbaijani) districts, were killing everyone..." Kulner, German witness described those terrible days in Baku. "In 87 Azerbaijani corpses recovered a few days after the massacre from a well, ears, noses were cut off, bellies ripped open, and genitals chipped. The Armenians did not spare children and the elderly." Ninety-eight years left from the date of the genocide committed by Armenian nationalists against Azerbaijani people. The March genocide of 1918 was committed by the Armenian terrorist organization Dashnaktsutyun in an effort to establish an Armenian state on Azerbaijani territory through destroying the local ethnic population. The collapse of the Russian Empire after the 1917 revolution opened up great opportunities for some Caucasian peoples to realize their political and national ideals and aspirations. The anti-Azerbaijan policy of Armenian Bolshevik troops led by Stepan Shaumyan reached its peak exactly during that period. Thus, Armenian armed brigades, by using the prevailing anarchic situation in the region, attempted to exterminate the Azerbaijani people. Prof Atakhan Pashayev said that the rapid development of the oil industry in Baku in the 19th-20th centuries attracted a wave of Armenian migrants to the city. The Christian Armenians were obedient subjects of the Russian Empire, so the imperial government used them as a tool in their Eastern policy. The Armenians were, therefore, able to gain privileges from the government in Bakus oil industry and soon became the major entrepreneurs in Baku oil. Armenians dominated the industry to such an extent that they were able to dictate their will to the Congress of Baku Oil Entrepreneurs, he said. Armenian workers, whose number increased considerably in the early 20th century, were active in revolutionary and socialist movements in Baku. On the eve of the first Russian revolution the Armenian nationalist Dashnaksutyun Party began spreading socialist ideas among the Armenian oil workers. The Dashnaks and other Armenian nationalist parties took advantage of the disintegration of the Russian Empire, when the Tsarist government was overthrown in the revolution of February 1918, and of the Bolshevik seizure of power in the October Revolution. They used the harsh, revolutionary ideas to promote their nationalist agenda. Stepan Shaumyan could seize absolute power in Baku after his appointment a commissar of the Transcaucasus and used his position to fight the Azerbaijanis. Shaumyan could benefit the majority of Armenian officers and soldiers serving in the Russian army for his anti-Azerbaijan campaign, Pashayev noted. Beginning on the night of March 30 about 20,000 Azerbaijani civilians including women, children and the elderly were brutally killed in the genocide in Baku. The Armenian vandals further spread to other regions of Azerbaijan to perpetrate a brutal massacre of the population throughout the country. Within a brief period of time many villages of Shamakhi, Guba, Lankaran, Salyan, and Mughan suffered cruel treatments, which claimed the lives of tens of thousands innocent people. One of the witnesses who watched these terrible events hiding in the basement told that he was horrified of what he saw. The Armenians had tied a samovar (a heated metal container) to one Muslims back and they had lit a fire too. The samovar was burning and boiling on the mans back, he said. Within a few days of March a peaceful Azerbaijani population in these cities and the surrounding areas has undergone unprecedented and terrible massacres, beatings, captivity, plunder and destruction. Armenian vandals carried away everything they could from houses and shops belonging to Azerbaijanis and then set them on fire. Tragic events that took place in Baku damaged the city greatly. The vandals even did not leave water and products in the market and shops. Robbers gathered and carried away even food. The press was writing: People were tortured by hunger. It should be noted that the attacks of the Armenian armed groups were not limited even after the establishment of Soviet power in Azerbaijan in 1920. For ten years, Armenian groups continued to commit attacks on civilians and ethnic cleansing was carried out to create Armenian autonomy in the northern region of Azerbaijan. The bloody tragedy is still stick on mind of people in Azerbaijan, leaving bloody traces on memories of each citizen. -- Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 31 March 2016 10:32 (UTC+04:00) By Fatma Babayeva The amount of fines and gasification level of villages seems to be not enough to prevent deforestation process in Azerbaijan. There is a need for urgent solution in order to preserve fauna and flora of the country. Azerbaijan should apply more severe penalties for the damage to the fertile forestland, said Aydin Huseynov, a member of the Azerbaijani parliament. Penalty for the damage to fertile layers of forestlands should be separated from the penalty for the damage to fertile soil in villages, Huseynov said at the meeting of the parliamentary committee on agrarian policy on March 23. The Code for Administrative Offences of the Azerbaijan Republic constitutes punishments for damage caused to fertile layer of land, which also includes forestlands, but I believe that a case of damaging forestland should be introduced as separate punishment since forests cover about 12 percent of Azerbaijani territory at present, MP said. According to the Code of Administrative Offences, a penalty for damage to fertile layer of land (including forestlands) for individuals is 70 ($44.5) to 100 manats ($63.4) in fine, for public officials it comprises from 500 ($317) to 700 manats($445), and for legal entities from 1,000 ($634) to 1,500($952) manats. The MP stressed that to reduce deforestation there is also a need to speed up the gasification of the villages located near the forestlands. Basically, deforestation and damage to forestland are a result of human interference to the nature. "The residents of nearby villages cut down trees to heat their homes," said Huseynov. Azerigaz company reported that the number of gas subscribers in Azerbaijan is almost 1.87 million, and the level of gasification in the country is about 91 percent. The trees can only be cut in case when the tree is decayed or may fall with the permission from the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Azerbaijan Republic. -- Fatma Babayeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Fatma_Babayeva Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 31 March 2016 17:20 (UTC+04:00) President Aliyev has arrived in the United States to attend the fourth Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, D.C, Azertac state news agency reported. During the visit, President Aliyev met with United States Secretary of State John Kerry on March 30. Prior to the meeting they made remarks for the press. Secretary of State John Kerry said: Good afternoon, everybody. Im really pleased to welcome somebody Ive had a chance to meet with a number of times elsewhere, but Im happy to welcome the President of Azerbaijan, President Aliyev. We have a lot of mutual interests that we are currently working on. Were very grateful to Azerbaijans contributions to peacekeeping, their efforts in Afghanistan. Obviously, Azerbaijan is located in a complex region right now and I think President Aliyev has been very studious and thoughtful about how to respond to some of those needs, particularly with his leadership on the Southern Gas Corridor. This is a very important step with respect to Europes long-term strategic interests, and frankly, to try to diversify the sourcing of energy, which is important. We obviously share other interests in counterterrorism. We want to see an ultimate resolution of the frozen conflict of Nagorno-Karabakh that needs to be a negotiated settlement and something that has to be worked on over time. But right now, I want to thank the President for his presence here for the Nuclear Security Summit and for the many courtesies that he has shown recently as he moves to adjust the economic opportunity for Azerbaijan as well as the security relationship with the region. And delighted to have you here. Thank you. President Ilham Aliyev said: Thank you very much. Mr. Secretary, first of all, Id like to express my gratitude to President Obama for inviting me to attend the nuclear summit. We consider it as a sign of friendship and partnership. We highly value our bilateral relations. U.S.-Azerbaijan relations have already a long history of 25 years, and these relations always were very close, cordial, and now they are relations of strategic importance. We have very active political dialogue. As Mr. Secretary already said, we met many times before but first time here in Washington. We have economic cooperation, which is developing. U.S. companies invested more than $10 billion in our economy, which is also a good sign of economic cooperation and good sign of economic development of our country. We jointly implemented such important projects as construction of oil pipelines connecting Caspian and Mediterranean Seas for the first time with the strong support of the United States. And now, as Mr. Secretary mentioned, we are working jointly on Southern Gas Corridor, and the project of energy security, energy diversification, and the long-term benefit to all the participants producers, transit countries, consumers. And we are very grateful to the Government of the United States for its strong support in implementation of this project. Frankly speaking, without that support, it may have taken much more time and effort to implement the project. We are on track, well be on time, and in two, three years, the Southern Gas Corridor will be in operation. We are grateful to the U.S. Government for their efforts in finding ways to resolve long-lasting conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. We think that the conflict must be resolved based on United Nations Security Council resolution, which demand immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Armenian troops from our territories. The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, all the conflicts in post-Soviet area and in the world, must be resolved based on territorial integrity of the countries. Were also close partners on issues related to security in the region. Azerbaijan provides its support, logistical support, in operations in Afghanistan, over flights, land transportation. Also we have almost 100 servicemen serving shoulder to shoulder with NATO servicemen in Afghanistan. So the agenda of our relations is very broad. Today, of course, well cover these issues as well as regional problems, and Im sure the meeting will play an important role in further development of our friendly ties. Thank you. Later at the meeting, John Kerry said the US was interested in developing strong and long-term cooperation with Azerbaijan. He said economic reforms, economic diversification were followed in the USA with interest. President Aliyev spoke of work done in Azerbaijan`s economic sector and highlighted key economic priorities and reforms in agriculture, information and communication technologies, taxes and customs, and infrastructure. The head of state said Azerbaijan maintained close cooperation with international organizations in legislative processes of economic development. Azerbaijan`s role in ensuring Europe`s energy security was underlined and the USA`s support for Azerbaijan on this front was hailed at the meeting. The importance of the Southern Gas Corridor project was also stressed. President Aliyev said Azerbaijan preserved main economic parameters despite the falling oil prices, adding that the country`s economy was in good condition. The head of state said vital measures were taken to strengthen the budget system in Azerbaijan amid the oil price fall. They said there was mutual interest in US companies` more active presence and investment in Azerbaijan. Also, President Aliyev met with the United States Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker. They discussed ongoing economic processes in Azerbaijan, measures taken in the country to prevent and eliminate unemployment, the role of customs and tax reforms in developing the national economy, as well as prospects for cooperation in the field of agriculture, and ways of expanding trade relations. The importance of the Southern Gas Corridor project was hailed at the meeting. They also discussed the expansion of Azerbaijan-US energy cooperation, and the activity of American companies in Azerbaijan. President Aliyev met with heads of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, National Coalition Supporting Soviet Jewry and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations. The sides noted that such meetings had already become traditional, opened good opportunities for conducting a mutual exchange of views and contributed to the strengthening of cooperation. Heads of the American Jewish organizations hailed Azerbaijan`s growing successes, adding that they witness this during their visits to the country. They said they were deeply impressed by the beauty of Baku. They said such meetings contributed to the development of both Azerbaijan-US and Azerbaijan-Israel cooperation. They hailed Azerbaijan-US relations, noting that Jewish organizations contribute to these ties. The sides expressed mutual interest in developing cooperation. On March 31, President Aliyev met with former Governor of the State of New Hampshire, US, and White House Former Chief of Staff under President George H. W. Bush, John Sununu. They exchanged views on current state and future development of relations between Azerbaijan and the US. -- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 31 March 2016 10:19 (UTC+04:00) A workshop on civil control over Afghan armed forces has been held at ADA University in Baku. Afghan Senior Officials Workshop was co-organized by Azerbaijan and NATO for senior officials of the defense and interior ministries of Afghanistan. The workshop saw experts from NATO member states as well as relevant public bodies of Azerbaijan give lectures about civilian control over the armed forces and the existing threats, and share their countries` experience in tackling challenges. Held since 2014 as part of NATO Defense Education Enhancement Programme, the workshop opens up opportunities for the development of administrative education and areas of exchange between bodies in Afghanistan as well as for high and medium level Afghan representatives to gain experience in this area in the context of the Afghan Defense Ministrys civil reforms programme. Azerbaijan has been contributing to global peace and security by participating in the ongoing NATO-led Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan that includes exercises, consultation, and assistance, Azertac state news agency reported. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 31 March 2016 12:17 (UTC+04:00) By Amina Nazarli Identities of Azerbaijani citizens, who died and were wounded in microbus attack in Mogadishu, Somali have been revealed. Foreign Ministry spokesman Hikmat Hajiyev told Trend that the Turkish Foreign Ministry has officially confirmed the identity of the Azerbaijani women who died in a drive-by shooting in Somalia. She is Kamala Ismayilova. The body of Kamala Ismayilova will be delivered to homeland in the near future, he said, adding that the Azerbaijani embassy in Turkey is in contact with the authorities of Somali. Ismayilovas two sons 11-year old Nihad Ismayilov and 10-year old Nijat Ismayilov were hospitalized with serious injuries, according to media reports. A microbus which was carrying employees to a Turkish hospital was fired from a car by unknown gunmen on March 30. Six people were killed during this attack. Also, the gunmen opened fire at a school bus. The exact number of victims is still unknown. But witnesses said at least six people including two Turkish teachers have been shot and killed and six others wounded. In earlier reports, Somali police sources said that the Somali driver and a translator were killed in the attack while other Turks were injured and taken to hospital. The killers escaped from the shooting scene. No group has claimed responsibility for the shooting but Al Shabaab carried out similar attacks in the past months. -- Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 31 March 2016 17:25 (UTC+04:00) By Aynur Karimova The U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has emphasized Azerbaijan's role in international security system, voicing his country's interest in developing strong and long-term cooperation with Baku. Kerry, who addressed the journalists prior to a meeting with President Ilham Aliyev, who is in Washington on a working visit to participate at the 4th Nuclear Security Summit, believes that Azerbaijan and the U.S. share other interests in counterterrorism. "Were very grateful to Azerbaijans contributions to peacekeeping, their efforts in Afghanistan," Kerry told journalists. The bilateral relations between U.S. and Azerbaijan have already a long history of 25 years. President Aliyev believes that these relations always were very close, cordial, and now they are relations of strategic importance. The two countries also have very active political dialogue and economic cooperation. The U.S. companies have invested more than $10 billion in Azerbaijan's economy. Azerbaijan and the U.S. enjoy mutually beneficial energy cooperation as well. Azerbaijan's role in ensuring the energy security of Europe is also welcomed by the U.S. and the White House strongly supports the Azerbaijan-initiated Southern Gas Corridor project, which will carry the Shah Deniz 2 gas to European consumers. Kerry said that this project is a very important step with respect to Europes long-term strategic interests "and frankly, to try to diversify the sourcing of energy, which is important." President Aliyev said that Azerbaijan is very grateful to the U.S. for its strong support in implementation of this project. "Frankly speaking, without that support, it may have taken much more time and effort to implement the project. We are on track, well be on time, and in two, three years, the Southern Gas Corridor will be in operation," he added. Azerbaijan also plays and important role in the U.S.-led anti-terrorism policy. Since regaining its independence in 1991, Azerbaijan has been actively involved in combat against cyber crimes and nuclear terrorism. Azerbaijan has also been active in peacekeeping operations conducted under the auspices of NATO in Afghanistan and Iraq. Today, Azerbaijan provides its logistical support in operations in Afghanistan, overflights, and land transportation. The South Caucasus nation also has 100 servicemen serving shoulder to shoulder with NATO servicemen in Afghanistan. Being a leading nation in the South Caucasus, Azerbaijan is a strategically vital partner to the U.S. on combating terrorism, secularism, nuclear and conventional security, energy and foreign policy. The U.S. is one of three co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, an international framework established to settle the long-standing Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. "We are grateful to the U.S. Government for their efforts in finding ways to resolve long-lasting conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan," President Aliyev said. "We think that the conflict must be resolved based on the United Nations Security Council resolutions, which demand immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Armenian troops from our territories. The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, all the conflicts in post-Soviet area and in the world, must be resolved based on territorial integrity of the countries." Kerry, in turn, voiced the U.S. interest in seeing an ultimate resolution of the frozen conflict of Nagorno-Karabakh "that needs to be a negotiated settlement and something that has to be worked on over time." "I want to thank the President for his presence here for the Nuclear Security Summit and for the many courtesies that he has shown recently as he moves to adjust the economic opportunity for Azerbaijan as well as the security relationship with the region," he added. Azerbaijan and the U.S. also enjoy close partnership in issues related to regional security. Today, both countries are interested in further developing all-out relations in all fields. Kerry said at a meeting with President Aliyev that Washington is interested in developing strong and long-term cooperation with Baku. He said economic reforms, economic diversification are followed in the U.S. with interest. President Aliyev, in turn, spoke of work done in Azerbaijan's economic sector and highlighted key economic priorities and reforms in agriculture, information and communication technologies, taxes and customs, and infrastructure. He said Azerbaijan maintained close cooperation with international organizations in legislative processes of economic development. Azerbaijan's role in ensuring Europe's energy security was underlined as well and the U.S. support for Azerbaijan on this front was hailed at the meeting. The importance of the Southern Gas Corridor project was also stressed. President Aliyev said Azerbaijan preserves main economic parameters despite the falling oil prices, adding that the country's economy is in good condition. The head of state said vital measures are taken to strengthen the budget system in Azerbaijan amid the oil price fall. They said there is mutual interest in the U.S. companies' more active presence and investment in Azerbaijan. As part of the visit to Washington, President Aliyev also met with the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Penny Pritzker, and the sides discussed ongoing economic processes in Azerbaijan, measures taken in the country to prevent and eliminate unemployment, the role of customs and tax reforms in developing the national economy, as well as prospects for cooperation in the field of agriculture, and ways of expanding trade relations. Later, President Aliyev met with heads of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, National Coalition Supporting Soviet Jewry and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations. The sides noted that such meetings have already become traditional, opened good opportunities for conducting a mutual exchange of views and contributed to the strengthening of cooperation. President Aliyev also held a meeting with a group of U.S. congressmen and the sides noted successful development of the Azerbaijani-U.S. relations in a number of areas, particularly politics, economy, energy, defense, and security. The 4th Nuclear Security Summit will convene on a difficult time when multiple risks undermine the global security. This year, the world leaders will discuss these threats and highlight steps that can be taken together to minimize the use of highly-enriched uranium, secure vulnerable materials, counter nuclear smuggling and deter, detect, and disrupt attempts at nuclear terrorism. Azerbaijan's participation at this Summit, which will bring together 52 delegations from world countries plus four delegations from the United Nations, the International Atomic Energy Agency, the European Union and the International Criminal Police Organization, is also seen as an opportunity for opening a new page in Azerbaijan's cooperation with the West. Officials believe that President Aliyev's participation at the Summit will lead to further proximity between Washington and Baku. -- Aynur Karimova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Aynur_Karimova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 31 March 2016 10:14 (UTC+04:00) During the period of 1995-2015, investments in the Azerbaijani economy totaled $220.4 billion, Shahin Mustafayev, Azerbaijani economy minister, said in an interview with The Business Year magazine. He said that the political and economic stability in Azerbaijan and the protection of the rights and interests of investors are important indicators of the business and investment climate of the country. Furthermore, the geographical location, hydrocarbon reserves, rich raw resources of precious metals and building materials, and a favorable climate for agriculture and tourism create many opportunities for local and foreign investors, Mustafayev said. To increase the efficiency of transit and logistics operations, the Coordinating Council was established to regulate the transit of goods, he said. Cargo transportation tariffs were also reduced, creating favorable conditions for increasing the transit cargo transportation capacity of the country. Within investment promotion measures carried out in 2015 alone, Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO) organized 261 events, out of which 177 took place in Azerbaijan and 84 abroad, according to him. These events showcased investment opportunities in the country to local and foreign businessmen, promoted Azerbaijani products for exports, and saw export contracts signed with foreign partners, he said. Exemplifying Azerbaijan's investment attractiveness in the world, in 2015 alone over $20 billion was invested in the country's economy. In total, during the period of 1995-2015, investments in the Azerbaijani economy totaled $220.4 billion, about half of which came from foreign investments, he said. In addition, there are more than 7,000 foreign-invested companies currently operating in various fields. Organizing the Formula One Grand Prix in Azerbaijan after the first European Games in 2015 is the result of political and economic stability, the international reputation of Azerbaijan, and the country's experience in holding major events and competitions, Shahin Mustafayev further said. Formula One Grand Prix of Europe will be held in Baku June 17-19, 2016. Azerbaijan is considered a sporting nation throughout the world, Mustafayev said, adding that holding the Formula One Grand Prix will have a significant impact on sport development, it will contribute to the economy, and the increase in the number of visitors will stimulate the tourism and service sectors. In addition, the positive image of the country will be highlighted and long-term investments will increase, he said. The athletes and guests taking part in the competition will have an opportunity to get acquainted with the country and observe the successful development model of Azerbaijan. The minister went on to add that the number of tourists visiting our country and the revenues gained from this sector have considerably increased. Attracting local and foreign investment in the tourism sector, further improving the quality of services, and hosting international sporting and cultural events provide additional stimulus for the development of tourism, he said. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 31 March 2016 16:48 (UTC+04:00) By Amina Nazarli Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR, which makes huge investments both in the country and abroad is building a modern resort in the Adriatic coast, Montenegro. Montenegrin President Filip Vujanovic told BNE IntelliNews that SOCAR has invested more than 200 million euros in the construction of the resort so far. The project stipulates construction of the resort in the Boca Bay area, which is one of the nicest places on Montenegros coast, according to the president. The 500 million euro resort, which is located on the area used to be a military base during Soviet times, is expected to boost Montenegros tourism sector and overall economy. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2017. The complex will include a network of resort "One & Only" branded hotel as well as luxury apartments, villas and a harbour for super-yachts, known for its orientation towards affluent customers. An agreement on long-term lease of the site will be signed with SOCAR for 90 years. The company will pay the rent for the first 45-year period upfront. Cooperation between Azerbaijan and Montenegro started to develop faster recently. About 4,200 tourists from Azerbaijan visited Montenegro in 2014, while in 2013 their number reached only 1,500. Azerbaijan and Montenegro are keen on developing their ties by clinching new agreements on bilateral cooperation. The resort project in Montenegro is the largest Azerbaijani investment project in tourism outside the country. SOCAR annually invests billions of dollars in transport infrastructure and is involved in key projects designed to increase Europe's energy security. It owns gas stations in Azerbaijan, Switzerland, Georgia and Ukraine. It has representative offices in Georgia, Turkey, Romania, Austria, Switzerland, Kazakhstan, Britain, Iran, Germany and Ukraine and trading companies in Switzerland, Singapore, Vietnam, Nigeria, and other countries. -- Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 31 March 2016 11:11 (UTC+04:00) Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR will produce about 1,500 tons of oil per year thanks to the commissioning of a well, which is being drilled at Saadan onshore oil field. The wells projected depth is 1300 meters, and its daily debit is expected to reach four tons of oil, SOCARs message said March 30. The drilling will be conducted until the Maikop productive layer. The works will be carried out by SOCAR Complex Drilling Works Trust. Saadan field is located on the territory of the Pre-Caspian-Guba oil and gas bearing region. SOCAR is currently implementing a program to stabilize and increase oil production. SOCAR extracted 1.25 million tons of oil from the countrys offshore and onshore fields in Jan.-Feb. 2016 as compared to 1.35 million tons extracted in the same period of 2015. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 31 March 2016 14:03 (UTC+04:00) Three gas pipelines, of which two are already under construction the Trans-Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP), Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) and Ionian Adriatic Pipeline (IAP) prove Azerbaijans commitment to the development of the Balkan region, President of Montenegro Filip Vujanovic said in an interview with BNE IntelliNews. Gas imports will fuel industrial development in Montenegro and further, cement our ties, the president said. Vujanovic said that while work on TAP should start before the summer, IAP remains wishful thinking for now. The pipeline would connect the Albanian town of Fier, which is crossed by TAP, to Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Croatia, he said adding that building this conduit would require that Azerbaijan further increases its gas exports. TAP project envisages transportation of gas from the Stage 2 of development of Azerbaijans Shah Deniz gas and condensate field to EU countries. The 870 kilometers long pipeline will be connected to the Trans Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) on the Turkish-Greek border, run through Greece, Albania and the Adriatic Sea, before coming ashore in Italys south. The initial capacity of TAP will be 10 billion cubic meters per year, expandable to 20 billion cubic meters. It is planned to start the pipelines construction in mid-2016. TANAP project envisages transportation of gas of Shah Deniz field from Georgian-Turkish border to the western borders of Turkey. IAP pipeline with a length of around 516 kilometers will be connected to TAP in the city of Fier in Albania. The pipeline will pass through Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and end in the city of Split in Croatia, where it will be connected to the existing gas distribution system of the country. From Croatia, the gas can go to Hungary and other countries of Central and Western Europe. The capacity of the IAP will be five billion cubic meters per year. The pipeline will be capable carry out reverse supply. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 31 March 2016 18:04 (UTC+04:00) By Aynur Karimova Greece has revealed the date and place of laying the foundation of the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline, a part of the Azerbaijan-initiated giant Southern Gas Corridor envisaging transportation of Shah Deniz gas to European consumers. Greek media reported on March 31 with reference to Environment and Energy Minister, Panos Skourletis that the ceremony will be held in Thessaloniki on May 17. The Greek minister said that a number of high-ranking officials will attend the ceremony, as the TAP is the most important project, which will allow creating a large number of jobs. TAP is meant to transport gas from the Caspian region via Greece, Albania and the Adriatic Sea to southern Italy and further to Western Europe. The pipelines total length is about 870 kilometers. TAPs initial capacity will be 10 billion cubic meters per year, expandable to 20 billion cubic meters per year. The construction of TAP will not only provide European countries with Azerbaijani gas, but also pave the way for establishing a significant gas pipeline and infrastructure network in the region. Greece, a Southern European nation with economic difficulties, sees TAP not just a major investment, but also a significant geopolitical tool for this country. Earlier, TAP's country Manager for Greece, Rikard Skoufias said that there were no clouds on the horizon for the project and that cooperation with Athens is smooth and steady in all aspects. "Already 150 Greek companies have been selected as prospective suppliers for works on the pipeline," he added. Greece has repeatedly expressed a desire to get Azerbaijani gas as soon as possible and assured to have necessary infrastructure for supply of Caspian blue fuel via the multi-billion Southern Gas Corridor. The Southern Gas Corridor project envisages the transportation of the gas to be extracted from the giant Shah Deniz field in the Azerbaijani section of the Caspian Sea. Shah Deniz Stage 2 gas will make a 3,500 kilometer journey from the Caspian Sea into Europe. The first gas supplies through the corridor to Georgia and Turkey are given a target date of late 2018. Gas deliveries to Europe are expected just over a year after the first gas is produced offshore in Azerbaijan. -- Aynur Karimova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Aynur_Karimova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 31 March 2016 14:51 (UTC+04:00) By Fatma Babayeva Iran, one of the most favorable destinations in the Middle East, is on the way to improve its infrastructure and make visa regulations easier for foreign visitors in order to promote tourism sector in the country after UN, the USA and European countries lifted sanctions connected to its nuclear program in January. Lots of western tourists from the US and Europe are ready to beat the path to the long-isolated countrys door to explore what it has behind it. The country enjoys a great potential to meet numerous tastes with its huge number of natural and historical sites, pilgrimage destinations and health centers. Located on the ancient Silk Road and representing a connection gateway between east and west gained a unique culture for Iran. The government supports tourism to push the industry ahead. Vice President and Head of Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization Masoud Soltanifar said to the Iranian news agency IRNA on March 30. The country will start issuing e-visas for tourists by the end of 2016. Tehran is considering the introduction of a visa-waiver regime with some countries on a bilateral basis, Soltanifar stressed. At present, the Islamic Republic issues 30-day visas for citizens of 190 countries upon arrival at its airports which can be extended for additional 15 days. The growth of the tourism sector is one of the priorities of Iran's leadership. Iran encourages the tourism industry to attract foreign investment. We welcome the role of private sector, the vice president added. As many as 500 hotels are under construction in the Iran. Iran plans increase the share of tourism revenues from 0.5 to 2 percent of the total income of the country by 2021 based on the 20-year economic development plan. Iran expects to host 20 million tourists a year in 2025, generating a $30 billion in income from the industry which is equal to amount overall oil revenues predicted for 2025. Iran possesses 19 cultural monuments, included in a list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Iran ranks 36th for tourism revenue in the world with an annual income of $7.5 to $8 billion. Kish island in Persian Gulf, remains from old city Persepolis, Golestan Palace, Milad tower and many other mosques and monuments are only few places among sightseeing in Iran worth to visit. Simplified visa regime will also favor Iranian tourists who wish to travel across Europe and the U.S. after a long period of sanctions and being isolated from the West. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 31 March 2016 15:01 (UTC+04:00) TheTurkmen parliament during its regular meeting adopted the law On freedom of religion and religious organizations, the Turkmen government reported on March 31. This law is based on the fact that Turkmenistan, being a democratic, legal and secular state, guarantees freedom of religion and belief. Turkmenistan ensures equal rights to every person, regardless of his (her) religious beliefs, the message said. A nationwide discussion of the draft of new edition of the Turkmen Constitution is being held in the country at this stage. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 31 March 2016 15:07 (UTC+04:00) The police have detained four members of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) terrorist group in Turkeys Hakkari province, IHA news agency reported March 31. Two women are among the detained and one of them is an Armenian national. They were planning to have trainings at a PKK camp in northern Iraq. Reportedly, the detained PKK member of Armenian nationality is responsible for the activities of this terrorist group in Yuksekova district of Hakkari province. Earlier, Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that over 5,359 PKK members have been eliminated as a result of the operations against this terrorist group since July of 2015. He added that 355 Turkish servicemen were killed during these operations, which will continue until the complete destruction of the PKK. The conflict between Turkey and the PKK, which demands the creation of an independent Kurdish state, has continued for over 25 years and has claimed more than 40,000 lives. The UN and the European Union listed the PKK as a terrorist organization. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 31 March 2016 18:22 (UTC+04:00) Alparslan Celik, who shot at the second Russian pilot who catapulted after the destruction of the Russian SU-24 bomber, has been arrested in Turkeys Izmir province, Hurriyet newspaper reported March 31. Upon arrest, firearms were seized from Celik. Aside from him, 14 more people have been arrested. Relations between Russia and Turkey have deteriorated after Turkish Air Force jets shot down the Russian SU-24 bomber when it entered Turkish airspace Nov. 24, 2015. After the incident, Russias president signed a decree on measures to ensure national security and on special economic measures in regard to Turkey. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3.0 ( - - ): editor [at] bahrainmirror.com 10 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW: Todays guide to the obscure, the possibly relevant and things in between Premier Foods has rejected a fresh offer from US spice brand McCormick, which valued the company at 65p per share. The Mr Kipling owner said yesterdays offer continues to undervalue the company and its future prospects. However, Premier added its board was prepared to meet McCormick to negotiate a higher offer. In a statement, the company said: The board has informed McCormick that it will be expected to provide an improved proposal following these meetings. Generating shareholder value remains the boards key focus. There can be no certainty that any offer will be made, nor the terms on which any such offer might be made. The rejection comes in the wake of the news Japanese instant noodle firm Nissin had increased its stake in Premier from 17.27% to 19.90%, as the two companies sought to finalise a relationship agreement. The agreement would allow Premier to distribute Nissin goods in the UK, while seeing its own products made more widely available in key overseas markets. It has also been suggested that there would be opportunities for the sharing of intellectual property and manufacturing capabilities. Premier share prices have continued to stay high in the wake of McCormicks third offer. They were trading at 60.00p at 8:43 this morning (31 March), up from 56.50p before the announcement. Guadalajara-Vallarta Highway to be Completed by 2018 Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Budget cuts and environmental issues have delayed the construction of the new Guadalajara-Puerto Vallarta highway, but the Communications and Transportation Secretariat (SCT) asserts it will be finished by 2018. The 156-kilometer project, initiated in December 2011, has been proceeding at a rate of just 5.16 kilometers a year. At this point in time, the first stage, a 67.9 kilometer stretch between Jala and Compostela, is only 38 percent complete. According to Jalisco's SCT delegate, Bernardo Gutierrez, different segments of the new road have advanced at 'different speeds' subject to the complexity of the work. So far, he calculated, the sections of the new highway to Puerto Vallarta that have fewer curves have advanced at a rate of around 50 percent - but he wasn't talking about just the completion of construction. "We already have, between contracted and completed works, a road to the municipality of Las Varas, and another from Jala to Varas. And this month we have awarded the contract for the road from Las Varas to Bucerias, which includes the highway to Puerto Vallarta," he said. "That is to say, 78 of the 156 kilometers that the new highway will comprise have been ascertained." Gutierrez pointed out that the road's progress has been delayed due to the complexity of the project and funding cut backs. Contributing to the complexity are environmental concerns: the highway runs through a jaguar protection area, and mountainous terrain, which requires the construction of tunnels. Once completed, the new highway will reduce the travel time between Guadalajara and Bucerias, a town to the north of Puerto Vallarta, from about five hours to just under three. Kia Says First Mexico Factory to Start Operations in May Seoul, South Korea - Kia Motors expects to start production at its first Mexico factory in the first half of this year as planned, despite local government calls for a change to an investment deal reached with the South Korean company. The new government in the northeastern Mexican state of Nuevo Leon is demanding Kia renegotiate some of the incentives promised in the 2014 deal, citing the state's difficult financial situation, Kia said. "The investment contract between the company and the Nuevo Leon state government was done through a legitimate procedure, and we expect the state government to respect the contract and faithfully abide by it," the South Korean automaker said in a statement on Wednesday. A person familiar with the matter told Reuters that South Korean President Park Geun-hye may address the issue during talks with her Mexican counterpart early next month. Kia aims to start the output of its Forte compact at the factory on May 15 as scheduled, the person said, declining to be identified due to the sensitivity of the matter. The carmaker in 2014 announced the $1 billion project to build the Mexico plant, with a capacity of 300,000 vehicles a year. It will cater to demand from North America and South America. Affiliate Hyundai Motors also plans to build its Accent small car at the Kia factory next year, two people familiar with the matter previously told Reuters. TFI i banki nie sa zadowolone z narzucenia im odpowiedzialnosci za ESG Instytucje finansowe uwazaja, ze to na nie zostaa zrzucona odpowiedzialnosc za ESG. Decyzje na temat zrownowazonego rozwoju powinny byc podejmowane na poziomie stanowionego prawa, gdyz obecne regulacje zniechecaja do oferowania funduszy opartych o ESG - mowili prelegenci podczas XIII Kongresu EFPA. Three teenage girls died early Thursday when a stolen car they were in crashed into a pond at a cemetery in St. Petersburg. Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri identified the three teenagers who died as Ashaunti N. Butler and Laniya Miller, both 15, and Dominique M. Battle, 16. Gualtieri said all three girls had criminal histories for grand theft auto. He said between the three of them, they had been arrested for grand theft auto seven times in the past year. According to Pinellas Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, the girls stole the 1998 gold Honda Accord from a Walmart in the area of 18th Street and 18th Avenue S. A friend of the car's owner had been asked to give the girls a ride, but he made a quick stop at the Walmart to buy a TV and left the girls in the car with the engine running. When the owner came out and saw his car was missing, he called police and reported it stolen. Several hours later, a PCSO sergeant saw the car driving with no headlights on Sunset Point Road, just west of U.S. 19. The sergeant tried to stop as it turned south on U.S. 19, but the vehicle refused to stop and the sergeant was unable to get the car's tag. A short while later, another sergeant in an unmarked cruiser saw the car traveling in the area of Ulmerton Road. The car was within the speed limit and appeared to be driving normally, Gualtieri said. The sergeant got the car's tag number and discovered it had been reported stolen out of St. Petersburg, so the sergeant continued to follow as the car turned east on Gandy Boulevard. A third deputy, this time in a marked cruiser, was in the area, and Gualtieri said he believes that's why the driver accelerated through the red light. The deputy saw the Accord stopped by the side of the road, then it drove onto the Frontage Road and into the cemetery. Gualtieri said the driver barreled into the cemetery at between 30-35 mph, which he said was pretty fast considering that the cemetery has winding roads and no lighting. He also noted that the cemetery is a dead end. The Accord continued around the road to an area where I-275 becomes visible, and Gualtieri said investigators believe the girls thought they could exit the cemetery that way. At that point, Gualtieri said the Accord left the road and, without braking, drove straight into the pond in the southeast section of the cemetery. The Accord's windows were up, and within five minutes, it was fully submerged, Gualtieri said. The deputies went into the 15-foot-deep pond after the girls and tried to get them out, but because the pond was thick and muddy, they were unable to do so. The deputies sank in the muck at the bottom of the pond and could not get to the car. "Once the car filled up with water, it went down pretty quickly," Gualtieri said. "There was nothing deputies could do. As thick as that muck is in the pond, it is almost like a carpet. The doors were closed, the windows were up and unfortunately it just became a death chamber. They drowned, they just couldn't get out." When the car was later pulled from the pond, they found the three girls dead inside the car. Gualtieri said that because none of the girls were wearing seatbelts, their bodies were tossed around in the vehicle and so investigators do not know which of the girls was driving the car. Gualtieri said they also don't know what the girls were doing in the several hours between stealing the car and the car winding up in the pond. The sheriff said youngsters are stealing cars, mainly in St. Pete, and more needs to be done. "This situation is very frustrating because three young lives have been needlessly lost," he said. "Its also very frustrating because it was yet one more example of whats really become an epidemic here in Pinellas County and specifically the city of St. Petersburg." Reverend Kenny Irby has been tasked to try and help fix this now deadly problem. "First, right now, we have to have the vigil and mourn these lives," said Irby, STPD Community Intervention Director. "And after the vigil then the viglilence continues to go on where we move aggressively in dealing with education and life skills and redirection." Check back for more information on this developing story. Whether you enjoy grits for breakfast or later in the day, some of the freshest can be found not far from the Florida Statehouse. As a 50-year-old Ford tractor coughs to life, Tyrone Morris gets busy with a different kind of farm chore. "I dump it into a hopper and it crushes it to any size I adjust it too, Morris says as a belt attached the tractor begins to spin. "Freshly ground, made yellow grits! he exclaims. Using the engine on the tractor to turn a large belt flowing inside a 1928 grist mill shotgun shed, Morris is feeding more than Floridas big bend area. "We ship them all over the United States. Anywhere and everywhere, Morris says. A short drive outside of downtown Tallahassee awaits a corner destination known for ground grits and fresh sausage thats survived the test of time. "We're talking four generations on the sausage and three generations on the store, says Janet Bradley Parker, the proprietor of Bradley's Country Store. "We were farm to table before anyone knew what farm to table was, she says. In her family since 1910, Janet's grandmother started a legend in Florida's big bend. "She was selling sausage out her kitchen window," Parker shares. The peeling ceiling inside, Formica counter tops now covered in marble and drying sausage in aisle 1 of the store give the business the feel as if time has stood still. For those dashing in on their work break and those with extra time on their hands, lunch includes fresh sausage and a soda in a glass bottle. Outside, children can't pass up what's in the parking lot. Here, kids and kids at heart can't get enough of this pallet swing in the old oak tree. On this swing, you stand up as you rock back and forth. Meantime, not far away, Morris is ready to turn another 50lbs pound of corn into grits. "I just want them to have a nice, full belly, he says. Tankful on Television You can catch new Florida on a Tankful stories each Thursday and Saturday on News 13 and Bay News 9. New editions play at the end of each hour starting at 6 a.m. Classic Florida on a Tankful stories can be found each Friday and Sunday on Bay News 9 and News 13 at the end of each hour starting at 6 a.m. Tankful on Demand Catch Florida on a Tankful with Scott Fais on your time, now on Bright House Local On Demand, Channel 999. Use your remote to scroll to the right to the TRAVEL category. Then SCROLL DOWN to TANKFUL. Scott Fais joins Travel Monthly Catch our own Scott Fais as the Florida Correspondent on the On Demand travel magazine, Travel Monthly. Each month, Scott joins other travel reporters from across the United States as they showcase a wide variety of attractions, diners, parks and landmarks from across America. See Travel Monthly nationally on Time Warner Cable channel 411. N. Oregon Coast Literary Event Brings in Famed Authors Published 03/31/2016 at 4:51 AM PDT By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff (Cannon Beach, Oregon) Three days of literary fun and the heady pleasures of the written word are coming to the north Oregon coast in the second weekend of April. A hefty helping of best selling and award winning authors will gather in Cannon Beach on April 8-10 for the annual literary event, Get Lit at the Beach. (Photo: Arcadia Beach near Cannon Beach). Here, fans will get to meet prominent authors, take in presentations, book signings and a keynote dinner presentation. Authors scheduled for the 2016 event include some that have had their books made into movies and even the TV series Shannara, along with a connection to the new Star Wars films. This year's lineup: Jess Walter: New York Times best-selling author, finalist for the 2006 National Book Award and the PEN Center USA Literary prize in both fiction and nonfiction and winner of the 2005 Edgar Allan Poe Award, Walter will be the keynote speaker on Saturday evening. Elizabeth Engstrom: Engstrom is a sought after teacher, keynote speaker and author of 14 books and over 250 short stories, articles and essays. Her novel, Candyland, has been made into the movie Candiland featuring Gary Busey, to be released in 2016. Jonathan Evison: Evisons book West of Here won the 2012 Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association Award and was named Book of the Year by Hudson Booksellers. His widely acclaimed Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving is also heading to the big screen this year in a movie that will star Paul Rudd, Selena Gomez and Craig Roberts. Terry Brooks: Brooks is an acclaimed author with thirty-five books in print, most of which have appeared on The New York Times bestseller list. He is best known for his 25-book Shannara series that is now an MTV television series and was personally asked by George Lucas to write the novelization of Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace. The festivities begin with an authors reception on Friday evening at the Cannon Beach Community Hall, providing attendees a chance to meet and chat with the authors. On Saturday at the Surfsand Ballroom, the authors will present talks throughout the day about their lives and craft, answer questions and sign books. The keynote speaker dinner featuring Jess Walter will cap off Saturdays schedule. The event will wrap up with a panel discussion open to all and free of charge on Sunday morning at the Coaster Theatre. Above: author Q&A at Get Lit at the Beach The event schedule: Friday, April 8, from 5-7 pm: Check in and Authors Reception with hors doeuvres and refreshments at the Chamber of Commerce Community Hall. Saturday, April 9: Authors presentations and book signings throughout the day in the Surfsand Resort Ballroom. Morning Sessions: 10 am with Terry Brooks and 11:30 am with Elizabeth Engstrom. Afternoon session is at 2:30pm with Jonathan Evison. The evening session starts at 6 pm, includes a prime rib dinner and keynote presentations from Jess Walter. Sunday, April 10 at 10 am features Author Question and Answer Panel with coffee and morning treats at the Coaster Theatre. There are three ticket packages available including a complete package to all Get Lit events for $85 and individual tickets for the Friday evening Author Reception for $30 and the Saturday evening Prime Rib Dinner & Keynote for $65. This event is presented by the Tolovana Arts Colony. For more information and tickets, call (206) 914-1255 or visit www.getlitatthebeach.eventbrite.com. Cannon Beach Hotels / Lodging for this event - Where to eat - Map and Virtual Tour More about Cannon Beach below and at the Cannon Beach Virtual Tour, Map. More About Cannon Beach Lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on BeachConnection.net All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright BeachConnection.net Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted The Florida Society of Anesthesiologists filed a qui tam complaint against more than 50 physicians, anesthesiology companies and ambulatory surgical centers, according to a Lexology report. Here are five key notes: 1. The society's complaint alleges the defendants defrauded Medicare and Medicaid, violating the False Claims Act and the Florida False Claims Act. 2. The complaint accuses defendant Umesh Chaudhry, MD, owner of Defendant Curvv, which owns Advanced Anesthesia Associates and All Services Anesthesia, of securing contracts for the companies by sharing revenue with ASC owners that awarded him the contracts. In some cases, the ASCs purchasing contracts were also owned by Dr. Choudhry. 3. Some ASCs allegedly increased anesthesia utilization from approximately 60 percent of procedures to nearly 100 percent. 4. This "led to over-utilization of anesthesia, as well as potential harm to the patients who would not normally have received anesthesia services," states the complaint. 5. The United States Attorney's Office has indicated that it is declining to intervene at this time, however its investigation remains ongoing. The state of New York gave John R. Oishei Children's Hospital in Buffalo approval to construct an ASC, according to The Buffalo News. Here are five things to know: 1. Construction on the $18.1 million ASC is underway. 2. John R. Oishei Children's Hospital is building the ASC in the Conventus building on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. The facility will take up two floors of the building and has a two-story walkway connecting it to the new Children's Hospital. 3. Providers at the ASC will offer services including pediatric orthopedics, urology, ophthalmology and dermatology. The facility will house a high-risk perinatal center for pregnant mothers. 4. Once the ASC is about to open, it will need final approval following a site inspection. On March 23, the state Department of Health gave the ASC contingent approval. 5. The state of New York is paying $11.2 million of the ASC's total cost. More articles on surgery centers: Public ASCs with non-controlling interests: Does the EBITDA multiple reflect fair market value? EMU Health acquires Queens Surgical Center 4 things to know Mercy Health Youngstown in Ohio to break ground on new ASC: 5 things to know Providence, R.I.-based Care New England laid off 58 employees Tuesday as it explores ways to reduce losses at its Memorial Hospital in Pawtucket, R.I. Commenting on the job cuts, Care New England President and CEO Dennis Keefe said, "It is always our goal to avoid layoffs. Yet, with labor representing 70% of the cost of healthcare, it is difficult to reduce expenses without it touching people. We are doing everything we can to respond to our tough financial situation, and workforce reductions are a last resort." Care New England spokeswoman Mary Kernan told WPRI news that most of the jobs being cut are at Memorial Hospital. However, she said the layoffs are unrelated to the system's plan to downsize the facility. In late February, Care New England's board approved a plan to scale back services at Memorial to control losses. The system intends to close Memorial's maternity ward and intensive care unit, consolidate lab services and move the hospitals residency program. Memorial recorded a $9.3 million loss in the final three months of 2015, which has caused Care New England to reduce its cash reserves to keep the hospital afloat. Mr. Keefe is hopeful the proposed restructuring plan will keep Memorial out of bankruptcy or receivership. However, due to pushback Care New England has received on its plan to close Memorial's maternity ward, the system may have to spin off the hospital. "If we got pushback on an obstetrics unit that has three patients a day, you can imagine the pushback we'd get closing a whole hospital and declaring it bankrupt," Mr. Keefe told WPRI news. Mr. Keefe said he wants the changes at Memorial in place by the end of September to allow Care New England's proposed merger with New Bedford, Mass.-based Southcoast Health to proceed smoothly. However, the Rhode Island Department of Health must approve the restructuring plan before services can be eliminated at Memorial. More articles on healthcare finance: Massachusetts hospital to cease inpatient services CHS spinoff issues 2016 financial outlook UVM Health Network wants to pass along $15M in excess revenue Patients have long paid healthcare bills by taking out a loan or using their credit card, but new methods of payment may be needed to cover the rising cost of certain medical treatments. With hepatitis C treatments that are $1,000 a pill, cancer drugs priced at $100,000 annually and gene therapy at almost $1 million per treatment, MIT professor Andrew Lo and David Weinstock, MD, at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, are pushing to create a long-term healthcare loan, according to a WBUR report. "The basic idea is for individual patients to have access to healthcare loans, not unlike a mortgage or auto loan or student loan," Mr. Lo told WBUR. Patients would "borrow from a loan company to pay for these extremely expensive therapies and amortize the payments over a period of time, say five to 10 years." Patients would be able to use these loans for drugs or treatment that would cure a disease or improve the patient's health over the length of the loan, according to the report. However, they would not use the loans for drugs that extend life for only a few months, WBUR notes. In addition to patient loans, Mr. Lo and Dr. Weinstock, as part of their longer-term payment model for costly medicine, are proposing a loan insurers would take out for individual patients. Some consumer advocates question the need for such loans, claiming that is what health insurance is for, while some insurers have warned that they can't take on rising pharmaceutical costs indefinitely, according to the report. Dr. Weinstock told WBUR he sees the loans as providing a boost for drug developers who target rare diseases because payment for discoveries that work would be assured, according to the report. Mr. Lo and Dr. Weinstock plan to meet with investors, insurers, pharmaceutical reps and others later this year. More articles on finance and revenue cycle management: LogixHealth breaks down ICD-10 code changes: 6 quick facts 7 findings on the transition to ICD-10 Switch from manual to electronic transactions could save healthcare billions: 6 findings The Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board has approved Mishawaka, Ind.-based Franciscan St. James Health's plan to close its 312-bed hospital in Chicago Heights, Ill., according to the Chicago Tribune. Franciscan St. James, part of Franciscan Alliance, will consolidate inpatient care at its hospital in Olympia Fields, Ill., about 5 miles from the Chicago Heights facility. Consolidating inpatient operations will save Franciscan between $18 million and $20 million annually, according to the report. The system will spend about $115 million to expand and renovate its Olympia Fields hospital and will provide $1.5 million to cover increased ambulance coverage for patients who would have previously went to the Chicago Heights hospital to be taken to the Olympia Fields location. Franciscan St. James first announced plans in January to close the hospital, saying it is too costly to operate both the Olympia Fields and Chicago Heights facilities. At that time, the system planned to end inpatient services at the hospital in October 2018 once renovations at the Olympia Fields hospital are completed. According to the Chicago Tribune, parts of the Chicago Heights hospital will be torn down, but the system plans to continue to offer some outpatient services there. More articles on healthcare finance: Massachusetts hospital to cease inpatient services CHS spinoff issues 2016 financial outlook UVM Health Network wants to pass along $15M in excess revenue Columbia, Md.-based MedStar Health is still working on putting all its IT systems back online. Here are three of the latest updates on this story. 1. MedStar Health's latest news update came Wednesday at 3 p.m. "MedStar is not only continuing to move toward full restoration of our major IT systems, but has maintained its promise to meet the care needs of the communities we serve," according to the statement. The health system said it maintained nearly normal volume levels during the computer downtime, with just a few exceptions. The health system provided a breakdown of its patient volume levels and activity since taking its computer system offline Monday, reporting care for more than 6,000 patients in hospitals and ambulatory centers. According to MedStar, the health system treated an average of 3,380 patients per day in its 10 hospitals, treated 2,400 patients in the emergency departments, performed 782 surgeries and birthed 72 babies. "The disruption to our systems has not impacted our ability to provide quality care to our patients, and we regret any inconveniences to our patients and the extra challenges to our associates that the perpetrators of this attack have caused," said Stephen R.T. Evans, MD, CMO of MedStar Health, in the statement. 2. The health system has still not disclosed the nature of the attack, only calling it a "malicious malware attack." However, news outlets report it was a ransomware incident. MedStar employees told The Washington Post they saw pop-up ransom notes demanding the system pay 45 bitcoins, or roughly $19,000, to unlock the computer systems. The Washington Post reportedly obtained an image of the ransom note, which said, "You just have 10 days to send us the bitcoin. After 10 days we will remove your private key and it's impossible to recover your files." 3. The Baltimore Sun reported receiving a copy of the hackers' demands, and said the cyber criminals have offered MedStar a discount of sorts to release all the data. According to the report, the hackers said the health system can send 3 bitcoins (approximately $1,250) to unlock one infected computer, or 45 bitcoins to unlock them all. It is unclear if one payment of 45 bitcoins would unlock all MedStar's computers, according to The Baltimore Sun. More articles on malware: Ransomware a 'legal ambiguity,' not quite a data breach Malware attack hits Chino Valley Medical Center, Desert Valley Hospital To pay or not to pay ransom: A tale of two hospitals In early February, UC San Diego Health appointed Christopher Longhurst, MD, as the system's new CIO. He joined the health system from Stanford (Calif.) Children's Health, where he had been serving since 2004, and as CMIO since 2009. Dr. Longhurst took some time to speak with Becker's Hospital Review about his goals for his first year in this new position. Editor's note: Interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity. Question: What are your goals for your first year with UC San Diego? Dr. Christopher Longhurst: What is most important is to support the strategic and operational mission of the health system. I could give you three strategic priorities, in no particular order. One is that we currently have a new hospital wing, the JacobsMedicalCenter, under construction that will serve several hundred new inpatients in La Jolla. Jacobs will be opening with some new tech to make it a shining star and highlight of our outreach efforts. There's a lot at stake from an information services standpoint in making sure this billion dollar building opens successfully. Second, we're in the midst of unprecedented growth through affiliations and joint ventures, and every new affiliation with hospitals and medical group, clinically integrated network or other type of joint venture, has an important IT component. Third is optimization of our existing solutions. This is a challenge industry-wide. Health systems have IT solutions in place, which can often be leveraged for more value than they currently are, and this gets into adoption and maximum value. Q: What are the biggest healthcare needs in Southern California, and how are you leveraging IT to address those? CL: Around local growth and hospital affiliations, we have announced partnerships with El Centro (Calif.) RegionalMedicalCenter, and we're looking to extend our EMR system to UC Irvine Medical Center [in Orange, Calif.]. In that topic of growth, it is an important component of our strategy. Q: You joined UC San Diego from Stanford Children's. How are you using your prior experience in your new role? CL: It's less about specific experiences at Stanford because many health systems are experiencing the same challenges across the U.S. What's more interesting is that I made the transition from role of CMIO and vice president of analytics and informatics to a role as CIO. That transition brings a new set of challenges and responsibilities. In addition to really ensuring that our clinical system are optimally configured and utilized, I also now have responsibility for our business systems, technology and infrastructure as well. Q: Increasingly we hear about physicians moving into executive roles. How will your background as a physician come into play in your CIO duties? CL: The hospital's primary mission is to serve patients. Additionally as an academic medical center, we educate the next generation of physicians and scientists and discover new knowledge. Our IT systems support all three of these missions: clinical care, education and research. I hope that my background as a practicing academic physician brings a unique perspective to the executive team. Q: Any last thoughts? CL: It's an extraordinarily exciting time in health IT. Many people agree that the future of healthcare delivery is going to be highly dependent on these information systems. At the same time, we see a lot of challenges around cybersecurity. To accomplish those three strategic objectives, it's really critical we have the right infrastructure in place. My No. 1 infrastructure priority is cybersecurity. More articles on CIOs: 5 biggest health IT obstacles, goals of 2016 Why are so many CIOs, IT pros also musicians? How CIOs can become CEOs: Thoughts from Salesforce.com CEO Marc Benioff Decades of scientific research have culminated in new techniques for anticipating, diagnosing and treating disease. Precision medicine a system for disease prevention and treatment that takes individual variability in genes, lifestyle and the environment into account is emerging as a promising approach in the fight against cancer and other serious diseases. The basic premise of precision medicine is that a physician can look at an individual's genotypic information to understand his or her disease on a molecular level and use clues in genetic variation to identify the most effective course of action. These genes can reveal, for example, if a person has a higher likelihood of developing certain diseases and how that individual might respond to certain medications. Here are nine questions and answers about this emerging field. 1. What is precision medicine? Precision medicine is defined as "using an individual patient's genotypic information in his or her clinical care," according to a research paper published in Genetics in Medicine. Precision medicine involves a molecular diagnosis of a disease and a medical plan personalized to be most effective based on your DNA and unique genetic variations. A molecular diagnosis does not define a disease by its signs and symptoms, as we always have, but through its molecular and environmental causes. The practice of precision medicine can be both reactive and preemptive. On the reactive side, if a patient presents with a certain diagnosis, providers can look at that patient's genetic makeup to anticipate if/how the patient would react to certain medications. By looking at this information and assessing the efficacy of medications on an individual level, providers can eliminate the trial-and-error process of prescribing medication and treatments. Doing so can cut down costs and quicken the time to recovery. In the discussion of population health, precision medicine can be leveraged to identify an individual's risk of developing a certain disease. This allows him or her to make behavioral changes to help stave off or delay the onset of a disease. If a person has a predisposition to develop heart disease and the predisposition is made apparent in their genetic information, he or she can take steps to reduce the likelihood of heart disease developing. 2. Does precision medicine go by any other name? Yes: Personalized medicine, individualized medicine and genomic medicine are also common names. 3. When did precision medicine make its debut? Shortly after the genome was mapped in 2003. The achievement was the result of decades of genetic research, beginning with American geneticist Alfred Sturtevant's first gene map of the fruit fly in 1911. Researchers of the Human Genome Project, an international, collaborative research program under the National Institutes of Health, deciphered the human genome in three primary ways: determining the sequence of all of the bases in our genome's DNA; creating maps that show the locations of genes for major sections of all of our chromosomes; and producing "linkage maps," through which inherited traits and conditions are tracked over generations. The International Human Genome Sequencing Consortium published the first draft of the human genome in February 2001. The first draft contained an important finding: significantly fewer human genes than previously thought. Researchers identified 20,500 genes, compared with prior estimates of 50,000 to as many as 140,000. The full genomic sequence was published in April 2003. Since then, precision medicine has been most widely used in treating patients with cancer. Providers use molecular testing on patients with certain types of cancers to choose treatments that boost chances of survival. Precision medicine has also been used for diagnostics and treatment decision-making for other conditions, such as epilepsy, certain childhood diseases, some pregnancy conditions, cardiology and infectious disease. "Precision medicine will work its way into many, perhaps most, areas of medicine. I think its going to happen in stepwise fashion," said David B. Goldstein, PhD, director of the Institute for Genomic Medicine at ColumbiaUniversityMedicalCenter in New York City. "There will be some branches of medicine where genomics will be much more important. If you're going to be an oncologist or neurologist, it will be part of virtually every day's work in the clinic." 4. Didn't President Obama talk about precision medicine a year ago in his State of the Union address? Yes.In his 2015 State of the Union address, President Obama announced the Precision Medicine Initiative, dedicating $215 million in fiscal year 2016 to advancing genomics. Of that funding, $130 million was allocated to the NIH to build a national research cohort of at least 1 million U.S. participants/volunteers. Anyone living in the U.S. can participate. Volunteers undergo a standard physical exam and provide a biological sample such as blood, urine or saliva. They are asked to use the findings from these samples and share information such as medical records, profiles of their genes, environmental and lifestyle data, etc. that will be used in research and data efforts related to precision medicine. Researchers will be able to access data from this cohort to advance progress in developing more effective treatments and prolonging health. Participants also get to access their results and data from the study. NIH aims to begin enrolling participants in 2016 and reach one million volunteers within three to four years, but hopes to continue to enroll participants beyond 1 million. For fiscal year 2017, President Obama requested $309 million from Congress to scale up the initiative. 5. How much does precision medicine cost? The cost of sequencing a genome has dramatically decreased over the years. Mapping the first genome took 15 years and cost $3 billion. In 2010, it cost roughly $15,000. In the past two to three years, the cost fell to the $1,000 to $4,000 range, and innovators are consistently trying to develop mapping solutions with the lowest price tags. For example, last fall, one genome scientist made news for developing a $250 test. That cost has fallen per sequencing, but DNA results are needed for large groups of people to learn the relationship between genes and medicine. The financial implications of precision medicine at large are still difficult to forecast. If drugs are tailored to specific populations, those prices will be higher, but costs may also be saved when people stop taking drugs that aren't most effective for them. 6. What do physicians generally think of precision medicine? The Obama administration's national cancer "moonshot" initiative, which is largely based on precision medicine, has spurred optimism and excitement among consumers that a cure for cancer is within reach. While medical researchers and scientists will readily accept the extra $1 billion in funding the administration has proposed for the initiative, many physicians are not prepared to put the principles of precision medicine into practice. This is in part due to skepticism of the loftiness of the goal, but also a result of a lack of genetics expertise among physicians, many of whom went to medical school before the human genome was sequenced in 2003. In theory, general practitioners could turn to specialists to fill knowledge gaps related to genetics, but this could be difficult depending on where they live. Additionally, the pace of genetics research and new developments is difficult to keep up with, even if physicians are engaged in education efforts. Additionally, different types of hospitals have different outlooks on precision medicine. A survey from data warehousing company Health Catalyst found 71 percent of academic medical centers said precision medicine will play a significant role in their organizations in the next five years, but 68 percent of non-academic hospitals and health systems said precision medicine will not play a role. 7. Consumers can now order genetic tests from direct-to-consumer companies. How does this typically go over with physicians? Many primary care physicians are unwilling or unable to communicate with their patients about the results of genetic tests, especially when patients obtain them from consumer facing companies such as 23andMe. According to patient anecdotes described in a study from the Impact of Personal Genomics Study Group, patients who attempted to discuss their genetics test results with their physicians often felt the appointment was too rushed. Some indicated the physician lacked adequate understanding of genomics to properly advise them, while others described their provider as explicitly cynical of the tests' reliability. In a survey by the Impact of Personal Genomics Study Group, about 18 percent of patients said they were "not at all satisfied" with their experience sharing the test results with their physicians. 8. What are some other challenges of precision medicine? Individual privacy is a key concern in precision medicine. Even though information in the cohort will be de-identified, the stored data is highly personal and sensitive. Additionally, precision medicine can challenge how individuals perceive health risks and how they act after learning this new information. Take Angelina Jolie, for example. The actress underwent a double mastectomy in 2013 after learning she carried a gene mutation (BRCA1) that put her at a greater risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. Though she was not diagnosed with cancer, she went forth with the procedure as a preventive measure. Sarah Kliff, then health reporter for The Washington Post and now senior editor at Vox, wrote just because it is now possible to determine an individual's susceptibility to certain types of cancer doesn't always mean it should be done. "Figuring out which women should have the expensive screening for a relatively rare genetic mutation is a vexing task. Researchers have no bright line between the portion of the population that is and is not at risk." Ms. Kliff also pointed to drafted recommendations from the United States Preventive Services Task Force that recommend against widespread BRCA screening, finding it would produce "no net benefit." The task force underscores the appropriateness of such testing, saying they do not believe the screening to be appropriate for women without a history of cancer. In March 2015, Ms. Jolie wrote about her decision to remove her ovaries and fallopian tubes after a physician identified several markers that "taken togethercould be a sign of early cancer." It's important to note, though, and Ms. Jolie clarifies this herself, that she did not undergo the double mastectomy or the bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy simply because she carried the mutated BRCA1 gene. In her case, three women in her family died from cancer, and she proceeded with the surgeries after consulting with physicians and surgeons. 9. What hospitals/health systems are pioneering precision medicine? The NIH tapped Nashville, Tenn.-based VanderbiltUniversity to head a precision medicine pilot program and enroll 79,000 volunteers toward its 1 million goal by the end of 2016. Other hospitals and health systems are investing in and initiating independent precision medicine programs, including but not limited to: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (Boston) Phoenix Children's Hospital NewYork-Presbyterian (New York City) NorthShoreUniversity HealthSystem (Chicago) Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Geisinger Health System (Danville, Pa.) Hospital Corporation of America Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minn.) More articles on precision medicine: Precision Medicine Initiative: 8 data security recommendations Senate bill prompts Precision Medicine Initiative action Biden meets with bipartisan lawmakers to lay path to fund cancer 'moonshot' Here are nine recent news updates on key health IT companies. 1. University Hospitals, based in Cleveland, expanded and extended its agreement with Allscripts through 2024. 2. Charlotte, N.C.-based Carolinas HealthCare has signed a deal to partner with and support Lumberton, N.C.-based Southeastern Health. As part of the partnership, Carolinas HealthCare will help Southeastern install an Epic EHR. 3. Epic co-founder and CEO Judy Faulkner and her husband donated $900,000 to MoorestownFriendsSchool, a private school in Moorestown, N.J., from where Ms. Faulkner herself graduated in 1961. 4. Michael Harsh, the former CTO of GE Healthcare, joined the science and technology advisory board at Manhattan Scientifics. 5. Verily, the life sciences division of Google, is experiencing a leadership exodus, with at least 12 managers, scientists and engineers leaving the company within one year. 6. IBM Canada plans to add 100 new full-time positions to its security division in New Brunswick, Canada. 7. Newton (Mass.)-WellesleyHospital is scheduled to go-live on its Epic EHR on April 2. 8. Verona, Wis.-based Epic reports it has facilitated nearly a quarter of a billion patient record exchanges in the past year on its Care Everywhere platform. 9. CityMD, an urgent care provider in New York, went live on eClinicalWorks' EHR. More articles on health IT: The guide to cringeworthy health IT conversations: 10 leaders on the terms they dread most What's the deal with NYC Health + Hospitals' EHR transition? 9 things to know To pay or not to pay ransom: A tale of two hospitals Arthur Gonzalez, CEO of Denver Health said Wednesday he will step down from his post June 30, according to the Denver Business Journal. Mr. Gonzalez's departure comes amid several major health system initiatives, such as the implementation of a $175 million Epic EHR, and follows the resignation of several leaders and physicians. In a news release announcing his resignation, Rus Heise, chairman of the Denver Health and Hospital Authority board of directors, commended Mr. Gonzalez, saying he arrived at the system during a period of tremendous change and will leave the health system "stronger and better than it was when he arrived," according to the report. Mr. Gonzalez has served as CEO since September 2012. He said his decision to resign was personal and was not in response to any pressure from the board, according to the report. However, he's had a fair share of issues to reconcile, such as an exodus of several clinicians and leaders, including three of the system's five neurosurgeons, the head of emergency medicine, a top trauma surgeon, the CMO and the chief of surgery. Last year, physicians at the head of the departments of medicine and surgery left the hospital and their positions remain vacant. Additionally, the chiefs of ophthalmology and oral surgery resigned in 2015, along with six hospitalists, according to the Denver Post. The hospital will see more changes in the coming months. On April 18, Denver Health will open a $27 million, 4,500-square-foot clinic in southwest Denver, an underserved area of the city. The new clinic will be the first of the system's nine clinics to offer urgent care, primary care and specialty services. It will also have dentistry, pharmacy, optometry and other services available, according to the report. Also in April, Denver Health is scheduled to go live on its new Epic EHR. Former CIO Gregory Veltri, who served in the role for nearly 16 years, resigned from the health system in October 2013 due to a disagreement regarding the switch to Epic's EHR. He was concerned the implementation's costs could reach $300 million. However, in January Mr. Gonzalez said the implementation is under budget at $170 million, though he did not disclose its overall projected cost. Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital has named Michael Antoniades president and CEO to lead its New Brunswick, N.J., and Somerset, N.J., campuses. Here are five things to know about Mr. Antoniades. 1. He succeeds Stephen K. Jones, who served as president and CEO of the hospital since 2007, and who will soon take over the role of chief academic officer for RWJ's new parent organization RWJ Barnabas Health. 2. He joined RWJ in January 2011 as vice president of operations and was later promoted to senior vice president of operations in 2013. He was named executive vice president and COO in 2014. 3. During his tenure with RWJ, Mr. Antoniades has provided oversight for multiple clinical and support areas, as well as the strategic direction and development of the Bristol-Myers Squibb Children's Hospital in New Brunswick, cardiovascular services, women's services, ambulatory services and the hospital's transplant programs (cardiac and kidney/pancreas), according to a news release. 4. Before joining RWJ, Mr. Antoniades served in a variety of senior operational roles within community and teaching hospitals in New York and New Jersey. 5. Mr. Antoniades earned a master's degree in public administration from Rutgers University, which has campuses throughout New Jersey, in 2008, and a bachelor's degree in health administration from the University of Phoenix in 2006. More articles on executive moves: Presence Health appoints chief operations and academic officer: 4 things to know Sharon Rudnick picked to lead Presence Health Partners: 3 things to know LRGHealthcare CEO resigns: 3 things to know The following healthcare layoffs were reported by Becker's Hospital Review in March. They are listed below, beginning with the most recent. 1. New Bedford, Mass.-based Southcoast Health is laying off 95 employees after its $100 million Epic EHR rollout. The cuts represent 1 percent of Southcoast's workforce and will happen across all staff levels in the system's hospitals. 2. Laconia, N.H.-based LRGHealthcare is laying off approximately 58 employees. Here are four things to know about the layoffs. 3. Providence, R.I.-based Care New England laid off 58 employees March 29 as it explores ways to reduce losses at its Memorial Hospital in Pawtucket, R.I. 4. Fountain Valley, Calif.-based MemorialCare Health System will cut 194 jobs as part of its planned closure of Saddleback Memorial San Clemente (Calif.). Here are three things to know about the layoffs. 5. Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic will shut down Mayo Medical Laboratories New England in Andover, Mass., the site of its East Coast lab operations. The lab's 105 employees were informed of the closure. They will be invited to move to Minnesota and work at Mayo Clinic's headquarters or take a severance package. 6. San Diego-based Scripps Health is laying off 69 employees. Here are six things to know about the layoffs. 7. Chicago-based Presence Health will lay off 250 employees during the next three months and leave another 450 jobs unfilled this year. Presence announced the layoffs just days after it reported a $186 million operating loss in 2015. 8. CHI St. Alexius Health, based in Bismarck, N.D., has laid off 23 employees and will close its inpatient pediatric and rehabilitation units. Here are five things to know about the layoffs and department closings. 9. Greenville (S.C.) Health System plans to eliminate more than 400 positions after suffering a $16 million shortfall in the first quarter of the fiscal year. Greenville Health System COO Greg Rusnak said more than half of the affected positions will be the result of not filling open vacancies, normal attrition and the possible implementation of a "voluntary exit incentive program," according to The State. 10. J.C. Blair Memorial Hospital in Huntingdon, Pa., an affiliate of Harrisburg, Pa.-based PinnacleHealth, cut 11 positions. Here are three things to know about the cuts. 11. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan laid off 22 employees in its IT department. The reduction was part of BCBS of Michigan's plan to slash $300 million in expenses by 2018. 12. United Medical Center in Washington, D.C., plans to cut 112 union and nonunion jobs. Here are four things to know about the layoffs. 13. Saint Francis Hospital-Memphis (Tenn.), operated by Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare, laid off 33 employees. Here are four things to know about the layoffs. 14. Penobscot Valley Hospital in Lincoln, Maine, plans to cut 10 full-time positions in March. Here are three things to know about the layoffs. New Bedford, Mass.-based Southcoast Health is laying off 95 employees, and the three-hospital system cites its $100 million Epic EHR rollout as a contributing factor, according to the Boston Business Journal. The cuts represent 1 percent of Southcoast's workforce and will happen across all staff levels in the system's hospitals. Southcoast launched the Epic EHR at three hospitals, two urgent care centers and more than 400 physician offices in 2015. However, during the implementation process, Southcoast faced financial troubles partly due to the costs associated with the EHR project and ultimately had to lay off 105 employees between October 2014 and January 2015. Training costs for the Epic system contributed to Southcoast's $9.9 million operating loss in the first quarter of fiscal year 2016, which ended Dec. 31, and the system is facing similar financial troubles in the current quarter. "These financial challenges are attributable to higher-than-expected operating expenses, largely a result of our Epic implementation," Southcoast President and CEO Keith Hovan wrote in a letter to employees. "During the first two quarters of this fiscal year, revenue has grown positively at a rate of 4 percent a significant accomplishment, particularly given the lack of a flu season. However, expenses have grown at 6 percent during that time, which is an untenable variance that must be corrected." Southcoast spokesman Peter Cohenno wouldn't detail the jobs being eliminated, but he told the Boston Business Journal that affected employees will be encouraged to apply for open positions throughout the system. More articles on healthcare layoffs: CEO Chris Van Gorder discusses layoffs at Scripps Health Following mega losses, Presence to cut 250 jobs Westchester Medical Center Health Network in Valhalla, N.Y., and Kingston, N.Y.-based HealthAlliance of the Hudson Valley have partnered to enhance and expand healthcare for the Hudson Valley region. Here are eight things to know about the partnership. 1. HealthAlliance is a member of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network, effective immediately. 2. WMCHealth will be the sole corporate member of HealthAlliance and will oversee its hospital operations, as well as operations at other HealthAlliance facilities. 3. HealthAlliance and WMCHealth have a shared vision for the partnership, according to David Scarpino, president and CEO of HealthAlliance. That vision includes: The continuation of critical-access and skilled-nursing services in Margaretville, N.Y. The development of HealthAlliance Hospital: Mary's Avenue Campus in Kingston into a single hospital The evolution of HealthAlliance Hospital: Broadway Campus in Kingston into a "medical village" concept to bring a variety of much-needed community ambulatory services under one roof 4. The evolutions of HealthAlliance Hospital: Mary's Avenue Campus and HealthAlliance Hospital: Broadway Campus are part of a "Healthy Neighborhood Initiative" collaboration between HealthAlliance and Kingston-area educational institutions, city and county agencies, community organizations and other local healthcare providers. 5. With a planned renovation and expansion and through collaboration with WMCHealth's strategic partner and international technology leader Royal Philips, HealthAlliance Hospital: Mary's Avenue Campus will provide surgical, diagnostic and therapeutic services through the use of advanced medical technologies, both parties said. 6. As far as the "medical village" concept, HealthAlliance Hospital: Broadway Campus will become a neighborhood focal point for health and human-service needs, with integrated primary care, behavioral health and outpatient services, according to a news release. 7. "This relationship with HealthAlliance furthers WMCHealth's goal of preserving and improving services in existing Hudson Valley healthcare facilities so local families can benefit from high-quality care close to home," Michael D. Israel, president and CEO of Westchester Medical Center Health Network, said in a prepared statement. 8. The partnership announcement comes after New York State recently announced nearly $1.2 billion in healthcare awards for hospitals and health systems in New York. Mr. Israel noted the grant awards are transformational for WMCHealth, with the infusion of $88.8 million for the Kingston campuses and $24.5 million toward the development of a "medical village." More articles on healthcare industry transactions and partnerships: 9 recent hospital transactions and partnerships Advocate, NorthShore to offer low-cost health plan if merger goes through UPMC gets green light to acquire Jameson Health System The following insurers made headlines this week. They are listed below, beginning with the most recent. 1. University Hospital, BCBS of NJ to collaborate on value-based care Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and University Hospital in Newark, N.J., are entering into a strategic partnership designed to accelerate the integration of Horizon's value-based care models into UniversityHospital's operations. 2. Highmark commences Cancer Collaborative in Pa. Pittsburgh-based Highmark launched its Highmark Cancer Collaborative in the state of Pennsylvania. 3. Wisconsin lawmakers: There should be no job losses with Aetna-Humana merger Wisconsin Rep. Eric Genrich (D) and Sen. Dave Hansen (D) are attempting to take new measures to ensure the merger between Humana and Aetna doesn't result in any job losses in their state. 4. AMA to Calif. Department of Insurance: Oppose the Anthem-Cigna merger The American Medical Association warned the California Department of Insurance that Anthem acquiring Cigna would be harmful to California's healthcare marketplace. 5. BCBS: Individual market patients post-ACA are sicker, more expensive Newly insured individuals under the Affordable Care Act have higher rates of disease and received significantly more medical care, on average, than those who enrolled in coverage prior to 2014, when major provisions of the health law took effect, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association said in a new study of its policyholders. 6. Northwell, EmblemHealth sign collaborative care agreement Building on their two decade relationship, Great Neck, N.Y.-based Northwell Health and New York City-based EmblemHealth partnered in a risk-sharing agreement. 7. Wake Forest Baptist, UnitedHealthcare team up on accountable care Winston-Salem, N.C.-based Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, with the help of its clinically integrated network and UnitedHealthcare, launched an accountable care organization. 8. Meritain, Banner to roll out accountable care in Phoenix Phoenix-based Banner Health Network and Meritain Health, an Aetna subsidiary, are collaborating to offer patients in the Phoenix area highly coordinated care through an accountable care organization. 9. BCBS of ND increases capital surplus by 321.9% since 2014 Although Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota was struggling in 2013, it has since recuperated and seen drastic increases in capital and surplus. 10. BCBS of Rhode Island rolls out patient analytics platform Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Rhode Island rolled out a new service called Blue Insights for Rhode Island, a data and analytics platform designed to promote actionable insights into patients' preventive, chronic and complex health needs. 11. AHIP launches initiative for data accuracy, care access America's Health Insurance Plans the health insurance industry's largest trade group created a six-month initiative to improve provider data accuracy and give consumers easier access to care. 12. Connecticut groups hope for more transparency in Anthem-Cigna merger Three Connecticut groups the Universal Health Care Foundation of Connecticut, the Connecticut State Medical Society and the Connecticut Citizen Action Group asked Insurance Commissioner Katharine Wade to be less ambiguous in her review of the Anthem-Cigna merger. 13. NY nonprofit insurer Fidelis Care looks to expand Since 2013, New York City-based Fidelis Care, a nonprofit health insurer, has doubled its employee workforce and quadrupled the size of its office in Albany. But that's only the beginning Fidelis Care wants to increase its reach even more. On Wednesday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced approval for the use of an investigational test to screen blood donations for the Zika virus. On Feb. 16, the FDA issued guidelines to reduce the risk of transmitting Zika through blood transfusions. The recommendations halted Puerto Rico's local blood collection. Earlier this month, the federal government shipped blood and blood products to the island territory in a preventative effort to halt Zika's possible contamination of the blood supply. The clearance for the new test will allow Puerto Rico to soon resume collecting blood donations. "The availability of an investigational test to screen donated blood for Zika virus is an important step forward in maintaining the safety of the nation's blood supply, especially for those U.S. territories already experiencing active transmission," said Peter Marks, MD, PhD, director of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. According to the New York Times, Dr. Marks believes the test will be made available within a week. The test was manufactured by Roche Molecular Systems, based in Branchburg, N.J. It took about a year to develop a similar test for West Nile. The swiftness of response and the close collaboration between the FDA and Roche has been praised by experts. "It is amazingly fast," Darrell J. Triulzi, MD, the director of the division of transfusion medicine at the University of Pittsburgh, told the Times. "This is a testament to the speed at which industry was able to respond to a need." More articles on the Zika virus: 5 things to know about Zika misperceptions in US California's first sexually transmitted Zika case confirmed CDC updates guidance on Zika transmission prevention & pregnancy: 7 things to know About one in five individuals affected with yellow fever dies in as quickly as three weeks. The mosquito-borne illness reared its head in the U.S. in the early twentieth century, but has since been placated by vaccines. A recent yellow fever outbreak in Angola has burned through the emergency supply of vaccines set aside, and infectious disease specialists are beginning to worry more may not be made in time, according to an NPR report. "The bottom line is that this is another example of an emerging infection that poses a threat that may not be limited to Africa," Tom Frieden, MD, director of the CDC, told NPR. "I'm worried that yellow fever could spread widely in Angola, and then spill over to the Democratic Republic of Congo, potentially Nigeria and other very populous areas in Africa." The emergency vaccines have been used to vaccinate more than 5 million people in Angola since the outbreak began in January and health officials have turned to the supply set aside for childhood vaccinations. The combined wallop of yellow fever and Zika virus have made it difficult for the CDC to lend a hand, and greater funding will be needed to get a handle on both outbreaks, Dr. Frieden told NPR. Although approximately 42 percent of Americans believe it's currently a good time to find a job, another 54 percent believe it's a bad time to find a quality position, according to Gallup. According to Gallup's weekly job market update, as of the week of March 21-27, Americans reported 44 percent of companies were hiring, 11 percent were letting employees go and 40 percent were not experiencing change. The results of the Gallup survey are based on a series of telephone interviews with 1,019 adults over age 18. Here are five things to know about the Gallup survey. 1. Americans' job market outlook has decreased since 2015. Approximately 45 percent of Americans thought it was a great time to search for a job in early 2015, compared to 42 percent in 2016. 2. The record high for job market outlook occurred in 2007. In that year, 48 percent of Americans believed it was a good time to find a quality job. Two years later during the Great Recession a mere 8 percent said it was a good time to find a job. 3. Democrats have a better job market outlook than Republicans. During this year's survey, 54 percent of U.S. citizens who identify as Democrats or lean Democratic believed it was a good time to find a job, compared to 28 percent of Republicans or those who lean Republican. 4. Younger Americans are more likely than older Americans to believe it's a good time to hunt for a job. Approximately 55 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds have a positive job market outlook, and the percentage decreased as participants' ages rose. Forty-five percent of 30- to 49-year-olds, 35 percent of 50- to 64-year-olds and 31 percent of those 65 and older believe it's a great time to find a quality job. 5. Men have a more positive job market outlook than women. Only 39 percent of women think it's a good time to find a job, while 45 percent of men believe the same. An artist's impression of the Grand Central Hotel, one of the new hotels being constructed in Belfast Belfast enjoyed the highest increase in hotel occupancy levels in the UK in 2015, according to research into the sector. Colliers International's UK Hotels Market Index ranks 36 locations in order of hotel development and acquisition activity. While Belfast was at 31 in the overall list of 36, the city did claim the highest percentage increase in occupancy levels year-on-year, rising from 81% in 2014 to 84% in 2015, ahead of Glasgow, Manchester, Bath and London. And Belfast was one of the cities with the highest supply of new hotels in the pipeline. It joined Hull and Cambridge as the locations with the highest percentage of new supply at 21.1%, 22.7% and 29.4% respectively. Around 20 new hotels are currently planned for Belfast, including one at the Harland and Wolff Drawing Offices at the Titanic Quarter. And big players such as Hastings Hotels and Beannchor Group are also in the process of planning new venues. Hastings will unveil the Grand Central Hotel at the former Windsor House in Bedford Street in 2018, while Merchant Hotel owners Beannchor will open the Bullitt at the site of Lagan House next year. A number of hotels have also changed hands in the city, including Ormeau Avenue's Holiday Inn, now owned by Dalata Group and renamed Clayton Hotel. Jonathan Millar from Colliers said high land prices in London were leading investors to look elsewhere. The future of steelmaking in the UK is under threat Business Secretary Sajid Javid faced calls to quit after it emerged he took his daughter with him on a trip to Australia while the UK's steel industry faced a crisis. The Cabinet minister has cut short his visit to Sydney to return to the UK following the the shock decision by Indian conglomerate Tata to sell its UK assets, including the giant steelworks at Port Talbot in South Wales. But the plant's local MP and unions were furious that Mr Javid appeared to have gone on the trip for not "entirely work-related" reasons, with his teenage daughter accompanying him. Mr Javid had yet to arrive back in the UK when David Cameron held an emergency meeting of ministers in Downing Street to discuss Tata's decision, which could put thousands of jobs at risk. A spokesman for the Business Secretary said: "We can confirm that Mr Javid's daughter accompanied him on his visit to Australia. There was no cost to the taxpayer." Labour MP Stephen Kinnock, whose Aberavon seat includes the Port Talbot plant, said Mr Javid should consider quitting, claiming the latest revelation was a further indication of the Government's lack of interest in the steel industry. Mr Kinnock travelled to Mumbai with representatives of the workforce including the Community union's general secretary Roy Rickhuss in an attempt to lobby Tata to keep the loss-making steelworks open. "We have known for months that March 29 was going to be D Day for the British steel industry, with up to 40,000 jobs on the line," he said. "The Business Secretary was not even in the country, he chose to jet off to Australia. He should have been in Mumbai with me and Roy Rickhuss." He added: "I think, given the magnitude of what was happening and the fact it appears that he was not even in Australia for entirely work-related reasons, he should consider his position." In a criticism of the Government led by Mr Cameron, who represents Witney in Oxfordshire, he added: "I really wonder whether, if they had steelworks in Oxfordshire, would we have this level of disengagement?" A spokesman for the Unite union said: "Everybody needs a holiday and time with their family. But with alarm bells ringing in the steel industry it is remarkable and does pose questions as to how alert the Secretary of State was to the latest crisis facing the industry. "With tens of thousands of livelihoods in the balance and the nation facing an industrial crisis, David Cameron needs to personally take charge to protect steel and deliver on the Government's promise to secure the future for the industry." Following the meeting in Downing Street Mr Cameron said the Government was "doing everything it can" to resolve the steel crisis but nationalisation was not the right answer. The situation in Port Talbot was of "deep concern" and there were "no guarantees of success", the Prime Minister said before travelling to Washington for a summit on nuclear security. Mr Cameron defended the way the crisis had been handled, insisting the intervention had stopped an outright closure. He said: "The situation at Port Talbot is of deep concern. I know how important those jobs are. "Those jobs are vital to workers' families, vital to those communities and the Government will do everything it can working with the company to try and secure the future of steelmaking in Port Talbot and across our country, it's a vital industry." Mr Cameron said energy costs in the industry had been cut and the Government had helped to make sure there were penalties for steel dumping. "We are not ruling anything out. I don't believe nationalisation is the right answer." Mr Rickhuss said Mr Cameron's statement had been "underwhelming" and added: " The Prime Minister had the gall to state that his intervention with Tata was responsible for securing a 'sales process' but the sad truth is that Business Department ministers didn't take the opportunity to join us in Mumbai and the Government was nowhere to be seen. "Now, thousands of steelworkers are faced with an uncertain future as their workplaces are put up for sale." TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady said: "Warm words won't secure a future for the British steel industry. "It's time for the Government to put its money where its mouth is. We need urgent and comprehensive government action, not the confused response we've seen so far." Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, whose petition calling for the recall of Parliament to react to the crisis has been signed by more than 115,000 people, said: "The Prime Minister has offered no solutions today to the threat to our steel industry. His government is failing thousands of Tata steelworkers whose jobs are on the line. "It's not good enough for David Cameron to stand by and say the situation is difficult." A senior source close to the Business Secretary dismissed calls for him to quit and insisted it was "insulting" to suggest that he was not focused on the steel industry's future. The source said : "This is absolutely ridiculous. You'd be hard pressed to find anyone who has done more to help the UK steel industry than Sajid Javid. "The fact he has just spent almost 24 hours in the air, flying half-way across the globe, proves how seriously he takes what is going on at Port Talbot. It is frankly insulting to suggest that his focus is anywhere other than securing a viable long-term future. "Mr Javid has been completely transparent regarding his daughter accompanying him on this trip and has covered her costs entirely. There is no suggestion whatsoever that there was any cost to the taxpayer and all proper processes have been followed." Unite Wales secretary Andy Richards said: "Steelworkers at Port Talbot and across Tata steel will want to know just exactly what Sajid Javid intends to do to safeguard their industry, their livelihoods and their communities. "So far all they have received is tea and sympathy from afar with no real concrete solutions for the industrial crisis facing the nation. "We've been here before when the Business Secretary visited Redcar. Lots of noise and promises to deal with the symptoms of the steel crisis, rather than the causes as thousands of livelihoods went to wall because of government inaction. "When he meets steelworkers, Sajid Javid needs to commit to ensuring British steel can compete on a level playing field by promising to drop his opposition to higher EU tariffs of cheap Chinese steel and honour the commitments to help with energy costs which were quietly watered down by George Osborne in his Budget. "But most of all he needs to signal his commitment to steel and manufacturing by promising to back British steel with a line of financial support to get it through these dark days. "He needs to look workers in the eye, not just at Port Talbot, but at sites across Tata Steel from Shotton and Llanwern, to Rotherham and Corby and say your Government backs you. "A failure to do so will leave workers feeling his visit to Port Talbot is nothing more than an empty PR stunt and intensify the need for David Cameron to take personal control in securing a future for the UK steel industry." A spokesman for the Community union said: "Steelworkers across the country will be shocked that it has taken this long for the government to finally wake up to the crisis facing our industry. "Community has always been keen to work constructively with government, but Sajid Javid cannot simply arrive at Port Talbot and read out his list of 'achievements' - this week's news is proof that government action thus far has been woefully inadequate. "The Government must commit to safeguarding the skills and assets of Britain's steel industry. The UK simply cannot afford to lose our steel making capacity. Once again, we call on the Prime Minister to meet urgently with Roy Rickhuss, general secretary of the steelworkers' union, to help secure a long term, profitable future for our steel industry." A vote for the UK to Remain in the European Union (EU) on June 23 will spell the "end of the steel industry in this country" while a vote to Leave will give it a "fighting chance", Nigel Farage has claimed. The Government has ruled out nationalising the industry as thousands of jobs hang in the balance after Indian conglomerate Tata announced it intends to sell its UK assets, including the steelworks at Port Talbot in Wales. The Ukip leader was asked if a Brexit would help save Welsh jobs and secure the future of the industry as he handed in a bid to the Electoral Commission for the Grassroots Out group to be named the "lead" Leave organisation ahead of June 23. "We can give you a chance," he said. "We can give you a fighting chance. "With competitive energy costs, protecting against unnecessary, unfair dumping and thirdly there was the whole issue of EU procurement, whether we are building a warship or whatever it is ... under EU rules we have to tender this out to German companies and French companies as well. "So yeah: Could we give the British steel industry a chance? Yes. "If we vote to Remain on June 23 it is the end of the steel industry in this country. Simple as that." Mr Farage partially blamed the "industrial massacre" suffered by the UK on its decision to join the EU. "It isn't just steel," he said. "I think I'm right in saying in the last 12 years we have closed both our aluminium smelters, we have closed nearly two dozen chemical factories, we have closed, of course, most of our coal-fired power stations. "There has been an industrial massacre in this country of heavy engineering and heavy manufacturing and yeah, sure, there are global challenges with the rise of India and China, but goodness me we have literally beggared our own industries and the start of much of that process was the EU." Premier Foods, the owner of Mr Kipling cakes, has rejected a third takeover offer from Schwartz spices' US owner McCormick & Company, worth 537m. The spice and herbs giant put forward a proposal worth 65p a share for Premier, which also owns Oxo, Bisto and Sharwood's. The board of the St Albans-based firm said the proposal "continues to undervalue Premier and its prospects". However, the Premier board also agreed to open talks for the first time with McCormick to discuss its current trading and liabilities, and "establish whether McCormick will increase its offer price to a recommendable level". Premier rejected McCormick's first offer of 52p in cash per share and a second at 60p in cash per share, both times saying they "significantly'' undervalued the firm's future growth. Shares lifted 7% in afternoon trading yesterday. The moves comes after it emerged that Premier told Japanese noodle giant and key investor Nissin Foods of the bid from McCormick before notifying the rest of its shareholders, a move that left investors disgruntled. Yesterday morning, another twist in the takeover saga saw McCormick sweeten its latest proposal and urge the Premier board to open talks and "engage fully" with it over its takeover offer. The US firm said: "McCormick continues to believe that, with its 127-year heritage, it would be an outstanding custodian for the Premier Foods brands." It said its deal would be attractive whether Nissin continued to co-operate with Premier or not. It also emerged Nissin had upped its stake in Premier Foods to 19.9% at 63p per share on Tuesday, from a 17.3% holding it snapped up last week. The Japanese company said it bought its stake in Premier Foods as part of a co-operation agreement which could see Nissan's products distributed in the UK and Premier taking advantage of the Japanese firm's international distribution network. Nissin has also agreed not to attempt to buy Premier Foods for six months, unless another group makes a firm bid for the UK food business. The Japanese firm bought its stake in the UK food company from private equity group Warburg Pincus. A spokesman for Premier reportedly said: "Nissin was aware of the approach from McCormick because it was essential before committing to the commercial collaboration. "Premier Foods, believing the offer did not value the company, moved to pursue more value-creating opportunities". Premier Foods also issued a clarification statement on Wednesday, saying its chief executive Gavin Darby was not aware of any discussions McCormick may have held with Warburg Pincus, adding it was open to the buyout group to sell its holding in Premier to any group it chose. In a statement, McCormick said its current 65p in cash per share offer gave Premier an enterprise value, which includes debts and pension obligations, of approximately 1.5bn. Maryland-based McCormick has annual sales of $4.3bn (3bn) and owns the Schwartz seasoning brand in the UK as well as its classic McCormick herbs and spices in the US. Nissin Foods - which invented the first instant noodles in 1958 - trades across 19 countries and has annual revenues of $3.8bn (2.6bn). Northern Ireland is maintaining a tradition of independent retail that may be in decline in Great Britain, it has been claimed. Research from the Local Data Company and the British Independent Retailers Association said the number of new independent stores in England, Scotland and Wales had fallen from 11 a day in 2010 to one a week in 2015. The study found that the growth of out-of-town shopping centres meant that independent shops only increased by 0.11% - or 117 shops - in 2015, compared to 4% or 3,949 shops in 2010. Independent retailers represented 65% of all retail in Great Britain. Glyn Roberts, chief executive of the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association said he believed the sector had a bright future in the province. "I think the dynamic is different in Northern Ireland and we have a higher proportion of independent retailers than in the rest of the UK," he added. "While we have seen closures of independent retailers, it would not be quite as stark as the report makes out. What we need to focus on is how to get the next generation of independent retailers up and running - for example, Ballymena has incubator units for new independent retailers." Mr Roberts said independent retailers here were concerned about the growth in operating costs such as business rates. The gradual phasing in of auto-enrolment was also creating concerns, along with the introduction of the new national living wage of 7.20 per hour. Mark Brown, the owner of the Arcadia Delicatessen on Belfast's Lisburn Road, said his store was constantly innovating to keep its customers. The Lisburn Road in the south of the city has been known for its mix of independent retailers and coffee shops. Arcadia started out as a bakery and has been in the Brown family since 1946. Mark's father's involvement with the business coincided with the explosion of foreign travel, when he began to sell foods such as salamis and cheeses to attract well-travelled customers. Mr Brown said: "We are always looking for new stuff and it does get tough. We are always have to work hard to find out what the new trends are and how to move with the times. "We have gone online, too, and it hasn't been what we thought it would be, though we are working on it. We are always picking up new products that people haven't seen before. "And if a small, local supplier gets listed in Tesco, we will move on to something else unless their stuff is doing particularly well for us." The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics showed retail sales fared better than expected in February. Candidates have been putting themselves forward for election as nominations begin to close in the huge set of UK-wide elections taking place on May 5, one year on from the general election and just weeks before the EU in-out referendum. The diverse polls on Super Thursday will give some 45 million registered voters the chance to vote in an exceptional combined elections event. It is possible that registered voters in just a few wards in the Greater Manchester area will be the only ones not facing a choice at the ballot box. The polls cover: Scottish Parliament; Welsh Assembly; Northern Ireland Assembly; London Assembly; London, Bristol, Liverpool and Salford mayors; 124 English councils; 40 police and crime commissioners in England and Wales; and Commons by-elections at Ogmore and Sheffield Brightside & Hillsborough. The PCC election due in Greater Manchester has been cancelled as the commissioner's powers are due to be transferred to a new directly-elected mayor next year. London similarly has no PCC as powers overseeing the Met fall to the mayor. Nominations for the various elections close at different days and times: today at 1600 - London mayor and Assembly; tomorrow at 1600 - Scottish Parliament; Thursday April 7 at 1600 - Welsh Assembly, English councils, police commissioners; Tuesday April 12 at 1300 - Northern Ireland Assembly. To add to the complexity, four different voting systems will be in use: first-past-the-post (FPTP) for English council elections and the two Commons by-elections; FPTP plus proportional representation (PR) regional top-up seats for parliamentary or assembly polls in Scotland, Wales and London; supplementary voting (SV) for mayoral and police elections; and single transferable vote (STV) for the Northern Ireland Assembly. Nearly all registered voters will have been able to vote four times across the entire UK in the space of less than three years. Starting with the Euro elections in May 2014, followed by the general election in May 2015, the UK electorate then faces Super Thursday on May 5 and the EU referendum on June 23. The police and crime commissioner polls covering England and Wales except for London and Greater Manchester appear to be one of the reasons for the nearly universal nature of the May 5 elections. It will be only the second time the police elections have taken place. The first time was in November 2012 after the new police commissioner role was created. Those polls were mired in controversy over a low turnout and a lack of information for voters. Two subsequent by-elections have failed to inspire the voting public, recording low turnouts. Another factor is that the London Assembly elections, last held in May 2012, coincide this time with those for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, last held in May 2011. The focus of attention in the May 5 polls will be the performance of the main parties in their first major test since the general election. Labour, under left-wing leader Jeremy Corbyn, will face close scrutiny. Some disaffected backbenchers have warned of a possible leadership challenge if the party fares badly, particularly in the English council elections. Labour will be under pressure from the SNP in Scotland, following the Scottish Nationalists' landslide north of the border last May, and will be fighting hard to secure a majority in the Welsh Assembly. The question for the Tories will be whether they can build on their surprise general election victory when the party is deeply split over the EU referendum. The Liberal Democrats have seen some council by-election successes since they were reduced to just eight MPs last May. They will be seeking to show they can climb back from their massive defeat then. Ukip, which won nearly four million votes but held only one seat at the general election, has seen falls in the party's vote shares in council by-elections. It has lost its majority on Thanet District Council owing to defections after dramatically taking control of it in last May's local elections. As Nigel Farage's party focuses on the EU referendum, its fortunes in the May elections will be watched keenly. The Greens' performance will also be under scrutiny after it received more than a million votes at the Westminster poll and held only one seat. The SNP failed to win the Scottish independence referendum in September 2014 but made sweeping gains at the general election, leaving Labour, Lib Dems and Tories with just one MP each north of the border. Since then the SNP has continued its onward march with swings in its favour in nearly all Scottish council by-elections that have taken place. The key question in May will be whether the party can increase its current slight working majority to dominate the Scottish Parliament and by how much. The SNP is expected to do well in the 73 FPTP constituencies but the results from the 56 regional PR top-up seats should determine the outcome. Plaid Cymru failed to make headway at the general election when it held three seats and will be under pressure to advance in the Welsh Assembly elections. Labour currently governs Wales as the largest party, with half of the 60 Assembly seats. The Northern Ireland Assembly elections come just weeks after a general election in the Republic of Ireland which delivered an inconclusive result, leaving the main parties facing a complex challenge to try to form a coalition government. Fine Gael and Labour, the previous coalition government partners, lost seats while Fianna Fail saw gains but not enough to recover from its 2011 drubbing over the economic crisis. Sinn Fein won 23 seats, up from the 14 seats it won in the Dail elections in 2011. The party will be seeking to build on those gains in contesting the Northern Ireland Assembly polls. The DUP will go into the assembly elections under new leader Arlene Foster after Peter Robinson stepped down as party leader and as Northern Ireland First Minister following an agreement to overcome a crisis at Stormont last summer. The London mayoral contest to replace Boris Johnson, now Tory MP for Uxbridge & Ruislip South, is expected to be hard fought, with issues such as housing and Heathrow airport expansion at centre stage. The frontrunners are Richmond Park MP Zac Goldsmith for the Conservatives and Tooting MP Sadiq Khan for Labour but other candidates are due to include Caroline Pidgeon for the Lib Dems, Sian Berry for the Greens and Peter Whittle for Ukip. Following successes for Labour in London at the general election, the battle between Labour and the Conservatives in the capital's mayoral and assembly polls will get close attention. The set of UK-wide May elections is expected to see controversy over "disappearing" voters, following the Government's decision to end the transition from household to individual electoral registration (IER) last December. Mr Corbyn used his first party conference speech as Labour Leader last September to highlight claims two million voters could be removed from the electoral register and to accuse the Tories of trying to gerrymander the May polls. He urged a campaign to get people to register to vote. The Government defended the decision to finalise the IER change in time for the May polls, saying it would remove "phantom voters" and reduce electoral fraud. The Electoral Commission reported last month that the UK electorate numbered 43,478,635 as at December 1 2015. It noted 1.3m applications to register to vote had been received since then. However, the electorate at the time of the general election last May was recorded as being 46.4m. :: The EU in-out referendum has been billed as a "once in a generation" opportunity for voters to decide the UK's relationship with the EU. It will see referendum votes counted overnight in 380 council areas across Britain plus one voting area for Northern Ireland and one for Gibraltar - 382 areas in total. The referendum question on the ballot paper has been set as: "Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union or leave the European Union?" The response options for voters will be: "Remain a member of the European Union" or "Leave the European Union". The final outcome will be announced in Manchester by Electoral Commission chair Jenny Watson as Chief Counting Officer for the referendum. President Michael D Higgins was due to be guest of honour at the commemorative event in Belfast City Hall on April 8 The Irish President has pulled out of attending a civic dinner in Belfast to mark the Easter Rising, citing concerns over a lack of political consensus around the occasion. Michael D Higgins was due to be guest of honour at the event in Belfast City Hall on April 8 to commemorate the centenary of the Dublin rebellion against British rule. The President's decision to withdraw comes after Democratic Unionist councillors made clear they would be boycotting the dinner. A spokesman for Mr Higgins said: "The President accepted the invitation to the civic dinner on the basis that there was cross-party support for the invitation. "This now is no longer the case, leaving the President with no other option but to withdraw as he does not want to become embroiled in matters of political controversy." Sinn Fein Lord Mayor Arder Carson received a letter from the President outlining his reasons for pulling out. Mr Carson said: "Both personally, and on behalf of Belfast City Council, I am extremely disappointed that the President is no longer attending this event, part of our decade of centenaries programme. "The overall programme for the decade was agreed by full council and has cross-party support; and that position has not changed. "A lot of hard work has gone into creating an inclusive programme of events which is respectful of all viewpoints and which focuses on the key events of our shared history, and those which have impacted on our city. "In this important year which reflects on the centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising and the Battle of the Somme, Belfast City Council has shown leadership in how we mark these events and I would wish that to continue. "The dinner will, of course, be going ahead on April 8 and I am very much looking forward to the occasion." The President's decision has sparked a row between the DUP and Alliance Party, with the latter accusing the former of breaking an all-party agreement to mark a number of centenaries with civic occasions. Alliance councillor Michael Long said: "There has been a long-standing agreement that three of the main anniversaries would each be marked with a dinner, which would be events exploring the consequences of violence and looking at the significance of each event. "It was an all-party approach to the decade of centenaries that was respectful to all traditions, and done with reconciliation and building a shared future in mind. Therefore it was disappointing the DUP has decided to not attend the Easter Rising dinner, which has led to President Higgins pulling out of the event. "It is particularly hypocritical of the DUP, given the party will likely be in attendance at the Somme event in a few months." DUP Alderman Brian Kingston rejected the claims. "It was agreed that Belfast City Council would hold a series of events during the current 'decade of centenaries', from the centenaries of Ulster's Solemn League and Covenant in 1912 to the formation of Northern Ireland in 1921," he said. "At no stage did the DUP Group say it would attend a civic dinner marking the centenary of the 1916 Rebellion and it will not be attending. "The DUP refutes the Alliance accusation that any agreement was broken and calls on Alliance Group Leader Michael Long to confirm that no such agreement of attendance was given." A Belfast doctor, who was a convicted paedophile, was allowed to continue working with children due to a number of failings by the authorities, according to a new report. Dr Niall Meehan, head of the journalism and media communications faculty at Griffith College Dublin found that the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) was made aware in 1971 Royal Hospital Belfast child-psychiatrist, Dr Roderick Morrison Fraser, had abused a 13-year-old Belfast boy in London. He was plead guilty to the offences the following year but he was not jailed and he was allowed to continue to work with children. The report, entitled Child Abuse, Corruption and Collusion in Britain and Northern Ireland, claims that following a series of cover-ups by the authorities, Fraser was able to remain on the medical register, even after he was convicted of child abuse again in 1974. Throughout the next 20 years, Fraser used his professional status in Britain to rebuild his profile, to gain access to children and to facilitate assaults by fellow predatory paedophiles, Peter Righton and Charles Napier. Richard Kerr, who was around 13 at the time, claims that he was abused by Fraser during counselling at the doctors medical offices in Belfasts Royal Hospital in the early 1970s. He said: Morris abused me, in his office, two or three times on those visits. I will never forget that face. That black hair. I have never forgotten it. Two years later, Mr Kerr was sent to Kincora boys' home, which was at the centre of an abuse scandal in the 1980. Mr Kerr said that Fraser had access to all of the childrens homes in Belfast. Dr Meehan comments: The security services and the doctors professional body, the General Medical Council (GMC), played a collusive and a possibly corrupt role in the Fraser saga. That role, apparent in 1973, could have been exposed by alert journalists. Had they done so, it is possible that abuse in childrens homes in Northern Ireland might have been revealed sooner. Children could have been saved years of abuse by Fraser and his associates. Fraser was jailed for possessing and distributing child pornography in 1992 but it was not until 1995 that he voluntarily stopped being a doctor. Dr Meehan said: This is, perhaps most importantly, a story that refocuses attention on state responsibility for the abuse of children in Northern Ireland during the early 1970s. It is clear from this investigation that official protection of abusers and abuse for intelligence purposes spread wider than merely the fringes of unionist politics. The lid on this can of worms should be fully prised open. It appears that current inquiries into child abuse in both Britain and Northern Ireland are designed to exclude such matters. If that is so, what is their point? It is understood a Freedom of Information request regarding Fraser was turned down in 2015 for reasons of national security. An Irish man has been stabbed and killed while on a "first date" at a Sydney restaurant. The man, named in locally as Keith Collins (53), was stabbed in the neck and chest while his date Jovi Pilapil was also injured. Her ex-husband is the chief suspect. The Sydney Morning Herald has reported that Mr Collins, a father who lived in Terrigal on the Central Coast but believed to be originally from Dublin, died at the scene at Kangam BBQ restaurant in Westfield Hornsby. Ms Pilapil was able to run away and hide in an upstairs shop, where she collapsed. It is believed that the pair had arranged their first date after meeting on a dating website. The newspaper is reporting that they were stabbed by a man believed to be Ms Pilapils ex-husband, Alexander Villaluna. Witnesses said the alleged attacker calmly walked up and down the shopping centre's concourse, covered in blood and with the 20-centimetre knife in his hand. After about 15 minutes, a female police officer with her Taser drawn apprehended Mr Villaluna, who had walked back inside the Korean BBQ restaurant and surrendered without incident. A witness said the alleged attacker appeared "eerily calm" as he paced up and down. "It's almost like it was an out-of-body experience for him," he said. "He probably sat down wondering what to do. He was eerily calm as though it didn't really matter." Mr Collins daughter Aisling wrote on Facebook: "I love you more than anything dad, I'll forever be your girl no matter what." Another relative Audrey Jenkins took to social media today. She wrote: "Love you big bro. Please, please be at peace now. Xxxx" Acting Superintendent Damian Henry told ABC that police thought it was a targeted attack. "When anybody dies in sudden and unnatural circumstances it's a tragic event," he said. "The area where the incident occurred is a place that is frequented by members of the public [and] this is certainly out of character for that area. "Generally speaking it's a very safe area around that part of the shopping mall." Superintendent Henry said the 38-year-old woman was taken to Royal North Shore Hospital with a punctured sternum and was expected to have surgery. The 44-year-old man was arrested nearby and was taken to Hornsby Police Station where he was charged with murder and attempted murder. He was refused bail and chose not to appear when his case was heard before Hornsby Local Court. He will face court again in May. Independent.ie President Michael D Higgins has called on people to keep building a Republic which the 1916 leaders would be proud of. At the opening of a new visitor centre in Kilmainham Gaol, the President paid tribute to the volunteers who restored the ruined prison 50 years ago. Mr Higgins said there can be no doubting the prison's importance in Irish history. "In its current life as a museum it fulfils a new and essential role, in enabling all of our citizens to engage with history and commemoration in a way that is inclusive, ethical, and honest," he said. The new visitor centre is on the site of the old courthouse which was handed over to the Office of Public Works in 2013. A building which dates back to 1820, it is now home to a coffee shop, bookshop and interpretative displays. It includes photographs, artefacts and the diaries and autograph books of prisoners jailed during the War of Independence and the civil war. "These personal perspectives of those incarcerated are of such great value," the President said. "They indicate a selflessness, echoing the valiant courage which so defined those who fought with commitment for an Ireland of justice, equality and freedom, as well as allowing a unique access to the emotions and the insights of those detained here." Some of the inscriptions include that by Hannah Moynihan, who was imprisoned here during the War of Independence. Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close GPO in ruins 1916: Soldiers survey the interior of the post pffice in Sackville Street, Dublin, during the Easter Rising of 1916. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) Scene from O'Connell Street in Dublin, during the Easter Rising in 1916 Post Office Ruined...Soldiers inspect the interior of Dublin's General Post Office, viewing the complete destruction of the building after being shelled by the British during the Easter Rising 1916. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)...I INDH28 Easter Rising 1916: British troops loading vehicle. Published 1920. (Part of the NPA/Independent Collection) INDH22A Easter Rising 1916: Head office of ITGWU, destroyed following the 1916 Rising. Published 1916. (Part of the NPA/Independent Collection) Library filer dated 11/05/1916 of the damage wrought on Dublin's General Post Office during the Easter Rising. Celebrations will mark the event's 90th anniversary today. Sunday April 16, 2006. INDH22C Easter Rising 1916: Ruins of Freeman Press and Telegraph, 1916. Published 1916. (Part of the NPA/Independent Collection) Easter Rising:Anniversary/Standard bearers head the parade into Milltown Cemetery, Falls Road, BELFAST, for the graveside ceremony. 12/4/1966 Library filer dated 11/05/1916 of a view of Sackville Street (O'Connell St) and the River Liffey at Eden Quay in Dublin, showing the devastation wrought during the Easter Rising. Celebrations will mark the event's 90th anniversary today. Sunday April 16, 2006. GARDEN OF REMEMBERANCE OPENS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN APRIL 1966 IN CELEBRATION OF THE 50YRS ANNIVERSARY OF THE EASTER RISING INDH29 Easter Rising 1916: British troops searching a car. Published 1920. (Part of the NPA/Independent Collection) INDH22 Easter Rising 1916: Coliseum theatre, Henry Street, destroyed following the 1916 Rising. Published 1916. (Part of the NPA/Independent Collection) INDH22B Easter Rising 1916: O'Connell bridge and street, 1916. Published 1916. (Part of the NPA/Independent Collection) INDH22E Easter Rising 1916: Troops being marched to barracks, 1916. Published 1916. (Part of the NPA/Independent Collection) INDH26 Easter Rising 1916: Troops searching bread van for arms. Published 1916. (Part of the NPA/Independent Collection) INDH23 Easter Rising 1916: Troops inspecting car on Mount Street Bridge. Published 1916. (Part of the NPA/Independent Collection) INDH27 Easter Rising 1916: British troops barricade City Hall. Published 1920. (Part of the NPA/Independent Collection) Easter Rising:Anniversary/Standard bearers head the parade into Milltown Cemetery, Falls Road, BELFAST, for the graveside ceremony. 12/4/1966 / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp GPO in ruins 1916: Soldiers survey the interior of the post pffice in Sackville Street, Dublin, during the Easter Rising of 1916. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) In October 1923 she described Kilmainham as a "dark, gloomy place with long, dreary passages". She added: "Sis (Power) and I have been making our 'house' beautiful, and on the door we have chalked 'The Invincible' - rather conceited!" Patrick Gilligan, writing from cell 16 during the Civil War wrote: "Tis not who can inflict most, Tis who can endure most will triumph in the end." While Peter Radcliffe added in the same year: "Why were prisons built, and what was man's intent, in building for his fellow man, such places of torment?" President Higgins laid a wreath in the Stone Breakers' yard in Kilmainham on Sunday where 14 of the rebel leaders were executed by firing squad. He said it was a "most moving ceremony". "The monument to those shot confronts all of the visitors to this place with the final moments of the leaders of the Rising, in a most arresting and affecting manner," he said. President Higgins said upcoming commemorations, in particular the Civil War, will create more "difficult and painful processes of remembering" and Kilmainham will again be central to that. "As we commemorate the centenary of the Easter Rising let us do so in a spirit of determination to honour the deaths of those brave leaders who died in Kilmainham Gaol in 1916, and with respect for a full appreciation of their lives and action, and the context in which these were transacted," he said. "They died imagining a brave new Ireland, and we must continue the work of building a Republic of which our founders would be proud; a nation rooted in courage, vision and a profound spirit of generous humanity. "In the commemorations to follow in the coming decades we will be called to summon up forgiveness and achieve a healing." Kilmainham Gaol opened in 1796 and remains one of the largest unoccupied prisons in Europe. It was decommissioned as a prison in 1924, restored as a museum 50 years ago and has been designated a National Monument. It takes in 330,000 visitors a year and to mark the opening of the visitors' centre the first 5,000 online bookings for April and May will be free. President Higgins said Irish people owe an enormous debt of gratitude to all the volunteers, many of whom had also fought in the Rising and the War of Independence, who led the restoration. Inmates were worked to death on a daily basis in Nazi concentration camps such as Mauthausen The only British survivor found at the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp at the end of the Second World War detailed in newly-released documents how victims of Nazi atrocities had resorted to cannibalism to stay alive. Harold Le Druillenec said that he spent all his time at Belsen heaving bodies into graves in a graphic account recounting the horrors that he had seen while surviving three concentration camps. More than 70,000 people died at Bergen-Belsen in 1941-45. He was arrested in Jersey the day before D-Day in 1944 for helping his sister to harbour an escaped Russian prisoner-of-war and for non-cooperation with German occupying forces in the Channel Islands. He went on to give evidence at the Belsen trials after the war at which dozens of SS men and women were convicted for their roles in crimes at the camp. "I survived three concentration camps by a lot of luck and the ability to 'live outside the carcase'. I retain this trait, Mr Le Druillenec wrote in his note released today by the National Archives in which he sought compensation for his disability. He said there was no food, water and sleep was impossible at Belsen, the worst of the three camps where he was held. He wrote: "All my time here was spent in heaving dead bodies into the mass graves kindly dug for us by 'outside workers' for we no longer had the strength for that type of work which, fortunately, must have been observed by the camp authorities. "Jungle law reigned among the prisoners; at night you killed or were killed; by day cannibalism was rampant. "The bulk of Auschwitz had been transferred to Belsen when I arrived and it was here that I heard the expression 'there is only one way out of here - through the chimney!' (crematorium). He was freed after 10 months' imprisonment, during which he lost more than half his body weight, and spent almost a year recovering from the dysentery, scabies, malnutrition and septicaemia that he suffered. The Foreign Office eventually agreed to pay him compensation, awarding him 1,835 - around 30,000 today - for the time he spent imprisoned and his disabilities, which were deemed to be "less than 50%". Independent Egypt has formally asked Cyprus to extradite a detained Egyptian man who authorities say admitted hijacking a domestic EgyptAir flight and diverting it to Cyprus by threatening to blow it up with a fake explosives belt. The legal developments came as those on board described an unnerving situation in which the hijacker looked for foreigners by sorting through their passports and kept five of them on the plane after freeing the non-Western passengers. "He wanted the foreigners ... only foreigners. He didn't want Egyptians or double nationalities," flight attendant Rouida Ihab told The Associated Press. Italian passenger Andrea Banchetti said passengers were calm through the ordeal but admitted "(I was) going out of my mind" when the hijacker let non-Western passengers off the plane, leaving behind only five European passport-holders including himself. "We looked each other in the eyes and we said, 'Here we are. We're at the end of the line. It's over,'" the 47-year-old mechanic told the Rome daily La Repubblica. The extradition request from Egypt's General Prosecutor Nabil Sadek came shortly after a Cypriot court ordered that the suspect, identified as 59-year-old Seif Eddin Mustafa, remain in police custody for eight days to assist the hijacking investigation. Police prosecutor Andreas Lambrianou said the suspect faces preliminary charges including hijacking, illegal possession of explosives, kidnapping and threats to commit violence. Judge Maria Loizou said she approved the police request for the maximum eight-day detention because of fears that the suspect might flee and because he admitted to the hijacking in a voluntary statement to police. Tuesday's hijacking, which started when authorities said Mustafa claimed to have explosives in a belt and forced a flight from Alexandria to Cairo to land in Cyprus, ended peacefully about six hours later. Most of the 72 passengers and crew on board the Airbus A320 were released soon after the plane landed, although a handful were held for longer. All were let go before Mustafa was arrested when he tried to flee on foot after leaving the plane, police said. Lambrianou said after Mustafa was arrested, he told police: "What's someone supposed to do when he hasn't seen his wife and children in 24 years and the Egyptian government won't let him?" Egypt's interior ministry said Mustafa had a long criminal record but had finished serving a one-year prison term in March 2015. An official at the general prosecutor's office said there was no travel ban on Mustafa. A Cypriot police official told the AP that Mustafa's criminal record on the island stretched back to 1988, when he was convicted on six counts of forging passports and handed a suspended sentence. He was later deported to Egypt following domestic violence charges by his then-Cypriot wife. He re-entered Cyprus on an assumed Qatari identity, but was tracked down and again deported to Egypt in 1990. Mustafa and his Cypriot wife divorced in 1994. The couple had four children but one child has since died, according to a relative. After the hearing, a handcuffed Mustafa flashed the "V'' for victory sign out the window of a police vehicle as he was driven away from the Larnaca court house. Cypriot officials had described Mustafa as "psychologically unstable" following a bizarre set of demands he made to police negotiators, including what Mr Lambrianou said was a letter he wanted delivered to his Cypriot ex-wife in which he demanded the release of 63 dissident women imprisoned in Egypt. Mr Lambrianou said 15 minutes into flight MS181 Mustafa demanded that the aircraft be diverted to an airport in Greece, Turkey or Cyprus. Despite an initial refusal from Cypriot authorities, the plane eventually landed in Larnaca after the pilots warned about low fuel. The police prosecutor said witnesses saw Mustafa wearing a white belt with pockets that had cylindrical objects stuffed inside. Wire protruding from the cylinders led to what appeared to be a detonator in his hand. Among those forced to stay on the plane longer was Ben Innes, a British man pictured in a photo with Mustafa that quickly made the rounds on social media. Innes told The Sun newspaper he wanted to take "the selfie of a lifetime" while the incident was unfolding. The bizarre photo, taken by a member of the cabin crew and shared on social media, shows him smiling next to Mustafa, who has his jacket open to reveal the fake explosive belt. "I figured if his bomb was real I'd nothing to lose anyway," Mr Innes, 26, told the newspaper. He told The Sun he had been texting his mother throughout the ordeal. Mr Banchetti told La Repubblica he should have "slapped" Mr Innes for taking the photo. "That guy could have had a potato in his belt, but how do you go up to him that way and take a photo of him?" said Mr Banchetti. "'Are you a fool?' I said in English." Mustafa had threatened to detonate the belt if police attempted to "neutralise" him, Mr Lambrianou said, but he eventually gave up after the crew and passengers were released. The Cypriot ex-wife of an Egyptian man who authorities say admitted hijacked a domestic EgyptAir flight has said he is an "extremely dangerous man" who used drugs and beat her and their children. Marina Paraschou strongly rejected media reports suggesting that 59-year-old Seif Eddin Mustafa hijacked the Airbus A320 with 72 passengers and crew on board and threatened to blow it up with a fake suicide belt out of love for her. In an interview published on Thursday in leading Cypriot daily Phileleftheros, Ms Paraschou said it is a "lie" that Mustafa asked to speak to her, and that police who brought her to Cyprus' main Larnaca airport where the plane was diverted only asked her to identify his voice. Cypriot officials, who described Mustafa as "psychologically unstable", said he had asked police negotiators during Tuesday's hijacking to deliver a letter to Ms Paraschou in which he demanded the release of 63 dissident women imprisoned in Egypt. The six-hour ordeal ended peacefully when police arrested Mustafa after all passengers and crew were released. During a court hearing on Wednesday, a police prosecutor said Mustafa told authorities after his arrest: "What's someone supposed to do when he hasn't seen his wife and children in 24 years and the Egyptian government won't let him?" But Ms Paraschou suggested in the interview that it was all a ruse. She said: "This man never cared for his children for one minute, either when he lived here or when he went away. "He only offered pain, misery and terror. And even now when he's in police custody, my children and I are afraid." In a separate interview with daily Politis also published on Thursday, Ms Paraschou said Mustafa used her as an "excuse" to seek asylum in Cyprus. Ms Paraschou told Phileleftheros she married Mustafa in 1985 when she was 20. The couple divorced five years later and since then had only once made contact when she called him several years later to say that their teenage daughter - one of four children the couple had together - had been killed in a car accident. "What do I care? It doesn't matter she was killed," Ms Paraschou said Mustafa had told her. She said while married, the couple lived in her parents' home and that Mustafa never held down a job, beating his children when he could not support his drug habit. Ms Paraschou said Mustafa was a "fanatical" Palestine Liberation Organisation supporter who bragged about participating in the killing of three Israeli soldiers and was jailed for four years in Syria. She said Mustafa's tattoos and some "items" she did not identify betrayed Mustafa's "connections with dark things". Egypt's interior ministry said Mustafa had a long criminal record but had finished serving a one-year prison term in March 2015. Cyprus police said that Mustafa's criminal record on the island stretched back to 1988, when he was convicted on six counts of forging passports and handed a suspended sentence. He was later deported to Egypt following domestic violence charges by Ms Paraschou. He re-entered Cyprus on an assumed Qatari identity, but was tracked down and again deported to Egypt in 1990. Meanwhile, in Egypt, Mustafa's 57-year old sister gave a different account, saying his brother's life was focused on how to get to see his children and that his only offences were related to forging documents so he could travel to see them. "For 24 years, my brother wasted his life in prison and attempts to travel and see his children," Fekriya Mustafa said. She said he phoned her from the plane twice and told her that he had hijacked the aircraft - but she believed he was joking until she saw his picture on TV news. She added that she last saw him a week ago but had no clue what he would do. "I had no idea this will happen," she said. "He was depressed because of the children. He has no work, no life, nothing." The sister said he had no violent past but that he had beaten his children to "discipline them". She made no mention of him beating up his ex-wife. People gather on the grounds of a hospital where relatives are being treated December 17, 2007 in Kabo in the northern Central African Republic. Central African Republic (CAR) is one of the world's poorest and most neglected countries with an average life expectancy of 39 years. Decades of fighting various rebel factions in the north of the country have resulted in hundreds of deaths and over 200,000 internally displaced people. Outside of the capital Bangui there is no electricity or paved roads and banditry is extensive. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) Almost 100 girls in the Central African Republic have said they were sexually abused by international peacekeepers, with three claiming they were tied up, undressed, and forced to have sex with a dog by a French military commander in 2014. The United Nations has announced an urgent investigation into allegations of rape and assault earlier this month made by a US campaign group , saying reports dated back three years. A delegation from its Minusca mission aiming to stabilise the war-torn country interviewed victims on Saturday, uncovering horrific claims against UN and local forces, as well as troops sent by France. The results of the investigation have not yet been made public but the Aids-Free World campaign group said sources had passed it details. A spokesperson said three girls reported they and a fourth victim, who has since died of an unknown illness, were tied up and undressed at a military camp by a commander from the French Sangaris force. They said they were then allegedly forced to have sex with a dog before being given 5,000 Central African Francs (6) each in 2014. One of the victims said she was called the Sangaris dog by people in the community after the attack. The three surviving girls had sought basic medical treatment, Aids-Free World said. It is far from the only report of abuse in CAR, where peacekeepers have been accused of raping girls as young as 12. Read more Read More A report leaked last year included claims that French troops forced refugee children fleeing violence to perform sex acts for food. The team has identified the alleged involvement of UN contingents from Burundi and Gabon, which will remain confined to camps during the investigation, Mr Dujarric said, adding that allegations against French forces are also being investigated. A report earlier this month said there were 69 allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation by peacekeepers in 2015 - 22 of them in CAR. The head of Minusca, Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, described his despair and anger at the allegations and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. CAR was plunged into conflict after mainly Muslim Seleka rebels toppled the president in 2013, leading to the formation of the Christian anti-Balaka militia, unleashing sectarian fighting that forced hundreds of thousands of civilians to flee their homes. The UN sent a 10,000-strong force in the following year to help restore order. Violence declined in November and hopes for stability rose with the inauguration of a new President on Wednesday but sexual abuse and war crimes remain a serious concern. The UN and French ministry of defence have not responded to a request for a comment. Independent Locals and rescue workers clear the rubbles of a partially collapsed overpass in Kolkata, Thursday, March 31, 2016. (AP Photo/Bikas Das) Locals and rescue workers clear the rubbles of a partially collapsed overpass in Kolkata, Thursday, March 31, (AP Photo/Bikas Das) At least ten people have been killed and more than a hundred are feared trapped after a flyover under construction collapsed in India. Firefighters and residents were using their bare hands in a bid to rescue those trapped under the wreckage which came down near Girish Park in the eastern city of Kolkata on a busy road. Reuters news agency reports that the flyover has been under construction since 2009 and has missed several deadlines for completion. One witness has told the New Delhi Television news channel (NDTV): "We heard a loud rumble and then saw a lot of dust in the sky." Another added: "The area was very, very crowded. Motorized rickshaws, taxis ... there was a lot of traffic." Local footage has shown water bottles being handed to those trapped beneath the debris. India's Home Affairs Minister Rajnath Singh has offered his condolences. "(I am) deeply saddened to know that precious lives have been lost in the Kolkata accident. "Spoke to DG NDRF who apprised me of the situation at the accident site in Kolkata. NDRF teams have been rushed to the spot for rescue ops." It has been reported that construction projects in India have suffered safety issues in the past with frequent collapses. Women and elephants never forget an injury. Or so it goes according to H.H. Munro's brief narrative, "Reginald on Besetting Sins." We'll set aside the questionable implications of the first half of that assertion for now. But regarding the elephants, the British author was onto something. Nearly a century later, extensive observations have confirmed that elephants indeed remember injuries and hold grudges against their abusers. For example, one study of African elephants found that the animals react negatively to the sight and scent of clothing worn by members of a nearby Maasai tribe of people [source: BBC News]. Why the sour grapes? Maasai men spear elephants as a customary display of their masculinity. Advertisement Anecdotal evidence also suggests that elephants remember trainers or keepers who mistreated them even after years of separation [source: National Geographic]. Similarly, scientists have linked elephant raids on villages in Uganda to a form of post-traumatic stress disorder [source: Shaikh]. The experts believe that the elephants lashed out because the growing human population was taking over elephant territory, forcibly separating some elephants from their close-knit family units [source: Shaikh]. Elephants are far more thoughtful mammals than their popular circus entertainer personas imply. In the wild, they follow formalized family structures with older females, or matriarchs, at the top. Daughter elephants always stick close with their mothers, forming families. Male offspring leave the family at around 14 years of age, or whenever they reach sexual maturity, described as being in musth. From there, males join groups of other male elephants, which they'll periodically leave for mating purposes. During droughts, multiple elephant families consisting of the females and their calves may congregate to form bond groups and share resources. With all of this coming and going, elephants have many forms of communication to keep up with each other. One method for spatially locating other elephants is through the bundles of nerve sensors in their feet called Pacinian corpuscles [source: Braden]. The corpuscles translate seismic vibrations coming from the ground into a nerve impulse that sends a message to the brain about the source and direction of the vibrations. Even their toenails contain nerves that discern where sounds come from [source: Friend]. But what's going on in those noggins that makes elephants famous for their memory? Next, we'll dissect the elephant brain to see whether or not it's just peanuts up there. South African president Jacob Zuma "failed to uphold" the constitution when he did not pay back some of the millions of dollars in state funds used to upgrade his home, the country's Constitutional Court has ruled. The ruling could significantly weaken the leader, who is fending off multiple accusations of alleged misconduct at the highest levels of government although he still retains the support of powerful factions in his party, the African National Congress (ANC). The main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance, said it would immediately begin impeachment proceedings against Mr Zuma. While parliament has the power to remove him, ruling party MPs defeated a no-confidence vote against Mr Zuma earlier this year. Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng also said that parliament, which is dominated by the ANC, had failed in its obligations by not holding Mr Zuma to account in the spending scandal. Mr Zuma is already under scrutiny because of allegedly improper links to the Guptas, a wealthy business family in South Africa. Questions about the extent of the Gupta family's influence have exposed some divisions within the ruling party, particularly after the country's deputy finance minister said the family directly offered him the finance minister job in December. This was around the time that the incumbent, Nhlanhla Nene, was sacked in a move that rattled markets. Speaking for South Africa's highest court, Mr Mogoeng said Mr Zuma should not have ignored a state watchdog's recommendations that he should reimburse state funds spent on his home, known as Nkandla. Mr Zuma "failed to uphold, defend, and respect the constitution as the supreme law of the land", Mr Mogoeng said. Mr Zuma's office had said he was willing to reimburse some of the more than 20 million US dollars (14 million) spent on Nkandla. His critics said the offer was an attempt to avoid a court hearing, and opposition MPs took the case to court anyway. The Yugoslav war crimes tribunal has acquitted Serbian ultranationalist politician Vojislav Seselj of all nine counts alleging that he was responsible for or incited atrocities by Serbian paramilitaries during the Balkan wars. Seselj was not present at the court in The Hague for the hearing as Presiding Judge Jean-Claude Antonetti declared: "Following this verdict, Vojislav Seselj is now a free man." In the Serbian capital of Belgrade, Seselj's supporters at his Serbian Radical Party headquarters yelled, clapped and screamed with joy as the verdict was read out. UN prosecutors, who had charged the 61-year-old with crimes including persecution, murder and torture during the wars in Bosnia and Croatia in the early 1990s, had demanded a 28-year sentence. But in a majority decision, the three-judge panel said there was insufficient evidence linking Seselj to crimes. Prosecutors have the right to appeal. With a surge in pro-Russian and right-wing sentiments ahead of the April 24 general election in Serbia, Seselj's Serbian Radical Party has a good chance to return to parliament after missing out following the last vote two years ago. His return to Belgrade in late 2014, when the tribunal released him on humanitarian grounds due to his ill health, only boosted his popularity among the ultranationalists. He has campaigned on the platform that Serbia must never enter the European Union or Nato and should forge closer ties with Moscow. He has burned EU flags during pre-election rallies, and said he would only join a coalition government with the incumbent populists, his former allies, if they give up their goal of EU accession. At a press conference shortly after his acquittal, Seselj, who defended himself throughout his trial, said the decision was "the only possible one from the legal aspect". "After so many proceedings in which innocent Serbs were given draconian punishments, this time two honest judges showed they valued honour more than political pressure," he said. In their majority ruling, the three-judge panel ruled that Serbian plans to carve out a "Greater Serbia" by uniting lands they considered Serb territory in Croatia and Bosnia was a "political goal" and not a criminal plan, as prosecutors alleged. The plan was often accompanied by military campaigns that drove out thousands of non-Serb civilians and left thousands of others dead. Judge Antonetti distanced Seselj from the crimes of the paramilitaries he helped to establish, saying that although Seselj "may have had a certain amount of moral authority over his party's volunteers, they were not his subordinates" when they went into combat. The acquittal stunned many Bosnians. "An absolutely shocking decision," said lawyer and publicist Senad Pecanin. "This is the lowest point of The Hague tribunal." Ismar Jamakovic, 23, a student of political science from Sarajevo, said judges ruled that "advocating the creation of Greater Serbia was a political and not a criminal act". He added: "Does this mean I can now advocate the creation of an Islamic State without facing any consequences? You've got to be kidding me." Libya's UN-brokered unity government threatened on Thursday to send the names of 17 of the country's rival politicians, militia leaders and religious figures to the international police organisation Interpol and the UN Security Council for "supporting terrorism" if they continue to "impede democratic transition". The prime minister-designate of the UN-backed government, Fayez Serraj- who landed by sea in the Libyan capital of Tripoli on Wednesday- is slowly taking steps to consolidate his grip on power in a country already split between two rival governments, two parliaments, and militias in eastern and western Libya. One of Libya's rival governments is based in Tripoli. It is led by Khalifa Ghweil and its source of power is a loose set of Islamist-led militias. The second camp is based in the east, made up of Libya's last elected House of Representatives and it is supported by army units led by strongman Khalifa Hifter, and eastern militias and tribes. The two rival camps have created a power struggle and a security vacuum, enabling the extremist Islamic State group to find a foothold in Libya. The group has taken over the central city of Sirte and carried deadly attacks across the country. While the international community throws their support behind Mr Serraj, hoping he can unify Libya to pave the way for a joint military move against IS, the new, unity government adds another layer to the messy Libyan political structure. It could also create a paralysis in state institutions. Mr Serraj's presidential council and government are a result of months-long U.N.-brokered political deal signed by groups from within the two parliaments, last year in Morocco. The deal gave the eastern parliament all legislative powers while the parliament in Tripoli would have a consultative role through a new body, called the State Council. In an attempt to pressure his opponents, Mr Serraj's security committee posted a list of 17 figures on its Facebook page on Thursday, including Mr Ghewil, the prime minister of the Islamist government in Tripoli, along with the head of the Tripoli-based parliament, Nouri Abu Sahmain, and self-declared religious chief, Mufti al-Sadeq al-Ghariyani. The announcement came hours after Mr al-Ghariyani, who is a strong backer of the Tripoli camp, demanded Mr Serraj return to Tunisia until crucial amendments are made in the UN deal. He listed five objections to the deal, including the definition of terrorism and concentration of all legislative powers in the hands of the eastern parliament. Mr al-Ghariyani said that the UN-backed government must "return to where it came from," otherwise all Libyans are ready to fight wage Jihad, or "holy war". It's still unclear how Mr al-Ghariyani's threats could materialise. So far, the Tripoli government continues to work from its venue, protected by a powerful militia. Mr Ghweil said on Thursday that he remains in office and that Mr Serraj should leave. Earlier, he had ordered the closure of western Libya's airspace to prevent Mr Serraj from flying into Tripoli. In addition to security challenges, Mr Serraj could struggle to impose his authority on the Central Bank, the state-run oil company and other institutions in Libya. Mr Serraj was to meet with the head of the Central Bank on Friday, the bank's spokesman, Essam al-Awl, said. On his first day in Tripoli, Mr Serraj remained confined inside the naval base on Thursday. He received 12 heads of Tripoli's municipal councils, according to Abdel-Raouf Beit al-Maal, one of Tripoli's chiefs. The chiefs can help ease the militias out of the capital, said Beit al-Maal. A militia force of some five pick-up trucks mounted with anti-aircraft guns, guarded the naval base. A few miles away, a tank was positioned on an overpass overlooking the base, along with five army vehicles belonging to the regular army. It remained unclear if these were renegade forces. According to Abdel-Rahman al-Taweel, the head of the security committee affiliated to Mr Serraj's government, negotiations were under way onThursday with Tripoli militias to handover key government buildings in the capital. Some buildings, like the foreign ministry, are under protection of another militia supportive to Mr Serraj. Meanwhile, the armed force led by militia commander Ibrahim Jedran whose 27,000 troops control Libya's major oil terminals issued a statement Thursday pledging loyalty to Mr Serraj's government and vowed to "protect the Libyan people's rights from the terrorists". Mr Jedran, a federalist who supported the eastern parliament but opposed army commander Mr Hifter, took control of the terminals in 2014. His troops have in the past months come under attack from Islamic State militants. The oil-rich North African country has witnesses a drop in its oil output because of the chaos that has engulfed Libya, to less than a quarter of the country's 2011 production of 1.6 million barrels a day. The Varkey Foundation has defended its decision to award a Palestinian schoolteacher a prize for preaching non-violence after it emerged that the woman's husband participated in an attack that killed six Israelis three decades ago. Earlier this month, the UK-based foundation awarded Hanan al-Hroub its 1 million US dollar (700,000) Global Teacher Prize. In its selection, it cited her slogan "No to Violence" and her efforts in protecting Palestinian schoolchildren from the effects of living in a conflict zone. Ms Al-Hroub's husband, Omar, served time in an Israeli prison for serving as an accomplice in a bombing attack that killed six Israelis in the West Bank city of Hebron in 1980. In a statement, the Varkey Foundation said "the judging process examines the qualities and achievements of the candidates themselves only". The foundation was set up by Sunny Varkey, who established the for-profit GEMS Education company. When it granted Ms Al-Hroub the award on March 14, it made no mention of her husband's past. An article in the Qatari newspaper al-Araby al-Jadid drew attention to him by praising him as a "freedom fighter ... who took part in one of the most daring guerrilla operations in the occupied territories". The 1980 bombing attack killed six Israelis as they were walking home from sabbath prayers. According to an Associated Press account at the time, Omar al-Hroub was a chemist who provided chemicals needed for making the bombs. Meir Indor, chairman of the Almagor Terror Victims Association, an Israeli advocacy group, said he did not blame the teacher for her husband's actions, but that she nonetheless should not have received the prize. It made "a mockery of those murdered by her husband", he said. Both of the Al-Hroubs declined to comment. Qadura Faris, the director of the Palestinian prisoners' association, said that after serving a 10-year sentence, Omar al-Hroub accepted the 1993 Oslo interim peace accord with Israel, served as a deputy Cabinet minister in the Palestinian Authority and supports a two-state solution with Israel. He said Mr Al-Hroub remains a senior Palestinian official who is close to President Mahmoud Abbas and "believes in his peaceful approach". Hanan Ashrawi, a senior Palestinian official, said it was unfair to hold Ms Al-Hroub responsible for her husband's actions, and the award was a source of Palestinian pride. She said the Oslo agreement was meant to turn a "whole new page", and that leaders on both sides of the conflict have been involved in bloodshed. She added it was unfair to blame only the Palestinians for the violence - especially after nearly 50 years of Israeli military rule. "We cannot be held responsible for the behaviour of every individual when pushed beyond endurance by a ruthless occupation," she said. Just 24 hours ago, writing in this newspaper, I defended the Police Service of Northern Ireland's decision to avoid a physical confrontation with masked republican dissidents on the march in Coalisland and Londonderry. The logic of this defence was that, had the PSNI battered their way through the hundreds of republican supporters gathered at these venues over the Easter holidays to stop these paramilitary displays, it would have gifted the New IRA and Continuity IRA the very thing they sought most: street disorder in front of the televisions cameras and images of passers-by, as well as participants in the parades, pouring with blood and being dragged off onto pavements and into Land Rovers. What a difference a day makes. The very scenario that the PSNI carefully and rationally avoided in the face of the machismo marching of the hardline republican factions was acted out elsewhere in the region... only, this time, in south Belfast and involving loyalist marchers, including young children. It appears that the PSNI over-reacted to bandsmen buffeting against cars lining the Ormeau Road, resulting in police officers moving in to make arrests and, in the process, discharging CS spray that temporarily blinded and injured, among others, junior Orangemen and children. Surely, if it is right to explain (and excuse) the PSNI's reticence in charging with batons and shields into the ranks of the republican dissidents, then it is equally justified in questioning what - at its most generous - appears to have been a completely disproportionate response to the actions of a few bandsmen from the South Belfast Young Conquerors in Ballynafeigh. The PSNI was not moving in to separate local loyalists from any nationalist demonstrators, or to prevent the former crossing the Ormeau Bridge to "invade" the nationalist end of the road. This was an incident contained within the south end of the bridge - albeit in an area that is one of the most socially integrated and tolerant parts of Northern Ireland. Nonetheless, you do not have to be a unionist, a loyalist, or a Protestant to be concerned about the apparent heavy-handed approach of the PSNI policing of this particular parade. Nor do you have to sympathise with the loyal orders' stance on banned marches, such as the embargo on them parading past the Lower Ormeau (they forfeited that "right" the day some of their supporters taunted the population there about the massacre at Sean Graham's bookmakers), or Drumcree, to be uneasy about the way the bandsmen and their followers were treated on Tuesday. Indeed, anyone who believes in the vital checks and balances needed to be imposed on the state (including its police force), as well as the defence of civil liberties, should be alarmed by the actions of the PSNI. Perhaps more disturbing in the longer term is the perception being created within the unionist-loyalist community that, while the PSNI applies a "softly-softly" approach towards those extreme republicans who support the murder of their police colleagues, it is open season as far as loyalists are concerned. Loyalist and unionist critics of PSNI parading policy will point not only to the non-intervention of the police in halting illegal displays of masked paramilitarism in counties Londonderry and Tyrone, but also to the sight of a police officer apparently with his foot on the rung of a ladder while a man put up a tricolour on the Glen Road in west Belfast at the weekend. In addition, the loyalist and unionist community will look across the border to Dublin, where a Garda officer was pictured yanking up the mask of a uniformed republican marcher so his face would not be covered up in case police decided to take court action against those participating. They will - and are already - drawing the conclusion that while the Garda Siochana cannot - and will not - tolerate brazen displays of masked paramilitary menace on the streets of Dublin, the PSNI appeases these same factions on the streets of Londonderry, or Coalisland. Yes, there is sound policing logic in not going in all plastic baton guns blazing into the middle of republican dissident gatherings in Northern Ireland. The south is a different society from Northern Ireland, where the Garda Siochana commands almost universal support. The force's historic success is rooted in the fact that, since the Irish Civil War, the Garda has established a reputation for being politically neutral and above those type of partisan concerns. By contrast, policing in Northern Ireland remains - sadly, for such a divided society - still highly political. The upshot of these double standards in parade policing is to potentially inflame tempers around the Ulster loyalist marching season, which begins traditionally at Easter time. There are already inflammatory remarks being made across social media networks, calling for the social ostracisation of police officers, most of whom still live - for obvious reasons - in unionist areas. It is, of course, up to loyalist and unionist political and community leaders to lower the temperature in flashpoint zones throughout the marching season. Widespread violence and disorder connected to the small number of contentious parades is not only wrong, but from a unionist-loyalist perspective is wholly counter-productive. This writer has always tended towards the cock-up rather than conspiracy view of the world, and the former may certainly be the case regarding the events on the Upper Ormeau Road this week. Regardless of what animated police officers to behave the way they did, resulting in children as young as six with blister burns on their lips and eyes, the Police Ombudsman should investigate this incident with full forensic vigour. Nothing excuses the injuries caused to police officers during the incident in Ballynafeigh this week. There can no room for ifs or buts on that issue. But the PSNI has come out of the Easter season with a PR disaster of its own making. They, too, should act as robustly as the Police Ombudsman and discipline any officers who over-reacted on Tuesday. Because the upshot of failing to do so would ensure the own-goal that police scored on the Ormeau Road could come back to rebound, not only on them, but on the rest of Northern Ireland society this marching season. Millions of us continue to watch huge amounts of television - in fact, on average we spend nearly four hours every day in front of our screens. Now, however, thanks to things like BBC Charter review and the uncertain ownership status of Channel 4, many of us are not just watching, but talking about television - about how it should be funded, whether certain channels need protecting and whether it really represents us whoever we are and wherever we live. In order to find some answers to these questions, I'm chairing a unique inquiry that is looking at how best to reinterpret and secure the future of public service TV, which in Northern Ireland effectively means the BBC, Channel 4, UTV and Channel 5. We are holding an inquiry event with special emphasis on the situation here in Northern Ireland next Monday, April 4, at 1pm. It's being held at the Coleraine campus of Ulster University and has a great line-up of speakers including Michael Wilson (UTV), Margo Harkin (Besom Productions), Ian Kennedy (formerly with Creative Skillset), Pat Loughrey (former head of nations and regions at the BBC) and Colm Murphy (Ulster University). The inquiry is crucial, because established habits are changing fast. For example, we've seen a significant decline in consumption, particularly among younger audiences, as well as the rise of new streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon, which offer alternatives to the established channels. In this volatile environment, Northern Ireland presents us with some specific challenges. First, figures from the TV regulator Ofcom show that broadcast TV viewing appears to be falling faster here than in other parts of the UK, with a decline of 15 minutes a day - more than twice that of Scotland. It also appears that it's the public service channels that have been hardest hit, given that Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK in which the share of viewing of these public service channels has fallen below 50%. A significantly higher proportion of respondents told Ofcom that they were watching fewer programmes on public service channels than anywhere else in the UK. Now, this may be because of the widespread availability of RTE services, but it is worth reflecting on whether our main channels are sufficiently attentive to the needs and interests of citizens in Northern Ireland. Second, use of new TV platforms and technologies is less developed in Northern Ireland than elsewhere in the UK. Take-up of catch-up services (such as iPlayer and UTV Player) and subscription services (such as Netflix), together with ownership of personal video recorders, is lower than in other parts of the UK. This reflects the smaller amount of disposable income available to households in Northern Ireland, but it remains a concern both if people are not in a position to access new services and if, when faced with a choice, audiences here are more likely to turn to commercial, rather than public service, channels. Third, we have to ask whether the channels themselves are investing enough here. Northern Ireland has 2.8% of the UK population, but attracts only 1.2% of spending on the BBC's networked programmes. Channel 4 spends less than half of 1% of its budget on original programming in Northern Ireland, which translates to some five hours of first-run output. Finally, should we be concerned about the takeover of UTV by ITV? How will that change the prospects for both employment in and coverage of Northern Ireland? I was a director some years back of Anglia TV before it was taken over by ITV and then vanished as a brand. Will UTV lose its identity? And how would that loss affect the country more generally? Of course, there are some giant successes - notably Game of Thrones, which was seed-funded by Northern Ireland Screen to the tune of some 12.5m and has contributed more than 100m to the Northern Ireland economy since 2010. The real question now is can we sustain this production infrastructure and can it be used for public service television in the future? You can find out more details about Monday's event and how to contribute to the inquiry at www.futureoftv.org.uk. I encourage you to join the debate and to make your voice heard in these important discussions about the TV we have and the TV we want. The Reason for World Health Day World Health Day marks the anniversary of the World Health Organization on April 7th. The goal of the organization is to bring health issues to the forefront and educate both the public and policy makers. WHO launched the First World Health Assembly in 1948 and every year a health theme is chosen that needs awareness. High blood pressure will be the topic in 2013. Here are five different health concerns tackled by WHO that have brought awareness to important issues and hope. Two civilians were killed and 12 other people were injured in several bomb attacks and a shooting carried out by suspected rebels in Thailands Deep South on Wednesday night and Thursday morning, Thai police and military officials said. All of the attacks took place in Pattani, one of the provinces in the insurgency-wracked southern border region, with at least eight bombs going off in multiple attacks, officials said. The attacks brought to at least 27 the number of people killed in the Deep South since Thai security forces raided a rebel hideout in Pattani on Feb. 10. The latest attacks followed attacks over the weekend that killed five people, including two civilians. Since 2004, at least 6,000 people have been killed in violence associated with the separatist insurgency in Thailands predominantly Muslim Deep South. On Wednesday night, an official at Prado, a tambon or cluster of villages in Pattanis Yarang district, was shot and killed by two unidentified men in a drive-by attack, police said. The victim, 40-year-old Teerapong Pattanabutr, was riding home on his motorbike when he was gunned down. Before midnight, six bomb explosions occurred around Yarang, another tambon in Yarang district. One of the blasts injured five policemen who were setting up a checkpoint near a local post office, officials said. The five wounded officers were taken to a local hospital where they were treated for non-critical injuries. At 6 a.m. on Thursday, a bomb exploded at a house in Bangpu, a village in Yarang district, killing one person, identified as Nit Rodpetch, and injuring another civilian. Nit died at the scene and one of the other victims, Waemaheng Kuanekwin, 71, was rushed to a hospital in the district. He regained consciousness and is in stable and safe condition, his son Mayase told BenarNews. At around 9:30 a.m., another explosion occurred as a police bomb-squad and forensics team inspected the scene of one of the bomb attacks. Six officers were hurt, but their injuries were not life-threatening, according to officials. Col. Yuthanam Petmuang, a deputy spokesman for the regional headquarters of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC 4), said insurgents had carried out the attacks using pipe-bombs. The bombs used were small ones not powerful and they were planted in a hurry. The attacks were just done by insurgents who wanted to have public recognition that they still exist, Yuthanam told reporters. ein Google-Unternehmen Google-Dienste anzubieten und zu betreiben Ausfalle zu prufen und Manahmen gegen Spam, Betrug und Missbrauch zu ergreifen Daten zu Zielgruppeninteraktionen und Websitestatistiken zu erheben. 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Sofern relevant, verwenden wir Cookies und Daten auerdem, um Inhalte und Werbung altersgerecht zu gestalten. Wir verwenden Cookies und Daten, umWenn Sie Alle akzeptieren auswahlen, verwenden wir Cookies und Daten auch, umWahlen Sie Weitere Optionen aus, um sich zusatzliche Informationen anzusehen, einschlielich Details zum Verwalten Ihrer Datenschutzeinstellungen. Sie konnen auch jederzeit g.co/privacytools besuchen. For Immediate Release, March 31, 2016 Contact: Mollie Matteson, (802) 318-1487 or mmatteson@biologicaldiversity.org Deadly Bat Disease Reaches Washington State White-nose Syndrome Has Killed More Than 6 Million Bats in North America SEATTLE A highly contagious disease that has killed more than 6 million bats in North America has been confirmed in Washington state, wildlife officials said today. The discovery of the infected little brown bat found by hikers on a trail about 30 miles east of Seattle marks the first time the disease has been documented in the western United States. The last known location of the pathogenic fungus, likely introduced to North America from Europe and discovered in 2006, was in eastern Nebraska. Its shocking and disturbing to see this disease reach Washington and indeed the western United States, said Mollie Matteson, senior scientist with the Center for Biological Diversity. It certainly opens a new chapter in the spread of a disease that has already killed millions of bats. This is a wake-up call for land managers in the West to do whats needed to keep white-nose syndrome from spinning out of control before its too late. White-nose syndrome has resulted in dramatic declines among several bat species, including the northern long-eared bat, little brown bat, tricolored bat and Indiana bat. It has been called the worst wildlife health crisis in recent memory, and has caused mortality rates ranging up to 100 percent among bats in affected caves. There is no known cure for the disease, which has afflicted seven bat species so far and has pushed several of them to the brink of regional extinction. The disease is passed from one bat to another, or from the cave environment to bats, but it also likely spreads when people inadvertently carry it from one cave to another on their shoes, clothes or equipment. Many leading bat biologists have emphasized precautionary measures, such as closures and site-specific caving gear requirements, as the best management response. The Center for Biological Diversity filed a petition in 2010 to close all caves and abandoned mines on federally controlled lands in the lower 48 states, keeping all but essential human activity out of caves. Such closures also would reduce disturbance of vulnerable hibernating or roosting bats. This disease just made a jump of more than 1,000 miles, so its pretty reasonable to think this could be a human-caused transmission, Matteson said. Whats absolutely heartbreaking about this news is that there were obvious things wildlife and land managers could have done to stem the spread, including prohibiting nonessential cave access into public land caves. They could have passed rules requiring that no caving gear or clothing from WNS-positive states be allowed in caves in unaffected states. Scientists have estimated the economic value of insect-eating bats to American agriculture at $22 billion annually. Bats also eat tons of insects harmful to forests, and their guano is essential to the survival of extremely rare cave organisms like cave salamanders and fish. Learn more in this FAQ about white-nose syndrome. 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. For Immediate Release, March 31, 2016 Contact: Amaroq Weiss, (707) 779-9613, aweiss@biologicaldiversity.org Oregon Issues Kill Order for Four Wolves in Imnaha Pack Attacks on Livestock Come as State Loosens Requirements for Nonlethal Methods of Preventing Conflicts With Wolves PORTLAND, Ore. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife officials today authorized the killing of four wolves from the Imnaha pack for involvement in several attacks on livestock in Wallowa County in northeastern Oregon. One of the wolves ordered killed is wolf OR-4, the longtime breeding male of the pack. OR-4 is the father of wolf OR-7, the Oregon-born wolf who made international headlines by dispersing to California and becoming the first confirmed wild wolf in that state in nearly 90 years. The other three wolves ordered killed are OR-39, who is OR-4s mate, and two yearling pups from last years litter. Photo of OR-4 courtesy Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. This photo is available for media use. This is a heartbreaking ending for a wolf who was one of the founding members of Oregons first confirmed wolf packs and for his mate and family members, said Amaroq Weiss, West Coast wolf organizer at the Center for Biological Diversity. If the state wolf plans five-year review process had been conducted last year, as is required by the plan itself, there could have been more specific requirements in place for the use of nonlethal conflict-prevention methods methods that have been successful in the past. Based on radio-collar signal locations and other evidence, five confirmed wolf-caused depredation incidents since early March, resulting in death or injury of three calves and two sheep, have been attributed by the state wildlife agency to these four members of the eight-member Imnaha pack. Until one year ago, wolves in this part of the state were managed under Phase I regulations of the state wolf plan, requiring that specific nonlethal conflict-prevention measures be in place for a specified period of time before a wolf-caused loss would count as a strike against wolves to qualify for potential lethal control. For the past year, however, wolves in eastern Oregon are being managed under Phase II regulations of the plan, which are much more lax and vague regarding what measures must be taken by ranchers or the state agency before wolves can be killed for chronic depredation. OR-4 had recently been re-collared and his mate newly collared, so these wolves locations were known before any of the recent conflict incidents arose. Knowing these wolves locations provided the perfect opportunity to set up scare devices triggered by the radio signal of an approaching radio-collared wolf, and to hang flagging on fencelines known to thwart attempts by wolves to cross into livestock pastures, but neither was done, said Weiss. Its calving and lambing season, the exact time of year when all methods to deter conflict should be implemented, but the outdated wolf plan doesnt require it. As a result, these wolves will die. 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. This image shows ants tending to some leave hoppers. University of Melbourne scientists have shone a new light into the complexities of ant communication, with the discovery that ants not only pick up information through their antennae, but also use them to convey social signals. It is believed to be the first time antennae have been found to be a two-way communication device, rather than just a receptor. Biologists from the University's School of BioSciences analysed the behaviour and surface chemistry of hundreds of ants to examine how they interacted. The key focus was the use and function of cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) - a layer of waxy build-up that covers an ant's body and that of many other insects, such as bees, wasps, flies, and beetles. CHCs are a group of multi-purpose chemical compounds that not only protect animals from dehydration, but also form a crucial part of their communication toolbox. Ants use these chemicals to identify whether another is a friend or foe. According to the research, when the CHCs were removed from just the antennae of the ant, her opponents were no longer able to recognise her colony identity. This tells us that the CHCs on the antennae provide information about which nest they come from. "An ant's antennae are their chief sensory organs, but until now we never knew that they could also be used to send out information," PhD student Qike Wang said. Over 125 years ago, famed entomologist Auguste Forel removed the antennae of four species of ants entirely and put them together. Instead of fighting among themselves, they huddled unnaturally together entirely peacefully, Mr Wang said. "Forel's experiment told us about antennae being used to receive chemical signals, but our research suggests that they are also a source of chemical signals. "Like everyone else, we assumed that antennae were just receptors, but nature can still surprise us." Mr Wang and his co-authors also found that CHC profiles were different depending on where on the body they were. This contradicts the conventional wisdom that CHC profiles on different body parts of ants are the same. "Compared to visual or acoustic signals, we know rather less about chemical signals, and one reason might be that we are analyzing a mixture of different signals." "What we'd like to know is what more they might tell us." Source: University of Melbourne Much like the gamer playing the latest in the Call of Duty franchise, marketers today are able to change between weapons, moving from shotgun to sniper capabilities with ease. Fernando Cortes de Pablo 123RF.com The shotgun has always been available it has been the weapon of choice. It did the job, but was clumsy and at the same time came with a considerable amount of wastage. With the development of digital and mobile it has brought the sniper rifle into focus. Marketers now seek to refine targeting at scale and cut down on wastage. As media strategists, weve always been talking about the individual. He has always been the average of a very broad market. Most often, we knew what he was like. We gave him a name Meet Gary, and we showed our understanding of who Gary was, what he consumed and his habits, through a very thorough, but often generic Day in the Life depiction. We didnt always know if it was actually Gary responding, but it was someone like him, someone in LSM 810. The approach has always been horizontal use television, OOH, radio etc. Reach as many people as you can. Drive awareness, drive the funnel, and the more we reach in a particular market, the more likely we will deliver sales/results. (That is of course the targeting and the message are right.) Hmm, this was seemingly very much more art than science, methinks! Vertical and predictive targeting We have quickly moved to vertical targeting. We are now targeting individuals. The end goal must be to have so much intelligence through relationships and continual learning that we know what you want before you want it, and are able to deliver it to you with ease. Mobile and location tracking have brought us precise targeting. Targeting is personalised, intimate, timed, relevant, efficient and possibly most importantly, localised. We are able to build communities of interest and manage long-term engagement and relationships through remarketing. Context and understanding are critical A comedian telling a joke understands the audience. They understand the sensitivities of the audience and realise the perfect time to deliver and just how far they can go to get the best response. If you are a recipient of a message and cannot figure out a message because your vocabulary is limited, you miss out on the entire meaning of a message. Personally, I think that advertising and the introduction of a brand is always intrusive. The trick is to introduce the brand as seamlessly as possible, when it is able to solve a problem and add benefit to the consumer. Native advertising drives advertisers to develop engaging content that resonates with consumers, which they want to interact with and share. Its not just about volume but about the depth of the vertical and the best results come from going deeper and building credibility with niche, special interest audiences. The thing is, you will still need numbers to succeed. Insights and intelligence The fact is, the more we know about individuals and the narrower we address the targeting, the less we need to rely on often generic industry-based research. This is very relevant at a time where the Establishment Survey being introduced has dropped LSM as a measurement demographic. Roots still can help at store level, but marketers need to build their own intelligence. We are moving from have purchased shoes in the past three months to What did you buy? What colour was it? What style? Or We know you wanted to buy but just didnt follow through. Brands that know the most are able to use the knowledge to make tactical adjustments to campaigns; are the ones that will win. Moving forward The past was about descriptive analytics, describing what has already taken place. The future is advanced analytics, specifically using predictive and real-time analytics in pursuit of business goals, such as improving the customer experience, improving products and services, and reducing costs and churn. Individualised modelling, if you wish. Targeting individuals at scale and with context is the future of media. Reading through the above you might be convinced that I think that traditional media no longer has a place. Nothing could be further from the truth. Reach of a target market in volume is always valuable. There are parameters that might limit the use of digital as a sole solution for market segments and situations. My best advice to marketers and strategists is, dont be blinded use the shotgun and the rifle at the same time if its the best option. Always build intelligence. Plan holistically using each medium for its strength but also make sure that the collective delivers. At the end of the day, the only thing that matters and determines success is sales. Has this actually worked? Has it changed my business? Have I maximised value and results within my budget while enhancing the brand? *Note that Bizcommunity staff and management do not necessarily share the views of its contributors - the opinions and statements expressed herein are solely those of the author.* The first liver transplant from an HIV-positive donor to HIV-positive recipient has been performed successfully at Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States. The surgical team also carried out an HIV-positive kidney transplant on another patient. Legal victory But the victory lies in legal battle won, rather than the breakthrough surgery. When the National Organ Transplant Act was passed in the US in 1984, the HIV/Aids pandemic was at its peak, with a certain death sentence hanging over it. Today, with advances in medical science, HIV is seen as nothing more than manageable chronic condition. However, according to the Baltimore Sun, HIV patients were on transplant for an average of six years, which was unacceptable to Dr Dorry Segev, as he watched in frustration as patients dies and HIV-positive organs discarded because HIV-to-HIV transplants were prohibited. "It wasn't a medical issue," Segev, an associate professor of surgery and epidemiology at Hopkins School of Medicine, says. "It was entirely legal." Championing the cause But times and medicine changed, giving Segev the opening to champion an effort to overturn the ban. He and his colleagues made repeated trips to Capitol Hill to meet with any legislative assistant who would give them time and help them navigate the bureaucracy of Congress to persuade lawmakers that a change in policy was warranted, the report says. He conducted research, published in the American Journal of Transplantation in 2011, that 500 to 600 HIV-infected donors annually would be eligible to donate kidneys, livers and other organs if the prohibition were lifted, saving about 1,000 lives each year. In 2013, President Barack Obama signed into law the HIV Organ Policy Equity (Hope) Act, legislation that allowed scientists to carry out research into organ donations from one person with HIV to another. This could mean a new chance at life, says Dr Segev. The kidney recipient is recuperating at home, while the liver recipient is expected to be discharged soon. The South African connection The positive-to-positive renal transplant was pioneered in South Africa, and Dr Elmi Muller, head of the Groote Schuur Hospital transplant unit and president of the Southern African Transplantation Society, and her team have being carrying them out since 2008. The results of the South African research, were published in the New England Journal of Medicine, last year and showed that people with renal failure who get a donated kidney from another person with HIV/Aids fare as well as patients who get one from an uninfected donor. The work shows that the procedure is safe and effective up to five years down the line, says an article published in Business Day. Good prognosis Dr Muller and her team tracked the progress of 27 HIV/ Aids patients for three to five years, monitoring them for possible superinfection from a second strain of HIV, as well as the effect of the immune system-suppressing drugs to stop the organ from being rejected on the progression of their HIV infection. They found their patients had comparable survival rates to patients who had received kidneys from donors who were HIV-negative. The survival rate among the patients was 84% after one year, 84% after three years, and 74% after five years. It was important because it opened up a new pool of desperately needed kidney donors for HIV/Aids patients, who are especially vulnerable to renal failure, Dr Muller says in the report. Which brands have performed best, improved, declined or remained stable when it comes to overall quality, customer expectations and perceived value? Just how does your favourite brand really fare in South Africa's complex and highly competitive market? Brands across industries are comparable on the level of customer satisfaction and the South African Customer Satisfaction Index (SAcsi) has established the best and worst brands. The top-five brands for 2015 include mostly brands from the restaurant industry. Wimpy (83.6) is the top SAcsi scoring brand for 2015 with Nandos (83.0) and Chicken Licken (83.0) a close second. KFC (82.9) and Apple (82.7) round off the top five. Wimpy (restaurants), Chicken Licken (fast food), Mugg & Bean (restaurants) and MTN (wireless internet) have shown the biggest improvement in the last year, thus making them the most improved customer satisfaction levels in South Africa. The brands that showed the biggest drop in customer satisfaction levels are Pick & Pay (supermarkets), Caltex (petrol stations), Checkers (supermarkets) and Momentum Health (medical insurance). Most improved industries The most improved industries since 2013 are restaurants (increased by 6.7 index points), wireless internet (+4.7 index points) and mobile handsets (+3.9 index points). The industries reporting the sharpest decline are supermarkets (declined by 4 index points), life insurance (-2.8 index points) and fuel stations (-2.4 index points). Industries that are reporting stable customer satisfaction scores are retail banks, cellular service providers and fixed-line internet providers. While satisfaction has not risen or fallen dramatically in the banking industry, one bank has outperformed its competitors in a number of aspects of the measure. The most recent SAcsi data for South Africas banking industry is due to be released during April 2016. South African customers of household goods and services were slightly more satisfied in 2015 than in previous years across a number of industries, according to the South African Customer Satisfaction Survey (SAcsi). The 2015 national customer satisfaction index consolidates the results of research covering 21 industries and 118 brands measured during 2015 via a total sample of 51,000 respondents. The respective industries have been released separately over the course of the past year. South Africa has scored a customer satisfaction score of 76 out of 100 - a statistically significant recovery from the initial decline between 2013 and 2014. The score contrasts sharply with the American Customer Satisfaction Index, which has declined consistently since 2013. Economy under pressure Adre Schreuder, CEO of Consulta and founder of SAcsi, said that the trend shows that while the South African economy is under pressure, some of our local companies are responding to tough circumstances by providing either greater value for money or better quality products and services. GDP is a quantitative indicator of the state of the economy. The SAcsi is South Africas only cross-industry benchmark measure of customer satisfaction. As such, it is an indicator of the quality of goods and services being consumed by SA households via its scientific insights across the spectrum of the customer experience, he said. High customer satisfaction scores act as a buffer in tough economic times when, typically, consumers shop around for more, according to Prof Schreuder. Brands that stay close to their customers hedge their bets against lower buying intents and earn greater loyalty from customers during a downturn, he said. The best advice for South African companies in these tough economic times is to stay close to your customers and provide exceptional value for money, which is the new battleground for differentiation. The SAcsi utilises a multi-equation econometric model that measures customer satisfaction as the quality of economic output, as well as its key drivers and critical outcomes, including customer loyalty. The SAcsi results are released each month and these staggered reports are consolidated each year to be measured and published as an indicator of the quality of goods and services on offer in South Africa. Companies are included based on their market share. The publicly released customer satisfaction benchmarks, or SAcsi scores, represent a fraction of the data available to SAcsi clients. Companies that engage SAcsi services gain a competitive advantage with early access to scores across industry peers, as well as best in class companies in other industries. Whats more, clients attain the full story behind the scores via detailed, confidential results on the causes and consequences of satisfaction, explained Prof Schreuder. The national customer satisfaction score is calculated using the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) methodology. Directly linked to stock market performance Prof Schreuder said that customer satisfaction is directly linked to stock market performance in the US and that SAcsi performance can serve as a predictor of individual business performance. Not only will companies with higher customer satisfaction produce higher returns, they will also do so with less volatility, risk exposure and, better cash flows. Having satisfied customers just makes managing your business easier, he said. The SAcsi is seen as a valuable tool for businesses and for consumers. The fact that companies are choosing to subscribe to SAcsi to receive statistically sound information speaks volumes about the credibility of the index. This is not research that is commissioned for marketing purposes, it is used as the basis for strategic management decisions, said Prof Schreuder. The fact that the SAcsi results are published also translates into good news for consumers. Companies want to ensure that their customers are satisfied and that their performance improves over time. Now that customer satisfaction is being published, they will be under pressure to improve. Leading women scientists and promising young researchers were honoured at the 18th edition of the L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Ceremony at the Maison de la Mutualite in Paris, France. Irina Bokova, director general of UNESCO, and Jean-Paul Agon, chairman and CEO of LOreal and chairman of the LOreal Foundation, took the opportunity to launch the For Women in Science Manifesto. Already signed by numerous guests at the ceremony, this Manifesto aims to take a stand against the under-representation of women in the sciences. For the past 18 years, the LOreal-UNESCO For Women in Science programme has encouraged, promoted and honoured women scientists all over the world. More than 2,500 researchers from 112 countries have been distinguished for their extraordinary discoveries and supported at key moments in their careers. L'Oreal-UNESCO Awards 2016 (Source: L'Oreal Group) Every year, five eminent women scientists and 15 young researchers from all continents are recognised by their peers and awarded before the general public at the international LOreal-UNESCO Ceremony. Great need for women Our changing world has never been in greater need of women and their discoveries. With the For Women in Science program, the LOreal Foundation is committed to promoting these women in science who will change the world. We are determined to fight for science and to build a more beautiful world together, stated Agon. Since its foundation, the LOreal-UNESCO For Women in Science programme has worked to ensure that women are fairly represented at all levels in science. However, the current situation indicates that much remains to be done with regard to gender balance in science. Most tellingly, women account for only 30% of the worlds researchers. The UNESCO Science Report shows that the gender disparity is still very evident, particularly in the natural sciences. More equality and parity in the sciences means more opportunities to achieve scientific excellence, which is UNESCOs mission, explained Bokova. To join the movement and sign the manifesto, go to www.forwomeninscience.com. By offering three additional flights from Gatwick to Cape Town, British Airways is adding to its double daily schedule from London Heathrow to the Mother City. From 24 November it will be the only carrier to offer customers on the route a choice of two UK airports with the three new services adding a total of 825 seats a week between London and Cape Town. Joachim Huber via Wikimedia Commons Edward Frost, British Airways commercial manager for South and East Africa, says Cape Town regularly features amongst the airlines top 10 leisure destinations and additional services should bolster its popularity. Weve always said that we will increase capacity where theres opportunity to do so. Cape Towns existing reputation for natural beauty, world-renowned wines and exceptional cuisine, along with the excellent work done to promote the destination have provided that chance and weve seized it. For our Cape Town customers the additional capacity will be welcome and Gatwick provides a great alternative, particularly for leisure customers as it is a well-established holiday gateway. To operate the additional services British Airways will add a fourth Boeing 777 aircraft to its Gatwick fleet, bringing the total number of Boeing 777s at the London airport to 12. Configured in three cabins, the aircraft offers 48 Club World, 24 World Traveller Plus and 203 World Traveller seats. The flights will depart Gatwick on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 6pm arriving in Cape Town at 7.50am the following morning. Business travelers are seeking a better work-life balance and are demanding more out of the career commitments that require them to travel. They are increasingly looking for hotel establishments that make it easier for them to unwind when their deals are done. Not only are they traveling for "bleisure", but they are loving it too. In fact, when the BridgeStreet Global Hospitalitys Bleisure Study published their 2014 Bleisure Report, 78% of respondents agreed that adding leisure days to business travel added value to work assignments. And six out of 10 of respondents were more likely to take bleisure trips today than they were five years ago. The newly launched Bliss Boutique Hotel in Sunset Beach, Cape Town aims to meet that need. A short drive from the CBD takes you to this special part of the Cape coast, set within a fynbos reserve, where visitors relish the opportunity to experience the pristine beaches nearby and tune into the surrounding natural environment. Those with relaxation in mind will want to extend their stay at this luxury, well appointed and conveniently located boutique property to lounge at the pool or enjoy a rejuvenating walk along the beach. The more adventurous watersports lovers wont need to be asked twice to test their kitesurfing skills. Kiting has inspired many excursions to exotic locations and this one is amongst the best. The strip from Milnerton to Melkbosstrand in Cape Town is the centre of the kiting universe from December through February! Our guests are looking for something that goes beyond a certain standard of hospitality, says Michelle Butler, GM of Bliss Boutique Hotel. Some come alone, others with their partners or families but there is an increasing trend to couple business with pleasure among executives who travel. Guests can opt for one of eight luxurious rooms (four of which can be divided into suites for larger families) or rent the entire property, as a villa, should a conference or after-work holiday require it. Buisness necessities like Wi-Fi, printing and scanning are all readily available, and corporate lunches, functions, presentations, and events can easily be arranged. In fact, theres no limit to what the hotels team will do to ensure a top-notch, hassle-free business and leisure travel experience. Your wish is, quite simply, their command. New assets accumulated in the construction of Transnet's New Multi-Product Pipeline (NMPP) will not be included in the company's future tariff increase applications until the project is completed in 2019. Roger Davies via Wikimedia Commons The National Energy Regulator of SA (Nersa), which approves tariffs for the petroleum pipeline system, said yesterday it had capped the cost of assets to be included in the project at R26.2bn, a figure based on Transnet's 2015-16 estimate of the total project cost. Nersa said it had placed a hold on the inclusion of assets above the R26.2bn mark due to the uncertainty and "many changes" in the costs and the timing of Transnet's forecasts for the NMPP. However, Transnet has already projected the cost of the project to be R29.5bn. The regulator's decision means Transnet will not be able to pass on future cost escalations above R26.2bn through increased tariffs and higher fuel prices. The NMPP cost has almost tripled from an initial cost of R11bn when it began, due to delays. Transnet said yesterday it was on track to make the NMPP a multi-product system by November, carrying jet fuel, diesel and petrol. At present, it carries only diesel. The new 555km pipeline replaces the 48-year-old version and has a 70-year design life. It is meant to transport 93-grade and 95-grade unleaded petrol, diesel and jet fuel. "We welcome the regulator's decision, which is in accordance with the agreed methodology," said Transnet spokesman Mboniso Sigonyela. Prudently acquired assets Rod Crompton, Nersa regulator member primarily responsible for petroleum pipelines, said yesterday the regulator was concerned at the increasing cost of the project. "The estimates that Transnet has given in the past for individual line items sometimes go up and sometimes go down," he said. "As a regulator, we can only allow prudently acquired assets. We are busy with an investigation into whether the assets were prudently acquired." Yesterday, Nersa also approved an 18.56% increase in Transnet's petroleum pipeline system tariff for 2016-17. The increase will result in a 5.4c per litre rise in the petrol price in Gauteng. The tariff increase followed Transnet's application last month of a 21.3% tariff increase on the petroleum pipeline, a cost payable by all major oil companies in SA. Last year, Nersa approved a 6.9% increase in Transnet's petroleum pipeline tariffs for the 2015-16 financial year. Source: Business Day The Head of Facebook, the CEO of MTN, the CEO of EOH Holdings, the CEO of Groupon and the Chairman of Shell will demonstrate methods of unlocking business potential at the Secrets to Success Conference. Topco Media is excited to host the prestigious Secrets to Success conference to bring together the leaders of South African business both old and new to share their experiences, strategies and secrets to success. This year, the conference in association with the National Business Awards - will bring together leaders from different sectors of South African business. Among these are Nunu Ntshingila, the Head of Facebook South Africa; Mteto Nyati, the CEO of MTN; Bonang Mohale, the Chairman of Shell; Asher Bohbot, the CEO of EOH Holdings and the winners of the 2015 National Business Awards. They [winners] have distinguished themselves within their sectors, while many other companies are grappling with the challenges of our tough market and other business policies. Excellence never comes easily or quickly It is a major, multi-year journey, said Mathews Phosa at the 13th annual National Business Awards. Phosa will also be speaking at the Secrets to Success Conference. The conference will take place 2526 May 2016 in Johannesburg. You have to be fearless in yourself, especially as a women. You have to lead and manage with a great sense of humanity. - Nunu Ntshingila, Head of Facebook. After 12 years of recognising the top performing companies in South Africa through identifying and analysing the key elements of their success and growth, Topco Media has built a vast network of inspirational pioneers and veterans of successful businesses through Top Performing Companies and Top500 alongside the National Business Awards. Now, after all these years, these success stories and experiences will become an institution of knowledge, which will be shared at the second annual Secrets to Success Conference. Receiving this accolade adds to the credibility of our transformation and we see it as a strategic enabler for business. Nedbank at the National Business Awards. It is no small achievement that these leaders are where they are today. Their road to success was paved with hard work, strategies and a vision. The Secrets to Success conference is your opportunity to learn from them and gain insight into how they have achieved all that they have and managed to grow from strength to strength even amid global economic crises. The importance of small to medium-sized enterprises and the private sector to the growth of the South African economy cannot be emphasised enough. However, as anyone in the industry will know, it is a challenging and tough environment to operate in. This is your opportunity to learn and engage with the leaders of South African business and build a networking opportunity for yourself, where you can pave your way as these leaders have to greater success. For more information contact Rose Setshoge: az.oc.ocpot@egohstes.esor | 086 000 9590 | www.secretstosuccess.co.za. Russia and Norway have plenty of common interests in the Arctic, and Norway is looking forward to continuing cooperation with Russia, RIA Novosti quoted Norwegian Ambassador to Russia Leidulv Atle Namtvedt as saying. "Norway and Russia are maintaining close cooperation in the Arctic," Leidulv Atle Namtvedt said during his visit to Tomsk Polytechnic University. "We're working to continue this cooperation in the future, and we hope it will continue, primarily on environmental issues." The Norwegian ambassador brought a delegation with him on his visit to Tomsk, including executives and academics from Norwegian universities, in a move to step up cooperation with local universities and explore the possibility of working jointly in various areas, particularly on the Arctic. Tatyana Savinova, coordinator of cooperation with Russia at the Arctic University of Norway (University of Tromso), told reporters that the two countries were closely cooperating on Arctic research, referring to an agreement on cooperation signed by the two universities. She said that University of Tromso was studying the possibility of joint work with Tomsk Polytechnic scientists who are involved in Arctic research. "I see (on a Tomsk Polytechnic Museum stand) the movement of Arctic ice, something that was a subject of research at Tomsk Polytechnic University as far back as 1906," Savinova said. "Today this work is of great importance. We have a laboratory which is engaged in this research. We can find many areas of research that are of common interest to us, particularly permafrost, ecosystems and climate change." Siyabonga Joko made the first ever social test drive when he took a Volkswagen Amarok pick-up on a 492km round-trip through beautiful but challenging terrain to deliver sewing machines, overlockers and fabrics to a woman's sewing group in the isolated rural community of Lady Frere. His journey arose out of an advertising agency brief to generate test drives for the Volkswagen Amarok in South Africa. Ogilvy & Mather Cape Towns Nicholas Wittenberg said we sort of had an AirBnB moment as we realised that we could create a peer-to-peer connection between two parallel worlds - potential pick-up owners who are driving around every day to no purpose beyond a limited and self-contained trial of the vehicle in a tarred urban environment and the thousands of organisations and communities which are in desperate need of a pick-up to make urgently needed deliveries in inaccessible places." The result was the Amarok Social Test Drive which re-purposed the routine test drive into a beneficial programme of community interventions around South Africa and, in the process, provided a demonstration of the virtues of the vehicle. The initial challenge was to find a way to connect the drivers with the deliveries. We began on a small scale by using social media sourced entries for a digitally-based competition to find five Social Test Drivers for a predetermined cause. This resulted in Siyabonga making his journey to Lady Frere and other deliveries of books and other supplies for under-resourced schools, and desperately needed provisions for an animal sanctuary. A viable concept Wittenberg says the initial programme demonstrated the viability and the appetite for the concept and we now have a massive vision for it as the dealerships are starting to connect with local organisations that they can support on a regular basis with every Amarok test drive. Amarok Social Test Drives are also being deployed to meet immediate crises. Volkswagen was approached by Operation Hydrate to deliver four, one-ton loads of fresh water bottles to Senekal in the rural Free State in the midst of the worst drought the area has seen in decades. Nicholas believes the power of the idea lies in its scalability: Theres no reason why every Amarok dealer around the globe cant do this quickly and easily which means there is a huge upside for delivering social good. SAN FRANCISCO: Snapchat is dressing up its messaging with an upgraded video chat and animations, part of the social network's efforts to be the preferred service for young users. "We're excited to introduce Chat 2.0," the California startup announced on its blog on Tuesday. "You can start by sending a few chats, and when your friend shows up, start talking or video chatting instantly with one tap," it said. "Your friend can simply listen if you want to sing them a song, or watch if you have a new puppy to show them." The new chat platform aims for improved video chat with new features such as sending an audio note or a "sticker" chosen from a range of images similar to those on Facebook's Messenger app. First gaining notoriety for its disappearing messages, Snapchat has been growing rapidly to a base of some 100 million, with particular appeal to young users, as it expands its partnerships with various media organizations. The Los Angeles-based company, which reportedly turned down a $3bn buyout from Facebook in 2013, was valued at more than $15bn in its latest funding round. But it is facing competition from Facebook and others seeking to be the preferred messaging platform -- that can draw users into more services and open up possibilities for advertisers. "What we love most about the new Chat is how easily you can transition between all these ways of communicating -- just like you do in person," the Snapchat team said on the blog. "When that's possible, you aren't texting, calling, or video chatting... you're just talking. We've been working on this redesign for a while -- we can't wait to hear what you think!" Source: AFP YEREVAN, MARCH 31, ARMENPRESS. Armenpress news agency presents on the air of Lratvakan radio all that you will read, hear and see on todays news. Regular Government session will take place today, on March 31. A number of issues of different spheres are on the agenda. Particularly, the issue of merging Al. Tamanyan Museum-Institute with National Museum-Institute of Architecture will be discussed. By another decision the Government will allow the main contractor of the construction project of gas supply networks of Meghri and Agarak communities Sanergy Company to carry out construction works. The project initiated by the Central Bank My financial month kicks off. The aim is to once again highlight the importance of management of personal finances. Various awareness raising and educational events will be organized during the month. Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia presents the results of excavations of 2015 and the aims of field observations planned for 2016. There will be a reference to the results of the observation of Vishapakar (dragon stone) and the works of Armenian-Italian archaeological group at Solak-1. An international symposium headlined Traditional values: spiritual and moral guidance in the development of modern society will be held with the blessing of the Catholicos of All Armenians and the support of the Russian Orthodox and Armenian Apostolic Churches. Experts from Russia and Armenia will discuss spiritual and moral guidance of the modern society. Republicans continue the discussion of the expected changes in the Electoral Code. MP, RPA faction member Gagik Minasyan will present his remarks on the topic. Armenia's Youth Capital 2016 kicks off. Gyumri became the youth capital of 2016. All the events that are planned to be implemented during the year in the youth capital Gyumri will be introduced. The main goal of the Armenia's Youth Capital competition is to foster the proportionate development of the regions of Armenia. Another project will be launched today as well. Fund-100 charity fund presents Fund-100 charity project. The aim of Fund-100 is to consolidate generous and caring people urging people not to be indifferent and make changes by joint efforts in the lives of children suffering cancer, as well as in the lives of their families. If every month 500 thousand people donate 100 drams, it will be possible to save the lives of two children every month, making at least two Armenian families happy. President of the Fund Tigran Baloyan will present the details of the project in a meeting with journalists. Short, low budget film competition Soil of fathers will be held initiated by Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society and Yerevan State Institute of Theatre and Cinematography. The jury president, chairman of Armenian National Film Academy Harutyun Khachatryan, chairman of Hamazkayin Fund Lilit Galstyan, and the rector of Yerevan State Institute of Theatre and Cinematography David Muradyan will introduce details of the competition. The competition is dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Armenia. You can read more about these and other topics at armenpress.am and listen to the news on the air of Lratvakan radio. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. YEREVAN, MARCH 31, ARMENPRESS. The Iranian government has created necessary conditions for the efficient work of the Armenian community. The Head of Public Relations of the Armenian Diocese of Tehran Gaspar Amirkhanyan informed in an interview with Armenpress". "The Iranian government supports the Armenian community to have a free life, without any obstacles. The Community has clubs, schools, churches, we celebrate our national holidays. Even during Islamic mourning months, which coincided with the Armenian New Year, the government allowed us to organize festivities in our halls. In other words, there is no prohibition. In this regard, we are pleased with the Iranian authorities, Gaspar Amirkhanyan said. According to him, of course, there are some problems, but overall they are Iranian problems, not related to the Armenian community. In particular, there are social problems, such as migration. "The community is shrinking because of migration. The reasons are different, maybe social; perhaps the youth does not see a perspective. But again, I have to note that these are general country-specific problems, Gaspar Amirkhanyan said. Migration has its effect on the activity of educational institutions. Gaspar Amirkhanyan said that there are 12 Armenian schools currently operating in Tehran, with an enrollment of 3 thousand 500 students. "Since 1950s, schools were built in all areas of the city. In 1970s, there were 36 Armenian schools, with 14 thousand students enrolled. Recently, we noticed that the number of students is decreasing, previously there was a school with 1200 students, and now the number of students is 200. The main issue of the decrease is migration. Schools must be attached. That, of course, is frustrating, but in honor of the Armenian community, every effort is being made for Armenian schools to have modern methods, and the community to unite, "Gaspar Amikhanyan added. The Armenian schools of Tehran are not lacking qualified teachers or books. Gaspar Amirkhanyan said that in this respect they have gained experience over the years. The main task is to ensure that science and education are an attracting force for the youth. Gaspar Amirkhanyan also highlighted the activation of cooperation between Armenia and the Diaspora. According to him, it is necessary to involve the representatives of the Diaspora in Armenia's government at different levels. It looks like you have reached this page in error ... The content you are looking for has either moved, or if you typed in the address there might have been a mistake. If you believe there has been a technical error please let us know. Most Popular Destinations YEREVAN, MARCH 31, ARMENPRESS. President Serzh Sargsyan, who is on a working visit in the United States, met with Massachusetts Governor Charles Baker on March 30. After the welcoming ceremony, the President noted with satisfaction that the relations between Armenia and the United States are close and friendly, and expressed his gratitude for the continuous support that the US provides to Armenia in different spheres. As "Armenpress" was informed by the Public Relations and Mass Media Department of the Presidential Administration, the President stressed the role of the States and in particular of Massachusetts in the development of bilateral relations. The President noted that Armenia attaches importance to decentralized cooperation, and in this regard would like to establish direct contacts with the state of Massachusetts. According to the President the cooperation may promote education, science, information technology and other areas. The President expressed gratitude for Governor Charlie Bakers decisive position in regard to the Armenian Genocide recognition and support for the Armenian people. Serzh Sargsyan noted that he is pleased that Massachusetts has a historically fair position on this issue, as evidenced by the fact that survivors of the 19th century Hamidian massacres, and survivors of the Armenian Genocide have settled in this particular State. According to the President, the fact that history of the Armenian Genocide is being taught in the schools of Massachusetts speaks to this also. The President praised the special attitude of Massachusetts towards the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Separating the potential of Massachusetts in the educational field, and indicating that it is enough to mention Harvard University and the MIT among a number of other prestigious universities of Massachusetts, President Serzh Sargsyan expressed with gratitude that Massachusetts and overall the scientific potential of the United States have contributed to strengthening of our statehood since the independence of Armenia. For the preparation of highly qualified specialists the President praised the American governments support. Stressing that the relations Massachusetts and Armenia have a promising future and that Armenia is interested in the establishment of active contacts with Massachusetts, Serzh Sargsyan invited Governor Charlie Baker to visit Armenia. At the end of the meeting a dinner was served, which was attended by Governor Charles Baker, community leaders and members of the House of Representatives. (Cartoonist - Chan Lowe) In other news, Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe (D) has vetoed a bill to defund Planned Parenthood saying he wanted to "smack down the latest attack on womens health care rights." Meanwhile, the Washington Post has corrected its ridiculous story that nearly 150 FBI agents were investigating Hillary Clinton's email account. The actual number is closer to 50 or 1/3rd of their original report. And finally, a 15-year old girl was sexually assaulted, pepper sprayed, and called a "goddamn communist nigger lover" at a Donald Trump rally in Janesville, Wisconsin yesterday. Police are currently searching for 2 suspects. Another 19-year old woman was also pepper sprayed. Janesville is Speaker of the House Paul Ryan's home town. Programming note... you might have noticed that we've had some technical difficulties today. There's work being done on the back-end. Things should be back to normal tomorrow. Say Bye-Bye To Those Sweaty Armpits Now! Body Care oi-Staff If you wish to prevent sweaty armpits, you may be so desperate that you'd try anything. What if you find a natural remedy that actually works? Here are a few ideas. Ensure that you shower on a regular basis, at least each morning and wear garments made of natural fibres that are loose fitting. Clothes that are black or white in colour are generally the best for concealing underarm sweat. Rather than just using an antiperspirant in the early hours, re-apply it throughout the day to maintain its affect. If re-using does not work, you could try a high-power antiperspirant. Most powerful antiperspirants have a high percentage of aluminium chloride to be effective, but you will find natural options in this article that will work equally as well, without the aluminium chloride. What is in your diet can additionally be a cause of extreme underarm sweating. If you are a fan of spicy foods, caffeine as well as chocolate, you may have to try cutting down on these to see if it enhances your problem. You may even try swapping to other meals that are said to help in controlling excessive sweating. Excessive sweating could be connected to the amount of toxins and waste within your body, so any meals that help flush these out might help. The fibre and vitamins found in fruits, veggies and whole grain foods will assist your body in getting rid of the waste. Eating more healthily will not only help you with your hyperhidrosis; however, it will make you feel far healthy, which can improve assurance and can cut down on sweating, especially if you're a nervous sweater. If you do sweat because of tension, foods that help you unwind like chamomile tea can also be included, as it has a positive effect on your underarm sweating. If you mix two tsp of raw natural honey with two tsp of non-acidic apple cider vinegar and try drinking this 3 times in a day before eating anything, it can yield great results for you. Or you might take some sage leaves and boil them up in water for about ten minutes and consume this in the early hours to help solve the concern, and perhaps once more throughout the day. You could try adding sage to the other foods you eat too. Specific types of exercises are believed to help stop excessive sweating. If you perspire a lot due to nervousness, you may like to try yoga to assist you in relaxing yourself. You Might Be Interested In: 3 Effective Remedies To Cure Sweaty Armpits GET THE BEST BOLDSKY STORIES! Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, March 31, 2016, 8:00 [IST] Lakme Fashion Week 2016 Summer Resort: Indigene Presents Transience Fashion Denise Ruchi Tripathi and Jaya Bhatt's collection Transience which is presented by Indigene is remarkable. The duo designers share similar design qualities and thus is what makes this summer resort collection all the more pleasing to the eyes. On the ramp, you will get to see their models flaunting off age-old techniques, which strict practitioners of designs follow. You will see an interesting twist on shirts, long pants, jackets and tops. Silhouettes are simple, modest and unpretentious with fine detailing. The look is stylish and classic. According to the designers, they quote, "We found a way out. We retained the complicated ajrak technique but changed the motifs. Since motifs inspired by the Islamic architecture have become repetitive as they are being explored by multiple designers, we decided not to go the usual path. We used motifs influenced by the elaborated decorated walls of Burkina Faso in Africa. African people decorate their mud houses in such an appealing way with earth, wood and straw that we were drawn to them." So, take a look at this fabulous like, you are in for a super surprise: Contemporary Prints The dark shaded dress is completed with an indigo coat and a colourful jute bag to match. Patterns Are Amazing The motifs are triangles, stripes that are geometric and linear which are used aesthetically on mud houses. Love For Prints Symmetric yet organic, fluid yet structured, this is where form meets fabric in subtle, unfamiliar ways. Ajrak Prints Unlike the traditional way of using ajrak prints on heavier fabric like 30s cotton, the designers printed them on fine cotton mulmul. Craft From Around India Apart from ajrak prints, the designers also demonstrated their expertise on sujni, the hand embroidery craft practised in selected areas in Bihar, Bengal and Chhattisgarh. Extraordinary Motifs The fine embroidery technique to create motifs and textured surfaces on the garments have made this collection a success. WASHINGTON Draft legislation created by a House committee to help Puerto Rico has a good chance of moving forward with a lot of changes, but one major hurdle is its proposed temporary moratorium on litigation over Puerto Rico debt, sources said on Wednesday. The proposed Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act was first circulated last Friday. But the House Natural Resources Committee, which has taken the lead on formulating a plan for the troubled commonwealth, released an updated version late Tuesday in the form of a discussion draft. Most of the major provisions stayed the same between the drafts, including giving a five-member, presidentially appointed oversight board the sole ability to file a petition for restructuring on behalf of the commonwealth or its public entities. Restructuring would be treated as a last resort after an attempt to reach a voluntary restructuring agreement with creditors. The moratorium would be in effect from Dec. 18, 2015 to 18 months after the bill is enacted. The Natural Resources Committee itself admitted in a legislative summary accompanying the draft that the stay "is a highly complex and sensitive component with constitutional implications." Creditors worry that it would eliminate an avenue to recoup their investments and diminish any attempts to negotiate agreements. Matt Posner, a principal at financial consulting firm The Court Street Group, said that "the second you allow [Puerto Rico] to not face any legal challenges to a debt payment moratorium, that's the second that Puerto Rico stops paying creditors, hands down." "It sets a very dangerous precedent going forward," he said. "This is opening up the door [state like Illinois and New Jersey] to come to Congress down the road and say 'you gave it to Puerto Rico why don't you give it to us,'" he said. Another observer who has closely followed the legislation said the legislators have to be careful not to encourage inaction by passing the moratorium, which would undermine the draft's insistence on voluntary debt restructuring between Puerto Rico and its creditors before the oversight board could authorize the filing of a petition for restructuring in court. There is disagreement about the need for a stay, which would be designed to protect Puerto Rico from litigation as it risks defaulting on several payments due in May and July. Matt Fabian, a partner in Municipal Market Analytics, said the bill would take at least a few months to pass if everything goes well, while implementation would take another couple of months. That would leave Puerto Rico vulnerable to the possible defaults over the summer and, if the overall bill is not passed, could mean Congress would have to pass a measure for a briefer stay while the larger package continues moving forward. But others said allowing Puerto Rico and its public authorities to default without placing a temporary moratorium on litigation could bring the debtors to the negotiating table more effectively. The draft has also faced criticism for several other provisions it contains, leading legislators to make clear the bill will undergo changes before it is expected to be formally introduced, discussed in a hearing, and voted on in the Natural Resources Committee during the week of April 11. House aides say that, if passed by the committee, the bill would go to the full House and then move to the Senate for consideration. Several senators, including Senate Finance Committee chair Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, have been critical of territory-wide restructuring ideas in the past and could create some problems for the legislation, some observers said. However, most agreed that if the House is able to pass the bill with relatively broad bipartisan support, it is likely the Senate would follow suit. A Hatch spokesperson said on Wednesday Hatch will have to review the draft in its entirety before commenting, but he "remains committed to working with his colleagues in Congress to create a viable plan that will help bring relief to the people of Puerto Rico and put the territory back on a strong fiscal footing for the long term." If both houses in Congress pass legislation, it would then be up to President Obama to sign it into law. White House spokesman Josh Earnest said on Tuesday that the White House believes "there should be a mechanism in place to ensure that promised reforms are implemented" and that it will "continue to work with Congress to try to find a solution that will allow both the government and the economy of Puerto Rico to get back on its feet." Meanwhile, the draft bill has received several complaints from major players in Puerto Rico. House Democrats say they can't support the draft because it would do away with the commonwealth's autonomy. Puerto Rico officials are blasting parts of it as a power grab. Creditors are opposing a "cram down" provision they say would force them to accept a restructuring plan they don't support. One notable change from the originally circulated draft, which Pedro Pierluisi, Puerto Rico's nonvoting member of Congress is taking credit for, is the elimination of a provision that had called for a chief management officer to serve under the board and oversee certain Puerto Rico departments and other governmental operations. Pierluisi said the provision would have constituted micromanaging Puerto Rico's government. Under the draft, debtors could not have the board file a petition for restructuring on their behalf until they have released their most recent audited financial report and engaged in voluntary debt restructuring discussions with creditors. The restructuring language explicitly stays away from Chapter 9 bankruptcy protection, which had initially been sought by the Treasury Department and Democrats. Instead it includes language adapted from the federal bankruptcy code that indicates debt may be repaid in line with Puerto Rico's constitution. "Chapter 9 bankruptcy is a tool designed for municipalities of sovereign states, not territories," said the summary of the draft bill. "Retroactively adding territories to Chapter 9 of the bankruptcy code is ill-conceived and would undermine the rule of law; result in a bailout of Puerto Rico on the back of tens of thousands of U.S. taxpayers who have invested their savings in Puerto Rico bonds; undercut efforts to reform Puerto Rico's irresponsible fiscal policies; and create serious implications for the island's future access to capital markets, which is the only path to a new economy." Stephen Spencer, a financial advisor to several major Puerto Rico creditors including OppenheimerFunds and Franklin Advisors, said the bill's provisions are "worse for creditors than Chapter 9" and that the creditors are "very disappointed" with the bill. "Most troubling, by including the broad 'cram down' provision the bill would retroactively eliminate an important investor protection relied upon by millions of individual investors through the U.S. mainland and Puerto Rico," Spencer said. The cram down provision cited by Spencer is Title III's inclusion of Section 1129(b) of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, which allows a judge to force creditors to take the terms of a restructuring plan submitted by the board on behalf of Puerto Rico or its authorities even if the creditors object to it. The updated draft bill also has provisions allowing the board to approve and require implementation of the commonwealth's budgets and other recommendations for government operations even if there is opposition from Puerto Rico's elected officials. Pierluisi noted that the proposal is a discussion draft and that more changes will be made to it in the coming weeks. But he added that the legislation still has a variety of problems that need consideration, specifically the extent of the board's power. "The oversight board must have teeth, but not fangs," he said. "Certain provisions in the draft bill, nearly every one of which was cut-and-pasted from the 1995 bill establishing a board for the District of Columbia, make a mockery of the quintessentially American principle of self-government." Pelosi and Reps. Nydia Velazquez and Jose Serrano, both Democrats from New York, also released statements criticizing the draft's attempt to take away Puerto Rico's autonomy. "Today, as Republicans release their discussion draft, more progress must be made throughout the legislation," Pelosi said. "The sweeping powers of the oversight board proposed in Republicans' current discussion draft are far from what Democrats can support. In its current form, this board would exert undue and undemocratic control over Puerto Rico's government and residents." Velazquez and Serrano, in their joint statement, said the powers the draft bill gives the board "do not provide oversight, but rather usurp the role of Puerto Rico's own democratically elected government." The two New York representatives said the restructuring portion of the draft is "promising" but asked that it be changed to ensure that retiree benefits are paid. The committee did not prioritize the commonwealth's obligations in the draft but instead left the ordering up to the board, which would be directed by Puerto Rico's existing laws. House Republicans and members of the Natural Resources Committee have been clear that they expect changes to the proposal before it is formally introduced during the week of April 11 and as the bill moves through the committee and full House. Natural Resources Committee chair Rob Bishop, R-Utah, said in a statement accompanying the official discussion draft that "perfecting this legislation has been and will remain a transparent process with input from all stakeholders." "This discussion draft will change," he said. "We are releasing it now to encourage feedback, so people can respond to the draft proposal, not a supposition of its contents." House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., applauded Bishop and the committee's work to try to meet an end of March deadline he had imposed to get a solution for the commonwealth. "This draft is thoughtful, comprehensive legislation that gives the U.S. territory the tools it needs to deal with its systemic fiscal and budgeting problemswithout a taxpayer bailout," he said. "I look forward to working with the committee so we can get Puerto Rico on a path to fiscal health." A Treasury Department spokesperson said the current draft needs improvements and encouraged the committee and Congress to work toward a bipartisan solution. "Puerto Rico urgently needs the ability to comprehensively restructure its financial liabilities paired with independent oversight that respects the Commonwealth's self-governance," he said. YEREVAN, MARCH 31, ARMENPRESS. On the contact line of the Nagorno Karabakh-Azerbaijan opposing forces, on March 30 and early morning of March 31, Azerbaijan fired more than 800 shots towards Armenian positions from various caliber weapons. As Armenpress was informed by the Press Service of the Nagorno Karabakh Defense Ministry, the Azerbaijani forces fired 60mm mortar (5 shells) in the north-eastern direction of the contact line and AGS-17 grenade launcher (10 grenades) in the eastern direction. The Defense Army forces mainly refrained from response actions and confidently continue carrying out their military duty. YEREVAN, MARCH 31, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) has communicated the Armenian American communitys profound concern to the U.S. government regarding reports that the Turkish government has confiscated the recently restored St. Giragos (Surp Giragos) Armenian Church and a range of other Armenian churches and other religious sites in the Diyarbakir region of present-day Turkey, as part of a broader emergency expropriation decision of over 6000 properties in the area, Armenpress was informed from the press service of ANCA. In response to ANCA inquiries, a senior Obama Administration official, speaking on background, noted that the U.S. Embassy in Ankara and consulates in Adana and Istanbul are closely tracking the recent cabinet decree and have, in recent days, raised the matter with both the central government and local authorities. The Turkish government has informed U.S. officials that the decree is a bureaucratic measure to facilitate the restoration of structures damaged during fighting in recent months. This official noted that legal challenges have already been filed against this action in local courts. We welcome this initial U.S. engagement with the Turkish government regarding the confiscation of Surp Giragos and encourage a strong, public American response to this most recent Turkish attack on religious freedom, said Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of the ANCA. In light of Turkeys brutal record of destroying and desecrating Armenian religious and cultural heritage, it is clear that this latest action represents a renewed attack by Erdogan on Christian communities, a continuation of Ankaras efforts to erase the ancient Christian legacy within its present-day borders, and, ultimately more than a century after 1915 a further consolidation by Turkey of the fruits of the Armenian Genocide. Alarm bells regarding the confiscation were first raised by the Turkish-Armenian newspaper Agos, citing the March 25 issue of the Official Gazette of the Republic of Turkey (T.C. Resmi Gazete), the countrys official journal that publishes new legislation and official announcements. In addition to Surb Giragos, the Surp Sarkis Chaldean Church, the Virgin Mary Ancient Assyrian Church, and the citys Protestant church have also reportedly been expropriated, according to Agos. Armenians from around the world flocked to Surp Giragos Church in Diyarbakir on Oct. 22, 2011, to attend both the reconsecration of the largest Armenian church in the Middle East and the Liturgy held the following day.Following news of the expropriation, Raffi Bedrosyan, a member of the Surp Giragos Church reconstruction project told The Armenian Weekly that there will be a strong effort to reclaim the lands. All legal and political channels will be mobilized within Turkey and internationally to stop this legalized robbery, said Bedrosyan. Civil society groups, local authorities and elected officials, including Turkish Parliament member of Armenian descent Garo Paylan have already registered official inquiries with authorities, with additional court cases expected. YEREVAN, MARCH 31, ARMENPRESS. The fuss around the satirical footage broadcasted on German ARD TV channel mocking President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan does not end. Armenpress reports an unnamed Turkish diplomat informed in an interview with the French AFP agency that they have applied to the German TV channel demanding to remove the footage. We summoned the German Ambassador last week, to convey our complaint over the footage, which is condemnable. We demanded that it should be removed immediately, the Turkish diplomat said. The German ARD TV channel prepared a 2-minute satirical footage on March 17, criticizing the policy of the Turkish President. The footage said that a journalist that says something that Erdogan does not like, appears behind bars the next day. The footage also condemned Erdogans policy against Kurds. YEREVAN, MARCH 31, ARMENPRESS. Syria's largest city Aleppo has been bitterly contested between rebels and government forces since 2012.Years of fighting caused massive destruction, until a partial ceasefire took effect at the end of last month, Armenpress reports, citing BBC. Drone footage reveals how much of the rebel-held eastern part of Aleppo - once Syria's commercial centre - now lies in ruins. YEREVAN, MARCH 31, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan visited Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University on March 30 in the sidelines of his working visit to the USA, where he met with the Armenian students of that educational institution. President Sargsyan delivered a lecture there, after which answered the questions of the audience, which mainly referred to the agenda of Armenian-American inter-state relations, the current negotiation phase of Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement, existing threats and challenges, the results of his visit to the USA, Constitutional changes in Armenia, upcoming elections in Armenia, as well as Armenias economic potentials and Armenia-Diaspora ties. As Armenpress was informed from the Department of Public Relations and Mass Media of Republic of Armenia Presidents Office, President Serzh Sargsyan also had a meeting with Harvard University Marshal Jackie O'Neill. At the end of the meeting President Sargsyan made a note in the book of honorary guests of the University. The best warranted investment is investment in education: It is durable for the entire life. Harvard University has set an exceptional benchmark of quality education with its modern technologies, laboratories, research centers, libraries, and above all, human resources. I am glad that today Armenian young people have the opportunity to be educated in this university, and serve the knowledge gained here for human progress, strengthening and prosperity of Armenia, the President of Armenia wrote. The full speech of the President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan at Harvard School of Government runs as follows, Dear Dr. Allison; Dear Faculty and Students; Ladies and Gentlemen; I am delighted to be hosted at this prestigious academic institution. Born in the Land of the Free, and named after John F. Kennedyone of the iconic presidents of the USA, this school generates ideas that transform into policies in the United States of America and beyond its boundaries. Hundreds of leadersstatesmen and public figures, scholars and journalistseducated here over the decades have indisputably beena strong influence on national and global matters. Kennedy School is the most international professional school at Harvard. I was impressed to learn that in recent years, it has educated students from 115 countries and territories, which evidently broadens the geography of the academic and scholarly impact of the School. Indeed, the Schools true wealth are its students the people who study under the motto ask what you can do and strive to make the world a better place. For us - Armenians, the world became a better place when we restored our statehood 25 years ago, after nearly 600-year-long interruption. Millennia-old Armenian history may be generalized as a struggle for freedom - political freedom, religious freedom, freedom to be the master of ones own fate on ones own land. Our new statehood rose again by regaining freedom in 1991 to bring about new challenges stemming both from the responsibility to build a statehood and specific external threats. Laying the foundations of our state to meet the needs of democracy and free-market economy was of high priority. As we pursued that goal, we had to overcome the consequences of a devastating earthquake that had struck Armenia in 1988, the war, and the economic blockade imposed on us. In a word, we had embarked on a journey through straights that seemed to be impassable. Today, perhaps the greatest achievement at home, as I see it, is the respect for free speech and a vibrant civil society. Secondly, I believe that nowhere else than within the walls of this school the importance of effective decision-making mechanisms by state institutions can be best appreciated. The large scale domestic reforms currently underway in Armenia are aimed exactly at building such mechanisms. To that end, we closely cooperate with all of our international partners. We are concluding the first quarter century of Armenias independence with a reformed Constitution - the backbone of our statehood. Last year, we amended the Constitution for a second time since independence. I consider them a breakthrough, as the renewed Constitution provides a transition from a semi-presidential to a parliamentary form of government, opening a new chapter for the development of political parties. These amendments lay foundations for a new political system and a new political culture in our country. What do we aim to achieve? It is very straightforward: we want to have better governance. We have a small country and limited natural resources, but the challenges we face are enormous. Well, there is a disproportionality of resources versus challenges i.e. addressing big problems with little capacities. This is exactly where the good governance makes big difference and this is where the strategic objective of the Constitutional Reform underlies. More democracy and a more targeted fight against corruption. Here we have great potential we need to capitalize on. It goes without saying that unfavorable external circumstances - closed borders with Azerbaijan and Turkey, the global economic problems, a complex geopolitical situation in the region, and others create certain limitations. However, we see the solutions to our problems primarily at home. More than anything else, we rely on our own strengths and abilities. We do understand that it is our responsibility to make our country a better place. No one is going to do it for us. Yes, we have allies, partners and friends, and we value our cooperation within various formats: but let me be clear, it is our own duty to materialize the dream of a more prosperous and a more free country. We do understand it. In the meantime, we take persistent action in the economic field, where free-market economies are taken as a development model. We try to tap into all the possibilities for economic growth, relying on our competitive advantage anchored in human capital, on the one hand, and synergizing different integration processes, on the other. Armenia is obviously a small market: no matter how liberalized the economic environment is and how sound the financial system is, the country needs to be integrated with larger economic arrangements in order to be attractive to larger economies. This was rationale behind our accession to the Eurasian Economic Union. However we do not see this at all as an obstacle to broaden our cooperation with the EU, including deep partnership in economic reforms. The agreement on Irans nuclear program was a very positive development for Armenia. The lifting of sanctions from neighboring Iran creates new opportunities for Armenian businesses in a familiar market of 77 million. We pursue joint energy and transport projects with our neighbors. We have initiated a number of regional infrastructure projects-construction of a modern highway connecting the North and South of our country is underway, the construction of an Armenia-Iran railway is being discussed with Iranian partners, and are actively engaged in the implementation of joint economic projects between Eurasian Economic Union and Silk Road Economic Belt. Through such initiatives, Armenia seeks to mitigate the damage caused by the decades-long unlawful blockade by her neighbors to the East and to the West. Some of our neighbors are yet to disown their policy of economic blackmail, which has created dividing lines in the region leaving the Armenia-Turkey state border as the last closed border in Europe, given that, Turkey is a member of NATO and they are linked with the EU by Customs Union. However, Turkey keeps its border sealed against Armenia a country that has effective partnership with these two organizations. Economy is a key factor in international relations, and economic relations often dictate the political agenda. However, economic diplomacy should not under any circumstances, be a tool for political blackmail. Economic diplomacy is a tool for development, a tool for cooperation and integration. Economic cooperation, especially in conflict zones, is one of the best means for confidence building, which is a shortcut to peace. There is plenty of evidence of this in European history. Ladies and Gentlemen; We have been struggling for security and peace from the first days of independence. The demand of the people of Nagorno Karabakh to exercise their right to self-determination, constantly raised in the Soviet period, transformed in the 1990s into the bloodiest post-Soviet war. The people seeking to exercise their constitutional right under international and domestic law confronted weapons, violent force, and ethnic cleansing. 22 years have passed since the 1994 ceasefire but the people living near the state border of Armenia and in various parts of Nagorno Karabakh are still living under a daily threat of shootings. It is clear that the Azerbaijani regime abuses the combination of this conflict and the oil-and-gas revenues to justify domestic problems. I believe such a behavior may be familiar from the theory of democracy and international relations. This is the reason why the Azerbaijani authorities are keen on maintaining tension along the border and presumptuously brag about it, publicly blame the mediators for inaction, and try to appear as a hero in front of their own people. They dub the proposal of the OSCE Minsk Group for security measures along the line of contact is strange and pretend to be surprised by such a proposal. There are frequent speculations around the word occupation in the context of Karabakh conflict. Without entering into the realm of history, I have to make a small observation here. Those that use the word occupation often forget that Karabakh was a victim of occupation herself for 70 years. To all those who consciously or unconsciously use the word occupation, I would like to ask: but what was Karabakhs annexation to Azerbaijan in 1921, thanks to Stalin if not occupation? After receiving this generous gift, Azerbaijan, instead of creating normal conditions for the people of Nagorno Karabakh and using soft-power tools, created such unbearable conditions that the people of Nagorno Karabakh were the first to rise up immediately after the emergence of the first signs of weakening of centripetal Soviet power. Was it because of a happy life? The protests of 1988 were so powerful that the beginning of the collapse of the USSR is commonly associated with the Karabakh Movement. The initial occupation was the very cause of the conflict. Hence, Nagorno Karabak has nothing to do with the notion of territorial integrity of the present-day Azerbaijan. Armenians had firsthand experience of Azerbaijans policy of complete depopulation of Nagorno Karabakh from Armenians. There was indeed the bitter precedent of Nakhijevananother region populated by Armenians. In addition to driving out the Armenian population, the precious cultural legacy of the Jugha cross-stones was barbarically destroyed in 2005. Not even a tiny piece, not even a crumb of that marvelous medieval treasure survived. The whole region has been cleansed of Armenians and all traces of Armenian culture. Anyone who nowadays views Nagorno Karabakh in the context of Azerbaijans territorial integrity is implicitly endorsing the cruel Stalinist policy of divide et impera, a policy that inflicted deprivation and grief upon millions of families. This logic is alive as we speak. It has reached the ridiculous point of not allowing foreign citizens with Armenian origin to enter into Azerbaijan. Regardless of whether Armenians are citizens of the United States, Russia, or any other state, they are banned from entering Azerbaijan. At the same time, they are promising to ensure the security of Armenians if Karabakh becomes a part of Azerbaijan. Why, on earth the people of Karabakh should believe this? We confronted a situation in which our neighbors perception of negotiations is far from the modern understanding of this word. I believe that Negotiations is one of the most popular and widely-taught courses at Harvard. I am confident that one of the things you learn here is that the successful outcome of any negotiation requires at least a compromise. Maximalist and unilateral demands cannot solve any problem. Here is an example for you to imagine the situation we are dealing with when negotiating with Azerbaijan: Azerbaijan believes that non-resumption of warfare is a concession in itself. Clearly, maintaining peace is an obligation, international obligation rather than a concession. Surely, many of you will take my comments with a grain of salt as I am an interested party. And that is fine for an academic community. Doubt is the engine of science. As I stand in this institution, I cannot resist the temptation to make you an offer. I would invite Dr. Allison to consider the possibility for a study by the Institute of Politics at Harvard University, which would thoroughly study the Armenian and Azerbaijani media coverage, scholarly articles, public statements of high-ranking officials, and reports of civil society institutions (if any can still be found in Azerbaijan), and draw your own conclusions. I am not asking to take my word as Gospel. You can study and see who is preaching war, who is inciting border tensions, who preaches hatred against not only the Armenian authorities, but also the Armenian people. Why do I emphasize this? Lets assume that the governments reach agreement at some point: how are the societies, hating each other going to reconcile? I believe such a research project would produce interesting findings, including for us. Ladies and Gentlemen; President Kennedy said: Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind. This statement unfortunately remains relevant in the 21st century. The crisis in the Middle East again proved that no challenges stand alone in the present-day globalized world. We saw the Middle East crisis, especially the situation in Syria, escalate to a global humanitarian crisis that posed new challenges for all of us. It came as a sobering reminder that borders no longer divide, they unite. They are now a part of us and what did not concern us and was far now concerns us. The refugee crisis is a case in point: it has grown into a pan-European problem that has even challenged the EUs solidarity and stability, an everyday threat absorbing enormous resources. Another horrendous byproduct of the Middle East crisis has been the expansion and proliferation of international terrorism: the horrific terrorist acts in Paris in November 2015 and in Brussels a few days ago, as well as the bomb explosions that occurred in this beautiful city during the Marathon three years ago, remind us that terrorism does not recognize borders; its main pursuit is to destroy the values and virtues created by civilized mankind. Hence, this evil can only be defeated through the collective will of the international community and a combination of persistent efforts. By virtue of her geographic position and historical circumstances, Armenia is closely connected to the problems in the Middle East. We are experiencing all of its tragic consequences firsthand. The conflict has affected, among many others, dozens of thousands of Armenians living in the Middle East: Armenians that are the heirs of the survivors of the first genocide of the 20th centurythe Armenian Genocide. The history of the ancestors is now repeating for the heirs, who have to leave their homes behind. Armenia has already accepted around 20,000 Syrian citizens. In per capita terms, this is the second highest figure in Europe. This, however, is only one aspect of the problem. The rich Christian, including Armenian spiritual and cultural heritage of the Middle East is now referred to in the past tense: a heritage that for centuries enriched and diversified the regions cultural palette. The Middle East is being emptied of Christians and the Christian heritage. It is clear that the solution to the current refugee crisis lies in addressing its root causes - establishing comprehensive and durable peace in Syria. The international community must stand united. We very much welcomed the Russian-American initiative on peaceful settlement in Syria. Without this cooperation, the ceasefire in Syria, as fragile as it may be, would certainly not have been achieved. I can confidently say the same about the agreement on Irans nuclear program. As a small state, we remain convinced that we should do our best to support cooperation between the superpowers. Our foreign policy model is based on the principle of combining the interests of different power centers. We are not trying to reap momentary benefits from disagreements between big players. This foreign policy model of course has historical roots, too. Back in the beginning of the 20th century, when superpowers fell in the Thucydides Trap, to quote Mr. Graham Allison, and the World War One broke out, Armenia paid a high price: under the guise of the war, the Ottoman Empire perpetrated the genocide of the Armenians. We could certainly do nothing to keep the superpowers out of the Trap, but this is an illustration of the potential consequences for the small nation when the big ones clash. It has explicit or implicit painful consequences for any small nation, often with irreversible losses. Irreversible were the losses of the genocide that befell the Armenians. The world now recognizes and condemns this atrocious crime, but what is of utmost importance to us is the recognition by Turkey and facing its own history. The Centenary of the Armenian Genocide showed that Armenian-Turkish reconciliation is not a top-down exercise. The Turkish authorities opted for flagrant falsification of history. I am not referring to the denial of the Genocide. In 2015, the Turkish authorities suddenly decided that on April 24, the main Commemoration Day of the Armenian Genocide Centenary, they will be commemorating the 100thanniversary of the Battle of Gallipoli - a date that is usually commemorated in March. This was clearly an act of absolute cynicism and a failed attempt at belittling this day of symbolic importance for the Armenian nation. Nonetheless, I am glad or at least increasingly more hopeful that, the more aggressive the stance of the Turkish authorities, the louder the voice of the Turkish society about the Armenian Genocide. An intellectual generation is growing in Turkey today, and this creme de la creme of society will eventually become strong enough to make their government to speak the truth. I am sure that the day will come. I am aware of a simplistic belief that exists outside of Armenia as if Armenians jubilate when bad things happen in Turkey, for instance when the Turkish military shell Kurdish-inhabited towns and villages, or when terrorist acts are committed inside Turkey. That is absurd. We are strongly interested in Turkeys peaceful and democratic development. It is our belief that fundamental democratization is the only way in which all the peoples living in Turkey will feel as fully-fledged citizens and will be able to lead a dignified life. Ethnic and religious minorities will not be taken as second- or third-class. Unfortunately, we are witnessing the opposite trends in public and political life in some of our neighboring countries, which is worrisome. Ladies and Gentlemen; Being in the United States, I cannot but discuss the Armenian-American friendship. The evolution of our partnership is quite interesting. The USA was the first country to open an embassy in Armenia and implement aid programs. 25 years have passed, and we now have an extensive agenda of cooperation with the USA, a dialogue on international and regional security matters, and close cooperation in economic and democratic development and humanitarian, defense, and energy matters. The American-Armenian community, which is one of the most flourishing and largest communities in the Armenian Diaspora, is an essential bridge between us and the USA. We believe that our bilateral partnership is currently at the highest level. Ladies and Gentlemen; From here I will be heading to Washington DC to participate in the Nuclear Security Summit upon President Obamas invitation. I am proud to note that, in the 25 years of independence, Armenia has grown from a country receiving international aid to a contributor to the world peace. Armenia, being a responsible member of the international community, currently has stationed in Afghanistan, Kosovo, Lebanon, and Mali. We still have a road to travel to become a stable democracy. With the achievements of these 25 years, we sum up the history of a so called newly-independent state and turn the chapter to embark upon the maturity stage. I am ready to take your questions. Thank you. Already have an account? Log in here Some of the most active companies traded Thursday on the Toronto Stock Exchange: 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 31/03/2016 (2397 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. TORONTO Swiss Chalet and St-Hubert a typically Canadian story of two solitudes. The two iconic brands of rotisserie chicken and special sauce have largely been operating in different parts of the country, with St-Hubert dominating the Quebec scene and Swiss Chalet operating mostly in English-speaking provinces. That seems unlikely to change, even though Quebec-based Groupe St-Hubert Inc. is to be added to an extensive roster of restaurants owned by Cara Operations Ltd. (TSX:CAO) in a $537-million deal expected to close this summer. A St-Hubert restaurant is seen in Montreal Thursday, March 31, 2016. The Quebec-based St-Hubert restaurant business has agreed to be acquired by the owner of the Swiss Chalet chain for $537 million. In addition to 117 restaurants, Cara Operations Ltd. will acquire two food manufacturing plants, two distribution centres and a real estate portfolio. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Peter McCabe In a conference call with analysts after the deal was announced Thursday, Cara chairman and CEO Bill Gregson stressed that he sees the St-Hubert management team as the experts both on the Quebec marketplace and in food manufacturing. Theyve been the pioneers in taking a restaurant brand and converting it to commercial use at grocery stores, by selling a product at grocery retail, Gregson said. They have just done a phenomenal job at it and we have not, quite honestly. Gregson says the food manufacturing and distribution part of St-Huberts business has unused capacity that can be used nationally to spread Caras many restaurant brands, which include Harveys, Milestones, Montanas, Kelseys, East Side Marios, New York Fries and Bier Markt. In Quebec, it will be the St-Hubert team that decides how to integrate Cara brands, possibly through combo-stores such as those that sell Harveys hamburgers and Swiss Chalet chicken in some markets. As for spreading the St-Hubert restaurant banner outside its home province, Gregson was more cautious. St-Hubert has had some success, but also some tougher times outside of Quebec specifically some places in Ontario. He said the focus for the St-Hubert team, for now, will be growing St-Huberts restaurant chain within Quebec and leading Caras push into that province, where it has a relatively small presence. The St-Hubert team is the expert on what works for their brand and their geographic coverage, Gregson said. Im sure that a lot the Cara team will learn from St-Hubert, and hopefully theres a lot the St-Hubert team will learn from Cara as well. Theres no prescribed formula. Every brand is always different based both on the brand and, in this case, based on the province. Cara which Gregson says is Canadas third-largest restaurant business after Restaurant Brands International (Tim Hortons and Burger King) and McDonalds has 1,010 franchised and corporate restaurants, including 37 located outside Canada. Under the deal, it will add St-Huberts 117 locations, all but nine in Quebec, which operate in several formats including traditional full-service restaurants. The Toronto-area company, based in Vaughan, says it will use St-Huberts head office in Laval as its base in Quebec. Cara also acquires St-Huberts food manufacturing business, including two manufacturing plants, one owned distribution centre and one leased distribution centre. That part of St-Hubert makes two-thirds of its sales through corporate customers such as Sobeys, Loblaw, Costco and Metro, while the rest are to the mostly franchised St-Hubert restaurants. Jean-Pierre Leger, St-Huberts chairman and CEO and a member of the companys founding family, said he spent five years searching for a Quebec buyer. I looked at everything here, he said. I courted different groups but (in the end) we didnt get married. Leger said discussions took place with Investissement Quebec, the Caisse de depot et placement pension fund and the Quebec Federation of Labours Solidarity Fund, but that none of these groups has a mandate to take control of companies. He said he took his time before accepting Caras offer. I turned 70 last fall, he noted. Im not eternal. I have to think that the Groupe St-Hubert can continue without me. Part of the price that Cara will pay is $50 million of its subordinate voting shares. The bulk of the transaction will be borrowed by Cara from Scotiabank and a syndicate of lenders. Cara said it also believes it will issue more stock, if market conditions are right. Caras largest shareholder, Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd. (TSX:FFH), has committed to spend about $200 million in purchasing any of the additional Cara stock thats sold. Follow @DavidPaddon on Twitter. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 30/03/2016 (2398 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. MONTREAL TransCanada will have to fight just one injunction request related to its Energy East pipeline project after a court ruling Wednesday. An environmental law group, acting on behalf of several organizations, was seeking an injunction to force TransCanada (TSX:TRP) to be subject to Quebecs Environment Quality Act. But Quebec Superior Court Justice Martin Castonguay ruled the legal proceedings can be folded into a similar court action that has been launched by the Quebec government. Quebec wants TransCanada to provide a more detailed account of its Energy East proposal, which would result in a more complete environmental review process than the one currently taking place. TransCanada lawyer Robert Torralbo argued it was up to Quebecs attorney general to ask the courts to force a company to respect a law and that citizens cannot make such a demand unless the government refuses to do so. Although Castonguay noted the environmental law groups application for an injunction came before the Quebec governments, he ruled that it was reasonable to combine the requests to avoid multiple, similar cases. Quebecs environmental review agency is scheduled to begin a second round of public hearings into the Energy East proposal on April 25. The first hearings wrapped up in March with citizens from across the province grilling TransCanada executives on the risks and costs associated with the pipeline. Energy East would bring 1.1 million barrels of oil a day from Alberta and Saskatchewan through Quebec and onto News Brunswick for overseas shipping. Environmentalists argue the pipeline will increase Canadas greenhouse gas emissions and prevent the country from meeting its climate change commitments. Proponents of the pipeline say Albertas oilsands need to be developed for the country to grow its GDP and have the money available to transition to a lower-carbon economy. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 31/03/2016 (2397 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. TORONTO A Canadian news outlet must give the RCMP background materials used for stories on a suspected terrorist, despite objections from the reporter, a judge has ruled. In addition, Ontario Superior Court Justice Ian MacDonnell banned publication of information police relied on to obtain a court order that Vice Media and reporter Ben Makuch produce the materials related to Farah Shirdon. The three Vice stories in 2014 were largely based on conversations Makuch had with Shirdon via an online instant messaging app called Kik Messenger. RCMP want access to Makuchs screen captures of those chats. The screen captures are important evidence in relation to very serious allegations, MacDonnell said in his ruling. There is a strong public interest in the effective investigation and prosecution of such allegations. In October 2014, Makuch cited Shirdon, of Calgary, as saying from Iraq: Canadians at home shall face the brunt of the retaliation. If you are in this crusader alliance against Islam and Muslims, you shall see your streets filled with blood. RCMP charged the Toronto-born Shirdon, 22, in absentia last September with several offences, including leaving Canada to participate in the activity of a terrorist group, taking part in the activity of a terrorist group, and threatening Canada and the U.S. Police said they needed the Makuch materials as proof Shirdon had been in Iraq. They also want to know how Makuch tracked the suspect down, but the reporter said he simply monitored his online activities. In an interview from San Franciso on Thursday, Makuch said he planned to fight the ruling, adding that the issues at stake for broader media freedoms in Canada were too important. You dont want to be restrained in who you talk to and how you talk to them and have the fear that you could be faced with a production order from the RCMP if you do talk to a salacious source or some source that is obviously criminal, Makuch told The Canadian Press. In the worst-case scenario, he said, he would be prepared to go to jail to keep the information out of RCMP hands. In his decision, MacDonnell accepted government arguments that Vice was the only source of the needed data. He also rejected Vices argument that police essentially already had all the relevant information. He said he was satisfied the judge who issued the initial production order last year had taken into account the special position of the media, and had properly balanced the interests of law enforcement and the medias right to freedom of expression. Speaking in Vancouver, RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson said he was very sensitive of the need for journalists to be free from the RCMP forcing them to divulge information. I am respectful of a journalists right and need to be able to do their jobs freely, Paulson said. But when it comes to important evidence to a criminal case then I think we should bring the courts in. Still, Makuchs media lawyer, Iain MacKinnon, said the decision could have a serious chilling effect on journalists. Police officers investigating crimes may start using similar production orders more often in the future and rely on journalists as an investigative arm or tool to gather evidence in their investigations, MacKinnon said. Their credibility and independence will be undermined if people believe that anything they say to journalists could be easily turned over to police. In banning publication of the supporting documentation police used to obtain the production order, MacDonnell said it was necessary to preserve Shirdons right to a fair trial should he ever be arrested and tried. The case, he said, had attracted national attention in light of the Islamic States brutality and barbarism and the prospect young Canadians were being radicalized and might become homegrown terrorists. I am satisfied that publication of portions of the information concerning Farah Shirdons alleged involvement with ISIS and of statements he is alleged to have made some of which the public might find to be quite alarming would pose a serious risk to his right to be tried by an impartial jury, the justice said. MacDonnells ruling was issued Tuesday, but was subject to a temporary ban to give the federal government a chance to see if any of his reasons needed redacting. That ban has now been lifted. YEREVAN, MARCH 31, ARMENPRESS. In the territory of the 4th checkpoint of one of Armenias Defense Ministrys military units, at around 18:30 on March 30, conscript Sargis Manukyan was found electrocuted and unconscious. While being transported to the medical center of Ararat, Sargis Manukyan died; "Armenpress" was informed by the Investigative Committee of Armenia. A criminal case has been filed on this matter: Article 376 of the Criminal Code of Armenia (careless handling of post, resulting in grave consequences). Necessary investigative actions are being conducted. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 31/03/2016 (2397 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. EDMONTON All but two of Albertas 61 school boards were expected to meet a Thursday deadline to submit policies on how they plan to make schools safe and accepting of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students. Education Minister Dave Eggen said he was gratified by the response but acknowledged that the hard part comes now. His staff must review the documents to determine if each plan complies with government legislation, and then work with boards to fix any shortcomings. We are dealing with a very vulnerable population, Eggen said in an interview. I am very pleased to see how school boards across the province have answered to this. We look forward to looking at their policies, working with them together in a collaborative manner to ensure that no one gets left behind. The NDP brought in legislation that says students have the right to self identify their sexual orientation and to be treated with dignity and respect. Guidelines state that students should be allowed to wear clothes and take part in sports and other activities according to their gender identity. Students should also have access to safe washrooms and change rooms that reflect how they see themselves. The legislation also calls on schools to allow students to form so-called gay-straight alliance clubs if they wish. Last fall, Eggen set March 31 as the deadline for the 61 publicly funded school boards to submit their draft polices. On Thursday, he said the province had received policies from 55 school boards and there were more to come by the end of the day. All charter and private schools have also submitted their drafts. The two school boards not meeting the deadline were Palliser Regional Schools and Lethbridge School District 51, both in southern Alberta. Eggen said his department is working with those boards and expects they will submit their plans later this spring. Some Catholic church leaders have said the LGBTQ policy would violate religious beliefs. They have said church teachings state that a persons sexuality is a God-given gift and to alter it is to challenge divine will. They also say Catholic schools already provide safe, caring environments for all students. Some parents have also said they are worried about allowing shared washrooms and change rooms. Eggen said there is plenty of work ahead to achieve the governments goal. He declined to set a date for when Alberta Education will approve the plans or when the boards must comply with the legislation. Having so many submit their draft plans on time is a promising start, he said. This is an indication of the level of engagement, which I find quite hopeful, and we are there to help every step of the way to make sure that we provide a safe and caring environment for all students. Sometimes the things that are most difficult to achieve are the most worthwhile. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 31/03/2016 (2397 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. MOOSE JAW, Sask. Saskatchewan doctors say there are a staggering number of people in the province with mental-health issues who need more help. The Saskatchewan Medical Association says one in five people, or almost 230,000, are struggling with mental illness or addictions. I think that comes as a big surprise to us, too, as a medical association, because you would never imagine it being quite a problem, which is to this degree, association president Dr. Mark Brown said Thursday. Brown, who is a family doctor in Moose Jaw, says the number includes children suffering from depression or anxiety. Its not just teenagers, but also young kids, he said. Its very sad and it needs to be addressed and I think that one of the biggest problems we have in Saskatchewan is access to mental health for children. But he says long wait times, a shortage of specialists and increasing patient needs have led to significant gaps in the care available. The association says psychiatrists are in short supply in Saskatchewan. It estimates that at least 50 psychiatrists will be needed by 2023 and says recruiting more medical students into psychiatry resident positions needs to be a priority. Mental health is an extremely sad problem to have in a society, but what would be even more sad is if there are people out there suffering which we know there are who dont know where to go for help, who cant access help and who feel helpless from that point of view, said Brown. The association notes that a report commissioned by the Saskatchewan government detailing a 10-year mental health and addictions action plan was released in December 2014. It has yet to be acted upon by the government, said the doctors group. Brown says doctors are speaking out because they want political leaders in the provincial election to talk about mental health. The association does not endorse any one political party. Earlier in the campaign, the doctors called for better ways to care for seniors and for more tobacco control, including regulations for electronic cigarettes. By Jennifer Graham in Regina Already have an account? Log in here TORONTO - A new report on the sharing economy suggests governments should screen drivers on platforms such as Uber and limit what kinds of homes can be rented on sites like Airbnb. 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 31/03/2016 (2397 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The six candidates hoping to represent the Wheat City at the Manitoba legislature traded barbs and talking points before an audience of about 30 people at an aboriginal issues debate at the Mahkaday Ginew Memorial Centre on Wednesday. Brandon Friendship Centre adult education co-ordinator Lyndon Bournon said the debate was a chance for First Nations people in particular to put the candidates on the hot seat. Linda Ross, flying the NDP banner in Brandon West, set the tone in her opening remarks, thanking the friendship centre for hosting the debate and providing its education and housing services. Tom Bateman/The Brandon Sun Moderator Riel Langlois, from left; Brandon West candidates Billy Moore (Liberal), Linda Ross (NDP) and Reg Helwer (PC) and Brandon East candidates Drew Caldwell (NDP), Len Isleifson (PC) and Vanessa Hamilton (Liberal) prepare for the Brandon Friendship Centre's debate at the Mahkaday Ginew Memorial Centre on Wednesday ahead of the April 19 provincial election. I would just quietly remind you that funding to some of these programs was previously cut when the Tories formed government last, she said. The man shes hoping to unseat, Progressive Conservative incumbent Reg Helwer, told the crowd the election boils down to a referendum on Greg Selinger. He and all his candidates promised they would not raise taxesafter the election they raised taxes and fees every year, he said during his opening. Now they are promising just about everything and anything to everyone." That spurred Helwers Brandon East counterpart, NDP incumbent Drew Caldwell to respond in his opening statement. I wasnt going to be too partisan until I heard Regs remarks, he said before returning to Rosss Friendship Centre remarks and calling the PC decision agrievouswrong. Thecompositionand makeup of our party is reflective of our communities, he said, listing off the First Nations andMetis NDP members. The first of six questions asked had to do with the candidates plans on implementing aboriginal history, culture and tradition in the provincialeducationsystem. We need to ensure that when we look at educational opportunities, that we meet with the parties that are involved. We need to be inclusive. We need to make sure that the programs and services that the government comes up with are effective where they need to be effective, said Brandon East PC candidate Len Isleifson, who previously said he takes two days to prepare for debates. Brandon West Liberal candidate Billy Moore, the only aboriginal candidate in Brandon, said hisLove and harmony platform plank can be applied to the question. How can an aboriginal go to school and be looked down upon by their fellow students? Id rather see them come out hand-in-hand, he said. Brandon city Coun. Kris Desjarlais (Rosser), a health and wellness co-ordinator withManitoba Metis Federation, told candidates the MMF wants to see anintegrated health approach, and asked if the candidates would commit to acore funding for an MMF health strategy. Ross said the NDP would supply funding, butHelwer said the PCs couldnt commit because how deep the hole is in there, that the NDP have created. Income and poverty is the main determinant of health so we can reconfigure a health-care system over and over again, we can make it smaller, we can make it bigger, we can make it a health authority make it whatever. If we dont address the main, root cause of ill health, were going to be getting the same results,Brandon East Liberal hopeful Vanessa Hamilton responded. MMF vice-president Leah LaPlante asked how each proposed government will foster relationships between aboriginal people and businesses. Both Isleifson and Hamilton said key is forming community partnerships. I worked in community development since 2004, so that is the key to success we shouldnt be working in silos, Hamilton said. Jason Gobeil, aboriginal community co-ordinator for the Brandon Urban Aboriginal Peoples Council, asked what the candidates would do to support aboriginal economic development, specifically in southwestern Manitoba and Brandon. We want to focus on sustainabledevelopment, we want to focus on growing the economizes and we do that by promoting economic opportunities," said Isleifson. Ross noted the NDP has overseen the creation of three First Nations-run casinos that see all revenues, in excess of $50 million, go back to the First Nations. The fifth question dealt with the candidates intentions on addressing mental health. I think the single greatest thing we can do is continue to invest in our justice institutions, our schools often times mental health issues start in our school years. the more support we can give toprofessionalsin our public school system, were going to be able toidentifyissues before they get full-blown, Caldwell said. The final question, to which all candidates had few answers, touched on dental care. Moore, who whose candidacy was confirmed by Elections Manitoba less than a day before the debate, admitted on severaloccasionshe didnt have answers to some of the questions asked. Im very green right now but I assure you I will have more answers as I go along, Moore said. DebateorganizerLyndon Bournon noted that he had been contact by a representative from the Manitoba Party, asking if they could send a representative, but no one from the party showed up to the debate.Riel Langlois moderated the forum. Its far from the last time the candidates will square off: four debates or forums remain on the books for Brandon candidates. The next isTuesday, April 5, when theBrandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation is hosting a debate on housing and poverty issuesat The Town Centre food court at 2 p.m. tbateman@brandonsun.com Twitter: @tombatemann Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 31/03/2016 (2397 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. OTTAWA Immigration Minister John McCallum is easing restrictions on the private sponsorship of Syrian refugees, adding thousands to the number of refugees arriving this year. Here is a timeline of how private sponsors have responded to the Syrian refugee crisis. 2011: The Syrian civil war breaks out, triggering a wave of migration and displacement that has to date created an estimated 4.2 million Syrian refugees and sent millions more fleeing for safety. 2012: Groups in Canada call on the government to do more to assist displaced Syrians, including making it easier for Syrians already in Canada to bring family members and speeding up asylum claim processing for those already in Canada. The Conservative government says it wont resettle refugees from Syria until the UN makes a formal request. The Conservatives make changes to refugee policy that make it more challenging for certain private groups, known as groups of five, to sponsor refugees by requiring a sponsored individual be officially registered as a refugee by the UN. They say the move is meant to cut down on fraud and help bring down existing wait times. The government closes the embassy in Damascus, forcing those immigration cases including thousands of Iraqis to be shuffled around the Middle East. Wait time for privately sponsored files out of that region begin to increase. 2013: The UN makes its first formal request for states to resettle Syrian refugees. In July, Canada agrees to take in 1,300 by the end of 2014 using the 200 government-assisted refugee spots set aside for emergency resettlement requests and opening up the rest for private sponsorship. Private sponsors are forced to scramble to raise the necessary funds, find refugees to sponsor and file the paperwork. Between July and December of 2013, they submit 195 applications. 2014: The Conservatives come under fire amid fear they will miss their Syrian refugee targets. The average processing time for privately sponsored refugee applications out of Lebanon, temporary home to one million Syrian refugees, was two years. By year-end, only 1,063 Syrian refugees have arrived in Canada, with more being government assisted than planned in order for the government to make any progress towards its target. In total in 2014, 1,299 applications were received by private groups interested in sponsoring Syrians. 2015: January: Conservatives commit to resettling a further 10,000 Syrian refugees and suggest theyll again look to private sponsors to take in 60 per cent. March: The government finally meets its 2013 promise, with 434 government-assisted refugees and 866 privately sponsored refugees in Canada. June: A group called Lifeline Syria launches in Toronto with the goal of getting 1,000 Syrian refugees to Canada via the private sponsorship program. July: The UN estimates the number of Syrian refugees has surpassed four million. Hundreds of thousands of others begin making their way out of Syria and surrounding countries in search of safe haven in Europe. September: Three-year-old Alan Kurdi drowns as his family attempts to flee. It emerges Kurdi had relatives in Canada who had made an application to bring over Alans uncle, but were rejected. Postmedia reports the rejection was the result of the Conservative rule changes for groups of five in 2012. The Conservatives exempt Syrian and Iraqi applications from the group of five rule and add staff to visa processing points in a bid to bring down wait times in response to public demand. All three main federal parties make election campaign commitments to increase intake. The Liberals promise to bring in 25,000 Syrians immediately and work with the private sector to do more. October: Interest in private sponsorship of Syrians spikes 551 applications are received, the highest single-month total so far that year. November: The Liberals take office and roll out their marquee plan to get 25,000 Syrians to Canada by the end of February. The initial target was 10,000 privately sponsored refugees. Between Jan. 1, 2015, and Dec. 14, 2015, 3,700 private sponsorship applications for Syrians are submitted, representing just over 8,214 people. By Dec. 31, 3,067 privately sponsored Syrians have arrived in Canada. 2016: January: The Liberals decide to cap on the number of applications theyll accept in 2016 to sponsor Syrians, folding them into the global plan for private sponsor settlement. The cap applies to any application received as of Jan. 1. February 27: the Liberals reach their goal to settle 25,000 people. Privately sponsored Syrians account for 8,792. The Liberals close up the major processing centres in Jordan and Lebanon and scale back the number of staff processing applications in Winnipeg. Mar. 2: The Liberals confirm privately sponsored refugees who arrive in Canada after that date will be responsible for the cost of their own flights and medical exams. Under the Liberals special resettlement program for Syrians, those costs had been waived. March 14: there are just over 6,600 private applications in the inventory. Sponsorship groups get wind of the changes and begin to voice their displeasure when they realize the families they are seeking to sponsor wont arrive until 2017. Mar. 31: Immigration Minister John McCallum announces any applications received before that day will be exempt from the cap and should be processed fast enough to see the Syrians arrive this year or early in 2017. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 31/03/2016 (2397 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. It aint New York but when it comes to renewable energy and the Canadian Arctic, if they can make it there, theyll make it anywhere. Six organizations have banded together to help remote Arctic communities reduce diesel power generation and expand large-scale renewable energy. If you can crack the nut of renewables in the Canadian Arctic, the toughest place in the world, then maybe you can export that knowledge and technology around the world, Paul Crowley, Arctic vice-president of the World Wildlife Fund Canada, said Thursday in an interview from Iqaluit. The groups involved include the Alaska Center for Energy and Power, Qikiqtani Inuit Association, Tugliq Energy Co., Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, the Pembina Insitute, WWF Canada and the Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Energy. Their goal is to have a least three northern communities running large-scale, renewable energy projects within the next four years. There are about 300 diesel-dependent communities in Canada, said Crowley and provincial and territorial leaders recently agreed at a Vancouver meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that getting remote communities off diesel generation is a priority. A Senate report last year concluded that northern electricity systems are aging, underperforming and at capacity. Most of Nunavuts 17 generators are more than three decades old held together with duct tape and twine, says Crowley. Not only is the system very expensive, diesel generation produces greenhouse gases and black carbon, which absorbs the suns energy and speeds snow and ice melt. The first task of the alliance of non-governmental groups is to assess 17 communities in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories for renewable energy potential, a study thats underway now at the University of Waterloo, Ont. Neighbouring Alaskas recent experience suggests there are a number of options. Gwen Holdmann, director of the Alaska Center for Energy and Power at the University of Alaska in Fairbanks, said about 70 of Alaskas 200 or so communities are connected to grid-scale renewable energy, including almost 40 wind projects, hydro, solar, geothermal and biomass. A number of communities are able turn off all diesel generation and run on wind power alone at times. Holdmann says her own home in Fairbanks runs entirely off solar power for much of the summer. Multi-directional solar arrays can actually generate power 24 hours a day at times in the Arctic summer. The state of Alaskas US$50-million a year renewable-energy fund program has spent some $271 million since 2008 while tracking the annual offsets of diesel fuel use. It reports saving about 75 million litres of diesel fuel in 2015, up from 57 million litres in 2014. In Nunavik, Que., a wind turbine installed at the Raglan Mine has offset 3.3. million litres of diesel fuel in its first 18 months of use. The challenge is really taking advantage of all these different kinds of renewable resources and integrating them effectively in a grid, where were maximizing the displacement of diesel fuel, Holdmann said in an interview from Fairbanks. Its really about power system integration and energy storage, flywheels and things like that. Holdmann notes that Alaskas de-regulated utility structure there are 92 different utilities in the state and very low subsidy rates have contributed to a flexible system highly motivated to find savings. Theres huge drive from the communities themselves to switch over to renewable resources, she said. At a macro level, were still using a lot of diesel fuel. The Liberal federal budget delivered last week committed $10.7 million over two years specifically for renewable energy projects in indigenous and northern communities that are off the grid and reliant on diesel power. Thats in addition to a $2.24-billion, five-year green infrastructure fund for First Nations communities. The non-governmental groups will convene this fall in Iqaluit to invite local input into their assessment of the viability of renewable energy systems. As Crowley puts it, the stars appear to be aligning on getting renewable energy in the Canadian Arctic. Follow @BCheadle on Twitter Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 31/03/2016 (2397 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. OTTAWA The NDP did not adequately prepare for campaign challenges including the thorny debate on the niqab, according to findings released Thursday by a working group created in the wake of the partys disappointing 2015 election results. The issue of face coverings became heated during the last campaign after former Conservative leader Stephen Harper insisted on a ban on the garments at citizenship ceremonies a debate that contributed to the plunge in NDP support in their stronghold in Quebec. New Democrats were not ready to deal with the fallout, according to findings presented by a panel led by NDP president Rebecca Blaikie following discussions with rank-and-file supporters across the country. While members are proud of our principled position, many questioned why the campaign was unprepared for the intensity of the debate and lacked a plan to shift campaign coverage back to our offer for Canadians, the report said. The principled position refers to a stance held by NDP Leader Tom Mulcair, who maintained he agreed with the courts that found the Conservative rule unlawful. Mulcair characterized his position on the niqab as one of the defining moments of his career in his first post-election interview with The Canadian Press. It was the right thing to stand up to Harper on the issue, Mulcair noted, adding it is always wrong to divide Canadians on questions of race and religion. Could a different result have been achieved? Perhaps, he said. But I wasnt going to do something that I had never done in my career. There are also supporters who wonder whether Mulcairs strengths were appropriately played up during the campaign, the report noted. We heard disappointment from members who felt that discussions about the strategy employed in the debates led to a situation in which our leaders full capabilities as demonstrated in the House of Commons over the previous years were not on display, it states. Across the country, we heard that our party activists did not understand why we refused to participate in some national debates. The NDP is now the third party in the House of Commons, holding 44 seats down from 95 seats in the previous parliament. The working group also put forward suggestions for the 2019 election, such as calling for a campaign team to be in place two years ahead of the vote. The report said a campaign strategy needs to be presented to the partys election planning committee a full year before the next election. The 2015 campaign was an entirely new experience for the party because it had never entered a campaign as the official Opposition, nor had it led in the polls for weeks prior to and during the race, the working group observed. The panels final report builds on interim findings released in February that noted the NDPs campaign lacked an overarching narrative, instead presenting the party as cautious change as opposed to the real change the Liberals claimed to offer. Its release comes ahead of the NDPs convention in Edmonton from April 8-10, where Mulcair will face a critical leadership review to determine whether he will stay at the helm of the party. Blaikie has suggested 70 per cent is likely the threshold of support needed for Mulcair to keep his job, though the partys constitution only stipulates a leadership race must be held within one year if 50 per cent plus one delegate support it. Mulcair has been asked repeatedly to provide his number the level of support that would prompt him to resign but he has refused to spell this out. There had been shortcomings in that campaign I assume full responsibility for them, he said outside the Commons in February. Rebecca is repeating what shes heard across the country, as I have, giving that sort of an idea. But far more importantly, Edmonton is going to be about the party moving forward. Follow @kkirkup on Twitter Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 31/03/2016 (2397 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. HALIFAX Nova Scotias first black lieutenant-governor says the province is in a state of denial when it comes to racial profiling, saying she has often been the victim of shopping while black since she left her viceregal post four years ago. Mayann Francis said Thursday she decided to speak out this week after Nova Scotia-based grocery chain Sobeys Inc. announced it will appeal a human rights inquiry decision that found one of its Halifax stores discriminated against a black customer. Francis, who served as CEO of the rights commission until she was appointed lieutenant-governor in 2006, says hearing about the case motivated her to attend a protest outside a Sobeys store and talk publicly about her experiences. Lt.-Gov. Mayann Francis inspects the guard at the opening of Nova Scotia legislature in Halifax on March 29, 2011. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan It does not matter how successful you are, it still can happen to you, Francis said in an interview. Its just so wrong and so hurtful and I know how I feel when Im followed in the stores. The low-level harassment typically starts as soon as she enters an unfamiliar store, Francis said, stressing that the problem does not apply to all merchants. You do not even get past the threshold before someone is rushing up to you And when you say, Im just browsing, theyre there every time you turn, she said. Its just over-the-top. Some might say theyre just being polite. No, theyre not. Theyre stalking you. It becomes very uncomfortable. The frequency of this unsettling experience has prompted her to avoid some merchants and be wary of what she is carrying. She said she never takes off her backpack when shes shopping and she sometimes carries zippered shopping bags that are kept shut. The surveillance and her tiring, self-conscious strategies have left her feeling helpless and angry. I try not to go into stores that often because I dont want to deal with it, said Francis, who grew up in Cape Breton. Dolly Williams, a board member with the Congress of Black Women of Canada, said Franciss disturbing story is all too familiar to her. When you walk into a store and youre non-white, you can bet youll be followed, she said from East Preston, a predominantly black community east of Halifax. If youre in your old duds, they will come to you and say, Are you sure this is the store you want to be in? Especially high-class stores. They have no respect for black women because Nova Scotia is still rampant with racism. Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil also weighed in on the issue Thursday, saying its intolerable that any citizen should face discrimination in 2016. Its disappointing when you hear that happening, he said, adding that the ugly fallout from racism was one of the first things he grappled with when he became premier in 2013. Only days into his first term, McNeil moved to fulfil a promise to set up an independent panel to review accusations of abuse at a Halifax orphanage known as the Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children. Theres no question, I believe that racism was part of that and racism has been part of our history, the premier said after a cabinet meeting. In the Sobeys case, a Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission inquiry determined last fall that staff at a store in Tantallon discriminated against Andrella David in May 2009 after falsely accusing her of being a repeat shoplifter. On March 22, the Hudsons Bay Company agreed to educate its staff about racial profiling as part of a settlement in the case of a now-deceased Nova Scotia grandmother allegedly accused of shoplifting a rug from a Zellers outlet in 2008. Francis said steadfast denial has been a part of Nova Scotias long history of racism, which is why racial profiling continues to be a problem. The case of Viola Desmond serves as a good example, she said. In 1946, Desmond was a black businesswoman from Halifax who was jailed for sitting in the whites-only section of a movie theatre in New Glasgow. Her defiance earned her a reputation as a civil rights crusader, but it wasnt until 2010 that she was given a posthumous pardon, which Francis signed. Theres this constant denial that it (racism) does exist, Francis said, adding that the plight of black people who lived in Africville serves as another example. The last home in the gritty Halifax neighbourhood was bulldozed in 1970, but it took another 40 years before the City of Halifax offered a formal apology. YEREVAN, MARCH 31, ARMENPRESS. Nagorno Karabakh has nothing to do with territorial integrity of todays Azerbaijan. Armenpress reports President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan told about this during the lecture delivered at Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, USA. All those who view Nagorno Karabakh in the context of Azerbaijans territorial integrity, indirectly support the harsh policy of Stalin divide and rule that caused suffering and misfortune to millions, President Sargsyan stated. Since the first day of independence we have been struggling for peace and security. The question of self-determination of the people of Nagorno Karabakh regularly raised during the Soviet Union period, transformed into the bloodiest war of post-Soviet era in 1990s. The people who made use of the international and domestic Constitutional right were reacted with weapon, force, and ethnic cleanings. 22 years have passed since the ceasefire of 1994, but even today Armenians living on the state border of Armenia and different parts of Nagorno Karabakh are still under the threat of fire. It goes without saying that Azerbaijani regime serves this conflict to approving the problems in its own country. I believe you are familiar to this behavior from the theory of international relations. This is the reason the Azerbaijani authorities spare no efforts to maintain tension on the border, and presumptuously boast about it. They publicly blame the mediators for inaction and glorify themselves in front of their own people, labeling the Minsk Group proposal aimed at reinforcement of security on the contact line as strange and get surprised at it. The word occupation is often used in the context of Karabakh. I dont wish to go back to historical backgrounds, but I will just make a small remark. Those who use the word occupation often forget that Karabakh itself was under occupation for 70 years. I want to ask all those who consciously or unconsciously use the word occupation, how can be called the forceful integration of Karabakh into Azerbaijan in 1921 by Stalin? Was not it an occupation? Moreover, after Azerbaijan received the generous gift, instead of creating normal conditions for the people of Nagorno Karabakh, using soft power tools, it created such intolerable conditions that as soon as the weakening of the central Soviet power was noted, the people of Nagorno Karabakh were the first to uprise. Was it caused by good life? By the way, the uprising of 1988 was so powerful, that the collapse of the USSR is used to be associated with Karabakh movement. The root cause of that conflict was that initial occupation, therefore Nagorno Karabakh has nothing to do with the territorial integrity of todays Azerbaijan, Serzh Sargsyan told the audience. Armenians could feel on their own skill the impact of the Azerbaijani policy of depopulation of Nagorno Karabakh. The bitter experience of depopulation of Nakhichevan was in front of the eyes of Armenians. It is not enough that this Armenian region was depopulated, an entire Armenian cultural heritage, Jugha (Julfa) khachkars (crossroads) were barbarically destroyed in 2005. Nothing remains from that magnificent medieval heritage. The trace of Armenians and Armenian culture has been annihilated in that region. The same logic goes on today. It will seem ridiculous, but foreigners of Armenian descent are not allowed to visit Azerbaijan. Irrespective of the fact that they are citizens of the USA, Russia or other country, their entry is banned. Nonetheless, they promise to ensure the security of Armenians if Karabakh becomes part of Azerbaijan. Why should the people of Karabakh believe those promises? We have encountered a state of affairs, where the perceptions of our neighbors on negotiations were far away from modern realities. I am convinced that negotiation is among the most demanded subjects at Harvard and I am sure that here you are taught that at least reciprocal concession is required for a positive outcome in any negotiation. It is impossible to reach a solution to an issue based on maximalistic and one-sided demands. But in order you are able to well comprehend what we face in negotiations with Azerbaijan, I will point out one single example. Azerbaijan thinks that not resumption of war is a concession to Armenia, while preservation of peace is not a concession but a commitment, international commitment, The President of Armenia said. Already have an account? Log in here OTTAWA - The Supreme Court of Canada will not hear an appeal from the Canadian Arab Federation over a federal decision to cut funding due to allegations the group supported the actions of terrorist organizations. 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! Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 31/03/2016 (2397 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Pourin salt in my sugar wont make yours any sweeter. P-n in my yard aint gonna make yours any greener. Kasey Musgraves Yet we continue to dump salt and wreck grass every day on social media. Now I do not know Chases parents and I do not know Aneskas parents, but what I do know is as a fellow parent on social media, after seeing what Ive seen the last week or so, we all need to take a deep breath and just chill. Over the past five days I have seen some appalling behaviour from parents, and its been a topic of conversation in many break rooms at workplaces across Westman. And its not just on Facebook. We had parents gone wild at the weekend PEZ Easter egg hunt last Saturday. PEZ Candy abruptly called off the event, after some parents caused a chaotic scene of bloody noses and mayhem. Nearly 10,000 eggs had been laid out on several fields for the free event and kids were expected to start at different times based on age. But a bunch of parents at the event ignored the rules, stormed the fields, shoving people out of their paths. In some cases, adults were pushing children. PEZ responded by pulling the plug on the event once they saw how out of hand things were. Then last Saturday, tragedy and heartbreak in Austin, as the country wept with a local family after they found their son. And at the same time some parents took to their computers to discuss their thoughts on the tragedy, questioning those connected to the story, volunteers, the system and anything else they could throw stones at. It was beyond disgusting that upon the discovery of little Chase, a handful of self-righteous parents just had to take to social media to essentially discuss their disbelief about how anything like this could happen. In a nutshell, these heartless trolls had the gall to question publicly a persons ability to parent, right after the senseless death of a child. Then again, maybe they arent heartless. Maybe theyre just plain idiots. But the idiot parade did not stop there. Monday (and again Tuesday) Dr. Phil had Melanie and Dave on his show, to talk about the behaviour of their 12-year-old daughter Aneska. While the show talked about how Aneska apparently threatened her parents, physically hurt siblings, stole her mothers credit card and threatened the vice-principal at her school, once again parents took to social media to judge. What a banner week for parents and bad behaviour! Why do parents have to be so rude? Whether fighting over Easter eggs, commenting on the tragedy of a family or judging another for enlisting the help of a celebrity therapist in the search for answers, parents have got to get their act together. Thankfully, most realize what we really need to do is offer love and support to those fellow parents struggling. And its good to see so many do just that. In fact, in the search for Chase more than 30,000 hours of volunteer time were given to the family to help find the two-year-old. Thousands of dollars are currently being raised on a GoFundMe page for Chases funeral costs. And there are countless other acts of kindness gone unreported in the media, right now being extended to the family of little Chase. As for Melanie and Dave, Dr. Phil has offered help to the family, and we can only hope his experts can give them the tools they need to heal their family. And in the meantime, they, too, may turn to sites like GoFundMe to ask the community for help in getting their daughter to the right doctors. Like with Chases family, we must be ready to help. As for those parents who just couldnt help stop themselves from taking to Facebook, or Twitter or Instagram or Snapchat or whatever digital social soapbox they could find, to write What I would do or how could anyone let this happen or this would be totally different if I handled it. Ive got five words for you: get off your high horse. Maybe you behave like this because your own self-esteem is low and talking down to others makes you feel better. Maybe you write these things on social media because youve been hurt and you feel the need to hurt others, even though youre potentially clueless about what you write. What you need to do is take a deep breath. What you need to do is look up the meaning of the word empathy. And you need to read to yourself the definition of that word. And after reading it, remember the saying if you dont have anything nice to say, dont say anything at all. To the parents of the Easter egg hunters for heavens sake, set an example for your kids. Its not all about them, and its not all about you. Another great saying is Dont judge lest ye be judged. Dont tell your neighbour of the speck of wood in his eye when youve got a log in your own. We all need to take a deep breath and think of what these people in our community are going through. To think how your life would be different if you were living with their circumstance. And to think about how we can help. As Baz Luhrmann once said, Whatever you do, in life, dont congratulate yourself too much. Or berate yourself either. Your choices are half chance. So are everybody elses. JOKE THIS WEEK Donald Trump is elected president, and on the first night he spends in the White House, he is visited by the ghost of George Washington. He asks him, George, what can I do to best serve the United States? The ghost of George Washington responds, Never tell a lie. He says, Oh, I dont think I can do that. The next night, he is visited by the ghost of Thomas Jefferson. He asks him, Tom, what can I do to best serve the United States? The ghost of Thomas Jefferson responds, Do not bully the people. He says, Oh, I dont think I can do that. On the third night, he is visited by the ghost of Abraham Lincoln. He asks him, Abe, what can I do to best serve the United States? The ghost of Abraham Lincoln responds, Go see a play. BIRTHDAYS Brad Hemrica Mavis Johnston Sherry Labossiere Riley Whitelock Jamie Willis Joyce Raymond Jeff Koensgen Julie Watt Tyler Glen is a radio DJ on Star-FM. He writes a weekly column for the Brandon Sun. Dublins tallest office block has been given the go ahead. The 80m Nama-funded, 224,500 sq ft Exo building at the Point Village has been granted permission by Dublin City Council. Construction will take about two years, creating more than 350 jobs. It is expected to be significantly taller than any of the existing docklands offices built in recent years at 73 metres tall, taller than the Montevetro building owned by Google and Liberty Hall. The Exo building will have capacity for 2,000 workers. Stephen Tennant from Grant Thornton said: "Dublin City Councils decision to grant planning permission for the development of THE EXO is great news for the North Docklands and Dublin as a whole." The Point Village is one of only a handful of locations where taller buildings are permitted in Dublin. The daughter of a Dublin man stabbed to death in a Sydney restaurant has said she loves him "more than anything" and "will always be (his) girl". Keith Collins, 53, was having dinner with his girlfriend Jovi Pilapil yesterday evening - some outlets report it was their first date - when a man reported to be her ex-partner attacked the couple. YEREVAN, MARCH 31, ARMENPRESS. Chairman of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Financial-Credit and Budgetary Affairs Gagik Minasyan expects that based on previously reached agreements, the gas price supplied to Armenia will be reduced. Of course, there are expectations that the gas price supplied by Russia will be lowered. The Prime Minister of Armenia ahs also announced about it. I think that during the upcoming inter-governmental meetings there will be an announcement about it, Armenpress reports MInasyan told the reporters on March 31. To the remark that there are rumors about the possibility of buying the Russian gas by ruble instead of lowering the price, Minasyan answered, There are different approaches. Anyway, the price will become cheaper for our citizens. Naturally, I understand your question very well, but cannot give a precise answer at this moment. I can speak about the result. Of course, it will be much better if we have an opportunity to by ruble, but in that case we should expect that they will want to buy our production, for example brandy, by ruble. We must still find out if we will gain or lose if we turn to bilateral trade in ruble, Minasyan concluded. It is expected that during Dmitry Medvedevs visit to Armenia in April there will be an announcement over the gas price reduction. By David Raleigh A witness has given evidence at an inquest into the death of a man how the deceased told him to call an ambulance before jumping to his death in the River Shannon. John Powell, from Nenagh, told gardai that he was on his phone sitting in a parked car on a quay in Limerick, when another man tapped on his window and told him he was going to jump into the river. "He asked me to dial 999 and that he was going to jump in," Mr Powell said. Evidence was heard this afternoon at Limerick Coroners Court at the inquest into the death of John Paul O'Callaghan (aged 36), with an address at St Patrick's Hostel, Limerick. Mr Powell, who attended the inquest using a wheelchair, "reached out" to Mr O'Callaghan, but that he "couldn't get to him". Mr Powell said he shouted at Mr O'Callaghan: "Don't!". "There was nothing I could do," he told the inquest. The incident occurred around 3.15pm on November 25, 2015. "He was wearing a woolly hat and a jacket, and he spoke with a Limerick accent. I'd never met him before that point," Mr Powell said. Garda Sean O'Hagan, Henry Street Garda Station, said Mr O'Callaghan's body was taken from the river at O'Callaghan Strand and transferred by ambulance to University Hospital Limerick, where he was pronounced dead around 4.30pm. The inquest heard Mr O'Callagan sustained cuts to the right side of his forehead in the jump. The cause of death was due to drowning, the inquest heard. As well as a large amount of fluid and water discovered in his lungs and stomach, Mr O'Callaghan's post mortem also found a bi-product of cocaine in his urine. Coroner Dr Timothy Casey said: "An open verdict is probably best, as no one knows what triggered off this final act by John Paul O'Callaghan." Mr O'Callaghan's family and Mr Powell embraced each other after the verdict was read out. By Elaine Loughlin, Political Reporter Alan Kelly has claimed the Irish Constitution repeatedly blocked him from implementing solutions to the housing and homeless crisis. Speaking at a forum for housing and homelessness this morning the acting Environment Minister said the Constitution has created blockages and now needs to be reviewed in a bid to tackle the wider housing problem. In many instances when trying to solve this problem I was not hampered by political or financial obstacles," Mr Kelly said. I didn't really have issues at a political level when dealing with housing and homelessness, I didn't really have issues when it came to finance, I had some issues with the process and I had issues in relation to bureaucracy, but by and large, it wasn't political or financial. I believe in some cases we have an issue in relation to the Constitution, which creates some blockages. He said difficulties arose in relation the vacant site levy and in providing protection to tenants facing eviction because the landlord was selling a property along many many other issues because of the rights provided under the Constitution. I was repeatedly blocked from making provisions in what I believe was the common good. He cited the strength of Article 43 of the Constitution which provides property rights to citizens. I believe in property rights, but I also believe in the common good," Mr Kelly said. Arriving at the meeting held in the Custom House, homeless charities said whatever new government is formed must prioritise housing and the homelessness crisis. Addressing those from housing organisations, the central bank, the construction sector and officials from a number of government departments Mr Kelly said the housing crisis does not just come down to Government resources. He said: There is a history to how we got to this point and while blame may be justified, blame alone will not house a single person, constructive ideas might. There is no silver bullet, there is no magic wand that will solve this problem instantly, I truly wish there were. The solutions to this problem are not all found within this building within this Department. I would say that over 50%, and therefore the majority, probably aren't, Mr Kelly said. By Fiachra O Cionnaith, political reporter Enda Kenny and Micheal Martin have finally agreed to hold crunch government formation talks. Discussions will take place after next Wednesday's Dail Taoiseach nomination vote. Micheal Martin spoke to his rival in a 20-minute phone call today - the first time either has reached out to the other since the February 26 general election 33 days ago. Speaking to reporters at Leinster House this afternoon, Mr Martin confirmed he contacted the Fine Gael leader this morning amid Irish Examiner reports the April 6 vote may not take place because it is destined to end in a stalemate. Mr Martin said Mr Kenny insisted the vote will still take place, at which point he is believed to have sought a meeting with the Fianna Fail leader tomorrow. However, Mr Martin said he told Mr Kenny if the vote takes place any meeting must be delayed until after Wednesday - a position both potential taoisigh have now agreed. "Just before lunchtime I rang the taoiseach. In the first instance I told him I read reports there may be moves to defer the vote on Wednesday, the vote for taoiseach," Mr Martin said this afternoon. "I made it clear I wouldn't be supporting that, that I wanted it to go ahead next Wednesday and fall whatever way it falls. "He confirmed that the vote would go ahead, and also that we are engaged in that negotiation process with the Independents and that we would be having (talks) sessions on Monday on Tuesday. "We both agreed we would engage in the aftermath of that, and following conclusions on Wednesday," he said. Mr Martin said despite the development his party "wouldn't be going into a grand coalition with Fine Gael", and said he told Mr Kenny he was frustrated by acting Jobs Minister Richard Bruton's comments yesterday that Fine Gael would not support a Fianna Fail-led minority government, describing it as "intemperate language". Mr Martin also said he did not know if next Wednesday will end in stalemate or if another election will occur, but said if this happens "the responsibility is on the entire Dail". Asked if Independents should now "pee or get off the pot" by explaining how they will vote because Fine Gael and Fianna Fail have now committed to talking to each other, the Fianna Fail leader joked: "That might be the fastest way of losing a vote". It is understood Fianna Fail wants to hold off on any talks with Fine Gael until after the April 6 vote because depending on the outcome two different conversations may take place. Micheal Martin said he believed we were not going to have a new Government in place any time soon. "I know people are anxious to know when a Government is going to be formed, but I think we're some few weeks away from that yet," he said. Sinn Fein Cork City Councillor Stephen Cunningham, who sparked a widespread search after being reporting missing, has today thanked family and friends for their concern. Mr Cunningham, 23, Read More: "Firstly, I would like to thank my family, friends, colleagues, and the wider public, for their expressions of support and concern, he said. "Over the last number of weeks, I have found myself feeling enormous pressure. It hasn't been easy. "I am grateful for all those who have rallied around me. I am now spending time with my family. I need some space and I would sincerely appreciate that my need for privacy be respected. "Again, my heartfelt thanks to everyone." Cllr Cunningham - one of the youngest local politicians in the country - was elected to the council in 2014 to represent the city's North East ward. Brussels airport police have said they had criticised the lack of security at Belgium's main transport hub well ahead of the attacks on March 22. In an open letter to their superiors and the airport authorities, police said they had sent "strong daily signals regarding the overall security at the airport". They complained that "there had not been any security control of passengers or luggage from the airport complex right up to the centralised body searches" area. The letter said the lack of security was such that police fear "scouts were sent out to assess the security lapses and plan terror". The airport police also complained that too many airport employees have criminal backgrounds. Meanwhile, Belgian authorities are searching a wooded residential area close to the French border amid reports that the action is linked to the recent arrest of a man in Paris suspected of planning an attack. Soldiers were seen looking for clues in an area close to Kortrijk in western Belgium. Local media, citing federal prosecutors, said the search was connected to the arrest of Reda Kriket, who is accused of participating in a terrorist group with plans for at least one imminent attack, possessing and transporting arms and explosives, and holding fake documents. Paris prosecutor Francois Molins said that Kriket is believed to have travelled to Syria in 2014 and 2015 and made several trips between France and Belgium. At least three other people are in custody in the case in Belgium and the Netherlands. Ryanair stated today that all flights due to operate to/from Brussels Zaventem up to and including Thursday, April 7, "will continue to operate to/from Brussels Charleroi. "Customers booked to fly from Brussels should make their way to Brussels Charleroi, arrive at least 3 hours before their flight and allow extra time for additional security checks. "Our full Brussels Charleroi schedule is also operating and further information is available on the Ryanair.com website. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their loved ones." South African president Jacob Zuma "failed to uphold" the constitution when he did not pay back some of the millions of dollars in state funds used to upgrade his home, the country's Constitutional Court has ruled. The ruling could significantly weaken the leader, who is fending off multiple accusations of alleged misconduct at the highest levels of government, although he still retains the support of powerful factions in his party, the African National Congress (ANC). The main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance, said it would immediately begin impeachment proceedings against Mr Zuma. While parliament has the power to remove him, ruling party MPs defeated a no-confidence vote against Mr Zuma earlier this year. Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng also said that parliament, which is dominated by the ANC, had failed in its obligations by not holding Mr Zuma to account in the spending scandal. Mr Zuma is already under scrutiny because of allegedly improper links to the Guptas, a wealthy business family in South Africa. Questions about the extent of the Gupta family's influence have exposed some divisions within the ruling party, particularly after the country's deputy finance minister said the family directly offered him the finance minister job in December. This was around the time that the incumbent, Nhlanhla Nene, was sacked in a move that rattled markets. Speaking for South Africa's highest court, Mr Mogoeng said Mr Zuma should not have ignored a state watchdog's recommendations that he should reimburse state funds spent on his home, known as Nkandla. Mr Zuma "failed to uphold, defend, and respect the constitution as the supreme law of the land", Mr Mogoeng said. Mr Zuma's office had said he was willing to reimburse some of the more than US$20m spent on Nkandla. His critics said the offer was an attempt to avoid a court hearing, and opposition MPs took the case to court anyway. YEREVAN, MARCH 31, ARMENPRESS. The government approved MP Edmon Marukyans legislative initiative, but left the final assessment to the Parliament. The MP proposed to amend the Criminal Code, and to define imprisonment as punishment for providing false documents or for any other method in order to vote more than once during elections. According to Justice Minister Arpine Hovhannisyan, this issue has two implications, legal and political. The Minister pointed out the first legal part, stating that Article 153 of the Criminal Code implies possible alternative punishments by personalized principles, allowing the court to specifically individualize each case and determine the appropriate punishment. "A new draft Criminal Code is in development, which establishes the principles. International experience shows that there is always the fine punishment as an alternative. We believe that the proposal has some contradictions with the overall logic of the Criminal Code. At the same time, given that this is a pre-election year, there are certain political questions related to this matter, I ask this to be discussed and determine the appropriateness, Armenpress reports Hovhannisyan saying. Minister of Economy Artsvik Minasyan stated that the MPs proposal concerns the situation, when violations are taking place and an attempt to punish with fines is done. Or, according to Minasyan, the fine needs to be toughened, or at least cases should be defined when only a fine should be used. According to the Chief of Staff-Minister of the Government David Harutyunyan, the court must be trusted and given the ability to individualize the sentence. According to the minister, there are many cases when the offense is very serious, or vice versa, it is not accidental that the fine is defined as a punishment for a criminal offense. "I think the proposal is very rigid and artificial, of course I understand the proposal was made based on political situation. This means we totally remove the Court's role. I think legally speaking this bill is wrong, "he said. Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan noted that he studied the bill, it has been studied by experts and they reported that in Germany and Switzerland both the fine and imprisonment are punishments. "Not only have we, the government, set a task before us to substantially increase public confidence in the elections, I think we should approve and let the National Assembly to decide. I also agree that it is not legally correct. But in political terms we give the opportunity to our citizens and explain that they should refrain from similar violations, "said the Prime Minister. SINGAPORE: US oil may test a support at $83.78 per barrel, a break below which could open the way towards... YEREVAN, MARCH 31, ARMENPRESS. The Syrian Armenian community is on the verge of extinction; Armenian cultural heritage is being destroyed and looted. This is a challenge that we have to withstand jointly, President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan said in a meeting with representatives of Armenian community on the east coast. Here we all bear responsibility, the state, the Diaspora and all our communities. I assure you that the Armenian authorities spare no efforts to ensure dignified life for the 20 thousand Syrian Armenians in Armenia. We grant them citizenship immediately, assist in solving educational and health issues, help to establish business, and settle in Armenia. I am glad that the Armenian community of the USA periodically organizes telethons and fundraisings for the support of Syrian Armenians, and thank to those donations it becomes possible to ease the lives of our compatriots not only in Syria but other countries that have provided them with shelter. Lets jointly help them to settle in Armenia. Of course, it is a scourge for us to see the elimination of Armenian communities in the Middle East. But, maybe, it would be the least-evil solution if the members of that community settled in Armenia. It would be to some extent consolation for us. The loss of that prosperous community is a real grieve for us, but we must do our best that at least those who leave that country, move to Armenia, Armenpress reports the President saying. He assured that the assistance rendered to the Syrian Armenians is not viewed by the state a s a demonstration of good will, but as a direct commitment of the Republic of Armenia. Yes, our country is obliged to give hand to our compatriots that have appeared in a difficult situation. We realize very well that the Motherland is obliged to help the Diaspora as much as the Diaspora helps the Motherland, Serzh Sargsyan said. MADRID: Police in Spain said Friday they have arrested a Pakistani couple suspected of having killed their own... YEREVAN, MARCH 31, ARMENPRESS. On the eve of the trial in Turkey of journalists Can Dundar and Erdem Gul, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatovic today called once again on the Turkish authorities not to prosecute them for their reporting on issues of public interest, Armenpress was informed from the press service of the OSCE. The daily Cumhuriyets editor-in-chief Dundar and the newspapers Ankara bureau chief Gul face aggravated life sentences, an additional life sentence and 30 years in prison for allegedly revealing state secrets in a May 2015 newspaper article. A closed-door trial is set to begin on 1 April. Imprisonment of journalists for reporting on issues of public interest is never acceptable, Mijatovic said. In addition, the responsibility for protecting state secrets lies with officials and not with journalists. In February, the Constitutional Court ordered the release of the journalists pending trial, saying that their rights to freedom of press and expression and to personal security had been violated. But on 25 March, an Istanbul court ordered their trial to begin behind closed doors after a prosecutor said that the evidence to be presented included state secrets. The ruling drew widespread condemnation from international and national human rights groups and media NGOs. "I remain hopeful that the Turkish authorities will recognize the importance of this case and the impact that it might have on the media freedom situation in the country, Mijatovic said. My Office stands ready to continue assisting the authorities in implementing their media freedom commitments. With full respect for the independence of the judiciary, cases involving journalists should not be held behind closed doors, Mijatovic said. Transparency should be guaranteed by the authorities and the publics right to information should prevail. LAGOS: More than 600 people are now known to have perished in the worst floods in a decade in Nigeria, according to... Ukraines military tightened the noose around Russian forces occupying the southern city of Kherson as the... YEREVAN, MARCH 31, ARMENPRESS. During the Cabinet meeting Prime Minister of Armenia Hovik Abrahamyan referred to the issue of areas rented by different state agencies as a result of which millions are spent from the state budget. The Government took a decision today to abolish the real estate contract between the State Property Management Department adjunct to the Government and Erebuni-Plaza LLC as the Ministry of Diaspora left the area of the LLC earlier than the deadline, on February 20, 2016, and moved to Government building N2. The Prime Minister inquired from the Head of the Republic of Armenia government State Property Management Department Arman Sahakyan how much resources are annually allocated to Erebuni-Plaza LLC for rentals. Sahakyan mentioned that the number reaches 82-83 million drams. In response, Hovik Abrahamyan mentioned that on March 30 he visited a number of buildings that are adjunct to different agencies. We have a lot of abandoned buildings and constructions which are not used for our goals. And we have agencies, services and SNCO that rent their areas. It is necessary that the agencies and ministers pay attention to this issue. Heads of some agencies have clanged that property in a way that one does not know what they will do with it, and they even do not go to see in what condition they are for years. They are depleted and looted, Armenpress reports the Prime Minister saying. According to Abrahamyan, those are a state property, and it is necessary to renovate them so as agencies are able to use them, instead of renting other areas. The Prime Minister assigned Arman Sahakyan to submit a proposal rapidly and make an inventory of those agencies that rent their areas. YEREVAN, MARCH 31, ARMENPRESS. The Government of Armenia took a decision to transfer 2.9 billion AMD from the reserve fund of the second half of the year to the first half in order to cover the deficit of the reserve fund of the Government of Armenia. Deputy Minister of Finance Pavel Safaryan mentioned that the reserve fund of this year defined by the Government is not enough to cover the expenses and the deficit of the first half of the year amounts to 2.9 billion AMD. The change takes place in order to find solutions to issues that emerged due to insufficiency of allocations defined by this years reserve fund for the first half of the year, Armenpress reports Safaryan saying. 8 billion AMD is allocated to the reserve fund of the Government of Armenia for the entire year A Canberra woman has been banned from owning animals for 18 months after a court found she failed to provide adequate food for three dogs in her care. The woman was also handed a 12-month good behaviour bond after RSPCA inspectors found her three dogs Crumble, Sue and Pipper extremely malnourished, with their ribs, spine and hips clearly visible, in her backyard in March last year. Pipper's ribs were showing when it was taken in by RSPCA ACT. Credit:RSPCA ACT RSPCA ACT said it seized the animals and took them to its veterinary clinic for urgent care. Examinations revealed Crumble, a small mixed breed, to be extremely underweight with closed scabs on her ears and a dry rough coat. The national capital's daily newspaper The Canberra Times will adopt a fresh new design as it makes the historic switch to a compact print format seven days a week as part of plans to modernise Fairfax Media's ACT publishing operations. The redesigned compact weekday, Saturday and Sunday Canberra Times editions will be introduced in the second half of 2016, with pages to be the same size as Fairfax stablemates The Australian Financial Review, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. Fairfax Media newspaper The Canberra Times will be published in a new format as part of proposed changes to the business. The Canberra-based editorial director of Fairfax's Australian Community Media (ACM) division, Rod Quinn, a former editor-in-chief of The Canberra Times, said readers would find the new size easier to handle and navigate than the present broadsheet. "The Canberra Times is changing to a more convenient shape but it will continue to deliver the same quality, independent journalism and agenda-setting local news coverage that has earned the respect and trust of Canberra readers for 90 years," he said. Premiership players Jonathan Simpkin and Craig Bird are early casualties of John Worsfold's tenure at Essendon, axed from the Bombers side for Saturday's match against Melbourne at the MCG. Former Sydney midfielder Bird, and ex-Hawthorn onballer Simpkin join tall utility Shaun McKernan as omissions from the Dons team that was soundly beaten by Gold Coast on Saturday. In their place come Orazio Fantasia, Nick Kommer and Michael Hartley. Former Collingwood rookie Hartley will make his debut for the club, while Kommer makes his long-awaited return to action after two injury-cruelled seasons. Seeking to start a season 2-0 for the first time in more than a decade, the Demons have regained midfielder Angus Brayshaw and dasher Heritier Lumumba, both of whom had interrupted pre-seasons because of knee and ankle injuries respectively. Young defender Oscar McDonald will miss the match with an ankle problem while Sam Frost has been dropped. There are way too many smoking guns in the hands of Australian companies that are allegedly engaged in foreign corruption and bribery. And nowhere near enough convictions. The head of $2 billion Primary Health Care, Peter Gregg, his former employer, Leighton Holding's, and engineering group WorleyParsons are the latest allegedly implicated in scandals involving foreign bribery and corruption The revelations this week from Fairfax Media follow from others a few weeks back that Tabcorp was being investigated by the Australian Federal Police for allegedly being involved in bribing the family of the Cambodian Prime Minister at a time when the company was investigating getting a gaming licence in that country. The then chief executive of Tabcorp, Elmer Funke Kupper, resigned his position as head of the ASX in the wake of the scandal. In retail, it seems size does not always matter. IKEA, Woolworths, Coles, David Jones, Myer and even Bunnings are all competing for smaller-format sites as the brands seek to build networks of boutique-sized stores to service the capital cities' time-poor, affluent shoppers. Big-box retailers are competing for smaller-format sites. Credit:Brendan Esposito In Sydney, Woolworths is opening its smallest supermarket so far, with the launch of a 310-square-metre store in York Street in the CBD, and insiders claim its scaled-down city supermarkets are some of the busiest and most lucrative outlets in its network. The new Woolworths format will offer fresh food to go and a smaller line of dry groceries for city shoppers and the new influx of residents. It is understood this will be one of many for the supermarket giant in the Sydney and Melbourne central business districts. Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop's announcement this week to sell Australian uranium to Ukraine is an ill-advised and dangerous retreat from responsibility. With timing and placement that a satirist could only dream of emulating April Fool's Day, the month of the 30th anniversary of the Chernobyl meltdown and while attending a nuclear security summit - Bishop is set to sign a uranium supply agreement this week with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko. Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop announced this week that Australia would sell uranium to Ukraine. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Australia, the country that directly fuelled Fukushima now plans to sell uranium to Ukraine, the country that gave the world Chernobyl hardly a match made in heaven. Thirty years ago the Chernobyl nuclear disaster spread fallout over large swathes of eastern and western Europe and five million people still live in contaminated areas in Belarus, Ukraine and Russia. YEREVAN, MARCH 31, ARMENPRESS: The Armenian Government approved the draft of the new Tax Code and presented it to the National Assembly. Deputy Chairman of the State Revenue Committee Vakhtang Mirumyan said that after lengthy discussions, the draft has been revised based on the original principles and will ensure long-term growth of the economy. According to Mirumyan, after the adoption of the Code not only exporters will be able to obtain the amounts of VAT, which is paid to the suppliers, but also the entrepreneurs who have invested in the economy and had no chance to use the paid VAT. That is, the VAT will be returned to the entrepreneurs within six months. "Another important factor planned is changes of the deadline of the VAT for economy-important production equipment, as well as certain types of raw materials, Armenpress reports Mirumyan saying, adding that the deadline of the VAT payment will be defined not within 10-day period after the import, but by the 20th day of the next month. Well, Perth certainly knows how to get their noodle on. The 2016 Night Noodle Markets proved on Wednesday night to be the best event to hit Elizabeth Quay, with thousands flocking to the foreshore venue on opening night to taste a variety of sumptuous Asian-inspired dishes. Hoy Pinoy's skewers were a hit at the event. Credit:Matthew Tompsett Foodies enjoyed an array of cuisines from 26 stallholders, including 12 from WA, while the thirsty washed it all down at bespoke pop-up bars from Coopers, Thatchers and Yalumba. Hit dishes included Linley Valley pork spare ribs from Apple Daily Bar, succulent pig on a spit from Banana Leaf Filipino Cuisine, pork and chicken skewers with a banana ketchup glaze from Hoy Pinoy and, for something different, strawberry and watermelon cake with Ferrero from Newtown-based N2 Gelato / Black Pastry. Feral deer need to be declared pests, aerial shooting of wild horses should be reintroduced, and cat owners need to be required to have pets desexed to curb the rising damage from introduced species on the state's agriculture and natural wildlife, the Natural Resources Commission has found. In a draft report for Premier Mike Baird, the commission estimates pest animals were causing at least $170 million in economic damage a year. They also affect 40 per cent of all listed threatened species. "We need to manage the risks and impacts from all invasive species and that means treating feral deer and feral cats as pests just like wild pigs and dogs," commissioner John Keniry said. Rising numbers of deer mean they should no longer be classified as merely game animals, a status that supports the animals for recreational hunting. Shooting is now allowed only in daylight hours, in certain seasons and not from vehicles, while landholders can't be compelled to control numbers. YEREVAN, MARCH 31, ARMENPRESS. Iranian gas will be supplied to the population of Meghri and Agarak of Syunik Province. The Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Levon Yolyan informed about this at a press conference after the Cabinet meeting. The March 31 Cabinet meeting allowed the Iranian Sanergy to construct the gas distribution system for these two communities. Asked why the process of supervision will be carried out by "Gazprom Armenia", the Minister said that it is the only professional organization that can control the level of technical performance from the Armenian side. The other question as to at what price the Iranian gas will be supplied to Meghri and Agarak, Yolyan did not give a clear answer. "Constructions will begin, residents will have gas, if expensive, they may decide whether or not to use it", "Armenpress" reports the Minister saying. A memorandum of understanding between the Iranian and Armenian governments was signed on December 23, 2011 on providing assistance for the development of Armenia, upon which the Iranian government agreed to allocate 2 million USD as a grant to construct gas distribution systems in the bordering towns of Meghri and Agarak. According to the schedule, the construction is set to start in 2016 and should be finished within 6-7 months. Three members of a family have been shot with a pellet gun in Sydney's north-west overnight. Police were called to a house on Porters Road, Kenthurst, shortly before 10pm on Wednesday, following reports of gun shots. A 56-year-old father heard noises in the driveway, police said. The man with his 25-year-old daughter and 28-year-old son went to the front door to investigate. The family members were confronted by three people wearing balaclavas, police said YEREVAN, MARCH 31, ARMENPRESS. For the first time in The Amazing Race history, teams travel to Yerevan, Armenia, where an express pass is on the line for the winner of the leg. The show from Armenia will be broadcasting on Friday, April 1, Armenpress reports, citing Massis Post. The CBS Emmy Award-winning reality/competition show from Armenia will involve climbing an extreme amount of stairs at the cascade, which is going to exhaust quite a few teams as they try their best to figure out how to properly handle this, search for clues at the Yerevan Opera Theater, weave a marked section of a carpet, bake lavash breads, something mechanical is also involved. The Amazing Race is an American reality competition show in which teams race around the world. The race is split into roughly twelve legs, interspersed with physical and mental challenges, and requires teams to deduce clues, navigate themselves in foreign areas, interact with locals, perform physical and mental challenges, using various transportation modes, including airplanes, hot air balloons, helicopters, trucks, bicycles, taxicabs, cars, trains, buses, boats, and by foot. One man is missing after a boat capsized in Botany Bay in Sydney's south on Thursday night. A large-scale search and rescue is underway after reports that a fishing boat had capsized at Cruwee Cove near La Perouse at 6.45pm, spilling its occupants into the water after sundown. The small runabout had been thrown onto rocks by the large 2.5 metre swell, police said. Two people were found at the bottom of the nearby cliffs and were pulled to safety. They were treated by paramedics and lifeguards at the scene. "A third man is still unaccounted for and the search continues on land and in the water for him," police said. Buddy, the Brisbane blue heeler that won Facebook fame in his final weeks, ticked everything off his 'bucket list' before his death on Wednesday. His owner and mum, Emily Mochan, said she "was so grateful (for the support)". Buddy the blue heeler's "bucket list" is now helping other animals. Among the list of things Buddy accomplished was having a song written and recorded about him, having a photo shoot, sitting in a fire engine and police car, and playing in a ball pit. One final wish on the list has now been completed - helping other pets in need. There will be no referendum on daylight saving during this term of government because the Palaszczuk government has "other priorities". In a response to a petition signed by more than 21,400 people calling for the government to "recognise the preference of the majority of Queenslanders" for daylight saving and to hold another referendum on the topic, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk dashed any hopes Queensland, or at least the south-east, would receive an extra hour of evening daylight during an upcoming summer. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says her government has bigger things to worry about than daylight saving. Credit:Jessica Shapiro As the clock winds down on daylight saving down south, Ms Palaszczuk said the government had "no plans" to introduce it in the sunshine state. "This government believes there are other priorities facing Queenslanders that require attention," she said. The state's corruption watchdog has cleared a recently deceased Queensland mayor and his council of wrongdoing over a historic land swap deal. Elements of the Grantham relocation scheme, set up to negate deadly floods, were referred to the Crime and Corruption Commission in April 2015 amid allegations the mayor's associates had benefited. Late Lockyer Valley mayor Steve Jones. The CCC took a swipe at whoever leaked details of the investigation to the media in February 2016, a week after Lockyer Valley Mayor Steve Jones' sudden death from a suspected stroke and in the middle of the local government election campaign. "Regrettably this is another example of an allegation of corrupt conduct being made public before the CCC has had the opportunity to assess the matter and determine whether there was any merit in investigating the allegation," the CCC said, in a statement. YEREVAN, MARCH 31, ARMENPRESS. President of Syria Bashar al-Assad said in an interview he gave to the Russian news agencies RIA Novosti and Spuntik that the Syrian state is prepared to accept any militant who wants to lay down his weapon, Armenpress reports, citing SANA agency. President Assad, answering the question, said that there is no such provision proposed by the ongoing political process, nut if necessary, he is ready to hold elections. Question 1: There is talk that some people are calling for early presidential elections in Syria. Are you prepared to go to early presidential elections? President Assad: This hasnt been proposed as part of the current political process. What is proposed is that after the constitution, there will be parliamentary elections. These parliamentary elections will show the size of political forces in the country, and consequently a new government will be formed according to the shares of political forces in the new parliament. Presidential elections are a completely different issue. This is linked to the popular situation in Syria. Is there a popular will for early presidential elections? If such will exist, I have no problem. This is natural when it comes in response to popular will, and not in response to some opposition forces. This issue touches every Syrian citizen because every citizen will have a vote concerning this president. So, in principle, I dont have a problem, because a president cannot act without popular support. And if such a president has popular support, he should be always prepared for such a step. So, I can say that in principle I dont have a problem, but in order to take this step, we need the popular opinion in Syria, not the opinion of the government or the president. Question 2: Nevertheless, Mr. President, the leaders opinion is important for his people. Thats why I would like to ask you whether you agree to have the president elected by the parliament, as is the case in some countries. Have you reached an agreement for Syrians outside Syria to take part in electing the president? There is a lot of talk about this too. What is the method that you will adopt? What do you think is the most appropriate way for Syria? President Assad: I think it is better for us in Syria for the president to be elected directly by the citizens and not by parliament. This will free him from the influence of different political forces, and for his relationship to be subject only to the general popular condition. My personal opinion is that this will be better in this case. As to Syrians taking part in the elections, the wider the participation of the Syrians everyone carrying a Syrian passport and identity card, the more powerful the elections will be through confirming the legitimacy of the state, the president, and the constitution which regulates this process. This includes every Syrian, in or outside Syria. But of course holding the elections outside Syria is a procedural matter and is not discussed as a political principle. Every Syrian citizen everywhere in the world has the right to vote, but we havent yet discussed how these elections will be conducted, because the issue of early presidential elections hasnt been raised to start with. This is linked to the measures which will enable those to come to a voting station overseen by the Syrian state. Question 3: How do you assess the reconciliation process in the war in Syria? You have a lot of partners. Is it possible that there are groups with whom you are not prepared to discuss the future of Syria under any circumstances? Which groups are these? I would like also to ask about international peacekeeping forces. Are you prepared to accept such forces (UN forces) in order to make reconciliation more enduring? President Assad: The truce was relatively good, and better than many have expected, because it was expected to fail. We can say that the rate of the success of the truce was good or a little better than good. As you know there were negotiations between the Russians and the Americans in order to identify the terrorist groups, and there was no agreement about these groups. But for us and for the Russian side, we havent changed our assessment concerning the terrorist groups. There was a proposal to avoid this pitfall to the effect that every group or organization which accepts the truce and moves towards dialogue, with the Russian side or the Syrian state, will be considered by us to have moved from terrorist action towards political action. This is what we try to achieve. "I have been to the website, there are submissions from people who say they associate with bikies, but they are really nice people and they work at St Vincent de Paul on Sundays. "Now, that evidence hasn't been tested in public and now today, we hear that not everything that has gone on before the taskforce has been published on the website, so that leaves me with great concerns, not only about the pre-determined outcome of this inquiry but also about it being a closed shop, about ordinary Queenslanders not having had a say and it is ordinary Queenslanders who need to be concerned about the outcome of this taskforce, because the taskforce will be recommending the repealing of these laws, the strongest laws in Australia and Queenslanders deserve to think they get better than that." Shadow Police Minister Jarrod Bleijie, who introduced the legislation while Attorney-General in the Newman Government and remains one of its biggest supporters, said the withholding of the CCC submission shows the government was not being transparent. "It seems there is selective releasing of information from the taskforce if you are supportive of the bikie legislation, then it seems to be [released] if you are opposed to the legislation, then things are [redacted]," he said. "We know there is a Department of Premier and Cabinet representative on the taskforce, we know there is a Department of Justice representative on the taskforce, [but] the premier said a few weeks ago, she doesn't know anything about the taskforce, doesn't know what's going on. A man alleged to have fallen asleep next to his gun had a rather terrifying wake-up call when his car was surrounded by heavily armed police in a suburban car park. Police were called to a car park behind an IGA supermarket on Brice Avenue in Mooroolbark after receiving reports of a man slumped in a silver Ford Falcon with a gun resting on the front passenger seat about 7.40am on Thursday. A man known only as Brett, who raised the alarm, told radio station 3AW he saw the man slumped over the wheel and then spotted the gun. "There was a gun in the front seat," Brett told 3AW. A man charged over a drive-by shooting of a brothel in Melbourne's south-east is also accused of firing a gun at another nearby site on the same day and stealing two cars. Police allege up to six shots were fired with a high-powered rifle at Club 859 on Glen Huntly Road in Caulfield South just after 3am on Wednesday. Shattered glass at the scene of the shooting at Caulfield South. Credit:Penny Stephens The brothel was closing and six employees were inside at the time, but no one was injured, police said. The alleged gunman, Patrick O'Kelly, and a woman Billie Francis, 23, were on Thursday charged by detectives with the anti-bikie Echo taskforce, following their arrests on Wednesday. A man was following a script inside his head when he stabbed his 62-year-old father to death, a court has heard. The man, 39, who can only be identified as RK, suspected his father was an imposter planning to kill him when he came up behind him and stabbed him at the family home in Melbourne's north. RK's mother was in the house at the time. RK believed he had to do what the autocue was saying inside his head to protect himself. A Supreme Court judge on Thursday found RK was not guilty of murdering his father on February 7 last year due to mental impairment. The judge ordered RK to spend up to a nominal 25 years in the maximum security Thomas Embling psychiatric hospital. Police have released a composite image of an intruder who stabbed a man in his South Yarra garage earlier this month. The 56-year-old man was stabbed when he went to the garage on William Street and disturbed the intruder about 7.10am on March 18. A composite facial image of a man police wish to speak to. Credit:Victoria Police The victim was stabbed a number of times and is still recovering in hospital from serious injuries sustained in the attack, police said. Police have released a digital facial composite image of a man they wish to speak to over the stabbing. The son of one of the victims of the notorious Portland hair salon double murder has slammed the courts for postponing the case after his father - the alleged killer - died before he could face trial. Fairfax Media revealed earlier this week that Robert Penny, 83, died on Saturday morning, less than two months before a committal hearing was to recommence after repeated delays in the case. His wife Margaret Penny, 58, and her hairdresser Claire Acocks, 49, were brutally stabbed to death inside the Old London Coiffure hair salon on the afternoon of May 3, 1991. YEREVAN, MARCH 31, ARMENPRESS. Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of the Republic of Armenia Levon Yolyan has no fresh information over the issue of Nairit plant re-launch. Yolyan informed the journalists after the Cabinet meeting on March 31 that he urged the employees to help the Government in finding investors for the reconstruction of the plant. I have met with people authorized by the staff of Nairit and told them, asked that they have been engaged in this issue for years, help us, indicate the companies to which we can apply. I will be satisfied over the plant in case that the issues find a solution in tune with my predictions, Armenpress reports Yolyan saying. The Minister stated that the employees of the plant have the right to engage in searching potential investors. Earlier Yolyan had announced that the Ministry Energy and Natural Resources of the Republic of Armenia would receive technical proposals from the Russian Rt-kimkompozit company regarding Nairit plant by April 1. The role of construction giant Grocon in the fatal Swanston Street wall collapse will be revisited in a compensation case brought by the families of the three people killed. Days after the three-year anniversary of the collapse, the victims' families have launched applications seeking compensation for grief, distress and trauma caused by their deaths. Alexander and Bridget Jones with their parents, Ian and Sue. A question hangs over whether Grocon's culpability will be determined on the "balance of probabilities" the standard of proof in civil cases as opposed to the higher bar of beyond reasonable doubt that applied in the criminal trial. Grocon was convicted and fined $250,000 less than a quarter of the maximum available penalty for safety failings contributing to the risk of the 15-metre section of freestanding wall and hoarding being pulled down in strong winds. A woman has been rushed to hospital in a serious condition after being stabbed in Melbourne's north. Emergency services were called to a reported stabbing at a home on Centre Way, Glenroy, about 1.20pm, a Victoria Police spokeswoman said. The victim had been stabbed multiple times to her upper body and was taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital. Police are hunting a male offender who knows the victim, the spokeswoman said. The owner of the factory destroyed by fire on Wednesday afternoon in Perth's southern suburbs says he has "basically lost everything". Jason Wilson told Nine News Perth on Thursday morning that his family had owned GP Pallets on Spencer Street in Cockburn for 20 years. He said the fire alarm went off around 4.30pm but a person in the office checked and did not notice any smoke at the time. Five minutes later it went off again and the person rang Mr Wilson, who was on his way home from work. A WA teacher who was injured when an Ikea chair she was sitting on collapsed beneath her has been awarded more than $200,000 compensation. Jane Pisan was a teacher at Northam Senior High School when she accompanied a group of students to a Youth Forum at the Northam Recreation Centre in June 2013. The 'Martin' chair, manufactured by Ikea. During the forum, Ms Pisan's chair spontaneously collapsed under her, causing her to suffer a serious knee injury. In his judgment, District Court of Western Australia Judge Philip McCann found the Ikea 'Martin' chair, one of 270 purchased by the recreation centre's manager for $35 each, was ill-designed for use on polished floors. UPDATE: For all those who have already sold up and boarded a plane to Melbourne, coffee in Perth will not, in fact, be hitting $10 a cup anytime soon as there are no new tax or restrictions. Happy April Fools, everyone. Love, WAtoday x *** It's not good for coffee lovers. After heavy lobbying from the agriculture industry, prices on imported coffee beans could be set to rise. A new tax may be introduced on imported beans, meaning the average cup of coffee could rise in price by approximately $5-7. YEREVAN, MARCH 31, ARMENPRESS. In the framework of the criminal case initiated in Yerevan Investigative Department of the Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia, active investigatory and operative-intelligence measures are taken to identify the person who had made a false statement about blowing up the plane of flight 558 scheduled to fly to Moscow, Zvartnots airport, as well as to find the motives. The report on possible terrorism had been received on March 24 to e-mail of Zvartnots airport. In the result of inspections and actions conducted properly by Armenian competent bodies it was found that the report on terrorism was false and a criminal case was initiated according to the Article 259 of Republic of Armenia Criminal Code. A plan on investigatory and operative-intelligence joint measures was worked out and actions of great volume were conducted. In the result of urgent work implemented together with relevant subdivisions of the National Security Service of Armenia the time, the country of the internet operator user having created the e-mail address through which the message had been sent and the steps taken to cover up the tracks were found. Armenpress was informed about this from the press service of the Investigative Department of the Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia. Particularly, sufficient evidence were obtained on the allegation that the e-mail address had been created by a person who had used IP address of Azerbaijani operator who gained access to internet through a server of a third country (the country has been found). A number of other actions implemented by the user of the mentioned Azeri IP address were found, as well after which the connection to the internet through the IP address of the third country was stopped. Active investigatory and operative-intelligence actions are conducted together with the RA National Security Service. Other information on the criminal case are not subject to publication at the moment. Ankara: A car bomb attack has killed at least seven Turkish police officers and wounded 20 other people in the south-eastern city of Diyarbakir, the latest violence to hit the biggest city in the largely Kurdish region. The attack targeted a minibus carrying members of the police special forces, a security source said, adding that civilians were also among the wounded. The explosion hit the vehicle as it passed near a bus station in Diyarbakir, broadcaster Haberturk TV said. Social media images showed emergency personnel rushing to the scene. There was no immediate claim of responsibility following the explosion, but the area has scorched by waves of violence since a ceasefire between the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party and the government collapsed last July. The blast came not long after the Australian government urged travellers to reconsider travel to Istanbul and Ankara, less than a month before Anzac Day. Philip "Mitch" Brailsford pictured in what he was wearing the night of the shooting. Credit:Mesa Police Department She told police she saw a case in Shaver's room that contained a gun and a dead sparrow. "Shaver told her he was on a business trip with Walmart and his job is to kill all of the birds that get inside the buildings," according to the report. Shaver's wife, Laney Sweet, said on Facebook he would travel from their Texas home to Mesa a few times per month to service pest removal stores. Brailsford's service weapon, an AR-15, was etched with the phrase 'You're f-----d'. Credit:Mesa Police Department The woman told police that Shaver and her male colleague started messing with the rifle, pointing it out the window. Her colleague later left the room. When the officers arrived, they called Shaver on the phone and asked them to exit the room. Philip "Mitch" Brailsford pictured in what he was wearing the night of the shooting. Credit:Mesa Police Department The woman later told investigators that she heard police yell at Shaver because he was not "following protocol." She then saw police shoot him and "saw him go down," according to the report. But moments before he was killed, the woman said, he was crying, saying: "Please don't shoot." Daniel Shaver pleaded for his life in his final moments. Credit:Facebook: Daniel Shaver Body camera footage shows that during the confrontation with police, Shaver was on the ground with his hands extended above his head, according to the report. At one point, the report stated, he tried tried to raise his body. "If you do that again, we are shooting you," an officer said, according to the report. "Do you understand?" Shaver responded: "No, please don't shoot me." Authorities said no weapon was seen on Shaver, but it was unclear whether he had one. An officer told Shaver to crawl toward them. Sobbing, he said, "Yes, sir," and started to move. Once he reached the area where the woman's purse was, the report stated, "his left hand moved across his body and around the purse in order to crawl past it. Shaver was audibly sobbing as he crawled." The report stated that Brailsford's rifle was pointed down the hall until that point. "Brailsford then swung his rifle back toward Shaver where Shaver could be seen with his braced left hand and his right hand moving back toward his waist with his elbow raised behind him," according to the report. "Shaver's head appeared to be down with his face looking at the carpet." The report stated that "multiple voices" began to say "don't" as "Shaver's hand moved back toward the front of his body." "Brailsford fired his first shot as Shaver's hand was moving toward the front of his body and as at least one officer was heard saying 'don't,'" according to the report. Authorities said Brailsford fired about five shots. Shaver, 26, was pronounced dead at the scene. On Tuesday, Mesa police also released Brailsford's personnel file, which was obtained by the Republic. The newspaper said it painted a picture of "a high achiever who scarcely received criticism from his employers or the public". In 2013, Brailsford spoke with the Arizona Republic when he became one of the first rookies to receive Axon body cameras during the department's push for greater security and transparency. "I definitely think there is a benefit to start out with this so young," he said then. "It's like learning a new tool right off the bat." The Maricopa County Attorney's Office announced earlier this month that it was pursuing second-degree murder charges against Brailsford. "The use of deadly physical force by law enforcement is governed by Arizona law and is always a tragedy when the loss of life results," Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery said, according to the Arizona Republic. "After carefully reviewing the relevant facts and circumstances, we have determined that the use of deadly physical force was not justified in this instance." Brailsford told investigators that "a million things" were racing through his mind and he felt threatened when Shaver was crawling, "trying to gain a position of advantage in order to gain a better firing position on us," according to the report. Latest News NAB reveals six market megatrends for brokers More opportunities for investors, first home buyers Firstmac shifts up a gear on auto loans National sales manager appointed to pursue growing market Opportunities presented by affordability and infrastructure projects in western Sydney has resulted in a surge in the number of people knocking down older homes in the area and looking to redevelop.According to John Castellano, group sales and marketing manager for Elderton Group, home detonations once a popular choice in Eastern Suburbs and North Shore have started the move west as a range of buyers look to improve the housing stock in the area.There are a few different types of buyers who are doing it for different motivations. There are those that are doing it to their own home and the drivers there are that theyre set up and theyve got their networks around them and want to stay there, Castellano said.Then youve got the others who might be coming into an area and they may be forced to buy an older home and knock it down because thats whats available and then the third one is your buyer coming in looking to do some multi-unit developments, a duplex or something like that, he said.While there are plenty of people looking to upgrade their family home in are theyre comfortable with, Castellano said there has been a marked increase in the number of investors looking to buy in Sydneys west and try their hand at a development project.Thats increased dramatically, incredibly so. If youre talking a typical duplex theyre usually looking to sell one and keep one, if were talking a larger development, like a group of townhouses, thats generally somebody looking to sell on, he said.I think its going to become even more popular. As supply dries up affordability becomes a huge issue and people will continue to look at the areas that have traditionally been more affordable and see what opportunities are there.In particular Castellano said suburbs with existing infrastructure are proving to be extremely popular, though he said future projects in the region are also drawing buyer attention.St Marys is incredibly popular, Blacktown is popular and Penrith is popular. Anywhere that is set up and has a transport hub set has been incredibly popular. Theyre areas I didnt think would be this popular, Ive worked on developments in those areas in the past, as recent as five or six years ago and the interest in them has increased dramatically.Weve also had some big infrastructure announcements in those areas. Weve got a second airport going in out there and peoples brains are taking straight away and long term theres some great potential there.Of the investors looking to those suburbs, Castellano said the majority are from outside the area and he cautioned them to do their research before committing to a project.You do need to do a hell of a lot of diligence. Depending on the size of the project, you may want to get a planner involved and Id certainly recommend speaking to council first, even before purchasing a property to do that sort of thing.Get a planner involved, get an architect involved. Really talk to those people that are doing this on a day to day basis. The rising Australian dollar warrants a close eye but the cash rate is expected to remain on hold when the Reserve Bank of Australia ( RBA ) meets next week.Thirty-four of 35 (97%) leading economists and analysts in the finder.com.au Reserve Bank Survey expect the cash rate to remain at 2% at the RBA board meeting next Tuesday. The last time the central bank cut the cash rate was in May 2015.The RBA will likely be on hold as the domestic economy continues to perform positively with minimal impact from the equity and capital markets volatility from the earlier part of the year, ING head of treasury, Michael Witts said.The RBA will be concerned that the Australian dollar's move higher is contrary to the decrease in the terms of trade of recent years.Over half (60%) of those surveyed predict no movement for the rest of the year, with the majority of this group forecasting a rate rise but not until 2017 at earliest. Just three analysts (9%) expect a fall beyond 2016.Of the economists (31) who weighed in on how low the cash rate could drop this cycle, 52% said it would drop no lower than its current value. Twenty-nine percent predicted a low of 1.75%, and 19% predicted the rate to drop to 1.50% or lower. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams The landlord of a Park Slope old folks home who cried poor to boot his tenants out while secretly planning to sell the building for millions may end up out of pocket after all due to a recent court decision. A judge last Thursday ruled Prospect Park Residence owner Hayesha Deitsch cant sell the building unless he sets aside $10 million dollars for two families currently suing him for the wrongful deaths of their loved ones and that figure could balloon to $45 million the court extends that to other suits in the works. Given Deitsch paid $40 million for the property, and has tried to sell for $84 million, he could end up actually losing a grand on his investment, said an attorney for the alleged victims. This guy has the most expensive piece of property in New York and Tokyo and hes going to lose money on it, said attorney John OHara, who is bringing nine wrongful death suits against Deitsch and is also prone to hyperbole. Deitsch is notorious for his ongoing court battle with a handful of frail tenants who refused to leave the facility after he attempted to abruptly close it in 2014 while claiming financial hardship only for this paper to reveal he had already inked the lucrative deal to sell it months earlier. But OHaras separate suits stem from a 2009 Department of Health inspection, which concluded that 37 seniors at the residence must be transferred to appropriate care settings immediately, after it was determined that the level of care at Deitschs facility was inadequate, court documents show. Instead, the business allegedly ignored the health departments orders and several of the residents later died at the unlicensed nursing home. The judge had originally ordered $5-million orders of attachment on the property for two of OHaras suits effectively locking down the money on a potential sale so Deitsch cant avoid paying a cash award to the families if he loses the cases. Deitschs attorney tried to quash the orders, but the judges Thursday ruling upheld them which OHaras believes is an indication the odds will be in his favor when verdicts start rolling in, and that he will be able to replicate the orders on all of his cases and rack up the grand total of $45 million in liens. This show hes the type of guy to cut out and not pay any judgment, and that were probably going to win, he said. OHara also represented the family of the late Kung Fu Judge John Phillips in a suit claiming he died at Prospect Park Residence in 2008 after months of neglect. The two parties settled out of court for $750,000 last year. Meanwhile, Deitschs other courtroom drama is dragging on longer than the full run of Law and Order he is now attempting to countersue the loved ones of his holdout tenants, claiming they have been dragging his name through the mud. The families have accused him of attempting to harass the oldsters out by cutting services including air conditioning, security, and lighting while trying to raise their rent. Deitschs attorney did not return requests for comment. Ive never hit my children, not even spanked them. Now that both my girls are on the brink of escaping childhood, it seems Ive missed my chance and, at the same time, failed to prepare them for todays world. My kids look with horror and a lack of comprehension when a postal worker is hauled off by four plain-clothed police officers, as protesters are sucker punched at political rallies, at children shooting children over playing with a puppy, among many, many recent incidents. Clearly, I didnt teach them enough about violence. I thought I was doing the right thing. When they were tiny, the nearly monarchical power of parenthood felt like a dangerous intoxicant best left untouched. I knew the temptation in anger and frustration of grabbing an arm or smacking a tush. Oh, the time and words I could have saved if Id just picked them up and carried them off under my arm, enforcing my will without all those parenting-book phrases about warnings, consequences, and time-outs. A few well-timed slaps, a little confinement now and then, perhaps even a belt hanging prominently somewhere would have taught my daughters that the easiest way to solve a frustrating situation is with a promise of violence; that discussion and negotiation are not the tools of today when threats and the raw exercise of power will do. Violence, or even the suggestion of force, seemed a sign of weakness, an inability to work a problem out or handle the many emotions that flood each day raising children, whether toddlers or teens. Even now, when Im angry, my first impulse might be to punish and exact retribution from my kids through the power of the purse, grounding them, or denying an opportunity or experience I try to take a deep breath and think through the situation, cornering the offending daughter for an uncomfortable and tense powwow to work out the issue. To be clear, Ive never been a perfect parent, occasionally succumbing to the easy satisfaction of giving in to my darker emotions. I guiltily remember, for example, an intense frustration with my younger daughter in the claustrophobic confines of the car, when I turned around and screamed at her, in a voice and volume that demanded her attention, bringing tears to her eyes and a look of panic to her sisters face. Ive managed, in these unfortunate situations, within minutes or hours to collect myself and apologize, saying what I did was bad, inappropriate, and crossed a line. Clearly, the wrong message to give my girls, since I never hear an apology from a politician, a police officer, or a gun owner over the violence they have called for, perpetrated, or justified regardless of the consequences. I thought the right thing to do was teach my children about fairness and justice, solving problems without brute force and to condemn the violent exercise of power. I was wrong, leaving my girls to face a world without the necessary skills. Oh, if only Id smacked them, just once. YEREVAN, MARCH 31, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of the Republic of Armenia informs that on March 31 the USD exchange rate was 480.79 AMD which is a decrease of 0.47 drams compared to the previous day. Armenpress reports that the euro appreciated by 1.78 drams forming 546.47 drams. Russian ruble increased by 0.01 drams, forming 7.14 drams. The prices for precious metals are as follows: the price for gold per gram is 19 thousand 109.65 AMD, silver- 237.74 AMD, and platinum 15 thousand 9.48 AMD. YEREVAN, MARCH 31, ARMENPRESS. According to Dogan News Agency, the alleged killer of the pilot of the downed Russian Su-24 flight was detained in Turkey. The man, who is believed to be responsible for the Russian pilot's death, is identified as Alparslan Chelik, Armenpress reports citing Sputniknews webite. According to Hurriyet newspaper, Chelik was detained in the evening of March 30 in Izmir. Alparslan Chelik has reportedly been fighting against the government forces in Syria. No official explanation for his arrest has been circulated yet, but Russian Foreign Ministry's spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on March 31 that Moscow will study the reports on Celik's arrest and closely follow the developments. The Russian Su-24 was shot down by a Turkish F-16 jet over Syria on November 24, falling 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from the Turkish border. The crew of the plane ejected and one pilot was killed by fire from the ground, according to the Russian General Staff. The co-pilot survived. Su-24 pilot Lieutenant Colonel Oleg Peshkov killed by fire from the ground after ejecting from a Russian Su-24 jet downed by Turkey over Syria was posthumously awarded with a Gold Star medal, Russia's highest honorary title. Jewson has opened nominations for its 2016 Building Better Communities competition, which seeks to transform community projects across Great Britain. Following its successful launch in 2015, the competition has returned with a new 250,000 prize fund and now needs tradespeople to put forward their ideas for local building projects that are in need of a helping hand. This year, applicants can choose to nominate a project for either the main prize of a 150,000 My Comfort building transformation, or a share of a 100,000 regional prize fund, where they can ask for anything from 500 to 10,000 to spend on building materials. Tradespeople have until 29 April, 2016 to nominate their project. Nominations can be made via www.buildingbettercommunities.co.uk or the Jewson Facebook page at http://facebook.com/jewsonuk. A new addition for 2016 is the top 150,000 prize, which will see one project receive a transformation using the Saint-Gobain My Comfort building principles. Recognising that we spend around 90% of our time inside, the My Comfort approach focuses on creating buildings that are comfortable and healthy, good for the people who use them and good for the environment. My Comfort creates buildings that are warm, quiet, well-lit and have good air quality, but dont cost the earth to run. Up and down the country, we know there are community buildings that are, quite simply, cold, dark, damp and noisy places to be, said David Fenton, marketing director at Jewson. As part of our 2016 Building Better Communities campaign, we need your help in finding these spaces and giving them a well-deserved transformation. We want to take these building horrors and turn them into warm, inviting and efficient spaces that the whole community can enjoy. New for 2016, weve upped the prize fund to a quarter of a million pounds, and made it easier for the community to get the exact support they need for their project. In 2015, Jewson received over 2,000 entries into the competition and as a result, it helped to change the future of 14 community projects across Great Britain. Just one of these projects is the RNLI Penlee Lifeboat Station in Penzance, which was awarded the 50,000 top prize. Elaine Trethowan, volunteer press officer at RNLI Penlee Lifeboat Station, said: Id highly recommend getting involved in the competition having the support from Jewson was really important to making the dream of a new lifeboat station a reality. A number of suppliers have committed to supporting Building Better Communities 2016, including British Gypsum, Marshalls, VELUX, Polypipe and Tarmac. THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF INDIA AND THE INDIAN EMERGENCY David Lockwood Sage 228 pages; Rs 795 At the heart of David Lockwood's brilliant study of the Communist Party of India (CPI)'s support for the Emergency is the question: What was the nature of the Congress? For the majority of India's history, political parties have reached differing conclusions on the nature of the freedom struggle and the class interests of the Indian National Congress (INC). In their brilliant three-volume study titled The Struggle for Hegemony in India, Shashi Joshi and Bhagwan Josh concluded that the INC was not a monolithic party, but a movement. In this view, the Congress had a very diverse shade of opinions within it, from those supporting the free market to socialists and communists. From its inception, the CPI grappled with this question. In fact, one of the reasons for the split in the party in 1964 were differences over the understanding of the Congress, which led to the formation of the Communist Party of India (Marxist). The CPI(M) felt the Congress was a party of the national bourgeoisie on the one hand and landlords on the other. However, the CPI, though opposed to the nascent Indian state, saw in the second five-year plan the beginnings of a tilt towards socialism. As a result, its relationship with the Congress changed to one of "unity and struggle." Mr Lockwood documents how this changed with Jawaharlal Nehru's death. The Lal Bahadur Shastri government sought to liberalise the economy. Even Indira Gandhi continued on this path. In 1966, she said: "We have weeded out some controls and we will always be ready to eliminate those that outlive their utility." Opposition to this came not just from the communists, but also, surprisingly, from big business houses, according to Mr Lockwood. However, regulation of the economy was reintroduced from 1968 onwards and the Congress moved to the left, because of electoral reverses in 1967, where the might of the Congress was challenged for the first time. This leftward tilt became more pronounced with the split in the Congress in 1969. The CPI felt vindicated with the Congress' turn to the left. It now tried to make common cause with the left wing of the Congress, which seemed to have the backing of Mrs Gandhi herself. According to the book, when the JP movement emerged, so called because it was headed by freedom fighter Jayaprakash Narayan (JP), the CPI was opposed to it as it felt this was a reaction against the leftist turn in the economy. While the movement elicited some support from the bourgeoisie in the beginning, Mr Lockwood notes, with the promise of further "chaos" in the following year, they decided to support the government instead. The other problem the CPI had with the movement was the participation of what it saw as "fascist forces." These were the Jana Sangh (JS) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), both of which played a crucial role in mobilising support for the movement. JP's statement that "if the Jan Sangh is fascist, then I too am fascist," cleared any lingering doubts in the CPI, according to Mr Lockwood. When the Emergency was declared, the CPI initially supported it with few reservations. It believed in the government's 20-point programme, and concentrated its efforts on mobilising people to try and make the government implement the programme. Yet, by 1976 things had begun to change. The CPI was uneasy about the repression of political opponents, and was up in arms over the lack of interest in the Congress in implementing the 20-point programme. However, the support of the Emergency cost the CPI dearly in the elections of 1977. A theoretical debate raged within the party, and support for the Emergency was criticised. The party also took a critical view of its relationship with the Congress. For this reason, this book seems all the more timely as reports filter in about Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union President Kanhaiya Kumar's meeting with Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi. Mr Kumar, a member of CPI-affiliated All India Students Federation, called for Left unity in his rousing speech the day he was released from custody after he was charged with sedition. That unity seems unlikely, however, if the CPI cosies up to the Congress now. If anything, this book highlights the limits any such move can have. Any attempts to differentiate between the communalism of the Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party will inevitably bring to the surface the inherent differences between the Left parties. Driving up to Nainital from Delhi will become a lot easier, with the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) on Thursday clearing the Rampur-Rudrapur-Kathgodam section of NH-87 that connects Uttar Pradesh to Uttarakhand. The section will be built on BOT Hybrid-Annuity mode in two packages, which have been awarded to Sadbhav Infrastructure Project at a bid price of Rs 1,336 crore. The 93-km-long section, which is critical for connecting to Nainital, will have three bypasses at Rampur, Bilaspur and Haldwani towns. The project would be completed in two and half years. The section is part of NH-87 starting from Rampur in Uttar Pradesh and terminating at Karnaprayag in Uttarakhand. The 4-laning of Rampur-Rudrapur-Kathgodam section would strengthen the road infrastructure and serve as an important link to tourist places like Nainital, Kausani, Ranikhet, Mukteswar and Almora. On completion, it would save travel time for traffic from Delhi to Nainital and beyond in Uttarakhand, apart from reducing cost of travel by lowering maintenance and wear and tear cost of vehicles, says the NHAI. Source : BS Motoring What would you do when you have to give up a business you had built over a decade? In 2006, Yogesh Mahansaria and his father, Ashok, were ousted from Balkrishna Industries (BKT), a maker of two-wheeler tyres that later diversified into farm tyres under Yogesh and turned around. Yogesh padded up for a second innings, and was clear about two things. He wanted to build a global business and in the off-highway tyres sector - a business in which he saw good potential. Executives at private equity (PE) firm Warburg Pincus were aware of Mahansaria's work at the BKT and were willing to back him. Off-highway - or off the road - tyres are those used for vehicles not usually used for transport, such as tractors and trailers. An opportunity came his way when Alliance Tire, an Israel-based maker of off-highway tyres, was put on the block. Alliance was a role model and its business similar to what Mahansaria had developed for the BKT. It exported tyres to Europe and the US, but unlike India, manufacturing in Israel was no longer low-cost. The Israeli company had reported a loss of $7 million in 2006, while its promoter, Fishman Holdings, reportedly lost $400 million after the Turkish lira plunged 20 per cent that year. Ten years later, Japan's Yokohama Rubber bought Alliance Tire for $1.18 billion. Alliance made a lot of sense: it made tyres for agriculture, construction, forestry segments for the $9-billion market of off-highway tyres, which includes verticals such as ports, aviation and mining tyres. Alliance provided instant access to products, brands and markets - a platform which could be grown. After their initial bid for Alliance was seen as low and rejected in mid-2006, Warburg and Mahansaria bid again and won it for $48 million, plus $100 million of its debt. The duo shifted production of low-margin, high-volume products to new plants in India, while the Israel plant focused on high-margin products. Even as Alliance was being nursed back to health, another opportunity came knocking on its doors in 2008: GPX International, a manufacturer of off-highway tyres, was in trouble after the US authorities had slapped a 44 per cent anti-dumping duty on imports from its Chinese plant. The CEO of GPX, who had worked for Warburg Pincus, approached the PE firm. Mahansaria was familiar with GPX and its promoters, and the deal would give Alliance a strong presence in the US in forestry and construction segments. Yet, he was not sure about the deal when the world was hit by the 2008 financial crisis. Warburg pushed for the deal as it saw a good opportunity. In October 2009, GPX filed for Chapter 11, with Alliance Tire as the stalking-horse bidder for its US operations. (A stalking-horse bidder is an initial bid on a bankrupt company's assets from an interested buyer chosen by the company itself.) The bankruptcy court asked GPX to get competitive bids. Titan International, the largest manufacturer of off-highway tyres in the US, also bid. Interestingly, Titan's CEO "Morry" Taylor Jr - a former Republican Presidential candidate lobbying for anti-dumping duties against GPX - had led to its failure. Thanks to some quick on-the-feet decision-making by Mahansaria and alignment with Warburg, Alliance won GPX for $54 million - Taylor thought Alliance overpaid for the asset. Mahansaria was happy as he bought platforms and created the Alliance Tire Group, which by 2011 had started to come together. In April 2013, KKR bought out Warburg Pincus' 80 per cent in Alliance Tire Group and 10 per cent from the Mahansaria family for an estimated equity value of $522 million and an enterprise value of $650 million, which included around $125 million of debt on Alliance Tire's balance sheet. The deal value, though, was never disclosed. When contacted, KKR, Warburg, and Mahansaria declined to comment. Last week, Japan's Yokohama Rubber bought Alliance Tire for $1.18 million - 90 per cent from KKR and 10 per cent from the Mahansaria family - to expand its commercial tyres business. Alliance had operating profits of $95 million on sales of $529 million last year. CREATING VALUE 1988: Balakrishna Industries (BKT) starts making two-wheeler tyres Balakrishna Industries (BKT) starts making two-wheeler tyres 1995: Diversifies into off-highway tyres for exports and turns around Diversifies into off-highway tyres for exports and turns around 2000: Yogesh Mahansaria appointed ED, after CEO of tyre biz Pramod Poddar dies in an air crash Yogesh Mahansaria appointed ED, after CEO of tyre biz Pramod Poddar dies in an air crash 2006: Following family dispute, Yogesh Mahansaria and his father exit BKT, had less than 6% stake Following family dispute, Yogesh Mahansaria and his father exit BKT, had less than 6% stake 2007: Mahansaria and Warburg Pincus buy Alliance Tire, an Israeli company making off-highway tyres Mahansaria and Warburg Pincus buy Alliance Tire, an Israeli company making off-highway tyres 2008: Alliance Tire sets up new plant in Tamil Nadu, second plant came up at Dahej Alliance Tire sets up new plant in Tamil Nadu, second plant came up at Dahej 2009: Alliance Tire acquires GPX, gives it access to forestry and construction segments in the US Alliance Tire acquires GPX, gives it access to forestry and construction segments in the US 2013: KKR buys 80% in Alliance from Warbug, 10% from Mahansaria for an estimated $522 million KKR buys 80% in Alliance from Warbug, 10% from Mahansaria for an estimated $522 million 2016: Yokohama buys Alliance Tire for $1.18 billion to expand its commercial tyres business When Japan's Yokohama Rubber announced the acquisition of Alliance Tire a few days back, it was the end of the long and successful road Jet Airways might cut travel agents' commission, as it aims to reduce its sales and distribution expenses and increase the focus on web sales. The airline had proposed from April to reduce the commission from the existing one per cent but this was put on hold after agents raised objections, sources said. Airline executives informed agents individually about the impending cut. There was no written communication. We have asked the airline to hold a meeting with agents and discuss the proposal, not take an unilateral decision. We also want Jet to settle productivity bonus payments in a timely manner, said a travel agent, who did not wish to be named. According to him, Jet contemplated a reduction in the commission rate from one per cent to 0.25 per cent. Jets e-mail response to this newspaper: "We value our partnership with the local travel agency community. We will continue to remunerate our agency partners in accordance with market standards. We remain committed to growing our business in close cooperation with (them). Currently, Air India and Jet pay one per cent regular commission. Productivity-linked incentive is paid only on sale of international tickets. Vistara introduced a two per cent incentive to all agents last October; earlier, it was only paying productivity bonus to select ones. Foreign airlines, such as Air France-KLM, Lufthansa, British Airways and Singapore Airlines, do not pay a regular commission. They pay a productivity incentive. In the December-ending quarter, Jet incurred Rs 545 crore as sales and distribution expense, nearly a tenth of its total expense. In the same quarter in FY15, sales and distribution expense was Rs 510 crore. Jet has been looking to cut this and and grow its web sales with schemes such as 'FareLock' and 'Best Fare Promise'. The first annual report of Fairfax India Holding Corporation, listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, published this month, could be easily mistaken for a report card on the Narendra Modi-led government. Prem Watsa, the chairman of the Canadian investment firm, counts as many as 30 achievements of the Indian prime minister. Among them are his efforts to crack down on crony capitalism, financial turnaround of state power distribution and his pet projects, including smart cities and Make in India. The chairmans letter does not end with this eulogy aloneit moves on to predict the future of the Modi government as well. We think Mr Modi can transform India, particularly if he gets re-elected for two more terms, as we think he will, says Watsa in his letter to shareholders. He has an excellent track record, is incorruptible and is business friendly. We expect Mr Modi to be the Lee Kuan Yew of India, he adds. Though it is quite unusual to find all this in the chairmans letter to shareholders, it is not quite unexpected. Watsa formed Fairfax India Holding Corporation following his meeting with Modi in November 2014. Modi was on a state visit to Canada then to garner foreign investment. Watsa responded to his India Calling appeal by raising $1.1 billion by listing this company on the Toronto Stock Exchange in January 2015. He promised to primarily invest this amount in India in a couple of years. With Fairfax India along with Fairfax Financial buying a 33 per cent stake in Bangalore International Airport for Rs 2,149 crore from GVK Power and Infrastructure this week, Watsa is quite on track to fulfilling his promise. Last year, he made three investments from this India-specific fund. This includes additional 26 per cent stake in India Infoline for Rs 1,621 crore and a 74 per cent stake in National Collateral Management Services for Rs 800 crore, besides a small investment of about Rs 160 crore in specialty chemical company, Adi Finechem. To be sure, the Hyderabad-born 66-year-old promoter of Fairfax Financial Holdings is not a regular Modi bhakt. He is known as the Canadian Buffett because of his contrarian approach to investment. His track record is rather impressive: his flagship investment arm has seen its book value grow 20.4 per cent every year over the past 30 years. This is against a 16 per cent growth in book value of Warren Buffetts Berkshire Hathaway in the last 28 years, for which data is available. The IIT-Madras alumnus, who moved to Canada for an MBA programme and settled there, is not new to investing in India. He first acquired a 26 per cent stake in general insurance company, ICICI Lombard, in 2001 through Hamblin Watsa Investment Counsel Fund. He also served as a director on the board of ICICI Bank from 2004 to 2011. He made his second investment after almost a decade in 2011 when he first bought a 9 per cent stake in brokerage firm IIFL in 2011. A year later in 2012, he acquired 77 per cent stake in Thomas Cook India. In 2013, he was also in the race to buy Blackberry, but he failed to raise money for the deal eventually. The meeting with Modi in 2014, however, turned things around for Watasa. He is now firing on all cylinders in India with flagship Fairfax Holding. Industry insiders attribute Watsas success to his ability to raise money through share capital instead of a fund that pools money from a limited number of partners. This saves him from regular redemption pressure and allows him to think long-term. No wonder, then, he can dream of two more terms for Modi. This article has been modified. Please see the clarification at the end. With Tata Steel planning to sell its UK business after admitting an impairment of 2 billion (Rs 19,100 crore approx) on Wednesday, the company has joined a growing list of Indian companies that lost money in overseas acquisitions. Be it Mukesh Ambani, the Tatas, the Birlas or Sunil Mittal-owned Bharti Airtel, barring Tata Motors almost all companies have lost value by getting their timing wrong on their overseas acquisitions. On Wednesday, Tata Steel announced that it would sell its British steel making business because cheap Chinese products were making Made-in-UK steel unviable. In 2006, Tata Steel shook the global steel industry with its audacious bid of $12.7 billion for Corus Steel. It was the biggest acquisition by any Indian company and is also among the worst performers in creating value for shareholders since the acquisition. Within months, Kumar Mangalam Birla's Hindalco announced a $6 bn bid for aluminium product maker Novelis. Bharti Airtel announced a $10.7 bn bid for Zain's African operations in 2010. Over the years, Hindalco and Tata Steel had to write off investments. The silver lining is the Jaguar-Land Rover acquisition by Tata Motors and Taro by Sun Pharma, which resulted in good returns for shareholders. Experts say Indian companies failed mainly due to the 2008 financial crisis and more recently due to the commodity and oil crash. Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Industries, which invested close to $8 bn in shale gas joint ventures in the US is getting negative returns on its investments. The oil crash worldwide has made shale gas exploration unviable and Reliance Industries is looking at ways to cut its losses. "With global commodity prices moving down sharply and markets being inundated with cheap imports, the viability of several industries has been challenged. This has been a double whammy for companies with assets overseas as they have been buffeted in both the domestic and global markets. Lowering costs becomes difficult as it is not possible to go in for major staff cuts, and several companies have had their profits pruned," said D R Dogra, CEO and MD of Care Ratings. Experts suggest Indian companies should be judicious in acquisition abroad and sell their foreign assets. Besides, companies need to maintain the right blend of business from domestic and overseas operations and build their value-at-risk models accordingly. "This way they will be able to carry the losses on the consolidated balance sheet for a prolonged period until things turn around," said Dogra. Most of the Indian companies are already taking steps to cut their losses. Bharti Airtel demerged its tower business in Africa and sold 8,300 towers for $1.7 bn last October. Reliance Industries sold its Eagle Ford pipeline asset for $1.07 bn last June. The Adani and GVK groups have frozen their investments in their new coal mines in Australia. Suzlon sold its German subsidiary Senvion (earlier known as Repower) for ^1 bn (Rs 7,200 crore) in January last year. CLARIFICATION In an earlier version of this article, it was wrongly mentioned that Bharti Airtel has written off investments related to its Africa operations. We regret the error. Two giants in the premium smartphones category - Apple and Samsung - now have a new challenger in India. - the world's fifth largest smartphone company - on Thursday unveiled its flagship Mi5 handset, priced at Rs 24,999, with an aim to capture the fast growing premium smartphone segment. is also in talks with several content developers and service providers to set up a software ecosystem in India, said Hugo Barra, vice-president, Global. "I believe we belong to the above-Rs 20,000 ($300) category which is currently dominated by the two players (Apple and Samsung). Mi5 is aimed at gaining traction in that price segment here," Barra said. India being a price sensitive market, this segment is quite small - only 5.7 million units were sold in above-Rs 20,000 category in 2015, just about 5 per cent of the 103 million smartphones sold in India. This means that manufacturing premium smartphones locally may not be viable for Xiaomi. The Chinese company currently procures a few models in India and is planning to add two assembly lines. It is currently in talks with suppliers in China to set up shops in India, Barra said. Local manufacturing helps mobile in cutting down working capital. "It takes about five weeks to procure devices from China but if we manufacture locally, that comes down to 14 to 18 days," said Manu Kumar Jain, general manager and head of India operations, Xiaomi. GROWING RAPIDLY Xiaomi now holds the 2nd spot in online sales with 18 per cent share in India It is the 3rd largest 4G smartphone player in the country with 10 per cent market share, after Samsung and Lenovo Company is now in talks with video content, software & services firms to launch its ecosystem in India It recently applied for single brand retail chain licence It is expanding its offline distribution pan India, after catering to southern parts of the country Currently, online channel generates 90% of its sales The firm is getting into other categories such as Air Purifiers in 2016 in India The Chinese major entered India in mid-2014 and is already the second-largest player, after Lenovo, in the online sales platforms with 18 per cent market share, data provided by research firm CyberMedia Research (CMR) show. Xiaomi started offering its smartphones through offline channels only last year through The MobileStore, Airtel stores and Redington. Many Indian consumers still prefer to touch and feel the product before buying it. While the company started offline distribution in southern India, it is setting up a pan-India offline distribution network, said Barra. Xiaomi currently sells about 10 per cent of its devices offline and aims to take this to 30 per cent in the next couple of years. However, Xiaomi is yet to implement its 'zero margin' sales system in India. Globally, it sells most of its smartphones at manufacturing cost and generates profits through services and content, including video streaming. This model helps Xiaomi offer its handsets at a lower price than competitors. In India, the lack of relevant content forced Xiaomi to adopt a 'direct to retailer' model of distribution. To cut down distribution costs, Xiaomi has appointed Redington to supply smartphones directly to retailers. "They supply devices on a weekly basis, depending on the demand. Apart from keeping a track of the market demand, this also cuts down on inventory costs and requires less capital to run the business," Jain explained. Apple also distributes majority of its products in India through Redington. "Xiaomi has been able to double its shares in almost all the segments of the market which is attributed to the devices being available at the right price points," said Faisal Kawoosa, general manager, telecom & semitronics, CMR said. The Central Information Commissioner has given a show-cause notice to the environment ministry for not disclosing an Intelligence Bureau (IB) report which gave a clean chit to the Magsaysay Award winning bureaucrat-turned-whistleblower Sanjiv Chaturvedi. The CIC, in its order, has held that though the IB is exempt from sharing information under the Right to Information Act, it is obliged to provide such information under Section 24 of the law when it pertains to corruption and human rights. The particular section exempts specific intelligence and security agencies from the law in general. But when the issue involves corruption or human rights, the agencies are required to share the data after the approval of the Central Information Commission. The IB report says, "There appears to be truth in the contention of Shri Sanjiv Chaturvedi regarding alleged harassment meted out to him by Haryana Government. His request for change of cadre from Haryana to Uttarakhand merits consideration." This much was disclosed by the Union government while denying the full report. The environment ministry said it had consulted the IB which had preferred not to disclose the report, claiming the agency was outside the purview of the RTI law. The CIC noted that the environment ministry had furnished a copy of the "note sheet of the concerned file in which the summary of IB report was made available showing that IB concluded that cases against him (forest officer Sanjiv Chaturvedi) were false." The cases, referred in the CIC order, are those hoisted by the erstwhile Congress government in Haryana. The IB report was generated during current NDA government's tenure in August 2014 as a profile of the officer's entire career and includes comments on his tenure at AIIMS, where he has had a run in with the Centre. It is not known which authority in the Union government asked for the IB profile report but a copy of it was shared with the environment ministry as well. Chaturvedi had sought a transfer from Haryana to Uttarakhand alleging harassment by the state government under Congress rule for blowing the lid off several forestry scams. The then UPA government at Centre and the Central Vigilance Commission found the cases valid and recommended CBI investigation, which never took off. The UPA government rescued him from the state temporarily by bringing him to AIIMS on deputation as the chief vigilance officer. But there he ran in to rough weather again when the NDA came to power at the Centre. While he unearthed more than a dozen corruption cases at AIIMS - some of which the CBI and the Central Vigilance Commission later affirmed - the present health minister J P Nadda personally asked for his removal from the post of the chief vigilance officer at the premier medical research institute. At that time, Nadda was a senior official of BJP and a Member of Parliament. However, later he was appointed the health minister. Chaturvedi was divested of his work as vigilance officer and continues to be posted at AIIMS without any specific duty. In the meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal asked the Union government to release him on deputation to the Delhi government. This proposal ahs also remained stuck. Chaturvedi has taken the government to courts in more than half a dozen cases, alleging ill-treatment in breach of law. In two cases, that have been decided, he got a favourable order. In one that he didn't, from the CAT, he has got a stay from the high court. A PIL in the Delhi high court is also being heard on the corruption cases he unearthed and the consequent treatment of the Union government against him. Chaturvedi asked for the report from the environment ministry under RTI, claiming a threat to his personal security and harassment by the government and wanting to use the report in his defence in the court cases. The CIC has said, "The applicant could convince the Commission about threat to his personal security as he had exposed the afforestation scam. And because of the same, he is facing false allegations and forced to be on leave without any work being assigned to him, dragged into several cases at different courts where he needs these very important documents." "No basis was made out for the objection by the IB. The IB, thus can be concluded, has obstructed the furnishing of information. Right to information is a human right, which applicant is trying to use to fight the violation of his other human rights, including right to serve the Government as an IFS officer, which was being denied (to him) since many years," the CIC noted in its order. It directed the environment ministry "to explain why penal proceedings shall not be initiated for not applying his (the concerned officer) mind to exercise discretion as required under RTI Act, to decide on sharing the copy of the IB report, the gist of which is already is known." The CIC has also asked the IB to justify itself in another urgently-scheduled hearing "or furnish the certified copy of IB report sought, or withdraw objection to sharing of it, allowing the environment ministry to release a copy of the same." YEREVAN, MARCH 31, ARMENPRESS. Hostess Catering of Woburn prepped for a dinner to honor President Serzh Sargsyan of Armenia and 70 guests in Boston, Boston Globe reports. A social room in St. James Church in Watertown was transformed into an elegant restaurant with Seta Dakessian of Setas Cafe in Belmont at the stove, and pastry chef Jennifer Madden arranging miniature versions of the Armenian sweet specialties boorma, olive oil cake, and cream baklava. Dakessian made crisp, triangular, cheese boreg to go with salad greens as a starter, which was followed by rack of lamb and a flourish of vegetables. She also made soft rolls sprinkled wi-th sesame seeds, a specialty of her late fathers, who ran a bakery in Worcester for 25 years. Hundreds of people were waiting in the social hall next to the church to hear the president speak (in Armenian, with everyone given an English translation to follow), so the dinner went from appetizer to dessert in 42 minutes, thanks to two waiters per table, Armenpress reports citing Golden Globe website. It was just like speed dating, said Hostess co-owner Visnja Zarak. I did it! bellowed Dakessian, who couldnt believe she got the gig for the dinner and pulled it off in record time. Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan visited the Armenian Saint James Church in Massachusetts on March 30.The President , accompanied by the Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church Father Khajak Archbishop Parsamyan, Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the USA of the Great House of Cilicia Father Oshakan Archbishop Choloyan, founder of the Armenia Tree project Caroline Mugar and representatives of the Armenian community paid tribute and laid a wreath at the monument dedicated to the Armenian Genocide victims. This was followed by a meeting of the President with the representatives of the Armenian community, where Serzh Sargsyan delivered a speech. At the end of the meeting, the President awarded high state awards and appreciation letters to a number of representatives of the Armenian community. In particular, Boston University President Aram Chobanyan was awarded the Mkhitar Heratsi medal. For proper arrangements and contribution to the organization and holding of events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, members of the Boston Regional Coordinating Committee Anthony Barsamyan, James Galustyan and Ara Nazaryan were awarded the President's Certificate of Appreciation. The Supreme Court on Thursday extended the ban on registration of diesel vehicles with engine capacity of 2,000 cc and more in the National Capital Region till further orders, keeping the fate of carmakers in uncertainty. The court said it would devote a Saturday (date not decided) to hear all parties concerned before passing its order. The decision will have an adverse impact on companies such as Toyota, Mercedes, Jaguar Land Rover and Tata Motors. The impact of the ban will not be limited to sales. Luxury carmaker Mercedes has warned that if the ban continued, it could lead to job losses at its dealerships and the manufacturing plant in Chakan, Maharashtra. The December 2015 order of the court had imposed a three-month ban, effective till Thursday. ALSO READ: How automakers responded to ban on diesel cars in NCR The court heard the manufacturers, who sought a modification of the last order on several grounds, claiming diesel vehicles complied with the norms. The counsel for Mercedes and Tata, C A Sundaram, argued diesel was less polluting than petrol. He also submitted that diesel vehicles such Sumo or Innova were not luxury cars and carried more people, and therefore, did not harm the environment very much. The counsel for Tata Motors wanted the court to clarify that the ban does not cover heavy and medium commercial vehicles as transport authorities are refusing to register them. The court is also in favour of imposing a compensatory cess/charge on luxury diesel vehicles. In response to the submission by automakers that the Union Budget had introduced infrastructure cess (of four per cent) on vehicles above 1,500 cc, Chief Justice T S Thakur pointed out that that levy covered roads and not environment. There should be a compensatory charge on luxury diesel vehicle, which is different from the infrastructure levy, he said, pointing out that there should be a congestion charge also to discourage luxury vehicles. The indefinite ban on diesel vehicles puts at risk the future of diesel as a fuel in India. Continued ban on bigger diesel vehicles will create uncertainty in the Indian automobile industry. After the ban on bigger diesel vehicles in the NCR, few positive steps have been taken by the government such as advancement of BS VI emission norm, increase in taxes, especially on bigger vehicles through infrastructure cess, said Abdul Majeed, partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and an auto expert. Companies have tried to overcome the crisis arising out of the ban. Largest utility vehicle maker Mahindra & Mahindra has come out with a 1,990cc diesel engine for vehicles in the NCR. The new engine launched in January has taken care of its NCR dealers who are able to sell models like Scorpio and XUV500. Mercedes was the worst hit among luxury car makers since its entire diesel vehicle range is impacted. Seventy per cent of Mercedes sales volume is diesel-driven and Delhi is a significant market, about 15 per cent of its sales. The largest luxury car player convinced its dealers outside the NCR to give up their allocations of petrol to be made available for NCR dealers. That has worked to a certain extent. Toyota, however, has suffered since its two popular models Innova and Fortuner have not been sold in the NCR for over 100 days now. It has seen double digit decline in monthly sales after the ban. Toyota plans to launch petrol variants of Innova. Toyota and Mercedes did not comment on todays decision. Companies refused to comment on the Supreme Courts decision as they are awaiting the order. The industry is preparing for the hearing, though the court does not seem to be in any mood relent. We will prepare for the next hearing and put forth the arguments in favour of diesel. Diesel is not a polluting vehicle and you cannot compare it with petrol cars. The price of a diesel car and the taxes imposed are higher than petrol cars, said Vishnu Mathur, director general, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers. During the proceedings, when the counsel insisted that diesel vehicles are fuel efficient, the judges said that savings per kilometer did not matter to those who go for luxury vehicles. What classes are buying these vehicles? They are super rich, corporate and those who want to show off their wealth. Why should they be allowed to make others life miserable? the judges asked. The court asked the diesel car manufacturers to bring data to prove their claim. The court also suggested a charge of some 25 to 30 per cent on the cost of the vehicles to neutralise the advantage now enjoyed by diesel car owners. The judges urged them to devise a formula keeping in view the public interest in this matter. It is your city, and all of us breathe the air. Help us to reach a reasonable conclusion. This model may be followed in other cities. It is not only in Delhi that diesel vehicle manufacturers are at risk. Bihar recently proposed a ban on diesel vehicles. The auto industrys investments in diesel will be at risk if the other states also look at similar measures. ROUGH ROAD 2015 Dec 11: National Green Tribunal bans registration of new diesel vehicles in the National Capital Region till January 6 National Green Tribunal bans registration of new diesel vehicles in the National Capital Region till January 6 Dec 16: Supreme Court bans registration of diesel vehicles of 2,000 cc and above in the NCR till March 31, 2016, overriding the NGT order 2016 Jan 6: SC declines any relief SC declines any relief Jan 22: Mahindra launches 1,990-cc diesel vehicles for NCR Mahindra launches 1,990-cc diesel vehicles for NCR Feb 3: Toyota showcases petrol Innova at Auto Expo Toyota showcases petrol Innova at Auto Expo Feb 29: Government announces infra cess of up to 4% on cars Government announces infra cess of up to 4% on cars Mar 31: SC extends the ban till further orders The fate of diesel vehicle manufacturers continues to hang in the balance The CPI(M) and Congress Thursday demanded a high-level probe into the collapse of an under-construction in busy north Kolkata and immediate arrest of those involved in the tragedy. Md Salim of CPI(M) said his party demands that a high-level probe be ordered and alleged that the rescue work was not going on properly. "We also demand that the Disaster Response Force be brought in for the rescue operation," Salim told PTI after visiting the site. State Congress president Adhir Chowdhury alleged that the collapse of the bridge was a clear case of corruption. "We demand a probe into the entire construction process. Immediate probe should be ordered. This is a clear case of corruption. The collapse proves the poor state of governance in the state," Chowdhury said. At least 14 persons were killed and over 150 trapped under the debris when a portion of an under-construction collapsed today in the busy northern part of the city. At least 21 people were killed and several injured after part of an under-construction flyover in North Kolkata collapsed in the afternoon hours. Thousands were present in the vicinity when iron beams from the flyover fell over people and vehicles underneath. The 2.2-km Vivekananda Road flyover, being funded under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, was being constructed by IVRCL Infrastructure but had got stuck midway after several hurdles. K P Rao of IVRCL said, Forty-five per cent of the work was left. One girder missed and the second one fell. It is nothing but God's act. This has never happened before; we are also in shock. After repeatedly missing deadlines, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had indicated the work would be completed early this year. Work started on the flyover in 2009 and the original deadline was August 2011. The implementing agency was Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA). Banerjee, who was campaigning in West Medinipur, rushed to the spot. Our main focus right now is rescuing those trapped. We appeal to local people to cooperate. Please keep the roads free, she said. The government sought army assistance. Union minister of state for home Kiren Rijiju said two teams of the National Disaster Response Force, comprising 90 personnel, were engaged in the rescue operations; three more teams of 135 personnel were on their way. Paramilitary forces on election duty also rushed there. With weeks to go for elections in the locality, the blame game among political parties has started. While ruling Trinamool Congress leaders said the flyover construction began during the Left Front regime, former urban development minister in the communist government, Ashok Bhattacharya, said, We were not there for the past five years. It is the responsibility of the state government. State Congress President, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, said it was a clear case of corruption. Babul Supriyo, Union minister of state for urban development, said, The state administration clearly did not take any lesson even after the collapsed Ultadanga flyover. A flank of the Ultadanga flyover had collapsed in 2013 and was reopened in 2014. However, there were no casualties, as it had happened early morning. It did take down a truck but the driver and his assistants were rescued. The implementing agency was again KMDA. In contrast, the Vivekananda Road collapse occurred during budy traffic hours and in one of the most congested parts of the city. Banerjee said, those who were guilty would not be spared. "We will take action," she promised. Her statement was reminiscent of the AMRI Hospital fire that killed 90 people. Months after she took charge as chief minister, there was a major fire at the hospital, then co-promoted by Emami. Emami promoters R S Agarwal and R S Goenka were in custody for months. "We dont want industry that will kill people. Terrorists are terrorists," she had famously said. India has not bent before terrorism and will never do so, Prime Minister said to an euphoric Indian community gathering here, while offering deepest condolences for the March 22 Brussels terror bombings. Addressing a packed Indian community event at the Brussels Expo, winding up a day choc-a-bloc with official diplomatic events, Modi said the world needs to unite against terrorism and should stop differentiation between good terror and bad terror. "Terrorism is a challenge for humankind, not just any one country or region. Those who believe in humanity should join together to tackle terrorism," said Modi to a cheering crowd. "India has not bent before terrorism, and there is no question of bending. But the challenge is a huge one. I have spoken to many important leaders, including religious ones, and explained them of the need to delink terror from religion. No religion teaches terrorism," he said. He said the United Nations faces the danger of becoming irrelevant if it fails to tackle terrorism. "In recent days in India, liberal Islamic scholars held a big meeting, linked to Sufism? They said those who speak of terror are un-Islamic. The more such voices rise, the faster the radicalisation of youth can be prevented. Can't tackle terrorism with only bombs and guns. Misfortune of the world is that the UN does not know how to tackle terrorism," he said. He said the UN was born out of war and is unable to look beyond it. "Don't know when the UN will tackle terrorism, or how. But seeing the conditions that prevail, it faces the danger of becoming irrelevant. It needs to go along with the times," he said. Modi said that during his numerous meetings the entire day, with the Belgian leadership and with the EU, the centre point of talks was terrorism. Infrastructure company IVRCL which shares the contract for the collapsed Vivekanand Bridge in Kolkata, on Thursday said that the incident was nothing but an act of God. "This particular job has been given to us by the Government of West Bengal and we are doing this work. We have already done 60 to 75% of work and the remaining is supposed to be completed. That is still in the process. It is nothing but 'Gods act'," K. Panduranga Rao, Group Head (HR administration) for IVRCL said. "So far in 27 years, we must have constructed a number of bridges and it has never happened. as a company, we are also in shock. Two of our engineers are also missing. The bridge is still under construction, just one girder has missed, because of that, it has happened it seems. that is how it looks," he added. The death toll in the collapse of an under-construction bridge in Girish Park area of North Kolkata has risen to 14 and 78 others are injured, said Kolkata Police, adding that fatalities could mount. The West Bengal Government has announced an ex-gratia compensation of Rs 5 lakh to next of kin to the victims and Rs. 2 lakh to gravely injured people. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday condoled the loss of lives and directed the officials to extend all possible help to the West Bengal Government. "Shocked and saddened by collapse of under construction in Kolkata. Took stock of the situation and rescue operations," Prime Minister Modi said in a tweet. "My thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives in Kolkata. May the injured recover at the earliest," he added. "Prime Minster Modi is in touch with officials in New Delhi, has instructed the army and the NDRF to give all possible assistance to the state government in the rescue operation," Government of India spokesperson Frank Noronha told ANI. Rescue operations are underway to recover people still stuck under the debris. On Thursday morning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told an audience comprising members of the Indian diaspora in Brussels that his most vociferous critics were those whose interests had been hurt because of the clean, corruption-free government he had provided. The PM addressed a gathering of people of Indian origin and non-resident Indians (NRIs) in the Belgian capital. The speech was telecast live by Doordarshan. The PM said leakage in subsidised urea had ended with the supply of neem-coated urea. Leakages had also reduced in distribution of cooking gas cylinders and in coal production. Next time you hear those shouting the loudest that Modi is incompetent, be convinced that Modi has tightened screws somewhere (which has hurt these people), the PM said to applause. Modi also spoke at length on terrorism. Against the backdrop of the attacks in Brussels last week, the PM said it was unfortunate that the United Nations was still unable to formally define terrorism. "If the UN does not address this problem, it will not be too far before the world body loses its relevance," he said. The PM said terrorism needed to be delinked from religion. It could not be defeated only by guns; an environment was needed to ensure youth are not radicalised. He referred to a conference of Islamic scholars in Delhi earlier this month, where they unanimously declared that terrorism was un-Islamic. The PM announced relief from higher rates of TDS (tax deducted at source) for NRIs (Non-resident Indians) without a Permanent Account (tax) Number (PAN). "We will also increase the free baggage limit for NRIs. For foreign direct investment, NRIs will get the same incentives as other investors," he said. The PM left Brussels on Thursday morning and landed in Washington DC to attend the Nuclear Security Summit. From there, he is scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia in the final leg of his tour. According to sources, no bilateral meeting with US President Barack Obama is scheduled but the two leaders are likely to get several opportunities to interact on the sidelines of the summit. UN risking its relevance Veiled dig at Pakistan In a sharp criticism of the UN, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said such a major global institution was failing to gauge the dangers of terrorism and warned that the world body risked losing its relevance if it did not act urgently to address the "new age challenge".(PTI)In a veiled dig at Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said "some neighbours" didnt understand that issues could be resolved peacefully by talks as he cited the example of Bangladesh with which decades-old disputes, including the boundary question, were solved. (PTI) Shyam Sunder Kanoria, founder-chairman of Kanoria Chemicals & Industries and chairman emeritus of Ludlow Jute and Specialities, passed away on Thursday morning at his residence here. Born in 1928, he graduated in economics from Calcutta University and then proceeded on an entrepreneurial journey. His work at Ludlow Jute and Specialities involved thorough modernisation, from preparatory to finishing stages, and introducing high value-added and diversified products. Under his leadership, Kanoria Chemicals & Industries won the prestigious Industrial Relations Award of 1974 for its remarkable achievement of uninterrupted industrial peace, without loss of a single manday since commencement of production in 1964. Kanoria also became the youngest-ever president of the Indian Sugar Mills Association, in 1956-57 at the age of 28. In this capacity, he pioneered the export of sugar and also promoted an enduring partnership between sugar factories and cane growers for sustainable growth of agro-based industry. Elected president of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry in 1971-72, his tenure was distinguished by efforts to create goodwill and understanding between government and business when it was largely missing. He'd prevailed upon the business community to hold the price line during the Indo-Pak war, which earned him praise. Ahead of the war, he'd done to Germany at the instance of then prime minister Indira Gandhi as leader of an economic delegation, where he had a highly fruitful meeting with the country's chancellor, Willy Brandt. A widely travelled businessman, representing India in several international forums with distinction, Kanoria was also a president in the Indian national committee of the International Chamber of Commerce. And, made significant contributions as a member of committees such as the Central Advisory Council of Industries, Board of Trade and Direct Taxes Central Advisory Committee. A third woman came out on Thursday alleging sexual harassment against R K Pachauri. Speaking to a television channel, the woman said she had worked under Pachauri for four months in 2008 at environment non-profit The Energy and Resources Institute (Teri), which was headed by him then. She alleged that during this time, Pachauri repeatedly behaved inappropriately with her. However, she said her requests for a transfer to another department was granted. Soon after, her work contract of a year was terminated just four months into it. Questions sent to Teri went unanswered till the time of this story going to print. While the identity of the woman was withheld, it was said she is a foreign and currently lives in Europe. She also said she was "Zero per cent surprised" after reading about other complains against Pachauri last year. Last year in February, a 26-year-old researcher at TERI had taken Pachauri to court Pachauri saying that soon after she joined in September 2013, he began harassing her via email, WhatsApp and text messaging, and persisted despite her requests that he stop. He has denied all charges. In February, this year, a second former TERI employee again alleged sexual harassment by the scientist between 2003 and 2004. In early March, Delhi police had filed a chargesheet accusing Pachauri of stalking and intimidating the researcher. The police had based its charges on emails and text messages exchanged between the accused and the complainant, as also their call details. For Chaju Singh, a resident of Haryana's Rohtak district, getting his monthly pension has become a hassle. He has to visit his bank branch every month to claim the amount."We spend Rs 100 on travelling to get a monthly pension of Rs 1,000-1,200. It is difficult for pensioners to travel to a bank every month. Even then, the payment is not guaranteed because of frequent authentication failures," says the octogenarian farmer, fondly remembering the earlier system when the village headman or revenue officer would come home and distribute the pension amount.Singh and many like him are getting used to the change necessitated by the adoption of Aadhaar-enabled platforms to dispense welfare schemes such as pensions, scholarships and direct benefits transfer of, say, domestic cooking gas subsidy.Each beneficiary is given a 12-digit unique identification number. Biometric details - iris mapping and fingerprints - are digitally tagged to the number to eliminate ghosts and duplicates.But access to bank branches, banking correspondents (BCs) and automatic teller machines (ATMs) is still limited for millions. In such a case, those entitled to the benefits of welfare schemes under the new regime are going to face a new set of challenges. The government has created a delivery platform without the necessary infrastructure in place, say critics."All these things have to happen simultaneously," says Nandan Nilekani, former chairman of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). "In my previous report on payment infrastructure five-six years ago, we had talked about BCs getting adequate commission, which is 3.14 per cent, with a cap of Rs 15 per transaction. That recommendation has not been implemented." That might explain the reason for poor BC penetration.Notwithstanding the challenges associated with last-mile connectivity, the UIDAI exercise can be called a success. In less than seven years of its existence, it is about to enrol a billion residents. And the milestone has been achieved at a fraction of the cost of similar exercises elsewhere in the world, claim officials.Nilekani claims the programme also has the potential to save the government nearly Rs 1 lakh crore a year by plugging the loopholes in the system.But UIDAI's journey has not been smooth. The agency survived seven long years without the backing of a legislation. Critics have targeted the project for compromising on privacy issues. "Aadhaar makes the citizen transparent to the state but makes the state completely opaque and unaccountable to its citizens," says Sunil Abraham, executive director of Bengaluru-based research organisation The Centre for Internet & Society.The backers of Aadhaar, however, say the system has mechanisms to protect privacy. They argue that biometric details are required to establish identity and it also entails the participation of the individual concerned in the process. Nothing can happen without the individual's consent. If no transaction can take place without his consent, it empowers him, rather than taking away any right, they argue. "Aadhaar is a true foundation of what some people rightly call the 'India Technology Stack' of paperless, presence-less, cash-less and friction-less governance," says Ram Sewak Sharma, former director-general of UIDAI. For now, UIDAI is in talks with more government departments to adopt the platform for welfare schemes. It is also in talks with the state governments to adopt Aadhaar as a preferred platform for direct benefits transfer. Currently, the Aadhaar-enabled platform is being used to implement schemes such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, payments of pensions by the Centre, the states and the Employees' Provident Fund Scheme. It is also used by the public distribution system and for the distribution of cooking gas and kerosene subsidies. With a legislation in place now, the coverage is likely to be extended to other schemes. The government's focus on Aadhaar, however, has taken a toll on the National Population Register (NPR). The government has spent Rs 4,500 crore to compile the NPR, a precursor to a National Register for Indian Citizen which involves issuing a smart identity card as citizenship proof. According to the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2003, the Registrar General of India must create this citizens' register and issue identity cards after verifying documents and antecedents. To expedite the process, the government also allowed UIDAI to collect biometric and demographic details. Initially, UIDAI was tasked with de-duplicating NPR data and generating Aadhaar. It was also supposed to hand over the biometric data to NPR. The expansion of the scope of UIDAI resulted in a bitter turf war among the various arms of the government. The battle ended with the government on Tuesday notifying the Aadhaar Bill, but other issues remain. The Bill restricts UIDAI from sharing data with any government or private agency, which creates uncertainty about how NPR will get the biometric from UIDAI. In the one-billion enrolment, NPR's contribution is 280 million. Another challenge of the data collecting agency is to capture biometric and demographic details of the residents of the Northeast for overall inclusion. The progress here has been slow. For example, its penetration in Mizoram and Assam, where the influx of illegal Bangladeshi migrants is considered to be the highest, is less than five per cent. India and the European Union (EU) have endorsed the 'EU-India Agenda for Action 2020' as a common road map for the strategic partnership in the next five years, the European Commission (EC) said on Thursday. However, the EC remained muted on one of the major focus of the summit, negotiations on the Bilateral Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) - the official free trade pact which has been pending since 2007. "The leaders welcomed that both sides have re-engaged in discussions on how to further the EU-India broad-based BTIA negotiations," it said, without announcing a possible completion date for the talks. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on a day-long trip to Brussels to attend the 13th India-EU Summit, met European Commission President Donald Tusk. The agenda will build on the joint action-plans of 2005 and 2008 and take into account cooperation in fields like climate change, trade and business, foreign policy, etc. The BTIA negotiations have remained deadlocked over growing differences regarding greater market access sought by both aides for merchandise exports. However, India's commerce ministry officials said the EU has consistently sought lower import duties on a range of commodities. This time, the EU is seeking the lowering of tariffs on automobiles and wine products. The new agenda pushes for a broad based approach to "resolve trade irritants in particular concerning goods, services and investments, and strengthen trade and investment relations". On this note, issues related to facilitation of greater movement of professionals from one country to another, arising out of the Mode 4 provisions of the 1995 General Agreement on Trade in Services is another point of contention between the two sides. This also involves India's demands to be classified a data-safe country, which will help Indian information technology and outsourcing companies gain a foothold. Other than being India's largest trading partner and its biggest export destination, the 28-member bloc has also been New Delhi's 'strategic partner' since 2004. Although two-way commerce was $98.52 billion in 2014-15, the EU's share in India's total trade has progressively shrunk in recent years. Similarly, Indian exports to the bloc have shrunk from 21.84 per cent in 2004-05 to 16.04 per cent in 2014-15. Imports have witnessed a similar slide over the same period, going down from 17.30 per cent to 10.98 per cent. India has also signalled the establishing of a mechanism to facilitate investments of all member states of the 28-member bloc. The agenda also spoke about the "creation of favourable circumstances for investment". With an eye on addressing the import ban by the EU against more than 700 generic drugs clinically tested by Hyderabad-based GVK Biosciences, the agenda has also promised regular meetings of the EU-India Joint Working Group on pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and medical devices. The European Investment Bank (EIB) signed an agreement with India to release the first tranche of 200 million of its total 450 million loan towards the construction of the Lucknow Metro's first line. The bank, which had committed to support long-term investment in infrastructure in India, also announced that its regional office for South Asia will come up in New Delhi soon. Before the summit, EU leaders had complained of the slow progress in India regarding the trial of two Italian marines accused of killing Indian fishermen in 2012. This matter, along with that of 'fourteen Estonian and six UK Guards sentenced to prison by an Indian court', was discussed, the EU said. The adoption of the 'Joint Declaration between the EU and India on a Clean Energy and Climate Partnership' also showed India's readiness to engage other countries as part of its climate change policy. The leaders from both sides endorsed the establishment of the Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility (CAMM), aimed at organising regular migration and prevention of irregular migration and human trafficking. YEREVAN, MARCH 31, ARMENPRESS. Armenian President Serzh Sargsyans working visit in the United States is ongoing. On March 31 Armenia President visited St. Stephen National College in Boston. Accompanied by the director of the college and other responsible persons Serzh Sargsyan made a tour in the college, paid interest in the current activities of the educational institution, existing problems and projects and communicated with the mentioned colleges students and teachers. This 30-year-old college, established by St. Stephen Curch, is attended by more than 170 communitys children of different ages. Armenpress was informed from the Department of Mass Media and Public Relations of the Armenian Presidents Staff that the same day Sargsyan visited Edward M. Kennedy Institute where he was met and invited to tour by USA senator Ted Kennedys widow Victoria Kennedy. Serzh Sargsyan left a note in the guest book of the Institute. It is an honor for me to be at Institute after Edward M. Kennedy, a great American who with his activity fully deserved the title Friend of Armenia. This institution, which vision belonged to the senator still in his lifetime, best reflects his dedication and selfless service to the people and striving for the strengthening of confidence among the society towards the political institutions and the Senate. Generations with very high conscience are growing in such institutions, including the future leaders, President Serzh Sargsyan wrote. From Massachusetts the president left for Washington to attend the nuclear security summit in the US capital. The Department of Space (DoS) to sign a MoU with Airports Authority of India (AAI) to provide scientific parameters for airports' construction. It will also provide data on the landscape around the airports. The department will also sign MoU with Department of Posts, where the space technology will be helpful in the tracking the movement of a parcel. The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Jitendra Singh said that Isro will help by providing scientific parameters for airports' construction. It will also provide data on the landscape around the airports. The space technology will help in making the flights safer and provide the optimum utilisation of the land, he added. In the field of aviation sector, the minister said that the use of space technology is being done on pilot basis in the Hyderabad and Port Blair airport. Based on the experience of these pilot projects, the space technology will be utilised in 42 airports in future. He said that the DoS will also sign MoU with Department of Posts where the space technology will be helpful in the tracking the movement of a parcel. Isro will take postal service in India to a new level, thus enabling the recipient to track the parcel and also decide the delivery time. Singh said that in the last two years the DoS has started contributing towards various applications other than launching satellites. These applications are huge and multi-faceted, he added. The DoS already signed MoU with the Ministry of Urban Development where the space technology will be used in projects like smart cities and housing. The MoU signed with Ministry of Railways will help in construction of railway tracks and managing the railway crossing. Space technology will also be helpful in agriculture sector in the areas of crop damage assessment, soil health, blue revolution and irrigation etc. He said that space technology is also useful in disaster management. Isro informed that the last satellite of the IRNSS series will be launched on April 28, 2016 which will complete the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System, that will provide navigation facility in and around India. Japanese state-owned lender, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), today announced it has signed an agreement with the Indian rail ministry to provide a loan of Rs 6,170 crore as Official Development Assistance (ODA) for funding a stretch of the Western arm of the ambitious Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation (DFCC) Project. DFCC, an arm of the rail ministry, is executing the project under which 1,504 kilometres of freight-specific rail line on double tracks is being constructed between Dadri in Uttar Pradesh to Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT) near Mumbai. The project, along with its eastern arm, is likely to be commissioned in 2018. JICA's latest assistance covers the third tranche of the loan for Phase-I of the project. "The main feature of the project is the construction of new double track electrified railway lines for the sole use of high speed freight cargo trains as the backbone of Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) development plan," said in a statement today. The lender added that the rail ministry has confirmed the funds currently available under the second tranche of the Phase-I and are likely to be exhausted in the coming fiscal year (2016-17) based on the latest disbursement projection of the project, making further mobilisation of funds essential. "This loan will support to cope with the huge and rapid increase of freight transport demand in India by constructing new dedicated freight railway system. It will help to promote comprehensive regional economic development along the freight corridor, DMIC, through improvement and modernization of inter-modal logistic system handling considerable freight traffic," Chief Representative at India Takema Sakamoto said. Under Phase-I of the project, DFCC is laying a 950-km freight line between Rewari and Vadodara connecting major cities in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Haryana. The line will operate with high-quality and high speed freight locomotives. said, the project will become the backbone of DMIC initiative and aims at promoting direct investment by Indian and Japanese companies. Mumbaikars will have to shell out more for the purchase of residential and commercial properties as the Maharashtra government has made moderate increase of 7% in the ready reckoner (RR) rates from April 1. In the rural areas RR rates have been hiked by 8% while 7% in influential areas, 7% in municipal council and nagar panchayat limits, 5% in municipal corporations areas. At the state level the RR increase comes to an average 7% for 2016-17. The government hopes to mop up about Rs 15,000 crore through the RR rate revision. RR is an annual statement of rates on which the stamps and registration department collects the stamp duty from property buyers. The state revenue minister Eknath Khadse made announcement in this regard in the state assembly saying that the government took the conscious decision not to increase RR rates steeply considering the slump in the economy and the sluggish mood especially in the realty sector. This apart, the drought and scarcity conditions in rest of Maharashtra was also another reason for a moderate 7% rise in RR rates. Realty players and members from ruling and opposition parties had also appealed to the government not to have an hefty increase in RR rates. The government had amended the Bombay Stamp Act and rules last year to introduce RR revision from April 1 instead of January 1 every year. The government had increased RR rates by an average 15% in 2015, 22% in 2014, 27% in 2013, 18% in 2012, 17% in 2011 and 14% in 2010. Builders Association of India spokesman Anand Gupta reacted sharply against the government's decision saying that it was unwarranted at this time when actual rates of properties were falling. ''The government should have thought some other measures to increase their revenue instead of resorting to revision in RR rates,'' he said. Almost shut out of Indias expanding solar-panel market, the US won a ruling against domestic-production requirements, but Indian companies are overwhelmingly choosing Chinese products over US and Indian. US solar-panel exports to Indiawhich doubled its solar capacity over 22 months ending January 2016fell 83% since 2011, while Chinese exports grew 90% over the same period, according to an IndiaSpend analysis of Indian commerce ministry data . Plunging US exports led that country to successfully dispute a make in India requirement for solar panels and modules used in the countrys national solar-power programme. That requirement was inconsistent with international trade norms, the World Trade Organization (WTO) ruled late in February. Domestic-content requirements (DCR) were imposed in 2011 for government solar-power projects. Chinas solar-panel exports grew from $577 million in 2011-12 to $1,094 million in 2015-16 (April-December). China is the largest exporter of solar panels (solar cells/photovoltaic cells, whether assembled or in module/panel form) to India, accounting for 65% or $3.2 billion of $5 billion in solar-panel imports by India over the past five years. Indias import of solar panels from across the world increased 60%, from $821 million in 2014-15 to $1.3 billion in 2015-16 (April-December), despite the DCR, and it has been reported that India will contest the ruling. The US ranks fifth in terms of Indias imports of solar panels, based on data for 2015-16 (April-December). Over the last five years, India has imported solar panels worth $298 million from the US. Indias imports of solar panels from the US declined 83%, from $120 million in 2011-12 to $21 million in 2015-16 (April-December). Chinese panels are cheaper by Rs 5 to Rs 6 each than those produced domestically. In addition, there are quality issues with locally made panels and cells, according to this Economic Times report. While a consignment from China takes 30-45 days to be delivered, there are few customers for domestically produced solar panels. Why the US wants a slice of Indias solar market Indias solar-power market is growing rapidly, and the US has complained against what they call discrimination against imported products from accessing this market. For instance, the installed solar-power capacity in India grew 100% over the last 22 months, according to government data, from 2.6 GW in March 2014 to 5.2 GW in January 2016. Similarly, installed renewable capacity grew 25% over the same period. IndiaSpend Solar power crossed the milestone of 5 GW in January 2016 and is expected to achieve the governments target of generating 100 GW by 2021-22. If the 2022 solar target is met, it will become Indias second-largest energy source, IndiaSpend reported recently. The decline in tariffs has encouraged a growing number of consumers to bypass Indias creaky electricity grid and directly go solar. The price of solar energy has fallen by half over two years, from Rs 10-12 per unit to Rs 4.63 per unit in 2015, IndiaSpend had reported earlier, edging closer to coal. The government plans to achieve 20 GW through ultra-mega solar parks, and has approved 33 solar parks in 21 states at a cost of Rs 374 crore ($58 million). The government auctioned 375 MW of solar PV projects in 2013 under Batch-I Phase-II of Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission and 500 MW under Batch-II Phase-II in 2014, which must use domestic modules, according to the DCR. Source: Central Electricity Authority of India/Ministry of New and Renewable Energy Indias installed power capacity stands at 289 GW, of which renewables account for 14%. Wind energy with 25 GW installed capacity accounts for 9%, while solar constitutes 2%. Thermal energy accounts for 70% of Indias installed capacity, with coal cornering 61% share. Indias solar-power prices are now within 15% of coal, which will decline by another 10% than domestic coal by 2020, based on current trends, according to this CNN report. As much as 70 per cent of the consumption growth in India in the next 15 years will come from the working population (people aged 15-59 years), according to a new McKinsey & Company study. The study also finds consumption by the 60-plus age segment will grow at less than 10 per cent per annum. This is in contrast to the US, where the firm has found the elderly to be the biggest spenders. People in this age group bought nearly two-thirds of new cars sold in 2011, cites the report 'Urban World: The Global Consumers to Watch'. "Emerging demographics are the new emerging markets: The question is no longer where to search the globe for growth, but which demographic groups have the most spending power," it says. KEY TAKEAWAYS 70% growth to come from population aged between 15 and 59 79% growth through rise in per capita consumption Growth to be centred in Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and Bengaluru Urban population growth will be moderate at 2.2% It further predicts 79 per cent of growth in the next 15 years in India will come from increased per-capita consumption. The study says urban population growth in the country will be moderate at 2.2 per cent and consumption growth will be concentrated in Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and Bengaluru. "The demographic profile of Indian cities is diverse and aging will affect specific cities more than others: All cities in India are aging, particularly those in Kerala," said the report. While all age segments are increasing in population, older age segments are growing faster. Sixty-plus populations are expanding at four per cent compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) and under-30 population at 1.5 per cent CAGR. This means, companies will need to factor in shifting urban demographics while evolving their footprint. "Knowing which cities, and even which neighbourhoods within cities are home to key consumers will matter," said the report. It says companies will also have to tailor products and services for an increasingly diverse consumer market. It also emphasises the growing importance of services. In Mexico and India where incomes are relatively low, the average share of household income devoted to services-dominant categories is only 19 per cent and 13 percent, respectively. Talking about the global trend, it says nine groups of urban consumers are projected to generate three-quarters of global urban consumption growth of about $23 trillion in the next 15 years. And, only three groups are expected to contribute about half of this urban consumption by 2030. These include developed retiring and elderly (60-plus years in developed regions); China's working-age consumers; and North America's working-age consumers. The study notes that demographic variations among cities - and therefore their growth and consumption prospects - are already large. In its sample of cities, the average age ranged from 22 years in India's Shillong to 48 years in Punta Gorda in the US state of Florida. This has clear relation to services such as healthcare spending, which accounts for 10 per cent of GDP in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries, and an average of six per cent of GDP in Brazil, China, India, and Russia. HDFC Bank is set to raise up to Rs 5,000 crore by way of infrastructure bonds. Rating agency CRISIL has assigned AAA/Stable rating to the bond issuance. The ratings on HDFC Banks debt instruments continue to reflect the banks established market position, healthy capitalisation supported by strong asset quality, comfortable resource profile, and robust earnings performance, said a note from CRISIL. GEARING UP Lender plans to raise up to Rs 5,000 crore by way of infra bonds Rating agency CRISIL has assigned AAA/Stable rating to the bond Infra bonds of more than seven years will be exempted from CRR & SLR requirements Proceeds from bonds can be used for funding infra or affordable housing projects Recently, ICICI Bank had said it was planning to raise infrastructure bonds. However, the lender had not mentioned the amount. Last year, HDFC Bank had raised Rs 3,000 crore by issuing bonds on a private-placement basis. The management had earlier said the bank would raise money to cater to the increase in credit demand expected from the corporate and the retail sectors. The management had earlier said the lender would look at lending to projects in the infrastructure space, which approximately accounted for up to 15 per cent of the banks book. In the last two months, the industry had seen an uptick in credit demand, which was now between 11 and 12 per cent, higher than the nine-10 per cent seen in the past few quarters. The lender had a steady asset quality with low gross non-performing assets (NPAs) of 1.0 per cent as on December 31, 2015, against the industry average of around 2.5 per cent, according to a CRISIL report. Analysts do not believe that the focus on troubled sectors such as infrastructure would be a problem for the bank. became more interested in raising money via long-term bonds after the Reserve Bank had changed the regulation, announcing that such bonds (tenor of more than seven years) would be exempted from cash and statutory reserve requirements, if the proceeds were used to fund new long-term infrastructure projects and affordable housing. Also, the loans funded via this process would be exempted from the computation of adjusted net bank credit for the purpose of calculating priority sector lending requirements. The crisis engulfing the global steel industry is so severe that one of China's top producers has warned a new Ice Age has set in as mills confront overcapacity and rising competition that threaten their survival. "In 2015, China experienced a slowdown in economic growth and excess steel capacity, which caused the domestic and overseas steel industry to enter into an 'Ice Age'," Angang Steel Co said after posting a net loss of 4.59 billion yuan ($710 million) for last year. There are severe challenges, fierce competition and difficult survival conditions, it said. Steel demand in China is shrinking for the first time in a generation as growth slows and policy makers seek to steer the economy toward consumption. Faced with declining sales at home, mills in the top producer - which accounts for half of global supply - have shipped record volumes overseas, heightening competition from Europe to the US. Tata Steel in India said this week it's planning to sell off its loss-making UK plants, prompting Prime Minister David Cameron to call crisis talks on Thursday. The steel industry is set for a "severe winter," Angang said, describing the market that it and others faced as complex. Output of steel by the country's fourth-biggest producer contracted 4.4 per cent last year, and the company is seeking to reduce costs and boost efficiency, it said. Benchmark steel prices sank 31 per cent in China last year, pummelling mills' margins and spurring the government to step up efforts to force the industry to shut overcapacity and shift workers to other jobs. While reinforcement bar has rebounded since November, Daniel Hynes, senior commodities strategist at Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd, forecasts the rally may not last. "The short-term rally we've seen in steel prices will give way to the longer-term dynamic of weaker steel consumption in China," Hynes said by phone on Thursday. "I suppose the positive thing is that maybe the restructuring we're seeing in the steel industry will speed up the rationalisation of the market." Iceland's Kviabryggja Prison is an old farmhouse bound by the North Atlantic on one side and fields of snow-covered lava rock on another. Kviabryggja Prison in western Iceland doesn't need walls, razor wire, or guard towers to keep the convicts inside. Alone on a wind-swept cape, the old farmhouse is bound by the frigid North Atlantic on one side and fields of snow-covered lava rock on another. To the east looms Snaefellsjokull, a dormant volcano blanketed by a glacier. There's only one road back to civilisation. This is where the world's only bank chiefs imprisoned in ... Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump talks with members of his staff while visiting the Chez Vachon restaurant. Photo: AP/PTI Women who get abortions should receive "some form of punishment," Republican front-runner said today, without indicating specifically what the punishment should be. The comments came in a heated exchange with MSNBC's Chris Matthews during the taping of a town hall in Wisconsin, which holds its primary next week. "There has to be some form of punishment," Trump told Matthews in the exchange over whether abortion should be banned. Pressed by Matthews on the nature of that punishment, Trump responded, "I haven't determined what the punishment should be." Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton quickly responded on Twitter, noting Trump's comments and adding, "Just when you thought it couldn't get worse. Horrific and telling." Trump also described himself as "pro-life with three exceptions," but didn't provide details as to what those exceptions should be. The New York billionaire arrived in Wisconsin fending off another controversy. His campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski, was charged with misdemeanor battery in Florida yesterday over an altercation with a female reporter earlier this month. Wisconsin's April 5 primary looks pivotal in the Republican race. If Texas Senator Ted Cruz wins, it would narrow Trump's already tight path to the nomination and raise the prospect of a contested party convention. Delegates there might turn to other candidates if the billionaire fails to win on the first ballot. Cruz has picked up support from Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, a former Republican presidential contender. Trump heads into Wisconsin with 739 delegates to Cruz's 465. Kasich lags behind with 143. Wisconsin has 42 Republican delegates, with 18 going to the statewide winner and 24 divided among the winners in each of the state's eight congressional districts Trump would need 1,237 delegates by the end of the primary season to capture the nomination and avoid a contested convention. All three Republican candidates now say they aren't committing to supporting whomever the party chooses as its nominee for the November election. IDEA CELLULAR OPTION STRATEGIES IDEA BULL CALL SPREAD BUY APRIL 1 LOT 115 CE SELL APRIL 1 LOT 120 CE Target : Rs 7500 Stop Loss: Rs 2800 RATIONALE: Telecom sector saw long built up in March series and roll-over in line with 3M average. Idea have been in long- long Unwinding Cycle. Stock is trading near its highest Call strike and unwinding in 110 CE will augur fresh momentum towards 115-120 CE. Considering rising implied volatility , OTM Bull spread is recommended. HINDUSTAN UNILEVER HINDUNILVR: RATIO CALL SPREAD BUY APRIL 880 CE 1 LOT SELL APRIL 920 CE 2 LOTS Target: Rs 6000 Stop Loss: Rs 2200 RATIONALE: Stock have seen accumulation in open interest in last few trading session with sideways price action. Immediate option band stands at 840-920. Considering low implied volatility and expectation of positive momentum, Ratio call spread is recommended Disclaimer: Securities ( MOSL ) is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India ("SEBI") and is licensed to carry on the business of broking, depository services and related activities. Securities Limited is registered under SEBI (Research Analysts) Regulation 2014 SEBI Registration No :-INH000000412. MOSL or its associate might be involved in market making for the subject company or have potential conflict of interest. Shubham Agarwal is a head of Quantitative Research, Securities The Union government's decision to lift the 30 per cent export duty on chrome ore and chrome ore concentrates has shocked the makers. The disgruntled manufacturers, struggling to keep up viability of their operations, have sought the reversal of the announcement made in the Budget for 2016-17. The export duty waiver would only benefit the merchant miners and kill value addition, they said. Zero export duty on chrome ore would boost exports, accentuating the shortfall of ore in the domestic market and triggering hike in prices of ferro chrome, an ingredient in stainless steel making. Presently, the capacity of the domestic industry is 1.7 million tonne per annum (mtpa). Against this, the capacity of captive chromite leases held by the ferro chrome manufacturers is only 0.98 mtpa. These units are operating at 52 per cent of their rated capacities and are dependent on merchant miners like Tata Steel and state run Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) for meeting their requirement. "Ferro chrome makers have written to the Union mines secretary, pressing for reinstating the export duty on chrome ore. Removal of export duty would not promote value addition and instead boost exports to China, leaving the domestic companies starved of the raw material", said a senior official of a ferro chrome producer. In the letter to the Union mines secretary, the ferro chrome manufacturers said China has created one of the largest ferro chrome capacities despite being devoid of any chromite reserves. About 96 per cent of the chrome ore is used to manufacture ferro chrome which in turn is used for making stainless steel. Subhrakant Panda, managing director, Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys Ltd (IMFA) said, "It is evident that removal of export duty is not in national interest which is best served by incentivising domestic value addition. Besides, with India's share of world reserves being a meagre 0.6 per cent, there is every reason not to deplete it through rampant exports. Hence, we have requested the government to reconsider the decision to remove export duty of 30 per cent on chrome ore which goes against the concept of 'Make in India'." Almost all of India's ferro chrome is produced in Odisha. The high grade chromite reserves are concentrated in Sukinda valley (in Jajpur district) which has balance deposits of only 54 million tonne. With 3-3.5 million tonne chrome ore being exploited annually, the reserves have a limited life span. Chrome ore exports from the country have plummeted from 33.28 per cent of annual output in 2007 to 4.89 per cent in 2014. However, the trend is likely to be reversed with the abolition of export duty. Shares of were up 4% at Rs 415 on the Bombay Stock Exchange on plans to sell-off its non-core business. The company in a release said, the board of directors at its meeting held on March 30, 2016 approved the sale of Save Mart Pharmacy Stores located in USA which is non-core business. The Save Mart Pharmacy Stores is being owned by Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the company, the release added. The stock opened at Rs 405 and touched a high of Rs 425. At 12:25pm, over 1.48 million shares were traded on both the stock exchanges. Slamming Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Congress on Thursday said that the Centre allowing Pakistan Joint Investigation Team in India is highly shameful. Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit told ANI that allowing Pakistan inside Indian borders is a big compromise made by the government. "We should realise that we might be attacking Pakistan internationally but we have given space to them in India. And this recent shameful act of the Prime Minister of allowing Pakistan investigative team in India compromises out stand in regard to what we believe is Pakistan all about and in terms of strategy it's a great mistake," he said. A five member team of the Pakistan JIT arrived here last week to probe the Pathankot terror attack. The team visited the areas that have been sanitised by the Indian Air Force and the Investigation Agency (NIA) post the attack. The team currently is in the capital. The team was reportedly not allowed to interact with any defence and security personnel who were involved in the 80-hour counter-operation against the terrorists who attacked the airbase in the early hours of January 2. Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government of promoting violence in states ruled by them. "Wherever the Bharatiya Janata Party goes it tries to instigate violence among people, what will happen to development if violence returns in Assam. Our Prime Minister talks about 'Vikaas' wherever he goes. But in whichever state BJP wins, incidents of violence start erupting in the state," Gandhi said while addressing a rally here in Assam's Tinsukia district Gandhi further questioned Prime Minister's intentions of fighting corruption. "If the Prime Minister is seriously fighting against corruption, then why did he bring the 'Fair and lovely' scheme?" said Gandhi. "When Modi ji will visit Assam, he will not speak a word about black money, Mallya or Lalit Modi ji," he added. The Congress vice-president also said that there are two schools of thought in front of us - one is Congress and the other is a combination of BJP, RSS and Modi ji. Meanwhile, Gandhi asserted that Assam is mini-India where one can find everything which is available across the country. Making huge claims Gandhi said if voted back to power the Congress will provide merit-based scholarships to 100 students in each district for preparations of civil services exam and promised of providing rice at Rs 2 per kg. Joseph Safra, the billionaire owner of the Gherkin, has been accused of allegedly trying to bribe Brazilian officials for cutting the Corporation Tax Bill. Safra, the world's richest banker with an estimated $18.3billion fortune, was according to Forbes magazine yesterday accused of corruption in relation to a conspiracy to pay $4.2million in bribes to tax officials, said the Brazilian prosecutors. The Brazilian authorities said Safra wasn't directly involved with the alleged corruption scheme. "He [Puga] limited himself to negotiating, interacting with the otherpeople under investigation.But the decisions were taken by [what Puga called] the 'staff', that is, Grupo Safra's majority shareholder and president, Joseph Y Safra. Therefore, Puga was Joseph's agent," the Guardian quoted the prosecutors as saying. Safra has been charged over the alleged 2014 scheme designed to reduce the tax bill for Banco Safra, Brazil's 10th biggest bank, majority of which he owns. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Safra Group said that the allegations being promoted by a Brazilian prosecutor were unfounded and there has been no improprieties by any of the businesses of The Safra Group. Safra and his family control the Sao Paulo-based bank as part of an international conglomerate operating in 19 countries. Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit told ANI that India should bring in to light Pakistan's malicious deeds every time possible, as now many other countries are getting affected. "I believe that Prime Minister should use every opportunity to expose what Pakistan is doing on India and now that many other countries are getting effected they must also realise that there are state actors across the world who are indulging in these kinds of activities and Pakistan has been a very old culprit as far as promoting terrorism is concerned," he said. In the backdrop of terror attacks that claimed many lives in Brussels, Prime Minister Modi yesterday while addressing the Indian diaspora in Belgium, highlighted the dangers posed by terrorism to the world. Underlining that terrorism needs to be delinked from religion, Modi also said that the menace posed challenge to humanity and those believing in humanity should collectively fight it. The industry experts, e-retailer and chambers have welcomed the timely decision of government to allow 100 percent Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in online marketplaces. The move will not only give a relief to ecommerce companies but the conditions or clarifications have also given a level playing field to brick-and-mortar rival stores. "By allowing 100 percent FDI in marketplace, the government has clearly indicated that the e-commerce companies should not offer predatory pricing and only play the role of facilitators stated by leading Industry Chamber PHDCCI. The government has further clarified that FDI has been permitted only in companies following the marketplace model and not the inventory based model," said Dr. Mahesh Gupta, President PHD Chamber. "The guideline further says that warranties and after-sales service will be provided by sellers and not the marketplace companies. These guidelines clearly indicate the changing role that e-commerce marketplaces will play in the Indian market. It is a major announcement which will pave the way for accelerated growth of the e-commerce as well as retail sector in India," he added. Sameer Rastogi, Managing Partner of Delhi based corporate law firm India Juris said the easing of FDI norms in e-commerce by Indian Government has further strengthened and given boost to the e-commerce sector and Make in India flagship initiative of the government. "The recent circular gives more clarity on FDI in marketplace model e-commerce companies. Now the start-ups can structure their model around it, so that higher rounds of funding can be raised easily, which is generally made by foreign investors," he added. Rastogi further said allowing marketplace e-commerce companies, to provide all support services to its seller, will provide great thrust to the investment and growth climate of such companies. "Government has taken safeguard to prevent the misuse of this policy by putting the condition that such marketplace company shall not make more than 25 percent of its sales through one vendor or its group companies," he added. The instant guidelines provides similar level playing field to all e-commerce companies, by separating inventory based model from marketplace model. FDI is not permitted in inventory based model, hence higher rounds of funding would not be possible in such companies. The start-ups need to tweak their model accordingly Saurabh Rai, CEO, Surpluss.in, the largest e commerce store in India, said the FDI norms in e-commerce marketplace will now help weed men from boys. "Pampered boys with silver spoon who were splurging VC money will face challenges. Organizations like surpluss.in who always wanted to do real business with real value chain margins being passed on to customers benefit as they would not be faced with unfair competition where other market place influence price. All said now VC's too will be compelled to look into actual business prospects than fictitious valuation model," he added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday condoled the loss of lives by collapse of under construction in North Kolkata and directed the officials to extend all possible help to the West Bengal Government in the rescue operation. "Shocked and saddened by collapse of under construction in Kolkata. Took stock of the situation and rescue operations," Prime Minister Modi said in a tweet. "My thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives in Kolkata. May the injured recover at the earliest," he added. "Prime Minster Modi is in touch with officials in New Delhi, has instructed army and NDRF to give all possible assistance to the state government in the rescue operation," Government of India spokesperson Frank Noronha told ANI. At least 14 people have been killed and more 78 others have been injured due to the collapse of an under-construction bridge in Girish Park area of North Kolkata. Meanwhile, the West Bengal Government has announced an ex-gratia compensation of Rs 5 lakh to next of kin to the victims and Rs 2 lakh to gravely injured people. Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Director General O.P. Singh has said that saving the lives of people trapped under debris of the collapsed bridge in North Kolkata is the top priority of his team. A team of researchers has unearthed a new tadpole that burrows through sand from the streambeds in the Western Ghats of India. Scientists from University of Delhi, University of Peradeniya and Gettysburg College discovered and documented the interesting tadpole of the Indian Dancing frog family, Micrixalidae. These tadpoles were discovered from deep recesses of streambeds, where they live in total darkness until they fully develop into froglets. The identity of the tadpoles as Micrixalus herrei is genetically confirmed. These tadpoles are endowed with muscular eel-like bodies and skin-covered eyes, which facilitate burrowing through gravel beds. They lack teeth but have well-serrated jaw sheaths, which may help prevent large sand grains from entering the mouth while feeding and moving through sand. The tadpole gut contains small sand grains together with decaying organic matter, which acts as a nutrient source. The Indian Dancing frogs typically wave their legs as a territorial and sexual display while sitting on boulders in streams. Though these displays are well known, the tadpoles of these frogs were completely unknown. This was, in fact, the only family of frogs and toads for which the tadpoles remained a mystery. Prof. SD Biju said, "We provide the first confirmed report of the tadpoles of Indian Dancing frog family. These tadpoles probably remained unnoticed all these years because of their fossorial nature, which in itself is a rare occurrence in the amphibian world." They examined the external morphology of the tadpoles and scrutinized their bones using a double staining procedure, which revealed the presence of ribs in very early stages of tadpoles. Prof. Madhava Meegaskumbura stated that only four families of frogs are reported to have ribs, but researchers show that at least some of Micrixalidae also have ribs, even as tadpoles; this adaptation may provide for greater muscle attachment, helping them wriggle through sand. Also, whitish globular sacs storing calcium carbonate, known as "lime sacs," are present even in juvenile frogs of Micrixalus, which is uncommon in other frogs. Very little is known about the habitat requirements of these tadpoles. Observations made so far show that the tadpoles inhabit sandy banks under canopy-covered streams. The new finding reiterates the uniqueness of amphibians of the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot, providing a platform for future studies on this amphibian family, while also delivering useful information for conservation of these ancient and endemic frogs. The study appears in the open-access journal PLOS ONE. India will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United States on Thursday for building a state-of-the-art Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) project in the country. The MoU will be signed between the National Science Foundation (NSF) of the US and India's Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Department of Science and Technology (DST). Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet scientists from the LIGO project. DAE secretary Sekhar Basu will sign the agreement in the US today. The MoU also states of forming a Joint Oversight Group (JOG) with the scientists from NSF, DAE and DST for better coordination of the project. A meeting to decide the site for setting up the laboratory in India will take place by April 10. The machines that gave scientists their first-ever glimpse at gravitational waves are the most advanced detectors ever built for sensing tiny vibrations in the universe. Nancy Agarwal, one of the three young Indian scientists who has worked on the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO) project, lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision and said that he motivated the kids across the globe about the importance of science. Nancy told ANI that Prime Minister Modi urged the United States to contribute in LIGO technology. The PhD student from MIT, who is currently working with other scientists on the LIGO project, said her domain here is mainly to make gravitational waves detector better and explain that how quantum mechanics is useful in measurement. Karan , a Phd student from Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, said Prime Minister Modi was very proud about the LIGO project and said that this would motivate the people to join fundamental science. Karan said he is responsible in the LIGO project for supercomputer simulations. He further said India's contribution to LIGO is to build vacuum chambers and run the detectors, adding that a team is needed for this to analyse the LIGO data. Prime Minister Modi has described the LIGO project as a great example of India-US scientific collaboration and said the success of the same could well inspire an entire young generation of Indian scientists. "Insightful interaction with scientists from LIGO, including 3 young Indian scientists who worked on LIGO project," tweeted Prime Minister Modi. "LIGO project is a great example of India-USA ties & will surely inspire several young science enthusiasts in India" he said in another tweet. He urged the Indian scientists, who are part of the LIGO project, to interact with Indian students and visit Indian universities as much as possible. The team, which was led by the Director of the National Science Foundation Dr. France Cordova, included three young Indian scientists who have worked on the LIGO project. Dr. Cordova explained how India was extremely important for the future of the LIGO project. The Prime Minister's meeting with the LIGO scientists in Washington DC comes just two days after he met scientists from the Institute of Plasma Research in New Delhi, who are also working on the LIGO project. Prime Minister Modi also witnessed the exchange of an MoU on the establishment of LIGO in India. Briefing the media later, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson Vikas Swarup said Prime Minister Modi looked at the LIGO project not only as a great example of India-US scientific collaboration but also as the one which has the potential of generating curiosity in a lot of young minds in India and in fact creating a whole new generation of Indian scientists who can get enthused with the remarkable breakthrough in science. "In this context, he said that LIGO scientists going to India should have more interactions with Indian universities. They should meet more of Indian students to inculcate in them the sense of curiosity, the sense of discovery," he added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO) project as a great example of India-US scientific collaboration and said the success of the same could well inspire an entire young generation of Indian scientists. "Insightful interaction with scientists from LIGO, including 3 young Indian scientists who worked on LIGO project," tweeted Prime Minister Modi, who met a team of scientists from the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory in Washington DC. "LIGO project is a great example of India-USA ties & will surely inspire several young science enthusiasts in India. http://n-m4.in/1MWlDYe," he said in another tweet. He urged the Indian scientists, who are part of the LIGO project, to interact with Indian students and visit Indian universities as much as possible. The team, which was led by the Director of the National Science Foundation Dr. France Cordova, included three young Indian scientists who have worked on the LIGO project. Dr. Cordova explained how India was extremely important for the future of the LIGO project. The Prime Minister's meeting with the LIGO scientists in Washington DC comes just two days after he met scientists from the Institute of Plasma Research in New Delhi, who are also working on the LIGO project. Prime Minister Modi also witnessed the exchange of an MoU on the establishment of Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO) in India. Justifying the imposition of President's rule in Uttarakhand, Parliamentary Affairs Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday slammed the Congress leadership, asking it to 'introspect' as to why its legislators are leaving the party instead of blaming the Central Government. Shifting the blame on the grand old party for 'defection' of its legislators, he said, "as far as the issue of Congress party crying foul, it's like devils quoting scriptures. The Congress Party has dismissed 91 democratically elected governments from time to time. The mother of defection is the Congress Party. They are the greatest destabilizers in the country. It is the party that has imposed emergency. They are getting back what they have done to the country." Naidu further stated that it is the lack of confidence in the leadership of the Congress Party that this kind of crisis is happening in the different party of the country. The Congress Party has accused the Centre of murdering democracy by imposing President's rule in the state. Hailing the Nainital High Court's stay on his floor test as his 'double-victory', buoyed Uttarakhand chief minister Harish Rawat yesterday said the toppling of an elected government is a murder of democracy and constitutional traditions. "The court has said it will soon give its decision on the imposition of President's Rule in Uttarakhand, which is a welcome development. Ending of President's Rule is in the interest of the state," he added. A two-judge bench of the Nainital High Court had yesterday stayed the floor test for the Harish Rawat Government in the Uttarakhand assembly, which was scheduled for March 31, and decided to take up the matter on April 6. The crisis in the hill state erupted on March 18 when nine Congress MLAs rebelled against the Rawat government, resulting in a flip-flop in the passage of the Appropriation Bill. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) met Governor K.K. Paul on the same day and staked claim to form a government. However, the Centre imposed President's Rule last Sunday, a day before Rawat was supposed to take the floor test in the Assembly. World leader in sensing and control technologies, Omron announced the launch of its Integrated Tamper Detection Solution - world's first of its kind power theft solution to tackle theft of electricity in India. Integrated Tamper Detection Solution comprises of a technologically advanced security sensor, made by Omron, embedded in a smart meter. Conceptualized in association with the utility, Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (TPDDL), the endeavor is visualized as a milestone in enabling the smart grid initiative by the Indian govt. is also expected to play a key role in shaping the macro initiatives of national importance such as the need to channelize and curb the losses caused by power theft. Transmission and distribution losses remain one of the major concerns for the power sector in India. As per varied industry reports, the country ranks fifth in the world in terms of installed capacity, but still more than 300 million people do not have access to electricity. This unavailability and insufficiency of electricity has a strong linkage with the transmission and distribution losses which amount to around 40 percent of the total production. The losses give rise to a vicious cycle - utilities running into losses leading to increased power tariff leading to more burden on the end user which ultimately results into more unscrupulous ways to tamper with the meters. "Though it is difficult to reckon the proportion of power theft in the T and D losses, it is certainly one of the major concerns for the utilities. Omron's security sensor for the smart meters is multi-functional, and imparts a unique artificial intelligence to the smart meter by detecting all kinds of (electrical and non-electrical) tampering," said Country Head-Omron Electronic and Mechanical Components division in India, Vinod Raphael. "The Government plans to install 35 million smart meters in the country by 2019 which paves path for Omron, promising vast opportunities. As we move ahead, we aim to widen our customer outreach by associating with more utilities and contributing our bit towards developing a sturdy infrastructure in the power sector benefitting the utilities and the end consumers," added Vinod. Omron's new solution is in synergy with the Government's efforts towards minimizing T and D losses, considering the govt. set up of a 'Smart Meter Task Force' to address this alarming state of affairs and to contribute towards molding India as a Smart Grid Nation. In a bid to further utilize the opportunity of connecting with all relevant stakeholders in the smart grid world, the company also offers other key electronic components for smart meters and varied electrical equipment making them safer, energy efficient, compact and better in performance. A Belgian court has ruled that Paris terror attacks suspect Salah Abdeslam can be extradited to France. According to CNN, Belgian and French authorities will now deliberate on how to carry out the transfer and it remained unclear as to when the extradition would occur. Following the deadly series of attacks in Paris on November 13 last year that left 130 people dead, Abdeslam became the most- wanted man in Europe. He was captured this month by Belgian authorities after a shootout in Molenbeek, an impoverished suburb of Brussels that has also been home to several other terror suspects. The 26-year-old suspect, who is one of the 10 men accused of carrying out the deadly attacks in the French capital last year, is being held in Belgium under a European arrest warrant at the demand of French authorities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday met Indian community members here. Prime Minister Modi arrived in the United States today morning to attend the fourth Nuclear Security Summit (NSS). This is Prime Minister Modi's third visit to United States in nearly two years. Leaders of 53 nations and four international organisations will be attending the NSS in Washington D.C. Later in the day Prime Minister Modi will be attending a leaders-only thematic dinner to be hosted by President Barack Obama at the White House. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday said that his government will find out the persons responsible for the repeated leak of the 12th standard question paper. Siddaramaiah told ANI that his government will take desired steps and that actions will be taken against the defaulters. Seconding Chief Minister's statement, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara also condemned the incident and said that strict action will be taken once the CID files a report. "It's not just a 24 hour job. The CID is looking in to the matter, a second incident has happened they now will be investigating it more seriously. We will find out that who has done it. The CID is questioning few people. I understand career of so many students are involved," said Parameshwara. The Supreme Court on Thursday agreed to hear the plea of the diesel taxi owners move on seeking extension of time to convert diesel cars into CNG mode. The Apex court will on consider extending the deadline for its December order on banning registration of diesel vehicles seeking help from the government. The ban was supposed to come into effect from April 1. Mirror Online The woman directs passengers off flight MS181, which was forced to land at Larnaca airport in Cyprus this morning This is the moment a brave air hostess on the hijacked EgyptAir plane bid farewell to freed hostages before stepping back inside the jet instead of making a bid for freedom. The woman can be seen dressed in what appears to be the airline's uniform as she directed passengers off flight MS181 , which was forced to land at Larnaca airport in Cyprus this morning. She even pulls one of the hostage in for an embrace before they make their way down the stairs towards a bus waiting to take people to the airport terminal. However, instead of making a bid for freedom, the woman returns to the aircraft to stay with the rest of the crew and passengers that were being kept hostage. It comes as a spokesperson reportedly told Sky News Arabia that the pilot and co-pilot were asked to leave the plane but refused. Seven people were still held on the aircraft with the hijacker until about 12.30pm (UK time) when four hostages were reportedly freed. The hostage situation is now over and the suspected hijacker has been arrested, according to officials. Sky News The air hostess embraces a freed hostage before stepping back inside the jet Sky News She can be seen looking out at the passengers getting on the bus before returning inside the aircraft He was earlier reported to be a 27-year-old veterinarian but those claims have since been disproved and officials later said the suspect was a man named Seif El Din Mustafa. The man's motivation is unclear, but Cypriot president Nicos Anastasiades said the hijacking was nothing to do with terrorism, while a Cyprus government official said the man "seems (to be) in love". A civil aviation official said the man gave negotiators at Larnaca airport the name of a woman who lives in Cyprus and asked to give her an envelope. It is unclear what relationship she and the man have. Flight MS181 took off from the Mediterranean coastal city of Alexandria en route to Cairo with at least 55 passengers, including 26 foreigners, and a seven-member crew. At least seven police officers were killed and 27 others injured in a car bombing close to a bus terminal in southeastern Turkey. The blast took place as police vehicle was passing through Baglar district of Diyarbakir province, about 170 kilometers from the Syrian border, CNN quoted Turkey's semiofficial Anadolu news agency as saying. According to reports, the bomb was planted in a parked car, apparently timed to go off as a special operation police vehicle passed. The explosion, which took place yesterday, damaged numerous cars, the bus terminal and other buildings near the blast site. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is in Washington to attend the Nuclear Security Summit, condemned the attack and said this shows the ugly face of terrorism. "The determination of our security forces will, God willing, put an end [to it]," the Guardian quoted him as saying. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far. Ahead of the West Bengal assembly polls, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh will address three election rallies on Thursday in Bandwan, Purulia and Para districts. As many as 404 nominations have been found valid after the scrutiny of papers for the second phase of assembly elections. 56 constituencies spread over Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, North and South Dinajpur, Malda and Birbhum districts will go to polls in this phase on April 17. Candidates can withdraw their nominations till tomorrow. The elections to the 294 seat West Bengal Assembly will be conducted in six phases, spread across seven polling days from April 4 to May 5. Candidates contesting in the third phase can submit their nomination papers till April 4, after which scrutiny would be done. The withdrawal of candidature will be allowed till April 7. Other than North Kolkata, all the third phase constituencies are part of Murshidabad, Nadia and Burdwan districts of West Bengal. The polling for the first phase will take place on April 4 and 11. Polling for the second phase will be held on April 17, the third phase on April 21, fourth on April 25 and the fifth and six phases on April 30 and May 5 respectively. The counting of votes will take place on May 19. In view of the ongoing elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued instruction to provide a Complaint Redressal Mechanism in all the five election going states. The main objective of this IT platform is to provide the following: i. Manage the complaints being received through call centres/telephone/online/fax/ post /paper complaints/in person in an integrated way and a time bound manner. ii. Inform the complainants about the status of receipt and disposal of complaints. State wise steps being undertaken by the Commission are as follows: In Assam :- The complaints are received through (i) toll free number 1950, (ii) online application 'SAMADHAN' available at district websites with URL http://election.cloudapp.net/assam-samadhan and at CEO website www.ceoassam.nic.in (iii) Android based mobile application available in Google Play Store as SAMADHAN [ASSAM]. Individual can lodge complaints in physical copies in person/post/fax etc. and can still get SMS or view status of complaints if s/he wishes to. In Kerala:- e- Pariharam has been lodged in Kerala to facilitate lodging complaints online. Complainants can also visit Akshaya Centres (CSC) and use helpline numbers. Complainants will receive SMS alerts while lodging as well as at the time of disposal of complaints. Photos/videos can be uploaded as part of complaints. The URL of website is: http://e-pariharam.kerala.gov.in In Tamil Nadu:- In Tamil Nadu, apart from paper, phone, e-mails, online modes of complaint receipt, the complaints are also being received through Facebook, twitter etc. The option for lodging online complaint is available on website of CEO, Tamil Nadu: http://www.elections.tn.gov.in/ In West Bengal:- In West Bengal the IT platform is available at the URL: http://election.cloudapp.net/wb-samadhan . The App is also available in the form of mobile App at Google Play Store: SAMADHAN [WEST BENGAL]. The disposal period of complaints received has been prescribed as 24 hrs in general, and hour on poll day. In Puducherry:- CEO, Puducherry has established 24x7 helpline call centre with 5 dedicated trunk lines under supervision of an officer of Tehsildar level. Complaints are also being received through SMS, Whatsapp (8903331950), e-mail etc. The online complaints registering mechanism is also available for the use of public. Through these Complaint Redressal Mechanisms, the Election Commission of India ensures that complaints at all level are properly addressed and timely redressed and the entire election process is made smooth, hassle free, transparent and effective. Powered by Capital Market - Live News Hindustan Zinc surged 9.05% to Rs 191 at 9:19 IST on BSE after the company said its board of directors at a meeting held yesterday, 30 March 2016, declared special golden jubilee dividend of Rs 24 per share for the financial year ending 31 March 2016 The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 30 March 2016. Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was up 33.98 points or 0.13% at 25,372.56. On BSE, so far 3.24 lakh shares were traded in the counter as against average daily volume of 94,000 shares in the past two weeks. The stock hit a high of Rs 199.80 so far during the day, which is a record high for the counter. The stock hit a low of Rs 185.90 so far during the day. The stock had hit a 117.20 on 25 August 2015. The large-cap company has equity capital of Rs 845.06 crore. Face value per share is Rs 2. Shares of Hindustan Zinc offered a dividend yield of 13.7% based on the stock's closing price of Rs 175.15 on the BSE yesterday, 30 March 2016. Hindustan Zinc's net profit fell 23.9% to Rs 1811.39 crore on 11% decline in net sales to Rs 3385.19 crore in Q3 December 2015 over Q3 December 2014. Hindustan Zinc is a subsidiary of Vedanta (formerly known as Sesa Sterlite), a part of London listed Vedanta Resources plc, a global diversified natural resources company. The company is one of the largest integrated producers of zinc-lead and a leading producer of silver. As per the shareholding pattern, Vedanta holds 64.92% stake and the Government of India holds 29.54% stake in Hindustan Zinc as at 31 December 2015. Powered by Capital Market - Live News An agreement for IBRD Credit of USD 250 Million from World Bank for "First Programmatic Electricity distribution Reform Development Policy Loan For Rajasthan" here today by Shri Raj Kumar, Joint Secretary (MI), Department of Economic Affairs on behalf of the Government of India and Mr. Onno Ruhl, Country Director, World Bank (India) on behalf of the World Bank. The Program Implementing Entity Agreement was signed by Mr. Sanjay Malhotra, Principal Secretary, Department of Energy, Government of Rajasthan on behalf of Government of Rajasthan, and the Country Director (India) on behalf of the World Bank. The project size is USD 250 million, and the total amount will be financed by the Bank. The objective of the proposed programmatic operation is to support the Government of Rajasthan (GoR)'s program for the turnaround of the distribution sector in Rajasthan under the 24x7 Power for All program. This first operation lays the foundations for legislative changes and institutional reforms to improve the sector's governance, supports the financial restructuring of the sector, and back sanctions necessary to improve operational performance. The main areas of the GoR program that are supported by the proposed operation are: (a) Strengthening Governance in the Rajasthan Electricity Distribution Sector; (b) Financial Restructuring and Recovery; and (e) Improving Operational Performance' of Distribution Utilities. The project has been designed. as a result based financing programme, under which funds will be released only on achievement of agreed results/indicators. Powered by Capital Market - Live News After a range bound movement in mid-morning trade, key benchmark indices pared gains in early afternoon trade. At 12:16 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was up 69.44 points or 0.27% at 25,408.02. The Nifty 50 index was currently up 25.20 points or 0.33% at 7,760.40. Earlier, the Sensex and the Nifty, both, hit their highest level in more than 12 weeks. The Sensex rose 141.04 points, or 0.56% at the day's high of 25,479.62 in morning trade, its highest level since 6 January 2016. The index rose 2.89 points, or 0.01% at the day's low of 25,341.47 in early trade. The Nifty rose 42.40 points, or 0.55% at the day's high of 7,777.60 in morning trade, its highest level since 6 January 2016. The index fell 9.70 points, or 0.13% at the day's low of 7,725.50 in early trade. The market may remain volatile as traders roll over positions in the futures & options (F&O) segment from the near month March 2016 series to April 2016 series. The March 2016 derivatives contracts are set to expire today, 31 March 2016. The market breadth indicating the overall health of the market was positive. On BSE, 1,217 shares rose and 1,002 shares fell. A total of 161 shares were unchanged. The BSE Mid-Cap index was currently up 0.25%, underperformed the Sensex. The BSE Small-Cap index was currently up 0.44%, outperformed the Sensex. In the overseas stock markets, Asian stocks witnessed a mixed trend. US stocks extended gains for the third day yesterday, 30 March 2016, although shares ended well off their day's highs amid a dip in crude oil prices. Sentiment was underpinned by data from payroll firm ADP showing slightly stronger than expected private sector job growth in March. Most pharmaceutical shares were mixed. Strides Shasun (up 3.47%), Wockhardt (up 1.71%), Sun Pharmaceutical Industries (up 1.47%), Glenmark Pharmaceuticals (up 0.99%), Lupin (up 0.76%), Cipla (up 0.39%), Piramal Enterprises (up 0.26%) and Cadila Healthcare (up 0.23%) edged higher. GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals (down 0.05%), Divi's Laboratories (down 0.31%), Aurobindo Pharma (down 0.88%), IPCA Laboratories (down 1.06%) and Alkem Laboratories (down 1.74%), edged lower. Dr Reddy's Laboratories was up 1.09% at Rs 3,045.90 after the company announced during trading hours today, 31 March 2016, that it has entered into a licensing agreement with Eisai Co., Japan by which Dr. Reddy's will be granted exclusive worldwide development and commercialization rights (excluding Japan and Asia) for Eisai's investigational anticancer agent E7777. Eisai will be responsible for the development and marketing of E7777 in Japan and Asia, while Dr. Reddy's holds the option for rights to develop and market the agent in India. In exchange of these rights, Eisai will receive milestone payments in line with obtaining marketing approval and the achievement of agreed upon sales targets. Through this agreement, the two companies aim to accelerate development and maximize the value of E7777. Reliance Infrastructure was up 0.55% at Rs 537. The company announced during trading hours today, 31 March 2016, that Reliance Defence along with Ukraine based State Corporation ANTONOV have agreed to cooperate on dual version transport aircraft for Military, Para military and Commercial use in India. Reliance Defence together with State Corporation ANTONOV would jointly address various requirements including 50-80 seat passenger aircraft in its basic configuration and in all its variants such as transport, maritime patrol and other military roles. The partnership of Reliance Defence and Antonov envisions design of fixed wing military aircraft configured for use in tactical as well strategic roles. Powered by two turbofan high fuelefficiency jet engines, the medium lift aircraft is capable of short field runways operating from remote airfields with unpaved surfaces, the company said. Metal shares were mixed. Vedanta (up 1.53%), National Aluminium Company (Nalco) (up 1.31%), Jindal Steel & Power (up 1.04%) and Hindustan Copper (up 0.10%), edged higher. Steel Authority of India (down 0.34%), Hindalco Industries (down 0.4%), Bhushan Steel (down 0.41%), JSW Steel (down 0.45%), NMDC (down 1.25%) and Tata Steel (down 1.39%), edged lower. Hindustan Zinc surged 5.14% to Rs 184.15 after the company said its board of directors at a meeting held yesterday, 30 March 2016, declared special golden jubilee dividend of Rs 24 per share for the financial year ending 31 March 2016. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 30 March 2016. Shares of Hindustan Zinc offered a dividend yield of 13.7% based on the stock's closing price of Rs 175.15 on the BSE yesterday, 30 March 2016. Mercator surged 9.41% after the company said that its wholly owned subsidiary Mercator International Pte. (MIPL) has received approval from the Singapore exchange for divestment of its entire stake in the company's step-down subsidiary Mercator Lines (Singapore) (MLS). The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 30 March 2016. Powered by Capital Market - Live News Mercator surged 9.41% to Rs 22.10 at 11:20 IST on BSE after the company said that its wholly owned subsidiary has received approval from the Singapore exchange for divestment of its entire stake in a step-down subsidiary. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 30 March 2016. Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was up 115.82 points or 0.46% at 25,454.40. On BSE, so far 4.16 lakh shares were traded in the counter as against average daily volume of 2.84 lakh shares in the past one quarter. The stock hit a high of Rs 22.90 and a low of Rs 20.85 so far during the day. The stock had hit a 52-week high of Rs 31.45 on 24 December 2015. The stock had hit a 52-week low of Rs 14.55 on 3 June 2015. The small-cap company has equity capital of Rs 24.49 crore. Face value per share is Rs 1. Mercator said that its wholly owned subsidiary Mercator International Pte. (MIPL) has received approval from the Singapore exchange for divestment of its entire stake in the company's step-down subsidiary Mercator Lines (Singapore) (MLS). On consolidated basis, Mercator reported net loss of Rs 319.93 crore in Q3 December 2015 compared with net profit of Rs 6.17 crore in Q3 December 2014. Net sales rose 0.9% to Rs 714.64 crore in Q3 December 2015 over Q3 December 2014. Mercator group has business interests in coal, oil & gas, shipping and dredging. Powered by Capital Market - Live News Mahanagar Telephone Nigam rose 3.17% to Rs 17.90 at 14:12 IST on BSE after the government approved compensation of Rs 458.04 crore to the company for surrendering spectrum. Meanwhile, the BSE Sensex was up 110.28 points, or 0.44%, to 25,436.26 On BSE, so far 5.61 lakh shares were traded in the counter, compared with an average volume of 3.98 lakh shares in the past one quarter. The stock hit a high of Rs 18.30 and a low of Rs 17.30 so far during the day. The stock hit a 52-week high of Rs 24.50 on 3 December 2015. The stock hit a 52-week low of Rs 14.45 on 25 August 2015. The stock had underperformed the market over the past one month till 30 March 2016, rising 2.97% compared with 10.16% rise in the Sensex. The scrip also underperformed the market in past one quarter, sliding 20.96% as against Sensex's 2.39% decline. The small-cap company has an equity capital of Rs 630 crore. Face value per share is Rs 10. Mahanagar Telephone Nigam (MTNL) during market hours today, 31 March 2016 said that Government had approved compensation of Rs 458.04 crore to the company for surrendering 800 MHz CDMA spectrum out of which Rs 428.95 crore has been sanctioned for disbursal vide DOT letter dated 28 March 2016 and the amount has been received by the company in its account on 30 March 2016. MTNL reported net loss of Rs 704.93 crore in Q3 December 2015, lower than net loss of Rs 730.83 crore in Q3 December 2014. Net sales fell 5.8% to Rs 766.98 crore in Q3 December 2015 over Q3 December 2014. MTNL offers telecom service in Mumbai and Delhi and BSNL offers telecom services in rest of India. The Government of India (GoI) holds 55.45% stake in MTNL (as per the shareholding pattern as on 31 December 2015). Powered by Capital Market - Live News Shares of public sector oil marketing companies (PSU OMCs) will be in focus as a regular fuel price review is due today, 31 March 2016. PSU OMCs review fuel prices twice a month based on the trend in international oil market and currency movement. The first review takes place during the middle of the month and the last review at the month-end. Shares of aviation firms will be in focus as a regular jet fuel price review is due today, 31 March 2016. PSU OMCs revise jet fuel prices on the last day of the month based on the average imported oil price during the month. Prices of jet fuel or aviation turbine fuel (ATF) constitutes approximately 50% of operating expenses of Indian airlines. Shares of infrastructure companies will be in focus after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in a notification issued yesterday, 30 March 2016, allowed all companies engaged in the infrastructure sector to raise external commercial borrowings (ECB) under Track I of the framework with minimum average maturity period of five years, subject to 100% hedging. Companies in infrastructure sector shall utilize the ECB proceeds raised under Track I for the end uses permitted for this Track, the RBI said. Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) announced that rating agency CRISIL has reaffirmed its ratings on the company's long-term bank facilities and non-convertible debenture (NCD) programme at 'CRISIL AAA/Stable' and for short-term facilities and commercial paper programme at 'CRISIL A1+'. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 30 March 2016. Punjab National Bank (PNB) said that rating agency CARE has downgraded its ratings on the bank's Tier I and upper Tier II bonds to CARE AA+ from earlier rating of CARE AAA, mainly on account of the impairments in the credit portfolio. PNB said it has not accepted the downward revision by CARE. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 30 March 2016. Vijaya Bank announced that the allotment committee of the board has accorded approval for allotment of 7.34 crore equity shares of Rs 10 each at a premium of Rs 20.75 per share (total issue price of Rs 30.75 per share) by way of preferential issue to the tune of upto Rs 226 crore to Life Insurance Corporation of India. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 30 March 2016. IIFL Holdings announced that it has acquired 26.86 lakh equity shares having face value of Rs 10 each constituting 1.13% of the equity share capital of India Infoline Finance (IIFL), the non banking financial subsidiary of the company, from Bennett Coleman & Company at fair value as certified by an independent chartered accountant. Pursuant to acquisition, IIFL becomes a 100% subsidiary of IIFL Holdings. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 30 March 2016. IL&FS Transportation Networks (ITNL) said that the committee of directors had approved the allotment of 4,250 rated, listed, redeemable, non-convertible debentures of face value of Rs l0 lakh each aggregating to Rs 425 crore on a private placement basis. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 30 March 2016. Nesher Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Zydus Pharmaceuticals USA has received its first ANDA approval from the USFDA to market Dextroamphetamine IR Tabs. The drug falls in the CNS stimulant segment and is the first product to be developed by the R&D team at Nesher. The drug will be produced at the manufacturing facility based at St. Louis, Missouri, USA. The estimated US sales for Dextroamphetamine IR Tabs is $40.6 million as per IMS. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 30 March 2016. Hindustan Zinc said that the board of directors of the company at its meeting held yesterday, 30 March 2016, has declared special golden jubilee dividend of Rs 24 per share for the financial year ending 31 March 2016. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 30 March 2016. The stock offered a dividend yield of 13.7% based on the stock's closing price of Rs 175.15 on the BSE yesterday, 30 March 2016. Natco Pharma said that the board of directors of the company at its meeting held yesterday, 30 March 2016, has approved the sale of Save Mart Pharmacy Stores located in USA which is a non-core business of the company. The Save Mart Pharmacy Stores is being owned by Natco Pharma Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the company. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 30 March 2016. Dewan Housing Finance Corporation said that the company has made an investment of Rs 75 crore by way of subscription to equity share capital in DHFL Advisory and Investments (WOS), a newly incorporated wholly owned subsidiary of the company. The WOS proposes to use this money for making investments in DHFL Pramerica Asset Managers (JV AMC), which is a joint venture between the company and PGLH of Delaware Inc. The company has received the approval of the Securities and Exchange Board of India on 28 March 2016, for investment. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 30 March 2016. Powered by Capital Market - Live News Sun Pharmaceutical Industries rose 1.65% to Rs 825 at 14:35 IST on BSE, with the stock extending yesterday's gain triggered by announcing the acquisition of 14 brands from Novartis AG and Novartis Pharma AG in Japan. Meanwhile, the BSE Sensex was down 38.34 points, or 0.15%, to 25,300.24 On BSE, so far 94,161 shares were traded in the counter, compared with an average volume of 4.86 lakh shares in the past one quarter. The stock hit a high of Rs 828.55 and a low of Rs 813.05 so far during the day. The stock hit a record high of Rs 1,200.70 on 7 April 2015. The stock hit a 52-week low of Rs 706.40 on 24 November 2015. The large-cap company has an equity capital of Rs 240.67 crore. Face value per share is Re 1. Shares of Sun Pharmaceutical Industries gained 2.21% to settle at Rs 811.60 yesterday, 30 March 2016 after the company said that according to the agreements entered into between the parties, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Pharma will acquire the portfolio consisting of 14 established prescription brands from Novartis for a cash consideration of $293 million. The announcement was made before market hours yesterday, 30 March 2016. These brands have combined annualized revenues of approximately $160 million and address medical conditions across several therapeutic areas. Under the terms of the agreements, Novartis will continue to distribute these brands, for a certain period, pending transfer of all marketing authorizations to Sun Pharma's subsidiary. The acquired brands will be marketed by a reliable and established local marketing partner under the Sun Pharma label. The local marketing partner will also be responsible for distribution of the brands. As per the December 2015 IMS data, the size of the Japanese pharmaceutical market was estimated at $73 billion, accounting for over 7% of the $1 trillion global pharmaceutical market. The stock gained 3.89% in two days from its close of Rs 794.05 on 29 March 2016. Sun Pharmaceutical Industries' consolidated net profit jumped 258.3% to Rs 1416.60 crore on 2.3% rise in net sales to Rs 7046.57 crore in Q3 December 2015 over Q3 December 2014. Sun Pharma is a specialty generic pharmaceutical company and India's top pharmaceutical company. Powered by Capital Market - Live News The Independent Palmyra's historic monumental arch. Bernard Gagnon The biggest military defeat that Isis has suffered in more than two years. The recapture of Palmyra, the Roman city of the Empress Zenobia. And we are silent. Yes, folks, the bad guys won, didn't they? Otherwise, we would all be celebrating, wouldn't we? Less than a week after the lost souls of the 'Islamic Caliphate' destroyed the lives of more than 30 innocent human beings in Brussels, we should - should we not? - have been clapping our hands at the most crushing military reverse in the history of Isis. But no. As the black masters of execution fled Palmyra this weekend, Messers Obama and Cameron were as silent as the grave to which Isis have dispatched so many of their victims. He who lowered our national flag in honour of the head-chopping king of Arabia (I'm talking about Dave, of course) said not a word. As my long-dead colleague on the Sunday Express, John Gordon, used to say, makes you sit up a bit, doesn't it? Here are the Syrian army, backed, of course, by Vladimir Putin's Russkies, chucking the clowns of Isis out of town, and we daren't utter a single word to say well done. Tata Steel fell 1.65% to Rs 319.05 at 12:09 IST on BSE on media reports that a foreign brokerage has maintained its underperform rating on the stock citing higher valuations. Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was up 71.29 points or 0.28% at 25,409.87. On BSE, so far 5.75 lakh shares were traded in the counter as against average daily volume of 12.42 lakh shares in the past one quarter. The stock hit a high of Rs 325.60 and a low of Rs 318.70 so far during the day. The stock had hit a 52-week low of Rs 200 on 29 September 2015. The stock had hit a 52-week high of Rs 384.20 on 6 May 2015. The stock had outperformed the market over the past one month till 30 March 2016, surging 30.23% compared with Sensex's 10.16% rise. The scrip had also outperformed the market in past one quarter, advancing 25.66% as against Sensex's 2.39% fall. The large-cap company has equity capital of Rs 971.22 crore. Face value per share is Rs 10. The foreign brokerage reportedly said that Tata Steel would witness cash drag till it finds a new buyer for its European business operations. The brokerage sees continued pain in Tata Steel's European operations. Tata Steel had recently announced its decision of exploring all options for portfolio restructuring including the potential divestment of its UK subsidiary Tata Steel UK, in whole or in parts in the wake of deteriorating financial performance of the UK subsidiary in the last twelve months. On consolidated basis, Tata Steel reported net loss of Rs 2127.23 crore in Q3 December 2015 as against net profit of Rs 157.11 crore in Q3 December 2014. Net sales declined 16.5% to Rs 27818.73 crore in Q3 December 2015 over Q3 December 2014. Tata Steel is Europe's second largest steel producer. The combined Tata Steel group is largest steel producer in the world. Powered by Capital Market - Live News Saint-Gobain Sekurit India, Repco Home Finance, Ashapura Minechem and Hindustan Zinc are among the other stocks to see a surge in volumes on BSE today, 31 March 2016. V-Guard Industries clocked volume of 1.05 lakh shares by 13:27 IST on BSE, a 267.89 times surge over two-week average daily volume of 393 shares. The stock rose 1.12% at Rs 878. Saint-Gobain Sekurit India notched up volume of 1.23 crore shares, a 180.89-fold surge over two-week average daily volume of 69,000 shares. The stock surged 11.34% at Rs 41.25 after a massive bulk deal of 1.19 crore shares was executed on the scrip at Rs 41 per share at 09:33 IST on BSE today, 31 March 2016. Repco Home Finance saw volume of 3.03 lakh shares, a 40.91-fold surge over two-week average daily volume of 7,000 shares. The stock fell 0.43% at Rs 567. Ashapura Minechem clocked volume of 11.86 lakh shares, a 26.23-fold surge over two-week average daily volume of 45,000 shares. The stock rose 5.64% at Rs 76.80. Hindustan Zinc saw volume of 18.42 lakh shares, a 19.61-fold rise over two-week average daily volume of 94,000 shares. The stock rose 5.05% at Rs 184 after the company said its board of directors at a meeting held yesterday, 30 March 2016, declared special golden jubilee dividend of Rs 24 per share for the financial year ending 31 March 2016. Shares of Hindustan Zinc offered a dividend yield of 13.7% based on the stock's closing price of Rs 175.15 on the BSE yesterday, 30 March 2016. Powered by Capital Market - Live News At least 40 officials of Karnataka pre-university board were suspended on Thursday following the leak of the chemistry question paper of the second year pre-university course (PUC) re-exam earlier in the day. "I have suspended 40 officials of the PU examination division and ordered an inquiry into the leak of the chemistry question paper for the re-exam that was re-scheduled today (Thursday) but cancelled," Karnataka Primary and Secondary Minister Kimmane Ratnakar told reporters here. The re-exam in chemistry will be held on April 12 across the state. The cancellation and suspension came amid massive protests by hundreds of angry students and worried parents at the board office in the city and in many districts across the state. In the state legislature, opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) lawmakers sought Ratnakar's resignation for the question paper leak just 10 days after a paper in the same subject (chemistry) got leaked and its exam held on March 21 was cancelled. The lawmakers of the assembly and council, attending the last day of the 14-day budget session, held a protest demo at the chief minister's office in Vidhan Soudha (state secretariat) where the legislature is also located. A rattled Chief Minister Siddaramaiah assured the opposition members of taking stringent action against the officials but rejected seeking Ratnakar's resignation. Earlier in the day, PU board director Pallavi Akruthi cancelled the re-exam on a tip-off from the state police crime investigation department (CID) sleuths that the question paper was being circulated in Bengaluru and Tumukuru in the wee hours. Tumakuru is about 70 km from Bengaluru. The CID is already investigating the paper leak on March 21. "We have cancelled the three-hour re-exam that was to be held from 9.30 a.m. in all the 30 districts across the state and directed the in-charge of the centres to convey to the students that it (re-exam) will be held on April 12," Akruthi told reporters later. The minister has set up a three-member committee to oversee the re-exam on April 12 and ensure that the question paper, to be set afresh, is not leaked again. The committee will be headed by state transport secretary Rame Gowda, who was PU board director in 2013, with Akruthi and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan joint director P.C. Jaffer as the two members. The re-exam was re-scheduled to Thursday from Tuesday (March 29) after the exam in the subject (chemistry) was cancelled on March 21 following reports that its question paper got circulated in 2-3 districts on Whatsapp through smartphones. At least 1.74 lakh students were to write the re-exam in the science subject for the PUC certificate, which is equivalent to 12th standard or second year intermediate course in other states. Protests also erupted in Dharward, Hubbali, Mysuru, Chitradurga, Bagalkot and other districts across the state, with hundreds of science students staging demos against the question paper leak for the second time. The Federation of All India Farmers Associations has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to align the graphic health warnings on cigarette packets with other tobacco producing countries to safeguard the growers under threat. The associations, which represent tobacco growers in India, have also sought action against global NGOs, which were allegedly trying to push for higher pictorial warnings on tobacco and cigarette packets without talking about major economies like the US, Japan and China, which have no pictorial warnings. A parliamentary committee recently advocated pictorial warnings on tobacco and cigarette packets to be brought down to 50 percent from 85 percent, saying that the latter figure will be too harsh on the tobacco industry. In 2015-16, over 25 tobacco farmers committed suicide over the lack of revenue due to the rise in taxes and pictorial warnings on packets of tobacco products. "These anti-tobacco activists and NGOs are putting one-sided and statistically doubtful data to cast a sense of urgency on tobacco control in the minds of policy makers. "If claims of these vested groups with regard to pictorial health warnings were scientifically valid, why would the US, which has the most stringent health protocols in the world, only follow text-based warnings, that too only on the side of the pack (US has zero percent pictorial warnings on both sides of the pack)," said the letter written to Modi. According to the Tobacco Institute of India, there were over two lakh tobacco growers in the country and the industry provides further employment to lakhs of others. The association also demanded Modi to set up a team to get investigated the alleged hidden agenda of the activists, their source of funds, purpose, utilisation, individual/institutional wealth prior to and post-tobacco activism. : This might not be your regular contemporary show where dancers swirl in the air with fluid movements. Here, performers may be wheel-chair bound with well co-ordinated movements in sync with their partners. Welcome to Candoco, UK's professional dance company that integrates physically challenged and other dancers. Disability is not an impediment for Dan Dawn, a dancer with Candoco, who performed in the capital with Mirjam Gurtner, his stage partner for years, to a full house at British Council on Wednesday late evening. "Dance is everything for me. It's a challenge, its art, politics, and it's a special place for me," says Dawn, who joined the company five years ago. The duo, who performed the act 'Studies for C' composed by award-winning choreographer Javier de Frutos, say that their focus is on creating a bold work rather than pitching on the disability quotient. "Our philosophy is to create bold and excellent art. That's our focus and it's not about abled or disabled. Our dance is about celebration of bodies. Our bodies work in different ways to create a level playing field," says Gurtner, who dons the roles of a performer, choreographer and rehearsal director. The act, inspired by Tennessee Williams' play 'Camino Real' and Samuel Beckett's 'Waiting for Godot', depicts a couple trapped in a stagnating relationship. Narrating the theme, Dawn says, "the couple is unable to escape the domestic world because their reliance on each other has become strong. It's about how they deal with the situation." Dawn finds the Indian audience both encouraging and sensitive. The company has made pit stops in Kolkata and Chennai earlier this month as part of its Indian tour, marking its 25th year celebrations. Set to traditional Mexican ranchera music by Lila Downs, the performances take place in an intimate domestic world in which the use of Mexican wrestling masks suggests the deeper, darker forces at work. "The connotation is that when two people stay together in a place for a long time, there is bound to be conflict and the mask is the metaphor in the show," said Dawn. The costumes, designed by de Frutos, feature the writings of Mexican revolutionary Emiliano Zapata, who famously said, "I would rather die on my feet than live on my knees." Ask the duo how they find a level playing ground, and Gurtner says, "We made peace four years ago. It's a privilege to work together for long years. We have developed a relationship on stage and we have learned a lot from each other. It's about deeply connecting with your partner in movements in the stage." The core philosophy of the company founded by contemporary dancer Celeste Dandekar 25 years ago, is in inclusiveness, says Gurtner. "Dandekar had a fall while performing in a stage, resulting in a spinal injury. It prevented her from dancing until choreographer Darshan Singh Buller persuaded her to dance again, albeit from her wheelchair. In 1991, she founded Candoco to integrate both physically challenged and others". Collaboration is the watch word for the company, says Gurtner. "We have internationally famous choreographers. and they bring specific movements to company. It's about each dancer finding their way of working with their body in that manner. Here, artists also have the freedom to improvise. It's a collaborative process," she says, adding that dance opens the door to understand the world. (Preetha Nair can be contacted at preetha.n@ians.in) The army has deployed four columns to rescue people trapped under a flyover under construction that collapsed here on Thursday, an official said. "There are three medical teams with two ambulances and surgeons as well as nursing assistants. An engineer team has also reached with specialist equipment," a defence ministry spokesman said here. The West Bengal government sought army help after the disaster left at least 14 people dead and 70 injured. In New Delhi, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Director General O.P. Singh said two of its teams were at the spot. "More teams are being mobilized," he said. The state government has opened an Emergency Operations Centre, which is functioning at the state secretariat. The contact number is 1070. Another control room with number 0332145326 has also been opened. Australian has lifted the lid on allegations of corruption in the oil industry dating back decades, implicating global companies, officials and ministers, likely renewing investigations that had stalled. Hundreds of internal emails from Monaco-based company Unaoil, leaked to Fairfax published late Wednesday night as part of a six-month long investigation, allegedly showed the family-owned business acting as a middle man to funnel multi-million dollar bribes to state officials deciding contracts on rig projects in the Middle East. The emails implicate global corporates such as US based Halliburton, South Korea's Samsung Electronics and Hyundai Motors, Australia's CIMIC Group and Britain's Rolls Royce, among others. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) told Xinhua news agency on Thursday that it was conducting an investigation into the allegations "that employees of the Leighton Group companies were involved in the payment of bribes during two oil projects in Iraq in 2010 and 2011." "As the investigation is ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further," an AFP spokesperson said. The documents allege some business either did not know or believe corruption was occurring, while others ignored or actively participated. The tactics employed include bribing officials, avoiding or rigging tender committees or obtaining leaked information for advantage. All designated branches of 'agency banks' will remain open till 8 p.m. on Thursday to help people pay their taxes on the last day of the financial year 2015-16, the Reserve Bank of India said. 'Agency banks' are banks authorised to carry out government transactions, such as collection of taxes. The 'agency banks' will keep the counters of their designated branches conducting government business open till 8 p.m. on Thursday. All electronic transactions will continue till midnight. Real Time Gross Settlement and National Electronic Funds Transfer will also remain operational for extended hours. State-owned IDBI Bank too will remain open for extra hours despite a section of its employees being on strike. Thursday is the last day of the strike called by two of IDBI Bank trade unions in protest the reported moves by the central government to bring down its equity in the bank to less than 50 percent. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is demanding from its ally Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) an equal share in Jammu and Kashmir's new government and also a free hand in the administration of the Jammu region. A BJP insider said that the party leaders were of the view that since both the partners have almost an equal number of MLAs in the 87-member house, it was natural to demand an equal share in the new cabinet to be headed by PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti. "The BJP wants better share in governance to keep its boat on even keel vis-a-vis its vote bank in the Jammu region. We also want a free hand in general administration so far as the Jammu region is concerned," the source told IANS. The insider refused to be identified because the two sides were still negotiating the formation of the state government. Mehbooba and BJP's Nirmal Singh, tipped to be her deputy, staked claim to power last week when they met Governor N.N. Vohra. Since then, there has been no major headway in government formation in the state that has been without an elected government since January when then chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed died in a Delhi hospital. It is believed that the swearing-in of Mehbooba as the chief minister, and her council of ministers has been delayed because the two parties are still negotiating berth sharing. In the previous ruling coalition that lasted for about 10 months, the PDP had 11 cabinet ministers while the BJP had eight. Both parties had three junior ministers each in the ministerial council. The key portfolios of home, general administration, finance, education, law and parliamentary affairs, tourism, agriculture and revenue were with the PDP. The BJP had power development, social welfare, forest, public health engineering, industries and commerce and flood protection departments. The PDP's number in the assembly has been reduced to 27 now from 28 when Sayeed was alive. It also enjoys the support of one independent candidate. The BJP has 25 but is supported by three more -- including two from the Peoples Conference, led by Sajad Lone, and an independent. A Thai woman was arrested at Cambodia's Phnom Penh International Airport for carrying about 2.6 kg of cocaine disguised as candies stuffed in chocolate cans, authorities said on Thursday. The woman arrived in Phnom Penh via Qatar Airways flight QR970 from Doha late Wednesday, the airport authorities said. Cambodia has no death sentence for drug traffickers. Under its law, a person who traffics more than 80 grams of drug will face life imprisonment, Xinhua news agency reported. The Southeast Asian country saw a sharp rise in drug arrests in 2015. According to the National Authority for Combating Drugs, about 7,008 drug suspects had been caught last year with the seizures of some 1,620 kg of drugs including marijuana, heroin, cocaine, ketamine, ecstasy and methamphetamine. The chemistry examination of the second year pre-university course (PUC) on Thursday was cancelled in Karnataka after the question paper leaked, a senior official said. "We have cancelled the exam after police alerted us that the question paper was being circulated in Bengaluru and Tumakuru," pre-university board director Pallavi Akruthi told reporters here. Tumakuru is about 70 km from Bengaluru. Earlier too, the chemistry exam was cancelled on March 21 following reports that the question paper got circulated in two-three districts on Whatsapp. Karnataka Minister Kimmane Ratnakar will announce by Thursday evening the new date for the exam, Akruthi said. The paper leak and cancellation within 10 days after the first leak led to massive protests by students and parents at the board office here. The demonstrators demanded stringent action against the culprits. The leak also rocked the state legislature, with lawmakers demanding Ratnakar's resignation and action against the board officials in-charge of conducting the re-exam. At least 1.74 lakh students were to write the re-exam in the science subject for the PUC certificate, which is equivalent to 12th standard or second year intermediate course in other states. Protests also erupted in Dharward, Hubbali, Mysuru, Chitradurga, Bagalkot and other districts, with hundreds of science students staging demonstrations against the question paper leak. When Congress-led UPA government was in power, India was being run from Italy, BJP president Amit Shah said here on Thursday in a retort to Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi. "Rahulji came here and said Assam will be governed from Nagpur if BJP comes to power. I want to tell him that their government for 10 years was run from Italy when they were in power," said Shah, addressing a rally here in the Barak Valley, which goes to polls on April 4. He said whereas the Congress does not know the difference between an infiltrator and a refugee, the BJP government will not only stop infiltration from Bangladesh, but will also give citizenship to those who had fled religious persecution in that country. "We have been opposing infiltration from Bangladesh since the days of Assam movement... We are going to make such arrangements that not even a bird can enter the country, forget about the infiltrators," Shah said. It is the BJP government at the Centre that has issued a notification recently, which envisages giving citizenship to Hindu migrants and refugees who fled to India due to religious persecution and atrocities, said Shah. Assam would not be alone in shouldering responsibility of the Hindu refugees, but the country would chip in, said the BJP president. The Congress's only "achievement" seems to be that it has "let the Bangladeshis infiltrate into Assam," Shah said. "Rahulji and Soniaji are visiting Assam. I told them for once, at least, say that illegal infiltration should stop in Assam. But both have not even mentioned infiltration in their speeches." "How can they speak against infiltrators? They cannot because the Bangladeshis have become Congress's vote banks across the state," Shah added. Shah slammed the Congress for failing to address the problems of Assam despite being in power for 15 long years. Actor Kalaiyarasan has busy days ahead of him as two of his Tamil releases "Darling 2" and "Raja Manthiri" are slated for release in April, followed by superstar Rajinikanth starrer "Kabali" in May or June. "I'm excited as well as nervous as I have back-to-back releases. 'Darling 2' releases on Friday, and I'm confident that the film will go a long way in establishing my career," Kalaiyarasan told IANS, adding that he feels honoured to have shared screen space with Rajinikanth in "Kabali". Directed by debutant Sathish Chandrasekaran, "Darling 2" is second part in the "Darling" franchise. Tipped to be based on real events, the film also features Kaali Venkat, Hari, Rameez Raja, Arjunan and Maya. The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) on Thursday urged the Manipur government to immediately drop all charges against rights activist Irom Sharmila. "Following the order of a Delhi court acquitting human rights defender Irom Sharmila of an attempt to commit suicide charge under the Indian Penal Code... the case against her in Manipur is, however, still ongoing. The decision of the Delhi court is not binding on the courts in Manipur. The government of Manipur must immediately drop all charges under section 309 against her," ICJ official Sanhita Ambast told IANS. A court here on Wednesday acquitted Sharmila, who has been on a 15-year hunger strike demanding repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, of charges of attempt to commit suicide. Terming the use of section 309 against Sharmila as the "outdated and absurd nature of this law", ICJ Asia director Sam Zarifi quoted the Supreme Court's 2011 statement that time has come when the section should be deleted by parliament as it has become anachronistic. "The government should expedite the repeal of 309 and, instead of criminalising Irom Sharmila's protest, focus on the reason behind it and repeal the AFSPA," Zarifi said in a statement. "The government of Manipur should drop the other charges under section 309 against her, and release her immediately and unconditionally." He said that in 2014, the government had announced that it was in the process of repealing section 309. The ICJ called the Delhi court order a recognition that Sharmila's hunger strike was a form of peaceful dissent and protest protected by the right to freedom of expression. Sharmila began a hunger strike in November 2000, demanding that the government repeal the AFSPA, following the killing of 10 civilians by security forces purportedly acting under it in Malom. She was arrested by the Manipur government in 2000 under section 309 of the Indian Penal Code, which prohibits an attempt to commit suicide. India and the 28-member European Union (EU) ended their 13th summit in Brussels Wednesday night by underlining their commitment to strengthen their strategic and economic partnership. "As global partners and the world's largest democracies, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the EU-India strategic partnership based on shared values and principles," the leaders declared in a joint statement. The leaders endorsed the "EU-India Agenda for Action-2020", setting out a concrete road-map for the EU-India strategic partnership for the next five years. Read more from our special coverage on "EU-INDIA SUMMIT" The Agenda seeks to strengthen foreign policy cooperation, in areas of mutual interest such as Asia, Africa, West Asia, Europe, and other relevant areas through regular dialogue. They confirmed their "strong interest in building global peace, security and prosperity, fostering non-proliferation and disarmament, and tackling global challenges such as terrorism and climate change in addition to other challenges such as migration and refugee crisis". They expressed their commitment to further strengthen the EU-India economic partnership. The leaders welcomed that both sides have re-engaged in discussions with a view to considering how to further the EU-India Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement negotiations. The EU was represented at the summit by Donald Tusk, president of the European Council, and Jean-Claude Juncker, president of the European Commission. The Republic of India was represented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The leaders welcomed the European Investment Bank's (EIB's) commitment to supporting long-term investment in infrastructure crucial for environmentally sustainable social and economic development in India. They welcomed a total loan of 450 million euro as a participation in the construction of the first metro line in the city of Lucknow, with the signature by the EIB and the Government of India of a first tranche of 200 million euro. The leaders welcomed the announcement by the EIB of the upcoming establishment, in New Delhi, of the bank's regional representation for South Asia. Emphasising that the threat of terrorism is global and needs to be tackled globally, the leaders adopted a joint declaration on counter-terrorism. The EU and India renewed the 2010 'Joint Declaration on International Terrorism' and decided to step up cooperation to counter violent extremism and radicalisation, the flow of foreign terrorist fighters, sources of terrorist financing and arms supply The EU and India expressed their confidence in the arbitration procedure on the Italian Marines case currently underway in the framework of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, to which India and Italy are strongly committed. Both sides will contribute to settling the case on this basis, enabling the cause of justice to be served for all those affected . The leaders reiterated their commitment for a sustainable, democratic, prosperous and peaceful Afghanistan and agreed that a stable and democratic Pakistan is in the interest of the entire region. The EU and India decided to step up their cooperation to fight climate change and adopted a joint declaration between the EU and India on a clean energy and climate Partnership' The EU and India agreed to address environmental challenges, working together towards sustainable development and enhancing cooperation on environment issues. The joint declaration by the EU and the Republic of India on Indo-European Water Partnership' adopted at the Summit foresees strengthening technological, scientific and management capabilities in the field of water management and supports the Indian 'Clean Ganga' and 'Clean India' flagship projects. The leaders also endorsed the establishment of the Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility (CAMM) between the EU and India, reflecting the importance of India as a strategic partner for the EU in the field of migration and mobility. The CAMM, as a framework for cooperation, is the start of a longer term process which will lead to deeper cooperation and solid mutual engagement on migration. The fear that nuclear materials may fall into the hands of Islamic State or other terrorist groups will be a major issue at this week's Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, involving more than 50 countries with the notable exception of Russia. The biennial event was launched in 2010 at the initiative of US President Barack Obama, who pledged at the start of his term to make nuclear non-proliferation a priority. Last week's terror attacks in Brussels have given further impetus to efforts to safeguard stockpiles of nuclear material. The summit will begin on Thursday evening with a working dinner at the White House where Obama and the heads of the respective national delegations "will share their perspectives about the threat of nuclear terrorism", Deputy National Security Adviser Ben Rhodes said. Russia, the world's other great nuclear power along with the US, is skipping the summit to protest "a certain lack of cooperation during the preliminary stage of working on issues and topics of the summit", Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday. Among the leaders who will attend are Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, French President Francois Hollande, Britain's David Cameron, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Ukraine's Petro Poroshenko, and the President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev. Kazakhstan co-chairs with Japan the organisation pushing for implementation of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 left Kazakhstan in possession of the world's fourth-largest nuclear arsenal, the government of the newly-independent nation ordered the immediate dismantlement of the stockpile. In 2006, Astana ratified the Central Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone and last year, Kazakhstan became the home of the Atomic Energy Agency's Low Enriched Uranium Bank, which is meant to ensure a supply of fuel for peaceful nuclear power. Amid sights of despair and distress, angry locals vented their ire against the West Bengal government's "feeble" attempts to rescue the injured from the debris of the flyover that collapsed in the city on Thursday. Their grievances were against the state's disaster management units which, they said, "arrived late". Many people protested when city mayor Sovan Chattopadhyay arrived at the spot to take stock of the situation. "The teams came late and with nothing that could help in the rescue process," a resident of Girish Park area, that is close to the collapse site, told IANS. "The team took gas cutters, beam cutters, ring cutters from an adjacent shop. They just came wearing jackets," said another. Fourteen people were killed when a flyover under construction crashed in a crowded market area on Thursday, crushing scores of unsuspecting people and vehicles, police and witnesses said. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who rushed to Kolkata after cancelling election rallies in West Midnapore district, said 70 others were injured in the incident that occurred around 12.30 p.m. Hundreds of locals were the first to reach the site at Posta area in the city's northern part to see how best they could rescue those buried in the heaps of debris before official rescue workers and police joined them. The army too deployed dozens of medical teams and engineers. "It was only when the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) arrived, the rescue momentum picked up. They had all the necessary equipment," said a spectator. Locals pitched in whatever way they could. Some handed out bottles of water to those pinned under mangled mass of concrete and metal. Others rushed the injured to hospitals in their own vehicles. Many did their bit by donating blood. Paris Saint Germain (PSG) striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic's agent Mino Raiola has compared him to fictional character Benjamin Button, saying that the 34-year-old is getting younger each day and can play for at least five more years. Button was the lead character in a 2008 Hollywood flick called "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" where he ages backward. Popular actor Brad Pitt essayed the role of the protagonist in the movie. The Swedish international's PSG contract expires at the end of this season, which has led to several clubs showing an interest in him. He has been linked with teams from the English Premier League, the Serie A, as well as outfits from China and Qatar. Ibrahimovic, who has scored 35 goals in all competitions for PSG so far this season and had earlier stated he still has a lot to offer. "Zlatan is just like Brad Pitt when he plays Benjamin Button, the guy who gets younger each day," Raiola was quoted as saying by La Gazzetta dello Sport on Thursday. "With his mental and physical condition, he can play on for another five years. His future? It will be a special choice." "All the clubs in Italy want him, including Napoli, but they are better at making films. Inter are also interested in signing him, but (Erick) Thohir's plans are not very clear. Milan are more about publicity I think. They would need three or four signings to become competitive again." Raiola stated there have been huge deals offered from clubs in China as well as from the Premier League except Manchester City. "There have been offers from all continents. I cannot give the exact figures, but we are talking about big numbers when it comes to China. We will know more pieces of the puzzle when I get back from my holiday in three weeks' time," Raiola said. "All the big clubs from the Premier League have been knocking on our door, except Pep Guardiola's Manchester City. Plus PSG are still doing everything within their powers to renew his contract. PSG remain an option for him as well," he concluded. As leaders from 50 nations began arriving for the here, the US said: "India has a very important role to play with respect to responsible stewardship of nuclear weapons and nuclear materials." Meeting in the shadow of Brussels and Lahore terror attacks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders will over the next two days discuss how to prevent terrorists and other non state actors from gaining access to nuclear materials and technologies. President Barack Obama, hosting the fourth and last such gathering, "obviously" is "delighted that Prime Minister Modi is able to be in Washington for the Nuclear Security Summit," Secretary of State John Kerry said before a meeting Wednesday with Indian NSA Ajit Doval. Doval, in turn, said India attached "considerable value" to this "very, very important summit and Modi "is deeply interested in seeing and ensuring that the safety and security of the radioactive material must be ensured." "India has a long record of being a leader, of being responsible," said Kerry. "And it is particularly important right now at a time when we see in the region some choices being made that may accelerate possible arms construction, which we have serious questions about." "We've raised them with various partners in the region. So our hope is that this will contribute to everybody's understanding about our global responsibilities and choices," Kerry said. Obama, America's top diplomat noted, "has called the relationship with India a defining relationship of this century, and there are many reasons for that." "India - a powerful, big, the largest democracy in the world, and a real partner with the United States on a lot of technology, energy issues," "We're particularly grateful to India for the leadership it offered in Paris helping us to reach a climate agreement," Kerry said. "And now, there is more that we can do with respect to the next steps in that agreement." Kerry said there were a number of other security and key issues "we need to talk about, but it's important to have this conversation." Doval said that India and US have made many strides after the new government of Prime Minister Modi has come and we have taken our relationship to new heights. "We have got many areas in which we have been able to improve and achieve substantial results," he said. "We do hope that this cooperation will find a new strength and new height, will get further strengthened and deepened." India, Doval said: "shared many concerns, particularly concerns about terrorism, concerns about the cyber space and we'll be working together on that." "We do hope that together, we should be able to make this place a better place to live and meet with these challenges together, and in cooperation with all other likeminded countries," he said. "We are all very proud and very happy about our good relationship and excellently growing relationship with United States," Doval added. Earlier Tuesday, Doval discussed counterterrorism cooperation, including against Pakistan based groups Lashkar-e-Taeba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, responsible for Mumbai and Pathankot terror attacks with US NSA Susan E Rice at the White House. Modi who is making his third visit to the US in two years reflecting the transformation in India-US ties is expected to have a separate bilateral meeting with Obama on the sidelines of the summit. He was also expected to meet with his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif, but the latter has cancelled his Washington visit in the wake of Lahore attacks. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday sought New Zealand's cooperation in the dairy industry during a bilateral meeting with his New Zealand counterpart John Key here. "The prime minister talked about our interest in having dairy technology from New Zealand," external affairs ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup said at a media briefing here. Modi's meeting with Key was held on the sidelines of the fourth and final edition of the biennial Nuclear Security Summit, the first of which was held in 2010. "As you know, New Zealand is one of the world leaders in food processing. Prime minister said that India is one of the world's largest producers of milk," Swarup said. Modi said that when it came to processing milk, India was not too good and New Zealand could find a very good market in India since the food processing industry has been enabled to obtain 100 percent foreign direct investment (FDI). Discussions between the Indian and New Zealand prime ministers also involved trade issues. "The New Zealand prime minister said that they had concluded a very successful FTA (free trade agreement) with China some years back and he was very keen on signing an FTA with India as well," Swarup said. The two prime ministers also discussed the promotion of tourism between the two countries given Bollywood's interest in New Zealand. Modi also told Key that more and more Indian students should be encouraged to study in New Zealand as they felt safe there. The Indian prime minister said that New Zealand could follow Australia's example of attracting Indian students. Modi arrived here on the second leg of his three-nation tour on Wednesday night from Brussels where he attended the 13th India-European Union (EU) Summit and held a bilateral meeting with Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel. Leaders of 53 nations and four international organisations are attending the Nuclear Security Summit. India and the US signed an agreement on Thursday for a new Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) project in India during the course of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit here. The agreement was signed between India's department of atomic energy and US' National Science Foundation. LIGO shot to fame recently after its scientists proved the gravitational waves theory. "Beyond ordinary breakthroughs. PM @narendramodi greets scientists from LIGO, who proved gravitational waves theory," external affairs ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup tweeted. The prime minister also met Indian student scientists associated with the LIGO project, Swarup said. Modi is here to attend the fourth and final edition of the biennial Nuclear Security Summit being held on Thursday and Friday. He arrived here on the second leg of his three-nation tour on Wednesday night from Brussels where he attended the 13th India-European Union (EU) Summit and held a bilateral meeting with his Belgian counterparty Charles Michel. Come April, Dutch trance trio Dash Berlin, which is spearheaded by Jeffrey Sutorius, will embark on a three-city musical tour starting from Mumbai. Held as a series of city concert tours in the run-up to the main 'Supersonic' festival, Vh1 Supersonic Arcade will see an electrifying performance by Dash Berlin on April 15, 16 and 17 in Mumbai, Pune and Bengaluru respectively. After a successful three years of hosting events with musical giants including the likes of Slash, Skrillex, Above & Beyond, Pretty Lights and more, LIVE Viacom18 announced the first step for the 2016 edition with Dash Berlin on Thursday via a statement. The electronic music group, which was created in 2007 and also consists of Eelke Kalberg and Sebastiaan Molijn along with Sutorius, is expected to regale their fans with their super energetic electronic dance music beats. In Mumbai, they will perform at The Lalit; at JW Marriot in Pune; and at Royal Orchid in Bengaluru. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday met Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in Canberra and apprised him of the immense scope for increasing economic ties between the two countries. According to an Indian official source here, Jaitley extended an invitation to Turnbull to visit India. Turnbull expressed his interest in cooperating with India in renewable energy, a sector where Australia has developed considerable expertise. Jaitley arrived in the Australian capital on Thursday after a two-day visit to Sydney where he inaugurated a 'Make in India' conference. The minister is scheduled to address the K.R. Narayanan oration series for this year at the Australian National University later on Thursday, the penultimate day of his visit to Australia. Jaitley's speech will review the potential of the government's policy initiatives to stimulate financial inclusion and reduce poverty and create job opportunities through enhanced public participation. The minister met Australia's Treasurer Scott Morrison in Sydney on Wednesday where he called for exposure of Australian future and super funds in India, according to the Indian finance ministry. The release said Jaitley called for increased investment by Australian businesses in India for better returns, to which Morrison said Australia too was keen to further increase its investments in India. Jaitley told Morrison that India was keen to learn from the Australian experience in implementing the Goods and Services Tax, a bill on which is currently stalled in Indian parliament. A Jamshedpur court on Thursday acquitted Chief Minister Raghubar Das in a case of violation of the model code of conduct. Das and three Bharatiya Janata Party workers were accused of opening a party office in a restricted area during the 2009 assembly polls in Jharkhand. Police had lodged a complaint against Das and the BJP workers. A joint operation carried out by China and Hong Kong led to the arrest of 2,943 illegal immigrants, the media reported on Thursday. Among the detained immigrants, 2,860 are from Southeast Asia and 83 from South Asia, said the public security ministry on Wednesday. Most illegal immigrants were trying to sneak into Hong Kong from China to seek employment, it added. Since the operation started on February 20, police in Guangdong, Guangxi and Yunnan provinces have dismantled three cross-border smuggling syndicates with the help of Hong Kong police, the ministry announced. A total of 142 suspects from the three syndicates were apprehended by police, including 29 from countries in Southeast Asia and South Asia. "Smugglers in Southeast Asia and South Asia recruit immigrants, smugglers in the mainland transfer them to Guangdong from the border and ports and then sneak them into Hong Kong, and smugglers in Hong Kong take control of the whole process," it added. The authorities vowed to increase cooperation between police in Guangdong, Guangxi, Yunnan and Xinjiang and step up the joint crackdown on human smuggling, in an effort to safeguard social security and stability. Strewn body parts, splattered blood, mangled vehicles and people wailing - Kolkata's bustling Ganesh Talkies crossing resembled a war zone on Thursday after a flyover under construction came crashing over people and motorists. It was business as usual on the busy street - one of the oldest and the busiest thoroughfares of the city - before mayhem struck at around 12.25. "Suddenly I heard a rumbling sound. Before I could realise what it was, I saw the flyover crashing down, crushing people and vehicles," said Raju Shaw, who runs a paan shop. Scores of people like Shaw braved the fallen rubble to rush to rescue the victims buried under the debris. Carrying the injured on their backs, the bravehearts began ferrying the injured to the nearest hospital. Others offered water to those had escaped with minor injuries but were too dazed. Having cheated death by a whisker, street vendor Bimal Das also lent his hand in the rescue work before soldiers, the NDRF and Disaster Management Group poured in to clear the tonnes of rubble. "I am lucky to have escaped certain death. The moment I heard the rumble, I ran to the opposite side thinking it to be an earthquake," said Das. He is still stunned by the tragedy that has claimed 14 lives and left at least 78 seriously injured. Besides numerous pedestrians, cyclists and street vendors, witnesses said that several vehicles including a crowded mini bus and taxis were trapped beneath the iron and mortar rubble. The death toll is likely to shoot up. A video of the disaster showed the Vivekananda Road Flyover - whose foundation was laid in 2008 and where work began in February 2009 - suddenly crashing with a roar, giving no time for anyone under it to escape. With the collapsed flyover covering the entire road, rescue operations were badly hampered as cranes found it difficult to reach the spot. Later, people formed human chains to regulate the flow of soldiers. Besides lending a hand in the rescue work, the locals also provided drinking water to army and NDRF personnel who worked tirelessly, cutting through the mangled iron girders and mortars looking for survivors. Several voluntary blood donation camps quickly came up. Many donors rushed to various hospitals. Several blood banks offered blood free of cost for the victims. The tech savvy used social networking sites and WhatsApp to communicate useful information including the hospitals where the injured had been admitted and the helpline numbers put up by the government. Cancelling her election rallies in West Midnapore district, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee rushed to the spot and immediately took charge of the rescue operations. Using a loudhailer, she repeatedly urged the hundreds of onlookers not to crowd the site and hamper the rescue work. She announced in a sombre voice: "So far 14 people have died and 70 others have injured." Banerjee asked police to control the crowds, ordered floodlights to be arranged at the site and drinking water provided to the media persons. Besides announcing ex-gratia of Rs.5 lakh to the families of the dead and Rs.2 lakh for the injured, Banerjee promised action against the company engaged in building the flyover. "The guilty will not be spared. We will take action," said Banerjee. The construction company, IVRCL Infrastructure, described the disaster an "act of God". Lansdowne in Uttarakhand was voted the best upcoming hill destination while New Zealand was chosen as the best international adventure destination by Outlook Traveller Readers' Survey. The award function for it was held here on Wednesday. The award function, which entered in its ninth year, was organised to emphasise the growing change in preference of destinations by travellers that honoured and showcased the very best of travel and hospitality experiences in India and overseas. The selection of the award recipients was done by readers who chose the best in each category in an online poll conducted by the travel magazine. "Outlook Traveller's award for 24 categories is completely based on reader's survey and readers' vote. People are looking away from traditional or conventional tourism spots. And our awards are a reflection of changing trends in travelling," vice president of Outlook Swastik Banerjee told IANS. Radhanagar beach of Andaman and Nicobar Islands bagged the cleanest beach award while the best restoration award was given to Mehrangarh fort of Rajasthan. Jim Corbett National Park got the best conserved national park award and Binsar wildlife sanctuary was given the best birding destination award. Bir in Himachal Pradesh was awarded the best paragliding destination, Srinagar-Leh road the best driving route, and Shey in Ladakh the best rock climbing destination. Apart from 24 categories, this year three new categories have been added under the 'Editor's Choice Awards'. The editor's choice outstanding contribution to travel was awarded to Neemrana Hotels while best new hotel award went to Intercontinental Mahabalipuram resort in Chennai. Abercrombie and Kent was given the best outbound tour operator award. "We have introduced different awards like best rock climbing or river rafting destination. People are going to specifics as far as travelling is concerned and so is our award. People are customising their holiday a lot instead of going into plain simple holiday. There is a change in the preference of travellers in last few years," Banerjee said. Among international destinations, Seychelles bagged the award for best wedding destination and Kruger national park of South Africa for the best international wildlife destination. Interspering digital innovations and advanced technology with fashion, Germany's top high-tech digital fashion label ElektroCouture along with six other international brands showcased fascinating creations at the ongoing Summer-Resort edition of Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) here. Pret-a-porter designs from ElektroCouture by Lisa Lang, the driving force behind the world's first ready-to-wear fashion technology brand which was established in 2014, used interactive wearable sensor technology, along with laser cut necklaces and knitted garments. The result was spellbinding -- and the use of light technology added to the experience. Lina Wassong, the Los Angeles trained designer who studied clothing engineering in Hamburg, brought to the ramp an amazing equalizer skirt that seemed a perfect fit for a futuristic style. The skirt was an interactive piece of clothing reacting to the waves of sounds. The integrated LEDs were arranged as equalizer bars to highlight the sound-reactive behaviour. Alienology, by Igor Knezevic, the Los Angeles based design studio's jewellery brand presented its New Age Designs that set the ramp aglow. The "Clothoid hat" was created by a mathematical curve formula in parametric CAD software. The line of necklaces was designed entirely digitally in 3D CGI software using only thin lines as main building blocks of 3D form, as a progression in design process. Next up were creations by Moon Berlin. Started in 2010 by Christian Bruns, Moon Berlin showcased handbags, heated coats, illuminated business and evening wear, jewellery and scarves, which created a lot of techno glamour on the catwalk. The fashion label was interestingly distinguished due to the subtle electronic lighting effects that are integrated into some parts of the collection. There was also an interesting showcase by London-based brand Melissa Coleman, which specialises in e-textiles and creative technology. The brand Sensoree worked with futuristic fabrics made from sustainable materials embedded with sensitive techno touches and had several innovative techno-fashion items. Started by Kristin Neidlinger, it had the concept of designer wearable computers, which could be therapeutic. 3lectromode by Valerie Lamontagne, the techno fashion label from Montreal, Canada had several interesting fashion concepts which started with Ilinx, a performance environment device. Its 'Strokes and Dots' was a womenswear micro collection having a series of embroidered LEDs motions or light sensors and made of digitally printed silk textiles. It was part of a micro-collection inspired by early modernist representations of speed, graphic design, abstract art and technology as well as the printwork of Russian/French textile visionary Sonia Delaunay. The designs had a series of embroidered LEDs and a motion or light sensor, transforming the rhythm and illumination of the LEDs in tandem with the wearer's movements, or by reacting to immediate environmental light fluctuations. The garments were made of digitally printed silk textiles, electronic hardware, and hand-embroidered hard and soft circuits. (The writer's visit is at the invitation of Lakme Fashion Week organisers. Nivedita can be contacted at nivedita.s@ians.in) PDP president Mehbooba Mufti will take oath as the chief minister of Jammu and on April 4. "Mehbooba Mufti will take oath of office as the chief minister on April 4," Peoples Democratic Party sources told IANS here. With this, the suspense over when the PDP-BJP alliance will take office has finally ended. The decision to take oath on April 4 has been conveyed to Governor N.N. Vohra, the sources said. Jammu and was put under Governor's Rule on January 8, a day after then chief minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed passed away in New Delhi. PDP sources told IANS that the decision to take oath earlier than expected was necessitated to set to rest media speculation that a tug of war had started between the PDP and the BJP over portfolio distribution. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday arrived in the US to attend the fourth Nuclear Security Summit being hosted by President Barack Obama. Modi, who arrived late in the night at Washington, D.C., from Brussels, was received at the airport by US Ambassador to India Richard Verma and Indian envoy Arun K. Singh. "Shifting gears from bilateral to multilateral . PM @narendramodi arrives late at night in Washington D.C.," the external affairs ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted. The Prime Minister's Office said in a tweet that Modi, in addition to attending the Nuclear Security Summit will interact with world leaders. Leaders of 53 nations and four international organisations will be attending the Washington summit on nuclear security. The Nuclear Security Summit process has been focusing on the global threat posed by nuclear terrorism and urgent measures required to prevent terrorists and other non-state actors from gaining access to sensitive nuclear materials and technologies. The 2016 Summit is expected to take stock of the progress of the previous Nuclear Security Summit Communiques and work plan and outline the future agenda. This will be followed by three plenary sessions on Friday when India, along with other participating nations, will submit their national nuclear progress reports. On Thursday evening, Modi will be attending a leaders-only thematic dinner to be hosted by Obama at the White House. The prime minister will also meet scientists from Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) during his visit. Modi arrived in the US from Brussels, where he spent a busy day interacting with the Belgian leadership and attended the India-European Union summit. This is Modi's third visit to the US since taking office in May 2014. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday was greeted by enthusiastic members of the Indian community in Washington DC where he is to attend the Fourth Nuclear Security Summit. Modi, who arrived late in the night from Brussels, shook hands and smiled and waved at the Indian community members on way to the White House to attend the security summit where world leaders from over 50 countries are expected to share their assessment of the threat from nuclear weapons and materials. During his two-day stay in Washington, Modi is scheduled to interact with a number of world leaders, including host President Barack Obama and UK Prime Minister David Cameron. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership was god's gift. This is a matter of pride and self-respect that the country has been bestowed the god's gift in the form of Modi's leadership and we have to use it constructively, Chouhan said at a state Bharatiya Janata Party meeting here. The chief minister later told reporters that his government will set up an 'anand mantralaya' (wellness department) in the state, a concept borrowed from the Himalayan country Bhutan. Earlier this month, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh had expressed its displeasure over BJP leaders describing Modi as "god's gift to India". The United Nations is risking its relevance in the absence of a strong and structured response to terrorism, Indian Prime Minister has warned. In an address to Indian diaspora in Belgium on Wednesday night, Modi regretted that the world had not come up with a proportionate response to terror despite the huge threat it posed to humanity. "The world has failed to understand the threat of this hideous monster," he told the euphoric Indian crowd at the Brussels Expo here, finding fault with countries which differentiated between "good terrorism" and "bad terrorism". Modi explained how how India had been battling terrorism for the last 40 years. "When we raised our concern, we were told it is a mere law and order problem -- until 9/11 happened. And when the earth shook beneath their feet, they began to understand what terrorism is," he said, speaking days after terror attacks in the Belgian capital killed more than 30 people, including an Indian techie. He, however, said that the UN had not been able to fully understand this "new challenge of the new era". "The United Nations knows everything about a war and how to stop it. But if you ask about terrorism, even the UN doesn't know. The world body of such a grand stature has failed to perform its responsibility," he said. He said that India had been requesting the UN for years to come up with a resolution that defines "who a terrorist is and which country is a terrorist nation". "I don't know when this will happen but the way situations are changing, it won't be too late when this organisation will become irrelevant." He said India had never bowed to terrorism and will never do so and offered "deepest" condolences for the March 22 Brussels terror bombings. He recalled the global Sufi conference held recently in New Delhi where scholars from the Muslim world denounced terrorism. He said this approach was essential to stop radicalization and a right atmosphere had to be created to end terror. He said he had spoken to many world leaders and emphasized "the need to delink religion from terror". "No religion teaches terrorism," he said as he wound up his busy Belgian trip. Modi has left for Washington and will later fly to Saudi Arabia. The government has approved compensation of Rs.458.04 crore to Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL) for surrender of 800 MHz CDMA spectrum, the company said in a regulatory filing on Thursday. "MTNL has informed BSE that government had approved compensation of Rs.458.04 crore to MTNL for surrender of 800 MHz CDMA spectrum out of which Rs.428.95 crore has been sanctioned for disbursal vide DoT (Department of Telecom) letter dated March 28, 2016 and MTNL has received the amount in its account on March 30, 2016," the filing with the BSE said. The head of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) on Thursday promised "appropriate action" over the attack on three Muslim boys after they refused to shout "Mata ki Jai". Chairperson Naseem Ahmad gave the assurance to a delegation of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) which appraised him about the incident and alleged police inaction. The CPI-M delegation said the three young Muslims - Dilkush, Naeem and Ajmal -- were attacked in Ramesh Enclave after they refused to shout "Mata ki Jai" and "Bharat Mata ki Jai". All three were students of a madrassa in Ramesh Enclave. All three were badly beaten and one of them, Dilkush, suffered serious fractures, the CPI-M said. "This is clearly a hate crime motivated by hostility towards minorities," a CPI-M memorandum said. "The atmosphere created by leaders of the ruling party at the Centre at different levels is the context in which such crimes are occurring." According to the CPI-M, Naseem Ahmad expressed concern over the incident and assured the delegation that appropriate action would be taken. India will seek that the threat of nuclear terrorism is addressed at the Fourth Nuclear Security Summit being held in Washington even as New Delhi hopes that the participants will uphold confidence in the safe, secure and safeguarded extension on nuclear power. "The summit would deliberate on the crucial issue of threat to nuclear security caused by nuclear terrorism," Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is attending the summit, said in a statement ahead of his departure from New Delhi. "Leaders would discuss ways and measures through which to strengthen the global nuclear security architecture, especially to ensure that non-state actors do not get access to nuclear material," he said. With US Secretary of State John Kerry saying that "India has a very important role to play with respect to responsible stewardship of nuclear weapons and nuclear materials", a lot of focus during the summit will be on what New Delhi has to say. After attending a leaders-only thematic dinner on "Nuclear security threat perceptions" hosted by US President Barack Obama on Thursday, leaders of 53 nations and four international organisations will sit across three working sessions on Friday to discuss nuclear security and various aspects associated with it. "India expects that the summit would contribute further to raising high level awareness of the threat of nuclear terrorism and the need to strengthen international cooperation against terrorists and nuclear traffickers," Amandeep Singh Gill, joint secretary (disarmament and international security affairs) in the ministry of external affairs, said in a media briefing here on the summit. "We also expect that the summit would help bolster legal, institutional and enforcement measures to strengthen the security of nuclear material, radioactive sources, associated facilities and technologies," he said. Gill said India would also expect the summit to uphold confidence in the safe, secure and safeguarded extension on nuclear power which would be a critical requirement of reaching national and international goals on non-fossil fuel energy. "To underline this point, I want to mention that in these two words, nuclear terrorism, the problem is not with the word nuclear material, facilities or technology, the problem is with the associated aspect of terrorism which we need to focus on," he said. Thirdly, India would expect that those who have not done so would sign up to and implement the legally binding instruments related to nuclear security. These include the International Convention on the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism, the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and its 2005 amendment, and obligatory reporting under the UN Security Council Resolution 1540, which was adopted in 2004 and which has prohibitions and obligations related to non-state actors and export controls. According to Gill, another issue India expects is that the competent institutions -- in particular the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) -- "would be provisioned with adequate resources, both human and financial, to uphold international cooperation and to support as required national efforts to strengthen our nuclear security". As in past summits, participating countries may project the respective steps taken by them to strengthen nuclear security since the last summit, including in the form of submissions of national progress reports. India will also be submitting its national progress report. This will happen in the first of Friday's three sessions. According to external affairs ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup, India has contributed constructively during the summit's preparatory meetings from 2014 to 2016 at the level of sherpas. He said Prime Minister Modi would be making some specific announcements and proposals with regard to nuclear security during his interventions at the summit. In the second session over a working lunch, the focus of discussions will be on international institutional actions to strengthen nuclear security. "The focus would be on international follow-up through institutions such as the International Atomic Energy Agency, the United Nations, the Interpol, the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism and the G8 Global Partnership," Gill explained. The third and final session of the summit will see the leaders engaged in a policy discussion on nuclear terrorism based on a hypothetical scenario. "Let me just say here that this scenario would allow the leaders to have a realistic and a thoughtful conversation on and around the challenges posed by international terrorism in particular the threat of nuclear and radiological terrorism," Gill said. The summit will then end with the participants adopting a joint communique. The first of these biennial nuclear security summits was held in Washington in April 2010 followed by the summits in Seoul in March 2012 and The Hague in March 2014. State-run Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has struck gas in northern Mizoram and is continuing prospecting for more hydrocarbons, a minister said on Thursday. "The ONGC has for the first time found gas in Assam-Mizoram bordering areas under Kolasib district," Mizoram's Industries Minister H. Rohluna told the assembly in Aizawl. "The ONGC is now conducting tests on the gas found. The company has continued its drilling and hydro-fracturing to find out whether more deposits of hydrocarbons are available in the area," Rohluna said. The company's Jorhat basin has been doing exploratory drilling in Kolasib district in northern Mizoram. ONGC has already found large reserves of natural gas in Assam and Tripura, a company spokesperson said. Oil India Ltd, another company owned by the central government, has also found gas in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. ONGC, which has been present in Tripura since 1972, has so far drilled about 206 wells in the state half of which are gas bearing. The ONGC spokesperson said the company has undertaken a Rs.5,050 crore ambitious plan to prospect for more gas in Tripura. ONGC has also commissioned its first mega commercial power project in the state, run by the ONGC Tripura Power Company (OTPC). The Rs.10,000 crore 726 MW capacity gas-based thermal power project (using both water and natural gas) at Palatana, 60 km from here, is ONGC's first commercial power project in India. ONGC, in association with Chambal Fertilisers and Chemicals Ltd and the Tripura government, would also set up a Rs.5,000 crore fertiliser plant in northern Tripura. "The process is on to set up the fertiliser plant," said another ONGC official. Pakistan said on Thursday that it had apprised the world's major capitals, including European Union, about the arrest of an Indian spy in Balochistan. This was stated by Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria at his weekly news briefing here, Radio Pakistan reported. The "entire world has seen the admission statement of the Indian agent", Zakaria added, referring to the alleged agent of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), identified as Kulbhushan Jadhav. Zakaria said Islamabad had provided the United Nations evidence of India's interference in Pakistani affairs and support to terror activities in Pakistan. India says Jadhav was a retired naval officer, not a spy. But Pakistan released a so-called confession statement by Jadhav claiming he worked for RAW and had financed Baloch insurgents. Suspended Gurdaspur SP Salwinder Singh was among over a dozen witnesses questioned on Thursday at the NIA headquarters here by a visiting Pakistan team regarding the Pathankot terror attack. The Punjab Police officer, his cook Mandan Gopal, jeweller friend Rajesh Verma and other witnesses reached the National Investigation Agency (NIA) office where the Joint Investigation Team from Pakistan questioned them in the presence of NIA officials, informed sources told IANS. "Over a dozen people - including Salwinder - were questioned by the JIT today (Thursday)," the sources said, adding that the NIA had already questioned all of them several times. All the witnesses were reportedly under the agency's supervision for the past five days, the sources said. Punjab's superintendent of police has claimed that he, Verma and cook Gopal were abducted by four or five heavily armed terrorists near Punjab's Kolia village on January 2. The terrorists later attacked the Pathankot Indian Air Force base in which seven security personnel and the Pakistani terrorists were killed. The Pakistani team is in India to probe the Pathankot attack which, New Delhi says, was masterminded by Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Maulana Masood Azhar. On Monday and Tuesday, the NIA submitted the evidence to the five-member Pakistani team on the terror attack. According to NIA sources, the evidence shows that the Pathankot operation was planned by elements in Pakistan. The visiting team includes Inter Services Intelligence official Lt. Colonel Tanvir Ahmed and military intelligence officer Lt. Colonel Irfan Mirza. The Pakistani military spokesman's tweets "have exposed civil-military tensions" in the country, a leading newspaper said on Thursday. Lt Gen Asim Saleem Bajwa's tweets and statements have exposed the fissures "at a time when the nation expects the best coordination between the two sides in their fight against terrorism", the Daily Times said. "The civil government might not be delivering as per the expectations of the military establishment but making such differences public will not benefit the cause of effectively fighting terrorism and extremism." This, the daily warned, undermined the civilian government's supremacy "and gives the impression as if the military is acting like a supra-governmental body over and above the country's chief executive". After the suicide attack at a Lahore park on March 27 that left more than 70 people dead, Gen Bajwa announced that the army chief had chaired a high-level meeting to commence operations against terrorists. The daily said that after the Lahore attack, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Pakistan Army chief General Raheel Sharif had been holding meetings separately. They "have yet to sit together for a coordinated effort", it said. The military also said that Gen Sharif had told Iranian President Hassan Rouhani about the Indian spy agency RAW's involvement in Pakistan's internal affairs, especially in Balochistan. But the same evening, the Iranian president denied that the RAW issue was discussed. The Congress on Thursday said Pakistan's insistence that Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar was not involved in the Pathankot attack was a "major embarrassment for India". "Pak JIT led by ISI, has given a clean chit to Masood Azhar. This is a major embarrassment for India," the party said in a tweet. Media reports claimed that Pakistan's Joint Investigation Team (JIT) probing the Pathankot attack told India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) that it was yet to find evidence to link Masood Azhar to the terror attack. India says the Pathankot attack was planned in Pakistan and Azhar and his brother Abdul Asghar Rauf were directly linked to the attack. The NIA on Wednesday expressed hope that Islamabad will reciprocate India's gesture of allowing a Pakistani team to visit the Indian Air Force base in Pathankot to probe the attack. NIA spokesman Sanjeev Kumar said it was "agreed" that the kind of cooperation India provided to the Pakistani team would be reciprocated. "This is the reciprocity agreed," Kumar told reporters on Wednesday. The remarks seemed to indicate India's intention to get similar access in Pakistan to pursue the investigation into the January 2 Pathankot attack. Home Minister Rajnath Singh, while addressing election rallies in Assam, also said that Pakistan has admitted about involvement of elements in their country in the Pathankot attack and had filed FIRs. Islamabad on Thursday asked Tehran to probe and share with it details of the activities in Iran of alleged Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav, who has been arrested in Pakistan. The Pakistan government, in a letter addressed to Iranian ambassador Mehdi Honardoost in Islamabad, also urged Tehran to arrest Jadhav's colleague, who it identified as RAW officer Rakesh alias Rizwan. Islamabad says Jadhav, arrested in Balochistan earlier in March, was a serving officer in the Indian Navy and directing subversive activities in Karachi and Balochistan "at the behest of RAW". India says Jadhav is formerly from the Indian Navy, not a spy. In a so-called confessional video aired by Islamabad, Jadhav said that he established a small business in Chabahar in Iran and used that to visit Pakistan, Dawn newspaper reported. The letter to the Iranian ambassador sought information about "details of RAW networks on Iranian soil and any other details related to it". A copy of the letter obtained by Dawn said Pakistan "expects Iran to seriously look at Islamabad's assertions and take every step to stem incursion of Indian spies into Pakistani territory". The daily said that Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar raised with Iranian dignitaries the issue of "Indian saboteurs" using Iranian soil. "Jadhav was covertly based in Chabahar, Iran, under the pretext of a jeweller/businessman. He was assisted by RAW sub-inspector Rakesh alias Rizwan, a key operative who was also working undercover as a businessman dealing in jewellery. "Jadhav had an Iranian visa along with an Indian passport," it said. "And he had crossed over to Balochistan's Mashkhel area from Saravan, Iran." The letter said Jadhav's mission "included spying and sabotage, in addition to fomenting insecurity and instability in the provinces of Sindh and Balochistan". Iran's cooperation in this regard, the letter said, would improve relations between Tehran and Islamabad and also help reduce terrorism and unrest in the region. "Pakistan has persistently maintained that the Indian state is sponsoring terrorism, sabotage and subversion in the country. "The government has presented dossiers of such evidence to the United Nations on Indian involvement in Balochistan. "But this evidence is unattended to as the world body has paid no attention to it," the letter said. The transfer of Paris attacks suspect Salah Abdeslam to France could take place "very soon", the Belgian broadcaster RTBF reported on Thursday, citing a collaborator of his lawyer Cedric Moisse. According to the RTBF, the agreement to transfer Salah Abdeslam to France has been notified in an official report. An order for the delivery will be officially released on Friday, but it is already enforceable. A hearing of the council chamber was held on Thursday afternoon to allow a Belgian federal prosecutor to hear Abdeslam who has been detained in the prison of Bruges, Xinhua reported. The Brussels Council Chamber has not yet officially released its decision but it is no longer in doubt, according to the Belgian daily Le Soir. The Belgian federal prosecutor didn't oppose this transfer required by France after the arrest of Abdeslam on March 18. According to the newspaper Le Soir, in fact, Abdeslam remains suspected of organising the attacks in Brussels. Even with the suspect imprisoned in France, it is also possible to organise a joint trial by the Belgian and French justices, the report said. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has directed the armed forces to provide all assistance in the rescue operations underway at the site of the under-construction flyover's collapse in Kolkata. Defence ministry spokesperson Nitin Wakankar said Parrikar expressed "shock" over the collapse of the portion of the flyover on Vivekananda Road here, and condoled the loss of 14 lives. The spokesperson said army columns had been pressed into service and nearly 10 ambulances and medics rushed to the spot. The rescue operation will continue through the night. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed grief over the collapse of a flyover in Kolkata, in which 14 people were killed. The prime minister, who is in Washington, US, also reviewed the rescue operations. "Shocked and saddened by collapse of under construction flyover in Kolkata. Took stock of the situation and rescue operations," Modi said in a tweet. "My thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives in Kolkata. May the injured recover at the earliest," he said in another tweet. At least 14 people were killed and over 100 injured in Kolkata when a portion of the under-construction flyover collapsed on Thursday, burying several vehicles. President Pranab Mukherjee will visit Uttarakhand on Friday to attend the first convocation of Swami Rama Himalayan University at Dehradun. While Mukherjee will be the chief guest, Uttarakhand Governor K.K. Paul will preside over the function. The university has been promoted by the Himalayan Institute Hospital Trust, founded by spiritual guru Swami Rama. Priyanka Chopra, who has a fan in Neel Sethi -- the Mowgli of Disney's "The Jungle Book" -- has asked the Indian-American child actor to brace up for an adventurous ride with the Hindi dubbed version of the international film. Neel, who is currently in Mumbai for the promotions of the film, in an interview to IANS shared that he is fond of Priyanka, who is famous in Hollywood now courtesy "Quantico". And the 12-year-old also took to Twitter to post: "Priyanka Chopra #KAA-not wait for #TheJungleBook as it slithers into cinemas in India in two weeks! #April8". Priyanka will be infusing life to the soft and hypnotic voice of the python Kaa, voiced by Scarlett Johansson in the English version of the adventure fantasy film. Currently shooting for "Quantico", which is aired on Star World, Star World HD and Star World Premiere in India, and her Hollywood debut project "Baywatch", Priyanka took out time from her schedule to respond to Neel's tweet. She posted: "Trust Me (Vishwaassss karo mera) Neel Sethi... It's going to be epic! Have fun in Mumbai, Mowgli." Along with Priyanka, different characters from the Hindi version of the film have been voiced by Irrfan Khan, Nana Patekar, Shefali Shah and Om Puri. Directed by Jon Favreau, "The Jungle Book" promises to be an advanced version of the eponymous 1967 animated film, and brings the story of Rudyard Kipling's 1864 timeless classic back on the big screen. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy on Thursday asked the Delhi High Court to direct the Uttar Pradesh police to probe the role of Congress leader P. Chidambaram, who was union minister of state for home at the time of 1987 Hashimpura massacre. Swamy told the division bench of Justice G.S. Sistani and Justice Sangita Dhingra Sehgal that Uttar Pradesh Police should investigate all aspects in the case. "It's a case of genocide," said Swamy. He claimed that according to newspaper reports, "Uttar Pradesh government has started destroying documents relating to the case". Forty-two people were killed in Hashimpura village in Meerut district of Uttar Pradesh on May 22, 1987, when they were allegedly shot by the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) personnel and their bodies were thrown into a canal. Swamy in his appeal challenged the trial court's March 8, 2013, decision dismissing his plea to probe the role of Chidambaram in the case. The court was also hearing a bunch of other appeals filed by National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Uttar Pradesh government as well as survivors and kin of the victims against the acquittal of 16 PAC personnel on March 21 last year. The bench asked the Uttar Pradesh government to file documents related to the case as sought by the NHRC and also to file reply on the pleas. The matter has been posted for May 19. During the hearing, Swamy said that there should be court-monitored CBI probe into the case. The court, however, said that additional application would unnecessarily delay the case. On March 21 last year, a trial court here gave the benefit of doubt and acquitted 16 former PAC personnel, saying lack of evidence has failed to establish their identification. North Korea on Thursday blamed the US for escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula, citing the US nuclear threat, US-South Korea joint military exercises and sanctions against Pyongyang as examples. An unnamed spokesman for North Korea's Foreign Ministry attributed the current tense situation to the US in a statement carried by the official KCNA news agency. "The US nuclear threat and blackmail, joint military exercises, sanctions and other moves to stifle the DPRK are the root cause of pushing the situation on the peninsula to the brink of a clash of nuclear weapons," the statement said. The statement condemned the US for making North Korea a target for "preemptive nuclear attack," adding that the threat from the US has existed for the past several decades. On March 7, the US and South Korea kicked off their joint annual war games "Key Resolve" and "Foal Eagle," which Pyongyang said were rehearsals for northward invasion. The "Key Resolve" command post exercise ended earlier this month, but the "Foal Eagle" field training exercise is scheduled to last until April 30. Pyongyang on Tuesday fired a short-range projectile in an apparent show of force toward the ongoing US-South Korea joint military exercises and sanctions against North Korea over its nuclear test and long-range rocket launch. Including the Tuesday launch, North Korea has fired a total of 16 short-and medium-range projectiles in 2016. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday expressed grief over the death of 14 people in a flyover collapse in Kolkata and said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is visiting the US, had been apprised of the situation. "Had a telephonic conversation with the PM and apprised him of the rescue operations being carried out by the NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) in Kolkata," the minister tweeted, adding that Modi too condoled the loss of precious lives. "The PM expressed his condolences to the families of those who died in Kolkata and prayed for the lives of those trapped under the debris," Singh wrote on his twitter handle. Modi is in Washington to attend the Fourth Nuclear Security Summit. Earlier, after the news of the Kolkata accident poured in, the home minister condoled the dead. "Deeply saddened to know that precious lives have been lost in the Kolkata accident. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased," he tweeted. The home minister later told reporters that a NDRF team had been sent to the accident site on Vivekananda Road. "The team must have reached there. This is an unfortunate incident and I express condolence from the depth of my heart," he said. At least 14 people were killed and a hundred others injured when a portion of the flyover, still under construction, collapsed in Kolkata. There are many ways to say hello. Along the dirt roads of Kenya, people greet one another with hodi. Deep in the mountains of Turkey, locals welcome you into their home by saying merhaba. In Baku, Azerbaijan, you will hear exchanges of salaam while wandering through the medieval walled city. Traveling west on the volcanic islands of Indonesia, halo is the polite custom to recognize a friend. The sheer number of languages and unique cultures across the globe is both fascinating and remarkable. Our world is growing and evolving rapidly in the 21st century. Advancements in technology and transportation allow us to connect instantly with anyone on any continent. From commerce and trade to foreign relations and higher education, the need to communicate across borders has never been more important. Young Nebraskans are embracing these demands and taking advantage of new programs that immerse them in the worlds languages and cultures. In 2015, four outstanding Nebraska students participated in an initiative known as the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program. Sponsored by the State Department, the CLS Program is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Students who are accepted to this prestigious program spend their summers expanding their horizons by traveling overseas to study a new language. Peter Oster, a student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, lived in Russia for a summer. Kyle Rohrich, a native of Pierce and a student at Tufts University, studied two hours west of Peter in Vladimir, Russia. Sandra Adams of Omaha spent her summer in Gwangju, South Korea. She is currently an undergraduate at William Jewell College in Missouri. Another Nebraskan, Marguerite Wedeman, lived in a city called Dalian on the coast of China during a summer away from George Washington University. Each of these Nebraskans lived with host families in their respective countries. This experience allowed them to immerse themselves in the local culture. Peter, Kyle, Sandra and Marguerite were able to engage in an incredible cultural exchange and improve their language skills. They also served as strong representatives on behalf of Nebraska and the United States. The State Department launched the CLS Program in 2006 as part of a new initiative to encourage more Americans to learn foreign languages and build relationships between the United States and other countries. Nebraska began sending representatives to the program in 2007. Today, the program has grown to include over a dozen countries throughout Asia, Eurasia and the Middle East. Todays young men and women are the leaders of tomorrow. They are future entrepreneurs, public servants, and community leaders. Through the CLS Program, American students are given the opportunity to take their skills and learn to compete in the global workforce. Successful candidates must also demonstrate how they will apply their skills into future academic or professional careers. Many past participants are now thriving with vocations in diplomacy, academia, business and other exciting fields. The CLS Program breaks down every barrier outside the classroom. Young students from across our country are finding themselves surrounded in cultures they have only read about or viewed on a movie screen. It takes great courage and determination to travel so far from home, and Im proud to see this dedication grow in our young Nebraskans. While our nation faces many challenges, we can take heart in the motivation of future generations. Initiatives like the CLS Program are providing Americans with both experiences and opportunities that will make our country better prepared for the road ahead. Due in large part to young people who want to learn about, and engage in, the world around us, our best days are still ahead. If you or someone you know is interested in programs like this, I encourage you to research it online and consider applying. There is a whole world waiting to say hello. Thank you for participating in the democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week. Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday expressed sadness over the death of at least 14 people in the flyover collapse in Kolkata. "Deeply saddened to know that precious lives have been lost in the Kolkata accident. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased," he tweeted. The home minister later told reporters that a National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team has been sent to the site of the accident. "The team must have reached there. This is an unfortunate incident and I express condolence from the depth of my heart," he said. At least 14 people were killed and a hundred others injured when a portion of the flyover, still under construction, collapsed in Kolkata. The Rajya Sabha has been prorogued by President Pranab Mukherjee, officially ending parliament's budget session since the Lok Sabha too was prorogued earlier. The move will enable the government to bring in an ordinance to facilitate government expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India for Uttarakhand which was placed under President's Rule on Sunday. An ordinance cannot be promulgated while parliament is in session. The Rajya Sabha was prorogued on Wednesday night, an official of the upper house's secretariat said on Thursday. The Lok Sabha was prorogued on Tuesday. There was a break on March 16 in parliament's budget session and it was set to meet again on April 25 and continue till May 13. Sources said a final call on when the house will meet next will be taken soon. The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs on Tuesday recommended proroguing the session. The cabinet also approved the re-promulgation of an ordinance to amend the nearly 50-year-old Enemy Property Act to guard against claims of succession or transfer of properties left by people who migrated to Pakistan and China. Reliance Defence on Thursday said it is partnering the Ukraine-based state corporation Antonov for dual version transport aircraft for military, para military and commercial use in India that has a potential market size of Rs.35,000 crore in 15 years. The agreement was reached between Reliance Group chairman Anil Ambani and National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine Deputy Secretary Oleg Gladkovskyi on the margins of Defence Expo in Panaji, a company statement said. Reliance Defence and Ukraine's Antonov will jointly address various requirements, including 50-80 seat passenger aircraft in basic configuration, and also in all its variants, for transportation, maritime patrol and other military roles. Antonov, or "An Class" of aircraft, have served the Indian Air Force and Navy for more than five decades. Currently, the IAF has more than 100 An-32 aircraft on its inventory. Having completed its last life cycle, upgrades will now be due for replacements. "The partnership agreement would provide the benefits of quality and low cost solution for 50-80 seater aircraft through its core competencies," the company said. The accord between Reliance Defence and Antonov covers the design of fixed wing military aircraft, configured for use in tactical as well strategic roles. Powered by two turbo-fan engines, the medium lift aircraft can operate on short field runways as also unpaved surfaces. In the Indian civil aviation market, this medium-category aircraft could effectively plug the gap in regional air transport connectivity to around 350 unused airstrips currently available across the country, as desired in the draft the new aviation policy, the company said. "India has a requirement of over 200 medium-lift turbo-fan aircraft that is the backbone of all tactical logistic transport support roles as well as route transport roles of the air force, the army and para-military forces." The joint venture also envisages design and manufacture of such aircraft in India, with transfer of niche technologies. It will be located at the integrated Aerospace Park at Mihan, Nagpur. The programme, valued at over Rs.35,000 crore, can generate new jobs for 7,000 people. Russia on Thursday denied media reports that Moscow and Washington had reached an agreement on ousting Syria's President Bashar al-Assad. "The difference between the Russian side and other countries lies in the fact that Russia does not discuss the issue of self-determination of third countries, including Syria, via diplomatic or other channels," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. "The al-Hayat newspaper has published information that does not correspond to reality," Peskov was quoted as saying by Tass news agency. The London-based newspaper recently quoted diplomatic sources in the UN Security Council, saying US Secretary of State John Kerry told leaders of several Arab countries that Russia and the United States had reached an understanding that Assad would leave his post and move to another country in the process of peaceful settlement in Syria. Russian officials have refused to exclude Assad from his country's process of political settlement, saying Syrians themselves should decide the future of their country. Russia has been supporting the Assad government in Syria, while the United States and its allies have insisted that Assad step down. Suspended Gurdaspur Superintendent of Police Salwinder Singh on Thursday arrived at the NIA headquarters here to be questioned by the Joint Investigation Team from Pakistan on the Pathankot terror attack. Singh, his cook Madan Gopal and friend Rajesh Verma reached the NIA office where the JIT will question the three in the presence of National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials, informed sources told IANS. The three were questioned by the NIA on March 26 in the national capital and have been living under the agency's supervision since then, the sources said. Singh has claimed that he, Verma and cook Gopal were abducted by four or five heavily-armed terrorists near Punjab's Kolia village on January 2. The terrorists later attacked the Pathankot Indian Air Force base in which seven security personnel were killed. The Pakistani terrorists were later killed in a shootout. The Pakistani team is in India to probe the Pathankot attack, which New Delhi says was masterminded by Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Maulana Masood Azhar. On Monday and Tuesday, the NIA submitted evidence to the five-member Pakistani team on the terror attack. According to NIA sources, the evidence show that the Pathankot operation was planned by elements in Pakistan. The visiting team comprises among others Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) official Lt. Colonel Tanvir Ahmed and military intelligence officer Lt. Colonel Irfan Mirza. The government on Thursday unveiled Indian IP Panorama, a single window interface for information on intellectual property (IP) and guidance on leveraging it for competitive advantage, an official statement said here. The portal seeks to increase awareness and build sensitivity towards IP, among stakeholders in the SME sector, academia and researchers. Indian IP Panorama is a customized version of IP Panorama Multimedia toolkit, developed by World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the Korean Intellectual Property Office and Korea Invention Promotion Association. The toolkit has been adapted to cater to small and medium entreprises and start-ups, especially in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector of India, based on an agreement signed between WIPO and department of electronics and information technology (DeitY). Indian IP Panorama has been developed under the aegis of DeitY and the department of industrial policy and promotion, and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), in close coordination with the Indian IP office. Five modules of the Indian IP Panorama have been released - importance of IP for SMEs, trademark, industrial design,invention and patent and patent information. Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Thursday said that parliament will be briefed on the deals Sri Lanka is expected to sign with China and India. Wickremesinghe told members of the ruling United National Party that Sri Lanka and China are to discuss an economic plan soon, Xinhua reported. He also said that Sri Lanka and China are expected to sign a free trade agreement next month. Wickremesinghe said that an agreement will also be signed with India and parliament will be briefed on the agreements in order to ensure the process is transparent. "The draft texts of the agreements will be submitted to parliament and through parliament to the public," he said. The prime minister said that Sri Lanka was in talks with the European Union to regain the EU Generalised Scheme of Preferences plus trade concession, while it expects the ban imposed on Sri Lankan fisheries products by the EU to be lifted by the end of this year. Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will pay an official visit to China from April 6 to 9 at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Thursday. Chinese leaders will meet and hold talks with Wickremesinghe and exchange opinions on bilateral relations and issues of common concern, spokesperson Hong Lei was quoted by Xinhua news agency as saying. "We commend the Sri Lankan government's positive policies towards China and are ready to jointly consolidate the traditional friendship, and deepen pragmatic cooperation through this visit, pushing the China-Sri Lanka strategic cooperative partnership to new heights," Hong said. Suspended Gurdaspur Superintendent of Police Salwinder Singh and his cook were on Thursday brought to the NIA headquarters for questioning even as the joint investigation team from Pakistan is here to probe the Pathankot terror attack. Singh has claimed that he, his friend Rajesh Verma and cook Madan Gopal were abducted by four or five heavily-armed terrorists near Punjab's Kolia village on January 2. The terrorists later attacked the Pathankot Indian Air Force base, in which seven security personnel were killed. The Pakistani terrorists were later killed in the shootout. The Pakistani team is in India to probe the Pathankot attack. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has recommended to the Delhi government to take effective measures to recover outstanding loans. "The total expenditure during 2014-15 at Rs.29,593.37 crore has decreased by Rs.3131.94 crore (9.57 percent) over the previous year. Of the total decrease, capital expenditure constituted Rs.303.48 crore and loans and advances constituted Rs.3,972.43 crore," said the CAG report for 2014-15 which was tabled in the Delhi assembly on Thursday. The report said the revenue receipts had increased by Rs.1,603.90 crore (5.73 percent) while tax revenue increased by Rs.685.21 crore. "The government should take effective measures to recover outstanding loans from the entities/institutions. It should also consider increasing the capital expenditure to have positive impact on economic growth," the CAG report recommended. The report also pointed out that Rs.6,093.85 crore remained unutilised in the financial year 2014-15. "Against total provision of Rs.3,717.99 crore during 2014-15, an expenditure of Rs.31,024.14 crore was incurred which resulted in savings of Rs.6,093.85 crore," the report said. "The government may consider taking up the matter with Public Account Committee Secretariat for regularisation of excess expenditure. It is also recommended to prepare realistic budget estimates to avoid large savings and supplementary provisions," the report suggested. The Four Fundamentals of Marksmanship are Steady Position Aiming Breath Control Trigger Squeeze The Quick Kill method "To accomplish the skill level the during the 60's and 70's the US Army bought over 33,000 Daisy bb guns without sights for doing instinctive shooting training with new recruits in boot camp! Many soldiers bound for Vietnam learned to shoot at hand thrown aerial targets and miniature ground targets before they ever fired an M14 or M16 rifle" "A method of point shooting with a rifle was developed by Lucky McDaniel and taught by the US Army beginning in 1967. It was called "Quick Kill", and it was taught using an air rifle. The Quick Kill method was fully detailed in-step-by-step fashion in Principles of Quick Kill.[34] It was taught starting with a special Daisy BB gun that had no sights. The slow moving steel BB was visible in flight on sunny days, making it an inexpensive tracer round. The students began by firing at 3.5-inch (89 mm) diameter metal disks thrown in the air slightly in front of the student and 2 to 4 meters (6 ft 7 in to 13 ft 1 in) above the student's head. After an 80% hit rate is attained firing at these disks, the student is then presented with 2.5-inch (64 mm) diameter disks. Once proficiency is attained with the aerial targets, it shows the student has mastered the fundamentals, and training moves on to stationary targets on the ground, first with the BB gun and then with a service rifle having its front and rear sights taped over. When a soldier points, he instinctively points at the feature on the object on which his eyes are focused. An impulse from the brain causes the arm and hand to stop when the finger reaches the proper position. When the eyes are shifted to a new object or feature, the finger, hand, and arm also shift to this point. It is this inherent trait that can be used by the soldier to rapidly and accurately engage targets". Always said you don't have to be the best shot but you damn well better be the first. Don't laugh, The army trained for combat using Daisy BB Guns.Ted McDonald's series on gun permits and training reminded me of weapons basic training at Fort Benning in 1967. Ted suggested I write an article on Military weapons training. Here are the links to Ted's articles on BCN: ( Ted Carry permit 1 The Army had introduced a program for Point Shooting or Instinctive Shooting. I had forgotten the name of the program but subsequent research has revealed that it was the "Quick Kill" program.The idea behind it is that you will not have time to follow the marksmanship drills in close quarter combat, which was the norm in Vietnam. Basic training included both methods since they did not necessarily know where the recruit final assignment. (I call BS on that since my entire training class with one exception went to Infantry Training and then Vietnam as Infantry grunts; but that was where the need was.)After some on the job experience in the Jungles, the Army learned thatdid not have the skills or time to follow the deliberate four fundamentals. His general practice was to point and "rock and roll" full clip in your general direction with his trusty AK47. That pretty much eliminated the Steady position and Breath Control if not the other two. It also added Bladder and Sphincter Control to replace them. The measurement of Sphincter control is called the ""!The army developed the Quick Kill program based on the methods of world-class "trick shot" champions like Bobby Lamar "Lucky" McDaniel. Recruits trained in the point and shoot technique became apart of training in 1967. The basic idea is that you aim with your eyes and head and not the sight. To do this you need to anchor the weapon in a fixed position and sight along the top of the barrel. Usually about two inches over the barrel. As with all skills, practice makes perfect. Wikipedia explains it much better than I can below.This had two benefits: It saved money, and it did not put a strain on the ammunition supply chain that was needed to resupply the Vietnam soldiers. Daisy even marketed a BB gun to the civilian population which they named the "Quick Skill" air gun.Finally, the live fire with actual weapons was implemented. Unfortunately, at my time at Fort Benning M16 rifles were in very short supply. I never saw an M16 during basic training. We qualified with the larger and more traditional M14. I did not see or train with an M16 until my Advanced Infantry Training at Fort McClellan, Alabama. That is when we resumed the Quick Kill with actual lie ammo and M16.One thing you can say about Military training. Critical skills reinforced with repetition are direct and to the point. Advanced techniques build on that foundation. The military is not a Liberal Arts education. I still believe a universal draft would go a long way in teaching discipline, perseverance and self-reliance that seems to be missing in our young people today. I am not advocating everyone be in combat or even military service but 8-12 weeks of basic training can be invaluable in building character and stretching young people beyond the self-imposed boundaries they perceive is their capabilities. It would also teach them the true meaning ofTo put it in terms that are more direct; after you have run as far as you can and your legs cannot carry you another step you will inevitably fall to the ground. That is when the old drill sergeant hovers over you and yells "Don't just lay there do push-ups". Somehow, you will find the motivation and extra burst of energy that you never knew you had.I believe that our current all voluntary military is the best-trained, educated and motivated force this country has ever fielded. I am sure the training techniques are much more advanced today.Here is an Army video of the Modern Training at Fort Benning, Georgia (3:41)long:The final lesson on fire technique is not taught until you actually get in combat. You may have seen pictures of soldiers holding the rifle over their head, hiding in a trench and firing downrange without aiming. As a FNG, this is your first response to incoming fire. It is call thetechnique and it does not require much if any training. Eventually one of the veterans will straighten you out and you will learn the fire discipline that you were taught.One of Murphy's Laws of combat is: Chess grandmasters can heave a sigh of relief as Tata Steel Ltd's decision to sell off its steel business in UK will not impact the famous and prestigious Tata Steel Chess Tournament, said an official. "The decision regarding the UK divisions will not have any impact on the Tata Steel Chess Tournament. Tata Steel will continue to support the Tata Steel Chess Tournament," Robert Moens spokesman -- communications and public affairs, Tata Steel in the Netherlands told IANS. Next January will see a new edition (the 79th) of this prestigious tournament, from January 13 - 29, 2017. "The Tata Steel Chess tournament is a very prestigious tournament attracting top players around the world. The tournament has a long history and any new buyer of Tata Steel's European operations will continue the tradition of hosting the event," Bharat Singh Chauhan, CEO, All India Chess Federation (AICF), told IANS. He said former world champion Viswanathan Anand is an illustrious winner of the Tata Steel Chess tournament. Tata Steel held the event after it acquired Corus Steel. On Wednesday Tata Steel Ltd announced its decision to sell off its steel operations in the UK. Tata Steel also reviewed its European operations and had said the trading conditions in Europe have deteriorated. (Venkatachari Jagannathan can be contacted at v.jagannathan@ians.in) The Maharashtra government and Tata Trusts have signed multiple MoUs to improve community developmental indicators spanning various sectors in the state, an official said here on Thursday. The memorandums of understanding were signed in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Tata Trusts Chairman Ratan Tata to conceptualise new programmes and implement existing initiatives to deliver a positive impact on the state's overall development. The state government will be able to achieve convergence and improve efficiencies across its governance, data management, healthcare and nutrition, literacy and welfare initiatives, juvenile justice and other programmes. Tata Trusts will guide in setting up these initiatives, provide strategic and technical advisory support and oversee the implementation of all the programmes. For this, Tata Trusts will collaborate actively with the public health department to set up strategic healthcare advisory units, design a micronutrient deficiency prevention programme and join hands with the food, civil supplies and consumer protection department to arrest malnutrition and other measures. Its planning department will partner with the government to design and implement a model data platform for better implementation of government programmes as part of 'Digital India' vision. It will also collaborate with other major departments like home, women development corporation, Maharashtra state rural livelihood mission, mahila arthik vikas mandal and State Institute of English for various other programmes. "We are pleased to partner with the Maharashtra government to realise our common vision and endeavour of community development and well being. It can only be achieved through focused, innovative and relevant on-ground interventions that will make a real difference to the people," Tata said on the occasion. "We should leverage our strengths to promote more fruitful cooperation in key areas like nutrition, governance, data management, healthcare, education and literary to reinforce welfare initiatives and programmes," the chief minister said. Fadnavis said it will help propel the socio-economic development of Maharashtra to new heights. All the programmes would include members from the state-level governance boards of various departments, senior advisors from Tata Trusts and its ecosystem of partners. Civil rights activist Teesta Setalvad and two Communist Party of India-Marxist MPs were Thursday not allowed to enter University of Hyderabad, evoking protest from students. The university security personnel stopped Teesta and MPs from Kerala, T. Rajesh and P.Sampath, at the main gate. They were invited by the students' groups to address a public meeting as part of the ongoing agitation against last week's police crackdown and the demand to remove P. Appa Rao as vice chancellor. Teesta and the two Lok Sabha members lodged strong protest over the denial of entry. They condemned the curbs imposed by the university on entry of political leaders, activists and media into the campus. The students, who were waiting from on the campus, also rushed to the main gate and raised slogans against the university authorities. Joint Action Committee for Social Justice, an umbrella grouping of various students' groups, has condemned the university's action and called it an attempt to stifle the movement for justice to Rohith Vemula, a Dalit research scholar who committed suicide in January. The unrest on the campus began on January 17 after Rohith, one of the five Dalit students suspended for allegedly attacking a leader of ABVP, committed suicide. This triggered a massive protest by students, who demanded action against vice chancellor and central minister Bandaru Dattaetrya who were named in First Information Report. Appa Rao, who went on leave on January 24, resumed charge last week, triggering huge protest. The students ransacked the vice chancellor's lodge on March 22 and in the subsequent police crackdown 25 students and two faculty members were arrested and jailed. They were all released on bail on March 29. Civil rights activist Teesta Setalvad and two Communist Party of India-Marxist MPs were Thursday not allowed to enter University of Hyderabad while continued curbs on the campus evoked strong protest from students. The university security personnel stopped Teesta and MPs from Kerala, T. Rajesh and P.Sampath, at the main gate. They were invited by the students' groups to address a public meeting as part of the ongoing agitation against last week's police crackdown and the demand to remove P. Appa Rao as vice chancellor. Teesta and the two Lok Sabha members lodged strong protest over the denial of entry and condemned the curbs imposed by the university on entry of political leaders, activists and media into the campus. The students, who were waiting from on the campus, also rushed to the main gate and raised slogans against the university authorities. Joint Action Committee for Social Justice, an umbrella grouping of various students' groups, has condemned the university's action and called it an attempt to stifle the movement for justice to Rohith Vemula, a Dalit research scholar who committed suicide in January. The unrest on the campus began on January 17 after Rohith, one of the five Dalit students suspended for allegedly attacking a leader of ABVP, committed suicide. This triggered a massive protest by students, who demanded action against vice chancellor and central minister Bandaru Dattaetrya who were named in the FIR. Appa Rao, who went on leave on January 24, resumed charge last week, triggering huge protests. The students ransacked the vice chancellor's lodge on March 22 and in the subsequent police crackdown 25 students and two faculty members were arrested and jailed. They were all released on bail on March 29. Meanwhile, JAC rejected Appa Rao's offer for talks saying it doesn't recognize him as the vice chancellor. "We will not be a part of any such deceitful efforts," it said reacting to a seven member committee constituted by the university authorities for talks with agitating students. It alleged that the university is being run like a military camp that is concerned only about the security of Appa Rao and other complicit parties. "The way that the event and actions of this administration in collusion with the BJP is working, it has also exposed the larger plans of these political forces to deride all the universities of any democratic rights," the JAC said in a statement. It also condemned the reported decision of the university authorities to demolish the memorial for Rohith built on the campus and termed it a pre-planned attempt to erase the memory of the research scholar. Referring to the reported decision taken in the meeting of deans to seek help from Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and set up a police outpost, the JAC alleged the VC is trying to project as if there is uncontrollable situation on the campus. In other developments, the university has postponed national seminar on "Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's vision of economic development of India" scheduled to be held on April 4-5. The seminar will now be held on August 29-30. At least five people were killed and several injured in a blast inside a vehicle on Kashmir Road in a southern district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan on Thursday. Security personnel rushed to the site of the blast following the incident and cordoned off the area in Lakki Marwat district, Dawn reported. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday assured of full support in achieving the sustainable development goals set by the United Nations. Naidu's assurance came as the Legislators Group for Sustainable Development Goals (LG-SDGs) comprising three parliamentarians - its chairman Harish Chandra Meena, Rahul Kaswan and Ninong Ering - briefed the minister about the group's efforts in spreading awareness about the SDG agenda among parliamentarians and state legislators. Naidu told the group that the government would be too happy to enable a detailed discussion in parliament on the sustainable development goals. The LG-SDGs is a partnership of lawmakers who, with the support of other stakeholders, aim to work to promote and support India's national and local governments' efforts in achieving these goals. Making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe and sustainable and ending poverty in all its forms are among the six sustainable development goals set by the United Nations to be achieved during 2016-30. The other goals are ending hunger through food security and promoting sustainable agriculture; ensuring inclusive quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all; and achieving gender equality and empowerment of all women and girls. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon has urged parliamentarians across the globe to play a key role in implementing the SDG agenda. A Vietnamese court sentenced a critical blogger and three other activists to prison on charges of spreading propaganda against the state, authorities said on Thursday. Nguyen Ngoc Gia, arrested in 2014, was sentenced on Wednesday to four years in prison by a court in Ho Chi Minh City. He was accused of writing 22 articles defaming Communist Party leaders and the state, EFE news reported. The three other activists were arrested during a protest against the expropriation of their land in front of the US consulate in Ho Chi Minh City. They were also sentenced on Wednesday ranging from three to four years in prison for waving the former flag of South Vietnam in the protest. The sentences were imposed a week after another blogger and his assistant were sentenced to five and three years in prison for publishing several articles criticising the government. The Vietnamese government controls all media. In 2015, the country was ranked 175th out of 180 on the Press Freedom Index which was conducted by Reporters Without Borders, only ahead of China (176), Syria (177), Turkmenistan (178), North Korea (179) and Eritrea (180). A market economy requires government interventions to precisely address identified market failures. However, in choice of government interventions, the least coercive ones should be preferred. Because lesser the coercion, lesser are the possibilities of distorting the competitive forces within the market economy. In parliamentary democracies, legislation making is often a populist reaction, where accounting for the impact of regulations on the long-term interests of the public and the economy, may seem politically esoteric. However, for an India focused on improving its World Bank "Doing Business" ranking, the exercise assessing regulatory impacts on the continued survival of competitive markets, cannot be an also-ran activity. Prime financial real estate has lost its charm for Wang Jianlin. The Chinese cinema-to-hotels tycoon wants to delist Dalian Wanda Commercial Properties, the flagship commercial property arm of his Wanda empire, less than 16 months after taking the company public. Wang no doubt has a grand plan. Independent investors in Hong Kong only play a bit part in it. Wang would at least match the price at which Wanda's property unit sold shares to investors back in December 2014. At HK$48 per share, implying an enterprise value of 301 billion yuan ($46.6 billion) it would cost just over $4 billion to buy all of the outstanding Hong Kong shares, which account for almost 15 per cent of the total outstanding. Investors who bought in at the initial public offering would have seen a total return of 1.8 per cent - better than the 4.7 per cent they would have lost on the Hang Seng Index, but hardly great. It is easy to see why Wang, whose Dalian Wanda Group owns 44 per cent of the company through unlisted shares, might want to beat a retreat. The property group's shares have traded below their initial public offering price for roughly half the time since they debuted. Last month, it stopped buying land for homes and offices amid chronic oversupply in smaller cities where 38 per cent of its land bank sits. Big ambitions to roll out another 50 shopping malls this year in China look like the kind of thing that would make public-market shareholders nervous. A delisting, though, is not necessarily the end of public life. Wang may be eyeing higher valuations on the mainland. The A-shares of rival China Vanke, for example, trade at more than a 50 per cent premium to the same company's shares in Hong Kong. Wang was already planning to raise around $2 billion through an additional listing of shares in his property arm in Shanghai. Wang didn't get where he is today without knowing how to trade. Take the group private at the same price at which it listed, and based on Eikon estimates of 47.2 billion yuan of operating profit in 2018, and a 26 per cent tax rate, the annual post-tax return for theoretically buying the whole thing out would be 12 per cent. Investors in Hong Kong could hope Wang will give them a bit more; they can't hope to be part of his grand plan. Television and radio broadcast companies in Delhi were surprised to receive a business order from the Delhi government detailing the dos and don'ts for the second phase of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's odd-even car rationing scheme. The reason for the surprise: the languages in which the state government wants the broadcast to be aired. Besides Hindi, English and Punjabi, public relations managers handling the government's communication have asked for broadcasts in Gujarati and Marathi and that these be aired in Gujarat and Maharashtra. The move could be part of the Aam Aadmi Party's efforts to make inroads in those states. Raleigh controversy captured national media attention Special damages? RALEIGH One of the best-known houses in one of Raleigh's older neighborhoods is also among its newest. In 2013, Louis Cherry and Marsha Gordon applied to build a modernist house in Raleigh's Oakwood neighborhood, where most existing houses are from the Victorian era or have similar designs. The resulting controversy generated both considerable national news coverage and considerable legal expenses as a neighbor challenged whether a modernist house was appropriate for the neighborhood. In a February ruling, the state's second-highest court sided with the owners of the new home.Oakwood is a designated historic district. Under the rules for the district, a certificate of design appropriateness from the Raleigh Historic Development Commission is required for new construction. Before the commission, several people stated their belief that the proposed modernist structure was not at all consistent with the other houses in the area. Among those expressing displeasure was Gail Wiesner, who lives across the street from Cherry and Gordon's lot.The commission ultimately approved the house, and Cherry and Gordon proceeded to obtain a building permit and begin construction, facing a risk that they might be required to tear the house down if the commission's decision to issue the certificate was overturned on appeal.And there was an appeal. Wiesner contested the commission's ruling before the Raleigh Board of Adjustment. In early 2014, the board sided with Wiesner. But Cherry and Gordon then sought judicial review of the board's determination. In a September 2014 decision, Superior Court Judge Elaine O'Neal Bushfan ruled against the board and reinstated the commission's determination that the house was appropriate for the neighborhood. Wiesner then took the next step and brought the issue before the N.C. Court of Appeals.The key issue before both the trial court and the Appeals Court was whether Wiesner actually had the right to challenge the commission's issuance of the certificate before the Board of Adjustment. The legal term for this is "standing." Under North Carolina law, owning adjacent property does not, by itself, confer standing to challenge a land use decision. Instead, a neighbor must demonstrate that she is an "aggrieved party" under the law and would suffer "special damages" as a result of the proposed use. State courts have defined special damages as economic damages such as a loss of property value or other adverse effects; they are distinct from those other property owners in the area would suffer as a result of the proposed land use.The Court of Appeals rejected Wiesner's claim. "Even if she is correct in her assessment of the Cherry-Gordon house's design, respondent has failed to show that she is an 'aggrieved party' as the law defines that term, so the Superior Court's order reversing the Board's decision was correct and we affirm it," wrote Judge Donna Stroud for the Appeals Court.Wiesner's petition to the Board of Adjustment stated that the Cherry-Gordon house would "harm the character of the neighborhood and contribute to erosion of the neighborhood's value." The Court of Appeals found that this did not rise to the level of special damages, as Wiesner's claim either was purely aesthetic or not limited to her property.This did not end the matter, as Wiesner also alleged that she should have been allowed to supplement the record at trial with affidavits showing that she indeed would suffer special damages. The Court of Appeals was not impressed by this argument, finding the affidavits unhelpful.As an example, in one affidavit, Wiesner complained that the modernist house had led to "gawker traffic."Even if this were true, Stroud noted that the affidavit stated the increased "gawker" traffic had been caused by the intense media attention attracted by the battle over the house's design, not by the house itself."This is simply not the sort of increased traffic our prior cases have addressed as part of the basis for standing of an adjacent property owner to challenge a permit, since traffic is not generated by the usual or intended use of the Cherry-Gordon house or property itself but is generated only by the media coverage of the controversy surrounding its construction. The Cherry-Gordon house is a 2,580- square-foot single-family residence, and the record shows that it would generate exactly the same type of 'traffic' in its normal use as respondent's home or any other single-family residence of similar size."Court of Appeals rulings are binding interpretations of state law unless overruled by the N.C. Supreme Court. Because the ruling by the three-judge panel of the Appeals Court was unanimous, the high court is not required to hear the case if Wiesner files additional challenges regarding the house's design.The case is, (15-155). With reference to the editorial, "FDI in e-commerce" (March 31), the government's efforts to strike a balance between the interests of online and offline retailers seem to have succeeded only partially. The focus should have been customer satisfaction. From that point of view, the twin provisions of barring marketplace players from offering discounts on their own - to end "predatory pricing" - and the 25 per cent cap on sales from a single vendor are not to the consumers' liking. The second provision will create problems for sale of high-value items such as electronic goods. However, the policy has some positive features. It puts the onus of warranties and after-sales service on sellers, and not marketplace companies. It clarifies the distinction between marketplace and inventory-based companies. Looking at the policy from the government perspective, discounts offered by e-commerce platforms will not continue endlessly when their balance sheets won't support them. So, there is a need to keep foreign direct investments within limits. To that extent the policy deserves to be tried out. Y G Chouksey, Pune Letters can be mailed, faxed or e-mailed to:The Editor, Business StandardNehru House, 4 Bahadur Shah Zafar MargNew Delhi 110 002Fax: (011) 23720201 E-mail: letters@bsmail.in All letters must have a postal address and telephone number At least 11 people were wounded today in a bomb attack targeting the Turkish police in the Kurdish-majority southeastern city of Diyarbakir, hospital and security sources said. Three of the injured in Diyarbakir were members of the security forces, the sources added. Turkish forces are engaged in an operation against Kurdish rebels from the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in the region. Security sources told AFP the bomb exploded as a police armoured vehicle drove past. The attack came as Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, whose government has waged a relentless campaign against PKK rebels since last summer, was due on Friday to make a rare visit to Diyarbakir. Hundreds of security forces members have been killed since the PKK resumed its more than three-decade insurgency after a fragile truce collapsed last summer. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said this week that 355 members of the security forces had been killed in the fighting, along with 5,359 members of the PKK. It was not possible to confirm the toll on the rebel side. Over 40,000 people have been killed since the PKK took up arms in 1984 demanding a homeland for Turkey's biggest minority. Since then, the group has pared back its demands to focus on cultural rights and a measure of autonomy. A radical PKK offshoot, the Kurdistan Freedom Falcons (TAK), claimed responsibility for two suicide car bombings in Ankara this year that left dozens dead. Two youths arrested for carrying drugs allegedly died in custody at a police station here, following which three policemen, including an SHO, have been put under suspension pending a magisterial probe into the incident. Saddam and Akil were arrested yesterday after police seized drugs from their possession and brought to Puranpur police station. This morning, they were rushed to a hospital, where doctors declared them brought dead. SP Anil Kumar Singh has suspended three policemen, including SHO Inspector Shakti Singh, over the incident. A magisterial inquiry has been ordered, police said. Family members of the youths alleged that they died due to police torture. "The matter is being probed and guilty will be punished," IG (Law and Order) Bhagwan Swarup told reporters in Lucknow. Five al-Qaeda terrorists have been killed and 450 suspects arrested in Punjab province as the Pakistani military launched a fresh campaign against militants following the Easter Sunday massacre that killed 74 people. The attack by Pakistani Taliban faction - Jamaatul Ahrar - killed 74 people, most of them women and children, on Sunday at a crowded public park in Lahore. The group claimed the attack saying it was a "message" to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif that the "war has reached his doorstep". It also said that their target were Christians. Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah today said security agencies and Punjab police have extended search operations from main districts to small towns and detained 450 suspects. "In the four-day operation (since Sunday), law enforcement agencies had taken more than 9,000 people into custody but detained 450 of them for their alleged links with banned organisations," Sanaullah told reporters here. "We are also interrogating them for their role as facilitators." He acknowledged that some people may have to face problems as the operation progresses, but quickly added that there was no other way to find the terrorists and their facilitators. "Such people are living among us. We have to identify them and arrest them. War against terrorism is our struggle for survival and there is no other option but to win it," he said. Law enforcement agencies yesterday killed five 'high-profile' terrorists in an encounter. Lahore police chief Amin Wains said they were members of al-Qaeda (Afzaal Group). "The five al-Qaeda terrorists were involved in many terror attacks, including missile attack on Pakistan Military Academy, Kakul, attack on army officers in Peshawar, army camp in Gujrat, minority Ahamadi's worship place in Garhi Shahu Lahore, Police Training Centre, Shekhupura district of Punjab and cracker attacks at several juice corners and food outlets in Lahore," Wains said. He said they had also kidnapped a relative of a senior army officer for Rs 10 million ransom, an American citizen for Rs 300 million ransom, and two other foreigners in Multan. The terrorists have been identified as Qari Saqib, Junaid Zahoor, Khan Wahid, Nasir Iqbal and Nadeem Iqbal. A Joint Invesigation Team formed by Punjab government has found clues suggesting Jamaat-ul-Ahrar was behind the attack. "We got some solid evidence that Jmaat-ul-Ahrar is behind the suicide attack at Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park," Wains said. The group has previously claimed responsibility for suicide attacks at two churches in Lahore in March 2015, and attempted to justify them by terming Pakistan a "land of war". "The Christians, Jews, and Zorastrians living in Pakistan have neither converted to Islam nor are they paying Jizya. Under these circumstances, Christians, Hindus, etc, are not at peace, nor are their places of worship safe," it had said. Slamming JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar for his remarks that 1984 anti-Sikh riot was a mob led massacre while Gujarat riots in 2002 were a state sponsored violence, members of ABVP today staged a protest demanding an apology from him. "By calling 1984 riots a mob led massacre, Kanhaiya has given a clean chit to Congress which very much used state machinery for that violence in which thousands were killed. "His remarks are only reflective of the growing proximity between Congress and left parties," ABVP's National Media Coordinator Saket Bahuguna said. The protest was held at Delhi University's arts faculty during which officer bearers of DU students union were also present. Kanhaiya attracted criticism over his remarks earlier this week that 1984 anti-Sikh riot was a "mob-led massacre" while 2002 Gujarat riots were a "state sponsored violence." His comments did not go down well even with those who have been his zealous supporters ever since he was arrested in a sedition case over an event against hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru during which anti-national slogans were allegedly raised. While he was under attack for giving a "clean chit" to Congress for the 1984 pogrom, Kanhaiya maintained that he was being "misinterpreted". The Acting Principal of Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar Schedule Caste residential girls' school in Bihar's Arwal district was today arrested by the Vigilance department on graft charge. Raju Qureshi, a native of Karbigahiya locality here, complained that the principal Kumar Sunil Sinha demanded bribe of Rs 6,000 for accepting the voucher in lieu of supply of food for the students, an official release said. A Vigilance Investigation Bureau (VIB) team, led by the Deputy Superintendent of Police Vijay Kumar Srivastava, laid a trap and arrested Sinha no sooner than he took the amount in his chamber from the complainant, it said. Sinha was being brought to Patna for interrogation and later he will be produced before the designated vigilance court for forwarding him to judicial remand, the release added. (REOPENS MDS11) Thomas had earlier met the Chief Minister at his official residence at Cliff House and held discussions. Thomas said he was going on leave for a month and will reveal the reasons for this decision at an "appropriate time". The government has decided against processing fresh recommendations made by 10 high courts for appointment of 110 additional judges till the Supreme Court ratifies the revised draft of the memorandum of procedure (MoP) that will guide future appointments to the higher judiciary. Official sources said chief justices of 10 high courts have recommended the names of 110 candidates -- from the state judicial services and the Bar -- for appointment as additional judges. "After the National Judicial Appointments Commission Act was struck down by the Supreme Court, the government had informed the Chief Justice of India that only the appointments which are in the pipeline will be processed while a new memorandum of procedure to bring transparency in the collegium system is being cleared. "Accordingly, 115 names which are in various stages of being considered for appointment as additional judges are being cleared," a senior government functionary said. He said while the government will continue to clear elevations and postings of sitting judges, it would not clear new names as additional judges till the memorandum is ratified by the SC collegium. The revised draft of the memorandum was handed over to the CJI a few days ago. In the past few days, chief justices of the Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana, Orissa, Calcutta, Madhya Pradesh and Kerala high courts have recommended a total of 110 candidates to be appointed as additional judges. Out of 89 recommendations for elevation of additional judges of high courts as permanent judges, 66 files have been cleared by the government. Some of the issues highlighted by the draft MoP are transparency in the appointment process, eligibility criteria, a permanent secretariat for the collegium and a process to evaluate and deal with complaints against candidates. The government and the judiciary are learnt to be on the same page on the issue of a permanent secretariat for the collegium. Senior members of the Afghan Taliban today said that a prominent figure within the militant group who had opposed its new leadership has now pledged his allegiance, helping to close divisions within the Taliban ahead of possible peace talks with the government. Abdul Qayum Zakir had disagreed with the appointment of Mullah Akhtar Mansoor as leader of the Taliban following the death of the movement's one-eyed founder, Mullah Mohammad Omar. Two Taliban members, Mohammad Ghaus, a foreign minister in the Taliban's 1996-2001 regime, and ruling council member Mullah Gul Rahman Saleem told The Associated Press that Zakir had recently pledged allegiance to Mansoor. His loyalty pledge helps close one of several rifts that emerged after Mullah Omar's death was announced by the Afghan government last summer. Mansoor had led the movement in Omar's name for more than two years after he died. Kabul's announcement of Omar's death elevated Mansoor to the leadership, but led to deep mistrust among some at the top of the insurgent movement who felt betrayed. The announcement of Omar's death also derailed a peace process that has yet to be revived. The Taliban recently announced they would not attend direct talks with Afghan government representatives, which Kabul officials had said would take place in early March. Zakir's return to the fold follows a rallying call issued by Mansoor earlier this month, in which he called on disaffected Taliban to reunite under his leadership. This appears to be an attempt to strengthen his position ahead of any peace dialogue, consolidating battlefield gains made after the international combat mission ended in 2014 and left Afghan forces to fight largely alone for the first time in the war's 15 years. Zakir, a former Taliban military commission leader who spent time in Guantanamo Bay prison after the 2001 US invasion toppled the Taliban regime, held a number of senior roles within the group, both during its rule of Afghanistan and after it went into exile in neighboring Pakistan. He had initially opposed Mansoor's elevation to leader, but chose to keep a low profile. His power base is in southern Helmand province, where most of the world's opium is produced, and where Mansoor is believed to control the bulk of the smuggling routes. Union Health Ministry today asked AIIMS Bhubaneswar to explore new avenues for expanding the "scope and scale" of tertiary healthcare delivery. Presiding over the Governing Body and Institute Body meetings of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, Union Health Minister J P Nadda today assured all support from his ministry towards tertiary healthcare services. "I assure you all support from the Ministry for your endeavours towards tertiary healthcare services to the people," he said. The Health Minister said financial powers have been devolved during the last few meetings along with operational autonomy to enable and empower these super-specialty healthcare institutes to function more effectively. He said he supported all systemic changes which enhanced the working of these institutes. Matters related to expansion and equipping of AIIMS Bhubaneswar in terms of infrastructure, human resources, faculty and doctors were discussed during the meeting. "The Health Minister stated that the institute can take steps towards research in healthcare and explore new avenues of expanding the scope and scale of tertiary healthcare delivery, which will benefit those who deserve these services the most," a Health Ministry statement said. Nadda said he supported all efforts aimed at making these institutes centres of excellence. MP Prasanna Kumar Patasani, Sarojini Hembram, Kulamani Samal and senior officers of the Health Ministry including secretary B P Sharma were present in the meeting. Zaha Hadid, the world's most famous female architect who attracted plaudits for works of sweeping curves and controversy for huge cost overruns, diedtoday at the age of 65, her company said. The award-winning Iraqi-British architect was best known for her designs for the Guangzhou Opera House in China and the aquatics centre used in the 2012 London Olympics. But she faced criticism last year after her futuristic USD 2 billion (1.7 billion euro) design for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic stadium was scrapped amid spiralling costs and complaints over the design. Born in Baghdad in 1950, where her father was a politician, Hadid forged a career in the male-dominated world of architecture bringing her curvaceous, radical designs to life in glass, steel and concrete. "It is with great sadness that Zaha Hadid Architects have confirmed that Dame Zaha Hadid died suddenly in Miami in the early hours of this morning," her firm said in a statement, adding that she suffered a heart attack after contracting bronchitis this week. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi paid tribute to Hadid describing her death as a loss for the "whole world". She had "served the world through her creativity, and in losing her, the whole world has lost one of the great energies that served the community", Abadi said in a statement. Hadid's other notable works included the Italian National Museum of 21st Century Arts in Rome, the Heydar Aliyev Centre in Baku, the Rosenthal Center for Contemporary Art in Cincinnati and the Guangzhou Opera House in China. "I believe that the complexities and dynamism of contemporary life cannot be cast into the simple platonic forms provided by the classical canon," she said in her speech accepting the Pritzker Prize, the most prestigious in architecture, in 2004. "The initial sense of abstractness and strangeness is unavoidable and not a sign of personal wilfulness." Hadid studied maths at the American University of Beirut before going on to study at the prestigious Architecture Association in London, where her professors included leading Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas. RALEIGH If Republicans have been attempting to suppress the vote in North Carolina, they must be the most incompetent tyrants in modern American history.On March 15, some 2.3 million North Carolinians cast ballots in the Democratic, Republican, and Libertarian primaries for president, governor, U.S. Senate, and other offices. That comes to about 36 percent of all registered voters. The turnout rate was similar to the 37 percent who voted in the 2008 presidential primaries and the 35 percent who voted in the 2012 primaries. During the 1990s and early 2000s, presidential primary turnouts in North Carolina ranged from 16 percent to 31 percent.This year's primaries were the first to be held under a set of new election rules that included both a more compact early-voting schedule and a requirement that voters either show a photo ID or sign an affidavit attesting to one of several specified exceptions. It was also the first time in decades that North Carolina held its primaries earlier than May.None of these changes appears to have had a substantial effect on turnout. None suppressed the vote. Under the new early voting rules, North Carolinians may have fewer days to cast ballots but there are also more early-voting sites and more hours in each day to vote. The truth is that there has never been a strong empirical relationship between early voting and voter participation. Some states with early voting have seen substantial gains in turnout. But states without early voting have seen comparable gains.As it happens, this year's primaries have demonstrated precisely why North Carolina's new policy is better than its old one. In many states, voters have cast ballots weeks early for presidential candidates who then dropped out of the race before Election Day. These voters might well have chosen to vote for a different candidate, which in some cases would have resulted in a different winner and delegate allocation.Early voting is a convenience, certainly, but it also prevents voters from reacting to late-breaking developments in a campaign. It's probably wise for states to strike a balance, to offer a relatively short early-voting period but one in which there are many sites and long hours. That's what North Carolina has done.It should be noted that two other election-law changes from 2013 - getting rid of same-day registration during early voting and limiting out-of-precinct voting on Election Day - were not in force this year because of a federal injunction. But these provisions were in force in 2014. Again, they didn't have a notable effect on voter participation. Indeed, getting rid of out-of-precinct voting, while causing some inconvenience for voters who show up at the wrong precinct late the day, will otherwise increase voter participation in district-level elections, because they'll have the proper ballots for their precincts.According to early reports, at least 40,000 North Carolinians cast provisional ballots in this year's primaries. In a quarter of the cases, they claimed to be registered voters but there seemed to be no registration record for them. In other cases, registered Democrats attempted to vote in the GOP presidential primary, or vice versa. Obviously, many of the provisional ballots won't be counted.Was the new voter ID requirement responsible for a significant percentage of these provisional ballots? No. Approximately 2,400 North Carolinians voted provisionally because of problems with ID compliance. That's about one-tenth of one percent of all the voters who showed up.By all means, the state should continue good-faith efforts to assist those who lack acceptable photo IDs. If that means straightening out preexisting problems with birth certificates or other paperwork, fine. Those without valid identification lack access to many other institutions and services. Addressing such problems will benefit them greatly.As to the larger issue, I'm sure that the Left will continue to allege "voter suppression." It fits their preferred narrative and advances their preferred political agenda. But it doesn't comport with the facts. Voter turnout after the 2013 enactment of North Carolina's election reforms has been at or above previous levels. Two more regiments of the short-range supersonic cruise missile, Brahmos, will be inducted into Army within next fifteen days, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said here today. "The process of induction of two more regiments (of Brahmos missile) in the Indian Army is in the final stage and within 15 days, these regiments will be inducted in Indian Army," he said. The Defence Minister was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the commissioning ceremony for the 50th batch of medical graduates of all three forces at the Armed Forces Medical College here. Army is already equipped with three regiments of Block III version of Brahmos missiles. The proposed induction will upgrade its air defence capabilities. Meanwhile, Parrikar dismissed reports that Central government was inclined to buy Israeli missiles rather than inducting domestically-manufactured 'Akash' in Army. "Akash is already being inducted in Army and we are also developing very short missiles and till we develop them successfully, some missiles might have to be brought from outside," he said. The minister said the "non-operational flab" in the armed forces needs to be slashed. "I have asked Army, Air Force and Navy to identify the flab areas in their respective forces as there is a lot of unwanted flab which has been continuing due to systematic problems that need to be trimmed," he said. Responding to a query on the Pathankot probe, he said the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) from Pakistan has been given access only to the "crime scene" whereas the operational base of air force has been barricaded. "NIA, which is investigating the case, permitted the JIT only because they are sure that there are some people from Pakistan who were involved in the attack," said Parrikar. The arrest of an alleged Indian 'spy' from Pakistan's restive Balochistan province may derail the back channel diplomacy between the two countries after claims have been made that National Security Adviser Ajit Doval was his "direct handler", a media report said today. Pakistan last week arrested Kulbhushan Yadav, the alleged operative of Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), from southern Balochistan. Pakistan Army had also released a "confessional video" of Yadav, who said he was the serving Indian Navy officer. The Express Tribune today reported that the mechanism involving the national security advisers (NSA) of two countries to discuss security and terrorism related issues is in danger of being scrapped after Doval's name surfaced in the ongoing controversy. "Security officials claimed that Yadav's confessional statement has confirmed the Indian NSA's role as being the architect of RAW's current policy of stoking violence in Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan," it said. Military spokesperson Lt Gen Asim Salim Bajwa on Tuesday also claimed that Yadav was being directly handled by Doval. The serious nature of the allegation against Doval has compelled Pakistan to reconsider the arrangement the two neighbours had put in place at the NSA-level talks last year to discuss counter-terrorism issues through back channels, it said. "Is it appropriate to talk to a person who is directly involved in creating instability in Pakistan?" asked a security official, who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue. Scrapping the backchannel mechanism between the NSAs could lead to the derailment of the entire peace process, the paper said. India has acknowledged Yadav as a retired Indian Navy officer, but denied the allegation that he was in any way connected to the government. The paper reported that Pakistan's powerful military establishment has already conveyed its concerns to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif about the role of Doval. Both Doval and his Pakistani counterpart Lt Gen (retd) Nasser Khan Janjua were instrumental in normalising ties between the two countries. Recently, the Pakistani NSA even shared crucial intelligence with Doval about the infiltration of some militants into India to carry out terrorist attacks, the report claimed. The two countries are still struggling to fix a date for a key meeting between their foreign secretaries, who were to originally meet in January but the Pathankot terror attack led to the cancellation of talks. Taking a serious view of the alleged assault on three madrasa students here for not chanting 'Bharat Mata ki jai', National Commission for Minorities (NCM) today asked the Delhi Police Commissioner to "immediately" submit a report on the incident. After a CPI(M) delegation called on him seeking his intervention in the case, NCM chairperson Naseem Ahmad sought a report from Delhi police chief Alok Kumar Verma on the case which the Left party termed "a hate crime motivated by hostility towards minorities". "A petition has been received today and we have called for an immediate report from Delhi Police Commissioner pertaining to the allegations," said Ahmad. Police is expected to submit the report within a week, he said. Saying the three students were "coerced to shout slogans like Mata ki Jai/Bharat Mata ki Jai", CPI(M) alleged that such incidents were occurring due to the "atmosphere created by the leaders of the ruling party at the Centre at different levels". "However, the FIR copy given to the victim does not include any clause connected with communal violence. An effort is being made to whitewash this and reduce the crime to a personal dispute," CPI(M) claims in the memorandum. The delegation, led by CPI(M) politburo member Brinda Karat, accused Delhi government and the Centre of not taking note of this "serious" incident. "This is a case which directly relates to an assault on minorities and, therefore, is within the mandate of the Minorities Commission. We request you to immediately intervene and take appropriate action," the party said. The CPI(M) delegation also sought "immediate" compensation for the students and told NCM that they belong to "very poor" families in Bihar and are in a state of fear after the assault. "All three of them were badly beaten up and one of them, (Mohammad) Dilkash, suffered serious fractures," it said. Besides Karat, the memorandum was signed by CPI(M) Delhi State Secretariat member Nathu Prashad and the party's Delhi State Committee member Ram Pal. Dilkash has told police that the incident took place on March 26 when he was sitting in a park near their madrasa in Bhajanpura with two of his friends, Ajmal and Naeem. Some five persons were sitting nearby consuming alcohol and it was an youth from this group who suddenly came to Dilkash and allegedly slapped him. The other group then threatened Dilkash and his friends saying "if they want to live, they must say Jai Mata Ki". Dilkash claimed he and his friends repeated the chant but were still beaten with bamboo sticks. Five youths were arrested yesterday in connection with the attack. Belgian police today carried out a new raid in connection with a foiled attack plot in France whose main suspect was charged this week with membership of a terrorist organisation, prosecutors said. "A raid is under way in connection with the (Reda) Kriket case. It is taking place at Marke, in the town of Courtrai" in northwestern Belgium, Eric Van Der Sypt, a spokesman for the federal prosecutor's office, told AFP. Soldiers and police officers could be seen taking part in the operation near a busy motorway, according to images from local media. French national Reda Kriket was arrested near Paris last week and at his apartment police found a cache of assault rifles, handguns and TATP, the highly volatile homemade explosive favoured by Islamic State (IS) jihadists. French prosecutor Francois Molins said Wednesday that "no specific target" had been identified for the foiled attack, but the cache of weapons showed an imminent act of "extreme violence" had likely been prevented. Kriket's arrest came four months after IS jihadists killed 130 people in the French capital. Investigators in France and Belgium have been stepping up efforts to smash a network of IS-linked extremists blamed for both the November Paris attacks and last week's suicide bombings on the Brussels airport and metro that killed 32 people. Belgium has so far charged two suspects -- Abderrahmane Ameroud, 38, and Rabah M, 34 -- over the foiled plot linked to Kriket. Pop star Beyonce received a visit from US presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton while filming a music video. The "Drunk In Love" star, who is currently working on a new album, was recently in Los Angeles shooting a promo for the record when a special guest joined her in the studio, according to Us magazine. It is unclear if former Secretary of State Clinton will appear in the video or what the purpose of the set visit was, but she has often heaped praise on Beyonce in the past, and she's clearly a fan. "I want to be as good a president as Beyonce is a performer," she had said. BJP president Amit Shah today said his party would neither seek nor extend support to either AIUDF or Congress for government formation in Assam. "We are prepared to sit in opposition for even 50 years than seek support from the two parties who have betrayed the people of Assam by not solving the problem of infiltration from Bangladesh and indulging in rampant corruption," Shah said at an election rally here in Assam's Barak Valley. Assam cannot progress unless infiltration stops and "both Congress and AIUDF are not interested in solving this problem as they indulge in vote-bank politics." "This policy of vote-bank politics has endangered Assam's security and deprived employment opportunities to youths of Assam," he said. The BJP president also accused Congress and AIUDF of speaking against each other "during the day and making secret deals at night". "Both Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and AIUDF Chief Badruddin Ajmal are the same and we are against both the parties who have done nothing for the development of Assam but have neglected the poor of the state," he said. A bomb was today recovered from the hole of a sewerage pipeline near Transport Nagar, police said. The bomb was recovered close to a petrol pump when the sewerage was being cleaned, they said. Police suspect that the bomb might have been thrown into the gutter by some scrap dealer. It has been handed over to the Army, police said, adding, the matter is being investigated. Brazil's Supreme Court has handed former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva a victory, ruling against returning a corruption investigation involving the ex-leader back to a judge he accuses of unfairly targeting him. Brazil's highest court voted 8-2 to take over the case yesterday, effectively removing the probe into Silva from Judge Sergio Moro, the lower court magistrate spearheading a corruption case centered on state-run oil company Petrobras. Moro, a judge from the provincial backwater of Curitiba, has risen to prominence over the past two years while presiding over the Petrobras investigation that has ensnared some of Brazil's richest businessmen and top public figures from across the political spectrum. But he was accused of partisanship earlier this month after ordering police to take Silva in for questioning in connection with the Petrobras case. Silva's supporters say Moro is waging a crusade against the former leader and fear he could order Silva detained, a step the Supreme Court is thought much less likely to take, at least in the short term. The full court has not yet taken up appeals of a separate injunction that prevented Silva from taking office as President Dilma Rousseff's chief of state, a post that would give him greater legal protections. Under Brazilian law, only the Supreme Court can authorise the investigation, detention and indictment of Cabinet ministers and legislators. Silva's appointment has remained in limbo for weeks, pending a decision by the Supreme Court. The former president, who served from 2003-2010, has denied all wrongdoing. Meanwhile yesterday, demonstrators were gathering in at least five states to support Silva and Rousseff, who is facing impeachment proceedings over accusations she violated fiscal laws. Demonstrators dressed in red, the symbol of Rousseff's left-leaning Workers' Party, were converging in the capital, Brasilia, as well as the financial center of Sao Paulo and other cities throughout the country. Rousseff's chance of surviving impeachment effort looked slimmer after the biggest party in her governing coalition decamped earlier this week a move that also created confusion about the status of her Cabinet. Leaders of The Brazilian Democratic Movement Party, known by the Portuguese initials PMDB, said Tuesday that all their Cabinet ministers, as well as hundreds of other federal government employees, would have to resign immediately. But Agriculture Minister Katia Abreu, a close confidant of Rousseff, said on Twitter that she didn't plan on leaving either the government or the party. Her tweet suggested the other five PMDB Cabinet ministers held the same stand. A police force in a county could become the first in the UK to introduce cats in the fight against crime, after a five-year-old girl wrote to the police chief why the force only recruited dogs. Eliza Adamson-Hopper contacted Durham Police chief Mike Barton suggesting cats would be good at listening out for danger and rescuing people from trees. She received a reply saying he would pass the idea on to an inspector. The force has now confirmed it will consider using felines in an as-yet unspecified role, the BBC reported. Inspector Richie Allen, of the dog support unit, said: "I can confirm the force is looking into recruiting what we believe to be the first UK police cat. "Their duties and responsibilities have not yet been agreed but if nothing else they will become the force mascot. "Of course, if it smells a rat we'll expect it to catch it." Eliza, who has a cat called Mittens and a dog called Susie, wanted to know why the police use dogs but not cats. Her mother Cheryl Adamson, from Burnopfield in County Durham, said: "Eliza has loads of questions for everyone and I don't always know the answers. "We typed out a letter to the chief constable, she told us what to write, and we said she might not get a response because he is a busy man." Eliza's letter read: "A police cat would be good as they have good ears and can listen out for danger. "Cats are good at finding their way home and could show policemen the way. "Cats are good at climbing trees and hunting and could rescue people that are stuck." Barton's reply, which included a drawing of his cat, thanked her for the suggestion. Adamson said: "Eliza was delighted with the response, but we thought that would be the end of it. "Then the inspector from the dogs unit sent her a calendar and invited her to an open day," Eliza's mother said. The mainopposition Congress today staged awalkout from the Chhattisgarh Assembly demanding probe by a high-powered committee into alleged rape of tribal women by the security forces in the Naxal-affected Bijapur district. During the Question Hour, Congress MLA Mohan Markam sought to know how many cases of rape and road accidents were registered in Bastar division in 2014 and 2015. In-charge Home Minister Ajay Chandrakar said 294 cases of rape and 3,028 of road accidents were registered in 2014 and 2015 in Bastar division. Investigation was complete in 3,098 cases (257 rape cases and 2,841 accidents), he said. Markam then asked about the status of some specific rape cases in Bijapur district, to which the minister said he will provide the details of those cases to the MLA. Interrupting him, state Congress chief Bhupesh Baghel said that tribal women from Peddagelur, Chinnagelur and Lendra villages had alleged that they were raped by security forces. FIRs were lodged but nobody was arrested, Baghel said, demanding that a high-powered committee or a senior secretary level officer should probe the charges. Chandrakar said he will direct the superintendent of police to probe these cases. Baghel said a Congress delegation had visited the area after the incidents came to light, and the Inspector General of Police and the SPs were trying to suppress the issue, so an investigation by a senior secretary or a director general of police (DGP) level officer was needed. The minister said there was no cover-up attempt and the guilty would be punished after a transparent probe. Not satisfied with his reply, Congress MLAs shouted slogans accusing the BJP government of shielding the accused and staged a walkout from the House. 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. Haryana police has informed a Delhi court that undertrials from the state would not be produced there till the Jat agitation ends, as the cops were busy maintaining law and order. A circular issued by the office of District and Sessions Judge (headquarters) informed the concerned judges of the Tis Hazari Courts here about the letter received from Haryana Police. "A copy of fax letter has been received from the Superintendent of Police, District Jhajjar, Haryana state with the intimation that due to Jat reservation agitation in Haryana, large number of police force has been deployed on various places to maintain law and order duties during the agitation. "Therefore, it would be difficult for the police force to produce the undertrials in the court of law at Delhi from March 17 till the Jat reservation agitation ends," a circular by Additional District and Sessions Judge Shail Jain said. A Bill to provide reservation to Jats and five other communities in government jobs and educational institutions was unanimously passed on March 29 by the Haryana Assembly, ahead of the April 3 deadline set by the community which launched a violent quota agitation last month. At least 30 people lost their lives and more than 320 were injured in the worst ever Jat agitation witnessed in Haryana. Besides, financial loss to the tune of hundreds of crores was incurred by people whose homes and business establishments were damaged in the arson that followed the agitation leaving the state paralysed for nearly two weeks. At least five refugees werekilled today when a vehicle they were traveling in exploded in Pakistan's northwestern city here. The incident occured near Kot Kashmir Bridge in the jurisdiction of Tajori Police Station in Lakki Marwat District of Khyber Pakthunkhwas bordering South Waziristan agency, officials said. Five refugees werekilled in the blast, they said. It is yet to be confirmed if the explosive wasplanted inside the car or it was triggered through an explosive device, the officials said. CBI today arrested alleged mastermind of a fixed deposit fraud at State Bank of Hyderabad in which funds of Official Liquidator of High Court of Judicature at Hyderabad were allegedly siphoned off by the employees of the Bank. V K Sai Kumar, Managing Director of Hyderbad-based software firm Swal Computers who was identified by two co-accused as main alleged mastermind was nabbed from a hotel in Mumbai by a CBI team where he has been hiding. The agency has arrested an ex-employee of the Bank K V Ramana Rao and one Damodaran Mani who had revealed the name of Kumar as the master mind behind the fraud and main beneficiary of the fraud amount. Kumar was also arrested in 2012 for alleged misappropriation of Rs 55.47 crore worth of fixed deposits (FDs) in Vijaya Bank, for allegedly forging documents to open current account in the name of AP State Minority Finance Corporation (APSFMC), the sources said. The sources said he is also allegedly involved in other CBI cases of bank fraud and it is learnt that he is an habitual offender. It is alleged that office of the Official Liquidator, High Court, Hyderabad has transferred Rs 9.86 crore to State Bank of Hyderabad, Malkajgiri Branch, Hyderabad with a request to issue Fixed Deposits in the names of various companies in liquidation. The branch manager had sent these FDs in favour of Allwyn Watches Limited through one K V Ramana Rao, ex-employee of the Bank, the FIR alleged. During verification, on a later date, by the Official Liquidator, it was informed by the Branch Manager that one of the FDR worth Rs 8.45 crores issued in favour of the company was prematurely closed under the purported instructions issued by the Liquidator's Office. It is alleged that the FDRs in the possession of the Official Liquidator are fabricated ones. The High Court had orderd CBI to probe the case. Congress leader P L Punia today accused the BJP-led government at the Centre of "maintaining silence" over issues concerning welfare of Dalits, including reservation in promotions. "The Modi government is maintaining continued silence on bringing a bill on quota in promotions for which the previous UPA government had taken decisive steps," said Punia, who is also the Chairman of Scheduled Castes Commission. The demand for quota in private sector and judiciary is also very old but the central government is silent on these as well, he said. Charging the Samajwadi Party government in Uttar Pradesh with being anti-Dalit, Punia alleged that along with BSP and BJP SP has always tried to keep the Dalits behind in the path of progress. Claiming that people are fed up with BSP, SP and BJP, the Congress leader hoped that in the state election next year, his party, which has been out of power for over two decades, will put up a good show. He also flagged off the third phase of "Bhim Jyoti Yatra" which will pass through 22 districts to apprise the people with the works undertaken by the party for the welfare of the Dalits. The yatra will go on for 11 days. Senior officials and dignitaries, including Chief Minister Raman Singh and state home and police functionaries, today paid their last respects to the seven CRPF jawans who were killed in a deadly landmine blast in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district. Singh and acting state Home Minister Ajay Chandrakar led their Cabinet colleagues and senior officials of the Home and police departments in wreath-laying ceremony at the 'Mana' police battalion camp in the state capital. The bodies of the slain personnel were brought here early today from Dantewada by choppers. Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Director General K Durga Prasad, Senior Advisor in the Union Home Ministry (Left Wing Extremism) K Vijay Kumar and other paramilitary officers posted in the state also paid their last respects to their fallen colleagues. The ceremonial troupe of the paramilitary, too, took part in the ceremony and reversed their arms and sounded the bugle in respect of the martyrs. The bodies were later sent to their hometowns. Singh said he salutes the martyrs and security personnel who have taken on the duty of protecting the state and its people. "We are not going to be cowed down by this incident. In fact, we are more determined to work strongly in the Naxal- violence affected areas of the state to ensure development," he said. The chief minister asserted that Maoists are on the back foot after successful operations against them in the state led by CRPF, BSF, ITBP and state police personnel. As many as 70 roads are being constructed in the Left Wing Extremism-hit areas of the state while a number of schools and hospitals, too, are coming up in these areas assisted by the security forces, he said. The slain personnel are Assistant Sub-Inspector D Vijay Raj, head constable Pradeep Tirkey and constables Roop Narayan Das, Devendra Chourasia, Ranjan Das, Nana Uday Singh (driver) and Mritunjay Mukherjee. They belonged to CRPF's 230 battalion deployed in the south Bastar region of Chhattisgarh. Burnt bodies of a couple was found from their house in Tripura Rai Lane under Golabari police station in Howrah district, police said. Local people noticed smoke coming out of the house this morning and broke open the door to notice the charred bodies. The victims were identified as Shankar Das (30) and Arpita Das (25). Police said the fire was probably caused by leaking of gas from an LPG cylinder. A 72-year-old Chinese journalist jailed for "leaking state secrets" in a case that drew international condemnation spoke out for the first time today since her release on medical parole. Veteran reporter Gao Yu was imprisoned last year for allegedly leaking a directive by the ruling Communist Party, warning against the "dangers" of multiparty democracy. She spent 18 months in custody before conviction. The septuagenarian, who suffers from heart problems, had her seven-year sentence reduced to five in November, and was granted parole on medical grounds. The official Xinhua agency said at the time the sentence reduction was made because Gao "expressed guilt" during an appeal hearing held in secret. But the journalist dismissed any possible admission of guilt as a "joke" when contacted by AFP at her home today, adding that authorities had prevented her from travelling to Germany for medical treatment. She said her actions were part of a "Chinese style plea-bargain", and that officials had warned her against discussing her case in public as a condition of her parole. Gao said her decision to talk to journalists was prompted by a physical assault on her son by urban management officials in Beijing who tried to demolish a section of her apartment in Beijing. AFP could not verify the details of the incident. Pictures posted online appeared to show a large number of police surrounding her home. Gao, a former freelance journalist, also said she had trouble paying medical bills since her release as she had no source of income. She previously wrote for Berlin-based Deutsche Welle, and Germany has said it raised her case with Chinese officials. "Germany gave me a visa and bought me plane tickets, but (officials) told me I am on medical parole and cannot leave the country," she said. Police in Beijing could not immediately be reached for comment. A former winner of UNESCO's World Press Freedom Prize, Gao has been a consistent critic of the Communist Party's authoritarian policies. She was imprisoned following the government crackdown on student protests in Tiananmen Square in 1989, and again for six years in the 1990s also on a charge of "leaking state secrets". China prevented a human rights lawyer from travelling to the United States to receive an award for her work, she said today as she condemned the restriction on her freedom. Authorities refused to provide Ni Yulan with a passport to attend a ceremony on Tuesday in Washington, DC honouring "International Women of Courage", a day before Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in the city for a nuclear summit. The Public Security Bureau "would not let me leave", Ni said, adding that authorities informed her she was being stopped due to her involvement with more than 200 rights lawyers and activists detained by the government last summer. "It is purely to limit my personal freedom," she said. Ni is best known for her advocacy on behalf of Beijingers' property rights. She has been jailed twice and is paralysed from the waist down, a result she says of beatings received during her detention. In a tongue-in-cheek letter posted online Wednesday, she thanked the "party and government" for making her award nomination possible, noting it was the direct result of abuse in 2014 when, she said, authorities held her in her apartment without food or water. In desperation, she wrote, she reached out to "foreign diplomats" who brought supplies to her home and negotiated with China's foreign ministry on her behalf. Ni is one of a widening group of campaigners put under tightened control by Beijing as it seeks to tamp down activities that go against the party line. She was one of 14 women from around the world recognised by the US State Department for "exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for peace, justice, human rights, gender equality and women's empowerment, often at great personal risk". At the event, US Secretary of State John Kerry bemoaned the fact that China had refused to allow Ni to attend "despite repeated requests", and praised her "leadership in advocating for the rule of law and full, equal rights in China". The US embassy in Beijing has "raised our concerns about Ni's passport refusal with the Chinese government", a spokesman told AFP. Ni was the only award-winner not present at the ceremony. The Global Times, a newspaper linked to China's ruling Communist Party, quoted analysts as saying that the award was an attempt by Washington to "smear China's image and stir trouble". Earlier this year, Beijing stopped journalist Yang Jisheng from travelling to the US to receive an award for his work documenting tens of millions of deaths from starvation during China's Great Leap Forward in the 1950s. Government-affiliated academics have said his work is anti-China propaganda. One of China's biggest private-sector conglomerates is seeking a magical solution to the horns of a dilemma about its future, pledging to "become a giant 'Unicorn' with enormous power". Fosun International used the word "unicorn" at least 19 times in its annual report, in which it declared net profits of more than eight billion yuan (USD 1.2 billion). "Fosun eventually will become a giant 'Unicorn' with enormous power," chairman Guo Guangchang, dubbed China's Warren Buffett, wrote in his letter to shareholders. The mythical unicorn -- long a feature of legends and children's cartoons -- has found new life in the business world as a term used to describe tech startups valued at over USD 1 billion, including companies such as Uber, AirBnb, and Dropbox. Hong Kong-listed Fosun, which owns Club Med and has a stake in Cirque du Soleil, vowed to pursue a unicorn strategy and "nurture" unicorns. Guo has sought to reassure investors since he mysteriously vanished for several days in December in connection with an investigation by Chinese authorities, spurring rumours of a corruption crackdown and sending the company's stock tumbling 10 per cent. His loyal support of the ruling Communist Party made his disappearance especially chilling to business leaders in the country. In the annual report, released late yesterday, Fosun said creating "a real 'Unicorn'" required "enormous resources" to be "forged step by step with artisan spirit". But the biology of a non-existent animal was crucial, it said: "First of all, the 'Unicorn' gene is necessary. Beijing's defence ministry today warned the US navy to "be careful" in the South China Sea and slammed a newly signed agreement between Washington and the Philippines. Earlier this month, Manila agreed to give US forces access to five military bases, including some close to the disputed South China Sea, where tensions have risen over Beijing's assertion of its territorial claims. China claims virtually all the South China Sea despite conflicting claims by Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam, Taiwan and the Philippines, and has built up artificial islands in the area in recent months, including some with airstrips. Washington has since October carried out two high-profile "freedom of navigation" operations in which it sailed warships within 12 nautical miles of islets claimed by China. Asked about a recent report on US patrols in the sea, defence ministry spokesman Yang Yujun told a briefing today: "As for the US ships which came, I can only suggest they be careful". The agreement between Washington and Manila applies to the Antonio Bautista Air Base on the western island of Palawan, directly on the South China Sea. Asked about the deal, Yang said: "To strengthen military alliances is a reflection of a Cold War mentality". "It is in the opposite direction of the trends of the era for peace, development and cooperation," he said, adding bilateral military cooperation "should not "undermine a third party's interests". Washington regularly accuses Beijing -- which says it has built runways on and deployed unspecified weapons to islands in the South China Sea -- of militarising the area. Beijing denies the accusations and says US patrols have ramped up tensions. "Now, the United States has come back, and is reinforcing its military presence in this region and promoting militarisation in the South China Sea," Yang said. Beijing acknowledges that the facilities on its new islands will have military as well as civilian purposes. China's comments came as Malaysia accused "a large number" of Chinese fishing trawlers and a coast guard vessel of entering its waters, understood to be last week. A Chinese casino junket operator today returned USD 4.63 million of the USD 81 million that hackers stole from the Bangladesh central bank's account in the US Federal Reserve Bank and laundered in Manila's casinos, officials said. Kam Sin Wong, a longtime Manila-based businessman, surrendered the money from one of the world's largest cyberheists to Philippine anti-money laundering officials and the Bangladeshi ambassador. Ambassador John Gomes thanked Philippine officials and said Bangladeshi investigators will fly to Manila next week and coordinate with their Filipino counterparts to find out how the stolen money was funneled into the Philippines and who was responsible. "The whole world is looking upon Bangladesh ... What we are going to do to recover this money," Gomes told a conference after receiving the partial amount with Philippine authorities at Manila's central bank. The USD 4.63 million will be kept in a vault at the Philippine central bank until arrangements are made for its return to Bangladesh, said Julia Bacay Abad of the Philippines' Anti-Money Laundering Council. Wong told ABS-CBN TV that he is also willing to return 450 million pesos (nearly USD 10 million) that was given to him as a debt repayment by one of two Chinese high rollers who allegedly transferred the stolen Bangladesh money to the Philippines. Wong has denied involvement in the cyberheist but told a recent Senate inquiry he was able to keep some of the money from his casino junket transactions with the two Chinese men. The USD 81 million laundered in the Philippines is part of USD 101 million that was stolen by hackers from the Bangladesh account at the Federal Reserve Bank in New York and then moved online to the Philippines and Sri Lanka. A Philippine Senate inquiry has shown that the USD 81 million was diverted to bank accounts created with fictitious names at a branch of the Rizal Commercial Banking Corp, consolidated and then shifted to the casinos and junket operators through a local remittance company. Philippine authorities have had a hard time looking into the heist because of the country's strict bank secrecy laws. An anti-money laundering law does not cover Manila's casinos, which one Philippine senator described as a money trail "black hole. Maharashtra government today told the Bombay High Court that its circular, prescribing limits for weight of school bags carried by students, applied to all schools in the state. The schools included those affiliated to ICSE, CBSE, HSC and SSC boards, government pleader told a bench of Justices Abhay Oka and Prakash Naik. The court was hearing a PIL filed by social activist Swati Patil on the "rising" weight of school bags and its "adverse impact" on the health of children. The bench asked the government to inform on the next occasion what mechanism it has put in place to ensure that the circular on weight of school bags is implemented by the school managements. The hearing on the PIL was deferred to April 28. As per the directives of the HC, the state has already issued a circular to the schools on the recommendations of a committee on the reduction of weight of the school bags to be carried by students to the schools. The state had informed the HC earlier that it had also fixed the responsibility on principals and school managements to follow this and would take action against those not obeying this rule. The government urged for disposal of the petition early this year but the HC said it would prefer to keep the matter pending as it would like to see how the policy on reduction of weight of bags was being implemented in the schools and whether action was being taken against those not following this rule. On the last occasion, government pleader Anjali Helekar had said there are 1.06 lakh schools in the state and hence it would take some time to inform them about the circular. The HC had then suggested that the state inform them through e-mail. Soon after the petition was filed, government had appointed a committee which submitted several recommendations. As per the panel's report, students are lugging school bags 20-30 per cent heavier than what children of their age should carry. "Because of this, around 60 per cent students below the age of 10 suffer from orthopaedic as well as stress- induced ailments," it said. The committee recommended that one book should be used for three months for each subject and the textbook weight can be reduced by using less weight paper and no hardcover. Further, it suggested use of e-classroom, audio-visual technology and other modern means for teaching. For the second time in 10 days, the Chemistry paper of Class XII was leaked in Karnataka today, forcing cancellation of the exam and triggering strong protests from parents and students. Violence broke out in front of the Department of Pre-University Education (DPUE) building as a section of agitated students started pelting stones, damaging glass windows, police said. According to police, the paper leak took place in two different locations in the state, a development that affected over 1.74 lakh PUC (Pre-university course) students. Earlier, the scheduled March 21 Chemistry exam was cancelled and rescheduled for March 31 after a II PU science student alerted the authorities about the question paper leak. After the student blew the lid off the paper leak, the state government had handed over the investigation to CID. Amid a surcharged atmosphere in front of the DPUE building, a parent went upto the terrace and threatened to jump, saying there are no officials present to listen to their plight. But he was persuaded against doing so and brought down. Another student fainted during the protest and was shifted to hospital, police said. The issue also rocked the Assembly, where Opposition BJP members staged a dharna and raised slogans, demanding the resignation of Primary and Secondary Education Minister Kimmane Ratnakar. "The CID is investigating the matter and the government is very serious about it. They are finding out who the culprits are - whether they are insiders or outsiders," Home Minister G Parameshawara told reporters. He said the matter is serious as it concerns the future of lakhs of students and added that once the CID submits its report, government would not only take action against the guilty, but also take precautionary measures to avoid such things from happening. Raising their voice in protest against the re-examination for the second time, students refused to take another re-exam. "Why should we take another examination, and that too for the second time in 10 days? Why cannot the government take security measures to prevent such incidents from taking place?," some students at the protest site asked. Another student said they are facing the added tension of appearing for the coming competitive examinations. "We are tense as the board has once again cancelled the exam. Where do we have time to appear for competitive examinations?" she said. FIRs have been registered against Ministers, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries and MLAs of the previous Congress government for alleged corruption in change of land use (CLU) cases, Haryana Assembly was told today. Among others, the FIRs had been registered against former minister Rao Narender Singh, ex-Chief Parliamentary Secretary Ram Kishan Fauji and former MLA Naresh Selwal, the Assembly was told by Finance Minister Abhimanyu. Leader of Opposition Abhay Singh Chautala raised a question during the Question Hour, seeking to know whether FIRs had been registered on the recommendations of the state Lokayukta, Haryana last year "for involvement in CLU cases against Ministers, CPS and MLAs of the previous government ... and details thereof". The senior INLD leader sought to know why the government was not pursuing the matter vigorously. Abhimanyu told the House that action had been initiated and the matter was under investigation. The House was informed that FIR against Rao Narender Singh had been registered on January 29 this year at State Vigilance Bureau, Gurgaon, regarding "demand of bribe for obtaining CLU permission" and the matter was under investigation. The complainant in the case was senior INLD leader and former MLA Ram Pal Majra. Another FIR had been registered against Fauji, in which Abhay Chautala is the complainant, regarding "demand of an amount of Rs 5 crore for obtaining CLU permission" and the matter was under probe. On the complaint of INLD's Pradeep Chaudhary, an FIR had been registered against former MLA Naresh Selwal "regarding demand of bribe for obtaining CLU permission", the Assembly was told. Meanwhile, in reply to a separate question, Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij said that generator sets would be installed in Primary Health Centers (PHCs) and Community Health Centers (CHCs) to ensure uninterrupted supply of power. Vij said that on the basis of demand of the people, the present government has decided to expand the network of PHCs, CHCs and hospitals in various districts of the state. Therefore, mapping of all health institutions in the state would be conducted. He said construction of PHC building in Julana would be started soon after the local panchayat transferred the land to the health department. The health minister said that a separate cadre of specialist doctors was being formed to meet the shortage of such doctors in the state. Vij said that even after 60 years of Independence, Mewat is still a backward area. Since assuming office, the present government had been resolving the problems of people of Mewat on a priority basis, he said. Referring to a question raised by INLD legislator Zakir Hussain, Vij said that in case any complaint regarding irregularity committed in any health institute in Mewat area is received, it would be investigated. Health Minister Anil Vij to another question raised in the Assembly said there is prohibition on manufacture, storage, distribution or sale of tobacco in the state. He said Food and Drugs Administration had passed an order on September 3, 2015, regarding prohibition on manufacture, storage, distribution or sale of tobacco which is either flavoured, scented or mixed with any additives and whether going by name or form of gutka, pan masala, flavoured/scented tobacco kharra or otherwise by whatsoever name it may be called. Vij said according to the reports of implementation of tobacco laws between January 2009 and July 2016 received from civil surgeons, 6,636 public places were raided, 2,778 public services vehicles were raided, and 19,889 persons were challaned at public places during this period. Besides, 11,147 vendors were fined and Rs 22,60,950 were collected as fine, he added. Haryana Education Minister Ram Bilas Sharma informed the House in response to a question that 2,829 posts of classes' III and IV have been sanctioned in government colleges, NCC and libraries in the state, of which 1,305 posts have been filled up and 1,524 posts are lying vacant. Besides, there were 4,209 posts of principal and assistant professor, of which 2,379 have been filled up and 1,828 posts are lying vacant, he said. Hectic parleys are on to resolve the differences between senior Congress leaders from Kerala over finalisation of candidates for the May 16 Assembly elections, with the state leaders meeting party President Sonia Gandhi. For the past three days, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala and KPCC President V M Sudheeran are camping in Delhi to give a final shape to the list prepared by KPCC and get the Congress high command nod for the same. The leaders met Congress President Sonia Gandhi today separately in order to iron out some differences over the selection of certain candidates, Congress sources here said. It had been decided to prepare a panel of names for the "disputed" seats and final decision would be taken by the central election committee of the party, the sources said. Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi had also met the state leaders yesterday. The differences centred over the "stringent norms" put up by Sudheeran over the candidature of three Ministers and two sitting MLAs, who are reportedly close to Chandy. Chandy has opposed any move to sideline his loyalists and conveyed the same to the high command. Meanwhile, local congress leaders in Konni have come out in support of state Revenue minister, Adoor Prakash, whose re-nomination is being opposed, and have stated that any move to deny him ticket, will be opposed by them. In a related development, posters against the stand of Sudheeran has appeared in certain parts of the state capital. The KPCC President has insisted that persons facing allegations should not be given seats and those who had contested more than four times should make way for younger and new faces. However, Chandy, has made it clear that if norms were to be strictly followed, he also would come under its purview and would have to keep away from polls. CPI-(M) led LDF and BJP have already announced candidates for majority of seats and began their campaigning. BJP President Amit Shah will be inaugurating the NDA convention on April 9 at Pathanamthitta. He will also be addressing party workers at Thalassery in Kannur district which has witnessed frequent BJP-CPI(M) clashes. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari today said Congress, being a 'family-centric' party, was interested in its own development only and not that of the poor. "Congress is a family-centric party and this has been proved again this time in Assam with party tickets allotted to children of MPs, MLAs and senior party leaders," Gadkari told an election rally in the hill district of Karbi Anglong. "In Congress, Sonia Gandhi is only interested in giving employment to her son while in Assam Tarun Gogoi is interested in the same for his son," the Minister for Road Transport, Highways and Shipping said. Citing his own example, Gadkari said he previously held the BJP president's post, which was once occupied by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, though he was the son of a farmer. "My parents were not MPs, but I was the son of a farmer who became a small time party worker and went on to occupy the chair once occupied by the revered leader. Can anybody in the Congress dream of becomning the party president?" he posed. Pranab Mukherjee is the President of the country and could have become the Prime Minister, but he could "never become the Congress president which is reserved for the Gandhi family," Gadkari observed. "The Congress is not bothered about the poor, farmers, labourers, youths or women. They can only give the slogan of 'Garibi Hatao' (remove poverty) but instead (they) 'garibon ke pet mein laath marte hain' (exploit the poor). They are only interested in coming to power and ensure their and their children's development," he said. The Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants to change the face of Assam and has already initiated several projects involving crores of rupees for the development of the state, he said. As the Shipping Minister, he said, "My ministry has already taken steps to develop the Brahmaputra as a waterways connecting Bangladesh with the trade route ensuring employment oppurtunities for the youths of Assam." He also promised that the construction of the Manja-Lumding Road via Diphu would begin within three months of the party coming to power in Assam. The Union Minister addressed meetings at Baithalangshu, Patharkandi and Silchar. Delhi Police has been pulled up for probing a murder case in a "casual manner" by a city court which sentenced three persons to life imprisonment for killing a man. The court said the police did not carry out the probe in a "fair and diligent manner" and asked the DCP of west Delhi to take appropriate action against the erring officials. "In the present case, investigation is not carried out by the police in a fair and diligent manner.... "Investigation in this case is carried out in a casual manner. Copy of this judgement be sent to DCP concerned to take appropriate action against erring police officials," Additional Sessions Judge Naresh Kumar Malhotra said. The court awarded rigorous life imprisonment to 39-year- old Braham Dev, 29-year-old Ajay Bind and 31-year-old Shankar Bind, all natives of Bihar, for murdering Ram Asrey, who had tried to sort out their fight. According to the prosecution, the incident took place on the night of October 17, 2011, when Asrey and his wife had gone to the matrimonial house of their daughter in Nihal Vihar area in west Delhi. The family heard some noise from outside and saw that the three accused were fighting with each in an inebriated state, it said, adding that Asrey and his daughter's father-in-law Rampal went to pacify them. The accused, however, started beating both the victims with a hammer, iron rod and stick and fled from the spot. Asrey, who received grievous injuries on his head, and Rampal were taken to a hospital where Asrey died during treatment while the other victim was given medical aid. During the trial, the trio claimed that they were innocent and have been falsely implicated in this case. The court, while sentencing them, also imposed a fine of Rs 16,000 each on the three convicts and said, if realised, Rs 10,000 from each amount should be given to the victim's wife as compensation. It asked the west Delhi district Service Legal Authority to award appropriate compensation to Asrey's wife under the Delhi Victim Compensation scheme. The court, in its judgment, noted that on the information received by the doctor, a case was registered by the police but no cop visited Safdarjung Hospital to record the statement of any of the witnesses. "Even after registration of the case, IO did not visit the spot to inspect whether blood was present at the spot or not. The houses of the accused were also not searched. IO has not filed any application to any of the doctor to ascertain whether the injuries on Ram Asrey and Rampal (injured) can be inflicted with hammer, 'saria' and 'danda'," it said. Terrorism cannot be ended merely by using "bombs and guns" but by creating an atmosphere in society that curbs radicalisation of the youth, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said. "No religion preaches terrorism," Modi told a gathering of Indian diaspora here, adding that he has spoken to many world leaders and emphasised the need to delink religion from terror. Referring to a recent Sufi conference in New Delhi where he said liberal Islamic scholars had unanimously denounced terrorism, Modi said: "The more such voices are raised, the more rapidly we can save our youth from radicalisation." He said hundreds of parents are crying because their children have taken to terrorism. "Terrorism cannot be ended only by using bombs, guns and pistols. We need to create an environment in our society," he said. His remarks assume significance in the wake of widespread radicalisation of the youth in different countries who end up in war-ravaged Syria and Iraq. The Quality Council of India plans to cover 26,000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in the next two years under Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED) model of which 6,000 would be from defence sector, a senior official said today. "For two years, we have a target of 26,000 MSMEs out of which 6,000 MSMEs are in defence sector alone which needs to be targeted," QCI Secretary General Dr Ravi P Singh said on the sidelines of Defence Expo in South Goa. "During the 12th plan period, government has promised us to give subsidy up to 70-80% depending on what kind of and what size of MSME it is and they will go through this entire exercise of certification," he said. Singh said with the new Defence Procurement Procedure recently released by the government, there is a huge opportunity for the Indian MSMEs to contribute to the 'Make In India' campaign. "There is no better tool than ZED to provide them the competitiveness and competence to manufacture not only for the country but for the whole world," he said. "The new Defence Procurement Procedure already in place due to which there is a huge amount of procurement that is happening in defence sector," he said. "What we expect that all these bigger companies which want to invest in India will have to source their small components from the Indian small and medium industries," Singh said. "That is where the model like ZED would be most essential.We will have to prepare same parts and components which the foreign players require. We do understand that India is not competitive in defence manufacturing but once these companies start coming in there is onus on small and medium enterprises to step up, to increase their processes so that there is no defect in parts and components that you are making as well as you don't impact the environment," he said. The QCI during the ongoing Defence Expo launched ZED Maturity Assessment Model which is tailor-made for the companies in Defence sector. "When Prime Minister spoke about Zero Defect Zero Effect, we took it upon ourselves and we have looked across all the models of quality intervention across the world and we have made very homogeneous, very expansive and very holistic model which covers the best practises of entire world," he said talking about the ZED model. Drug major Dr Reddy's Laboratories (DRL) has entered into a licensing pact with Japan's Eisai Co. Ltd for the development and commercialisation of latter's investigational anticancer agent E7777 for an undisclosed sum. In a BSE filing, Dr Reddy's Laboratories said "it has entered into a licensing agreement with Eisai Co. Ltd, Japan by which Dr Reddy's will be granted exclusive worldwide development and commercialisation rights (excluding Japan and Asia) for Eisai's investigational anticancer agent E7777". In exchange of these rights, Eisai will receive milestone payments in line with obtaining marketing approval and the achievement of agreed upon sales targets, it added. It further said: "Eisai will be responsible for developing and marketing of E7777 in Japan and Asia, while Dr Reddy's holds the options for rights to develop and market the agent in India." Through this agreement, the two aim to accelerate development and maximise the value of E7777. "E7777 has significant potential as an important component of systemic therapy for CTCL (cutaneous T-cell lymphoma). This therapy represents an extension of our efforts in the dermatology space to an important segment of skin-related cancers," Dr Reddy's Laboratories Executive Vice President, Proprietary Products Group, Raghav Chari, said. Share of Dr Reddy's Laboratories were trading 0.72 per cent up at Rs 3,034.95 apiece on BSE. (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.) Tom Campbell Should Americans be thankful for North Carolinians setting precedent in taking a stand for their state's right to manage the safety of their public facilities, where separation of the sexes remains, or should they follow Bruce Springsteen's lead and boycott the state as bigots since they will not allow grown Transgender men to use the same bathrooms /locker rooms as pre-pubescent girls? North Carolina is right to control the separation of the sexes as a matter of decorum and safety. North Carolina is a bigoted state to not require that children of opposite sexes share the same public facilities with adults of the opposite sex, although misidentified - the Transgender. I generally prefer the natural environs of the vacant, although rather public, large tree. 236 total vote(s) What's your Opinion? After a glorious Easter we took a few days of vacation, turned off the television, unplugged (mostly) the Internet and cell phone and got away to more peaceful environs. It is amazing the perspective you get when you detach from current events and get quieter. One inescapable perspective is that we live in a world that loves to hate.We're told there are two primal emotions, hate and love. It is easier to hate than to deal with and seek solutions to our own shortcomings. Hate divides us, distracts us and weakens us. When we focus on our differences we cannot be seeking solutions to our problems. Loving takes a lot of work and requires much from us.We hate people who are different from us, whether it is the color of their skin, their sex, age, sexual persuasion, political affiliation, nationality or religion, among other differences. Perhaps you think the word hate too strong a verb, but whatever word you substitute the conclusion is much the same.At the heart of the issue is fear. We fear that those who differ from us will somehow prevail over our beliefs, usurp our power or advantage and infringe on our rights. We have come to believe that our understanding and acceptance of others equates to approval, but such is not the case. For example, I understand and accept that underage boys and girls drink alcohol. I don't condone or approve of it. I just accept that it occurs.Politicians often pander to our hatred and prejudice because it is easier to stir our emotions than it is to put forward real solutions, besides they get more media attention than those preaching unity. This isn't a rant about the current presidential circus or the bathroom wars in which our state is engaged but a look at a bigger picture.We hate big business and those who have more money and power than do we. We hate to admit we are getting old, losing the vitality and health we once enjoyed. If pollsters are correct we hate government, that amorphous institution that makes laws and sets policies we don't agree with, yet every day we depend on government to provide roads, schools, public health, defense, clean water and any number of other services we use. We rail against politicians, yet consistently go to the voting booth and re-elect them.Mind you, we aren't advocating that we must all agree on issues or philosophies. It is actually healthy that we have honest differences of opinion. The history of our country is full of examples where those with differing opinions were able to join together to find solutions to our problems, solutions that more often than not were for the common good. It is hard, if not impossible, to find solutions with those you hate.Just think about the precedence we are setting for future generations. Can we agree this culture of hate isn't getting us to a better place, doesn't help us feel better about ourselves, enjoy our freedoms and our lives? It is time to seek out and encourage those who unite us rather than divide us. Perhaps we should all call a timeout and think about what we really want. The Election Commission today said that besides the voter ID cards, a list of 11 documents would be accepted at polling booths. All voters in West Bengal have been issued Elector's Photo ID Cards (EPIC). "But there are other 11 additional documents this time which will be treated as valid identity proof documents for voting," EC officials said. The list includes passport, driving license, photo identity cards issued by governments, PSUs and public sector undertakings, photo passbooks of bank and post offices, PAN card, smart card issued by RGI under NPR, MGNREGA job card, health insurance smart card issued by the labour department, pension document, authentic photo voter slip and official identity card of MLAs, MLCs and MPs. For NRI voters, only passport is valid as alternative document, officials said. After veteran NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal and his family, another party leader in Maharashtra came under the scanner of ED which today attached assets worth Rs 120 crore of sitting MLA Ramesh Kadam in a case of alleged embezzelment of over Rs 300 crore in a state-run corporation. Kadam, a Nationalist Congress Party MLA from the Mohol seat in Solapur, has been the President of the Lokshahir Annabhau Sathe Development Corporation between August, 2012 and December, 2014, during which, the ED alleged he along with other officials of the corporation allegedly misappropriated large amounts. "Kadam in collusion with the officials of the corporation and other accused persons hatched a conspiracy and misappropriated funds of the corporation which were given to various institutions for their own benefit and thus embezzled an amount to the tune of over Rs 300 crore. "While doing this, they cheated and betrayed the corporation and for this purpose they used forged documents as genuine and used the ill-gotten money for their own purposes," the agency said. The ED registered a criminal complaint against Kadam and others under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in September last year based on an earlier FIR of the state CID in the said case. The central probe agency issued a provisional attachment order for seizing a flat, in the name of Kadam and his wife, located in Mumbai's Borivali area, an agricultural land in Aurangabad district, bank balances to the tune of Rs 76.67 lakh and equity shares and a land in the upscale Peddar road area of the western metropolis. Based on PMLA investigations conducted by the Mumbai zonal office of the ED, the agency said, it is "revealed that Kadam and other accused persons have fraudulently acquired and misappropriated huge funds from the corporation meant for the uplift of the Matang community and have laundered these proceeds of crime through fictitious entities created by them for this specific purpose and further integrated the same into movable and immovable properties in their personal and company's name." The agency said while the value of the seized assets is about Rs 50 crore, their "actual value is in excess of Rs 120 crore. An attachment order under PMLA is aimed at depriving the accused from obtaining benefits of their alleged ill-gotten wealth. The accused can appeal against the order before the Adjudicating Authority of the said Act within 180 days. Only yesterday, Maharashtra's Minister of State for Social Justice Dilip Kamble, in the Maharashtra Assembly, had accused Kadam of massive irregularities in the state-run corporation, saying he has indulged in corruption to the tune of Rs 500 crore. The minister had said the CID report in the case has found that Kadam was instrumental in purchase of 59 luxury cars from the corporation funds. Kamble, while tabling the CID report in the house, had said the vehicles were used by NCP functionaries, including some district and tehsil unit chiefs. Kadam was also arrested from Pune in August last year by the state Criminal Investigation Department (CID) during its probe in the case. The ED is also probing veteran NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal, his MLA son Pankaj, ex-MP nephew Samir in a separate money laundering case registered to probe alleged financial irregularities in the construction of the Delhi-based state guest house called 'Maharashtra Sadan' apart from few other cases. The agency filed its first charge sheet in the case yesterday in Mumbai and has named the senior and junior Bhujbals in its report moved before the court. It seems that the Briton who took a cheeky snap with the EgyptAir hijacker was not the only one to do so with another selfie surfacing on social media showing an air stewardess posing with the phoney bomber. A second 'selfie' has been posted on Facebook showing the stewardess posing with the hijacker of the EgyptAir plane. In the image, the member of the cabin crew, Naira Atef, is seen smiling while posing next to to the hijacker during the five-hour stand-off on Tuesday aboard the EgyptAir A320 jet in Cyprus, The Telegraph reported. The man, 58-year-old Egyptian Seif al-Din Mohamed Mostafa, displays what appears to be a suicide bomb belt, which later turned out to be a fake. A 26-year-old British man had caused online debate yesterday after having his picture taken with the hijacker, saying that he did it to stay "cheerful" and take a "closer look" at his supposed suicide belt. Ben Innes posed for a photo grinning next to the hijacker and sent the picture to his friends. Innes told the Sun: "I'm not sure why I did it - I just threw caution to the wind while trying to stay cheerful in the face of adversity. "I figured if his bomb was real I'd have nothing to lose anyway, so took a chance to get closer and look at it. So I stood by him and smiled for the camera while a stewardess did the snap. It has to be the best selfie ever," he said. His mother later told the daily that the picture was "not a selfie". "You can clearly see that it is not Ben who is taking the picture," she said. The plane was forced to land in Larnaca, Cyprus, amid fears of a terrorist incident. Cypriot authorities later accused him of diverting the Alexandria-to-Cairo flight. He made several demands, including seeing his Cypriot ex- wife, with whom he has children. The snap sparked an online debate between those who admired Innes' humour and others who thought that the incident was not a laughing matter. The Delhi government has warned private schools against demanding money for providing books and uniform to students admitted under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category. The warning of "strict action" came after the government received several complaints in this regard from parents. "A number of complaints has been received from parents and stakeholders of EWS/DG category that many of the private unaided recognised schools are refusing to provide free books, uniform and writing materials to the children and demanding money for providing these materials which is causing great hardship to parents," the Directorate of Education (DoE) said in a communication to principals. "The refusal of the schools has been taken very seriously by the government. It is, therefore, directed to provide free books, uniform and writing materials to EWS/DG children admitted/studying in the schools. Non-compliance with the direction shall invite action as per the provisions of extant rules," it added. As per provisions of the Right to Education Act, 2009, the students admitted under EWS and Disadvantaged Group (DG) categories are entitled to free books, uniform and writing material. The government had last month increased the amount of reimbursement to private schools for each admission under the two categories following complaints from the school heads about the amount being too less. The amount has been raised to Rs 1,598 from Rs 1,290. During the ongoing admission for entry level classes, the government has allotted over 26,600 seats through computerised draws under the EWS category, an experiment that has been introduced by the Delhi government for the first time. Cracking the whip, Karnataka government today suspended 40 officers and other staff in the Pre-University Department after the Chemistry paper of Class XII was leaked for the second time in 10 days, leading to cancellation of the exam. As the issue rocked the Assembly, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Kimmane Ratnakar announced the government's decision in the House, amidst protest by BJP members who demanded his resignation. The re-examination will now be held on April 12, the minister said, as the second leak led to protests by angry parents and teachers in Bengaluru and elsewhere in the state. He said to oversee conduct of the exam, athree-member observer's team, comprising current TransportCommissioner Ramegowda, who earlier served as Pre-University Commissioner, would be constituted. Ratnakar said the DGP CID has been requested to conduct speedy investigation into the leak of both March 21 exam and today's re-examination question paper and find out thesource behind it and punish those responsible. The examination on March 21 wascancelled and re-examination scheduled for today afterstudents alerted the authorities about the question paperleak. Government had then ordered the CID investigation. As the House met for the day, BJP members raised the issue and demanded Education Minister's resignation. Hitting out at the government and the minister, Opposition leader Jagadish Shettar said, "Is thisgovernment alive or dead?" and accused the government of being "irresponsible" and playing with the lives of young students. "Are you aware of the pain and worry the students and their parents are undergoing?"Shettar said, adding "there is no other go; Kimmane Ratnakar hasto take responsibility and resign." CID has to be given a free hand to investigate and strict action should be taken againstthose responsible, he said. Speaker Kagodu Thimmappa also expressed displeasure about the paper leak. JDS Leader Y S V Datta expressed surprise over the leak for the second time, that too when the CID was probing earlier paper leak. He said second PUC is a crucial year in a student's life as it is the basis on which they choose their professional courses. Other BJP leaders like Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri and Suresh Kumar also held the PU department responsible and demanded Ratnakar's resignation. In his reply, Ratnakar said about 1,75,000 students appeared for the Chemistry paper and "as we got to know about the question paper leak, we decided to cancel the exam this morning." He said the CID has been asked to probe the matter and the Principal Secretary of the Education Department told to take action against those officials responsible. Not happy with the Minister's reply, BJP MLA's trooped into the Well of the House and demanded Ratnakar's resignation, following which the Speaker adjourned the House and calledfor a meeting of floor leaders. As the House resumed, BJP members demanded that the ChiefMinister give a statement and Ratnakar resign. Amidst sloganeering, the Speaker directed the Minister to make his statement. After Ratnakar's statement, the Speakerasked the Ministers and Heads of Committees to lay the papersand reports mentioned against their name. Even as BJP members continued with their demand that the minister's resignation has to be announced, the Speaker adjournedthe House sine die. A Japan-bound airplane returned to Hawaii because of a violent passenger who wanted to do yoga instead of sit in his seat, the FBI said. The pilot of the March 26 United Airlines flight from Honolulu International Airport to Narita International Airport turned the plane around after hearing that Hyongtae Pae was yelling at crew members and shoving his wife, the FBI said in a criminal complaint. Pae told the FBI he didn't want to sit in his seat during the meal service, so he went to the back of the plane to do yoga and meditate. He became angry when his wife and flight attendants told him to return to his seat. "Pae pushed his wife because she was trying to make him stop," the complaint said. "He felt that she was siding with the flight crew." He tried to head-butt and bite Marines who were passengers on the flight and tried to force him back to his seat, Assistant US Attorney Darren Ching said at Pae's detention hearing today. According to the complaint, he threatened to kill passengers and was yelling that there is no god. Pae went into a rage because he felt the flight crew was ordering him around, Ching said. Ching said Pae shouldn't be released because he's a danger to his wife, himself and others. Pae urinated on himself and was on suicide watch at the Honolulu Federal Detention Center, Ching said. US Magistrate Judge Kevin Chang ordered that Pae be released on USD 25,000 bond, but with certain conditions including not leaving the island of Oahu and undergoing a mental health evaluation. Since the arrest, Pae's wife has been staying at the Waikiki Gateway Hotel, defense attorney Jin Tae "JT" Kim told the judge, who asked whether Pae had financial resources to continue staying there after his release. Kim said he's working with the consulate to transfer more money to Pae's wife and find alternate, temporary housing. Chang denied Kim's request to allow Pae to return home to Korea, because that would involve getting on a plane again. Outside of court, Kim said his client is a 72-year-old retired farmer who traveled from South Korea to celebrate his 40th wedding anniversary with a Hawaii vacation. It was the couple's first trip to Hawaii. Pae only recently took up yoga to help with anxiety, Kim said, adding that he was sleep-deprived during the vacation. Pae told the FBI he hadn't been able to sleep in 11 days. A first batch of migrants are set to return from Greece to Turkey on Monday under the terms of an EU readmission deal reached this month, European Commission sources said. "There is a major engagement on the part of Greece and Turkey towards sending 500 people back on April 4, barring a last-minute problem," the source told AFP on Thursday, though Athens and Brussels later declined to confirm how many would be sent back. Those returning will be "Syrians who have not requested asylum, Afghans and Pakistanis", the official added, confirming that this is the first return set to take place under the EU-Turkey deal. The official did not specify from which of the five Aegean Sea islands currently hosting refugees and migrants the operation will take place, nor whether it will take place via sea or air. In Brussels, EU spokeswoman Natasha Bertaud confirmed that Monday was the "target day" of the new EU-Turkey scheme for "the return of asylum claims that have been declared unadmissible because they can get protection in Turkey and the start of the resettlement of Syrians from Turkey in the EU." A Greek government source said the returns would "most probably" occur from Chios or Lesbos -- the islands that have handled the bulk of arrivals from Turkey, and where thousands of migrants are being held in overcrowded registration centres. But the Greek official declined to give a number of readmissions. "We do not exclude that certain people will be returned Monday but we cannot confirm that it will be this kind of number," the official said. Greece's deputy defence minister Dimitris Vitsas earlier this week said the returns to Turkey would take place "on six ships chartered by EU border agency Frontex." However, a Frontex spokeswoman told AFP on Thursday that the agency was "not active" in the process for the time being. "The procedures between Greece, Turkey and the European Commission are still being finalised, we are not active in the returns process yet," Frontex representative Paulina Bakula said in an emailed statement. There are over 51,000 refugees and migrants trapped in Greece and hundreds continue to arrive on a daily basis from Turkey, despite the EU deal on limiting the influx nominally taking effect on March 20. This includes over 11,000 people at Idomeni on the Greek border with Macedonia and some 5,700 at the port of Piraeus near Athens, waiting in vain and increasing desperation for Balkan states to open their borders and permit them passage to affluent northern Europe. At least 18 people were killed, over 60 injured and many others trapped as a section of an under- construction flyover today collapsed on a congested road intersection here, an accident that came as a major embarrassment to ruling TMC bang in the middle of elections. Unconfirmed sources have put the death toll at 22 after the collapse of the huge girder that crushed people and vehicles which the flyover builder described as an "act of God", drawing flak. The West Bengal government ordered a high-level probe into the tragedy that triggered a blame game with the opposition accusing the Mamata Banerjee government of callousness. Hitting back, Trinamool Congress said the previous Left Front government during whose rule the construction of the flyover began was responsible for the collapse. The police said that 18 persons died in the mishap in the Burrabazar area, which houses the city's largest wholesale market, while several others were injured. The injured were rushed to the hospitals in the vicinity. Two policemen and one Jorabagan traffic sergeant Sandip Haldar were critically injured. State administration officials said 62 people were injured and taken to hospitals, while several others were feared trapped under the debris. "It is nothing but God's act," claimed Panduranga Rao of the Hyderabad-based IVRCL Construction company engaged in the flyover's construction. The police sealed the local office of the IVRCL and registered a case against the company under section 304,308 and 407 of the IPC. Chief Secretary Basudeb Banerjee said that a high level inquiry has been ordered into the flyover collapse. A number of vehicles were crushed under the concrete and steel debris. CCTV footage showed people, cars, autorickshaws and hawkers buried under the collapsed structure, while some trying to flee the spot were also trapped. The footage also caught a bloodied hand from under a girder gesturing for help as people handed over water bottles to survivors trapped underneath. Five columns of Army personnel (about 300 in number) along with NDRF, state disaster management, city police and fire brigade personnel joined in the rescue operations. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who visited the spot cutting short her election campaign, said, "Stringent action will be taken against officials of the construction company and others involved." West Bengal Governor K N Tripathi, who visited the spot, sought a report of the incident from the state government. Home Minister Rajnath Singh today directed the NDRF to engage all its resources for rescue of those trapped under the debris of an under-construction bridge which collapsed in Kolkata. The Home Minister told Director General of the Disaster Response Force (NDRF) O P Singh to send adequate rescue personnel so that all trapped people could be saved, official sources said. Singh is currently touring West Bengal to campaign for BJP candidates for the upcoming Assembly elections in the state. They said the NDRF DG also apprised the Minister about the situation arising out of the bridge collapse and the steps taken so far. In a statement, Singh said, he was deeply saddened to know that precious lives have been lost in the Kolkata accident. "My heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased," he said. Two teams of the NDRF comprising about 80 personnel have been rushed to the flyover collapse spot. The NDRF DG said that the teams are being sent from their local base at Rajarhat, near the Kolkata airport. The accident spot is about 13 kms from the NDRF base. "The teams are well equipped to immediately conduct rescue operations. They will do that exactly as soon as they reach," DG Singh said. West Bengal Governor K N Tripathi has expressed condolence to the kin of those killed in the flyover collapse here and sought a report from the state government over the incident. The Governor, who visited the collapse site, advised the state government that proper supervision of all under-construction flyovers and bridges across the state be done at the earliest. He interacted with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and senior officials of the state government, police and army engaged in the rescue and relief work there. Tripathi prayed for quick recovery of the wounded and expressed satisfaction over the manner in which the state agencies undertook rescue and relief works. He also urged people to come forward to help the government agencies engaged in rescue operations. : Chairman of Bank Boards Bureau and former CAG Vinod Rai will be the Chief Guest for the 18th Convocation of Indian Institute of Management-Kozhikode (IIM-K) here on April 2. He will deliver the convocation address on the occasion, which will be held at the institute campus at Kunnamangalam, near here, a release from IIM-K said today. As many as 358 students from Post Graduate Programme, 167 students from Executive PG Programme from Kozhikode campus, 97 from IIM-K's Satellite Campus in Kochi will receive their diplomas or fellowships (doctoral degree) during the convocation, it said. Four police officers were killed and 14 people wounded in a bomb attack on Thursday targeting the Turkish police in the Kurdish-majority southeastern city of Diyarbakir, a security source said. The attack comes as Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, whose government has waged a relentless campaign against Kurdish rebels since last summer, was due on Friday to make a rare visit to Diyarbakir. The security source told AFP that the bomb exploded as a police vehicle drove past the city's main bus terminal. The wounded included eight police, three of whom were seriously hurt, and six civilians. Turkish forces are engaged in an operation against Kurdish rebels from the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in the region. Hundreds of security force members have been killed since the PKK resumed its more than three-decade insurgency last summer. The new upsurge of violence between the security forces and Kurdish rebels erupted in July 2015, shattering a two-and-a-half year truce. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said this week that 355 members of the security forces had been killed in the fighting, along with 5,359 members of the PKK. It was not possible to confirm the toll on the rebel side. Over 40,000 people have been killed since the PKK took up arms in 1984 demanding a homeland for Turkey's biggest minority. Since then, the group has pared back its demands to focus on cultural rights and a measure of autonomy. A radical PKK offshoot, the Kurdistan Freedom Falcons (TAK), claimed responsibility for two suicide car bombings in Ankara this year that left dozens dead. Turkish air force planes have bombed PKK hideouts in mountains across the border in northern Iraq. Ankara has vowed to smash the PKK, and authorities have imposed curfews in several towns in the region because of the fierce clashes. Students and workers clashed with police in several French cities today during angry protests over labour reforms that drew nearly 400,000 people. Striking rail workers disrupted services across France in protest at the proposed reforms while students forced the closure of some 200 schools. Riot police used tear gas against stone-throwing demonstrators in the western cities of Nantes and Rennes, while around 100 people were arrested after clashes in Paris, Toulouse in the southwest and elsewhere. Official figures said 390,000 people had braved heavy rain to join demonstrations around the country -- twice the crowds that turned out a week ago -- while unions put the figure at 1.2 million. The clashes came a day after President Francois Hollande was forced into an embarrassing U-turn over constitutional changes. Adding to the president's miserable week, dozens of flights were cancelled due to a separate strike by air traffic controllers. The Socialist government is desperate to push through reforms to France's controversial labour laws, billed as a last-gasp attempt to boost the flailing economy before next year's presidential election. But it has faced a wave of often violent protests by unions and students angry over plans to make it easier for struggling companies to fire workers, even though the reforms have already been diluted once in a bid to placate critics. Hollande's government was still reeling from his decision yesterday to abandon constitutional changes that would have allowed dual nationals convicted of terrorism to be stripped of their French citizenship. The measure had been derided as ineffective and divisive, including by leftwing rebels within the Socialist party, but Hollande's critics accused him of yet another humiliating climbdown. Already the least popular president in France's modern history, Hollande's numbers continue to fall, with a poll today showing his approval rating at a new low of 15 per cent. Gammon India shares today surged nearly 10 per cent after the company said its board will consider a proposal for investment in its engineering procurement and construction business. The stocks soared 9.43 per cent to Rs 12.53 on BSE. At NSE, it zoomed 9.64 per cent to Rs 12.50. On the volume front, 1.38 lakh shares of the company changed hands at BSE and over 4 lakh shares were traded at NSE during the day. Gammon India yesterday said that its board will this week consider a proposal received for investment in the company's engineering procurement and construction business. "A meeting of the board of directors of the company will be held on April 2, 2016, to consider a proposal received from an investor for investment in the company's Engineering Procurement & Construction (EPC) business," Gammon India had said in a BSE filing. Budget carrier GoAir has added eight flights besides enhancing frequencies on some of its existing routes in the summer schedule, which came into effect from last Sunday. In the summer schedule, GoAir will operate 146 flights per day across its network as against 138 operated by the airline in the just concluded winter schedule, the airline said. From April 13, GoAir will also roll out non-stop daily flights connecting to Leh from here. This is the first time that any domestic carrier is providing a direct connection to Leh from India's financial capital, the airline said today. Additionally, the airline is adding frequencies on the Mumbai - Patna and Mumbai - Lucknow routes from April 17 to cater the holiday rush, it said. "The schedules have been planned to allow quick and convenient connections for customers. We hope both holiday and business travelers would find the new flights attractive and convenient," GoAir Chief executive Officer Wolfgang Prock-Schauer said. GoAir flies to Ahmedabad, Bagdogra, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Guwahati, Jaipur, Jammu, Kochi, Kolkata, Leh, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, Patna, Port Blair, Pune, Ranchi and Srinagar. Two judicial officers today inspected documents relating to 98 illegal granite mining cases in nearby Melur court, pending before Judicial Magistrate K V Mahendra Boopathi. Madurai Principal District Sessions Judge Basheer Ahamed and Chief Judicial Magistrate of Madurai Saravanan also enquired with the Judicial Magistrate, against whom the Madras High Court Madurai bench Judge Justice P N Prakash had on March 24 recommended contempt proceedings and disciplinary action. The recommendation was made for disobeying the orders of the high court in the granite scam cases. The report of the two-hour investigation by the two judicial officers held in connection with the recommendation would be sent to the Chief Justice of the Madras High Court, court officials said. The judge issued the directive when the Special Public Prosecutor informed the court that the JM was not obeying its earlier order to take cognisance of all offences committed by the granite barons and committing cases to the sessions court. A total of 98 cases had been registered against quarry operators under various sections of IPC, Tamil Nadu Property (Prevention of Damage and Loss) Act, Explosives Substances Act and SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Justice Prakash had directed the court Registry to send a copy of his order to the High Court Chief Justice to initiate contempt proceedings or disciplinary proceedings or both. The act of the JM in taking cognizance of only a theft offence under IPC in all the cases would mean, as the Public Prosecutor had contended that "the accused will escape with a flea-bite sentence (for theft)," the judge had said. When magistrate Mahendraboopathy was directed to file a report, he had said averments in the charge sheet did not state the accused had the intention of causing loss, and hence he refused to take cognisance of major offences disclosed in the report. A survivor of the fabled "Great Escape" from a World War II Nazi concentration camp was initially denied compensation after the British government ruled he had not suffered enough, declassified documents revealed today. Flight Lieutenant Bertram "Jimmy" James spent five months in solitary confinement at Sachsenhausen camp in Germany, where he was held for a year after being recaptured following his escape from Stalag Luft III in March 1944. The Stalag Luft III breakout inspired the 1963 film "The Great Escape" starring Steve McQueen. The Federal Republic of Germany agreed in 1964 to pay the British Government 1 million pound (USD 1.4 million) to be distributed to victims of "Nazi persecution". James applied to the Foreign Office for compensation, but his claim was rejected on the grounds that he was not a victim of persecution, according to declassified files from the National Archives published today. The 1964 file includes details of his years in captivity, and his audacious escape efforts. James was captured by the Nazis after being shot down over the Netherlands in 1940 and made 13 attempts to escape over the next five years. He was disguised as a wood mill worker during the Stalag Luft III escape by 76 inmates. Later, he was one of 73 to be recaptured, fifty of whom were then executed. The former pilot admitted in his submission that the conditions he was kept under were not as harsh as some, and that he had no permanent disability as a result. "Although, naturally, this is an experience which I should have preferred to have avoided," he added, but the Foreign Office rejected the claim. "Your case has been very carefully considered, and I regret to inform you that your application cannot be accepted for registration," the ministry said in a letter. "The conditions in the Sonderlager (special camp) at Sachsenhausen were such that you were never subjected to this type of persecution." James replied with "disappointment" and outlined the interrogation and torture he had endured, watching as inmates were beaten and worked to death before "their bodies were burnt in bonfires". It was only after parliament held an inquiry in 1968 that the Sachsenhausen survivors received compensation, and he was eventually awarded 1,192 pounds. Gujarat Government today declared 527 villages from the parched Saurashtra region as partially scarcity-hit owing to the deficient rainfall in the last monsoon season. The announcement was made by state Education Minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasama, who heads a sub-committee of ministers for the assessment of scarcity situation in the state. "Out of these 527 villages declared as partially scarcity-hit, 157 are from Rajkot district, 288 from Jamnagar district and 82 from Devbhumi-Dwarka district," Chudasama said after the meeting, which was also attended by Finance Minister Saurabh Patel and Agriculture Minister Babu Bokhiria. The minister assured that the state government will take all the necessary steps to provide drinking water in these villages. He also assured that adequate amount of cattle-fodder will be provided in these villages. "To ease the water crisis in these villages, our Water Supply Board will recharge as well as build new hand-pumps and bore-wells without charging anything from the villagers," Chudasama said. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) today said it has made a contribution of Rs 4,284crores to the government, as buyback of 25 per cent of theshare capital and free reserves from the company. The cheque was presented to the Defence MinisterManohar Parrikar at the on-going Def Expo in Goa, HAL said in arelease. "This is apart from a dividend of Rs 510 crore paidduring 2015-16. We are proud to contribute to the nation sucha significant amount of Rs 5879 crore (including tax) in the Platinum Jubilee Year," HAL CMD T Suvarna Raju said. HAL said the total contribution of the company from 1973-74 till date works out to Rs 12,333 crore (includingbuyback, dividend and relevant taxes) to the Governmentagainst an investment of Rs 482 crores (inclusive of bonus shares). The company's board had approved the buyback recently, it added. HAL is a 100 per cent government-owned Defence Public Sector Undertaking. Noting that the sales of HAL has grown at an averagerate of 11 per cent per annum in the last 10 years, the companysaid it has so far designed and developed 15 types of Aircraft/Helicopters. HAL has so far produced nearly 3,900 aircraft and 4,700 aero-engines besides making sterling contributions toIndia's defence and aerospace programmes, it added. Madras High Court today directed the Tamil Nadu government to amend the Chennai City Municipal Act, 1919, in order to increase penalty on unauthorised hoardings from the exsisting Rs 10,000. The order was given by a bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice M M Sundresh while hearing a PIL seeking removal of unauthorised digital banners and hoardings. Giving a series of directions, the bench, which directed all matters related to hoardings to be placed before it, ordered the authorities to give adequate publicity to the existing legal position and the orders passed by the court today, enabling the public to know the consequences of breaking the law. The affidavit filed by the Chennai District Collector stated that out of 365 unauthorised hoardings identified in Chennai and Kancheepuram districts, 313 were in Chennai and 52 in Kancheepuram. The affidavit also said 160 unauthorised hoardings had been removed. The bench directed the Kancheepuram Collector also to file an affidavit with regard to unauthorised hoardings. Additional Advocate General P H Arvind Pandian told the court that the hoardings business was controlled by a handful of people, possibly ten in number. Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu government to hold a meeting with Registrar General of the Court to remove any anomalies with respect to the requirements of CISF personnel deployed in its premises. CISF is in charge of security of Madras High Court. Observing that there had been no progress on the matter since the last date of hearing, the first bench, comprising Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice M M Sundresh which heard the suo moto PIL on Wednesday, directed Advocate General A L Somayaji and the Assistant Solicitor General representing the state to discuss the requirements of the CISF security personnel with the Registrar General on April 5. Earlier, when the matter came up on March 9, the court said no Government Order had been passed on various needs of CISF personnel deployed for security on its campus. It had directed the Tamil Nadu government to expedite allotment of funds for deployment of CISF personnel for providing security to its premises. A proposal regarding the needs of CISF was sent along with a status report filed by the Registrar-General, to the government on March 9 2016, for sanction of funds. In its report the RG had stated that proposals on extension of the security scheme to areas presently covered by local police and to Madurai bench had not been released. The AG submitted that two G.O's had been passed to meet some of CISF's needs and had sought more time for other requirements on account of financial year ending. However, after hearing the AG, the bench posted the matter for further hearing to April 13, 2016. About 650 CISF personnel have been deployed at the Madras High Court fromNovember 16last year.The state government had sanctioned Rs 16.6 crore for the first six months, which will expire byMay 15. On October 14, 2015, the High Court had ordered that the "inner circle" of its campuses here and Madurai be brought under CISF cover as a temporary measure and directed the state and central governments to jointly formulate a security protocol. The court had taken up the suo motu PIL after it saw unruly scenes and obstruction by lawyers agitating for declaring Tamil as official court language and over contempt of court proceedings against two Madurai-based Bar leaders. On November 4, the apex court had refused to interfere with the HC for deployment of CISF by replacing state police security at its Chennai premises. Madurai Bench of Madras High Court today dismissed the anticipatory bail application of a retired superintendent of Public Health Service, who allegedly swindled Rs 1.17 crore of department money by altering cheques in a novel way over a period time. Justice P N Prakash, who perused the cheques, said petitioner K Ganesan, while in service, had altered cheques to claim excess money. Citing one cheque, the Judge said for a purchase of Rs.420, the petitioner had taken the concerned official's signature by filling the amount as "420" and "four hundred and twenty" by leaving adequate space ahead of it. Later, he had altered the amount by prefixing it with 200 in number and two lakh in letter to make it Rs 2,00,420 and Rupees two lakh and four hundred and twenty only and encashed the same. Similarily, he had claimed Rs 1.17 crore from Feb 1,2013 to Oct 20, 2014. According to prosecution, the petitioner had manipulated the records to show as if the excess amount was allotted to seven block level primary health centres. A case had been registered on a complaint by the Deputy director of Public health services after the fraud came to light. Ganesan had confessed to the Inspector of District Crime branch that the hand writing in the cheque book was his own. "The petitioner did not deserve anticipatory bail." the judge said, dismissing it. The Gujarat High Court today issued a notice to CBI in response to a discharge plea moved by former BJP MP Dinu Solanki in connection with the murder of RTI activist Amit Jethwa in 2010. Justice P P Bhatt issued notice to CBI asking it to respond by April 21. The petition was moved by former BJP MP from Junagadh, Solanki, seeking discharge in the murder case. Solanki, currently out on bail, had challenged the order of the special CBI court which had rejected his discharge plea saying that evidence against him was sufficient for trial. Solanki, who is facing trial for murder and criminal conspiracy, had claimed that the case against him was politically motivated. Jethwa had brought to light the then MP's allegedly illegal mining activities and moved the high court against the politician and his son on June 28, 2010. However, the next day, he was murdered. The Madras High Court bench today recommended that the Chief Justice of the High Court initiate contempt or disciplinary action against Melur Judicial Magistrate K V Mahendra Boopathy for disobeying its orders in cases relating to illegal granite quarrying in this district. Justice P N Prakash also directed the magistrate to take cognizance of all the offences disclosed in the police's final report in the cases and commit them to a sessions court. Investigation Officers of Y Othakadai and police stations in Keelavazhavu had moved the High Court stating that despite the court's earlier direction that the JM take cognizance of all offences mentioned in the final reports, he had taken cognizance of only a theft offence under Indian Penal Code. On illegal quarry operations, the IOs had registered 98 cases against quarry operators under various sections of IPC, Tamil Nadu Property (Prevention of Damage and Loss) Act, Explosives Substances Act and SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The IOs laid the final reports in three cases only. Justice Prakash, who today heard the IOs' petitions, observed that there is sufficient material for the JM to take cognizance of offences mentioned in the final reports. The court verified all documents regarding the cases and also judgements acquiting the granite barons in some cases. On March 24, the Court had recommended contempt proceedings against the JM for "deliberately disobeying" its order in the illegal mining cases and had directed its Registry to send a copy to the Chief Justice to initiate contempt proceedings or disciplinary proceedings or both against the JM. The judge issued the directive when the Special Public Prosecutor told the court that the JM was not obeying its order to take cognisance of all offences allegedly committed by the granite barons and committing the cases to the sessions court. The act of the JM in taking cognizance of only a theft offence under IPC in all the cases would mean, as the Public Prosecutor had contended, that "the accused will will escape with a flea-bite sentence (for theft)," the judge had said. When magistrate K V Mahendraboopathy was directed to file a report, he had said averments in the charge sheet did not state the accused had the intention of causing loss and hence he refused to take cognisance of major offences disclosed in the report. Country's largest two-wheeler maker HeroMoto Corp's Netherlands-based subsidiary has offloaded 49 per cent stake in its Colombian operations to its US-based partner as part of the agreement inked in 2014. "Our wholly-owned subsidiary HMCL Netherlands B.V. Has offloaded 49 per cent stake in the joint venture firm in Colombia to the US-based Woven Holdings LLC as part of the agreement inked in 2014," a source told PTI. In July 2014, HMCL Netherlands B.V. Had formed a joint venture with Woven Holdings for sale, distribution and marketing of the company's products in Colombia. As per the original agreement, the partners had agreed for equity realignment in their JV as and when production stabilises in the country. In a recent regulatory filing, Hero MotoCorp said "the equity interests of the shareholders in the JVC (Colombia) have been re-aligned" following which it will hold 51 per cent stake and the remaining 49 per cent by Woven Holdings LLC, a company incorporated in accordance with the laws of of state of Delaware, US. Hero MotoCorp through HMCL Netherlands BV had entered into an agreement in 2014 for sales distribution and marketing of the company's products in Colombia. The joint venture is being implemented through a joint venture company -- HMCL Colombia SAS -- incorporated in Colombia. Last year, Hero MotoCorp began operations at a new facility in Colombia, the company's first plant outside India, which has been built at an investment of USD 70 million. The facility acts as an export hub for the region. It also produces ten top models at this plant. The unit, spread over 17 acres at Villa Rica in the state of Cauca, will have an initial production capacity of 80,000 units per annum. This will be expanded to 1,50,000 units per annum in the next phase. Hero MotoCorp shares today ended at Rs 2,943.40 apiece on the BSE, up 0.72 per cent from previous close. The government should have in-depth negotiations with Australia before actually signing the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement in a bid to ensure India's interests and greater access to markets, trade body Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has said. CII Director General Chandrajit Banerjee, who is accompanying Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to Australia as part of the CII delegation, also said on Wednesday in Sydney that there was massive trade potential between the two countries which needs to be tapped. Commenting on the ongoing talks on the free trade agreement (FTA) deal, Banerjee stressed that the government should have detailed talks before signing the deal which had already passed its set deadline of December last year. "Trade talks have been on and it is important for us to really discuss these issues much more, before we pen down and sign down rather than signing an FTA and then lamenting that our interest areas were not taken into account," he said, adding," India's interest needs to be taken into account." "We are a growing economy and an emerging economy. We have our own aspirations. We need to see that we also gain access to markets and its just not letting Indian markets for access which we are open to," Banerjee said. "We need to see that FTA we henceforth sign is actually resulting in a situation where India and Indian industry can have a much stronger position," Banerjee said. "There is huge potential between the two sides. But there is a huge trade deficit which means we are taking a lot from Australia rather than what we are able to send to Australia," he said. On Wednesday, CII signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the New South Wales Business Chamber and opened its new branch in Sydney. The branch would work in close partnership with the Australia-India Business Council and would work towards enhancing the trade relationship between the two sides. "In terms of investments, there is a lot of potential for Australia to step up their investments in India," he said, adding, "Our purpose would be to see how we can gain market access into Australia. Its not a large market but there are certain niches we can look at." He said that the opening up of the Sydney branch would also help in looking at attracting certain strategic investments from Australia into India, like agricultural processing or in the area of smart cities or logistics and manufacturing sectors. "We are going to work in close partnership with Australia-India Business Council," Banerjee said. Echoing similar sentiments, CEO of NIIT Technologies Arvind Thakur said, "Its is very important that India learns from the experience of other countries and their driving policies." "Australia has already been successful in implementing GST (goods and services tax) and India is going to implement that," Thakur said, adding that the CII-NSW Business Chamber MoU can help Indian industry to learn from experiences of Australia, especially in the area of public private partnerships. The Hong Kong government has threatened to "take action" against a new independence party and China slammed the group, which said today it had been blocked from registering for political reasons. The Hong Kong National Party, made up of 30-50 students and young professionals, launched Monday saying it is tapping in to the semi-autonomous city's increasing desire to break away from the mainland. There have been growing calls for independence from Hong Kong's youth over fears Beijing is seeking to curb freedoms in the city. The Hong Kong government said advocating independence was against the city's mini-constitution and would "undermine the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong". "The SAR government will take action according to the law," it said in a statement late Wednesday. Officials told AFP they had "no further comment" on what that might entail. China's State Council Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office also hit out, voicing "resolute opposition" to calls for independence, according to official agency Xinhua. It said the Hong Kong government had "refused to register" the new party, a move it termed "proper". A Hong Kong National Party member confirmed to AFP today the group had been blocked from registering as a company, which could make it difficult for it to stand in any election. Kris Lai said the party had approached the Companies Registry via an accounting firm, which told them "that because of political problems they turned us down". Hong Kong solicitor and legislator James To said a party had to be officially registered as a company or society in order to feature on a ballot paper. "It will be difficult" for candidates to run without the registration, To said. However, some small parties told AFP they had succeeded in doing so, apparently flouting the rules. The city's electoral office could give no immediate comment on whether the failure to register as a company would prevent the Hong Kong National Party from standing. Hong Kong's freedoms are protected by a 50-year agreement signed when Britain handed the city back to China in 1997, but there are fears those freedoms are dying. Concerns have been fuelled by the disappearance of five Hong Kong booksellers, known for salacious titles critical of Beijing, who later turned up on the mainland. Four of the men are now under criminal investigation in China and the fifth is flitting between Hong Kong and the mainland, where he says he is "assisting" with the investigation. The failure of mass protests in 2014 to win political concessions from Beijing have also led to the rise of "localism", dominated by young activists who want more autonomy. In a strongly worded editorial today, the government-published China Daily accused the new party of trying to advocate separation through "illegal means". The Union HRD ministry is likely to modify the 'No Detention Policy' soon and would allow states to conduct examinations in class V and VIII. "The ministry will soon issue a notification and allow holding of exams for classes V and VIII," a senior government official said today. The official, however, added that the HRD ministry favours a system where the children who cannot pass the exams in these classes are allowed to take another exam in a week's time. Many states have opposed the No Dentition Policy, a decision taken to reduce pressure on students and avoid dropouts from school. The states which have sought changes in the policy have said that holding exams will encourage children to learn more. Under the no-detention policy, children are not failed till class VIII. Earlier, a panel chaired by Rajasthan Education Minister Vasudev Devnani has decided to recommend to the HRD Ministry to make changes in the policy. A HRD ministry official said that it is also being considered by the HRD ministry that the National Assessment Survey for all classes will be conducted twice every year. The official also said that a panel of names was also being finalised by the ministry for th post of CBSE chairperson and an academician presently working in UP is one of the front-runners. An ex-wife of Islamic State group (IS) leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, with whom he had a daughter, wants to live in Europe "in freedom", she told Swedish daily Expressen in an interview published today. "I want to live in a European country, not an Arab country," Saja al-Dulaimi said in the interview filmed in Lebanon. Dulaimi was freed several months ago from a Lebanese prison, where she had been held since 2014 with her children on suspicion of links to extremist organisations. "I'm branded a terrorist but I'm far from all that," lamented Dulaimi. "I want to live in freedom," the 28-year-old said, while praising Islamic Sharia law which she said provided "freedom and rights for women". Her seven-year-old daughter, Hagar, said she wanted to go to Europe to "study." A DNA test conducted by Lebanese authorities confirmed she was Baghdadi's child. Born into a well-heeled Iraqi family, Dulaimi said she had been married to an Iraqi member of Saddam Hussein's personal guard. They had twins together. Widowed, she married again in 2008, on the advice of her father, to Bagdhadi. Dulaimi described Baghdadi, who also had children from an earlier marriage, as "a normal family man" and university professor adored by his offspring. Baghdadi was at the time fighting in the ranks of Al-Qaeda in Iraq, from which the Islamic State group was born. In 2010, he took over the reins of IS. Washington has put a $10-million bounty on his head. Dulaimi said she left him after just three months of marriage, when she was pregnant with their daughter. "How he could become emir (caliph) of the most dangerous terrorist organisation in the world is a mystery," she said. "The last conversation we had was in 2009. He asked me if I wanted to come back. But I'd made my decision," she said. "Where is my guilt? I was married to him in 2008. We're divorced now," she said. She has since remarried, to a Palestinian man with whom she also has a child. Facing slowing growth in the global economy, the International Monetary Fund called today for policies that support research and development to promote innovation. "Fiscal policy can play an important role in stimulating innovation through its effects on research and development (R&D), entrepreneurship, and technology transfer," the IMF said in a report ahead of its twice-yearly meeting in Washington in April. Among its recommendations, the IMF estimated that businesses in advanced economies should invest 40 per cent more in R&D on average than they do currently, which could in the long run increase the gross domestic product of their respective countries by 5.0 per cent, and in turn boost growth in the global economy through technology transfers. Innovation is also a way to improve productivity amid concerns "that the global economy may be trapped in an era of mediocre growth," the report said. "The slow growth in total factor productivity (TFP) is particularly worrisome," it said, referring to the part of output than cannot be explained by the amount of inputs, typically labor and capital, used in production. Slow growth in TFP "explains a significant part of the overall decline in potential growth since the early 2000s in advanced economies, and more recently in emerging-market economies," warned the IMF, calling for structural reforms in labor and product markets. According to IMF data, only 13 countries have R&D spending that is above 2.0 per cent of GDP: Australia, Denmark, Estonia, France, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, Sweden, the United States and French Guiana, an overseas department of France in norther South America. Targeted budget policies may help to offset periods of weak economic growth when businesses encounter more difficulties in financing, the 188-nation institution said. IMF experts highlighted that tax incentives for intellectual property rights, known in Europe as "box regimes," have mixed outcomes in promoting innovation and R&D. Introduced in Ireland in the 1970s, box regimes have been adopted by 13 European countries, notably France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Britain. They are currently under discussion in the United States and India, the IMF said. Independent MLA Anant Singh, who is in jail in connection with several criminal cases, took oath of membership of Bihar legislative Assembly today. Singh, an independent MLA from Mokama, was administered oath by Speaker Vijay Kumar Chaudhary. Immediately after taking oath, the three-time MLA was taken back by the police to Beur Central Jail where he has been lodged for the past six months. The Patna High Court on March 17 allowed Singh's petition and asked the Assembly Secretariat to fix a date for his oath. Singh faces several criminal cases and was arrested in July last year in connection with a kidnapping case in Bihta in Patna district in November, 2014. The arrest of the MLA, known for his muscle power, took place after demand by RJD President Lalu Prasad in the wake of a kidnapping of four youths, one of whom was later found murdered in Barh in rural Patna. After Anant Singh quit JD-U on September 2, 2015, the grand secular alliance fielded Member of Legislative Council, Niraj Kumar, from Mokama. India and the EU have failed to arrive at any understanding on the four-year dispute involving two Italian marines accused of murdering two Indian fishermen, with the Indian side stressing the need for rendering due justice for the families of the deceased. The joint statement, issued after the 13th India-EU Summit here late last night which was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and EU leaders, said the EU shares Italy's concerns to find an expeditious solution for the prolonged restriction of liberty of the two Marines. Both the sides stuck to their respective position and expressed their confidence in the arbitration procedure on the Italian Marines case currently underway in the framework of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to which India and Italy are strongly committed. "Both sides will contribute to settling the case on this basis, enabling the cause of justice to be served for all those affected. The EU shares Italy's concerns to find an expeditious solution for the prolonged restriction of liberty of the two Marines. India stressed the need for rendering due justice for the families of the Indian fishermen who were killed," the statement said. The statement came on a day when Italy asked the judges at the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in the Hague to order India to release its detained marine Salvatore Girone, saying otherwise he risks four more years in India without any charges being made which would amount to "grave violation of his human rights". The PCA is hearing oral arguments by the two sides. The arbitration "could last at least three or four years" which means that Girone risks "being held in (New) Delhi, without any charges being made, for a total of seven-eight years", Italy's representative had told the court. Girone is one of two Italian marines accused by India of killing two of its fishermen during an anti-piracy mission in 2012. He has not been able to leave India, aside from a few brief permits, since the incident. The other marine, Massimiliano Latorre, is back in Italy after a stroke in 2014. The Italian government has taken the marines case to international arbitration after repeated delays in the trial in India. The India-EU joint statement also said that "the EU hoped for a swift solution, through the due process of law in India in the case of MV Seaman Guard Ohio, which concerns fourteen Estonian and six UK citizens sentenced to prison by an Indian court. India has a "very important" role to play in responsible stewardship of weapons and materials, US Secretary of State John Kerry said ahead of the Security Summit to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other world leaders from over 50 countries. "India has a long record of being a leader, of being responsible, and it is particularly important right now at a time when we see some choices being made in the region that may accelerate possible arms construction, which we have serious questions about," Kerry said as he met Security Advisor Ajit Doval at the Foggy Bottom headquarters of the State Department. "India has a very important role to play with respect to responsible stewardship of weapons and nuclear materials," he said yesterday, adding that the US has raised these issues with various partners in the region. "Our hope is that this Nuclear Security Summit will contribute to everybody's understanding about our global responsibilities and choices," he said. Kerry said Obama has called the relationship with India 'a defining relationship of this century', and there are many reasons for that. "India is the largest democracy in the world, and a real partner with the United States on a lot of technology and energy issues. We're particularly grateful to India for the leadership it offered in Paris helping us to reach a climate agreement. And now, there is more that we can do with respect to the next steps in that agreement," he said. Doval said India was "deeply interested" in ensuring safety and security of radioactive materials. "India attaches considerable value to the Nuclear Security Summit. We are deeply interested in seeing that the safety and security of the radioactive material must be ensured," he said. Hoping for increased cooperation with the US, Doval said India and the US would look to work together on their shared concerns, including terrorism and cyber space. "We have made many strides after the new government of Prime Minister Modi has come and we have taken our relationship to new heights. We have got many areas in which we have able to improve and achieve substantial results," he said. During their meeting, Kerry and Doval discussed ways to increase diplomatic cooperation on a range of regional and global issues, including counter-terrorism efforts, State Department spokesperson John Kirby said. The Secretary of State said that US-India civil nuclear partnership should bolster India's energy security and the strong economic relationship between the two countries. Kerry commended India for its leadership on clean energy and reducing carbon emissions, as well as its improving resilience in the face of climate change. They also discussed dealing more effectively with illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing. Domestic ratings agency India Ratings and Research today said external risks are likely to make the upcoming FY17 a "challenging" year and pre-tax profit growth for top companies is unlikely to hit the double-digit mark. The agency in its outlook for 2016-17 said the fiscal will "remain a challenging year for corporate India... External risks could derail fragile recovery." It estimated that pre-tax profits of the top 500 corporate borrowers to grow by 7-9 per cent and added this is unlikely to reduce leverage levels, particularly for the companies operating in the commodity-linked and capital-intensive sectors. The agency attributed the muted estimate on corporate earnings to the government's focus on consolidation of the fiscal deficit. Elaborating on external risks, it said currency volatility, slowing down of China's growth, foreign funding and the demand environment are among the biggest factors. The external environment, coupled with the lower nominal GDP growth can also impact credit quality, it said. Achievement of Government's target of 11 per cent nominal GDP growth can provide some help to India Inc, but that rests on a "significant pick up" in public investments and consumption, it said. On investment revival, it said corporates are unlikely to take up new commitment in FY17 on credit conditions which are weaker than the previous fiscal. The private sector capex is unlikely to pick up before FY19, it said, adding that the trend of a fall which started in FY12 is likely to continue on low capacity utilisation, sluggish demand and high leverage. It said because of the high NPAs and the capital constraints faced by banks, solvent entities will also be hit by "credit rationing" that is likely to happen. On a sectoral basis, it said the US and Europe-focussed pharma, auto and textiles will have moderate volume growth, while IT will also benefit on incremental spending, it said. Gems and jewellery exports are likely to be subdued given the discretionary nature of the spending, it added. India and the US today signed an MoU for establishing Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) in India that will play significant role in carrying forward frontline research on various aspects of gravitational wave astronomy. The MoU comes about a month after the Union Cabinet approved the construction of the long-awaited third LIGO interferometer. Department of Atomic Energy Secretary Sekhar Basu and the US' National Science Foundation (NSF) France Cordova signed the MoU in this regard in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and LIGO scientists here. The construction of the long-awaited third LIGO interferometer, expected to be functional by 2023, will significantly improve the ability of scientists to pinpoint the sources of gravitational waves and analyse the signals. Modi, who is currently in the US to attend the two-day Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) met scientists of LIGO who recently proved gravitational waves theory. He also interacted with the Indian student scientists part of the LIGO project. Gravitational waves - ripples in the fabric of space and time produced by dramatic events in the universe, such as merging black holes, and predicted as a consequence of Albert Einstein's 1915 general theory of relativity - carry information about their origins and about the nature of gravity that cannot otherwise be obtained. With their first direct detection, announced on February 11, scientists opened a new window onto the cosmos. The twin LIGO Observatories at Hanford, Washington, and Livingston, Louisiana, are funded by the US National Science Foundation (NSF), and were conceived, built, and are operated by Caltech and MIT. Advanced LIGO - a major upgrade to the sensitivity of the instruments compared to the first generation LIGO detectors - began scientific operations in September 2015. LIGO will provide Indian researchers with the components and training to build and run the new Advanced LIGO detector, which will then be operated by the Indian team, the press statement said. In a statement, the Union cabinet had said "LIGO-India will also bring considerable opportunities in cutting edge technology for the Indian industry" which will be responsible for the construction of the new observatory's 4-kilometer-long beam tubes. In addition, the Cabinet statement said "The project will motivate Indian students and young scientists to explore newer frontiers of knowledge, and will add further impetus to scientific research in the country." Indian scientists at Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology (RRCAT) Indore have designed a special testing/prototype facility for receiving Advanced LIGO parts; have been training the teams that will install and commission the detector; and are currently cross-checking the IPR vacuum-system drawings against the Advanced LIGO detector drawings, to ensure a good fit and rapid installation for the third Advanced LIGO detector. In addition to leading the site-selection process, the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) scientists have been setting up a computing center for current and future data. This preparation should make it possible for India to carry the project forward rapidly, it noted. (Reopens FGN 45) "We have built an exact copy of that instrument that can be used in the LIGO-India Observatory," said David Shoemaker, leader of the Advanced LIGO Project and director of the MIT LIGO Lab. Funded in large part by the NSF, Advanced LIGO enabled a large increase in the volume of the universe probed, leading to the discovery of gravitational waves during its first observation run. At each observatory, the 4-km-long L-shaped interferometer uses laser light split into two beams that travel back and forth down the arms (four-foot diameter tubes kept under a near-perfect vacuum). The beams are used to monitor the distance between mirrors precisely positioned at the ends of the arms. According to Einstein's theory, the distance between the mirrors will change by an infinitesimal amount when a gravitational wave passes by the detector. A change in the lengths of the arms smaller than one-ten-thousandth the diameter of a proton (10-19 meter) can be detected. According to David Reitze, executive director of LIGO and a Caltech research professor, the degree of precision achieved by Advanced LIGO is analogous to being able to measure the distance between our solar system and the sun's nearest neighbour Alpha Centauri-about 4.4 light-years away-accurately to within a few microns, a tiny fraction of the diameter of a human hair. Iran today warned Pakistan that some reports in Pakistani media linking the arrest of an alleged Indian 'spy' with Tehran could have "negative implications" on its bilateral ties. The Iranian embassy here issued a terse statement after several media outlets hinted that Tehran might have knowledge about Kulbhushan Yadhav, who was reportedly arrested by Pakistani authorities in Balochistan after he entered from Iran. "During past days some section of Pakistani media has spread contents regarding detention of an Indian agent and the matter related to it, which could have negatives implications on the fraternal and friendly atmosphere of Iran and Pakistan," the embassy warned. It said that those elements who are not happy over the promotion of ties between Iran and Pakistan would try in various ways "including by spreading undignified contents and sometimes offensive to fade out the significant achievements during the visit of President Hasan Rouhani." Iran in seven decades of ties with Pakistan since its independence has always proved itself as a confident partner and neighbour and the western borders of Pakistan have never been threatened. Iran considers its borders with Pakistan as borders of peace and friendship and President Rouhani recently said that "Security of Iran is security of Pakistan and security of Pakistan is security of Iran", the statement added. It said spreading of such items is the product of thinking which does not like further expansion of ties between the two countries and against fruitful materialisation of the agreements made during the visit of the President of Iran. Meanwhile, Pakistan today said it has asked Iran to provide details about the spying network of Yadav. Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said Iran has assured Pakistan that it would never allow anyone to use its soil against the country. Pakistan Army had also released a "confessional video" of Yadav, who said he was the serving Indian Navy officer. In the video, Yadav said that he arrived in Iran in 2003 and started a small business in Chahbahar. The Israeli military says it has demolished the home of a Palestinian man who fatally stabbed an Israeli civilian in the West Bank city of Hebron late last year. The Palestinian, Ehab Maswada, stabbed the Israeli, Gennady Kaufman, outside a site holy to Jews and Muslims. Maswada was then shot and killed by officers at the scene. Israel says home demolitions are an effective tool to deter attacks, but critics say the tactic amounts to collective punishment. Israel completed the demolition early today. The last six months have seen a wave of Palestinian attacks that have killed 28 Israelis and two Americans. During that time, at least 188 Palestinians have died by Israeli fire. Israel says most were attackers, and the rest died in clashes with security forces. A software firm's employee has been arrested from Madhapur area here on charges of stealing debit and credit cards and mobile phones of software professionals and withdrawing money from ATMs using them. Twinkle Arora, a native of Faridabad, who worked with an IT firm himself, used to target software employees living in hostels and steal their wallets and phones. He would then call the customer care service of banks concerned to obtain the passwords by giving the details found on phone and in the wallet, Inspector Shashank Reddy said. "He was arrested yesterday in connection with two cases where he had withdrawn around Rs 1.22 lakh from ATMs," the police officer said. Further probe is on. Italy's Economic Development Minister Federica Guidi resigned today after her partner was accused of abusing his connections to the centre-left government. Guidi's partner, Gianluca Gemelli, is being investigated but has not been arrested as part of a criminal probe into the illegal disposal of waste from an oil production centre in the Basilicata region in the south of the country. ENI, the energy group, which operates the Val d'Agri facility said it was suspending production at the 75,000-barrels-a-day plant following the arrest of six employees suspected of conspiring to present dangerous waste as benign. Gemelli, a local businessman with interests in oil services, was allegedly implicated in the disposal of the waste. Italian media reported that, as part of their probe, the investigators had recorded a conversation between the minister and her partner in which she assures him that the council of ministers would approve an amendment to last year's budget which he had suggested. The prosecutors suspect he was acting on behalf of French oil company Total in return for a promise his company would be given the right to bid for sub-contracted engineering work at another extraction centre in the region, Tempa Rossa. In her resignation letter, Guidi told Prime Minister Matteo Renzi she was stepping down immediately to save the government further damage but insisted she had done nothing wrong. "Dear Matteo, I am absolutely certain I acted in good faith and in the correctness of my actions," she wrote. "I believe however it is necessary for political reasons that I resign from my post as minister." Guidi's resignation comes a year after Renzi ordered his transport minister Maurizio Lupi to quit after it emerged a businessman embroiled in a corruption scandal had given Lupi's son a 10,000-euro Rolex watch. The latest scandal will come as a further blow to Renzi's attempts to portray himself and his government as representing a break from Italy's dark past of cronyism and sleaze in public life. Finance Minister today met Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull as he highlighted the potential of the Indian economy to grow beyond the current rate of 7.6% and the large scope for higher economic exchanges between the two nations. During the meeting in Canberra, Turnbull expressed interest in cooperating with India in renewable energy sector where Australia has expertise. Jaitley also extended an invitation to Turnbull to visit India. The Finance Minister also met his Australian counterpart Mathias Cormann at a luncheon meet. Jaitley reached the Australian capital this morning after a two-day stay in Sydney where he inaugurated the 'Make in India' conference. The Finance Minister is scheduled to address the K R Narayanan Oration series for this yearat the Australian University (ANU) later today. Jaitley's speechwould review the potential of the government'spolicy initiativesto stimulate financial inclusion and reduce poverty and create job opportunities through people's enhanced participation. In the evening, Jaitley would also be attending a special reception organised by the Canberra-basedIndian High Commission to be attended by Indian community leaders from several Australian cities. JNU students today remembered former students union president Chandrashekhar Prasad who was gunned down in Siwan on this day in 1997 while addressing a strike gathering. Prasad, fondly called "Chandu" on campus, was elected as the students union Vice President and the President for two successive terms. He was shot dead in broad day light on March 31, 1997 allegedly by CPI(ML) leader Shyam Narayan Yadav, former Rashtriya Janata Dal parliamentarian Mohd Shahabuddin, among others while he was addressing a strike gathering called by his party Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist). In 2012, 15 years after the killing of Chandu, Shyam Narayan Yadav and a cart puller called Bhatti Mian, Dhruv Kumar Jaiswal, Sheikh Munna and Illyas Warsi were sentenced to life imprisonment. The All India Students Association (AISA) has been protesting since then for not charge-sheeting Shahabuddin in the murder. "Comrade Chandu was assassinated on this day. Carrying forward his legacy, JNU students have risen up to resist the attack on our universities today. The fascist attack which was seen in Hyderabad University and then JNU has now reached the Jharkhand University," JNUSU Vice President Shehla Rashid Shora said, who was in Patna today for addressing a gathering in remembrance of Chandu. Similar gatherings were organised across the county by AISA. Commemorating his "20th martyrdom day" JNU students have organised the annual Chandrashekhar memorial lecture tomorrow which will be delivered by CPI(ML) MLA from Bihar Sudama Prasad. His talk will be followed by a lecture by Pranay Krishna, former JNUSU president. The venue for the memorial lecture has been kept at the university's administration block which has been the centre of protests in connection with a row over an event against hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru during which anti-national slogans were allegedly raised. Parallels have been drawn between Chandu and current president Kanhaiya Kumar who was arrested in a sedition case over the event. JNU students had also made a documentary "Ek Minute ka Maun" pieced together through various video recordings and personal anecdotes shared by Chandu's friends in the 90s. Punjab Revenue Minister Bikram Singh Majithia today launched a sharp attack on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal terming him as "inimical" to the state and Sikhs. Majithia alleged that instead of showing solidarity with Punjab and Sikhs, he has "cheated" and meted out "step motherly treatment" to them. He said the Sikhs are getting respect and recognition in America, England and Canada but it is really a matter of regret that Kejriwal has "completely ignored" Punjabis who have a history of making "80 per cent of sacrifices" for the freedom of nation. The "parochial" thinking of Kejriwal regarding Sikhs is clearly demonstrated from the fact that he has not included a single Sikh in his cabinet. "In such a scenario, what can the Sikhs expect from Kejriwal?" Majithia said. Southern Mali's suspected jihadist leader has been arrested by special forces and transferred to the capital Bamako, security sources said today. "Souleymane Keita, the top jihadist leader in the south of the country, was arrested a few days ago on the Mauritanian border, and transferred to Bamako on Wednesday," a security source said. Another security source said the arrest, near the town of Sokolo, followed the capture of one of his allies a few months ago in the centre of the country. "He was about to head to Timbuktu, probably to meet up with his mentor Iyad Ag Ghaly in the Kidal region" in north-east Mali, the source said, referring to the Tuareg leader of the Islamist Ansar Dine group. Malian intelligence has said Keita and Ag Ghaly fought side by side in 2012 when jihadist forces seized the vast northern stretches of Mali. But when French troops stepped in to oust the Islamists in January 2013, Keita headed south to his native region to set up a new group, the Khaled Ibn al-Walid "katiba", meaning combattant unit. The group, also known as "Ansar Dine of the South", has some 200 fighters, a Malian security source said. In March 2015, security services accused him of heading a jihadist military training camp discovered outside Bamako. Keita was also accused last year of attacks in Fakola and Misseni near the Ivory Coast border and of "terrorist attacks" in the capital. A Sri Lankan-origin politician who is an Australian citizen has been sentenced to one year in jail for overstaying in Sri Lanka illegally. Kumar Gunaratnam is a member of Frontline Socialist Party (FSP). He has been sentenced to one year in jail and slapped with a fine of Rs 50,000 by the Kegalle Magistrate's Court. Gunaratnam, 49, was arrested by the police in November last year for overstaying his entry visa. The FSP leader returned to the island in January 2015 in time for the presidential election and had remained in the country illegally. He extended his 30-day tourist visa since January 31. He had been deported from the country in 2013 for entering the country on a false passport carrying another name. The FSP is a radical socialist party is being accused of controlling the students unions in universities and carrying out recurrent political agitations on the streets. His party's plea to accord him dual citizenship status was rejected, party source said. It was not immediately clear if he would be deported to Australia after he had served the jail sentence. The lawyers of ten men, who were convicted for multiple blasts in the city during 2002 and 2003 today, sought leniency for their clients before the special POTA court here. The court, which on March 29 convicted 10 out of 13 accused for the blasts in which 13 persons were killed, is hearing arguments on quantum of sentence. Advocate Wahab Khan pointed out that they were held guilty under a law (Prevention of Terrorism Act) which is no longer in force. "It is not that POTA was in force when the city was affected by terror. These days are even worse. We have seen Pathankot (terror attack) and 26/11 (2008 Mumbai terror attack). The court has held them guilty under an Act that has lapsed," he said. Advocate Khan also said that Dr Wahid Ansari, one of the convicts, was threatened and pressurised to give confession. Arguing for Hasib Mulla, defence lawyer Sudeep Pasbola said he did not deserve the maximum punishment under the law just because arms and ammunition were recovered at his house. Arguing for Farhaan Khot, another convict, Pasbola said he was not a principal actor and recovery of arms and ammunitions itself didn't show his involvement. The police, in fact, could recover a large cache of arms and ammunition only due to Khot's cooperation, the lawyer said. Seeking leniency for Atif Mulla, advocate Mubin Solkar said Mulla, with his medical knowledge, had helped cure more than 1,000 people of cancer in the last 10 years. The court today also reserved order on two applications filed by Muzammil Ansari convicted for planting the bombs. He has sought to undergo psychological and IQ assessment tests and to examine three witnesses. He has claimed that his mental health deteriorated in the jail. He wants to examine Afroz Khan, an accused in another terror case, Uday Pathak, a murder accused, and a Malegaon resident named Imtiyaz Rahim. Khan and Pathak are Ansari's fellow jail inmates. The hearing would continue tomorrow. Libya's unity government was trying to assert its authority in Tripoli today after the new prime minister-designate's sudden arrival, as the EU imposed sanctions on three Libyans for obstructing peace efforts. Fayez al-Sarraj's arrival at a naval base yesterday drew fury from the militia-backed authority in charge of Tripoli, which demanded he leave or surrender. Gunmen stormed the headquarters of a Libyan television station overnight, apparently in support of the new government, but the capital appeared calm today. Banks and shops were open, police were posted on the streets and flights had resumed at Metiga airport after being suspended the day before "for security reasons". "The reactions have been better than we hoped for. The situation is good," an adviser to Sarraj told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity. The international community hailed the new government's arrival as a crucial step in restoring order to Libya, which has been wracked by chaos since the 2011 overthrow of Moamer Kadhafi. Formed under a power-sharing deal agreed in December, the unity government is meant to take over from rival groups running the country. Libya has had two administrations since mid-2014 when the militia alliance overran Tripoli, setting up its own authority and forcing the internationally recognised parliament to flee to the country's remote east. International leaders, increasingly alarmed by the rise of jihadists and people-smugglers in the impoverished North African state, have called on Libya's political rivals to back the unity government. The United States and its European allies have threatened action against those who undermine the political process. EU member states today agreed to impose sanctions on three Libyans for obstructing the formation of Sarraj's government. One European source said the measures comprise "a ban on travelling in the European Union and a freeze on assets in the EU." A European diplomatic source told AFP recently that EU sanctions would target the Tripoli government's prime minister Khalifa Ghweil, the head of the General National Congress Nuri Abu Sahmein, and Aguila Saleh, speaker of Libya's internationally recognised government. Luxembourg today launched a money laundering probe linked to a corruption scandal embroiling Malaysian Premier Najib Razak who is accused of using money in a state-run fund for his own purposes. Najib, 62, has been under fire over allegations that billions of dollars were stolen from 1MDB, the now struggling state firm he founded, and his acceptance of a $681 million overseas payment. Reports have also emerged of the luxurious lifestyles, lavish spending and jet-set travel arrangements of his family, stoking calls for his resignation. The Luxembourg prosecutor's office said in a statement that it had launched the probe "following revelations about the alleged diversion of funds from 1MDB". "The suit concerns money laundering of funds likely to have come from the embezzlement of public monies," it said. It said the decision to task an examining magistrate with the probe was taken "after concrete indications" that public money had been diverted via offshore companies with accounts in Singapore, Switzerland and Luxembourg. The probe will focus on tracking down payments made after bond issues in May and October 2012, it said. The small duchy of Luxembourg is home to a major financial services centre, with clients worldwide. US authorities are reportedly looking into 1MDB-related fund flows, while Swiss, British, Singaporean and Hong Kong authorities also are scrutinising them. Najib denies any wrongdoing, saying the corruption accusations are part of an unspecified political conspiracy against him. He has curbed investigations into the scandal and purged his ruling United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) of critics, essentially shutting off internal party challenges. His no-nonsense predecessor Mahatir Mohamad demanded last week that Najib return hundreds of millions of dollars that ended up in his personal bank accounts to the government. A local court today granted bail to Maharashtra independent MLA, Bachchu Kadu, who was arrested yesterday for allegedly assaulting a government officer at the state secretariat here. "Esplanade Court today granted bail to Kadu on the bond of Rs 25,000 and the court has also directed him to deposit his passport," Kadu's lawyer Hassan Pasha Patel told PTI. The legislator, who represents Achalpur Assembly constituency in Amaravati district of Maharashtra, was arrested yesterday by the Marine Drive Police in Mumbai as soon as he came out of the ongoing state Assembly session here. Kadu and his clerk Ashok Jadhav had gone to meet B R Gavit, Deputy Secretary, General Administration Department, on Tuesday. He was insisting that Jadhav be allowed to continue to stay in the government quarters and be allotted additional accommodation, in violation of norms. The officer apparently refused to entertain his demand. An infuriated Kadu allegedly abused and hit him hard on the head. Police said a case under IPC sections 353 (assault or use of criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty), 332 (voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servant from his duty), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace) and 34 (common intention), has been registered against the MLA. Delhi High Court has directed the Central Information Commission to maintain daily order sheets following complaints that while appellants' contentions were agreed upon during hearing, these were dismissed when final orders are passed by the transparency panel. "Since the CIC is a quasi-judicial body, this Court was also of the view that its records must reflect a true and correct state of affairs. Even the Punjab and Haryana High Court in Fruit Merchant Union vs Chief Information Commissioner and Others...Had directed the State Information Commission to maintain daily order sheets," Justice Manmohan said in his order. The CIC which had been resisting the move agreed to maintain daily order sheets, but sought time to evolve a procedure on which the High Court gave it six months. "Keeping in view the aforesaid request, this Court is of the view that the Central Information Commission must start maintaining daily order sheets within a period of six months from today," the judge said. The order came on a plea of activist R K Jain who had complained that during hearing his appeal was allowed, but in the order which was passed by CIC after a long delay, the appeal was dismissed. "The said Writ Petition also brought out such allegations against the CIC by other appellants. The CIC has been resisting the maintenance of the Record of Proceedings despite the orders of the Punjab and Haryana High Court in the case of Fruit and Merchant Union vs CIC," he told PTI. Jain said the latest order of Delhi High Court shall bring in transparency and stability in the working of the CIC. He said it is hoped that the CIC shall place such daily order sheets on its website as is being done by other Tribunals including CAT, National Green Tribunal, Telecom Tribunal, Appellate Tribunal for Electricity, Competition Appellate Tribunal and Armed Forces Tribunal. RTI activist Subhash Agrawal welcomed the decision saying it will stop the practice of reversing position of CIC during the hearing and in final order. "There are number of instances faced by me when former CIC ... Agreed on something during hearing but in the orders issued six-eight months later changed the position completely. This was happening inspite of noting being made at three places -- intern, Commissioner himself and steno of the Commissioner," he said. Women who smoke while pregnant may harm their babies by chemically altering the DNA of the developing fetus, a major study including more than 6,000 women and children found today. Doctors have long warned women to avoid cigarettes while pregnant because smoking can lead to stillbirth, or babies born with cleft palate, lung disease, or neurobehavioral problems. Despite these warnings, as many as 12 per cent of pregnant women in the United States continue to smoke, exposing their fetuses to chemicals in cigarette smoke that pass through the barrier of the mother's placenta. Experts have not known much about how these changes to DNA take root in the fetus, so they performed a meta-analysis of 13 prior, smaller studies, some of which had suggested links between smoking and chemical modifications to DNA, also known as methylation. Of the 6,685 babies in the meta-analysis, 13 per cent were born to mothers who smoked regularly while pregnant. Another 25 per cent had mothers who smoked occasionally while pregnant or had quit early in pregnancy. Among the sustained smokers, researchers identified "6,073 places where the DNA was chemically modified differently" than in the newborns of non-smoking moms. "About half of these locations could be tied to a specific gene," said the study, published in the American Journal of Human Genetics. "Many signals tied into developmental pathways," said co-author Bonnie Joubert, an epidemiologist at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), noting that changes were seen in genes relating to lung and nervous system development, smoking-related cancers, and birth defects such as cleft lip and cleft palate. The DNA changes were documented in samples of umbilical cord blood drawn after birth. Such changes were less apparent in mothers who smoked less frequently during pregnancy. A separate analysis found that some DNA modifications remained apparent in a group of hundreds of older children -- those with an average age of six -- whose mothers had smoked while pregnant. Actress Manisha Koirala has arrived in Shimla to shoot for her upcoming film "Dear Maya". The 45-year-old "Dil Se" star, who was last seen in psychological thriller "Chehere: A Modern Day Classic", took to Twitter to announce her new film. "I am shooting for my next film in Shimla. Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and home to many beautiful Pine trees," she wrote. Post her struggle with ovarian cancer, the Nepalese actress made her comeback to films with Ram Gopal Verma's "Bhoot Returns". In a major departure from convention, Goa cabinet today decided to auction the mining sites in the coastal state in future instead of leasing them out. "The Cabinet has resolved to withdraw the Goa Grant of Mining Lease Policy, 2014, which means the iron ore mining leases in the state would be auctioned in future and no more renewals of existing leases," Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar told reporters after a cabinet meeting. The government had renewed leases of these sites after the Supreme Court lifted the ban on mining. Parsekar said that altogether 89 leases were renewed, but they will be auctioned when their lease period expires in 2027. "The leases granted to mine-owners would be cancelled or suspended if they fail to commence the operation during upcoming mining season," he said. The CM said 14-15 mining leases out of 89 have begun extracting ore thus picking up the mining activity in the state. "I wanted majority of them (leases) to commence operation in the ongoing season but due to several issues related to market and taxation, it could not happen," he said. "With the slashing of export duty and state taxes, I don't find any reason for mine owners to delay the activities further," Parsekar said. Union government in its recent budget abolished Export Duty on the low grade ore which will help the industry to export the ore. More than 100 victims have come forward in the Central African Republic with appalling new accounts of sexual abuse, including bestiality, by UN peacekeepers and French troops, the United Nations has said. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was "shocked to the core" by the allegations that emerged after a UN team traveled to south-central Kemo prefecture to interview the women and girls. "We must face the fact that a number of troops sent to protect people instead acted with hearts of darkness," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said yesterday. UN rights officers have so far interviewed 108 alleged victims, "the vast majority" of whom are under-age girls who were raped, sexually abused or exploited by foreign troops, he said. UN teams received accounts that troops from France's Sangaris force coerced girls to engage in bestiality in return for small amounts of money. AIDS-Free World, a civil society group that tracks peacekeeper sex abuse cases, said three girls told a UN rights officer that in 2014 they were tied up and undressed by a Sangaris commander inside a camp and forced to have sex with a dog. Dujarric stressed that "the facts have not been ascertained" in what could be the most serious wave of allegations to date to hit the troubled peace mission in the Central African Republic. France's UN Ambassador Francois Delattre and US Ambassador Samantha Power both called the allegations "sickening." French authorities are determined to "shed full light" on the reported cases and will take "exemplary disciplinary action" if the allegations are substantiated, said Delattre. France sent its Sangaris intervention force to the Central African Republic in December 2013 and while the troops are not part of the UN mission, they have been mandated by the Security Council to help restore peace to the country. After the UN Security Council held a closed-door meeting on the latest allegations, US Deputy Ambassador David Pressman said they appeared to show that the abuse was "widespread and systematic." Describing the claims as "extremely concerning", Pressman said they should be met with a "swift, full and urgent response." UN rights chief Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein called for investigations that "leave no stone unturned. To ensure proper and regulated functioning of all 17 private agricultural colleges affiliated to Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, memorandums of understanding have been signed between the colleges, TNAU and Indian Institute of Crop Processing Technology, Thanjavur. The MoU was to ensure proper functioning of all the Colleges, in accordance with the guidelines prescribed in the "Hand Book of Guidelines" to establish private agricultural colleges, a University release said today. The MoUs were signed between TNAU, Managing Trustees of the Private Colleges and IICPT yesterday, it said. The agreement was signed by Dr.CR Ananda Kumar, Registrar, TNAU and the IICPT, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India, Thanjavur, in the presence of TNAU Vice Chancellor K Ramasamy. In a race to make their mark in the global market, Indian designers at times ignore the powerful legacy of hand crafted textile the country has. However, now some prominent names from the fashion industry have taken the responsibility to promote the craftsmanship. Delhi-based designer Rajesh Pratap Singh, Pero by Aneeth Arora, Anupama Bose from Jaipur, Hemang Agarwal and Asif Shaikh used the platform of Lakme Fashion Week, to give these artisans the much needed respect and recognition, by collaborating with them for a show titled "Walking Hand in Hand". Organized by the Craft+Design+Society (CDS), lead by Ahemdabad based Shaikh, the effort was aimed at creating awareness about the versatility of our textile crafts. Having worked on reinventing textiles and embroidery for more than 22 years, the 47-year-old Shaikh says designers use the craft, but do not share the credit with artisans. "The motto is to give the artisans their due for the hours of work and labour they put in to create the final garment. The aim is to encourage them for preserving the priceless art they have inherited. By giving them a global platform we also aim at making the younger generation understand the worth of this legacy," Shaikh told PTI. The collection showcased at LFW had Aneeth collaborating with Jakir Hussain Mondal, Anupama joining hands with Jislumdubbin Neelgar, Hemang with Sharfuddin Ansari, Rajesh Pratap with Haseem Muhammad and Shaikh with award winning artisan Abdul Jabbar Khatri. "I have worked all my career with various artisans. Coming together for this movement is a pleasure. It is high time for us to give the credit to our artisans, who are always behind the curtains. I hope we will be able to do some good through this moment started by Asif bhai," Rajesh Pratap said. Anupama, who is the only designer to work exclusively with 'lehriya' pattern of Rajasthan, said the younger generation lacks the patience required to work with artisans. They also don't understand the global appeal of this art. "Learning to work with the craftsman is like a 'tapasya'. You can't work in the craftsman domain and ask them to create things according to your will. One needs to understand the shortcomings, the pros and cons of the art, but unfortunately most in young generation don't have the patience. "Unfortunately, fashion has become synonymous with little dresses and wedge heels which is not true. I feel as textile designer there is a huge market for Indian craftsmanship," Anupama told PTI. The designers hope to attract corporate houses in providing space to the craftsmen in both local and international market. Three Kerala MPs and social activist Teesta Setalvad were denied entry into Hyderabad Central University today where they were set to address a meeting. Security personnel of the varsity did not allow A Sampath, M B Rajesh and P K Biju and Setalvad to enter the campus, which has witnessed strong protests and violence after Vice Chancellor Appa Rao Podile resumed duty in the aftermath of Rohith Vemula suicide. "University authorities have directed not to allow the outsiders, so they were stopped at the main entrance gate," HCU's chief security officer T V Rao told PTI. The gate was locked from 3 pm till 5.30 pm. The two MPs from Kerala and Setalvad addressed the students outside the gate, Rao said. "Students attended the public meeting on both sides of the main gate," a member of the Joint Action Committee for Social Justice of HCU said. On March 23, the varsity authorities ecided not to allow any outsider, including mediapersons and politicians, on the campus. Reacting to the reports that HCU authorities had decided (at a meeting of deans) to remove "unauthorised things" at the shopping complex inside the campus, the varsity registrar M Sudhakar told PTI that the deans committee was a recommending authority, and final decision would be taken by the VC. Reports said that at the deans' meeting, it was decided that the varsity should issue a circular that nobody should use the campus for installing statues, busts and other unauthorised structures. 'Rohit Smaraka Stupa, a memorial for the Dalit research scholar Rohith Vemula whose suicide landed the university in the ongoing controversy, currently stands on the campus. JAC members said they would oppose any move to demolish it or other structures (like tents) set up to hold protest. Noted writer and historian William Dalrymple, who recently rediscovered his long lost passion for photography was "surprised" at how the photos he took while on his travels turned out to be dark - even darker than his narratives of crumbling empires and perishing dynasties. Over 50 black and white photographs by the Scottish author documented from his extensive travel across unfathomable regions of Afghanistan, Iran, Tibet, Ladakh and other parts of Central Asia have found place in a new book titled, "The Writer's Eye" (Harper Collins). "I am surprised how dark and drastic some of the images are. My writing is not strictly dark. It seems to draw on a different side of me. It is a rather dark, more extreme vision of the world, but the photographs are darker. "I am not a dark character. I am a lively person in my private life and I spend most of my life laughing. There are some sad stories (in writing) but there is a lot of humour too in books like 'The City of Djinns.' But I am surprised at the shots. They are all dark," Dalrymple told PTI. He believes that his photography showcases a "palette" that is different from the one visible in his writing, despite drawing inspiration from the same travels and the common themes of Mughal architecture, ruins of Afghanistan and domes of Golconda among others. "The photographs show a taste for the dark and remote, the moody and the atmospheric, perhaps even the Gothic, that I don't think is there in my books or articles and which slightly surprises even me," he writes in the book. For Dalrymple, who turned 51 about a week ago, it was "completely thrilling" to foray into a new avenue and "find something else that I could do at the age of 50." With 19th century photographer Julia Margaret Cameron as his great great aunt, the art of photography was certainly something that Dalrymple inherited genetically. Beginning at the tiny age of 7 with a Kodak camera, he graduated to a Contax 35mm SLR with Carl Zeiss lens within few years. "Ever since I started writing, my photography languished and died," he says. But, what took a back seat decades ago, with his writing flourishing over the years, has recently resumed precedence in the last 18 months, as the author has been photographing profusely alongside researching for his upcoming book, "The Anarchy," that documents the 60 years of East India Company's imperial rule over India. "I have always been a photographer but it is something that I have rediscovered in the last 18 months. Part of it is because I haven't been writing. I have been researching for my book and travelling widely to places that have lent themselves quite well for photography too," he says. Dalrymple currently uses the camera of his Samsung Note phone to click pictures. Dalrymple's rekindled rendezvous with photography started with sharing pictures with friends over Facebook and have now "taken a new life of their own." "It is very exciting to see the works developing and then how they were put on the front cover of the Creative Image magazine (by Raghu Rai). I began to take it seriously as other people began to take it seriously," he says. But, he insists that he is essentially a writer rather than a photographer, and adds, "there are many ways you can live your life." "No question, I am a writer. That's my day job. But, these days one can be anything. I have been at different times - a foreign correspondent, a historian, a feature writer, critic, a documentary film maker and co-founded the Jaipur Literature Festival," he says. The award-winning writer who has produced stunning charcoal-painting like photographs of landscapes besides those chronicling the routine lives of people in several countries, prefers black and white photography to colour because the former, he says, is "powerful and can really pack a punch." "There is something about the monochrome intensity of black and white. It seemed a much more daring and exciting world, full of artistic possibilities and allowed me to develop and edit my own prints," he says. He also prefers using a phone camera to a more elaborate professional set up with multiple equipments for lighting, exposure etc. "I love the lack of pretension in it. It is very discreet. It goes with you. No one knows you are taking a picture and gives you terrific freedom," he says. A collection of caption-less photographs (published in the book) by Dalrymple were also exhibited at Vadehra Art Gallery here recently, after a show at Sunaparanta: Goa Centre for the Arts. "The curator did not want them to be documentation of travels but sheer works of art. Whether for good or for bad, it was the curator's decision," he says. Curated by bestselling writer and Sensorium Festival co-founder, Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi, "The Writer's Eye" will next travel to London to host a show at the Grosvenor Gallery in June 2016. Malaysia's beleagured Prime Minister Najib Razak used state funds to buy luxury goods worth USD 15 million and pay out millions more to political figures ahead of the 2013 elections, according to a media report. The Wall Street Journal reported that Najib's brother, CIMB Group chairman Nazir Razak, confirmed he had received about USD 7 million from Najib for distribution to the ruling coalition of Barisan Nasional politicians. The report also claimed to have seen Malaysian investigation documents which allegedly indicate that the majority of the funds in the accounts of the 62-year-old Najib originated from 1 Malaysia Development Bhd. "The entire amount was paid out in cash to various recipients according to the instructions of the ruling party (Umno) president (Najib) and the account was closed with a zero balance," the premier's brother was quoted as sayin in the report. Meanwhile, online portal Malaysiakini quoting WSJ saidNajib spent a total of USD 15 million on holidays, shopping and jewellery. The spending was allegedly done at stores in the United States, Malaysia, Italy and elsewhere between 2011 and 2014 according toMalaysian investigation documents. However, Malaysia's state fund 1 MDB denied paying any funds into the personal accounts Najib. "Following extensive investigations, this has been corroborated by multiple lawful authorities, who have confirmed that these funds came from Saudi Arabia. "Despite this, the Wall Street Journal continues to repeat the same allegations, without providing any concrete evidence to justify these claims," 1MDB said in a statement. 1MDB also questioned the timing of the Wall Street Journal's "new round of attacks" as its report came just days after 1MDB announced it had successfully completed the share sale and purchase agreement for Edra Global Energy Bhd. It added that the state fund will repay a portion of its debts in the coming weeks, which will remove all short-term debt from the company's balance sheet. "These actions reflect the significant success 1MDB has made with its rationalisation plan, and we remain committed to ensuring the conclusion of this process, despite the repeated attacks against the company," it said. On Tuesday, Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) published a letter from a Saudi prince who pledged USD 375 million for Najib. Najib was last year also accused of siphoning USD 1 billion from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). Najib has repeatedly denied that the money was siphoned off from 1MDB and says he is the victim of a political conspiracy. But the Journal has reported that documents it has reviewed indicate the funds came from 1MDB and totalled more than USD 1 billion. Najib at first denied reports last year that he had received the overseas payments. But his government now acknowledged that he received USD 681 million. The government says it was a gift from the Saudi royal family -- most of which was given back -- to "promote moderate Islam". India's Intellectual Property Right (IPR) policy will be out soon and the government hopes to bring more people under the umbrella of copyrights, a senior official said today. "It (IPR policy) should be out in the next few days," Rajiv Aggarwal, Joint Secretary in the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), said at a Ficci event. Several countries and multinational corporations want India to bring its patent laws at par with global standards. Under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, DIPP (Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion) had prepared and circulated the draft IPR policy and invited public comments last year. Subsequently, the government took inputs for the policy from all concerned departments and stakeholders. "We hope to get more and more people in the umbrella of copyrights coming forward for registration," Aggarwal said. Asked about his expectations from India's upcoming IPR policy, Francis Gurry, Director General, World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), told PTI: "... I think it is a question of balance. There is no doubt that we need incentives to innovation in the field of health". "We need to take the IP awareness programmes to the tier 2, 3 cities and rural areas to make people aware of the IPs that they hold and thereafter for commercialisation and further movement," Aggarwal said. Nepal, sandwiched between India and China, wants its independence and sovereignty to be respected and honoured, Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli said today. He said with the promulgation of a new Constitution last year, "we have been successful in institutionalising democracy, federalism and republic system" and now "there is a need to move forward towards economic prosperity and development". "We need to follow our own development model for speedy development of the country and for that we need to be innovative and creative," Oli added. "Though Nepal is a small country sandwiched between two giant neighbours, we want our independence to be respected and sovereignty honoured," he said at a symposium on "Nepal China relations: New avenues and possibilities" organised by International Concern Centre here. During the recent Madhesi agitation, Oli and other leaders had alleged that India had imposed an "undeclared blockade" on Nepal to back the Indian-origin Madhesis. India had firmly denied imposing the blockade. Nepali leaders had also alleged that India wanted to impose its terms on Nepal, infringing the country's sovereignty. Commenting on his recent week-long official visit to China, Oli said it was successful as it has opened up new era for Nepal. Oli termed the 10 agreements reached between Nepal and China during his visit as important and underlined the need to implement them at the earliest. "We have to build a mechanism for implementing these agreements and for follow-up actions. We also need to build a separate mechanism to implement the agreements signed with India during the official visit to India and there is a need for follow up actions. Highlighting the importance of trilateral relations among China-Nepal-India, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Wu Chuntai said that China hopes Nepal would benefit from development in China and India. "We believe that it is in the common interest of the two big neighbours, China and India, that Nepal enjoys stability and development. Nepal can be a bridge between China and India," Wu said, echoing President Xi Jinping's recent remarks. (Reopens FGN 39) "I have felt time and again that Nepal is a country blessed by Lord Shiva and Lord Buddha," Ambassador Wu said. He said China and Nepal are close neighbours that enjoy permanent friendship and comprehensive cooperation. "China firmly supports Nepal's efforts to safeguard sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity as well as Nepalese people's choice of development path. We will not interfere in Nepal's internal affairs. China encourages to set-up branches of Chinese banks in Nepal," Wu said. During his visit, Oli signed signed a number of bilateral agreements with China, most notably one on transit facilities through the Communist giant. Senior IFS officer K Nandini Singla has been appointed India's next Ambassador to Portugal. Singla, a 1997-batch IFS officer, is currently posted as Joint Secretary (Europe Desk) in the Ministry of External Affairs here. "She is expected to take up her assignment shortly," the External Affairs Ministry said. Singla will succeed Jitendra Nath Misra. Government has also appointed Shubhdarshini Tripathi, a 1994-batch IFS officer, as India's next Ambassador to Kingdom of Jordan. She is presently serving as Deputy Chief of Mission in Berlin. Even as fate of land acquisition law hangs in the balance, government think-tank Niti Aayog has firmed up model guidelines that will encourage leasing of land between farmers and farming cooperatives to boost farming. The Model Act will soon be available in the public domain and state governments will be able to use the guidelines as well as modify them as per their socio-economic and political requirements, a senior government official said. "The act will legalise land leasing of farmlands between farmers and farming cooperatives, which will not only protect the rights of sharecroppers, but also promote occupational mobility in rural areas," the official added. Another major feature in the proposed act is that now sharecroppers will be able to get compensation for the loss of crop on account of inclement weather among other causes and will also be able to take farming loan from banks, he said. "Banks will be able to give loan to tenant (sharecropper) based on the expected output of the crop from the leased land as well as the proposed act will give lessee cultivator access to insurance without mortgaging the land," he added. In September last year, Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Arvind Panagariya had set up an expert committee, chaired by former Commission for Agricultural Costs & Prices (CACP) Chairman T Haque. The Expert Committee was to review existing agricultural tenancy laws in states and prepare a model agricultural land leasing act. The expert group has also batted for giving flexibility to the land owner and tenant to decide upon the term of lease and the rent besides proposing automatic resumption of land on the expiry of agreed lease period. The group has also mooted legalising land leasing in all areas to ensure complete security of land ownership for the land owner as well as the security of the tenure for the lessee cultivator for the lease period. In case, the land owner plans to sell the land while it has been leased to a cultivator, the proposed act stipulates that the transaction has to be done without affecting the interests of the lessee cultivator. The act will also provide for a multi-stage provision of settlement of disputes between the owner and the lessee cultivator. "At first, the dispute will be tried to be settled at the level of the gram panchayat, if it fails there then it will go to the level of Tehsildar after which it can go to a tribunal or the court," the official said. India has around 150 million hectares of cultivable land with a majority of it with small and marginal farmers having less then 2 hectares. Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan faced noisy protests as he confronted critics in Washington, defending his media crackdown and accusing the West of turning a blind eye to Kurdish violence. As the Turkish leader flew in to the US capital ahead of a nuclear safety summit, broke of another deadly bomb attack targeting police in his country's southeast, where his forces are battling Kurdish militants. Against this backdrop his security detail was not amused to find a small group of protesters outside the Washington think tank where he was to speak, brandishing the banners of the YPG, a Kurdish militant group based in Syria. Ankara regards the YPG as an affiliate of the PKK, Turkey's main Kurdish separatist movement, and has declared it a terrorist threat. Washington sees the YPG guerrillas as key allies in its campaign against the Islamic State group. Just ahead of Erdogan's arrival at the Brookings Institute yesterday, Turkish security officials clashed with the crowd -- both sides exchanging insults and scuffling -- before Washington DC local police were able to separate them. The Turkish guards also set about the press. One aimed a chest-high kick at an American reporter attempting to film the harassment of a Turkish opposition reporter, another called a female foreign policy scholar a "PKK whore." Turkish security tried to prevent two Turkish journalists, one of them working for the opposition daily Zaman that has been seized by the government, from entering. Brookings staff prevented Turkish officials from driving out the men, who had been invited to cover the event, amid tense scenes. Meanwhile outside pro-Kurdish demonstrators chanted: "Erdogan, fascist" and "Erdogan, baby-killer." But Erdogan appeared unruffled as he arrived to give a speech and answer questions, delivering a forceful address in which he ceded no ground to critics at home or abroad. On the renewed battle with the Kurds, Erdogan was clear -- for Turkey, the PKK and the YPG are one and the same, vicious terrorists, and no better than the Islamic State group. "Terrorists unfortunately keep attacking our country," he said. "We cannot tolerate this anymore. European countries and other countries, I hope they can see the true face of terrorists in these attacks." Erdogan complained that, just because the YPG are fighting against the IS group with Western support, some see them as what he derisively termed "good terrorists" and complained that they have backers in Europe. "I know people are organizing, funding meetings, and are assisting in getting arms to those organizations," he said. Proliferation and potential use of nuclear weapons pose the most dangerous threat to global security and peace, US President Barack Obama said today as leaders from over 50 countries started arriving here to attend the Nuclear Security Summit with the sole objective of preventing terrorists from obtaining and using atomic weapons. "Of all the threats to global security and peace, the most dangerous is the proliferation and potential use of nuclear weapons," Obama said in an op-ed in The Washington Post on the eve of the fourth Nuclear Security Summit, which among others is being attended by leaders from countries like India, Japan, China, South Korea and Brazil. The Indian delegation is being led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Thursday in Washington, I'll welcome more than 50 world leaders to our fourth Nuclear Security Summit to advance a central pillar of our Prague Agenda: preventing terrorists from obtaining and using a nuclear weapon," Obama wrote. "We'll review our progress, such as successfully ridding more than a dozen countries of highly enriched uranium and plutonium. Nations, including the US will make new commitments and we'll continue strengthening international treaties and institutions that underpin nuclear security," he said. Given the continued threat posed by organisations such as the terrorist group IS, Obama wrote, world leaders will also join allies and partners in reviewing their counterterrorism efforts, to prevent the world's most dangerous networks from obtaining the world's most dangerous weapons. Obama said the international community must remain united in the face of North Korea's continued provocations, including its recent nuclear test and missile launches. The additional sanctions recently imposed on Pyongyang by the UN Security Council show that violations have consequences, he said The US will continue working with allies and partners for the complete and verifiable denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula in a peaceful manner, he said. "More broadly, the security of the world demands that nations - including the United States - ratify the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and conclude a new treaty to end the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons once and for all," Obama said. Obama said as the only nation ever to have used nuclear weapons, the US has a moral obligation to continue to lead the way in eliminating them. "Still, no one nation can realise this vision alone. It must be the work of the world," said the president. On the last day of the 2015-16 financial year, the Central Government released a sum of Rs 1,300 crore to Andhra Pradesh under different heads, including Rs 400 crore for the two Smart Cities in the State. Highly-placed official sources today said the Union Finance Ministry released Rs 500 crore towards bridging the revenue deficit of the State, caused by the 2014 bifurcation, and Rs 200 crore for the Polavaram multi-purpose irrigation project. The Finance Ministry released another Rs 200 crore under other heads, they added. The Union Ministry of Urban Development, on the other hand, released Rs 200 crore each to Visakhapatnam and Kakinada that have been selected for development as Smart Cities in the first phase. The State Government had, in fact, sought release of Rs 2,000 crore under different heads before the close of FY16 but the Centre reportedly turned it down, the sources said. The Union Finance Ministry prepared a list of "populist" programmes being implemented by the Chandrababu Naidu Government and submitted it to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This follows the State's repeated pleas for release of "revenue deficit dues" of over Rs 13,000 crore. "After perusing the list of schemes being implemented by the State Government, the Centre has decided to cut down the grants as most of the money was being diverted to wasteful schemes," the sources said. Also, the Union Finance Ministry has reportedly made it clear to the State that no further grants would be released unless Utilisation Certificates (UCs) in proper format were submitted for the funds already released. "Last year, the Union Finance Ministry released Rs 500 crore for construction of Assembly, Raj Bhavan and other buildings in the new Capital Amaravati. The State Government merely transferred the money from its account to the Capital Region Development Authority and presented a 'utilisation certificate', whereas in reality not a single rupee has been spent. Such things can't be entertained," a top official at the Centre maintained. The AP Government did the same with regard to the Rs 1,000 crore one-time special financial assistance provided to Vijayawada and Guntur municipal corporations, he said. "The State merely gave administrative sanction for the proposed works but submitted a UC without spending even a rupee," the official added. Taking a serious view of this, the Finance Ministry told the State Finance Department officials that no funds would be released without proper UCs. Opposition in Maharashtra Legislative Assembly today targeted Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis over the delay to arrest former Mumbai unit president of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), Ganesh Pandey, who was booked for allegedly molesting a woman member of the BJP's youth wing. Assembly Speaker Haribhau Bagde rejected NCP group leader Jayant Patil's adjournment motion on the issue. Patil targeted Fadnavis, who also heads Home department, for the delay in Pandey's arrest. Opposition leader Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil also criticised the government on the issue. An FIR was registered last evening at Versova police station on the basis of complaint of the woman who alleged that Pandey harassed her by posing to her obscene questions and passing lewd remarks inside a hotel room in Mathura on March 4 during the BJYM's three-day executive committee meeting. Fadnavis denied any political interference in the matter. "Immediately after BJP Mumbai president Ashish Shelar received a complaint in this regard, he suspended Pandey and disbanded the entire Mumbai Yuva Morcha unit. "Shelar had also asked the woman to file a police complaint, but as she was reluctant, I asked the Women Commission to probe the matter," Fadnavis said. He said the complainant lodged a police complaint yesterday and accordingly an FIR was registered. "There was no question of sparing anyone who is found guilty," he added. In her written complaint to BJP city unit president Ashish Shelar, the woman had stated that Pandey also "held her hand" when she tried to leave the room. According to police, the woman alleged in her complaint that Pandey had texted her several messages which were in a "bad taste". Pakistan today said it has informed the European Union and major world capitals about the arrest of an Indian 'spy' from restive Balochistan province and asked Iran to provide details of his 'spy network'. Kulbhushan Yadav, the alleged chief operative of Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) was arrested by Pakistani security agencies last week from Chaman near Quetta. Speaking at his weekly briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said major world capitals and EU have been informed about the arrest of a serving Indian Navy officer for planning "subversive activities" in Pakistan, Radio Pakistan reported. The entire world has seen the admission statement of the Indian agent, Zakaria said, referring to the so-called "confessional video" of Yadav released earlier this week by the Pakistani Army. Zakaria further said that Pakistan had earlier provided the United Nations with evidences of Indian interference and terror activities in Pakistan. India has acknowledged Yadav as a retired Indian Navy officer, but denied the allegation that he was in any way connected to the government. "The said individual has no link with government since his premature retirement from Indian Navy," said a statement issued by India's Ministry of External Affairs, while demanding counselor access to him. Meanwhile, Zakaria confirmed that Indian High Commission here has sought counselor access to the arrested spy. "A request by India for consular access (to Yadav) is under consideration," he said in response to a question. Zakaria said that Pakistan has also asked Iran to provide details about the network of Yadav who was reportedly arrested after he entered from Iran. In the video, Yadav has said that he arrived in Iran in 2003 and started a small business in Chahbahar. The FO spokesperson said that Iran has assured Pakistan that it would never allow anyone to use its soil against Pakistan. A peeved special Pakistani tribunal today asked government to give a written explanation as to why it allowed former military ruler Pervez Musharraf to go abroad without its consent. The three-member tribunal has been holding trial of Musharraf in treason case which is based on Musharraf's decision to impose emergency in the country in 2007. The trial started in 2013 and Musharraf has been charge-sheeted. 72-year-old Musharraf this month flew to Dubai for purported treatment after Supreme Court lifted bars on his foreign trips. However, the court had also authorised the federal government to stop him from leaving the country in case it felt that he would dodge cases in Pakistan. Justice Mazhar Alam Miankhel asked state prosecutor Akram Skeikh why Musharraf was allowed to go away when the tribunal had issued orders for his personal appearance. He asked the government to provide written response for allowing Musharraf to fly out of the country when it knew that he was required to appear in person on March 31. Sheikh requested the court to issue red warrants against Musharraf, which the court refused. Treason is capital crime in Pakistan, punishable with death. Musharraf ruled from 1999 to 2008 when he stepped down. He lived abroad for most of the time until his return in 2013 to contest elections but was implicated in several high- profile cases and was not allowed to leave the country. Musharraf had said before leaving that he was going abroad to seek medical treatment for a spinal cord ailment which has now developed several complications and will "come back in a few weeks or months". He flew to Dubai after the government lifted international travel restrictions on him. The ex-army chief is facing a slew of court cases after returning from five years of self-exile in Dubai. He is facing trial in high treason case for abrogating the constitution in 2007 and illegal detention of judges same year. In January 2014, Musharraf suffered a "severe heart attack" on his way to a special court to face the high treason charges following which he was admitted to an army hospital. Musharraf has also been charged in connection with the 2007 assassination of prime minister Benazir Bhutto and the killing of a radical cleric in Islamabad in a military crackdown. Paris attacks suspect Salah Abdeslam wants to cooperate with French authorities once he is extradited from Belgium, his lawyer said today, as Belgian police carried out a raid linked to a foiled French terror plot. Soldiers and police could be seen taking part in the operation near a busy motorway in Courtrai in northwestern Belgium, the latest in a series of raids since the Paris and Brussels terror attacks exposed a tangled web of cross-border jihadist cells. The sole surviving suspect of the November 13 Paris attacks in which 130 people were killed, Salah Abdeslam was arrested in Brussels on March 18 after four months on the run. The arrest was considered a rare success in Belgium's anti-terror fight, although he was found just metres from his family home and has refused to talk since the Brussels attacks despite having links to the attackers. "I can confirm that Salah Abdeslam wants to be handed over to the French authorities," lawyer Cedric Moisse told reporters at an extradition hearing in Brussels. "I can also confirm that he wants to cooperate with the French authorities." A prosecutor was set to travel to the prison in the city of Bruges where Abdeslam is being held to discuss his extradition under a European arrest warrant. Belgian federal prosecutors "do not object" to handing the suspect over to France, said spokesman Eric Van der Sypt. A judge is set to rule on the extradition by tomorrow at the latest. Belgium has increasingly found itself at the centre of Europe's battle against terrorism and authorities have faced strong criticism for not doing enough to keep tabs on suspected extremists. Its latest raid was linked to a new plot in France, in which the main suspect, Reda Kriket, was charged in France yesterday with membership of a terrorist organisation after police found an arsenal of weapons and explosives at his home. "A raid is under way in connection with the (Reda) Kriket case," Van der Sypt told AFP. He said it is taking place at Marke, in the town of Courtrai. In what could signal improved security cooperation, several European countries have made arrests in recent days over the thwarted plot linked to 34-year-old Kriket. Kriket was himself arrested near Paris last week and a police raid on his apartment netted a cache of assault rifles, handguns and TATP, the highly volatile homemade explosive favoured by IS jihadists. Another French suspect, 32-year-old Anis Bahri, was arrested in Rotterdam in the Netherlands at the weekend in connection with the plot. Two other suspects -- Abderrahmane A., 38, and Rabah M., 34 -- have been charged in Belgium accused of involvement in the same plot. Partial liquor ban will come into effect from midnight tonight in Bihar following the state government issuing a notification in this regard. "The state cabinet gave its nod to Excise and Prohibition department's proposal to issue a notification for implementing prohibition in rural areas besides putting a blanket ban on country-made and spiced liquor," a senior state government official, wishing anonymity, told PTI. "A notification has been issued for implementing prohibition in rural areas besides banning country-made liquor across the state," Kunwar Jang Bahadur told PTI. This means that the person indulging in manufacturing trade, transportation, sale and consumption of country-made and spiced liquor across the state will be punished for violating the stringent provisions of the Bihar Excise (Amendment) Act, 2016. The Act was passed by both the Houses of Bihar Legislature yesterday that various stringent provisions including awarding 'capital punishment' for those who manufacture and sell illicit liquor that causes death. As per the provisions of the Act, complete prohibition will be implemented in rural areas besides a complete ban on country-made spiced liquor across the state from tomorrow. Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) will be sold in limited areas of the state i.E. Municipal corporations and councils through the outlets of Bihar State Beverages Corporation Ltd (BSBCL). Excise and Prohibition department and other government agencies and district administration are taking up measures to implement partial liquor ban in the state. In Patna, around 13.50 lakh bottles of country made liquor were destroyed at BSBCL godown in Khagaul with the help of earth-mover machine amid tight security in the presence of other senior officials led by Patna District Magistrate Sanjay Kumar Agarwal. "We have destroyed 13.50 lakh bottles of country made liquor....Worth Rs 3 crore...Shops are being sealed by the magistrates appointed for the purpose," Agarwal told PTI. Pakistani team probing the Pathankot terror strike today completed recording statements of the witnesses and were also handed over some more documents which included DNA report of the four terrorists killed in the 80-hour gun battle with security forces. The Joint Investigating Team (JIT) of Pakistan headed by Additional Inspector General of Police, Counter Terrorism Department, Muhammad Tahir Rai and also including ISI's Lt Col Tanvir Ahmed, began their day by recording the statements of witnesses in the case, NIA sources said. They questioned 16 witnesses in all, including a Superintendent of Police rank officer of Punjab Salwinder Singh, his jeweller friend Rajesh Verma and cook Madan Gopal. The three were kidnapped by the Pathankot attack perpetrators belonging to the banned Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed on the intervening night of December 31 and January one. The terrorists had allegedly dumped Verma after slitting his throat and continued their journey with Singh and Gopal before jettisoning them a few kilometres away from the strategic air base at Pathankot. The terrorists entered into the air base and mounted the brazen assault on the intervening night of January one and two. In the fierce encounter that ensued, seven security personnel besides four terrorists were killed. The Pakistani JIT had asked NIA to hand over swabs of four terrorists identified as Nasir Hussain (Punjab province), Abu Bakar, (Gujranwala), Umar Farooq and Abdul Qayum (both from Sindh). However, the Indian anti-terror probe agency handed over to the visitors the DNA report of the terrorists and asked them to match those with their family members, NIA sources said. "Talks are at a conclusive stage and hopefully by tomorrow afternoon everything will be over," Director General of NIA Sharad Kumar said here. Besides recording the statement of the three, the JIT also spoke to the caretaker of a shrine visited by Singh before he was kidnapped, policemen and members of the public who spotted the abandoned hijacked vehicle. Statements of a couple of doctors who conducted the postmortem were also recorded. The NIA has already handed over a list of 300 questions besides seeking voice samples of Jaish Chief Maulana Masood Azhar, his brother Abdul Rauf and Khayyam Baber (mother of slain terrorist Nasir). Nasir was claimed to have spoken to his mother during the attack. The NIA sought access to Azhar and Rauf and told the visiting team that till the time India's request was pending with authorities in Islamabad, it would like the Pakistani JIT to question them about their role in the attack on the air base and hand over their statement to the Indian agency. Kumar said the Pakistani side informed the NIA team that one of the Jaish handlers Kashif Jaan, who is believed to have accompanied the terrorists up to the border was missing ever since his name surfaced and assured that Pakistani police was looking for him. NIA also identified another Jaish terrorist Shahid Latif as one of the handlers of the Pathankot perpetrators and sought his thorough interrogation, Kumar said, adding details about 'Al Rehmat Trust' run by JeM were also sought from them. Details of two websites, which carried a message of Abdul Rauf after the terror strike, were also shared with them and they were asked to provide details for the same, he said. Both the websites have gone off the Internet. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday said a vigilance probe was on in irregularities in to SC/ST students of Bihar and necessary action will be taken against those involved in it. "Complaints have been received and shortcomings found in to SC/ST students of Bihar ... Prima facie there appears to be certain lapses," Kumar said in the legislative assembly while intervening on a question by the Leader of Opposition (LoP) during Zero Hour. He said a vigilance probe was already on into the irregularities and action would be taken against those responsible. The responsibility will be fixed after taking into account both administrative and criminal aspects in the irregularities, Kumar said. Large scale irregularities have come into light with payment of scholarship money to SC/ST students pursuing technical education outside Bihar being delayed and jeopardising their future. The to the SC/ST students is given by the SC/ST Welfare Department. BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi made an expose late last year about irregularities in the scholarships given to SC/ST students to pursue technical or other higher education in and outside Bihar. He had charged the state government with releasing scholarship amounts to fictitious technical institutions outside Bihar, besides delay in money to a technical institute in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha, to fund studies of 60 students from Bihar. Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal today said the state government was committed to extending every possible facility to writers, artists and cultural activists as they were the "voice of the society". Badal said this at a meeting with Dr Harshinder Kaur, M D Assistant Professor Patiala and President Action Committee State Medical and Dental Teachers Association Punjab. The Deputy Chief Minister assured he would consider Kaur's demands for extending medical insurance facility to prominent litterateurs and mandatory availability of Punjabi magazines and newspapers in every private and government school. India and the World Bank today signed an agreement for a loan facility of USD 250 million to support a power distribution project in Rajasthan. "The objective of the proposed programmatic operation is to support Government of Rajasthan (GoR)'s programme for the turnaround of the distribution sector in Rajasthan under the 24x7 'Power for All' programme," the Finance Ministry said in a statement. The main areas of the programme include strengthening governance in the Rajasthan Electricity Distribution Sector; financial restructuring and recovery; and improving operational performance' of distribution utilities, it added. The project size is USD 250 million, and the total amount will be financed by the Bank. Reserve Bank today allowed banks to approve clean credit facility given by foreign supplier to Indian importers of rough, cut and polished diamonds, even beyond 180 days. "To ease the operational difficulties faced by importers, it has been decided, in consultation with the Government of India, to delegate the powers for permitting such clean credit for a period exceeding 180 days from the date of shipment to the AD banks," RBI said in notification in relation to import of rough, cut and polished diamonds. At present the banks are permitted to approve clean credit to Indian importers for import of rough, cut and polished diamonds, for a period not exceeding 180 days. Clean credit is a loan given by a foreign supplier to its Indian customer/buyer, without any Letter of Credit (Suppliers' Credit) / Letter of Undertaking (Buyers' Credit) / Fixed Deposits from any Indian financial institution for importing diamonds. These new norms for allowing clean credit are enforced with immediate effect. However, the banks should do the due diligence before approving such clean credit facility for more than 180 days period. Before approving the clean credit, the banks will need to ensure the genuineness of the reason and bonafides of the transaction and also that no payment of interest is involved for the additional period. Banks must also make sure that importer requesting for the extension is not under investigation by authorities. The importer should also not be a frequent offender. RBI further said that banks should ensure that due diligence is undertaken and Know-Your-Customer (KYC) Norms and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Standards, issued by it are adhered to while undertaking the import transactions. Also, any large or abnormal increase in the volume of business should be closely examined to ensure that the transactions are bonafide. today said it will enter into a joint venture with Ukraine's Antonov, makers of AN 32 aircraft in service with the IAF, in the filed of transport aircraft for military and civil uses. " Ltd along with Ukraine based State Corporation Antonov have agreed to cooperate on dual version transport aircraft for Military, Para military and Commercial use in India," the Anil Ambani-led group said in a statement. The JV proposal comes at a time when India is in the midst of acquiring new transport aircraft and is in the process of upgrading the 105-strong fleet of AN 32, the country's primary transport aircraft. There is requirement of more than 500 aircraft in different roles and the market size is expected to exceed Rs 35,000 crore over next 15 years, the Reliance Group said. In May last year, the government has cleared the lone bid of Airbus-TATA consortium for replacing Indian Air Force's fleet of ageing Avro transport aircraft for Rs 11,930 crore. Interestingly, Antanov had stayed away from the bid but later wrote to the Defence Ministry with a proposal to set up a base here. The IAF's plan to upgrade the AN 32 aircraft had run into trouble due to Ukraine's deteriorating relations with the Russia. It is hoped that if an joint venture is indeed signed and implemented, problems with the upgrade could be resolved. The upgrade of the aircraft will include air collision avoidance system, ground proximity warning system, satellite navigation system, distance-measuring equipment and new radar among others. The JV envisages design and manufacture of the medium lift dual use turbofan aircraft in India with transfer of niche technologies. "This will be located at India's first integrated Aerospace Park at Mihan, Nagpur. The program valued at over Rs 35,000 crore is estimated to generate employment for over 7,000 people in the primary and secondary industrial sectors in the region," the statement said. An agreement was reached between Anil Ambani, Chairman of the Reliance Group and Oleg Gladkovskyi, Deputy Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine and the Chairman of the Inter-Agency Committee of Ukraine for Military Technical Cooperation and Export Control Policy on the sidelines of the Defence Expo at Goa. Motionless bodies, body parts smeared in blood, scattered iron girdles and concrete slabs of collapsed part of an under-construction flyover were at the site teeming with hundreds of policemen, rescue workers, Armymen, a couple of hours after the tragedy. Scattered shoes, slippers, water bottles, broken glass panes, hand bags were seen all over the busy Vivekananda Road and Tagore Street crossing spot, called the Ganesh Talkies area, as the security personnel and rescuers were sifting through the rubble in search of survivors. The collapse caused at least 18 deaths and over 78 injuries, till now. Narrating the sequences, a roadside fruit seller Amzad Hussain said the incident took place at around 12.10 PM. "It appeared that the whole sky came down. The sound was deafening and the whole area was trembling. Initially I thought it was an earthquake. In fact, seeing people running helter skelter I ran away from my shop and as I found a massive dust swirling in air, I realised that the bridge has collapsed," Amaz said. It was the locals who rushed to the spot and started the initial rescue work before informing police and fire office. Teams of policemen, state disaster management teams, CRPF, CRP, Armymen poured in as locals climbed upon the rubbles in an attempt to rescue survivors at the scene, where multiple vehicles including cars, auto rickshaw were crushed and trapped under the bridge. Kins, family members were hysterically moving around with printouts of parents and asking policemen whether they have been spotted from the underneath the collapsed portion of the bridge in the central part of the city. Ajay Kondai and his wife Sarita Kondai, of the nearby Natunbazar Rajbari locality were passing by the area when the mishap happened, their relative Asit Kondai said. "They were passing by this area by that time. We do not know whether they are trapped underneath the rubbles or not. Phone calls to their numbers remain unanswered... So we have come here with their photos to get information about them," Asit said. Later, the duo were declared dead at Calcutta Medical College Hospital. An emotional Sujit Shaw, whose son Vikash had a close shave, said, "I thought he was dead. I was crying and asking locals whether they can spot him underneath the rubble ...Suddenly, somebody told me that Vikash was on the other side of the road." Recalling the moments of horror, Vikash said, "I was crossing the road. Suddenly, I for no reasons felt like sprinting... Trust me there was no reason, I just felt like running and cross the road.. I know that it's because of Hanumanji I have survived the collapse. I have got a new lease of life", Vikash, who was standing next to his father, muttered. As the father-son duo, like several others watched helplessly, the rescue operation was on full swing. Besides Army personnel, a special team of Kolkata Police, Kolkata Traffic Police, teams from the state police, fire department, NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) were using Gas cutters, Cranes Gaps to prise open the iron girdles while locals were helping them to carry on work. Besides, helping the Army in rescuing the bodies trapped underneath the rubble and debris, few locals were also seen helping those injured reaching nearest medical facilities. "We did what we can do best... But we could not do much because the iron girdles and the concrete slabs are very heavy to be handled by bare hands," Yousuf Ali, a 23-year-old local youth said. Private ambulances of local organisations besides trauma care ambulances were moving back and forth to carry the injured to different hospitals in the city. "The local boys have done a commendable job. They were of great help today. Their knowledge of the locality and help to steer the ambulances move out from the congested area have been of great help," a senior police officer said. Russia today launched a cargo ship to the International Space Station on an unmanned mission to resupply crew currently in space. "The 63rd Progress resupply ship is beginning its two-day treck to ISS," a NASA commentator said as Russia's Roscosmos space agency aired a live lift-off from its Baikonur launchpad. The ship went through a flawless ascent to reach space and is expected to dock with one of the modules of the station at 1800 GMT on Saturday, April 2. The Progress-63 is hauling some three tonnes of food, fuel and supplies to Russian cosmonauts Yuri Malenchenko, Oleg Skripochka and Alexey Ovchinin and NASA astronauts Tim Kopra and Jeff Williams. A previous cargo vessel was disconnected from the station yesterday and will slowly descend to Earth to plunge into the Pacific Ocean on April 8. Russia is solely responsible for manned flights to the International Space Station, but resupply missions are also carried out by the United States. On March 26, the Cygnus cargo ship packed with science and research equipment plus food, water and clothes successfully docked at the International Space Station. Another cargo craft, the SpaceX Dragon, will also dock there on April 10, making it a rare occasion when six spacecraft -- including two Soyuz ships and another Progress ship -- will be attached to the station at the same time. Russian combat engineers arrived today in Syria on a mission to clear mines in the ancient town of Palmyra, the military said. The Defense Ministry said the sapper units were airlifted to Syria with an array of equipment, including state-of-the art robotic devices, to defuse mines at the 2,000-year-old archaeological site. Russian television stations showed Il-76 transport planes carrying the engineers landing before dawn at the Russian air base in Syria. Sunday's recapture of Palmyra by Syrian troops under the cover of Russian airstrikes was an important victory over Islamic State extremists who operated a 10-month reign of terror there. Lt Gen Sergei Rudskoi of the military's General Staff said that Russian military advisers had helped plan and direct the Syrian army's operation to recapture Palmyra. He said Russian warplanes had conducted about 500 sorties from March 7 to March 27, striking 2,000 targets around Palmyra, including artillery positions and fortifications. The Russian jets also hit IS militants as they tried to flee toward the group's strongholds of Raqqa and Deir el-Zour, he added. Russian television stations showed reports about Alexander Prokhorenko, a Russian military officer who helped direct Russian airstrikes around Palmyra. He died when he was surrounded by IS militants and drew fire on himself. Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a partial drawdown of Russian warplanes from Syria earlier this month, but he has vowed to continue fighting the IS and the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front. A Russian- and US-brokered cease-fire in Syria that began on February 27 has largely held, but Islamic State militants and the Nusra Front have been excluded from it. Rudskoi emphasized that the Russian jets used precision weapons to avoid any damage to Palmyra's archaeological treasures. During the fighting around Palmyra, the Russian military tested its latest helicopter gunship, the Mi-28, for the first time in combat. The helicopters have recently joined the Russian forces in Syria. Rudskoi said the seizure of Palmyra has a major strategic importance due to its location at the junction of major highways. "The restoration of the Syrian army's control over Palmyra will make it significantly more difficult for the bandit groups to regroup and move their resources between Syria's northern and southern regions, and it will also significantly weaken their capability around Damascus and Aleppo," he said. "The loss of control over the areas rich in natural resources will also affect the terrorists' economic and financial potential and reduce their ability to buy weapons, ammunition and materials and pay the militants. South Africa's President Jacob Zuma violated the Constitution after he failed to repay millions of dollars in state funds to renovate his private home, the top court ruled today, prompting an impeachment proceeding against the embattled leader by the opposition. The Democratic Alliance (DA) started a process to impeach 73-year-old Zuma after the Constitutional Court ruled that he had "failed to uphold, defend and respect the Constitution" as the supreme law of the land by disregarding the Public Protectors' report in irregular spending of millions of rands at his private residence in Nkandla. The judgement comes as Zuma, African National Congress (ANC) leader is accused of having improper business links with wealthy Indian family of Guptas in South Africa. The Gupta brothers Ajay, Atul and Rajesh, who built up an array of companies with interests in computers, mining, media and engineering, after moving to South Africa in the early 1990s, have denied the allegations, saying they are the victims of a plot. Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng said that parliament, which is dominated by the ANC, had failed in its obligations by not holding Zuma to account in the spending scandal. After an investigation two years ago, the Public Protector had called on Zuma to repay the costs, but he repeatedly refused to do so until just last month when he offered to pay back some of it. "This pivotal judgment confirms the DA's long held contention that President Zuma seriously violated the Constitution when he sought to undermine the Public Protector's remedial actions by instituting parallel investigative processes, and his subsequent failure to implement her remedial action," DA leader Musi Maimane said ina statement. Section 89(1) of the South African Constitution allows for the removal of the President from office on the grounds of a serious violation of the Constitution or the law if two-thirds of the House supports it. "Today's ruling is clear in this regard -- President Jacob Zuma's action amounts to a serious violation of the Constitution, and constitutes grounds for impeachment," the DA said. "Our Constitution is binding on all organs of state, including the President. To have ignored a constitutional organ, in the form of the Public Protector, for over two years, and to have employed a series of stratagems, including the Police Minister's Report and the three ad hoc parliamentary committees, to "second guess" and "ignore" the Public Protector required judicial action," the party said in a statement. Meanwhile, Zuma said that he "noted and respects" the judgement handed down by the Constitutional Court and its findings. (Reopens FGN 30) "The President appreciates and reaffirms the powers of the Constitutional Court as a final arbiter on matters of the Constitution in the Republic of South Africa," the government said in a statement. "The President will reflect on the judgement and its implications on the state and government, and will in consultation with other impacted institutions of state determine the appropriate action," the statement said. "The President and government remain confident that our constitutional democracy remains strong and intact and affirms the Chapter 9 institutions established to strengthen and support the country's democracy. Government will in due course communicate further on the matter," it said. The ANC released a similar statement acknowledging that the Constitutional Court is and remains the guardian of the Constitution of the Republic and the final arbiter on matters before it. "The ANC once again reaffirms our full confidence in the judiciary and the upholding rule of law in South Africa. Given the serious nature of the judgement delivered, the African National Congress will study it in detail and comment further in due course," the statement said. The State Administrative Council (SAC) under the Chairmanship of Governor N N Vohra today approved a proposal submitted by General Administration Department (GAD) to increase the strength of Jammu and Kashmir cadre of IAS from the existing 137 posts to 145. The recommendations will be sent to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Government of India, an official spokesman said. At present, the authorised cadre strength of IAS (J&K cadre) is 137. Out of these, 75 posts are meant for direct recruitment and 62 to be filled up by promotion from State Civil Service Officers (SCS), he said. The Indian Administrative Service (Cadre) Rules, 1954, provide for a periodic review of the cadre of IAS to be carried out after every five years, the spokesman said. On the basis of the recommendation of the Establishment- Cum-Selection Committee, the proposal for enhancement of the authorised cadre strength from the existing 137 posts to 145 posts, for recommending the same to the Department of Personnel and Trainings, Government of India, was placed before the State Administrative Council. With this increase, the quota for promotion of KAS officers to IAS would go up from 62 posts to 66. Engineering exporters' body EEPC India has said the government's decision to extend the safeguard duty on some steel imports is "anti-SME" and will make India's engineering exports uncompetitive. Government yesterday extended the safeguard duty on some steel imports by two years, till March 2018, to protect domestic industry from onslaught of cheap supplies from China amid a global glut. The duty will however be reduced to 10 per cent in stages over the next two years. "We feel this is a completely discriminatory judgement and does not take into account the impact of the negative effect the continuation of the safeguard duty will have on the global competitiveness of user industries," EEPC India Chairman T S Bhasin said. "While a huge level of protection is being given to the steel units, including those in the large sector, there are reports about further package to them. We have no problem with that but let protection to the one sector not spell death knell for the user industries, which are also battling the global slowdown and domestic demand compression," he added. He said the Steel Ministry itself has taken note of the fall in steel imports by almost one-fourth in April-February period of the fiscal 2016-17. "There was no case for continuation of Safeguard duty that too till March 2018 as there are already indications that global prices of steel have started to increase," Bhasin said. "The continuation of the safeguard duty not only makes engineering exports uncompetitive, but also there is no specific reason for the levy on HR Coils, which is a basic raw material for engineering products,especially when MIP has already been slapped," he added. The government had first imposed the safeguard duty in September last year. Last month a floor price on imports was set to deter countries like China from undercutting domestic industry, the first such move in more than 15 years. The duty would drop in stages to 10 per cent for the six months through March 2018. It will be 18 per cent for period between September 14, 2016 to March 13, 2017; 15 per cent during March 14, 2017 to September 13, 2017; and 10 per cent during September 14, 2017 to March 13, 2018. Facing domestic economic downturn, China had last year raised its exports of steel products, leading to new duties in several markets like India and the European Union, as well as anti-dumping investigations. The Madras High Court-appointed one-man Commission to look into the aspects of compensation to the families of children who were killed in a fire at a school in Kumbakonam in 2004 submitted its report today. The matter relates to the fire tragedy that occurred on July 16, 2004 at Sri Krishna School and Saraswathi Nursury School compounds where 94 children and a teacher were killed and 16 seriously injured. Tamil Nadu government had granted a compensation of Rs 50,000 to each of the victims' families. Challenging the government's decision, the father of one of the victims had moved the court, seeking more compensation as well as action against the officials concerned for their 'negligence' in approving permission to run the schools. Subsequently, Justice D Hariparanthaman had on September 14, 2014 appointed retired Judge of the Madras High Court Justice K Venkatraman to go into the aspects of fixing the quantum of compensation to the victims' families. The Commission today handed over the report in a sealed Cover to the HC's Registrar General. Sebi today said companies coming out with offer documents from April 2017 should present their financial accounts in compliance with Ind AS, the accounting standards that are converged with global norms. Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS) will be compulsorily applicable on many companies from the 2016-17 fiscal starting tomorrow. To provide more clarity for issuer companies, Sebi has come out with a detailed road map. This is to align "the disclosure requirements for financial information in the offer document as specified under Sebi (ICDR) Regulations, 2009 with the requirements of Ind AS specified under Ministry of Corporate Affairs roadmap", Sebi said in a circular. Under Sebi (ICDR) Regulations, 2009, entities need to disclose of financial information for each of the five financial years immediately preceding the filing of the offer document while following uniform accounting policies for each of the financial years. Up to March 31, 2017, the issuer companies can file their latest financial statements under Indian GAAP while from April 1, 2017, it should be done as per Ind AS, the regulator said. According to the regulator, for issuer companies to which Ind AS is applicable from FY 2017-18, the timeline with respect to filing of offer documents would be followed with a time lag of one year. "The issuer company may, at its discretion, choose to present all the five year periods using the Ind AS framework instead of accounting standards otherwise applicable for such period(s)," the circular said. Further, the issuer company should clearly mention that the financial information has been disclosed in accordance with Ind AS while suitably explaining the difference between Ind AS and the previously applicable accounting standards. They would also be required to disclose the impact of transition to Ind AS, Sebi noted. "All the financial information disclosed in the offer document for any particular year shall be in accordance with consistent accounting policies (Ind AS or applicable accounting standards)," it added. Under the roadmap of the Corporate Affairs Ministry, Ind AS would be mandatory for companies whose equity and/or debt securities are listed or are in the process of listing on any stock exchange in India or outside India and having net worth of Rs 500 crore or more, from April 1, 2016. (REOPENS DCM81) Sai Venkateshwaran, Partner and Head of Accounting Advisory Services, KPMG in India, said the Sebi circular provides clarity to companies that are in the process or contemplating a listing on the Indian markets. "However, it remains to be seen whether this hybrid approach will be accepted by the the investor community or whether they would expect companies to actually present all five years of the track record period according to Ind AS," he noted. Companies would need to weigh in on the feasibility of preparing the five-year Ind AS financial statements vis-a-vis the information gaps that the hybrid approach may create, he added. The circular provides a phased in approach to require companies to start presenting Ind AS financial statements beginning with offering documents filed between April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018. A local court today sentenced seven Dalit Human Rights Movement workers to life imprisonment for murdering a 60-year old in September 2009. Second Additional Session Judge A Badharudheen also slapped a fine of Rs two lakh each on the convicts and directed them to pay Rs six lakh to the family of the deceased, Sivaprasad. The court also directed them to pay Rs two lakh to a tea seller who was also injured in the attack. Sivaprasad was attacked by the DHRM activists when he was on an early morning walk around Ayiroor near Varkala in the district on September 23, 2009. The gang had also attacked a tea seller Ashokan and also chased away another person in the area on that day. Those sentenced include DHRM Chairman Selvaraj and its South zone organiser Das. The prosecution case was that the DHRM activists carried out the attack to show their organisational strength. Seven Turkish police officers were killed and at least 27 people wounded in a bomb attack on their vehicle in the Kurdish-majority southeastern city of Diyarbakir that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned should show the world the "true face" of terror in the country. The attack blamed on Kurdish militants took place on the eve of a rare visit by Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, whose government has waged a relentless campaign against Kurdish rebels since last summer, to central Diyarbakir today. Speaking to AFP, a regional security source said a remotely-operated car bomb went off yesterday as a police vehicle drove past the city's main bus terminal. Of the 27 wounded, 14 were civilians and 13 police. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in Washington on a hugely sensitive visit to the United States, confirmed the death toll and said the attack showed the world the true nature of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). "We cannot tolerate this any more. European countries and other countries, I hope they can see the true face of terrorists in these attacks," he said. Erdogan has been infuriated in recent months by US backing of Kurdish militias in Syria which Ankara see as the Syrian branch of the PKK and has claimed some EU states tolerate the group on their territory. He argued that the Kurdish rebels are as dangerous as the fighters of the Islamic State group, which has become the West's main target in Syria. Erdogan told his audience at the Brookings Institution think tank -- where Turkish security and pro-Kurdish protesters clashed ahead of his speech -- that the whole world must come together to fight terror. Ambulances rushed to the scene of the blast in Diyarbakir, where images showed the police bus reduced to a burnt-out wreck by the force of the explosion. Meanwhile, all the windows from a nearby multi-storey building were blown out by the force of the blast, an AFP correspondent said. Turkish forces have been engaged in an ongoing operation against rebels from the outlawed PKK in the region that has resulted in ferocious clashes and heavy casualties on both sides. The new upsurge of violence between the security forces and Kurdish rebels erupted in July 2015, shattering a two-and-a-half year truce. Erdogan said this week that 355 members of the security forces had been killed in the fighting, along with 5,359 members of the PKK. It was not possible to confirm the toll on the rebel side. Over 40,000 people have been killed since the PKK took up arms in 1984 demanding a homeland for Turkey's biggest minority. Since then, the group has pared back its demands to focus on cultural rights and a measure of autonomy. Gunmen have killed six people in a drive-by shooting, including two Turkish hospital workers, in the latest violence to hit Somalia's capital Mogadishu, authorities said today. "Six civilians, two of them Turkish nationals, have been killed, and six more were wounded," said Abdifatah Omar Halane, spokesman for the Mogadishu city authorities. The shooting took place late yesterday, and those killed also included the driver and security guards of the Turks. "Security forces are pursuing the attackers," Halane said. Somalia's Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Sharmarke condemned the attack. "We condemn this cowardly act, and our thoughts are with the relatives of the victims and the Turkish government," Sharmarke said in a statement. "These innocent Turkish citizens have lost their lives while supporting their Somali brothers." Turkey is a major investor in, and donor to, Somalia. No group has so far claimed responsibility. In a separate incident yesterday, witnesses said four people were killed, including three civilians caught in the crossfire, during a shootout between members of rival units within the Somali army. "The soldiers were trying to shoot another soldier, but they have killed him together with three civilians who were passing by," said Abdirasak Ali, a witness. Several other witnesses confirmed the deaths. Somalia's Al-Qaeda-affiliated Shebab rebels -- who are fighting to overthrow the country's internationally-backed government -- carry out regular attacks in Mogadishu but the seaside capital is anarchic and is still awash with weapons after decades of war. Six police officers were killed and at least 23 people wounded today in a bomb attack targeting a Turkish police vehicle in the Kurdish-majority southeastern city of Diyarbakir, a security source said. The attack took place a day before Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, whose government has waged a relentless campaign against Kurdish rebels since last summer, was to make a rare visit to the city. Speaking to AFP, the source said a remotely-operated car bomb went off as a police vehicle drove past the city's main bus terminal. Of the 23 wounded, nine were civilians and the rest police. Ambulances rushed to the scene, where images showed the police bus reduced to a burnt-out wreck by the force of the blast. Turkish forces have been engaged in an ongoing operation against rebels from the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in the region that has resulted in ferocious clashes and heavy casualties on both sides. Hundreds of security force members have been killed since the PKK resumed its more than three-decade insurgency last summer. The new upsurge of violence between the security forces and Kurdish rebels erupted in July 2015, shattering a two-and-a-half year truce. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said this week that 355 members of the security forces had been killed in the fighting, along with 5,359 members of the PKK. It was not possible to confirm the toll on the rebel side. Over 40,000 people have been killed since the PKK took up arms in 1984 demanding a homeland for Turkey's biggest minority. Since then, the group has pared back its demands to focus on cultural rights and a measure of autonomy. A radical PKK offshoot, the Kurdistan Freedom Falcons (TAK), claimed responsibility for two suicide car bombings in Ankara this year that left dozens dead. Turkish air force planes have bombed PKK hideouts in mountains across the border in northern Iraq as well as in remote areas of southeast Turkey. Ankara has vowed to smash the PKK, and authorities have imposed curfews in several towns in the region because of the fierce clashes. Kurdish activists have accused the government of masking the extent of the civilian toll from the fighting and also vastly exaggerating the PKK losses. Rapper Snoop Dogg is set to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame next month in Dallas, Texas. The 44-year-old rapper will join the likes of Mike Tyson and Arnold Schwarzenegger as he becomes the first musician to join the wrestling elite at the honourary ceremony held at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, on April 2, reported Female First. Taking to his Twitter account, he said, "real recognise real. Thank you @WWE universe for the honor #HOF #WWE #wrestlemania (sic)." The "Young, Wild & Free" hitmaker's passion may lie in music but he's also been heavily involved in wrestling over the years as he guest-hosted "Raw" in 2009 and served as Master of Ceremonies for a match at "WrestleMania XXIV". He also joined Hulk Hogan in the ring as he helped throw Curtis Axel over the top rope at the go-home show last year. He is gearing up for the final leg of shooting for Vishal Bhardwaj's period drama "Rangoon" and actor Shahid Kapoor says he still has so much to learn from the director. Shahid, 35, whose career touched new heights after working with Bhardwaj in "Kaminey" and "Haider", said he considers himself fortunate for being able to work with the national-award winning director thrice. "Kicking off the final schedule for #Rangoon today. Will wrap the film in April. My third with the maestro Vishal sir. So much still to learn. Fortunate and blessed to have so many chances to work under him," he posted on Twitter. Besides Shahid, "Rangoon" also stars Kangana Ranaut and Saif Ali Khan in pivotal roles. Shahid is playing the role of a soldier while Kangana essays a 1940s actress in the love story, set against the backdrop of the World War II. The "Shaandaar" star will also be seen in "Udta Punjab". A special Vigilance court here today convicted a senior engineer and his wife in a disproportionate assets case and sentenced them to three years' and one year imprisonment respectively. Special Vigilance Court judge Balakrushna Mohapatra awarded three years' imprisonment to Executive Engineer Jagannth Mohini after convicting him under section 13 (1) of Prevention of Corruption Act while his wife Ranubala Mohini was held guilty under section 109 (punishment for abetment of an offence) of IPC. The court has also imposed a penalty of Rs 10 lakh on Jagannath Mohini. The convict would have to undergo a jail term for 20 more months in case of the default in payment of the fine amount, the order said. The court awarded one year simple imprisonment for Renubala Mohini on the charge of assisting her husband in corrupt practice. The court also slapped a penalty of Rs 1 lakh on Renubala and in case of default in payment of fine, the convict would undergo jail term for another six months, said Special Vigilance counsel Sunil Kumar Pati. Jagannth Mohini, while working in Rural Works Department as Executive Engineer in Koraput, came under the vigilance scanner in 2005. His houses were raided and properties worth Rs 54 lakh were detected. The court found that properties to the tune of Rs 35.45 lakh were disproportionate to his known sources of income. At present, Jagannath is working as Execuitive Engineer posted in Rayagada district. Diversified firm SRF Ltd today said it has commissioned first phases of its chemical projects at Dahej and Bhiwadi, with a total investment of Rs 34 crore. In August last year, the company's board had given approval to establish manufacturing facility for R-134a Pharma Grade chemical at Dahej in Gujarat at an estimated investment of Rs 25 crore. R-134a Pharma Grade chemical is used by the pharmaceutical industry. The board approved establishing production unit of HFC 134a and HFC 32 at Bhiwadi, used as refrigerant at with an estimated investment of Rs 12 crore. "...The first phase of the aforesaid projects have been commissioned and captialised...At an approximate cost of Rs 25 crore and Rs 9 crore respectively," SRF Ltd said in a regulatory filing. The company had reported a 41 per cent jump in its consolidated net profit to Rs 101 crore for the third quarter ended December 2015. Meanwhile the fair trade regulator Competition Commission of India's (CCI's) has given its approval to SRF for acquiring US-based DuPont's pharmaceutical propellant business under the Dymel brand. The all cash deal was valued at USD 20 million when both sides made the announcement in December 2014. In this regard, SRF entered into a pact with E I DuPont De Nemours and company, USA. Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe will visit China next week as the two countries seek to mend ties in the backdrop of differences over Chinese investments including the controversial USD 1.5 billion Harbour Port City project made during the former regime. Wickremesinghe will pay an official visit to China from April 6 to 9 at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei told reporters here. Chinese leaders will meet and hold talks with Wickremasinghe and exchange opinions on bilateral relations and issues of common concern, he said. "We commend the Sri Lankan government's positive policies towards China and are ready to jointly consolidate the traditional friendship, and deepen pragmatic cooperation through this visit, pushing the China-Sri Lanka strategic cooperative partnership to new heights," Hong said. China and Sri Lanka ties which were close during former President Mahinda Rajapaksa tenure with Beijing committing about USD 7 billion in the island nation in a host of projects including Hambanthota port and Colombo Port city project. The port city was stalled until recently by President Maithripala Sirisena government which came to power defeating Rajapaksa in the Presidential election last year. Recent reports from Colombo said the Lankan government has finally cleared the project after amending the agreement reached during Rajapaksa regime, specially the clause relating to the ownership of the land by Chinese firms. While Sirisena visited China last year after travelling to India, this will be Wickramasinghe's fist visit to the Communist nation. Europe's steelmakers today called for sharply higher anti-dumping tariffs to protect against a flood of cheap Chinese imports, blamed for plunging the future of Britain's biggest steelworks into doubt. Steelmakers blamed slow, ineffective action by the European Union for failing to stop other countries, particularly China, from massive steel dumping -- exporting their excess production at below-cost prices. Indian giant Tata announced this week it is putting all or part of its British business up for sale, including the nation's leading Port Talbot steelworks, because of a global glut, plunging prices and a "significant increase" in cheaper imports to Europe. The Brussels-based European Steel Association representing all steel production in the European Union, which is the second largest steel producer in the world after China, said the time had come for Europe to act. The United States takes just four to five months to deploy anti-dumping duties, compared to 16 months in the European Union, said European Steel Association spokesman Charles de Lusignan. US anti-dumping tariffs are also significantly higher than those in Europe. The United States recently levied a duty of 266 per cent on a Chinese steel product while the comparable tariff in Europe was 13 percent, De Lusignan told AFP. "The European Union is certainly putting out lots of action plans and it is making all the right noises. The issue is that the methods that can be used to defend against injurious dumping are too slow to deploy and result in measures which are too small to be effective," De Lusignan said. "This means that whereas the United States vigorously defends against dumping, the EU is seeing its markets drowned out by the effects of pricing pressure from abroad." Europe's steel sector, which has an annual revenue of 166 billion euros (USD 189 billion) and accounts for 1.3 per cent of the bloc's total economic output, directly employs some 328,000 people, according to the European Commission. Last month, European Union heads of state and government vowed to take strong action to support the industry. Steelmakers say they need that support urgently. Luxembourg-headquartered ArcelorMittal, the world's biggest steel maker, announced in February it had lost USD 7.95 billion in 2015, blaming deteriorating global prices because of excess production capacity in China. "If you look at the operating results of steel companies, the level of Chinese exports and the impact on prices in our main markets, it is clear that there is an urgent need for action," finance director Aditya Mittal told reporters at the time. Philippe Chalmin, head of the Paris-based Cyclope commodities research institute, said Europe had no comparative advantages in basic steel production. "There is 300-500 million tonnes of excess steel capacity in the world. The Chinese are suffering, too, but they have exported their problems," he told AFP. A Somali police official says a suicide bombing in central Somalia has killed at least nine people and wounded 10 others. Ali Aden said a suicide bomber blew himself up among a group of people at a cafe near a hotel in Galkayo town today. Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it targeted officials from Puntland, a semiautonomous state in northeastern Somalia. The al-Qaida-linked group has been carrying out a campaign of deadly violence targeting government officials, government and international troops. At least six people, including two Turkish doctors, were killed in a drive-by shooting in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, yesterday. on Thursday said it had raised Rs 870 crore from Tier-I bonds to meet Basel-III norms. The fund has been raised from unsecured perpetually fully paid-up non-convertible Basel-III-compliant additional Tier-I bonds 2015-16, stated. The bond carries a coupon rate of 11.25 per cent a year payable annually, it said. The bank has also raised Rs 217 crore by allotting preferential shares to LIC to shore up capital. Syrian government air strikes killed at least 10 civilians today in the worst ceasefire violation yet in a key rebel bastion east of the capital, a monitoring group said. Dozens more were wounded in the raids on Deir Al-Assafir, a town in the opposition stronghold of Eastern Ghouta, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. The toll, which included two children and a civil defence volunteer, represented "the largest ceasefire violation in Eastern Ghouta," Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman said. A fragile ceasefire brokered by the United States and Russia has been in place across parts of Syria, including Eastern Ghouta, since February 27. The truce does not include areas where the Islamic State group and Al-Qaeda's local affiliate Al-Nusra Front are present. Eastern Ghouta is dominated by the powerful Jaish al-Islam (Army of Islam) rebel group, which has agreed to the truce, although Al-Nusra is also present. The ceasefire has largely been hailed as a success by the United Nations, which says the lull in fighting has allowed the pace of humanitarian aid deliveries to besieged areas to pick up. More than 270,000 people have been killed since Syria's conflict erupted in March 2011. Airstrikes hit near a school and a hospital east of the Syrian capital of Damascus, killing at least 23 people in one of the deadliest incidents since a partial cease-fire came into effect in the war-torn country more than a month ago, pro-opposition activists said today. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the casualties were caused by a series of airstrikes that struck the rebel-held town of Deir al-Asafir, which lies east of Damascus in an area known as Eastern Ghouta. Four children and a civil defense worker were among the victims, the Observatory said. The Local Coordination Committees, another opposition activist group, put the death toll from the airstrikes at 17. It was not immediately clear who was behind the airstrikes.The government says al-Qaida's branch in Syria, the Nusra Front, operates in the eastern suburbs of Damascus. The militant group and its rival, the Islamic State group, are both excluded from a cease-fire that has been in place in Syria for a month. The Western-backed Syrian opposition says the government of President Bashar Assad has been targeting civilians despite the truce. The Syrian National Coalition, an opposition group, denounced the "massacre" in Deir al-Asafir, saying it threatened to derail the cease-fire and peace talks that are scheduled to resume in Geneva in two weeks. "This crime is the latest in a series of actions that aim to consecrate ongoing violations of the cease-fire," the SNC said in a statement. The Observatory says around 2,700 families live in Deir al-Asafir. Government troops have been trying to encircle the town for weeks. There was no immediate reaction from the Syrian government, which rarely comments on security issues. The talks in Geneva are meant to start a political process for transition in Syria away from Assad. In comments made in an interview with Russia's state agency Sputnik, however, Assad rejected a key opposition demand for a transitional ruling body with full powers, which major powers agreed on at a Geneva conference in June 2012. He proposed instead a national unity government that comprises government loyalists and members of the opposition. Assad also said he is ready to hold a snap presidential election if the people call for it. Maharashtra government and Trusts Thursday signed multiple Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) to work together to improve community developmental indicators, including healthcare and education, for the state. "We are pleased to partner with the government of Maharashtra to realise our common vision of community development," Trusts chairman Ratan said, adding community well-being can be achieved through focused, innovative and relevant on-ground interventions. The event was held at Vidhan Bhawan, where the budget session of state Legislature is underway, in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. After the event, Tata watched the proceedings from the visitors' gallery as Fadnavis made a statement in the Assembly under Rule 47 of the House, informing the legislators of the signing of MoUs. According to the agreement, Tata Trusts will make available for free various facilities in areas of governance, data management, healthcare and nutrition, literacy and welfare initiatives and programmes, Fadnavis told the Assembly. "Tata Trusts will play a guiding role in setting up of these initiatives and will provide strategic and technical advisory support and oversee the successful execution for all these programmes," a Tata Trusts release said. Tata Trusts and the state government initiatives and interventions will be across several areas, specially healthcare, nutrition and fortification, governance, education and juvenile justice. Among the projects to be implemented is a pilot demonstration of social work interventions in select central prisons of Maharashtra. A national cancer grid will be created and government schools and colleges in Maharashtra will be included in it, Fadnavis said. Maharashtra will be the first state in the country to set up a bone marrow registry through government machinery, he further said. In the next three years, 50,000 bone marrow donors will be selected through this grid. "I am confident that our partnership with Tata Trusts will be the beginning of a new era of cooperation between this renowned philanthropic organisation and the government to improve socio-economic indicators of the state," Fadnavis said. "We should leverage our strength to promote more fruitful cooperation in key areas such as nutrition, governance, data management, healthcare, education, and literacy to reinforce welfare initiatives and programmes," the CM said. Under the aegis of Public Health Department (PHD) and Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER), which regulates government colleges in the state, a Strategic Healthcare Advisory Unit (SHAU) will be set up to implement technology-backed interventions that improve health and nutrition outcomes, which may also include developing hospital information systems (HIS) and a 'Medical Supply Corporation'. In order to address other micronutrient (iodine, iron, etc) related deficiencies and anaemia, Tata Trusts will work with the state government to design a micronutrient deficiency prevention program and control strategy with a special emphasis on food fortification, the Tata Trusts release said. In collaboration with the Food Civil Supplies & Consumer Protection Department, Tata Trusts will focus on arresting malnutrition-related indicators through fortification of staple foods that will also strengthen the country's Public Distribution System (PDS). The Planning Department and the Tata Trusts will enter into a partnership on data driven governance to design and implement a model data platform that will bring together information related to select indicators and flagship schemes and analyse digital data across several departments. This is envisaged to improve the application of data in planning, implementation and better targeting of government programmes as a significant step towards realising the vision of 'Digital India'. The Home Department and Tata Trusts, with support from other civil society partners, will implement a pilot demonstration of social work interventions in select central prisons of Maharashtra. This pilot demonstration will include provision of legal aid, health and mental health services as well as opportunities for training and skill upgradation within the prison system itself. Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao today made a power-point presentation in Legislative Assembly on irrigation scene in the state as he vowed to provide water to one crore acres of land in five years. The main opposition Congress did not attend the audio-visual presentation, saying such a move is against standard and traditional parliamentary practices. In the three-hour presentation, Rao sought to highlight the alleged injustice meted out to Telangana in undivided Andhra Pradesh. He also alleged that lower riparian Telangana and AP faced a "danger" of reduced inflows with Maharashtra and Karnataka building about 450 barrages on Godavari and other rivers. Dismissing criticism against his government, mainly by the Congress, on "re-designing of irrigation projects", Rao said it was done to ensure adequate availability of water in the rivers. The irrigation projects of Telangana in undivided AP were designed with a conspiracy of throwing them into either inter-state disputes or environmental issues so that water reaches the non-Telangana regions, he alleged. Observing that his government's policy is to have friendly relations with neighbouring states, Rao said the recent understanding reached by his government with Maharashtra is a case in point. The same applied to (new) AP as well, Rao said, adding he had even told the same to Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu earlier. Rao vowed to provide irrigation facility to one crore acres in five years with major portion of irrigation works to be completed in three years. All formalities for construction of a grand memorial of late Shiv Sena supremo will be completed in a year's time, Maharashtra Minister of State for Urban Development Ranjit Patil said today. He was replying to a debate on Calling Attention notice moved by Dr Neelam Gorhe (Shiv Sena) in the state Legislative Council. Patil assured the Upper House that money will not be a constraint for construction of the memorial. "The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has in its 2016-17 annual budget made an initial token allocation of Rs 1 crore for the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and appointment of project consultant," he said. The General Administration Department (GAD) of state government is implementing the project with a time-line and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will be followed to find a way out to the problems faced in the process, he further said. "The government has earmarked the Mumbai Mayor's bungalow at Shivaji Park in Dadar, as suggested by the empowered committee headed by Chief Secretary in November 2015, for the memorial construction," he said. Patil assured that registration of a trust (which will be entrusted with the responsibility of upkeep of the memorial), drawing up of DPR and appointment of project consultant will be done in a year's time. He said the land will be given on lease for 30 years to the trust, which is being modelled on the lines of Yashwantrao Chavan Pratishthan which shall include government officials as members. The trust needs to be registered under the Mumbai Public Trust Act, 1950, he said. Some clearances like regarding the Coastal Regulatory Zone (CRZ) will be obtained, as done in the case of Indu Mill land (for Dr Ambedkar Memorial), he added. Three policemen were today killed and two students injured in a collision between a car and a school van near Raine village on Hambran road, about 25-km from here. The incident occurred when the cops, identified as Assistant Sub Inspector Kulbir Singh and constables Heera Singh and Jagdish Singh, were on way to Chandigarh in the car for appearance in a case in Punjab and Haryana High Court, SSP Ludhiana (Rural), Opinder Singh said. The driver of the car lost control over the vehicle and it hit a motorcycle, a scooter and then rammed into a school van coming from the opposite side, he said. Two of the cops died on the spot while the third succumbed to his injuries in a nearby hospital where he was taken in a critical condition, police said. Two school-going children also received injuries but they were stated to be out of danger, police added. Director of Area Cyclone Warning Centre here S R Ramanan, who became a household name in Tamil Nadu in over a decade with his unique style of delivery of weather predictions, retired today after 36 years of service in the Meteorological Department. Ramanan became most popular weatherman across the state largely due to his proficiency in Tamil and the style of delivery of the weather bulletins and his bytes and interviews to Tamil television channels. Notably, he used Tamil words, several of them coined by him, to refer to even complex meteorological terms so that it could be easily understood by a layman. For example, he made popular Tamil phrases like "Veppa Salanam," (meaning convective rains), something unheard of before. He took efforts to compile a glossary of Tamil equivalents to meteorological jargons which was hosted in the official website of the Met Department in Chennai. Such initiatives not only took the science behind meteorology to the people, but also his name. The level of popularity he enjoyed could be gauged from the fact that his name was referred in several Tamil films in the context of weather although in a lighter vein. His popularity peaked during the November-December rains last year, when memes centered around him flooded social media websites and mobile messaging platforms. "I thank each and everyone of my department, the people, well-wishers, weather enthusiasts and journalists on this moment. Without all round support I would not have been able to work effectively," Ramanan told PTI. In his 36 years of service, he served the department here for 26 years and the rest in several other places in the country including Delhi and Pune. The Madras High Court today imposed a cost of Rs 5,000 each on the Secretary to the Tamil Nadu Governor and members of state public service commission (TNPSC) for not filing their counter affidavits to a petition challenging appointment of the members and directed them to file their responses within two weeks. Taking a serious note of the failure on part of the Secretary to the Governor as well as the appointee members of TNPSC in filing the responses, the first bench, comprising Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice M M Sundresh, in their order said "whoever wishes to file the counter affidavit within two weeks is subject to deposit of Rs.5,000 cost." The bench, after imposing the cost, posted the matter to June 13. The order was passed when PILs by senior DMK leader T K S Elangovan and PMK came up for hearing. The petitions challenged the appointment of 11 persons, including a former IAS officer, as members of Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) by Governor K. Rosaiah on January 31 last alleging that they had been chosen as they owed allegiance to ruling AIADMK. The court had last month directed the respondents to file their responses by March 4. While the state government filed its reply, other respondents did not do so. When the matter came up today, senior counsel P Wilson, who appeared on behalf of DMK's T K S Elangovan, argued that the deliberation that took place between the government and the Governor had to be placed before the court for its perusal. The procedure adopted in the selection of the members also needs to be placed before it. He claimed one of the members, who was 'unsuitable' for extension of service beyond the age of 58 as District Judge, had now found to be suitable by the government as a member of TNPSC. Republican presidential front- runner Donald Trump today launched a team which will help him to reach out to his party lawmakers in the House of Representatives. Trump announced that Congressmen Duncan Hunter and Chris Collins will serve as co-chairs of his campaign's US House Leadership Committee. "Hunter and Collins will lead outreach efforts to their fellows Members of Congress in support of Mr Trump's message to Make America Great Again," said a statement issued by the Trump Campaign. Hunter and Collins are conservative stalwarts, Trump said. "I am honoured to have the support of these two well respected Members of Congress who share my vision of securing our borders, strengthening our military, treating our veterans with the respect and care they deserve and putting Americans first again," he said in a statement. Earlier in the week, he announced that his campaign will be opening a Washington DC-based office to coordinate his campaign's work with the Republican National Committee, Congress, and his convention and delegate operations. Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump has kicked off a political storm with his latest controversial comment that women should be punished for illegal abortions, drawing flak from political opponents who termed the remark "horrific" and "shameful". "There has to be some form of punishment," Trump said yesterday in an interview with MSNBC channel after the host asked him: "Do you believe in punishment for abortion, yes or no?" "For the woman?" asked the host. "Yeah, there has to be some form," Trump, 69, responded. Trump's remarks sparked off a firestorm as his political opponents and women activists slammed him for such an "outrageous" remarks. Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton described the comments as "horrific and telling." "Just when you thought it couldn't get worse. Horrific and telling," Clinton, 68, said in a tweet. Democratic presidential aspirant Bernie Sanders said the comments were "shameful". "Once again Donald Trump has demonstrated that he hasn't seriously thought through the issues, and he'll say anything just to get attention," said Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz. Trump, however, issued a quick clarification as the outcry grew, saying doctors performing the illegal act should be held responsible. "If Congress were to pass legislation making abortion illegal and the federal courts upheld this legislation, or any state were permitted to ban abortion under state and federal law, the doctor or any other person performing this illegal act upon a woman would be held legally responsible, not the woman," Trump said. "The woman is a victim in this case as is the life in her womb. My position has not changed - like Ronald Reagan, I am pro-life with exceptions," Trump said, but the damage to his campaign had already been done. Democratic National Committee Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz said Trump's vileness and contempt for women knew no bounds. "It will indeed be Donald Trump and Republican candidates who are punished come November," Schultz said. "If Donald Trump is going to run successfully as a pro-life candidate, it's time he started listening to the pro-life movement," said Eric Scheidler, executive director of the Pro-Life Action League. "We know how much women suffer from abortion, and how they are lied to by the abortion industry. Any penalty for illegal abortion should fall on abortion providers, not the women who turn to them in desperation," he said. Turkey's military today angrily denied suggestions it could be planning a coup against the increasingly controversial President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Certain media outlets have carried reports speculating over the possibility of a military coup in Turkey, with Erdogan out of the country for almost a week on a visit to the United States. The Turkish military has stepped in on three occasions to oust elected governments - in 1960, 1971 and 1980 - and in 1997 also forced out Erdogan's late mentor Necmettin Erbakan from the premiership. "Discipline, unconditional obedience and a unified chain of command are the basis of the Turkish armed forces," the military said in a rare political statement on its website. "There can be no talk about any illegal action that is outside the command structure or which compromises it," the statement added. The military said it would take legal action over the reports, without specifying which ones, and complained that "such baseless news" was undermining morale in the armed forces. However an opinion piece written by the scholar Michael Rubin published in Newsweek entitled "Will there be a coup against Erdogan in Turkey?" had gathered major attention in and outside the country. The army was historically considered a major force in Turkish politics, able to oust governments who it believed were eroding the secular principles of the modern republic set up by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Erdogan, in power as premier and then president since 2003, clipped the wings of the military through a succession of legal cases to ensure its loyalty. Most analysts have believed the military poses no threat to the rule of the Islamic-rooted Justice and Development Party (AKP). The president on Tuesday left for a trip to the United States amid growing signs of a major rupture in relations between Washington and Ankara as well as controversy over press freedom in Turkey. Turkey's state broadcaster TRT (Turkish Radio and Television Corporation) has agreed to sign an MoU with the public service broadcaster, Doordarshan, for future content collaboration. An official delegation of Turkish companies, led by the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce Tourism, attended Ficci Frames 2016 here, to promote collaboration in cinema and television sector between India and Turkey. "The Turkish delegation is very encouraged with the initial response at the three-day conclave and Turkey is predicting content exports of $20 million to India by 2018," Ambassador of Turkey to India, Burak Akcapar said in a statement. To strengthen its ties with Bollywood, Turkish delegations also had a meeting with the Mumbai Academy of the Moving Image (MAMI). They are in talk with the organisers of MAMI film festival to showcase Turkish cinema at the festival in October this year. Turkey's first television export to India, "Feriha", airing on Zee's Zindagi channel, was well received by the audiences. Many Indian networks are in talks with Turkish content providers to roll out more serials on Indian television, the statement added. British Prime Minister David Cameron today assured the nation that his government is "doing everything it can" to save thousands of jobs in the crisis-hit steel industry but warned there were "no guarantees of success" after India's steel giant Tata Steel decided to sell its loss-making UK businesses. Speaking to reporters after chairing a crisis meeting with Cabinet ministers, Cameron said the threat of thousands of job losses was "very difficult" and that the government would do "everything it can" but warned there were "no guarantees of success". Cameron, who cut short his Easter break in Spain and rushed to London, said nationalisation was not the answer but the government was "not ruling anything out". Tata Steel, one of the flagships of the over USD 100-billion Indian conglomerate Tata Group, said it has decided to "explore all options for for portfolio restructuring including the potential divestment of Tata Steel UK, in whole or in parts" amid a "deteriorating financial performance of the UK subsidiary in the last 12 months". The Board of Tata Steel decided on Tuesday to decide on the future course of action in a bid to steer its embattled operations in Europe out of the rut, which face supply glut, increase in cheap imports from China amidst a continued weakness in demand in the European markets. Ministers are under pressure to secure the future of the threatened plants owned by Tata Steel. Shadow chancellor John McDonnell said the government should "bring forward the support that was expected in this budget and didn't happen" about reducing business rates, which he said were "five to seven times" higher in the UK than Europe. Labour Party has urged ministers to "get a grip" and act now to help the steel industry. It is understood the government wants reassurance Tata Steel will not close its plants before a buyer is found, the BBC reported. Tata Steel's UK business - which directly employs 15,000 workers and supports thousands of others - includes plants in Port Talbot, Rotherham, Corby and Shotton. The Port Talbot plant - which employs 5,500 people - is said to be losing one million pounds a day. Talk of nationalising the works has been downplayed but the government, which says it is considering "all options", may offer to help to engineer a sale. "There was anxiety in government that Tata Group, the plants' Indian parent firm, wants to shut down its plants rather than sell them to a competitor, and ministers have been unable to secure a promise from the firm over how long it will allow the plants to remain open," the report said. The options open to the government include a "mystery buyer" coming forward, a workforce buyout which would cost about 300 million pounds, mothballing the plant, nationalisation or allowing the plant to close, it said. Labour union, Unite general secretary Len McCluskey said the UK was in the grip of an "industrial crisis of enormous proportions". He called for the creation of a steel taskforce and for the government to intervene to save the steel industry like it did the banks during the financial crisis. McCluskey also warned Tata against a "fire sale" of its UK steel plants. Shadow chancellor John McDonnell said the government "should nationalise to stabilise" saying this would involve covering the plant's costs in the short term to help a new buyer turn it around. Business Secretary Sajid Javid, who has cut short an official visit to Australia to return to the UK, said nationalisation was "not a long-term solution". It is understood the government is looking at offering loan guarantees to potential buyers and much tighter rules on procurement to ensure major British projects are obliged to buy British steel, the report added. Steel production makes up one per cent of Britain's manufacturing output and 0.1 per cent of the country's economic output. Cameron has also spoken to Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones to offer his support at an "extremely worrying time". A government spokesman said Thursday's meeting - being attended by ministers and senior officials from the Treasury, Department for Business, Cabinet Office and Welsh Office - would focus on providing a "sustainable long-term future" for the steel sector. He said the government had been in "disarray" and "chaos" and needed to "get a grip", repeating calls for MPs to be called back from the Easter recess. British Prime Minister David Cameron today assured the nation that his government is "doing everything it can" to save some 20,000 jobs at Tata Steel but warned there were "no guarantees of success" after India's steel giant decided to sell its loss-making UK businesses. Cameron, who cut short his Easter break in Spain and rushed to London to chair a crisis meeting of the Cabinet following Tata Steel's decision, said nationalisation was not the answer but the government was "not ruling anything out". Cameron said the threat of thousands of job losses was "very difficult" and that his government would do "everything it can" but warned there were "no guarantees of success". "This industry is in difficulty right across the world. There's been a collapse in prices, there's massive overcapacity," he told reporters after the cabinet meeting. Tata Steel, which operates the country's biggest steel plant at Port Talbot in south Wales, is losing 1 million pounds ($1.4 million) a day in its U.K. Operations. A sale or restructuring would likely involve heavy job losses. Tata Steel, one of the flagships of the over USD 100-billion Indian conglomerate Tata Group, said it has decided to "explore all options for for portfolio restructuring including the potential divestment of Tata Steel UK, in whole or in parts" amid a "deteriorating financial performance of the UK subsidiary in the last 12 months". The Board of Tata Steel decided on Tuesday to decide on the future course of action in a bid to steer its embattled operations in Europe out of the rut, which face supply glut, increase in cheap imports from China amidst a continued weakness in demand in the European markets. Cameron defended the government's handling of the crisis after opposition Labour said it was "missing in action". Shadow business secretary Angela Eagle said "the danger signs have been flashing red but have been largely ignored by the government" and accused the PM of having "failed to show any leadership". Cameron said the situation at Port Talbot, the country's biggest steel factory, was of deep "concern" and said the steel jobs were "vital" to workers' families and the communities. "The government will do everything it can working with the company to try and secure the future of steelmaking in Port Talbot and across our country. It's a vital industry," he said. Meanwhile, the BBC reported that it is understood the government wants reassurance Tata Steel will not close its plants before a buyer is found. Tata Steel's UK business - which directly employs 15,000 workers and supports thousands of others - includes plants in Port Talbot, Rotherham, Corby and Shotton. Britain's steel industry has been hit hard by cheap Chinese imports, leading to lower prices, forcing steelmakers to demand imposing anti-dumping duties on imported steel. Talk of nationalising the works has been downplayed but the government, which says it is considering "all options", may offer to help to engineer a sale. "There was anxiety in government that Tata Group, the plants' Indian parent firm, wants to shut down its plants rather than sell them to a competitor, and ministers have been unable to secure a promise from the firm over how long it will allow the plants to remain open," the report said. The options open include a "mystery buyer" coming forward, a workforce buyout which would cost about 300 million pounds, mothballing the plant, nationalisation or allowing the plant to close, it said. Labour union, Unite general secretary Len McCluskey said the UK was in the grip of an "industrial crisis of enormous proportions". He called for the creation of a steel taskforce and for the government to intervene to save the steel industry like it did the banks during the financial crisis. McCluskey also warned Tata against a "fire sale" of its UK steel plants. Shadow chancellor John McDonnell said the government "should nationalise to stabilise" saying this would involve covering the plant's costs in the short term to help a new buyer turn it around. Business Secretary Sajid Javid, who has cut short an official visit to Australia to return to the UK, said nationalisation was "not a long-term solution". It is understood the government is looking at offering loan guarantees to potential buyers and much tighter rules on procurement to ensure major British projects are obliged to buy British steel, the report added. Steel production makes up one per cent of Britain's manufacturing output and 0.1 per cent of the country's economic output. Cameron has also spoken to Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones to offer his support at an "extremely worrying time". A government spokesman said Thursday's meeting - being attended by ministers and senior officials from the Treasury, Department for Business, Cabinet Office and Welsh Office - would focus on providing a "sustainable long-term future" for the steel sector. He said the government had been in "disarray" and "chaos" and needed to "get a grip", repeating calls for MPs to be called back from the Easter recess. UN war crimes judges today acquitted radical Serb leader Vojislav Seselj on all nine charges of committing atrocities in the 1990s Balkans wars, in a surprise judgement which was swiftly denounced by Croatia. "The chamber by majority holds that the prosecution has not provided sufficient evidence to establish that the crimes were committed" by Seselj, Judge Jean-Claude Antonetti said at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). "Following the verdict, Vojislav Seselj is now a free man." Seselj, 61, had faced nine charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity over his alleged ruthless quest to unite "all Serbian lands" in a "Greater Serbia". Prosecutors had alleged he was behind the murder of many Croat, Muslim and other non-Serb civilians, as well as the forced deportation of "tens of thousands" from large areas of Bosnia-Hercegovina, Croatia and Serbia. But the judges found that although crimes were committed, Seselj had not had "hierarchial" responsibility for his paramilitary forces after they came under the control of the Serbian army and could not be held responsible for their crimes. They said the prosecution's case was full of "confusion" and "ambiguities" and had failed to clarify the broader context in which events in Croatia and Bosnia took place. The prosecution had given "at best an interpretation that hides the way the events unfolded and at worst distorts them in relation to the evidence presented to the chamber," Antonetti said. The prosecutor's office said it took note of the verdict and would carefully review it to see if there are grounds to appeal. "We fully understand that many victims and communities will be disappointed by the trial chamber's judgement," the prosecutor's office added in a statement. Seselj, who was excused from attending the judgement on medical grounds after treatment for colon cancer, welcomed the verdict. "This time, after all the trials that accused innocent Serbs who received draconian sentences, two judges appeared who are honourable and fair people," Seselj told reporters in Belgrade. Croatia's Prime Minister Tihomir Oreskovic however slammed the acquittal, saying: "The verdict is shameful. It is the defeat of The Hague court and the prosecution." The judgement comes exactly a week after former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic was sentenced to 40 years in jail for genocide and nine other charges by the UN war crimes court. All Assam Students' Union (AASU), the student movement in the 80s that gave birth to AGP, is unhappy with the BJP but is more worried about the emergence of AIUDF under Badruddin Ajmal, the face of Bengali Muslims, who has been gaining ground election after election. The AASU that was in the vanguard of a bloody movement that ended with the Assam Accord in 1985 is miffed with the government at the Centre saying nothing has changed on the ground on the promised deportation of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. It is equally cut up with the role of the Congress and is keen that AIUDF should not win in the coming Assembly elections. "The NDA government at the Centre has taken all anti-Assam policies in the last 22 months. BJP's stand is not satisfactory. Assam did not get any positive support in the last two years. In fact, anti-Assam policies are being taken by the Centre," AASU General Secretary Lurinjyoti Gogoi told PTI in an interview. The AASU, which is directly not into politics but has some clout with the young voters and student population, has cut its umbilical cord with the AGP, which itself has lost a lot of sheen of late. He acknowledged that AASU had officially asked for a change in the leadership in Delhi from the UPA regime during the 2014 Lok Sabha polls but did not ask people to vote for a particular party. "However, there was no change on the ground. We wanted a change in many decisions related to Assam but nothing happened. BJP had promised change in policies on issues like hand-over of Assam's land to Bangladesh, detection and deportation of all infiltrators and stopping of big dam construction," Gogoi said. On the other hand, the Centre has not fulfilled any promise made by BJP before the Lok Sabha polls and has made U-turns on every issue, he complained. When asked if AASU will advise people to vote for any particular party or candidate, Gogoi said, "We are not asking people to vote for any one party. Our appeal to people is that they should vote keeping in mind the Bangladeshi problem. Infiltrators should not gain from this poll. Expressing apprehension over the rise of AIUDF, which is said to have a base among the Bengali-speaking Muslims, the AASU chief asked all indigenous people in Assam to vote for preventing Ajmal from becoming a "political decision-maker". He made a strong appeal to all the people to come out and vote in the elections on April 4 and 11. "As the National Register of Citizens is not complete, illegal migrants will also get a chance to vote in this election and their turnout is usually 100 per cent. So, we appeal to indigenous people also to come out and vote 100 per cent," Gogoi said. "Our strong stand is Ajmal should not win. He should not be a deciding factor and become a political decision-maker. Bangladeshi infiltrators should not be in a position to decide the future of Assam," he said. The AIUDF has been gaining strength with every election. In its maiden foray in the 2006 Assembly polls, the party won 10 seats with Ajmal himself emerging victorious in two seats. In the last Assembly elections in 2011, it won 18 seats, becoming the main opposition. In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the party won three seats, including Ajmal and his brother. Gogoi also said the ruling Congress party's role in detection and deportation of illegal immigrants is not satisfactory and alleged that the current state government is sympathetic to them. AASU has appealed to all political parties to make clear their stand on various issues, including implementation of Assam Accord, detection and deportation of illegal immigrants, sealing of international border, Lower Subansiri and similar big dam projects, ST status to six tribes and protection of rhinos. "We have presented 10 points to all political parties. We want assurance from them on the same," he said. Uttar Pradesh government has turned the state into a "nursery of terrorism", Union Minister Giriraj Singh today said, alleging that it was not dismissing Azam Khan for fear of losing Muslim votes. "Akhilesh government has turned the state into a nursery of terrorism...It has the right kind of atmosphere for such people to prosper," the MoS MSME told reporters at Sikanderpur. To a question on senior Samajwadi Party minister Azam Khan who is in the thick of a controversy over certain comments against Governor Ram Naik in the state Assembly, he said, "He (Khan) is a victim of mental bankruptcy." "...He raises fingers at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and others but his own language and actions are pro-Pakistan...He does not seem to have faith in the Constitution of the country," he said. "Khan should have been dismissed after he had talked about taking the Dadri lynching issue to the UN but SP government is afraid of him (Khan) for vote bank politics," he said. To a question on whether BJP will take action against party MP Shatrughan Sinha, who has been issuing statements against the organisation, he said BJP is not an individual based party but an organisation. "Decision in this regard will be taken at organisational level...Party will act at the right time," he said. Noting that chanting "Bharat mata ki jai" was a part of every citizen's duty, he said people will "see" to those who desist from raising it. He alleged that UP government was making merry on central funds. The US and China today announced that they will sign the Paris climate change agreement on April 22 as the world's two biggest greenhouse gas emitters called on other countries to bring the global accord into force as early as possible. In a joint statement after a meeting, President Barack Obama and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping pledged to take concrete steps to implement the Paris agreement as early as possible. Obama and Xi also called on other countries to sign the accord next month in New York. "They encourage other parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to do the same, with a view to bringing the Paris Agreement into force as early as possible," said the joint statement. "Obama and Xi further expressed their commitment to work together and with others to promote the full implementation of the Paris Agreement to win the fight against the climate threat," it said. Leaders from nearly 200 countries forged the landmark climate deal in Paris on December 12, but the accord needs at least 55 countries representing at least 55 per cent of global emissions to formally accede to it before it can enter into force. In the joint statement, the two presidents recognised that the Paris agreement marks a global commitment to tackling climate change and a strong signal of the need for a swift transition to low-carbon, climate-resilient economies. "In this regard, the Presidents are also committed to working bilaterally and with other countries to achieve successful outcomes this year in related multilateral fora, including on an HFC amendment under the Montreal Protocol pursuant to the Dubai Pathway and on a global market-based measure for addressing greenhouse gas emissions from international aviation at the International Civil Aviation Organization Assembly," it said. To accelerate clean energy innovation and deployment, they agreed to work together to implement the goals of the Mission Innovation initiative announced at the Paris conference and carry forward the work of the Clean Energy Ministerial. "They support a successful G-20 Summit in Hangzhou this year, including strong climate and clean energy outcomes, and call on the G-20 countries to engage constructively in international cooperation on energy and climate change," the statement said. The two countries agreed to deepen and broaden bilateral cooperation through the US-China Climate Change Working Group, the US-China Clean Energy Research Center, and other efforts. "The Presidents commit to taking concrete steps to implement the commitments they made in their September 2015 Joint Statement to use public resources to finance and encourage the transition toward low carbon technologies as a priority," the joint statement said. Observing that over the past three years, climate change has become a pillar of the US-China bilateral relationship, the statement said both countries have taken strong measures at home to build green, low-carbon and climate-resilient economies, helping galvanise global action to combat climate change and culminating in the Paris Agreement reached last December. US officials identified the third of four Americans killed in the Brussels attacks last week as a Texas mother of four married to a US Air Force officer. Gail Minglana Martinez, 41, was traveling with her husband, Lieutenant Colonel Kato Martinez, and their four children when she was injured in one of the suicide bombings on March 22, Texas Congressman Blake Farenthold said in a statement. It was unclear whether she was at the Brussels airport or a central metro station that were both targeted in the attacks. Kato Martinez and the four children were also injured in the blast. They remain hospitalized, Farenthold said without elaborating about their conditions. Family friends said the father was in intensive care and the children recovering from burns, the Air Force Times reported. The family was living in Brunssum, the Netherlands, where Martinez is assigned to the Joint Force Command, the newspaper reported. "Gail was special to so many people. She blessed people's lives and made this world a better place," Minglana Martinez's brother told the paper. Officials have not yet identified the fourth American killed in last week's bombings. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attacks, which killed at least 35 people and left some 300 wounded. A top American Senator today welcomed India's decision to loosen FDI restrictions in the e-commerce sector, saying it will help nearly 400 million Indians living in poverty access cheaper goods. "It is a very promising sign that as Prime Minister Modi pursues his 'Digital India' initiative, US e-tailers can now compete on a level playing field in India," Senator Mark Warner, Co-Chair of the Senate India Caucus said. "This move will benefit both US and Indian companies, and help nearly 400 million Indians living in poverty access cheaper goods and job opportunities," Warner said. In a statement, Warner praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement that India will loosen FDI restrictions in the e-commerce sector and allow foreign companies to sell items directly to Indian consumers over the internet. Warner and Senator John Cornyn, both co-chairs of the Senate India Caucus, previously urged President Obama to request Prime Minister Modi loosen restrictions ahead of his historic trip to India in January, 2015. MDMK founder Vaiko today met Aam Aadmi Party's state leadership here, setting off speculation about a pact ahead of the May 16 Tamil Nadu Assembly polls. Vaiko held a meeting with AAP state convenor Vaseegaran, in what MDMK described as a "courtesy call". Later, talking to reporters, Vaiko heaped praise on Delhi Chief Minister and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal and said that AAP's victory in the Assembly elections in that state was a "miracle in Indian political history". The AAP came to power promising an end to corruption and being a transparent government and the Chief Minister was a "redeemer" whose party faced all kinds of "onslaught" from the Narendra Modi-led central government, Vaiko said. Meanwhile, MDMK sources told PTI that Vaiko's meeting with Vaseegaran was a "courtesy call" but they did not rule out prospects of an alliance. The MDMK leader, also the coordinator of the four-party People's Welfare Front (PWF), had met Kejriwal in New Delhi last year. The two had shared stage at that time during a protest against the Modi government's controversial land acquisition bill. Vaiko has supported the demand for full statehood for Delhi and the neighbouring Puducherry. The Vaiko-led PWF, whose other constituents are CPI(M), CPI and VCK, had clinched a poll pact with Vijayakant's DMDK last week, allotting the actor-politician 124 of the 234 Assembly seats. In the wake of President's rule being imposed in Arunchal Pradesh and Uttarakhand owing to a crisis in the ruling party, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today said he will never let such an "incident" be repeated in the national capital. While noting that the Opposition should be heard by the ruling party MLAs, Kejriwal also asked the Opposition to respect the mandate of the people. Referring to the imposition of President's Rule in Arunchal Pradesh and Uttrakhand, Kejriwal said, "Opposition should respect the mandate of Delhiites. We will never let the incident of Arunachal Pradesh and Uttrakhand be repeated in Delhi." On Tuesday, Kejriwal had slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the imposition of President's rule in Uttarakhand, claiming that the Centre would try to "destabilise" the Delhi and Himachal Pradesh governments. "BJP knows that it will not win a single election in the next two years so it has resorted to 'goondagardi'. They will try it in Himachal Pradesh and Delhi next. In Delhi, they plan to suspend 21 MLAs first and then attempt to buy 23 more," Kejriwal had said. Actress Melissa McCarthy believes women should not "apologise" for wanting equal rights with their male counterparts in Hollywood. The "Spy" star has commented on Hollywood's gender pay gap, insisting women should only want the best for themselves if they're willing to put in the work, reported Female First. "Women should not apologise for getting in there and taking what they want. They should not apologise for wanting equal pay or equal rights. They should not apologise for wanting it all, but they should be willing to work for it," she said. The 45-year-old actress wouldn't class herself as a role model and claims no woman is "perfect". "I know I am not the 'norm.' It never occurs to me in terms of being a role model, though, because I don't know any perfect women. If I, off the top of my head, name 20 of the most amazing women in my life, it's all shapes, sizes, ages, colours, jobs," McCarthy said. By Saeed Azhar and Anshuman Daga SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Malaysian budget airline AirAsia is set to unveil a plan to raise as much as $200 million, sources familiar with the matter said, hours after the company announced a halt in trading of its shares pending an announcement. Asia's biggest budget airline could announce the transaction as early as this week, said the sources who declined to be identified as the was not public. One of the sources said the company was looking to raise equity. Last year, AirAsia faced calls to shore up its financing in tough operating conditions, but a decline in fuel costs and a recent strengthening in the Malaysian ringgit has since improved its prospects. In a filing to the Malaysia bourse late on Thursday, AirAsia said its shares would be suspended from 0100 GMT on April 1 pending a "material announcement," without giving details. AirAsia officials were not immediately available to comment outside working hours and did not respond to a email request for comment. In a separate statement on Wednesday, AirAsia said it was not considering going private at this stage, after local media reports said founders Tony Fernandes and Kamaruddin Meranun would do so with a company under state-owned China Everbright Bank Co. reported in October that AirAsia's founders were sounding out investors to take the airline private in a management-led buyout. had also reported that AirAsia had been in talks with lessors, including cash-rich Chinese companies, to sell a stake in its leasing subsidiary. AirAsia later said its founders were evaluating all strategic options and it had received approaches from investors to co-invest in its aircraft leasing unit. (Editing by Denny Thomas and David Holmes) By Osamu Tsukimori TOKYO (Reuters) - Asian imports of Iranian oil jumped nearly a quarter from a year earlier to a two-year high in February, as shipments into India and South Korea roughly doubled weeks after international sanctions were lifted on Tehran's disputed nuclear programme. International oil and shipping companies have been eager to renew business with Iran since sanctions related to its nuclear programme were lifted in January. Tehran's exports may also get further support as progress has been made on reinsurance issues that had been hampering its oil trade. Aside from the greater volumes taken by Asian buyers, Iran's oil flows to Europe have also begun to pick up after a slow start. An Iranian official said last week that exports had risen by 900,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 2.2 million bpd in the past two months. Imports by Iran's top four buyers - China, India, Japan and South Korea - came to 1.28 million bpd in February, up 24.6 percent from a year ago, government and tanker-tracking data shows. That was the highest volume taken by Tehran's four biggest oil clients since they bought 1.37 million bpd in February 2014. Iran has been seeking to ramp up exports to regain market share and help boost an economy that stagnated under the restrictions related to its nuclear programme. The sanctions kept Iran's exports at around 1 million bpd - down from an average 2.5 million bpd in 2011 - and have been credited with forcing Tehran to the negotiating table over its disputed nuclear activities. India's imports last month grew 111.1 percent to 215,800 bpd, the most since December. South Korea's imports hit a two-year high of 282,000 bpd. Imports by China and Japan were mostly steady from a year earlier. The following tables show Asia's Iran crude imports in bpd for last month and the year to date. (Reporting by Osamu Tsukimori; Editing by Tom Hogue) By David Stanway and Ruby Lian BEIJING/SHANGHAI (Reuters) - China's top listed steelmaker Baoshan Iron and Steel Co. Ltd (Baosteel) expects its total output to rise about 20 percent in 2016, even as the country steps up efforts to slash a massive capacity glut amid a rise in anti-dumping complaints. China has been aggressively shipping out its surplus steel products and selling them, according to other producing nations, at unfairly low prices. Exports hit a record 112 million tonnes last year and as recently as this week, India's Tata Steel put its British operations up for sale, blaming a glut in cheap Chinese steel for the move. Total steel capacity in China is estimated at around 1.2 billion tonnes and is expected to further increase this year, according to the China Iron and Steel Association. Baosteel's huge Zhanjiang steel production base, with an annual capacity of about 9 million tonnes, goes into operation later this year, its board secretary Zhu Kebing said. Baosteel, the listed arm of China's No.2 steel producer - the Shanghai-based Baosteel Group, produced 22.6 million tonnes of crude steel in 2015, and is likely to produce 27.1 million tonnes this year, Zhu added on Thursday. "As a result of the completion of main production lines at the Zhanjiang project in 2016, the scale of the company's output will show an increase," he said. Zhu, however, added that steel prices, currently near decade-lows, are expected to remain weak. The plunge in the prices of steel amid a slowdown in China's economic growth has taken a toll on producers' earnings, with Baosteel reporting a 82.5 percent year-on-year slump in 2015 net profits to 1.013 billion yuan ($156.70 million). Other steel firms fared even worse last year. Maanshan Iron & Steel reported losses of 4.8 billion yuan after a modest profit in 2014, Hunan Valin Steel also posted a loss of 2.96 billion yuan, while the Angang Steel Company reported losses of 4.59 billion yuan. With China's steel capacity surplus at around 400 million tonnes and average utilisation rates at under 70 percent, the government is aiming to shut around 100-150 million tonnes of capacity in the next five years. BAOSTEEL TO BENEFIT FROM REFORMS Local governments are currently working out how the capacity closure targets will be divided among producers, Zhu said. "Looking over the long-term, China's steel demand has already hit a peak and some capacity needs to be withdrawn from the market, or merged and restructured, and this will benefit the company by raising our market value," he added. Increased buying from Chinese steel mills has buoyed iron ore prices this year, but Zhu does not see this rally lasting. Spot iron ore prices have risen 24 percent so far in 2016, but have fallen 16 percent from this year's high of $63.30 a tonne reached on March 8. "The price increase in March was the result of many different factors, and short-term fluctuations are normal, but (we) don't think it is sustainable," he said, adding that iron ore will remain oversupplied this year. ($1 = 6.4644 Chinese yuan) (Reporting by Ruby Lian and David Stanway; Editing by Himani Sarkar) By David Stanway and Ruby Lian BEIJING/SHANGHAI (Reuters) - China's top listed steelmaker Baosteel expects output this year to rise about 20 percent, even as the country steps up efforts to slash a huge overcapacity that has boosted cheap exports and caused some producers elsewhere to shut. The announcement by Baoshan Iron and Steel Co Ltd, or Baosteel, comes a day after India's Tata Steel put its British operations up for sale, blaming the move that leaves thousands of jobs at risk on a flood of cheap Chinese supplies. China has been aggressively shipping out surplus steel and selling them, according to other producing nations, at unfairly low prices. Exports hit a record 112 million tonnes in 2015. "Of course China is the epicentre where they're exporting at predatory pricing to almost all countries," Seshagiri Rao, joint managing director at India's JSW Steel Ltd said on what was behind the distressed global steel industry. China makes half of the world's steel and produced 803.8 million tonnes in 2015. That was almost eight times the output of Japan, the No. 2 producer, and nearly 20 times Germany's. China's production capacity is far bigger, at 1.2 billion tonnes, and is expected to further increase this year, according to the China Iron and Steel Association. Baosteel's huge Zhanjiang steel production base with an annual capacity of about 9 million tonnes and which it calls its "dream factory" goes into operation later this year, its board secretary Zhu Kebing said on Thursday. Baosteel, the listed arm of China's No. 2 steel producer - the Shanghai-based Baosteel Group, is likely to produce 27.1 million tonnes of crude steel this year versus 22.6 million tonnes in 2015, Zhu said. "As a result of the completion of main production lines at the Zhanjiang project in 2016, the scale of the company's output will show an increase," he said. WEAK STEEL PRICES HIT EARNINGS But Zhu said Chinese steel prices, currently near decade-lows, are expected to remain weak.Last year marked the first drop in China's steel output since 1981 as producers responded to shrinking domestic demand in an economy that grew at its slowest pace in 25 years. Because Chinese mills can sell their products cheap, exports rose, leading to complaints of dumping from other countries. In February, European Union regulators opened three anti-dumping investigations into Chinese steel products and imposed new duties on imports. Beijing has said anti-dumping measures to limit its exports will not address trade tensions in the sector, with authorities later blaming the pains of the global steel industry to a weak economy and shrinking competitiveness. "Today Chinese steel companies, for every tonne of steel they export, they lose $102 per tonne," said JSW's Rao, citing industry data. China's steel exports eased only 1.3 percent over January-February from a year earlier. The plunge in steel prices has hit producers' earnings. Baosteel posted an 82.5 percent slump in 2015 net profit to 1.013 billion yuan ($156.70 million), while others such as Maanshan Iron and Steel, Hunan Valin Steel and Angang Steel Co, also saw losses. With China's steel capacity surplus at around 400 million tonnes and average utilisation rates under 70 percent, Beijing is aiming to shut around 100-150 million tonnes of capacity in the next five years. Local governments are now working on how to divide closure targets among producers, Baosteel's Zhu said. "Looking over the long term, China's steel demand has already hit a peak and some capacity needs to be withdrawn from the market, or merged and restructured, and this will benefit the company by raising our market value," he added. ($1 = 6.4644 Chinese yuan) (Writing and additional reporting by Manolo Serapio Jr in Manila, reporting by Ruby Lian in Shanghai and David Stanway in Beijing; Editing by Himani Sarkar) British Prime Minister will hold an emergency meeting to tackle the crisis hitting the country's steel industry on Thursday after India's Tata Steel said it would pull out, putting thousands of jobs at risk. The government is facing criticism over its response to the news, with opposition lawmakers saying it was "asleep at the wheel" when Tata, the country's biggest producer, decided to sell its loss-making British operations late on Tuesday. The move leaves 15,000 workers at plants including the country's largest steel works in Port Talbot, south Wales, facing an uncertain future unless a buyer is found for a business that has been battered by cheap Chinese competition and high costs. Cameron and Sajid Javid, the business minister, were out of the country when Tata took the decision at a board meeting in Mumbai, leaving a junior colleague to respond. The government has said it is working to broker a deal with potential buyers but ministers initially contradicted each other over what options they would consider. After a business minister, Anna Soubry, said she would not rule out a temporary nationalisation of the assets to help secure the future of the industry, her more senior colleague Javid appeared on television to say "nationalisation was not the answer". The opposition Labour party and Britain's national media were scathing in their response, calling the government's handling of the case "chaotic". Stephen Kinnock, the local lawmaker in south Wales, said the government was a "total shambles". "It's absolutely extraordinary that they've been asleep at the wheel for this long," he told Sky News on Thursday. "Why is it that the Prime Minister seems to be reacting to this as if he didn't see it coming. They're in total disarray." The BBC said the government may seek to secure a sale by offering loan guarantees to any potential buyers and setting tighter rules around the use of British steel on major infrastructure projects. By Paul Sandle and Andy Bruce LONDON/PORT TALBOT, Wales (Reuters) - Prime Minister David Cameron said there was no guarantee a buyer could be found for Britain's biggest steel producer after Tata Steel announced it was pulling out, and a state takeover was not the answer. Cameron said he was doing all he could following the Indian company's decision to sell its British operation, a move that has put 15,000 jobs at risk and exposed the government to accusations of failing to protect the industry from cheap Chinese imports. Tata's biggest plant in Port Talbot, south Wales, is losing around $1.4 million a day as a result of depressed steel prices and high costs. "We're going to work very hard with the company to do everything we can, but it is a difficult situation, there can be no guarantees of success because of the problems that the steel industry faces worldwide," Cameron said after chairing an emergency meeting on the crisis on Thursday. "We're not ruling anything out, (but) I don't believe nationalisation is the right answer." Cameron's government has faced criticism over its response to Tata's decision, with opposition lawmakers saying it was "asleep at the wheel" when the Indian group said it was pulling out after nearly a decade in Britain. The prime minister and Sajid Javid, the business minister, were out of the country when Tata's board met in Mumbai on Tuesday, leaving a junior colleague to respond. The opposition Labour party and Britain's media said the handling of the crisis had been "chaotic" after the government rowed back on an initial suggestion from a junior minister that it could nationalise the plants for a period. "It's absolutely extraordinary that they've been asleep at the wheel for this long," Stephen Kinnock, the local member of parliament in south Wales, told Sky on Thursday. "Why is it that the prime minister seems to be reacting to this as if he didn't see it coming. They're in total disarray." VITAL INDUSTRY Steelmakers in Britain pay some of the highest energy costs and green taxes in the world, but the government maintains that the fundamental problem facing the industry is the collapse in the price of steel, caused by overcapacity in China. Britain imported 826,000 tonnes of Chinese steel in 2015, up from 361,000 two years earlier, according to the International Steel Statistic bureau. Cameron's government, eager to cultivate closer ties with China, has opposed measures in Europe that could increase the tariffs paid on Chinese imports of steel, which are a fraction of the levels imposed by the United States. Nonetheless, anti-EU campaigners said Brussels was part of the problem because rules on state aid limited the steps Britain could take to save the industry. Cameron, who does not want to stoke anti-EU sentiment ahead of a referendum on Britain's EU membership in June, said half of the country's steel production went into European markets and the products could face European tariffs and taxes if Britain left. He said ministers had been working on measures to help the industry, including encouraging major infrastructure projects to use British steel and cutting energy costs. The government's intervention, he said, had helped avert an outright closure of the loss-making operations by Tata. But steel workers in Port Talbot said politicians had hindered rather than helped the industry. They pointed to the policies of Cameron's right-leaning Conservative government as well as the European Union, which has been slow to penalise China for dumping steel. "Do I blame the EU? To a certain extent, they've been very slow to act," said Dave Bowyer, 59, a steelworker for 40 years at Port Talbot and a representative of the Unite union. "But I think most of the blame has to lie with the UK government. Mr Cameron will long be remembered as the prime minister who sat on his hands as the steel industry rolled into decline." Business minister Javid said on Wednesday that there were buyers for the assets but government support might be needed, prompting speculation that the government could offer loans to any new buyer. ($1 = 0.6940 pounds) (Additional reporting by Michael Holden; editing by Kate Holton) By Ben Hirschler LONDON (Reuters) - GlaxoSmithKline is to adopt a graduated approach to patenting its medicines, depending on the wealth of different countries, in order to make drugs more affordable in the developing world. Britain's biggest drugmaker said on Thursday it would not file patents in low-income states, leaving the way clear for generic companies to make cheap copies of its drugs without fear of being sued. For lower middle-income countries, GSK will seek patents but it aims to strike licence deals that allow supplies of generic versions of its medicines for 10 years. These licences are expected to earn GSK a "small" sales royalty. Together, the moves will cover about 85 countries with a combined population of more than 2 billion. The company will continue to seek full patent protection in high- and upper middle-income countries, as well as members of the Group of 20 major economies, including China, Brazil and India. It is the latest move by the pharmaceuticals industry to address criticism that many new drugs are simply too expensive for billions of people in Africa, Asia and Latin America. GSK Chief Executive Andrew Witty has long been a proponent of improving drug access and the initiative may consolidate his reputation in the field before he steps down as chief executive next year. Raymond Hill, former president of the British Pharmacological Society and visiting professor at Imperial College London, said it was a brave step. "It sets a precedent for other major multinational pharma companies to follow," he said. The wider industry has increasingly adopted a policy of tiered pricing for poor countries, but the decision to waive patent rights in certain areas goes a step further in opening the door to competition. Witty said patent protection remained vital for rewarding investment in research but more flexibility was needed. "We are trying to put together an approach which is right for the right stage of maturity of the country," he told reporters. The initiative is expected to have only minimal impact on GSK's group earnings, given the limited sales and profits generated in poor countries. In addition, GSK said it intended to give developing countries access to its next-generation cancer drugs by allowing competitors access to the company's intellectual property through the UN-backed Medicines Patent Pool (MPP). Knowledge Ecology International, a non-profit group working to curb intellectual property barriers, said the move was welcome as access to cancer drugs was far more unequal than for HIV and hepatitis treatments, two areas where MPP is already active. GSK sold its established cancer drugs to Novartis in an asset swap that closed last year. It is still working on a number of experimental immuno-oncology and epigenetic cancer therapies. (Editing by Jason Neely and Susan Fenton) NEW DELHI (Reuters) - The Supreme Court on Thursday extended a ban on the sale of large diesel cars in New Delhi until the next hearing of the case. It did not immediately say when it would hear the case next. The existing ban, aimed at combating toxic smog in India's capital, was until Thursday. Chief Justice of India T.S. Thakur, one of the three judges hearing the case, said the court would consider whether to impose an environmental cess on the sale of diesel cars in New Delhi. New Delhi's ban on new diesel cars has unsettled the industry, its salesmen and investors, who warn the uncertainty surrounding it could derail a tentative recovery in auto sales. (Reporting by Aditi Shah; Writing by Devidutta Tripathy; Editing by Subhranshu Sahu) Since the multi-billion-euro takeovers of Europe's Arcelor and Corus by Indian giants Mittal and Tata in 2006 and 2007, dealmaking in Europe's steel industry has been all but paralysed as cash-starved producers battled the global economic crisis and a slowdown in China that encouraged it to export cheap steel. Lacking the means to consolidate further, which would have brought capacity reductions, Europe's steel mill owners continued to produce more than was needed, trying to protect their market share and jobs but feeding into a vicious circle of gluts and falling prices. At stake is an EU industry with annual turnover of about 170 billion euros ($193 billion) that directly employs 330,000 people, with many times that number in manufacturing industries dependent on it for a living. "The consolidation of the steel sector in Europe makes tons of sense but the problem is that the industry has waited for so long and the crisis is so big that you are dealing with businesses which are really cash flow-negative," said a London-based metals and mining banker who asked not to be named because he is not authorised to speak publicly. Now, Tata at least has reached a pain point that it says forced it to act, even if this could mean shutting down the British operations it has spent almost a decade trying to turn around if it fails to find a buyer. Tata said it had extended "substantial financial support" to its UK business, which employs about 15,000 people, and written its assets down by more than 2 billion pounds ($2.9 billion). "Selling over running it at a loss may clearly be a priority for Tata. If nobody comes they will shut it down," said Berenberg analyst Alessandro Abate. OPPORTUNITIES Initial interest from potential buyers appeared muted, with the business seen as unattractive because of Britain's vulnerability to cheap Chinese imports, its high energy prices and the cost of transporting steel to customers in continental Europe, as well as a disadvantageous exchange rate for exports. But severing its cash-bleeding British operations one way or another would allow Tata to seek a partner such as Germany's Thyssenkrupp for its profitable Dutch business - a combination that would create Europe's second-biggest steelmaker after ArcelorMittal . Thyssenkrupp has signalled clearly in recent months it would like to combine its European steel operations with those of another player - as long as it does not involve spending cash. "We have always had over the last years overcapacity in the European sector and this definitely needs to be addressed and therefore we think there are opportunities," Chief Financial Officer Guido Kerkhoff told analysts on a call last month. "Combinations could address that issue, and therefore be value-accretive overall." Such a merger would support prices for other European players such as ArcelorMittal, Salzgitter and Voestalpine - a development that could strengthen their hand to pursue their own acquisitions. "Tata Steel's exit from the UK might spark European consolidation in the steel space," Berenberg bank wrote in a note. European steel stocks rose on Wednesday on the of Tata's move. But Seth Rosenfeld, a steel analyst at Jefferies, was sceptical. "Unfortunately, if other steelmakers gain in terms of higher prices thanks to consolidation, this may only provide them more headroom to maintain the status quo for years to come," he said. "This is an industry that has seen waves of consolidation in times of either extreme distress or empire building. This environment is neither." A successful sale could depend on sweeteners that Tata or the British government may be prepared to offer, said commodities trader Liberty House, which last week agreed to buy two of Tata's Scottish plants. A spokesman said the firm was potentially interested in the slab processing operations but not the more commoditised iron and steelmaking activities. "We are waiting to see what sale proposal is on the table before deciding whether to bid for any of the assets," he said. (Additional reporting by Clara Denina, Freya Berry and Tom Pfeiffer in London; editing by David Stamp) Henkel India to provide solar power to villages in Maharashtra This project, which is in line with the global Sustainability Strategy for 2030, aims to provide electricity to villages in Maharashtra by installing solar panels This project, which is in line with the global Sustainability Strategy for 2030, aims to provide electricity to villages in Maharashtra by installing solar panels In line with Henkels global Sustainability Strategy for 2030, the German adhesives makers Indian arm, Henkel Adhesive Technologies India Private Limited, has embarked upon its CSR project Lighting Lives, which aims to provide electricity to villages in Maharashtra by installing solar panels. As part of 2015-16 budget speech, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has set a deadline of May 1, 2018 for 100 per cent village electrification. Under the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana, the ministry has allocated a fund of Rs 8,500 crores to achieve this key target of rural electrification. As a sustainability leader, Henkel through Lighting Lives, intends to contribute to this development story of India while continuing to shape the business responsibly and increase economic success, said Henkel India in a press release. This initiative, currently in the pilot phase, has seen installation of solar cells in three villages situated in the Palghar district of Maharashtra. The solar power generated has successfully supplied electricity to the homes of 150 people and to the schools attended by about 1,600 children. The project will be expanded to include other villages and public facilities. BS B2B Bureau The Jochnick family of Sweden, which owns cosmetic brands such as Oriflame, has firmed up plans to set up a fertility clinic chain in India. The family-owned healthcare entity Medicover will invest $100 million to establish around 50 fertility clinics across the country in the next five years. The first three centres are to come up in Delhi-NCR region in a couple of months, John Stubbington, Chief Executive Officer of Medicover Division and Member of the Management Board at Medicover said. All the centres will be green field projects that are wholly owned by the company. Infertility treatment market in India is estimated to be worth $5 billion, with about 2,500 mom-and-pop clinics and 150 organised services providers vying for a pie. "There are 30 million infertile couples in India and only 150,000 cycles happen. Therein lies a huge opportunity for us to treat couples who are not able to get access to any fertility solutions. We are one of the best players in Europe bringing in the highest standards to fill this gap," Stubbington said. Medicover executives said that they intend to bring in high quality, transparency and ethics into the ecosystem through state-of-art technology and self-regulation. "Our ultimate focus is to help couples in their journey to parenthood and doing so with a personalised approach. We are bringing in the SCA-Sperm count Analysis Software for the first time in India. The technology allows accurate, repetitive and automatic assessment of the 'best' sperm in terms of concentration, motility, morphology, vitality and DNA fragmentation", Gaurav Malhotra, Managing Director and CEO of Medicover Healthcare India said. Incidentally, the Jochnick family has made several investments in India in the past. Lotus surgical, Pizza Hut, Thyrocare Technologies, Monte Carlo, and Sharekhan are among the entities where the group had invested earlier. Holidaymakers are facing continued travel disruption across Europe as French air traffic controllers continue their lightning strikes today causing many delays and cancellations to and from France and parts of Europe. This is the French 41st Air traffic control strike since 2009 causing major disruption throughout the European Travel Industry. Multitrip.com have today called on holidaymakers to make sure they select a comprehensive Travel Insurance policy to protect them against Air Traffic Control Strikes. Managing Director at Multitrip.com, Ciaran Mulligan today commented, "In light of this new lightning French Air Traffic control strike, it is really important that Holidaymakers are aware of what they are covered for in the event of strike action." He added, "European Airlines are obliged to refund or rearrange flights but do not cover customers for lost accommodation costs were the consumer has not travelled. Unlike some other travel insurance policies, Multitrip.com automatically includes cover for strike on all our cover levels for accommodation costs." Source: www.businessworld.ie The latest figures released today by Deloitte show that the number of insolvencies in the first quarter of 2016 remains steady in comparison with the same quarter in 2015. Overall, the figures show that there were 251 corporate insolvencies in the first quarter of this year. This represents an increase of just one when compared with the same quarter last year, and may be an indication that the number of corporate insolvencies in Ireland are beginning to level out. In recent years, the highest number of insolvencies recorded in the first quarter of the year was in 2012 when there were 433 appointments. The service industry recorded the most corporate insolvencies in the first quarter of 2016 with 74 appointments. This represents a 131% increase on the same quarter in 2015 and accounts for 29% of all insolvencies in the first quarter of 2016. Furthermore, the analysis shows that the construction industry recorded the second highest level of appointments with 42 (17%). The retail, hospitality and manufacturing industries had 13%, 8% and 7% of the appointments respectively, with the balance coming from other sectors. Partner in Deloitte Restructuring Services, David Van Dessel says, "Overall, this quarters results indicate that we may be entering a period where the total number of corporate insolvencies begins to level out somewhat. Albeit quite early in the year, we expect the level of corporate insolvency appointments for 2016 be slightly lower than the total recorded in 2015." He added, "While we arent yet observing the low levels of insolvencies recorded during the so-called Celtic Tiger years, it may be that those particularly low numbers seen in 2007 and 2008 were outliers themselves and the levels recorded in 2015 and so far in 2016 are a more realistic baseline to compare future levels to. Source: www.businessworld.ie New research shows that 20% of Irish businesses have fallen victim to ransomware attacks, a serious form of cybercrime that sees hackers hold a business sensitive and critical data for ransom. This is according to the results of a 2016 Information Security Survey carried out by Data Solutions. The Irish distributor for IT solutions claims that 80% of businesses upgraded their IT security in the past year and that more than 55% of companies expect to spend more on security measures in 2016 than they did in the previous year. More than 40% said that they considered brand and reputational damage to be the main risks of a data breach with just 0.8% saying they would consider job loss their primary concern. The survey was carried out in association with TechPro magazine among 137 senior IT decision makers in Irish businesses during February and March 2016. The full results of the research will be revealed at the Data Solutions Secure Computing Forum taking place in the Mansion House, Dawson Street, Dublin 2 on 12th May. Group Managing Director at Data Solutions, Micheal OHara says, "The fact that 80% of businesses are upgrading and changing their security infrastructure is reassuring, but it begs the question what are the other 20% doing? Cybercriminals are forever changing their approach and businesses need to constantly adapt to keep up." He added, "Every business has sensitive or mission critical data and ultimately it would come down to a business decision if that was under threat. Less than 10% have complete confidence in their information security measures and this highlights the pressing need for companies to take the threat of these and other forms of cyberattacks more seriously." Source: www.businessworld.ie About us Caller-Times file Harbor Playhouse will host auditions for "The Little Mermaid" on Wednesday. SHARE Thursday CONCERT: Tubist Mike Forbes will perform his own compositions for tuba and piano at 7:30 p.m. at Wolfe Recital Hall, Del Mar College East. Cost: Free. Information: 361-698-1604. CONCERT: Singing Men Of South Texas will perform a concert at 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Corpus Christi, 3115 Ocean Drive. Information: 361-888-8228, www.firstcorpus.org. LECTURE: The Department of Communication and Media at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and the Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority present the COMM Week Keynote Address by political communication scholar Mitchell McKinney. The event will be at 7 p.m. at the Island University campus in the University Center, Lonestar Ballroom. Cost: Free. Information: www.facebook.com/TAMUCCDCM. Friday FUNDRAISER: Mission of Mercy's "Mash Bash 2016" will be at 6 p.m. Friday at the Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz International Center. Casual uniform dress code includes medical scrubs, military fatigues, nurse uniforms and camo. Sponsorships start at $2,000. Tickets are $125 each. Information: sbowers@amissionofmercy.org or 361-883-5500. FAMILY: The Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History will host its grand opening of the Science Center to unveil its final additions from 7-9 p.m. Friday. Cost: $15. Information: www.ccmuseum.com. PERFORMING ARTS: Harbor Playhouse will perform the Broadway musical "Chicago" at 7:30 p.m. Friday at 1802 N. Chaparral St. The production features dazzling dance numbers and mesmerizing musical performances. Cost: $18, adults; $10, children younger than 13. Information: 361-882-5500, www.harborplayhouse.com. FESTIVAL: Nationally renowned jazz trumpeter Dan Miller will perform and advise during the Texas A&M University-Kingsville 49th Annual Jazz Festival on Friday and Saturday. Friday events begin with Middle School Jazz Band Competition from 4-6 p.m. at Jones Auditorium and Jazz Band III and Latin Jazz Ensemble Concert at 7 p.m. Cost: Free. Information: 361-593-4979. THEATER: The Rialto Theater will present "Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks" at 7:30 p.m. Friday at 327 S. Commercial St., Aransas Pass. Cost: $15, general admission; $20, premiere reserved; $100, table for four. Information: www.rialtotheater.org. CLASS: Registration ends Friday for the Port Aransas Art Center's two-day workshop on Lifelike Portraits by Cliff Welty. The workshops are from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays, April 6 and 13. You will need your own canvas, four colors of paint and three brushes. Cost: $100. Information: 361-749-7334. SUMMIT: The Oso Bay Biennial XIX Creative Summit will be from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday at the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Anchor Ballrooms B, C and D. This biennial event, presented by the Department of Art and focused on graphic design, brings together artists and designers from across the state. Cost: Free. Information: http://www.osobayxix.com. DANCE: The Portland Community Center will host a dance with music by Bud Whittington from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday Cost: $3. Information: 361-852-1409. For more events check Caller.com/vivacc SHARE Adam Garibay By Krista M. Torralva, krista.torralva@caller.com A former U.S. Border Patrol agent accused of beating and restraining his wife before driving 160 miles to kill her lover in Hondo is back in the Nueces County Jail awaiting trial. Adam Garibay, 36, was convicted of murder in November in Medina County for killing Keith Martin on Jan. 2, 2014, after learning of the affair. That morning, authorities said, Garibay beat, choked, tied and handcuffed his wife in their Calallen home. He then drove her Volkswagen Jetta and used her cellphone to lure Martin out of his parents' home. Martin was shot about 10 times from behind, a Medina County Sheriff lieutenant testified. In Nueces County, Garibay is facing a third-degree assault family violence. He and his attorney appeared before 94th District Judge Bobby Galvan on Thursday to announce they're prepared for trial Tuesday. For the killing, Garibay was sentenced to 30 years in prison. Twitter: @CallerKMT The San Antonio Express News contributed to this report. GABE HERNANDEZ/CALLER-TIMES Holocaust survivor Leah Goltzman (right) speaks after Kasandra Trevino asked her if she had a tattoo on her arm Wednesday at the Jewish Community Center. Goltzman said she did not have numbers on her arm, because she was not in a death camp. SHARE GABE HERNANDEZ/CALLER-TIMES Students from Banquete School District watch as Holocaust survivor Leah Goltzman talks Wednesday about her life during World War II at the Jewish Community Center. GABE HERNANDEZ/CALLER-TIMES Susan Thiem talks about being friends with Holocaust survivor Leah Goltzman on Wednesday at the Jewish Community Center. GABE HERNANDEZ/CALLER-TIMES Holocaust survivor Leah Goltzman talks Wednesday about her life during World War II at the Jewish Community Center. GABE HERNANDEZ/CALLER-TIMES Students from Banquete School District watch Wednesday as Holocaust survivor Leah Goltzman talks about her life during World War II at the Jewish Community Center. By Natalia Contreras of the Caller-Times A room full of junior high school students sat and listened attentively while Leah Goltzman shared her childhood story. The 78-year-old Holocaust survivor told about 130 Banquete Junior High School students at the Jewish Community Center to never take freedom for granted. Their eyes widened as the Poland native talked about moving from town to town with her parents, hiding, living in bunkers and going hungry during World War II. "We have to remember what happened in Europe in the 20th century," Goltzman said. "This generation has to understand how fortunate they are and that the Holocaust did not just happen in a book. It was for real. It happened to me." Goltzman let the sixth and seventh grade students visit with her and ask questions. For about 30 minutes students lined up to talk to Goltzman. Audrey Brown, 13, said she asked Goltzman if she would change the past and what she went through. "She said no, because she wants to tell people about it so it doesn't happen again," Brown said. "I knew very little about the Holocaust and it makes me proud about the way we live now but it makes me sad they had to go through that." Banquete Junior High School English teacher Kelli Salinas said the school takes students every year to the Jewish Community Center to hear Goltzman speak. Salinas said the students have been reading books about World War II and the Holocaust including "The Devil's Arithmetic" by Jane Yolen and "Cezanne is Missing" by Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi professor Frank N. McMillan III. "Listening to her story gives them an open door into seeing what it was really like as a Jew during World War II," Salinas said. "Reading it and seeing it in a movie is one thing but to actually hear somebody describe it and what they actually went through is a whole different story for them." Manuela Sela, Jewish Community Center Pre-School director, said she would encourage other school officials to have Goltzman speak to students to teach them about what people went through in other countries. "It's very important for children to hear this because they are already the third generation after the Holocaust happened," said Sela, who is from the Netherlands. "People forget what happened. They need to know that to make the world a better place it starts with ourselves." Goltzman closed her talk by introducing the students to her longtime friend, Susan Thiem of Germany. She told the students to stop hate, it starts with them. "Don't hold grudges against anyone," Goltzman said. "Here we are, a Jewish woman and a German woman and we do not dwell on the past. If you carry grudges with you then you are damaging the world." Twitter: @CallerNatalia When is hurricane season? Here's what you need to know in South Texas SHARE CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Uber screenshot photos by COURTNEY SACCO/CALLER-TIMES Green N Go Cab driver Phillip Benesh turns off his meter after reaching his fare's destination on Thursday. Green N Go Cab driver Phillip Benesh walks to the front of his cab after helping a fare into the back on Thursday. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Uber COURTNEY SACCO/CALLER-TIMES Green N Go Cab driver Phillip Benesh heads to pick up a fare on Thursday. Cab company officials say they are losing business to Uber, whose drivers aren't required to pay the same costs to operate. COURTNEY SACCO/CALLER-TIMES Green N Go Cab driver Phillip Benesh radios in to dispatch after receiving the location of a job on Thursday. COURTNEY SACCO/CALLER-TIMES Green N Go Cab driver Phillip Benesh opens the door and helps a fare into the back of his cab on Thursday. COURTNEY SACCO/CALLER-TIMES Green N Go Cab driver Phillip Benesh closes the back door of his cab after dropping off his fare at their destination on Thursday. COURTNEY SACCO/CALLER-TIMES Green N Go Cab driver Phillip Benesh drives a fare to their destination on Thursday. Thanks to the City Council, a representative of the transportation network company Uber and two Houston city staffers for participating Tuesday in the open, honest dialogue we urged in our editorial Sunday. The outcome was that the council will reconsider its ordinance that prompted Uber and Lyft to stop operating here. As we said Sunday, we support reconsideration as long as it isn't tantamount to rolling over. We are satisfied that whatever ordinance emerges won't be a backbone-deficient capitulation even if it deletes the fingerprint requirement that Uber opposes here and elsewhere. Our concern was that the permits and taxes Uber and its drivers have avoided thus far might have been the real, undisclosed objection. Commercial enterprises have an obligation to pay their fair share of the costs of doing business, like all residents. Dodging those costs isn't an innovation. It's a scam. But not a word was spoken in opposition to the permits and fees in the ordinance passed March 8. The discussion remained focused on the effectiveness of driver background checks with or without fingerprinting. So perhaps our suspicions were unfounded. The only way to know for sure is if the council does away with fingerprinting and Uber returns. Not everyone would agree that the dialogue Tuesday was open and honest. The presence of the Houston staffers and their availability to explain Houston's ordinance and its reasoning for fingerprinting came as a surprise to most council members. Councilman Mark Scott, who wants to do away with the fingerprint requirement, said he was insulted by what he considered a lack of transparency. Mayor Nelda Martinez, a strong proponent of fingerprinting, deserves the blame and/or credit. She has a rapport with Houston officials. Mayor Sylvester Turner sent along a letter of support for fingerprinting. We agree that the Houston staffers' presence coming as a surprise wasn't transparent. But the council's opportunity to avail itself of their authoritative knowledge their ability to separate myths from truths was the height of transparency. Councilwoman Lucy Rubio commented that she was grateful for the opportunity. Scott also should have been. The opportunity to make a better-informed decision is anything but insulting except for those whose only concern is the outcome. Uber supporters have spun fingerprinting as a limited tool favored by cab companies interested in gaming the system against new, technologically superior competitors. The Houston staffers pointed out that fingerprinting is a biometric that can't be faked, unlike names and Social Security numbers. They cited one interesting case of a driver who had cleared the background check by a company used by Uber, whose fingerprints revealed that she had 24 aliases, five birth dates, 10 Social Security numbers and an active warrant for her arrest. The only thing about her that wasn't a lie was her fingerprints. It is unacceptable for any council member deliberating this issue to prefer not to have known about the driver with 24 aliases who would have eluded detection if not for fingerprinting. The visitors from Houston should have been considered a pleasant surprise. But to whom did the council owe the pleasure is a legitimate question. If the council decides to forgo fingerprinting, as it appears to be leaning, so be it. It will be a calculated risk deemed acceptable by the majority. And the next required step will be reciprocity for the cab companies to level the playing field. In the meantime, a better-informed council has an opportunity to inform itself further before deciding. SHARE Cesar Chavez's birthday March 31 is officially commemorated in many parts of the country, and is an optional state holiday in Texas. It recognizes and honors the person who spearheaded the movement to bring greater justice and working conditions to the most exploited and poorest laborers in the nation and Texas. By the time he died in 1993 at age 66, Chavez had established the United Farm Workers union and began the systematic effort to improve the lives of agricultural employees, the majority of whom are of Hispanic origin. Chavez, an ardent advocate of nonviolent direct action, became the nation's most influential Latino civil rights leader, giving impetus to the Mexican-American rights struggle on issues from college educational opportunity to employment equity. However, we should not use the occasion simply to honor Chavez, but to take stock of where we are as a country on the issues he put in front of us with passionate and forceful advocacy. Where are we today with regard to farmworker issues, and where should we be? Cesar helped achieve dignity, respect, fair wages, medical coverage, pension benefits, humane working conditions, and other protections for hundreds of thousands of farm laborers and won the first industrywide labor contracts in American agriculture. But that is only the beginning of a long journey, the end of which is not yet in sight. Texas agriculture ranks third among the states; it is a $25 billion industry. Texas leads the nation in the number of farms, orchards, and ranches: 248,000, covering 130 million acres. One of every seven Texans works in an agriculture-related job. Yet, wages of people who are the backbone of agriculture, in the best scenario, range from $22,000 to $26,000 a year. And, in South Texas, the median is $18,000 a year, that, too, being unfortunately optimistic. Many farmworkers are paid "off the books" or not actually paid what the books represent. Many receive less than the $7.25 minimum wage. Within Texas, some 200,000 farm workers migrate around the state during the year. They live in awful migrant housing or camps, often characterized by shacks in which an entire family must live and sanitary conditions that are appalling. Exposure to dangerous pesticides and herbicides is rampant. Sometimes, workers are charged for their housing or forced to live in cheap local motel rooms at their expense. Only domestic workers earn less pay than the farm employees. Even though federal laws exist protecting agricultural employees, they are haphazardly enforced; Congress will not fund sufficient enforcement personnel. Texas' enforcement of its own few laws protecting farm workers is even more pathetic, if not scandalous. Making matters worse, more than half of farmworkers are undocumented and paid informally in cash, wages are kept depressed; and federally funded legal aid groups are not allowed to represent them in wage claims. Growers, ranchers, and labor contractors make great use of (exploit) undocumented laborers because, as a recent Harvard study by George Borjas confirmed and many of us know from experience, they are hard workers and willing to work regardless of what they get paid because of necessity. Cesar Chavez did much to improve farmworkers' lives; he helped raise America's consciousness and conscience. The best tribute we can offer to his memory and leadership is to stir ourselves to action on behalf of the invisible laborers who put food on our tables. We cannot survive without them, and they should be able to more than barely survive for keeping us healthy. What to do? We can send handwritten letters to our Congress members and Texas legislators for stricter enforcement of existing laws and demand a raise in the minimum wage for farm laborers. We can also begin to lift our voices in the community about the need for justice for those who grow and harvest our food. The 2016 World Tuberculosis Day was commemorated on March 24. ADS Cameroonians joined their peers in the world on March 24, 2016, to commemorate World Tuberculosis Day on the theme, Unite To End Tuberculosis. The day is meant to raise public awareness on the fact that tuberculosis remains an epidemic in most parts of the world, causing the deaths of nearly one and a half million people each year, mostly in developing countries. Cameroon is among the countries highly affected by tuberculosis in Sub-Saharan Africa. World Health Organisation statistics estimate that there are about 50,000 cases in Cameroon. Statistics show that 26,000 of the number are diagnosed. Co-infection TB-HIV concerns 36 per cent of the patients. All patients have been receiving free anti-tuberculosis treatment since 2014. Experts say the high death rate from tuberculosis is attributable to co-infections. ADS They were left unconscious after the attack, but were revived after being buried neck-deep in the ground. ADS Two girls, Blanche Kinyuy, 17 and Melvis, 11, recently survived a fatal lightning attack in Shisong village, Kumbo in Bui Division of the North West Region. The little girls, all daughters of Mforni Mbotong, were struck in the afternoon between 3 pm and 4 pm. According to eyewitnesses, when the incident occurred, the two children were thrown into a state of unconsciousness. An elderly man advised that holes should be dug into the ground and the two children put inside and covered with soil right to the level of their necks. This was done and after a while, the children started breathing and were taken out of the ground and taken to the Shisong Catholic Hospital where they were admitted for medical attention and later discharged. ADS Dangle Kumase John and Mankollo Titty Jean Martin, a former Council Treasurer, had been charged with embezzling 131 Million FCFA. ADS The Yaounde-based Special Criminal Court on March 29, 2016, acquitted Dangle Kumase John, the immediate past Social Democratic Front, SDF Mayor for Douala IV Sub-divisional Council, of corruption charges. Alongside Mankollo Titty Jean Martin, a former Council Treasurer, the two were charged with embezzling 131 Million FCFA. Some 90 Million FCFA was unpaid National Social Insurance Fund dues and the rest, monthly disbursements by the Douala City Council for environmental sanitation campaigns and rents on Council property. Reading out the one hour, 15-minute judgement, the head of the three-person team of judges, Mr. Justice Richard Wanki, said the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond all reasonable doubts. He pointed out that the judges reached their unanimous decision after most witnesses for the prosecution and the single one for the civil claimant corroborated the defences argument that there was no embezzlement. In the light of the foregoing, it will be a negation of justice for the accused to be held accountable for any misappropriation, Mr. Justice Wanki noted. Dangle Kumase John, a retired Police Superintendent, said the ruling showed that there were still people in Cameroon who could hold public office without stealing. Even though I had doubts from the examining stage of the trial, I still believed that there was justice in Cameroon if you prove your case beyond reasonable doubts, Dangle Kumase said. Justice has been seen to be done. This is an eye opener to the public because many people think that the Special Criminal Court is a guillotine to finish off anyone who is brought before it. If you prove your case, you will be acquitted, commented Barrister Ashu Agbor Emmanuel, the lead counsel for Dangle Kumase John. ADS Trapper CEO Sivanathan Krishnan confirmed the end of the partnership with Campaign Asia-Pacific, stating that the company had decided on a different direction in its pursuit of growth opportunities. Founded in 2001, Trapper Media first formed a partnership with MPG, the media communications network under Havas, in 2010. In 2013, as part of a gobal integration strategy, all of Havas' media agencies were consolidated into the Havas Media Group. During its partnership with Havas Media Group, it was known as Trapper Havas Media Malaysia and was the sole representative of the network in the country. Today, Trapper Media Group is an integrated communication agency with specialities in media, digital media, activation, digital content and out-of-home advertising. Empowering our clients' business with effective solutions and communication strategies with the hearts and minds of our consumers, will always remain Trapper Media Groups focus, Sivanathan said. Current clients in its portfolio include Burger King (Malaysia and Singapore), along with brands such as Pahang Pharmacy, Babas and Mundipharma. It also manages part of the Tourism Malaysia account for USA and Europe, working with M&C Saatchi Malaysia, the lead agency appointed to the business. Havas Media Group declined to comment on the matter at this time. According to industry sources, it is understood that Havas plans to launch its own operations in the country later this year. Gustavo Martinez, the former chairman and global chief executive of J. Walter Thompson, joked about rape to colleagues to "lighten the tension" and improve employees' morale, lawyers for WPP have told the court. The former JWT boss resigned on March 17 after Erin Johnson, the agencys chief communications officer, claimed he made a rape joke about African-Americans in a 28-page discrimination suit against Martinez, JWT and its parent company, WPP. For the first time, WPP has acknowledged that Martinez made a joke about rape in memoranda submitted to a US district court yesterday (March 29). But the company claims Johnson has taken the remarks out of context, that they were not related to race, and that they were intended to make employees feel better rather than cause a hostile work environment. As part of her claim, Johnson is trying to submit as evidence a video excerpt taken from a two-day off-site meeting for senior JWT executives at the Viceroy Hotel in Miami on May 18th and 19th, 2015. Johnson says the video shows Martinez making comments about "strange characters in the elevator", that he thought he was going to be "raped in the elevator" the night before and "not in a nice way," and that colleagues should "check your luggage"; apparently in reference to African-American guests at a party held at the hotel the night before the meeting. But WPP claims Martinezs comments were taken out of context and were the result of the chief executive trying to ease employees' fears after witnessing the aftermath of an out-of-control party at the hotel. The company produced further affidavits from JWT employees visible on the video that supported this claim: Susana Carvalho, the chief executive of JWT Lisbon; Charlotte Ibarra, Martinezs global communications assistant; Keni Thacker, the senior event technology specialist at JWT New York; and Lynn Power, the president of JWT New York. According to WPPs submissions, most JWT staff arrived in Miami on Sunday, May 17th and were transported to and from the hotel by bus. Upon returning to the hotel after a meal at a restaurant, they saw several police cars, and it appeared that a pool party had spiraled out of control. Some JWT executives stepped over "puddles of vomit" to gain access to the hotel. Carvalho had returned to her hotel room after dinner the following evening to find her luggage missing, apparently stolen from her hotel room. It later transpired that hotel staff had mistakenly removed the luggage from her room. WPP says because Martinez thought that Carvalhos bag had been stolen, he told staff at the meeting on Tuesday morning that they should "check all their luggage." It was then that Martinez also commented on the "strange characters" in the elevator, and joked about being "raped in the elevator" on the Sunday evening and "not in a nice way," and said that the hotel was very "tricky." The company said that African-American and female executives in the room were not offended by Martinezs comments, and nor did they interpret the comments as racial. The submission says: "Put into context, it is obvious that Martinezs comments opening the second day of the meeting were an attempt to lighten the tension caused by the party at the hotel and were not related to race or intended to create a hostile work environment for the companys female or male employees." "To the contrary, the comments were intended to relieve the unpleasant environment that the employees had been exposed to by the guests at the party at the hotel." "And indeed, Martinezs comment about fearing that he might be 'raped' in the elevator described a hypothetical situation involving himself, rather than another employee he was not referencing or suggesting that a rape could have or had been committed with respect to someone else. Nor was he condoning rape." "No one should fault Mr Martinez (for whom English is his fourth language) for at least attempting to address with some humor the events that the employees had experienced." WPP does not want the tape to be entered as evidence. If it is it becomes a matter of public record and WPP claims it has the right to prevent public disclosure of the video if it would cause annoyance, embarrassment and/or significant harm to the company. The company also said the video should not be made public because it would lead to more "harassment" from the media. The company said executives appearing on the tape have been subjected to harassing calls and emails from a Campaign US reporter (deputy editor Eleftheria Parpis). WPP said: "The Campaign reporter has indicated that someone who has seen the video (no one at JWT had a copy of the raw footage of the video or could have viewed it) had spoken to her and identified the JWT employees visible on the video, she therefore has contacted these employees about whether she can ask them questions about what took place at the meeting. "These uninvited and recurring requests for comments from the press have resulted simply by the virtue of the leak about the video to one reporter; such unwanted solicitations will only increase in number and intensity if the video is publicly filed and made available to other reporters." Martinez was replaced as chief executive by Tamara Ingram, the former WPP chief client team officer. Hawkins takes on the role in addition to his duties as CEO of Dentsu Mobius and will report to Takaki Hibino, CEO of Dentsu and Dentsu Media Asia Pacific, and Rosalynn Tay, CEO of Dentsu Aegis Network Singapore. Hawkins previously held the role of president of Dentsus digital capabilities for South and Southeast Asia, and will now look after the wider Asia-Pacific region. Hawkins ability to identify and produce bespoke, creative solutions has earned the trust of numerous clients, creating enduring partnerships and award-winning campaigns, Hibino said in a press statement. He is a fantastic leader who puts talent at the heart of the agency and will be a key role in driving our creative momentum in the region, he added. Speaking to Campaign Asia-Pacific, Hawkins said that he will be focused on exploring opportunities with brands across the region in developing and delivering solutions that blend creative, technology and media. Content is a massive driver for this convergence and I believe we are well positioned to take the opportunity to bring it altogether, he added. To illustrate, Hawkins pointed to the ongoing work the network is doing for Disney, which he described as a different take on a typical media RFP, that has proved quite fruitful. Weve definitely got work to do still, but I have no doubt that we can get there, he said. We have a super team and its about how we drive it forward. Asked about challenges, Hawkins said the first thing on his list is getting people onboard, and on the same page. Its about a mindset change to the way we work, he said. Its also about building that collective trust, encouraging your people to be bolder and braver in doing work that has impact. Once you have that, I believe everything else will fall into place. Tay said that Hawkins has made significant contributions to Dentsu Mobius and has demonstrated exceptional leadership quality. We are delighted to have him take on this well-deserved role and add to the strength of our leadership in the region, she added. Hawkins boasts 14 years experience in digital marketing, including nine in Asia. In 2012, he joined the network with the launch of digital agency Mobius, which today services clients such as Singapore Airlines, Mondelez International and Disney Studios. In 2014, he was featured on Campaign Asias 40 under 40 leaders to watch in the region, at the age of 34. Menat has led Beacon Communications since 2007 and will continue to do so until a successor is confirmed. He will remain in Tokyo and be supported by Ricardo Roces as regional CFO. In December, we reported that Jarek Ziebinski, Leo Burnetts Asia-Pacific head, will lead the Publicis One unit globally as CEO. He is currently based in Singapore but will eventually relocate to Paris. Publicis One is billed as a global communications enterprise that unites all Publicis Groupe agency brands capabilities and expertise under one roof across 50 markets. Markets to fall under the network and Menat's leadership in Asia include Japan, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines. Other moves from Asia include the promotion of Karen Lim, Leo Burnetts Asia-Pacific communications director, to global communications director for Publicis One. Alice McCreath will serve as global CFO, and Maree Prendergrast as global chief talent officer. All roles are effective immediately. Ziebinski told Campaign Asia-Pacific he believed the development represented "one of the most interesting changes happening in the entire industry". He said the Publicis One model had been created "with client interests in mind". The aim, he said, was to resolve the problems caused by increasing industry fragmentation and integrate a diverse range of specialists under one umbrella and one P&L. "Our goal is to be the top integrator of best-in-class specialists," he said. "The fact that we're putting everything under one P&L means we remove silos and barriers just because of the way we report our numbers." In response to the question of how Publicis One would manage client conflict, Ziebinski said the organisation would "go to market with a portfolio of [agency] brands to address conflicts". This will involve explaining to clients in transparent terms how potentially conflicting accounts will be handled within the group. Individual agencies will retain their brands, and efforts will be made to ensure their cultures remain intact, he said. In Japan for example, Ziebinski said Saatchi & Saatchi Fallon would be integrated, building on the model of Beacon. He noted it was "the only piece left not integrated" in the market. But it will continue to function as an agency in its own right. It is not clear how the integration over the coming months will affect the heads of individual agencies. Leadership will ultimately be decided by Menat, Ziebinski said. In the case of Saatchi & Saatchi Fallon, CEO Phil Rubel has left the agency, according to Publicis One's communications director Lim. She was unable to give details of a replacement for Rubel. Ziebinksi said he had pushed for integration "for years". "We look at ourselves as a startup," he said. "A quite unique startup. We have different elements...that we are piecing together to create a new company with entrepreneurial spirit, which we are unleashing and we believe will bring a huge difference to clients." This article has been updated to confirm Saatchi & Saatchi Fallon CEO Phil Rubel's departure and that the agency will be integrated into Publicis One, not Beacon Communications. For earliest-stage breast cancer patients, how much treatment is enough? Doctors are getting better at figuring out who with the earliest stage of breast cancer needs aggressive treatment and who can get less care. "We embrace accountability and this is a streamlining of processes that will enhance accountability and is nothing to be fearful of. Principals and teachers are at the heart of the process, and things being done with schools rather than being done to them, so we welcome that approach," said ACT secretary Glenn Fowler. "I think we all have degrees of [synaesthesia], I've met people from doing this who have the extremes I don't have that but I trust my friends who are blessed or cursed with this condition to help me with that." [Your Business Name] Contact Info Phone: Fax: Email: Web: CAPITOLHILLCUBANS.COM Business Overview Geographic Area Line of Business Brands We Carry Products and Services Discounts Offered Additional Information Business Hours Timezone We Accept Three college students who first met while attending a Catholic high school in Florida have launched a scholarship fund to help others experience faithful Catholic education at a Newman Guide college. As we went off to different colleges, we kept in touch and found time to catch up whenever we returned [] Our Promise: Welcome to Care2, the world's largest community for good. Here, you'll find over 45 million like-minded people working towards progress, kindness, and lasting impact. Care2 Stands Against: bigots, racists, bullies, science deniers, misogynists, gun lobbyists, xenophobes, the willfully ignorant, animal abusers, frackers, and other mean people. If you find yourself aligning with any of those folks, you can move along, nothing to see here. Care2 Stands With: humanitarians, animal lovers, feminists, rabble-rousers, nature-buffs, creatives, the naturally curious, and people who really love to do the right thing. You are our people. You Care. We Care2. 75 students from Swami Vivekananda School (SVS) in Sarayipalya, Nagawara could not take up their State Secondary Education Examination Board (SSLC) Exam, yesterday, March 30, as the school's management failed to provide hall tickets to the students. Students upset over the school's management raised slogans against the school management, demanding hall tickets. To their dismay, students were not provided hall tickets and were not allowed to take up the board exam. On the other hand, Police officials informed the students that the school secretary was absconding. The students came to school as early as 7 am but were told that they cannot appear in exam without hall tickets. On hearing this, the students broke down and had no clue about their hall tickets. The department of public instruction was shocked when they learnt that the school management was on the run. One of students parent informed media that "the school managment had earlier told them to pay the fees before the SSLC Exam was announced." The management had said that it won't give hall tickets to students who have not paid the fees. However, the students paid the fees on Tuesday, March 29 and were told that they would receive their hall tickets on Wednesday, March 30. "We didn't have a clue that the management didn't have hall tickets at all. Management played with the future of students and now our children will lose one year because of school authority blunders," Parents of students concluded. The Nagawara school is also the exam centre for 10 students from St George Public School, Thanisandra Road. Another parent, whose son studies at St George, said, "My son has to suffer because of the school authority's goof-up. Our school informed us that the Nagawara school will be my son's exam centre, but it didn't issue hall tickets to students." "SVS had been making students write the examinations in an authorized school until now. To get recognition from the education department and register their school as an exam centre, school authorities approached a middleman to negotiate with the government this year." " Moreover, they paid him to get permission. The middleman is also absconding according to police information," said Shashi Kumar, general secretary of the Associated Managements of Government-Recognized English-Medium Schools in Karnataka. "We have to suffer because of the school authority. Hence we request the higher authorities to allow us to sit for the remaining papers and will request them to conduct the first paper again which we missed as we will lose one year," one of the student said. Its first-ever SUV is not just a break with tradition for Maserati, but also a way to attract a new demographic. Maserati CEO Harald Wester told Drive he is confident that the Levante will attract women and younger people. I dont know why females drive these cars, but I have an idea. If you talk to the SUV customers, they will give you five rationales from towing capacity, passenger seating all this rational stuff. But at the end of the day, the design if they want it, theyll fall in love with the machine for whatever reason.. Apart from the luxury crossover, which is expected be a hit in global markets, the tridents chief hinted towards the possibility of a much broader range: The question is not whether we will do a second or third SUV or otherwise, which is nothing that we need to discuss right now; the question is how will the technical base of our customers evolve. While Ferrari, which despite being spun-off has a close cooperation with Maserati, does not plan to adoptautonomous technology on its supercars anytime soon, Wester commented that he has no such qualms and , additionally, electrification will play an important role in the Italian automakers future: We will go heavily into electrification and we will see huge, huge progress in terms of autonomous driving. Electric motors, self-driving cars and, of course, off-roaders: goes to show that no matter how long and illustrious your tradition, you cant fight the future. PHOTO GALLERY The iconic German track has finally decided to remove the speed limits that were imposed last summer. This means that racing teams and manufacturers are allowed again to go full-throttle for the entire length of the circuit. Nurburgring imposed the speed restrictions after Jahn Mardenboroughs accident last year at a VLN race in which a spectator was killed, also forbidding manufacturers from attempting and publishing lap times. The speed restrictions were then heavily criticized, especially by racing drivers, saying that they were against the whole purpose of the circuit. However, the management of the track worked on sections of the track over the winter, repaving sections and adding protective fences in order to make Nurburgring as safe as possible. So the first VLN race of the 2016 season will take place on April 2 without any speed limitations and the manufacturers can now rent the track again in order to measure the performance of their car. Is Koenigsegg listening? PHOTO GALLERY Vancouver police arrested a 19-year old Chinese national after he returned to Canada, over a violent high-speed crash in his parents 2015 Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe that happened last year. According to the police, Yue Hui Wang, who was 18 years old at the time, was travelling with a 17-year old friend in the right seat at 250 km/h (155mph) or five times the speed limit, before losing control and crashing the AMG on someones lawn at South West Marine Drive, near 57 Ave., at 3 a.m. on April 12, 2015. The two teens remained in the car for almost an hour before someone found them and called for help. Wang escaped almost unharmed, being released the following day from the hospital, but his 17 year old male friend, suffered head trauma, facial fractures, brain swelling, a fractured arm, and eye damage. Were very lucky that we didnt pull two dead bodies out of this vehicle, said Vancouver Police Const. Brian Montague speaking to CBC News. Its nothing more than a fluke. At 250 km/h, when investigators told me how fast he was going, I honestly didnt think anyone could travel that fast on that stretch of highway. Yue Hui Wang was nabbed after arriving at Vancouvers airport from China, with police charging him with criminal negligence causing bodily harm. My understanding is he was coming back to participate in a ceremony for his Canadian citizenship, told reporters. Whether he knew there was a warrant out for his arrest, that Im not sure. Photos Vancouver Police Department Photo Gallery Tesla has gone very secretive about the Model 3 and against our best efforts, this is the only image to be found at the moment showing their new EV resting under the covers. The picture comes from the German edition of Wired which spoke to Teslas Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen about the future of the company, and of course, the Model 3. From what we can see, the car under the cover looks very similar to a Model S but small details are giving away that this might be the real deal. Things like the more upright front end and the more prominent rear shoulder line give away that this is indeed a 20 per cent smaller version of the Model S. Franz von Holzhausen didnt really share any info on the Model 3 as he said that the whole company wants Elon Musk to go out and announce all the details about their first, mass-produced vehicle. German-speaking readers or Google-translate users can read the whole interview here. Teslas reveal event is going to take place at 8.30pm Pacific Time in Los Angeles, California, where Elon Musk will present the Model 3 in a working prototype form. Image credit: Stewart Lowell/Wired.de PHOTO GALLERY Taking the reins of what used to be the most popular car show on the planet has its ups and downs, but mostly downs in this case. The latest story on the show comes from TheSun, which states that the airliner carrying Sabine Schmitz, Rory Reid and Eddie Jordan, along with around 40 film crew members, were denied access to Kazakhstan, after flying to Moscow on Saturday to catch a connecting flight. Following a dispute between Russian airliner Aeroflot and Kazakhstani officials, their plane never left the ground, forcing the team to return to the United Kingdom without filming anything. A BBC insider said that the Top Gear crew had no fault and they had all the correct visas, but this issue was down between Aeroflot and Kazakhstan and everyone on the flight was told to get off. Quoting Russian news agency Tass, the British paper writes that Aeroflots flights to Kazakhstan had been suspended on Saturday, after the country had failed to provide permission documentation. The aborted trip ended up costing the television network a reported 500,000 ($720,000), but BBC is said to recoup these costs, as the show has insurance to cover stuff like this. Top Gear will return to Kazakhstan in the future to shoot the planned segment. VIDEO Photo: Martinan The loveliest walk Perspective is everything, in every situation. Monday night, I had my running jacket stolen from an unlocked locker at the gym. Not the worst situation, as I have plenty of jackets. The stinger, however, was that my car keys were in the pocket, as well as my debit card. Add to that the realization that not only was my phone locked in my car, I didnt have a second set of car keys. Frustration, outrage, and self-recrimination boiled in my gut as I went to the front desk to report the theft. I was mad! I felt victimized, and helpless as well, and it wasnt a good feeling. Was feeling pretty jaded and cynical about society in those moments, then, ironically, through this bad situation, a light began to shine. The women at front desk immediately did a sweep of the gym in an effort to find the keys. One offered me the use of her vehicle support membership in order to get into my car to retrieve the phone. Within 1/2 hour, a tow truck showed up. The young driver turned out to be a cheerful character, and had us laughing at his stories during attempts to open my car. When the young woman tried to give him her membership card, he waved it off. Youve been through enough, he said. This ones on me. Thanks for the laughs. We both gaped in astonishment, then thanked him profusely. I still didnt have keys to drive my car, but was able to call my son for a ride. On the way home, I began griping about the situation, and he looked at me and said, Stop talking about the problem, and start working on the solution, Mum. I smiled and nodded. He was right, and obviously very well brought up as well. The following morning, I woke to a beautiful sunny day. I called the Toyota dealership, and was assured that they could cut me a new key. It was a lovely walk to the dealership, while listening to music and revelling in the beauty of our city. Once arrived, Gary in the service department quickly cut me a key, then refused to accept payment. Its on me, he smiled. Later, as I waited in line at the bank to get a new debit card, the young man in front of me turned and asked. Hows your day so far? I smiled, as I realized that although things had started badly the following evening, I had been privy to some shining examples of human kindness. My faith in humanity and its inherent goodness was restored, and without the bad, I wouldnt have experienced all the good. Its great thank you. Ive just had the loveliest walk! I answered, with a laugh. This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet. Photo: Creatas When any level of Government releases an annual budget, the focus is often on what programs and projects will receive increased or decreased funding. Seldom is there much of a discussion on the long term impacts of a budget on future generations of citizens. In the case of the recent Federal budget introduced by the Liberal Government last week, there are a number of important questions to be asked of which all Canadians should be mindful, one of them I will summarize in this weeks report. Recently, the TD Bank issued a forecast report predicting that the cumulated debt by increased deficit spending of the Liberal Government will reach $150 Billion over the next five years. Astute political watchers will know this is very close to the $154 Billion in debt that was added under the former Conservative Government before it returned to balance. This raises the question: If both Governments are increasing similar amounts of debt, why is this now a concern? There are a number of reasons why I raise this issue. In the case of the former Government, this $154 Billion in new debt was added over a 10 year period, with many of those years experiencing a worldwide economic recession not seen in decades. In the case of the $150 Billion in new debt from the Liberal Government, it is being proposed in just half the number of years (only five), and at a time when Canada is not in a recession, but rather a period of slow but positive economic growth. The question to be raised is, if Government is increasing debt during a recession, and still increasing debt when not in a recession but during a period of slow economic growth and aging demographics, at what point does a Federal Government ever pay off debt? Why is this a concern? The challenge with increasing debt is the ever increasing interest on that debt which must be maintained not unlike paying the minimum balance on a credit card each month. In the case of Canada for the 2013/14 fiscal year, over $28 billion was spent just on debt servicing. To put that number into context, the total number of health transfers from the Federal Government to the Provinces and Territories in the same fiscal year was $32 Billion. In other words, from a Federal Government perspective, we spend almost as much money servicing debt as we do helping to fund healthcare. As another comparison, the National Defence budget for the same fiscal year was $21.5 billion, meaning we spend more on debt than we do on National Defence. From a percentage standpoint, currently 10% of the entire federal budget is spent servicing debt, and this is before another $150 billion in new debt from the Liberal Government is added. Some view Government debt as being solely an ideological or partisan concern. The intent of this weeks report is to illustrate that increasing debt imposes real costs that must be paid. Ultimately as debt and interest on debt increases, so will the debt servicing costs and money that could otherwise be spent funding more important government programs or services. That fiscal capacity is being lost to debt is seldom a focal point in budgetary discussion, however it is an increasing problem that will be left for future generations of Canadians. From my perspective, few citizens raise the concern of increasing Government debt, and my primary purpose in raising this topic is to ask if debt and having a balanced budget are concerns you view as important. Obviously increased spending is far easier for elected officials to do than to decreased spending, however at some point, fiscal capacity will be diminished to the extent that future generations will have serious problems, particularly with our aging demographics (a topic I will cover in a future report). More so, as most Canadian Provinces are also heavily in debt, and some taxpayers are now paying in excess of 50% in combined income taxes, not counting consumption taxes. I welcome your view on this subject. I can be reached at [email protected] or toll free 1.800.665.8711 This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet. Photo: Contributed The chamber of commerce is coming out in support of Tourism Kelowna's proposal for a new, waterfront visitor centre. The location of the current centre is no longer appropriate, Kelowna chamber CEO Caroline Grover said Wednesday, with new statistics indicating tourists seek information online and in peak foot-traffic areas. The new 5,000-square-foot building will be funded entirely by Tourism Kelowna. The city would contribute the land, which is currently being used as a parking lot. Read more Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer Schools closures in Penticton and Summerland will go ahead. The School District 67 board voted Wednesday night to close Trout Creek Elementary, West Bench Elementary and McNicoll Park Middle School. The controversial decision on the fate of the schools did not sit well, with many in attendance. "Honestly I'm frustrated. I feel like they haven't listened," said Trout Creek parent Lora Nield. "They are making decisions without considering all of the information, and that's very poor decision making." The special meeting included presentations from parents, with Nield among them, and a third reading on the school closures. The board has been looking at the closures as a way to deal with declining enrolment and budget pressures. In her presentation, Nield told the big crowd, they had collected almost 1,800 signatures on a petition and implored the board to please stop and listen. Among the concerns, she said, were that this was a flawed process by trustees, a lack of transparency and that residents were only given a short period of time to provide quality feedback. She also brought to the board's attention, the fact that residential sales have been increasing in Summerland. Speaker Phil Burman. said he felt that everyone was on the same page, wanting the best outcome, but there are short fallings, with elementary age children being taken out of their communities and bussed. He further told the board, he didn't think it was smart to make a really big change if the information isn't clear. Other speakers focused on overcapacity and budget concerns, with Christy Tiessen urging the board to defeat the motion to close Trout Creek school. In the end, that wasn't to be. While trustees Bruce Johnson and Bill Bidlake expressed concerns, the majority of the board remained committed to closing the schools. Chair Linda Van Alphen explained to the crowd that if they don't make closures, they are going to have to make cuts. Following the decision, residents stepped up to the microphone to question board members about what happens next. Some were angry, while others said they were disappointed that the board has not done their job for the town and have made a decision without even knowing what they are going to do next. "My biggest point is that I wish no elementary schools were touched because of the vulnerable nature of our young children," said West Bench parent Irma McCoy, outside the meeting. "I'm really disappointed, because it's not what I hoped for. With each meeting we still held out hope." The closure of the three schools is effective, June 30. If you have just started your journey in an online casino or are looking for a new site to play,... Removing barriers to contraception, such as cost, limited access, and lack of knowledge, could lead to increased use of highly effective contraceptive methods and reduced rates of unintended pregnancy, resulting in fewer adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes in the context of a Zika virus disease outbreak. This assessment of the resources and challenges in Puerto Rico related to contraceptive access might be a useful model for other areas with active transmission of Zika virus. Approximately two thirds of pregnancies in Puerto Rico are unintended. An estimated 138,000 women of reproductive age (1544 years) in Puerto Rico do not desire pregnancy and are not using an effective contraceptive method. Access to contraception is constrained by limited availability, especially of highly effective long-acting reversible contraceptives, high cost, incomplete insurance coverage, and lack of trained providers. To adequately prevent unintended pregnancies, there is an estimated need for IUDs for 68,000 women, contraceptive implants for 33,000 women, depot medroxyprogesterone acetate for 11,000 women, oral contraceptives for 14,000 women, vaginal rings for 9,000 women, and contraceptive patches for 3,000 women. Zika virus infection during pregnancy has been linked to adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes, including pregnancy loss, intrauterine growth restriction, and congenital brain abnormalities. As of March 2016, Puerto Rico had the highest number of cases of Zika virus disease in the United States and its territories. Women residing in areas with active Zika virus transmission who do not desire pregnancy need access to effective and affordable contraception. Zika virus is a flavivirus transmitted primarily by Aedes species mosquitoes. Increasing evidence links Zika virus infection during pregnancy to adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes, including pregnancy loss, intrauterine growth restriction, eye defects, congenital brain abnormalities, and other fetal abnormalities (1,2). The virus has also been determined to be sexually transmitted.* Because of the potential risks associated with Zika virus infection during pregnancy, CDC has recommended that health care providers discuss prevention of unintended pregnancy with women and couples who reside in areas of active Zika virus transmission and do not want to become pregnant. However, limitations in access to contraception in some of these areas might affect the ability to prevent an unintended pregnancy. As of March 16, 2016, the highest number of Zika virus disease cases in the United States and U.S. territories were reported from Puerto Rico. The number of cases will likely rise with increasing mosquito activity in affected areas, resulting in increased risk for transmission to pregnant women. High rates of unintended and adolescent pregnancies in Puerto Rico suggest that, in the context of this outbreak, access to contraception might need to be improved (3,4). CDC estimates that 138,000 women of reproductive age (aged 1544 years) in Puerto Rico do not desire pregnancy and are not using one of the most effective or moderately effective contraceptive methods,,** and therefore might experience an unintended pregnancy. CDC and other federal and local partners are seeking to expand access to contraception for these persons. Such efforts have the potential to increase contraceptive access and use, reduce unintended pregnancies, and lead to fewer adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes associated with Zika virus infection during pregnancy. The assessment of challenges and resources related to contraceptive access in Puerto Rico might be a useful model for other areas with active transmission of Zika virus. CDC, the Puerto Rico Department of Health, and partners used a comprehensive approach, including key informant interviews and review of existing data, to gather information on contraception services in Puerto Rico, including information on rates of unintended pregnancy, contraceptive use, contraceptive access, and barriers to provision and use of contraception. Discussions were conducted with federal partners, including the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Office of Population Affairs, and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Key stakeholders and family planning providers in Puerto Rico were also consulted, including the Puerto Rico Department of Health, the Puerto Rico Chapter of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), Title X federal family planning grantees, and the Puerto Rico Health Insurance Administration. Because current data regarding contraceptive use prevalence in Puerto Rico are not available, the number of women in Puerto Rico who desire effective contraception was estimated using several data sources. The estimated number of women of reproductive age (1544 years) in 2014 was obtained from the U.S. Census Bureau. To determine the number of women of reproductive age who are not using one of the most effective or moderately effective contraceptive methods and who might therefore have an unintended pregnancy, a series of assumptions were made. Based on national results from the 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, 50% of women aged 1519 years were assumed to be sexually experienced, and among these, 90% were assumed not to desire pregnancy and not to be using one of the most effective or moderately effective contraceptive methods., Among women aged 2044 years, 65% were assumed to be sexually active, not infertile, not currently pregnant, and not currently desiring to become pregnant (5). The number of women aged 2044 years who might have an unintended pregnancy was estimated by assuming that 65% were not sterilized (6), and that among those, 33% are not using one of the most effective or moderately effective reversible contraceptive methods (5).*** To estimate the percentage distribution of desired contraceptive methods that might be needed in Puerto Rico, data from the Contraceptive CHOICE project, which was designed to remove the financial barriers to contraception, offer all methods and emphasize the most effective methods of birth control, and reduce unintended pregnancy in the St. Louis, Missouri area during 20072011, was used. In this project, women desiring reversible contraception were offered any Food and Drug Administrationapproved contraceptive method at no cost along with counseling to promote the use of long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods (intrauterine devices [IUDs] and hormonal contraceptive implants), because these are the most effective reversible methods. Seventy-five percent of the general study population and 72% of adolescents aged 1519 years chose a LARC method, resulting in decreases in adolescent and unintended pregnancy (7,8). Demonstration projects in Iowa and Colorado, also designed to increase use of LARC methods, have similarly resulted in increased use of LARCs and decreases in unintended pregnancy., Assuming a distribution of desired methods similar to that observed in the CHOICE project (7,8), if barriers to access were removed, the total number of contraceptive products needed in Puerto Rico to supply all women of reproductive age who are currently not using one of the most effective or moderately effective contraceptive methods and who do not want to become pregnant was estimated. Approximately 715,000 women aged 1544 years reside in Puerto Rico, and there were approximately 34,000 births in 2014 (3). A 2008 hospital-based survey of postpartum women in Puerto Rico indicated that 65.5% of pregnancies were unintended in Puerto Rico, compared with 51% in a probability sample of the general U.S. population (the 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia), according to the 2008 National Survey of Family Growth (4,9). In 2014, among women aged 1519 years, the birth rate was almost twice as high (40/1,000) in Puerto Rico as in the U.S. overall (24/1,000) (3). The most recent population-based estimates of contraceptive use in Puerto Rico, from a 2002 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey, found that among women aged 1844 years who used contraception, tubal ligation was the most frequently reported method, used by 46% of women, followed by oral contraceptives (19%), condoms (11%), calendar-based contraceptive methods (10%), vasectomy (6%), depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) (3%), and IUDs (1%) (6). More recent information on services provided by La Asociacion Puertorriquena Pro Bienestar de la Familia (PROFAMILIA), a private non-profit organization that provides reproductive health care to a largely low income population in Puerto Rico, indicated that among approximately 44,000 women receiving contraceptive care in 2009, 80% received oral contraceptives, 8% received the transdermal contraceptive patch, 6% received condoms, 3% received DMPA, and <1% received an IUD (4). Women access contraception at various sites in Puerto Rico, including community health clinics, private medical offices, university clinics, and Title X family planning clinics (Manuel Vargas, MD, MPH, Puerto Rico Department of Health; Claritsa Malave, MD, MPH, HRSA; personal communications, 2016). Despite the availability of these resources, barriers exist to providing optimal contraceptive coverage. Key stakeholders in Puerto Rico identified the need for increased contraceptive supplies, family planning delivery sites, training for providers on LARC insertion, education for women and men on effective contraception to reduce unintended pregnancy, and decreased financial and administrative barriers for providers and patients (Manual Vargas, MD, MPH, Puerto Rico Department of Health; Claritsa Malave, MD, MPH, HRSA; Nabal Bracero, MD, ACOG Puerto Rico Section; Ramon Sanchez, MD, MPH, Clinica Preven; Blanca Cuevas, MS, PROFAMILIA; personal communications, 2016). Coverage for all contraceptive methods by federal and private insurers is not universal in Puerto Rico. Certain contraceptive methods can be unaffordable for providers and patients, which has resulted in limited availability of more effective contraceptive options such as LARCs that have higher up-front costs (Manuel Vargas, MD, MPH, Puerto Rico Department of Health; personal communication, 2016). In addition, the cost of IUD and hormonal implant insertion might not be fully covered by public or private insurance, which might also deter women from seeking LARCs. Because of cost, these methods are often not available in physician offices or pharmacies, and therefore most women receive oral contraceptives, DMPA, or condoms. A lack of availability in hospitals has also led to missed opportunities for postpartum initiation of LARCs (Nabal Bracero, MD, MPH, ACOG Puerto Rico Section; personal communication, 2016). The number of health care providers who offer contraception, specifically IUDs and contraceptive implants, has been limited by lack of training and reimbursement (Nabal Bracero, MD, MPH, ACOG Puerto Rico Section; Manuel Vargas, MD, MPH, Puerto Rico Department of Health; personal communications, 2016). Women typically do not choose LARC methods because of this lack of availability, as well as a general lack of knowledge about these methods (Ramon Sanchez, MD, MPH, Clinica Preven; personal communication, 2016). Among the 715,000 women of reproductive age in Puerto Rico, an estimated total of 138,000, or nearly 1 in 5 women, including 55,000 aged 1519 years and 83,000 aged 2044 years, do not want to become pregnant, are not using one of the most effective or moderately effective contraceptive methods, and could therefore have an unintended pregnancy. Applying the distribution of methods observed in the CHOICE project, there is an estimated unmet need for IUDs for 68,000 women, hormonal contraceptive implants for 33,000 women, DMPA for 11,000 women, oral contraceptives for 14,000 women, vaginal rings for 9,000 women, and contraceptive patches for 3,000 women (Table). The estimated needs for a year are 68,000 IUDs, 33,000 hormonal contraceptive implants, 44,000 DMPA doses, 168,000 oral contraceptive pill packs, 108,000 vaginal rings, and 36,000 contraceptive patches. CDC issued interim guidance for the prevention of sexual transmission of Zika virus on February 5, 2016 (1). The following recommendations apply to men who have traveled to or reside in areas with active Zika virus transmission* and their female or male sex partners. These recommendations replace the previously issued recommendations and are updated to include time intervals after travel to areas with active Zika virus transmission or after Zika virus infection for taking precautions to reduce the risk for sexual transmission. This guidance defines potential sexual exposure to Zika virus as any person who has had sex (i.e., vaginal intercourse, anal intercourse, or fellatio) without a condom with a man who has traveled to or resides in an area with active Zika virus transmission. This guidance will be updated as more information becomes available. Zika virus can be sexually transmitted from a man to his sex partners. Zika virus infection is of particular concern during pregnancy. The first documented case of sexual transmission of Zika virus was in 2008 (2); transmission was from a man to a woman, and sexual contact occurred a few days before the mans symptom onset. The first case of sexual transmission associated with the current outbreak was reported in early February (Dallas County Health and Human Services, unpublished data, 2016). In late February 2016, CDC reported two additional confirmed cases of sexual transmission of Zika virus from men returning from areas with active Zika virus transmission to their sex partners in the United States; these transmissions occurred in early 2016 (3). As of March 18, 2016, CDC has reported three additional cases, for a total of six confirmed cases of sexual transmission in the United States associated with this outbreak. Another recent report described a case of sexual transmission that occurred in Italy in 2014 (4). In addition, there have been two reports of replication-competent Zika virus isolated from semen at least 2 weeks after onset of illness; blood plasma specimens collected at the same time as the semen specimens tested negative for Zika virus by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) (5,6). Semen collected from a third man with Zika virus infection had virus particles detectable by RT-PCR at 62 days after fever onset; RT-PCR of blood at that time was negative (7). Because serial semen specimens were not collected for these three cases, the duration of persistence of infectious Zika virus in semen remains unknown. All reported cases of sexual transmission involved vaginal or anal sex with men during, shortly before onset of, or shortly after resolution of symptomatic illness consistent with Zika virus disease. It is not known whether infected men who never develop symptoms can transmit Zika virus to their sex partners. Sexual transmission of Zika virus from infected women to their sex partners has not been reported. Sexual transmission of many infections, including those caused by other viruses, is reduced by consistent and correct use of latex condoms. Iran offers export of cement to Pakistan under barter ICR Newsroom By 31 March 2016 Iran has reportedly offered to export cement on barter basis following a trade mission to Pakistan, led by the country's president, Hassan Rouhani. Pakistan's Ministry of Commerce on its part is exploring various avenues to enhance bilateral trade to US$5bn in five years, in accordance with the vision of the top political leadership of the two countries. Separately, Khouzestan Morteza Lotfi, managing director of Fars Cement Holding Company, Iran, told media that his country has agreed to export cement to Pakistan as per a swap deal for re-exports to targeted Asian markets. He said part of the exports will be for Pakistans domestic consumption and the rest will be re-exported under Irans name to the targeted markets throughout Asia. He said the two sides have also agreed to set up a cement factory in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan in Pakistan but did not share other information about the project. Earlier this month, the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA), in its budget proposal, pointed out that Iranian cement was flooding into the border areas of Balochistan and is being sold at lower prices as compared to locally produced cement. This is detrimental for local manufacturers and in the longer run can challenge the survival of the local industry. Additional regulatory duty should be immediately imposed on imports of Iranian cement and some prior approval mechanism from the government should be in place regarding quality of Iranian cement imported in Pakistan, remarked the APCMA. Published under 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 Senator Bob Corker, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the U.N. Security Councils refusal to hold Iran accountable defies the Obama administrations assurances that a ban on Tehrans ability to test ballistic missiles would remain in place after implementation of the Iran nuclear deal this January. Diplomats cited in a Reuters report Wednesday suggest that Irans repeated ballistic missile tests do not technically violate provisions of U.N. Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2231, which was adopted last July to enforce the Iran nuclear agreement. The implication that Irans ballistic tests do not violate the U.N. resolution and therefore do not justify U.N. Security Council action directly contradicts assurances made by the administration last year when it promised that restrictions would remain in place, said Senator Corker, who voted against lifting sanctions on Iran to implement the nuclear deal. As many of us feared, now it appears Iran can defy those restrictions with impunity fearing no pushback from the U.N. Security Council. There is also bipartisan concern with the administrations refusal to impose tougher penalties on Iran for these and other illicit activities. UNSCR 2231 states that Iran is called upon not to engage in ballistic missile activities for up to eight years, a lower bar than previous resolutions demanding that Iran shall not engage in such actions. Asked to interpret the implications of the new language in testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee last December, U.S. Ambassador Stephen Mull, the lead coordinator for U.S. implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, assured senators that Iranian ballistic missile activities would still violate that part of the U.N. Security Council resolution. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry was even more definitive earlier in July when he disputed that the language associated with the ballistic missile ban had been altered in the new resolution. The exact same language that is in the embargo is in the agreement with respect to [missile] launches, he said. Tennessee Education Commissioner Dr. Candice McQueen says the state wants students to be set up for success by being able to embark on a meaningful career after school. Dr. McQueen spoke before Rotary Club members Thursday at the Convention Center. During her 30-minute talk, she touched on the work that is being done in education across the state. First, she gave some context, briefly discussing the last decade in the state regarding education. In 2007 there was a call to action moment from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Tennessee received two Fs in education: one in proficiency, as it related to TN student test-taking skills compared on a national level; and one in how the state was preparing students for postsecondary credentials and degrees. The Tennessee Department of Education responded in several ways. It raised student standards, increased teacher accountability, and aligned assessments to fit with the new standards. Because of this, Dr. McQueen said, there have been consistent improvements over the last several years in student success. For example, from 2009 to 2015, there were improvements in grades three through eight in math, reading, and science. High school students saw improvements during this time as well. This in part has to do with the quality of state teachers. I am convinced that we have the best educators in the country, Dr. McQueen said, her statement validated with her experience in training teachers at Lipscomb University. Nevertheless, she said, We have a lot of need for improvements. Fewer than half of all 8th graders in the state are on reading level, and Tennessee falls in the bottom half of the nations report cards. Furthermore, in 2014, 43 percent of students did not enroll in a post-secondary program after high school. Dr. McQueen defined post-secondary as a credential or degree program after high school that moves students towards a career path. She said 28 percent of students graduated from a six-year state college, while 58 percent graduated from a university in that time. Students are taking too long to complete their post-secondary degree, or not completing it at all, she said. This is a problem because post-secondary credentials matter as they typically lead a student to a more fulfilling, higher-paying career. To enhance student success, the Department of Education is making sure K12 is strong, Dr. McQueen said. The school system must encourage students towards post-secondary endeavors by showing them they lead to enriching careers. Because 55 percent of new jobs in the state will require some type of post-secondary by 2025, and because students today do not meet this standard, Dr. McQueen says it is the states mission to get these students where they need to be by that time. This is important to her because she wants students to be set up for success in a job they choose. She wants to help students go on to have meaningful life experiences. Regarding this, she said the vision for the state is to exemplify excellence and equity such that all students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to successfully embark upon their chosen path in life. The Internal Revenue Service is putting on a contest, offering cash prizes for suggestions on ways to improve its website for the public. (Brendan Smialowski / AFP/Getty Images) Tax information can baffle most consumers. So says the Internal Revenue Service itself. Advertisement That's where "civic-minded technologists, designers and innovative thinkers" come in. The IRS announced last week that it's putting on a contest, complete with six cash prizes of up to $10,000, and inviting citizens and businesses to suggest ways to improve the design, organization and presentation of its website. The goal of the agency's first "tax design challenge" is to make information on the site more understandable to taxpayers. Advertisement Although a wealth of information is currently available, many taxpayers might not know where to find it, or how to use it, because much of it "can be incomprehensible to those who are not financial professionals," the federal agency admits. The challenge comes as the IRS continues to try to migrate taxpayers to electronic filing and as the agency faces pressure to better protect filers' data. In fiscal 2013, 83 percent of individual taxpayers filed electronically, up from 71 percent in 2010, according to a September report from the Treasury inspector general for tax administration. Taxpayers also go online to download forms, view content and check refund status. In fiscal 2012, the Where's My Refund? application was used 132 million times. "While these trends demonstrate substantial progress toward full online tax administration, there are unmet taxpayer needs that provide opportunities for the IRS to introduce more online self-service options," the watchdog said. "The IRS reports there is a compelling case to refine web content and search capabilities that will lead to an improved user experience." The IRS said it has a "long history" of trying to make tax information more understandable. Efforts include redesigning taxpayer notices, soliciting feedback on forms and trying to adhere to the 2010 Plain Writing Act. Aside from design, the IRS also needs to better secure taxpayer data. About 720,000 accounts have been "inappropriately accessed" by criminals in recent years, the Government Accountability Office said in a Monday report titled "IRS Needs to Further Improve Controls over Financial and Taxpayer Data." The IRS isn't the only U.S. agency looking to the public for technological help. Since 2010, more than 90 federal agencies have run public-sector prize competitions, the IRS said. Advertisement Earlier this month, the Defense Department said it would invite hackers to test its cybersecurity. Hack the Pentagon is "the first cyber bug bounty program in the history of the federal government," it said. The IRS said its contest will help it to "begin reimagining the taxpayer experience." "The challenge is an opportunity for talented individuals to touch the lives of Americans across the country through design," its contest description says. Chicago tech worker Marty Malone said a $10,000 first prize is "most likely not enough to garner the attention of many talented folks." "I'm sure this would take a team to build not just one person so at the end of the day it regrettably probably wouldn't be worth it for many people," Malone said. "To build something truly valuable, the IRS should be collaborating with multiple different government organizations to share best practices." Derek Eder, a founder of Chi Hack Night and founder of civic technology company DataMade, said that, while it's laudable for governments and agencies to try to generate public interest in website or app ideas, he expects little substance to come out of the IRS challenge. Advertisement "The concept of a challenge rarely leads to useful tools or products," he said. "Good design is something you don't do once; it has many iterations." The government doesn't have a great track record of picking vendors either, Eder points out, citing early Healthcare.gov website problems. The government would likely be better off continuing to invest in 18F, a tech startup within the U.S. General Services Administration, he said. Daniel O'Neil, Smart Chicago Collaborative executive director, said the IRS might get some takers. "It's not an immense amount of money, but it's certainly a great amount for people who are doing a nights-and-weekends project," he said. Criteria used to judge IRS entries include: visual hierarchy, or making the most important information easy to find; density, or how easy it is to digest material; and accessibility, such as whether a diverse population can make sense of the information. More information can be found at www.taxdesignchallenge.com. Participating businesses must be incorporated in the United States. Individuals must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Participants can't work for the Mortgage Bankers Association, which is funding the awards. Advertisement Contest winners will be cut no slack: The awards, which total $21,000, "may be subject to federal income taxes," rules say. byerak@tribpub.com Twitter @beckyyerak Some Oreo packaging is nonrecyclable and ends up in the ocean where it harms marine life, according to a shareholder activist group that is pushing Mondelez International to phase out nonrecyclable material. (Bill Hogan / Chicago Tribune) Some Oreo and Chips Ahoy packaging isn't recyclable and often ends up in the ocean where it harms marine life, according to a shareholder activist group pushing manufacturer Mondelez International to take action and phase out all nonrecyclable material. Come May 18, at the company's annual meeting in suburban Lincolnshire, Mondelez shareholders will vote on a proposal introduced by As You Sow, a California-based nonprofit that challenges corporations on social and environmental issues. The group has brought similar proposals to Mondelez investors for the last three years, receiving about 28 percent support last year. Advertisement On the bright side, as the activists see it, it received about 28 percent support. That's enough to give hope that their call to action is resonating with some mainstream shareholders, and that the company may respond favorably to another vote with similar or better results. The company's board of directors remains opposed, saying Mondelez already has a sustainability plan in place focused on reducing waste. Advertisement "We are sending a message here that's slowly catching on," said Conrad MacKerron, senior vice president of As You Sow. "We'll see what happens." Oreo and Chips Ahoy cookies are "increasingly packaged in flexible film or other plastic packaging, such as pouches, that are not recyclable," according to As You Sow's proposal. Such packaging often ends up in waterways and is swept out to sea, broken down into smaller particles and ultimately consumed by bird or marine mammals that mistake it for food, the proposal said. As You Sow is requesting a report that would assess the environmental impact and financial risks of using nonrecyclable packaging and set a timeline for phasing out such materials. From the Mondelez perspective, the company already has "ambitious goals" in place on sustainability, including reducing the overall amount of packaging used, according to the company's response in a proxy statement. From 2010 to 2014, Mondelez eliminated more than 44,000 tons of packaging from the supply chain, the company said. In its response, Mondelez says it's already taking other measures to reduce waste so that less packaging ends up in the landfill, and ultimately, the oceans. There are also food safety concerns with using recycled materials for packaging that comes into direct contact with food, the company said. It remains to be seen whether Mondelez studies recyclable packaging further. A proposal that gets more than 25 percent of shareholder support "needs to be paid attention," particularly if support has grown over multiple years, said Paul DeNicola, managing director at PwC's Governance Insights Center "Companies have to respond on a case-by-case basis," DeNicola said. "There's no one-size fits all." Advertisement DeNicola said the shareholder proposals on environmental, social and governance issues have increased in recent years, representing about 40 percent of all proposals over the past three years. As You Sow doesn't typically buy shares of a given company directly, instead partnering with like-minded shareholders who sign off on the group representing their interests, MacKerron said. In recent years, the organization has floated similar packaging proposals to shareholders of Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, Kroger and Kraft Foods, among others. Among the recyclable packaging successes touted by the group, As You Sow worked with McDonald's to phase out Styrofoam cups in favor of recyclable cups. "Over the years, McDonald's has engaged in constructive dialogue with As You Sow on a variety of topics, such as a multistakeholder project to address supply chain working conditions in Chinese toy factories and general conversations with updates on McDonald's packaging," McDonald's spokeswoman Lisa McComb said in an email. This brand of shareholder activism can be a long game played out over numerous years, as massive corporations weigh the benefits of social do-gooding against the bottom line. The proposals are intended to "forestall harm, create value for the company or hopefully both," said Danielle Fugere, president and chief counsel of As You Sow. And even shareholder proposals that receive very little support can start a conversation within a company. Advertisement "It's an important process no matter what the outcome is in a given year," Fugere said. gtrotter@tribpub.com Twitter @GregTrotterTrib Conan O'Brien peeks out from behind his set curtain. He will visit South Korea with "The Walking Dead" star Steven Yeun. (Brinson + Banks / For The Washington Post) Conan O'Brien's next stop will be South Korea. TBS will broadcast a special extended episode of late-night show "Conan" featuring the host's recent visit to South Korea, the network announced Wednesday. The special, "Conan in Korea," is set to premiere Saturday, April 9, at 11 p.m. and will feature O'Brien traveling the country with "The Walking Dead" star and Korean-American actor Steven Yeun. The two will visit Seoul and other parts of the country, including the Korean Demilitarized Zone and the Joint Security Area. Advertisement The Korean special will be the newest in a series of "Conan" episodes shot abroad. The late-night show has traveled in the last two years to Qatar, Armenia and Cuba. O'Brien has also taken his Los Angeles-based show to San Diego for Comic-Con, as well as New York, Chicago, Dallas and Atlanta. The trips abroad have been ratings boons for "Conan." The Cuba episode last year drew 1.81 million total viewers up from 642,000 the previous night. Advertisement With increased competition in the space, most late-night shows have seen their ratings decline this year. For the week of March 20, "Conan" averaged a 0.27 rating in Nielsen's advertiser-coveted 18-49 demo down 18% from the same week a year prior. Variety Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has given Republican leaders plenty of reasons to denounce him for the sake of the nation. Yet they stand with him. (Scott Olson / Getty Images) Donald Trump's stumble over whether women seeking abortions should be criminally punished provided a sobering look at the vulnerability of a candidate more likely than anyone else to be the Republican nominee. As Trump hastily issued a statement saying, in effect, that he didn't believe what he had just said, his Republican challengers seized on his comments as proof that he lacked both the knowledge and conservative commitment to serve as president. Democrats cited his remarks as evidence that he and the rest of the Republican field have skittered too far to the right on an issue on which Americans are decidedly centrist. Advertisement Candidate Trump's stock in trade has been blustery confidence. The dust-up over abortion offered a bracing reminder of what can happen when that attitude mixes with Trump's lack of experience including on issues of huge importance to the Republican base. And it came at a time when Trump was trying to steady his campaign after controversies over his criticism of Ted Cruz's wife and his campaign manager's legal problems. Election 2016 | Live coverage on Trail Guide | Track the delegate race | Sign up for the newsletter Advertisement That all of the issues dealt in some way with women made the developments more perilous politically and, perhaps, more revealing of an element of Trump's character. In presidential campaigns, abortion is often an issue of extreme importance to each party's most reliable voters, but not to the bulk of those voting. That has meant that candidates follow party ideology to win the nomination, but the issue takes a distant back seat in the general election to more widely shared concerns, like the economy or national security. That may not be the case this year. The percentage of people who see abortion rights as a threshold issue for determining their presidential pick has risen, polls suggest. Battles are being waged in many states where Republican legislatures have passed measures that severely limit the availability of abortion despite its constitutional standing. Most recently, the death of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scaliaand the possibility that the next president will determine the balance of the courthas put abortion rights squarely into the campaign mix. Barely an event occurs without Republican and Democratic candidates citing the court opening as a prime reason to vote and abortion as one of the key reasons why. That has left Republican candidates in an uncomfortable place: They and their party advocate a conservative position demanded by antiabortion activists but opposed by the broader group of voters candidates need to attract to win a general election. Trump's most recent difficulties began during a town hall Wednesday evening, when MSNBC anchor Chris Matthews asked the New York businessman about abortion. Trump repeated his current, fairly recently acquired, position--that he opposes abortion with the traditional exceptions for victims of rape or incest or in cases when the life of the mother is endangered. Matthews pressed further, asking whether a woman should be "punished" for having an abortion if, as Trump desires, it becomes illegal. After a back and forth, Trump said that "the answer is that there has to be some form of punishment." Advertisement "For the woman?" Matthews asked. "Yes, there has to be some form," Trump replied, adding that he did not know what the punishment should be. For Trump the logic may have been obvious: If abortion is made a crime, there should be criminal penalties. But his answer upended what has been a near-unanimous posture by abortion opponents that a woman should not be held criminally responsible. Trump may not have known that, since he has not been steeped in the abortion wars like the politicians he's running against. When he considered a run for president in 2000, he described himself in a television interview as "very pro-choice." The clip was included this year in an ad by Cruz, the Texas senator who is one of the two remaining Trump challengers. Trump says he now opposes abortion, but has never said when he changed his mind. Trump didn't help himself with two other comments on MSNBC: He absolved fathers from any criminal punishment, even if a party to abortion. And he casually referred to what he saw as the outcome of his desired ban: "You know, you will go back to a position like they had, where people will perhaps go to illegal places." Advertisement The immediate impact on Trump's supporters is likely nil; their support for him has outlasted controversies that would have doomed any other political figure. His impolitic statements are taken by Trump loyalistsand even by some Republicans who have doubts about himas evidence of genuineness, candor and a welcome refusal to abide political correctness. But the Republican race is now in a fraught period: Without consistent victories in the remaining states, Trump risks heading to the July national convention without the 1,237 delegates needed to ensure his nomination. To defeat Trump, his opponents, Cruz and Ohio Gov. John Kasich, aren't counting on his voters to abandon him. Instead, they hope waffling Republicans in upcoming primary statesand, later, convention delegateswill decide they cannot stomach the former reality television star as the party's nominee. Their pile of ammunition has grown in the last week, with the feud over Trump's and Cruz's wives and the Trump campaign manager's misdemeanor charges for allegedly grabbing the arm of a female reporter. That may have accounted for the speed with which Trump offered a rare and hasty reversal on his abortion comments. Soon after the remarks aired, he issued a statement that effectively changed his position without mentioning his previous remarks. "The doctor or any other person performing this illegal act upon a woman would be held legally responsible, not the woman," the new statement said, in setting out Trump's view of what should happen. "The woman is a victim in this case as is the life in her womb. My position has not changed -- like Ronald Reagan, I am pro-life with exceptions." Advertisement Kasich impugned Trump's abortion stance and Cruz went further, calling attention to Trump's unfamiliarity with many issues. "Once again Donald Trump has demonstrated that he hasn't seriously thought through the issues, and he'll say anything just to get attention," Cruz said. While Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders called Trump's comments "shameful," the party front runner Hillary Clinton used the issue more broadly: setting up a general election contrast by reminding voters that the entire GOP field has moved to the right. "Now they aren't quite as open about it as Donald Trump was earlier today, but they all have the same position," Clinton said of the Republicans in a CNN interview. "If you make abortion a crime -- you make it illegal -- then you make women and doctors criminals." Views among Americans on abortion have been remarkably stable, although highly partisan. A September 2015 Pew survey found 51% of Americans backed abortion rights, to 43% opposed. But among older and more conservative voters, target groups for the three GOP candidates, opposition to abortion has risen. What has changed most is the emphasis voters give the issue. A Gallup survey last year found a record percentage of Americans would only vote for a candidate with similar views on abortion rightsand abortion-rights supporters in that group now equaled those opposing abortion. Advertisement Of all of the GOP candidates, Trump, at least until Wednesday, may have had the most moderate position on abortion. Cruz has opposed abortion even in cases of rape or incest and sought to shut down the government over money for Planned Parenthood. Kasich favors exceptions in the case of rape, incest or the life of the mother, but has worked as governor to close down abortion providers and signed a measure de-funding Planned Parenthood in Ohio. Trump has brought up the subject of abortion mostly when asked about it. He has repeatedly praised Planned Parenthood for its work on women's healthfighting words to many Republicans. More than anything, Trump has given the sense that the issue doesn't rise high on his list of concerns. His campaign thrusts are jobs, trade and illegal immigration; when he feels the need to protect his right flank, he most often does it by citing his opposition to gun control. But there's a difference between putting an issue low on a list and not thinking through a position enough to weather questioning. By failing to do that, Trump not only illuminated his lack of reflection on abortion. Just as dangerously, he may have amplified questions from many voters about whether he lacks something else: the seriousness to claim the job he wants. cathleen.decker@latimes.com Follow me on Twitter: @cathleendecker. For more on politics, go to latimes.com/decker . Advertisement ALSO: Bitter GOP divisions are like nothing the party has seen before California's June primary just became crucial in the race for the White House Live coverage from the campaign trail Updates on California politics Certain periods of history have proved to be catnip to contemporary historical novelists. Medieval and Victorian England, the settling of the American West, both world wars all have been fertile ground for the fictional imagination. And in recent years, the artistic milieu of the Netherlands in the 17th century the so-called Golden Age of Dutch painting has come on strong in novels such as Tracy Chevalier's "Girl With a Pearl Earring" (1999) and, more recently and indirectly, Donna Tartt's Pulitzer Prize-winning "The Goldfinch" (2013). Now comes "The Last Painting of Sara de Vos," by the Australian-American novelist Dominic Smith, in which a painting by a fictional (though historically plausible) woman painter of the Golden Age becomes the center of not just one drama but three dramas in three different centuries. Sara de Vos, the first woman admitted to Amsterdam's all-powerful Guild of St. Luke, paints the haunting image "At the Edge of a Wood" as a memorial to her 7-year-old daughter, recently lost to fever. It later plays a profound role in the lives and careers of one of her descendants, a New York lawyer named Marty de Groot, and Ellie Shipley, a renowned art historian who, as a struggling graduate student, once created a forgery of the painting. Advertisement Printers Row recently caught up with Smith, 45, for a phone interview from his home in Austin, Texas. Here's an edited transcript of our chat. Q: You're an Australian by birth, so it makes sense that Australia does figure in your novel. It's natural, I suppose, that it's partly set in Sydney. Advertisement A: (Laughs.) I've been getting closer, in my novels, to Australian soil, in terms of setting actual scenes and chapters there, and this is probably the closest I've gotten in a while. It seemed like once I knew that my Australian art historian and forger was from Sydney, and she would return there at some point, I got very interested in Sydney at that moment, in 2000, and what it might mean in her life as it's unraveling. It could have been in some other places, but Sydney is part of her history as a character, part of her back-story. Q: How did you come to this subject matter? I ask in part because art history, art restoration and art forgery are trending topics in contemporary fiction Donna Tartt's "The Goldfinch" being the best-known recent example. A: I actually came to this material about 15 years ago, when I was living in Amsterdam. It was my first experience of the Dutch Golden Age up close, and I think my sense of what that looked like in painting was really Vermeer and Rembrandt, and maybe Frans Hals. What I discovered was that there are all these missing layers of the Dutch Golden Age that most people don't know about. By some estimates, there were 50,000 painters at work in the 17th century in Holland, and of that number, there were about 25 women who were admitted to the Guild of St. Luke's, the main painters' guild. We only have a small handful of paintings that have survived from them, and so I got really interested in this idea of lost painters of the Golden Age. Certainly "The Goldfinch" is a great novel, and "Girl With a Pearl Earring." But this novel is quite different in that it is really about missing painters from the Golden Age, imagining the life of a woman artist admitted to the guild and tracing the chronology of her painting over three different centuries and three different storylines. Q: There are interesting parallels between the lives of Sara de Vos, the painter, and Ellie Shipley, the curator who once forged a copy of Sara's masterpiece. The book has a somewhat feminist perspective on both of them, it seems to me. A: I don't think I set out to have a feminist thematic backbone, but certainly there are two women, separated by centuries, who face a lot of chauvinism. In 1630s Holland, the way the Guild of St. Luke was tightly controlled by men, including what women were allowed to paint, based on what we've seen. The running of the bureaucracy of the Guild really meant that a painter like Judith Leyster, who was a real person, was kind of lost for 200 years. All of her paintings were attributed either to her husband or to Frans Hals. So certainly there was a lot of paternalism toward the few women painters of the day. By the time we get to the 1950s, it's a different kind of chauvinism. You have a character like Ellie, an Australian who's had to leave Australia in order to make her mark, and here she is exposed to chauvinism within the discipline of art history. So I was definitely interested in playing around with what these two women faced in their careers in two very different time frames, and exploring not only the differences but also the similarities. Q: They're both up against the patriarchy. You might also say that had it not been for sexism, Ellie would never have been in the position of forging Sara's painting. A: That's a great perspective, because both women are hemmed in by the patriarchy, and it drives them to new levels of inventiveness not always in good ways, in the case of Ellie. But there's definitely a sense of being thwarted and unrecognized. That idea of recognition and authenticity is something that runs through the whole book. Without the pressure of conforming to the patriarchy, both of their artistic lives might have been quite different. Interestingly, while the guilds in Holland controlled all aspects of a painter's life, women, paradoxically, also enjoy somewhat equal status with men. For example, Judith Leyster, one of the first women admitted to the Guild, sued Frans Hals for basically poaching her students, and she won the case. So while there was patriarchy, there was also a lot of opportunity for women painters in Holland at that time compared to some other European countries. Q: In your novel, women painters in the Guild of St. Luke were forbidden to paint landscapes; they were confined to indoor subjects. Is that a known fact, or did you infer it, or just make it up? Advertisement A: It's kind of inferred. What's interesting is that there are no landscapes by any women painters of this period. The traditional explanation is that women had a very domestic role in that time, so to be unaccompanied for hours sitting outside, whether they were actually painting or sketching a landscape that they would later do in their studios, would have been too much. But I don't completely buy the simplicity of that. Part of the reason is that there was a woman artist who at the end of the 17th century left her estranged husband in Amsterdam, moved to Surinam in South America, took their daughter, and spent two years in the jungle, sketching botanical specimens. So my argument is, if a woman can do that in the 17th century, she could find a way to sketch outside in Holland. So my hunch is that the men in the Guild had decided that they wanted to own landscapes. Whether it was expressly forbidden, or just part of the rules of the day implied in the culture, it's very hard to say. Q: You've written historical novels before, most written entirely in the past. In this novel, you bring us much more toward the present, at least in parts of the novel which is also a bit of a trend in fiction; I'm thinking of novels like (Michael Cunningham's) "The Hours." A: In my own writing, there have always been competing impulses, the contemporary and the historical. I've written short stories and novels that are historical; I also wrote a novel set in the world of particle physics. In some ways I wanted to experiment with the freedom to move between those two, and to have a novel that has a historic object at its heart but is also contemporary. This is also the first time I've written a novel in the present tense, which I think is so abused and can be very gimmicky. In this case, it was an attempt to make something both historical and contemporary at the same time. In the book culture of our day, where we want to compartmentalize things, there are these somewhat entrenched categories of historical and contemporary fiction, but I think we're seeing novels in the past 20 years or so that try to play around with that and have some fun with it. Q: For readers who won't have read your novel when they read this interview, could you describe the painting referred to in the title? A: Sure. At the heart of the novel is a 17th century Dutch painting called "At the Edge of a Wood," painted by Sara de Vos, the first woman to be admitted to the Guild of St. Luke. She painted it at a moment of loss in her life; it's not a plot spoiler to say that she's lost her daughter, and that this painting is a kind of memorial to her. I was interested in thinking through the way that the meaning of art changes over time, so fast forward to 1950s New York, where you have Marty de Groot, a wealthy Manhattan lawyer who has this painting hanging above his bed. He inherited it through his bloodline. It's stolen from him, but while it's hanging above his bed, he's in an unhappy, childless marriage, and has no idea, other than what he sees in the painting, of the circumstances of Sara de Vos. But he takes a strange kind of comfort in this rather haunting landscape, which shows a girl overlooking a frozen river. She's barefoot, and she seems kind of cut off from the skaters down on the frozen river who are clearly having a great time. And then we pivot to the third storyline, that of Ellie Shipley. What she sees in this painting is the sheer virtuosity of the painter's skill. There's something in it that defies what she expects to find in a painting by a woman from this time period. And in it, she sees a kind of inspiration for her own career. To me, what was really grounding in this novel was the idea of the landscape at the center, with these three different storylines orbiting around it. Q: There's also a meditation in the novel on the transcendent possibilities of art. Advertisement A: Yes, and I think that ties in with the forgery in the book. I think there's both a physical forgery of a painting and a kind of moral forgery, which I don't want to talk too much about because of the plot implications. But the Dutch created these incredibly elaborate scenes in their paintings, and you can look at one of those paintings that's 400 years old and feel that it's sending us a message through time. But we rarely know the circumstances under which it was painted, and we usually don't know much about the culture. So what we create is a kind of personal narrative with works of art. One of things I wanted to explore in the book is why a forgery kind of cuts to the core of the art world and why it's so enduringly fascinating to painting. I think it has to do with the way it violates the narrative we create with art. To stare up at a painting and fall in love with it, and then to discover that it's false, is a very personal betrayal. Kevin Nance is a Chicago-based freelance writer and photographer whose work appears in the Washington Post, USA Today, Poets & Writers Magazine and other publications. Follow him on Twitter @KevinNance1. "The Last Painting of Sara de Vos" By Dominic Smith, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 291 pages, $26 The financial crisis at the root of the Chicago Teachers Union's planned one-day walkout Friday is different from past troubles for the school district in an especially alarming way: No one seems to be riding to the rescue this time. With neither Gov. Bruce Rauner nor state lawmakers acting to bail out the nation's third-largest school system, teachers are taking to the streets for a day to pressure a deadlocked Springfield to help shore up Chicago Public Schools' precarious finances. Advertisement The union's repeated threats to strike over pay and pension issues in recent weeks have evolved into a labor-led fight against Rauner's anti-union agenda, and a call for new revenue amid a state budget impasse that has jeopardized social service programs and public universities. "I guess the important thing to say is we're just very conscious of the fact that we're part of a broader movement that needs to figure out how to fund social services and we're trying to ask people to see April 1 in that broader context," CTU Vice President Jesse Sharkey said Wednesday. Advertisement Other labor unions and community organizations are pledging support to the CTU and the walkout and fast-food workers fighting for a $15 minimum wage say they will walk off the job for a day. Much of the focus of Friday's marches and school picketing still will be on CTU's unsettled contract and the deteriorating finances of CPS. But, as CTU President Karen Lewis recently told the Tribune, the union can't have a contract without money to pay for it. "What this is, is a cry for help," Gery Chico, a former CPS board president and former chairman of the Illinois State Board of Education, said of Friday's walkout. Chico remembers when lawmakers, union leaders, school administrators and others would gather in a room and negotiate a deal to ward off CPS' financial mess. "There was a will," Chico said. That kind of political will has yet to emerge this time. CPS tried to push lawmakers to fill a $480 million budget hole this school year but came back empty-handed. Since then, the district has borrowed another $725 million, pushing its debt load to nearly $7 billion. Chicago Public Schools teachers Tammie Vinson, left, and Katie Sciarine, both of Oscar DePriest School, load signs in their vehicles March 30, 2016, in preparation for Friday's one-day walkout. (Phil Velasquez / Chicago Tribune) For the second year in a row, the state has placed CPS under "financial watch" for spending more than it takes in, draining reserves and heavily borrowing. Plus, the district is struggling to maintain sufficient cash to operate on a day-to-day basis, forcing it to borrow against future property tax collections to help make ends meet. Chicago is not alone in struggling financially almost 60 percent of districts are deficit-spending but only 32 of about 850 districts fell into the worse "watch" category. District officials say the fundamental problem has been that CPS has long been unfairly treated in the way the state divvies funds for public education and pays for teacher pensions. Advertisement There is growing consensus between the teachers' union and the district that Chicago's schools need more revenue not only to survive but to achieve a contract deal that would avert an open-ended strike later this year. "We understand there needs to be revenue for the schools and not revenue that comes in the middle of next year," Sharkey said. "That's not going to help us get school doors open, or prevent a takeover or prevent layoffs when school's starting next year. We think April is going to be a critical time for debating revenue in Springfield." Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Wednesday said he stands with teachers in their push for a solution from Springfield, but not on their decision to walk off the job. "I understand and appreciate the teachers have a challenge with Springfield," Emanuel told reporters. "Get in line. There's a lot of people (who) have a challenge with what's happening in Springfield. But do not take it out on our students. "You have a political call to action," Emanuel said. "It is the correct political call. But the call to action does not, would not and should not lead you to walking out of the classroom." After 25 years of relative labor peace, CTU members went on strike for seven days in September 2012 before agreeing to a contract that expired June 30. Since then, there has been churn in CPS' administrative ranks, nearly 50 school closings, a guilty plea from former district CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett in a federal corruption case, and continuing resistance from teachers to standardized testing. Advertisement "Conditions have only gotten worse since the 2012 strike and options for a mutually agreeable (contract) settlement are even less," said Terry Mazany, who was briefly the district's interim chief before Emanuel tapped Jean-Claude Brizard for the post. "This walkout is about respect and teachers wanting to be heard," Mazany said. "Right now there are massive forces of change affecting schools and teachers are feeling that their voices are not being heard. A walkout appears to be the only way to get attention." About 330,000 students will lose a class day because of the walkout, even as CPS has worked to add more days to the academic calendar so kids can be in school. CTU and the district have been negotiating a contract for more than a year. Teachers are fighting to preserve a traditional salary schedule that provides cost-of-living increases, a "step" raise for adding a year of experience and a "lane" raise for a getting a master's degree and additional graduate credits. Teachers also want to keep a perk popular in suburban districts that allows school districts to pay much, if not all, of union members' pension plan contributions. CPS wants to phase out that perk to save money. CTU considers that to be a steep pay cut. CPS in January presented the union with a four-year contract offer that CTU leaders deemed serious enough to bring to a larger bargaining unit. Advertisement That offer, according to the district, contained a broad array of provisions beyond pay raises. CPS committed to hold off on certain school closings until at least 2018, and agreed to limit the city's number of privately operated charter schools and their enrollment. The proposal also included changes to how teachers are observed and evaluated. Union leaders praised parts of the deal, but the bargaining team rejected the offer. "There were a lot of things that were great," Lewis said after the union team rejected the city's offer. "I'm not going to tell you they weren't. However, the things that will affect the classrooms the most especially around the budget were the ones that were concerning to people." For its part, the union wants to ensure class size limits would be enforced and that CPS agrees to ask state lawmakers to restore a tax levy that helps pay for teacher pensions. "With Democrats increasing their majority from the March 15 elections, we can push through some revenue bills in the state legislature, many of which will emerge in April," CTU told members March 26. "Now is the time to strike, literally and figuratively." Chicago Teachers Union staff pass out picket signs and fliers to teachers March 30, 2016, at CTU headquarters. (Phil Velasquez / Chicago Tribune) But solutions have been elusive in Springfield, where there's been a long-running debate on the funding formula that distributes state money to schools. That formula takes into account a district's low-income population, but gaps remain in how much districts spend statewide, with wealthier districts able to spend more on schoolchildren. Advertisement CPS faces the challenges of high student poverty and dismal test scores though its selective-enrollment schools have posted some of the highest test scores in Illinois and the district believes it needs more money to help its low-income population. The district says its students represent nearly 20 percent of Illinois' public school population and therefore CPS should get at least 20 percent of state education funds. CPS says that would generate almost $500 million in additional annual revenue. Rauner and Republican leaders in the General Assembly have called for laws that would permit CPS to declare bankruptcy and allow a state takeover of the district, a proposal opposed by Democratic leaders who control the House and Senate. Ted Dabrowski, vice president of policy at the conservative Illinois Policy Institute, thinks the district should declare bankruptcy if Rauner gets his way on a law allowing that. "Taxpayers have already put in more than enough to pay for everything CPS needs and for (teacher) pensions," Dabrowski said. "At this point, we don't need tax hikes or a bailout. We need fiscal constraints." CPS "has been grossly mismanaged, and it would be unfair for taxpayers to clean up the mess," he said. Advertisement Backing calls from CPS leaders for a revamped state education funding formula is Ginger Ostro, the former chief financial officer of CPS who recently took over as head of the Advance Illinois think tank. "Illinois has the most inequitable education funding system in the nation, where poorer districts spend as little as $6,000 per student while wealthier districts spend up to $30,000 per student," Ostro said in a statement. CPS spends $15,120 per pupil, based on the most recent school finance data statewide. That compares with the state average of $12,521. In addition, CPS has long argued against how the teacher pensions are covered in the city. The Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois, for suburban and downstate educators, gets most of its contributions through income and sales taxes and other taxes and fees generated by residents throughout Illinois. CPS teacher pensions are largely covered by Chicago taxpayers, who also help pay for Teachers' Retirement System pensions. The district's rapidly increasing obligations to the Chicago Teachers' Pension Fund represent one of its biggest liabilities, putting enormous stress on the school system's budget as it makes hundreds of millions of dollars worth of annual pension payments. Lawmakers for years allowed CPS to skip paying full contributions to its teacher pension system "pension holidays" that allowed the struggling district to use the money to pay other expenses. Now the holidays are over, and the teachers' pension fund is short of what's needed to cover future benefits. Advertisement In August, Rauner floated proposals involving a new school funding formula and more than $400 million in financial relief for CPS, but those were tied to union-weakening measures that were unacceptable to top Democrats. Lawmakers have discussed these issues but "at the moment, we're not at a consensus on anything," said Steve Brown, spokesman for House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago. "Whether the actions on Friday speed up some actions, it is impossible to predict." That said, "I don't think people want to see the school system shut down," Brown said. " I think there's a recognition it is a serious problem and the desire to avoid some major disruption of school days for Chicago." Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > In the other chamber, state Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago, has been pushing for changes in the school funding formula as well as pension relief for CPS, spokesman John Patterson said. But the state House has not acted on those proposals. "These are not things that happen overnight," Patterson said. Tribune reporters John Byrne and Jennifer Smith Richards contributed. Advertisement drado@tribpub.com jjperez@tribpub.com Twitter @Diane_Rado Twitter @PerezJr Among the students most in peril as the state operates without a budget are those who receive state dollars to help pay for their college education. The Monetary Assistance Program, known as MAP grants, provide up to $4,720 to the state's neediest students who can use the funds to go to any public or private school. The money is pledged to students prior to the school year, but it's only sent to schools if it's appropriated by the legislature and approved by the governor. Advertisement The MAP program provided about $373 million in scholarships to low-income students last year. No state budget means no MAP funding has been released in the 2015-16 school year. Most community colleges and four-year universities have covered the cost of the scholarships this academic year. But with no assurances from Springfield that money will be restored, public and private colleges and universities must decide if they will bankroll the scholarships if the budget impasse continues into the fall. Advertisement Some schools have pledged to continue covering the grants next year, including Governors State University, DePaul University, Monmouth College and Concordia University Chicago. "The sad part of this entire story statewide is that the state made the promise of funding to students and these are the students that need the funding the most," said Trent Gilbert, vice president for enrollment at Monmouth College, where about 550 students get MAP grants. For the current year, Concordia University has covered $2.3 million in MAP funding for more than 500 students, and will continue to do so next fall. Governors State President Elaine Maimon said were it not for financial support, some of her students may not pursue higher education at all. The school put up about $2.8 million to replace lost MAP grants for 1,941 students in the fall and spring semesters. "We're doing that because we don't want to lose those students to nowhere," Maimon said. But some schools that credited student accounts for the scholarships this year, including the University of Illinois campuses and Northern Illinois University, have said students may end up owing their institution if the state does not fund MAP this fall. U. of I. was expecting to receive $60 million in MAP dollars for the school year. Spokesman Thomas Hardy said administrators will decide after May 1 how the school will reconcile the lost MAP funds from the spring term. No decision has been made for the 2016-17 school year. The Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago last week told students that they would have to repay MAP grants for the fall semester. The university did not foot the bill for the spring semester, instead requiring students to find another way to make up that funding. It also does not plan to cover the costs next academic year if there's no budget. Advertisement "It is tough for any institution that has a large low-income population to accept that they will write off that money," said David Baker, IIT's vice president of external affairs. "The state of Illinois promised this to our students, as a key policy. To have it disrupted like this is hard to imagine." About 730 IIT students were supposed to receive MAP grants this year totaling about $3.5 million, and the university has said that students will get the money back if the grants are included whenever a budget is passed. The Tribune's Dawn Rhodes contributed. jscohen@tribpub.com Twitter @higherednews Ja'Mal Green and fellow activists demonstrate outside Fraternal Order of Police Chicago Lodge #7 on March 31, 2016, during a rally to protest the hiring of Jason Van Dyke for a janitorial position. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune) (Chicago Tribune) A handful of demonstrators gathered Thursday outside Chicago police union headquarters to denounce the hiring of Jason Van Dyke, the officer charged with first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Laquan McDonald. Dean Angelo, president of the Fraternal Order of Police Chicago Lodge 7, said the union hired Van Dyke as a janitor about three weeks ago. Advertisement "It's a slap in the face to Chicago residents," said activist Ja'Mal Green. Protesters said the police union should not have given a job to an officer charged with murder at a time when the Chicago Police Department is trying to regain trust in local communities. Advertisement Green and other demonstrators demanded to speak with Angelo and called for Van Dyke to be fired. They were blocked from the door by a row of officers. "If I was a citizen in Chicago, and I murdered somebody ... no job would hire me," said protester Jared Steverson. "Treat him as you would treat any regular citizen." Cornelius Longstreet, a retired Chicago police detective and former union member, also spoke against the hiring, saying the union was "sending a bad message." Gary Snow, of the south suburbs, was the lone police supporter. "The FOP has the authority to hire who they want to hire," he said. Snow was asked to leave by officers after a tense confrontation with protesters. Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > A second protest is planned at the building at 6:30 p.m. Thursday. "We're going to say to the leaders, to the politicians, to Dean Angelo, this stuff is coming to an end, being peaceful, marching," Green said. "I'm not saying that we're going to be violent ... but what I'm saying is, we're tired." The Police Department and its handling of police shootings have been in the spotlight as a result of the case of McDonald, a 17-year-old African-American who was fatally shot by Van Dyke, a white officer, in October 2014. A dash-cam video captured the shooting of McDonald, who was holding a knife when he was shot 16 times by Van Dyke. He was charged in November in the on-duty killing just hours before the court-ordered release of the video. Advertisement Angelo said Van Dyke, who was suspended without pay from the department after he was charged, is in a "very difficult situation, financially." Angelo said the union would do the same for any Chicago officer. The union said Van Dyke lost other jobs because of publicity around the case, and threats closed his wife's business. Associated Press contributed. jkuang@tribpub.com Ruben Zendejas, 24, of Hoffman Estates, was charged with aggravated DUI, failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash, disregarding a traffic light and failure to carry a license. (Courtesy of McHenry County) With his paralyzed victim strapped into a motorized wheelchair behind him in court, a Hoffman Estates man pleaded guilty Wednesday to aggravated DUI in the crash that caused the other man's catastrophic injuries. Ruben Zendejas, 25, now faces one to 12 years in prison but was allowed to remain free on bond until his May 27 sentencing a fact that upset Brandon Ferreira, of Algonquin, who is now paralyzed from the chest down with limited use of his arms. Advertisement McHenry County Assistant State's Attorney Michael Combs said Zendejas had cannabis in his system just after 2 a.m. Feb. 8, 2015, when he ran a red light in Crystal Lake and struck the car that carried Ferreira and two friends. Ferreira had to be extricated. Immediately after pleading guilty, Zendejas showed little emotion as he turned away from Judge Sharon Prather and saw Ferreira seated behind him in his wheelchair. Outside the courtroom, Zendejas declined to comment. Advertisement Ferreira, surrounded by family, said: "The fact he gets to walk out of the courtroom today is ridiculous. He has a chance to hit somebody else in the next couple of months (while awaiting sentencing)." Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > Ferreira, 23, said of the possible range for Zendejas' sentence: "It's not enough time. I'm going to be paralyzed my whole life." Just before the crash, Ferreira said, he and his friends had visited a local tattoo parlor. A 2010 graduate of Jacobs High School in Algonquin, Ferreira said he was working 70 hours a week at the time between two restaurant jobs. His mother, Robin Finucane, said what Zendejas did "devastated" their lives. She said she had to quit her job as a massage therapist to care for her son, and the family has been drained financially. Funds to help cover related expenses have been set up at HelpHOPELive.org. Authorities said Zendejas has been arrested numerous times in recent years on alcohol- and drug-related charges as well as driving while his license was suspended. His lawyer, Anthony DiJohn, said Zendejas accepted the plea deal because, although he passed a roadside sobriety test and there "was no sign of impairment," blood tests showed cannabis and alcohol levels over the legal limit. In exchange for his guilty plea, another count of aggravated DUI was dropped. DiJohn said avoiding a trial will "reduce anxiety for everybody." Amanda Marrazzo is a freelance reporter. Sex worker Brit Schulte discusses the conviction and sentence of Alisha Walker during a rally in Daley Plaza. (Chicago Tribune) A group of sex workers and other advocates on Thursday criticized the conviction of an Ohio woman for killing a Chicago-area high school teacher who solicited her for sex in 2014. About two dozen people gathered at Daley Plaza in a show of solidarity for Alisha Walker, who received a 15-year prison sentence earlier this month for fatally stabbing Alan Filan, a longtime teacher at Brother Rice High School in Chicago's Mount Greenwood community area. Advertisement Demonstrators said that she was unfairly prosecuted for defending herself against a client who attacked her and that her case illustrates a pattern of discrimination against sex workers. Several people penned letters of encouragement and planned to send those, writing materials and money for Walker's commissary account in prison. Walker is incarcerated at Logan Correctional Center in downstate Lincoln. Advertisement "We could all be Alisha," said Cathryn Berarovich, 25. "Because our work is criminalized, there is no recourse for when bad things happen to us. We're standing up for someone who did what she had to do to survive, then was punished for surviving." Authorities have said Filan, 61, had invited Walker and another woman to his Orland Park home Jan. 18, 2014, and agreed to pay each $150 for 30 minutes of sex. Walker's attorney argued a confrontation arose when the women refused Filan's requests to have unprotected sex. Walker's attorneys said she wrestled a knife away from Filan and stabbed him in self-defense. Prosecutors argued that Walker was the aggressor and struggled with Filan in a dispute over money. Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > Filan's body was discovered three days later, and authorities said he had been stabbed 13 times. Walker, 23, was convicted of second-degree murder in January. Her supporters said they were not celebrating the fact that Walker killed Filan but said authorities did not appropriately acknowledge the danger she and other sex workers routinely face. Cathryn Berarovich, left, and Brit Schulte stand together during a rally held by sex workers and advocates to protest the conviction and sentencing of Alisha Walker at Daley Plaza on March 31, 2016. Walker was sentenced to 15 years for killing teacher Al Filan. (E. Jason Wambsgans / Chicago Tribune) "People at the margins of our society don't have equal access to justice in our criminal system. They are not recognized as victims," said Katherine Koster, communications director for Sex Workers Outreach Project USA. "No one brings violence upon themselves, including sex workers. A marginalized woman was not given fair treatment by our justice system, and that's why we should care about it." Erica Friscioni, who has been a sex worker for 10 years, said people in the sex trade are vilified when they fight back against violence but are overlooked when they are the victims. Advertisement "When sex workers don't survive, they're dismissed, they're not talked about," she said. "(Walker) is a member of our community, and she should be treated like a human being, not like trash." cdrhodes@tribpub.com Twitter @rhodes_dawn President Barack Obama will be meeting with Asian leaders in Washington this week as fears grow that long-smoldering tensions on the Korean Peninsula and in the South China Sea could flare into conflict. (Evan Vucci / AP) WASHINGTON The United States pledged Thursday to deepen cooperation with allies South Korea and Japan on deterring the North Korean nuclear threat, working to ramp up pressure following worrying provocations. Leaders of the three countries urged the world community to vigilantly enforce new U.N. sanctions. President Barack Obama didn't disclose what further steps the countries might take as he met with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and South Korean President Park Geun-hye on the sidelines of a nuclear security summit. But he said the countries had directed their teams to work together to help bring about a denuclearized Korean Peninsula. Advertisement "We are united in our efforts to deter and defend against North Korean provocations," Obama said. "We recognize that our security is linked." Park, whose country has been repeatedly threatened by Pyongyang, warned that North Korea would face even stiffer sanctions and more isolation if it engaged in any further provocative acts. Speaking through a translator, she said the mere fact the three leaders were huddling to discuss North Korea carried "huge significance." Advertisement As a nuclear security summit opened in Washington, the U.S. said a strengthened nuclear security agreement among nations was finally set to take force, including new criminal penalties for smuggling nuclear material. The stricter rules for protecting materials and nuclear facilities worldwide were intended to reduce the likelihood of terrorists getting their hands on ingredients for a bomb. Recent ratification by a critical mass of countries cleared the way for the changes to take effect in about a month. Though nuclear terrorism and the Islamic State group top this year's agenda, concerns about North Korea's nuclear weapons program are also commanding focus as the two-day summit gets under way. Those long-simmering concerns have escalated of late following the North's recent nuclear test and rocket launch. China's influence over North Korea will be front and center later in the day when Obama sits down with President Xi Jinping. The White House said that meeting was also an opportunity for Obama to press U.S. concerns about human rights and China's assertive territorial claims in waters far off its coast. Though frictions with China remain high, the U.S. was encouraged by China's role in passing stringent new U.N. sanctions on North Korea, its traditional ally. Now the U.S. is pressing Beijing to implement those sanctions dutifully. Hanging over the meeting were ongoing discussions about the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense system, or THAAD, although the U.S. said it didn't specifically come up. The U.S. and South Korea are weighing deploying the U.S. missile defense system in South Korea to counter the threat from the North. China has resisted that step out of concern it would also give the U.S. radar coverage over Chinese territory, and Russia opposes it as well. In North Korea, meanwhile, the government has been churning out regular propaganda pieces condemning the U.S. and South Korea, while warning it could launch a pre-emptive strike against South Korea or even the U.S. mainland at any time. For Obama, the summit's offers a last major chance to focus global attention on disparate nuclear security threats before the president's term ends early next year. Advertisement For years, pressing security crises in the Middle East have overshadowed Obama's goal of expanding U.S. influence and engagement in Asia, with the North Korean threat another unwanted distraction. Though the U.S. and China have struck sweeping agreements on climate change, they've remained at odds on many economic issues. Obama has also been unable to get Congress to ratify the Asia-Pacific free trade deal his administration painstakingly negotiated. Obama also planned to meet Thursday with French President Francois Hollande, amid steep concerns about terrorism in Europe following Islamic State-linked attacks in Paris and Brussels. The summit continues on Friday with a special session focused on preventing IS and other extremists from obtaining nuclear materials and attacking urban areas. Some of the 2,000 metric tons of highly enriched uranium and separated plutonium being used in civilian or military programs worldwide could be turned into a nuclear bomb if stolen or diverted, the White House warned. Fewer than half of the countries participating in the summit have even agreed to secure sources of radiological material that could be used for a dirty bomb, though more countries are expected to announce commitments during the summit to tighten controls. Associated Press Juanita Passmore was a community activist who worked in the late Mayor Harold Washington's administration, helped start the Chicago Gospel Music Festival and sat on the Women's Board of what was then Operation PUSH. "She was one of the founding members" of the women's board, said the Rev. Jesse Jackson, founder and president of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition. "Juanita was a hugely gifted public servant. She supported Dr. King and Operation Breadbasket, she supported Harold Washington, she led from the center." Advertisement Passmore also worked for many years with cosmetics maker Johnson Products Co., where founder and former Chairman George Johnson Sr. said one of her biggest assignments was to organize and lead a nationwide tour of artwork celebrating a group of notable black women. Passmore, 90, died of natural causes March 22 at the University of Chicago Medical Center, according to a cousin, the Rev. Joel Tolliver. She spent most of her life in Chicago, the last 40 years in the South Shore neighborhood. Advertisement She was born Juanita Carter and was a graduate of Englewood High School on the South Side. She attended college for a time in California before returning to Chicago to study at Columbia College. Passmore was a supporter of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Chicago Freedom Movement in the mid-1960s and later supported the mayoral candidacy of Washington, who appointed her to the Board of Local Improvements after his election. From 1974 to 1990, she worked for Johnson Products in a number of marketing assignments, including taking full charge of the Great Beautiful Black Women project. Johnson decided to celebrate his company's 25th anniversary by honoring a group of 13 notable black women who were said to represent all the beautiful black women who were his company's customers. The company commissioned an artist to paint portraits of each of the women. The group ranged from Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman to Rosa Parks, Coretta Scott King and Wilma Rudolph. Passmore managed the whole project, including touring the nation with the paintings. "She took that all over the country," Johnson said. "She made the preparations, she explained it, she totally handled it and did a magnificent job of that." Sasha Daltonn, who described herself as the founder of the Chicago Gospel Festival, said Passmore played a key role in helping start the event. "She was chairperson of the community committee," Daltonn said. "She worked tirelessly on that." Daltonn described Passmore as "a connector," who could bring others into projects she was committed to. "If she didn't believe in something, she didn't get involved with it," Daltonn said. "She was a woman of principle, standards and commitment." Daltonn said her friend was like a mother, wise and with keen insight. Passmore, who had no children, was also like a grandmother, at least to Daltonn's daughter Angela. "She was a true grandmother to my daughter," she said. Advertisement "That was Juanita," said longtime friend Josie Childs. "Anything she could do to reach out and help young people, to encourage them." "She was a good donor and a very good supporter of the Black United Fund of Illinois," according to the organization's board chairman, Robert Starks, who said Passmore supported his group's grants to other organizations to help young people with jobs, education and other opportunities. "She was especially keen on the arts as a way of occupying children's time and helping them with their development." Her work for the community included membership on the board of Jazz Unites. In that role, she talked with the Tribune in 1994 about efforts to establish the Living American Music Museum in a long-closed storefront on East 75th Street. "A public servant and outstanding freedom fighter," said Jackson "She made life better for so many people." Passmore is survived by sisters Claudette Harris and Dottie Littlejohn and a brother, Joseph Littlejohn. Her husband, Haymon, died in 2013. Advertisement Visitation is from noon to 5 p.m. Thursday at Cage Memorial Chapel, 7651 S. Jeffery Ave., Chicago. A funeral is set for 11 a.m. Friday in The Congregational Church of Park Manor, 7000 S. Martin Luther King Drive, Chicago. Graydon Megan is a freelance reporter. President Barack Obama, accompanied by, from left, Secretary of State John Kerry, Vice President Joe Biden, and National Security Adviser Susan Rice, speaks during a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, Thursday, March 31, 2016. (Jacquelyn Martin, AP) The fourth and final world summit to keep nukes out of the hands of terrorists wraps up Friday in Washington, D.C. This is the Nuclear Security Summit that President Barack Obama launched in 2010 with the sweeping aim of slashing and securing weapons-usable nuclear material stockpiles scattered in too many places around the world. We're sure delegates from more than 50 nations are patting themselves on the back for all their progress over the past six years. In 2010, "the task was awesome and so was the leaders' joint commitment to it," writes Sam Nunn of the Nuclear Threat Initiative. Advertisement Result: In 2010, 35 nations had weapons-usable materials; now it's down to 24, the NTI reports. Leaders set out to reduce and secure more than 2,000 metric tons of nuclear materials spread across hundreds of sites. Today, those stockpiles are smaller, but they still hover around the same metric tonnage, Nunn reports, "much of it still too vulnerable to theft." Advertisement Our conclusion: There's been progress, but it's short of awesome. The prospects for a nuclear containment breakthrough in the summit finale: Dim. That's because of a prominent nyet-show: Vladimir Putin. The Russian president has indicated that he won't play second-fiddle to Obama on the world nuclear-cleanup stage. Yet for years, Russia has led the world in lax security for its nuclear arsenal. The U.S. has helped with funding and know-how to improve Russian security. But significant vulnerabilities remain, as do threats that emanate from government corruption, organized crime and Islamic extremism. The summit also is overshadowed by the rapid pace of nuclear gains in places where you don't want to see nuclear gains: Iran, North Korea and Pakistan. Last year's nuclear deal with Iran was a potential coup for all the terror organizations that Tehran supports; how long before Tehran slips a terror group some fissile material for even a crude bomb? Pakistan's growing nuclear arsenal is a prime target for terrorists, who have launched attacks on heavily guarded nuclear facilities, often appearing to have insider help. And then there's North Korea, which fired off its fourth nuclear test earlier this year and is advancing toward a nuclear-tipped missile capable of hitting the U.S. There are fresh and unsettling leads from Brussels too. Authorities investigating the recent terror bombings reportedly are pursuing evidence that Islamic State leaders sought to attack, infiltrate or sabotage a Belgian nuclear facility, or obtain radioactive material that could be used in a so-called dirty bomb. One clue: Last year, investigators found surveillance footage of a top official at a Belgian nuclear facility in the apartment of a suspected militant linked to the suicide bombers in the Paris and Brussels attacks, The New York Times reports. Authorities speculate that terrorists might have been plotting to gain nuclear materials from the facility, possibly by coercing a scientist to help them, the paper reports. Advertisement If the danger of Islamic State obtaining a nuclear weapon is an "emerging threat," as British defense secretary Michael Fallonsays, that's because Islamic State leaders are borrowing a page from Osama bin Laden's aspirational playbook. Al-Qaida repeatedly attempted to buy stolen nuclear bomb materials once getting duped out of $1.5 million for a cylinder of fake weapons-grade uranium and to recruit nuclear expertise. Al-Qaida terrorists even staged rudimentary tests of conventional explosives as part of their nuclear bomb program in the Afghan desert, report Harvard researchers at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. "At least two terrorist groups al-Qaida and the Japanese terror cult Aum Shinrikyo have made serious efforts to get nuclear weapons, and there is suggestive evidence of Chechen terrorist interest as well (including incidents of terrorist teams carrying out reconnaissance at Russian nuclear weapon storage sites)," the Harvard researchers write. Bin Laden's efforts fizzled. But Islamic State has far greater resources. The delegates to this summit and the people dedicated to sweeping up nuclear stockpiles and keeping them safe can't afford to assume that these diabolical efforts will fail again, let alone forever. The next American president will have to press this issue even harder with his or her counterparts around the world. Terrorists seek nukes, perhaps more aggressively than ever. That means the urgency to secure stockpiles is growing. Earth's population, well aware of terrorists' ghastly intentions, needs more than a summit to contain all the loose nuclear material sloshing around the world. Advertisement Follow the Editorial Board on Twitter @Trib_Ed_Board and on Facebook. Dr. Walter Atkenson Dr. Walter Atkenson is a Lifelong Southwest Side resident. He grew up in Palos Park and went to Sandburg High School, received his undergrad degree from Wabash College and graduated from the Illinois College of Optometry in 1982 where he was honored with the Tomb and Key as well as an Omega Delta membership (academic honor fraternities). Atkenson was part of the first group of optometrists that were certified in the treatment and management of ocular disease (TMOD). "Our practice also was one of the first in the area co-managing surgical patients with Ophthalmology," he says. Advertisement He is married to Sue and has four children Matt, Dan, Mallory, Bryan and daughter-in-law Stacy. "One of the largest practices in the country our growth is attributed to the expertise of all the doctors," he says. "Our concern is for the ocular health of our patients and always keeping the welfare of the patient as our utmost concern. Optometry is a special profession as we are responsible for our most precious sense sight. Our cutting edge technology in diagnostic equipment allows us to provide the finest eye care and eyewear on the Southwest Side." Advertisement Dr. Christopher Suor Dr. Christopher Suor was born in Buffalo, New York. His family moved to Butler, Pennsylvania, when he was 12. He is a graduate of Butler High School. He received a Bachelor's degree from West Virginia University in 1977 and graduated from the Illinois College of Optometry in 1982. Suor has lived in Chicago since 1979. He has two daughters, ages 29 and 25. Dr. John A. Rangel A life-long resident of Chicago, Dr. John A. Rangel attended Whitney M. Young Magnet High School and received his Bachelor of Science in biological sciences from Loyola University of Chicago in 1989. He earned his Doctorate of Optometry from the University of Missouri-St. Louis School of Optometry in 1993. Dr. Rangel has extensive experience in primary eye care, contact lenses and ocular disease. His clinical interests include co-management of refractive surgery and specialty contact lenses. He is fluent in English and Spanish. Outside of optometry, Dr. Rangel enjoys running, traveling and spending quality time with his wife and two daughters. He is also actively involved with the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America and the Lupus Society of Illinois. Dr. Bessie Anthony Dr. Bessie Anthony has been practicing optometry for more than 25 years. She has lived in the Chicago area all of her life. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois at Chicago and continued on to the Illinois College of Optometry. Anthony treats many eye conditions as well as fitting contact lenses and glasses. In her free time, she enjoys fitness, reading and traveling. She lives in the neighborhood with her husband and two children. She welcomes new patients. Advertisement Dr. Andrew Mulder Dr. Andrew Mulder, a graduate and trustee scholar from the Illinois College of Optometry, is proud to provide outstanding care for patients at American Vision Center in Oak Lawn. Mulder has a passion for primary care, high definition refraction, contact lens fitting and management of disease including diabetes, hypertension and eye infections. He welcomes new and returning patients and looks forward to your visit. Lisa Aitchison Lisa Aitchison has been the store manager at American Vision for the past 17 years. In 1989, she received her certification from the American Board of Opticianry. She continues to keep abreast of the newest technology by attending continuing education classes. "My goal each day is to ensure satisfied customers," she says. Chris Nee As assistant manager at American Vision, one of Chris Nee's many responsibilities is to buy eyeglass frames for the store. "Choosing the various frame styles and colors is something I thoroughly enjoy," she says. "But in my 24 years in the optical business (including the last 21 at American Vision) nothing compares to placing a pair of brand new glasses on a child and watching them smile as they see the world clearly for the first time in their lives." A Glendale Heights man pleaded guilty Wednesday in DuPage County court to punching a convenience store clerk before stealing 127 lottery tickets in a 2013 robbery. Roberto C. Garcia, 33, entered a guilty plea to a felony count of robbery for the incident on March 30, 2013, at the 7-Eleven in the 2100 block of Bloomingdale Road in Glendale Heights. He is due to be sentenced May 19. Advertisement According to authorities, Garcia entered the store about 10:30 p.m. and punched the clerk a man in his mid-50s several times in the face and head. The blows snapped off one of the clerk's teeth and dislodged another, Assistant State's Attorney Shanti Kulkarni said. Garcia then took the lottery scratch tickets and left the store, the prosecutor said. According to Illinois Department of Corrections records, Garcia, who has also been identified as Robert Garcia, is currently serving a six-year prison sentence for assaulting a Carpentersville police officer, an incident that took place about the same time as the store robbery. Garcia was also convicted in a Glendale Heights bank robbery, which also took place in that time period. Lincoln Way North parents and students protest outside of the Will County Courthouse in Joliet on March 30, 2016. (Mike Mantucca / Daily Southtown) A Will County judge Wednesday rejected a request for a temporary restraining order to keep the closing of Lincoln-Way North High School from moving forward, in part because students are not party to an ongoing lawsuit brought against the school district so arguments about how the shuttering of the school might impact them could not be considered. Ironically, that decision came shortly after North students rallied in front of the courthouse in support of keeping their school open, and at a hearing at which they were in attendance. Advertisement An attorney for the plaintiffs said Wednesday ruling may be appealed, and the lawsuit will be amended to make clear students have a standing in the case. During arguments at Wednesday's hearing,, Will County Associate Judge Roger Rickmon took note that the named plaintiffs in the lawsuit are only identified as taxpayers and residents of Lincoln-Way Community Unit High School District 210. None are identified as parents of students in the district. Advertisement "Where are the students?" Rickmon asked, as an attorney representing the group argued that a school closure would adversely impact students. A group of parents and residents, calling themselves Lincoln-Way Area Taxpayers United, filed the suit in December in an attempt to keep the Frankfort school open. School board members in August approved the controversial plan to close North, while keeping the district's other three high schools open, as a way to address the district's financial problems and avoid a state financial oversight committee from becoming involved. A courtroom packed with students and parents listened quietly as Rickmon issued his ruling. Several Lincoln-Way North High School students took time from their spring break to attend the court proceedings for the first time. "I think what we want to show is that it's not only the parents who care," North sophomore Sam Grobmeier said during the rally. "We're out here on our spring break because we believe the four schools can stay open." Others said they hoped their efforts would let Rickmon know that students were vested in the case. "We're hoping to show the judge and the community that we do care," North sophomore Mike Trost said. Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday > In addition to saying student's concerns can't be considered, Rickmon found the plaintiffs did not establish a clear right that needed protection or showed that the group would suffer "irreparable harm" if an injunction preventing North's closure was not granted. He also found that the plaintiffs did not show a "reasonable likelihood of success" in the case. In arguments Wednesday, District 210's attorney Bill Gleason suggested any "conversation about students" was "irrelevant for purposes of the argument" before the judge. Advertisement "You can read through the laundry list of plaintiffs who are listed here," Gleason said. "They are taxpayers and an Illinois corporation. There (are) no students who are even listed as plaintiffs." LWATU attorney Stephen Eberhardt said he plans to file an amended complaint next week and clearly identify the plaintiffs as parents of students to show that students have standing in the case. "Our next step is to say, 'Oh yes they do,'" Eberhardt said. Eberhardt said he also may appeal Rickmon's ruling, noting that it is reasonable to argue the impact on students in the case. He noted he did not initially identify plaintiffs as parents of students because he did not believe he was legally required to do so. Alicia Fabbre is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown. Ten years ago, Bonita Hatchett built her dream home in Flossmoor. A lawyer by trade, she moved to the south Chicago suburb to join a diverse community that included black professionals like herself. But Hatchett is now planning to leave it all behind. The culprit? Property taxes. Advertisement "You're told all your life: Be educated, be successful, work hard and buy a house. But, we're being abused for doing so," Hatchett said. "Living in a town like Flossmoor, it's just not worth it." She's not alone. Advertisement Illinoisans pay among the highest property taxes in the nation, according to the nonpartisan Tax Foundation. Some Illinoisans' property-tax bills are more than their mortgage payments. And the squeeze is getting worse. Since 1990, the average property-tax bill in Illinois has grown more than three times faster than the state's median household income, according to Illinois Policy Institute research. While Hatchett estimates the value of her home has been slashed in half over the past decade, her property tax bill has only gone up. She paid more than $18,000 in property taxes last year well over 5 percent of what she thinks her house is worth. Hatchett plans to move to Indiana, where taxes on residential property are capped at 1 percent of the value. Seventy miles from Hatchett's home, in the northwest Chicago suburb of Crystal Lake, Cassandra Bajak thinks this coming Christmas will be her two children's last in their home. Since she and her husband, an Army veteran, built the house in 2002, their property-tax bills have doubled eclipsing their mortgage payments. Her family now is choosing between a move to a southern state or downsizing in their community. "We're being taxed out of our home," Mrs. Bajak said. "The only reason we would ever leave our home or this state is property taxes, and that's what's going to happen." In McHenry County, where the Bajaks reside, property taxes eat up nearly 8 percent of the median household income. What's worse, Illinoisans aren't getting much bang for their tax bucks. Advertisement Property taxes at the municipal level have not been going to fund spotless roads or other public works. Instead, they're mostly funding out-of-control pension costs. Just take a look at Springfield, where 98 percent of the city's 2014 property tax levy went to pensions. And where, from 2000 to 2014, members of the typical household have seen their property-tax bill grow more than twice as fast as their income. Despite that, city-worker retirements are still in jeopardy. While taxpayers have more than doubled their contributions to the local police and firefighter pension systems over the past decade, Springfield's police pension fund has a mere 53 cents in the bank for every dollar it needs to pay out future benefits; for firefighter pensions, only 45 cents. Forcing homeowners to keep shoveling more property tax dollars into broken pension systems has become a morally bankrupt solution to the problem. Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday > In Springfield, for example, residents already contribute four times more money into police, fire and municipal employee pensions than do the employees. Advertisement The problem is that, in Illinois, state politicians mandate pension benefits for local government workers, with little regard to fairness for local taxpayers. Many communities would prefer not to pay the high cost of workers enjoying early retirement ages, health insurance benefits normal residents could never afford, and annual 3 percent cost-of-living adjustments that private-sector workers could only dream of. So how can the state protect homeowners? Forcing local governments to begin to live within their means through a property-tax freeze, as has been proposed by Gov. Bruce Rauner, is necessary. But solving the root cause of the property-tax problem will require further reform, such as moving all new government workers from defined-benefit to self-managed retirement plans, transferring the power to negotiate pension benefits down to local leaders, and encouraging aggressive consolidation and resource-sharing across units of local government. For some communities, the only option to undo decades of mismanagement will be bankruptcy. Until sincere efforts are made at reform, Illinoisans will continue to live in fear: taxpayers of being squeezed out of their homes, and government workers of pension payments that may never come. Austin Berg is a Chicago-based writer with the Illinois Policy Institute who is writing for the Illinois News Network, a project of IPI. Austin can be reached at aberg@illinoispolicy.org. In May, Hampshire Area Fire Protection District Deputy Chief Trevor Herrmann will travel to Springfield, where he will be presented with a medal of honor by the office of the state fire marshal. Herrmann is being recognized for his rescue of a woman from an apartment fire that started the night of Feb. 6, 2015, above the Fenzel Motor Sales dealership in the 200 block of South State Street in downtown Hampshire. The dealership, which sells new and used cars and trucks, is located next door to the Hampshire Village Hall. Advertisement "I am very honored by Hampshire fire Chief Bill Robinson nominating me for the award," Herrmann said. "I am both surprised and overwhelmed. My family, fellow firefighters and friends will accompany me to Springfield." According to Hampshire fire district officials, Herrmann was off duty but in the neighborhood when smoke was seen billowing from the upstairs apartment. Advertisement The sole occupant of the apartment was Georgia Ann Hartman, 67, former manager of the American Legion Post 57 in Elgin. Aided by Hampshire police Officer Roy Maki and without any special mask or equipment, they kicked open the apartment door, crawled inside below blinding smoke, and pulled Hartman outside to safety, officials said. Hartman had sustained second- and third-degree burns and a lung injury due to the smoke and fire, officials said. She had stopped breathing, but she began breathing again after Herrmann and some paramedics performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Hampshire firefighters arrived at the apartment at 10:17 p.m. and were able to extinguish the blaze within 45 minutes. Hampshire received assistance from nearly 10 area fire departments. Hartman was taken by ambulance to Presence St. Joseph Hospital in Elgin and later airlifted by helicopter to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood. She died Feb. 10. Herrmann suffered from the effects of smoke inhalation during the rescue and had to be hospitalized overnight, officials said. One other firefighter was also hospitalized and later released. The apartment experienced significant fire and water damage, and there was some damage to the car dealership, officials said. Since the fire, the facility has been completely repaired and restored. Fenzel Motor Sales has been in business almost 75 years. The dealership includes a showroom, two repair facilities and a used-car area. Advertisement The Hampshire fire district is recognizing its 85th anniversary this year. Denise Moran is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News. Glenview telecommunicator Mike Karp will receive the Public Safety Award at the 49th Annual Glenview Civic Awards. (Village of Glenview / Handout) For Charles "Ace" Realie, the choice was easy. "They told us they were going to demolish them," Realie said of the former Naval Air Station Glenview artifacts now at The Glen Town Center. "So we formed a foundation and I was president of it. We formed the Glenview Hangar One Foundation with the idea of saving the tower and hangar from being demolished." Advertisement For his commitment and dedication to preserving the tower and hangar at The Glen, Realie will be recognized as Citizen of the Year in a ceremony presenting the 2015 Glenview Civic Awards at Valley Lo Club on April 8. "No individual has had more of an impact in preserving the history of Glenview during the development of The Glen," wrote Lloyd Kuehn Jr., commander of American Legion Post 166 and 2011 Citizen of the Year, in his nomination of Realie for the honor. Advertisement Realie, who fought with the Marines in the Korean War, was stationed at the Glenview base as a fire squadron pilot flying fighter planes, he said. "When I got back from Korea, the base was going pretty well," Realie recalled. "It was ready for Vietnam and Afghanistan. In 1995, I was just about retired and the base was closed." Realie worked closely with developers of The Glen and personally provided artifacts at the Naval Air Station Glenview Museum, and the uniform on the electronic mannequin that tells the story of the base at Von Maur store, Kuehn said. "He is almost solely responsible for the fountain and statues in The Glen Town Center being completed for the opening of The Glen, giving his word and personal guarantee to the village that the statues could be paid for through the selling of the bricks in honor of those who served," he said. Realie is one of five people who will receive Civic Awards at the 49th annual event. Mark Walther, principal of Hoffman School, will receive the Special Committee Award; Glenbrook South High School student Sydney DeHorn, Youth of the Year; telecommunicator Mike Karp, the Public Safety Award; and citizen Hugh Rodriguez, the Public Service Award. Walther received glowing nominations from eight members of the Glenview community. Special Committee winners must "have made a significant difference" in Glenview, be "respected" by the community, and must have contributed to the village "in a unique manner," according to award guidelines. Dan Fraser of The Optimist Club of Glenview called Walther a "superhero of positive energy and this powerful force for good." Advertisement "You hear how great he is with his staff and the teachers and parents," Fraser wrote. "You find out he is absolutely rallying the kids to follow his lead on the good character themes he lives and breathes." DeHorn, a senior at GBS, was "born to serve the community," according to nominator Randy McGraw, a GBS faculty member. She is currently the president of Sisters for Heroes, which has raised more than $50,000, McGraw said. Karp helped rescue a woman hanging by a rope from a tree in November 2015, according to nominators Brent Reynolds, director of Glenview public safety support services, and Kristy Pinkowski, 911 shift supervisor. Rodriguez called police to report a vehicle burglary and helped police make an arrest in the November 2015 incident, said Glenview Police Chief William Fitzpatrick, who nominated him. Phil Rockrohr is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press. A Safe Place executive director Pat Davenport (left) speaks with survivor Joyce Mason next to cardboard "silent silhouettes" representing victims who did not survive domestic violence after a domestic abuse event in Mundelein on Wednesday, March 30. (Yadira Sanchez Olson / Lake County News-Sun) Joyce Mason's story started out like many other tales of love. Girl meets a boy. They date for three years and get married. Advertisement Then gradually, that story turned into one of domestic abuse. "He became controlling, and when my daughter was born, he was jealous of the bond I had with her," Mason said at a domestic violence meeting sponsored by U.S. Rep. Robert Dold, R-10th, at the Mundelein Police Department on Wednesday. Advertisement Within the walls of what she described as a "beautiful home, in a nice neighborhood, where kids played outside," no one seemed to imagine that, for years, Mason lived in fear, terrified that her spouse would hurt her and her children. When she finally felt ready to leave her abusive husband, Mason said she sought assistance from authorities but was met with a lack of empathy and even more threats from her husband of grave repercussions if she went through with a divorce. Today, Mason said she is no longer a victim thanks to the support she found at A Safe Place, the Lake County-based agency that provides shelter and other services for those affected by domestic violence. Now she sits on the board of directors for the organization. A Safe Place provided Mason with the resources and support she needed to end the cycle of abuse, she said. Each year, the advocacy center in Zion provides life-saving services, such as a 1-800-600-7233 hotline and programs to 16,000 children and adults from throughout northern Illinois. Wednesday's meeting hosted many other officials from Lake County agencies and organizations that work alongside A Safe Place with a similar mission to keep people safe from violence and abuse. To protect more victims of domestic abuse and close a loophole in the legal system, Dold said he co-sponsored a bill last year with U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-12th, that is designed to keep people who have committed abuse against dating partners from buying or owning firearms. "One thing we know is that the chances of a woman getting murdered by her partner goes up five times if there's a gun involved," Dold said, asking those in attendance to join him with support of his bipartisan bill. Advertisement The current federal law prohibits someone from owning a gun if they are convicted of abusing a spouse, someone they live with, or someone they have a child with. The Zero Tolerance for Domestic Abusers Act would go further to include people who have abused and stalked a current or former dating partner. Pat Davenport, executive director of A Safe Place, said that domestic abuse doesn't only affect a handful of people. "In some way it touches everyone," Davenport said. "One in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. Nearly all of us will know someone affected by this type of violence." Sarah Wirth, a Mundelein police officer, told those in attendance Wednesday that she was personally impacted by domestic abuse from her first husband. "I've been there," Wirth said. "I know what it's like to feel like there's no way out." Advertisement Wirth recently remarried and runs a women's self-defense class at the Mundelein police station, she said. Lake County State's Attorney Mike Nerheim said regional resources, which include the Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center in Gurnee, the state's attorney's Domestic Violence Division and Sexual Assault and Abuse Program, and assistance offered by police departments, provide a way out of violent and potentially deadly relationships. Nerheim stressed that although the fight against domestic violence seems daunting, through close collaboration from those social agencies and organizations, along with the community's support, the generational cycle of violence can end. "Ten million kids in the country grow up witnessing domestic abuse in the home," Nerheim said. "We're all in this together." Yadira Sanchez Olson is a freelancer for the News-Sun President Barack Obama speaks at the National Theater in Havana, Cuba on March 22, 2016. (Desmond Boylan / AP) President Barack Obama's visit to Cuba is the latest move in a series that span his tenure in the White House, and occurs in the context of long-term hostility between the two countries. President Calvin Coolidge was the last U.S. chief executive to visit the island nation, in early 1928. At the end of May 2015, the United States formally removed Cuba from the list of states sponsoring terrorism. This greatly facilitated interchange between the two sides. Of particular significance, banking restrictions have been lifted. Advertisement Slowly but also surely, the ruthless dictatorship that controls Cuba has been forced to face the reality of economic failure of communism. Fidel Castro began transition of power to younger brother Raul Castro in 2006. Four years later, Fidel suddenly re-emerged in the media spotlight and proceeded dramatically to lament the shambles of the nation's economy. At the same time, the Cuban government announced layoffs of 500,000 workers, combined with liberalization designed to encourage small business and foreign purchases of real estate. This was admission of failure by Cuba's committed Communist leaders. Havana now seeks foreign investment while maintaining political controls. Advertisement In 2009, the U.S. loosened extremely tight restrictions on travel and financial remittances. Additionally, telecommunications companies were allowed to pursue licensing agreements. The Soviet Union, a vital subsidy source, collapsed a quarter century ago. Venezuela provides limited aid, further reduced by the rapid decline in oil prices. Enemies as well as admirers agree Fidel Castro demonstrated strong leadership before age and illness led him to retire. After taking power in early 1959, enforcer brother Raul handled bloody mass executions with efficient dispatch. Fidel highlighted a new alliance with the Soviet Union by joining Nikita Khrushchev in a 1960 visit to the United Nations in New York. The Soviet premier was wildly disruptive at UN sessions, while the Cuban delegation provided a media sideshow, based at a Harlem hotel. The Eisenhower administration began a clandestine effort to overthrow the increasingly radical regime, including a CIA project to assassinate Castro. The successor Kennedy administration vastly escalated such efforts. Lake County News Sun Twice-weekly News updates from Lake County delivered every Monday and Wednesday > When Fidel stepped down, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice endorsed "peaceful, democratic change" in that nation and suggested that the "international community" work directly with the people. Obama's televised address in Cuba took a page from the playbook of President Richard Nixon, who made a radio and TV speech to the Soviet people during his historic May 1972 visit. President Dwight D. Eisenhower used such programs to his benefit during the height of the Cold War. We should emphasize educational and family exchanges, along with trade and investment. Above all, we should reject direct attacks on the Cuba regime. Previous aggressive interventions were highly counterproductive, and for many years have provided the Castro brothers with the benefit of blaming all problems on the Yankee superpower to the north. Advertisement In the past, Cuba has been extremely important in U.S. presidential politics. Democratic presidential nominee Senator John Kennedy fanned the flames of hostility to Castro in the 1960 contest with Republican Vice President Richard Nixon. This year, some Republicans have strongly denounced the rapprochement with Cuba, but Republican Senator Jeff Flake of Arizona joined the Obama delegation. A bipartisan congressional delegation visited Cuba in February. During a joint press conference with Obama, Raul Castro clearly was taken aback by blunt questions from reporters about human rights abuses. Let the questions and the pressure continue. Arthur I. Cyr is Clausen Distinguished Professor at Carthage College in Wisconsin and author of "After the Cold War" (NYU Press and Palgrave/Macmillan). He can be reached at acyr@carthage.edu. By Jake Liddle For some time now, rising labor costs in China have been setting off alarms among foreign investors. This is mainly due to the countrys increasing minimum wage levels and living standards, as well as its social security system, which has been extensively developed over the past decades. However, as the Central Government exerts pressure to maintain economic growth targets, the costs of employees welfare benefits have recently been substantially reduced. According to the Socioeconomic Development Outline of the 13th Five-Year Plan, maternity insurance and basic medical insurance are very likely to be combined soon. This implies that in the future, Chinas insurance schemes will be reduced from the long standing five insurances (i.e., pension, medical insurance, unemployment insurance, maternity insurance, and occupational injury insurance) and one fund (housing fund) plan, to four insurances and one fund. Meanwhile, various provincial governments have already released new policies to lower different aspects of social security insurance premiums. In this article, we detail the social insurance policies by region, and also look ahead to the future of the Chinese social welfare system and its influence on foreign companies operating in China. Shanghai Effective as of January 1 this year, the Shanghai government is reducing the premiums payable by an employer for basic pension insurance and basic medical insurance by one percent and unemployment insurance by 0.5 percent. Guangzhou The Guangzhou government announced that as of May 1 this year, the cost of unemployment insurance will be reduced by 1 percent, and requires that in the second half of this year, in order to promote the integration of urban and rural basic medical insurance, unit rates will be gradually reduced to about 5.5 percent. RELATED: Payroll and Human Resource Services Tianjin In early February this year, the Tianjin government launched its first batch of 20 measures and policies to reduce insurance premium rates. The premium payable by an employer for unemployment insurance will be reduced by one percent, maternity insurance will drop to 0.5 percent, and workplace injury insurance lowest standards will drop to 0.2 percent, whilst highest standards stands at 1.9 percent. Zhejiang Province Zhejiang decided that the premium payable for an employer of basic medical insurance will reduce by a months rate each year, while maternity insurance and workplace injury premiums will drop by 0.2 percent. Xiamen and Fujian Province Fujian and Xiamen have released notification that the premium payable by an employer for basic medical insurance will drop by one percent. Yunnan and Gansu The provinces of Yunnan and Gansu have also reduced the premiums for unemployment, workplace injury, and maternity insurance policies. Influence and Future Trends These adjustments to insurance premiums are expected to alleviate RMB 13.5 billion worth of burden for insurance premium payers. It must be noted that in some regions, not only have premiums been lowered for employer contributions to social security insurance, but also for employees. Of the one percent reduction to unemployment insurance contributions made in Guangzhou, the employers rate has dropped from 1.5 percent to 0.8 percent and the employees rate has been reduced from 0.5 to 0.2 percent. And in Yunnan, of the one percent total drop in the unemployment insurance premium, the employers rate has dropped from two percent to 1.4 percent while the employees rate has also been reduced from one to 0.6 percent. This implies that reductions to insurance premiums will ultimately add volume to employees wages. In Yunnan, for example, if an employees monthly salary is RMB 5,000, and was previously paying one percent of earnings towards social security, after the 0.6 percent reduction in insurance premiums, they would make an extra RMB 240 per annum. About Us Asia Briefing Ltd. is a subsidiary of Dezan Shira & Associates. Dezan Shira is a specialist foreign direct investment practice, providing corporate establishment, business advisory, tax advisory and compliance, accounting, payroll, due diligence and financial review services to multinationals investing in China, Hong Kong, India, Vietnam, Singapore and the rest of ASEAN. For further information, please email china@dezshira.com or visit www.dezshira.com. Stay up to date with the latest business and investment trends in Asia by subscribing to our complimentary update service featuring news, commentary and regulatory insight. Human Resources and Payroll in China 2015 This edition of Human Resources and Payroll in China, updated for 2015, provides a firm understanding of Chinas laws and regulations related to human resources and payroll management essential information for foreign investors looking to establish or already running a foreign-invested entity in China, local managers, and HR professionals needing to explain complex points of Chinas labor policies. Employing Foreign Nationals in China In this issue of China Briefing, we have set out to produce a guide to employing foreign nationals in China, from the initial step of applying for work visas, to more advanced subjects such as determining IIT liability and optimizing employee income packages for tax efficiency. Lastly, recognizing that few foreigners immigrate to China on a permanent basis, we provide an overview of methods for remitting RMB abroad. Social Insurance in China In this issue of China Briefing Magazine, we introduce Chinas current social insurance system and provide an update on the status of foreigners participation in the system. We also include a comprehensive chart of updated average wages across China, which is used to calculate social insurance contribution floors and ceilings. We hope this will give you a better understanding of the system in China. You are here: Home China will encourage more non-profit funds to protect cultural relics, the State Administration of Cultural Heritage (SACH) announced on Wednesday. China has spent 60 billion yuan (9.3 billion U.S.dollars) on protecting cultural relics during the past five years, said Zhu Xiaodong, director of policy and law department of the SACH. The money went to more than 10,000 projects but did not cover privately owned cultural items, said Zhu. Though cultural relics held as private property are included in the government programs, a lack of proper funding has left privately owned relics basically unprotected. Zhu said the SACH will help establish non-profit cultural heritage funds with the help of the Ministry of Finance, to channel in both state subsidies and private capital for cultural relic protection. China's traditional villages are in most urgent need of protection, said Zhu. Among the 11,000 registered cultural relics in these 2,555 villages, 6,600 are in the possession of private owners. With the help of non-profit funds, the SACH can encourage and stimulate private owners to take tangible action to protect their relics, Zhu said. Chinese investors in power generation on Wednesday expressed their intention to open business in Tanzania to enable the sector to contribute to the country's socio-economic development. They expressed their intention when they met the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy and Minerals in charge of Energy, Juliana Pallangyo, and experts from the Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited (Tanesco), the State Mining Corporation (Stamico), the National Development Corporation (NDC) and the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (Ewura) Speaking at the meeting, Chinese Economic and Business Representative to Tanzania Lin Zhiyong said companies dealing with energy production were interested in investing in Tanzania, where opportunities abound. He also said that a special Chinese delegation was expected in Tanzania next week to get a first-hand information on the potentials available in the sector. "They will come to see policies and government strategies in the energy sector before signing preliminary agreements," the official said. Lin said that Chinese investors were ready to partner with their Tanzanian counterparts in power generation, so that the country could get enough power for the country's economic prosperity. Pallangyo commended the Chinese delegation for showing interest in the energy sector and urged them to explore the available opportunities. "Our people need reliable energy that will stimulate the economy of the country. So, we're welcoming investors to invest in power generation," he said, citing some of the energy sources as gas, geothermal, coal, solar and wind power. Tanzania's resources which are suitable for solar power generation are estimated to be equivalent to those of Spain, and areas of high wind power potential cover more than ten per cent of the country. According to the World Bank's Energy Sector Management Assistance Programme (ESMAP), the current electrification rate in Tanzania stands at 18.4 percent. The target is to increase access to modern electricity to 75 per cent of the population by 2035. China's State Council Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office has voiced "resolute opposition" to an organization advocating "Hong Kong independence." The raising ceremony of the Chinese national flag (Front) and the flag of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is held at the Golden Bauhinia Square in Hong Kong, south China, July 1, 2015 to celebrate the 18th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China. [Photo: Xinhua] It also declared that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) government's refusal to register such organization was "proper." "We resolutely oppose any statement or action advocating 'Hong Kong independence'," said a spokesperson for the office on Wednesday. The spokesperson said that as an inseparable part of China, the Hong Kong SAR implements the principles of "one country, two systems" and "Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong" with a high degree of autonomy in accordance with its Basic Law. "We believe that the attempt by a very few people in Hong Kong to set up a 'Hong Kong independence' organization undermines national sovereignty and security, jeopardizes Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, and risks the fundamental interests of Hong Kong," the spokesperson said. Such act is resolutely opposed by all Chinese people, including the 7 million plus Hong Kong citizens, and it also violates the country's Constitution, the region's Basic Law and other existing laws, according to the spokesperson. "We believe that the SAR government will handle this case legally. We noticed that the SAR government has, according to law, refused to register such organization," the spokesperson said, adding that such refusal is "proper." The Chinese mainland warned Taiwan yesterday that a number of achievements made during the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations would suffer if the political basis of the 1992 Consensus was undermined. "The 1992 Consensus is the political basis for the peaceful development of relations across the Taiwan Strait," said An Fengshan, spokesman for the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office, at a press conference. Only by accepting the historical fact of the 1992 Consensus and recognizing its core implication that both sides belong to one China can the peaceful and stable development of cross-Strait ties be maintained, he said. An made the remarks when he was asked to comment on the stance on the 1992 Consensus by Taiwan's incoming leader Tsai Ing-wen. The mainland's Taiwan affairs chief Zhang Zhijun made it clear during a recent interview with Taiwan reporters that the mainland's adherence to the 1992 Consensus is "both our principle and a gesture of goodwill," An said. Holding what kind of stance on the 1992 Consensus and how to define the nature of cross-Strait ties are the touchstones and criteria for a genuine gesture of goodwill, An added. "Only by clarifying the nature of cross-Strait ties can one see clearly the future of cross-Strait ties," An said. He noted, however, that no matter what a political party or group in Taiwan had advocated before, as long as it accepts the 1992 Consensus and recognizes its core implication, the mainland is willing to conduct exchanges with it. An also warned Taiwan that the passage of a proposed new law governing relations between the two sides could seriously damage the basis for cross-Strait negotiations, and that the mainland opposed any obstacles to developing ties. The Democratic Progressive Party is proposing Taiwan's legislature first pass a cross-Strait supervision law before it will consider agreeing to the 2013 Cross-Strait Service Trade Agreement, which aimed to open up investment from both sides in industries such as banking, health care, and tourism. Asked about the law, An said: "Anything that damages the basis for consultations and negotiations between the two sides of the strait, interferes in or impedes relevant progress or puts up man-made blocks on the development of ties, we will resolutely oppose. "The foundation of cross-Strait negotiations should not be undermined, and the authority of agreements reached by the mainland-based Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits and the Taiwan-based Straits Exchange Foundation must be maintained," he said. In Taipei, Taiwan's outgoing leader Ma Ying-jeou met his successor yesterday and emphasized the need for a smooth transition of power amid a slowdown in the island's high-tech economy and uncertainty over relations with the mainland, The Associated Press reported. Tsai, who takes office on May 20, has declined to explicitly endorse that Taiwan and the mainland are part of a single Chinese nation. She has stated that reviving economic growth and improving social welfare will be the main focuses of her administration, placing relatively little emphasis on relations with the mainland. Without mentioning specific issues, Ma said Taiwan "faces many challenges from within and without," which call for cooperation between the ruling and opposition parties. Tsai thanked Ma for his work as Taiwan's leader and for agreeing to the meeting, which she said came at a time of concern over the transition. Ma said he appreciated the Taiwan people giving him the opportunity over the past eight years to work toward "a free, just and prosperous Taiwan and a peaceful Taiwan Strait," AP reported. Underpaid teachers, uneven distribution of resources and high fees. These predicaments have plagued China's education system for decades. However, with the emergence of online courses, they may be a thing of the past. Tech-savvy teachers are making a fortune without stepping out of their homes. Chinese writing teacher Xie Mingbo quit his job as a classroom teacher to turn his attention to teaching online. Xie, 33, offers live and recorded lessons on his website. "Writing skills for senior high schoolers," a 15-lessons pre-recorded course that costs 499 yuan (US$76.5 ), has got about 300 orders. A live-broadcast lesson on preparation for the 2016 college entrance examination is 799 yuan for 24 lessons. Xie said each of his courses has at least 100 paid followers, making him a teacher to about 4,000 students. He earned more than 1 million yuan last year. "Instead of teaching the same thing over and over to different classes, I just record it once and use the rest of time to improve my teaching," said another online teacher. For students and parents, online courses can save them money, as tuition fees are a fraction of that charged by brick-and-mortar cramming institutions. With more courses to choose from, students can manage their own time and their classrooms can be anywhere. Even parents can join the learning. "Online courses save me time, and money. I don't have to send my kid to school and pick him up, it really saves me tons of trouble," said one parent. According to a report on China's Internet development, released in January, 110 million Chinese Internet users had tried online education in 2015. A separate investigation conducted by Beijing-based Tianto Info Consulting forecast that online education industry will expand by 28 percent year on year in 2016. However, Xiong Bingqi, vice president of 21st Century Education Research Institute, said online teaching by school teachers is not allowed under existing rules. "Teachers may shift their focus and energy to their online teaching, and that will inevitably affect their performance at school. This is unfair to school-goers," Xiong said. The effectiveness of online education has also been questioned. Education experts are worried about the quality of online courses and credibility of many online teachers. Liu Chengbo, a researcher with the Department of Education, said education relies on the influence teachers have on students, which is best developed through face-to-face interactions. Liu added that traditional classroom education took a holistic approach to development, teaching children social responsibility, innovative thinking, interpersonal skills and problem solving ability, which can never be satisfied by online education. The central government has proposed to speed up the building of a learning society, by supporting the opening and sharing of learning channels, and developing online and distance education in the 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016-2020). Thus, "independent teachers" are expected to become a part of the wider education-support network in China, according to industry insiders. He Qiang, CEO of Sanhao.com, a popular online tutoring site, said during a forum on individualized education that the industry must follow the rules of the Internet and market, and most importantly, objective laws of education. "For education, no matter online or offline, technology is just the assistance, quality is the most important," he said. Xiao Lin and Xiao Xiao, university students in Chengdu, never expected that their dissatisfactory comments on dishes delivered from a neighboring restaurant might trigger revenge. Two students from Chengdu, Sichuan Province, were threatened with retaliation after writing negative comments online about a restaurant. The dishes - pork and preserved vegetable, tofu pudding, and Coca Cola chicken wings were ordered on Eleme (literarily translated as "are you hungry?"), an online catering platform. "The dishes were unpleasant looking: the tofu was roughly cooked and the chicken wings were overcooked," Xiao Lin recalled. In his comment, which was submitted after the payment had been confirmed, Xiao Lin sarcastically said that he had to make instant noodles after taking several bites of the meal. "I will absolutely not order their foods a second time," Xiao Lin said. "The food provider has no physical location and no hygienic permit, which leads me to doubt the genuineness of the online photo of their dining hall." Later, a reply to Xiao Lin's comment shows that the merchant asked the young man to rewrite his comments, promising that he can confirm the restaurant's authenticity and saying that if the customer doesn't appreciate the food he can stop ordering from the restaurant. The response ended with a comment saying: "Different people prefer different tastes." That very afternoon, Xiao Lin claimed to receive a phone call from the restaurant; the caller threatened to cause trouble and said that he knew Xiao's address. A second call came later on, which Xiao Lin recorded. "You are causing difficulties for all of us," a male voice says on the recording. "You can choose not to order our food next time, but your comments questioning the authenticity of our restaurant will directly affect our businesses as the other users who log onto the page will see the comment right away." But, infuriated by the call, Xiao Lin refused to change the comment saying that he wouldn't change his opinion simply because of a threat. The tension between them escalated, and the caller said that since Xiao Lin had ruined his business, he can't continue living. Xiao Lin wasn't at home when he received a third call asking him to open the door. He asked his friend and a security guard to stop by his flat in case something unusual happened. His concern proved to be necessary; the door of his home was damaged by several slashes and the lock of the door was deformed. Xiao Lin then called the police. The caller from the restaurant didn't answer after the incidence. Xiao Lin and his friend discovered from surveillance videos that two suspects had entered the apartment, one of whom Xiao Lin later identified as an employee of the restaurant. Although the two suspects have been blacklisted by security guards in the community where Xiao Lin lives, the restaurant refused to admit that they had slashed the door. Last Sunday, Xiao Lin received a message on his phone. The sender claimed to be a man from the restaurant and persuaded Xiao Lin to solve their dispute with a compromise. Mediated by the local police, the two sides reached an agreement and the restaurant will pay for a replacement door. Although the restaurant was later discovered to be fully licensed, the photo of their dining hall was false. Eleme therefore revoked its access to the online business platform on March 29, 2016. Eleme has recently been overwhelmed by a string of accusations regarding hygienic problems and restaurants using false descriptions and photos. So far, about 180,000 restaurants in almost 200 cities have joined the online food delivery platform. You are here: Home A Chinese defense ministry spokesperson said on Thursday that Japan should be more transparent about its military budget. Japan has been increasing its defense spending for years, sparking concern among its neighbors and the international community, spokesperson Yang Yujun told a monthly press conference, saying Japan should explain its real intentions. Japan has approved a record-high 5.05 trillion yen (about 41.90 billion U.S. dollars) military budget for the 2016 fiscal year, a 1.5 percent increase from 2015. This is the fourth consecutive year that Japan has increased its defense budget. Yang also blasted Japan's criticisms of China's normal military spending growth. Earlier this month, China announced its lowest defense budget increase in six years. Yang said the budget covered the building up of national defense and will help safeguard national sovereignty and security. China's defense budget must be approved by China's top legislature, the National People's Congress, Yang said, stressing that China has no "invisible" defense spending. You are here: Home The Kenyan government on Wednesday announced a 21-day amnesty for individuals in possession of wildlife trophies to surrender them and escape prosecution. Cabinet Secretary for Environment Professor Judi Wakhungu made the announcement in Nairobi as the government embarked on softer approaches to contain the menace of illicit trade in wildlife products. "In the spirit of the upcoming ivory and rhino horn burn, I would like to offer a 21 day amnesty for the surrender of any wildlife trophies which are held without permit," said Wakhungu. She added the amnesty will be enforced immediately as part of a range of incentives to discourage local and foreign citizens from buying wildlife products from illicit markets. "Anybody holding any ivory, rhino horns or any other wildlife trophies or jewelry or trinkets made from these materials should surrender them to authorities," Wakhungu remarked, adding that officials from Kenya wildlife service will coordinate this effort. The East African nation has intensified efforts to combat illicit trade in wildlife products through improved surveillance, deterrent laws and public awareness. President Uhuru Kenyatta will on April 30 torch 120 tonnes of ivory to reinforce Kenya's commitment to eradicate the menace of poaching. Wakhungu revealed that Kenyatta will be joined by several African presidents from elephant range states during the ceremony to burn the trophies. "We remain committed to ensuring that elephants and rhinos are accorded the highest level of protection. The burning of ivory and horn demonstrates our commitment to a total ban on trade in these products," Wakhungu told reporters. She clarified the state amnesty on individuals who surrender wildlife products will not dilute legal measures to combat poaching of iconic mammals. "Heavy penalties will still be meted on individuals accused of wildlife crimes," Wakhungu said. You are here: Home One herdsman has been injured after fires broke out on the grasslands in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on Tuesday and Wednesday, said fire fighting sources. The first fire to hit East Ujimqin Banner took more than 300 fire fighters seven hours to put out. A female herder was injured fighting the fire and was sent to hospital for treatment. A second fire broke out in the same banner at midday Wednesday. More than 300 people have been mobilized. Herders and livestock threatened by the fire have been evacuated. Fire fighting efforts are continuing despite windy and dusty weather. The causes of the fires were unclear. Workers take photos of the pressure vessel of a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) during its installation at the Huaneng Shidao Bay nuclear power plant, east China's Shandong Province, March 20, 2016. [Photo: Xinhua/Guo Xulei] Expected to be attended by more than 50 world leaders, the fourth and final Nuclear Security Summit (NSS), scheduled to be held in Washington DC, is of immense importance to the international community. Initiated in 2010 by American President Barack Obama, the NSS is a unique effort to secure nuclear materials and prevent the same from getting into the hands of rogue states and non-state actors. Of course, nuclear security is nothing new to the global community. Beginning with the Non-Proliferation Treaty in the 1960s, the world has taken numerous initiatives to address the dangers of nuclear proliferation. A number of treaties were signed by leading countries in the 1970s to create a nuclear export control regime to prevent proliferation especially among rogue states. Yet, the breakaway of the Soviet Union and daring terrorist attack like 9/11 escalated the fear of nuclear stockpiles falling into the hands of terrorist groups. Post-9/11 intelligence has shed light on the desperate attempts made by different terrorist networks to accumulate weapons of mass destruction especially radioactive and fissile materials. The emergence of global jihadi groups like al-Qaeda in the early 2000s, and recently the Islamic State (IS), and their open claims to acquire weapons of mass destruction have made the international community more aware of the dangerous scenario. While it might still be difficult for these groups to develop nuclear weapon making capabilities, there is the growing possibility that these groups can sabotage existing nuclear facilities. The easiest thing they can do is to produce "dirty bombs" or radiological dispersal devices that can devastate cities and towns. Medical devices and equipment with radioactive materials are easily accessible for anyone. The threat is quite apparent and the world can ill afford to naively wait. Issues before the upcoming summit Even without strict legal binding obligations from member states, the past summits have made visible progress on many core objectives. For instance, the summit level efforts have led to a down-blending of 15 MT of highly enriched uranium (HEU) to low enriched uranium while 12 individual countries have stopped producing HEU and have shut down their nuclear reactors. Furthermore, the NSS initiatives have yielded the tightening of national laws, rules and the internal capacities of individual countries in protecting and safeguarding nuclear material. The best thing about the NSS initiative is that it has led to the creation of several institutions of excellence, the Nuclear Security Fund and Nuclear Security Training Centers. Flash Egypt's public prosecution officially asked Cypriot authorities on Wednesday to extradite a national who hijacked and forced an Egyptian plane to land at Larnaca Airport in Cyprus on Tuesday, state-run MENA news agency reported. The prosecution sent an official letter to the authorities in Cyprus, demanding the handing over of the highjacker for interrogation, according to MENA. EgyptAir's Airbus 320 was in a domestic flight from Alexandria to Cairo when it was hijacked by Seif-Eddin Mostafa, a 59-year-old Egyptian, who wore a fake explosive belt and forced the crew to land in Larnaca Airport. Mostafa, who is held now by Cypriot police, surrendered six hours after he seized the plane. All the 81 passengers, including 21 foreigners, were released unharmed and returned to Egypt Tuesday evening. Egyptian officials said the incident was not terror-related and that the hijacker was "a fraudulent and a forger" who faced relevant charges in lawsuits. Egypt's Interior Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday that the man had a Cypriot ex-wife, adding he had been sentenced to one year in jail but escaped during the 2011 political turmoil, then went back to prison in January 2014 and was released last year. Flash Government forces in Nigeria's northeastern state of Borno have reclaimed two more areas earlier controlled by insurgent group, Boko Haram, a military official told Xinhua on Wednesday. Commander of the counter-insurgency operation in Nigeria's northeast sub-region Maj.-Gen. Lucky Irabor said the troops reclaimed Rann, headquarters of Kala-Balge district in Borno State and their adjoining areas last week, during military operations. According to the army commander, one of the reclaimed areas served as "spiritual base" of the insurgents. A total of 20 Boko Haram fighters were killed during the military operations which also led to the rescue of 250 civilians held hostage by the militant group, he said. Troops also cleared other Boko Haram camps in Algarno, a major hideout of Boko Haram, he added. Following the reclaiming of these two strong areas hitherto under the control of Boko Haram, Nigeria is now in control of 21 out of the 22 areas earlier taken over by the insurgent group two years ago. With the latest development, the Nigerian government said it is winning the war against terrorism and has "technically defeated" Boko Haram. Flash Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Washington on Wednesday for the fourth Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) in a sign of his country's firm commitment and constructive approach to safeguarding radioactive materials around the world. Chinese President Xi Jinping (2nd R) arrives for the fourth Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, the United States, March 30, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua] Xi, who also attended the third NSS in The Hague in 2014, is scheduled to address the opening plenary session on Friday to expound China's nuclear security policy, present China's new measures and achievements in the area and put forth a set of practical proposals on further beefing up global nuclear security. On the sidelines of the summit, Xi is expected to meet with U.S. President Barack Obama on Thursday for their first rendezvous so far this year to promote China-U.S. relationship, one of the most important bilateral ties in the world, and confer with leaders of other countries on issues of common concern. He will also take part in a leaders' meeting on the Iranian nuclear issue under a sexpartite framework commonly known as P5+1, which comprises the five permanent members of the UN Security Council -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States -- plus Germany, and reached a historic agreement with Tehran in July last year over the latter's controversial nuclear program. The NSS, a biennial event initiated by Obama, will this year draw together leaders and envoys from 52 countries and four international organizations, who will focus on advancing tangible improvements in nuclear security behavior and strengthening the global nuclear security architecture, according to the official website of the 2016 summit. Much progress has been made since the first NSS was held in Washington in 2010. However, given the rapid development of the nuclear industry and the rampancy of terrorist groups around the world, nuclear terrorism has become an increasingly grave threat to global security. At a press briefing last week, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Li Baodong said China hopes that the summit will continuously consolidate the international consensus on nuclear security, advance national capacity-building, boost international cooperation and foster a global nuclear security culture. China, Li added, will work with all parties concerned to ensure the success of the Washington summit and establish an international nuclear security system featuring fairness, cooperation and win-win results. Nuclear security cooperation has become a bright spot in China-U.S. interaction. On March 18, Chinese and U.S. senior officials inaugurated a center of excellence (COE) on nuclear security in southwestern Beijing. As the largest, best equipped and most advanced facility for nuclear security exchanges and training in the Asia-Pacific region, the COE stands as the largest cooperation project jointly financed and built by the Chinese and the U.S. governments in the nuclear sphere. It is an important outcome of the NSS mechanism. Commenting on the Beijing COE at a briefing on Tuesday, Laura Holgate, a special assistant to Obama and a senior director at the U.S. National Security Council, spoke highly of the project as well as China's leadership in the nuclear security area. "We're really quite encouraged by the leadership that China is beginning to show in the nuclear security realm, not only in managing its own material but in creating a platform for cooperation regionally and internationally through the Center of Excellence that it's been carrying out," she said. In a meeting with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in late February, Obama said that U.S.-China relations are very important and the two sides should maintain communication and coordination, and that he looks forward to Xi's attendance at the upcoming NSS. The Chinese president arrived in Washington from Prague after his state visit to the Czech Republic, the first by a Chinese head of state in 67 years since the two countries established diplomatic ties. Flash The Austrian government is aiming to considerably curtail refugee access to the asylum process from middle May, officials said on Wednesday. In comments to journalists, Minister of the Interior Johanna Mikl-Leitner and Defence Minister Hans Peter Doskozil presented recent legal opinion supporting an upper limit on the intake of asylum seekers, which would form the basis for stricter asylum controls. They said the influx of asylum seekers that began in 2015 has posed a threat to Austria's public order and internal security. The Austrian government can now severely restrict access to asylum seeking procedure, and only process those asylum applications that are necessary in accordance with the European Convention on Human Rights, in particular as pertains to Article 8, according to the ministers. This should be implemented into the national asylum law and come into practice from the middle of May, they said. Whether or not the criteria for the asylum process are met should also be determined via fast track procedures at registration zones at the borders, for which border controls are to be intensified, according to the officials. In instances where these criteria are not met, persons will be sent back to the country from which they attempted to cross into Austria, it was stated. Flash U.S. President Barack Obama has spoken to Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif by the phone and condemned Sunday's terrorist attack in Lahore that killed nearly 70 people, the PM office said late Wednesday. "The President extended condolences on behalf of the people of the United States on the Lahore tragedy and requested the PM to convey his feelings to the affected families," a statement from the PM office said. A splinter group of the Pakistani Taliban "Jamaat-ul-Ahrar" had claimed responsibility for the attack. "The people of the United States are with the government and the people of Pakistan in this tragic moment and we will extend every help to Pakistan to eliminate terror from its soil," the Pakistani statement quoted President Obama as saying. Prime Minister Sharif cancelled his visit to the United States this week due to the Lahore terrorist attack that shocked the whole nation as it killed and injured civilians including women and children. President Obama appreciated the Prime Minister's decision to stay with his nation at this testing time by not attending the Nuclear Security Summit, the statement said. "President Obama told the PM that we will meet in near future and I am eagerly waiting for this meeting," the PM office said. The U.S. President "acknowledged and appreciated the leadership of the Prime Minister in the anti-terror effort and believed that Pakistan will succeed in this war." On his part, the Prime Minister said that the invisible enemy is killing innocent people who are soft targets for them due to their broken infrastructure. "My resolve and the resolve of my nation is getting stronger day by day. The Pakistani nation will win this war against this invisible enemy and extremist ideology," Sharif told the U.S. President. Flash Kenyan police said Wednesday they are interrogating three suspects linked to a local militia group in connection with inter-ethnic clashes in Garissa pitting two rival clans in the area. During the clashes in Dujis, Balambala constituency on Monday, one person was killed and several others injured as hundreds fled the area fearing for their lives. Garissa County Commissioner James Kianda said security personnel are pursuing five other suspects, three believed to be behind the skirmishes. The other two are militiamen who were behind the attack. Kianda said one of the militiamen was killed while engaging security personnel who were dispatched to calm the skirmishes. He said several houses were touched, but no civilian lost his/her live as earlier reported. He said anyone holding illegal weapons should surrender to the government failure to which the law will take its course. "We are determined this time round to mop all illegally held firearms in the wrong hands. I urge those with illicit arms to hid warning seriously because we will not allow a few individuals to endanger the peace of innocent Kenyans," Kianda said. He said normalcy has returned to the town and security personnel are patrolling the area although "there are reported threats". "We are not taking chances and we shall remain on the ground until we are satisfied that there is no threat to the lives and property of area residents," Kianda said. He urged area residents and political leaders to tolerate each other, noting that with the current drought competition for water and pasture for livestock and human use will heighten tension. "I want to appeal to the clan members to be tolerant to each other and share God given natural resources because no one community can claim sole ownership of water and pasture," he noted. Flash The UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, Stephen O'Brien, on Wednesday reported "dire" humanitarian conditions in Syria despite greater aid access in the war-torn country, saying that "the daily misery in these areas shames us all." O'Brien, who is also the UN emergency relief coordinator, said in his briefing to the UN Security Council that there are signs of humanitarian progress in Syria with more aid reaching those in urgent need, but conditions remain "dire" throughout the Middle East country with only 30 percent of people in besieged areas reached and even fewer in hard-to-reach areas. Inter-agency convoys have reached 150,000 people in 11 of the 18 besieged areas in Syria, said O'Brien, who welcomed the commitment by the government of Syria to simplify administrative procedures for cross-line convoys. DREADFUL SITUATION "We are a long way from the sustained, unconditional and unimpeded access that is required of the parties under international law and was and is demanded by this Council in its resolutions," said O'Brien. Some 13.5 million people remain in need of humanitarian aid, with some 4.6 million in besieged and hard-to-reach areas, according to UN figures. "The Syrian authorities continue not to give approval to certain locations," he said, mentioning three besieged areas of Duma, East Harasta and Darayya, which are mere minutes' drive away from UN warehouses in Damascus, the Syrian capital. The situation is dreadful in these areas, particularly Darayya, where there are severe shortages of food, clean water, medicines, electricity and basic commodities, said the senior UN official. "The daily misery in these areas shames us all," O'Brien said, adding that some people are forced to eat grass to subsist. The top UN humanitarian official also noted many hard-to-reach areas, saying he was "deeply troubled" for the more than 210,000 civilians in northern rural Homs and the 15,000 people in neighbouring Habarnafse and surrounding communities in rural Huma. "People in these areas have essentially no possibility to move in or out of the areas and have diminishing access to clean water, medical care, and food," he said. PLIGHT OF SYRIANS O'Brien also highlighted the plight of the estimated nearly two million people living in areas held by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levans (ISIL), also known as the IS or ISIS, to which the United Nations has little or no access, and from where reports continue on widespread human rights abuses. Even where there is access, convoys do not reach destinations intact, with more than 80,000 medical supplies and treatments removed from convoys in 2016. The items range from treatment for child malnutrition to medicine to prevent bleeding after child birth. "I call on all parties, particularly the Syrian authorities, to allow for all necessary medical items and equipment, including surgical items, to be allowed onto the convoys," O'Brien said. The UN relief chief also noted that all Syrians are suffering, given the destruction of schools and hospitals, the rising costs and shortages of basic items and services, and the devaluation of the currency. HUMANITARIAN OBJECTIVES "As humanitarians, our objective is not political and it is not military," Mr. O'Brien said. "It is about providing emergency aid and protection to people in desperate need and precarious circumstances, wherever they are in Syria." He reiterated the call from 102 humanitarian agencies on March 15 for immediate and sustained access in Syria, including for support for a nationwide immunization campaign for children. He also stressed the resumption of political talks last week led by Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura and urged to rally behind the efforts to bring an end to the conflict in Syria. O'Brien's remarks came as a one-day, high-level conference was taking place in Geneva, Switzerland, on Syrian refugees, at which senior UN officials stressed the needs to provide resettlement and other answers for their plight, urging third countries to share those responsibilities with Syria's immediate neighbors. The Syrian crisis and the subsequent civil war broke out in March 2011, leading to a massive influx of Syrian refugees into Syria's neighboring countries, including Lebanon, Turkey and Jordan, and some European countries, such as Greece and Serbia. "We are here to address the biggest refugee and displacement crisis of our time ... This demands an exponential increase in global solidarity," UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon told the gathering at the United Nations in Geneva, attended by the representatives of 92 countries together with governmental and nongovernmental organizations. Some 4.8 million Syrians have been forced to flee across borders by five years of war, while another 6.6 million are internally displaced. While talks are underway to find lasting peace, the UN secretary-general said more countries need to step up and provide solutions for Syrian refugees. Wednesday's conference is one of several key events in 2016 organized to cope with Syria's refugees. It follows February's London Conference on Syria at which donors pledged 12 billion U.S. dollars to help those in need in Syria and in the surrounding region along with the needs of communities in host countries. Flash Just when world leaders thought that they could breathe easily after the successful Iran nuclear deal, nuclear security issues have been catapulted to the top of their agendas following North Korea's recent testing of its nuclear bombs' capabilities. Reporters wearing radiation-resistant clothing go for a group interview at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant on February 20, 2012. [Photo/Xinhua] When the Fourth Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) takes place from March 31 to April 1 in Washington, D.C., the Korean Peninsula will be a hot topic if not the main focus, along with efforts to improve security and close loopholes that could allow weapons to get in the hands of terrorists. What must also be explored is the way in which the global governance system related to nuclear security can be improved beyond the NSS for the advancement of nations big and small, nuclear states or not. Urgent problems While the development of nuclear technology has helped diversify the world's energy resources, it has also brought incredible security risks due to its potential use in acts of aggression. The international community has long recognized the importance of keeping such powerful weapons out of the wrong hands, and have tried to maintain only the peaceful use of the technology. To that end, a series of treaties and mechanisms have been proposed and established, including the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). These institutions and mechanisms have played an important role in preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons before the end of the Cold War era. At that time, the number of countries that had been publicly recognized as nuclear powers was limited to five. After the end of the Cold War, however, the problem of proliferation among nation states became more prominent across the globe, particularly in South Asia, the Middle East and Northeast Asia. Longtime observers attributed the increase in the 1990s to the temporary disorder brought about to the international system after the end of the Cold War. On the one hand, the collapse of the bipolar structure, characterized by Russia and the United States, has indirectly loosened constraints on some countries' nuclear activities; on the other hand, the fundamentals of nuclear technology are no longer a secret after decades of development, which potentially allows more and more countries to manufacture dangerous weapons, Wu Chunsi, Director of the Institute of International Strategic Studies at the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, said in an interview with Beijing Review. Nonetheless, Wu emphasized, in recent years, more non-state actorsincluding terrorist groupshave become the new risk for nuclear proliferation. In the face of terrorism threats, the securityor lack thereofof nuclear and radioactive materials in numerous countries is of primary concern. Professor Han Hua, a researcher of international studies with Peking University, said in an analysis recently published in The Contemporary World, a Beijing-based monthly, that after the September 11th attack on the United States, more and more countries became anxious about the potential risk of terrorists acquiring nuclear weapons. It cannot be ruled out that terrorist groups could acquire enough nuclear materials to make radioactive dirty bombs. If a nuclear terrorist attack takes place, it would trigger catastrophic consequences, Han wrote. Statistics from the IAEA show that from 1993 to 2011 there were more than 2,100 events involving theft or the illegal acquirement of nuclear or other radioactive material; about 120 each year on average. If these materials fall into the hands of terrorists, the potential consequences are unimaginable. If there is a terrorist attack on nuclear facilities, the risks posed by the potential fallout of radioactive material leakage are substantial. U.S. President Obama described the danger of terrorists acquiring nuclear weapons as "the most immediate and extreme threat to global security" in his well-known speech in Prague in 2009. The NSS which he initiated may then be a response to perceived nuclear terrorist threats. Moreover, Wu said that the nuclear terrorist threat has exposed the shortcomings of the existing global nuclear security governance mechanism, "particularly the lack of control and management on the nuclear activities of the non-state actors." But she emphasized that "Obama's proposal of holding the NSS was the right kind of response for the international community to improve global efforts to protect nuclear security." The NSS's constraints Since the first NSS was held in Washington, D.C. in 2010, its progress on this issue has gained recognition as it has brought the attention of world leaders back to the very technical and often neglected problem of security. The summit has since attracted an increasing number of policymakers representing both nuclear and non-nuclear states. "With the summit as a platform, the international community reached more consensuses on the rigorous management of nuclear and other radioactive materials as well as the prevention and responses to nuclear terrorism," said Wu. "It also contributed to the improvement of the institutional structure of nuclear security governance," Wu added. At the Seoul NSS in 2012, Ukraine and Mexico announced the transfer of their stock of highly enriched uranium (HEU) to another nation for safekeeping. On the same occasion, the United States and Russia agreed to convert part of their HEU, which can be used to make 3,000 nuclear weapons to low-enriched uranium. At the Hague NSS in 2014, the United States and Japan confirmed that the latter would transfer hundreds of kilograms of nuclear materials including HEU and separated plutonium to the former for disposal. What's more, pushed by the NSS during the Hague summit, 35 countries signed the Trilateral Initiative, or Strengthening Nuclear Security Implementation, in which the signatories have committed to implementing IAEA recommendations, hosting peer reviews, and ensuring personnel competency. Despite these accomplishments, the international community has a much higher expectation of the NSS. First, the summit's shelf-life is still in question, according to Wu. "President Obama is at the end of his term. The future of the NSS has therefore become uncertain," said Wu. Although Obama put forward the concept of a permanent global governance body for nuclear security, his administration hasn't yet contributed specific ideas on how to construct it. In effect, the NSS has not yet brought any lasting changes to the pre-existing architecture, and endorsement of key international agreements remains limited. So far, only 93 countries have joined the International Convention on the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism, while the 2005 amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Materials still requires 12 more ratifications to enter into force. At present, the NSS process still lacks cohesion and has had a relatively small impact on countries outside of the process. In addition, Wu noted, the topics of the NSS were strictly limited to nuclear material management and the prevention of nuclear terrorism. That is of little help for the settlement of other nuclear security issues including the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula, and the reduction of military nuclear stockpiles, which constitute a large portion of all usable weapon materials. Wu also pointed out that although the Obama administration made effort to push the NSS process, it has not done enough to promote other global multilateral nuclear non-proliferation mechanisms. For example, the Obama administration has not yet submitted the CTBT to the U.S. Congress for approval. Enriching global governance Against this backdrop, observers said new thinking should occur regarding the appropriate global governance apparatuses. Wu suggested that the new architecture should break down the historical model of big power dominance and explore a more balanced and multilateral governance structure. "After the Cold War, the international situation has evolved greatly. More and more non-nuclear countries and developing countries have become active in nuclear governance issues. Their voice must be given full consideration," said Wu. Wu also claimed that the principles proposed by President Xi at the Hague NSS offer practical solutions that should be revisited. Xi said that the world should place equal emphasis on development and security; that rights and obligations should be given the same attention; and that the world should place equal emphasis on treating symptoms and causes, and advance the nuclear security endeavor in a bid to remove risks at the root. Wu argued that although the aim of nuclear non-proliferation is peace and stability, it should not be used as an excuse to deprive developing countries' legitimate rights to their own development and use of nuclear energy. Therefore, consideration toward development becomes more prominent in global nuclear security governance. Flash China is contributing to the common good through its efforts to improve nuclear security both at home and abroad, a senior official from the International Association for Atomic Energy (IAEA) has said. Chinese President Xi Jinping (4th L, front) poses for a group photo during the third Nuclear Security Summit in The Hague, the Netherlands, March 25, 2014. [Photo/Xinhua] China has taken effective steps to ensure the security of nuclear materials, including those at nuclear power plants and medical research centers, and to protect people and environment from being harmed by nuclear materials, Khammar Mrabit, director of the IAEA's Nuclear Security Office, said in a recent interview with Xinhua. The interview was conducted ahead of the fourth Nuclear Security Summit, which is scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., from Thursday to Friday. Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the meeting. Nuclear security refers to ensuring that peaceful uses of nuclear materials and technology are not diverted into the wrong hands, Mrabit said. "Nuclear security is a common good. It's good for everybody whether you have a nuclear power program or you don't," said Mrabit. "You have to protect your people and the environment from malicious acts and anything that would harm the public society and the environment." He said countries such as China that own nuclear power programs should bear special responsibilities on nuclear security, while calling on all countries to use radioactive sources at a minimum level, even for medical purposes. "(Ensuring the) security of such materials and facilities is the responsibility of China because this is the responsibility of each country when you have such materials and such facilities," he said. "That nuclear power program, those installations, have to be protected from falling, of course, into the wrong hands, meaning criminals and terrorists." In this regard, Mrabit said that China is a very important partner of the IAEA and enjoys sound cooperation with the international nuclear watchdog. He described China's recently completed Nuclear Security Center of Excellence as "a big achievement." "(The center) would not only improve nuclear security but would sustain nuclear security infrastructure in China and certainly would contribute... to improving nuclear security in the region," he said. The center, which is the largest in the Asia-Pacific region, opened in Beijing, the Chinese capital, on March 18, with the aim to boost nuclear security cooperation in the region and the world. The IAEA supports its member states, including China, to reach nuclear security standards, in some cases providing support as requested, and in other cases providing more hands-on assistance. For example, China has requested that the IAEA visit China to conduct a peer-review of its national nuclear program and facilities, the official said, adding that the IAEA can provide a higher-level of support to other countries in need. "There are countries where we need more assistance, where we have what we call integrated logistical support plans, where we identify all that is needed to help them improve their nuclear security infrastructure," Mrabit said. But he did not disclose the names of these countries. Mrabit, a national from Morocco, has a PhD in nuclear physics and has been working for the IAEA since 1986. The IAEA is the world's center for cooperation in the nuclear field and a part of the United Nations family. It is headquartered in Vienna, Austria, and currently has 168 member states. Flash The "Europe and its neighborhoods: Geopolitics and human flows" seminar will be held on the famed Aegean island of Tinos in Greece between July 2-7, 2016. The magnitude and implications of Europe's refugee crisis will be addressed during the five day seminar. In addition, issues of development in Syria, the Middle East and the outlying regions will be discussed at the seminar. The seminar is being organized jointly by the IDYS Institute of International Relations, a well known Greek think tank, the Department of International Relations and the Department of International and European Studies of the University of Piraeus. Ministry says draft is open to feedback until end of April China's draft Internet regulation on domain names, the addresses used to navigate the Web, will not affect foreign companies' normal business in China, the top industry regulator said on Wednesday. "The draft rule asks websites that engage in network access within the borders of China to register their domain names in the country. Companies accessing network outside of the country will not be affected," the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said in a statement. The remarks came after the industry regulator published the draft regulation last week, which asked Internet service providers to block access to websites whose domain names are registered outside China. "There is no fundamental conflict between the draft regulation and global rules on managing domain names. And it will not affect foreign companies' normal daily operations in China," the statement said. The rule, which is open to public feedback until April 25, comes amid growing concern over national security in China. It is the government's latest effort to reduce threats toward national security and consumers by cutting access to "dangerous" websites registered overseas, analysts said. Charlie Dai, principal analyst at Forrester Research Inc, said the statement failed to address the key issue of whether the new rule will apply to foreign websites both accessible in China and having their servers physically located there. "Many international Internet companies have moved their computer servers to the mainland so as to offer faster surfing experience to local consumers," Dai said. "But wording in the draft rule is too broad and vague to know whether these companies will be affected." According to Dai, websites with servers deployed outside China will not be subject to the new rule. Currently, a string of foreign tech giants such as Microsoft Corp and Apple Inc, as well as homegrown Internet companies Baidu Inc and Alibaba Group Holding Ltd, registered their domain names in other countries. Foreign domain names are of greater appeal to Internet companies than Chinese versions, as the former are cheaper, more stable and have global availability, Dai added. The draft regulation comes as terrorist groups and other illegal organizations are leveraging the Internet to spread their ideas and maximize their clout. Long Weilian, a famous tech blogger in China, said the new rule is intended to reduce threats toward consumers and enterprises, as well as boost the use of Chinese domain names. "Technically, the re-registration of domain names itself is not hard. Companies can transfer their domain names from foreign registration service providers to domestic ones within a day," Long said. An elder shows her social security card in Nantong city, Jiangsu province, March 30, 2016. [Photo/IC] State Council approves regulation allowing national fund to manage local surpluses In response to the central government's call to reduce the burden on businesses, 12 provinces and municipalities have cut social security payment requirements for employers and employees. But analysts said the pension fund, the largest of all government programs, is unlikely to see cuts in payouts. China Daily's compilation of information shows that the reductions mostly concentrate on smaller programs dealing with such things as workplace injuries, unemployment and childbirth insurance. For example, in Tianjin, employers had to disburse 2 percent of an employee's monthly payroll to the unemployment insurance fund and 0.8 percent to the childbirth insurance fund. Now the ratios have been cut to 1 percent and 0.5 percent. In a related move, the State Council, China's Cabinet, approved a regulation on Monday that applies to the National Social Security Fund. It allows the fund to take over management of local governments' social security surpluses. Established in 2000, the NSSF supplements the numerous social security funds run by local governments. Unlike those funds, which mostly rely on payments from employees and employers, the 1.51-trillion-yuan ($233 billion) NSSF is mostly funded by fiscal revenues. Run by a professional council of investment experts, it earned 15.14 percent in returns in 2015. Currently, only Guangdong and Shandong have entrusted their surpluses to the NSSF. Under the new regulation, more are expected to follow suit. The cuts in social security contribution requirements by the 12 provinces and municipalitieswhile welcomed by companies and individualsrepresent only a small fraction of the total pie. Employers' combined payments for unemployment, work injuries and childbirth insurance accounted for just 3.3 percent of payroll, while 20 percent of payroll goes to the pension fund and 8 percent for medical insurance. Without a drop in those two categories, the payment burden is only slightly reduced. Of the places adopting the cuts, only Shanghai reduced its pension fund requirement (from 21 to 20 percent), which basically returned the city to the national norm. Xiamen in Fujian province, cut its medical insurance ratio to 7 percent. Nationwide, employers and employees still pay about 39 percent of payroll to the five social insurance programsamong the highest in the world, despite a decrease from 39.6 percent. Deeper cuts to the pension fund and medical insurance ratio are needed, experts say, but simply cutting the nominal ratio might miss the bigger picture. Dong Keyong, a social security expert at Renmin University of China, said in most Chinese companies, particularly in the private sector, actual payments are lower than the 39.6 percent ratio often reported because the definition of "payroll" is not the same everywhere. "Every local government sets a theoretical base for calculationwhich is lower than an employee's actual salary in most cases. So, the actual payment is much lower," Dong said. "It is misleading to focus on the payroll ratio." The right approach, Dong said, is to overhaul the pension system so employees not only rely on the basic pension fund scheme mandated by the State but on commercial pillars. "Under the current system, it is unlikely that the pension fund payment ratio can be lowered" from the current 20 percent, Dong said, citing several localities that are struggling with deficits in their pension fund accounts. A Chinese mobile phone user looks at icons of ride-hailing apps on his smartphone in Guangzhou city, South China's Guangdong province, April 9, 2015. Transportation authorities in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, will shut down online ride-hailing services for hundreds of independent drivers after they were found to have had previous "illegal behaviors". According to the Shenzhen Transportation Commission, 1,425 drivers were found to have taken drugs and another 1,661 had "serious" criminal records before they worked with online ride-hailing companies. "Such previous illegal behavior poses a threat to passenger safety," said Yu Li, an official with the commission. The commission, together with public security and traffic security and Internet supervision authorities, summoned five local online car-hailing service providers on Tuesday, asking them to run their businesses in accordance with laws and regulations. According to the commission, some drivers had mental illnesses and some did not have driver's licenses. "We will close the car-hailing operations for these drivers with previous illegal activities to protect passengers' rights and safety," said Yu. Moreover, a growing number of online car-hailing vehicles have been found to have violated traffic rules, with more than 756,000 such cases discovered in Shenzhen last year, according to the commission. The commission will also stop car-hailing services for more than 300,000 private vehicles, which are operating without Shenzhen license plates. The latest move was part of efforts by the local government to regulate the booming mobile ride-hailing services. The popular car-hailing services have triggered anger from local taxi drivers, who asked the local government to protect their rights. In January, taxi drivers in Shenzhen began a strike to protest the online ride-hailing services, with some expressing anger that car-hailing applications had allowed independent drivers to steal their work and livelihoods without those drivers having to pay commission fees. In response, the local transportation authority said taxi reform is on the agenda, and it called on taxi companies to reduce commission fees, which have long been charged to drivers. China's online car-hailing sector has seen a rapid growth since last year, with companies that provide the service pledging to expand their businesses in the country. Early this month, several ministries vowed to support the popular services as part of the country's drive to encourage green consumption, sending a positive signal that ride-sharing operators in China will gain legitimacy and see further growth in the years ahead. CNPC employees test facilities in Puyang, Henan province. [Photo/China Daily] The top three State-owned oil companies in China will continue to cut production and enhance ownership reforms in 2016 as their net profits slumped amid sluggish prices in 2015, according to a leading energy expert. Sinopec Group, China National Offshore Oil Corp and China National Petroleum Corp have seen their combined profits shrink by 59 percent to 87.97 billion yuan ($13.6 billion) in 2015, compared with the previous year. Sinopec posted a 32.2-billion-yuan net profit in 2015, down 32 percent from 2014, according to the company's earnings report released on Tuesday. CNPC and CNOOC achieved profits of 35.5 billion yuan and 20.2 billion yuan, respectively, in 2015, both down by more than 60 percent from the previous year. "Cutting cost and production has become the common means of the top three oil companies to cope with the low oil prices," said Li Li, director of the research and policy center at ICIS, a petrochemical market information provider. "In recent years, boosted by high oil prices of around $100 per barrel, the top three oil companies significantly expanded their business. Now that the oil prices have fallen to around $30 per barrel, they have been trying hard to bring the cost down," said Li. The capital expenditure of the three has dropped by nearly 30 percent, or 172.4 billion yuan, in 2015 from the end of the previous year. According to Li, the profitability of the exploitation sector will continue to be impaired by sluggish international oil prices. The profits generated by refining and retailing will likely increase. Natural gas and chemical engineering, which generate relatively more added value than crude oil, will become new growth point in the industry. At the same time, the reforms and restructuring of the top three companies will go into deeper waters this year, said Li. The slumping oil prices will push the State-owned enterprises to restructure their assets and cut overcapacity. This year's ownership reform will move to the upper stream of the industrial chain, which is where the core interest lies in the oil and gas industry, Li said. Sinopec was the first to launch the mixed ownership reform to introduce private and social investors into the State-owned business in February 2014. As of March 2015, 25 institutional investors had invested 105 billion yuan in Sinopec. In March, CNPC signed a strategic agreement with e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding Ltd on online payment and on sharing user information. Sinopec has also announced plans to collaborate with Alibaba. However, the complexity, the capital-intensive nature and the risks of the oil business have set high threshold for private investors trying to engage in the ownership reforms, according to Lin Boqiang, director of the China Center for Energy Economics Research at Xiamen University. An association to deepen financial cooperation in Asia is expected to be launched in July, according to Cai Esheng, head of the Preparatory Working Group of the Asian Financial Cooperation Association. The AFCA aims to maintain regional financial stability, fight against risks and make the voice of Asian institutions louder in the global financial market. It will also promote connectivity among its members, hold high-level forums to discuss the challenges they face, make standards on financial innovation and services and build a platform for cooperation in areas including financial infrastructure construction and risk management. As a nongovernmental organization, the AFCA will be open to financial institutions both in and outside Asia. With 38 institutions and associations as its originating members, the group will try to expand its membership to countries like Australia, New Zealand and India. Cai, also as former vice-chairman of the China Banking Regulatory Commission, said: "Once the association is established, it will increase the role of Asia as a whole in the global financial market, apart from enhancing development of the region through connectivity, cooperation and communication." He said the current Asian financial cooperation setup is not adapted to the trends of financial globalization. The main platform for Asian cooperation so far has been ASEAN plus China, Japan and South Korea cooperation mechanism. It does not include deep participation by countries in Central and Western Asia. At present, bilateral financial cooperation in Asia is largely concentrated on trade financing and currency swap, which are limited in scope and size. The regional multilateral financial cooperation is still at the preliminary stage, having difficulties in promoting construction of the monetary and financial stability system, the investment and financing system, as well as the credit system. "The AFCA will push the development of Asian financial markets in many areas, such as innovation, bond issuance and anti-money laundering. We are looking for ways to persuade the private sector to participate in Asia's infrastructure development through public-private partnerships. At the same time, we're trying to find a better commercial model," he said. Ha Yung-ku, chairman of the Korea Federation of Banks, one of the 38 originating institutions of the AFCA, agreed that Asian financial institutions have to think seriously about how to play a bigger part in global financial markets. "If you look at the size of the economy, GDP and trade flows, Asia is very big. But compared with the role of Asian financial institutions in the global financial system, it is relatively limited due to dominating global players from the United States and Europe. "Through the AFCA, we will air our voice more to international regulators. At least we can continuously make suggestions to reflect the realities in the Asian financial market," he said. In his view, with this kind of platform, a much deeper relationship will be established among Asian financial institutions and associations, along with more efficient communication. Jerry Zhang, chief executive officer and executive vice-chairman of Standard Chartered China, said the bank is pleased to participate in the AFCA as a founding member. "Under the conception of connectivity and deepened cooperation, we believe the AFCA would act as an effective and influential cooperative platform for the financial industry in Asia and promote Asian financial and economic growth. "The association would play an important role to communicate and promote the Belt and Road Initiative among the participating countries and across the world," she added. BEIJING - "Denmark is ready to adjust to China's new economic model based on sustainable and consumer-driven growth," said A. Carsten Damsgaard, Danish Ambassador to China on Thursday. "This means that there will be an increase in demand for green technologies, food safety, quality fashion and design, as well as advanced health and pharmaceutical products -- sectors where Danish companies are world leaders," he told the press. Trade in goods and services between Denmark and China reached an all-time high of 116.6 billion Danish kroner ($17.7 billion) in 2015, registering a year-on-year increase of 6 percent, according to the latest figures by Denmark's official statistics bureau. China's growing middle-class population is also good for demand for quality Danish products, Damsgaard added. China is Denmark's largest trading partner in Asia. Danish exports to China have nearly tripled in the past decade to 59.2 billion Danish kroner in 2015, according to statistics from the Royal Danish Embassy in China. Around 500 Danish companies have operations in China, employing some 250,000 Chinese employees. Adam Goldstein, president and chief operation officer of Royal Caribbean Cruise Ltd. [Photo/Agencies] Top cruise lines chief optimistic about more opportunities in China market Unlike most Harvard law degree holders who spend most of their time in the courts, Adam Goldstein chose to lead a maritime life 27 years ago. Now, he is navigating Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd into the promising China market. After working for two years as a lawyer in New York, Goldstein met the turning point in his career -- an opportunity to work in a shipping company in London. Later, he took an MBA course in France before joining the cruise industry and working side by side with Richard Fain, chairman and CEO of the Miami-based company. His brilliant work won his current position -- president and COO of the world's second-largest cruise line operator. The quick development of Royal Caribbean International, which accounted for two-thirds of the Royal Caribbean Cruises' revenue, coincided with the appointment of Goldstein as CEO in 2004. Just like his career move, the brand also broke routines by bringing the largest cruise ships to the world's most promising cruise market. This summer, Royal Caribbean will have five ships homeporting in four Chinese cities -- Shanghai, Tianjin, Hong Kong and Xiamen -- including two 168,000-ton Quantum-class vessels, each costing about $1 billion to build. The total capacity in China this year will be more than the entire company had in 1988, when Goldstein first joined Royal Caribbean. Goldstein spoke to China Daily during his latest trip to the country. Following are edited excerpts from the interview. What's your mission on this trip? When I come to China, I usually have three missions. One of them is to interact with our constantly growing team and people. Second, to understand how we are doing in building demand in the market for our products and services. We have five ships here this summer, that's a lot more capacity here in China (16,500 berths) in 2016 than the entire company had (9,200 berths) when I joined in 1988. The third thing is to make sure there are enough homeports and enough ports to call in the growing market to offer the right itineraries to the guests and to make sure that our big new ships have places to go. China is widely regarded as the world's fastest growing cruise market and is expected to overtake the united states to become the largest in the future. do you agree? The generation of income and wealth in this country in the last 25 years has put millions of people in the position where they have the ability to travel internationally, 120 million people leaving the country last year on travelling. The cruise industry will be driven super fast even with a very small percentage of that amount. There were more than 1 million people who went on cruises in China last year, and it will be much more this year. Terry Crawford and Gloria Chyou, a married couple and founders of Initial View, in their office in Beijing. [Photo provided to China Daily] Two rivals vie to make paid-for Q&As with Chinese students With hundreds of thousands of Chinese students vying for a limited number of places, Fang Dezhi, an 18-year-old computer science student, could count himself as one of the privileged who have obtained a place in the prestigious public research Georgia Institute of Technology in the United States. For more than two years, Fang, a native of Altay, a city in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region in northwestern China, received intense preparation to enter a higher level academic institution in North America. Aware of the increasing competition and following the recommendation of one university, Fang contacted a private company to register his video interviews in the application so that admission officers could use it alongside his academic scores and written essay. "The video interview definitely helped me get a place," confessed Fang. "It's a great way to let the admission officers know more about the applicants." With the help of the video recording, Fang managed to secure three university places after having sent more than 10 applications to different universities across the US. In the 2014-15 academic year, more than 300,000 Chinese were enrolled in higher education centers in the US, almost triple the number five years before, according to the Institute of International Education. Unable to deal with the rising flood of Chinese students applying for colleges in North America, some universities there have introduced a video interview requirement to select top students, creating a business opportunity for companies connecting admission officers with applicants. Eddie West, director of International Initiatives at the US National Association for College Admission Counseling, said that video interviews not only convey the students' English language abilities but also their personalities. "The key for colleges is not so much the technology (of video) itself," explained West. "It is working with trusted partners who can verify students' identities, and who have a shared interest in the school admitting only those candidates who are most deserving." Married couple, Terry Crawford and Gloria Chyou, quit their corporate jobs to invest all their savings to establish Initial View, a Beijing-based company specialized in recording video interviews of Chinese students in the process of applying for academic institutions in the US. China will make Shanghai a comprehensive science center within three years by implementing systematic innovation reform, it was decided on Wednesday during an executive meeting of the State Council presided over by Premier Li Keqiang. Additionally, new independent districts for innovation will be established in Central, East and Northeast China in an effort to boost innovation-driven development and supply-side economic reform. The three regions involved are Henan province (Zhengzhou, Luoyang and Xinxiang), the Shandong Peninsula and Liaoning province (Shenyang and Dalian). At the meeting, the State Council, China's Cabinet, decided that Shanghai will enjoy more flexible policies in research funding, the transfer of scientific research findings and collaboration between universities and local enterprises. Companies' innovation activities will also face fewer local government hurdles. The municipality will also experiment with streamlining foreign investment procedures. In 2014, 83.1 billion yuan ($12.82 billion) went toward research and development in Shanghai, accounting for 3.6 percent of its GDP. In May last year, the city approved a plan to establish itself as a technological innovation center. Lin Lei, a researcher at the Center for Innovation and Development at the Chinese National Academy of Sciences, believes Shanghai was chosen because it has taken quick steps to welcome innovation talent and strong collaboration with overseas companies. "The city carried out favorable policies to attract overseas talent years ago," Lin said. Since 2009, China has set up 11 self-innovation demonstration areas, including the Zhongguancun technology hub in Beijing, which was the first such area. Shi Yulong, a researcher of China's regional economy at the Academy of Microeconomic Research at the National Development and Research Center, said such policies are designed to boost industrial upgrading in central and northern China as part of the country's economic transition effort. "China's east, central and west regions have faced a large economic gap due to the opening-up policy in the 1980s," Shi said. "Now a gap is emerging between the north and the south, as northern China faces bigger challenges in upgrading such industries as iron, steel and coal." Shi believes the three regions chosen on Wednesday for innovation districts were selected due to their advantages in innovation infrastructure. Liaoning province, for example, has taken strides in robot research and sales. A special operation launched in February to crack down on human trafficking has netted nearly 3,000 illegal immigrants, mostly from Southeast Asian countries, who were smuggled to Hong Kong by local traffickers. Many of the 2,943 foreigners arrived in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region and were transported to Guangdong province before being taken to Hong Kong, officials said on Wednesday. Of those, 2,860 were from Southeast Asia and the rest were from South Asia. Police also said they had detained 142 smugglers from China and other countries, including 29 from Southeast Asia and South Asia. One of the largest criminal groups, a well-organized team led by a Hong Kong resident from South Asia known as "Little Tiger", lured immigrants with promises of jobs, officials said. They were smuggled into the country through Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport and then taken by train to Shenzhen. "The activities were well organized by professional traffickers, who had clear and specific responsibilities. They formed a human smuggling chain," said Yin Chengjun, division head of the Border Control Bureau of the Ministry of Public Security, at a news conference in Shenzhen on Wednesday. Some criminal groups also routed the illegal immigrants from the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region to Guangdong province after crossing the border with Vietnam. The South Asians smuggled by Little Tiger's group stayed at rental apartments near a railway station in Shenzhen's Luohu district, waiting for a chance to sneak into Hong Kong, officials said. They would either climb over the barbed wire along the Shenzhen-Hong Kong border or travel by boat from ports in Shenzhen and Huizhou, Guangdong province, to Hong Kong. During the morning of March 18, the public security departments of the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong jointly detained 30 suspects and 121 smuggled South Asian immigrants, and they seized four boats and a vehicle, during an operation at more than 20 locations on land and at sea. Most foreigners immigrate to the Chinese mainland or Hong Kong to work, but some also engage in crimes such as theft, robbery and drug trafficking, which has affected social security and stability in both areas, Yin said. "The ministry will continue to make efforts in combating professional crimes and resolutely maintain security and stability of the Guangdong-Hong Kong border and Hong Kong society," he said. The police action organized by the ministry began on Feb 20 and will continue until July 2017. The joint operation involves Guangdong and Yunnan provinces, the Guangxi Zhuang and Xinjiang Uygur autonomous regions, and the Hong Kong special administrative region. Police officers jump to the deck of a fishing vessel that they said illegally took knife fish in Shanghai on March 28, 2016.[Photo by Yin Liqin/China Daily] A regulation in the pipeline that would ban fishing for knife fish in the Yangtze River has created an unprecedented surge of interest in Shanghai to eat what could be the last bite of the river delicacy, pushing the price up of the already expensive fish. One veteran restaurant worker said she had never seen so much interest in the fish. "I have been working here since I graduated from middle school more than 40 years ago, and we have never had so many customers," said the woman, a cashier at the Lao Ban Zhai restaurant who gave her surname as Liu. The historic eatery, which was founded in 1904, has long been famous for its steamed knife fish and knife fish with noodle soup in Shanghai and beyond. In the past, it was rarely packed and appealed mainly to local seniors and die-hard fans of its fish dishes, but that all changed two weeks ago. The number of bowls of fish soup noodle being sold "has been picking up every day, especially since this week", Liu told China Daily on Tuesday, adding that the restaurant sold more than 1,100 bowls during dinner. Late in December, the Ministry of Agriculture issued a document soliciting public opinion on listing knife fish and shad in the Yangtze as protected species. If the change is passed, this year could be the last that people will legally be able to eat the fish, which is considered to be one of the top four delicacies from the river. Eating knife fish during the spring season is widely considered as much a tradition as consuming hairy crabs in autumn among people on the lower reaches of the river. Knife fish caught after the Qingming Festival, or Tomb Sweeping Day holiday, which falls on April 4 or 5, are deemed particularly special because the bones will be less hard and the flesh less fatty. "It's like a routine that, after the festival, the price would jump by 50 percent," said an administrator surnamed Zhu at Tongchuan Road fish market in Shanghai, the largest of its kind in the city. There are around 40 stores or counters selling knife fish at the market this year. Knife fish weighing less than 100 grams each sell for around 4,000 yuan ($618) per kilogram. Bigger fish sell for as much as 12,000 yuan per kilo. The prices are double last year's and more than at any time during the past four years. For traders, the problem at the moment is the unsteady and dwindling supply, which hit record lows this year. "The priority is always to maintain the supply to restaurants and hotels first," said Han Bin, who has been selling knife fish and other river food at the market for five years. Wang Shiping, a fisherman from Jiangsu province, told media outlet Wenhui Daily that he had managed to net only two "big knives" (each weighing in at more than 100 grams) during the past week. His catch is about 10 percent of what it was last year, he said. The normal fishing season this year runs from March 1 to April 20. While fishing bureaus in the Yangtze River Delta have tried to ensure that only licensed fishermen are out on the river, illegal profit-driven fishing boats still take great risks to catch knife fish, which is believed to be a major factor in the reduction of the fish population. Children's public health clinics in Hong Kong will place a monthly cap on services for nonlocal children following a surge in requests by mainland residents in the wake of the expired vaccine scare. The SAR's Department of Health announced on Wednesday a maximum of 120 nonlocal children each month citywide could receive vaccinations. The quota will start on April 1, and comes as telephone booking services have been inundated following reports in February of improperly stored or expired vaccines being sold on the Chinese mainland. Vaccinations can still be purchased through private clinics that are not subject to any caps. Teresa Li, assistant director of health in Hong Kong, said that telephone bookings surged to 120 on Tuesday, from just a few each day in recent years. Li said some of the city's 31 public centers are fully booked until May. Li stressed that local children will be given priority in the event of a vaccine shortage and services for nonlocal children will be halted if necessary. Li added, however, that there were no current threats to local stockpiles. Last year, 1,300 nonlocal children received vaccinations in the city's public health centers. Li suggested that children be immunized where they live, rather than during travel. Zhong Huaqing, the father of a 1-year-old boy from Shenzhen, Guangdong province, said he would wait for further clarification before getting his baby's next vaccination locally, as his faith in Shenzhen's healthcare was unshaken. "Besides, it's a lot of trouble and takes a lot of time to get the same shots in Hong Kong. It's also much more expensive," Zhong said. Fireworks light the night along the Vltava River in Prague on Tuesday as part of the opening ceremony of the Fantastic Terracotta Fighting Warriors exhibition in the capital of the Czech Republic. Two boats with a total of 60 illuminated terracotta warriors will cruise the river to celebrate the naming, during President Xi Jinping's visit, of Prague and Beijing as sister cities. Qian Yi / Xinhua President Xi Jinping received a token of the highest honor from Prague on Tuesday, after the capital of the Czech Republic became Beijing's 53rd sister city. Prague Mayor Adriana Krnacova presented the "Key to Prague" - representing deepening friendship and partnership with China - to Xi soon after Krnacova signed an agreement with Beijing Mayor Wang Anshun on the new sister city status. Beijing, a growing center for international exchanges, now has sister cities in 48 countries. The agreement, which came during Xi's state visit to the Central European country, will boost the cooperation of both capitals on culture, healthcare, education, tourism and sports. President Xi said the key, representing the deep friendship between the Czech and Chinese people, will remind him of Prague as a world cultural heritage site with beautiful landscapes and deep-rooted cultural traditions. The president said exchanges between Chinese and Czech cities are key to the development of the two countries' bilateral relationship, adding that he hoped both capitals will bring about new breakthroughs in relations and local cooperation. Krnacova echoed his views and said she was excited to see Xi at the signing ceremony for the sister-city agreement. As part of the agreement, the Beijing Commission of Tourism Development will help Prague review Chinese-language promotional materials for the city and make logos in Mandarin for tourism sites in Prague, according to the Foreign Affairs Office of Beijing. The two capitals began official exchanges in 1956 and have achieved progress in bilateral trade and cooperation in healthcare, cultural exchanges and tourism promotion since 2014, when Czech Foreign Minister Lubomir Zaoralek visited China. Over the past two years, Beijing sent two high-ranking delegations of officials and entrepreneurs to the China Investment Forum in Prague. In December, Beijing Tong Ren Tang Group Co opened a traditional Chinese medicine clinic in Prague. In October 2014, Karel Pech, chairman and founder of the Czech-Chinese Friendship Association, visited a pharmacy owned by Tong Ren Tang Group in downtown Beijing and saw firsthand how TCM doctors treated patients. Dr. MAX - one of the largest pharmacy chains in Central Europe, with more than 500 pharmacies serving 130,000 customers daily - signed a cooperation agreement with Tong Ren Tang in December 2014, according to the Beijing People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. One year later, the clinic was established. huyongqi@chinadaily.com.cn President Xi Jinping witnessed the signing of 15 documents on cooperation between Chinese and Czech companies on Wednesday, the final day of his visit to the European country. The agreements cover multiple industries including automobiles, nuclear energy, finance, civil aviation and infrastructure construction. They involve major Chinese companies such as Sinohydro Group, SAIC Motor, China Eastern Airlines and China General Nuclear Power Corp. In a speech delivered during a round-table meeting with businesspeople and investors on Wednesday, Xi called for closer political and business ties with the Czech Republic. Quoting a saying by Chinese philosopher Mencius that "genuine friends know each other's hearts and minds", Xi said, "Through years of communication, our hearts have become closer." The two countries' industries have much to complement each other, providing great potential for cooperation, Xi said, adding that the Czech Republic has advantages in sectors such as auto-making and infrastructure construction. Czech President Milos Zeman said at the meeting that Chinese investment in his country may reach 95 billion crowns ($3.9 billion) this year. Gao Hucheng, China's minister of commerce, said more than 200 Chinese businesspeople are accompanying Xi during the visit for talks with their Czech partners. They have reached deals worth more than 6 billion euros ($6.7 billion), covering finance, machinery, e-commerce and tourism. In one of the deals, China Eastern Airlines has agreed to launch direct flights between Shanghai and Prague. China has been the Czech Republic's largest trading partner outside the European Union for years, and the Czech Republic is China's second-largest trading partner, after Poland, in Central and Eastern Europe. At the end of last year, China's investment in the country surged to $1.6 billion, up from $200 million in 2013. anbaijie@chinadaily.com.cn An electric car is charged at a charging station in Shanghai. [Photo/Xinhua] Beijing plans to deploy another 6,000 electric cars for government use this year amid the city's efforts to curb air pollution. It follows the adoption of 1,300 electric cars for governmental leases last year, according to Xu Heyi, chairman of the board of directors of BAIC Motor Corp. The total fleet of 7,300 cars will provide services for 91 ministries and departments of the central government and 180 departments of the Beijing municipal government, Xu said. Nationwide reform of government-owned vehicles has largely focused on subsidizing officials and boosting the transparency of transportation expenses, but Xu said Beijing was focusing on replacing government-owned cars with timeshare car rentals. Electric cars emit far fewer pollutants than gasoline-powered cars. Since the beginning of last year, the central government has operated 230 electric cars, with each being driven for an average of 12,400 kilometers - saving 1,200 liters of gasoline and reducing carbon emissions by 2,770 kilograms, according to the National Government Offices Administration of the State Council. To further encourage use, BAIC is rolling out a service whereby officials from the Beijing municipal government and some of the ministries and departments of the State Council can rent an electric car from near their office building to carry out their duties. The car can then be returned to another location and the user pays electronically. As recharging is an unavoidable issue for electric cars, Xu said charging stations were being installed inside or near government buildings. "For example, you can return the car when you get to your meeting. After the meeting, you can rent another car to go back. In this way, the car rental can be easily accepted and operated," Xu said. As of March 3, BAIC had installed more than 3,000 charging stations for governmental use. In the downtown area, officials of the Beijing Municipal Administration of Quality and Technology Supervision can use a swipe card to rent an electric car for business purposes. Sun Lijun, professor of transportation at Tongji University in Shanghai, welcomed the initiative as it could encourage local governments to procure or rent new-energy vehicles for business trips as well. "Therefore, Beijing's electric car trial may help national reform of government-owned vehicles and reduce air pollution as well," Sun said. Yellow sticky papers at the Zhang Tianfu Ecological Tea Plantation in Ningde city, East China's Fujian province, March 22, 2016. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn] A traditional tea-growing region in East China with a 1,000-year history is undergoing fast growth after further developing natural advantages and introducing new technologies. Tea production in Ningde city, East China's Fujian province, dates back to the time before the Tang Dynasty (618-907AD), according to The Classics of Tea, by Lu Yu, a tea expert in the Tang Dynasty. Nowadays, Ningde city, located in eastern Fujian province, boasts a tea-growing area covering 686.6 square kilometers, accounting for nearly one twentieth of its 13,400-square-kilometer land area for more than 25 percent of the total area used for tea growing in Fujian province. Vast tea cultivation can be explained by the fact that the often fog-enveloped land at least 500 meters above sea level is very suitable for cultivating quality teas, since tea prefers to be grown in a warm, humid and shaded environment, according to local tea planters. "Thanks to natural advantages, there are so few pests in our tea plantation that we hardly use pesticides," said Shi Xiaodong, owner of the Zhang Tianfu Ecological Tea Plantation in Ningde city. Like Shi, many tea plantations in the city plant organic teas, as they use animal waste instead of man-made fertilizers to add nutrients to the tea trees, and also use other methods, such as yellow sticky tape to catch winged bugs instead of killing them by using pesticides. The experiences on the organic tea plantations helped set national standards for black tea and white tea in Fu'an and Fu'ding respectively, East China's Fujian province. Local tea growers never let go of the chance to fully use natural advantages, so they developed ecological tourism. PLA soldiers carry caskets containing remains at the airport in Shenyang on Thursday. Photos provided to China Daily and Wang Tian / For China Daily A funeral service will be held in Shenyang, Liaoning province, on Friday morning for 36 Chinese soldiers who died in the Korean War (1950-53), after their remains were returned from South Korea the previous day. The service at the Korean War Martyrs' Cemetery will be attended by government officials, People's Liberation Army officers and representatives from veterans' families, according to local authorities. The 36 soldiers were members of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army. Their remains were found in South Korea over the past year and were handed over to a Chinese delegation led by Dou Yupei, vice-minister of civil affairs, at a ceremony on Thursday morning at Incheon International Airport in South Korea. At a brief memorial service at the airport, Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Qiu Guohong placed Chinese national flags on the caskets holding the remains, before they were flown home aboard a Chinese military transport plane. Two J-11 fighter jets of the PLA Air Force escorted the plane when it entered Chinese airspace. After the transport aircraft landed at Shenyang Xiantao International Airport, the remains were received by PLA officers in ceremonial uniforms. Shin Bong-sup, South Korea's consul-general in Shenyang, said on Thursday: "South Korea and China were once in a war fighting each other, but that was in the past. Returning the remains will help to heal the wounds of history between the two countries and strengthen friendship among the people." Under an agreement between China and South Korea, officials from the two countries consult each other every year on handing over remains found in South Korea. Leading stars Ge You and Zhang Ziyi at a Beijing event to promote The Wasted Times. [Photo by Jiang Dong/China Daily] Ever since Monkey King: Hero Is Back became the highest-grossing domestic animated film of all time, China's leading studios are looking overseas for manpower to ride the wave. Xu Fan reports. Huayi Brothers, one of China's most successful studios last year, has also joined the rush to recruit Hollywood talent. At a recent event, the studio said that its newly launched animation subsidiary had hired veteran animators from the United States. Its wholly owned unit, Huayi Brothers Win Animation, has appointed DreamWorks Animation's former executive Joe Aguilar as its chief executive officer. In addition, Markus Manninen, a visual effects veteran who was behind Oscar-nominated Kung Fu Panda, has been hired as the firm's art director. Wang Zhonglei, the president of Huayi Brothers, says that globalization of the movie industry has pushed the studio to seek world-class talent and companies. Win Animation plans to make four animated movies every year and the first one will be released across the country in 2017. Aguilar says the movies will have a global appeal. Though details are yet to be released, Aguilar says Win Animation's first title is an animated sci-fi action feature, supervised by Kung Fu Panda 3's Chinese director, Teng Huatao. Wang says the North American market shows that animated films attract audiences more easily regardless of culture or age, and there is a greater possibility of the movies developing into long-running franchises. The multimedia show Cavalia will be staged in Beijing in April. [Photo provided to China Daily] Normand Latourelle, co-founder of the Montreal-based Cirque du Soleil, has dreamed of coming to China since childhood. "I once asked my mother: 'How can I get to China.' She said: 'Dig a hole in the kitchen, and you will be there at the end of it'," Latourelle recalls. Decades later, he has not just arrived in China but also brought his 30 horses, who are the stars of Latourelle's brainchildthe multimedia spectacular, Cavalia. Cooperating with the Chinese investment company Sinocap, Latourelle and his team, including his son and tour manager, Mathieu Latourelle, will stage the show in Beijing from April 28 to May 8. Cavalia is a mix of acrobatics and equestrian arts, and Chinese audiences will enjoy it in a white tent, called the "big top", that covers more than 2,000 square meters and is pitched at a height of 35 meters in Beijing's Chaoyang Park. During a recent visit to a farm more than 40 kilometers from downtown Beijing where the horses are kept, Latourelle says that he found the animals were resting and grazing peacefully there. Most of the equestrian team of about 20, including a veterinarian, health technicians, grooms and a farrier, are training the horses on a daily basis. Each horse performs for roughly 12 minutes. The rest of their daily activities include warmups, recouping, grooming, going to the paddocks outside and free time. "The Cavalia approach is based on training methods designed to make sure the horses enjoy training as well as performing onstage. The horse training is based upon a philosophy of understanding the needs, the preferences and the emotions of the four-legged stars," says Latourelle, who has 46 years of experience in creating and staging live spectacles. Cavalia was born as an idea around 15 years ago to pay tribute to the bond between the animals and people. Keith Dupont is one of the riders in the Beijing performance. The Belgian joined in Cavalia five years ago and quickly became a star in the show due to his gentle, patient and effective way of communicating with the horses. He is working with six to eight Arabian horses. "I love the horses and the stage. The job is a perfect combination for me," he says. "Each horse has a different personality. Some are curious, and some are aggressive." Latourelle says: "Keith communicates with the horses with soft voice commands and body movements. He is on the ground, and the horses have no saddle, no rope, no bridle, nothing. It's a very beautiful and emotional number in the show." Chinese director-actor Zhang Guoli attended the ticket-sale launching ceremony in Beijing on March 17. He says he was amazed when he watched the show in Canada. "I am very eager to watch it again in Beijing. It's a huge operation to bring the show to Beijingfor example, there are more than 4,000 tons of sand in the venue." [Photo/Xinhua] The China-India Yoga College has drawn thousands of followers since it opened last November in Kunming, capital of Southwest China's Yunnan province. Based in the Yunnan Minzu (Nationalities) University, the country's first yoga college frequently has students queue up for free lessons in the ancient art. Lu Fang, deputy director of the college, said more than five dozen full-time students have completed yoga sessions. Close to 3,000 people participated in free yoga sessions offered by the college. "Several companies and government offices invited our teachers to teach yoga during celebrations such as the International Women's Day," said Lu. Yoga was first introduced into China by Hong Kong practitioner Wai Lana in the 1980s. Her workout programs, which aired daily on China's Central Television, were the starting point for many Chinese yogis. China's white collar workers have adopted yoga as a way to stay fit, with many attending a couple of sessions per week in the gym or studio. Lu said a growing number of people want to learn from Indian yoga masters. A girl practices piano. [Photo provided to China Daily] A piano teaching system that adds fun to the lessons was launched in Beijing this week. Developed by The One Smart Piano, a company based in Beijing, the system has received funding from well-known pianist Lang Lang and Google China's former chief Kai-Fu Lee. The first version of the system went online in 2014 but was mainly used by adults. The new product "Piano Plus" features spruce-made solid board with different thicknesses, six unequal-pitch dorsal columns and dragon spruce keyboards from Austria. It costs 23,800 yuan ($3,670). The company's previous "smart" pianos are still available for roughly 4,000 yuan. A total of 35 million of those systems have been sold since the October 2015 launch. The new product is an upgrade and offers quality music life and enables users to become pianists with taste, its founder Ye Bin says. The system, which uses American teaching techniques, makes the piano learning experience similar to playing video games. Piano learners can reach the fourth or fifth level of the China Central Conservatory of Music by the time they finish all the courses, the company says. The system can also help people who want to start a piano-teaching business. It has won support from the conservatory's vice-president Zhou Haihong, who says his dream of popularizing piano with the public can be realized by the system. Related: Beijing now on global music map with Rubinstein contest [Photo/Xinhua] Chinese authorities have demanded various measures be taken against violence against medical personnel, provoking trouble at medical institutions and other hospital-related crimes, Xinhua learned Wednesday. Assaulting medical personnel and restricting their freedom should be stopped and perpetrators be held accountable, said a circular by the National Health and Family Planning Commission, Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Justice and the central comprehensive management office. Medical institutions are advised to pay special attention to key groups such as patients with severe mental disorders, and keep a list of patients and their relatives who repeatedly harass the institutions or threaten revenge against medical personnel. Troublemakers who cause substantial loss could face criminal penalties, the circular said. Police should be properly deployed to help maintain order in hospitals and their vicinity, according to the circular. It also required medical institutions and public security agencies to promptly report above-mentioned crimes to their supervisors, especially those involving death, serious injury or resulting in mass incidents. A receptionist works at Alibaba's headquarters in Hangzhou, capital of East China's Zhejiang province, in this Jan 30, 2015 file photo. [Photo/Xinhua] You may call it a move for fairer taxation. You may call it a move to facilitate trade. But you cannot sell it as a boon for Chinese consumers, because once the tax rules on online retail goods are changed on April 8, Chinese online shoppers will feel the impact and are likely to think twice about opening their purse strings. Hence, Chinese policymakers, who are anxious to ensure tax revenues grow fast enough to help cushion the country's economic slowdown, should be cautioned that raising tax on consumers may prove a Pyrrhic victory. The Ministry of Finance announced on March 24 that retail goods purchased online will no longer be classified as "parcels" and enjoy a "parcel tax" rate that is lower than that on other imported goods. Instead, online purchases from overseas will be charged the same as any other imported goods. Currently, the country levies parcel tax on imported goods worth less than 1,000 yuan ($150), and the rate can be as low as 10 percent. Taxes under 50 yuan are generally waived. As a result, many online purchasing agents have sought to avoid paying higher taxes by repackaging and mailing products separately so they will only be charged the parcel tax, undercutting traditional retailers and importers who have to bear a heavier tax burden on their goods. It is true that such a change will help level the playing field for e-commerce platforms and traditional retailers and importers. It is also likely that the new policy will speed up customs clearance so consumers will receive most orders from overseas within two weeks, instead of two months. Because of the jaw-dropping surge in import of retail goods bought online, it was reported that some Chinese custom officials faced an avalanche of parcels of small-sum imported retail goods especially during the online shopping holidays. . By removing the tax advantage enjoyed by small-sum imported goods, the new tax rule should help accelerate the process of customs clearance by reining in the explosive growth in the number of small parcels they have to process. Nevertheless, the new tax rate is indeed higher compared to what it used to be, the Ministry of Finance said. Unfortunately, the assertion that it won't affect consumers too much is at best a goodwill guess that will need to be tested against consumer behavior after the change comes into effect. Cross-border e-commerce has become such a rare bright spot of growth that the government has planned to set up more cross-border e-commerce pilot zones to attract businesses, create jobs and nurture new business models that will boost foreign trade and stimulate the economy. The Ministry of Commerce predicted the volume of cross-border e-commerce in 2016 will reach 6.5 trillion yuan and will soon account for 20 percent of China's foreign trade. The need to further expand online trade should be more than obvious as China just saw the total value of its exports and imports for 2015 decline 7 percent year-on-year, falling for the first time in six years. The new tax rule will definitely help the government collect more tax revenues from consumers' online purchases of imported retail goods to marginally improve its fiscal position. But it is no answer to domestic consumers' rising demand for premium goods that Chinese manufacturers are yet unable to provide and which their supply-side reform should center on. And if such a premature hike in tax does make a dent on Chinese consumers' enthusiasm to spend bigger and bigger on premium goods, it could prove costly for the country, which is aggressively pursuing consumption-led growth. Boosting consumption is never as easy as raising taxes. The author is a senior writer with China Daily. zhuqiwen@chinadaily.com.cn The Fuqing nuclear power plant is under construction.[Photo/China Daily] President Xi Jinping will be in Washington on Thursday and Friday to attend the fourth Nuclear Security Summit, in which China plays an important role to improve global nuclear governance. The most important aspect of nuclear security is safeguarding nuclear weapons, especially at a time when the spread of terrorism in the Middle East and the terrorist attacks in Europe pose a threat to nuclear non-proliferation. Terrorists, especially those wreaking havoc in the Middle East, see the United States as their common enemy. To tackle this rising threat, the US has to work with all countries, China in particular. In fact, recent years have seen more frequent interactions between the US and China on the issue. This month, the largest and most advanced nuclear security center started operation in Beijing. Co-established by China Atomic Energy Authority and the US Department of Energy, the center is mainly aimed at preventing the smuggling of nuclear materials and providing training to nuclear detection experts in the region. Another important aspect of nuclear security is related to civil nuclear power plants. Nuclear power plants do produce clean energy, but their security and safety remain of utmost concern, as the Fukushima accident in Japan in 2011 showed nuclear power plants remain vulnerable to not only terrorist attacks but also natural disasters. For China, nuclear security issues are challenges as well as opportunities. First, China accords the highest priority to nuclear security and safety. At the third Nuclear Security Summit in The Hague, the Netherlands, in 2014, Xi put forward China's nuclear security conceptadhering to security in development to achieve development in security. Xi is expected to push forward this concept at the Washington nuclear summit, too, and defend the rights of developing countries to develop nuclear energy for civil use. On this point, the US and China have some disagreements. Washington contends that civil nuclear technology can be turned into military nuclear technology, and US President Barack Obama insists on strengthening supervision of nuclear materials. Second, China is in a position to export nuclear power technology for civil use. Thanks to decades of development, China is now a leader in nuclear power technology. With its third-generation nuclear power technology, China has also been strengthening the safety and security aspects of the technology according to the most stringent international standards. It has also achieved a major breakthrough in the development of fourth-generation nuclear power technology, laying a solid foundation for exporting safe nuclear technology. Last year, China's nuclear power technology made inroads into countries considered traditionally strong in nuclear power generation. China is also working with the United Kingdom and France on nuclear power investment projects. That's why Xi could highlight China's achievements in the field of civil nuclear energy at the Washington summit and show the world that it is fully capable of exporting nuclear energy technology for civil use. Chinese leaders have attended all the three Nuclear Security Summits. And since China and the US share many common interests in the field of nuclear security, they have all the reasons to cooperate on the issue. The deal reached in 2015 with Iran to limit its nuclear power usage showed cooperation between China and the US is good for the world. Besides, China emphasizes both rights and obligations in nuclear safety, as well as harmonious cooperation between countries to create a peaceful international environment so that nuclear security issues can be resolved. At the Washington summit, therefore, Xi is expected to play an even more constructive role in global nuclear governance and to make it reflect the interests and needs of the international community. The authors are researchers at the Center for China and Globalization, a domestic think tank. Employees display their makeup skills on a model at a funeral expo in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province, in November. Li Xi / for China Daily AS TOMB SWEEPING FESTIVAL APPROACHES, corruption in State-run companies providing funeral services has become a hot issue. In Wuhan, capital of Central China's Hubei province, about 20 officials were arrested recently for corruption related to funeral services. Beijing News comments: Among all the corruption cases, those involving funeral companies make us especially angry because that's a double breach of ethical standards, as not only is it cheating, it is cheating the bereaved. How can anyone cheat those who have just lost a loved one? The law is clear about this. According to a regulation issued in 2012, funeral-related services should be non-profit making and local authorities are responsible for setting the prices. However, the reality is, over the last 10 years, funerals have become one of the top 10 profit-making services. Funeral parlors sell cremation urns and shrouds at prices a dozen times higher than those in the market. It is the same old problem that has caused this distortion of the market: a monopoly. Funeral services are monopolized by local State-run companies, which, without any competitor in the market, seek to gain from their power in hand. The Wuhan case best explains how power breeds corruption in the sector: of the about 20 suspects arrested, one is the deputy head of the local bureau of civil affairs, while nine are directors or deputy directors of funeral parlors. Therefore, the prosecution of about 20 corruption suspects is far from enough to root out corruption surrounding funerals. In order to eliminate this, the State-run monopoly in the funeral market needs to be broken to allow more competitors to provide services. Some might argue that funeral services should be a basic service provided by the government. If the State chooses not to marketize the funeral service sector, it is time for it to strengthen regulation of the industry, and provide enough transparent funding for it, so that funeral companies neither need nor are able to make excessive profits. World leaders arrive at the 2016 Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) in Washington, D.C. with a large helping of food for thought. While a little of it, particularly in the wake of the good news of Iran coming in from out of the nuclear freezer in January this year, looks quite tasty (as an appetizer at least), the other morsels on the menu do not appear so palatable, perhaps even indigestible. Uppermost in leaders minds, particularly in the wake of the Brussels attacks and other atrocities committed by the so-called Islamic State, must be the fear of terrorists getting hold of nuclear weapons or the materials to make them. One of the nightmare scenarios which keeps security experts awake at night is terrorists somehow obtaining nuclear warheads and delivering them to large population centers (such as New York) by sea. In addition, if just one warhead (from whatever source) got into ISILs hands it would clearly represent a security threat of almost unimaginably terrible proportions. So while the Islamic State is not directly on the agenda for the NSS, it and other extremist threats are, however, likely to be in the backs of peoples minds as they enter the negotiating chamber, and may well be of concern to Presidents Obama and Xi as they meet for bilateral discussions on the fringes of the Summit. Taking measures to prevent the smuggling of materials and blueprints for making nuclear weapons by unauthorized agents and actors must be high on their agenda. How to prevent uncontrolled nuclear proliferation in states which are less stable or which are viewed by the international community as beyond the pale obviously also represents an area of major concern. Finding ways to police these states is, as ever, an issue of concern for those present at the Summit, and one which requires the careful and patient attention of all concerned. Of course, one problem less this year is the question of Iran, which was brought to a successful conclusion in January, in large part due to Chinas intervention on the question of the Arak heavy water reactor, which it has offered to redesign so that it will be unable to produce weapons grade plutonium. China therefore proved, muchto some observers surprise, to be a key player in bringing Iran in from out of the cold, and Beijing has thus gone a considerable distance towards proving its credentials as a responsible actor on the world stage in terms of nuclear security. Chinas highly successful behind-the-scenes activity on this and other issues relating to international security will do much in the long-term to dispel general criticisms by observers in the West that China is not behaving as a responsible stakeholder on the world stage. But in the short-term there is the vexed question of what this Summit can be expected to achieve in terms of the passing of concrete measures. Russias absence from the negotiations is clearly likely to be a major obstacle to progress given its status as a major nuclear power. Nevertheless, there is much that can be achieved by discussion among the remaining participants, particularly in addressing how to establish and enforce counter-terrorism measures relating to preventing the unauthorized use of existing nuclear materials. This could be achieved, for instance, by improving nuclear security regulations and monitoring. Thus, given the landmark agreement that was reached with regard to Iran, and Chinas clear intention to cooperate more closely with the US on nuclear proliferation, there is every reason to be hopeful that this Summit can deliver some more positive steps in the right direction, even if progress towards outright solutions on the level of the Iran deal may prove elusive at this stage. Jeremy Garlick is lecturer in international relations at the Jan Masaryk Centre for International Studies, University of Economics in Prague. The opinions expressed here are those of the writer and don't represent views of China Daily website. China's Global Newspaper Sorry, the page you requested was not found. Please check the URL for proper spelling and capitalization. If you're having trouble locating a destination on Chinadaily.com.cn, try visiting the Chinadaily home page NICOSIA - A man accused of hijacking an EgyptAir flight on Tuesday forcing it to land in Larnaca, Cyprus, was remanded in custody for eight days on Wednesday pending further investigation into the case. The man (C) who was arrested after he hijacked an EgyptAir flight, which was forced to land in Cyprus on Tuesday, is transferred by Cypriot police as they leave a court in the city of Larnaca, Cyprus March 30, 2016. [Photo/Agencies] The charges provisionally brought against him are hijacking, threatening violence and life, terrorism-associated offences and possession of explosives, resulting from his claim that he was rigged with a suicide belt.An investigator told the court that the man, who has been identified by police as Seif el-Din Mustafa, aged 59, told Cypriot police he carried out the hijacking because he wanted to see his ex-wife and four children."When one has not seen his family for 24 years and wants to see his wife and children and the Egyptian government does not allow it, what should one do?" the man was reported to have told the police during questioning.Investigator Andreas Lambrianou recounted to the court the official version of events that led to the diversion of the EgyptAir MS-181 from its flight from Alexandria to Cairo to Larnaca airport.He said that just before 8:30 am on Tuesday MS-181 entered into the Cypriot FIR and asked permission to land at Larnaca. The request was turned down but the decision was reversed after the pilot said he was running out of fuel.The investigator said that 15 minutes after take-off the man went to the rear of the plane and showed a white belt he had on to a member of the crew.There were cylindrical objects into the vest's pockets and wiring which was connected to a remote control the man was holding in his hand, with his thumb on the button.A member of the crew testified to the police that he thought that the objects in the vest were explosives and that he believed that there was a real danger of blowing up the plane.Lambrianou said the suspect handed two notes to the member of the crew telling him to give it to the pilot and threatened to blow up the vest if his request was not met."The suspect asked all passengers and crew to hand in their passports, then gave two messages to a member of the crew, asking that the pilot be informed that he was a hijacker and wanted to land at an airport in Turkey, Greece or Cyprus," said Lambrianou.At Larnaca airport he allowed the passengers and members of the crew to leave in groups at different times during the six-hour drama.The investigator added that the suspect handed an envelope in which he had a note with the name of a Cypriot woman, who was later established to be his ex-wife. There was also a note demanding the release of 63 women from Egyptian prison.Lambrianou said that on examination the vest was found to be fitted with a firing mechanism but it did not seem to contain any explosives. A small bottle of liquid found in the vest is being examined by police.In passing in front of journalists in a police vehicle after the court session Mustafa stuck his hand out of the open window and flashed the "V" sign for victory. When meeting with former Israeli prime minister Shimon Peres on Wednesday, Vice-Premier Liu Yandong said "there is huge potential and great prospect for two-way cooperation in various fields, particularly in innovation cooperation". At their meeting in Tel Aviv, Peres said both two countries value innovation, and he is delighted to see the outcomes in science and innovation domains. Liu conveyed greetings by Chinese leaders to Peres. She said Peres is "an outstanding strategist and statesman" and "an old friend of Chinese people". During Peres' visit to China in 2014, a slew of important consensus was reached between him and President Xi Jinping upon strengthening two-way cooperation in fields such as science and technology, education, health and medical care, agriculture and utilization of water resources. "Today, with the joint efforts of both sides, these consensuses have yielded fruitful outcomes," Liu told Peres. Next year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relationship between China and Israel. Liu said the two sides are hoped to take this as an opportunity to bring the ties to a new height, and Peres is expected to further play an important role in boosting the friendly cooperation. Liu is in a three-stop visit to Egypt, Israel and Palestine till Thursday. zhangyunbi@chinadaily.com.cn Vice-Premier Liu Yandong has said China and Israel are expected to "increase dynamism for the two-way cooperation in healthcare industries". Liu made the calls when addressing a China-Israel healthcare cooperation seminar in Tel Aviv on Wednesday. Israel enjoys "a well-developed healthcare system, it runs effectively and it's a pioneer in technology", she noted. Cooperation should be deepened in regards to the industry new frontiers and cutting-edge technologies - such as stem cells and regenerative medicine - to "make the biological and pharmaceutical sectors a new driving force for the economic development of the two countries". "China is endeavoring to build a 'healthy China', and is consistently advancing its reform in the medical, pharmaceutical and hygiene system," she said. Also the two countries hope to boost sharing of experiences and strengthen in-depth cooperation in between, and joint research and training are hoped for health emergency management and disease prevention and control, she said. Liu is in a three-stop visit to Egypt, Israel and Palestine till Thursday. zhangyunbi@chinadaily.com.cn MOSCOW - The deal to provide Ukraine with discounted gas will expire Friday, the Russian news agency TASS quoted a Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak as saying Thursday. Ukraine enjoyed a $17.77 discount on gas in a previous contract with Russia, buying the much-needed resource at 212 dollars per 1,000 cubic meters, Novak said. Novak said the discount was agreed on within the framework of the so-called "winter package" by Russia, Ukraine and the European Union. On Jan 1, the Russian government approved the discount for Ukraine through the first quarter of 2016. In 2015, Ukraine halved the purchase of Russian gas due to strained revenue. Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Qiu Guohong drapes a Chinese flag over a box containing the remains of a Chinese soldier who was killed in the 1950-53 Korean War during a handover ceremony at Incheon Airport in Incheon, South Korea, March 31, 2016.[Photo/IC] South Korea on Thursday handed over the remains of 36 Chinese soldiers killed in the 1950-53 Korean War. A transfer ceremony was held on Thursday morning at South Korea's Incheon International Airport, about 50 km west of the capital of Seoul. The Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) fought side by side with the army of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in the Korean War against the South Korean army and US-led UN forces. Tens of thousands of CPV soldiers died on the Korean Peninsula during the war, which ended in an armistice in 1953. BEIJING -- A Chinese defense ministry spokesperson said on Thursday that Japan should be more transparent about its military budget. Japan has been increasing its defense spending for years, sparking concern among its neighbors and the international community, spokesperson Yang Yujun told a monthly press conference, saying Japan should explain its real intentions. Japan has approved a record-high 5.05 trillion yen (about $41.90 billion dollars) military budget for the 2016 fiscal year, a 1.5 percent increase from 2015. This is the fourth consecutive year that Japan has increased its defense budget. Yang also blasted Japan's criticisms of China's normal military spending growth. Earlier this month, China announced its lowest defense budget increase in six years. Yang said the budget covered the building up of national defense and will help safeguard national sovereignty and security. China's defense budget must be approved by China's top legislature, the National People's Congress, Yang said, stressing that China has no "invisible" defense spending. President Xi Jinping and US President Barack Obama will meet Thursday afternoon on the sidelines of the fourth Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) in a bid to expand cooperation and manage differences between the two super powers. Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives on his official plane to attend the upcoming Nuclear Security Summit meetings in Washington, on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland March 30, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua] Xi arrived at the Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Wednesday evening from Prague, Czech Republic, where he paid a three-day state visit. Prague was also where Obama made his speech about a nuclear-free world on April 5, 2009, which led to the birth of the first NSS in Washington in 2010. Both Chinese and American officials and experts hope the meeting, the eighth between the two presidents since 2013, will help keep bilateral relations on a healthy track. Cheng Li, director of the John L. Thornton China Center of the Brookings Institution, praised Xi's visit despite growing tension in the South China Sea. Many Chines believe that disputes over maritime territories between China and some of its neighbors have become more complicated in recent years because of US involvement. Li said a high-level meeting is important in building trust. "I always believe that the problem between China and the US is not ideology or interest, but miscalculation," he said. He hoped that Xi and Obama will reach some agreement on the South China Sea issue. Jeffrey Bader, a senior fellow at Brookings in Washington and a principal adviser for Obama on Asia from 2009 to 2011, described Obama's only bilateral meeting during the summit that will be attended by 50 plus heads of state and government as "a sign of respect" for Xi and an indication of how important Obama considers the US relationship with China. He believes the meeting is likely to focus a good deal on the South China Sea, saying there is concern in Washington and the region about how China might react, beyond formal rejection, to a decision by the International Tribunal in April or May regarding the Philippine complaint on the UN Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Chinese President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to the Czech Republic on March 28-30. President Xi and leaders of the Czech Republic exchanged views on common concern, such as China-Czech relations, China-Europe relations and cooperation under the "16+1" framework between China and Central and East Europe (CEE). They decided to upgrade bilateral ties into a strategic partnership. That spells the beginning of a comprehensive coordination of strategies under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative and "16+1" China-CEE mechanism. When addressing the China-Czech Economic Roundtable, President Xi had emphasized further economic cooperation of both sides so as to inherit friendship and usher in new era of bilateral business cooperation. Xi's visit features high-level contacts, closer relations and fruitful cooperative results, which have left an unforgettable "Chinese Impression" on the bank of the Voltava River. The public has spoken highly of Xi's visit, saying it has created new opportunities for China-CEE cooperation. After concluding his state visit, Xi left Prague for the United States to attend the fourth Nuclear Security Summit in Washington DC. By Xu Xiujun, deputy director of International Politics and Economics Department, Institute of World Economics and Politics, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences; cartoon drawing by Chi Ying (The opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Panview or CCTV.com.) President Xi expected to highlight common safety interests at gathering in Washington Beijing is expected to call on the global community to recognize common interests and cooperate in handling emerging nuclear risks, including terror attacks, at a key nuclear security summit, according to observers. President Xi Jinping arrived in Washington on Wednesday for the two-day fourth Nuclear Security Summit which began on Thursday in a sign of Beijing's commitment to safeguarding radioactive materials worldwide. However, experts said there are obstacles to achieving the goal of a world free from nuclear weapons. Islamic State is reported to have taken possession of radioactive materials, including 40 kilograms of uranium in Iraq. Washington has also condemned Pyongyang for conducting missile tests in March despite UN sanctions against a nuclear test it staged in January. Li Bin, a professor of nuclear security at Tsinghua University, said, "President Xi might mention seeking common interests among nations in his speech at the summit, such as on preventing nuclear terror attacks and ways of cooperation." The Foreign Ministry has said Xi is scheduled to address the opening plenary session to expound on Beijing's nuclear security policy. Xi will also present new measures and achievements by China in this area and put forward proposals on strengthening global nuclear security, it said. Li said that in recent years China has made concrete contributions to global nuclear security. Chu Xuhui, a senior consultant at the China Arms Control and Disarmament Association, said an agreement is likely to be signed at the summit to establish a global security system to fight nuclear terrorism. During the third Nuclear Security Summit in The Hague in 2014, Xi put forward a comprehensive view on nuclear security covering the interests of all nations. China has also helped other countries with nuclear security technology. Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) meets with Danish Prime Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen in Washington on March 31, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua] WASHINGTON -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Danish Prime Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen Thursday on the sidelines of the fourth Nuclear Security Summit, calling for bigger progress in the development of bilateral ties. "The sustained and in-depth development of the China-Denmark relations complies with the common interest of the two nations and two peoples," said Xi. Hailing the increasingly strengthened political mutual trust and the comprehensively promoted practical cooperation between the two sides, Xi said China-Denmark relations now stand at a new historical starting point. He called on the two sides to maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges, synergize their development strategies, boost people-to-people exchanges, promote youth exchanges and strengthen coordination in international organizations such as the United Nations. Xi further urged the two sides to deepen cooperation in such fields as inter-connectivity, low-carbon and circular economy, medicine and food, and green development, calling for joint efforts for bigger progress this year in the development of China-Denmark comprehensive strategic partnership. China consistently views and develops its relations with the European Union (EU) from a strategic and long-term perspective, expecting Denmark to play an active role in the development of the China-EU partnership featuring peace, growth, reform and civilization, said Xi. China stands ready to boost cooperation with northern European countries in such fields as enterprise innovation, green development and people-to-people exchanges, Xi added. For his part, Rasmussen said Denmark is committed to the development of its comprehensive strategic partnership with China, adding that there are great potential and opportunities for the development of bilateral ties. Denmark is willing to make joint efforts with the Chinese side to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields at national and sub-national levels, strengthen people-to-people exchanges and enhance communication and coordination on international affairs, said the prime minister, adding that his country supports to develop closer China-Europe relationship as well as more intimate ties between China and Northern Europe. He further noted that Denmark supports the recognition of China's full market economy status. WASHINGTON -- China and the United States on Thursday reaffirmed their commitment to jointly tackling climate change as the world's two major carbon emitters plan to ink an ambitious climate agreement next month. According to a joint presidential statement on climate change released in Washington on Thursday, China and the United States will sign the Paris Agreement on April 22, months after the historic pact on climate change was adopted last December during the 21st session of the Conference of the Parties (COP21) in France. China and the United States, working together and with others, have played a critical role in crafting the agreement, which was adopted by the 196 Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The agreement sets a target of holding the global average rise in temperature below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, and preferably below 1.5 degrees. The statement said that Beijing and Washington will take their respective domestic steps in order to join the agreement at an early date this year. The presidents further express their commitment to work together and with others to promote the full implementation of the Paris Agreement to win the fight against the climate threat, the statement said. The latest sign of a close China-US climate cooperation came as Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to meet with his US counterpart Barack Obama Thursday on the sidelines of the fourth Nuclear Security Summit in Washington. In September 2015, the two leaders laid out a common vision for the Paris outcome during Xi's visit to Washington and also announced major domestic policy measures and cooperative initiatives to combat climate change, as well as significant progress on climate finance. Thursday's statement said that China and the United States support a successful G20 Summit in the Chinese city of Hangzhou this year, including strong climate and clean energy outcomes, and call on the G20 countries to engage constructively in international cooperation on energy and climate change. They also pledged to deepen and broaden the bilateral cooperation through the China-US Climate Change Working Group, the China-US Clean Energy Research Center, and other efforts. President Xi Jinping told US President Barack Obama on Thursday that China and the US should handle unresolved disputes in a constructive manner to avoid misunderstandings and escalating conflict. "I would like to reiterate to work together with the US side to establish a new-type of relationship of big powers, achieve the goal of no conflicts or confrontations, respect for each other, cooperate for win-win results, which is the priority of China's foreign policy," he said. Xi made his remarks in a meeting with Obama on Thursday afternoon on the sidelines of the fourth Nuclear Security Summit (NSS). Xi acknowledged that there are disputes and different views between China and the US in some areas, and both sides should respect each other's major concerns and seek solutions through dialogue. "I expect to enhance communications with President Obama to focus on cooperation, manage disputes, boost mutual trust and push forward the China-US relationship to continue to develop in a healthy and stable direction," he said. Obama said that he appreciated Xi's candid and constructive conversations with him on the disputes. Obama also expressed his wishes of a successful G20 summit to be held in September in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang province. The two last met in Washington in September during Xi's state visit to the US. They then met on Nov 30 in Paris at the climate conference. The two presidents also have had three phone calls since then. And they are expected to meet on the sidelines of the G20 summit in China in September. China replaced Canada last year as US' top trade partner. The world's two largest economies have greatly expanded their cooperation in the last few years, including in military-to-military exchanges, non-proliferation leading to the P5+1 Iran nuclear deal and in Afghanistan in the training of young diplomats. anbaijie@chinadaily.com.cn This past week has been one of the busiest/most horrible weeks for three of the China lawyers on my law firms China team. It has been horrible because they have been working on two China technology licensing agreements, both of which this week involved a particular hard-edged China negotiating tactic, which tactic we described in Antidotes to Chinese Negotiating Tactics as follows: Artificial Deadline. This is my favorite because it is such an obvious manipulation of the foreign side and yet it seems to work extremely well. The tactic works like this. At the very beginning of the negotiating process, the Chinese side sets a fixed date for executing the contract. It then sets up a public signing ceremony on that date, at which high-level officials from both sides will participate amidst much pomp and circumstance. The date is set far enough in advance to ensure that parties negotiating in good faith can reach agreement on the contract. The Chinese side then ensures no agreement is reached. This results in panic on the foreign side, since failing to get an agreement the bosses will sign is seen as a loss of face. The Chinese side then uses this concern to extract concessions from the already exhausted foreign side negotiator. This tactic also has two variants. The first variant is the crude approach. The Chinese side simply refuses to concede on key points under the quite reasonable assumption the foreign side will crumble when faced with the fixed signing deadline. The second variant is much more subtle. In this variant, the Chinese side initially concedes on key points, while still holding its ground on numerous minor points, consistent with the wear them down tactic. Then, just a day or two before the signing ceremony, the Chinese side announces that the contract must be revised on one or more key issues in a way that entirely benefits the Chinese side. The Chinese side usually justifies this by referring to the demand of a government regulator or an outside source such as a bank or insurance company. The claim is we dont want to go back on our word, but these other folks have forced us to do this. Again, the plan is to use the pressure of the impending signing ceremony and the general fatigue of the negotiators to extract crucial concessions favoring the Chinese side. These three China attorneys have had to deal with this tactic on two licensing deals at the same time. What that means in practical terms is the following: 1. Ultra-complicated agreements with a large number of exhibits (all in two languages) were revised by the Chinese side at the last minute and provided to our lawyers in pdf format, making it all that more difficult for us to track the changes. Yes, we know we can convert them to Word documents and run compare docs, but still. 2. The Chinese side would change the terms of the agreements in Chinese and then we would need to rapidly translate them into English for our clients. 3. 16 hour+ work days for our attorneys. Number three above causes me to fear those in my firm seeing this post. You see, I am about to tout the benefits of licensing your product, technology or even your name to China. I am touting this not because I want the attorneys in my firm to work 16 hour+ days, but because licensing these things to China can be an amazing economic stimulant for so many companies. And as much as I would have liked to have waited to write this post so as not to anger these three lawyers, I could not hold back after the Wall Street Journal essentially just touted China licensing deals in its article, Second Pipeline: Some Drugs Looking for a New Chance in China. The article talks about Western drugs that either were never approved in the West or simply never sold well there. Western companies are licensing some of these drugs to China pharmaceutical companies, which prefer them to better selling but far more expensive competitor drugs. These are win-win deals because the Chinese companies and Chinese citizens get perfectly fine medicines (I presume) at a good price and the Western companies get a revenue source from a formerly moribund product. The licensing deals our firm has been handling in the last year or so have been similar to the Pharma deals described in the WSJ article, but have mostly involved technology, including medical technology. Ours have mostly been licensing deals involving expensive and complicated computer and industrial technologies where the Chinese company wants to use the licensed technology to jump-start their own technology development. These Chinese companies initially plan to license the technology to build their own, cheaper products in China and then later use that technology and the funds they receive from new product sales to further develop and refine (and perhaps even localize) the technology and their own products to compete better with other Western companies on the high end. These licensing deals are often limited to giving the Chinese company use of the technology in Mainland China, and oftentimes Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macao or even all of Asia as well. For more on what goes into a China licensing contract, check out China Licensing Agreements: The Extreme Basics. (Photo : Getty Images) A Chinese security guard stands in front of cars at an auction of government vehicles on March 18, 2015 in Beijing, China. The auction was held to sell-off more than 100 high-end vehicles that were in use by public officials. Chinese President Xi Jinping, the leader of China's Communist Party, has made cracking down on corruption and official displays of excess a priority under his leadership. Advertisement The Chinese government's hunt for fugitives who fled overseas scored another success as two suspects were recently repatriated back to the mainland. The Ministry of Public Security announced that a man identified as Miao scammed at least 3,000 investors by pursuing them to invest in his company in Shanghai, a fake facade to make his scam more Like Us on Facebook Advertisement believable. He promised them high yields in return. Miao illegally gathered almost 5 million yuan from his victims. His 'fundraising activity' was not sanctioned by local financial authorities. His operations went on for almost two years from October 2013 to January 2015. He then flew to the Philippines with the money he collected. On March 9 this year, Miao was arrested in the Philippines by local authorities. They received a tip from the Chinese community on his whereabouts. On March 12, Chinese police escortes him back to the mainland where he will be prosecuted. Another Chinese national was involved in another illegal fundraising project. Shi told his victims that his company, what seems to be a membership-only business, is soon to be listed in the United States. Promising high revenues, Shi collected more "VIP membership fees." The members are than asked to recruit others, essentially being a pyramid scheme. His core group pocketed more than 10 million yuan. Shi was arrested in Malaysian and Chinese police in Malaysia on March 15. Since Xi Jinping took office in 2013, he has launched a widespread hunt for wanted criminals and suspects who went overseas to hide from the law. This is in line with his government reform to wipe out corruption from the central government. China has since recovered and prosecuted hundreds of fugitives inside and outside the country. Advertisement Tagsoperation foxhunt, Xi Jinping, Ministry of Public Security, repatriated, China hunt for criminals, Communist Party (Photo : Cancan Chu/Getty Images) Kung fu enabled a restaurant delivery man to apprehend an armed robber in south China. Advertisement A delivery man in southern China was able to apprehend a knife-wielding robber thanks to his skills in kung fu. Chen Zijing, a 39-year-old restaurant delivery man, caught one of two robbers after they tried to rob a woman, according to the News Express Daily newspaper. Two men on a motorcycle attacked a woman in a street in Guangzhous Baiyun district on Tuesday. Witnesses claim that the two young male robbers rode on a motorcycle as they approached the victim. The two robbers reportedly grabbed the womans gold necklace, dragging her for some distance before her necklace finally snapped. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement The attack left the woman on the ground, bleeding and in pain with multiple injuries. Upon hearing her cry for help, Chen then chased after the two robbers on his electric scooter. The two robbers reportedly crashed into a train and fell off their motorcycle and onto the ground. Seeing Chen approaching, one of the men attempted to attack Chen with a knife, but failed to do so as Chen caught him by the neck and threw him to the ground, rendering him unable to fight. Chen then sat on top of the fallen robber who was lying flat on his face. He reportedly pulled the robbers trousers down to limit his movement until authorities arrived. The other robber was also caught by police later on the same day. As for his skills, Chen said that he learned kung fu while he was still a young boy growing in his village. Learning from the Village Speaking of kung fu villages, one such village in Tianzhu county in southern Chinas Guizhou province boasts of villagers who know some form of martial arts, reports the South China Morning Post. These villagers, mainly farmers that belong to the Dong minority group, are skilled in various forms of martial arts, including those that use weapons such as sticks and knives. Although the reason as to why the village has such a level of expertise in martial arts is quite unclear, what is clear is that it has been passed down from generation to generation. Advertisement Tagskung fu, Robber, Guangzhou, Baiyun district (Photo : Getty Images) The extension given by Judge Breyer is almost up and Volkswagen claims that a trial is no longer needed for more than 600 lawsuits filed against the company regarding the diesel scandal. Advertisement German auto manufacturer Volkswagen is reported to be considering suspending its 2015 dividend payouts as the company continues to struggle to deal with the cost of its diesel emissions scandal. German news agency DPA quoted an unnamed Volkswagen supervisory board member saying, "There is no sign that shareholders might even be able to hope for a single cent." Like Us on Facebook Advertisement Several analysts estimate that the diesel emission scandal will cost the company at least $34 billion in order to cover vehicle recalls, international fines and legal action costs. Volkswagen estimates that at least 11 million car models sold in several international markets were fitted with software designed to cheat official pollution tests. Volkswagen said that no final decision has been reached yet regarding its dividend payout plans. On the other hand, the company is expected to release the details of its business status at a conference scheduled for April 28. Over the past few years, Volkswagen had been generous to its shareholders. In fact, just in 2015, the company paid out $5.4 per ordinary share and $5.5 per preference share. Should Volkswagen fail to pay dividend to its shareholders, the German state of Lower Saxony and the Porsche-Piech families will most likely be the biggest losers. According to Auto News, the Porsche-Peich family owns 52.2 percent of Volkswagen's ordinary stocks via the Prosche Automobil Holding. On the other hand, the Lower Saxony state owns 20 percent. Volkswagen has had to postpone both its annual shareholder meeting as well as its annual news conference as the company continues to cope up with the resulting fallout of the diesel emissions scandal. \Volkswagen was recently sued by the consumer watchdog Federal Trade Commissions. Volkswagen is being accused of deliberately deceiving customers by selling cars based on false claims that they were environmentally safe. Advertisement TagsVolks, volkswagen, Volkswagen scandal, diesel scandal, VW, VW diesel scandal, Volkswagen cheating scandal (Photo : Reuters) Google said that Fiber Phone will be rolled out first in cities where it has already established its fiber network like Kansas City and Austin. Advertisement Tech giant Google is planning to bundle traditional home phone service to its ultra-fast broadband service. The resulting bundle will be called Fiber Phone service and will cost subscribers $10 per month. Google announced its plan on March 29. Fiber Phone will be a service that includes the ultra-fast 1Gbps broadband connection. The bundle will be available in all cities where Google has already deployed its fiber network. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement Google announces its new bundle at a time when its services are facing major competition from traditional broadband service providers like Comcast and AT&T, both of which have already started deploying their own fiber networks. Some tech analysts are perplexed about the reason why Google would bundle traditional landline into its broadband service. Several reports show that landline subscription have steadily declined over the past few years as consumers are starting to migrate to mobile devices. A survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals that as of 2013 about 40 percent of adults in the United States prefer to use a cellular phone exclusively for voice communications. Looking into Google's Fiber Phone, it is not a traditional plain, old telephone service. In fact, it is a cloud-based service which allows customers to keep their personal phone number in the cloud. They can receive and make calls from multiple devices, including tablets and mobile phones. In a statement, Google Fiber product manager John Shriver-Blake said, "While mobile phones have pushed us toward the future, home phone service is still important to many families." Fiber Phone service will cost $10 a month. This includes unlimited local and nationwide long-distance calling. International call rates are similar to rates offered by Google Voice service. The service reportedly also includes caller ID, 911 emergency calls, voicemail transcription and call waiting. Google said that Fiber Phone will be rolled out first in cities where it has already established its fiber network like Kansas City and Austin. Advertisement TagsGoogle, Google Fiber, ultra-fast broadband, broadband, broadband bundle, Fiber Phone, Google Fiber Phone, Fiber Phone price, Fiber Phone landline, cloud landline (Photo : Ian Waldie/Getty Images) A young man from Zhengzhou in Henan province became depressed and hired a hitman to kill him for 70,000 yuan. Advertisement While the saying "be careful what you wish for" is something that many people know and apply in their life, a young Chinese man from Henan province probably did not do this and it cost him dearly. A young man from Zhengzhou in Henan province became depressed and hired a hitman to kill him for 70,000 yuan ($10,826), according to Zhengzhou Evening News. Apparently, he felt that way because of a car accident that left him paralyzed and stuck in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement The victim, identified as Zhu Jiang, and the suspect, a man named Xu, both aged in their 20s, reportedly met in QQ, a Chinese internet chatroom. The victim is said to have felt so depressed that he wanted to die and offered the suspect a generous amount to help him end his life. Both of them met in a hostel in October, where Mr Xu attempted to grant Zhus death wish. He reportedly stabbed the victim multiple times in the stomach using a fruit knife. However, Zhu felt so much pain that he began calling for help, which caused Mr Xu to flee from the scene. Apparently, Zhu realized his mistake and changed his mind at that critical moment. Hostel staff, upon hearing strange noises coming from the ninth floor of the building, went to Zhus room and found him bleeding and lying on a bed, while the fruit knife was left on the floor. He was then rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment. After checking more than 180 surveillance cameras located in different areas in the vicinity, police were able to identify a suspect, who was then arrested in Lianyungang in Jiangsu province a month later. Mr Xu told police that he was a high school dropout who spent his time and money in internet cafes, food and drink. He reportedly found an online advertisement for a hitman, which said that after the advertiser dies, all his possessions will be given to the hitman. He reportedly signed up without any delay. Advertisement TagsDeath Wish, Hitman, wheelchair, Paralyzed, homicide (Photo : Kevin Frayer/Getty Images) A developer has demolished more than 100 unsold houses in Guangdong. Advertisement More than a hundred houses in southern China have been demolished after the property developer failed to sell them for almost a decade. The houses, located in one of the biggest residential compounds in Heyuan in Guangdong province, were built in 2004. The property is located in one of eastern Guangdongs poorest cities. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement According to Jiang Rong Real Estate Development, the property developer, only apartment buildings were sold, while the more expensive houses have never even seen a sale. The company did not give any detail regarding its plans for the land where the demolished properties lay. The demolition project reportedly cost them 120 million yuan ($18 million). The massive demolition project created a lot of noise and also destroyed the environment surrounding the area, prompting nearby residents to stage protests to voice their complaints. The residents are demanding that the real estate company compensates them for the hassles and inconveniences caused by the destruction. According to Heyuan authorities, the real estate company was able to demolish the properties that it was unsuccessful in selling. However, it should have made an agreement with all the residents in the area before proceeding. Jiang Rong Real Estate Development, for its part, said that they were able to get prior approval from the government. A Large Number of Unsold Homes China is currently facing a serious issue with the oversupply of new homes in the mainland that remain unsold, the South China Morning Post reported earlier this month. By the end of 2015, of Chinas 720 million square meters worth of unsold homes, Guangdong alone had 160 million square meters of unsold housing property. To address the problem, Guangdong governor Zhu Xiaodan plans to let state-owned enterprises buy the said commercial housing properties en masse for the purpose of turning these houses into public rental homes. Zhu vowed that in about three years, Guangdongs inventory of commercial housing properties will be reduced by more than 20 million square meters. Advertisement TagsJiang Rong Real Estate Development, house, Demolition, Guangdong (Photo : ChinaFotoPress/ChinaFotoPress via Getty Images) A pregnant Chinese woman died from suffocation after her head got stuck in a roadside railing. Advertisement A pregnant Chinese woman choked to death after her head got stuck in a roadside railing. The unidentified woman was more than seven months pregnant with twins when the incident happened on Monday at a busy commercial area in Xian, north China. The victim was reportedly on her way to drop her 11-year-old daughter at school when she got stuck in the railings. The woman, believed to be in her 30s, was feeling faint and used the railings for support. She lifted her daughter over the railings to help her cross the road to school, and had just done so when she fainted and got her head stuck in the railings. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement Shocked bystanders in the vicinity rushed to help the woman by prying the steel railings open. Their efforts failed, however, and the woman died of suffocation while a huge crowd surrounded her. According to a local shopkeeper, the shocking incident occurred at about 4 p.m. Paramedics arrived later on the scene to find the unfortunate woman kneeling lifeless, with her head still stuck in the same position. The twins in her womb arent any better, as they have died as well. Ai Zhongfeng, the womans husband, said that he believes that one of the causes of his wifes death is the design of the railings. He said he has already informed the local authorities and is now hoping that some positive action will be done. Shaanxi Mizhi County police said that although detectives have already ruled out homicide as a cause, a post-mortem examination will still be done on the dead womans body. Advertisement TagsXi'an, china, railings, choking (Photo : Getty Image) A representative from the Beijing-based company said on Tuesday that its Anbang's investment plan has not violated the rules and regulations, and its overseas investment quota for this year is enough. Advertisement China's Anbang Insurance said that it has not exceeded its overseas investment quota yet following reports that it may be facing local policy barriers after raising its offer for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide at $14 billion, outbidding Marriott International's latest bid. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement Industry watchdog China Insurance Regulatory Commission may allegedly deny the two deals of Anbang as it could violate its existing policy that prohibits local insurance firms from investing over 15 percent of their total assets overseas, financial magazine Caixin reported. The report further revealed that its total insurance assets in 2015 is probably less than a trillion yuan, and the company has already shelled out nearly 172 billion yuan internationally, including its counteroffer for Starwood. However, a representative from the Beijing-based company said on Tuesday that its Anbang's investment plan has not violated the rules and regulations, and its overseas investment quota for this year is enough. Other experts, on the other hand, also said Anbang has ample overseas investment quota and it can also take advantage of policies that encourage foreign investment. Based on the policy, Anbang is not allowed to invest over 15 percent of its total assets overseas, not total insurance assets, Hao Yansu, School of Insurance at the Central University of Finance and Economics' director, pointed out. Anbang's overseas investment quota could be 285 billion yuan, as its estimated total asset is over 1.9 trillion yuan, according to its official website. Furthermore, Anbang aggressively ventured out overseas since 2014, following the State Council's issued policy that encourages the insurance sector to seek opportunities abroad and enhance investment capabilities. Among the high-profile firms Anbang has acquired include New York's Waldorf Astoria, US' Fidelity and Guaranty Life, Dutch' VIVAT, Belgium's Fidea Assurances and Delta Lloyd Bank, and South Korea's Tong Yang Life. This year, it will acquire Blackstone's Strategic Hotels and Resorts Inc. for $6.5 billion. Advertisement TagsAnbang, Starwood Hotels, Marriott Hotels, overseas investment quota, China insurance regulatory commission (Photo : Getty Image) Boeing Co. plans to cut up to 8,000 jobs as plane sales battle toughens Advertisement Boeing Co. is reportedly planning to slash up to 8,000 jobs in its commercial plane section, according to two sources, a move that could cut a $1 billion cost and help against its sales battle with Europe's Airbus. The Chicago-based firm confirmed on Wednesday that it plans to reduce its headcount by 4,000 in the commercial airplanes division in the middle of the year, with about a third via voluntary layoffs while the rest are via leaving positions unfilled, according to a spokesman from Boeing. Moreover, it will also cut some 550 jobs in another unit responsible for flight and lab testing. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement According to the sources, the company plans to cut jobs by 10 percent at its commercial airplane unit, which currently employs 80,000 individuals. Boeing, however, clarified that the figure is hypothetical and no specific plans were laid down yet. "There is no employment reduction target," Doug Alder from Boeing told Reuters. "The more we can control costs as a whole, the less impact there will be to employment." A sheer amount of executives, managers and employees will be included in the job cut, he said. He added that the lay-off is to maintain the aerospace and defense company competitive. The savings are important to "win in the market, fund our growth and operate as a healthy business," Ray Conner, company chief executive, told employees last February. Investors said that rather than being an orderly plan to match labor and output, the large number of job cuts is Boeing's exhausted response to the business slowdown and tough rivalry against Airbus. "It sounds reactive, not proactive," Boeing's fund manager said. Advertisement TagsBoeing, airline industry, airplane, commercial plane, Airbus (Photo : Getty Images) The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge is the latest flagship handset from the South Korean tech company and while it was unveiled only last month, the 32 GB Galaxy S7 Edge is already on eBay with a 200 USD price cut. Advertisement The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge is the latest flagship handset from the South Korean tech company and while it was unveiled only last month, the 32 GB Galaxy S7 Edge is already on eBay with a 200 USD price cut. The unlocked 32 GB Galaxy S7 Edge with model no. SM-G935F is on eBay with a 699 USD price tag and three color choices of silver, black and gold from Techno Trading House, shipping in the U.S. The seller has a 98.4 percent positive rating. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge international edition has an original price of 899 USD. It can be used around the world on GSM networks while it works on T-Mobile and AT&T in the United States. However, it does not support CDMA networks such as Verizon Wireless, Sprint and US Cellular. The Galaxy S7 Edge costs 749 USD through AT&T and 779 USD through T-Mobile. On the other hand, the eBay seller offers the unlocked version at 699 USD only. The Galaxy S7 Edge features a 5.5-inch Super AMOLED, dual-edge curved display with 32 GB or 64 GB in-built storage and 4 of RAM. It supports a Quad HD resolution with 2560 x 1440 pixels and is powered by a Samsung Exynos 8 octa 8890 processor. The Galaxy S7 Edge will come with new features such as the "Always On" mode, a dust and water resistant case and 3,6000 mAh battery capacity. The handset boasts of 12 MP rear camera and 5 MO front camera with up to 200 GB of microSD card external storage support. Advertisement TagsSamsung Galaxy S7 Edge, Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge Discount, Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge Specs, Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge Features, Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge Price (Photo : US Department of Defense) The US, preempting a verdict that is expected to be handed down by a Hague court on the Philippines' territorial claims against China soon, has told Beijing that it will not recognize any exclusion zone in the disputed South China Sea region. Advertisement Amid raging disputes between China and the claimant states in the South China Sea, Washington has told Beijing that it will not recognize an exclusion zone in the disputed waters and it would view any attempts to create one as "destablizing." US Deputy Secretary of Defense Robert Work said on Wednesday that US officials expressed concerns about China's possible declaration of an air defense identification zone (ADIZ) in the South China Sea region as it did in the East China Sea in 2013. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement The US' concerns come on the heels of an international court ruling expected to be handed down in the coming weeks on a case the Philippines filed against China over its South China Sea claims. ADIZ Work told the Washington Post that the US will not recognize any ADIZ China might establish in the disputed South China Sea just as it did not recognize the one established by Beijing in the East China Sea. An Air Defense Identification Zone is an airspace over land or water in which the identification, location, and control of civilian aircraft is performed in the interest of national security. They may extend beyond a country's territory to give the country more time to respond to possible hostile aircraft. The concept of an ADIZ is not defined in any international treaty and is not regulated by any international body. Senkaku Islands On November 23, 2013 China established an ADIZ in the East China Sea. The announcement of the zone drew criticisms from most of China's East and Southeast Asian neighbors such as Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and the Philippines, as well as from the European Union and the United States. While ADIZ rules' focus only on covered territory which are undisputed at the time of their establishment, the East China Sea ADIZ covers the Japanese-controlled Senkaku islands and also includes Socotra Rock, which is claimed by South Korea. Reports indicate that China's zone overlaps other countries' ADIZ in the East China Sea and imposes requirements on both civilian and military aircraft regardless of destination. International law "We don't believe they have a basis in international law, and we've said over and over that we will fly, sail and go wherever international law allows," Work said. "We have spoken quite plainly to our Chinese counterparts and said that we think an ADIZ would be destabilizing. We would prefer that all of the claims in the South China Sea be handled through mediation and not force or coercion." Work made the comments days before Chinese President Xi Jinping was set to fly to Washington to attend the fourth and final nuclear security summit. Surface-to-air missiles The US has criticized China for raising tensions in the South China Sea region following its alleged deployment of a surface-to-air missiles in one of the disputed islands called the Woody island. Beijing, for its part, has accused the US of militarizing the region by conducting naval and aerial patrols near the disputed islands and promoting the right of navigation. Beijing also lashed at the US for conducting multilateral war exercises with countries in the disputed waters. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has said that Beijing's deployment in the South China Sea is no different from the US military deployments in Hawaii. Advertisement Tagsair defense identification zone (ADIZ), South China Sea, exclusion zone, Washington, china, international treaty, Senkaku Islands, Japan, Nuclear Security Summit (Photo : YouTube) The Vivo Y51 smartphone is currently available in the Philippines market with a starting price of P7,990 ($174). Advertisement Chinese tech company Vivo Mobile has announced that they will be heading to the Philippines to introduce their latest handheld devices. To start with the domination in the country, the Chinese company officially launched the Vivo Y51 smartphone for P7,990 ($174). Vivo Mobile is one of the largest smartphone manufacturers in China, which competes with some of the well-known brand like Huawei, Xiaomi, and ZTE. A few years ago, these well-known brands were already present in the smartphone industry in Philippines, since Filipinos are into devices with cheap prices but with a good and impressive quality product. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement The first Vivo smartphone to enter in the Philippines market is the Vivo Y51. When it comes to the specification of the phone, the handheld device features a 5-inch display screen with 960 x 540p at 220 ppi pixel density resolution. The smartphone is powered by a 1.2 GHz Qualcomm quad-core Snapdragon 410 processor paired with 2GB of RAM on board. The Vivo Y51 smartphone comes with a built-in 16GB internal storage, which can be further expanded up to 128GB via MicroSD cards. On the software front, the device still runs the old Android 5.1 Lollipop operating system inside along with Vivo's very own modified user interface called the FunTouch OS 2.5 on top. In terms of the camera, the Y51 smartphone is equipped with an 8-megapixel rear camera with autofocus and LED flash coupled with 5-megapixel front snapper for selfies and video calling purposes. In addition, the smartphone is fueled by a non-removable Li-Ion 2350 mAh capacity battery on board. Other features the device supports include GPS, A-GPS, BDS, microUSB v2.0, and 2G/3G/4G connectivities. Meanwhile, Vivo mobile reported that they will further bring their product options in the Phillipines second quarter this year. The Vivo Y51 smartphone is currently available in the Philippines market with a starting price of P7,990 ($174). Advertisement TagsVivo Mobile, Vivo Mobile News, vivo mobile smartphones, vivo y51, Philippines (Photo : Camille King / CC) Hillsong United, pictured in this 2005 photo, will be one of the worship bands performing at Together 2016 in Washington, D.C. Nick Hall, evangelist and founder of PULSE, has called on one million people to gather in Washington, DC, on July 16 to "stand for Jesus." "Our dream is for one million people from all backgrounds to be part of this historic day, standing together for Jesus on the National Mall," Hall said in an opinion piece on theCharisma News. "We're praying for a crowd that is bigger than any of us have been a part of; we want a glimpse of heaven on earth. We believe Jesus can do unprecedented things in our time." Ten years after his first event, Hall urged Christians to rally for revival at the National Mall, at an event titled, "Together 2016" The event is organized in collaboration with over 250 groups, and will have more than 30 speakers pray and worship together with the huge anticipated gathering. Some 1,000 churches have already accepted invitations to participate in the worship rally, and more are expected to join in. "What would it look like, on one day, to rally the entire nation together, not around what we're against - and that's often what we get known for - but rallying people around what we're for, and around the change that Jesus offers?" Hall said at an interview with "Fox & Friends" on Easter Sunday. Hall had been doing campus ministries for the last four years, and told the young generation that they have an opportunity to "reset" their past by coming to Christ. The event seeks to bring Christians on a large scale and pray for America to "reset." "Moments of historic change [are] often marked by historic gatherings, and so, for us, we really believe that this is a time to shift the nation back to what matters," he said. "During this political year we see so many people of faith becoming negative, critical and jaded... Where is our help found? Where is our hope found? Not in political leaders. What better time to do something on a large scale that draws our attention back to where it really matters?" "We can still unite, regardless of our differences, and we really believe that Jesus is the one that can bring us together," he continued. Speakers and Pastors at the event include Francis Chan, Ravi Zacharias, Luis Palau, Josh McDowell, Christine Caine, Sammy Rodriguez, Rev. John Jenkins Sr., Jo Saxton and Nick Hall along with artists including Hillsong UNITED, Kari Jobe, Matthew West, Jeremy Camp, Casting Crowns, Lauren Daigle, Kirk Franklin, Lecrae and Tasha Cobbs, who will be leading the free, one-day event. press@cdaily.co.kr - Copyright , #StandforJesus About face: Trump suggests women, then doctors should be 'punished' for abortions 31 March, 2016 by Gregory Tomlin , | GREEN BAY, Wisc. (Christian Examiner) Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump caused a stir among abortion rights and pro-life groups alike when he said during an MSNBC townhall with host Chris Matthews that women should suffer "some form of punishment" for abortion if the law changed to become more restrictive than Roe v. Wade. Trump, who said he was "very pro-choice" in a 1999 NBC interview, has shifted his position and now claims abortion is "a very serious problem and it's a problem we have to decide on." "Are you going to send them to jail? There has to be some form of punishment," Trump said to a visibly shocked Matthews. "For the woman?" Matthews asked. Once again Donald Trump has demonstrated that he hasn't seriously thought through the issues, and he'll say anything just to get attention. On the important issue of the sanctity of life, what's far too often neglected is that being pro-life is not simply about the unborn child; it's also about the mother and creating a culture that respects her and embraces life. Of course we shouldn't be talking about punishing women; we should affirm their dignity and the incredible gift they have to bring life into the world. "Yeah," Trump responded, but he added the punishment would "have to be determined." He then gave a rambling response, perhaps already realizing that he had taken on a position not even the strongest pro-life advocates hold. "They've set the law and frankly the judges, you're going to have a very big election coming up for that reason because you have judges where it's a real tipping point and with the loss of Scalia, who was a very strong conservative, this presidential election is going to be very important," Trump said. "When you say what's the law, nobody knows what the law is going to be. It depends on who gets elected." Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, who is leading Trump in several Wisconsin polls and gaining on the candidate nationally, quickly responded to the comment. In a written statement, Cruz said: "Once again Donald Trump has demonstrated that he hasn't seriously thought through the issues, and he'll say anything just to get attention. On the important issue of the sanctity of life, what's far too often neglected is that being pro-life is not simply about the unborn child; it's also about the mother and creating a culture that respects her and embraces life. Of course we shouldn't be talking about punishing women; we should affirm their dignity and the incredible gift they have to bring life into the world." The president of the March for Life Education and Defense Fund, a leading pro-life organization, also criticized Trump's stance, calling it "completely out of touch with the pro-life movement and even more with women who have chosen such a sad thing as abortion." "Being pro-life means wanting what is best for the mother and the baby. Women who choose abortion often do so in desperation and then deeply regret such a decision. No pro-lifer would ever want to punish a woman who has chosen abortion. This is against the very nature of what we are about. We invite a woman who has gone down this route to consider paths to healing, not punishment," Jeanne Mancini, the organization's president, said. Ironically, the criticism from the most conservative Republican candidate in the race and pro-life advocates was matched by criticism from both Planned Parenthood and NARAL, the nation's leading abortion rights advocate. Planned Parenthood issued a short statement on its Facebook page calling the candidate "flat out dangerous." "He would criminalize the one in three women who will have a safe and legal abortion in her lifetime," the statement said. Stronger criticism came from Ilyse Hogue, president of the National Abortion Rights Action League or NARAL Pro-Choice America. She called the remarks "dangerous" also, but said also said the candidate's position was "unhinged" and "far from where the American people are." Hogue also said Trump's position would force women to seek "back alley" abortions. "The worldview Donald Trump promotes is one where women should be shamed and blamed for their decisions," she said. "People believe that women deserve compassion and support when we make decisions about our lives, not punished by a self-appointed dictator over our choices." The response from both pro-life advocates and abortion rights groups led Trump to perform a quick about face. Within three hours of the interview with Matthews, Trump issued a statement clarifying his position. According to the candidate, he was speaking hypothetically about a situation that might occur if abortion laws were changed. He also changed the target for punishment, shifting the focus away from women. "If Congress were to pass legislation making abortion illegal and the federal courts upheld this legislation, or any state were permitted to ban abortion under state and federal law, the doctor or any other person performing this illegal act upon a woman would be held legally responsible, not the woman. The woman is a victim in this case as is the life in her womb. My position has not changed - like Ronald Reagan, I am pro-life with exceptions." Astronauts watch 'Risen' from outer space over Easter weekend Guest Reviewer | 31 March, 2016 by Michael Foust CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (Christian Examiner) Astronauts aboard the International Space Station Easter weekend watched "Risen," the faith-based film starring Joseph Fiennes that follows a Roman manhunt for the body of Christ. A Facebook page run by Sony Pictures announced over the weekend that residents aboard the ISS were watching the movie, although the company did not say who requested it or even how many of the six occupants took part in the screening. "Astronauts on The International Space Station are watching RISEN this Easter weekend!" the message read. The Christian Examiner was told that due to NASA restrictions, no more information would be released. Sony presumably would have had to approve the special screening. But the fact that an explicit Bible-themed movie was screened in space was enough to get fans of the film on social media excited. "I don't suppose there's an astronaut alive that could be an atheist," one fan, Donna Boucher, wrote on Facebook. "Seeing the universe from up there would be astounding!" Another fan, Tammy Williams, wrote, "This is so amazing to hear. God bless the astronauts on the space shuttle. So blessed to be able to see this wonderful movie." The current International Space Station crew is comprised of three Russian cosmonauts, two U.S. astronauts, and one European Space Agency astronaut. The astronauts' various Twitter feeds did not give any clues as to who requested the film, although U.S. astronaut Jeff Williams did post a picture of the Northern Lights on Sunday with the message, "On this Easter morning, I was treated with a spectacular view of the power and beauty in the Creator's work." Williams, in fact, is a Christian and has discussed his faith several times in public, including during a 2000 interview with pastor John MacArthur. "My prayer for years has been to be God's faithful instrument in all I do and that I would submit to His will in wherever He sent me, and He's given me this great privilege," Williams said. Being an astronaut, he said, "allows you to live your Christian life in a unique environment surrounded by pilots and engineers and military people and scientists and you live your Christian life there, and when God gives you that platform because of your unique role to communicate His Gospel ... that's a special privilege as well." "Risen" in its six weeks has grossed $36 million, well more than its $20 million budget. Pastor Henry Lee is the lead pastor of the English ministry (EM) at Los Angeles Full Gospel Church (LAFGC), located at the edge of Hollywood. Lee has been serving at LAFGC for about five years, and has served in numerous Korean immigrant churches as an EM pastor prior to serving at LAFGC. He shared his thoughts and insight regarding pastoring an EM congregation in general, and his experiences as an EM pastor at LAFGC specifically. Q: Could you briefly introduce the EM at LAFGC? A: The EM at LAFGC is called Crossroads Church, or CRC, and we are about 70 to 80 people. Most of us are Korean Americans and about 5 percent of us are non-Koreans, including Chinese, Filipinosmost of us are Asian. We are semi-independent, meaning were financially independent from the KM, but not structurally or organizationally. Q: What are some unique qualities of Crossroads Church? A: The focus of our EM is to reach out to the community around our church. One of the biggest things we do with the community is our annual community cafe night around Christmas time. Our front lawn is really pretty with the lights set up, so we would set up tables and have our cafe night there. This year, a couple hundred people came out, including the immediate neighbors in the area right around our church, and some people from the KM joined us, too. We had a full orchestra that performed outside, and we catered Rickys Fish Tacos, and it was just a lot of fun. Another thing we do is we go and reach out to people in the community and ask them if there is anything that we can pray about for them. Theres a lot of homeless people right on the corner of Hollywood and Vermont, and theres a lot of drug addicts around here, too. Theres just a lot of brokenness. Some people would also come by and visit our church on their own. One particular guyhe was Korean, and he looked like he was a little over four feet tall but he was a fully grown man. He told me he actually grew up in Korea as an orphan, and while he was in the orphanage, there was such malnutrition and physical abuseprobably from the other kids in the orphanagethat it stunted his growth. He was staying in a shelter at the time, and he stopped by our church to see if theres anything he could eat or any help he could receive. He didnt come out to our church after that, but Im glad I was able to share about the love of God to him at least for that moment. Hes just one example of the people we run into around our church. Q: Are there any activities that EM and KM do together at LAFGC? A: Theres plenty of activities that we do together, but a few worth mentioning include our annual New Years Eve worship service. Thats a full production because the KM choir performs and we have musicians we invite for an orchestra, and we have a full-on concert for about an hour to an hour and a half. Then after the concert, which we call the cantata, our senior pastor would come and preach, and we do the countdown all together. The KM also goes to our churchs retreat center in Romoland after Sunday worship once every month, so they would invite EM to come and join them and worship together at the retreat center during one of those months. During our churchs Friday night services, we also have a dedication service for each department, so every once in a while, it would be time for the dedication service for EM. So we would prepare a body worship, or a skit, or some kind of a performance to introduce CRC to the rest of the church, but also use that time to dedicate ourselves to the Lord. Q: Many say that one of the key aspects that affect an EM pastors experience in ministry is the relationship he has with the senior pastor. Whats your take on that? A: Personally, our senior pastor, Reverend Yu Chul Chin, has been really good at showing me and all of the staff, and even the congregation that he thinks about us and cares about us, even though we all dont get to meet with him that often. With the staff, he maximizes the time that we have together. For example, when we have our meetings, its not just about administrative or logistical things, but he takes his time with the staff to give us a lot of leadership lessons. And hes a very spiritual and charismatic man even with minimal contact, the congregation is able to feel his shepherding heart. So while I do agree that the relationship between the senior pastor and the EM pastor should be a good one, I think its a little unfair to expect mentorship from the senior pastor, unless its in the job description. A senior pastor who doesnt know the American culture is not going to mentor you in the way that you want. Its unrealistic to expect that because they, as first generation, dont understand what we are going through as second generation pastors. Its a completely different cultural ministry experience. I think the relationship thats expected should be on an administrative level. English ministry at a Korean immigrant church is a calling in and of itself. Younger pastors who are considering pastoring in EM really have to sit down and think, Is this what I want for my pastoral ministry? Do I want to pastor in this specific context? EM is a specific calling, with specific difficulties, just like being a missionary. Once the EM pastor sees this ministry as a calling, theyll be able to say, Ok, I am going to persevere through this, even when it gets difficult. This is one in a series of interviews with southern California pastors who either serve in English ministry (EM) or have a heart for the intergenerational relationship within the Korean church. As the generation of the Korean church leadership is shifting from the first to the second generation, what are the obstacles that are hindering the English ministry from flourishing? How can EM and KM pastors work together to build up the second-generation church? These are among the many questions that these pastors grapple with, and that Christianity Daily is hoping to wrestle together with through these interviews. During his last Easter Prayer Breakfast, President Obama maintained a theme of hope, and encouraged those who gathered to not be afraid, but rather, remain hopeful in the midst of seemingly dark circumstances. Obama particularly highlighted the recent attacks in Brussels and Pakistan in light of that theme. Over 30 people were killed in Brussels in attacks at an airport and subway station, and more than 70 were killed in Pakistan when a suicide bomber attacked people at an Easter gathering at a park in Lahore. "These attacks can foment fear and division," Obama said. "They can tempt us to cast out the stranger, strike out against those who don't look like us, or pray exactly as we do. And they can lead us to turn our backs on those who are most in need of help and refuge. That's the intent of the terrorists, is to weaken our faith, to weaken our best impulses, our better angels." Instead of responding to these incidents with fear, Obama said that the spirit and meaning of Easter should encourage people to be hopeful. "If Easter means anything, it's that you don't have to be afraid. We drown out darkness with light, and we heal hatred with love, and we hold on to hope," Obama said. The love that God showed to his people through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ allows people to be hopeful, he added. "We think about all that Jesus suffered and sacrificed on our behalf -- scorned, abandoned, shunned, nail-scarred hands bearing the injustice of his death and carrying the sins of the world," he explained. "And it's difficult to fathom the full meaning of that act. Scripture tells us, 'For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life' ... Because of God's love, we have been given this gift of salvation. Because of Him, our hope is not misplaced, and we don't have to be afraid." About 140 religious leaders were present at the prayer breakfast from different faith backgrounds, including Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox clergy. Reverend Doctor Derrick Harkins, the vice president of Union Theological Seminary in New York, was featured for the opening prayer during the event. Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe vetoed a bill that would have cut funding from healthcare services that provide abortions for reasons other than rape, incest or severe fetal abnormalities. The bill would have also blocked grants to Planned Parenthood, which is the largest abortion provider in the country and performs over 300,000 abortions per year. It was vetoed by the governor who said that thousands of people living in the state would lose access to healthcare services who depended on state grants. "This bill, aimed at Planned Parenthood, would harm tens of thousands of Virginians who rely on the health care services and programs provided by Planned Parenthood health centers by denying them access to affordable care," said McAuliffe in the official press release. "If we are going to build a new, more vibrant Virginia economy, we need to be opening up doors to quality, affordable healthcare, not closing them. I have promised to stand in the way of any and all attempts to interfere with a woman's right to make her own healthcare decisions," he continued. House Bill 1090 would have restricted state funding to non-hospital abortion providers other than in cases of rape, incest, or severe fetal abnormalities. It was introduced by Republican delegate Benjamin L. Cline, seeking to ban funding to any organization that provides abortions for reasons different from those that permit federal aid. "The Department shall not enter into a contract with, or make a grant to, any entity that performs abortions that are not federally qualified abortions or maintains or operates a facility where non-federally qualified abortions are performed, [or] provided," the bill text reads. McAuliffe said that because of the bill, many in Virginia would be left without access to state-funded health check ups and screenings. "Without this service, we could see an increase in STDs, more complications with pregnancies and an increase in health issues among newborns," the governor was quoted as saying by The Christian Science Monitor. President of Virginia Society for Human Life, Olivia Gans Turner, told LifeNews that the bill would protect women and saved state funds. "Virginia Society for Human Life strongly supports HB1090 which ensures that legitimate health care agencies, such as hospitals and total health care clinics, will get full access to Virginia taxpayer dollars before any funds could go to abortion promoters, like Planned Parenthood. This bill protects women by expanding the money available to health care providers that actually provide complete health care to women and girls, not just abortions," said Gans Turner. About 11 states have passed the laws restricting abortion access and requiring the abortion providers to conform to standard safety regulations, including admission privileges at nearby hospitals, which pro-abortion groups say are not necessary. Tennessee's Senate Judiciary Committee approved a bill that would make the Bible the official book of the state. It was sponsored by Senator Steve Southerland (R-Morristown), and passed the legislative committee with a 7-1 vote. Now, the bill will pass to a calendar committee, which will determine when it will be sent to the Senate floor. Last year, a similar effort to pass the bill was struck down. It had passed the House with a 55-38 vote, but did not go through the Senate after opposition from Attorney General Herbert Slatery, who said that the bill was in violation with constitution. However, Southerland said that the bill would underline the historical significance of Bible, which is not akin to endorsing a religion. "The Holy Bible has a great historical and cultural significance in the state of Tennessee, as the record of the history of Tennessee family that predates modern vital records," he said. Southerland referred to the 2005 Supreme Court ruling that said that the Ten Commandment display on government facilities was not unconstitutional. "What we're doing is using the Supreme Court case as the guideline to make sure it's historical and not religious," Southerland told The Tennessean. Attorney General Herbert Slatery had said last year that the bill would infringe upon the statute of separation of government and religion. Senator Kerry Robert (R-Springfield) pointed out that George Washington used the Bible to swear in, and that there were many references to religion in the ceremony. "The attitude of these people was not to keep religion out of government. It was to keep government out of religion," said Roberts. He gave this reason to support the bill. A similar bill was taken up in Louisiana and Mississippi but could not pass through the legislature in both the states. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) opposed the bill, saying that the state should not give preference of one religion over another. "Selecting the Bible as the state book amounts to government promotion of one religion over other religions, which clearly violates both the U.S. and Tennessee Constitutions. America is a place where people are free to practice religion, or not, without government officials deciding which beliefs should be endorsed," said Hedy Weinberg, the group's executive director. If the bill is approved by the Senate, it will move to Governor Bill Haslam for signature. He has opposed the bill in the past, but did not comment on whether he would veto it or not. Pakistan agreed to the demands of protesters to not change the blasphemy laws of the country, after they staged a four-day protests in the nation's capital Islamabad, according to Geo News. Thousands of members of a fundamentalist Islamic group, Sunni Tehreek, assembled near the parliament to protest a proposed amendment to the country's blasphemy laws, and to demand "martyrdom" status for the man who killed Punjab's governor Salman Taseer, who had advocated for reforms in the blasphemy laws. The government said that laws will not be altered, which carry a death sentence for those accused of blasphemy. The officials promised the protesters that no leniency will be shown to those who commit blasphemy. The government also agreed to another one of their seven-point demands to release hundreds of "innocent" Tehreek members arrested during the four-day protests, who were accused of damaging public property and injuring 42 security personnel and 16 civilians. However, the government gave no assurance of "martyrdom" status for Taseer's assassin Mumtaz Qadri, who was also Taseer's bodyguard. He was executed this February. Immediate execution of Asia Bibi was also not promised by the government. Taseer had urged the government to alter the laws, and had spoken up on behalf of Christian woman Asia Bibi, who even now remains on the death row. Qadri killed Taseer in 2011, after he visited Asia Bibi in jail and promised a presidential pardon for her. Other demands of the protesters which are being considered by the government included imposition of Sharia law, and controlling alleged indecency on media. The appeal to impose Sharia law will be examined by the country's ministry of religious affairs, and the media-related complaints will be addressed by the Electronic Media Regulatory Authority. The government was relieved at the peaceful resolution of the protests, but may face severe criticism from activists protesting against the blasphemy laws. The controversial laws were imposed by Pakistan's former military dictator Zia-ul Haq in the 1980s, and have triggered mob violence even over unproved allegations. "We don't want any violence, but we can't tolerate it anymore," Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan was quoted as saying by the Associated Press. About 25,000 people, at their peak, had besieged the city of Islamabad, and over 7,000 were called in to clear them. Theres plenty left to name in the sometimes silly, always vast field of taxonomy. / How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in his works. Ps. 104:24, 31 A good name is more desirable than great riches. Prov. 22:1 When Matt Damon made botany look cool for a brief moment in the movie The Martian, scientists hoped to push their real-life bush tomato plant into the limelight. Named after Damons character, Mark Watney, the newly dubbed Solanum watneyi has large purple flowers and round yellow fruit and grows in the Australian bush. The plant is in the same genus as the potato plant that Watney coaxes to grow on Mars. The name joins others in the tradition of naming species after famous people or fictional charactersa practice that has increased in recent years. In January, an Australian leech was named Chtonobdella tanae after author Amy Tan, who mentions jungle leeches several times in her book Saving Fish from Drowning. At only one centimeter long and two millimeters across, its too small to dissect. Instead, biologists described it using computed tomography scanning. I am thrilled to be immortalized as Chtonobdella tanae, Tan enthused. This humble leech has looped across a new scientific thresholdthe first microscopic soft-bodied critter to be described inside and out using CT scanning. Imagine the possibilities for identifying legions of tiny organisms that have thus far lived in obscurity. I am now planning my trip to Queensland, Australia, where I hope to take leisurely walks through the jungle, accompanied by a dozen or so of my namesake feeding on my ankles. Shakira has a parasitic wasp (Aleiodes shakirae) ... Follow The Behemoth on Twitter and Facebook. 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. Liberty Counsel Offers to Defend North Carolina Law Contact: Liberty Counsel, 800-671-1776, Media@LC.org ORLANDO, Fla., March 31, 2016 /Christian Newswire/ -- Liberty Counsel sent a letter yesterday to the North Carolina House and Senate offering pro bono services in defense of the Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act. The Act recently was signed into law by Governor Pat McCrory. However, Attorney General Cooper has refused to defend it. The Act was enacted after the city of Charlotte opened women's public bathrooms to men and now declares that state law overrides all local ordinances concerning wages, employment, and public accommodations. Thus, like the majority of states, the law requires statewide uniformity of nondiscrimination laws. "Liberty Counsel was encouraged to see the resolve and fortitude of the North Carolina General Assembly and Governor McCrory in enacting this Act. However, the Attorney General's unjustified refusal is a disturbing commentary on modern legal ethics. He is clearly putting his political ambitions above the law," said Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel. Liberty Counsel is an international nonprofit, litigation, education, and policy organization dedicated to advancing religious freedom, the sanctity of life, and the family since 1989, by providing pro bono assistance and representation on these and related topics. Armour of God Launches Online Bookstore for Christians Worldwide DETROIT, March 31, 2016 / "We always have the largest selection of material on all the topics of the Christian religion from the bible to how to become a preacher. In this huge pile of knowledge you are bound to find a great book that can assist you in finding a greater connection with the bible and your God. The majority of us have only read pages and maybe a few books in the bible. But sometimes it is good to look elsewhere for inspiration. Look for it on Armour of God online Christian bookstore," owner Kimley Armour said. There are different categories of bibles for all Christians, from children and teenagers to men and women, from ministry leaders and church pastors to bible scholars and bible student. We even carry numerous large print Bibles for the elderly, and Electronic and Audio Bibles for the new generation. For mature believers, there are many Application Bibles, Parallel Bibles, and also Archaeological Bibles. In addition, we have gift bibles and award bibles for every occasion, from graduations and birthdays to weddings and anniversaries. Perhaps you will find the inspiration you need in a great Christian book. "God has given us a passion to take the gospel to the world. Armour of God is designed to take customers to their desired product category in one or two clicks," Kimley said. About Armour of God For many years, Armour of God has been reaching the world through God's word. We offer top-rated Christian products such as Bibles, Bible study guides and tools, and small group ministry resources through an easy-to-use online Christian bookstore. Our goal is to assist believers in growing spiritually, strengthening their faith in the Lord through studying God's Word individually, with their family, or in their church small groups, and live victorious Christian lives. To learn more about Amour of God, visit Share Tweet Contact: Kimley Armour, Armour of God , 313-523-2646, kimley7@gmail.com DETROIT, March 31, 2016 / Christian Newswire / -- Armour of God has proven once again it is an organization with a heart for the word, with the launching of its online Christian bookstore. It provides top-rated Christian products at a very affordable price and is very easy-to-use. The website is loaded with variety of books to fully serve individual, organizational and ministry needs. The goal of this online store is to spread the gospel Christ to Christians worldwide, helping Churches and ministry leaders like Pastors, Evangelists, Bible students Bible scholars etc."We always have the largest selection of material on all the topics of the Christian religion from the bible to how to become a preacher. In this huge pile of knowledge you are bound to find a great book that can assist you in finding a greater connection with the bible and your God. The majority of us have only read pages and maybe a few books in the bible. But sometimes it is good to look elsewhere for inspiration. Look for it on Armour of God online Christian bookstore," owner Kimley Armour said.There are different categories of bibles for all Christians, from children and teenagers to men and women, from ministry leaders and church pastors to bible scholars and bible student. We even carry numerous large print Bibles for the elderly, and Electronic and Audio Bibles for the new generation. For mature believers, there are many Application Bibles, Parallel Bibles, and also Archaeological Bibles. In addition, we have gift bibles and award bibles for every occasion, from graduations and birthdays to weddings and anniversaries.Perhaps you will find the inspiration you need in a great Christian book."God has given us a passion to take the gospel to the world. Armour of God is designed to take customers to their desired product category in one or two clicks," Kimley said.About Armour of GodFor many years, Armour of God has been reaching the world through God's word. We offer top-rated Christian products such as Bibles, Bible study guides and tools, and small group ministry resources through an easy-to-use online Christian bookstore. Our goal is to assist believers in growing spiritually, strengthening their faith in the Lord through studying God's Word individually, with their family, or in their church small groups, and live victorious Christian lives.To learn more about Amour of God, visit www.armourofgod.info home US Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal's veto of religious liberty bill 'cowardly,' say critics Social conservatives have spoken out against Georgia's Gov. Nathan Deal's move to veto House Bill 757, calling it cowardly and discriminatory toward Christians. On Monday, Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal announced his plan to veto House Bill 757, a measure which seeks to protect clergy and ministers who refuse to cater to same-sex marriage. Attorney and columnist David French called the move a "craven capitulation" on religious freedom. "[HB 757] wouldn't block a single gay marriage. It wouldn't deny a single gay person access to the marketplace," said French in an opinion piece published in the National Review. "Instead, it would merely offer a bare minimum of legal protections to Georgia citizens who are already confronting anti-Christian bigotry and discrimination." Tony Perkins, the president of Family Research Council, echoed French's sentiments and called Deal a cowardly politician for vetoing House Bill 757. In a statement, he lamented the situation in which some people or organizations could lose their tax exempt status or professional license, and be fined by the state for standing up for their belief that marriage is a relationship between a man and a woman. Christian apologist Dr. Michael Brown also had some strong words for Gov. Deal's decision to veto the religious freedom bill. For him, the politician's move was tantamount to trampling on Georgia's religious liberty just to maintain political correctness, according to Charisma News. Like French and Perkins, Brown said he is disappointed in Deal's "act of cowardice." Although he respects Deal's position as the governor of Georgia, he called the veto an attack on religious freedom, the report details. Meanwhile, The Christian Post's executive editor Dr. Richard Land released a statement slamming Deal for choosing "finances over freedom." He said the Georgia governor considered hosting a Super Bowl more important that giving the faithful the freedom to practice their beliefs. Gov. Deal, however, argued that House Bill 757 was unnecessary. In response to his decision, Sen. Michael Crane called on the legislature to conduct a special session to override the veto of the religious liberty bill. home World Islam is not a peaceful religion, says Pastor Saeed Abedini Pastor Saeed Abedini, the American minister who was jailed in Iran for three and a half years for his Christian faith, has said Islam is not a peaceful religion. The American pastor's statement was made in response to the Easter Sunday attacks that recently rocked Pakistan's Christian community. For Pastor Saeed Abedini, the declaration that Islam is a peaceful religion is a "lie". On Monday, Saeed Abedini wrote a Facebook post saying the Qur'an teaches Muslims to engage in jihad and to kill unbelievers. "If Muslims say: we are peaceful, 'it's a lie.' The Qur'an teaches that Muslims must fight and kill (Jihad) unbelievers," said Abedini in his Facebook post. "'Wherever you overtake them' until 'religion is Allah's,' i.e. Islamic law rules all societies (2.Sura Al _Baqarah(Cow) 2:190-193)." Abedini said ISIS, the Taliban, Al-Qaeda, and the Islamic Republic of Iran are demonstrating the real form of Islam by persecuting Christians, slaughtering them, and destroying churches. He observed that modern Muslims defend Islam by saying those who practice violence and bloodshed are not real followers of their religion. However, the pastor also pointed out that even Muslims in Shia or Sunni countries give the same explanation. "So, where is the place which the most completest religion of the world known as Islam (as Muslims say) and Muslims believe that works peacefully in the entire world?!" Abedini asked. "The answer is 'NO WHERE.'" Abedini was sentenced to eight years in jail for establishing Christian home churches in Iran. In January, he was freed from prison and spoke to 6 On Your Side about his experience in Iran. In his interview, he said he was initially scared about what would happen to him, especially since he was unable to recall the face of his wife and children during his jail sentence. He endured intensive and repeated threats, abuses, and even was pressured to reject his Christian faith and turn to Islam. Pastor Saeed Abedini said he was only able to endure all the sufferings in prison by comparing his situation with the struggles that Jesus Christ endured on the cross. With that, he was able to see that what he was going through was nothing compared to what Christ experienced. home World Lahore terror attacks: Pakistani Christians pressure government to step up security after Easter bombing Pakistani Christians have called for increased protection and unity among religious minorities just days after the deadly Easter bombing in Lahore. On Easter Sunday, 72 people died when Taliban faction Jamaat-ul-Ahrar launched a suicide attack in Lahore, Pakistan while Christians were celebrating Easter Sunday in the middle of a public park. The deadly incident left a sense of fear among the members of the Christian community, who are now beseeching the government to step up its efforts to protect them for extremists and terrorists, according to Reuters. There are only two million Christians in Pakistan - a nation with a population in excess of 190 million - and they have been the target of multiple attacks over the past few years. In 2013, suicide bombers killed at least 78 people when they blew themselves up outside an ancient church in Peshawar after a Sunday service. Last March, 14 people died when suicide bombers attacked Christ Church in Lahore. BOOM we just hit over 300 Back Compat tiltes now on @Xbox One! Big news today for @bioshock! #MerryXaias pic.twitter.com/OUonFSjHQm Aaron Greenberg (@aarongreenberg) December 13, 2016 The latest suicide bombing, which happened on Easter, has caused Christians to worry that local militants are now imitating ISIS' attack on those that they classify as infidels. "Terrorists didn't used to be so focused on our community. Now all their attention is on us. Perhaps it's time for the government to turn their attention toward us also," said Christ Church vicar Irshad Ashnaz. "These people are roaming around freely and no one is stopping them." In the wake of the deadly attack on Pakistani Christians, authorities initially rounded up more than 5,000 suspects. Punjab minister Rana Sanaullah confirmed the arrests, but added that most of the suspects had been released with 216 remaining in custody. Sanaullah said security forces have conducted at least 160 raids since the deadly Easter bombing in Lahore. He also said they would use army and paramilitary forces in their future operations and crackdown on terrorism in Punjab. Alabama governor facing ethics violation, impeachment over audio recording scandal Embattled Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley is facing charges of ethics violation and possible impeachment over a sexually-charged audio recording that also involves Rebekah Mason, his senior political advisor who resigned from her job over the scandal. State Auditor Jim Ziegler filed a report against Bentley and Mason, charging that they misused state property and resources in connection with their alleged physical relationship. Republican state Rep. Ed Henry is moving to start impeachment proceedings against Bentley, AL.com reported. Bentley and Mason attended First Baptist Church Tuscaloosa two years ago at a time when the audio recording was made but they are no longer members of the church, according to Christian Examiner. The Christian News Network earlier reported that the two were no longer members of the church following the release of the audio recording. It was not known when the two ended their membership with the church or the reason for this, but Senior Pastor Gil McKee told Christian News Network that "while church discipline is a church family matter, both Governor Robert Bentley and Mrs. Rebekah Mason are no longer members of First Baptist Church Tuscaloosa." "I continue to pray for each of them," he said. The Christian Examiner confirmed that Bentley has been a member of the First Baptist Church in Prattville since last year. The church also confirmed that the governor is a member of the church. In the audio recording, Bentley tells Mason, "I love you. I love to talk to you." "Baby, let me tell you what we're going to have to start doing, we're going to have to start locking the door. If we are going to do what we did the other day, we are going to have to start locking the door," he adds. Bentley's wife, Dianne, filed for divorce in August last year. The divorce was finalised the following month. Mrs. Bentley reportedly was the one who recorded the conversations between the governor and Mason in 2014. Spencer Collier, who was recently fired by Bentley as secretary of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, accused Bentley of having an affair with Mason. He said he had heard a tape recording in 2014 where the governor made sexually-charged comments to Mason. In his press conference on March 23, Bentley admitted making a mistake. "Two years ago, I made a mistake. I have rectified that. I have dealt with that, and I have moved on. That is not a physical relationship, making those statements," the governor said. Mason belied Collier's claims, saying "There is no way that man [Collier] would have said what he did ... about another man. He only said what he said about my professional abilities because I am a woman. His comments were clear, demonstrated gender bias." "Since 2010, I have proudly served as Gov. Robert Bentley's campaign press secretary, communications director, advisor, campaign communications director and now senior policy advisor. It is an honor to serve our governor and the people of our state," she said. During the press conference, Bentley said he believes in a God of grace "who loves me, and He loves me even through my mistakes." "He uses difficult times in our lives and I've been going through those to make me better and make other people around me better," he said. Archbishop Justin Welby: Evangelism is vital to the Church The Archbishop of Canterbury today reaffirmed his commitment to evangelism, telling the Church of England's General Synod that it is "the calling of the whole Church". Addressing the synod in London this afternoon, the Archbishop opened his presidential address with a joke at his own expense. Noting that many Christians respond to the thought of witnessing with "nervousness, uncertainty and guilt" rather than delight, he said: "The strategic response to this is clearly for a long-term, iterative and interactive, metric-based, evidence generated development of competencies across the widest possible range of stakeholders in order to achieve maximum acceleration of disciple input with the highest possible return on effort and capital employed. "That last paragraph is, of course, complete rubbish. To be honest, I just put it in in order to reassure you, as it is well known that I am in fact a businessman who put on the wrong clothes this morning." In his first presidential address to the synod last July, Welby labelled evangelism as one of his three main priorities in ministry. "We need new imagination in evangelism through prayer, and a fierce determination not to let evangelism be squeezed off our agendas," he said. Today, he returned to this commitment, telling the synod: "Witness and evangelism are expressions of the overflow of the love and joy of the grace of God into our lives, and the life of His whole Church and His whole world." Sharing the Good News should be "about as guilt-inducing as breathing", he added. "They are as much a part of the life of the Church as worship." The Archbishop said, however, that St Paul's assertion that the "love of Christ urges us on" in evangelism is not always evident in the Church of England. The final aim of the Church is to call Christians "to be those who worship and adore God in Christ, overflowing with the good news that we've received, making Christ known to all so that the good news is proclaimed effectively throughout the church," he said. "It is the most compelling of announcements. It comes as a gift to us, not of our own creation. It is news because it tells us of what we do not already know. We have not deduced it ourselves or worked it out by our own power of reason: the good news is the power of God. "In our good news we speak of Him who really does not sweep our human needs, concerns, cares, desires and problems under the carpet, but takes them up and makes them His own. "And if we allow ourselves to be gripped by this gospel, this good news of Jesus Christ, it will overwhelm us, for it seems too good to be true. As Pope Francis said in Evangelii Gaudium: 'the Gospel constantly invites us to rejoice'." It is a constant challenge to Christians, Welby concluded, and the Church must work to encourage and facilitate the witness of believers. "That change will not just happen, we can't just hope for something magical to occur," he said. "My fear is that many of us have lost all confidence in the Gospel. We have thought that you need to be an expert or a professional to be a witness. But we do not. We simply need to be able to tell of the love that has grasped hold of us and the difference it has made in our own lives." Despite significant debate about falling attendance figures in the UK, Justin Welby has previously insisted that he has no fears for the future of the Church. "But I would really like, and I believe it's part of God's plan, that that future of the church of God includes a renewed, invigorated, confident, wonderful, celebratory, humble, delighting Church of England," he said in November. Evangelism isn't about using God "to ensure the Church keeps going", he added. "What you're doing in evangelism isn't a tool of the Church, it's not some sort of thing we do so we can still be there in a generation or two. It is the revelation of the nature of God. It is intrinsic to being the people of God." Atheist drops case against Texas mayor for attending launch of Christian cross project The mayor of a town in Texas will no longer have to face a lawsuit for supposedly favouring Christians after the atheist who filed the complaint decided to drop it. Patrick Greene, a non-believer from San Antonio, recently decided that he would no longer pursue the case against Corpus Christi town Mayor Nelda Martinez, as well as council members Lucy Rubio and Carolyn Vaughn, after his wife fell ill. "I am sending a request to the civil court today to dismiss the entire lawsuit," Greene said, as quoted by Christian News. "My wife was just diagnosed with chronic kidney disease and osteoporosis and I don't want this lawsuit to complicate our lives. As an atheist, my moral standards put my wife first at all times." Earlier this month, the atheist originally lodged a complaint against Christian Pastor Rick Milby of the Abundant Life Fellowship in Corpus Christi for inviting the town officials during the groundbreaking ceremony for a 230-foot cross along Interstate 37which will be the biggest structure of this kind in the Western Hemisphere. Greene accused Milby of violating the Texas Constitution by showing preference to the Christian religion because of the invitation he extended to the government officials. "When I saw the mayor in her official position and the council in their official positions were attending a groundbreaking ceremony for a Christian symbolthat smacked right in the face of the Constitution of the state of Texas," Greene explained when he filed the complaint. "It's ridiculous. He's attacking my rights and the rights of the mayor," Milby responded. "The groundbreaking was on a Sunday, and these are Christians, and they have a right to their faith." The atheist eventually changed the respondent of his complaint from the Christian pastor to the town officials themselves. Martinez, for her part, explained that she felt like it was part of her responsibility as the head of the town to attend the groundbreaking of the cross. "The name of our city is Body of Christ, and I will tell you I will never forget that conversation I had with my father about his dream and his hope," she explained. "No matter what belief you have, this is the name of our city and it was my constitutional right to attend. I will never regret being there for this wonderful moment." Martinez added that she will pray for Greene's wife, but said she will continue attending similar events. "I am praying for Mr. Greene's wife," she said. "I did not want to respond with anger and ask the Court to punish Mr. Greene for filing a clearly frivolous and groundless lawsuit; However, Mr. Greene is on notice. Should he re-file, we will have no other option but to utilise the legal system to defend our taxpayers from such a baseless suit." Bangladesh High Court keeps Islam as state religion, sparking fears of more terror attacks on religious minority groups The Bangladesh High Court has ruled that Islam shall remain as the country's official religion, scrapping a 28-year-old petition that sought to change it. Religious minority groups swiftly criticised the ruling, saying this would only embolden Islamist forces from inflicting more terror in the country. A three-judge panel reportedly threw out the petition Monday as soon as the case was opened without allowing any testimony from the petitioners, according to Agence France Presse. The petition was filed in 1988 by a group of 15 activists. "We are saddened [at the ruling]. It's a sad day for the minorities of Bangladesh," said Subrata Chowdhury, who represented the secular activists in the case, CBN News reported. Many religious minority leaders expressed fear that the court's ruling could encourage more Islamist attacks against minorities in the country. "It is sad that the court binned the petition without allowing the petitioners to present their arguments. This ruling will give a boost to the country's Islamist forces and it is a sad day for all religious minorities in Bangladesh," Rana Dasgupta, general secretary of the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, told Voice of America (VOA). William Proloy Samadder, organising secretary of the Bangladesh Christian Association, also said: "In their letters, the Islamists said to our church leaders that Bangladesh would be ruled by Sharia law. As they threatened to kill our leaders, in some cases they also said that only Muslims would live in Bangladesh.'' "Monday's ruling has surely come as a shot in the arm for many of those Islamists. It is indeed frightening for all religious minorities." Secularists have been arguing since that having Islam as the state religion "conflicts with the secular nature of the state and discriminates against non-Muslims." But leaders of Islamist groups that held demonstrations protesting the High Court's move to hear the petition believe that the court was aware of the Muslim sentiment and so it chose to reject the petition, VOA reported. "We thank the court on behalf of the nation for rejecting the petition," said Fazlul Karim Kashemy, a Hefazat-e-Islam leader. "Muslims and non-Muslims in our society have been maintaining good relationship for long." "Most Muslims in Bangladesh want Islam to remain the country's state religion. If the High Court decided to scrap Islam as the state religion, Muslims across the whole country would have erupted in rage," Maulana Anwar Hossain Rabbani, an HeI leader from Chittagong, also said. Noor Hossain Qashmi, a Dhaka-based Hefazat-e-Islam leader, said Monday's ruling in no way poses any threat to non-Muslims in Bangladesh because the religious minorities in Bangladesh "have not faced any discrimination in the past decades while Islam has remained the state religion. They have nothing new to fear about now.'' But according to the news reports, Bangladesh has seen a series of attacks lately against religious minorities, atheist bloggers and foreigners. The Islamic State (ISIS) group claimed responsibility for most of those attacks. The government, however, said many of the attacks were caused by domestic Islamist groups backed by the opposition parties. Bangladesh is about 90 percent Muslim and 8 percent Hindu, with Christians and other religions filling the remaining 2 percent. France's secularism is just religious persecution in disguise Once again we can thank France for highlighting how oppressive secularism can be. France's socialist prime minister, Manuel Valls, has suggested Muslim headscarves should be banned from universities. He made the comment in a long interview with the daily Liberation and went on to say he thought French people believed Islam was incompatible with French society. The predictable backlash ensued. Abdallah Zekri, head of the Observatory on Islamophobia and a member of the French Council of the Muslim Faith, told BFM TV: "We're fed up of being stigmatised ... [and] of this populist discourse which is worse than the far-right." But the problem is this is a recurring theme. Time and again the French government has proved it cannot handle public expressions of religion. No matter how peaceful or innocuous, France's much vaunted principle of laicite cannot get its head around religion being displayed outside private homes. It is just the latest example how utterly unfit the principle is for a modern country. It has become nothing more than a thinly veiled excuse for religious intolerance and persecution. Secular philosophy aims to rid religion from public life and create a "neutral space". It was born out of the religious wars that tore Europe apart in the 16th and 17th centuries. Enlightenment philosophers such as John Locke observed the conflict religion caused and saw the answer in the separation between church and state. Religion should be removed from matters of governance, they concluded, so a safe space can be created for all to participate in. The aim was a noble one. Early secularists believed by removing religion, you would enable everyone to participate in civil society free from religious violence or persecution. The principle has become ingrained in French national identity, especially since the battle between the Catholic Church and the state was decisively won by the state in 1905. But modern secularism is no longer inclusive. In fact it actively excludes all people of faith, not least Muslims. Children of Islamic parents in some towns have been told that for school lunches it is "pork or nothing". The option for Muslims, Jews and many Hindus who do not want to eat pork has been removed as the desire to create a safe space from religion has turned into an outright attack on religious observance. "From now on, that's the way it is," one Muslim parent was told. The fundamental problem with secularism is it completely fails to understand the significance of religion to someone's identity. Asking someone of faith to keep it private is like asking them to keep their childhood private. It is like asking someone to ignore the fact they were adopted. Or ignore the fact they are married. For a religious person their faith is a fundamental part of who they are. Asking them not to let it influence their decisions in public life is nonsensical. Far from creating a stable society with a safe and "neutral" public space, a secular society is far more unstable and volatile because religious people feel they do not have a seat at the table. The explosive nature of modern French society has proved that. The much prized laicite is now nothing but barely disguised Islamophobia. And Muslims know they are not welcome. It is time for France to drop the pretence it can rid public life of religion. It never has done and it never will. A far more sensible approach is to include all voices. Religion is part of society because it is a part of the people who make up society. A genuinely multi-cultural society where all religions are celebrated and included, not ridiculed and excluded, is far stronger and healthier. There is an argument that true secularism, referred to as political secularism, aims to do just that. Political secularism, as opposed to philosophical or doctrinal secularism, wants to include all religions and none with an equal voice at the table. But given how different this is from how secularism was originally portrayed by Locke and others there is a case for saying proponents of political secularism should find a new name for the idea. Philosophical secularism, as demonstrated by laicite, is utterly unfit for modern governance. It is unintelligent and displays a woeful ignorance of how religion affects people. Thank you France for demonstrating this so clearly. Georgia governor draws flak for vetoing religious liberty bill, accused of siding with gays at Christians' expense Christian leaders and politicians are criticising Republican Georgia Governor Nathan Deal after his surprising decision to veto a proposed legislation that would have protected pastors and other Christians who refuse to perform acts contrary to their religious beliefs. Timothy Head, executive director of the Faith & Freedom Coalition, said Deal basically ignored his constituents when he decided to side with homosexuals. "The governor's veto subverts the will of the people of Georgia," Head said, as quoted by Fox News. Another religious leader, Robert White, who serves as the executive director of the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, lamented how the governor just gave in to the interests of corporations and homosexuals to the detriment of Christians who just want to practice their faith. "The governor and others have knuckled under to the threats of big business and the LGBT lobby group," White said. Sen. Josh McKoon, the author of the 2014 Religious Freedom Restoration Act, described Deal's decision as "very chilling" and "a slap in the face to conservatives, to evangelicals and to the broader faith community." "The message being sent is we are not going to even extend protection to the houses of worship, to religious schools," McKoon told Fox News. "It's very, very disturbing and disappointing that the governor would veto the bill." Deal, for his part, stood by his decision, saying he does "not respond well to insults or threats." "Our actions on House Bill 757 are not just about protecting the faith-based community or providing a business-friendly climate for job growth in Georgia," he said. "This is about the character of our state and the character of its people." As expected, gay rights groups such as the Human Rights Campaign also defended the Georgia governor's veto of the bill, saying doing so will protect homosexuals against discrimination. "Discrimination and intolerance have no place in the 21st century, and any town, city or state that enshrines it into law will not be judged kindly by history or by the American public," Human Rights Campaign President Chad Griffin said in a statement. Growing number of Americans believe Christians complain too much about 'persecution' Two-thirds of Americans believe that Christians face increasing intolerance in the US, a new survey has found. LifeWay Research on Wednesday released its findings that six in 10 Americans say religious liberty is on the decline up from just over half (54 per cent) in 2013. However, a growing number also believe that American Christians complain too much about how they are treated; rising from 34 per cent in 2013 to 43 per cent in 2015. "More Americans worry the US has a hostile environment for religious liberty," said Ed Stetzer, executive director of LifeWay Research. "As this perception grows, some approve of it while others speak up against it." The survey also found that evangelical Christians (71 per cent) and regular churchgoers (70 per cent) are most likely to agree that religious freedom is declining in the US. Catholics and non-evangelicals, meanwhile, are less convinced, with 56 per cent and 55 per cent agreeing with the sentiment respectively. Of those who identified as having no religious faith, 46 per cent said religious liberty was declining. Almost half (48 per cent) agreed that intolerance toward Christians has increased, a figure that rose to 82 per cent of evangelicals and 74 per cent of Protestants. Stetzer said: "Christians are particularly sensitive to what they see as intolerance towards their faith, but they share a common concern with people of other faiths that religious liberty in general is declining. And this perception is growing rapidly." However, many Americans still believe that Christians excessively protest their treatment. More than half of those with no faith (59 per cent) and 53 per cent of those who rarely or never attend worship said complaints by Christians are disproportionate. This view isn't limited to non-Christians, however. More than a third of Christians (38 per cent) agree. "Most people now believe Christians are facing intolerance, however, a surprisingly large minority perceives Christians to be complainers," Stetzer said. "Both of those facts will matter as Christians profess and contend for their beliefs without sounding false alarms around faux controversies. It won't be easy to strike that balance." Headmaster of Christian school arrested in connection with rape of two pupils The headmaster of a Christian school in Washington has been arrested for allegedly raping and molesting two female pupils, aged 10 and 11, today. Detectives arrested Douglas Allison, 55, at his home on Tuesday night. Allison was investigated by police after a 10-year-old girl who attends his school, Mountain View Christian School, told her parents he had sexually assaulted her multiple times at the school. During the investigation, another victim who attended the school was uncovered. Police do not think there are any other victims at the school, which is run by the Seventh-Day Adventist Church and has around 13 pupils and one teacher Allison's wife. His wife is not under investigation. "The second victim disclosed to detectives she had been sexually assaulted in a similar fashion by Allison," the police said in a press release. He has been accused of four counts of first-degree child rape and 12 counts of first-degree child molestation and is being held at Clallam County Corrections Facility. A church spokeswoman, Becky Meharry, has said Allison, who taught grades 5 -8, has been placed on administrative leave pending the investigation. "We just want you to know that the health and safety of our students is of course our priority" Meharry told Q13 Fox news. "As soon as we were notified by the police that there was an investigation underway the principal was put on administrative leave. We are taking care of our students by putting in respected and trusted teachers to take over the teaching responsibilities, and providing counseling and car for families that have been affected." A formal charging decision is expected to be made by Clallam County Prosecuteor's Office by Friday. Honour killings under-reported in UK, BBC suggests Honour killings may be grossly under-reported, according to the BBC, who suggest inter-family violence may be more prevalent in the UK than we realise. Honour violence is most common in Asian and Middle Eastern countries. If one individual brings shame, they are often subject to violence or murder by fellow family members to restore honour. A council of Europe resolution in 2003 recognised that "so-called 'honour crimes' emanate from cultural and not religious roots and are perpetrated worldwide". However the resolution continued to say "the majority of reported cases in Europe have been among Muslim or migrant Muslim communities". The UN estimated 5,000 people died because of honour killings every year although Phyllis Chesler, who has investigated the subject, said the figure was far higher. "That number may be reasonable for Pakistan alone," she said. Chesler said 91 per cent of perpetrators were Muslim. However despite the association with Muslim communities mainly in Asian countries, the BBC has questioned whether honour killings are on the rise in the UK. The one-off drama Murdered by My Father tells the story of a young woman who falls in love with the wrong man with disastrous consequences. According to the BBC, honour killings may be significantly under reported in the UK. In 2010 there were 2,800 incidents of honour based violence in the UK. Last year more than 9,000 calls were made to helplines set up to deal with honour-based violence. Only a tiny proportion of arrests have been made. The Henry Jackson Society reports 29 cases of honour killings or attempted killings in the UK. However charities estimate the figure is higher according to the BBC. A survey in 2012 found 69 per cent of British Asians agree families should live according to to the concept of honour, but among 16-24 year old Asians, 94 per cent did not think there was ever justification for honour killings. ISIS releases Assyrian Christian girl in Syria ISIS has released an Assyrian Christian girl, the last remaining hostage of a group abducted in northern Syria last February. Miriam David Talya was originally supposed to be released on February 22 this year, along with 42 other hostages. However, militants removed her from the list of those they freed without notifying the Assyrian Church of the East in Syria, which had been negotiating with the captors. Further negotiations then began, which resulted in Miriam's release on Easter Sunday. She arrived in her town of Tel Tamar later that day, and photos have been published online showing her being greeted by the Bishop of Syria, His Grace Mar Afram Athneil. Miriam was among more than 200 people abducted from villages along the Khabur River on 23 February 2015. ISIS militants undertook raids on a number of Assyrian villages near Tel Hmar, burning churches and forcing hundreds of families to flee. The Assyrian Church of the East Relief Organisation (ACERO) has said no hostages are now held by ISIS. However, according to the Assyrian International News Agency, militants are still holding one girl, who has been married off to a high ranking ISIS official. Christian Today has approached ACERO to substantiate this claim. Since the attacks last February, ISIS has besieged several ancient Assyrian sites, including the Iraqi city of Nimrud, the village of Khorsabad, and Hatra, a 2,000-year-old city. An ancient branch of Christianity, the Assyrian Church of the East has roots dating back to the 1st century AD. Assyrian Christians speak Aramaic, the language of Jesus, and have origins in ancient Mesopotamia a territory which spreads across northern Iraq, north-east Syria and south-eastern Turkey. Justin Welby on evangelism: 'Prayer has to be our first priority' Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has written exclusively for Christian Today to launch a website designed to resource and equip Christians in evangelism. Usewords.org is the product of the Archbishops' Evangelism Task Group, which, comprises about a dozen experts and practitioners in the field including Rev Annie Kirke, pioneer of missional communities in the diocese of London, and Rev Andy Croft of Soul Survivor. In his first presidential address to Synod last July, Welby labelled evangelism as one of his three main priorities in ministry. "We need new imagination in evangelism through prayer, and a fierce determination not to let evangelism be squeezed off our agendas," he urged. "The gospel of Jesus Christ is indeed the good news for our times. God is always good news; we are the ones who make ourselves irrelevant when we are not good news. And when we are good news, God's people see growing churches." He established the task force in order to see the Church transformed through evangelism and to propel his passion for people coming to know God. "It is the task of this group to see every church and every Christian embrace their calling to be those who proclaim the gospel in word and deed," he said. In his article for Christian Today, the Archbishop writes of his belief that, "if only we truly 'got' evangelism, we, the Church would live to show what it meant. And to 'get' it means to receive it, and to give it. Continually. "And if we lived what we spoke of, and spoke of what we lived, no-one would have to point at the Church and wonder what it was for". He calls on Christians to "join us in asking the Holy Spirit to work across the country in our parishes and communities, our friends and our neighbours, and in his Church that the Good News of Jesus Christ can be proclaimed, heard, lived and trusted," noting the importance of seeking God's guidance in all things. "In Jesus, God has chosen to effect life for us, to make all the difference for us, to free us by bringing us grace, mercy and hope. This is the most wonderful news any of us could ever receive. Following Jesus is the best decision any person can ever make. We are convinced of this," he writes. UseWords offers prayer resources for children, students and young people, as well as advice on such activities as prayer walking and creating prayer rooms. It also features an impassioned call to prayer by Welby himself, who declares that "Prayer has to be our first priority". "The wonderful news is God is always ready to hear our prayers and to send his Spirit that we may proclaim the good news afresh," he says. "I urge every church community and individual to set aside time to pray and to share God's heart for all his people." Kolkata flyover collapse is 'act of God' say builders The collapse of the Kolkata flyover that killed at least 18 people was an "act of God", according to the contractor. More than 100 people are feared trapped under the rubble, many with serious injuries. The flyover, which has been under construction since 2009, collapsed earlier today. The 110-yard section of the raised roadway, designed to help tackle the city's traffic jams, came down in a teeming commercial district near Girish Park. "It is nothing but God's act. This has not happened to us in 27 years," said K Panduranga Rao, a senior official of the Hyderabad-based IVRCL group. Video footage aired on TV channels showed a street scene with two auto rickshaws and a crowd of people suddenly obliterated by a mass of falling concrete that narrowly missed cars crawling in a traffic jam. The army and national disaster agency have joined the rescue operation, which has been hampered by difficulties in getting ambulances and other vehicles close to the site. India's prime minister Narendra Modi, who is visiting the United States, expressed his condolences to the victims. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, whose centre-left party is seeking re-election in the state of West Bengal next month, rushed to the scene. "We will take every action to save lives of those trapped beneath the collapsed flyover. Rescue is our top priority," she said. Banerjee, 61, said those responsible for the disaster would not be spared. Yet she herself faces questions about a construction project that has been plagued by delays and safety fears. A newspaper reported last November that Banerjee wanted the flyover already five years overdue to be completed by February and there were accusations the building had been rushed. Eyewitness Ravindra Kumar Gupta, a grocer, said two buses carrying more than 100 passengers were trapped. Eight taxis and six auto rickshaws were partly visible in the wreckage. "Every night, hundreds of labourers would build the flyover and they would cook and sleep near the site by day," said Gupta, who together with friends pulled out six bodies. "The government wanted to complete the flyover before the elections and the labourers were working on a tight deadline... Maybe the hasty construction led to the collapse." Additional reporting by Reuters. Lahore: 'There are no words' says Archbishop as Christians and Muslims gather to pray Christian and Muslim leaders have gathered in Lahore to pray for peace after 73 people were killed in a terror attack aimed at Christians on Easter Sunday. The service was organised by the council for inter-religious freedom in St Mary's Church. The Archbishop of Lahore Sebastian Shaw has visited a number of wounded victims in hospital and conducted at least 20 funerals. "There are no words," Shaw told Fides news agency. "An authentic tragedy. Hope can only come from God." He continued: "We need prayers so that we can continue the mission entrusted to us by the Risen Lord Jesus: to restore peace and hope to the wounded and desperate people". However despite the government pledges of retribution, the pastor of an assemblies of God church in Lahore said the Christian community is still threatened. "We went out to celebrate Easter. We are a young church, the majority of those coming are families with children and young couples. After the service they usually go to a park near our church so that the children can play. We are very united. It was a tragedy," he told the Spanish media La Informacion. "There is no security, our non-Christian neighbours insult us almost daily, and we are scared", he said. Another pastor, Shakil Anjum of the Children's Chapel, said: "The government has proved it cannot keep people safe so the army should take over security. "They have strengthened security at our churches but now terrorists are coming to public spaces to kill us." More than 5,000 suspects were arrested after the bombing on Easter Sunday. Most have been released but 216 remain in custody. Government officials promised a paramilitary crackdown on terrorism in Punjab after Jamaat-ur-Ahrar claimed responsibility for the attack. The Taliban-affiliated group have previously claimed loyalty to Islamic State and said the attack was a warning to Pakistan's prime minister. A statement after the attack read: "The target was Christians. We want to send this message to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif that we have entered Lahore." Obama: Terrorists want to 'weaken our faith', but 'we heal hatred with love' President Obama yesterday spoke of the importance of faith in a world filled with fear at his final Easter Prayer Breakfast. Speaking to Christian leaders gathered at the White House, Obama said the meeting took on greater meaning in light of the recent terror attacks in Brussels and Pakistan, and offered prayers for the victims, survivors and their families. Nail bombings at Brussels' Zaventem airport and Maalbeek metro station killed 32 people on 22 March. On Easter Sunday, more than 70, including dozens of women and children, were killed in a blast at a park in Lahore, Pakistan. "These attacks can foment fear and division," Obama said on Wednesday morning. "They can tempt us to cast out the stranger, strike out against those who don't look like us, or pray exactly as we do. And they can lead us to turn our backs on those who are most in need of help and refuge. That's the intent of the terrorists, is to weaken our faith, to weaken our best impulses, our better angels." Easter, however, reminds Christians that "you don't have to be afraid," the President continued. "We drown out darkness with light, and we heal hatred with love, and we hold on to hope. And we think about all that Jesus suffered and sacrificed on our behalf scorned, abandoned, shunned, nail-scarred hands bearing the injustice of his death and carrying the sins of the world. "And it's difficult to fathom the full meaning of that act. Scripture tells us, 'For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.' Because of God's love, we can proclaim 'Christ is risen!' Because of God's love, we have been given this gift of salvation. Because of Him, our hope is not misplaced, and we don't have to be afraid. "And as Christians have said through the years, 'We are Easter people, and Alleluia is our song!' We are Easter people, people of hope and not fear." This is a "living and breathing hope," Obama said, which must be passed on to other people. He recalled Pope Francis washing the feet of refugees on Maundy Thursday, and said it was "a powerful reminder of our obligations" as Christians. He went on to praise the work that Christian leaders do in feeding the hungry, healing the sick and housing the homeless. "To do justice, to love kindness that's what all of you collectively are involved in in your own ways each and every day," Obama said. "And in that way, you are teaching all of us what it means when it comes to true discipleship. It's not just words. It's not just getting dressed and looking good on Sunday. But it's service, particularly for the least of these." They had been "on the front lines of delivering God's message of love and compassion and mercy for His children," he added, noting that he "could not have been prouder" to work with those in the room. "And our faith changes us," he concluded. "I know it's changed me. It renews in us a sense of possibility. It allows us to believe that although we are all sinners, and that at time we will falter, there's always the possibility of redemption. "Every once in a while, we might get something right, we might do some good; that there's the presence of grace, and that we, in some small way, can be worthy of this magnificent love that God has bestowed on us." Priest admits to gambling away $500,000 fund intended for refugee sponsorships in Canada A priest at a Catholic church in Ontario, Canada is under investigation by the police after he told a bishop that he gambled and lost more than $500,000 from a fund earmarked for refugee sponsorship. Father Amer Saka of the St. Joseph Chaldean Catholic Church in London, Ontario admitted to Bishop Emanuel Shaleta that he lost the money that was to be used to help resettle Iraqi refugees in Canada, the Toronto Star reported. "He called me on the phone and . . . said he lost all the money. I said, 'How?' He said, 'Gambling,'" Shaleta told the Star. The phone conversation took place last Feb. 23. "We believe that Father Saka has a serious gambling problem and that the funds may have been used for that purpose. Since there is an investigation going on, we cannot confirm what he's saying," Shaleta said. He said he suspended Saka after learning about the missing church money. Shaleta took Saka for voluntary treatment at Southdown Institute, a Toronto facility for priests battling problems such as addiction, depression and sexually abusive behavior. London police said they received a complaint on Feb. 24 about the missing church fund. "An investigation is underway," said spokesperson Const. Sandasha Bough. No charges have yet been filed against Saka. A church representative said it is treating the incident "very seriously" but declined to comment further, citing the ongoing investigation. The Chaldean Catholic Church is based in Baghdad and represents Catholics from Iraq and neighbouring countries and is under the Vatican. The Toronto-based Chaldean eparchy was founded with the blessing by Pope Benedict XVI less than five years ago when Iraqis continued to arrive in Canada. According to Monsignor Murray Kroetsch, chancellor of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Hamilton, which runs the refugee sponsorship, Saka was the leader of a constituent group raising funds to sponsor refugees from Iraq. Kroetsch said the Hamilton diocese filed up to 20 applications sponsored by Saka for refugees from Iraq and 10 of them have arrived in Ontario. The Hamilton diocese has taken the responsibility for the refugees' support following the incident. "We want to assure the refugees that our part of our agreement is looked after and that money will be provided to help them feel secure and help them find their footing in the country," he said. Holders of sponsorship agreements must support refugees for at least one year after they arrive in Canada. "They're somewhat vulnerable, and now they may be even more fearful . We need to assure them that we're not just going to abandon them," Kroetsch said. A sponsorship costs about $6,000 a person, or about $20,000 to $25,000 for a family of four, said Shaleta. "It is wrong for a priest to go and gamble. It's against the rules," he said. Refugees shot dead by Turkish border forces Refugees are being shot by Turkish border guards as they flee civil war in Syria. A UK-based monitoring group has said at least 16 people have been shot dead over the past four months although the actual figure was believed to be higher. The number includes three children. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights described how a man and his child were killed on the Syria-Turkish border on February 6. A further two were then killed at another stretch of the border on March 5, according to the Times. One smuggler told the Times refugees who crossed the border would "either be killed or captured". He added: "Turkish soldiers used to help the refugees across, carry their bags for them. Now they shoot at them." The change in Ankara's policy came in December after pressure from the West to close the border, which had become known as the "jihadist highway". Large numbers of fighters were believed to have used the route to travel to Syria and join ISIS and other rebel groups. Under the latest EU deal, migrants and refugees who crossed illegally into Greece will be returned to Turkey. In return, for every person shipped back, European countries will accept one refugee directly from camps in Turkey. One of the bases for the deal was the understanding of Turkey as a "safe third country" for refugees to be returned to, an assumption thrown into doubt by these revelations. Stop saying Trump supporters are stupid and start dealing with the issues When the results of the 2015 UK General election were announced, there was bemusement, whichever side you were on. Virtually no opinion polls had predicted that the Conservatives would win their first majority since 1992. Political reporters, pollsters and commentators were baffled. In the post mortem, one of the most interesting bits of analysis was the way in which social media had conditioned us into only listening to our own tribe. So, left-wing people only follow lefties, while right-wingers huddle together too. The echo chamber seems to work in other spheres too new atheists following other new atheists only, while evangelicals stick to their own kind etc. As someone who's very sure of my own political persuasions (and other opinions too!) I've always found this very odd. Since social media took off nearly a decade ago, I've always followed people and organisations with whom I disagree. In fact, some of my best interactions have been with those whose opinions I don't share. I try to live this way in life too I want to be in dialogue with people who aren't like me. I'm northern, white, middle-class, educated, straight, able-bodied, male, English, British, Christian, evangelical, catholic, Anglican and a number of other things. But I want to interact with lots of people who aren't any of these. What has any of this got to do with Donald Trump? Well, apart from the fact that one in every two articles on the internet right now is about him, treatment of Trump supporters are a case in point. This week, a friend shared this meme: It's designed to do two things as far as I can tell. One is a simple case of virtue signaling the process whereby people indicate that they have the 'correct' and 'acceptable' viewpoint on any given matter. In this instance, the received wisdom of much social media is that Donald Trump is uniquely bad and that as much scorn as possible needs to be poured on him and his supporters. Virtue signaling is an easy job it doesn't require any organising or campaigning against the bad guys just share a meme or tweet your opinion and you will look fine. Frankly, we're probably all guilty of it at times. The second purpose of the meme is more sinister. It's elitist sniping at anyone who votes for Trump, without any examination of why that person might do so. It's judgment shorn of empathy, context or analysis. It says, "The only possible reason you could have for voting for Trump is that you're intellectually inferior to me." This is just obviously untrue yet it's where the social media echo chamber really shows itself. If you rarely interact with anyone who is a Trump voter, you're unlikely to realise why they are voting that way. A slew of articles have been written about the Trump phenomenon, thousands of memes have been shared and videos of various appalling events both involving and surrounding the candidate himself have gone viral. But very, very few of these have got close to analysing why someone might consider voting for Trump. There are honourable exceptions of course. This excellent piece from the Guardian shows why Trump is thriving in the wake of the evisceration of American blue-collar industry. "A map of his support may coordinate with racist Google searches, but it coordinates even better with deindustrialization and despair, with the zones of economic misery that 30 years of Washington's free-market consensus have brought the rest of America." This BBC piece interweaving the music of Bruce Springsteen and the disastrous decline of the American middle and working classes also gets closer to the heart of the problem, "Forty years of hurt have driven some people to answer Springsteen's question, that the American dream is something worse than a lie, and from that bleak answer they are looking for a political leader who echoes their anger." This isn't just an American phenomenon though. In the UK, the closest equivalent to Trump (although some distance short) is Nigel Farage, the leader of the United Kingdom Independence Party. In a similar vein to which Trump's supporters are cast as intellectually deficient, is a recent poster campaign against UKIP. "Totally failed at life? Then why not blame a foreigner" the poster smugly proclaimed. This astonishingly vacuous sentiment might have a tiny kernel of truth in it some UKIP supporters have racist views, just as some Trump supporters do. But to extrapolate that everyone who supports Trump, or UKIP is a racist is as lazy as it is inaccurate. Firstly it ignores the socio-economic conditions into which UKIP has had relative, (and Trump phenomenal), success. How churlish to suggest that someone would support a populist candidate because they've 'failed at life.' Ironically of course, it buys into the same neo-liberal framing of the world that has wrought economic devastation in the first place. It sees us all as isolated, individual units and our own success or failure is determined by our individual actions rather than the economic climate into which we are born and raised. None of this is to say that I support Trump, or indeed UKIP (or that anti-intellectualism isn't a problem it is). Trump's a quack and a conman and I hope he's found out sooner rather than later. He's flirted with fascistic concepts and some of his rallies have come dangerously close to Nuremberg-style imagery. Trump's absurd declarations deserve to be treated with contempt. But his supporters don't. Some of them are racists and should be challenged, some of them are ignorant and need calling out. Yet many of them have genuine concerns with America's utterly broken political-economic system that need to be dealt with, and patronising them won't help it will just further the alienation that's fuelling the Trump train in the first place. What we talk about when we talk about evangelism The story goes that when the British explorer Joseph Banks landed in North Queensland in 1770, he saw a kangaroo for the first time. Puzzled to know what this animal was, he pointed to the animal and asked a local man. "I don't understand you," replied the man, which in his Aboriginal mother tongue of Guugu Yimithirr is just one word: "Kangaroo." For years it was popularly believed that to call these animals 'kangaroos' was based on a profound and embarrassing misunderstanding. Evangelism is such a word. For Christians, it's the name for an activity that some love and others hate it's a passion for some and an embarrassment for others. For non-Christians, it's a word that can send them running to the hills, feeling they are in danger of having something 'done' to them. (I wonder which of these descriptions fits you and what you've experienced in the name of evangelism to make you feel this way?) Given all this controversy around the word, it was no surprise that when, on taking office last year, I declared evangelism as one of the three priorities for my ministry. Some people thought I was profoundly misguided, while others jumped for joy. However, it's my belief that if only we truly 'got' evangelism, we, the Church would live to show what it meant. And to 'get' it means to receive it, and to give it. Continually. And if we lived what we spoke of, and spoke of what we lived, no-one would have to point at the Church and wonder what it was for. This Pentecost the Archbishop of York and myself are calling everyone who counts themselves as a follower of Jesus, to join us in asking the Holy Spirit to work across the country in our parishes and communities, our friends and our neighbours, and in his Church that the Good News of Jesus Christ can be proclaimed, heard, lived and trusted. We are doing this for three reasons. First, because 'evangel' means literally the proclamation of 'good news'. In the New Testament book of 2 Corinthians, St Paul says "we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again". In Jesus, God has chosen to effect life for us, to make all the difference for us, to free us by bringing us grace, mercy and hope. This is the most wonderful news any of us could ever receive. Following Jesus is the best decision any person can ever make. We are convinced of this. Second, because we cannot persuade people of this fact, or help them see it on our own only God can do this. The Holy Spirit is the only one who can work to open someone's eyes to glimpse the beauty of Jesus, or unstop someone's ears to hear his voice inviting them to receive the words of life, or free people's feet from the things that keep them from following. We must pray for the work of the Holy Spirit on and in each person, in every community in this country. Third, because as a Church we know we cannot do this on our own. The task before us cannot be overestimated. We could easily be disheartened. But God never leaves us on our own, he never throws us back on ourselves. He sends his Spirit to commission us, send us, empower us and help us present Jesus Christ his life, his death, his resurrection to each and every person. This is what we talk about when we talk about evangelism. Or more accurately, who we talk about when we talk about evangelism. Because it is all about issuing the invitation of Jesus Christ to follow him. And that is an invitation which is issued to all. Have you received it yet? Have you accepted it yet? Are you willing to be used to set this invitation before others? Find out more and download prayers for evangelism at: www.usewords.org AUSTIN -- Using Sandra Bland's death as a suicide case in point, a Senate committee on Wednesday called for Texas county jails to provide improved mental health services for people held behind bars to curb continuing loopholes in the system. Members of the Senate Criminal Justice Committee, after applauding the Texas Commission on Jail Standards for the success of revised intake forms designed to minimizes suicide risks, said additional changes are necessary to achieve a "zero-tolerance" of locking up mentally ill inmates without proper observation and treatment. The committee is studying changes in state law to minimize suicide risks in local jails, and whether additional state funding is needed to provide for additional beds in state hospitals to care for the mentally ill a plan that could cost tens of millions of dollars. But committee members made clear they want a solution. Committee Chairman John Whitmire, a Houston Democrat who has been highly critical of lax jail rules that he said can enable suicidal prisoners, said non-violent, mentally ill offenders who are sitting in jail cells should be released if they are not a danger to the community, citing the 10 suicides in jails since last September. "If they're hanging themselves with a sheet, can grown-ups not decide not to put people in jails who are upset, scared and with mental health issues?" Whitmire said. "Bland used a trash bag. Did somebody not consider that as a dangerous item?" Bland, a Chicago-area resident pulled over for a traffic violation in Waller County, was found dead in her jail cell last July in what was later ruled a suicide. Her death has sparked several investigations, and has prompted calls and protests for revisions in how jails handle prisoners with mental health issues. Brandon Wood, executive director of the jail standards commission, said the key to achieve the committee's hope of no suicides is identifying mentally ill individuals at intake and placing them in paper gowns until they are stabilized, while they are observed at 15-minute intervals. Witnesses said that jail medication lists vary from county to county, and some jail doctors may modify an inmate's drugs a key issue of complaint by critics of current jail rules, who say that changing medications can often worsen symptoms. But Wood said some jails' doctors oppose use of narcotics or methadone, and they substitute other drugs for those behind bars. Inmates must take what they are given by jail doctors.. "A majority of the jails have very detailed policies and procedures at the local level," Wood said. "They have a specific formulary they are following. If [inmates] try to bring medications that are not in the formulary, they're now under the care of the jail doctor." The Harris County Jail, which holds more than 9,100 inmates as Texas' largest jail, was singled out for criticism again on Wednesday for locking up too many mentally-ill prisoners who are being held for non-violent crimes. Critics say that often exacerbates their mental instability and can trigger suicidal thoughts. Harris County officials have defended their current policies. Testimony showed that about 700 of the Harris County inmates last week were non-violent offenders, and 2,247 were diagnosed with mental health issues and were on psychotropic prescriptions. Greg Hansch, public policy director of NAMI Texas, a group representing the interests of the mentally ill, said people who are not getting the right medications and not allowed to get what they were previously prescribed can die while incarcerated. "The contract with health care providers, hospitals and some counties seem to be unclear about what is meant about the idea of a formulary," Hansch said. "There are cases in which they were prescribed Xanax by their doctors and they were not prescribed those meds in the jail and died by seizures due to withdrawal." Dr. Marcus Guice, interim executive director in the Houston jail, said physicians prescribe Ativan to patients previously prescribed with Xanax in order to deal with withdrawal. "We have doctors 24/7 in the facility. We have licensed health care professionals for all of the mental health and medical health issues," Guice said. Smaller counties do not have these types of resources, and county officials cautioned that increased state regulations for addressing problems in urban jails could financially cripple some local jails. Jackson County Sherriff A.J. Louderback said 85 percent of county jails in Texas have 100 beds or less and they lack the funding for mental health professionals in the county or hospital district. "I have a jail nurse who comes in one day a week on Tuesday. We have to rely 100 percent on local mental health authority," he said. "As a finance issue this is a critical area for us to collaborate." Lauren Lewis, associate commissioner for mental-health service for the State Department of Health Services, said there is a backlog of 206 inmates with mental issues for maximum-security beds meaning that they are held in local jails. Another 170 prisoners are waiting for lower-security beds to open. Only 30 beds at one facility are flagged for maximum-security inmates with intellectual disabilities, she said. According to Lewis, the costs for the beds needed to alleviate the backlog range from $25 to $30 million. Demand for those beds has increased by 20 percent the last three years. Whitmire suggested restructuring a Montgomery County mental hospital to house maximum-security inmates to increase state capacity. He called for jail officials and state agencies to seek additional funding, or propose solutions to the continuing lack of appropriate bed space for the mentally ill. "I can't fix a problem that I don't know is broken," Whitmire said. "You do a disservice to victims, courts and communities. With that particular backlog, you need a plan. Inmates are in county jails due to unavailability of beds. You and your colleagues must be a bit more outspoken about giving you more money to evaluate mental health cases. It's a major roadblock for criminal justice." Bland, a Chicago-area resident pulled over for a traffic violation in Waller County, was found dead in her jail cell last July in what was later ruled a suicide. Her death has sparked several investigations, and has prompted calls and protests for revisions in how jails handle prisoners with mental health issues. The state trooper who arrested Bland was later fired for not following proper arrest procedures. Elena.mejia@chron.com A bipartisan congressional committee on Wednesday asked President Barack Obama to press China's President Xi Jinping on what it said was the country's deteriorating human rights, including the detention of Houston businesswoman Sandy Phan-Gillis, during this week's Nuclear Security Summit in Washington D.C. Obama is scheduled to meet Xi on Thursday at the conference, which focuses on preventing terrorists from obtaining nuclear weapons. In its letter, the bipartisan Congressional-Executive Commission on China urged Obama to "prioritize" human rights in his discussions with Xi, saying that the Chinese president is overseeing an "extraordinary assault on civil society, the rule of law, and the freedoms of religion, association, and assembly." "President Xi must not be permitted to again visit Washington without any accounting for the severe erosion of human rights and rule of law which has taken place on his watch and with his authorization," the commission, led by U.S. Rep. Chris Smith, a New Jersey Republican, said in its letter. The commission said it was also "deeply concerned" with China's detention of Phan-Gillis, a 55-year-naturalized U.S. citizen who lived in Houston for two decades. She has been held for more than a year without facing any charges after she was stopped at a Chinese border crossing in March 2015 while accompanying a trade delegation, including then Mayor Pro-Tem Ed Gonzalez. Beijing has released no information other than that Phan-Gillis is under investigation for spying and stealing state secrets. Her lawyers have yet to meet with her or see details of any accusation. And since China in April released a Houston geologist who had been imprisoned on charges of industrial espionage, she is now the only U.S. citizen in China accused of being a spy. "She has been denied access to lawyers and at various points held in solitary confinement and interrogated," the commission said in its letter Wednesday. "This abusive treatment raises serious concerns about the safety of Americans doing business in Chinathis should be made clear to President Xi." Phan-Gillis' arrest has been raised several times at high government levels and Deputy Secretary of State Tony Blinken mentioned it again during a visit to Beijing in January. In an interview this month, U.S. Rep. Al Green, a Houston Democrat, said her detention should be a "red flag for persons who are visiting" China. Xi has arrested at least nine foreigners on allegations of spying in the past two years and oversaw the passage of a sweeping national security law last summer that grants authorities broad discretion about what constitutes espionage. It was approved as Chinese authorities have increasingly blamed "foreign forces" for protests in Hong Kong and elsewhere. Phan-Gillis, a Vietnamese refugee of Chinese descent, helped lead and served as president of the Houston Shenzhen Sister City Association since 1994, founded Houston's Chinese New Year festival, took youth groups to China and introduced the country's sport of shuttlecock to Houston elementary schools. She coordinated training programs for Chinese nurses in Houston. In her professional life, she worked with several consulting companies over the years, most recently the Hong Kong-based O & P Enterprises, which helped business between China and Houston, including scouting investment opportunities for wealth management firms interested in liquefied natural gas. She had no known connections with Taiwan and had not protested against Tiananmen Square, two areas about which China is very sensitive. But some have speculated that her detention might be related to people Phan-Gillis knew in China. In the past two years, the Xi administration has launched an aggressive campaign against corruption, which critics say has also wrongly ensnared some of his political opponents. Her arrest comes at a difficult time for one of the world's biggest economies, which after years of extraordinary growth has been experiencing a rapid slowdown. It has stoked fears not only of a global recession but also of unrest within China. A federal jury in Houston has found a family practice doctor guilty of participating in a scheme that bilked Medicare out of more than $900,000 on home healthcare treatment patients didn't need or never received. Dr. Warren Dailey, 69, was convicted on Wednesday of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, receiving kickbacks, conspiracy to receive kickbacks and two counts of making false statements related to health care matters. Dailey had run a practice for over 30 years near Highway 288 and Southmore Boulevard. Two schools were briefly on lockdown Thursday after a deadly shooting near the northwest Houston campuses. The shooting occurred about 11:45 a.m. on Holder Forest near Inward Park, according to the Houston Police Department. Texas' new law allowing people to carry concealed handguns on college campuses takes effect in August -- exactly 50 years after an ex-Marine climbed the University of Texas at Austin's iconic tower and shot dozens of people, killing 15 and wounding 32. One of the most well-known survivors, Claire Wilson, sees the timing as a "grotesque insult," according to a new Texas Monthly article that details her life after the shooting. The article examines the lifelong effects of the nation's first high-profile campus shooting. Toby Talbot/STF The Houston-based Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center has sent more than 1,000 units of locally collected red blood cells, platelets and plasma to Puerto Rico as part of a national effort to shore up the territory's blood supply in the midst of a Zika virus outbreak. Puerto Rican blood donation centers stopped collecting blood on the island after local transmission of the Zika virus by mosquito was confirmed. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced earlier this month that it was arranging and funding shipments of blood products from the continental United States to Puerto Rico to ensure an adequate supply of safe blood for island residents. The first batch of blood products arrived in Puerto Rico March 5. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The StepCrew will perform at 8 p.m. on April 2 as part of the Star-Lit! Series presented by the Cypress Creek Foundation for the Arts and Community Enrichment. Tickets start at $35. The dance and music performance group blends three dance forms: Ottawa Valley stepdance, Irish stepdance and tap. They round out the experience with three fiddlers and a five-piece ensemble. They perform familiar favorites and treasured traditional songs. Anne and Baines Manning supported the Cypress Creek FACE and helped make this performance possible. Centrum is located at 6823 Cypresswood Drive in Spring. Learn more at www.cypresscreekface.org or call 281-440- 4850. BUSINESS Chamber provides economic snapshot The Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce will host its sixth annual Economic Outlook Forum on April 1 from 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Southwestern Energy. The forum will provide economic snapshots of specific business and community developments in northwest Harris County, updates on population and labor force, and the perspective from Washington delivered by U.S. Rep. Ted Poe and U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady. Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner R. Jack Cagle will provide the perspective for Precinct 4 and surrounding areas. Reservations are $80. To attend the luncheon only, the price is $80. Walk-ins are not permitted. Reserve by registering online at www.HoustonNWChamber.org. For more information, call 281-440-4160. MUSIC Concert offers sweet treats Students from the Lone Star College-CyFair string ensemble will present "Chamber N Chocolate," a concert as part of its annual celebration of chamber music and all things chocolate on March 31 at 2 p.m. in the CENT Commons. Both the concert and the treats are free. SEMINAR Digestive issues in spotlight Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital will host a free digestive health seminar on March 31 at 6 p.m. in the first-floor conference center. Learn from the Houston Methodist physician panel about the latest advances in minimally invasive colon and rectal, gastroenterology, and general surgery procedures. Register online at houstonmethodist.org/events. The hospital is located at 18220 Texas 249. CERTIFICATION Cisco networking open house set Interested in a new career or obtaining industry certification? Don't miss the Lone Star College-CyFair Cisco Academy Open House set for March 31. The Cisco Academy Program provides students both the fundamentals and advanced techniques of Cisco networking as well as opportunities to learn collaboration and problem-solving skills through hands-on activities and network simulations. At the upcoming open house, attendees can tour the Cisco labs, visit with instructors and obtain information about the Cisco Academy Program. The open house will be held 6-9 p.m. in the Technology Building, room 114 on the LSC-CyFair campus at 9191 Barker Cypress. For more information, call 281-290-3468. DANCE Celebration of performing METdance wants everyone to be able to enjoy the beauty of performative dance, and in an effort to make dance more accessible to the surrounding areas of Houston, the company is presenting "Celebrating 20! Reaching Out" on April 1 at the Berry Center. "Reaching Out" will feature various content from the company's "Celebrating 20!" season, which celebrates two decades of the company's captivating performances, groundbreaking choreography and educational outreach. The performance is slated for 8 p.m. Tickets are $25. There will be preview excerpts of New York-based guest artist Kate Skarpetowska's forthcoming premiere. Other featured dances include "Forever Fleeting" by METdance associate director and past resident choreographer Joe Celej and "Semi-detached" by past resident choreographer Kiki Lucas. The program will also include a collection of duets created by artistic director Marlana Doyle, former company member Terrill Mitchell and Oliver Halkowich of Houston Ballet. Founded in 1995, METdance is a nonprofit organization that pursues a mission to educate and revitalize a passion for dance through world-class instruction and performance. The Berry Center is located at 8877 Barker Cypress Road in Cypress. For more information, call 713-522-6375. EDUCATION Play innovative math activities Lone Star College-CyFair's Mathematics Department's Math Games Day for children ages 3-10 will be April 2 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Conference Center at 9191 Barker Cypress. Professor Sharon Stefan and her students have planned some new and innovative activities to help children of different ages have fun while learning math. Parents/adults must be with their children at all times, but no registration is required for this come-and-go event. Exit prizes will be given to all participants. For more information, contact Cindy Hoffart-Watson at choffart@LoneStar.edu or call 281-290-3211. BRIDGELAND Barbecue cookoff set for April 2 Registration is now open for the BBQ Cookoff in Bridgeland, an annual event that's back for its seventh year on April 2 from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at Oak Meadow Park, 17730 House Hahl Road. For an entry fee of $40, local pit masters can battle for bragging rights and first-, second- and third-place prizes in each category: chicken, ribs and brisket. Cooks can also participate in a Jackpot Beans cooking contest for a $10 entry fee. On top of cooking and sampling barbecue, attendees can also take part in a jalapeno eating contest, enjoy an on-site dunking booth and view a showcase of new and classic cars, trucks and motorcycles. For more information or to register a team, visit www.BridgelandLife.com. CONCERT Band uses theme of space in music The Cypress Symphonic Band will present its spring concert, "Space: Director's Cut" on April 3 at Cornerstone United Methodist Church at 3 p.m. Admission is free. The music to be performed will include "The Star Wars Epic Part One," "Journey to Orion," "Kitty Hawk 1903," "Selene," and three more Call for Scores Winners: "Cosmic Overture," "Frolic" and "Across the Wind's Twelve Quarters." Leon Steward, winning composer of the last piece, will conduct the band for his composition. There will be a $1 raffle to conduct "The Stars and Stripes Forever" at the Patriotic Concert on June 26, as well as a free raffle for gift cards, as a way of saying thank you to patrons. For more information, visit http://cypresssymphonicband.org or email Leslie at Leslie@cypresssymphonicband.org. The church is located at 18081 West Road in Houston. THEATER HFAC stages 'Foreigner' Larry Shue's award winning comedy, "The Foreigner," is coming to the Houston Family Arts Center this spring. This madcap farce will run on the Garza Main Stage now through April 3. The scene is a fishing lodge in rural Georgia often visited by Sgt. "Froggy" LeSeuer, a British demolition expert who occasionally runs training sessions at a nearby army base. This time he has brought along a friend, a pathologically shy young man named Charlie who is overcome with fear at the thought of making conversation with strangers. Before departing, "Froggy" tells all assembled that Charlie is from an exotic foreign country and speaks no English. Once alone, the fun really begins, as Charlie overhears more than he should with the thought that Charlie doesn't understand a word being said. Performances of "The Foreigner" are Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. There is no performance on Easter Sunday, March 27. An additional performance has been added on March 24 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at www.houstonfac.com, or by phone at 281-5876100. Special pricing is available for groups of 10 or more. L.I.F.E. Learn about biotech research Attendees at Lone Star College-CyFair's weekly programs this April will learn about biotech research and experiments, the Battle of San Jacinto, and serenity techniques. The Learning, Inspiration, Fellowship, and Enrichment (L.I.F.E.) programs are free and held Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the library (Room 131 unless otherwise noted) at 9191 Barker Cypress. On April 6, guests will learn about biotech research at Lone Star College. Discover groundbreaking research and scientific experiments from students at the Biotechnology Institute at LSC-Montgomery. Dr. Daniel Kainer, director of the institute, will talk about taking his talented students and leading them on to greatness. Call the library at 281-290-3214 for L.I.F.E. program information or go online to LoneStar.edu. POLITICS Cy-Fair Dems set to meet The next monthly meeting of the Cy-Fair Democratic Club will be April 6 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Romero's Las Brazas Restaurant, 15703 Longenbaugh at Texas 6 in Houston. The Cy-Fair Dems will welcome Ann Harris Bennett, Democratic candidate for Harris County tax assessor. The tax assessor's office is responsible for voter registration, as well as collecting property taxes. She advocates on-line voter registration, and fair and equal taxation. Bennett will speak on "What's Needed in the TaxAssessor's Office." Come early at 6 p.m. and enjoy a meal. Check out Cy-Fair Area Democrats at https://www.facebook.com/groups/123343316874/. ART Exhibit features ancient methods An exhibition titled "Dual Nature" featuring the talents of artist Steffani Frideres is on display in the Lone Star College-CyFair Bosque Gallery through April 7. Pursuing a life of art, Frideres has worked in two diverse mediums for a number of years. She not only uses photographic antiquarian processes: tintypes and wet plate collodion, but also paints with watercolor on calf and deer skin (a historical process dating back to hand-illustrated books written on vellum). Frideres, a LSC-Tomball art professor, will appear at a closing reception from 4:30-6:30 p.m. April 7. The Bosque Gallery is located in the Center for the Arts building on the Barker Cypress campus at 9191 Barker Cypress. For gallery hours and information, visit LoneStar.edu/bosquegallery or call 281-290-5273. BOOKS Bookstore hosts local author fair Copperfield's Books will host its second anniversary local author fair on April 9 from 12-5 p.m. Show support for local and independent authors, find gifts for book lovers, and learn how to get started turning your own idea into the next great American novel with a free mini-workshop by a nationally published author. The event will feature refreshments. Visit www.copperfieldsbooks.net for more information. The store is located at 8220 Louetta Road. HISTORY New play based on actual events The Texas Repertory Theatre will be the stage of "Hair Like the Sun," a play from a Houston writer based on true experiences inside Japanese-American internment camps. Tickets are $38. Local college instructor and playwright Charles B. French wrote the play based on a documentary and book that chronicles the experiences of Ruth Mix, who served as a young nurse's aide and witnessed the imprisonment of more than 120,000 Japanese Americans during World War II in internment camps. The play is based on "Gila River and Mama: The Ruth Mix Story," a 2011 documentary film directed and written by Claire Mix, her daughter, who followed up the film with a 2012 book "The Girl with Hair Like the Sun." The play runs through April 10. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays and 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays with Sunday matinee performances at 3 p.m. on April 3 and 10. The Texas Repertory Theatre is located at 14243 Stuebner Airline Road in Houston. Learn more at www.texreptheatre.org or call 281-583-7573. MATH Children can explore numbers Children ages 3-6 can explore the magic of numbers and geometry this spring with Lone Star College-CyFair's Number Crew. This "Discover the Power of Numbers" program will be from 6:30- 7:30 p.m. April 12 in the Kids' Corner in the library at 9191 Barker Cypress. Designed for pre-kindergarten through second-grade students, LSC-CyFair Math Department students will host four different work stations with themed activities. The hands-on math related activities will focus on two- and three-dimensional geometry. Parents must accompany children at the sessions, which are limited to 28 participants, and all are asked to arrive an hour in advance to receive a session ticket. Contact Cindy Hoffart-Watson at choffart@LoneStar.edu or call 281-290-3211 for information. Submit your events to cyfairneighborhoodnews@gmail.com. Star Learning is expanding to Katy with a ribbon cutting at its newest location, 5300 Ranch Point Drive, Katy, on Wednesday, April 6. STAR Learning aims to identify students' needs as they build on individual strengths. A preliminary standardized diagnostic assessment will give feedback about students' mastery level, weaknesses and strengths. The school will offer a personalized plan for the student. Students are given frequent additional diagnostic and benchmark tests to monitor their academic progress. STAR Learning programs are available in either self-paced or small group (maximum four students) setting for all students at K-12. Some programs for Gifted and Talented, and SAT/ACT courses are also offered in small classroom setting. For more information: www.starlearning.com. J & E Spears joins ServiceMaster Clean With more than 4,500 franchises around the world, ServiceMaster Clean and ServiceMaster Restore is adding ServiceMaster Commercial Cleaning by J & E Spears in Katy, 403 Grand Parkway, Ste F-309. Each independent ServiceMaster Clean and ServiceMaster Restore business pledges to uphold the high standards of the organization, promising to do the job right or do it over. "Whether you contact us for janitorial services or for water or fire damage at your home, our service is prompt and the work is done to your satisfaction," according to the ServiceMaster website. "We are more than a professional cleaning company, we are a group of people that care about you and your business needs," said Spears ServiceMaster Clean and ServiceMaster Restore has been in the cleaning and disaster restoration business for more than half a century. For more information: www.facebook.com/smcleanbyjespears, http://local.servicemasterclean.com/Spears or call 281-574-5637 Cowboy Chicken opens in Katy Cowboy Chicken, the popular Dallas-based fast casual wood-fire rotisserie chicken brand, announces its newest franchise partner, Fisher Rothchild, LLC. The 15-store development agreement is the largest agreement signed to date, and will expand the concept to Katy. From Day One, founders Phil and Jeanette Sanders focused on perfecting the taste of chicken cooked on a rotisserie stacked with hickory wood, according to the restaurant website. At the same time, they created their famous Twice-Baked "Potaters," award-winning chicken enchiladas, chicken salad sandwich and homemade peach cobbler, which have all been on the menu since Cowboy Chicken's inception. The Katy Cowboy Chicken is at 20702 Katy Freeway #1A, Katy. Hours are 11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. For more information, visit www.cowboychicken.com/ or call 281-676-8202. Cane Island officially open Cane Island hosted its Grand Opening this month with a reported more than 5,000 visitors visiting the new Katy master-planned community. Visitors were the first to tour the community's Amenity Village where Cane Island residents will enjoy a family pool with cabanas, children's water playground, splash pad and ample shade. Other features include a lap pool, two- story fitness center, yoga studio, a glass-walled conservatory, poolside cafe, high-end event space serviced by a restaurant-quality commercial kitchen and fireside seating areas, plus the visitors had a chance to visit the 14 new model homes. Builders in the community are Coventry Homes, Toll Brothers, Ryland Homes, Shea Homes, David Weekley Homes, Perry Homes and Trendmaker Homes. More information on the Cane Island Community: www.Caneisland.com and www.Facebook.com/CaneIslandKatyTX. The Orchard provides dog park for residents The Orchard Assisted Living & Memory Care, 24802 Kingsland Blvd., Katy, hosted a grand opening of its new dog park on March 30. Family-owned and operated, Orchard provides a pet-friendly, safe, secure environment for seniors, according to its website. More information: http://theorchardkaty.com/, 281-371-3000, or info@theorchardkaty.com Denouncing terrorist bombings in Belgium and Pakistan as "senseless and horrific," the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Greater Houston on Thursday will hold a memorial service in honor of the more than 100 people killed in the attacks earlier this month. "Our community has been in the USA for over 90 years, and have been deeply disturbed by the recent attacks," said Mubasher Ahmed, the organization's regional imam. "Our hearts go out to the innocent victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with them as their brothers and sisters in peace." A suspect in a February shooting who allegedly fled to the Middle East was taken into custody Thursday at George Bush Intercontinental Airport when he returned to the United States. Ahmed Altaee is a suspect in a Feb. 14 shooting in the 1000 block of Farrah Lane in Stafford. The 18-year-old victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries when he was shot returning home with a Valentine's Day gift for his mother, according to a Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office news release. A Houston man accused in the bludgeoning deaths of two nursing home roommates has been declared incompetent to stand trial. Guillermo Correa Trejo, 58, who has a history of mental health issues and has been undergoing psychological evaluation, was determined unable to proceed with criminal prosecution by state District Judge David Mendoza. Correa, 58, is charged with capital murder in the April 2014 deaths of Antonio Acosta, 77, and Primitivo Lopez, 51, at a North Loop care facility. Correa is accused of beating the men to death with an arm rest at a facility known then as Lexington Place in northwest Houston. It has since been renamed. A commitment hearing for Correa is scheduled for June 30, according to court records. He could be sent to a state hospital until he is considered competent to stand trial. The nursing home's deficiencies with care and supervision detailed in investigative reports by state and federal regulators resulted in state-imposed fines. According to Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services records, Correa's care plan warned that he "was easily agitated, irritable and nervous, related to psychosis, depression and anxiety disorders." The deaths of Acosta and Lopez happened less than a month before another highly publicized Houston nursing home killing that was also blamed on resident-on-resident aggression. Mario Flores, 48, died after a May 5, 2014 beating at Park Manor of Cypress Station. His roommate, Raul G. Rocha, has been charged with murder and remains in custody awaiting trial. A month before the now-47-year-old was accused of striking his roommate in the head multiple times with an 8-pound dumbbell, a psychologist warned that Rocha who had been diagnosed with psychotic behavior should be denied access to potential weapons. DuPont will not reopen a La Porte pesticide plant that has been shut down since a gas leak killed four workers in 2014, the company announced today. "We believe significant changes in market conditions during the period of the shutdown will persist over the long term and do not support restarting the facility," DuPont spokesman Gregg Schmidt said in an email. A conservative, Christian candidate for the Texas House wants voters to know two things about a picture that shows him dressed at a costume party as Gay Hitler. 1) Kyle Biedermann insists nobody should be offended by the costume, which was inspired by a Saturday Night Live skit. 2) And by the way, Biedermann needs to tell you hes not gay. The Tea Party candidate is in a runoff with Doug Miller, R-New Braunfels for a seat that represents Texas House District 73. San Antonio Express-News columnist Brian Chasnoff spoke with Biedermann about why he donned a pink sash, Swastika and Hitler mustache and gave a Nazi salute at a charity fundraiser in 2008. You can read the full interview on ExpressNews.com. READ MORE: GOP Texas House candidate dressed as gay Hitler Miller removed the photo even though he says it's not offensive. The most amusing part of Biedermanns explanation for the image is what he has been telling concerned constituents. The Republican addressed his actions in an email to a voter, where he, also, felt it was necessary to clarify hes not gay and hes not a swinger either. What the latter two bits of information have to do with his campaign remains unknown. But heres what Biedermann said in an email to a voter: Thanks for your interest in my campaign, he wrote. The explanation is simple. This was a fundraiser for the Food Pantry and the Needs Counsel with about 400 people with a SNL theme The costumes are supposed to be outrageous and Mine certainly was. Gay Hitler was a SNL character from the show which of coarse (sic) is a spoof. He added in the email, I am not gay and never have been. Dont know anything about Swingers Clubs and no desire to find out. I have an amazing wife. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A South Texas family is mourning the death of a Corpus Christi high school graduate, mom and Air Force wife who was killed in the March 22 Brussels terrorist attacks, according to a U.S. congressman. U.S. Rep. Blake Farenthold, R-Corpus Christi, identified Gail Minglana Martinez, a 41-year-old mother of four and wife of Air Force Lt. Col. Kato Martinez, as a victim of the attacks and has spoken to her brother, according to the Associated Press. Gail Minglana Martinez graduated from Flour Bluff High School in 1992, in Corpus Christi, where some of her family still lives, according to KIII TV and 12 News Now. The Martinez family moved from Texas to places like Guam as part of Kato Martinez's military duties, according to the Pacific Daily News. They currently lived in the Netherlands, where the airman was assigned to Joint Force Command Brunssum to serve as a military assistant to the commander, the AP reported. At least four Americans were killed in the March 22 bombings that killed more than 30 and injured more than 100 in Belgium's capital. RELATED: Islamic State claims deadly bombings in Brussels Gail Martinez's extended family told the AP in statement on Tuesday that they have been in contact with her husband, but did not disclose details of his or their children's exact conditions. The Air Force Times reported family and friends said the father was in an intensive care unit, while the children were recovering from burns." RELATED: La Frite hosts happy hour fundraiser for victims' families in Brussels Dexter Miranda, Gail Martinezs cousin and Corpus Christi resident, honored her in a Facebook post on March 26. RELATED: Dikembe Mutombo was at Brussels airport during attack [] many people are under the assumption those terrible attacks wont happen to us or anyone we know, he said. Reality hit home today after our cousin and her entire family were among the victims [] Gail Minglana Martinez will be dearly missed. The military couple had celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary last August, according to Gail Minglana Martinezs Facebook. mmendoza@mysa.com Twitter: @MaddySkye THE LEAD >>> Must-read for #txlege: Eliminating tolls would cost state billions, lawmakers are told, by the ChronsDug Begley. Opening Texas toll roads to free use might ease congestion in certain communities, but the expense would be staggering, officials told state lawmakers Wednesday. More than $21 billion in debt held by the state and local tolling agencies is connected to toll roads in the state, according to a preliminary analysis by the Texas Department of Transportation. With interest and other costs, these agencies will end up paying $38 billion to erase the debt over the next three decades, based on current projections. The bonds are backed by toll revenues. -- TODAYS CABLE NEWSCYCLE: War on women? GOP silent as Trump sounds off on abortion, by the APs Steve Peoples and Scott Bauer. Frustrated Republicans grappled with new fears about Donald Trump's impact on their party Wednesday, as the billionaire businessman's campaign rivals targeted his punitive plan for fighting abortion and extraordinary defense of his campaign manager, who police say assaulted a female reporter. Concern rippled through Republican circles nationwide, yet few dared criticize the GOP front-runner directly when pressed, leery of confronting the man who may well lead their election ticket in November. -- Here is my argument that Trumps abortion comment and reversal was likely to happen all along: If the GOP primary has taught us anything so far, its that Trump is a candidate in search of an ideological home somewhere along the American political spectrum. Ted Cruz has staked his White House aspirations on proving to traditionally Republican voters that Trump has no political home precisely because he has never stood on principle, the epitome of a fair-weathered friend. -- New guidelines will make abortion pill easier to obtain for Texas women, by the Chrons Brian Rosenthal. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration guideline revision, the first since the drug formerly known as RU-486 was approved in 2000, is expected to allow Texas women to take one of the medications two components without the supervision of a doctor and to undergo the entire process later in the first term of pregnancy. The changes align the federal rules with most doctors and state regulators, who largely already had moved away from the old guidelines in response to medical research showing that they were unnecessarily strict for a safe drug. Texas was a notable exception, however, along with Ohio and North Dakota. Lawmakers here sharply limited the use of the drug in 2013 by adhering to the federal guidelines and imposing a litany of other regulations that collectively required women seeking the medication to visit their doctors four separate times. Due to Wednesdays change, Texas women are expected to only have to go to a doctors office three times. -- TREND ALERT >> Businesses expect drone industry to take off in Texas, by the Chrons Mike Ward: Companies in Austin and Addison on Wednesday became the first two firms to become officially credentialed to operate unmanned aircraft systems under a new training and safety program that officials said promises to boost Texas' place in the emerging drone market. The new program, though voluntary, provides a way for drone operators who register with the Federal Aviation Administration to become certified in safety and operational procedures, a step advocates say will be key to expanding the commercial applications of low-level unmanned aircraft without endangering commercial air traffic or clogging airspace since drone use mushroomed in recent years. -- Judge calls term limits ballot language inartful but legal, by the Chrons Mike Morris. The ballot language Houston voters used to change term limits for elected officials was inartful but not invalid, a state district judge ruled Wednesday, a move that nonetheless left the plaintiffs claiming victory ahead of an expected appellate battle. Houston voters last November approved changing the city's term limits to a maximum of two four-year terms, ending the system of three two-year terms that had been in place since 1991. CAPITOL DAYBOOK HOUSE: 1:30 p.m.: Agriculture & Livestock [ JHR 120 ] International Trade & Intergovernmental Affairs [ JHR 120 ] JOINT COMMITTEE HEARINGS: 9:30 a.m.: Health & Human Services Transition, Oversight [ E1. 036 (Finance Room) ] SPEED READ Divisive GOP presidential race ventures into unknown history, Houston Chronicle Texas Take: Abbott adds to state commission on women, Houston Chronicle Turner creates more space between himself and collection firm, Houston Chronicle Tomlinson: As goes Texas, so goes China? Houston Chronicle TCEQ: Reducing smog will make Texans sick, Texas Observer Texas governor defends state police help trouble in Dallas, Austin American-Statesman Some taking online Texas standardized test face glitch, Austin American-Statesman Will Texas be a swing state in November? You can bet on it, literally, Texas Monthly Water districts 13 cities agree to work to stop paying for water they dont use, The Dallas Morning News Emails: Cruz camp pushing to oust Kasich from Montana ballot, The Washington Post Cruz: No need to change convention rules, Politico Why Wisconsins Never Trump movement is different, Politico Secretary of State charges residents to fight voter apathy, Corpus Christi Caller-Times Fenves vows faster response after UT student alleges racial attack, Austin American-Statesman Judge calls term limits ballot language inartful but legal, Houston Chronicle GOP Texas House candidate dressed as Gay Hitler, San Antonio Express-News Health insurers fear Texas trial lawyers are seeking billions, but attorneys say thats hype, The Dallas Morning News Clerical error will keep Bernie Sanders off D.C. Democratic primary ballot, The Dallas Morning News RACE TO THE WHITE HOUSE -- THE TRUMP ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM: Cruz declares celebration of women at Wisconsin forum, by the APs Scott Bauer. It was a soft-spoken Cruz who took the stage Wednesday, sitting next to Fiorina, his wife and 81-year-old mother Eleanor. Cruz didn't mention Trump during the hour-long event. All of us are here for something a lot more important than politics, Cruz said. We're here because we love our families. We're here because we love our country. ... Women are not a special interest. Women are a majority of the United State of America. And every issue is a women's issue. 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. NATO, a pillar of American foreign policy for decades, is obsolete. Washington should slash funding for the 28-member, 67-year old alliance because its costing us a fortune. Japan and South Korea should develop their own atomic weapons rather than continuing to rely on Americas nuclear arsenal. Seoul should reimburse Washington for protecting the Pacific. The U.S. should stop buying oil from Saudi Arabia and other Arab exporters, if they wont send troops to fight militant Islamists. Nation-building has been proven not to work. U.S. military bases abroad dont help America project power or protect its interests. America is being ripped off by free trade. Russias Vladimir Putin is a stand-up guy, and China is an enemy that is bilking us for billions. Washington should knock the hell out of ISIS, but not send U.S. combat troops, or even special forces, to do it. Welcome to Donald Trumps flat-earth view of the world. His dark take on Americas role in the world represents not just a dramatic break with years of Republican Party orthodoxy, as the Washington Post put it, but with the foreign policy realism of the Democrats as well. More isolationist than interventionist, Trump sees America not as an inspirational beacon of freedom, as Ronald Reagan saw it, or exceptional, as almost every other president has claimed, but as a pathetic giant that has been out-negotiated at every turn by longstanding foesand even its allies. Trumps America is a quintessential victim, or as he would say, a loser. Before outlining his views this week to the Washington Posts editorial board and to reporters from the New York Times, the billionaire builder and reality TV star relied mostly on evasions and platitudes when asked how, specifically, he would make America great again. But perhaps that was the wiser course. For the policies he now espousesand waffles on when asked about their likely impactwould upend long-standing bilateral and international alliances, jeopardize the free movement of goods and people that has been an engine of American prosperity, and accelerate the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in unstable regions. Foreign policy experts who earlier signed an open letter declaring that Trumps foreign policy and national security views make him unfit to lead the nation said they felt vindicated by his recent remarks. William H. Tobey, a former deputy administrator for defense nuclear nonproliferation at the National Nuclear Security Administration (which oversees the nations nuclear weapons), and now a professor at Harvards Belfer Center, said that Trumps demand that allies pay more fundamentally misunderstands the security benefits America gains from its alliances. Moreover, he said, Trumps admiration for Russia and Chinas brutal repression, would undermine Americas position as a champion for human rights and strengthen the most anti-American forces in both countries. Trumps trade policy, he concluded, could have been written by Smoot and Hawley, the legislative champions of the 1930 tariffs that are widely regarded as a cause of the Great Depression. Slashing funds for NATO, say other Trump critics, would be particularly perilous in the wake of the Paris and Brussels attacks, the massive flow of refugees to Europe, and the free movement of goods and people encouraged within the so-called Schengen Zone. This is the time to be encouraging NATO to expand its mission, not curtail such efforts, one former official said. Even more worrisome is Trumps consistent anti-Muslim rhetoric. A majority of law enforcement officials warn that banning foreigners from the U.S. based on race or religion is not only antithetical to American law and values, but would cripple efforts to secure the assistance of Muslims who oppose ISIS. But Trump has company in this. While Senator Ted Cruz has called Trumps views on NATO catastrophically foolish and warned that abandoning Europe and the most successful military alliance of modern times would be a massive gift to Russia and ISIS, he, too, has endorsed destroying ISIS by carpet-bombing them into oblivion and by patrolling Muslim neighborhoods to prevent terrorist attacks. NYPD chief William Bratton denounced the idea in an op-ed for the New York Daily News. Philip Zelikow, former executive director of the 9/11 Commission, says the media are wrong to focus on the specific content of Trumps foreign policy prescriptions. It is a waste of time to think harder about these positions than he does himself, Zelikow says. As he knows well, his appeal is social and cultural. It is not ideological. Trumps attraction is attitudinal. Handwringing about his stance on trade, NATO, or Mexico, actually misunderstands him at some level, says Zelikow. Trumps asking voters to trust him to fix all this stuff in a way youll like. In other words, there is actually no way of knowing what Trump would really do about any particular issue as president. He doesnt know himself, Zelikow says. And perhaps even more ominous, he doesnt think he needs to know. Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images Peste 300 de liceene s-au inscris in Startup School si sunt gata sa invete bazele antreprenoriatului tehnologic. Vezi cum a fost la evenimentul de lansare a programului national de educatie antreprenoriala Changan Automobile Group, Ford Motor Co.s partner in China, plans to send a self-driving test car on a 1,200-mile road trip next month, underscoring its ambitions to produce highly automated vehicles by 2020. The car will depart Chongqing and arrive in Beijing roughly the equivalent of driving from New York to Kansas City in time for when the Chinese capital hosts its auto show next month, according to Xu Liuping, Changans chairman and Communist Party secretary of the state-owned carmaker. The company will showcase a self-driving model at the exhibition, which takes place in Beijing this year in the worlds largest auto market. Changan joins BAIC Group and Internet giant Baidu Inc. among Chinese companies competing in the global race to develop cars that can pilot themselves with minimal or no human intervention. For China, the push for self-driving vehicles is also part of a broader state initiative urging manufacturers to upgrade their technology as lower-cost countries emerge and compete for labor-intensive factory jobs. Alternative energy, artificial intelligence and the Internet are the three new technologies reshaping the global auto industry and that poses both opportunity and a tough test, Xu said in an e-mail. We are currently working together with some distinguished companies, organizations and tertiary institutions on autonomous-car development and research. The partnerships will continue to strengthen and broaden in the future. Changan sold more than 1 million of its own-brand cars for the first time last year. Its raised the average selling price for Changan-badge vehicles by about 10 percent per year since 2008, even as more discounting leads industry margins to contract, according to Xu. Even so, shares of Chongqing Changan Automobile Co., the publicly-traded unit of Changan group, plunged 56 percent over a four-month period to a trough in August, as a stock-market rout wiped out billions of dollars in market value. The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index declined 34 percent in the same period. Theres a gap between Changans operational results, growth potential and the low share valuation, Xu said. We hope and believe that Changan will receive better recognition from the market in the future. To speed up its expansion, Changan also aims to start production in overseas markets such as Russia, India and Brazil, according to Xu. The company is open to working with Tesla Motors Co. if its interested in partnering to manufacture in China, he said. Copyright 2022 Bloomberg. A California prosecutor has decided against filing criminal charges in a fifth-story balcony collapse in Berkeley last year that killed six students from Ireland and injured seven other people, officials said Tuesday. Alameda County District Attorney Nancy OMalley said she made her decision after a nine-month investigation that involved state officials and independent experts from the building industry. Investigators determined that water infiltration at the time the balcony was built brought on dry rot and eventually the collapse during a party on June 16. The probe also encompassed witness interviews and a review of building plans, logs, inspection and maintenance records. OMalley said there was insufficient evidence of any criminal negligence to bring manslaughter charges. This is not a decision that I came to lightly, OMalley said. In November, families of those killed and injured filed 12 lawsuits accusing builders of negligence and seeking unspecified damages. San Francisco legal firm Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger, which represents five of the families, said in a statement Tuesday that criminal charges were not expected given the high burden of proof needed. Still, the firm said the investigation will benefit the bereaved families and injured students as they pursue the lawsuits. It remains our clients quest to uncover the truth, to hold those responsible accountable, and to bring about changes to industry practices to prevent such a needless tragedy from recurring, the statement said. Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan said in a statement that he also would review the findings. My department will carefully consider the details, his statement said. While the district attorneys investigation did not find sufficient proof to take separate criminal proceedings, it has shone a vital light on the circumstances and factors that contributed directly and indirectly to the collapse of the balcony. He went on to say the investigation was an important step in preventing similar tragedies. Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan said his department remains in close contact with the families and will continue to offer them support and assistance. A central component of the investigation involved what is called destructive testing of the balconies and the building itself. An outside construction company transported the balconies to a warehouse for the testing. OMalley said the testing was observed by representatives of the victims and their families, as well as representatives of companies involved in the construction, maintenance, and ownership of the apartment complex. Tests showed the dry rot damage was brought on by materials used and the extremely wet weather in Berkeley when the building was constructed. OMalley said the responsibility likely extends to many of the parties involved in construction or maintenance of the building. The district attorneys office intends to work with the California Contractors State License Board in any administrative action pursued against the construction companies and will collaborate with industry leaders and state legislators to consider amending building codes and inspection oversight laws. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Cuba's All-Female Orchestra, Camerata Romeu, Has "Something to Share" The all-female Cuban ensemble, Camerata Romeu, is a talented orchestra under the direction of conductor Zenaida Romeu, who says the company "has something to share with the world." For Cubans, music is deeply rooted in their culture. But the varieties of Cuban music differ from a stereotypical guitar, bass and guiro to larger performance groups. In one instance, an all-female orchestra appears to be making an impact. As it's been reported, the ability for all-female music groups to thrive in a nation like Cuba is not as daunting of a task as many might think. Instead, conductor Zenaida Romeu, who leads the female-strong concert ensemble Camerata Romeu, says the culture is welcoming of an orchestra like this. Romeu said in an interview: "Everybody thinks that Cuban music is just guitar, bass and guiro. But we have more examples for large orchestras, for ensembles, for choir - we have a very big, intense musical life here. "Even in the 20th century, women had formed orchestras, and had been involved in the culture. At that time, I was in Spain, and I felt that the woman was not involved in society as we had had here, in spite that we are third world, and a tiny country. I felt that we had something to share with the world." Founded 23 years ago, Ms. Romeu is a graduate from Havana's music conservatory. Her rank as a talented orchestral conductor, and being the first Cuban woman to graduate from the institution, has helped her in establishing the ensemble. Meaning, young women, both coming out of the conservatory and through other avenues, have made their way to the orchestra for its notoriety as an all-female production. Yadira Cobo Rodriguez, a 14-year veteran of the orchestra and leader of the second violins, feels the orchestra's all-female cast is "more angelic, more comfortable" than their male counterparts. Perhaps it's this feeling that leads women musicians to the performance group. With the trade embargo against Cuba lifted, orchestras and other Cuban music groups could benefit from the presence of the American market in their country. Not just for trade and influence, since the old sanctions are no more and with any luck, Camerata Romeu will see the benefits from the new relations between both nations. Nonetheless, get a taste of what Camerata Romeu is all about in a video below. 2016 The Classical Art, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. TagsCuban Music, Camerata Romeu, Zenaida Romeu, Yadira Cobo Rodriguez Lin-Manuel Miranda Begs American Officials to Fix Puerto Rico in Op-Ed Piece Lin-Manuel Miranda recently posted an op-ed piece on Puerto Rico's economic plight. In it, Miranda cited Alexander Hamilton in a 1772 letter and provided childhood memories to convince U.S. officials to act. (Photo : Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) An op-ed piece posted on Monday by Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda urged the United States to intervene on the island's economic crisis. In his letter he recounted childhood memories and, not surprisingly enough, the words of Hamilton himself. Miranda has received a lot of press as of late for his Broadway phenom production Hamilton, a tribute to the life and legacy of one of America's founding fathers. Hamilton, who was born and raised on the island of St. Croix in what is now the U.S. Virgin Islands, penned a letter on Aug. 31, 1772 about his first-hand experience with a devastating hurricane. He wrote to his countrymen: "O ye, who revel in affluence, see the afflictions of humanity and bestow your superfluity to ease them. Say not, we have suffered also, and thence withhold your compassion. What are your sufferings compared to those? Ye have still more than enough left. Act wisely. Succour the miserable and lay up a treasure in Heaven." In borrowing Hamilton's words for his own state's plight, Miranda appropriated the same idea to his fellow humans in the U.S., beseeching the "elected officials and policy makers" to act. He buttressed to his point the facts about Puerto Rico: more than 150 schools have closed; two wings and 40 rooms at San Jorge Children's Hospital have closed; nearly a doctor a day leaves the island; and its working class are emigrating daily. A mass exodus would obviously further the island's economic decline, with its foundation seemingly breaking apart as the working class continues to dissipate. Citing childhood memories and implicating Puerto Rico's 3.5 million citizens into the argument, Miranda asks U.S. officials to restructure the state's debt. He also went on to implicate that Puerto Ricans have no voice in elections and cannot vote for representatives-- and having no representative for themselves. Puerto Rico's financial crisis continues to grow as the U.S. falters on making a decision. That hasn't prevented Mr. Miranda's letter from circulating the internet and being posted to none other than The New York Times, though. While Miranda presses on with the issue, preview his already-legendary Broadway musical Hamilton below. 2016 The Classical Art, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. TagsLIn-Manuel Miranda, Op-Ed, New York Times, Alexander Hamilton Howard Reich Wants President Barack Obama to Hold Jazz Summit at White House Howard Reich inquires President Barack Obama to host a jazz summit at the White House like previous presidents have before him. Seen here, Sonny Rollins is awarded the Medal of Honor by the POTUS at a gala. (Photo : Alex Wong/Getty Images) One of America's oldest art forms, jazz and its associates are inquiring President Barack Obama to hold a jazz summit at the White House before he leaves. The notion is predicated on earlier summits, those held by Jimmy Carter in 1978 and Bill Clinton in 1993. In a recent article, Howard Reich writes about the possibility of jazz making an appearance on Pennsylvania Avenue once more. Like he says, if Carter and Clinton found it apropos to invite jazz's living legends to hold a concert and conversation inside the White House, then why can't the Chicago-raised POTUS also extend the decency? Reich wrote in an article when President Obama was elected in 2008: "If President-elect Barack Obama wants to make a bold cultural statement - one that resonates deeply with his autobiography and with the legacy of his adopted hometown, Chicago, there's a compelling way to do it: Teach the White House to swing (again). "That's what President Jimmy Carter did in Spring, 1978, casting the unique brilliance of a presidential spotlight on a distinctly American art form." He continued to define the parameters of jazz in the American music scene, underscoring the importance of jazz as an art form of pure expression and democracy. Reich mentions that on the bandstand, every musician has not only access but a right to be a voice. However, those individual voices ultimately blend into one, following and uniting over a common purpose, both musical and inherently freeing at the same time. President Carter recognized that and so did President Clinton in June 1993, where he brought Joe Williams, Dorothy Donegan and Iliinois Jacquet to the South Lawn 15 years to the day that Carter brought Mingus and company. Reich's article continues to cite the advantages of bringing jazz back to the White House, and there are obvious benefits in doing so. For the community at large, it could shed light on one of America's most vibrant musical institutions and legacies. From the very beginning, the music has proven to be a wholly American ideal. Be sure to check out the article and in the meantime get down with one of this reporter's favorite albums--and perhaps one of the favorite albums of any jazz lover--Kind of Blue from the late Miles Davis below. 2016 The Classical Art, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. TagsJazz Summit, White House, President Jimmy Carter, President Bill Clinton, President Barack Obama, POTUS, Howard Reich Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award Names Dallas Symphony's Karina Canellakis The Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award is a prestigious honor that has now named its seventh recipient: none other than the Dallas Symphony Orchestra's Karina Canellakis. (Photo : Evening Standard/Getty Images) Earlier this month it was announced that Karina Canellakis would step down as assistant conductor to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Now, Ms. Canellakis is the recipient of the coveted Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award. The award is a $25,000 grant and won't just be applied to Ms. Canellakis' expenditures but will also aid in furthering her career and help open doors within the industry, providing easy access to renowned mentors. This award will mark the Foundation's seventh grant to date. Penny Van Horn, Board Chair of the Solti Foundation U.S. said in a press release: "It gives us great pleasure to bestow Karina Canellakis, who we recognized just last season with a Solti Foundation U.S. Career Assistance Award, with this year's Solti Conducting Award. It is especially exciting to witness her continuing development in both orchestral and operatic fields. The Foundation extends the legacy of Sir Georg by ensuring that talented young American conductors get the opportunity to demonstrate their musicianship, leadership and full potential to the broadest possible audience." Hailed by critics abound, Canellakis has been on the rise snice her appointment with the DSO. One of her notable performances at the company happened when she filled in for the also supremely talented Jaap van Zweden, who phoned in last minute. She's also been heralded for her performances with orchestras across the globe. She made her European debut last June with the Chamber Orchestra of Europe at the Styriarte Festival in Austria, replacing Niklaus Harnoncourt. This summer, too, Ms. Canellakis will debut with the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic, Detroit Symphony, Mostly Mozart Festival here in New York leading the International Contemporary Ensemble (ICE), Festival della Valle d'Itria in Martina Franca, Italy, and the Grand Teton Music Festival. A most resounding award, we applaud and acknowledge the talents of Ms. Karina Canellakis, who will only be on the rise from here on out. While it's unfortunate she will be leaving the DSO, her future endeavors should prove to be immensely fruitful. For now, though, preview the talented conductor below while she continues a career of greatness. 2016 The Classical Art, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. TagsKarina Canellakis, Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award, Dallas Symphony Orchestra AKRON, Ohio -- An Akron man will spend the next 11 years in prison after a cocaine package shipped to his home led police to find more than 22 pounds of the drug inside his home. Joseph Powell, 33, pleaded guilty Wednesday to aggravated drug trafficking, a first-degree felony. He also pleaded guilty to a sentencing enhancement that labeled him a major drug offender. Summit County Common Pleas Judge Paul Gallagher sentenced Powell to 11 years in prison. A drug-sniffing dog on Sept. 11 alerted police to drugs in a package during a random sweep at the UPS store in the 1600 block of Industrial Parkway. Akron police opened the package and found a half-pound of cocaine inside. The package was shipped from Houston, Texas, to Xclusive clothing store in the 500 block of West Exchange Street. Akron police watched as the UPS man delivered the package to Powell. He ran from Akron police when they tried to arrest him but was caught after a short foot chase. Investigators obtained permission from a judge to search Powell's home in the 300 block of Cloverdale Avenue. They found 22 pounds of cocaine inside the home, along with a stolen gun and $323,000 in suspected drug money. Powell on Wednesday agreed to forfeit all $323,000 seized in the investigation. Powell's only other felony conviction was in 2004 for possessing cocaine. AKRON, Ohio -- A woman and her brother lured a man to be robbed by posting an online advertisement for sex, according to police. Jasmine Kennedy, 26, and Danuel Cook, 27, both of Akron, are charged with robbery, a second-degree felony. Kennedy was in the Summit County Jail Thursday on $15,000 bond. Cook is not in police custody and a warrant was issued for his arrest. This is the account given in police and court records: Kennedy posted multiple ads for oral sex for $40 on backpage.com. A 35-year-old man responded to the ad. Kennedy told the man to meet her about 4:30 p.m. Wednesday at a home in the 1100 block of Seward Avenue. The man went into the house. She began performing the sex act on the man, when Cook and another woman walked out of the bedroom. All three were angry that the man hadn't paid them yet. The man told the trio his money was in his car and that he had every intention to pay. Cook punched him in the face. The other woman blocked the door. The man tried to climb out of the window but the other woman grabbed him and pulled him back inside the home. The woman threw the man to the ground. Cook punched him several more times. The man went to his car and gave them $40. Cook grabbed the man's employee identification card and jacket and ordered the man to drive to the ATM to get out $80. Kennedy rode with the man to the ATM. He withdrew $80 and gave the money to Cook. Cook then gave the man his ID and jacket back. Kennedy admitted to police that she posted the ad and was going to give the man oral sex for money. She said she stopped after the man refused to pay her. Kennedy told police that the man then forced her to keep performing the sex act and that she yelled for help. Cook and the other woman intervened and the fight broke out. She said the man had no money with him, which is why they drove to the ATM. The second woman has not been identified by police. Kennedy is also charged in connection with an unrelated animal cruelty case from 2015. She is accused of leaving her dog outside on a chain for several months. The chain caused the dog to develop a skin infection around his neck. Kennedy never tried to get the dog treatment for the infection, court records say. The dog survived and was taken by the animal control. Cook is on state parole supervision after a two-year prison sentence for a 2012 robbery. Cook and another man in that case attacked a 44-year-old man in the parking lot of the CVS pharmacy in the 200 block of East Cuyahoga Falls Avenue and stole $43 from him. Cook was released from prison in July 2014. STOW, Ohio -- An Oakwood woman will have to work 500 hours of community service as part of her sentence for driving into an elderly couple as they crossed the street in Macedonia. The accident occurred Dec. 12. Lawrence Hain, 79, and his wife of 45 years, Eva, 72, later died of their injuries. Barbara Richardson, 65, cried at times during Thursday's hearing in Stow Municipal Court. Richardson, who previously pleaded no contest to two counts of vehicular homicide, apologized to the Hains' family. "I'm sorry," Richardson said. "Not a day goes by that I don't think about Mr. and Mrs. Hain. I'm sure they'll be with me forever." Stow Municipal Court Judge Kim Hoover also sentenced Richardson one year on probation, a two-year driver's license suspension and to pay a $1,000 fine. Hoover will craft a specific sentence for Richardson's community service, including a possibility of making her volunteer as a school crossing guard. Hoover will meet with the Hain family next week to discuss possibilities. Karl Hain said that for the last nine years he would take his parents back to his home in Arizona after visiting Northeast Ohio for Christmas. They would stay with him for four months. He still hasn't returned to Arizona after the crash. "They were active, vibrant people. Both would have lived for many, many more years," Karl Hain said. "The way in which this occurred has been a nightmare for our us and our family. We never had an opportunity to say anything to our parents." Macedonia prosecutor Myra Severyn said she had to brace herself for the hearing because of how loving and caring Karl Hain and his sister Christina Lewalk spoke of their parents. Hoover also said he had tears in his eyes when he read letters the siblings wrote. "They are a close family, loving family," Severyn said. "They said their parents loved to walk with each other and exercise with each other." Defense attorney Scott Kuboff said the crash impacted Richardson, too. He said she immediately accepted responsibility for the crash and is haunted by the Hains' death. He said Richardson, who has been married 44 years and has two children and four grandchildren, has no desire to drive after the crash. She had no previous criminal history and works at Tremco in Beachwood, Kuboff said. "It appears you are a lovely person, who is an upright citizen," Hoover said. "So were the victims. They're people that, if you would have known each other, you would have undoubtedly been friends with." The crash happened 10:30 a.m. Dec. 12 after Richardson left the First Watch Cafe on East Aurora Road. She drove her 2010 Nissan Murano SUV through the Winking Lizard parking lot in order to use the traffic light there to turn left onto the East Aurora. She turned when the light turned green and told police that she never saw the couple crossing the road. The way the SUV is built, along with an after-market sun visor, caused a large blind spot for Richardson, Kuboff said. She was driving between 14 and 17 miles per hour when she struck Lawrence Hain. The impact caused him to roll up on Richardson's hood. The SUV then rolled over him and struck Eva Hain, throwing threw her about 40 feet. The couple was walking back to their nearby home. Lawrence Hain died later that day at MetroHealth Medical Center. Eva Hain never regained consciousness and died Dec. 25. The couple had recently moved from Fairview Park. Severyn said the sentence is consistent with the last two similar double-fatal crashes, one on Interstate 271 in 1998 and one on I-480 in 2008. "The thing that is difficult about this case is that how many times do all of us make a mistake while driving because of a short lapse of inattention," Severyn said. "It really could have been any one of us." poverty.png The Cleveland metro area ranks ninth among the 100 largest metros nationally for the percentage of residents living in concentrated poverty, according to an analysis released Thursday by the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C. The Cleveland-Elyria metro includes Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain and Medina counties. (Brookings Institution data) CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland metro area is in the Top 10 nationally for the percentage of residents living in concentrated poverty, according to an analysis released today by the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C. The Cleveland-Elyria metro -- which includes Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain and Medina counties -- ranks ninth among the 100 largest metro areas in the nation. Toledo, the only other Ohio metro in the Top 10, ranks third. Concentrated poverty differs from the overall poverty rate. It looks at whether poor people live in communities where there are high concentrations of people who are also poor. People in poverty have a better chance at upward mobility if they live in economically diverse neighborhoods because they potentially have access to more opportunities, said Natalie Holmes, a research analyst in Brookings' Metropolitan Policy Program, who co-authored the report. "There has been a ton of research for a long time suggesting the negative effects of being poor," she said. "Over and above just being poor, being poor in a poor neighborhood adds additional complexities. "We know that in neighborhoods in which high percentages of people are poor, there are higher crime rates," Holmes said. "People who live there have poor physical and mental health outcomes. Schools tend to perform poorly." The analysis found that 28.2 percent of Greater Cleveland's poor residents live in "extremely poor neighborhoods." The report classifies such communities as those being in census tracts in which 40 percent of residents live at or below the poverty line. If one includes census tracts in which 20 percent of residents live in poverty, then the Cleveland-Elyria metro has a concentrated poverty rate of about 63 percent. A metro area was ranked based on the percentage of its residents living in communities where 40 percent of people were in poverty. The poverty line is about $24,000 a year for a family of four. The McAllen, Texas, metro had the nation's highest concentrated poverty rate at 52.3 percent. Fresno, California, was second at 43.8 percent and Toledo third at 34.9 percent. Locally, the Akron metro, which includes Summit and Portage counties, had a concentrated poverty rate of 17 percent. It did not place in the Top 10 nationally. The report looks at concentrated poverty rates, which are based on Census and other government data, as far back as 2000. However, the report focuses most closely on two time frames. The 2005-2009 one includes the period before and during the Great Recession (officially ran from December 2007 to June 2009). The report also centers on the post-recession period of 2010-2014. The analysis found that concentrated poverty in America is worse now than before the recession. Its findings include: Concentrated poverty increased in two-thirds of the 100 largest metropolitan areas between the 2005 to 2009 period and the post-recession period measured Fourteen million people live in extremely poor neighborhoods. That is 5.2 million more than before the recession and twice as many as in 2000. The number of poor people living in concentrated poverty in the suburbs grew nearly twice as fast as in cities following the recession. Sometimes such new concentrations of poverty were the result of large numbers of low-income residents moving to neighborhoods that had traditionally been more middle class. At other times it wasn't "People are becoming poorer in place," Holmes said. "This is one of the effects of the recession. People are staying where they are. Their incomes are just dropping." Brad Whitehead, president of the Fund for Our Economic Future, said the report speaks to the need to connect neighborhoods having high concentrated poverty rates to the regional economy. "Too often they are treated like island economies," he said. "It requires an intentional effort to see that they are better connected. "We must ensure that our job creation efforts reach into, and are connected with, these neighbors," Whitehead said. "We have to ensure that our job preparation and job training is linking the rest of these communities to opportunities, especially better job access." Whitehead said the Opportunity Corridor project could offer one of the best local examples of how to connect people in neighborhoods with high concentrated poverty rates to jobs. The boulevard is planned to run from East 55th Street at I-490 to East 105th Street in University Circle. Its path includes many of Cleveland's most economically distressed neighborhoods, included an area of Kinsman known as the "Forgotten Triangle," because it has suffered years of disinvestment. David Abbott, executive director of The George Gund Foundation, agrees the project has the potential to alleviate poverty in many of these neighborhood by employing residents. "Having so many of our neighbors living in concentrated poverty is terribly self-defeating for the entire region, and it's also immoral and incendiary," he wrote in an email. "It's why projects like the Opportunity Corridor are so important because, if done right, it won't just be an efficient roadway," Abbott wrote. "It can also be an intentional catalyst of jobs for people who live in the distressed 'Forgotten Triangle' neighborhood. We need many more such efforts." A Pittsburgh attorney is accused of ripping off Ohio homeowners who were looking for help with saving their homes. Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine has filed a lawsuit against Michael Rabel and his firm, alleging Rabel violated Ohio's Consumer Sales Practices Act and Debt Adjuster's Act by charging fees to help homeowners with financial problems get their loans modified, but then doing nothing. The suit also accuses Rabel of making misrepresentations and charging excessive fees. Homeowners usually were charged thousands of dollars. "Consumers assumed they were working with a law firm that was going to help them," DeWine said in a statement. "Instead we found the opposite to be true." Consumers often can get loan modifications without paying anyone to help them. Some reputable law firms can help in certain cases. However, Rabel wasn't even licensed to practice law in Ohio, and neither were any of his attorneys. Rabel couldn't be reached for comment. His office number is no longer in service. The Pittsburgh Better Business Bureau said the company is believed to be out of business. Rabel contacted homeowners in Ohio and offered to help with loan modifications so the homeowners could avoid foreclosure, according to the suit. He said he would provide "legal services" and charged "attorney fees." Consumers paid fees ranging from $1,000 to $3,000. They did not receive loan modifications and did not receive refunds. Three Ohio homeowners filed complaints against Rabel and reported combined losses of $6,500. It's not known how many additional consumers may be affected. The lawsuit, filed in the Franklin County Common Pleas Court, seeks refunds for homeowners who were ripped off and seeks an an injunction to stop Rabel from continuing to break Ohio consumer protection laws. Homeowners who are looking for help with modifying or refinance their mortgage should: COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio today voted unanimously to approve unprecedented requests from FirstEnergy, and later by American Electric Power, to subsidize old power plants unable to compete with new gas-fired plants. The ruling is certain to be appealed -- right into federal courts if necessary. Here is how PUCO Chairman Andre Porter explained the decision before calling for a vote: "I'd like to discuss briefly the Commission's role regarding every case that comes before us. "The proceedings of this Commission involve very complex issues. In deciding these complex issues, the Commission must balance the interests of Ohio's hard working citizens, the state's vital businesses and the public utility companies which we regulate. Striking this balance can be challenging. We must accomplish this balance while also ensuring that the Commission is carrying out applicable law. "These cases, of which the Commission is issuing its opinion and order, are nothing short of complex. "This Commission's mission has long been to assure all residential and business consumers access to adequate, reliable, safe and cost-effective utility services throughout Ohio. Our focus remains the same today. "It was apparent to me long before I returned to this Commission that the electric industry, as a whole, is in a period of transition. Ohioans should not be alarmed by this transition. For more than 100 years, since the creation of the grid as we know it today, there have been challenges. The utilities represented in these cases, stakeholders, industry experts, innovative problem solvers and commissions before this one have managed to deal with these challenges and we continue to benefit from cost effective, safe and reliable electricity. "The transition is complex. Retail electric prices are down, due partially to new fuels and resources being discovered including in the vast Marcellus and Utica shale regions. Prices are also down because demand has decreased. While such low prices present benefits for consumers, they present challenges for those providing the utility services. While there is much to debate, I hope that we can all agree that we want for consumers to benefit from safe, reliable and cost-effective electric services and we want for those providing the services to be sustainable. "AEP Ohio, FirstEnergy, and others have filed stipulations with the Commission to address the challenges being confronted during this period of transition. The Commission opinion and order today modifies those stipulations to ensure that the end result is in the best interests of all Ohioans. "With FirstEnergy, we have modified the stipulation in the FirstEnergy case to include a mechanism to further stabilize customer bill rates. As well, we have modified the AEP Ohio stipulation to limit the PPA rider impact. "These cases present this Commission an opportunity to realize our goal of making the grid more safe, reliable and cost effective by approving requirements that AEP Ohio and FirstEnergy file plans to modernize the grid across this state. Distribution circuits will be automated and made more efficient. Automated meters will be installed and allow for enhanced consumer engagement. Distributed generation will be encouraged, utility scale battery technology will be explored, and renewables will provide cleaner electricity. With a modernized grid, competitive suppliers will have access to data and will be relied upon to engage consumers in new innovative ways that will save them money and make homes and businesses more efficient. These orders today are as much about the future modernized grid as they are about the challenges of today. "I'd like to thank all of you. First, for your patience as we've grappled with these issues. For your contributions to developing our record. I'd like to encourage you to take the time to read and review the orders. "It's also appropriate at this point to thank our staff. They are smart, dedicated and enjoyable to work with. "Finally, let me thank the four commissioners sitting here. These jobs are challenging and you've all contributed to these decisions being in the best interests of all Ohioans." CHAGRIN FALLS, Ohio -- The owner of a Chagrin Falls retirement community where two employees were killed last week intends to foot the bill for the victims' funerals. Scott Kellman, owner of the nonprofit organization that runs Hamlet Village, told cleveland.com he asked the families of Terri Treadway and Catherine Sutter to send him the receipts for all funeral expenses. "Our intention is to help the families get through this time as easily as possible," said Kelman, head of the American Eagle Lifecare Corporation. Treadway and Sutter, both 58-year-old housekeepers at Hamlet Village, were shot March 24. Police have charged 56-year-old Frank Staton, a chef at the community. Staton also suffered a gunshot wound. He was still in the hospital Thursday morning. Treadway's funeral was Tuesday at the Stroud-Lawrence Funeral Home in Chagrin Falls, according to her obituary. A burial service for Sutter was held Wednesday at St. Edwards Catholic Church in Parkman, her obituary says. The slain women were beloved by the tight-knit community of about 300 residents, Kellman said. Treadway was the longest-tenured employee at Hamlet Village, having been hired when she was 17. Sutter started working there about a year ago. A week after the shooting, the Hamlet Village staff is still struggling to cope with the killings, Kellman said. "I think the staff is grieving but progressing and going on with their lives as best they can," he said. Kellman said the shooting is unlike anything he's seen in the 30 years he's worked with residential facilities for the elderly. The victims' families could not be reached for comment. Teddy Sliwinski law office The former Slavic Village office of Teddy Sliwinski, whom Cuyahoga County Prosecutors say pilfered the estates of his deceased clients. (Google Maps) CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A former Cleveland attorney is charged with pilfering money from estates he was entrusted with guarding, including some belonging to already deceased clients. A Cuyahoga County Grand Jury issued a nine-count indictment of Teddy Sliwinski, naming five victims, including a Korean War veteran. The indictment charges Sliwinski and his wife, Irene Patkowski-Sliwinski, of stealing $37,500 from 85-year-old war veteran Edward Cook, by making payments to a defunct health care company registered in Patkowski-Sliwinski's name. The couple also withdrew over $150,000 from the estates of Jane Awin and Elvina Ruh, writing checks and making electronic transfers into Sliwinski's PNC bank account, according to court filings. In another instance, Sliwinski sold Jolanta Wysocka's 2004 Ford Mustang for $7,000, according to court records, keeping the cash for himself while withdrawing over $40,000 from Wysocka's bank account by writing checks and making electronic transfers. Sliwinski similarly defrauded Judith Strauss to the tune of $30,000, court records say, Sliwinski faces one count of theft, two counts of grand theft and two counts of tampering with court records in an attempt to legitimize the cash transfers. Sliwinski and his wife are jointly charged with two counts of theft and one count of tampering with records. A third defendant, Kelly Susak, is also charged alongside Sliwinski with tampering with records by creating a false residential property lease used to seek an increase in Susak's child support payments from the Domestic Relations Court. Sliwinski was previously sanctioned by the Ohio Supreme Court for misconduct. Among misdeeds described a 2012 suspension was an ordeal in which Sliwinski withdrew an entire court settlement from a man who injured in a car accident, using the money to pay himself while leaving Marymount Hospital in the lurch. Sliwinski first joined the Ohio Bar in 1976 and operated a law office on Fleet Avenue in Cleveland's Slavic Village neighborhood. CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio -- The U.S. Justice Department is throwing its weight behind a lawsuit filed by a Cleveland Heights woman against a private Montessori school that she says kicked her autistic son out for the 2015-16 school year. The lawsuit was first filed in September, a few months after administrators at Ruffing Montessori School in Rocky River told Rebekah McClelland that her son, Manny DeJesus IV, could not return. According to court filings, an administrator "explained the decision by stating that the class size was too large to accommodate his needs." McClelland accuses the school of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Justice Department entered the case on March 9. (You can see documents associated with this case at the bottom of the story.) In an interview this week, McClelland said she was "in shock" when the school told her that DeJesus, 11, could not return. She said her son is well behaved and was thriving. She said she wanted to discuss the case because Saturday is World Autism Awareness Day. "I truly need for this to change, but what we went through is extremely hard," McClelland said. McClelland said she filed a complaint with the U.S. Justice Department shortly after her son was removed. The Justice Department entering the case means that Ruffing, should it be found liable, could pay a civil penalty and monetary damages. When asked what she would like to get out of this lawsuit, McClelland said she "would like for us to be whole again." She said DeJesus and another son, who is also autistic, moved from Bay Village to their new home so they could attend the Lillian and Betty Ratner School, a private school in Pepper Pike. She said they are both doing well, but that it was a big change. The Justice Department's decision to enter the case lends some credence to McClelland's accusations. A motion filed earlier this month by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Heyer says that the Justice Department "has an interest in enforcing the ADA to advance the public interest in ending disability discrimination in private elementary and secondary education." Mike Tobin, a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Cleveland, declined further comment. McClelland said she is grateful that prosecutors are now involved with the case. A status conference is set for April 11. The school has not formally responded to the lawsuit, but has a motion pending to dismiss the case. In a statement sent by one of its attorneys, it said that federal privacy laws prohibits any comments about a student's educational record and cannot comment on the accusations made in the lawsuit. The statement continues: "Ruffing Montessori believes that at all times it complied with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act as to all of its current and former students. Ruffing Montessori looks forward to addressing the allegations of this lawsuit in court." Amie Banaspng Amie C. Banas, of Elyria, was arrested after she smashed a glass pitcher in her boyfriend's face and dragged him out of a bar, police said. (Elyria Police Department) ELYRIA, Ohio -- An Elyria woman was arrested after she smashed a glass pitcher in her boyfriend's face and dragged him out of a bar, police said. Amie C. Banas, 45, pleaded not guilty to domestic violence Thursday in Elyria Municipal Court, according to court records. She is free on a personal bond. A judge ordered Banas to have no contact with the victim. A bartender at the Joyful Mug Bar on Leona Street, near Griswold Road, told police the 31-year-old man had been sitting at the bar by himself for about three hours Wednesday when Banas walked in. Banas told the victim he was "in trouble." She then picked up a glass pitcher full of beer and struck the victim in the face, the police report says. Banas grabbed the victim by the back of the neck and forced him out of the bar. Elyria police saw the couple in the parking lot of a Speedway gas station next to the bar at 4:30 p.m. The victim had about a 4-inch laceration below his left eye and was "bleeding profusely, according to the report. Paramedics treated the victim at the scene. Police went to the bar after the couple would not tell officers what happened. The victim refused to pursue charges against Banas, police said. Police signed a domestic violence charge on the victim's behalf. The couple has lived together for two years and is engaged to be married, police said. Like Chanda Neely on Facebook. Follow me on Twitter: violatorsthe.jpg "The Violators" is a powerful coming-of-age tale. (Red Union Films) Cleveland, Ohio - Fifteen-year old Shelly (a brashly vulnerable Lauren McQueen) is doing what she can to get by in the gritty English film "The Violators." But that's just not enough. The question director Helen Walsh asks is in her powerful, provocative film set in a dingy Cheshire housing estate is, how much more will she do? The parentless teenage drop-out is struggling to take care of her younger brother, with little help from her older sibling. She's resorted to robbing vending machines and other petty crimes so they can buy things like food, and toothpaste. All three are terrified when they hear their physically abusive father will soon be paroled. Terrifying flashbacks suggest his abuse of Shelly was also sexual. Things get worse when predatory local crime boss Finnegan takes an interest in Shelly - then a weird rich girl starts following her around. Soon, Shelly has to make some awful decisions. What will she give Finnegan for the guarantee of protection from their dad? Will it be worth the price? And why is that girl stalking her? There are no easy answers in Walsh's heartbreaking look at life in Britain's lower class, reminiscent of Andrea Arnold's lauded 2009 film "Fish Tank." In sharp contrast to Shelly's bleak life, Walsh's powerful coming-of-age tale is beautifully, dreamily shot. REVIEW The Violators What: Directed by Helen Walsh (2015/United Kingdom). 97 minutes. In English. When: 9:40 p.m. Thursday, March 31, 5:05 p.m. Friday, April 1, and 11:20 a.m. Sunday, April 3 at Tower City Cinemas. Grade: A Fairview Park police car 4.JPG A North Olmsted man is facing criminal charges after he ran over a fire hydrant and damaged several tree lawns while driving drunk in Fairview Park, police said. Brad J. Flynn, 41, was wearing his underwear and a child's snowsuit on one leg when an officer approached his vehicle. (Patrick Cooley, cleveland.com) FAIRVIEW PARK, Ohio -- A North Olmsted man is facing criminal charges after he ran over a fire hydrant and damaged several tree lawns while driving drunk, police said. Brad J. Flynn, 41, was wearing his underwear and a child's snowsuit on one leg when Fairview Park officers approached his vehicle, according to a police report. Flynn is charged with operating a vehicle under the influence, high blood alcohol content, hit skip, open container, and willful or wanton disregard of safety of persons or property, according to court records. He is scheduled to appear in Rocky River Municipal Court April 6. A resident called police to report a hit-skip accident about 11:30 p.m. March 22. The resident followed a dark-colored SUV to a plaza parking lot near West 226th Street and Lorain Avenue. Police found Flynn behind the wheel of the SUV, according to the report. Flynn's blood alcohol level was .117, police said. The legal limit is .08 He is accused of driving over six tree lawns in the 4000 block of West 226th Street, and shearing a fire hydrant at its base. Wine bottles were strewn around the SUV, and Flynn told police he had no idea he had struck a fire hydrant, according to the police report. One of the SUV's wheels was destroyed. The snowsuit belonged to Flynn's 9-year-old daughter, police said. Like Chanda Neely on Facebook. Follow me on Twitter: Malaysia's embattled Prime Minister Najib Razak spent as much as $15 million on luxury items, according to bank-transfer information from a Malaysian investigation, The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday. The moneylinked to Najib's private bank accounts that global investigators believe received millions of dollars diverted from a troubled state-investment fundwas spent on clothes, jewelry and a car, according to the bank-transfer information, involving stores in the U.S., Malaysia, Italy and elsewhere, the WSJ reported. In July of last year, the WSJ reported allegations that nearly $700 million had flowed from 1Malaysia Development Bhd., or 1MDB, to Najib's personal bank account in 2013. Najib has repeatedly denied wrong-doing and, under pressure from the WSJ report, said at the time the funds were a private donation from a Middle Eastern country he declined to name. He has denied benefiting personally from any of the funds. If an embattled North Carolina law stands, businesses might stop holding events there, freeze hiring and even pull offices out of the state, a technology CEO told CNBC's "Squawk Alley" Wednesday. "That's a lever that companies with a conscience have," said Aaron Levie, CEO and co-founder of Box , an enterprise cloud storage and security company. "And I think it's moving the needle." The tech sector is one of many to join the growing opposition to a law in North Carolina they say slashed non-discrimination protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities. Facebook 's Mark Zuckerberg, Apple 's Tim Cook and YouTube cofounder Chad Hurley are among the more than 90 executives that have slammed the law aimed at enforcing separate-gender bathrooms, according to a statement from the Human Rights Campaign. watch now Some 1 billion people in Asia could be without water by 2050, according to new research. A group of researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology says there is a "high risk of severe water stress" across large patches of Asia, home to a big chunk of the world's population. The primary driver of this water stress will not necessarily be climate change, according to the study published Wednesday in the peer-reviewed journal PLoS One. "We find that water needs related to socioeconomic changes, which are currently small, are likely to increase considerably in the future, often overshadowing the effect of climate change on levels of water stress," the researchers wrote in their study. A man fetches water from a partially dried-up reservoir in Taizhou, Zhejiang province, China. (File photo). Reuters Without mitigating the effects of industrialization and population growth, an additional 1 billion people across Asia could face critical shortages of water by 2050, the study said. The team focused on densely populated river basin regions in China, India and Southeast Asia. The region they examined is, in whole, home to roughly half of the world's population, two of the world's largest (and still growing) economies, and several smaller nations at various levels of development and population growth. Different needs will drive stresses in different regions, according to the study. Industrial demand for water will likely dominate in China, with lesser needs in India and Vietnam. India, on the other hand will see household use rise, as its population grows. "We simply cannot ignore the fact that growth in population and the economies can play just as or more important a role in risk" as climate change, said study co-author C. Adam Schlosser. That does not mean climate change does not matter, he added. In some cases, climate change will magnify the effects of growth, while in others, it may have less of an effect. So what will this water stress look like? It will not be an entirely new type of event, Schlosser said. "The events are going to be similar to what we are seeing today," he said, only they will be more intense, more frequent and will have more severe effects on people. That includes such things as deep, multiyear droughts, in the vein of what's been occurring in California and the southwestern U.S; deliberate overdrawing of surface water supplies, such as the Aral Sea; or overdrawing groundwater, which in some areas has already caused land to sink. Myanmar's new president Htin Kyaw (L) receives the presidential seal from outgoing president Thein Sein, during a handover ceremony in Naypyitaw on March 30, 2016 Myanmar's new president has alluded to removing a highly controversial constitutional clause that could see revolutionary leader Aung San Suu Kyi come to power. The country's powerful military is unlikely to be impressed. "I have a duty to amend this constitution so that it becomes a constitution that suits our country and matches democratic values," said Htin Kyaw after being sworn in as Myanmar's first civilian president in fifty years on Wednesday. Political strategists believe he was referring to a rule that bans Suu Kyi, leader of the ruling political party National League for Democracy (NLD), from becoming president due to the fact that her children are British citizens, as was her late husband. Htin Kyaw was hand-picked by Suu Kyi earlier this month for the role of president, a move that makes him a proxy leader with Suu Kyi indirectly calling the shots, Myanmar watchers widely agree. Any change to the current constitution, passed in 2008, requires 75 percent approval among parliamentarians. But with 25 percent of parliamentary seats reserved for the military, that could be tricky. The nation's armed junta controlled the political landscape until it officially dissolved in 2011, having initially staged a coup in 1962. watch now Dovishness by Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen sent the market into a rally Tuesday, which extended into Wednesday, but a recession is going to "rear its head," according to this marker strategist. While her firm does not foresee a financial downturn within the next year and a half, Samantha Azzarello, global market strategist at JPMorgan Asset Management, told CNBC's "Closing Bell" on Wednesday that she doesn't think a recession is "off the table." Signs of an impending recession are a decelerated GDP and widespread weakness across five to six different measures, she said. Yellen spoke before The Economic Club of New York on Tuesday, where she said that "given the risks to the outlook, [she] consider[s] it appropriate for the committee to proceed cautiously in adjusting [monetary] policy." Azzarello thinks that after Yellen's comments the strategist does not expect yields to increase this year and foresees money to continue "pouring" into defensives. "We still like cyclicals over defensives and we're sticking with that, and that's the consumer story; we're not falling into a recession story," Azzarello said Wednesday. "But ... within defensives, we are looking at utilities." According to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S, earnings are projected to drop nearly 7 percent year over year. While the market has held the rally post-Yellen, Keith Fitz-Gerald, chief investment strategist at Money Map Press, told "Closing Bell" that the market should buy the expected dip during earnings season. "They're wallpapering over a wall that really has nothing to stand on," he said. "I think we'll have a good buying opportunity a couple weeks from now when earnings come in." watch now watch now In the topsy-turvy world of investing it appears that bad might just mean good. Despite an economic and political crisis, the stock exchange of Brazil has managed to clock the largest percentage gain so far this year amid major volatility for other global indexes. The main stock index, the Bovespa , is set to finish the first quarter on Thursday with a rise of around 20 percent in U.S. dollar terms. The country's Companhia Siderurgica Nacional (CSN), primarily engaged in the steel industry, has led those gains with a rise of 85 percent year-to-date after piggybacking on the rebound in metal prices. But that doesn't truly tell the story of Brazil's economy. Passers-by walk in front of the of Sao Paulo's Stocks Exchange (Bovespa) headquarters in downtown Sao Paulo Brazil. NELSON ALMEIDA/AFP/Getty Images Brazil was recently handed a two-notch downgrade by U.S. ratings agency Moody's, the third agency to strip the country of its investment grade rating. The International Monetary Fund forecasts Brazil's economy will shrink by 3.5 percent this year, following a 3.8 percent contraction in 2015. Mass protests are taking place in city streets with citizens angry at a deepening political crisis. President Dilma Rousseff is under scrutiny as part of an investigation known as Operation Car Wash or Operacao Lava Jato into the massive corruption scandal at Brazil's state-run oil company, Petrobras. Rousseff's largest coalition partner split from her administration this week which has made her impeachment all the more likely. "The rally has been driven by political turmoil as investors view the recent impeachment proceedings against president Dilma Rousseff as a step in the right direction as it could lead to an ousting," Simon Colvin, a research analyst at data firm Markit, said in a note on Thursday. "Rousseff has so far been unwilling to make the cuts required to address Brazil's fiscal woes." Meanwhile, a dovish U.S. Federal Reserve, which appears to be shying away from the monetary tightening it had planned for 2016, is bringing emerging markets back into focus. The Eiffel Tower is lit with the blue, white and red colors of the French flag in Paris on November 16, 2015, to pay tribute to the victims of a series of deadly attacks on Friday in the French capital. Benoit Tessier | Reuters "Belgian and French authorities will now consider jointly on how to proceed further in the execution of the transfer," the federal prosecutor said in a statement, adding that Abdeslam had agreed to the transfer. A lawyer for Abdeslam had said earlier Thursday that Abdeslam had dropped his initial objection to being extradited. "Salah Abdeslam wishes to be transferred to the French authorities," Cedric Moisse told reporters. "He wishes to cooperate with the French authorities." ISIS claimed responsibility for the Paris attacks, which left 130 people dead across the French capital on Nov. 13, 2015. One of Abdeslam's brothers blew himself up in the terror attack, while another had repeatedly urged Abdeslam to turn himself in. The arrest of Abdeslam suspected Paris attacks plotter and aborted suicide bomber was viewed as a potentially massive intelligence opportunity to glean insight into ISIS. It also came just four days before suicide bombers attacked the Brussels airport and subway, killing more than 30 people in three separate explosions. Being a good CEO is simple. It means defending the beliefs of the communities you serve, even if it could hurt the company's bottom line, Chegg CEO Dan Rosensweig said Thursday. Rosensweig is among more than 80 chief executives who have signed a letter denouncing a new North Carolina law that invalidates legal protections against the discrimination of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. The law, signed by Gov. Pat McCrory last week, has drawn the ire of mayors in New York, San Francisco and Seattle, as well as of business leaders including Apple 's Tim Cook and Facebook 's Mark Zuckerberg. "Obeying the laws of the land, living up to the duties of the office and defending the Constitution is the foundation of my governorship," McCrory said. "I signed that bill because if I didn't, on April 1, the expectation of privacy of North Carolina citizens could be violated." Similar measures framed as religious freedom laws have passed in Mississippi, Missouri and Indiana. Georgia's Gov. Nathan Deal, who faced mounting pressure from businesses over its measure, vetoed the bill earlier this week. The backlash from business leaders isn't surprising, Rosensweig said on CNBC's "Squawk Alley." "What CEOs are trying to do is represent their communities and their audiences and their customers," Rosensweig said. "And the fact of the matter is, when a state is legislating discrimination against any group, that shouldn't be OK." Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. Check out which companies are making headlines before the bell: General Electric The company's GE Capital unit applied to have its "SIFI" designation removed, noting that it has exited most of its bank and finance businesses and is no longer a significantly important financial institution. Movado The watch maker reported adjusted quarterly profit of 40 cents per share, 1 cent above estimates, with revenue also beating forecasts. Movado gave a full-year forecast that falls below Street forecasts, however, citing a "challenging" environment. The company also announced an 18-percent dividend increase to 13 cents per share as well as a new $50 million share buyback program. Micron Technology Micron reported an adjusted quarterly loss of 5 cents per share, 3 cents smaller than expected, while revenue for the chip maker was slightly below forecasts. That smaller loss was helped by cost cuts, as Micron tries to navigate what it calls "challenging" market conditions. Chipotle Mexican Grill The restaurant chain has filed a trademark application for "Better Burger," with the idea of starting a new hamburger chain. Progress Software Progress earned an adjusted 27 cents per share for its latest quarter, missing estimates by a penny, while revenue also fell below analyst forecasts. The business software company also cut its annual guidance, and said Chief Financial Officer Chris Perkins is planning to retire at an unspecified time. BlackRock BlackRock is planning to cut 400 jobs, according to multiple reports. The 3 percent workforce reduction would be the asset manager's largest ever, although one source tells Reuters that BlackRock is hiring in growth areas and will end this year with more workers than it has now. Fiat Chrysler The automaker is discussing possible collaborative ventures with many companies outside the auto industry, according to CEO Sergio Marchionne, as the auto industry incorporates an increasing amount of new technology in its vehicles. AIG AIG's mortgage insurance unit, United Guaranty, has filed for an initial public offering of up to $100 million. AIG had announced earlier this year that the unit would be spun off. SunEdison The solar power company's spinoffs TerraForm Global and TerraForm Power are now being run by a new "office of the chairman" following the departure of Chief Executive Officer Brian Wuebbels. No reason was given for his departure. McDonald's McDonald's plans to add more than 1,000 restaurants in China, according to a Wall Street Journal interview with Chief Executive Officer Steve Easterbrook. The fast food chain is searching for an investment partner in that country to aid in a smooth expansion. Medivation Medivation has been working with JPMorgan Chase to field inquiries about potential bids for the cancer drug maker. However, CNBC's Meg Tirrell reports that Medivation has no plans to sell itself. Rackspace CLSA downgraded the cloud computing company's stock to "sell" from "underperform," saying that a sale of the company is highly unlikely. Sabre Corp. The travel services company earned an "overweight" rating in new coverage at Pacific Crest, while Expedia , Priceline and TripAdvisor were rated "sector weight." The firm calls Sabre an "underappreciated beneficiary" of the overall move toward digital travel management. The study by ACLU comes after a fierce legal tussle between the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Apple. Last month, a federal judge asked Apple to help the FBI unlock an iPhone belonging to Syed Farook, who was responsible for the shootings in San Bernardino in December which left 14 people dead. Apple declined to assist the authorities in this instant and but the U.S. Justice Department managed to access the device anyway with the help of a third party which it declined to name. While the majority of these cases across the U.S. involved Apple, there were nine instances where Google was asked by law authorities for help. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) found 63 cases where the government had used the 1789 All Writs Act to ask Apple and Google help unlock data on phones. Fresh off the back of the tussles between U.S. law enforcement and Apple , new research has revealed that search giant Google has been asked several times since 2012 to help unlock Android phones. It's unclear what the outcome of the cases unearthed by the ACLU were, but it highlights that law enforcement has been asking tech companies for help for eight years. It appears the firms have been willing to help law enforcement too. Prosecutors have said that Apple has helped unlock phones 70 times since 2008. The uncovering of the 63 cases however is the first major look at government requests to Google, which owns the Android operating system installed on the majority of the world's smartphones. "We carefully scrutinize subpoenas and court orders to make sure they meet both the letter and spirit of the law," a Google spokesperson said in a statement. "However, we've never received an All Writs Act order like the one Apple recently fought that demands we build new tools that actively compromise our products' security. As our amicus shows, we would strongly object to such an order." While Apple has been known to comply with such requests in the past, the latest battle with the government was a step too far for the technology giant. When Apple was asked last month by authorities for its assistance, it said that the request would lead it to create a "backdoor" into its software and it would set a "dangerous precedent" for future cases. One court document from Califronia in 2015 shows how authorities asked Google to unlock an Alcatel One Touch device and Kyocera phone in relation to a drug case. The document requested that Google "if necessary, must reactive Google accounts associated with the Android Devices for the limited purpose of complying with the search warrant". Other terms included proving a single password reset for the phones and giving it to law enforcement. The warrant did say that Google should reset the password of the account once the authorities were finished so no officer could access it again however. Most of the orders related to drug cases in which officers were trying to access devices of people who were in possession of drugs. Warrants requesting help from Google were filed in Oregon, California, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Alabama and North Carolina. The earliest one was in Oregon in 2012. Sometimes when you go fishing, the fish bites you back. That might be the painful lesson for oil and gas jobs guru David Kent, arrested in Houston Wednesday on conspiracy and fraud charges. A criminal complaint reveals that the case against Kent was set in motion more than two years ago. That's when DHI Group Inc., which had bought Kent's website, Rigzone, became worried that the site had been breached and set a trap for the hacker using two phony customer accounts as bait. A detail of Rigzone.com home page Source: Rigzone Authorities claim that Kent, who now runs the employment networking site Oilpro, allegedly hacked into Rigzone's site and stole resume information from more than 700,000 customer accounts. The complaint details how Kent aggressively worked to get jobs website operator DHI Group to purchase Oilpro for up to $20 million after he allegedly boosted Oilpro's customer base through hacking attacks on Rigzone, all while claiming that Oilpro had "increased its membership through standard marketing methods." The complaint, which was filed in Manhattan federal court in New York, said that more than 111,000 accounts that were hacked on Rigzone ended up on Oilpro. Kent's lawyer, Dan Cogdell, did not return a request for comment. In early 2014 we detected unauthorized access to certain of our proprietary information in our Rigzone member database. The intrusions made to our database were contained to a backdoor entrance and, upon discovery, we launched an internal investigation, contacted the FBI and took steps to ensure that no further information was taken. Michael Durney CEO, DHI Group Oilpro's website was not functioning Thursday. Visitors were greeted with the message, "Oilpro is temporarily unavailable. The website will be back online soon, and we apologize for any inconvenience from the outage over the past day or so." Kent, 40, founded Rigzone in 2000. He sold the site to DHI Group in 2010 for what ended up being about $51 million. Kent served as Rigzone's president after the sale for about a year, but he left the site in September 2011. A non-compete agreement he signed with DHI kept him out of the oil and gas jobs networking business for two more years, the complaint said. Kent started Houston-based Oilpro in October 2013, after the noncompete expired. Oilpro's employees eventually included a person, identified only as "Co-Conspirator 1" in the complaint, "who previously worked for" Rigzone, the complaint said. That co-conspirator accessed Rigzone's Google Analytics account without authorization "and forwarded the information to Kent," the complaint said. DHI Group apparently first became suspicious that Oilpro might be accessing Rigzone's customer information in early 2014. On Feb. 26 of that year, the complaint said, a member on Rigzone contacted the site's customer support line and reported receiving "an email solicitation from" Oilpro "even though [the member] had never provided any information in the past to Oilpro," the complaint said. DHI Group then planted "two fictitious member accounts" in its user database "to determine if the members database was being accessed improperly," according to the complaint. Soon afterward, on April 14, 2014, the email addresses associated with those bogus accounts were contacted by an employee from Oilpro who solicited the Rigzone members "to create profiles on Oilpro," the complaint said. More than a year later, the complaint said, an employee of DHI Group who began creating a Rigzone member profile "reported receiving an email solicitation from Oilpro," the complaint said. The complaint noted that the DHI Group employee's information "was never published in the" Rigzone member database because the profile was incomplete. watch now The complaint later details that between Oct. 17, 2013, and April 15, 2014, there were about 100,000 "suspicious hypertext transport protocol (HTTP) requests" made to Rigzone's members database, which an FBI agent noted strongly suggested cases of automated hacking. That first wave of hacks ended up giving unauthorized access to about 96,000 Rigzone resumes, the complaint said. "Following the first round of hacks, web traffic to Oilpro increased dramatically and appears to correlate with the severity of the intrusions into" Rigzone, the complaint said. "Additionally, thousands of [Rigzone] members affected by the first round of hacks created profiles on Oilpro." A second, much bigger wave of alleged hacks occurred between mid-June 2015 and early August 2015, when about 750,000 "suspicious HTTP requests were made to the" Rigzone database, the complaint said. The bombastic billionaire has passed every test so far. He leads the Republican nomination race despite having offended party figures from Sen. John McCain (whose Vietnam War service he impugned) to President George W. Bush (whom he accused of lying), among many others. His new challenge, at least on the surface, revolves around women. On the same week when Trump defended his campaign manager over a battery charge against a female reporter and defended himself over mocking the wife of rival Ted Cruz , he told MSNBC host Chris Matthews he favored legal "punishment" for women who get abortions. His statement assumed that abortion had been made illegal, which is Trump's stated desire as a "pro-life" candidate. Facing an immediate backlash, Trump quickly issued a statement reversing himself; abortion providers, not women undergoing them, would face punishment, he said. But the controversy underscored the special vulnerability polls have shown for Trump among women, who view him more unfavorably than men do. Cruz has attempted to capitalize, notably by holding a public event this week featuring not only his wife but also his mother. And a new Marquette University poll shows he has a chance to interrupt Trump's moment in Tuesday's Wisconsin primary. In the survey Trump, who has lost numerous caucus states but won most primary contests, trailed the Texas senator by 10 percentage points. That's potentially significant because every defeat for Trump fuels doubts about his chances of amassing the 1,237 delegates he needs for a first ballot nomination at the Republican convention in Cleveland this summer. Fresh controversy over women voters deepens the anxiety among mainstream Republicans about Trump's effect on the party's ticket this fall and strengthens their determination to try to block his nomination. watch now Today, more than half of our planet's population live in urban areas, with millions of people migrating from the countryside to towns and cities in search of prosperity to a point where the world's urban population has rocketed from 746 million in 1950 to 3.9 billion in 2014, according to the United Nations. As urban populations balloon, the strain on cities many of them hundreds of years old increases, with everything from transport to living space, healthcare and security put under pressure. In South Korea, the Songdo International Business District (Songdo IBD) is offering one vision of how cities might look in the future. A $35 billion project, Songdo has been developed across more than 1,000 acres of reclaimed land. "The original concept of Songdo was as a gateway city to the Korean mainland from Incheon International Airport, where basically all the uses be they residential, retail, work, educational or cultural would all be within a 15 minute walking time of one another," Jonathan Thorpe, senior EVP and chief investment officer at Gale International, part of the public-private partnership behind Songdo, told CNBC's Sustainable Energy. As well as being technologically advanced, there is a heavy emphasis placed on sustainability. Forty percent of the city has been designated as "green public space" while the city is also home to 20 million square feet of LEED Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certified space. watch now watch now watch now watch now McDonald's has set its sights on Asia, with the hope of adding more than 1,500 new restaurants in China, Hong Kong and South Korea within the next five years, the popular fast food chain announced Thursday. The company already has more than 2,800 of their restaurants located in the three markets put together the majority of which are company-owned however, the U.S. firm hopes the additional outlets will help drive McDonald's future growth initiatives. The global food retailer has over 36,000 locations in more than 100 countries worldwide. In its largest market, the U.S., McDonald's has over 14,000 restaurants and generates some 32 percent of its global revenue, according to its website. The Asian market signifies a "significant area of opportunity" for McDonald's, the CEO and president, Steve Easterbrook, said in a statement, adding that the region would help "blend (McDonald's) global quality standards with local insights and expertise from partners who share (McDonald's') vision and values." "This will allow McDonald's to accelerate our growth and scale faster across diverse markets placing us closer to our customers and the communities we serve," said Easterbrook. "We're in the midst of transforming our business and taking a strategic and thoughtful approach to enhance our ability to grow around the world." Guang Niu | Getty Images AsiaPac | Getty Images Wetzel's Pretzels CEO Bill Phelps said Thursday minimum wage increases in California have actually helped his business. "California raised the minimum wage in 2014 from $8 to $9 [per hour]. Our same-store sales were up 8 percent in the next six months," Phelps told CNBC's "Squawk Box." He said same-store sales rose by more than 7 percent after California recently raised it again to $10. On Monday, Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown and legislators reached a deal to increase the state's pay floor to $15 per hour by 2022-23. But the measure awaits approval from the full legislature. The link between an increased minimum wage and increased sales at Wetzel's Pretzels is "not coincidence," Phelps said. "We have been up 4.5 percent historically for the last nine years." "Low income people got a 10 percent increase, and probably a 30 percent increase in disposable income. So it's just great for our business," he said. "Ours is an impluse product. And these guys have extra money in their pocket today. So they can spend money." Phelps said "it's crazy" that the federal pay floor has not been raised in seven years. The federal minimum wage stands at $7.25 per hour. "I think the minimum wage should increase more than every seven years." A North Korean newspaper has warned citizens to prepare for economic hardships ahead as the rogue nation channels funding into its weapons program. In an editorial published in state-controlled outlet Rodong Sinmun this week, a reference was made to a new "arduous march," the term given to the 1990s economic crisis and famine that killed over two million. "The path to the revolution is never easy, we might have to go through Arduous March againin which we only had to eat roots of the grassand we might have to fight against our enemies all by one's self," the editorial said, according to a CNBC translation of the Korean text. The article comes as the United Nations (U.N.) enforces tough new sanctions on the country in the aftermath of Pyongyang's fourth nuclear test in January, and a rocket launch in February. The new measures, passed on March 2, are more aggressive than previous U.N. resolutions and designed to cut off funds for Pyongyang's nuclear and other banned weapons program, the U.N. said. "The international community, speaking with one voice, has sent Pyongyang a simple message: North Korea must abandon these dangerous programs and choose a better path for its people," U.S. President Barack Obama said in a statement following the U.N. resolution. watch now For the first time in history, the number of obese people around the world now is greater than the number of undernourished, according to a new analysis of population data from a prestigious medical journal. While the rates of obesity have leveled off in some countries where it's already a public health concern, other places are seeing their obesity rates increase, helping to prop up the global average, according to a study published in The Lancet late Thursday. "Over the past four decades, we have transitioned from a world in which underweight prevalence was more than double that of obesity, to one in which more people are obese than underweight, both globally and in all regions except parts of sub-Saharan Africa and Asia," the researchers wrote in their study. Indeed, parts of South Asia and Central and East Africa are among the places where excessively low bodyweight remains a public health concern. But by 2025, one-fifth of adults around the world are forecast to be obese, including 40 percent of American adults and one-third of adults in the United Kingdom. A team of researchers from two schools in the U.K. Imperial College, London, and the School of Social and Community Medicine, in Bristol performed an analysis of body mass index data from around the world since 1975. The body mass index is a formula that uses weight and height to determine whether someone is underweight, obese or somewhere in between. "If you want to go back really far in time, BMI has the most data," said Majid Ezzati, one of the paper's co-authors, and a professor at the Imperial College, London School of Public Health. Ezzati acknowledged that some experts question the utility of BMI, but "we really wanted to know where the beginning of this problem was." He said his team is working on calculating other measures for use in future research. Interestingly, the correlation between the wealth of a country and its obesity rate is becoming "weaker and weaker," Ezzati told CNBC. "The problem is not worse in high-income countries than in middle-income countries." The highest average obesity rates are found in Middle Eastern and North African countries, a few Caribbean countries, and Pacific Island nations. The so-called "shale revolution" has changed the landscape of Texas, and that's plain to see from the sky above. An image of the Eagle Ford shale mining site captured at night by NASAs Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on the Suomi NPP satellite. Taken on July 15, 2012. Source: NASA Earth Observatory NASA's Earth Observatory recently published three photos showing how developed a once sleepy part of the state has become. A nighttime photo taken from high above the Eagle Ford shale formation shows the bright lights from the wells and equipment competing with lights from nearby Austin and San Antonio. Eagle Ford produces both oil and natural gas; the oil wells are on the northern end of the site, and the natural gas wells are to the south. Oil prices have plunged from highs seen in 2014, and U.S. shale gas production has pushed natural gas prices to their cheapest points in nearly two decades. Before: 2000 A daytime photo of the quiet, sparsely populated town of Cotulla, Texas, taken by NASAs Landsat 5 satellite in 2000. Source: NASA Earth Observatory The town of Cotulla is in Eagle Ford country, pictured here in this image from NASA's Landsat 5 satellite taken in 2000. At that time, the town had a population of roughly 4,000, and was considered to be at risk of total abandonment one local councilman named Larry Dovalina would tell NPR in 2014, that before the shale boom, the town had been "dying on the vine." One of its biggest claims to fame was that President Lyndon B. Johnson did a stint as a local public schoolteacher there between 1928 and 1929. After: 2015 A daytime image of Cotulla, Texas, taken by Landsat 8 in 2015. The infrastructure from the wells and fracking equipment are visible. Source: NASA Earth Observatory U.S. ratings agency Standard & Poor's (S&P) has sliced its credit rating outlooks for China and Hong Kong from stable to negative on Thursday, citing increasing economic and financial risks to the mainland government's creditworthiness. The move is a signal that the agency may lower China and Hong Kong's ratings from AA minus and AAA respectively in the next six months to two years. An employee works on an engine at the assembly line of a car factory in Qingdao, China. STR | AFP | Getty Images In a statement announcing the decision, S&P forecast China's economic growth would remain at or above six percent annually over the next three years marginally below the 6.5 percent growth targeted in China's latest five-year plan. The agency said government and corporate leverage ratios in mainland China would likely deteriorate and the investment rate, at above 40 percent of gross domestic product, could well be unsustainable. This is as the Chinese government seeks to support the economy through credit-financed investment. "These expected trends could weaken the Chinese economy's resilience to shocks, limit the government's policy options and increase the likelihood of a sharper decline in trend growth rate," S&P said in the statement. The agency added that China's average income was lower than similarly rated countries and while the government and financial industry was less transparent with a more restricted flow of information. That's regardless of how anti-gay or unpopular they appear to be to blue states or Corporate America. It's regardless of what religious people like me think. Because I actually worry that these laws are dangerous for religious Americans, too precisely because they encourage outside interference in religious life in areas where no real threats exist. At a time when religious communities face a far more real and existential threat of losing their tax-exempt status for houses of worship and schools, these unnecessary laws protecting religious people from extremely rare incidents in bathrooms and bakeries open the door to political scrutiny and backlash. But I don't have to run for office, and the devout church goers don't have to run for office. The politicians do. And politicians love to take advantage of real or imagined voter fears to win elections. We might think the local elected leaders of states like North Carolina are cowering under pressure from religious groups, but the opposite is more likely to be true. Politicians are playing on the hyped up fears of their local religious voters to get added support. That's right. This may only be the tip of the iceberg for these types of laws especially in an election year. Now, here's the caveat: Governors have to cast a much wider net of political support. For them, a few churches isn't going to do it. That's the real reason why Georgia's Republican Governor Nathan Deal vetoed his state's new religious freedom law. It's why Republican Governor Pence moved Heaven and Earth to change Indiana's law last year. And it's why I think North Carolina Republican Governor Pat McCrory will eventually cave and do the same. For state governors, outside corporate and other financial concerns do matter and those factors are part of what makes up their "local" political world. Apple has a market capitalization just north of $600 billion today, but just 20 years ago, General Electric could have had the company for a mere $2 billion, former NBCUniversal chief Bob Wright said Thursday. The opportunity arose during a meeting with then Apple CEO Michael Spindler in 1996, Wright told CNBC's "Squawk Box." According to Wright, Spindler broke down in the middle of his presentation, lamenting that the stock was "killing him" and "the investors are on his back, and he can't get this thing rolling." "The consensus in the room was we can't do anything with this. This is way outside of our game. We were not a Silicon Valley company," Wright said. Millionaires are leaving Europe because of rising religious tension and concerns about the sluggish economy and the influx of migrants from Syria, a wealth analysis expert said. Andrew Amoils, the head of research at New World Wealth, forecast millionaires would leave France, Germany and Belgium in "large numbers", with Australia and Israel among the most popular destinations. Three out of the four cities that saw the biggest net outflows of millionaires in 2015 were European Paris, Rome and Athens, according to a New World Wealth report on Wednesday. Grant V. Faint | Getty Images The French capital saw the biggest net outflows, losing 6 percent of its millionaire population, or around 7,000 people. Millionaire migration may provide an indicator of upcoming trends among the rest of the population, as the wealthy are typically more geographically mobile than others. Millionaire emigration also hits government tax revenues and may be associated with loss of jobs and money outflows that can impact property prices and the financial markets. Cities with biggest millionaire outflows: Paris: -7,000 Rome: -5,000 Chicago: -3,000 Athens: -2,000 "France is being heavily impacted by rising religious tensions between Christians and Muslims, especially in urban areas," Amoils said in the report. "We expect that millionaire migration away from France will accelerate over the next decade as these tensions escalate." Paris's Muslim populace has been in heightened focus since the terrorist attacks in the city in January and November 2015 and the assault on nearby Brussels, Belgium in March 2016. France and Germany have the largest Islamic populations among European Union countries, with around 4.7 million Muslims living in each, according to Pew Research Center. The majority of French Muslims live in Paris and they make up around 7.5 percent of the total French population. France also houses Europe's biggest Jewish population at 310,000, the majority of which is based in Paris. Fears of anti-Semitism have worsened in the city since the siege at a kosher hypermarket in Paris in which four Jewish hostages were killed in January 2015. The main suspect for the attack, Amedy Coulibaly, claimed allegiance to the so-called Islamic State terror group. Around 80 percent of the millionaires that moved to Israel last year were from Europe, Amoils told CNBC, attributing their relocation to rising anti-Semitism. Tel Aviv, Israel's financial capital and second-most populous city, enjoyed net inflows of 2,000 millionaires during the year the most of any city in the world outside Australia. Israeli cities such as Herzliya, Jerusalem and Netanya also experienced inflows. Cities with biggest millionaire inflows: Sydney +4,000 Melbourne +3,000 Tel Aviv +2,000 Dubai +2,000 San Francisco +2,000 Vancouver +2,000 Sydney and Melbourne enjoyed the biggest net inflows in the world, adding 4,000 and 3,000 millionaires each in 2015. Millionaires also headed to Perth, Brisbane and Noosa, as well as the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. Australia appealed because of its safeness, strong education and health systems, small population and pleasant climate, Amoils told CNBC. With economic growth seen averaging 2.6 percent per year in 2016-20 by the Economist Intelligence Unit, its strong economy is another attraction. Residential property along the harbourfront in Sydney. Peter Parks | AFP | Getty Images South Carolina senator Lindsay Graham, a virtual spokesman for the Republican establishment, once contended that choosing between Ted Cruz and Donald Trump was akin to deciding whether to be poisoned or shot. Judging by his recent endorsement of Cruz, Sen. Graham prefers arsenic. Jeb Bush, another establishment candidate crushed by the Trump bulldozer, also just reluctantly endorsed Cruz, explaining that the Texas senator is the only one who can possibly "overcome" Trump. As Trump marches towards his seemingly inevitable nomination, the biggest question isn't how the GOP power-brokers can stop him. It's why they would want to. SYRACUSE, N.Y. Syracuse Mayor Stephanie A. Miner has announced that Karen DeJarnette, chair of the Womens Fund of Central New York, is the 2016 Syracuse Woman of the Year. She was set to be presented the award during a ceremony Thursday evening at 5:30 p.m. in the Atrium at City Hall Commons. Karen has spent her life empowering women in the Syracuse community and we are proud to recognize her efforts, Miner said in a news release. she has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of women in our community. I thank her for her service and I am proud to present Karen with the 2016 Syracuse Woman of the Year Award. As a long-time advocate and activist in the community, DeJarnette has served as a volunteer and member of the Womens Fund of Central New York since 2010, and was elected to serve as chair in 2015. She is a member of the Junior Achievement of Central New York Advisory board and also serves on the board of directors for the Partners for Education and Business, where she helps foster programs in STEM education for students and dislocated workers. Contact The Central New York News Network at news@cnybj.com Allen Naples (right), chairman of the Onondaga Community College board of trustees, on Tuesday conducted the swearing-in ceremony for new board trustee Neil Strodel, VP of Benefit Consulting Group. (Photo credit: Onondaga Community College) ONONDAGA, N.Y. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has appointed Neil Strodel, VP of Benefit Consulting Group, to the Onondaga Community College (OCC) board of trustees. Benefit Consulting Group is part of Syracusebased One Group. Strodel succeeds Steven Aiello whose term expired in 2013, OCC said in a news release issued Thursday. Aiello is president of Fayettevillebased COR Development Company, LLC. Strodel has more than 30 years of experience specializing in human-capital issues with a focus on benefits and human resources (HR). Prior to Benefit Consulting Group, Strodel was chief HR officer at Syracuse University, VP of human resources at Syracuse China Corp., and HR manager at Goulds Pumps Inc., according to his LinkedIn page. Neil is a great addition to our highly talented group of trustees who provide important leadership and service on behalf of the college, Casey Crabill, OCC president, said in the schools news release. Neils extensive experience will help to serve both our campus and our students very well. Strodel is a graduate of both Cornell University and Syracuse University. He resides in Skaneateles. Neil will be a strong asset for the college, Allen Naples, chairman of the OCC board of trustees, said in the schools news release. All of us on the board of trustees look forward to further work and collaboration with him in support of our students. Naples conducted Strodels swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday, OCC said. Besides his role as the OCC board chairman, Naples is also a senior VP at M&T Bank (NYSE: MTB) and president of its Central New York division. Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com SYRACUSE, N.Y. A record crowd of about 460 attended the eighth annual Nonprofit Awards on Thursday at the Oncenter in Syracuse, celebrating 28 honorees in Central New Yorks nonprofit community. The awards honor the nonprofit organizations, executives, and volunteers who go above and beyond to improve the communities in which they live and work. Award categories included Board Development, Board Leadership, Career Achievement, Collaboration, Corporate Community Support, Executive of the Year, Impact, Outstanding Fundraising Event, Young Leadership Organization, and Young Professional Leader. Brandon Roth, multimedia journalist and anchor at CNY Central, was the event emcee. BizEventz produced the awards program and M&T Bank was the presenting sponsor. For much more information about the honorees and awards program, including judging panel, check out the 2016 Nonprofit Awards special event publication that was included in the March 28 issue of The Central New York Business Journal. Contact The Business Journal News Network at news@cnybj.com 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. Three takeways from Missouri's game against Vanderbilt Missouri football took on Vanderbilt for its homecoming game on Saturday. Here's what to know from the game. Mac Edwards, chef/owner of The Elegant Farmer restaurant. (Michael Donahue/The Commercial Appeal) Go Eat If you want personality, you gotta #GoMemphis SHARE By Jennifer Biggs of The Commercial Appeal Mac Edwards, owner of The Farmer on Highland and co-owner of Chandelier in Jackson, will open Brooks Pharm 2 Fork on the Collierville Square in June. "My landlord, Watty Brooks Hall, her father had a pharmacy in the location forever," Edwards said when asked about the name. The longtime Memphis restaurateur he goes back to Gonzales and Gertrude's, was at the Half-Shell, sold wine and was the founder of McEwen's on Monroe, which he sold in 2008--said he wasn't looking for a new place. "I would never think to do anything on Poplar in a strip mall or in Schilling Farms or anything like that, but I was approached about this place and it's perfect," he said. "It's a good size for me, the rent is reasonable, and the landlord is excited about it." He said the food will be similar to that at The Farmer local products and a menu of updated Southern staples. Prices will also be in line, $10-$15 at lunch and $15-$25 at dinner. Unlike The Farmer, where only beer and wine are sold, he'll have a full bar at Brooks Pharm. Cafe Grille, which was in the space at 120 W. Mulberry for more than 20 years, closed last week. Edwards officially takes possession on Friday. Onetime Police drummer Stewart Copeland performs Saturday at Germantown Performing Arts Center. SHARE Onetime Police drummer Stewart Copeland performs Saturday at Germantown Performing Arts Center. By Mark Jordan, Special to The Commercial Appeal Whether he likes it or not, Stewart Copeland will be primarily remembered for his role as drummer for the multiplatinum rock band the Police. But increasingly that celebrated-but-short chapter in his nearly 40-year career (the Police only lasted about nine years in their original run in the '70s and '80s, briefly reuniting only once, for a world tour in 2007) is being drowned out by a vast and eclectic body of work that has greatly expanded the 63-year-old Copeland's profile as a musician. In 2016 alone, Copeland has debuted his percussion concerto "the Tyrant's Crush" with the Pittsburgh Symphony; performed his new, live soundtrack to the 1925 silent film version of "Ben-Hur" several times; and reunited for several gigs including one this Saturday at the Germantown Performing Arts Center with the improvisational chamber group Off the Score. "There's a lot of variety in my schedule," he says modestly. "It's absolutely true I get to follow my bliss. And I am extremely grateful for that, by the way. It couldn't possibly have been in this life, cause I just don't recall anything that great that I've done to deserve any of this." Even before the Police disbanded in 1986, Copeland was branching out into composition, starting with film, television, and video game soundtrack work ("Rumble Fish," "Wall Street," "The Equalizer"). From there he transitioned into more fully realized "classical" works concertos, operas such as "Holy Blood and Crescent Moon" and ballets such as "King Lear," commissioned by the San Francisco Ballet. In fact, for a long stretch after his post-Police band Animal Logic with jazz bassist-composer Stanley Clarke, Copeland didn't play the drums at all, focusing instead on writing. It wasn't until the 2000s that he picked up the sticks again, playing with Les Claypool and Trey Anastasio in Oysterhead and jamming with the reunited Doors among other projects before the Police 30th anniversary tour. Since then Copeland has more consciously incorporated his drumming into his music. Many of his newer works are more percussive, including his "Ben-Hur" soundtrack, which draws on his childhood growing up in Beirut the son of a CIA agent, a fascinating story in itself, told in some detail in Copeland's 2009 memoir "Strange Things Happen: A Life with The Police, Polo, and Pygmies." Off the Score, the project that brings Copeland back to the Memphis area, where he first performed with the Police in 1979, is in some ways the perfect encapsulation of the drummer's career, a melding of classical composition with rock improvisation. The group was born when Copeland's manager, aware of his long held desire to not just write for but actually play with classical musicians, suggested he team with another artist on his roster, pianist Jon Kimura Parker. The two quickly recruited a diverse ensemble that also includes Metropolitan Opera head violinist Yoon Kwon, double bassist Marlon Martinez, and Judd Miller, who plays electronic valve instrument, sort of the electric version of a trumpet. "We start with a score, and then we screw it all up," Copeland says of the group's approach to composers as diverse as Stravinsky and Aphex Twin. "The screwing up part makes better sense when you've got the really tight organized sections. It's the contrast between the two, that kind of tension and release." Off the Score performs sporadically as its members' schedules allow. Copeland, for his part, is finishing up his opera "The Invention of Morel," a "period, sci-fi, romantic black comedy" set to debut with the Chicago Opera Theater and Long Beach Opera next season. Copeland also hosts "Sacred Groove," a regular video series viewable on his website, stewartcopeland.net that shows him jamming in his California home studio with famous friends like Snoop Dogg, Neil Peart, Ginger Baker, and Police partner Summers. That may be as close as fans will get to a Police reunion anytime soon, however. During their tenure, the band was as famous for being combative among each other the sharp-tongued Copeland describes being in the band as "both heaven and hell at the same time" and likens the experience to a Prada suit made of barbed wire as they were for hits such as "Roxanne," "Message In a Bottle," and "Every Breath You Take." But with sufficient accomplishments outside of the group, Copeland is more philosophical about the group's place in his career. "(The Police) songs have built up power," says Copeland, who quickly dispels any hope of another reunion with band mates Sting and Andy Summers. "Even if all three of us artistically and musically might have something else to say, it's just the ritual of it, the litany of it, showing up on the day and playing that music. Its not the music that's in my heart, but it's the music that's in the heart of 80,000 people's hearts. And they're beating right in front of you. That is exciting. But then we're all artists with stuff to do, and right now 'Roxanne' ain't it." Sean Bolton's pallbearers stand behind his casket at the West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery during his burial service. (Mike Brown/The Commercial Appeal) SHARE Sean Bolton By Michael Collins of The Commercial Appeal WASHINGTON A Memphis police officer killed in the line of duty is one of 252 fallen officers whose names will be engraved on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington. Officer Sean Bolton's name and the names of the other officers will be engraved on the memorial in April and formally dedicated during a candlelight vigil on the National Mall on May 13. The vigil is considered the signature event of National Police Week. Bolton, 33, was shot and killed last August when he interrupted a drug deal on Summerlane Avenue in Parkway Village. Bolton was approaching a Mercedes-Benz parked illegally near the intersection when one of the occupants shot him several times and then fled the scene. Tremaine Wilbourn, 30, was indicted by a Shelby County grand jury in January on a charge of first-degree murder in Bolton's death. Also added to the memorial will be the name of John Wayne Delashmit, a Covington police officer who died of a heart attack in 1991 while jogging during training for the department's tactical unit. He was 48. March 30, 2016; Bob Corker is a United States Senator representing Tennessee. (Brandon Dill/Special to The Commercial Appeal) SHARE By Daniel Connolly of The Commercial Appeal U.S. Sen. Bob Corker predicts Congress will wade into the debate over the powerful encryption techniques that Apple and other companies use to maintain the privacy of data on iPhones and similar devices. "And I have concerns about where technology is going," Corker said in Memphis Wednesday, adding that encryption can help terrorist groups. The Tennessee Republican chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and made his comments during an interview in the cafe of the Booksellers at Laurelwood in East Memphis. The cafe served as a quiet meeting spot during his multiday tour through Tennessee, in which he's meeting local leaders and constituents. Any new law on encryption could impact millions of people around the world who use smartphones and computers. Corker said he'd spoken a few weeks ago with Apple CEO Tim Cook, who challenged a court order to help unlock a password-protected iPhone that belonged to one of the shooters in the December attack in San Bernardino, California, which killed 14 people. The Apple executive has argued that encryption protects consumers. "The government is asking Apple to hack our own users and undermine decades of security advancements that protect our customers including tens of millions of American citizens from sophisticated hackers and cybercriminals," Cook wrote in an open letter in February. Corker said he understands Cook's view. "At the same time, as technology moves ahead and we have inabilities to access this information, it makes it very hard when we know someone may have called or contacted other people that may have plans to harm Americans. And we've got to figure out a balance there. And it's something that ultimately is coming to Congress." The senator stopped short of making a specific proposal Wednesday, but said he believes Americans are willing to give up some privacy to protect security interests. He predicted a long debate in Congress. First though, he said members of Congress will have to understand what just happened with the locked iPhone: The conflict was resolved Monday when the government said it had managed to unlock the phone without Apple's help. "I don't think any of us know how the FBI was able to access (the phone)," Corker said. "We'll have classified briefings to more fully understand that." The FBI's technical feat has already had consequences: The agency has agreed to help an Arkansas prosecutor unlock an iPhone and iPod belonging to two teenagers accused of killing a couple last year in the town of Conway near Little Rock, The Associated Press reported. Corker also addressed other issues, saying he doubts there will be any nomination hearing for Merrick Garland, the judge that President Obama has nominated to the Supreme Court, so he doesn't plan to see him. "It probably isn't a good use of his time or mine to have a meeting." He cited other people who have said it's not appropriate for a president in the last months of office to make such an appointment. He said he won't reveal who he supports in the presidential campaign, but said he opposes plans to stop front-runner Donald Trump through what he called a "scheme to undo what happened in the primaries." Corker had met with a group of local politicians earlier Wednesday, including six suburban mayors, Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell, and a representative of Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland, Alan Crone. The Senator offered few specifics on what they discussed and wouldn't take a position on the de-annexation issue. SHARE Charles Nicholas /The Commercial Appeal files Cpl. J.B. Colyer of 1048 Meda was the last person on March 31, 1953, to beat the deadline for 1953 auto tags. The corporal, assigned to Kennedy Veterans Hospital Induction Center, bought his tag at 5 p.m. from Mrs. Nellie Aylesworth of 1959 Higbee, secretary in the County Court clerk's office. March 31 25 years ago: 1991 The Kroger Co. has jumped into the fore of corporate support for the "Catherine the Great" exhibition by pledging cash and services it estimates at $650,000. The Cincinnati-based retail grocery chain will pay half the city's $250,000 cost in restoring the coronation carriage, the centerpiece of the exhibit of 259 artifacts opening April 10 at Memphis Cook Convention Center. 50 years ago: 1966 Plans to organize a Memphis and Mid-South Medical Center Board to serve in an advisory capacity on health care and facilities in the community were announced yesterday. The initial membership will number 26. A study committee appointed by the Memphis and Shelby County Medical Society has recommended that the board be composed of one member of the boards of trustees of City of Memphis Hospitals, Baptist, Methodist and St. Joseph Hospitals, Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, the University of Tennessee Medical Units and Campbell Clinic Hospital. 75 years ago: 1941 Ten high school seniors have been selected for Southwestern scholarships. They are: Frances Turrentine, E.W. Nelius Jr., William Haynes, Ralph Dubrovner, Jack Simonton, Anne Howard Bailey, Harris McCorkle, Mary Francis Lynch, Eugene H. McGehee Jr. and Frank Elby. 100 years ago: 1916 An all-day conference on the prevention and eradication of malaria in the South, and particularly in the Memphis district, will be held today. 125 years ago: 1891 Bertie Wild and R.W. Williams, expert cotton buyers, left last evening for Liverpool. SHARE July 13, 2015 Since they were annexed three years ago, Sharon and Murphy Farley have gotten nothing but a trash can and heart ache from the city of Bartlett. Now they are taking their complaints directly to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen, along with a proposal to de-annex their rural neighborhood. (Jim Weber/The Commercial Appeal) By Clay Bailey of The Commercial Appeal Turns out, Murphy Farley was correct in his claim Bartlett never informed him the suburb intended to annex his property in 2012. Mayor Keith McDonald acknowledged Wednesday afternoon that despite the city's claims the past eight months that Farley was informed about the annexation Bartlett never sent notification to the resident. "We have misled Mr. Farley," McDonald said. "No letter was mailed to (his) house prior to annexation." The mayor added that legally the city is not required to send a notification letter, only put a notice in a newspaper. The city placed an advertisement in the Bartlett Express regarding the annexation ordinance. But, McDonald said: "I feel a moral deficit here." "It was quite a surprise to say the least," Farley said of the mayor's call. "You don't hear that very often." For the past eight months, Farley, who lives in the city's northwest corner, argued vehemently with officials that he was never notified. His property on the east side of Billy Maher south of Old Brownsville was one of five sections absorbed by Bartlett at the end of 2012. Farley's residence was one of 11 in the area at the time, and the city reported 27 people lived there. Beginning last summer, Farley flooded city offices with emails and challenged the suburb's position on the notification. He asked McDonald and other city officials to provide proof they sent a letter. He showed up at meetings to argue his point. At one Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting, his exchange with McDonald was so spirited Farley came close to eviction. He even referred to officials as "a bunch of clowns." "It is with great dismay that I now look on Bartlett as another money hungry city, wanting, as in our case, to gobble up money with no compassion or consideration for those it affects thru unwarranted annexation," Farley wrote in an email to the mayor last summer. Throughout the argument, Farley claimed he was never told the city was about to annex him. And the mayor continually said the resident was informed by letter. In further research, McDonald said he learned notification was sent to offices, such as the county assessor and other government agencies needing notification. But that didn't include the resident. Farley was never told. "I accepted his apology," Farley said of the conversation with McDonald. "He was very gracious." The revelation came about an hour after a state Senate Committee delayed action on a de-annexation bill for this session. Farley added legislators to his email blasts in hopes the de-annexation bill would provide him another avenue to seek separation from Bartlett and end his confrontation with the suburb. Farley said he may continue to ask Bartlett officials to de-annex him. "(McDonald's) not going to do that," Farley said. "It would open too many doors." Asked if the oversight would lead Bartlett to consider de-annexating Farley's neighborhood, the mayor replied: "I don't know the answer to that now." SHARE The Shelby County Commission earned an "F" in transparency Monday when it decided to go behind closed doors to discuss the final report on a $310,000 study of contracts with minority-owned firms. But Commissioners Walter Bailey and Mark Billingsley get an "A" for arguing that it was the wrong thing to do. County Attorney Ross Dyer advised commissioners to discuss the report in private, saying, "This document will serve as our legal defense once these things are implemented going forward, and just like any other potential litigation or current litigation, we want you to have the opportunity to discuss these things." Dyer added the closed-door meeting was not intended to avoid transparency, and the findings will be discussed later in open forums. We are not lawyers, but we are familiar enough with the state's open meetings statute to know Dyer's excuse for evicting business leaders and the news media from the meeting was flimsy at best, since there was no threat of a lawsuit. Bailey, a veteran commissioner and one of the community's most respected lawyers, made that point to his colleagues. "It couldn't be a legal defense when there's nothing pending legally. What we're talking about is public policy," Bailey said. Billingsley made the point that public money paid for the report, so the public should have been able to hear the results Monday. "I'm very disappointed today that we are not more transparent in the process," Billingsley said before sitting in on the closed executive session. In a letter to commission members Wednesday, Billingsley wrote, "I was disappointed that our body went into private Executive Session following the precursory Disparity overview ... nor did our body actually release the study as promised and announced. As Commissioner Walter Bailey and I noted at the (Monday) meeting, it is not possible to be transparent with the public, who paid for the comprehensive Disparity Study, if they are not privy to the results, nor allowed to be in the meeting. ..." Billingsley ask commissioners to meet again "as quickly as possible" to release the results. The study, prepared by California-based Mason Tillman Associates, looked at purchasing data from Jan. 1, 2012, to Dec. 31, 2014, and interviewed business owners about their experiences. It follows a February presentation to commissioners that stated businesses owned by white men received 88.32 percent of the county's contract dollars between 2012 and 2014, or $168.2 million of the total $190.5 million spent during that period. The consultants looked at actual contracts and the minority/female-owned businesses that would have been capable of fulfilling the contracts had they been chosen to do the work. The preliminary presentation revealed what already was known: that there is systemic discrimination in way the county lets contracts. The final study expands on that, plus takes a look at what is happening in the private sector. We know there is a bad problem, one that has a lot of negative consequences if it is not addressed. We know that the final report expands on the problem, so what are Dyer and the commission trying to hide? Citizens paid for the study, and they should have been given the details Monday. We urge Commission Chairman Terry Roland, who talks a lot about being transparent with residents, to honor Billingsley's request to call a special meeting ASAP and give the public the information they paid for. SHARE By Eli Lake When Turkey's president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan visits Washington this week, it will be an opportunity for President Barack Obama, as well as most of the Washington foreign policy establishment, to ponder how they so misread a man they had touted only a few years ago as a great reformer. Until 2013, Obama himself boasted of his close personal friendship with the Turkish leader. In 2013, the last time Erdogan visited Washington, Obama praised his Turkish counterpart for his efforts to normalize relations with Israel and for a cease-fire with Kurdish separatists. Obama even thanked Erdogan for his child-rearing tips. This time it will be much different. Erdogan will get no formal meeting with Obama this week when he's in town for a nuclear security summit, though he will be officially meeting with Vice President Joe Biden. White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said Tuesday that he expects Obama and Erdogan will have an "informal discussion" instead. The Wall Street Journal reported this week that Obama turned down an invitation from the Turkish leader to attend the opening of a Turkish-funded mosque in Maryland. Obama recently told the Atlantic's Jeffrey Goldberg that he considers his old friend to be a "failure and an authoritarian." Even some of Turkey's closest friends in Washington are now warning that Erdogan is becoming a tyrant. "Within the past decade, many of Turkey's friends here were optimistic about your country's potential to become a vibrant and stable democracy as well as a strong and capable U.S. ally. Recent developments in Turkey, however, are deeply troubling," states an open letter to the Turkish president drafted by two former U.S. ambassadors to Turkey, Mort Abramowitz and Eric Edelman. That letter was released Wednesday by the Bipartisan Policy Center and has 45 signatories, including former senators Chuck Robb and Joe Lieberman. U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen of Tennessee, a Democratic co-chairman of the congressional caucus on U.S.-Turkish relations, which has supported strengthening U.S. ties to Erdogan's government, said the Turkish leader's effort "to consolidate his power and his crackdown on the press is troubling." Erdogan has intensified his campaign against his political opposition since his party lost elections last June. His coalition regained a parliamentary majority in November, after Erdogan called for a new vote in August, following his new military campaign against Turkey's Kurdish minority. Over the past year, more than a thousand people have been charged with the crime of insulting Erdogan personally, and hundreds of academics have been investigated or disciplined for questioning his government's anti-terror policies. The letter from the Bipartisan Policy Center also notes that Erdogan's government has taken over the largest Turkish opposition newspaper, Zaman. "Why shouldn't people in the European Union and the United States be concerned about the prospects for a free media in Turkey?" the letter asks. And while these latest developments are significant, the signs that Erdogan was a dictator-in-waiting have been hiding in plain sight. In 2010, Erdogan and his top ministers froze Turkey's relationship with Israel, accusing the Jewish state of treating Palestinians the way Nazis had treated Jews. In 2013, Erdogan ordered his police to disrupt peaceful demonstrations in Gezi Park, a conflict which resulted in 11 deaths, more than 8,000 injuries and more than 3,000 arrests. Edelman, who served as ambassador to Turkey between 2003 and 2005, in late December 2004 wrote a blistering cable to Washington warning: "Inside the party, Erdogan's hunger for power reveals itself in a sharp authoritarian style and deep distrust of others." In the same cable, Edelman writes that Erdogan desired "absolute power," and that he was rumored to have huge sums in Swiss bank accounts. Edelman said that despite these warnings, the U.S. gave Erdogan a pass. "In both the Bush and Obama administrations we tended to overlook what was domestically going on in Turkey," Edelman said. "We always had some piece of business that seemed to override the domestic side." Abramowitz, who served as U.S. ambassador to Turkey from 1989 to 1991, said it was easier to overlook Erdogan's authoritarian leanings earlier in his career because he did institute important domestic reforms. For example, Erdogan until last summer supported more civil rights reforms for Turkey's Kurdish minority, allowing Kurdish schools to teach their children in Kurdish as opposed to Turkish. "The U.S. tries to give Turkey a wide swath, always wanting to work something out with Turkey," Abramowitz said. "The problem was the changes he made in his early years have now been overtaken by his thirst for power, his achievement of that power, and his doing of some very undemocratic things." James Jeffrey, who served as U.S. ambassador between 2008 and 2010, said the U.S. was always aware of Erdogan's human rights abuses. "Did we raise his early crackdowns on the press and the military in meetings and in press releases? Yes," Jeffrey said. "Did we ever threaten significant consequences in the bilateral relationship? No." Jeffrey agreed with the assessment that Erdogan today is an authoritarian. Though he added: "Nobody foresaw the recklessness with which he would start dismantling the entire democratic system in Turkey. He was obviously an authoritarian, but in a normal political system, his defeat in June would have stopped him." Jeffrey said Erdogan's decision to call new elections for November, as the country was reeling from a wave of terrorist attacks, led Turks to go with the "devil they knew," and return his coalition to power. As Obama finishes his final year in office, he is stuck with that known quantity in Turkey an ex-friend he thought he knew who turned out to be an authoritarian he can no longer trust. Eli Lake is Bloomberg View columnist. SHARE By Noah Feldman It's happening: The Supreme Court is getting desperate. With a 4-4 tie looming over whether religious organizations have to file a form with the government requesting an exemption from the mandatory contraceptive care provisions of the Affordable Care Act, the justices took an extreme step. They issued an order that basically told the federal government and the religious entities to reach a compromise and described what the compromise would look like. Federal district court judges will sometimes tell the parties that they'd better compromise, or else they might not like the results that will follow. The Supreme Court essentially never does, both because it lacks leverage and because it gets involved in cases with the intention to make new law, not to resolve particular disputes. But we're in new territory here. The Supreme Court is trying to figure out how to do its job with eight justices a situation that might persist not just through this Supreme Court term, but through the next one as well. The oral argument last week in the case that includes Burwell v. Little Sisters of the Poor (as well as several other consolidated cases) demonstrated the near certainty of a 4-4 split. The argument clarified the core conflict in the case: The exemption sought by the religious organizations was the very thing the Obama administration said it wanted, namely for the employees of the religious organizations to get contraceptive care from the same insurer and health care providers from which they get the rest of their coverage. The religious organizations said that under the system created by the Department of Health and Human Services, their free exercise of religion was burdened. Under the existing system, the organizations file a form with the government explaining that they don't want to cover contraception. The government then tells their insurers to provide the coverage and to pay for it. According to the religious organizations, this system amounts to a "hijacking" of their health care plan to provide the contraceptive care that they consider immoral. At oral argument, the religious organizations embraced the analogy that this is like the government using an empty room in their buildings to provide the contraceptive care. Yet the solicitor general explained to the court that the government considered it essential for employees to receive "seamless" care, meaning that they would receive their contraceptive care from their usual insurer and provider. This made the case look like a conflict between an unstoppable force and an immovable object. The Supreme Court's order tries to resolve this conflict. The order was framed as a command for more briefing by all the parties something that happens occasionally at the court, even after oral argument. In its essence, however, the order described a potential compromise. It said first that the parties should consider a plan in which the religious organizations don't need to give the government notice that they don't want to provide contraceptive care. Instead, the organizations could just tell their insurers that they don't want to provide contraceptive care for religious reasons. At oral argument, former solicitor general Paul Clement, representing the religious groups, said that his clients weren't objecting to having to say they didn't want to provide contraceptive care. If that's true, this part of the compromise should more than satisfy the religious organizations. And the government shouldn't object, either, because it doesn't care with whom the forms are filed. The court then clarified that under its compromise, the religious organizations "would have no legal obligation to provide such contraceptive coverage [and] would not pay for such coverage." That's already true and should be acceptable to all. The court added that "at the same time, petitioners' insurance company aware that petitioners are not providing certain contraceptive coverage on religious grounds would separately notify petitioners' employees that the insurance company will provide cost-free contraceptive coverage." Here's where the compromise may very well fail. This part of the court's proposal would satisfy the government, which demands "seamless" contraceptive care from the same insurer and provider. But based on what was said at oral argument, it shouldn't satisfy the religious organizations, because the care would still come from the same insurer one chosen and denominated by the organizations themselves. If the existing scheme counts as hijacking, according to the organization's religious conscience, surely this would, too. What happens next? Because we're in uncharted waters, no one really knows. What seems most likely is that the solicitor general will file a brief saying the government would have no objection to such a scheme. But realistically, there isn't time for HHS to propose and adopt such regulations before late June, when the court's term ends. So the government will be speaking hypothetically. Meanwhile, the religious organizations could say that compromise wouldn't satisfy them. But even if they say it would satisfy them, they're unlikely to concede that their challenge should fail because no new regulations are yet in place. The court has no practical leverage to force a compromise. And if none is reached, the result is going to be a mess. An evenly divided court can only affirm decisions below. But different courts of appeal have resolved the exemption issue differently, with most circuits rejecting the religious organizations' claims and one circuit, the 8th, upholding their claim. So the law would be a checkerboard, differing from place to place. The court's compromise isn't that likely to succeed, mostly because the court doesn't have much experience with how and when to propose resolutions in this way. But you can't blame the justices for trying. Think of this week's order as their cry in the wilderness. Maybe someone will be listening. Bloomberg View columnist Noah Feldman is a professor of constitutional and international law at Harvard University. 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 The world is one big trend actually a billion interdependent micro-trends. We are surrounded by them. Everything that has more than one data point has a corresponding trend. Unsurprisingly, the media is obsessed with trends. Quality journalism is being buried under an avalanche of listicles enumerating trends. As an IT executive, it is critical that you stay on top of the trends that really matter. Unfortunately, there is a trend toward executives spending too much time on unimportant trends. Next-generation leaders will need to become masters at trend triage: figuring out how much time and resources to allocate to which trends. The anger trend Marian Salzman, a fellow futurist and CEO of Havas PR North America, told The Economist in December 2010, Anger is the color of the zeitgeist, and anyone who isnt tapping it risks appearing out of touch. Looking at the political discourse in this election year five years later, it would seem Salzman was on to something. But do IT executives have to tap into that anger? Truth be told, for seasoned CIOs, a useful skill is not so much managing their own anger as it is managing the aggregate anger and disappointment of those outside of IT. It has always been thus. Since the first mainframe was installed, non-IT professionals have been perturbed bordering on angry about how much computing costs, how long things take and the functionality that is ultimately delivered. IT professionals for the most part have become quite adept at dealing with the anger of relatively uninformed constituents. (Perhaps people who think a CEO would make a good president should turn to CIOs instead.) A big part of a CIOs success comes down to the ability to talk angry users off the ledge. Great CIOs have groomed formerly angry users into aggressive expecters people who try to do more with technology but understand that the path forward is a process. Technology as part of product/service design Several years ago, the head of marketing at a top business school told me that cup holders were a key part of the automotive buying decision. Today, I imagine, the far more critical factor is technology integratability the ability of a car to integrate seamlessly with the technology that consumers use in their daily lives such as cellphones, mobile apps, wearable devices, cloud services and data storage. This bespeaks a trend that extends far beyond the automotive industry; products and services today have to be designed with external technology in mind. I call this full range/free range technology. We are not so far away from the day when every product sold and service rendered will come complete with a help desk and a mobile app. Historically, IT was responsible for procuring, deploying and maintaining the technology used in manufacturing and selling a product. Now IT has to have a hand not just in the technology inside the product but also in the full range/free range technology seeking to integrate with the product. That means IT has to be included in the design, execution and delivery of products and services. I expect that rotations in product/service design will become a core part of the career path of future generations of IT leaders. Uncertain futures Uncertainty reigns. We live in a time of profound upheaval. Many feel a general sense of disorientation and worry that leaders and institutions appear to have lost their bearings. Many leaders are uncertain what will happen next and what they should do next. Before you start building bomb shelters in your back yard and stockpiling guns, ammunition and Spam in the basement, it is important that you realize that this is not the first time our species has experienced a Boy, things are really confusing moment. Uncertainty is not a new thing. Making decisions under conditions of uncertainty has been a defining characteristic of effective leaders throughout the ages. It was 82 years ago that American theologian Reinhold Niebuhr felt the need to share with parishioners his Serenity Prayer: God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. There are things we can control. There are forces that can be precisely modeled. I come back to the troika of knowledge states Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld set forth in a Feb. 12, 2002, Pentagon briefing: there are known knowns; there are things we know we know. We also know there are known unknowns; that is to say we know there are some things we do not know. But there are also unknown unknowns the ones we don't know we don't know. One of the key trends to which all leaders need to allocate significant time and resources is this: Known knowns are becoming a smaller percentage of the knowledge set. The best path forward is to accelerate your ability to get smart about the things you know you dont know and amplify your capacity to anticipate the unknown unknowns. Futurist Thornton A. May is a speaker, educator and adviser and the author of The New Know: Innovation Powered by Analytics. Visit his website at thorntonamay.com, and contact him at thornton@thorntonamay.com. 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. John Bald is a former Ofsted Inspector, and has written two books on the teaching of reading and spelling. Last Saturday, Nicky Morgan published three independent reports on the unglamorous but important topics of marking, planning and data collection. The reports are the work of independent committees, chaired by successful members of the profession Dawn Copping, Kathryn Greenhalgh and Lauren Costello and with senior representation from Ofsted. They are summed up in their shared title Eliminating unnecessary workload. The fact that there really is unnecessary workload needs explanation to people not directly involved in education. From the time I started, some people have held the view that teachers do not work hard enough and have shorter days and longer holidays than they should. For more than a few teachers, this was true, and no-one could do much about it Chris Woodheads excoriating comments in the early nineties were based on direct observation. Ive seen unplanned and pointless lessons, books left unmarked for months on end, and no record kept of pupils progress or lack of it. Very often, the worst work would be the most stoutly defended, and one secondary headteacher had the brass neck to complain to Ofsted about a colleagues supposed ignorance after he had found that English books had not been marked for six months. What we have now, though, is a culture of paperwork that wastes everybodys time for the convenience of managers and post-2005 Ofsted inspectors who think that what is written down represents what is done. This gold plating (Data report) not only has nothing to do with education, but is a direct threat to it. Teachers are being forced to write down everything they do, everything they have done, and everything they intend to do. It is burning good people out, and to no good purpose. In some GCSE classes, for example, marking amounts to rewriting the work, so that the pupil can reproduce the corrected version next day in a controlled assessment. These practices, referred to as triple and deep marking are, to me, subtle versions of fraud, but they boost GCSE scores, and will continue to do so until the governments examination reforms are fully in place. This morass began with attempts by Labours Inner London Education Authority to improve the standards reached by lower- attaining pupils by having teachers write essays about them in its Primary Language Record. It continued in Labours national strategies, and has been adopted by too many academies. It is difficult to find any section of the education service that has not contributed in some way. Taken together, these reports amount to an educational version of Dunnings motion -Paperwork has increased, is increasing, and ought to be diminished. Nicky Morgan agrees, and her response to the reports is exactly right. Nothing, she says, is more damaging to the profession than wasting the passion and expertise of teachers and school leaders on unnecessary tasks, and she has accepted all of the recommendations in each of the three reports. She also correctly identifies them as a great example of the profession taking charge of their own development. I wholeheartedly agree. These are the best-argued educational documents to come from the government since the late Sheila Brownes surveys of primary and secondary education in the seventies. Putting their sensible and practical recommendations into practice is another matter. The paperwork culture has grown up because people in positions of authority in education have found it to their advantage. They will not respond to urging from the secretary of state, from Ofsted, or from anyone else unless and until they see that it is in their interest to do so. Ms Morgan must do more than ask for a culture change throughout the system she and Ofsted need to make it happen, in practice as well as on paper. Daniel Hannan is an MEP for South-East England, and a journalist, author and broadcaster. His most recent book is Why Vote Leave. Irish citizens tend not to commemorate the formal moment of their independence, and who can blame them? The Government of Ireland Act of 1920 was, by most measures, a failure. Unpopular on both sides of the border, it ended up provoking two civil wars: a short and intense one in the Irish Free State, a sporadic and protracted one in Northern Ireland. Nor does the subsequent evolution of the Free State into a sovereign republic offer a single heroic date that might be termed independence day. Instead, Irish patriots mark the Easter Rising of 1916, a moment wrapped in high-flown language, admirable ideals and melodrama. I dont use the word melodrama lightly. Many of the leaders were playwrights, and some wore stage uniforms throughout the insurgency. Some passers-by, seeing handsome young men striking poses at the General Post Office, assumed that they were involved in some new theatrical venture. Dublin is celebrating the centenary in all manner of ways, some moving, some beautiful. The bravery with which the mutineers died, and the explicitly sacrificial, even paschal, way in which they saw their deaths, appeals to something in the Irish soul. I die that the Irish nation might live, said Sean Mac Diarmada, one of the leaders, as he faced the firing squad. And live it did: from his death came a kind of resurrection. At Easter, such feelings are powerful more so, perhaps, in Ireland than in other places. It could so easily have been different. But for the unbelievably heavy-handed response by the authorities, the Easter Rising might now be remembered, not as the birth of a nation, but as a slightly opera bouffe interlude. How many rebels were involved? Its hard to say: some people later claimed to have been out at the GPO when, as the joke of the time had it, they were really out buying stamps. Most historians reckon that there were between 1000 and 1400 active participants. By way of context, the 16th Irish Regiment suffered 4330 casualties in just three days at the Somme six months later. In one sense, it was the First World War that catalysed the insurgency. Many Irishmen had signed up in 1914, responding to appeals by the Nationalist leader, John Redmond. While most of those volunteers wanted autonomy, few wanted total severance. Republican leaders were uneasily aware that, once large numbers of veterans came home having served under the Union flag, the dream of a wholly separate state would be over. They knew they needed to act swiftly Its odd how perceptions of the two conflicts have shifted over the past century. The First World War, which enjoyed almost unanimous support at the time, is now regarded as futile to the point of criminality. The Easter Rising, by contrast, was seen by most contemporaries as irresponsible and pointless, but is now recalled as Irelands greatest moment. Why? Mainly because of the brutality with which troops, coarsened by the Western Front, responded. Dublin was treated, not as a British city, but as a rebel outpost to be bombarded. As a stunned George Bernard Shaw later observed: All that was necessary was to blockade the Post Office until its microcosmic republic was starved out and made ridiculous. What actually happened would be incredible if there were not so many living witnesses. As the ringleaders were taken out and shot in batches, public sympathy swung toward them and, by association, their ideas. Republicanism went from being a fringe doctrine to, by 1918, something very close to a settled position. The exaltation of the men of 1916 created a powerful idea in Irish politics, namely that a group of idealists without an electoral mandate or any other kind of authority might take direct action and then be retrospectively legitimised by events. That creed has a lot to answer for. It sustained the IRA and other terrorist gunmen through decades of political violence. It is hard to read the history of Britain and Ireland without wanting to weep at the missed opportunities. For more than a century, Westminster had played catch-up in its Irish policy, always addressing a previous problem. By the time religious equality was proclaimed in 1829 (something Pitt intended as a parallel to the 1801 Act of Union) the argument had moved on to land reform. By the time the government began to address landlords abuses, the argument had moved on to Home Rule. By the time Home Rule finally got through Parliament, the argument had moved onto independence. Yet even by 1916, it was not inevitable that the blood-dimmed tide would be loosed. A modicum of sensitivity at Westminster might have seen the Easter Rising fizzle out, and the delayed 1912 Home Rule Act implemented after the war. Ireland might have evolved peacefully into a self-governing Commonwealth ally rather as, say, New Zealand did. How many guns might have been silenced, how much sorrow stopped up? It has taken us a century to reach what ought to be the natural state of amity between two peoples alike in language and law, custom and kinship. In the process we went through the estrangement of the Second World War and the horror of the Troubles. Although ordinary people stubbornly maintained their habits of intermixture and intermarriage, the two governments saw their relations deteriorate to the point where, in 1969, the Irish Cabinet was discussing whether to send troops in anger across the border. And for what? Simply to get to the present arrangement, where kindred peoples share an archipelago with mutual respect? Surely there were swifter and surer routes. Was it needless death after all? asked Yeats. Yes. Thats what makes it so unutterably sad. In a fiery piece last week on this site, Luke de Pulford denounced the Foreign Office for averting its gaze as genocide is wreaked upon the Yazidis. He urged the British Government to declare it will do all it can to ensure the perpetrators of such crimes are brought to justice. My purpose in this piece is rather different. It is to wonder how such atrocities can be averted in the first place. Easter Sunday saw a murderous attack, in which at least 70 people died, aimed by a Taliban splinter group at Christians in Lahore. That was a reminder of the mortal danger posed by malevolent sectarians to all who fall outside their narrow, nihilistic definition of faith, including many millions of Muslims, the unfortunate Yazidis, and Christian communities which have existed since the time of Christ. How have those Christian communities survived for so long? During the greater part of their history, they accommodated themselves to various empires. For the imperialists, whether Roman or Ottoman, knew they could only rule with the consent of a considerable proportion of the governed, who were generally divided, in any considerable territory, into an almost indescribably complicated mixture of peoples. The imperialist may arrive as a conqueror, but in order to survive for centuries, finds it indispensable to acquire reliable local allies, who know they would be worse off under any other dispensation. So empires tend to look with favour on minorities who are prepared to take the pragmatic view, preferring prosperity within the empire to finding themselves on the losing side in the civil war which would follow the decline and fall of Rome or Constantinople. For a brief spell, by Roman standards, Britain, France and latterly the United States tried to step into the gap left by the Ottomans. But conditions were unfavourable, for this period saw the rise of nationalism. Nineteenth-century liberals regarded nationalism as an overwhelmingly positive development. The nation was the community within which parliamentary government could develop, enabling a growth of freedom far greater than had been possible in the days of the unwieldy and anachronistic empires beneath which the aspirant nations were stifled and subjugated. In the 20th century, this optimistic view of nationalism as the precursor to democracy became harder to sustain. In Italy and Germany, two newly united nations, liberalism failed and fascism flourished. In Russia, liberalism also failed, and yielded to a communism which became, like Nazism, a mercilessly expansionist ideology, bent on exterminating those whom it identified as its opponents. So liberals became less keen on nationalism. Nowadays, they are more likely to support the European Union, which they see as an antidote to nationalism. Liberals could not, however, bring themselves to renounce or even qualify their approval of democracy. It would be too cruel, too immoral, too unfair to deny the blessings of self-government to any country which demanded them. After the Second World War, the British Empire was quickly wound up, for in the state of public opinion then existing, no other course was defensible. But as Alec Douglas-Home remarked in his memoir, The Way the Wind Blows, published in 1976, Looking back it seems we were almost crazily quixotic to persuade ourselves that such political refinements as tolerance of parliamentary opposition, and restraint in the use of political power which it had taken us six hundred years to design, could take root in one or two generations. And this crazily quixotic outlook endures to this day. As we watched the Arab Spring unfold on our television screens, it was very difficult to avoid hoping and even believing that here was the long-delayed arrival of democracy. The present condition of such countries as Iraq, Libya and Syria does nothing to confirm the supposition that the overthrow of a despot will lead to the setting up of a democracy. In Syria, the despot remains in partial control, but no one is now naive enough to suppose that getting rid of Assad would on its own constitute a solution. In 1968, Ken Minogue published a book, Nationalism, in which he remarked that joy at independence was often rather muted among tribes like the Ashanti in Ghana, or the Muslims living in India, among the Chinese in Malaysia, and Asians (generally Indians) in East Africa. Nationalism, as Minogue observes, appears to be a love for an abstraction of the nation, and that abstraction may have none but the most tenuous connection with the concrete national life. Clemenceau loving France and rather disliking Frenchmen expresses this paradox of nationalism. What we find, in fact, is involvement in a fantasy, and those involved in a fantasy are liable to violent and unpredictable rage if the world fails to fit their dreams. Pregnant words. But I have strayed from my original purpose, which was to try to say what we should do about the Yazidis, Muslims, Christians and many others suffering atrocious persecution at the very time as I enjoy the luxury of composing this article. Some of the persecuted we must welcome into our own homes. But a much greater service would be to render their present habitations habitable. And here is it a fatuous illusion (or crazily quixotic, as Home put it) to suppose there is a liberal way of proceeding. We cannot bring back the Ottoman Empire. Nor, since Suez, has the British Empire been a going concern. Nor are the Americans in the mood to take up the burden. But the unhappy truth is that an empire, even a badly run one, would a offer greater safety to endangered minorities than the present vacuum does. Illegitimate Biometric Identification Projects Compromise Sovereignty Of Nations In South Asia By Citizens Forum for Civil Liberties 31 March, 2016 Countercurrents.org New Delhi: Even as the urgent order of Chief Justice of India headed 5 Judge bench in the Aadhaar matter awaits compliance, a Press Conference on Are Aadhaar like biometric identification projects in India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan legitimate? was organized on 30th March, 2016 at The Foreign Correspondents Club of South Asia, New Delhi. High Court Division of Supreme Court of Bangladesh is also seized with a matter related to biometric identification project. In a related development a Panel of Nepals Public Accounts Committee is examining the issues related to their biometric data based Voter ID project. in the matter of Aadhaar Act, 2006, P D T Achary, former Secretary General, Lok Sabha said that it comes under the category of financial bills under Article 117 and not under the category of Money Bill. He said, Article 110(3) confirms finality on the speakers decision on the question of whether a bill is a money bill. But this constitutional provision cannot be seen as a convenient tool to deal with an inconvenient second chamber. The Constitution reposes faith in the speakers fairness and objectivity. Article 110(1) provides the touchstone of the decision to be taken by the speaker under Article 110(3). Any decision actuated by extraneous considerations cant be a proper decision under Article 110(3). The speakers decision needs to be in conformity with the constitutional provisions. If not, it is no decision under the Constitution. He underlined that Aadhaar legislation which dressed up as Money Bill on a fake ground because Aadhaar is incidental to the subsidy. He stated that tomorrow even if subsidy can be abolished Aadhaar will continue to be there. He said that Supreme Court will have to examine whether Lok Sabha has the competence and power to expose people to grave risks. Speakers power is not absolute under the Constitution of India. It can be challenged in a Court of law. In a statement for the Press conference Dr. M Vijayanunni, former Registrar General and Census Commissioner and former Chief Secretary of Government of Kerala said, China, which is the other country in the world comparable to India in terms of size and diversity of population, abandoned its universal ID system midway in the face of insurmountable problems encountered during its implementation, despite the supposed advantage of their totalitarian system in pushing through such a humongous but ill-advised project. He states, While the USA has the social security number for all residents, it does not intrude into the privacy of the individuals and is so liberally implemented that it does not block or stand in the way of getting any deserved benefits from the state or from availing of any services from other agencies. Dr. M Vijayanunni stated that The government's attraction to the project is the supposed reduction achieved in disbursal of subsidies through avoidance of duplicate and bogus claims. This has to be achieved through other administrative modalities in each individual scheme rather than by steamrolling it through an uncaring denial of thousands of claims based merely on faults in the biometric and data retrieval systems. The real pressure for continuance of the scheme will be from the police and secret surveillance systems to pry into the privacy of everyone which gives them unlimited powers over the lives of helpless individuals and enjoy unchallenged supremacy in the days to come. That will sound the death-knell of freedom and democracy. He said, There have been umpteen complaints from the affected citizens in the actual collection and collation of the biometric and personal data in the field so far and the project is engulfed in the tears and curses of lakhs of people of all social strata up against the uncaring ways of the officials doing the aadhaar exercise. It is pulling wool over one's eyes if it were to be claimed that it has been perfectly implemented so far. Dr Usha Ramanathan, a jurist said, Biometrics, unlike passwords or pin numbers, cannot be replaced. What is a person supposed to do if their biometrics get compromised? We know now that fingerprints, for instance, can be faked, that they can be `lost because someone `stole them, that they can become unusable because of a range of reasons, including that their work wears out their fingerprints or that working in the sun affects iris recognition. This is a risk that is being foisted on the people, and no one else is willing to accept liability for the harm and loss that this may cause. She said, in making biometrics compulsory for the poor, the poor are being told that they do not have any interest in privacy, and that they should only care about the money they may get from the government or the food that may be provided. This reduction of citizenship of the poor person to a rightless welfare recipient is itself unconstitutional. She stated, This project has made it necessary to remind the governments that the Constitution is not about the power of the state over the people. It is about the limits of state power. In a statement for the Press Conference Col. Mathew Thomas, a defense scientist and a petitioner before the Supreme Court of India against Aadhaar said, Putting the biometric and demographic data of all Armed Forces personnel into a database, which is accessed by foreign private companies, hands over the entire deployment of the Nations Defenses to foreigners. I think that UID is more dangerous than Masood Azhar. He can at best try a terror strike. UID makes our nation subservient to a foreign power. It takes away our freedom. Is there anti-nationalism that is worse than handing over the entire biometric and demographic data of the Nation to private foreign contractors and hiding the fact from its people? He said, The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance has repeatedly said that UID is a threat to national security. The present National Security Adviser and a cabinet minister are on record on camera saying that UID is a threat to national security. The danger to national security is not only from illegal immigrants entering UID database, but from the foreign private companies who are providing biometric technology to UIDAI. These foreign firms were founded by former CIA and FBI officials and are contractors to US intelligence agents. Clauses 15.1 of Annexure A and 3.1 B of the contract of UIDAI with M/s L 1 Identity Solutions Operating Company, a foreign company, provide it access to ALL personal data in the UID database and the use, transfer, processing and linking of the data with personal data of specific individuals. Putting the biometric and demographic data of all Armed Forces personnel into a database, which is accessed by foreign private companies, hands over the entire deployment of the Nations Defenses to foreigners. The biggest threat is NOT just the UID database, but linking it through seeding of the UID Number to all other databases of the Nation, like, PDS, LPG, salaries, scholarships, health records, pensions, SEBI, voter lists etc. India and Pakistan are two countries which are using the same foreign private companies for biometric technology for setting national databases UID in India and NADRA in Pakistan. No greater stupidity can ever be imagined. With this India will not just be re-booted, it will be booted (kicked) into a vassal state of a foreign power along with its neighbor, Pakistan. Dr Gopal Krishna of Citizens Forum for Civil Liberties (CFCL) said, following the footprints of Pakistan, Government of India set up Unique Identification Authority (UIDAI) of India in January 2009 for biometric identification of Indian residents. The biometric data based Unique Identification (UID) Number branded as Aadhaar is being made structurally irreversible. The transnational companies like Ernst & Young. L1 Identities Solution, Safran and Accenture are involved in it. Ironically, these companies are taking the personal sensitive information for seven years and Government is paying for it. At no stage was the political class briefed about the far reaching implications for right to privacy, national security and national sovereignty. Governments ambitious Digital India project seeks to link mobile SIM cards with the unique identity number (UID) or Aadhaar. The development comes close on the heels of the Cabinet approving the blueprint for the Digital India project. It will also provide "high-speed internet as a core utility" down to the gram panchayat level and a cradle-to-grave digital identity - unique, lifelong, online and authenticable. One of the most successful examples of implementation of biometric identification is Pakistan. Even SIM card for mobile in Pakistan is done based on biometric identification. Pakistani authorities May 16, 2015 said they have authenticated 75.5 million SIM cards through biometric verification. In an interview, Julian Assange, founder of WikiLeaks informed Imran Khan about the grave act of omission and commission. Assange said, we discovered a cable in 2009 from the Islamabad Embassy. Prime minister Gilani and interior minister Malik went into the (US) embassy and offered to share National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and NADRA is the national data and registration agency database. The system is currently connected through passport data but the government of Pakistan is adding voice and facial recognition capability and has installed a pilot biometric system as the Chennai border crossing, where 30,000 to 35,000 people cross each day. This NADRA system is the voting record system for all voters in Pakistan. A front company was set up in the United Kingdom International Identity Services, which was hired as the consultants for NADRA to squirrel out the NADRA data for all of Pakistan. What do you think about that? Is that a? It seems to me that that is a theft of some national treasure of Pakistan, the entire Pakistani database registry of its people. The interview was conducted on June 19, 2012. In a related development, on December 16, 2015 Bangladesh introduced: mandatory biometric registration for all SIM card owners. With this new system in place, every mobile phone SIM card will be associated with its user's identity as it appears in the national identity card database of the Election Commission. Every SIM card owner will be asked to verify their identity by providing their fingerprint, which will be checked against the fingerprint data associated with their national identification. Each person will be allowed to register a maximum of twenty mobile phone SIM cards to their national identity card. This scheme connects communications data together with individual, government-assigned identities. By implication it allows the government to have unprecedented oversight on daily lives of Bangladeshi citizens. In an email communication dated March 30, 2016, Aneek R Haque, lead lawyer from Dhaka, Bangladesh informed, Although the hearing was to take place today, but the Govt. today wasted the day by arguing question of maintainability. Ultimately the High Court ruled their objection out and fixed sunday for hearing. Like in India the biometric project faces legal challenge before the High Court Division of Bangladesh Supreme Court. Responding to a complaint Nepal's Parliamentary Accounts Committee (PAC) raised a national security concern over the contract to be awarded to Morpho Safran, a French company working in India, for preparing the national identity card on 4th January, 2016. Its members argued that any firm belonging to, or working in India or China, should not be awarded such a sensitive project as preparing the national identity card that contains all vital information on Nepali citizens. The National Identity Management Centre (NIDMC) has chosen Morpho Safran to print the national IDs, the same firm that had been disqualified earlier for a conflict of interests. Only Morpho Safran was deemed technically eligible to set up infrastructure and print the ID cards. While the selection has to be approved by the funding agency, Asian Development Bank (ADB), the fact that only one firm was found to be technically eligible has raised many an eyebrow. PAC members claimed that Morphos subsidiary firm is involved in many projects in India including in preparing a similar kind of national identity card (Aadhaar). The NIDMC of Nepal's Home Ministry qualified Morpho Safran technically among five other bidders namely, Gemalto (France), IRIS Corporation (Malaysia), Informatics (Sri Lanka), Dermalog and Arjowiggins (France). Nepals PAC formed a panel to see if there are irregularities in picking only one firm. In June, 2015 the Nepal Government had called a global tender for procurement and installation of hardware at its offices and all project sites. The Asian Development Bank extended an $8 million loan for the project while the rest is to be financed by the World Bank. The report is yet to see the light of the day. It is evident that governments of Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan and India are following the footprints of an experiment which has tried, tested and failed in the developed countries. For instance, has NADRA been made accountable for this theft of national treasure of Pakistan? Will these governments be made accountable if rich data assets are stolen or sold? Has anyone been made accountable till date in such situations? It may be recalled that on 23rd April 2010, the World Bank had launched its eTransform Initiative by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with France and South Korea besides transnational companies like L-1 Identity Solutions, IBM, Gemalto, Pfizer and others. It was launched in the presence of Ministers of Finance and Communications from many developing countries. The World Bank is currently funding 14 projects related to e-government and e-ID around the world. These projects are unfolding under the influence of international finance and not because there was a domestic need for it. Let us ponder over few questions:- Is it a coincidence that the similar schemes are unfolding in South Asia? Isnt there a design behind persuading and compelling developing countries to biometrically profile their citizens? Is it too early to infer that international bankers, UN agencies and western military alliances wish to create profiles in their biometric and electronic database for coercive use of social control measures? Is it not true that uninformed citizens, parliamentarians and gullible government agencies are too eager to be profiled and tracked through an online database? Would freedom fighters have approved of mass surveillance by any national or transnational agency? Is it not clear that UN agencies, World Bank Group, transnational intelligence companies and military alliances are working in tandem to create the bio-electronic database of Indians, Pakistanis and Bangladeshi as per their pre-determined design? Is this design structured to safeguard the interest of present and future generation? The section of political class which has resisted the Faustian bargain so far must examine these questions and put these biometric agencies to rigorous scrutiny to make them subservient to peoples will. Citizens must compel these national governments to explain how national security of US, France and their allies converge with the national interest of India, Nepal, Pakistan and Bangladesh. There is evidence in public domain that indicates that under the influence of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and World Bank, Governments of India, Bangladesh and Pakistan have been compelled to adopt biometric identification for its residents. In the aftermath of disclosures by Wikileaks, Edward Snowden, Citizen Four, Glenn Greenwald and the surveillance by unaccountable institutions, now that the fearful ramifications are visible on the horizon, the question is who is stopping, the political class in the region to desist from allowing subjugation of their fellow citizens to be subjugated by transnational imperial powers. Now that Aadhaar Act, 2016 has been notified in the Gazette after it received the Presidents assent, the press conference is aimed at examining the constitutionality and legitimacy of such initiatives in a global and South Asian context. Supreme Court of India is seized with the matter. Election Commission of India has refused to link Aadhaar with Voter ID in compliance with Courts order. Governments of India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal appear to have been compelled to adopt biometric identification for its residents ignoring the fact that countries like UK, USA, China, Australia, and France have abandoned either their identity projects or indiscriminate use of biometrics. But the same has been bulldozed in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal. It is evident that illegitimate advances of transnational entities are being legalized. Mass surveillance is harming democracy. It is silencing minorities of all ilk. Those who shared their views with the media included P D T Achary, former Secretary General, Lok Sabha, Dr Usha Ramanathan, noted jurist, Dr. M Vijayanunni, former Registrar General and Census Commissioner and Dr Gopal Krishna of Citizens Forum for Civil Liberties (CFCL). Other eminent citizens also shared their views. Citizens Forum for Civil Liberties (CFCL) has been working on the issue of biometric identification and related issues since 2010. It had submitted testimony before India's Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance that examined the Aadhaar Bill, 2010 that was meant to legitimize Unique Identification Authority (UIDAI) of India. The statements of the panelists are attached as well along with a Press Release in Hindi. For Details: Gopal Krishna, Citizens Forum for Civil Liberties (CFCL), Mb: 09818089660, 08227816731, E-mail-1715krishna@gmail.com, Ramesh, Indian Social Action Forum, Mb: 9818111562 Email: rameshinsaf@gmail.com Schlissel said, Based on the actual history of new AP1000 reactor construction, the first new reactors at Mithi Virdi will take 11 to 15 years to build if approved, even assuming no delays. This means that if licensing were completed and site preparations were to begin in 2017an optimistic assumption in itselfnone of the new reactors at Mithi Virdi would generate any power for the electric grid until sometime between 2029 and 2032. Pointing out that the remaining units at each project are unlikely to be completed, if approved, until late in the 2030, he said, The cost of building the first two units at Mithi Virdi will be between Rs 20 crore and Rs 40 crore per Megawatt (MW). This is against per MW cost of Rs 5-6 crore for building a coal-based plant or near about the same for solar power plant. Even if no significant problems are experienced during construction, IEEFA estimates that the first-year tariffs for Mithi Virdi in 2029 likely would range from Rs. 11.18 to Rs. 22.12 per kilowatt hour (KWH), with levelized tariffs of Rs 9.05 to Rs 17.75 per KWH. This range reflects the substantial uncertainty in the actual cost of building the plants, the expert said. These tariffs would mean significantly higher electricity prices for consumers unless the Indian government provides long-term and probably unsustainable subsidies, Schlisser said, adding, he has based his estimates on the experience of new eight Westinghouse AP1000 reactor units, four each for China and the US, which are under preparation. The technology has not been used earlier, the expert contended, adding, This is one reason why there is delay of several years both in China and the US. There are fabrication and quality control issues, one reason why their prices are escalating with every passing year. IEEFAs analysis is based on low risk scenarios where no significant delays are experienced by the Mithi Virdi project due to technological challenges, public opposition to land acquisition and legal question such as the issue of liability for nuclear accidents, the expert said. In 2013, IEEFA created a flutter by warning investors in its report Remote Prospects: A financial analysis of Adanis coal gamble in Australias Galilee Basin that the controversial 60 million tonne per annum Carmichael coal mine and infrastructure project is uncommercial, adding, The low energy and high ash content are major constraints to the value of the coal.While the IEEFAs report on the Adani coalmining project in Australia was prepared by Tom Sanzillo and Tim Buckley, following a request by top international environmental NGO Greenpeace, the request for a report on NPCILs N-plants in India was made by several Indian environmental NGOs, including Gujarat-based NGO Parayvaran Suraksha Samiti. SHARE By Susan Orr of the Courier and Press A civil suit filed against Vectren can move forward on one part of a two-part complaint, a federal judge ruled this week. The suit, filed in March 2015 by a group of 17 current and former Vectren employees, is at heart a dispute over retirement benefits. All of the plaintiffs are former employees of Southern Indiana Gas and Electric, or SIGECO, which became a Vectren subsidiary in 2000. As part of that transition, Vectren gave SIGECO employees an option of whether to continue with SIGECO's defined-benefit retirement plan or switch to Vectren's cash-balance plan. The plaintiffs' complaint had two parts. In Count 1, they alleged that Vectren misled them about the plans, causing them to choose the cash-balance plan when they would have done better to keep their SIGECO plan. In Count 2, the plaintiffs alleged that Vectren illegally decreased their benefits in violation of federal law. Vectren responded by asking the court to enter a summary judgment in its favor. Vectren also argued that the six-year statute of limitations to file claims had run out. Last week, attorneys for both sides met with U.S. District Court Judge Richard Young in Evansville to discuss the matter in open court. Young said at the time that he was seeking additional clarity because of the complexities of the case. In an opinion issued Tuesday, Young ruled that Count 1 should be allowed to move forward and that Count 2 should be dismissed. But in his ruling, Young also said "the statute of limitations argument is a close call," especially at this early stage of the case. One of the plaintiffs' attorneys, Todd Barsumian, said the judge's ruling is a positive development for his clients. "We certainly look at this as giving our clients a chance to have their rights vindicated." Attorneys for Vectren could not be reached for comment. SHARE By Mark Wilson of the Courier and Press Kevar Thomas appeared in court Thursday to face a reckless homicide charge after being indicted for the death of a 17-year-old boy inside an Evansville apartment last year. Attorney Andrew Pittman, a public defender, was appointed to represent Thomas because he also represents him in a pending drug case. Thomas is scheduled to return to court at 1 p.m. April 21. Deviante Gaines was originally reported to have accidently shot himself, according to the Evansville Police Department. Thomas' alleged involvement in the shooting remain unclear because he was charged by grand jury indictment and details have not been made public. In Indiana, prosecutors file criminal charges either through information or indictment. When a person is charged by information, a judge determines if there is "probable cause" to arrest or hold the person for the charge. A probable cause affidavit describing the evidence to support the charge is public record. However, probable cause affidavits are not filed when a person is charged by grand jury indictment because it is the grand jury determining if the person should be charged. Divulging grand jury information is a crime in Indiana. Thomas, 19, was one of six people indicted as part of the grand jury hearings targeting gun violence and gang activity in the city. He is being lodged at the Vanderburgh County jail on a bond of $50,000 surety or $5,000 cash. He is accused in the death of Gaines who was shot once in the stomach in an apartment in July 2015. Gaines' death was reported to 911 as an self-inflicted accident, but investigators have repeatedly said they were seeking more information before making an official determination. Gaines was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said at the time that they believed several people were inside the apartment when Gaines was fatally injured and that a revolver was found inside the apartment near Gaines' body. Thomas also faces felony charges of dealing methamphetamine and dealing cocaine after he was arrested in October 2015 as part of an investigation into several local drug trafficking organizations. JASON CLARK / COURIER & PRESS Sara Miller (center), with Old National Bank, speaks with ATHENA Award finalists Chase Kelley (left) and Rachel Mayes after Miller was announced as the 2016 ATHENA Award winner during the annual ATHENA Award luncheon at the Old National Bank Events Plaza in Evansville earlier this year. SHARE JASON CLARK / COURIER & PRESS Sara Miller (right), with Old National Bank, shares a hug with 2014 ATHENA Award recipient Sheila Huff after it was announced that Miller is the 2016 winner during the annual ATHENA Award luncheon at the Old National Bank Events Plaza in Evansville earlier this year. By Abbey Doyle of the Courier and Press After 25 years of honoring the area's women with the ATHENA Award, the group of nominees wanted to do more for upcoming female leaders in the community. The group of 10 leaders from different sectors of the community created Women 4 Women, which is offering three upcoming seminars for college women at the three area universities. While Sara Miller, southern region CEO of Old National Bank, was the ultimate winner of the 2016 ATHENA among the group of nominees, she stressed that Women 4 Women was a collaborative effort and was created while the group of nominees had gathered early on. "The goal is to 'pay it forward,' " Miller said. "We will use this forum to share the experience and knowledge we have gained to educate, develop and retain a talented group of future leaders." The seminars Monday at USI, Wednesday at Ivy Tech and April 12 at the University of Evansville will focus on skills for personal development, career identification, resume building and interviewing, developing a personal brand and volunteering and networking. In addition to Miller, 2016 finalists include Nikki Davis of SMILE on Down Syndrome, Pam Hight with the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corp., Chase Kelley with Vectren, Rachel Mayes with Alcoa, Linda Negro, formerly with the Courier & Press, Stephanie Roland with Old National Bank, Misty Seaton with Vectren, Holly Smith with St. Mary's Medical Center and Trudy Stock with Harding, Shymanski & Company. ATHENA winners and finalists from previous years will join the women as well. Miller said the students will get to hear from many of this year's 10 finalists as well as several from years past talking about the things that worked, and in many cases, didn't work for them. With 25 years of ATHENA nominees there are 250 incredible women with a broad base of experience to pull from, Miller said. The group forming Women 4 Women are hopeful to continue the seminars and mentoring beyond this first round, creating a program that sustains itself and grows each year with a new round of ATHENA nominees. "I think having that voice of someone who has been there and experienced it is helpful," Miller said. "Our intent is to make sure we are doing what we can to help keep and retain talent here in our local community." Students who attend the free seminars may also sign up to shadow a businesswoman and past ATHENA finalists in their fields of interest. Merrill Harper, director of events for the Southwest Indiana Chamber, said the Women 4 Women workshops are a great resource. "The Women 4 Women workshops offer local students access to female role models who are actively making a difference in our community and improving the quality of life for those around them," Harper said. "These students are our future ATHENA finalists, and they now have the opportunity to gain valuable professional development skills to help them succeed after graduation." The three free programs are open to students at any schools, not just the schools hosting the program. Attendees are encouraged to register ahead of time. The program at USI is 5-7 p.m. Monday in University Center Room 2207. Register at members.swinchamber.com/events/details/women-4-women-at-usi-2340. Ivy Tech's session is 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday in the Ivy Tech Auditorium. Register at members.swinchamber.com/events/details/women-4-women-at-ivy-tech-2338. The program at UE is 4-5:30 p.m. April 12 in the UE Schroeder School of Business Room 162. Register at members.swinchamber.com/events/details/women-4-women-at-ue-2339. For questions or additional information, please contact the Southwest Indiana Chamber at 812-425-8147. Nerdism Chad Roberts, owner About 10 years ago I decided I didnt like working for somebody else and thought it would be a good idea to go out on my own. It started with me and one other guy, and in the second year I bought out my business partner. We have grown and grown from there. Now we are in a big shop in the homemaker centre and I have four techs. We repair and sell and do all the rest of it, and we also have a corporate side that does managed services. About three years ago the Leading Edge store closed and I saw the opportunity. I used to work for a Leading Edge store when I was 18 and knew how good they are. The way things are going with the market over the next few years, you need to be associated with somebody and I see Leading Edge as really well run youve got everyone there at your disposal without having to pay thousands. I helped them start Smart Choice Tech Repairs for mobile phones and thats going quite well. Im operational manager and help the stores set up and get going. FACT FILE Headcount 5 5 Established 2006 2006 Director Chad Roberts Chad Roberts Main vendors Toshiba, Lenovo, Acer, Leader Phoenix IT Ryan Bilsby, managing director I started the business in my last year of university in 1996. Id been working for the man since I was 12, so thought Id see if I could do it myself. The business was able to sustain itself and I won a Telstra Young Business Achiever Award in 2001, slowly growing from there. I started off doing technical and network support, but my core trade is software engineering. We have two sides to the business IT support and software development, which is writing software, dynamic websites and now apps. We are generally a Microsoft shop but support Apple devices too. We do high-level networking when required and are getting more referrals from eastern state companies that subcontract to us, plus we do internet connections for AAPT and Optus. We do more and more cloud stuff, but it is more educating clients about what it means and what the real impacts are, especially being regional and not having the bandwidth that the capital cities have. FACT FILE Headcount 6 6 Established 1996 1996 Director Ryan Bilsby Ryan Bilsby Main vendor Microsoft IVC Computer Services Ian Chen, director I started IVC in 1991. Weve grown from there to be 13 of us now. We have a two divisions. IVC is retail and we have our corporate division, offering data back-ups, cloud services and disaster recovery. There is potential growth in data backup and disaster recovery. The break and fix work is dying because computers are so cheap now. The future looks pretty bleak for selling computers, because the volumes arent there and nor are the margins. You have to think ahead, otherwise you would just walk away. Weve got good and loyal staff working for us. You cant just sell things and forget it if you cant support it. Bunbury is a small town everybody knows everybody, particularly on the corporate side. FACT FILE The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has ruled that US online video game reseller Valve was in breach of Australian Consumer Law by telling customers they were not entitled to a refund for digital software. The case began in August 2014 when the ACCC sued Valve for not providing customers with a way to refund products. Valve argued that it doesnt officially conduct business in Australia, and that providing access to digital software through its online distribution platform Steam doesnt fall under Australias definition of goods. The Australian federal court ruled that Valve was indeed operating within Australia, and is therefore obligated to offer refunds in line with Australian consumer law. The court also found that Valve excluded statutory guarantees and/or warranties that goods would be of acceptable quality and restricted or modified statutory guarantees and/or warranties of acceptable quality. ACCC chairman Rod Sims noted that it was the first time Australian courts have applied the term goods to software, and reinforced that foreign companies are required to abide by Australian consumer law. In this case, Valve is a US company operating mainly outside Australia, but, in making representations to Australian consumers, the federal court has found that Valve engaged in conduct in Australia, said Sims. It is also significant that the court held that, in any case, based on the facts, Valve was carrying on business in Australia. In June 2015, Valve implemented a global refund system, allowing customers to return digital software for any reason, provided the purchase was made less than 14 days ago and has been used for less than two hours. The US-based companys Steam platform is available in 237 countries with a subscriber base of around 125 million as of February 2015. Steam predominately distributes video games, as well as software development tools and movies. A hearing on relief will be held at a later date. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate HARTFORD Commissioner of Education Dianna Wentzel knows what its like to teach struggling students and work with shoestring budgets. That much was made clear as she spent a full day on the stand Wednesday, talking not so much about the state of public education in Connecticut, but the nitty-gritty of her 25-year career as a teacher and administrator, helping students and teachers figure out solutions to learning challenges. I learned a lot about how much can be done to leverage resources, Wentzell said on the stand in Hartford, describing to state Superior Court Judge Thomas Moukawsher the empowering feeling of helping establish a middle school mock-trial team when she taught in East Haddam. Wentzel testified she also knows firsthand the difference teachers can make in helping struggling eighth-graders get on grade level before high school. After a two-week break, the trial that could determine whether the state is meeting its constitutional obligation to properly fund Connecticuts public schools resumed on Wednesday. The Connecticut Coalition for Justice in Education v. M. Jodi Rell pits a broad-based coalition of educational organizations, unions, municipal leaders and parents against the state. The coalition argues that the property-tax-reliant system of funding education in Connecticut is broken. The state maintains it is paying what it can, and more money wont necessarily buy better test scores. Just before the break, the plaintiffs rested their case. Since January, they offered dozens of witness, including a number of Bridgeport and Danbury educators who described knowing how to provide adequate education to underprivileged students, but lacking sufficient resources to get the job done. Wentzell, who became commissioner a year ago, was the states first witness. She spent the entire day not answering big-picture questions, but describing her experiences as a social studies teacher, first in Farmington, before spending a year in Pakistan on a Fulbright Scholarship. I learned a great deal, and how to present content when children dont speak English, she said. It was 1992, Wentzell said, and the idea of supporting individual learning goals and changing instruction to suit the child was not something she had been taught in college. She returned to Farmington and became a resource teacher for gifted students. Over the years, Wentzell has also worked in East Haddam, East Hartford, South Windsor, Hartford, and finally the state Department of Education as Chief Academic Officer, before being tapped as commissioner. Over the years, Wentzell said, she became good at finding ways to get things done with limited resources and to work with teachers on curriculum development and meeting students at their level. lclambeck@ctpost.com; @lclambeck Ned Gerard / Ned Gerard BRIDGEPORT For the second year in a row, students from Fairchild Wheeler are headed to Chicago next month to participate in MathCON, a prestigious academic math competition. Last year, two students from Fairchild represented. This year, five from the Aerospace School at the inter-district magnet complex were among 564 student chosen for the competition which will be held April 23 at the University of Illinois at Chicago. GREENWICH By day, he got grief for eating pizza with a fork in Queens, N.Y. By night, John Kasich ate pizza with his hands Wednesday at the $27 million Connecticut mansion of a political rainmaker, where theres no such thing as a slice for a buck. It was all in days work for the Ohio governor, who is chasing Donald Trump and Ted Cruz in the Republican presidential field. Kasich quietly squeezed in a fundraising excursion to Greenwich after taping a MSNBC town hall special in the Howard Beach section of Queens, a stark contrast for a candidate that has accentuated his blue-collar mantra. His Connecticut supporters say the Kasich brand a swing state governor and former House budget chairman is well suited to the states moderate political terrain. It will be tested April 26, when Republican primary voters cast their ballots here. Connecticut is strategic linchpin in showing that hes an individual that is staying through until the convention, said state Sen. Tony Hwang, R-Fairfield, Kasichs Connecticut campaign chairman. We truly believe that he can win Connecticut. Hearst Connecticut Media has learned that Kasich was the guest of investor Ian McKinnon and his socialite wife, Sonnet McKinnon, whose 18,000-foot, five-bedroom and nine-bathroom Riverside estate overlooks Long Island Sound. Ironically, on the next promontory to the west is a $54 million compound once owned by Trump that has been on the market for more than a year. Further down the coastline is a $30 million estate where Hillary Clinton raised $200,000 last June for her presidential bid. Kasich was greeted by some 60 supporters Wednesday night, many of whom gave at least $2,700 for the primary phase of his campaign. Among those in attendance was Kasichs former House colleague, Christopher Shays, who represented Fairfield County in Congress from 1987 through 2008. Shays has accompanied Kasich to dozens of town hall events in New Hampshire, as well as Michigan. State Reps. Fred Camillo, R-151st District, and Mike Bocchino, R-150th District were on the guest list, as well as former state Sen. William Nickerson, R-Greenwich. So far, Kasich has won just his home state of Ohio, but is seeking to be the beneficiary of a brokered convention if Trump fails to get to the 1,237 delegate magic number for clinching the nomination. During a question-and-answer session Wednesday night, Kasich was said to have avoided the topic of Trump. At the end of the day, the governors focus is, look, hes going to take the high road to the office, Hwang said. McKinnon is a founding partner of the investment firm Sandia Holdings LLC and is a prolific donor to both Republicans and Democrats, giving nearly $300,000 to candidates and parties during the past decade. In January, he contributed $50,000 to New Day for America, a super PAC for Kasich. neil.vigdor@scni.com; 203-625-4436; http://twitter.com/gettinviggy This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate BRIDGEPORT - Corrinna Martins eyes welled with tears as she realized Thursday afternoon that for the second time in a year a jury was not going to bring her justice in the murder of her 20-year-old daughter, Alyssiah Marie Wiley. No, not again, she cried as she sat in the back of the Main Street courtroom. But after eight and a half days of deliberation in which the jury of eight men and four women twice said they were deadlocked on a verdict, Superior Court Judge Robin Pavia said she had no choice but to declare a mistrial. Jermaine Richards, a private-duty nurse, accused of killing Wiley and dismembering her body, was led away and state prosecutors asked the judge to once again put the case down for another trial. Last year another jury deadlocked on a verdict in the case. Justice will prevail if not today, than hopefully tomorrow, Martin sobbed later. I want to thank the jury and the judge and especially the prosecutors. This was a very difficult and hard task they had and everyone did it valiantly I just wish the outcome had been different. From the beginning the case had been an uphill battle for prosecutors Joseph Corradino and Ann Lawlor. The jury worked very diligently, unfortunately they could not arrive at a verdict, Corradino said later. Jurors declined comment as they were hurriedly escorted from the courthouse by judicial marshals. The jury worked diligently and hard on this case and they are to be commended, said Richards lawyer, Leo Ahern. Wiley, a sophomore at Eastern Connecticut State University, was last seen getting into Richards car outside her dorm at Eastern Connecticut State University on April 19, 2013. Three days after Wiley disappeared from the Willimantic campus state police began a state-wide search. More than three-dozen officers interviewed the West Haven girls teachers and friends at the university, spot checks were set up around the campus and 350 people were questioned. More than 300 tons of trash were gone through at the local garbage incinerator with cadaver dogs, scuba teams plied the river. But no sign of her was found. On May 17, 2013, state police were about to give the order to drain a pond in Willimantic to search for Wileys body when they received a call that a cadaver dog had found some human remains in the woods off Quarry Road in Trumbull. Richards did not testify but he told police at the time he had dropped her off near campus later that night. But the prosecutors had no murder weapon, no witnesses to Wileys death, no confession. The only thing both sides agreed on as they argued to the jury was that it was a completely circumstantial case. They had testimony from Wileys friends and family that Richards, who had been dating Wiley for four years, was obsessed with her and wanted to know where she was every minute of the day. Earlier he had told a friend he believed Wiley was cheating on him and that he knew how to deal with her because he was a nurse. On the afternoon of April 19, Wiley texted friends she had broken up with Richards and was on her way back to campus. Her cut up body parts were found less than two miles from Richards home. Cuba welcomes Colombian government-ELN agreement Submitted by: Juana Havana Politics and Government 03 / 31 / 2016 The Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs, welcomed the agreement reached between the Government of Colombia and the National Liberation Army (ELN), in a statement released on March 30, as a result of which the process of exploratory talks between the two parties, in which Cuba participated as Accompanying Country, concluded successfully. The text points out that the agreement will make it possible to start a public timetable for talks between the Government of Colombia and the ELN, which represents an important new step forward in efforts to achieve peace in Colombia. The Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs, continues the document, appreciates the confidence that the parties have once again placed in Cuba, when they asked it to act as guarantor together with other countries in the region and Norway, and also as one of the venues of the public Negotiating Table. The statement also reiterates Cubas firm commitment to continue contributing as much as possible to the accomplishment of a final agreement between the government of Colombia and the National Liberation Army, as it had done in the peace process in Havana between representatives of the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-Peoples Army (FARC-EP), seeking the end of the conflict and the construction of a stable and lasting peace in Colombia, concludes the text. 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. Leesburg Electric: With prices soaring, late fees are being waived Prices are up, so Leesburg Electric has decided that, as of Oct. 1, late fees will be waived. The right to vote for elected government officials is one of the most fundamental American rights. But historically, adults ages 18 to 24 do not have good turnout at the polls. University of Memphis political science professor and Boston native Michael Sances thinks voting is an essential act to any democratic system and the most equal way to send a message to politicians. Not everyone can be an activist, lobbyist or donor because of limited time and resources, Sances said. But everyone has a legal right to vote, and all votes count equally." Since the 1964 presidential election, eligible voters between the ages of 18 and 24 have consistently posted the lowest turnout among voters in every other age group, according to the U.S. Census Bureau Current Population Survey completed in Nov. 2012. In the 2012 election, 45 percent of adults 18 to 24 voted, but 63 percent of adults aged 30 to 64 voted in the election. In Tennessee, about 42 percent of college age voters went to the polls in 2012. It takes time and resources to vote, but it also takes interest, Sances said. Students and young people in general have less time, resources and interest. Many times college students are attending school outside of their home state, which makes it harder to both register and vote. Sances said it is understandable to have a lower turnout for young citizens for these reasons. Jenny Tyler, 21, engineering junior from Memphis, thinks everyone should not only register but also go and vote. I understand it takes time to get registered, but I also think if we want to change something, we have to put our voice out there by voting, Tyler said. Just registering isnt enough though; you have to actually go and vote. Louis Focht, 22, international studies and German senior and president of the U of M college republicans, thinks voting is important no matter which side you pick. I think students should study both candidates and understand what they stand for, Focht said. We live in a democratic society and need to know who is representing us. Many students dont care about the process to get registered, so they arent willing to learn. The U of M student organizations college republicans and college democrats have held events in the past for students to register to vote in the national elections, but Focht doesnt know if any plan to have it again. We should probably do some more, but we would need more forms, Focht said. Election Day is Nov. 8, and Tennessee residents must register by Oct. 8 to be able to vote in the 2016 presidential elections. Residents of Tennessee can register on the GoVoteTN website. Non-residents can visit the VoteUSA website to register in their home state. 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 Cameron schmoozed sly-looking Indian PM Narendra Modi, 65, last autumn, receiving him on a special official visit. He even fixed for him to have lunch with the Queen. Our PM formerly in public relations also encouraged the Duke and Duchess of Cambridges visit to India next month. So why hasnt Modi helped preserve Tata Steels plants in Britain? My source says: Evidently hes more interested in trade with the US. Hes meeting President Obama in Washington this weekend. Isnt it sad? Britain used to know how to play this game. David Cameron schmoozed Indian PM Narendra Modi (pictured), 65, last autumn, receiving him on a special official visit. He even fixed for him to have lunch with the Queen Ex-Cabinet Secretary Gus ODonnell ennobled as Baron ODonnell warns Radio 4 listeners that a Brexit deal could prove a bit scary. Hes Project Fear personified. Malleable Gus, 63, is able always to align himself with whoevers in power, Labour or Tory. So powerful was his influence in politics, Right and Left, that he was nicknamed (after his initials) God. But Labour prime minister Gordon Browns wife, Sarah, remarked presciently: You have to have confidence in everyone working in No 10. I wasnt sure I felt that with him. Pauline Prescott, wife of ex-Labour deputy PM John Cultured folk in Hull are invited to appear in a mass naked art event arranged by celebrated US nude shoot photographer Spencer Tunick to mark the citys forthcoming UK City of Culture status in 2017. Its hoped Pauline, Lady Prescott, 77 wife of ex-Labour deputy PM John, also 77 answers the call on behalf of her family. Popular Pauline was hailed in her salad days as Chesters answer to Elizabeth Taylor. My local source says: Surely not even the avant-garde Tate Modern is ready for a naked John Prescott. Do the Queens beloved horses some of them seen in ITVs documentary Our Queen at 90 have a future under her likely successor, King Charles? He has little interest in equine affairs. Neither does his heir, William, and daughter-in-law, Kate. A court source: Unless the Queen can get young George interested or horsey Camilla takes the reins the Royal Stud might end up being converted into tennis courts for the Cambridges. Rod Stewart says to his credit, you may think that hes keeping an open mind about his five-year-old son, Aiden, wearing ladies clothes as long as hes happy. Stewart, 71, did the same himself. Former girlfriend (1975-1977) Britt Ekland, 73, likes to recall how he enjoyed wearing her knickers, explaining: He wore them on stage to keep the package (!) in place. Dame Helen Mirren, striking a faux modest tone, confides to a ladies magazine: Its not true that everyone wants to look like me I think the odd 45-year-old might think, Hmm, I hope I look like her when Im 70. Or, hope theyre rich enough to live like Dame Helen at 70. The dame can do no wrong with showbiz scribes, otherwise known as fans with keyboards. For a textbook example of how EU membership undermines our ability to defend our national interests, consider the desperate plight of UK steelmaking. By any definition, this is a vital strategic industry, as important as at any time since Britains Sir Henry Bessemer invented the first cheap means of mass production in the Victorian age. Indeed, the construction, manufacturing and engineering sectors depend on it utterly while without the capacity to produce our own steel, this country would be hugely vulnerable in wartime. Yet today, as Tata of India seeks buyers for its UK operation, it is not just the jobs of 7,000 steelworkers in Wales that are in danger, nor the tens of thousands more that depend on them. For a textbook example of how EU membership undermines our ability to defend our national interests, consider the desperate plight of UK steelmaking. Pictured, Tata Steel plant at Port Talbot At stake is the very survival of steel mass production in the nation of its invention. And what is so frustrating is that while Britain remains yoked to the EU, ministers are severely restricted in their options for saving it. Dont take the Mails word for it. Listen to Sanjeev Gupta, the Punjab-born entrepreneur, long settled in Britain, who is acquiring Tata Steels unwanted specialist sites in Scotland. The Government doesnt have the freedom to act because it has to go through Brussels, he says, adding damningly: Everything takes forever. These are not the words of a committed Brexiteer. On the contrary, Mr Gupta says he is torn over the referendum, believing the world needs to integrate more. But he reluctantly concludes that where his business is concerned, it would be a good thing to leave. And no wonder. For the truth is that only urgent and decisive action concepts entirely alien to Brussels can save an industry buckling under the pressures of slowing demand, sky-high energy costs, Ed Milibands crippling green taxes and Chinas dumping of surplus steel. Let the Mail be clear. This paper is deeply wary of state intervention in free markets. We also accept that cheap foreign steel while it lasts is a boon to car manufacturers and others. But these are freak times. When the global economy recovers, so inevitably will demand for steel. Will anything be left of our industry then? If it is to survive, it needs help just as Rolls-Royce did in the 1970s, before it recovered to become the worlds second largest builder of aero engines. As for what happens when we abandon a vital strategic industry, look at the price were paying for letting our nuclear generating sector die, leaving us at the mercy of the French and Chinese. So what can the Government do to save steel? Of course, if we werent in the EU, we could follow the Americans, who have slapped a massive tariff on cheap Chinese imports, compared with a token few per cent imposed by Brussels. We could also scrap carbon emissions taxes for energy-intensive businesses. As Mr Gupta points out, these do nothing for the global environment, but merely export steel production to countries where they are not levied. With Business Secretary Sajid Javid (pictured) returning only belatedly from a jaunt to Australia, after leaving an ill-briefed junior to mind the shop, ministers must exert much more effort than theyve exhibited so far Then theres the option of direct state support say, by giving preference to British steel for the northern powerhouse and HS2. But again, this is outlawed by Brussels, which insists French and German producers must be allowed to bid on equal terms though they pay only half our energy costs. One thing is clear. With Business Secretary Sajid Javid returning only belatedly from a jaunt to Australia, after leaving an ill-briefed junior to mind the shop, ministers must exert much more effort than theyve exhibited so far. And, yes, they must be ready to defy the EU. Remember the times as a kid when you posted an amazing selfie on social media before settling down for a night in front of a plasma TV to watch a reality show on catch-up? No, us neither. We spent our lives juggling a hectic playing out schedule with acting as an audio technician on a tape deck during the Sunday Charts Show and praying with all our might that we would finally get a Mr. Frosty. Our lives today are beyond recognition compared to when we were young; iPhones, Tinder, food delivered to your house without a cringe-worthy phone call. It couldn't get any easier! So, let's have a look at the things we simply couldn't imagine living without that didn't even exist back in the day. On call: The touch screen phone has changed our lives forever; from snaps to shopping, we couldn't imagine life without our trusty mobile 1) Selfies Taking 9,000 snaps of our own faces doesn't seem weird at all today. Whether you're on the train by yourself or stood in front of a mirror in the work toilet, you wouldn't get that many weird looks if you're duck-facing into your phone. But can you imagine people getting away with this 30 years ago? Selfie obsessed: Taking 9,000 snaps of our own faces doesn't seem weird at all today and it's all down to the likes of social media savvy stars such as Kim Kardashian and Gisele Bundchen 2) Double-shot skinny soy extra-dry caramel latte macchiato Once, in a time when high streets were (we assume) full of empty shop fronts, people either had a black coffee or a white coffee. Or a cup of tea. You could only get a 'take away' cup of java in your local cafe, and the most complex question you might be asked about your order was whether or not you took sugar. A latte or cappuccino - once a European holiday treat - are now a rather boring option Now, the frequency of high-end coffee chains on a street is a good indicator of an area's level of wealth and development. People feel oddly panicked if they can't see a Costa, Starbucks or Nero in the immediate vicinity. A latte or cappuccino - once a European holiday treat - are now a rather boring option compared to mochas, flat whites, latte macchiatos and cold coffee drinks on offer. Extra hot, extra dry with flavoured syrups or extra shots, soya or skimmed milk - how you personalise your drink is now almost a statement of your personality. 2) Car crash TV Don't know what you want to do in life and have a penchant for causing a scene? You now have a whole new career path open to you as a reality show Z-lister. From the dawn of the craze with Big Brother to the elegant ladies of today's Geordie Shore, Ex on the Beach and TOWIE, it's all the rage to show every aspect of your life on the small screen. Shut up! Back in the dark days of four channels we were never treated to the phenomenon known as reality TV. From Big Brother to TOWIE, the world is a better place thanks to our favourite 'characters' Horribly awkward conversations, indecently steamy moments, horrendously intimate secrets aired in public and of course endless fights, slaps and breakdowns - reality TV can't be said to showcase the best aspects of humanity, but we are seemingly unable to look away. 3) Netflix Ah, remember the time before 'Netflix and chill' was a romantic proposition? Hours and hours of TV and films you never even knew you wanted to watch right there at your fingertips - life without Netflix seems an unimaginably bleak and boring wasteland, where one might be forced to be productive, or worse, socialise with other humans. Nowadays who even needs a living room anymore when you can lie in bed, bingeing on a Danish murder thriller you need subtitles for. 4) GHDs This is basically just a shout out to all the women (and maybe some men) who were forced to attempt to IRON their hair - or the hair of a trusting friend - under a tea towel. The idea of a plug-in stick that could magically irradiate frizz while avoiding (for the most part) singed hair and odd kinks, was unimaginable when most of us were young The idea of a plug-in stick that could magically eradicate frizz while avoiding (for the most part) singed hair and odd kinks, was unimaginable when most of us were young. High waist: Can you imagine a world before that inappropriately low V neck? Now hair straighteners are in most women's top five essential beauty products. Thank god. 5) Simon Cowell Love him or hate him, his media empire success means whether or not you realise it, you probably can't imagine life without Simon Cowell (and yes we know he technically did 'exist' when most of us were kids). While, thankfully, his permatan, perilously low V-necks, stacked heels and trousers pulled up too high have largely failed to catch on, his professional endeavours have had a huge impact on popular culture. How can we possibly imagine life today without One Direction, Westlife, Leona Lewis, Ella Henderson, Cheryl, Olly Murs, Will Young... 6) Contactless payment Remember when we used to scramble around in pockets for change, or searching for coins in the sofa to pay for that essential item at the corner shop? Well, it's a thing of the past. With trusty Visa contactless cards payment is a done deal in seconds. So easy to quickly pay for anything on the go, especially when you're wanting a speedy transaction at the bar. Beep and go: With trusty Visa contactless cards, payment is a done deal in seconds 7) Sat-Nav All of us can remember journeys with the map holder desperately moving a massive street atlas around in different directions, defiantly insisting they were right, while the driver tried to steer and grab at the map with their other hand. Then Sat-Nav came along. Boom! No more arguments. Apart from when the robot voice repeats itself too many times. You have reached your destination: Forget arguing over a crumpled up atlas, let the Sat-Nav lady's soothing tones take you straight to where you want to be 8) The Kardashians If you had said 10 years ago that the children of OJ Simpson's defence lawyer would be the most famous and influential women in the media, amassing millions between them, most people would have laughed. A world without Kim, Khloe, Kourtney, Kendall and Kylie (and let's not forget Caitlyn and Kris) is hard to imagine nowadays It is hard to consume any popular media - or indeed walk down a street - today without being confronted by an image of at least one member of the Kardashian clan. Whether promoting their own shows or apps or one of the many brands that are desperate for their endorsement, a world without Kim, Khloe, Kourtney, Kendall and Kylie (and let's not forget Caitlyn and Kris) is hard to imagine nowadays. 9) Tinder Tinder and other apps and internet dating mean it is almost hard to remember what it was like just to, erm, meet someone in real life Ok, so we weren't exactly dating back in our childhoods, but it's now impossible to imagine the world without Tinder. Try and fathom actually having to get to know someone in order to judge your compatibility, rather than making a split-second decision based on a picture before satisfyingly swipe left or right to indicate your choice. It's almost hard to remember what it was like just to, erm, meet someone in real life. 10) Online shopping One of the worst aspect for any kid is being dragged around the shops by your parents. Tantrum in the crisp aisle anyone? So imagine how amazing it would be to be a youngster today and your mum and dad buy EVERYTHING online. Supermarket delivery, clothes, holidays, naff gifts for Auntie Sue at Christmas - everything can be done while sat on the sofa with a wine in hand. Spend on the sofa: Shopping is easier than ever before - choose, click, get it delivered. Who on earth wants to barge around the sales anymore? 11) Catchup TV Once upon a time, in a land with only five terrestrial channels, you had to be glad of watching whatever was on. Now, you don't even have to watch the adverts. Click a few buttons and Bob's your uncle, you can watch your fave programmes undisturbed. And who could imagine not being able to rewind live TV?! Cinema at home: Who remembers the days of the measly 19inch? Well today's mammoth screens would leave them quaking and of course, we can't do without HD Or, worse, having to buy video tapes of shows and then sit there for hours with your finger on the remote while you forwarded to the episode you wanted. What sort of dark age did we live in? 12) Jagermeister Less a German digestif (made from more than 50 herbs and spices in case you were wondering!) and more the drink that has revolutionised nights out. Whether in shot form or in 'bomb' form - everyone knows what a tray of these bad boys means for the night ahead... 13) Budget airlines High flyers: Holidays are available at our fingertips thanks to budget airlines and their apps Way back when, if you wanted a trip abroad there were two options: you either spent a fortune on high-flying or you stumped with a basic package hol. Then the budget airline was born and we took to the skies like never before. Now we can even book a flight on our phone and check in with the barcode on our emails. It would have been 'plane' fantasy when we were young. 14) Kindle Books were once something to pore over. You would either go to a library or be given a special hardbook for your birthday - now, why wait? Your holiday reading took up half your suitcase weight allowance. Islands in the stream: The way we listen to music has changed beyond recognition thanks to streaming Kindle have made reading so much easier. Brand new thriller hits the shelves: download and you're reading it within seconds. All hail the electronic book! 15) Uber The idea of standing half in the path of on-coming traffic frantically waving your arm around in an attempt to get a cab is now almost old school. Whether you prefer black cabs or Uber, apps that allow you to summon your vehicle on demand to your exact location have revolutionised transport. 16) Spotify Nothing has changed since our childhood more than the way we buy and listen to music. Once we religiously bought singles on tapes (remember having to re-wind a broken cassette tape suing a pen?) and CDs, now we pick and choose which tracks we want off albums. Streaming has also transformed our lives, allowing us to listen to what we want, when we want it. Agadoo anyone? Just one click away. 17) The Smartphone Ah remember the days when a mobile phone the size of a house brick was the height of sophistication? Ahh, the Smartphone. Our new best friend. It's barely out of our grip, with us flicking between the same three apps repeatedly from the moment we wake up until we fall asleep - with it still in our hand. Never mind the fact we can take pictures, transfer money and listen to music on it, and even pay for your shopping with contactless with it! Birds of a feather really do flock together, according to a study last week which claimed that beautiful women are most likely to choose other beautiful women as friends. The study, conducted by experts from Oxford University and the University of Otago in New Zealand, gathered together 172 strangers, asked them to rate themselves for attractiveness and then told them to mingle. The results found that the most attractive women gravitated towards each other. So do beautiful women only want other beautiful women as friends? Three women share their very different views... Scroll down for video Beautiful women are likely to have good looking friends, according to a recent study conducted by experts from Oxford University and the University of Otago in New Zealand. Here three women, including self-confessed ugly duckling Shona Sibary, above centre, share what they think of the findings We were gorgeous and smart, and we knew it Samantha Brick, former TV producer All my adult life I have actively drawn beautiful friends and colleagues into my social sphere. To me, they are akin to a finely polished mirror. I look at their willowy figures, silky locks or creamy alabaster skin and know that my own pleasing physical attributes are being reassuringly reflected back at me. It is why I was entirely unsurprised to learn of the new research suggesting attractive women tend to mix with those who are equally glamorous. But I also know only too well the other side of the coin. As a little girl, I was chubby and shy. Throughout my primary school years, I wore thick spectacles and sported an eye patch over one lens. I was definitely lumped in with the other outcasts: the socially inept geek, the untidy girl with a hippy mum, the latchkey daughter who had prematurely gone through puberty. If anyone from the attractive echelons chose to talk to me, it was invariably because they needed something - to solicit help with their English homework. But that all changed when the puppy fat melted away. At 14, I shot up to 5ft 11in. Suddenly, I had hips, slender thighs and small high breasts. Samantha Brick, former TV producer, above, says all her adult life she has actively drawn beautiful friends and colleagues into her social sphere. She sees them as skin to a finely polished mirror My swan-like transformation brought new friends flocking. I had a choice about who I wished to socialise with. It was as though someone had turned the spotlight on me and I could finally star with like-minded friends on the stage of life. When I went to sixth form college my new student girlfriends and I wordlessly formed our four-women-strong posse. None of us had acne or weight issues. We all dressed with Emma Watson neatness. We were beautiful and smart - and we knew it. At nightclubs we had our table. We were the sun around which our male peers orbited. I did have one friend who was dumpy and overweight. Yet I couldnt include her in my social life. I tried - really I did. But the magical spell was broken when she was around. Quite simply, she tried too hard to please. So I saw her in secret on my own before we drifted apart. I never made the mistake of picking up an awkward companion again. She, above with friends, claims as an attractive women plain Janes decided they dislike you as soon as you slink through the door After graduation I won my first job in the television industry. Both Claudia Winkleman and I were up for the same role as a TV researcher with a Channel 4 consumer programme. Yours truly - blonde, slim and self-assured - got the job. I was ideally suited to TV. Human resources didnt exist in the Nineties. The only criteria that mattered was the rather loaded Does the face fit? By the time I was 30, I had seamlessly slipped into the role of creative head of a TV company that was renowned for hiring glamorous women. I discreetly turfed out middle-aged female employees who were past their sell-by date and recruited new shiny-haired, skinny-hipped women who were easy on the eye. Id be the first to admit that such a strategy isnt just brutal - its indefensible. But the decision makers of British broadcasters are usually male. They adore being wined and dined by a group of eager-to-please, gorgeous-looking women. Trust me, theyd far rather grant a multi-million-pound series to a gaggle of doe-eyed females than bluestocking battle-axes. Predictably then, when I ran my own company - I too implemented the same hiring system. I could never - hand on heart - employ a woman who wasnt beautiful. Why would I? Shed be a negative reflection on me. Socially, Ive never had ordinary-looking friends either. Plain Janes have already decided they detest you, the moment you slink through the door. Stunning girlfriends make life so much sweeter. You dont queue for anything when going to bars and restaurants. They also - if truth be told - keep you on your toes (shes lost weight? Im going to lose a few pounds as well). Whenever we go on holiday well typically be upgraded on the flight. Well be given the prime position on exclusive beaches and the same goes for the best table in any given restaurant. The door to the VIP section of life is always open when you surround yourself with beautiful friends. Why would you befriend anyone else? Pretty girls need a plain Jane Shona Sibary, writer and mother of four One of my overriding memories of school is the sensation of standing on the sidelines. Aged four, I was the very definition of a FLK (funny-looking kid) with a squint in my right eye that meant I always had to wear an unsightly patch. Because of this I was banished to playground Siberia, the periphery where the Astroturf ended and rest of us, less fortunate souls in lifes DNA lottery, hung out. Over there, the pretty girls flicked their ponytails and flashed their pearly-white teeth. I wasnt allowed in their club, and even aged four, I didnt question my exclusion. It extended to my teens, too. With knobbly knees and all the grace of Lucille Ball, none of the sporty, popular girls wanted me on their netball team. I was only good for handing out squash at half-time. Shona Sibary, writer and mother of four, says that pretty women love spending time with someone who makes them feel better about themselves Then, as if things couldnt get any worse, my adult teeth emerged and the result was - shall we say - chaotic. It just didnt seem fair after the hand Id been dealt, but there it was: double traintrack braces on my top and bottom jaws. Naturally, when the annual torture of the school disco came about, I knew my place - behind a pot plant in the murky corners of the gymnasium. It was there I hid, watching the prettier girls congregate under a disco ball, wondering if the rest of my life was going to feel like this. After all, they belonged together, with their glossy hair and perfect smiles. It was the natural order of things. But whod have known? It turns out fate, 30 years later, has found a way to avenge that awkward, funny looking kid of my youth. For guess who the beautiful people want to hang out with now? Me! For one thing I have learned is that while the pretty club remains a closed shop when its members are in the first flushes of youth, as soon as they reach a certain age, every woman wants a plain friend. Now aged 44, there has been no ugly duckling transformation for me. The braces and eye patch may be long gone but Im still no stunner. Sure, Ive learned the most flattering way to wear my hair and do my make-up but I dont turn heads and doors still dont open unless I open them myself. Miraculously, I now find myself in a group of female friends who are properly pretty. Not just OK, or passable, but properly gorgeous. How has this happened? While it may be doing them a huge injustice to suggest that the only reason they want to be my friend is because, like so many attractive women on the wrong side of 40, they adore stepping out with someone who makes them feel just a tiny bit better about themselves, there is a fraction of truth in that. And it makes sense, doesnt it? The married ones know their husbands dont flirt with me, while the single ones know theyll be the one most likely to get chatted up. Im painfully aware of how shallow it sounds. But in evolutionary terms, would not David Attenborough concede that, deep down, there is an instinct among the female of the species to stand next to the one least likely to attract a mate? It took a long time, but Im finally a member of the beautiful club. So hang on in there ugly duckings, your time will come. Looks faded, now Im truly happy Julia Stephenson, author Julia Stephenson, author, claims she was a mousy-haired girl who blossomed in her 20s As a plain-looking, mousy-haired school-girl, my close circle of friends all possessed fine qualities such as loyalty, good humour and great kindness. We called ourselves The Weeds, while we dubbed the gorgeous girls who poked fun at us The Groovers. Fast forward to my 20s and I blossomed into an attractive blonde. Suddenly I had the beauty and confidence to change ranks and join the good-looking crowd. I associated with head turners such as socialites Beverley Bloom and Lili Maltese, hanging out at exclusive nightclubs. I gravitated towards young women who were at least as attractive as I was, who could get me into the best parties and whose glamour, by association, somehow increased my own. Doors open incredibly fast when a group of stunning women stride up to them. And it was not only enormous fun, but incredibly empowering, too. One particularly gorgeous friend got me into the best events Cannes had to offer - Ive lost count of how many yachts Ive sipped champagne on and have turned down more dinner party invites from handsome men than I ever found the time to attend. But those attractive women never truly knew me the way my dear friends do now. Back then, our friendships were based on the beautiful veneer we all shared - we didnt bother to chip away to see what might lie beneath. Today, Im 53 and my beauty is fading; the currency that my youthful attractiveness once bought me has been spent and there are no more glamorous invitations. But no matter, because once again I find myself with an inner circle of girlfriends whose compassion and dependability transcend the fickle value of looks. SCHOOL CHUMS A third of adults met their closest friends at school, while a fifth met them at work Advertisement When my mother died suddenly five years ago I shut myself away, too numb with grief to know how to ask for comfort and help. Many people stayed away during that difficult time, not wanting to disturb me. Thankfully, my dear friend of the past 17 years Joyce - a member of the same Buddhist group as me - knew me well enough to see I did need people to intrude and that this wasnt something I could endure alone. Joyce appeared on my doorstep, uninvited, and stayed until she was sure I could cope. That, to me, epitomises friendship of the most valuable kind: someone who knows what you want and need from them without you ever having to ask. Looks dont play a part in that. Now, I while away the hours sharing my deepest thoughts and fears with the women Im closest to, and I feel grateful to have them in my life. Juila says her attractive friends never truly knew her the way her friends do now. She claims she is glad that her beauty is fading as friends now have compassion and dependability that transcend the fickle value of looks I couldnt tell you whether these wonderful women are attractive on the outside because when I look at them I see only the beauty within. Meanwhile, I feel sorry for the girl who took me to Cannes all those years ago and showed me such fun: shes still hanging on in the party circuit, even though age has stolen her looks and shes more likely now to be led away by the bouncers than led onto the dance floor. At Seoul Fashion Week in 2015, hundreds of stylish toddlers took centre stage at many of the prestigious shows - some even making it to the front row. And now the trendy tots are back, with many stepping out at Seoul Fashion Week Fall/Winter in designer coats, striking accessories and adorable matching get-ups. One little girl was snapped wearing a full camo outfit complete with military-style pants, a mini bumbag, heavy black boots, a tiny matching cap and a snug leopard print jacket. Scroll down for video Back in style: Trendy tots attended Seoul Fashion Week Fall/Winter in designer coats, striking accessories and adorable matching get-ups Impressive: One pair of boys stepped out wearing matching chic suits Naturals: The toddlers donned matching red fedoras, checked black and white suits, tiny bow-ties, shin-length navy socks and shiny dark brown shoes Her friend posed alongside her wearing a black fedora, an over-sized white bow-tie, skinny jeans, fashionable sunglasses and black boots - all while holding his favourite toy and a snack. Another pair stepped out wearing matching chic suits. The toddlers donned matching red fedoras, checked black and white suits, tiny bow-ties, shin-length navy socks and shiny dark brown shoes. Another day, another outfit: Two girls wore their eye-popping outfits like professionals as they were snapped shortly before they attended one of the shows Straight out of a music video: A style-conscious mother posed with her adorable toddler who was decked out in gold chains, black jeans a long baggy white shirt and a red leather jacket embellished with silver studs Worthy of the runway: One very cool pair struck poses against a white wall in their stylish street-style looks Each of them also proudly wore very stylish round sunglasses with a blue reflective tint. Two girls wore their eye-popping outfits like professionals as they were snapped shortly before they attended one of the shows. One of them wore a matching yellow and pink dress and coat with cartoon prints and floral gumboots, while the other wore a yellow cardigan and skirt with a feminine blue floral coat. Each of them wore matching pink fascinators with pink pom poms on top. Ready for my touch up: Other impressive looks included a little girl wearing a beret and denim jumpsuit Blending in: One little boy was spotted in a full length light denim jumpsuit with a sky-high pink beanie, as well as gold chains and a black bumbag One very cool pair struck poses against a white wall in their stylish street-style looks. The young girl looked proud as ever in her cap, pink sunglasses, high navy socks, tights and grey mini skirt. Her brother wore a matching cap with a layered jumper, denim shorts and baggy shorts. Just like last year: In October 2015, stylish toddlers impressed crowds at the Spring/Summer fashion week with their adorable accessories and enviable designer clothing A style-conscious mother posed with her adorable toddler who was decked out in gold chains, black jeans a long baggy white shirt and a red leather jacket embellished with silver studs. Other impressive looks included a little girl wearing a beret and denim jumpsuit and a little boy in a full length light denim jumpsuit with a sky-high pink beanie, as well as gold chains and a black bumbag. In October 2015, stylish toddlers impressed crowds at the Spring/Summer fashion week with their adorable accessories and enviable designer clothing. Age appropriate: One baby fashion guru appeared in a Ralph Lauren beanie as he posed for photos at the entrance to one of the shows Instagram was flooded with snaps of toddlers dressed in the finest street wear Seoul has to offer - from biker jackets and leather pants to high-end knits and adorable bomber jackets. One baby fashion guru appeared in a Ralph Lauren beanie as he posed for photos at the entrance to one of the shows while others posed in denim jackets, ripped jeans and high-tops for the occasion, paired with gold chains and matching Stussy beanies. Members of the British Royal Family may have come under fire recently for being 'work shy' but Crown Princess Victoria has proved that is not the case in Sweden. The mother of two, who gave birth to Prince Oscar just four weeks ago, was seen attending an official engagement after just 27 days of maternity leave, despite the fact Sweden allows a total of 476. The wife of Prince Daniel of Sweden attended a lecture given by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on the demonisation of refugees at the Stockholm City Hall last night. Scroll down for video Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden was barely able to keep her eyes open during a speech made by Ban Ki-moon in Stockholm last night However, the royal looked as though she may have been kept up by her newborn as she appeared to almost nod off during Ban Ki-moon's speech. Despite seeming a little sleepy, the royal showed no signs of the strain of motherhood maintaining her chic maintaining her elegant fashion sense. The Crown Princess looked regal in a gold silk jacket but avoided becoming over the top by pairing it with a simple but glamorous black shift dress. Luckily the princess was able to perk herself back up in time to hear the end of the lecture lead by the UN Secretary General at the Stockholm City Hall last night The royal, who gave birth to her youngest Prince Oscar just four weeks ago, looked as though she may have been kept up by her newborn as she appeared to almost nod off The princess and her husband released the first official portrait of their son four days after his birth on the second of March and it was revealed that Victoria took the picture herself Attending the event without her husband, she accented her outfit with gold accessories and kept her hair effortlessly chic in a simple low bun. This is the first royal engagement for Victoria since the birth of her second child Oscar just one month ago. The princess and her husband released the first official portrait of their son four days after his birth on the second of March. The Crown Princess looked regal in a gold silk jacket but avoided becoming OTT by pairing it with a simple but glamorous black shift dress She accented her outfit with gold accessories and kept her hair effortlessly chic in a simple low bun The Prince - whose full name is Oscar Carl Olaf - is their second child; Victoria and Daniel are already parents to Princess Estelle, four. In the photo, released on the Swedish Royal Palace's official website and Facebook page, the little Prince is swathed in blankets and appears to be sleeping soundly in the Haga Palace. He has dark hair, just like his mother, and has already drawn comparisons to his elder sister. Th mother-of-two (pictured with officials outside the event) attended the lecture alone without her husband The Swedish royal was happy to pose for pictures with other officials outside the event The sleepy princess could barely keep her eyes open as she left the lecture later on that evening Despite struggling to stay awake the princess appeared charming as ever smiling for the cameras The Swedish court's head of information Margaretha Thorgren confirmed that the snap was taken by Victoria herself. Oscar was born weighing just over 8lbs at the Karolinska University Hospital in the Swedish capital of Stockholm and will be third in line to the Swedish throne after his sister. His proud father Prince Daniel was seen crying tears of joy as he announced his son's birth to the press last week, adding that they had kept the sex of their new arrival a surprise until he was born. Victoria, Prince Daniel and Princess Estelle leave hospital with their new addition earlier this month Everyone is obviously very happy,' Prince Daniel said, according to Expressen. I havent had time to feel yet how it feels to be a father of two, but it obviously feels good. He then added: Estelle is of course really enthusiastic and happy about being a big sister.' Just hours before Prince Oscar's arrival, footage emerged of him appearing to kick from inside his mother's belly. Princess Victoria, 38, was making her final public engagement before her maternity leave - at the Global Change Awards 2016 in Stockholm - when the incredible moment was captured on camera. And she appeared to react to the sudden movement by tenderly putting her hand on her stomach. When Kay and Jeffrey Gilhespy were told that their baby would die shortly after birth they found a unique way to remember her, by arranging a special photoshoot with Ava-Violet after she passed away. The couple, from Hexham, Northumberland, were thrilled to be expecting their fourth child when they discovered that she had a rare syndrome called Trisomy 13 which had affected her heart. But Kay, 31, and Jeffrey, who are also parents to Millie-Eve, seven, Oliver, four and Alexander, two, were devastated to be told that their new addition would likely die during pregnancy, during birth or may only live a matter of hours. Scroll down for video Kay Gilhespy, 31, from Northumberland arranged a special photoshoot with her daughter Ava-Violet after she passed away at 16 days old Despite their anguish, Kay decided to make every second they had with Ava-Violet count and organised the unusual photoshoot. While she was still pregnant, Kay found a charity called Remember My Baby who use volunteer photographers to take pictures of parents with their babies who have passed away, and knew she wanted to do the same. The full-time mum said: ''It was our way of making sure people knew she existed even if it was just for 16 days.' 'It was a beautiful and bitter-sweet experience. I had some mixed reactions when I told people what we were going to do but for us these were all the memories we were going to have of Ava-Violet.' Kay arranged the touching and unusual photoshoot with the charity Remember My Baby who use volunteer photographers to take pictures of parents with their babies who have passed away Kay described the shoot as a 'beautiful and bitter-sweet experience'. She received mixed reactions when she told people their plans, but she was determined to go ahead as thee photos were the only memories they were going to have of their daughter At her 12-week scan, Kay discovered that her baby had the condition, which is a chromosomal disorder, and was given the bleak diagnosis. Doctors at the time predicted that her baby would not make it past 16-weeks gestation and Kay was offered a termination - which she refused. She said: 'It just wasn't up to us to decide when this baby's time was up.' Despite their predictions, the baby kept on fighting and Kay and Jeffrey, 28, discovered at 16-weeks that they were expecting a baby girl. Kay added: 'It was important for us to find out and choose her name as we didn't know how long she would survive. The pictures have been a hug comfort to Kay who says she looks at them all the time time 'It was a way of bonding with her. Ava-Violet was only going to have a short life but I was going to make sure we treasured every second of it. 'We had a photoshoot while I was pregnant with her and the kids loved posing and holding up scan pictures of their little sister in front of my baby bump. 'I spent a lot of time researching online about the condition and it was terrifying. Hearing people's horror stories made me extremely nervous, but I soon found lots of helpful support groups where I could talk to other mums who had been affected. 'That's when I discovered a charity called Remember My Baby. They were a non-profit organisation that used volunteer photographers to take pictures of parents with their babies who had passed away. Kay cuddling her newborn daughter days before she passed away. During her pregnancy Kay discovered that her baby had a rare syndrome called Trisomy 13 which had affected her heart 'Knowing that Ava-Violet could be stillborn, the idea intrigued me. It would mean we would have some memories of her that we could keep forever. 'Jeffrey wasn't sure at first but I knew I wanted to do it.' Ava-Violet was born by emergency Caesarean at 35 weeks after doctors realised Kay was in a silent labour during a routine check-up while Jeffrey, a submariner, was working away in Scotland. Frail Ava-Violet wasn't breathing when she was born and had to be revived and immediately put on oxygen in an incubator. She weighed just 4lb 10oz. Kay with her newborn daughter Ava Violet who let died when she was 16 days old. Doctors at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle were surprised as they had never had a baby with Ava Violet's condition survive birth at the hospital Kay said: 'The doctors at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle were so surprised as they have never had a baby with the condition survive birth at the hospital. 'It was awful not being able to hold her for that first day and only being able to touch her little hands in the incubator. 'My other children were so excited to have a little sister but they knew she was poorly.' Ava-Violet was finally allowed home aged 14 days giving Kay and Jeffrey a glimmer of hope that she may be one of the lucky ones who live longer with the condition. Frail Ava-Violet wasn't breathing when she was born and had to be revived and immediately put on oxygen in an incubator. She weighed just 4lb 10oz Kay said: 'It was absolutely fantastic getting her home, it was something I really wanted to be able to do.' But sadly after just 16 days, Ava-Violet went limp in Kay's arms while she was cuddling her. Kay said: 'We tried to resuscitate her while we waited for the ambulance. 'She was rushed to the hospital but there was nothing they could do. She was gone. She had suffered cardiac failure. 'I had totally forgotten what the date was and then some friends were messaging me saying Happy Mother's Day because they had no idea. It was very emotional.' Ava Violet, pictured in hospital before she passed away. Kay and Jeffrey were heartbroken by their loss but they knew they needed to honour their daughter's very short life Kay and Jeffrey were heartbroken by their loss but they knew they needed to honour their daughter's very short life. Two hours after Ava-Violet passed away, volunteer photographer Paula from the Remember My Baby charity arrived at the chapel of rest to help Kay and Jeffrey remember their little girl forever. Kay said: 'I look at the pictures all the time, they have been a huge comfort for me. 'It's nice to see these pictures of Ava-Violet looking so peaceful and not with tubes and wires sticking out of her little body. 'I have had a lot of mixed reactions when I have told people about the photo album but I just tell them that not every body is lucky enough to have their children for a lifetime. 'For us these are the only peaceful photos we have of Ava-Violet and they mean the world to us. Viewers of Asia's Next Top Model have taken to Facebook to express their outrage after a contestant was reduced to tears by an irate judge. South Korean model Kim Sang-in was burst into tears after guest judge Glenn Tan, an executive at Subaru cars, screamed at her after she rolled her eyes during a photo shoot. During Wednesday night's show the guest judge addressed her behaviour during the review of her work that episode. He said: 'Who the f*** do you think you are to roll your eyes at me? If I'm the client I am never ever going to hire you!' Scroll down for video Asia's Next Top Model has come under fire after a guest judge lambasted contestant Kim Sang-in (pictured) on the show for rolling her eyes during the shoot The 23-year-old model made a tearful apology and gave the businessman a traditional Korean bow in a squirm-inducing moment that prompted thousands of the show's fans to show their support for Kim. In the comments section of the official trailer for that week's episode people were not shy about conveying their feelings towards Tan. Boobu Sir commented to say they had been put off the show all together writing: 'I've been a fan of Top Model for years, however Tan's unprofessional and demeaning behavior was so unnecessary and damaging to the human spirit.' Guest judge Glenn Tan said: 'Who the f*** do you think you are to roll your eyes at me? If I'm the client I am never ever going to hire you!' 'As a result, the joy of watching this show is gone and I can no longer support ANTM (and SUBARU) anymore. Shame and disgrace on you, Glenn! #OneLessFan.' Willy Hasbi agreed adding: 'And who do you think you are? Just because you're the one who sponsoring the show, that give you right to yell at a woman? Disgusting pig!!' Melbert Buensalido pointed out that it was entirely unprofessional: 'He has no right to shout on others. the girls are there to compete, not to be embarrassed.' Facebook users took to the social network in support of the model (pictured) who they say was treated unfairly The post has now received over 150 comments most complaining about Tan's behaviour and has been reacted to over 1,000 times. Sam Gollestani, the show's executive producer, said the incident highlighted the 'emotions and tensions that occur during the competition'. He told the BBC: 'Glenn provides the perspective of a client when choosing a model to front campaigns for products, which is why he was invited to be a guest judge this season,' he said. Work uniforms rarely fall into the category of stylish, especially when it comes to T-shirts with corporate branding. But brand-of-the-moment Vetements, famed for charging sky-high prices for normcore clothing such as hoodies and tracksuits, have attempted to put a fashionable spin on the T-shirt worn by employees of courier giant DHL. The French design house has left fashion fans bemused with the 185 ($266) offering in bright yellow with the company's distinctive red logo, but the high price tag has been branded 'unethical' and 'disgraceful'. Scroll down for video Brand-of-the moment Vetements, famed for charging sky-high prices for normcore clothing such as hoodies and tracksuits, have attempted to put a fashionable spin on the t-shirt worn by employees of courier giant DHL The cotton and elastene t-shirt made it's debut during a fashion show for the Vetements summer 2016 collection back in October MasonPeterK: 'Fashion tragics, a T-shirt with DHL logo for 185 is crazy. This price is beyond reason.' Ezekixl said: As a fellow fashion desigNer I can truly say this is disgraceful and unetHical. 185 for a DHL shirt?' Ashley Cook speculated that it must have been some kind of prank ahead of April 1. 'What if Vetements has been one long April fool's joke to see how far fashion people will go for a DHL t shirt?' she tweeted. Jayden Smith's model-girlfriend Sarah Snyder also showed off the t-shirt on two occasions last week, posing by a DHL delivery van for effect Blogger Margaret Zhang who treated her 732,000 Instagram followers to a photo of her posing in the t-shirt on a recent visit to London. And even DHL CEO Ken Allen (right) has stepped out in a Vetements version of his staff uniform Others poked fun at the expensive garment with Geztaltz tweeting sarcastically: 'Do you want a yellow T-shirt with DHL emblazoned across the chest? Only 185.' Amirul tweeted that he'd joked to his DHL delivery man: 'Is this Vetements?' Wereyoublonde made the cheeky suggestion for a cost-free way to get one of the T-shirts for free. 'Why spend $400 on a Vetements tee when you can just seduce the DHL guy and steal his uniform after he undresses?' she asked. RoyaDavani complained he was getting fed up with people taking pictures of DHL employees and sending them to him on Snapchat with the caption' Vetements'. Fashion fans slammed the brand as 'unethical' for selling the t-shirt for 185 Meanwhile Jay Smith joked that people were going to head to thrift stores for the T-shirt to 'pretend they can afford Vetements' Jonhsu took a step further, making the quip that he intended to steal some DHL shirts so he could look like a 'deconstructed reconstructed deconstructed Vetements delivery man.' The cotton and elastene T-shirt made it's debut during a fashion show for the Vetements summer 2016 collection back in October. People poked fun at the t-shirt on Twitter joking about seducing the DHL delivery driver to steal one and save 185 Now it's hit the shops and has been snapped up by fashion blogger Margaret Zhang who treated her 732,000 Instagram followers to a photo of her posing in the top on a recent visit to London. Jayden Smith's model-girlfriend Sarah Snyder also showed it off on two occasions last week, posing by a DHL delivery van for effect. Vetements, headed by designer Demna Gvasalia - who has recently been appointed creative director of Balenciaga - is becoming notorious for charging the earth for the simplest of items. After Selena Gomez and Rihanna were pictured wearing a Vetements tracksuit, the hooded cotton polyester sweatshirt, which is completely plain aside from a small logo, and matching cuffed trousers costing 790 have almost sold out. A 130 oversized polyester black raincoat with 'Polizei' emblazoned on the back that looks like it's part of a police uniform has also flown off the shelves. Jenna Bush Hager and her precious seven-month-old daughter Poppy continue to enjoy some fun in the sun during their 'spring break' vacation at the beach after escaping the hustle and bustle of New York City. The 34-year-old Today show correspondent is clearly having a blast with her baby girl as the proud mom took to Instagram on Wednesday to share a snapshot of herself lounging with Poppy relaxing on her chest. 'Spring Breakin' Poppy Part II,' she captioned the snapshot, which sees her decked out in a wide-brim straw hat, tortoise shell sunglasses, and an off the shoulder black top. Scroll down for video Rest and relaxation: Jenna Bush Hager shared this adorable snapshot of her seven-month-old daughter Poppy relaxing on her chest on Wednesday during their vacation in Boca Grande, Florida Girls' getaway! Later on that night, Jenna shared a photo of what appears to be her walking with her friend Deb Willis Dowling by the pool Jenna, who also has a two-year-old daughter named Mila with her husband Henry Hager, looks utterly relaxed in the snapshot, and Poppy happily has her hand on her mother's chin as something catches her eye in the distance. After she posted the picture, some of her commenters pointed out that Poppy is a spitting image of her famous grandparents, former President George W. Bush and his wife Laura. 'I see Laura Bush in this beautiful little face,' one person wrote, while another added: 'I see Laura Bush in this pic too.' However, others insisted that Poppy clearly takes after Jenna's father. Later on that night, Jenna shared a photo of what appears to be her walking with her friend Deb Willis Dowling. Fun in the sun! Jenna posted this photo of herself at the beach with Poppy earlier this week Famous family: Some of Jenna's Instagram followers pointed out that Poppy is the spitting image of her grandparents, former President George W. Bush and his wife Laura. The two are pictured in 2013 Jenna, who also tagged her friend Laird Gough, in the stunning snapshot that sees her and Deb walking by a stunning pool. 'Repost from my darling Deb, @debwdowling! [sic]' Jenna captioned the picture using the hashtag #SBBG2016, which is presumably short for 'Spring Break Boca Grande 2016'. Numerous Instagram users pointed out that Jenna and her friends were in Boca Grande, the same village on Gasparilla Island in Florida that she and her family traveled to in November for her cousin Marshall's wedding. On Tuesday, Jenna kicked off her vacation by sharing a photo of herself holding Poppy, writing: 'Poppy Lou - Spring Breaking since 2016.' The snapshot appears to be have been taken at the Gasparilla Inn, a favorite of her parents, although it is unclear if that is where she is staying. Feeling the love: Jenna and her twin sister Barbara traveled to Boca Grande in November for their cousin Marshall's wedding. The two are pictured kissing their grandfather George H. W. Bush at the family event Family favorite: Jenna and Barbara shot their March 2016 cover of Southern Living in Boca Grande Motherly love: Jenna snuggled up to her two-year-old daughter Mila earlier this month to snap this adborable post-work selfie The stunning Inn was also the location for her and her twin sister Barbara's photoshoot for the March issue of Southern Living, which they covered. In the image, Jenna and her daughter are dressed casually for their day by the ocean. While Poppy dons a cream dress featuring a purple flowers, the Today show star is wearing a loose-fitting cover-up over her halter-style swimsuit. Although it's unclear if Jenna's daughter Mila and husband Henry are on what appears to be a girls' getaway, the proud mom loves spending one-on-one time with both of her daughters. Earlier this month, she shared a photo of herself cuddled with Mila in their New York home after a long day of work, writing: 'The happiest hour of my day.' Sisterly love: The mother-of-two celebrated daughter Poppy's six-month birthday last month with this Valentine's Day-inspired snap American royalty: Jenna's cousin Lauren Bush Lauren and her husband David headed to Washington, D.C. on Monday for the White House's annual Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn with their four-month-old son James While Jenna and Poppy were living in up in Boca Grande earlier this week, her cousin Lauren Bush Lauren, 31, and her husband David, 44, headed to Washington, D.C. with their four-month-old son James on Monday for the White House's annual Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn. And like Jenna, Lauren was sure to capture the moment, sharing a precious photo of her family inside the White House the next day. 'Baby James for President 2060! Taken yesterday at the White House Easter Egg Roll #jrlauren,' Lauren captioned a photo of her and her husband posed with their son. James looked patriotic - and paid homage to his paternal grandfather - in a Ralph Lauren sweater featuring an American flag, while Lauren donned a classic cream crewneck sweater and David was dressed to the nines in a suit and tie. Expectant mothers who have the winter flu jab slash their chance of having a stillbirth by more than half, a major study has found. Researchers found that women who had been recently vaccinated against flu were 51 per cent less likely to have a stillbirth than women who were unvaccinated. The study of nearly 60,000 births strengthens the case for pregnant women to be vaccinated against the virus. The NHS offers free flu vaccine to all pregnant women, along with the elderly and those with conditions such as asthma and diabetes. But uptake among expectant mothers is low and falling, with only 42 per cent of pregnant women in England getting the jab last winter [2015/16], down from 44 per cent the winter before. Doctors have urged women to have the jab because it reduces the risk of complications including premature birth, and low birth weight. Pregnant women are offered a flu vaccine on the NHS but uptake has fallen to 42 per cent. The new study has revealed the vaccine can cut the chance of stillbirth by more than half The vaccine also protects the baby against flu for the first few months of its life. But the new study, led by the University of Western Australia, provides evidence that the jab also protects against the tragedy of stillbirth. The team analysed data from nearly 58,000 births that occurred during the Australian winters of 2012 and 2013. They found that the chance of stillbirth - which they defined as a death after 20 weeks of pregnancy - was 51 per cent lower among vaccinated women. The scientists think that this might be because flu might increase the risk of stillbirth - a factor which doctors had not previously considered. They found that stillbirth rates increased after flu outbreaks and decreased during the months prior to the influenza season, supporting this theory. The scientists, writing in the Clinical Infections Diseases journal, said: Several findings in our study support an association between influenza infection and stillbirth. The observed rate of stillbirth was higher following periods of influenza virus circulation compared with periods prior to influenza season. They added: These results may be useful for communicating the potential benefits of seasonal influenza vaccination to pregnant mothers and their providers. Given the growing body of evidence supporting the health benefits to mother and infant, concerted efforts are needed to improve seasonal influenza vaccine coverage among pregnant women. Having a flu vaccine cuts the chance of stillbirth by 51 per cent, a study of nearly 60,000 births has found. The vaccine also protects the baby against flu for the first few months of its life (file photo) The team first came upon their theory after the pandemic of swine flu, or H1N1 virus, seven years ago, when mass vaccination against viruses resulted in a drop in stillbirths. Study author Annette Regan of the Western Australia Department of Health, said: During the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, we saw a reduction in stillbirths following vaccination. Our results are particularly exciting since they show we can get the same protection during seasonal epidemics, which occur every winter. Unfortunately, we know that about 40 percent of pregnant women go unvaccinated, missing out on these benefits. Im hoping results like these can convince more pregnant women to get vaccinated each year. SPRING FLU OUTBREAK A spring flu outbreak is sweeping across the country, with soaring numbers of patients suddenly struck down. Health officials are urging the public to be alert to symptoms, particularly in young children who may be more at risk. Numbers are expected to spike further this Easter weekend, when some GPs have been offered 110 an hour to work in A&E. Figures from Public Health England show that the number of patients seeing their GP with symptoms is at a five-year high for this time of year. And the under-45s seem to be most at risk. Rates are highest in the 15 to 44 age group, followed closely by children aged five to 14. Data also shows that 163 patients had to be admitted to intensive care or high dependency units with flu four times the normal number. Experts are not sure why flu rates are suddenly increasing, admitting the dynamics of the virus are highly unpredictable. Usually it arrives in November or December, peaks in January and has almost disappeared by the end of March. But this year rates have steadily climbed since early January and then suddenly soared in recent weeks. Advertisement Pregnancy puts women at an increased risk of developing serious complications related to influenza, including acute respiratory distress syndrome and pneumonia. But doctors are worried that concern for the safety of the baby dissuades some expectant mothers from vaccination. The new studys findings also support the safety of flu vaccination during pregnancy. The number of British stillborn babies has declined in recent years, with 3,286 stillborn babies in the UK in 2013 about one in every 240 births. But Britain still has one of the highest stillbirth rates in the developed world, ranked 21st out of 35 of the worlds wealthy and developed nations. Dr Richard Pebody, head of flu surveillance for Public Health England, said: These study results are promising and point to the well-known fact that the flu vaccine provides both pregnant women and their new born babies with important protection. We encourage more research to be undertaken to corroborate the findings of this study. Public Health England recommends that pregnant women get the flu vaccination to protect themselves and their baby. Studies show that the flu vaccine is safe during any stage of pregnancy, from the first few weeks up to your expected due date. The flu vaccine provides protection to the mothers while pregnant, but also to their babies protection which lasts for the first few months of their lives. Flu rates have increased unexpectedly in recent weeks, with the number of patients seeing their GP with symptoms is at a five-year high for this time of year. Experts are not sure why flu rates are suddenly increasing, admitting the 'dynamics' of the virus are highly unpredictable. Usually it arrives in November or December, peaks in January and has almost disappeared by the end of March. But this year rates have steadily climbed since early January and then suddenly soared in the past few weeks. Louise Silverton, director for midwifery at The Royal College of Midwives, said: This latest study is really good news and shows how important the flu vaccine can be for pregnant women, it also adds to an existing body of evidence of the benefits for women who are vaccinated during pregnancy. If caught, flu can be very, very serious for the mother and baby. The vaccine is effective for many people and it is certainly more effective than not having the vaccine. This is the incredible moment 18 toothbrushes are dragged out of a patients stomach. Not for the squeamish, the bizarre video shows a surgeon pulling the brightly coloured brushes and an array of other objects - out of the persons insides during an operation. The medics, who are speaking Spanish, throw each of the removed items into a metal bowl. But an expert commenting on the video today told MailOnline it is impossible to accidentally swallow a long, rigid object such as a toothbrush. As a result, such an occurrence is only ever seen in patients with psychiatric problems. The clip begins showing the unidentified person already under general anaesthetic on the operating table, surrounded by a team of medics holding tongs and a suction pipe. There is an incision in the patients belly button and a clamp holding it open so doctors can access their stomach. The camera pans above the persons body, revealing their insides are jam-packed with coloured plastic. Astonishingly, a surgeon begins pulling out toothbrush after toothbrush with a pair of tongs, removing 18 in total. Other objects are also removed one appears to be a metal pair of tweezers and another resembles a fold-up corkscrew. At one point, a long slimy green piece of string is pulled out, as well as a long spike which could be a pencil or a skewer. At the end of the film, the camera shows the metal bowl, which is now absolutely full of brushes and slime. The mind-boggling video has been viewed more than 7,000 times since it was uploaded to LiveLeak.com yesterday. It was shared by a user called maherkw who is based in Kuwait. The astonishing video shows medics removing 18 toothbrushes and an array of other objects from a person's stomach. They are removed through an incision in the person's front, just above the belly button Dr Anton Emmanuel, a consultant gastroenterologist at University College London Hospitals, and spokesperson for the British Society of Gastroenterology, said it is impossible to swallow a toothbrush accidentally. He said: 'Nearly all cases like this are patients with psychiatric disorders,' he said. 'You have to voluntarily swallow such a long, rigid object. It may be surprising but it is possible to overcome the gag reflex, it's mind over matter.' The toothbrush will slip down the oesophagus easily without getting stuck - unlike coins or Lego blocks, he said. However, once it hits the stomach it cannot usually pass through the valve which leads into the bowel, therefore it blocks it. 'It becomes stuck and stops the stomach carrying out its function. All the stomach acid and saliva cannot drain. At the end of the clip the metal bowl - absolutely full with full-length toothbrushes - is revealed 'The patient will feel very sick, nauseous, with stomach ache, and will start vomiting. 'That's when they present at hospital with stomach and something funny on their X-ray.' Such an event is a medical emergency, as foreign objects can perforate the stomach or bowel if the toothbrush manages to pass into it. Dr Emmanuel continued: 'If the stomach perforates it can burst. 'If the bowel perforates you get peritonitis, where the contents of the bowel leak into the body, making you very sick as there's a lot of bacteria which can cause infection. 'There is a 60 per cent fatality with this.' While small objects such as coins or pins can be removed with a camera known as an endoscope, large objects such as a toothbrush would need to be taken out surgically, he said. And it is nigh impossible for a person who has swallowed a toothbrush to excrete it naturally, Dr Emmanuel added. 'It would be medically negligible to leave a full-length toothbrush,' he said. After the operation, such patients are immediately referred for psychiatric help to get to the root of why they consumed the object in the first place. 'You can take out the toothbrush but the operation won't address the psychiatric problem. 'You're left with a patient with the same beliefs and a hole in their stomach. 'It needs careful management between the gastroenterology department and the psychiatry department.' Swallowing toothbrushes is associated with eating disorders such as bulimia, according to a paper in the Americal Journal of Roetgentology. It said patients with bulimia often use such objects to induce vomiting and then accidentally ingest them. Although any object may be used, the toothbrush seems to be used frequently, likely because of its presence in the bathroom, where self-induced vomiting most often occurs, the authors said. Is recovering at home after he was discharged from hospital in January He has now had 9 operations to put bowel back and repair This remarkable picture shows how a baby defied the odds to survive despite being born with his bowel outside his body. Frankie Banyard had to be wrapped in cling film to preserve his intestines after a rare birth defect meant his abdominal wall failed to form properly. His parents Chloe Hedges, 18, and Jake Banyard, 20, from Colchester, Essex, feared they would lose him after doctors whisked him away for an emergency operation to put his bowel back inside his body. It took several operations for doctors to gradually put the bowel back in the body. Frankie Banyard was born with his bowel outside his body and needed it to be wrapped in cling film to stop it from being exposed to air, which would dry it out Now six months old, Frankie is recovering well at home and will have further surgery later in the year to remove a stoma bag Miss Hedges, 18, said they faced an agonising wait to cuddle their son while medics worked to ave him. 'When he was born he was so tiny, they had to wrap his bowel in what looked like cling film to keep it working and hydrated, it was all so scary,' she said. 'During his first few operations it was touch and go and we thought that we were going to lose him. 'We didn't get to hold our little boy until after his sixth operation when his bowel was back in his body. 'He really is a little miracle though, he's had nine operations so far and he's definitely a little fighter, I think he just gets stronger each day.' Frankie was born six weeks prematurely at 34 weeks after his parents were told he had gastroschisis at the 12-week scan. The condition, which affects around one in 3,000 babies, occurs when a child's abdomen does not develop fully while in the womb. Chloe Hedges, 18, and her partner Jake Banyard, 20, pose for a picture with their son Frankie who is recovering well at home Chloe Hedges, 18, had to wait until son Frankie had several operation before she was able to cuddle him He was rushed away for emergency surgery on his bowel moments after birth at Addenbrookes Hospital The couple hold Frankie in hospital after he was born with gastroschisis. He was finally able to go home in January after several operations to fix it Frankie spent months in hospital and needed several operations before being allowed to go home to Colchester, Essex, in January Now six months old, he is recovering well but will need further surgery to remove a stoma bag later this year Early in pregnancy, the intestine develops inside the umbilical cord and then usually moves inside the abdomen a few weeks later. But with gastroschisis, the abdominal wall does not form completely so the intestines develop outside and are open to the air when the child is born. He was born by Caesarean section on September 24 at a specialist unit in Addenbrookes Hospital, in Cambridge, weighing 5lb 8oz. It's amazing that he's managed to pull through, he was so poorly it's just a miracle that he's still here with us Chloe Hedges, 18 Doctors immediately rushed him to intensive care ready for his first operation. The couple were told she had to give birth early due to Frankie's bowel dilating more than the hospital's 'limit' - making him at risk of harm. The six-month old has now undergone nine operations and six blood transfusions and will have further surgery later this year to remove a stoma bag. He was finally able to go home in January and is making good progress and gaining weight. 'The doctors said it was the worst case of gastroschisis they'd seen, it was so awful for us to see him suffer,' said Miss Hedges. 'It's amazing that he's managed to pull through, he was so poorly it's just a miracle that he's still here with us. 'We still have to be very careful with Frankie, he has to have special milk which he gets on a prescription. 'Even though he still has the one operation left we're just glad to have our little miracle back with us at home.' Britain is at the top of the table in Europe, with 40% of men and adults Advertisement The true scale of the world's obesity crisis is laid bare today, with figures revealing more than one in ten men and one in seven women around the globe are now obese. And the situation is only set to get worse, with experts predicting almost a fifth of us will fall into this category within a decade. The alarming statistics are part of the world's biggest obesity study, which measured the height and weight of nearly 20 million adults. It reveals there are currently 640 million obese people around the globe, comprising 266 million men and 375 million women. Overall, the fattest men and women now live in China and the USA. However the USA still has the highest number of severely obese men and women in the world. In Britain, obesity rates are 28.4 per cent for women - the second highest in Europe behind only Malta and 26.2 per cent for men, the worst in the continent. And in a decade, it will be the fattest nation in Europe, with almost 40 per cent of adults obese. HOW THE WORLD LOOKED IN 2014 There are currently 640 million obese people around the globe, comprising 266 million men and 375 million women. Overall, the fattest men and women now live in China and the USA. Map above reveals how MEN in different areas are affected, with green being the lowest. Japanese men have the lowest BMI in the high-income world, while Timor-Leste, Ethiopia, and Eritrea have the lowest average BMI Published in The Lancet, the 40-year study found the global rate of adult obesity has more than tripled in men, to 11 per cent, and more than doubled in women, to 15 per cent. Map above reveals how WOMEN in different areas are affected, with green being the lowest. Women in Singapore, Japan, and a few European countries including Czech Republic, Belgium, France, and Switzerland had virtually no increase in average BMI over the 40 years The rising level of obesity in the UK, USA, Australia and Canada. The research, led by scientists from Imperial College London, found the worlds population has become heavier by around 1.5kg (3.3lbs) in each subsequent decade since 1975 The research, led by scientists from Imperial College London and involving the World Health Organization, also found the worlds population has become heavier by around 1.5kg (3.3lbs) in each subsequent decade since 1975. Published in The Lancet, it found the global rate of adult obesity has more than tripled in men, to 11 per cent, and more than doubled in women, to 15 per cent, in the last four decades. But the trend is more pronounced in many western countries, with a fifth of the worlds adults living in just six wealthy English-speaking nations - UK, USA, Canada, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. The research predicted if these global trends continue, by 2025 18 per cent of the worlds men and 21 per cent of women will be obese. This places an individual at significantly increased risk of conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Other key findings of the report include: Japanese men and women had the lowest BMI in the high-income world. American men and women had the highest BMI of any high-income country. The lowest BMIs in Europe were among Swiss women and Bosnian men. Timor-Leste, Ethiopia, and Eritrea have the lowest average BMI in the world. The country with the highest average BMI was American Samoa (average BMI of 35 kg/m2 for women and 32 kg/m2 for men), where the average individual is classed as obese. Morbid obesity, where a persons weight interferes with basic physical functions such as breathing and walking, now affects around 1 per cent of men in the world, and 2 per cent of women. In total, 55 million adults are morbidly obese. Women in Singapore, Japan, and a few European countries including Czech Republic, Belgium, France, and Switzerland had virtually no increase in average BMI over the 40 years. HOW THE WORLD IS PREDICTED TO LOOK IN 2025 The research predicts if these global trends continue, by 2025 18 per cent of the worlds men (THIS GRAPH) and 21 per cent of women will be obese. This places an individual at significantly increased risk of conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer How obesity is predicted to affect WOMEN around the globe by 2025. Experts say unless healthy food options like fresh fruits and vegetables are made affordable for everyone, the situation is unlikely to change The study authors say one reason obesity rates have stabilised in France and elsewhere in Europe is because governments have heavily promoted healthy food while issuing stark warnings about the dangers of snacking. And despite the trend of weight gain, excessively low body weight remained a serious public health issue in the world's poorest regions, they pointed out. The team also examined the number of people who are underweight in different countries, which over the 40-year period has fallen from 14 - 9 per cent in men and 15 - 10 per cent in women. This epidemic of severe obesity is too extensive to be tackled with medications such as blood pressure lowering drugs or diabetes treatments alone, or with a few extra bike lanes. We need coordinated global initiatives - such as looking at the price of healthy food compared to unhealthy food, or taxing high sugar and highly processed foods Professor Majid Ezzati, study leader, Imperial College London The problem was the biggest in countries such as India and Bangladesh, where nearly a quarter of adults are underweight. In southern Asia, almost a quarter of the population were still underweight, and in central and east Africa more than 15 per cent of men and 12 per cent of women weighed too little. Professor Majid Ezzati, from Imperial College London, who led the research said: 'Over the past 40 years, we have changed from a world in which underweight prevalence was more than double that of obesity, to one in which more people are obese than underweight. 'The number of people across the globe whose weight poses a serious threat to their health is greater than ever before. 'And this epidemic of severe obesity is too extensive to be tackled with medications such as blood pressure lowering drugs or diabetes treatments alone, or with a few extra bike lanes. 'We need coordinated global initiatives such as looking at the price of healthy food compared to unhealthy food, or taxing high sugar and highly processed foods - to tackle this crisis.' He added: 'If present trends continue, not only will the world not meet the obesity target of halting the rise in the prevalence of obesity at its 2010 level by 2025, but more women will be severely obese than underweight by 2025. 'To avoid an epidemic of severe obesity, new policies that can slow down and stop the worldwide increase in body weight must be implemented quickly and rigorously evaluated, including smart food policies and improved health-care training. 'We hope these findings create an imperative to shift responsibility from the individual to Governments, and to develop and implement policies to address obesity. 'For instance, unless we make healthy food options like fresh fruits and vegetables affordable for everyone, and increase the price of unhealthy processed foods, the situation is unlikely to change.' Furthermore, the probability of reaching the World Health Organization global obesity target (which aims for no rise in obesity above 2010 levels by 2025) will be close to zero. Writing in the journal, Professor George Davey Smith from the School of Social and Community Medicine at the University of Bristol, stressed the importance of not letting obesity divert attention away from poor nutrition. BMA lawyers said move is 'last roll of the dice' and will not stop imposition As part of the judicial review, a judge will review whether Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt's failure to follow due process when introducing the new contract means it is unlawful Doctors have launched legal proceedings against the Government following Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt's decision to impose a new contract on junior doctors. The British Medical Association this afternoon announced it has launched a judicial review against the Government, arguing the new contract is 'unfair' and 'unsafe'. It comes after the union escalated plans for a strike in April so junior doctors will now walk out from emergency medicine for the first time in the history of the NHS. In previous strike action medics have still provided emergency care to patients. The BMA claims the Government failed to carry out an Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) when introducing the new contract. This is an assessment to ensure new rules do not unfairly discriminate or disadvantage anyone affected. However, a BMA spokesperson today told MailOnline she did not have specific examples of how the new contract disadvantages any group. The Department of Health admitted it did not carry out the assessment before the contract was imposed. However, it has now published the report, and says it made a number of changes to the new contract as a result. In documents leaked to Health Service Journal last month, the BMA's own lawyers admitted there is 'nothing inherently unlawful' about the new contract. Launching the judicial review - at 'great cost' to BMA members - should simply be seen as 'last throw of the dice' - an opportunity to negotiate improvements to the deal, the lawyers said. As part of the judicial review, a judge will review whether Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt's failure to follow due process when introducing the new contract means the Government acted unlawfully. Dr Johann Malawana, BMA junior doctor committee chair, said: 'The decision to plough ahead with the imposition of an unfair contract that junior doctors have no confidence in and have roundly rejected, is a sign of total failure on the Government's part. 'Instead of meaningfully negotiating with the BMA to reach an agreement that would be in the best interest of patients, junior doctors and the NHS, the Government walked away, rejecting a fair and affordable offer by the BMA. 'It has since continued wilfully ignoring the mounting chorus of concern, from doctors, patients and senior NHS managers the very people who use and provide NHS services. 'In trying to push through these changes, prior to imposing a new contract, the Government failed to give proper consideration to the equalities impact this contract could have on junior doctors. 'So today, the BMA has issued proceedings to launch a judicial review challenging the lawfulness of the health secretary's decision to impose the new junior doctor contract. He continued: 'The Government's shambolic mishandling of the process, from start to finish, has alienated a generation of doctors the hospital doctors and GPs of the future leaving a real risk that some will vote with their feet and the future of patient care will be affected. 'For the sake of patients, doctors and the future of the NHS the Government must put politics to one side, lift the imposition and actually address, rather than ignore, junior doctor's outstanding concerns.' Junior doctors, seen here demonstrating at an NHS rally in London last week, claim the contract the Government plans to impose this August is 'unfair' and 'unsafe' Speaking to the MailOnline today, a BMA spokesperson said she does not expect the judicial review to stop the contract being imposed, and added she does not know when the review will take place or how long it is likely to take. If the judge deems that the Government did not follow due process, she said she did not know what impact this would have on the new contract. In fact, last month it was revealed the union ignored the advice of its own lawyers, who advised 'there is nothing inherently unlawful about the proposed contract'. Usually, the hearing for a judicial review can last from a few hours to several days, and the judge provides a written decision sometime - often weeks - afterwards. Junior doctors have already walked out on three previous occasions during the long running dispute with Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt. Pictured, doctors striking outside St Thomas' Hospital, London Junior doctors - which includes all medics up to consultant level - are objecting to a new contract in England. The major sticking point in the dispute has been over weekend pay and whether Saturdays should attract extra 'unsocial' payments. Currently, 7pm to 7am Monday to Friday and the whole of Saturday and Sunday attract a premium rate of pay for junior doctors. Junior doctors are objecting to a new contract due to be imposed in August. Pictured, a junior doctor on strike outside Whipps Cross hospital in Waltham Forest, London The Government wanted the Saturday day shift to be paid at a normal rate in return for a hike in basic pay. The health secretary says the new contract will help deliver better care at weekends. Talks over the deal broke down earlier this year and in February the Government announced that it would be imposing the contract from this summer. The BMA has announced a series of strikes in a bid to stop the new contract. In April junior doctors will walk out of hospital, refusing to provide emergency care during industrial action for the first time in the NHS' history. Pictured, doctors on a picket line in Cambridge Junior doctors have already walked out on three previous occasions during the long running dispute and are set to walk out again next month. As a result of strikes carried out in January, February and March, 19,000 operations were cancelled, according to Department of Health figures. There will be a 48-hour strike starting at 8am on Wednesday April 6, with junior doctors providing emergency care only. But strikes planned for April 26 and April 27 will see the full withdrawal of labour by junior doctors - everyone up to consultant level - between the hours of 8am and 5pm on both days. This will mean consultants being drafted in from other hospital departments to staff emergency care which is expected to cause huge disruption to routine services. Commenting on the BMA's announcement, a Department of Health spokesperson said the Government is awaiting letters from the union's lawyers. She added: 'The new contract, 90 per cent of which was agreed with the BMA, and endorsed by senior NHS leaders, is a very good deal for doctors and the NHS. It will mean an average 13.5 per cent basic pay rise with a reduction in the number of long shifts that can be worked to improve safety. We urge junior doctors to look at the detail of the full contract and the clear benefits it brings. 'Our equality impact assessment shows doctors on the new contract will benefit from a fairer pay model that better rewards those who work the most intense and unsocial hours and will improve patient care across seven days. 'Part-time trainees will now benefit from the same benefits as those working full time, including the same pay protection on a pro-rata basis. 'We again urge the BMA to take the only reasonable course call off its unnecessary and irresponsible strike action which will inevitably put patients in harm's way.' WHAT IS A JUNIOR DOCTOR AND HOW MUCH DO THEY EARN COMPARED TO PEOPLE IN OTHER PROFESSIONS AFTER THEY LEAVE UNIVERSITY? MEDIAN GRADUATE STARTING SALARY BY SECTOR IN 2014-15 GRADUATE OCCUPATION SALARY Law firm 37,000 Banking or financial services 31,250 Consulting or business services 28,500 IT & Telecommunication 28,500 Accountancy or professional service firm 28,000 Energy, water or utility company 26,750 Engineering or industrial company 25,750 Construction company or consultancy 25,500 Public sector 23,750 Teacher 23,000 Retail 21,500 Other 22,000 Source: Association of Graduate Recruiters What is a junior doctor? The term 'junior doctor' covers any doctor role that is below GP or consultant level. The term encompasses a trainee coming out of medical school right up to a speciality doctor (a doctor working in a specific area such as emergency medicine, respiratory or radiology). These doctors can be in charge of teams, making life-and-death decisions and carrying out surgery. Junior doctors account for about 55,000 NHS staff in England - a third of the country's medical workforce. What do they earn? Trainees coming out of medical school can expect a basic starting salary of 22,636. This is currently boosted through bonus payments for working more than 40 hours or and/or time worked outside 7am-7pm Monday to Friday. If a doctor in specialist training (which begins after a doctor has worked in a hospital for two years and can take a further eight years) the basic starting salary is 30,002, according to the NHS Health Careers website. Again, if they are asked to work more than 40 hours a week and/or to work outside 7am 7pm Monday to Friday, they currently receive an additional bonus which is usually between 20 per cent and 50 per cent of the basic salary. This bonus is based on the extra hours worked above a 40 hour normal working week. Doctors will typically move into a specialism such as emergency medicine or radiology. These basic salaries range from 30,000 to 69,325. The NHS Employers Organisation, which is opposing the BMA, says the average salary of a junior doctor is 37,000. How does their pay compare to other graduate professions? Figures from the Association of Graduate Recruiters show graduates typically start out on salaries ranging from about 21,000 to 37,000. A fully qualified nurse starts on approximately 22,000. Hours worked on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays and on weekdays between 8pm and 6am receive a pay premium. Professions at the top of the scale include law firms and financial services while those at the bottom include public sector employees and retail. Someone going in to a law firm can expect a starting salary of about 37,000, banking or financial services, 31,250, consulting or business services 28,500 and IT & Telecommunication 28,500. Meanwhile, those working in the public sector average 23,750, a teacher 23,000 and retail 21,500. Advertisement A molecular map of the Zika virus shows important structural features that may help scientists craft the first treatments to tackle the disease. The map details vital differences on a key protein that may explain why Zika attacks nerve cells - while other viruses in the same family do not. Zika is very similar to other members of the flavivirus family - including dengue, Yellow Fever and West Nile, according to Dr Anthony Fauci, director of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Yet, variations in proteins on the outer shell - or envelope - of the virus may explain how Zika enters human cells, and could lead to the development of new drugs or vaccines. The structural difference could also potentially explain the link between Zika and two disorders - the birth defect microcephaly and the paralyzing autoimmune ailment Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Dr Fauci told Reuters: 'There was one very discreet stretch of the protein on the envelope that is really different than the other flaviviruses. That is like a big red flag.' Scientists have revealed a molecular map of the Zika virus, which shows key differences in proteins on the outer shell. The finding may explain why Zika attacks nerve cells, while other viruses in the same family - such as dengue, Yellow Fever and West Nile - do not, and could lead to new treatments or drugs for the virus A team of Purdue University scientists conducted the study, published in the journal Science. They sought to understand why Zika behaves so differently from related viruses. To do so, they created a picture of a mature Zika virus particle, using a technique that provides a very high resolution image of the pathogen. The scientists found that the difference in Zika's structure, in comparison to similar viruses, was seen in a region of the envelope protein that flaviviruses potentially use to attach to human cells. The protein is also a key target of the immune system's response to the virus - which means it could be potentially useful in vaccine development. Determining the structure greatly advances our understanding of Zika - a virus about which little is known Dr Richard Kuhn, of Purdue University Lead study author Dr Richard Kuhn said: 'The structure of the virus provides a map that shows potential regions of the virus that could be targeted by a therapeutic treatment, used to create an effective vaccine or to improve our ability to diagnose and distinguish Zika infection from that of other related viruses. 'Determining the structure greatly advances our understanding of Zika - a virus about which little is known. 'It illuminates the most promising areas for further testing and research to combat infection.' Dr Fauci added: 'They haven't proven it yet, but it's a very important first clue.' Zika has been rapidly spreading through Latin America and the Caribbean in recent months. It has been linked to thousands of cases of microcephaly - a disorder marked by small head size and underdeveloped brains in babies - in Brazil. The difference may also explain the link between Zika (which is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, pictured) and two disorders - the birth defect microcephaly and the paralyzing autoimmune ailment Guillain-Barre Syndrome So far, Brazil has confirmed more than 900 cases of microcephaly, and is investigating over 4,000 suspected cases. The link between microcephaly and Zika has not yet been proven - but the mounting evidence is strong enough that the World Health Organization declared the Zika outbreak to be a global health emergency in February. Experts believe Zika is neurotropic - which means it specifically attacks nerve cells. It is the only mosquito-borne virus ever linked to a birth defect. THE OTHER MRS WALKER by Mary Paulson-Ellis THE OTHER MRS WALKER by Mary Paulson-Ellis (Mantle 12.99) Abandoning her London life, Margaret Penny returns to Edinburgh, to her mothers cold, pokey flat. She gets a job tracing the families of people who have died alone. Mrs Walker is one of them: an old lady in straitened circumstances whose few belongings with other small clues lead Margaret back into the past. 1925: Eight-year-old Clementine waits for her mother to give birth to her first set of twins. This is where Mrs Walkers story begins. As Margaret begins to unravel the truth about a family rife with secrets and lies, without knowing she finds herself investigating her own life, too, as the two womens stories gradually intertwine. A wonderful inventive debut with an intricate and intriguing structure, characters that fascinate and a beady authorial eye for detail. I cant wait to see what this author has up her sleeve next. HESTER AND HARRIET by Hilary Spiers HESTER AND HARRIET by Hilary Spiers (Allen & Unwin 8.99) Hester and Harriet, two elderly widowed sisters living in a small English village, are on their way to a cousins house for an inevitably ghastly Christmas dinner when they find a destitute Lithuanian girl and her baby sheltering in a bus shelter. Taking them home seems a Christian act - not to mention a convenient way of avoiding the meal. Together the sisters begin to unpick the reasons their newly acquired lodgers are on the run and to identify the mysterious strangers who are after them. At the same time they are saddled with their second cousin Ben, a recalcitrant teenager who refuses to go home. The gentle humour and relaxed pace make an enjoyable read, though I did feel an odd disconnect between the idiosyncratic, old-fashioned main characters and the topicality of the situations they end up in. THE UNFORGOTTEN by Laura Powell (Freight Books 8 THE UNFORGOTTEN by Laura Powell (Freight Books 8.99) Fifteen-year-old Betty Broadbent lives in the Cornish fishing village of St Steele in 1956 with her mother, the alcoholic, depressive manageress of the Hotel Eden. When a serial killer strikes, the London Press pack descend on the hotel eager for a scoop on the so-called Cornish Cleaver. Among them is John Gallagher who, despite being twice her age, catches Bettys eye and a friendship develops. Fast forward 50 years. Betty is living under a new identity when she sees that the man who had been imprisoned for the murders is about to be released. All along, she has known he was innocent, but said nothing to protect someone else. Now her guilt drives her to act. Set Phasers To Stun: 50 Years Of Star Trek by Marcus Berkmann (Little, Brown 13.99) More wonderful stories are told about the making of Star Trek than any other classic TV series. Maybe it's because the creator, Gene Roddenberry, was an oversexed egomaniac or that lead actors William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy, who played Captain Kirk and Mr Spock, were such competitive raconteurs. Whatever the reason, the history of the best sci-fi show ever made for TV is a jaw-dropping hoot, and lifelong fan Marcus Berkmann extracts buckets of fun in this witty mixture of anecdote and episode guide. More wonderful stories are told about the making of Star Trek than any other classic TV series. Above, Star Trek actors William Shatner and Barbara Bouchet, 1966 There's a word for a book like this and it's one of Roddenberry's favourites: this is a 'chronicle'. It is steeped in stray facts to make us snort with laughter - for instance, Shatner, who is vainer than Donald Trump, insisted on having his make-up applied in private, so his fellow actors couldn't see his hairpiece being positioned. When the broadcaster NBC sent out publicity packs to potential advertisers in the Midwest Bible Belt, they airbrushed out Spock's pointed ears, in case they assumed he was the devil. Budgets were so tight the props department made one monster from an old gas mask and another from a revolting lump of fake vomit bought at a joke shop. As Berkmann says, the joy of the show is that we can know these things and still feel a frisson of childish fear. At its best, Star Trek, like its British counterpart Doctor Who, was genuinely scary. But there are plenty of books that catalogue minutiae about the series. If you need to know the most times Lieutenant Uhura says 'Hailing frequencies open, sir,' in a single episode (it's seven) or how often Mr Sulu addresses his captain as 'Jim' (just once in the entire three-year run), other encyclopedias are more comprehensive than this. What Berkmann does is set all the stories in context, to explain why Star Trek was a cult success - though never a commercial one, until the movies were released, long after the original Sixties broadcasts. Its appeal to children was obvious. Dads loved it, too, not least because of the miniskirts of the female crew. The kaleidoscopic sets and clothes made it a showcase for manufacturers of colour TVs, which were replacing black-and-white sets across America by the show's launch in 1966. Star Trek's most loyal audience was among the Sixties protest movement, which recognised that this futuristic vision of a universe where money was obsolete and skin colour was irrelevant Star Trek's most loyal audience was among the Sixties protest movement, which recognised that this futuristic vision of a universe where money was obsolete and skin colour was irrelevant was the closest that TV would get to the hippie ideal. It was no accident the first interracial kiss on TV happened on Star Trek, when Kirk snogged Uhura (Nichelle Nichols). When the scene was filmed, censors were standing out of shot, watching to ensure their lips never made contact. Shatner made fools of them by fluffing his lines repeatedly so the kiss, which got more and more passionate, had to be redone dozens of times. The icon of the show's counter- cultural appeal was Spock, the calmly rational, humourless, human-Vulcan hybrid, who could read minds, but was incapable of emotion. He was popular from the first broadcast. In the fifth episode, the script called for Spock to knock out Kirk with a karate chop to the base of the skull. Nimoy hated that idea, so he invented the Vulcan neck pinch, which was non-violent and more effective than a punch to the jaw. Ever the diplomat, he always praised Shatner for collapsing so theatrically. But Roddenberry, whose ego required a galaxy all to itself, regarded himself as Star Trek's real star. As head writer and producer, he insisted on coming up with all the ideas, even if someone else had thought of them first. When the broadcaster NBC sent out publicity packs to potential advertisers in the Midwest Bible Belt, they airbrushed out Spock's pointed ears, in case they assumed he was the devil Star Trek hired guest writers from the cream of sci-fi novelists, including Theodore Sturgeon and Norman Spinrad. But when fashionable young gun Harlan Ellison contributed a script, Roddenberry rewrote it, starting a feud that would last 30 years. When Ellison's original script won a Writers' Guild award, his acceptance speech was so full of bile and spite that the show's producer Herb Solow said he spent the dinner daydreaming about how to kill the novelist using only cutlery. He decided on the butter knife: 'It was sort of dull and would cause more pain.' Roddenberry alone gave the show its weird sexual overtones. One memo from the pervy producer imagines a character called Deanna as 'a four-breasted, over-sexed hermaphrodite', which was a little racy even for the Swinging Sixties. Four of the original episodes were deemed too disturbing to be shown in Britain. After viewers wrote to complain about a story called Miri, set on a planet where children lived for 300 years before dying horribly, BBC censors took a disapproving look at the whole series and published a statement: 'After very careful consideration, a top-level decision was made not to screen the episodes The Empath, Whom Gods Destroy, Plato's Step-children and Miri, because they all dealt most unpleasantly with the already unpleasant subjects of madness, torture, sadism and disease.' The ban was not lifted until 1991. Berkmann wisely concentrates two-thirds of his book on the Sixties series, rating every episode from one star to five, before touching on the films and dealing briskly with the sequels. The movies were fine Hollywood fare, but they lacked the flower-power idealism of the TV originals. The real Star Trek - with its aliens in green rubber suits and a crew in sparkly Spandex tumbling out of their seats whenever the Starship Enterprise flew through an asteroid belt - could only have been made in the strangely innocent era of psychedelia at the end of the Sixties. The Mistresses Of Cliveden by Natalie Livingstone The Mistresses Of Cliveden by Natalie Livingstone (Arrow 9.99) The sexual antics of a summer weekend in 1961 inextricably linked aristocratic country house Cliveden with scandal. The Profumo Affair, as it became known, helped topple a government but started as a menage a trois between the Secretary of State for War, a former show girl and a Soviet spy within the grounds of the country mansion. But some 300 years earlier, the same house had been the backdrop for more mischief and disreputable behaviour. In fact, it was built for that very purpose by one of the wealthiest men in the country, the Duke of Buckingham, so he could enjoy his dalliance with Anna Maria, the married Countess of Shrewsbury. In a duel, Buckingham killed her husband and claimed her as his prize. She is just one of five riveting mistresses of the manor in this fascinating biography of the 160-acre estate, as told by its current chatelaine. Exotic England by Yasmin Alibhai-Brown Exotic England by Yasmin Alibhai-Brown (Portobello 9.99) To George Orwell, our country resembled a rather stuffy Victorian family. D.H. Lawrence, too, despaired of his cursed, rotten-boned, pappy-hearted countrymen. But journalist and commentator Alibhai-Brown says such jibes are careless and unfair. The self-professed Leftie-liberal, who was born in Uganda and moved to England as a child, says Brits are hearty, lusty and bold. As she races through about 500 years of British history, she offers her insider/outsider perspective on the countrys relationship with foreign influences. She argues that our island status is the reason for our curiosity about the rest of the world. While you may have qualms about some of her reasoning - and even she would probably forgive you - at a time when diversity, migration and identity are such hot topics, she offers up a vibrant and rounded portrait of the country. The Fish Ladder by Katharine Norbury The Fish Ladder by Katharine Norbury (Bloomsbury 9.99) After suffering a miscarriage, Katharine Norbury sets out on a series of walks. With her nine-year-old daughter as a companion, she follows rivers from the sea to the source. From Spurn Point in east Yorkshire to Londons Thames, what starts off as a coping mechanism to avoid depression soon becomes a journey looking back on her own life. Norbury, though always aware she was adopted, hadnt paused to think about it until one day on a beach. The landscape feels oddly familiar, as though shes been there before. Sure enough, she finds a convent nearby, the place she was born and where she was named after a nun who cared for her. Her story meanders on. Her father dies, her mother falls ill and Norbury herself is treated for a rare form of breast cancer. The Most Perfect Thing: Inside (And Out side) A Birds Egg by Tim Birkhead (Bloomsbury 16.99) Which came first - the chicken or the egg? This hoary old question is just about the only one that remains unanswered in Tim Birkheads quirky and revealing book about birds eggs. Among the many fascinating facts we learn is that the ornate markings on many birds eggs are sometimes made in the final few hours before they are laid. And although eggs may be marked with blotches, scribbles and spots, some birds - including owls, kingfishers and woodpeckers - lay purely white eggs. They nest in dark holes, out of the sight of potential predators - so there is no need for the eggs to be camouflaged. Which came first - the chicken or the egg? This hoary old question is just about the only one that remains unanswered in Tim Birkheads quirky and revealing book about birds eggs Most incredibly of all, Birkhead reveals that some chicks communicate with their siblings while still inside the egg. By cheeping to one another, they can synchronise when they all hatch to within a couple of hours - vital if they are to have a better chance of surviving those first few days of life. Birkhead writes in a jaunty and compelling style, and is not afraid to deal head-on with the politics of eggs. He discusses the infamous salmonella scandal of the late Eighties, when then health minister Edwina Currie unwisely caused havoc by announcing that most egg production [in the UK] is now sadly infected with salmonella. As Birkhead points out, the key word here was production. Currie did not intend to suggest that most hens were infected, but that salmonella was present in the majority of flocks - a subtle distinction lost on most of us. The resulting confusion caused panic, cost taxpayers a small fortune (egg producers had to be compensated), and led to the rapid end of Curries colourful but erratic ministerial career. Birkhead also corrects some long-held beliefs about birds eggs. It is often said that the eggs of the guillemot, a cliff-nesting seabird, are pear-shaped so that if knocked they spin in a circle instead of rolling off the narrow ledge and into the sea below. This myth is so persistent that it featured in a recent wildlife television programme. Yet it was comprehensively debunked more than a century ago, when it was shown that the original experiment had been done not in the wild but with empty eggs from a museum collection, which are more prone to rolling. Incidentally, Birkhead is far too polite to name the presenter who made this egregious error. Tim Birkhead is one of Britains leading zoologists, yet he skilfully bridges the gap between scientists and non-scientists This book is illustrated with a fine selection of photographs showing the extraordinary variety of shapes, sizes and colours of eggs: from the summer-sky blue of the American robin, and the long, thin egg of the great northern diver to the almost spherical specimen from the hen harrier. Historical photographs depict the bravery of the egg collectors, or climmers, as they descended the sheer cliffs at Bempton in Yorkshire (now, ironically, an RSPB reserve) to collect seabird eggs, which they then sold for food. One of the youngest was a ten-year-old girl, Patricia Lupton. Pictured on a fine June day in 1931, this brave lass smiles into the lens proudly holding two guillemot eggs. The Most Perfect Thing concludes with the end result of this miraculous object: the hatching of the chick. Here, too, we find variety: from the helplessness of baby songbirds, born blind, naked and totally dependent on their parents, to the fluffy, already alert offspring of waders, gamebirds and our own familiar domestic hen. Tim Birkhead is one of Britains leading zoologists, yet he skilfully bridges the gap between scientists and non-scientists, explaining the reasons behind bird behaviour in a readable way without needing to dumb down. His previous books, The Wisdom Of Birds (a cultural history of ornithology) and Bird Sense (how birds perceive the world around them), were deservedly praised as fine examples of popular scientific writing. The Most Perfect Thing is equally impressive - an important contribution to our understanding of the world around us, and its extraordinary natural wonders. After acquiring Anglo-Dutch steelmaker Corus for a staggering $14 billion in the United Kingdom in 2007, Tata Steel finds itself in the financial furnace almost a decade later. The steel giant announced on Wednesday that it has decided to sell its business in Britain putting thousands of jobs at risk and forcing the UK government to seek a desperate solution which could include a takeover of the steel plants ahead of an European Union (EU) referendum. The decision was taken by Tata Steel, which employs nearly 17,000 people across the UK, after intense discussions, including with British trade unions, till late night on Tuesday. Tata STeel's giant Port Talbot plant in Wales is losing around 1 million a day After a lengthy board meeting in Mumbai, Tata Steel said that it will end its almost decade-long venture in Britain. The company has decided to explore all options for portfolio restructuring, including potential divestment of Tata Steel UK in whole or in parts, amid a deteriorating financial performance of the UK subsidiary in the last 12 months as cheap Chinese steel flooded the market. In view of the severity of the funding requirement in the foreseeable future, Tata Steel Europe Board will be advised to evaluate and implement the most feasible option in a time-bound manner, the company said in a statement. Selling British operations in part or full is the logical way of de-risking our business as a whole and Tata Steel Europe in particular. The book value of British operations have tuned nearly zero in the past four quarters, Tata Steel Group executive director for finance and corporate Koushik Chatterjee told the media in Mumbai. Tata Steel employs nearly 17,000 people across the UK Britain imported 826,000 tonnes of Chinese steel in 2015, up from 361,000 tonnes two years earlier, according to the International Steel Statistic bureau. EU diplomats say that Britain tends to vote against anti-dumping duties due to its free-trade approach. Trade unions asked British Prime Minister David Cameron to save the crisis-ridden sector and demanded nationalisation of the mills. Len McCluskey, the general secretary of Britains biggest trade union Unite, said: The growing chorus of calls for renationalisation cannot be ignored by the Conservative government. The message must go out now from the Prime Minister that he will take all steps to keep steel plants functioning and people in work. Tata Steels problems in Britain arose almost as soon as it entered the country with the acquisition of Corus in 2007. Industry bankers said that Tata had overpaid for Corus, which was later renamed Tata Steel Europe, when it bought at peak market conditions. After acquiring Anglo-Dutch steelmaker Corus for a staggering $14 billion in the United Kingdom in 2007, Tata Steel finds itself in the financial furnace almost a decade later Despite heavy investment and a move up the value chain, it struggled to compete with cheap Chinese imports. Steelmakers in Britain pay some of the highest energy costs and green taxes in the world, which, along with cheap Chinese steel imports, mean it could be hard to find a buyer. Analysts said that Tata Steel would likely struggle to find a buyer for the entire UK division but could try to sell it in parts. New guidelines will prevent E-retailers from offering huge discounts Leading e-commerce players like Flipkart, Amazon and Snapdeal will not be able to offer hefty discounts to attract customers and drive up their valuation any more as the new guidelines on online marketplaces prohibit them from influencing prices of goods and services. While the government permitted 100-per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) in marketplace e-commerce retailing, the guidelines state that such entities will not directly or indirectly influence selling price of goods and services and shall maintain a level playing field. A senior official explained that discounts can only be given by the owner of goods or provider of services. E-commerce guidelines allow owner of the inventory i.e. sellers registered on marketplace to determine price, including by giving discount, Atul Chaturvedi, joint secretary, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, said in a series of tweets. Chaturvedi added that the guidelines strike a balance between virtual and physical stores. It will also end predatory pricing and provide a level playing. The norms will empower SMEs as they can now sell their products without any physical stores and create jobs. Brick-and-mortar retailers such as Kishore Biyani, who have been opposed to the huge discounts offered by ecommerce players, have welcomed the new guidelines. Biyani had criticised these discounts as unfair market practices. Industry experts too said that the guidelines on pricing may impact big e-retailers. Going by the current guidelines, marketplace retailers will not be able to extend huge discounts that they had offered earlier. Sweety the sniffer dog has always been a hero, but now the top dog guarding Indira Gandhi International Airport for nearly a decade is due for a sad retirement. As part of the CISF dog squad, Sweety has been a part of more than 150 security operations at the Delhi airport. However, after a training session where she was not her usual, jovial self, Sweety was diagnosed with cancer. Until a few months ago, Sweety - a light brown-coloured Labrador - was often seen walking around the Delhi airport, alert as always in detecting anything suspicious Doctors told us that she has cancer and it will take time to remove the tumour. After analysing for almost five days, an immediate surgery was required for which we took her to Bareilly where she was operated on, said her handler Mohan Singh. Until a few months ago, Sweety - a light brown-coloured Labrador - was often seen walking around the Delhi airport, alert as always in detecting anything suspicious. Now, she spends most her time in a secluded air-conditioned room away from the clamour of the airport. Sweety was the main sniffer dog when, in October last year, three international aircraft had received bomb threat calls after takeoff. Sweety led the operation and within hours, the aircraft were sanitised, recalls Mohan, who has not lost hope and expects her to be back in action soon. Sweety joined the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) on December 4, 2006, and after almost one year training, she was inducted in November 2007. She has done a perfect job every time she was pressed into action, said Mohan, patting a frail-looking Sweety, recalling the days when she was one of the toughest canines in the force. Mohan, who has been with Sweety for the past six years, has several anecdotes to share. Recently, a baggage carrying some suspicious element was noticed. Hi-tech gadgets were used to scan the baggage, which raised an alarm. Finally, Sweety was called and she gave her clearance to it. When the baggage was opened, harmless chemical was found, he said. Impressive Mohan added with a chuckle that senior officers were very impressed with Sweety and ordered a special treat for her. Though, she has got the finest treatment but still she is not agile enough to be put in action again. According to the CISF, she is among the best sniffer canines in the bomb disposal squad and despite not being in action for the last three months, she is still very popular among the squad officials. Sweety is above all with her sniffing abilities but after being diagnosed with cancer, her health has quite deteriorated. She is as old as a 70-year-old man but she is still ready to serve the nation, said a CISF officer. According to Mohan, Sweety is very friendly, especially with children. She knows her job but was never shy of mingling with passengers during duty hours. For more than a month, she was not able to walk, confined to a room and also forced to sleep in a particular position. Though her doctor has given her a green signal, she is not involved in recent operations as she is not fully fit. When asked about Sweetys post-retirement plan, CISF said there is a board who decides the future of dogs serving the force. She may get a new owner after a prescribed auction. Many civilians buy dogs from the force as they are very disciplined and obedient. It may be possible that she stays with CISF if the board decides that we have to take care of her during her last days. She will retire in a couple of months, Sweetys handler explained. Indias intelligence agencies suspect that a group named Jaishul Adil is responsible for kidnapping Indian businessman Kulbhushan Jadhav from the Iran-Pakistan border. A high level assessment compiled by Indias intelligence agencies reveals multiple inconsistencies in the alleged spy video released by Pakistan. These glaring loopholes raise very serious doubts about the veracity of the claims being made by the Pakistan army to implicate India in fomenting a sectarian insurgency in Balochistan. One of the biggest loopholes in Pakistans allegations is the claim that Kulbhushan was carrying an Indian passport in the name of Mumbai resident Hussain Mubarak Patel A forensic examination of the video conducted by Indias intelligence agencies shows that the spy video has been heavily edited and the audio has been spliced in several places. At different points, Kulbhushans facial expressions do not match what is being said in the voice over. The question therefore rises that if Pakistan does have the genuine confession by an Indian agent then why has a heavily edited version of the video been put out instead of the original tape. Pakistani media reported that Jadhav was picked up on March 3, whereas his arrest was announced only on March 24. Indias intelligence agencies say a three-week gap between Jadhavs detention and arrest raises serious doubts about whether coercive, third degree techniques were used on Jadhav to extract a statement dictated by the Pakistani agencies. One of the biggest loopholes in Pakistans allegations is the claim that Kulbhushan was carrying an Indian passport in the name of Mumbai resident Hussain Mubarak Patel. Indias intelligence czars argue that no specially-trained field agent will be naive enough to carry a passport which links him back to his native country if he is entering hostile territory. If Jadhav was indeed a RAW agent, it would have been easier for him to carry Pakistani identity papers instead of running the risk of getting caught with an Indian passport. Sources say that this claim by Pakistan is by itself proof that Jadhav was an Indian businessman, who was transacting bonafide business activities in Irans Chabahar rather than an undercover agent. The Home Minister of Pakistans Balochistan province, Sarfaraz Bugti, first announced that Jadhav was picked up from Chaman. But, in the Pakistan armys press conference on Tuesday, the Director General of the Inter Services Public Relations General Asim Bajwa, announced that Jadhav was picked up from Saravan. Now Chaman is the eastern-most extremity of Balochistan and is near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, whereas Saravan is in the south-east of Zahidan and is near the Pakistan- Iran border. Chaman is 873 kilometres from Saravan by road. This is a major inconsistency in the claim made by Pakistans agencies. Indias intelligence agencies believe that the release of the spy video is a consequence of the internal politics of Pakistan. The Pakistan army is not happy with the peace overtures made by the Nawaz Sharif government and the arrest of an Indian national seems to be an attempt on the part of Pakistans military establishment to restrict Sharifs ability to walk down the road of peace with Prime Minister Modi. For the first time after the recent Pathankot attack, Pakistans civilian government admitted that the terrorists came from Pakistan. A Joint Investigation Team from Pakistan was sent to India to probe the terror attack. Indian agencies believe that the ISI has been very unhappy with the concessions made by the civilian government and the spy tape is an attempt to shrink the space for peace available to Sharif. The assessment compiled by Indias intelligence agencies also suggests that the Pakistan army has been extremely wary of Indias involvement in the Chabahar port project in Iran. India has so far helped conduct a feasibility study to develop the port area and has committed to helping Tehran develop the port in future. Pakistan sees the Chabahar port as a direct threat to the ambitious Gwadar port project in Balochistan, which is being developed in close association with Beijing as part of the China-Pakistan economic corridor. Indian agencies believe that Pakistan is trying to kill the Chabahar project by driving a wedge between Delhi and Tehran. The Indian assessment ends by stating that the insurgency in Balocistan is deep rooted and enjoys widespread public support. And it is foolhardy to think that an obscure Indian businessman in Iran can influence the course of events in Balochistan. Lawyers representing United Breweries Group Chairman Vijay Mallya have made an offer that he will repay Rs 4,000 crore by September 2016 to a 17-member consortium of mostly public sector banks. Mallya owes the banks a whopping Rs 9,091 crore. Banks led by State Bank of India had approached the Debt Recovery Tribunal to declare Mallya a wilful defaulter which in RBIs definition indicates somebody who is capable but unwilling to pay. Lawyers representing United Breweries Group Chairman Vijay Mallya have made an offer that he will repay Rs 4,000 crore by September 2016 to a 17-member consortium of mostly public sector banks Mallyas lawyers were also quoted by Mint as offering an additional Rs 2,000 crore if Mallya wins his lawsuit against GE Corp. Although, it wasnt clear which particular lawsuit was being referred to. United Breweries Holdings (UBHL) has an ongoing lawsuit claiming damages of $234 million from Pratt & Whitney, which it accuses of supplying defective engines to its A320 jetliners. Pratt & Whitney is a part of the conglomerated United Technologies. When Business Today reached out to Mallyas spokesperson Sumanto Battacharya, he said, there is no further statement at this point of time. Mallyas offer was informed to the Supreme Court by his counsel CS Vaidyanathan. The Rs 9,091 crore includes interest on the cumulative Rs 6,903 crore of principal amount that Kingfisher Airlines and its holding company UBHL. The company had borrowed from banks in an ultimately doomed effort to keep the airline afloat. Mallya responds to twitter abuse directed at his son Mallyas lawyers also affirmed that their client was not in the country but had held two rounds of negotiations on video with the consortium. While his official spokesperson declined to comment, a confidant of Mallya, speaking to Business Today claimed that, VJM no coward and will not run away and that his gesture to repay Rs 4,000 crore is decent. Shriram Subramaniam, who runs InGovern Research Services, a corporate governance and proxy advisory firm, said while it was true that there were other industrial houses which owed bigger sums of money, Mallya by offering to return Rs 4,000 crore was not doing anybody a favour. In fact, he had charged Kingfisher Airlines a commission for providing personal guarantees. One has to look at the details of Mallyas offer which is not yet clear till now. Whether he is offering a one-time settlement or is this Rs 4,000 crore a first payment as his assets some say are more than the total liabilities owed. Since there is pressure on banks also to recover, they may arrive at a settlement to save face and claim that they have recovered majority of the funds owed. One has to await details of the settlement offer though. He also felt that the initial Rs 4,000-crore offer made was a trial balloon floated to see at what level banks may settle and is likely a bargaining ploy. The VP (Legal, Finance and Corporate Affairs) of a competitor of UB, who did not want to be named, said: Even if banks accept the offer, issues like money laundering, diversion of funds from one group company to another, investigations by the income tax department, presence of alleged offshore accounts, non-payment of TDS deducted from employees, etc, all will not go away pursued to send a strong message that the government is serious about cleaning up the system. He also felt that if the banks accept more than a 50 per cent haircut on loans lent to Mallya it would sent a bad precedent as the entire system is groaning with non-performing assets. The anonymous source said: Tomorrow another defaulter might legally use this as a precedent in case the consortium of banks accept the offer made by Mallya. State Bank of India and the other 16 banks in the consortium have asked for a weeks time to consider the offer. Though the offer is being seen as a preliminary move with a final settlement being a long drawn process, it could be considered a victory. Public hue and cry, as well as a concerted media effort to bring defaulters to book, seems to be paying off. It was shaming for India when PM Narendra Modi, whose party is so high on patriotism, raised the subject of H-1B visas with Barack Obama. It amounted to begging the United States president to give jobs to skilled Indians whom our government has spent a fortune in training but whom our lumbering underdeveloped economy cant accommodate. The H-1B visa is their coveted lifeline to the American Dream. Trump sees India as a stabilising force in Asia Statecraft That is one reason why I think Indians need not look on Donald Trumps possible move to the White House as an unmitigated disaster. Oh yes, I know all about the Republican contenders unsavoury reputation at home. But I am talking statecraft, not morality. Looked at from a pragmatic point of view, his reservations about H-1B non-immigrant visas that enable American companies to employ highly-trained foreigners for a pittance in specialty occupations for a specified period might shock educated Indians into some sense of self-respect. It made me cringe to read that Indians grabbed 86 per cent of the H-1B visas issued in 2014 whereas China, which accounts for the third largest immigrant group in the US, after Mexico and India, uses only 5 per cent. The explanation is that while China has created opportunities at home for its best talent, boastful Indian nationalists squander energy in futile arguments over symbols - flags, beef, pro-Pakistani slogans, and chants like Bharat Mata Ki Jai - while neglecting the substance of legitimate national pride. Like primitive producers of primary products, India exports jobless manpower. Norman Matloff, professor of computer science at California University, wrote in The Washington Post that the most appealing feature of the H-1B programme to employers is that visa holders are de facto indentured servants Employers can underpay and overwork H-1Bs at will, without fear of the workers moving to another firm. He compared these firms of the new economy with the old economy of two hundred years ago - when indentured servitude was in vogue. All migration betrays the home countrys failure. But the scramble for H-1B visas exposes how far - despite boasts - we lag behind proudly self-sufficient economies. There are two other reasons why Trump might turn out to be useful for us. First, even if he doesnt nurse romantic notions about India like John F. Kennedy or illusions about Indian democracy like George W. Bush, he sees this country as a stabilising force in Asia. Second, unlike any other foreign leader I know of, the 69-year-old real estate billionaire has put his money on India. As a politician, he might gamble with his countrys fate. As a shrewd businessman, he wont risk his business assets. Although he hasnt invested his own funds here, two ambitious projects through licensees means he has invested his reputation. Responsibility Trump recognises the responsibility that goes with Indias size, population, stable democracy and economic potential. Calling Pakistan probably the most dangerous country in the world because of its nuclear weapons, he described India as the check to Pakistan They have their own nukes and have a very powerful army. Its not necessary for India to toe Trumps harder line on China but that, too, is an invitation to play a positive role in holding the peace in Asia. The main reason why he will be good for India is that he is a stakeholder in our prosperity. It has been my desire for many years to be involved in a great project in Mumbai, and it is my honour to bring the Trump lifestyles to the citizens of this truly global metropolis, he said. As he says, I have big jobs going up in India India is doing great. He wants to capitalise on his brand in India. A 2010 initiative didnt succeed, but in August 2012, Panchshil Realty announced the Trump Towers Pune luxury residential property. Still under construction though the completion date has passed, the project features two striking glass facade towers of 23 storeys each, offering 46 spectacular single-floor residences. Fashionable Its not necessary for India to toe Trumps harder line on China but that, too, is an invitation to play a positive role in holding the peace in Asia The Lodha Group launched Trump Tower Mumbai, an 800-ft 75-storey skyscraper in Mumbais Worli district, in 2014. The gold and glass three-four-bedroom apartments of over 2,000 sq ft each with indoor jacuzzis, Poggenpohl kitchen cabinets and automatic toilets cost $1.6 million and more. Thanks to Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, its fashionable to affect a disdain for wealth. Nehru was horrified on his first visit to New York when someone mentioned the many millions of dollars sitting round the lunch table. I havent come with a begging bowl, he retorted testily when asked how much aid India needed. But Americans arent hypocritical about acknowledging that self-interest, especially financial self-interest, determines attitudes. They dont pretend that foreign policy is fashioned solely out of goodwill and idealism. Yes, they do weave myths about democracy, but on the whole they are realistic enough to admit the power of money. Tribeca Developers, representing Trump here, claims he and his sons are extremely bullish on India and plan to expand to many more Indian cities. I hope they are encouraged to do so, whatever his political future. India is planning to adopt a polio vaccine that will fight a wild virus causing paralysis and affecting the immune systems of children who are hit with the bug. The change will be effective from April 25 in all government and private hospitals across the country. The bivalent vaccine will be used now to replace the trivalent Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV). Both the government and private hospitals will now have to follow the new polio guidelines Trivalent OPV contains live and weakened versions for all the three types (1, 2, and 3) of wild polio, while the bivalent vaccine will contain type 1 and 3. Type 2 of the wild polio virus has been eradicated worldwide a long time back, making the new version more effective. Data reveals that 95 per cent of the vaccine-related viruses are caused due to Type 2 polio vaccines that are disposed of. Recently in Delhi, two vaccine-related viruses were found in a drain near Shahdara and in Bhalaswa lake. We found the vaccines in the sewage drain in Shahdara and Bhalaswa lake. We have to ensure that no one throws the leftover vaccine in any drain. It might lead to a virus which can affect childrens health. "Along with the third dose of bivalent vaccine, one single dose of IPV has to be given to the child, Dr Suneela Garg, coordinator for the central district and deputy dean of Maulana Azad Medical College, told Mail Today. Both the government and private hospitals will have to follow the new guidelines. The new phenomena will reduce the polio-vaccine derived virus. This is a country-wide programme and we will ensure the switch over from April 25. The use of bivalent polio vaccine will reduce the incidence of vaccine-derived polio virus, a senior Delhi government health official told Mail Today. The government will watch the private hospitals too, he added. India has already introduced injectable Inactivated Polio Vaccine into its routine immunisation programme, along with OPV from November last year. Meanwhile, under the Pulse Polio programme for 2016, around 17.4 crore children under five years will be given polio drops. 'Sadly, it was not unexpected, and now perhaps we can walk about freely without expecting something like this for some time.' That was all my friend said, when I contacted her after hearing of the terrorist attacks in Brussels, which left more than 30 dead and 300 wounded. Once again fanatical Islamists, in the shape of ISIS, had struck. Once again, as Simon Jenkins noted, they had done more than that: their dastardly terror had 'converted a squalid psychopathological act into a warrior-evoking, population-terrifying, policy changing event.' Unlike my calm, cultured and stoic friend - despite being a mother with her child in Brussels - at least two Republican candidates jumped the gun and called for patrolling Muslim neighbourhoods in the US and banning the entry of Muslims. A woman pays tribute to the victims of the Brussels terror attacks last week, which killed more than 30 people Anti-refugee groups in Europe were just as vocal. When, as any informed person could have guessed, the culprits of the Brussels blasts were likely to be men who had grown up in Europe, as it has turned out to be with at least two of them. This was the case with the culprits of the Paris massacres too, and with the Copenhagen shootings last year. In most of these recent Islamist atrocities in Europe, there is the involvement not of refugees or immigrants but of young men, usually with criminal records, who have grown up and been educated in Europe. This is not to deny that the odd refugee or immigrant might pose a threat: Islamism is a nefarious ideology, and it afflicts people of all sorts. And yet, the facts are also clear: Islamism has provided an excuse for criminally inclined, frustrated young Muslim men, born and bred in the West, to indulge in glorified orgies of violence. This is not new: extreme communist ideologies did something similar in the 1960s and 70s, when bands of red extremists looted banks and planted bombs in many European nations. Again, to say so is not to excuse Islamism or let it off the hook. For it is a certain trend of fundamentalism in Islam that creates the warped rationale and intolerance which is then absorbed by such young men, and turned, with the help of mentors like ISIS, into such senseless violence. Without fundamentalist Islam, such terrorists would not be anything other than the petty criminals or the frustrated youths that they undoubtedly also are. Such criminals might still mug you on the streets, but they will not have any rationale to plan massacres. Every religious Muslim has to ponder this - because it is his (or her) religion that is being used to turn individual psychopaths into smug, monstrous martyrs. What can be more 'anti-India' than Jats destroying public property? The recent Jat-reservation riots in Haryana were disturbing - not just because of the deaths and violence, but because so much of the violence was aimed at state institutions: stations, offices, bus stops and schools were looted and burned down. Alas, it did not strike many Indians as deeply ironic - and problematic - that while some youths were being attacked and blamed for (perhaps) raising anti-India slogans at Jawaharlal Nehru University, thousands of people were indulging in clearly anti-India violence in Haryana. What can be more anti-India than destroying public property? For me, the most disturbing image of the Haryana riots was this one: a statue of Goddess Saraswati, intact and preserved, outside the charred and burnt-out remains of a school. Tabish Khair says nothing is more anti-Indian than destroying public property in the country Evidently, when the mob attacked this school, it discovered a statue of the goddess in the building. So, the rioters carried the statue out and then destroyed the school. As if destroying a school is not the same as destroying a statue of the goddess of learning and knowledge! Evidently, a symbol only means what we decide to put into it. A symbol is only as good or bad as the person wielding it. To preserve a symbol but to destroy everything it symbolises is perhaps the greatest of wilful stupidities one can imagine: because it suggests that the people doing so are truly and completely blind to the essence of the symbol. They have already destroyed the symbol, because they are blind to its real meaning. I am afraid that as a nation we tend to have this habit to kowtowing to symbols and disregarding what they really symbolise. Muslims must shout Bharat Mata Ki Jai Aimim leader A Owaisi refused to chant the slogan Can't Muslim politicians think of anything better to do than raise non-issues like whether those in their faith should say Bharat Mata Ki Jai or not? Surely, a grown up Muslim can decide for himself - does he have to be told? And surely a grown up Muslim can tell that such a slogan in no way interferes with his belief in the one and shapeless God? If Muslim politicians have nothing better to champion, they just need to take a walk in almost any Muslim mohalla and they will have issues staring them in the face: lack of facilities and sanitation, unhealthy living conditions, illiteracy, infant mortality and over-population among poor families, unemployment, simmering frustrations among the youth It is a long list. And you know what? These problems cannot be solved just for Muslims; they can only be solved for the entire country. That is why Muslims ought to be among the first to shout Bharat Mata Ki Jai. Because finally it is this concept of a loving and caring motherland - not a militaristic, stern, punishing fatherland, which we luckily have never associated with India traditionally. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for closer unity with Belgium to combat terrorism during a meeting with the country's premier, Charles Michel. He strongly pitched for talks on a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty to resume, as well as discussions on other ways to address the growing threat from extremists. The two leaders covered a spectrum of bilateral ties during the meeting on Wednesday - just a little over a week on from the attacks in Brussels which left more than 30 people dead. PM Narendra Modi pays tribute to the victims of the terror attack at the Maelbeek metro station in Brussels Modi, who arrived for a day-long visit, invited Belgium's government and companies to proactively support Indias ambitious projects - asserting that a combination of Belgian capacities and India's economic growth can produce promising opportunities for businesses on both sides. Referring to various partnership possibilities, Modi said Belgian businesses can make their global supply chains more cost effective by manufacturing in India. 'Clearly, it is not just diamonds that can bring shine to our partnership,' he added. Modi laid a wreath of white flowers at the Maalbeek metro station in the Belgian capital where a suicide bomber blew himself up, killing scores of passengers including Raghavendran Ganeshan, an Infosys employee from Bengaluru. He said: 'Last week has been a sad week for Belgium. Let me say that we share the depth of sorrow and grief that the people of Belgium have experienced in the last eight days...Having experienced terrorist violence ourselves on countless occasions, we share your pain. 'In this time of crisis, the whole of India stands in full support and solidarity with the Belgian people. I deeply appreciate your welcome and the time that you have devoted to me despite pressing demands on you. Some iconic moments that have defined the history of India - from battles and revolts to trade and politics - are now scattered across the world in the form of lakhs of negatives, lithographs and etchings. But the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is collaborating with institutions around the globe to digitise rare and historical images and bring them all together for future generations to enjoy. Working with the India House of the British Library in London, Durham and Cambridge universities in the UK, the American Institute of Indian Studies, and the Alkazi Foundation, a 'treasure trove' of photographic gems from bygone eras will be uploaded to the ASI website. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is collaborating with institutions around the globe to digitise rare and historical images to bring them all together online Experts from these institutions are gathering in New Delhi on April 4 and 5 for a workshop on digitisation of archives so history lovers and scholars can revisit the past in one click. Material includes monumental events such as the arrival of first East India Company ships in 1608, the defeat of nawab Siraj-ud-daulah in the Battle of Plassey, the 1857 revolt, Pandit Nehru hoisting the Indian tricolour at Red Fort at the stroke of midnight on August 15, 1947. Dr RS Fonia, joint director general, ASI, says: 'We are thankful to Sir Alexander Cunningham, the first British Surveyor of India, who took a variety of photographs from 1861-1900. Historical pictures of key moments in Indian history are currently scattered around the globe, but will soon be accessible on the ASI website 'Then, the second DG of ASI, John Marshall, built a huge corpus of photo archives from 1902 to 1934, including scenes from excavation sites Taxila, Harappa, Nalanda and Mohenjo Daro. 'Initially, it was presumed that all photographic archives were taken away by Cunningham and Marshall, and deposited with the British Library. 'However, we learnt that, over years, the Cambridge University, American Institute of Indian Studies and Alkazi Foundation had purchased or shared some. The ASI also hopes the move will help prevent smuggling as many Indian antiques are currently floating in the black market 'We also discovered some lithographs in our own anthologies. We are collaborating with all institutions to create a centralised electronic directory,' he said. The photographs were catalogued by geographical origin. This gave rise to five albums: The North-West Frontier Province (NWFP), Indo-Tibet, Northern India, Bombay Presidency and Southern States. While the NWFP has rich pictures of Afghan landscapes and political leaders, the Indo-Tibet collection has old photographs of Lehs palace and royalty. The Bombay Presidency is the largest collection, and Southern States archive gives a glimpse of Indias coastline from the early 19th and 20th century. The digitising and uploading of these pictures would not just help scholars but also prevent smuggling, officials say. The committee called OP Sharma a 'repeat offender' Calling BJP MLA OP Sharma a repeat offender, nine member Ethics Committee of the Delhi Assembly has recommended he is stripped of his membership of the House. It follows derogatory remarks he made against AAP MLA Alka Lamba five months ago. The report also mentioned that Sharma was being unrepentant. But Sharma slammed the recommendation of the committee, describing it as 'biased and politically motivated'. E-booklets on JNU controversy The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is in no hurry to let go off the JNU row, as the Dr Shyama Prasad Mookerji Research Foundation (SPMRF) gets set to release the fourth edition of a series of e-booklets on the matter. The publications, which will go on the premier right wing research organisation's website, focus on the issue that sparked a fierce debate on nationalism in the country. 'Three e-booklets have already been uploaded on the bodys website. These e-magazines are a collection of all media articles that have captured the brazen act in JNU,' said director Anirban Ganguly. Tehseen wedding unites Cong & BJP The wedding of Congress supporter Tehseen Poonawalla and Robert Vadras cousin Monica Vadra at a Delhi hotel was attended not just by the BJP leaders, but many right-wing leaders too. While a few journalists tried to break into the queue where a BJP leader was standing, the leader joked: 'Beware of what you are doing. Star anchors will flash it as VVIP racism.' CJI worried over appointments Chief Justice TS Thakur expressed concern over the appointment of public prosecutors without any real assessment or policy. A bench headed by him framed guidelines for selection and the appointment. Seven CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) men were killed on Wednesday and their weapons looted after Maoists carried out a deadly landmine blast on their vehicle in the jungles of the worst Naxal-affected Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh. Officials said the incident occurred near the Basaras-Kuakonda axis in the Melawada village when a Tata- 709 mini-truck belonging to the force went over a landmine around 4pm. All seven occupants were killed from the impact of the blast. The landmine blast left seven CRPF men dead and a four-foot crater on the road The landmine was planted cleverly by Maoists under the 'black top or puccka' road and the troops were travelling in a three-vehicle convoy, they said. A four-foot crater has been created at blast site, the officials added. According to officials, the troops belonged to the 230th battalion of the CRPF and were deployed in south Bastar for anti-Naxal operations. Preliminary reports said the squad was led by a sub-inspector rank officer and was moving on an administrative task as they were not in uniform. All the weapons of the troops have been looted by Naxals. From now on, you need not hesitate to help an accident victim due to fears of legal, procedural hassles and harassment in hospitals, police stations or the courts. Now, you will even be rewarded or compensated for potentially saving someone's life. A supportive legal framework for good samaritans, which could help reduce the number of accidental deaths in the country, finally came into play on Wednesday after the Supreme Court put its stamp of approval on the guidelines framed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. 'We approve the guidelines. The central government shall now give wide publicity to the guidelines through the print and electronic media so that people who help others in a time of distress are not victimised by any authority,' said a bench comprising justices V Gopala Gowda and Arun Mishra. Good samaritans can help victims of road accidents without fear of harassment or court proceedings According to the guidelines issued in a Public Interest Litigation filed by NGO Save Life Foundation, a bystander to an accident - if they aren't an eye witness - who takes the injured to the hospital may leave immediately after with no questions asked. The police can no longer force them to reveal their name and personal details. It will be his or her choice to share their name and contact details in medico-legal case forms, which the police file when an accident victim is brought to the hospital for treatment. An accident eyewitnesses will be examined only once during police investigation or trial in court. The witness will also be given a chance to depose in the court through video-conferencing. If the witness volunteers to go before the court to depose in the case, the trial judge shall complete his examination in one sitting and shall not make him wait endlessly in the court. Action will be taken against government officials who force a bystander to reveal name and personal details. The guidelines, have also asked the state governments to work out a plan to reward or compensate good samaritans to encourage citizens to come forward and help road accident victims. After framing the guidelines, the ministry had said it wanted its guidelines to be incorporated in a judicial order so that all are bound by it. A lethal blend of poor law enforcement and lack of emergency medical care makes India the worlds road death capital. Nearly 150,000 people get killed every year and more than three times as many are injured in road accidents, says a recent World Health Organisation report. Paul Giamatti as Chuck Rhoades and Damian Lewis as Bobby "Axe" Axelrod in hit drama series Billions US critics praise Homeland star Damian Lewiss depiction of ruthless hedge fund boss Bobby Axelrod in hit drama series Billions, which Sky will screen here in May. Friends of the Old Etonian gingernut, 45, wonder if his performance may have been inspired at least in part by his jovial brother William, 50, something of a financial kingpin himself. He is chairman of Asset Management Firm CDAM and previously earned packets working on the equity sales desk at Merrill Lynch. And like Damians fast-living, private jet-owning character, Im told Willy, who also co-founded 18,000-a-year Knightsbridge prep School and is married with four children, lives life high on the hog. Pals call him Five Star. A delightful High Court ding-dong looms between British private equity giants, 3i, and entrepreneur Joe Corre, son of fashion doyenne Dame Vivienne Westwood and late Sex Pistols impresario Malcolm McLaren. Rough-around-the-edges Joe is suing the famously ruthless FTSE 100 firm over its purchase of his lingerie company Agent Provocateur in 2007 for 60million. He claims 3i deliberately undervalued the firm when he sold his final 12 per cent stake a year ago for 9million. A spokesman for 3i says it intends to defend the baseless claim vigorously, but why Corre, 48, is haggling over cash is unclear. A millionaire, he recently set out plans to protest against celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of the Sex Pistols in November by incinerating his collection of punk memorabilia. The treasure trove of tat, left to him by his eccentric old man, is said to be worth 5million. Sir Stuart Rose, who is leading a campaign for Britain to remain in Europe, says a Brexit will mean us all having to pay more for the price of labour. But win, lose or draw come Junes referendum, the nattily-attired ex-M&S boss will still be in the money. On top of his 200,000 salary as chairman of Ocado, the online supermarkets latest company report reveals he will come into a tranche of shares at the end of May. Current value: 1.3million. That should keep the smooth-talking boulevadier, 67, in silk stockings for a while. Following his 70million divorce payout to ex-wife Janine, ASOS founder Nick Robertson, 47, is now living with his statuesque ex-PA Charlotte Balin, 15 years his junior. His former business partner, Corvus Capital chief executive Andrew Regan, the original financier behind the online fashion retailer, has also shacked up with a nubile young hotty. Wirey-haired multi-millionaire Regan, 50, famous for a failed 1.2billion take-over of the Co-Op in 1997, recently married Missy McKee, 29, described to me as a gorgeous, leggy blonde doctor. Im told the pair honeymooned over New Year, frollicking on a gin palace in the Carribean. Spotted this week in the stalls at the Royal Ballets production of Giselle: financial PR schmoozer and Thunderbirds puppet look-a-like, Roland Rudd, 54, a great friend of Prince of Darkness Peter Mandelson. One of the big flaws of the Brexit campaign so far has been the failure of its leaders to give any detailed information about what the UK might look like if they are victorious. Its a serious weakness for the Out campaign, and explains why the Remain camps Project Fear scaremongering over lost jobs and trade drying up appears so convincing. Thats about to change. Andrea Leadsom, the Tory energy minister and Brexiter, tells me she is working on a new post-Brexit big-bang manifesto for how the world order might look after a European divorce which she is calling, with nice irony, Project Hope. Planning ahead: Andrea Leadsom, the Tory energy minister and Brexiter, is working on a new post- Brexit 'big-bang' manifesto for how the world order might look like after a European divorce To do this, she has revived the Fresh Start Project a group of cross-party MPs and businessmen and women set up a few years ago to put the case for EU reform. Boris Johnson and Michael Gove, along with many other Outers, are backing Leadsoms new initiative which is due to be announced in mid-April. It is putting together detailed answers to the top ten questions being asked by the public; including the impact on trade, on the City, on energy policy, immigration and security. It will also be publishing six one-pagers as guides on what it means for individuals; mini Brexit fact-guides for farmers, small business owners and teachers. Coming up with recommendations for a new UK EU Free Trade Agreement is top of her agenda. Leadsom aims to show its entirely possible for the Government to renegotiate its own bilateral treaty with the EU within the two-year time-frame given by Article 50, and to stop the constant comparisons with other countries like Canada or Norway, ones which can be misleading. So what would such a new UK-EU free trade arrangement look like? Well, Leadsom says that the existing rules could on a temporary basis be novated from our present arrangement with 28 signatories to one; and that there is no reason why EU and business could not carry on as usual. She makes the point, often over-looked, that most trading relationships, whether its health regulations on drugs or safety guides for exhausts, between the UK and EU are already aligned so wont need much adapting. Therell also be a big push to squash Remains claims that our biggest trading partners, Germany and France, will try to get their own back on UK business for daring to leave by either limiting trade, or putting up costs with new tariffs. Such claims just dont add up, she says, as national governments have no business telling the bosses of private companies such as BMW or Louis Vuitton to whom, or where they should sell. Or so you would hope. Another urban myth Leadsom, a former banker and economic secretary to the Treasury, hopes to kill off is that UK services including the Citys financial services would be destroyed by divorce. This is nonsense, she says, and shes right: the size of our services trade with EU is relatively small. Around 71 per cent of the EUs GDP is services, and of that the UKs intra-EU trade is only 3.2 per cent, rising to 22 per cent if you include financial services. By contrast, some UK industries, such as ecommerce, are hampered by blatant protectionism in other EU countries. More pertinent is the myth of a bankers exodus to Paris or Frankfurt because the City will be disadvantage by being outside the EU. Au contraire. The chairman of one of Frances biggest banks recently told her that he is worried about the barriers that the City might put up to EU companies in the event of a Brexit as EU companies benefit hugely from trading with the UK. Indeed, over a third of the EUs wholesale financial services industry originates in the UK and until the financial crash, the UK was a liberalising force in opening up the EU capital markets. Ironically, the EUs attempt to push up capital adequacy ratios for banks had unintended consequences; regulators here wanted higher ones than those recommended. Leadsom first came to the publics attention at the Treasury Select Committee after the financial crash when she criticised Bob Diamond of Barclays for living in a parallel universe. Who knows. If Leadsom manages to help bring Brexit down to earth, maybe she could end up leading the negotiations. Steels white knight ... Sanjeev Gupta is the most extraordinary of businessmen. The Cambridge-educated steel trader is as bright as a button and has a passion for British steel which borders on the obsessive. I met him a few weeks ago to find out why he is throwing hundreds of millions of pounds at buying up distressed steel plants and engineering factories when everybody else is closing them down. His answer is simple; with a little care and investment, he reckons parts of the industry can be competitive again. But for the industry to be saved, the Government must slash energy prices by cutting carbon taxes. And it should rescue parts, if not all, of Tata Steel. Sanjeev Gupta is away on business in Dubai but he is keeping a close eye on the meltdown of Tata Steels UK operations. Gupta has already agreed to buy Tatas unwanted sites at Dalzell and Clydebridge in Scotland, and he says he may be interested in some of Indian steelmakers other sites in Rotherham, Corby and Shotton, which are also now up for sale. Britains steel industry may be on its deathbed but Guptas Liberty House has bucked the trend. It re-opened a steel mill in Newport, South Wales, last year and snapping up the rump of Lord Pauls ailing Carparo Industries from administration. Steel saviour: Sanjeev Gupta has already agreed to buy Tatas unwanted sites at Dalzell and Clydebridge in Scotland, and he says he may be interested in some of Indian steelmakers other sites in Rotherham, Corby What has he seen that others may have missed? Gupta, 44, runs his hand over his shiny head and smiles. We want to bring it back to full glory, he says of the steel works in Newport. It is going to be a tough journey. British steelmakers have been hit by slowing demand, high energy costs, green taxes and a deluge of cheap Chinese product that has halved the global price of steel. As a result, steelmaking in Britain is unprofitable. The squeeze on domestic producers has forced plants to close and thousands of jobs have been axed. Gupta puts part of the blame on Brussels and the time it takes for the European Union to act. His view on the EU is timely. So, is he in favour of Britain leaving the EU the so-called Brexit? Im torn, he says. For my industry I think its a good thing (to leave), but personally I dont. As a world, we need to integrate more. 'The Government doesnt have the freedom to act because it has to go through Brussels. Everything takes forever. Gupta urges the Government to take further action to lower the cost of power for energy-intensive industries. They have already done a bit with the refund to energy-intensive industries, he says. But even after that, it (the cost of power) is still double that of Germany and France. FACT BOX TITLE Family: Married to Nicola with three children. She used to look after my money she was the treasurer of one of my businesses and now she spends it, he says. Born: Punjab, India Education: St Edmunds College, Canterbury, and Trinity College, Cambridge Lives: Chepstow Drives: Has a chauffeur-driven Mercedes Music: Simon and Garfunkel Favourite film: The Godfather Career: After A levels Gupta took a gap year and sold bicycles in Turkey for his fathers business, Victor Cycles. He then studied economics and management at Cambridge where he set up Liberty House, a commodities trading firm, in 1992. He was trading commodities from his halls of residence at Cambridge but the business distracted him from his studies and it took a large amount of cramming in his final year for him to graduate with a 2.1. Liberty grew massively over subsequent years and now has an annual turnover of 4.2billion and operates from four global hubs London, Dubai, Singapore and Hong Kong with offices in 30 countries. Working day: He gets up at 6am and checks emails from his global offices. Its an addiction, he says. Im sometimes up in the middle of the night checking emails. He travels between Libertys various businesses during the week and reckons he gets home by 8pm. But work doesnt stop there. Most evenings he will host dinner meetings at his home in Chepstow with his management team and advisers. Spare time: He claims he has only taken two holidays one to Lanzarote after his A levels and a second to the Maldives for his honeymoon. I am an archetypal workaholic, he admits. The steel boss wants policymakers to take more radical action. Scrap the carbon tax for energy-intensive industries. It kills industry, and industry will just continue to export production to another country where they dont have the tax. The Government is listening but the speed at which they can react is hampered by the EU because everything has to go through Brussels. Gupta retains the hassled demeanour of a busy commodities trader as he halts the questions to field calls on his mobile phone. He is dressed in a smart blue suit, crisp white shirt, striped tie and shiny black shoes. But the grime, dust and toil of the steel mill is in his blood. He grew up in the Punjab with his two brothers and sister until the age of 12, when he was shipped off to boarding school St Edmunds College in Canterbury. He studied economics at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he was given a shock when the Dean told him he would have to leave. It was 1992 and the budding entrepreneur founded Liberty House, a commodities trading firm, and was running it from his student apartment. Gupta had been hauled in front of the panel of disapproving university Dons before, but this time he had pushed them too far by attempting to claim VAT back on his telex machine. Gupta used his college address for the claim, which contravened the universitys charitable status. I definitely missed a few heartbeats, he recalled. But then I realised they were just throwing me out of my student apartment. The censure had little impact on Guptas business ambitions. Liberty is now a 4.2billion-turnover company that employs more than 2,000 people across 30 countries. The group has interests in steel, power and energy, industrials, financial services and property. It has also bought a minority stake in Tidal Lagoon Power. This plans to harness the power of the sea to generate electricity, starting with a 1billion project in Swansea Bay. Guptas father was an industrialist who owned a number of businesses in India, including Victor bicycles. My oldest memories are of being in steel plants and engineering plants. My mother was a typical Indian housewife. Shes the matriarch; she keeps the family together. Guptas father drilled into his son the value of ambition and integrity. He always told me that my true heritage is his name money will come and go, he says. That desire to honour his family heritage will lead Gupta to start manufacturing bicycles next year at the old Carparo tubes plant in Oldbury in the Midlands. Family is an important theme in Guptas life. He is married to Nicola, who is from Canvey Island, Essex, and used to be treasurer of one of his commodity businesses. Their love affair was kept secret from his family for eight years because they feared disapproval. But now Gupta says shes the most popular member of the family. Gupta insists his swoop on the British steel industry is not some dewy-eyed, sentimental trip through family history. He suddenly sounds more like a hawk-eyed trader sizing up his prey. At its worst point is when the investment is best and also when it is at its cheapest, he says. We are coming in at a point where we have nothing to lose. Gupta says those selling UK steel assets, such as Tata Steel, have got large debts and need to minimise damage. I come from a trading background, so theres a different mentality. We are quite happy to have a lot of small companies and put them together to make a much larger company. In his office at Uskmouth Power Station in Newport, Gupta looks out over the dock and Libertys neighbouring steel mill. It is an ideal vantage point to visualise the entrepreneurs masterplan. He wants to convert the coal-fired plant bought by the Gupta familys Simec subsidiary in 2014 from SSE into a biomass power station. Under threat: Thousands of jobs are at risk at Tata Steel processing plant at Scunthorpe and Port Talbot This would produce cheap green energy to power an electric arc furnace in the neighbouring steel mill, where Liberty would melt down 2million tonnes of scrap metal each year. The finished steel would supply the former Carparo factories. Production of molten steel in Britain is unprofitable due to energy costs and green levies. It is one of the key reasons why Britain is a net exporter of 7million tonnes of scrap metal. Why make primary steel in a blast furnace when you already have secondary steel (in the form of scrap)? Why dont we recycle the scrap first? he asks. He recently bought an electric arc furnace from a disused steel plant at Sheerness in Kent and wants to install it at Newport. The move could create 1,000 jobs at the plant, which Liberty re-opened last year. The explosion of imported Chinese steel crippling Britains industrial heartland was laid bare last night. The European Union has seen the amount of steel landing on its shores from the Peoples Republic jump 156 per cent over the past four years, according to new data. Almost half of every new building constructed in the UK contains some form of Chinese steel, the figures from Eurofer, the European Steel Association, show. Under threat: Thousands of jobs are at risk at Tata Steel processing plant at Scunthorpe and Port Talbot The revelations came as Tata declared its UK steel operations, bought for 6.2billion in 2007, are now worth almost zero. Tata has fired the starting gun on the sale of its entire UK business, which employs 15,000 people, after the groups board in India dismissed a rescue plan as unaffordable and very risky. But it is feared that the crisis in the industry will deter potential buyers. The true scale of the dumping from China sparked a wave of anger from workers, unions and politicians who claim the UK Government and the EU have reacted too slowly. A spokesman for Eurofer said: The EU and member states need to take action immediately to save our steel industry the industry that built Europe and prevent it from disappearing. Late on Tuesday Britains biggest steelmaker Tata took a surprise decision which could see it sell off all of its UK steel business including Port Talbot in Wales, and Scunthorpe in North East England. It cited the significant increase in third country exports into Europe. Up to 40,000 jobs connected to the industry are at risk along with the generous British Steel pension scheme. Its trustees have already made contact with the Pensions Regulator over the implications of a possible sale by Tata. Under threat: Thousands of jobs are at risk at Tata Steel processing plant at Scunthorpe and Port Talbot China has been exporting at prices below the cost of production, a practice known as dumping. The EU can take steps to block the practice but has been criticised for doing too little too late. In 2012 China exported 2.7million tonnes of steel to the 28 EU countries, according to Eurofer. This leapt to 6.9million tonnes in 2015 a rise of 156 per cent. China also controls 45 per cent of the UK market for a specific type of steel used in constructing buildings. The race is on to find a buyer for Tatas UK operations. The preferred option is for a private sale but the list of suitors is thin. Metals firm Liberty House, which has agreed to buy two sites in Scotland from Tata, said it is interested in snapping up more. But it is only interested in the smaller processing plants rather than the bigger smelting sites. Disarray: The future of the Hinkley Point nuclear plant project has been thrown into doubt Plans to build a new nuclear power station to solve Britains growing energy crisis have plunged into further disarray. Fresh doubt has been cast over the future of Hinkley Point after a board member of French energy firm EDF revealed he will vote against plans to build it. Christian Taxil, who represents the CFE-CGC union on the board of the state-controlled French utility, said conditions were not right for the 18billion project. It is past midnight, and a burly Macedonian police officer climbs aboard a creaking train, torch in hand. He is polite to the passengers, but there can be no mistaking the fact that he is on the hunt. The Skopje railway station is a key stop on the route to the Serbian border, from where migrants hope to continue their illegal journey towards Austria, Germany and elsewhere in western Europe. But first they must get past Macedonian law enforcement officials, who are armed, determined, and quickly gaining a reputation as the toughest border guards in the world. MailOnline spent a night with them, seeing first hand how difficult it has become to travel illegally through the continent. Scroll down for video Duty calls: MailOnline spent the night with the Macedonian border guards (pictured) that patrol the border with Serbia looking for stowaway migrants Patrol: Border guards meticulously search the Skopje railway station (pictured), a key stop on the route to the Serbian border Elite: The armed Macedonian law enforcement officials that search every corner of every train are quickly gaining a reputation as the toughest border guards in the world Forensic: They search every carriage, checking in roof cavities, underneath seats and even behind electrical panels for stowaway migrants The officer, who does not want to be named, has intimate knowledge of each carriage, gained over weeks of searching for migrant stowaways and dragging them in handcuffs from their hiding places. He begins by opening a hatch into the ceiling, where his torch-beam reveals a network of pipes and wiring in the roof cavity. Shining the light into the darkest crannies, he establishes that tonight there are no migrants there. 'We caught some men lying in there last week,' he said. 'It's amazing how they find so many places to hide. We used to catch them every day, but now it doesn't happen so often.' More than 985,000 people have travelled the route from Greece to Macedonia since the start of last year, but now that the border has been sealed and Macedonia has deployed special forces along the fence, dramatically fewer migrants are getting through. However, those who succeed against the odds and manage to slip through the border often with the aid of people smugglers who bribe border guards are up against a country, and a police force, on high alert. Suspicious: During the patrol with MailOnline, one officer discovered two scruffy-looking men (pictured) sound asleep on the seats and prepared to haul them off the train to a detention centre Professionals: After waking them up, it turned out they were two innocent men at the end of a long day Tough: After spending the night with the fearsome border guards (pictured), MailOnline learned just how difficult it has become to travel illegally through the continent 'They make the journey with nothing, not even a pillow or a change of clothes,' the officer tells MailOnline. 'We do not treat them badly unless they resist, when it becomes necessary to start using force.' He continues his search, shining his torch under all the seats, into the luggage rack, and even behind the electrical panels. There is not enough room for an adult to fit behind the machinery, but he explains that 'this is where they put their children.' It's amazing how they find so many places to hide. We used to catch them every day, but now it doesn't happen so often Macedonian border guard After a few empty carriages, the officer discovers two scruffy-looking men sound asleep on the seats. With some effort, he wakes them up, ready to haul them off the train and to a detention centre. But it turns out that these are innocent men at the end of a long day. Like the other passengers on the train, they regard the policemen with alarm as he shines his torch in their faces. Both Greece and Macedonia have been making every attempt to prevent migrants from making the dangerous journey to western Europe since the border between the two countries was sealed, cutting off the migrant route to the European Union. However, in Skopje, the capital of Macedonia that lies just a few miles from the coveted border with Serbia, MailOnline saw evidence that migrants are still getting through. Expert: The border officer had intimate knowledge of each carriage, gained over weeks of searching for migrant stowaways and dragging them in handcuffs from their hiding places Careful: He began his search by opening a hatch into the ceiling, where his torch-beam reveals a network of pipes and wiring in the roof cavity (pictured) Samer Tariq, 54, from a village Damascus, was begging for food and sleeping rough while he made his way northwards to the border. He left Syria where, he said, he used to work as a cleaner in the American embassy two months ago, making his way through Iran to Turkey with his wife, four children and granddaughter. They he paid human traffickers $3,000 for a place in a lorry, and was driven in crowded conditions through Greece and into Macedonia. Got through: Samer Tariq, 54, left Damascus in Syria and evaded the border guards to get to Skopje He and the other 30 people in the lorry were fed only bananas and vegetables, and as a result his 'stomach closed'. 'From a hole in the truck I saw many police, too much police,' he told MailOnline, 'but the smugglers bribed them and they waved us through. The truck was full, all Syrians, a lot of old people. When it arrived in Skopje we were all thrown out and we went our separate ways.' Now he was intending to stow away on a train heading for Belgrade, from where he could make his way to Austria and eventually Germany. 'I have been living for two months outside. I sleep outside, I have nothing to eat,' he told MailOnline. 'I paid smuggler my last money. I have got nothing. I have no power, I can barely stand on my legs. 'I need only to come to the Serbian border, then I will go hitch-hiking again. My life is in gods hands. When I am finally standing in Austria, then I will be born again.' What he did not know, however, was that even if he did manage to find a hiding place on a train, he would almost certainly be found and arrested by police. Turkey has also been persuaded to stop the maritime flow in the south, creating a highly pressurised bottleneck of 42,000 migrants that regularly threatens to explode. Journey: More than 985,000 people have travelled the route from Greece to Macedonia (pictured, guards patrolling the border fence) since the start of last year Lockdown: Now the border has been sealed and Macedonia has deployed special forces along the fence (pictured), fewer migrants are getting through Armed: The migrants who manage to sneak across the border, often with the aid of people smugglers, are up against a country and police force (pictured) on high alert Crossing: The migrants 'make the journey with nothing, not even a pillow or a change of clothes,' one officer told MailOnline In the Macedonian capital of Skopje, just a few miles from the border with Serbia, MailOnline saw evidence that migrants are still getting through (pictured, migrants at a transit camp in Tabanovce, Macedonia) Squalor: A refugee boy runs past burning cardboard boxes at the transit center for refugees near the northern Macedonian village of Tabanovce (pictured) At the border, on the other side of the razor-wire fence that faces the squalid Idomeni migrant camp, home to about 14,000 people, MailOnline witnessed Macedonian police and soldiers out in force. Not only were they armed with semi-automatic rifles, but a number of jeeps and armoured cars were parked opposite the destitute men, women and children living in tents just a few feet away on the other side of the fence. I have been living for two months outside. I sleep outside, I have nothing to eat... I paid smuggler my last money. I have got nothing. I have no power, I can barely stand on my legs Syrian refugee Samer Tariq Special forces soldiers conducted regular patrols, both on foot and in their vehicles, along the border. Helicopters passed overhead. This could only be a powerful deterrent to migrants hoping to make the long, dangerous trek through the mountains and canals into Macedonia. Recently, hundreds of migrants tried to rush the fence after rumours circulated that the sealed border was going to be opened. Amid chaotic scenes, Greek authorities tried to evacuate an estimated 11,500 people already stranded in desperate conditions. Since then, the Greek authorities have mobilised teams of volunteers to spread the word amongst the migrants that it will be impossible to get through the border. It comes after it emerged that activists in Idomeni had been urging people march on the Macedonian border, saying it would be reopened. Two weeks ago, similar rumours saw more than 1,000 people attempt to enter Macedonia by crossing a swollen creek, only to be arrested and sent back. At least three people drowned in that attempt. Shut down: Both Greece and Macedonia have been making every attempt to prevent migrants from making the dangerous journey to western Europe (pictured, the Greece-Macedonia border) Lockdown: At the Greece-Macedonia border are policeman and soldiers armed with semi-automatic rifles, as well as a number of jeeps and armoured cars Dangerous: Special forces soldiers conduct regular patrols on the Greece-Macedonia border both on foot and in their vehicles Scramble: Earlier this week, hundreds of migrants tried to rush the fence near Idomeni (pictured) after rumours circulated that the sealed border was going to be opened Innocence lost: More than 1,000 refugees and migrants remain stranded in northern Macedonia after several Balkan countries shut their borders (pictured, migrants at a transit camp in Tabanovce, Macedonia) Back at the train station, the burly police officer concludes his search. And he is empty handed. 'Nobody is getting through any more,' the officer tells MailOnline as he shines his torch one more time underneath the carriages. 'Very few people are getting this far, and all we have to do is mop them up.' A lion named Sylvester which is on the loose after escaping from a South African wildlife park may now avoid being shot dead - after a British charity vowed to house him. The big cat is considered a danger to humans after it slipped through a fence at Karoo National Park and rangers had suggested they would have to euthanise the animal. But animal welfare group Spots and Stripes Conservation has now offered to help rehome him while South African wildlife officials say they will re-assess their decision to kill the three-year-old lion. A lion named Sylvester which is on the loose after escaping from a South African wildlife park may now avoid being shot dead - after a British charity vowed to house him On his previous escape last year, Sylvester killed 28 sheep, a cow and a kudu antelope during three weeks on the run in which he roamed for hundreds of kilometres. He is pictured after being captured The charity said on Facebook: 'Given the plight of the wild lion in Africa the thought of a prime virile and valuable wild male lion for future populations needlessly falling to the bullet is not just astounding but unbelievable. It has proposed moves to secure permits and move Sylvester to a sanctuary in Limpopo. Trackers are still searching for the animal, which has already killed livesstock. The South Africa National Parks authority (SANParks) had announced it would put down the lion when he was caught - triggering outrage from some animal lovers. But on Wednesday it said euthanising Sylvester would only be considered if 'the damage caused is massive and may include danger to people.' 'Some members of the public have been alarmed by reports that the animal will be euthanised, but no decision can be taken until the animal is safely captured,' it added. The lion could instead be moved to another national park or private game reserve, or fencing could be improved to keep him inside the Karoo park. The big cat is considered a danger to humans after it slipped through a fence at Karoo National Park (pictured) and trackers suggested they would have to euthanise the animal On his previous escape last year, Sylvester killed 28 sheep, a cow and a kudu antelope during three weeks on the run in which he roamed for hundreds of kilometres. He was finally captured after being shot by a tranquiliser dart fired from a helicopter in a hunt that cost 800,000 rand (37,500). Sylvester, who was fitted with a tracking collar after that breakout, escaped again on Sunday under an electric fence after heavy rains. He has since killed one cow on a private farm, according to reports. 'Though the team of rangers sent out to search for the lion are experienced in tracking animals in the bush, the situation on the ground continues to pose a real danger of a possible ambush by the animal,' the park authorities said. 'The lion is currently roaming a remote mountainous area and it is hoped that it will not encounter humans.' Locals were warned to use extreme caution and not to approach him. Women will be able to take the so-called abortion pill later in a pregnancy and with fewer doctor visits under a new federal label for the drug that undermines several state laws aimed at restricting medical abortions. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notified the manufacturer of the drug Mifeprex in a letter on Tuesday that the drug is safe and effective for terminating a pregnancy in accordance with the new label. Also known as mifepristone or the abortion pill, the drug manufactured by Danco Laboratories is used in combination with another drug, misoprostol, to end a pregnancy. Scroll down for video Women will be able to take the so-called abortion pill later in a pregnancy and with fewer doctor visits under a new federal label for the drug that undermines several state laws aimed at restricting medical abortions Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump said Wednesday that women who get an abortion should receive 'some form of punishment' if it is ever outlawed While abortion providers in most states already are using the protocol outlined in the new label, laws in effect in Ohio, North Dakota and Texas prohibited 'off-label' uses of the drug and mandated abortion providers adhere to the older protocol approved in 2000. Similar laws in Arkansas and Oklahoma have been on hold pending legal challenges, while a county judge in Arizona ruled in October that state's law was unconstitutional. Under the new label, a smaller dose of mifepristone can be used up to 70 days after the beginning of the last menstrual period instead of the 49-day limit in effect under the old label. Also, the second drug in the protocol, which follows a day or two later, can be taken by a woman at home and not be required to be administered at a clinic, reducing the number of office visits a woman must make. 'The FDA's approval of a label reflecting a more updated, evidence-based protocol for medication abortion has the potential to expand women's options for safely ending a pregnancy in the earliest weeks,' said Nancy Northup, the president and CEO of the Center for Reproductive Rights. 'This label change underscores just how medically unnecessary and politically motivated restrictions on medication abortion in states like Texas and Oklahoma truly are, and demonstrates the lengths politicians will go to single out reproductive health care to restrict women's rights.' Abortion rights supporters say they expect providers in Ohio, North Dakota and Texas to begin administering the drugs in accordance with the new label within the next few days. Chris France, executive director of Preterm, Ohio's largest abortion provider, said: 'We will be implementing the new protocol today.' France said before Ohio's law prohibiting off-label use of the drugs went into effect, between 10 and 15 percent of patients elected for a medication abortion. That number dropped below 2 percent after the law took effect. 'Combined with other restrictions in our state, medication abortion has required four in-person clinic visits, making this method too costly and cumbersome for most people,' France said. 'Now, our providers will no longer be forced to practice medicine mandated by politicians whose goal is to shut us down.' Randall O'Bannon, director of research for the anti-abortion group National Right to Life, said medication-induced abortions still are dangerous and have led to at least 14 deaths and thousands of injuries. He says the new protocols serve mostly the interests of the abortion industry by increasing their profit margin by requiring a smaller dose of the drug and reducing the level of staff they have to devote to the patient. Trump's original remarks about abortion came in a heated exchange with MSNBC host Chris Matthews at the Wednesday afternoon taping of a town hall in Green Bay, Wisconsin, scheduled to air that night Within hours, Trump's campaign sought to take back his comments in two separate statements, ultimately saying the billionaire businessman believes abortion providers - and not their patients - should be the ones punished 'It looks like this benefits the abortion industry and increases their potential customer base and revenues, but it's not clear that anything here makes it safer for women in the long run, and certainly nothing about a chemical abortion makes it any safer for the unborn child,' O'Bannon said. Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump said Wednesday that women who get an abortion should receive 'some form of punishment' if it is ever outlawed, drawing swift condemnation from activists on both sides of the divisive social issue. Within hours, Trump's campaign sought to take back his comments in two separate statements, ultimately saying the billionaire businessman believes abortion providers - and not their patients - should be the ones punished. 'My position has not changed,'Trump argued in both statements released by his campaign. 'Like Ronald Reagan, I am pro-life with exceptions.' Trump's original remarks about abortion came in a heated exchange with MSNBC host Chris Matthews at the Wednesday afternoon taping of a town hall in Green Bay, Wisconsin, scheduled to air that night. Matthews asked Trump whether he believes abortion should be outlawed. After an extended back-and-forth, Trump said, 'you have to ban' abortion and 'there has to be some form of punishment' for women who violate such a restriction. Pressed by Matthews on the nature of that punishment, Trump responded, 'I haven't determined what the punishment should be.' Trump also suggested that should abortion ever be barred, women could continue to receive abortions at 'illegal places.' 'You know you'll go back to a position like where they had where people perhaps will go to illegal places,' he said. Trump's remarks were assailed by abortion-rights supporters, but they also unsettled anti-abortion activists who said the comments clash with efforts to show empathy with women contemplating whether to have the procedure. 'We have never advocated, in any context, for the punishment of women who undergo abortion,' Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the national anti-abortion group Susan B. Anthony List, said in a statement. 'As a convert to the pro-life movement, Mr. Trump sees the reality of the horror of abortion - the destruction of an innocent human life,' Dannenfelser said. 'But let us be clear: punishment is solely for the abortionist who profits off of the destruction of one life and the grave wounding of another.' The March for Life, which organizes anti-abortion events each January in Washington, said on Twitter: 'No pro-lifer would ever want to punish a woman who has chosen abortion. This is against the very nature of what we are about.' Asked to clarify his position, Trump's campaign initially issued a statement saying he believes the issue should rest with state governments. But as the condemnation from all sides mounted, Trump's campaign issued a second statement that rejected his idea that a woman should face repercussions for undergoing an illegal abortion. As the condemnation from all sides mounted, Trump's campaign issued a second statement that rejected his idea that a woman should face repercussions for undergoing an illegal abortion Hillary Clinton, the leading Democratic candidate, weighed in via Twitter: 'Just when you thought it couldn't get worse. Horrific and telling' Bernie Sanders' Twitter account posted: 'Your Republican frontrunner, ladies and gentlemen. Shameful' 'If Congress were to pass legislation making abortion illegal and the federal courts upheld this legislation, or any state were permitted to ban abortion under state and federal law, the doctor or any other person performing this illegal act upon a woman would be held legally responsible, not the woman,' Trump said. 'The woman is a victim in this case as is the life in her womb.' The comments come just days before Wisconsin's primary, where preference polls show Trump trailing rival Ted Cruz. Trump's path to the nomination would narrow considerably if he were to lose the state. On Tuesday, police in Florida charged Trump's campaign manager was misdemeanor battery, accusing him of assaulting a female reporter. Both incidents renewed concerns among Republicans about whether Trump can appeal successfully to women voters in the general election. Trump has often said he's opposed to abortions, with three exceptions: rape, incest and when the life of the mother is at risk. But that was not always his stance. Trump used to describe himself as in favor of abortion rights, but says his position has evolved over the years, like Reagan's. 'Not only is this an unhinged position far from where the American people are, but it is sure to endanger women were he to become president,' said Ilyse Hogue, the president of NARAL Pro-Choice America. 'The worldview Donald Trump promotes is one where women should be shamed and blamed for their decisions.' Hillary Clinton, the leading Democratic candidate, also weighed in via Twitter: 'Just when you thought it couldn't get worse. Horrific and telling.' And Cruz, the Texas senator and Trump rival, said the comments are another sign Trump 'hasn't seriously thought through the issues' and will say anything to get attention. Chipotle apparently has burgers on its mind. The Denver-based chain applied for a trademark for 'Better Burger' earlier this month, according to a filing with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. A spokesman for Chipotle, Chris Arnold, noted the company has already started a pizza chain concept called Pizzeria Locale and an Asian food chain concept called ShopHouse. Arnold said on Wednesday the company has noted that the 'Chipotle model could be applied to a wide variety of foods.' The Denver-based chain Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc applied for a trademark for 'Better Burger' earlier this month, according to a filing with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office 'It's a growth seed idea we are exploring,' he told Bloomberg, who first reported the news, in an email. The application for the trademark was filed on March 11 but has not been approved yet, according to NBC. A new fast-casual burger chain would bring competition to chains such as Five Guys Burger & Fries, Shake Shack and Smashburger which have dominated the marketplace. Research firm Technomic Inc said for now, the U.S. market probably is not saturated with too many burger chains. 'The category continues to grow, and the opportunity continues to be very big,' Darren Tristano, Technomic's president told Bloomberg. 'If you're Chipotle, you're kind of looking at it saying, "Wow, look at Shake Shack - they went from one to such a large volume of sales."' After news was reported of Chipotle's Better Burger concept, shares of Shake Shack dropped to $35.77 by close on Wednesday after rising up to 6.3 per cent to $37.08, Bloomberg reported. On Wednesday, Chipotle rose 1.3 per cent to $466.15. A spokesman for Chipotle, Chris Arnold, noted the company has already started a pizza chain concept called Pizzeria Locale and an Asian food chain concept called ShopHouse (pictured) In 2011, Chipotle opened its first ShopHouse Southeast Asian Kitchen in Washington - a chain that has since expanded to Los Angeles and Chicago Chipotle, which has more than 2,000 stores, has surged in popularity by touting fresh ingredients and the flexibility to customize orders. That has led to numerous other 'fast casual' restaurant openings. In 2011, Chipotle opened its first ShopHouse Southeast Asian Kitchen in Washington - a chain that has since expanded to Los Angeles and Chicago. According to its website, ShopHouse is 'a tribute to the inspiring food culture of Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore' and builds on the company's vision for 'the future of fast food by bringing Chipotle's service format and food philosophy to the vibrant culinary tradition of Southeast Asia.' In the Chipotle format, ShopHouse offers customers a selection of rice, noodles or salad along with a meat or tofu, and then a vegetable, sauce and garnishes. Meanwhile Pizzeria Locale is a collaboration between the founders of Frasca Food and Wine in Colorado and Chipotle Mexican Grill who opened its first restaurant in May 2013. The pizza chain works to create fast food pizza restaurants with the same quality ingredients as other establishments but at half the price. It has locations in Colorado, Missouri, Kansas and Ohio. Pizzeria Locale is a collaboration between the founders of Frasca Food and Wine in Colorado and Chipotle Mexican Grill who opened its first restaurant in May 2013 Arnold said on Wednesday the company has noted that the 'Chipotle model could be applied to a wide variety of foods' At Pizzeria Locale, customers can select a classic 11-inch pizza or build their own with a number of toppings. As Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc considers expansion, it is trying to bounce back after an E. coli outbreak and other incidents that sent sales plummeting starting at the end of October. Executives have said they have taken steps to ensure food safety and that the incidents are behind them. And to get customers back in stores, the chain known for its burritos and bowls is being more aggressive with marketing and promotions including coupons for free entrees. Chipotle expects to report a loss of $1 per share or more for the January-to-March quarter - which would mark its first loss since going public in 2006. After news was reported of Chipotle's Better Burger concept, shares of Shake Shack dropped to $35.77 by close on Wednesday, while rose 1.3 per cent to $466.15. On Thursday Chipotle stock was at $470.36 a share The loss would reflect a 36 per cent sales decline at established restaurants in January, which was followed by a 26 per cent drop for February, despite the extra day in the month this year. Costs, meanwhile, have spiked due to factors including the free burrito promotions, stepped up marketing and investments in food safety. On Tuesday, Wedbush Securities downgraded the Mexican fast food chain to underperform, noting that a sales recovery by 2018 is a best case scenario from its norovirus, salmonella and E. coli outbreaks, according to Yahoo Finance. Notorious murder house has now been put on the market for the first time in decades at a price of $2.75 million The 50-year-old then attacked his 18-year-old daughter before downing a glass of bleach to commit suicide December 6, 1959, Los Angeles doctor, Harold Perelson snapped and bludgeoned his wife to death with a hammer The Los Feliz Murder House in LA has been uninhabited for Advertisement One of LA's most infamous murder houses has gone on the market for the first time in more than fifty years at $2.75 million. This innocuous-looking mansion at Glendower Place, on Los Feliz hill, was once home to Dr. Harold Perelson, a successful cardiologist who snapped and bludgeoned his wife to death with a hammer before downing a glass of bleach to end his life. Ever since that fateful night, on December 6, 1959, the house has been left to fall into disrepair, it's only visitors - the odd ghost hunting tour. One of LA's most infamous murder houses has gone on the market for the first time in more than fifty years at $2.75 million This innocuous-looking mansion at Glendower Place, on Los Feliz hill, was once home to Dr. Harold Perelson, a successful cardiologist who snapped and bludgeoned his wife to death with a hammer before downing a glass of bleach to end his life Ever since the murder-suicide on December 6, 1959, the house has been left to fall into disrepair, it's only visitors - the odd ghost hunting tour Decades later, and despite its grisly history, the Los Feliz Murder House has been put on the market for $2.75 million Decades later, and despite its grisly history, the Los Feliz Murder House has been put on the market for $2.75 million, Los Angeles Times reports. The home was inherited by Rudolph Enriquez after his mother's death last year. His parents Emily and Julian Enriquez bought the property a year after the murder-suicide but could never bring themselves to move in. Newspaper reports from the time next explained why Perelson, 50, decided to murder his family before taking his own life. But a Los Angeles Times reports that the LA doctor had been in some financial difficulty. The home (pictured is the second floor hallway) was inherited by Rudolph Enriquez after his mother's death last year. His parents Emily and Julian Enriquez bought the property a year after the murder-suicide but could never bring themselves to move in Many of the home's windows remain bordered up after it was abandoned for decades by its owners the Enriquez family Designed by architect Harry E. Weiner in 1925, the Spanish Colonial Revival features arched doors and windows, elegant fireplaces and spacious rooms On the night of the incident, Perelson had been reading Dante's Divine Comedy when he went upstairs into his bedroom where his wife Lilian, 42, was sleeping and bludgeoned her to death with ball-peen hammer. Then he turned his attention to his 18-year-old daughter Judye who managed to survive her father's attack, Vice reports. Woken by their sister's screams Perelson's two younger children came out to see what was happening only for their dad to shout at them to "Go back to bed! This is a nightmare!". Instead they fled the house into the street. With his children gone, the doctor returned to his Dante, which concerns heaven, hell and purgatory, before drinking the fatal glass of acid. A Hollywood film is currently being made about Perelson and the spooky house whcih was abandoned for more than 50 years. Now up for sale with Sanborn Team of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, the house still retains echoes of its once grand past The home, which was briefly owned by German silent film director-producer Frederic Zelnik, has four-bedrooms, three-bathrooms and a formal dining room A library, ballroom with a bar and kitchen (pictured) are also at the 5,050 square feet property, which has three-car and two-car garages on the grounds Now up for sale with Sanborn Team of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, the house still retains echoes of its once grand past. Designed by architect Harry E. Weiner in 1925, the Spanish Colonial Revival features arched doors and windows, elegant fireplaces and spacious rooms. The home, which was briefly owned by German silent film director-producer Frederic Zelnik, has four-bedrooms, three-bathrooms and a formal dining room. A library and ballroom with a bar are also at the 5,050 square feet property, which has three-car and two-car garages on the grounds. The owner of the Spanish Colonial Revival is hoping to find a buyer who can overcome the property's grisly past The four bedroom house, at Glendower Place, offers stunning views over Los Angeles from the second floor balcony Tony Abbott's controversial former chief of staff Peta Credlin will be joining Sky News as an on-air political commentator for the upcoming federal election, it has been confirmed. She is reportedly eager to utilise her 'long memory' and 16-years of experience in politics to 'help ordinary Australians better understand' their choices at the polling booth. Ms Credlin told News Corp she has been been offered several media jobs since departing the prime minister's office in September following the leadership spill. But she chose Sky because she respects their team of journalists, which includes David Speers, Kieren Gilbert and Laura Jayes, and hopes to add some insider value. Peta Credlin (pictured) will be joining Sky News as an on-air political commentator for the upcoming federal election, it has been confirmed Tony Abbott's controversial former chief of staff (pictured together) is reportedly eager to utilise her 'long memory' and 16-years of experience 'To say a lot has happened since the Coalition was elected in September 2013 would be an understatement,' she said. 'The Prime Minister has set up a challenge for the Senate which could deliver a lengthy double-dissolution campaign. 'There's no doubt if this happens that the campaign will be a test of endurance in policy, political and funding terms for all parties and in particular Malcolm Turnbull and Bill Shorten. 'My first federal campaign was in 2001 and every campaign is fascinating, every campaign matters and every campaign is different. 'I look forward to joining the well-respected political team at Sky News and adding some insider value to their coverage in 2016.' Angelos Frangopoulos, CEO of the Australian News Channel, confirmed the move, saying: 'Peta is a central figure on the Australian political landscape and we are delighted to welcome her to Sky. Ms Credlin said she has been been offered several media jobs since departing the prime minister's office in September following the leadership spill Ms Credlin has ruled out a permanent move into the media or a return to politics as an MP 'Her experience navigating the mechanics of government from the position of both leadership and opposition will provide unmatched political insight during our election programming.' But Ms Credlin has ruled out a permanent move into the media or a return to politics as an MP. In the days after Abbott was ousted by Malcolm Turnbull, Ms Credlin told a Women of the Future event in Sydney that she wanted to do something where she had her own voice. She said she refused to be 'defined by insider gossip from unnamed sources where no one has the guts to put their name to it'. 'I want to move on with my life and do something where I get my own voice,' Ms Credlin said. Ms Credlin was a controversial figure in the Abbott government and was even reportedly referred to as the 'boss'. Earlier this month, political commentator Niki Savva penned a book titled The Road to Ruin, detailing the bizarre relationship between Mr Abbott and Ms Credlin, including their rumoured affair. In the days after Abbott was ousted by Malcolm Turnbull, Ms Credlin told a Women of the Future event in Sydney that she wanted to do something where she had her own voice A number of former staff told Ms Savva they were concerned after Mr Abbott's wife Margie was taken off the guest list for an election party under Ms Credlin's orders Both Mr Abbott and Ms Credlin have denied any romantic involvement. '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,' Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells told Mr Abbott, according to the book. It says Mr Abbott responded calmly and said the rumours were not true. Senator Fierravanti-Wells reportedly told Mr Abbott in February 2015 - on the eve of a leadership spill vote - that the perception of the affair was damaging him. Ms Savva said confronting the pair took a 'fair bit of courage'. 'It wasn't just those rumours, it was everything else to do with their behaviour,' she said. Their behaviour, the way they ran the office, the way they ran the government, ultimately led to their downfall. 'Whatever she (Ms Credlin) thought should happen, she could get him to do and he was completely bound to her.' The book, released earlier this month, recounts warnings to Mr Abbott that he would lose the prime ministership unless he dumped Ms Credlin. That never happened and he was toppled by Malcolm Turnbull A number of former staff told Ms Savva they were concerned after Mr Abbott's wife Margie was taken off the guest list for an election party under Ms Credlin's orders, The Herald Sun reported. 'People in the inner circle reported that it was rare or exceptional for Credlin and Margie to be in the same room or at the same event together'. The book also reports Mr Abbott was seen by a Liberal MP giving Ms Credlin a 'slap on the bum,' and the pair are said to have had matching campaign luggage. The book recounts warnings to Mr Abbott that he would lose the prime ministership unless he dumped Ms Credlin. That never happened and he was toppled by Malcolm Turnbull. Ms Credlin has worked as an adviser, senior adviser and chief of staff to four Howard Government Cabinet ministers in the portfolio areas of communications, foreign affairs, immigration and defence. Between 2007 and 2013, Peta was senior adviser to former Leader of the Opposition Dr Brendan Nelson and Deputy Chief of Staff Malcolm Turnbull. The Broadway smash Hamilton, which has been cheered for reclaiming the nation's founding story by a multicultural cast, has come under fire for specifically seeking 'NON-WHITE men and women' for upcoming roles in future versions. That went too far for the Actors' Equity Association union, which said Wednesday that the show's language was not official or in compliance with their rules. The show responded by saying it regretted the confusion and will amend the notice to add that 'we welcome people of all ethnicities to audition.' Civil rights attorney Randolph McLaughlin told CBS New York: 'What if they put an ad out that said, "Whites only need apply?" 'Why, African-Americans, Latinos, Asians would be outraged.' Scroll down for video This image released shows Lin-Manuel Miranda, foreground, with the cast during a performance of Hamilton The Broadway smash Hamilton, which has been cheered for reclaiming the nation's founding story by a multicultural cast, has come under fire for specifically seeking 'NON-WHITE men and women' for upcoming roles in future versions McLaughlin told the TV station: 'You cannot advertise showing that you have a preference for one racial group over another. 'As an artistic question sure, he can cast whomever he wants to cast, but he has to give every actor eligible for the role an opportunity to try.' No such outcry was heard when the show was first being mounted, which called specifically for nonwhite actors to play the likes of Alexander Hamilton, George Washington, Aaron Burr, Thomas Jefferson and Eliza Hamilton. Only King George II was supposed to be filled by a white man. Hamilton producers said such a stance adheres to the accepted practice that certain characteristics in certain roles constitute a legal and 'bona fide occupational qualification.' Other shows also cast with ethnicity in mind. Since it opened off-Broadway last year, the show has been celebrated for putting minorities at the center of America's birth. The show's African-American, Asian and Latino actors have been cheered by President Barack Obama, British actress Helen Mirren and many others. The Actors' Equity Association union said Wednesday that the show's language was not official or in compliance with their rules Civil rights attorney Randolph McLaughlin (pictured) told CBS New York: 'What if they put an ad out that said, "Whites only need apply?" Why, African-Americans, Latinos, Asians would be outraged' The latest snag occurred when the show posted on its website a call for 'nonwhite men and women, ages 20s to 30s, for Broadway and upcoming tours.' Equity, which usually reviews casting notices, said it had not in this case. 'Our audition rules are created to provide the broadest access possible for our members to be seen for roles,' the union said. An Equity-approved casting call that appears on Backstage.com seeks 'all ethnicities', CBS New York reported. The show is by Lin-Manuel Miranda, who wrote the show's book, music and lyrics, and stars in the title role. It stresses the orphan, immigrant roots of Hamilton and has a varied score, ranging from pop ballads to gospel to R&B. A Chicago production will open this fall and a national tour will travel to San Francisco and then Los Angeles in 2017. Now the government agency have agreed to use secret technique to help hack Drexler and Staton's devices FBI have not revealed how it unlocked the device but are thought to have used an Israeli tech firm Ends a heated legal stand off with Apple which had refused to help hack it over privacy concerns Judge postponed Drexler's trial on Tuesday to ask FBI to help hack their iPod and iPhone for potential evidence The FBI has agreed to hack the iPhone and iPod of two teenagers accused of killing a couple days after announcing it had successfully cracked the San Bernardino gunman's device. Hunter Drexler, 18, and Justin Staton, 15, are accused of murdering Staton's grandparents Robert and Patricia Cogdell, both 66, at their home in Conway, Arkansas last July. Both pleaded not guilty to capital murder. On Tuesday a judge agreed to postpone Drexler's trial, due next week, to July so prosecutors could ask the FBI for help in unlocking the teenagers' Apple devices as potential evidence. The request came a day after the FBI announced it had finally gained access to an iPhone belonging to Syed Farook, who died with his wife in a gun battle with police after they killed 14 people in San Bernardino in December. Scroll down for video The FBI have agreed to unlock the Apple devices of Justin Staton (left) and Hunter Drexler (right) who are charged with shooting dead Robert and Patricia Cogdell The news ended a heated legal standoff with Apple which had been fiercely opposed to assisting the US government in unlocking the iPhone over fears it would impact on their customer's privacy. Apple software engineers - and outside experts - are puzzled about how the FBI broke the digital locks on the phone without Apple's help. But they are thought to have used Israeli firm Cellebrite, a provider of mobile forensic software, to hack the software for them. The FBI has not confirmed reports and will not reveal how it cracked Farook's iPhone. But the announcement was a major public setback for Apple, as consumers suddenly discover they can't keep their most personal information safe. The Justice Department has now dropped an order to try and force Apple to help the FBI hack their phone. Now the FBI have agreed to use the same hacking technique to unlock the iPhone and iPod of Drexler and Staton. Robert and Patricia Cogdell, both 66, were allegedly murdered by their own grandson Staton and his friend Drexler last July Discovery: The Cogdells were found shot to death at their home (pictured) in Conway, about 30 miles north of Little Rock, after Robert failed to report to work as the Public Works Director in nearby Maumelle 'The potential advancement in accessing those items, I believe that's good cause,' Faulkner County Circuit Judge Troy Braswell said as he granted the request from prosecutors to postpone the trial on Tuesday. Deputy Prosecutor Hugh Finkelstein said Tuesday that the prosecutor's office had no intention of asking Apple for help, given its refusal to help prosecutors in other states in similar circumstances. Drexler is accused of working with 15-year-old Justin Staton to kill the married couple at their home in Conway, 30 miles north of Little Rock. Staton, whom the Cogdells raised as their grandson, is also charged in the July, 2015, shooting deaths. According to court records, a 17-year-old witness who was at the Codgell's home at the time of the attack, said the murder plan had been conceived while all three were in juvenile jail together. 'Justin's plan was to shoot and kill his grandparents, split a large sum of money and credit cards between the three of them and then they would all run away,' the boy told authorities. 'Justin estimated their take at $50,000 to $90,000.' According to police, the hideous crime was carried out about 30 miles north of Little Rock when police said the teenagers shot the couple and dumped their bodies in a wooded area nearby. An affidavit filed with the charges, revealed that Staton told officers that, after complaining to Drexler about his grandparents, Drexler suggested that he shoot them. On Tuesday a judge agreed to postpone Drexler's trial so prosecutors could ask the FBI for help in unlocking the teenagers' Apple devices as potential evidence (stock image) The request came a day after the FBI announced it had finally gained access to an iPhone belonging to Syed Farook without Apple's help ending a stand off with the company (pictured is Apple CEO Tim Cook) A 17-year-old girl also at the home when the Cogdells were shot told police that Robert Cogdell didn't die immediately and was 'choking and gurgling' on the floor outside his bedroom. 'She told Justin that he needed to do something about the noise Robert was making and suggested that Robert be put out of his misery,' the affidavit said. 'Justin walked over and shot Robert one or two times.' Prosecutors argue that recorded phone conversations between Staton and others since his arrest indicated he had used the iPod to communicate about the homicide plans and that there may be other evidence on the device. Staton's attorney said they were was ordered last week to hand over the teen's device, which was sitting in the defense's evidence locker and had not been examined. Authorities have been in possession of Drexler's iPhone since he and two other teenagers were arrested in Texas, and brought back to Arkansas, days after the July shootings. Drexler's attorney, Patrick Benca, confirmed that he was notified that the FBI had agreed to help unlock his client's phone. 'We're not concerned about anything on that phone,' Benca said. Drexler is now due back in court on June 27. The delay will also allow prosecutors to request the testing of four additional swabs of blood and DNA matter from the Cogdells' home and a truck stolen from their house. Body of nurse Gayle Woodford was found on Saturday in a shallow grave Nurses across South Australia have said they will refuse to treat aggressive drink-and-drug affected patients unless it is a life-or-death situation, in a bid to reduce attacks on hospital staff. New research shows almost all emergency doctors and nurses have been threatened by an intoxicated person and have submitted a 'complete zero-tolerance' ultimatum to the Health Department. The call for action comes after the body of heath worker Gayle Woodford was found in a shallow roadside grave at the state's Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, 1,200 kilometres north-west of Adelaide on Saturday. Following her death, a petition to improve the welfare of nurses working in outback areas garnered more than 100,000 signatures and the federal minister for rural health Fiona Nash has called an urgent meeting on Thursday to discuss safety procedures, The Guardian reported. Scroll down for video Nurses across South Australia have said they will refuse to treat aggressive drink-and-drug affected patients unless it is a life-or-death situation (stock image) The call for action comes after the body of heath worker Gayle Woodford (pictured) was found in a shallow roadside grave at the state's Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands Dudley Davey, 34, appeared in the Port Augusta Magistrates Court on Tuesday charged over the death of Ms Woodford. The court did not hear how Mr Davey allegedly lured Mrs Woodford from her home or details of how he allegedly murdered her. 'The facts around Mrs Woodford's tragic death have not yet been established and the matter is subject to a police investigation, so it would be irresponsible to comment specifically on that matter,' Ms Nash said. The minister called a meeting for next week and will sit down with the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (Naccho) and other prominent bodies. Following Ms Woodford's death a petition to improve the welfare of nurses working in outback areas garnered more than 100,000 signatures and the federal minister for rural health Fiona Nash (pictured) called an urgent meeting Dudley Davey, 34, appeared in the Port Augusta Magistrates Court on Tuesday charged over the death of Ms Woodford The four-wheel-drive ambulance Ms Woodford used for work was found being driven by a 36-year-old man The minister called a meeting for next week and will sit down with the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (Naccho) and other prominent bodies Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation state secretary Professor Elizabeth Dabars said hospital administrators had put the issue of violent intoxicated patients in the 'too-hard basket' and staff have 'had enough,' The Adelaide Advertiser reported. Nurses will continue to treat drug or alcohol-affected patients only if they behave or if their injuries are life threatening. 'We have developed a complete zero-tolerance proposal, which is that if you behave like this you are not welcome at the hospital,' Ms Dabars said. 'If you cannot treat people with basic courtesy and respect, then you will not be in the emergency department or in the health system.' Fregon or Kaltjiti is a remote Aboriginal region located almost 1200km northwest of Adelaide and 137km off the Stuart Highway, near Coober Pedy Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation state secretary Professor Elizabeth Dabars said hospital administrators had put the issue of violent intoxicated patients in the 'too-hard basket' and staff have 'had enough' (stock image) According to Ms Dabars, the State Government said they would follow anti-violence advertisements to protect paramedics and nurses, but staff also want a 'detox location' away from where patients are being treated. A statement from SA Health to Daily Mail Australia said a public advertising campaign would soon be in force to try to deter violence in hospitals. 'The safety and well-being of staff and patients is our priority, and any act of violence or aggression in hospital is inexcusable,' the statement read. 'We are continuing to work with the ANMF on a range of strategies to tackle violence and aggression in our EDs, including developing a campaign similar to the successful Hands off our Ambos campaign, which has helped reduce violence against paramedics by around 17 percent.' A Los Angeles woman is suing a nail salon that she claims is to blame for an infection that caused her to lose a toe. Sonia Algara had to have her left pinky toe amputated after receiving a $20 pedicure at Dynasty Nails in Santa Clarita on March 15, her lawsuit states. Algara alleges that an employee cut between the fourth and fifth toe on her left foot with a pair of scissors during the treatment. Sonia Algara is suing Dynasty Nails in Santa Clarita, California, claiming the salon caused an infection that caused her to lose her left pinky toe (pictured) Algara had to have her left pinky toe amputated after receiving a $20 pedicure at the Los Angeles County salon (pictured) on March 15 Daniel Rafii, Algara's attorney, said she had warned the salon before the treatment that she was diabetic and more prone to infection, he told CBS Los Angeles. The incision caused 'severe pain and infection', according to the lawsuit. Algara asked the employee to stop and then headed to a hospital. A week later, doctors had to remove Algara's toe. Algara, who filed the lawsuit on Monday in Los Angeles Superior Court, is seeking unspecified damages for medical expenses, emotional distress and mental anguish. She said the amputation has affected her 'emotionally, physically - in every possible way'. Algara said her balance has since been affected, as has her ability to wear certain shoes. She no longer can walk up stairs. 'I think there's a sense of independence that she's lost,' said Rafii. 'A sense of strength.' An employee at Dynasty Nails told Daily Mail Online that the manager found no evidence that Algara had been at the salon on the day her suit claims. Dynasty Nails has three-and-a-half stars on Yelp. A women's rights group is calling for plain packaging on children's toys to fight against domestic violence and gender inequality. The Zonta Club of Adelaide made the proposal in its submission to a senate inquiry into both issues. The group argued plain packaging laws similar to those brought in for cigarettes on children's products - such as toys, clothing and cosmetics - would stop gender stereotypes contributing to 'cultural conditions which support domestic violence'. A women's rights group is calling for plain packaging on children's toys to fight against domestic violence and gender inequality. Above is stock image 'Sexualisation of young children through products, dress, toys and cosmetics reinforces that girls should be sexy, submissive and boys should be dominant, macho, important and strong,' the group wrote. 'These products reinforce boys to grow to males that can be powerful and strong and that girls need to be attractive and submissive to males. '[We] suggest making a campaign like the successful plain packaging of cigarettes. 'If products for children did not have macho and dominant images for boys and sexy submissive images for girls then children are not having this image and concepts reinforced by the community in which they live.' The group argued plain packaging laws similar to those brought in for cigarettes (pictured) on children's products would stop gender stereotypes contributing to 'cultural conditions which support domestic violence' The Zonta Club of Adelaide made the proposal its submission into a senate inquiry into domestic violence and gender inequality Feminist commentator Melinda Tankard Reist, who is a co-founder of Collective Shout, said gender stereotypes enforced by children's toys was just the tip of the iceberg when it came to violence against women and gender inequality. 'The question to be asked in the first place is "Why are the toys [that sexualise girls] are being created in the first place?"' she told Daily Mail Australia. 'This a micro factor that excuses and gives permission to tolerate bad behaviour in men. It should be looked at every level.' Ms Tankard Reist's organisation, Collective Shout, had not specifically addressed the issue of plain packaging for toys in their submission to the same inquiry but saw the merits of the proposal. 'It's worth having a discussion around that as well as around everything else, such as the harms of pornography contributing to gender stereotypes and violence against women,' Ms Tankard Reist said. Feminist commentator Melinda Tankard Reist said gender stereotypes enforced by children's toys was just the tip of the iceberg when it came to violence against women. Above is a stock image of boys looking at toys Feminist commentator Melinda Tankard Reist (right) saw the merits of the proposal but Institute of Public Affairs policy director Simon Breheny (left) labelled it 'completely absurd' But Institute of Public Affairs policy director Simon Breheny told Daily Mail Australia the suggestion made by the Zonta Club of Adelaide was 'utterly illogical'. He went on further to say it was 'one of the weirdest and dumbest policy ideas', according to The Australian. 'Trying to associate domestic violence with the packing of children's toys is completely absurd,' Mr Breheny said. 'The thing that really struck me is the ridiculousness of the proposal. 'We thought [plain packaging] would always spread to other areas... [with] alcohol or fast food but I have to say I was pretty surprised to see it in the context of children's toys. 'It strikes me as a thought bubble and not much thought was put into it. 'There's no evidence to back it up.' Collective Shout's submission to the senate inquiry focuses on the 'increasing pornification of culture and the way its messages have become entrenched in mainstream society'. The 'sexploitation' campaigners' submission focussed on prostitution, pornography and the sexualisation of women and girls in advertising, marketing, the media and popular culture. It argued these avenues reinforced the message to women and girls that 'their only value is their sex appeal'. Victorians could be fined thousands of dollars if they break new rules banning firewood collection in national parks and reserves. Public land in parts of northern Victoria is now off limits for people looking to heat their homes or collect firewood to burn on camping trips under new rules introduced by the Victorian government. Restrictions introduced on March 1 mean firewood can't be collected from public land in Shepparton and Mildura, and people will be forced to prove where they live if they want to take wood in designated areas along the Murray River. Public land in parts of northern Victoria are now off limits for people looking to take firewood this winter (stock image) People will not be able to take wood outside designated collection areas along the Murray River (pictured) People who fail to comply with the restrictions can be socked with fines of up to $7,583.50, one year imprisonment or both. On the spot fines are about $607. Forest officers from Parks Victoria and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) will be conducting regular patrols of area's where collection is allowed. Penalties will apply to people that collect outside designated areas or allocated time periods. People taking above the maximum allowance of two cubic metres of firewood per person per day will also be fined. In the past, forest authorities have set up road blocks to check people coming out of forests. The changes mean that campers that want to have a fire may now have to cart wood into national parks with them or risk a fine. Parks Victoria says firewood is a limited resource and needs to be managed to ensure collection doesnt damage forests. The new rules also prioritise local residents, according to the DELWP. There are fears that firewood supplies in Mildura and Shepparton could run out this year. But with winter fast approaching, the restrictions are worrying some local leaders who fear that people could be left freezing. 'We will have old people shivering to death if we're not careful,' Moira Shire mayor and Murray Group of Councils chair, Gary Cleveland, told The Weekly Times. 'Wood has always been available as a cheap energy source and in some of our towns we believe more than half the households use wood,' he said. Campers that want to have a fire parts of northern Victoria will now have to cart wood into national parks or risk a fine (stock image) The ban is the first time since European settlement in 1788 that people will be unable to take wood from public land between Mildura and Shepparton, The Weekly Times reported. The new rules mean firewood can only be the collected from designated areas in River Red Gum parks, reserves and forests along the Murray River, and only if people can prove they live in the local government area. Parks Victoria says firewood collectors will have to show proof of address. Residents in Shepparton and Mildura, who are not allowed to take wood from public land in their local government area, will have access to firewood at collection areas in Barmah Island and Robinvale respectively. Pensioners, veterans and people with Victorian Health Cards are allowed to take firewood from designated collection areas outside their local government areas. Ministers were accused of presiding over a 'total shambles' last night as Britain's steel industry teetered on the brink of collapse with the loss of 40,000 jobs. David Cameron jetted back from holiday to hold an emergency summit at No 10 while Business Secretary Sajid Javid aborted a controversial trip to Australia. MPs and officials at Tata Steel blamed the Government for the Indian company's devastating decision to sell its entire UK business. They accused ministers of being 'in hock' to the Chinese and not doing enough to halt the dumping of cheap steel which led to Tata incurring massive losses at its plant at Port Talbot in Wales. Scroll down for videos Crunch talks: David Cameron, left, jetted back from holiday to hold an emergency summit at No 10 while Business Secretary Sajid Javid, right, aborted a controversial trip to Australia Shambles: MPs accused ministers of being 'in hock' to the Chinese and not doing enough to halt the dumping of cheap steel which led to Tata incurring massive losses at its plant at Port Talbot in Wales, pictured Tariffs which could have made it more expensive to buy the Chinese steel were opposed by the UK, it emerged. Eurosceptics continued to focus their anger on EU edicts which rule out most types of State aid to help the stricken plant. They said Mr Cameron was unwilling to ask Brussels to lift the ban because it would make Britain look weak at a time when he was trying to win the EU referendum. Ministers said they are determined to find a buyer for the business. But, in a dramatic escalation, sources close to Tata said there were weeks rather than months to agree a rescue deal. The financial problems facing Port Talbot are so significant that Tata is ready to 'give it away for nothing', insiders claimed. In a further blow to the Government's hopes, it was claimed that Tata had been trying to find a buyer for its UK steel division for 18 months and there were no willing candidates. This could force ministers to support the company to the tune of tens of millions of pounds while the hunt for a buyer takes place. On a day of chaos: The Government insisted all options to save the business were on the table then swiftly ruled out full-scale nationalisation; Labour's demands for an emergency recall of Parliament were rejected; It emerged ministers had blocked plans to impose a 66 per cent tariff on cheap Chinese steel; Taxpayers could be asked to underwrite loans worth tens of millions of pounds if a buyer can be found for Tata. Under threat: About 40,000 jobs could be lost if no buyer is found. Pictured, some of the workers at Tata steel No 10 and the Department for Business were accused of being unprepared for the crisis, which was triggered late on Tuesday night when Tata put its UK business up for sale. Following a board meeting in Mumbai, Tata said it was 'looking at strategic alternatives' to its ownership of its UK business. The Port Talbot site alone is losing 1 million a day. About 40,000 jobs could be lost if no buyer is found, according to analysis by the IPPR think tank. Mr Javid, who spent only 15 hours in Australia, having spent twice that time flying there, pledged to examine 'all viable options' to help save steelworkers' jobs but ruled out nationalisation, which Labour and the unions had demanded. Meanwhile, Mr Cameron returned from his Easter holiday to Lanzarote last night as planned, and was immediately plunged into talks with officials and Welsh politicians. Officials said the PM would do everything possible to save the UK steel industry. But Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the Government was in 'disarray' over the steel crisis, with ministers guilty of treating workers as 'expendable'. He cut short his own holiday yesterday to visit the Port Talbot plant, and demanded all MPs be recalled to Parliament to discuss the crisis a call swiftly rejected by No 10. Support: Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn met Tata Steel staff at the plant's sports and social club (pictured) Critics accused the Government of being in chaos over the imposition of EU-wide tariffs on cheap foreign steel. Ministers opposed proposals to slap a 66 per cent tariff on some steel products earlier this year, saying it would lead to higher prices for UK consumers. But officials are now going back to Brussels to increase the tariffs which the EU agreed on from 9 per cent to 20 per cent. Last night, it emerged senior figures at Tata blamed the Government for the crisis, saying not enough had been done to halt Chinese dumping. Labour MP Stephen Kinnock, whose Aberavon constituency includes the Port Talbot plant, said company executive Koushik Chatterjee had 'made it clear that he wanted to see a British government doing more'. Mr Kinnock claimed the UK had been a 'ringleader' in trying to prevent the European Commission from being given more powers to tackle the situation. Turning his fire on George Osborne, the Labour MP claimed: 'We are rolling out the red carpet for Beijing. They are in hock to China. Our commercial policy, our approach to trade and manufacturing, and our overall industrial strategy, is being dictated by Beijing.' Easter break: David Cameron also flew home after a six-night stay in Lanzarote, pictured with wife Samantha Labour MP Jess Phillips added: 'The Tory response to the steel crisis has been a total shambles.' Downing Street said last night that Mr Cameron will hold a meeting of 'key ministers' early this morning to discuss the crisis, before flying off to the US to visit President Obama. As late as yesterday lunchtime, Mr Javid's aides insisted he would remain in Australia, where he was due to give a series of speeches on innovation and free trade. But, hours later, the Government announced he was returning, and that he had spoken to the chairman of Tata group. Senior government sources denied Mr Javid had been summoned back by No 10. Mr Javid said the UK steel industry was 'absolutely vital for the country', adding that the Government 'will look at all viable options to keep steelmaking continuing in Port Talbot'. But he rejected calls for the Government to step in and nationalise the Port Talbot plant, saying he did not think it was 'the solution' to the crisis. Sources said nationalisation was being rejected because it would expose taxpayers to potentially large future losses in the steel industry. Insiders suggested there were three main options on the table, based on finding a buyer. Each could require tens of millions of pounds in funding. Highways chiefs now rule it will not be moved because it is not a hazard A boulder that has stood in the middle of a village road for centuries will not be moved after highways chiefs ruled it was not a traffic hazard. The glacial deposit in Soulbury, Buckinghamshire, came under threat when a driver crashed into it and claimed compensation. The county council warned it might have to be demolished if it was causing an obstruction. Highways chiefs in Soulbury, Buckinghamshire, have ruled that the 11,000-year-old rock (pictured) which sits in the middle of the village does not need to be moved because it does not pose a traffic hazard to motorists But villagers, including parish council chairman Victor Wright, vowed to chain themselves to the rock, which is thought to be 11,000 years old, to protect it. Last night a county council spokesman said plans to remove the rock known as the Soulbury Boot had been scrapped. Local historian Chris Bryant said: Its great news. Residents were left outraged by the suggestion that the rock poses a danger to motorists, after the claims were made when a driver demanded 18,000 in compensation for hitting the three-foot rock. Seven people even threatened to tie themselves to the rock in a bid to stop it being taken. Victor Wright, the parish council chairman, said he thought it would be a case of 'health and safety gone mad' if the decision was taken to remove the stone. The 65-year-old added: 'If a motorist can't see that rock then they shouldn't be driving. My grandchildren are smaller than that rock and it is very obvious in the road. 'At least seven people have come forward and are willing to chain themselves to the rock to stop it being taken away. 'I think the whole situation has become ridiculous. The answer is to put something around it not remove it.' A 'Save Our Soulbury Stone' campaign was launched after council bosses said the stone, which lies near an unmarked junction, poses a danger to motorists. However, it has now been confirmed it will not be moved Traffic cones had temporarily been placed round the stone to make it 'safe' before a decision was made THE LEGENDS THAT SURROUND THE 11,000-YEAR-OLD SOULBURY STONE The 11,000-year-old Soulbury Stone is found at the centre of Soulbury in Buckinghamshire. There are several stories about where the three-foot rock, which is also known as the Soulbury Boot, came from and why it is there. One story suggests the stone appeared on the top of the hill after villagers fought off the devil and cut off his foot. Residents also believe the stone rolls down the hill every night when the clock strikes midnight. But local historian Chris Bryant has a more rational explanation. He said: 'The stone originated in Derbyshire and was pushed to Soulbury in the last Ice Age, as the glacier disappeared across the south of England.' He added that some people believe that, like an iceberg, the majority of the stone is underground but added that the theory had not been proved. Advertisement Mr Wright added that a 'top notch' solicitor had been employed to fight the compensation claim. Soulbury parish councillor Alan Stevens added: 'How she ran into it I do not know. It is not in the roadway, it is on a junction.' The row is thought to have started after a letter was sent to Mr Wright by Matt Whincup, from the Buckinghamshire County Council transport team. The letter labelled the stone an 'obstruction', according to The Highways Act, and said the council was obliged to take action following the compensation claim. It added: 'If we were to remove the stone it would naturally upset the parish council and local residents however, unless we can come up with an alternative solution to make the stone "safe" we may have to resort to removing it.' Villagers were quick to get involved in the debate. Pam Norman, who helps edit the villages newsletter, said: 'I am sure the villagers wont allow it to be moved. 'It has been there so long it is part of the village. People will be up in arms, there will be outcry if it is removed.' Residents were left outraged by the suggestion, which was made after a motorist demanded 18,000 in compensation after crashing into the three-foot rock (pictured) There are several stories about where the three-foot rock, which is also known as the Soulbury Boot, came from and why it is there. It is pictured in the 1940s or 1950s One suggested solution was to temporarily move the stone, which is also known as the Soulbury Boot, but that plan was met with a mixed response. The grieving family of a one-year-old girl who was raped and murdered were comforted by mourners at her funeral. Hundreds gathered at the Christian Life Center in Spencer, Indiana, yesterday to pay their respects to Shaylyn Ammerman, who was found dead last week. Her father Justin Ammerman embraced visitors as they arrived, with many wearing purple ribbons in honor of the toddler's favorite color. He wore a t-shirt with Shaylyn's face on it, accompanied by the words 'Loved By All'. The family of Shaylyn Ammerman, who was found dead last week, were comforted by mourners at her funeral in Spencer, Indiana, yesterday. Pictured right is the toddler's grandmother, Tamera Morgan Her father Justin Ammerman (left) wore a t-shirt with Shaylyn's face on it with the words 'Loved By All' Shaylyn, who was 14 months old, was found dead near a river after vanishing from her father's home Despite the rain that began to fall as the child's casket was carried out of the church, dozens of people lined the streets to pay their respects as the funeral procession passed. Those gathered included police officers who had searched for the girl after she went missing from her father's home last Tuesday. Several police officers were present outside the visitation after reports surfaced on social media that someone might try to disrupt it, WTHR-TV reported. 'If someone's here to make their statement known, they're more than welcome to say it out here in public, but as far as inside that church, we're going to let the family grieve,' Indiana State Police Sgt. Curt Durnil said. Prosecutors have charged family Kyle Parker, 22, with murder, rape, kidnapping and other counts in Shaylyn's death. Authorities say Parker drank whiskey with the girl's uncle and then waited until the family fell asleep before abducting the toddler. Grandmother Tamera Morgan is hugged by the toddler's uncle Adam Ammerman outside the funeral Hundreds gathered at the Christian Life Center yesterday to pay their respects to the little girl Family friend Kyle Parker, 22, has been charged with the kidnapping, rape and murder of the 14-month-old Her body was found in a remote, wooded location after two days of searching. A judge has ordered Parker jailed without bond and entered a not guilty plea for him. The Owen County Jail was holding him in solitary confinement and on a suicide watch, standard practice when a person faces charges 'of this magnitude', Assistant Jail Commander Marjie Ryan said. Shaylyn's grandmother looked visibly upset at the funeral, where mourners wore purple ribbons in honor of the little girl's favorite color Dozens of people lined the streets to pay their respects as the funeral procession passed Those gathered included police officers who had searched for the girl after she went missing on Tuesday There were some reports on social media that someone might try to disrupt the funeral. Pictured is the hearse carrying the body of Shaylyn page on Tuesday that Abigail 'played cards and spoke very loudly today' Abigail Kopf was shot in the head by ' Uber The 14-year-old girl feared dead after an Uber driver allegedly went on a shooting rampage is already talking and walking on her own again. Abigail Kopf was shot in the head after Jason Dalton opened fire on civilians outside a restaurant near Kalamazoo in Michigan on February 20, police say. But just over a month later, the teen has made a miraculous recovery and on Tuesday, her family posted that Abigail 'played cards and spoke very loudly today.' Scroll down for video Abigail Kopf, pictured with her mother Vickie in hospital, is recovering after she was shot in the head after Jason Dalton opened fire on civilians outside a restaurant near Kalamazoo in Michigan on February 20 Just over a month later, the teen (pictured in hospital) has made a miraculous recovery and on Tuesday, her family posted that Abigail 'played cards and spoke very loudly today' Abigail, pictured in hospital with bandages around her head after being shot last month, is making a miraculous recovery She is also bravely learning to walk again on her own and refuses to rely on a wheelchair, her proud father Gene Kopf wrote on the family's GoFundMe page. The recovery is even more astounding as just a month ago doctors, who feared she was brain dead, after the Kalamazoo shooting, had begun preparing her body so her organs could be donated. It was only when she squeezed her mother's hand that medics realized the teen still had signs of life. Vicki Kopf, who has not left her daughter's side in hospital since the shooting, described that moment as 'breathtaking' and 'a miracle on its own,' reported the station WWMT . Three weeks later, Abigail astounded her doctors once again when she uttered her first word: 'Pig.' 'This little girl loves her pig named Hamlet,' her family explained in a post on March 11. 'Tonight, Abbie spoke her first word. It was 'pig'. 'This gives us great hope that she will regain her speech,' they shared. 'Let's hear it for our Warrior!' Dalton, 45, (pictured at his arraignment) the alleged gunman behind the deadly attack, has been charged with six counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder in the attack Kopf was in the front passenger seat of a vehicle parked outside a Kalamazoo-area Cracker Barrel restaurant when she was struck once in the head on Saturday The First Congregational Church holds a candlelight vigil in remembrance of the mass shooting victims on Monday Abigail was in the front passenger seat of a vehicle in the car park when she was shot once in the head after Jason Dalton opened fire on civilians outside a restaurant near Kalamazoo in Michigan on February 20, police say. Dalton, 45, has since been charged with six counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder in the attack. Authorities initially said the girl had been killed after Uber driver Dalton allegedly gunned down six people in the parking lot of a Cracker Barrel restaurant. Four of them died, including Mary Lou Nye, 63, Mary Jo Nye, 60, Dorothy Brown, 74, and Barbara Hawthorne, 68. Vicki Kopf said of Hawthorne that despite not been a blood relative, she was like an adopted grandmother to Abigail and her sister, and helped raised both girls. The Kopfs expressed sympathy for the family of the man suspected of shooting their daughter and killing six others and said they believe Jason Dalton's relatives are also suffering in the wake of the tragedy. The shooting rampage began on February 20 outside the Meadows apartment complex on the eastern edge of Kalamazoo County, where 25-year-old Tiana Carruthers was shot multiple times but survived. Abigail Kopf, pictured in her hospital bed with her sister Juliana, has made a remarkable recovery after being shot in the head Abigail (left and right) was feared brain dead after the horrific shooting, allegedly by Uber driver Jason Dalton, and doctors had begun preparing to harvest her organs when she squeezed her mother's hand Abigail has been with close family friend Barbara Hawthorne (pictured with the teen, right) when Dalton allegedly opened fire. Hawthorn was gunned down and kiled Abigail's father Gene said his daughter, who loves musicals, theater and animals, has continued to astound doctors with her incredible recovery Kalamazoo County Sheriff Richard Fuller said the victim sensed trouble when Dalton pulled up outside her apartment and put herself between his car and several children for whom she was caring, telling them to run to their nearby home. Prosecutor Jeff Getting dismissed the idea that Dalton was seeking a particular person at the complex. He said Dalton called Carruthers by a different name only 'to get her attention' before opening fire. A little more than four hours later and 15 miles away, Rich Smith, 53, and his 17-year-old son, Tyler, were fatally shot while looking at cars at a car dealership, before Dalton allegedly drove to the Cracker Barrel restaurant. Abigail's father Gene said his daughter, who loves musicals, theater and animals, has continued to astound doctors with her incredible recovery. 'Abigail is climbing out of bed on her own and walking entirely on her own,' he wrote yesterday, on a fundraising page set up to help pay for her medical bills. 'She refuses to be followed by a wheelchair. 'She is speaking, but is a whisper, and she is eating soft foods. 'We thank everyone for their tremendous support. Things are finally settling down enough that we can better read her cards and mail, and we have just begun the process of writing thank you.' Report revealed how the majority of NHS hospitals have no specialist end-of-life doctors and nurses on wards at nights and weekends In some cases doctors have not even told relatives death is Dying patients are routinely being left dehydrated and in pain during their final hours, a shocking report reveals today. Thousands have been denied fluids and medication and in some cases doctors have not even told their relatives they are about to die, the report says. The authors warn that some NHS staff tended to shy away from the terminally ill and were afraid to comfort them or hold their hand. They describe this as a 'cross the road attitude'. The major audit which involved more than 9,000 patients also exposes how the majority of NHS hospitals have no specialist end-of-life doctors and nurses on wards at nights and weekends. Dying patients are routinely being left dehydrated and in pain during their final hours, a shocking report reveals today The major audit which involved more than 9,000 patients also exposes how the majority of NHS hospitals have no specialist end-of-life doctors and nurses on wards at nights and weekends The report by the Royal College of Physicians also highlights how: Up to half of patients had not been helped to drink in their final 24 hours according to their notes; Two thirds had not been helped toeat or given a feeding tube, and one in five patients had not been not prescribed pain relief; And one in six had a Do Not Resuscitate Order placed in their notes by a doctor who had not discussed it with them or their relatives. Amanda Cheesley, lead nurse of end of life care at the Royal College of Nursing, who was involved in the report, said many NHS staff were scared to comfort patients. 'People are terrified,' she said. 'People cross the road to avoid talking to someone who is dying, or who has been bereaved.' 'We mustn't do that in hospitals, we need to be there. If somebody's distressed, then find out why and if I can't deal with it, find somebody who can. 'Nurses can identify when things are going wrong and they need to be able to feel confident enough to deliver that. This is about being a human being, a nice person. It's not about being a skilled professional.' More than 200,000 patients die in hospital in England every year but there have been repeated warnings over the standards of end-of-life care. Thousands have been denied fluids and medication and in some cases doctors have not even told their relatives they are about to die, the report says The authors warn that some NHS staff tended to shy away from the terminally ill and were afraid to comfort them or hold their hand. They describe this as a 'cross the road attitude' Many of these centred on the Liverpool Care Pathway, a procedure under which food, fluid and medication was withdrawn from patients in their final hours supposedly to reduce suffering. The controversial policy was abolished in 2014 after a major review which followed a Daily Mail campaign warning that it was being widely abused as a tick-box exercise. This newspaper exposed how some patients were being denied food and fluid for days leading up to their deaths while others were being written off when they could have recovered. NHS staff have since been issued with new guidelines instructing them to treat dying patients as individuals and respect their personal needs and wishes. Today's report found that on the whole care has vastly improved as a result and the skills of doctors and nurses have been 'allowed to blossom'. But it also highlighted 'unacceptable variation' between hospital trusts partly due to a lack of staff, training and general attitude towards the dying. The authors examined the records of 9,302 patients who had died at 142 hospital trusts in May 2015. They found that for 55 per cent of individuals, there was no evidence they had been supported to drink in the last 24 hours of their life. For 66 per cent, there was no documented evidence that they had been helped to eat or offered a feeding tube. In another 16 per cent, doctors had slipped a Do Not Resuscitate Order into medical files without discussing it with that individual nor their relatives. And in 4 per cent of cases one in 20 staff had failed to tell patients' close family or friends they were nearing the end of their life. Lay member of the audit team Tony Bonser, whose son Neil died of cancer seven years ago, said: 'The two questions everybody wants to know about a relative is 'are they dying?' and 'how long have they got?'.' Today's report found that on the whole care has vastly improved as a result and the skills of doctors and nurses have been 'allowed to blossom' The authors examined the records of 9,302 patients who had died at 142 hospital trusts in May 2015. They found that for 55 per cent of individuals, there was no evidence they had been supported to drink in the last 24 hours of their life Professor Sam Ahmedzai, an expert in end-of-life care at Sheffield University and lead author of the report, warned of 'unacceptable variation' between hospitals. 'DRUGGED UP AND DENIED FOOD' Margaret 'Nellie' Smart was drugged up and allegedly denied food Margaret 'Nellie' Smart was drugged up and allegedly denied food and fluid for almost two weeks before her death. The 93-year-old's family believe she was secretly put on the Liverpool Care Pathway even though it had been abolished. She was admitted to Warrington General Hospital in Cheshire in October 2014 after doctors suspected she had had a stroke. They later diagnosed pneumonia. Her family claim that the only food and fluids she received in the following two weeks were what they smuggled in. Mrs Smart's daughter Mary Carver said she had been fit and sprightly. She said: 'We didn't need somebody to kill her for us. At the very least, she was heavily neglected.' Mrs Carver, who lived with Mrs Smart near Northwich, Cheshire, lodged a formal complaint against Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The trust denied putting Mrs Smart on the care pathway and insisted she was receiving expert medical treatment. Advertisement 'The number of times that medication was reviewed in last 24 hours varied from 20 per cent to 100 per cent, depending on where you were. Being assessed for a need of clinically assisted hydration varied from 10 per cent to 100 per cent.' But he also pointed out that in the two years since the Liverpool Care Pathway was abolished, doctors and nurses responsible for end-of-life care had been 'allowed to blossom'. The blanket policy may have 'held back' their skills now they could look after patients as individuals to accommodate their final wishes. The report also found that 19 per cent of patients had not been given pain relief in their final 24 hours of life while 31 per cent had not had medication for agitation. And only 11 per cent of hospitals had specialist end-of-life doctors and nurses available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Dr Adrian Tookman of Marie Curie, a charity which cares for terminal cancer patients said: 'We can't ignore the fact that the vast majority of dying people and those close to them, still have limited or no access to specialist palliative care support when they need it in hospital. 'This is not right. It is critical that funding is directed towards recruiting and training doctors and nurses to provide specialist care now.' Dr Ros Taylor MBE, clinical director at the charity Hospice UK, said: 'It is promising to see there have been some significant improvements in the care of dying people in hospitals in recent years. 'However, it is clear that pockets of very poor palliative care still persist.' The identical twin brother of the man accused of raping and killing school teacher Stephanie Scott has pleaded guilty to being an accessory to the murder. Marcus Stanford, 25, admitted to 'assisting' his brother conceal the crime in the days and weeks after Ms Scott's death, including receiving a number of items belonging to her in the mail. He is the twin brother of school cleaner Vincent Stanford, who is accused of raping and murdering Ms Scott, 26, in April last year - just days before she was due to marry. Both brothers appeared at Griffith Local Court, north east of Canberra, via video link on Thursday and Vincent was committed to stand trial without entering a plea. The twin brother of accused killer Vincent Stanford has pleaded guilty to being an accessory in the murder of school teacher Stephanie Scott (pictured right and left with fiance) Marcus Stanford (pictured), who was allegedly sent items belonging to Ms Scott, made his plea at Griffith Local Court, north east of Canberra on Thursday Ms Scott, 26, disappeared from the school where she worked in NSW country town Leeton on Easter Sunday last year, four days before she was due to marry her childhood sweetheart. Her body was found burnt in Cocoparra National Park, around 70 kilometres of Leeton. Vincent Stanford was arrested four days after her disappearance after police allegedly found a photo of a body on his phone. His brother was arrested and charged in June and extradited from his home in Forreston, South Australia, to NSW. Ms Scott, 26, disappeared from the school where she worked in NSW country town Leeton on April 5 and after a huge search effort, her burned remains were found five days later Marcus Stanford is pictured here (centre) after being extradited to New South Wales in June Vincent Stanford's sexual assault charge was withdrawn and replaced with another charge that is not publicly known, pictured here as a child in the Netherlands Ms Scott's mother, father, sister and fiance Aaron Leeson-Woolley were in court for the hearing on Thursday. But they did not react when Marcus Stanford, who appeared via video link wearing prison greens, made his guilty plea, the ABC reported. Vincent Stanford's lawyer David Davidge asked for the case to be adjourned, arguing that he had not been assessed by Corrective Services regarding his 'fitness' before entering a plea. But Magistrate Katherine Thompson ordered that he be committed to stand trial without entering a plea, according to the Daily Telegraph. Vincent's sexual assault charge was also withdrawn and replaced with another charge that is not publicly known. Ms Scott's mother, father, sister and fiance Aaron Leeson-Woolley were in court for the hearing on Thursday School cleaner Vincent Stanford was arrested on April 8 of last year and charged with murder and aggravated sexual assault Four volumes of evidence were tendered to court for Marcus Stanford and 16 volumes for his brother. Vincent Stanford was committed for arraignment in the Supreme Court on May 6 and his brother is expected to be sentenced in May. Hundreds of people attended Ms Scott's funeral in Eugowra at the same location where her wedding was meant to be held, Eat Your Greens. Vincent and Marcus Standford were born in Tasmania but moved to the Netherlands with their mother Anika and older brother Luke when they were six. The twins returned to Australia with their mother in 2013 with Vincent and Anika moving to Leeton while Marcus moved to the Adelaide Hills in South Australia. It is alleged Vincent posted Ms Scott's (pictured) personal belonging to Marcus in South Australia Murdered teacher Stephanie Scott's parents Robert and Merrilyn Scott arrive at the Griffith Local Court in November There are six other reasons why the dice were loaded against Port Talbot Root of many UK steel problems is the glut of steel imported from China Did Port Talbot ever have a chance? Here are eight reasons why the dice were loaded against the Welsh plant and why other countries steel industries have had an unfair advantage. The scandal of EU tariffs The root of many problems in the British steel industry is the glut of cheap steel imported from China, whose government subsidises its own loss-making industry to a large degree. This allows Chinese firms to export steel around the world at rock-bottom prices. The flood of cheap Chinese steel should be combated with a concerted response from any nation that wants to protect its own industry, and thats exactly what America has done. Its faced down the threat by imposing punitive tariffs of 256 per cent of the value on imports of some steels from China. Tough market: We reveal eight reasons why the dice were loaded against the Welsh plant. Above, Tata Steel workers after they heard the news Unfair: Other countries steel industries have had an unfair advantage in comparison to Tata steel works (above) The EU, by contrast, has imposed much lighter tariffs of between 9.2 and 13 per cent. Under the EUs lesser duty rules which have to be agreed by member states tariffs are restricted to a level deemed necessary to eliminate the harm caused by the dumping of cheap steel in Europe. Free trade is generally a force for good because it should allow an efficient operation of markets and the greatest consumer choice, and there is a positive side to us importing cheap steel, as it reduces costs for manufacturing industries which consume it, such as car-makers. While the same arguments apply in America, it has been much more aggressive in protecting its own industries. And Americas just as bad So much for the special relationship. The U.S. Department of Commerce has also subjected British producers to import tariffs on steel in our case of up to 30 per cent. This is not because we are dumping cheap steel on the U.S., but purely as a protectionist measure to help U.S. producers sell more at home. That makes life doubly hard for our steel-makers: not only do they have to fight off cheap Chinese steel arriving in Britain, but they also face losing one of their largest export markets. Why didnt our government seek to prevent damaging U.S. tariffs on our steel by threatening to retaliate against U.S. exporters? For the simple reason that all our trade rules are set in Brussels. The legacy of Red Ed Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was predictably jumping up and down yesterday, demanding that Parliament be recalled to discuss the crisis over Port Talbot. But the fact is that one of the major reasons for the crisis in the British steel industry is the Climate Change Act. Steel-making is hugely energy intensive the Port Talbot works consumes more electricity than the entire city of Swansea but we no longer have cheap energy available. Didn't stand a chance: The dice were loaded against Tata Steel plant at Port Talbot in Wales, pictured Predictable: Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was jumping up and down yesterday, demanding crisis talks The reason is that punitive green taxes and levies have been introduced in an attempt to meet the self-imposed, arbitrary target for cutting UK carbon emissions by 80 per cent by 2050 a figure dreamed up by Ed Miliband when he was Environment Minister under Gordon Brown. These charges have subjected our steelmakers to crippling costs. All EU steelmakers have far higher energy bills than their counterparts in China, thanks to a Europe-wide environmental initiative called the Emissions Trading Scheme, but British plants have a huge burden on top thanks to Labours climate change levy, and also a so-called Renewables Obligation forcing energy suppliers to buy a certain proportion of their electricity from renewable sources. As a result, Port Talbot owner Tata Steel has to pay 20-30 per cent more for its electricity than if it were making steel in Germany, and 50 per cent more than if it were in France. The bitter irony is that putting these levies on British steelmakers doesnt help one jot to reduce global carbon emissions quite the opposite because the bulk of the steel production ends up moving to China, where the electricity comes from dirty coal plants. Georges rebate is too little, too late Too little, too late: Chancellor George Osborne In his 2011 Autumn Statement, Chancellor George Osborne said he understood the burden placed on manufacturing industry by Labours climate change levies, and announced a 250 million rebate for energy-intensive industries, to be introduced in 2013. So why are steelmakers still waiting for the money? It turned out that giving a rebate on taxes imposed by your own treasury is against the EUs rules on state aid, which are designed to prevent national governments giving their own industries unfair subsidies. Permission was finally granted by the EU for these rebates last December, but they still havent been paid, and even when they are it will be too little, too late. Few would want to go back to the days of nationalised industries propped up by the taxpayer. But EU rules expressly forbid governments paying subsidies to their steel industries, even in situations such as Port Talbot where you have an efficient works temporarily brought to its knees by low global steel prices. Our own government will almost certainly play by the rules but other governments havent. Tata, for example, has had to compete against Belgian steel producer Duferco which, between 2006 and 2011, received an investment of 160 million from Belgian taxpayers. The European Commission eventually caught up with the Belgian government, ordering it to reclaim the money. The judgment wasnt delivered, however, until this January a decade after the first of the money was paid to the firm. Dithering over roads to nowhere George Osborne loves to talk about his Northern Powerhouse and the grand infrastructure projects of road and rail hes rubber-stamped. Yet the reality is that almost none of them have even begun. We are no longer building the motorways, bridges, airports and other structures which used to consume large quantities of British-made steel. Moreover, much of our manufacturing industry has disappeared abroad, taking demand for steel with it. (Between 1972 and 2013, UK steel consumption fell from 16.7 million tonnes to 9.6 million tonnes.) If we could stop dithering over infrastructure projects such as the HS2 high-speed rail link, Port Talbot might have more of a future. It is more than 35 years, for example, since the Government first proposed an East London River Crossing tunnel and it still hasnt been started. Under threat: About 40,000 jobs could be lost if no buyer is found. Pictured, some of the workers at Tata steel EU rules mean we cant buy British Even if the Government did speed up a few infrastructure projects, it is far from certain that the Port Talbot works would be allowed to supply the steel. Procurement for public projects is governed by a 2004 directive from, you guessed it, the EU, which demands that publicly owned corporations award contracts solely on the basis of the best mix of quality and effectiveness for the least outlay over the period of use of the goods or services bought. It would be forbidden for, say, the Highways Agency to buy British steel deliberately in order to help a British steelmaker through a tricky patch, if a cheaper offer, deemed to be viable, was tendered from abroad. That might be easier to swallow if the rules were applied firmly across the EU, but that isnt what happens in practice. In 2011, for example, the Derby-based train-maker Bombardier lost out to German-producer Siemens on a 3 billion contract to supply 1,200 carriages to Thameslink, causing 1,400 job losses. That raised the question: how many times do you find yourself travelling on a non-French train in France or a non-German train in Germany? Closing down: When Tata is looking to rationalise its business, it is inevitable British steel plants (including the one in Port Talbot, above) are going to be closed ahead of those in India, where its headquarters are based Punishingly high business rates George Osborne came to the job as Chancellor by promising a march of the makers and a rebalancing of the UK economy away from financial services towards manufacturing. Yet still he has done nothing to change a crippling business rate regime which discriminates against the manufacturing industry. When assessing premises for business rates, valuation officers dont take into account IT equipment, and yet they do take into account machinery including things like the blast furnaces and rolling mills used in the steel industry. The Government has promised to reform business rates, but will only say that a review will be concluded later this year, which may come too late for Port Talbot. Too many firms are sold abroad How come the decision over the future of a vital and historic British industry is being made in Mumbai? When Tata is looking to rationalise its business, it is inevitable British steel plants are going to be closed ahead of those in India, where its headquarters are based. So why do we allow so many major firms to be sold abroad? After all, theres nothing to say we cant prevent the majority ownership of strategic industries being bought by foreign investors. Germany has acted to do just that by legislating against it. Britain has provisions to do it, too, through the Industry Act 1975, which allows the Government to step in and prevent the sale of more than 30 per cent of the shares of important manufacturing businesses to foreign owners. Britain must be on alert for terrorists trying to get their hands on nuclear materials or launch devastating cyber-attacks on nuclear power stations, the Government warned last night. David Cameron is jetting to Washington to hold talks with Barack Obama and other world leaders on how to stop nuclear material falling under the control of Islamic State and other fanatics. A senior UK Government source said: You saw just last week in Belgium concerns that were raised around the security of civil nuclear sites and therefore - in the world in which we currently live - we think its the right thing to do. Last weeks terrorist attacks in Brussels have raised fresh concerns about the prospect of nuclear terrorism. Pictured, the nuclear power plant in Doel, Belgium. The Doel and Tihange nuclear plants were evacuated following the terror attacks in Brussels During a two day summit, Mr Cameron will pledge British support to help secure nuclear sites across the globe and prevent IS seizing the materials to make a dirty bomb. The UK and United States will take part in a joint exercise next year to prepare for any online attack against nuclear power plants and waste storage facilities. The Nuclear Security Summit (NSS), hosted by the US President, will see heads of government consider their response to the nightmare scenario. Last weeks terrorist attacks in Brussels have raised fresh concerns about the prospect of nuclear terrorism. Two of the suicide bombers in the attacks, brothers Ibrahim and Khalid El Bakraoui, had video footage of the home of a senior official at a Flanders nuclear waste facility. The contained a range of nuclear materials which it was feared could have been used to mount a deadly dirty bomb attack. Officials said the cyber attack exercise with the US would ensure that both governments and their civil nuclear industries were prepared and could address any potential weaknesses. Alongside the US-UK exercise, Mr Cameron will use the summit to offer British expertise on cyber security. Chancellor George Osborne recently warned that IS militants were trying to develop the ability to launch deadly cyber-attacks on UK targets such as air traffic control or hospitals, David Cameron is jetting to Washington to hold talks with Barack Obama and other world leaders on how to stop nuclear material falling under the control of Islamic State and other fanatics Mr Osborne speaking on a visit to the GCHQ spy station in Cheltenham - said IS has already proved its ability to exploit the internet for hideous propaganda purposes, including for radicalisation and operational planning. But he said that IS was also seeking to hack key UK infrastructure in a bid to kill people with GCHQ is monitoring threats to 450 companies in areas such as defence, energy and water supply. Government sources said that countries including Japan, Turkey, South Korea and Argentina had all expressed an interest in learning from British experience and expertise, with other nations expected to follow suit at the summit. The UK will also commit 10 million this year to improve security standards around nuclear plants and waste facilities. We do think there is a role we can play along with the US in terms of improving these standards, the source said. Doctors should have the right to take organs from patients who want to die so they can be used in transplant surgery, a prominent medical researcher has suggested. Those who want to be killed should be sedated in hospital then allowed to die after the removal of their vital organs, according to the proposal published by a British-based medical ethics journal. Using organs for transplant surgery from patients who have been helped to die is allowed in Belgium and Holland, the European countries where euthanasia is legal. But 'dead donor' rules mean there must be a gap between the death of the patient and the removal of organs, with the delay meaning their quality may decline. Those who want to die should be sedated in hospital then allowed to die after the removal of their vital organs, according to Jan Bollen, a prominent medical researcher who is currently based in Holland (file picture) However an article in the Journal of Medical Ethics yesterday advocated 'heart-beating organ donation euthanasia'. This would involve an operation in which organs would be taken from still-living patients who have given permission. It would allow those who wish to die to donate their organs while improving the chances of successful transplants, the article said. The proposal by Jan Bollen, a researcher in Holland, drew condemnation from opponents of euthanasia and assisted suicide in Britain, where assisted dying remains illegal following an overwhelming vote against by MPs last year. Tory MP Fiona Bruce said: 'The paper confirms the worst fears expressed by Parliament when the House of Commons conclusively voted to stop the legalisation of assisted suicide in this country. 'The possibility of euthanasia achieved through live organ donation, such as by removing a patient's beating heart, as posited in this paper is shocking and chilling. It is a timely reminder that the legalisation of assisted suicide puts the most vulnerable at severe risk.' Tory MP Fiona Bruce (pictured) described the possibility of euthanasia achieved through live organ donation as quite simply 'shocking and chilling' A recent study found many of those killed by euthanasia in the Netherlands had been suffering from psychiatric or personality disorders, and many were 'socially isolated or lonely'. Mrs Bruce added: 'The authors of the paper themselves confirm that the combination of euthanasia and organ donation could undermine doctors' motivations and encourage them to look beyond just the well-being of their patient. 'What this paper reveals is yet another way in which vulnerable people to whom we owe greatest support and protection would be put under pressure to end their lives prematurely. 'That strikes at the heart of a compassionate society, and confirms that Parliament made the right decision when it decisively rejected proposals to legalise physician-assisted suicide.' Mr Bollen, of Maastricht University Medical Centre, said: 'The dead donor rule states that donation should not cause or hasten death. Since a patient undergoing euthanasia has chosen to die, it is worth arguing that the no-touch time could be skipped, contributing to the quality of the transplanted organs. It is even possible to extend this argument to a 'heart-beating organ donation euthanasia' where a patient is sedated, after which his organs are removed, causing death. Both options are currently legally not allowed.' But he added: 'A patient might be motivated to request euthanasia because this gives him the opportunity to donate organs. As long as all due diligence requirements are fulfilled, it should not be an obstacle if euthanasia and donation are not fully separated.' Anti-euthanasia campaigner Lord Carlile of Berriew said: 'I have extreme concerns about the ghoulish nature of the combined euthanasia and organ donation systems in the Netherlands and Belgium. Speculation mounts that the new video shows the Bulldozer without his mask A bearded Islamic State militant towers over kneeling prisoners before beheading them in the middle of a busy street in Iraq. His bulk led to speculation that he might be the 20-stone monster known only as the Bulldozer who is one of the terror group's bloodiest executioners. But the Bulldozer has never been known to show his face on camera unlike this extremist who made no attempt to hide his identity. He is thought to be of Kurdish origin as are the men in orange jumpsuits at his mercy. Scroll down for video A Kurdish ISIS militant has been videoed beheading three prisoners in an extremely graphic ISIS video purportedly filmed in Iraq The Bulldozer has beheaded men and severed the limbs of children. One 14-year-old Syrian boy called Omar has told how the extremist a towering figure in black cut off his hand and foot because he refused to join IS Before slitting their throats and then beheading them he rants to the camera, threatening both the Kurdish Peshmerga forces attacking IS and the Kurdish president Masoud Barzani. A third man was executed in the same way before the killer paraded the head of one of his victims around. The Bulldozer has beheaded men and severed the limbs of children. One 14-year-old Syrian boy called Omar has told how the extremist a towering figure in black cut off his hand and foot because he refused to join IS. The video seemingly focuses on the recent airstrikes in Syria and Iraq on ISIS territory, claiming the executions were in retaliation for the death of civilians The remaining final minutes of the video are too graphic to describe with the bearded executor murdering the three blindfolded prisoners in red jumpsuits. Omar, who was captured fighting for a rebel group and tortured for more than a month, said the Bulldozer gathered a large group of children to watch the amputation. The latest propaganda video comes as IS suffered heavy losses north of Raqqa, its headquarters in Syria, with the largely Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces backed by US-led air strikes gaining significant ground. Former Waffen-SS officer Otto Skorzeny On the evening of Tuesday September 11, 1962, a new white Mercedes 300 SE pulled away from the offices of a company called Intra in Munich. As he gunned the car's six-cylinder, fuel-injected engine, the 49-year-old driver, Heinz Krug, should have felt life was going well. He was happily married with two lovely children. He was also making a lot of money. His firm whose declared business was 'internal and external trade in goods of all kinds, as well as the development of technical devices' had recently signed a deal to earn Intra some two million marks, worth about 10 million today. Of that, Krug was taking home a healthy 20 per cent. But Heinz Krug had a big problem. Because of that lucrative deal, he was receiving menacing notes and phone calls in the middle of the night, threatening that something very bad would happen to him unless he cancelled the contract. Krug knew who was behind the notes and calls the Israelis. For Krug was no ordinary German businessman; he was also a distinguished rocket scientist who had worked with Wernher von Braun developing the Nazis' top-secret and deadly V1 and V2 rockets during the war. And now, some 17 years later, Krug, like many other German scientists, was selling both his expertise and vital rocket parts to the Egyptians. This was to help the Arab country, under its dictator General Nasser, to develop a weapons programme to threaten the existence of the young state of Israel. In its typical fashion, the Israeli intelligence service Mossad reacted to this danger with determined aggression. In August 1962, under the codename Operation Damocles, Mossad embarked on a campaign of threats, abductions and letter bombs, aimed against anybody helping the Egyptians develop rockets. Urgently needing protection, Krug turned to a figure once renowned as 'the most dangerous man in Europe' a war hero and former Waffen-SS officer called Otto Skorzeny to be his new bodyguard. Standing at 6ft 4in and with a huge duelling scar across his left cheek, Skorzeny's greatest wartime coup had been his rescue of the recently deposed Mussolini in July 1943, in which he had led a unit of SS men on a daring glider-borne raid on a mountain-top hotel. The mission earned the Austrian a Knight's Cross (the highest Nazi military medal), the epithet of 'Hitler's Favourite Commando', and the respect of the Allies. It was also strongly suspected that in 1938 he took part in firebombing Jewish shops and smashing up synagogues in Vienna. It was Skorzeny whom Krug was driving to see that Tuesday evening in 1962. At some point, he was joined in the car by the bear-like form of Skorzeny himself. The Austrian former SS man explained he had three more bodyguards driving a car behind the Mercedes, and that they would all make for a nearby forest where they could hatch plans. If Krug finally felt safe, he was very much mistaken. For when the cars arrived at the forest, Krug found himself staring down the barrel of a pistol. War hero and former Waffen-SS officer Otto Skorzeny is pictured alongside Adolf Hitler in September 1943 His eyes would have registered some astonishment before Skorzeny pulled the trigger and he may have even have had time to wonder why a former SS man was working as a hitman for the Israelis, a people he and his fellow Nazis had tried to eradicate. Krug's other supposed bodyguards, who were, in fact, Mossad agents, poured acid over the businessman's corpse. After the chemical had done its gruesome work, the remains were buried. Whatever was left of Krug was never found, although his mud-spattered Mercedes was discovered in the Munich suburb of Solln. The only clue to his fate was an anonymous phone call to the police, which said Krug had been killed. When it was revealed this week by Israeli newspaper Haaretz that Krug's assassin was none other than Otto Skorzeny, many historians were surprised. Although it has long been known Skorzeny was happy to work with, and peddle intelligence to, any secret service, including the American CIA and the West German BND, the idea that such a committed Nazi could be an Israeli executioner seems almost incredible Skorzeny was, after all, a legendary Nazi, renowned not only for wartime escapades, but also because he was at the heart of so many post-war Fascist networks and groups. And although it has long been known Skorzeny was happy to work with, and peddle intelligence to, any secret service, including the American CIA and the West German BND, the idea that such a committed Nazi could be an Israeli executioner seems almost incredible. So, if it is indeed true, how did it happen? According to interviews with former Mossad officers, and those with access to the service's archives, Skorzeny's recruitment by the Israelis was the result of mutual cynicism and calculation. In early 1962, Skorzeny and his young wife, Countess Ilse von Finckenstein, were approached in an upmarket bar in Madrid by a sophisticated and glamorous German couple, who claimed they had just been mugged, and had lost their passports, money and all their luggage. Skorzeny and his wife appeared to take pity on the pair, and asked them to join them in more than a few cocktails. The Skorzenys then invited the couple back to their home, and it soon looked as if the two men were about to embark on a session of wife-swapping. But the former SS-officer suddenly pulled out a gun, and stated: 'I know who you are, and I know why you're here. You are Mossad, and you've come to kill me.' Otto Skorzeny - the brutal but brilliant rescuer of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini - was one of the favourite assassins of Adolf Hitler (centre) He was partly right. The couple were indeed Mossad agents, but told him they hadn't come to murder him. 'If we had come to kill you,' the male agent said, 'you would have been dead weeks ago.' The man continued: 'Our offer to you, is just for you to help us.' Skorzeny would have been suspicious. At the time of the meeting, Nazi Adolf Eichmann, who had been kidnapped off the streets of Buenos Aires by Mossad in 1960, was on trial for his life in Israel. How was Skorzeny to know that this was not a trap? N evertheless, he seemed to trust the man in his house that evening, not least because in return for exploiting his murderous skills and trusted position among former Nazis the Israeli claimed he could ensure the Nazi-hunter Simon Wiesenthal would drop Skorzeny from his wanted list. That would enable him to return to his native Austria. Israeli newspaper Haarertz said Otto Skorzeny (pictured) assassinated rocket scientist Heinz Krug Flown to Israel on a secret flight, Skorzeny was briefed in a meeting with Mossad boss Isser Harel, the spymaster who masterminded the Eichmann kidnapping. Skorzeny was asked to use his connections to fly to Egypt and acquire as much intelligence about the German scientists and businessmen helping General Nasser to develop rockets at the base known as Factory 333 near Heliopolis. It seems as if Skorzeny did as he was required and more. On one trip to Egypt, he arranged for the delivery of a parcel-bomb that killed five Egyptians working on rockets. The intelligence he gathered for the Israelis also led to the near-blinding by letter bomb of Hannelore Wende, the secretary of leading scientist Wolfgang Pilz, as well as further unsuccessful assassination attempts on two other German scientists. And of course, in September that year, Skorzeny reportedly killed Heinz Krug. Although Operation Damocles was hardly the most moral of intelligence operations, it appears to have been successful, as by the middle of 1965, many German scientists had left Egypt, fearing for their lives. Two years later, Nasser's programme collapsed. 'Israel must admit, on some sort of official level, its responsibility for past incidents and express its regrets,' Wolfgang Pilz insisted at the time. His appeal fell on barren ground, with the Israelis predictably denying any involvement. But now the truth is out, it appears even more startling than any historian might have suspected. When I asked Nazi-hunter Dr Efraim Zuroff if he believed that Skorzeny who died in 1975 aged 67 was involved, he told me that it was 'true'. Refugees fleeing Syrias civil war are being shot dead by Turkish border forces, it was reported last night. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 16 migrants, including three children, had been killed in the past four months as they tried to cross into Turkey. The true number is believed to be higher, according to a Syrian police officer and a Syrian smuggler who lives in Turkey, but it is impossible to say exactly how many because the bodies of those who fell on the Syrian side of the border were dragged back to be buried in the war zone. Shoot to kill: Refugees fleeing Syrias civil war are being shot dead by Turkish border forces, it was reported last night. This picture shows Turkish troops who stood guard as Syrians crossed into Turkey last summer The observatory details how a man and his child were killed in Ras al-Ain on the eastern stretch of the Syria-Turkey border on February 6. And two refugees were then shot dead at Guvveci on the western stretch of the border on March 5, The Times reported. According to the smuggler, refugees who cross the border will now either be killed or captured. He added: 'Turkish soldiers used to help the refugees across, carry their bags for them. Now they shoot at them.' The luckiest ones, the smuggler said, are those who fall on the Turkish side of the border after being shot. They are taken to a Turkish hospital for treatment and allowed to stay in the country. The crackdown by Turkey is said to have started in December, following pressure from the West to crack down on the movement of migrants towards the EU. Sixteen migrants, including three children, are said to have been killed in the past four months as they tried to cross into Turkey. There were shootings in Azaz, Tel Abyad and Ras al-Ain, the latter of a man and his son The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 16 migrants, including three children, had been killed in the past four months as they tried to cross into Turkey. Turkish soldiers are pictured with refugees last June It followed four years of Syrians being able to cross the border, dubbed the jihadist highway, without a passport. Doubt has now been cast on the landmark EU migrant deal that was agreed 11 days ago, under which Turkey has said it will take back all those who illegally reach Greece by sea. In return, EU countries will take Syrian refugees from Turkey. From June, Turkish citizens will also get visa-free travel in the Schengen travel zone. The British public must be informed about the true extent of immigration ahead of the EU referendum, the statistics watchdog warned last night. The UK Statistics Authority (UKSA) stepped into the heated debate amid fears figures on the number of foreigners flooding into the country are wrong. The watchdog is concerned that current data on how many people are arriving in Britain 'falls short of providing a full picture' - meaning voters may not receive an accurate picture of migration ahead off the June 23 in-out referendum. Concerns: The British public must be informed about the true extent of immigration, a watchdog warned Immigration - which has a huge impact on public services, including schools, hospitals and transport - is at the top of many people's concerns about the future of the country. Leave campaigners argue quitting the EU is the only way to wrestle back control of Britain's borders. The row centres on discrepancies between migration figures produced by the Office for National Statistics and those published by HM Revenue and Customs and the Department for Work and Pensions. Falling short: David Cameron promised to reduce net migration to 'tens of thousands' Since June 2010, the ONS says 904,000 EU nationals have moved to Britain. But over the same period, the DWP issued 2.25million National Insurance numbers, which allow people to work in the UK - a difference of 1.3million. But Whitehall departments are refusing to say how many NI numbers are 'active' - which would reveal how many immigrants had stayed or gone home. Net migration - those who arrive minus those who leave - is running at 323,000, far above David Cameron's election manifesto pledge to reduce the total to 'tens of thousands'. Lord Green of Deddington, chairman of Migrationwatch, which campaigns for balanced migration, said: 'This is an extraordinary and very significant development. 'The Statistics Authority has clearly lost patience with HM Revenue and Customs. 'Their letter is a barely coded message to government departments which seem to have been deliberately obstructive, possibly on ministerial instructions. According to extracts published Thursday, it featured steamy sex scenes A federal Liberal MP backed by the party's evangelical wing wrote a secret book that featured steamy sex scenes, according to a report published Thursday. West Australian backbencher Dr Dennis Jensen wrote a fictional novel called The Sky Warriors several years ago and spruiked it to literary agents using a parliamentary letterhead. The Australian newspaper published extracts of several scenes published in the book, which concerned a hypothetical war between Australia and Indonesia. Physicist, politician... writer? Former scientist and defence analyst Dr Dennis Jensen reportedly wrote the book, The Sky Warriors, but it was never published The extracts from the book will delight Dr Jensen's political enemies at a time where he is fighting a tough pre-selection battle and faces an imminent Federal election In one scene, Dr Jensen was quoting writing that one female character's breasts are 'as firm as they had been in her late teens'. A male character reportedly massages a character's 'small, soft brown breasts' and gropes her inner thigh, Dr Jensen's writes. 'Yes', she moaned. 'Do it now, please, don't wait any longer,'" the newspaper quoted Dr Jensen writing. 'She pulled his trousers off, ripped the underpants off excitedly and took him'. The reported extracts are likely to delight Dr Jensen's political enemies who are hoping to seize the Liberal preselection for his seat of Tangney or oust him entirely in the forthcoming federal election. In an interview with ABC Radio's Geoff Hutchinson, Dr Jensen described the book as a 'ripping yarn' and said the sexual passage was the 'only' racy one in the book. But he admitted he should not have used a parliamentary letterhead to spruik it to agents. 'That was in my first term and I shouldn't have done that,' he told the broadcaster. Dr Jensen was one of a band of Liberal MPs who rebelled against Prime Minister Tony Abbott's leadership. Pictured above, he meets with Malcolm Turnbull after he took the top job Dr Jensen (pictured at a volunteer fundraiser) likely faces a tight battle for his Liberal pre-selection and seat Dr Jensen may be best known for being one of a band of rebel Liberal MPs who publicly called on Prime Minister Tony Abbott to step aside in February 2015. He got his wish months later when Malcolm Turnbull toppled him from the Liberal Party leadership in September 2015. The backbench MP recently stirred controversy for describing people living in remote Indigenous communities as 'noble savages' and saying they should not be funded by the welfare state. Before entering politics, the South African-born Dr Jensen was a physicist at the CSIRO and a defence analyst for the Australian government. Daily Mail Australia contacted Dr Jensen for further comment. A southeast Texas native and wife of an Air Force officer was one of the people killed in the Brussels attacks, a US congressman said on Wednesday. Gail Minglana Martinez, 41,was identified as a victim by the office of US Rep Blake Farenthold, who said in a statement that he had spoken to Martinez's brother. Suicide bombers killed 32 people at Brussels' airport and in a subway station near the European Union headquarters. Dozens of people remain hospitalized. Martinez was married to Lt Col Kato Martinez, who Farenthold said is still hospitalized due to the blast, as are the couple's four children. Gail Minglana Martinez (left), 41, was identified as a victim of the Brussels attacks on Wednesday. She was married to Air Force Lt Col Kato Martinez (right), who is still hospitalized, as are the couple's four children It's not yet known where in Brussels the family was when they were injured. Martinez grew up in Corpus Christi, a city on the Gulf of Mexico southwest of Houston Her husband is in the intensive care unit while the children suffered severe burns, according to the New York Daily News. 'I ask that everyone offer their prayers and support to the Martinez family as they work through the pain and suffering that this horrific event has caused, and respect their privacy at this time,' Farenthold said in a statement on Wednesday. 'In our battle against ISIS, we must focus on making sure innocent people are not harmed, while the strategy of ISIS is to kill innocent people,' he added. Kato Martinez serves as a military assistant to the commander at NATO's Joint Force Command in the Netherlands. It's not yet known where in Brussels the family was when they were injured. Martinez grew up in Corpus Christi, a city on the Gulf of Mexico southwest of Houston. She graduated from a local high school in 1992. The couple's four children (pictured) reportedly suffered severe burns in the attack and remain in the hospital Martinez and her husband have moved around the world with their children and celebrated their 21st anniversary as a couple in August of last year Martinez's family said in a statement that they have spoken to Kato Martinez, but declined to further comment on the family's condition 'She was a fireball,' said David Hiser, who was Martinez's choir teacher in middle and high school. 'Huge laugh. I just remember her personality and what an amazing kid she was.' After graduation, she and her husband moved around the world with their children, according to their online social media postings and Kato Martinez's LinkedIn page. The couple celebrated their 21st anniversary as a couple in August. Gail Martinez's family said in a statement Tuesday that family members had spoken to Kato Martinez, but declined to comment on what they had been told about the family's condition. 'Gail was special to so many people,' the statement said. 'She blessed people's lives and made this world a better place.' American couple Justin and Stephanie Shults were also killed in the terror attack. A fourth American was killed but has not been publically identified. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has revealed plans to stop funding state schools as he details his new income tax policy. Mr Turnbull wants to reduce the Federal Government's income tax collection by about $14 billion, and allow states and territories to levy the same amount to pay for schools and hospitals. The Commonwealth would then reduce the grants it hands to the states to keep its budget in check. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has revealed plans to stop funding state schools as he details his new income tax policy Latest figures showing Federal Government contributions to state and territory education revealed it provided funds of $4.9 billion. This is a small portion compared to the $33.6 billion provided by its state and territory counterparts. But Mr Turnbull said on Thursday no federal government would ever walk away from supporting the non-government school sector. He added the future funding of government schools is 'bound up in this discussion of more fundamental revenue sharing reform', referring to the income tax plan. Mr Turnbull argued allowing the states and territories to raise their own funds for education would mean taxpayers could get 'more bang for their buck'. 'If the states raised the money themselves, they would spend that money much more wisely,' Mr Turnbull told the ABC. 'It is far too easy for the states to go to the Federal Government ATM.' One state premier who has been a very vocal opponent of the Prime Minister's plan is Victoria's Daniel Andrews. But Mr Turnbull said on Thursday no federal government would ever walk away from supporting the non-government school sector. Above are children learning in a classroom 'So, if you have got a new set of arrangements that don't raise any revenue over and above what you collect now - how does that deal with the revenue problem?' Mr Andrews asked on ABC's 7.30 on Wednesday. 'The Federal Government proposes to reduce the amount of money that they provide to the states so the whole thing balances out - apparently no-one pays any more but somehow everybody's got more. That doesn't make any sense to me.' Australian Education Union deputy president Maurie Mulheron said the prime minister's comments appeared to confirm the end of federal funding of government schools under the coalition. 'Locking in a system where state governments have full responsibility for public schools and the federal government for private schools is locking in inequity and would be the end of needs-based Gonski funding,' Mr Mulheron said. 'Schools don't care whether their funding comes from the state or federal government - they just care about whether they have the funds to meet the needs of their students.' Under the Gonski plan, which Labor supports, two-thirds of extra schools revenue was to have come from the Federal Government and a third from the states. The Government would take most of the responsibility for supporting disadvantaged schools. It is estimated this would cost an extra $4.5 billion in 2018 and 2019. With the school funding issue back in the public arena, the 'I Give a Gonski' campaign will be stepped up with television ads in Sydney, Canberra and Brisbane in the coming week, as well as print and digital advertising. Marginal seat doorknocking is also under way. Campaigning would continue at least up to the budget on May 3, a union source said. Labor leader Bill Shorten said Mr Turnbull should not wash his hands of education funding. First of detainees set to be moved are expected to leave in next few days The Pentagon is set to transfer a dozen Guantanamo inmates to other countries in Barack Obama's final push to shut down the detention camp. The first of the planned transfers are expected to take place in the next few days, with others taking place in the coming weeks. At least two countries have agreed to take the prisoners and Congress has been notified about the plans, an official said. The Pentagon is set to transfer a dozen Guantanamo inmates to other countries in Barack Obama's final push to shut down the detention camp There are now 91 prisoners at the U.S. naval base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Most have been held without charge or trial for more than a decade, drawing international condemnation. The most prominent of the prisoners set to be resettled is 37-year-old Tariq Ba Odah, a Yemeni man who has been on a long-term hunger strike. His weight had dropped to 74 pounds from 148 and his legal team feared he could die of starvation, according to a report in December. Lawyers for Ba Odah, who was cleared for transfer in 2009, had tried unsuccessfully to win his release on health and humanitarian grounds, but Pentagon officials said he was receiving proper care. Obama, who last month presented Congress with a blueprint for closing the prison, is seeking to make good on his long-time pledge before he leaves office in January. But he faces stiff opposition from many Republican lawmakers, as well as some of his fellow Democrats. The most prominent of the prisoners set to be resettled is 37-year-old Tariq Ba Odah, a Yemeni man who has been on a long-term hunger strike The Pentagon has notified Congress of its latest planned transfers from among the 37 detainees already cleared to be sent to their homelands or other countries, an official said. All members of that group are expected to leave by the summer. Obama's plan for closing down the facility calls for bringing the several dozen remaining prisoners to maximum-security prison in the United States. But U.S. law bars such transfers to the mainland, and Obama has not ruled out doing so by use of executive action. 'I do not have a timeline on when particular detainees will be transferred from Guantanamo,' Commander Gary Ross, a Defense Department spokesman, said in a statement. 'However, the administration is committed to reducing the detainee population and to closing the detention facility responsibly.' Lawyers for Ba Odah, who was cleared for transfer in 2009, had tried unsuccessfully to win his release on health and humanitarian grounds, but Pentagon officials said he was receiving proper care. The plan to resettle about a dozen inmates was first reported by the Washington Post. The U.S. official declined to name the countries ready to take them in. Ten Yemeni men were sent to Oman in January, while others were recently sent to Ghana, Bosnia and Montenegro. The Obama administration has ruled out sending Yemenis, who make up the bulk of the remaining prisoners, to their homeland because it is engulfed in civil war and has an active Al Qaeda branch. Guantanamo prisoners were rounded up overseas when the United States became embroiled in wars in Iraq and Afghanistan following the September 11 attacks. The facility, opened by Obama's predecessor George W. Bush, came to symbolize aggressive detention practices that opened the United States to accusations of torture. 37 Guantanamo detainees have already been cleared to be sent to their homelands or other countries Protesters demanded that Ba Odah should be freed, calling on Obama to fulfill his pledge to close the prison Writer and journalist David Kushner, 47, has recounted his brother's tragic 1978 murder in a new memoir One October afternoon in 1973, when he was just four years old, David Kushner begged his older brother Jonathan to bring him back Snappy Gator Gun from the local 7-Eleven. Jonathan was abducted and murdered as he returned home on his bike, leaving Kushner with decades of guilt, sadness and the faces of the two 'bogeymen' who changed his family's life forever. The award-winning journalist and author recalls that fateful day in Alligator Candy, a new memoir that delves into the detail of his brother's death - and finding out about his murderers. 'In a way, I've been writing this book for... about 44 years,' Kushner told PEOPLE. 'This is the story of my life and I've been living with it and thinking about it and researching it since I was a kid, trying to find answers for myself.' Nearly 10 years would pass before Kushner, 47, would walk into a local library and find out the details of his brother's murder. For years Kushner struggled what was both a 'looming mystery' and the two very real 'bogeymen', as he calls them, that had taken something so precious away from his family. 'Every kid fears the bogeyman, the creature in the closet, the monster under the bed,' he told the magazine. Kushner was just four years old when his older brother Jonathan (pictured right riding his bicycle and left with David) was murdered by two men while returning home from a trip to the local 7-Eleven The horrific murder left Kushner with decades of guilt, sadness and the faces of the two 'bogeymen' who changed his family's life forever (pictured is his father being comforted during a memorial service) 'But my bogeyman had a face - two faces - and they couldn't be dispelled by someone telling me he wasn't real.' John Paul Witt and Gary Tillman abducted 11-year-old Jonathan on October 28 as he rode his bike through the woods after the 7-Eleven trip close to his Tampa, Florida home. Police said Witt and Tillman were 'hunting' for a child. They gagged Jonathan and locked him in the trunk of a car, where he suffocated to death. They then molested and mutilated his body before burying him a shallow grave near the woods where they had taken him. It would be the alligator candy that Kushner begged his brother to bring back that would lead to the murderers' convictions. John Paul Witt (right) and Gary Tillman (left) abducted 11-year-old Jonathan on October 28 as he rode his bike through the woods. Jonathan suffocated in their car and the two men molested him before burying his body Witt's wife Donna brought the bag of Snappy Gator Gun back to his wife Donna for her son after the murder. She told police she had eaten it. Kushner called that day in the library his 'first act of journalism', one that would become a career of contributions to the likes of the New York Times and Rolling Stone and winning Best Feature Reporting at the New York Press Club. But it would also be the day he realized 'some of the most terrible stories were true', he writes in his memoir. Kushner made Alligator Candy an ode to the brother who never got to grow up, and says he has come to peace with the last moments of Jonathan's life 'It was terrifying,' he told PEOPLE. 'But it was also revelatory because suddenly I was trying to get some answers but, at the same time, the answers were raising more questions.' Kushner suffered PTSD after his brother's death, later self-medicating with marijuana in his teenage years and eventually turning to writing as an outlet. Witt was executed in Florida by electric chair in 1985. But more than 10 years later, a loophole made Tillman eligible for parole. Nearly a decade after Jonathan's death, Kushner realized he was in a position of action - to ensure his brother's killer did not walk free. The writer and his oldest brother Andy gave speeches in 1997 that helped add 102 more years to Tillman's life sentence. 'Now here we were: grown men, grown brothers, best friends,' Kushner wrote in his memoir. 'And we could so something if we wanted. We could speak. If felt like we were walking into the schoolyard to defend our brother against the neighborhood bully. It was time to fight.' Kushner made Alligator Candy an ode to the brother who never got to grow up, and says he has come to peace with the last moments of Jonathan's life. 'I know that while his death was so tragic, he was never more alive than his very last ride,' Kushner writes in the book. 'The wind was in his face. He was pedaling fast. He was heading home.' 'And he was free.' The shadow defence secretary Emily Thornberry (pictured) provoked fury from veterans last night after failing to promise protection of the Falklands Labours shadow defence secretary provoked fury from veterans last night after failing to promise protection of the Falkland Islands. Emily Thornberry repeatedly refused to confirm that her party's policy review would commit to respecting the wishes of islanders to remain British in the face of claims of sovereignty by Argentina. She became embroiled in a row with a Falklands war veteran after he accused the Labour party of double speak on the future of the disputed islands. Labours defence spokesman was asked if she wanted to respond to Rear Admiral Chris Parrys view on the issue to which she responded: No, not really. The veteran was mentioned in despatches during the war for the rescue of 16 SAS men and for his role in detecting and disabling an Argentine submarine. He accused the party of equivocating on most defence issues after Jeremy Corbyn allegedly told Argentine diplomats he wanted a Northern Ireland-style power-sharing deal for the islands. Miss Thornberry said that Labours policy on the Falklands was clear, adding: The Falkland Islanders will remain British so long as the British people living there want to remain British. Speaking to Talk Radio, she said she did not have any problem talking to the Argentines about flights to and from the islands and access. But she said there was no possibility of sovereignty being handed over to anyone else, and that she had made that clear to Mr Corbyn. Asked if he was reassured by her comments, Rear Admiral Parry said: No, I think I will be reassured when a firm commitment to the defence of the Falkland Islands and its 200 mile zone appears in the Labour defence review. Im afraid what Im hearing at the moment is a lot of equivocation on most defence issues. He said he was glad Miss Thornberry said she would protect the islands, but added: Until I see it in print Im afraid Im not going to believe it. Miss Thornberry then said she did not want to respond, however when pressed, added: Well Ive made it perfectly clear and I dont think I can make it any clearer than I have. In a war of words, Mr Parry responded: Well it is not clear to me Im afraid. It sounds like a lot of double speak to me. Miss Thornberry became embroiled in a row with a Falklands war veteran after he accused the Labour party of double speak on the future of the disputed islands (pictured) She responded: It is not double speak. Let me just say this again and you tell me in which way this is double speak...whilst they are perfectly clear that they wish to remain British we will protect them. Asked by Rear Admiral Parry if it would appear as a firm commitment in Labours defence review, she responded: I havent written the defence review yet. He added: You dont know do you whether youre going to defend the Falklands or not. Miss Thornberry said I certainly do' but declined to say whether the protection of the islands would be outlined in the review. I think I will be reassured when a firm commitment to the defence of the Falkland Islands and its 200 mile zone appears in the Labour defence review Rear Admiral Chris Parry Rear Admiral Parry said she was equivocating again without making a firm commitment. Conservative figures branded the remarks by Miss Thornberry a 'car crash interview'. James Heappey, the MP for Wells, told The Times the comments were an insult to the 'soldiers, sailors and airmen who leave their families to maintain our garrison on the Falklands.' The row came after Buenos Aires on Tuesday hailed a UN report which it said expanded the countrys waters to include the seas around the islands. Argentinas new government chose the week that marks the 34th anniversary of the start of the Falklands War to re-ignite the dispute over the islands, first claimed for Britain in 1765 and a Crown colony since 1840. It announced that the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) had ruled that its maritime territory in the South Atlantic should be expanded from 200 to 350 nautical miles, which would include the oil-rich waters surrounding the Falklands. He wants people to consider the impact Everyone has that one Facebook friend whose posts are so banal or offensive you've considered deleting them. And now a British University lecturer is teaching people in Australia the most conflict-free way of culling your digital contacts. Brian Lobel deleted a large number of his Facebook friends under the guidance of strangers in a personal project in 2011, and he's now teaching others how to do the same thing. Brian Lobel is holding workshops in Australia to show you the most conflict-free method of culling your digital contacts The British University lecturer is basing the workshops on a personal project he underwent in 2011 to delete a large number of his Facebook friends The senior lecturer from the University of Chichester told Daily Mail Australia he decided to pursue the project after considering the impact his online friends were having on his real life. 'I think social media is changing our definition of friends. We subscribe to idea that 'more friends is good, more followers is good.' I started to wonder: why is going viral a good thing?' 'I believe people focus on their relationship with a given person, what it adds and what it takes away. If the negatives outweigh the positives, it might be time to delete.' Mr Lobel said the first show last night in Melbourne saw members of the audience share their experiences of wanting to delete people who share racist posts or with whom their relationships have deteriorated in real life. He said he wants people to consider the impact their online friends are having on their real lives Mr Lobel said the show involves members of the audience explaining who they want to delete from their Facebook and why 'We need to think about the emotional value we place on online friendships by being honest about who we do and do not need in our lives.' Mr Lobel advises people to delete anyone on their friends list who are pulling you down - and said sometimes it's best to let the person know in advance. 'It's not supposed to be superficial, I just want people to be more conscious about the impact their online friends have on their actual life. 'Social media is a relatively young phenomenon and we are still learning what the correct online etiquette is.' Mr Lobel's show Purge will be held at Melbourne's Malthouse Theatre from March 30 to April 5 The only British survivor of a Nazi concentration camp was forced to relive harrowing tales of 'rampant' cannibalism and brutal torture at the hands of the Gestapo, newly-released records show. Harold Osmond Le Druillenec was one of thousands of Nazi persecution victims forced to confront the horrors of their past to get compensation for their suffering. In a letter he wrote applying for compensation, he revealed the shocking 'kill or be killed' nature of the camp at night. His experiences came to light as details of applications for financial assistance made in the 1960s by UK victims and their families were released by the National Archives for the first time. Scroll down for video Harold Osmond Le Druillenec (left) was one of thousands of Nazi persecution victims forced to confront the horrors of their past to get compensation for their suffering. Right, Mr Le Druillenec is believed to be pictured with a British soldier at the liberation of Belsen In 1964 the Federal Republic of Germany agreed to pay the British Government 1 million - about 17million in today's money - to those who had suffered, or to their dependants if they had died. More than 4,000 people applied and 1,015 awards of compensation were made by the Foreign Office. For many, filling in the applications marked the first time they had confronted their harrowing experiences. But compensation was far from guaranteed - only those who spent time in a concentration camp or similar and were a British citizen would get payments. Among the files released by the National Archives at Kew, west London, is an application from Mr Le Druillenec. The only British survivor found at the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, who went on to give evidence at the Belsen Trials, was arrested in Jersey in 1944 for harbouring Russian prisoners and not cooperating with the Nazis. In his application for compensation, he describes how he survived three concentration camps 'by a bit of luck'. 'Rarely do I admit, even to myself, any physical weakness, ailments or discomforts and only see a doctor when it is imperative to do so,' he wrote in his application for disability compensation. Harold Osmond le Druillenec, who gave evidence at the Belsen Trials, was arrested in Jersey in 1944 for harbouring Russian prisoners and not cooperating with the Nazis. Pictured, emaciated prisoners of war released from Stalag 11B, near Fallingbostel Belsen The only British survivor of a Nazi concentration camp was forced to relive harrowing tales of 'rampant' cannibalism and brutal torture at the hands of the Gestapo in his application for compensation (pictured) 'The filling-in of this form has been somewhat of a trial and I apologise for any incompleteness therein.' Mr Le Druillenec's first-hand account laid bare the horrors endured by prisoners under the Nazi regime. He recalled his time at the Hamburg Banterweg camp, describing it as a 'tough camp with torture and punishment', in a tale of harrowing brutality as he fought to get compensation for his suffering. Jungle law reigned among the prisoners. At night you killed or were killed; by day cannibalism was rampant Harold Osmond le Druillenec 'Means of putting inmates to death included beating, drowning, crucifixion, hanging in various stances,' he added. He described Belsen as 'not as malicious as Banterweg but infinitely more uncomfortable no food, no water, sleep was impossible'. 'All my time here was spent in heaving dead bodies into the mass graves kindly dug for us by 'outside workers' for we no longer had the strength for that type of work,' he added. 'Jungle law reigned among the prisoners. At night you killed or were killed; by day cannibalism was rampant. 'The bulk of Auschwitz had been transferred to Belsen when I arrived and it was here that I heard the expression 'there is only one way out of here - through the chimney [crematorium]!' The camp was liberated just hours before he was due to die. He was freed after 10 months' imprisonment, during which he lost more than half his body weight, and spent almost a year recovering from the dysentery, scabies, malnutrition and septicaemia he suffered. Scenes after the liberation of Belsen in April 1945. Picture shows SS men at the camp being made to remove the dead bodies of their victims to lorries for burial Mr Le Druillenec described Belsen as 'not as malicious as Banterweg but infinitely more uncomfortable no food, no water, sleep was impossible'. He said cannibalism was 'rampant' and 'jungle law reigned' He interrupted his convalescence to give evidence against camp staff at the Belsen Trial in Luneburg in 1945 and went on to help the War Crimes Investigations teams as they examined atrocities at other concentration camps. In his application for compensation he described how his experiences had left him 'generally weak', with his heart and lungs affected and how he had lost most of his memories of pre-war life. He wrote of his life back in Jersey: 'All in all I am in good shape but must needs live a quiet life'. He was awarded 1,835 in compensation equivalent to 28,707 now. Mr Le Druillenec died at the age of 73 in 1985. Lindt Cafe hostage Fiona Ma broke down during an inquest into the Sydney siege after being asked to relive her final terrifying moments inside the cafe. The former cafe worker, who was just 19 at the time of the horrific siege in 2014, said gunman Man Haron Monis had used her as a human shield as he moved closer towards the window. An emotional Ms Ma recalled hearing police officers outside say, 'f***, this guy is crazy' - but said she didn't think the increasingly paranoid Monis had heard their remarks, news.com.au reported. Lindt Cafe hostage Fiona Ma (pictured) has broken down during an inquest into the Sydney siege Ms Ma, who was just 19 at the time of the siege, said she was used as a human shield by gunman Monis as he moved closer towards the window (pictured) Ms Ma said she heard police officers outside say: 'F***, this guy is crazy' Ms Ma was with Monis and fellow hostage Selina Win Pe in another part of the Martin Place building when six hostages, led by Jarrod Morton-Hoffman, seized on the opportunity to make a run for it. As Ms Ma stacked boxes against a door under orders from Monis, she heard the sound of glass shattering and recalled thinking the others were making their escape. Then, as the gunman chased after six fleeing hostages, Ms Ma hid in the cafe office before deciding it was time to make her escape. She could not see Monis, or any of the other hostages. Ms Ma was with Monis and fellow hostage Selina Win Pe in another part of the Martin Place building when six hostages, led by Jarrod Morton-Hoffman, seized on the opportunity to make a run for it The siege began when Monis entered the Lindt Cafe in central Sydney on the morning of December 15 'He fired the gun and then he was reloading,' said Ms Ma, who is the second hostage to give evidence at the inquest into the December 2014 siege. 'I thought - if he's reloading, I can run out now.' Asked by counsel assisting the coroner, Jeremy Gormly SC, whether it was possible she feared that she and Ms Win Pe would be left alone in the cafe with Monis, Ms Ma responded: 'Yes.' 'And you didn't want that to be the case?' Mr Gormly asked. 'No,' Ms Ma replied, as she wept on the stand before the inquest was adjourned for about 20 minutes. Hostages John O'Brien and Stefan Balafoutis also are expected to be called to give evidence on Thursday. Thursday's inquest was adjourned for about 20 minutes after Ms Ma broke down on stage The final stage of the inquest into the siege, which began on Monday, will examine the siege itself, including the police response and management. It is expected to take at least eight weeks. The siege began when Monis entered the Lindt Cafe in central Sydney on the morning of December 15, 2014, and took 18 people hostage. Cafe manager Tori Johnson was fatally shot by Monis, who was killed when police stormed the building after a 17-hour stand-off. Lawyer and mother Katrina Dawson was killed when she was hit by shrapnel from police bullets. It is not known if Monis had help getting into the city before the siege, or how long he had been planning the attack. A West Australian woman has been awarded almost $220,000 in compensation after she was seriously injured when an IKEA chair collapsed underneath her. In June 2013, teacher Jane Pisan was supervising students from Northam Senior High School at the town's recreation centre when a $30 'Martin' chair broke, causing her a serious knee injury. The group were sitting on chairs purchased from IKEA by the Shire of Northam in 2011 and assembled by the council's recreation manager Colin Hassell, The West Australian reported. Jane Pisan was awarded almost $220,000 in compensation after an IKEA 'Martin' chair collapsed under her A judge found that the $30 Martin chair had a 'structural defect' when used on polished or slippery floors Ms Pisan took legal action against the Education Department and was awarded $218,213.74 in compensation. Following the payout the Education Department sued the Shire of Northam, alleging the negligence of a third party led to the injury and asking for indemnity from the council, the ABC reported. The structural integrity of the 'Martin' chair, especially when used on polished floors like those in the Notham Recreation Centre, was questioned when the case was heard in January. The Perth District Court heard from a structural engineer who believed the chairs were poorly designed and not suited for use on polished floors. The court was also told of previous instances where the chairs had collapsed in similar circumstances. In a judgement published this week, District Court Judge Philip McCann found that Ms Pisan's accident was a result of the chair's legs to splay outwards and the fixings to shear off under a normal load, The West Australian reported. 'They suffered from a latent structural defect which was endemic to their use on polished and slippery floors,' Judge McCann told the court. Judge McCann said the shire was aware of previous issues with the chairs and Ms Pisan's injuries could have been prevented if it had removed or replaced the chairs. He ordered Northam Shire to pay the Education Department the cost of Ms Pisan's compensation. Jane Pisan was supervising students at the Notham Recreation Centre in 2013 when the chair broke under her A former suburban Milwaukee police officer has been sentenced to 35 years in prison for killing an Oregon teen and ditching her body in a suitcase along a highway. Steven Zelich, 54, was sentenced on Wednesday in the 2012 death of 19-year-old Jenny Gamez, whose body was found along a Wisconsin highway in 2014. In court, he apologized and said he was '100 per cent' responsible for Gamez's death, the Journal Sentinel reported. Former Milwaukee police officer Steven Zelich (pictured in court on Wednesday) was sentenced to 35 years in prison for killing 19-year-old Jenny Gamez (right) in 2012 and ditching her body in a suitcase along a highway 'It was not an intentional act,' he said. 'I'm very sorry Jenny was the victim and I wasn't able to protect her the way I was supposed to.' Zelich was also sentenced to three years in prison for the charge he faced for hiding a corpse, which is to be served concurrent to the homicide charge, according to the Journal Sentinel. After serving his 35-year sentence, he is to remain under extended supervision as part of his sentence. He received credit for 644 days he served in jail while the case was pending. Zelich pleaded guilty in January to first-degree reckless homicide with use of a dangerous weapon and hiding a corpse. The case's details are similar to accusations Zelich faces in the death of 37-year-old Laura Simonson of Minnesota, who died in 2013. Zelich told investigators that Gamez (pictured) was bound and gagged, her hands bound behind her back while he choked her with a rope. He contends the 'play' was consensual and her death accidental Zelich pictured as he is led out of the courtroom. He apologized and said said he was '100 per cent' responsible for Gamez's death Authorities said he met both women online, choked them at hotels during sexual encounters and stashed their bodies in suitcases before dumping them along the highway. The suitcases were found by highway workers mowing grass in 2014 in Walworth County, where Zelich faces two counts of hiding a corpse. Charges are also pending in Minnesota, where Simonson died, according to the Journal Sentinel. Zelich's attorneys said the deaths were accidental. Defense attorney Jonathan Smith said he didn't know whether Zelich would appeal the sentence. Zelich, according to his attorney, was devoted to a 'bondage, dominance and submission, sadomasochism,' or BDSM, lifestyle in which he sought relationships with women he could dominate in a 'master-slave' relationship. Online, he went by the name Mr. Handcuffs. Deputy District Attorney Mike Graveley (left) and Zelich's attorney Jonathan Smith (right) address the court during the sentencing on Wednesday According to the prosecution, Zelich first met Gamez online when she was 16 years old, contacting her through a bondage website. At the time the teen was living in the foster care system in Oregon. Zelich and Gamez messaged online for six months, then reconnected again through the website when she was 18. The teen agreed to visit Wisconsin in August 2012 and live with Zelich, who had encouraged her to cut off contact with people she knew and to delete her social media accounts. She bought a one-way plane ticket to Milwaukee. Zelich picked her up and brought her to a Kenosha hotel. Zelich told investigators that Gamez was bound and gagged, her hands bound behind her back while he choked her with a rope. He contends the 'play' was consensual and her death accidental. He told investigators that after he choked her, he put her body in a suitcase and took it to his apartment and then put the body in his refrigerator. Laura Simonson is pictured here with six of her seven children. Zelich faces charges in the death of 37-year-old Simonson of Minnesota, who died in 2013 Authorities said Zelich later killed Simonson and drove her body home with him. They said he put both bodies in suitcases in his car's trunk and later dumped them. Zelich worked for the police department in West Allis from February 1989 until his resignation in August 2001, following an internal investigation that found he stalked women while on duty and used his position to get access to their personal information. His resignation allowed him to avoid discipline and pass state background checks for a private security officer's license. Supermarkets have been banned from selling free-range eggs unless they come from farms with no more than 10,000 chickens per hectare. Ministers met in Canberra to sign off on new rules stating free range eggs must come from hens with 'meaningful and regular' access to an outdoor range and at least one square metre of space. But the new definition has been slammed by animals rights and consumer groups who claim the 'misleading' Australian standard means that hens don't actually have to go outdoors. While the price of eggs is not expected to increase, watchdog Choice warned producers will be able to continue selling dodgy 'free range' eggs - potentially ripping off shoppers by $43million per year. A new definition for 'free-range eggs' has been slammed by animals rights and consumers groups who claim the 'misleading' standard means that hens don't actually have to go outdoors Tom Godfrey, a spokesman for Choice, urged shoppers to boycott 'bad eggs' from producers who keep 10,000 hens per hectare including those from Woolworths, Coles and Aldi. The group supported the voluntary Model Code of Practice, published by the CSIRO, which sets the limit at 1,500 hens per hectare - rather than the new guidelines of 10,000 birds per hectare. 'Unfortunately, ministers cracked under pressure and rubber-stamped misleading free-range egg labels which will cost consumers $43 million each year, Mr Godfrey told Daily Mail Australia. 'The new free-range rules clearly reflect the commercial interests of the big industrialised egg producers, allowing stockings densities up to 10,000 hens per hectare and no requirement that hens actually go outdoors.' Under the new standard, hens are required to have 'meaningful and regular' access to the outdoors and no more than 10,000 birds per hectare. While the price of eggs is not expected to increase, watchdog Choice warned producers will be able to continue selling dodgy 'free range' eggs - potentially ripping off shoppers by $43million per year The agreement will also see producers needing to label cartons with how many hens are kept per hectare on their farms The agreement will also see producers needing to label cartons with how many hens are kept per hectare on their farms. 'We know it's important that consumers have confidence in getting what they paid for,' Assistant Treasurer Kelly O'Dwyer said. When asked to elaborate on 'meaningful and regular' access to the outdoors, Ms O'Dwyer said it means the 'chook is able to get out of the barn and it's able to scratch around in the pasture'. She also called for common sense, saying it wasn't in the best interests of chickens to force them outside in all sorts of weather conditions. BRANDS WHICH STOCK HENS AT 10,000 PER HECTARE Most major producers of eggs labelled 'free-range' stock at 10,000 hens per hectare. Brands with this stocking density include: Aldi (Lodge Farm Free Range Eggs) Coles Free Range Ecoeggs Farm Pride Free Range Pace Farm Free Range Woolworths Free Range Source: Choice Advertisement Bede Burke, the chair of the NSW farmers egg committee, welcomed the move, saying that chicken do want to be forced outside in scorching temperatures. 'When the temperature gets to 28C or 30C, birds dont want to go outside, so the idea of them being forced to go outside was not ideal,' he told Daily Mail Australia. 'It is great news for producers and consumers because everyone can now have some certainty.' Research from 2014 found that 213 million eggs were sold as free-range but didn't live up to consumers' expectations. ACT Consumer Affairs Minister Shane Rattenbury said the new standard was a missed opportunity. 'Consumers expect the free-range label to signify high animal welfare standards with genuinely free-ranging chickens, not an intensive farming operation,' Mr Rattenbury said. Australian Egg Corporation Limited praised the new standard. 'The definition arrived at today has been shaped by science,' spokesman James Kellaway said. 'The new definition is fundamentally about doing the right thing by consumers to ensure they can make informed decisions about what eggs they wish to buy based on known factors. Advertisement In the frantic aftermath of a gas explosion last year that leveled three nearby buildings, the firefighters who arrived to evacuate Adam Chrin's fourth-floor apartment were confronted by an entirely different disaster. They found him nearly entombed in filth and squalor, amid hoarded, floor-to-ceiling piles of old newspapers, rumpled clothes, books, shopping bags, food scraps, knickknacks and stacks of old records. 'It was like walking through a minefield,' said the 67-year-old Chrin, recalling how the firefighters could barely get inside. It was that moment of fear mixed with shame that prompted him to finally get help for a hoarding problem he had battled for decades. Adam Chrin was evacuated from his New York apartment after a gas explosion leveled three nearby East Village buildings Firefighters found him among floor-to-ceiling piles of old newspapers, books and rumpled clothes The incident prompted him to finally get help for a hoarding problem he had battled for decades Chrin is among hundreds of older, mostly poor New Yorkers who have been assisted by a private initiative that seeks to tackle not only the fetid clutter of extreme hoarding, but also the mental, legal and financial woes that are often at the root of the mess. Experts say an estimated 2 to 5 percent of the U.S. population engages in clinically significant hoarding, the obsessive need to accumulate things. Its grim realities of squalor and isolation have become known to many through the popular cable reality series 'Hoarders.' New York's skyrocketing real estate rates and tiny, easily cluttered apartments make it an appropriate place for the Geriatric Mental Health and Hoarding Initiative, which sends social workers to the worst public nuisance cases, in which the hoarding is so bad that residents are threatened with eviction. Their aim is to get them into free counseling and to clear their homes enough to make them at least functional. 'We're not Martha Stewart,' joked Jack Sherratt, the program's director, who wears a biohazard suit and mask to protect him from bacteria and mildew when he enters dangerously cluttered apartments. He has compiled many stories of clutter that blotted out the light from windows and blocked kitchens and bathrooms. One extreme hoarder even carefully saved bottles of his urine. In the three years since its inception, the Hoarding Initiative, funded largely by the United Jewish Appeal-Federation of New York, has visited about 250 New Yorkers, diagnosing 100 with hoarding disorder. Mr Chrin is among hundreds of New Yorkers being helped by an initiative seeking to tackle extreme hoarding A collection of records, posters and Disney toys are just some of the items contained in his apartment Chrin said firefighters could barely get into his apartment, describing it as 'walking through a minefield' So far, Sherratt said, all those treated in the program have been able to evade evictions, while building up new mental health skills. Sherratt's three full-time staffers, plus a dozen students in social work, never force their way into anyone's home. Instead, they gently persuade the person to participate in the cleanup and free counseling, offered through a partnership with Mount Sinai Beth Israel Medical Center and The New School, which are studying the disorder. 'We don't know for sure what causes this, but there's some indication genetic vulnerability and difficulties with processing and organizing information play a part, and about half of hoarders suffer from clinical depression,' said Randy Frost, a Smith College psychology professor who wrote a book on the subject, titled 'Stuff.' New York City separately spent $6 million last year on emergency cleanups of hoarded homes, partly because they can pose a hazard from what city firefighters call 'Collyers' Mansion' conditions. That's from the infamous Harlem brownstone of brothers Homer and Langley Collyer, who were found dead in 1947 amid more than 100 tons of possessions. He estimates that he has got rid of about half his clutter, clearing paths from his front door to his bedroom Chrin was forced to leave his building for several weeks while inspectors made sure it was structurally sound After the East Village gas explosion last year that killed two people, Chrin was forced to get out of his building for several weeks while inspectors made sure it was structurally sound enough to inhabit. He called it a 'blessing in disguise' that allowed him to accept help. Chrin, a native of Paris who worked as a teacher and in other jobs, said his hoarding problems began decades ago after his mother's death and a series of financial failures. 'I know, it's my fault, my negligence, but when you're hoarding, it's like a sickness, an illness,' a wistful Chrin said as he glanced around his still-packed but functional rent-controlled apartment. So far, he estimates he's gotten rid of about half his clutter, clearing paths from his front door to his bedroom and creating enough space for a table and chairs. Along the way, he's found many lost possessions but is still looking for his collection of vintage Barbie dolls, which could bring in cash to boost the savings he lives on. Amid the clutter, he's never lost sight of the many Jesus and Mary pictures propped up on just about anything. 'They give me hope,' he said. Viagra, a knife, plastic handcuffs and cleaning products were among the evidence tendered on Thursday against a man charged with the murder of high school teacher Stephanie Scott. The ABC reports that email invoices for these purchases were produced as evidence at Griffith Local Court against Vincent Stanford, a 25-year-old cleaner at the school who was arrested four days after her disappearance in April last year. Vincent Stanford is accused of raping and murdering Ms Scott, 26, - just days before she was due to marry her childhood sweetheart. The twin brother of accused killer Vincent Stanford has pleaded guilty to being an accessory in the murder of school teacher Stephanie Scott (pictured right and left with fiance) Vincent Stanford's sexual assault charge was withdrawn and replaced with another charge that is not publicly known, pictured here as a child in the Netherlands Marcus Stanford (pictured), who was allegedly sent items belonging to Ms Scott, made his plea at Griffith Local Court, north east of Canberra on Thursday Vincent Stanford reportedly appeared agitated at times and did not address the magistrate himself, with his lawyer speaking on his behalf. Other evidence tendered was an email with an enquiry about legcuffs along with an invoice for Viagra, pornography and dating site URLs. Earlier on Thursday his identical twin brother Marcus Stanford, 25, pleaded guilty to being an accessory to the murder. He admitted to 'assisting' his brother conceal the crime in the days and weeks after Ms Scott's death, including receiving a number of items belonging to her in the mail. Both brothers appeared at Griffith Local Court, north east of Canberra, via video link on Thursday and Vincent was committed to stand trial without entering a plea. Ms Scott, 26, disappeared from the school where she worked in NSW country town Leeton on Easter Sunday last year, four days before she was due to get married. Her body was found burnt in Cocoparra National Park, around 70 kilometres of Leeton. Vincent Stanford was arrested four days after her disappearance after police allegedly found a photo of a body on his phone. His brother was arrested and charged in June and extradited from his home in Forreston, South Australia, to NSW. Ms Scott, 26, disappeared from the school where she worked in NSW country town Leeton on April 5 and after a huge search effort, her burned remains were found five days later Marcus Stanford is pictured here (centre) after being extradited to New South Wales in June Ms Scott's mother, father, sister and fiance Aaron Leeson-Woolley were in court for the hearing on Thursday. But they did not react when Marcus Stanford, who appeared via video link wearing prison greens, made his guilty plea, the ABC reported. Vincent Stanford's lawyer David Davidge asked for the case to be adjourned, arguing that he had not been assessed by Corrective Services regarding his 'fitness' before entering a plea. But Magistrate Katherine Thompson ordered that he be committed to stand trial without entering a plea, according to the Daily Telegraph. Vincent's sexual assault charge was also withdrawn and replaced with another charge that is not publicly known. Ms Scott's mother, father, sister and fiance Aaron Leeson-Woolley were in court for the hearing on Thursday School cleaner Vincent Stanford was arrested on April 8 of last year and charged with murder and aggravated sexual assault Four volumes of evidence were tendered to court for Marcus Stanford and 16 volumes for his brother. Vincent Stanford was committed for arraignment in the Supreme Court on May 6 and his brother is expected to be sentenced in May. Hundreds of people attended Ms Scott's funeral in Eugowra at the same location where her wedding was meant to be held, Eat Your Greens. Vincent and Marcus Standford were born in Tasmania but moved to the Netherlands with their mother Anika and older brother Luke when they were six. The twins returned to Australia with their mother in 2013 with Vincent and Anika moving to Leeton while Marcus moved to the Adelaide Hills in South Australia. It is alleged Vincent posted Ms Scott's (pictured) personal belonging to Marcus in South Australia Murdered teacher Stephanie Scott's parents Robert and Merrilyn Scott arrive at the Griffith Local Court in November The co-pilot of the hijacked EgyptAir flight has revealed the real reason why the picture of the hijacker posing with a British passenger - later hailed 'best selfie ever' - was taken. The pictures of Ben Innes, 26, and air hostess Niera Atef posing with Seif Eldin Mustafa on the hijacked plane at Larnaca Airport were taken by a Dutch passenger in order to be sent to police. Co-pilot Hamd al-Qaddah, 32, said they took the photos to be able to send images of Egyptian hijacker Mustafa to Egyptian and Cypriot authorities. Hijacker selfie: Seif Eldin Mustafa, is seen wearing his 'suicide belt' - later found to be fake - as he poses for a picture with 26-year-old Brit Ben Innes (left). He also had his picture taken standing beside a stewardess (right) Extraordinary: Footage has emerged of the moment British health and safety auditor Ben Innes took a selfie with a 'suicide belt'-wearing hostage taker on a hijacked airplane 'I was sending everything back to Cairo and sending everything to Cyprus via Whatsapp. So I was just taking pictures of him,' Qaddah told Newsweek. 'One of the air hostesses took a picture with him. She took the picture but we were lying to him, like 'oh right, can I have a picture with you?' So we can have how he looks, what he is wearing.' 'We did this, then we took it. Her name is Naira. She did this trick.' Earlier on Thursday, extraordinary footage emerged of the moment Mr Inness calmly waltzed up the aisle of a hijacked plane and took a selfie with a 'suicide belt'-wearing hostage taker. In a video recorded by a fellow passenger, Mr Innes, health and safety auditor, is heard asking 'Is that OK?' when the flight attendants tell him to approach. After being told to be 'very gentle', he then hands his phone to one of the women before grinning gleefully alongside his captor. Not content with just one photo, Mr Innes, from Leeds, then poses for a second time when asked by one of the stewardesses if he would like her to take another one. Carefree: Video shows Mr Innes, 26, being beckoned to approach by two stewardesses after asking if he could snap what he later hailed 'the best selfie ever' with hijacker Seif Eldin Mustafa In a video recorded by a fellow passenger, Mr Innes is heard asking 'Is that OK?' when the flight attendants tell him to approach After being told to be 'very gentle', he then hands his phone to one of the two stewardesses on the plane Standing alongside Seif Eldin Mustafa, Mr Innes prepares to have his photo taken with the hostage take Explaining the reasoning behind his selfie request, the health and safety auditor later told The Sun: 'I'm not sure why I did it, I just threw caution to the wind while trying to stay cheerful in the face of adversity. 'I figured if his bomb was real I'd nothing to lose anyway, so took a chance to get a closer look at it.' He also revealed he texted his panicked mother minutes after posing for the pictures with Mustafa, who hijacked an EgyptAir plane and forced it to be redirected from Cairo. Oblivious to what her son had just done, Mr Innes' worried mother Pauline then told him 'not to do anything to draw attention to himself' as the drama played out on television across the world. I'm not sure why I did it, I just threw caution to the wind while trying to stay cheerful in the face of adversity Ben Innes He said: 'My mum was obviously frantic with worry and kept telling me not to do anything to draw attention to myself. I didn't know how to tell her I'd already done a selfie with the hijaker.' The diverted flight had landed at Cyprus' Larnaca airport, with 62 passengers on board, and Mr Innes was one of four 'foreigners' and crew held hostage by Mustafa during a six-hour standoff. But instead of panicking about his plight, Mr Innes, who is living in Aberdeen, appeared rather calm about the situation and took a selfie before sending it to his friends in the UK. He told one: 'You know your boy doesn't f*** about. Turn on the news lad!!!'. It was accompanied by a selfie of him with Mustafa, who was wearing a fake suicide belt. The friend, seemingly worried, replied: 'Wtf? Is that a bomb attached to the guys chest? You ok? Let us know when you get off.' Not content with just one photo, Mr Innes, from Leeds, then poses for a second time when asked by one of the stewardesses if he'd like her to take another one Explanation: When asked about it later, the health and safety auditor told The Sun: 'I'm not sure why I did it, I just threw caution to the wind while trying to stay cheerful in the face of adversity' Priorities: He also revealed he texted his panicked mother minutes after posing for the pictures with Mustafa, who hijacked an EgyptAir plane and forced it to be redirected from Cairo Back home safe: Mr Innes is pictured leaving his parents home in North Yorkshire after returning to the UK MailOnline understands Mr Innes' employers, oil and waste management specialists TWMA, will demand answers to the circumstances surrounding the photograph and Mr Innes reasons for taking it Mr Innes is believed to have approached hijacker Mustafa - branded an 'idiot' by an unnamed Egyptian official - while being held hostage on the tarmac, and sent the 'selfie of a lifetime' to one of his flatmates as well as other friends. But his famed picture, which made headlines across the globe, may yet land him in hot water with his employers, it emerged yesterday. Oil and waste management specialists TWMA said it would be speaking to Mr Innes about the incident upon his return. MailOnline understands these discussions will centre on the circumstances surrounding the photograph and Mr Innes reasons for taking it. Although he was due to arrive back in Britain last night, he is not expected to return to work this week. A TWMA spokeswoman said: 'Ben Innes was working from our Alexandria office and was travelling home when the hijacking happened. 'We have been in communication with both Ben and his family, to support both throughout Tuesday's events. We are very pleased that all passengers and crew left the plane safely. 'Our focus right now is on getting Ben back to the UK and offering any support he needs. 'Until he returns to the office and discussions have taken place, we will be unable to comment any further at this stage.' Egyptian national Mustafa hijacked the domestic EgyptAir MS181, carrying 62 people, including eight Brits and ten Americans, shortly after it left Alexandria for Cairo early yesterday morning. Mr Innes is believed to have approached hijacker Mustafa for a selfie while being held hostage on the tarmac, and sent it to one of his flatmates as well as other friends Instead of panicking about his plight, Mr Innes - a health and safety auditor - appeared rather calm about the hostage situation and took a selfie before sending it to his friends in the UK alongside these text messages Free: The last remaining hostages, including Mr Innes (far left) are seen running over the tarmac moments before the hijacker gave himself up after a six-hour standoff This image which has been shared widely on social media shows Seif Eldin Mustafa wearing his 'suicide belt' on the hijacked EgyptAir plane Wearing a suicide belt - later found to have been fake - Mustafa forced the plane to re-route to Cyprus, where he proceeded to take several passengers and crew hostage and demanded to see his Cypriot ex-wife. During the hostage situation on the tarmac, Mustafa made a series of erratic requests, including asking to meet with representatives of the European Union, and to be taken to other airports. A picture from the tarmac showed the moment he handed over a four-page letter intended for his estranged wife, as a female airport official stands with her head in her hands. Negotiations with the hijacker during the morning resulted in the release of a majority of the hostages, except for the crew and four foreigners, including Mr Innes. After a six-hour standoff, the crew along with Mr Innes and two other male foreign nationals were released moments before the hijacker gave himself up. Seif Eldin Mustafa is seen approaching a military vehicle with his hands in the air after leaving the hijacked Egyptair Airbus A320 at Larnaca Airport This image shows the moment Seif Eldin Mustafa hands over the letter intended for his ex-wife, as a female airport official stands with her head in her hands Released: The Egyptian Foreign Ministry has rubbished claims that Seif Eldin Mustafa was a terrorist, saying: 'Terrorists are crazy but they aren't stupid. This guy is' They were seen running across the tarmac in the moments before Mustafa surrendered to police. Mustafa disembarked the plane at around 14.40 local time with his hands up and threw some items on the ground, which were picked up by police and are being examined. Alexandros Zenon, Secretary of the Cypriot Foreign Ministry, did not immediately have more details on the arrest, but added that the hijacker appeared to be 'mentally unstable'. In the wake of his arrest, Cypriot authorities were able to determine that Mustafa's suicide belt had been a fake. 'According to security sources received from Cyprus Authorities at Larnaca International Airport, which stated that the explosive belt that the hijacker allegedly said that he was wearing, is fake,' EgyptAir said in a statement. His mother, Beryl Dickson, said her son had battled with an ice addiction In 2007, he forced his way into the home of a 16-year-old and attacked her Slater was previously jailed for raping a young girl after entering her home The 16-year-old raped three times by Ricky Slater after he forced himself into her flat thought she was going to die when he threatened to stab her during a terrifying sexual assault nine years ago. Slater, then aged around 25, already had a criminal record for violence, drugs, car theft and break and enters stretching back to his late teens when he pushed into the girl's granny flat at 11.15pm on June 6, 2007. He had only been out of prison for three months when the aggravated sexual assaults took place, committing a total of 13 offences before he raped the young girl. Slater was allegedly killed by Ben Batterham after he entered the father-of-one's home in Hamilton, a suburb of Newcastle, on Saturday at around 3.30am. Scroll down for video Richard James Slater was released from jail in December after as his convictions for aggravated break and enter case was found to be based on 'flawed CCTV footage' Before Slater left his terrified and hysterical victim, he punched her in the head, pushed her over twice and left her with visible sexual and physical injuries. The girl's ordeal, which took place in the NSW country town of Tamworth where Slater lived with his father, began with a knock to the door which the girl answered because she was expecting her boyfriend. Instead she opened the door to her granny flat to find an indigenous man standing there and not wearing pants. Although she did not know Ricky Slater by name, the girl recognised him because he had knocked before and been told to leave. Again the girl told Slater to go or she would call the police, but as she tried to close the door he pushed his way in causing her to fall backwards over a couch in the living room. Slater shut the door, grabbed the girl by the hair, punched her in the back of the head and put his hand over her mouth as she tried to scream. Richard James Slater's mother, Beryl Dickson, said the 34-year-old 'had a problem' with ice and confirmed a photograph of a man smoking from a lit pipe was her son (pictured) Slater pushed her to the floor and sexually assaulted her, putting his hand over her mouth and telling her to be quiet. He then sexually assaulted her two more times, telling her if she did not shut up he would stab her. Police later reported that though the girl did not see a knife, 'she felt scared and thought she was going to die'. After the third assault, he forced the door to the granny flat open and left. The frantic girl ran into her bedroom and dialled Triple-0, then called her best friend and her father. When police arrived at 11.35pm they found the girl 'in a hysterical state'. She was taken to an ambulance and paramedics treated her for injuries from the sexual assault, as well as to her head and legs. Police took DNA samples from the girl and from her flat which, when fed into the forensic database matched the DNA sample taken from Ricky Slater when he was an inmate at a NSW prison in March 2007. Police took DNA samples from the girl and from her flat which, when fed into the forensic database matched the DNA sample taken from Ricky Slater when he was an inmate at a NSW prison in March 2007 The 34-year-old, who is known to his family as Ricky, was rushed to John Hunter Hospital where he remained in critical condition until his family decided to turn off his life support at 11.30am on Sunday Slater denied knowing the girl and told police he had been out of town when the assault took place. He refused to give a DNA sample. TIMELINE OF SLATER'S ALLEGED MURDER BY BATTERHAM Richard James Slater was allegedly found inside Ben Batterhams home in Hamilton, a suburb of Newcastle, holding his wifes wallet on Saturday at around 3.30am. Mr Batterham allegedly tackled Slater before placing him in a choke hold with the assistance of an unnamed friend. The home-owner called Triple Zero as he detained Slater and was reportedly heard threatening him before a drawn out brawl Police arrived at the scene where Mr Batterham reportedly continued attacking Slater He lost consciousness and was rushed to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition Mr Batterham was charged with causing grievous bodily harm and was treated for minor injuries Slaters family turned his life support off at 11.30am on Sunday after doctors told them his brain had been starved of oxygen Mr Batterhams charge was upgraded to murder and he handed himself into police on Sunday The father-of-one did not apply for bail when his case was mentioned in Newcastle Local Court on Tuesday. He will remain in Cessnock Correctional Facility until his case is heard again on May 25 Advertisement Police made a further DNA match to a hair from his head and charged Slater with three counts of aggravated sexual assault while threatening actual bodily harm. Slater was committed to trial in the NSW District Court and pleaded guilty on the trial's first day in June 2008. Judge James Bennett sentenced Slater to a total of six years, with a release date of March 17, 2014. Slater's previous criminal offences committed as an adult began in April 2001 when he was fined $456 for unlawfully entering enclosed land. Over the following five years Slater committed seven driving offences and seven more serious offences which would eventually land him in jail. The driving offences included three counts of driving with the wrong licence, and one each of driving a stolen car, an unregistered vehicle and an uninsured car. He incurred escalating penalties for the offences, from fines to good behaviour bonds. He twice drove while disqualified, earning a two year bond the first time. He later received a 12 months good behaviour bond after stealing a car in 2001. In 2004 he was convicted of assault and received six months periodic detention. In December 2005 he was charged with resisting arrest by police, possessing a prohibited drug and break and enter. For that Ricky Slater was fined $167 and given 18 months periodic detention He was also told to undertake counselling and drug and alcohol rehabilitation. It was during the periodic detention that Slater was DNA tested in prison. It was found that the face of the man on the CCTV footage looked like Slater 'in some respects' but a 'a vague similarity of that type' was not enough to support a conviction He had served 20 months in prison when his convictions were quashed, only months before he was allegedly found standing in Benjamin Batterham's(pictured) home in Newcastle holding his wife's wallet Less than two years after his release from jail on rape offences, Slater sustained serious injuries during an alleged home invasion and died later in hospital. RICHARD JAMES SLATER'S EXTENSIVE RAP SHEET Fined $456 for unlawfully entering enclosed land in April 2001 12 month good behaviour bond for stealing a car in 2011 Three counts of driving with the wrong licence and one count each of driving a stolen car, an unregistered vehicle and an uninsured car Six months periodic detention for assault in 2004 Fined $167 and given 18 months periodic detention for resisting arrest by police, possessing a prohibited drug and break and enter in 2005 Jailed for six years over sexual assault of 16-year-old girl in 2007 Sentenced to two years and six months for a string of break and enter offences in 2012, but acquitted and released after 20 months Advertisement It would be barely more than two years following his release from jail on the rape offences that Slater would die during an alleged home invasion. Speaking exclusively to Daily Mail Australia, Slater's mother, Beryl Dickson, said the 34-year-old 'had a problem' with ice and confirmed a photograph of a man smoking from a lit pipe was her son. Confirming her son's battle with drug use, Ms Dickson said the photograph of him was taken 'four or five years ago'. 'He had problems, family problems in his past,' the mother told Daily Mail Australia. She also denied Slater had broken into Mr Batterham's home to steal a purse, saying her son had $600 'on him'. It comes after it was also revealed he had been released from jail in December after his convictions for an aggravated break and enter case were found to be based on 'flawed CCTV footage'. Slater was found guilty of fraud and aggravated break and enter offences after he was charged for breaking into a home to steal a wallet, handbag and a car, which prosecutors claimed was later used in the ram raid of an adult store in Sandgate, a suburb in Newcastle, in 2012. Slater's mother, Beryl Dickson, said the 34-year-old 'had a problem' with ice and confirmed a photograph of a man smoking from a lit pipe was her son Slater was found guilty of fraud and aggravated break and enter offences after he was charged for breaking into a home to steal a wallet, handbag and a car, which prosecutors claimed was later used in the ram raid of an adult store in Sandgate (pictured) Justice Robert Beech-Jones said the evidence used to convict Slater 'relied upon flawed CCTV footage and was not capable of demonstrating his guilt without a reasonable doubt The 34-year-old, who is known to his family as Ricky, was rushed to John Hunter Hospital where he remained in critical condition until his family decided to turn off his life support on Sunday morning He had served 20 months of his two year and six month prison sentence when his convictions were quashed in December by the NSW Court of Appeal, only months before he was found standing in Mr Batterham's home in Newcastle. Slater had appealed his burglary conviction claiming the prosecution's case relied solely on images obtained from 'blurry and indistinct' security footage. Justice Robert Beech-Jones said the evidence used to convict Slater 'relied upon flawed CCTV footage and was not capable of demonstrating his guilt without a reasonable doubt. Slater was acquitted and released from jail in December after serving 20 months behind bars for the offence. The 34-year-old died on Sunday from injuries allegedly sustained in a brawl with Benjamin Batterham, who was charged with murder following the father-of-three's death. The 34-year-old died on Sunday from injuries allegedly sustained in a brawl with Benjamin Batterham, who was charged with murder following the father-of-three's death Mr Batterham's arrest has caused significant outrage in the community, with almost 69,000 people signing a petition demanding his immediate release following the break and enter at his Hamilton property (pictured) Mr Batterham's arrest has caused significant outrage in the community, with almost 69,000 people signing a petition demanding his immediate release. Many have claimed that the father-of-one had been defending his home and family after the convicted sex offender was allegedly found near the bedroom of the Newcastle resident's daughter while clutching his wife's purse. It was initially reported that a fight broke out between Mr Batterham and Slater - who was put in a choke hold until police arrived. However, a tripe zero recording that was obtained by the Daily Telegraph indicates that Mr Batterham could be heard threatening the intruder before a drawn out fight ensued. It has been alleged that Mr Batterham continued to attack Slater after police arrived on the scene A man can be heard repeatedly screaming 'I'm going to kill you' on the recording, with the paper claiming that Mr Batterham had continued to attack Slater after police arrived on the scene. The 34-year-old, who is known to his family as Ricky, was rushed to John Hunter Hospital where he remained in critical condition until his family decided to turn off his life support at 11.30am on Sunday. Mr Batterham, 33, handed himself into police on Sunday when his charge was upgraded from grievous bodily harm to murder, but did not apply for bail when his case was heard in Newcastle Local Court on Tuesday morning. Milad Atai and a 16-year-old Sydney schoolgirl were arrested last week The GoFundMe page raised $3000 in two days including one $2000 pledge A crowdfunding page was launched on Monday for Sydney man Milad Atai A crowdfunding page has been launched for Milad Atai (pictured), who was charged last week with financing terrorism alongside a 16-year-old girl An online fundraising campaign launched for an accused terrorist raised thousands of dollars in just two days. The GoFundMe page was launched by supporters of 20-year-old Milad Atai from Guildford in Sydney's West, amassing more than $3000 in two days, reports Daily Telegraph. Atai was charged last week with financing terrorism alongside a 16-year-old girl. Police allege the pair were 'raising money' to send to the Islamic State terror group. On Monday somebody from the Melbourne suburb of Point Cook launched the crowdfunding page to raise money for the 20-year-old and his pregnant wife. Atai (pictured left) was charged last week with financing terrorism alongside a 16-year-old girl. Police allege the pair from Guildford in Sydney's west were 'raising money' to send to the Islamic State terror group The GoFundMe page was launched by supporters of 20-year-old Milad Atai from Guildford in Sydney's West, amassing more than $3000 in two days Daily Telegraph reported a message on the page urged people to donate to Atai's pregnant wife. 'Recently a brother has become an aseer at the hands of the tawagheet leaving his revert wife, who is due to give birth in three months, having no income to support herself.' The page had reportedly raised $3015 from 23 backers by Wednesday evening. One supporter from Mexico who called himself as Ahmad El Magherbi offered $2000. Police believe Atai procured the schoolgirl to send money upwards of $10,000 Ahmed Merhi a former Melbourne men who moved to Syria to become a jihadi between February and March. The page had reportedly raised $3015 from 23 backers by Wednesday evening. One supporter from Mexico who called himself as Ahmad El Magherbi donated over $1000 Deputy NSW police commissioner Catherine Burn (pictured) told reporters the arrest of Atai represented a trend of teenagers becoming involved win terrorism The pair were arrested in Guilford on the street they both live on, after an alleged meeting to discuss the money transfer in a nearby park. They are not believed to be related or in a relationship. If found guilty Atai faces a 25-year prison sentence. Atai was a target of the original counter-terrorism raids conducted under Operation Appleby in September 2014. Deputy NSW police commissioner Catherine Burn previously told reporters the arrest of Atai and the 16-year-old girl represented a trend of teenagers becoming involved win terrorism. 'It is disturbing we are continuing to see a trend of teenage children involved in these activities,' Ms Burn told reporters. The breach could impact Menulog financially and allow identity theft The online takeaway company shut down the function used in the breach A former Menulog employee has stumbled upon the private details of more than 1.1 million of the company's customers, including police, celebrities and government employees. A Victorian internet security expert slammed the the website as 'not secure' after the security breach, and a response by Menulog critics say is indadequte, has prompted a Victorian security expert to label the website 'not secure' as customers are left exposed to potential financial loss or identity theft. Nicole Holden, now an employee of chain Pizza Fellas, logged onto the online takeaway ordering website and found the personal information which included names, telephone numbers and addresses, the Sydney Morning Herald reported. Former Menulog employee Nicole Holden discovered the details of 1.1 million customers when she was using the website (stock image) Menulog is an online takeaway food ordering website, and Ms Holden said its response to the security breach was not sufficient 'It's a pretty intensive lists - names of police, celebrities, people in government in there. If I saw it through the client portal, it means it's probably also been shared with thousands of other people who are not monitored or controlled,' Ms Holden said. After warning Menulog, she said its reaction was not enough. A letter from the company told her it had investigated but could not find the cause for the breach. However, it did shut down its e-newsletter, which had been how Ms Holden found the private information. Menulog told Ms Holden it had investigated the security breach and shut down the function which she had accessed the personal information with Ms Holden - whose company Pizza Fellas is in a legal battle with Menulog - contacted computer forensics expert Andrew Mcleish to look into the breach. He said he was concerned the Menulog website or client database was not safe. 'It is more of a security issue because private details of client information was able to be accessed by others ... I would imagine the client data could be compromised by downloading the data base or by simply cutting and pasting the client data into a spreadsheet.' Computer security expert Ty Miller of Threat Intelligence told the Sydney Morning Herald the breach was likely caused by an 'access control flaw' which could not be easily fixed. He said not only could the breach impact customer's privacy, but it could also affect Menulog financially. There is no requirement for Menulog to notify customers their information may be at risk, but Ms Holden believes it should have. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Menulog for comment. Couple met in 1983, married for five years, and had four children The EgyptAir hijacker's former wife has branded him a jobless drug addict and claimed their five-year marriage was 'a living hell'. Seif Eldin Mustafa wore a fake suicide vest and forced a passenger jet to be redirected from Egypt to Cyprus to see her. As the plane stood on the tarmac at Larnaca Airport with 69 passengers on board Mustafa demanded to see his ex-wife Marina Paraschou. He was pictured handed a four-page 'love letter' penned for Marina to a female airport official who had her head in her hands, looking mortified. In her first interview since Tuesday's drama Marina reveals how she married a violent, unemployed bully who was cruel to her and their four children. Scroll down for video His hijack reason: Marina Paraschou, 51, ex-wife of hijacker Seif Eldin Mustafa (pictured on their wedding day in 1985) has described their seven years together as 'a marriage of hell with threats, beatings, torture and fear' Abusive: Ms Paraschou describes Mustafa, seen flashing a peace sign as he is driven from the courthouse on Cyprus, as a drug addict, who would get violent and abuse her and their children when he couldn't get a fix She added the world has been painted a picture of a man who hijacked a plane for love - but says it could not be further from the truth. 'Most of the media painted a picture of a romantic situation in which a man was trying to reach out to his estranged wife,' she told Cypriot newspaper Phileleftheros. Ms Paraschou, 51, claimed their five-year marriage was 'a living hell' 'But that couldn't be further from the truth and they would have a different opinion if they knew what he was really like. 'It was a marriage of hell with threats, beatings, torture and fear. He was a man who knew how to inflict fear and to create misery around him. He was unbalanced and a scary person.' Marina, 51, met Mustafa in 1983, when she was 18 years old, and married him two years later. During their seven years together the couple had three daughters and a son, but Ms Paraschou still describes them as the 'darkest chapter in my life'. She says the couple lived with her parents on Cyprus during their marriage, but unemployed Mustafa never provided financially to the family. The couple divorced in 1990 and Mustafa left Cyprus for Egypt in 1994 where he was jailed for forgery and fraud. He broke out of prison in 2011 amid the chaos during the uprising against Egyptian president Muhammad Hosni El Sayed Mubarak. Ms Paraschou, from Oroklini, a village near Larnaca Airport, said called Mustafa, who was by then back in Egypt, to tell him one of their daughters had died in an accident. 'I called him [to tell him of our daughter's death] and all he could say was "What do I care?". 'I can assure you, he never cared about me or his children both when he was in Cyprus and after he left. The only thing he gave was pain, unhappiness and fear.' In her interview, Marina also claimed Mustafa was a fanatical supporter of former Palestinian leader, which had led him to be given a four-year jail term in Syria, which was pro-Israel. She said he boasted that he took part in the murder of three Israeli soldiers. He also told her he had been an officer with the Egyptian Army and during military service he had received a bullet wound in his chest, the scar of which he showed her. Horror: During their seven years together, the couple had four children, but Ms Paraschou still describes them as the 'darkest chapter in my life' Desperate: Mustafa hijacked an EgyptAir passenger jet to be redirected to Cyprus from Cairo using a fake suicide belt, demanding to see his former wife This image shows Seif Eldin Mustafa wearing his 'suicide belt' on the hijacked EgyptAir plane This image shows the moment Seif Eldin Mustafa hands over the letter intended for his ex-wife, as a female airport official stands with her head in her hands Mustafa is currently on an eight-day remand in Cypriot jail for hijacking the domestic EgyptAir MS181, carrying 62 people, including eight Brits and ten Americans, shortly after it left Alexandria on Tuesday morning. Wearing a fake suicide belt, he forced the plane to re-route to Larnaca Airport on Cyprus, where he proceeded to take several passengers and crew hostage and demanded to see Ms Paraschou. During the hostage situation on the tarmac, Mustafa made a series of erratic requests, including asking to meet with representatives of the European Union, and to be taken to other airports. Negotiations with the hijacker during the morning resulted in the release of a majority of the hostages, except for the crew and four foreigners, including British national Ben Innes, 26. After a six-hour standoff, the crew along with Mr Innes and two other male foreign nationals were released moments before the hijacker gave himself up. They were seen running across the tarmac in the moments before Mustafa surrendered to police. Mustafa disembarked the plane at around 14.40 local time with his hands up and threw some items on the ground, which were picked up by police and are being examined. Hijacker selfie: Mustafa, is seen wearing his 'suicide belt' - later found to be fake - as he poses for a selfie with 26-year-old Brit Ben Innes Mustafa is seen approaching a military vehicle with his hands in the air after leaves the hijacked Egyptair Airbus A320 at Larnaca Airport Released: The Egyptian Foreign Ministry has rubbished claims that Seif Eldin Mustafa is a terrorist, saying: 'Terrorists are crazy but they aren't stupid. This guy is' In the wake of his arrest, Cypriot authorities were able to determine that Mustafa's suicide belt had been a fake. After his capture, prosecutors said he told police: 'What's someone supposed to do when he hasn't seen his wife and children in 24 years and the Egyptian government won't let him?' A man has been charged with murder after allegedly stabbing his ex-wife while she was on a first date with a new partner. Jovi Pilapil, 39, was having dinner with Keith Collins, 53, at a Korean restaurant on Sydney's upper north shore on Wednesday night when they were allegedly attacked by Alexander Villaluna, the Sydney Morning Herald reports. Horrified customers watched on as the 45-year-old jumped the counter and the restaurant and started stabbing the couple - who had met online - with a glass bottle, before he calmly walked out covered in blood. Scroll down for video Jovi Pilapil (pictured), 39, was allegedly stabbed by her ex-husband, Alexander Villaluna, while she was on a first date with a man she met online Keith Collins (pictured), 53, died after being stabbed in the neck and throat while on a date with Ms Pilapil on Wednesday Ms Pilapil was rushed to hospital after being stabbed in the chest, and has now been moved out of the emergency ward in a non-life threatening condition. The 39-year-old had previously taken out a AVO against her ex-husband just 51 days ago, according to Seven News. Mr Collins was allegedly stabbed in the neck, throat and stomach, witnesses said of the brutal attack. He died at the scene. A 45-year-old man is being questioned by police after the targeted incident that horrified patrons at Korean restaurant Kangnam BBQ in Hornsby Westfield in Sydney's north about 9.30pm on Wednesday Jovi Pilapil (left) was having dinner with Keith Collins (right) at a Korean restaurant on Sydney's upper north shore on Wednesday night when they were allegedly attacked It comes after witnesses described the terrifying scene at the restaurant. 'He got two in the neck and two in the stomach and he like dropped,' a man said of Mr Collins' injuries. 'He was yelling out 'help' and me and my mates we outside, we were freaking out and were like 'nah, we've got to help him'. 'He was laying there and I was like mate calm down you will be all good, just keep calm.' Paramedics attempted to treat Mr Collins at the scene, however he died from his stab wounds Keith Collins' daughter, Aisling, shared an emotional tribute to her father on social media Following the stabbing frenzy, it's believed the alleged attacker then sat in the shopping centre and waited for police to arrive. The accused attacker was pictured on his knees with his hands covered in blood as police arrested him a short time later. A female police officer was pictured standing behind the man with her taser drawn. A number of items, possibly including a bottle and knife, have been taken from the scene by police for forensic examination. The accused attacker was arrested by police after allegedly jumped the counter at the restaurant and stabbing the man, 53, and woman, 38, with a glass bottle before calmly walking out covered in blood A witness photographed the accused attacker after the stabbing attack. It's believed the man walked calmly from the restaurant and then sat in the shopping centre and waited for police to arrive A man is dead and a woman injured after they were attacked at Westfield Hornsby on Sydney's upper north shore on Wednesday night in front of horrified shoppers The man was treated by paramedics but died at the scene, while the woman suffered stab wounds to her chest, punctured sternum and lacerations to her forearm The pair were attacked allegedly by the ex-partner of the woman while eating at a Korean restaurant at Westfield Hornsby on Sydney's upper north shore on Wednesday night The attack took place in front of shocked shoppers at the Westfield in Hornsby Another witness at the scene, Michael Short, said he saw the man walk past him with a hunting knife. 'Finished work at Hornsby only to come out in the mall to hundreds of people running and screaming and this bloke walking past me covered in blood holding a massive hunting knife,' he said. 'Not knowing what to do I grabbed the tyre lever out of the trailer and followed him in case he tried to stab some on else. A few of us stood there hoping he would not stab any one else until the police came.' He claimed Westfield security did not show up until well after police had arrived. 'Not saying they had to arrest or stop him but someone had been stabbed. No first aid kit. Nothing,' he said. 'I know they were there when it happened because the guard let me out of the door not a minute before all this happened.' Detectives from Kuring-Gai Local Area Command and State Crime Command's Homicide Squad are investigating the incident. Witnesses said the alleged attacker jumped the counter at a Korean barbecue restaurant and started stabbing the pair with a glass bottle Some 3.5million people died in the 'Ardous March' famine of the 1990s Claim follows preparing for another great famine, population is told North Korea has claimed it is preparing to launch a pre-emptive nuclear strike on the U.S., after claiming its warheads are capable of reaching Manhattan. The country's Foreign Minister warned that the North Korean army has been ordered to move from preparing for potential military response to attacks on the country - to preparing to launch their own. Foreign Minister Lee Su-yong extended the threat to its neighbors in the south, adding that 'the Korean peninsula faces the dilemma: a thermonuclear war or peace'. Threat: Kim Jong-Un watches the ballistic rocket launch drill of the Strategic Force of the Korean People's Army (KPA), as North Korea warns it is preparing to launch a pre-emptive nuclear strike on the U.S., Offensive move: North Korean Foreign Minister Lee Su-yong said the army has been ordered to move from preparing for potential military response - to preparing to attack other countries The warnings follows months of intensified weapons tests and threats of nuclear war by North Korea as a response to ongoing military drills between Washington and Seoul. 'In response to the US frenzied hysteria for unleashing a nuclear war, we have fully transferred our army from the form of military response to the form of delivering a pre-emptive strike and we state resolutely about the readiness to deliver a pre-emptive nuclear strike,' North Korea's Foreign Minister Lee Su-yong said in a statement, Yonhap News reports. 'In a word, the Korean peninsula faces the dilemma: a thermonuclear war or peace,' he said. However, this is a demand North Korea has been making for decades: The United States and South Korea must immediately suspend their annual military exercises if there is to be peace on the Korean Peninsula. Even before the exercises began, North Korea's formidable propaganda machine had been churning out articles every day condemning the US and South Korea in the strongest terms. Leader warning: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un smiles during a solid-fuel rocket engine test as the country claims it is preparing to strike the U.S. and South Korea US soldiers of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit infantry take part in a live fire drill during an exercise entitled 'Ssang Yong', near South Korea's southeastern port city of Pohang this month The 11-day exercise brings together US Marines of the 13th and 31st Marine Expeditionary Units and their South Korean counterparts, with this year's drill being the largest ever State newspapers and TV channels have been displaying nuclear bomb and missile mock-ups and warning it is ready at any time to launch a pre-emptive strike against the presidential residence in South Korea or even a nuclear attack on New York. Nightly news programs have been dominated by videos of leader Kim Jong-Un watching North Korea's own drills, replete with large-scale artillery arrays firing barrages from beachfront positions into the ocean and repeated claims that the North now has an H-bomb - which it says it tested in January - and a means of taking the war to the U.S. mainland. On Tuesday this week, North Korea fired a short-range projectile from an area near its eastern coast on Tuesday, South Korean officials said. The projectile was fired near the North Korean port city of Wonsan and flew about 125 miles before crashing into land northeast of the launch site, South Korean military officials said. Ready to strike? This picture released on Monday shows Kim Jong-Un, accompanied by his with Ri Sol Ju, inspecting a newly built shopping centre in Pyongyang A still from a propaganda video release by North Korea last weektitled 'Last Chance', showing a submarine-launched nuclear missile laying waste to Washington, DC, and concluding with the US flag in flames It was unclear whether the projectile was a ballistic missile or an artillery shell and was too early to tell whether North Korea used a land target to test the accuracy and range of its weapons or experienced problems after planning a launch into the sea. North Korea has fired a slew of short-range missiles and artillery shells into the sea and has threatened nuclear strikes on Washington and Seoul since the start on March 7 of the annual springtime war games between the United States and South Korea. Tensions are particularly high this year because the drills are the largest ever and follow a recent North Korean nuclear test and a long-range rocket launch. The missile tests came as President Barack Obama prepares to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of a global nuclear security summit in Washington on Thursday. The British man seen grinning in a photo he took with a plane hijacker has returned to the UK - but covered up a camera filming him at the airport. The picture of Ben Innes standing next to Seif Eddin Mustafa - who hijacked an EgyptAir flight on Tuesday - has since been seen around the world. The mother of the health and safety auditor from Leeds was less than impressed with her son's actions, which she has branded 'stupid'. Mr Innes covered up an ITV news camera trying to film him at Manchester Airport as he arrived yesterday and allegedly snatched the camerawoman's phone. Ben Innes, who posed for a 'selfie' with a plane hijacker, flew back to Britain yesterday to face his mother But the 26-year-old, who was famously keen to have his picture taken, covered an ITV camera with his hand Mr Innes pictured embracing his mother Pauline at Manchester Airport, left, before they quickly left, right Mr Innes, 26, was collected by his mother Pauline from Manchester Airport yesterday and said she was furious at having seen his picture on the news. As she collected him from the arrivals hall, she told him: 'I don't know why you did it,' according to The Sun. Mustafa, 59, is understood to have revealed the fake suicide belt soon after the flight to Cairo took off, triggering an emergency diversion to Cyprus. Mr Innes is said to have contacted his mother soon after the drama began and reassured her that he would keep a low profile. Mr Innes pictured at his parents' home in North Yorkshire after being picked up from Manchester Airport However, at some point during the five-hour stand-off, the 26-year-old decided to, in his own words, 'throw caution to the wind while trying to stay cheerful in the face of adversity' and pose for a picture with his captor. The snap, in which the hijacker can be seen wearing a khaki-coloured fabric belt with a series of pouches wired together, was shared by thousands after it was posted on social media. 'Mum was very upset seeing me, but I made it safe and sound,' Mr Innes told the newspaper as he arrived back in the UK. 'The past two days have been crazy, unbelievable. But I'm here now and things can get back to normal. I'll be relaxing at home with Mum,' he added. Ben Innes, from Leeds, got this grinning photo with EgyptAir hijacker Seif Eddin Mustafa this week The plane was hijacked Mustafa, who is understood to have wanted to speak to his ex-wife. The pilot of the plane climbed out the window of the cockpit as the incident unfolded Mrs Innes told The Sun that he had not posed for a 'selfie' with the hijacker, who was described as 'psychologically unstable' by Cypriot officials. 'You can clearly see that it is not Ben who is taking the picture,' she said. Yesterday a picture of another hostage posing with Mustafa emerged. It appeared to show an air stewardess, named in reports as Naira Atef, smiling and standing next to him. The Cypriot court ordered Mustafa to be detained for eight days as he faces charges including hijacking, illegal possession of explosives, kidnapping and threats to commit violence. The incident comes just five months after 224 people were killed when a Russian aircraft crashed over Egypt's Sinai Peninsula minutes after it took off from the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. A message sent by Mr Innes to his friends shows his glee that he managed to get a picture with the hijacker He is the cheery sailor who has brought fish straight from the seas into Britains freezers for almost 50 years. But it seems the new actor to play Captain Birds Eye may not be the hardened seafarer you would expect because he suffers from seasickness. Despite being used to living by the sea, retired IT fishery worker Mitch Commins admitted he will need to overcome the condition when he takes on his new role as the face of the frozen food giant next month. Despite being used to living by the sea, retired IT fishery worker Mitch Commins, pictured, admitted he will need to overcome the condition when he takes on his new role as the face of the frozen food giant next month It will be the first time in a decade that the nations favourite seafarer, whose catchphrase was Only the best for the Captains table', will be appearing on TV The South African-born father-of-two will take over from John Hewer, who died in 2008 at the age of 86, after playing Birds Eyes much-loved advertising figurehead for more than 30 years. It will be the first time in a decade that the nations favourite seafarer, whose catchphrase was Only the best for the Captains table', will be appearing on TV. Though it will be first experience of acting, Birds Eye have said Mr Commins was the perfect choice for the role, not only looking the part but encapsulating all his qualities. A spokesman for Birds Eye said: 'Going out to sea is not a pastime Mitch enjoys. 'Despite donning his Captain's cap, Mitch has an affinity to seasickness, a condition he'll look to overcome in order to master his new sea-faring role.' Steve Chantry, Birds Eye marketing director, said: Were thrilled to have Mitch on board as the Captain. He was the perfect choice for this iconic role. Though it will be first experience of acting, Birds Eye have said Mr Commins was the perfect choice for the role, not only looking the part but encapsulating all his qualities Mr Commins will take over from John Hewer, pictured, who died in 2008 at the age of 86, after playing Birds Eyes much-loved advertising figurehead for more than 30 years Not only does he look the part, but we loved his enthusiasm for the role and believe he encapsulates all the qualities were looking for in Captain Birds Eye. The reappearance of the Captain after so many years is an exciting step for us and we look forward to bringing back memories for those that remember him, as well as introducing him to a brand new audience. The Captain, instantly recognisable in the UK, has been helping mums provide kids with their first taste of fish since the 1960s and his presence in the new ad helps to communicate the brands heritage and universal trustworthiness. Mr Commins debut will air on April 9, and is set to capture the excitement of a Birds Eye tea time through the eyes of a young boy. A high school has hired security guards to control a violence crisis which has resulted in the expulsion of more than 80 students so far this year and the bashing of a female teacher. The Kalgoorlie-Boulder community high school, about 600km east of Perth, has employed two security guards to reign in the behaviour of their 1,000 year 7 to 10 students. A female teacher was assaulted last Thursday at the Western Australian school, where there are also plans to put up a high fence, Goldfields regional education director Ken Perris said. Scroll down for video The Kalgoorlie-Boulder community high school, about 600km east of Perth, has employed two security guards to reign in the behaviour of their 1,000 year 7 to 10 students This year, 83 students have been suspended from the school this year, AAP reported, amid threatening behaviour, abuse and violence. The security guards would bring some public confidence to the school, Mr Perris said according to ABC. Mr Perris said the school's issues reflected community problems, and that action had to be taken as student and teacher safety was paramount. A review of all the issues and practices has been ordered by Education Department director-general, Sharyn ONeill, Yahoo 7 reported. A video circulated between students shows a group of girls pulling each others hair and ripping their clothes off (pictured) The department claimed the short video was staged, despite admitting violence between a group of girls has resulted in their suspension The department will attempt to control the behaviour of their very troubled students with behavioural experts visiting the school. The female teacher assaulted last Thursday was hospitalised, though she sustained no physical injuries. A student was suspended for a maximum 10 days over what Mr Perris called a 'shocking incident'. While this was by far the worst, it has been clear this term there are some serious problems that need to be addressed, both at the school and in the wider community, Mr Perris said, according to Yahoo 7. A video circulated between students shows a group of girls pulling each others hair and ripping their clothes off. The department claimed the short video was staged, despite admitting violence between a group of girls has resulted in their suspension. Daily Mail Australia has contacted principal Ian Masarei for comment. This year, 83 students have been suspended from the school, AAP reported, amid threatening behaviour, abuse and violence (file photo of students) T.E Lawrence's memoir Seven Pillars of Wisdom has been proven to be more historically accurate than previously thought A single bullet has helped prove that T.E Lawrence's WWI memoir was far more accurate than previously believed. Archaeologists from Bristol University spent nine years combing previously untouched battle sites across the Arabian Desert in Jordan. The team found a bullet at the site of a battle which inspired the dramatic train ambush scene in the David Lean Lawrence of Arabia classic, which was fired by a Colt pistol which Lawrence owned. 'We're almost 100 per cent certain he was the only person in that battle who would have been using that gun,' Dr Neil Faulkner, who led the nine-year Great Arab Revolt Project (GARP), told the MailOnline. 'A lot of people have doubted what was written in his Seven Pillars of Wisdom memoir,' he added. 'But what this shows is that he is not a serial liar - he has provided us with a very reliable historical account.' T.E Lawrence's depiction of the 17 September 1917 ambush, as well as Lean's cinematographic portrayal, have formerly been dismissed as aggrandised. In his Seven Pillars memoir, he describes a train pulling into the station with Turkish fighters perched on the roofs of the carriages, guns poised. He gave the signal to the Arabian troops. The bullet which the University of Bristol team found in the Jordanian desert was fired from Lawrence's Colt pistol Lawrence's depiction of the dramatic attack was likely true, said Dr Neil Faulkner The train ambush in Lean's film was inspired by the battle on the Jordan - Saudi Arabian border near Hallat Ammar 'There followed a terrific roar, and the line vanished from sight behind a spouting column of black dust and smoke a hundred feet high and wide', the intelligence officer wrote in the book. 'Out of the darkness came shattering crashes and long, loud metallic clangings of ripped steel, with many lumps of iron and plate; while one entire wheel of a locomotive whirled up suddenly black out of the cloud against the sky, and sailed musically over our heads to fall slowly and heavily into the desert behind,' the intelligence officer wrote. The GARP team's three-day, military-supervised trip, uncovered bullets exactly where Lawrence described the fighters to have been. Although unlike the on-screen depiction of Lawrence wielding a large rifle, the real-life figure favoured the more modern, smaller Colt model 1911. A Colt model similar to that which Lawrence is believed to have bought from America. He bought two, keeping just one for himself and took it into battle in the Arabian Desert The battle site of the 1917 attack has been mapped for the first time by the Great Arab Revolt and shows where the riflemen would have been in comparison to the train they were about to ambush For instance, they found a 'line of empty cartridges where Arab riflemen would have been,' said Dr Faulkner. The Colt 1911-fired bullet was the only one found in the site. 'The rest were .303 fired by Lee Enfield rifles which the Arab soldiers would have had. The others were from Lewis-like machine guns'. The GARP team have combed dozens of important WWII sites in Jordan which have never been touched before. They had two metal detectorists scanning the sand who played a 'key' role in the discoveries. T.E Lawrence was born in Wales and went to Oxford University before becoming an intelligence officer Their 2012 trip to the Halat Ammar site on the border of Jordan and Saudi Arabia was done under military supervision. Dr Faulkner's new book, Lawrence of Arabia's War will be released on 21 April and the archeologist hopes that it will undo some of the negative criticsim Lawrence has been subject to in the past. Critics have 'at best said he misremembered it and at worst said he made the whole thing up,' he said. Officers should give suspects the chance to rate their arrests and also ask for feedback from those they physically restrain, the police watchdog suggests. The Independent Police Complaints Commission revealed the ideas in its 94-page Police Use of Force report - but critics warn they would tie up already stretched resources. Some are concerned the plans would lead to a surge in formal complaints brought against police officers. Officers should give suspects the chance to rate their arrests and also ask for feedback from those they physically restrain, the police watchdog the Independent Police Complaints Commission suggests Former Detective Chief Inspector of the Metropolitan Police, Colin Sutton, told The Sun: 'This is just the latest ridiculous idea from a rabidly anti-police organisation that does little to safeguard either the public or police.' Last year there were an estimated 23,000 assaults against officers across England and Wales, figures which stoked the anger generated by the IPCC's ideas. Mark Smith, Essex Police Federation chairman said: 'If you're attacking police and being arrested why should we be asking you, "Did we use the right force against you?" 'This is simply opening the floodgates for false complaints.' Former Detective Chief Inspector of the Metropolitan Police, Colin Sutton (pictured), criticised the plans Forces in England and Wales are expected to respond to the IPCC's plans soon. Last year a Freedom of Information request revealed that more than 3,000 police officers were being investigated for alleged assault. With only two per cent being suspended, most of the police officers under investigation for violence against members of the public were still on the beat at the time. Campaigners said the figures exposed a culture of brutality and racism in the way some officers deal with ethnic minorities. The Metropolitan Police and West Midlands Police - who cover the most ethnically diverse regions of the country - accounted for nearly half of 3,082 officers under investigation, according to figures obtained by the Independent. Around 55 per cent of people who complained about being the victims of police brutality in London were from ethnic minorities, despite making up just one in three of the capital's population. And in the West Midlands, nearly half of all assault allegations came from black or Asian people even though they comprised 14 per cent of the population. Their mutual loathing is no secret as the rancorous GOP primary campaign lurches from one personal insult to the next, but Ted Cruz tried to make light of his dislike of Donald Trump last night. The Texas Senator used his first appearance on Jimmy Kimmel to joke about running over his fellow Republican presidential candidate with his car in response to an earlier April Fools' Day prank segment featuring The Donald. After more than a week of Trump making thinly veiled comments about the appearance and mental stability of Cruz's wife Heidi, the candidate got a genuine laugh from the audience with his wisecrack about the property billionaire. Scroll Down for Video The Texas Senator stated US law enforcement must do all it can to protect the country from Islamic radicalization The idea for the prank was to stick pictures of the GOP hopeful to the reverse cameras of cars so people would think they are about to back into him. Discussing the trick, Cruz joked: 'If I were in my car getting ready to reverse and saw Donald in the back-up camera, I'm not confident which pedal I'd push.' Cruz brought up the prank after being asked by Kimmel who he liked the least: Trump or President Obama. 'Look, I dislike Obama's policies more, but Donald is a unique individual,' said Cruz to the ABC host. Ted Cruz agreed to disagree with Jimmy Kimmel on opinions regarding Obamacare and Muslim patrols during an interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live Kimmel then joked about the public perception of Cruz as an unpopular man amongst his colleagues. He said that perversely, his strategy in this race seemed to be hanging around until voters and his political peers realized they hated all the other candidates more than him. Kimmel said that this has already happened with Senator Lindsey Graham, who has reluctantly endorsed Cruz because he can't bear to support Trump. 'There you go,' Cruz said. 'It's a powerful strategy and compared to Donald I am the quiet shy soft spoken one.' Cruz then admitted to Kimmel he once wanted to be a Hollywood actor and that his favorite cereal was Muselix. Kimmel was interested by the idea of Cruz wanting to be in showbusiness and said that he had never struck him as someone keen to be on television or film. Cruz replied, 'I seem like a lawyer-politician? I just play one on TV.' The Republican then revealed that he was a fan of Pink Floyd and once saw a police officer smoking marijuana at the same gig. Cruz then joked about Kimmel's greying beard when the host told him he was younger than the politician. Kimmel replied that he hoped Cruz doesn't put him on a 'Muslim watch list'. 'It's already done, actually,' quipped Cruz. During Cruz's debut interview on the show, the pair discussed Obamacare and Muslim patrols but were forced to agree to disagree with each other's opinions. Hopeful: Cruz was in Southern California this week to raise money for his presidential campaign The Republican candidate called the Affordable Care Act a 'disaster' and stated US law enforcement must do all it can to protect the country from radicalization. But the ABC late-night show host was quick to make his counter opinions heard and stated he had never heard anyone refer to Obamacare as disastrous. Cruz suggested that this was because of the millionaires Kimmel is used to hosting on his show, but the presenter responded by saying these are not the only people he hangs around with. The presidential candidate added that he has heard from small-business owners and voters who are being harmed by increases to healthcare premiums. He said: 'I have never done one of those round tables where at least half the small-business owners didn't list Obamacare as the single biggest challenge they're facing.' The Republican candidate called the Affordable Care Act a 'disaster' during an interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live On the topic of patrols on Muslim neighborhoods, Kimmel suggested that this could have the opposite to the desired effect and lead to increased radicalization from those who feel targeted. But Cruz was quick to voice his opinions too stating that the government must do whatever necessary to protect against radicals who have carried out worldwide attacks. In regards to both arguments, the pair agreed to disagree on their opinions. Cruz was in Southern California this week to raise money for his presidential campaign. According to a recent Wisconsin poll, by Marquette University Law School, the Texas Senator is ahead of his Republican rival Donald Trump. The poll shows Cruz commands 40 per cent of Republican voters in the state, compared to 30 per cent for Trump. But despite the lead, 65 per cent of Republican primary voters believe Trump will ultimately secure the GOP nomination. With just 23 per cent saying Cruz will be the nominee. Discussing his campaign and his recent fundraiser on the show, Cruz said: 'We are hopefully coming back with lots of cash to put ads on TV and then hopefully win some votes.' On a slightly lighter note Cruz also discussed his young ambitions to be an actor and the pair took part in the humorous 'Mean Tweets' game. Cruz said: 'When I was in high school, I did a lot of shows and then actually thought about dropping out of school and heading to California and trying to be an actor.' He added: 'Everything was great except I didn't have good looks and I didn't have talent. 'Look, other than that, I was completely set to do that.' Joshua Bishop (pictured) is scheduled to die at 7pm on Thursday Georgia is set to execute a death row inmate convicted of beating another man to death in 1994. Joshua Bishop, 41, is scheduled to die at 7pm on Thursday at the state prison in Jackson by injection of the barbiturate pentobarbital. Bishop was convicted in the June 1994 killing of Leverett Morrison, 35, in Milledgeville. A last-minute clemency hearing for the death row inmate on Wednesday did not immediately reach a decision on whether to spare Bishop's life. However, it was announced this morning that The State Board of Pardons and Paroles, which is the only entity in Georgia authorized to commute a death sentence, would not spare Bishop's life. The board heard from supporters of Bishop, as well as from those who believe he should be executed. Bishop's lawyers argued that Bishop has grown into a quiet man who has a positive effect on others and bears little resemblance to the teenager who helped beat a man to death two decades ago. 'The story of Joshua Bishop's life is one of deprivation, abuse, hopelessness, and crime; but it is also one of faith, contrition, redemption, gratitude, and love,' Bishop's lawyers wrote in a clemency petition urged the parole board. Bishop was convicted in the June 1994 killing of Leverett Morrison (pictured, with his three children) Morrison's children, however, are adamant that the death sentence should be carried out, Baldwin County Sheriff Bill Massee said. Bishop had an extremely rough childhood with a mother who constantly drank and used drugs and had a weakness for abusive men who beat her and her two sons, the petition said. He bounced between foster families and group homes, eventually returning to his mother, who was frequently in trouble with the law for drug and alcohol offenses or prostitution. His lawyers say many who knew Bishop as he grew up shared a common feeling: that he 'never had a chance.' On the night of June 24, 1994, Bishop spent the night drinking and smoking crack with Morrison and a third man, Mark Braxley. Prosecutors say Bishop tried to steal car keys from Morrison, who was sleeping, and he and Braxley beat Morrison to death when he woke up. Bishop and Braxley dumped Morrison's body between two trash bins and burned his Jeep. Bishop is scheduled to die by injection of the barbiturate pentobarbital at 7pm on Thursday. Pictured, Georgia Diagnostic Prison's death chamber Bishop would be the third Georgia inmate executed this year__. Pictured, a file photo shows the entrance to the Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison in Jackson, Georgia According to the clemency petition, the three spent drank at a bar that evening and then went Braxley's trailer, where they continued to drink and use drugs. Morrison fell asleep and Braxley decided he wanted to take Morrison's Jeep to visit his girlfriend and instructed Bishop to 'get them keys.' But Morrison woke up as Bishop was trying to take his keys from his pocket, and Bishop hit him over the head with a piece of a closet rod to knock him out, the petition says. Bishop told investigators he and Braxley both beat Morrison and, once they realized he was dead, they dumped his body between two trash bins and burned his Jeep. Bishop and Braxley were arrested within 24 hours of Morrison's death. Bishop quickly confessed and immediately showed remorse, while Braxley lied about the crime, the petition adds. While in police custody, Bishop told investigators he and Braxley had also killed another man, Ricky Willis, about two weeks earlier, also at the trailer. Mark Braxley (pictured) pleaded guilty to armed robbery and muder and is serving a life sentence Bishop told police he repeatedly punched Willis after Willis bragged he had sexually assaulted Bishop's mother and then Braxley cut Willis' throat, killing him. Bishop and Braxley were both charged with murder and armed robbery in Morrison's death. After a trial, a jury convicted Bishop and sentenced him to die in 1996. Braxley pleaded guilty and is serving a life sentence. He's been denied parole twice and will next be eligible for consideration next year. Bishop has admitted involvement in the deaths of both men but his lawyers argue that Braxley, who is about 17 years older than Bishop, was the instigator and influenced Bishop in both cases. Two decades in prison have given Bishop stability that has led him to become a positive influence on fellow inmates and others, and he still has good to do in the world, his lawyers argue. They gave the board statements from two of Morrison's sisters and his niece, as well as others who were close to Morrison and Willis, who wrote that they don't want to see Bishop executed. But Sheriff Massee said he met on Monday with three of Morrison's family members, two daughters and a son, who said it is important that Bishop be executed for their father's death. Also on Wednesday, a Butts County Superior Court judge rejected a challenge filed by Bishop's lawyers that claimed his sentence was disproportionate, that the jury instructions at his trial were flawed and that the evidence used to convict him was insufficient. Bishop's lawyers have appealed to the Georgia Supreme Court. Syrian heritage chiefs have been involved in a major behind-the-scenes mission to save hundreds of thousands of ancient artefacts from being destroyed by ISIS fanatics. Antiquities officials across Syria have made massive efforts to evacuate everything that could be saved from the terror group and looters. The extent of the operation has been little known until now, but its participants described to The Associated Press a huge operation - at least 29 of Syria's 34 museums largely emptied out and more than 300,000 artifacts brought to the capital. The pieces are now hidden in secret locations known only to the few specialists who handled them, said Maamoun Abdulkarim, who as head of the Directorate General of Antiquities and Museums in Damascus oversaw the operation. 'Other than that, no one knows where these antiquities are - not a politician, not any other Syrian.' Syrian heritage chiefs have been involved in a major behind-the-scenes mission to save hundreds of thousands of ancient artefacts from being destroyed by ISIS fanatics. An expert is pictured hiding antiques at the National Museum in Damascus There's much that couldn't be saved. The damage is most symbolised by Palmyra, the jewel of Syrian archaeology, a preserved Roman-era city. ISIS militants captured it last year and proceeded to blow up at least two of its most stunning temples. Over the weekend, Syrian government forces recaptured Palmyra from the militants and discovered they had trashed the city museum, smashing statues and looting relics though fortunately about 400 pieces had been hidden away by antiquities officials before the ISIS takeover. Wherever ISIS overran territory in Syria and Iraq, the jihadis relentlessly blew up, bulldozed or otherwise tore down monuments they consider pagan affronts. They and other traffickers have taken advantage of the chaos from the five-year-old civil war to loot sites and sell off artifacts. Even in the museums that were evacuated, some items were too large to move giant statues or ancient gates and murals and fell into IS hands, their fate unknown. Jihad Abu Kahrlah, an archeologist at Syria's National Museum, works on artifacts delivered from the Daraa Museum to Damascus These items were among tens of thousands of ancient relics and masterpieces rescued from the Deir el-Zour Museum in eastern Syria and brought to safety in Damascus Emptied: Items have been removed from display cases and marks on the walls show where artifacts once hung in the National Museum in in Damascus, Syria. Authorities put the museum's contents into storage, part of a massive project by Syrian antiquities officials to save the country's heritage from ISIS thugs But the 2,500 archaeologists, specialists, curators and engineers with Syria's antiquities department, including some who defected to join the opposition, have often risked death to protect what they can. Guards at archaeological digs and other sites in areas now under ISIS control secretly keep tabs on the ruins and feed Abdulkarim photo updates on WhatsApp. Several of them have been killed. Khaled al-Asaad, Palmyra's retired antiquities chief, was beheaded by the extremists in August after spiriting away artifacts from the city's museum. Ziad al-Nouiji, who took over from al-Abdullah as head of antiquities in Deir el-Zour, brought a second load of relics to Damascus last June. But otherwise he has remained in the government-held part of Deir el-Zour city. He knows the danger: ISIS militants besieging the area are hunting for him, posting his name on their Facebook pages as a wanted man. He relocated his family abroad but is staying put. 'This is my duty, my country's right. If we all left the country and our duties, who would be left?' he asked. The antiquities authorities didn't take any chances, even clearing museums in government-controlled areas The antiquities authorities didn't take any chances, even clearing museums in government-controlled areas. At the National Museum in Damascus, the halls and galleries have been empty since the artifacts were hidden away in 2013 for fear rebel shelling could hit the building. In the pottery room, dust rings mark where the pieces once stood and only the labels remain. In 2014, with EU funding, the U.N. cultural agency UNESCO began training Syrian staff in storing artifacts and helped establish a nationwide system to document their inventory. In the rebel-held northwestern city of Maarat al-Numan, archaeologists affiliated with the opposition protected the city's museum, which houses Byzantine mosaics. There the danger was from government airstrikes, so they erected a sandbag barrier with financial and logistical support from former antiquities directorate chief Amr al-Azm, who sided with the opposition. Last June, just after the sandbagging was complete, a government barrel bomb damaged mosaics in the outside courtyard, he said. The BBC is facing claims it 'sexed up' Shakespeare after it added a raunchy scene into a new series about Henry VI. The War of the Roses trilogy, which will air later this year, will include a sex scene between the King's wife Margaret, played by Sophie Okonedo, and the Duke of Somerset, played by Ben Miles. The scene does not appear in the original history plays, which detail Henry VI's reign and the events leading up to the War. The BBC is facing claims it 'sexed up' Shakespeare after it added a raunchy scene into a new series about Henry VI. Above, Sophie Okonedo (left) and Ben Miles (right), who appear in the scene as the King's wife and the Duke of Somerset respectively Margaret and Somerset's romp takes place as another character is murdered and their moans can be heard as the grisly death is carried out, The Telegraph suggested. Ben Power, who adapted the plays, admitted he made up the scene but added: 'There is definitely no doubt in the full-length play that they are involved in a sexual relationship. 'And so when youre trying to decide which bits of the story to put on film, you do have to join some of the gaps up. 'I think it would have been odd if you hadnt seen something physical between Margaret and Somerset.' The scene does not appear in the original history plays, which detail Henry VI's reign and the events leading up to the War. Above, Benedict Cumberbatch who plays Richard III in the show Dominic Cooke, director of the show, added: 'For me it was really important that you saw this union between these two people a kind of metaphor for their corruption, so yes I think it was necessary.' The War of the Roses, which will air on BBC Two, will also star Benedict Cumberbatch, as Richard III, and Judi Dench, who will play Cecily, Duchess of York. In Shakespeare's original plays, Margaret is portrayed as a ruthless wife who vies for power with her husband. In the second part, she takes a lover - the Duke of Suffolk - and mourns his death by carrying around his severed head. It is not the first time the BBC has been called out for including raunchy scenes within programmes. It is not the first time the BBC has been called out for including raunchy scenes within programmes. Above, a shot from new BBC show Versailles Their recent adaption of War and Peace drew attention after featuring a number of sex scenes as well as full-frontal nudity Their recent adaption of War and Peace drew attention after featuring a number of sex scenes as well as full-frontal nudity. Academics blasted the Corporation ahead of the show's release arguing that some of the plotline, which also featured an incestuous relationship between a brother and sister, was barely hinted at in the book. New programme Versailles was also criticised after the BBC labelled it - and its explicit scenes - a 'treat' for viewers. The first episode of the 21million costume drama will include gay sex, a cross-dressing prince and a Queen with a penchant for dwarves. A KFC customer was horrified to find a battered 'use by' label cooked inside her fried chicken. Lana Taylor, of Swansea, was eating a boneless banquet meal from the fast food chain in the city when she discovered the label. Despite an apology from the fried chicken chain, the 23-year-old has vowed never to touch their food again. Fried chicken fan Lana Taylor found this use by label inside a chicken breast fillet from a boneless banquet Ms Taylor had bought the 5.19 meal from a drive-through restaurant in Llansamlet, south Wales before taking it home. She had eaten two of the strips and the 'chicken popcorn' which come with a drink and fries for the meal when she found the label. She said: 'I came to the last piece of chicken and ripped it apart, then I saw the label. It looked like a best before date but it was so thick and stuck inside the chicken I couldn't even rip it over any more to see what else it said. 'It's disgusting and nobody should ever have to come across something like this in their food. 'It looked like and felt like it was embedded in the breadcrumbs and chicken so I don't understand how they would have missed it.' Ms Taylor took the meal back to the restaurant and was given a full refund. She was later sent an email with vouchers as a 'goodwill gesture'. Ms Taylor has received an apology from the fast food chain and vouchers but says she won't eat there again This is how the boneless banquet meal is advertised on the fast food chain's website But she said: 'I emailed them back telling them to keep the vouchers as I will never eat in KFC ever again. Ms Taylor was told the label must have fallen into the breading while the chicken was being prepared. A company spokesman said: 'We're really sorry for Lana's experience and we have offered her a full refund and replacement meal vouchers as a gesture of goodwill. 'We are proud that all of our chicken is hand-prepared and cooked fresh in our kitchens and unfortunately on this very rare occasion, a label fell into the breading. 'We have reminded our team members to take extra care in future, and would like to reassure our customers that the Swansea Morganite restaurant received the best possible rating of five out five in its most recent inspection from the Environmental Health Office.' The chaotic response to Britain's steel crisis continued this morning as David Cameron pledged to do 'everything we can' to help save 40,000 jobs - but immediately ruled out nationalising the industry. The Prime Minister held an emergency summit with key ministers this morning after they were accused of presiding over a 'total shambles' for allowing Britain's steel industry to teeter on the brink of collapse. MPs and officials at Tata Steel blamed the Government for the Indian firm's devestating decision to sell its entire UK business, which has put 40,000 British jobs in jeopardy. Mr Cameron sparked anger among Eurosceptics by claiming EU membership was vital for the steel industry and said Brexit would impose crippling tariffs on British steel. As ministers scrambled to save the industry, Business Secretary Sajid Javid was still in transit as he aborted a controversial trip to Australia. He is not expected to be back in the UK at midnight. But MailOnline can reveal he is now facing calls to resign after it emerged he took his teenage daughter with him to Australia and planned to extend the trip so he could go on a family holiday. Scroll down for videos David Cameron said the Government was doing 'everything it can' to resolve the steel crisis but ruled out nationalising the industry Sajid Javid (pictured at a posh dinner at the Sydney Institute think tank in Australia yesterday) is now facing calls to resign after it emerged he took his teenage daughter with him to Australia and planned to extend the trip so he could go on a family holiday Stephen Kinnock, whose Aberavon constituency includes the Port Talbot plant where 7,000 jobs are at risk, said: 'If it is indeed true that Sajid Javid was not even in Australia for entirely work related reasons then I think that he probably should consider his position.' While he was planning to enjoy a few days' break, thousands of steel workers in the UK faced losing their jobs. And yesterday Mr Javid's staff in the Business Department were enjoying a day off yesterday to train with The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. There was a glimmer of hope this morning as metals group Liberty House said it was interested in buying some of Tata Steel's business, but not the crucial blast furnaces that many steel jobs rely on. The Prime Minister, who himself jetted back from his Lanzarote holiday last night, told ministers the Government's priority is to find a buyer of Tata Steel's British business. Speaking after the emergency meeting this morning, Mr Cameron admitted the steel industry was in a 'very difficult situation'. 'The situation at Port Talbot is of deep concern,' he said. SAJID JAVID TOOK TEENAGE DAUGHTER TO AUSTRALIA AND PLANNED A FAMILY HOLIDAY Sajid Javid (pictured wearing a tuxedo as he attended a posh dinner at the Sydney Institute think tank yesterday) took his teenage daughter with him on his trade trip and planned a family holiday after his official duties were over Sajid Javid took one of his children with him on his whirlwind tour to Australia, it emerged this afternoon. The Business Secretary's teenage daughter was with him for the trip, which lasted barely a day. Mr Javid is due to touchdown at around midnight tonight to deal with the steel crisis. A spokesman for the Cabinet minister said he had taken his eldest child with him during the school holidays. He said: 'We can confirm that Mr Javid's daughter accompanied him on his visit to Australia. There was no cost to the taxpayer.' Mr Javid considered not getting off the plane in Sydney when the plane touched down at 6am on Wednesday morning, the Mail understands, however he felt he had to meet the newly elected Australian PM. A Whitehall source likened him to the US President, pointing out that: 'There is nothing unusual about this. Obama brought his daughters with him' on many trips. The Business Secretary had planned to extend his trip for a few days so he could go on holiday with his daughter. He stayed in Sydney during his brief visit, rather than the less glamorous Australian capital Canberra. Mr Javid also met with the Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull during the trip. But while thousands of steel workers were hoping for the Government to bail out the beleaguered steel industry, Mr Javid was busy giving a speech on the merits of free trade. A passionate market liberal, he said of capitalism: 'We need to defend it when it comes under attackcapitalism is a force for good.' 'Since the 1970s the population of the world population living on a dollar a day has fallen by 80% that's the greatest improvement of living standards' in history, he said. He said that 'for some people, free trade doesn't mean iphones in their pocketor the jobs that keep a roof over their headsInstead they have this absurd idea that free trade simply amoutns to children toiling in Asian sweatshops'. Advertisement 'I know how important those jobs are, those jobs are vital to workers' families, vital to those communities and the Government will do everything it can, working with the company, to try and secure the future of steel making in Port Talbot and across our country it's a vital industry.' But he added: 'I don't believe nationalisation is the right answer. What we want to do is secure a long-term future for the future for Port Talbot and for other steel making plants in the United Kingdom.' Ministers are in talks with Tata about the sale process and how it will dispose of its assets, while also speaking to potential buyers. But Mr Cameron said: 'We've got the right plan, we're going to work very hard with the company to do everything we can. 'But it is a difficult situation, there is no guarantee of success because the problems the steel industry are worldwide.' On a day of chaos: Cameron held an emergency summit in Downing Street with key ministers But the most important minister - Business Secretary Sajid Javid - was absent as he is on his way home from Australia and is not expected to land until tonight Ministers are in talks with Tata about the sale process and also speaking to potential buyers The PM risked causing fury among Eurosceptics as he claimed EU membership was vital for the steel industry and Brexit would impose crippling tariffs on British steel Labour repeats demands for an emergency recall of Parliament Shadow Business Secretary Angela Eagle accuses PM of failing to show leadership It emerged ministers had blocked plans to impose a 66 per cent tariff on cheap Chinese steel Taxpayers could be asked to underwrite loans worth tens of millions of pounds if a buyer can be found for Tata Labour repeated its call for Mr Cameron to recall MPs to debate the crisis. Angela Eagle, Shadow Business Secretary, accused him of failing to show leadership. '[He] shows no sign of getting a grip of the very serious situation that has been allowed to worsen on his watch,' she said this morning. 'While Ministers have been missing in action as the crisis has deepened in the last few days, the danger signs have been flashing red but have been largely ignored by the Government. 'The Tories have failed time and again to take the necessary action to support the steel industry through the crisis.' The taxpayer could be left to foot a bill to the tune of tens of millions of pounds while the hunt for a buyer takes place. But in a dramatic escalation, sources close to Tata said there were weeks rather than months to agree a rescue deal and failure to find a buyer could leave thousands facing unemployment. Ministers were dealt a hammer blow after Tata accused ministers of being 'in hock' to the Chinese and not doing enough to halt the dumping of cheap steel which led to Tata incurring massive losses at its plant at Port Talbot in Wales. Tariffs which could have made it more expensive to buy the Chinese steel were opposed by the UK, it emerged. Ministers were under fire for not doing more to prevent the crisis but Mr Cameron insisted he had tasked 'teams of ministers' to engage with Tata for 'months' to help Britain's steel industry. There was a glimmer of hope this morning as metals group Liberty House said it was interested in buying some of Tata Steel's business, but not the crucial blast furnaces that many staff at the Port Talbot plant (pictured) rely on Ministers arrived at Downing Street this morning for emergency meetings over the growing crisis in the steel industry. From left to right: Work and Pensions minister Stephen Crabb, Welsh Secretary Alun Cairns, Cabinet Office minister Oliver Letwin and business minister Anna Soubry, who hinted yesterday that the Government could temporarily nationalise the Tata steel plant Mr Javid has chaired a Steel Council and ministers from the Business and Welsh departments have held a number of meetings over the looming crisis. Eurosceptics continued to focus their anger on EU edicts which rule out most types of State aid to help the stricken plant. They said Mr Cameron was unwilling to ask Brussels to lift the ban because it would make Britain look weak at a time when he was trying to win the EU referendum. Q&A: WHY IS BRITAIN'S STEEL INDUSTRY IN CRISIS? Up to 7,000 workers at the Port Talbot steel plant (pictured) could lose their jobs Thousands of steelworkers' jobs are under threat after Indian conglomerate Tata decided to sell its UK assets. Why is Tata selling its steel business? The company is losing 1 million a day following a collapse in the price of steel products. Why is the steel industry in crisis? Firms have blamed cheap imports, especially from China, high energy costs and climate change policies. How much have prices fallen? The price of hot rolled coil - what they make at Port Talbot - was 640 US dollars (approx 385) per tonne in 2014, falling to 320 dollars per tonne (215) at the end of 2015. How many jobs have already been lost in the UK? Around 5,000 jobs have been axed in the past year. How many workers remain in the industry? Up to 25,000 workers are directly employed at steel plants, with many more relying on the industry for jobs. What are the options for the Government? Ministers have made it clear their priority is finding a buyer for the business. Could Tata's plants be bought by the Government while efforts are made to find a buyer? Very unlikely. The Government would have to take over the losses and running costs - and the Conservatives don't usually support renationalisation. How strong is the steel industry in China? China's steelmakers, some 70% of which are state owned, are not profitable and it is believed that they lose close to 34 dollars (24) per tonne on all crude steel produced. How much steel is China producing? In 2015 China produced 441 million tonnes more steel than it consumes. With prices slumping, China's 101 biggest steel firms lost 11 billion dollars (7.7 billion) during the first 10 months of 2015, roughly twice what they made in profits in 2014. How will big job losses affect communities? Areas across Wales, Yorkshire and the North East will be devastated. The worst hit will be Port Talbot where over 4,000 workers are directly employed. Could there be a management/union buyout? Highly unlikely because of the scale of the crisis. Advertisement But Mr Cameron rebutted claims that quitting the EU would boost Britain's steel industry. Using words that will cause fury among Eurosceptics, Mr Cameron insisted EU membership was vital to avoid crippling tariffs being imposed on British steel. 'Let me make this point about the European dimension of this,' he told Sky News. 'It's vital that those European markets are open around 50 per cent of British steel production goes into the EU. 'So we need to be in there, working with others to stop the unfair dumping of steel into Europe by other countries and we've done that. 'But we need to be in there making sure that markets are open; if we were on the outside we might well find that it was our steel that was having those tariffs and those taxes put upon it.' Mr Cameron was immediately accused of using the steel crisis to scare voters into backing Britain's continued membership of the EU. John Longworth, the influential chairman of the Vote Leave business council, said: 'This is the worst time for the PM to be doing down our steel industry and the measures we could take to protect its ability to compete. 'There are many ways in which the EU blocks our ability to give our steel industry a fair chance. One is dumping. Weve handed power over our trade policy to the EU so it is simply wrong to suggest that we have to be in the EU to prevent this unfair practice. 'If we vote leave and take back control we would actually have the power to combat unfair dumping of steel, therefore protecting the steel workers, families and communities currently threatened by this crisis.' The financial problems facing Port Talbot are so significant that Tata is ready to 'give it away for nothing', insiders claimed. In a further blow to the Government's hopes, it was claimed that Tata had been trying to find a buyer for its UK steel division for 18 months and there were no willing candidates. This could force ministers to support the company to the tune of tens of millions of pounds while the hunt for a buyer takes place. No 10 and the Department for Business were accused of being unprepared for the crisis, which was triggered late on Tuesday night when Tata put its UK business up for sale. Labour leader Jeremy Corby said today: 'The Prime Minister has offered no solutions today to the threat to our steel industry. His government is failing thousands of Tata steelworkers whose jobs are on the line. 'It's not good enough for David Cameron to stand by and say the situation is difficult. He should listen to over 100,000 people who've already signed the petition calling for parliament to be recalled to debate this crisis. He must act now to protect the heart of manufacturing industry and take a public stake in steel.' Following a board meeting in Mumbai, Tata said it was 'looking at strategic alternatives' to its ownership of its UK business. The Port Talbot site alone is losing 1 million a day. About 40,000 jobs could be lost if no buyer is found, according to analysis by the IPPR think tank. Mr Javid, who spent only 15 hours in Australia, having spent twice that time flying there, pledged to examine 'all viable options' to help save steelworkers' jobs but ruled out nationalisation, which Labour and the unions had demanded. Meanwhile, Mr Cameron returned from his Easter holiday to Lanzarote last night as planned, and was immediately plunged into talks with officials and Welsh politicians. Officials said the PM would do everything possible to save the UK steel industry. But Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the Government was in 'disarray' over the steel crisis, with ministers guilty of treating workers as 'expendable'. He cut short his own holiday yesterday to visit the Port Talbot plant, and demanded all MPs be recalled to Parliament to discuss the crisis a call swiftly rejected by No 10. Critics accused the Government of being in chaos over the imposition of EU-wide tariffs on cheap foreign steel. Ministers opposed proposals to slap a 66 per cent tariff on some steel products earlier this year, saying it would lead to higher prices for UK consumers. But officials are now going back to Brussels to increase the tariffs which the EU agreed on from 9 per cent to 20 per cent. Last night, it emerged senior figures at Tata blamed the Government for the crisis, saying not enough had been done to halt Chinese dumping. Labour MP Stephen Kinnock, whose Aberavon constituency includes the Port Talbot plant, said company executive Koushik Chatterjee had 'made it clear that he wanted to see a British government doing more'. Shambles: MPs accused ministers of being 'in hock' to the Chinese and not doing enough to halt the dumping of cheap steel which led to Tata incurring massive losses at its plant at Port Talbot in Wales, pictured Mr Kinnock claimed the UK had been a 'ringleader' in trying to prevent the European Commission from being given more powers to tackle the situation. AN INDUSTRY - AND TOWN - IN PERIL The Port Talbot steelworks in South Wales The steel industry employs around 25,000 people in Britain and is worth an estimated 2.8billion to our economy. Worldwide demand for steel fell 1.7 per cent last year and has only risen by 0.7 per cent in 2016. Steel prices have fallen sharply. Global downturns and cheap imports from China the world's biggest steel producer have been blamed for the crisis in the British steel industry. Indian-owned Tata is Britain's largest steel producer and has 17,000 UK staff. It announced 1,050 jobs cuts in January, 1,200 last October and 720 last July. Its steelworks in Port Talbot, Wales, employed 20,000 staff in its 1960s heyday, compared to around 4,000 now. Britain's second-largest steel producer, Thai firm SSI, announced 2,200 job losses last October when it said its Redcar works on Teesside would go into liquidation. Advertisement Turning his fire on George Osborne, the Labour MP claimed: 'We are rolling out the red carpet for Beijing. They are in hock to China. Our commercial policy, our approach to trade and manufacturing, and our overall industrial strategy, is being dictated by Beijing.' Labour MP Jess Phillips added: 'The Tory response to the steel crisis has been a total shambles.' Downing Street said last night that Mr Cameron will hold a meeting of 'key ministers' early this morning to discuss the crisis, before flying off to the US to visit President Obama. As late as yesterday lunchtime, Mr Javid's aides insisted he would remain in Australia, where he was due to give a series of speeches on innovation and free trade. But, hours later, the Government announced he was returning, and that he had spoken to the chairman of Tata group. Senior government sources denied Mr Javid had been summoned back by No 10. Mr Javid said the UK steel industry was 'absolutely vital for the country', adding that the Government 'will look at all viable options to keep steel making continuing in Port Talbot'. But he rejected calls for the Government to step in and nationalise the Port Talbot plant, saying he did not think it was 'the solution' to the crisis. Sources said nationalisation was being rejected because it would expose taxpayers to potentially large future losses in the steel industry. Insiders suggested there were three main options on the table, based on finding a buyer. Each could require tens of millions of pounds in funding. They include providing a commercial loan to a company which produces a serious takeover bid; underwriting investment or providing financial support to a management takeover of the company; or temporarily taking over control until a deal can be completed. Yesterday civil servants at the Business Department enjoyed a day of 'resilience training' from the theatrical specialists at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. The department insisted they were not involved in the steel industry talks, but Ms Phillips said: 'Today of all days it should have been all hands on deck'. Support: Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn met Tata Steel staff at the plant's sports and social club (pictured) Easter break: David Cameron also flew home after a six-night stay in Lanzarote, pictured with wife Samantha Speaking this morning, Mr Cameron said: 'What we want to do is secure a long-term future for the future for Port Talbot and for other steel making plants in the United Kingdom. 'This is an issue where I've had teams of ministers working for months to help this industry, to make sure we procure British steel for our ships and for our other vital industries in the UK. 'We've cut the energy costs of British steel and with others in Europe we've made sure there are proper penalties for those who dump cheap steel on the market.' He added: 'But this industry is in difficult right across the world. There's been a collapse in prices, there's massive over capacity but we're doing everything we can. 'We were concerned that there was the chance that there could have been an outright closure of Port Talbot and that is why we work very hard with the company to make sure there is a proper sales process and we'll be doing everything we can to encourage people to come forward. 'But this is a difficult situation, there are no guarantees of success.' Paris terrorist Salah Abdeslam (pictured) has agreed to turn supergrass for French police Paris terrorist Salah Abdeslam has agreed to turn supergrass for French police - making the world's most wanted man now the number one ISIS target. The 26-year-old, suspected of being the logistics chief behind the deadly Paris terror attacks in November, was captured earlier this month during a raid in Brussels. Abdeslam has not spoken to investigators since the Belgian capital was hit by suicide bombs at the airport and a metro station last week. But this morning it emerged that Abdeslam now wants to 'cooperate' with French authorities. The terror suspect had previously told interrogators he had intended to blow himself up at the Stade de France stadium in Paris but had backed out at the last minute. In subsequent interviews, he has continually tried to blame the killing on other ISIS operatives, saying that he simply provided hire cars and other logistics. There were fears before his capture that he may have tried to flee to Syria. But he may have been fearful of becoming a target himself in the ISIS heartland - having pulled out of his suicide mission. He will now be extradited from Belgium to France. 'He wants to cooperate with the French authorities,' lawyer Cedric Moisse said, as a prosecutor was set to travel to the prison in the city of Bruges where Abdeslam has been held since March 18 for an extradition hearing, which was granted today. Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reynders said that Abdeslam had also been planning to target Brussels. Another of his lawyers, Sven Mary, said last week that Abdeslam did not have prior knowledge of the March 22 attacks in the Belgian capital. He has been linked to at least two of the bombers. Khalid El Bakraoui, who blew himself up at the metro, rented a flat in Brussels where Abdeslam's fingerprints were found following a raid. The second airport bomber, Najim Laachraoui, once drove to Hungary with Abdeslam. There was high security this morning as police forces guarded the entrance of Brussels court ahead of the announcement that Abdeslam would be extradited. There was high security this morning as police forces guarded the entrance of Brussels court A police car from the police zone Brugge arrives at the council chamber in Brussels, where two terrorism cases will be handled today Courts will also decide today whether three men suspected of being involved in the Brussels explosions will remain held in jail. Yassine A., Mohamed B. and Aboubaker O. are being detained on charges of participating in terrorist group activities. They were among four people detained during Sunday searches in Brussels and the northern cities of Mechelen and Duffel. Meanwhile, Belgian police have today carried out a fresh raid linked to a foiled French terror plot. Soldiers and police could be seen searching through undergrowth near a busy motorway in Courtrai in northwestern Belgium, the latest in a series of raids since the Paris and Brussels terror attacks exposed a tangled web of cross-border jihadist cells. The operation was linked to a new plot in France, in which the main suspect, Reda Kriket, was charged in France on Wednesday with membership of a terrorist organisation after police found an arsenal of weapons and explosives at his home. Operation: Belgian police have today carried out a fresh raid linked to a foiled French terror plot Soldiers and police could be seen searching through undergrowth near a busy motorway in Courtrai in northwestern Belgium Abdeslam, a former small-time criminal, is believed to be the last surviving member of the ten-man jihadist team that carried out the Paris attacks, which claimed the lives of 130 people. The arrest of the Belgian-born Morocco-Frenchman was hailed by European and US leaders, while French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said it dealt a 'major blow' to ISIS jihadists operating in Europe. He was captured in a dramatic raid following a four-month manhunt for the 'world's most wanted terrorist'. Abdeslam grew up in the Belgian town of Molenbeek. He worked for two years as a railway mechanic and in the family business including at a bar set up by his brother Brahim. Abeslam was reportedly childhood friends with Abdelhamid Abaaoud, the man dubbed as the 'Belgian' mastermind of the Paris attacks. The pair spent time in jail for armed robbery and it is there that it is believed they became radicalised. High security: Courts will also decide today whether three men suspected of being involved in the Brussels explosions will remain held in jail The 26-year-old, suspected of being the logistics chief behind the deadly Paris terror attacks in November, was captured earlier this month during a raid in Brussels (pictured) When his brother Brahim tried to travel to Syria, he was stopped and Abdeslam was questioned by police. Belgian prosecutors later admitted they knew he had been radicalised but didn't flag them up as a security threat to France. For his part in the attacks on Paris Abdeslam is thought to have rented the cars, the attackers used to drive to the various locations to gun people down. He was described as being the logistics manager and also organised hotels, flats and ammunition. On the night if the attacks, he was caught on CCTV outside a cafe that was targeted. His brother Brahim blew himself up outside the Comptoir Voltaire brasserie in the 11th arrondissement Later, officers pulled over Abdelsam on Saturday morning on the A2 motorway between Paris and Brussels but checked his ID and let him go. He was travelling with two other people, just hours after he abandoned a car containing three Kalashnikov AK-47 assault rifles on the outskirts of the French capital. Detectives soon realised their blunder when they discovered that Abdeslam had rented VW Polo abandoned near the scene of the massacre inside the Bataclan theatre. The former small-time criminal is believed to be the last surviving member of the ten-man jihadist team that carried out the Paris attacks (pictured), claiming the lives of 130 people Abdeslam has not spoken to investigators since the Belgian capital was hit by suicide bombs at the airport (pictured) and a metro station last week However, by the time they alerted Belgian authorities the terror suspect had abandoned the car in Molenbeek, Brussels, an area known as the 'jihadi capital of Europe' and disappeared. An international manhunt was launched. In the days after the attacks, Belgian security forces staged several raids in the Molenbeek district of Brussels, where he lived, which has served as a haven for several jihadists in recent decades. Former Republican presidential candidates Ben Carson and Chris Christie have jumped to the defense of Donald Trump after he made controversial comments regarding abortion saying 'he's not a politician'. The billionaire who is still in the running in the race for the White House had initially said that he favored 'some form of punishment' for American women who terminate their pregnancies through abortion. However, less than four hours later, Trump was forced to back down from his comments and insisted that he would only hope to see abortion-clinic doctors and other medical personnel prosecuted. Scroll down for video Donald Trump, who has made controversial comments about abortion on a TV interview yesterday which forced him to back track Dr Ben Carson, a former Republican presidential candidate has defended Trump, saying he wasn't expecting the question New Jersey governor Chris Christie also defended the Republican frontrunner, saying that he was mis spoken But his comments still caused controversy with both Democratic candidates Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders condemning Trump. However, Carson and New Jersey governor Christie, who have both endorsed the Republican frontrunner have defended Trump, saying the question came out of the blue. Dr Carson told CNN: 'Bear in mind, I don't believe that he was warned that that question was coming, and I don't think he really had a chance to think about it. 'That happens very frequently, and you know what you develop with experience is how to answer that in a way that is not definitive. 'You know how politicians are. He has not really learned that - he's not a politician.' Meanwhile Christie also spoke up for Trump telling a radio station in New Jersey: 'I don't know that he's misspoken a whole lot more than anybody else in this race.' Trump was first drawn into the debate surrounding abortion when he made the declaration during a noontime town hall TV taping in Wisconsin Trump was first drawn into the debate surrounding abortion when he made the declaration during a noontime town hall TV taping in Wisconsin yesterday that he favored 'some form of punishment' for American women who terminate their pregnancies through abortion. But soon after he released a statement backtracking, saying he would only hope to see abortion-clinic doctors and other medical personnel prosecuted. It read: 'If Congress were to pass legislation making abortion illegal and the federal courts upheld this legislation, or any state were permitted to ban abortion under state and federal law, the doctor or any other person performing this illegal act upon a woman would be held legally responsible, not the woman. Donald Trump abandoned a position on criminalizing abortion less than four hours after articulating it The woman is a victim in this case as is the life in her womb. My position has not changed.' But hours earlier, when MSNBC anchor Chris Matthews asked him if he would advocate for legal penalties 'for the woman' who chooses an abortion, Trump had answered: 'Yes.' The move initially signaled that Trump was making a serious bid to undercut Texas Senator Ted Cruz, who has cornered the voting market on much of the nation's social conservative base. A Marquette University poll released yesterday afternoon showed Trump trailing Cruz by 10 points in Wisconsin, which will hold its primary election next Tuesday. Cruz said: 'Once again Donald Trump has demonstrated that he hasn't seriously thought through the issues, and he'll say anything just to get attention. The anti-abortion movement may have a new champion to lead its 40-year-old war to reverse the Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision but will they embrace him or run away? Abortion right activists will be motivated anew by the threat of a Trump presidency 'On the important issue of the sanctity of life, what's far too often neglected is that being pro-life is not simply about the unborn child; it's also about the mother and creating a culture that respects her and embraces life. 'Of course we shouldn't be talking about punishing women. We should affirm their dignity and the incredible gift they have to bring life into the world.' Trump has broadly proclaimed his pro-life position during the presidential campaign, after years of toeing a pro-choice line. However, the billionaire real estate guru's political line on the abortioncould jeopardize his already-tenuous standing with Republican women. And Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton pounced on the story, tweeting her disgust in a message signed with 'H,' meaning that she wrote it personally. 'Just when you thought it couldn't get worse,' Clinton tweeted. 'Horrific and telling.' Trump's Democratic opponents opened up a can of fury online after news of his comments spread Her rival Bernie Sanders, a democratic socialist Vermont senator, tweeted: 'Your Republican frontrunner, ladies and gentlemen. Shameful.' Trump framed the decades-long U.S. abortion fight on Wednesday as a crucial matter for voters to decide through the ballot box, since the next president will determine the political balance of the U.S. Supreme Court. 'They've set the law and, frankly, the judges,' he said. 'You're going to have a very big election coming up for that reason because you have judges where its a real tipping point and with the loss of Scalia, who was a very strong conservative, this presidential election is going to be very important,' he said. 'When you say "What's the law?" nobody knows what the law is going to be. It depends on who gets elected.' Trump announced his conservative transformation on abortion rights last August, saying that Planned Parenthood, the nation's most active abortion clinic organization, should be de-funded at the federal government level. 'The problem that I have with Planned Parenthood is the abortion situation,' he said then. 'It is like an abortion factory, frankly.' Planned Parenthood president Cecile Richards tweeted in the afternoon that Trump 'is vocalizing the motivations of every politician who votes to restrict access to abortion. It's about controlling women.' 'This is a man who genuinely does not care about the health & safety of women - only about his political ambitions,' she wrote. Ohio Gov. John Kasich spoke to MSNBC's Chuck Todd after Trump made his remarks. 'Of course, women shouldn't be punished' for having abortions,' Kasich said. 'I think probably Donald Trump will figure out a way to say that he didnt say it, or he was misquoted or whatever, but I dont think so,' Kasich added. 'I dont think thats an appropriate response and its a difficult enough situation then to try to punish somebody.' THE MOMENT DONALD TRUMP TOLD MSNBC THAT WOMEN WHO GET ABORTIONS MAY HAVE TO FACE LEGAL PENALTIES CHRIS MATTHEWS: Should the woman be punished? For having an abortion? DONALD TRUMP: Well look. MATTHEWS: This is not something you can dodge. TRUMP: Its not MATTHEWS: If you say abortion is a crime or abortion is murder, you have to deal with it under the law. Should abortion be punished? TRUMP: Well people in certain parts of the Republican party and conservatives Republicans would say, yes they should be punished. MATTHEWS: How about you? TRUMP: I would say that its a very serious problem and its a problem that we have to decide on. Its very hard MATTHEWS: But youre for banning it. TRUMP: Are you going to say, well wait, are you going to say put them in jail? Is that the punishment youre talking about? MATTHEWS: No Im asking you because you say you want to ban it. What does that mean? TRUMP: I am against. I am pro-life. Yes. I am pro-life. MATTHEWS: How do you ban abortion? How do you actually do it? TRUMP: You know youll go back to a position like where they had where people perhaps will go to illegal places. MATTHEWS: Yeah. TRUMP: But you have to ban it. Im against MATTHEWS: Yeah you ban it but they go to someone who flunked out of medical school and- TRUMP: Are you Catholic? MATTHEWS: Yes, I think I-I-I TRUMP: And how do you feel about the Catholic churchs position? MATTHEWS: I accept the teaching authority of my church on moral issues. TRUMP: I know, but do you know what their position on abortion is? MATTHEWS: Yes, I do. TRUMP: And do you concur with that position? MATTHEWS: I concur with their moral position but legally I want to get to the question TRUMP: No but let me ask you. What do you say about MATTHEWS: Its not funny. TRUMP: Its really not funny. What do you say about your church? Theyre very very strict. MATTHEWS: The churches make their moral judgments, but youre running for President of the United States to become Chief Executive of the United States. Do you believe in punishment for abortion, yes or no, as a principle? TRUMP: The answer is there has to be some form of punishment. MATTHEWS: For the woman? TRUMP: Yes. MATTHEWS: 10 cents, 10 years, what? TRUMP: I dont know. That I dont know. MATTHEWS: Well why not, you take positions on everything else. Advertisement 14-month-old Daisy Lynn Torres, from Austin, Texas, died after she visited the dentist for a 'routine cavity filling' A 14-month-girl died after she visited the dentist for a 'routine cavity filling' and reportedly stopped breathing while under anesthesia. Daisy Lynn Torres, from Austin, Texas, died two hours after being rushed to hospital from Austin Children's Dentistry on Tuesday. Relatives described the toddler as being 'happy' and 'full of life', while a friend added that her unexpected death had 'shattered this family's world'. An autopsy has taken place but the cause of death is still pending, the Travis County medical examiner's office said. Her aunt Jessica Castaneda told the Austin-American Statesman: 'Daisy was a happy baby full of life. 'She had just celebrated Easter with her family. She went to the dentist. 'Then her mother called me and asked me to pray because something went wrong and they were taking her to the hospital. 'Next thing we know, we're planning funeral arrangements.' A family friend has set up a page on You Caring to raise funds for Daisy's funeral. Rachel Robinson wrote: 'Daisy Lynn Torres went in this morning for a routine cavity filling and under the advice of the dentist was put under anesthesia, when the unthinkable happened. 'Daisy quit breathing and was rushed by ambulance to a local hospital where despite efforts by the hospital staff, she passed away this morning. 'This was completely unexpected and has shattered this family's world. 'Daisy's mom, Betty would give anyone in need her last dollar and has been my best friend since the 6th grade. Relatives described the little girl as being 'happy' and 'full of life'. An autopsy has taken place but the cause of death is still pending 'My heart is broken for her and my second family. Please donate whatever you can for funeral expenses and if you aren't in a position to donate, please pray for this family.' Austin Children's Dentistry spokeswoman Sarah Marshall said the clinic was heartbroken by the toddler's tragic death. 'Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. This is a tragedy, and we're just waiting to learn more information from the medical examiner's office,' Sarah Marshall told KVUE-TV. 'We want to keep the privacy of the family, legal privacy, and just respectful privacy of the family.' UN authorities have passed details of the accusation on to French leaders The girls are alleged to have each been paid the equivalent of 6 afterwards It is claimed a mission commander forced four girls to have sex with a dog A French soldier tied up four girls and forced them to have sex with a dog, according to shocking new allegations to emerge from the Central African Republic. The 'extremely troubling' claims come amid a growing scandal among UN peacekeeping forces accused of committing child abuse and other crimes in the African country. Three girls told a UN rights officer that in 2014 they were tied up and undressed by a Sangaris (the French mission) military commander inside a camp and forced to have sex with a dog. French authorities have been notified after a UN team received accounts that troops from the country's Sangaris mission forced girls to engage in bestiality in return for a small amount of money A fourth girl also involved had died sometime later of an unknown disease. According to campaign group AIDS-Free World, each girl was then given 5,000 Central African Francs - the equivalent of 6. A UN official told AFP: 'We've received reports of cases of bestiality involving French troops but we have not confirmed them at this point.' A statement added: 'The exact number and nature of these extremely troubling allegations are still being determined.' Further incidents are thought to have been alleged, including against Burundian, Moroccan and Gabon troops. Troops from Burundi and Gabon serving in the UN mission will remain confined to their barracks during the investigation of the claims against them, said the statement. The abuse allegedly took place between 2013 and 2015 in the Kemo prefecture of the Central African Republic. A UN team was sent to the area this week to interview victims and gather information on the latest wave of allegations hitting the MINUSCA force. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in August fired the mission chief in Central African Republic over the mounting allegations, but new cases have continued to emerge. French soldiers as part of Operation Sangaris, launched in 2013 and due to end this year, are pictured in Bangui in September 2015 AIDS-Free World, a non-governmental organization that has been monitoring cases of peacekeeper sex abuse, called the latest allegations 'shocking.' More than 25 cases of sexual abuse and exploitation by MINUSCA peacekeepers have come to light this year alone. The UN Security Council is due to hear a report on the latest allegations during a closed-door meeting on Thursday. The council adopted a resolution earlier this month that backed a new UN policy of sending entire contingents back home if there is a pattern of sex abuse by the troops or police. A total of 122 countries contribute 125,000 troops and police to the UN's peacekeeping missions worldwide. brush which was used to clean Caffe Nero has been cleared of wrongdoing despite a customer needing throat surgery to remove an inch-long piece of wire they accidentally ate after it was hidden in her panini. Katherine Willans felt sick after eating the snack during a lunch break with her mother at a branch of the coffee shop chain on Putney High Street, south west London. The 34-year-old spent three days with the wire, which had come from an unauthorised brush used by staff to clean, stuck in her throat before going to hospital on August 3, 2014, where she underwent surgery. Caffe Nero has been cleared of wrongdoing despite customer Katherine Willans (left) needing throat surgery to remove an inch-long piece of wire (right), which was hidden in her panini Ms Willans, a cake shop worker, has now spoken out about her 'unpleasant' experience as the chain was cleared of four counts of breaching food hygiene regulations at Wimbledon Magistrates Court. She said: 'Changing Caffe Nero's procedures or protocols could help prevent that happening, but I feel this verdict doesn't necessarily mean that they will. 'The point of this case was to change policies so I could be confident this would never happen again. But that hasn't happened.' During the three-day trial, the court heard staff ignored strict training procedures and brought a wire brush because they thought it was more efficient. A number of staff testified that they regularly used the brush despite knowing what they were doing was against procedure. The court heard wire brushes were also found in Caffe Nero branches in Clapham Junction, south London, and Boston, Lincolnshire. Ms Willans has now spoken out about her 'unpleasant' experience as the chain was cleared of four counts of breaching food hygiene regulations at Wimbledon Magistrates Court. The court heard staff brought the brush (pictured) because they thought it would be more efficient The 34-year-old felt sick after eating the snack during a lunch break with her mother at a branch of the coffee shop chain (pictured) on Putney High Street, south west London A branch manager told the court she 'didnt think it was her duty' to prevent staff from using the brush, which had been bought at least a year before the incident and was kept in a drawer next to the grill. Mike Atkins, prosecuting, said: 'This case is about what happens after the training, what happens to make sure that what the staff are trained in to do is in fact what they go on to do in practice. An innocent Caffe Nero customer suffered a very serious injury Wandsworth Council 'It is a matter of common experience staff dont always do what you want them to do, staff dont always follow instructions they are given. 'Employers are expected to think in advance about how and why staff might deviate from procedures set out.' He added that the chain's system 'lacked the important aspect of validation and steps that could have helped to ensure procedures were being followed'. Jonathan Goulding, for Caffe Nero, said: 'Despite that training, a member of staff acted entirely contrary to it and the evidence again is overwhelming about that. 'The offences were down to the acts of fault of one of those members of staff. A branch manager told the court (pictured) she 'didnt think it was her duty' to prevent staff from using the brush, which had been bought at least a year before the incident and was kept in a drawer next to the grill 'There is no doubt that the use of the wire brush was and must have been a deliberate breach of careful training given by Caffe Nero to their employees. 'This was a very regrettable thing that happened to Ms Williams but it doesnt mean that Caffe Nero are criminally liable for it.' District Judge James Henderson said it was clear the chain took reasonable precautions and acted with 'due diligence'. He added: 'It is easy to think of other steps that might have been taken, but it seems clear that this was indeed indoctrinated into employees during various stages of their training.' A spokesman for Wandsworth Council, which brought the prosecution, described the outcome as 'disappointing'. They added: 'At the end of the day an innocent Caffe Nero customer suffered a very serious injury that required surgery under general anaesthetic to put right. An ISIS fanatic has admitted sending thousands of tweets glorifying acts of terror and encouraging extremism. Mohammed Mohsin Ameen, 23, used 42 Twitter handles with names including 'Anti-coconut-01' to glorify terror atrocities from his bedroom in Dagenham, Essex. The vile tweets included celebrations of the 9/11 attack on New York's Twin Towers as well as tributes to 'martyred' ISIS fighters. ISIS fanatic Mohammed Mohsin Ameen, 23, has admitted sending thousands of tweets glorifying acts of terror and encouraging extremism Ameen is now facing jail after pleading guilty at the Old Bailey to five counts of encouraging the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism on Twitter. The messages via various different accounts on the social media site were sent by Ameen in the six months between May and October last year. He admitted a further charge of inviting support for Islamic State, as a proscribed organisation, between October 4 and 6 2015, and also pleaded guilty to disseminating a terrorist publication relating to a link to a video entitled For The Sake Of Allah posted on Twitter in September last year. The accounts used by Ameen to send an estimated 8,000 tweets have now been shut down due to their content. Ameen made posts such as: '#TheMagnificent19 May you all get accepted in the highest ranks and multiply your kind! #Happy 911" - includes image of 9/11 bombers.' Another read: 'The #ISIS fighter who chose to drive a truck filled with tons of explosives instead of his Rolls-Royce #Kirkuk #Iraq.' The 42 accounts used by Ameen to send an estimated 8,000 tweets have now been shut down due to their content (file photo) Ameen is now facing jail after pleading guilty at the Old Bailey (pictured) to five counts of encouraging the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism on Twitter Ameen's home was first raided in December 2013 when police found a one-way ticket from Luton to Istanbul. Police believe he cancelled the trip after the search and in June 2014 anti-terror 'Prevent officers' interviewed the youngster about his possible desire to leave the country to join ISIS. In November 2014 Ameen told officers he was planning to go to the Turkish border with Syria as part of an aid convoy, but was persuaded not to travel. He began using Twitter accounts to post messages encouraging terrorism from March 2015. On 20 June a number of devices including an iPhone5 were confiscated from his home after a police search. He was arrested on 21 October under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000', and searches were executed at three addresses linked to him. Police confiscated an iPhone5, a Samsung phone, and an Asus laptop, which were found next to a blanket Ameen was lying on when arrested. Bearded Ameen appeared in court today via video-link from Wandsworth Prison wearing a grey sweatshirt and spoke only to confirm his name and enter his pleas. The great-granddaughter of Easter Rising leader James Connolly was told to 'go home' during a 1916 memorial event because she had an English accent. Sarah Connolly was disgusted at the racial abuse aimed at her by a member of the public during the state reception at Dublin Castle. Ms Connolly was born in Dublin to Irish parents, but moved to the UK when she was less than a year old. She moved back to Ireland when she was 12, but kept her English accent. The 29-year-old, who now lives in London, and her family was part of the centenary commemorations which saw more than 2,000 relatives of 1916 veterans and 1,000 guests attend on Sunday. Scroll down for video Sarah Connolly (pictured) was disgusted at the racial abuse aimed at her by a member of the public during the state reception at Dublin Castle James Connolly, who was later executed for his role in the Easter Rising, was born in Edinburgh in June 1868 and first went to Ireland as a member of the British Army, aged 14 A state reception was held for relatives and guests of the 1916 Easter Rising at Dublin Castle (pictured) State reception: From left is Mary Heffernan; General Manager of Dublin Castle, President Michael D Higgins with his wife Sabina and Cormac Molloy She told The Journal: 'I was told I was being disrespectful towards 1916 for talking through a song, that the event wasn't about me, that I didn't belong there with an accent like mine and that I should go home. 'I was, and still am, devastated and so hurt. Everyone I have told this to has been so embarrassed and angry and they have apologised on his behalf.' Ms Connolly had been speaking to her cousins in a room when the incident happened. She burst into tears after a debate with the man, who is believed to be in his 40s. She added: 'If an Irish man with an Irish accent is more superior than anyone else in this country then those who feel that way need to reassess what they were commemorating as they can't lay claim to two of the 1916 leaders, as well as the countless other Irish who were born or lived outside of the country and fought in 1916.' Irish President Michael D Higgins laid a wreath at Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin in honour of the revolutionaries who were executed for their part in the rebellion against British rule President Higgins was flanked by a military guard of honour drawn from the Defence Forces cadet school. Fifteen of the rebel leaders including Patrick Pearse and James Connolly were executed at the jail Thousands lined the streets to watch members of the Irish Defences Forces take part in a parade through the city James Connolly, who was later executed for his role in the Easter Rising, was born in Edinburgh in June 1868 and first went to Ireland as a member of the British Army, aged 14. After getting married in Scotland he moved to Dublin where he formed the Irish Socialist Republican Party in 1896 and started his own publication called the Workers' Republic. In the newspaper he wrote and published extensively on Irish and socialist issues. After spending time in America, he returned to Ireland in 1910 and helped form the 200-strong Citizen Army. He was appointed the Commandant-General of the Dublin brigade during the Easter Rising and he directed the Army of the Irish Republic in the General Post Office (GPO), where he was badly wounded in two separate attacks. On May 12, 1916 he was executed by a firing squad while strapped to a chair at Kilmainham Gaol. Souvenir hunters of all ages scrabble amongst the rubble in the streets of Dublin in the aftermath of the the Easter Rising in 1916 Sackville Street (O'Connell St) and the River Liffey at Eden Quay showing the devastation wrought during the Easter Rising JAMES CONNOLLY FORMED THE CITIZEN ARMY AND WAS EXECUTED IN 1916 James Connolly was executed in May 1916 James Connolly, who was later executed for his role in the Easter Rising, was born in Edinburgh in June 1868 and first went to Ireland as a member of the British Army, aged 14. After getting married in Scotland he moved to Dublin where he formed the Irish Socialist Republican Party in 1896 and started his own publication called the Workers' Republic. In the newspaper he wrote and published extensively on Irish and socialist issues. After spending time in America, he returned to Ireland in 1910 and helped form the 200-strong Citizen Army. He was appointed the Commandant-General of the Dublin brigade during the Easter Rising. He directed the Army of the Irish Republic in the General Post Office (GPO), where he was badly wounded in two separate attacks. On May 12, 1916 he was executed by a firing squad while strapped to a chair at Kilmainham Gaol. Advertisement The state reception on Sunday was part of a number commemorating those who fought and died during the tumultuous insurrection in which Irish republican tried to overthrow British rule. Around a quarter of a million people turned out for a military parade through Dublin which saw nearly 4,000 Defence Forces personnel take part alongside emergency services personnel and army veterans. The procession made their way along a three-mile route that went from St Stephen's Green to O'Connell Street and past the General Post Office on to Capel Street. A reading of the Proclamation in front of the GPO took place at midday in a re-enactment of the actions of rebel leader Patrick Pearse on Easter Monday 1916. Lieutenants of the Irish Army carry flags past the Royal College of Surgeons. Around a quarter of a million people were expected to turn out for the military parade through the city Hundreds of bands played traditional Irish songs during the march, which saw literally thousands line to the streets to celebrate a momentous point in Ireland's history at the weekend Crowds outside Bow Street court, for the Roger Casement Trial as a trove of rarely-seen photographs lays bare the utter carnage wreaked on Dublin during the tumultuous Easter Rising 100 years Some Irish rebels lying in wait on a roof getting ready to fire during the Easter Rising in 1916, which aimed to overthrow British rule After the Proclamation, the President layed a second wreath at the GPO with descendants of the rebels looking on. In a wreath-laying ceremony at the Stone Breakers' Yard in the Kilmainham Gaol, the President was flanked by a military guard of honour drawn from the Defence Forces cadet school. Fifteen of the rebel leaders including Patrick Pearse and James Connolly were executed by firing squad at the jail. Defiant Seselj claimed he had slept through the verdict in the Hague A United Nations war crimes tribunal has cleared Serbian ultranationalist politician Vojislav Seselj of all charges relating to atrocities committed in the 1990s Balkans wars Seselj, 61, was not present at court in The Hague, and later took to Twitter to claim that he had slept through the hearing 'like a baby'. The ultra-nationalist leader had been charged with war crimes and crimes against humanity and accused of the murders and forced deportation of 'tens of thousands' from large areas of Bosnia-Hercegovina, Croatia and Serbia. Free: Serbian radical politician Vojislav Seselj, 61, (pictured in 2003) was cleared of nine charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity by a United Nations war crimes tribunal in The Hague Prosecutors also said he had been recruiting and arming the Serb paramilitaries blamed for war crimes in Bosnian and Croatia during the Yugoslav War. 'I slept like a baby, my conscience is clear,' Seselj proclaimed in a defiant tweet after being allowed for medical reasons to remain in Belgrade for the landmark hearing. Seselj faced nine charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity over his alleged ruthless quest to unite 'all Serbian lands' in a 'Greater Serbia'. Prosecutors said he was behind the murder of many Croat, Muslim and other non-Serb civilians, as well as the forced deportation of 'tens of thousands' from large areas of Bosnia-Hercegovina, Croatia and Serbia. Presiding Judge Jean-Claude Antonetti said Thursday: 'Following this verdict, Vojislav Seselj is now a free man.' Seselj faced nine charges of war crimes and crimes against humanit, including the murders amd forced deportation of 'tens of thousands' of civilians in large areas of Bosnia-Hercegovina, Croatia and Serbia Radical: Seselj points a gun towards reporters at the Federal Parliament building in Belgrade in 1994 APartizan Belgrade fan waves a flag showing Serbian ultranationalist and war crimes suspect Vojislav Seselj, during the Serbian soccer Cup final match between Partizan Belgrade and Zemun, in Belgrade in 2008 The judgement comes exactly a week after former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic was sentenced to 40 years in jail for genocide and nine other charges by the judges at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). At liberty on the streets of Belgrade, where the Serbian Radical Party leader is preparing to run in elections next month, Seselj denounced the judgement against his former colleague. 'The verdict on Radovan Karadzic is a verdict on all Serb people, all of Serb history and the Serbian nation,' he told a packed crowd of ultranationalists. THE YUGOSLAV WARS The Yugoslav Wars in the 1990s led to the breakup of the Yugoslav state, a federation which had been made up of six socialist republics: Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro and Macedonia. While six separate armed conflicts, the War in Slovenia (1991), Croatian War of Independence (19911995), Bosnian War (19921995), Kosovo War (19981999), Insurgency in the Presevo Valley (19992001) and Insurgency in the Republic of Macedonia (2001) are all interlinked and related. The Serb resistance to the vote for Bosnia's independence in 1992 sparked the three-year Bosnian War, where Bosnian Serbs armed and backed by the Yugoslav Army conquered some 70 percent of the country, laying siege to its capital and killing and expelling non-Serbs from the territory they controlled. The conflict took over 100,000 lives and forced over two million people from their homes. In July 1995, Serbian troops overran the town of Srebrenica and killed over 8,000 men and boys in the worst massacre in Europe since the Nazi era. The Srebrenica massacre and the Serb siege of Bosnia's capital Sarajevo were events that turned world opinion against the Serbs and prompted NATO air strikes that brought the war to an end. According to the International Center for Transitional Justice, the Yugoslav Wars resulted in the deaths of 140,000 people Advertisement The ICTY has excused Seselj from attending Thursday's judgement on medical grounds, after being allowed to return to Serbia in 2014 for treatment for colon cancer. It will be the first time that judges at the ICTY return an initial verdict without the accused in court - although defendants have been absent for appeals judgements. While Seselj maintains he is in poor health, he was seen earlier this month at a rally in Belgrade setting fire to EU and NATO flags as well as paying his respects at the grave of former Serbian strongman Slobodan Milosevic - who died in his cell in The Hague in 2006 while on trial. Seselj voluntarily surrendered to the ICTY in 2003, but in the past two years he has refused to return to The Hague from Belgrade, and if he is found guilty and sentenced to jail on Thursday, many are questioning how he would be caught. Court officials told AFP the judges would address the issue in their ruling if needed. 'Croats say that I'll be dreaming of a Greater Serbia behind bars. But perhaps between now and when the verdict comes into force I will have time to walk through the streets of Zagreb,' Seselj added in his tweet. His continued freedom has incensed many, including those from the badly-bombed Croat town of Vukovar. 'The Hague tribunal is to blame for setting him free before the verdict,' Manda Patko, who heads the 'Mothers of Vukovar' association, told AFP. Seselj was a 'major manipulator' who was playing the international community for his own benefit, she added. Seselj's trial started in 2006, but was halted only weeks later after he went on hunger strike. It was then nullified. A new trial started in late 2007 and proceeded with multiple delays until the closing arguments in March 2012, when prosecutors said Seselj had warned 'rivers of blood' would flow in Bosnia if his vision for a greater Serbian state was opposed. Like any bride on the most important day of her life, no expense was spared on Poonam's outfit. Her head was adorned in intricate gold jewellery, a bejewelled red sari draped over her back, even her hooves were decorated with floral bracelets. For the 300 guests who travelled to the Indian village of Bhavnagar, Gujarat state, the wedding between Poonam, a cow, and Arjun, a bull, is sure to be one of the strangest events they have witnessed. Ceremony: Hundreds of people flocked to watch Punam the cow (pictured) wed Arjun the bull in a rural Indian village Expensive: The bizarre wedding was held in the village of Bhavnagar, Gujarat state, and is thought to have cost as much as 180,000 Protest: The wedding was organised by a charity to raise awareness of cows being slaughtered in India, where they are considered sacred Among those watching the bizarre union were Poonam's 'relatives' who were carefully led through crowds of bemused spectators. The event was organised by a charity in protest against the slaughter of cows in India, where the vast majority of people are Hindus, a religion in which they are considered sacred. Revered as a symbol of wealth cows are relied on for dairy products and for tilling the fields, and on cow dung as a source of fuel and fertilizer. In October a Muslim man was dragged out of his house and beaten to death by an angry mob in Bisara village, near New Delhi, over rumours his family killed and ate a cow For this bizarre union to highlight such killings, Brahmin priests were brought in from Bhavnagar to officiate the wedding which cost Poonam and Arjun's owners 1.8 million Indian rupees - around 180,000. In a one of its kind event, the charity even prepared a wedding invitation for the couple. The owners held the lavish ceremony to show that the value of cows in Indian culture is 'immeasurable'. 'I have been living with cows for the last 30 years and hence, know the amount of love this animal is capable of,' Vijaybhai, Poonam's owner, told MailOnline. He added: 'I don't mind having a modest wedding for my children, but I will get my daughter Poonam married in the most lavish manner possible,' . Surge: Among those in attendance at the strange event were Poonam's relatives, who were guided through the crowds of people Official: Brahmin priests (right) were brought in from Bhavnagar to officiate the wedding of Poonam (left) and Arjun Sacred: The owners held the lavish ceremony to show that the value of cows in Indian culture is 'immeasurable' The guests were treated to a sumptuous feast, including Gujarati lentils, Phulwadi, Ladva and Undhiyu. The guests, accompanied by a three-member wedding orchestra, began a procession from the groom's village and the bride travelled in a palanquin that was erected on a truck. During trip he was shot at by ISIS fighters as he hid in a trench and said it was 'closest' he had come to being killed He filmed his experience and wants to show clip to fellow Brits in order to change negative views on Muslim people Builder Andy Drury, 50, just got back from time with Shia militia near the northern Iraqi towns of Mosul and Kirkuk Advertisement A married father spends his time off visiting the world's most dangerous conflict zones including Somalia, Afghanistan and the ISIS frontline in Iraq. While some people might enjoy spending two weeks by the beach or taking a short city break for their holiday, builder Andy Drury, from Surrey, has something slightly more intense in mind. Father-of-two Mr Drury, 50, is a passionate war tourist and has just got back from a recent trip away to one of the most chaotic and deadly places on the planet - northern Iraq. Holidays: Father-of-two Andy Drury, 50, is a passionate war tourist and has just got back from a trip to the ISIS front-line in northern Iraq. Pictured, the Surrey builder looks down the sight of a rifle while based with Shia Militia near the towns of Mosul and Kirkuk Mr Drury has been to war-torn areas around the world and documents his experiences to show people on his return. Pictured, the family-man stands next to armoured vehicles stolen by Kurdish Peshmerga fighters from ISIS in northern Iraq Mr Drury, pictured back in the UK and holding an ISIS bullet while in Iraq, says he goes on his trips so that he can change common misconceptions members of the British public have about Muslims The dangerous war-torn locations Mr Drury has visited across the world include Pakistan, North Korea, Afghanistan, Iraq and Somalia It was near the towns of Mosul and Kirkuk that he spent time with the Kurdish Peshmerga fighters and then the Shia militia fighting ISIS. Hiding in a trench as bullets rained down over head, he went armed only with a video camera to document his experience and inform members of the British public about what was really going on overseas. However, not everyone shares his sense of adventure, his past trips have included taking in war-torn areas in Nigeria, Kosovo, Chechnya, Syria and Pakistan, and his duty to educate his fellow man. He said: 'My wife isn't speaking to me at the moment. 'I try to explain to people, the bigger question is, I work in a building trade and a lot of people I work with believe now every Muslim is a killer, or even every person with brown skin. 'And the reason they believe that is they see the coverage and the TV and the media. I would say the reason I go out there is because I'm just an ordinary guy, I'm not a journalist, and I just show that the majority of Muslims are just like us. 'The thing for me is to get the message back, because being a builder I get asked a million times 'why do you do this?'. Mr Drury goes is armed only with a camera on his excursions and pictured in Iraq, he documents a firefight between Shia militia and ISIS Mr Drury, pictured near Kirkuk, said that when his group came under fire he stuck his head over the trench and continued to film because he thought the camera would 'protect' him - he admitted that shortly after he realised how foolhardy this was The builder said he wants fellow Britons to know that normal Muslim people are bravely fighting ISIS to protect themselves and others from terrorism. Pictured, he stands fourth right, with Peshmerga fighters in northern Iraq 'I don't have a race issue, I don't care if someone is whatever they are, they're human to me. But some people if they see a Muslim or someone they think immediately they are the enemy. 'So I'm trying to bring it back home to people that you know what, you've got thousands of troops on the frontline, be it the Peshmerga, Shiite, Sunni, Hezbolah, Turkmen, anything, they are fighting for us. 'They are fighting for themselves and their land but they are fighting this horrible scourge, so don't fear Muslims, there are brave ones fighting for you right now.' During his trip to Iraq Mr Drury visited areas that until very recently had seen atrocities such as massacres and beheadings under ISIS before they were liberated. He also visited an old friend known as 'Sheikh Baba' - a spiritual leader for the Yazidi people - who he met 10 years ago in Iraq and who incredibly was still alive despite brutal the persecution of his people by ISIS. The father admitted that the firefight in the Iraqi trench, pictured in the background of this photo, was the closest he's been to being killed Mr Drury visited Iraq not just to document the struggle of Muslims but also to visit a friend of his, Yazisi religious leader Sheik Ain Sifni, pictured (second right) with the builder ten years ago During his time with the Shia militia in Iraq, pictured its soldiers during a firefight, Mr Drury came just 500 metres from armed ISIS militants On day two in the field Mr Drury and Shia fighters near Kirkuk were just 500 metres from ISIS when they came under fire. Describing his moment coming under attack by the terrorists Mr Drury said: 'The guy that I was with shot somebody, and we had a guy injured too who was shot. And I thought 'this is real, isn't it'. 'People don't believe you when you say you're a warzone tourist, you know, they think you're probably not, but this was what it's all about. 'There'd been a few skirmishes before we arrived, there was a few cracks of gunshot, but I wasn't intending there to be a gunfight, it's not something you plan to be part of. Mr Drury looks out across the farmland of Iraq as he spends time behind a fortification with Peshmerga fighters, near Mosul Members of the Shia militia pose for a photo with one man gesturing a peace sign as Mr Drury takes a photo, in northern Iraq 'I was videoing because the guys I was with were going to blow this car up which was from Daesh, which is ISIS. The Shia and the Peshmerga call ISIS Daesh because it's a derogatory term, they refuse to call them ISIS. 'But I was videoing and Daesh noticed our fighters near the car and that was it, we started taking fire and you could see the bullets hitting the wall. 'This was the closest to being killed I have ever been, any of these bullets could have hit us. 'At one stage I had my head up looking over the trench with the camera and they kept on telling me to put my head down. You think the camera is going to protect you, it's a mental thing, and then you think f**king idiot. Mr Drury spends some down with Shia and Bathist militia fighters, between fighting ISIS, while in a trench in northern Iraq Mr Drury films in a trench and right, he poses for a photo with a former US Marine who is now fighting for the Kurdish Peshmerga in Iraq 'Then I put my camera up, and as you can see in the pictures I am leaning against a wall with the camera up. But you have to take the camera down because it reflects light and they'll shoot at the camera. 'They've got snipers' the Shia said to me, 'remember they (Daesh) have got better weapons than we have'. 'A local news reporter gave me a flak jacket before we came under fire, but the velcro had gone on the jacket so it was no good for me anyway. 'The guys fighting were so pleased we were there, they had no kit, and they were saying the West are funding the Iraq army but the Shia and the Peshmerga were doing all the fighting and the Iraqi government were keeping all the money for themselves.' War tourist Andrew Drury is flanked by two fighters, armed with assault rifles, during a trip to a conflict zone in Somalia, west Africa At a location more resembling a conventional holiday destination, Mr Drury (second right) poses with three armed men and a friend during a visit to Mogadishu beach in Somilia Wearing traditional dress, Mr Drury sits in the living room of Sikandar Shah, the chief of Smugglers Bazaar in Peshawar, Pakistan As well as local fighters Mr Drury met some of the Western foreign fighters who had joined the fight against ISIS, while on his eye-opening trip to Iraq. He said: 'I don't know what I thought I was when I was there in that firefight, bloody stupid maybe, some people call me a war tourist but adventure tourist would be more right. 'I said I was researching a documentary because you can't just turn up and do these trips, you go through so many check points with the paperwork. 'The fighters there want the world to know that they are fighting for us, they want people to be proud of what they're doing. Alongside a friend Andrew Drury (right) poses for a photo while standing in the Tora Bora mountains during a trip to Afghanistan Pictured, left, with a friend, Mr Drury stands with a female soldier in Pyongyang, the capital of communist state, North Korea Mr Drury admitted that his wife, pictured the pair together, is not speaking to him after his decision to go to Iraq. Pictured, right, the builder fires off rounds at a brick factory while in Pakistan 'I met a giant of American out there, he was a marine, and I interviewed him a bit about why he was there and he said he liked killing terrorists. He liked firing his gun too, I think he might have had a go at me as well. 'It was St Patrick's Day and there are five Paddies there, but they had got drunk that night so they couldn't meet me, they said they will meet me when I go out there next.' Safe back on UK soil for now the Mr Drury, who lives with his wife Rachel and their two children Bobby and Ruby in Guildford, said he didn't have time for those who might say he's risking his family or say he shouldn't be doing what he's doing. Business Secretary Sajid Javid was pictured wearing a tuxedo as he attended a posh dinner with Australian officials at the Sydney Institute think tank yesterday. He is now facing calls to resign Sajid Javid faces calls to quit as Business Secretary after it emerged he took his daughter on an official trip to Australia and planned a family holiday in the midst of Britain's mounting steel crisis. He was already under fire for taking the trip - and missing an emergency Downing Street talk yesterday - when Tata group put 40,000 jobs at risk and Britain's steel industry faced extinction. As his plane flies into Heathrow at 6.20am, he will face calls to resign after it emerged he had taken his 16-year-old daughter Sophia with him, and had planned to extend the trip for a few days. No mention was made of his daughter - who attends an 18,000-a-year private school in London - during briefings by Number 10 or the Department For Business. But the trip was cut short after just 15 hours on Australian soil, and he flew back for immediate crisis talks after it became clear thousands of jobs at Port Talbot, South Wales, and the industry as a whole are at risk. It was Stephen Kinnock, whose Aberavon constituency includes the Port Talbot plant where 7,000 jobs are at risk, who said Mr Javid should quit. 'If it is indeed true that Sajid Javid was not even in Australia for entirely work related reasons then I think that he probably should consider his position,' he told MailOnline. 'Sajid Javid's choices in this matter reflect a pattern of behaviour that we have seen from this government since 2010, it is a pattern of behaviour based on a mixture of indifference and incompetence.' Mr Javid, who was pictured wearing a tuxedo at a posh dinner in Sydney, paid for his daughter's costs on the trip, which lasted barely a day. He is due to touchdown at 6.20am and will head straight into emergency meetings to try and find a buyer for Tata Steel's UK business and is expected to visit the Port Talbot plant. Trade unions demanded that David Cameron personally take control of Mr Javid's brief while Labour MP Graham Jones slammed the Business Secretary's 'outrageous' decision to 'put a jolly to Australia ahead of standing up for British jobs back at home'. The Government's chaotic handling of the steel crisis continued this morning as the Prime Minister pledged to do 'everything we can' to help save 40,000 jobs - but immediately ruled out nationalising the industry. On another day of chaos: Cameron held an emergency summit in Downing Street with key ministers But the most important minister - Business Secretary Sajid Javid - was absent as he is on his way home from Australia and is not expected to land until this morning Ministers are in talks with Tata about sale process and speaking to potential buyers The PM caused fury among Eurosceptics as he claimed EU membership was vital for the steel industry and Brexit would impose crippling tariffs on British steel Labour repeated demands for an emergency recall of Parliament It emerged ministers had blocked plans to impose a 66 per cent tariff on cheap Chinese steel Taxpayers could be asked to underwrite loans worth tens of millions of pounds if a buyer can be found for Tata Sajid Javid (pictured delivering a speech at the Sydney Institute in Australia yesterday) took his teenage daughter with him on his trade trip and planned a family holiday after his official duties were over. He is now on his way home to deal with the growing steel crisis Sajid Javid (pictured at a posh dinner at the Sydney Institute think tank in Australia yesterday) has been heavily criticised after it emerged he was planning a family holiday after his official trade trip was over Mr Cameron sparked anger among Eurosceptics by claiming EU membership was vital for the steel industry and said Brexit would impose crippling tariffs on British steel. The Prime Minister held an emergency summit with key ministers this morning after they were accused of presiding over a 'total shambles' for allowing Britain's steel industry to teeter on the brink of collapse. Stephen Kinnock (pictured), whose Aberavon constituency includes the Port Talbot plant where 7,000 jobs are at risk, said Mr Javid should quit. MPs and officials at Tata Steel blamed the Government for the Indian firm's devastating decision to sell its entire UK business, which has put 40,000 British jobs in jeopardy. But as ministers scrambled to save the industry, Mr Javid was still in transit as he aborted the controversial trip. A spokesman for the Cabinet minister said he had taken his eldest child with him during the school holidays. He said: 'We can confirm that Mr Javid's daughter accompanied him on his visit to Australia. There was no cost to the taxpayer.' Mr Javid considered not getting off the plane in Sydney when the plane touched down at 6am on Wednesday morning, the Mail understands, however he felt he had to meet the newly elected Australian PM. A Whitehall source likened him to the US President, pointing out that: 'There is nothing unusual about this. Obama brought his daughters with him' on many trips. Mr Javid stayed in Sydney during his brief visit, rather than the less glamorous Australian capital Canberra. He also met with the Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull during the trip and was due to meet New South Wales Premier Mike Baird. But while thousands of steel workers were hoping for the Government to bail out the beleaguered steel industry, Mr Javid was busy giving a speech on the merits of free trade. A passionate market liberal, he said of capitalism: 'We need to defend it when it comes under attackcapitalism is a force for good.' 'Since the 1970s the population of the world population living on a dollar a day has fallen by 80 per cent that's the greatest improvement of living standards' in history, he said. There was a glimmer of hope this morning as metals group Liberty House said it was interested in buying some of Tata Steel's business, but not the crucial blast furnaces that many staff at the Port Talbot plant (pictured) rely on As Sajid Javid was still in transit from Australia, his fellow ministers arrived at Downing Street this morning for emergency meetings over the growing crisis in the steel industry. From left to right: Work and Pensions minister Stephen Crabb, Welsh Secretary Alun Cairns, Cabinet Office minister Oliver Letwin and business minister Anna Soubry He said that 'for some people, free trade doesn't mean iphones in their pocketor the jobs that keep a roof over their headsInstead they have this absurd idea that free trade simply amounts to children toiling in Asian sweatshops'. He was scheduled to attend an Australian Britain Chamber of Commerce lunch today and a cyber security meeting in Sydney tomorrow but was forced to cancel. While he was 6,000 miles away, his staff in the Business Department were enjoying a day off yesterday to train with The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Q&A: WHY IS BRITAIN'S STEEL INDUSTRY IN CRISIS? Up to 7,000 workers at the Port Talbot steel plant (pictured) could lose their jobs Thousands of steelworkers' jobs are under threat after Indian conglomerate Tata decided to sell its UK assets. Why is Tata selling its steel business? The company is losing 1 million a day following a collapse in the price of steel products. Why is the steel industry in crisis? Firms have blamed cheap imports, especially from China, high energy costs and climate change policies. How much have prices fallen? The price of hot rolled coil - what they make at Port Talbot - was 640 US dollars (approx 385) per tonne in 2014, falling to 320 dollars per tonne (215) at the end of 2015. How many jobs have already been lost in the UK? Around 5,000 jobs have been axed in the past year. How many workers remain in the industry? Up to 25,000 workers are directly employed at steel plants, with many more relying on the industry for jobs. What are the options for the Government? Ministers have made it clear their priority is finding a buyer for the business. Could Tata's plants be bought by the Government while efforts are made to find a buyer? Very unlikely. The Government would have to take over the losses and running costs - and the Conservatives don't usually support renationalisation. How strong is the steel industry in China? China's steelmakers, some 70% of which are state owned, are not profitable and it is believed that they lose close to 34 dollars (24) per tonne on all crude steel produced. How much steel is China producing? In 2015 China produced 441 million tonnes more steel than it consumes. With prices slumping, China's 101 biggest steel firms lost 11 billion dollars (7.7 billion) during the first 10 months of 2015, roughly twice what they made in profits in 2014. How will big job losses affect communities? Areas across Wales, Yorkshire and the North East will be devastated. The worst hit will be Port Talbot where over 4,000 workers are directly employed. Could there be a management/union buyout? Highly unlikely because of the scale of the crisis. Advertisement An angry Mr Kinnock added: 'We have known for months that the 29th of March Tata steel board meeting was going to be D-day for the British steel Industry. That is why I was in Mumbai, as part of a delegation led by Roy Rickhuss, the brilliant General Sectary of Community union. 'In my opinion Sajid Javid should have been with Roy and me in Mumbai fighting for the British steel industry, but instead he chose to jet of to Australia while a decision affecting the livelihoods of 40,000 British workers and their families was being made.' Fellow Labour MP Graham Jones said: 'It's outrageous that Sajid Javid has put a jolly to Australia ahead of standing up for British jobs back at home. 'If Sajid Javid wants to prove he's up to the job of Business Secretary then he needs to get a grip and sort out his priorities.' There was a glimmer of hope this morning as metals group Liberty House said it was interested in buying some of Tata Steel's business, but not the crucial blast furnaces that many steel jobs rely on. The Prime Minister, who himself jetted back from his Lanzarote holiday last night, told ministers the Government's priority is to find a buyer of Tata Steel's British business. Speaking after the emergency meeting this morning, Mr Cameron admitted the steel industry was in a 'very difficult situation'. 'The situation at Port Talbot is of deep concern,' he said. 'I know how important those jobs are, those jobs are vital to workers' families, vital to those communities and the Government will do everything it can, working with the company, to try and secure the future of steel making in Port Talbot and across our country it's a vital industry.' But he added: 'I don't believe nationalisation is the right answer. What we want to do is secure a long-term future for the future for Port Talbot and for other steel making plants in the United Kingdom.' Ministers are in talks with Tata about the sale process and how it will dispose of its assets, while also speaking to potential buyers. But Mr Cameron said: 'We've got the right plan, we're going to work very hard with the company to do everything we can. 'But it is a difficult situation, there is no guarantee of success because the problems the steel industry are worldwide.' Labour repeated its call for Mr Cameron to recall MPs to debate the crisis. Angela Eagle, Shadow Business Secretary, accused him of failing to show leadership. '[He] shows no sign of getting a grip of the very serious situation that has been allowed to worsen on his watch,' she said this morning. 'While Ministers have been missing in action as the crisis has deepened in the last few days, the danger signs have been flashing red but have been largely ignored by the Government. 'The Tories have failed time and again to take the necessary action to support the steel industry through the crisis.' The taxpayer could be left to foot a bill to the tune of tens of millions of pounds while the hunt for a buyer takes place. But in a dramatic escalation, sources close to Tata said there were weeks rather than months to agree a rescue deal and failure to find a buyer could leave thousands facing unemployment. Ministers were dealt a hammer blow after Tata accused ministers of being 'in hock' to the Chinese and not doing enough to halt the dumping of cheap steel which led to Tata incurring massive losses at its plant at Port Talbot in Wales. Tariffs which could have made it more expensive to buy the Chinese steel were opposed by the UK, it emerged. Ministers were under fire for not doing more to prevent the crisis but Mr Cameron insisted he had tasked 'teams of ministers' to engage with Tata for 'months' to help Britain's steel industry. Mr Javid has chaired a Steel Council and ministers from the Business and Welsh departments have held a number of meetings over the looming crisis. Eurosceptics continued to focus their anger on EU edicts which rule out most types of State aid to help the stricken plant. They said Mr Cameron was unwilling to ask Brussels to lift the ban because it would make Britain look weak at a time when he was trying to win the EU referendum. But Mr Cameron rebutted claims that quitting the EU would boost Britain's steel industry. The sale of Tata's steel plants in the UK puts 15,000 jobs in jeopardy at plants in South Wales, Yorkshire and Northamptonshire David Cameron said the Government was doing 'everything it can' to resolve the steel crisis but ruled out nationalising the industry Using words that will cause fury among Eurosceptics, Mr Cameron insisted EU membership was vital to avoid crippling tariffs being imposed on British steel. 'Let me make this point about the European dimension of this,' he told Sky News. 'It's vital that those European markets are open around 50 per cent of British steel production goes into the EU. 'So we need to be in there, working with others to stop the unfair dumping of steel into Europe by other countries and we've done that. 'But we need to be in there making sure that markets are open; if we were on the outside we might well find that it was our steel that was having those tariffs and those taxes put upon it.' AN INDUSTRY - AND TOWN - IN PERIL The Port Talbot steelworks in South Wales The steel industry employs around 25,000 people in Britain and is worth an estimated 2.8billion to our economy. Worldwide demand for steel fell 1.7 per cent last year and has only risen by 0.7 per cent in 2016. Steel prices have fallen sharply. Global downturns and cheap imports from China the world's biggest steel producer have been blamed for the crisis in the British steel industry. Indian-owned Tata is Britain's largest steel producer and has 17,000 UK staff. It announced 1,050 jobs cuts in January, 1,200 last October and 720 last July. Its steelworks in Port Talbot, Wales, employed 20,000 staff in its 1960s heyday, compared to around 4,000 now. Britain's second-largest steel producer, Thai firm SSI, announced 2,200 job losses last October when it said its Redcar works on Teesside would go into liquidation. Advertisement Mr Cameron was immediately accused of using the steel crisis to scare voters into backing Britain's continued membership of the EU. John Longworth, the influential chairman of the Vote Leave business council, said: 'This is the worst time for the PM to be doing down our steel industry and the measures we could take to protect its ability to compete. 'There are many ways in which the EU blocks our ability to give our steel industry a fair chance. One is dumping. We've handed power over our trade policy to the EU so it is simply wrong to suggest that we have to be in the EU to prevent this unfair practice. 'If we vote leave and take back control we would actually have the power to combat unfair dumping of steel, therefore protecting the steel workers, families and communities currently threatened by this crisis.' The financial problems facing Port Talbot are so significant that Tata is ready to 'give it away for nothing', insiders claimed. In a further blow to the Government's hopes, it was claimed that Tata had been trying to find a buyer for its UK steel division for 18 months and there were no willing candidates. This could force ministers to support the company to the tune of tens of millions of pounds while the hunt for a buyer takes place. No 10 and the Department for Business were accused of being unprepared for the crisis, which was triggered late on Tuesday night when Tata put its UK business up for sale. Following a board meeting in Mumbai, Tata said it was 'looking at strategic alternatives' to its ownership of its UK business. The Port Talbot site alone is losing 1 million a day. About 40,000 jobs could be lost if no buyer is found, according to analysis by the IPPR think tank. Mr Javid, who spent only 15 hours in Australia, having spent twice that time flying there, pledged to examine 'all viable options' to help save steelworkers' jobs but ruled out nationalisation, which Labour and the unions had demanded. Meanwhile, Mr Cameron returned from his Easter holiday to Lanzarote last night as planned, and was immediately plunged into talks with officials and Welsh politicians. Officials said the PM would do everything possible to save the UK steel industry. But Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the Government was in 'disarray' over the steel crisis, with ministers guilty of treating workers as 'expendable'. He cut short his own holiday yesterday to visit the Port Talbot plant, and demanded all MPs be recalled to Parliament to discuss the crisis a call swiftly rejected by No 10. Critics accused the Government of being in chaos over the imposition of EU-wide tariffs on cheap foreign steel. Ministers opposed proposals to slap a 66 per cent tariff on some steel products earlier this year, saying it would lead to higher prices for UK consumers. But officials are now going back to Brussels to increase the tariffs which the EU agreed on from 9 per cent to 20 per cent. Last night, it emerged senior figures at Tata blamed the Government for the crisis, saying not enough had been done to halt Chinese dumping. Under threat: About 40,000 jobs could be lost if no buyer is found. Pictured, some of the workers at Tata steel Labour MP Stephen Kinnock, whose Aberavon constituency includes the Port Talbot plant, said company executive Koushik Chatterjee had 'made it clear that he wanted to see a British government doing more'. Mr Kinnock claimed the UK had been a 'ringleader' in trying to prevent the European Commission from being given more powers to tackle the situation. Turning his fire on George Osborne, the Labour MP claimed: 'We are rolling out the red carpet for Beijing. They are in hock to China. Our commercial policy, our approach to trade and manufacturing, and our overall industrial strategy, is being dictated by Beijing.' Labour MP Jess Phillips added: 'The Tory response to the steel crisis has been a total shambles.' Downing Street said last night that Mr Cameron will hold a meeting of 'key ministers' early this morning to discuss the crisis, before flying off to the US to visit President Obama. As late as yesterday lunchtime, Mr Javid's aides insisted he would remain in Australia, where he was due to give a series of speeches on innovation and free trade. US TARIFFS TEN TIMES HIGHER THAN EUROPE'S The United States has taken swift action to protect its steel industry from Chinese dumping by imposing tariffs ten times as high as those the EU levies on imports. While the European Union took months to bring forward a levy on the import of Chinese steel of 24 per cent, the US quickly imposed a tariff of 266 per cent. Critics say the disparity shows how the EU is hamstrung from taking effective measures because it has to take into account the views of 28 member states. The US, on the other hand, can act more quickly to deal with emerging trade threats. The Leave campaign says Britain, too, could take action to help its under-threat steel industry as long as it did not have to wait for sanction from Commission bureaucrats. The only way to achieve this, they say, would be via Brexit giving us the chance to set our own tariffs at levels to protect our own industries. Steel prices have fallen to a record low due to a glut of cheap Chinese imports. International trade rules state that countries can increase tariffs only if it can be proved that China is 'dumping' steel acting uncompetitively by selling it for less than it costs to make. The EU took months to decide to set its 24 per cent tariff rate and this has done little to stem the influx of cheap steel. America has also imposed anti-dumping levies. However, it arrived at a decision much more quickly taking only a few weeks before it imposed a penalty of 266 per cent on identical imports of Chinese steel. This has effectively cut off the flow of cheap steel into the US and allowed its home-made producers to flourish. A spokesman for Eurofer, the European steel association, said: 'In this respect, the EU market is the loser because of its softer regime.' Advertisement But, hours later, the Government announced he was returning, and that he had spoken to the chairman of Tata group. Senior government sources denied Mr Javid had been summoned back by No 10. Mr Javid said the UK steel industry was 'absolutely vital for the country', adding that the Government 'will look at all viable options to keep steel making continuing in Port Talbot'. But he rejected calls for the Government to step in and nationalise the Port Talbot plant, saying he did not think it was 'the solution' to the crisis. Sources said nationalisation was being rejected because it would expose taxpayers to potentially large future losses in the steel industry. Insiders suggested there were three main options on the table, based on finding a buyer. Each could require tens of millions of pounds in funding. They include providing a commercial loan to a company which produces a serious takeover bid; underwriting investment or providing financial support to a management takeover of the company; or temporarily taking over control until a deal can be completed. Yesterday civil servants at the Business Department enjoyed a day of 'resilience training' from the theatrical specialists at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. The department insisted they were not involved in the steel industry talks, but Ms Phillips said: 'Today of all days it should have been all hands on deck'. Speaking this morning, Mr Cameron said: 'What we want to do is secure a long-term future for the future for Port Talbot and for other steel making plants in the United Kingdom. 'This is an issue where I've had teams of ministers working for months to help this industry, to make sure we procure British steel for our ships and for our other vital industries in the UK. 'We've cut the energy costs of British steel and with others in Europe we've made sure there are proper penalties for those who dump cheap steel on the market.' He added: 'But this industry is in difficult right across the world. There's been a collapse in prices, there's massive over capacity but we're doing everything we can. 'We were concerned that there was the chance that there could have been an outright closure of Port Talbot and that is why we work very hard with the company to make sure there is a proper sales process and we'll be doing everything we can to encourage people to come forward. 'But this is a difficult situation, there are no guarantees of success.' Responding to news of Mr Javid's decision to take his daughter to Australia for a holiday, a Unite spokesman said: 'Everybody needs a holiday and time with their family. 'But with alarm bells ringing in the steel industry it is remarkable and does pose questions as to how alert the Secretary of State was to the latest crisis facing the industry. 'With tens of thousands of livelihoods in the balance and the nation facing an industrial crisis, David Cameron needs to personally take charge to protect steel and deliver on the government's promise to secure the future for the industry.' Mr Javids airfare to Australia was paid for by taxpayers but the former banker paid for his daughters economy class fare. A spokesman for the Business Secretary said: We can confirm that Mr Javids daughter accompanied him on his visit to Australia. There was no cost to the taxpayer. But Tory sources were furious that Mr Kinnock had tried to make political capital out of someones child. A source close to the Business Secretary said: This is absolutely ridiculous. Youd be hard pressed to find anyone who has done more to help the UK steel industry than Sajid Javid. The fact he has just spent almost 24 hours in the air, flying halfway across the globe, proves how seriously he takes what is going on at Port Talbot. More than 3,000 people queued for a job at an Aston Martin factory which is opening just 18 miles away from the closure-threatened Tata steelworks. Job hunters flooded to a recruitment day for the manufacturer after it announced it needed 750 people to staff its new plant, which is opening in 18 months near Barry, south Wales. Some applicants started queuing more than two hours ahead of the 11am event, with the queue still strong six hours later. It comes as Tata Steel announced it is planning to sell all its loss-making UK business - putting tens of thousands of jobs at risk. Scroll down for video More than 3,000 people queued for a job at an Aston Martin factory which is opening 18 miles away from the closure-threatened Tata steelworks Organisers of the Aston Martin event said they were shocked at the level of interest with pictures showing the long queue snaking around the recruitment offices at the Cardiff and Vale College. Job-hunter Phil Humphries said the Aston Martin jobs were giving people in the area hope. The 32-year-old added: 'It would be great to see luxury cars being made here because things are looking so bad for the steelworkers.' The firm is employing people to build its DBX crossover model. The first recruitment drive was to look for paint sprayers, sewing machinists, leather trimmers and build technicians. Job hunters flooded to a recruitment day for the manufacturer after it announced it needed 750 people to staff its new plant, which is opening in 18 months near Barry, south Wales Some applicants started queuing more than two hours ahead of the 11am event, with the queue still strong six hours later A map shows the distance between the Aston Martin factory and the steelworks, which is facing closure Aston Martin HR boss Hazel Martin said the firm was 'delighted' at the level of interest. She added: 'We have had over 3,000 people looking for work ranging from apprentices waiting to start their career to the more experienced and the quality of candidates has been excellent.' Aston Martin is also looking for 'highly skilled' workers to make the 160,000 car, which will target younger drivers. The factory site at RAF St Athan, which was previously earmarked for an Ministry of Defence aircraft centre, was sold to Aston Martin by the Welsh Government. Organisers of the Aston Martin event said they were shocked at the level of interest with pictures showing the long queue snaking around the recruitment offices - and an Aston Martin - at the Cardiff and Vale College Aston Martin HR boss Hazel Martin said the firm was 'delighted' at the level of interest. Part of the queue can be seen, above It beat more than 20 locations across the world to secure the manufacturing contract. Construction at the new plant will start next year and vehicle production is due to get under way in 2020. The news about Tata Steel came after company bosses meeting in Mumbai decided to sell its UK business, which makes a loss of around 1m a day. It rejected a two-year, 100m plan to restructure the Port Talbot plant because it was 'unaffordable' and instead put at least 15,000 jobs at risk. It comes as Tata Steel announced it was considering plans to sell all its loss-making UK business - putting tens of thousands of jobs at risk. Above, the steelworks in Port Talbot The firm rejected a two-year, 100m plan to restructure the Port Talbot plant because it was 'unaffordable' and instead put at least 15,000 jobs at risk. Above, workers from the plant listen to Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who visited them yesterday A HIGHER UNEMPLOYMENT RATE THAN THE UK WITH 88,000 PEOPLE OUT OF WORK The Welsh unemployment rate was at around 5.9 per cent - equating to around 88,000 people - in December last year. It was slightly higher than the UK-wide statistic, which was around 5.2 per cent at the same time. Tata Steel was one of a handful of large businesses in Wales, with around 18,000 jobs thought to rely on the works. Other big companies include Airbus, which employs 6,000 people at a factory in Flintshire, and Admiral, which is thought to have around 5,000 on its books in Wales. Advertisement Their decision forced David Cameron to fly home from a family holiday in Lanzarote and Business Secretary Sajid Javid to return from a trade trip in Australia in a bid to save the industry. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the Government was in 'disarray over what action to take' but his calls for nationalisation were rejected by ministers. Speaking from Australia before his return, Mr Javid said: 'I don't think nationalisation is going to be the solution because I think everyone would want a long-term viable solution. 'And if you look around Europe and elsewhere I think nationalisation is rarely the answer, particularly if you take into account the big challenges the industry faces.' A website has been set up claiming to flog air from trendy areas of London - for an astonishing 30. Shoreditch Air is also offering customers the chance to sample the fresh Shoreditch, Brixton and Croydon breeze. The online retailer is selling four varieties in jars at 19.99 each - plus 10 postage and packaging - including air from hipster hotspots in south and East London. Customers can pick up a vessel of fumes purportedly sourced from east London, in two different varieties known as 'AM edition' and 'PM edition', as well as Brixton and Croydon. The online retailer is selling four varieties in jars at 19.99 each - plus 10 postage and packaging - including air from hipster hotspots in south and East London The website, which is selling the jars through online retail platform Shopify, states: 'We're Shoreditch Air and we bottle the finest of London's Air, so if you're missing home or would just like to get an idea of what London smells like you've come to the right place. More areas and editions of London Air coming soon' On the website, they describe the Brixton variety as 'The quintessential, must have air of south London'. They added: 'Get it before the area is completely gentrified and smells of Starbucks. The scents of yesteryears Caribbean community still lingers vaguely. 'You may catch the waft of patties if you're lucky.' Shoreditch air, which is described as 'the original', also has an odd listing. They wrote: 'This is the freshest of Shoreditch Air, bottled in the depths of London's hipster community. 'The air contains the notes of the night before, over-priced American cereal and regret. It will smell like you're actually on the way to that unpaid social media internship. 'The air contains the notes of rolled tobacco cigarette, pseudo-philosophy and hemp brewed beer.' Creator Carl Casis, right, said the idea behind the website was to help him land a job while ridiculing the gentrification of places such as Shoreditch and Brixton The 'limited edition' blend of the Croydon gases are advertised as containing 'vague hints of a leafy suburb' and 'soft notes of a criminal aroma with blends of fried chicken and notes of hostility to provide an authentic Croydon atmosphere'. A disclaimer on the site says the 'jars may vary'. Creator Carl Casis said the idea behind the website was to help him land a job while ridiculing the gentrification of places such as Shoreditch and Brixton. He told MailOnline: 'Bottled air is the next bottled water. None have been sold so far but plenty of people abandon their carts at the checkout, with Brixton air being the most popular. '[Shoreditch Air] is a tongue-in-cheek website poking fun at gentrification in those areas where we bottle air but the reason for it being built was to get the attention of Shopify, which hosts the site. A horrific attack in a petrol station that has made a grandfather too scared to leave his home has been captured on CCTV. In the attack, the grandfather, 65, is pushed to the ground by a younger stranger, momentarily knocking him out - all because the older man drove into the petrol station in Moonee Ponds, Melbourne, the wrong way. The grandfather had been concerned his car would run out of fuel so took a shortcut to drive in the wrong way but was blocked by the other man, in a 4WD, who abused him. Scroll down for video The moment the older man (rear, left) was slammed to the ground by a younger man (centre, clad in black), knocking him out. The incident took place in a Caltex petrol station in Moonee Ponds, Melbourne The altercation had been sparked by the older man driving into a petrol station the wrong way - because he was running out of fuel The pair appeared to discuss something briefly before the grandfather was pushed once, then shoved to the ground Once the pair had gone inside the Caltex station, the old man confronted the younger man and was then pushed and shoved to the ground, 9 News reported. Neither the two attendants or the two other customers reported the incident to police, and the victim alerted police the next day. Afterwards, police labelled the images of the attack 'heartbreaking' and 'disgusting'. The attack in mid-February ruined the grandfather's life, police say, leaving him too scared to leave his own home, 9 News reported. The two men face-to-face (left), then right, the moment the elderly man is shoved to the ground As the older man had started to walk away, the other man whirled around and pushed him Before the grandfather left he and his assailant appeared to have another verbal exchange at the door of the petrol station The Caltex station in Melbourne where the incident took place in mid-February The Essendon man has four children and two grandchildren. Constable Breannah Jones said his friends and family had noticed a change in the man. 'He's just not the same person he was, unfortunately. He's too scared to leave the house,' she said. 'He said this whole incident is one of the worst things he's experienced in his whole life.' The younger man is described as being 'Islander' in appearance, with dark hair, a solid build and wearing a dark t-shirt, short and thongs. Anyone who has information about the attack is urged to contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000. CCTV footage captured the moment the grandfather drove into the Caltex station the wrong way - because he was running out of fuel He was blocked by the other man, who approached the grandfather's car when he moved around to park at a bowser, and allegedly began to abuse him 'Today was final goodbye to the greatest team in television. This is the team that will be the last to leave Harpo Chicago,' wrote Winfrey Winfrey posted photos of herself with the last employees, who will be out of a job on Friday, on Twitter and Instagram Harpo Studios was shut down this week with Oprah Winfrey returning to Chicago for one last farewell with the final 37 The famed Chicago studio where Oprah Winfrey filmed her eponymous talk show for over 20 years has been shut down. The self-made billionaire and former daytime queen posted photos on Twitter and Instagram Wednesday night as she bid farewell to Harpo Studios and the operation's final employees, who will have their last day on Friday. 'Today was Final ,FINAL goodbye to the greatest team in television. This is the team that will be the last to leave the Harpo Chicago building on Friday,' wrote Winfrey. 'They've been sorting, discarding ,packing , storing, archiving for a year now. Our goodbye luncheon today,a few tears and LOTS of great memories. Thank You to all.' Scroll down for video End of an era: Harpo Studios was shut down this week with Oprah Winfrey returning to Chicago (above) for one last farewell with the final 37 employees Last ones standing: Winfrey posted photos of herself with the last employees (above), who will be out of a job on Friday Farewell: Today was final goodbye to the greatest team in television. This is the team that will be the last to leave Harpo Chicago,' wrote Winfrey (Harpo Studios in Chicago above) Winfrey posted a similar photo of the team on Twitter, writing; 'The final 37 of the Greatest team in television. Closing down Harpo in Chicago. Deep Gratitude to you all!' The company was founded by Winfrey in 1986 in Chicago, and the name is both her name spelled backwards and that of her character's husband in the film version of The Color Purple she had made a year prior with director Steven Spielberg. In 2012, at its peak, there were over 12,000 employees working for the company, which also produces Dr. Phil, Rachel Ray, and The Dr. Oz Show. The Chicago studio meanwhile was first used to taped Oprah in January 1990 by Winfrey. Rosie O'Donnell also taped her short-lived talk show The Rosie Show at the Chicago studio in 2011 to early 2012 before it was cancelled after one season. The base of operations will now be in California. Harpo Studios began laying off its remaining employees in the Windy City last December after the company moved to California. Only 183 employees were with the company in Chicago at that point and layoffs began on December 11, with all workers knowing they would be gone by April. The Chicago Tribune reported at the time that the news was not a surprise for the employees, who were told by Winfrey herself that they would be out of a job in March. There was no real need for the Chicago space ever since Winfrey ended her eponymous talk show, and the lease was set to expire in April. Memories: Winfrey filmed at Harpo Studios for over 20 years (above with the Obamas in April 2011) Snow day: Just before heading to Chicago Winfrey hit the slopes for some skiing over Easter (above) Last year, Winfrey put her Water Tower Place Condo in Chicago on the market but then quickly took it off. She did however auction some 500 items from the residence with all proceeds going to her Leadership Academy Foundation which runs a school for girls in South Africa. Earlier this year, OWN moved into a new three-story space called The Lot in West Hollywood, setting the stage for the shutdown of Harpo Studios after 26 years. '[Chicago has] been everything for me. I've spent more hours in this building than I have any other building on Earth,' Winfrey told The Hollywood Reporter by phone in March. 'We were here when there was nothing but hoes and rats on the street, and now it's one of the hottest neighborhoods.' Advertisement She is currently enjoying a Caribbean getaway with her two daughters just weeks after her ex-husband Rupert Murdoch married his new wife Jerry Hall. And Wendi Deng appeared to be enjoying a spot of retail therapy after she was seen browsing the shops on the island of St Bart's. Wearing a green sundress, a straw hat and sandals, the 47-year-old Chinese-born businesswoman was sipping on a cool drink as she walked in the shopping street with her daughters. Wendi Deng soaks up the sun as she browses the shops on the Caribbean island of St Bart's during a vacation with her daughters Deng sipped on a cool drink while wearing a green sundress and large sunglasses as she walked past luxury stores including jeweller Cartier At one point she even strolled past luxury jeweller Cartier but the jewels in the window did not appear to tempt her into the store. It comes after Deng was pictured on Monday boarding the yacht of her friend, the billionaire Russian tycoon Roman Abramovich. Deng is close friends with the Chelsea Football Club owner's wife Dasha, a 34-year-old Russian heiress and fellow mother-of-two. Photos showed her shopping for toiletries on the Caribbean island before ushering a handful of children onto a small boat that took them out to Abramovich's $400million mega-yacht Eclipse - which once held the record for largest privately owned yacht. The she wore a pink floral-print dress with a drop waist, paired with casual black-and-white slip-on sandals. On Monday Deng was pictured shopping for toiletries with her children before boarding a yacht owned by her billionaire friend Roman Abramovich Every New Year's the Abramovichs host a lavish New Year's Eve party on the island attended by finance tycoons and celebrities alike. Deng's trip to the Caribbean comes a little more than three weeks after her ex-husband married Jerry Hall, the former model and ex-wife of Mick Jagger, in a small ceremony in London. After tying the knot on March 4, the couple jetted down to the south of France for a romantic getaway. Deng's Caribbean vacation comes a little more than three weeks after her ex-husband Murdoch married Jerry Hall in London Deng is close friends with Abramovich's wife Dasha Zhukova. Every year, the Abramovich family host a lavish New Year's Eve party in St Bart's Deng appears to be spending her holiday on Abramovich's $400million yacht, the Eclipse which once held the record for world's largest privately-owned yacht The Eclipse is pictured off the coast of St Bart's on Monday, three smaller boats are tied up to the vessel and a helicopter is parked on the roof of the boat Fresh off their honeymoon on Monday, the new Mr and Mrs Murdoch attended the Algemeiner Jewish 100 Gala together in Manhattan. Murdoch and Deng married in 1999 and have two children together, daughters 14-year-old Grace and 12-year-old Chloe. It was Murdoch who filed for divorce in 2013, citing irreconcilable differences. Reports at the time stated that Murdoch had grown suspicious of his wife's close relationship with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, the godfather to one of their daughters. Blair has consistently denied that there was anything inappropriate about their relationship. Deng's Caribbean holiday comes just three weeks after her ex-husband Rupert Murdoch, 85, married model Jerry Hall, 59, in London Earlier this month, Deng turned heads at Paris Fashion Week where she showed up on the arm of a much-younger escort. Deng was smiling ear-to-ear as she attended the Giambatista Valli show with her dapper date, 30-year-old violinist Charlie Siem, who is also the UK's youngest professor. Haringey Council owns the walkway and drew up the traffic rules But there is currently a ban on any vehicles from going on the nature trail Construction vehicles would have to use Parkland Walk to get to site But he has no road access to his 2million home in north London Sebastian Eiseler, pictured, wants to build a basement extension underneath his north London home A millionaire banker has sparked an environmental row after askin a council to lift regulations banning traffic using a nature trail as part of his plans to build a super basement under his 2million mansion. Sebastian Eiseler has been given permission to build a 440sq ft extension below his property to include a guest room and play room. But the house has no road access and the only way construction crews would be able to access the site is via Parkland Walk, a former railway line that is now a nature trail. Vehicles are banned from using the walk under covenants attached to the property in 1993 by Haringey Council when it sold the former railway cottage, with soil excavation also not allowed. The plans have drawn fierce opposition from local group Friends of Parkland Walk, who are concerned about the impact the development may have on the environment, birds and animals that live there, as well as disruption to those who use it. The line was formerly owned by Great Northern Railway and subsequently London & North Eastern Railway but after postwar plans to adopt it into the Northern Line were scrapped, its use dwindled and it shut in 1970. Planning permission has already been granted by Haringey Council, but Mr Eiseler, 36, has submitted a construction plan that proposes either using four-by-four vehicles to deliver materials or men with wheelbarrows, which could take up to 60 trips per day. Father-of-one Mr Eiseler, who works for Oaktree Capital Management, told the Evening Standard: The Friends of Parkland Walk will argue with whatever means they possess to obstruct me, I think they are abusing their position. I do feel targeted - people have described me as a greedy banker but I want to make that house a home for my family. The law is the law and the council are fine with it. What I find unfair is the Friends of Parkland Walk saying I am going to destroy everything - that is such an environmental extremist position. The 2million house, pictured, is not accessible via the road and construction vehicles would need to drive along Parkland Walk nature trail to work at the site A map showing the proposed vehicle access route along Parkland Walk in north London Cathy Meeus, treasurer of Friends of Parkland Walk, said Mr Eiseler is actually a member of the group after signing up when he bought the house, and claimed he even offered to run bird walks. In her official objection, she said: The Parkland Walk provides an invaluable safe open space for use by the public from all parts of the borough and beyond including children and the elderly and unquestionable enhances the quality of life for thousands of users. There can be no question that the council should reject this CMP, which provides no environmental benefit that compensates for the huge loss to public amenity that these works on a single private property would entail. The council confirmed the construction plan was out for consultation until April 5 but even if it is approved it will not be the end of the planning process. A spokesman said Mr Eiseler would then need to put in another application to legally have the covenants lifted before he could send any vehicles along the trail. The spokesman said: The ban on vehicles using Parkland Walk remains in place and we have not received an application to lift this ban, which is separate to the planning process. Parkland Walk, pictured, is protected by council covenants that prevent vehicles using the old railway line A paramedic has spoken out about the excruciating moment she had to wait for her doctors to confirm whether she was HIV positive after being bitten on the nose by a drunk woman. Five years ago, Brisbane-based paramedic Julz Raven was attacked by a HIV and hepatitis C positive woman, who was sentenced to one year in jail. The 41-year-old emergency services worker said she feared for her life not knowing whether she had contracted the deadly virus from the attacker. Scroll down for video Five years ago, paramedic Julz Raven (pictutred) was attacked by a HIV and hepatitis C positive woman 'The psychological stuff that goes with that is just horrendous,' Ms Raven told the Brisbane Times. 'I remember standing there and looking at the screen and the consultant saying, 'I'm so sorry Julz, she's [attacker] got HIV and Hep C' 'Just my whole career flashed. It's devastating. It's one thing to have that physical stuff but man, that emotional thing that goes with it is just horrible.' When the woman walked free from jail about six months after the attack, doctors told Ms Raven that she did not contract the deadly virus. And in January this year, she was allegedly attacked again when she tried to help a drunk woman get off from the floor in a toilet at Regatta Hotel and into an ambulance. Ms Raven said she no longer feels safe in her uniform after she was left with black eyes when she was allegedly punched in the faced and scratched. 'This uniform doesn't protect me at all. In fact, the way I felt after my assault was this uniform kind of allowed someone to use me as a punching bag,' Ms Raven said. The attacks have prompted a $1.35 million campaign to stop violence against hospital staff and paramedics The 41-year-old paramedic had feared for her life not knowing whether she contracted the deadly virus or not Another paramedic also opened up about the horrific ordeal after he was allegedly attacked by a patient on the Gold Coast in December 2015. Brad Johnson said he felt lucky to walk away with all his teeth, nose intact and being able to see out of his right eye but felt the red cross patch on his uniform did not protect him. The rising numbers of attacks on Queensland healthcare workers has prompted a $1.35 million campaign to stop violence against hospital staff and paramedics. However, Mr Johnson said the confronting ads depict a 'sanitised' version of what workers face every day. Brad Johnson said he felt lucky to walk away with all his teeth, nose intact and being able to see out of his eye Mr Johnson opened up about the horrific ordeal after he was allegedly attacked by a patient on the Gold Coast The rising numbers of attacks on Queensland healthcare workers has prompted a $1.35 million campaign 'There was a time when a red cross on your arm would protect you. Sadly, that's not the case any more,' he said. 'If we're fighting for our life, how can we fight for the patient's?' Royal Brisbane Hospital emergency department nurse Lita Olsson said many assaults went unreported because detailing them took too long and meant less time helping patients. Ms Olsson said the 324 recorded incidents at Royal Brisbane's emergency department in 2016 was just 'the tip of the iceberg'. Advertisement These incredible photographs offer a compelling insight into the relaxed pace of life that has developed in Cuba after more than three decades of socialism. Despite the fast changes that are happening in Cuba following its thawing of relations with the U.S., the population is still taking life very slowly - as captured here by photographer Valerio Berdini. Mr Berdini said: 'The headlines speak clear - change is imminent; expectations are high. What the analysis does not seem to touch on is the Cubans. 'In Cuba time passes at a different pace, days do not have the rhythm of a western society. Workers are not taught the concepts of services, efficiency or excellence. 'Competition, the driving force of a capitalist society, is unknown in an economy where, for almost 60 years, people are used to earning their [meagre] salary regardless of their productivity. 'There are few objectives and fewer rewards, the little money is spent in tiny undersupplied shops. People aren't seduced by adverts. The photos show people queuing for food, taking breaks from work and letting the day pass by.' A man speaks on the phone in his bookshop in Old Havana, where he sells books and propaganda posters of the Cuban Revolution A government worker sits at his desk next to a portrait of Fidel Castro, who headed the revolutionary organisation that overthrew the Batista dictatorship Two people work in the office of the PCC (Cuban Communist Party) - the only political group in the country - sit underneath a party slogan A woman stands at the counter of an empty bakery in Santa Clara next to a massive mural celebrating socialist leader Fidel Castro A train driver sits at the wheel next to two cakes to be delivered at a nearby station. The only electric train in Cuba, running from Casablanca off Havana and going east toward Matanzas, was built in 1918 A woman collects eggs at a local shop in Havana. Basic food in Cuba is rationed and every Cuban has the right to five eggs a month Two women chat inside an old pharmacy in Old Havana, where decades of socialism have created a slow way of life Left, a woman exits from a vegetable shop in Havana with her shopping bag, while on the right a man sits in an administrative office of a street shop A woman walks pass a propaganda writing quoting Fidel Castro in a street of the city of Santa Clara A woman sits at a desk of a government office of Santa Clara council. On the wall behind her is a series of acknowledgments for the excellence of the services offered, and a propaganda poster about the philosophy of the revolution A group of children play football on the deserted streets of Havana using improvised goal posts A woman stands near a sign for the 'Committees for the Defense of the Revolution', a network of neighborhood committees across Cuba that exist to promote social welfare and report on 'counter-revolutionary' activity A woman in Old Havana passes by two life-size murals of the country's socialist revolutionary leader Fidel Castro People queuing with empty bottles and bags to get their ratio of oil, rice, sugar and flour. Each has to take their supplies booklet (Libreta de Abastecimiento) in order to receive their monthly allowances A empty shop in Havana sells some fresh bread in addition to a small supply of tobacco and spirits Luiz Antonio Bello Diez, an elderly member of the Cuban revolutionary Army, stands holding a copy of Granma, the country's only newspaper, and his army ID card A saleswoman has a drink during her break while working at a fruit and vegetable shop in Havana. Pictures of Fidel Castro and Che Guevara are seen hanging on the wall A woman sits in front of her elevated home with some old propaganda graffiti still visible along the concrete walls Children in a side street of Old Havana play a makeshift game of baseball using a ball and a hand-made wooden bat An elegantly dressed woman waits inside her home in Santa Clara, a city located in the centre of the Caribbean island Hillary Clinton berated an environmental activist who asked her if she would reject fossil fuel money and keep registered lobbyists away from her White House. The exchange between the presidential hopeful and the activist, who was identified by Greenpeace as an organizer named Eva Resnick-Day according to the New York Daily News, was captured on camera. Resnick-Day asks whether Clinton would forego contributions from the fossil fuel industry. 'I have money from people who work for fossil fuel companies,' Clinton said in the video. 'I'm so sick! I'm so sick of the Sanders' campaign lying about this, I'm sick of it,' Clinton shot back. The sharp exchange came in the days before next Tuesday's Wisconsin primary and ahead of next month's New York primary, where Clinton is favored because of her deep ties to the state. Scroll down for video Confrontation: Greenpeace activist Eva Resnick-Day confronts Hillary Clinton at the event in New York 'I have money from people who work for fossil fuel companies,' Clinton said in the video Greenpeace activist Eva Resnick-Day reportedly asks whether Clinton would forego contributions from the fossil fuel industry. She is pictured above in Facebook photos At the same event Clinton also gave a spirited defense Thursday of her campaign proposals and her lead in the Democratic primaries after she was disrupted by a group of Bernie Sanders supporters ahead of her home state's primary. A few minutes into Clinton's remarks on the campus of Purchase College, about 20 Sanders supporters shouted, 'If she wins, we lose,' and then began walking out. Clinton responded sharply, 'The Bernie people came to say that. We're very sorry you're leaving,' as the crowd chanted, 'I'm with her!' The former New York senator holds a formidable lead among delegates but Sanders hopes a series of recent victories out West might turn into a springboard for a win in Wisconsin. The spats offered a vivid example of Clinton's gulf with some young Democrats, who have brought energy to the Vermont senator's upstart bid. Greenpeace activist Eva Resnick-Day is pictured right during a demo outside the White House Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton made a campaign stop in Purchase, N.Y., where Bernie Sanders supporters shouted 'If she wins, we lose,' at the frontrunner Hillary Clinton said she regretted that young Bernie Sanders supporters 'won't listen to anybody else' and won't look at her record to contrast it with his Hillary Clinton's supporters chanted 'I'm with her!' after the Democratic frontrunner was interrupted at a campaign stop in New York today by fierce Bernie Sanders supporters Sanders spoke at a news conference with union leaders before a campaign stop today in Pittsburgh Clinton said she regretted that the young Sanders supporters 'won't listen to anybody else' and didn't want to hear 'the contrast between my experience, my plans, my vision, what I know I can get done and what my opponent is promising.' Sanders 'goes around telling young people that he's going to give them free college. Well, I wish it were so,' Clinton said. She said the 'fine print' of his plan would require governors to pay a significant share of the cost, an unlikely outcome in a state like Wisconsin, which is led by Republican Gov. Scott Walker. 'I just wish that there were an opportunity to actually talk and listen to each other because we've got to unite when this primary contest is over,' Clinton said. 'We've got to unite and make sure we have a Democrat in the White House.' Sanders campaigned in Pittsburgh, ahead of Pennsylvania's April 26 primary, joining activists with the United Steelworkers union and the letter carrier's union to criticize Clinton's past support of certain trade deals. He called for 'a moral economy, not an economy based on greed and selfishness,' a message that he has used in manufacturing states such as Michigan and Wisconsin. While Hillary Clinton was campaigning in New York today, Bernie Sanders made his first trip to Pennsylvania, heading to Pittsburgh to speak to supporters there , pictured above Sanders said that even when factories don't close, the trade agreements relegate workers in a 'race to the bottom,' with corporations going to unions and forcing them to make concessions under threat of moving out of the country. Sanders campaign said he had raised more than $40million in March and was aiming to surpass $43.5million for the month. Both campaigns face monthly fundraising deadlines at the end of the day. In New York, Clinton reiterated her critique of Sanders' 'Medicare for all' plan, saying it would force Congress to 'start all over again' on health care reform. She also rebuked Republican Donald Trump for saying that women should be 'punished' for having an abortion, comments he quickly backtracked from. Clinton also noted an MSNBC interview in which Sanders suggested Trump's comments were a distraction from serious issues. 'To me this is a very serious issue and it is a very serious discussion,' Clinton said. Clinton's event held some nostalgia for the former first lady and secretary of state, who formally launched her Senate campaign on the campus in February 2000 and lives in nearby Chappaqua. Unaoil has denied corruption, while companies involved have stated their anti-corruption policies and committed to working with investigators U.S. firms Halliburton, former subsidy Kellogg, Brown & Root and Texas firm National Oilwell Varco are all implicated News report claims 'fixer' firm Unaoil paid billions in bribes to help multinational companies secure contracts, including in the Middle East Leaked confidential documents show that oil contracts worth billions were awarded on the basis of bribes, many organised by a 'fixer' company known as Unaoil, run by Ata Ahsani (pictured) The FBI and Justice Department have launched an investigation into alleged oil industry corruption worth billions of dollars after American companies were implicated in leaked documents. American authorities will be investigating alongside their British and Australian counterparts after an investigation by Huffington Post uncovered an alleged bribery racket stretching around the globe. Leaked documents obtained by HuffPo show government contracts worth billions were awarded on the basis of bribes, many organised by a 'fixer' company known as Unaoil, it is reported. The news report, produced alongside Fairfax, said bribes were paid on behalf of many major international companies across Asia, Europe, the United States and Australia. U.S. giant Halliburton and its former subsidiary Kellogg, Brown & Root are implicated, along with Texas firm National Oilwell Varco, Singapore conglomerate Keppel, Norways Aker Kvaerner and giant Turkish joint venture GATE. Individual executives and managers from Halliburton and Kellogg Brown & Root, which split in 2007, knew or suspected that Unaoil was acting corruptly to win contracts in Kazakhstan, it is reported. Meanwhile managers from Italian firm Eni, Spanish Firm Tecnicas Reunidas, French firm Technip, drilling giant MI-SWACO and British company Rolls-Royce actively supported bribery and were offered or pocketed their own bribes, it is alleged. U.S. defense giant Honeywell and Australian firm Leighton Offshore agreed to hide bribes inside fraudulent contracts in Iraq, the news report claims. Unaoil, which is incorporated in Monaco but based in the British Virgin Islands, posited itself as providing 'industrial solutions to the energy sector in the Middle East, Central Asia and Africa.' Essentially the company's job was to help international firms win contracts in parts of the world where they didn't operate and had no local expertise. The company, run by Ata's sons Cyrus (left) and Saman (right), is based in Monaco and helps firms secure contracts in parts of the world where they don't operate. But leaked documents allegedly show many of these contracts were secured using bribes While it is common for large, global companies to use such a fixer service, documents acquired by HuffPo and Fairfax show Unaoil was winning these contracts by bribing corrupt local officials. In one case, it is claimed, money was paid to middlemen in a bid to influence senior Iraqi officials - including the deputy prime minister - in order to win more than $1.3billion in oil contracts. Similar deals were arranged in Yemen, UAE, Kuwait, Syria, Libya and Iran, the report says, fueling corruption and resentment which was one of the leading causes of the Arab Spring. The leaked files allegedly indicate representatives of the companies sometimes believed they were hiring genuine lobbyists when the outside persons involved were involved in paying bribes. In some cases businesses did not believe bribery was occurring, in others they ignored it, but some were fully aware and participating actively, the news report alleges. At the centre of many of the deals is Unaoil, which allegedly uses its connections and relationships to influence others and help companies win lucrative government contracts. The extent of the corruption in the oil industry was reported to be vast, with The Age branding it 'the world's biggest bribery scandal'. Ten years ago, it is believed those running Unaoil, the family business said to be responsible for providing the bribery services, had 190m between them in cash, shares and property. It is run by the Ahsani family, father Ata and sons Cyrus and Saman, and based in Monaco. U.S. giant Halliburton and its former subsidiary Kellogg, Brown & Root are implicated, along with Texas firm National Oilwell Varco (file image) According to HuffPo, techniques used by the company's employees may include bribing officials, organising rigged tender committees, avoiding the tender process altogether, or leaking information. Unaoil earned its money by securing a percentage stake in all profits generated by a deal its 'fixers' helped to establish, the report claims. Having secured its own cut in advance, the company then used a portion of that money to pay bribes to relevant officials, before keeping the rest for itself, it is claimed. Unaoil owner Ata Ahsani was quoted as denying any wrongdoing, saying the company 'absolutely' does not bribe officials. Judith Nibbs, 60, was killed by Dempsey Nibbs in her north London home Nibbs admitted he killed Judith, pictured, but claims he acted in self-defence A Meals on Wheels worker who was decapitated by her husband told a colleague that she needed to keep a knife under her pillow to protect herself from him, a court has heard. Crane driver Dempsey Nibbs, 69, killed Judith Nibbs after she flashed her breasts on Skype and boasted of having sex with 'eight men'. He decapitated her with a kitchen knife and then mutilated it with a mallet before flushing the remains down the toilet. Nibbs had become increasingly jealous of his wife after their relationship soured and they began sleeping in separate rooms. The victim, 60, was a bubbly person who was always laughing, her colleague Halcyon Wilby told the court. Her partner was a model employee at Balfour Beatty and his workmates were stunned to hear of the allegations against him. The couples problems developed after Nibbs suffered from prostate cancer and was fitted with a colostomy bag. Nibbs had began demanding to know who his partner was speaking to on the phone and she had told friends they were splitting up. She said they had an argument and he grabbed her by the throat, Ms Wilby said. He also mentioned a shotgun he had in the house and said he wanted to find it to sell it. He was drunk and accusing her of things. When he mentioned the shotgun as well she was a little bit concerned, said Ms Wilby. She said he was a big person, quite strong. She said she probably wouldnt be able to get away from him. Prosecutor Crispin Aylett asked: Did she mention the knife? Ms Nibbs' body is carried out of her home. Despite Nibbs claiming he was out of his mind, there was no evidence that he was suffering from mental illness Mr Nibbs allegedly broke her skull into pieces and flushed the remains down the toilet after she boasted of having sex with 'eight men' Ms Wilby replied: She said she might need to sleep with something under her pillow. I was very concerned for her. She would just laugh it off. Her son found evidence of her cheating on her computer and when she was confronted by Nibbs she bragged about her lovers. Nibbs called police after killing his partner and turned the knife on himself but was stopped from committing suicide by officers despite Nibbs wielding a shotgun. Forensics arrive at the scene, where Nibbs decapitated his wife with a kitchen knife and then mutilated it with a mallet before flushing the remains down the toilet He repeatedly stabbed himself and was in hospital for a year. Nibbs admits the killing on the night of between 9 and 12 April 2014 but claims he acted in self-defence during a struggle. He later claimed he was out of his mind believing Ms Nibbs, who took his name and had his two children despite never marrying, was a snake and that he needed to cut her head off. Nibbs, of Charles Square Estate, Shoreditch, east London, denies murder and obstructing the coroner by disposing of her decapitated head. Advertisement This is the first trailer for the BBC's new Top Gear series which features a load of speed demons, bangers and grumpy old men. The 60-second teaser shows an array of supercars and classic automobiles - from the McLaren 675LT to the Ferrari F12 TDF, to the three-wheeled Reliant Rialto. Car enthusiasts will not be disappointed as the likes of the Aston Martin Vulcan, Zenos E10 and Ariel Nomad are put through their paces around the track. There was no sign of doing doughnuts by a Cenotaph in London, which caused controversy in the filming of the new series. The BBC has unveiled the first teaser trailer for the brand new series of Top Gear featuring new presenters Chris Evans and Matt LeBlanc (pictured) The clip also shows new host Chris Evans looking a bit queasy as co-presenter Sabine Schmitz takes him for a spin - and she is forced to pull over and let him out of her pristine red Audi R8 to vomit The new Top Gear series featuring an Aston Martin Vulcan at Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi. The trailer for the revamped show was released today Pictured is a Land Rover Defender Series 1 (right) abd a Reliant Rialto (left), which features in the new Top Gear trailer The clip also shows new host Chris Evans looking a bit queasy as co-presenter Sabine Schmitz takes him for a spin - and she is forced to pull over and let him out of her pristine red Audi R8 to vomit. Co-host Matt LeBlanc is shown 'driving' a Reliant three-wheeler from London to Blackpool - although he is stuck on the back of a recovery truck on the M6 after it breaks down. Scowling in his coat and American flag helmet and sneezing in the cold, he complains: 'I'm going to have a good long talk with the wardrobe department. With a stick. A big stick.' The former Friends star broke down in a retail outlet car park in Staffordshire and was forced to make an unplanned pit stop in his stars-and-stripes emblazoned car part-way through the motor show's London to Blackpool challenge. He was meant to be racing co-host Evans, whose car was covered with the Union flag. Jenson Button also makes an appearance, giving Evans a spin around the track in a bright green McLaren 675LT. Included in the trailer are clips from filming in the UK, US, Morocco, France and the UAE. A Dodge Viper ACR with a Browning machine-gun roof attachment makes an appearance in Nevada, while a yellow Ford Mustang is shown in Scotland. Car fans will be able to spot an orange Ariel Nomad in Morocco and a Ferrari F12 TDF at Paul Ricard circuit in France. Chris Evans is seen about jump out of the car to be sick after feeling sick because of Sabine Schmitz's driving in California Pictured is new Top Gear host Chris Evans about to be sick after being driven by Sabine Schmitz at Laguna Seca, California Chris Evans moments after being sick whilst being driven by Sabine Schmitz at Laguna Seca, California BBC's all-new Top Gear series featuring a Dodge Viper ACR at Fallon Naval Air Station, Nevada Pictured is Chris Evans (left) and Jenson Button (right) in a trailer for the new BBC series of Top Gear However, there is no footage from Kazakhstan - as a big budget Top Gear trip had to be cancelled when the team were not permitted to fly from Moscow. It was revealed yesterday that, after a dispute between the airline and Kazakhstan, flights were grounded and the Top Gear team were not able to get any further than the Russian capital. They were forced to return to London empty-handed. The BBC said: 'Through no fault of the Top Gear team, the airline carrying them was not permitted to fly from Moscow to Kazakhstan and so they returned to London. 'They intend to visit Kazakhstan in the future to shoot the planned film there. The BBC will be looking to recoup the cost of the flights.' There is no footage from Kazakhstan - as a big budget Top Gear trip had to be cancelled when the team were not permitted to fly from Moscow. Pictured is Jenson Button in a McLaren 675LT Pictured is a motorbike jumping over an Ariel Nomad in Morocco. The shot features in Top Gear's first trailer ahead of the revamped series The clip also features former Friends star LeBlanc driving a Reliant three-wheeler from London to Blackpool and a Dodge Viper ACR with a Browning machine-gun attached to its roof being driven at a military base in Nevada Top Gear series featuring two Dodge Viper ACR cars at Fallon Naval Air Station, Nevada (with Browning machine-gun roof attachments) Of course, it wouldn't be Top Gear without The Stig. The new series, which features Chris Evans and Matt LeBlanc launches in May Screen-grabbed image taken from the first teaser trailer for the BBC's all-new Top Gear series featuring Chris Evans and Jenson Button in a McLaren 675LT (pictured) A Lego Stig was seen on the dashboard of one of the cars and it features in the first teaser trailer for the new series of Top Gear Also not included is footage of Matt LeBlanc and rally driver Ken Block performing 'doughnuts' around the Cenotaph in London. The stunt caused an uproar, with Evans apologising and promising the footage would not be aired. She swept President Obama off his feet when they tangoed together during his visit to Argentina last week. And now 43-year-old professional dancer Mora Godoy has admitted she was actually told not to dance with the American leader but did it anyway. 'It wasn't in the protocol. To tell you the truth, it was forbidden for me to ask him to dance,' said Godoy, who became an instant sensation when photos emerged of her and Obama dancing and dipping after a state dinner in Buenos Aires. Tango dancer Mora Godoy, who danced with President Obama at a state dinner last week during his visit to Argentina Ms Godoy has now admitted that she was told not to ask the president to dance but decided to do it anyway 'This is why everyone was surprised, especially President Mauricio Macri, who then supported my invitation.' What President Obama may not have known at the time is that Ms Godoy previously appeared on the July 2006 cover of Playboy, and was fully nude in an accompanying spread. Ms Godoy had prepared an Argentine tango for the guests to enjoy at the dinner but was told she was not to invite the president on to the dance floor. But during her performance, the dancer said she decided to throw caution to the wind and ask Obama if he would join in with her. Although the president at first seemed hesitant, he accepted the invitation, creating a moment that went viral on social media. Ms Godoy has said that when she approached the president, he seemed hesitant at first and was unsure about dancing Ms Godoy has said that when she approached the president, he seemed hesitant at first and was unsure about dancing but turned out to be a good dancer She told the Farandula Show in Argentina: 'These things don't happen everyday. They can happen in your life or not.' She later added; 'President Obama was totally surprised. He said "Ok, but I don't know how to dance. I'll follow you". He's an exceptional dancer.' It was not just President Obama who got to show off some moves either, with First Lady Michelle Obama also taking some time to tango. She was swept off her feet by Ms Godoy's partner, Jose Lugones, that evening in Buenos Aires. 'Michelle was the star of the evening. She was very happy because she danced. She thanked me when her dance was done,' said Ms Godoy. Mr Godoy is one of the most renowned dancers in South America and appeared on the July 2006 cover of Playboy (above) And despite how steamy Ms Godoy's dance with President Obama may have appeared, thanks in large part to her gold sequined dress with a large slit, she said that she actually toned down the sensuality of her moves. However, she did not turn down the sensuality when she appeared in Playback in 2006, being featured on the cover wearing nothing but a fedora as she sat backwards on a chair. Inside she also showed off some of her tango moves topless. Meanwhile, not everybody was as impressed with Obama's tango as his dance partner. Republican politicians including presidential candidates Donald Trump and Ted Cruz repeatedly called for the president to return home in the wake of the Brussels terrorist attacks last Tuesday. President Obama instead decided to finish his trip to Cuba before heading to Argentina and then returning home. A couple have been protesting a bike lane planned for road outside their home by refusing to move their car from the kerb. Barry and Lynne Ryans utility vehicle was in roadside parking outside their home when council workers painted a yellow line along Wynnum Road to indicate parking was no longer legal on the strip in east Brisbane. But they couldnt paint where the car was parked, and council workers planned to fill the gap once the couple drove off, Courier Mail reported. But the Ryans have refused to budge in a stand-off lasting months, keeping the council from finishing the yellow line and the bike lane from reaching completion. Barry and Lynne Ryan have been protesting a bike lane planned for road outside their home by refusing to move their car from the kerb (pictured) Brisbane Council was stumped for months, unable to fine or tow the car where there was no yellow line making the park legal. And Mrs Ryan said if the council tried to tow the car, shed be in it. Its not the size of the dog in the fight, its the size of the fight in the dog, she told Triple M Brisbanes Marto and Ed Kavalee. The stand-off appeared to be over on Thursday morning when Mrs Ryan discovered a vigilante council worker had connected the gap in the paint beneath their car through the night (street pictured) However, it later came to light the worker who painted in moonlight did not have proper approval to proceed (the couple's car pictured on the street) The stand-off appeared to be over on Thursday morning when Mrs Ryan discovered a vigilante council worker had connected the gap in the paint beneath their car through the night. Mrs Ryan was not impressed. Id like to give him a three out of 10 for a s*** job, she told Triple M. However, it later came to light the worker who painted in moonlight did not have proper approval to proceed. A spokeswoman for Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the line would be removed until the council has undertaken further community consultation, according to Courier Mail. Mrs Ryan said they were unaware of the planned bike lane when they purchased their home in October. However, consultation was sought in a community newsletter in February last year. In recent weeks, Mrs Ryan gathered 87 signatures from locals against the change. The couple have insisted they arent against cyclists, but were instead protesting the elimination of roadside parking from their street. Peter Allott, 37, pictured, admitted possessing more than 260 images and videos of child sexual abuse The deputy head of an independent Roman Catholic school is facing jail after he admitted possessing hundreds of images of child sexual abuse. Peter Allott, 37, kept the material on his iPhone and a hard drive which were found in his office at the 15,000-per year St Benedicts School in Ealing, west London. More than 260 images and videos were found on the devices, Blackfriars Crown Court heard. Allott was arrested last December by officers from the National Crime Agencys Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command acting on intelligence that an individual had been using video conferencing facilities to share indecent images of children with others. The former Tory councillor admitted possessing, showing and making category A indecent images of children and possessing extreme pornography. Allott began working as a teacher at St Benedicts in 2004 and was promoted to deputy head in 2012. The school has previously been attended by comedian Julian Clary, BBC chairman Lord Patten and actor Andy Serkis. St Benedicts and the linked Benedictine monastery, Ealing Abbey, faced a scandal over a failure to protect pupils in 2011. An inquiry was launched in which five monks and three former teachers were linked to child abuse, though Allott was not one of them. In a statement released after Allott was charged a spokesman for St Benedicts School said: As a result of these charges Mr Allott will be suspended from his duties and instructed to avoid contact with anyone from the school. He has since resigned from his position at the school. The school was in contact with his solicitor about his suspension and they told us he was resigning. Allott was deputy head at independent Roman Catholic St Benedict's School in Ealing, west London, pictured Among notable alumni from the school are comedian Julian Clary, left, BBC chairman Lord Patten, centre and actor Andy Serkis, right Allott, of no fixed address, is now expected to be sentenced on 5 May. Matt Sutton from the NCAs CEOP Command said: Whilst there is no evidence that Peter Allott abused his position of trust at his place of work, we consider he posed a significant risk due to nature of the images he was sharing. A disabled man inadvertently sparked a terrorism alert at a California bank after trying to pay the man who walks his service dog 'Dash'. Bruce Francis, 55, a salesman who lives in San Francisco, found himself at the center of a terror probe after trying to make an online payment of $374 from his Chase account to his dog walker. As he has been doing for two years, Francis wrote 'Dash' under the notes section on the payment form to indicate what the money was for, and thought nothing else of it. Bruce Francis, 55, a salesman who lives in San Francisco and suffers from muscular dystrophy, inadvertently sparked a terror alert at Chase bank because of the name of his service dog, Dash Francis was trying to pay to his dog walker online and put 'Dash' in the notes section of the payment form, but it was flagged up to the U.S. Treasury Department because of its similarity to Daesh, a name for ISIS However, according to KTVU San Francisco, 10 days later the walker messaged Francis to complain that he still hadn't received his money. Francis investigated and found that his payment had been flagged to the U.S. Treasury Department, who had placed a note on the transaction asking him to 'explain what Dash means'. After calling the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), Francis was told the payment was blocked because the word Dash is similar to Daesh - the Arabic acronym for terrorist group ISIS. Rather than trying to pay his dog walker officials thought Francis, who suffers from muscular dystrophy and relies on nine-year-old Dash to help him around the house, was trying to funnel money to the terror group. He told the New York Daily News: 'The idea that my dog is a terrorist is pretty funny. Seriously, the only thing Dash could terrorize is a roast chicken.' Daesh is a name that is increasingly being used to refer to terror group ISIS and is an acronym derived from the group's Arabic name. After his dog walker complained the payment hadn't come through, Francis checked his online bank account and found a note asking him to explain what 'Dash' was referring to Daesh is a name for terror group ISIS derived from its Arabic name. The term is increasingly being used by world leaders to describe the group because its members find it offensive (file image) The group has threatened to cut out the tongues of anyone using the term because it is similar to the Arabic words daes, meaning 'to crush underfoot', and dahes, meaning 'one who sows discord'. Commonly used by Arabic opponents to ISIS, the term is now common among western leaders, and is John Kerry's preferred term, despite security services still favoring the abbreviation ISIL. Francis said that once he had explained the mix-up the payment was released, although to avoid future problems, he won't be using the dog's name on banking forms again. A spokesman for Chase said: 'If a name on the OFAC list appears on a payment, we are required to review it. He was identified after a social media campaign by the towing company The man then attacks the driver through the truck door and spits on him Footage emerged of an attack where a man punches the windshield The 27-year-old said he and the victim had reconciled since the attack A man accused of a frightening road rage attack where he allegedly cracked a truck windscreen and spat on the driver has brushed off the incident after he claims the victim apologised to him. Coby Jones, 27, faced court on Thursday after footage of the violent attack in Caboolture, located between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast emerged last month. Outside court, Jones told a 7 News reporter that he had reconciled with the tow truck driver since the incident. Scroll down for video The man in the footage is seen leaving his car to attack the tow truck and its driver during a violent road rage incident Dashcam footage caught the incident and shows a man in a Hyundai hatch pull over in front of the tow truck on a highway The man yells at the driver and then violently punch the windscreen before attacking the victim through the driver-side door Coby Jones (pictured) who is accused of a frightening road rage attack where he allegedly cracked a truck windscreen and spat on the driver has brushed off the incident after he claims the victim apologised to him 'Oh he's just speeding up my a**** in a 60km zone you know, everyone knows it's a 60km zone so it's all good,' Jones said. 'It's definitely a misunderstanding I spoke to him a few days ago and he apologised to me for ticking me off so, hey Mum, love ya'. Dashcam footage caught the incident and shows a man in a Hyundai hatch pull over in front of the tow truck on a highway, yell at the driver and then violently punch the windscreen before attacking the victim through the driver-side door. Coby Jones, 27, faced court on Thursday after footage of the violent attack in Caboolture, located between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast emerged last month A social media appeal for help by Clayton's Towing to find the man who assaulted their tow truck driver was shared more than 2500 times after it was posted on March 2. 'This man went into a severe rage episode, turning his vehicle towards our truck, cracking the windscreen, kicking the door in and assaulting our staff member through the driver window,' the post read. After the man was identified, Clayton Towing thanked the community for overwhelming support. A man is seen attacking the tow truck driver through the driver-side door during the frightening road rage incident After the man was identified, Clayton Towing thanked the community for overwhelming support Outside court, Jones told a 7 News reporter that he had reconciled with the tow truck driver since the incident 'Thank you...we have now informed police who the person is,' the post read. 'It is so great to see that so many people in our community do care, and want to work together to stop rage incidents like this happening again.' Jones is expected to front court again this month. 'Hey Mum, love ya' - Jones appeared jovial and pleased to speak with reporters after leaving court on Thursday Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump stopped in Washington on Thursday for a rare sit-down meeting with Reince Priebus, the chairman of the Republican National Committee, just two days after telling a national TV audience that the GOP has treated him 'unfairly.' Trumpworld has been buzzing with strategic and tactical talk about the party possibly aiding rival Ted Cruz in his bid to poach convention delegates from Trump in places like Louisiana, where Trump won the March 5 primary but intra-party maneuvering helped Cruz emerge with more delegates. And a larger issue still looms over the Republican presidential primary race whether or not party elites will try to sideline Trump if he arrives at July's nominating convention in Cleveland with a strong delegate lead but not a clear majority. 'I have been treated very unfairly ... I think by, basically, the RNC,' Trump said Tuesday night during a town hall event broadcast on CNN. THE BIG MEETING: Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump waved as he got into his vehicle in Washington on Thursday, following a meeting at the Republican National Committee with Reince Priebus CLASH? Trump and Priebus (right) spoke at a March 3 debate sponsored by Fox News at the Fox Theatre in Detroit, Michigan A rumored smoke-filled room of establishment figures, the story goes, is plotting to keep Trump from registering 1,237 votes on the convention's first ballot the slimmest possible majority and plans to insert an outsider in his place who hasn't stood for election in any primary this year. The party's current convention rules would prohibit that. They require anyone who wants his name placed in nomination for the presidency to first win primaries in at least eight states or U.S. territories. That rule was written in 2012 to stop maverick congressman Ron Paul of Texas from staging a floor fight with the eventual victor, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. But the RNC's Rules Committee will meet in Cleveland before the convention begins, and could change the parameters to open the door for Romney, House Speaker Paul Ryan, or any number of other would-be candidates whom centrist Republicans see as more palatable than the pugnacious Trump. 'We'll see what happens,' Trump said Tuesday, 'but I think you'd have a lot of very upset people if that happened.' In the same town hall, Trump said he was abandoning an earlier pledge to support the eventual Republican nominee if it is not him. It's in this toxic, tense emotional soup that Trump and Priebus sat down Thursday at the RNC's headquarters near the U.S. Capitol. ROCK, HARD PLACE: Priebus is in a tough spot trying to keep his moderate coalition in line while catering to Trump, who has brought millions of new voters into the GOP tent PLEDGE? WHAT PLEDGE? Trump said during a CNN town hall broadcast this week that he was no longer promising to support the Republican presidential nominee if it's not him A Trump spokesperson did not respond to a request for information about their discussion. But the billionaire tweeted afterward: 'Just had a very nice meeting with @Reince Priebus and the @GOP. Looking forward to bringing the Party together and it will happen!' Barry Bennett, an adviser to the Trump campaign, said on MSNBC that the meeting was about Trump helping the party raise money. 'The meeting is to help the RNC,' he said. The party said in a statement that Priebus and Trump 'had a productive conversation about the state of the race.' 'The Chairman is in constant communication with all of the candidates and their campaigns about the primaries, general election, and the convention. Meeting and phone conversations with candidates and their campaigns are common and will increase as we get closer to November,' the statement read. Trump also met with Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions and other members of his foreign policy team Thursday in Washington, following a series of statements by the real estate tycoon on national security issues that have drawn criticism. In recent interviews, Trump has declared the NATO alliance obsolete, described Saudi Arabia as too dependent on the United States and said Japan and South Korea may need to develop their own nuclear programs because the U.S. security umbrella is too costly to maintain. In an MSNBC town hall on Wednesday, Trump did not rule out the potential use of nuclear weapons in Europe or the Middle East to combat militants aligned with the ISIS terror army. 'I would never take any of my cards off the table,' he said, sounding more like a confident negotiator than an image-conscious politician. Max Boot, a conservative national security expert and member of the Council on Foreign Relations, wrote in Commentary Magazine this week that Trump is 'singularly unqualified to be commander-in-chief.' 'With Trump in command, our enemies would have a field day Moscow and Beijing must be licking their chops at his desire to abandon U.S. allies in Europe and Asia and our friends would face mortal threats. If that isn't the single biggest threat to U.S. security, I don't know what is,' Boot wrote. But in The National Interest, a competing journal, University of California-Irvine professor Peter Navarro came to Trump's defense. 'Those who insist Donald Trump has no foreign policy are simply not listening,' Navarro wrote. Police at Brussels airport have claimed at least 50 Islamic State supporters are working there as baggage handlers, cleaners and catering staff. In an astonishing open letter, the officers said they have warned about the terrorist sympathisers whose security badges give them access to planes, but they remain employed. The airport police, who are threatening to go on strike because of security deficiencies, also said they have raised the issue of terrorists scouting the airport to plan possible attacks. Police at Brussels airport have claimed at least 50 Islamic State supporters are working there as baggage handlers, cleaners and catering staff. A soldier is pictured at the airport today The extraordinary claims come after the Mail reported how the family of two of the bombers involved in the attacks last week said they had worked as cleaners at the airport. Some people suspected of having fought in Syria came to the airport as false tourists. We reported their presence but we do not know if anything was done with that information, the airport police wrote in their letter. The officers said they had raised suspicions about certain staff members including those who apparently celebrated after the Paris attacks in November that killed 130 people. When we checked these people, we were surprised more than once. It was men with a radical ideology and a long police history, the officers continued. Even today, there are at least 50 supporters of the Islamic state who work at the airport. They have a security badge and have access to the cockpit of a plane. In an astonishing open letter, the officers said they have warned about the terrorist sympathisers whose security badges give them access to planes, but they remain employed In the past, a number of people had their badges revoked because they had IS sympathies. But clearly not everyone, especially in store personnel, cleaning services and baggage where we find the most suspicious people. Police raised concerns about inadequate security at the airport just four days before the attack took place. The Belgian police union, NSPV, told the interior ministry on Friday 18 March that they would go on strike unless it was improved. Alain Peeters, the general secretary, said: The sad events of 22 March demonstrate that our concerns are justified. We demand more security and more staff. Officers have said that they will not return to work when the airport re-opens unless staffing numbers are increased and that no vehicles can approach within 100 metres of the temporary check-in hall that is being built. The airport police, who are threatening to go on strike because of security deficiencies, also said they have raised the issue of terrorists scouting the airport to plan possible attacks The police have complained that they are not sufficiently resourced and do not have enough new uniforms to go around let alone the most up-to-date weapons. An uncle of Ibrahim and Khalid el-Bakraoui last week told how the brothers had been employed at the airport and would have gained intimate knowledge of the terminal destroyed in the carnage. The man, who asked not to be named, told the Mail: 'They worked cleaning at the airport and in a restaurant. They didn't finish high school in the end. They cleaned the airport in the summer months.' Ibrahim, 29, and bomb-maker Najim Laachraoui detonated suitcase bombs in the airport. A third man, only known as the man in the hat or the man in white was also seen on airport CCTV but ran when his bomb failed to explode. worker's union now urges the Connecticut Supreme Court to rule to reinstate him A lawyer for a labor union urged the Connecticut Supreme Court on Thursday to rule that the firing of a state worker caught using marijuana on the job was too harsh a punishment and he should be reinstated. Gregory Linhoff was fired from his maintenance job at the University of Connecticut Health Center in Farmington in 2012 after a police officer caught him smoking pot in a state vehicle. He had no previous disciplinary problems since being hired in 1998 and had received favorable job evaluations, according to his labor union. He was arrested, but the charges were later dismissed. Gregory Linhoff was fired from his job at the University of Connecticut Health Center in 2012 after getting caught smoking cannabis FILE PHOTO: A man lights a cannabis cigarette. A Connecticut union is arguing that it was wrong for a maintenance worker to lose his job over smoking pot Linhoff appealed the discipline to an arbitrator, who ruled the firing was too extreme and Linhoff instead should be suspended without pay for six months and subjected to random drug and alcohol testing for one year. The arbitrator said that while state rules and policies on drug and alcohol use allow for firing first-time offenders like Linhoff, they do not mandate it. The state appealed to a Superior Court judge, who overturned the arbitrator's decision on the grounds that it violated Connecticut's public policy against marijuana use. Linhoff's union, the Connecticut Employees Union Independent SEIU, appealed the judge's ruling to the Supreme Court, which is expected to rule in a few months. Barbara Collins, an attorney representing the union, argued that the trial judge was wrong. The state attorney general's office said a decision in favor of the union would send a worrisome message that the state tolerates drug use and other criminal activity by state workers on the job. At the time Linhoff was fired, he was seeking treatment for depression, stress and anxiety because his wife had filed for divorce and he had a cancer scare; he believed smoking pot helped to alleviate his worries, according to Collins. Public records show that he has never married and is childless Cavalcoli worked at the University of Michigan for 13 years He thought he had been communicating with the boy's father online, but it was actually a sting set up by law enforcement Cavalcoli was arrested at a Florida hotel in August where he planned to meet a man and his 14-year-old son for sex His father David spoke in court, saying the good his son has contributed to society as a cancer researcher should impact his sentence The former University of Michigan assistant professor pleaded guilty in January to charges of attempting to have sex with a minor James Cavalcoli, 51, was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Wednesday James Cavalcoli, 51 (pictured), was sentenced to 10 years in prison for attempting to have sex with a 14-year-old boy A former University of Michigan assistant professor was sentenced on Wednesday to 10 years in prison. James Cavalcoli, 51, was arrested in August at a Florida hotel where he thought he was meeting another man and that man's 14-year-old son to have sex. But the meeting was in fact set up by law enforcement and he pleaded guilty in January to charges of attempting to coerce or entice a minor to engage in sexual activity and traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual contact. At his sentencing hearing on Wednesday, Cavalcoli's father spoke in court, condemning the fact that his son would be sentenced to the minimum mandatory sentence for the crime. David Cavalcoli, from Buffalo, New York, said his son's 'personal history and contributions to society' as a cancer researcher should impact his sentence. 'Our family has never had any occasion to be in a court of law prior to this,' Mr Cavalcoli said, according to the Sun Sentinel. 'As his dad and best friend, I have nurtured and guided my son his entire life,' the father continued, as he started to cry. Over a 20-month period, James Cavalcoli communicated online with an undercover police officer posing as a fellow 'bl' (boy lover) with a then-13-year-old son, and frequently discussed his fetish for boys aged 'tween' or 'teen with older'. He also sent sexually explicit messages to the father named 'Jim' - who also worked for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement - and eventually asked him if he and his son wished to meet him for sex, it is said. Cavalcoli was arrested at this Florida hotel on August 7, 2015. He thought he was meeting a 14-year-old boy and his father but the meeting had actually been set up as a police sting In response, 'Jim' agreed to meet him, but warned him that there would have to be 'no pain' if he had sex with the young boy. Cavalcoli allegedly told the man: 'I'm glad you're looking out for your boy!' The former Pfizer employee then packed condoms and lubricant for his illicit trip to Weston, Florida. He also took along several digital devices, including a laptop, authorities told NBC. Shortly before he arrived at his destination, Cavalcoli allegedly sent 'Jim' a panicked text message saying he was 'nervous' and asking for reassurance that the man was not 'police or FBI affiliated'. However, he also said he was 'excited' and decided to make the trip despite the risk. The pair had arranged to meet at Bonaventure Resort & Spa in Weston before traveling to the father's home, where Cavalcoli would engage in sex with the young boy, it is alleged. However, when Cavalcoli arrived at the spa, FBI agents, officers and deputies were waiting. He immediately confessed to his actions and said he 'regretted' his trip, police said. He had worked for the University of Michigan for around 13 years at the time of his arrest. According to a bio on the university's website - which has now been deleted - the professor was an 'enthusiastic teacher' who has 'broad experience' in computational medicine and bioinformatics. He studied Biology at Iowa State University, before going on to undertake a PhD in Molecular Virology at Louisiana State University. He also worked as a Bioinformatics Group Leader for Pfizer. According to public records, Cavalcoli has never been married and is childless. He grew up in Hamburg, New York, and has only ever lived alone, or with his parents. Advertisement The infamous house with an enormous water tank towering behind that was mysteriously missing from real estate ad photographs has sold - but not for as much as the owner's had hoped. The three-bedroom Penshurst property in Sydney's south sold well below its initial asking price of $1.1million, fetching a more modest $870,000. The Ray White Rockdale listing made headlines across the country in February when a photo taken from the front of the house showed no trace of the monstrous water tower that booms behind it. The three-bedroom Penshurst property in south Sydney that made headlines in February for its property listing photograph which showed no sign of the enormous water tower behind it has sold Now you see it...The newly renovated home sold well below its initial asking price of $1.1 million, with a more modest sale at $870,000 in early March Prospective buyers accused the realtors of deceptively retouching the photograph by editing the water tower out. The agents insisted the photo had merely been taken from an angle, and a Department of Fair Trading investigation found it was strategic rather than deceptive. The real estate agency later replaced the image with one that clearly showed the enormous, heritage listed tower. It was last sold in 2014 for $780,000, and for $600,000 in 2010, Daily Telegraph reported. Daily Mail Australia photographed the home from an angle so low it was taken almost at the ground. The water tower is still visible, however, Ray White Rockdale denied their image had been digitally altered One property hunter, Molly Smyth, accused real estate agents of airbrushing the huge watertower from pictures of the property. Agents hyped the home as 'the most affordable home in the St. George area' and said it 'must be sold'. The property has three 'spacious' bedrooms, polished timber floors, newly renovated bathrooms and gas cooking. The agents said it is only 500m from the train station, close to local schools, shops and cafes, has a modern kitchen and elevated walls. NSW Fair Trading said that Under the Property, Stock and Business Agents Act 2002, real estate agencies could face a hefty fine of up to $22,000 for advertising false, misleading or deceptive material. 'Agents must ensure that any claims made about any property or land characteristics in any photographic representations and advertising are accurate and could not give prospective buyers the wrong impression,' the NSW Fair Trading website reads. 'Photographs of properties which have been touched up to hide undesirable characteristics or enhance other features could mislead consumers. 'Accordingly, agents must ensure that photographs are not used in a manner that may lead to implied representations that are false or involve misleading or deceptive conduct.' Now you don't... This picture was taken by Ray White from the front of the house in a bid to prove the picture wasn't photoshopped A second image by Daily Mail Australia taken closer to the home, with a low angle, managed to hide the water tower. However, only three rungs of the verandah roof are visible, while four are visible in the realtor's photograph. It is possible the realtor's image was taken from a low angle and manipulated to make the home appear front on The enormous water tower is visible from the street at Penshurst Avenue in Penshurst, south Sydney The reality: The home backs on to a huge water tower in south Sydney, satellite pictures show Real estate agencies could face a hefty fine of up to $22,000 for advertising misleading or deceptive material - though it was not found to be It seems the seller has gone to great lengths to subtly hide the large object, with a patio shot showing the water tower nowhere in sight Molly Smith and her husband made the shocking discovery of a huge water tower overshadowing a property when they inspected it in February Behind bars: Douglas Allison, 55, is accused of raping two of his students, aged 10 and 11 The principal of a small Christian school in Washington is currently behind bars on accusations that he raped and molested two young female students. Police began investigating Douglas Allison, 55, of Mountain View Christian School - which is operated by the Seventh-Day Adventist Church - after a 10-year-old girl told her parents he had repeatedly sexually assaulted at the school over the course of the school year. During the investigation, police say they uncovered another victim, who is 11. There are only about 13 students at the school, where Allison's wife acts as the sole teacher. Police do not believe there are any other victims. 'The second victim disclosed to detectives she had been sexually assaulted in similar fashion by Allison,' a police press release said. Allison's wife is not under investigation. According to the Mountain View Christian School website, he teaches grades 5 through 8. He as booked into the Clallam County Corrections Facility on four counts of first-degree child rape and 12 counts of first-degree child molestation. 'We are taking care of our students by putting in respected and trusted teachers to take over the teaching responsibilities': Church spokeswoman Becky Meharry said the school is working with police Scene: Mountain View Christian School in Sequim, Washington, only has about 13 students and is run by Douglas Allison and his wife A spokeswoman for the Seventh-day Adventist Church said on Wednesday night that Allison had been placed on administrative leave pending the investigation. 'We just want you to know that the health and safety of our students is of course our priority,' Becky Meharry told Q13 Fox news. 'We are cooperating with the police with their investigation.' 'As soon as we were notified by the police that there was an investigation underway the principal was put on administrative leave. We are taking care of our students by putting in respected and trusted teachers to take over the teaching responsibilities, and providing counseling and car for families that have been affected.' Sheriff's Deputies are working in cooperation with the Superintendent of the Seventh Day Adventist Schools in the Pacific Northwest as the investigation continues. Mountain View Christian School is located at 255 Medsker Road in Sequim. A message left at the school wasnt immediately returned. The Seventh-day Adventist Church is a Protestant Christian denomination which places an emphasis on the imminent Second Coming - or advent - of Jesus Christ. A political activist in Washington, D.C. supporting Hillary Clinton remembered locally as the man who stood outside the Washington Post building with a bullhorn yelling at the paper's editorial board is challenging Democratic Sen. Bernie Sanders' access to the ballot. Robert V. Brannum, a former schoolteacher who's served as the Chairman of the Ward 5 Democratic committee, uncovered a filing snafu that was the fault of the D.C. Democratic Party and filed a challenge one week ago. The D.C. Democratic Party filed all the paperwork for its candidates, which included both Sanders and Clinton by 7 p.m. on March 16 per the rules of the Democratic National Committee, but the local D.C. Board of Elections closes at 4:45 p.m., explained D.C. Chairwoman Anita Bonds to the Washington Times. Brannum said that means that Sanders was late and should be excluded from the Democratic primary ballot, according to his challenge. Scroll down for video Sen. Bernie Sanders' place on the D.C. ballot is being challenged by a local activist who says the D.C. Democrats didn't file Sanders' paperwork on time The local NBC News affiliate first reported the challenge with local party officials calling it a minor administrative dispute. Both the Sanders and Clinton campaign had done their parts, paying the $2,500 by the specified deadline, which should have landed their candidates on D.C.'s June 14 ballot, the last primary contest in the country. Robert V. Brannum doesn't think Bernie Sanders should be on the ballot for the District's Democratic June primary Forty-five delegates are at stake The Sanders campaign did not seem to be too concerned with a spokesman telling NBC News4 that 'We did what D.C. law requires in order to get Bernie on the ballot and we are confident he will be on the ballot.' Bonds explained to the Washington Times that the D.C. City Council can pass 'clarifying legislation' to resolve the dispute, saying that the extended hours for submission are permitted. Brannum was aware that this maneuvering was possible and railed against it in his challenge, writing that the 5 p.m. filing deadline is 'statutorily determinative and final.' 'To permit late filing is an injustice to the collective electorate of the District of Columbia and is unacceptable to District of Columbia voters,' he wrote. 'The time has come to break up the intellectually dishonest perception election laws of the District of Columbia can be bought,' he continued. 'To accept late filing perpetuates inequality and the protection of status quo shenanigans,' he added. Robert Brannum has repeatedly defended Hillary Clinton on Twitter, blasting the media for negative portrayals of the female presidential candidate Robert Vinson Brannum filed a challenge last week that said that Bernie Sanders missed the filing deadline and should be kept off the D.C. ballot This isn't the first time that Brannum has rattled local party officials. An uber-supporter for former D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray, Brannum even got himself arrested with the controversial mayor as they protested the District's lack of voting rights. Brannum also protested the media's coverage of Gray, who lost to current D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser in the city's last Democratic primary, targeting primarily the Washington Post. 'Upset by editorials from the Washington Post, Brannum repeatedly parked his car in front of the newspaper's building this summer to berate the editorial board via a bullhorn,' a Sept. 2011 Post article said, reporting on Brannum winning the chairmanship of the Ward 5 Democratic Committee. 'A choice that could make the Districts political establishment nervous,' the article explained. More recently, Brannum has taken to Twitter to expose media bias in the coverage of Clinton. He also wrote about the 'double standard' Clinton faces in a post for his examiner.com blog earlier this month. Roberto Craciunica, 34, is wanted by Interpol for counterfeiting Officials are searching for a man they say made and distributed counterfeit badges for the CIA, FBI and Homeland Security Investigations. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement authorities say 34-year-old Roberto Craciunica was indicted in the Eastern District of Virginia in October on several charges related to making and distributing counterfeit badges. They say the Romanian man is thought to be living in Germany. Interpol has also issued a notice for Craciunica's arrest. Officials say Craciunica's company, Master Equipment, sold the badges online and shipped them from Germany to buyers in the U.S. The company sold the badges through the website badge-police.com, which was taken down by the FBI last year. Officials said the criminal charges were brought against Craciunica in 2015 after a convicted felon, Daniel Harbison, 40, of Dunwoody, Georgia, was caught impersonating a DEA agent using a counterfeit badge bought from Master Equipment. 'The dismantling of a foreign based company's ability to sell counterfeit U.S. law enforcement badges to a U.S. market is critical in the post 9/11 era,' said J. Britt Johnson, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Atlanta Field Office, in September last year. The Romanian forger is accused of manufacturing and selling fake CIA and FBI badges (other examples of fake badges pictured above) 'While this case was initiated by an unlawful traffic stop by an individual impersonating a federal law enforcement officer, those circumstances and consequences could have been much different and far more tragic.' In a press release Wednesday, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency said at least three other people have been caught using Craciunica's fake badges. In July 2013, a man tried to trick Michigan police officers by flashing a counterfeit CIA badge after being caught at a movie theater with a gun and wearing body armor. In January the following year, a man used a similar fake CIA badge to try to get into the secure area of Reagan National Airport near Washington D.C. And in August last year, a man armed with a Sig Sauer gun entered the Naval Nuclear Training Command in South Carolina by using a counterfeit Homeland Security Investigations badge. That evidence indicated Tiede was abused as a child and may have deserved a lighter sentence Tiede was convicted of murder and received a life sentence before he was released in 2014 because prosecutor overlooked evidence He then hid her body in a freezer and nine months later, authorities searched her home and found her body A funeral director in small-town East Texas befriends a widow 40 years his senior at her husband's funeral, spends her money freely, then shoots her and hides her body in a freezer for nine months. Bernie Tiede's case could have been written for Hollywood and when it was, the resulting attention got him out of a life sentence. The real-life case featured in the 2011 dark comedy 'Bernie' headed back to a courtroom on Wednesday for a new sentencing trial, two decades after Marjorie Nugent was killed. Bernie Tiede, 57, (pictured in court in 2014) was a Texas mortician who befriended widow Marjorie Nugent at her husband's funeral, spent her money freely, then shot her and hid her body in a freezer for nine months Tiede and Nugent pictured together. The real-life murder case featured in the 2011 dark comedy 'Bernie' was headed back to courtr on Wednesday for a new sentencing trial, two decades after Nugent was killed Tiede was a mortician at the Hawthorn Funeral Home in Carthage, Texas, a town of about 7,000 about 150 miles east of Dallas. Nugent was more than 40 years his senior and the two met at her husband's funeral in 1990, and became close friends. The pair took lavish vacations abroad, and Tiede became known around town for the gifts he gave himself and local residents using Nugent's money. In 1996, Tiede shot Nugent four times in the back with a .22-caliber rifle, then hid her body in a freezer next to packages of frozen meat, pecans and corn. He carried on for nine months as if Nugent was still alive before authorities searched her home and found her body. In his confession, Tiede described her as 'evil' and asserted that he snapped under the pressure of her mistreatment. In the movie, Shirley MacLaine (right) portrayed the 81-year-old Nugent while Tiede was the inspiration for Jack Black's character (left) In the movie, Tiede gets a more sympathetic portrayal than Nugent, who is portrayed as a crotchety, withdrawn scold disliked by most of the town who insults Tiede constantly. Nugent's family has long protested how the widow is presented in the movie Now, a jury will ultimately decide whether Tiede (pictured in court in May 2014) should go back to prison or go free. The trial will take place in Henderson, Texas, about 30 miles west of Carthage After an initial mistrial, jurors in 1999 took less than an hour to convict him of murder. He received a life sentence, but was released in May 2014 after his original prosecutor said he overlooked evidence that Tiede was abused as a child and may have deserved a lighter sentence. The movie 'Bernie', which was adapted from a Texas Monthly story about the case, stars Jack Black portraying Tiede as a quirky, friendly man who sings in the church choir, helps local residents start businesses and is beloved by a small, insular community. After Tiede was released in May 2014 after receiving a life sentence, he went to live at filmmaker (pictured) Richard Linklater's Austin home In the movie, Tiede gets a more sympathetic portrayal than Nugent, played by Shirley MacLaine as a crotchety, withdrawn scold disliked by most of the town who insults Tiede constantly. Nugent's family has long protested how the widow is presented in the movie. 'My grandmother was a real person,' said her granddaughter, Shanna Nugent, in a 2014 interview. 'She can't defend herself, and the reason she can't is Bernie Tiede killed her. He stole her money and he killed her.' Several Carthage residents appear in the movie, speaking direct-to-camera about the case and their town. Austin attorney Jodi Cole saw the movie, which prompted her to begin investigating Tiede's case. She argued Tiede had been sexually abused as a child and felt trapped in a mentally abusive relationship with Nugent. A psychiatrist testified at a 2014 court hearing that Tiede likely had a 'brief dissociative episode' when he killed her. Those arguments persuaded Danny Buck Davidson, the district attorney who originally won Tiede's murder conviction and life sentence, to support Tiede's release on the grounds that he should have been sentenced instead for murder as a second-degree felony - which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, not life in prison. After his release, Tiede went to live at filmmaker Richard Linklater's Austin home. A judge has forbidden Tiede from speaking to the media. Linklater attended Tiede's murder trial and co-wrote the screenplay for his 2011 dark comedy Bernie starring Jack Black with a Texas reporter Now, a jury will ultimately decide whether Tiede, now 57, should go back to prison or go free. The trial will take place in Henderson, Texas, about 30 miles west of Carthage. Davidson, who agreed to support Tiede's release, has been replaced by two lawyers from the Texas attorney general's office. Attorneys for both sides are under a gag order, but Cole has suggested in recent court hearings that she will argue Tiede was also being used by Nugent to launder money. Students clashed with police on the streets of Paris today as protests against the government's proposed labour reforms took place across France. Students were rallying against controversial reforms to working hours and staff protections, which President Francois Hollande insists are crucial to get the country's failing economy back on track. The government say the reforms, which will make it easier for struggling companies to fire staff, will help boost the economy before the presidential election by encouraging firms to hire more people. Students clashed with riot police on the streets of Paris against the government's proposed labour reforms Students have opposed the government's proposed labour reforms, which they say strip workers of protections Police around the Gare de Lyon were hit with yellow paint as they attempted to hide behind their riot shields More than 250 demonstrations took place in the country and there were running battles in the capital At least 12 people were arrested by midday as riot police clashed with protesters in the streets of Paris But students have opposed the changes, which they say strip workers of protections. The proposal to extend France's 35-hour working week has also been opposed by both students and unions. More than 250 demonstrations took place in the country and there were running battles in the capital, with at least 12 people arrested by midday. There were reports of fighting in cities including Rennes in Brittany but the worst trouble took place at Paris's Gare de Lyon, where tear gas and baton charges were used. 'Bottles and rocks were thrown at officers, and they responded in kind,' said Jean Martin, a 34-year-old office worker who was at the scene. 'There are a lot of very angry people out on the street, and it looks as though the situation is going to get even worse.' Students were rallying against the reforms that President Francois Hollande insists are crucial to get the country's failing economy back on track The laws have been billed as a final attempt to help the economy before the presidential election next year Students and unions have opposed the controverisal reforms, which they say strip workers of protections Police around the Gare de Lyon were also bombarded with yellow paint as they attempted to hide behind their riot shields. The protests coincided with strikes by transport workers and air traffic controllers, which caused further chaos. Dockworkers also blocked roads around the northern towns of Rouen and Le Havre, as well as the Pont de Normandie. Cars were burned in Paris and dozens were arrested in earlier protests against the reforms. Tear gas and baton charges were used as police attempted to control the large crowds in the French capital There were reports of fighting in cities including Rennes in Brittany but the worst trouble took place in Paris Out in large numbers: Demonstrators march during a rally to protest the new labour law in Paris A video of a police officer punching a 15-year-old boy in Paris during an early student march went viral and fuelled an enormous amount of anger. A recent poll found that 58 per cent of the French public oppose the measures, which are meant to improve the rights of employers. The aim is to improve disastrous employment figures, which have seen the jobless rate spiral, especially among the young. Parliament is set to vote on the reforms in late April or early May. A witness said French police responded 'in kind' when bottles and rocks were thrown at them by protesters A recent poll found that 58 per cent of the French public oppose the measures, which are meant to improve the rights of employers Ms Ahmed says people are holding businesses to ransom on TripAdvisor Waseem Ahmed told one dissatisfied customer his complaint was 'written excrement' A no-nonsense owner of an Indian restaurant is turning up the heat on customers who complain on TripAdvisor. Waseem Ahmed told one dissatisfied customer his complaint was 'written excrement' and suggested a personality transplant. The forthright restaurateur from Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, also told another their review was 'repulsive'. One of the most recent customers to get the Mr Ahmed treatment was Mari in Glasgow, who claimed that the chicken she was served was 'inedible' and accused the restaurant of bad customer service. The response read: 'Your lack of appreciation of the great job my waiting staff and experienced hardworking chefs perform day-in day-out is the "Bad customer Service" for me. 'Rather than go into the minutiae of your written excrement masquerading as a review, may I simply express my hope that you were able to set-aside the money we took off your bill for the inedible curry towards a personality transplant. 'Cheaper still, a brown paper bag for over your head will also do the trick.' Ross Thomson, 29, from Coatbridge, complained that he was rushed out the door by 'ignorant staff'. Mr Ahmed hit back: 'We highly-suspect your dreadful review has zero validity and, or, malicious intent.' Mr Thomson went to Shimla Cottage with his wife and five-year-old twins for lunch and told MailOnline he was shocked at the response he received from the owner of the restaurant. 'I was horrified by my experience so I left a review. I've never had to write such a bad review, so I've never had such a response,' he said. 'I think it is typical from someone who has such a lot of bad reviews. That says a lot about the restaurant. I'm not a malicious person I only wrote a bad review because I had such a bad experience.' Another diner from Airdrie complained that her table was dirty and the food she ordered wasn't cooked correctly. The manager said: 'Dear faceless newly-created TripAdvisor account user. The forthright restaurateur from Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, mocks one reviewer as a 'faceless newly-created TripAdvisor account user' 'Our impeccable record of receiving passes on an annual basis from North Lanarkshire Council's independent body of food safety inspectors...give me the confidence to dismiss your unproven unsubstantiated sham claims.' A customer from Glasgow wrote that staff were rude and gave her no eye contact while taking her order. Mr Ahmed responded: 'We tried taking your order around 10 mins after seating and serving your drinks to which you replied we need more time and the waiter left. 'Apologies if the waiter didn't give you a bow or a salute.' Yet another customer, who claimed to be a food critic, blasted the restaurant for asking her child not to touch and ruin their menu. In another response, Mr Ahmed complains that a customer's partner was 'actually lying on the chair as if he was sitting by the pool' Mr Ahmed said: 'You have been to my restaurant on numerous occasions for lunch and are well used to the way we operate. 'Your child, who is about 14 or 15 years of age, had the menu folded into a cone while i was taking your order. 'Oddly enough other people do have to use that same menu after you. Maybe you should teach your child manners as how to treat things that don't belong to him. 'You attacked us the only way you could by rushing home to join trip advisor to upload such a negative review, giving us the lowest marks for everything, even value for money even though you just had a 3 course lunch for 3.50. The head of the family-run Shimla Cottage is equally robust in the way he runs his restaurant, suggesting customers should take no longer than 45 minutes over their 3.50 three-course lunch OWNER'S OUTRAGEOUS RESPONSES TO HIS TRIP ADVISOR REVIEWS 'We highly-suspect your dreadful review has zero validity and/or malicious intent ...We can't even be bothered to write more.' 'Rather than go into the minutiae of your written excrement masquerading as a review, may I simply express my hope that you were able to set-aside the money we took off your bill for the inedible curry towards a personality transplant. Cheaper still, a brown paper bag for over your head will also do the trick.' 'Dear frivolous and vexatious complainer, Your lack of appreciation of the great job my waiting staff and experienced hardworking chefs perform day-in day-out is the big let down for me.' 'We are disappointed to read that your first review of our restaurant; following your numerous lunch,dinner and takeaway visits made since our opening, by yourself and partner you could only define your review heading "Rubber Chicken" and that Our food is crap. Well its the same crap food that you've been eating for the last few years.' 'We are in business to cover our costs pay our staff and suppliers and make a small profit we're not running a soup kitchen.' 'Perhaps you should have looked elsewhere for ideas to why you where in bed ill it certainly wasn't our food .' '[Our passes from in food safety inspecions] give me the confidence to dismiss your unproven unsubstantiated sham claims out of hand.' 'It states on our 3.50 3 course lunch menu that tables are required back within 45 minutes. So once a customer is finished ... we politely tell them that we need the table back and most diners oblige but on some occasions we do have to resort to other means as you discovered.' Advertisement 'This just shows your vindictive basis to actually be a honest judge to review anything.' Mr Ahmed claims too many customers are able to hold businesses to ransom via TripAdvisor and said he should be allowed to fight his corner. The head of the family-run Shimla Cottage is equally robust in the way he runs his restaurant, suggesting customers should take no longer than 45 minutes over their 3.50 three-course lunch. Mr Ahmed, the latest in a line of business owners to counter attack customers on TripAdvisor, claimed some diners simply expect too much for their money. Mr Ahmed claims too many customers are able to hold businesses to ransom via TripAdvisor and said he should be allowed to fight his corner The restaurant, in the town's Sunnyside Street, has been open for 15 years and has an average of four out of five stars on TripAdvisor, based on 362 reviews. Speaking today about his approach to customers he said: 'People think they can write anything they want and restaurants will hide under a blanket. 'We admit if we get it wrong and have always apologised when we do which you can see from other reviews. 'It's a trend for people to just go on these sites and write negative things yet they were happy enough to eat the food when they're here. 'Some people are downright rude and hostile and think it's right to tarnish someone's business. 'One woman's complaint was inevitable. She ordered a Korma and asked for chillies in it, which is just stupid. 'We obviously made an a*** out of her order but tried to fix it. She was just an idiot of a woman.' Republican front-runner Donald Trump's campaign sought on Thursday to contain the fallout from his comments on punishing women for having an abortion, characterizing the flap as a 'simple misspeak' as his White House rivals pounced on the controversy. The billionaire businessman rowed back rapidly on Wednesday from his statement that women should be punished for having abortions if the procedure is banned in the United States. The comments triggered a flood of rebukes from both sides of the abortion debate, and his campaign tried to address the repercussions as his rivals pounced and said his abortion comments were just the latest in a series of controversies that raise questions about his suitability for the White House. 'It just shows that he's really not prepared to be president of the United States,' Ohio Governor John Kasich told reporters at a New York news conference arranged so that he could address the controversy. STERN: Ohio Gov. John Kasich upbraided Donald Trump for expecting a 'do-over' on abortion comments that many found offensive CAVALIER: Trump said women who have abortions should be punished, and later walked it back Kasich said the president should not be constantly backtracking on 'wild-eyed suggestions.' 'I have to tell you that as commander-in-chief and leader of the free world, you don't get do-overs. You need to be able to get it right the first time,' Kasich said. Opposition to abortion, which was legalized in a Supreme Court ruling more than 40 years ago, is a central plank in the platform of most conservative politicians. But conservatives have questioned whether Trump, who once supported access to abortions, is sincerely committed to his anti-abortion stance. Cruz said on Wednesday that Trump had clearly not thought through the issue and later called his comments 'unfortunate' and 'wrong.' 'You have a presidential candidate that clarified the record not once but twice,' Trump spokeswoman Katrina Pierson told CNN, describing the initial comments as a 'simple misspeak.' She described Trump as 'pro-life with exceptions' and pointed to Trump's two statements that followed the MSNBC interview as an accurate depiction of his views. 'We shouldn't make this a 24-hour headline when we have things like terrorism going on in the world,' she said. Trump, leading in the race to win the Republican nomination for the Nov. 8 presidential election, pulled back from his initial comments within an hour, first issuing a statement that U.S. states should handle abortion issues and later saying doctors who perform abortions are the ones who should be held responsible. Trump's latest controversy threatened to further erode his standing with women voters, many of whom have been offended by his use of vulgarities and insulting language to describe women during the presidential race. The abortion flap erupted as Trump campaigned in Wisconsin ahead of the state's critical primary on Tuesday. 'WRONG': An exasperated Ted Cruz lost patience with Trump on Wednesday THE ABOUT-FACE: Trump insisted his position 'has not changed' even though it contradicted what he had said in a TV taping hours earlier An opinion poll released on Wednesday showed Trump's top rival, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, has moved ahead of him by 10 percentage points in Wisconsin. Trump visited Washington on Thursday for a private meeting hosted by his top backer in the capital, U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions of Alabama. Critics have questioned Trump's suitability to be commander in chief after a series of controversial foreign policy statements. In recent interviews, Trump has declared NATO obsolete, said Saudi Arabia is too dependent on the United States and said Japan and South Korea may need to develop their own nuclear programs because the U.S. security umbrella is too costly to maintain. In the same MSNBC town hall where he made the abortion comments, Trump refused to rule out the potential use of nuclear weapons in Europe or the Middle East to combat Islamic State militants. 'I would never take any of my cards off the table,' he said. Bryant Christopher Watts, 28, says he shot Philip Panzica on March 19 out of self defense The Texas man who was arrested earlier this month for shooting dead a man made famous for a Las Vegas sexcapade is speaking out. Bryant Christopher Watts, 28, and his 31-year-old brother Aaron Jones were arrested on March 19 after allegedly shooting dead Philip Panzica and then stealing the man's car. A month before the incident, Panzica made headlines when he was arrested for having sex with a woman on a Las Vegas Ferris wheel and police say the two men killed him after he bragged about all the money he had been making giving interviews about the incident. But Watts told KHOU reporters that it was actually the other way around - that he shot Panzica in self defense, fearing that the 27-year-old and his former fiancee had plans to rob him. 'I told (police) I shot him. I didn't have anything to hide,' Watts said Wednesday night inside Harris County Jail. Watts says he had only known Panzica and Panzica's former fiancee Mistie Bozant for about two weeks at the night of the incident. Bozant was working at Vivid Gentleman's Club, where Watts' brother Jones worked as a shoe shiner, and Panzica came to pick her up from her shift that morning. Watts says he and his brother thought they were getting a ride home from Panzica as well when the mood inside the car changed and Watts felt threatened. He says he asked Panzica to take him home but he refused. 'I began to feel like we were in danger,' he said. 'Phillip was reaching for something.' Fearing that Panzica was going to steal the $700 he had on him, Watts took out his gun and shot him dead in the car. Scroll down for video Panzica, 27 (right), made headlines earlier this year when he was arrested for having sex with a woman he just met on a Las Vegas Ferris wheel when he was supposed to be getting married to Mistie Bozant (left) Panzica picked up Bozant and suspects Watts and Aaron Jones from Vivid Gentleman's club - where Bozant worked - the night he was shot dead by Watts Bozant says she hopes that both Watts and Jones are punished to the fullest extent of the law Watts also revealed the fact that his brother thought he was in 'some sort of relationship' with Bozant. While he feels like he was just shooting in self defense, Watts says he does feel sorry for Panzica and his family. 'I'm sincerely apologetic,' Watts said. 'They are in my prayers.' Wants and Aaron Jones, 31, were arrested after dumping Panzica's body and fleeing the scene with his car. Panzica reportedly met Jones, the strip club shoe-shiner, just before his death and bragged about receiving $4,000 from Inside Edition to give an interview about his sexcapade Police, on the other hand, have painted the situation in the opposite light. They believe Watts and his brother shot dead Panzica because Panzica had been bragging earlier in the night about the $4,000 he made giving an interview to Inside Edition. Panzica got the money for going an interview about his February arrest in Las Vegas for having sex on a Ferris wheel. Panzica was supposed to be tying the knot with Bozant in Sin City, but the two apparently had a falling out on their vacation when he learned that she might be pregnant by another man (she later turned out not to be pregnant at all). So he went off drinking and met 21-year-old Chloe Scordianos from Hicksville, New York, who he then took for a ride on the High Roller Ferris wheel. 'One thing led to another' and the pair were soon arrested for engaging in sex acts, 550 feet above the Las Vegas Strip. 'It wasn't planned, it was just, I felt it,' Panzica, with Bozant by his side, told KTNV about the incident. 'We get up to the highest point, and we were like, "We're golden!"' When the ride was over Panzica and Scordianos were arrested and charged with Commission of Certain Sex Acts in Public. While Bozant bailed her fiance out of jail, when they returned to Texas they decided to break up because Panzica was moving out of state for a new job and they had grown apart. 'They deserve to be punished to the fullest extent of the law in my eyes,' Bozant said of Watts and Jones in a tearful interview last week. Panzica (left) and Bozant had a brief falling out in Las Vegas last month. He went out drinking and met 21-year-old Chloe Scordianos (right) who he took on the Ferris wheel for a risque ride Five bodies have been pulled from rivers and canals across a 10-mile stretch of northern England within the last four weeks leading to suggestions there could be a 'Yorkshire dipper' on the loose. Police have recovered the bodies of a teenager, a pensioner, a man in his twenties, and two middle aged men from waterways in the Kirklees area of West Yorkshire over the last month. It has led to suggestion from locals that there could be a 'Yorkshire dipper' on the loose responsible for pushing the men into the water similar to speculation of the 'Pusher' in Manchester. Police said the five recent deaths in West Yorkshire are not thought to be linked but said all of the deaths are being treated as either 'non-suspicious' or 'unexplained'. Police have recovered the bodies of a teenager, a pensioner, a man in his 20s, and two middle aged men from waterways in the Kirklees area of West Yorkshire over the last month. Pictured: Police and a forensics tent could be seen alongside the River Calder in Dewsbury yesterday after the body of Daniel France was found Police and rescue workers are seen working to recover the body of Daniel France after the discovery by a member of the public in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, yesterday. He is the fifth man to be pulled from the water Police recovered the bodies of a teenager, a pensioner, a man in his twenties, and two middle aged men from waterways in the Huddersfield, Dewsbury and Mirfield areas of West Yorkshire (pictured) over the last month Residents have taken to social media to comment on the high number of bodies recovered within such a short time frame - speculating that someone could be responsible for the deaths. One said: 'Can't deal with the fact there's a suspected 'canal pusher' killing people in West Yorkshire. This is the Yorkshire ripper all over again.' In light of the recent discovery, another Twitter user asked: 'Not another one?' Detective Inspector George Bardell, of Kirklees District CID, said the force was treating all of the deaths as 'isolated incidents' but confirmed inquiries remain ongoing. He told MailOnline: 'We are aware of speculation on social media following bodies being found in waterways in Kirklees over the last month. 'Inquiries have been made by the police into all of these deaths; however no links have been found and they appear to all be tragic isolated incidents. 'We are supporting the families involved and assisting the coroner's investigations in to these deaths where the circumstances of each of these incidents will be individually considered.' The latest body to be discovered was that of 38-year-old missing man Daniel France, who was last seen several weeks ago. His body was found in the River Calder, near Sands Lane in Dewsbury, on Wednesday morning by a member of the public. His family have been informed. Police said inquiries into the circumstances of his death are ongoing but said they are 'keeping an open mind'. Residents have taken to social media to comment on the high number of bodies recovered within such a short time frame - speculating that someone could be responsible for the deaths. Pictured: Police by the River Calder in Dewsbury after the fifth body was found within a 10-mile radius around Huddersfield, West Yorkshire His body was the fifth to be recovered and followed the discovery of another man's body, which was found further downstream in the River Calder on Good Friday. He has been identified as 77-year-old missing pensioner George Bass, from Harrogate. He vanished from his home on March 2, and was later seen on CCTV in York and Leeds. DI Bill Burns said today: 'Our thoughts are with George's family and we are doing everything we can to support them at this sad time.' Meanwhile, the body of another man was pulled from the Calder and Hebble Navigation Canal at Thornhill Lees on March 23. The body of a 19-year-old, named locally as Hamza Amer, from Batley, was also found in a canal close to Huddersfield town centre on March 17. And 'human remains' were found in a wooded area next to the Calder and Hebble Canal in Ravensthorpe on March 14. This man is thought to have been dead for some time and experts said it would take some time for identification to be established. The man was wearing shorts with a palm tree design and a 'No Fear' t-shirt when he was found. He is thought to be aged between 30 and 50 and his death is being treated as 'unexplained'. Detective Inspector George Bardell, of Kirklees District CID, said the force was treating all of the deaths as 'isolated incidents' but confirmed inquiries remain ongoing. Pictured: A police van in Dewsbury yesterday The latest body to be discovered was that of 38-year-old missing man Daniel France, who was last seen several weeks ago. His body was found in the River Calder, near Sands Lane in Dewsbury (pictured) The suggestions of a 'Yorkshire dipper' come after there was speculation of someone 'pushing' people into waterways in Manchester. An astonishing 85 bodies - mostly men - have been pulled from Manchester's canals in the last seven years. The cause behind the majority of the deaths are believed to have been established, but more than 20 are still classified as 'unexplained', resulting in open verdicts. The deaths have caused speculation that loved ones were the victims of a serial killer they dubbed 'The Pusher' - a psychopath who murders his targets by bundling them into the icy waters. Some families believe their claim has considerable substance not only because of the disproportionately high numbers of people to have died in the rivers, but due to the suspicious circumstances surrounding the deaths of several men. Senior detective Tony Blockley appeared on a Channel 4 documentary titled 'Manchester's Serial Killer?' where he examined the evidence purporting to support the allegation that the same person may well be responsible for a catalogue of killings. Mysterious baby doll faces have been appearing all over the capital of Colorado for the past year. Some locals are 'creeped out' by the puzzling art placed outside storefronts and on busy roads while others encourage the unidentified maker to keep up the good work. 'I dont know. I think theyre theyre a little disturbing,' Pam Schwasinger, who owns the Strictly Nails Salon in Denver told KDVR. Where did they come from? Mysterious baby doll faces have been appearing all over the capital of Colorado for the past year What do they mean?Locals are struggling to understand the siognifigance of the baby faces placed all over town Eerie: Some locals are 'creeped out' by the puzzling art placed outside storefronts and on busy roads while others encourage the unidentified maker to keep up the good work Most of the faces are less than six inches long and are the color pink. Though, residents report seeing some bigger faces that are painted another color. 'We thought it was cool so we left it up, Joseph Ramirez, who owns Mutiny Information Cafe on South Broadway, told KDVR. A few local artists told the station the they know the man behind the faces but says he does not wish to reveal his identity. Others like Ramirez, however, would love to know who is behind the art. 'I remember we were all texting each other, sending each other pictures like, "Who is this? Who did this?"' Ramirez said, adding he doesn't think knowing the meaning behind the art is necessary to enjoy it. Appreciation: 'We thought it was cool so we left it up, Joseph Ramirez, who owns Mutiny Information Cafe on South Broadway, said. Pictured here are the baby doll faces outside of Ramirez's establishment Mystery: A few local artists told the station the they know the man behind the faces but says he does not wish to reveal his identity Stopping traffic: Several Denver locals have seen the baby faces. Some of them have been posting their findings to KDVR's Facebook page 'Not even going to speculate,' Ramirez said. 'Its art for arts sake. I dont know,' he added. Ramirez told KDVR that the art is starting a conversation, which means that it is having an impact. 'It keeps the conversation going. I mean thats good art isnt it?' Ramirez said. 'Right on. Keep doing it. Whoever you are.' Since KDVR posted the story to their Facebook page, Denver residents have been sharing their experience with seeing the faces. 'Been longer than a couple of months. Been seeing these faces pop up for years. Seen broken ones be replaced. One by my house keeps getting stolen and a new one sometimes in a different color will pop back up in no time,' wrote Aisha Martinez on Facebook. 'We are talking about them. We are finding our own meaning; creepy to thoughtful; weird to memory inducing. We notice them. That is the meaning imo,' Jamie Babcock wrote on the social media page. One of Britain's most wanted criminals who spent four years on the run after fleeing from court during his armed robbery trial has been told he may never be freed from prison. Andrew Moran, 34, spent years travelling across Europe after fleeing the country on a false passport following his audacious escape from Burnley Crown Court in March 2009. Photos show him toting firearms and driving luxury vehicles as he maintained a 'premier league criminal lifestyle'. He even had plastic surgery to change his appearance and avoid police capture. The fugitive was eventually arrested as he sunbathed by the pool at his villa in Alicante, Spain, in May 2013, and sentenced to six years and six months in prison for a string of offences. Scroll down for video 'Premier league criminal lifestyle': Andrew Moran, 34, was photographed with guns while on the run Getaway: Moran (pictured entering the metal detector) was caught on CCTV as he fled court during his trial He is currently serving his sentence in the UK. The 'dangerous' criminal today appeared via a videolink from HMP Belmarsh at the hearing at Liverpool Crown Court, in front of the same judge from whom he had fled 10 years ago. Judge Norman Wright handed Moran an indeterminate sentence and imprisoned him for public protection, telling the criminal he 'may never be released'. He said: 'You are a ruthless, determined, devious and cunning criminal. You have involved yourself in a premier league criminal lifestyle in all its aspects. 'I have come to the conclusion that you are dangerous.' Moran, from Salford, Manchester, cannot apply to the parole board until he has served eight years and 236 days, and even then he must prove that he is no longer a threat to the public. In 2005, Moran appeared in court in connection to a raid on a Royal Mail van outside the Asda supermarket in Colne, Lancashire, in which 25,000 was stolen. Armed with a gun and truncheon, Moran had been part of a gang that carried out an 'audacious robbery in broad daylight'. He threatened a security guard with a gun, shouting 'kill him' as he was beaten. Dangerous criminal: Armed robber Andrew Moran As Judge Wright was summing up the case, Moran stood and exclaimed: 'I can't be remanded, I have a funeral to go to!'. The defendant struggled with dock officers before pulling free and launching himself over the dock. A number of officers attempted to give chase but Moran was able to flee. One officer was injured. He was later convicted in his absence of conspiracy to commit robbery. Prosecutor Timothy Brennand told the sentencing hearing that Moran was able to 'make use of considerable skill and resources to keep himself at large for a considerable period of time'. He even had plastic surgery to change his appearance. Moran, who was said to have had a 'fascination with firearms', featured on Crimestoppers' most wanted list and a European arrest warrant was issued. He was eventually traced following a joint operation by Titan (the North West Crime Regional Unit), the National Crime Agency, and the Spanish national police. Spanish officers had planned to arrest Moran in 2012 by using a sophisticated road block. But once again the fugitive was able to escape, leading police vehicles in a high-speed chase with speeds of up to 130mph. He rammed two cars out of the way before forcing another to crash and eventually drove down a motorway in the wrong direction. However police caught up with him at his Alicante villa six months later and his eventual arrest was captured on film. Caught on camera: After escaping a road block by Spanish police, Moran was eventually arrested at his villa Luxury living: The fugitive was sunbathing by the pool when Spanish police officers stormed the address Weapons haul: Knives and firearms were found at the villa, as well as false passports and a stash of cannabis Dramatic footage of the arrest was released, which saw Moran trying to jump over a wall after officers interrupted him relaxing by the pool with friends. Officers uncovered loaded firearms, false passports, a stash of cannabis and 25,000 euro in cash when they searched the address. Recovered mobile phone pictures showed that the defendant had led 'a criminal lifestyle' as he travelled across Europe with his then girlfriend Gemma Harvieu, who had worked at a cosmetics counter at Selfridges and who had wired cash from the UK to her career criminal boyfriend. Then girlfriend Gemma Harvieu wired cash from the UK to help the criminal Pictures showed the defendant in a helicopter and holding sub-machine guns as well as pictures of the couple under the Eiffel Tower, at ski resorts, in Monaco and posing with expensive cars and motorbikes. Moran was said to have used false identity documents on 'a persistent basis' and had at least five false names at his disposal. He was sentenced to six years and six months in prison after pleading guilty to drugs, firearms and road traffic offences while on the run. He is currently serving the sentence in the UK. At the sentencing hearing Julian Nutter, representing Moran, urged the judge not to impose an Imprisonment for Public Protection, saying his client's record was 'not as bad as some'. Mr Nutter said Moran had fled the court in order to attend a funeral of a close friend and that he had not meant to harm the custody officer. 'In Spain he has not shot anybody, not pistol whipped anybody, not been involved in any serious act of violence,' he said. 'The young man who committed robbery is not the person who is before you today. When he was brought back he pleaded guilty to the escape offence.' Detective Inspector Simon Cheyte, of Lancashire Constabulary, who investigated the 2005 armed robbery and has been involved in the decade-long bid to bring Moran to justice welcomed the sentence. He said: 'Andrew Moran is obviously a very dangerous and resourceful individual who has gone to extreme lengths to evade capture. 'My small team and myself have worked extremely hard over a long period of time to bring the perpetrators of this violent robbery to justice and it is very rewarding to see Andrew Moran starting a significant prison sentence today.' A two-year-old Nigerian boy who was found emaciated and riddled with worms after his family left him for dead has made an incredible recovery. A picture of the starving toddler being given a sip of water by an aid worker broke hearts around the world when it was published in January. The boy, now called Hope, was abandoned by his family because they thought he was a witch and was found in the streets by Anja Ringgren Loven, a Danish woman living in Africa, on January 31. And now Ms Loven has shared a series of photographs showing Hope's miraculous recovery in just eight short weeks, and says he 'is really enjoying life now'. Scroll down for video Heartbreaking: Hope (pictured), was emaciated and riddled with worms when he was discovered naked and wandering the streets on January 31 by Anja Ringgren Loven, a Danish woman (pictured right) Rescued: Hope was abandoned by his family because they thought he was a witch and was found in the streets by Anja Ringgren Loven (pictured together) Incredible transformation: This picture was published less than two months after Hope was found and shows just how much his health has improved since his rescue Back in January, Ms Loven found the boy after he spent eight months fending for himself and living off scraps. She bent down and gently began feeding him and giving him water from a bottle. She then wrapped up the disorientated toddler in a blanket and took him to the nearest hospital for treatment. When Hope reached the hospital, he was given medication to remove the worms from his stomach and daily blood transfusions to incorporate more red blood cells into his body, Ms Loven said. And two days after the aid worker asked for the community's help with Hope's costly medical bills, she received $1million in donations from around the world. Just eight weeks later, Hope is unrecognisable. He has gained weight and has been pictured smiling and playing with other children. Big smile: Hope looks unrecognisable after gaining weight and he has been pictured smiling for the camera 'Enjoying life': Hope has gained weight and has been pictured smiling and playing with other children (left) Healthier: Hope is pictured looking at a book with two other children. He looks nothing like the starving boy found by Anja Ringgren Loven, a Danish woman living in Africa, on January 31 Ms Loven uploaded new photos of Hope on Saturday, and wrote: 'As you can see on the pictures, Hope is really enjoying his life now having 35 new brothers and sisters who ALL take such good care of him, play with him, study with him, and make sure he is safe and is getting a lot of love.' But she explained Hope has hypospadias, a genital birth defect meaning the urethra emerges somewhere on the shaft or even the base of the penis, instead of at the tip. She added: 'The doctors found this inborn condition on Hope, so next week Hope will have surgery. 'This is an operation the doctors have performed many times, so Hope will be very fine.' Ms Loven is the founder of African Children's Aid Education and Development Foundation, which she created three years ago to help children who have been labelled witches and therefore neglected or even killed by the members of their community. Care: Ms Loven wrapped up the disorientated toddler in a blanket and took him to the nearest hospital Treatment: When Hope reached the hospital, he was given medication to remove the worms from his belly and daily blood transfusions Bath time: Ms Loven is pictured helping give Hope a bath after he was found walking the streets starving, disorientated and riddled with worms 'Thousands of children are being accused of being witches and we've both seen torture of children, dead children and frightened children,' she wrote on Facebook, accompanying images of her feeding the young boy and appealing for donations to help pay for his medical bills in January. 'With all the money, we can, besides giving Hope the very best treatment, now also build a doctor clinic on the new land and save many more children out of torture!' she said. Ms Loven runs a children's centre where the youngsters she saves live and receives medical care, food and schooling. She and her husband, David Emmanuel Umem, began building their own orphanage in late January. Friends: Hope (right) is pictured sitting with African Children's Aid Education and Development Foundation education officer, Don Udowan, and Felix, one Norway's integration minister Sylvi Listhaug said allowing excessive immigration and failing to ensure people integrated properly had led to the young men behind the recent attacks becoming radicalised A Norwegian minister has claimed the terror attacks in Brussels and Paris took place because France and Belgium had allowed 'ghettos' of immigrants to be created. The country's integration minister Sylvi Listhaug revealed she believed allowing excessive immigration and failing to ensure people integrated properly had led to the young men behind the recent attacks becoming radicalised. Ms Listhaug argued Norway needs a 'tight immigration policy' in order to avoid meeting the same fate. 'Many of those who have carried out terror attacks in Europe are born and raised in France and Belgium,' she told Norwegian news agency NTB. 'It shows how important it is to succeed with integration and that is again connected to how many come to Norway. 'Therefore a tight immigration policy is important.' Ms Listhaug's comments were made just more than a week after three suicide bombers detonated themselves at Zaventum airport and Maelbeek metro station in Brussels. Brothers Ibrahim and Khalid el-Bakraoui were both Belgian nationals, as were a number of the group which murdered 130 in Paris in November, including Salah Abdeslam, who was arrested in Brussels earlier this month. Abdeslam and the el-Bakraoui brothers all grew up in poor parts of Brussels with large immigrant communities. Ms Listhaug claimed that Norway largely avoided similar problems because of its current policies, which included not allowing people to settle where they chose. Ms Listhaug claimed that Norway largely avoided similar problems because of its current policies, which included not allowing people to settle where they chose But she is also advocating stricter rules, and allowing Norwegian authorities to collect biometric information like fingerprints, The Local reported. An Irish 'boxer' who became an online sensation after he was filmed fighting off a mob of Turkish shopkeepers told a judge he was just a 'Mike Tyson fan' and he faces the prospect of nine years behind bars. Mohammed Dobbous is accused of assault and causing grievous bodily harm after he downed one attacker after another during a punch-up in Istanbul last year. Dobbous, an Irish national who was born in Kuwait, denies the charges - saying the whole brawl was simply a misunderstanding. Scroll down for video Accused: Mohammed Dobbous (in white) is accused of assault and causing grievous bodily harm after he downed one attacker after another during a punch-up in Istanbul last year (pictured) Misunderstanding: Dobbous denies the charges, saying the mass brawl was the result of a misunderstanding Jail: If found guilty, the Irish national faces the prospect of nine years behind bars in Turkey He told the judge at the Palace of Justice in Istanbul he was attacked by a shopkeeper after he apparently broke a fridge trying to open it to get a bottle of water. He told the court: 'When the bottles fell, the man in the shop tried to hit me with a stick. I grabbed it and threw it away. 'I was confused. Then, others came at me. I don't remember their faces. One man tried to stab me in the back. 'I knew I would be done if I fell while they were attacking me.' Dobbous, who was dubbed the Irish boxer after CCTV of the incident in the neighbourhood of Aksaray emerged in August, told the judge he was not a trained fighter at all, 'just a Mike Tyson fan'. But shopkeeper Senol Palan claimed Dobbous had become aggressive after another tourist had been told the shop did not sell alcoholic drinks. He claimed the accused threatened him and pulled off the fridge door deliberately. Judges adjourned the case for expert examination of the CCTV footage, which shows Dobbous, dressed in white shorts and T-shirt, walking into a small shop and opening a fridge, causing dozens of water bottles to fall out. Violence: The fight apparently began when a number of water bottles fell out of a fridge Online hit: The CCTV shows the owner of the shop emerging and start to attack the man, before more people get involved. using things they found in the street as weapons against Dobbous Sensation: The footage became a sensation, and Dobbous even received free holiday offers from Turkish tourism companies Seconds later, the enraged owner of the shop emerges and starts attacking the man, and the situation soon escalates into a full-on street brawl. Although it is not clear if any further words were exchanged to cause such a violent reaction from the shopkeeper, a number of people initially try to step in between the two men. The footage became a sensation, and Dobbous even received free holiday offers from Turkish tourism companies while several shops started offering 'free water for Irish tourists.' FBI head James Comey will then make his recommendation to Attorney General Loretta Lynch about criminal charges Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton could be questioned by the FBI in days with the email investigation being wrapped up in weeks, according to new reporting from Al Jazeera America. The network's David Shuster reported that the investigation has now reached a 'critical stage,' in that the bureau has finished examining her emails and homebrew server and will now be interviewing top aides, along with Clinton herself. Among those to be interviewed: Clinton's State Department chief of staff Cheryl Mills and senior advisor Philippe Reines, Al Jazeera America said. 'Soon after those interviews in the next few days and weeks officials expect director Comey to make his recommendation to Attorney General Loretta Lynch about potential criminal charges,' Shuster said. Hillary Clinton could be interviewed by the FBI in days, says new reporting on her email scandal from Al Jazeera America Al Jazeera America's reporting says that Philippe Reines (left) and Cheryl Hines (right) will be interviewed by federal investigators This new report slightly clarifies the timeline that the Los Angeles Times laid out in a piece earlier this week saying that federal prosecutors have just begun contacting the lawyers of her top aides in order to set up formal interviews. The names of the aides weren't mentioned in the Times report, though the newspaper said Mills, Reines, along with Huma Abedin and Jake Sullivan had been contacted by the newspaper. None of the foursome's lawyers would speak on the record about the investigation. Another aide, IT staffer Bryan Pagliano, was granted immunity by federal prosecutors and provided security logs for Clinton's server that revealed no evidence of foreign hacking, the paper reported. 'The interviews are critical to understand the volume of information they have accumulated,' James McJunkin, the former head of the FBI's Washington field office, told the Los Angeles times. 'They are likely nearing the end of the investigation and the agents need to interview these people to put the information in context,' he continued, backing up what the Al Jazeera America has said as well. 'They will then spend time aligning these statements with other information, emails, classified documents, etc., to determine whether there is a prosecutable case.' Huma Abedin, Hillary Clinton's deputy chief of staff at the State Department, could soon be interviewed by federal prosecutors and FBI agents as they investigate Clinton's email situation to see if the former secretary of state mishandled classified information Hillary Clinton has pushed back at allegations that she was sending classified material over her private server saying none of the emails she handled were marked classified at the time This week the Washington Post published its own investigation into how the email scandal came to be, noting how from day one Clinton wanted to be able to use her Blackberry to send and receive email as secretary of state. Instead she was forced to lock up her Blackberry, which State Department security experts warned could be hacked and turned into a spying device, before heading into her 'Mahogany Row' office. 'From the earliest days, Clinton aides and senior officials focused intently on accommodating the secretary's desire to use her private email account, documents and interviews show,' the Washington Post wrote. 'Throughout they paid insufficient attention to laws and regulations governing the handling of classified material and the preservation of government records, interviews and documents show. 'They also neglected repeated warnings about the security of the Blackberry while Clinton and her closest aides took obvious security risks in using the basement server,' the Post's investigation continued. The Post's piece also revealed that 147 agents have been deployed to assist with the investigation, as FBI Director James Comey wants it resolved sooner than later as to not interfere with the presidential election. The Post walked back that number saying the real tally is closer to 50 agents. As part of the ongoing FBI and Justice Department investigation, Hillary Clinton will likely be interviewed, but the Los Angeles Time had no information about timing The Justice Department and the FBI opened up their investigation in July upon receiving a security referral from the inspector general of the intelligence community, who concluded at the time that Clinton had sent emails deemed 'secret,' the highest level of classification, through her personal email system. The inspector general's office was leafing through the 30,500 emails Clinton had turned over from her homebrew server that she said were work-related. 'None of the emails we reviewed has classification or dissemination markings, but some included [intelligence community]-derived classified information and should have been handled as classified appropriately marked, and transmitted via a secure network,' Inspector General I. Charles McCollough wrote Congress in a letter at the start of the investigation. Previously, the inspector general and the State Department were shown to be in a dispute over whether these correspondences should be considered classified. Since then the State Department has released the emails publicly, as part of Freedom of Information Act requests, and 22 emails were marked 'top secret,' while hundreds of others were marked 'secret' or 'confidential.' None of the emails had markings indicating their classified nature at the time. Clinton has used this as part of her public defense of the email scandal explaining that these emails were 'retroactively' classified. She's complained of the government's overzealous nature in classifying the documents and called for the contents of them to come out publicly so that the stink of the scandal would subside. Clinton had also deleted 31,830 emails from her server that were personal correspondence. The Los Angeles Times found out that most of those emails have since been recovered since Clinton handed the physical server over to the FBI in August. Legal experts suggested to the Times that it would be difficult to prosecute Clinton over her handling of classified information as prosecutors would have to prove she knew the information was classified at the time she was sending it. While Democratic rival Sanders has shied away from criticizing Clinton for the email scandal famously saying on the first Democratic debate stage that 'the American people are sick and tired of hearing about your damn emails' Republicans have been chomping at the bit over it. Throughout the campaign they've portrayed Clinton as worse than former CIA head David Petraeus, who pleaded guilty of a misdemeanor charge of mishandling classified material and thus was spared prison time. 'I mean look at Petraeus good guy, made a mistake, and by the way, leave the guy alone,' said Republican frontrunner Donald Trump in January. 'Leave Petraeus alone. Right? Enough already. Enough. They've gone after him, they've destroyed him and yet Hillary's flying safe and she did 100 times worse than what he did,' But there's a pivotal distinction between the Petraeus case and the ongoing one swirling around Clinton. Petraeus knowingly provided classified material to his mistress and biographer Paula Broadwell, legal experts pointed out. Broadwell was a civilian. Clinton's emails, even the ones that were later marked classified, were sent to aides who had been cleared to receive the contents. Hundreds of migrants will be returned from the Greek islands to Turkey on Monday as the EU finally begins mass deportations. Around 500 people are expected to be deported the first to go back under a 4.7billion deal with Turkey signed a fortnight ago. A fleet of six ships has been chartered by the EUs border agency with the first sailings due to take people from the popular holiday islands Lesbos and Chios. The first 500 migrants will be deported from the Greek islands on Monday, two weeks after the EU signed a 4.7billion deal with Turkey, under which the country agreed to take certain groups of migrants back Those returning will be Syrians who have not requested asylum, Afghans and Pakistanis, a European Commission source said, adding that they would go back barring a last-minute problem. In Turkey, a readmission centre will be set up near the coastal town of Dikili near the city of Izmir. Migrants will be processed within 24 hours and sent on to Izmir, or to refugee camps elsewhere in Turkey. Under the EU agreement, migrants landing on the Greek islands after 20 March 20 face being sent back to the country in a bid to deter more from making the perilous sea crossing. For every Syrian refugee sent back from Greece, the EU has agreed to resettle one refugee directly from Turkey. The aim of the deal is to reduce the incentive for Syrian refugees to try cross to Greece in overladen smugglers boats, encouraging them instead to stay in Turkish refugee camps to win a chance at resettlement in Europe. However, human rights groups on Thursday voiced fresh concerns about sending people back to Turkey after reports claimed authorities there have been shooting dead migrants as they flee the civil war in Syria. A fleet of six ships has been chartered by the EUs border agency with the first sailings due to take people from the popular holiday islands Lesbos (pictured) and Chios According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, 16 migrants, including three children, were killed by guards as they crossed into Turkey over the past four months. The deaths cast on a key element of the EU-Turkey deal classing it as a safe third country, meaning refugees can be returned there without fear of persecution. A three-hour fight broke out in the early hours of this morning between groups of migrants camping out in Greeces main port of Piraeus, leaving eight people injured and requiring treatment at nearby hospitals. The Syrian and Afghans became involved in violent clashes as tensions flared over mobile phone chargers and food. Around 6,000 are sleeping in the port near Athens. More than 50,000 migrants have been stranded in Greece after Balkan countries closed their borders. Some 11,500 remain camped out at the border with Macedonia. Hundreds of those camping out in Piraeus were yesterday boarded onto buses for newly-created refugee camps elsewhere in Greece. Those returning will be Syrians who have not requested asylum, Afghans and Pakistanis, a European Commission source said Government officials attempted to play down the violence at the port. In situations where there is so much tension and people have been through an ordeal, it is not surprising to have minor incidents, which are usually resolved quickly, Giorgos Kyritsis, a spokesman for a refugee crisis committee, told Skai television. Since arriving at Piraeus after landing by boat on Greek islands off the Turkish coast, most migrants have been reluctant to move fearing they would be too far from the closed Greek-Macedonian border in case it reopened. In more footage daughter Rachel, who helped in the plot, says she agreed to kill her father but thought killing Shaun and Sarah was ' This is the horrifying moment a mother-of-four confessed to killing her husband and son with antifreeze before also poisoning one of her daughters. Diane Staudte, 53, who is serving life without parole for the poisonings, tells Missouri police in never-before-seen tapes that she killed son Shaun, 26, because he wouldn't help around the house. Staudte also admits to poisoning daughter Sarah, who survived with brain damage, saying she did it because her daughter had college debts she wasn't able to pay and refused to get a job. In video obtained by ABC's 20/20, Staudte curls up on her chair in a fetal position, adding: 'I regret doing it. I really do. I've screwed up everybody. I've screwed up my whole family.' This is the horrifying moment Diane Staudte, 53, confessed to Missouri police that she killed her husband Mark, 61, and son Shaun, 25, with antifreeze before poisoning daughter Sarah Staudte told investigators that she killed Mark because she 'hated his guts', and moved on to Shaun and Sarah because they 'would trash the house' and 'be interfering with whatever I would do' Staudte also killed husband Mark, 61, because she 'hated his guts' and accused him of domestic abuse, tapes reveal. Between 2012 and 2013, Staudte and daughter Rachel planned and then executed a plot to poison the rest of the family using antifreeze. According to further tapes obtained by ABC, Rachel said she and her mother bought the antifreeze online because store-bought antifreeze has a bitter chemical added to it to stop it from being consumed. Without the flavor, it tastes slightly sweet. In the tapes, Staudte can be heard telling officers that she added 'one or two teaspoons' of the chemical into Coca-Cola and Gatorade she served to Shaun, Sarah and Mark. Mark died suddenly in April 2012, but because of his unhealthy lifestyle medical examiners put his death down to natural causes. The same happened after Shaun died five months later because he had a history of seizures. Staudte (left, and right with daughter Rachel) admitted the killings and was jailed for life in January. Rachel received life with possibility of parole after testifying against her mother Mark Staudte, 61, died suddenly in April 2012 but because of his unhealthy lifestyle medical examiners ruled it was by natural causes But when Sarah was taken into hospital the following June, the family's pastor came forward to police and said he believed Staudte was behind the deaths. Tapes show that Staudte initially denied the killings, though admitted hating her husband and being glad that he was dead, and saying she delayed taking Sarah to the hospital because she also resented her. Sarah Staudte survived being poisoned but now lives in care after suffering nerve and brain damage After being read her Miranda rights, Staudte changed her tone, admitting to putting antifreeze in Mark's Gatorade, saying she 'hated his guts.' She says: 'He would throw things at me. He would throw things at the kids. I guess I'd just had enough.' Staudte adds: 'Both Shaun and Sarah would just, basically... I don't know. Trash the house. Never helped support, or even contribute. Shaun would be interfering with whatever I would do.' Prompted on whether she would describe Shaun as a 'bother' or a 'pest', she rejects both the terms, saying 'it was more than that.' In yet more recorded evidence, Rachel also denies the killings, but begins telling officers about the plot after they discovered a diary entry in which she wrote: 'It's sad when I realized how my father will pass on in the next two months ... Shaun, my brother will move on shortly after. ... It will be tough getting used to the changes but everything will work out.' Rachel tells police that her mother began by discussing a plan to kill her father, which she reluctantly agreed to, and only later spoke about killing Shaun and Sarah as well. Describing Shaun's death and Sarah's poisoning, Rachel says they were 'unnecessary', adding that arrangements could have been made for them to live elsewhere, but her mother insisted they be 'taken care of'. Rachel also told detectives that they only took Sarah to the hospital after she got sick because she was afraid of having another person die in the house and was suffering from nightmares. Shaun Staudte died five months after his father, in September 2012, but his death was also ruled by natural causes because he had a history of seizures She also feared that her younger sister, who was 12 at the time, would be killed next because she couldn't take care of her and her mother wouldn't be willing to do it. Rachel was eventually sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 42 and a half years as part of a plea deal for testifying against her mother. Sarah is now living in care as she deals with the effects of the poisoning, while the youngest daughter, who has never been identified, is living in foster care. Kate Smurthwaite's The Wrong Kind of Feminist show was fully booked but she fell victim to an 'organised boycott' A feminist comedian performed to just eight people after opponents bought tickets to the university charity gig en masse then didn't up in protest to political comments made in the past. Kate Smurthwaite's The Wrong Kind of Feminist show at Goldsmiths College was fully booked but she fell victim to an 'organised boycott' over 'transphobic, whorephobic and Islamophobic' views. The group that claims to have blocked the gig, to raise money for Refugee Aid, said it was a peaceful protest over her 'abhorrent views', but Ms Smurthwaite says they refuse to state what views they mean. Ms Smurthwaite, who posted a furious riposte on Twitter after her performance, said the group seem to have just made 'a list of all things that end in phobic'. It comes after a gig at the very same London college was cancelled last year due to protests over her opposition to the full legalisation of the sex industry. Ms Smurthwaite, 40, said she instead supports the 'Nordic model' on prostitution under which the purchaser but not the seller of sex faces criminal action. Writing on Twitter after last Wednesday's 'damp squib', she said: 'I really didn't think people were such a*******s as this. 'We fully booked out overnight and I spent a lot of the last couple of days telling people I was sorry there was no more room. 'Well it turned out the tickets had been reserved in bulk by people using spurious email addresses to make a point by then not showing up. 'So a load of people who wanted to see my show were not able to and a vital charity doing life saving work missed out on at least several hundred quid, maybe more. I hope you're really proud, you f****** s******s.' Someone claiming to speak for the group that scuppered the show posted on Twitter under the name @NotAnExitM8, stating: 'This was a form of peaceful protest against someone who's [sic] views we find abhorrent. 'She has frequently aired her transphobic, whorephobic, Islamophobic and bigoted views, and has made a career from this bigotry.' Ms Smurthwaite said: 'To close someone down because of a disagreement, especially when it's a benefit gig, is infuriating and horrifying. 'I talk about freedom of speech in the show and if they had a problem with it they could have come and engaged with it.' In response to accusations of bigotry, she said: 'Every time this comes up I say, 'Send me an example.' Their example of Islamophobia is when I have quoted The Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain. It comes after a gig at the very same Goldsmiths College (pictured), London, was cancelled last year due to protests over her opposition to the full legalisation of the sex industry The group that claims to have blocked the gig, to raise money for Refugee Aid, said it was a peaceful protest over her 'abhorrent views', but Ms Smurthwaite says they refuse to state what views they mean 'In terms of the sex industry, I have a view shared by charities and a lot of people who have left the industry. And they always say 'transphobia', but there is not one single thing anyone can show me that I am even supposed to have said - I've campaigned for years for trans rights. I think people just make a list of things that end in "phobic".' The controversial college has been at the centre of a number of rows over free speech after students' union diversity officer Bahar Mustafa tweeted a message saying 'kill all white men'. To close someone down because of a disagreement, especially when it's a benefit gig, is infuriating and horrifying Kate Smurthwaite Members of the college's Islamic society also interrupted a lecture on blasphemy by a human rights activist. Ms Smurthwaite went ahead with the free show, which was to raise money for the charity Refugee Action with guests donating money on the door. After the show, Ms Smurthwaite set up a JustGiving page for Refugee Action to make up for the lost donations, with a target of 500, which has already raised more than 1,600. She wrote: 'Argh. Please donate for @RefugeeAction and restore my faith in humanity!!' Many backed her, one replying: 'I am so sorry. You & @RefugeeAction deserve so much better'. Ms Smurthwaite said there were so few people in the audience she ended up buying them all a drink at the students' bar during the interval. She said: 'All 75 tickets had been booked, so it must have been an organised boycott. I felt the least I could do was show appreciation for those who did attend. FREE SPEECH? NOT ON MY CAMPUS! HOW MODERN-DAY STUDENTS GO TO EMBARRASSING LENGTHS TO ENFORCE POLITICAL CORRECTNESS The case of Kate Smurthwaite is just the latest example of students sparking controversy with ultra-politically correct demands on campuses. Earlier this month, Cambridge University banned a planned Around The World in 80 Days-themed events for fears that costumes from other cultures may be 'offensive'. Last month, gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell was called racist and 'transphobic' by a student union officer ahead of a debate the pair were both invited to speak at. Fran Cowling, the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) representative for the National Union of Students, refused to appear at Canterbury Christ Church University unless Mr Tatchell did not attend. Ms Cowling stated in emails to event organisers that she could not share the stage with Mr Tatchell, because he signed an open letter in the Observer last year supporting free speech and against no-platforming, the practice by some universities to ban speakers because of their views. Last month, gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell was called racist and 'transphobic' by a student union officer According to the NUS officer, the letter supports inciting violence against transgender people. Cowling has also made an allegation against Mr Tatchell of racism or using racist language. This came after students are tried to ban feminist Germaine Greer from giving a lecture at Cardiff University because they claim she discriminates against transgender people. In February, left-wing activists succeeded in stopping Dr Adam Perkins' planned lecture at the London School of Economics because they disagreed with view on welfare. He had been due to talk about the relationship between personality and the welfare state, but it had to be cancelled because of threats that students would disrupt it. There have been similar problems in the US, with a number of parties being branded as racist for drawing influences from non-white minorities. A student was evicted from her home at the liberal arts college in Maine because of the controversy caused by pictures of her and friends wearing mini-sombreros at a tequila-themed party she hosted. Students at Oberlin College in Ohio attracted national mockery for objecting to their canteen serving sushi as they complained that it was a form of 'cultural appropriation'. At a university on Ottawa, Canada, yoga classes were banned for the same reason. At Fairfield University in Connecticut, students were criticised for wearing baggy clothes and carrying 40oz beers at a gangster themed party, making inferences, offending African Americans. Comedian John Cleese said in February that he has been warned last month to avoid college campuses because some of his jokes would not be considered correct by today's student body. And earlier this month, crowds of Oxford University students marched through the streets campaigning for the statue of 19th century colonialist Cecil Rhodes to be removed. Advertisement 'It cost me less than 20. I have had people want to buy me a drink after a show but this is the first time it was the other way around. 'I had to cancel a show there last year after pressure from supporters of the sex industry so there could have been an overlap. It is petty. I think people just make a list of things that end in 'phobic' Kate Smurthwaite 'There were tickets being booked at 3am in the morning, so maybe people in America were being dragged in because of the time gap.' Ms Smurthwaite has now set up a Just Giving page for the charity which has already raised more than 1,600. She said: 'Goldsmiths is a chapter that is closed now, because I wanted to do the show there and this was achieved - even though there were only eight people.' The group behind the boycott, @NotAnExitM8, said they were neither students at the college or affiliated with it in any way. Asked to comment, they stated: 'We have absolutely no desire to speak to the press.' A mother of two who claims a Trump Hotels executive attacked her outside his upmarket New York apartment building has said she's 'disappointed' in how police have dealt with the case so far. Nathan Crisp, 34, has been charged with assault after allegedly twice throwing 27-year-old Sheneik McCallum to the ground in front of her children during a row over her parking on Easter Sunday. Rather than being booked in at a police station, he was given a desk ticket and sent on his way ahead of a court appearance on May 2 - something McCallum says is 'disrespectful'. Scroll down for video Mother of two Sheneik McCallum (right) claims Trump Hotels exec Nathan Crisp (left) attacked her outside his NY apartment building. She says the NYPD should have booked him at a station, not given him a desk ticket Speaking to the press Thursday, she said, 'You know, to get a desk appearance ticket after you slam me to the floor... he could have broke my back, I could have been dead in front of my own two kids. 'I feel like it's unreasonable and it's disrespectful. That's all I have to say.' Crisp - whose now deleted LinkedIn page says he is vice president of revenue management and distribution at Trump Hotels - is accused of flying into a rage after Ms McCallum pulled over outside his building to check her baby was secured in its car seat. Ms McCallum said she pulled over outside the affluent Brooklyn apartment block to check on her child when Crisp shouted at her to get off the private property, where condos cost up to $6,000 a month. He is claimed to have blocked in the young mother's car with his own vehicle before attacking her, community advocate Tony Herbert told the New York Daily News. Police say Crisp threw her to the ground twice during the heated exchange on Sunday. Ms McCallum hit her head and both of her feet were scratched and bruised, police said. Crisp furiously denied the allegations, saying: 'I am totally innocent of all charges and look forward to defending this matter in court at which time I am confident that I will be fully vindicated. 'I do not have any further comment,' he added. It is not known whether Crisp still works for Donald Trump's company, however he appeared in press releases for the glitzy hotel group as recently as six months ago. Sheneik McCallum, 27, talks about an alleged attack from a #DonaldTrump hotel VP. @NYDailyNews "He body slammed me." pic.twitter.com/8cRLmAwaK0 Edgar Sandoval (@edjsandoval) March 31, 2016 Crisp is accused of flying into a rage after Sheneik McCallum pulled over outside his apartment building (pictured) to check her baby was secured in its seat Crisp's now deleted LinkedIn page says he is vice president of revenue management and distribution at Trump Hotels. Pictured, Trump International Hotel in New York 'I am not sure why this person isn't in handcuffs in a cell somewhere, but we will be reaching out to the brass at the NYPD as to why not,' Mr Herbert said. 'When I learned that this perpetrator worked for the Trump organization, I gotta say I wasn't surprised as to the attitude and disrespect displayed by this guy to this young woman.' A spokeswoman for Trump Hotels told Daily Mail Online: 'This is a personal matter having nothing whatsoever to do with Trump Hotels or any of its affiliates. 'That being said, Trump Hotels is conducting its own internal investigation into this matter to determine what occurred and takes these allegations seriously.' The charge comes after Trump's campaign manager Corey Lewandowski was charged with battery after allegedly assaulting Breitbart.com reporter Michelle Fields. Donald Trump's campaign manager Corey Lewandowski (left) was charged in Florida with simple battery after journalist Michelle Fields (right) claimed he intentionally grabbed and bruised her arm Assault: On Tuesday, a 15-year-old girl was pepper sprayed in the face at a Trump rally in Wisconsin Footage appears to show Fields touching Donald Trump before Lewandowski reaches over and pushes her away. Trump has insisted he will not sack Lewandowski and went as far as ridiculing the journalist, joking that he should press charges against her for touching him. Trump rallies have been marred with violence in recent weeks, with his supporters attacking protesters in Chicago and St Louis. At one speech in North Carolina, a 78-year-old Trump fan punched a black protester in the face before saying he deserved it because 'he might be ISIS'. On Tuesday, a 15-year-old girl was pepper sprayed in the face at a Trump rally in Wisconsin. The girl - known only as Alex - says she was sexually assaulted by a man moments before another supporter of The Donald sprayed her in the eyes. John Kasich declared today that GOP frontrunner Donald Trump is lucky that Jon Stewart is no longer hosting The Daily Show. But his remark provoked the ire of current host Trevor Noah, who fired back with a cutting joke - that Trump is even luckier to be running against Kasich. On Thursday, Kasich seized his opportunity to criticize his rival as unprepared for the presidency after his recent comments on abortion ignited a fresh wave of controversy. People around the world must be having a field day, and you know what Donald ought to be happy about is that Jon Stewarts not running The Daily Show, he told Good Morning America. Scroll down for video The Daily Show host Trevor Noah (right) hit back at Ohio Governor John Kasich (left) after he said Donald Trump is lucky that former host Jon Stewart is no longer at the helm Noah fired back saying Trump is luckier to be running against Kasich in the race for the GOP nomination Noah, a South African comedian who took over hosting the Comedy Central program from Stewart in September last year, quickly took to Twitter to slam Kasich. Alongside an article featuring Kasichs comments, he wrote: Yes, how lucky for Trump. Though not as lucky as getting to run against John Kasich #SinceYouMentionedIt. Kasich, who lags far behind Trump and Texas senator Ted Cruz in the race for the GOP nomination, seized an opportunity to criticize his rival as unprepared for the presidency after his comments on abortion ignited a fresh wave of controversy. In an attempt to win the billionaire businessmans supporters over to his side ahead of next weeks primary in Wisconsin, Kasich ramped up his criticism of Trump in a series of media appearances on Thursday. Earlier, he released a statement blasting Trump, saying he is clearly not ready to be president and noting that presidents dont get do-overs. Kasich brought up The Daily Show as he criticized Trump, who recently courted controversy after saying women who have abortions should be punished, attracting a fresh wave of controversy Trump recently remarked that if abortion became illegal, women who underwent the procedure should be punished. His campaign quickly backtracked saying only those who perform abortions would be held legally responsible. Kasich also jumpoed Its like a panoply of mistakes and outrageous statements, Kasich told the ABC program. Were dealing in such a serious time with the problem of global security, terrorism and here at home very poor economic growth, many feeling as though theyve got no future. You cant operate like this. In a statement, the governor of Ohio said: Donald Trump is not ready to be Commander in Chief. He talks loosely about the use of nuclear weapons and of dismantling NATO. America is facing major challenges at home and cannot afford to elect a President who does not respect the seriousness of the office. He brought up The Daily Show as he blasted Trump suggesting the show has lost its edge since Stewart's departure. Kasich's comments come as critics compared the show's current status with Noah (pictured) is like if 'our reliable attack dog had suddenly lost its teeth and self-medicated with Xanax A recent review of The Daily Show by Variety called the program with Noah at the helm harmless and eminently missable - ad noted that the show has seen a 30 per cent drop in ratings compared to last year. Critic Maureen Ryans main issue with Noah is that he treats his opening news round-up as if it were a stand-up set and jokes are rarely aimed at the jugular. In contrast, Stewarts opinionated monologues were often what attracted viewers to the show, particularly during election season. Given that the current American political season is more chaotic and unpredictable than any in recent memory, the shows strange affability creates a feeling of cognitive dissonance. Its as if our reliable attack dog had suddenly lost its teeth and self-medicated with Xanax. The state trooper who died after a gunman opened fire at a Greyhound bus station in Richmond, Virginia, on Thursday has been identified as a 37-year-old who joined the force two years ago. Virginia State Trooper Chad Dermyer died hours after he was shot by a gunman shortly after 2.45pm. Two women - including a member of the Binghamton University track team - were also shot but are expected to survive. The gunman, who has not been identified, died in the shootout. The first shot fired was directly at the trooper, Virginia State Police spokeswoman Corinne Geller said. State trooper Chad Dermyer, 37, was shot dead by a gunman at a Greyhound station in Richmond, Virginia, on Thursday Dermyer, a former member of the Marine Corps (pictured), became a Virginia State trooper in 2014 The first shot fired was directly at the trooper, Virginia State Police spokeswoman Corinne Geller said. The Virginia State Police were on a training exercise at the bus station when the gunman opened fire Dermyer, pictured right at a Virginia State Police event, grew up in Brooklyn, Michigan, according to his Facebook page Dermyer is a father of two and a former Marine who joined the force in 2014, according to the New York Daily News. His former police department, the Newport-News Police Department in Virginia released a touching statement about his death. The statement said: 'Trooper Dermyer is fondly remembered by all who knew him. While with NNPD, he served with his partner (former) Officer Cyndi Grace for a number of years and they were known and referred to throughout the department as "Gracemyer". 'NNPD Assistant Chief Joe More said, "Chad Dermyer was a member of our police department family. He had an excellent reputation and he was an outstanding officer." Trooper Dermyer is survived by his wife and two young children. 'A loss of this magnitude cannot be put into words...our hearts are broken. We feel incredibly blessed to have known Chad and to have been on his team. 'Rest in peace, friend, we have the watch now. Please keep Trooper Dermyer's family, friends and co-workers in your thoughts and prayers in the days to come.' Initially, State Police had said in a news release that two troopers were taken to a hospital, but Geller later told reporters that only one had been hurt. Police confirmed that a male suspect pulled out a gun and shot a state trooper at the entrance to the bus station. Two other troopers returned fire, fatally wounding the gunman who later died in hospital. Police have identified the gunman but will not release his name until his next of kin his notified. Police did not provide any information on the gunman and did not say why he was at the bus station. Police did say that "the shooter continued to be combative as police took him into custody'. One of the four injured is a female track athlete who was en route to a meet at the College of William and Mary, according to WVEC. Virginia State Police spokesperson Corrine Geller speaks during a news conference outside a Greyhound bus station on Thursday A state trooper, the gunman and two civilians were shot shortly after 2.45pm, police said. The gunman died in the shootout. The trooper's injuries were life-threatening, said Geller Richmond SWAT team members leave the Greyhound bus station following Thursday afternoon's shooting Two travelers are escorted leave a Greyhound bus station. The two civilians who were shot (not pictured) are expected to survive State Police had said in a news release that two troopers were taken to a hospital, but Geller later told reporters that only one had been hurt Richmond SWAT team members prepare to leave a Greyhound bus station on Thursday where a state trooper suffered live-threatening injuries All four were taken to VCU medical center in Richmond, where the trooper and the gunman were pronounced dead. Virginia State Police were on a training exercise at the bus station when the gunman opened fire, Geller said. Dermyer, who had recently been transferred to an counter-terrorism unit, was among roughly a dozen troopers participating in a training session Dermyer was dressed in a fatigue-style uniform and was not wearing a protective vest, Virginia State Police Superintendent Col Steven Flaherty said. A SWAT team was seen at the scene minutes after gunshots were heard. The motive behind the shooting is not known. There was travel chaos at the bus station in the wake of the shooting as hundreds of travelers were left stranded outside the main building. The bus company released a statement about the incident on Thursday evening. The statement said: 'We can confirm that there was an incident at the Greyhound Richmond station this afternoon. 'We are fully cooperating with the authorities and providing any information they may need, including video surveillance that was captured. 'We're unable to confirm the number of injuries at this time. However, no employees were injured. 'Our station has been evacuated and we are offering counselors to not only assist our employees, but customers that were at the station as well. Virginia State Police wait outside of the emergency entrance at VCU Medical Center following Thursday's shooting Stranded bus passengers retrieve luggage from a bus at a bus maintenance facility near the main bus station where a shooting took place Stranded passengers wait to board buses near the main bus station where a shooting took place on Thursday Police officers gather outside the Greyhound Bus Station in Richmond hours after a shooter was gunned down An officer, left, talks with people after a shooting at a Greyhound bus terminal in Richmond, Virginia, on Thursday 'We are re-routing inbound schedules to our Richmond garage until further notice. If you are scheduled to travel today to or from Richmond, we will work with you to re-issue tickets for another time.' Greyhound, owned by FirstGroup PLC said the station was closed until further notice and the company was actively working with authorities to provide any information needed, including video surveillance that was captured. Richmond Mayor Dwight Jones called on people to stay clear of the station while the police's investigation at the scene was ongoing. 'Mayor Jones has been fully briefed on the shooting incident on the Boulevard at the Greyhound Bus Station,' a spokesman for the mayor said. 'He is in constant contact with Richmond Police Chief Al Durham. The matter is under the jurisdiction of the Virginia State Police and Richmond Police officials are fully engaged and acting in a supporting role at this time. 'Mayor Jones has also made contact with Governor Terry McAuliffe and the City and State are working collaboratively to respond to this incident. 'The Mayor is asking citizens to avoid the impacted area to allow law enforcement and emergency responders to function as efficiently as possible in responding to this incident and stabilizing the scene.' Leigha Schilling, who was between stops on her bus trip from New York to South Carolina, said that she was smoking a cigarette outside the station Thursday when she heard banging. She went back inside briefly and saw people lying on the ground and what appeared to be blood on the floor. An armed officer stows his weapon after a shooting at a Greyhound bus station in Richmond, Virginia, claimed the life of a state trooper Police confirmed that a male suspect pulled out a gun and shot a state trooper at the entrance to the bus station. Pictured, officers at the bus station on Thursday afternoon A state trooper has reportedly been shot dead after a gunman opened fire at a Greyhound bus station in Richmond, Virginia. Pictured, armed police at the scene A state trooper was among four people shot shortly after 2.45pm, police sources said. Pictured, armed police at the scene One of the four injured is a female member of the public. All four were taken to VCU medical center in Richmond. Pictured, the scene at the bus station A security guard ordered her to get on the floor and she ran back outside, where she heard several shots, she said. 'I was terrified,' she said. 'I didn't know what was going on.' Charles Leazott works in the marketing department at Electrical Equipment Company, across the street from the bus station. 'I glanced out my office window and saw, no exaggeration, what looked to me to be every police officer in the city of Richmond,' he told the AP. Leazott said emergency teams 'ran in with stretchers and, in what seemed like an amazingly short period of time, they were coming back out with people on the stretchers'. City Councilwoman Reva Trammell called it 'the saddest day in the city of Richmond.' 'State troopers doing their job and innocent people shot,' she said. 'Why? This was a senseless act.' About 50 officers from the Richmond Police Department went to the bus station to assist state police, Chief Alfred Durham said. He said law enforcement officers have become the target of 'folks out there with evil intentions.' 'It's unfortunate these are the days we're living in, where folks want to harm law enforcement,' Durham said. 'We just want our officers to end their shifts and to go home to their families.' The Greyhound Bus Station is located west of the city's downtown area, across from Richmond's minor league baseball stadium and within a former industrial area. It is located on a main thoroughfare connecting a residential district to the stadium and nearby restaurants. Mayhem: There was chaos at the bus station this afternoon following the shooting as police tried to clear travelers from the scene Police evacuated the building after the shooting injured four people, including a state troopers - one fatally The suspect was shot dead by police, who were at the bus station on a training exercise. Picture courtesy of WTVR Escape: Kang Chol-hwan, pictured, spent 10 years of his childhood imprisoned in a North Korean camp A man who spent his childhood imprisoned in a North Korean camp has revealed the horrors he witnessed living under one of the world's most brutal regimes. Kang Chol-hwan was just nine years old when he was sent to the Yodok political prison camp in 1977 after his grandfather was accused of treason by the Kim dynasty. He spent a decade having his every movement monitored by ruthless guards, living under the constant threat of beatings, torture, and even death. When his family was eventually released, Mr Kang spent a number of years listening to illegal broadcasts from Seoul while planning his escape. He crossed the Yalu River into China in 1992, moving to South Korea months later. Mr Kang, who is in his 40s, now works as an author and activist helping those still trapped in North Korea. In a live Q&A session on Reddit, Mr Kang has described the chilling scenes he witnessed as a prisoner, comparing the camp to life in Auschwitz. Describing daily life in the camp, he said: 'We wake up at 5 am and are forced to work until sunset. We are given lessons on Kim il-sung and Juche. We are forced to watch public executions. 'We are physically abused - hit and tortured. I think of it as another form of Auschwitz. 'These work camps are like products of Nazism, and an abusive government needs elements such as Nazi concentration camps. They just have different ways of killing people.' Malnutrition was also rife in the camps, with prisoners resorting to eating worms and rats to survive. And rather than pray to a God, prisoners were made to give thanks to the 'supreme leader'. Brutal: Mr Kang lived under the constant threat of beatings, torture and death. Above, file image of a camp Mr Kang, who has documented his experiences in the autobiography The Aquariums of Pyongyang, explained that many citizens did not even recognise the extent of the regime's influence. 'It is just a part of life,' he said. 'There was a surveillance system but people do not question it because they have not experienced other government systems. 'Sometimes we are taken in for questioning for touching the portrait of Kim Il-sung, for example if we see dust or dirt on the portrait... We think about freedom as we grow up, but I think that human nature.' After months of learning about South Korean culture on his illegal wireless, Mr Kang eventually fled across the border to China. But he said nothing could have prepared him for the level of freedom he had overnight. He said: 'The market economy was the biggest shock. In North Korea, there was only one type of toothbrush available but here, there were so many and I didnt know which one to choose. 'Also, womens rights in the two countries are so different. In North Korea, women are often treated harshly, but in South Korea, I saw women smoking, which is unimaginable in the North. Freedom: Mr Kang now helps those still living under the regime of Kim Jong-Un, pictured earlier this week 'Actually everything was a shock. The fact that I could travel whenever I want was shocking. In North Korea, you need a travel pass to go anywhere but in South Korea, the freedom of movement is taken for granted.' Mr Kang, who still has family in North Korea, now works as the Executive Director of the North Korea Strategy Center, an NGO whose goal is to advocate for free media and press in North Korea. The group aims to open up the country by distributing movies, documentaries and dramas to North Koreans, usually through USBs. He added that he believed the regime of Kim Jong-un would 'disappear' in the next five years. The revelations come after North Korea claimed it is preparing to launch a pre-emptive nuclear strike on the U.S., saying its warheads are capable of reaching Manhattan. The country's Foreign Minister warned that the North Korean army has been ordered to move from preparing for potential military response to attacks on the country - to preparing to launch their own. While Donald Trump certainly knows how to grab a headline, it seems these days that his supporters garner almost as much attention with bizarre and often violent displays at his rallies. But this time an anti-Trump protester is taking up the limelight after being recorded ranting at a woman during a campaign event before trying to do a backflip and landing on his own face. The man, who has not been identified, was filmed freaking out in front of Trump supporters in Janesville, Wisconsin, when the amusing incident took place. An anti-Trump protester, whose identity is not known, was filmed at a campaign event in Janesville, Wisconsin, cursing and ranting at supporters before attempting to do a backflip Sporting a shaggy beard, long hair, and hippy-like attire, the man can be seen shouting at people as they try to recruit more supporters for the Donald. As the footage starts, he shouts: 'You all come out here and wait in line, "yeah, yeah, yeah" and there's nothing.' Surrounded by news cameras the man pauses as the supporters shout back at him before one woman can be heard asking: 'What are you smoking?' Becoming near-hysterical, while pacing back and forth, the man replied: 'I'm smoking pot, that's what I'm smoking lady. I'm smoking the green, I'm smoking the herb. 'Is that what you think, I'm on drugs because I hate this fascist p***? F*** you, fat b****.' Seeming to realize he is being filmed while abusing the woman, he then turns to the camera, waving his arms and continuing to shout. Speaking directly into the lens, he says: 'I just gave you what you wanted, I just gave you all what you wanted, it's a f***ing circus everybody, look!' At that point he begins jumping up and down while people watching can he heard saying 'look at the monkey, look'. While shouting 'it's a f***ing show everybody' the man attempts to pull of a backflip for the crowd, but ends up landing on his head with a painful sounding crack After the rather embarrassing fall the man quickly climbs to his feet, telling people 'I did that on purpose' before storming away (pictured) His humiliation is complete a few moments later when he attempts a backflip only to land on his head with a painful sounding crack against the concrete. Jumping back to his feet, he claims, rather unconvincingly: 'I did that on purpose. It's all a f***ing show here.' Though the Trump supporters continue heckling, it seems as if the man is done shouting back as he quickly walks away. Tensions flared between pro and anti-Trump activists during the rally in Janesville that led to a 15-year-old girl being pepper sprayed in the face. The girl, known only as Alex, accused one grey-haired man of sexually assaulting her before another man wearing a 'Make America Great Again' cap sprayed her in the face. Later at the same rally another anti-Trump protester, a 15-year-old known only as Alex (right), was filmed being pepper sprayed in the face after claiming a man groped her Police are still looking for this man who is accused of using the pepper spray, and say they have spoken to another man accused of sexual assault but have not handed charges to prosecutors yet Police say they have traced the elderly man and questioned him on suspicion of sex assault, but have not handed the case to prosecutors, while they are still searching for the second man. A 19-year-old woman standing near the girl at the rally was also treated for pepper spray, though she wasn't directly hit. Trump was holding a rally in the conference center in Janesville with around 1,000 supporters allowed inside, and another 1,000 left standing outside. , ahead of a 105-tonne burning - the biggest ever - planned in Africa this April Advertisement A tonne of ivory worth around 3.6million was today crushed in Italy after an investigation linked the illegal tusk poaching trade to a Somali terror group. Government officials posed triumphantly next to the huge haul of tusks and carved models, which was destroyed using an industrial stone crusher and a steamroller before being disposed of permanently. Officials didn't officially put a price on the pile, but a haul half the size that was seized in China earlier this month was said to be worth more than 1.8million on the black market. Scroll down for video Proud haul: Government officials posed triumphantly next to the huge haul of tusks and carved models, which was destroyed using an industrial stone crusher and a steamroller before being disposed of permanently Disposal: Crushed ivory coming from confiscated ivory objects and elephant tusks come out of the industroal crusher during the first Italian Ivory Crush event at the Circus Maximus in downtown Rome Huge pricetag: Officials didn't officially put a price on the pile, but a haul half the size that was seized in China earlier this month was said to be worth more than 1.8million on the black market Terror links: It was part of a joint initiative between the government and the Elephant Action League (EAL), which created a report - Africa's White Gold of Jihad - which found links between the illegal trade of ivory and Islamic militant group Al-Shabaab Fighting poachers: The crushing, billed as a fight against poaching and the illegal trafficking of ivory, rhino horn and timber, was a public event held at Rome's ancient racing stadium, Circus Maximus It was part of a joint initiative between the government and the Elephant Action League (EAL), which created a report - Africa's White Gold of Jihad - which found links between the illegal trade of ivory and Islamic militant group Al-Shabaab. EAL co-founder Andrea Costa, said: 'Behind elephant poaching and ivory trafficking there is a huge human toll and corruption at all levels from money laundering to weapons trafficking, and the exploitation of entire local communities.' The crushing, billed as a fight against poaching and the illegal trafficking of ivory, rhino horn and timber, was a public event held at Rome's ancient racing stadium, Circus Maximus. It was a joint effort between the Italian Ministry of Environment, the Italian Forest Police, and the EAL, and government officials also welcomed Kenyan dignitaries ahead of a similar event in Africa next month. Kenya on Wednesday launched a three-week amnesty to hand in ivory and rhino horn ahead of the world's biggest burning of ivory in April. The mass burning, the vast majority of its ivory and rhino horn stockpile, will amount to some 105 tonnes of ivory, seven times the size of any ivory stockpile destroyed so far, as well as 1.35 tonnes of rhino horn. Environmental protection: Forest guards prepare the confiscated elephant tusks and ivory object before their destruction earlier today Fighting for nature: Italy crushed the items as part of the fight against poaching and the illegal trafficking of ivory, rhino horn and timber Co-operation: The project was a joint effort between the Italian Ministry of Environment, the Italian Forest Police (pictured), and the EAL. Government officials also welcomed Kenyan dignitaries ahead of a similar event in Africa next month 'Anybody holding any ivory, rhino horns or any other wildlife trophies or jewelry or trinkets made from these materials should surrender them,' environment minister Judi Wakhungu told reporters, as preparations for the giant burning ceremony were launched in Nairobi national park. 'Those who take advantage of this amnesty will not be punished.' The highly publicised display on April 30 will be led by Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and attended by a gaggle of celebrities, conservationists and heads of state. Kenyatta set fire in March 2015 to a giant pile of 15 tonnes of elephant ivory, which conservationists said then was the largest ever burned in Africa. Dark beauty: These confiscated ivory objects seem quite artistic, however, the EAL claims that they are linked to serious problems such as corruption and human exploitation in Africa At the time, the pile of tusks formed a dramatic three-metre (10-foot) tall pyre, which burned for several days until the ivory was reduced to ash. 'Although the destruction of ivory and rhino horn will not in itself put an end to the illegal trade in these items, it demonstrates Kenya's commitment to seeking a total global ban in the trade of ivory and rhino horn,' Wakhungu added. More than 30,000 elephants are killed for their ivory every year in Africa to satisfy demand in Asia where raw tusks sell for thousands per kg. The poaching of elephants and rhinos and illegal wildlife trade is a major problem across much of Africa, it threatens the very survival of these iconic species,' Wakhungu said. A private school teacher in Arizona has been placed on administrative after allegedly duct-taping the legs of an 11-year-old autistic boy, saying the child was continually removing his shoes. The boy, Armando Howato, is non-verbal and has the mental capacity of a second-grader. He had only been attending The ACES East, a special education school in Tempe, in the lead-up to the alleged incident. 'He's loving. He's a loving kid. There's no reason to have that happen to him,' Destin Howato, the boy's father, told KTLA. 'I'm furious': Arizona father Destin Howato (left) is trying to have a teacher reprimanded after he allegedly duct-taped his son's shoes to the boy's leg (right) Mr Howato continued: 'He can't say for himself. He can't speak up for himself.' 'This is a school that is supposed to be there for our special needs children. If this can happen to my son, it can happen to other people's sons or daughters.' Mr Howato said the school told him that the tape was put on so his son wouldn't remove his shoes. The school released a statement that stated the teacher did duct tape Armando's shoes to his legs. Armando's teacher said the boy kicked off his shoes several times. The teacher claimed Armando's mother gave him permission to tape the boy. The statement read, in part: 'On Friday, March 25, 2016, the student was kicking his shoes off repeatedly in the classroom creating an unsafe environment for other students. To facilitate assisting the student with keeping the high top sneakers on his feet, the student's mother gave the teacher permission to place duct tape on the student's shoes. Private school: The ACES East is a special education school in Tempe, Arizona. The school released a statement about the incident, confirming the teacher taped the boy's legs The statement continued: 'Unfortunately, unbeknown to the student's mother and the school administration, inch to inch of the tape came into contact with the student's skin around his ankle. At no time were the student's legs taped together nor was the student's movement restricted. The student was not harmed in any way as a result of this incident.' The school also confirmed that the teacher had been put on administrative leave. Mr Howato is not satisfied with the outcome and wants further action to be taken. 'I went down to the police department and filed charges against him,' Mr Howato said of the teacher. Donald Trump and Ted Cruz are headed to a photo finish in Wisconsin next Tuesday according to the latest poll numbers, which show the Texas senator ahead of the New York billionaire by just a single percentage point. Public Policy Polling, a left-leaning firm, surveyed likely voters in the Badger State and found Cruz leading the Republican primary contest with 38 per cent, compared with Trump's 37. The numbers were released Thursday, just two days after a poll sponsored by the Marquette University Law School projected Cruz with a solid 40-30 lead. The dramatically different results could be explained by sample sizes: Marquette's pollsters interviewed 471 likely Republican primary voters, while Public Policy Polling surveyed 768. They could also reflect quickly shifting political winds in Wisconsin, seasoned with a series of Trump rallies that tend to create unpredictable news cycles. NOT DEAD YET: Donald Trump is running neck-and-neck with Ted Cruz in Wisconsin among Republicans and might pick up crossover Democrats who don't show up in opinion surveys about GOP candidates HOPING THE FIRST POLL WAS RIGHT: Cruz was up by 10 points just two days ago, and he might win if John Kasich's voters peel off and put him over the top Buried in the numbers are contradictory trends one that might help Cruz and another that could benefit Trump. The reality TV star and real estate tycoon is likely to benefit from a sizable number of Democratic 'crossover' voters middle-class whites, many in labor unions who will support Trump more on personality than on policy. That entire group is invisible in a poll that excludes Democrats, as both the Marquette and PPP surveys did. Wisconsin's primary is an 'open' one, meaning the Republican contest is not limited to only registered Republican voters. Trump has performed markedly better in open-primary states than in those with closed elections. On the other side of the coin, Ohio Gov. John Kasich registered 17 per cent in the PPP poll of Wisconsin Republicans, but just 63 per cent of that group said they were definitely going to vote for him on Tuesday. In the group that wasn't so sure, 51 per cent said they could switch to Cruz. Just 19 said the same of Trump. The result is a 49-41 drubbing with the Texas tea party titan emerging on top if Kasich weren't in the race. But the Ohioan shows no sign of backing away from the White House contest, and his presence is giving Trump a wider lane to swim in. The PPP poll found that the billionaire front-runner is the only one of the three men whose 'favorable' score among voters is lower than his 'unfavorable' number a lopsided 45-48 showing. That suggests Trump's 37 per cent poll number in the Tuesday's primary couldn't possibly rise higher than 45. Such a number would be more than enough to win a three-man race where a distant straggler like Kasich commands just 17 per cent. In a head-to-head contest, 45 per cent is a losing proposition. Kasich's favorable-unfavorable numbers look better at 52-30, and Cruz's are 50-36. But if Cruz can't can overtake Trump, he'll miss out on many of the 42 delegates up for grabs on Tuesday. Wisconsin will award 18 delegates to the statewide victor, and another 24 in three-delegate batches to the winners of the state's eight congressional districts. It's likely that the top vote-getter will collect either 30 or 33 delegates, with the remaining 9 or 12 spread among the two losers. MPs said it was 'a great sadness', particularly given the tainted gongs given to figures such as Jimmy Savile Advertisement Ronnie Corbett, the 5ft 1in giant of British comedy, was remembered with an outpouring of affection yesterday after his death at 85. The entertainer, who made millions laugh without being crude or cruel, died surrounded by his family in hospital after a secret battle with motor neurone disease. But as tributes poured in, his countless fans were left asking why he had never been knighted. Jimmy Tarbuck, 76, said he would 'never understand' why the 'ultimate class act' had not been given the honour, while other entertainers suggested it was inexplicable that he had been overlooked. Scroll down for videos The 'ultimate class act': Ronnie Corbett, pictured with wife Anne was remembered with an outpouring of affection after his death at 85 Corbett collapsed at a meal to celebrate his CBE in 2012 (pictured), but made a quick recovery and was later said be 'enjoying life and work' MPs said it was 'a great sadness', particularly given the tainted gongs given to figures such as paedophile TV presenter Jimmy Savile and shamed banker Fred Goodwin. Corbett, best known for his double act with Ronnie Barker in The Two Ronnies, had been unwell since Christmas 2014 and was diagnosed with motor neurone disease three months later. But he kept his ill health a secret from everyone apart from family and close friends. Writing in the Daily Mail today, his friend Michael Thornton tells how the entertainer had been fighting to stay alive until his golden wedding anniversary on May 30. His adoring wife Anne, 82, nursed him to the end with the couple's daughters, Emma, 48, and Sophie, 47. She said yesterday: 'Ron wasn't just my husband, and the love of my life. He was also my best friend.' Corbett was given a CBE in 2012, but never received a knighthood from the Queen despite a fans' campaign and overwhelming support from both the public and leading showbusiness figures. Mr Thornton said that when he recently put the star forward to be knighted, there was a 'virtual stampede' from well-known names wanting to back the plan, including Dame Judi Dench and Sir Bruce Forsyth. Tarbuck said yesterday: 'Why Ronnie Corbett, the Little Wizard, didn't receive a knighthood I will never understand. He was the ultimate class act, a sheer professional who was loved by everyone who worked with him and if that's not worth a Sir before your name, I don't know what is.' Devoted: British comedian Ronnie Corbett, best known for his role in The Two Ronnies, is survived by his wife of 50 years, Anne Hart, right In what is believed to be the last photo of Corbett in public, he was pictured with his wife leaving The Ivy restaurant in London in January Corbett's friend Sir Bruce Forsyth (left in 1969) paid an emotional tribute to the star. Right: Corbett with Prince Charles in 2007 Corbett died with his wife Anne and daughters Sophie and Emma by is side. The family are pictured together at an after party in 2013 Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes, who sits on the arts and media honours committee, told the Daily Telegraph: 'I think he should have been awarded a knighthood.' Actress Anita Harris, 73, said a knighthood would have been 'a wonderful tribute to a man of genius and master of his craft'. Last year Sir Bruce Forsyth who writes a personal tribute in today's Mail and who received the honour in 2011 said Corbett deserved to be a Sir for his part in The Two Ronnies, the Saturday night hit of the 1970s and 1980s which gave us comedy classics such as the 'four candles' sketch. But despite the campaign for the comedian to be recognised, when the New Year's Honours were announced last year no official letter landed on the Corbetts' doormat. The entertainer's wife said then that the thought of being Lady Corbett 'would be very nice', but added: 'I guess not this time.' Tory MP Andrew Bridgen said yesterday: 'It is a great sadness that Ronnie Corbett was never recognised for his charity work and service given some of the people who have, including Jimmy Savile.' Labour MP Steve Pound referredg to the Two Ronnies' famous sign-off 'It's goodnight from me', 'And it's goodnight from him' sayng: 'It's a goodnight from him and he should have been a good knight.' Corbett is most famous for his appearances with Ronnie Barker in The Two Ronnies in the 70s and 80s. His friend Barker died in 2005 Corbett with his wife Anne and two daughters Sophie and Emma, who is pictured holding Corbett's first grandchild, Robert, in 1997 With typical modesty, Corbett had said that he did not expect to be knighted because 'there are others who are, perhaps, in line before me'. But he highlighted the fact that many entertainers miss out on the honour, and said that his partner Barker 'really ought to have got one'. Other much-loved comedians who failed to receive a knighthood have included Eric Morecambe, Frankie Howerd and Tommy Cooper. The deep love felt for Corbett was clear from the tributes paid to him yesterday. On Facebook one fan wrote poignantly: 'I'll light four candles in your memory. For me you were Sir Ronnie for a long time. God bless.' Close friend Sir Michael Parkinson, 81, said Corbett was 'a rare man' who was loved and trusted by his adoring audience for his family friendly comedy. He added: 'He was one of the giants of what's called the Golden Era of television who had the rare quality of likeability. 'All he had to do was walk on stage or appear on television and he had the audience with him. They loved him because they trusted him, thought he was a lovely guy and the kind of comedian you could sit and watch with all the family. 'He had with Anne, his wife, one of the great showbiz marriages, and she and his family will be devastated, as we all are.' John Cleese, 76, who appeared with Corbett and Barker on David Frost's programme in the 1960s, wrote on Twitter: 'He had the best timing I've ever watched. He was a great, kind mentor and a wonderfully witty companion.' FOUR CANDLES... IN LAUGHING MEMORY TO ONE OF THE GREATS Fans tweeted their own tributes to the Two Ronnies celebrated Four Candles sketch... Advertisement Flowers, tributes and four candles lay by the life-size portrait sculpture for comedian Ronnie Corbett in Charles Street, Croydon, south London, today (left). Right: Corbett and daughter Emma are pictured together attending a launch party at the Savoy, London in April 2012 ... And the dubious dozen who WERE honoured By Vanessa Allen for the Daily Mail Ronnie Corbett was overlooked for a knighthood despite the honour being handed to dictators, political cronies and a predatory paedophile. Some of those who have been recognised include: Billionaire Topshop tycoon Philip Green was dubbed a pariah earlier this year after it emerged he had offered to pay only 80million towards the BHS pension deficit which has left thousands of current and former workers facing cuts in their retirement benefits. The shortfall is estimated at 571million. Sir Philip, who was knighted in 2006 for services to the retail industry, has been dogged by controversy over the 400million he took out of BHS via special dividends paid to his wife Tina, who lives in the tax haven of Monaco. Honoured: Topshop tycoon Philip Green (left), BBC presenter Jimmy Savile (centre), and disgraced former bank boss Fred Goodwin, right BBC presenter Jimmy Savile was knighted in 1990. It has been ruled impossible to revoke the honour as it formally ended with his death even though he was since been unmasked as a predatory paedophile. Disgraced former bank boss Fred Goodwin was stripped of his knighthood following the near-collapse of the Royal Bank of Scotland. His title was formally cancelled and annulled by the Queen. Cyril Smith was knighted after being nominated by Liberal leader David Steel, now Lord Steel, despite being alerted to claims that the former MP for Rochdale had subjected boys to humiliating abuse. HBoS chief executive James Crosby asked to give up his knighthood after MPs found he sowed the seeds of destruction at one of Britains biggest banks. Civil servant Lin Homer was dubbed Dame Disaster after she presided over a series of scandals at the UK Border Agency and HMRC. She was awarded a damehood the female equivalent of a knighthood in this years New Years Honours. Tainted gongs: Cyril Smith (left), HBoS chief executive James Crosby (centre) and Civil servant Lin Homer, dubbed 'Dame Disaster' Recognised: Former head of MI6 John Scarlett, left, Anthony Blunt, centre, who was stripped of his knighthood, and Nicolae Ceausescu John Scarlett, the former head of MI6, was knighted in 2007. As chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committee, he oversaw the dodgy dossier that helped to justify Tony Blairs disastrous involvement in the 2003 Iraq War. Anthony Blunt, one of the Cambridge spies, confessed to passing wartime intelligence to Soviet Russia and was stripped of his knighthood. Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceausescu was made an honorary knight of the Order of Bath but was stripped of the title in 1989, days before he was tried and executed by firing squad for crimes against the state. Robert Mugabe, the Zimbabwean president, received the same honorary knighthood during a 1994 state visit but was stripped of the honour in 2008 after Britain intensified sanctions over human rights violations and attacks on political opponents. In the world of politics, Baroness Brady of Knightsbridge, who started her business career working for pornographer David Sullivan and now stars on The Apprentice, was made a Conservative peer two years ago. Baroness Mone of Mayfair, who founded the lingerie firm Ultimo, was elevated to the Lords last year, also as a Tory peer, but business leaders have queried whether the honour was appropriate. A pair of bungling thought they'd committed the perfect crime when they broke into an empty Denver home. But instead of stealing TVs they appeared on them instead, after the homeowner's security camera system caught them in action. The thieves announced their arrival at 1pm Monday by ringing the doorbell and knocking for a full two minutes - a common test, Denver police told the channel, to see whether anyone was home. But nobody was. And that's when their screen time on KWGN began. Opportunity knocks: Before entering, the man later identified as 'Brett' knocks and rings the doorbell for two minutes to make sure nobody is home - a tactic that is common among burglars, Denver police say Casing the joint: Brett then peers through the house's French doors, giving the house one last check before he and his partner come in through the back door to the right Footage from a security camera in the house's combined living room and kitchen area shows one of the thieves peek in through the French doors leading to the backyard. And moments later the two thieves kick in the back door. With no alarms sounding, they confidently striding in to steal whatever they can get their hands on But their confidence is misplaced, as both of them walk right in front of the cameras set up around the house. While one of the men enters the front hallway to see what he can find - getting his face caught on camera in the process - the other makes a telephone call: 'We're in.' That's a signal for their getaway driver to pull into the garage and wait for the loot that's about to follow. Smile, you're on camera: The other man is the first of the pair to be filmed You're up next: Brett is then captured on the front hall camera One of the men calls out to the other - whom he calls 'Brett' - to ask if they're 'good.' 'Yeah,' says Brett. 'Hurry up,' replies his partner in crime. 'Let's roll, fool!' Exactly what the men stole is unclear, but the footage appears to show Brett carrying a large picture and a pillowcase filled with unknown items, and the other man carrying a television set. But their glee comes to a halt shortly after unhooking another TV from the living room wall, when Brett notices the security camera. Loot: Brett appears to be carrying a painting and a pillowcase; his partner appears to have a television Off the wall: The pair's last act on camera is to unhook a second TV set Spotted: Brett then spots the security camera, but his attempts to destroy it are in vain - its footage has already been uploaded to the cloud He attempts to unhook it from the wall, but it's too late - the pair are already primed to become unwilling celebrities, as all their data has been uploaded to the Cloud. 'The images are pretty clear. Hopefully, the community recognizes who these guys are and lets us know,' Schepman told KWGN. One of the burglars was wearing glasses, a grey Denver Broncos sweatshirt and ball cap; another was wearing a blue moving company shirt. Anyone recognizing the thieves should call Denver police, or Crime Stoppers on 720-913-7867. But they were able to save Montville Township mansion from foreclosure Real Housewives star Teresa Giudice's $170,000 former home in New Jersey has sold for just $100 at a foreclosure auction. Teresa and her husband Joe had already lost their Manahawkin vacation home and nearly lost their Montville Township mansion last year after pleading guilty to making a fraudulent bankruptcy claim in 2009. The Giudices have been trying to find a buyer for their modest three-bedroom 'investment property' in Lincoln Park since 2014, NJ.com reports. Scroll down for video Real Housewives star Teresa Giudice's (pictured with husband Joe) $170,000 former home in New Jersey has sold for just $100 at a foreclosure auction The Giudices were hoping to find a buyer for their modest three-bedroom 'investment property' in Lincoln Park which they bought for $170,000 in 2005 Shortly before their sentencing in 2014, the couple listed the house, described as 'charming' and 'not in a flood zone,' for $179,900 The three-bed property, which has one bathroom and a stone fireplace, failed to attract any interest when it was listed in 2014 Shortly before their sentencing in 2014, the couple listed the house, described as 'charming' and 'not in a flood zone,' for $179,900. But there were no takers. And when the property, bought for $170,000 in 2005, recently went to foreclosure auction it failed to attract a single bid. Eventually the lenders bought it back for just $100. The Giudices still owed $225,742 on the home. The couple's lawyer described the loss as 'eliminating excess' and saying Teresa and Joe were now 'focusing on doing more with less.' Joe and Teresa had lived in the Lincoln Park property while doing work to their Montville mansion, where the family resides, in 2008. They later rented out the property and were accused of hiding $42,968 of rent in their fraudulent bankruptcy filing. The couple have managed to hold onto their Montville property - which faced foreclosure last year - by making that loan current in October. It was outside the mansion that Teresa gave a tearful goodbye to her husband in March as he left to begin his prison sentence 90 miles away at the Federal Correction Institute in Fort Dix - all while Bravo cameras filmed the their final farewell. When the property recently went to foreclosure auction it once agian failed to attract a single bid Joe and Teresa had lived in the Lincoln Park property while doing work to their Montville mansion, where the family resides, in 2008 They later rented out the property and were accused of hiding $42,968 of rent in their fraudulent bankruptcy filing Teresa, 43, had been freed from jail the month before, having served 11 and a half months of a 15 months sentence for charges of fraud and conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud in March last year. In an interview with InTouch , Teresa shared the advice she had given her husband before he heads off to serve time, and how difficult it will be without him at their home. 'He's my life - I'm going to miss him tremendously,' said Teresa. 'Just him not being around - looking at him, kissing him, touching him. He's the love of my life. 'He was there for me and I'm going to be there for him.' As for the what she told Joe as he prepared to for prison, she said; 'Pretty much just to be careful and don't trust anyone. We both learned that the hard way. He's a strong guy and I think he'll be fine - it's just going to make him a stronger person than he already is.' She then added that she was lucky to have her four daughters with her, saying; 'We will all help each other get through this.' Teresa also spoke about her time in prison, and if it changed her, to which she said; 'I'm the same person. I've always been humble and I still am. 'One thing that surprised me was that I met some wonderful women in there. Just because you're in prison doesn't mean you're a bad person. 'Especially for white collar [crimes].' Fond farewell: The couple were seen kissing before Joe was driven off to officially report to prison to start a 41-month sentence Family: The Giudices were reunited only briefly after Teresa returned from jail before Joe had to begin his sentence Teresa also revealed she has started work on a second book detailing the time between her return home from prison and her husband Joe heading off to start his sentence. Joe's attorneys are already attempting to fight the possibility of deportation after his sentence, and argued back during the trial that because their client came to the US as an infant from Italy he was not aware that he was not an American citizen. The judge in that trial also recommended Joe participate in an alcohol program, this after his lawyer, Miles Feinstein said he had a drinking problem and should be sent to rehab rather than prison. Joe read a letter to the court before he was sentenced, saying, 'I stand here humiliated before the court and my family and society. I disgraced many people, including my wife and four daughters. I take full responsibility for my actions. I promise to be a better person.' Teresa and Joe filed their fraudulent bankruptcy claim on 29 October 2009. In it they admitted to running up debts amounting to a staggering $11million. Among the many false claims the later admitted to making they confessed to not disclosing assets and failing to mention Teresa's earnings from the Real Housewives of New Jersey at all. And among the banks and credit card companies is a smattering of private individuals and family run companies that fell victim to their flagrant disregard for settling bills. The couple finally withdrew their petition in 2011 in a move that turned out to be too late to evade justice for the fraud they had tried to perpetrate. The couple have managed to hold onto their Montville property - which faced foreclosure last year - by making that loan current in October Determined: 'Losing the family home was never an option. Teresa made that very clear to me,' Leonard said. 'There was no way we were going to let that happen. I am very happy it all worked out' A 39 count federal indictment was handed down in July 2013. Among the allegations was the claim that Teresa had failed to disclose her Real Housewives income despite the fact that both she and Joe had signed agreements in the summer of 2009 to appear on the Bravo show for $110,000. Speaking at the time US Attorney Paul Fishman said: 'The indictment returned [by a grand jury] today alleges the Giudices lied to the bankruptcy court, to the IRS and to a number of banks.' He added: 'Everyone has an obligation to tell the truth when dealing with the courts, paying their taxes and applying for loans or mortgages. That's reality.' A high profile case followed ending last March when both plead guilty to various counts of fraud and conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud with sentencing taking place last October. Joe, 43, also pleaded guilty to failing to file a tax return for 2004 and acknowledged he didn't file taxes on income of approximately $1 million between 2004 and 2008. For that he was given a 12-month sentence, but one that will run concurrently with the 41 months he had already received for his other crimes. There is a chance that Joe's sentence could be shorter, with his wife not serving her full term behind bars. Teresa's 15-month sentence was ultimately cut short and she was released from prison two days before Christmas after a little less than a year behind bars. As part of her parole, a portion of the remaining time of her 15-month sentence was served on home detention, during which time she was only allowed to leave for things like pre-approved trips to see the doctor and dentist or attend church services. She was also allowed to go to see family whenever she wanted, meaning that her house and her brother Joe Gorga's home were two of the few places she could be filmed without running the risk of getting in trouble while starting work on the new season of Real Housewives of New Jersey. Teresa's parole period ended on February 5, at which time she was able to remove her ankle monitor and began the next phase of her punishment, two years of supervised release. She will also be left to sort out the couple's ongoing financial problems, which are much brighter now that she is out of prison and able to work again on her hit Bravo show. They still owe the state of New Jersey $414,588 in court-ordered restitution on charges of conspiracy and fraud. And in October, the IRS filed a tax lien against the couple for $551, 563.00 after nine years of unpaid taxes. Celia Imrie, pictured, believes anorexia sufferers are wasting their lives and hurting those around them Celia Imrie was yesterday accused of stigmatising anorexics after she said they are self-absorbed. The actress, 63, who once suffered from anorexia herself, said those with eating disorders are wasting their lives as well as hurting those around them and that she wants to shake them out of it. Her comments came just weeks after veteran broadcaster Joan Bakewell provoked anger by blaming eating disorders on narcissism. Miss Imrie, whose film appearances include Calendar Girls and Bridget Joness Diary, waded into the debate in an interview with Psychologies magazine, saying: If I met a younger person with anorexia, I would shake them. Id say its a waste of life, weve only got one and youve just got to get on with it. I think its part of the self-absorbed generation and it bothers me. Also, its utter hell for the people around you. Speaking of her own experience, she added: I wish I could have those days back to give back to my mum, because I put her through a nightmare. But charity Beat, which supports those with eating disorders, said Miss Imries choice of words was unhelpful. A spokesman said: Dismissing anorexia or other eating disorders as arising from personal vanity and self-absorption is not only incorrect, it also adds to the stigma and misunderstanding already commonly experienced by those affected and their families. We understand that Miss Imries comments are from her personal experience, however it is unfortunate that her words could be unhelpful for those currently struggling with the disorder. There is a growing consensus among professionals in the NHS and researchers worldwide that eating disorders are likely to be caused by a genetic predisposition, triggered by a traumatic event or experience, not a lifestyle choice or a phase which someone can snap out of. At the height of her struggle with anorexia, when she was 14, Miss Imrie weighed just four stone and doctors feared she would die. She has spoken in the past about how she believes her illness was self-induced as a result of a failure to fulfil her ambitions. She had wanted to be a ballerina but was rejected by the Royal Ballet School because she was too big, after which she stopped eating. Her parents had her admitted to hospital in London. Miss Imrie decided to fight her illness and eventually recovered after her old ballet teacher visited her to say goodbye. Describing that moment in a 2011 interview, she said: Everyone expected me to die and as Ive never done what is expected of me I decided to get better. Earlier this month, Baroness Bakewell, 82, was forced to apologise following a backlash over her remark that the rise of eating disorders could stem from an obsession with being beautiful, healthy and thin. Dame Joan Bakewell, pictured, apologised for her comments blaming eating disorders on narcissism earlier this month She also claimed eating disorders did not arise in countries where food is scarce or in Syrian refugee camps. However, there was some support for the Labour peer. Comedienne Jenny Eclair, 56, said her own battle with anorexia in her late teens had been down to self-obsession and sheer panic. Dr Christian Jessen, who presents Channel 4 shows including Supersize vs Superskinny, claimed studies showed some sufferers display elements of narcissism, adding: [Joan Bakewell] was a victim of the usual Twitter Offended. She was actually right. A body has been found encased in a wooden box filled with cement in an industrial office block in the Tsuen Wan district of Hong Kong. The 28-year-old's body was found on March 29 after his girlfriend reported him missing on March 6, the People's Daily Online reports. Hong Kong media have now reported that the girlfriend of the missing man has been arrested in connection with his murder. Finally found: The man's body was retrieved from the industrial office block in Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong Crime scene: The industrial office block where the man was found inside a wooden box encased in cement The man's family members: He was found dead on March 29 after a missing persons report was filed On Wednesday, two men aged 21 and 24 had been arrested along with a 16-year-old woman. They were detained for conspiracy to commit murder. It's understood that the three suspects had visited the unit where the body was later found. On March 6, the man was reported missing by his girlfriend. His body was found on March 29 in his tenant's apartment in Tsuen Wan after they searched through his phone records and saw the last person he spoke to was his tenant. As soon as police stepped into the apartment, they could smell a strong odour coming from a wooden box. When they opened it they discovered that it was filled with cement. Firefighters were summoned to the scene where they cut through the cement and found the man's badly decomposed body. The clothes worn on the body matched those mentioned in the missing person's report. South China Morning Post are now reporting that two further people have been arrested including the man's girlfriend and another man who had left his staff card in the apartment where the body was found. The police are yet to release information on the suspects and the victim. However, South China Morning Post suggested that reported missing person was called Cheung Man-li. According to other reports from Chinese media, the man had visited the unit to demand a payment of owed rental money. Tsuen Wan district police continue to investigate the case. According to reports, five people have now been arrested in connection with the man's murder It started off with just calls and texts but modern-day phones can now be used for all sorts of things, from recording videos to monitoring sleep. Taking this a step further, researchers have adapted part of a phone into a device capable of measuring tiny changes in the Earth's gravity. The new device is cheap to make and could potentially replace gravimeter technology that has been around for decades. Scroll down for video Now researchers have used part of a phone as the basis for a device that is capable of something your phone could never do, measuring tiny changes in gravity. They took a phone's accelerometer and made it much more sensitive and use it as a sensitive gravimeter, capable of measuring the 'Earth tides' Gravimeters measure the gravitational field of the Earth. Although these devices have been available commercially for decades, and are often used in the oil and gas industry to discover fossil fuel deposits, widespread uptake has been limited due to their expense and large physical size. The tiny new gravimeter uses the part of phones that turn the screen sideways when it is titled - the cheap, mass-producible micro-electromechanical systems (Mems). 'There are a lot of potential industrial, and humanitarian applications for gravimeters, but their cost and bulkiness have made them impractical in many situations,' co-author of the paper, Glasgow University's Richard Middlemiss, told MailOnline. 'I'm particularly excited about their potential usage in volcanology: networks of MEMS gravimeters could be placed around volcanoes to monitor the intrusion of magma that occurs before eruptions, acting as an early-warning system.' Gravimeters measure the gravitational field of the Earth. 'There are a lot of potential industrial, and humanitarian applications for gravimeters, but their cost and bulkiness have made them impractical in many situations, unlike the new device which is small and compact (pictured) WHAT IS THE NEW DEVICE? The tiny new gravimeter uses the part of phones that turn the screen sideways when it is titled. These are cheap, mass-producible micro-electromechanical systems or Mems. The Mems technology in phones uses relatively stiff and insensitive springs to maintain the orientation of the screen relative to the Earth, but the new device uses a silicon spring ten times thinner than a human hair. This allows Wee-g's 12mm-square sensor to detect very small changes in gravity. Advertisement 'Other applications include geophysical exploration, defence (looking for tunnels etc), or archaeology.' The researchers made the phone's accelerometer much more sensitive and used it as a sensitive gravimeter, capable of measuring the Earth tide. The idea that the gravitational pull of the moon affects the tides of the planet's seas and oceans is a familiar one, but the moon and the sun also exert a subtle effect on the Earth's crust, an effect known as the Earth tides. This makes the Earth's crust deform and these changes in the size of the crust are called the Earth tides. It is a very slight expansion and contraction of the planet of around 16 inches (40cm). This change in gravity makes a little mass on a spring move up and down by a tiny amount, tens of nanometres, and it is this effect that has been measured by the new gravimeter. The team's new device has been named 'Wee-g'. The Mems technology in phones uses relatively stiff and insensitive springs to maintain the orientation of the screen relative to the Earth, but the new device (pictured) 'Wee-g' uses a silicon spring ten times thinner than a human hair. This allows Wee-g's 12mm-square sensor to detect very small changes in gravity The Mems technology in phones uses relatively stiff and insensitive springs to maintain the orientation of the screen relative to the Earth, but the new device uses a silicon spring ten times thinner than a human hair. This allows Wee-g's 12mm-square sensor to detect very small changes in gravity. 'The Earth tides are a well-established phenomenon, which we're able to accurately predict using mathematical models,' said Dr Giles Hammond of Glasgow University's School of Physics and Astronomy, one of the co-authors of the paper. WHAT ARE THE EARTH TIDES? The structure of the Earth is distorted as it orbits around the Sun and the moon orbits the Earth, by the forces of gravity at play The idea that the gravitational pull of the moon affects the tides of the planet's seas and oceans is a familiar one, but the moon and the sun also exert a subtle effect on the Earth's crust, an effect known as the Earth tides. The structure of the Earth is distorted as it orbits around the Sun and the moon orbits the Earth, by the forces of gravity at play. This makes the Earth's crust deform and these changes in the size of the crust are called the Earth tides. It is a very slight expansion and contraction of the planet of around 16 inches (40cm). This change in gravity makes a little mass on a spring move up and down by a tiny amount, tens of nanometres, and it is this effect that has been measured by the new gravimeter. 'The Earth tides are a well-established phenomenon, which we're able to accurately predict using mathematical models,' said Dr Giles Hammond of the University's School of Physics and Astronomy, one of the co-authors of the paper. Advertisement 'One of the factors which separates gravimeters from simple accelerometers is stability, allowing users to monitor variations in gravity over the course of several days-weeks. 'We used our Wee-g system to monitor the Earth tides under Glasgow over the course of several days, and our results aligned perfectly with the variations in gravity the model had predicted.' The team used its device to measure the Earth tides from the basement of the University's Kelvin building. 'We have always had in mind that the device could be mass-producible, in fact we can already produce the silicon Mema sensors very quickly,' co-author Richard Middlemiss told MailOnline. 'I made several yesterday in the James Watt Nanofabrication Centre (JWNC) in Glasgow,' he said. 'The marriage of the JWNC and the institute for gravitational research (IGR) creates a great environment for developing this device further.' The Earth tides are a well-established phenomenon, which researchers are able to accurately predict using mathematical models. The results of the measurements by the new device were found to be in line with the predictions from mathematical models (shown) 'We are currently working on a miniaturised system with which we can conduct tests with in the field where the environmental conditions are harder to control.' 'This is the next step in our research now we have measured the Earth Tides in the lab.' 'This field prototype would be the first step towards a commercial product.' Mr Middlemiss told MailOnline the researchers have already applied for a patent. 'Weare currently working with a few UK companies to commercialise the device. We have been able to make great industrial connections via Glasgow's Quantum Hub for enhanced imaging (QuantIC). Advertisement Abbey Road has long been a Mecca for music fans and the bane of London cabbies - constantly stopping for quartets of tourists posing mid stride on the zebra crossing outside. But music enthusiasts around the world can now feel what it's like to walk the hallowed halls of the studio from the comfort of their own homes. The London recording studio has teamed up with Google Play to create an interactive musical landmark tour, called Inside Abbey Road for Cardboard. Scroll down for video Abbey Road studios has teamed up with Google Play to create an interactive magical mystery tour, called Inside Abbey Road (pictured) By using Google's Cardboard viewer and a downloadable app, fans can ascend the studio steps for a guided virtual tour, narrated by Giles Martin, the son of Beatles producer Sir George Martin. The studios have been instrumental to popular music and brought the public albums from some of the most iconic British artists in musical history. Beyond the Beatles, the North West London studios have been home to a plethora of recording artists since opening its doors in 1931, with the first recording of Sir Edwin Elgar. Since then artists as diverse as Kanye West to Duran Duran, and Iron Maiden to Lady Gaga - spanning every type of music - have echoed around the studio walls. The digital tour enables viewers to visit the famous landmark's three main recording studios. Pictured is studio one, where a number of film scores, including Star Wars Episode One, were recorded (pictured) And it has recorded countless film scores, such as for Star Wars Episode One. Using the new app, viewers can drift through the three recording studios at their own leisure, exploring the hidden treasures, such as Studio three's mirrored drum room. Or on to one of Abbey Road's mastering suites, where a record is given its finishing touches by the engineers before it is released. Viewers can take a virtual wander around the different set ups used to record famous albums and film scores in studio one (pictured) The sound booth in the corner of studio one: As part of the experience, visitors can view a number of videos linked to the studios Last year an interactive walk-through inside Abbey Road was launched with Google, which included the use of 360 degree panoramic photos, allowing users to discover through the click of a mouse what really goes on behind the doors. Abbey Road Studios' managing director, Isabel Garvey, said: 'We were delighted to collaborate with Google last year and open our doors to give fans everywhere unprecedented access to the studios and the stories behind them for the first time. 'Now our latest step with them is pushing those boundaries even further with the addition of Google Cardboard. 'With this incredible virtual reality technology, music lovers will be fully immersed in the sights and sounds of Abbey Road in a way we never could have imagined.' Users can join a number of studio tours, led by Giles Martin and radio DJ Lauren Laverne, as well as click on information points Enter the mixing suite: The studio's engineers have used these enormous mixing desks to work their magic on a wide range of artists Artists from Kanye West to Duran Duran, and Iron Maiden to Lady Gaga, spanning every type of music, have graced the mixing channels Giles Martin, a producer for artists such as Sir Paul McCartney, said: 'Abbey Road Studios has been a hive of creativity and source of world-class recordings for more than 80 years. 'The artists using the studios have sold countless millions of records and have helped create popular culture as we know it today. It's an inspirational place and an honour for me to work there today. 'This collaboration with Google gives the outside world a great insight into the everyday workings of the studio and allows anyone to glimpse the magic that goes on inside the world's most famous recording studio.' THE HISTORY OF ABBEY ROAD STUDIOS: RECORDING HITS SINCE 1931 Ringo Starr and George Harrison from The Beatles arrive at Abbey Road studios in November 1966. The band recorded around 90 per cent of their music there between 1962 and 1970 Abbey Road studios was opened on 12th November 1931 by classical music legend Sir Edward Elgar. The first custom-built studio complex of its kind, Elgar used it in its early years to record some of his famous pieces. The facility had been fashioned out of a 16-room residence at 3 Abbey Road, St. John's Wood which had been bought by record company EMI in 1929. It has three recording studios and has been used by every major name in music over the last 80 years. Studio one can play host to a 110-piece orchestra and 100-person choir simultaneously and has been used by the London Symphony Orchestra and the Glenn Miller Orchestra among others. In June 1962 The Beatles made their first recording there in what was the start of an artistic collaboration that would last until 1970 when the group split. In total, around 90 per cent of the legendary band's music was recorded at Abbey Road studios. Five years after recording there for the first time,history was made when a worldwide satellite television link-uip was broadcast from the studio of The Beatles performing All You Need is Love live. An estimated 350 million people listened to the broadcast. Among the famous artists to have recorded at Abbey Road are the Spice Girls, Pink Floyd, Cliff Richard, Queen and Shirley Bassey. Hundreds of thousands of Beatles fans make their way to the studios every year and many of the walls and signs in the vicinity of the building are covered with Beatles-themed graffiti. In 2010 rumours began circling that cash-strapped EMI were looking to sell the studios. A year later the company sold its recorded music division for 1.2billion to the French-owned Universal Music Group. Because it is a working studio it is closed to the public. But now, thanks to Google's new web app, music fans can enjoy and interactive, virtual tour of the building. The studios have been instrumental to popular music and brought iconic albums from some of the most iconic British artists. But Abbey Road Studios were made infamous (left) when The Beatles were snapped outside for their 1969 album cover (right) Advertisement Studio three has seen a diverse range of artists from Florence and the Machine to Tony Bennett and Amy Winehouse Dogs may be man's best friend, but you may not trust them to pilot a plane. However, a video clip proves they are capable of this incredible feat. Three rescue dogs, Shadow, Reggie and Alfie finished flight school and viewers of Sky 1s series, Dogs Might Fly will see them attempt to take sole charge of a plane this coming weekend. Sky has now shared a clip with MailOnline that shows Shadow, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier-Collie cross, piloting a plane. Dogs may be man's best friend, but you may not trust them to pilot a plane. However, a video clip (screenshot shown) proves they are capable of this incredible feat. The barking mad aviation experiment is the climax of the show in which the courageous canines will tackle a figure-of-eight manoeuvre at 3,000ft (919 metres) The barking mad aviation experiment is the climax of the show in which the courageous canines will tackle a figure-of-eight manoeuvre at 3,000ft (919 metres). The plane's controls were specially modified to make it possible for the pets to press buttons and steer. Shadow was scouted from 120,000 unwanted and abandoned dogs rescued annually by centres around the UK and had been 22 hours away from being put down by a pound, before he was picked up by the rescue centre. Animal expert Charlotte Wilde, who joined Shadow in the plane during his attempt said: We set out to show that dogs have extraordinary abilities and flight was the ultimate test. 'Each year 5,000 dogs just like Shadow are put down, but through this show we wanted to demonstrate just what remarkable and intelligent animals they are. Sky has shared a clip with MailOnline that shows Shadow, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier-Collie cross, piloting a plane (screenshot shown). Viewers can see the full clip of Shadow flying this Sunday at 7pm on Sky 1 Shadow (pictured) was scouted from 120,000 unwanted dogs rescued annually by centres around the UK and had been 22 hours away from being put down by a pound, before he was picked up by the rescue centre MEET THE DOGGY FLYING SQUAD The 12 finalists include: Alfie: A 23-month-old collie-lurcher cross. Shadow: A two-and-a half-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier-collie cross. Tess: A 'boisterous' 18-month-old Belgian shepherd. The 12 finalists include a 23-month-old collie-lurcher cross called Alfie (pictured left) and 'boisterous puppy' Tess, an 18-month-old Belgian shepherd (pictured right) Chilli the Pyrenean shepherd cross (pictured left) Spain and 22-month-old Labrador cross Blondie (pictured right) both live in Spain Chilli: A two-year-old Pyrenean shepherd cross from Spain. Blondie: A 22-month-old Labrador cross Blondie also from Spain. Honey: A two-year-old lurcher cross stray. Reggie: An 18-month-old German shepherd Labrador cross. There are also three strays, including a lurcher cross called Honey (left), an 18-month-old German shepherd Labrador cross called Reggie (centre) and Spot the terrier-beagle cross (right) Parson-Jack Russell cross Spike (pictured) is two and a half years old and has been described by the experts on the show as 'inquisitive' Spot: A 'confident and eager' terrier-beagle cross puppy aged two. Spike: A two-and-a-half-year-old Parson-Jack Russell cross described as 'inquisitive.' Wilf: A 22-month-old collie cross with 'bundles of personality.' Sox: The 'comedian', 18-month-old boxer-Labrador cross. Poppy: A two-and-a-half-year-old Australian kelpie-collie cross described as 'bright and focused.' Shadow (pictured left) is a two-and-a half-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier-collie cross, while fellow finalist Sox has been described as the 'comedian' of the group and is an 18-month-old boxer-Labrador cross (right) Wilf (pictured left) is a 22-month-old collie cross with 'bundles of personality.' Making up the dozen is 'bright' Poppy, an two-and-a-half-year-old Australian kelpie-collie cross (pictured right) Advertisement After being put through a series of problem-solving tasks, a flying squad of 12 dogs were given 10 weeks intensive training under the direction of Driving Dogs trainer Mark Vette. Over the weeks, they were whittled down to three, who viewers can see flying this Sunday at 7pm on Sky 1. The original 12 finalists included a 23-month-old collie-lurcher cross called Alfie, a two-and-a half-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier-collie cross named Shadow and 'boisterous puppy' Tess, an 18-month-old, Belgian shepherd. Chilli the Pyrenean shepherd cross and Spain and 22-month-old Labrador cross Blondie live in Spain. A total of 12 dogs, including Spot (pictured), were chosen to take part in Sky 1's Dogs Might Fly show in which the cognitive abilities of man's best friend are put to the ultimate test to see if they can pilot a plane The dogs were put through their paces at a mansion in Sussex, and the experiment was filmed by Oxford Scientific Films for Sky's show. During the test, the experts studied how the dogs responded to various stimulation tasks (example set-up with finalist Wilf is pictured) Three previous strays, including a lurcher cross called Honey, an 18-month-old German shepherd Labrador cross called Reggie and Spot the terrier-beagle cross were also on the squad. Parson-Jack Russell cross Spike was described as 'inquisitive', Wilf a collie cross with 'bundles of personality' and Sox, an 18-month-old boxer-Labrador cross, was said to be a 'comedian. The final member of the flying quad was 'bright' Poppy, a two-and-a-half-year-old Australian kelpie-collie cross. The dogs were being put through their paces at a mansion in Sussex, and the experiment was filmed by Oxford Scientific Films for Sky's show. During the test, the experts studied how the dogs respond to various stimulation tasks. They were also taken to the top of London landmarks, and on a speedboat on the Thames to test how they reacted to heights and speed. Sky's show is presented by Jamie Theakston (pictured left). The dogs were trained by experts led by clinical animal behaviourist Mat Ward (pictured right) and dog trainers Cath Philips and Charlotte Wilde. Finalist Honey is pictured centre The dogs were taken to the top of London landmarks, and taken on a speedboat on the Thames (Spot, Shadow and Honey are pictured left to right) to test how they react to heights and speed. All of these experiments were designed to show how the dogs react to the tests, as well as acclimatise them to being in a plane Oxford Scientific Films explained before the series aired: 'We will make even the most devoted dog lovers see their pets in a whole new light; proving that dogs have distinct personalities and incredible levels of intelligence. 'A nationwide search for dogs from rescue centres finds twelve of Britain's most extraordinary canine characters bursting with potential. 'A team of experts and trainers examine their skills in communication, empathy, memory and reasoning before tasking them with some breathtaking challenges. 'The top three go forward to Flight School where under the stewardship of New Zealand Driving Dogs Star Mark Vette they train for a world first - could one of them really fly an aeroplane?' Stanley Coren, professor of canine psychology at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver has criticised the show. He told The Independent: 'Given that we would not expect a human three-year-old to be able to fly a plane, I would not expect that a dog could do so either.' The plane's controls were specially modified to make it possible for the pets (Spot pictured) to press buttons and steer, and the best performers were subjected to 10 weeks of intensive training in how to use this dog-friendly control panel before taking to the sky It is a story of true '/dy1'. On Leap Day this year, Dr Sue Black was sitting on the sofa when her partner presented her with a puzzle. It was his laptop screen, which showed an Enigma machine simulator containing an encrypted message asking her to marry him. Scroll down to use the Engima tool yourself On Leap Day this year, Dr Sue Black was sitting on the sofa when her partner presented her with a puzzle. It was his laptop screen, which showed an Enigma machine simulator containing an encrypted message asking her to marry him (pictured) Dr Black, author and computer scientist, is well known for founding the high profile campaign to save Bletchley Park, the central site for Britain's codebreakers during World War Two. She is a senior research associate at University College London. Her partner and fellow computer scientist Dr Paul Boca came up with the unique proposal idea because he wanted a proposal that was special to her, Dr Black told The Knot. The Enigma code generator that Dr Boca used works by simulating the way the machine worked. WHAT IS THE ENIGMA CODE? Enigma de-coding machine at the wartime intelligence centre, Bletchley Park The Enigma machine was a cryptography device first used by German Intelligence during World War Two, until it was cracked in Bletchley Park. The Enigma machine consisted of a series of 3 rotors, each of which substitutes the original plain text letter for another. Letters were 'scrambled' by a set of rotatable wheels each with 26 contacts on either side. Before starting the ciphering process, the Enigma machine needed to be setup in a known way at both sides of the communication link, because the settings determined exactly how each letter was scrambled. In a similar way, the settings used to produce this encryption in the online simulator that Dr Boca used was his name, P A U L. German officials thought its codes were unbreakable and used it for all manner of communications. Their efforts are said to have shortened the war by two years and saved up to 22 million additional lives. Advertisement The Enigma machine consisted of a series of 3 rotors, each of which substitutes the original plain text letter for another. Letters were 'scrambled' by a set of rotatable wheels each with 26 contacts on either side. Before starting the ciphering process, the Enigma needed to be setup in a known way at both sides of the communication link, because the settings determined exactly how each letter was scrambled. In a similar way, the 'position' or settings used to produce this encryption in the online simulator spelled out Dr Boca's name, P A U L. Dr Black said she was not expecting the proposal. 'At first I my curiosity was piqued as I didn't know what he was asking me to look at on his laptop,' Dr Black told MailOnline. 'When I saw the Enigma machine simulator I was intrigued, wondering what he was doing with it. After he asked me to click and the message 'Will you marry me?' popped up I was surprised and absolutely delighted. 'What a wonderful way to propose. I'm so happy to be marrying the man I love and delighted that he thought up such a unique and special way to propose to me. ' Dr Black, author and computer scientist (pictured left) is well known for founding the high profile campaign to save Bletchley Park. Her partner and fellow computer scientist Dr Paul Boca (right) came up with the unique proposal idea because he wanted a proposal that was special to her The code Dr Black needed to crack showed '21,23vl9!37ag9?az' - a garbled mix of digits, letters and symbols she needed to decrypt. 'I didn't know what the message was, Paul told me to click 'decrypt' and when I did the message appeared,' Dr Black said The code Dr. Black needed to crack showed '21,23vl9!37ag9?az', a jumbled up mix of digits, letters and symbols she needed to decrypt. Recently named in the list of top 50 women in tech in Europe, Dr Black is one of the leading tech personalities in the UK today. 'For me Bletchley Park, the people that worked there and their amazing codebreaking achievements are fundamentally important to the history and success of the UK, Dr Black told MailOnline. 'Because everything they did was top secret, most of us have grown up not knowing how important a place it is and was. 'In 2008 I found out that Bletchley Park were having financial difficulties and started a campaign to save it,' she told MailOnline. 'The campaign ran for 3 years using traditional media and then social media. 'The Bletchley Park Director announced in 2011 that Bletchley Park was saved, I can't tell you how wonderful it was to hear that.' Much of her Bletchley Park campaign was realised through the harnessing of social media, using modern technology in a fitting tribute to Bletchley's legacy. Since the campaign, Dr Black has written a book called 'Saving Bletchley Park' which tells how social media saved the home of the codebreakers. BLETCHLEY PARK: THE HUB OF BRITISH CODE-BREAKING The Enigma machine was a cryptography device first used by German Intelligence during World War Two, until it was cracked in Bletchley Park, in a quiet corner of Buckinghamshire. Station X, known now as Bletchley Park, was the hub of Britain's code-breaking effort, where hugely talented mathematicians and inventors worked tirelessly to give the armed forces a crucial helping hand. As Winston Churchill himself made clear, the accurate information which flowed from Bletchley Park every day, at a rate which sometimes reached 6,000 messages a day, saved lives and gave Britain a crucial edge in battle. Alan Turing, the Cambridge-educated mathematical genius, and Post Office Engineer Tommy Flowers, are the two most celebrated figures whose innovations greatly improved the Allied ability to decipher German messages. The intelligence war waging in a quiet corner of Buckinghamshire was to be decisive in the Allied effort to win the Second World War. 'Wrens' are seen working at Bletchley during the war as part of the tireless effort to thwart the Nazis Advertisement The Enigma machine was a cryptography device first used by German Intelligence during World War Two, until it was cracked in Bletchley Park. The Allies then used the Enigma cipher to decode German military messages to help end the war. The work done there has been said to have shortened the war by 2 years. Calculating the impact the code breakers had on the outcome of WWII, Dr Black estimates that 'because 11 million people a year were dying, that means that the work done there potentially saved 22 million lives.' Jaws may have terrified you at the cinema, but the iconic great white would have been dwarfed by Carcharocles megalodon, the largest shark in the history of the planet. The giant creatures lived between 23 million and 2.6 million years ago and scientists are divided over how and why the species perished. Now, details of fossils from the huge shark that lived alongside the dinosaurs have been studied for the first time in an attempt to solve this mystery. Carcharocles megalodon (illustrated) lived between 23 million and 2.6 million years ago and scientists are divided over how and why the species perished. Now, details of fossils from the huge shark that lived alongside the dinosaurs have been studied for the first time in an attempt to solve this mystery The predator grew up to an incredible 59 feet (18 metres) long, and it used its giant teeth, that could grow up to 7.1 inches (18cm) to feed on smaller marine mammals. In the past, climate changes have generally been blamed for its disappearance. But now researchers from the University of Zurich have discovered the giant shark became extinct because the diversity of its prey decreased and new predators appeared as competitors. Catalina Pimiento and a team from the Paleontological Institute and Museum of the University of Zurich looked through 200 records from museum collections and databases, with an age range of more than 20 million years. The predator grew up to an incredible 59 feet (18 metres) long. In the past, climate changes have generally been blamed for its disappearance. The jaw of a megalodon (pictured) could reach up to 9.8ft-wide (3 metres) THE EVOLUTION OF THE CARCHAROCLES MEGALODON Carcharocles megalodon or C. megalodon lived between 23 million and 2.6 million years ago Early Miocene - between 23 and approximately 16 million years ago. The sharks were mainly found in the Northern Hemisphere in the warm waters off the coast of America, around Europe and in the Indian Ocean. Middle Miocene - between 16 and 11 million years ago. Abundance of the species peaked. Late Miocene - between 11 and 5 million years ago. The species had the largest geographical coverage. Pliocene - between 5 and 2.6 million years ago. The continuous decline of the species with the gradual emergence of a glacial period. 'We were not able to ascertain any direct link between the extinction of C. megalodon and the global fluctuations in temperatures during this time,' said lead author of the study, Ms Pimiento. 'Changing climatic conditions do not appear to have had any influence on the population density and range of the giant sharks.' Numbers of the shark did not decline in colder periods, nor did they increase significantly in rising water temperatures. Instead, the evolutionary narrative of other species seems to have had an effect on the development of the monster sharks. When the range the Megalodon occupied shrank, numerous smaller marine mammal species disappeared. Another factor was the appearance of new predators such as the ancestors of the killer whale and the great white shark. The results suggest that these species could have competed for the increasingly scarce food sources. Advertisement The team used the information to reconstruct the range and the abundance of this prehistoric animal. 'Understanding the distribution patterns of Megalodon allows us to assess the extinction pathway of this species: how it varied from its origination, to its extinction,' Ms Pimiento told MailOnline. 'This can ultimately provide clues on the causes of its extinction.' In the early Miocene, between 23 and approximately 16 million years ago, the sharks were mainly found in the Northern Hemisphere in the warm waters off the coast of America, around Europe and in the Indian Ocean. When the range the Megalodon occupied shrank, numerous smaller marine mammal species disappeared. Another factor in its extinction was the appearance of new predators such as the ancestors of the killer whales (modern-day species pictured) which competed with the Megalodon for the increasingly scarce food sources Abundance of the species peaked in the middle Miocene, between 16 and 11 million years ago. The continuous decline occurred 5 million years ago with the gradual emergence of a glacial period during the Pliocene, until 2.6 million years ago. A jaw of the species is pictured, on display at the Florida Museum of Natural History The predator grew used its giant teeth, that could grow up to 7.1 inches (18cm) to feed on smaller marine mammals Later, the sharks moved further into the Asian, Australian and South American coasts. Abundance of the species peaked in the middle Miocene, between 16 and 11 million years ago, while the largest geographical coverage did not take place until the late Miocene, between 11 and 5 million years ago. The continuous decline followed around 5 million years ago with the gradual emergence of a glacial period during the Pliocene, which lasted until around 2.6 million years ago. 'We found that climate change does not explain the geographic distribution of Megalodon,' Ms Pimiento told MailOnline. 'Hence, ocean temperature did not drive the extinction of this species, directly.' Numbers of the shark did not decline in colder periods, nor did they increase significantly in rising water temperatures. 'On the other hand, our results show that the distribution patterns of Megalodon coincide with a drop in the diversity of their potential prey, and the rise of their potential competitors.' When the range the Megalodon occupied shrank, numerous smaller marine mammal species disappeared. Another factor in its extinction, they found, was the appearance of new predators such as the ancestors of the killer whale and the great white shark, which could have competed with the Megalodon for the increasingly scarce food sources. 'Whether or not climate change indirectly drove this mechanics is still an open question.' They are usually the weapon of choice for any self-respecting alien, but lasers could be put to better use on Earth creating an 'invisibility cloak' to hide our planet from the prying eyes of extraterrestrials. Two astronomers have proposed beaming controlled laser emissions into space to help disguise the faint dimming of light our planet creates each time it passes in front of the sun. They said it would render our planet invisible to any alien astronomers that might be using techniques similar to those being used by our own scientists to discover new habitable planets. Beaming a continuous laser into the sky could help to mask the subtle change in light that would be visible to alien astronomers when our planet passes in front of the sun. The Very Large Telescope in Chile uses a 22MW laser (pictured) to calibrate its optics and something similar could be used to produce an invisibility cloak The method searches for events known as transits, where a plant causes a tiny dip in the light coming from its star as it passes in front of it as it orbits. Nasa's Kepler space telescope has already discovered 1,000 new planets using this technique. This includes several that are a similar in size to the Earth and are in the so-called 'habitable zone' - where temperatures are right for liquid water to occur. ARE ALIENS A REAL DANGER? Professor Stephen Hawking has warned that mankind should take care not to broadcast our presence on Earth for fear an advanced alien civilisation may come looking for us. The leading physicist is currently heading up a major search for intelligent alien life using two of the world's most powerful telescopes. The telescopes will scour one million of the closest stars to Earth for faint signals thrown out into space by intelligent life beyond our own world. Scientists taking part in the $100 million (64 million) initiative will also scan the very centre of our galaxy along with 100 of the closest galaxies for low power radio transmissions. But in a recent interview with El Pais, Professor Hawking warned: 'If aliens visit us, the outcome could be much like when Columbus landed in America, which didn't turn out well for the Native Americans. 'Such advanced aliens would perhaps become nomads, looking to conquer and colonise whatever planets they can reach. Advertisement Professor David Kipping and his student Alex Teachey, from Columbia University in New York, speculate that alien astronomers may well use a similar method to spot planets in the 'habitable zone' around our sun - namely Earth. They claim it may be possible to mask this dip in light that occurs when our planet passes in front of the sun by sending a continuous 30MW laser blast for 10 hours each year. Professor Kipping explained: 'There is an ongoing debate as to whether we should advertise ourselves or hide from advanced civilisations potentially living on planets elsewhere in the galaxy. 'Our work offers humanity a choice, at least for transit events, and we should think about what we want to do.' Several prominent scientists have previously cautioned against humanity from broadcasting our presence to intelligent life on other planets. They are concerned that extraterrestrials might wish to come and take advantage of Earth's resources or even simply bring devastating diseases with them should they come to visit. Professor Kipping and Mr Teachey, whose proposals are published in the journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, claim a laser could eliminate the transit signal at least for visible light. The power needed, 30MW, they argue is equivalent to the energy collected by the International Space Station's solar arrays in a year. Astronomers are beginning to discover a number of Earth sized planets that sit within the habitable zone around their star, where temperatures would be right for life to form (one such planet Kepler 186f pictured in an artist's impression). But alien astronomers could also discover Earth using similar techniques It is also equivalent to powering 6,500 average American homes for a year. Making the Earth invisible in at all wavelengths of light, however, could prove more challenging as it would require a large array of tuneable lasers with a combined output of 250MW. Mr Teachey added: 'Alternatively, we could cloak only the atmospheric signatures associated with biological activity, such as oxygen, which is achievable with a peak laser power of just 160 kW per transit. 'To another civilisation, this should make the Earth appear as if life never took hold on our world.' Nasa's Kepler space telescope has detected more than 1,000 planets orbiting alien suns, with a growing number that are now considered candidates for hosting alien life (pictured) Finally the pair said the lasers could also be modified to make change in light from the sun during a transit appear artificial and so broadcast our existence. They say we could also transmit additional information along the laser beams. However, the researchers admit it is also possible that alien civilisations may have also thought of the same approach. Students who created a record-breaking remote-controlled multicopter drone say they hope to get permission to fly a person in its structure. The University of Oslo team built the large unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), dubbed the Megakopter, over an 18 month period. It contains 13 propellers and eight hexacopters powered by a total of 48 motors that reside on a frame built from aluminum and plywood. Scroll down for video Students who created a record-breaking remote-controlled multicopter drone say they hope to get permission to fly a person in its structure. The University of Oslo team built the large unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), dubbed the Megakopter, over an 18 month period RECORD-BREAKING MEGAKOPTER The drone cost more than 200,000 Norwegian kroners ($21,600 or 15,000) to make and took two years. It contains 13 propellers and eight hexacopters powered by a total of 48 motors that reside on a frame built from aluminum and plywood. One motor can lift three-and-a-half kilos, so the team multiplied that by 48 to get a maximum lifting power of over 150 kilos. Its ultimate aim is to rival the likes of Hungarian prototype Flike, Singapore's Snowstorm multicopter drone, and the British-made Hoverbike, by transporting people. Advertisement And the technology did not come cheap either - costing more than 200,000 Norwegian kroners ($21,600 or 15,000). Last October it broke the world record by lifting a payload of 61kg(134lb 7.6oz) into the air and holding it there for 37 seconds, elevated to a height of at least one meter at all times. The record attempt was far from easy, with the drone unable to lift its initial payload of 73 kilograms and having to reduce its weight. Team member Kine Gjerstad Eide told Reuters high winds almost forced the abandonment of the attempt, made in front of a large crowd of fellow students. 'We had to try three times and then the third try we made it,' she told Reuters. 'We flew for about 37 seconds with a payload of 61 kilos and the whole 37 seconds we had to be one meter above the ground.' The megacopter was piloted by Henning Pedersen and Dan Richard Isdahl Eng. 'It has 48 motors, 48 propellers, and those 48 propellers are grouped in eight groups and every group there are six motors and those motors are exactly the same speed,' explained Pedersen. 'Then we have a flight controller with eight outputs and those eight outputs are controlled individually. 'So the flight controller thinks it only has eight motors; and then we have 24 batteries, so each of those eight collections have three batteries each that they share.' The record attempt was far from easy, with the drone unable to lift its initial payload of 73 kilograms and having to reduce its weight The drone contains 13 propellers and eight hexacopters powered by a total of 48 motors that reside on a frame built from aluminum and plywood. He added: 'We researched the motors. We found one motor could lift three-and-a-half kilos, and we multiply that by 48 and we got a maximum lifting power of over 150 kilos. 'So it was kind of just multiplication, basically.' The team is hoping to break its own record this summer. 'We have been lifting 78 kilos in testing before that, so it's able to do more, so we are going to do more as well,' said team member Krister Borge. Its ultimate aim is to rival the likes of Hungarian prototype Flike, Singapore's Snowstorm multicopter drone, and the British-made Hoverbike, by transporting people. The drone was made with aluminium rods and plywood and boasts some serious power to get it off the ground One potential use for a vehicle of this sort would be to rescue someone trapped on a roof, says the team. The team has so far failed to persuade the Norwegian authorities to allow them to fly a person inside the craft's structure, but hope to get the decision overturned One potential use for a vehicle of this sort would be to rescue someone trapped on a roof, says the team. The team has so far failed to persuade the Norwegian authorities to allow them to fly a person inside the craft's structure, but hope to get the decision overturned. 'The technology (to fly a person) exists today so it's a question of time before the authorities say this is the future, and say yes,' said Borge. Eide says the researchers hope to inspire hobbyists to build their own devices using off-the-shelf components like theirs. 'Until now things that are flying haven't been made by normal people, you had to go into a huge company and it's really expensive and all of that,' she said. 'Now we're seeing the prices going down to a level where people can actually afford it, so it's really important that people can use their creativity and come up with something new and maybe this is just the start.' Advertisement One of the strangest landforms spotted by Nasa's New Horizons spacecraft when it flew past Pluto last July was the 'bladed' snakeskin terrain. This strange feature lies just east of Tombaugh Regio, the informal name given to Pluto's large heart-shaped surface region. Now, Nasa has revealed the stunning landscape in incredible detail - and now you can see it for yourself if using 3D glasses. One of the strangest landforms spotted by Nasa's New Horizons spacecraft when it flew past Pluto last July was the 'bladed' snakeskin terrain. This strange feature lies just east of Tombaugh Regio, the informal name given to Pluto's large heart-shaped surface feature. Now, Nasa has revealed the stunning landscape in incredible detail - and now you can see it for yourself if using 3D glasses The blades are the dominant feature of a broad area informally named Tartarus Dorsa. They align from north to south, reach hundreds of feet high and are typically spaced a few miles apart. This remarkable landform, unlike any other seen in our solar system, is perched on a much broader set of rounded ridges that are separated by flat valley floors. On the global image, the bladed terrain extends far to the east. New Horizons scientists have speculated about - but not yet agreed on - the terrain's origins. Current theories include erosion from evaporating ices or deposition of methane ices; New Horizons researcher Orkan Umurhan takes an in-depth look at the terrain and proposes another origin idea in this recent Nasa Web blog. This global view of Pluto combines a Ralph/Multispectral Visible Imaging Camera (MVIC) color scan and an image from the Long Range Reconnaissance Imager (LORRI), both obtained on July 13, 2015 the day before New Horizons' closest approach. The red outline marks the large area of mysterious, bladed terrain extending from the eastern section of the large feature informally named Tombaugh Regio. In this extended colour image of Pluto taken by New Horizons, rounded and bizarrely textured mountains, informally named the Tartarus Dorsa, rise up along Pluto's day-night terminator and show intricate but puzzling patterns of blue-gray ridges and reddish material in between. This view, roughly 330 miles (530 kilometers) across, combines blue, red and infrared images 'Under the cold conditions typical of the surface of Pluto, methane clathrates are very stable and extremely strong, so they might easily mechanically support the observed bladed structures,' he writes. 'While there is no direct and unambiguous evidence of methane clathrates on the surface of Pluto, it's certainly a plausible candidate, and we are actively considering that possibility too.' 'It's a unique and perplexing landscape stretching over hundreds of miles,' said William McKinnon, New Horizons Geology, Geophysics and Imaging (GGI) team deputy lead from Washington University in St. Louis. 'It looks more like tree bark or dragon scales than geology. This'll really take time to figure out; maybe it's some combination of internal tectonic forces and ice sublimation driven by Pluto's faint sunlight.' The 'snakeskin' image of Pluto's surface is just one tantalising piece of data New Horizons sent back in recent days Scientists have recently discovered that, much like Earth, Pluto's huge mountains may have vast expanses of snow covering their peaks. Last month, Nasa's New Horizons team who has discovered a chain of exotic snowcapped mountains stretching across the dark expanse on Pluto informally named Cthulhu region. The reddish enhanced color image shown as the left inset reveals a mountain range located in southeast Cthulhu that's 260 miles (420km) long. The upper slopes of the highest peaks are coated with a bright material that contrasts sharply with the dark red color of the surrounding plains. The right inset also shows how the bright ice on the mountains matches up with the distribution of methane (purple) Hills of water ice on Pluto 'float' in a sea of frozen nitrogen and move over time like icebergs in Earth's Arctic Ocean. This shows the inset in context next to a larger view. The resolution is about 1050ft (320 meters) per pixel and 300 miles (almost 500km) long and 210 miles (340km) wide. It was taken 9,950 miles (16,000km) from Pluto, 12 minutes before New Horizons' closest approach to Pluto on July 14 The area stretches nearly halfway around Pluto's equator, starting from the west of the great nitrogen ice plains known as Sputnik Planum. Measuring around 1,850 miles (3,000km) long and 450 miles (750km) wide, Cthulhu (pronounced kuh-THU-lu) is a bit larger than the state of Alaska. Cthulhu's appearance is characterised by a dark surface, which scientists think is due to being covered by a layer of dark tholins. Tholins are complex molecules that form when methane is exposed to sunlight. Cthulhu's geology exhibits a wide variety of landscapes - from mountainous to smooth, and to heavily cratered and fractured. The reddish enhanced colour image reveals a mountain range located in southeast Cthulhu that's 260 miles (420km) long. The range is situated among craters, with narrow valleys separating its peaks. The upper slopes of the highest peaks are coated with a bright material that contrasts sharply with the dark red colour of the surrounding plains. NEW HORIZONS' NEW MISSION The spacecraft that gave us the first close-up views of Pluto now has a much smaller object in its sights. New Horizons is now track to fly past a recently discovered, less than 30-mile-wide object out on the solar system frontier. The close encounter with what's known as 2014 MU69 would occur in 2019. It orbits nearly 1 billion miles (1.6 billion kilometers) beyond Pluto. Nasa and the New Horizons team chose 2014 MU69 in August as New Horizons' next potential target, thus the nickname PT-1. Like Pluto, MU69 orbits the sun in the frozen, twilight zone known as the Kuiper Belt. MU69 is thought to be 10 times larger and 1,000 times more massive than average comets, including the one being orbited right now by Europe's Rosetta spacecraft. On the other end, MU69 is barely 1 percent the size of Pluto and perhaps one-ten-thousandth the mass of the dwarf planet. So the new target is a good middle ground, according to scientists. The team plans to formally ask Nasa next year to fund the mission extension for studying MU69. Scientists promise a better name before showtime on January 1, 2019. Advertisement Scientists think this bright material could be predominantly methane that has condensed as ice onto the peaks from Pluto's atmosphere. 'That this material coats only the upper slopes of the peaks suggests methane ice may act like water in Earth's atmosphere, condensing as frost at high altitude,' said John Stansberry, a New Horizons science team member from Space Telescope Science Institute, Baltimore, Maryland. Compositional data from the Ralph/Multispectral Visible Imaging Camera (MVIC) on Nasa's New Horizons spacecraft, indicates that the location of the bright ice on the mountain peaks matches up almost exactly with the distribution of methane ice, shown in false colour as purple. The resolution of the enhanced colour image is about 2,230 feet (680 meters) per pixel. The image measures approximately 280 miles (450km) long by 140 miles (225km) wide. It was obtained by New Horizons at a range of approximately 21,100 miles (33,900km) from Pluto, about 45 minutes before the spacecraft's closest approach to Pluto on July 14, 2015. Last month, hills of water ice were found to be 'floating' in a sea of frozen nitrogen on Pluto, moving over time like icebergs in Earth's Arctic Ocean These hills, which can be seen in the recent images studied by the New Horizons team, are believed to measure one to several miles across. They are found in the vast ice plain informally named Sputnik Planum within Pluto's 'heart' and are likely miniature versions of the larger, jumbled mountains on the region's western border. The two scans were taken 15 minutes apart on July 14, 2015 from 67,000 miles away, showing the hemisphere visible to New Horizons as it flew by. According to Nasa, water ice is the crustal bedrock of Pluto, over the course of the changing seasons, it is covered by more volatile ices Their discovery follows news last month that Pluto may be covered in a lot more water ice than astronomers previously thought, which could boost the chances for finding a liquid sea and alien life. Nasa describes the feature as 'yet another example of Pluto's fascinating and abundant geological activity.' Because water ice is less dense than nitrogen-dominated ice, scientists believe these water ice hills are floating in a sea of frozen nitrogen and move over time like icebergs on Earth. The hills may be fragments of the rugged uplands that have broken away and are being carried by the nitrogen glaciers into Sputnik Planum. 'Chains' of the drifting hills are formed along the flow paths of the glaciers. When the hills enter the cellular terrain of central Sputnik Planum, they become subject to the motions of the nitrogen ice, and are pushed to the edges of the cells, where the hills cluster in groups reaching up to 12 miles (20km) across. At the northern end of the image, the feature informally named Challenger Colles honouring the crew of the lost space shuttle Challenger appears to be an especially large accumulation of these hills, measuring 37 by 22 miles (60 by 35km). This feature is located near the boundary with the uplands, away from the cellular terrain, and may represent a location where hills have been 'beached' due to the nitrogen ice being especially shallow. This image depicts an entire day on the dwarf planet. The space agency released a series of 10 close-ups of the frosty, faraway world today, representing one Pluto day, which is equivalent to 6.4 Earth days. The New Horizons spacecraft took the pictures as it zoomed past Pluto in an unprecedented flyby in July. Pluto was between 400,000 and 5 million miles from the camera for these photos THE BIGGEST ICE VOLCANO IN THE SOLAR SYSTEM: IMAGES REVEAL 90 MILE-WIDE CRYOVOLCANO ON PLUTO The most detailed image yet of a giant mountain on Pluto, which is suspected to be an ice volcano, was released by Nasa last month. It is one of two potential cryovolcanoes spotted on the surface of Pluto by the New Horizons spacecraft in July 2015. At about 90 miles (150km) across and 2.5 miles (4km) high, this feature is enormous. The feature, known as Wright Mons, was informally named by the New Horizons team in honor of the Wright brothers. If it is in fact a volcano, as suspected, it would be the largest such feature discovered in the outer solar system. 'These are big mountains with a large hole in their summit, and on Earth that generally means one thing a volcano,' said Oliver White, a New Horizons researcher. The most detailed image yet of a giant mountain on Pluto, which is suspected to be an ice volcano, has been released by Nasa (left). It is one of two potential cryovolcanoes spotted on the surface of Pluto by the New Horizons spacecraft in July 2015. At about 90 miles (150km) across and 2.5 miles (4km) high, this feature is enormous Mission scientists are baffled by the sparse distribution of red material in the image and wonder why it is not more widespread. Also perplexing is that there is only one identified impact crater on Wright Mons itself, telling scientists that the surface - as well as some of the crust underneath - was created relatively recently. This is turn may indicate that Wright Mons was volcanically active late in Pluto's history. The other potential ice volcano on Pluto has been named Piccard Mons, is up to 3.5 miles (6 km) high. Both ice volcanoes are located near Pluto's South Pole. 'We're not yet ready to announce we have found volcanic constructs at Pluto, but these sure look suspicious and we're looking at them very closely,' said Jeff Moore, a planetary scientist at Nasa said in an earlier release. Nasa says that if Pluto does have cryovolcanoes, it may be an indication that there is volatile ice that coats its surface. Advertisement The US Navy has begun testing a radical 'drone boat' that will automatically scour the seas for enemy submarines for months at a time. The Navy hopes the 'sea hunter' will end the growing threat of quiet, diesel powered enemy submarines entering American waters undetected. Today they revealed footage of the 132 foot long ship, officially named 'The Anti-Submarine Warfare Continuous Trail Unmanned Vessel' in its first high speed tests. Scroll down for video The Navy hopes the 'sea hunter' will end the growing threat of quiet, diesel powered enemy submarines entering American waters undetected. THE SILENT ENEMY SUBS Diesel-electric submarines are quickly becoming one of the biggest threats to naval operations and a $1.8 trillion commercial shipping industry. Diesel-electric submarines, with their nearly-noiseless engines, are incredibly difficult to track from afar. They're also cheap at $200 million to $300 million apiece, making them affordable to the likes of Iran, which claims to have a fleet of 17. Advertisement The ACTUV technology demonstration vessel was tested in Portland, where it reached a top speed of 27 knots (31 mph/50 kph). The vessel is scheduled to be christened on April 7, 2016, with open-water testing planned to begin in summer 2016 off the California coast. Darpa director Dr. Arati Prabhakar and deputy director Dr. Steve Walker revealed the craft earlier this year. 'Imagine an unmanned surface vessel following all the laws of the sea on its own,' Walker told media, 'and operating with manned surface and unmanned underwater vehicles.' The robot boats will go to sea for us to three months at a time. It will be christened in April in Portland, Oregon, and then begin to demonstrate its long-range capabilities over 18 months in cooperation with the Office of Naval Research and the Space and Naval Systems Warfare Command. 'We think the real cost savings will be in operating this vessel at sea compared to how we operate vessels today,' he added. 'It could be used for counter-mine missions, reconnaissance and resupply.' The project began in 2010, when the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA, announced that they were building a 132-foot autonomous boat to track quiet, diesel-powered submarines. The program was dubbed Anti-submarine Warfare Continuous Trail Unmanned Vessel, or ACTUV. In six weeks of tests along a 35-nautical mile stretch of water off of Mississippi earlier this year, testers at engineering company Leidos and Darpa put the ACTUV's systems through 100 different scenarios. The project began in 2010, when the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA, announced that they were building a 132-foot autonomous boat to track quiet, diesel-powered submarines. The vessel is scheduled to be christened on April 7, 2016, with open-water testing planned to begin in summer 2016 off the California coast. The test boat was able to tail a target boat at 1 kilometer's distance, something military bosses say is a major step forward. 'Picking up the quiet hum of a battery-powered, diesel-electric submarine in busy coastal waters is 'like trying to identify the sound of a single car engine in the din of a major city,' says Rear Admiral Frank Drennan, commander of the Naval Mine and Anti-Submarine Warfare Command. Speaking at a National Defense Association Event in Virginia last year, Darpa program manager Ellison Urban outlined why the Navy needs sub-hunting boat bots. The test boat was able to tail a target boat at 1 kilometer's distance, something military bosses say is a major step forward. 'Instead of chasing down these submarines and trying to keep track of them with expensive nuclear powered-submarines, which is the way we do it now, we want to try and build this at significantly reduced cost. 'It will be able to transit by itself across thousands of kilometers of ocean and it can deploy for months at a time. 'It can go out, find a diesel-electric submarine and just ping on it,' said Urban. Diesel-electric submarines have nearly-noiseless engines, are incredibly difficult to track from afar. Price tags ranging from $200-$300 million put diesel-electric subs within reach of smaller, volatile countries. Russia has been selling diesel-electric subs to buoy its shipyards, triggering what some are calling an undersea arms race. diesel-electric submarines are quickly becoming one of the biggest threats to naval operations and a $1.8 trillion commercial shipping industry. Reportedly, Algeria has ordered two, Venezuela is expecting five, and Indonesia will have six subs by 2020. Iran claims to have a fleet of 17 diesel-electric subs. To spot the threat, Leidos developed an unarmed, unmanned vessel to shadow diesel-electric subs for months across thousands of miles of ocean and chase them out of strategic waters. 'Called the ACTUV, the unmanned boat can be deployed for months and track underwater threats for thousands of miles without human contact. 'It keeps our troops out of harm's way and also minimizes risks to the marine ecosystem by limiting the use of sonar,' the firm says. It claims diesel-electric submarines are quickly becoming one of the biggest threats to naval operations and a $1.8 trillion commercial shipping industry. 'Detecting and tracking these stealthy subs presents a huge challenge even for the U.S. Navy, the world's most technologically advanced fleet.' The Anti-submarine Warfare Continuous Trail Unmanned Vessel, or ACTUV will be able to operate for several months at a time scouring the seas and coastal areas for silent, diesel powered enemy submarines. People turning into zombies, running naked through traffic, and using superhuman strength to commit violent acts reports over the last few years have taken a bizarre turn as synthetic street drugs become more popular. These drugs can contain a dark combination of compounds, a new video from the American Chemical Society explains, making them extremely harmful to the user. They are cheap, potent, and aim to mimic the effects of marijuana, MDMA, and other substances, but theyve been known to cause erratic behaviour and can even be deadly. Scroll down for video People turning into zombies, running naked through traffic, and using seemingly superhuman strength to commit violent acts reports over the last few years have taken a bizarre turn as synthetic street drugs become more popular SYNTHETIC STREET DRUGS Todays synthetic street drugs are typically among two categories: synthetic cannabinoids, and synthetic cathinones. These include K2, spice, fake weed, scooby snax, black mamba, 'bath salts,' flakka, and kratom. Kratom is a plant and is not synthetic, the researchers explain, but is marketed as a synthetic drug at gas stations and other vendors and is listed as a chemical of concern by DEA. These drugs are cheap and highly potent, and have been known to cause psychotic and violent behaviour and seizures. And, some are highly addictive, causing people to keep coming back despite the terrifying effects. The researchers explain that the chemicals for these synthetic street drugs continue to change, meaning each new batch is different than the one before it, and the effects can be unpredictable and highly dangerous. Advertisement In the recent Reactions video, researchers explain that todays synthetic street drugs are typically among two categories: synthetic cannabinoids, and synthetic cathinones. The first aims to replicate the effects of THC to mimic a marijuana high. With JWH-018 as the main ingredient, synthetic pot triggers a high by binding to the same brain receptors as THC. But, the effects are much more extreme. THC doesnt fully activate the receptor, and marijuana contains compounds that simultaneously block it, so the THC doesnt take complete effect. The JWH, however, activates the receptor completely. This means synthetic marijuana has a much stronger high, in cases upwards of 100 times stronger than marijuana. The receptors are found all over the brain, Reactions explains, so just a bit of synthetic pot can do serious damage, causing anxiety, panic, psychotic episodes, and even seizures. And, as law officials have tightened the grip on synthetic drugs, manufacturers have added different ingredients. The first aims to replicate the effects of THC to mimic a marijuana high. With JWH-018 as the main ingredient, synthetic pot triggers a high by binding to the same brain receptors as THC. But, the effects are much more extreme In just four years, authorities have identified more than 158 new synthetic compounds, including 51 new brands of fake pot, the video reveals, so users dont really know whats in the drugs theyre purchasing. The other kind of synthetic street drugs are known as synthetic cathinones, or bath salts. These drugs are made to replicate the high of amphetamines, cocaine, and MDMA. Bath salts are known to contain mephedrone, MDPV, and methylone, the video explains, which can trigger neurological and psychiatric effects. This includes rapid heartbeat, hyperthermia, breakdown of muscle fibres, palpitations, seizures, paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions. The erratic behaviour thats become characteristic of bath salts over the last few years is attributed to a dark combination of compounds the video explains. According to the video, MDPV is 10 times more potent than cocaine and overwhelms the brain as neurons fire like crazy. This can bring on seizures and bizarre behaviour, and lingers in the body for hours or even days SYNTHETIC STREET DRUGS MAKE HEADLINES IN RECENT YEARS Last year, a naked teen high on flakka was arrested after she ran towards police screaming 'I am Satan.' Police said the 17-year-old had earlier jumped through a glass window of a home, which may have explained her bloodied appearance, before running at a car and hitting it. One man on the same drug ran naked through a Florida neighborhood, tried to have sex with a tree and told police he was the mythical god Thor. Another ran nude down a busy city street in broad daylight, convinced a pack of German shepherds was pursuing him. A Florida man who was high on flakka stripped and ran naked through traffic in Fort Lauderdale to escape from imaginary killers who he believed stole his clothes and wanted to murder him. A 30-year-old mother-of-two allegedly high on bath salts stabbed her family dog with a kitchen knife because she thought it was possessed by demons, according to police in Maine. Most recently, authorities in several Florida cities have seen an increase in emergency calls related to people being slumped over in a stupefied state, as they have overdosed on the dangerous drug known as spice, or synthetic marijuana. Advertisement MDPV is structured similarly to a cathinone, MDMA and meth, and it prevents the brain from draining excess dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. Dopamine triggers the reward centre in the brain, but the effects in this case are not euphoric. According to the video, MDPV is 10 times more potent than cocaine and overwhelms the brain as neurons fire like crazy. This can bring on seizures and bizarre behaviour, and lingers in the body for hours or even days. And, the drug is highly addictive, causing people to keep coming back despite the terrifying effects. The researchers explain that the chemicals for these synthetic street drugs continue to change, meaning each new batch is different than the one before it, and the effects can be unpredictable and highly dangerous. She was a shop assistant who earned just 10-an-hour working in the Adidas store in Manchester City Centre, and he was the 120,000-a-week Manchester United star. Now, Camille Sold is preparing to marry midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin after he jetted her off to the French Riviera and got down on one knee following a whirlwind romance. Miss Sold, who begun dating the footballer last year, confirmed the happy news on her Instagram account on Thursday morning by posting a picture of the couple toasting their engagement. Manchester United midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin proposed to girlfriend Camille Sold while on holiday The couple, who have enjoyed a whirlwind romance after beginning dating last year, got engaged in France She captioned the post: 'An amazing evening, in an incredible place. Just us and the sound of the waves... Can't describe my feeling... No words, it was just unreal... I feel like the luckiest woman #love #amour #reallove #happiness #engagmentring #29mars2016 #infinity #8.' The 26-year-old France midfielder suffered disappointment when he was left out Didier Deschamps' squad for the recent friendlies against Holland and Russia. But the former Southampton star put the snub behind him and made the most of the international break, popping the question to the delight of his partner. The pair have clearly been enjoying themselves while on their break with Miss Sold posting a string of pictures showing off the picturesque views they were treated to in France. The midfielder and the management and marketing student from Strasbourg have holidayed together before The former Southampton star takes a selfie with his partner as they attend the UNICEF gala at Old Trafford The happy couple pose for a picture on the red carpet after arriving for the event in Manchester last November Two days ago, she posted a picture of two luscious cocktails with a stunning backdrop of a white, sandy beach and bright azure sea in the luxurious location. Earlier that day there was a picture of a stunning white terrace looking out over the sea, with perfect blue sky and picturesque cliffs in the distance. But Miss Sold is clearly not one to live the life of luxury without going out and earning her own crust. Last year, it was revealed she was making 10-an-hour as a shop girl at an Adidas store in Manchester city centre. Camille Sold from Strasbourg, who began dating her countryman last year, was pictured at work in Adidas store wearing United shirt with Schneiderlin's squad No 28 and her first name The management and marketing student from Strasbourg was pictured at work in the store wearing a Manchester United shirt with his squad No 28 and her first name. She earned 15,000-a-year working on the tills and the shop floor of the store, whereas the midfielder pockets more than 5million-a-year. At the time, the couple were living in the Lowry Hotel in nearby Salford and Schneiderlin was regularly seen picking his girlfriend up from work before they headed back to their temporary home. It's not yet known if she still works at the store, or if she will continue to work when she is wed to the super-rich footballer, but she looked as though she might have other career hopes a few years ago. Miss Sold is no stranger to the spotlight having been a contestant on reality TV series KohLanta, France's version of Survivor, in 2012, before being eliminated. During the show, when she was just 18, she won her share of admirers as she was seen on TV screens rarely wearing more than a bikini. During an interview in 2012, she told Oops magazine: 'I get plenty of fiery messages and declarations of love on social networks. And even at home! I received letters, bouquets of flowers.' It is not known exactly where the couple met, but they are both from the Alsace region in France and got together at the beginning of 2015. In May last year, he announced that they were official with a picture of them together on his Instagram account. He wrote: 'Family dinner with the woman who share my life for 5 month now ! Je t'aime,' with the picture of them cuddling. It is believed that she later flew out to England to join her partner, shortly before he made the move from Southampton to Manchester, but took the job in a shop while she got to know the city. Schneiderlin's fiancee cuts a glamorous figure on a night out (left) while he competes in Europa League (right) (Left to right) Evelina Kamph (Juan Mata's girlfriend), Nicky Young (Ashley Young's wife), Sam Cooke (Chris Smalling's girlfriend), Emma Hyde (Jesse Lingard's girlfriend), Camille Sold (Schneiderlin's girlfriend), Samantha Martial (Anthony Martial's wife), Lisa Carrick (Michael Carrick's wife), Bryony Turner (Sam Johnstone's girlfriend) and Kaya Hall (Phil Jones's girlfriend) Sold showed her commitment to the cause by revealing her scarf, which has a picture of her partner on it Since the couple's whirlwind romance began, both Schneiderlin and his partner have regularly kept their Instagram accounts updated with pictures of each other. Earlier this month, Miss Sold, 21, was among the away supporters at the Etihad Stadium as United secured a narrow 1-0 Premier League victory against noisy neighbours City. Marcus Rashford popped up with a memorable winner to secure a vital three points for the travelling fans - and Schneiderlin's partner joined in on the celebrations by uploading a video on Instagram. She uploaded the short clip to her Instagram account, which shows her celebrating the win with the supporters after the final whistle. The couple enjoy stroll around Manchester last August, just a month after he signed for Premier League giants The Frenchman poses for a picture with 'these amazing women who rock my world', which he posted online Frenchman Schneiderlin (left) arrived at Old Trafford last summer in 25million move from Southampton Miss Sold also showed her commitment to the cause by revealing her scarf, which has a picture of her partner on it. She wrote: 'Always support my babe even if he has big ears on this scarf.' Schneiderlin arrived at Old Trafford last summer in a 25million move from Southampton after impressing during seven seasons at St Mary's. The Frenchman has made 23 Premier League appearances for Louis van Gaal's side this season but has been a victim of the Dutchman's rotation policy. But he'll be hoping to impress in the remaining eight matches of the season and book a spot in Deschamps' 23-man squad for the European Championship on home soil. The midfielder cuts a dejected figure during United's Europa League last-32 clash against Midtjylland He walked 310 miles during the task and his 360 degree maps include tea plantations, beaches and ornate temples The arduous two-year exploration of the Asian country was undertaken by Thai triathlete Panupong Luangsa-ard Advertisement Virtual travellers all over the globe can now experience some of the most breathtaking corners of Thailand - all thanks to the extreme endurance of one dedicated man. Google Street View has this week added 150 spectacular points across the Southeast Asian country for users to navigate. And the company has revealed that the large collection was largely compiled by an intrepid trekker who covered an estimated 310,685 miles carrying the camera backpack device. Trudging through tea plantations, forests, rolling hills and old temples, the explorer created stunning tours that reveal the full extent of Thailand's beauty. Virtual travellers all over the globe can now explore some of the most breathtaking corners of Thailand - all thanks to the extreme endurance of one dedicated man Google Street View added 150 spectacular points for users to navigate around, and revealed that the large collection was compiled by an intrepid trekker who covered an estimated 310,685 miles carrying the famous camera backpack device The mapping mission was entrusted to Thai triathlete Panupong Luangsa-ard who used a variety of transportation methods during the two-year task. This included walking 310 miles and wearing out four pairs of shoes in the process, but sometimes reaching some of the far flung destinations was only half the battle. Luangsa-ard had to wait for sunny days so the 360-degree camera could get a clear shot of the landscapes, and the device's battery only ran for six to eight hours a session before it ran out of charge. The iconic Trekker backpack also weighs around 18kg and rises two feet above the wearer's shoulders. The arduous mission was entrusted to Thai triathlete Panupong Luangsa-ard who used a variety of transportation methods during the two-year task The mission included walking 310 miles and wearing out four pairs of shoes during his Google Street View project Luangsa-ard's impressive portfolio went live on Monday and includes the Sukhothai Historical Park and ancient temples at Ayutthaya. 'Our intrepid trekker walked 500 kilometers with a heavy backpack across the length and breadth of the country,' Google wrote on their blog. ' Our trekker also found some real elephants on his travels, too.' As well as the new sites in Thailand, the Google's Street View service has already been extended to feature the safari plains in South Africa, Dubai's Burj Al Arab and even a British Airways executive jet. Luangsa-ard had to wait for sunny days so the 360-degree camera could get a clear shot of the landscapes, and the device's battery only ran for six to eight hours a session before it ran out of charge The iconic Trekker backpack, which comes in different colours, rises two feet above carrier's shoulders and weighs around 18kg His impressive portfolio, went live on Monday and included the Ban Nor Lae Village Strawberry Fields (pictured) Now people all over the world can virtually explore the Buddhist temple of Wat Chaiwatthanaram located within the ancient city of Ayutthaya People dreaming of being on golden sands in the sunshine can take a 360 degree tour of Phranang Cave Beach UK airlines have suspended flights to Sharm el-Sheikh after a bombing Demand for Turkey was 'subdued', said owner of Thomson Holidays British holidaymakers are returning to old favourites in Spain in greater numbers this summer in the wake of recent terror attacks in Europe and the Middle East. Travel giant TUI Group, the owner of UK tour operators Thomson and First Choice, said summer bookings from Britons are up nine per cent on last year despite a downturn in tourism to Turkey and Egypt. The German travel company said the largest increase in bookings has been for holidays to mainland Spain and the Balearic and Canary islands. British tourists are returning to destinations in mainland Spain in greater numbers (pictured: Benidorm) In a half-year trading update to the end of March, TUI said demand for Turkey where attacks have occurred in central Istanbul and Ankara was subdued. Last month TUI revealed that summer holidays to Turkey had fallen by 40 per cent. Following the bombing of a passenger jet over Egypt last year, all British airlines and tour operators, including Thomson, have suspended flights to and from the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. The travel industry has also been shaken by attacks in Brussels, Paris and Tunisia. Tourists walk past a soldier in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, while a defense ministers meeting was held last week As a result, holidaymakers are looking to alternative summer destinations, including Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica. TUI is adding Costa Rica to its summer programme this year. The travel company stuck to its guidance of boosting full-year earnings by at least 10 per cent, sending shares up by six per cent. Across the group it said its summer holidays were 47 per cent sold, broadly in line with last year. Sales rose by three per cent, driven by a mixture of stronger bookings and a one per cent rise in average selling prices. It added that its winter holidays are 95 per cent sold across the group, in line with last year. Winter sales rose by three per cent, driven a rise in average selling prices. Visitors to one of the biggest Hindu Temples in the world are being warned to be on their guard against tourist scams. One parent visited Pura Besakih Temple in Bali, Indonesia, with her family when she claims that after donating money towards parking and entry, they were harassed by men asking for more cash. Sharing the incident on the Ubud Community Facebook page, the woman, who visited with her husband and baby, claims that a local told her that if she wanted to get closer to the temple, she would have to pay him and then he would be their 'guardian.' This negative review of one woman's visit to the Pura Besakih Temple in Bali has encouraged others to share their experiences of being harassed for money After one visitor to the Pura Besakih Temple revealed her negative experience, others have come forward to share similar stories After refusing to hand over more money, the family continued to move closer to the temple, but after a few steps they claim they were 'surrounded by five guys,' who allegedly said they could not walk further without a 'guardian.' The price for this was said to between 300,000 Indian Rupees (15.80) and 500,000 Indian Rupees (26.30). The family refused to pay and made their way to the exit. On their way out, the incident was raised with ticket sellers at the entry as to why more money was asked for inside. The answer allegedly given was that they 'knew nothing,' and did not know who the 'guardian' was. Coconuts Bali has reported that after the Bali Provincial Tourism Office reported the complaint to the police, an investigation has been launched and an arrest has been made. Tour guides are available to guide tourists around the sites, however all 6,000 registered guides have certificates of authenticity and will not harass visitors for money. There are 6,000 registered tour guides in Bali who are verified to work around the sites such as Pura Besakih Temple Since the post was shared on Facebook, other people have shared their own experiences of visiting the temple. Wiwin Thari wrote: 'Thanks God finally there is some action from the police. Last year in Bali I went with very similar experience in Besakih Temple. 'When I took a trip with one of my friends (tourists) and another local friends for praying, we paid the tickets and after been walked a bit the local people stopped us told us to pay a donation and take a local guide.' And Bradley Griffiths added: 'We never take guests there they are greedy and bullies stop going and send a message.' Wut Aprilsnow posted: 'I was there a few years ago by myself and could walk up to the top without a problem. 'My tip was, I pretend that I could not speak and understand English (I'm from Thailand), and spoke Thai to them, after a few minutes they were tired of talking to me and left me alone.' And Angela Annabelle Nanlohy commented: 'Happened to my sister too. So sorry to say that place is not a good reference. 'Too bad that such a beautiful place been treated that way by its own people.' Perched nearly 3,000 feet up the side of Gunung Agung, Pura Besakih Temple is an extensive complex of 23 separate but related temples with the largest and most important being Pura Penataran Agung. Advertisement This stunning video shows whales being 'hugged' by visitors to a Mexican lagoon - the only place in the world where humans interact with the wild mammals in this way. The footage of the female gray whales and her calves getting up close and personal with tourists was taken by British wildlife photographer Steve Trewhella during a family holiday earlier this month. Steve was part of a group on a small 10ft boat in the San Ignacio lagoon when the 50ft mammal came right up alongside them looking to be stroked and petted. Visitors to a lagoon in Mexico opened their arms to hug a whale in heart-warming footage captured on video The footage of the female gray whales and her calves getting up close and personal with tourists was taken by British wildlife photographer Steve Trewhella The lagoon has become famous as a whale nursery and sanctuary where the female species rear their calves away from deadly predators before returning to the ocean. And Steve, 52, of Wareham, Dorset, described it as a thrilling and unique experience. He said: 'We set off from San Diego on a 95ft fishing vessel that caters for wildlife watching. 'It was a bit of a busman's holiday for me, but the gray whales are in such decline you have to go to the other side of the world to see them. The photographer who captured the tender moments was part of a group on a small 10ft boat in the San Ignacio lagoon in Mexico The lagoon has become famous as a whale nursery and sanctuary where tourists can get up close 'We then got on the smaller boat to go to San Ignacio lagoon in Mexico, which is an extraordinary place and is believed to be the only location in the world these gray whales interact with human beings on this level. 'It is a nursery area for them where they rear the calves until they are seaworthy before swimming back out in the ocean. 'It is used as a safe haven as larger predators can not get in there and is a good place to rear a baby whale. The female species rear their calves away from deadly predators before returning to the ocean The 50ft mammal came right up alongside the tourists looking to be stroked and petted The site is strictly controlled by the Mexican Government and only licenced boats can operate within the lagoon 'Experts say it is assumed that the whales introduce the calves to boats deliberately. 'It is done totally on the whale's terms. 'It is a bit surreal. If you are on a 10ft boat and had a 50ft mammal coming towards you, you would probably get away from it. 'It was a bit of a funny experience knowing it could smash your boat to pieces if it so wished - but they are not aggressive at all. The tourists were afforded the chance to do something you can't do everyday and embrace a whale Photographer Steve Trewhella took the footage during a family holiday earlier this month The whale was more than likely capable of smashing the tourists boats apart, but the scene is calm for it to stay relaxed 'They lie on their side and like being rubbed. 'You are petting whales which is a thrilling experience. We went with the sole purpose of seeing it before it is gone as they are in great decline all over the world.' The site is strictly controlled by the Mexican Government and only licenced boats can operate within the lagoon. Steve's trip was run by Naturetrek, who specialise in wildlife watching tours onboard M/V Searcher. It is believed the lagoon is the only location in the world these gray whales interact with human beings on this level Norwegian Joy is set to prove that anything you can do on land, you can also do at sea with the unveiling of a go-kart race track on its roof. The new 640million cruise ship, designed specifically for the Chinese market, is set to debut in China in 2017. It will also be the first ship to feature at-sea concierge level, with private courtyard and facilities, and virtual reality room to entertain the kids. Norwegian Joy is the first in the world to have a go-kart race track on-board, which has been unveiled in an artist's rendering (pictured) Norwegian has also revealed that the ship will feature a virtual reality room where passengers can experience hovercraft bumper cars (above) Norwegian Cruise Line claims that the two-level racetrack will be the first ever of its kind at sea. So far, only an artist's rendering has been released, showing drivers navigating the curves of the track, racing to the finish line. A statement on the cruise line's website also revealed that there will be an open-air laser tag course, a virtual reality pavilion with simulators like hovercraft bumper cars, and multi-storey water slides. For added luxury, the first every at-sea concierge level will offer its premium guests unrivalled personal service and exclusive space, including a separate lounge and bar. There are also mini-suites so extended families can travel together. The 640million vessel will also feature an open-air laser tag course, a virtual reality pavilion with simulators like hovercraft bumper cars, and multi-storey water slides For concierge level guests, there are exclusive facilities for private use, including a lounge and bar And for those who want to shop, Norwegian has promised extensive selection of duty-free luxury brands on-board. But guests may face long queues as the ship has space for 3,900 passengers. At the moment, the ship is still under construction in Germany. Once finished, it will call at the home ports of Shanghai and Tianjin. It's not the first time that a go-kart course has been proposed for the sea. In 2014, MailOnline reported that a super yacht concept had incorporated a go-kart track that replicated the F1 circuit. He told Daily Mail Australia last year that he was looking for a girlfriend with a great sense of humour who he could 'go to the beach with'. And it looks like Australian actor Lincoln Lewis has now found his dream lady and is officially off the market. The 28-year-old former Home And Away star has been flaunting what appears to be a new romance on his social media accounts in recent weeks, with loved up snaps of him and model Chloe Ciesla appearing on his Instagram account. Scroll down for video New romance alert: It appears Lincoln Lewis is now dating Perth-based model Chloe Ciesla, with the pair sharing several loved-up snaps on social media in recent weeks Bikini babe: Stunning Chloe is certainly not shy to flaunt her runway ready figure on her social media page, with plenty of bikini photos making the cut Taking to Instagram just last week, the son of former professional rugby league star Wally Lewis shared a photo of him and 18-year-old Chloe locking lips, the caption next to the photo simply reading: 'This one'. Furthermore blonde beauty beauty Chloe posted another sweet snap of the pair on her own Instagram account a day later. Confessing her affection for the Logie award-winning actor, Chloe wrote next to the image: 'In love with this beautiful boy @linc_lewis'. Signed with Vivien's Model Management in Perth, stunning Chloe is certainly not shy to flaunt her runway ready figure on her social media page, with plenty of bikini photos making the cut. Sealed with a kiss: Taking to Instagram just last week, former Home And Away star Lincoln shared a photo of him and Chloe locking lips, the caption next to the photo simply reading, 'This one' Blonde beauty: Chloe, 18, is signed with Vivien's Model Management in Perth and 10 years Lincoln's junior All on show: Chloe shared this snap in January and said the photo was taken 'by my boy' It looks like Lincoln may very well have met Chloe in her home state of Western Australia while recently there as a tourism ambassador for the state. Speaking to Daily Mail Australia last year about what he looks for in a girlfriend, Lincoln said it was more about a lady's personality as opposed to just physical appearance. 'Just someone with a great sense of humour, someone who's very down-to-earth and normal,' Lincoln told Daily Mail Australia at the 2015 Dally M Awards in Sydney. 'You want someone who can make you laugh. You want someone you can have a very good, deep chat with and not talk about the more material things in life, it's all about the deeper stuff.' Perth beauty: It looks like Lincoln may very well have met Chloe in her home state of Western Australia while recently there as a tourism ambassador for the state Gorgeous: Chloe certainly has a picture perfect smile Working it: She certainly knows how to work her best angles for the camera Loves nature: She seems to be a fan of the great outdoors He knows what he wants: Speaking to Daily Mail Australia last year about what he looks for in a girlfriend, Lincoln said it was more about a lady's personality as opposed to just physical appearance He then added: 'And someone I can go to the beach with and have a good feed with'. Back in 2014 Lincoln was linked to former Miss World Australia Courtney Thorpe. At the time The Daily Telegraph reported that the pair were an item, with Courtney saying: 'Im really enjoying spending time with him we really enjoy each others company. Meanwhile Lincoln previously dated Home And Away co-star Rhiannon Fish for two years, but the Summer Bay sensation split in 2012. The hunky House Husbands star was then rumoured to have hooked up with Olympic swimmer Stephanie Rice. Previous romance: Lincoln previously dated Home And Away co-star Rhiannon Fish for two years, but the Summer Bay sensation split in 2012 Former flames: In 2014 Lincoln was linked to model Courtney Thorpe (L) while he also dated actress Indiana Evans (R), who is believed to be the girl in a sex tape Lincoln admitted to filming back in 2009 On Tuesday evening, she suffered a slightly embarrassing wardrobe malfunction on the red carpet. But on Wednesday, Charlize Theron had covered-up against the cold - and protected herself against the chance of it happening again - as she emerged from her hotel in Hamburg. The impossibly beautiful Hollywood star, 40, looked chic in her cosy layers upon her exit, which also saw her toting a single peach-coloured rose in her arm, a gift from an admirer. Scroll down for video Cosy and covered! Charlize Theron looked warm and stylish in layers as she left her Hamburg hotel on Wednesday She draped her willowy, slender figure in a long, thin grey knit over black skinny jeans, and kept out the chill in a stylish black military coat. A short blue scarf wrapped around her neck added some extra warmth to her ensemble, which was finished off with a pair of white Vans Old Skool sneakers. Her blonde bob was expertly coiffed into beachy waves and she appeared to be going with a very minimal coating of make-up on her beautiful face. Casual cool: The 40-year-old looked effortlessly awesome in a pair of black skinny jeans, a long jumper and military coat teamed with white Vans Old Skool sneakers Nice to meet you! The South African star spent time greeting fans and signing autographs outside her hotel in the German city before leaving Ouch! The previous evening, Charlize suffered a wardrobe malfunction when she went braless in a lace camisole at The Huntsman: Winter War premiere She happily met with fans who had waited outside her accomodation in the morning, signing autographs as she went to get into her car and leave the German city. If she was feeling embarrassed from her awkward reveal on the red carpet at her movie The Huntsman: Winter War's premiere the previous evening, she certainly didn't show it as she flashed her beaming smile. Charlize had gone braless in a black lace camisole on the red carpet at the movie event along with her co-stars Emily Blunt and Chris Hemsworth. Off she goes! After spending a couple of days during The Huntsman: Winter War's promo tour in Hamburg, Wednesday saw the Charlize and her co-stars make their departure From an admirer? She clutched a single peach-coloured rose as she strode out of the hotel That's me! She looked intently at a fan's film poster as she got to work signing her name The Oscar-winning star wore very little under her smart black blazer as she signed autographs at the event, while smiling and seemingly completely unaware. She showed some skin under her unbuttoned jacket which she teamed with tight leather trousers and strappy heels. The star appeared to be wearing a racy lace number under the blazer, while she added to the glam factor with a full face of makeup. Shimmering eye makeup was paired with a pink lip and bronzer, while the star finished off her look with loose locks and a subtle touch of bling with her glittering bracelet. Firm friends: She cosied up alongside her pregnant co-star Emily Blunt once inside the venue, covering her nearly bare chest with her jacket Racy! Charlize certainly dressed for the spotlight at the Hamburg premiere of her latest big screen outing Plunging: The actress flashed her cleavage with a daring lace number under her unbuttoned jacket Oscar-winner Charlize reprises her role as scheming Queen Ravenna in the prequel to Snow White and The Huntsman, which hits theaters in April. She's joined by actor Emily, 32, who plays her Ice Queen sister Freya. Emily also hit Tuesday night's premiere in Hamburg, with the pregnant star looking effortlessly chic in monochrome. In the film, Ice Queen Freya brings her sister Queen Ravenna back to life after she was vanquished by Kristen Stewart's Snow White in the original movie. Smart casual: Charlize, 40, teamed her smart blazer with tight leather trousers and strappy heels Leading lady: Charlize stopped to sign autographs before heading into the premiere Glam: Shimmering eye makeup was paired with a pink lip and bronzer, while the star finished off her look with loose locks and a subtle touch of bling with her glittering bracelet Look who's back: Oscar-winner Charlize reprises her role as scheming Queen Ravenna in the prequel to Snow White and The Huntsman, which hits theaters in April Chris also returns as The Huntsman, and is joined by Jessica Chastain, who plays his fellow huntsman and love interest. Meanwhile, away from her work, Charlize has spoken candidly about her split from Sean Penn - denying allegations that she 'ghosted' him. The actress sat down with WSJ Magazine, and revealed that there is no truth behind rumours she abruptly cut off all contact with her ex after 18 months together. So chic: Charlize is joined in the new film by Emily Blunt, 32, who plays her Ice Queen sister Freya Pregnancy style: The actress, who is expecting her second child, looked effortlessly chic in monochrome at the Hamburg premiere Say cheese: Emily teamed a lace white top with skinny fit trousers for the latest premiere in the cast's promo tour for their new movie Charlize insists that there was no drama behind the break-up, and that she and Sean parted ways mutually. 'There is a need to sensationalize things,' she told the publication. 'When you leave a relationship there has to be some f***ing crazy story or some crazy drama. 'And the f***ing ghosting thing, like literally, I still dont even know what it is. Its just its own beast. We were in a relationship and then it didnt work anymore. And we both decided to separate. Thats it.' Leading man: Chris Hemsworth was dapper in a blue blazer for the German premiere Time for a selfie: The Aussie star stopped to snap some snaps with the crowd of fans She's been enjoying some time out of the spotlight since wrapping up TV series New Tricks in 2015. But Tamzin Outhwaite has made her return to showbiz, this time gracing the stage of London's Theatre Royal Haymarket in How the Other Half Loves. The 45-year-old actress - who rocketed to fame as Melanie Owen hit British soap EastEnders - stars as Teresa Phillips in the production, the unsuspecting wife of cheating husband Bob, played by Waterloo Road actor Jason Merrells. Scroll down for video She's back! Tamzin Outhwaite has made her return to showbiz, this time gracing the stage of London's Theatre Royal Haymarket in How the Other Half Loves While the sprightly blonde is famed for playing the more glamorous characters, the Hotel Babylon star looks more drab than fab in her latest role, as shots from the play's photocall show her gallivanting onstage in a some questionable ensembles. Sitting on the lap of her fictional husband Bob, the London native is clad in an over-sized pink shirt and slider slippers, her hair scraped back from her face in an effortless top knot. Another shot shows Tamzin and Jason in tribal-style his and hers pyjamas as they act out what appear to be some rather frantic scenes alongside Matthew Cottle, who plays William Featherstone in the show. The role: The 45-year-old actress - who rocketed to fame as Melanie Owen hit British soap EastEnders - stars as Teresa Phillips in the production, the unsuspecting wife of cheating husband Bob, played by Waterloo Road actor Jason Merrells Stripped back: While the sprightly blonde is famed for playing the more glamorous characters, the Hotel Babylon star looks more drab than fab in her latest role The story is helmed by prolific playwright Alan Ayckbourn and is a farcical tale of matrimonial mishaps, receiving its first major West End revival this spring at the hands of Alan Strachan. The play tells the tales of Bob and Fiona (Jenny Seagrove) who clumsily try to cover up their affair, though their spouses' intervention only adds to the confusion. The unfolding events somehow see marital pair William and Mary Featherstone, the latter played by EastEnders' Gillian Wright, falsely accused of adultery - with no idea how. Interesting choice: Sitting on the lap of her fictional husband Bob, the London native is clad in an over-sized pink shirt and slider slippers, her hair scraped back from her face in an effortless top knot Matching! Another shot shows Tamzin and Jason in tribal-style his and hers pyjamas Co-stars: Tamzin is joined onstage by Nicholas Le Prevost and Jenny Seagrove The plot culminates in two disastrous dinner parties on successive nights, shown at the same time, after which the future of all three couples appears to be in jeopardy. Prior to the show, Tamzin seemingly took some time out of the limelight in the wake of her divorce from husband Tom Ellis in 2014. After it was first claimed that the two had split because of the Miranda star's one night stand, the talented thespian hinted to Essentials magazine in January last year that their split was the result of more than just a single mistake. Dramatic: Tamzin stars in some rather frantic scenes, most notably alongside Matthew Cottle, who plays William Featherstone in the production A long way from Albert Square! EastEnders' Gillian Wright (L) plays Mary Featherstone in famous play Plot: The play tells the tales of Bob and Fiona (Jenny Seagrove) who clumsily try to cover up their affair, though their spouses' intervention only adds to the confusion Family first: Prior to the show, Tamzin seemingly took some time out of the limelight in the wake of her divorce from husband Tom Ellis, with whom she shares two daughters, in 2014 Where it all began... Tamzin first made a name for herself as Melanie Owen in hit BBC soap Eastenders [Pictured onset alongside co-star Adam Woodyatt in 1999) 'I wouldn't not be with my husband over a one-night stand is all I'll say,' she cryptically said at the time. However, the actress, who has two children - Florence Elsie Ellis, seven, and three-year-old Marnie Mae Ellis - said she didn't want to reveal the precise details of their troubles for fear of hurting their kids. She added: 'I will tell them exactly what happened and it will come from me. He's still their dad and they still have a relationship.' Tom, 36, confessed to adultery while filming in the US, however it was widely thought to have been a one-off incident, with Tamzin reportedly citing Tom's 'infidelity' as the reason for their split. Cast: The story is helmed by prolific playwright Alan Ayckbourn and is a farcical tale of matrimonial mishaps, receiving its first major West End revival this spring at the hands of Alan Strachan She is a successful criminal barrister by day, as well as an author, property developer and qualified art curator. So it's hardly surprising that Real Housewives Of Melbourne star Gina Liano was chosen as the perfect fit to join the panel at the Australian Womens Network Business Summit. Posing for photographs in her lavish home as she made the announcement she will speak at the event, the 48-year-old high profile business woman was nothing short of her usual glamourous self as she wowed in a fitted sequinned dress. Scroll down for video Nothing short of glamourous! RHOM star Gina Liano will join the panel at the Australian Womens Network Business Summit and posed for photographs in a sparkly dress as she made the announcement The sparkly strapless number gave the no-nonsense reality television star quite the lift, accentuating her cleavage whilst tightly hugging her curves. Showing off her slender physique in the clingy garb, which finished right on the knee, Gina also flashed a glimpse of her trim pins as she crossed her towering heel-clad feet in front of her. The Melbourne-based star accessorised her stylish ensemble with a bejewelled necklace, glittering bracelets and rings and a pair of earrings for a bit of extra sparkle. True to form, the former Celebrity Apprentice star showcased her signature bouffant hair as well as a fresh deep spray tan and perfectly applied cosmetics. Shining bright: The sparkly strapless number gave the no-nonsense reality television star quite the lift, accentuating her cleavage, whilst tightly hugging her curves Gina was seen sporting the same dress on Wednesday as she visited Chemist Warehouse to promote her new fragrance. Sharing an image to Instagram, Gina's ensemble was identical - apart from the fact she had removed her glittering necklace. 'Popped into chemist warehouse today. Exciting to see my new fragrance Gina by Gina Liano on the shelves. Hope you love it xxx,' she captioned the shot. Outfit repeat offender: Gina was seen sporting the same dress on Wednesday as she visited Chemist Warehouse to promote her new fragrance The ostentatious barrister is currently starring in season three of the popular Arena show, which is looking to provide an even bigger dose of socialising, scandals, shocks and squabbles. The brunette bombshell is also an established designer, with her own lines in jewellery, bags and bedazzled pumps and heels - which sell for a pricey $440 a pair. To add to her growing brand, the mother-of-two also released a self-titled fragrance and penned a best-selling autobiography called Fearless. Not only is she a designer and an author, Gina is an established barrister, successful property developer and qualified art curator. Gina also landed a guest role on Australia's longest running soap opera Neighbours. No nonsense: The ostentatious barrister is currently starring in season three of the popular Arena show The sold out Australia Women's Network Business Summit aims to bring the best brains together across a number of diverse industries. The mission of the network is to help women to harness and develop their amazing leadership qualities. It also aims to promote the empowerment of women through encouraging a global network of professional women. Having immortalised the faces of Kate Moss, John Lennon and the Queen, photographer David Bailey has helped to shape the cultural landscape of Britain. But the former Vogue snapper, who also shot Jerry Halls wedding to Rupert Murdoch this month, has now accused old Blighty of neglecting his lifetime of hard work and enduring talent. The French, the Germans and the Americans were much quicker to understand photography than the English, laments David, 78. Neglected? David Bailey in his younger days (left) and (right) last year. He has now accused old Blighty of neglecting his lifetime of hard work and enduring talent I think Ive had one picture in the Tate and not much more in the Royal Academy. It doesnt really matter, but then you get a thing like the Turner Prize for art, which gets everyone overenthusiastic for something with not much thought behind it, while photographers such as Don McCullin and David Montgomery havent received enough attention. Bailey, who was born and raised in East London, admits he struggled to break into the industry and was rejected by the then London College of Printing because hed dropped out of school. His career only kicked off when, in 1959, he became an assistant to London snapper John French, shortly after which he was contracted as a fashion photographer for British Vogue magazine. I had an exhibition in the National Portrait Gallery with David Hockney and Gerald Scarfe in around 1969, and another one there recently so thats more than 40 years between shows, he adds. The recent exhibition the critically acclaimed Baileys Stardust in spring 2014 included shots of Swinging Sixties stars such as John Lennon, Mick Jagger and Michael Caine. But Bailey himself was as much a part of the era as he was its chronicler, and his fast-moving love life resulted in four marriages. His current wife of 30 years, model Catherine Dyer, is the mother of his three children Fenton, Sascha and Paloma. Reflecting on his neglected artistic predecessors, he says: Its just the same as it used to be with watercolour paintings, with the likes of William Blake. People would be of the opinion: Oh, its something rich ladies do at the weekend. For a lot of people, taking pictures has just been something done by eccentrics. Sir Roy Strong is steering the naming of Britains new polar research vessel into less contentious waters after strong support for Boaty McBoatface. The sobriquet was first suggested as a joke, but has now attracted more than 106,000 votes in the online poll launched by Science Minister Jo Johnson. Art historian Sir Roy, 80, is campaigning to call the 200 million ice-breaker Henry Worsley, in honour of his friend who died in January attempting the first solo, unaided crossing of the Antarctic. The explorers widow, Joanna, isnt keen on Boaty McBoatface either. A friend tells me: In other circumstances, she would appreciate the quirky British humour, but having the boat named after Henry would mean the world to her. Emilia Jardine-Paterson and husband David Duchess's pal is a copy-Kate Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, particularly in the so-called Glossy Posse of courtiers who surround the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. But Emilia Jardine-Paterson, one of Kates closest confidantes and a godmother to Prince George, has upped the ante in the royal loyalty stakes. Emilia and husband David welcomed a brother for their 23-month-old son Leo on March 19, and have named their second baby Alexander Louis Prince Georges two middle names. Of course, Emilia nee dErlanger who attended Marlborough College alongside Kate, shares more than baby names with the Duchess. Prior to her marriage to David, HRH Emilia de Lingerie, as she was nicknamed by her schoolfriends, was also romantically linked to Prince William, when he was a teenager. Its a small world. Sir Ian McKellen, who has been nominated for a best supporting actor Bafta for The Dresser, doesnt sound like the most munificent of wedding guests. When my cousin was getting married, I suggested I buy her some towels, he recalls. And she said: Oh, no. Ive got a towel. Well, you can do with more than one towel in your life. Prince Williams friend Jecca Craig is not the only woman with a royal history to be busy in Africa this week, following her Easter wedding to zoologist Jonathan Baillie in Kenya. Prince Harrys former flame Chelsy Davy is currently in Zambia doing research for her forthcoming jewellery line, Aya Africa. In a pair of thigh-skimming denim shorts, a sleeveless black top and sunglasses, Chelsy shows off her tan while posing by a Zambian lake, where an elephant can be seen in the distance. Scroll down for video Prince Harrys former flame Chelsy Davy is currently in Zambia doing research for her forthcoming jewellery line Since quitting her City law job in 2014, the 30-year-old has been spending a lot of time in the region in preparation for the launch of her ethically sourced jewellery. Shes been working with schools and local communities in South Africa, says a friend. A lot of the money she makes from sales will go there. Former Labour MP and ex-member of the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee Andrew MacKinlay is a suspicious fellow. Noting that Sir John Chilcot intends to publish his scandalously late report on the Iraq war this summer, MacKinlay speculates that sluggard Chilcot will release it at the height of EU referendum frenzy (the poll is being held on June 23). Tut tut, such cynicism. But he may well be right. Jessie Buckley and James Norton War and Peace love story Their romance has blossomed after they starred alongside each other as siblings Prince Andrei and Princess Marya in the BBC epic War And Peace. Now, Jessie Buckley, 26, is happily playing the dutiful consort and turned out to support James Norton in his new play, Bug, which opened in the West End this week. Jessie has already moved into 30-year-old Jamess home in Peckham, South London, and the pair were recently spotted out jogging together. Before War And Peace went on air, Jessie observed that her character was sexless. No danger of that now. Dame Joan is right up Percy Street! Dame Joan Collins, who has packed up her bags for a three-week adventure, shared a holiday snap from Lima with her social media fans yesterday. She posted this photo of herself with her fifth husband, Percy Gibson, who is 32 years her junior and was born in the Peruvian capital. Dame Joan Collins shared a holiday snap from Lima with her social media fans yesterday Standing next to a signpost, the 82-year-old captioned the photo: On our last day in Lima to visit Percy Gibson Street. Named after his grandfather, not him!! On EastEnders he plays Mick Carter, a pub landlord with a kind heart and a strong marriage. And on Wednesday it seemed that the role isn't too far from reality for actor Danny Dyer, who looked totally loved up when he and his fiancee Joanne Mas attended Dynamo Live at The O2 Arena in London. Wearing a black leather jacket over grey jeans and a grey sweater, the 38-year-old repeatedly embraced petite Joanne, who he first met when they were both 14 years old. See more on EastEnders' Danny Dyer as he and Joanne Mas wear matching leather jackets Happy together: On Wednesday actor Danny Dyer and his fiancee Joanne Mas looked totally loved up as they attended Dynamo Live at The O2 Arena in London These birds of a feather clearly style together, as Joanne also went dark and lovely in a black dress, which she paired with black boots that perfectly matched Danny's. She repeatedly rested her blonde locks against his signature beard. Father-of-three Danny repeatedly snuggled Joanne, who showed off a sizeable engagement ring on her perfectly manicured left hand. What a pair! These birds of a feather clearly style together, as they wore matching leather jackets and boots Dyer's long-term partner surprised him last year when she popped the question on Valentine's Day. The couple, who share children Dani, 19, Sunnie, almost nine, and two-year-old Arty, have survived several obstacles, including Dyer's past infidelity. During an interview with Hello! magazine, Danny recently revealed that he will have a Spanish-themed wedding in the English countryside but he is not in charge of the big day. Intimate: Father-of-three Danny repeatedly snuggled Joanne, who showed off a sizeable engagement ring on her perfectly manicured left hand He said: 'I have been a typical man about the wedding. I have left it to the missus. At this stage, I am just a guest. I don't even know the postcode!' A real-life East Ender, Dyer was born in Canning Town and, like many of the characters in the BBC One soap, is a staunch supporter of West Ham United Football Club. Castmates from EastEnders will be among the 150 guests at his wedding. 'I am inviting all of my Carter clan because I love them all dearly,' he said. Hot date: Vicky Pattison and Spencer Matthews' relationship was clearly going from strength to strength as they enjoyed a date night at Dynamo's live show in London on Wednesday Drink O'Clock: The 28-year-old former Geordie Shore star looked flirty in the same pastel look she sported earlier in the day while her ex-Made In Chelsea beau, 26, looked casual in jeans Stylish look: Vicky was sporting the same ensemble she wore during an appearance on This Morning - proving the stunning look can go from day to night Chrissie Swan has claimed that the owners of her local supermarket make a store worker push her shopping to a car. The Nova host has explained that although she does try to push her own trolley at the store, the owners, who are her friends, ensure that she is always looked after. On Wednesday images emerged showing Chrissie striding ahead as a male shop assistant followed her with her produce. Scroll down for video Wheelie helpful: Chrissie Swan was seen getting a helping hand while doing the grocery shopping on Wednesday, employing the help of an assistant to push her supermarket trolley to the car in Melbourne But just a day later Chrissie spoke out on the topic on her Nova show Chrissie, Sam and Browny this morning. Browny brought up the incident and asked: 'What about the arrogant look, just looking back as if to say hurry up you little boy.' 'Youre ten metres out in front of him, paying absolutely no attention to him.' Chrissie was quick to set the record straight and replied: 'Can I please butt in here and tell you what happened, can I?' On air: Chrissie spoke out about the shopping trolley on her radio show. Pictured with Browny, Premier Daniel Andrews, Chrissie Swan and Sam Pang 'Yes, somebody pushed my shopping trolley,' she admitted. 'I do my shopping down at Coltivare in Camberwell, the centre of the universe.' 'It is posh, its the best food and veg there is, Ive been shopping there for four or five years. The owners, our kids go to school together, Im there once or twice a week, they insist that somebody pushes my trolley to the car, they insist, and I say, I go, "dont be silly, its just here, its stupid, its embarrassing". "No Chrissie, were doing it," they responded. 'I cant say no, they are Italian, you cant.' The 42-year-old Nova host was seen leaving the establishment in Melbourne, closely followed by the store worker who graciously wheeled her groceries to her parked car. To the car: The 42-year-old former Big Brother star was seen leaving a supermarket closely followed by an obliging store worker The obliging hand was seen directing the small trolley containing bags of groceries and a box of green vegetables to the funnywoman's car before she unloaded the goods into the boot with his help. The Long Lost Families host was dressed casually for the outing in striped dress and a navy cardigan. Chrissie, who shares children Kit, four, Peggy, three, and son Leo, seven, with partner Chris Saville, wore her highlighted mane loose around her shoulders and added a pair of hoop earrings to accessorise. Chrissie appeared on Big Brother in 2003 and is now the host of Long Lost Families. She currently hosts Nova's morning radio show with Sam Pang and Johnathon Brown after being publicly dumped from her show with Jane Hall by Mix FM two years ago. Throughout her time in the public eye, she has also hosted the show Can of Worms and co-hosted programs including The Great Australian Spelling Bee. Last year, she also spent time in the jungle on I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! She recently opened up to News Corp about her family and said that they have always been there for her to count on during hard times in her career. Apple of her eye: Chrissie shares children Kit, four, Peggy, three, and son Leo, seven, with partner Chris Saville Happy: The star is seen here with her man Chris Saville in a sweet Instagram snap 'This industry is pretty volatile; your contract can not be renewed and someone else can take your job, and thats happened to me,' she said. 'It makes you think, If work isnt constant, then what is? And every time, its been what goes on under my roof my three kids and my family.' While she may not always push her own trolley, a string of other stars have been hands on when it comes to picking things up at the shops in the past. They include the likes of Hollywood heavyweights Chris Hemsworth, Hugh Jackman, Kim Kardashian and Charlize Theron. Indeed, the Duchess of Cambridge has also been seen pushing her own trolley on occasion. The hard yards: While she may not always push her own trolley, a string of other stars have been hands on when it comes to picking things up at the shops, including Chris Hemsworth (left, seen in February 2014) ... and wife Elsa Pataky (right, pictured in September 2014) A trip to Bunnings! Hugh Jackman is seen here with son Oscar in 2010 in Victoria Picking up some goods! Kim Kardashian (L) is seen here at a toy store in the US last year ... and Charlize Theron is pictured in 2014 in the US They first found love on the reality matchmaking series The Farmer Wants A Wife. So it comes as no surprise to hear that oyster farmer Jedd, 37, and makeup artist Samantha, 32, have taken the next step in their relationship and moved in together. Speaking to TV Week about their love, the couple revealed that Samantha had packed up her belongings and moved to Coffin Bay in South Australia to be with Jedd after months of travelling between homes. Scroll down for video Success: The Farmer Wants A Wife stars Jedd and Samantha have revealed in an interview with TV week that they have moved in together 'We stewed over it for a couple of weeks and were like, "Lets do it. What are we waiting for?"' Sam, who is originally from Victoria, told the publication. The couple moved in before Christmas, prior to the successful reality series airing on Nine Network. As a result, they were forced to keep their relationship secret until the show officially wrapped up mid-March. Moving forward: The loved-up couple have discussed the future including 'children, marriage and family' To add to the move, Jedd revealed the smitten couple had even spoken about a future together. 'We have similar wants for our lives, as most people do be it children, marriage and family,' Jedd admitted. 'But for now, Sam and I are having a great time getting to know each other.' Jedd joined the TV series after his mother, Jill, nominated him after 18 months of him being single. In the deep end: A busy career as the manager of his local family business and a limited supply of single ladies in the neighbourhood made the choice to join the show a simple one Quite the catch! The Bachelor is described by his mum (far right) as 'a very caring, sensitive young man' with 'strong values' 'I actually nominated him - tentatively!' Jill told the Daily Mail Australia in January. 'Watching him being unhappy and knowing that he's wanting more out of life, he was wanting family and love... 'Coffin Bay [South Australia] is a very isolated place so it's very much the scenario where it's quite difficult to meet young women so that was one of the other factors. 'It was out of character for me to put in this application, [but] it was like the dots were lining up...I would describe it as serendipity,' she said. A busy career as the manager of his local family business Natural Oysters, coupled with a limited supply of single ladies in the neighbourhood, made the choice to join the show a simple one. And it seems the decision worked out for the best with Jedd and Samantha being the only surviving couple from the latest reality series. Maxim model Gabi Grecko has revealed she has fallen for Big Brother bombshell Frenchy Morgan after revealing she was bisexual. The 26-year-old estranged wife of Australian businessman Geoffrey Edelsten told Daily Mail Australia on Thursday that she is in love with the French reality star and revealed on Instagram: 'She makes me happier than anyone else could'. Raised in Paris, Frenchy, real name Angelique, has appeared on appeared on Playboy TV and was on Celebrity Big Brother show in 2014. Scroll down for video So happy: Maxim model Gabi Grecko has revealed she has fallen for Big Brother bombshell Frenchy Morgan Raunchy past: Raised in Paris, Frenchy, real name Angelique, has appeared on appeared on Playboy TV Gabi posted a snap of Frenchy to her Instagram on Thursday of the platinum blonde wearing white shades. Frenchy, who calls herself a coach, also says she's a staunch staunch animal rights' supporter, vegetarian, and uses her reality TV fame to raise awareness about animal cruelty. Maxim model Gabi declared earlier this week she had fallen for a woman in her forties a week after splitting from boyfriend of one month Jason Skrobe. Revelation: The 26-year-old estranged wife of Australian businessman Geoffrey Edelsten told Daily Mail Australia on Thursday that she is in love with the French reality star Reality star: Frenchy has previously featured on the British version of long running show Celebrity Big Brother She told Daily Mail Australia on Monday: 'I'm bisexual. I broke up with my boyfriend last Monday and now I'm dating a hot woman in her forties...' She went on: 'I'm dating an older woman, I'm in love, we want to keep it low for now about who she is to see if it works out but I really like her. She's in her forties but she looks 25. 'I'm still getting over my marriage ending but I think that may have been the end of men for me.' The colourful personality excitedly declared last month she was dating 'age appropriate' Jason, whom she had met through friends, saying: 'I really like him. It's good. It feels right.' Candid: Gabi, who posed in a Native American headdress this week, told Daily Mail Australia on Monday 'I'm bisexual. I broke up with my boyfriend last Monday and now I'm dating a hot woman in her forties...' Hopping around: Gabi went topless and dressed in a white tutu for Easter last month Now she says: 'I felt like I was wasting my time being with him in the first place. 'He was in the nightlife business and around a lot of drunk girls late every night because he was a promoter and I thought I deserved better than that, I moved on very quickly.' While remaining tight-lipped about her new girl romance, estranged husband Geoffrey has a few choice words on the subject. Not shy: Both women are not shy when it comes to flashing the flesh... even in public Attention-grabbing: While remaining tight-lipped about her new girl romance, Gabi's estranged husband Geoffrey has a few choice words on the subject He told Daily Mail Australia: 'A woman? I'm not really shocked, Gabi loves attention and this week it'll be a woman and next week a man...I can't keep up. 'She did tell me when we were married she had considered women and used to send me pictures of her and her girlfriends in bed but it was all meaningless and innocent.' He added: 'Let's see what she says next week.' The ex: Gabi was recently dating Jason Skrobe and only just broke up with him last Monday Cara Delevingne made her grand return to modeling - by posing in a sultry campaign for Saint Laurent. The 23-year-old, who stuns in the black and white shots, is the new face of the luxury fashion company's La Collection De Paris couture collection. Saint Laurent revealed the incredible images in a series of tweets on their official Twitter account, adding that the campaign was photographed on March 17 in New York City. See Cara Delevingne updates as she makes surprise comeback in Saint Laurent campaign Wow: Cara Delevingne made her grand return to modeling - by posing in a sultry campaign for Saint Laurent Following the unveiling, Cara, who took a step back from modeling to focus on her acting career, tweeted simply: 'I never quit.' The cover girl previously starred in a Saint Laurent campaign in 2013 for creative director Hedi Slimane's first collection. Hedi appears to have photographed the most recent campaign as well, according to Saint Laurent's twitter. In one of the stunning images, Cara sports a strapless ensemble with a large belt and dramatic makeup. Striking a pose: The 23-year-old, who stuns in the black and white shots, is the new face of the luxury fashion company's La Collection De Paris couture collection The modeling powerhouse gazes into the camera as she strikes a pose in a structured blazer with a choker and matching bracelets for another shot. For the last two daring photographs in the campaign, Cara donned a furry coat with nothing else beneath. In all four images, the runway star wears her blonde locks slicked back into a bun with vampy lipstick and smokey eye makeup. Honesty: Following the unveiling, Cara, who took a step back from modeling to focus on her acting career, tweeted simply: 'I never quit' Standing tall: Saint Laurent revealed the incredible images in a series of tweets on their official Twitter account, adding that the campaign was photographed on March 17 in New York City Focused: The cover girl previously starred in a Saint Laurent campaign in 2013 for creative director Hedi Slimane's first collection The blonde beauty was spotted leaving a photo shoot in downtown Manhattan on Wednesday while rocking short, slicked down wavy locks. Cara, who kept her face makeup free, sported her signature casual style as she hit the streets carrying a suitcase and a large reusable tote. She wore a graphic T-shirt with navy sweat bottoms and sneakers, adding a black zippered jacket and a leather jacket on top. Casual: The blonde beauty was spotted leaving a photo shoot in downtown Manhattan on Wednesday while rocking short, slicked down wavy locks She has shifted a dramatic amount of weight since her breakup with former husband Geoffrey Edelsten, now 72, two years ago. And Brynne Edelsten (nee Gordon) stepped out looking extremely trim on Wednesday appearing to have shed even more weight in recent weeks. The 33-year-old showcased her gazelle-like legs in a pair of skintight red leather pants as she confidently arrived at the Morris Jones Champagne Lunch in Melbourne. Scroll down for video My, how you've changed! Brynne Edelsten showed off her VERY slimmed down physique on Wednesday as she stepped out for lunch in skintight red leather pants (left). Pictured in 2012 (right) The newly-slimmed down star emphasised her trim legs in the tight eye-catching trousers which she perfectly coordinated with a pair of matching sunglasses. The former model teamed her rock-inspired look with a fitted black top, highlighting her significant weightloss and accentuating her surgically enhanced chest. Despite covering up with a warm cardigan which hung off her shoulders, the blonde bombshell's lithe frame didn't go unnoticed. Walking into the venue, the Melbourne-based socialite, who dropped three dress sizes after losing 15kgs following her breakup, towered in a pair of black heeled booties. Shadow of her former self! The 33-year-old showcased her gazelle-like legs in a pair of skintight red leather pants as she confidently strutted along the pavement to meet a friend for lunch in Melbourne's South Yarra The eternally tanned socialite, who calls Australia home moving from the US almost seven years ago, appeared to be sporting a rather plump complexion. Meanwhile, her newly chopped locks were left loose in a straight, collar-bone skimming style that looked strikingly different from her formerly long and platinum hair. Dining at popular celebrity jaunt Morris Jones restaurant, Brynne met celebrity medium Harry T and another male companion for a meal. Once inside, the trio were seen posing for selfies on their phones and appeared in high spirits as they laughed throughout their champagne-fueled lunch. Slimmed down: The newly-slimmed down star emphasised her trim legs in the tight eye-catching trousers which she perfectly coordinated with a pair of matching sunglasses I predicted you'd be here! The socialite was seen dining with old friend and celebrity psychic Harry T Since officially splitting from her businessman husband of four years at the end of 2013, Brynne has quietly been reinventing her look. She is also become a shadow of herself after a jaw-dropping 15 kilo weightloss that has seen her go from a curvy size 12 to a more petite size 6. The blonde's shrinking frame has also affected her famous chest, which has dropped from a 12G to a smaller 8E - leaving her with 'nothing but implants' now that her natural body fat has vanished. Fun times: Once inside, Brynne, Harry and another male companion were seen posing for selfies on their phones and appeared in high spirits as they laughed throughout their champagne-fueled lunch Blonde bombshell: The eternally tanned socialite, who calls Australia home moving from the US almost seven years ago, appeared to be sporting a rather plump complexion Speaking about her new shape on Sunrise this week Brynne explained that she had been striving for 'years' to slim down. 'I've spent the last three and a half years at the gym and just trying to be healthy. It's taken time but it's finally paying off,' she said bashfully. Claiming to now visit the gym 'three days a week', the My Bedazzled Diary star said cutting out 'sugary drinks' had also helped her new regime. She revealed to Woman's Day in November that her discipline extends to nights on the town, saying: 'I stick to vodka and soda'. Looking swell! On Thursday Brynne arrived at court in a blue skirt and a black cardigan Style: The former wife of Geoffrey Edelsten kept her red sunglasses on as she approached the courthouse Recently Brynne has also insisted that she's stopped using both fillers and Botox in the past three years which has taken a lot of puffiness out of her face. However, earlier this month she confessed to using a collagen 'quick-fix' mask to help combat dark circles and fine lines. She told Today: 'I've been doing that and then eyeshots, this new product it's collagen that you put under your eyes for twenty minutes.' Brynne was seen without her on-off boyfriend Cemre Volkan, whom she celebrated her birthday with last month. New look: Brynne showed off her slimmed down legs in the tight blue skirt which she paired with some black heels Support: The 33-year-old chatted to a friend accompanying her to the courthouse as they made their way in The month before that police in Western Australia dropped a drug possession charge against her. The reality TV star was accused of possessing an ecstasy tablet early last year and was due to stand trial over the incident on Christmas Eve, after pleading not guilty to the charge in July. According to ABC News Brynne, who arrived at the Perth Magistrates Court in December in a black lace shift dress and matching gloves, spoke to the waiting media outside, saying: 'I don't condone the use of drugs'. Serious: The blonde kept her head down and focused on legal documents as she approached the building 'I don't use drugs and that's what's been proven today,' she said, adding: 'I'm happy to put this behind me and that the truth has come out. Wanting to be a good role model, the socialite explained: 'I'm proud of my choices as a person.' 'I have two little sisters who are 15 an 16 and they mean the world to me and I try to set a good example for them, and even just for them, let alone anyone else.' Flashback: Since officially splitting from her businessman husband Geoffrey Edelsten of four years at the end of 2013, Brynne has quietly been reinventing her look. Pictured here in 2012 She's no stranger to winning awards, having picked up Oscars, Brits and Grammys in the past. However, pop star Adele wasn't quite expecting to accept an accolade during one of her own concerts. The 27-year-old was stunned to find out she was the winner of an iHeartRadio Music Award ahead of the actual ceremony in Los Angeles this weekend. Scroll down for video Is this for me? Adele was pleasantly surprised to win an iHeartRadio Music Award on stage in Birmingham on Wednesday night Stunned: The Londoner was named a winner ahead of the actual ceremony in Los Angeles this weekend The Londoner was named Best Song for Hello during a break in her set at her gig at the Genting Arena in Birmingham on Wednesday. Giving an acceptance speech filmed for her US fans, Adele said: 'Thank you so much to everybody that voted - fans, programmers, everybody. 'We would like to say a massive hello back to you from Birmingham.' See more on Adele as she wins iHeart Radio Award live on stage during concert Another for the collection: She's no stranger to winning awards, having picked up Oscars, Brits and Grammys in the past Triumph: The mother-of-one was named Best Song for Hello during a break in her set at her gig at the Genting Arena Adele beat the likes of Taylor Swift (Blank Space), The Weeknd (Can't Feel My Face), Walk The Moon (Shut Up And Dance) and Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars (Uptown Funk) to the coveted gong. She is also up for Female Artist of the Year, Album Of The Year, Best Lyrics and Most Meme-able Moment. The award winner is currently halfway through a four-night stint in the Midlands as part of her sold-out Adele Live 2016 world tour. She's set to wrap up the UK leg of her tour in London next week before heading to Stockholm at the end of April. On the move: She's set to wrap up the UK leg of her tour in London next week before heading to Stockholm at the end of April She's a winner: Adele beat the likes of Taylor Swift (Blank Space), The Weeknd (Can't Feel My Face), Walk The Moon (Shut Up And Dance) and Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars (Uptown Funk) Her tour means she will be unable to attend the iHeartRadio Music Awards at the Forum in LA on Sunday. Fellow pop juggernaut Taylor was up for eight nominations, although has missed out on Best Song to Adele. However, it has already been revealed she is the recipient of the Best Tour award for her 1989 World Tour, which wrapped in Australia last December. Zayn Malik, Chris Brown, DNCE, Fetty Wap, Demi Lovato, Justin Bieber, Meghan Trainor and Iggy Azalea are due to perform at the star-studded ceremony. His private life was under the microscope again last week after an alleged rider of his demands when staying at a hotel were leaked online. But after declining to comment on the latest report, John Travolta appeared to shrug off the claims by joining his wife Kelly Preston at the screening of The People V OJ Simpson: American Crime Story on Wednesday. The actor and his wife looked happy and relaxed as they cosied up on the red carpet at the FX Networks Upfront screening in New York. Scroll down for video Cute couple: He's plays a hotshot defence lawyer who doubts OJs innocence from the start, but John Travolta was taking a break from crime drama and keeping it strictly romantic on Tuesday when he took wife Kelly Preston along to the Upfront New York screening Last week, a rider published by PageSix.com claimed the actor allegedly demanded he be provided with a male masseur and blacked-out windows when he stays in hotels. The site spoke to a source who revealed that the Pulp Fiction star 'needs a male masseur' whenever he is to stay at a hotel, and require the windows be covered with 'aluminum foil and dark curtains'. He also reportedly asks that the room be empty for 24 hours so that he cannot smell other people's scents. The father-of-two does not require sheets as he reportedly bring his own when he stays in a hotel. This latest report comes days after The National Enquirer spoke with a man who claims to have had a 'gay tryst' with the actor. All smiles: Suited and booted in black, with a cashmere jumper and smart dark tie the 62-year old actor let his glamorous wife take centre stage A male massage therapist named Edward told the tabloid he provided Travolta with a 'happy ending' and had sex with another A-list star in 2011, who is not named in the story. Making his first appearance since the report was published last week, the actor looked suited and booted in black, with a cashmere jumper and smart dark tie, as he let his glamorous wife take centre stage. Blonde Kelly was working a cute little black and white mini-dress, with an intricate asymmetric zig-zag design. Elegantly done: Paired with a cropped black leather jacket and patent maroon Mary-Jane shoes she added a splash of bold colour with her bright red mini-tote bag Paired with a cropped black leather jacket and patent maroon Mary-Jane shoes she added a splash of bold colour with her bright red mini-tote bag. The 52-year-old former model and actress pulled the outfit together with a burst of red lipstick and a pair of bright red earrings, perfectly complementing her buckled heels. Kelly even found time to pick up a lost hair accessory on the red carpet, while maintaining her dignity at all times and posing with it for the cameras. Finders keepers: Kelly even found time to pick up a lost hair accessory on the red carpet, while maintaining her dignity at all times and posing with it for the cameras High praise: Travolta stars with Cuba Gooding Jr, David Schwimmer, Sarah Paulson and Bruce Greenwood in the series that explores what went on behind-the-scenes during the 1995 prosecution of Simpson for the killings of his ex-wife Nicole Brown and Ronald Goldman Travolta stars with Cuba Gooding Jr, David Schwimmer, Sarah Paulson and Bruce Greenwood in the series that explores what went on behind-the-scenes during the 1995 prosecution of Simpson for the killings of his ex-wife Nicole Brown and Ronald Goldman. The Pulp Fiction star's physical performance as lawyer Robert Shapiro in the BBC 2 show has been praised, with the physically grotesque character using pauses, gestures and intonation to convey how clueless and self-absorbed the man really was. Cuba Gooding Jr. plays Americas most famous sportsman, O. J. Simpson, accused of the brutal killing of his ex-wife and a male friend in 1994. Cast pic: Co-star Sarah Paulson, left, plays O. J. Simpson's prosecutor in the 'Trial of the Century', who was actually going through hew own messy divorce and raising two young sons at the time Sensational: The Kardashian family have featured heavily in the dramatisation so far, and 31-year-old Khloe Kardashian has a theory as to why, claiming it's 'to bring a younger audience in' Co-star Sarah Paulson plays O. J. Simpson's prosecutor in the 'Trial of the Century', who was actually going through hew own messy divorce and raising two young sons at the time. David Schwimmer (Ross from Friends) is OJs close friend, Robert Kardashian (the father of Kim, Kourtney and Khloe of Keeping Up With The Kardashians fame). The Kardashian family have featured heavily in the dramatisation so far, and 31-year-old Khloe Kardashian has a theory as to why. 'They're sort of sensationalizing the Kardashian name in it, I think, to bring a younger audience in,' the 31-year-old said during a chat with James Corden on The Late Late Show Tuesday. 'When O.J. was contemplating suicide it was in my room, not Kim's room,' Khloe added, by way of an example of how producers are twisting the facts for greater impact. He's fast becoming a national treasure, and has also won over Hollywood. But Idris Elba has admitted that acting is much more than a job for him in a new interview with Esquire, as the London-born star revealed his roles are more like 'therapy'. Speaking to British edition of the magazine, the 43-year-old Luther star - who recently split from girlfriend of three years, Naiyana Garth - explained that when he's not working his 'life falls to s***'. Scroll down for video 'When Im not acting is when my life falls to s***': Idris Elba has admitted that acting is much more than a job for him in a new interview with Esquire, as the London-born star revealed his roles are more like 'therapy' Hinting at to what possibly caused his split from the make-up artist, the mother of his 23-month-old son Winston, the actor explained that life seems to take an 'interesting' turn for the worse when he's not on set. Calling a day on their relationship in February, with the actor believed to have moved out of their London home the same month, the couple tried to keep their break-up out of the limelight. Asked why the talented star - also an acclaimed musician and DJ - turned to acting as a career he candidly revealed it offered a sort of 'therapy' through which he could affect a 'cleanse' in his life. 'Er, therapy,' he said. 'If Im honest, therapy is a good way to cleanse my... When Im not acting is when my life falls to s***.' 'Im going through this b******s right now cos Im not on a film set': The Luther star, 43 - who recently split from girlfriend of three years, Naiyana Garth - explained his 'life falls to s***' when he's not working Reflecting on his life - possibly his personal life and the breakdown of his relationship - at the moment he explained that he would be investing all his troubles into a character and not letting himself 'unravel'. 'Its really interesting. Really interesting,' he explained. 'Im going through this b******s right now cos Im not on a film set. 'Had I been on a film set, I wouldnt even have noticed. Probably. And not only that. If I did, it would have been all invested in my character.' 'Like now, you see me: as soon as I pick up my phone I sort of unravel, right? Dont pick up the phone! You get to work, you dont look at the phone ever.' Unraveling? Reflecting on his life - possibly the breakdown of his relationship - at the moment he explained that he would be investing all his troubles into a character and not letting himself 'unravel' On Bond: The actor addressed rumours of him becoming Bond, non-committaly saying: 'It doesnt matter how many people want me to do it,' he explained. 'It doesnt mean Im going to get it' But if rumours were to be believed the Pacific Rim star wouldn't be facing any prolonged downtime from a movie set, as he is one of the hotly-tipped actors being lined-up for the role of James Bond. Out now: Read the full interview in Esquires May 2016 issue. Also available as a digital edition. However, while speculation is rife that he will take over the franchise from the reportedly departing Daniel Craig, the actor explained the public shouldn't entirely believe the hype. Addressing the numerous whispers that have surfaced in recent months, the actor joked: 'What could you possibly write differently about that? Its the most covered rumour in the world.' But when pressed on the matter of Bond, the Hackney-born star explained that all the talk was 'speculation'. Speaking about the prospect of the role going to him, he explained that despite being championed by the public he was unlikely to be given the role. 'It doesnt matter how many people want me to do it,' he explained. 'It doesnt mean Im going to get it.' He added: 'Every single Bond has never been chosen by that [public opinion] and, in fact, the ones that I think are most obvious are probably less likely to get chosen.' And in another blow to those hoping the actor would embrace the opportunity to take on the role, he recently told Hello! US that he would only take on the role of 007 if it was 'the will of the nation'. Something which he addressed in his talk with the magazine, saying in the UK 'the idea of me being Bond is split,' before stating at best the public backing is split, saying 'some are definitely against' him doing the films. Fans of the actor, and all things Bond, can read the full interview in Esquires May 2016 issue - on sale now. Also available as a digital edition. Charlotte Crosby was left in tears after her on/off boyfriend Gary 'Gaz' Beadle was pictured cosying up to a beauty queen amid claims he had invited her back to his hotel room. And after the Geordie Shore lothario issued a vehement denial on Snapchat that he had tried it on with law student Vicky Marriott, his girlfriend has taken to Twitter to blast his behaviour. Although she appears to accept his protestations of innocence in regards to Vicky, Charlotte posted an epic rant on Twitter on Thursday morning accusing Gaz of being uncaring and disrespectful. Scroll down for video Heartbroken: Geordie Shore star Charlotte Crosby, pictured in Chigwell, Essex on Wednesday night, posted a rant on Twitter after falling out with on/off boyfriend Gaz Beadle Fuming: Charlotte took to Twitter on Thursday morning The reality star, 25, said she was upset that Gaz, 28, didn't contact her privately to explain the situation in Nottingham on Sunday night that resulted in her questioning if he cheated on her. Charlotte and Gaz had appeared to be back together in recent weeks in the latest twist in their turbulent on/off romance. However, it looks like they may be off again given Charlotte's lengthy tirade on the micro-blogging site. She wrote: 'I never wanted to talk about this. But would like to thank Gary for splashing it all over his Snapchat! 'Maybe he could of picked up the phone and explain it to me while I sat and cried the whole day I found out....or maybe even a text would of been nice. Considering he's meant to "care" so much about me. But no. Yeh thanks for that. Really respectful way of treating some1.' Incriminating: Gaz posed for a photo with law student Vicky Marriot in Nottingham on Sunday night Charlotte then admitted she was upset to find out Gaz had signed up for the next series of MTV dating show Ex On The Beach and also claimed he had blocked her on Twitter. She continued: 'Maybe my head wouldn't be so f**ked up about the whole situation if he hadn't decided that he wants to go onto @mtvex next week which is a DATING show....how can I even begin to understand what or where me and Gary are under them terms!!! And then after all of this on top of that hasn't really helped matters. This isn't the behaviour of some1 who wants to make it work with some1. 'I actually believed he cared and had changed, but blocking me on Twitter and ignoring me for 3 days and having to cry to his best friend @AaronCGShore doesn't show me he cares at all. I hope maybe now people an understand a little bit more.' Single again? Charlotte tweets on Thursday morning suggested she may have ended her romance with Gaz yet again Charlotte's rant came after Gaz posted a series of videos on his Snapchat account on Wednesday explaining the back story behind him inviting Nottingham Trent University student Vicky back to his hotel room. Gaz said he had invited '8 or 10 people' back to his suite at the hotel following a night out to continue the party, including Vicky who had asked for a photo, which she posted on her Instagram account. Vicky tagged his account in the Instagram snap, where Gaz's hand is clearly visible on her derriere - much to Charlotte's chagrin. In the comments section of the post, Charlotte reportedly set out to find the truth as she probed the stunning brunette about her interaction with her on/off beau. She wrote: 'Hiya Vicky! Just wondering did he actually ask you back? Not angry at all would just like to no the truth if so.' Turbulent: Charlotte and Gaz have dated on and off for years Responding on Snapchat to the events, he said: 'The one person who ended up posting a photo didn't even end up at the room. So can everyone please get off my f**king back.... 'With the 50 you got for selling that story go and buy yourself something nice. 'I'm f**king angry when people get involved in my f**king s**t.' Speaking to student newspaper The Tab, Vicky, who has a boyfriend, aimed to defend herself, saying: 'My relationship hasn't been affected by any of this actually. And many girls have photos with Gaz and he's tagged in them, don't see them getting attention like this so how was I to know this picture would get this out of hand?' We can't keep up! Charlotte and Gaz have been unable to officially commit to each other for long Charlotte and Gaz recently had their relationship confirmed by former co-star Jay Gardner amid rumours they were an item. Since the photo was posted, the couple have indicated they are having troubles in cryptic social media posts, with Charlotte posting an image on twitter with the quote: 'My life has become this one big "I don't know"'. While Gaz recently tweeted the word: "F*** this..." after which Vicky insisted she was unaware the couple were an item before posting the picture. Gaz and Charlotte's relationship first kicked off in the show's 2011 inauguration, catching one another's eyes from the very first episode of the MTV show. 'Date night': Gaz suggested the pair were in an official romance by posting a photo of a dinner date on his Instagram recently While he enjoyed a long-term relationship with stunner Lillie Lexie Gregg while Charlotte has slipped in and out of of romances while enjoying a one year relationship with Mitch Jenkins. She briefly dated Love Island winner Max Morley last year, but they split after she shared a drunken kiss with Gaz, which was posted online. Earlier this month, Charlotte said she didn't think she had a serious future with Gaz, despite her inability to stay away from him. She told Now magazine: 'We've never been in a relationship, we're best friend at the end of the day, and sometimes we kiss and have sex.' She added that her past with Gaz makes it difficult to see a future with the lothario: 'There's something holding me back... I don't trust him! I don't think I'll ever be able to trust him. I don't think it's a bad thing to say because of everything he's put me through.' Splitsville: Gaz and model Lillie Lexie Gregg split in November 2015 after around a year together Out of control: Charlotte briefly dated Love Island winner Max Morley, but they split after she cheated on him with Gaz It appears that while they were filming the 13th series of Geordie Shore - a special anniversary series to celebrate five years of the show - the pair were finally honest with one another. Charlotte explained: 'We had a really nice discussion recently and he told me why he thought he couldn't get close to me and I told him how I felt like he didn't like me and it was really weird. 'For the first time in a long time we were both really honest with each other and we let our guard down and its crazy what happened afterwards. They caused a fan frenzy as they stepped out for dinner in West Hollywood on Wednesday night. And Kim Kardashian was sure to let fans enjoy every single moment of her girls night out with rapper Lil Kim as she shared a host of video clips on Snapchat. In the clips, reality star Kim could be seen in the drivers seat as explaining, Were about to carpool karaoke with the Kims, before Lil Kim rapped a line that left Kim giggling. Scroll down for video Who's the queen bee? Kim Kardashian was sure to let fans enjoy every single moment of her girls night out with rapper Lil Kim as she shared a host of video clips on Snapchat Brooklyn-raised Lil Kim also shared the clip on her Instagram page with the caption: Part 1 carpool karaoke ride with us!! #carpoolkaraoke #LilKimSeason. In another clip, Kim gave the rappers latest mixtape a shout out as she said, Lil Kim season, as the female emcee added, You heard it, its Lil Kim season baby. The pair were joined by designer Tracy Nguyen Romulus as Lil Kim captioned another snap saying: Part 2 I love my @tracyhnguyen SO much!! She's always with the s***s & one of the flyest females I know!! See Kim Kardashian updates as she raps along with Lil Kim to songs during girls' night out Snap selfie: In the clips, reality star Kim could be seen in the drivers seat as explaining, Were about to carpool karaoke with the Kims, before Lil Kim rapped a line that left Kim giggling Big momma thang: Brooklyn-raised Lil Kim also shared the clip on her Instagram page with the caption, Part 1 carpool karaoke ride with us!! #carpoolkaraoke #LilKimSeason Look at her rockin to her favorite song Benjamins in the back #LilKimSeason The good friends were dressed to impress, with Kardashian showing off her post-baby body in a very sexy all nude ensemble - having given birth to son Saint in December. Both of the surgically-enhanced Kimberlys sported an excess of contoured make-up, lashes, manicures, and ombre hair extensions/blonde weave. Three's a crowd: The pair were joined by designer Tracy Nguyen Romulus as Lil Kim captioned another snap saying: Part 2 I love my @tracyhnguyen SO much!! She's always with the s***s & one of the flyest females I know!! 'Tis the season: In another clip, Kim gave the rappers latest mixtape a shout out as she said, Lil Kim season, as the female emcee added, You heard it, its Lil Kim season baby Kim Snapchatted herself rocking out to Puff Daddy's 1997 track It's All About the Benjamins featuring Lil' Kim and her ex-boyfriend The Notorious B.I.G. The ex-con and the Calabasas socialite first publicly bonded at her husband's Yeezy Season 3 presentation at Madison Square Garden on February 11. 'Kanye [West] is someone I felt was awesome before anybody even knew who he was,' the Queen Bee said in a Billboard interview posted Tuesday. Letting their hair down: Kim and Lil' Kim were swarmed by fans after having dinner at West Hollywood hotspot Craig's Causing a commotion: The pals were dressed to the nines for their outing which saw them championing their own sense of style 'I haven't worked with Kanye in so long but I'd love to see what a song me and Kanye would sound like right now. He always says I got him his first Grammy nomination, and that's awesome for me.' On Tuesday, the Lady Marmalade hitmaker dropped her 10-song mixtape Lil Kim Season on Datpiff, but she hasn't released a full album since 2005's The Naked Truth. Lil' Kim revealed that her career hiatus had everything to do with having daughter Royal Reign with rapper Mr. Papers. Chic: Stylist Monica Rose put the 35-year-old reality star in a beige cashmere turtleneck mini-dress, matching maxi- cardigan, and nude fishnet stockings Wheely good: Kim drove the girls to the venue in her car and they both looked super glam in the front seat Nicole Richie introduced gal pal Cameron Diaz to her brother-in-law Benji Madden. And since the 43-year-old Charlie's Angels star wed the rock singer, the women are not only friends but now also family. The celebrity sisters-in-law played the picture perfect wives as they joined their rocker husbands, Joel and Benji for dinner in LA's funky Koreatown neighborhood on Tuesday. Scroll down for video Double date! Cameron Diaz, 43, met up with her husband Benji Madden, 37, for dinner in Koreatown on Tuesday along with his brother Joel and wife Nicole Richie The There's Something About Mary actress went with an all black ensemble in fitted suit jacket and trousers. She wore a matching blouse and loosely wrapped a scarf around her neck as she carried a small black leather Chanel handbag. Her silky blonde locks were swept up in a high bun and she added a bold red lip and matching cherry stilettos for a pop of colour to her monochrome look. Opposites attract: Gal pals Nicole Richie, 34, went with a boho chic vibe while Diaz opted for an all black fitted suit attire The House of Harlow designer opted for her signature boho chic vibe in a floral graphic, fringed kimono and large hoop earrings. Nicole, 34, carried an oversize distressed leather purse as she nuzzled her head into her 37-year-old hubby Joel's neck. Benji and Joel were both donned in typical rock star gear, head-to-toe black jackets, denim and tees as they stood outside The Line Hotel with their wives. Loved up: The House of Harlow designer nuzzled her head into her 37-year-old hubby Joel's neck Cameron married musician Benji Madden at her home in Beverly Hills in January 2015 after being engaged for only 17 days. Nicole and Joel began dating in 2006 and married in December 2010. They share two children together - daughter Harlow, aged eight, and their six-year-old son Sparrow. And while Diaz was polished to perfection, the following day she shared a makeup-free selfie to promote her new publication The Longevity Book. Crazy in love! Cameron attended a January 2015 basketball game with Benji Madden and married the musician at her home in Beverly Hills that same month after being engaged for only 17 days Diaz posed looking straight to camera holding the book cover that also shows her face forward in the Instagram snap. 'I feel like aging has gotten a bad rap,' the natural beauty wrote. 'Thats why I wanted to write this book so that we could understand what aging really is.....So that we can all empower ourselves in our own quests to live well, and for a long time.' The Longevity Book, that's published April 5, is a follow up to her 2013 The Body Book. Red carpet romance! Nicole and Joel at a black tie event this past January, began dating in 2006 and married in December 2010 Her goal, the Hollywood star says, is to provide information so they will 'get to grow old.' Cameron shared that her five pillars to a long and happy life are: 'Eating, moving your body, getting a good nights sleep, relief of stress, and connecting with the ones we love.' 'Learning that you can age well, will actually help you to age better,' she posited. 'If you understand how your body works then you can take action to help keep it in the best possible condition so it can carry you through a long and beautiful life.' He pleaded no contest to a drunk-driving charge after crashing his car while twice over the legal blood alcohol limit last October. And on Thursday, it was revealed Brandon Davis, who had been facing up to six months in jail for the solo wreck in Beverly Hills, has copped a plea deal with prosecutors that sees him avoid prison. The oil heir and Hollywood party boy agreed to serve three years probation, perform 10 days of community labor and enroll in a six month alcohol treatment program, according to TMZ. Scroll down for video No jail time: Oil heir Brandon Davis has agreed a plea deal with prosecutors and will serve three years probation for a solo DUI crash in Beverly Hills last October Davis had been facing jail time because, in 2011, he had pleaded guilty to felony cocaine possession. He was ordered into a drug diversion program. He had also pleaded no contest to a battery charge in 2011. The grandson of the late oil tycoon and entertainment mogul Marvin Davis crashed his Mercedes-Benz S550 in the early hours of the morning last October as he headed home from a night out in Hollywood. Totaled: Davis wrecked the Mercedes-Benz S550 he was driving while twice over the legal blood alcohol limit. The crash happened about 2 a.m. on Benedict Canyon as he drove home from a night out in Hollywood Lucky to be alive: The 36-year-old was photographed being treated by paramedics following the crash The car rolled several times on Benedict Canyon and was left a wreck. Pictures showed that the front, right side of the vehicle was torn off after making impact. Davis was treated at the scene and put in a neck brace before being taken via ambulance to hospital, where he was later arrested for DUI. Earlier that night, he had been pictured drinking what appeared to be red wine while at Matsuhisa Restaurant in Beverly Hills with Hilary Duff's ex-husband Mike Comrie. He was then reported to have headed to 1Oak nightclub in Hollywood. Dodged a bullet: The grandson of the late oil baron and entertainment mogul Marvin Davis had faced up to six months in jail because he pleaded guilty to felony cocaine possession in 2011. He's pictured in February in LA The 36-year-old is the son of Marvin Davis' daughter Nancy and is known by the nickname 'Greasy Bear'. He was famous for partying with Paris Hilton and for dating Mischa Barton, whom he infamously called a 'fat heifer' after they split. She's one of the most desirable women in the world. And Irina Shayk, 30, showed why she's held in such high regard, posting a stunningly busty snap on Instagram on Thursday. The Russian beauty flaunted her impressive assets and enviably slim waistline in a racy Intimissi body suit and Givenchy jeans. Scroll down to video Busty beauty: Irina Shayk, 30, showed why she's held in such high regard, posting a stunningly busty snap on Instagram on Thursday Irina captioned the picture: 'When you're obsessed with your @givenchyofficial jeans & @intimissimiofficial body suit #Thursdays'. The model's luscious brunette locks cascaded messily over her shoulders and were full of volume as she sat perched on the end of a large bed. Her famously plump lips were thicker than ever as she brought them together in a subtle pout. The natural beauty's blue peepers looked lustrous as she gazed into the camera, while her unblemished complexion emanated a healthy glow. Model behaviour: Irina was recently pictured in the crowd at Rihanna's Barclays Centre gig in Brooklyn with Naomi Campbell Irina was recently pictured in the crowd at Rihanna's Barclays Centre gig in Brooklyn, alongside the likes of John Mayer, Jaden Smith and Jonathan Cheban. And it seemed that the model was definitely feeling the good time vibes, as she was seen moving and grooving along to the set. The Russian-born beauty - who is currently dating Hollywood heartthrob Bradley Cooper - was at the gig with her BFF Naomi Campbell, and was clearly in the mood for a party. Gal pals: Irina has no shortage of celeb fans, recently posting with Amy Schumer Laughing and waving her arms around in the air, Irina certainly appeared to be having a blast as Rihanna strutted her stuff on-stage. Earlier this month, Bradley and Irina were seen enjoying a romantic stroll around Paris, though the American Hustle actor's sights were fixated on his supermodel beau as oppose to the city's architectural beauty. Tori Spelling has hinted she's about to get a new pair of boobs. The actress and reality star posted a selfie on Instagram showing her with Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Gabriel Chiu, as well as a photo of a mound of silicon gel implants. It's an indication that the 42-year-old, who first got breast implants in her 20s, is about to embark on what is believed to be her third breast augmentation procedure. Scroll down for video Ready for a nip/tuck? Tori Spelling shared this selfie with plastic surgeon Dr. Gabriel Chiu on her Instagram. He specializes in breast implants and enhancement Tori, who has four children with husband Dean McDermott, is seen sitting in a chair at the cosmetic surgeon's office make-up free and with her blonde hair falling loosely around her shoulders. She's wearing a gray sweater and in the caption gushes about how 'knowledgeable and personable' the doctor is. Chiue is no stranger to celebrity, having been ranked one of the best creators of natural-looking breasts by L.A. Confidential magazine, and with his wife Christine Chiu trying out for a role on Bravo's reality show The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills. More plastic surgery: Tori also posted this photo of a pile of silicon gel implants, seemingly hinting that she's about to get some No stranger to the knife: The 42-year-old mother-of-four, pictured in September, is believed to have had three breast augmentation procedures to date as well as a nose job and facial fillers Chiu and his wife Christine are no strangers to the LA celebrity circuit. Christine tried out for a role on Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills in 2014, while her husband has been named one of the city's top plastic surgeons On an episode of her reality show True Tori in late 2014, the daughter of late TV mogul Aaron Spelling was seen meeting with plastic surgeon Dr. Ashkan Ghavami. The implants she'd had inserted in her 20s were 'expired and recalled', she said, and should have been replaced years ago. Ghavami told her breasts had started to harden, according to Extra, with her implants at a three on a scale of one to four. 'It's pretty bad. It's almost as bad as it could be,' the practitioner told her. Advice: Tori was seen on her reality show True Tori in 2014 visiting with Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Ashkan Ghavami, who told her the implants she'd had since her 20s were long overdue for removal Cash flow issues? The former Beverly Hills 90210 star has recently denied that she's struggling financially after she was sued by American Express in January for an unpaid $37,000 credit card bill Her plastic surgery move comes just a couple of weeks after Tori denied she and Dean are having money worries, after she was sued by American Express over a $37,000 unpaid credit card bill. 'We're not bankrupt. We're not struggling. We're fine!' she told People. In January, her mom Candy, 70, who inherited the bulk of her late husband's $500 million estate, said she is supporting her daughter financially. 'Ive been helping out and Im paying all her bills now,' Candy told TMZ. 'Im not paying extras..... Im not paying any back payments just for the house and the kids school and the food. Thats all.' She's one of the world's most in-demand supermodels. And Jourdan Dunn proved she can make just about any street look like a catwalk as she paraded along the streets of New York City in two vibrant looks during a photoshoot on Thursday. The 26-year-old catwalk pin-up certainly wasn't lacking in confidence as she rocked a sleeveless white shirt and blue trews before flashing her pins in a stunning red tuxedo dress. Scroll down for video Here she is! Jourdan Dunn proved she can make just about any street look like a catwalk as she paraded along the streets of New York City in a vibrant ensemble during a photoshoot on Thursday The British beauty slipped her lean legs into a pair of tailored blue trousers, which were offset with a pair of yellow stilettos that were futuristic in design. Jourdan showed off her modelling prowess as she cavorted down the city streets, toting some seriously stylish ensembles behind her shoulder while posing for the camera. The Victoria's Secret model looked bright and breezy for the shoot, her caramel locks trailing down her back in easy waves, while the colourful hue of the look was extended to her cosmetics as she sampled a purple lipstick and eyeshadow combination. On his shoulders: Slight Jourdan jumped on a fellow model's shoulders for the shoot Bold: The 26-year-old catwalk pin-up certainly wasn't lacking in confidence as she sashayed along the sidewalk in a sleeveless white shirt which was emblazoned with a quirky motif along the centre Fashionista: The British beauty slipped her lean legs into a pair of tailored blue trousers, which were offset with a pair of yellow stilettos that were futuristic in design She's a pro! Jourdan showed off her modelling prowess as she cavorted down the city streets, toting some seriously stylish ensembles behind her shoulder while posing for the camera Careful! After sporting the bold look, she later flashed her incredible legs and humble cleavage in a slinky red tuxedo dress which emphasised her slim figure Having a giggle: The model duo seemed to get along famously as they larked around on the sidewalk After sporting the bold look, she later flashed her incredible legs and humble cleavage in a slinky red tuxedo dress which emphasised her slim figure. Keeping her hair and make-up the same, she slipped into the dress which nearly flashed all as she leaned forward and exposed the fact she went braless. Her vampish red manicure perfectly coordinated with the dress as well as her slick of stunning lip gloss, no doubt enticing the male model she climbed upon. No doubt lifting the slender star with ease, the male model playfully looked up at Jourdan looking impressed at her glowing good looks. Hello there! No doubt lifting the slender star with ease, the male model playfully looked up at Jourdan looking impressed at her glowing good looks Pulling her best pout: Jourdan proved she knows exactly how to work the camera in her sexy gown The two sexy look were a stark contrast to that she was spotted in earlier in the day, when Jourdan looked to take the pyjamas as outerwear trend to a whole new level. Gliding down the street in a white robe, the stunning star appeared to have no qualms with being noticed in her cosy get-up as she laughed with members of the crew and put on a particularly animated display. But underneath Jourdan's robe it was a much different story as she sported a cobalt blue trouser suit, which had been tailored to hug every inch of her body. Holding on! Her vampish red manicure perfectly coordinated with the dress as well as her slick of stunning lip gloss, no doubt enticing the male model she climbed upon Stunning: The Victoria's Secret model looked bright and breezy for the shoot, her caramel locks trailing down her back in easy waves Head turner: The colourful hue of the look was extended to her cosmetics as she sampled a purple lipstick and eyeshadow combination The supermodel put a racy spin on the androgynous style by pairing it with nothing but a black lace bralet. Showcasing her natural beauty, Jourdan looked to be wearing minimal make-up. Meanwhile, as well as being hard at work in locations across the world, the London-based model has been speaking out about the lack of diversity in the modelling industry. Making herself at home! The look was a stark contrast to that she was spotted in earlier in the day, when Jourdan looked to take the pyjamas as outerwear trend to a whole new level Relaxed: Gliding down the street in a white robe, the stunning star appeared to have no qualms with being noticed in her cosy get-up as she laughed with members of the crew and put on a particularly animated display The star, who was one of the most famous faces on the catwalks at the recent Paris Fashion Week shows, insisted that more change needs to happen. There are definitely a lot more girls of colour being represented,' she affirmed to ELLE magazine in a recent interview. 'But I also feel like we're 100% still not there. I want to see us get to a place where seeing a black girl, anywhere, is not such a big deal. Suits you! But underneath Jourdan's robe it was a much different story as she sported a cobalt blue trouser suit, which had been tailored to hug every inch of her body Raunchy: The supermodel put a racy spin on the androgynous style by pairing it with nothing but a black lace bralet Glowing: Showcasing her natural beauty, Jourdan looked to be wearing minimal make-up Opening up: Meanwhile, as well as being hard at work in locations across the world, the London-based model has been speaking out about the lack of diversity in the modelling industry 'Why can't it just be the norm to see black models in campaigns and on covers and runways? It's still too much of a big thing when this happens.' Burberry model Jourdan is the proud mother to six-year-old son Riley, with whom she teamed up for a brand new childrenswear range for M&S earlier this year. Speaking in an issue of British Vogue magazine last year, of which she was the cover star, Jourdan said that she became jealous of her own mother who looked after Riley as she worked internationally. They are so close I was kind of jealous of their relationship in the beginning. But it works for me. 'You can find the balance of being a working mother, but I couldn't do it without my mum. She is the one who allowed me to go and do my thing,' she added. Speaking out: The star, who was one of the most famous faces on the catwalks at the recent Paris Fashion Week shows, insisted that more change needs to happen Candid: There are definitely a lot more girls of colour being represented,' she affirmed to ELLE magazine in a recent interview There'll be plenty for fans to catch up on when Cold Feet returns to screens later this year after 13 years away. And stars Fay Ripley and Hermione Norris certainly looked like they were enjoying a gossip as they shot scenes for the anticipated comeback in Manchester on Thursday. Fay, who is reprising her role as Jenny and Hermione, who's back as Karen, shot scenes outside The Oast House bar and restaurant, sharing a bite to eat. Scroll down for video Look who's back! Fay Ripley and Hermione Norris shot scenes for the comeback of their hit show Cold Feet in Manchester on Thursday Fay, 50, was dressed in a smart camel-coloured coat and towering heels for her scenes with Hermione, 49. The blonde actress was wrapped up in a winter coat and scarf for the al fresco scenes which saw the ladies sharing a burger lunch. Cold Feet has been shooting scenes since the beginning of the year in and around Manchester, with James Nesbitt, 51, John Thomson, 46, and Robert Bathurst, 59, spotted shooting a cycling scene around the suburban roads of Cheshire a week ago. Ladies who lunch: Fay, 50, was dressed in a smart camel-coloured coat and towering heels for her scenes with Hermione, 49 Made up of five series and 32 episodes, Cold Feet aired on November 15, 1998 and its final episode went out on March 16, 2003. Highly regarded as one of the best British comedy drama series, the show pulled in an average of eight millions viewers during its 1998-2003 run. The series also won over 20 major awards, including a BAFTA for Best Drama Series. Chic: Hermione was wrapped up in a winter coat and scarf for the al fresco scenes which saw the ladies sharing a burger lunch Action! Fay stopped to chat through the scene before filming resumed at the city restaurant Anticipated return: Fay, who is reprising her role as Jenny and Hermione, who's back as Karen, shot scenes outside The Oast House bar and restaurant, sharing a bite to eat Picking up Downton Abbey's Sunday night slot on ITV, the iconic series - written by Mike Bullen - is gearing up to be one of television's biggest comebacks when it returns later this year. The show was based on the highs and lows of the relationships of three couples in their Thirties: John and Fay's characters Pete and Jenny Gifford; Hermione and Robert's characters David and Karen Marsden and Adam and Rachel Bradley, played by James Nesbitt and Helen Baxendale. The only person missing from the line-up for the comeback is Helen, whose character Rachel, Adam's wife and mother of Matthew, was killed in a car crash in the last series. On home turf: Cold Feet has been shooting scenes since the beginning of the year in and around Manchester 13 year absence: Picking up Downton Abbey's Sunday night slot on ITV, the iconic series - written by Mike Bullen - is gearing up to be one of television's biggest comebacks when it returns later this year It was rumoured that the Friends actress would return for flashback scenes - but co-star Fay insisted this wasn't the case. She told Loose Women at the end of last year: 'The only thing I do know is that Helen isn't going to be doing it and that's actually going to be the hardest thing because we are all probably going to slot back into the on set roles that we had, but Helen won't be there. 'So it'll be slightly odd, and she is such a lovely girl and friend of mine.' Plenty of drama to come: The show was based on the highs and lows of the relationships of three couples in their thirties Last time fans saw the group of friends, they were gathered for the scattering of Rachel's ashes following her shock death in a car crash. John and Fay's characters Pete and Jenny Gifford eventually divorced in the series due to infidelity, but Jenny was seen returning from her new life in New York in the final episode and moving back in with Pete. Hermione and Robert's characters David and Karen Marsden also split up during the show, with David going on to have a relationship with his solicitor, Robyn Duff (Lucy Robinson). The AP responded by saying it actually helped warn of the 'Nazi menace' It was also accused of allowing the Nazis to use its photos as propaganda Research claimed it supplied media with photos selected by the Nazis The organisation was accused of ceding control to the anti-Jewish A historian has claimed the Associated Press collaborated with the Nazis and their propaganda ministry during the early stages of the Second World War. The news agency was today forced to defend its historical operations in the country after a researcher uncovered what was claimed to be evidence of collaboration with the murderous regime. It was responding to a paper in the journal Studies in Contemporary History claiming it supplied U.S. newspapers with material selected by the Nazi propaganda ministry, and in turn allowed the ministry to use AP images for anti-Semitic propaganda. A picture taken in June 1940 during World War II shows Nazi Chancellor Adolf Hitler paying tribute to German soldiers fallen during the First World War Paul Colford, a spokesman for the agency, said: 'AP rejects the suggestion that it collaborated with the Nazi regime at any time. 'Rather, the AP was subjected to pressure from the Nazi regime from the period of Hitler's coming to power in 1933 until the AP's expulsion from Germany in 1941. 'AP staff resisted the pressure while doing its best to gather accurate, vital and objective news for the world in a dark and dangerous time.' Colford added however that the AP is now 'reviewing documents and other files in and beyond AP corporate archives, in the US and Europe, to further our understanding of the period'. Researcher Harriet Scharnberg, citing documents and interviews, said she found evidence of more co-operation from the AP than previously disclosed. She noted that the Nazi regime gained control over the German subsidiary of AP in 1935 as other news organizations left the country. The AP has been accused of collaborating with Joseph Goebbels' (pictured) propaganda ministry By agreeing to a 1934 German law governing the press, the AP 'ceded considerable influence over the production of its news photos to the propaganda ministry,' the researcher wrote. AP said it had shared a large amount of material from its archives with the researcher, but that she used materials from other sources as well. The agency defended its reporting from Germany in the period leading up to the war. 'AP news reporting in the 1930s helped to warn the world of the Nazi menace,' the statement said. 'AP's Berlin bureau chief, Louis P. Lochner, won the 1939 Pulitzer Prize for his dispatches from Berlin about the Nazi regime. 'Earlier, Lochner also resisted anti-Semitic pressure to fire AP's Jewish employees and when that failed he arranged for them to become employed by AP outside of Germany, likely saving their lives.' Mr Colford said much of Scharnberg's research concerned a German photo agency subsidiary of AP Britain that was created in 1931, and which in 1935 became subject to the Nazi press-control law. U.S. newspapers were supplied through the subsidiary with images taken in Nazi Germany - including ones from the government or government-controlled sources that were clearly labeled as such, he said. 'Images of that time from Germany had legitimate news value as editors and the public needed to learn more about the Nazis,' Mr Colford said. AP 'did not engage in direct publication and until Ms Scharnberg's research had no knowledge of any accusation that material may have been directly produced and selected by Nazi propaganda ministries,' he added. Tunisia border guard wounded in 'terrorist' ambush A border guard was injured late Wednesday in an ambush by more than a dozen "terrorists" in the Kasserine region near Tunisia's frontier with Algeria, the interior ministry in Tunis said. "A group composed of around 15 terrorists ambushed a border guard vehicle and opened fire near Feriana," the ministry said in a statement. "Heavy fire erupted, setting the vehicle alight," the ministry said, adding that one guard had been injured and was taken to the regional hospital in Kasserine. A Tunisian soldier looks towards Mount Chaambi in the Kasserine region on May 1, 2013 Abderrazek Khlifi (AFP/File) The ministry said the attackers "fled towards Mount Chaambi" and that army units had been called in to carry out security operations in the area. Tunisia, the birthplace of the Arab Spring, has suffered from a wave of jihadist violence since the 2011 revolution that ousted longtime dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. Kasserine and Mount Chaambi have become the North African nation's prime jihadist hideouts. A raid on the Libyan frontier town of Ben Guerdane, blamed on the Islamic State group, left 20 people dead earlier this month. IS also claimed brazen attacks last year on the National Bardo Museum in Tunis and a beach resort, as well as a November suicide bombing in the capital that killed 59 tourists and 12 presidential guards. Would-be suicide bomber in Cameroon not Chibok abductee: non-profit A would-be suicide bomber who was arrested in Cameroon is not one of the more than 200 schoolgirls kidnapped nearly two years ago from the northeast Nigerian town of Chibok, a non-profit announced on Wednesday. The Murtala Muhammed Foundation said three representatives of the Chibok schoolgirls' parents reviewed photographs of the girl at its offices but she and a woman also detained "do not fit the description of any of the missing daughters from Chibok". Nigeria's government told the MMF on Tuesday afternoon the girl was 12 years old and was originally from Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state, but was abducted 70 kilometres (43 miles) away in Bama when Boko Haram overran the town. Cameroonian soldiers stand post in the town of Fotokol, on the border with Nigeria, after clashes with Boko Haram insurgents on February 17, 2015 Reinnier Kaze (AFP/File) The woman identified herself as a 35-year-old mother of two children, the foundation's chief executive, Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, said in a statement. The pair were arrested last Friday carrying explosives in Cameroon's Far North region. But the authorities in Cameroon and Nigeria over the weekend cast doubt on the young girl's claim to be from Chibok because of inconsistencies in her age. The youngest of the schoolgirls kidnapped in Chibok was 16 in 2014, according to the Bring Back Our Girls advocacy group. Muhammed-Oyebode said they were "yet to ascertain how the girl came to describe herself as one of the missing Chibok girls". Cameroon's presidency has said the child was found to be heavily drugged, which is consistent with Boko Haram's deployment of children as suicide bombers. "The identity of the girl notwithstanding, the MMF has informed the Nigerian government of its willingness to continue to pursue the matter, and is willing to provide the captured girl and woman any support they may require," said Muhammed-Oyebode. "These girls and women are merely victims, and must be treated as such by... society. They have already undergone grave violence at the hands of their Boko Haram captors. "We must ensure that they are not made to undergo additional violence at the hands of their compatriots." Boko Haram has kidnapped thousands of young women and girls since the start of its Islamist insurgency in 2009, forcing them to become sex slaves or human bombs. South Korea sends back remains of Chinese Korean War dead South Korea on Thursday sent the remains of dozens of Chinese soldiers killed during 1950-53 Korean War back to China for a final burial in their homeland. Coffins carrying the remains of 36 soldiers -- excavated by South Korea's Defence Ministry from March to November last year -- were flown from Incheon airport to the northeastern city of Shenyang, where China has a state cemetery for its war dead. In a separate ceremony on Monday, the remains, including bone fragments and skulls, had been placed in the coffins at a temporary mortuary in Paju, near the border with North Korea. Members of South Korea's Agency for KIA, Killed in Action, Recovery and Identification (in white) prepare the remains of Chinese soldiers, in Paju, on March 28, 2016 Ahn Young-joon (Pool/AFP/File) In 2013, South Korean President Park Geun-Hye had offered to return the bodies of the Chinese war dead as a goodwill gesture during a visit to Beijing. Since then, Seoul has repatriated a total of 505 sets of remains, flying them back every year ahead of the annual Chinese Qingming, or tomb-sweeping, festival when many people visit and clean the graves of their ancestors. This year's festival falls on April 4. China fought alongside North Korea in the 1950-53 conflict -- its dramatic and crucial intervention coming after US-led forces had pushed the North Korean army into the far north of the peninsula. Casualty figures remain disputed but Western estimates commonly cite a figure of 400,000 Chinese deaths, while Chinese sources mention a toll of about 180,000. The bodies were initially buried in small plots scattered around the country. In 1996, Seoul designated a special cemetery plot in Paju, just south of the heavily fortified border with North Korea, where all the remains of Chinese and North Korean soldiers still on South Korean soil could be buried together. More than 700 North Korean soldiers are interred at Paju, but Pyongyang has ignored Seoul's offer to return them despite sporadic talks on the issue. The site also holds the bodies of more than two dozen North Korean commandos killed in a daring but unsuccessful 1968 attack on the presidential palace in Seoul. A North Korean agent responsible for the 1987 bombing of a South Korean airliner that killed 115 people, who committed suicide after he was captured, is also there. Yemen rebels in deadly counterattack on Red Sea coast Yemeni rebels have mounted a deadly counterattack against government troops advancing down the Red Sea coast from the Saudi border ahead of a planned ceasefire next month, military sources said on Thursday. The rebels and their allies surrounded a government force that was attempting to recapture the coastal town of Midi and killed 45 loyalist troops on Tuesday and Wednesday, the sources said. At least 15 rebels were also killed in the fighting. With coalition air and ground support, forces loyal to President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi have pushed the rebels out of most of the south and made some headway in the east and northeast Saleh al-Obeidi (AFP/File) Forces loyal to the internationally recognised government based in the south crossed the border from Saudi Arabia in mid-December in a bid to open up a new front in the north as offensives faltered in the centre and east. They swiftly captured the inland town of Haradh and Midi port, but they have met heavy resistance from the rebels and their allies in the adjacent town. Despite a Saudi-led military intervention, which is now in its second year, the Huthi Shiite rebels still control most of the Red Sea coast, including the key ports of Hodeida and Mokha. With coalition air and ground support, forces loyal to President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi have pushed the rebels out of most of the south and made some headway in the east and northeast. But with the support of renegade troops loyal to Hadi's ousted predecessor Ali Abdullah Saleh, the rebels have retained control of the capital Sanaa and most of the highlands of the north and centre. The latest fighting comes as the warring parties prepare for a UN-brokered ceasefire on April 10 intended to pave the way for peace talks in Kuwait on April 18. The planned truce was only agreed by the two sides after months of shuttle diplomacy by UN envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed. Previous UN-sponsored negotiations between the rebels and the government failed to make any headway, and a ceasefire announced for December 15 was repeatedly violated and abandoned by the coalition on January 2. - Qaeda pushed back - There has been mounting international pressure for an end to the conflict as the civilian death toll has mounted and the humanitarian situation deteriorated. The seizure of several key southern cities by Al-Qaeda and the growing presence in the south of rival jihadists of the Islamic State group has also triggered international alarm. The Sunni extremists of Al-Qaeda have exploited the focus of loyalist and coalition firepower on the Shiite rebels to expand their control across the south, even in parts of Aden, where the government has its base. But in recent days, loyalist forces have gone on the offensive against the jihadists in the port city and the coalition has carried out a series of air strikes against Al-Qaeda in cities it has seized. On Wednesday, troops and militia recaptured Aden's central prison and deployed across the residential neighbourhood of Mansura. "Al-Qaeda militants have been pushed out of Mansura, and we have recaptured and secured government installations," said Aden governor Aidarus al-Zubaidi. "We would not rule out the possibility that there are some dormant cells of Al-Qaeda in the city," he told AFP, adding that the next stage includes "pushing Al-Qaeda militants from the edges of Aden." He said the government also intended to drive Al-Qaeda out of Huta and Zinjibar, the capitals of nearby Lahj and Abyan provinces. Farther east, coalition warplanes struck Al-Qaeda positions overnight in Hadramawt provincial capital Mukalla, held by the jihadists since April last year, a security official said. In Shabwa province, a US drone strike killed five suspected Al-Qaeda members in the town of Azzan on Wednesday a military official said. There has been no let-up in the longstanding US air war against Al-Qaeda's Yemen-based branch, which it regards as the jihadist network's most dangerous. US strikes have taken out a number of senior Al-Qaeda commanders in Yemen over the past year. A planned ceasefire in Yemen is due to begin on April 10, intended to pave the way for peace talks in Kuwait eight days later Ahmad Al-Basha (AFP/File) Six killed in Somalia Shebab hotel suicide attack Somalia's Shebab insurgents said they carried out a suicide attack at a hotel in the central town of Galkayo Thursday in which six people died, including a senior local government official. "There was a blast, a suicide bomber blew himself up killing several people including a senior official," said police officer Abdiweli Adan. Witnesses said there was large blast near a cafe where people had gathered to drink tea. Somalia's Al-Qaeda-affiliated Shebab rebels said they carried out the attack in Galkayo, in a statement broadcast on the insurgents Radio Andalus Mohamed Abdiwahab (AFP/File) "I heard a heavy explosion and I have seen parts of dead bodies, several bits of them were strewn across the area," said local resident Ahmed Sadaq. Somalia's Al-Qaeda-affiliated Shebab rebels -- who are fighting to overthrow the country's internationally-backed government -- said they carried out the attack, in a statement broadcast on the insurgents' Radio Andalus. "The mujahedeen fighters targeted the head of the finances for Puntland in the Mudug region, and together with five of his security guards they were killed in the attack," the radio broadcast said quoting Shebab commanders. Galkayo, which straddles the border between the two districts of Puntland and Galmudug, lies some 650 kilometres (400 miles) northeast of the capital Mogadishu. - Turkish hospital workers killed - The suicide attack came a day after several people were gunned down in shootings in the capital. On Wednesday evening, gunmen killed six people in a drive-by shooting, including two Turkish hospital workers, authorities said. "Six civilians, two of them Turkish nationals, have been killed, and six more were wounded," said Abdifatah Omar Halane, spokesman for the Mogadishu city authorities, said Thursday. Those killed also included the driver and security guards of the Turks. Somalia's Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Sharmarke condemned the attack. "We condemn this cowardly act, and our thoughts are with the relatives of the victims and the Turkish government," Sharmarke said in a statement. "These innocent Turkish citizens have lost their lives while supporting their Somali brothers." Turkey is a major investor in, and donor to, Somalia. No group has so far claimed responsibility. In a separate incident on Wednesday, witnesses said four people were killed, including three civilians caught in the crossfire, during a shootout between members of rival units within the Somali army. "The soldiers were trying to shoot another soldier, but they have killed him together with three civilians who were passing by," said Abdirasak Ali, a witness. Several other witnesses confirmed the deaths. The Shebab carry out regular attacks in Mogadishu but the seaside capital is anarchic and is still awash with weapons after decades of war. Somalia, riven by decades of conflict, is also struggling to cope with severe drought. South Africa's top court slams Zuma over renovations dispute President Jacob Zuma flouted the constitution in using public funds to upgrade his private residence and must repay the money, South Africa's top court ruled Thursday, sparking calls for his impeachment. The Constitutional Court delivered a damning verdict on Zuma's conduct after a swimming pool, chicken run, cattle enclosure and amphitheatre were built at his rural homestead as so-called "security" measures. The president had refused an ombudswoman's orders to repay money spent on the upgrades, which became a symbol of alleged corruption and greed within the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party. South African President Jacob Zuma Mujahid Safodien (AFP/File) Zuma "failed to uphold, defend and respect the constitution as the supreme law of the land," Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng said in a strongly-worded judgement. The unprecedented rebuke came as Zuma fights back against separate allegations that a wealthy Indian family influenced ministerial appointments in a scandal that has rocked his government. Zuma has also been battered by the country's sharply declining economy. But he retains a strong grip on parliament through his dominant leadership of the ANC, and any impeachment bid looked unlikely to succeed. Public Protector Thuli Madonsela, the country's ombudswoman, ruled in 2014 that Zuma had "benefited unduly" from the work on the Nkandla property in KwaZulu-Natal province, and that he should re-fund some of the money. The president reacted by ordering two government investigations that cleared his name -- including a report by the police minister which concluded that the swimming pool was a fire-fighting precaution. Mogoeng said on Thursday that Zuma "must personally pay the amount determined by the national treasury." The work was valued in 2014 at 216 million rand (then $24 million). "President Jacob Zuma's action amounts to a serious violation of the Constitution, and constitutes grounds for impeachment," the Democratic Alliance (DA), South Africa's main opposition party, said. It added that it had officially begun the process to impeach Zuma. - Zuma weakened? - But the ANC controls parliament after winning elections in 2014, and Zuma easily survived a no-confidence vote earlier this month. A successful vote to impeach Zuma would require a two-thirds majority in the assembly. The DA brought the case to court along with the far left Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party. "We call on the president to step down with immediate effect," EFF leader Julius Malema said. "We would call upon the ANC to do the right thing and recall the president." Opposition parties hope Thursday's ruling will bring gains in local elections this year, as frustration grows over 25 percent unemployment and grinding poverty for many black people more than 20 years after the end of apartheid. Zuma has recently endured renewed corruption allegations after deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas said he was offered a promotion by the Guptas, an Indian business family said to hold huge sway over the president. The president has faced growing criticism since he sacked two finance ministers within days in December, triggering a collapse in the rand and a major withdrawal of foreign investors. "He enjoys less power inside the ANC than he did before firing the finance ministers in December," Aubrey Matshiqi, analyst at the Helen Suzman Foundation, told AFP. "But the erosion in power he has suffered is not sufficient and does not constitute a direct threat yet to his position." Zuma, 73, will have completed two terms in 2019 and is not eligible to run for president again. But the ANC, which led the fight against white-minority rule and has ruled since Nelson Mandela became president in 1994, could replace him ahead of the vote. Zuma issued a brief statement saying he respected the court's decision, while senior ANC figures were due to meet to discuss its implications. "The Constitutional Court has restored hope in the constitutional dream for a man on the street to hold the government accountable," Public Protector Thuli Madonsela said after the ruling. South African Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng delivers his Constitutional Court verdict in Johannesburg on March 31, 2016 Mujahid Safodien (AFP) Democratic Alliance leader Mmusi Maimane (right) and United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holomisa celebrate a court ruling against South African President Jacob Zuma in Johannesburg on March 31, 2016 Felix Dlangamandla (Pool/AFP) South Africa's top court ruled that President Jacob Zuma flouted the constitution in using public funds to upgrade his private residence and must repay the money Mujahid Safodien (AFP) Police patrol outside the South African Constitutional Court in Johannesburg on March 31, 2016 Mujahid Safodien (AFP) Pakistan city announces rat-killing bounty after infestation Authorities in Pakistan's northwest announced a bounty for killing rats after receiving hundreds of complaints of rodents infesting the region's biggest city. Rats described as being up to 12 inches (30 centimetres) long are making life miserable in Peshawar, residents said. They are so huge that "even cats are scared of them," Hammad Khan, a Peshawar resident, told AFP Thursday, adding that the rodents were gnawing "everything: food, clothes, even damaging the structure of the house". People say large rats are making life miserable in the Pakistani city of Peshawar Sanjay Kanojia (AFP/File) Residents said the toothy creatures make their home in an open sewer which flows through the city and come out at night, scurrying about poor neighbourhoods. "We were receiving such complaints constantly and that's why we announced the reward," district mayor Arbab Mohammad Asim told AFP. The bounty was set at 25 rupees (25 US cents) in most parts of the city, though in some areas it goes up to 300 rupees, officials said. "We are hopeful that it will help in getting rid of these huge rats," said Asim. Provincial minister Inayatullah Khan said a committee has been formed to find out what is driving the infestation, though residents said it was likely recent monsoon rains had sent the rodents scurrying into the city. Khan also said the committee would chalk out plans for "complete elimination" of the pests. South Africa: Zuma's five biggest career scandals South African President Jacob Zuma, who was on Thursday excoriated by the country's highest court for failing to uphold the constitution, is no stranger to scandal. In a public humiliation, the Constitutional Court berated him over taxpayers' money spent on his private home at Nkandla -- but Zuma has ridden out many similar storms in the past. Here are five of his biggest career controversies: South African President Jacob Zuma arrives to attend the National Executive Committee ordinary meeting in Centurion, South Africa on March 18, 2016 Mujahid Safodien (AFP/File) RAPE CHARGES AND AIDS Before taking office, Zuma dismayed the nation during his trial for rape in 2006 when he told the court he had showered to avoid contracting HIV after having unprotected sex with his HIV-positive accuser. He was head of the country's national AIDS council at the time. Zuma claimed the sex with the 31-year-old family friend was consensual and was acquitted of rape. But he is still mocked over the case in newspaper cartoons -- where he is often depicted with a shower nozzle sprouting from his bald head. Nearly 20 percent of South Africans aged between 15 and 49 are HIV positive. GUPTAGATE As the Nkandla debacle built to a climax, its place in the headlines was overtaken by a new scandal, known as Guptagate. It involves the president's allegedly corrupt relationship with a wealthy family of Indian immigrants headed by three brothers, Ajay, Atul and Rajesh Gupta, who have built a business empire in mining, media, technology and engineering. Smouldering rumours of the family's undue influence on the president burst into flame in March when evidence emerged that they were alleged to have offered key government jobs to those who might help their business interests. Deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas revealed that the Guptas had offered him a promotion shortly before Zuma sacked respected finance minister Nhlanhla Nene in December. The opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) has laid corruption charges against the Guptas and Zuma's son Duduzane, who is in partnership with the family. The president was also alleged to have allowed the family to use a military airport to fly in guests for a wedding in 2013. ARMS DEAL A High Court challenge is underway to reinstate more than 700 charges of corruption against Zuma which were dropped in 2009, shortly before he became president. The charges, which relate to a multi-billion dollar arms deal signed in 1999, when Zuma was deputy president, were dropped allegedly because of interference in the prosecution case by his political opponents. Zuma was accused of having accepted bribes from international arms manufacturers to influence the choice of weaponry. Zuma's advisor, Schabir Shaik, was jailed for 15 years on related charges in 2005, with the judge saying there was "overwhelming" evidence of a corrupt relationship between Shaik and Zuma. Shaik was released on medical parole in 1999, the year Zuma became president. OMAR AL-BASHIR Earlier this month the South African Supreme Court of Appeal upheld a judgement that the failure by Zuma's government to arrest Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir was illegal. Despite an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court on charges of war crimes in the conflict in Darfur, Bashir was allowed to attend a meeting of the African Union in Johannesburg last year. The government said the fact that he was attending the summit as a head of state meant he had immunity, but the court disagreed. Zuma escaped an impeachment attempt over the issue in parliament in September last year, when ANC lawmakers voted overwhelmingly against it. NKANDLA Public Protector Thuli Madonsela, the country's ombudswoman, ruled in 2014 that Zuma had "benefited unduly" from so-called security upgrades to his rural Nkandla residence in KwaZulu-Natal province, and that he should re-fund some of the money. The work, paid for with taxpayers' money, cost $24 million and included a swimming pool, described as a fire-fighting facility, a chicken run, a cattle enclosure, an amphitheatre and a visitors' centre. For two years, Zuma fought the order to repay some of the money and the scandal came to dominate his presidency -- with opposition lawmakers chanting "Pay back the money!" every time he appeared in parliament. US, China to be among climate deal signatories The United States and China will be among the nations signing the Paris climate agreement in New York next month, the White House announced Wednesday, ahead of a meeting between President Barack Obama and Xi Jinping. Seeking to highlight areas of cooperation amid disputes over the South China Sea and how hard to push back on North Korea's nuclear program, the White House said both countries would take part in a signing ceremony on April 22. The two nations will also "take their respective domestic steps in order to join the Agreement as early as possible this year," according to a US statement. US President Barack Obama (L) sits with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a bilateral meeting ahead of the opening of the UN conference on climate change COP21 on November 30, 2015 at Le Bourget, on the outskirts of Paris Jim Watson (AFP/File) An agreement between Obama and Xi to tackle domestic carbon emissions was seen as a key ingredient of the global accord achieved at a summit last year. The global accord sets a target of limiting global warming to "well below" 2.0 degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit) compared to pre-industrial levels. But in the United States, Obama still faces a political and legal battle to meet the commitments. Israeli soldier who shot Palestinian facing manslaughter An Israeli soldier caught on video shooting a wounded Palestinian assailant in the head as he lay on the ground is being investigated for manslaughter and not murder, the military said Thursday. The lawyer for the soldier, who has not yet been charged, welcomed the prosecutors' move. "The significance from our point of view is that, first of all, the prosecution has climbed down," Ilan Katz told army radio. Israeli citizens hold banners reading in Hebrew: "fighters the people are with you" (L) and "the people want the liberation of the soldier" during a demonstration in Tel Aviv on March 31, 2016 to support an Israeli soldier who was suspended Jack Guez (AFP) "I believe that in a short time that suspicion will also be dropped." Under Israeli law, manslaughter signifies an intentional but not premeditated killing. Prosecutors sought to extend the remand in military prison of the soldier, who was arrested after the March 24 shooting. The court ruled that he should instead be confined to barracks without being locked up but after the prosecution objected, the judge ordered another hearing for Friday. "Due to this, the soldier will remain in detention until the conclusion of tomorrow's deliberations," an army spokeswoman said in response to an AFP query. Separately on Thursday, Israel's supreme court ruled the family of the slain Palestinian would be allowed to have a pathologist of their choosing present at his autopsy. Top military and government officials have strongly condemned the soldier's behaviour, but far-right politicians and protesters have reacted angrily to his arrest and demanded his release. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a former special forces officer, appeared on Thursday evening to walk a line between backing the military justice system and showing some empathy for the accused, when he spoke to the soldier's father. "I heard your words and... I understand your distress," Netanyahu's office quoted him as saying in the call, which a statement pointed out was at the request of the family. "In recent months our soldiers have bravely and resolutely stood up in the face of terrorist attacks and murderers who set out to kill them," Netanyahu said. "I am convinced that the investigation will be professional and fair toward your son." - Death threats against cameraman - The accused soldier's identity and that of his family remain secret under a gag order, granted at the request of his lawyers. Video of the March 24 killing in the flashpoint West Bank city of Hebron spread widely online, sparking heated political debate. Shot by a Palestinian volunteer for Israeli rights group B'Tselem, it showed a 21-year-old Palestinian, who along with another man had allegedly stabbed a soldier minutes earlier, lying on the ground, apparently after being shot. The soldier then shoots him again, in the head, without any apparent provocation. The Palestinian, Abdul Fatah al-Sharif, was killed. The case threatens to exacerbate Israeli-Palestinian tensions amid a wave of violence that began in October. B'Tselem said on Thursday it had asked the Israeli army and police to ensure the safety of the cameraman, Imad Abu Shamsiyeh, who lives near the site of the incident, adjacent to Jewish settlers. "Since the footage was released, Abu Shamsiyeh and his family have already been subjected to threats of murder, stones thrown at their home, and hateful posts on Facebook. Most of this violence was instigated by Hebron settlers." Violence since October has left 200 Palestinians and 28 Israelis dead. Most of the Palestinians killed were carrying out knife, gun or car-ramming attacks, according to Israeli authorities. But Israeli forces have also been accused of using excessive force in some cases, charges which they have firmly denied. A letter from 11 US lawmakers in February that has recently come to light calling on the State Department to look into allegations of possible "extrajudicial killings" by Israel has received widespread attention in the country. Netanyahu reacted angrily to the letter, saying "where is the concern for the human rights of the many Israelis who've been murdered and maimed by these savage terrorists?" An Israeli soldier (C) who was suspended after being caught on video shooting a wounded Palestinian assailant in the head as he lay on the ground, appears in a military court on March 29, 2016 Jack Guez (AFP/File) Britain pledges nearly $30 mn to Lebanon army Britain will provide nearly $30 million to the Lebanese army, mostly to boost security along the country's volatile border with Syria, the UK's top diplomat said on Thursday. In his first visit to Beirut as foreign secretary, Philip Hammond announced Britain would provide Lebanon with an additional 4.5 million pounds ($6.5 million, 5.7 million euros) to help train more than 5,000 soldiers. Another 15.3 million pounds would be allocated "for the training and mentoring of the Lebanese Armed Forces' Land Border Regiments, over the next three years," according to a statement from the embassy. Lebanese Prime Minister Tammam Salam meeting with British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond (L) in the capital Beirut on March 31, 2016 STRINGER (DALATI and NOHRA/AFP) Hammond said the "aim is for Lebanon to have secured 100 percent of its border with Syria, and for the UK to have trained over 11,000 Lebanese soldiers in the specialist techniques of urban counterterrorism by 2019". "Lebanon is an important part of the front line against terrorism," he told journalists after meeting Lebanese Prime Minister Tammam Salam. Since Syria's conflict erupted in 2011, Lebanon's army has fought off armed groups and jihadist factions along the country's eastern border. In August 2014, the army clashed with the Islamic State group and Al-Nusra Front, Al-Qaeda's affiliate in Syria, in the border town of Arsal. As they withdrew, IS and Al-Nusra kidnapped 30 Lebanese soldiers and policemen, 16 of whom were released after nearly 18 months of negotiations. The Lebanese army and Internal Security Forces receive significant military support from outside countries including the United States and France. Since 2011, Britain has spent more than $59 million on supporting Lebanon's security forces, according to the Foreign Office. Last month, Saudi Arabia halted a $3 billion programme funding military supplies to Lebanon's security forces in protest against Hezbollah, the powerful Shiite movement allied with Saudi's main regional rival, Iran. Rwanda jails top military figures for 20 yrs for 'inciting revolt' A Rwandan military tribunal on Thursday condemned two senior army figures to 20 years in prison for inciting rebellion, an AFP correspondent at the Kigali court said. "The court condemns Colonel Tom Byabagamba to 21 years in jail and a reduction in rank, and retired general Frank Rusagara to 20 years in prison," said Judge Narcisse Nsengiyumva. Both men were once close to the inner circle of Rwandan President Paul Kagame. Former presidential guard chief and serving colonel, Tom Byabagamba (C), and retired brigadier-general Frank Rusagara (R) are pictured on March 31, 2016 at a courthouse in Kigali Stephanie Aglietti (AFP) Byabagamba, a serving colonel who was once head of the presidential guard, was also convicted of withholding evidence. And Rusgara, a retired brigadier-general and former secretary-general of the defence ministry, was also convicted of illegally possessing a firearm. The two men were arrested in August 2014 and charged with inciting rebellion by "spreading rumours" and "tarnishing the image of the country and government". Both denied all the charges against them, and following the verdict, vowed to appeal. According to military prosecutors, Byabagamba had attempted to turn military officials against the government, while Rusagara had been relaying "propaganda" from the dissident Rwanda National Congress (RNC), an exiled opposition group that includes several former top members of Kagame's ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF). During the trial, the prosecutor said Rusagara had been heard saying Rwanda "is a police state and a banana republic", and that he had described Kagame as a "dictator". Critics of Kagame, however, say the trials expose the workings of a paranoid state that is increasingly nervous over the activities of the RNC. Kagame, 58, has run Rwanda since his ethnic Tutsi rebel army, the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF), ended a 1994 genocide by extremists from the Hutu majority, in which an estimated 800,000 people were massacred, the vast majority of them Tutsis. Elected first in 2003 and again in 2010, he recently announced plans to run for an exceptional third seven-year term in 2017, drawing criticism from the United States and the European Union. Luxembourg launches money laundering probe in Malaysia PM fund scandal Luxembourg on Thursday launched a money laundering probe linked to a corruption scandal embroiling Malaysian Premier Najib Razak who is accused of using money in a state-run fund for his own purposes. Najib, 62, has been under fire over allegations that billions of dollars were stolen from 1MDB, the now struggling state firm he founded, and his acceptance of a $681 million overseas payment. Reports have also emerged of the luxurious lifestyles, lavish spending and jet-set travel arrangements of his family, stoking calls for his resignation. Malaysian Premier Najib Razak has been under fire over allegations that billions of dollars were stolen from 1MDB, the now struggling state firm he founded, and his acceptance of a $681 million overseas payment Mohd Rasfan (AFP/File) The Luxembourg prosecutor's office said in a statement that it had launched the probe "following revelations about the alleged diversion of funds from 1MDB". "The suit concerns money laundering of funds likely to have come from the embezzlement of public monies," it said. It said the decision to task an examining magistrate with the probe was taken "after concrete indications" that public money had been diverted via offshore companies with accounts in Singapore, Switzerland and Luxembourg. The probe will focus on tracking down payments made after bond issues in May and October 2012, it said. The small duchy of Luxembourg is home to a major financial services centre, with clients worldwide. US authorities are reportedly looking into 1MDB-related fund flows, while Swiss, British, Singaporean and Hong Kong authorities also are scrutinising them. Najib denies any wrongdoing, saying the corruption accusations are part of an unspecified political conspiracy against him. He has curbed investigations into the scandal and purged his ruling United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) of critics, essentially shutting off internal party challenges. US approves low-income broadband subsidy plan A US regulator Thursday approved a plan to provide subsidies to low-income Americans for high-speed Internet access, saying it would help close the "digital divide." The Federal Communications Commission voted 3-2 to approve the plan, which revamps a program originally designed for telephone service that offers some $9 a month. The FCC proposed the plan earlier this month to revise the "Lifeline" program from the 1980s, saying broadband access is essential for "full participation" in modern society. A US regulator approved a plan on March 31, 2016 to provide subsidies to low-income Americans for high-speed Internet access, saying it would help close the "digital divide" Michael Bocchieri (Getty/AFP/File) Consumer organizations welcomed the FCC action. "Lifeline has helped people who otherwise could not afford it obtain vital telecommunications services. Today's vote extends the program's monthly subsidy to at least partially cover broadband service in qualifying households," said Michael Copps, a former FCC commissioner who now advises the activist group Common Cause. "This is a giant leap forward. It helps extend the awesome power of the Internet to those who need it most. School children, jobseekers, the elderly and infirm in particular will all benefit." Phillip Berenbroick of the consumer group Public Knowledge said the new rules "will finally put the American dream of connection within reach for those struggling the most." But the libertarian group TechFreedom said the FCC has not demonstrated it will curb fraud and abuse of the subsidy program. TechFreedom president Berin Szoka said the program's funding from a tax on telecom services merely shifts the burden to middle-class families. For those who qualify, he said that "if their income rises at all, they'll be ineligible for the program and suddenly have to pay not just the cost of the service, but a whopping 18 percent tax, too." The FCC said the new plan establishes minimum standards for broadband and also will use a third party to verify eligibility in an effort to curb fraud. It also aims to encourage a new category of "Lifeline" service providers with a streamlined entry procedure into new markets. South Sudan tells UN ready for rebel leader's return South Sudan told the United Nations on Thursday that it expects hundreds of rebel troops to be airlifted to Juba this week, paving the way for the return of rebel leader Riek Machar. Machar's arrival in Juba is a key step for the formation of a unity government that was agreed under a peace accord to end a brutal war which has killed tens of thousands of people over nearly 2.5 years. South Sudan's Deputy Ambassador Joseph Moum Malok told the UN Security Council that "by the end of this week, if everything remains as planned... the entire 1,370 agreed forces will be in Juba paving the way for Dr Riek Machar to eventually come to Juba." South Sudan's rebel leader Riek Machar's arrival in Juba is a key step for the formation of a unity government that was agreed under a peace accord to end a brutal war which has killed tens of thousands of people over nearly 2.5 years Isaac Kasamani (AFP/File) Machar, who was President Salva Kiir's deputy before the war, had been living in exile in Kenya and Ethiopia, but was re-appointed vice president in February. Under the peace deal signed in August, Machar will join Kiir in a new 30-month transitional government leading to elections. UN mission chief Ellen Margrethe Loj told the council that Machar's return to Juba to join the government "is when the hard work of rebuilding the country has to start and difficult decisions must be taken." The United Nations is pushing Kiir and Machar to implement the peace accord despite ongoing fighting and delays. UN aid chief Stephen O'Brien told the council that fighting was spreading despite the peace deal, with new outbreaks around Western Bahr el Ghazal, Western Equatoria, Jonglei and Malakal. More than 150,000 people have fled their homes in the new violence that has already displaced more than two million people over the course of the war. Thai junta chief gives military broad new police-like powers BANGKOK (AP) Thailand's junta chief has given the military broad new police-like powers to arrest and detain criminal suspects, in an unannounced move that rights groups criticized Wednesday as a recipe for human rights violations. The decree Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha issued late Tuesday night comes amid a wider crackdown on civil liberties. Authorities the same day charged a woman with sedition for posting a Facebook photo of herself holding a red plastic bowl that was deemed too politically charged. The order, published in Thailand's Royal Gazette under the title "Suppression of wrongdoings that could threaten Thai economy and society," gives soldiers in the army, navy and air force who are ranked sub-lieutenant and higher the power to summon, arrest and detain suspects in a wide range of crimes for up to seven days. FILE - In this June 1, 2014 file photo, Thai soldiers guard an overpass to prevent anti-coup demonstration in Bangkok, Thailand. Thailand's junta chief has given the military broad new police-like powers to arrest and detain criminal suspects, in an unannounced move that rights groups criticized Wednesday as a recipe for human rights violations. The order, which Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha issued in a late Tuesday night decree, March 29, 2016, comes amid a wider crackdown on civil liberties. (AP Photo/Wason Wanichakorn, File) The soldiers can act against people suspected in 27 different types of crime, including extortion, human trafficking, robbery, fraud, forgery, defamation, debt collection, gambling, child protection, prostitution, loan sharking and tour guide services. It says the soldiers are appointed "crime prevention and suppression officers" and anyone ranked below sub-lieutenant can act as their assistants. Prayuth, the former army chief, invoked the powers under a law he enacted after leading a May 2014 coup that gives him as junta chief near-absolute authority without any accountability. The law, known as Article 44, allows Prayuth to take any measures deemed necessary to promote public order and unity. Rights groups say Article 44 is essentially martial law in all but name. "There are people whose behavior and wrongdoings are considered crimes. They threaten the country's economy and society," the order says. Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan was quoted by The Bangkok Post as saying that soldiers would also act as interrogators and were taking on the new role because there were not enough police to tackle crime. Brad Adams, the Asia director of Human Rights Watch, called the move "a recipe for abuse, not greater peace and order." "By erasing the line between the military and the police, Prime Minister Prayuth has further reinforced his dictatorship and guaranteed more blatant human rights abuses, increased numbers of civilians being tried in military courts, and further impunity for soldiers to do whatever they want whenever they want," he said. Since toppling an elected government in the 2014 coup, Prayuth has restricted freedom of speech, barred public protests and relentlessly pursued critics by detaining journalists, academics and other perceived dissidents at military bases for so-called "attitude adjustment." The junta says criticism could destabilize the nation, which it says needs unity after almost a decade of sometimes violent political conflict. On Tuesday, a 57-year-old woman in northern Thailand was arrested and charged with sedition for posting a photo of herself holding a red plastic bowl inscribed with a New Year's greeting from two former prime ministers, siblings Yingluck and Thaksin Shinawatra, according to Human Rights Watch. A military court in Chiang Mai released her on 100,000 baht ($2,800) bail pending a military trial. If found guilty, Theerawan Charoensuk could face up to seven years in prison. "The Thai junta's fears of a red plastic bowl show its intolerance of dissent has reached the point of absolute absurdity," said Adams. "It's clear that the end of repression is nowhere in sight." A Thai journalist who is one of the junta's prominent critics, Pravit Rojanaphruk, said he learned Wednesday that the junta will not allow him to leave the country in May to attend a conference in Finland on World Press Freedom Day. He posted the news on Facebook, along with a tweet from Finnish Ambassador to Thailand Kirsti Westphalen: "The Embassy of Finland regrets Thailand government decision to forbid (Pravit) to travel to Helsinki to attend World Press Freedom Day." Pravit was twice detained for "attitude adjustment" while working for The Nation newspaper, which ultimately asked him to leave because of pressure from the junta. A government spokesman, Sansern Kaewkamnerd, said he was not aware of the ban against Pravit but, "if it's true, it must be related to national security." FILE - In this May 29, 2014 file photo Thai soldiers form a line while guarding a bus stop area to prevent an anti-coup demonstration at Victory Monument in Bangkok, Thailand. Thailand's junta chief has given the military broad new police-like powers to arrest and detain criminal suspects, in an unannounced move that rights groups criticized Wednesday as a recipe for human rights violations. The order, which Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha issued in a late Tuesday night dectree, March 29, 2016, comes amid a wider crackdown on civil liberties. (AP Photo/Wason Wanichakorn, File) FILE - In this June 8, 2014 file photo, Thai soldiers walk after being deployed to guard at Bangkok's Victory Monument, Thailand. Thailand's junta chief has given the military broad new police-like powers to arrest and detain criminal suspects, in an unannounced move that rights groups criticized Wednesday as a recipe for human rights violations. The order, which Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha issued in a late Tuesday night decree, March 29, 2016, comes amid a wider crackdown on civil liberties. (AP Photo/Wason Wanichakorn, File) Professional surfer mauled by shark off eastern Australia SYDNEY (AP) A professional surfer was mauled by a shark off the Australian east coast on Wednesday evening, officials said. Brett Connellan, 22, was flown by helicopter to Sydney's St. George Hospital in serious condition after he was attacked 120 kilometers (75 miles) to the south off a beach near Kiama, a police statement said. He sustained injuries to a thigh and a hand in the attack off Bombo Beach at 7 p.m. and was helped 100 meters (yards) to shore by a fellow surfer, Joel Trist, police said. Trist told reporters on Thursday he paddled as fast as he could toward his friend when he heard him scream. The shark had vanished before Trist covered the 50 meters (yards). "I said to him: 'What's it like?' and he said: 'It's not good.' And at that point I knew something was horribly wrong," Trist said. Trist said he dragged his friend on to Trist's board and the pair caught a wave to shore. Ambulance Service spokesman Terry Morrow said two beachgoers who were off-duty nurses saved Connellan's life by applying a tourniquet made from a surfboard leg rope to his upper thigh before paramedics reached the scene. "He had lost a large proportion of his left thigh, and the quad muscle was torn away right down to the bone," Terry Morrow told the Illawarra Mercury newspaper. "He could've bled to death before we arrived on scene. He was very lucky the members of the public were there and acted as they did," Morrow said. Indiana's US Senate GOP primary gets personal in final month INDIANAPOLIS (AP) The race to fill the seat of retiring Republican Sen. Dan Coats has turned into an increasingly hostile war of words between two sitting Indiana GOP congressmen, mimicking the broader conflict engulfing the party's presidential primary. U.S. Reps. Marlin Stutzman and Todd Young, each elected to Congress in 2010, have campaigned as stalwart conservatives on similar platforms. But with just over one month until the May 3 primary, Young is trying to paint his tea party-backed rival as an ideologue who prioritizes obstructionism over passing legislation. And Stutzman has characterized Young as a pawn of the establishment at a time when Americans are increasingly frustrated with "a system that benefits a few people." The tone of the campaign has some similarities to the GOP presidential race, with businessman Donald Trump and tea party-backed Texas Sen. Ted Cruz tapping voter anger with Washington and forcing out of the race more mainstream candidates such as former Gov. Jeb Bush and Sen. Marco Rubio, both from Florida. FILE- In this July 17, 2013, file photo, U.S. Rep. Todd Young, R-Ind., center, speaks to members of the media at the Capitol in Washington. The race to fill the seat of retiring Republican Sen. Dan Coats has turned into an increasingly hostile war of words between two sitting Indiana GOP congressmen, mirroring the broader conflict between outsider and establishment candidates that has engulfed the party's presidential primary. U.S. Reps. Marlin Stutzman and Young, each elected to Congress during the Republican wave of 2010, have campaigned as stalwart conservatives on similar platforms. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) The Indiana Senate race could have national implications as Democrats seek to pick up at least four seats to retake control of the Senate. That's a possibility Young highlighted Wednesday, when the U.S. Chamber of Commerce announced it was endorsing him. The chamber also reported it has spent $1 million for television ads supporting Young, according to federal campaign data. "We have too many D.C. politicians too many poseurs and pretenders who will talk a good game, but do not have any results in the end to show for it," said Young, who recently got another boost when One Nation PAC a group with ties to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced it would run television ads for him. Stutzman, who co-owns his family's northwest Indiana farm, says the chamber's decision is "ironic" because "I'm the business guy and they are endorsing the attorney." He characterized Young as a reliable "yes" vote for the priorities of GOP Congressional leaders. Stutzman is a member of the Freedom Caucus of conservative Republican House members whose aversion to compromise led to former House Speaker John Boehner resigning last year. "The American people are starting to figure out that things are not getting any better for us and they are tired of it," Stutzman told The Associated Press, adding that Young's definition of accomplishment is "passing a bill out of the House that goes nowhere in the Senate." The harsh words followed a bitter turn in the campaign, when Stutzman and the Indiana Democratic Party challenged Young's candidacy, arguing he didn't gather enough voter signatures to legally qualify for the ballot. The state Election Division reported that Young had 501 signatures in the 1st Congressional District, but Democrats and Stutzman challenged that number. An Associated Press count of Young's petitions found he was three signatures short. State GOP leaders said the discrepancy was a sloppy oversight by Young. But Young raised $2.9 million in campaign finance, beating Stutzman's haul by a 3-to-1 margin in 2015, according to federal records. Attorneys bickered during an Indiana Election Commission meeting highlighting a schism in the state GOP that pits the chamber of commerce Republican establishment against tea party conservatives. But ultimately, the commission deadlocked 2-2 on partisan lines, with a tie allowing Young to remain on the ballot. Democrats hope Stutzman emerges from the primary to take on their candidate, former U.S. Rep. Baron Hill. They view Stutzman as extremely conservative with an outspoken nature that could turn off general election voters much like GOP Senate candidate Richard Mourdock, who made incendiary comments about abortion and rape and lost the 2012 Senate race to Democrat Joe Donnelly. "I've beaten Baron Hill before. I can beat Baron Hill again," said Young, who defeated Hill in 2010. But Stutzman, who has the financial backing of the conservative group Club for Growth, argues it's more about what Young would do in office. "He's not analyzing the problems in Washington, he's just playing the inside game," Stutzman told the AP. "As long as he votes the way leadership tells him to they are going to support him." . UN calls for Congo elections to be held on time in November UNITED NATIONS (AP) The U.N. Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution Wednesday calling for presidential and legislative elections in Congo to be held on schedule in November and rejecting the government's demand to cut the 20,000-strong U.N. peacekeeping force in the country in half by the end of the year. Congo's U.N. Ambassador Ignace Gata Mavita expressed regret that the council kept the peacekeeping mission's ceiling at its current level and didn't even agree to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's recommendation of a 1,700-member reduction. The council took note of Ban's recommendation but said any change in the U.N. force, known as MONUSCO, should be determined in consultation with the Congolese government "on the basis of the evolution of the situation on the ground," a reduction in violence against civilians, and establishing "accountable state institutions" including for security and justice. The resolution extending the mandate of the U.N. mission until March 31, 2017 was adopted at a time of rising tension over November's scheduled elections. Congo's President Joseph Kabila is meant to leave office in December but the opposition fears he will postpone the election timeline to stay in power. France's U.N. Ambassador Francois Delattre said the resolution refocuses and strengthens MONUSCO's mandate on the two major challenges facing Congo today: "the protection of civilians in the fight against armed groups and support in the holding of credible, peaceful and democratic elections." He said the Security Council decided to maintain the size of the U.N. force "because the challenges facing the country remain very important and it is the responsibility of the international community, through the presence of the MONUSCO peacekeepers, to accompany this period." Congo's Gata Mavita said the government thinks "this stance shows a lack of flexibility that could undermine the climate of work on the ground." The Security Council reaffirmed that the protection of civilians, including against threats and violence by armed groups and sexual violence, must be given top priority by MONUSCO. It also urged the government and all parties "to ensure an environment conducive to a free, fair, credible, inclusive, transparent, peaceful and timely electoral process." And it called for publication of a revised electoral calendar without delay and updating of the electoral register "to ensure the successful and timely holding of elections." Key details in no charges against 2 Minneapolis officers MINNEAPOLIS (AP) A Minnesota prosecutor released hundreds of pages of documents and videos hours after detailing Wednesday the reasons why two white officers would not face criminal charges in the Nov. 15 fatal shooting of a black man. Jamar Clark, 24, died a day later. Some key details of the investigation: 61 SECONDS According to an account laid out by Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman, police were called to north Minneapolis early Nov. 15 by paramedics who were trying to treat Clark's girlfriend for an assault in which Clark was the suspect and said Clark was interfering. Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman announces Wednesday, March 30, 2016, that no charges will be filed against two Minneapolis police officers in the fatal shooting of a black man, Jamar Clark, last November, in Minneapolis. Community activists in Minneapolis say they dont accept the prosecutors decision. (Jim Gehrz/Star Tribune via AP) When police arrived, Clark refused orders to remove his hands from his pockets. Officers tried to handcuff Clark but couldn't. Officer Mark Ringgenberg took Clark to the ground and ended up on his back atop Clark. Ringgenberg felt his gun shift from his hip to the small of his back. He reached back and felt Clark's hand on his weapon. Ringgenberg said, "He's got my gun," according to Freeman. Schwarze said he dropped his handcuffs, put his gun to the edge of Clark's mouth and warned him to let go or he would shoot. Clark looked at Schwarze and said: "I'm ready to die." According to Freeman, Schwarze pulled the trigger but the gun didn't fire. Schwarze heard Ringgenberg say "shoot him" in a panicked voice, and Schwarze pulled the trigger again and the gun fired. Clark was shot in the head. Freeman said the entire incident, in which he said deadly force was necessary, took 61 seconds from the time police first approached Clark. ___ KEY EVIDENCE REVEALED The issue of whether Clark was handcuffed was a key factor in the investigation. Several people who said they saw the shooting said Clark was restrained and not struggling. But Freeman said forensic evidence didn't support witness statements that Clark was handcuffed he had no bruising or injuries on his wrists consistent with being handcuffed and his DNA was not found on the inside of the handcuffs that were on the ground nearby. Freeman also said Clark's DNA was found on the grip of Ringgenberg's gun, supporting the officers' account. "Clark simply could not have been handcuffed when he attempted to seize the gun while they were on the ground," Freeman said. ___ WITNESSES' ACCOUNTS Freeman said 20 civilian witnesses gave different versions of whether Clark was handcuffed. Two said he wasn't, six weren't sure and 12 said he was, but they disagreed on whether both his hands were cuffed and whether his hands were in front of him or behind his back. Freeman said he didn't believe the witnesses were lying, but it's not uncommon for people to have differing stories from different vantage points. He said in such cases, prosecutors need to look to forensic evidence. ___ COMMUNITY REACTION Activists said Freeman gave more weight to the police officers' version of events than he did to the witnesses. One unidentified woman called Freeman's narrative "propaganda" during the news conference. Others said Freeman's announcement showed the system is rigged against African-Americans. Activists rallied Wednesday at the site of Clark's shooting in north Minneapolis and at a park on the southeast side of downtown. The two groups converged at the Hennepin County Government Center, where hundreds participated in a peaceful demonstration including singing, chanting and speeches. ___ WHAT'S NEXT? Ringgenberg and Schwarze still face an internal police investigation, as well as a federal investigation into whether they intentionally violated Clark's civil rights through excessive force. The Department of Justice is also reviewing how the city responded to protests after Clark's death. Arkansas AG seeks to block protections for gays and lesbians LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) Arkansas' Republican attorney general asked the state Supreme Court on Wednesday to decide whether a city's ban on discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity conflicts with a state law aimed at blocking local protections for gays and lesbians. Attorney General Leslie Rutledge is appealing a ruling by Washington County Circuit Judge Doug Martin this month backing Fayetteville's anti-discrimination ordinance. Martin ruled that the ordinance, which was ratified by voters last year, doesn't run afoul of a state measure barring cities and counties from prohibiting discrimination on a basis not contained in state law. Arkansas' civil rights law doesn't include sexual orientation or gender identity. But Martin noted that other state laws, including an anti-bullying measure, include protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. "I disagreed with the lower court's decision," Rutledge said in a statement. "Given my duty to fully defend state law, I am seeking to appeal the ruling to the Arkansas Supreme Court." Fayetteville City Attorney Kit Williams said he wasn't surprised by Rutledge's decision to appeal the ruling. "(Fayetteville voters) chose equality against discrimination and I'm going to do everything I can to defend the ordinance that was passed," he said. Martin's March 1 decision didn't address whether the state law was unconstitutional. His decision was the first court victory for opponents of the state's ban on local protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson allowed the restriction on the local ordinances to become law without his signature, citing concerns about it infringing on local government control. Rutledge's appeal comes as North Carolina faces widespread criticism for a similar law recently approved preventing local governments from approving LGBT protections at restaurants, hotels and stores. Fayetteville's ordinance is similar to an anti-discrimination measure approved by voters in the neighboring tourist town of Eureka Springs. Little Rock, Hot Springs and Pulaski County also have approved more scaled-back ordinances that apply only to their agencies and contractors. Rutledge said in a non-binding advisory opinion last year that the five local ordinances were unenforceable because of the new state law. Rutledge had intervened in the lawsuit challenging Fayetteville's ordinance. ___ TV station 'ends relationship' with anchor after online post PITTSBURGH (AP) Pittsburgh television station WTAE said Wednesday it has ended its relationship with anchorwoman Wendy Bell over racial comments she posted on Facebook about an ambush shooting at a cookout that left five people and an unborn baby dead. In a statement, parent company Hearst Television said Bell's comments were "inconsistent with the company's ethics and journalistic standards." Bell, who is white, speculated about the identities of the two men who fatally shot five black people in the poor Pittsburgh suburb of Willkinsburg on March 9. In her March 21 post on her anchor Facebook page, she said in part: "You needn't be a criminal profiler to draw a mental sketch of the killers who broke so many hearts two weeks ago Wednesday. ... They are young black men, likely in their teens or in their early 20s. They have multiple siblings from multiple fathers and their mothers work multiple jobs. These boys have been in the system before. They've grown up there. They know the police. They've been arrested." In the same post, she also praised a black restaurant worker in a way some readers felt was condescending. After a social media backlash, Bell apologized, saying her words "were insensitive and could be viewed as racist." The station also apologized, saying Bell's remarks showed "an egregious lack of judgment." Authorities have not made any arrests in the killings or provided a description of the possible suspects. Siblings Jerry Michael Shelton, 35, Brittany Powell, 27, and Chanetta Powell, 25, along with two cousins, Tina Shelton, 37, and Shada Mahone, 26, were killed in the ambush shooting, police said. Chanetta Powell was nearly eight months pregnant. On Wednesday, Bell defended herself, saying she didn't get a "fair shake" from the station, and that the story was not about her, but about "African-Americans being killed by other African-Americans." "It makes me sick," she told The Associated Press when reached at her home on Wednesday. "What matters is what's going on in America, and it is the death of black people in this country. ... I live next to three war-torn communities in the city of Pittsburgh, that I love dearly. My stories, they struck a nerve. They touched people, but it's not enough. More needs to be done. The problem needs to be addressed." Bell joined WTAE in 1998 and has won 21 Emmy Awards. Man says marijuana, not legal scrapes, led to kids' removal TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) A Navy veteran seeking to get five of his children back from state custody in Kansas says his use of medical marijuana to treat PTSD not the family's past scrapes with the law prompted the state's action. Raymond Schwab, 40, said the Kansas Department of Children and Families took the children in April 2015, which he calls "illegally kidnapping" them, after his wife's mother told police they had been abandoned. It happened as he was preparing to move the family to Colorado, where medical marijuana is legal. Schwab has recently campaigned on the Statehouse steps to get his children back, and drawn national attention as medical marijuana proponents describe the case as an example of government overreach against a disabled vet who used cannabis to treat mental and physical conditions. Raymond Schwab, center, speaks during a rally against the Kansas Department for Children and Families, with his wife, Amelia, standing below him, Wednesday, March 30, 2016, at the Statehouse in Topeka, Kan. Schwab a Navy veteran who says Kansas took five of his children away because he used medical marijuana to treat PTSD insisted on Wednesday that scrapes with law enforcement were not what prompted the state's action. (AP Photo/John Hanna). While the Department of Families and Children has declined to specify exactly why officials took custody of the children, ages 5, 7, 11, 13 and 16, it said last week Schwab is not being truthful in his contention that it was because of medical marijuana. Officials have declined to comment beyond that statement. In the five months before the children were removed from the home, Schwab's wife, Amelia Schwab, was arrested for domestic battery after assaulting her husband at a strip club, police were called to the family's home for a domestic disturbance, and Amelia Schwab was hospitalized for mental health issues, according to Topeka police reports and Shawnee County court documents obtained by The Associated Press. "None of those things were in the state's allegation," Schwab said, but added that marijuana was. He said the state ordered him not to use cannabis for four months if he wants the children back. He said he is complying, though it was not clear when that period began. Schwab said he ended a hunger strike Wednesday that began March 14. He said he ended it after a California attorney specializing in medical marijuana issues came to Topeka with plans to file a federal lawsuit against the state, DCF and several government officials. It had not been filed by the close of business Wednesday. The lawyer, Matthew Pappas, and Cheryl Shuman, a California resident whose website describes her as a "cannabis branding personality," were among about 40 people at a rally for Schwab and his wife Wednesday. Schwab said he plans to continue the Statehouse vigil he began on March 14 and has permission from the state to stay for 30 days, with the possibility of applying for more time. Pappas said he was certain that the family's other problems, "if they played a role in what's going on in court, would be in the transcript, but they're not." Schwab said he was honorably discharged from the Navy after serving 18 months between 1994 and 1996, during which time an incident he said he didn't want to discuss occurred that led to PTSD. Suffering from chronic joint and back issues, he said he became addicted to pain medications and then to heroin in 2009. He got treatment in 2011 and was able to kick the heroin addiction with the use of cannabis, he said. In 2013 he moved to Topeka from Colorado to take a job with the Veterans Administration, he said. Legal issues involving the family, however, were numerous. In November 2014, Amelia Schwab assaulted Raymond Schwab at a strip club near their home. She pleaded guilty to domestic battery last May. Raymond Schwab said he had started drinking because of marital problems and the strip club was close to his house. Police were called to the home in January 2015 for a domestic disturbance. On April 2 of that year, Amelia Schwab was hospitalized for mental health issues. State officials removed the children from the home on April 27 after Amelia Schwab's mother took them to Riley County and told police they had been abandoned, Schwab said. About a month later, Schwab was accused of trying to break into an apartment above the strip club where an employee lived. He was charged with criminal trespass and criminal battery charges police said led to his arrest at the Statehouse last week on an outstanding warrant. Schwab, who is scheduled for court in May, said Wednesday he didn't remember anything about that case. ___ Draper reported from Kansas City, Missouri. Italian leader says Europe must look inward on terror CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) Europe must look inward to help deal with the threat posed by terrorism, Italian Premier Matteo Renzi said Thursday during a speech at Harvard University. Renzi, a former mayor of Florence and member of Italy's Democratic party, is on a four-day U.S. visit that also took him to Chicago and Nevada. On Friday, he is scheduled to join other world leaders attending a global nuclear summit in Washington. While making clear that he agreed with other European leaders on the need for military action, enhanced security and greater intelligence sharing, Renzi said those responses alone will not make Europe safer because of the threat within its own borders. Italian Premier Matteo Renzi speaks at Harvard University's Center for European Studies in Cambridge, Mass., as he continues a four-day U.S. visit, Thursday, March 31, 2016. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer) "Let me be very clear ... the terrorists who killed people in Paris or in Brussels didn't come from Syria, or from Libya, or from Tunisia, or from Afghanistan," Renzi told the audience at an event sponsored by Harvard's Minda de Gunzburg Center for European Studies. "They grew up in Europe." "The enemy is not only abroad. The enemy is within our cities," he said. Europe can address this problem by investing not only in police and in security, he said, but in education, economic development and "in the humanistic model of cities in Europe." Renzi, who took office in 2014, was the first incumbent Italian premier to speak at Harvard, according to a university official. He also visited an IBM research facility in Cambridge during his stop in Massachusetts. Recent elections in Europe showed a hunger for change, he said, blaming the dissatisfaction in large part on misguided economic policies that relied too heavily on belt-tightening. "My position is that European leaders have chosen the wrong direction in the economy. They decided to invest a lot in austerity, austerity, austerity, and they lost the opportunity to give hope to the new generation," he said. The premier made clear during a question and answer session that he supports the candidacy of U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton because he believed she was in the best position to "lead the free world in the correct direction." He said Italy was following the U.S. election with great attention and "curiosity," but added that his country would respect whatever the outcome was of the U.S. vote. Italian Premier Matteo Renzi, right, poses for a selfie after speaking at Harvard University's Center for European Studies as he continues a four-day U.S. visit. in Cambridge, Mass., Thursday, March 31, 2016. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer) Italian Premier Matteo Renzi, right, shakes hands with Prof. Peter Hall after speaking at Harvard University's Center for European Studies in Cambridge, Mass., Thursday, March 31, 2016, as he continued a four-day U.S. visit. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer) Italian Premier Matteo Renzi speaks at Harvard University's Center for European Studies in Cambridge, Mass., Thursday, March 31, 2016. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer) 4th trial begins for New York man accused of killing wife SCHOHARIE, N.Y. (AP) A judge has begun hearing arguments in the fourth trial of a 54-year-old upstate New York man accused of killing his estranged wife in 2001. Calvin Harris's request for a non-jury trial was granted Monday just as jury selection was set to start. Judge Richard Mott began hearing arguments in Harris's murder trial Thursday and the prosecution has called its first witness, the couple's baby sitter. Prosecutors say Harris killed his 35-year-old wife late on the night of Sept. 11, 2001, in the Spencer, New York, home they still shared with their four young children. Defense lawyers claim authorities overlooked two other likely murder suspects. Two previous convictions against Harris have been overturned. His third trial last year ended in a hung jury. AP Explains: Why Asian diplomacy is on nuke summit sidelines WASHINGTON (AP) The leaders of China, India, Japan and South Korea are among the heads of government converging on Washington for a summit on countering the nightmarish threat of nuclear terrorism. But with tensions in North Korea and the South China Sea running high, the meetings that Asian leaders have on the sidelines could attract more attention than the summit itself. President Barack Obama has put a premium on expanding ties with Asia, in part to counter the rise of China. The U.S. has deepened ties with India, and strengthened long-standing alliances with Japan and South Korea while prodding these two core East Asian allies to overcome their historical differences. Despite the strategic rivalry, Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping have also striven to cooperate, which has yielded mixed results. Here's a look at who will be meeting in Washington and the dynamics that will be in play: JAPAN AND SOUTH KOREA: RELUCTANT ALLIES Japans Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, left, and former Secretary of the Treasury Robert Rubin, right, arrive for a dinner meeting at the Japanese Ambassadors residence in northwest Washington, Wednesday, March 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) Obama will reprise a joint meeting he had with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and South Korean President Park Geun-hye at the last nuclear security summit held in The Hague in 2014. That marked a concerted, but subtle U.S. push for Tokyo and Seoul to resolve the acrimony between them over Japan's colonial occupation of the Korean Peninsula in the first half of the 20th century and its military's use of Asian sex slaves during World War II. In December, Japan and South Korea reached an agreement including an indirect apology from Abe and a Japanese pledge to provide 1 billion yen ($8 million) to a fund for the South Korean victims. That has calmed the tensions between the U.S. allies, but uncertainty remains over the implementation of the agreement. One thing Japan and South Korea have rarely disagreed over is North Korea, whose missiles could target both countries. The White House says Obama, Abe and Park will on Thursday discuss responses to the North Korean threat after its recent nuclear test and space launch and security cooperation. WHAT OBAMA WANTS FROM CHINA, AND WHAT CHINA WANTS Obama's meeting with the Chinese leader comes just six months since their last talks in Washington during a state visit. There will be less grandeur this time, but the stakes may be higher. Obama will be urging China to implement the tough U.N. sanctions it signed up to for use against North Korea, its traditional ally. Xi will want the U.S. to restart negotiations with the North, although the prospects appear slim unless sanctions bite and the North makes nuclear concessions. Since annual U.S.-South Korean war games began this month, Pyongyang has been testing missiles and artillery, and has threatened nuclear strikes on Washington and Seoul. Also on the agenda will be China's island-building and construction of military facilities in the disputed South China Sea. Tensions there look set to intensify with an upcoming ruling from an international tribunal that could challenge the legal basis of Beijing's sweeping territorial claims. China accuses the U.S. of stoking tensions by sending military ships and planes through the area on freedom of navigation maneuvers. WHO'S TALKING AND NOT TALKING AT THESE TALKS? Obama's presidency is in its final year, but he's not the only center of attention this week in Washington. Park is set to meet Xi in a sign of how South Korea and China have grown closer through their economic bonds and Beijing's disaffection with North Korea. Park is also slated to meet separately with Abe as Japan-South Korea tensions ease. But with Japan-China relations still hampered by a territorial dispute and historical grievances, Japanese officials say there's no plan for Abe to meet Xi. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also be at the nuclear summit, but there's no prospect for reconciliatory talks with archrival Pakistan because its prime minister, Nawaz Sharif, canceled his Washington trip following a suicide bombing targeting Christians in Lahore that killed more than 70 people. Indian education director feared loss of job over report FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) On three different occasions starting in 2013, Charles "Monty" Roessel pulled strings to get a woman a job with the federal agency that oversees education for American Indian children, a report by a federal watchdog found. It said in one case, he asked a human resources official how he could bring her on board with the U.S. Bureau of Indian Education and had the job description changed. In the second, he asked a colleague to find the woman a job at a community school despite the principal saying he had no need for her. In the third case, he personally selected the woman as a program analyst for the agency in Washington, D.C. Turns out, the woman and Roessel were involved romantically, according to the report by the Interior Department's Office of Inspector General. Roessel was removed as director of the agency shortly after the report's public release Wednesday a move he feared once the findings were made public. FILE - This Jan. 14, 2016 file photo shows Charles "Monty" Roessel, director of the Bureau of Indian Education, during an interview at Cove Day School in Cove, Ariz. Roessel has been demoted after a report by a federal watchdog found he violated hiring practices. The report says Roessel inappropriately intervened in the hiring of a romantic interest and a close relative.(Jon Austria/The Daily Times via AP, File) MANDATORY CREDIT The Interior Department said the severity of the findings warranted immediate action. Ann Marie Bledsoe Downes, a deputy assistant secretary, took over as acting director. The Bureau of Indian Education oversees nearly 200 schools serving American Indian children in some 20 states, mostly on rural reservations. It has faced scrutiny recently for rundown classrooms and for failing to conduct regular inspections at dozens of schools, putting children at risk. Roessel was named the permanent director in late 2013 after serving as interim director for nearly two years. The Inspector General began looking into Roessel in July 2014 after an unidentified bureau official alleged Roessel abused his position to help the woman and a close relative of Roessel secure jobs. Roessel, a longtime Navajo educator, administrator and writer, did not respond to an email from The Associated Press seeking comment. He is well-known on the Navajo Nation where his family helped found the country's first tribal college. Roessel told investigators that he did not feel his selection of the program analyst was inappropriate because she was the most qualified and because he wasn't her immediate supervisor. A human resources official said he didn't feel pressured to hire the woman and didn't view it as improper either but told investigators that, in hindsight, he should have warned Roessel against it. Roessel and the woman met while she was working for the Navajo Department of Dine Education, the report said. They initially told investigators they were not involved romantically but eventually admitted to kissing, hugging and spending time together outside the workplace. The Inspector General's report also noted other consistencies in their statements regarding how the woman became aware of the jobs and in how Roessel explained the hiring of his relative. Roessel had proposed a position for an education employee who could rotate among three schools in the Navajo region. His relative was selected as the top candidate, but the position was canceled after two of the schools said they couldn't afford to chip in for the salary. The job was re-advertised after Roessel and his staff decided to use grant funding from the U.S. Department of Education for the pay, according to the report. Obama finds common cause on NKorea with China and allies WASHINGTON (AP) In the face of mounting threats from North Korea, President Barack Obama on Thursday urged closer security ties among its chief allies in Asia and increased cooperation with strategic rival China to discourage Pyongyang from further advances in nuclear weapons. As world leaders gathered for a nuclear security summit, Obama first met with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and South Korean President Park Geun-hye. Together, they warned North Korea would face even tougher sanctions and more isolation if provokes again with nuclear and missile tests. Then Obama met Chinese President Xi Jinping and both called for North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons. China also agreed to implement in full the latest economic restrictions imposed by the U.N. Security Council against Pyongyang. President Barack Obama listens at left as Chinese President Xi Jinping speaks during their meeting at the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, Thursday, March 31, 2016. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) More than 50 governments and international organizations are attending the two-day summit on preventing nuclear terrorism the last in a series of global meetings Obama has championed on the issue. The risk posed by the Islamic State group tops this year's agenda but concerns about North Korea are also commanding focus. "Of great importance to both of us is North Korea's pursuit of nuclear weapons, which threatens the security and stability of the region. President Xi and I are both committed to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," Obama said at the start of his meeting with Xi. "China and the U.S. have a responsibility to work together," Xi said in his comments made to reporters through an interpreter. As for their "disputes and disagreements," the Chinese leader said the two sides could "seek active solutions through dialogue and consultation." North Korea's fourth nuclear test in January, followed by a space a launch in February, have heralded more convergence among often-fractious powers in East Asia at least on the need to press the government of Kim Jong Un toward disarming. Japan and South Korea have persuasive reasons to get along. They both host U.S. forces and are both in range of North Korean missiles. But their relations have been plagued by historical differences that date back to Japan's colonial occupation of Korea in the first half of the 20th century and its military's use of sex slaves during World War II. But those tensions have eased some. Abe said North Korea nuclear and missile capability is a "direct and grave threat" to them all. "Should it choose to undertake yet another provocation, it is certain to find itself facing even tougher sanctions and isolation," Park said of Pyongyang. Young leader Kim Jong Un has also alienated the North's traditional benefactor and main trading partner, China. The U.S. has long urged Beijing to take a more forceful role in pressing North Korea, and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zheng Zeguang said after the Obama-Xi meeting that the two sides agreed the new U.N. resolution "should be implemented in full and in its entirety." The U.S. and China also released joint statements vowing robust collaboration to improve nuclear security and to implement a global climate change deal, and reported progress on the issue of cyber security. But they were at stark odds in other areas. According to Zheng, Xi told Obama that China was "firmly opposed" to the U.S. deploying a new missile defense system in South Korea, saying it was against China's national security interests and would the effect the strategic balance in the region. The U.S. and Seoul are considering that deployment to counter the threat from the North. China contends the system would also give the U.S. radar coverage over Chinese territory. Russia opposes it as well. Washington has also opposed China's move to build artificial islands and military facilities in the disputed South China Sea. Japan and South Korea are similiarly concerned about China's military build-up and assertive actions in the region's disputed waters. Tensions appear set to intensify with an upcoming ruling from an international tribunal that could challenge the legal basis of some of Beijing's sweeping territorial claims. The U.S. has supported the right of its ally, the Philippines, to submit the case and says the ruling should be binding on both parties, although China has boycotted the proceedings and says it will ignore it. Xi told Obama that the South China Sea islands claimed by several other Asian governments have been China's territory since ancient times and it has the right to defend its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights, Zhang said. Obama also met Thursday with French President Francois Hollande, amid steep concerns about terrorism in Europe following Islamic State-linked attacks in Paris and Brussels. The nuclear security summit continues on Friday with a special session focused on preventing IS and other extremists from obtaining nuclear materials and attacking urban areas. On Thursday, the U.S. said a strengthened nuclear security agreement among nations was finally set to take force following ratification by a critical mass of countries. The stricter rules include new criminal penalties for smuggling nuclear material and expanded requirements for securing materials and nuclear facilities worldwide, and are intended to reduce the likelihood of terrorists getting their hands on ingredients for a bomb. The United States says it's making progress in reducing its stockpiles of highly enriched uranium. The White House says it's declassifying and publicly releasing a national inventory of highly enriched uranium for the first time since 1996. As of late 2013, the U.S. had 586 metric tons of highly enriched uranium. That's a drop from the 741 metric tons the U.S. had in 1996. Fissile materials like highly enriched uranium and separated plutonium can be used to make nuclear bombs. ___ Associated Press writers Kevin Freking and Darlene Superville contributed to this report. President Barack Obama meets with South Korean President Park Geun-hye, left, and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, Thursday, March 31, 2016. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) FILE - In this Oct. 10, 2015, file photo, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un salutes at a parade in Pyongyang, North Korea. President Barack Obama will be meeting with Asian leaders in Washington this week as fears grow that long-smoldering tensions on the Korean Peninsula and in the South China Sea risk flaring into conflict. But other pressing security issues will be up for discussion on the sidelines of the two-day gathering that starts Thursday, March 31, 2016. (AP Photo/Wong Maye-E, File) Nobel literature laureate Imre Kertesz dies at 86 BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) Imre Kertesz, the Hungarian writer who won the 2002 Nobel Prize for Literature for a body of fiction largely drawn from his experience as a teenage prisoner in Nazi concentration camps, died Thursday. He was 86. Book publishing firm Magveto Kiado said Kertesz died at 4 a.m. at his Budapest home after a long illness. Hungarian President Janos Ader said Kertesz's life was a "gift" to all those who loved, knew, read and understood him. FILE - This Nov. 18, 2005 file photo shows Hungarian writer Imre Kertesz during a literary conference in the Palace of Arts in Budapest, Hungary. Kertesz, who won the 2002 Nobel Prize for Literature for fiction largely drawn from his very real experience as a teenage prisoner in Nazi concentration camps, has died Thursday, March 31, 2016. He was 86. (Mate Nandorfi/MTI via AP, file) "Like no one else, he saw so sharply and made others see so exactly the nature of dictatorships, 'the age of irrationality,'" Ader said in a letter to the writer's family. "He knew that the lack of external freedom can be endured only with the freedom of spirit. "He taught us that we should not forget anything about our past because it all belongs to our common fate, our common fatelessness," Ader said. Prime Minister Viktor Orban praised Kertesz's "timeless" literary oeuvre. "With his world-famous writing, he showed that man's will to live and desire for freedom cannot be defeated by any tyranny," Orban said. Tribute was also paid to Kertesz in Germany, where he lived for a long time before returning to Hungary a few years ago. "Through his work, Imre Kertesz brought a new tone to the remembrance of the darkest years of our history," said Germany's culture minister, Monika Gruetters. "As a witness, he wrote with great literary mastery of his harrowing experiences at the concentration camp. His books ... are his legacy and will remain unforgotten and haunting history books for future generations." In a statement, Gruetters noted "the esteem that he showed for Germans despite his bitter experiences," which she said found "noble expression" in his decision to entrust his archive to the Academy of Arts in Berlin. Born in Budapest on Nov. 9, 1929, Kertesz, was 14 when he was deported to the Auschwitz concentration camp in German-occupied Poland in June 1944. He later was transferred to the Buchenwald camp from where he was liberated in 1945. "As a child you have a certain trust in life. But when something like Auschwitz happens, everything falls apart," he once said. Yet Kertesz made a startling confession that he experienced "my most radical moments of happiness" at Auschwitz. "You cannot imagine what it's like to be allowed to lie in the camp's hospital, or to have a 10-minute break from indescribable labor," he told Newsweek magazine in a 2002 interview. "To be very close to death is also a kind of happiness. Just surviving becomes the greatest freedom of all." After returning to his native Budapest, Kertesz eked out a living as a journalist and translator. Distrusted by the communist authorities who ruled Hungary after World War II, he spent his time translating into Hungarian the works of Friedrich Nietzsche, Sigmund Freud, Ludwig Wittgenstein and Elias Canetti in a small apartment overlooking the Danube River. Influenced by the existentialist novels of Albert Camus and Jean-Paul Sartre, Kertesz was fascinated by the fate of the individual in an often totalitarian environment, where others decided his destiny. "I am a non-believing Jew," Kertesz once said in an interview. "Yet as a Jew I was taken to Auschwitz. I belong to those Jews whom Auschwitz turned into Jews." "Fateless," the novel that together with other works brought him the 2002 Nobel, finally appeared in 1975 after a decade-long struggle to have it published. It was largely ignored, both by the communist authorities and the public, in a country where awareness of the Holocaust remained negligible, despite the murder of around 500,000 Hungarian Jews by the Nazis and their Hungarian henchmen. According to Kertesz, the quasi-taboo status suffered by "Fateless" for so long may have been because the book also reflected Hungary's totalitarian communist system. "I wrote 'Fateless' about the Kadar regime," Kertesz said in an interview with the Hungarian weekly Elet es Irodalom, referring to communist dictator Janos Kadar, who ruled Hungary until shortly before the democratic changes of 1990. "Whoever lived in the Hungary of the 1970s had to notice immediately that the author (of "Fateless") knew the present and despised it," Kertesz said. To Kertesz, the process of adaptaing to the Holocaust described in his book could as well be applied to what happened to people in Hungary after the failed anti-communist revolution of 1956. In its citation for the Nobel Prize, the Swedish Academy also recognized this element of Kertesz's writing. "Kertesz's message is that to live is to conform," the academy said. "Individual experience seems useless as soon as it is considered in the light of the needs and interests of the human collective." Others said Kertesz's work could be seen as a study of all repressive regimes. "Kertesz's significance was that in some sense he formulated the essence of totalitarianism," said Gabor T. Szanto, a writer and editor of Szombat, a Jewish cultural magazine. Numerous other novels, continuing the themes of the Holocaust, dictatorship and personal freedom, appeared throughout the 1980s and 1990s, winning Kertesz professional respect but not a wider audience. That changed when he won the Nobel, which suddenly propelled him to domestic and international fame. His infrequent personal appearances in Hungary in wake of the Nobel Prize were a massive success, with hundreds of people standing in line for hours to get his autograph on their copies of his books. In his Nobel acceptance speech, Kertesz claimed with typical self-irony that he wrote only for himself. "I didn't have an audience and didn't want to influence anyone," he said. In literary circles, he was regarded as a jovial companion, with a harsh, no-nonsense critical eye. A typical gesture was his refusal to support a statue being raised in his honor alongside that of other Hungarian Nobel winners. Still, Kertesz's Nobel victory, making him the first Hungarian to win the literature prize, caused great resentment among some Hungarians who would have preferred that a non-Jewish countryman get the honor instead. "Fateless," however, was later incorporated into Hungary's high school curriculum and Kertesz was awarded several state honors. Kertesz described "Liquidation," published in 2003, as his "last novel about the Holocaust." Set during Hungary's transition from communism to democracy in 1989, he said it was about "people who did not experience the Holocaust directly the second generation, who still have to deal with the Holocaust." Among his other books were "Fiasco" (1988) and "Kaddish for a Child Not Born" (1990) which formed a trilogy with "Fateless" "Someone Else" (1997), "The K File" (2006), an autobiographical novel, and "Europe's Depressing Heritage" (2008). Magveto Kiado said that during the last months of his life, even while ill, Kertesz helped prepare "The Viewer," a selection of his diary entries between 1991 and 2001 which was published this month in Hungary. A film version of "Fateless," directed by Lajos Koltai and for which Kertesz wrote the screenplay, premiered in Hungary in 2005. He is survived by his second wife, Magda. ___ Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed to this report. FILE - In this May 10, 2007 file photo Hungarian writer Imre Kertesz speaks during the opening of the Book Basel fair in Basel, Switzerland. Kertesz, who won the 2002 Nobel Prize for Literature for fiction largely drawn from his very real experience as a teenage prisoner in Nazi concentration camps, has died Thursday, March 31, 2016. He was 86. (Georgios Kefalas/Keystone via AP, file) Italian nurse arrested on suspicion of killing patients MILAN (AP) Italian police said Thursday that they have arrested a nurse on suspicion of killing 13 patients, mostly in their 80s, who underwent surgery in a state-run hospital in Tuscany. Most of the patients suffered severe hemorrhaging during the procedures and investigators later determined that each had a level of anticoagulant in their bloodstreams up to 10 times the recommended dose, investigators told a news conference. None of the patients was terminal at the time of the surgeries, which included a routine operation for a broken femur, they said. A special health division of the Carabinieri state police launched the investigation last June after noting statistical anomalies in the anesthesia and reanimation department of the state-run hospital in Piombino, a coastal city 70 kilometers (43 miles) southwest of Florence. The deaths occurred from January 2014 through mid-2015, with the patients ranging from their 60s to 80s. The 55-year-old nurse, the only person present for all of the surgeries, was transferred to another department when the investigation was launched, authorities said. She was arrested Wednesday evening at her home in Pisa. Authorities said they had no motive, but that the nurse had previously been treated for depression. She had worked for about 20 years in the department. Ex-judge fined $5,000 for ordering defendant shocked GREENBELT, Md. (AP) A former Maryland judge who ordered a defendant to be physically shocked in his courtroom was sentenced Thursday to participate in anger-management classes and pay a $5,000 fine. Robert C. Nalley of La Plata, Maryland, will also have to spend a year on probation. Nalley, 72, pleaded guilty earlier this year to a civil rights violation for ordering a deputy to activate a "stun-cuff" that a defendant appearing before him was wearing around his ankle. The defendant, who was acting as his own lawyer, was before Nalley in July 2014 for jury selection and had failed to listen to Nalley's orders to stop speaking. After he was shocked, the defendant fell to the ground screaming. A video of the exchange without sound and separate audio was played in court Thursday. Prosecutor Kristi O'Malley noted that the defendant didn't raise his voice or yell during the exchange and even called the judge "sir." Saamir Jhaled Khaleel Kingaliis seen outside court in Greenbelt, Md., Thursday, March 31, 2016. A former Maryland judge who ordered Kingaliis to be physically shocked in his courtroom was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine and participate in anger management classes. (AP Photo/Jessica Gresko) She said Nalley "very quickly grew impatient" and that his use of the stun-cuff was "highly disproportionate" for "nothing more than verbal interruptions." "Our constitution does not allow a violation of rights based on annoyance," she said. Nalley acknowledged as part of a plea deal "that the use of the stun cuff was objectively unreasonable under the circumstances," and both prosecutors and Nalley's lawyer agreed to recommend a sentence of one year on probation. "To say that I'm chagrinned to be standing here is an understatement," Nalley said in a brief statement in federal court in Greenbelt on Thursday. Nalley, who was a judge in Charles County from 1988 to September 2014, did not apologize in court but did say he had made an "error in judgment." Nalley's ability to hear cases was rescinded several months after the incident. Judge William Connelly, who oversaw Nalley's case, said in court that a year of probation was an appropriate sentence in part because of Nalley's age and the fact he can no longer hear cases. Also in court Thursday was the defendant Nalley ordered shocked, Saamir Jhaled Khaleel Kingali, who at the time he was before Nalley was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm. Kingali, 27, who is also referred to in court records as Delvon King, called Nalley's actions "torture" and a "very dehumanizing experience" and walked out of the courtroom before Nalley was sentenced. "There was no justice here today," he said after the hearing, adding that he doesn't believe Nalley is sorry for his actions. The stun-cuff administered an electric shock for about five seconds. Kingali said the shock had impacted his ability to act as his own lawyer when his trial resumed. Nalley's lawyer, Robert Bonsib, noted in a court filing ahead of Thursday's hearing that Kingali had a history of disruptive courtroom behavior, including previously running out of the courthouse. He said Nalley had been warned of Kingali's disruptive behavior already on the day of the incident. And before Nalley ordered Kingali to stop speaking the two had also struggled over the name Kingali should be called in court. Bonsib also said Nalley had never been trained on the use of the stun-cuff. This is not the first time Nalley has been a defendant. In 2010, he pleaded guilty to tampering with a vehicle after he deflated the tire of a cleaning woman's car that was parked in a restricted zone at the courthouse. As a result, he was fined, had to write a letter of apology and was suspended for five days without pay. ___ Follow Jessica Gresko on Twitter at twitter.com/jessicagresko. Her work can be found at http://bigstory.ap.org/content/jessica-gresko Cypriot ex-wife says Egyptian hijacker 'abusive, dangerous' NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) The Cypriot ex-wife of an Egyptian man who hijacked a domestic EgyptAir flight and forced it land in Cyprus, threatening to blow it up with a fake suicide belt, said her former husband is an "extremely dangerous man" who used drugs, terrorized his family and beat her and their children. Marina Paraschou strongly rejected some media reports that suggested 59-year-old Seif Eddin Mustafa hijacked the Airbus A320 with 72 passengers and crew onboard as a desperate man who acted out of love and had wanted to see her and his children. Cypriot police confirmed to The Associated Press on Thursday that Mustafa's name was on a stop list and had been since his deportation from the Mediterranean island nation in 1990. EgyptAir plane hijacking suspect Seif Eddin Mustafa flashes the victory sign as he leaves a court in a police car after a remand hearing as authorities investigate him on charges including hijacking, illegal possession of explosives and abduction in the Cypriot coastal town of Larnaca Wednesday, March 30, 2016. Mustafa described as "psychologically unstable" hijacked a flight Tuesday from Egypt to Cyprus and threatened to blow it up. His explosives turned out to be fake, and he surrendered with all passengers released unharmed after a bizarre six-hour standoff. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias) In an interview published Thursday in leading Cypriot daily Phileleftheros, Paraschou said it's a "lie" that Mustafa asked to speak to her and that police who brought her to Cyprus' main Larnaca airport where the plane was diverted only asked her to identify his voice. Meanwhile, in Egypt, Mustafa's 57-year old sister gave a different account, saying his brother's life was focused on how to get to see his children and that his only offenses were related to forging documents so he could travel to see them. "For 24 years, my brother wasted his life in prison and attempts to travel and see his children," Fekriya Mustafa told the AP. She said he phoned her from the plane twice and told her that he had hijacked the aircraft but she believed he was joking until she saw his picture on TV news. She last saw him a week ago but had no clue what he would do. "I had no idea this will happen," she said. "He was depressed because of the children. He has no work, no life, nothing." The sister said he had no violent past but that he had beaten his children to "discipline them." She made no mention of him beating up his wife. Egyptian authorities had repeatedly arrested Mustafa for forging personal documents. He escaped from prison in a massive jailbreak during the 2011 uprising against then-President Hosni Mubarak. He later returned to prison to serve the rest of his term and he was last released in 2015. The urge to go to Cyprus was just too great, the sister said. "I do apologize to our president, our embassy in Cyprus and to my country for whatever harm my brother unintentionally caused," she said. Cypriot officials, who described Mustafa as "psychologically unstable," said he had asked police negotiators during Tuesday's hijacking to deliver a letter to Paraschou in which he demanded the release of 63 dissident women imprisoned in Egypt. The six-hour ordeal ended peacefully when police arrested Mustafa after all passengers and crew were released. During a court hearing Wednesday, a police prosecutor said Mustafa told authorities after his arrest, "What's someone supposed to do when he hasn't seen his wife and children in 24 years and the Egyptian government won't let him?" But Paraschou suggested in the interview that it was all a ruse. "This man never cared for his children for one minute, either when he lived here or when he went away," Paraschou is quoted as saying. "He only offered pain, misery and terror. And even now when he's in police custody, my children and I are afraid." Cypriot police said Mustafa had not asked to be represented by a lawyer. In a separate interview with daily Politis also published Thursday, Paraschou said Mustafa used her as an "excuse" to seek asylum in Cyprus. Paraschou told Phileleftheros she married Mustafa in 1985 when she was 20. The couple divorced five years later and since then had only once made contact when she called him several years later to say that their teenage daughter one of four children the couple had together had been killed in a car accident. "What do I care? It doesn't matter she was killed," Paraschou said Mustafa had told her. She said while married, the couple lived in her parents' home and that Mustafa never held down a job, beating his children when he couldn't support his drug habit. Paraschou said Mustafa was a "fanatical" Palestine Liberation Organization supporter who bragged about participating in the killing of three Israeli soldiers and was jailed for four years in Syria. She said Mustafa's tattoos and some "items" she didn't identify betrayed Mustafa's "connections with dark things." Egypt's interior ministry said Mustafa had a long criminal record but had finished serving a one-year prison term in March 2015. Cyprus police told the AP that Mustafa's criminal record on the island stretched back to 1988, when he was convicted on six counts of forging passports and handed a suspended sentence. He was later deported to Egypt following domestic violence charges by Paraschou. He re-entered Cyprus on an assumed Qatari identity, but was tracked down and again deported to Egypt in 1990. ___ South Africa's top court rules against president in scandal JOHANNESBURG (AP) For two years, South Africa's president brushed off a scandal over state spending on his private home, even when critics scoffed at the notion that a swimming pool and a chicken run were necessary security features. It took the country's highest court to bring him to account. South African President Jacob Zuma "failed to uphold" the constitution when he didn't pay back some of the more than $20 million in state funds used to upgrade his rural home, South Africa's Constitutional Court ruled unanimously on Thursday. The ruling could significantly weaken the leader, who is fending off multiple accusations of alleged misconduct at the highest levels of government, though he still retained the support of powerful factions in his party, the African National Congress. Opposition party members celebrate the outcome of the Constitutional Court in Johannesburg Thursday, March 31, 2016. The court ruled that President Jacob Zuma "failed to uphold" the law when he did not pay back some state funds used to upgrade his personal residence. (Felix Dlangamandla/Pool Photo via AP) Until now, Zuma's political career has survived a string of scandals from his acquittal for rape in 2006 to the most recent allegation that his friends have the freedom to appoint cabinet ministers. Still, he has enjoyed the public support of the African National Congress, with the party's lawmakers repeatedly coming to his defense in parliament and at political rallies. The main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance, said it would immediately begin impeachment proceedings against Zuma. The second largest opposition party, the Economic Freedom Fighters, called on South Africans to protest if parliament failed to remove the president. While parliament has the power to remove him, the ANC holds most of the seats, and ruling party lawmakers defeated a no-confidence vote against Zuma earlier this year. With 248 of the 400 seats in South Africa's parliament, according to the country's Independent Electoral Commission, the ANC's parliamentary majority is more than all the opposition parties' combined, meaning another vote against Zuma is unlikely to succeed. Constitutional Court Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng also said that parliament had failed in its obligations by not holding Zuma to account in the spending scandal. Mogoeng said Zuma should not have ignored a state watchdog's recommendations that he reimburse state funds spent on his rural home, known as Nkandla. The national treasury must calculate costs of upgrades unrelated to security at Zuma's home within 60 days, and the president must repay that amount within 45 days thereafter, the court said. The police minister had previously compiled a report arguing that features like a large swimming pool and a chicken run contributed to the security of Zuma's compound. The police minister's presentation even included a video of firefighters displaying how the large swimming pool could be utilized in the event of an emergency. Zuma "failed to uphold, defend, and respect the constitution as the supreme law of the land," Mogoeng said. In a statement, the ANC said it respects the judgment by the Constitutional Court and that it has "full confidence in the judiciary" and the rule of law in South Africa. In a separate statement, the South African government said Zuma also respects the ruling and "will in consultation with other impacted institutions of state determine the appropriate action." Zuma is already under scrutiny because of allegedly improper links to the Guptas, a wealthy business family in South Africa. Questions about the extent of the Gupta's influence have exposed some divisions within the ruling party, particularly after the country's deputy finance minister said the Gupta family directly offered him the finance minister job in December, around the time that the incumbent, Nhlanhla Nene, was sacked in a move that rattled markets. Much of the Nkandla case hinged on whether the findings of the state watchdog, the Public Protector's office, were legally binding. The court said the watchdog's office, established in line with South Africa's post-apartheid constitution, was designed to be a champion of good governance. "The Public Protector is thus one of the most invaluable constitutional gifts to our nation in the fight against corruption," Mogoeng said, comparing the office to David fighting on behalf of the citizenry against the "most powerful and very well resourced Goliath." The Constitutional Court also ruled that the president must reprimand ministers involved in the matter. In 2014, a parliamentary committee, boycotted by opposition party lawmakers, had cleared the president. --- Follow Lynsey Chutel on Twitter at www.twitter.com/lynseychutel . FILE - In this file photo taken Thursday, Feb 11, 2016 President Jacob Zuma, arrives at Parliament in Cape Town, South Africa, for the State Of The Nation address. South Africa's Constitutional Court ruled Thursday, March 31, 2016 that President Jacob Zuma "failed to uphold" the law when he did not pay back some state funds used to upgrade his personal residence. (AP Photo/Mike Hutchings, Pool, File) Official opposition Democratic Alliance party members, Mmusi Maimane, leader, left, and Glynnis Breytenbach, celebrate the outcome of the Constitutional Court in Johannesburg Thursday, March 31, 2016. The court ruled that President Jacob Zuma "failed to uphold" the law when he did not pay back some state funds used to upgrade his personal residence. (Felix Dlangamandla/Pool Photo via AP) Mmusi Maimane, leader of the Official opposition Democratic Alliance party, addresses journalist outside the Constitutional Court in Johannesburg, South Africa, Thursday, March 31, 2016. The court ruled that President Jacob Zuma "failed to uphold" the law when he did not pay back some state funds used to upgrade his personal residence. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) Mmusi Maimane, leader of the Official opposition Democratic Alliance party, addresses journalist outside the Constitutional Court in Johannesburg, South Africa, Thursday, March 31, 2016. The court ruled that President Jacob Zuma "failed to uphold" the law when he did not pay back some state funds used to upgrade his personal residence. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) Mmusi Maimane, leader of the Official opposition Democratic Alliance party, addresses journalist outside the Constitutional Court in Johannesburg, South Africa, Thursday, March 31, 2016. The court ruled that President Jacob Zuma "failed to uphold" the law when he did not pay back some state funds used to upgrade his personal residence. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) Musi Maimane, leader of the official opposition Democratic Alliance party, addresses journalist outside the Constitutional Court in Johannesburg, South Africa, Thursday, March 31, 2016. The court ruled that President Jacob Zuma "failed to uphold" the law when he did not pay back some state funds used to upgrade his personal residence. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) Lebanon's military receives 3 helicopters from the US BEIRUT (AP) The United States and Great Britain expressed strong support for Lebanon's army on Thursday, delivering three military helicopters and providing training for its armed forces to help the country's troops battle extremists near the border with Syria. The delivery by Washington of three Huey II helicopters raises to 10 the number of this type of U.S.-made aircraft in Lebanon's fleet. U.S. charge d'affaires and interim ambassador, Richard H. Jones, said during a ceremony in the Lebanese capital of Beirut that the $26 million helicopters "demonstrate America's continued commitment to support" the army's modernization plans. A Lebanese army pilot stands in front of a military Huey II helicopter during a ceremony at the Rafik Hariri International Airport in Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday, March 31, 2016. The United states has given Lebanon three military Huey II helicopters to help the countrys armed forces in their battle against extremists near the border with Syria. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein) Washington has been a major supporter of Lebanon's army, which is fighting the Islamic State group and al-Qaida's Syrian branch in border areas. Lebanon's deputy chief of staff, Gen. Manuel Kerjian, said U.S. military aid to Lebanon is boosting the level of combat preparedness "and consequently its capability to confront terrorist organizations." The delivery coincided with a visit to Lebanon by British Foreign Minister Philip Hammond, who said Lebanon is an important part of the frontline against terrorism and pledged continued support. "We are delighted by the way that the U.K. support has being translated by the Lebanese armed forces in strengthening border security and enabling the armed forces to take the fight to Daesh and keep Lebanon safe," Hammond said after meeting with the Lebanese premier, Tammam Salam. Daesh is the Arabic language acronym for the Islamic State group. Hammond later announced in Beirut further assistance in the level of 19.8 million British pounds ($28.5 million), to allow Britain to continue "the monitoring and training and mentoring of the armed forces, including the land border regiments and train another 5,000 more Lebanese soldiers at the British sponsored-facility" in northern Lebanon. "Our aim is for Lebanon to have secured a 100 percent of its border with Syria," Hammond said, adding that Britain has trained over 11,000 Lebanese soldiers "in the specialist techniques of urban counterterrorism." Britain has been assisting the Lebanese army to equip, train and mentor border regiments since 2012, he added. The badly needed assistance comes as Saudi Arabia last month announced it was halting deals worth $4 billion aimed at equipping and supporting Lebanese security forces, in retaliation for the tiny country's siding with Iran amid the Sunni kingdom's spat with the Shiite powerhouse. Lebanese army pilots inspect a military Huey II helicopter during a ceremony at the Rafik Hariri International Airport in Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday, March 31, 2016. The United states has given Lebanon three military Huey II helicopters to help the countrys armed forces in their battle against extremists near the border with Syria. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein) Lebanese army soldiers stand with three military Huey II helicopters during a ceremony at the Rafik Hariri International Airport in Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday, March 31, 2016. The United states has given Lebanon three military Huey II helicopters to help the countrys armed forces in their battle against extremists near the border with Syria. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein) U.S. Charge dAffaires and interim Ambassador Richard H. Jones, center, gestures to journalists as he sitting inside a helicopter while Lebanons deputy Chief of Staff Gen. Manuel Kerjian, right, stands next to him during a ceremony at the Rafik Hariri International Airport in Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday, March 31, 2016. The United states has given Lebanon three military Huey II helicopters to help the countrys armed forces in their battle against extremists near the border with Syria. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein) U.S. Charge dAffaires and interim Ambassador Richard H. Jones speaks in front of a military Huey II helicopter during a ceremony at the Rafik Hariri International Airport in Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday, March 31, 2016. The United states has given Lebanon three military Huey II helicopters to help the countrys armed forces in their battle against extremists near the border with Syria. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein) U.S. Charge dAffaires and interim Ambassador Richard H. Jones speaks to journalists during a ceremony at the Rafik Hariri International Airport in Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday, March 31, 2016. The United states has given Lebanon three military Huey II helicopters to help the countrys armed forces in their battle against extremists near the border with Syria. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein) Lebanese army soldiers trained by British instructors under a UK funded program stand to receive the British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond who attended their anti-terrorism drill at their base, in Hamat Lebanese army air base, 65 kilometers (40 miles) north of Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday, March 31, 2016. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla) British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond, right, listens to a Lebanese special forces officer, left, as he attends a drill for Lebanese army soldiers who trained by British instructors under a UK funded program, in Hamat Lebanese army air base, 65 kilometers (40 miles) north of Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday, March 31, 2016. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla) Lebanese army soldiers trained by British instructors under a UK funded program, act as injured soldiers as they take part in an anti-terrorism drill at their base, during the visit of British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond, in Hamat Lebanese army air base, 65 kilometers (40 miles) north of Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday, March 31, 2016. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla) Lebanese army soldiers trained by British instructors under a UK funded program, take part in an anti-terrorism drill at their base, during the visits of British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond, in Hamat Lebanese army air base, 65 kilometers (40 miles) north of Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday, March 31, 2016. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla) British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond, right, speaks during a joint press conference with his Lebanese counterpart Gibran Bassil, left, at the Lebanese foreign ministry in Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday, March 31, 2016. Hammond said Lebanon is an important part of the frontline against terrorism and pledged continued support for the country's armed forces. He also said that there should be a transitional government in Syria that represents all sects and ethnic groups in the country in which it will not be led by President Bashar Assad in the future. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein) Lebanese army soldiers trained by British instructors under a UK funded program, take part in an anti-terrorism drill at their base, during the visits of British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond, in Hamat Lebanese army air base, 65 kilometers (40 miles) north of Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday, March 31, 2016. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla) 10 Things to Know for Friday - 1 April 2016 Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about Friday: 1. IMPORTANT TEST FOR TRUMP IN WISCONSIN A big loss in next week's state primary would greatly reduce his chances of securing the delegates he needs to clinch the GOP nomination before next July's national convention. FILE - In this July 1, 2014, file photo, United States' head coach Juergen Klinsmann reacts during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Belgium and the USA at the Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador, Brazil. Five players from the World Cup-winning U.S. national team have accused the U.S. Soccer Federation of wage discrimination in an action filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Alex Morgan, Carli Lloyd, Megan Rapinoe, Becky Sauerbrunn and Hope Solo maintain in the EEOC filing they were paid nearly four times less than their male counterparts on the U.S. men's national team. The filing was announced Thursday in a statement from the law firm representing the players. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, File) 2. WORLD LEADERS GATHER AT NUCLEAR SUMMIT The conference in Washington during its first day produces a pledge by the U.S. and China to cooperate to confront the North Korean nuclear threat. 3. WHICH SPORTS STARS ARE DEMANDING EQUAL PAY Carli Lloyd and four of her teammates on the World Cup-winning U.S. women's soccer team allege in a wage discrimination complaint that they are paid far less than members of the U.S. men's team. 4. EUROPE'S FAR RIGHT GETS BOOST Bloody attacks by Islamic extremists like the one in Brussels last week "are fuel to the fire of every radical right-wing party," one expert says. 5. WHERE MINIMUM WAGE IS RISING SHARPLY California Gov. Jerry Brown says he'll sign a bill upping by 2022 the statewide minimum wage to $15 an hour, highest in the nation. 6. INVESTIGATORS TARGET WRONGDOING IN OIL INDUSTRY The "vast corruption scandal" allegedly involves millions of dollars in bribes paid by well-known multinational companies to secure contracts. 7. VETERAN MIAMI OFFICER TAKING OVER AS POLICE CHIEF IN FERGUSON, MISSOURI With the hiring of Delrish Moss, the new city manager, municipal judge and police chief are all black men in a heavily minority city whose leadership had been mostly white. 8. GUNFIRE SPREADS PANIC AT BUS STATION IN RICHMOND, VA. A gunman badly wounds a trooper at the busy terminal in the state capital before he's shot dead by two other troopers. 9. HALF OF COMEDY'S 'TWO RONNIES' DIES AT 85 Ronnie Corbett teamed with Ronnie Barker, who died in 2005, for the beloved comedy show that was a staple of British TV for more than 40 years. 10. WHY IT'S VALENTINE'S DAY Denzel Valentine of Michigan State is named the AP's Player of the Year, edging Oklahoma's Buddy Hield in a close vote. FILE - This is a Feb. 16, 2012 file photo of of British comedian Ronnie Corbett after he received his Commander of the British Empire (CBE), at Buckingham Palace in London. British comedian Ronnie Corbett, half of much-loved duo The Two Ronnies, has died at the age of 85. Corbetts publicist says he passed away Thursday March 31, 2016 surrounded by his family. The cause of death was not disclosed. Edinburgh-born Corbett came to prominence on the satirical 1960s TV show "The Frost Report." In 1971 he teamed up with Ronnie Barker for a sketch show, The Two Ronnies. It ran for a dozen series over 16 years and at its peak had 17 million viewers. (Rebecca Naden/PA via AP) UNITED KINGDOM OUT ID network doing docu-series based on Ohio case NEW YORK (AP) Conscious of the success of long-form crime mysteries like "Serial" on NPR and HBO's "The Jinx," the Investigation Discovery network says it will air its first-ever serialized drama later this spring. The six-part docu-series, "The Vanishing Women," will focus on six women who have gone missing or have been found dead in Chillicothe, Ohio, over the past few years. It will debut June 6, ID announced Thursday. ID's focus on crime and mystery stories made the network a nearly instant success upon its launch in 2008, particularly among older women. Lately the HBO and NPR projects, as well as Netflix's "Making a Murderer," have attracted followers to the genre with innovative storytelling techniques. FILE - In this June 24, 2015, file photo, Yvonne Boggs holds a flier seeking information on her daughter, Charlotte Trego, who has been missing for more than a year, in Chillicothe, Ohio. The Investigation Discovery network says it will air its first-ever serialized drama later this spring. The six-part docu-series, "The Vanishing Women," will focus on six women who have gone missing or been found dead in Chillicothe, Ohio, over the past few years. Missing women Trego and Wanda Lemons haven't been seen by loved ones since 2014. It will debut June 6, ID announced on Thursday, March 31, 2016. (AP Photo/Andrew Welsh-Huggins, File) "All of this has shone a klieg light on the world of mystery and suspense and true stories and crime," said Henry Schleiff, network president. "There's never been a better time to be a leader of this business." ID shows are traditionally closed-ended the mysteries are solved at the end so "The Vanishing Women" will be something new. "We don't know where the story ends," he said. The six women died or went missing in the city of about 22,000 people an hour south of Columbus, where heroin use has been a problem. Some residents have worried about a serial killer, although police suggest the women's troubled histories played a role in their fates. The two missing women Charlotte Trego and Wanda Lemons haven't been seen by loved ones since 2014. Schleiff said he hoped the attention created by the series helps to solve their cases. ID has teamed with the families and law enforcement to bring the individual stories to life. Katt Williams released from jail after fight with teen GAINESVILLE, Ga. (AP) Authorities say comedian and actor Katt Williams has been released from a Georgia jail. Hall County sheriff's Deputy Nicole Bailes says Williams was released from the Hall County jail Thursday. Police say the 44-year-old Williams and 17-year-old Luke Wash are charged with disorderly conduct after a fight between them at a Gainesville apartment complex. Wash is charged as an adult. Williams' attorney Drew Findling says Williams was granted a $500 bond after his arrest on Wednesday. FILE - In this April 11, 2013 file photo, Katt Williams, a cast member in "Scary Movie V," poses at the Los Angeles premiere of the film at the Cinerama Dome, in Los Angeles. Williams and a teenager have each been charged with disorderly conduct after fighting each other at an apartment complex, police in metro Atlanta said Monday, March 28, 2016. Williams, 44, and Luke Wash, 17, were both charged in connection with the fight last week, Gainesville Police Sgt. Kevin Holbrook said Monday. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File) US applications for jobless aid rise, but still near lows WASHINGTON (AP) More Americans sought unemployment benefits last week, but applications still stayed near historic lows that point to a stable job market. THE NUMBERS: Applications for jobless aid rose 11,000 to a seasonally adjusted 276,000, the Labor Department said Thursday. The less-volatile four-week average rose 3,500 to 263,250. The number of people receiving unemployment checks has fallen 6.3 percent over the past year to 2.17 million. Weekly claims have now been below 300,000 for 55 straight weeks, the longest streak since 1973. THE TAKEAWAY: Employers are confident that the U.S. economy will continue to grow, after global pressures and an uneven stock market stirred concerns at the start of the year. Applications are a proxy for layoffs, so the steady lows indicate that businesses are still looking to hire. In this Thursday, March 3, 2016, photo, Georgia Department of Labor services specialist Louis Holliday, left, helps a woman with a job search at an unemployment office in Atlanta. On Thursday, March 31, 2016, the Labor Department reports on the number of people who applied for unemployment benefits a week earlier. (AP Photo/David Goldman) Weekly jobless claims have remained below the crucial threshold of 300,000 for more than a year, a level that usually corresponds with monthly gains in excess of 200,000. Economists expect that Friday's jobs report will show that employers hired roughly 200,000 workers in February as the unemployment rate held at an eight-year low of 4.9 percent. KEY DRIVERS: The U.S. economy has shown signs of durability, as financial volatility and economic weakness have rocked major trading partners such as China, Japan and parts of Europe. Consumers have largely provided the foundation for continued growth. Prior job gains have translated into more spending at restaurants and online retailers. Many Americans have also stepped up their purchases of homes and cars, which has further aided growth. Greek lawmakers get ready to OK refugee deportations ATHENS, Greece (AP) Lawmakers in Greece were ready to support legislation to deport refugees back to Turkey as clashes between migrants persisted Thursday at overcrowded detention camps. A three-hour fight broke out overnight between groups of migrants camping out in Greece's main port of Piraeus, leaving eight people injured and requiring treatment at nearby hospitals. The clashes, believed to have been between Afghan and Syrian migrants, left the area strewn with rocks and broken glass. New protests were also reported at detention camps on the Greek islands of Lesbos and Chios, from where deportations to Turkey are due to start next week. A shadow of migrants wait for food in the makeshift refugee camp at the northern Greek border point of Idomeni, Greece, Thursday, March 31, 2016. More than 50,000 migrants remain stranded in Greece following border restrictions and closures by Austria and Balkan nations. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic) More than 50,000 refugees and migrants have been stranded in Greece after Balkan countries closed their borders to the massive flow of refugees pouring into Europe. Some 11,500 remain camped out at the border with Macedonia, ignoring instructions from the government to move to organized shelters. Hundreds of those camping out in Piraeus were boarding buses Thursday for newly-created refugee camps elsewhere in Greece. Government officials described the violence as minor. "In situations where there is so much tension and people have been through an ordeal, it is not surprising to have minor incidents, which are usually resolved quickly," Giorgos Kyritsis, a spokesman for a refugee crisis committee, told private Skai television. In Athens, the government submitted draft legislation required for the landmark migration agreement reached this month by the European Union and Turkey to take full effect. The deal aims to break the smuggling rings that have brought hundreds of thousands of people from Turkey across the Aegean Sea to Greece. Due to be voted on late Friday, the bill would upgrade Greek asylum services and set conditions for refugees and migrants to be sent back to Turkey from the Greek islands. The returns are to start Monday, but most support staff promised by other EU countries have still not arrived on Greek islands, and the method of how to return the refugees is still being negotiated between the EU, Turkey and Greece. An official with knowledge of the talks told the AP that deportations were likely to start from the island of Lesbos. The official asked not to be identified pending official announcements. Turkey's prime minister said the deal with the EU will go into effect as scheduled on Monday. In a TV address on Thursday, Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said the method will not increase the number of refugees now in Turkey, because others will be sent to the EU. He also says "there will be no reason for the loss of life of people who hope and desire to cross the Aegean Sea to Europe." More than 3,000 people who have arrived in Greece since March 20 have been arrested and are being detained on Greek islands. A detention facility on the island of Chios is already nearly 50 percent over capacity, with protests by detainees occurring daily. __ Becatoros reported from Idomeni, northern Greece. Thanassis Stavrakis in Piraeus, Greece contributed. __ Follow Gatopoulos at http://www.twitter.com/dgatopoulos and Becatoros at http://twitter.com/ElenaBec Macedonian Army soldiers patrol between two-line fence, set along the border line between Macedonia and Greece, near southern Macedonian town of Gevgelija, early Thursday, March 31, 2016. More than 50,000 migrants remain stranded in Greece following border restrictions and closures by Austria and Balkan nations. (AP Photo/Boris Grdanoski) Migrants wait in line to receive tea in the makeshift refugee camp at the northern Greek border point of Idomeni, Greece, Thursday, March 31, 2016. More than 50,000 migrants remain stranded in Greece following border restrictions and closures by Austria and Balkan nations. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic) A Syrian woman with two children waits to embark a bus, transferring them to the western coastal Greek town of Kyllini, from the Athens port of Piraeus, Thursday, March 31, 2016. Hundreds of Syrian refugees began leaving the port after translators provided by the government convinced them to be transferred to camps that would provide safe and clean living conditions. More than 50,000 migrants remain stranded in Greece following border restrictions and closures by Austria and Balkan nations. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) A Syrian man puts his belongings in a bus, transferring him to the western coastal Greek town of Kyllini, from the Athens port of Piraeus, Thursday, March 31, 2016. Hundreds of Syrian refugees began leaving the port after translators provided by the government convinced them to be transferred to camps that would provide safe and clean living conditions. More than 50,000 migrants remain stranded in Greece following border restrictions and closures by Austria and Balkan nations. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) A boy plays with a small guitar as a volunteer hugs a Syrian refugee who embarks on a bus, transferring them to the western coastal Greek town of Kyllini, from the Athens port of Piraeus, on Thursday, March 31, 2016. Hundreds of Syrian refugees began leaving the port after translators provided by the government convinced them to be transferred to camps that would provide safe and clean living conditions. More than 50,000 migrants remain stranded in Greece following border restrictions and closures by Austria and Balkan nations. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) Brazilian opposition leader: Government's power is waning LISBON, Portugal (AP) The leader of Brazil's main opposition party contended Thursday that embattled President Dilma Rousseff is losing her grip on power amid a corruption scandal that is compromising her ability to pull Latin America's biggest country out of its worst recession in decades. "What we can see happening in Brazil is that the government has lost its legitimacy, the ability to run the country," said Sen. Aecio Neves, the leader of the Social Democracy Party, during a visit to Lisbon, Portugal. Impeachment proceedings over allegations that Rousseff's administration infringed fiscal rules have eroded her political support and made it hard for her to pass legislation that could improve the economy. Brazilian Senator Aecio Neves, center left, shakes hands with Brazil'z Supreme Court Justice Gilmar Mendes at a legal conference in Lisbon, Thursday, March 31 2016. Neves, the leader of the Social Democracy Party who narrowly lost to Dilma Rousseff in a 2014 presidential runoff, says the Brazilian government "has lost its legitimacy, the ability to run the country." Besides Neves and Mendes, the conference included other participants seen as opponents of Rousseff.(AP Photo/Armando Franca) Rousseff has said she did not commit any crime that would warrant her ousting, but supporters of her coalition government are deserting her. The biggest coalition partner, the Democratic Movement Party, announced Wednesday it was quitting the government. "There is no easy way out" of the crisis, said Neves, who narrowly lost to Rousseff in a 2014 presidential runoff. Vice President Michel Temer is first in line to assume the presidency in case of impeachment. Neves said his party wanted Brazil to maintain its schedule of presidential elections in 2018, insisting that Temer's interim government should be staffed by the best-qualified people, not party faithful. Neves was attending a three-day legal conference at Lisbon University's Law Faculty. The usually obscure academic event drew attention because it included other Brazilian participants seen as opponents of Rousseff. They included Supreme Court Justice Gilmar Mendes, who recently blocked former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's nomination to a Cabinet post, and Sen. Jose Serra, an ally of Neves. About 50 people, mostly Brazilians, protested outside the event against the possibility of impeachment, claiming Brazil's democracy is being hijacked by unscrupulous politicians. Army of volunteers helps restore historic Civil War cemetery CHALMETTE, La. (AP) College students on spring break joined hundreds of other volunteers at a cemetery dating to the Civil War, realigning hundreds of tilted headstones and scrubbing grime from thousands more. Some mark the graves of Union soldiers, others are from later eras. College students from Ohio and Boy Scouts from Texas were among more than 800 people who pitched in to restore graves at Chalmette National Cemetery near New Orleans. Many of the roughly 8,000 headstones were green with algae, stained with soot from nearby refineries or askew in spongy Mississippi River soil. Flooding from Hurricane Katrina in 2005 also took its toll. "We're sitting on a delta," said Ranger Kristy Wallisch, spokeswoman for Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, which includes the cemetery. "Just like our houses and other things, these headstones start to sink under their own weight, and tilt." In this March 16, 2016 photo, volunteers perform maintenance on gravestones at Chalmette National Cemetery in Chalmette, La. College students on spring break joined hundreds of other volunteers at a cemetery dating to the Civil War, realigning hundreds of tilted headstones and scrubbing grime from thousands more. (AP Photo/Janet McConnaughey) More than a century and half since the end of the deadliest conflict on American soil, custodians of many such cemeteries are still doing battle in their upkeep. This cemetery was created in 1864, when Union troops occupied New Orleans. Most of the Civil War-era soldiers died of such diseases as yellow fever, dysentery and pneumonia, said park curator Kathy Lang. "Some enlisted, say, in December and died in May from disease. That's kind of sad," she said. But New Orleans isn't unique: about two-thirds of the roughly 620,000 Civil War casualties died of disease, not wounds. The National Park Service maintains 14 national cemeteries, the Department of Veterans Affairs 134 and the Army two, including Arlington National Cemetery outside Washington, D.C. Nationwide budget cuts have not spared this cemetery. Wallisch said the Chalmette cemetery site including an adjacent tract where the Battle of New Orleans was fought in 1815 has just three or four maintenance workers compared to six or seven in the early 2000s. That's where the army of volunteers came in, including about 50 Ohio State University students seeking a different kind of spring break. The National Trust for Historical Preservation called volunteers ages 16 to 70 to take part in its 3-year-old "HOPE Crew," or Hands-On Preservation Experience. The Chalmette project began in early March and concludes Friday. "We get people to work with their hands, have a very real and visceral experience and closer connection to restoration," said project coordinator Monica Rhodes. A volunteer crew of professionals pulled headstones from the most misaligned sections of the cemetery early on. The non-pro volunteers took it from there, taking up shovels, buckets and sponges under the guidance of restoration experts. When the OSU students were there, Rusty Brenner of Texas Cemetery Restoration LLC in Dallas explained how to calculate the depth of the holes they needed and how much gravel to add before setting the headstones precisely upright. "The gravel keeps it steady," said Monet Scroggins, one student from Dayton, Ohio. "Right. And it allows drainage," Brenner said. Jason Church of the park service's National Center for Preservation Technology and Training said Chalmette's cemetery is in a more industrial area than most national cemeteries. It's bounded by an oil refinery and a sugar refinery beside the Mississippi River. He said more than 260 headstones have been realigned, though recent storms soaked the soil so much that few could be re-seated this week. "We're hitting water at 4 inches deep," Church said recently. Volunteers made up for that by cleaning 600 to 800 headstones a day, he said, so that more than 5,000 headstones and well over 1,000 smaller markers had been cleaned days before Friday's project close. About 6,000 unknown soldiers have only small marble markers, said Courtney "Cam" Amabile, the park's resources program assistant. The 6-inch tall markers aren't much higher than the fire ant mounds and mudball "castles" of crawfish burrows dotting the grounds. In total, Amabile tallied up 14,121 headstones and markers at the cemetery. Wallisch said about 7,300 Union soldiers and sailors are buried at the site. All died somewhere in Louisiana during the war. The remaining graves hold military personnel who served in eras through the Vietnam War. Nearly 130 Confederate soldiers also were buried in a mass grave at Chalmette but were moved after the war when Congress passed a law stating only Union soldiers could be buried in the national cemeteries, Wallisch said. Nearly 7,000 African-American civilian graves also were relocated, she said. Boy Scouts from Corpus, Christi, Texas, also worked at the cemetery, said HOPE Crew's Rhodes. So have community groups, military groups, high school students and alumni from several universities. "Everybody's giving a little bit to achieve a major goal," Rhodes said. ADDS NAMES OF STUDENTS - In this March 16, 2016 photo, Ohio State University students Kayla Devan, Brianna Brown and other volunteers scrub gravestones at Chalmette National Cemetery in Chalmette, La. College students on spring break joined hundreds of other volunteers at a cemetery dating to the Civil War, realigning hundreds of tilted headstones and scrubbing grime from thousands more. (AP Photo/Janet McConnaughey) In a Wednesday, March 16, 2016 photo, Ohio State University students Willie Love, left,, of Cincinnati, and Ashauna Mathews, of Canton, Ohio, spray a cleaning solution on gravestones at Chalmette National Cemetery in Chalmette, La. Between them is Jasmine Harris, of Cleveland. They were among about 50 Ohio State students working at the cemetery, as part of a nearly month-long project organized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. (AP Photo/Janet McConnaughey) In a Wednesday, March 16, 2016 photo, a volunteer works on gravestones at Chalmette National Cemetery in Chalmette, La. They were among about 50 Ohio State students working at the cemetery on Wednesday, March 16, 2016, as part of a nearly month-long project organized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. (AP Photo/Janet McConnaughey) In this March 16, 2016 photo, a volunteer scrubs gravestones at Chalmette National Cemetery, in Chalmette, La. College students on spring break have joined hundreds of other volunteers at a cemetery dating to the Civil War, realigning hundreds of tilted headstones and scrubbing grime from thousands more. (AP Photo/Janet McConnaughey) In a Wednesday, March 16, 2016 photo, a volunteer scrubs a gravestones at Chalmette National Cemetery in Chalmette, La. About 50 Ohio State students are working at the cemetery as part of a nearly month-long project organized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. (AP Photo/Janet McConnaughey) Foundation defends award to Palestinian teacher JERUSALEM (AP) The U.K.-based foundation that awarded a Palestinian schoolteacher a $1 million prize for preaching nonviolence is sticking by its choice following revelations that the woman's husband participated in an attack that killed at least six Israelis three decades ago. Earlier this month, the Varkey Foundation awarded Hanan al-Hroub its Global Teacher Prize. In its selection, it cited her slogan "No to Violence" and her efforts in protecting Palestinian schoolchildren from the effects of living in a conflict zone. She had developed a book called "We Play and Learn" focusing on the importance of playing, trust, respect, honesty and literacy. However, her husband, Omar, served time in Israeli prison, convicted as an accomplice in a bombing attack that killed six Israelis as they were walking home from sabbath prayers in the West Bank city of Hebron in 1980. According to an Associated Press account at the time, Omar al-Hroub was a chemist who provided chemicals needed for making the bombs. FILE - In this Sunday, March 13, 2016 file photo, Palestinian primary school teacher Hanan al-Hroub reacts after she won the second annual Global Teacher Prize, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The U.K.-based foundation that awarded a al-Hroub a $1 million prize for preaching nonviolence is sticking by its choice following revelations that the womans husband participated in an attack that killed six Israelis three decades ago. (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili, File) The Varkey Foundation was founded by Sunny Varkey, who established the for-profit GEMS Education company. When it granted al-Hroub the award on March 14, it made no mention of her husband's past. An article in the Qatari newspaper al-Araby al-Jadid, and translated into English by the U.S.-based Palestine Chronicle, drew attention to him by praising him as a "freedom fighter ... who took part in one of the most daring guerrilla operations in the occupied territories." In a statement, the Varkey Foundation said it does not look into the conduct of candidates' relatives and that the teacher was committed to nonviolence. "As a point of principle, we only look at the qualities, achievements and conduct of the candidates themselves," it said. "As Hanan al-Hroub has said herself, she has spent her whole life dealing with the effects of violence on children at close hand and every day she works toward a world where children, wherever they come from, can grow up peacefully," it added. "She has spent her entire career teaching the principle of nonviolence. She believes in nonviolence in all its forms and in all circumstances." Meir Indor, chairman of the Almagor Terror Victims Association, an Israeli advocacy group, said he didn't blame the teacher for her husband's actions, but that she nonetheless should not have received the prize. It made "a mockery of those murdered by her husband," Indor said. Both of the al-Hroubs declined comment. Qadura Faris, the director of the Palestinian prisoners' association, said that after serving a 10-year sentence, Omar al-Hroub accepted the 1993 Oslo interim peace accord with Israel, served as a deputy Cabinet minister in the Palestinian Authority and supports a two-state solution with Israel. He said al-Hroub remains a senior Palestinian official who is close to President Mahmoud Abbas and "believes in his peaceful approach." Hanan Ashrawi, a senior Palestinian official, said it was unfair to hold Mrs. al-Hroub responsible for her husband's actions, and the award was a source of Palestinian pride. She said the Oslo agreement was meant to turn a "whole new page," and that leaders on both sides of the conflict have been involved in bloodshed. She said it was unfair to blame only the Palestinians for the violence especially after nearly 50 years of Israeli military rule. NY high court upholds outdoor smoking ban at state parks ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) New York state's highest court has upheld smoking restrictions in state parks, including an outright ban at seven smaller parks in New York City. The Court of Appeals unanimously rejected arguments from a smokers' rights group that parks officials exceeded their authority and smoking limits should be left to state lawmakers. Judge Eugene Fahey writes that lawmakers gave responsibility to the parks department authority to provide for public health and welfare within the park system. The parks office oversees 179 parks and 35 historic and other sites. It says smoking restrictions apply to less than 5 percent of 330,000 acres. Dnipro among 3 clubs banned from Europe by UEFA NYON, Switzerland (AP) Last year's Europa League finalist Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk of Ukraine has been named among three clubs banned from European competition by UEFA over financial issues. UEFA says that Dnipro, Azerbaijan's Inter Baku and Romania's Targu Mures would be excluded from the next European competition for which they qualify in the next three seasons. All three clubs had been ordered by UEFA to clear "overdue payables" and told they would be excluded from Europe unless they cleared those debts by Jan. 31. Dnipro has struggled with financial problems against a backdrop of political instability in Ukraine, but managed to reach last season's Europa League final, losing 3-2 to Sevilla. PICTURED: European navy ship rescues migrants off Libya ABOARD A GERMAN NAVY VESSEL (AP) The surge of migrants arriving in Greece on small boats from nearby Turkey made headlines last year, prompting countries to try to shut down that route into Europe. Now concerns are growing that people trying to reach Europe may return to the longer and more dangerous crossing from North Africa to Italy. On Tuesday, a German naval vessel picked up more than 100 people crammed into an inflatable boat that had been launched from the shore of Libya nine hours earlier. Completely overloaded and reeking of spilled gasoline, the dinghy was met by German sailors and Finnish special forces serving on the German combat support ship Frankfurt am Main. The vast ship is part of the European Union Naval Force Mediterranean, also known as Operation Sophia. In this March 29, 2016 picture German Navy sailors ad Finish Special Forces surround a boat with migrants near the German combat supply ship 'Frankfurt am Main' during EUNAVFOR MED Operation Sophia in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Libya . (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) Once on board the migrants were registered, checked for weapons and given a medical examination. They were given food, water, a blanket, change of clothes and a blue German navy hat to help protect them from the Mediterranean sun. Two hours after being picked up, the migrants 78 men, 24 women and three children from Nigeria, Ghana and Mali were transferred to the Italian navy frigate Grecale to be taken to Sicily. Here's a gallery of images by AP photographer Matthias Schrader. ___ Follow AP photographers and photo editors on Twitter: http://apne.ws/15Oo6jo In this March 29, 2016 picture, rescued migrants sit in a German Navy boat besides Finish Special Forces, prior to board the German combat supply ship 'Frankfurt am Main' during EUNAVFOR MED Operation Sophia in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Libya. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) In this March 29, 2016 picture German Navy sailors and Special Forces from Finland help migrants to board the German combat supply ship 'Frankfurt am Main' during EU NAVFOR MED Operation Sophia in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Libya. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) In this March 29, 2016 picture crew members check migrants on the German combat supply ship 'Frankfurt am Main' after being rescued during EUNAVFOR MED Operation Sophia in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Libya . (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) In this March 29, 2016 picture crew members register migrants on the German combat supply ship 'Frankfurt am Main' after being rescued during EUNAVFOR MED Operation Sophia in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Libya. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) In this March 29, 2016 picture German Navy doctors check a migrant on the deck of the German combat supply ship 'Frankfurt am Main' after being rescued during EU NAVFOR MED Operation Sophia in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Libya . (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) In this March 29, 2016 picture a crew member registers a migrant on the German combat supply ship 'Frankfurt am Main' after being rescued during EUNAVFOR MED Operation Sophia in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Libya. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) Im this March 29, 2016 picture crew members register a migrant on the German combat supply ship 'Frankfurt am Main' after being rescued during EU NAVFOR MED Operation Sophia in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Libya. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) In this March 29, 2016 picture, German Navy doctors check migrants on the deck of the German combat supply ship 'Frankfurt am Main' after being rescued during EUNAVFOR MED Operation Sophia in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Libya . AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) In this March 29, 2016 picture a migrant receives an Id bracelet aboard of the German combat supply ship 'Frankfurt am Main' after being rescued during EUNAVFOR MED Operation Sophia in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Libya. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) In this March 29, 2016 picture, a migrant receives an ID bracelet aboard of the German combat supply ship 'Frankfurt am Main', after being rescued during EUNAVFOR MED Operation Sophia in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Libya . (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) In this March 29, 2016 picture a migrant carries a blanket and water on the deck of the German combat supply ship 'Frankfurt am Main' after being rescued during EUNAVFOR MED Operation Sophia in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Libya. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) In this March 29, 2016 picture migrants rest on the deck of the German combat supply ship 'Frankfurt am Main' after being rescued during EUNAVFOR MED Operation Sophia in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Libya. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) In this March 29, 2016 picture migrants rest on the deck of the German combat supply ship 'Frankfurt am Main' after being rescued during EUNAVFOR MED Operation Sophia in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Libya. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) In this March 29, 2016 picture migrants lie on the deck of the German combat supply ship 'Frankfurt am Main' after being rescued during EUNAVFOR MED Operation Sophia in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Libya. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) In this March 29, 2016 picture, a crew member , left, welcomes a migrant on the German combat supply ship 'Frankfurt am Main' after being rescued during EUNAVFOR MED Operation Sophia in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Libya . (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) In this March 29, 2016 picture migrants pictured on deck of the German combat supply ship 'Frankfurt am Main' after being rescued during EUNAVFOR MED Operation Sophia in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Libya, (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) In this March 29, 2016 picture migrants get help by Italian sailors to transfer from the German combat supply ship 'Frankfurt am Main' to the their ship 'Grecale' after being rescued during EUNAVFOR MED Operation Sophia in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Libya. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) Mexican judge dismisses 1 of drug lord's extradition appeals MEXICO CITY (AP) A Mexican judge has dismissed one of the appeals against extradition filed by lawyers for drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman. The federal Judiciary Council says the judge threw out the appeal because Guzman's lawyers didn't provide evidence that their defendant's rights were being violated. In a statement Thursday explaining the ruling, it appeared to the judge ruled largely on technical grounds. The appeal allegedly didn't include the correct name of the federal prosecutors' office cited evidence that amounted to little more than a clipping from a newspaper. Guzman's lawyers say they have filed nine constitutional appeals on Guzman's behalf against extradition, restrictions on visits and other alleged violations. Q&A: Chicago teachers to strike for one day over budget CHICAGO (AP) Thousands of Chicago teachers plan to walk off the job for one day on Friday, shutting down schools in the nation's third-largest district in what could be an early glimpse of a more prolonged strike still to come. Some 27,000 Chicago Teachers Union members have been working without a contract since June. They've overwhelmingly authorized an open-ended strike like the one that closed schools for more than a week in 2012, though that would still be weeks away. The union and its allies say Friday's action is an attempt to draw attention to their fight for a new contract and better funding for a school district "on the verge of financial collapse." In this Wednesday, March 30, 2016 photo, seventh-grade teacher Katherine Gallingly, of Portage Park Elementary School, center, and her daughter, Caitlin, 7, assist with signs at the Chicago Teachers Union headquarters in Chicago and in preparation for Friday's one-day teachers strike. The teachers union and other community groups and unions are calling for more state funding for schools and social services. (Phil Velasquez /Chicago Tribune via AP)) Here are answers to some questions about Friday's action, and what could happen next. ___ WHY IS THE UNION CHOOSING A ONE-DAY STRIKE NOW? Officially, the union says it's protesting an unfair labor practice after CPS announced in August that it would no longer pay salary increases based on length of service or educational attainment. Union President Karen Lewis says members also called for an action to protest CPS' attempts to make teachers pay more toward their pensions. The walkout also comes shortly after schools CEO Forrest Claypool announced teachers and staff must take three furlough days to help CPS, which faces a $1.1 billion budget deficit, to manage cash flow. But the overall theme of Friday's action is much broader. Union members say they'll never get a fair contract unless the district has additional revenue, and they blame Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and other officials for a multibillion-dollar budget crisis that's led to steep cuts. They're trying to pressure Rauner and other lawmakers, who nearly 10 months into the fiscal year have yet to agree on a state budget, to increase education funding. The union also wants Emanuel to consider new options for generating funds, such as a tax on financial transactions that occur in the city. ___ COULD A LONGER STRIKE OCCUR THIS SCHOOL YEAR? It's possible. The two sides have been bargaining for more than a year without agreeing on a deal, and they're currently in the midst of a "fact-finding" process that's considered the last stage of contract negotiations. In February, a union bargaining team rejected an offer that CPS said provided pay raises and guaranteed job security and met other union demands. But union members balked at several pieces of the proposal, including a requirement that teachers contribute more toward pension costs and health coverage. Teachers' pension funds are severely underfunded, and the district's financial mess is due largely to steep increases in the annual payments. The earliest a strike over the contract could begin by law is May 30, and classes end on June 21. The union also would have the option of striking next September, if the two sides can't reach an agreement over the summer. ___ IS FRIDAY'S WALKOUT LEGAL? CPS and Rauner call the one-day walkout an "illegal strike," noting state law says the union and the district must exhaust a series of steps before teachers may strike over a contract, and that hasn't happened yet. CPS says rank-and-file teachers won't be disciplined, but that anyone who walks out will not be paid for the day. Claypool also said Thursday that CPS expects to take legal action against the union, possibly as early as Friday. The union says federal law allows the walkout because members are acting on an unfair labor practice and not over the contract terms. ___ WHAT'S HAPPENING FRIDAY? The union says teachers will picket outside Chicago schools in the morning, and they've invited parents and others to join them. Dozens of community groups and other unions also will participate in events throughout the day. The events will culminate around rush hour Friday, when people will march through downtown, disrupting traffic. The walkout will close schools for nearly 400,000 students. CPS is opening more than 250 "contingency sites" at schools, parks and libraries, where they say students will be "safe, fed and engaged" for the day. ___ WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? Emanuel and Claypool say they're also pressing Rauner and other state lawmakers to help CPS with its budget mess. Emanuel for years has argued that the state should cover pension payments for CPS teachers, as it does for educators outside the city. He also is part of a chorus of people who say Illinois must change the way it funds its schools, particularly to help poorer districts. But the odds don't look good. Tensions are higher than ever among state lawmakers who would have to agree on any changes. And Rauner has said he won't "bail out" CPS. Instead, he says the district should declare bankruptcy and the state should take it over. In this Wednesday, March 30, 2016 photo, a Chicago Teachers Union staffer balances a stack of signs with her leg as signs and flyers were passed out to teachers at CTU headquarters in Chicago in preparation for a one-day strike on Friday, April 1. The teachers union and other community groups and unions are calling for more state funding for schools and social services. (Phil Velasquez /Chicago Tribune via AP) Kasich pitches himself as a sturdy alternative to GOP rivals CONCORD, N.H. (AP) Often an afterthought in the chaotic GOP presidential contest, John Kasich is soldiering on with the belief that he can convince hundreds of delegates to swing his way at a contested summer convention by warning that the alternative could be detrimental to the party and the country. Kasich's fight to win the GOP nomination remains feasible only if Donald Trump enters the convention in Cleveland without the number of delegates required to secure the nomination outright. Even then, Kasich will need delegates friendly to his cause to set convention rules that allow him to compete. His team has brought on experienced delegate hunters and national strategists in recent weeks to help navigate the complicated math of state-by-state delegate rules to boost his chances at the convention. It's a tall task for a candidate who has won just one state and struggled to raise money, but Kasich is striking a defiant tone about his plans to stay in the race. Republican presidential candidate, Ohio Gov. John Kasich, right, eats with local party members in Gino's Pizzeria in the Queens borough of New York, Wednesday, March 30, 2016, while being watched by the media. The three Republican presidential candidates now say they aren't committing to supporting whomever the party chooses as its nominee for the November election, which could lead to a messy and fractured nominating convention in July. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan) "People say, 'Why does he stay in the race?' What, am I, supposed to get out and leave it to these guys?" Kasich said Wednesday on ABC's Good Morning America, referencing Trump and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz. To lead its delegate hunting efforts, Kasich's campaign has tapped New Hampshire-based operative Michael Biundo, who ran Rick Santorum's 2012 campaign and previously advised Rand Paul. Biundo has been working to build a 50-state delegate strategy aimed at convincing delegates many of whom are longtime party leaders or elected officials that Kasich is the most electable Republican. A slew of recent preference polls back up the argument that he's far more likely to defeat Clinton than Trump or Cruz. "Primary voters don't care that much about electability but delegates and party leaders do," said Charlie Black, another veteran GOP operative who recently joined the campaign to help with national strategy. Still, a number of prominent Republicans more ideologically aligned with Kasich have chosen to endorse Cruz instead, saying that of the two Trump alternatives, Kasich was less likely to meet the convention quota. Kasich's campaign said Mitt Romney, the 2012 Republican nominee, urged the Kasich and Cruz campaigns to work together to stop Trump, suggesting they divvy up the states to campaign in. A coordinated effort doesn't appear to be under way. Cruz lashed out at the notion that Kasich could pull off a win Thursday, telling a Milwaukee radio station "you're not electable if you can't win elections." Cruz's allies are dumping money into an anti-Kasich ad in Wisconsin as he campaigns aggressively ahead of the state's April 5 primary, targeting specific congressional districts in an effort to pick up delegates. Kasich strategists, meanwhile, are publicly calling on Cruz not to compete in upcoming states like Pennsylvania, where Kasich sees potential for victory in the winner-take-all April 26 primary. "They all look good," Kasich spokesman Chris Schrimpf said of upcoming contests in other Eastern states such as New Jersey and Connecticut. "And they look a lot better if Cruz doesn't try to split the anti-Trump vote." Several more victories will be critical to Kasich's ability to sustain momentum and ensure he can even be nominated in July. An existing convention rule says a candidate must win at least eight states to be nominated at the convention, but the committee could change that rule, potentially lowering the threshold to five or three or eliminating it entirely. Part of the delegate strategy led by Biundo includes ensuring delegates friendly to Kasich help set the rules. States have a slew of complicated rules governing who becomes a delegate, and right now Cruz and Trump are better positioned to have their backers writing the rules. And with momentum comes financing something Kasich has struggled with throughout the prolonged primary contest. Through the end of February, his campaign had raised $12 million barely more than Trump had collected from donors without even trying. Cruz, by comparison, raised $67 million by the end of last month, and Trump is spending tens of millions of his own money and has mastered free publicity. Tom Ingram, who joined Kasich's team after Jeb Bush dropped out and has experience running GOP political campaigns, said he hopes to see Kasich bring more fire to the trail as the stakes rise. Kasich has been known in Washington and in Columbus to be unafraid to ruffle feathers, but he focuses much of his time on the trail telling voters to be kind to their neighbors and promising not to negative. Ingram said Kasich doesn't need to play to voters' anger or anxiety, but that showing voters more of his no-nonsense side could help change the narrative of the campaign. "He was the adult in the room, he was patient and persistent, and that got him where he is," Ingram said. "He needs to up his game to the next level." ___ Associated Press writer Todd Richmond in Wisconsin and Julie Bykowicz in Washington contributed to this report. Republican presidential candidate Ohio Gov. John Kasich responds to a question from the audience during a CNN town hall with Anderson Cooper in the historic Riverside Theatre, Tuesday, March 29, 2016, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast) Egypt's abuses, crackdown on critics draw world attention CAIRO (AP) Nearly three years into a crackdown overseen by President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, allegations of human rights abuses including killings, torture and secret detentions are starting to bring an international backlash from the Egyptian leader's allies. In the past month, Egypt was rebuked over its human rights record by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, the European Union's foreign affairs arm, the European Parliament, the U.N. Council for Human Rights as well as several Western European nations, including key trade partner and EU heavyweight Germany. The case of an Italian student kidnapped and tortured to death in Cairo has poisoned Egypt's long close ties with Italy, amid suspicions that it was carried out by members of the security agencies. Egypt denies police were involved and last week announced that a criminal gang was behind the killing of Giulio Regeni a claim that was derided in Italy. FILE - In this Saturday, Sept. 20, 2015 file photo, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi confers with an aide before an interview with The Associated Press at the presidential palace in Cairo. Nearly three years into a heavy crackdown overseen by President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, allegations of human rights abuses including killings, torture and secret detentions are starting to bring an international backlash from the Egyptian leaders allies.(AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo, File) Also raising alarm was Egypt's reopening earlier this month of a criminal investigation into a number of non-governmental organizations including rights groups on suspicion of illegally taking foreign funds and aiming to "harm national security." The two cases came under heavy criticism at a session of the U.N. Human Rights council last week, along with reports of torture and forced disappearances. "This looks like a clampdown on sections of Egyptian civil society and it must stop," the U.N. Human Rights High Commissioner Zeid Raad Al-Hassan said of the NGO case. Kerry raised concern over "deterioration" in Egypt's rights situation and "a wider backdrop of arrests and intimidation of political opposition, journalists, civil society activists and cultural figures." Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, replied that Cairo rejects international "tutelage" on human rights. He said Egypt is "keen to implement and put into action the constitution, which stipulates respect for and commitment to human rights." Shoukry and Kerry met Wednesday in Washington on the sidelines of a nuclear security conference in talks that focused on the conflicts on Syria and Yemen though the State Department said Kerry underlined the need for Egypt to allow rights NGOs to operate freely. Egypt often counters that it is fighting against Islamic militancy in the form of an insurgency based in the Sinai Peninsula that has killed hundreds of policemen and soldiers the past three years. Since coming to office in 2014, el-Sissi has presented himself as at the forefront of the battle against Islamic militants, calling for reforms to encourage moderate Islam. He has become a close ally of European states in fighting the Islamic State group, particularly in Libya. So far there's no sign that Egypt's Western allies will take any action beyond criticism. But some leading commentators in Egypt warn that the worsening rights reputation is damaging to a country that receives considerable international development aid and is struggling to repair a tourism sector vital to its economy. "In the final analysis, we need the world more than the world needs us," wrote Abdel-Monem Said, a respected analyst who for years led Egypt's leading state-owned think tank, the Al-Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies. He said the government can't keep shrugging off criticism. "Improving our reputation is not only the smart thing to do, but it is also possible." Veteran rights campaigner Hesham Qassim warned in a column in the Al-Masry Al-Youm newspaper that governments and development agencies might eventually scale down their dealings with Egypt, "which will gradually become ... a pariah state." Government supporters in the media have constantly depicted the U.S. and Europeans as trying to restore the rule of the Muslim Brotherhood or undermine Egypt. After an Egyptian man hijacked an EgyptAir flight to Cyprus this week, two prominent TV personalities argued that the hijacking was a plot presumably by foreign powers to pressure authorities to drop the NGO case. Since he led the military's July 2013 ouster of President Mohammed Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood, el-Sissi has overseen the jailing of thousands of Islamists. Hundreds more were killed in clashes with police, mostly in 2013 and 2014. The crackdown has also targeted secular, pro-democracy activists. Most of Egypt's Western backers were initially sharply critical of el-Sissi for his ouster of Morsi, the country's first freely elected leader. The United States even suspended part of the more than $1 billion in annual aid it gives Egypt, almost all of which goes to the military. But the Egyptian leader heavily invested time, effort and travel to persuade allies that Morsi's removal was the wish of the millions who joined protests against his divisive rule and the domination of the Muslim Brotherhood. The U.S. and Europe largely turned to el-Sissi's side eventually, in part due to Egypt's role in the fight against militant groups. Now with criticism on the rise again, Abdullah el-Sennawy, a prominent columnist close to el-Sissi's government, said international punitive actions are unlikely but the possibility "cannot be dismissed altogether." He wrote in a column in the Al-Shorouq newspaper that rights concerns must be addressed. "The most important challenge facing a nation in crisis longing for some hope in the future is to improve its human rights record, restore public freedoms and declare a break with the past." El Salvador asks congress to help it fight gangs SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador (AP) The government of El Salvador on Thursday asked lawmakers to give it a freer hand to impose control over the country's prisons and the gang leaders they hold. The administration of President Salvador Sanchez Ceren presented the legislature with a package of measures that included making it easier to transfer prisoners from one lockup to another and to institute special security measures for prisoners. They would be an extension of steps the government took this week when it transferred 299 imprisoned gang members from seven prisons to one where they will be held in isolation. The transfers came under a 15-day state of emergency in the prisons that also suspended family visits to those inmates. FILE - In this Aug. 31, 2015 file photo, soldiers guard a corner in a gang-controlled neighborhood in Ilopango, El Salvador. A video broadcast by local media on Saturday, March 26, 2016, purportedly made by the countrys main street gangs, is offering an end to killings, and asks the government not to continue an anti-gang offensive. Officials said they would not negotiate with the gangs. (AP Photo/Salvador Melendez, File) El Salvador is stepping up its fight against street gangs in the face of the world's highest murder rate, which reached 103 homicides for every 100,000 residents last year. The government blames the gangs, which have expanded their territory. Last weekend, masked men appeared in a widely circulated video saying they represented the country's three major gangs and were unilaterally telling their rank and file to stop killing. The daily total of bodies dropped around the country has fallen this week, but the government has said it will not negotiate. Under the new proposals, government would be able to suspend all visits with prisoners except from lawyers. Ramirez said even lawyer visits would occur under greater control. The proposals, which would be in place for at least one year, also include measures to compel cellular phone companies to block their signals around prisons. Presidential spokesman Eugenio Chicas accused the phone companies of refusing to weaken their signals around prisons and instead of strengthening the signals when the government tries to block them. Sanchez Ceren had also announced late Wednesday that he was calling up 1,000 army reservists to join the fight against the gangs. Judge orders arrest warrant for ex-congressman in tax case CHICAGO (AP) A judge on Thursday ordered the arrest of former U.S. Rep. Mel Reynolds, who is facing federal tax charges but is refusing to return to Chicago from South Africa because he says he's caring for an ill daughter there. U.S. District Judge John Darrah on Wednesday had denied a request from Reynolds who is free on bond to delay the start of the start of his May 2 trial so he could stay abroad longer. Darrah ordered an arrest warrant after Reynolds told the judge in an open letter Thursday that he wouldn't appear in court as ordered. He said he's staying in South Africa because his 23-year-old daughter has scoliosis and may also have cervical cancer. The Illinois Democrat asked the judge "to show some compassion and understanding." FILE - In this July 30, 2015 file photo, former Illinois Congressman Mel Reynolds talks on his cell phone as he leaves federal court in Chicago after pleading not guilty to federal tax charges. Reynolds, who is free on bond in his federal tax case, says he's not complying with a federal judge's order and return to Chicago from a trip to South Africa. Reynolds told the judge in an open letter Thursday, March 31, 2016, that he's staying abroad to care for his ailing daughter in the African nation. Reynolds says his daughter is suffering from scoliosis and may also have cervical cancer. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green, File) "Maybe another parent could walk away from their child now, but I can't, that is why I will not be in Chicago today," Reynolds, a Chicago Democrat, wrote. "I need to stay here with my daughter for the time being to help her through this extremely critical time in her young life." Reynolds had no comment on the judge's arrest warrant order. His attorney, Richard Kling, told the Chicago Tribune that he had warned Reynolds that he was due in court Thursday and hoped he would change his mind. U.S. attorney's office spokesman Joseph Fitzpatrick said Reynolds would be subject to arrest upon his return to the United States after 12:01 a.m. Friday. It's unclear whether the tax charge would subject Reynolds to extradition from South Africa. Reynolds has pleaded not guilty on a misdemeanor charge of failing to file income tax returns from 2009 to 2012. This isn't Reynolds' first legal predicament. The Latest: Christian legal aid firm offers to defend NC law RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) The Latest on the response to a North Carolina law that limits anti-discrimination regulations by local governments (all times local): 4 p.m. A Christian legal aid group is offering to defend a new North Carolina law against a lawsuit challenging its near ban of anti-discrimination protections for gay, lesbian and transgender people. FILE - In this Feb. 2016 photo, Gov. Pat McCrory greeted presidents from private and public universities throughout the state at the President's Forum held at Cottrell Hall on the campus of High Point University, in N.C. North Carolina Gov. McCrory signed a new law limiting LGBT protections in his state by overriding local anti-discrimination laws. He faces voters this fall in a re-election effort against the states Democratic attorney general. (Laura Greene/The Enterprise via AP, File) MANDATORY CREDIT (/The Enterprise via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT The group Liberty Counsel offered the General Assembly's Republican leaders its free labor to defend the case against a federal lawsuit by transgender men and civil rights groups. The group last year represented Kentucky clerk Kim Davis over her refusal to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. The North Carolina law prevents local governments from protecting people on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity when they use public accommodations such as hotels and restaurants. People also would have to use multi-stall bathrooms that match their birth certificates at state agencies and public schools and universities. 3:15 p.m. North Carolina's governor has met with gay-rights advocates bearing a letter signed by more than 100 corporate executives urging him to repeal a new state law seen as excluding gay, lesbian and transgender people from anti-discrimination protections. Opponents of the law declined to describe Gov. Pat McCrory's response. McCrory's spokesman, Josh Ellis, released a statement saying the governor "appreciated the opportunity to sit down and deal with these complex issues through conversation and dialogue as opposed to political threats and economic retaliation." Gay-rights advocates have argued that companies may reconsider doing business in the country's ninth-largest state as a result of the law. The North Carolina law prevents local governments from protecting people on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity when they use public accommodations such as hotels and restaurants. People also would have to use multi-stall bathrooms that match their birth certificates at state agencies and public schools and universities. 12:20 p.m. The names of than 100 corporate executives from some of the nation's biggest employers are on a letter calling for the repeal of North Carolina's law limiting bathroom options for transgender people and prohibiting local anti-discrimination measures. Human Rights Campaign and Equality North Carolina announced the growing list on Thursday after delivering the letter to the chief of staff to Gov. Pat McCrory, who signed the bill into law last week. The list includes the CEOs of Starbucks, eBay, Barnes & Noble, American Airlines, Hilton Worldwide, Accenture, and other well-known companies. Technology leaders are heavily represented, including IBM, Apple, Intel, Facebook, Yahoo and AirBnB. HRC Executive Director Chad Griffin and others said they spoke briefly with the governor after delivering the letter, but declined to discuss his response. Turkish security manhandles journalists at Washington event WASHINGTON (AP) It was a tense start for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit to Washington for a nuclear security summit, as his security guards tussled with several journalists covering a speech. Turkish security officials tried to remove journalist Adem Yavuz Arslan from the Brookings Institution, the venue for Erdogan's speech. The policy institute's security guards intervened, asking the Turkish officials to leave the room. Earlier, the officials had stopped the journalist who works for opposition media from entering. A second Turkish journalist said Erdogan's bodyguards kicked him in the leg, injuring him outside the event and prevented him from attending. The wind blows a protester's U.S. and Kurdish flags towards journalist Emre Uslu while he is answering questions in front of Brookings Institution in Washington, Thursday, March 31, 2016, where Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke. It was a tense start for Erdogan's visit to Washington for a nuclear security summit, as his security guards tussled with several journalists covering a speech. Uslu was left bloodied by the kick to his leg and could not get by security to attend the event, although he was on the guest list. (AP Photo/Sait Serkan Gurbuz) Another journalist, Amberin Zaman, a former Turkey correspondent for The Economist, said the Turkish security detail called her a "PKK whore" as she was standing outside the event. The PKK, or Kurdistan Worker's Party, is a Kurdish militant group that Turkey and the United States classifies as a terrorist organization. Erdogan is facing increasing criticism for his crackdown on free speech at home. Arslan has worked at outlets linked to U.S.-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, a bitter enemy of Erdogan. The government accuses Gulen of plotting to overthrow it and put him on trial in absentia last year. The injured journalist, Emre Uslu, has written for another Gulen-linked English-language newspaper. He says he was left bloodied by the kick to his leg and could not get by security to attend the event, although he was on the guest list. Brookings said in a statement that its staff had sought to ensure that journalists on its guest list were allowed in. The treatment would not be surprising in Turkey. In recent months, the government has moved to seize control of a number of media outlets linked to Gulen as part of a broad offensive against dissent, especially against Erdogan personally. Protesters, many criticizing Turkish treatment of its Kurdish minority, gathered Thursday outside the Brookings event before Erdogan's arrival. A Turkish Embassy official declined to comment on the incidents at the event. In his speech, Erdogan addressed a wide array of foreign policy issues. He expressed optimism about improving relations with Israel and holding talks to reunify Cyprus. He also criticized Western support of Kurdish rebels in Syria whom Turkey considers part of a terrorist group, and called for more Western funding to help Syrian refugees. Erdogan has faced a cool reception from the Obama administration, but he said U.S.-Turkish relations are good. "The Turkish-American relationship is strong enough to resolve differences through dialogue," he said. Erdogan took questions, including some by moderator Martin Indyk about press freedom in Turkey and Erdogan's frequent use of a law against insulting the president. The country's justice minister recently said that as many as 1,845 cases have been opened against people accused of insulting Erdogan. Critics say Erdogan has been aggressively using the law to muzzle dissent. Those who have gone on trial include celebrities, journalists and students many for their postings on social media. Erdogan repeated government assertions widely criticized by international media freedom advocates that no journalist is in prison or under prosecution because of journalism work. He also said he welcomed all manner of criticism, but could not tolerate insults. "When it comes to insult and defamation, of course I have problems," he said. Despite the questions on media freedom, Indyk stressed that the event was a policy discussion and did not call on journalists sitting in the back of the room. Since Erdogan rose to power in 2002, several news outlets seized by the government have been handed over to businesses close to the party. Tax inspections and tax fines have served to intimidate many media outlets, which fear falling afoul of the government. Journalists who are critical of the government have been fired. More than a dozen journalists are in prison, although the government insists they have been jailed for criminal activity, not journalistic work. The Washington-based National Press Club issued a statement criticizing the Turkish security. "Turkey's leader and his security team are guests in the United States," said press club president Thomas Burr. "They have no right to lay their hands on reporters or protesters or anyone else for that matter, when the people they were apparently roughing up seemed to be merely doing their jobs or exercising the rights they have in this country." Turkish security stand on the side of a vehicle during a rally outside the Brookings Institution in Washington, Thursday, March 31, 2016, where Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) Anti-Erdogan protestor Deniz Lohja, an American of Turkish descent, is prevented by a Washington police officer from crossing near the supporters of the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, during a rally outside the Brookings Institution in Washington, Thursday, March 31, 2016, where Erdogan spoke. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) A look at what's next in the Jamar Clark case MINNEAPOLIS (AP) A prosecutor's decision not to charge two white Minneapolis police officers in the shooting death of a 24-year-old black man isn't the last word in the case. The officers still face a federal civil rights investigation, and Jamar Clark's family members could sue. Meanwhile, at least one activist is seeking elected office. Some details about what's next: ___ THE FATAL CONFRONTATION Demonstrators raise their fists in the air at the Government Center in Minneapolis on Wednesday, March 30, 2016, to protest County Attorney Mike Freeman's decision that no charges will be filed against two Minneapolis police officers in the fatal shooting of a black man, Jamar Clark, 24, in November 2015. (AP Photo/Jim Mone) Clark, 24, was shot Nov. 15 and died a day later. After a four-month investigation, Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman announced Wednesday that officers Mark Ringgenberg and Dustin Schwarze would not face state criminal charges. He said forensic evidence backed their accounts that Clark was not handcuffed as alleged by some witnesses and that he had his hand on an officer's gun when he was shot. Freeman said the officers feared for their lives and deadly force was reasonable. Freeman made the decision on his own instead of presenting the case to a grand jury. He also released more than 1,000 pages of evidence . ___ OPEN INVESTIGATIONS The state criminal investigation is over, but the FBI, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Minnesota and the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division are still conducting a federal criminal investigation to determine whether police intentionally violated Clark's civil rights through excessive force. That's a high legal standard because an accident, bad judgment or simple negligence on the officer's part is not enough to bring federal charges. In addition, the officers could be disciplined. Once the federal investigation is complete, the Minneapolis Police Department will conduct an internal review, said police spokesman Scott Seroka. For now, the officers are on non-patrol duties. It's unclear when they will return to the street. The Justice Department is also reviewing how the city responded to protests after Clark's death. His shooting prompted numerous demonstrations, including an 18-day occupation outside a police precinct. ___ OTHER LEGAL MATTERS Clark's relatives have hired attorneys, and lawsuits against the city and police officers are possible. Attorney Albert Goins, who represents two of Clark's biological sisters and other siblings, said he's just started reviewing the evidence Freeman released and needs to gather more information before deciding on a lawsuit. Clark's adoptive parents, James and Wilma Clark, have also retained an attorney. ___ PROTESTS AND POLICY Activists who were dismayed by Freeman's decision believe their protests have raised awareness about racial inequities and engaged more people in seeking change. Mel Reeves, an organizer for the Twin Cities Coalition 4 Justice 4 Jamar Clark, said his group is planning another protest Friday at the Hennepin County Government Center to call for prosecution of the officers. Even though that decision's been made, Reeves said, "nothing is impossible. ... If people do decide to get off their couches and out of their apathy and decide to take part in whatever protests, it's quite possible the system can change." Mica Grimm, an organizer with Black Lives Matter Minneapolis, said the community is moving toward less action and more policy work. She said there's an ongoing effort to recruit candidates who will address economic injustice, seek criminal justice reform and improve education. Clark's death, she said, showed that injustices can happen anywhere. "This has been going on for so long that I think people are really fed up at this point, and they want to see something happen, something change," she said. ___ POLITICAL CHANGE At least one activist is seeking office herself. Raeisha Williams, the spokeswoman for the Minneapolis chapter of the NAACP, is a candidate for the Minneapolis City Council seat that represents the north side, where Clark was killed. Williams said she decided to run in 2014, but the importance of her campaign did not hit her until Clark's death. "We know that this is just the beginning," she said. Nekima Levy-Pounds, president of the Minneapolis NAACP, said she's been approached about challenging Freeman for county attorney. She said she's not personally interested in that office, but would not take the idea off the table if no other candidates emerge. "We don't need career politicians continuing to hold these seats in City Hall," she said. "We need fresh blood. We need people who understand the core of what the Black Lives Matter movement is all about and are willing to fight for what is right, even at times when it's unpopular." ___ Follow Amy Forliti on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/amyforliti. More of her work can be found at http://bigstory.ap.org/content/amy-forliti . Demonstrators gather to protest Wednesday, March 30, 2016, in Minneapolis, after County Attorney Mike Freeman's announcement that no charges will be filed against two Minneapolis police officers in the fatal shooting of Jamar Clark. (AP Photo/Jim Mone) Hundreds of protesters representing numerous groups protest at the Government Center in Minneapolis Wednesday evening, March 30, 2016 following a decision earlier in the day by County Attorney Mike Freeman that no charges will be filed against two Minneapolis police officers in the fatal shooting of a black man, Jamar Clark, last November. (AP Photo/Jim Mone) Demonstrators raise their fists in the air at the Government Center in Minneapolis on Wednesday, March 30, 2016, to protest County Attorney Mike Freeman's decision that no charges will be filed against two Minneapolis police officers in the fatal shooting of a black man, Jamar Clark, 24, in November 2015. (AP Photo/Jim Mone) Demonstrators gather to protest Wednesday, March 30, 2016, in Minneapolis, after County Attorney Mike Freeman's announcement that no charges will be filed against two Minneapolis police officers in the fatal shooting of Jamar Clark. (AP Photo/Jim Mone) A photo of Jamar Clark is posted at a memorial for him as demonstrators gather to protest Wednesday, March 30, 2016, in Minneapolis, after County Attorney Mike Freeman's announcement that no charges will be filed against two Minneapolis police officers in the fatal shooting of Clark. (AP Photo/Jim Mone) This undated photo provided by the Minneapolis Police Department shows Mark Ringgenberg. Officers Dustin Schwarze and Ringgenberg, two white police officers involved in the fatal shooting of a black man last fall, will not face criminal charges a prosecutor announced Wednesday, March 30, 2016. (Minneapolis Police Department via AP) This undated photo provided by the Minneapolis Police Department shows Dustin Schwarze. Officers Mark Ringgenberg and Schwarze, two white police officers involved in the fatal shooting of a black man last fall, will not face criminal charges a prosecutor announced Wednesday, March 30, 2016. (Minneapolis Police Department via AP) Congressman seeks headstones for WWII Alaska Native militia ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) Alaska wasn't even a state yet when thousands of Alaska Natives volunteered for a citizens militia to protect the vast U.S. territory from Japanese invasion during World War II. Yet most of the gravesites of the Alaska Territorial Guard members are marked with aging, rotting wooden markers. Now U.S. Rep. Don Young is urging federal officials to replace the markers with permanent headstones. The Alaska Republican wants the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to make a policy change that would provide headstones made of materials like marble or granite to the families of territorial guard members. Young made the request in a letter Tuesday to Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert McDonald. FILE - This Thursday, April 26, 2012, file photo in Anchorage, Alaska, a plaque at the base of a bronze statue commemorates the Alaska Territorial Guard, a pre-statehood militia formed to protect the vast territory from the threat of Japanese aggression during World War II. U.S. Rep. Don Young is urging federal officials to replace rotting wooden markers with permanent headstones at the graves of the Territorial Guard members. (AP Photo/Rachel D'Oro,File) Young says such headstones are made available to veterans who died after November 1990. However, the government will only provide such headstones at unmarked gravesites of veterans who died before then. Young is seeking an exemption for guard members, whose graves are marked with deteriorating wooden markers. "However, since the Civil War, wooden markers have not been considered adequate permanent markers for the graves of Veterans," Young wrote. "Therefore, I urge you to update this policy to recognize the impermanence and inadequate nature of these current wooden markers, and to ensure those who willingly stepped forward to defend the United States are appropriately recognized with true, permanent VA-provided headstones." The VA did not immediately respond for comment Thursday. Young spokesman Matt Shuckerow said there has been no response to the letter so far from McDonald. In his letter, Young also said some headstone applications have been denied for relatives of Territorial Guard members who did not have Social Security numbers when they died. "This is a small number of Veterans, who likely died within several years of the war, but they are still due the proper respect as all of those who serve our great nation," Young wrote. When the 6,400-member militia was formed in 1942, Alaska was still 17 years away from statehood. The largely Native unit was activated after Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor and at points along Alaska's Aleutian Islands. The militia members, nicknamed Eskimo Scouts and Uncle Sam's Men, stepped in to watch over the 586,000-square-mile territory, which was vulnerable to further attack with the Alaska National Guard already pressed into federal service. The militia disbanded in March 1947, almost 2 years after the war ended. But it wouldn't be until 2004 that Territorial Guard members were formally recognized by the Army at U.S. military veterans. ___ Follow Rachel D'Oro at https://twitter.com/rdoro End-of-life care audit calls for better communication with family and friends Close friends and family of patients who are dying in hospitals in England are not always being told about decisions about their loved one's care, a new audit has found. One in 20 family members are not informed their loved one is about to die, even when a medic has recognised the patient is nearing the end of their life, according to a new end-of-life care audit by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP). Lay member of the audit team Tony Bonser, whose son Neil died of cancer seven years ago, said: "The two questions everybody wants to know about their relative is 'are they dying?' and 'how long have they got?' A review of care of 9,000 patients at the majority of hospital trusts across England in 2015 highlighted 'unacceptable' variation in some aspects of care "In the five years from my son's diagnosis to his death, everybody was dealing in euphemisms because we were in denial and nobody said 'your son is dying'. Those discussions are really important." In the majority of deaths reviewed, medics had included a "do not resuscitate" order in the patient's notes. But in 18% of cases these orders were not discussed with family members. Mr Bonser added: "A consultant said to us: 'In the case of heart attack, we will not attempt to resuscitate your son'. That wasn't a discussion. All we heard was 'there is something we can do and we are not doing it'. That is a very difficult message to get across." Amanda Cheesley, from the Royal College of Nursing, said all hospital staff - from porters, to catering staff, nurses and doctors - who have contact with a dying patient should be trained how to communicate with them. Ms Cheesley, the RCN's professional lead for end-of-life care, said: "People are terrified, people cross the road to avoid talking to someone who is dying or bereaved. "We mustn't do that in hospitals we need to be there. If someone is distressed, then find out why and if I can't deal with it, find someone else who can. "Training needs to be available for portering staff, cleaning staff - not just for nurses and doctors and other allied health professionals." She said that communication was "fundamental", adding: "We can't avoid the conversation, we can't say to people 'actually I really haven't got time to talk about the fact that you are terrified in your bed this morning' or 'I'm sorry, Mrs Bloggs, but you'll have to wait until I'm not busy'." The report, a systematic review of care of 9,000 patients at the majority of hospital trusts across England in 2015, also highlights "unacceptable" variation in some aspects of care, including: :: In some trusts as few as one in five dying patients have their medication reviewed in their last 24 hours. :: In others, as few as 10% of patients were assessed to see whether they needed help with drinking. Across the country there was no documented assessment of the patient's ability to drink in the last 24 hours of their lives in a third of cases. :: The authors also called for better access to specialist palliative care teams after the report found just 31% of patients were reviewed by a member of a specialist palliative care team after being admitted to hospital. Only 11% of trusts had specialist palliative care on offer 24/7. Professor Sam Ahmedzai, chair of the RCP End of Life Care Audit steering group, said the audit had generally shown improvements in the quality of care patients receive at the end of their lives. Dr Kevin Stewart, medical director of the RCP's clinical effectiveness and evaluation unit, added: "W e are disappointed that there are still major deficiencies in the provision of specialist palliative care at nights and weekends by many trusts; patients and their families deserve the same level of service whatever the day of the week." Dr Adrian Tookman, clinical director at the charity Marie Curie, said: "Round-the-clock availability of specialist palliative care in hospitals should be the norm." An NHS England spokesman said: "We welcome the results of this audit, which we commissioned, and which show there has been some improvement in the care provided. "But there is clearly more that can be done. "Although this audit presents a snapshot of end-of-life care within NHS hospitals, there are clear variations in the support and services received across hospitals and areas where improvements must continue to be made." Dr Ros Taylor MBE, clinical director at Hospice UK, said: "It is promising to see there have been some significant improvements in the care of dying people in hospitals in recent years. "However, it is clear that pockets of very poor palliative care still persist and that some hospitals are offering worryingly little face-to-face palliative care. "Dying doesn't happen 9-5, and people should not be deprived of the vital care they need because of the lack of specialist support available out of hours and at weekends. "Hospices provide consistently high quality end-of-life care and have a key role to play in supporting more hospitals to get care for dying people right. Calls for Business Secretary Sajid Javid to quit over handling of steel crisis Business Secretary Sajid Javid faced calls to quit after it emerged he took his daughter with him on a trip to Australia while the UK's steel industry faced a crisis. The Cabinet minister has cut short his visit to Sydney to return to the UK following the the shock decision by Indian conglomerate Tata to sell its UK assets, including the giant steelworks at Port Talbot in South Wales. But the plant's local MP and unions were furious that Mr Javid appeared to have gone on the trip for not "entirely work-related" reasons, with his teenage daughter accompanying him. Banners outside the Tata steel plant in Port Talbot, Wales Mr Javid had yet to arrive back in the UK when David Cameron held an emergency meeting of ministers in Downing Street to discuss Tata's decision, which could put thousands of jobs at risk. A spokesman for the Business Secretary said: "We can confirm that Mr Javid's daughter accompanied him on his visit to Australia. There was no cost to the taxpayer." Labour MP Stephen Kinnock, whose Aberavon seat includes the Port Talbot plant, said Mr Javid should consider quitting, claiming the latest revelation was a further indication of the Government's lack of interest in the steel industry. Mr Kinnock travelled to Mumbai with representatives of the workforce including the Community union's general secretary Roy Rickhuss in an attempt to lobby Tata to keep the loss-making steelworks open. "We have known for months that March 29 was going to be D Day for the British steel industry, with up to 40,000 jobs on the line," he said. "The Business Secretary was not even in the country, he chose to jet off to Australia. He should have been in Mumbai with me and Roy Rickhuss." He added: "I think, given the magnitude of what was happening and the fact it appears that he was not even in Australia for entirely work-related reasons, he should consider his position." In a criticism of the Government led by Mr Cameron, who represents Witney in Oxfordshire, he added: "I really wonder whether, if they had steelworks in Oxfordshire, would we have this level of disengagement?" A spokesman for the Unite union said: "Everybody needs a holiday and time with their family. But with alarm bells ringing in the steel industry it is remarkable and does pose questions as to how alert the Secretary of State was to the latest crisis facing the industry. "With tens of thousands of livelihoods in the balance and the nation facing an industrial crisis, David Cameron needs to personally take charge to protect steel and deliver on the Government's promise to secure the future for the industry." Following the meeting in Downing Street Mr Cameron said the Government was "doing everything it can" to resolve the steel crisis but nationalisation was not the right answer. The situation in Port Talbot was of "deep concern" and there were "no guarantees of success", the Prime Minister said before travelling to Washington for a summit on nuclear security. Mr Cameron defended the way the crisis had been handled, insisting the intervention had stopped an outright closure. He said: "The situation at Port Talbot is of deep concern. I know how important those jobs are. "Those jobs are vital to workers' families, vital to those communities and the Government will do everything it can working with the company to try and secure the future of steelmaking in Port Talbot and across our country, it's a vital industry." Mr Cameron said energy costs in the industry had been cut and the Government had helped to make sure there were penalties for steel dumping. "We are not ruling anything out. I don't believe nationalisation is the right answer." Mr Rickhuss said Mr Cameron's statement had been "underwhelming" and added: " The Prime Minister had the gall to state that his intervention with Tata was responsible for securing a 'sales process' but the sad truth is that Business Department ministers didn't take the opportunity to join us in Mumbai and the Government was nowhere to be seen. "Now, thousands of steelworkers are faced with an uncertain future as their workplaces are put up for sale." TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady said: "Warm words won't secure a future for the British steel industry. "It's time for the Government to put its money where its mouth is. We need urgent and comprehensive government action, not the confused response we've seen so far." Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, whose petition calling for the recall of Parliament to react to the crisis has been signed by more than 115,000 people, said: "The Prime Minister has offered no solutions today to the threat to our steel industry. His government is failing thousands of Tata steelworkers whose jobs are on the line. "It's not good enough for David Cameron to stand by and say the situation is difficult." A senior source close to the Business Secretary dismissed calls for him to quit and insisted it was "insulting" to suggest that he was not focused on the steel industry's future. The source said : "This is absolutely ridiculous. You'd be hard pressed to find anyone who has done more to help the UK steel industry than Sajid Javid. "The fact he has just spent almost 24 hours in the air, flying half-way across the globe, proves how seriously he takes what is going on at Port Talbot. It is frankly insulting to suggest that his focus is anywhere other than securing a viable long-term future. "Mr Javid has been completely transparent regarding his daughter accompanying him on this trip and has covered her costs entirely. There is no suggestion whatsoever that there was any cost to the taxpayer and all proper processes have been followed." Unite Wales secretary Andy Richards said: "Steelworkers at Port Talbot and across Tata steel will want to know just exactly what Sajid Javid intends to do to safeguard their industry, their livelihoods and their communities. "So far all they have received is tea and sympathy from afar with no real concrete solutions for the industrial crisis facing the nation. "We've been here before when the Business Secretary visited Redcar. Lots of noise and promises to deal with the symptoms of the steel crisis, rather than the causes as thousands of livelihoods went to wall because of government inaction. "When he meets steelworkers, Sajid Javid needs to commit to ensuring British steel can compete on a level playing field by promising to drop his opposition to higher EU tariffs of cheap Chinese steel and honour the commitments to help with energy costs which were quietly watered down by George Osborne in his Budget. "But most of all he needs to signal his commitment to steel and manufacturing by promising to back British steel with a line of financial support to get it through these dark days. "He needs to look workers in the eye, not just at Port Talbot, but at sites across Tata Steel from Shotton and Llanwern, to Rotherham and Corby and say your Government backs you. "A failure to do so will leave workers feeling his visit to Port Talbot is nothing more than an empty PR stunt and intensify the need for David Cameron to take personal control in securing a future for the UK steel industry." A spokesman for the Community union said: "Steelworkers across the country will be shocked that it has taken this long for the government to finally wake up to the crisis facing our industry. "Community has always been keen to work constructively with government, but Sajid Javid cannot simply arrive at Port Talbot and read out his list of 'achievements' - this week's news is proof that government action thus far has been woefully inadequate. Public sector building programme urged to tackle housing shortage A major public sector building programme is needed to tackle the housing shortage and stop property prices spiralling higher, according to a report. Think tank Civitas said that an over-reliance on private sector developers "drip feeding" new properties on to the market is helping to keep house prices high. It argued the Government could substantially overcome the lack of housing supply in England by injecting a single capital investment of less than 20 billion. The shortage of houses dates from the early 1970s, when council house building went into 'terminal decline', according to the report Civitas called for a new requirement on local authorities to step in and directly commission homes that the private sector fails to build. The proceeds from the sales of these properties could then be ploughed into more homes. It said a one-off outlay of 15 billion to 20 billion could build 100,000 houses and flats, including 25,000 in London - and this investment could be reinvested year after year as homes are sold to top up private sector building output. The report calls for the introduction of new "use-it-or-lose-it" planning permissions, placing an obligation on developers to build out sites more quickly. This would carry with it the threat that land that is not developed quickly can be compulsorily purchased by the local authority at half its residential use value. The report, titled The Housing Question: Overcoming the shortage of homes, said the shortage of houses dates from the early 1970s, when council house building went into "terminal decline". It said planning permissions have been granted in ever-greater numbers in recent years, hitting 261,000 in England in the year to March 2015 - but output still languishes well below demand, with around 100,000 fewer homes being built a year than are needed. The author of the report, Civitas editorial director Daniel Bentley, argued that private housebuilding interests - including both landowners and developers - have no incentive to build homes so fast that house prices start to dip. A lack of homes to choose from is considered to be one of the main factors pushing house prices to record highs in recent years. The average house price in England recently pushed over the 300,000 mark for the first time, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures. Mr Bentley said that to build enough homes so that housing costs are reduced for everybody, the public sector should directly commission the construction of those homes that the private sector does not build. He said efforts to improve the supply of homes so far have been "too timid". Mr Bentley said: "The single biggest barrier to building sufficient homes is the lack of incentives for landowners to release land, and developers to build it out, any more quickly than they do already. We need to take away their power to restrict supply in order to hold up prices. "This will require public sector investment to build the homes that the private sector does not, and new incentives for developers to speed up the construction and sale of the homes that they do build. We cannot afford to leave the business of housebuilding to the interests who have most to gain from choking it off." A spokesman for the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) said: "We've got the country building again with new homes up 25% over the last year. "We have doubled the housing budget and are investing 20 billion to deliver our ambition for a million new homes. Security of nuclear materials 'incredibly important', says David Cameron Terrorists will use "whatever materials they can get their hands on", David Cameron warned as world leaders gathered to discuss the security of nuclear facilities. The Prime Minister said terrorists would "like to kill as many people as they possibly could" amid fears Islamic State jihadists could attempt to create a dirty bomb. The UK and United States will take part in a joint exercise next year to prepare for any online attack against nuclear power plants and waste storage facilities. David Cameron will offer British expertise to other countries to safeguard their civil nuclear installations The Prime Minister will also offer British expertise to other countries to safeguard their own civil nuclear installations. Speaking in Washington, where Barack Obama is hosting the Nuclear Security Summit (NSS), Mr Cameron said: "We know that the terrorists we face today would like to kill as many people as they possibly could, using whatever materials they can get their hands on. "So obviously the security of nuclear materials, for those countries that have nuclear programmes, is incredibly important and that's why this conference like previous conferences will make sure that we have proper security for those materials, not just in Britain - we are quite a global leader in this - but also all over the world. "So it's a very important subject, there will be very important actions announced at this conference, and it's about making sure our world is safe and secure and we are not at risk from terrorists coming together with nuclear materials." The attacks in Brussels have raised fresh concerns about the prospect of nuclear terrorism. Belgian media reported that two of the suicide bombers in the attacks, brothers Ibrahim and Khalid El Bakraoui, had video footage of the home of a senior official at a Flanders nuclear waste facility. A UK Government source said there was no "credible evidence" that terrorists were targeting British facilities. But the cyber attack exercise with the US would ensure that both governments and their civil nuclear industries were prepared and could address any potential weaknesses. The source said: "You saw just last week in Belgium concerns that were raised around the security of civil nuclear sites and therefore, in the world in which we currently live, we think it's the right thing to do." As the summit opened, the US. said a strengthened nuclear security agreement among nations was finally set to take force following ratification by a critical mass of countries. The stricter rules include new criminal penalties for smuggling nuclear material and expanded requirements for securing materials and nuclear facilities worldwide, and are intended to reduce the likelihood of terrorists getting their hands on ingredients for a bomb. Mother scolds man who posed for photo with plane hijacker The mother of a British hostage photographed with the Egyptian plane hijacker wearing a "suicide vest" has branded her son's actions "stupid". Pauline Innes scolded her son Ben as he arrived back in the UK less than 48 hours after the image emerged of him stood grinning next to a man who claimed to have smuggled a bomb belt on board. The health and safety auditor from Leeds was one of 72 passengers and crew taken hostage by Seif Eddin Mustafa soon after their EgyptAir flight took off from Alexandria on Tuesday. The hijacked EgyptAir jet in Cyprus on Tuesday (AP) His decision to pose for the snap, which was printed on newspaper front pages, has attracted criticism. As Mr Innes was collected by his mother from Manchester Airport late on Wednesday she said "I don't know why you did it," according to The Sun. Mustafa, 59, is understood to have revealed the fake suicide belt soon after the flight to Cairo took off, triggering an emergency diversion to Cyprus. Meanwhile Mr Innes is said to have contacted his mother soon after the drama began to reassure her he would keep a low profile. However, at some point during the five-hour stand-off, the 26-year-old decided to "throw caution to the wind while trying to stay cheerful in the face of adversity" and pose for a picture with his captor. The snap, in which the hijacker can be seen wearing a khaki-coloured fabric belt with a series of pouches wired together, went viral after it was posted on social media. "Mum was very upset seeing me, but I made it safe and sound," he told the newspaper as he arrived back in the UK. "The past two days have been crazy, unbelievable. But I'm here now and things can get back to normal. I'll be relaxing at home with Mum," he added. Mrs Innes told The Sun that he had not posed for a "selfie" with the hijacker, who was described as "psychologically unstable" by Cypriot officials. "You can clearly see that it is not Ben who is taking the picture," she said. On Wednesday a picture of another hostage posing with Mustafa emerged. It appeared to show an air stewardess, named in reports as Naira Atef, smiling and standing next to him. In an article on social media for the Daily Mail, broadcaster John Humphrys questioned Mr Innes's decision to pose for the snap. He wrote: "The photo was the perfect demonstration of this strange new urge to be the star of your own social media show, even in a situation when minutes earlier people thought they were going to die." The Cypriot court ordered Mustafa to be detained for eight days as he faces charges including hijacking, illegal possession of explosives, kidnapping and threats to commit violence. Garry Monk would welcome approach from Aston Villa over manager's job Former Swansea boss Garry Monk is interested in the Aston Villa job, Press Association Sport understands. The 37-year-old is looking to get back into management after leaving Swansea in December, and would not be fazed by the prospect of replacing Remi Garde despite the midlands club's likely relegation from the Barclays Premier League. It is believed Monk would relish the chance to help Villa rebuild, having spent 11 years at Swansea and aided their long-term development after joining as a player when they were in League Two. Garry Monk would not be fazed by the prospect of helping Villa rebuild Villa are weighing up their next move as they search for their fourth manager in 13 months, with Eric Black in charge for Saturday's visit of Chelsea. Former Leicester boss Nigel Pearson and ex-Manchester United and Everton manager David Moyes are also in the frame. Villa are 12 points from safety with just seven games left and appear destined to drop out of the top flight for the first time since 1987. New board member David Bernstein, advisor Brian Little and ex-Football Association executive Adrian Bevington - who was appointed to help with the club's review this week - are reportedly in charge of finding a new boss, with Villa understood to be looking at someone with Championship experience. Monk has not yet managed in the Championship but knows the league having captained the Swans to promotion via the play-offs in 2011 after joining when they were in the fourth tier in 2004. He also won the 2013 League Cup when they beat Bradford 5-0 at Wembley. He made 270 appearances for the Welsh club, scoring seven goals, before becoming caretaker manager in February 2014, replacing Michael Laudrup. He was appointed on a full-time basis in May 2014 and took the Swans to their highest-ever position a year later when they finished eighth in the Premier League. Monk left the Liberty Stadium in December after 77 games, with the club 15th, following a run of one win in 11 matches. Garde departed Villa by mutual consent on Tuesday and Frenchman won just three of his 23 games in charge having succeeded Tim Sherwood in November. Sherwood's final match was a 2-1 defeat to Monk's Swansea side while Villa have not climbed off the bottom since Garde was appointed. Meanwhile, Burnley boss Sean Dyche has distanced himself from speculation linking him to Villa. "I don't take it lightly, it's a paper story. We know how that can work," he told the Lancashire Telegraph. "We're making a good fist of what we can achieve here, that's my focus, it's the team's focus, we want to get Burnley in the Premier League. "There's a lot of things said, a lot of angles, a lot of connections over nothing. My focus is here." Villa number two Reginald Ray also left the club on Thursday after his compensation package was agreed. The former Bastia coach was brought in by Garde last year but, with Black in caretaker charge, he has cut ties with the strugglers. Spanish bookings boost holiday giant TUI amid terror fears Thomson and First Choice owner TUI has said UK holidaymakers are returning to old favourites including Spain and the Canaries in the wake of recent terror attacks around the world. It said summer bookings from British sunseekers jumped by 9% year on year, with mainland Spain, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands "seeing the most significant growth". It added that sales lifted by 8%. The German travel giant said in a half-year trading update to the end of March that, in light of the recent terrorist attacks, demand for Turkey was "subdued", while travel restrictions for flights to Egypt's Sharm el-Sheikh also remain in place. TUI said summer bookings from British sunseekers jumped by 9% year on year The travel industry has been shaken by a number of terror attacks in recent months in Brussels, Turkey, Paris, Tunisia and Egypt. Last month TUI revealed that summer holidays to Turkey had fallen 40%. It added that, due to consumer demand, it has shifted its holiday packages to alternative popular destinations. The group said its long-haul routes were also growing in demand, with Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica remaining its most popular destinations. It said it would add Costa Rica to its summer programme this year. TUI stuck to its guidance of boosting full-year earnings by at least 10%, sending shares up by 4% in early trading. Across the group it said its summer holidays were 47% sold, broadly in line with last year. Sales rose by 3%, driven by a mixture of stronger bookings and a 1% rise in average selling prices. It added that its winter holidays are 95% sold across the group, in line with last year. Winter sales rose by 3%, driven a rise in average selling prices. Fernando Alonso misses Bahrain GP due to fractured ribs sustained in Australia Fernando Alonso has been ruled out of the Bahrain Grand Prix amid concerns he could suffer a punctured lung. The 34-year-old - who sustained fractured ribs at last weekend's Australian Grand Prix in one of the most spectacular Formula One smashes in recent times - failed a medical test at Bahrain's Sakhir Circuit on Thursday, and his participation at the next race in China in a fortnight's time is also under threat. Belgian's Stoffel Vandoorne, the untested McLaren reserve driver, has jetted in from Japan to deputise for the two-time world champion. Fernando Alonso has been declared medically unfit to race in Bahrain It had been expected that Alonso would be fit to take to the grid here after he was given the all-clear in Melbourne. But the Spaniard, who will remain trackside throughout the weekend, revealed his condition deteriorated subsequent to the near-200mph crash on lap 17 of the Albert Park curtain-raiser. "I was okay on Sunday - some knee pain but nothing big - I had the green light from the doctors to leave the track and everything was okay," Alonso said. "On Monday, I had a little bit of overall pain but nothing too serious. I arrived in Spain and the pain was similar, or a little bit more, so we decided to do a proper check. "I had a small pneumothorax on the lung so we took the advice from the doctors to relax at home and make everything normal. We repeated the scan last Monday. The pneumothorax was gone, more or less, but I have some rib fractures. I'm a little bit sad, but it's the only way to go." The Spaniard, who missed last year's season-opener in Australia after he sustained concussion in a mysterious pre-season testing crash, added: "Formula One is a very unique sport, and with the G-forces that rib fracture could move into the lung as well. "It is not like a broken leg, or a broken arm that you can deal with the pain. This is in the chest where some organs are there and we cannot do much more." Asked whether he will be ready for the Chinese Grand Prix, he added: "It's not 100 per cent certain. There will be another test in the next eight or 10 days and after that the FIA will evaluate as they did now, first of all there is safety and then the performance. Hopefully everything is okay." Alonso careered into the back of Esteban Gutierrez under braking for turn three, and was merely a passenger as he slammed into the wall before barrel-rolling through the air twice at the season-opener. When Alonso's car finally came to a standstill, the Spaniard was upside down, missing all four tyres and much of his McLaren bodywork littered the circuit. But miraculously he crawled out of his car before limping away from the wreckage. Following the incident, some questioned whether the 'Halo' - the safety device which has been designed to shield a driver's head from flying debris and is set to be introduced next season - would have hindered Alonso's exit from his cockpit. Alonso said: "I was flying, but I did not feel any risk at all in the middle of the accident - apart from my head that I wanted not to crash with anyone - so the halo was probably very welcome." Vandoorne dropped his Super Formula testing duties in Japan to head to Bahrain, where he will participate in practice on Friday. Briton James Alexander McLintock added to US list of 'global terrorists' A British man suspected of raising funds for al Qaida has been added to a US Treasury list of global terrorists. James Alexander McLintock was accused by the US of raising money for terrorist groups, along with three other men and two groups, AP reported. Born in Dundee, McLintock said in an interview with The Scotsman in 2004 that he had been a "committed Jihadist" who fought in Afghanistan and Bosnia. Born in Dundee, McLintock said in an interview with The Scotsman in 2004 that he had been a 'committed Jihadist' who fought in Afghanistan and Bosnia (file photo) Now thought to be 52, he told the newspaper he had converted to Islam in his 20s, changed his name to Yaqub McLintock and lived with his family in Pakistan. He said he started a charity and a news agency in the 1990s to show what was "really happening" in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The US Treasury said his Pakistan-based Al-Rahmah Welfare Organization (RWO) is a front that provides money for al Qaida, the Taliban, Lashkar-e-Taiba and other Afghan extremists groups under the guide of helping orphans. Sanctions imposed on Thursday mean McLintock is on the department's list of specially designated global terrorists, freezes any property he has within US jurisdiction and bans Americans from doing business with him, AP reported. Saudi Arabia also designated the same six suspected of having ties across Afghanistan, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The US Treasury said in a statement: "As of early 2013, McLintock recruited Afghan insurgents to obtain photos of children, Afghan identity documents, and cell phone numbers to create falsified dossiers used to obtain donations for RWO, which were funnelled to support al Qaida. "As early as 2010, McLintock used RWO and the cover of providing stipends to Afghan orphans to finance the Taliban's militant activities in Kunar Province, Afghanistan." The department said McLintock also regularly met with Taliban and other militant commanders. France investigates man on suspicion of planning "imminent" attack PARIS, March 30 (Reuters) - A French judge on Wednesday put under formal investigation a Frenchman arrested last week on suspicion of planning an imminent act of "extreme violence", Paris' prosecutor said. Francois Molins said the "unprecedented" amount of weapons, including five assault rifles and handguns as well as chemicals and explosives that could be used for a bomb, had been found at Reda Kriket's apartment. Police also found in his apartment five false passports, brand-new mobile phones and two computers which contained information about bomb-making and jihadist groups. "Everything suggests that the discovery of this cache avoided an act of extreme violence by a terrorist network," Molins told a news conference. The 32-year-old, who was sentenced in absentia to 10 years in prison by a Belgian court last July for recruiting Islamist fighters for Syria, said in questioning by French investigators that he was not a terrorist but also gave up little information, Molins said. Kriket is suspected of having spent time in Syria in late 2014 and early 2015 along with another man, Anis Bahri, who was arrested in Rotterdam on March 27 at the request of French police and is expected to be extradited to France. French investigators have been tracking Kriket and Bahri since the attacks in and near Paris in November in which suicide bombers and gunmen killed 130 people. Kriket's arrest on March 23 came two days after suicide bombers hit the Brussels airport and a metro train, killing 32 people in the worst such attack in Belgian history. Molins said French authorities were also working with their Belgian counterparts on investigations of two people linked to Kriket, whom he named as Abderrahmane A. and Rabat M. Ireland's Green party pulls out of government talks DUBLIN, March 30 (Reuters) - Ireland's Green party on Wednesday pulled out of two sets of talks being led by the country's two major parties who are separately trying to form a minority government following an inconclusive parliamentary election last month. The Greens' two members of parliament, together with 15 independent lawmakers, have been in talks with the two rival parties who each want to get closest to a majority before seeking the other's consent to allow it to govern. "We have decided to withdraw from discussions on the drafting of a partnership agreement for a minority government. We do not believe it would have the necessary numbers to provide a stable administration," Green Party leader Eamon Ryan said in a statement. "We commend Fine Gael for conducting the talks in a positive fashion. We did, however, feel that there were significant differences between ourselves and other participants on a variety of critical policy issues for our country." The Greens, junior partner in the 2007-2011 government, were the only party not to have ruled out supporting a government led by caretaker Prime Minister Enda Kenny's Fine Gael or fellow centre-right party Fianna Fail. Even if Kenny wins the support of all 15 independents ahead of the next vote to elect a prime minister, expected on April 6, his depleted party of 50 deputies would still fall well short of the 79 needed for a majority. That would leave it reliant on Fianna Fail, which holds 43 seats. The two historic rivals - who are strongly resistant to a formal coalition - have yet to discuss the prospect of any informal arrangement. Asia's record LPG shortfall to attract increasing U.S. exports By Seng Li Peng SINGAPORE, March 31 (Reuters) - Asia's supply shortfall of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) will rise to record highs for at least the next two years, drawing ever more U.S. exports to fill the void. The deficit between what Asia can supply and demand for LPG will rise to a record of 1.42 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2016, surpassing last year's 1.3 million bpd, said David Wech, managing director of consultancy firm JBC Energy. This deficit will increase to 1.5 million bpd by 2017, he added. As a result, the region may draw almost 300,000 bpd of LPG from the United States in 2016 and 340,000 bpd in 2017, said Wech. U.S. exports to Japan, South Korea, Singapore and China, the world's largest LPG consumer, already hit a record in 2015, averaging 248,000 bpd, data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration showed. Importers of U.S. LPG include Japan's Astomos Energy Corp and Eneos Globe Corp, South Korea's E1 and China's Unipec. "Since 2009, every year has seen a new all-time high in Asia's LPG deficit due to strong LPG demand growth," said Wech. U.S.-based Enterprise Products Partners and Phillips 66 are poised to fill Asia's demand as they have either recently expanded their export capabilities or, in the case of Phillips, will be opening a new terminal later this year. "In the case of South Korea, around 80 to 85 percent of the LPG imports are from the Middle East (Asia's key supplier) and 15 to 20 percent from the U.S, which will likely increase its share from this year. It will be an interesting market," said a LPG consumer. The U.S. holds a price advantage over Middle Eastern suppliers with propane at the Mont Belvieu, Texas, hub at 43 cents per gallon, or about $230 a tonne, although that does not include freight for the voyage to Asia. That compares to the current contract price from Saudi Aramco at $283. LPG is a mixture of two gases, butane and propane. Asian consumers primarily use the fuel for cooking and heating but the gas also powers cars and is used as a petrochemical feedstock. Asia's growing dependence on U.S. LPG may mean higher propane and butane prices for American consumers as exports pull supply away, analysts at Barclays Capital said in a March 28 note. "As supply and demand fundamentals continue to improve due to increased export levels and domestic (U.S.) demand, we believe ethane and propane are well positioned," said Barclays. PETROCHEMICALS DRIVE ASIAN DEMAND Asia's demand needs will steer the market direction. The region's total LPG consumption, including the Indian subcontinent, is projected to reach 113 million tonnes in 2016, or about 3.6 million bpd, said Yanyu He, director of Natural Gas Liquids Research at IHS, adding that the region has the most acute supply shortages in the world. This is up from 105 million tonnes in 2015 and it will grow to 121 million tonnes next year, said He. Residential and commercial users accounted for about 65 percent of the Asian LPG market in 2015 though this will ease to about 64 percent in 2017, said He. The petrochemical industry will drive Asian LPG demand growth to meet the increasing need for plastics, especially as a packaging material to feed the e-commerce sector. Petrochemical consumption will account for 15 percent of total Asian LPG usage by 2017, said IHS's He, up from 11 percent in 2015. New specialised propane dehydrogenation (PDH) plants that use LPG to produce propylene, a precursor to plastics, that have been built recently in South Korea and China are driving that growth. Additional petrochemical demand occurs when LPG prices drop to at least $50 a tonne lower than naphtha, a light oil product also consumed by the industry. Currently the gap is about $35. Naphtha crackers can replace up to 15 percent of their naphtha with LPG when the economics work. An average of about 750,000 tonnes of LPG a month could be used this way, said He. LPG can be extracted from gas fields and during the crude refining process. Typically, a crude oil grade will yield less than five percent LPG when run through a distillation unit. With a large number of natural gas fields and extensive crude distillation capacity, the Middle East has traditionally supplied Asian LPG needs. The Middle East's LPG surplus after meeting domestic consumption, most of which will go to Asia, will tick up to 1.25 million bpd this year from 1.23 million bpd in 2015 and reach 1.26 million bpd in 2017, said Wech. South Africa's top court to rule on Zuma home improvements By Ed Cropley JOHANNESBURG, March 31 (Reuters) - South Africa's top court rules on Thursday on whether President Jacob Zuma must repay the state some of $16 million spent upgrading his private home, a judgement that could hit the scandal-plagued leader politically as well as financially. In the latest twist to a six-year saga over his sprawling Nkandla residence, the Constitutional Court must decide whether the findings of Public Protector Thuli Madonsela, a constitutionally mandated anti-graft watchdog, are binding. If it says they are - and signs point in that direction - Zuma faces a bill that could run into millions of rand, and more heat from members of his African National Congress (ANC) who fear his tarnished record will hurt the party in mid-year provincial elections. After a string of scandals during his seven years in office, from Nkandla to claims over a love-child he has denied fathering, Zuma has been under intense pressure since December when his abrupt firing of finance minister Nhlanhla Nene sent the rand into a tail-spin. In a surprising move last month, Zuma offered to pay back some of the money spent on Nkandla. His lawyer, Jeremy Gauntlett, then admitted to the Constitutional Court that their Nkandla defence -- based on the contention that all the improvements were security-related -- had been wrong and that Madonsela's findings were binding, making it unlikely Zuma will win a ruling in his favour. The ANC's majority in parliament will almost certainly give political cover from any opposition attempt to impeach Zuma, but a large construction bill could trigger more cries of financial impropriety, stoking opposition within the ruling party. "It doesn't lead to impeachment but it does lead to the president having to come up with the money, which I think he probably can do given the kind of accumulation of wealth of his family and friends," said independent political analyst Nic Borain. "But that is going to raise the question of how has he managed to come up with that money." As president, Zuma's annual salary is 2.7 million rand. If any payment were made on his behalf, they would be liable for income tax at 41 percent. "FIRE POOL" Madonsela's 2014 report on the Nkandla upgrades made clear Zuma should pay for anything not security-related, in particular a cattle enclosure, amphitheatre, visitor centre, chicken run and swimming pool. Zuma refused to comply, ordering parallel investigations by the public works and police ministries that largely exonerated him, based on declarations that included calling the swimming pool a fire-fighting reservoir. Gauntlett's volte-face before the court in February also included an admission that the police minister's report was meaningless, and a plea to the judges not to stray too far into politics in case it gave political ammunition to the opposition. "This is a delicate time in a dangerous year," Gauntlett told the court. "It will be wrong if this court makes a ruling which may result in a call for impeachment." In her report, Madonsela said the Treasury and police should work out the "reasonable cost" of the final cost of the five items she deemed non-essential. Citing Public Works Department documents, she cited estimated costs of 2.8 million rand ($187,000) for a swimming pool and parking garage for VIP guests, and 1.2 million rand for a 'cattle culvert'. Electoral board in Peru opens inquiry into Kuczynski LIMA, March 30 (Reuters) - A lower electoral board in Peru said Wednesday it was opening a formal inquiry into whether presidential hopeful Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, the chief rival of front-runner Keiko Fujimori, broke a new law against vote buying. If electoral authorities find the center-right candidate improperly bought beer and liquor for an Andean town, as alleged by opponents he would be barred from April 10 elections. Analysts said the board would likely keep Kuczynski in the race, especially after the same lower electoral board cleared Fujimori of similar allegations. The country's five-member National Jury of Elections is expected to hand down a final ruling on Fujimori this week to settle an appeal. The National Jury of Elections tossed two presidential hopefuls from the race earlier this month in an unprecedented move that has shaken the legitimacy of this year's elections and stoked opposition to Fujimori, whom many see as unfairly favored. UN widens probe of fresh Central Africa sex abuse allegations By Louis Charbonneau UNITED NATIONS, March 30 (Reuters) - The United Nations on Wednesday said it has widened an investigation of allegations sexual exploitation and abuse by foreign peacekeepers in Central African Republic and notified authorities in France, Gabon and Burundi about the charges. U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said on Monday the world body had received new sexual abuse allegations against U.N. peacekeepers from Morocco and Burundi in Central African Republic (CAR), including one that involved a 14-year-old girl. The U.N. press office released new information about the probe late on Wednesday, saying that a U.N. team led by the U.N. peacekeeping mission in CAR, known as MINUSCA, had traveled to the Kemo prefecture to investigate. "The exact number and nature of these extremely troubling allegations are still being determined," the U.N. statement said. "The team has identified the contingents in question as those provided by Burundi and Gabon." "Allegations made against the French Sangaris forces in the same area are also being investigated," the statement added. "Alleged victims are being interviewed and will be provided with assistance and psycho-social and medical support." The UN statement said a senior UN official met with Burundi's ambassador and will meet soon with representatives of Gabon. It added that the Burundian and Gabonese units accused of involvement in the abuse would remain confined to their camps for the time being. Authorities in France, Gabon and Burundi have been notified and could not immediately be reached for comment. There have been dozens of such accusations against peacekeepers in CAR, where MINUSCA assumed authority from African Union troops in September 2014. France has been investigating allegations against its Sangaris force, which is not under U.N. command, since last year. Earlier on Wednesday, the Code Blue Campaign run by the advocacy group AIDS-Free World issued a statement saying that the U.N. children's fund UNICEF recently interviewed 98 girls who alleged that they had been sexually abused by international peacekeepers. Code Blue said in its statement that three victims interviewed by MINUSCA reported that in 2014, "they and a fourth girl were tied up and undressed inside a camp by a military commander from the Sangaris force and forced to have sex with a dog." Reuters could not independently confirm the allegations raised by Code Blue. The U.N. has pledged to crack down on sex abuse allegations to avoid a repeat of past mistakes. MINUSCA's previous head, Babacar Gaye, resigned last August and some 800 Congolese peacekeepers were repatriated last month. PRESS DIGEST - Bulgaria - March 31 SOFIA, March 31 (Reuters) - These are some of the main stories in Bulgarian newspapers on Thursday. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy. -- The head of the vehicle administration agency was arrested on suspicions for corruption, which included issuing of fake driver licences and blackmailing hauliers when issuing travel permits. Another 14 people from the agency were also detained in a special forces operation. (Trud, Standart) -- The government gave a green light for acquiring new military aircraft, new engines for Russian-made Mig-29 jet fighters and new ships for en estimated total of about 2.5 billion levs ($1.45 billion). (Trud, Telegraph, Sega, Capital Daily) -- Prosecutors charged the owner of an explosives plant as well as three other people as responsible for the death of 15 workers who were killed in a series of powerful explosions at the plant in 2014. (24 Chasa, Trud, Standart, Duma, Monitor, Sega, Capital Daily) CAPITAL DAILY - Low cost airline Ryanair said it will station three airplanes at Sofia and open 21 destinations from the Bulgarian capital as of November. Migrant children fleeing violence could find refuge in Mexico but fail - report By Anastasia Moloney BOGOTA, March 31 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Thousands of migrant children fleeing gang violence in Central America could qualify for refugee status in Mexico, but only a tiny fraction actually seek that legal protection, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on Thursday. The Mexican government is failing to identify and help those children escaping Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras, which have the world's highest murder rates, in fear of their lives and could be eligible for refugee status, HRW said in a report. Last year, Mexican authorities apprehended more than 35,000 children, HRW said. Most came from Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras, and more than half were traveling alone, it said. Yet less than 1 percent of those children were recognized in Mexico as refugees, it said. "On paper, Mexican law appears to provide every protection for children who have fled their home countries in fear of their lives," Michael Bochenek, HRW's senior children's rights counsel, said in a statement. "But only a handful actually receive asylum," he said. "Even though Central American children and adults face serious threats, the government is not giving adequate consideration to their claims." In these Central American countries, entire neighborhoods are controlled by powerful street gangs. They use extortion, sexual violence, murder and forced recruitment of children to maintain control, HRW said. Edgar V., one of dozens of migrant children interviewed by HRW, said he left Honduras to escape gang members that demanded he join them. "They hit me and I fell to the ground. From then on, they didn't hit me again, but they threatened my mother," the 17-year-old is quoted as saying. "They said they would kill me and my mother." Many children do not want to apply in Mexico, as they are on their way to the United States where they have family, said Humberto Roque, the Mexican government's under-secretary for population, migration and religious affairs. "The key reason why child migrants cross through Mexico is to reach the United States, and their fundamental aim is to be reunited with their parents there. That's why so few seek to claim refugee status in Mexico," Roque told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. "We have no problem in recognizing refugee status among people, including children, who find themselves in vulnerable situations," he said. Roque said the Mexican government is meeting its obligation of informing migrants of their rights to claim refugee status. Families seeking to escape poverty and hoping to find work do not qualify for refugee status, HRW said. The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) also said more needed to be done in Central America and Mexico to identify children who could qualify as refugees. "Many cross into Mexico but remain invisible because they do not seek asylum," said Francesca Fontanini, UNHCR's regional information officer in Mexico. According to HRW, migrant children stopped in Mexico are often held in facility centers it described as "prison-like." The Mexican government said children were only held in such centers as a last resort for no more than three days. Turkey, Greece scramble to start EU deal as migrant arrivals rise By Tulay Karadeniz and Dasha Afanasieva ANKARA, March 30 (Reuters) - Five days before Turkey is due to begin taking back illegal migrants from Greece under a deal with the European Union, neither side is fully ready, with officials scrambling to be able to make at least a symbolic start as new arrivals rise. Turkey agreed with the EU this month to take back all migrants and refugees who cross illegally to Greece in exchange for financial aid, faster visa-free travel for Turks and slightly accelerated EU membership talks. The returns are supposed to begin on April 4 under the plan, which aims to close the main route by which a million migrants and refugees poured across the Aegean Sea to Greece in the last year before heading north mainly to Germany and Sweden. But uncertainty remains over how many will be sent back, how they will be processed, and where they will be housed. The plan risks being overwhelmed by the continued flow of migrants to Greece, where arrivals rose sharply on Wednesday. A series of steps needs to be taken by Monday for the deal to get underway, according to people familiar with an internal European Commission report. These include legislative changes in Greece and Turkey, transport and other logistical arrangements, and clarity on how Turkey will treat non-Syrian refugees. The report, which followed meetings in Ankara on Wednesday between EU special envoy on migration Maarten Verwey and Turkish officials, called on EU member states to make public reports which portray Turkey as a "safe third country" for refugees. That appeared to be an attempt to ease concern among rights groups and some European politicians about the legality and feasibility of the deal. They have questioned whether Turkey has sufficient safeguards in place to defend refugees' rights and whether it can be considered a safe country for them. The first returnees are expected to be taken by boat from the Greek islands to Dikili, north of the city of Izmir on Turkey's Aegean coast, Turkish officials said. But where they will be housed in the longer term remains unclear. "Our worries are that not just Dikili but the whole region's infrastructure is not ready if they stay here - whether it's health or education facilities. We have expressed these worries," Dikili's mayor, Mustafa Tosun, told Reuters. District governor Mustafa Nazmi Sezgin was quoted by the Haberturk newspaper as saying the plan was not to set up a refugee camp but just a registration centre, from where migrants would be sent on to Izmir or other areas within 24 hours. Kerem Kinik, vice president of the Turkish Red Crescent, said his organisation was preparing a camp with 5,000 places in the province of Manisa east of Izmir after being asked for help by the government, although it would not be ready immediately. "We will host the first returnees most probably in hotels, seaside holiday camps," he told Reuters. Some might then be housed in refugee camps, but others were likely to return to the Turkish provinces where they had previously settled, he said. DEAL RUSHED THROUGH Turkey has spent almost $10 billion since the start of the Syrian conflict, much of it on refugees camps close to the Syrian border whose standards have won international praise. A new law gives migrants permission to work in Turkey, although there are limitations on where and in which sectors. Syrians would be free to settle outside camps if they wanted, according to an official from Turkey's disaster management agency AFAD, which has taken a lead role in managing the 2.9 million Syrian refugees already in Turkey. "We can't lock them down in accommodation centres. If they want, they can go to camps, or if they have relatives they might stay with them. But if they say 'I can take care of myself' ... we can't pressure them," the official said. Turkey's refugee camps house fewer than 300,000 of its migrant population, who mostly fend for themselves. Critics of the EU-Turkey deal fear some of the returnees from Greece will also end up forced to take illegal jobs or beg on the streets. Under the pact, Ankara will take back all migrants and refugees who cross to Greece illegally by sea. In return, the EU will resettle thousands of legal Syrian refugees directly from Turkey - one for each Syrian returned from the Greek islands. The first European resettlement of 40 Syrians to Germany is planned for next week, a diplomatic source said, declining to be named because the plan has not yet been finalised. Turkey intends to send non-Syrians who do not meet asylum criteria back to their countries of origin, under readmission agreements which Ankara already has with some states and is negotiating with 14 others - including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Eritrea and Somalia - according to foreign ministry officials. That has raised concern among rights groups, who worry the deal has been rushed through by European and Turkish leaders without sufficient thought about its implementation. "Every individual should have access to individualised procedures with the chance to explain if they don't want to return to Turkey... Being able to achieve all this in such a short period of time seems unrealistic," said Irem Arf, regional migration researcher for Europe for Amnesty International. "We don't consider Turkey a safe country for refugees and asylum seekers. We have documented cases of forced returns to Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan," she told Reuters. Amnesty accused Turkey last week of forcibly returning about 30 Afghan asylum-seekers to Afghanistan despite their fearing Taliban attacks. Myanmar's NLD seeks to bolster Suu Kyi's dominant cabinet role By Hnin Yadana Zaw and Aung Hla Tun NAYPYITAW/YANGON, March 31 (Reuters) - Myanmar's majority National League for Democracy (NLD) moved on Thursday to consolidate the dominant role of Aung San Suu Kyi in the new cabinet, underscoring the divide between the party and the powerful army over the junta-drafted constitution. The NLD tabled a special bill, mentioning Nobel peace laureate by name, that would create the post of a National Presidential Adviser, giving her freedom to coordinate intra-ministerial affairs and help influence the executive. The position would likely allow Suu Kyi, who will also oversee ministries of education, energy and electric power, foreign affairs and the president's office, to formally circumvent the constitution barring her from the presidency and allow her to rule "above the president", as she has planned. The bill, reviewed by Reuters, allows the adviser to "contact and deal with government ministries, departments, organisations and associations and individuals". "It is specifically designed for Aung San Suu Kyi...she will be a negotiator among various groups and she can call on the government and civil organisations to meet," said Aung Kyi Nyunt, a lawmaker from the NLD who proposed the bill. Suu Kyi, who spent years under house arrest because of her push for democracy, guided the NLD to a landslide win at the polls in November. But she cannot assume the presidency under the charter drafted by the former junta because her two sons are British citizens, as was her late husband. Instead, the parliament swore in Htin Kyaw, a close friend and confidant of Suu Kyi, as its first president with no military ties in more than half a century on Wednesday. "The whole world and the whole country know that the constitution must be amended. The military also needs to accept that," said NLD's Aung Kyi Nyunt. The NLD's bill will be discussed in the upper house on Friday, coinciding with the inauguration of Htin Kyaw's five-year term. NLD lawmakers say they want to push it through before long public holidays starting on April 9. The NLD has enough seats in both chambers to pass it. The charter has been a bone of contention between Suu Kyi and the military, whose influential commander-in-chief, Min Aung Hlaing, has reasserted the army's political clout and warned against amending it quickly. Relations between the armed forces and Suu Kyi will define the success of Myanmar's most significant break from military rule since the army seized power in 1962. PRESS DIGEST - Portugal - March 31 LISBON, March 31 (Reuters) - Following are some of the main stories in Portuguese newspapers on Thursday. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy. * PM Costa gives one month to find solution for retail investors who lost money at BES, but "good bank" Novo Banco will not pay (Diario de Noticias) * "Bad bank" BES to fund any compensation for retail investors (Publico) * Novo Banco stands to receive 230 million euros from Angola (Jornal de Negocios) Malaysia summons China ambassador over alleged South China Sea encroachment KUALA LUMPUR, March 31 (Reuters) - Malaysia said on Thursday that it had summoned the Chinese ambassador to register its concerns over what the government said was an encroachment by a large number of Chinese-flagged boats in the South China Sea. About 100 Chinese fishing boats were detected encroaching in Malaysia's waters, Malaysia's state news agency and a coastguard official said last week. The Malaysian foreign minister confirmed that a large number of Chinese-flagged fishing boats were sighted in Malaysian waters, and the boats were accompanied by Chinese Coast Guard vessel. Malaysia had summoned the ambassador "to seek clarification as well as to register Malaysia's concerns over the matter", a foreign ministry statement said. South Africa's Public Protector estimates Zuma bill at 10 mln rand JOHANNESBURG, March 31 (Reuters) - South African Public Protector Thuli Madonsela said on Thursday early estimates of the cost of non-security upgrades to President Jacob Zuma's personal residence were around 10 million rand. U.N. tribunal acquits Serbian firebrand Seselj of war crimes By Thomas Escritt THE HAGUE, March 31 (Reuters) - U.N. judges acquitted Serbian nationalist firebrand Vojislav Seselj of war crimes and crimes against humanity on Thursday, a shock verdict that delivered a boost to his anti-EU Serbian Radical Party ahead of April elections. War victims and leaders of neighbouring countries reacted with dismay to the acquittal of Seselj, who was accused of stoking murderous ethnic hatred with his fiery rhetoric during the 1990s wars that followed the break-up of federal Yugoslavia into seven successor states and killed 130,000 people. On one occasion, Seselj gave a speech to Serbian troops, telling them: "Not a single Ustasha must leave Vukovar alive," using a derogatory term for Croats in 1991 in the eastern Croatian city on the Danube River border with Serbia. But the U.N. tribunal ruled that this did not amount to incitement. It could not be ruled out that such speeches were made "in a context of conflict and were meant to boost the morale of the troops of his camp, rather than calling upon them to spare no one," said Judge Jean-Claude Antonetti, who headed a three-judge panel that voted 2-1 in favour of acquittal. At Radical Party headquarters in Belgrade, Seselj's supporters cheered the stunning outcome at the U.N. tribunal - Seselj himself had expected a 25-year sentence. Polls show his party hovering just above the 5 percent threshold it would need to return to parliament next month after four years outside. "This acquittal leaves me speechless," said Vesna Bosanac, the head of a Vukovar hospital besieged by pro-Seselj militia in 1991. "The only thing that awaits him is the judgment of God." Croatian Prime Minister Tihomir Oreskovic labelled the verdict "shameful" during a visit to Vukovar, where he laid wreaths in memory of war dead, a sentiment echoed by his Bosnian counterpart Denis Zvizdic. Munira Subasic, who lost her husband and son in the 1995 Serb massacre of 8,000 Muslim men and boys in the Bosnian town of Srebrenica, said the tribunal had rewarded "an ideology of persecution and war crimes". In a scathing and unusually strong dissent over the acquittal, one of the three judges said Seselj and his allies outside the courtroom had intimidated prosecution witnesses. "The majority sets aside all the rules of international humanitarian law," Flavia Lattanzi wrote. PRESSURE ON PRO-EU GOVERNMENT Thursday's verdict ramps up the pressure on the right-wing government of Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic, once an ally of Seselj who dropped his nationalism in favour of a policy of seeking Serbia's admission to the European Union. The government is walking a tightrope at a time of growing Russian influence in southeastern Europe and risks losing votes to Seselj's camp if it is seen as too accommodating of the EU-backed ICTY, which has prosecuted mainly Serbs. Seselj, 61, is a prolific writer known for his pugnacious temper and was a close ally of late Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic, who died in his U.N. tribunal cell in The Hague a decade ago before his war crimes trial could be completed. Seselj has never abandoned his ideal of a "Greater Serbia" incorporating parts of Croatia and Bosnia that Serb nationalist forces fought for after Yugoslavia's federal republics split away, and his message could yet tempt back Vucic supporters. "This panel of judges contributed to removing the taint from the Serbian people," Seselj told a news conference after the news of his acquittal. Last week, the U.N. tribunal sentenced Radovan Karadzic, former political leader of the Bosnian Serbs, to 40 years in prison for war crimes and genocide, while Ratko Mladic, the ex-Bosnian Serb military commander, remains on trial. But since Milosevic's death, the tribunal has never managed to pin legal responsibility for Bosnia's genocide on a Belgrade Serb. Seselj's acquittal also came as a blow to prosecutors at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia after the decade-long trial, the longest in the history of the ICTY. Prosecutors said they were considering appealing against the acquittal of Seselj, who has been living freely in Belgrade since 2014 after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. Still vigorous, he defied judges by re-immersing himself in politics. Syria aid deliveries face growing difficulties, U.N. says By Stephanie Nebehay GENEVA, March 31 (Reuters) - The United Nations voiced concern on Thursday over stalled aid deliveries to besieged areas in Syria, with convoys delayed or surgical equipment being removed, mainly by government forces. Jan Egeland, chairman of a task force on humanitarian aid, urged countries such as Russia, Iran, China and Iraq to pressure Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government to enable more deliveries of food and medicines. "We still have not gotten access, a green light to go at all to Douma, Daraya, east Harasta," he told reporters after major and regional powers in the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) met to review progress during the month-long ceasefire. More than 90,000 people in need are trapped in government-besieged Douma, while conditions are "horrendous" in Daraya, where the World Food Programme (WFP) has said some hungry people have been reduced to eating grass. The United Nations has reached 150,000 people living in 11 of 18 besieged areas in Syria, out of a total of nearly 500,000 trapped in such locations. Rebel forces are besieging Foua and Kefraya, two Shi'ite villages in Idlib that have received multiple convoys. The rest are besieged by the government or allied Hezbollah forces, except for Deir al-Zor, encircled by Islamic State militants. The government last week granted permission for three more besieged areas - Irbin, Zamalka and Zabadani - but the deliveries have yet to happen amid wrangling over the number of beneficiaries, Egeland said. He said Damascus has been less responsive to requests for aid convoys than it was after world powers agreed in Munich in early February to a cessation of hostilities to allow aid to be delivered. "It's like there are less answers, less quick answers, less momentum, less dynamics in the situation than we had immediately after the ministerial meeting in Munich," he said. "We must be able to get to the remaining besieged areas." Medical supplies and health services are being denied, in violation of international law, Egeland said. "Surgical equipment is still taken off convoys, medical personnel is still not allowed into the besieged areas and medical evacuations are still not allowed." Egeland said three children in government-besieged Madaya bled to death earlier this week because they could not be evacuated for medical treatment after an unexploded bomb they were playing with exploded. "Those children should have been alive today," he said. But the U.N. now had clearance to start air drops of vital supplies to Deir al-Zor, a town of 200,000 people, within two weeks, after a failed attempt last month, he added. Sri Lankan in Bangladesh cyber heist says she was set up by friend By Shihar Aneez COLOMBO, March 31 (Reuters) - When Hagoda Gamage Shalika Perera, a small Sri Lankan businesswoman, got a deposit of $20 million in her account last month, she said the funds were expected but had no idea they were stolen from Bangladesh's central bank in one of the largest cyber heists in history. Unknown hackers breached Bangladesh Bank's systems between Feb. 4 and Feb. 5 and tried to steal nearly $1 billion from its account at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Many of the payments were blocked. But $20 million made its way to Perera's Shalika Foundation before the transfer was reversed. Bangladesh central bank officers said they acted after a routing bank, Deutsche Bank, sought clarification on the transfer because hackers misspelled the company's name as "Fundation." Another $81 million was routed to accounts in the Philippines, and diverted to casinos there, where the trail runs out.. The Philippines Senate is holding hearings in the case, but until now, few details had emerged on the Sri Lanka link. In her first public comments on the case, Perera, a struggling businesswoman who heads Shalika, told Reuters she expected $20 million to come from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to help fund a power plant and other projects in Sri Lanka. She said she had no direct dealing with JICA, but the deal was arranged by an acquaintance who she met in Sri Lanka but had connections in Japan. Shalika was set up in October 2014 and says in its registration documents that it constructs low-cost houses and provides other social services. Reuters was unable to independently confirm Perera's account or to reach the acquaintance she named, via the email and phone numbers she provided. JICA, a Japanese government agency that provides official development assistance, said it has no ties with Shalika Foundation, including through any intermediaries. "We have had no exchange with them, and that includes such areas as loans and grants," JICA spokesman Naoyuki Nemoto said. The Sri Lankan police's criminal investigation division declined to comment because the probe is ongoing. "GENUINE PEOPLE" "We are very genuine people. We are not doing any illegal things," said Perera, speaking in English and Sinhalese in an interview in Colombo, the Sri Lankan capital. The 36-year-old was accompanied by her husband, Ramanayaka Arachchige Don Pradeep Rohitha Dhamkin, also a director in her company. Perera said she now thinks the acquaintance was either a victim of the hackers or in league with them, and she was hoodwinked into becoming a part of their scheme. She showed Reuters a copy of an inward remittance advisory from the SWIFT bank messaging system to put the $20 million in her company's account. The remitting entity was shown as a Bangladesh government electricity agency that had taken a loan from JICA in 2010 to fund an electricity project. The head of the Bangladesh government agency, the Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board, said it was "ridiculous" to think that the money could have come from them. "Maybe they used this government organisation's name to make it believable," said Brigadier General Moin Uddin, the agency head. Police have questioned Perera's acquaintance, according to an investigation report filed in the Colombo Magistrate's Court on Thursday. The man told authorities that a Japanese middleman had helped arrange the funding, according to the report. The report provided the names of Perera's acquaintance whom Reuters has been unable to locate and the Japanese middleman. Reached by phone, the middleman said he was travelling and unable to provide immediate comment. The court has ordered a travel ban on Perera, her husband, the acquaintance and four other people listed as directors of her company. Perera maintains she is innocent and describes the government's move as "an injustice". STRUGGLING BUSINESSWOMAN Perera is, by her own admission, struggling. She said she has four other enterprises, including a publishing firm, an auto parts company, a construction company and a catering firm. In 2014, losses from her publishing firm were so bad that she was forced to sell her computers. She said she now does her business from Internet cafes, and held meetings with potential investors at Pizza Hut and other restaurants. In early February, Perera said her acquaintance, who had been helping her for more than a year to meet investors, told her to expect $20 million from JICA. Under their agreement, the payment would be split, between her power plant project and a housing project controlled by her acquaintance, she said. According to a Sri Lankan police investigation report seen by Reuters last week, Perera told her bank, a Colombo branch of Pan Asia Bank, that the company expected to receive $20 million from a Japanese fund. A Pan Asia Bank official declined to comment, citing the investigation. Perera said she had not seen the report, which was submitted to the magistrate's court last week. According to the report, bank officials said Perera left instructions with them to transfer $7.72 million to her own personal account and $11.12 million to an account controlled by her acquaintance once the transaction had cleared. Perera confirmed she had given the instructions to the bank, and said they reflected the money earmarked for the two projects and commissions. The rest was to be used for taxes, she said. The money was remitted by the Pan Asia Bank to Shalika Foundation's account on Feb 4, but the bank refused to release the funds as the amount was unusually large and sought further verification, according to last week's police report. On Feb. 9, Perera was told by her bank that the Bangladesh central bank had asked for the transaction to be reversed, according to the report. Car bomb kills 7 police in Turkey's Diyarbakir -officials By Orhan Coskun and Seyhmus Cakan ANKARA/DIYARBAKIR, Turkey, March 31 (Reuters) - A car bomb killed seven police officers and wounded around two dozen people in Turkey's Diyarbakir on Thursday, security sources and officials said, a day before the prime minister is due to visit the biggest city in the largely Kurdish southeast. A parked car laden with explosives was detonated by remote control as a minibus carrying the police officers turned a corner on a busy street, the sources said, adding that civilians were also among the wounded. President Tayyip Erdogan, who is on a visit to Washington for a nuclear security summit, denounced the attack, saying it showed the "ugly face" of militants "as they are cornered". "This shows terrorism's ugly face again. The determination of our security forces will, God willing, put an end" to it, Erdogan said in a speech to the Brookings Institute. He said 27 people had also been wounded in the attack. The southeast has been scorched by violence since a ceasefire between the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and the government collapsed last July. The government has said it has killed thousands of militants since then, while more than 350 members of the security forces have been killed in the fighting. Round-the-clock curfews have been instituted in parts of the southeast, where the economy also been devastated by the fighting. One of the hardest hit areas has been Diyarbakir's historic Sur district, which is encircled by UNESCO-listed, Roman-era walls. Development Minister Cevdet Yilmaz, in the area ahead of Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu's visit, said the government wanted to rebuild the region. "We are here to rebuild Diyarbakir and make it beautiful, and they want to destroy it," he said in comments broadcast live. "We will not retreat in fear." The government has announced an ambitious restoration plan for the southeast. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the bomb attack. A PKK offshoot has claimed two car bomb attacks this year in the capital Ankara. The first, on February 17, targeted a military bus and killed 29 people, mostly soldiers. The second, just under a month later, killed 37 in a crowded transport hub. NATO member Turkey faces multiple security threats. As part of a U.S.-led coalition, it is fighting Islamic State in neighbouring Syria and Iraq. United States, China to sign Paris climate accord on Apr. 22 By Valerie Volcovici WASHINGTON, March 31 (Reuters) - The United States and China confirmed Thursday that they will sign the Paris climate change agreement in New York on April 22, a move that officials hope will help the accord enter into force this year. The world's two biggest greenhouse gas emitters issued a joint presidential statement in which they called on other countries to sign the accord next month "with a view to bringing the Paris Agreement into force as early as possible." Leaders from nearly 200 countries forged the landmark agreement to transform the world's fossil fuel-driven economy on Dec. 12 after four years of fraught negotiations. But the Paris climate agreement needs at least 55 countries representing at least 55 percent of global emissions to formally accede to it before it can enter into force. Todd Stern, the U.S. climate envoy who helped broker the deal in Paris, said hitting that threshold as soon as possible will benefit countries that are vulnerable to climate change. "The best thing that can happen for them is to get this agreement going and get it into force," he said. Stern has stepped down from his role as the chief U.S. climate negotiator. He will be replaced by his former deputy, Jonathan Pershing, on April 1. United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said earlier this month that he expects 120 or more countries will sign the accord at the April 22 ceremony at its New York headquarters. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is expected to sign on behalf of the United States. India's Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar will also attend the signing of the agreement at the United Nations headquarters, the Times of India reported last week. The U.S.-China statement also confirms that the countries will continue to cooperate on efforts to combat climate change. FBI teams helping Belgium investigate recent attacks -White House WASHINGTON, March 31 (Reuters) - The United States has sent FBI teams to help Belgian authorities investigate the March 22 attacks that killed 35 people, including several Americans, and U.S. and Belgian officials will discuss the cooperation this week, the White House said on Thursday. "Belgium has accepted our assistance. We have FBI teams on the ground assisting with the investigation. We are sharing information and intelligence with Belgium as it relates to terrorist threats," White House deputy national security adviser Ben Rhodes told a news briefing. Rhodes said the Belgian interior minister was expected to discuss the security cooperation with U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch during the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington this week. "We do believe that Belgium is taking this very seriously and we have had effective coordination in supporting their investigation and trying to disrupt additional plots," Rhodes said. Latest UN Central Africa sex abuse allegations elicit disgust By Louis Charbonneau UNITED NATIONS, March 31 (Reuters) - The latest allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation leveled against international peacekeepers in Central African Republic elicited expressions of disgust on Thursday from top United Nations officials and senior U.S. and French diplomats. The United Nations on Wednesday said it has expanded an investigation of new allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse by foreign peacekeepers in Central African Republic (CAR) and notified authorities in France, Gabon and Burundi about the accusations against their troops. "The Secretary-General (Ban Ki-moon) is shocked to the core by the latest allegations of abuse in the Central African Republic," U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters. U.N. human rights chief Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein echoed Ban's sentiments, calling the charges "sickening" and insisting the U.N. investigation "must leave no stone unturned." Dujarric said U.N. officials interviewed some 108 alleged victims, the "vast majority" of whom are minors. He described the allegations of sexual abuse between 2013 and 2015 as "despicable, depraved and deeply disturbing" and said the U.N. was doing what it can to investigate. There have been dozens of such accusations against peacekeepers in CAR, where MINUSCA assumed authority from African Union troops in September 2014. France has been investigating allegations against its Sangaris force, which is not under U.N. command, since last year. The Code Blue Campaign run by the advocacy group AIDS-Free World issued a statement on Wednesday citing information from interviews with victims conducted by MINUSCA, the U.N. mission in CAR. Code Blue said three victims interviewed by MINUSCA reported that in 2014, "they and a fourth girl were tied up and undressed inside a camp by a military commander from the Sangaris force and forced to have sex with a dog." U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power, currently in CAR, issued a statement describing the allegations as "sickening." "This plague of sexual abuse by peacekeepers must stop," she said. French Ambassador Francois Delattre said the allegations are "sickening and odious." "The French authorities are determined to shed full light on these grave allegations," he said. The U.N. has pledged to crack down on sex abuse allegations to avoid a repeat of past mistakes. MINUSCA's previous head, Babacar Gaye, resigned last August and some 800 Congolese peacekeepers were repatriated last month. In December, an independent review panel accused the U.N. and its agencies of grossly mishandling allegations of child sexual abuse and rape by peacekeepers in CAR in 2013 and 2014. Nigeria's Buhari asks U.S. for help in returning stolen assets WASHINGTON, March 31 (Reuters) - Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has asked the United States for help in returning stolen Nigerian assets stashed in U.S. banks as part of his efforts to crack down on corruption, according to a statement from his office on Thursday. Buhari made the request during a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on the sidelines of a two-day nuclear security summit in Washington. "President Buhari sought and received an assurance from Mr. Kerry that the United States Government will facilitate the repatriation of all stolen Nigerian funds found within the American banking system," his office said. Buhari told Kerry it would "greatly help our country if you assist us to recover all our stolen funds which we can establish to be within your financial system," according to the statement. It said Kerry assured Buhari the United States would help and said U.S. officials would meet with the head of Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to discuss further cooperation. State Department spokesman John Kirby confirmed that Kerry had offered "continued U.S. support to locate and help with tracing and investigating looted funds, as we have done for Nigeria in the past." In 2014 the United States took control of more than $480 million that former Nigerian dictator Sani Abacha and his associates had siphoned away into banks around the world. Washington has broad powers to track suspicious funds and enforce sanctions against individuals. Japan-bound plane returns to Hawaii after passenger does yoga in galley By Alex Dobuzinskis March 31 (Reuters) - An airliner flying from Hawaii to Japan was forced to turn back and land in Honolulu after a passenger insisted on doing yoga in the galley in defiance of the crew, an FBI spokesman said on Thursday. Hyongtae Pae, 72, was charged in federal court on Monday with interfering with the crew of an aircraft in connection with the disturbance last Saturday aboard United Airlines flight 903 bound for Tokyo's Narita airport. Pae reportedly ignored crew instructions and, during meal service, headed to the galley in the back of the plane to "meditate and do yoga," according to an affidavit filed in federal court. When his wife, who was traveling with him, tried to persuade him to sit down, Pae reportedly grew agitated, pushing her and yelling. Several U.S. Marines who were on the plane helped the crew escort Pae to his seat, said Federal Bureau of Investigation special agent Tom Simon, a spokesman for the agency's Honolulu office. "While yoga and meditation can be beneficial activities, it doesn't negate the need to obey flight crew instructions while in the air," Simon said. "The fact that the defendant's alleged misconduct caused the flight to be turned around in the air gives you an idea of the seriousness of this situation," Simon said. Pae, a retired farmer, was headed home to South Korea, via Japan, and was sleep-deprived after his first visit to Hawaii, his attorney, J.T. Kim, told Reuters. "He was trying to calm himself down," Kim said. "I guess that's why he wanted to do some yoga, to calm himself down." A federal judge on Wednesday ordered Pae released on bail of $25,000, but told him to turn over his South Korean passport and stay on the island of Oahu. Latest UN Central Africa sex abuse allegations elicit disgust By Louis Charbonneau UNITED NATIONS, March 31 (Reuters) - The latest allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation leveled against international peacekeepers in Central African Republic elicited expressions of disgust on Thursday from top United Nations officials and senior U.S. and French diplomats. The United Nations on Wednesday said it has expanded an investigation of new allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse by foreign peacekeepers in Central African Republic (CAR) and notified authorities in France, Gabon and Burundi about the accusations against their troops. "The Secretary-General (Ban Ki-moon) is shocked to the core by the latest allegations of abuse in the Central African Republic," U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters. U.N. human rights chief Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein echoed Ban's sentiments, calling the charges "sickening" and insisting the U.N. investigation "must leave no stone unturned." Dujarric said U.N. officials interviewed some 108 alleged victims, the "vast majority" of whom are minors. The "despicable, depraved and deeply disturbing" allegations concern 2013-2015. Of the 108 alleged victims, roughly 100 are children, a council diplomat told Reuters. He added that of the new allegations, one is against France and the rest are against Burundi and Gabon. There have been dozens of such accusations against peacekeepers in CAR, where MINUSCA assumed authority from African Union troops in September 2014. France has been investigating allegations against its Sangaris force, which is not under U.N. command, since last year. Burundi and Gabon will be participating in the U.N. investigation. The U.N. Security Council heard a briefing from the U.N. peacekeeping department on Thursday on the latest allegations. It issued a statement expressing "disgust" and "emphasized the need for a full and urgent investigation and that those responsible be held accountable." The Code Blue Campaign run by the advocacy group AIDS-Free World issued a statement on Wednesday citing information from interviews with victims conducted by MINUSCA, the U.N. mission in CAR. Code Blue said three victims interviewed by MINUSCA reported that in 2014, "they and a fourth girl were tied up and undressed inside a camp by a military commander from the Sangaris force and forced to have sex with a dog." U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power, currently in CAR, issued a statement describing the allegations as "sickening." "This plague of sexual abuse by peacekeepers must stop," she said after meeting with victims of abuse by peacekeepers in CAR. French Ambassador Francois Delattre said the allegations are "sickening and odious." "The French authorities are determined to shed full light on these grave allegations," he said. MINUSCA's previous head, Babacar Gaye, resigned last August and some 800 Congolese peacekeepers were repatriated last month. RICHMOND Investors hoping to snatch a timeshare at a club resort near Gordonsville for a couple of hundred dollars at a foreclosure auction Wednesday were disappointed and confused. About a dozen people showed up for the 1 p.m. auction on the front steps of the Louisa County Courthouse, where the deeds to the tenant-in-common ownership stakes are recorded for the Shenandoah Crossing club resort. The resort is part of Florida-based Bluegreen Vacations, a vacation ownership program. The minimum bids for hundreds of timeshare properties many owned by people in the Richmond area were mostly for more than $10,000 apiece. Many exceeded $20,000. I came hoping I could pick one up for a couple hundred dollars, said Jeremy Symonds, of Fredericksburg. I dont know what other liens could be on it. Reddy Earasi, of Henrico County, also came hoping to buy a timeshare. I dont think anyone will bid on these, he said. And indeed, no one did. I wish I knew what I would be bidding on, Earasi said, as he and Symonds looked at resort maps on their cellphones trying to figure out which unit was being auctioned. The auctioneer gives you a unit number, but there is no matching lot number, Earasi said. It would have been better if a Bluegreen representative was here to answer questions, Symonds said. The auctioneer, who declined to give his name, represented First American Title Insurance Co. on the sale of the timeshares. He said any winning bidder would take all responsibility for the properties and said he did not know if there were any other liens or encumbrances. Going, going, gone, said the auctioneer, as he read through each unit number, week of ownership and minimum bid amount. He said he did not know anything about the timeshares, whether they were shares in cabins, hookups for recreational vehicles or yurts round canvas tents with central heat and air. In the end, all the timeshares 1/6,000th undivided interest as a tenant-in-common were retained by the lien holder, which is the homeowners association or an affiliate of Shenandoah Crossing. There are clearly a lot of people who have not paid their timeshare assessments and probably an owners association that would like to resell the timeshares to new owners that will pay future assessments, attorney John D. McPhaul said last week about the auction. McPhaul works in the Richmond law office of Troutman Sanders specializing in commercial lending and foreclosures. This is an unusual foreclosure, said an auction observer from Richmond, who declined to be identified. Most potential bidders left within a few minutes of the start of the auction after learning that the minimum bids would be for $1 more than the default amount on each unit plus $650, the estimated foreclosure fee. The auction itself took about an hour. Although most default amounts were for more than $10,000 and many for more than $20,000, a couple were in the $1,000 range and one was for about $800. However, by the time the auctioneer got to the lower-range timeshares, all but two potential bidders had left. The defaults date to Jan 1, 2012, according to a legal advertisement about the auction that ran last week in the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Shenandoah Crossing offers more than 1,000 acres of wilderness including a 60-acre lake for fishing, hiking, biking and horseback riding, according to the website for the sales center for the resort. The resort, located northeast of Charlottesville, opened in 1989. Bluegreen Vacations is a subsidiary of Bluegreen Corp., which manages and markets the Bluegreen Vacation Club, connecting 195,000 timeshare owners with 60 resorts in the United States and the Caribbean, according to its website. The companys resorts include Bluegreen Patrick Henry Square and Parkside Williamsburg Resort, both in Willamsburg. Attorneys for a former University of Virginia student whose alleged gang rape served as the centerpiece of a retracted Rolling Stone article filed new paperwork to resist her appearance at a deposition next month. In motions filed Tuesday, lawyers for Jackie, the young woman involved in the controversial A Rape on Campus article published by Rolling Stone in November 2014, asserted that the deposition would cause their client severe harm. Counsel for Nicole Eramo, a UVa associate dean, subpoenaed Jackie in May to testify as part of her multimillion-dollar defamation lawsuit against the magazine. Eramo alleges that the article portrayed her as a villain in her role as an administrator tasked with aiding student survivors of sexual assault. Upon its release, the article came under intense scrutiny, with several sources saying Jackies account of her brutal gang rape at an off-Grounds fraternity house never occurred. After an investigation, Charlottesville police said they could find no evidence the rape had occurred; the magazine would go on to retract the story the following spring. According to court filings, counsel for Eramo and Jackie have clashed repeatedly since the deposition was ordered. In this latest round of filings, attorneys for Jackie called the deposition an improper attempt to put [Jackie] on trial with respect to her sexual assault. [Jackies] sexual assault is simply not an issue in [Eramos] defamation case regarding her own failure to respond properly to reports of sexual assault, according to the documents. Jackies attorneys argue that, in this case, a written deposition should be sufficient because the topics that would be covered only include things Jackie has already said to Rolling Stone and Eramo in the past. The documents state they are captured in audio recordings. Her attorneys said it would be less burdensome if Eramo and her counsel would consent to use the audio tapes and transcripts of the conversations between Jackie and Rolling Stone, rather than making Jackie appear at a deposition. Eramo cannot demonstrate that the audio tapes and voluminous transcripts of the conversations are not a more convenient, less burdensome or better record of what was discussed than testing the memory of a traumatized sexual assault victim of conversations that took place almost two years ago, the documents stated. The deposition is currently scheduled to take place April 5 and will be confidential. RICHMOND A Virginia State Police trooper suffered life-threatening injuries when he was shot at Richmond's Greyhound bus station Thursday afternoon by a man who was then fatally wounded as two troopers returned fire. Two civilians were injured in the gunfire that erupted about 2:45 p.m., a state police spokeswoman said. Corinne Geller, a state police spokeswoman, said the violence began when the state trooper encountered a man just inside the entrance to the station on North Boulevard and was shot. The man then was shot by other troopers, Geller said. The suspect died after being taken to the hospital, Geller said. The civilians suffered what were believed to be non-life-threatening injuries. Geller said the trooper was wearing a dark-blue uniform when the encounter with the man took place. Geller declined to immediately provide further details about why the state police were at the station, but a law enforcement source told the Richmond Times-Dispatch that the agency was at Greyhound for a training exercise. What started as a training mission turned into a massive police presence that drew officers from the city of Richmond, state police, FBI, Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Traffic backed up on the Boulevard, a main gateway into the city via the nearby Interstate 95 interchange. Four ambulances from the shooting scene arrived at VCU Medical Center, but officials there referred questions to the state police. State police officers and other law enforcement officials arrived through the afternoon, and no one was allowed in the are other than hospital workers. A shaken Richmond City Councilwoman Reva M. Trammell, chairwoman of the council's public safety committee, talked with reporters near the bus station and said the "senseless act" was one of the saddest days Ive ever seen in the city of Richmond. Mayor Dwight C. Jones was fully briefed on the shooting, said Tammy Hawley, the mayor's press secretary, and was in constant contact with Police Chief Alfred Durham. Gov. Terry McAuliffe's office said the governor was also in contact and "offered whatever state resources may be necessary to respond to this situation." Across the busy bus station and commercial area near The Diamond and a host of commercial establishments, accounts of when the violence started were provided by travelers, passers-by and business operators. Two workers doing landscaping work at The Diamond - where the practicing Virginia Commonwealth University baseball team was taken off the field as a precaution - said they saw a man running across the street from the bus station and screaming something. Next a state police trooper pulled up to the scene and then "chaos" erupted as people started streaming out of the Greyhound building. Reshad Williams, 24, of Washington said he was leaning against a wall outside the bus station when he heard two shots and then almost immediately saw about 10 people run out of the building. He said he sprinted from the area and heard more shots as a growing number of people ran out of the building in panic. He said it appeared that bus patrons were running out of the service area where buses park. Williams estimated that from the time he heard the first gunshots, police were on the scene within a minute. Craig Kostiuk, 41, of Chesterfield County said he was across the street when he saw about 20 police officers swarm the scene - some quickly getting out of the cars with guns drawn. He said an estimated 20 officers then quickly formed a single-file line and went into the main entrance of the building. About two minutes later, Kostiuk said, he saw at least two or three people being taken out of the building on stretchers. Brendan Hamilton, 28, who is visiting Richmond from Baltimore, said he was about to walk into the bus station about 2:50 p.m. when he heard two loud bangs and then started seeing flashes of light along with about five to 10 more banging noises. People began running out of nearly all of the doors of the building, Hamilton said. At this point it became clear to him that shots were being fired, and he sprinted from the scene. About 3:30 p.m., several dozen police cars lined North Boulevard near the bus station. "We didn't hear anything, the first thing we saw were police cars flying by, then officers in riot gear running with weapons," said Vincent Smith, an employee at a U-Haul Self Storage facility located beside the station. Smith said he and two other employees stepped outside to see what was going on, and were ordered by a police officer to get back inside and lock the doors. "I wasn't scared, but I was wary," Smith said. "I thought, 'If I hear something I'm putting this building between me and it.' " Smith was still locked inside the U-Haul building nearly 30 minutes after ambulances transporting those involved began arriving at VCU Medical Center. "This is crazy," he said. "We've never seen anything like it." The emergency extended across the street to The Diamond, said Todd Parney Parnell, vice president and general manager of the Richmond Flying Squirrels. As soon as officials learned what was going on at the bus station, he said, everyone was pulled inside, including the VCU baseball team that was practicing at the stadium that is also its home field. Pete Woody, public relations and communications manager at neighboring Sports Backers Stadium, said that facility locked its doors and advised anyone with business there to stay away from the area. Employees at Electrical Equipment Co., which is located directly across Boulevard West from the Greyhound station, were told to stay in their building and lock their doors. Law enforcement officials kept watch outside. They had sheriffs deputies walking with their guns drawn, just looking, said Mark Kellum, who works in the building. It was wild. Electrical Equipment Co. has about 50 or 60 employees in the building, Kellum said. No one went in or out for several hours. He saw 30 or 40 police vehicles. Ive never seen so many police cars in my life, he said. [The officers] had their guns drawn. They werent holstered. City Councilwoman Trammell noted with sadness that the attack occurred on the Boulevard, a street with many attractions and one on which the city has pinned many hopes for continued revitalization. "Where does this take us now?" she asked. New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday said that India would abide by the result of the arbitration process in the repatriation of an Italian marine who was detained in New Delhi in connection with shooting of two fishermen. Responding to a question that Italian marine case would likely be raised in the India-European Union Summit, MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup said it is no longer a bilateral matter between India and Italy, as the Italians have appealed to the UN tribunal and matter is now with them. "From technical point of view it is no longer a bilateral issue and there is an arbitration process going on now and whatever is the arbitration process both Indian and Italy have agreed to abide by, so let us await the result of the arbitration process, whatever will be the decision would be accepted by both countries," Swarup said. Meanwhile, Italy's representative told an arbitration tribunal in The Hague that marine Salvatore Girone must be allowed to return to his homeland otherwise he risks four more years in India. Girone is one of two Italian marines accused by India of killing two Indian fishermen during an anti-piracy mission in 2012. He has been not been able to leave India, aside from a few brief permits, since the incident. The other marine, Massimiliano Latorre, is back in Italy after having a stroke in 2014. The Italian government has taken the marines case to international arbitration after repeated delays in its handling by India. Ambassador Francesco Azzarello, Italy's representative to the tribunal said that the arbitration could last at least three or four years which means that Girone risks being held in New Delhi, without any charges being made, for a total of seven-eight year. Azzarello added that this would amount to a grave violation of his human rights. Brussels: Speaking on the backdrop of recent terrorist attack in Brussels, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, extending condolences to the families of the victims, said terrorism must be delinked from religion, no religion teaches terrorism. Addressing the Indian community in Brussels, Modi said, India has been battling terrorism for four decades. But world recognised the perils of terrorism only after 9/11 attack in United States of America. Giving a call to fight against terrorism, Modi said, Terrorism is a challenge to humanity. People who believe in humanity need to come together, fight terrorism. He declared that India would not bow to terror and would keep fighting against it. Read: Modi pays tribute to Brussels attack victims, holds talks with Belgian PM Modi regretted that the United Nations had not been able to come up with a structured response to terrorism. He said the UN has not been able to fulfil its responsibility in this regard, and had not come up with a suitable resolution. Despite the huge threat, the world is not able to deliver a proportionate response to terror and terms such as good terrorism and bad terrorism end up strengthening it, he said. Talking about the economic growth of India, Modi opined that India is the lone light of hope amidst the global recession; fastest growing economy in the world. While citing the development tale of his government, Modi mentioned about the GiveItUp scheme. He said, When we decided to direct transfer gas subsidy into buyers accounts, around Rs 15,000 crore that was being stolen earlier was saved. Our campaign on gas subsidy led to 9 million people surrendering their subsidy, helping millions of poor families to get gas connections. Modi further added, There was record output of coal in 2015. Also record production of electricity and record cargo handled at major ports. The record production of milk in 2015, maximum investment in rail infrastructure, 21 crore new accounts through Jan Dhan Yojana were the other achievements of his government, Modi pointed out during his address. Modi said investment in Railways has been enhanced substantially, because he believes that the Railways can be the spines of the Indian economy. Talking about his governments aim to provide electricity to each village of the country, Modi said, 8,000 villages in India are still without electricity. We will bring them electricity within 1,000 days, of which 7,000 have already been electrified. He also mentioned about the pick up in the pace of road construction. He said the whole world was surprised when he had declared a target of 175 Gigawatt of renewable energy, but the country was now on track to achieve it. Read: Narendra Modi, Belgian PM jointly launch Asia's biggest telescope Land Boundary Agreement with Bangladesh, which was pending for at least four decades and was resolved last years during Modi governments regime, was also highlighted during his address to the India community in Brussels. He also mentioned about the cordial relation with Bangladesh, and the way the neighbouring country helped in resolving the land boundary agreement issue. But he took an indirect dig at Pakistan and said, Some neighbours fail to understand the meaning of cordial relation, but nothing can be done as they are neighbours after all. Read: Modi can be a major ally in war against terror: EU lawmakers Taking a dig at the Opposition, mainly on congress, Modi said, We dont indulge in vote bank politics; we think about the welfare of all, including those who dont choose us as their representative. Before concluding his address, Modi outlined the new benefits available to NRIs and said the community now feels connected with our embassies. He added that the government is also in the process of exceeding the free baggage limit for visitors to India. Modi is on a three-nation visit, wherein the EU-India summit at Brussels was the first leg. After his community address, Modi left for the second leg of the visit to United States to attend the Nuclear security Summit. New Delhi: While admitting that he has fled the country, former liquor baron Vijay Mallya on Wednesday submitted a proposal in the Supreme Court to pay Rs 4,000 crores as partial settlement of his dues to the consortium of banks led by State Bank of India. Senior counsel C.S. Vaidyanathan, appearing for Mr Mallya and Kingfisher, made this proposal before a Bench of Justices Kurian Joseph and Rohinton Nariman. When the court asked the counsel where is Mr Mallya, Mr Vaidyanatha confirmed that he is not here and that he does not want to come home from abroad due to surcharged atm-osphere against him. Mr. Vaidyanathan submitted that the proposal was a result of negotiations held with Mr Mallya through video conference on two days as late as yesterday. He said Mr Mallyas presence may not be required as in these days everything can be done through video conferencing. Requesting the proposal to be kept in sealed cover, he said media hype against him vitiates public interest. The atmosphere becomes surcharged in the media if the proposal comes out. Justice Kurian quipped No. Media has not vitiated the atmosphere. They want the money taken from the banks be recovered. They dont have any other interest. However, the counsel replied The atmosphere is so surcharged against me (Mr Mallya). There are cases in which media created such a surcharged atmosphere that even beatings have taken place... the less said the better. Senior counsel S.S. Naganand, appearing for the consortium of banks, informed the court that the proposal is for settlement of Rs 4,000 by Sept-ember this year as against the outstanding dues of over Rs 9,000 crores. He said the proposal also mentions a payment of over Rs 2,000 crore on the basis of a pending suit filed by Mr Mallyas businesses. When he expressed some reservations to accept the proposal, the Bench asked the banks to respond within a week. The Bench took the proposal on record and told the counsel It is for you to tell us whether you reject this or not. The banks had initially moved the Debt Recovery Tribunal for the arrest of Mr Mal-laya. But the DRT had only prevented Diageo Plc from transferring any money to Mr Mallya for the time being. Two other accused, who assisted in hiring the hit-man, were remanded in custody. Johannesburg: A 26-year-old Indian-origin man was Wednesday sentenced to 20 years in prison in South Africa for orchestrating the murder his father. Jibraeel Mohideen was sentenced after confessing to the crime. Mohideen told the Pietermaritzburg High Court that he and his mentally-challenged twin sister had endured years of emotional abuse at the hands of his father, prompting him to hire a hit-man to kill his father. "I was wracked with guilt and after agonising over my actions I owned up to my involvement in my father's murder to members of my family. I then handed myself over to the police and assisted them in arresting my co-perpetrators," Mohideen told the court. Mohideen pleaded guilty alongside one of co-accused, hired hit man Zandisile Mtshali, 32, who was sentenced to 25 years in prison. Two other accused, who assisted in hiring the hit-man, were remanded in custody. Motorcar dealer Mohamed Ashraf, 57, died at his residence after his throat was slit following multiple stabbing and battering with a hammer. Judge Rishi Seegobin described Mohideen's crime as the worst sin any child could ever commit, adding that it was particularly repulsive that Mohideen had killed his own father. Seegobin said it was disturbing that although Mohideen was old enough to have considered severing ties with his father, he opted for a terrible criminal route instead. Another security source said the arrest, near the town of Sokolo, followed the capture of one of his allies a few months ago in the centre of the country. (Photo: AFP) Bamako, Mali: Southern Mali's suspected jihadist leader has been arrested by Special Forces and transferred to the capital Bamako, security sources said Thursday. "Souleymane Keita, the top jihadist leader in the south of the country, was arrested a few days ago on the Mauritanian border, and transferred to Bamako on Wednesday," a security source said. Another security source said the arrest, near the town of Sokolo, followed the capture of one of his allies a few months ago in the centre of the country. "He was about to head to Timbuktu, probably to meet up with his mentor Iyad Ag Ghaly in the Kidal region" in north-east Mali, the source said, referring to the Tuareg leader of the Islamist Ansar Dine group. Malian intelligence has said Keita and Ag Ghaly fought side by side in 2012 when jihadist forces seized the vast northern stretches of Mali. But when French troops stepped in to oust the Islamists in January 2013, Keita headed south to his native region to set up a new group, the Khaled Ibn al-Walid "katiba", meaning combattant unit. The group, also known as "Ansar Dine of the South", has some 200 fighters, a Malian security source said. In March 2015, security services accused him of heading a jihadist military training camp discovered outside Bamako. Keita was also accused last year of attacks in Fakola and Misseni near the Ivory Coast border and of "terrorist attacks" in the capital. Pakistani police officers stand guard at the site of a bomb blast in Lahore on Sunday. The explosion took place close to the children's rides. (Photo: AP) Washington: In the wake of the deadly suicide bombing in Lahore that claimed 72 lives, Pakistan needs to "forcefully confront" extremists without any exception, including those working towards the "liberation" of Kashmir, The Washington Post said Wednesday. "The best approach, as Pakistan should have learned by now, is not to tolerate or negotiate with such extremists, but to forcefully confront them," the newspaper said in an editorial. The editorial comes three days after the blast in Lahore, which targeted Christians celebrating Easter on Sunday. The blast, which killed 72 people including 29 children, was condemned by top leaders including Prime Minister Sharif and Pakistan Tehreek i-Insaf chief Imran Khan. "Exceptions cannot be made for jihadists who fight for causes favoured by the Pakistani elite, such as the "liberation" of Kashmir from Indian rule, or Taliban battling the Afghan government," the daily said. "While Mr Sharif and the military leadership have come a long way toward accepting those tenets, they have not yet fully embraced them. "That means terrorism will remain a threat to Pakistan for the foreseeable future," it said. Pakistan has made progress in fighting terrorism in the past two years. But, the horrific suicide bombing in one of its heartland cities on Sunday showed how serious the threat remains, the editorial said. The brutal attack by a suicide bomber -- believed to be in his 20s -- was claimed by the Jamaatul Ahrar, a splinter group of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The group later said that Christian families strolling in the park on Easter were on its target. Brussels: In a veiled dig at Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said some neighbours dont understand that issues can be resolved peacefully by talks as he cited the example of Bangladesh with which decades-old disputes, including boundary question, were solved. While talking about how disputes with Bangladesh were solved, he said, We presented an example before the world that by talking, issues can be resolved with neighbouring countries. (But) some neighbours do not understand this. Now, how can we change our neighbours?.. some day they will understand. He did not name Pakistan but was apparently referring to this country with which there are several disputes and India wants these to be resolved through talks. You would be happy to know that after our government came, without firing any bullet, without any fight, by just sitting with Bangladesh, the border dispute was ended, he said. Washington: North Korea's nuclear defiance will feature prominently during talks on the first day of a major security summit hosted by President Barack Obama in Washington Thursday. Obama will kick off the nuclear security summit by meeting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and South Korean President Park Geun-Hye, followed by a separate sit-down with President Xi Jinping of China. North Korea's threats following the January detonation of a nuclear device and a long-range rocket launch a month later, are expected to feature prominently in both meetings. The White House wants to keep up pressure on the North Korean regime, increasing the economic and diplomatic cost of ignoring international appeals to mothball its nukes. Obama, Abe and Park are likely to call for the rigorous implementation of recently agreed sanctions against North Korea and discuss the possible deployment of US missile defense systems in the region. The United States and South Korea have begun discussions on deployment of THAAD -- the Theater High Altitude Area Defense System, a sophisticated missile system. "I think the three leaders will clearly demonstrate their unity in our commitment and our firm resolve to deter and defend against North Korean aggression," said Dan Kritenbrink, a top Obama advisor on Asia. Obama will later meet, Xi, his only full bilateral meeting with the dozens of world leaders coming to Washington. Obama will also hold what the White House is calling a "brief" meeting with France's President Francois Hollande. China is seen as key to making sanctions against North Korea bite. "We've seen China step up in many ways in terms of applying pressure," said Obama foreign policy aide Ben Rhodes, praising the passage of UN sanctions. But Washington believes that China could more forcefully wield its influence over Pyongyang, including encouraging its Stalinist neighbor to tone down destabilizing rhetoric. Tensions are only expected to rise in advance of a major Communist Party Congress in North Korea in May. China also has its own concerns about the deployment of THAAD so close to its own territory, fearing it may weaken Chinese capabilities and deepen US influence in the region. And Obama and Xi are also likely to touch on disputes in the South China Sea, where Beijing has seized contested territory. Washington fears the islets and atolls may be used for military purposes. US officials see a steady series of meetings and exchanges between Obama and Xi as vital in limiting disagreements. "This is where problems get solved and decisions get made," said Kritenbrink. Obama and Xi are expected to meet again at the G20 in China in September. Dirty bomb The specter of the Islamic State group obtaining a "dirty bomb" will also loom over the summit, which is the fourth of its kind. The White House had seen the meetings as elevating the problem of shaky nuclear safeguards from the desks of technocrats to the highest corridors of power. The meeting comes just days after 32 people were killed and 340 were injured in bombings at Brussels airport and the Belgian capital's metro. The attacks featured conventional explosives, but two of the suicide bombers -- Ibrahim and Khalid El Bakraoui -- have been linked to possible efforts by the Islamic State (IS) group to secure fissile material. Late last year, Belgian police investigating the November 13 Paris terror attacks found 10 hours of video surveillance detailing the comings and goings of a senior Belgian nuclear official. Belgian media have since reported that the brothers were linked to the surveillance. "Having a portion of the discussion that is focused on counter-ISIL is a decision that was made in January," said Laura Holgate, the National Security Council's senior director for weapons of mass destruction, terrorism and threat reduction. "But it turns out that it is obviously very timely, unfortunately. "The video footage is of concern," she said, adding, with regard to the Belgian case, that the United States does not "have any information that a broader plot exists." Few believe IS could develop an atomic bomb, but many fear it could acquire uranium or plutonium and construct a "dirty bomb." Such a device would not trigger a nuclear explosion but would scatter radioactive material -- with potentially devastating physiological, medical and economic effects. Nuclear material can be found in small quantities at universities, hospitals and other facilities the world over, often not well secured. Since the mid-1990s, almost 2,800 incidents of illicit trafficking, "unauthorized possession" or loss of nuclear materials have been recorded in an International Atomic Energy Agency database. The International Panel on Fissile Materials, an independent group of arms-control experts, estimated that the global stockpile of highly enriched uranium stood at around 1370 tonnes at the end of 2014. Most was held in Russia. More than fifty heads of state have been invited to attend the summit, but the absence of leaders from Russia, North Korea, Iran and Belarus virtually ensures gaps in the united front. Rhodes said Russia's decision not to attend at the highest level was a missed opportunity for Moscow, which itself faces significant threats of its own. "All they're doing is isolating themselves in not participating as they have in the past." The Karnataka High Court today directed the state government to reprint the invitation card for a festival at Puttur temple after it admitted the error of printing the name of Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner A B Ibrahim's name, in violation of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act. A division bench, comprising Chief Justice Subhro Kamal Mukherjee and Justice Ravi Malimath, passed the order, saying that "in order to avoid any controversy and confusion between the devotees and the Deputy Commissioner, the court directs the government to reprint the invitation of the annual festival." The bench said that as per Section seven of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, a non-Hindu cannot participate in any such function or event. "Ibrahim is a non-Hindu and he practises a religion which does not allow idol worship," it added. "The court also directs Ibrahim not to participate in any such event in future," the bench said. A group of devotees of Puttur Mahalingeshwara temple, who had filed the petition, had pointed out that the inclusion of the name of Ibrahim was against the Endowment Act of the government. Contrary to the earlier stand of defending inclusion of Ibrahims name in the invitation card, the government admitted its error of doing so before the division bench. Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister T B Jayachandra had defended the government's stand by saying that Ibrahim has done nothing wrong and acted in his capacity as the Deputy Commissioner as per the Muzrai Departments rules. The controversy had created political ripples when Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal raised objections over the inclusion of Ibrahim's name in the invitation card. The 10-day festival is held from April 17 every year in the temple at Puttur, 52 km from Manguluru, in which thousands of devotees from various parts of the state, participate. Wrapping up his visit to Belgium, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tonight left for Washington where he will attend the Nuclear Security Summit as part of his three-nation tour. "Thank you Brussels! An intense day of diplomacy ends as PM @narendramodi emplanes for Washington DC," MEA Spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted. Modi will attend the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington today and tomorrow and from there he will travel to Saudi Arabia on a two-day visit with a focus on boosting energy and security cooperation. In Brussels, Modi attended the 13th India-EU Summit and held bilateral talks with his Belgian counterpart Charles Michel. Envisaging a technological future where computers can learn human language and have conversations with people, Microsoft's India-born CEO Satya Nadella has said companies need to build "respectful" technology which gets the best of humanity and not the worst. "We want to take the power of human language and apply it more pervasively to all of the computing interface and interactions," Nadella said yesterday in his keynote address to thousands of developers at Microsoft's annual Build 2016 conference here. "To do that you have to infuse (intelligence) into the computers around us, you have to bring forth these technologies of artificial intelligence in machine learning so that we can teach computers to learn the human language, have conversational understanding, teach them about the broad contexts of personal preferences and knowledge so that they can help you with your everyday task," Nadella, 48, said. He envisaged a future where the machine is not against man but works with humans to offer seamless interface and experience in day-to-day learning. "All technology that we built has to be more inclusive and respectful..We want to build technology that gets the best of humanity and not the worst," Nadella said. "We want to build intelligence that augments human abilities and experiences. Ultimately it is not going to be about man versus machine. It is going to be about man with machines," he said. Technology where the human ability of judgement creativity, empathy and emotion is combined with the fast computation and ability to reason over large amounts of data, he said. "We want all developers to infuse intelligence into their applications...As we infuse intelligence into everything it is important to have a principled approach," Nadella said. "This will help us move our society forward. You also have to build trust right into our technology that means you have to have technology that has built-in protections for privacy, transparency, security as well as compliance," he said. Nadella showcased improvements to Cortana and announced previews of new cloud services and toolkits designed to create intelligent bots. During the conference, Microsoft announced new additions to the Cortana Intelligence Suite. The first, Microsoft Cognitive Services, is a collection of intelligence Application Programming Interface (API) that allows systems to see, hear, speak, understand and interpret a user's needs using natural methods of communication. "We want to take the power of human conversations and apply it to everything else like a personal digital assistant that knows you and your world," Nadella said. The "rich world of conversation" that Microsoft envisions will have not just people to people conversations but those between people and their personal digital assistants, bots and even personal digital assistants calling on bots on the user's behalf. "That is the world you are going to see in the years to come," he said, adding that Microsoft is conceptualising a platform where human language is the new user interface, bots are new applications, digital assistants are the new browsers and "intelligence is infused into all of your interactions." Nadella noted that there is a much more mainstream dialogue about the role of technology in the society and "this is the right time to have that dialogue." "We have these profound questions and issues in front of us. Is technology driving economic growth for everyone or is economic growth stalled inspite of technological span. Is technology empowering people or is it displacing us. Is technology helping us preserve our enduring values such as privacy or is it compromising it," he said. "I believe technology can drive economic growth all over the world. Technology can empower us in our daily lives, be used to preserve our enduring values," he added. At least 18 people were killed, over 60 others injured and many trapped as portion of an under- construction two km flyover collapsed on a congested road intersection here, crushing people, vehicles and hawkers. "It is nothing but God's act," claimed Panduranga Rao of the Hyderabad-based IVRCL Construction company engaged in the flyover's construction, drawing all round flak. Police said that 18 persons have so far died in the incident in Burrabazar area, which houses the city's largest wholesale market, while several others were injured. The injured were rushed to hospitals in the vicinity. State administration officials said 62 people have been injured and taken to hospital, while several others were feared trapped under the debris. A number of vehicles were also crushed under the concrete and steel debris. CCTV footage showed people, cars, autorickshaws and hawkers coming under the collapsed structure. Some trying to flee the spot were also trapped. A bloody hand from under a girder gestured for help as people handed over water bottles to survivors pinned underneath. A blame game erupted with the ruling Trinamool Congress blaming the previous Left Front government, which started construction of the flyover when it was in power, and the Left parties hitting back. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said,"The tender was passed in 2009 by the erstwhile Left Front government and was given to Hyderabad-based IVRCL Construction," adding that the company had not provided the government details of the construction plan despite several reminders. Four columns of Army personnel (about 300 in number) alongwith NDRF, state disaster management, city police and fire brigade personnel joined in rescue operations. "Stringent action will be taken against officials of the construction company and others involved," the chief minister, who cut short her election campaign in West Midnapore district and rushed back to the city, said. State chief secretary Basudeb Banerjee announced compensation of Rs five lakh to the kin of each of the dead, Rs three lakh to those injured seriously and Rs one lakh to those less injured. "The government will bear all costs for treatment of the injured," he added. Construction of the 2.2 km-long flyover had started in 2009 during Left Front rule. Huge cranes and other rescue vehicles were pressed into service to clear the debris and rescue the injured. A PTI correspondent, who was at the accident site saw a number of severely injured people lying in pools of blood. A few others were seen trapped under vehicles, concrete and heavy steel girders. The incident took place at around noon at the busy Rabindra Sarani-K K Tagore Street crossing near Burrabazar, one of the most congested areas in the city. A number of hawkers operate under the flyover which is also used for parking several vehicles. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in the US on an official visit, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and other leaders expressed shock and sadness over the loss of lives in the flyover collapse and instructed all possible central help in rescue and relief operations. The state government has opened emergency helplines - numbers 1070, 033-22143526, 033-22535185, 033-22145664 at the state secretariat 'Nabanna' to provide information related to those injured or killed in the mishap. The Army sent ten ambulances along with its complement of medics to the spot. A team of engineers from the Army also reached the spot with cranes, water bowsers, gas cutters and specialist equipment to help the civic authorities dismantle the debris. General Officer in Command of Army's Bengal area, Lt Gen Rajeev Tewary supervised the rescue operations. Probes into the tragedy has been demanded by the opposition parties. BJP demanded a CBI inquiry into the collapse."We feel that CBI inquiry should be initiated into the incident, in order to book the culprits. All the culprits, however big they may be, should be arrested. The state should request for a CBI inquiry. This incident is a clear case of rampant corruption regarding the construction of flyovers," Union minister Muqtar Abbas Naqvi said. The Congress and CPI(M) also demanded high-level probe into the mishap. CPI(M) Politburo member Mohd Selim said a high-level investigation should be carried out into the incident. In a similar demand, state Congress president Adhir Chowdhury said a probe should be ordered into the entire construction process of the flyover. India and the EU have failed to arrive at any understanding on the four-year dispute involving two Italian marines accused of murdering two Indian fishermen, with the Indian side stressing the need for rendering due justice for the families of the deceased. The joint statement, issued after the 13th India-EU Summit here late last night which was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and EU leaders, said the EU shares Italy's concerns to find an expeditious solution for the prolonged restriction of liberty of the two Marines. Both the sides stuck to their respective position and expressed their confidence in the arbitration procedure on the Italian Marines case currently underway in the framework of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to which India and Italy are strongly committed. "Both sides will contribute to settling the case on this basis, enabling the cause of justice to be served for all those affected. The EU shares Italy's concerns to find an expeditious solution for the prolonged restriction of liberty of the two Marines. India stressed the need for rendering due justice for the families of the Indian fishermen who were killed," the statement said. The statement came on a day when Italy asked the judges at the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in the Hague to order India to release its detained marine Salvatore Girone, saying otherwise he risks four more years in India without any charges being made which would amount to "grave violation of his human rights". The PCA is hearing oral arguments by the two sides. The arbitration "could last at least three or four years" which means that Girone risks "being held in (New) Delhi, without any charges being made, for a total of seven-eight years", Italy's representative had told the court. Girone is one of two Italian marines accused by India of killing two of its fishermen during an anti-piracy mission in 2012. He has not been able to leave India, aside from a few brief permits, since the incident. The other marine, Massimiliano Latorre, is back in Italy after a stroke in 2014. The Italian government has taken the marines case to international arbitration after repeated delays in the trial in India. The India-EU joint statement also said that "the EU hoped for a swift solution, through the due process of law in India in the case of MV Seaman Guard Ohio, which concerns fourteen Estonian and six UK citizens sentenced to prison by an Indian court." The city police have summoned three-time National award winning actress Kangana Ranaut and her sister to record their statement, following a complaint lodged by actor Hrithik Roshan against unknown persons for alleged impersonation. After Hrithik approached the suburban Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) police, an FIR was registered against unknown persons for allegedly creating a fake email-ID in the actor's name and using it to chat with his fans. Recently, when Hrithik and Kangana had sent legal notices to each other, the "Queen" star revealed that she was corresponding with Hrithik through mails. Hrithik had, however, refuted this and said the email ID was not created by him. Kangana's advocate Rizwan Siddiqui, in a statement released here today, said the cyber crime cell of BKC police issued summons to the actress and her sister Rangoli to appear before it within a week so as to record their statements. In reply to the summons, Siddiqui also said that no police officer can summon his client Kangana and her sister to any police station to record their statement, as a witness under section 160 of CrPC. "The witness summons sent to my client and her sister by the police officer are patently illegal, as no woman can be called to the police station to record her statements as per the provisions of law," he said in the statement. According to the lawyer, Kangana had willingly expressed her desire to co-operate with police officers, in accordance with the provisions of law. Earlier, Hrithik had refrained from naming Kangana in his complaint and had told the police that he learnt about the imposter and fake email-ID from a fan. However, the actor later re-approached police urging them to probe the case fast, and revealed that Kangana had told him about this email-ID. Hrithik, in his legal notice to Kangana, claimed to have received about 1,439 emails from the "Tanu Weds Manu Returns" actress on his correct email-ID, and also the forwarded emails she had sent to the fake ID and the replies received therein. The "Bang Bang" star claimed he learnt about the alleged imposter in May 2014, following which he filed a complaint with the cyber crime cell in December the same year. Pakistan today said it has informed the European Union and major world capitals about the arrest of an Indian 'spy' from restive Balochistan province and asked Iran to provide details of his 'spy network'. Kulbhushan Yadav, the alleged chief operative of Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) was arrested by Pakistani security agencies last week from Chaman near Quetta. Speaking at his weekly news briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said major world capitals and EU have been informed about the arrest of a serving Indian Navy officer for planning "subversive activities" in Pakistan, Radio Pakistan reported. The entire world has seen the admission statement of the Indian agent, Zakaria said, referring to the so-called "confessional video" of Yadav released earlier this week by the Pakistani Army. Zakaria further said that Pakistan had earlier provided the United Nations with evidences of Indian interference and terror activities in Pakistan. India has acknowledged Yadav as a retired Indian Navy officer, but denied the allegation that he was in any way connected to the government. "The said individual has no link with government since his premature retirement from Indian Navy," said a statement issued by India's Ministry of External Affairs, while demanding counselor access to him. Meanwhile, Zakaria confirmed that Indian High Commission here has sought counselor access to the arrested spy. "A request by India for consular access (to Yadav) is under consideration," he said in response to a question. Zakaria said that Pakistan has also asked Iran to provide details about the network of Yadav who was reportedly arrested after he entered from Iran. In the video, Yadav has said that he arrived in Iran in 2003 and started a small business in Chahbahar. The FO spokesperson said that Iran has assured Pakistan that it would never allow anyone to use its soil against Pakistan. "It's nothing but a God's act" was how a senior official of IVRCL reacted after the flyover it was constructing in Kolkata collapsed today even as a company official denied any quality or technical issue as the cause behind the incident "as of now". "It's nothing but a God's act. So far in 27 years we have constructed several number of bridges...it (today's collapse) never happened," K Panduranga Rao, Group Head (HR & Admin) of the Hyderabad-based company told reporters. Two of IVRCL engineers are also missing from the collapsed site, he said, adding, searches are in progress to find them. When asked about the reason for the collapse, Director (Operations), A G K Murty, said, "It's not due to any quality issue nor any technical issue, as of now". Murty said that 70 per cent of work on construction of the flyover had been completed, and today 60th slab was being "done" (when it collapsed). The two officials said the company would cooperate with government agencies. "Whatever best possible, we will be doing. All the projects have their own insurance...whatever best possible, we will be doing for the people involved", Murty said. "We are in deep shock. We at the management are also in shock...we are waiting for what's happened. We are checking," the officials added. The Cypriot ex-wife of an Egyptian man who authorities say hijacked a domestic Egyptair flight and threatened to blow it up with a fake suicide belt said her former husband is an "extremely dangerous man" who used drugs, terrorised his family and beat her and their children. Marina Paraschou strongly rejected some media reports that suggested 59-year-old Seif Eddin Mustafa hijacked the Airbus A320 with 72 passengers and crew onboard as a desperate man who acted out of love and had wanted to see her and his children. In an interview published today in leading Cypriot daily Phileleftheros, Paraschou said it's a "lie" that Mustafa asked to speak to her and that police who brought her to Cyprus' main Larnaca airport where the plane was diverted only asked her to identify his voice. Cypriot officials, who described Mustafa as "psychologically unstable," said he had asked police negotiators during Tuesday's hijacking to deliver a letter to Paraschou in which he demanded the release of 63 dissident women imprisoned in Egypt. The six-hour ordeal ended peacefully when police arrested Mustafa after all passengers and crew were released. During a court hearing yesterday, a police prosecutor said Mustafa told authorities after his arrest, "What's someone supposed to do when he hasn't seen his wife and children in 24 years and the Egyptian government won't let him?" But Paraschou suggested in the interview that it was all a ruse. "This man never cared for his children for one minute, either when he lived here or when he went away," Paraschou is quoted as saying. "He only offered pain, misery and terror. And even now when he's in police custody, my children and I are afraid." In a separate interview with daily Politis also published today, Paraschou said Mustafa used her as an "excuse" to seek asylum in Cyprus. Paraschou told Phileleftheros she married Mustafa in 1985 when she was 20. The couple divorced five years later and since then had only once made contact when she called him several years later to say that their teenage daughter a one of four children the couple had together had been killed in a car accident. "What do I care? It doesn't matter she was killed," Paraschou said Mustafa had told her. She said while married, the couple lived in her parents' home and that Mustafa never held down a job, beating his children when he couldn't support his drug habit. Paraschou said Mustafa was a "fanatical" Palestine Liberation Organization supporter who bragged about participating in the killing of three Israeli soldiers and was jailed for four years in Syria. In more embarrassment for former TERI boss R K Pachauri, a European woman who claimed to be his former secretary, has now accused him of sexual harassment, after two women who worked at the environment think tank levelled similar charges against him. In a letter to well known advocate Vrinda Grover, who is representing the complainant in the sexual harassment case against the eminent environmentalist, the woman said she had worked at The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) as Pachauri's secretary in 2008. She had contacted Grover in February 2015 after she came to know of an FIR against Pachauri in a sexual harassment case. When contacted, Pachauri refused to comment but his lawyer Ashish Dixit termed it as a "conspiracy" to defame his client and questioned why every time such a case came up it was Grover who gave statements and there were no police complaints. Grover sent to media houses the statment of the woman who said," I remember that in the third week of February 2015, I had read some news reports which said that an employee of TERI had filed a criminal complaint against R K Pachauri for sexually harassing her. "On reading these news reports, I was 0 percent surprised. I can very much relate to what the other women wrote in her statement." The woman, who claimed she was 19 when Pachauri harassed her, will be represented by Grover and another lawyer Ratna Appnender. Appnender said that although the police was informed about the statement and told that the woman was ready to present herself before them, they did not make any effort to contact her. The woman, whose exact nationality was not revealed, said she noticed a "big difference" in the way Pachauri behaved with her and Indian men with whom he maintained a "polite distance". When contacted, Pachauri said,"Please talk to my lawyer Ashish Dikshit. My lawyer will speak on the subject." Dixit said, "It is a conspiracy by Vrinda Grover to defame Pachauri. Everytime a woman is said to make allegations, it is only to press, not to police or court. "Why is that every woman comes and reports to Vrinda Grover. There is some conspiracy. It only happens when there is some court hearing. There is a matter coming up. To prejudice the judges these types of reports are aired," he said. "The serious question is why every girl who has no identity approaches Grover and she is the one who gives statement to media. Is there no police or no court," he said. Jeddah Tower in Saudi Arabia, which is set to be the worlds tallest building, is more than 20 per cent complete, according to the developers, Jeddah Economic Company (JEC). The planned one-kilometre-high tower has already reached the 37th floor and is on track for completion by 2018, according to an announcement by Saudi Arabian billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talals investment firm Kingdom Holding, which owns a third of JEC. The project, formerly known as Kingdom Tower, is set to overtake the 828-metre Burj Khalifa in Dubai as the worlds tallest tower. Although the number of habitable floors has not yet been revealed by JEC, the Chicago-based Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) expects it to be around 167 floors upon completion. According to architecture firm, Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill, the project is expected to cost $1.2 billion. The tower will have 65 elevators and 12 escalators. The development is also expected to have the worlds highest observatory on its sky terrace. With financing in place, the company is all set to complete building Jeddah Tower and the infrastructure of Jeddah Economic City as per the five-year plan developed by JEC. As was widely expected, the Islamic State has claimed responsibility for deadly bombing of the airport and a subway station in Brussels, which left 35 people dead so far and 260 wounded. Belgian authorities have identified two of the bombers as Khalid and Brahim Bakraoui, brothers who had criminal records but were not on terror watch-lists. A third man, NajimLaachraoui, who has been identified by media as being at the airport before the explosions remains at large. Laachraoui, who was born in Morocco and has trained in Syria, is believed to have been the bomb maker for the Paris attacks of last November -- his DNA was found on the bomb abandoned by Salah Abdeslam during that attack. This was the second major terror attack on Europe in just over four months and it came just days after the main suspect in the November Paris attacks that killed 130 was arrested in Brussels. The arrest of Salah Abdeslamhad heightened fears of more terror attacks in the country even as officials were warning that many people who were involved in the Paris attacks people were still at large. The carnage and the chaos have exposed Belgium as the hub of Islamist extremism in Europe, and have raised troubling questions over the competence of the countrys police and intelligence services. With extremist networks having become entrenched over a period of years, Belgium and the larger Europe is now confronted by a threat beyond what security services had ever anticipated. Belgium has seen a larger share of its Muslim population fight in Syria than any other European country, and the Molenbeek district of Brussels was the home of several of those involved in the Paris attacks that killed 130 people last November. The failure to detect and interdict the Paris attacks in November had underscored the capacity deficit in Europe in tackling extremism and terrorism. Even as the continents angry Muslim youth was getting radicalised and recruited into the Islamic State for years now, European countries largely stood by and watched. Today, they seem to have far too many terrorism suspects and resulting leads to manage, much beyond their institutional capacity to handle. Last weeks arrest of Abdelslam and failure to detect and disrupt a major terrorist attack in the very heart of Europe similar to that of Paris has led many to openly question the competence of the European security apparatus. The use of explosives in the suicide missions at the Belgian airport and the subway system suggests that a significant terrorist facilitation network remains in Europe empowering attacks. Al Qaeda always dreamed of executing this but lacked the operational support capability. Exposed by the Paris attacks, a very divided Belgian government had been hurrying to implement an anti-terrorism plan focused on stronger law enforcement in Brussels immigrant quarters, more power for prosecutors and more resources for the countrys underfunded intelligence and security forces. The proposals included extending the period for taking suspects in temporary custody from 24 to 72 hours, increasing prosecutors right to tap phones and communications, as well as investing in intelligence and pooling information among security authorities. But those proposals are yet to become fully operational. Top supplier of militants According a recent report, 470 Belgian Muslims have gone to fight in Syria or Iraq out of a population of about 6,60,000in terms of rate of recruitment, this makes Belgium the top supplier of militants in Western Europe. More broadly, Western European Muslims are three times likelier to end up in IS than their American co-religionists. As an indicator of radicalisation levels, this is pretty definitive. Compared to the US spending more than $650 billion on homeland security since 9/11, European spending on law enforcement, border security and other related agencies remains underwhelming. The efforts are also marred by an inability to reach a consensus on the best way forward. The result of this disarray is that states like the UK have taken a unilateral approach to manage their own security. This is happening at a time when Europe is facing a multitude of challenges including the persisting eurozone crisis, slowing of economic growth, Ukraine, growing right-wing xenophobia, resurgent nationalism, and the toxic Brexit debate. With its weak external borders, non-existent internal borders and a migrant crisis that has brought close to a million and a half migrants into its borders, Europe is struggling to cope with rising internal contradictions which are exposing its fundamental vulnerabilities. The terror attacks could spook Europe into closing its doors even tighter. Whether the attackers turn out to be refugees or not is beside the point. Across Europe, the big fear is one of Islamisation. Thats even the case in Germany, where concerns over the long term impact of accepting more than one million Muslim refugees last year is fuelling a backlash against Angela Merkels liberal migration policies. It now seems that the Schengen Treaty, the open border pact that allows for passport-free travel across most of the continent as the essence of EU membership, is on its death-bed. How European leadership manages to alleviate the concerns of its local populace will determine the future of one of the most successful liberal projects in international politics. Post 9/11, the US was asking itself Why do they hate us so much? and Europe was by and large aloof from the turmoil that the US was going through. There was much preaching in European capitals about American foreign policy blunders and how a militaristic America perhaps deserved what it was getting. It is now Europes turn to ask: Why do they hate us so much? And the answers are not very flattering. (The writer is Professor of International Relations, Kings College London) The 12th century story of Thomas Becket, Chancellor of England and Archbishop of Canterbury, teaches a valuable lesson even today. An ambitious king appoints his favourite courtier to these two important posts which controlled affairs of state as well as those of the church. He did so in the fond hope that he could use one to control the other. But, he was sadly mistaken. As the chancellor of England, Becket gave his wholehearted support to the monarch in all matters. But, as an archdeacon, his primary allegiance was to the Church where he decided to uphold the honour of God at the cost of defying his king. Thereby hangs a tale. And, a tragic one at that. History has taught us again and again that politics and religion do not mix well. Statesmanship and religion will do so even less. When combined, they become inflammatory. Far from doing good, they can break a nation. Ironically, the largest democracy in the world has not learned its lessons from history. When the leader of such a democracy takes his place next to a god man or rather, a cult leader, on the banks of a river in a mega show hosting 36,000 artists on the worlds largest stage, and declares this is the Kumbh Mela of culture what are we to make out of it? Apart from the ecological costs the event was held on the fragile flood plains of the Yamuna river it has sent a wrong message to the people of this country. A message implying that the government is swayed by articles of faith rather than those of reason. As an individual, the head of state can profess to any faith or loyalty or religion. But in his official capacity, he has to set these aside for obvious reasons. It was improper, to say the least, for the prime minister to display his spiritual leanings on a public platform. It was politically incorrect too. And, to state that the whole world will now understand India better because of its god men is ridiculous when savants like Vivekananda revealed Indias moral and spiritual strength to all nations a hundred years ago. As Gary Cutting, professor of Philosophy in the University of Notre Dame observes, religion concerns the private sphere while political life concerns the public sphere. Time that our politicians understood this profound philosophy. Many countries have ignored such wisdom. In America, for example, even though the Constitution strictly prohibits religious requirements for those who seek public office, its presidential candidates openly flaunt their religious affiliations. In the United Kingdom, religion has dominated politics for over a thousand years, resulting in conflicts that have even ended in bloody wars. Yet, its conservative prime minister recently declared that Christianity could transform the moral state of Britain or even the whole world. That may be his personal belief. But, coming from the head of a state, it was again an unnecessary and improper remark. Sitting on a tinderbox In India, we are always sitting on a tinderbox that is waiting to explode. What with our one billion plus population with its myriad religious beliefs, added to an unpredictable political environment, the slightest hint of religious controversy can lead to discord sometimes even to a deadly riot. The state may have officially recognised only Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism, Islam, Christianity and Zoroastrianism by bestowing minority status on them. But, there are countless other creeds, beliefs and faiths that have to be considered. Politicians cannot promote one or the other without creating unnecessary resentment. Even better, politicians should leave gods and god men alone. They have no place in the countrys governance. Fortunately, we have a leader who had not associated with them publicly as his predecessors had done. It would be good if he continued to distance himself from any religious/ spiritual group. It would also help if spiritual leaders of all faiths confined themselves to the activities of their respective places of worship. Finally, if politicians must visit temples and ashrams to seek blessings of gurus and holy men, let them do it privately, and not with official fanfare. Our own troubled history of the last 100 years should remind them of the havoc caused by those who played on religious sentiments to divide the country. The year 1947 and its aftermath cannot be repeated especially when religious communities today are living peacefully with each other. These communities have lived in harmony for hundreds of years except when politicians meddled with them for political expediency. To quote an example, I have just received an invitation from Srirangam - that citadel of Srivaishnavism for the 17th shraddhanjali ceremony of Sheik Chinna Moulana, the celebrated nadhaswaram player who was also the appointed Asthaana Vidwan of Sri Ranganathaswamy temple there. If this is not religious tolerance, what else is? After a heated discussion for over three hours, the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) on Thursday, resolved to keep the decision on implementation of Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (Amrut) project in the city, pending. During a special meeting, convened at Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar council hall, here, corporators, irrespective of party, exhorted Mayor B L Bhyrappa to delay the decision, till Commissioner (of MCC) C G Betsurmath answered various queries raised over the project. As the commissioner was absent, due to his prior engagement in Bengaluru, the mayor postponed the meeting, the date of which will be announced later. Earlier, the council witnessed heated debate with corporators, cutting across party lines, presenting varied views on the pros and cons of Amrut. A majority of them termed it as another JUSCO (Jamshedpur Utilities and Supplies Company) in the making, that failed to keep its promise on providing round-the-clock water to the city. Opposition leader J S Jagadish sought to know the veracity behind placing the subject before the council in the year end. BJP Corporator H S Nandeesh Preetham wanted the authorities to plug the leakages in the existing water supply network, before taking up works under Amrut. He explained that the age-old water pumping stations at Melapura, Belagola and Hongalli needed to be repaired. Due to leakages, we are getting only 65 million litres per day (MLD) of water against 125 MLD, he said. Similar was the appeal of Congress Corporator K C Showkath Pasha, who emphasised on taking corrective measures to augment the existing water supply network. The delay in taking up repair works is adding to civic woes, with most parts of my ward getting water only on alternate days, he said. R Balasubramanya (Snake Shyam) from BJP said, It was untimely to take up Amrut project as the existing water sources are weak. In the backdrop of the bad experience with the JUSCO, it would be better to take up the project on our own, instead of entrusting it to Karnataka Urban Water Supply and Drainage Board (KUWSDB). Nominated Corporator P Devaraj warned against the financial burden that may land the MCC in trouble. DH News Service Second year PU students, who were set to write the re-examination for the leaked chemistry paper scheduled for Thursday, and their parents, have expressed their complete loss of confidence in the PU board over the conduct of a second re-examination. Many disappointed students descended on the Department of Pre-University Education (DPUE) in Malleswaram to vent their ire over the cancellation of the re-exam owing to another leak. Why are they not capable of ensuring the security of the question papers? If another re-exam is conducted, what is the guarantee that it will not be leaked again? I no longer want my son to appear for another chemistry examination, said an agitated Ritu Ponamma, a parent who was on the premises of the Pre-university Board along with her husband since 7.30 am on Thursday. Abhilash, a student of Seshadripuram PU College, said: I heard about the leak in the morning as I was preparing to go to my examination centre and I could not believe my ears. It is corrupt officials who are behind the leak and students are the ones suffering, he said. Around 50 police personnel were also deployed to the department to control a crowd of approximately 200 students, parents and student activists. Some from the crowd threw stones at the department building resulting in minor damage to the glass facade. When the police asked them to leave, one of the parents, Srinivas Gowda, said: We will not leave till we get answers from the Pre-University department officials. Similar protests were held by the students across the state at various places in Mysuru, Hassan, Chamarajanagar, Tumakuru, Kolar and Chikkaballapur districts. DH News Service Students fret over entrance exams Besides the fact that they have to write the re-exam, students are most worried that their preparations for other competitive entrance examinations will be severely affected. Dinesh M, a student of KLE College, said: April 3 is the offline JEE (Joint Entrance Examination), while April 9 is the online JEE. Then, we have the CET and the ComedK in May for which we now have less than a month to prepare, he said. We are stuck with one exam when we have to write many others. I do not want to take this exam again and would rather prepare for my entrance exams, said Anusha A, a student of Sree Chaitanya PU College. Petition A group of students at the protest site was also seen collecting signatures to be submitted to the PU department. Looking visibly tired, Tejas M, a student of Vijaya PU College who signed the petition, said: I am fed up of taking another exam. How many times can I prepare for one exam and then find out we have to take it again? As many as 15 students from various colleges had signed the petition by around 3 pm. The report prepared by former chairman of Karnataka State Minorities Commission Anwar Manippady on Wakf encroachments has been tabled in both houses of the legislature, the State government told the High Court on Thursday. The government made the submission in response to a civil contempt petition filed by former minister S K Kanta, who suggested that the government didnt place the report. The Manippady report dealt with misuse of Wakf properties, their illegal disposal and encroachment in Bidar and other districts of Karnataka. It was prepared under section 10(2) of the Karnataka State Minorities Commission Act, 1994, and submitted to the then BJP government in 2012. The government counsel had earlier told the High Court that the report would be tabled in the legislature in February, but this was not done. A division bench of Justices N Kumar and B Veerappa adjourned the hearing after two weeks. DH News Service As the last rites of young Biocon scientist Revathi P R (in pic), who was killed in a road accident on Wednesday were held, there was a pall of gloom around the house on Thursday. Hundreds of relatives and friends gathered outside her house in Dattatreya Nagar, where her body was kept. Her neighbours too grieved the death of the scientist whom they remembered as a cheerful girl with a smile on her face. She was her parents only daughter. Meanwhile, the police said the driver of the mini bus in which Revathi was killed, is yet to be arrested. Biocon had hired mini buses from Sai Travels in the city. Owner Nagaraj Reddy of the travel firm approached the Electronics City traffic police station. The driver is identified as Saleem and it is learnt that he has fled to his native place. On Friday, Saleem will be arrested and action will be taken against Reddy in case the driver is found to have been driving without a valid licence, said the police. Before joining Biocon as a scientist, she had interned with them for eight months between December 2013 and July 2014. In the past, this 25-year-old worked as an executive - analytical development (R and D) at Stelis Biopharma. The budding scientist who lost her life in the accident was also a topper, inspiring many. Revathi, who has been working as a scientist in molecular biology with Biocon, was a gold medallist. She was awarded for academic excellence in MSc when she passed out of Bangalore University in 2014. Taking to Twitter, Biocon MD, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw said: One of our employees tragically killed in accident on NICE road. A young life lost to rash driving I share deep grief with her family RIP. Meanwhile, many colleagues who had seen her minutes before her death were finding it hard to overcome the grief and mourned her death silently. DH News Service An artisan was killed and six people were injured in a serial accident triggered by a recklessly driven KSRTC bus near Konanakunte Cross on Kanakapura Road on Thursday. Five motorcycles and an autorickshaw were involved in the accident, said the Kumaraswamy Layout police. The deceased was identified as Ranganath, 40, a resident of Yelachenahalli on Kanakapura Road. The injured are Prem Singh, Shanthakumari, Shankar Jogi, Mohammad Syed Hakeeb, Raja Reddy and Farsana. They are being treated at a private hospital and are said to be out of danger, police said. Ranganath made artefacts at his house and sold them to various shops, while Farsana was an autorickshaw driver. The accident took place on Kanakapura Road on Thursday near Konankunte Cross around 1.15 pm. Mahesh, the driver of the KSRTC bus which headed for Kanakapura from Bengaluru, was speeding. He lost control over the bus and collided with Ranganaths bike. Ranganath was tossed up in the air, fell down and suffered severe injuries. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, but was declared dead on arrival, said the police. Mahesh did not stop the bus, but drove recklessly in an attempt to flee. He drove for about 300 metres and spotted vehicles waiting at a signal. He failed to control the bus and the rammed into four bikes and an autorickshaw. The four bike riders and Farsana, who was in the autorickshaw, suffered injuries, added the police. As the bus stopped, road users at the signal caught bus driver Mahesh and thrashed him before handing him over to the police. The injured were rushed to the hospital for treatment, said the police. During interrogation, Mahesh claimed that he could not control the bus due to some technical snag, but the preliminary probe indicated no problems with the bus. The police booked Mahesh under IPC Section 304 A and produced him before the court. Mahesh was remanded in judicial custody for 14 days, police said. The traffic movement was disrupted for over one hour after the accident. The police deployed additional men and manually controlled the traffic. Normalcy on the busy road was restored by 2.30 pm, said the police. DH News Service A car driver, who was hired through an online portal, was arrested by the Thalaghattapura police for looting his employers house after being given house keys when the owners were away in Singapore. Arun alias Arun Gowda, 23, a resident of Ullal, stole household articles, electronic items, a car and a bike. The police have recovered Rs 20 lakh. The driver was hired by Seema K, a techie and resident of Poorva Highland Apartment in Mallasandra, through an online portal a month before she left for Singapore with her mother for a business trip. Won their trust She used to call him whenever she needed his service and used to pay him per trip. He gained her trust and confidence and Seema gave him the house keys before she left. Jewels found missing Seema left for Singapore on August 17, 2015, and when she came back on February 21, she found that several household items, including jewels were missing. She suspected that the driver was the culprit and registered a complaint. After Arun looted the house, he gave the house key to the security guard and switched off his mobile phone. Based on the complaint, we traced his mobile phone network and arrested him. We are questioning him to find out if anyone else is involved in the crime, a police officer said. DH News Service The DMK and its poll partner Congress face a delicate situation as factions in both parties have sent wish lists of candidates even before seat-sharing talks. While DMK has to grapple with issues surrounding party president M Karunanidhi's elder son Alagiri, the Congress has to deal with its factions. Though DMK did not attach significance to the meeting between Alagiri and Karunanidhi recently, party sources on Thursday told DH that the former had hinted to his father about the candidates to be fielded in southern districts. A few days after his meeting, Alagiri had sent his wish list of candidates to the DMK chief, which has put Karunanidhi in a difficult situation as Alagiris list will be rejected by his younger son M K Stalin. When our Anjanenjan (fearless heart, Alagiri) was the south zone organising secretary, he had steered our party in polls especially in southern belt, several times. So, our leaders should consider his choice too, said K Ganesan, former DMK leader and Alagiri supporter. The Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) is also in a tight spot as its faction group recommended various party functionaries of their choice to include in the candidate list. DH News Service When nearly 80 people were fighting for their lives at various hospitals here, political parties were busy indulging in a blame game, trying to earn brownie points before the upcoming Assembly polls. If the Opposition parties blamed the Trinamool Congress government of negligence, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee passed the buck, saying the flyover was commissioned by the Left regime. Within hours of news channels flashing gruesome images of people lying in pools of blood, Opposition parties trained guns on Mamata and held her government responsible for the tragedy. Senior BJP leader and in-charge of the state party unit, Kailash Vijayvargiya said: Mamatajis government is responsible for this. We want action to be initiated against the ministers and people associated (sic). Senior BJP leader and Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi went a step further: All culprits, however big they may be, should be arrested. The state should request for a CBI inquiry. This incident is a clear case of rampant corruption regarding the construction of flyovers. The Congress and the CPM, who have formed a coalition to fight the state polls, also demanded similar probes. If CPM Politburo member Mohammad Salim called for a high-level investigation, state Congress president and former Union minister Adhir Chowdhury asked for an inquiry into the entire construction process. Mamata, however, countered all the allegations and said that the tender for this flyover was issued in 2008. It was commissioned when the Left Front was in power. The work should have been completed in 2010 but they missed eight deadlines, she said. The tender was passed in 2009 by the erstwhile Left Front government and was given to Hyderabad-based IVRCL Construction, she added, claiming that the company did not provide the state government with details of the construction plan despite several reminders. Highly-placed sources said the flyover is a joint venture project of the state government and the Centre, along with Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority, the state urban developments nodal agency. An official on condition of anonymity said: The project was part of the JnNURM project under which the Centre is scheduled to provide 35% of the total project cost. The foundation stone was laid in 2008 when Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee was the chief minister. Later, KMDA planned a new wing towards the north. DH News Service West Bengal chief minister: It was commissioned when the Left Front was in power. The work should have been completed in 2010 but they missed eight deadlines,. An official: The project was part of the JnNURM project under which the Centre is scheduled to provide 35% of the total project cost. The foundation stone was laid in 2008. At least 24 people were killed and more than 85 injured when a portion of the under-construction flyover, which was welded in place on Wednesday night, over a busy intersection here collapsed on Thursday. Officials fear the death toll may go up as several people and vehicles are still trapped under the debris on the congested Chitpore-Vivekananda Road intersection. Though the police, fire brigade and the state disaster management teams reached the spot within 30 minutes, locals said they could not do much to improve the situation. While initial rescue attempts revealed a lack of preparedness on part of the administration, the state government then sought help from the Indian Army. The armys disaster management units then joined the rescue operation, along with teams from the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF). Army officers involved in the operation blamed state agencies for failing to salvage the situation. The army pressed into service 10 ambulances to ferry the injured to nearby hospitals, where the scene was one of chaos. Besides a severe shortage of blood, doctors seemed ill-equipped to handle the crisis, said a victims relative. The army had to then send a team of surgeons and nurses, as military engineers worked till late in the evening to rescue people. An army officer told DH that the administration failed to contain the crowd that gathered after the mishap, most of whom were busy taking photos and videos on their mobile phones. The police should have immediately cordoned off the area and all approach roads. The roads meeting at the crossing is narrow. This proved challenging for us to even move around or place cranes and other specialist equipment (sic), the army officer said. Rescue operations came to a halt for sometime after sunset as authorities did not arrange for adequate lighting, the officer said, adding that General Officer Commanding (Bengal Area) Lt Gen Rajeev Tewary, was supervising the operations. We have information that a mini-bus is trapped underneath but there is no way of knowing how many passengers were on board. The death toll is likely to go up, he admitted. The state government set up emergency helpline numbers and declared compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 3 lakh to those with serious injuries, and Rs 2 lakh to those with minor injuries. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who cut short her campaign tour of Jungle Mahal, said: ...The guilty will not be spared. Well take necessary action. Right now rescue is our priority. Chief Secretary Basudeb Banerjee told reporters, The government will bear all costs for treatment of the injured. Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar said that an FIR has been filed against the contactor, Hyderabad-based infrastructure company IVRCL, as K P Rao from the construction firm called it an act of God. DH News Service Army, NDRF deployed for rescue ops Several personnel from the Indian Army and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed for rescue operations in Kolkata, reports DHNS from New Delhi. Home Minister Rajnath Singh said Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with him and that he has apprised him of the rescue operations being carried out by NDRF. Seven Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams of NDRF comprising trained responders equipped with Collapsed Structure Search and Rescue (CSSR) as well as Medical First Responder (MFR) equipment have been rushed to the site, an official statement said. Fresh trouble seems to be brewing at UoH here with the authorities deciding to demolish a memorial erected inside the campus for Dalit research scholar Rohith Vemula. The PhD student had committed suicide in January last. The memorial is in the midst of campus shopping complex where Rohith and four other Dalit students had staged a sit-in for 13 days to protest against their suspension following a scuffle with a Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad leader. Rohith ended his life by hanging from a ceiling fan in the hostel room on 17 January. The students have staged protests in the area and erected a small tent, built a cement structure Vemula Smaraka Stupa since then. The decision to remove all unauthorised structures at the shopping complex inside the campus was taken at a meeting of the university deans which was presided by Vice-Chancellor P Appa Rao who is in the eye of a storm over the suicide. The agitating students have been demanding his resignation, holding him responsible for the suicide. The fresh move comes in the midst of continued unrest in the campus over the suicide and the subsequent developments. The authorities decision have evoked strong reaction from the students. Demolition will be opposed by the students. It will be nothing but reviving the agitation by all the Dalit students across the country, said Prabhakar, a leader of Ambedkar Students Association. Intervention sought Meanwhile, the students union of the university has sought President Pranab Mukherjees immediate intervention to resolve issues related to the varsity and ensure that the V-C was sacked. The University of Hyderabad (UoH) Students Union president Zuhail K P addressed a letter to the President, urging him to ensure restoration of peace in the university. Meanwhile a group of MPs from Kerala who wanted to visit the UoH to express solidarity with the students were stopped at the gates by the university security. The university has been out of bounds for politicians, media and outsiders since 23 March. DH News Service Prime Minister Narendra Modi will send out a subtle message on womens empowerment during his visit to Saudi Arabia. Modi, who will be on a tour to the conservative kingdom on Saturday and Sunday, is set to meet Saudi Arabian women professionals during a visit to an all-female Business Process Service Centre that Indias Information Technology major Tata Consultancy Service set up in Riyadh a couple of years ago. His visit to the TCSs first-of-its-kind all-female facility and his interaction with the employees will send out a message on womens empowerment in Saudi Arabia, a nation which was ranked 134 out of 145 countries in the Global Gender Gap Report 2015 put out by the World Economic Forum. This is the first BPO (business process outsourcing) operation by any company in the world in Saudi Arabia, more so for women. So, it is a very important statement that we will be making there (by the visit of Prime Minister), Mridul Kumar, Joint Secretary (Gulf) in the Ministry of External Affairs, told journalists in New Delhi, after making public the prime ministers itinerary in Riyadh, including his plan to visit the TCS facility. The TCS and US-based multinational General Electric own 76% and 24% of the equity in the all-women business centre in Riyadh. It started operation in January 2014 with about 80 women employees to primarily serve GE and Saudi Aramco as anchor clients. The facility now employs about 1000 Saudi women and is likely to offer employment opportunities to 2000 more. Women enjoy limited social and political rights in Sharia-ruled Saudi Arabia. The kingdom still does not allow women to drive. Women constituted only 13% of Saudi Arabias native workforce 2015. The nation was under international focus for its poor records in protecting human rights and encouraging women empowerment. It was only in last December that Saudi Arabia finally allowed its women to contest elections and cast votes, but only in municipal polls. Modi, who is now in Washington DC to attend the Nuclear Security Summit, will reach Riyadh on Saturday and meet Saudi Arabias ruler King Salman on Sunday. Prime Minister will also visit the historic 19th century Masmak Fort in Riyadh. DH News Service The second year PU Chemistry re-examination that was scheduled to take place on Thursday, following question paper leak on March 21, was cancelled after the question paper was leaked again. A fresh re-examination will now be held on April 12. The Department of Pre University Education (DPUE) cancelled the re-exam after confirming that all the 37 questions in the leaked question paper were identical to those in the revised question paper that was to be issued to the students on Thursday. The DPUE was alerted about the leak by the CID. The CIDs constant interaction with the PU students helped it to get credible information about the leak of the re-examination question paper. The CID sleuths were alerted around 3 am on Thursday, six hours before the commencement of the examination. They in turn informed the DPUE. CID teams probing the March 21 question paper leak were in touch with several students and parents. They were gathering information on the March 21 question paper which was in circulation on WhatsApp. In the wee hours of Thursday, some students alerted us about a WhatsApp post, which claimed to be a snapshot of the question paper set for the re-examination. Immediately, the message was shared with the DPUE officials. The strong room committees, across 187 centres in the state, were told not to open the Chemistry question paper bundles,'' a CID official said. One question paper bundle at an exam centre in Bengaluru was opened to verify if the questions matched the leaked version. It was found that all the 37 questions in the leaked question paper matched word by word. The question paper bundles could have been breached at any of the 187 strong rooms, and posted on WhatsApp,'' the official added. A DPUE official said the paper leak and cancellation of the re-exam was officially made public at 7 am. After the re-exam was cancelled, scores of agitated students and parents staged a protest in front of the office of DPUE in Malleswaram, leading to some emotional scenes. Owing to the Chemistry re-exam being put off again, the revaluation and declaration of results were bound to be delayed, a DPUE official said. Had the old time table been followed with the exams ending on March 28, the results would have been declared in the first week of May. Now there will be a delay of 7-10 days, he added. Meanwhile, the Government has constituted a three-member committee to oversee the conduct of the re-examination on April 12. Minister of State for Primary and Secondary Education Kimmane Rathnakar announced in the Legislative Assembly that the committee headed by Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Project Director P C Jaffer will include Transport Commissioner Ramegowda, who is a former DPUE director. DH News Service Opposition wants Rathnakar out The Opposition in the Assembly on Thursday demanded resignation of Primary and Secondary Education Minister Kimmane Rathnakar. The minister refused to yield. Instead, he suspended 40 officers of Pre-University Department. In the wake of PU Chemistry question paper leaking for second time, Primary Education Minister Kimmane Ratnakar should immediately tender his resignation, demanded former union minister B Janardhan Poojary. Addressing mediapersons here on Thursday, he said in case Ratnakar doesnt tender his resignation, then Chief Minister Siddaramaiah should drop him from the Cabinet. Only then the students and their parents may get some relief and the image of the party might not damage, he opined. Poojary also demanded the authorities concerned to file an FIR against the officials concerned, instead of placing them under suspension, as the offence committed by them is criminal in nature. Regretting the fact that there is not much progress in the CID investigation into the Chemistry question paper leak even after 10 days, the former union minister said it is nothing but the failure of the administration. Black Day In a separate press meet, former minister Krishna J Palemar also demanded the resignation of Education Minister Kimmane Ratnakar, owing moral responsibility. Stating that March 31 is a black day for students of the State, Palemar regretted that the question paper has leaked for the second time. Taking a dig at the State government, the former minister said that the government has presented Leak Bhagya for PU students. Continuing its displeasure over formation of the Anti-Corruption Bureau, the High Court on Thursday observed that the State government was struggling to start the ACB after destroying an existing anti-graft watchdog (Lokayukta). In the process, it is hurting the common man, it said. Justice A N Venugopala Gowda on Thursday remarked that the ACB in other states was reduced to a caged bird (as the chief minister had complete control over it). It is now up to Karnataka to re-brand it. Following a court direction, Additional Advocate General A S Ponnanna submitted details of the ACBs formation and said ACB police stations and separate divisions had been formed with Bengaluru being headquarters of the central division with jurisdiction over five districts. A Superintendent of Police (SP) will head a division. But the bench expressed disapproval, saying one SP will not be enough for five districts. It demanded what the government will do about the serious changes sought by DG&IGP Om Prakash in the notification. The court also questioned the government on the haste in issuing an order on the ACB and not enacting a law. Justice Gowda demanded what was the need for a transition period when an active system already existed. In response, Ponnanna cited many reasons for the Lokayukta not functioning properly. The bench instructed him to inform the court as well as the general public why the government took the decision. The court said there were 700-odd police personnel in the Lokayukta, including top officers like the ADGP, who were not assigned any work for the past two weeks. The Lokayukta has stopped registering complaints and the newly appointed ACB had no work for the past 15 days. Advocate H C Shivaramu told the court the March 14, 2016, notification to set up the ACB had not been published online. The bench disposed of an interlocutory application filed by NGO Janaadhikaara Sangharsha Parishath, seeking clarification on the scope of the High Courts orders on a matter related to strengthening of the Lokayukta police. The bench said the order speaks for itself and there is no need for any clarification on the matter. The court said it would keep monitoring the ACPs functioning on a day-to-day basis. HANOI, Vietnam, 17 March 2016 (AP) Vietnams southern Mekong Delta, the countrys main rice growing region, is experiencing the worst drought and saline intrusion in recent history that has affected more than half a million people, officials said Thursday. The drought could result in the loss of up to 1 million tons of rice, but is not expected to affect Vietnams status as the worlds third largest exporter of grain, said Ma Quang Trung, a department director at the Agriculture Ministry. Vietnam exports an average 7 million tons a year, behind Thailand and India. Thailand too has been hit hard by the drought. The water shortage could drive many farmers into poverty, especially if there are no rains between now and the peak of the dry season in late April, Trung said. He blamed the drought on the El Nino weather phenomenon and excessive construction of more than 10 hydropower dams on the upper stream of the river. Vietnamese Foreign Ministry spokesman Le Hai Binh told reporters that neighboring China has doubled the amount of water discharged from a dam to help alleviate the crisis. Binh also said the ministry was working with China and other Mekong River countries toward sustainable use of the rivers resources. The level of inland saline intrusion was unprecedented, resulting in damage to some 180,000 hectares (444,780 acres) of paddy fields, Trung said. The government has provided some $1.5 million in aid to farmers in three most affected provinces in the delta, according to state media. Vietnams southern delta faces worst drought in history 31 March 2016 (VietNamNet Bridge) Just within five days, the rice price in Mekong River Delta increased by VND300-350 per kilo after the forecast about poor crop. Pham Thanh Tho, a rice merchant at Ba Dac wholesale market in Tien Giang province, said on March 19 that fresh IR 50404 is now priced at VND5,000 per kilo, higher by VND350 per kilo than five days before, while IR 50404 material rice is being traded at VND7,100 per kilo. Tho said the price has soared because of strong demand and short supply. The demand is very high. A big volume of rice is carried to the north, he said. Nguyen Dinh Bich, a rice analysis expert, said the demand from China is very high. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) predicted that China would import 5 tons of rice this year. They (China) know the drought is occurring in Mekong River Delta and they have boosted purchases, Bich said. Huynh The Nang, chair of the Vietnam Food Association (VFA) and CEO of Vinafood 2, the Vietnamese biggest rice export corporation, said Vietnam had signed contracts on exporting 2.248 million tons by the end of February, up by 63.25 percent compared to the last years same period. This includes the contracted 1.12 million tons carried forward from 2015. As Vietnam has delivered 856,000 tons, it would still have to deliver 1.392 million tons from March, an increase of 46 percent compared with the same period last year. This includes 365,000 tons for government-to-government contracts and 1.027 million tons for commercial contracts. Meanwhile, the supply is getting short because of the serious drought and saline intrusion in Mekong River Delta, the rice granary of Vietnam. Le Thanh Tung from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) told the press on March 18 that the rice output in Mekong Delta in the 2015-2016 winter-spring crop may decrease by 300,000 tons compared to last year. Some other sources said the decrease may be up to 1 million tons. Nguyen Thanh Phong, director of Van Loi Food Company in Tien Giang province, noted the domestic price has increased sharply in recent days because exporters need rice for both unofficial and official export. [] Those who have rice in hands will make fat profits, Phong said. Rice prices rise as drought continues HANOI, 5 March 2010 (IRIN) As temperatures rise in Vietnam, a nationwide drought has dried up riverbeds, sparked forest fires and now threatens one of the worlds richest agricultural regions, upon which millions depend for their livelihoods. The Mekong Delta is facing a serious drought, Nguyen Minh Giam, deputy director of the National Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting Centre for the southern region, told IRIN. Water levels on the Mekong River are at an almost 20-year low, largely as a result of the rainy season ending early and a precipitous drop in water flow upstream, he said. With virtually no rainfall in the north since September, fires have burned through the northern provinces of Lao Cai and Lai Chau. In central Vietnam, sustained temperatures of about 38 degrees Celsius have sent hundreds to local hospitals. According to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the heat and humidity have sparked a plague of insects and worms, which have eaten through thousands of hectares of rice paddies. The drought conditions in the delta are also being felt in other Mekong countries because of the early end to the 2009 wet season, as well as low monsoon rainfall. The Mekong River Commission, a regional monitoring body, on 26 February warned of significantly lower than average water levels on the Mekong River in Laos and Thailand, which it says will affect the economic development of already impoverished people there. The Red River, upon which millions of Vietnamese in the north depend for fishing and irrigation, is at its lowest in more than 100 years, according to records beginning in 1902. The drought has turned sections of the normally bustling river into sand dunes, bringing river traffic to a halt. Never before has the water been so low that most ships cannot move, said Nguyen Manh Khoa, from Phu Tho province, whose debts are piling up as his new boat sits idle. [more] Record drought threatens livelihoods 2 March 2016 (Al Jazeera) Months of below-average rainfall have conspired to produce the worst drought in Vietnam in the best part of 100 years. It has been reported that the Mekong River is at its lowest level since 1926. The ongoing El Nino weather pattern is thought to be the main cause of the lack of rainfall affecting the country. Vietnam is not alone in suffering drought. Neighbouring Cambodia, and Laos, as well as Thailand and Myanmar, have been experiencing water shortages as a result of the weather phenomenon. Vietnams need for water is partly driven by its high reliance on agriculture as a source of income. The country is the worlds second largest producer of coffee and rice, both high users of water. In addition, coffee is vulnerable to frosts and cold weather. In both 2013 and 2014 severe cold reduced the yield of the coffee crop. The Mekong Delta has been worst affected by the lack of rainfall. The area has 2.2 million hectares of arable land. According to Le Anh Tuan, professor of climate change at Can Tho University, as much as 40 to 50 percent of this land has been hit by salinisation. As water availability decreases, salinity from irrigation tends to increase. All water contains dissolved salts; when plants have absorbed the water, they leave behind the salts which accumulate. Over time, increasing salinity makes it difficult for plants to absorb soil moisture, and these salts can only be removed by the roots of the plants by the application of additional water. We do not have any specific measures to mitigate the situation, Tuan told the AFP news agency. He added that residents had been asked to save water for domestic rather than agricultural use. [more] Vietnam hit by worst drought in nearly a century How were democracy and civil liberties laid to rest in Cuba? A summary timeline. An anonymous commentator recently wrote, under an article by Dimas Castellanos about Castro's conception of human rights, published in this newspaper, that he would like to read details of "how democracy disappeared in Cuba" with a "rundown of the key events and dates." An anonymous commentator recently wrote, under an article by Dimas Castellanos about Castro's conception of human rights, published in this newspaper, that he would like to read details of "how democracy disappeared in Cuba" with a "rundown of the key events and dates." That suggestion, coupled with Fidel Castro's public rejection of Obama's uplifting speech during his visit to Cuba, spurred me to make my contribution to the subject, with some historical data about how Fidel Castro officially buried democracy and freedom on the island. And I say official because, even if unburied, democracy was already dead as of March 10, 1952, when General Fulgencio Batista overthrew the constitutional president, Carlos Prio Socarras, and began his dictatorship. It was precisely to restore democracy that a national rebellion arose which, unfortunately, was headed by Castro, a great admirer in his youth of fascist ideas and the Spanish Falange. Shrouded in the image of a romantic and rebellious democrat, one fomented by Hebert Matthews at The New York Times, Castro, from the Sierra Maestra, promised that after Batista's overthrow he would hold elections to elect the country's new president and reestablish a democratic republic based on the Constitution of 1940, which was very advanced on social issues. As soon Batista fled the island on January 1, 1959, Fidel began to lead the country as the commander-in-chief of the Rebel Army, above the "bourgeois" provisional Revolutionary Government that he himself installed. He had promised to appoint as Cuba's provisional president Manuel Urrutia Lleo, the judge who championed the cause of those who besieged the Moncada barracks in 1953. But Castro could only hold his narcissistic ego in check for 45 days, and on February 16, 1959 directly assumed command of the Government, while continuing to lie. When taking over on that day as prime minister he declared that he was doing so provisionally, out of patriotic duty, stating: "I am not a candidate for president ... I don't care about any public office, I'm not interested in power." A complete facade. Three days earlier, on February 13, although dated February 7, the Official Gazette of Cuba had published the Fundamental Law, drafted by Castro himself, which tore up and replaced the Constitution of 1940 and transformed the prime minister into the head of the Government, a non-elected position, above that of the president of the nation. "Elections? What for?" Thus, in addition to breaking his promise to restore the Constitution of 1940, Fidel did what had never occurred to Batista, who suspended constitutional guarantees but did not repeal the Constitution and replace it with another drafted by himself. And, on top of all this, far from convoking promised elections, he posed his famous question: "Elections? What for?" With this Fundamental Law Castro destroyed democratic institutions, abolished the Congress of the Republic, transferred the functions of the Legislative Branch to the Council of Ministers, which he chaired, and reduced the president to a figurehead to receive the credentials of ambassadors and sign laws passed by the "premier." Historically, modern democracy emerged in the US three months before the start of the French Revolution, with the inauguration of George Washington on April 30, 1789 as the first president and head of state of a republic elected by the kind of sovereign universal suffrage endorsed by Jean Jacques Rousseau. And one based on the independence of public powers, as espoused by the Baron de Montesquieu 41 years before. Well, Castro not only took over the Executive and the Legislative powers, but also the Judiciary, which he eradicated through the creation of the Revolutionary Courts, answerable to him personally. To execute prisoners en masse, Castro invoked the Fundamental Law, as the 1940 Constitution did not provide for the death penalty, except for military crimes or spying during wartime. In 1959 alone those courts , made up of officers of the Rebel Army, sent 972 people to the firing squad. Of these, 436 had been military and police under Bautista. The remaining 536 were shot as "counterrevolutionaries," many of them at the fortress of La Cabana, where Che Guevara sometimes gave them the coup de grace. Absolute monarchy In addition to the three branches of government, Castro was the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, the true power on the island ever since. His total power was made complete between October 1959 and May 1960, when he confiscated and nationalized all media, suppressed the freedom of the press, and began to use the TV as the centerpiece of an impressive apparatus spewing disinformation and political and ideological propaganda, which would prove to constitute one of the cornerstones of his personal dictatorship. That is, in a very short time the altruistic" leader not interested in power became a kind of absolute monarch, like those in France prior to the storming of the Bastille, or Maximilien Robespierre, the architect of the Jacobin political terror in France. Already established as an autocrat, Fidel abandoned the farce of the revolution, "as green as the palm trees," and on October 13, 1960 nationalized 382 companies, spanning industry, mining, agriculture, and banking. That total confiscation from the "native bourgeoisie" and US capital, along with expropriations of private land, beginning in May 1959 through the Agrarian Reform Law (later completed with a second law in 1963) laid the foundations for Marxist-Leninist socialism. The entire national economy, except for small family businesses (later nationalized or eliminated after March 13, 1968) fell into the hands of the State, managed by Castro like a private estate. On 16 April, 1961 the commander declared the Communist character of "his" revolution, and on October 3, 1965 formalized the one-party Leninist system by founding the Communist Party of Cuba, which since March of 1962 has been operating under the name of United Party of the Socialist Revolution of Cuba (PURSC), and previously as the Integrated Revolutionary Organizations (ORI), created in July 1961. Military dynasty The complete totalitarian institutionalization was completed on February 24, 1976 with the proclamation of the Socialist Constitution, which elevated the PCC to a position as the "governing body of society," above the State and Government. On July 31, 2006 the dynastic, military character of the Castro regime was confirmed when a sick Fidel appointed his brother as the new president. Then, on April 19, 2011, Raul became Cuba's new dictator when he replaced Fidel as first secretary of the PCC. The worst thing is that, regardless of this summary of the institutional dismantling of democracy in Cuba since Castro's arrival in Havana in 1959, down to today a Junta has been in power, headed up by Fidel and Raul, one originally formed by a group of commanders of the Sierra Maestra, and now by some survivors and younger generals. It is they, and not the Political Bureau, the Council of State, or Ministers, or the Assembly who make the important decisions on the Island. In short, there has never been a greater rejection of western liberal democracy in the Americas than the Castro regime. A summary timeline Tinder just swiped right on Humin app to make its second acquisition. Its Saturday and you go to your favourite cafe to chill as usual. You open up Tinder and look for people close to you. But this time you have a specific person in mind, that dancer who was really cute and also were lucky to receive a quick smile back. So you just type in the dancer or the person I met last week (well, you tried!). Popular dating app Tinder has acquired Humin, a company that works on figuring out the context of social connections. Notably, Sir Richard Branson and Will.i.am had previously given financial support to it. Tinders long term goals seem to be about managing social interactions and organise collated information. Humins CEO, Ankur Jain, who will henceforth be Tinders VP of Product and Head of Special Projects, views Tinder as augmented reality because it is all about meeting and connecting. It uses the hardware that you own, in this case your phone, to augment the special information about people around you, and put that into context. Called actionable information, the social context here means information such as meeting places, mutual friends and trips. With this acquisition, Tinder will look to consolidate upon becoming an important social media platform, completing its evolution from a dating app. This years Microsoft Build developer conference had a whole host of exciting announcements to make. From delving into AI and bots to Cortana updates and a very exciting initiative for the visually challenged, Microsoft showcased a strong buildup for summer 2016. Heres everything that was announced at the event. >>Windows 10 gets Anniversary Update Windows 10 will be receiving what Microsoft is calling the Anniversary Update. After what CEO Satya Nadella describes as an amazing start to the operating system, the anniversary update looks to infuse more intelligence into devices. The anniversary update will be available for free to all Windows 10 users and it comes with some notable feature additions. Microsoft is adding biometric authentication for apps, and an all new Windows Ink experience. With Microsoft pushing the universal nature of its products, the Windows 10 anniversary update will also come to the Xbox One and the HoloLens. There are also some new tools for developers to convert legacy Windows apps for the new platform. >>Windows Ink gets smarter Microsoft emphasised a lot on how people still feel the need to use a pen & paper and with that, they introduced a smarter Windows Ink platform. Combining what they call the naturalness of pen and paper and the power of a PC, Ink now gets its own workspace which will list all the recently used pen apps, tips and tricks of how to use the pen and more. Some clever additions have also been made to make using the pen easier and more natural. For example, If you write meeting scheduled for tomorrow on the Sticky Notes app using the pen, Cortana will automatically schedule the meeting in your calendar and create a reminder. A number of cool features come for those who want to draw on their PCs, such as the ability to use a ruler. Other impressive features of the Ink update include - the ability to mark routes and activities on a map, edit documents with strikethroughs and cross-outs and lots more. >>New Universal Apps for Windows 10 Tons of new apps are slated to hit the Windows 10 Universal Apps store. Key names include - Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, Twitter, Starbucks, Uber, Bank of America and more. >>Marrying Windows 10 and Xbox One Microsoft announced that Forza will soon become a universal app across Windows 10 powered PCs and the Xbox One. Other games such as Quantum Break and Killer Instinct will also become a part of the Windows 10 ecosystem. Microsoft announced a new desktop app converter for win32 and dot net apps and games. The converter takes an existing desktop app and converts it into a modern desktop app. For example, Age of Empires II HD can be downloaded from steam and can be converted into a desktop app, adding the functionality of Windows 10 with live tiles and notifications. Phil Spencer, Head of Xbox division also announced a new dev mode for Xbox One, giving developers the ability to convert their retail Xbox One unit into a dev kit. Good to see Personal Assistant Cortana also making it to the Xbox One in the summer update. In addition to this, Spencer teased some more upcoming announcements regarding Windows 10 and Xbox One, which will be revealed at E3 in June. >>HoloLens will say hello to developers The Microsoft HoloLens has finally started shipping to developers as well as Microsofts enterprise partners. The announcement was made by the two co-creators, who shared a candid moment on stage as they hugged and said I love you man. With the announcement came app demoes which included educational and medical apps that can be used to view a hologram of human anatomy in detail. Another app called Galaxy Explorer was also showcased along with NASAs Mars viewing experience. >>Cortana gets a big update Microsoft has announced a number of new features for Cortana that would be included in the next major update to Windows 10 called the Anniversary Update. The new update will be available this summer and will see the incorporation of the personal assistant into Outlook. This will allow it to check emails and calendars in order to help the user keep track of their emails. It will be able to take information from emails and automatically create events. Cortana will also become more proactive and will suggest restaurants or arrange transportation. In addition, developers will have complete access to Cortanas proactive intelligence and this will allow them to make their apps perform tasks based on user context. >>And finally...The introduction of Microsoft Bots A personal digital assistant that knows you, knows about your world and is always with you across all your devices, said Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, describing the companys much lauded foray into Bots. Nadella went on to say that these bots are the apps of the future where human language will act as the UI and digital assistants will become meta apps. All this will run by the power of Artificial Intelligence, using which these bots will help people fulfill daily tasks faster and with more ease. The Microsoft CEO also admitted that the company went in the wrong direction with their twitter chatting bot Tay, who was wrongly trained to be a racist by people on the internet. Microsoft showed off the problem solving capabilities of these bots with the example of Cortana, which is now integrated seamlessly into Skype. Here, third-party bots from restaurants or hotels chat with Cortana who mediates the conversation between the user and bots. All this runs on what the company calls Cortana Intelligence Suite, which is supported by the Microsoft Bot Framework. So, those were all the important announcements made by Microsoft at Build 2016. Let us know what you think of Microsoft's new offerings in our comments section below. The deal is likely to end the country's 15-year legal tussle with creditors in New York that has restricted Argentine access to international credit markets. The holdout creditors, who refused to agree to a restructuring of Argentina's debt after it defaulted on nearly $100bn (71bn) in 2001, can now be repaid. Central to the deal is a cash payment of $4.7bn; nearly 75% of what Argentina owes to funds that sued the country in a US court over non-payment of debt. President Macri, elected last year on a promise to improve Argentinas economic fortune, had warned senators that a "no" vote would condemn the country to remain a "financial pariah" shunned by global credit markets. Subsequently, the repayment deal was approved by 54 votes to 16 in the Senate after a 12-hour debate late on Wednesday. Earlier this month, Argentina's lower house of Congress approved the debt deal after 20 hours of debate, with a majority of 165 to 86 lawmakers voting in favour of repealing bills which stood in the way of agreement with creditors. Macris predecessor Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner refused to negotiate with the holdout creditors whom she called "vulture funds". As consequence, Argentina could not meaningfully tap the international debt market, and even when it did so, loans came at double the rates major Latin American economies were availing. The Macri administration now has until 14 April to pay the holdout creditors. After more than 30 years at the helm, Grafton Group announced the retirement of Michael Chadwick as non-executive chairman on Thursday. The FTSE 250 company said Chadwick would step down from the board on 31 December, and would be succeeded by Michael Roney - currently chief executive and a director of FTSE 100 distribution and outsourcing business Bunzl. Graftons board said Roney would join the board as non-executive director, deputy chairman and chairman designate on 1 May, and would assume the role of chairman on 1 January 2017. "I am very pleased to have the opportunity to join the board of Grafton as Chairman Designate and look forward to contributing to the continued successful strategic development of a great business, he said. The company confirmed Roney would retire as chief executive of Bunzl next month after more than a decade in the role. Prior to joining Bunzl, he was chief executive officer of Goodyear Dunlop Tires Europe, having previously been president of Goodyears Eastern European, African and Middle Eastern businesses. He also remained non-executive director of one of the largest US-based spirits businesses, Brown-Forman Corporation, and was previously non-executive director of chemicals business Johnson Matthey. "I am delighted that Mike Roney has agreed to accept the role of chairman designate and that the Board has secured the services of someone with the breadth of his international business experience and impressive track record of building long term sustainable growth, said Chadwick on the appointment. Chadwick first joined Grafton in 1975, was appointed to the board in 1979, and served as executive chairman from 1985 to 2011, when he became non-executive chairman. "On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Michael Chadwick for his entrepreneurial leadership of the group through a remarkable phase of growth and development to become an international building materials business and for his outstanding stewardship of the board which will be greatly missed, said Grafton chief executive officer Gavin Slark. The board greatly appreciates that Michael Chadwick has agreed to remain as non-executive chairman until the end of the year which will allow for a smooth transition." Plastic products design and engineering company RPC Group expects revenue and adjusted operating profit for the year to be ahead of the previous year. In a pre-close trading statement for the financial year ending 31 March, the company said revenues for 2015/16 are expected to be significantly ahead of last year thanks to continued organic growth and the contribution from acquisitions. The adjusted operating profit is also expected to be much higher and in line with management expectations as the first phase of Promens-related synergies have been fully realised. RPC said its financial position remains robust with good cash flow development projected for the year and significant headroom under the group's debt facilities. The company said it continues to make good progress in implementing the Vision 2020 focused growth strategy by growing organically and through acquisitions. The acquisition of Global Closure Systems (GCS), a manufacturer and provider of closures and dispensing systems, was completed at the end of March and preparations for its integration are well advanced. RPC also completed the acquisition of JP Plast on 8 March. The JP Plast acquisition meets all of the group's strict acquisition criteria and had sales of 13.5m during 2015 operating from two well-invested locations in the Czech Republic and Slovakia where it has market leading positions. Chief executive Pim Vervaat said: "I am pleased with the group's performance during the year and the continued implementation of the Vision 2020 growth strategy. I am looking forward to further growth in 2016/17 with GCS adding high added value product ranges to the group's overall product offering and further extending our global reach." A consortium including government outsourcing specialist Serco has won a new framework contract from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to manage the UKs nuclear warheads via the Atomic Weapons Establishment through to 2025. The AWE Management Limited (AWE ML) consortium, a joint venture between Serco, Lockheed Martin and Jacobs Engineering, will be adjusted so Lockheed will take a majority 51% shareholding and Serco's and Jacobs' will both be reduced from 33.3% to 24.5%. The updated contract includes greater flexibility to vary activity with changes in funding and other programme demands, and gives the opportunity to earn higher margins in the event of superior performance and reductions if targets are not met. Serco, which in 2015 took a 18.6m share of profit after tax and received dividends of 17.8m, said it "will have the opportunity to maintain its returns from AWE ML at very broadly similar levels to those seen in recent years" provided stretching performance targets are met and demand continues at current levels. Since 2000, the AWE ML's operating margin has varied between 6% and 14%, and in the last two years has been at the bottom of this range. There will be regular pricing reviews, with the next one scheduled for 2019. Broker Peel Hunt said the reduced shareholding implied a circa 4.8m reduction in profit after tax. Juridica reported a considerable loss for the 2015 calendar year on Thursday, and it pressed on with its strategy of running off its investments and avoiding any new acquisitions.The AIM-traded provider of strategic capital for corporate legal claims reported a total comprehensive loss of $49.2m (34.2m), though a substantial part of that was indicated at the time of its interim results. Cyprotex was touting its solution to the problem of detecting hepatotoxic potential on Thursday, announcing the launch of a new advanced 3D liver model. The AIM-traded specialist ADME-Tox and Bioscience Contract Research Organisation (CRO) described hepatotoxicity as a major cause of drug attrition, with preclinical animal studies often failing to detect it. European Metals Holdings took a major step in the development of its Cinovec Lithium Project in the Czech Republic on Thursday, appointing Dorfner Anzaplan to conduct the next level of advanced test work following positive results from recent independent studies. The AIM-traded company had announced in 15 January that it was conducting independent studies to evaluate a number of existing lithium extraction methods. Full year results from Hilton Foods were better than expected but the retail meat packer said its forecasts for 2016 were unchanged for now. Although volumes were up 5.5% to 244,140 tonnes of sausages, mince, steaks and other juicy cuts to thirteen European countries and Australia, sales for the 53 weeks to 3 January were just below flat at 1.1bn due to the strong pound weighing on revenues to the tune of 7.4%. Electrocomponents announced the retirement of Rupert Soames as non-executive director on Thursday. The FTSE 250 company said Soames had served on the board for nine years.# MySQUARs goal of monetising the burgeoning Burma smartphone market continued apace in the second half of 2015, with the company showing progress in its half yearly report on Wednesday. The AIM-traded company, focused on the development and commercialisation of Myanmar-language mobile applications, reported $350,000 revenue for the six month period from implementation of the MyPAY payment solution. BlueRock Diamonds was ramping up production at its two plants, it reported on Thursday, with a strategic review underway to ensure it was operating at maximum efficiency. The AIM-traded company appointed specialist mining consultancy VBKOM to join its management team, and to review its mining strategy and produce a life-of-mine plan in January. Save my User ID and Password Some subscribers prefer to save their log-in information so they do not have to enter their User ID and Password each time they visit the site. To activate this function, check the 'Save my User ID and Password' box in the log-in section. This will save the password on the computer you're using to access the site. Note: If you choose to use the log-out feature, you will lose your saved information. This means you will be required to log-in the next time you visit our site. OSU defense dominates, offense revs up late in 54-10 rout of Iowa Overcoming a sluggish start by its offense, Ohio State pulled away for a 54-10 victory over Iowa. NAIOP broker forecast panel April 20 The Washington chapter of NAIOP will hold its annual broker forecast at 7 a.m. April 20 in Hyatt at Olive 8 in Seattle. Bill Pollard of Talon Private Capital will moderate the panel: Craig Kinzer of Kinzer Partners, Scotta Ashcraft of CBRE and Wilma Warshak of Washington Real Estate Advisors, talking about what drives tenant decisions, how landlords are adjusting to tenant demands and regional transportation issues. For more information or to register, visit: http://goo.gl/Lhz5ZW Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader of Iran, has firmly defended his country's missile programme in the face of rising concerns among members of the UN Security Council. The 76-year-old ayatollah, who is also the country's commander-in-chief, said in a speech on Wednesday that Tehran would lose its leverage in negotiations with the world's major powers if it were to abandon its missile programme. ''These are times of both missiles and negotiations,'' he said. ''If the Islamic establishment seeks technology and negotiations but does not have defensive power, it will have to back down in the face of any petty country that threatens it,'' Khamenei said, according to the state-run Press TV. Khamenei, who has the final word on all state matters, was speaking to religious eulogists in Tehran a day after it emerged that the US and its European allies in the Security Council have written a joint letter warning that recent missile tests by Iran were in defiance of a UN Security Council resolution adopting last year's nuclear agreement. The letter, which claimed that Iranian missiles were ''inherently capable of delivering nuclear weapons'', was carefully drafted and did not say that the tests violated the accord itself, which would have serious implications on its implementation. Russia has disagreed with fundamental outlines of the letter. Earlier in March, the elite Revolutionary Guards claimed to have successfully tested two ballistic missiles, Qadr-H and Qadr-F, during large-scale drills. The Fars news agency, which is affiliated to the guards, said the missiles carried a message in Hebrew written on them: ''Israel must vanish from the page of time.'' Iran maintains that its missile programme is developed for defensive purposes and has nothing to do with its nuclear programme. The issue was not included as part of the two-year negotiations that led to the nuclear agreement signed last July in Vienna and was therefore expected to remain a bone of contention despite progress on the nuclear front. The US last week imposed new sanctions on two Iranian groups believed to have contributed to the country's missile programme. From the beginning of the nuclear talks, Tehran resisted efforts by the West to include the missile programme as part of the negotiations, saying that the matter was military-related and outside the jurisdiction of the UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency. Rift with Rafsanjani? In his Wednesday speech, Khamenei also reprimanded internal critics. ''That they say the future of the world is one of negotiation and not one of missiles,'' the ayatollah said. ''If that is said out of ignorance, well it is ignorance, but if it's said knowingly, it is treason.'' He was invoking, almost word for word, a recent tweet by Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani, the head of the country's expediency council, who had said that ''the future of the world is one of dialogue, not missiles''. The two ayatollahs have been at odds in recent years over many domestic and foreign issues. Rafsanjani was not allowed to run for the presidency in 2013 and one of his sons, Mehdi, is serving a jail term for corruption. Rafsanjani, however, came at the top of the list of winners in recent elections for the assembly of experts, which is in charge of appointing the next supreme leader. ''The Islamic Republic must use all tools,'' Khamenei said. ''I am not opposed to political dialogue, not with everyone of course. I am fine with political dialogue on the level of global issues. These are times of both missiles and negotiations.'' Khamenei is ostensibly unhappy with the outcomes so far of Iranian sanctions being lifted as the result of the nuclear deal. Big European banks, in particular, are still reluctant to handle Iranian payments due to existing US non-nuclear sanctions relating to terrorism. ''Negotiations should be carried out in such a way that we do not get cheated,'' Khamenei said. ''That we negotiate, put things on paper, but sanctions don't get removed and trade doesn't get going is a sign that something is wrong.'' ICRA expects auto component industry to register 8-10% growth in FY2017 The Indian auto component industry is expected to gain momentum and register a growth of 8-10 per cent in the next fiscal (FY2017), according to a study by ICRA. The demand for medium and heavy commercial vehicles (M&HCV) is likely to stay robust but slow down to 13-15 per cent given the increased base of FY2016. ''Over the medium term, ICRA expects OPBDIT margin for the auto-component industry to stabilize at 14%-14.5% level, given expected bottoming out of commodity prices in the current year,'' said Subrata Ray, senior group vice president, corporate ratings at ICRA said. ''In FY2017, the rural demand (impacting motorcycles, tractors and passenger vehicle segments) will be contingent on monsoon, though government efforts in the Union Budget of FY2017 could benefit the rural economy,'' he added. The recent ban on diesel vehicle in the National Capital Region (NCR) and additional levy of 1-4 per cent infrastructure cess on passenger vehicles (PV) in the Union Budget will impact overall demand momentum in the PV segment which accounts for bulk of the domestic OE demand for auto components. Over the medium to long term, growth in the auto component industry will be higher than the underlying automotive industry growth given the increasing localisation by Original Equipment Manufacturers, higher component content per vehicle and rising exports from India. While export demand was weak during FY2016, robust demand for PV in North America and Europe is likely to offset the decline in the M&HCV segment in those markets over the next 9-12 months. With anti-locking braking system (ABS) becoming mandatory in 125cc+ two wheelers from April 2018, the domestic ABS market will witness exponential growth. Also, increasing awareness regarding safety aspects and likely implementation of mandatory crash test for passenger vehicles will further drive demand for ABS in PVs. International players like Bosch, Continental and home grown majors such as Brakes India will be key beneficiaries of the mandatory implementation of ABS for two-wheelers and PVs. At present, ICRA estimates ABS penetration of 30 per cent in PV segment and minimal (less than 5 per cent) in the two-wheeler segment. The ABS market could turn out to be a Rs 6,500 crore opportunity for suppliers by FY2019 in the backdrop of implementation of safety regulations. Given the demand slowdown and surplus capacities, the industry has been in a consolidation mode over the last two years, taking steps towards deleveraging their balance sheet. Gearing level as well as coverage indicators for the industry has improved considerably over the past 12-15 months and ICRA expects industry wide credit trends to remain stable, supported by demand from the OEM and replacement segment in the near term. A surgeon at Letterkenny University Hospital has criticised the Health Service Executive policy that has seen more operations cancelled at the hospital this week due to overcrowding in the emergency department. Orthopedic surgeon Peter ORourke made the comments after joint replacement procedures were cancelled on Tuesday. The cancellations were due to the so-called escalation policy, he said. According to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) there were eight patients waiting for beds at the hospital on both Tuesday and Wednesday. Speaking on the Shaun Doherty Show on Highland Radio Mr ORourke said his service has only done ten joint replacements so far this year and at least twice that number have been cancelled. He said the escalation policy means that if people are waiting on trolleys operations must be canceled. Last Wednesday I had four patients on the waiting list. We got one done and the other three were cancelled despite the fact there were empty beds. Basically, we are not allowed to use our own beds if there are patients in the emergency department on trolleys waiting on admission. The patients on trolleys can't go to these beds, but even though they cant go to these beds, we can't use them either. A spokesman for Letterkenny University Hospital said the hospital is endeavouring to implement these nationally agreed protocols as effectively as possible. Mr. O'Rourke said doctors have no control over what happens in the hospitals. Local management are just implementing policy, he said. It comes from on high and no matter what we say or what we do we can't influence things. Thats why I am so frustrated, Nobody listens to us, he said. 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. A red Holden Sunbird hatchback, and it was the same shape as the SLR Torana 5000s, which I would have loved. So in my 18-year-old mind I pretended it was a SLR 5000. When I first bought it, the first thing I did was call all my friends and we decided we'd drive to Queensland. We got about 45-minutes up the road and then the car started overheating if I drove over 60. So we drove to Queensland at 60 km/h. It took us four-days, but I was the happiest guy in the world. I was free. It was my car. We were on our own. There were no parents around. I thought it was magic. Australia's most popular ute could be offered in a French flavour under a joint venture between Citroen, Peugeot and Toyota. The French car makers are rumoured to be on the cusp of announcing plans to build a new ute in partnership with an established player in the segment. PSA, the parent company for Peugeot and Citroen, is set to make an announcement regarding its future strategy on April 5. Linda Jackson, PSA global chief executive, told Drive in September that the company was weighing up whether to offer a new ute. "I think as a group we have to look at pick-up and we have to look at whether there is an opportunity for it," Jackson said. "It is something we've got to look at because I was looking at another major region where it is a very important part of your model range. It's obviously not something in our product portfolio but clearly it is one of those opportunities isn't it." When British website Autoexpress.co.uk asked PSA Europe chief executive Denis Martin about the potential pick-up, the executive reportedly told them that "you will know more next week". A deal between PSA and Toyota would mirror a similar arrangement the manufacturers have in place with cargo vans. Citroen's medium-sized Dispatch van, a car sold in Europe as the Jumpy, is rebadged as the Toyota ProAce for some European markets. Citroen Australia spokesman Tyson Bowen says a new Jumpy unveiled in Europe this week is under consideration for Australia. The relationship already in place between the Japanese and French companies could see Toyota's HiLux reimagined as a Peugeot or Citroen commercial vehicle. Renault and Mercedes-Benz have similar arrangements on the way based on the latest Nissan Navara, while the Mazda BT-50 benefits from plenty of Ford architecture. Peugeot also has close ties to Mitsubishi, using the ASX crossover as the basis for its 4008 SUV. How much should we pay our county councillors? The councillors themselves are not complaining about the job they have been elected to do, under increasing pressure, but the Association of Irish Local Government, which represents them, is looking for a 40 per cent pay rise because of an increase in workload since the restructuring of councils two years ago. Independent councillor Jim Tenanty believes that if councillors are seen to be looking for money the public is going to turn on them. We did fill in a survey that was sent to all councillors asking for details about full-time and part-time employment, but if it goes through, councillors wont be seen to be fighting for it. Cllr Maria Doyle, chair of Dundalk Municipal District, does not think the time is right for councillors to be looking for any kind of pay increase. Green Party councillor Mark Dearey hadnt heard anything about the 40 per cent pay claim until it hit the headlines last week. I dont think the time is right for any pay increase and I don't think there's any great support for this, he said. Its the wrong kind of signal to send out to people especially the private sector. Its too early in the economic recovery to seek salary increases and would sent the wrong message out to employers and employees. The idea of a pay rise for councillors was first put forward a year ago by senator Tom Sheahan from Kerry. He believes that no one can be expected to work as a public representative for less than the minimum wage. He maintains that since the abolition of town and borough councils, the workload of councillors has increased to that of a full time job. And he fears that if this workload continues, only those who are financially comfortable will seek public office as they will be the only ones able to afford it. Of course, one could be cynical and say that with the Seanad Eireann elections coming up, this is just an attempt to win the votes of councillors, the people who elect senators. But senator Sheehan says, no, that is not the case, that he raised the question of councillors pay with the Minister of the Environment a year ago. But it is interesting that the councillors themselves are not grumbling about pay. They seem to be more concerned about trying to get something done for the people they represent, even though council budgets get smaller and smaller. The Local Government Reform Bill 2014 got rid of 678 councillors around the country and reduced the 83 councils to 31. According to senator Sheahan, most councillors work a 33 hour week and are paid 9.60 per hour. This works out at 16,565 per annum, plus 5,000 tax free expenses. The 40 per cent increase would add a further 6,000 to the basic. That would bring the annual salary to around 28,000 plus expenses. But that figure can rise when other allowances are factored in. The real question though is not one of pay, but power. What power do councillors have to bring about real change in our towns and villages and communities? Senator Sheahan says councillors are the cornerstone of our democracy and have always been the first port of call for constituents. That may still be the case, but the Local Government Reform Act seems to have been a cynical mathematical maneuver by the then minister Phil Hogan. An example of the mathematical based policies of the Government that led to its rejection by the people in the recent general election. There are fewer councillors, fewer officials, greater workloads all round, and more pressures, and smaller budgets. But Cllr Mark Dearey believes the Economic and Community Plan, which has just been adopted by the county council, is the one shining light that has come out of the local government reform. Cllr Dearey is chairman of the councils Economic and Enterprise Special Policy Committee. This policy committee has legal responsibilities, he said. It is the only one with any force and is subject to an annual audit. It is allied with the Governments job strategy and gives county council some real power. The Economic and Community Plan is a six-year plan, which every county in the country has drawn up - Louth is the last county to approve one. The plan sets out to promote economic development and community development in each local authority area. This will be done through partnership with economic and community groups. Sussex News Story Saved You can find this story in My Bookmarks. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Following Apples announcement last week, I noticed a number of reports on how disappointed customers were that there was nothing they wanted to wait in line for hours to buy. I personally thought they should have been excited about that, because I hate to stand in lines. Ive never really figured out an Apple fanatics penchant for pain. Still, it is very clear that todays Apple is a very different company than it was just six years ago. That got me thinking. Dell, HP and Lenovo also are very different. They all have nearly completely different personalities and only Dell is run by the same guy (and almost wasnt). Ill point out the big changes some that I think are kind of insane and close with my product of the week: a little gadget that can make your car smart (well, smarter anyway). 2000: The Decade It All Changed It was apparent, soon after Steve Jobs return to Apple, that hed not only studied Louis Gerstners turnaround at IBM, but also had decided to go one better. He set what is now the gold standard in turnarounds. Jobs did that by cutting Apple to the bone, massively simplifying its product lines, and convincing Bill Gates to invest in Apple (which had to be incredibly painful for him). Dell, on the other hand, appeared to be at the top of its game, tied at the hip to Microsoft and doing very well. All was not well under the covers, however. Michael Dell wanted to retire, and Microsoft was well into making what likely was its biggest mistake: pivoting from a focus on users to a focus on companies. Microsoft also was reeling from an antitrust action. On top of that, and likely because of it, Bill Gates wanted out. HP was sick, in need of fresh blood, and basically treading water. It wasnt clear if it knew who its customers were. It was in far too many businesses, with little resources to fully fund any of the efforts. It looked a lot like IBM did before it collapsed in the 1980s, and if one word could have summed up the firm, it might have been geriatric. Lenovo largely was unknown in North America. It was a powerful company in China, but China had yet to become a true world power in technology and like most Chinese companies, Lenovo was having trouble breaking out of the region. It desperately needed an edge, but it wasnt clear where it could get one, and few outside of China took the company seriously. 2010: The Decade It All Changed Again This decade found Apple as the most valuable company in the world and Steve Jobs the CEO of the decade. He had done something amazing at least twice first in seeing the opportunity of the iPod and pivoting the entire company to it, and next in cannibalizing the iPod for the iPhone. He nearly singlehandedly created the impression the PC was dead, which is kind of interesting since Apple really launched the modern PC. Dell had been through a number of changes and was in the midst of a major transformation. There were doubts that Dell would survive. Its attempts to follow Apple in both MP3 players and smartphones had failed spectacularly, leading some to doubt the firm had long to live. There wasnt a death watch, as there had been with Apple, but Dell was in trouble largely because Microsoft had lost its way, and its pivot from users to enterprises had gone very badly for the PC business. HP, which was headquartered near Apple and followed IBM closely, had observed both successful turnarounds but it ignored everything it learned. It seemed there was no mistake it didnt want to repeat. Then it brought in an industry expert, Mark Hurd, and he was making solid progress. HP seemed to be out of the weeds, and it even bought Palm and had a solid plan on how to pivot the company to compete better with Apple. Everything was looking pretty good. After acquiring IBMs PC business, Lenovo had become a force to be reckoned with. It reversed a bad decision to divest phones and was back in that business, but still mostly in China. It was the only company heavily in the PC business, other than Apple, that could showcase success in phones as well. Lenovo was making it clear that a Chinese company could execute out of China. Its headwinds increased animosity between the U.S. and Chinese governments, which created a drag on business but not execution. 2016 Status Report Apple is weakening, but its far from being in trouble. It doesnt seem able to lead anymore, however. Rather than following Steve Jobs model of focused, simple products, it now offers products that are starting to look like the industry standard. They are relatively difficult to use (compared to earlier Apple offerings), and theres an increasing number of products to choose from. Tablets are in decline, smartwatches have yet to take off, and the companys risky pivot to cars has yet to materialize. The move away from phone subsidies appears to be killing its unusually high market share for a premium product (its typically closer to 10 percent than the near 50 percent it once enjoyed) and forcing it to bring out cheaper phones. Instead of leading, it appears to be following at least with tablets. Dell did the impossible and went private, realizing that a big part of the problem with every company in this segment is the forced focus on quarterly results and expensive efforts to prop up valuations. For once, Apple seems to be following it into business with a tablet line (iPad Pro). However, Dell still lacks any smartphone presence, and that is likely its biggest client exposure. Microsoft has a subject matter expert running the firm, and it appears to be recovering as a result, though its move into hardware with the Surface line has introduced a new exposure for Dell. Dell currently is in the process of buying EMC and if successful, that could make it the most powerful company in enterprise technology, with a blend of software, services and hardware that could be unmatched. That potential has yet to be realized, though, because the merger isnt complete. Having seen the Apple turnaround, the IBM turnaround, Lenovos growth after buying the PC business, Suns failure to pivot to software, and Mark Hurds success, HP came up with a new plan. After being proven right in deciding that keeping PCs was a good idea, it first decided to pivot to software with a new CEO who didnt even last a year. Then it brought in a CEO who had even less industry experience than Carly Fiorina had, and she decided to ignore everything most recently spinning off the PC and printer business. What remains are two companies both now far better focused, but also with reduced economies of scale. HP Inc. has the stronger management team, but it is saddled with both massive debt and printers. HP Enterprise is relatively debt-free, but it lacks experienced leadership. HPs last 16 years with the partial exception of Mark Hurds time there (he did showcase why office affairs are dangerous) provide a strong example of what not to do. Lenovo is now a world power, on paper. Having recently acquired both Motorola and IBMs server business, it now is the only company with credible presence not only in every major market, but also in every major computing arena. It has a significant world presence in smartphones, tablets, PCs and servers. It is light on software, preferring partnering to owning, and it is light on services. However, in terms of computing hardware breadth, it is unmatched. Lenovo currently is experiencing financial pain as a result of two huge simultaneous mergers, but it actually appears to be pulling the move off, and it has been making major staffing realignments to finish the process. Looking Forward Apple appears to be pivoting from consumer to enterprise, and it likely should take a look at how that screwed up Microsoft to see what not to do. Its choice to partner with IBM and Cisco rather than do it all is a good indicator that it actually may avoid repeating some of Microsofts mistakes. However, tight partnerships arent Apples strength, and the firms will need to become closely coupled at least with regard to their joint business efforts in order to work. Still, the market hasnt adjusted to looking at Apple the way it is rather than the way it was. When it does that, the result could be economically painful. Still, I expect that will leave Apple in a better place with more reasonable expectations. Dell has to complete the EMC merger and address, either through product or partnering, its lack of presence with handheld devices. It could pivot the market, like Apple did, but it cant continue to act as if smartphones dont exist. However, once it completes the EMC merger and both firms are private, it will have a flexibility that no other firm in its segment has, as well as resources that match or exceed all other players. If it plays its cards right, Dell has the best chance to emerge at the end of 2020 as the most powerful U.S. tech company. Whether it is the most powerful in the world likely will depend on what happens between the U.S. and China. HP well, HP as we knew it effectively is gone. It has been replaced by two smaller, more focused companies. The PC firm is back where Dell was in 2000 but with printers. The enterprise firm is a weak clone of IBM. Focusing on the PC side, HP needs some kind of an iPod breakout product. 3D printing could be it, and it could flip printing from a liability to an asset again. I actually see some good things out of the printer unit in product and marketing execution, and it has a strong leadership team. However, Im seeing more folks angling to get out of both companies than Im seeing at any other firms in technology, and that makes HPs future less certain. Lenovo has to lock down the Motorola and IBM server mergers, and it appears to be nearing the end of that process. Once done, it has to be able to show some kind of end-to-end synergy for the market to truly get excited about the result. It remains the only firm trying to replicate Steve Jobs with Ashton Kutcher, a strategy that still has unmet potential. It also has one of the strongest product marketing people (David Roman) Ive ever met. Lenovo is now the strongest technology company in China, and it has a shot at becoming the strongest technology company in the world in 2020. That depends on what happens between the U.S. and China. Lenovo is more of a multinational, though, and that may give it a unique edge. Wrapping Up Now there are a number of other major and fringe players that could disrupt the hell out of all of this. Amazon in particular, with its heavy focus on cloud services even though it bounced with smartphones could be the tech company to watch. Samsung, LG, Huawei, Alibaba, and others from overseas also could disrupt this entire process by the decades end. Thats not even considering the impacts of war or massive natural or manmade disasters that could change dramatically what people buy. Finally, robotics, 3D printing and artificial intelligence could change the tech landscape massively by decades end. As a result, the only thing we can be sure of is that 2020 will be very different from 2016. Unless its a Tesla, my advice on the cusp of the era of self-driving cars is to not buy a new car right now. The reason is that Im told that once self-driving cars hit critical mass, insurance companies will change fees dramatically, and cars that arent self-driving will become too expensive to own. That said, a lot of the smart connected stuff is just arriving on new cars, and some of it is pretty cool. Automatic is the best tool to bring some of this smart technology into an older car that Ive yet seen. Automatic Connected CarAdapter Its big value is that if you get into an accident, it automatically will use your phone to call for help. Also, it will give you Fitbit-like reports on your driving, helping you to drive more safely and economically. It will connect to an increasing number of third-party apps to provide other functions connected to your smartphone. What makes Automatic nice is that it costs just US$99, and there is no subscription. It will give you a feeling for what is coming without buying a new car (it worked fine with my 2008 Audi A3), and it is very easy to install. Be aware that it pulls power, so you dont want to leave it attached if you are away from your car for a long time. Because Automatic makes a dumb car a tad smarter oh, and it works with Amazon Echo it is my product of the week. Prosecutors for the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Central District of California on Tuesday announced they had reached a plea agreement with Ryan Collins, a Pennsylvania resident, over charges that he hacked Apple and Google email accounts of more than 100 people back in 2014. The allegations stemmed from the official investigation into the hacking case dubbed Celebgate, because most of the victims were celebrities whose nude photos were leaked to the Internet. However, the investigators were unable to secure evidence linking Collins to the actual leaks, and found no proof that he uploaded the information to the Web or otherwise shared it. Collins agreed to plead guilty to a felony violation of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. The prosecutors agreed to recommend an 18-month prison term, but the sentencing judge has leeway to impose a statutory maximum of five years. Collins was charged in Los Angeles, but the parties agreed to transfer the case to Harrisburg, hear Collins home, for the entry of his plea and sentencing. A Case of Celebrity Fever? Is it me, or is the legal system worried about the wrong thing? asked Mark Sangster, VP of marketing at eSentire. Why protect the economy when some compromising pictures of celebs have been stolen? There should be convictions on major cases attacking companies and stealing valuable data, Sangster told TechNewsWorld. Has anyone been convicted on Sony or Target? Or biopharma, tech, or business email compromise fraud? These attacks cost us trillions. Target will pay out US$10 million to compensate the 40 million people whose credit and debit card records were exposed when it was hacked in 2013. No Deterrent at All I doubt the plea will have any significant effect on discouraging phishing attacks, commented Chenxi Wang, chief strategy officer at Twistlock. Cybercriminals are behind many phishing campaigns, she noted, but this particular case is an individual acting on his own. It therefore will have very little, if any, impact on the extent of those campaigns or attacks, Wang told TechNewsWorld. We see murderers being put to death for their crimes, but that hasnt stopped people, observed Dodi Glenn, VP of cybersecurity at PC Pitstop. Hackers want the notoriety and their 15 minutes of fame. Collins actually might come out ahead after his conviction, judging from previous cases, he said. More than likely, once his term is served, hell get a job in the security industry, Glenn told TechNewsWorld. Still, the plea bargain is a good move, Wang contended, because the victims private information would be disclosed and discussed in court proceedings if the case had gone to jury trial. More Teeth Needed I think they should make an example out of [Collins], remarked Daniel Castro, vice president at the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation. Weve seen a number of celebrities making public statements about how this was more of a sex crime than anything else, and the law should reflect that, he told TechNewsWorld. Look at what they were trying to get Aaron Swartz on for downloading documents from MIT. They were going after him a lot harder. Swartz, a computer programmer and Internet activist, was hit with two counts of wire fraud and 11 violations of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act for downloading academic journals from MITs JSTOR digital repository. Facing potential penalties including $1 million in fines, 35 years in prison and asset forfeiture, as well as other pressures, he committed suicide. Federal judges are required to consult the U.S. sentencing guidelines prior to sentencing a defendant, pointed out Thom Mrozek, a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorneys office. The guidelines in this, as we view them, call for a sentence of six to 12 months. Mr. Collins has agreed to an 18-month sentence, Mrozek told TechNewsWorld. The ITIF has called for a stronger law on data breaches, Castro said. You need a law that makes this type of activity criminal and makes it easier to prosecute based on those images being shared without permission, Castro suggested. Prosecution is possible under the CFAA, but they have to prove how you access the data, Castro said. If you take an image, the act of sharing it without permission and with the intent to cause harm would be better. Apple on Tuesday filed a brief arguing that the demands the Department of Justice has made in seeking a backdoor to iPhone encryption would have appalled Americas founding fathers. The FBI and DoJ want Apple to create new software code that would help government investigators bypass built-in encryption on the iPhone of Syed Farook, who with his wife carried out last years San Bernardino, California, terrorist attack. The Justice Department and the FBI are seeking an order from this court that would force Apple to create exactly the kind of operating system that Congress has thus far refused to require, reads the brief, which responds to the governments opposition papers filed in federal district court earlier this month. The new code essentially would allow authorities to unlock the specific iPhone and gain access to any data that was left on the device after the shooting, and use it to pursue other potential terrorist links or future plots. Widespread Risks The government demand would put Apple at risk of being forced to engage in similar cooperation in other cases, would put the security of the iPhone at risk, and would risk similar orders being forced upon the company by other governments in countries where it operates, Apple and its supporters have argued in court filings andpublic testimony. The government is using the All Writs Act to attempt to bypass the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act, a wiretapping law signed by President Clinton in 1994. CALEA forbids law enforcement from forcing an electronic communication service from adopting any specific design of equipment, facilities, services, features or system configurations, according to the filing. The government has acknowledged that FaceTime and iMessage features on the iPhone are electronic communication services but claimed that is irrelevant because the court order does not bear upon the operation of those services, it notes. The government wants access to iMessages left on the phone. Balance of Power Lawyers for the DoJ and Apple are scheduled to appear in court next week before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sheri Pym in Riverside, California, to make oral arguments on the motion to dismiss. We look forward to responding to Apples arguments before the court on March 22, said Marc Raimondi, a spokesperson for the Department of Justice. As we have said in our filings, the Constitution and the three branches of the federal government should be entrusted to strike the balance between each citizens right to privacy and all citizens rights to safety and justice, he told the E-Commerce Times. The Constitution and the laws of the United States do not vest that power in a single corporation, Raimondi added. Support for Apple What the FBI is seeking is unprecedented, said Alan Butler, senior counsel at theElectronic Privacy Information Center. No company has ever been required to produce special software to undermine its own security systems, he told the E-Commerce Times. Apple has a strong legal position in this case. In a separate case, Federal Magistrate Judge James Orenstein last monthruled that Apple did not have to unlock an encrypted iPhone. The judge in the California case is likely to consider Orensteins decision, Butler said. In particular, Judge Orenstein found that Congress had already considered and rejected a broad decryption requirement for device manufacturers when it passed the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement act back in the mid-1990s, he said. There really is not a compromise ruling here. Either the judge orders Apple to provide the assistance or she denies the FBIs application, Butler added. A group that organized protests outside Apple stores and FBI headquarters last month plans to descend on the courthouse next week in a show of support for greater iPhone security. The group, Fight for the Future, is launching an online campaign called #SaveSecurity and awebsite to organize protesters online. We wanted to make sure that we educate the public and decision-makers about the fact that this case isnt just about one phone, or even just about iPhones its about the future of all of our safety and security, said Evan Greer, campaign director ofFight for the Future. Since launching just a few hours ago, more than 3,400 people have already added their voices to the effort. We expect this number to grow dramatically before Tuesday, he told the E-Commerce Times. The governments reliance on the All Writs Act is an indication that the case cannot stand on modern case law, said Sophia Cope, staff attorney at theElectronic Frontier Foundation. The problem is that the AWA has never been applied in this way, and it cant be used for an unconstitutional purpose, she told the E-Commerce Times. In short, the Constitution will always trump a statute. 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Prickett)Refugees and migrants arrive in Greece on flimsy boats after crossing treacherous seas to Greece mostly fleeing conflicts in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan in September 2015. Greeks are exhausted from years of economic crisis and the Orthodox church head is pleading with the European Union to reconsider its decision to limit the refugees it is accepting. Hieronymos II, Archbishop of Athens and All Greece, says he is pleading for help so Greeks are not left alone to confront the massive refugee crisis facing Europe. Archbishop Hieronymos wrote his impassioned letter for help to the general secretary of the World Council of Churches, Rev. Olav Fykse Tveit, appealing to international churches and the global community. "Substantial interventions are imperatively needed. "We consider that the manifestation of European solidarity, first of all through the re-examination of the decision to close the borders, but also through substantial efforts to eliminate the root-causes of the refugee crisis should be undertaken." He said the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece has followed "the endless tribulations of the refugees flooding our small country," in his March 30 letter that commits the church there to continue its support for refugees. "In their long and difficult journey from war to peace, hundreds of thousands of suffering refugees cross, under dramatic circumstances, our country, distressed and drained as a result of the economic crisis." His plea coincided with one by United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on March 30 while speaking at a special UN ministerial meeting on the global responsibility for sharing Syrian refugees fleeing the civil war. "Five years into this conflict, Syrians are losing hope of supporting their families or educating their children...Communities hosting refugees in neighbouring countries are exhausted," said Ban. "Health, education, and public utilities are overstretched and under-resourced." Canada said on March 31 it will take in an additional 10,000 Syrian refugees, adding to the more than 25,000 received in the last few months, Immigration Minister John McCallum said in Germany. The United States had the day before reaffirmed its commitment to resettle at least 10,000 vetted Syrians in 2016 and increase the total number of resettled refugees from around the world to 100,000 by the end 2017. Archbishop Hieronymos made his appeal to the WCC, "so that people of the international community with institutional authority, good will, respected voice and social influence, join forces to solve the greatest problem and wave of refugees on European soil after World War II." He noted, "Our seas have become liquid graves. Our islands and our people stand with moving altruism on the side of the desperate." The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, aims to resettle some 480,000 refugees, about 10 percent of those now in neighbouring countries, by the end of 2018, but it said it is battling to overcome widespread fear and political wrangling. Prior to the ministerial-level talks, countries had pledged 179,000 places since 2013, refugee agency figures show. "We have heard pledges that increase resettlement and humanitarian admission to over 185,000," UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi said at the end of the meeting - signalling an increase of just 6,000 places, Reuters news agency reported. "Due to the authority vested in you, we therefore urge you to use every possible effort so that the civil war ('fratricide') in the broader area of Syria comes to an end," said Archbishop Hieronymos. That is needed so, "that people and families are no more uprooted from their ancestral homeland, and that those who are already living as refugees be assisted to overcome their pains." The archbishop said he shares the view of the Greek government "that our small country, exhausted from the years-long economic crisis, is not in a position to confront alone this major refugee issue." A school has hired security guards after a shocking attack against one of its teachers.Kalgoorlie-Boulder Community High School, located in Western Australia, said it will also bring in behavioural experts to deal with very troubled students.Last Thursday, a teacher was assaulted by a student at the school who was later taken to hospital for observation. The student responsible was given a 10-day suspension.The Western Australian Education Departments director-general, Sharyn O'Neill, has since ordered a full review into all the issues and practices at the school.The regional executive director of the states education department, Ken Perris, told The West Australian the assault was a shocking incident that no teacher should endure.While this was by far the worst, it has been clear this term there are some serious problems that need to be addressed, both at the school and in the wider community, Perris said.A video of girls fighting whilst wearing the schools uniform has been shared among students. The altercation involved hair-pulling and clothes being ripped off in front of a small crowd of students.In the video, which the school says appeared to be staged, staff can be seen trying to break up the fight.The department admitted there had been occasional issues this term with a small group of girls fighting, adding the incidents had resulted in suspensions.There have been an unusually high number of suspensions in the first few weeks of the school year, with 19 more than the same time last year.Perris told the West Australian that the fighting was not simply a school problem and many of the troubled pupils had issues which went way beyond campus.Clearly there is some unrest in the wider community, he said.I think the principal, who is new to the school, is working very hard under trying circumstances but it is obvious some additional support and advice is needed at the school.He added the department would continue to work with police, families, the Department of Child Protection and community leaders.City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder mayor John Bowler said the issues at the school were very serious and had existed for many years but appeared to be getting gradually worse.There was a time when even the toughest kid in school had some respect, but now they thumb their nose at teachers, he said.The department has a fantastic philosophy that every child deserves an education, but when the education of the majority is being poorly affected by a minority then this minority has to be taken out of the classroom. Mexico City, Mar 31 (EFE).- A military judge has acquitted six soldiers implicated in the deaths of 22 civilians in the central Mexican town of Tlatlaya in 2014, according to a non-governmental organization that is providing legal aid to a survivor of the alleged massacre. The Miguel Agustin Pro Juarez Human Rights Center, or Centro Prodh, said in a press release Wednesday that the Tlatlaya case "remains in impunity." The military court "acquitted 6 of 7 soldiers accused of participating in the Tlatlaya massacre of June 2014, and convicted the remaining soldier of disobedience, sentencing him to one year of prison (time already served)," the Centro Prodh said. It added that one of the survivors, Clara Gomez Gonzalez, had to file a constitutional challenge to gain access to the sentence, which according to Mexican media was handed down in October. Sources with the Defense Secretariat consulted Wednesday by EFE said they presently had no information about the court ruling. The acquittal "confirms the partiality of military courts and the limits of the recent legislative reform to military justice, which permits simultaneous investigations and trials in military and civilian jurisdiction," the NGO said. The Defense Secretariat initially said after the June 30, 2014, incident in the town of Tlatlaya that 22 suspected members of a kidnapping gang died in a gunfight with army troops. But Gomez, one of the three survivors of the episode and the mother of a 15-year-old girl who was among the 22 people killed, subsequently told Esquire magazine that only one of the civilians died in the confrontation, while the others were executed after surrendering and undergoing interrogation. The federal Attorney General's Office said last October that 14 people had died in the firefight and the other eight had been killed after they surrendered. But in a subsequent document, obtained by La Jornada newspaper via a freedom of information request, federal investigators concluded that 11 of the victims were "practically executed," while five others died while in "instinctive defensive" postures. The troops fired 160 gunshots, while the civilians only fired 12, according to forensic studies. The Centro Prodh recalled in its press release that three soldiers were currently on trial in civilian courts for murder, but it lamented that the AG's office had not yet acted on its request to "speak with the chain of command and investigate the operating order that was in force for the army unit that committed the crime." It said that order "instructed soldiers to 'kill criminals in the darkness of the night.'" "Nine months later, the (AG's office) has not summoned any military commander to respond to questions," the press release said. Austin, Texas, Mar 31 (EFE).- The FBI has agreed to unlock two Apple devices belonging to a pair of teenage murder suspects in Arkansas, the prosecutor in the case said. The bureau is providing that assistance after the Justice Department said Monday it had gained access to the iPhone used by one of the shooters in last December's San Bernardino, California, terrorist attack, and no longer needed Apple's help. The tech giant had resisted the government's demand, leading to a court battle. Cody Hiland, the prosecuting attorney in Faulkner County, Arkansas, said Wednesday that the FBI had agreed to a request from his office and the Conway Police Department to unlock an iPhone and iPod used by the two homicide suspects - 18-year-old Hunter Drexler and 15-year-old Justin Staton. Those teenagers are accused of killing Robert and Patricia Cogdell, both aged 66, in July 2015 in Conway; the Cogdells had adopted and raised Staton as a grandson, according to the local press. "Obviously when we heard that (the FBI) had been able to crack that phone we wanted to at least ask and see if they wanted to help," Hiland said. Prosecutors say Staton used his iPod to communicate with other suspects and plan the killings and therefore are confident they will find incriminating evidence on both devices. Both Drexler and Staton have pleaded not guilty to the murder charges, and Drexler's attorney, Patrick Benca, said Wednesday he was not worried about what his client's phone may contain. Drexler's iPhone 6 is a later model than the one used by the San Bernardino shooter, Syed Rizwan Farook, and therefore it is unclear whether it can be cracked with the same method. Fourteen people were killed and more than a score were seriously injured in the Dec. 2, 2015, attack carried out by Farook and his Pakistani wife, Tashfeen Malik, at a San Bernardino County public health department holiday party. Police found the iPhone inside the vehicle that Farook, an American citizen, and Malik - both alleged supporters of the Islamic State - were using to flee police when they were shot dead. The FBI had asked Apple to create a backdoor to the iPhone used by Farook. Apple refused, saying the software the government wanted it to create would be the "equivalent of a master key" and "undermine decades of security advancements that protect our customers - including tens of millions of American citizens - from sophisticated hackers and cybercriminals." Relacionados FBI hopeful it can unlock iPhone without help from Apple Mexican authorities say a Canadian man is behind bars amid allegations he sexually abused minors on a busy street in Acapulco. Reports say he was arrested Sunday after a passerby allegedly saw him embracing and touching young girls. A passerby witnessed the event and filmed the aftermath of the alleged acts, posting the contents online. The accused is confronted by the unnamed witness and repeatedly denies molesting the girls as he sits on a bench. When confronted by the video-taker as to whether his behaviour is normal, the Canadian replies in Spanish that it is -- that he likes them and they like him. During the video, he appears to kiss one of the girls, a toddler, on the mouth, with the father nearby, before a police officer stops him. A release from the attorney general in Guerrero state identifies the man as Walter Zuk, 68, and says he is from Quebec. The video was widely shared in Mexico and one local media reported a small protest against the accused in Acapulco on Monday. Global Affairs Canada spokesman Francois Lasalle says the government is aware of a Canadian citizen having been detained in Acapulco, Mexico. In an emailed statement, he said Canadian officials are in contact with local authorities and are ready to provide consular assistance. Lasalle said the department could not provide any further information because of privacy laws. Ely, Cambridgeshire is best known for its majestic cathedral dubbed the 'Ship of the Fens' because it dominates the flat landscape. The city, which is the second smallest in England, is about 14 miles north-northeast of Cambridge and about 80 miles by road from London. 08:11, 22 OCT 2022 AMSTERDAM, March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Contract guarantees expanded choice for consumers and growth for both parties Today Booking.com, the global leader in connecting travelers with the widest choice of incredible places to stay, and AccorHotels, the world's leading hotel operator, have renewed their partnership agreement. With thousands of AccorHotels properties currently available on Booking.com, customers will now be able to discover, book and enjoy even more great stays with ease and confidence via Booking.com. This renewed commitment to provide consumers worldwide with great choice and a seamless experience guarantees that both Booking.com and AccorHotels can continue to grow their businesses together, introducing both new and existing Booking.com customers to outstanding AccorHotels brand experiences in every corner of the globe. "AccorHotels' diverse portfolio of brands is very popular with our customers around the world." said Gillian Tans, President and COO of Booking.com "We're very pleased to be able to continue to expand that offering and present consumers with even more transparency and choice when it comes to selecting a great place to stay." This new agreement goes into affect on 1 April 2016 with new AccorHotels properties continuing to be added to the Booking.com platform over the coming months. Additional terms of the deal have not been disclosed. ABOUT BOOKING.COM Booking.com is the world leader in booking hotel and other accommodations online. It guarantees the best prices for any type of property - from small independents to five-star luxury. Guests can access the Booking.com website anytime, anywhere from their desktops, mobile phones and tablet devices, and they don't pay booking fees - ever. The Booking.com website is available in 42 languages, offers over 879,000 hotels and accommodations including more than 397,000 vacation rental properties and covers more than 86,000 destinations in 224 countries and territories worldwide. It features over 80M reviews written by guests after their stay, and attracts online visitors from both leisure and business markets around the globe. With over 19 years of experience and a team of over 10,000 dedicated employees in more than 170 offices worldwide, Booking.com operates its own in-house customer service team, which is available 24/7 to assist guests in their native languages and ensure an exceptional customer experience. Established in 1996, Booking.com B.V. owns and operates Booking.com(TM), and is part of The Priceline Group . Follow us on Twitter [http://www.twitter.com/bookingcom ], Google+ [https://plus.google.com/+Bookingcom ] and Pinterest [http://pinterest.com/bookingdotcom ], like us on Facebook [http://www.facebook.com/bookingcom ], or learn more at http://www.booking.com [enlace; ]. CONTACT DETAILS For further information, please contact the Booking.com Press Office: mediarelations@booking.com CONTACT: +31-20-709-47-43 Volcanoes are common in the solar system. Remnants of ancient lava flows are plentiful on Mercury and Venus. Our moon has large seas (maria) of solidified lava. Mars has the largest extinct volcano known in the solar system, Olympus Mons a single volcano as big across as Arizona. Beyond Jupiter, evidence of cryovolcanic activity has been detected on some of Saturns icy satellites, especially Enceladus, which erupts salty ice water out of over 100 fissures at its south pole. Saturns Titan and Neptunes Triton may have ice volcanoes, too, and a large cryovolcano may still be active on Pluto. Only two bodies in the solar system, however, have hot-lava volcanoes that are erupting now, as far as we can tell: Earth and Jupiters moon Io. Comparing these two worlds, can we find a story of intelligent design related to this powerful geological force that can toss material upward for miles against gravity and cover vast areas of real estate with hot lava, rocks, and dust? Fraser Cain wrote an intriguing article for Universe Today, What Are the Benefits of Volcanoes? a jolting headline for those of us picturing residents fleeing for their lives from pyroclastic flows, mummified remains under Pompeii from Mt. Vesuvius, houses in Hawaii being swallowed up by hot lava, or other disasters in the news. Actually, though, we owe much to volcanoes. As frightening as they can be up close, they are mere pimples on Earths skin as seen from space. And they provide a remarkable delivery system from the depths of the Earth to the surface. Cain lists the ways volcanoes enhance the habitability of the Earth. Soil enrichment . In addition to the noxious vapors and silica, volcanic debris often contains minerals high in iron, magnesium and potassium. As a result, regions that have large deposits of volcanic soil (i.e. mountain slopes and valleys near eruption sites) are quite fertile. In Italy, he says, much of the land is limestone, yielding poor soil. By contrast, the volcanic plains around Mt. Vesuvius are very fertile because of weathered volcanic ejecta. The same is true on the Hawaiian islands and in many other locales. Land expansion . Volcanoes expand the habitable area of the Earth. In addition to scattering ash over large areas of land, volcanoes also push material to the surface that can result in the formation of new islands, including the Hawaiian chain, the Aleutian islands, many areas in Micronesia and the south Pacific, and other places. Interestingly, early human civilizations made their marks on volcanic islands in the Mediterranean, like Cyprus, Crete and the Aegean islands. (The inhabitants of Santorini, however, were in the wrong place at the wrong time.) In recent years we have seen volcanic islands like Surtsey rise from the ocean, then become rapidly colonized by plants, birds and other animals, as were the Galapagos Islands in prehistoric times. Volcanic minerals and stones . Humans make many useful products from volcanic ejecta, everything from pumice for hand soap to road material. Cain has lots of examples to share: The finest grades of these volcanic rocks are used in metal polishes and for woodworking. Crushed and ground pumice are also used for loose-fill insulation, filter aids, poultry litter, soil conditioner, sweeping compound, insecticide carrier, and blacktop highway dressing. Thats just for starters. He mentions that the roof of the Pantheon in Rome was made from concrete that includes volcanic tuff, making it light and strong. From roofing material and plaster to the walls of nuclear reactors, volcanic materials find their ways into well-designed structures, and have since the dawn of civilization. But thats not all; there are riches from the depths of the Earth delivered by volcanoes. Precious metals that are often found in volcanoes include sulfur, zinc, silver, copper, gold, and uranium. These metals have a wide range of uses in modern economies, ranging from fine metalwork, machinery and electronics to nuclear power, research and medicine. Precious stones and minerals that are found in volcanoes include opals, obsidian, fire agate, flourite, gypsum, onyx, hematite, and others. He doesnt mention diamonds. Did you know that diamonds are delivered from deep in the mantle at high speed through explosive eruptions called kimberlite intrusions? Think about that the next time you watch the groom place a sparkling gem on his brides finger. Global cooling . The ash clouds from volcanoes also play a role moderating Earths climate. When volcanic ash and compounds like sulfur dioxide are released into the atmosphere, it can reflect some of the Suns rays back into space, thereby reducing the amount of heat energy absorbed by the atmosphere, Cain says. The Pinatubo eruption of 1991 caused measurable temperature drops for years all from one volcano. Hot springs and geothermal energy . Many countries rely on geothermal energy associated with recent volcanic activity. Yellowstones geysers are a popular tourist attraction. From free energy production to enjoyment of a soak in a natural hot spring, heat close to the surface of the planet has proven a benefit to many. There are even macaques in Japan that soak in hot springs. Molecular biologists who study thermophiles, bacteria that thrive in hot springs, are learning about heat-tolerant enzymes that inspire numerous applications in technology and medicine (example at PubMed). At this point, you may be wondering if we are going to assert that volcanoes are intelligently designed. No. Cains last bullet point in his benefits of volcanoes will lead to the issue we want to focus on. Outgassing and atmospheric formation . To Cain, this is by far the most beneficial aspect of volcanoes: the role they have played in forming Earths atmosphere. But here, he brings in Mars, Venus, Mercury, and Io, saying: And Io, Jupiters volcanically active moon, has an extremely tenuous atmosphere of sulfur dioxide (SO), sulfur monoxide (SO), sodium chloride (NaCl), sulfur monoxide (SO), atomic sulfur (S) and oxygen (O). All of these gases are provided and replenished by the many hundreds of volcanoes situated across the moons surface. As you can see, volcanoes are actually a pretty creative force when all is said and done. In fact, us [sic] terrestrial organisms depend on them for everything from the air we breathe, to the rich soil that produces our food, to the geological activity that gives rise to terrestrial renewal and biological diversity. [Emphasis added.] Ios volcanoes plaster its surface with lava and give it an atmosphere, but nothing lives there. Nothing benefits from all that heat and energy. The only ones who benefit from volcanoes are living things that have a genetic code. The intelligent design is not in the volcanoes, but in the code that can build an organism, whether an archaeal microbe, a macaque, or a human being that knows what a benefit is. An organism can take a force of nature and use it for a function. Everything on Io is dead. Nobody benefits, except the scientist who studies Ios volcanoes from spacecraft intelligently designed for understanding the forces of nature. But on Earth, volcanoes are a resource. We can find an aspect of design in the fine-tuning of the forces of nature that make our universe and Earth habitable. Beyond that, volcanoes are not examples of complex specified information (CSI). They are unguided forces that possessors of CSI can harness. Where there is no life, volcanoes as impressive as they look are mere scars of undirected energy. Lets end with one more remarkable example of design harnessing undirected forces. You probably have seen jewelry with palladium in it. You probably also use platinum, an extremely rare metal, every day. One source says that one-fifth of everything we use either contains platinum or requires platinum in its manufacture. We already know that human beings can intelligently design things with these metals. But heres something really interesting that came to light recently. Scientists at the University of Adelaide have discovered that we find platinum on the surface of the Earth because bacteria bring it to us! Traditionally it was thought that these platinum group metals only formed under high pressure and temperature systems deep underground, and that when they were brought to the surface through weathering and uplift, they just sat there and nothing further happened to them, says Dr Reith. Weve shown that that is far from the case. Weve linked specialised bacterial communities, found in biofilms on the grains of platinum group minerals at three separate locations around the world, with the dispersion and re-concentration of these elements in surface environments. Weve shown that nuggets of platinum and related metals can be reformed at the surface through bacterial processes. Now that is uncanny. We might not have found these useful metals to apply our design skills on them if it had not been for the fact that the entire process of formation of platinum and palladium was mediated by microbes. And what do microbes have embedded within them, class? Complex specified information. Image: Olympus Mons, Mars, via Wikicommons. Dramatic Developments in South Africa have left the Rand Exchange Rates Strong against Rivals Such as the Pound Sterling (GBP) Today Rand exchange rate forex traders experienced a pleasant surprise today as the South African Manufacturing PMI was revealed to have strengthened significantly further than forecast. Clocking in at 50.5 rather than 47.5, this return to growth for the manufacturing sector would seem to bode well for the outlook of the wider economy, shoring up the Rand. The near-future may bring historic news from South Africa, as prosecutors decide whether they have grounds to impeach the ostensibly corrupt President Jacob Zuma. Such a resolution would likely bolster the Rand considerably, due to the increased likelihood of a stable leader being put in charge. The appeal of the S.A. rand complex has remained steady against Sterling and other majors today, thanks to South African President Jacob Zuma being ordered to repay upgrade costs on his home. If Zuma is impeached by opposition parties, the Rand may soar due to the potential of a stable leader being put in place. Latest Pound/Rand Exchange Rates On Sunday the Pound to British Pound exchange rate (GBP/GBP) converts at 1 The live inter-bank GBP-GBP spot rate is quoted as 1 today. The pound conversion rate (against euro) is quoted at 1.147 EUR/GBP. Today finds the pound to us dollar spot exchange rate priced at 1.13. NB: the forex rates mentioned above, revised as of 23rd Oct 2022, are inter-bank prices that will require a margin from your bank. Foreign exchange brokers can save up to 5% on international payments in comparison to the banks. Thursdays positive UK data docket was insufficient to boost the Pound against the South African Rand, despite many better-than-forecast results. Gross Domestic Product, widely predicted to show a slowdown to 1.9% in the final quarter of 2015 remained steady at 2.1% on the year and 0.6% on the month. Mortgage Approvals and the Index of Services both bettered estimates, while Total Business Investment accelerated from 2.4% to 3%. However, the continuing crisis regarding the Tata Steel sell-off continued to cast a shadow over the positive economic news. South African Producer Prices were found to have risen sharply from 7.6% to 8.1% on the year in February. While this suggests that inflationary pressure is continuing to mount in the South African economy investors have largely discarded the result, particularly as the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) recently hiked rates in response to high inflation. UK Government in Disarray Over Steel Industry Crisis David Cameron was forced to chair an emergency meeting regarding the future of the British steel industry on Thursday, following an announcement the previous day that Indian conglomerate Tata Steel intended to sell its UK interests. According to Stephen Kinnock, Labour MP for the Welsh Aberavon constituency, where Tata Steels largest UK plant is located, the news has thrown the government into total disarray. They either dont care or theyre so incompetent that they simply dont know what theyre doing. While Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell has outlined a four-point plan to rescue the British steel industry, including nationalising Tata Steels business interests, David Cameron has stated that he doesnt believe nationalisation to be the right solution. There are fears that up to 40,000 jobs could be lost if the UK steel industry collapses, with concerns helping to keep Pound Sterling in negative territory against most of the majors today. As South Africas top court prepared the rule on questionable home renovations by President Jacob Zuma, the Rand advanced. Investor hopes that the end of South African President Jacob Zumas chaotic tenure could come to an end saw South African Rand exchange rates making strong advances on Thursday. South Africas constitutional court met to decide whether the President had acted unlawfully after spending ZAR 246 million (11 million) on renovations to his childhood home in Nkandla shortly after taking office in 2009. The issue has caused political friction for several years, with an earlier police investigation having controversially cleared Zuma of any wrongdoing on the grounds that the additions to the property, which included a visitors centre, a swimming pool and a chicken run, were made for security purposes. The argument has been just one of many sore points during the South African Presidents two terms in office, causing severe uncertainty and keeping investors away from South African assets. The court ruled that Zuma must repay some of the government money used to fund the renovations, although it could take up to 60 days to determine the final amount due. ZAR News: Ministers Urge South Africans to Buy Domestic Products Deputy South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, has joined Small Business Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu in urging South Africans to buy domestic products rather than those produced overseas. The move is part of a plan to create an economic zone which would boost demand for South African-made goods and create thousands of jobs. Ramaphosa claims that doing so would increase wages and help tackle South Africas major unemployment problem, with the rate of joblessness still standing at around 25%. Zulu has also championed the role of small, medium and micro-sized enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africas economic future, claiming South Africas economy can grow by five percent over the next five years if government and the private sector can invest R12 billion in 300,000 small businesses. As the UK steel crisis builds on political uncertainty initiated by EU referendum jitters, Pound Sterling exchange rates softened versus most of its currency exchange rivals. India faces a historic moment regarding its future, according to Prem Shankar Jha, an economist well acquainted with the nuances of Indian economy policy. According to Jha, the Reserve Bank of Indias (RBI) next policy announcement will decide whether the economy will recover or die. Demand for higher-risk assets such as the Indian Rupee (INR) has remained higher in the wake of Chinas unexpectedly strong Manufacturing PMI, which rose from 49.0 to 50.2 and signalled a return to growth. With the British Pound being dragged lower by a rather more disappointing UK Manufacturing PMI the GBP/INR exchange rate has continued to shed value going into the weekend. With the UK steel crisis dominating headlines, the British Pound softened versus most of its currency exchange rivals on Thursday. Indian Rupee exchange rates also struggled as rising crude oil prices limited demand. A much larger-than-expected Indian Government Budget deficit also weighed on the Indian Rupee. For your reference, here are the latest FX rates: GBP/INR Exchange Rate News and Outlook The UK steel crisis has weighed heavily on demand for the British Pound. Indian conglomerate Tata Steel stated that they are selling the UK business and withdrawing from the UK altogether. This could see as many as 40,000 jobs lost and the British steel industry decline completely. With Prime Minister David Cameron showing that the government is not entirely sure how to tackle the problem, political uncertainty could weigh on demand for the UK asset for some time to come. On a positive note for those trading with the Pound, British fourth-quarter Gross Domestic Product was upwardly revised on both a quarterly and annual basis. Widening Indian Government Budget Deficit Provoke INR Losses Today Despite comparative US Dollar weakness causing emerging market currencies to surge, the Indian Rupee edged lower versus a number of its major peers on Thursday. The Rupee depreciation can be linked to a combination of disappointing domestic data and rising crude oil prices. Of particular significance, in terms of its detrimental impact, was Februarys Government Budget Value which showed the deficit widened beyond expectations from -4804.3 billion to -5728.72 billion. Newcomer numbers arriving in New Zealand have remained steady at the start of 2016 with the latest data showing there was a net gain of 6,100 migrants in February, unchanged from January.The figures from Statistics New Zealand also show that monthly net migration has remained relatively steady, fluctuating around the 6,000 mark since October 2015.New Zealand's annual net gain of migrants has continued to rise, with an unadjusted figure of 67,400 in the year to February 2016, the 19th consecutive month to show a record annual net gain. Migrant arrivals reached a new high of 124,200 and departures fell very slightly to 56,900.Net migration from Australia continued to rise, with a net gain of 1,600 migrants. This is the highest annual net gain of migrants from Australia since the September 1991 year and the fifth consecutive month to show an annual net gain.Of the arrivals in the 12 months to February 2016 some 30,700 were New Zealand citizens, making up one quarter of all migrant arrivals, 13,800 were from India with almost three quarters having student visas, 13,500 were from the UK with almost half having work visas.Visitor arrivals numbered 373,400 in February, up 29,900 or 9% year on year and holidaymakers were up 18,000 or 9% from February 2015."An increase in holidaymakers, coupled with 2016 being a leap year, helped boost visitor arrivals to a record high for a February month," said population statistics manager Jo-Anne Skinner.In the year to February 2016 visitor arrivals hit a record 3.2 million, up 10%, of which half were holidaymakers and of these, Australia contributed almost a third with 526,700 visitors.New Zealand residents took 127,100 overseas trips in February 2016, up 3% year on year. Trips to Fiji were up 1,600 or 36% and to Tonga up 1,500 or 136%.New Zealand residents took a record 2.42 million overseas trips in the February 2016 year, up 6% from the February 2015 year. Departures to Australia contributed to the record, with an increase of 41,800 trips compared with the February 2015 year.Meanwhile, New Zealanders have chosen not to adopt a new flag. They decided to stick with the current flag which includes the Union Jack rather than a modern design showing the country's national plant.There has been criticism that too much money was spent on referendum on the future of the flag but Deputy Prime Minister Bill English defended what he called "a robust democratic process"."This has allowed us to discuss who we are and how we want to be represented on the world stage. This process has engaged Kiwis in their homes, in their schools and in their workplaces, here in New Zealand, and right around the world, it is something we've all had a point of view on," he added. Hi, So while applying for the Visa subclass 189 , I put down my mom as a dependent and now the CO has questions about determining her eligibility as a dependent , primarily because I live in the USA and shes in India by herself. I'm not sure how I will show her as a dependent satisfying the criteria that she has stayed in my household for 1 year minimum but I do send her money from time to time. After careful discussion and thinking I thought I should withdraw her application and go ahead with just mine and later will figure out how to get my mom to stay in Australia with me. So long story short, how do I withdraw my mother from the application and not withdraw the whole application ? I did read about MR 10 form but is that the only thing that would be needed ? Also I believe there will be no chance for a refund as it is a mistake on my end . Please share your thoughts as this would help me make the best out of this situation. Thanks, rd85164 said: Sorry dost, for late reply. I understand the emotion you're dealing with. I am attaching a sample that I uploaded. And similar attestation is missing in your case. 'ATTESTED PHOTOCOPY" or PHOTOCOPY ATTESTED Your's says ATTESTED only. and I know it sounds silly, but maybe the person who attested it did not have the Stamp made which says above. I'd suggest go to a Notary person yourself and ask them specifically to use stamp stating as above. Also, Check the other attachment which shows the requirement. our countries don't go by the words 'Certified True Copy of the Original' and they are aware of it. So just get the words Photocopy Attested on the sheet and you should be fine. https://www.acs.org.au/__data/asset...ills-Assessment-Guidelines-for-Applicants.pdf Use the above Link if you want to check the full document. The information I shared with you is on page 8. Hope that helps!! Cheers!! Rahul. Inayat,Sorry dost, for late reply. I understand the emotion you're dealing with.I am attaching a sample that I uploaded. And similar attestation is missing in your case.Your's says ATTESTED only. and I know it sounds silly, but maybe the person who attested it did not have the Stamp made which says above.I'd suggest go to a Notary person yourself and ask them specifically to use stamp stating as above.Also, Check the other attachment which shows the requirement.our countries don't go by the wordsand they are aware of it. So just get the words Photocopy Attested on the sheet and you should be fine.Use the above Link if you want to check the full document. The information I shared with you is on page 8.Hope that helps!!Cheers!!Rahul. Click to expand... Dear Rahul,Thank you so much for your reply.Tomorrow I will re-attest them and I also have found a Notary Public who has the stamp with the words "Certified to be true copy of the original". He has many stamps and I have attached an image with this reply.Your reply helped me release my tension and thank you so much for that.I found the person with that stamp but still I was worried because his single stamp does not contain contact #, Current Date and Address along with True Copy Of Original words. He has current date on a separate stamp and cell no on separate stamp and the important words on separate.However your reply that only the words "Certified to be true copy of the original" are important made me relax.So I will have all his three stamps on every document.Thanks a lot brother Alamophiles hoping that Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush might hint at which firm will be picked to lead the Alamo Master Plan were in for a disappointing afternoon on Wednesday. Bush, who addressed the chamber members over lunch at the Hilton Palacio del Rio, did not say whether the Alamo Master Plan Management Committee had picked from the six firms previously announced as finalists (in the past, the panel has said they hope to decide by March 31). Safety watchdog issues half-term call to keep kids safe on farms "The HMMS has been the most effective deterrent to overloading in the history of road transport in WA, while giving back to rural communities at the same time," he said. "We believe that having the ACCC as an overarching regulator would be a step in the right direction towards achieving this, and ensuring that the interests of all stakeholders would be fairly considered." "And yet they would like our members to travel large distances to a series of meetings to offer up consultation - are they really prepared listen or are they just going to tell us again what we are going to get?" In previous posts I discussed Kazakhstans successes and failures in improving its business climate and provided tips to potential U.S. investors about doing business in Kazakhstan in an FCPA-compliant manner. Here are some final thoughts on this issue. Dont ignore genuine opportunities provided you can still comply with the FCPA Kazakhstan is an emerging market, and was a Soviet republic only 25 years ago. Problems with its investment climate are typical of emerging markets and post-Soviet CIS countries. All CIS countries suffer to some degree from the weak rule of law, vague and contradictory legislation, and high levels of corruption. These challenge foreign investors from countries with legislation and business practice that require clean and transparent operations. The challenges in emerging markets also mean there is less competition, which can produce higher returns. But investors need to be patient and have a long-term perspective. Perhaps thats why larger, well-heeled global multinationals are behind most investment in emerging markets. The bigger companies can also afford investments in compliance to better protect themselves from emerging market risks. While foreign investment in Kazakhstan is concentrated primarily in the natural resource extraction sector, there are numerous opportunities in retail, consulting, mining, manufacturing and agriculture. The U.S. Commercial Service (USCS) and its publications are a good source of more information. Im quite bullish on Kazakhstan. The country has tremendous natural resources and has made significant progress since it became independent 24 years ago. If it undertakes the necessary reforms, it has a good chance to become a mature developed economy by the middle of this century. For the near term, it is seeking to diversify its economy and is therefore open to foreign investment. And with the local currency, the Kazakh tenge, losing more than half of its value over the past two years, local assets may be available at bargain prices. Theres also high-quality local labor willing to work at a lower cost. On a personal note, Ive found the Kazakhs to be generally friendly, generous and tolerant people. They have a unique culture that prizes hospitality and the protection of strangers, respect for women and elders, close family ties, and openness to foreign ideas. Members of all major religions and over 130 different national and ethnic groups live in Kazakhstan in peace and harmony. The country consistently strives to be a link between the East and the West and to reconcile opposing parties in international conflicts. Kazakhstan has been one of the few countries to voluntarily abandon nuclear weapons and has played an active role in promoting international peace and nuclear disarmament. The Kazakh leadership is aware of the substantial problems it has with its investment image and is serious about further reform. Although Kazakhstan was previously able to attract large amounts of foreign investment and develop rapidly thanks to high prices for its oil and metal exports, the new era of low commodity prices poses a significant hurdle to Kazakhstans growth prospects and long-term stability. A comprehensive institutional reform is in process. In the next post, Ill talk about what the Kazakh government is doing to improve the countrys business climate and reduce corruption. ______ Alex Nisengolts is a Chicago attorney focusing on cross-border M&A, electronic discovery, and investments and operations in Kazakhstan. He first traveled to Kazakhstan in 1994 as a legal advisor on a USAID-sponsored legal reform project and has been involved in Kazakh matters for the past two decades, for U.S. and Kazakh law firms and as a manager and senior manager for a Big Four international accounting firm. He can be reached here. Alun Milford, SFO General Counsel (image courtesy fo the SFO)In a speech this week to compliance professionals at the European Compliance and Ethics Institute in Prague, the general counsel of the UK Serious Fraud Office talked about attorney-client privilege in connection with SFO corruption investigations. Alun Milford tried to explain when its safe for companies to assert the privilege and when they should waive it. If a claim of privilege is well made, Milford said, the SFO wont hold it against a company. And when a company with a good claim of privilege waives it, thats a mark of cooperation. But when claims of privilege are bogus, the SFO will assume the company is being uncooperative, he said. All thats good to know. It shows that the SFO is trying to find the balance between honoring the privilege and crediting a corporate target with cooperation when it waives the privilege. But the real dilemma comes when a company thinks its claim of privilege is well made and the SFO thinks otherwise. Thats when companies and executives can feel cornered by prosecutors and pressured to waive the privilege to the detriment of individual officers and employees. Abusive pressure to waive the privilege is a big topic and wont be resolved by one speech. The debate about it in the United States has been going on for years. But Milfords remarks this week about privilege (and other topics) were still helpful, if only to help frame the discussion. Heres part of what he said: * * * And that brings me to the question of privilege. Let me be clear. We have no interest in communications between client and lawyer on questions of liability or rights. We are focussed on the underlying facts, including the accounts of witnesses spoken to in corporate investigations. We do not regard ourselves as constrained from asking for them even if they are privileged and, as with our colleagues in U.S. DOJ who do operate under that constraint, our experience is that at least some corporates are not themselves constrained from letting us know what their investigators were told. As the saying goes, there are more solutions than problems. Of course, there will be cases in which we are told that the corporate concerned does want to claim privilege over the witness accounts. Whether privilege in fact applies depends entirely on the facts of the case, something we will review very carefully. And then what? We will view as uncooperative false or exaggerated claims of privilege, and we are prepared to litigate over them: to do otherwise would be to fail in our duty to investigate crime. If a companys assertion of privilege is well-made out, then we will not hold that against the company: to do otherwise would be inconsistent with the substantive protection privilege offers. We will simply judge the question of co-operation in our normal way against our published criteria. By the same token if, notwithstanding the existence of a well-made-out claim to privilege, a company gives up the witness accounts we seek, then we will view that as a significant mark of co-operation: here again, to do otherwise would be inconsistent with the substantive protection privilege offers. For the same reason, we will view as a significant mark of co-operation a companys decision to structure its investigation in such a way as not to attract privilege claims over interviews of witnesses. * * * Alun Milford also issued a general warning about using overseas agents. Will dealing with agents someday lead to a presumption of guilt or even be a per se violation of anti-bribery laws somewhere? Heres what the general counsel of the SFO just said: Intermediaries and agents are a classic red flag, particularly where they are purporting to offer assistance in winning business in a country other than the one in which they are based. Only last year the OECD reported following a study of 427 foreign bribery cases from across the world that in the vast majority of such cases the bribery was carried out via an agent or intermediary. Agents or intermediaries are of real interest to us, therefore. Our natural curiosity is piqued further if those agents or intermediaries take the form of companies based in a jurisdiction that permits beneficial ownership to be concealed. * * * Alun Milfords full remarks at the European Compliance and Ethics Institute in Prague on March 29, 2016 are here. ____ Richard L. Cassin is the publisher and editor of the FCPA Blog. He can be contacted here. One of my earliest memories could have been my last one Laura Elliot I was three years old and living in the top storey of an old Georgian house opposite the Grand Canal in Dublin. One day, I was so intrigued by the barges making their way along the canal that I climbed out onto the window ledge to get a better view. I still remember my mother's arms encircling me, the whoosh as I was dragged inside and my bewilderment as to why she was crying enough tears to float a barge. When I was a child I longed to be a writer but always believed writers were 'other' people. This unshakable conviction followed me into adulthood and I only began to write when I was in my late twenties. I had a young family by then and was working in pre-school education. I was commissioned to write a series of newspaper features on pre-schooling and I've never forgotten the feeling that welled inside me when I saw my name in print for the first time. Instant addiction. I'm a good listener I'm genuinely interested in hearing other's peoples stories. I've been accused of garnering nuggets of information to use in my books but that's untrue. Such confessional stories never transfer onto the page. If they do, they become stilted or self-conscious, probably because I know the people involved and this fact inhibits my writing. A real-life incident can be inspirational but it will become so distilled in the process of turning it into fiction that it's unrecognisable by the time the book is finished. My novel Stolen Child was inspired by a real-life incident from my childhood. I'd seen a photograph in a newspaper of a child in her mother's arms. Her father was standing beside her but she looked confused and frightened. My mother told me she'd been stolen when she was three months old. Four years later she'd been found and reunited with her parents. I remember thinking how terrifying that must be - to be removed from the woman she believed to be her mother and handed over to strangers, who were her own flash and blood. Decades later, I saw that photo in the newspaper's archives and the little girl's expression was exactly as I'd remembered. When I'm working on a book I don't wonder if my readers will like it Readers have such diverse opinions on the books they read. I've become even more conscious of this fact through the evolution of social media. Gone are the days when a book was reviewed only by a literary reviewer. Nowadays, anyone who wishes to express an opinion on a writer's work can do so through a myriad of online sites. Readers can now bestow a one-star ranking on a writer because a book hasn't downloaded properly onto his or her Kindle - or write an insightful review that will shine across a writer's day - but it's also proof positive that I can't please everyone. And, so, I banish all thoughts of how my readers will react and just get on with writing my book. I'm shy but most people refuse to believe this fact I've acquired enough social skill to see me through the big occasions but I prefer one-to-one conversations in quiet spaces. When I enter a crowded reception room and the noise rushes up to greet me I always feel, in that first terrifying moment, that I'm the only person there who doesn't know anyone. My most memorable stay in an artist's retreat almost turned me into a vegetarian Cill Rialaig is an artist's retreat perched on the edge of a wild and magnificent headland in Kerry and I - having escaped for a fortnight from family and responsibility - was determined to enjoy my free time there. When I stepped out of my car a tiny, orphaned lamb began to bleat piteously at my heels. I slammed the cottage door in his face and said, 'Nono no!' Famous last words. For two weeks I fed him from a bottle five times a day, rising at dawn for the first feed. A lamb bleat outside a bedroom window beats even the most strident alarm clock. He came into my cottage every afternoon and lay under my stove, listening to my CD of Emmylou Harris. Cute may be the word that comes to mind - but perish the thought and think about the night I allowed him to sleep inside because a gale was blowing and he lived under a bush, facing the Atlantic. Think rubber gloves, disinfection, buckets of water and a mop. Think exhaustion. When I drove home he ran after my car until his little legs collapsed. I cried loudly as I gazed back at him through my rear view mirror and tried not to think that a day could come when he'd end up on my plate, garnished with mint. I'm a lark, at my desk early in the morning. I live close by the sea in a village called Malahide. When I have difficulty unpicking a plot I lace up my walking shoes and go for a walk along the coast. Usually, after about fifteen minutes, the cloud in my head clears and I can see my way forward. But by four in the afternoon I'm a husk. Nothing else to do then but head for the village to unwind in my favourite coffee bar. I used to be a journalist and magazine editor The magazine specialised on the fashion industry. I loved interviewing fashion designers but I was also fascinated by the weavers and manufacturers and trend forecasters. I enjoyed travelling to fashion shows around Europe but I wanted to write fiction and I couldn't combine the two. I decided to leave my job and, almost overnight, my world became silent and solitary. My phone stopped ringing, my car stayed stationary in the driveway, I took long walks along the coast and interviewed myself instead of rushing into hotels to interview others, attended book launches instead of fashion shows - and, gradually, adjusted to a new way of life. Since then I've made lifelong friends with other writers. I'm involved with various writing groups, hold creative writing workshops and have served for four years as a director on the board of the Irish Writers' Centre. I wrote twelve books for pre-teens and young adults My first books were for younger readers, aimed at a ten to early teenage readership. It's quite a few years since I last wrote for that age group and, nowadays, beautiful young women with babies in slings and strollers tell me how much they enjoyed reading my books when they were children. Time seems to have grown a pair of relentless and ever-faster beating wings. I've written another book for young adults but I keep putting it aside reluctantly as the deadline for another adult novel looms. I visit schools on a regular basis to talk to the pupils about writing their own books. Despite their interest in iPads and other gadgets, I'm glad to say they are still reading and enjoying books. Their enthusiasm always sends me home on a high, vowing to complete my own book one of these days When I finish a book I never want to read it again The exception to this rule is Sleep Sister. I wrote a shortened version of it some years ago, published under the title When the Bough Breaks. Reading it again was an almost surreal experience, like reading the work of a stranger but knowing the characters and the ending. It was such a pleasure to meet those characters again and give them a new, extended lease of life. Author Biography -Laura Elliot Laura Elliot is the author of five best-selling novels, Fragile Lies, The Prodigal Sister, Stolen Child, The Betrayal and her most recent novel, Sleep Sister. Her books have been widely translated and she has ghost written a number of high profile non-fiction books. Aka June Considine, she is the author of twelve books for pre-teens and young adults. Her short stories have been broadcast on RTE's Fiction 15 series and have appeared in a number of teenage anthologies. She has also worked as a journalist and magazine editor. She has a grown-up family of three and lives with her husband Sean in Malahide, Co Dublin. On a sunny day in my African town (Enugu, Nigeria), a friend agreed to take me to visit a witchdoctor who was known to hex enemies, heal afflictions both natural and supernatural, remove curses and confer wealth, love, peace, health, fertility, invincibility, invisibility under danger and whatever wild desires clients harbor. I was seeking for first-hand knowledge to aid my African Horror writing and couldn't wait to finally experience my first real encounter with this mysterious, fearsome, powerful and revered superman, an African witchdoctor! The Sleepless Except, it turned out to be a superwoman, not a man as was usually the norm! That was when I realized that both men and women could hold that exalted position as long as the gods and ancestors conferred the powers and rights on them and their lineage. One would expect a person with such wide-ranging powers to be living in decadent luxury. After all, they have the power to invoke wealth at will. So, imagine my surprise when we arrived at a red-mud thatched hut at a remote village, surrounded by trees and poo-deluged cassava farms. The only signs of wealth I saw were goats and chickens milling around the sandy grounds of the compound. I certainly saw no evidence of abundance in the scrawny old woman weighted down with beads and amulets, who took us into the hut to cast Afa, which is the mystical science used in consulting the oracles, known only to these powerful witchdoctors. I made my payment and stated my request to her, then watched intently as the divination process was carried out. At the end, she gave me some powerful anointed pebbles and instructed that I cast those pebbles into a certain deep gorge, the notorious Milliken Hill, along our return route. I was to repeat, "Spirits take these in place of my life" with each pebble I threw into the gorge. I was assured that my actions would ensure I didn't die in a plane crash on my way back to England.yes, that was my request; that my plane didn't crash. I had to ask for something from the witchdoctor to make my visit valid. After all, I had asked my GP in England to prescribe sleeping pills to enable me crash-out in the plane in blissful oblivion. One doctor was as good as the other. Since I was terrified of flying and faced the awful prospect of flying back to England after my visit, I decided to make assurance double sure. My plane did not crash and I am here writing this article, a testament to the powerful efficacy of this mighty witchdoctor!! So, question is, was she the real McCoy, a good and helpful witchdoctor or a shameless fraudster who duped this "gullible" idiot and just lucked out? My research has led me down a mind-boggling route which has revealed some of the vilest charlatans posing as witchdoctors, as well as some of the wisest practitioners of their art, not to mention some bumbling idiots who just go in for the ride without a clue of what's involved. Belief in sorcery, witchcraft, bad juju and other superhuman forces has continued to thrive in most African cultures and as a result, the stock of witchdoctors has continued to rise in the market index. We read about evil witchdoctors who abuse their powers for their evil goals, carrying out child sacrifices where the bodies of their child victims are mutilated, their body parts severed and harvested to make the clients supposedly richer and more powerful. This gross abuse of powers will make the ancestors and spirits shudder in repulsion as that is not what the craft is all about. History has shown that witchdoctors who engage in these forms of evil, are inevitably struck down in one way or another by the ancestors and spirits. My latest African Horror book, The Sleepless , reveals the consequences that befalls one such vile charlatan. I like to believe that indeed our ancestors are still watching out for us and punishing those who harm us. It makes me feel good in a world full of uncertainty, evil and fear. On the other extreme, we have what I call the bumbling idiots, those who claim to be witchdoctors and carry out the trade by the innovative and ingenious tricks they employ to convince their clients they know what they're doing. Watch this video link on youtube and see how the client is healed of his sickness by the witchdoctor. He literally has the sickness slapped out of his head. Bet you this chap will be sicker than he was when he arrived at the witchdoctor's for his divine remedy. Finally, we have the good, the wise witchdoctors, who practice the art as it is meant to be done. They are usually of a long genealogical line of diviners and would have undergone rigorous training from birth to prepare them for the arduous task ahead. They are trained in the arts of root-healing, meditation and divination. They are everything to their communities - doctors, judges and arbitrators, shrinks and priests, soul-healers positive-thinking gurus, in fact, the consummate customer service wiz-kids. They are like the so-called "white witches" in the West, the psychics who dish out personal horoscopes, the herbalists who run clinics on natural healing/eating and the catholic priest who listen in confessionals and counsel their flock on how to serve their Christian gods, from God to His son, Jesus, to His mother, Mary and finally to The Holy Spirit. The good African Witchdoctors, as in the Japanese Ryukyuan religious practice, teaches their flock how to venerate their ancestors and the gods of their lands. You will not get them asking for human sacrifices or hexing enemies. They do not engage in flagrant displays of arrogance and power as witnessed in the charlatans and the evil witchdoctors. They are wise counselors, who advise both the ruling elders and the youngest members of the community. I hope that this article helps educate my readers about the importance the African Witchdoctor plays in the community and why no African Horror story can be complete without reference to these omnipotent citizens of our mysterious continent. Nuzo Onoh is a British Writer of African descent. She holds both a law degree and a Masters degree in Writing from The University of Warwick, England. Nuzo has two daughters and lives in Coventry, from where she runs her own publishing company, Canaan-Star Publishing. Now recognised as the front-runner of African Horror, Nuzo is the author of The Reluctant Dead and Unhallowed Graves both collections of African ghost stories. Her latest book, The Sleepless will be published on 28th June, 2016 and is now available for pre-orders from Amazon - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sleepless-Nuzo-Onoh/dp/1909484865/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1457613562&sr=8-1&keywords=nuzo+onoh+the+sleepless . Hugh Jackman is a big favourite here at FemaleFirst and he is set to return to the big screen this week as he teams up with Taron Egerton for Eddie the Eagle. Hugh Jackman in Eddie the Eagle Eddie the Eagle sees Jackman work with actor turned director Dexter Fletcher for the first time to tell the story of Eddie 'the Eagle' Edwards, the first man to represent Great Britain at ski jumping at the Winter Olympics. Jackman is set to take on the role of trainer Bronson Peary. The movie is already winning over critics and audiences and is being called one of the feel-good films of 2016. To celebrate the release of the film, we take a look back at Jackman's career and some of his best big screen performances. - The X-Men Series (2000 - ) I have always loved Jackman as Wolverine and this is the role that made him a global superstar - it is sad that he is set to walk away from it after fifteen years. We were introduced to Logan in X-Men back in 2000 and Jackman is the only actor to have appeared in all of the X-Men movies so far; his cameo in X-Men: First Class truly was a standout and hilarious moment. At the beginning, Logan was a loner who had no memory of who he is or where he came from. Over the course of the X-Men movies, he has gained a better understanding of his past, where his mutation came from and has become a central part of Charles Xavier's X-Men. We last saw him take on this role in X-Men: Days of Future Past back in 2014, where Logan was sent back into the past to change to try and save the future - meeting a young Charles Xavier and Magneto along the way. Days of Future Past gave Jackman the chance to deliver a very different performance as Wolverine; he became the teacher for Charles to try and make him stand up and fight - so often those roles have been reversed. Wolverine will be the role that Jackman will forever be remembered for as he found the perfect balance between ferocious fighter and a man who just wants to belong somewhere. He has been a constant figure in the X-Men universe and it is a role that sent Jackman's star rocketing. We are going to see Jackman reprise the role one more time in a third standalone Wolverine film before he hangs up the claws for good. Whoever takes over this role really will have some huge shoes to fill. - Les Miserables (2013) Jackman picked up his first Best Actor Oscar nomination in 2013 for his performance as Jean Valjean in the big screen adaptation of smash-hit musical Les Miserables. Les Miserables saw Jackman work with director Tom Hooper for the first time as he returned to the director's chair for his first feature since the success of The King's Speech. Jackman was joined on the cast list by Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Eddie Redmayne, Helena Bonham Carter, and Sacha Baron Coen. Les Miserables is one of my favourite stage shows and it translated well onto the big screen - for me, Jackman delivered the best performance and was the perfect choice for the central role of Jean Valjean. It was a movie that really allowed Jackman to show off his singing talent and it was a role and a film where the actor seemed totally at home - I would love to see him take on the role of Valjean on the stage. The songs were sung live on set rather than in a studio and this allowed all the cast to capture the emotion of that moment. The film allows the central character to undergo a physical, mental and aging transformation of this character as time passes - which is something that obviously cannot happen on the stage. You feel like you go on a real journey with this character like never before. Jackman delivers a haunting performance that is both powerful and yet incredibly moving. Jackman picked up an Oscar, Golden Globe, Bafta and Screen Actors Guild nomination for his performance; he lost out on the Oscar to Daniel Day-Lewis for Lincoln. Les Miserables was one of the must-see films of 2013 as Hooper brought everything that was special about the musical to the screen - whilst adding his own stamp to it. - Prisoners (2013) When it comes to the best performances of Jackman's career, Prisoner really is up there with his best work. The movie was directed by Denis Villeneuve and saw Jackman take on the role of a father whose young daughter goes missing. Despite the police doing all they can - led by Jake Gyllenhaal's character - Keller Dover takes matters into his own hands. For me, Prisoners was one of the best films of 2013 and Jackman delivered a performance that was just magnificent; a father who was willing to do whatever it took to find his missing child. Jackman portrays a man that is heartbroken and scared at the disappearance of his child, frustrated at the lack of evidence that the police are finding and fuelled by an anger towards the man he believes to be guilty. Through this central character of Dover, Prisoners asks some very moral questions about taking the law into your own hands. Driven by his fear and grief, Dover becomes something that he is not - at times it just chills you to the bone. Prisoners is an emotional complex film and some of the decisions that Dover makes throughout the film really will leave you squirming in your seat - at times, it is a difficult watch. And yet, there is something raw, real, and human about Jackman's towering performance. Gyllenhaal also gives a wonderful turn as Detective Loki, a man who is desperately trying to find a lost child, keep the child's father under control, while trying to cope with events of his past. Villeneuve must also be applauded for delivering an emotional and gut-wrenching movie with a wonderful twist. Prisoners is not a movie that you would watch on a regular basis, but it is a film that you have to see if you are a big Jackman fan. Other Hugh Jackman movies not to miss include The Prestige, Rise of the Guardians, Flushed Away and The Fountain. Eddie the Eagle is out now. by Helen Earnshaw for www.femalefirst.co.uk find me on and follow me on Jessica Elliot is calling for greater diversity within performing arts - a problem that has really been pit in the spotlight more than ever this year. Jessica Elliot We caught up with her to chat about some of the problems that the youngsters she works with are facing and some of the changes that she would like to see happen going forward. - You set up J' Dance Factory back in 2007, so what made you want to set up a performing arts school in the first place? There was a distinct lack of things for local kids to do in the area. All of the available dance school options had existed since the war and I was eager to bring a fresh spin and an all-inclusive approach to classes to the area. At J's, there are lots of different classes and opportunities for everyone regardless of ability. - You have been quite open in your views about the lack of diversity within the performing arts arena, so just how big a problem is it? Is it something that your students are experiencing when they are trying to find work? I think it's going to be a problem until we reach a point that we don't need to talk about it anymore. It became apparent last year when a student of mine auditioned for a part in a big West End show but when he got there he said that he 'didn't think the part was for people of his skin colour'. That made be extremely frustrated and sad that a 10-year-old boy saw his skin colour as a barrier in the 21st Century. I do think the situation is slowly changing and roles are becoming more 'colour blind' but we do still have a long way to go. - Of course, there has been an uproar this year with the Oscars and the fact that all the acting nominations have gone to white actors. Inevitably, the Academy has been called 'racist'. Is it really the fault of the Academy or is it more the fact that there are fewer opportunities for black and minority actors as a whole? It is no secret that there are fewer opportunities for actors of colour so yes to some extent it is inevitably reflected in the awards. In my opinion, some amazing films were overlooked in the nominations this year, Straight Outta Compton being one. The bottom line, however, is that someone has to win. The winners of the Oscars are not decided by a public vote and is not necessarily ' the ticket buyers' choice. It would be nice if a more diverse range of films were recognised but for me, it's nice that my students and young clients can now go to the cinema and see a film that has an actor that reflects their backgrounds both ethnicity and socio-economic group. I think the change in the awards will come but the Academy has to become more diverse first. - Earlier this year, Idris Elba called for a greater diversity on TV and cinema screens here in the UK. What do you think needs to be done to open up more doors and break down these prejudices? I believe that time will change things. The children growing up now are so much more aware of cultural diversity and the need for it than ever before. Maybe it's because I was born and raised in a very diverse part of the country but race has never been a big deal to my personal outlook. It's as simple as 'If you are good you should get the job' and I think if more people adopt this kind of attitude, the industry has a chance of making a positive change. It is of course about money and the producers and casting directors want to put the most popular and best actors in films to sell tickets. I do really think that with a new more liberal generation coming through things will hopefully change. - What do you hope the influence of someone like Idris Elba can achieve. He admitted in his speech in the House of Commons in January that he too had seen that glass ceiling? Just like with any other controversial issue, when a big name is willing to speak out people start to take notice. In terms of impact, for me, someone like Idris Elba has so much of an influence as at grassroots level many of the most talented children I work with come from a similar background to Idris. Seeing someone that resembles themselves is the biggest influence and inspiration to them to keep going and working towards their dreams. For some, there may a glass ceiling but young people, if they believe they can smash through it, they can achieve anything and maybe there will be no need to talk about the issue of equality one day. - But it is not just race that is being talked about in the performing arts arena at the moment, but class and education. Julie Walters has spoken out about the lack of working class actors. Just what are the difficulties facing those who come from less privileged backgrounds? Lack of funds to afford training has traditionally been a huge barrier to families who may not be able to afford to send their children's to theatre school or get the type of education they require to pursue their chosen career. I think this is where schools like J's Dance Factory come in. Offering quality, affordable part-time training for all. We prove that parents don't necessarily have to be affluent to pay your way through. With love, support and guidance great things can be achieved. I think more funding is needed for the arts in schools and the local community as that's where lots of the young talent is going to come from. Also, more funding for good British films and television series as that's where fresh talent can truly shine. - 2015 has been seen as a great year for female-driven movies with the likes of Mad Max: Fury Road, Sicario, Carol, and The Hunger Games, would you agree? Yes, I have had the opportunity to meet some fantastic female directors, the fact that many are now directing Hollywood Blockbusters can only be a good thing. Some girls may not have even considered a career behind the camera in years gone by but times are changing. Women are breaking through and making an impact which can only be positive. Girl Power! - But female directors seem to be struggling to get the same opportunities than their male counterparts, why do you think that is - once again, all the Best Director Oscar nominees are men? Do you think we are going to see a major turning of the tide soon? Absolutely! It's only a matter of time before the girls overtake the boys! I have had the opportunity of meeting several up-and-coming directors, and some of the best of these that my young performers work with are female. Sometimes a different perspective is needed in different situations and I think there have definitely been examples of female directors give projects a unique edge. - Finally, what's on the horizon for you this year? We've had some major success this year with kids securing lead roles on television and on the stage. I want to continue building the agency and I am also continuing to franchise the business... watch this space... by Helen Earnshaw for www.femalefirst.co.uk find me on and follow me on - Parenting on Female First Research by intu, owners of some of the largest and most popular shopping centres across the UK, reveals that of the 2,000 UK parents surveyed, half laugh just once a day or less with their children. While 28% of parents find the prospect of keeping their kids entertained stressful, 7 in 10 (69%) parents of 0-16 year olds think their children make them laugh the most. And with two thirds (66%) of parents believing that laughter relieves stress, two weeks with the kids over the Easter half term could prove to be great laughter therapy. Psychologist Emma Kenny, who analysed the research findings, said "The wonderful thing about young children is their ability to experience the here and now, which enables them to react to life moment by moment. Adults are often struggling with their work life balance, or focussing on things they need to do next, which impacts on their time and the opportunity to have fun and laugh at life. It's so essential for adults to laugh with children and each other as it unites, inspires and reminds us of how wonderful it is to be human." "With millions of us taking time off this Easter to spend more time with our children, it is a brilliant time to focus on all the joy and laughter being a parent can bring us. Plan ahead by finding those opportunities to laugh and spend quality time together as a family, so that they can become part of your daily routine." It is with laughter in mind that intu have partnered up with Nickelodeon UK & Ireland, to host a series of 'SpongeBob SquarePants' Laughter Parties' for families at all intu shopping centres over the Easter break. Trevor Pereira, commercial and digital director of intu, said "This research highlights the difference that intu brings to its shopping centres, with compelling, fun experiences and moments of surprise, delight and laughter. Our aim is to put a smile on the face of our customers as we want them to be happier when they leave our centres than when they walked through the door. So with millions of families expected at our centres this Easter, we've created an exciting programme of activities in partnership with Nickelodeon for parents and children to laugh along together with SpongeBob SquarePants." 84% of parents polled think laughter is contagious. There are some well-known personalities that have a laugh that is quite infectious. From our survey the celebrity voted as having the best signature laugh by respondents was comedian and TV host Jimmy Carr (16%). This was followed by presenter Alan Carr (8%) and in joint third place with 6% was Nicktoon's cartoon character SpongeBob SquarePants, comedian Ricky Gervais, chart topper Adele and television host James Corden. Emma Kenny believes that there are educational benefits to laughter too, as it induces a positive effect in people which makes it easier to learn new things. This is why laughter and play go hand in hand, with playful activities an excellent way for children to learn new skills, and laughter signalling that they are in a safe environment to learn. There are also many health benefits to laughing, with four in five (80%) parents polled selecting the top benefit as 'it makes you feel happier in general'. This was closely followed by decreases stress (67%) and boosts your relationships (41%), all of which are good reasons why adults should do it more often. The 2,000 UK parents were also asked what they thought their children would most like to do over Easter, and almost half (46%) believed that their children would want to spend time with family. Visitors to intu shopping centres will be able to dive into SpongeBob SquarePants' world of Bikini Bottom to join the ultimate sea bed laughter party, packed with interactive fun and games including the Giggle Groove silent disco, Snail Slalom racing, Laughter Limbo and much more! Activities are free, with no booking required and are open to all ages, but are particularly suitable for children in pre-school and early years. To find your nearest intu centre, details of what's on and opening hours visit www.intu.co.uk/spongebob by Emma Barlow for www.femalefirst.co.uk Britain's Prince William and Duchess Catherine will meet youngsters from India and Bhutan ahead of their visit to the two nations. Prince William and Duchess Catherine The royal couple will host the event at Kensington Palace on April 6 to enable them to "learn more about the two countries" before they travel to India on April 10. A message on the official Kensington Palace Twitter account read: "The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will attend a reception on 6 April to meet young people from #India and #Bhutan "The event will allow TRH the chance to learn more about the two countries ahead of their upcoming tour #RoyalVisitIndia #RoyalVisitBhutan. (sic)" The royal pair - who have children, Prince George, two, and 10-month-old Princess Charlotte - will fly to the Indian city of Mumbai on April 10, where they will begin their week-long visit to the country, and nearby Bhutan. As well as Mumbai, William and Catherine will visit India's capital, New Delhi, and Gandhi Smriti, where India's founding father Mahatma Gandhi spent the last few years of his life. They will also meet more youngsters in Kaziranga, Assam, and go to the National Park before heading to Bhutan, where they will be treated to a ceremonial welcome in the country's capital of Thimphu. The royal couple will then return to India, where they will take in the famous Taj Mahal in Agra on their final day. Sir Bruce Forsyth says today (31.03.16) is "one of the saddest days" of his life following the tragic death of Ronnie Corbett. Ronnie Corbett The 88-year-old presenter - who has been friends with the late star throughout the majority of his career - has been riddled with sorrow since he learnt the diminutive funnyman had died at the age of 85. Speaking to the BBC, Sir Bruce said: "Ronnie was a friend, someone I admired so much. It's a very very sad day, I am going to miss him like crazy, I really will. "We loved rehearsing together, I think I can speak for him the same way, we loved getting in the rehearsal room and go through the things we were going to do - we had a sense of humour about each other, which is why he was so lovely to work with." And the 'Strictly Come Dancing' host wasn't the only one to pay his respects to the legendary star just moments after the sad news broke this morning as David Walliams referred to him as a "comedy idol." The 'Britain's Got Talent' judge - who worked with the comedian on the show 'The One Ronnie' in 2010 - wrote on Twitter: "Goodbye my friend and comedy idol #RonnieCorbett Thank you for all the laughs. It was the greatest honour to know and work with you. (sic)" Miranda Hart has been in floods of tears since hearing the news, while Russell Crowe thanked Ronnie for "all the laughs." The 43-year-old comedienne said: "Having a little weep at the death of one of my heroes Ronnie Corbett. As he would say "Miranda you can't look up to me". Goodbye from me." And the Hollywood actor added: "It's good night from Ronnie Corbett. Thanks for all the laughs mate. (sic)" Ronnie broke hearts around the country this morning when it was announced he'd sadly passed away in the early hours surrounded by his nearest and dearest. His cause of death is yet to be announced but he has battled with ill-health - including gall stone problems, a knee operation and a collapse - over the past four years. Despite his battle with poor health in recent years, the Scottish-born funnyman has spent most of his life on television screens. He was most recently seen starring in the Radio 4 sitcom 'When the Dog Dies' but is best known for his appearance alongside the late Ronnie Barker, who died of heart failure in 2005, in the hit comedy 'The Two Ronnies' in the 70s and 80s. He is survived by his wife Anne Hart, whom he married in 1965, and their two grown-up daughters Emma and Sophie Corbett. Alarmed by its rapid decline, the Cambodian government has decided to initiate steps to revitalise the silk industry with a new development strategy aimed at making local sericulture modern, sustainable and inclusive.At a recent industry event in the capital Phnom Penh, Mao Thora, Secretary of State for the Ministry of Commerce and chairman of the Cambodia Silk Sector Development and Promotion Commission, said a government-led initiative will seek support from international donors and investors to rebuild the nation's flagging silk industry, The Phnom Penh Post reported.The strategy aims to move toward producing high-value silk products in order to create jobs and reduce poverty in rural communities, especially among women.We want to find investment partners because right now silk is a family scale business and the export is [minimal] because the quality is poor, Thora said.The commission has drafted the strategy with the support of the Ministry of Commerce and technical assistance from the International Trade Centre (ITC), part of the World Bank Group. No budget or agenda has been announced.The ITC, which has worked closely with Cambodia's silk industry since 2003 has helped local producers access international markets. Xuejun Jiang, chief of ITC's office for Asia and the Pacific, said his organisation prioritised Cambodia's silk sector because an overwhelming 98 per cent of the country's 20,000 weavers are women. We have been working closely with many companies in the silk sector but only the private sector can make trade happen, of course this will require the strong support and commitment of the government, he added. In Cambodia, silk weaving is often a parallel activity to farming, allowing women to generate additional income. Silk is an important source of employment in Cambodia. Government support, as well as international donor commitments, has been crucial to the success of Artisans Angkor, which operates a silk farm and workshops in Siem Reap province and is one of the country's largest producers of silk products. Secretary-General of Artisans Angkor Vidano Kernem said the future of Cambodian's silk industry depends on the cultivation of sufficient mulberry trees to feed silkworms that produce high-quality silk, and for producers of this silk to develop creative designs that attract both local and international clients. Cambodia currently imports 300 tonnes of silk annually to meet market demand. (SH) Fibre2Fashion News Desk India The stunning diva Deepika Padukone is all set to resume her upcoming Hollywood project, xXx: The Return Of Xander Cage. Recently, Deepika took a break from the shoot, to attend her best friend's wedding in Srilanka and a few hours ago, the actress was spotted at the Toronto airport. Deepika was spotted in a rather cheerful mood. Sporting a black coloured overcoat, she can be seen posing along with her fans for the camera and there is no need to mention that as always, she looked drop dead gorgeous! Check Out The Pics Here: Apart from her Hollywood project, recently the Piku actress had also launched an awareness campaign that takes forward her fight against depression, a condition that she has admitted to have been suffering from. EXCLUSIVE! Salman Khan's FIRST PHOTO With Newborn Nephew Ahil Deepika, who had come out openly last year about her struggle with depression and talked about a lack of awareness and social stigma attached to it, has launched an year-long awareness campaign 'You Are Not Alone' to take forward her fight. Photo Alert: Shahrukh Khan's Flying Stunt On The Sets Of Raees! "Last year, I spoke about my own fight with depression as I felt I could not just sit by and watch as people who were going through what I had gone through and we decided to launch 'You Are Not Alone' with an idea to raise awareness and to enable students and teachers to identify signs of anxiety and depression," had said Deepika. "We believe that schools can be the first line of defence for emotional and mental health disorders in our youth. We could also help connect the schools to counseling organisations and independent counselors if they need such help," she had added. We are so proud of you Deepika! Garena Interactive, Southeast Asias largest internet and mobile platform company, said on Thursday it had raised $170 million from investors including Malaysias wealth fund Khazanah. Headquartered in Singapore, Garena operates across three major internet categories: digital content, marketplace ecommerce, and electronic payments. Khazanah led the series D funding round. It joins existing investors in Garena including General Atlantic, the Ontario Teachers Pension Plan, and Keytone Ventures. Garena represented the first Southeast Asia internet investment for each of these firms. In total, Garena has now raised over $500 million from investors to support its growth. Founded in 2009, Garena has achieved compound annual revenue growth of more than 90% over the past five years to over $300 million of gross revenue in 2015. Consumers engage with the Garena platform and its associated content partners for over 1.6 billion hours a month, the company said. Garena has also launched Shopee, an online marketplace; and AirPay, a payments platform. Shopee is the fastest growing ecommerce business the region has ever seen and is among the fastest growing in the world, said group president Nicholas Nash. Garena is a portmanteau of the words Global Arena and signifies the Companys global ambition to connect the dots for hundreds of millions of individuals using technology. The company has grown to almost 4,600 employees today across the region. With this new round of capital, we have no doubt that Shopee and AirPay will be the leading offerings in the market, said Forrest Li, founder, chairman, and group CEO of Garena Kirkland & Ellis represented Garena, led by Hong Kong corporate partners David Zhang and Amie Tang. Li-Gang Liu has joined Citi as managing director and chief economist for China after six years at ANZ, the US bank announced in a press release on Thursday. At Citi, the veteran China observer specializing in macroeconomics, foreign exchange and capital markets reports to to Johanna Chua, the banks chief economist for Asia. He continue to be based in Hong Kong. In his new role, he will lead the China research team, which covers both fundamental and macroeconomics issues. Liu succeeds Shen Minggao, who held the position from April 2010 but left last year to join Caixin Insight Group, the think tank set up by Chinese media group Caixin. Citis clients will benefit from the insight and knowledge Li-Gang can offer to help them better understand and navigate China as its growing role in the global economy increases further, said Chua. Over a career spanning nearly two decades, Liu was most recently the chief economist for Greater China at ANZ in Hong Kong, where he had worked since 2009. Prior to that, Liu held a number of research roles at the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the Asian Development Bank Institute in Tokyo, and the World Bank and Peterson Institute for International Economics, both in Washington D.C. Liu obtained his BA in economics from the University of Maryland, College Park, and holds a PhD in economics from Johns Hopkins University. HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/30/16 -- Corridor Resources Inc. ("Corridor" or the "Company") (TSX: CDH) announced today its 2015 year-end financial results and reserve evaluations. Corridor's annual financial statements, annual management's discussion and analysis and Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2015 have been filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and are available on Corridor's website at www.corridor.ca. All amounts referred to in this press release are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated. Year End Financial Results The following table provides a summary of Corridor's financial and operating results for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2015 with comparisons to the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2014. Selected Financial Information ---------------------------------------------------- Three months ended Twelve months ended December 31 December 31 thousands of dollars except per share amounts 2015 2014 2015 2014 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sales $ 3,630 $ 5,475 $ 15,876 $ 23,253 Net income (loss) $ (33,952) $ (27,767) $ (31,879) $ (17,706) Net income (loss) per share - basic $ (0.383) $ (0.313) $ (0.360) $ (0.200) Net income (loss) per share - diluted $ (0.383) $ (0.311) $ (0.360) $ (0.197) Cash flow from operations(1) $ 984 $ 2,735 $ 6,726 $ 12,244 Capital expenditures $ 163 $ 2,736 $ 937 $ 23,449 Total assets $ 133,066 $ 166,267 $ 133,066 $ 166,267 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Cash flow from operations is a non-IFRS measure. Cash flow from operations represents net earnings adjusted for non-cash items including depletion, depreciation and amortization, deferred income taxes, share- based compensation and other non-cash expenses. See "Non-IFRS Financial Measures" in Corridor's management's discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2015. 2015 Highlights -- Corridor elected to shut-in most of its natural gas wells at the McCully Field from May 1, 2015 to October 29, 2015 which resulted in a decrease in Corridor's average daily gas production to 4.0 mmscfpd in 2015 from 7.1 mmscfpd in 2014. -- Corridor's average natural gas sales price increased to $10.23/mscf for the year ended December 31, 2015 from $8.59/mscf in 2014 due to management's decision to shut-in most of Corridor's natural gas wells during periods of lower natural gas prices and increase production during periods of higher natural gas prices, and to Corridor's forward sale agreements in 2015. -- Cash flow from operations decreased to $6,726 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2015 from $12,244 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2014 due to lower natural gas production related to management's decision to shut-in wells during periods of lower pricing. -- During 2015, Anticosti Hydrocarbons L.P. completed the first phase of its exploration program on Anticosti Island consisting of drilling the last seven of twelve stratigraphic corehole wells. The results of the cores were generally consistent with Corridor's expectations in terms of the Macasty shale's thickness, total organic content, porosity, permeability and maturity, and compare favorably to other North American shale oil and gas plays. -- As at December 31, 2015, Corridor had cash and cash equivalents of $24,059 thousand, net working capital of $26,430 thousand and no outstanding debt. Financial Summary for 2015 -- Natural gas sales decreased to $15,086 thousand from $22,135 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2014 due in part to management's decision to shut-in most of Corridor's natural gas wells at the McCully Field from May 1, 2015 to October 29, 2015 which resulted in a decrease in Corridor's average daily gas production to 4.0 mmscfpd in 2015 from 7.1 mmscfpd in 2014. In addition, natural gas prices at Algonquin City- gate ("AGT") decreased to $US4.74/mmbtu in 2015 from $US8.06/mmbtu in 2014. -- Corridor's net loss increased to $31,879 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2015 from $17,706 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2014 due primarily to the write-down of $16,209 thousand in deferred income tax assets and the recognition of impairment losses of $21.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2015. An impairment loss of $39,150 thousand had been recognized during the year ended December 31, 2014. -- Net general and administrative expenses increased to $4,175 thousand in 2015 from $3,441 thousand in 2014 due primarily to expenses of $400 thousand relating to the establishment of the New Brunswick Responsible Energy Development Alliance ("NBREDA") in 2015 and to the payment of severances following a reduction in the personnel of the Company in Q2 2015. Q4 2015 Netback Analysis ------------------------------------------------ Three months ended Twelve months ended December 31 December 31 thousands of dollars except $/mscf 2015 2014 2015 2014 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Natural gas sales $ 3,433 $ 5,241 $ 15,086 $ 22,135 Other revenues 197 234 790 1,118 Royalty expense (70) (160) (371) (1,434) Transportation expense (931) (916) (2,781) (3,622) Production expense (785) (718) (2,428) (3,036) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Field operating netback $ 1,844 $ 3,681 $ 10,296 $ 15,161 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Natural gas production per day (mmscfpd) 5.3 6.9 4.0 7.1 Barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd) 890 1,144 673 1,176 Average natural gas price ($/mscf) $ 6.99 $ 8.30 $ 10.23 $ 8.59 Natural gas revenues ($/boe) $ 41.92 $ 49.80 $ 61.39 $ 51.55 Other revenues ($/boe) 2.41 2.22 3.22 2.60 Royalty expense ($/boe) (0.86) (1.52) (1.51) (3.34) Transportation expense ($/boe) (11.37) (8.70) (11.32) (8.43) Production expense ($/boe) (9.59) (6.82) (9.88) (7.07) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Field operating netback ($/boe) $ 22.51 $ 34.98 $ 41.90 $ 35.31 General and administrative expenses ($/boe) (12.10) (10.40) (16.99) (8.01) Interest, foreign exchange and other ($/boe) 1.61 1.42 2.46 1.22 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash flow from operations netback ($/boe) (1) $ 12.02 $ 26.00 $ 27.37 $ 28.52 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -- Corridor's cash flow from operations netback for Q4 2015 decreased to $12.02/boe from $26.00/boe in Q4 2014 as a result of lower natural gas sales prices and natural gas production. -- Natural gas sales decreased to $3,433 thousand in Q4 2015 from $5,241 thousand in Q4 2014 due in part to management's decision to shut-in most of Corridor's natural gas wells at the McCully Field from May 1, 2015 to October 29, 2015 and to a decrease in natural gas sales price to $6.99/mscf in Q4 2015 from $8.30/mscf in Q4 2014. -- Corridor's royalty expense for Q4 2015 decreased to $70 thousand from $160 thousand for Q4 2014 due to lower natural gas sales in Q4 2015. -- Transportation expense for Q4 2015 increased to $931 thousand from $916 thousand for Q4 2014 as lower natural gas production in Q4 2015 was not sufficient to offset the increased cost of transportation arising from a stronger U.S. dollar and the termination, on October 31, 2015, of a firm transportation agreement at a cost discounted from firm tolls. -- The increase in net production expense to $785 thousand in Q4 2015 from $718 thousand in Q4 2014 is due to the cost of workover operations of $114 thousand during Q4 2015 which was mostly offset by lower salary expense following a downsize in the Company's personnel in Q2 2015. 2015 Reserve Information Corridor currently has natural gas reserves in the McCully Field near Sussex, New Brunswick. GLJ Petroleum Consultants Ltd. ("GLJ") assessed Corridor's reserves in its reports ("the GLJ Reports") dated effective December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, which were prepared in accordance with National Instrument 51-101 Standards of Disclosure of Oil and Gas Activities. The following table presents a summary from the GLJ Reports of Corridor's total gross natural gas reserves, before the deduction of royalties, using forecast prices and costs. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2015 Gross 2014 Gross Reserves Reserves Reserves Category bscf bscf ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total proved 41.9 45.1 Total probable 19.9 20.9 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total proved plus probable 61.8 66.0 Possible(1) 107.2 120.9 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Proved plus probable plus possible(1) 169.0 186.9 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Possible reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than probable reserves. There is a 10% probability that the quantities actually recovered will equal or exceed the sum of proved plus probable plus possible reserves. GLJ assessed the net present value of Corridor's natural gas, oil and natural gas liquids reserves in the GLJ Reports, based on GLJ's forecast prices as at January 1, 2016 and 2015, as applicable, as follows: Net Present Value ($ in million) - undiscounted ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2015 2014 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Before Before Income After Income Income After Income Reserves Category Tax(1) Tax(1) Tax(1) Tax(1) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Proved 104 104 152 152 Proved plus probable 185 181 286 258 Proved plus probable plus possible(2) 662 524 890 693 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) The estimated value of future net revenue does not represent the fair market value of Corridor's reserves. (2) Possible reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than probable reserves. There is a 10% probability that the quantities actually recovered will equal or exceed the sum of proved plus probable plus possible reserves. Net Present Value ($ in million) - discounted at 10% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2015 2014 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Before Before Income After Income Income After Income Reserves Category Tax(1) Tax(1) Tax(1) Tax(1) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Proved 53 53 69 69 Proved plus probable 79 79 113 108 Proved plus probable plus possible(2) 186 159 228 190 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) The estimated value of future net revenue does not represent the fair market value of Corridor's reserves. (2) Possible reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than probable reserves. There is a 10% probability that the quantities actually recovered will equal or exceed the sum of proved plus probable plus possible reserves. The decrease in Corridor's proved plus probable natural gas reserves is primarily attributable to lower estimated future natural gas prices in the GLJ Reports. The 2015 GLJ Report will be available on Corridor's website at www.corridor.ca and a summary of the 2015 GLJ Report will be included in Corridor's Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2015, a copy of which will be filed on or about March 30, 2016 on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Anticosti Joint Venture Corridor has a 21.67% interest in Anticosti Hydrocarbons L.P., which has undeveloped lands on Anticosti Island, Quebec. Beginning in December 2015, the Premier of Quebec stated on numerous occasions that he is not in favor of the development of hydrocarbons on Anticosti Island and that he is willing to face the financial consequences of pulling out of the project and cancelling the contracts with the parties involved. Subsequently, in March 2016, the Premier issued a statement confirming that the Quebec Government would respect the Anticosti Hydrocarbons L.P. agreements as long as the project met environmental standards. Anticosti Hydrocarbons L.P. is planning a campaign to drill and fracture stimulate up to three horizontal wells on Anticosti Island during 2016, subject to receipt of regulatory approvals. The Quebec Government's decision to issue the remaining regulatory permits and approvals are expected in the next six weeks. The execution of the program in 2016 is dependent on receiving the regulatory approvals on a timely basis. New Brunswick In March 2015, the New Brunswick Government established the Commission on Hydraulic Fracturing (the "NB Commission") to determine if five conditions established by the New Brunswick Government could be satisfied to lift the moratorium on hydraulic fracturing in New Brunswick, which moratorium had been announced in December 2014. On May 1, 2015, Corridor shut-in most of its producing natural gas wells in the McCully Field in New Brunswick due to the significant differential expected in the sale price of natural gas at AGT for the summer of 2015 relative to the winter of 2015/2016. Corridor resumed natural gas production to the Maritimes and Northeast Pipeline for sale at AGT on October 29, 2015. During this shut-in period, Corridor produced natural gas only from wells jointly owned with Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc. ("PotashCorp") to meet the short-term natural gas demands of PotashCorp's Picadilly and Penobsquis mines in New Brunswick. In response to the moratorium on hydraulic fracturing, Corridor, along with several New Brunswick businesses and organizations, formed the NBREDA to provide fact-based information to New Brunswickers interested in learning more about hydraulic fracturing and the potential for natural gas development in the province. To achieve this objective, NBREDA established a new website (www.nbnaturalgas.ca) which provides information about how hydraulic fracturing works, answers to important and frequently asked questions and identifies links to independent, third party studies on the subject. On February 26, 2016, the NB Commission released its report to the New Brunswick Government, which report sets forth the NB Commission's findings, reviews the potential impact of shale development and identifies five options available to New Brunswick. At this time, the New Brunswick Government has not advised of its position regarding the NB Commission's report or its plans regarding the hydraulic fracturing moratorium in New Brunswick. Old Harry As announced in 2015, Corridor is planning to purchase a user license for Controlled Source Electro Magnetic ("CSEM") data over the Newfoundland and Labrador side of the Old Harry prospect. CSEM data is a marine geophysical tool that was developed in recent years to investigate the resistivity of geological prospects, similar to resistivity logging in well bores of potential hydrocarbon zones. Highly resistive layers in a geological structure measured with CSEM technology could indicate hydrocarbon bearing reservoirs and, therefore, would serve to support a success case. The proposed multi-client survey is in the permitting and approval stages of the project, and data acquisition is planned for the fall of 2016, pending regulatory approvals. Corridor is in discussions with the Canada-Newfoundland Offshore Petroleum Board regarding the extension of Exploration Licence EL 1105. Corridor's rationale for the extension is that it has been prevented from completing its Environmental Assessment for a drilling licence for an extended period due to delays in regulatory approvals. As a result, Corridor is seeking relief to extend the term of its license for a period equivalent to the time lost due to the delays in the regulatory and approval process. 2016 Outlook Based on a look-back analysis, management has determined that Corridor's shut-in strategy in 2015 was successful as natural gas production was deferred in the summer and fall of 2015 and sold during periods of higher natural gas prices in the winter of 2015/ 2016 resulting in higher netbacks for the Company. Management is currently evaluating whether to shut-in natural gas production during the summer and fall of 2016 given the weak forecasted natural gas prices at AGT during that period. "Corridor is well positioned in 2016" said Steve Moran, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Our balance sheet is very strong, with $26 million of positive working capital at the end of 2015. Corridor expects that continued weakness in commodity prices in 2016 will present opportunities for the Company. Corridor will be selective in its review and undertaking of any such opportunities. Preservation of a strong balance sheet will be a fundamental principle of our go forward strategy." Corridor is a Canadian junior resource company engaged in the exploration for and development and production of petroleum and natural gas onshore in New Brunswick and Quebec and offshore in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Corridor currently has natural gas production and reserves in the McCully Field near Sussex, New Brunswick. In addition, Corridor has a shale gas prospect in New Brunswick, an offshore conventional hydrocarbon prospect in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and an unconventional hydrocarbon prospect through a 21.67% interest in Anticosti Hydrocarbons L.P., a joint venture with undeveloped lands on Anticosti Island, Quebec. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively referred to herein as "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information typically contains statements with words such as "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "continuous", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "project", "should", or similar words suggesting future outcomes. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking statements pertaining to: the characteristics of Corridor's and the Anticosti Joint Venture's properties; business plans and strategies (including plans to shut-in production in 2016 to take advantage of expected price differentials, exploration and development plans, including timing of such plans (including the CSEM and Anticosti Hydrocarbons L.P.'s plans); expectation of the price of natural gas; expectations regarding Corridor's financial resilience and plans to maintain a strong balance sheet and the estimates of reserves and the net present values of reserves; the timing of filing of Corridor's Annual Information Form and the 2015 GLJ Report. Statements relating to "reserves" are forward-looking statements, as they involve the implied assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions that the reserves described exist in the quantities predicted or estimated and can profitably be produced in the future. Undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements, which are inherently uncertain, are based on estimates and assumptions, and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties (both general and specific) that contribute to the possibility that the future events or circumstances contemplated by the forward-looking statements will not occur. There can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which forward-looking statements are based will in fact be realized. Actual results will differ, and the difference may be material and adverse to Corridor and its shareholders. Forward-looking statements are based on Corridor's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, Corridor concerning anticipated financial performance, business prospects, strategies, regulatory developments, future natural gas commodity prices, future natural gas production levels, the ability to obtain equipment in a timely manner to carry out development activities, the ability to market natural gas successfully to current and new customers, the impact of increasing competition, the ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms, and the ability to add production and reserves through development and exploration activities. Although management considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect. By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, and risks that forward-looking statements will not be achieved. These factors may be found under the heading "Risk Factors" in Corridor's Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2015. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof and Corridor does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law. The forward-looking statements contained herein are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Contacts: Steve Moran, President Corridor Resources Inc. (902) 429-4511 (902) 429-0209 (FAX) www.corridor.ca VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/30/16 -- North American Nickel Inc. (TSX VENTURE: NAN)(OTCBB: WSCRF) (CUSIP:65704T 108) (the "Company") announces that it has filed a technical report (the "Technical Report") prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards for Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") on the Company's 100% owned Maniitsoq property in southwest Greenland. The report, titled "Independent Technical Report for the Maniitsoq Nickel-Copper-PGM Project, Greenland" and dated March 24, 2016 was filed on the SEDAR website www.sedar.com, and can also be viewed on the NAN website at www.northamericannickel.com. The Technical Report provides details of the Maniitsoq project area including the geological setting and a summary of the Company's cumulative exploration activities. Drilling results and the nature of nickel-copper sulphide mineralization are described for multiple highly prospective target areas including Imiak Hill, Spotty Hill, Mikissoq, P-004, P-058, P-059, P-013, P-030, P-032, and P-053. These mineralized target areas occur over a 60 km extent of the Greenland norite belt and will be the focus of the Company's exploration efforts in 2016 (Figure 1). Technical Information; Qualified Persons The Report was prepared by Dr. Lars Weiershauser, PGeo, and Dr. Jean-Francois Ravenelle, PGeo of SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc., both of whom are independent of North American Nickel and are "Qualified Persons" as defined by NI 43-101. The Company is not aware of any legal, political, environmental, or other risks that could materially affect the potential development of the project other than those set out in its annual information form filed on www.sedar.com. Please see below under the heading "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements" for further details regarding risks facing the Company. All technical information in this release has been reviewed by Patricia Tirschmann, P.Geo, who is the Qualified Person for the Company and Vice President Exploration, North American Nickel Inc. About North American Nickel North American Nickel is a mineral exploration company with 100% owned properties in Maniitsoq, Greenland and Sudbury, Ontario. The Maniitsoq property in Greenland is a Camp scale project comprising 2,985 square km covering numerous high-grade nickel-copper sulphide occurrences associated with norite and other mafic-ultramafic intrusions of the Greenland Norite Belt (GNB). The greater than 75km-long belt is situated along, and near, the southwest coast of Greenland accessible from the existing Seqi deep water port (See NAN News Release dated January 19, 2015) with an all year round shipping season and abundant hydro-electric potential. The Post Creek/Halcyon property in Sudbury is strategically located adjacent to the past producing Podolsky copper-nickel-platinum group metal deposit of KGHM International Ltd. The property lies along the extension of the Whistle Offset dyke structure. Such geological structures host major Ni-Cu-PGM deposits and producing mines within the Sudbury Camp. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mark Fedikow, President, North American Nickel Inc. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws and forward-looking statements within the meaning of U.S. securities laws ("forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, plans, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. All statements that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, without limitation, statements regarding the technical details of the updated Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves. A shortage of working capital may materially affect the Company ability to complete its plans. Although the Company believes the forward-looking statements in this press release are reasonable, it can give no assurance that the expectations and assumptions in such statements will prove to be correct. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, variations in market conditions; the nature, quality and quantity of any mineral deposits that may be located; metal prices; other prices and costs; currency exchange rates; the Company's ability to obtain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required for its activities; the Company's ability to access further funding and produce minerals from its properties successfully or profitably, to continue its projected growth, or to be fully able to implement its business strategies and other risk factors described in the Company's Form 20-F annual report, annual information form and other filings with the SEC and Canadian securities regulators, which may be viewed at www.sec.gov and www.sedar.com, respectively. Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors Estimates of mineralization and other technical information included or referenced in this press release have been prepared in accordance with NI 43-101. The definitions of proven and probable reserves used in NI 43-101 differ from the definitions in SEC Industry Guide 7. Under SEC Industry Guide 7 standards, a "final" or "bankable" feasibility study is required to report reserves, the three-year historical average price is used in any reserve or cash flow analysis to designate reserves and the primary environmental analysis or report must be filed with the appropriate governmental authority. As a result, the reserves reported by the Company in accordance with NI 43-101 may not qualify as "reserves" under SEC standards. In addition, the terms "mineral resource", "measured mineral resource", "indicated mineral resource" and "inferred mineral resource" are defined in and required to be disclosed by NI 43-101; however, these terms are not defined terms under SEC Industry Guide 7 and normally are not permitted to be used in reports and registration statements filed with the SEC. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into reserves. "Inferred mineral resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian securities laws, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases. Additionally, disclosure of "contained ounces" in a resource is permitted disclosure under Canadian securities laws; however, the SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute "reserves" by SEC standards as in place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measurements. Accordingly, information contained or referenced in this press release containing descriptions of the Company's mineral deposits may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements of United States federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. To view Figure 1, please visit the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/1048889a.pdf Contacts: North American Nickel Inc. Jaclyn Ruptash Corporate Communications 604-986-2020 Toll free: 1-866-816-0118 VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/30/16 -- BCM Resources Corporation (TSX VENTURE: B) (the "Company") announces the results of the Company's Annual General and Special Meeting held Wednesday, March 30, 2016, in Vancouver, BC. At the Meeting, shareholders approved all resolutions put before them by management, including the election of all director nominees, the appointment of the auditor, the amendment of the company's articles to include the advance notice policy and the approval of the previously adopted stock option incentive plan, as required annually by the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. The following individuals were elected Directors of the Company for the coming year: Dale McClanaghan, Craig Thomas, Deborah Goldbloom, Richard R. Redfern and Matthew Lennox- King. About BCM Resources Corporation BCM Resources Corporation is a diversified Canadian mineral exploration company focused on identifying, acquiring, advancing, and joint venturing prospective Copper, Gold, and Molybdenum exploration projects in British Columbia and Utah. BCM Resources is managed by experienced and successful board members and advisors. For further information, including area maps, sections, and photos, please visit our web site at www.bcmresources.com or contact us by e-mail at info@bcmresources.com. On Behalf of the Board of Directors: Dale McClanaghan, President & CEO Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements This news release and related texts and images on BCM Resource Corporation's website contain certain "forward-looking statements" including, but not limited to, statements relating to interpretation of mineralization potential, drilling and assay results, future exploration work, and the anticipated results of this work. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: risks related to fluctuations in metals prices; uncertainties related to raising sufficient financing to fund the planned work in a timely manner and on acceptable terms; changes in planned work resulting from weather, logistical, technical, governmental, social, or other factors; the possibility that results of work will not fulfill expectations and realize the perceived potential of the company's projects; uncertainties involved in the interpretation of sampling and drilling results and other tests; the possibility that required permits and access agreements may not be obtained in a timely manner; risk of accidents, equipment breakdowns or other unanticipated difficulties or interruptions; the possibility of cost overruns or unanticipated expenses in these work programs. Forward-looking statements contained in this release are based on the beliefs, estimates, and opinions of management on the date the statements are made. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove accurate. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated or projected. BCM Resources Corporation undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates, opinions, or other factors, should change. This news release and the information contained herein does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States and securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or exemption from registration. NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDERS (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. Contacts: BCM Resources Corporation Investor Relations 1 (604) 646-0144, ext. 223 info@bcmresources.com www.bcmresources.com KANSAS CITY, MO--(Marketwired - March 30, 2016) - Values of real estate properties saw a rise in every sector last year, drawing even more attention to an already attractive market. Chris Kamberis, the founder and president of CTK Group, a Kansas City-based Commercial Real Estate Development company, says he has seen a significant rise in the level of interest in property so far in 2016. While there is potential for remarkable returns, especially in the long-term, Kamberis cautions would-be investors to understand the risks, as well as the rewards that come with real estate investment. When looking at average 20-year returns, commercial real estate investments maintain returns at of around 9.5%, safely above the S&P 500. This is slighter lower than residential and diversified real estate ventures, which boast long-term averages of 10.6%. For investors who want exposure to the market, but are not interested in owning property, real estate investment trusts are ideal. For those who desire a more direct venture, there are not many barriers for entry regarding property; anyone with a clear strategy and enough capital can gain from the rewards of the market. According to Kamberis, this can be a pitfall, as much as it can be a benefit. Investors with solid capital behind them, but a lack of experience, may have to learn the hard way just how dynamic the market is. "Factors, such as changes in regulatory laws or shifting demographics can easily be overlooked, making what appears to be a winning property one day, a bust in three to five years." As an attractive market with a diverse range of opportunities, a lot of investors have moved to commercial real estate, as well as apartment housing making it more competitive than it has ever been in the past. "A lot of new investors don't realize how challenging commercial real estate can be," says Chris Kamberis. "Ultimately, to succeed in the market, experience is necessary. Being familiar with legal and regulatory requirements, understanding how a property may react to downturns in the economic cycle and having the ability to adjust to changes in a particular sector are essential for success." For those who can predict economic cycles and hold sufficient business acumen, real estate investment can be highly rewarding. "Properties can generate income for decades, providing a reliable and very desirable source of investment earnings," says the CTK Group founder. Another advantage is that real estate tends to be more stable than the stock market. The down periods, however, can be debilitating. When the entire economy falters, some sectors in real estate will stop generating income altogether, and investors need to be prepared for this. Property can also be very difficult to sell when the economy sinks. This can tie up large amounts of capital for years, such as during the 2007 to 2009 Great Recession, which is still being felt in some regions of the country today. Alternatively, with commercial or residential real estate, the actual property is likely to rise in value in the long-term. Appreciation is one reason many investors who have a lot of capital behind them focus heavily on the real estate market. Kamberis, who has been a leader in property management for decades, suggests newer investors start small. That way, they will benefit of learning from others in the field, gain real experience and make invaluable connections along the way. Property expert, Chris Kamberis is an established leader in the commercial real estate market with over two decades of experience. As the Founder and President of CTK Group, a national portfolio acquisition and development company in Kansas City, MO, he has been the driving force behind some of the most progressive and complex expansions for commercial and industrial real estate. The company's impressive roster of past and current clients features some of the world's biggest corporations, including Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase Bank, Fifth Third Bank, McDonald's, Burger King, BP Products North America, and Starbucks. Chris Kamberis -- Property Expert and Founder of CTK Group: http://www.chriskamberisnews.com Chris Kamberis -- CTK Group Offers Tips on When to Invest in Property: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/chris-kamberis-ctk-group-offers-024044966.html Chris Kamberis -- Outlines Strategies on How to Monitor Real Estate Trends: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/chris-kamberis-outlines-strategies-monitor-224126150.html Embedded Video Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=funrhyA-zJI Contact Information PR Agency Contact: ICMediaDirect.com TEL: 1.800.595.0821 www.ICMediaDirect.com LAS VEGAS, NV--(Marketwired - March 30, 2016) - Dining has become one of the top leisure activities for global travelers, according to the U.S. Travel Association*. More vacationers today are interested in tasting local food than exploring monuments, national parks, and other traditional tourist attractions. Global hospitality and vacation ownership company, Diamond Resorts International, says travelers find that enjoying the region's cuisine is one of the best ways to experience a new culture. Whether tasting interesting, exotic flavors, or savoring a region's unique take on comfort food, eating local dishes is now one of the most exciting activities when traveling. The internationally acclaimed resort company has compiled a list of some of the different dishes served around the world. Travelers to Asia are able to explore and experience authentic dim sum. A conventional Cantonese cuisine, it is a variety of small savory and sweet dumplings or buns -- classics include steamed shrimp dumplings and sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaves. Translated to 'a little bit of heart,' these bite-sized delights are traditionally served in bamboo containers, alongside steaming cups of oolong tea. There is a wide variety of dim sum restaurants in Hong Kong, giving Diamond Resorts International vacationers a variety of eateries to choose from to enjoy this local food. Nearby Thailand boasts some of the most fragrant, distinctive dishes in the world with ingredients like coconut, lemongrass and galangal to flavor fresh shrimp, fish, and meat dishes. No visit to Bangkok would be complete without a bowl of local Tom Yum Goong, a spicy shellfish soup made with chilies, lime leaves, prawns, and traditional Thai veggies. Vacationers to the Caribbean can enjoy strong, aromatic dishes made with tropical fruits, fresh seafood, and plenty of exotic spices. The local cuisine has been influenced by the original inhabitants, as well as all the cultures that have migrated to the islands, giving its dishes a dynamic flair with roots in French, African, Dutch, and Spanish cooking. When traveling to Jamaica, breakfast like a local with salt cod and ackee, a tasty meal of salted cod, ackees, Jamaica's national fruit, hot chili peppers, and tomato. Aruba is known for tasty conch stew, a traditional soup with conch meat, veggies, and chili pepper. For European travelers, the culinary selections are endless. Some of the most memorable dishes throughout the continent include hearty Irish stew, a customary soup made with lamb, potatoes, carrots and onions, that has been served in Ireland for centuries. For dessert, guests can delight in a delicate apple strudel -- a sweet pastry that has been popular in Germany since the 18 th century, and farikal, Norway's delectable national dish of boiled lamb and cabbage. About Diamond Resorts International Diamond Resorts International, with its network of more than 370 vacation destinations located in 35 countries throughout the continental United States, Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, South America, Central America, Europe, Asia, Australasia and Africa, provides guests with choice and flexibility to let them create their dream vacation, whether they are traveling an hour away or around the world. Our relaxing vacations have the power to give guests an increased sense of happiness and satisfaction in their lives, while feeling healthier and more fulfilled in their relationships, by enjoying memorable and meaningful experiences that let them Stay Vacationed.' Diamond Resorts International manages vacation ownership resorts and sells vacation ownership points that provide members and owners with Vacations for Life at over 370 managed and affiliated properties and cruise itineraries. *Link to a third-party site. To learn more about Diamond Resorts International, visit: https://www.diamondresorts.com Diamond Resorts (@diamondresorts) -- Twitter: https://twitter.com/diamondresorts Diamond Resorts International -- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DiamondResortsInternational Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/3/31/11G090416/Images/Diamond_Resorts_International_-_Vacations_for_Life-3aabe965466990b4801c78f3f68f5e9c.jpg Embedded Video Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAbku03BnuU Contact Information Liz Feldman Hillman Communications Tel: 735-387-0515 lfeldman@hillmanpr.com MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 03/30/16 -- This news release corrects and replaces the news release issued on March 29 at 8:45 am. The correction relates to the fact that the strategic alliance is with FutureBrand Argentina. The complete and corrected release is as follows: MOBI724 Global Solutions Inc. ("MOBI724" or the "Company") (CSE: MOS), a Fintech technology leader in the digital incentives, couponing and payment space, announces that it has signed a Strategic Alliance with FutureBrand Argentina, the leading brand strategy & design consultancy. This global strategic alliance will enable MOBI724 to further expand its business and operations into 5 additional countries in Central and South America. The expansion will commence in Colombia where a leading processor is committed to market MOBI724 solutions. The additional countries are: Chile, Peru, Mexico and Argentina, where FutureBrand has offices and operations. MOBI724's ability to provide mobility and traceability to payment card issuers and retailers, combined with FutureBrand's market leadership will allow the joint venture to deliver and monetize MOBI724's seamless payment card link @ POS transaction and digital marketing solutions. Marcel Vienneau - CEO of MOBI724 stated "This partnership with FutureBrand Argentina illustrates a great opportunity for MOBI724, and will enable us to quickly expand our solutions deployment in Central and South America. Impressive results were attained at recent partnership meetings due to the dynamic efforts from FutureBrand and their eco-system, in positioning MOBI724's solutions as unique and innovative solutions. We plan to develop a strong partnership to leverage both companies' core competencies in this fast growing market "We are very happy to engage with MOBI724 in this strategic alliance, which will enable us to enhance our digital offering and become market leaders in the digital couponing and incentives market in the countries where we operate." says Luis Rey, Managing Partner FutureBrand Spanish Latin America. About FutureBrand. FutureBrand is the creative future company; a global brand and innovation company, part of the Interpublic Group. Through traditional branding skills and foresight, FutureBrand helps companies create the future for their brands and businesses. Around the world, FutureBrand combines strategic thinking and creative inspiration to help clients create, build and manage brands. Whether branding a company, a product, a service or a movement FutureBrand believes that great results can only be achieved through a combination of inspiration and collaboration. FutureBrand works in over 21 markets around the world with top international brands. www.futurebrand.com About Mobi724 Global Solutions MOBI724 Global Solutions Inc. (CSE: MOS), a Fintech corporation based in Montreal (Canada), offers a unique and fully integrated suite of solutions - PAYMENT-COUPONING AND LOYALTY all in one, a leader in the Fintech industry. Our vision is to enhance the value of commoditized payment transactions to the players in this eco- system (card associations, banks, mobile carriers and retailers) by adding layers of intelligence to these card-linked transactions (i.e. smart transactions) in a seamless manner for all the players in the eco-system. MOBI724 Global Solutions unleashes the true potential of both payment and card-linked couponing/rewards transactions for both online and offline points of sale (POS). The Corporation provides its customers with full and comprehensive traceability and enriched consumer data through its offering. Its solutions enables card associations, retailers, manufacturers, offer providers, mobile operators and card issuers to create, manage, deliver and "track and measure" incentive campaigns worldwide to ANY mobile device and allow its redemption at ANY point of sales. Our credit and debit EMV payment solutions will allow banks to process end to end EMV transactions, focusing on authentication, approved security and quick merchant adoption which allows the users to process payments with a wide range of devices over a secure and seamless transaction. MOBI724's PCI and EMV cloud-based switch, with their device agnostic connectivity, simplifies deployment and integration, and introduces new payment and digital incentives solutions to the market enabling multi layered intelligent transactions therefore SMART TRANSACTIONS. Certain statements in this document, including those which express management's expectations or estimations with regard to the Company's future performance, constitute "forward-looking statements" as understood by applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are, of necessity, based on a certain number of estimates and hypotheses; while management considers these to be accurate at the time they are expressed, they are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and risks on the commercial, economic and competitive levels. We advise readers that these forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other known and unknown factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. Investors are advised to not rely unduly on the forward-looking statements. This advisory applies to all forward-looking statements, whether expressed orally or in writing, attributed to the Company or to any individual expressing them in the name of the Company. Unless required by law, the Company is under no obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements, whether to reflect new information, future events, or other circumstances. The Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) has not reviewed this news release and does not accept responsibility for its adequacy or accuracy. This news release does not constitute a solicitation to buy or sell any securities in the United States. Contacts: Mobi724 Global Solutions Inc. Mr. Marcel Vienneau 1-514-394-5200 Ext 413 www.mobi724globalsolutions.com Seiichiro Toda s-toda@cj.jp.nec.com +81-3-3798-6511 Stockholm, Sweden and Tokyo, Japan, Mar 31, 2016 - (JCN Newswire) - NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701) today announced with NEC Scandinavia that it has been selected to provide routing, switching and security equipment, as well as, training, spare parts, technical support and maintenance services, to Telenor Norway and Telenor Sweden within the frame of their IP/MPLS Network Modernization program (BRUT).As part of these projects, NEC will prepare, enable and perform the migration of services in a turnkey arrangement in cooperation with Telenor, thanks to its understanding of the complexity and configurations of the overall platform architecture.Furthermore, NEC will also develop, support and maintain the modernized Nordic one-operations IP/MPLS network for an initial period of five years. This will help to ensure a non-stop network with uptime of at least five nines (99.999%), with a feature rich capability to deliver enhanced IP services to Telenor's increasing subscriber base.These projects are strengthening the existing partnerships between NEC Corporation and Telenor, evidenced by the signing of an IP and Optical Global Frame Agreement in July 2015, in addition to the existing Microwave Radio Agreement, thus confirming the position of NEC as a strategic provider in the transport and IP spaces in the numerous countries where Telenor successfully operates.The selection of NEC highlights not only its capability to provide state-of-the-art, innovative and end-to-end solutions as a leading system integrator, but also its commercial creativity and understanding of customer requirements and needs with a long-term perspective."NEC is delighted to contribute to Telenor Sweden, Telenor Norway, and Telenor Group's strategy to provide centralized functions and synergies, in order to reach a cost-effective operating model and a fast time-to-market," said Marc Barbotin, Managing Director, NEC Scandinavia. "NEC's ambition is to be a trusted partner for the long run with Telenor in Scandinavia and in all regions and countries where Telenor operates."About NEC CorporationNEC Corporation is a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies that benefit businesses and people around the world. By providing a combination of products and solutions that cross utilize the company's experience and global resources, NEC's advanced technologies meet the complex and ever-changing needs of its customers. NEC brings more than 100 years of expertise in technological innovation to empower people, businesses and society. For more information, visit NEC at http://www.nec.com.Based on its Mid-term Management Plan 2015, the NEC Group globally provides "Solutions for Society" that promote the safety, security, efficiency and equality of society. Under the company's corporate message of "Orchestrating a brighter world," NEC aims to help solve a wide range of challenging issues and to create new social value for the changing world of tomorrow. For more information, please visit http://www.nec.com/en/global/about/solutionsforsociety/message.html.Source: NEC CorporationContact:Copyright 2016 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved. JAKARTA, Indonesia, March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Publicly listed Merck, founded in 1970 as the Indonesian unit of a German-based pharmaceutical giant, expects double-digit growth in total sales in 2016 following a similar growth in its healthcare business last year. The biopharma business, for example, rose by 14.5 percent in 2015, above the industry average of 8 to 9 percent. On the other hand, the consumer health business soared by 16 percent (Source: Jakarta Post). Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160330/349351 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121014/HK92339LOGO-d The company will also strengthen its current strategy of maintaining partnerships with both private and government organizations such as the Health Ministry and the Jakarta Administration. Through which, Merck will expand public awareness about health issues, encourage public acceptance and broaden market access for Merck's pharmaceutical products. Merck is also currently expanding the production capacity of its factory in TB Simatupang, South Jakarta, to further boost future sales. These and other key industry news will be discussed next week at CPhI SEA, the only trade exhibition dedicated to the pharma industry in the region, held at Jakarta International Expo during April 6-8, 2016. Don't miss the opportunity to be part of the change, register here and join the event! The CPhI series of events supports growth and innovation in the global pharmaceutical industry, with leading exhibitions and online communities covering every step of the supply chain from drug discovery to finished dosage. More than 100,000 visitors meet over 6,000 exhibitors at events in Europe, China, India, Japan, South East Asia, Russia, Brazil, Istanbul and Korea every year to exchange ideas, form alliances and conduct business on an international scale. CPhI also provides an online buyer & supplier directory at CPhI-Online.com. Ivan Ferrari Phone Number: +62-21-2930-5959 ext 138 Email: Ivan.Ferrari@ubm.com SAN FRANCISCO andGHENT, Belgium, March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --Showpad, the leading sales enablement platform that guides reps to results, today is excited to announce its official partnership with Dirigeants Commerciaux de France (DCF), the professional organization for business leaders, sales leaders and SME/SMI managers. Through the partnership, Showpad will expand its presence in the French market. This is the start of an extensive marketing campaign between Showpad and DCF, highlighted by participation in DCF's conferences and appearance on DCF TV, the organization's online media channel. The partnership agreement begins on April 1, 2016. "Showpad is delighted with the partnership," said Mario Haneca, Senior Enterprise Account Executive, Showpad. "We are very impressed with DCF's vision of how the role of sales will evolve and believe Showpad shares the same philosophy. Together, we will work to take the role of salesperson to the next level through training, sharing of best practices and leveraging technology to improve sales productivity." "We are convinced that innovative sales enablement solutions like Showpad are essential to the performance of the sales profession," said Jacques Benn, National President, DCF. "And that's why we look forward to working with Showpad. In the 'age of the customer', prospects are better informed than ever and this requires salespeople to quickly and efficiently add value to every sales meeting. Through integration of products like Salesforce and Showpad, reps will spend less time on administrative tasks and more time on doing what they do best -- selling." About Showpad Showpad is a sales enablement platform that pushes the best fit content in the right context to sales reps, on any device, so that reps can sell at anytime, from anywhere. Its powerful reporting functionality helps businesses understand content usage and productivity, driving organizations toward revenue goals. Showpad empowers more than 800 customers around the world, including Johnson & Johnson, Fujifilm, Audi, Intel and Heineken. For information, visit www.showpad.com. PUNE, India, March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- RnRMarketResearch.com adds "Hypoglycemia - Pipeline Review, H1 2016" market research report with comprehensive information on the therapeutic development for Hypoglycemia, complete with comparative analysis at various stages, therapeutics assessment by drug target, mechanism of action (MoA), route of administration (RoA) and molecule type, along with latest updates, and featured news and press releases. It also reviews key players involved in the therapeutic development for Hypoglycemia and special features on late-stage and discontinued projects. Complete report on H1 2016 pipeline review of Hypoglycemia with 27 market data tables and 13 figures, spread across 75 pages is available at http://www.rnrmarketresearch.com/hypoglycemia-pipeline-review-h1-2016-market-report.html The report also reviews key players involved in the therapeutic development for Hypoglycemia and special features on late-stage and discontinued projects. The report enhances decision making capabilities and help to create effective counter strategies to gain competitive advantage. It strengthens R&D pipelines by identifying new targets and MOAs to produce first-in-class and best-in-class products. Companies discussed in this Hypoglycemia Pipeline Review, H1 2016 report include Biodel Inc., Eiger BioPharmaceuticals, Inc., Eli Lilly and Company, Heptares Therapeutics Limited, Novartis AG, Sanofi, SkyePharma Plc, Therakind Limited, USV Limited, XERIS Pharmaceuticals, Inc., XOMA Corporation and Zealand Pharma A/S. Drug profiles discussed in this research report includes AMG-5041, Biologic for Hypoglycemia, Drug for Hypoglycemia, exendin-(9-39), glucagon, LY-3143753, LY-3185643, pasireotide, SAR-438544, Small Molecule to Antagonize GLP-1 Receptor Hypoglycemia, terbutaline sulphate MR, XOMA-129, XOMA-358 and ZP-4207. Order a purchase copy of this report @ http://www.rnrmarketresearch.com/contacts/purchase?rname=516303 Scope of this report: The report provides a snapshot of the global therapeutic landscape of Hypoglycemia and reviews pipeline therapeutics for Hypoglycemia by companies and universities/research institutes based on information derived from company and industry-specific sources and key players involved Hypoglycemia therapeutics and enlists all their major and minor projects. The research covers pipeline products based on various stages of development ranging from pre-registration till discovery and undisclosed stages. The report features descriptive drug profiles for the pipeline products which includes, product description, descriptive MoA, R&D brief, licensing and collaboration details & other developmental activities and assesses Hypoglycemia therapeutics based on drug target, mechanism of action (MoA), route of administration (RoA) and molecule type. The report summarizes all the dormant and discontinued pipeline projects with latest news related to pipeline therapeutics for Hypoglycemia. Another newly published market research report titled on Insulin Resistance - Pipeline Review, H1 2016 provides comprehensive information on the therapeutic development for Insulin Resistance, complete with comparative analysis at various stages, therapeutics assessment by drug target, mechanism of action (MoA), route of administration (RoA) and molecule type, along with latest updates, and featured news and press releases. It also reviews key players involved in the therapeutic development for Insulin Resistance and special features on late-stage and discontinued projects. The report enhances decision making capabilities and help to create effective counter strategies to gain competitive advantage. It strengthens R&D pipelines by identifying new targets and MOAs to produce first-in-class and best-in-class products. Insulin Resistance Pipeline market research report of 62 pages is available at http://www.rnrmarketresearch.com/insulin-resistance-pipeline-review-h1-2016-market-report.html Explore more reports on Diabetes Therapeutics . About Us: RnRMarketResearch.com is your single source for all market research needs. Our database includes 500,000+ market research reports from over 100+ leading global publishers & in-depth market research studies of over 5000 micro markets. With comprehensive information about the publishers and the industries for which they publish market research reports, we help you in your purchase decision by mapping your information needs with our huge collection of reports. Connect with Us: G+ / Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/104156468549256253075/posts Twitter: https://twitter.com/RnRMR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/RnR-Market-Research/413488545356345 Contact: Ritesh Tiwari UNIT no 802, Tower no. 7, SEZ Magarpatta city, Hadapsar Pune - 411013 Maharashtra, India. Tel: +1-888-391-5441 sales@rnrmarketresearch.com BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - Destatis is slated to release German retail sales for February in the pre-European session on Thursday at 2:00 am ET. Economists forecast sales to grow 0.4 percent on a monthly basis, following a 0.7 percent rise in January. Ahead of the data, the euro showed mixed trading against its major rivals. While the euro rose against the pound, it fell against the yen. Against the U.S. dollar and the Swiss franc, the euro held steady. As of 1:55 am ET, the euro was trading at 0.7894 against the pound, 1.0932 against the Swiss franc, 1.1324 against the U.S. dollar and 127.09 against the yen. 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. Skanska has signed a contract with Saint Francis Health System for additions and renovations to Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The contract is worth USD 62M, about SEK 530M, which will be included in order bookings for Skanska USA Building in the first quarter 2016. Regulatory News: Skanska has signed a contract with Saint Francis Health System for additions and renovations to Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The contract is worth USD 62M, about SEK 530M, which will be included in order bookings for Skanska USA Building in the first quarter 2016. The project, managed by Skanska's Texas operations, consists of 12,000 square meters of major renovation to the hospital's existing surgery department including 28 operating rooms and support spaces, and about 1,400 square meters of horizontal expansion including seven new operating rooms. Additionally, a new 2,500-square-meter mechanical penthouse will be constructed on the roof of the existing surgery department. Construction is expected to commence in April 2016 and is slated for completion in March 2020. Skanska USA is one of the leading development and construction companies in the country, consisting of four business units: Skanska USA Building, which specializes in building construction; Skanska USA Civil, specialized in civil infrastructure; Skanska Infrastructure Development North America, which develops public-private partnerships; and Skanska USA Commercial Development, which develops commercial projects in select U.S. markets. Headquartered in New York, Skanska USA has more than 10,000 employees and its 2015 revenues were SEK 54.5 billion. Skanska AB may be required to disclose the information provided herein pursuant to the Securities Markets Act. Skanska is one of the world's leading project development and construction groups with expertise in construction, development of commercial and residential premises, and public-private partnerships projects. Based on its global green experience, Skanska aims to be the clients' first choice for Green solutions. The Group currently has 43,100 employees in selected home markets in Europe and North America. Skanska's sales in 2015 totaled SEK 155 billion. This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160330006512/en/ Contacts: For further information, please contact: Shelby Adams, Communications, Skanska USA, tel: +1 972 281 64 51 or Andreas Joons, Press Officer, Skanska AB, tel +46 (0)10 449 04 94 or Direct line for media, tel +46 (0)10 448 88 99 This and previous releases can also be found at www.skanska.com AIM: MARL Suite 102, 3 Eden Street 31 March 2016 North Sydney, NSW 2060 Australia Drilling to Commence at the Dona Ines Gold-Silver and Exploradora East Copper Prospects, Northern Chile Mariana Resources Ltd ('Mariana' or the 'Company'), the AIM listed exploration and development company with projects in Turkey and South America, is pleased to advise that drilling is scheduled to commence at the Company's Dona Ines gold- silver and the adjacent Exploradora East copper prospects, in northern Chile, in April. The initial drill programs at Dona Ines and Exploradora East form part of the Phase I work commitment as outlined in the Option Agreement between Mariana and Asset Chile Exploracion Minera Fondo de Inversion Privado ('Asset'), through which Asset holds a staged option to earn up to a 50% interest in the two properties in return for a total investment of USD 1.65M (refer to Mariana's News Release on July 11, 2015). The drill contractor selected for the Reverse Circulation ('RC') drill program is Copiapo-based Terraservice. Chief Executive Officer Glen Parsons today commented: 'Whilst Hot Maden is in development, Mariana continues work on its highly prospective exploration portfolio to assess the potential for scalable and economic mineralisation.' 'The anticipated RC drill program in northern Chile, which is funded by Asset under the earn in, is due to commence shortly with the objective of confirming the potential for a high sulphidation gold silver deposit at Dona Ines and, 20 km to the north, at Exploradora East we are seeking a concealed porphyry copper system. We anticipate drilling to commence by mid-April 2016 with assay results due later in May and I look forward to updating shareholders on these results as well as keeping the market abreast of developments at the high grade gold and copper Hot Maden Project.' Exploration activities undertaken to date at Dona Ines have focused principally on geology and surface geochemical sampling, with silica-clay alteration and strong gold-silver-arsenic-molybdenum surface geochemistry suggesting the presence of a high sulfidation-type epithermal gold-silver system. In addition, a recently-completed ground geophysical survey (Gradient Array Induced Polarisation / Resistivity and Magneto-Tellurics) at Dona Ines was successful in defining moderately resistive areas interpreted to represent zones of silicification associated with precious metals mineralisation. At Exploradora East, the primary target lies beneath a shallow, post mineralisation ignimbrite cover, but is reflected on surface by strong copper- molybdenum geochemical anomalies along north east-south west trending corridors. These corridors are interpreted to represent conduits which 'tap in' to underlying copper-molybdenum porphyry mineralisation. No historical drilling has been encountered on either property. An overview of the exploration activities completed and drill targets to be tested at Dona Ines and Exploradora East is presented below: +-----------+-----------------------+--------------------+---------------------+ |Prospect |Target |Location |Drill Target| | | | |Generation | +-----------+-----------------------+--------------------+---------------------+ |Dona Ines |(Oxidised) High |20km west of |Ground geophysics | | |Sulfidation Epithermal |Goldfields' Salares |(Gradient Array | | |Gold-Silver Deposit |Norte Gold-Silver |Induced Polarisation | | | |Deposit (23.3Mt @ |/ Resistivity and | | | |4.2g/t Au + 44 g/t |Magneto-Telluric | | | |Ag for 3.1Moz Au + |Surveys), combined | | | |34Moz Ag; Inferred |with strong gold- | | | |Resource at May, |silver-arsenic- | | | |2014). |molybdenum surface | | | |Miocene age volcanic|geochemistry and high| | | |arc. |level silica-clay | | | | |hydrothermal | | | | |alteration. | +-----------+-----------------------+--------------------+---------------------+ |Exploradora|Eocene-Oligocene-age |60km north east of|Strong copper- | |East |Porphyry Copper Deposit|CODELCO's El|molybdenum surface | | |under shallow, post |Salvador Copper Mine|geochemistry in north| | |mineralisation | |east- south west | | |ignimbrite cover | |structural corridors | | | | |in ignimbrite. | | | | |Potential 'leakage' | | | | |from underlying | | | | |copper-molybdenum | | | | |deposit. | +-----------+-----------------------+--------------------+---------------------+ Further technical details on the Dona Ines and Exploradora East projects are available at: 1. Link to Dona Ines section on website: http://marianaresources.com/projects/dona-ines-gold-silver-project/ 2. Link to Exploradora East section on website: http://marianaresources.com/projects/exploradora-east-copper-project/ The funds being provided by Asset are part of the 'Fenix' fund program which was launched in 2011 by the Chilean government in order to provide risk capital financing for exploration on projects located within Chile. The fund originally had approximately USD150M available, with approximately two-thirds of this amount being provided by the Chilean government (through development agency Corfo) and the remaining one-third from private investors. Asset is one of six investment fund managers participating in the Fenix program. **ENDS** Qualified Person The information in this release has been reviewed by Eric Roth, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of Mariana Resources. Mr Roth holds a Ph.D. in Economic Geology from the University of Western Australia, is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM), and is a Fellow of the Society of Economic Geologists (SEG). Mr Roth has 25 years of experience in international minerals exploration and mining project evaluation. For further information please visit website at www.marianaresources.com or contact the following. In Australia: Glen Parsons (CEO) Mariana Resources Ltd +61 2 9437 4588 Eric Roth (COO) Mariana Resources Ltd +56 9 8818 1243 Rob Adamson RFC Ambrian Limited (Nomad) +61 2 9250 0041 Will Souter RFC Ambrian Limited (Nomad) +61 2 9250 0050 In U.K. Oliver Stansfield Brandon Hill Capital (UK Broker) +44 20 3463 5061 Jonathan Evans Brandon Hill Capital (UK Broker) +44 20 3463 5016 Camilla Horsfall Blytheweigh (Financial PR) +44 20 7138 3224 Megan Ray Blytheweigh (Financial PR) +44 20 7138 3203 About Mariana Resources Mariana Resources Ltd is an AIM quoted exploration and development company with an extensive portfolio of gold, silver and copper projects in South America and Turkey. Mariana's most advanced asset is the Hot Maden gold-copper project in NE Turkey, which is a joint venture with our Turkish JV partner Lidya (30% Mariana and 70% Lidya). A maiden mineral resource estimate of 2.03 Moz Gold Equivalent (Indicated Category) and 0.97 Moz Gold Equivalent (Inferred Category) (100% basis) was reported for Hot Maden on August 18, 2015. Elsewhere in Turkey, Mariana holds a 100% interest in the Ergama gold-copper project. In Suriname, Mariana has an option to earn up to a 50.01% interest in Nassau Gold Limited, a JV company between Mariana and Sumin Resources Limited ('Sumin') which in turn holds an option to earn up to 80% of the Nassau Gold Project. The Nassau Gold Project is a 28,000 Ha exploration concession located approximately 125 km SE of the capital Paramaribo and immediately adjacent to Newmont Mining's 4.2Moz Au Merian project. In southern Argentina, the Company's core gold-silver projects are Las Calandrias (100%), Sierra Blanca (100%), Los Cisnes (100%), Bozal (100%). These projects are part of a 160,000+ Ha land package in the Deseado Massif epithermal gold-silver district in mining-friendly Santa Cruz Province. Mariana acquired 100% interests in the Dona Ines Au-Ag and Exploradora East Cu prospects in northern Chile through the Aegean Metals Group transaction which closed in January, 2015, with Mariana exploration now being funded by Asset Chile through the provision of $1.65m for a total 50% interest. In Peru, Mariana holds a portfolio of interesting very early stage properties. This announcement is distributed by GlobeNewswire on behalf of GlobeNewswire clients. The owner of this announcement warrants that: (i) the releases contained herein are protected by copyright and other applicable laws; and (ii) they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein. Source: Mariana Resources Ltd via GlobeNewswire [HUG#1999105] B12GJ72R25 Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de HELSINKI (dpa-AFX) - Finland's general government borrowing reduced in 2015 and came within the target set by the European Union, while the gross debt breached the EU limit, data from Statistics Finland showed Thursday. The general government deficit as a percentage to GDP fell to 2.7 percent from 3.2 percent in 2014. The ratio was 2.6 percent in 2013. The Stability and Growth Pact of the European Union prescribes a deficit-to-GDP ratio below or at 3 percent. In value terms, the net borrowing was EUR 5.7 billion last year. The general government debt, meanwhile, climbed to 63.1 percent of GDP, breaching the EU limit of 60 percent, from 59.3 percent in 2014. The ratio exceeded the EU reference value for the first time since the series begain in 1975. In value terms, the debt was EUR 130.7 billion, rising by EUR 9 billion from the previous year. 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. LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM--(Marketwired - March 31, 2016) - Supranational regulations such as the European Payment Services Directive 2 (PSD2) will burden credit card portfolio profitability and create new risks and opportunities, Auriemma Consulting Group (ACG) said today. The impact of PSD2 on credit cards and issuers more broadly was at the forefront of the agenda at ACG's first UK Card Finance Roundtable meeting of 2016. The executive group, which convenes Finance Directors, CFOs, & SVPs of Finance and Accounting for leading issuers, meets regularly to discuss key financial management and compliance-related topics. The wide reaching implications of the directive ensures it features across all of ACG's UK roundtables, from our UK Collections and Recoveries Roundtable to UK Customer Service, and is also a focus of discussion at our Fraud Operations Roundtable next month. PSD2 is set to be one of the most disruptive payment directives ever implemented in the UK, when it is adopted by member states in 2018. While the first iteration of PSD in 2007 aimed to make payments simpler and more efficient across Europe through the creation of the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), the implications of PSD2 are far more potent for issuers and payment providers more broadly. PSD2 will open the payments infrastructure and allow access to consumer account information to market players through the use of Application Programming Interface (API). By facilitating this direct access, API will establish two new roles in the EU payment landscape: Account Information Service Providers (AISPs) and Payment Initiation Service Providers (PISPs). "Opening the payment landscape presents a unique set of challenges for issuers and card schemes, while presenting retailers and information aggregators such as comparison websites with previously inaccessible data," said Carina Da Cruz, Director of UK Industry Roundtables at ACG. Practically speaking, a PISP will have the right to initiate payments on behalf of the consumer by establishing a direct connection with the consumer's bank upon authentication. Consumers will grant a PISP, such as an online retailer, permission to perform a payment transaction directly, thus bypassing multiple traditional payment participants including, most obviously, the merchant acquirer and card scheme. Significantly, this relationship will stay active to facilitate future payments until the consumer removes permission. Second, AISPs will for the first time provide consumers with an aggregate view of their financial situation by combining multi-institution account information into a single portal. AISPs will have a direct connection with each financial institution and aggregate this information through a single authentication portal. More significantly, with this information AISPs will have the ability to cross-sell consumers more relevant, tailored propositions based on usage data. The introduction of new players with direct access to consumer data will undoubtedly present significant challenges to issuers by way of lost revenue and increased competition. However, there are significant opportunities for issuers; members of ACG's UK Card Collections and Recoveries Roundtable meeting in February discussed the challenges of obtaining reliable consumer financial information to complete accurate affordability assessments. API could allow issuers to assess debt affordability to a previously unattainable level of accuracy. "API opens up a host of new opportunities to produce better customer outcomes, and issuers should rightfully be asking the European Commission for greater clarity regarding their ability to access cross institution account information to facilitate this," said Da Cruz. At the ACG UK Card Fraud Operations Roundtable in April, members will discuss the technical details of implementing new authentication processes mandated by PSD2. Opening the payment landscape to new players will require next generation multi-factor authentication technology to ensure consumers are protected and liability is shared fairly. "PSD2 will remain front of mind for members across all of our UK roundtables as adoption looms," said Da Cruz. "Our model provides the ideal opportunity for market players to discuss the technical detail of the directive and assess the impact on individual portfolios." About Auriemma Consulting Group ACG is a boutique management consulting firm with specialised focus on the Payments and Lending space. We deliver actionable solutions and insights that add value to our clients' business activities across a broad set of industry topics and disciplines. Founded in 1984, ACG has grown from a one-man shop to a nearly 50-person firm with offices in London and New York. Visit ACG's website at www.acg.net. For more information, please contact Tom LaMagna at +44 (0) 207 629 0075 or tom.lamagna@acg.net. Tom LaMagna +44 (0) 207 629 0075 tom.lamagna@acg.net MOSCOW, March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- On Saturday the 2nd of April, a Swiss delegation of the Geneva based International Raelian Movement and Dmitri Porublev, the leader of the Russian Raelian Movement, will present an official request to President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, for the extraterritoriality of an Embassy designed to welcome representatives of an extra-terrestrial civilization. The documentation includes two main sections: the first is the request for about four square kilometres of land on which to erect the structure, and the second is an application for its extraterritoriality as required by any embassy. The initiative is part of an international action named ET-Embassy Day, and it will be presented in detail at the PRESS CONFERENCE which will be held starting at 11 am on Friday, April the 1st, at the "Shcubert'" hall located in Moscow "Radisson Blu Belorusskaya Hotel," where the delegation, headed by Jean Marie Briaud, will show the dossier relating to the embassy building project. Afterwards, there will be a project presentation on a conference open to the public beginning at 2 pm on Saturday the 2nd at the Moscow "Hotel Golden Ring," hall "Yaroslavl." "Now that we can understand our origins, it's time to prepare for the return to Earth of our Creators and to accept them for what they really are," said Dmitri Porublev. "The ancient gods worshiped by our ancestors are actually men and women like us, called Elohim, very advanced scientifically and inhabitants of a distant planet in our galaxy." Myths and ancient texts from around the world refer to these people coming from the sky and describe how they created life on Earth, including "man in their image" thanks to their perfect mastery of DNA and genetic engineering. All the great religions have predicted that one day they would return. That time has now come and during Rael's encounter with one of the Elohim in 1973, they asked him to build an embassy for them and to prepare humanity for their imminent contact. "These extra-terrestrials know that their return may be the only chance of salvation that still remains for humanity, given the escalation of international conflicts and aggression between fellow men and for the planet on which we live," explained Porublev. "On behalf of all Russian Raelians, I hope that President Putin will take up this exceptional opportunity and officially invite Rael, the last of the prophets, leader and founder of the International Raelian Movement, to discuss the details of this project, in view of the fact that the country that will grant the land and permission for extraterritoriality will benefit from the economic advantages and enjoy the protection of the Elohim for years to come," concluded Porublev. LONDON, March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Planday, the workforce management platform for shift-based businesses, today announces that it has raised a $14 million Series B round of funding. The round was led by new investors Idinvest, and also included Creandum, the lead investor in Planday's Series A round, SEB Private Equity, and angel investor Arthur Kosten, co-founder of Booking.com. In 2014, Planday raised a $3.75 million Series A round, and in 2015 received a further investment from angel investor Klaus Nyengaard. Since then, Planday has grown 100% year-over-year to over 100,000 end-users in 24 different countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Germany, Sweden, and Norway. Planday will use the Series B funds to expand further into the US, strengthen its leadership in the European market, and develop integrations with other technologies that support shift-based businesses, including payroll providers, find and hire services, and Epos technologies. Guillaume Durao, Investment Director at Idinvest Partners commented, "Right now the workforce management space consists of tools that are either too simple with only a few features, or overly complex systems that are difficult to roll out. After a thorough analysis of the global market, we've found Planday to be a uniquely feature-rich SaaS solution that is specifically built to address the complex needs of a mid-sized business and easy to use for both employees and managers." According to Johan Brenner, Investment Partner at Creandum, "From the beginning, we've seen huge potential in Planday because many shift-based businesses - such as restaurants, hotels and fitness chains - use complex manual processes or spreadsheets to manage their employees' shifts. Planday's system gives the employees responsibility and power to manage time, and releases managers from tedious administrative work. Planday has the best product and a world class team to dominate this sector." Since its launch, Planday has built a mobile-driven SaaS product, and has one of the largest mobile development teams in the industry. By working with technologies that employees and managers already use, Planday has delivered a product that is intuitive enough to fully engage the whole organisation and flexible enough scale across multiple industries and country-specific workforce rules. Planday has hundreds of customers in the UK in the hospitality, retail and leisure sectors which include leading London-based restaurants such as Ben's Canteen, The Lockhart and Big Fernand. "Planday provides my team with a simple, easy-to-use time management solution that saves me an average of seven hours per week. It has significantly reduced the amount of admin work for managers, and the employees are happy with how easy it is to sign a contract or book a holiday in the system. The app has been a huge success among employees. It's created stronger communication and better engagement, which has significantly improved the way we operate on a day-to-day basis,",=said Mathieu Durand, Operations Manager at Big Fernand. Planday has already seen their mobile strategy pay off in the use of their mobile app, which averages multiple logins per user, per day. "With a smartphone in everyone's pockets, there's a huge opportunity to create connections between employees and businesses that didn't exist before. We want to help businesses move away from cumbersome, manual processes and into ways of working that make the interaction between hourly employees and their workplaces real-time and collaborative. That shift will fundamentally change the way employees find work and the way businesses operate," said Christian Broendum, CEO at Planday. "We want to be a driving force in an emerging ecosystem that enables and empowers part-time workers. We will use this funding to partner with other key market players, including find and hire services, Epos, and accounting and payroll providers," said Broendum. Planday has grown into a team of more than 80 people in five international offices, and with this investment plans to grow rapidly in all their locations. Learn more about the product at planday.com About Planday: Shift-based businesses are faced with the fact that managers and employees often don't work the same hours, making communication and planning difficult. Planday changes that dynamic by connecting shift-based businesses and hourly workers when, how, and where it's needed. Planday fundamentally restructures the workplace by creating a real-time platform where businesses and employees can collaborate using transparent shift planning, easy communication, streamlined HR processes, and online & mobile time clocking. Planday also supports managers in mid-sized businesses by providing granular reporting and payroll integrations. By creating a transparent, real-time platform, Planday enables businesses and employees to work together in a way that suits everyone. In 2014, Planday received investment from Creandum, and in 2015, they received another investment from former global Just-Eat CEO, Klaus Nyengaard. In 2016, Planday received a $14 million series B investment led by Idinvest, Creandum, SEB Private Equity, and Angel Investor Arthur Kosten. About Idinvest: With more than 6 billion under management, Idinvest Partners is a leading pan-European private equity firm focused on the middle-market segment. Idinvest Partners has developed several complementary areas of expertise including Venture Capital, Growth Capital and Private Debt investments in unlisted European companies as well as Primary and Secondary investments in European private equity funds. Founded under the name AGF Private Equity in 1997, Idinvest Partners was formerly part of Allianz until 2010 when it joined forces with IDI as an independent firm. About Creandum: Creandum is a leading European venture capital investor, focusing on innovative and fast-growing technology companies within consumer, software and hardware industries. The Creandum funds have over 400M under management and are advised by the Creandum Advisory companies with offices in Stockholm and Palo Alto. Creandum funds have over the last decade invested in more than 50 companies including Spotify, Tictail, iZettle, and Vivino. For more information, please visit http://www.creandum.com. 31 March 2016 U.S. Oil & Gas Plc. ("U.S. Oil" or the "Company") Operations Update U.S. Oil & Gas Plc, the oil and gas exploration company with assets in Nevada, makes the following announcement: All permits required for re-entering the Eblana #1 well for drilling operations have now been approved by the State of Nevada Division of Minerals (NDOM) and the Bureau of Land Management of the U.S. Dept. of the Interior (BLM). The company will now proceed with further modelling and logistics planning for the Vertical Seismic Profiling (VSP) survey, and the conditional appointment of a drilling contractor. THE DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE CONTENTS OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT Neither this announcement nor the information contained herein constitutes an offer or solicitation by U.S. Oil and Gas plc for the purchase or sale of any securities nor does it constitute a solicitation to any person in any jurisdiction where solicitation would be unlawful. For further information contact: Brian McDonnell, Chief Executive Officer +353 (1) 631 9022 Alexander David Securities Ltd - Corporate Finance Adviser David Scott +44 (0) 20 7448 9820 James Dewhurst +44 (0) 20 7448 9820 Email: james.dewhurst@ad-securities.com Definitions: The terms 'Reserves' and 'Contingent Resources' are as defined in the 'Petroleum Resources Management System' of the Society of Petroleum Engineers. About U.S. Oil & Gas: U.S. Oil & Gas plc is an oil and gas exploration company with a strategy to identify and acquire oil and gas assets in the early phase of the upstream life-cycle and mature them. The Company's main asset is in Nye County, Nevada where it holds the entire share capital of US-based company, Major Oil International LLC ("Major Oil"). Major Oil has acquired rights to exploration and development acreage in Hot Creek Valley, Nye County, adjacent to the oil and gas rich Railroad Valley area of Nevada, both of which are part of the Sevier Thrust of central Nevada and western Utah, USA. In a May 2013, an independent Competent Person's Report (CPR) by Forrest A. Garb & Associates (FGA) of Houston, Texas, estimated 19.2 million barrels Contingent Resources (C50) for a portion of the Company's lease area in Hot Creek Valley Nevada. Since then, the Company's stated intention has been to achieve Reserves status for some part of those estimated Resources. For further information please refer to our website at: www.usoil.us Ends KELOWNA, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/31/16 -- FISSION URANIUM CORP. (TSX: FCU)(OTCQX: FCUUF)(FRANKFURT: 2FU) ("Fission" or "the Company") is pleased to announce assay results from nine holes, at its PLS property, host to the Triple R deposit, in Canada's Athabasca Basin region: one hole drilled on the newly-discovered R840W zone, six drilled on the R600W zone and two on the R780E zone. Of importance, high grades were intersected by holes at all three zones, including hole PLS16-455 (line 510E) with 4.5m @ 23.03% U3O8 and 2m @ 17.63% U3O8 in 44m @ 4.08% U3O8. Ross McElroy, President, COO, and Chief Geologist for Fission, commented "Our first batch of winter assays has confirmed high-grade mineralization at three zones, including the new R840W zone and the R600W zone - both of which are shallow, land-based and because of their early stage drilling, have not been included in the resource estimate of the Triple R deposit. In addition, we are continuing to see growth at the Triple R deposit with shallow, wide, high-grade mineralization. Overall a very strong start to the assays and, as we move forward, the data will be used to help plan the summer exploration and resource growth drill programs at PLS." Assay Highlights Include: R840W zone (not included in Triple R deposit) PLS15-445 (line 840W) key interval: -- 29.0m @ 1.14% U3O8 (189.0m to 218.0m), including: -- 2.0m @ 11.53% U3O8 (211.0m to 213.0m) R600W Zone (not included in Triple R deposit) PLS15-449 (line 660W) key interval: -- 37.0m @ 0.72% U3O8 (104.0m to 141.0m), including: -- 4.0m @ 1.67% U3O8 (115.5m to 119.5m) R780W Zone (included in Triple R deposit) PLS15-455 (line 510E) key interval: -- 44.0m @ 4.08% U3O8 (88.0m to 132.0m), including: -- 4.5m @ 23.03% U3O8 (118.5m to 123.0m) -- 2.0m @ 17.63% U3O8 (125.5m to 127.5m) Table 1: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Grid From To Interval U3O8 Zone Hole ID Line Az Dip (m) (m) (m) (wt%) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- R840W PLS16-445 840W 321 -83.3 181.00 186.50 5.50 0.48 183.00 185.00 2.00 0.89 189.00 218.00 29.00 1.14 211.00 213.00 2.00 11.53 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Composite Parameters 1. Minimum Thickness: 0.50m 2. Grade Cut-Off: 0.05 U3O8 (wt%) 3. Maximum Internal Dilution: 2.00m Table 2: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Grid From To Interval U3O8 Zone Hole ID Line Az Dip (m) (m) (m) (wt%) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- R600W PLS16-446 690W 328 -80.4 136.00 137.00 1.00 0.09 150.00 150.50 0.50 0.07 167.00 168.00 1.00 1.91 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- PLS16-447 615W 333 -76.30 136.50 137.00 0.50 0.09 140.00 141.00 1.00 0.09 144.50 148.00 3.50 0.24 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- PLS16-449 660W 342 -79.10 104.00 141.00 37.00 0.72 115.50 119.50 4.00 1.67 147.50 150.00 2.50 0.17 295.00 295.50 0.50 0.05 319.50 322.00 2.50 0.17 330.50 347.50 17.00 0.08 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- PLS16-450 555W 358 -79.30 106.50 107.00 0.50 0.05 111.50 112.00 0.50 0.05 132.50 134.50 2.00 0.09 147.50 148.50 1.00 0.09 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- PLS16-451 705W 319 -82.90 138.00 138.50 0.50 0.06 146.00 146.50 0.50 0.05 168.00 169.00 1.00 0.06 177.50 178.00 0.50 0.06 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- PLS16-454 630W 345 -82.80 127.00 129.50 2.50 0.07 137.50 141.00 3.50 0.12 144.00 151.50 7.50 0.50 321.00 321.50 0.50 0.18 329.00 330.00 1.00 0.07 335.00 337.00 2.00 0.21 342.50 343.00 0.50 0.45 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Composite Parameters 1. Minimum Thickness: 0.50m 2. Grade Cut-Off: 0.05 U3O8 (wt%) 3. Maximum Internal Dilution: 2.00m Table 3: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Grid From To Interval U3O8 Zone Hole ID Line Az Dip (m) (m) (m) (wt%) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- R780E PLS16-452 360E 336 -74.5 78.00 87.50 9.50 5.66 82.50 84.00 1.50 27.78 91.50 95.00 3.50 0.33 98.00 106.00 8.00 0.66 103.00 106.00 3.00 1.41 122.50 124.00 1.50 0.11 127.50 129.50 2.00 0.11 234.50 235.50 1.00 0.11 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- PLS16-455 510E 337 -73.00 88.00 132.00 44.00 4.08 118.50 123.00 4.50 23.03 125.50 127.50 2.00 17.63 137.00 137.50 0.50 0.20 142.00 143.00 1.00 0.72 147.00 155.00 8.00 0.71 165.00 167.00 2.00 0.28 179.50 182.00 2.50 0.15 187.50 190.00 2.50 0.06 192.00 192.50 0.50 0.06 196.50 209.50 13.00 0.11 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Composite Parameters 1. Minimum Thickness: 0.50m 2. Grade Cut-Off: 0.05 U3O8 (wt%) 3. Maximum Internal Dilution: 2.00m Composited % U3O8 mineralized intervals are summarized in Tables 1, 2 and 3. Samples from the drill core are split in half sections on site. Where possible, samples are standardized at 0.5m down-hole intervals. One-half of the split sample is sent to SRC Geoanalytical Laboratories (an SCC ISO/IEC 17025: 2005 Accredited Facility) in Saskatoon, SK for analysis which includes U3O8 (wt %) and fire assay for gold, while the other half remains on site for reference. All analysis includes a 63 element ICP-OES, uranium by fluorimetry and boron. Individual zone wireframe models constructed from assay data and used in the resource estimate indicate that both the R780E and R00E zones have a complex geometry controlled by and parallel to steeply south-dipping lithological boundaries as well as a preferential sub-horizontal orientation. All depth measurements reported, including sample and interval widths are down-hole, core interval measurements and true thickness are yet to be determined. PLS Mineralized Trend & Triple R Deposit Summary Uranium mineralization at PLS occurs within the Patterson Lake Conductive Corridor and has been traced by core drilling approximately 2.58km of east-west strike length in five separated mineralized "zones". From west to east, these zones are: R840W, R600W, R00E, R780E and R1620E. Thus far only the R00E and R780E have been included in the Triple R deposit resource estimate. The discovery hole of what is now referred to as the Triple R uranium deposit was announced on November 05, 2012 with drill hole PLS12-022, from what is considered part of the R00E zone. Through successful exploration programs completed to date, it has evolved into a large, near surface, basement hosted, structurally controlled high-grade uranium deposit. The Triple R deposit consists of the R00E zone on the western side and the much larger R780E zone further on strike to the east. Within the deposit, the R00E and R780E zones have an overall combined strike length validated by a resource estimate of approximately 1.05km with the R00E measuring approximately 105m in strike length and the R780E zones measuring approximately 945m in strike length. A 225m gap separates the R00E zone to the west and the R780E zones to the east, though sporadic narrow, weakly mineralized intervals from drill holes within this gap suggest the potential for further significant mineralization in this area. The R780E zone is located beneath Patterson Lake which is approximately six metres deep in the area of the deposit. The entire Triple R deposit is covered by approximately 50m to 60m of overburden. Mineralization remains open along strike both to the western and eastern extents. Mineralization is both located within and associated with a metasedimentary lithologic corridor, associated with the PL-3B basement Electro-Magnetic (EM) Conductor. Recent very positive drill results returning wide and strongly mineralized intersections from the R600W zone and the newly discovered R840W zone, located 480m and 765m respectively to the west along strike have significantly upgraded the prospectivity of these areas for further growth of the PLS resource on land to the west of the Triple R deposit. The recently discovered high-grade mineralization in the R1620E zone, located 300m to the east along strike has significantly upgraded the prospectivity for further growth of the PLS resource to the east of the Triple R deposit. An updated map can be found on the Company's website at http://fissionuranium.com/project/pls/. Patterson Lake South Property The 31,039 hectare PLS project is 100% owned and operated by Fission Uranium Corp. PLS is accessible by road with primary access from all-weather Highway 955, which runs north to the former Cluff Lake mine and passes through the nearby UEX-Areva Shea Creek discoveries located 50km to the north, currently under active exploration and development. The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 and reviewed on behalf of the company by Ross McElroy, P.Geol., President and COO for Fission Uranium Corp., a qualified person. About Fission Uranium Corp. Fission Uranium Corp. is a Canadian based resource company specializing in the strategic exploration and development of the Patterson Lake South uranium property - host to the class-leading Triple R uranium deposit - and is headquartered in Kelowna, British Columbia. Fission's common shares are listed on the TSX Exchange under the symbol "FCU" and trade on the OTCQX marketplace in the U.S. under the symbol "FCUUF." ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Ross McElroy, President and COO Cautionary Statement: Certain information contained in this press release constitutes "forward-looking information", within the meaning of Canadian legislation. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur", "be achieved" or "has the potential to". Forward looking statements contained in this press release may include statements regarding the future operating or financial performance of Fission and Fission Uranium which involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may not prove to be accurate. Actual results and outcomes may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in these forward-looking statements. Such statements are qualified in their entirety by the inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations. Among those factors which could cause actual results to differ materially are the following: market conditions and other risk factors listed from time to time in our reports filed with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made as of the date of this press release and the Company and Fission Uranium disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities legislation. Contacts: Fission Uranium Corp. Rich Matthews Investor Relations TF: 877-868-8140 rich@fissionuranium.com www.fissionuranium.com NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwired - March 31, 2016) - IC Media Direct, a leading public relations and reputation management agency, has underlined the importance of building a successful online brand for businesses and individuals. Online reputation management is increasingly vital in the 21 st Century as more companies understand the importance of focusing on their digital footprint. Rising above the competition is challenging, especially with the quick pace at which technology changes -- and the pressure on businesses to keep up. Optimizing SEO is more fundamental now than it was towards the end of the 20th century, not long after Google launched. With statistics highlighting that 33 percent of people always click on the search engine's top result after inputting a word or term, ensuring positive content is in the number one spot is imperative. IC Media Direct emphasizes that businesses and individuals should adapt to new ways of controlling their online reputation through a smart content management plan. Content marketing is a relatively new technique in comparison to SEO, but is also key for companies hoping to create a positive image. It allows firms to take full control of their branding by formulating a distinctive voice and a clear message through content -- whether on websites, blogs or social media platforms -- while also promoting their products or services. Trust is key for attracting consumers, and content marketing cultivates a brand that seems reliable and likable while also boosting sales. With a consistently multiplying array of social media sites to choose from, it's also advisable for companies to choose wisely when it comes to connecting with their target customers. Teens are moving from sites like Facebook, for example, in favor of newer options like Snapchat and Instagram. With live-streaming apps set to excel in 2016, digital natives are migrating to Periscope in striking numbers. With two decades of experience providing companies with the tools to achieve success, IC Media Direct has in-house staff trained in the latest technological and media advances to provide forward-thinking strategies for brands to utilize in the most effective manner. Founded in 1996, IC Media Direct is a full-service reputation management, marketing and public relations company. With offices in New York and Washington DC, the firm operates globally, serving a range of clients. Experts in formulating campaigns and navigating SEO, the company has generated effective online reputation management strategies for countless clients, including Olympic athletes, celebrities, politicians and Fortune 500 companies. A leading force within the industry, IC Media Direct is an award-winning firm and has been recognized repeatedly by the Small Business Institute for Excellence in Commerce. IC Media Direct -- PR and Marketing News: http://icmediadirectnews.com IC Media Direct -- Reputation Management -- Attends ad:tech Conference in New York City: http://www.msn.com/en-us/money/topstories/ic-media-direct-reputation-management-attends-adtech-conference-in-new-york-city/ar-BBr2o4W IC Media Direct -- Reputation Management -- to Attend LeadsCon in Las Vegas: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/ic-media-direct-reputation-management-103000433.html Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/3/31/11G090421/Images/IC_Media_Direct_-_Reputation_Management_-_Explains-e8c65c3585b4a3b39eb62b5691b1658f.jpg Embedded Video Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3QHOeY8qAM Contact Information ICMediaDirect.com TEL: 1.800.595.0821 www.ICMediaDirect.com pr@icmediadirect.com NOT FOR PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO AUSTRALIA, CANADA, HONG KONG, JAPAN, NEW ZEALAND, SOUTH AFRICA, SINGAPORE OR THE UNITED STATES OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH THE DISTRIBUTION OR RELEASE WOULD BE UNLAWFULSponda Plc Stock Exchange Release 31 March 2016, 12:15Final result of Sponda's successful rights offeringAll the offered 56,615,092 shares ("Offer Shares") were subscribed for in Sponda Plc's ("Sponda" or the "Company") rights offering ("Offering") which ended on 23 March 2016. A total of 19,395,976 shares were subscribed for based on subscription rights, representing approximately 34.3 per cent of the Offer Shares. Forum Fastighets Ab (prior to the change of its company form Forum Fastighets Kb) committed to subscribe for any Offer Shares that remain unsubscribed for in the Offering ("Additional Subscription Commitment"). The subscription pursuant to the Additional Subscription Commitment amounts to 37,219,116 Offer Shares, representing approximately 65.7 per cent of the Offer Shares. The Offering was thus fully subscribed for.The Board of Directors of Sponda has approved all subscriptions made in the Offering based on the subscription rights as well as the subscription made pursuant to the Additional Subscription Commitment.The subscription price was EUR 3.90 per Offer Share, and Sponda raised gross proceeds of approximately EUR 220.8 million through the Offering. As a result of the Offering, the total number of shares in Sponda will increase to 339,690,554 shares. The Offer Shares will entitle their holders to full shareholder rights in Sponda after the new shares have been registered with the Finnish Trade Register and in Sponda's shareholder register on or about 1 April 2016. The Offer Shares will not entitle to the dividend, which will be paid on 1 April 2016 according to the decision of the Annual General Meeting held on 21 March 2016.Trading in the interim shares representing the Offer Shares, excluding such Offer Shares that are subscribed for pursuant to the Additional Subscription Commitment and which are not represented by interim shares, commenced on 24 March 2016. Interim shares will be combined with Sponda's existing class of shares when the Offer Shares, including those new shares that are subscribed for pursuant to the Additional Subscription Commitment, have been registered with the Finnish Trade Register, which is expected to occur on or about 1 April 2016. Trading in the Offer Shares on the official list of Helsinki Stock Exchange together with Sponda's existing shares will commence on or about 1 April 2016.Helsinki 31 March 2016Sponda PlcAdditional information: Kari Inkinen, President and CEO, tel. +358 20 431 3311DISCLAIMERThe information contained herein is not for publication or distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, Singapore or the United States. The issue, exercise or sales of securities in the Offering are subject to specific legal or regulatory restrictions in certain jurisdictions. The Company assumes no responsibility in the event there is a violation by any person of such restrictions.The information contained herein shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of the securities referred to herein in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration, exemption from registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. Investors must neither accept any offer for, nor acquire, any securities to which this document refers, unless they do so on the basis of the information contained in the applicable prospectus published by the Company.These written materials do not constitute an offer for sale of securities in the United States, nor may the securities be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder. There is no intention to register any portion of the Offering in the United States or to conduct a public offering of securities in the United States.The Company has not authorised any offer to the public of securities in any member state of the European Economic Area other than Finland. With respect to each member state of the European Economic Area other than Finland which has implemented the Prospectus Directive (each, a "Relevant Member State"), no action has been undertaken or will be undertaken to make an offer to the public of securities requiring publication of a prospectus in any Relevant Member State. As a result, the securities may only be offered in Relevant Member States (a) to any legal entity which is a qualified investor as defined in the Prospectus Directive; or (b) in any other circumstances falling within Article 3(2) of the Prospectus Directive. For the purposes of this paragraph, the expression "an offer of securities to the public" means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the securities to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to exercise, purchase or subscribe the securities, as the same may be varied by any measure implementing the Prospectus Directive in that Relevant Member State, and the expression "Prospectus Directive" means Directive 2003/71/EC (and amendments thereto, including the 2010 PD Amending Directive, to the extent implemented in the Relevant Member State), and includes any relevant implementing measure in the Relevant Member State and the expression "2010 PD Amending Directive" means Directive 2010/73/EU.The information contained herein shall not constitute a public offering of shares in the United Kingdom. This document is only being distributed to and is only directed at (i) persons who are outside the United Kingdom or (ii) to investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the "Order") or (iii) high net worth companies, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as "relevant persons"). Any investment activity to which this document relates will be only available to, and will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this document or any of its contents.The information contained in this document is for background purposes only anddoes not purport to be full or complete. No reliance may or should be placed by any person for any purposes whatsoever on the information contained in this document or on its completeness, accuracy or fairness. The information in this document is subject to change.This document contains certain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect expected results and are based on certain key assumptions. Many factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or implied in any forward-looking statements. Due to these uncertainties and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as at the date of this document. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this document, except as required pursuant to applicable law. 31 March 2016 GB00B5732D39 TITANIA INTERNET VENTURES PLC ("Titania" or "the Company") PROPOSED DE-LISTING FROM ISDX GROWTH MARKET Further to the Company's previous announcement dated 15th March 2016, the Directors of the Company would like to announce that a General Meeting of the Company was held at 10am on 30th March 2016 for the purpose of voting on the resolution to delist the ordinary shares of the Company from the ISDX Growth Market. The resolution was duly passed, with more than the required 75% of the votes in favour of the withdrawal of the shares from the market as required under ISDX Growth Market rule 81. The Company would like to confirm that the shares will be withdrawn from trading at the close of business on April 27th 2016. The Directors of the Company accept responsibility for this announcement. --ENDS-- For further information please contact: TITANIA INTERNET VENTURES PLC Pasi Marjanen Tel: +44 (0)20 3289 7145 pasi.marjanen@titaniaplc.com ISDX CORPORATE ADVISER: Alexander David Securities Limited David Scott -Corporate Finance James Dewhurst - Institutional Sales Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7448 9820 http://www.ad-securities.com 49 Queen Victoria Street, London EC4N 4SA Vilnius, Lithuania, 2016-03-31 11:33 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Actively contributing to meeting Lithuania's international commitments to increase the use of renewable energy sources in energy production, and also seeking to optimise production costs, AB Grigeo Grigiskes (the Company), upon completion of the project "Connection of the independent heat producer to Vilnius Heating Networks", has signed an agreement on the purchase and sale of heat energy with UAB Vilniaus Energija. According to the agreement, since April 2016 the Company undertook to supply heat energy, at the capacity and with the quality established in the agreement, to consumers of Grigiskes, without exceeding the heat energy capacity requirement of district heating system consumers during the heating and non-heating seasons. It is planned to sell up to 42,000 MWh of heat energy per year to supply heating to the town. The Company will produce heat energy at its new 10 MW biofuel boiler house, which was completed in October 2014 and is equipped with a 2 MW condensing economiser, and will supply it through an intermediate heat exchange station built in 2016. The total investments of AB Grigeo Grigiskes in this project amounted over EUR 4.2 million, including EUR 1.7 million of support funds (Project No VP3-3.4-UM-02-K-02-020). Gintautas Pangonis President of AB Grigeo Grigiskes (+370-5) 243 58 01 Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de LONDON, March 31, 2016 - Stolt-Nielsen Limited (Oslo Boers: SNI) announced today that the Company has distributed materials for the Annual General Meeting, to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 17, 2016, who will be entitled to vote at the meeting. The Company has also announced that it has posted the 2015 Annual Report on the Company's website, www.stolt-nielsen.com/Investor-Relations/Annual-Report.aspx (http://www.stolt-nielsen.com/Investor-Relations/Annual-Report.aspx). Printed copies of the 2015 Annual Report are available upon request at investors@stolt.com (mailto:investors@stolt.com). The Company's Annual General Meeting of Shareholders will be held at the registered office of the Company at Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton HM 11, Bermuda, on Thursday, April 21, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. For additional information please contact: Jan Chr. Engelhardtsen Chief Financial Officer UK +44 (0) 20 7611 8972 j.engelhardtsen@stolt.com Jens F. Gruner-Hegge V.P. Corporate Finance UK +44 (0) 20 7611 8985 j.gruner-hegge@stolt.com About Stolt-Nielsen Limited Stolt-Nielsen Limited (SNL or the "Company") is a leading global provider of integrated transportation solutions for bulk liquid chemicals, edible oils, acids, and other specialty liquids through its three largest business divisions, Stolt Tankers, Stolthaven Terminals and Stolt Tank Containers. Stolt Sea Farm produces and markets high quality turbot, sole, sturgeon, and caviar. Stolt-Nielsen Gas develops opportunities in LPG and LNG shipping and distribution. Stolt-Nielsen Limited is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" based on information available to the Company on the date hereof, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statement. These statements may be identified by the use of words like "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "project," "will," "should," "seek," and similar expressions. The forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current views and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties. The Company does not represent or warrant that the Company's actual future results, performance or achievements will be as discussed in the those statements, and assumes no obligation to, and does not intend to, update any of those forward-looking statements other than as may be required by applicable law. SNL Annual Report 2015 (http://hugin.info/154/R/1999212/737208.pdf) This announcement is distributed by NASDAQ OMX Corporate Solutions on behalf of NASDAQ OMX Corporate Solutions clients. The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein. Source: Stolt-Nielsen Limited via Globenewswire HUG#1999212 CENTENNIAL, CO -- (Marketwired) -- 03/31/16 --CannaGrow Holdings, Inc., (OTC PINK: CGRW) -- CannaGrow Holdings, Inc., Liaison and Consultant providing turn-key solutions to licensed growers in the legal Cannabis industry, today announced important updates to the Buffalo Ranch Project in Huerfano County, Colorado. Delmar Janovec, CEO of CannaGrow Holdings, confirmed that significant advances have been achieved in both the construction of the Colorado Buffalo Ranch Cannabis Cultivation Facilities and in the deployment of an "A-team" of globally recognized botanical-horticultural experts to lead in the management of operations and production in collaboration with a licensed grower. Janovec stated, "I am pleased to announce the month of March has been extremely productive for the Company with the erection of major buildings, floors and interior construction is in progress. In addition, the site water system is under way and we are preparing for the installation and testing of the well pumping system during the first two weeks of April." Janovec added, "With construction advancing toward an approximate completion time of 8-10 weeks, the Company has taken important steps to have on site and working together at Colorado Buffalo Ranch our two botanical-horticultural experts, Dr. John P. Janovec and Mr. Jason D. Wells. Dr. Janovec, COO of CannaGrow Holdings, has been working diligently on the project since his arrival in October 2015, and as of this week we are proud to announce that Mr. Wells, Horticultural Production Manager, is on site and working on essential pre-production tasks." Janovec confirmed that Dr. Janovec and Mr. Wells have concluded an innovative plan for the initiation of Cannabis cultivation by a licensed grower at the Colorado Buffalo Ranch Facilities. The plan entails the adoption of a pesticide-chemical-free production system that utilizes natural soil-based growing media and integrated pest management combined with precise control of environmental variables, including light, humidity, and floor and room temperature. "This week marks an exciting new phase in the Company's long-term vision toward the development of a premiere state-of-the art Cannabis grow facility in Huerfano County, Colorado," Dr. Janovec explained. "With all the important advances we have made this month on the construction of the facilities, I am excited by the arrival of Mr. Wells, my trusted colleague and long-term collaborator of 25 years, in all areas of Botany and Horticulture. With his presence at Colorado Buffalo Ranch, our focus will now turn to the many tasks required for production start up." Dr. Janovec explained that the opportunity to work in collaboration with Mr. Wells through the current endeavors of the company marks a new era in their long-term working relationship. Their collaboration dates back to the early 1990s when they were both pursuing their B.S. degrees in Agriculture at Kansas State University, with a focus on the Horticultural Sciences. Upon completion of their undergraduate studies in 1995, Mr. Wells entered the ornamental horticultural industry, managing for a decade the massive annual propagation of millions of woody plants for wholesale distribution across North America. The two joined forces in 2005 in the Peruvian Amazon where they developed a large native plant nursery that was sourced by tens of thousands of seeds and cuttings coming from their ongoing botanical collection of rainforest plants. Now, after a solid decade of collaboration in botanical-horticultural research and development projects in the Amazon, Dr. Janovec and Mr. Wells are bringing home more than 50 years of collective experience in Botany and Horticulture. "I consider it an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to contribute to the vision of CannaGrow Holdings, Inc. within the legal Cannabis Industry in the State of Colorado. After nearly two years of facilities planning from afar, I am fortunate to be on site and working with my long-time friend and colleague, Dr. Janovec, and other members of the company's management team," commented Wells. CannaGrow Holdings, Inc., the Liaison and Representative for NuGro Industries, will continue in that capacity, working with the various Contractors and State/County Agencies to see the Multi-Phased project through to an operational status. The completion of this Project will provide CannaGrow the basis to begin generating revenues from the Licensed Grower sub-leasing the Turnkey Growing Facilities being built to the specifications of Dr. John P. Janovec, COO of CannaGrow, and horticultural consultant, Jason Wells. CannaGrow has received numerous inquiries from perspective tenants and are also exploring additional business ventures within this industry that could further enhance shareholder value. The site plan, grading plan, and phasing plan that were submitted by NuGro Industries, the landowner and developer, can be viewed at the company website at: http://cannagrowholdings.com. About CannaGrow Holdings, Inc.: CannaGrow Holdings, Inc. has entered the Medical/Recreational Cannabis Industry as a Lessor, Liaison, and Consultant to licensed Growers providing them with turnkey Growing Facilities in the State of Colorado. The Company intends to expand this business model within this industry as business opportunities evolve whereby providing for the highest return to its shareholders. CannaGrow Holdings, Inc. does not and will not, until such time as Federal law allows, grow, harvest, distribute or sell marijuana or any substance that violate the laws of the United States of America. CannaGrow Holdings, Inc. encourages the public to read the above information in conjunction with its year-end statement for December 31, 2014, and the quarterly statements filed in calendar year 2015, at www.otcmarkets.com. The information contained in this press release may include forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements usually contain the words "may," "could," "possibly," "feel," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "expect," or similar expressions that involve risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include the Company's uncertain profitability, need for significant capital, uncertainty concerning market acceptance of its services, competition, limited service facilities, dependence on technological developments and protection of its intellectual property. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those discussed herein. CONTACT: CannaGrow Holdings, Inc. Delmar Janovec Investor Relations info@cannagrowholdings.com http://cannagrowholdings.com/ LONDON, March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Sirtex (ASX: SRX) announced today that the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued a new Medtech Innovation Briefing (MIB)[1]stating that NHS doctors and commissioners may consider SIR-Spheres Y-90 resin microspheres as an alternative to standard therapy with trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE) or sorafenib in the treatment of patients with inoperable primary liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma or HCC). (Logo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150119/724485) The new NICE MIB states that patients with inoperable HCC have a poor prognosis and limited effective treatment options, and that existing clinical research evidence suggests that SIR-Spheres Y-90 resin microspheres are as effective as both TACE and sorafenib. One of the MIB specialist commentators noted that SIR-Spheres Y-90 resin microspheres are also better tolerated than TACE, with fewer incidences of post-embolisation syndrome and shorter in-patient hospital stays. The new MIB also explains that unlike TACE, which requires multiple procedures, or sorafenib, a medication that must be taken daily, most patients treated with SIR-Spheres Y-90 resin microspheres usually require only a single treatment. SIR-Spheres Y-90 resin microspheres are an innovative form of local radiotherapy typically delivering 30-40 million tiny radioactive beads directly to liver tumours via the bloodstream, which permits a uniform distribution of radioactivity around the tumour sites whilst sparing normal liver cells. In a few patients with inoperable HCC, treatment with SIR-Spheres Y-90 resin microspheres has sufficiently reduced the size of liver tumours to allow potentially curative surgery with liver resection, ablation or transplantation. Professor Daniel Palmer of the University of Liverpool and Clatterbridge Cancer Centre said that, "This NICE MIB is welcomed, as it opens the door for UK HCC patients to have access to SIR-Spheres Y-90 resin microspheres as a well-tolerated alternative to other standard therapies. Whilst exciting further research with this technology is already well along the way to completion, the new NICE MIB advice may be particularly important now for our patients who cannot tolerate TACE or sorafenib, or are ineligible for these treatments." Patient advocate Andrew Langford, Chief Executive of the British Liver Trust, stated that "For many years, patients with inoperable HCC have had access to only two effective therapy options. Now, with the publication of the NICE MIB, NHS patients will have a further option in the form of SIR-Spheres Y-90 resin microspheres. This form of local radiotherapy is well-tolerated and convenient for the patient." Nigel Lange, Chief Executive of Sirtex Europe, said that, "We are pleased to have received the NICEMIB for the treatment of inoperable primary liver cancer with SIR-Spheres Y-90 resin microspheres. It is a difficult cancer to control and better therapies are needed to treat patients safely and effectively, with special attention to the quality of their daily life, which is of utmost importance. We are also working to provide further strong evidence of our technology's effectiveness and safety in treating unresectable HCC. Results of the large SARAH study are expected to be available later this year. Another large HCC study, SORAMIC, has completed recruitment in the palliative group with results expected in 2018. A third large HCC study, SIRveNIB, is expected to complete recruitment this year, as well." AboutNICE Medtech Innovation Briefings (MIBs) MIBs are designed to support NHS and social care commissioners and staff who are considering using new medical devices and other medical or diagnostic technologies. The briefings are prepared centrally to help avoid the need for organisations to produce similar information locally, so saving staff time, effort and resources. The information provided includes a description of the technology, how it's used and its potential role in the treatment pathway. A MIB also includes a review of relevant published evidence and the likely costs of using the technologies. They are designed to be fast, flexible and responsive to the need for information on innovative technologies. MIBs are commissioned by NHS England and produced in support of the NHS 5 Year Forward View, specifically as one of a number of steps which will accelerate innovation in new treatments and diagnostics. About Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of primary liver cancer - cancer that starts in the liver. HCC is the sixth most common cancer in the world and the second most common cause of cancer-related death[2]. It affects mainly patients with cirrhosis from any cause, including viral hepatitis and alcoholism and occurs with greatest frequency in regions where hepatitis is most often diagnosed, such as in the Asia Pacific region and Southern Europe. HCC can be treated surgically by resection or transplantation with some chance of long-term survival. However, these options are not available to the great majority of patients. For patients with unresectable HCC the outlook is bleak, with survival ranging from a few months to about two years depending largely on the extent of their tumours and state of their liver at the time of diagnosis[3]. As the February 2016 NICE Meditech Innovation Briefing on SIR-Spheres Y-90 resin microspheres makes clear, there are only a few proven local and systemic treatment options available for unresectable HCC. No new option has been tested successfully in large studies for almost a decade. About SIR-Spheres Y-90 resin microspheres SIR-Spheres Y-90 resin microspheres are a medical device used in an interventional radiology procedure known as selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT), or radioembolisation, which targets high doses of radiation directly to liver tumours. The treatment consists of tens of millions of radioactive Y-90 resin particles coated with the radionuclide ytrrium-90 (Y-90), each no bigger in diameter than a human hair. Interventional radiologists inject these resin particles, or microspheres, into the hepatic artery via a catheter inserted into the femoral artery through an incision in the groin. SIR-Spheres Y-90 resin microspheres become lodged in the capillaries that surround liver tumours, where they deliver a high dose of short-range (mean 2.5 mm; maximum 11 mm) beta radiation to the liver tumours, while sparing healthy liver tissue. The low specific gravity of Y-90 resin microspheres allows the blood flow to evenly distribute the radioactivity within and around the liver tumours. SIR-Spheres Y-90 resin microspheres are approved for the treatment of inoperable liver tumours in Australia, the European Union (CE Mark), Argentina (ANMAT), Brazil and several countries in Asia such as Turkey, India, and Singapore. The product is also supplied for this use in countries such as Hong Kong, Israel, Malaysia, New Zealand, Taiwan and Thailand. SIR-Spheres Y-90 resin microspheres are approved in the United States (FDA PMA approval) for the treatment of non-resectable metastatic liver tumours from primary colorectal cancer in combination with intra-hepatic artery chemotherapy using floxuridine. Sirtex Medical Limited (ASX: SRX) is an Australian-based global healthcare business working to improve treatment outcomes in people with cancer. Our current lead product is a targeted radiation therapy for liver cancer called SIR-Spheres Y-90 resin microspheres. Approximately 55,000 doses have been supplied to treat patients with liver cancer at more than 900 medical centres in over 40 countries. For more information, please visithttp://www.sirtex.com. SIR-Spheres is a Registered Trademark of Sirtex SIR-Spheres Pty Ltd References: NICE National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Medtech Innovation Briefings. Available at:https://www.nice.org.uk/about/what-we-do/our-programmes/nice-advice/medtech-innovation-briefings. Last accessed March 2016 . Ferlay J, Soerjomataram I, Ervik Met al. Globocan 2012. v1.0, Cancer Incidence and Mortality Worldwide: IARC CancerBase No. 11 [Internet]. Lyon, France : International Agency for Research on Cancer; 2013. Available from:http://globocan.iarc.fr, accessed on 31/March/2016. European Association for the Study of the Liver, European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer. EASL-EORTC clinical practice guidelines: Management of hepatocellular carcinoma.Journal of Hepatology2012;56: 908-943. 227-EA-0216 OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 03/31/16 -- Itinerary for Thursday, March 31, 2016 Itinerary for the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, for Thursday, March 31, 2016: Washington, D.C., United States of America 8:00 a.m. ET The Prime Minister will deliver remarks at a Question and Answer Session at the United States Chamber of Commerce. International Hall of Flags Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America Notes for media: - Open media coverage 1:15 p.m. ET The Prime Minister will attend a working Luncheon given by the Prime Minister of Japan. Occidental Grill The Willard Hotel Notes for media: - Pooled photo opportunity 3:30 p.m. ET The Prime Minister will meet with the President of the Argentine Republic. Hay-Adams Hotel Notes for media: - Pooled photo opportunity 6:00 p.m. ET The Prime Minister will arrive at the White House for the Leaders' Working Dinner given by the President of the United States of America. White House South Lawn White House Notes for media: - Pooled photo opportunity 6:30 p.m. ET The Prime Minister will attend the Leaders' Working Dinner given by the President of the United States of America. Notes for media: - Pooled photo opportunity Media appearances 7:10 a.m. and 8:10 a.m. MT Edmonton AM, CBC Radio One 9:50 a.m. ET (Live) Squawk on the Street, CNBC Contacts: PMO Media Relations: 613-957-5555 Media@pmo-cpm.gc.ca VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/31/16 -- FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER CORP. (the "Company" or "First Majestic") (FRANKFURT: FMV)(TSX: FR)(NYSE: AG)(BVM: AG) is pleased to announce its 2015 Mineral Reserve and Resource estimates for its existing mineral property assets in Mexico as of December 31, 2015. Metal prices used to estimate the 2015 reserve estimates were reduced compared to previous estimates to: $17.50/oz for silver, $1,200/oz for gold, $0.85/lb for lead and $0.85/lb for zinc. The following table shows the total tonnage mined from each of the Company's six producing properties during 2015, including total ounces of silver and silver equivalent ounces produced from each property and the tonnage mined from delineated reserves and resources at each property. 2015 Production Table ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- LA ENCANTADA LA PARRILLA DEL TORO ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- TONNES OF ORE PROCESSED 851,567 667,702 555,564 OZ OF SILVER PRODUCED 2,529,785 2,434,095 2,261,633 OZ OF SILVER EQ. PRODUCED FROM OTHER METALS (1) 9,655 1,602,303 1,562,608 TOTAL OZ OF SILVER EQ. PRODUCED 2,539,440 4,036,398 3,824,241 TONNES MINED FROM MATERIAL IN RESERVES 244,186 589,479 526,534 TONNES MINED FROM MATERIAL NOT IN RESERVES 607,381 78,223 29,030 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- SANTA ELENA SAN MARTINLA GUITARRA (2) TOTAL ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- TONNES OF ORE PROCESSED 349,193 174,003 254,625 2,852,654 OZ OF SILVER PRODUCED 2,296,965 945,662 673,969 11,142,109 OZ OF SILVER EQ. PRODUCED FROM OTHER METALS (1) 425,094 512,066 832,436 4,944,162 TOTAL OZ OF SILVER EQ. PRODUCED 2,722,059 1,457,728 1,506,405 16,086,271 TONNES MINED FROM MATERIAL IN RESERVES 303,777 120,182 254,625 2,038,783 TONNES MINED FROM MATERIAL NOT IN RESERVES 45,416 53,821 - 813,871 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Silver-equivalent grade is estimated considering: metal price assumptions, metallurgical recovery for the corresponding mineral type/mineral process and the metal payable of the corresponding contract of each mine. (2) Santa Elena production corresponds to the period October 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015. (3) Totals may not add up due to rounding. The Company completed 36,098 metres of diamond drilling at its six operating mines in 2015, representing an 18% reduction in metres drilled compared to the prior year. For 2016, First Majestic is planning to drill approximately 65,000 metres to further define known mineralized ore bodies at its operating mines. A combination of surface and underground drill rigs will focus on assisting mining activities, definition drilling and to support future updates to the Company's NI 43-101 Technical Reports. Metal content in the Proven and Probable Reserve category totaled 100.6 million ounces of silver, relatively unchanged from the Company's previous estimate of 101.1 million ounces of silver. The most significant change to Mineral Reserves, apart from the addition of the Santa Elena mine, occurred at La Encantada where the old tailings were upgraded from Inferred Resources to Probable Reserves following the significant improvement in silver recoveries from 15% to 70% due to the roasting of tailings. This upgrade resulted in a 48% decrease in the silver reserve grade to 143 g/t due to a 109% increase in tonnes, mostly consisting of low grade tailings. Silver metal content in the Measured and Indicated Resource category totaled 115.2 million ounces, representing a 24% decrease from 2014 estimates primarily due to the reclassification of the La Luz project as a historical resource, offset by the addition of the Santa Elena mine. In addition, the silver metal content in the Inferred Resource totaled 184.9 million ounces, representing an increase of 9% compared to previous estimates primarily due to the addition of the La Joya property which was acquired as a result of the acquisition of SilverCrest Mines Ltd. The complete 2015 Mineral Reserve and Resource estimates for all metals, tonnage and grades are shown below in the following tables: PROVEN AND PROBABLE MINERAL RESERVES WITH AN EFFECTIVE DATE OF DECEMBER 31, 2015 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mineral k Ag Au Pb Mine Category Type tonnes (g/t) (g/t) (%) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- LA ENCANTADA Proven (UG) Oxides 251 247 - - Probable (UG) Oxides 1,473 214 - - Oxides - Probable (UG) Flotation 809 147 - 2.35 Probable (Tailings) Oxides 4,138 110 - - ----------------------------------------------------------------- Total Proven and Oxides + Probable (UG) Tailings 6,670 143 - 0.29 LA PARRILLA Proven (UG) Oxides 239 230 - - Probable (UG) Oxides 576 242 - - ----------------------------------------------------------------- Total Proven and Probable (UG) Oxides 815 238 - - Proven (UG) Sulphides 676 212 - 2.15 Probable (UG) Sulphides 870 191 - 1.86 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Total Proven and Probable (UG) Sulphides 1,546 200 - 1.99 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Total Proven and Oxides + Probable (UG) Sulphides 2,362 213 - 1.30 SAN MARTIN Proven (UG) Oxides 685 251 0.25 - Probable (UG) Oxides 1,074 269 0.10 - ----------------------------------------------------------------- Total Proven and Probable (UG) Oxides 1,759 262 0.16 - Transition DEL TORO + Proven (UG) Sulphides 870 199 0.07 3.58 Transition + Probable (UG) Sulphides 1,244 297 0.22 5.29 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Transition Total Proven and + Probable (UG) Sulphides 2,114 256 0.16 4.59 LA GUITARRA Proven (UG) Sulphides 169 223 1.75 - Probable (UG) Sulphides 817 260 1.41 - ----------------------------------------------------------------- Total Proven and Probable (UG) Sulphides 986 253 1.47 - SANTA ELENA Probable (UG) Sulphides 3,210 107 1.57 - Oxides Probable (PAD) Spent Ore 2,299 33 0.65 - ----------------------------------------------------------------- Oxides + Total Probable Sulphides 5,509 76 1.19 - Total Proven and All mineral Probable types 19,399 161 0.44 0.76 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mineral Zn Ag-Eq Ag Ag-Eq Mine Category Type (%) (g/t) (k Oz) (k Oz) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- LA ENCANTADA Proven (UG) Oxides - 247 1,991 1,991 Probable (UG) Oxides - 214 10,120 10,120 Oxides - Probable (UG) Flotation - 196 3,817 5,093 Probable (Tailings) Oxides - 110 14,633 14,633 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Total Proven and Oxides + Probable (UG) Tailings - 148 30,561 31,837 LA PARRILLA Proven (UG) Oxides - 230 1,769 1,769 Probable (UG) Oxides - 242 4,481 4,481 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Total Proven and Probable (UG) Oxides - 238 6,251 6,251 Proven (UG) Sulphides 2.27 331 4,610 7,210 Probable (UG) Sulphides 2.00 296 5,346 8,266 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Total Proven and Probable (UG) Sulphides 2.12 311 9,956 15,475 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Total Proven and Oxides + Probable (UG) Sulphides 1.39 286 16,207 21,726 SAN MARTIN Proven (UG) Oxides - 269 5,523 5,915 Probable (UG) Oxides - 276 9,281 9,526 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Total Proven and Probable (UG) Oxides - 273 14,804 15,440 Transition DEL TORO + Proven (UG) Sulphides 1.94 319 5,555 8,911 Transition + Probable (UG) Sulphides 3.08 483 11,875 19,326 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Transition Total Proven and + Probable (UG) Sulphides 2.61 415 17,430 28,238 LA GUITARRA Proven (UG) Sulphides - 333 1,210 1,808 Probable (UG) Sulphides - 349 6,820 9,157 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Total Proven and Probable (UG) Sulphides - 346 8,030 10,965 SANTA ELENA Probable (UG) Sulphides - 208 11,059 21,499 Oxides Probable (PAD) Spent Ore - 75 2,462 5,556 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Oxides + Total Probable Sulphides - 153 13,521 27,054 Total Proven and All mineral Probable types 0.45 217 100,554 135,260 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Mineral Reserves have been classified in accordance with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum ("CIM") Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, whose definitions are incorporated by reference into National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") (2) Metal prices considered for Mineral Reserves estimates were $17.50 USD/oz Ag, $1,200 USD/oz Au, $0.85 USD/lb Pb, and $0.85 USD/lb Zn. (3) The Mineral Reserves information provided above for La Encantada, La Parrilla, Del Toro, San Martin, La Guitarra and Santa Elena is based on internal estimates prepared as of December 31, 2015. The information provided was reviewed and validated by the Company's internal Qualified Person, Mr. Ramon Mendoza Reyes, P.Eng., who has the appropriate relevant qualifications, and experience in mining and reserves estimation practices (4) Silver-equivalent grade is estimated considering: metal price assumptions, metallurgical recovery for the corresponding mineral type/mineral process and the metal payable of the corresponding contract of each mine. Estimation details are listed in each mine section of the 2015 Annual Information Form. (5) The cut-off grades and modifying factors used to convert Mineral Reserves from Mineral Resources are different for all mines. The cut- off grades and factors are listed in each mine section of the 2015 Annual Information Form. MEASURED AND INDICATED MINERAL RESOURCES WITH AN EFFECTIVE DATE OF DECEMBER 31, 2015 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mine / Mineral k Ag Au Pb Project Category Type tonnes (g/t) (g/t) (%) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- LA ENCANTADA Measured (UG) Oxides 283 267 - - Indicated (UG) Oxides 854 299 - - Oxides - Indicated (UG) Flotation 734 246 - 4.07 Indicated (Tailings) Oxides 4,222 110 - - ----------------------------------------------------------------- Total Measured and Indicated Oxides + (UG) Tailings 6,093 160 - 0.49 LA PARRILLA Measured (UG) Oxides 281 254 - - Indicated (UG) Oxides 678 256 0.03 - ----------------------------------------------------------------- Total Measured and Indicated (UG) Oxides 958 255 0.02 - Measured (UG) Sulphides 671 243 - 2.39 Indicated (UG) Sulphides 773 222 - 2.17 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Total Measured and Indicated (UG) Sulphides 1,443 232 - 2.27 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Total Measured and Indicated Oxides + (UG) Sulphides 2,402 241 0.01 1.36 SAN MARTIN Measured (UG) Oxides 847 274 0.25 - Indicated (UG) Oxides 1,465 270 0.09 - ----------------------------------------------------------------- Total Measured and Indicated (UG) Oxides 2,313 272 0.15 - Transition DEL TORO + Measured (UG) Sulphides 1,054 201 0.07 3.54 Transition + Indicated (UG) Sulphides 1,636 268 0.25 4.78 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Total Measured Transition and Indicated + (UG) Sulphides 2,691 242 0.18 4.29 LA GUITARRA Measured (UG) Sulphides 203 265 2.01 - Indicated (UG) Sulphides 737 339 1.83 - ----------------------------------------------------------------- Total Measured and Indicated (UG) Sulphides 940 323 1.87 - Indicated (UG) Sulphides 2,969 125 1.86 - SANTA ELENA Indicated (Pad) Oxides 2,299 33 0.65 - ----------------------------------------------------------------- Total Indicated Oxides + (UG + Pad) Sulphides 5,268 85 1.33 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Measured All mineral and Indicated types 19,707 182 0.49 0.90 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mine / Mineral Zn Ag-Eq Ag Ag-Eq Project Category Type (%) (g/t) (k Oz) (k Oz) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- LA ENCANTADA Measured (UG) Oxides - 267 2,433 2,433 Indicated (UG) Oxides - 299 8,198 8,198 Oxides - Indicated (UG) Flotation - 325 5,795 7,662 Indicated (Tailings) Oxides - 110 14,931 14,931 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Total Measured and Indicated Oxides + (UG) Tailings - 170 31,357 33,224 LA PARRILLA Measured (UG) Oxides - 254 2,295 2,295 Indicated (UG) Oxides - 258 5,569 5,615 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Total Measured and Indicated (UG) Oxides - 257 7,863 7,909 Measured (UG) Sulphides 2.44 381 5,236 8,223 Indicated (UG) Sulphides 2.33 343 5,517 8,532 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Total Measured and Indicated (UG) Sulphides 2.38 361 10,753 16,755 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Total Measured and Indicated Oxides + (UG) Sulphides 1.43 319 18,617 24,664 SAN MARTIN Measured (UG) Oxides - 292 7,474 7,966 Indicated (UG) Oxides - 276 12,714 13,020 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Total Measured and Indicated (UG) Oxides - 282 20,188 20,986 Transition DEL TORO + Measured (UG) Sulphides 2.04 327 6,823 11,090 Transition + Indicated (UG) Sulphides 3.56 454 14,077 23,863 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Total Measured Transition and Indicated + (UG) Sulphides 2.96 404 20,900 34,953 LA GUITARRA Measured (UG) Sulphides - 394 1,726 2,574 Indicated (UG) Sulphides - 456 8,032 10,810 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Total Measured and Indicated (UG) Sulphides - 443 9,758 13,384 Indicated (UG) Sulphides - 247 11,887 23,545 SANTA ELENA Indicated (Pad) Oxides - 76 2,462 5,613 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Total Indicated Oxides + (UG + Pad) Sulphides - 172 14,349 29,159 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Measured All mineral and Indicated types 0.58 247 115,168 156,370 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- INFERRED MINERAL RESOURCES WITH AN EFFECTIVE DATE OF DECEMBER 31, 2015 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mine / Mineral k Ag Au Pb Project Category Type tonnes (g/t) (g/t) (%) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Inferred Total (UG) Oxides 905 246 - 0.03 LA ENCANTADA Inferred (UG) Sulphides ----------------------------------------------------------------- Inferred Total Oxides + (UG) Sulphides 905 246 - 0.03 LA PARRILLA Inferred (UG) Oxides 2,841 266 - - Inferred (UG) Sulphides 4,078 215 0.08 2.50 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Inferred Total Oxides + (UG) Sulphides 6,918 236 0.05 1.47 Inferred Total SAN MARTIN (UG) Oxides 4,212 262 0.08 - Transition Inferred Total + DEL TORO (UG) Sulphides 5,322 175 0.12 3.37 LA Inferred Total GUITARRA (UG) Sulphides 778 297 1.29 - SANTA Inferred Total ELENA (UG) Sulphides 286 92 1.41 - Inferred Total LA JOYA (OP) Sulphides 27,927 58 0.28 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- All mineral Total Inferred types 46,349 124 0.23 0.61 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mine / Mineral Zn Cu Ag-Eq Ag Ag-Eq Project Category Type (%) (%) (g/t) (k Oz) (k Oz) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Inferred Total (UG) Oxides - - 246 7,154 7,169 LA ENCANTADA Inferred (UG) Sulphides ----------------------------------------------------------------- Inferred Total Oxides + (UG) Sulphides - - 246 7,154 7,169 LA PARRILLA Inferred (UG) Oxides - - 266 24,281 24,281 Inferred (UG) Sulphides 2.47 - 355 28,219 46,573 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Inferred Total Oxides + (UG) Sulphides 1.45 - 319 52,500 70,854 Inferred Total SAN MARTIN (UG) Oxides - - 268 35,474 36,272 Transition Inferred Total + DEL TORO (UG) Sulphides 3.66 - 309 29,867 52,955 LA Inferred Total GUITARRA (UG) Sulphides - - 379 7,424 9,478 SANTA Inferred Total ELENA (UG) Sulphides - - 184 841 1,691 Inferred Total LA JOYA (OP) Sulphides - 0.47 103 51,646 92,907 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- All mineral Total Inferred types 0.64 0.28 182 184,906 271,326 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Mineral Resources have been classified in accordance with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum ("CIM") Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, whose definitions are incorporated by reference into National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). (2) In all cases, metal prices considered for Mineral Resource estimates were $18.50 USD/oz Ag, $1,300 USD/oz Au, $0.95 USD/lb Pb, and $0.95 USD/lb Zn. (3) The Mineral Resources information provided above for La Parrilla, Del Toro and San Martin is based on internal estimates prepared as of December 31, 2015. The information provided was reviewed and validated by the Company's internal Qualified Person, Mr. Jesus M. Velador Beltran, MMSA QP Geology, who has the appropriate relevant qualifications, and experience in geology and resource estimation. (4) Mineral Resource estimates for La Guitarra Silver Mine are based on information contained in the 2015 Technical Report compiled by First Majestic, which were updated by First Majestic with information to December 31, 2015. (5) Mineral Resource estimates for La Encantada Silver Mine are based on the 2016 Technical Report compiled by First Majestic. (6) Inferred Mineral Resource estimates for La Joya Project are based on the 2013 Technical Report prepared for Silvercrest. (7) Silver-equivalent grade is estimated considering: metal price assumptions, metallurgical recovery for the corresponding mineral type/mineral process and the metal payable of the corresponding contract of each mine. Estimation details are listed in each mine section of the 2015 Annual Information Form. (8) The cut-off grades for Mineral Resources are different for all mines. The cut-off grades are listed in each mine section of the 2015 Annual Information Form. (9) Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources are reported inclusive of Mineral Reserves. The Company also announces that its 2015 Annual Information Form has been filed on SEDAR. In addition, a Form 40-F report has been filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and is available on EDGAR. Both documents are also available on the Company's website at www.firstmajestic.com. Shareholders may also receive a copy of First Majestic's Annual Report which includes the audited financial statements, without charge, upon request to First Majestic, Suite 1805 - 925 West Georgia Street Vancouver, B.C., Canada, V6C 3L2 or to info@firstmajestic.com. Mr. Ramon Mendoza Reyes, Vice President Technical Services for First Majestic, is a "qualified person" as such term is defined under National Instrument 43-101, and has reviewed and approved the technical information disclosed in this news release. First Majestic is a mining company focused on silver production in Mexico and is aggressively pursuing the development of its existing mineral property assets and the pursuit through acquisition of additional mineral assets which contribute to the Company achieving its corporate growth objectives. FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER CORP. "signed" Keith Neumeyer, President & CEO SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION This news release includes certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target", "plan", "forecast", "may", "schedule" and similar words or expressions, identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information relate to, among other things: the price of silver and other metals; the accuracy of mineral reserve and resource estimates and estimates of future production and costs of production at our properties; estimated production rates for silver and other payable metals produced by us, the estimated cost of development of our development projects; the effects of laws, regulations and government policies on our operations, including, without limitation, the laws in Mexico which currently have significant restrictions related to mining; obtaining or maintaining necessary permits, licences and approvals from government authorities; and continued access to necessary infrastructure, including, without limitation, access to power, land, water and roads to carry on activities as planned. These statements reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: fluctuations in the spot and forward price of silver, gold, base metals or certain other commodities (such as natural gas, fuel oil and electricity); fluctuations in the currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar and Mexican peso versus the U.S. dollar); changes in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments in Canada, Mexico; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining or development activities; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations, pressures, cave-ins and flooding); risks relating to the credit worthiness or financial condition of suppliers, refiners and other parties with whom the Company does business; inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; and the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining, including those currently enacted in Mexico; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability and increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities; diminishing quantities or grades of mineral reserves as properties are mined; the Company's title to properties; and the factors identified under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Information Form, under the caption "Risks Relating to First Majestic's Business". Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements or information. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements or information, other than as required by applicable law. Contacts: First Majestic Silver Corp. Toll free: 1.866.529.2807 info@firstmajestic.com www.firstmajestic.com DUBLIN, March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Orange SA and Bouygues SA face a weekend of tough discussions as they attempt to reach an agreement on Orange's proposed purchase of Bouygues' wireless carrier, a deal which could value the unit by up to USD 11 billion. Months of talks have failed to produce a deal that would result in the establishment of a French wireless giant, and both companies plan to meet again before April 3. Global LTE networks will be worth USD 800 billion by 2020, according to a recent report available from Research and Markets, so it's understandable why both companies are keen to reach an agreement on the deal. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130307/600769 ) Complications have arisen regarding the number of Orange shares and votes Bouygues will receive from the deal, in addition to how potential breakup fees will be distributed. The inability to reach a final decision has caused shares in both companies to drop, with shares in Orange dropping by 1.5% to EUR 15.35 while shares in Bouygues declined by 3.3% to EUR 36. Numerous parties are involved in the talks, as Orange are trying to transfer Bouygues assets to reassure board members concerned about competition authorities. Orange and Bouygues stand to greatly benefit from progressive growth in various telecommunication markets should they reach a final agreement. The global Wi-Fi market will grow at a CAGR of 17.8% to reach a value of USD 33.6 billion by 2020, as forecast in an industry report. The unified communication as-a-service (UCaaS) market in Europe is set to grow at a CAGR of 11.2% during the 2016-2020 period, as predicted in a recent report. Orange currently offer businesses efficient UCaaS services, and the current market will support service expansion should Orange choose to do so following their acquisition of Bouygues. For further information on this topic, and a full list of all related documentation, please visit the Telecommunications and Networks section at http://www.researchandmarkets.com/rm/NLKQ. Source: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-03-31/orange-extends-talks-to-buy-bouygues-phone-business-in-france About Research and Markets Research and Markets is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. 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: +1646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Valby, Denmark, 2016-03-31 13:32 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Valby, Denmark, 31 March 2016 - H. Lundbeck A/S (Lundbeck) today announced that at the Annual General Meeting the report by the Board of Directors was adopted and the annual report was approved.The General Meeting approved not to pay-out dividend.Lars Rasmussen, Lene Skole, Terrie Curran, Lars Holmqvist and Jesper Ovesen were re-elected to the Board of Directors. Hakan Bjorklund did not stand for re-election. Immediately after the General Meeting, the Board of Directors elected Lars Rasmussen as Chairman and Lene Skole as Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors.The Board of Directors of Lundbeck will hereafter comprise:-- Lars Rasmussen (Chairman) -- Lene Skole (Deputy Chairman) -- Terrie Curran -- Lars Holmqvist -- Jesper Ovesen -- Mona Elisabeth Elster (employee representative) -- Jrn Mller Mayntzhusen (employee representative) -- Henrik Sindal Jensen (employee representative)After having elected its Chairman and Deputy Chairman, the Board of Directors appointed members for the Audit Committee, the Remuneration Committee and the Scientific Committee.Jesper Ovesen, Lars Rasmussen and Lars Holmqvist were elected as members of the Audit Committee. Lars Rasmussen, Lene Skole and Terrie Curran were elected as members of the Remuneration Committee. Lars Rasmussen and Lene Skole were elected as member of the Scientific Committee.The General Meeting approved the remuneration for the Board of Directors for the year 2016.Deloitte Statsautoriseret Revisionspartnerselskab was re-elected as the company's auditor.The proposal of the Board of Directors to adopt the amended "Remuneration Guidelines for the Board of Directors and the Executive Management of H. Lundbeck A/S" was approved.The proposal to give the Board of Directors authorization to let the company acquire own shares of a total nominal value of up to 10% of the share capital was adopted.The Chairman of the General Meeting was authorized to adopt the amendments and register with the Danish Business Authority.No other business was handled at the Annual General Meeting.The Board of DirectorsLundbeck contactsInvestors: Media:Palle Holm Olesen Mads Kronborg Vice President, Investor Relations Senior Director, Corp. Communication palo@lundbeck.com mavk@lundbeck.com +45 30 83 24 26 +45 36 43 30 00About LundbeckH. Lundbeck A/S (LUN.CO, LUN DC, HLUYY) is a global pharmaceutical company specialized in psychiatric and neurological disorders. For more than 70 years, we have been at the forefront of research within neuroscience. Our key areas of focus are depression, schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.An estimated 700 million people worldwide are living with psychiatric and neurological disorders and far too many suffer due to inadequate treatment, discrimination, a reduced number of working days, early retirement and other unnecessary consequences. Every day, we strive for improved treatment and a better life for people living with psychiatric and neurological disorders - we call this Progress in Mind.Our approximately 5,300 employees in 55 countries are engaged in the entire value chain throughout research, development, manufacturing, marketing and sales. Our pipeline consists of several late-stage development programmes and our products are available in more than 100 countries. We have research centres in China and Denmark and production facilities in China, Denmark, France and Italy. Lundbeck generated core revenue of DKK 14.6 billion in 2015 (EUR 2 billion; USD 2.2 billion).For additional information, we encourage you to visit our corporate site www.lundbeck.com and connect with us on Twitter at @Lundbeck.Attachment:https://cns.omxgroup.com/cds/DisclosureAttachmentServlet?messageAttachmentId=554099 Skive, Denmark, 2016-03-31 13:34 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --To the shareholders of DanthermCVR no. 30 21 43 15Invitation to the annual general meeting in Dantherm A/S, which is held onWednesday, 27 April 2016 at 3 pmat Marienlystvej 65, 7800 Skive, DenmarkThe agenda for the general meeting is as follows:1. The Board of Directors' report on the activities of the company in the past year.2. Presentation of the annual report for 2015 for adoption.3. Resolution concerning the appropriation of profits or the cover of losses in accordance with the adopted annual report.The Board of Directors proposes that no dividend be distributed.4. The Board of Directors' report on the company's financial position, see Section 119 of the Danish Public and Private Companies Act, as it has been established that the company's equity represents less than half of the subscribed share capital.5. Election of members to the Board of Directors.In accordance with the Articles of Association, at the general meeting the Board of Directors will propose that at least three members be elected to the Board of Directors.6. Appointment of auditors:The Board of Directors proposes the re-appointment of Ernst & Young Godkendt Revisionspartnerselskab (CVR no. 30 70 02 28) as the company's auditors.7. Any proposals from the Board of Directors or from shareholders.7AFollowing the company's transfer on 15 January 2016 of the HVAC and Telecom EMEA business segments, including the right to the name Dantherm, to the private equity fund Procuritas Capital Investors V, the Board of Directors proposes that the company name be changed to: Dansk Industri Invest A/S.In consequence hereof, it is proposed that Articles 1.1 and 1.2 of the Articles of Association be amended as follows:1.1. The company's name is Dansk Industri Invest A/S.1.2. The company's secondary names are: Glent & Co. Holding A/S (Dansk Industri Invest A/S), Dansk Invertit A/S (Dansk Industri Invest A/S) and Hosby Huse A/S (Dansk Industri Invest A/S).7BUnder the current Articles of Association, the annual general meeting must elect between four and nine members to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors proposes that the number of board members elected by the annual general meeting be between three and six members.In consequence hereof, it is proposed that Article 8.2 of the Articles of Association be amended as follows:8.2. The general meeting shall elect three to six members to the Board of Directors.8. Any other business.Shareholder informationThe company's share capital amounts to DKK 35,952,870 divided into shares of DKK 5 each and multiples thereof. Each shareholding of DKK 5 carries one vote. The company has chosen Danske Bank as its account-holding bank. The company's shareholders can exercise their financial rights through this bank.Information about the general meetingThree weeks before the general meeting at the latest, further information about the general meeting, including the invitation, the total number of shares and voting rights on the date of the invitation, the complete proposals to be considered by the general meeting, the audited annual report for 2015 and forms to be used if voting by proxy or by post will be available on the company website, www.danthermcooling.com.This invitation has also been published via the Danish Business Authority's IT system and sent to all registered shareholders and any shareholder who has so requested.Attending the general meetingAttending and voting at the general meeting is subject to the following conditions:The right of a shareholder to attend and vote at the general meeting is determined by the number of shares held by the shareholder on the date of registration.The date of registration is one week before the general meeting, i.e. on 20 April 2016. Shareholders holding shares in the company on the date of registration are entitled to attend and vote at the general meeting. The shareholder's shareholding is determined on the date of registration based on the number of shares registered to him in the register of owners and any information about ownership received by the company for entry into the register of owners. In order to attend, the shareholder must also have obtained an admission card in advance as described below.Admission cardsThe general meeting may be attended by any shareholder who has obtained an admission card at the company's offices no later than three days before the general meeting (that is Thursday 21 April) by presenting proper identification (VP custody account number). The card can also be requested either by email to investor@dantherm.com or by letter to Dantherm A/S, Investor Relations, Marienlystvej 65, 7800 Skive, Denmark. Admission cards are issued to shareholders holding shares in the company on the date of registration.Proxy and postal votesShareholders registered by name in the register of owners may issue a proxy to the Board of Directors or other persons by completing the proxy/postal voting form received.Shareholders not registered by name in the register of owners may issue a proxy to the Board of Directors or other persons by providing proper documentation and completing the proxy/postal voting form received. The form can be obtained at the company's offices. The form must be signed, dated and received by the company by 25 April 2016 in order to be valid.Instead of voting in person at the general meeting, shareholders may choose to vote by post, i.e. submit a written vote before the general meeting is held. The proxy/postal voting form is enclosed with this invitation. Shareholders who choose to vote by post must send their written vote to the company at the address Dantherm A/S, Investor Relations, Marienlystvej 65, 7800 Skive, Denmark, or by email to investor@dantherm.com making sure that the vote reaches the company by 25 April 2016 at the latest.Adoption requirementsUnder item 7A and 7B on the agenda, adoption of the proposal requires that two thirds of the votes cast and two thirds of the voting share capital represented at the general meeting are in favour of the proposal, cf. Article 7.4 of the Articles of Association and Section 106(1) of the Danish Public and Private Limited Companies Act.The remaining approvals, adoptions and elections take place by a simple majority of votes, see Article 7.4 of the Articles of Association.Skive, 31 March 2016Dantherm A/SThe Board of DirectorsAttachment:https://cns.omxgroup.com/cds/DisclosureAttachmentServlet?messageAttachmentId=554100 CapMan Real Estate Press Release 31 March 2016 at 2.30 pm EEST CapMan Real Estate sells a hotel facility in central Tampere to TOAS The CapMan Hotels RE fund sells its holding in Kiinteisto Oy Tampere Satakunnankatu 10 to the Tampere Student Housing Foundation (TOAS). The transaction is completed on 31 March 2016 when the tenure is transferred to the new owner. The lease with Restel, which operated Hotel Cumulus Pinja in the property, expired at the end of 2015. TOAS will convert the hotel facility into student housing comprising 74 units. The conversion project is expected to be completed by the start of the autumn 2016 semester. "We are happy with the transaction and expedient sales process, the timing of which was most convenient for the fund. The Tampere region has experienced an increase in hotel supply in recent years and the property is small for hotel use compared to other assets in our hotel portfolio. We are pleased that the new owner will develop the property to benefit Tampere's students, who will be able to enjoy high quality city living," comments Pirjo Ojanpera, Partner at CapMan Real Estate. Timo Lehto, CEO of TOAS, is also pleased with the transaction. "The central address of the property meets the location criteria for student housing. It is difficult to find suitable plots to build new student housing in central Tampere. As a result, TOAS has focused on finding alternative ways to respond to the growing demand for city living among students," Lehto comments. The CapMan Hotels RE fund was established in 2008 and it manages 40 hotel properties in Finland and Sweden, including the Crowne Plaza and GLO Hotel Art in central Helsinki. For more information, please contact: Pirjo Ojanpera, Partner, CapMan Real Estate, tel. +358 50 388 3306 Timo Lehto, CEO, TOAS, tel. +358 40 514 8846 CapMan www.capman.com CapMan is a leading Nordic investment and asset management company active in the private equity industry. For more than 25 years, we have been developing companies and real estate and supporting their sustainable growth. We are committed to understanding the needs of our customers in an ever-changing market environment. Our objective is to provide attractive returns and innovative solutions for our investors and value adding services for professional investment partnerships, growth-oriented companies and tenants. Our independent investment partnerships - Buyout, Real Estate, Russia and Credit - as well as our associated company Norvestia are responsible for investment activities and value creation. CapMan's service business offering includes fundraising advisory services, purchasing activities and fund management services to both internal and external customers. CapMan has 100 private equity professionals and assets under management of 2.8 billion. This announcement is distributed by NASDAQ OMX Corporate Solutions on behalf of NASDAQ OMX Corporate Solutions clients. The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein. Source: CapMan Oyj via Globenewswire HUG#1999313 FAIRFIELD (dpa-AFX) - General Electric Co. (GE) said that it filed its request to the Financial Stability Oversight Council or FSOC for rescission of GE Capital's designation as a nonbank Systemically Important Financial Institution or SIFI. The filing demonstrates that GE Capital has substantially reduced its risk profile and is significantly less interconnected to the financial system, and therefore does not pose any conceivable threat to U.S. financial stability. The request details the changes and dispositions GE Capital has made since being designated as a SIFI in 2013 and, in particular, since GE announced in April 2015 that it would become a more focused digital industrial company by dramatically reducing the size of GE Capital. GE Capital believes it poses no threat to U.S. financial stability and, as of today, no longer meets the criteria for designation as a nonbank SIFI. GE Capital looks forward to working cooperatively with the FSOC on the request to rescind the SIFI designation. 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. TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 03/31/16 -- Hemostemix Inc. ("Hemostemix" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE:HEM)(OTCQX:HMTXF), a clinical-stage autologous cell therapy company, announced today the appointment of Robert Achtymichuk as its new Vice President, Business Development. In this role, Robert will lead all business development initiatives, including partner and investor engagement and will collaborate with the senior leadership team to develop and execute strategies that drive continued growth to ensure the company continues to evolve and generate value for its shareholders. "The appointment of Mr. Achtymichuk to this important position reflects our ongoing efforts to further develop our business and enhance our ongoing investor relations efforts, as well as foster strategic partnerships. I am very pleased that he has assumed this important position," said Dr. Elmar Burchardt, President and CEO of Hemostemix. Robert holds a degree in petroleum engineering from the University of Alberta and a Partners, Directors and Senior Officers designation from the Canadian Securities Institute. Before joining Hemostemix, he spent over 29 years in the financial investment industry, including nine years as a Vice President at Haywood Securities. In his new role as Vice President, Business Development, Robert will apply his substantial knowledge and experience to the advancement of business goals and to the cultivation of partnerships. "As a long-time supporter of Hemostemix, I look forward to working with the company's exceptional team of scientists and professionals. This highly skilled group is dedicated to completing the ongoing phase 2 clinical trials and meeting other key milestones. I am strongly committed to raising the Hemostemix profile and leading business development," stated Robert. About Hemostemix Hemostemix is a public clinical-stage biotechnology company that develops and commercializes innovative blood-derived cell therapies for medical conditions not adequately addressed by current treatments. It is the first clinical-stage biotech company to test a stem-cell therapy in an international, multicenter, phase 2 clinical trial for patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI), a severe form of peripheral artery disease (PAD) caused by reduced blood flow to the legs. The phase 2 trial targets a participant's diseased tissue with proprietary cells grown from his or her blood that are capable of supporting the formation of new blood vessels. Hemostemix currently enrolls participants in the phase 2 trial at four sites in South Africa and two sites in Canada. The Company recently received FDA clearance to commence clinical trials in the United States. Hemostemix Inc. is traded on the TSX Venture Exchange under the trading symbol HEM and on the OTCQX Best Market under the trading symbol HMTXF. For more information, visit hemostemix.com or email office@hemostemix.com. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange, Inc. nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined under the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential," and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could," or "should" occur. Although Hemostemix believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates, and opinions of Hemostemix management on the date such statements were made. Hemostemix expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Contacts: Hemostemix Inc. Elmar Burchardt, M.D., Ph.D. President and CEO (617) 500-8401 Hemostemix Inc. C.W. (Bill) Baker Chairman of the Board (403) 818-7672 VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/31/16 -- Northair Silver Corp. (TSX VENTURE: INM) (the "Company" or "Northair") is pleased to announce that Institutional Shareholder Services ("ISS"), a leading independent proxy advisory firm, have recommended that shareholders vote FOR the special resolution to approve the proposed plan of arrangement (the "Arrangement") with respect to the Northair business combination with Kootenay Silver Inc. (TSX VENTURE: KTN) ("Kootenay"). "We are very pleased to have the support of an independent proxy advisory firm such as ISS for the combination of Northair and Kootenay," said Andrea Zaradic, CEO & President of Northair. "The merger will create a leading Mexican silver exploration and development company and consolidator with a portfolio of assets headlined by Kootenay's Promontorio and La Negra projects and Northair's La Cigarra project." This is an important endorsement from an independent third party whose recommendations are intended to assist shareholders in making proxy voting decisions. ISS has conducted a careful review of Northair's disclosure materials before making their recommendations. ISS is an independent proxy advisory firm who, among other services, provide proxy voting recommendations to pension funds, investment managers, mutual funds and other institutional shareholders. Shareholders are reminded that the deadline for voting is 10:00 AM (Pacific Daylight Time) on April 12, 2016. NORTHAIR'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMEND THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE IN FAVOUR OF THE ARRANGEMENT. YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. VOTE TODAY. HOW TO VOTE In the interest of time, shareholders are encouraged to vote via the internet, by telephone or fax. Registered shareholders may vote as follows: -- Internet: Vote online at www.investorvote.com, using the control number located on your proxy (which you will receive in the mail or via email) -- Telephone: Call 1-866-732-VOTE (8683) toll free -- Facsimile: 1-866-249-7775 (toll free in Canada and US) -- By mail -- In person at the meeting Beneficial shareholders (shareholders who hold Northair shares through a bank, broker or other intermediary) will have different voting instructions provided to them and should follow the instructions found on their voting instruction form to vote online, by telephone or fax. NORTHAIR SPECIAL MEETING The Northair special meeting of shareholders is scheduled to be held at Suite 950 - 609 Granville Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, on April 14, 2016 at 10:00 AM (Pacific Daylight Time). Your vote is important regardless of the number of securities you own. Northair encourages shareholders to read the meeting materials in detail. A copy of the Circular is available on Northair's website at http://www.northairsilver.com/s/info-circular.asp and is also available under Northair's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com SECURITYHOLDER QUESTIONS Shareholders who have questions regarding the Arrangement or require assistance with voting may contact the Proxy Solicitation Agent below: Laurel Hill Advisory Group Toll free at 1-877-452-7184 International +1 416-304-0211 outside Canada and the US By email at: assistance@laurelhill.com About Northair Silver Corp. Northair is focused on advancing its flagship La Cigarra silver project located in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico, 26 kilometres from the historic silver mining city of Parral. The property boasts nearby power, good road access, gentle topography, established infrastructure and currently hosts a NI 43-101 Resource estimate of 51.47 million ounces of silver in the Measured & Indicated categories grading 86.3 g/t silver and 11.46 million ounces of silver in the Inferred category grading 80 g/t silver. The mineralized system at La Cigarra has been traced over 6.5 kilometres and is defined at surface as a silver soil anomaly and by numerous historic mine workings. The La Cigarra silver deposit is open along strike and at depth and is approximately 25km north, and along strike of Grupo Mexico's Santa Barbara mine and Minera Frisco's San Francisco del Oro mine. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD, NORTHAIR SILVER CORP. Andrea Zaradic, P. Eng., President & CEO Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements This news release may contain forward looking statements which are statements that are not statements of historical fact, such as statements regarding the mineral resource estimates, results of the sensitivity analysis, anticipated production or results, sales, revenues, costs, or discussions of goals and exploration results, and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, metal price volatility, volatility of metals production, project development, mineral reserve estimates, future anticipated reserves and cost engineering estimate risks, geological factors and exploration results. See Northair's filings for a more detailed discussion of factors that may impact expected results. Cautionary Note Concerning Estimates of Measured, Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources This news release uses the terms "Measured and Indicated Resources" and "Inferred Resources", which have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of a Measured and Indicated and/or Inferred Mineral Resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of Inferred Resources may not form the basis of feasibility or other economic studies. Northair advises U.S. investors that while this term is recognized and required by Canadian regulations, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission does not recognize it. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that part or all of a Measured, Indicated and Inferred resource exists, or is economically or legally minable. Contacts: Northair Silver Corp. Andrea Zaradic President & CEO 604-687-7545 info@northair.com Northair Silver Corp. Chris Curran Manager of Corporate Communications 604-687-7545 info@northair.com www.northairsilver.com CapMan Real Estate Press Release 31 March 2016 at 3.35 pm EEST CapMan Real Estate sells a logistics facility in Vantaa The CapMan Real Estate I fund has sold its holdings in Kiinteisto Oy Mastolan Keskusvarasto to Kokoelmakeskus Ky. The main tenant, the National Board of Antiquities, establishes a Collections and Conservation Centre in the logistics facility. The investors of Kokoelmakeskus Ky are a group of Finnish investors. CapMan Real Estate will remain as the asset manager. "This property has attracted a lot of interest with investors as it is offering a stable annual rental income. We are pleased to have completed a major tenant overhaul, enabling us to sell the asset to a group of investors who appreciate predictable cash flow," says Kalle Myllymaki, Partner at CapMan Real Estate. For more information, please contact: Kalle Myllymaki, Partner, CapMan Real Estate, tel. +358 50 356 6940 Mika Matikainen, Head of CapMan Real Estate, tel. +358 40 519 0707 CapMan www.capman.com CapMan is a leading Nordic investment and asset management company active in the private equity industry. For more than 25 years, we have been developing companies and real estate and supporting their sustainable growth. We are committed to understanding the needs of our customers in an ever-changing market environment. Our objective is to provide attractive returns and innovative solutions for our investors and value adding services for professional investment partnerships, growth-oriented companies and tenants. Our independent investment partnerships - Buyout, Real Estate, Russia and Credit - as well as our associated company Norvestia are responsible for investment activities and value creation. CapMan's service business offering includes fundraising advisory services, purchasing activities and fund management services to both internal and external customers. CapMan has 100 private equity professionals and assets under management of 2.8 billion. This announcement is distributed by NASDAQ OMX Corporate Solutions on behalf of NASDAQ OMX Corporate Solutions clients. The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein. Source: CapMan Oyj via Globenewswire HUG#1999367 OTTAWA (dpa-AFX) - Pier Antonio Costamagna, a co-founder of Fuel Systems Solutions, Inc. (FSYS) sent a letter to the board of FSS announcing his intention to vote against the proposed merger of Westport Innovations (WPT.TO, WPRT) and FSS. 'I am concerned by how significantly Westport and this transaction have changed since this deal was first announced. My reasons include: the $71 million investment in Westport by Cartesian Capital Group for financing of various global growth initiatives could significantly jeopardize the financial health of the combined company; the amendment of the merger agreement entered into on March 6, 2016 is not adequate,' Costamagna stated. Costamagna has sole voting power over 1,584,589 shares of FSS common stock, representing approximately 8.8% of outstanding shares. 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. OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 03/31/16 -- Humanist Canada is highlighting the expansion of Secular Humanism in Canada with its support of the Imagine No Religion Conference in Vancouver on May 20-22, 2016. This is the premiere Conference for Secular Humanism in Canada. The three day event celebrates an inclusive ideology that represents the fastest growing demographic in North America. The conference, now in its 6th successful year, leads the way among the 5 Canadian cities hosting Humanist conferences. Last year's success, with Richard Dawkins and Lawrence Krauss as well as Humanist of the Year M.P. Kennedy Stuart, is being followed with a spectacular, 12 person line up including: A.C. Grayling, Julia Sweeney, Ali A. Rizvi, Christopher DiCarlo and a special appearance by James Randi. We strongly suggest that the education coming from the "Imagine" event will help Canadians evolve to a truly Secular society as the conference focus has always been about generating respectful conversation. Please join Humanist Canada in supporting this truly important event. Respectfully Eric Thomas, President Humanist Canada Contacts: Media contact: Bill Ligertwood 250-319 3707 Bligertwood@gmail.com Eric Thomas 613 242 5060 president@humanistcanada.ca www.imaginenoreligion.ca www.humanistcanada.ca ADO Properties S.A.: Bekanntmachung der Einberufung zur Hauptversammlung DGAP-News: ADO Properties S.A. / Schlagwort(e): Hauptversammlung ADO Properties S.A.: Bekanntmachung der Einberufung zur Hauptversammlung 31.03.2016 / 15:12 Fur den Inhalt der Mitteilung ist der Emittent verantwortlich. ADO Properties S.A. Societe anonyme Registered office: L-2453, 20 rue Eugene Ruppert Grand Duchy of Luxembourg RCS Luxembourg: B-197554 (the "Company") CONVENING NOTICE The shareholders of the Company are invited to attend the Extraordinary General Meeting and Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on Tuesday, 3 May 2016 at the registered office of the Company at 20, rue Eugene Ruppert, L-2453 Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in order to deliberate on the following matters: Agenda and proposed resolutions of the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders ("EGM" ) taking place from 11.30 a.m.: Introduction The amended version of the articles of association of the Company (in English and German) is available on www.ado.properties under "Investor Relations". Shareholders may also obtain a copy of same free of charge at the Company's registered office, by calling +352 26 493 412, sending a fax to +352 27 860 722, or by making a request by e-mail to agm2016@ado.properties. 1. Amendment of Article 9 of the articles of association to read as follows:- "Article. 9. Binding Signature The Company shall be bound by (i) the joint signatures of two members of the Board of Directors or (ii) by the sole or joint signature(s) of any person or persons to whom such signatory power shall have been delegated by the Board of Directors." Background The current wording of Article 9 of the articles of association lacks clarity because it states that "The Company shall be bound by two members of the Board of Directors of which one signatory needs to be the chief financial officer.". It is not entirely clear how the Company is bound if the chief financial officer of the Company is not a member of the Board of Directors, which is the current situation. Therefore, it is proposed to amend Article 9 in order to clarify that the Company may be bound by only the joint signature of two members of the Board of Directors. Draft resolution (EGM Resolution I) The General Meeting resolves to amend Article 9 of the articles of association to read as follows:- "Article. 9. Binding Signature The Company shall be bound by (i) the joint signatures of two members of the Board of Directors or (ii) by the sole or joint signature(s) of any person or persons to whom such signatory power shall have been delegated by the Board of Directors." 2. Amendment of the first paragraph of Article 13 of the articles of association to change the date of the annual general meeting of shareholders from the third Thursday in March to the first Tuesday in May such that it shall read as follows: "Article 13. Annual General Meeting of Shareholders The Annual General Meeting of Shareholders shall be held in accordance with Luxembourg law at the Company's registered office or at any other place in the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg indicated in the convening notice on the first Tuesday in May of each year at 2 p.m.. If such day is a legal holiday in Luxembourg, the Annual General Meeting shall be held on the next following business day." Background It is considered not practicable for the Board of Directors to have all financial statements and the management report ready in time for the annual general meeting that pursuant to the current articles of association need to be held on the third Thursday in March of each year. Therefore it is proposed to amend the articles of association of the Company to fix the statutory date for the annual general meeting as the first Tuesday in May of each year. Draft resolution (EGM Resolution II) The General Meeting resolves to amend the first paragraph of Article 13 of the articles of association to change the date of the annual general meeting of shareholders from the third Thursday in March to the first Tuesday in May such that it shall read as follows: "Article 13. Annual General Meeting of Shareholders The Annual General Meeting of Shareholders shall be held in accordance with Luxembourg law at the Company's registered office or at any other place in the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg indicated in the convening notice on the first Tuesday in May of each year at 2 p.m.. If such day is a legal holiday in Luxembourg, the Annual General Meeting shall be held on the next following business day." [REST OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK] Agenda and Proposed Resolutions of the Annual General Meeting (the "AGM") taking place from 12 noon: IT IS BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF SHAREHOLDERS THAT THE MANAGEMENT REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE PERIOD ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2015 COULD NOT BE FINALISED IN TIME FOR THE AGM DATE PROVIDED IN THE ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION OF THE COMPANY, BEING 17 MARCH 2016. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY HAS, THEREFORE, DECIDED TO CONVENE THE AGM TO BE HELD ON 3 MAY 2016 AND TO CHANGE THE ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION OF THE COMPANY FOR FUTURE YEARS AS PER THE AGENDA OF THE EGM SET OUT ABOVE. 1. Presentation of the management report of the board of directors for the financial year ending 31 December 2015 and (ii) the reports of the independent auditor on the stand-alone annual financial statements and the consolidated financial statements of the Company for the financial year ending 31 December 2015. No resolution required. 2. Approval of the stand-alone annual financial statements of the Company for the financial year ending 31 December 2015. Draft resolution (AGM Resolution I) The General Meeting, after having reviewed the management report of the board of directors and the report of the independent auditor, approves the stand-alone annual financial statements for the financial year ending 31 December 2015 in their entirety, showing a profit of EUR 25,633,138, established in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union. 3. Approval of the consolidated financial statements of the Company for the financial year ending 31 December 2015. Draft resolution (AGM Resolution II) The General Meeting, after having reviewed the management report of the board of directors and the report of the independent auditor, approves the consolidated financial statements of the Company for the financial year ending 31 December 2015 in their entirety, showing a consolidated net profit of EUR 156,007,000 (rounded). 4. Approval of the allocation of results and determination of the dividend. Draft resolution (AGM Resolution III) The General Meeting acknowledges that the net profit of the Company amounts to EUR 25,633,138. On this basis the General Meeting, upon the proposal of the board of directors, decides to pay out a dividend from the distributable results consisting in profit for the year and to allocate the results of the Company based on the stand-alone annual financial statements of the Company for the financial year ending 31 December 2015 as follows: In Euro Profit for the financial year 25,633,138 Loss brought forward from previous year(s) (4,240,242) Results to be allocated and distributed 21,392,896 Allocation to the legal reserve (4,340) Net book value of formation expenses as at 31.12.2015 (6,944,521) Dividend (12,250,000) Profit carried forward 2,194,035 The General Meeting acknowledges that the record date determining the eligibility to receive a dividend payment shall be the date of the AGM, 3 May 2016 and that the payment of the dividends shall commence on 6 May 2016. 5. Confirmation of the appointment of Mr Yaron Karisi as director of the Company for a period running from 18 November 2015 until the annual general meeting to take place in the year 2019. Draft resolution (AGM Resolution IV) The General Meeting ratifies and confirms the appointment of Mr Yaron Karisi, co-opted as director at a board meeting held on 18 November 2015 following the resignation of Mr Ofer Kotler, as director of the Company. The appointment is confirmed to run from 18 November 2015 until the annual general meeting to take place in the year 2019. 6. Approval of the discharge of all directors having held office during the financial year ending 31 December 2015 Draft resolution (AGM Resolution V) The General Meeting decides to grant discharge to all directors having held office during the financial year ending 31 December 2015. 7. Approval of the re-appointment of KPMG Luxembourg as independent auditor of the Company until the annual general meeting to take place in 2017. Draft resolution (AGM Resolution VI) The General Meeting decides to approve the re-appointment of KPMG Luxembourg, societe cooperative, with registered office at 39, avenue John F. Kennedy, L-1855 Luxembourg as independent auditor of the Company until the annual general meeting to take place in 2017. ***** I QUORUM AND VOTING The EGM will validly deliberate on all resolutions on its agenda provided a quorum of 50% of the Company's issued share capital is present or represented. If the aforementioned quorum is not met, the EGM may be reconvened by the Board of Directors and at the reconvened meeting no quorum will be required. The resolutions will be validly adopted only if approved by at least 2/3 of the votes cast at the EGM or any reconvened meeting. Each share is entitled to one vote. The AGM will validly deliberate on all resolutions on the agenda regardless of the number of shareholders present and of the number of shares represented, and the resolutions relating to these agenda items will be adopted by a simple majority of the votes validly cast by shareholders present or represented. Each share is entitled to one vote. II RIGHT OF SHAREHOLDERS TO ADD ITEMS TO THE AGENDA OR TO TABLE ALTERNATIVE RESOLUTIONS Shareholders holding individually or collectively at least 5% of the issued share capital of the Company have the right (a) to add new items on the agenda of the EGM and AGM (the "Meetings") and/or (b) to table draft resolutions regarding existing or new agenda items. Those rights shall be exercised by a request in writing accompanied by (i) the text of the new agenda item and/ or a draft resolution as well as the reasons for submitting such request, or (ii) an alternative resolution for an existing agenda item with a clear identification of the existing agenda item, the text of the proposed alternative resolution and the reasons for submitting such request and (iii) the name of a contact person and a contact address (postal address and e-mail) at which the Company can acknowledge receipt of the request. The request must also be accompanied by a Shareholding Confirmation Certificate (as defined below) attesting to the holding by the shareholder or shareholders of at least 5% of the issued share capital of the Company on the Record Date (as defined below). Any such request and accompanying documents from shareholders must be received by the Company not later than 11 April 2016 at one of the following addresses: ADO Properties 20 Rue Eugene Ruppert L-2453 Luxembourg Grand Duchy of Luxembourg Or agm2016@ado.properties The Company shall confirm receipt of the request within forty-eight hours from receipt. The Company will then publish a revised agenda at the latest on 18 April 2016. The text of the proposed resolutions will be published by the Company as soon as possible from receipt on its website www.ado.properties/AGM2016. III RIGHT TO ASK QUESTIONS Every shareholder has the right to ask questions concerning items on the agenda of the Annual General Meeting and Extraordinary General Meeting ahead of and during the meetings. The Company will respond to such questions on a best efforts basis and may, at its choice, reply to such questions either globally or individually, during the relevant Meeting. Questions asked before the Meetings must be sent by email to agm2016@ado.properties and shall include the shareholder's full name and address and shall attach a Shareholding Confirmation Certificate (as defined below) attesting to the holding by the shareholder or shareholders of shares of the Company on the Record Date (as defined below). IV ATTENDANCE The rights of shareholders to attend the meetings and exercise voting rights is subject to such shareholders being shareholders of the Company at midnight (24:00) Luxembourg time on 19 April 2016 (the "Record Date", i.e. the day falling fourteen (14) days before the date of the Meetings)). In order to attend the Meetings, shareholders must provide the Company with the following three items as explained in greater detail below: (i) this Participation Confirmation, (ii) the Attendance and Proxy Form, and (iii) the Shareholding Confirmation Certificate. Participation Confirmation: The Participation Confirmation must be in writing and indicate that a shareholder holds the Company shares and wishes to participate in the Meetings. A template form of the Participation Confirmation is available on the Company's website at www.ado.properties/AGM2016. The Participation Confirmation must be sent to the Company so that it is received by the Company at the latest by 23:59 CET on 19 April 2016, the Record Date. It must be sent by post or electronic means to:- ADO Properties 20 Rue Eugene Ruppert L-2453 Luxembourg Grand Duchy of Luxembourg Or agm2016@ado.properties Attendance and Proxy form: A template form is available on the Company's website at www.ado.properties/AGM2016 and is to be duly completed and signed by shareholders wishing to attend in person or be represented at the Meeting. Shareholding Confirmation Certificate: This document must indicate the shareholder's name and the number of Company shares held at midnight, (24:00) Luxembourg time on the Record Date. The Shareholding Confirmation Certificate shall be issued by the bank, the professional securities' depositary or the financial institution where the shares are on deposit. A template form is available on the Company's website at www.ado.properties/AGM2016. Shareholders wishing to attend the Meetings must send the Attendance and Proxy form together with the relevant Shareholding Confirmation Certificate by post or electronic means so that they are received by the Company at the latest by noon (12:00 noon CET) on 29 April 2016, to: ADO Properties 20 Rue Eugene Ruppert L-2453 Luxembourg Grand Duchy of Luxembourg Or agm2016@ado.properties Upon receipt by the Company of the Attendance and Proxy Form from a shareholder, it will issue an admission card to those shareholders attending in person. The shareholders must bring their admission card and proof of their identity in form of a valid passport or identity card to the Meetings. Persons designated as proxyholder must bring the Attendance and Proxy Form and proof of their identity in form of a valid passport or identity card to the Meetings. V FURTHER INFORMATION AND QUESTIONS All queries in relation to the Meetings may be addressed by shareholders to the following addresses: agm2016@ado.properties A copy of the complete documentation related to the Meetings is available at the registered office of the Company and on the Company's website under www.ado.properties/AGM2016. Luxembourg, 31 March 2016 The Board of Directors Mr. Moshe Lahmani (The Chairman) 31.03.2016 Veroffentlichung einer Corporate News/Finanznachricht, ubermittelt durch DGAP - ein Service der EQS Group AG. Fur den Inhalt der Mitteilung ist der Emittent / Herausgeber verantwortlich. Die DGAP Distributionsservices umfassen gesetzliche Meldepflichten, Corporate News/Finanznachrichten und Pressemitteilungen. Medienarchiv unter http://www.dgap-medientreff.de und http://www.dgap.de Sprache: Deutsch Unternehmen: ADO Properties S.A. 20 rue Eugene Ruppert LK-2453 Luxemburg Groherzogtum Luxemburg Telefon: +49 (0)30-403 907 900 Fax: +49 (0)30-403 907 901 E-Mail: office@ado.immo Internet: www.ado.immo ISIN: LU1250154413 WKN: A14U78 Indizes: SDAX Borsen: Regulierter Markt in Frankfurt (Prime Standard), Luxembourg; Freiverkehr in Dusseldorf, Stuttgart, Tradegate Exchange Ende der Mitteilung DGAP News-Service 450163 31.03.2016 ISIN LU1250154413 AXC0130 2016-03-31/15:13 ATLANTA, GA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/31/16 -- Speedemissions, Inc. (OTC PINK: SPMI) (the "Company"), a national brand offering our customers quick and efficient emissions testing and safety inspections today announced its financial results for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2015. "We have pared non-economic stores, and disposed of others in markets that ceased to be as attractive as where our core operations are located. As a result, we believe that both our financial and business restructuring initiatives have stabilized, thereby providing a more solid foundation for the future growth of Speedemissions. A primary outcome of these actions is that for the first time in several years, we have been able to produce positive cash flow from operations in five of the past six months," stated Rich Parlontieri, Speedemissions, Inc. President and CEO. "While significant progress has been made, there's more to accomplish in 2016 as we continue to research numerous sectors of the automotive industry that we believe offer profitable opportunities to diversify and expand our business. I'm hopeful that by the third quarter of 2016, we'll be able to announce in greater details these strategies, which may allow us to again grow the company with a positive impact for our shareholders," added Parlontieri. Select Financial Data for Year-End December 31, 2015 Total revenue decreased 41.5%, or $2,312,671, from $5,578,693 for the year ended December 31, 2014 to $3,266,022 for the year-ended December 31, 2015. The reduction in revenue is primarily due to the sale of stores in Houston and Salt Lake City and the non-renewal of eleven stores leases which were closed due to lack of performance. Store operating expenses decreased by 46.2%, or $1,866,000, which was related to the closing of the previously mentioned stores. Same store operating expenses decreased approximately $248,000, primarily due to reductions in wages, bonuses, insurance, and depreciation expenses. General and Administrative expenses decreased 23.6%, or approximately $242,000, largely due to the reduction and elimination of $124,000 in employee compensation, finance and office rent expense Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2915 decreased by $244,186 to ($488,994) as compared to a net loss of ($733,180) for the year ended December 31, 2014. A full analysis of results for the year ended December 31, 2015 is available in the Company's Form 10-K, which is available on the Company's website at www.speedemissions.com or through the Securities and Exchange Commission's Edgar database at www.sec.gov. ABOUT MYVEHICLERECALLS.COM Speedemissions owns and developed the MyVehicleRecalls.com website and e-commerce business featuring the Automobile Date Vehicle Information for Safety Recalls and/or Technical Service Bulletins (TSB's) on nearly every make and model for the past 25 years. These reports are intended to keep the car owner informed about what's really happening under the hood of their vehicle. For more information, visit www.MyVehicleRecalls.com for news and car safety updates. Follow us on Twitter: @myvehiclerecall ABOUT SPEEDEMISSIONS, INC. Speedemissions, Inc., based in Atlanta, Georgia, is a national brand offering our customers quick and efficient emissions testing and safety inspections as required by law. The Company is in the, Atlanta, GA. Salt Lake City, UT. and St. Louis, MO. markets. Speedemissions intends to offer its customers quick and efficient vehicle emissions testing and repair services in convenient locations. For more information visit: www.speedemissions.com Like Us on our Facebook pages: MyVehicleRecalls.com and Speedemissions, Inc. FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS Certain statements contained in this news release regarding matters that are not historical facts may be forward-looking statements. Because such forward-looking statements include risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, uncertainties pertaining to continued market acceptance for Speedemissions' products and services, its ability to increase revenues in the near term to attain profitable operations and generate sufficient cash flow from operations, the effect of new competitors in its market, integration of acquired businesses, and other risk factors identified from time to time in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Speedemissions Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K which are available at the SEC's website www.sec.gov. Other factors not currently anticipated may also materially and adversely affect Speedemissions results of operations, financial position and cash flows. There can be no assurance that future results will meet expectation. While Speedemissions believes that the forward-looking statements in this news release are reasonable, the reader should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement. In addition, these statements speak only as of the date made. Speedemissions does not undertake, and expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. For more information: Speedemissions, Inc. Investor Relations Email: Email Contact ATLANTA, GA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/31/16 -- Outback GutterVac, the premier gutter cleaning franchise, has announced the launch of its interactive franchise website, outbackguttervacfranchise.com, which provides entrepreneurs with a detailed overview of the benefits of investing in an Outback GutterVac franchise. The content-driven franchise website features a variety of information for franchisee candidates interested in learning about ownership opportunities with the premier gutter cleaning franchise. Prospective owners can learn more about the business directly with documentary videos featuring the Outback GutterVac executive team and stay up to date with the latest news about Outback GutterVac's growth and development. "As the American home and property owner becomes more educated about the vital link between routine gutter maintenance and a healthy home environment, Outback GutterVac is the only company poised to win the dominant market share of the emerging gutter cleaning industry," said Gillian Harper, Chief Operating Officer with Outback GutterVac. "We're primarily competing with small-time contractors who aren't capable of our level of service. We are setting the standard for what the American gutter cleaning industry should be, not only from a safety perspective, but also from a customer service perspective. Our customers have never had the level of professionalism that our franchisees extend, nor could they be 100% sure that their gutters were actually cleaned before we entered the marketplace." Outback GutterVac is the premier gutter cleaning franchise The Outback GutterVac gutter cleaning franchise capitalizes on two fundamental facts for every American home and property owner: 1) the need to protect the significant investment made in homes and properties, and 2) the responsibility they have to ensure that their families, tenants or workers are in healthy environments. While new to the United States, Outback GutterVac has been a successful concept in Australia for nearly 20 years. As Outback GutterVac ramps up for rapid expansion in America, our long track record of success in Australia is a key selling point for American franchisees; they have a proven business model to follow, one that has been designed to allow them to think of nothing other than growing their businesses and hiring the right technicians. "Outback GutterVac provides the level of professionalism the American consumer expects," said Scott O'Hara, Director of Outback GutterVac. "While the ThunderVac Technology Process proves the efficacy of what we do -- by cleaning not only what is visible to the eye, but also the debris and the bacteria that is unknowingly growing in your gutters -- we don't rely on technology alone. Our people are experts. We clean the downspouts and can alert our clients to roof damage. We are our clients' eyes in the sky. We provide before-and-after photos, not only to prove our work, but also to live up to our polite and professional appearance and demeanor, as well as our code of ethics." Costs and fees of owning an Outback GutterVac franchise Outback GutterVac is poised to become the dominant national brand for gutter cleaning and is ramping up for rapid expansion across the United States. With a low initial investment, Outback GutterVac is actively seeking entrepreneurs who have a passion for keeping home and property owners healthy in their environments, and who have a desire to improve their lives. With the initial investment ranging from $94,200 to $151,000 for a complete Outback GutterVac franchise, the premier gutter cleaning franchise is offering a low-investment opportunity with the potential for a high return. The time to bring Outback GutterVac to your community is now. Because we believe that veterans have the skill set necessary to become successful Outback GutterVac franchisees, entrepreneurs with a history of honorable military service will be awarded two franchise territories for the cost of one. This incentive will help veterans rapidly scale their businesses as they enter their new career as Outback GutterVac franchisees. To learn more about franchise opportunities with Outback GutterVac, visit outbackguttervacfranchise.com. Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=2986326 Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=2986328 Contact David Sparks Senior Director of Franchise Development david.sparks@outbackguttervac.com 866-817-6993 SAN ANTONIO, TX--(Marketwired - March 31, 2016) - GlobalSCAPE, Inc. (NYSE MKT: GSB), a pioneer and worldwide leader in the secure and reliable exchange of business information, announced today that it has been named one of 2016's Best Companies to Work for in Texas for the sixth consecutive year. The awards program was created in 2006 and is a project of Texas Monthly, the Texas Association of Business (TAB), Texas SHRM and Best Companies Group (BCG). This statewide survey and awards program is managed by independent research firm BCG and was designed to identify, recognize and honor the best employers in Texas. Globalscape was ranked number 16 on the Best Companies to Work for in Texas list, among organizations with 100 to 499 employees. Based on feedback obtained through Engagement and Satisfaction Surveys, employees rate and respond to questions based on eight core focus areas: Leadership and Planning Corporate Culture and Communications Role Satisfaction Work Environment Relationship with Supervisor Training, Development and Resources Pay and Benefits Overall Engagement The rankings were revealed this week at the Best Companies to Work for in Texas awards event, and profiled in a special publication Texas Monthly that was released in conjunction with the event. For more information on the Best Companies to Work for in Texas program, visit www.BestCompaniesTX.com. Supporting Quote: Andrea Farmer, Vice President of Human Resources at Globalscape "At Globalscape, we work hard to create a culture and environment where employees will thrive and innovate. It's an honor to have that work recognized by our own employees and acknowledged from organizations like Texas Monthly, the Texas Association of Business, Texas SHRM and Best Companies Group. Being named one of 2016's Best Companies to Work for in Texas is a reflection of the 'work hard, play hard' attitude we value so deeply at Globalscape." About Globalscape GlobalSCAPE, Inc. (NYSE MKT: GSB) is a pioneer in the reliable exchange of mission-critical business data and intellectual property. Globalscape's leading enterprise suite of solutions delivers military-proven security for achieving best-in-class control and visibility of data across multiple locations. Founded in 1996, Globalscape's software and services are trusted by tens of thousands of customers worldwide, including global enterprises, governments, and small and medium enterprises. For more information, visit www.globalscape.com or follow the blog and Twitter updates. Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The words "would," "exceed," "should," "anticipates," "believe," "steady," "dramatic," and variations of such words and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, but their absence does not mean that a statement is not a forward-looking statement. These forward-looking statements are based upon the Company's current expectations and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ significantly from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements are risks that are detailed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 2015 fiscal year, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 3, 2016. Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/3/30/11G090152/Images/Best%20Companies%20to%20Work%20for%20in%20Texas%202016-1866812028.JPG GLOBALSCAPE PRESS CONTACT Contact: Ciri Haugh Phone Number: +1 (210) 308-8267 Email: PR@globalscape.com DOUGLAS, Isle of Man, March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Secure Direct Mail Team AttendsGlobal Lottery Messenger Forum Representatives from the Isle of Man Post Office will be attending the Global Lottery Messenger Forum conference on April 11th as they aim to boost their share of the lucrative Direct Mail (DM) market for online lotteries. Last year, the Isle of Man Post Office's Secure Direct Mail (SDM) division co-sponsored the event and the team delivered a presentation, showcasing their DM expertise and access to international mail streams. They will aim to build on that success at this year's event by engaging with online lottery companies from around the world at the various networking events that take place throughout the conference. Niall Carey, Commercial Manager of Isle of Man Post Office, said: "Online lotteries are the key growth business in iGaming right now. It currently accounts for only 10% of global online spend, but this is growing by the year and, with lotteries accounting for 29% of gaming spend when offline sales are accounted for, the opportunities are clear." "We see the Global Lottery Messenger Forum as a key event for us as Direct Mail is the ideal marketing tool for lotteries, especially as modern technology offers a seamless link between the mailer and the online lottery site. Lottery messenger services face a unique challenge in persuading people to play international games, in addition to their local ones, and the tangibility of a postal mailer can really help with this." This year's conference is being held in Sofia, capital of Bulgaria, a key location for the rapidly expanding lottery sector. Presentations on offer feature key topics such as payment solutions, jackpot payments and lotteries as an acquisition tool. Lisa Duckworth, Isle of Man Post Office Commercial and Operations Director, commented: "We've won a number of new clients on the back of last year's event and it's great to have a presence again for 2016. Our Direct Mail proposition lends itself perfectly to the distinct requirements of the online lottery sector and we're able to offer bespoke solutions for each client. "Our strategic plan for development of the Secure Direct Mail business has identified lottery messenger services as a key growth area and we are keen to develop new business opportunities in this sector in order to bring more business to the Isle of Man." The Secure Direct Mail team will be attending the Global Lottery Messenger Forum at the Hilton Hotel in Sofia on April 11th. Issued on behalf of the Isle of Man Post Office by Round Robin Consultancy Notes to Editors: The Isle of Man Post Office is a dynamic, forward-thinking and innovative postal business that has been committed to enabling people to communicate internationally from the Isle of Man since it became a postal administration in 1973. Our Secure Direct Mail division offers a one stop shop DM service to businesses in the UK and Worldwide. We offer a fully integrated service to businesses in the eGaming sector, from data cleansing to print, postage and engagement. Our team of experts will work closely with you to devise and deliver innovative and bespoke direct mail campaigns that leave nothing to chance, using a range of different formats for maximum impact. The integrated service pioneered by Secure Direct Mail includes a unique mobile acquisition platform which can be tailored to the specific requirements of each client, including a totally bespoke front end. This allows clients in the eGaming sector to offer targeted, bespoke campaigns without the need to invest in new platforms and custom technology. It is an adaptable and cost-effective solution with all elements, both online and the offline DM, appearing totally unique to the end user. SDM is fully certified to international standards ISO/IEC 27001: 2013 for data security and ISO 9001:2008 for quality management. OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 03/31/16 -- Veterans Ombudsman Guy Parent released today a comprehensive review of the support currently available to families in transition from military to civilian life. Support to Military Families in Transition: A Review examines the role of transitioning families, the challenges they face and the benefits and programs available to them. It also provides an update of actions, as of January 1, 2016, against recommendations made in earlier reports. The review was prepared in consultation with the Department of National Defence/Canadian Forces Ombudsman. "Transitioning from military to civilian life is often tough on family members, particularly in cases where the member has an illness or injury," said Mr. Parent. "A successful transition is essential for the long-term independence, financial security, health and social integration of the transitioning member and their family. One of my priorities is to focus on improving essential support to families." The Review identifies five areas where recommendations have not yet been addressed for families of medically-releasing Canadian Armed Forces and Veterans: a lack of direct and proactive communication to families about programs and services; a lack of outreach to determine if needs are being met and identify those in crisis; a lack of treatment benefits for family members in their own right; no wage compensation for family caregivers, and no access to the Dental Plan for some families. "Of particular concern to me is the need for a caregiver compensation program for those family members who give up a career to stay home and care for their Veteran" said Mr. Parent. "I recommended action on this in Improving the New Veterans Charter: The Report, released in October 2013. To date , this has not been addressed and remains a problem of significant concern for many families transitioning from military to civilian life." Next steps for the Office of the Veterans Ombudsman include a study to determine the factors that contribute to a successful integration into civilian life, and the ongoing monitoring of recently announced initiatives to ensure they are meeting their intent to help families face transition challenges. On April 5, 2016, the Office will host a Twitter Chat to discuss the challenges families face in transition. Follow @VetsOmbudsman and OVOChat to be part of the discussion. Contacts: Media inquiries: Lucille Hodgins Office of the Veterans Ombudsman 613-943-7884 lucille.hodgins@ombudsman-veterans.gc.ca Vilnius, Lithuania, 2016-03-31 15:23 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Investment in information technology businesses company INVL Technology was announced the winner at the privatisation auction of Estonian IT company Andmevara.Financial advisor of the Transaction Redgate Capital announced the decision of the Estonian Ministry of Interior on 30th March 2016.The transaction is expected to be completed in April, once the share acquisition agreement is signed. The value of the deal depends on the amount of dividends paid out to the Estonian State, and will be announced after the acquisition is completed.Andmevara is a complex IT solutions and services provider to public sector organisations with expertise in e-Government solutions that include development of registries, important national information systems and software, digitisation, database development and hosting services. The Company was formed in 1997 based on a former governmental organisation Riigiarvutuskeskus, the history of which dates back to 1970.Andmevara actively contributes to implementation of Estonian E-Government project, offers several ready-made software products to municipal and governmental institutions, and mostly serves Estonian public sector organisations. From 2002 until 2015, the Company processed the Estonian Population Registry, which was transferred to the Ministry of the Interior IT and Development Centre (SMIT) in 2016, as a part of the effort to consolidate certain IT functions of the State.Andmevara has a subsidiary company in Moldova.INVL Technology operates as a cluster of B2B- and B2G-oriented IT businesses with a focus in four key areas: business climate improvement and e-governance, IT infrastructure, cyber security and IT intensive industries' solutions.The largest INVL Technology investments currently are companies in Lithuania, Norway, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda: Norway Registers Development AS with subsidiaries NRD UAB, ETRONIKA UAB, Norway Registers Development East Africa Ltd, Norway Registers Development Rwanda Ltd and Infobank Uganda Ltd, BAIP UAB with subsidiary Acena UAB and NRD CS UAB.The person authorized to provide additional information: Kazimieras Tonkunas Director E-mail: K.Tonkunas@invltechnology.lt VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/31/16 -- Southern Silver Exploration Corp. (TSX VENTURE: SSV)(FRANKFURT: SEG1)(SSE: SSVCL) ("Southern Silver") continues to advance the Cerro Las Minitas project with the approval of a 2016 Phase I Exploration Budget and receipt of US$750,000 in funding from Electrum Global Holdings L.P. ("Electrum"), which is financing a broad range of exploration activities to earn a 60% interest in the project. Crew mobilization is underway with work on the property expected to begin in the first week of April. Following a very successful 2015 exploration program, Southern Silver, as Operator, will undertake approximately 2250 metres of drilling in three holes for a budget of USD$750,000. Southern Silver will continue to focus on expanding the overall size of the deposit initially with two drill holes, targeting the southeastern extensions of the Blind and El Sol deposits which will offset thick intercepts of high-grade mineralization from 2015 drilling in 15CLM-25 (12.8m est true thickness averaging 113g/t Ag, 0.5g/t Au, 0.4% Cu, 0.9% Pb and 3.6% Zn) and 15CLM-81 (8.7m est true thickness of 136g/t Ag, 0.5% Cu, 0.3% Pb, 4.5% Zn). A third hole may test further offsets of these zones or alternatively high-grade, precious-metal enriched mineralization in the Mina La Bocona area (see Figure 1) where the 2015 discovery hole returned an 8.2m est. true thickness of 0.5g/t Au, 150g/t Ag, 3.7% Pb and 0.7% Zn (325g/t AgEq) in drill hole 15CLM-078. This round of exploration is designed to build on Southern Silver's recent announcement of its maiden Mineral Resource Estimate of the Cerro Las Minitas project (see NR-04-16, March 21, 2016 and Table in this release) which totaled: -- Indicated: 10.8Mozs Ag, 189Mlbs Pb and 207Mlbs Zn (36.5Mozs AgEq); and -- Inferred: 17.5Mozs Ag, 237Mlbs Pb and 626Mlbs Zn (77.3Mozs AgEq) Electrum has previously contributed a total of US$2.0 million towards exploration and has earned an indirect 30% interest in the Cerro Las Minitas project. Electrum also has the right to earn an additional 20% by expending US$1.5 million in exploration expenditures by May 2019, of which US$750,000 has been advanced to fund 2016 operations. An additional 10% interest may be earned by advancing an additional US$1.5 million in exploration expenditures during this same time period. To view Figure 1, please visit the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/ssv0331fig1.pdf. 2016 Mineral Resource Estimate - Base Case Utilizing a 150g/t AgEq cut-off ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Indicated ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tonnes Ag Au Pb Zn Cu AgEq Zone (Kt) (g/t) (g/t) (%) (%) (%) (g/t) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Blind Zone 2,641 99 0.07 2.4 2.1 0.10 303 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- El Sol Zone 1,083 69 0.02 2.1 3.5 0.09 311 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 3,724 90 0.05 2.3 2.5 0.09 305 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Inferred ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tonnes Ag Au Pb Zn Cu AgEq Zone (Kt) (g/t) (g/t) (%) (%) (%) (g/t) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Blind Zone 2,863 91 0.28 1.6 3.9 0.21 364 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- El Sol Zone 2,909 71 0.09 1.9 4.1 0.11 339 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Santo Nino Zone 839 95 0.03 0.9 6.1 0.47 446 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 6,611 82 0.17 1.6 4.3 0.20 363 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Indicated ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ag Au AgEq Tonnes (ozs x (ozs x Pb Zn Cu (Oz) Zone (Kt) 1000) 1000) (Mlbs) (Mlbs) (Mlbs) (000's) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Blind Zone 2,641 8,442 5.7 139.4 123.3 5.6 25,720 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- El Sol Zone 1,083 2,392 0.6 49.8 83.6 2.0 10,812 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 3,724 10,834 6.3 189.2 206.9 8 36,532 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Inferred ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ag Au AgEq Tonnes (ozs x (ozs x Pb Zn Cu (Oz) Zone (Kt) 1000) 1000) (Mlbs) (Mlbs) (Mlbs) (000's) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Blind Zone 2,863 8,370 25.9 98.0 249.0 13.1 33,498 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- El Sol Zone 2,909 6,594 8.6 121.8 264.4 7.2 31,719 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Santo Nino Zone 839 2,568 0.8 17.5 113.0 8.6 12,036 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 6,611 17,533 35.4 237.3 626.4 29.0 77,252 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Notes: 1. Mineral Resource Estimate as of March 21, 2016, utilizing a 150g/t AgEq cut-off value 2. The current Resource Estimate was prepared by Garth Kirkham, P.Geo. of Kirkham Geosciences Ltd. 3. CIM definitions were followed for Mineral Resources 4. Mineral resources were constrained using mainly geological constraints and approximate 10g/t AgEq grade shells 5. Mineral Resources were estimated using a long term prices of $15/oz silver, $1,100/oz gold, $2.75/lb Cu, $0.90/lb lead and $0.90/lb zinc Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Inferred Resources are considered too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be classified as Mineral Reserves. There is no assurance that any part of the Inferred Resource will be converted to Measured or Indicated Mineral Resources or ultimately converted to a Mineral Reserve. About Southern Silver Exploration Corp. Southern Silver Exploration Corp. is a precious metal exploration and development company with a focus on the discovery of world class mineral deposits in north-central Mexico and the southern USA with specific emphasis on the Cerro Las Minitas silver-lead-zinc project located in the heart of Mexico's Faja de Plata which hosts multiple world class mineral deposits such as Penasquito, San Martin, Naica and Pitarilla. We have assembled a team of highly experienced technical, operational and transactional professionals to support our exploration efforts in developing the Cerro Las Minitas project into a premier, high-grade, silver-lead-zinc mine. The Company engages in the acquisition, exploration and development either directly or through joint venture relationships in mineral properties in major jurisdictions. Our property portfolio also includes the Oro porphyry copper-gold project located in southern New Mexico, USA. Robert Macdonald, MSc., P.Geo., is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and responsible for the supervision of the exploration on the Cerro Las Minitas Project and for the preparation and review of the technical results in this disclosure. Garth Kirkham, P.Geo., and Principal of Kirkham Geosciences Limited is the Independent Qualified Person responsible for the preparation and disclosure of the Mineral Resource Estimate. On behalf of the Board of Directors Lawrence Page, Q.C., President & Director, Southern Silver Exploration Corp. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include the timing and receipt of government and regulatory approvals, and continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. Southern Silver Exploration Corp. does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law. Contacts: Southern Silver Exploration Corp. 604.641.2759 ir@mnxltd.com www.southernsilverexploration.com As initiated and decided by the Board of Directors of AB Amber Grid (legal entity code 303090867, office address Savanoriu pr. 28, LT-03116 Vilnius, Republic of Lithuania), the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of AB Amber Grid will be convened at 10.00 a.m., 26 April 2016, at the Company's head office (address: Savanoriu pr. 28, Vilnius).Draft Agenda of the Meeting:1) Auditor's report on AB Amber Grid financial statements for 2015 and AB Amber Grid Annual Report 2015.2) Information of the Audit Committee.3) Annual Report of AB Amber Grid for 2015.4) Approval of AB Amber Grid financial statements for 2015.5) Approval of AB Amber Grid Profit (Loss) Allocation for 2015.6) Election of the Audit Company and determining the terms of compensation for audit services for the year 2016.7) Amendments to the Articles of Association8) Election of the Board of Directors.9) Abolition of the Audit Committee and repeal of the Regulations for the Formation and Activities of the Audit Committee.Shareholder registration will commence at 9.15 a.m., 26 April 2016.Shareholder registration will be closed at 9.45 a.m., 26 April 2016.The Record Date of the General Meeting of Shareholders: 19 April 2016. To be entitled to attend and vote at the General Meeting of Shareholders, persons must be registered shareholders of the Company at the end of the Record Date of the General Meeting of Shareholders. Shareholders' Rights Record Date shall be 10 May 2016. Persons entitled to receive the dividend shall be the ones who will be shareholders of AB Amber Grid as of the end of the Shareholders' Rights Record Date.To be entitled to participate and vote at the General Meeting of Shareholders, persons must provide their identification documents. Persons who are not shareholders of AB Amber Grid, shall in addition to the aforesaid documents present documents certifying their right to vote at the General Meeting of Shareholders.A possibility of participating and voting in the General Meeting of Shareholders by electronic means of communication shall not be provided.On 31 March 2016, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the Draft Agenda and Draft Resolutions of the General Meeting of Shareholders:1) Auditor's report on AB Amber Grid financial statements for 2015 and AB Amber Grid Annual Report 2015.Draft Resolution:When taking decisions regarding approval of AB Amber Grid financial statements for 2015 and the AB Amber Grid Annual Report 2015, to take note of the opinion presented in the Independent auditor's report to the shareholders of AB Amber Grid.2) Information of the Audit Committee.Draft Resolution:To take note of the information presented by the Audit Committee on its activities.3) Annual Report of AB Amber Grid for 2015.Draft Resolution:To approve Annual Report of AB Amber Grid for 2015.4) Approval of AB Amber Grid financial statements for 2015.Draft Resolution:To approve AB Amber Grid financial statements for 2015.5) Approval of AB Amber Grid Profit (Loss) Allocation for 2015.Draft Resolution:To approve AB Amber Grid Profit (Loss) Allocation for 2015 (attached).6) The election of the Audit Company and determining the terms of compensation for audit services for the year 2016.Draft Resolution:To elect UAB PricewaterhouseCoopers as the Audit Company to perform the audit of AB Amber Grid financial statements as of 31 December 2016 (drawn up in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards and of the Annual Report and regulated activity financial statements prepared in accordance with the requirements established by the Law on Natural Gas and secondary legislation) and to set remuneration for the services of the audit of the financial statements and related statements at EUR 15,910 (excluding VAT).7) Amendments to the Articles of Association.Draft Resolution:1. To adopt the new version of the Articles of Association of AB Amber Grid (as per attachment).2. To authorise the CEO of AB Amber Grid, Saulius Bilys, either in person or through a proxy, to sign the amended version of the Articles of Association of AB Amber Grid and to take any and all actions required for the registration of the Articles of Association with the Register of Legal Entities of the Republic of Lithuania.8) Election of the Board of Directors.Draft Resolution:1. Given the fact that the term in office of the Board of Directors (as elected in accordance with the Articles of Association of AB Amber Grid on 11 June 2013) expired before the date of the present General Meeting of Shareholders, to elect a new Board of Directors of AB Amber Grid consisting of the following members:-________________________________;-________________________________;-________________________________;-________________________________;-________________________________.2. Given the fact that the present General Meeting of Shareholders has passed the resolution on the adoption of a new version of the Articles of Association of AB Amber Grid providing for a 4-year-term of Board of Directors, upon the registration of the respective amendments of the Articles of Association, the term of the Board of Directors as elected by the present General Meeting of Shareholders, shall be 4 years.9) Abolition of the Audit Committee and repeal of the Regulations for the Formation and Activities of the Audit Committee.Draft Resolution:In consideration of the fact the term in office of the Board of Directors that was elected on 11 June 2013 expired prior to the date of the present General Meeting of Shareholders, which in accordance with the Regulations for the Formation and Activities of the Audit Committee means also the expiry of the term in office of the Audit Committee that was nominated by the Board of Directors in question, and also in consideration of the fact that in accordance with the newly adopted version of the Articles of Association of AB Amber Grid the functions of the Audit Committee of AB Amber Grid will be carried out by the Audit Committee of the parent company, UAB EPSO-G, to abolish the Audit Committee of AB Amber Grid, with effect as from the date of the registration with the Register of Legal Entities of the Articles of Association as adopted by the present General Meeting of Shareholders, and to repeal the Regulations for the Formation and Activities of the Audit Committee of AB Amber Grid (as adopted by the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of 11 December 2013).The shareholders may familiarise themselves with the Draft Resolutions of the General Meeting of Shareholders and supplementary material thereof, also with the implementation of the shareholders' rights on working days from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. (on Fridays until 3.15 p.m.) from 1 April 2016 at the office of AB Amber Grid at Savanoriu pr. 28, LT-03116 Vilnius, tel. +370 5 2360855 These documents are also presented on the Central Database of Regulated Information www.crib.lt and at Company's website www.ambergrid.lt.Annexes:1. AB Amber Grid Shareholder Ballot 2. AB Amber Grid Power of Attorney Form 3. AB Amber Grid Shareholders' Rights 4. Information of the Audit Committee 5. Confirmation of Responsible Persons 6. Annual Report of AB Amber Grid for 2015, submitted together with the Corporate Governance Report form . 7. AB Amber Grid financial statements for 2015. 8. Draft Profit (Loss) Allocation of AB Amber Grid for 2015. 9. Draft Articles of Association of AB Amber Grid.The individual authorised by AB Amber Grid (the issuer) to provide additional information on the material event:Tomas SuslaviciusDirector of Legal and Administration Departmenttel. +370 5 232 7732fax +370 5 236 0850e-mail: t.suslavicius@ambergrid.ltAttachment:https://cns.omxgroup.com/cds/DisclosureAttachmentServlet?messageAttachmentId=554143 31 March 2016 COINSILIUM GROUP LIMITED ("Coinsilium" or the "Company") Investee Company Update SatoshiPay releases results of initial product launch Coinsilium Group Limited, the blockchain technology investment and development company, is pleased to announce that SatoshiPay Ltd ('SatoshiPay'), a company in which Coinsilium has a 14.5% equity interest, has released results of initial product launch. Copy of the announcement by SatoshiPay BERLIN - March 31, 2016. SatoshiPay, a blockchain-based nanopayments company that enables digital transactions on a micro-scale, today announced interim results of its product launch. SatoshiPay's technology enables content publishers to facilitate nanopayments, generating new revenue streams for publishers by allowing them to monetize content they previously would be unable to. On February 1st, 2016, SatoshiPay released the first version of its product, which integrates seamlessly with WordPress, the world's most popular web publishing platform, powering over 26% of websites globally. SatoshiPay co-founder & CEO, Meinhard Benn was quoted "we were eager to release the first version of our product as fast as possible and the engagement from publishers and users has been tremendous". SatoshiPay is pleased to report that in under 2 months, the company's platform: Facilitated over 1,607 sales Catalogued over 6,687 items for sale Adopted by over 120 publishers Generated over 7,964 unique user wallets "We are very early on in the development of our product, but we've had an impressive reaction to the product without any advertising or marketing. We have proven that nanopayments can create monetisation opportunities, where they didn't exist before" continued Benn. Master Investor Ltd, the company that operates the hugely successful "Master Investor" magazine is one of the early adopters of SatoshiPay, utilising the product on just one web page, has seen strong results using SatoshiPay. Swen Lorenz, CEO of Master Investor said "We are big believers in nanopayments as a means to monetise content that we traditionally haven't been able to monetise, we are very impressed with the interim results and are eager to expand the trial." SatoshiPay intends to release future updates to its WordPress product as well as expanding its product line to support the growing demand for nanopayments across digital products that run on the web and mobile. About SatoshiPay: SatoshiPay was founded in Berlin in September 2014 by Meinhard Benn, Henning Peters and Kilian Thalhammer as a Bitcoin payments company. SatoshiPay Ltd is headquartered in London and development is done through the Berlin subsidiary SatoshiPay Germany UG. Angel funding for SatoshiPay Ltd was supplied by Axel Springer Plug & Play and Henning Peters, seed funding was raised through publicly listed companies Coinsilium Group (ISDX:COIN) and FastForward Innovations (LON:FFWD). Development of SatoshiPay's nanopayment product started in April 2015 and its beta version was released in February 2016. Find frequently updated information at the company's website https://satoshipay.io, its blog https://medium.com/@SatoshiPay and Twitter @SatoshiPay. Contact: Meinhard Benn Co-founder and CEO meinhard@satoshipay.io https://satoshipay.io Twitter: @SatoshiPay The Directors of Coinsilium Group Limited take responsibility for this announcement. For further information please visit www.coinsilium.com or contact the following: Eddy Travia Coinsilium Group Limited +44 (0) 207 099 0740 David Coffman / Asha Chotai Daniel Stewart & Company (Corporate Adviser & Joint Broker) +44 (0) 207 776 6550 Nick Emerson / Andy Thacker SI Capital Limited (Joint Broker) +44 (0) 1483 413 500 Josh Royston / Hilary Buchanan Alma PR (Public Relations) +44 (0) 7515 805 218 Notes to Editor Coinsilium is a London-based blockchain technology focused investment and development company, supporting early-stage blockchain companies through investment, acceleration, development and education. Coinsilium shares are traded on ISDX, ICAP Securities and Derivatives Exchange Regulated Market (ticker: COIN). Coinsilium has a portfolio of interests in blockchain companies and offers a suite of services including CPD accredited training & education, investment solutions, in-house development and other professional services to blockchain/fintech companies and major corporations eager to learn how blockchain technology can transform their business processes. For further information please visit http://www.coinsilium.com/ NEW DELHI (dpa-AFX) - A court in India has stayed the arrest of the President and two Directors of an Indian mobile handset company, which launched the world's cheapest smartphone last month. Ringing Bells unveiled the 'Freedom 251' model, at an astonishing price of just 251 Indian Rupees ($3.66), at a high-profile function in New Delhi, but was forced to suspend taking orders online for 24 hours due to overload. The offer had raised concerns in the Indian mobile handset industry on feasibility of offering such a low price. The Indian Cellular Association (ICA) sent a letter to Telecom Minister raising concerns about the pricing of the device. Police had registered an FIR against the company's President Ashok Chadha and its Directors Mohit Goel and Dharna Garg on the basis of a complaint by a ruling party MP, who had alleged that he suspectesd Ringing Bells to be a ponzi scam and that the company had raised funds by issuing misleading advertisements. The company's top executives filed a petition seeking a stay on their arrest. A Division Bench of the Allahabad High Court Thursday passed an order in their favor. The The petitioners had submitted before the court that the entire amount received by Ringing Bells from the prospective customers of the smart phone amounting to Rs 84 lakh has been returned individually to all the customers. The court ordered that no coercive steps shall be taken against the petitioners, and that they surrender their passport to the Police. The case has been adjourned for hearing on April 5. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de SAN FRANCISCO, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/31/16 -- Human capital expert Neel Bhatia, 41, has been promoted to Chief Executive Officer of Green Peak Partners. Bhatia succeeds Green Peak founder JP Flaum, 44, who will become Chairman. Green Peak is an organizational and human capital consulting firm that serves Fortune 1000 companies, private equity firms and their portfolio companies, and non-profits. The firm works with clients to enhance their investment and hiring decisions by helping them maximize human capital and culture, cultivate and leverage leadership talent, and improve organizational structure. Bhatia was previously head of Green Peak's West Coast efforts. He has a long track record serving the private equity community; he has advised on building the organizational and talent infrastructures of rapidly growing portfolio companies for dozens of mid- and large-cap private equity firms. His expertise includes assessing and developing senior executives and leadership teams, and his work has spanned the consumer goods, retail, oil and gas, technology, and financial services sectors. Bhatia joined Green Peak in 2008 from The Boston Consulting Group, where he was a Principal in the Technology, Media, and Telecom practice area. He previously held several roles with high growth start-ups, and prior to that, held positions at IBM, Intel, and Deloitte Consulting. He holds an MBA from the Wharton School and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from University of California, Los Angeles. "I decided to take my own tough advice and put the best person possible to grow our company into the CEO role," Flaum said. "With Neel at the helm, Green Peak will be able to achieve even greater impact for our PE, corporate, and non-profit clients. He is a true leader in our space, a superb advisor on people issues, and a great manager of our own talented team." Said Co-Founder and Partner Tiffany McFerrin Foa, "We're excited about our next phase of growth, and I believe Neel's appointment will accelerate our expansion into new, innovative offerings, including greater leverage of technologies that help companies create winning cultures and teams." Flaum said that he will focus even more on cultivating ideas and thought leadership for private equity investors and Boards. He is expanding on his research on "Learning Agility in the C-Suite," published last year with the upcoming, "What You Don't Know about CEO Hiring Might Kill You (or at Least Your Company)." He is also broadening his keynote speaking with topics germane to most aspiring leaders. Said Bhatia, "In the 10 years that Green Peak has been serving clients, we have been able to make a measurable difference in how PE firms, their portfolio companies, and other organizations approach all-important decisions related to their most valuable assets: people. It's an honor and a privilege to help build upon this work and increase and deepen our client partnerships. To do this with the most talented and committed team I know makes it even sweeter." For more information, please contact Katarina Wenk-Bodenmiller of Sommerfield Communications, Inc. at (212) 255-8386 or Katarina@sommerfield.com. About Green Peak Partners Green Peak Partners, founded in 2006, is an organizational and human capital consulting firm with offices in Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Cleveland, Denver, New York, San Francisco and Seattle. Green Peak is committed to expanding the talent and leadership capability of its client companies at both the individual and team level. For more information, visit http://greenpeakpartners.com. Contact: Katarina Wenk-Bodenmiller Sommerfield Communications, Inc. (212) 255-8386 Katarina@sommerfield.com BEIJING (dpa-AFX) - Rating agency Standard & Poor's lowered China's credit rating outlook to 'negative' from 'stable,' saying that though the country's reform agenda remains on track, the economic rebalancing is likely to proceed more slowly than expected. The agency affirmed China's 'AA-' long-term and 'A-1+' short-term sovereign credit ratings. 'We revised the outlook to reflect our expectation that the economic and financial risks to the Chinese government's creditworthiness are gradually increasing,' S&P said in a statement. 'This follows from our belief that, over the next five years, China will show modest progress in economic rebalancing and credit growth deceleration.' Early March, Moody's Investor Service also lowered China's rating outlook to 'negative' from 'stable,' citing weak fiscal metrics, a fall in reserve buffers and uncertainty about the government's ability to implement reforms. The agency affirmed the Aa3 rating for China. S&P forecast China's economic growth to remain at or above 6 percent annually over the next three years. However, the agency expects the government and corporate leverage ratios to deteriorate, and the investment rate to be well above a sustainable levels of 30-35 percent of GDP and among the highest ratios of rated sovereigns. These expected trends could weaken the Chinese economy's resilience to shocks, limit the government's policy options, and increase the likelihood of a sharper decline in trend growth rate, S&P said. Following China's outlook downgrade, S&P also lowered Hong Kong's rating outlook to 'negative' from 'stable.' The agency affirmed Hong Kong's 'AAA' long-term and 'A-1+' short-term issuer credit ratings. 'We do not believe that the credit standing of Hong Kong can be completely disconnected from that of the mainland, given financial and economic linkages, and the ultimate sovereign authority of China,' S&P said. 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. WILMINGTON, DE--(Marketwired - March 31, 2016) - The Order of the Sons of Italy (OSIA) Prince of Piedmont Lodge #475 of Wilmington will formally recognize Wilmington University President Dr. Jack Varsalona for his significant contributions to the Italian communities of Wilmington and Delaware at the lodge's 100 th anniversary gala on Saturday, April 9. The Centennial Celebration dinner will be held at the Chase Center on the Wilmington Riverfront beginning with a cocktail reception at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner and a brief program. Music and dancing will round out the evening. The community is invited to attend the lodge's Centennial Celebration. Ticket cost is $100 per person. During the program, Piedmont Lodge President James Lemmon will present Varsalona with a check for $5,000 to help underwrite and further Italian studies at Wilmington University. "I am honored to receive this recognition from the Piedmont Lodge," said Varsalona. "Because many students will benefit from their generosity, I accept it in the name of all Italians who have come to this country and this state to make a better life for themselves and for their children." To purchase tickets, contact Jim Lemmon at (302) 379-3911. About Wilmington University Wilmington University is a private, nonprofit institution committed to providing flexible, career-oriented, traditional and online associate, undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs. Ranked as the third fastest growing doctoral institution in America 2003 -- 2013 by The Almanac of The Chronicle of Higher Education, affordable tuition, academic excellence and individualized attention are hallmarks of the University that enable greater student success in their chosen careers. For more information, contact Wilmington University at 302-356-INFO (4636), via email at infocenter@wilmu.edu, or visit our website: www.wilmu.edu. About OSIA Prince of Piedmont Lodge #475 A group of Italian immigrants gathered in Wilmington, Delaware, in February, 1916, to form a lodge that would be associated with the Order of the Sons of Italy of America (OSIA), a national fraternal organization. The result of that meeting was Prince of Piedmont Lodge #475, which soon become an integral part of Wilmington's Italian American community and Saint Anthony of Padua Church. To this day, the lodge remains a stabilizing force in Wilmington's Little Italy neighborhood. President James Lemmon attributes the lodge's longevity and success to "the hard work of our predecessors and the diligence of our current membership, which, including the Ladies Auxiliary, numbers over 800 strong." Over the last 100 years, the lodge has made numerous contributions to many area organizations, including Delaware Special Olympics; St. Anthony Senior Center; Emanuel Dining Room for the Homeless; the Little Sisters of the Poor, the National Autism Foundation and the American Cancer Society. The lodge has also provided over $75,000 in school scholarships to Lodge member's families. Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/3/31/11G090974/Images/Dr._Jack_Varsalona_2015_crop-961deda2b8ac825e9428937e49d594c4.jpg Contacts: James Lemmon President Prince of Piedmont Lodge #475 (302) 379-3911 Laurie Bick Public Relations Wilmington University (302) 295-1164 OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 03/31/16 -- Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat Treasury Board President Scott Brison, speaking today at the Canadian Open Dialogue Forum in Ottawa, invited Canadians to participate in public consultations to help deliver the Government of Canada's agenda for more openness and transparency. In the context of open dialogue, this series of consultations will be used to develop Canada's 2016-18 strategy on open government, to be released this summer. Beginning May 1, the Government will also be seeking input from Canadians on how best to implement its commitments to improve the Access to Information Act. Minister Brison will kick-off the consultations on open government by hosting a Google Hangout with leading experts and leaders on April 6. Open government is about expanding Canadians' trust in government and their ability to hold government accountable. It also opens the door for greater public participation in public policy, and supports the Government of Canada's commitment to evidence-based decision making. Canadians are invited to provide comments online or participate in roundtables in various cities. Quick facts -- Budget 2016 included the following measures to support better engagement with Canadians, to design and deliver an ambitious open government strategy, and to accelerate and expand the delivery of digital content: -- $12.9 million over five years to help the Treasury Board Secretariat enhance Canadians' access to their own personal information -- $11.5 million over five years for Treasury Board Secretariat's open government activities -- In April and May 2016, online and in-person consultations on open government will take place across Canada. Details will be posted on the consultation site at open.canada.ca. -- Online and in-person consultations on revitalizing access to information will be held May 1 to July 1. Details will be posted on the consultation site at open.canada.ca. -- Canada is a member of the Open Government Partnership (OGP), a global initiative to promote transparency, citizen engagement, and use of new technologies to strengthen governance. Quotes "Canadians elected us with a mandate to make government more open and transparent. I look forward to engaging them in these consultations as we take another step towards fulfilling our commitment to make government information open by default. We recognize that ultimately, government information belongs to the people we serve." - Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board Related products - Canada's Open Government Portal - Consultation - Engaging on open government Associated Links - Canadian Open Dialogue Forum - Open Government Partnership Follow us on Twitter: @TBS_Canada. Contacts: Media contacts Jean-Luc Ferland Press Secretary Office of the President of the Treasury Board 613-369-3163 Media Relations Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat 613-369-9400 media@tbs-sct.gc.ca TTY (telecommunications device for the hearing impaired) 613-369-9371 Q-Flow will help to improve customer experience in 180 Vodafone stores in Germany Q-nomy UK, a leading global provider of customer flow optimization solutions, today announced it will deliver its Q-Flow Multi-Channel Visit Management Solution to Vodafone Germany. Q-Flow will support Vodafone in improving customer experience, providing visit management capabilities and appointment scheduling for its customers in 180 stores nationwide. Q-Flow's location-based, appointment self-scheduling capabilities will enable Vodafone customers to book service and sales appointments, as well as to buy items online and pick them up in store (BOPIS). "Online appointment scheduling is already available for all Vodafone stores in Germany", says Michael Allen, Head of Operations at Q-nomy UK. Allen says 500 Vodafone stores in the UK will offer online self-scheduling by the end of 2016. "We expect Q-Flow to be a major factor in Vodafone's strategic goal of giving their customers the optimal experience, whether they shop online or in store, or request and receive service for their equipment", says Andy Hart, Lead project Manager in Q-nomy UK. Vodafone joins a long list of leading retail and telecom businesses who chose Q-nomy as provider of their in-store retail experience software solutions. About Vodafone Vodafone Germany is a leading integrated telecommunications company in Germany with 45 million customers, 11 billion in revenue and 14,000 employees. 90 of all DAX-listed companies and 15 of 16 federal states are already Vodafone customers. Vodafone Germany is the largest operating company of the Vodafone Group, one of the world's largest telecommunications companies with its own cellular networks in 26 countries and partner networks in a further 57 nations. It also has fixed network infrastructures in 17 countries. Vodafone has around 461 million mobile service customers and 13 fixed network service customers around the world. About Q-nomy Inc. Q-nomy enables companies and organizations to make the most of every customer visit in physical and virtual outlets like stores, branches, clinics, offices and online platforms. Q-nomy has offices in North America and the UK, and has over 1200 installations in five continents in retail, telco, finance, healthcare, education and government organizations. Additional Resources: Visit Vodafone.de shop finder http://www.vodafone.de/filialsuche.html Visit www.qnomy.com Q-nomy on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/qnomy View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160331005932/en/ Contacts: Media contact Q-nomy UK Michael Allen, +44 (0)333 600 8090 DEARBORN (dpa-AFX) - Ford Motor Company (F) issued three safety recalls in North America. The company issued a safety recall for approximately 38,000 2015-2016 low-roof Ford Transit vehicles to inspect and adjust side-curtain airbags as needed. In some vehicles, it is possible the side-curtain airbags are positioned incorrectly on either or both sides of the vehicle, which may influence side-curtain airbag performance and increase the risk of injury in a crash. The company noted that it is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this issue. Affected vehicles include certain 2015-2016 low-roof Ford Transit vehicles built at Kansas City Assembly Plant, March 12, 2014 through March 18, 2016. There are 37,905 vehicles affected, including 37,066 in the United States and federalized territories and 839 in Canada. In addition, Ford issued a safety recall for approximately 5,500 2015-2016 Lincoln MKC and 2016 Ford Explorer vehicles to remove the heaters and replace them with an updated design. The engine block design, coupled with the particular block heater installed in these vehicles, causes the unit to be susceptible to overheating when the vehicle is parked and the block heater is plugged in -increasing the risk of an underhood fire. Ford stated that it is aware of two reports of underhood fires in Canada, but is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this issue. Affected vehicles include certain 2015-2016 Lincoln MKC vehicles built at Louisville Assembly Plant, November 25, 2013 through January 25, 2016 and certain 2016 Ford Explorer vehicles built at Chicago Assembly Plant, October 20, 2014 through Jan. 28, 2016. There are 5,536 vehicles affected by the issue, including 3,129 2015-2016 Lincoln MKC and 2,407 2016 Ford Explorer vehicles, with 1,543 of the affected vehicles in the United States and federalized territories and 3,993 in Canada. Additionally, Ford has issued a safety recall for approximately 4,800 Ford F-650 and F-750 vehicles to replace the parking brake cable connector clips. In some vehicles, the parking brake connector clips were not manufactured to the correct specifications and could break - resulting in unintended movement of the vehicle and increased risk of injury. Ford said it is not aware of any accidents, injuries or fires related to this condition. Affected vehicles include certain 2015-2016 Ford F-650 and F-750 vehicles built at Escobedo Assembly Plant, Jan. 28, 2015 through April 23, 2015, and Ohio Assembly Plant, Jan. 31, 2015 through Nov. 30, 2015. There are 4,764 vehicles affected, including 4,654 in the United States and federalized territories and 110 in Canada. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de Regulatory News: Press Release Paris, March 31st 2016 Following satisfaction of regulatory closing conditions and in line with the previous press release of 29 January 2016, Pernod Ricard (Paris:RI) announces the completion of acquisition of a majority share of the dry-gin brand Monkey 47. About Pernod Ricard Pernod Ricard is the world's n2 in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of 8,558 million in 2014/15. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine's, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Kahlua and Malibu liqueurs, Mumm and Perrier- Jouet champagnes, as well Jacob's Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, Graffigna and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,000 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 "Brand Companies" and 85 "Market Companies" established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard's strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics. Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index. About Monkey 47 Just another Gin? Certainly not! Bollenhut, turban and bowler hat a batch distilled and handcrafted gin that fuses British traditions, the exoticism of India, and the purity and originality of the Black Forest with masterly craftmanship. A genuine Black Forest dry gin. Indeed, a good third of the ingredients for this special gin originate from the Black Forest, such as the spruce tips, lingonberries, elderflower, sloes and blackberry leaves, to name but a few. In total, 47 handpicked plant ingredients prepared in extremely soft spring water from the Black Forest lend Monkey 47 unrivaled complexity and quality. The piece de resistance is a real Black Forest "secret weapon," fresh lingonberries. Through masterly distillation and maturing in traditional earthenware containers, the goodness of all these ingredients is brought fully to bear. From the tranquil Black Forest valley, Monkey 47 has now embarked on its round-the-world trip and is currently available in over 50 countries on four continents. Aficionados, bartenders and connoisseurs the world over have come to appreciate the incredible complexity and harmony of a gin that has been invented as long as 60 years ago mainly out of nothing more than a nostalgic yearning for England. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160331005882/en/ Contacts: Contacts Pernod Ricard Julia MASSIES, +33 (0)1 41 00 41 71 Financial Communication Investor Relations VP or Sylvie MACHENAUD, +33 (0)1 41 00 42 74 Director External Communications MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 03/31/16 -- Yorbeau Resources Inc. (TSX: YRB.A) (the "Company" or "Yorbeau") is pleased to report on recent diamond drilling results at its 100% owned Scott Lake project in Quebec. Drill hole SC-83W intersected two distinct massive sulphide intervals within the Gap Lens, and one narrow but high grade "vein-type" mineralized interval hosted by intrusive rocks. These mineralized intervals, as were all intercepts released by the Company since June 2015, are located outside of the mineral resources as currently estimated (Figure 1 is available at the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/1048981_Scott_Project.pdf) at the Scott project. Assay results are shown below: DDH SC-83W Section 1950W (weighted averages) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- From To Length Cu Zn Au Ag Remarks (m) (m) (m) % % g/t g/t ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 940.5 948.7 8.2 0.2 4.1 0.6 46.7 massive sulphides (Gap Lens-north) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 956.5 974.5 18.0 0.3 10.9 0.3 33.5 massive sulphides (Gap Lens- south) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- including ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 957.5 965.0 7.5 0.4 14.3 0.4 37.3 massive sulphides ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 980.6 982.6 2.0 - 22.7 - 7.6 remobilized (vein) sulphides ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- As this is still preliminary drilling on the above mineralization, the exact shape and true width cannot be determined with certainty. The core lengths obtained may not reflect the true width of the mineralization. Hole SC-83W is a wedge-cut drilled up-dip from original hole SC-83 (press release of March 2, 2016) and is part of the on-going 2016 program which consists in acquiring enough drill data at a nominal 50 metre spacing to initiate a revised resources estimate. The presence of two distinct parallel zones of massive sulphides in the Gap Lens is a pattern that is now seen in at least six of the 9 holes that hit the Gap Lens so far (Figure 1 is available at the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/1048981_Scott_Project.pdf). Forthcoming drilling will help confirm whether there is sufficient continuity in the two parallel zones to include both of them in the mineral resource model. Company president Gerald Riverin stated: "We continue to be very encouraged with the on-going drilling program and particularly with the cumulating indications of the presence of two parallel zones that could ultimately be included in the mineral resource model. We are looking forward to pursuing drilling in this sector." The Scott Lake property, 100% owned by Yorbeau, already hosts a number of polymetallic massive sulphide lenses. These represent combined inferred resources of 5.45 million tonnes grading 1.2% copper, 4.6% zinc, 0.2 g/t gold and 34 g/t silver, using an NSR cut-off of $80 per tonne (Technical Report prepared by Roscoe Postle Associates and filed by Cogitore Resources in 2011). All drill core discussed in this press release was logged and marked up for assay at the Company's secure facility in Chibougamau, Quebec. Drill core for assay was split in half. Half of the core was shipped in sample bags to Laboratoire ALS Minerals of Val-d'Or, Quebec, with appropriate standards, duplicates and replicates used for quality control purposes. The other half of the core is retained for future reference. Work is carried out by the personnel of Yorbeau, under the supervision of Gerald Riverin, PhD, P. Geo. He is a qualified person (as defined by National Instrument 43-101) and has reviewed and approved the content of this release. About Yorbeau Resources Inc. The Company's 100% controlled Rouyn Property contains four known gold deposits in the 6-km-long Augmitto-Astoria corridor situated on the western half of the property. Two of the four deposits, Astoria and Augmitto, have substantial underground infrastructure and have been the focus of NI 43-101 technical reports that include resource estimates. The Company has recently expanded its exploration property portfolio by acquiring strategic base metal properties in prospective areas of the Abitibi Belt of Quebec and Ontario that also feature infrastructure favourable for mining development. More information on the Company may be found on the Company's website at www.yorbeauresources.com. Forward-looking statements: Except for statement of historical fact, all statements in this news release, without limitation, regarding new projects, acquisitions, future plans and objectives are forward-looking statements which involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate; actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Contacts: Gerald Riverin, Ph D., P. Geo President Yorbeau Resources Inc. griverin@yorbeauresources.com 819-279-1336 G. Bodnar Jr. Director Yorbeau Resources Inc. gbodnar@yorbeauresources.com 514-384-2202 Toll free in North America: 1-855-384-2202 Regulatory News: The Annual General Meeting of Aktiebolaget SKF (STO:SKFB) (STO:SKFA) (LSE:SKFB), parent company of the SKF Group, was held in Gothenburg on Thursday, 31 March 2016, under the chairmanship of Mr Leif Ostling. The income statements and the balance sheets were adopted, together with the Board's proposal for distribution of dividend. A dividend of SEK 5.50 per share was approved. To be entitled to receive the dividend, shareholders must be recorded in the share register on 4 April 2016. The Meeting resolved that the Board's fee for 2016 is to be in accordance with the following: a) a firm allotment of SEK 7,294,000 to be distributed with SEK 1,950,000 to the Chairman of the Board, and with SEK 668,000 to each other Board member elected by the General Meeting and not employed by the company; and b) an allotment for committee work of SEK 883,000 to be distributed with SEK 226,000 to the chairman of the Audit Committee, with SEK 161,000 to each of the other members of the Audit Committee, with SEK 129,000 to the chairman of the Remuneration Committee and with SEK 103,000 to each of the other members of the Remuneration Committee. A prerequisite for obtaining an allotment is that the Board member is elected by the General Meeting and is not employed by the company. The following Board members were re-elected: Mr Leif Ostling, Ms Lena Treschow Torell, Mr Peter Grafoner, Mr Lars Wedenborn, Mr Joe Loughrey, Mr Baba Kalyani, Mr Hock Goh, Ms Marie Bredberg, Ms Nancy Gougarty and Mr Alrik Danielson. Mr Leif Ostling was elected Chairman of the Board. The Meeting approved the Board's proposal regarding principles of remuneration for Group Management and the Board's proposal for a resolution on SKF's Performance Share Programme 2016. The programme covers not more than 225 senior managers and key employees in the SKF Group with an opportunity to be allotted, free of charge, SKF B shares. Under the programme, not more than 1,000,000 shares, corresponding to around 0.2% of the total number of outstanding shares, may be allotted. The number of shares that may be allotted must be related to the average TVA development during 2016-2018 compared to the actual TVA in 2015. The Meeting approved the proposal presented regarding the Nomination Committee. Aktiebolaget SKF(publ) SKF is a leading global supplier of bearings, seals, mechatronics, lubrication systems, and services which include technical support, maintenance and reliability services, engineering consulting and training. SKF is represented in more than 130 countries and has around 17,000 distributor locations worldwide. Annual sales in 2015 were SEK 75 997 million and the number of employees was 46 635. www.skf.com SKF is a registered trademark of the SKF Group. This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160331006030/en/ Contacts: SKF Press Relations: Theo Kjellberg +46 31-337 6576; +46 725-776 576 theo.kjellberg@skf.com or Investor Relations: Patrik Stenberg +46 31-337 2104; +46 705-472 104 patrik.stenberg@skf.com Regulatory News: Euronext (Paris:ENX) (Amsterdam:ENX) (Brussels:ENX) today announced that its Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place on Thursday 12 May 2016 at 10.30 a.m. CET, at Beursplein 5, 1012 JW Amsterdam, The Netherlands. The agenda for the meeting is as follows: 1. Opening 2. Presentation of the Chief Executive Officer (discussion item) 3. Annual report 2015 a. Explanation of the implementation of the remuneration policy (discussion item) b. Explanation of policy on additions to reserves and dividends (discussion item) c. Proposal to adopt the 2015 financial statements (voting item 1) d. Proposal to adopt a dividend of EUR 1.24 per ordinary share (voting item 2) e. Proposal to discharge the members of the Managing Board in respect of their duties performed during the year 2015 (voting item 3) f. Proposal to discharge the members of the Supervisory Board in respect of their duties performed during the year 2015 (voting item 4) 4. Composition of the Supervisory Board a. Appointment of Kerstin Gunther as a member of the Supervisory Board (voting item 5) b. Appointment of Dick Sluimers as a member of the Supervisory Board (voting item 6) 5. Composition of the Managing Board a. Appointment of Maria Joao Borges Carioca Rodrigues as a member of the Managing Board (voting item 7) 6. Authorisation of the granting of rights to French beneficiaries to receive shares under the French law n2015-990 of 6 August 2015 (voting item 8) 7. Proposal to appoint the external auditor (voting item 9) 8. Proposal to designate the Managing Board as the competent body: a. to issue ordinary shares (voting item 10); and b. to restrict or exclude the pre-emptive rights of shareholders (voting item 11) 9. Proposal to authorise the Managing Board to acquire ordinary shares in the share capital of the company on behalf of the company (voting item 12) 10. Any other business 11. Close The proposed appointments of Kerstin Gunther and Dick Sluimers to the Supervisory Board and of Maria Joao Borges Carioca Rodrigues to the Managing Board are each subject to the condition precedent that the requisite regulatory approvals will have been obtained and effective immediately upon receipt of the requisite regulatory approvals. Arnoud de Pret and Jan-Michiel Hessels will retire from the Supervisory Board immediately after the AGM. The AGM will be conducted in English. Registration date Pursuant to Dutch law and Euronext N.V.'s Articles of Association, the persons who will be considered as entitled to attend and vote at the AGM are those persons who are registered as such in the administrations held by their financial intermediaries (the "Shareholders") on Thursday 14 April 2016 after processing of all settlements on that date (the "Registration Date"). AGM Documentation The AGM Documentation (i.e. the convening notice, the agenda and the explanatory notes thereto including the information on the persons to be appointed to the Supervisory Board in accordance with article 2:142 paragraph 3 of the Dutch Civil Code, as well as the Annual Report 2015) is available: at the registered office of Euronext N.V.: Beursplein 5, 1012 JW Amsterdam, The Netherlands at the following addresses in Belgium : Euronext, Rue du Marquis, 1, bte 1 Markiesstraat 1, b1, 1000 Bruxelles 1000 Brussel, Belgium in France : Euronext, 14, place des Reflets, 92054 Paris La Defense Cedex, France in Portugal : Euronext, Av. da Liberdade, n. 196 7, 1250-147 Lisboa, Portugal on Euronext's website: https://www.euronext.com/investors/general-meetings at BNP PARIBAS Securities Services CTS Assemblees Generales : 9, rue du Debarcadere 93761 Pantin Cedex, France + 33 1 57 43 02 30 Managing Board and Supervisory Board of Euronext N.V. Beursplein 5, 1012 JW Amsterdam, The Netherlands Registered at the Dutch Chamber of Commerce, under number 60234520 About Euronext Euronext is the primary exchange in the Euro zone with more than 1 300 listed issuers worth more than 3.0 trillion in market capitalization as of end December 2015, an unmatched blue chip franchise consisting of 25 issuers in the EURO STOXX 50 benchmark and a strong diverse domestic and international client base. Euronext operates regulated and transparent equity and derivatives markets. Its total product offering includes Equities, Exchange Traded Funds, Warrants Certificates, Bonds, Derivatives, Commodities and Indices. Euronext also leverages its expertise in running markets by providing technology and managed services to third parties. Euronext operates regulated markets, Alternext and the Free Market; in addition it offers EnterNext, which facilitates SMEs' access to capital markets. Disclaimer This press release is for information purposes only and is not a recommendation to engage in investment activities. This press release is provided "as is" without representation or warranty of any kind. While all reasonable care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the content, Euronext does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness. Euronext will not be held liable for any loss or damages of any nature ensuing from using, trusting or acting on information provided. No information set out or referred to in this publication may be regarded as creating any right or obligation. The creation of rights and obligations in respect of financial products that are traded on the exchanges operated by Euronext's subsidiaries shall depend solely on the applicable rules of the market operator. All proprietary rights and interest in or connected with this publication shall vest in Euronext. This press release speaks only as of this date. Euronext refers to Euronext N.V. and its affiliates. Information regarding trademarks and intellectual property rights of Euronext is located at www.euronext.com/terms-use. 2016, Euronext N.V. All rights reserved. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160331005959/en/ Contacts: Euronext Alice Jentink (Amsterdam): +31 20 721 4488 ajentink@euronext.com or Pascal Brabant (Brussels): +32 2 620 15 50 pbrabant@euronext.com or Sandra Machado (Lisbon): +351 210 600 614 smachado@euronext.com or Aichata Tandjigora (Paris): +33 1 70 48 24 43 atandjigora@euronext.com or ANALYSTS & INVESTORS Stephanie Bia, +33 1 70 48 24 17 sbia@euronext.com BOUCHERVILLE, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 03/31/16 -- RONA inc. (TSX: RON)(TSX: RON.PR.A)(TSX: RON.PR.B) ("RONA" or the "Corporation") today announced that the holders of record of its common shares (the "Common Shareholders") have approved the statutory plan of arrangement at the special meeting held today pursuant to the arrangement agreement entered into on February 2, 2016 (the "Arrangement"). The Arrangement was approved by 99,92% of the 75,067,870 votes cast by Common Shareholders at the special meeting representing 70,22% of the total 106,904,501 common shares outstanding as at February 25, 2016, being the record date of the special meeting (the "Record Date"). "The vote of RONA common shareholders in favor of the transaction with Lowe's is an important step," said Robert Chevrier, Chairman of the Board of RONA. "We are now working to obtain approvals from Canadian regulatory authorities, namely the Competition Bureau and Investment Canada. Once all regulatory approvals are obtained, we will be able to complete the Arrangement." Holders of record of RONA's Cumulative 5-Year Rate Reset Series 6 Class A Preferred Shares (the "Preferred Shareholders") did not approve the Arrangement, with 25.21% of the 2,968,029 votes cast by Preferred Shareholders voting in favor of the Arrangement, which required the approval of 66 2/3% of the votes cast by such shareholders. The votes cast by Preferred Shareholders represented 43.01% of the total 6,900,000 Cumulative 5-Year Rate Reset Series 6 Class A Preferred Shares outstanding as at the Record Date. As previously announced, completion of the Arrangement is not conditional on approval by the Preferred Shareholders and, given that the requisite approval of the Preferred Shareholders was not obtained, RONA's Cumulative 5-Year Rate Reset Series 6 Class A Preferred Shares and Cumulative Floating Rate Series 7 Class A Preferred Shares (collectively, the "Preferred Shares") will be excluded from the Arrangement (including, for greater certainty, to remove the rights of the holders to demand repurchase of their Preferred Shares). The completion of the Arrangement remains subject to the granting of the final order by the Quebec Superior Court, the receipt of required regulatory approvals and the satisfaction or waiver of the other customary closing conditions. Until completion of the Arrangement, RONA's common shares and the Preferred Shares will continue to be listed for trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Following completion of the Arrangement, the Preferred Shares will remain outstanding in accordance with their terms and will continue to be listed for trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the anticipated timing for completion and the outcome of the Arrangement, may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Canadian securities legislation and regulations. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "will," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "plan," "foresee," "believe" or "continue" or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar terminology. Although the Corporation believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that these expectations will prove to have been correct. In respect of the forward-looking statements and information concerning the outcome of the Arrangement, the Corporation has provided such in reliance on certain assumptions that it believes are reasonable at this time, including assumptions as to the ability of the parties to receive, in a timely manner and on satisfactory terms, the necessary regulatory and court approvals, including but not limited to the receipt of applicable foreign investment approval required in Canada; the ability of the parties to satisfy, in a timely manner, the other conditions to the closing of the Arrangement including that there be no material adverse effect and other expectations and assumptions concerning the Arrangement. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of assisting investors and others in understanding certain key elements of the Corporation's objectives, strategic priorities, management's current expectations and plans, and in obtaining a better understanding of the Corporation's business and anticipated operating environment as at and for, the periods ended on certain dates and the reader is cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. Investors and others are cautioned that undue reliance should not be placed on any forward-looking statements. Since forward-looking statements and information address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. Risks and uncertainties inherent in the nature of the Arrangement include the failure of the parties to obtain the necessary regulatory and court approvals, including those noted above, or to otherwise satisfy the conditions to the completion of the Arrangement, in a timely manner, or at all. Failure to obtain such approvals, or the failure of the parties to otherwise satisfy the conditions to or complete the Arrangement, may result in the Arrangement not being completed on the proposed terms, or at all. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. For more information on the risks and uncertainties that could cause the Corporation's actual results to differ materially from current expectations, and about material factors or assumptions applied in making forward-looking statements, please also refer to the Corporation's public filings available at www.sedar.com. In particular, further details and descriptions of these and other factors are disclosed in the "Risks and uncertainties" section of the Corporation's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2015. The forward-looking statements in this Press Release reflect the Corporation's expectations as at the date hereof, and are subject to change after this date. The Corporation expressly disclaims any obligation or intention to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by the applicable securities laws. ABOUT RONA RONA inc. is a major Canadian retailer and distributor of hardware, building materials and home renovation products. The Corporation operates a network of close to 500 corporate and independent affiliate dealer stores in a number of complementary formats. With its nine distribution centres, RONA serves its network of stores and several independent dealers operating under other banners, including Ace, for which RONA owns the licensing rights and is the exclusive distributor in Canada. With more than 17,000 employees in corporate stores and more than 5,000 employees in the stores of its independent affiliate dealers, the Corporation generates annual consolidated sales of $4.2 billion. For more information, visit www.rona.ca. Contacts: Media Valerie Gonzalo Media Relations 514-626-6976 media@rona.ca www.rona.ca Financial Community Stephane Milot Vice President - Development, Real Estate and Investor Relations 514-599-5951 stephane.milot@rona.ca SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwired - March 31, 2016) - Zephyr Real Estate's Marin office has announced the latest additions to its burgeoning Marin County roster. The team of Spiro Marin is the powerful trio of native Marin locals: Spiro Stratigos, Dorothy MacDougald and George Stratigos. Together this impressive group packs a triple play of experience, service and commitment. Spiro T. Stratigos is a top-producing broker with more than 20 years of success in the business. He was raised in Sausalito and began investing in his community while pursuing his education in Real Estate and Urban Land Economics. He continues a family tradition spanning three generations in the industry and has developed long-lasting relationships with his loyal client base. Dorothy MacDougald brings a strong full-service background along with vast experience in the mortgage industry. She has a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Business Administration and is dedicated to full and transparent communication with her clients. Her early career began at Nordstrom, a company well known for its commitment to customer service, and she is passionate about providing her clients with a positive real estate experience. George Stratigos, a native-born Sausalito resident, specializes in bridging the Marin County and San Francisco communities. He has served as a City Councilman and on the school board in Sausalito, and is committed to giving back to his community. He gratefully shares his experience, knowledge and skills with all his clients and their families. He has a Master of Business Administration and a broad understanding of the industry and the communities he serves. "Spiro, Dorothy and George are a powerhouse trio that hit the ground running, bringing in new listings the moment they arrived," commented Erinn Millar, Sales Manager at Zephyr's Marin office. "We are thrilled to welcome them to Zephyr Marin." The team of Spiro Marin may be reached via their website http://www.spiromarin.com or at 415.225.6412. Zephyr Real Estate's Marin office has been open less than a year, and is the fastest-growing new brokerage in Marin. About Zephyr Real Estate Founded in 1978, Zephyr Real Estate is San Francisco's largest independent real estate firm with nearly $2.3 billion in gross sales and a current roster of more than 300 full-time agents. Zephyr's highly-visited website has earned two web design awards, including the prestigious Interactive Media Award. Zephyr Real Estate is a member of the international relocation network, Leading Real Estate Companies of the World; the luxury real estate network, Who's Who in Luxury Real Estate; global luxury affiliate, Mayfair International; and local luxury marketing association, the Luxury Marketing Council of San Francisco. Zephyr has six offices in San Francisco, a brand new office in Greenbrae, and two brokerage affiliates in Sonoma County, all strategically positioned to serve a large customer base throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. For more information, visit www.ZephyrRE.com. Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/3/30/11G089955/Images/Spiro_Marin_Team-a123acf70810b537a13c7443eaf247b0.jpg Contact: Melody Foster Zephyr Real Estate San Francisco, CA 415.426.3203 Email contact VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/31/16 -- Walter Energy Canada Holdings, Inc., ("Walter Energy Canada"), its direct and indirect subsidiaries and affiliates (collectively with Walter Energy Canada, the "Canadian Petitioners") and partnerships (collectively with the Canadian Petitioners, the "Walter Canada Group"), today announced that it has received an extension of the Stay Period under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (Canada) (the "CCAA") to June 24, 2016 from the Supreme Court of British Columbia. Walter Canada Group obtained creditor protection under CCAA pursuant to an Initial Order granted on December 7, 2015. The extension of the Stay Period will allow Walter Canada Group to continue its sale and investment solicitation process for the Company's assets (the "SISP") with the assistance of its financial advisor, PJT Partners LP ("PJT"). In accordance with the terms of the SISP, PJT launched Phase 1 of the SISP on January 18, 2016 to solicit indications of interest in the business and assets of the Walter Canada Group in the form of non-binding letters of intent ("LOIs") from various potential bidders. In light of the number of LOIs received prior to the March 18, 2016 Phase 1 deadline, the Chief Restructuring Officer, in consultation with the Monitor, KPMG Inc. and PJT, has determined that there is a reasonable prospect of obtaining one or more Bids. Accordingly, prospective bidders were notified that the SISP was progressing to Phase 2 on or about March 28, 2016. Obligations incurred after the filing date, including obligations to employees and key suppliers of goods and services, continue to be paid on an ongoing basis. Further details of the CCAA filing and related matters, including copies of the Initial Order, the SISP and other relevant information and documentation are available on the Monitor's website at www.kpmg.com/ca/walterenergycanada. Walter Energy Canada is a holding company for the Canadian and UK operations of Walter Energy, Inc. of Birmingham, Alabama. Walter Energy Canada and Walter United Kingdom were not part of the U.S. chapter 11 filing of Walter Energy, Inc. on July 15, 2015 and are not included in the asset purchase agreement that Walter Energy, Inc. entered into on November 5, 2015. About Walter Energy Canada Walter Energy Canada's Canadian operations consist primarily of three coal mines and exploration properties in the Chetwynd and Tumbler Ridge areas of Northeast British Columbia. Walter Energy Canada also owns one coal mine in South Wales through its subsidiary Walter United Kingdom. All four mines are idled as a result of current market conditions. -- The Wolverine Mine in British Columbia is an open-pit metallurgical coal mine with a coal processing plant and a rail load-out facility capable of handling 2.0-2.5 million metric tons per year. -- The Brule Mine in British Columbia is an open pit metallurgical coal mine and produces a premium low volatile pulverized coal injection (PCI) product. -- The Willow Creek Mine in British Columbia is an open-pit metallurgical coal mine with a coal processing plant and a rail load-out facility capable of handling production from both the Brule and Willow Creek mines. The Willow Creek Mine produces both metallurgical coal and coal used for pulverized injection purposes. The coal reserves are comprised of an estimated one-third metallurgical coal and two-thirds low-volatile pulverized coal (PCI). -- The Aberpergwm Mine in South Wales is an underground development mine located near the town of Neath. The mine produces anthracite coal, which can be sold as a low-volatile PCI coal, and other products used for domestic purposes. Contacts: Walter Energy Canada Bill Aziz Chief Restructuring Officer baziz@bluetreeadvisors.com Longview Communications Joel Shaffer jshaffer@longviewcomms.ca MIAMI, FL -- (Marketwired) -- 03/31/16 -- American Premium Water Corporation (OTCBB: HIPH). Naturalist Alfred Culbreth, founder and CEO of LALPINA Water (OTCBB: HIPH), today announced the launch of LALPINA IV, the company's branded intravenous micronutrient therapy treatment, and an accompanying website, www.LalpinaIV.com. Also known as a Myers cocktail, intravenous micronutrient therapy is the practice of treating fatigue or certain other health conditions with a customized blend of vitamins and nutrients injected directly into to the body. Culbreth, a lean, fit 52 year-old, smiles at the suggestion he's at the center of one of the hottest trends in the natural health sector. Used for decades, intravenous micronutrient therapy has been used to deliver essential vitamin, minerals, amino acids, and various compounds directly to the human body for therapeutic use. Oral supplementation has its limitations, and for a number of individuals, gastrointestinal absorption may be hindered due to various reasons. "IVs have been a part of my own health regimen for years now," he said. "I don't sell anything I'm not already into myself, but it's true the interest from our practitioner base is growing very quickly." The Company creatively partners with naturopaths or health spas wishing to carry LALPINA IV or water, utilizing stock and cash consideration in the agreement. Its IV product line is the first initiative in broadening its market position beyond the realm of strictly high pH water and into the "natural" biotech space. Our IV Treatments can take as little as 29 minutes for a single IV bag of energy, Powerful Mind, Zen and Sport. Our custom IV is a total body purification IV typically which takes about 45 minutes. Enjoy the benefits of radiant hair, skin and nails with a unique blend of powerful antioxidants, including Glutathione. "LALPINA is about optimum health," enthused Culbreth, "and just as health requires several key elements working together, our product line will be the same." Meanwhile, LALPINA Water will be making its second screen appearance alongside beautiful young Francesca Eastwood in "The Vault," which begins filming in April. Twitter: @americanpremium / @lalpinawater Instagram lalpinawater Safe Harbor Notice Certain statements contained herein are "forward-looking statements" (as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). American Premium Water Corporation cautions that statements made in this news release constitute forward-looking statements and makes no guarantee of future performance. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and opinions of management at the time statements are made. These statements may address issues that involve significant risks, uncertainties, estimates and assumptions made by management. Actual results could differ materially from current projections or implied results. American Premium Water Corporation undertakes no obligation to revise these statements following the date of this news release. Additional details of the Company's business can be found in its public disclosures as a reporting issuer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission's ("SEC") EDGAR database. This press release is issued on behalf of the Board of Directors by Alfred Culbreth, CEO and Director. Disclaimer Regarding Forward Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release, on American Premium Water Corporation's ("APWC") website and other oral and written statements made by APWC from time to time are "forward-looking statements", as that term is defined in Section 27A of the United States Securities and Exchange Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the United States Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding beliefs, objectives, intentions, goals, plans, strategies, financial projections, any other statements regarding the future and any statements that are not purely historical. These statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and APWC expressly disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date thereof. All forward-looking statements, whether written or oral and whether made by or on behalf of the APWC, are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. APWC's expectations, beliefs and projections are expressed in good faith and are believed by the APWC to have a reasonable basis, but there can be no assurance that management's expectations, beliefs or projections will result or be achieved or accomplished. A variety of factors, many of which are beyond APWC's control affect APWC's operations, performance, business strategy and results and could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of APWC to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. For APWC, particular uncertainties arise, amongst others but not limited to and not in any order of importance, from (i) focusing on and allocating more resources on certain target markets (ii) the possibility to raise further equity and debt to fund future growth, (iii) changes in demand for APWC's products, (iv) performance issues with key suppliers, affiliates, agents, advisors or subcontractors, (v) changes in government changes in laws or regulations to which APWC or its suppliers are subject, including environmental laws and regulations relating to water or water sources and (vi) the inability to complete announced acquisitions, difficulty or unanticipated expenses in connection with integrating acquired businesses and the risk that anticipated synergies and opportunities as a result of acquisitions will not be realized or the risk that acquisitions do not perform as planned, including, for example, the risk that acquired businesses will not achieve revenue projections. THIS NEWS RELEASE HAS BEEN PREPARED BY APWC'S MANAGEMENT, WHO TAKES FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR ITS CONTENTS. NO SECURITIES REGULATORY AUTHORITY HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THE CONTENTS OF THIS NEWS RELEASE. THIS NEWS RELEASE SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH JURISDICTION. Contact Information: American Premium Water Corporation 12777 Jefferson Blvd., Building 'D', Third Floor Playa Vista, CA 90066-7408 (888)-983-0054 Stock Symbol: HIPH General Inquiries: info@americanpremiumwater.com Investor Relations: ir@americanpremiumwater.com Company Website: www.americanpremiumwater.com NEW YORK, NY -- (Marketwired) -- 03/31/16 -- Mizuho Bank Americas (Mizuho) today announced the appointment of Andrew Dewing as Managing Executive Officer and Head of North American Banking. In his new role, Andrew will lead an integrated team of coverage, advisory and product bankers to deliver Mizuho's expanding product suite to North American clients. Areas reporting to Andrew include corporate coverage, sponsor coverage, loan capital markets, advisory and solutions, private placements, securitization and leasing. "Integrating areas of the bank that touch our US and Canadian clients under Andrew's leadership furthers our goal to be a top-tier corporate and investment bank in North America," said Hiroshi Suehiro, Senior Managing Executive Officer and Head of the Americas. With more than thirty years of corporate and investment banking experience, Dewing most recently served as Head of US Corporate Finance for Mizuho, where he oversaw a significant expansion of the bank's US footprint, including the 2015 acquisition of RBS assets and personnel in April 2015. Previously, he spent six years as the Head of Mizuho's European Corporate Finance business, successfully growing the firm's presence across the region. Dewing joined Mizuho from Bank of America, where he spent over twenty years in corporate and investment banking. "Our success with corporate clients over the past several years has been driven by an expanding client base, an improving product suite and a solutions-oriented mindset," said Dewing. "We are creating the foundation for our next stage of growth which will include a broader, more integrated banking platform. The expansion of our Advisory & Solutions practice, which will initially focus on several core industries, will further add to the value Mizuho is delivering to our clients." In addition, Mizuho is pleased to announce several key promotions in North American Banking: Michael Keating, Managing Director and Co-Head of Banking Coverage - responsible for the following sectors: Energy, Power & Utilities, Technology Media & Telecommunications, Global Subsidiaries Coverage, and Canada. Donald Sutton, Managing Director and Co-Head of Banking Coverage - responsible for the following sectors: Industrials & Diversified, Basic Industries, Financial Institutions, Consumer, Healthcare, Real Estate, and Public Finance. John Humphreys, Managing Director and Head of Advisory & Solutions - responsible for providing strategic, corporate finance, ratings and market risk advisory. Humphreys will also lead and oversee the build out of Mizuho's investment banking capabilities with a focus on global M&A, equity and strategic capital raising. About Mizuho Bank Mizuho Bank provides financial and strategic solutions for the increasingly diverse and sophisticated needs of clients, focusing its efforts on serving major corporations, financial institutions, individuals, public sector entities and small and medium-sized enterprises. A relationship management approach to serving clients enables Mizuho Bank, together with group companies including Mizuho Trust & Banking and Mizuho Securities, to develop customized solutions in areas such as corporate, structured and project finance, investment banking, transaction banking and risk management. With offices in 37 countries, Mizuho Bank offers clients both localized service and the extensive reach of a global business network. Mizuho Bank is a subsidiary of the Japan-based Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: MFG), one of the largest financial services companies in the world, with total assets of approximately $1.6 trillion. Contact: Patrick Phalon (212) 282-3867 DUBLIN, March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Microbiome Therapeutics Market, 2015 - 2030" report to their offering. The Microbiome Therapeutics Market, 2015-2030' report provides a comprehensive study on the current landscape and the future outlook of the evolving pipeline of products in this area. Imbalance in the natural microbiota are a known cause for many chronic diseases such as antibiotic associated diarrhoea (AAD), Clostridium difficileinfections (CDI), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diabetes, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. While the field has gathered the interest of several companies, there are no approved microbiome drugs available in the market yet; FMT is the only commercially available therapy. The development pipeline of microbiome therapeutics, though, has several promising candidates that are likely to result in commercial success stories in the foreseen future. Among other elements, the report also elaborates on new microbiome based diagnostic solutions being developed and the upcoming opportunities in this market for different stakeholders. As pharmaceutical companies continue to initiate and expand their research programs in this area, one of the key objectives outlined for this report was to understand the future potential of the market. The study provides a detailed market forecast and opportunity analysis for the short-mid term (2015-2022) and long term (2022-2030). The research, analysis and insights presented in this report include potential sales of FMT therapies and drugs in late stages of development. Our opinions and insights, presented in this study, were influenced by several discussions we conducted with experts in this area. These included senior representatives at Assembly Biosciences, Da Volterra, Metabiomics, MicroBiome Therapeutics and Rebiotix. All actual figures have been sourced and analysed from publicly available information forums and primary research discussions. Financial figures mentioned in this report are in USD, unless otherwise specified. Example Highlights - Overall, we have identified more than 100 microbiome products, in clinical and preclinical stages,which are being developed as therapeutic interventions for various disease areas. A healthy 27% of the pipeline accounts for molecules in clinical development; of these, majority are in phase II. - In addition, we have captured several start-ups and small-sized firms that have taken initiatives in developing innovative microbiome based therapeutics. Notable examples include (in alphabetical order) AOBiome, Avid Biotics, C3 Jian, Da Volterra, OpenBiome, Procarta Biosystems, Rebiotix, Ritter Pharmaceuticals, Quorum Innovations, Seres Therapeutics, Symbiotic Health, Vedanta Biosciences, Xycrobe Therapeutics. - Several firms are also developing microbiome related diagnostics and companion diagnostics. Examples include (in alphabetical order) Admera Health, Biocartis, Enterome Bioscience, Human Longevity, Metabiomics, Microbiome Diagnostics, Viomer, Whole Biome. - Encouraging clinical results and unexplored opportunities have yielded an intense framework of investment activity with a sizeable number of venture capitalists actively supporting the research. In fact, during 2014 and 2015, there have been investments (equity + debt) of close to USD 0.7 billion. - The microbiome therapeutics market is anticipated to grow aggressively with a healthy annual growth rate of 73% between 2015 and 2030. In the longer term, we expect the market to continue to rise steadily with high adoption rates of existing FMTs and emergence of novel microbiome related products. - Additional analysis suggeststhat metabolic disorders and gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are the key therapeutic areas likely to garner a significant proportion of the overall market. Key Topics Covered: 1. Preface 2. Executive Summary 3. Introduction 4. Microbiome Therapeutics And Diagnostics: Market Landscape 5. Probiotic And Prebiotic Drugs 6. Key Therapeutic Areas 7. Venture Capital Interest 8. Recent Collaborations 9. Market Sizing And Opportunity Analysis 10. Company Profiles 11. Conclusion 12. Interview Transcripts 13. Appendix 1: Tabulated Data 14. Appendix 2: List Of Companies And Organisations Companies Mentioned - 4D Pharma - AOBiome - APC Microbiome Institute - AbbVie - ActoGeniX - Admera Health - Advanced Technology Ventures - Advancing Bio - AgBiome - Assembly Biosciences - Avid Biotics - Azitra - BTER Foundation - Baylor College of Medicine - Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center - Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation - BioAster Technology Research Institute - BioBalance Corporation - BioConsortia - BioGaia - Biocartis - Biomecite Diagnostics - Boston Children's Hospital - Boston Medical Center - Brigham and Women's Hospital - Bright Medicine Clinic - Broad Institute - C3 Jian - Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (CSMC) - Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) - Center for Disease Control and Prevention - Cipac Therapeutics - Cleveland Clinic - Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation(CSIRO) - Companion PBx - Concorde Medical Group - Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) - Da Volterra - Dairy Innovation Australia Limited (DIAL) - Danisco - Debiopharm - Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) - Dermala - Duke University - Enso Ventures - Enterologics - Enterome BioScience - Epibiome - Epiva Therapeutics - Evelo Therapeutics - Evolve Biosystems - Evotec - ExeGi Pharma - FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies - Flagship Ventures - Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) - GMU Microbiome Analysis Center (MBAC) - GT Biologics - Gallinee - Genetic Analysis - Genewiz - Gustave Roussy - Hadassah Medical Center - Hospital Oberndorf - Human Longevity - Hy Laboratories - INRA National Institute for Agronomic Research - Igen Biotech Group - Illumina Accelerator - Immune Biologics - Immuron - Indiana University - Inocucor Technologies - Inserm - Institut De Recherche Pour Le Developent (IRD) - Institut Merieux - Institute for Biomedical Research Dr JosepTrueta of Girona - Institute of Cardio metabolism and Nutrition (ICAN) - International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) - Intrexon - J. Craig Venter Institute - Janssen - Johnson & Johnson Innovation Center - KOLUPOHAKU TECHNOLOGIES (KPT) - Kindstar Global - Lille Teaching Hospital (CHRU) - Lundbeckfond Ventures - MBcure - MaaT Pharma - Macau University of Science and Technology - Manzo Pharmaceuticals - Matatu - Mayo Clinic - Medical University Innsbruck - Merck - Metabiomics - Metabogen - Metabolon - Metanome - Metrodora Therapeutics - MiOmics - MicroBiome Therapeutics - Microbiome - Microbiome Diagnostics - Microbiota Company - Miyarisan Pharmaceutical - Monarch Labs - Monash University - MonterFiore Medical Research Center of Connecticut - Morgenthaler - MyBiotics - NIZO Food Research - National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) - National Health Service (NHS) - National Institute of Allergic and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) - National Institute of Health (NIH) - Novartis - OmniBiome Therapeutics - One Way Liver - OpenBiome - OptiBiotix Health - Oragenics - Osel - OxThera - Pasteur Institute - Pfizer - Pivot Bio - Prev AbR - Procarta Biosystems - PureFlora - Quorum Innovations - Rebiotix - Ritter Pharmaceuticals - Rush University Medical Center - Second Genome - Sen Nuo Wei Biotechnology - Seres Therapeutics - Servier - Seventure - Shire - Shoreline Biome - Sigma-Tau Pharmaceuticals - SporeGen - Swecure - Symberix - Symbiota - Symbiotix Biotherapies - Synlogic - Synthetic Biologics - TargEDys - Therapeutic Solutions International - TriPhase Pharmaceuticals - UAS Labs - Universal Stabilisation Technologies - Universite Pierre Et Marie Curie (UPMC) - University of California, San Diego (UCSD) - University of Chicago - University of Guelph - University of Maryland (UM) Ventures - University of Rome Tor Vergata - University of Virginia - VSL Pharmaceuticals - Vaiomer - Vedanta Biosciences - Virginia Commonwealth University - ViroPharma Incorporated - Vithera Pharmaceuticals - Washington University School of Medicine - Wavepoint Ventures - Weizmann Institute - Whole Biome - World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO) - World Health Organisation (WHO) - Wyss Institute - Xycrobe Therapeutics - Yakult Honsha - c-LECta For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/wchg4w/microbiome 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 According to the latest market research report by Technavio, the global shower enclosures and cubicles marketis expected to grow at a CAGR of over 8% until 2020. In this report, Technavio covers the present scenario and growth prospects of the global shower enclosures and cubicles market for 2016-2020. To calculate the market size, Technavio researchers have considered revenues garnered from sales of new units in leading geographies, including the Americas, EMEA, and APAC. "Framed shower enclosures and cubicles are the preferred choice for customers as these are considered sturdier when compared to frameless glass shower enclosures that are prone to breakage. Its popularity has increased over the years as tempered glass allows direct fitment into the wall without the use of hinges. In addition, frameless shower enclosures do not encounter problems associated with framed enclosures such as damage due to water and soap seepage and debris accumulation near the hinges," said Soumya Mutsuddi, one of Technavio's lead industry analysts for construction research. "Growth in the tourism industry has fueled large scale construction of new hotels across the globe. Installation of shower enclosures has therefore become a common feature in these newly constructed hotels. Hence its adoption is likely to increase, and the market is set to witness robust growth over the forecast period," added Soumya. Leading regions for the global shower enclosures and cubicles market Americas EMEA APAC Source: Technavio research Request sample report: http://bit.ly/1pwvPkS Americas: largest region for the global shower enclosures and cubicles market The global shower enclosures and cubicles market in the Americas will likely grow at a CAGR of 12.46% until 2020. The Americas includes one of the fastest emerging markets such as Brazil. Growing population in cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco have shifted the focus on the construction of high-rise residential buildings. As of 2014, New York had the largest number of high rises, approximately 6,000. Shower enclosures are more compact and acquire less space. Thus, they are being installed in newly constructed residential buildings. Governments in the region are focusing on conservation of water and energy. As bathtubs tend to utilize large amounts of water, governments in the region are encouraging people to replace it with shower enclosures. Shower enclosures not only reduce the amount of water used but also help in keeping the bathroom floor clean. EMEA: second largest region for the global shower enclosures and cubicles market The shower enclosures and cubicles market in EMEA will likely reach 12,948 units in sales by 2020. In terms of new installations, France and Germany had the highest number of shower enclosures installed as of 2015. Europe is a saturated market, with constructions confined to the residential sector. However, shower enclosures find greater popularity in Europe compared with APAC and the Americas. Though the majority of European households have shower curtains installed, these are quite ineffective when compared to shower enclosures. Thus, the majority of new residential buildings and under construction hotels favor the installation of shower enclosures in the EMEA region. Shower enclosures and cubicles market in APAC The shower enclosures and cubicles market in APAC is predicted to grow at a CAGR of close to 6.05% until 2016. China is the fastest growing economy in the world and one of the most lucrative markets in the APAC region. As of 2015, the highest percentage of new hotels and residential buildings in this region originated in China. The country is investing heavily in the development of its infrastructure, and it is expected to significantly drive the demand for shower panel and cubicles over the forecast period. Browse related reports: Global Bath and Shower Products Market 2015-2019 Sanitary Hardware Market in India 2012-2016 Construction Showerhead and Panel Market 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 enquiry@technavio.com with your requirements and a link to our subscription platform. About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. The company develops over 2000 pieces of research every year, covering more than 500 technologies across 80 countries. Technavio has about 300 analysts globally who specialize in customized consulting and business research assignments across the latest leading edge technologies. Technavio analysts employ primary as well as secondary research techniques to ascertain the size and vendor landscape in a range of markets. Analysts obtain information using a combination of bottom-up and top-down approaches, besides using in-house market modeling tools and proprietary databases. They corroborate this data with the data obtained from various market participants and stakeholders across the value chain, including vendors, service providers, distributors, re-sellers, and end-users. If you are interested in more information, please contact our media team at media@technavio.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160331005024/en/ Contacts: Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media Marketing Executive US: +1 630 333 9501 UK: +44 208 123 1770 www.technavio.com media@technavio.com 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. WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Dissatisfied with the frontrunners for the presidential nominations of the two major political parties, former Congressman Ron Paul suggested ballots should have a 'none of the above' option. In an interview with CNN on Thursday, Paul said he would not vote for either Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton. 'What I'd like to have on all of the ballots is 'none of the above,' Paul told CNN's Ashleigh Banfield. 'I'm not going to vote for those two for sure, they're too close together.' Paul, who ran for president on the Libertarian Party ticket in 1988, suggested other voters dissatisfied with the two major parties should support a third-party candidate. 'If you can't stand any of them, and you happen to be a dedicated progressive, you ought to make your vote count and vote for the Green Party, and if you happen to be a Libertarian then vote for the Libertarian party,' Paul said. Paul, whose son Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ken., dropped out of the race for the Republican nomination last month, told CNN he does not plan to endorse any of the three remaining GOP candidates. (Photo Credit: Gage Skidmore) 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. Washington, D.C.--(Newsfile Corp. - March 31, 2016) - The Securities and Exchange Commission today charged Navistar International Corp. with misleading investors about its development of an advanced technology truck engine that could be certified to meet U.S. emission standards. Navistar, without admitting or denying the charges, has reached a settlement with the SEC and agreed to pay a $7.5 million penalty. Separately, in a complaint filed in federal court in the Northern District of Illinois, the SEC charged former Navistar CEO Daniel C. Ustian with misleading investors and with aiding and abetting violations by Lisle, Illinois-based Navistar. The SEC alleges that Navistar and Ustian failed to fully disclose the company's difficulties obtaining Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certification of a truck engine able to meet stricter EPA Clean Air Act standards that took effect in 2010. Navistar and Ustian also are alleged to have repeatedly misled investors about Navistar's development of the engine, which used exhaust-gas-recirculation (EGR) technology. Navistar later abandoned the effort and adopted the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology used by its competitors. "When public companies and top executives discuss important regulatory developments with investors, they must tell the whole truth," said Andrew J. Ceresney, Director of the SEC's Division of Enforcement. "Here, we allege that Navistar and its former CEO misled investors about their dealings with the EPA and the likely approval of its new emissions technology." David Glockner, Director of the SEC's Chicago Regional Office added, "We allege that in 2011 and 2012, the EPA repeatedly raised serious concerns with Navistar about its applications to certify an engine using EGR technology and that top Navistar officials knew the company had not succeeded in developing a commercially viable engine that would meet EPA standards. Navistar and its then-CEO misled investors about these difficulties in numerous SEC filings, press releases, and public conference calls, and today we seek to hold them accountable for that misconduct." According to the SEC's order instituting a settled administrative proceeding against Navistar: In early 2011, in an effort to reassure investors about its emissions control strategy, Navistar applied for certification of an engine it knew was not ready for production and sale even if the EPA certified it. The EPA did not approve the application and by summer 2011, Navistar decided not to pursue it any longer. In late 2011, Navistar began preparing another application for EPA certification. Four days after a meeting in which the EPA staff told Navistar that the proposed engine did not appear to meet the certification requirements, Navistar filed its 2011 annual report on Form 10-K, which stated that it planned to apply to have the EPA certify the engine and that it believed the engine met EPA's certification requirements. After Navistar submitted a new application in early 2012, EPA staff raised "several serious concerns" that it said would need to be resolved before it could approve the application. Nevertheless, in a press release and filings in March 2012, Navistar characterized the application as a "milestone," and in a conference call with analysts and investors, Ustian indicated that certification was proceeding in a typical timeframe and that Navistar could begin production on the engine in June 2012. In May 2012, Navistar withdrew its January 2012 application and submitted a third one incorporating changes to lower emissions at the expense of fuel economy and other engine performance features. In a June 4, 2012 meeting, EPA staff told Navistar that it had serious concerns about this application as well and the next day informed Navistar in writing that the engine as currently designed was "unlikely" to be certified. Despite this, Navistar's June 2012 quarterly filing and conference call suggested that Navistar was unaware of any concerns by the EPA regarding the May 2012 application - one of several misstatements in the filing and call regarding the application. In July 2012, Navistar announced that it was withdrawing its application and would begin work on an engine using SCR technology. The SEC's investigation was conducted by Anne Graber Blazek, Amy Flaherty Hartman, Tim Stockwell, Will Saylor and Ann Tushaus, and was supervised by Robert J. Burson. Eric Phillips and Jonathan Polish will lead the SEC's litigation against Ustian. LOS ANGELES, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/31/16 -- Resonance Records is pleased to announce the release of Bill Evans Some Other Time: The Lost Session From the Black Forest, a previously unknown and extremely rare studio album by the Bill Evans Trio recorded on June 20, 1968 by legendary German jazz producers Hans Georg Brunner-Schwer and Joachim-Ernst Berendt. Resonance will release this album -- which has never before been issued in any form -- on Saturday April 16, 2016 in a special limited-edition hand-numbered two-LP set on Record Store Day, and will release a deluxe two-CD set and a digital edition on April 22, 2016. Watch Mini-Documentary About the Making of Bill Evans - Some Other Time: https://youtu.be/DI3xZbr-YD4 Zev Feldman of Resonance Records may just be the world's greatest jazz detective. He is quickly developing a reputation as the Indiana Jones of jazz. His uncanny ability to unearth hidden treasures -- recordings no one has heard; indeed, recordings that no one imagined existed -- is unmatched today. Once again, Feldman's dogged determination in the pursuit of great jazz recordings combined with label head George Klabin's unstinting support has borne fruit in the discovery and release of this remarkable new Bill Evans album, Some Other Time: The Lost Session From the Black Forest. Resonance Records is thrilled to bring this important addition to Bill Evans's legacy to the world, a recording that constitutes the only existent studio recording of the Bill Evans Trio in the iteration that featured drummer Jack DeJohnette together with bassist Eddie Gomez, a version of Evans's trio that only existed for six months in 1968. Feldman discovered this previously unknown recording by chance. In April, 2013 in Bremen, Germany at the Jazzhead trade conference, he happened to meet a son of late great German jazz producer, Hans Georg Brunner-Schwer (familiarly known as HGBS), the founder of the legendary jazz label, MPS. While comparing notes with the younger Mr. Brunner-Schwer, Feldman discovered that HGBS's family had in its archive an unreleased studio album by the Bill Evans Trio featuring Eddie Gomez and Jack DeJohnette. After hearing one track on a car stereo in the parking lot outside the convention hall, Feldman was bound and determined to acquire the album for Resonance. He was convinced the world had to hear this music, which represents an under-documented chapter in Bill Evans's creative journey. Bill Evans studio albums are rare in themselves and this particular make-up of the Evans trio, which was only together for six months, had never recorded in the studio; the only recording of this particular group that's been available is a live concert recording made at the Montreux Jazz Festival five days earlier that was released on Verve. This album sat virtually unnoticed for nearly fifty years in part because of the way it came into existence in the first place. It had been recorded on the spur of the moment. Noted German Jazz producer and writer Joachim-Ernst Berendt had heard the Evans Trio's performance at the Montreux Festival and was so impressed, he urged both HGBS and Bill Evans's manager, Helen Keane, to bring the trio to HGBS's MPS studio in Villingen in the Black Forest to record between tour stops during June of 1968. The hastily thrown-together recording agreement provided that no release could be made without certain approvals. After all, Bill Evans was under contract to another label. As time passed, contractually, no one seemed to have picked up the ball, so nothing happened. So the tapes sat. And they sat out-of-sight, out-of-mind in an archive in the Black Forest, a location far from Bill Evans's and Helen Keane's normal ambit. After some years with the tapes all but forgotten, the principals all died. Evans, Helen Keane and Berendt were all gone by 2000, and HGBS passed away in 2004. By then, the album had become, in effect, a forgotten historical relic. Fast forward to 2013 and enter premier jazz detective Zev Feldman, who never loses an opportunity to explore what unknown recordings may exist when he meets someone with a connection to jazz. He met a member of the Brunner-Schwer family and with a little digging and a lot of determination, he found himself on the trail of another historically significant unknown jazz recording begging to be released. It wasn't a simple matter to bring this music to the public, but once Feldman knew this album existed, he was unflagging in his determination to make it happen. When he finally heard the entire album, he describes the experience as revelatory: "It blew my mind to hear it. THIS was why George [Klabin] sent me half way around the world to Germany: to search out rare recordings like THIS." After several trips to Europe to shepherd the project forward, in 2015, deals were finally struck with all the necessary parties and Resonance was able to move forward with the release. Bill Evans is one of the most influential pianists in the history of jazz. In his essay for the album package, journalist, author and jazz historian Marc Myers describes Evans's career as comprising four distinct periods or stylistic phases. The first of these Myers describes as Evans's "jazz apprentice years," a period that extended from 1953 to 1961, during which time, he performed often as a sideman, but also began recording as a leader. The second period, which Myers styles Evans's "swinging romantic" period spanned from 1961 through 1966, where he began to come into his own as a force in jazz. This was followed by a period Myers calls Evans's "percussive poet" phase, which Myers maintains was propelled by the introduction of bassist Eddie Gomez into Evans's musical milieu. The percussive poet period lasted until 1978. Myers refers to Evans's artistic phase during the last four years of his life -- from 1978 to 1982 -- as his "lost soul" years. This album captures Bill Evans at an important, yet relatively under-recorded time in his career. Myers describes it as an important document that sheds light on Evans's transition from swinging romantic to percussive poet. And although Eddie Gomez was to remain a colleague of Bill Evans's for many years and a collaborator with him on numerous recordings, because of the discovery of this album featuring the Evans trio with the addition of Jack DeJohnette, Myers believes that there is now a much more solid basis for considering this brief association as an important chapter in the Evans saga. Myers writes: The material also brings into relief Evans's all-too-brief encounter with Mr. DeJohnette, a member of Evans's trio for just six months in 1968. During that time, his tender, kinetic drumming style caught Evans's ear, educating him on the interplay possible when percussive figures are feathery and challenging. [Up until now, the only commercially available recordings of Evans and DeJohnette have been scarce]; hardly enough to evaluate Mr. DeJohnette's contribution to the trio or his influence. With the addition of The Lost Session From the Black Forest, we have a more complete picture of Mr. DeJohnette's impact. During the musical discourse between Mr. DeJohnette and Evans, we hear clearly the sound that Evans wanted on drums going forward. In short, Mr. DeJohnette's swarm of gentle, abstract snare figures and pesky cymbal rustlings created a dramatic and provocative backdrop without encroaching on Evans's lyrical narrative. In his essay included in the album package, Friedhelm Schulz, the current managing director of HGBS Studios, makes some observations regarding the significance of Bill Evans recording in MPS's Villingen studio with HGBS. Schulz writes: In 1968 Bill Evans already had the delicate, sophisticated, searching approach that was his trademark and which established his reputation as an exceptional pianist and a star on the piano jazz horizon. No pianist before him had such expressive power and such varied moods and feelings as Evans. Perfectly and appropriately complementing his sensitivity were bassist Eddie Gomez and drummer Jack DeJohnette. Now Evans was in the Black Forest, where beginning in the early '60s, Oscar Peterson played regularly in the living room of producer Hans Georg Brunner-Schwer, a man who had a reputation for innovative recording techniques. Even Duke Ellington had come there and was persuaded to record a spontaneous session in 1965 in the same living room. Bill Evans Some Other Time: The Lost Session From the Black Forest, was produced by Zev Feldman along with executive producer George Klabin. Sound restoration is by Fran Gala and Klabin. The exceptional package was designed by Burton Yount. Producer Zev Feldman adds, "We at Resonance are thrilled to be able to share this important new document with the world, one that sheds light on a previously little-known phase in Bill Evans's career. That it was recorded at the historic MPS studio by the great Hans Georg Brunner-Schwer makes it all the more special for me as I've been a big fan of MPS, SABA and HGBS for as long as I've been collecting records. This just might be one of the most exciting experiences in my production career so far. When we sought out to assemble the package I felt we also needed to create one of the nicest packages in Evans's discography. I'll leave that to the fans but I feel we accomplished just that with this newly unearthed gem. Lastly, I want to thank everyone who made it happen, especially the Bill Evans Estate, the Brunner-Schwer family, Friedhelm Schulz, Eddie Gomez, Jack DeJohnette, and finally above all, I want to thank George Klabin who made it all possible." The most recent Bill Evans release from Resonance, 2012's Live at Art D'Lugoff's Top of the Gate, has sold over 30,000 copies worldwide. Resonance Records continues to bring archival recordings to light. Headquartered in Beverly Hills, CA, Resonance Records is a division of Rising Jazz Stars, Inc. a California 501(c) (3) non-profit corporation created to discover the next jazz stars and advance the cause of jazz. Current Resonance Artists include Richard Galliano, Polly Gibbons, Tamir Hendelman, Christian Howes and Donald Vega. www.ResonanceRecords.org Pre-order on iTunes and receive 4 tracks instantly: "You Go To My Head," "It Could Happen To You," "These Foolish Things" and "How About You?" Listen to "You Go To My Head" Listen to "How About You?" Also Available on Amazon Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=2983658 Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=2983631 Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=2983633 Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=2983646 Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=2983649 For more information please contact: Doreen D'Agostino DOREEN D'AGOSTINO MEDIA 212.772.2050 917.916.2626 Email Contact www.doreendagostinomedia.com WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwired - March 31, 2016) - "The increasing links and flow of recruits between... regional extremists and the so-called 'Islamic State' in Syria and Iraq, as well as al-Qa'ida affiliates and allies across the region," are "of growing concern for African security interests," according to a new report from The Inter-University Center on Terrorism Studies (IUCTS) and the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies. Released Wednesday at an event at The National Press Club, the seventh annual report, "Terrorism in North Africa and the Sahel in 2015," reveals that while the number of terrorist attacks in the region fell year-to-year, "the overall strategic impact regionally and globally was far more dangerous [in 2015] than previously," due to these growing extremist ties, as well as deteriorating conditions in Libya. The report notes that of the more than 40 terrorist organizations worldwide that have sworn allegiance to the Islamic State, about 20 are in the Maghreb, Sahel, or elsewhere in Africa. Meanwhile, "In North Africa, Libya represents the most insecure nation due... to its porous land and maritime borders, unstable political institutions following the collapse of Gaddafi's regime, and the increase in the number of foreign fighters reinforcing indigenous extremist groups and militias," writes IUCTS Director and author of the report Dr. Yonah Alexander. "By early 2016, it became apparent that Libya has become a major base for Daesh, with reportedly some 5,000 fighters." In the Maghreb, only Morocco and Mauritania did not experience terrorist attacks, according to the report. Speaking at the event, Moroccan security expert and founder of the Marrakesh Security Forum Dr. Mohammed Benhammou outlined Morocco's multidimensional security approach: good "security governance" -- deep cooperation between the various security forces in the country; as well as training and improved capabilities; management of the religious spectrum, where Morocco has trained imams and women spiritual guides to ensure that mosques remain places of worship rather than political activity or extremist ideology; and a strategy of human development that offers alternatives to those most vulnerable to extremism. The IUCTS report notes that as Moroccan "security services arrested suspected militants accused of recruiting fighters and raising funds for two al-Qa'ida affiliates, Ansar al-Sharia in Libya and Jabhat al-Nusra in Syria"; Rabat also "denounced Islamic extremism," "expressed its 'total solidarity' with front-line countries such as Egypt and Jordan in their counterterrorism activities," and "has been training imams from other African countries on preaching a more tolerant Islam." The report offers ten tactical recommendations to address the growing threats in the region. Among them: "Strengthen U.S. and NATO intelligence assets by broadening cooperation through AFRICOM, NATO's Partnership for Peace, and other modalities that supply and support training, equipment, and monitoring of resources throughout the region"; "Continue to expand U.S. counterterrorism technical assistance and training to internal security personnel"; "Work to settle intra-regional conflicts that provide openings for extremists to exploit and impede security and economic cooperation -- including the Western Sahara dispute and the problem of refugees in the Polisario-run camps in Algeria. Also, collaborate with the global donor community to conduct a census of the camps"; "Recognize the importance of and provide quiet encouragement to Muslim leaders in promoting the practice of a moderate Islam, as well as counter-radicalization programs that limit the appeal of extremist recruiters"; and "Promote regional trade and investment by expanding the US-Morocco Free Trade Agreement to include goods and products from North, West, and Central Africa." "As the IUCTS report drives home, the situation in North Africa and the Sahel is increasingly dangerous and calls for concerted regional action," said Jordan Paul, Executive Director of the Moroccan American Center. "Resolving the Western Sahara issue based on the Moroccan autonomy plan is essential to promoting regional cooperation and coordination. The US must offer continuing support and encouragement to Morocco, its oldest, strongest and most stable ally in the region. The Moroccan American Center for Policy (MACP) is a non-profit organization whose principal mission is to inform opinion makers, government officials, and interested publics in the United States about political and social developments in Morocco and the role being played by the Kingdom of Morocco in broader strategic developments in North Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East. This material is distributed by the Moroccan American Center for Policy on behalf of the Government of Morocco. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice in Washington, DC. Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/3/31/11G091333/Images/IMG_3220-ec682ea29e2ca805ac62a53dbfc248ed.JPG CONTACT: Jordana Merran 202.470.2049 jmerran@moroccanamericancenter.com CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/31/16 -- Northern Frontier Corp. (TSX VENTURE: FFF) ("Northern Frontier" or the "Corporation") announces that it has received an extension of its previously announced temporary waiver (the "Waiver") from its lenders (the "Lenders") of certain financial covenants under its credit facilities for the periods ended December 31, 2015 and March 31, 2016. Management has negotiated a Waiver of the previously announced anticipated breaches from its Lenders. The Waiver terms include: -- the Lenders waive compliance by Northern Frontier of the senior funded debt to EBITDA ratio covenant; -- the Lenders waive compliance by Northern Frontier of the fixed charge coverage ratio covenant; and -- the Waiver expires on May 31, 2016 (the "Waiver Period"). The Waiver is conditional on, among other items, Northern Frontier entering into amended credit facilities on terms satisfactory to the Lenders on or before the expiration of the Waiver Period. The Waiver is a temporary solution to allow management and the Lenders additional time to amend Northern Frontier's credit facilities. About Northern Frontier Corp. Northern Frontier's strategic objective is to create a large industrial and environmental services business through a buy and build growth strategy. Currently, the Corporation provides: civil construction, excavation, fabrication and maintenance services to the industrial industry, bulk water transfer logistic services and installs and dismantles remote workforce lodging and modular offices in western Canada. The Corporation's common shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the trading symbol "FFF". Reader Advisory Forward-Looking Statements This news release includes certain statements that constitute forward-looking statements under applicable securities legislation. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "may", "will", "should", "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "predict", "potential", "continue", or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements in respect of: -- expectations of future financial performance of the Corporation; and -- the Corporation's ability to successfully negotiate amendments to its credit facilities on terms satisfactory to the Lenders. These statements are only predictions and are based upon current expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions, which the Corporation believes are reasonable but which may prove to be incorrect and therefore such forward-looking statements should not be unduly relied upon. In making such forward-looking statements, assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, industry activity, the state of financial markets, business conditions, continued availability of capital and financing, future oil and natural gas prices and the ability of the Corporation to obtain necessary regulatory approvals. Although the Corporation believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. By its nature, forward-looking information involves numerous assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not occur. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. The Corporation has no obligation to update any forward-looking statements set out in this news release, except as required by applicable law. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Contacts: Northern Frontier Corp. Chris Yellowega President and Chief Executive Officer 587.293.7230 cyellowega@nfcorp.ca Northern Frontier Corp. Monty Balderston Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 587.293.7230 mbalderston@nfcorp.ca Northern Frontier Corp. 400, 435 - 4th Avenue SW Calgary, AB T2P 3A8 www.nfcorp.ca Western is an integrated Canadian forest products company, and is the largest coastal British Columbia woodland operator and lumber producer. The Company has an annual available harvest of approximately 6.3 million cubic metres of timber, of which approximately 6.1 million cubic metres is from Crown lands. Western has a lumber capacity in excess of 1.1 billion board feet from seven sawmills and two remanufacturing plants. Principal activities conducted by the Company include timber harvesting, reforestation, sawmilling logs into lumber and wood chips, and value-added remanufacturing. Substantially all of Western's operations, employees and corporate facilities are located in the coastal region of British Columbia, while its products are sold in more than 25 countries worldwide. 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. VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/31/16 -- Blue Sky Uranium Corp. (TSX VENTURE: BSK) (FRANKFURT: MAL) (WKN: A0MKXP) ("Blue Sky" or the "Company") announced today that its board of directors has approved a change of the Company's auditors. At the request of the Company, D&H Group LLP (the "Former Auditor") has resigned as auditor of the Company effective March 18, 2016. The audit committee and board of directors of the Company have appointed Crowe MacKay LLP as the successor auditor, effective March 18, 2016 (the "Successor Auditor") until the close of the next annual general meeting of the Company. The Company has sent a Notice of Change of Auditor (the "Notice") to the former Auditor and to the Successor Auditor and has received a letter from each, addressed to the securities commissions in each of Alberta and British Columbia and the TSX Venture Exchange stating that they agree with the information contained in the Notice. The Notice together with the letter from the Former Auditor and the letter from the Successor Auditor have been reviewed by the Company's audit committee and its board of directors and are available on www.sedar.com. There were no disagreements or unresolved issues with the Former Auditor on any matter of audit scope or procedures, accounting principles or policies, or financial statement disclosure. It is the Company's opinion that there have been no "reportable events" (as defined in National Instrument 51-102 Continuous Disclosure Obligation) between the Company and the Former Auditor. The Former Auditor did not provide a modified opinion in their auditor's report for the financial statements of the Company fiscal years ended December 30, 2014 and 2013. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Nikolaos Cacos, President, CEO and Director Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Readers are encouraged to refer to the Company's public disclosure documents for a more detailed discussion of factors that may impact expected future results. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. Contacts: Blue Sky Uranium Corp. Corporate Communications 1-604-687-1828 Toll-Free: 1-800-901-0058 info@blueskyuranium.com Garena Interactive Holding Limited, a Singapore-based internet and mobile platform company, closed a US$170m Series D funding round. The round was led by Khazanah Nasional Berhad, the strategic investment fund of the Government of Malaysia, which is joining existing investors General Atlantic LLC, the Ontario Teachers Pension Plan, and Keytone Ventures. Founded in 2009 by Chairman and CEO Forrest Li, Garena is the market leader in three major internet categories: digital content, marketplace ecommerce, and electronic payments in Greater Southeast Asia. The company currently has almost 4,600 employees today across the region. Its digital content platform brings interactive and language localized content to over 45 million users. The eCommerce business, Shopee, is an online marketplace with a user-friendly app for 650,000 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to sell products online in their local languages and using local logistics. The payments business, AirPay, allows individuals to use cash to pay for online transactions. The company has achieved compound annual revenue growth of more than 90% over the past five years to over USD 300m of gross revenue in 2015. In total, Garena has raised over US$500m from investors. FinSMEs 31/03/2016 IBM (NYSE: IBM) is to acquire Bluewolf Group LLC, one of Salesforces top partners and a globally recognized leader in cloud consulting and implementation services. The amount of the deal was not disclosed. Led by Eric Berridge, CEO, Bluewolf is one of Salesforces longest standing consulting partners, with 12 global offices and more than 500 employees in the United States, Europe and Australia. The company has expertise in the Salesforce implementation ecosystem, and has delivered more than 9,500 Salesforce projects for clients including Stanley Black & Decker, Sapa Building Systems and Vodafone Hutchinson Australia. Upon completion of this transaction, Bluewolf will join the existing Interactive Experience (iX)* practice of IBM Global Business Services and will continue to develop solutions around Salesforce industry implementations, based on its library of industry-specific assets, accelerators and mutual expertise in the financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, higher education, public sector and new media industries, among others. The acquisition is expected to close in the second quarter of 2016 and is subject to applicable regulatory review and customary closing conditions. IBM iX is a hybrid consultancy and digital agency dedicated to creating experiences that connect data with design and develop personalized customer experiences that aim to change how companies do business. Services span industry strategy, creative and design, to scalable digital, commerce, mobile and wearable platforms. Clients include Nationwide, Qantas, Jaguar and Wimbledon to co-create experiences that transform brands and result in greater business outcomes. FinSMEs 31/03/2016 The challenge to disrupt the financial services sector via technology is now in its golden age. The latest figures clearly show this. The target is clear: No high street zombies, please! We need a new bank, more agile, easier to use for consumers and companies, which can establish a fairer relationship with all of us, with reduced time spent and no hidden fees, instead. Similarly to the bank, creating a new paradigm for insurance companies to serve consumers represents a big challenge as well. According to the Global Insurance Report 2016 by Capgemini and Efma, the millenial generation (Gen Y), individually, and in combination with the Internet of Things, will act as one of the major disruptors to the traditional insurance business, affecting everything from risk assessments to customer interactions. And millenials are not happy about the current customer experience having higher digital expectations. This basically means that insurance industry players have to work (hard) to rethink and innovate themselves to meet those expectations. While giants rethink, some (European) startups are moving to that direction trying to bring the insurance-customer relationship to our smartphone. Lets have a look at some of them. Clark is a Frankfurt-based digital insurance broker which sells insurance products from more than 160 insurance companies in Germany. Founded in June 2015, by Dr. Christopher Oster, Steffen Glomb and Dr. Marco Adelt, the service allows customers to request quotes for new health, life, car, house or liability insurance. Clarks finance and insurance consultants supported by a technology platform work to find the best deal from over 160 partners and provide customers with an online portfolio with all contracts and details such as price, notice periods, and key documents. The company is backed by FinLeap, Karl-Heinz Flother, ProSiebenSat.1 Accelerator, Target Global, and Thomas Noth. GetSafe is a Heidelberg, Germany-based digital insurance manager for the smartphone which provides an interface to manage all personal insurances in one place. Beyond the app, the service works as a fully digitalized insurance broker. The technology automatically gathers information about users current policies directly from insurance companies. It then creates an overview of all contracts, rates and also identifies savings potentials. Services include damage claiming and a team of insurance experts available 24/7. The GetSafe portfolio currently includes more than 130 insurance carriers with the app available for iOS and Android users in Germany. Founded in 2013 by Christian Wiens and Marius Blaesing, GetSafe currently cooperates with more than 130 insurance companies and has several thousand customers. It is backed by Acton Capital Partners, b-to-v, Capnamic Ventures, CommerzVentures, HW Capital, Iris Capital, Partech Ventures, and Rocket Internet. Founded in September 2013 by Dennis Just and Christina Kehl, Knip is a mobile insurance manager that collects customers insurance products in one app, which shows existing insurance policies, tariffs and services and gives access to the entire insurance policy doc. After an automatic analysis of new customers insurance coverage, they receive recommendations on how to improve their individual insurance protection. Upon request, insurance experts give advice on insurances, analyze tariffs and services and work to detect individual savings and optimization potential. Users can change their tariffs, sign new insurance contracts and cancel old policies. The company, which currently has a team of 80 employees working in Zurich, Berlin and Belgrade, is backed by Creathor Venture, Orange Growth Capital, QED Investors, Redalpine, and Route 66 Ventures. FinanceFox is an insurance platform which combines technology and human expertise to allow people to manage contracts digitally in one iOS or Android app. Co-founded in November 2014 by Amir Suissa, Dario Fazlic and Julian Teicke, the company works in Switzerland and recently opened in Germany. The company, which employs over 70 people in offices in Berlin, Zurich and Barcelona, is backed by IDinvest, Salesforce Ventures, Seedcamp and SpeedInvest. Co-founded by Phoebe Hugh, CEO, and Chris Wessels, CTO, London, UK-based Brolly is developing a free personal insurance concierge that will be available online and on our mobile phone. Powered by artificial intelligence, Brolly promises to tell users if theyre over or under-insured, whether they have duplicate or missing cover, and whether they can get the cover they need at a better price. The service will allow people to purchase new cover, manage policies in one place, and provide instant access to documents, prices, and contact numbers. FinSMEs 31/03/2016 Lenders to defunct Kingfisher Airlines on Wednesday said they have received an offer to settle loan from the company and they will examine the proposal. Liquor baron Vijay Mallya and Kingfisher Airlines earlier submitted a proposal in the Supreme Court for repayment of Rs 4,000 crore out of the loan amount of Rs 6,903 crore to the consortium of banks, led by State Bank of India, by September this year. "The consortium of banks led by SBI confirms receipt of an offer for settlement of dues from Kingfisher Airlines Ltd. The bank, along with other consortium members, will examine the same," SBI said in a statement. The statement, however, did not disclose the amount Mallya has offered to repay to the banks. The proposal for repayment in the Supreme Court was submitted by Mallya, Kingfisher, United Breweries (Holdings) Ltd and Kingfisher Finvest (India) Ltd. A bench comprising Justices Kurian Joseph and R F Nariman allowed the consortium of banks a week's time to respond to the proposal and posted the matter for further hearing on April 7. On March 9, the government had informed the apex court that Mallya, who is facing legal proceedings for allegedly defaulting on loans of over Rs 9,000 crores from various banks, had left the country a few days back. However, a report in The Times of India said the banks are vary of the offer as Mallya has never co-operated with them on the dues matter. Mallya made the offer for repayment through two video conferencing with the SBI, his counsels informed the court earlier in the day. Another report in the same newspaper, meanwhile, said the industrialist, who is estimated to be worth Rs 7,000 crore, is likely to sell his stake in United Breweries to partner Heineken in order to arrange funds for settlement with the banks. "This offer will be met from two sources shares in UBL and a residual stake in United Spirits. Mallya will have to offer shares to Heineken as the latter has pre-emptive rights on them," a source close to Mallya has been quoted as saying in the report. Reuters had earlier this month reported that Heineken is likely to ask Mallya to step down from the board of United Breweries. Three sources told the news agency that such a move would likely be a prelude to the Dutch drinks major raising its stake in the maker of Kingfisher beer to above 50 percent. Heineken acquired a 37.5 percent stake in United Breweries in 2008 through its takeover of Scottish & Newcastle and has since increased its holding to 42.4 percent. With Mallya distracted by debts from a collapsed airline venture, this could be a timely grab by Heineken in a market that is growing much faster than the global average, the report had said. Mallya and Kingfisher Airlines owe Rs 7,800 crore to the consortium led by SBI, which had an exposure of over Rs 1,600 crore to the airline. Other lenders include Punjab National Bank, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, Bank of India, Central Bank of India, Federal Bank, UCO Bank and Dena Bank. Last year, SBI declared Mallya as wilful defaulter while Punjab National Bank had also declared him, his group holding company United Breweries Holdings and Kingfisher Airlines as wilful defaulters last month. With PTI On Wednesday, in a sealed envelope, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) submitted the list of big loan defaulters (companies with over Rs 500 crore bad loans) in the Supreme Court. The RBI did so after the apex court, on 16 February, demanded the list in connection with a PIL filed by Prashant Bhushan-headed NGO, Centre for Public Interest Litigation. The SC, in February, had observed that the RBI is supposed to uphold public interest and not the interest of individual banks, nor the central bank is in any fiduciary relationship with any bank. But, while submitting the list, the RBI said disclosing the names in public would hamper the companies health if they are in genuine difficulty and may accentuate the failure of business rather than nursing it back to health. This raises an important question: Who deserves RBIs loyalty first--the common public or banks/big corporates? The answer is both and, largely, the former. As the SC correctly observed, theoretically, the central bank has no legal duty to maximise the benefit of any public sector or private sector bank, and thus there is no relationship of trust between them. The central banks statutory duty is tilted towards upholding the interest of the public at large -- the depositors, the countrys economy and the banking sector -- and not a few large corporates who failed to pay back the money borrowed from banks. And hence naming the defaulters will in fact serve the interests of both the bank and the company. It is in this context that the SC says that the RBI ought to act with transparency and not hide information that might embarrass individual banks. But, the issue here is a bit more complicated than theory. The RBI is also tasked with the duty to ensure the business of banking runs under the principles of discipline and financial stability. The fact is that NPA (non-performing assets) is not a bad word always and it is dangerous to generalise all cases of NPAs. There are cases of where companies are unable to pay back their loans temporarily on account of genuine reasons such as industry slowdown, delay in government policy clearances and bureaucratic approvals. No matter what the reason is, banks classify loans into an NPA if interest payment is not received for 90 days. In such cases, the repayment difficulty may be temporary and is repairable when market conditions improve and banks care to offer a bit of assistance through restructuring or fresh working capital funding. At this stage, if the names of these firms are made public, public image of these companies will take a severe beating, making it even more difficult for them to come out of the tough phase and, thus, further weakening chances of loan recovery for banks. The central banks reluctance to disclose the names of big defaulters is understandable since it is concerned about such cases. But, there is absolutely no reason why banks keep the promise of confidentiality with respect to those promoters, who do not pay back even if they have the wherewithal to do so and the reasons of loan default arent genuine. These companies and promoters (called as wilful defaulters) do not deserve any mercy, such as the Kingfisher-Vijay Mallya case, where banks found evidences of fund diversion, mismanagement of funds loaned by banks and other charges related to financial irregularities. There is no reason for the RBI, banks or any authorities to keep their names hidden. Once banks identify these companies as wilful defaulters, they should be named and shamed in public at the earliest and the recovery process should be initiated. Take the Mallya case for instance. The loan (about Rs 7000 crore then) turned bad in 2011-2012. But it took banks some four years to tag Mallya as wilful defaulter and initiate tough steps against the liquor-baron. Had this enthusiasm was shown in the early stage, things would not have turned worse to this extent (the total dues to over Rs 9000 crore, the value of underlying assets of Kingfisher has eroded sharply and the man himself is beyond the reach of banks and investigators in some foreign country). In Kingfisher-like cases, the general public (the taxpayer and the depositor) is fully within their rights to know about the default at the earliest. Here, the task for the banks and the RBI is to distinguish the nature of default at the earliest with the help of forensic audits and seek the help of investigative agencies and sector regulators. Once a clear distinction is made, these defaulters should be named and shamed in public. To be sure, already certain banks publish the names of wilful defaulters on their websites and through media. Credit bureaus such as CIBIL too publish the names of wilful defaulters. According to the Credit Information Bureau (India) Ltd, or CIBIL, 7,129 wilful defaulters owe Indias banks Rs 70,540 crores. The point here is this: both the banking regulator and the apex court are right in their arguments on naming the defaulters. There is no second thought on the fact that public interest is paramount than commercial interest of institutions. But there is certainly a case to exercise caution and distinguish between the entrepreneur in genuine difficulty and a wily promoter who is making a mockery of the banking system. Bengaluru: For the second time in 10 days, the Chemistry paper of Class XII was leaked in Karnataka on Thursday, forcing cancellation of the exam and triggering strong protests from parents and students. Violence broke out in front of the Department of Pre-University Education (DPUE) building as a section of agitated students started pelting stones, damaging glass windows, police said. According to police, the paper leak took place in two different locations in the state, a development that affected over 1.74 lakh PUC (Pre-university course) students. Earlier, the scheduled 21 March Chemistry exam was cancelled and rescheduled for March 31 after a II PU science student alerted the authorities about the question paper leak. After the student blew the lid off the paper leak, the state government had handed over the investigation to CID. Amid a surcharged atmosphere in front of the DPUE building, a parent went upto the terrace and threatened to jump, saying there are no officials present to listen to their plight. But he was persuaded against doing so and brought down. Another student fainted during the protest and was shifted to hospital, police said. The issue also rocked the Assembly, where Opposition BJP members staged a dharna and raised slogans, demanding the resignation of Primary and Secondary Education Minister Kimmane Ratnakar. "The CID is investigating the matter and the government is very serious about it. They are finding out who the culprits are - whether they are insiders or outsiders," Home Minister G Parameshawara told reporters. He said the matter is serious as it concerns the future of lakhs of students and added that once the CID submits its report, government would not only take action against the guilty, but also take precautionary measures to avoid such things from happening. Raising their voice in protest against the re-examination for the second time, students refused to take another re-exam. "Why should we take another examination, and that too for the second time in 10 days? Why cannot the government take security measures to prevent such incidents from taking place?," some students at the protest site asked. Another student said they are facing the added tension of appearing for the coming competitive examinations. "We are tense as the board has once again cancelled the exam. Where do we have time to appear for competitive examinations?" she said. 40 officers, other staff suspended After the Chemistry paper of Class XII was leaked leading to cancellation of the exam, Karnataka government suspended 40 officers and other staff in the Pre-University Department. As the issue rocked the Assembly, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Kimmane Ratnakar announced the government's decision in the House, amidst protest by BJP members who demanded his resignation. The re-examination will now be held on 12 April, the minister said, as the second leak led to protests by angry parents and teachers in Bengaluru and elsewhere in the state. He said to oversee conduct of the exam, a three-member observer's team, comprising current Transport Commissioner Ramegowda, who earlier served as Pre-University Commissioner, would be constituted. Ratnakar said the DGP CID has been requested to conduct speedy investigation into the leak of both 21 March exam and Thursday's re-examination question paper and find out the source behind it and punish those responsible. The examination on 21 March was cancelled and re-examination scheduled for today after students alerted the authorities about the question paper leak. Government had then ordered the CID investigation. As the House met for the day, BJP members raised the issue and demanded Education Minister's resignation. Hitting out at the government and the minister, Opposition leader Jagadish Shettar said, "Is this government alive or dead?" and accused the government of being "irresponsible" and playing with the lives of young students. "Are you aware of the pain and worry the students and their parents are undergoing?" Shettar said, adding "there is no other go; Kimmane Ratnakar has to take responsibility and resign." CID has to be given a free hand to investigate and strict action should be taken against those responsible, he said. Speaker Kagodu Thimmappa also expressed displeasure about the paper leak. JDS Leader Y S V Datta expressed surprise over the leak for the second time, that too when the CID was probing earlier paper leak. He said second PUC is a crucial year in a student's life as it is the basis on which they choose their professional courses. Other BJP leaders like Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri and Suresh Kumar also held the PU department responsible and demanded Ratnakar's resignation. In his reply, Ratnakar said about 1,75,000 students appeared for the Chemistry paper and "as we got to know about the question paper leak, we decided to cancel the exam this morning." He said the CID has been asked to probe the matter and the Principal Secretary of the Education Department told to take action against those officials responsible. Not happy with the Minister's reply, BJP MLA's trooped into the Well of the House and demanded Ratnakar's resignation, following which the Speaker adjourned the House and called for a meeting of floor leaders. As the House resumed, BJP members demanded that the Chief Minister give a statement and Ratnakar resign. Amidst sloganeering, the Speaker directed the Minister to make his statement. After Ratnakar's statement, the Speaker asked the Ministers and Heads of Committees to lay the papers and reports mentioned against their name. Even as BJP members continued with their demand that the minister's resignation has to be announced, the Speaker adjourned the House sine die. Chandigarh: The Haryana Assembly on Thursday unanimously passed a resolution to name Chandigarh airport after freedom struggle icon Shaheed Bhagat Singh. As soon as the Question Hour ended, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ram Bilas Sharma moved the resolution in this regard. Later, it was unanimously passed with ruling BJP and main opposition Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) MLAs supporting it. Opposition Congress MLAs were not present as they have not been attending the assembly session to protest the six-month suspension of their three MLAs for tearing copies of the Governor's address. On the resolution passed on Thursday, Sharma told the House that the state government would soon write to the Union Civil Aviation ministry in this regard. Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar had recently said that his government had no objection to the airport being named after Bhagat Singh. With the airport's terminal building falling in Punjab's Mohali town, Punjab government has put up signages of 'Mohali airport', upsetting Haryana government. The Rs 485-crore airport project is a joint venture of Airports Authority of India (AAI), governments of Punjab and Haryana. Mumbai: The special court for Prevention of Money Laundering Act cases extended the judicial custody of NCP leader and former Maharashtra minister Chhagan Bhujbal and his nephew and former MP Samir till 13 April. The duo appeared before the special judge PR Bhavke via a video link from the Arthur Road jail on Thursday. Chhagan Bhujbal later also moved an application seeking home food, medication and a bed. The plea may be heard on 4 April. He also moved an application seeking to reject a bail plea filed by a city-based lawyer without any authorisation from Bhujbal. The Enforcement Directorate told the court on Thursday that it had attached properties of Bhujbals worth Rs 131.86 crore, while remaining properties worth Rs 708.30 crore were yet to be identified and attached. The ED had filed a 11,500-page chargesheet on Wednesday, naming Chhagan Bhujbal, his son Pankaj, nephew Samir, corporates DB Realty, Balwa group of companies, Neelkamal Realtors and Builders Private Limited, Neelkamal Central Apartment LLP and Kakade Infrastructure. The agency has filed two FIRs against Chhagan Bhujbal, his family members and others under the anti-money laundering laws, based on FIRs filed by the state Anti-Corruption Bureau, to probe alleged irregularities in the construction of the state guesthouse Maharashtra Sadan in Delhi and the Kalina land grabbing case in Mumbai. The high court, in December 2014, had constituted a special investigation team comprising the ED and state ACB officials to conduct the inquiry against Bhujbal and others. The ACB complaint names Pankaj and Samir for offences such as cheating, conspiracy, criminal breach of trust under the IPC, and under the Maharashtra Ownership Flats Act. A flyover under construction in Kolkata collapsed on Thursday, crushing 22 people and injuring 78. Several people continue to be trapped under debris. The bridge collapsed at around 12.45 pm, on the congested road intersection in Burrabazar, in the city's northern section. Hyderabad based company IVRCL was tasked with constructing the 2-kmVivekananda Road flyover, a project that has been marred by delays. A representative of the construction firm, Panduranga Rao, described the accident as an Act of God. IVRCL was appointed by Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) to build the flyover. The firm was unable to ascertain the immediate cause of the collapse, but it said this bridge was the "toughest project of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewable Mission (JNNURM) project under the KMDA". The company had made it clear on various occasions that the project was a very difficult undertaking due to the congested area of the intersection, which hampered the movement of the heavy equipment used for construction, according to its website. The Telegraph reported that IVRCL was awarded the contract on 24 February 2009 with a budget of Rs 164 crore and a deadline of 18-months. After seven years of work, the construction was reported to be in its final phases. The company had revised its deadline several times. The flyover proved to be a hindrance for traffic on the intersection. Many residents in the area complained about the delay in the project. When reporters asked company officials about the delay in the project and the cause for collapse, Rao said, The bridge collapse was an act of God. Out of the 70 spans, 69 spans were completed without a problem. There was a strict process of checking from consultants and clients. We are shocked to know how the instance occurred. West Bengal Cheif Minister Mamata Banerjee chose to blame the previous government for the collapse. The construction of the bridge started in the year 2008, during the time of CPM," she said. "But now the crisis has happened, so we will face the problem." Dip in stock prices According to an article by Business Standard, in the past few years, IVRCL has faced a liquidity problem due to increasing debt and depleting profits. It had accumulated a debt of Rs 10,000 crore on top of net loss of close to Rs 2,000 crore by the end of second quarter of 2016. The article quoted senior management officials saying they require revenue inflows between Rs 5,000 and Rs 6,000 crore to cast off their immediate troubles. In March 2016, the company underwent a debt restructuring process. Banks who were part of this process were allotted 18,19,60,413 equity shares of Rs 2 each, at a price of Rs 8.76 per share. The allocation was made under the guidelines of the RBI Circular on Strategic Debt Restructure, according to a report by The Hindu Business Line. According to a report by Moneycontrol, the company saw a dip in its shares by 11 per cent on Thursday. Its stock has fallen steadily over the past year. Other Bridge constructions Founded over 25 years ago, the company has been involved in various projects related to water and environment, transportation, buildings and industrial structures, power transmission projects and mining. It is listed on the BSE and NSE and employs more than 3,000 engineers, managers and professional technocrats. The company is known, among other things, for construction of the first desalination plant at Minjur (near Chennai) with a capacity of 100 million litres per day (MLD). IVRCL has undertaken construction of several flyovers and bridges in cities like Chennai, Kondalampatti, Amritsar, Chengapalli, Bagalkote and Palasa. Some of these include: Jugraj Prabhai would have liked to eat something before he begins the first eight-hour session of labour at 4 am at a brick kiln in a place so far away from his home. But there is no time; his wife brings him tea the colour of light straw in a tumbler,and then the four of them Prabhai, his wife and their two children get to work. Till about noon, the Prabhai family works without rest and then retires for a couple of hours to have their first meal of the day. It is the same almost every day: rice that costs them 12 rupees a kilo, and potato-tomato curry. Then from 2 pm onwards till midnight, the four will work again. Prabhais home is in Kantabanji in Odishas Balangir district. He is a marginal farmer who owns a small piece of land. But now the paddy I am able to produce in a season is not even enough for my family, he says. So for four years now, he has been coming to Telangana to work in the kilns. It takes them two days and two nights of travel by train to reach here. I have heard about Bhubaneswar, but I have never been there, says Prabhai. According to the Economic Survey 2013-14, the number of rural poor is the highest in Odisha (along with Madhya Pradesh). It also has the lowest spending in rural areas (Rupees 1,003) of which over 57 percent is spent on food. Thousands of families from Odishas Kalahandi-Balangir-Koraput region migrate mostly to southern states to find work. Most of them get employed in brick kilns through agents who are locally called sardars. It is a lucrative business. Many sardars are politically affiliated and send hundreds of thousands of people like Prabhai to work in kilns across Telangana and other states. For every brick that migrants like Prabhai will make, the sardar will earn a commission. Prabhais family will work in Telangana for four to six months beginning November after which they will return. It is very difficult to understand how much the family will earn in these months. Even Prabhai is not sure. He says he has taken an advance of 15,000 rupees from the kiln owner. The four of them are able to make about 1,000 bricks a day. For every 15,000 bricks, the family is paid 1,000 rupees and a little food allowance (50-60 rupees a day). It will be adjusted against the advance he has taken. I dont like coming here, Prabhai says, every year I say to myself: we will not come here, but come November, I find myself making this journey. It is not that he did not look for work back home. I tried to work as a coolie in the town, but that was hardly paying, he says. Even the Centres rural employment guarantee scheme (MGNREGS) has failed to provide relief to Prabhai. Dont they promise 100 days of work? he asks. Last year, I only got work for eight days. ---------------------------------------------------- Every year I think I will not come here; but then I wonder how I will feed my family, and then I end up here, says Adam, a Dalit from the Madiga caste from Eklaspuram in Telanganas Mahabubnagar district. During his fathers time, Adam says, caste oppression was so terrible that he would not be allowed to even pass by the houses of upper-caste families. His father decided to convert to Christianity before Adam was born. The caste oppression has reduced back home now, but we are now forced to migrate because of poverty, he says. Adam is a marginal farmer, too. He would grow a little groundnut, cotton and rice, but in the last two years, severe drought conditions have led to large-scale migration from Mahabubnagar and other districts. Since two years it is worse, but we have been under distress for more than ten years now due to crop failure, says Adam. According to a government estimate, more than ten lakh people like Adam have migrated in the last few years from rural Mahabubnagar alone. A few years ago, Adam took a loan of 50,000 rupees from a landlord after his crops failed. He was hoping that the situation would be better in the next season. But after his crops were wrecked again, he decided to migrate to Ranga Reddy to work in a brick kiln. I took a loan from the kiln owner to repay the loan I had taken previously, he says. It has been six years and the cycle of debt has still not come to an end. Did he not get any work under MGNREGS? Only in patches, which is not enough, he says. In Ranga Reddy, due to the efforts of the local police administration, the children of such migrants have been attached to nearby government schools and anganwadi centres. It is a tragedy for the children because they cannot continue with whatever little education they might have been getting back home, says Ranga Reddys police chief, Rema Rajeshwari. But in season after season of migration, the children end up learning very little. The farmer is finished, says Adam, making a gesture of a knife cutting across his throat. The break is over. He has to return to the kiln to complete his target. Hyderabad: Students' Union of University of Hyderabad (UoHSU) on Wednesday sought President Pranab Mukherjee's immediate intervention to resolve issues related to the varsity, that is in limelight post-suicide by a Dalit scholar, and ensure sacking of Vice-Chancellor Appa Rao Podile. UoHSU President Zuhail K P shot off a letter to Mukherjee drawing his attention to prevailing "tension" in the campus and alleged lapses of the Rao-led administration in handling the suicide case of Dalit research scholar Rohit Vemula in January. "We would like to inform about the prevailing tension in the campus. Prof Appa Rao Podile is an accused in the case of Rohit Vemula's suicide. The two-member fact finding committee appointed by the MHRD to investigate the disciplinary action on five Dalit research scholars (including Rohit), which led to the suicide of Rohit, pointed out that the university administration under VC Appa Rao has mishandled the case," Zuhail said in the letter. The report pointed out several gaps in the procedures followed by the VC in deciding the punishment (against students). Moreover, Appa Rao has been booked under the SC/ST (Prevent of Atrocities) Act and for abetment to suicide, Zuhail said. The High Court did not grant him bail or any other interim relief till date. The Judicial Commission formed to ascertain the facts of this case is still probing the matter. Rao, instead of waiting for the Commission's report, "showed utter contempt" to the judicial process by cancelling his leave and resuming office on 22 March, Zuhail said. On 22 March, the students, upon learning that Rao was back from leave, marched to his residence and protested against his resumption of office, arguing as VC he may tamper with evidence and influence witnesses. "Hence, the students demanded that he must stay away for a free and fair inquiry in the case. But he misused the powers of office of Vice Chancellor and unleashed brutal violence on the protesting students," Zuhail alleged. "Until now his involvement in the case of Rohit Vemula was the reason for us to demand his resignation. Now his treatment of the students after resuming office and creating panic, chaos and destructive environment in campus put a question mark on his capability to administer the university." "We request your immediate intervention as the Visitor of University of Hyderabad to sack Appa Rao from the post of Vice-Chancellor and restore peace in the university and prevent further damage to its image," Zuhail said in the letter. Here is a copy of the full letter: There is heavy police presence on both sides of the road. Barricades are in place to ensure that no one can come into Manipur House, located in the capitals Chanyakapuri locality, without permission. The heavy Delhi Police bandobast outside is supplemented by state police sprawled across the lobby inside the building. All this is to ensure that Manipurs human rights icon Irom Sharmila does not address students who wish to meet her. Not that the students are organising a protest. The authorities just will not allow the young people, several students from JNU, be anywhere near the premises. Nobody can answer the simply question: why? "Orders from the authorities," they say. Which authorities? Who in authority? There is no answer from the plain clothes policemen swarming the building. Irom Sharmila is frail. She has a ready smile and speaks softly. She is in a happy mood, with the Delhi Court acquiting her in a 2006 attempt to suicide case. She is being forcibly fed through a nasal tube, and has several other similar cases against her in Manipur. "Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation, had resorted to fasts while making certain demands," she said in court earlier while justifying her fast. "Since there is no meaning of true democracy in the country, human rights activists should join hands. The matter should be brought to the attention of the Human Rights Council of the United Nations." She is determined to continue her fast until the government relents and lifts the draconian Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), which gives extraordinary power to the security forces and provides them impunity against civilian courts. The determination comes through in her interaction. She makes it clear that she wants to live, she wants to do all the normal things, but only after AFSPA is lifted from Manipur. She is not at all bitter, not against the authorities who have done this to her. She says her fight is not against any individual but against the 'Black Act'. She is almost spiritual in her approach and has love for people, including her tormentors. She has a special place in her heart for the young people of Manipur and the youth across the country. Q: It seems you want to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Why? Do you think he will understand your plight and help your cause? A: Yes I want to meet Prime Minister Modi. My presence will have an impact on him. I mean I shall explain my position and say why it is important to lift the draconian AFSPA which has no place in a democracy. I am quite certain the Prime Minister will understand. My soul is pure and he will know I have no ulterior motives. If a person is sensitive he will understand what I am fighting for. Q: The Prime Minister is a busy man, do you think he will spare the time to meet you? A: I hope he will. Q: Do you think the Prime Minister is sensitive? A: I dont know yet, will know after I meet him. Q: It has been 16-years since you went on fast, but it has made no impact. The AFSPA has not been lifted. You have various cases against you. You are being force fed. In the meantime life is passing you by. Everyone else is leading their life as they please. You are suffering. Has it been worthwhile to continue this fast? A: I dont agree with you. I am fighting for the people. Our people are suffering because the security forces can do what they please with impunity. People know that I am fighting for the right cause, for them, in the only way I can. I am not doing this for personal gain. It is not that people dont care, but they dont know how to help at the moment. Young people across Manipur are supporting me. I have influenced them, and they know that it is right to fight for principles. I am convinced that I will finally have my way. The struggle has been worth it. I have no regrets. Q: Do you think the time has come to re-think your strategy. You can fight for lifting the AFSPA by other means? So far you have hurt only yourself. A: I dont see it that way. I think I am slowly but surely succeeding. Look what happened today. The judge quashed the case and acquitted me. The judgement upheld the Constitution. The court saw the reality of the situation that was a big achievement. I am happy. Q: In neighbouring Tripura, AFSPA was lifted, because Chief Minsiter Manik Sarkar worked for it. Cant that be replicated in Manipur? A: Manipur is not Tripura. I will achieve what I have set out to do. We have to remain united and persevere, thats the only way. Happily I see there is a change in peoples perception. As I said before the court judgement today is a step in the right direction. I expect something else will happen tomorrow. Change comes with patience. I am now at the peak of my struggle and I see hope at the end of the tunnel. Things are changing, awareness spreading. Q: Who do you hold responsible for AFSPA the army, the state government or the Centre? A: All three are responsible. The collective voice of the people should be raised against governments that use violence and religious beliefs to divide society. India cannot progress unless we change our system. The country will remain as it is now poor and torn by conflict where nobody is happy. I want to talk to the Prime Minister and make him understand the hollowness of our system, where we cannot spread the happiness index. Q: Are you aware of what is happening in JNU? What are your views. A: Let the young be fearless and ask questions. It is the youth that always challenges the status-quo. They are bright and have the right to raise their concerns. Without an enquiring mind how can the human race progress? Why should the young not be revolutionary? The students must continue to question authorities and bring in change. Change is at the heart of human progress. The Vivekananda Road Flyover collapsed at 12.25 pm on Thursday killing at least 18 and injuring 78 in north Kolkata's Girish Park area. Several people, who are still trapped under the debris, are awaiting to be rescued. Eye-witnesses fear at least hundreds are still trapped. The flyover is located in a densely populated wholesale market, Barrabazaar, with a busy traffic and vehicles of goods passing all day under it. The flyover has been under construction since 2009 and has missed 9 deadlines till now. The first deadline was due in August 2010. After 65 months of the first deadline, only 65% of the of the 2.2 km long flyover finished. The repair works has been delayed since 2009 but keeping the West Bengal Assembly Election in mind, the Trinamool Congress government had told the builders to finish the construction work soon. In November 2015, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had assured completion of the flyover by February 2016. In March 2016, Chief Minister postponed the deadline till August 2016. There are several reasons behind the delay. The major challenge was the road between Posta Crossing and Howrah Bridge where the traffic is heavy and blocking the road for the completion of the work would complicate travel for passengers. To add to this, Kolkata Port Trust delayed providing permission to Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) for the construction work in the area. KMDA specified that in order to finish the construction work within August the work needed to continue for at least 10 hours a day differing from the earlier plan of 6 hours a day. For that, the traffic from Posta Junction to Howrah Bridge needs to be bifurcated which again adds to the complication. According to sources at KMDA, after Mamata's assurance that the project will be completed by August the construction work had resumed with much gusto. It is possible that this sudden rise of activity on an otherwise delayed project might have impacted the situation and caused Thursday's crash. Experts say that the 'dead-load' of the flyover was disrupted because of the sudden revival of the construction work. The pressure of the 'dead-load' is supposed to be divided equally throughout the entire stretch of the flyover. Any imbalance gives more room for accidents. On Wednesday, the repairing work of the construction began and it continued through a heavy-traffic day till Thursday afternoon. While the repair work was on, authorities did not make any efforts to stop the heavy inflow of traffic. An eye-witness said, "The work is on since morning. And the vehicles have been moving. The roads were not blocked. We could see that an accident was waiting to happen." Mamata assured that her government will take serious action and shifted the blame to the previous CPM government. She said, "The flyover was tendered in 2008 during CPM rule." She also added that she had asked for the blue-print of the bridge construction plan from the IVRCL authority over and over, which got the tender of the flyover, but they failed to provide her with that. The important question here is: Why didn't the CM then stop the construction work? Mamata's current statement echoes a previous one by the Trinamool Congress after the collapse of the Ultadanga flyover which happened early in the morning on 3 March 2013. The 2013 flyover collapse was not fatal but clearly Mamata's government did not take any lessons from the accident. The Chief Minister had said that 30 years of CPM rule had been the reason for the Vivekananda Road flyover collapse. It's election again and a massacre like this is horrible to digest. It is also disconcerning that the two parties and their blame-game is the only answer to the families who lost their loved ones in the fatal collapse of Thursday. Auto refresh feeds Footage from the site after the accident Spoke to DG NDRF who apprised me of the situation: Rajnath "An entire mini-bus was crushed under the debris," said another eyewitness. "There should be a very quick response. No rescue has been done. The rescue operation is very slow. It should be fast and should be done as quick as possible. After that, we can discuss what material was used," an angry eyewitness told Times Now, as he pointed out that it had been three hours since the accident. "This is a very unfortunate incident," said West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and added that the project was started in 2008 during the regime of the Left Front government. Seven people were rescued from the spot and rushed to the Calcutta Medical College and Hospital. "Two bodies have been extricated," a police officer said. - IANS According to news reports, the death toll in this tragedy has now climbed to 14. Sources told Firstpost that the troops deployed at the site have warned that the adjoining part of the flyover might collapse. The troops have also told the people to clear the roads underneath. Troops deployed warn that another part of bridge may collapse The toll-free helpline number is 1070. Other helpline numbers are 22143526, 22535185, 22145664. At the receiving end of strongly-worded allegations, IVRCL addressed a press conference, in which the firm maintained that the incident was 'an accident.' The company said it has no information about the FIR and that it has not been served on them We have collected all the samples from accident site & will send them to lab for test- C Sarkar,Forensic team member pic.twitter.com/E0rgeT8NlD Forensic Team arrives at the site of #Kolkata flyover collapse to collect samples pic.twitter.com/DXccD6DBnX Reports said that forensic Team arrived at the site of the flyover collapse to collect samples. However, TV reports said that the forensic team arrived after multiple reminders. "After 24 hours they are finally here," a bystander was quoted as saying by Times Now. Pedestrians and cars were crushed under concrete slabs and metal when a 60-metre portion of the flyover suddenly fell at lunchtime at Burrabazar in central Kolkata. Around 90 were rescued, many with serious injuries. Meanwhile, legal advisor to IVRCL Sheela Peddinti made an obscure remark and hinted that a blast could have been the reason behind the collapse. "The glass was shattered. It could have been a blast," Peddinti said on Friday. Speaking to journalists the MP said that the project should not have been approved at the first place and there was lot of issues among the locals regarding it. "My opinion is that it would have been better if it (flyover) was remodelled," the MP, who visited the site of accident, was quoted as saying by The Hindu. As the death toll in the flyover collapse increased to 24 on Friday, a local Trinamool Congress MP Sudip Bandopadhyay courted a fresh controversy on Friday by saying that the flyover should have been "remodelled." Bandopadhyay added that it was not done as the investment was already made into the project. IVRCL official hints blast could have been the reason for the collapse Three cranes working overnight managed to clear some of the wreckage and free access to vehicles with people still inside. Army and disaster response personnel sifted through the rubble overnight, armed with concrete and metal cutters, drilling machines and heat cameras to detect life. "Rescue operations are almost over. We don't expect to find any more survivors," said an official. Rescuers worked through the night with cranes, saws and jackhammers to look for those who may be trapped in debris. Shiv Sena demanded that all projects, ongoing and otherwise, in the state undertaken by IVRCL or its joint venture with other firms should be probed on technical soundness. Pratap Sarnaik, Sena legislator said, "IVRCL in JV with other firms is currently constructing several projects in Maharashtra and all these should be reviewed by the government by technical experts to ensure that there is no repeat of accidents on the lines of the Kolkata bridge." The firm is involved in several road projects in districts like Pune, Satara, Yavatmal, Chandrapur, Wardha, The Hindustan Times reported. It has also bagged several irrigation projects in the state. IVRCL's website shows that it has a share of public infrastructure contracts in several states including Andhra Pradhesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat. Doubts were raised on the construction quality of several projects of IVRCL after the unfortunate collapse in Kolkata. Incidentally, IVRCL has undertaken projects in Maharashtra as well. Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Friday demanded the state government to hand over the Kolkata flyover case to the CBI. He also said that CBI will look into the matter seriously. He added that the Centre is already providing all the possible help in the rescue operation. Brigadier Harish Kukreja on Friday said that the rescue work is in final stage and it seems no more survivors or bodies are left under the bridge. He also appreciated the NDRF, civil administration and other teams for their co-ordination throughout the mission. He added that most of the area has been cleared up and the operation is still underway, ANI reported. Residents of Kolkata on Friday paid homage to the people killed after an under-construction flyover collapsed in North Kolkata near Ganesh Talkies (Girish Park) on Thursday afternoon, ANI reported. A group of people gathered at the tragedy site to offer prayers for the people who lost their lives. At least 24 people were killed and over 100 are expected to be injured in the tragedy. Strict action will be taken against those responsible for Kolkata flyover collapse: Derek O'Brien, TMC leader to CNN-IBN on #KolkataTragedy Strict action will be taken against those responsible for Kolkata flyover collapse, TMC leader Derek O'Brien told CNN-IBN. An under-construction flyover collapsed near Ganesh Talkies in Girish Park, north Kolkata on Thursday. Ten people have been killed and several people are feared to be trapped under the debris after the Vivekananda Setu flyover collapsed, according to CNN-IBN. Traffic has come to a standstill and rescue operations are on. Many passenger vehicles, trucks and rickshaws were seen under the debris but it was not immediately known as to how many people were trapped. "The bridge collapsed. I think atleast 150 people are under the debris," ANI quoted an eye-witness as saying. Firefighters and residents were trying with their bare hands to rescue those trapped under the wreckage of the metal-and-cement structure. Television footage from the scene showed a bloody hand reaching out from under what appeared to be a massive girder. People were trying to hand bottles of water to survivors pinned underneath. "The condition is pathetic. At this moment no one has any clue how many people are trapped," said Raichand Mohta, a police officer at the scene. There was little sign of a coordinated rescue operation, with access for heavy lifting equipment restricted by the proximity of buildings on either side of the flyover and heavy traffic. Some people who were rescued with injuries were admitted to hospital. Disaster Management Groups and officials of Kolkata Police and Fire and Emergency Services are at the spot, according to DNA. Gas cutters are also being used to save trapped people. Two teams of the National Disaster Response Force comprising about 80 personnel have rushed to the flyover collapse spot. NDRF Director General OP Singh said in Delhi that the teams are being sent from their local base at Rajarhat, near the Kolkata airport. The accident spot is about 13 kms from the NDRF base. "The teams are well equipped to immediately conduct rescue operations. They will do that exactly as soon as they reach," Singh said. According to reports, the flyover was being constructed by the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority. According to Times Now, the project was supposed to be finished in 2010 but was delayed. The flyover has been under construction since 2009 and the project had missed several deadlines, reported India Today. According to this 2014 report in The Telegraph, a company called IVRCL was awarded the contract for the flyover on 24 February, 2009 with an 18-month deadline and a budget of Rs 164 crore. But even in 2014, IVRCL, which had been contracted by the Calcutta Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) to build the flyover, had told the state government that "it was in a difficult position to complete the project that is already running 42 months behind schedule with only 69 per cent of the work done so far." A similar incident had taken place in May 2013, when a huge portion of a flyover on the eastern side of Kolkata had collapsed, leaving three persons injured, police had said. Girish Park metro station is a major transport hub in Kolkata, because of which the area is generally crowded. The area also houses many residential and commercial buildings. (With agency inputs) New Delhi: Rahul Gandhi has replied to the notice of a Lok Sabha panel on the issue of his alleged "dual citizenship", questioning its decision of taking cognizance of a "complaint that is not in order" and daring BJP leader Subramanian Swamy to make public his British passport number and other relevant documents. In his reply to the notice issued by the Ethics Committee headed by BJP patriarch LK Advani, the Congress vice president also said the complainant has "wantonly misled" on the issue. "I am surprised that the committee of ethics has chosen to take cognizance of a complaint that is not in order. This is an endeavour to malign my good name. I have never at any stage sought or acquired British citizenship. My identity is that of an Indian," Gandhi said in his reply to the panel secretariat on 23 March. According to sources close to the development, Gandhi demanded that the complainant produce evidence to substantiate his allegation and file an affidavit in support of his contention. "The documents on which he relies in support of his contention nowhere mention that I have ever declared myself as a British citizen," he said, alleging it is evident that the complainant has "wantonly misled". Noting that citizenship is a matter of fact, he said whether he ever sought or acquired British citizenship would be part of the official documents with the British Home Office. "This fact could have been ascertained from the source before pressing the complaint," he said. "I urge Mr Swamy for placing on record any proof of Rahul Gandhi being a British citizen by disclosing his alleged British passport number and relevant documents," Gandhi was quoted by sources to have said in his response to the notice. The Congress leader was issued a notice in the second week of March by Advani-led panel seeking his response to allegations that he declared himself a British citizen to occupy the post of the Director of a company there. Earlier, in the first week of January, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan had forwarded to the Ethics Committee the complaint received from BJP MP Maheish Girri requesting for an "appropriate inquiry" into party colleague Subramanian Swamy's allegation that Gandhi had declared himself a British citizen to float a firm in that country. Swamy had also approached the Speaker in this regard. "The Ethics Committee has issued a show cause notice asking him (Rahul Gandhi) how he showed his citizenship as British when he was in London and became a Director...," Arjun Ram Meghwal, one of the committee members had said. Girri, MP from East Delhi, had maintained it was necessary for the people to know the reality and requested the Speaker to initiate an appropriate inquiry. In a statement, he had also said many "contradictory" facts against Gandhi had come up and there was a "big mystery" over his citizenship. Swamy, a former MP, had also written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi last November raising questions over Gandhi's citizenship. Hitting back, Gandhi had then accused Modi of indulging in mudslinging through his "cronies" and dared the government to probe the allegations against him and send him to jail if found guilty. The Supreme Court had in November last year rejected a plea seeking a CBI inquiry into the allegation against Gandhi and questioned the "authenticity of the document" attached with the PIL and the manner in which those had been procured. New Delhi: In a dramatic move, China has once again blocked India's bid at the UN to ban JeM Chief Masood Azhar, the mastermind of the Pathankot terror attack. According to highly placed sources in New Delhi, just hours before the deadline on Thursday, China requested the UN Committee, which is considering a ban on the chief of the Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), to keep on hold the designation. After the attack on the IAF base at Pathankot on 2 January, India in February wrote to the UN calling for immediate action to list Azhar under the Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee. The submission was armed with strong evidence of the outfit's terror activities and its role in the Pathankot attack that killed seven Indian military personnel. India also told the UN Sanctions Committee that not listing Azhar would expose it and other countries in South Asia to threats from the terror group and its leader. The India submission was considered by the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate (CTED) for technical aspects of the evidence provided. The technical team then with the support of the US, UK and France had sent it to all the members, sources said. All were told that if there are no objections the designation will be announced after the expiry of the deadline, the sources said. "However, hours before the deadline, China requested the Committee to hold up the banning of the JeM chief," the sources said. According to other government sources, the Chinese action was in "consultation" with Pakistan, which is not on the UN Committee. The UN had banned JeM in 2001 but Indias efforts to ban Azhar after the Mumbai terror attack also did not fructify as China, one of the five permanent members of the UN group with veto powers, didnt allow the ban apparently at the behest of Pakistan again. Hyderabad: Three Kerala MPs and social activist Teesta Setalvad were denied entry into Hyderabad Central University on Thursday where they were set to address a meeting. Security personnel of the varsity did not allow A Sampath, M B Rajesh, P K Biju and Setalvad to enter the campus, which has witnessed strong protests and violence after Vice Chancellor Appa Rao Podile resumed duty in the aftermath of Rohith Vemula suicide. "University authorities have directed not to allow the outsiders, so they were stopped at the main entrance gate," HCU's chief security officer T V Rao told PTI. The gate was locked from 3 pm till 5.30 pm. The two MPs from Kerala and Setalvad addressed the students outside the gate, Rao said. "Students attended the public meeting on both sides of the main gate," a member of the Joint Action Committee for Social Justice of HCU said. On 23 March, the varsity authorities decided not to allow any outsider, including media persons and politicians, on the campus. Reacting to the reports that HCU authorities had decided (at a meeting of deans) to remove "unauthorised things" at the shopping complex inside the campus, the varsity registrar M Sudhakar told PTI that the deans committee was a recommending authority, and final decision would be taken by the VC. Reports said that at the deans' meeting, it was decided that the varsity should issue a circular that nobody should use the campus for installing statues, busts and other unauthorised structures. `Rohit Smaraka Stupa, a memorial for the Dalit research scholar Rohith Vemula whose suicide landed the university in the ongoing controversy, currently stands on the campus. JAC members said they would oppose any move to demolish it or other structures (like tents) set up to hold protest. Suggesting her solution to curb sexual harassment cases in schools, Konda Surekha, ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) legislator, said schoolgirls should wear salwaar kameez instead of short dresses as school uniforms, as per report by Deccan Chronicle. Salwar Kameez covers the entire body and also upkeeps modesty. The government should implement a dress code to check on harassment cases, said the legislator from Warangal East constituency in Telangana justifying her stand in the state assembly. Demanding strong action against molesters, the former women development minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh in the YS Rajasekhara Reddy government, said that harassers should be debarred from attending school and strict action should be taken against them such that they think twice before harassing a girl. "Those government employees accused in sexual harassment cases should also be penalised," said the legislator. As per a report by New Indian Express, Surekha had also raised a demand to increase the number of SHE teams and special courts across Telangana to curtail the number of cases pertaining to crime against women. Beijing: China prevented a human rights lawyer from travelling to United States to receive an award for her work, she said on Thursday as she condemned the restriction on her freedom. Authorities refused to provide Ni Yulan with a passport to attend a ceremony on Tuesday in Washington, DC honouring "International Women of Courage", a day before Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in the city for a nuclear summit. The Public Security Bureau "would not let me leave", Ni said, adding that authorities informed her she was being stopped due to her involvement with more than 200 rights lawyers and activists detained by the government last summer. "It is purely to limit my personal freedom," she said. Ni is best known for her advocacy on behalf of Beijingers' property rights. She has been jailed twice and isparalysed from the waist down, a result she says of beatings received during her detention. In a tongue-in-cheek letter posted online Wednesday, she thanked the "party and government" for making her award nomination possible, noting it was the direct result of abuse in 2014 when, she said, authorities held her in her apartment without food or water. In desperation, she wrote, she reached out to "foreign diplomats" who brought supplies to her home and negotiated with China's foreign ministry on her behalf. Ni is one of a widening group of campaigners put under tightened control by Beijing as it seeks to tamp down activities that go against the party line. She was one of 14 women from around the world recognised by the US State Department for "exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for peace, justice, human rights, gender equality and women's empowerment, often at great personal risk". At the event, US Secretary of State John Kerry bemoaned the fact that China had refused to allow Ni to attend "despite repeated requests", and praised her "leadership in advocating for the rule of law and full, equal rights in China". The US embassy in Beijing has "raised our concerns about Ni's passport refusal with the Chinese government", a spokesman told AFP. Ni was the only award-winner not present at the ceremony. The Global Times, a newspaper linked to China's ruling Communist Party, quoted analysts as saying that the award was an attempt by Washington to "smear China's image and stir trouble". Earlier this year, Beijing stopped journalist Yang Jisheng from travelling to the US to receive an award for his work documenting tens of millions of deaths from starvation during China's Great Leap Forward in the 1950s. Government-affiliated academics have said his work is anti-China propaganda. "If the BJP doesn't win the Assembly election, nobody will be able to save Assam from barbaadi," says 52-year-old Girish Lakhar, a resident of Guwahati. Barbaadi (destruction). It is a word you hear frequently hear from BJP supporters on the campaign trail in Assam, where the first round of polling is on Monday. When BJP supporters talk of ruin, it means just this: They are scared of the rising influence of "outsiders", Bangladeshi immigrants whose population, they claim, are rising to a point where they will outnumber the original Assamese population. It is a theme that is steadily gaining ground across the state. For the Assamese Hindus and Marwaris, the growing influence of outsiders is the most important issue of the election. A recent pre-poll survey by AC Nielsen suggests more than 52 voters want a government that will drive the immigrants out. In the Guwahati head office of Badruddin Ajmal's All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), its spokesperson Champak Kalita narrates a story to argue that the BJP ploy of polarising the election won't work. He says when the 15th-16th Century saint and reformer Srimanta Sankerdev got Naamghars--houses for congregational prayers--constructed in Assam, he called their pillars Laikhuta after the Muslim prayer La Ilaha Illallah. (Khuta means pillar.) Kalita argues that people of Assam are liberal and inclusive, they do not believe in the BJP's brand of Hindutva. So, the BJP's strategy of polarising voters by talking about the growing number of Muslims will not work. But people like Kalita are in a minority. Most of them believe the BJP has succeeded in portraying the Congress as a party that favours illegal immigrants and undermines the interest of the original Assamese. And the BJP is candid about it. Its chief ministerial candidate Sarbananda Sonowal says his party is raising the issue of illegal migrants aggressively in the campaign. In election rallies, Hemanta Sarma Biswa, the BJP's poll strategist, mocks chief minister Tarun Gogoi by questioning his Ahom blood. "If he had the blood of Lachit Borphukan--a 17th century Ahom warrior who defeated the Mughals in the Battle of Saraighat near the Brahmaputra--in his veins, Gogoi would have driven the Bangladeshis from Assam by now," Sarma says. According to the 2001 Census, more than three crore Bangladeshis were living in India, many of them in Assam. Though the latest figures are not available, BJP leaders argue every year thousands of Bangladeshis cross over into Assam through the porous borders near the Barak Valley. Since the journey from Bangladesh to Assam costs a pittance and takes just a few minutes, every year many from the neighbouring country undertake it to escape poverty, unemployment and persecution in their native land. According to BJP estimates, 32 per cent of Assam's population is of migrant origin. This influx is said to have begun from East Bengal at the beginning of the 20th century. Then there were two more waves, one during the Partition and another before and after the 1971 India-Pakistan war that led to the creation of Bangladesh. In 2006, Sonowal, who was then a leader of the AGP, challenged a government of India Act introduced in 1983 that made it almost impossible to identify and deport illegal immigrants who had crossed over into Assam after March 25, 1971. When the Supreme Court struck down the controversial Act, Sonowal became an icon of the native Assamese. Now that he is the BJP's chief ministerial candidates, the party believes it will automatically get the votes of people who want the outsiders thrown out. The BJP's record on the issue is, however, dodgy. "When Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister, he declared that all illegal immigrants would be driven out of Bangladesh. But, after making this lofty promise, Modi did not do anything," says Prakash Kumar, who runs the Congress control room from a secluded house in Guwahati's busy GS Road area. "The issue of illegal immigrants is just another poll jumla for the BJP. Like beef, love jihad and other divisive slogans, the party will dump this slogan too after using it during elections," he argues. The BJP has, in fact, given a new twist to the immigration story. It is now promising to give refuge to every Hindu immigrants from Bangladesh living in Assam, even those who came years after the 1971 war, on "humanitarian grounds." The BJP's promise is a clear violation of the SC order, says Kalita. By trying to divide immigrants on communal lines, the BJP is playing an extremely dangerous game in Assam, he says. The third stakeholder in the electoral contest, Ajmal's AIUDF, is watching the pot boil. Ajmal, a perfume baron whose trade is spread across several countries, had formed the party just a few days after the SC struck down the act that allowed citizenship rights to those who had settled down in Assam till 1971. He claims to represent the interests of the immigrants and nurtures them as his vote-bank. His party believes that it will benefit from polarisation of voters because of the BJP's aggressive stand on the issue of Bangladeshi immigrants. "The Congress will be squeezed out because its stand on this issue is ambiguous. People who fear the rise of the BJP will vote for AIUDF because it fights for their rights. We will emerge as king makers with at least 25 seats," says the party's spokesperson. The AIUDF has 18 seats in the current Assembly. This year it is contesting on 70 seats. As the divide widens, many people are bringing up the barbaadi word during discussions. The BJP supporters because they fear a future without the BJP in power. And those who believe in Assam's secular, syncretic values because they fear their future under the BJP. The order by a division bench of the Uttarakhand High Court staying the floor test has set the stage for a second round of legal battle, the course of which would depend upon the material submitted by the Centre, justifying imposition of Presidents Rule in the state. The single judge order directing a floor test against which the Centre had approached the division bench presided over by the Chief Justice of the High Court was passed without formally taking on record the Centre's stand on the matter and the report(s) of the Governor that formed the basis for the imposition of the Central Rule. According to reports, the Centre has agreed to file an affidavit by Monday to which ousted Chief Minister Harish Rawat will respond to by the following day, ensuring that the affidavits with the stand of both sides are on record before the court takes up the matter for the next hearing on 6 April. The Chief Justices bench, which heard Centres plea against the earlier order, is expected to have on record the report(s) by the Governor which is likely to be submitted by the Centre along with its affidavit. With the controversy centered around numbers in the House, the single bench, in its interim order, had directed Rawat to take a trust vote on 31 March. Though a floor test cannot be ruled out, the hearing before the Chief Justices bench could take a new direction if the Centre relies heavily on horse-trading, violation of rules by the Speaker or other grounds to justify the breakdown of constitutional machinery. The arguments, in such a circumstance, are likely to Centre around whether it was permissible under the Constitution to remove an elected government in the circumstances highlighted in the report(s) by the Governor. The court could come to a finding on the validity of the Presidents Rule after considering the facts in the light of Article 356 of the Constitution, which says that, 'In the event that a State government is not able to function as per the Constitution, the State comes under the direct control of the central government'. Though the Chief Justices bench has stayed the floor test for now, it could take the same decision if it concludes that the reason for imposition of the Central rule was the inference that Rawat had lost support of the majority. Questioning the order directing a floor test Mukul Rohatgi, the Attorney General of India, argued before the Chief Justices bench on Wednesday that the order of floor test by the single judge amounted to suspending Presidential proclamation and that no purpose would be served by a floor test as there was no government in place. Though the argument may seem convincing, the single judge had, however, reportedly made it clear that he was not suspending the Presidents Rule. So, while Rohatgi may have referred to Rawat going out or continuing as Chief Minister when he stressed that the floor test would not serve any purpose, the order may not have been aimed at that argument. It may be wrong to consider the floor test, as directed by the single judge in this case, to be a proceeding of the House as the voting was reportedly ordered to be conducted under the supervision of the Registrar General of the High Court. The process might have only helped the court in taking a decision on the validity of the proclamation. The court can always set a wrong right. It can order a fresh floor test if it was wrongly denied. But here was a case of an interim order which may have been aimed at testing the basis on which the Presidents Rule was imposed. Rawat should have supported it on Wednesday, and should support it during subsequent arguments. If he has enjoyed majority, then the Governors report may have been misleading on this aspect. The Supreme Court, in the SR Bommai case of 1994, had held that in case of a challenge, it was necessary for the court to scrutinize the material on the basis of which the decision to impose Presidents Rule was taken. This can be done by the courts while confining themselves to the acknowledged parameters of the judicial review as discussed above, viz., illegality, irrationality and mala fides. Such scrutiny of the material will also be within the judicially discoverable and manageable standards, the Bommai judgment said, while talking about scrutiny. True, there is probably no such case in which the court has ventured on the ground to conduct scrutiny. But, there can always be a first. Those opposing it need to give valid reasons against it. Brussels: Belgian police on Tursday carried out a new raid in connection with a foiled attack plot in France whose main suspect was charged this week with membership of a terrorist organisation, prosecutors said. "A raid is under way in connection with the (Reda) Kriket case. It is taking place at Marke, in the town of Courtrai" in northwestern Belgium, Eric Van Der Sypt, a spokesman for the federal prosecutor's office, told AFP. Soldiers and police officers could be seen taking part in the operation near a busy motorway, according to images from local media. French national Reda Kriket was arrested near Paris last week and at his apartment police found a cache of assault rifles, handguns and TATP, the highly volatile homemade explosive favoured by Islamic State (IS) jihadists. French prosecutor Francois Molins said Wednesday that "no specific target" had been identified for the foiled attack, but the cache of weapons showed an imminent act of "extreme violence" had likely been prevented. Kriket's arrest came four months after IS jihadists killed 130 people in the French capital. Investigators in France and Belgium have been stepping up efforts to smash a network of IS-linked extremists blamed for both the November Paris attacks and last week's suicide bombings on the Brussels airport and metro that killed 32 people. Belgium has so far charged two suspects Abderrahmane Ameroud, 38, and Rabah M, 34 over the foiled plot linked to Kriket. SAO PAULO Brazil's judiciary will not end systemic corruption unless society also demands change, the federal judge presiding over a massive graft investigation that may topple President Dilma Rousseff's government said. Judge Sergio Moro, a hero to many Brazilians who has recently been criticized for pushing the boundaries of the law, compared the investigation he oversees to Italy's "Clean Hands" anti-bribery operation in the 1990s. "Alone the justice system cannot resolve corruption, other institutions must work and the public must speak out," Moro said on Tuesday evening at a conference where security was so tight that journalists were only allowed to record him with pen and paper. A white collar crime expert who has written a book on money laundering, Moro said Italy is undoubtedly a better place because of the Clean Hands operation. Still, he said the investigation did not completely stamp out corruption because Italy's democracy and civil society were not strong enough to demand change. The probe Moro presides over in the southern city of Curitiba revealed a cartel of Brazil's largest construction companies that siphoned billions of dollars out of state-run oil firm Petroleo Brasileiro SA (PETR4.SA), benefiting executives and potentially dozens of senior politicians. Its revelations, along with a deepening economic recession, have spurred the largest protests in decades, with some 3 million people taking to the streets on March 13. Protesters have idolized Moro, waving banners to show their support for him as they call for President Dilma Rousseff's ouster. The government declared all-out war on Moro and the investigation after he this month released a slew of phone recordings of former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva that appear to show he and Rousseff discussed trying to influence judges and prosecutors. Rousseff, who unlike Lula is not under investigation, said the conversation was misunderstood and branded the recordings as illegal. Several days of anti-government protests followed their release on March 16. Moro made the phone conversations public just hours after Rousseff appointed Lula, her mentor and predecessor, to her Cabinet. The position would have granted him immunity from all judges but the Supreme Court, but his status as minister is now uncertain, awaiting a final legal ruling. The Supreme Court also asked Moro to answer questions about his decision to release the phone calls, drawing a written apology from him in a Tuesday court filing in which he lamented the uproar he caused. "I understand that my ruling may have been considered incorrect, or even if correct may have brought controversy and unnecessary constraints," Moro wrote. He said his motivation was preventing the obstruction of justice and was not partisan. At the time, Moro justified the release by saying the right to privacy was not absolute, mentioning the U.S. Watergate scandal. He said democracy required citizens know when their leaders "sought protection in the shadows." "As a citizen I'd say Moro was totally justified, but as a lawyer ... he can't," said David Azevedo, a criminal lawyer and professor at the University of Sao Paulo. "He should have sent those recordings to the Supreme Court." Under Brazilian law, only the Supreme Court can preside over cases involving presidents, ministers and lawmakers. Rousseff is facing impeachment over the unrelated issue of mismanaging public accounts. She denies knowing about corruption at Petrobras as the company's chairwoman from 2003 to 2010. Lula, who was forcibly detained for questioning in the Petrobras scandal, has denied all wrongdoing and says he is the victim of a witch hunt. Both Rousseff and Lula have likened the attempted impeachment to a coup. (Reporting by Caroline Stauffer; Editing by Andrew Hay) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Brussels: Paris attacks suspect Salah Abdeslam wants to cooperate with French authorities once he is extradited from Belgium, his lawyer said today, as Belgian police carried out a raid linked to a foiled French terror plot. Soldiers and police could be seen taking part in the operation near a busy motorway in Courtrai in northwestern Belgium, the latest in a series of raids since the Paris and Brussels terror attacks exposed a tangled web of cross-border jihadist cells. The sole surviving suspect of the November 13 Paris attacks in which 130 people were killed, Salah Abdeslam was arrested in Brussels on March 18 after four months on the run. The arrest was considered a rare success in Belgium's anti-terror fight, although he was found just metres from his family home and has refused to talk since the Brussels attacks despite having links to the attackers. "I can confirm that Salah Abdeslam wants to be handed over to the French authorities," lawyer Cedric Moisse told reporters at an extradition hearing in Brussels. "I can also confirm that he wants to cooperate with the French authorities." A prosecutor was set to travel to the prison in the city of Bruges where Abdeslam is being held to discuss his extradition under a European arrest warrant. Belgian federal prosecutors "do not object" to handing the suspect over to France, said spokesman Eric Van der Sypt. A judge is set to rule on the extradition by tomorrow at the latest. Belgium has increasingly found itself at the centre of Europe's battle against terrorism and authorities have faced strong criticism for not doing enough to keep tabs on suspected extremists. Its latest raid was linked to a new plot in France, in which the main suspect, Reda Kriket, was charged in France yesterday with membership of a terrorist organisation after police found an arsenal of weapons and explosives at his home. "A raid is under way in connection with the (Reda) Kriket case," Van der Sypt told AFP. He said it is taking place at Marke, in the town of Courtrai. In what could signal improved security cooperation, several European countries have made arrests in recent days over the thwarted plot linked to 34-year-old Kriket. Kriket was himself arrested near Paris last week and a police raid on his apartment netted a cache of assault rifles, handguns and TATP, the highly volatile homemade explosive favoured by IS jihadists. Another French suspect, 32-year-old Anis Bahri, was arrested in Rotterdam in the Netherlands at the weekend in connection with the plot. Two other suspects -- Abderrahmane A., 38, and Rabah M., 34 -- have been charged in Belgium accused of involvement in the same plot. Nicosia: The Cypriot ex-wife of an Egyptian man who authorities say admitted to hijacking a domestic EgyptAir flight and threatened to blow it up with a fake suicide belt has said that her former husband is an "extremely dangerous man". Marina Paraschou said her 59-year-old former husband Seif Eddin Mustafa used drugs, terrorised his family and beat her and their children. Paraschou rejected media reports that Mustafa hijacked the Airbus A320 with 72 passengers and crew onboard out of love for her. In an interview published on Wednesday in leading Cypriot daily Phileleftheros, Paraschou said Mustafa never asked to speak to her and police only asked her to identify his voice. Paraschou said that Mustafa was a "fanatical" Palestine Liberation Organization supporter who bragged about participating in the killing of three Israeli soldiers and was jailed for four years in Syria. AP Honolulu: A Japan-bound airplane returned to Hawaii because of a violent passenger who wanted to do yoga instead of sit in his seat, the FBI said. The pilot of the 26 March United Airlines flight from Honolulu International Airport to Narita International Airport turned the plane around after hearing that Hyongtae Pae was yelling at crew members and shoving his wife, the FBI said in a criminal complaint. Pae told the FBI he didn't want to sit in his seat during the meal service, so he went to the back of the plane to do yoga and meditate. He became angry when his wife and flight attendants told him to return to his seat. "Pae pushed his wife because she was trying to make him stop," the complaint said. "He felt that she was siding with the flight crew." He tried to head-butt and bite Marines who were passengers on the flight and tried to force him back to his seat, Assistant US Attorney Darren Ching said at Pae's detention hearing Wednesday. According to the complaint, he threatened to kill passengers and was yelling that there is no god. Pae went into a rage because he felt the flight crew was ordering him around, Ching said. Ching said Pae shouldn't be released because he's a danger to his wife, himself and others. Pae urinated on himself and was on suicide watch at the Honolulu Federal Detention Center, Ching said. US Magistrate Judge Kevin Chang ordered that Pae be released on $25,000 bond, but with certain conditions including not leaving the island of Oahu and undergoing a mental health evaluation. Since the arrest, Pae's wife has been staying at the Waikiki Gateway Hotel, defense attorney Jin Tae "J.T." Kim told the judge, who asked whether Pae had financial resources to continue staying there after his release. Kim said he's working with the consulate to transfer more money to Pae's wife and find alternate, temporary housing. Chang denied Kim's request to allow Pae to return home to Korea, because that would involve getting on a plane again. Outside of court, Kim said his client is a 72-year-old retired farmer who traveled from South Korea to celebrate his 40th wedding anniversary with a Hawaii vacation. It was the couple's first trip to Hawaii. Pae only recently took up yoga to help with anxiety, Kim said, adding that he was sleep-deprived during the vacation. Pae told the FBI he hadn't been able to sleep in 11 days. Washington: India and the US on Thursday signed an MoU for establishing Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) in India that will play significant role in carrying forward frontline research on various aspects of gravitational wave astronomy. The MoU comes about a month after the Union Cabinet approved the construction of the long-awaited third LIGO interferometer. Department of Atomic Energy Secretary Sekhar Basu and the US' National Science Foundation (NSF) France Cordova signed the MoU in this regard in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and LIGO scientists at Washington. The construction of the long-awaited third LIGO interferometer, expected to be functional by 2023, will significantly improve the ability of scientists to pinpoint the sources of gravitational waves and analyse the signals. Modi, who is currently in the US to attend the two-day Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) met scientists of LIGO who recently proved gravitational waves theory. He also interacted with the Indian student scientists part of the LIGO project. Gravitational waves ripples in the fabric of space and time produced by dramatic events in the universe, such as merging black holes, and predicted as a consequence of Albert Einstein's 1915 general theory of relativity carry information about their origins and about the nature of gravity that cannot otherwise be obtained. With their first direct detection, announced on 11 February, scientists opened a new window onto the cosmos. The twin LIGO Observatories at Hanford, Washington, and Livingston, Louisiana, are funded by the US National Science Foundation (NSF), and were conceived, built, and are operated by Caltech and MIT. Advanced LIGO a major upgrade to the sensitivity of the instruments compared to the first generation LIGO detectors began scientific operations in September 2015. LIGO will provide Indian researchers with the components and training to build and run the new Advanced LIGO detector, which will then be operated by the Indian team, the press statement said. In a statement, the Union cabinet had said "LIGO-India will also bring considerable opportunities in cutting edge technology for the Indian industry" which will be responsible for the construction of the new observatory's four-kilometer-long beam tubes. In addition, the Cabinet statement said "The project will motivate Indian students and young scientists to explore newer frontiers of knowledge, and will add further impetus to scientific research in the country." Indian scientists at Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology (RRCAT) Indore have designed a special testing/prototype facility for receiving Advanced LIGO parts; have been training the teams that will install and commission the detector; and are currently cross-checking the IPR vacuum-system drawings against the Advanced LIGO detector drawings, to ensure a good fit and rapid installation for the third Advanced LIGO detector. In addition to leading the site-selection process, the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) scientists have been setting up a computing center for current and future data. This preparation should make it possible for India to carry the project forward rapidly, it noted. "We have built an exact copy of that instrument that can be used in the LIGO-India Observatory," said David Shoemaker, leader of the Advanced LIGO Project and director of the MIT LIGO Lab. Funded in large part by the NSF, Advanced LIGO enabled a large increase in the volume of the universe probed, leading to the discovery of gravitational waves during its first observation run. At each observatory, the four-km-long L-shaped interferometer uses laser light split into two beams that travel back and forth down the arms (four-foot diameter tubes kept under a near-perfect vacuum). The beams are used to monitor the distance between mirrors precisely positioned at the ends of the arms. According to Einstein's theory, the distance between the mirrors will change by an infinitesimal amount when a gravitational wave passes by the detector. A change in the lengths of the arms smaller than one-ten-thousandth the diameter of a proton (10-19 meter) can be detected. According to David Reitze, executive director of LIGO and a Caltech research professor, the degree of precision achieved by Advanced LIGO is analogous to being able to measure the distance between our solar system and the sun's nearest neighbour Alpha Centauriabout 4.4 light-years awayaccurately to within a few microns, a tiny fraction of the diameter of a human hair. A new epoch. Secretary DAE & Director, National Science Foundation sign MoU on setting up LIGO observatory in India pic.twitter.com/Ha1vVFETzN Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) March 31, 2016 Beyond ordinary breakthroughs. PM @narendramodi greets scientists from LIGO, who proved gravitational waves theory pic.twitter.com/jiC37F8ZsT Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) March 31, 2016 Nine people from one family have died in a house fire on a remote aboriginal reserve in Canada's northern Ontario region, according to media reports on Wednesday. Three children and six adults died in the fire that started late on Tuesday at Pikangikum First Nation, according to Canadian Press and aboriginal news agency APTN. The reserve has been in the news for a high number of suicides among young people and social problems. "We are in a very devastated mode in the community and we are in real need of prayers," Pikangikum Chief Dean Owen told APTN. "The community right now is in a state of shock and everything is just kind of at a standstill." Owen did not immediately reply to a Reuters call for comment. Ontario Provincial Police Constable Diana Cole told Reuters in a telephone interview that police could only confirm that people had died or were missing, but not the numbers. The cause of the fire has not been determined. Canada's aboriginal people face dire social and economic conditions, including poor housing. Pikangikum is northwest of Thunder Bay, Ontario, and near the Manitoba provincial boundary. Canadian Press reported that homes in the community of 2,100 are overcrowded and in "outrageous disrepair," citing Joseph Magnet, a University of Ottawa law professor who has visited the reserve. (Reporting by Rod Nickel in Winnipeg, Manitoba; Editing by Richard Chang and Fiona Ortiz) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. WASHINGTON Just as fears of nuclear terrorism are rising, U.S. President Barack Obama's drive to lock down vulnerable atomic materials worldwide seems to have lost momentum and could slow further. With less than 10 months left in office to follow through on one of his signature foreign policy initiatives, Obama will convene leaders from more than 50 countries in Washington this week for his fourth and final Nuclear Security Summit, a high-level diplomatic process that started and will end on his watch. A boycott by Russian President Vladimir Putin, apparently unwilling to join in a U.S.-dominated gathering at a time of increased tensions between Washington and Moscow, adds to doubts that the meeting will yield major results. Deadly militant attacks in Brussels have fuelled concern that Islamic State could eventually target nuclear plants and develop radioactive dirty bombs, a topic that may well be uppermost in leaders minds as they meet. Despite significant progress by Obama in persuading dozens of countries to rid themselves of bomb-making materials or reduce and safeguard stockpiles, much of the world's plutonium and enriched uranium remains vulnerable to theft. FROM RUSSIA, NO LOVE The absence of Russia, one of the biggest atomic powers, could detract from decisions reached in Washington this week. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday Russia was skipping the summit because of a shortage of mutual cooperation in working out the agenda. While noting that Moscow had continued joint work on nuclear security, White House spokesman Josh Earnest said it was going to miss out on an opportunity and that its no-show illustrated the degree to which Russia is isolated". Russia has chafed over U.S.-led sanctions over the Ukraine conflict. Efforts to make the world safer have also been complicated by North Koreas nuclear weapons advance and Pakistans move towards smaller, tactical nuclear weapons, which Washington fears may further destabilize an already volatile region. All of this weighs on Obamas agenda as he prepares to host world leaders on Thursday and Friday. He inaugurated the event nearly six years ago, after using a landmark speech in Prague in 2009 to lay out the goal of ridding the world of nuclear weapons as a central theme of his presidency. But there is no guarantee that once Obama, the driving force behind the initiative, leaves office in January his successor will keep the issue a high priority. WHITE HOUSE TOUTS ACHIEVEMENTS BUT PROGRESS SLOWER The White House previewed the summit by touting a list of achievements in the U.S.-led effort to tie down loose bomb-grade materials, and arms control advocates commend Obama for galvanizing an international response to the problem. However, many say progress has slowed since the last summit in 2014 and countries such as Japan, India and Pakistan are preparing activities that could increase stockpiles of nuclear materials. The Nuclear Security Summits have had a positive effect, but the strategic goal of developing an effective global nuclear security system remains unachieved, the Nuclear Threat Initiative, an anti-proliferation watchdog, said in a report this month. According to the group's Nuclear Security Index, which tracks the safety of weapons-usable nuclear materials, the past two years have brought no improvement in a range of measures, including on-site physical protection, security during transport and the ability to recover lost radioactive materials. The report also said many countries' nuclear reactors were vulnerable to online attacks. Seven of 24 countries with weapons-grade material, including China and Belgium, received the lowest possible score for their facilities' cyber security. Other critics point to a lack of an agreed-upon set of international standards for nuclear security or a mechanism for keeping tabs on common sources of radioactive material often found in hospitals and medical labs. However, Laura Holgate, Obamas adviser on weapons of mass destruction, cited commitments from 30 countries at the 2014 summit to secure their most dangerous material. "The international community has made it harder than ever for terrorists to acquire nuclear weapons, and that has made us all more secure," she told reporters before the summit. "DIRTY BOMB" FEARS Two of the Brussels suicide bombers secretly filmed the daily routine of the head of Belgiums nuclear research and development programme and considered an attack on a nuclear site in the country, according to Belgian media. U.S. experts are less concerned about militants obtaining nuclear weapon components than about thefts of ingredients for a low-tech dirty bomb" that would use conventional explosives to disperse radioactive material and sow panic. U.S. officials said they had no doubt that Islamic State, which controls swaths of Syria and Iraq, was interested in obtaining such materials, but Holgate said U.S. authorities had no explicit indications that the group had tried to do so. More commitments from world leaders to enhance nuclear security are expected at the summit but anti-proliferation groups worry that without further meetings at the highest levels, interest could wane and improvements could backslide. (Additional reporting by Mark Hosenball and Roberta Rampton in Washington and Vladimir Soldatkin in Moscow; Editing by Don Durfee and James Dalgleish) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Islamabad: Pakistan on Thursday said it has informed the European Union and major world powers about the arrest of an Indian 'spy' from restive Balochistan province and asked Iran to provide details of his 'spy network'. Kulbhushan Yadav, the alleged chief operative of Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) was arrested by Pakistani security agencies last week from Chaman near Quetta. Speaking at his weekly news briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said major world powers and EU have been informed about the arrest of a serving Indian Navy officer for planning "subversive activities" in Pakistan. "All of you are well aware that a very important development took place last week... Entire world also watched the RAW officer's voluntary confession about RAW's involvement in terrorist and subversive activities in Pakistan," Zakaria said. "Pakistan has been inviting the international community's attention to the Indian state institutions' involvement in conducting and supporting terrorist and separatist activities in Pakistan." He said Pakistan last year had submitted dossiers to the UN and the US, containing "information and evidence about Indian state sponsored terrorism in Pakistan". "Revelations of Indian designs by Kulbashan Yadav has vindicated Pakistan's position on the issue and also exposed Indian designs against Pakistan and involvement in terrorism," he said. "We have briefed P-5 (China, France, Russia, the US and the UK) and EU on the issue (Yadav). Following the arrest of Kulbushan Yadav and his confession of involvement in subversive activities, the Indian High Commissioner was summoned to the Foreign Office and we conveyed our protest and deep concern. "We have also brought this to the attention of P-5 and EU members. The international community is being briefed through our Missions abroad as the investigation progresses and more evidence becomes available," Zakaria said. He said Pakistan is considering India's request for consular access to Yadav. "As to the question regarding consular access, the request is under consideration." "I am not aware of, at this point in time, about Pakistan's request for access to Indian officials with whom Mr Kulbushan Yadav had contacts. The investigations are still on and future course of action will depend on the outcome." Yadav's confession has proved that the finances were provided by Yadav's handler in Indian external spy agency, RAW. "I would like to draw your attention to what DG ISPR had said in his briefing on 29 March 2016. I have nothing to add to what he had already stated in his briefing except that the Government of Iran is aware of our concern over RAWs activities against Pakistan and they have assured us that nobody will be allowed to use Iranian land against Pakistan." The Hague: India blamed Italy for delaying the repatriation of an Italian marine who has been detained in Delhi for four years as Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at a summit with the EU in Brussels hoping to defuse the long-running row. In 2012, India arrested two Italian marines who were escorting an oil tanker on suspicion of shooting dead two fishermen they mistook for pirates. Though they were not charged, the pair were barred from leaving India. Massimiliano Latorre was allowed to return home last year for medical treatment. But Salvatore Girone has been confined to Delhi, where he lives at the Italian ambassador's residence and reports regularly to police. Italy says Girone's human rights are being violated and has asked the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague to order India to send him home. But India's lawyers say the delays are the result of Italy's 2012 decision to escalate the affair to international courts rather than letting Indian courts to handle it. "The trial has not commenced due to an obstructive course of action by India," said Neeru Chadha, India's lead lawyer. "Italy is now trying to shift the blame onto India." Italy maintains both marines were immune to prosecution since they were serving on a U.N.-backed anti-piracy mission, and because the tanker was in international waters when it fired on the fishermen. Italy has paid $190,000 in compensation to each victim's family. India hopes the Brussels summit will bring a thaw in ties with the European Union and persuade Italy to refrain from blocking India's membership of a key global group on missile technology. Rome single-handedly scuppered India's bid to join last year. As part of a broad agenda, the EU plans to raise the issue of the marines with Modi, according to an internal EU council note seen by Reuters. WASHINGTON Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump said on Wednesday that women who end pregnancies should face punishment if the United States bans abortion, prompting a torrent of negative reactions from critics, including his White House rivals. After MSNBC broadcast a clip of an interview with Trump's comments, the billionaire appeared to walk back his remarks by saying the abortion issue should be handled by states. Trump said in the excerpt that even if abortions are banned, some women would access the procedure illegally. "There has to be some form of punishment," he said. Asked what form he would advocate, Trump said, "That I don't know." Trump's comments unleashed a flurry of criticism, and his campaign quickly emailed a statement to Reuters in which Trump moderated his view. "This issue is unclear and should be put back into the states for determination," Trump said in the statement. MSNBC is expected to air the rest of the interview later on Wednesday. The billionaire has been under pressure to demonstrate he is conservative on issues such as abortion. But rivals also have criticized him for comments that offended women and minority groups. Polls show women generally have poor opinions of Trump, though Republican women tend to have favourable views of him. On Wednesday, Trump's latest remarks drew furore from across the political spectrum. "Of course women shouldn't be punished," rival Republican candidate John Kasich, the governor of Ohio, told MSNBC. Kasich said he opposes abortion except in specific cases such as rape. "I think probably Donald Trump will figure out a way to say that he didn't say it or he was misquoted or whatever," Kasich said. "I don't think that's an appropriate response." U.S. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, the third candidate for the Republican presidential nomination, earlier this year released an ad saying voters could not trust Trump because he has not always opposed abortion. Cruz spokesman Brian Phillips on Wednesday tweeted that Trump did not understand the position of abortion opponents. March for Life, an anti-abortion group, said in a statement that activists want women to "consider paths to healing, not punishment." Abortion supporters also took Trump to task. "Just when you thought it wouldn't get worse," Hillary Clinton, the Democratic front-runner, wrote on Twitter. "Horrific and telling." Dawn Laguens of the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, the political arm of the women's health group, called Trump "flat-out dangerous" in a statement. "Women's lives are not disposable," she said. According to a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll in March, 66 percent of all likely women voters said they had an "unfavourable" view of Trump. But among the 460 Republican women who responded to the poll, 62 percent had a "favourable" view of the New York businessman, while 38 percent did not. Trump's insurgent campaign for the Republican nomination for the Nov. 8 election has opened discord in the party. On Tuesday, both Trump and Kasich abandoned pledges to support the party's eventual nominee. Cruz did not explicitly abandon the pledge but said Trump would not be the nominee. "If the nominee is somebody that I think is really hurting the country ... I can't stand behind them," Kasich said. (Writing by Emily Stephenson; Additional reporting by Megan Cassella in Washington, Letitia Stein in Tampa, Florida, and Luciana Lopez and Emily Flitter in New York; Editing by Leslie Adler) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Moscow: Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Wednesday reiterated his call for a national unity government, as the White House said his inclusion would make any such proposal a "non-starter". As the two sides appeared deadlocked over the political transition, UN chief Ban Ki-moon highlighted the impact of the five-year conflict by urging greater efforts to tackle the country's refugee crisis at a conference in Geneva. In an interview published Wednesday, Assad told Russia's RIA Novosti state news agency it would be "logical for there to be independent forces, opposition forces and forces loyal to the government represented" in the new authorities. He pushed back against opposition demands that it should be put in place without his participation, insisting that the transitional body they are calling for is "illogical and unconstitutional". "Neither in the Syrian constitution nor in the constitution of any other country in the world is there anything that could be called a transitional body of power," Assad said. "It is the national unity government that will prepare a new constitution." Talks led by the UN's Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura paused last week with the sides deadlocked over the fate of Assad, who the opposition insists must leave power before a transitional government is agreed. Syria's main opposition High Negotiations Committee flatly rejected the demand from Assad for any transitional government to include his regime. "International resolutions speak of... the formation of a transitional body with full powers, including presidential powers," HNC senior member Asaad al-Zoabi said, adding "Assad should not remain for even one hour after the formation" of this body. Responding to Assad's interview on Wednesday, White House spokesman Josh Earnest said the Syrian leader's own participation would be a "non-starter". "I don't know whether he envisioned himself being a part of that national unity government. Obviously that would be a non-starter for us," Earnest said. 'Liberate every region' The form of the executive body that would lead Syria until elections, which the UN says should be held in 18 months, is a key bone of contention between the two sides. A UN Security Council Resolution vaguely suggests the establishment of a body to head the political transition. For the regime, this amounts to a government reshuffle in which the opposition is included, but for the opposition it would be a new body with presidential powers and no role for Assad. Assad has been buoyed after his forces recaptured the ancient city of Palmyra from Islamic State (IS) jihadists over the weekend, in an advance backed by Russian air strikes and special forces on the ground. "The Syrian army is determined to liberate every region," Assad said in Wednesday's interview. "We are being supported in this by our friends -- Russian support was central and key in achieving these results." Soldiers were locked in heavy fighting Wednesday with IS fighters in central Syria as they pressed their offensive following the seizure of the UNESCO world heritage site. A ceasefire between Damascus and non-jihadist opposition forces has broadly held since February 27, prompting slight hopes that a political solution might be possible for the conflict that has claimed more than 270,000 lives. A top Pentagon official Wednesday said a US-led coalition had the "momentum" over jihadists both in Syria and in neighbouring Iraq. "Right now, without question, the momentum against ISIS is more than at any other time in our campaign," Deputy Defense Secretary Robert Work said, using another name for the IS group. Little progress on refugees At the Geneva refugee conference, UN chief Ban urged delegates to "address the biggest refugee and displacement crisis of our time", which has seen an estimated 4.8 million Syrians flee their homeland. The UN wants to secure relocation pledges within three years for 10 percent of Syria's refugees -- 480,000 people -- to relieve the burden on Syria's immediate neighbours. The conference secured only a modest increase in pledges, up from 178,000 people to 185,000, a UNHCR statement said. More than one million migrants -- about half of them Syrians -- reached Europe via the Mediterranean last year, a rate of arrivals that continued through the first three months of 2016. Thousands have died making the harrowing journey, often on rickety boats run by people smugglers. Canberra: Ahead of Anzac Day, Australian government on Thursday warned its citizens against travelling to the Turkish cities of Ankara and Istanbul because of the terrorist threat. "The heightened travel warnings followed the deaths of more than 80 people in four separate suicide bombings in the two cities this year," Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said. Australians have been advised to "reconsider your need to travel" to the cities, the second-highest danger warning on a four-tier scale. "Terrorist groups continue to threaten further attacks, including targeting tourists and westerners," Bishop said in a statement. Provinces of Batman, Bingol, Bitlis, Gaziantep, Hakkari, Hatay, Kilis, Mardin, Sanliurfa, Siirt, Sirnak, Tunceli and Van had previously carried the same travel warning. Turkey overall carries Australia's second-lowest travel warning, although Australians are advised not to go within 10 kilometers of the Syrian border. The warning comes as thousands of Australians prepare to travel to Turkey's Gallipoli Peninsula to commemorate the anniversary of the landing of Australian and New Zealand Army Corps troops in an ill-fated invasion on April 25, 1915, during World War I. Bishop said the Australian government was not aware of any specific threat to Anzac Day services planned on the peninsula. Australians traveling to services should minimize any transit time spent in Istanbul and Ankara, she said. Brussels: In the backdrop of terror attacks in Brussels last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tonight highlighted the dangers posed by terrorism to the world and said the UN should address such major challenges failing which the global body could be rendered irrelevant. Addressing Indian diaspora here, he said it was unfortunate that the UN was still unable to define terrorism and act on a resolution which prescribes action against the countries which support or give shelter to terrorism. Underlining that terrorism needs to be delinked from religion, Modi said the menace posed challenge to humanity and those believing in humanity should collectively fight it. He said that terrorism cannot be defeated only by guns, but an environment needs to be created in the society to ensure that the youth are not radicalised. He said that while the world was feeling the impact of terrorism only now, India has been facing this menace for over last 40 years. "The world was jolted by 9/11. Till then the world powers did not understand what India was going through. But India never bowed to terrorism and there is no question of bowing before it," the Prime Minister said. Referring to the UN, Modi said it has all means and mechanism to deal with war. But unfortunately the UN does not know what the definition of terrorism is and how to address it. "The UN could not perform its duty in this regard...if the UN does not address this problem, it will not be too far before the world body loses its relevance," he said. The leaders of the world will have to take the lead to curb terrorism failing which the world can see more destruction, Modi said. During his one hour address, the PM also highlighted the achievements of his government with regard to ending corruption, bringing transparency in the functioning of government while citing various programmes. Before he commenced his speech, a minute's silence was observed in memory of the victims of the Brussels bombings. Describing the recent attacks as a terrible act, he said, "I express my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. It is after long that people here had to face such dastardly act." "During the last few years, 90 countries have faced terror attacks, with hundreds falling victims. In my talks here, the main topic was terrorism. They have told me you have been suffering for the last 40 years," he said. Referring to the progress made by the country in the last two years, Modi said India was today the fastest growing nation. "This has not happened because of Naseeb or Modi, but because of people. During the last two consecutive years, there have been droughts in different parts of India, but the country still has made progress at fast rate. If our intentions are good, nobody can stop India from progressing," he said. The PM also announced relief from higher rates of TDS for NRIs who did not have Permanent Account Number (PAN). "NRIs who did not have PAN earlier had to face higher rates of TDS. They will get relief (mukti)... We will also increase the free baggage limit for NRIs. For FDI investment, NRIs will get same incentives as other investors," he said. PTI The Hague: In a sweeping defeat for UN prosecutors, the Yugoslav war crimes tribunal acquitted Serbian ultranationalist politician Vojislav Seselj on Thursday of all nine counts alleging that he was responsible for or incited atrocities by Serbian paramilitaries in the wars in Bosnia and Croatia in the early 1990s. Seselj was not present at the court in The Hague for the hearing as Presiding Judge Jean-Claude Antonetti declared: "Following this verdict, Vojislav Seselj is now a free man." In the Serbian capital of Belgrade, Seselj's supporters at his Serbian Radical Party headquarters yelled, clapped and screamed with joy as the verdict was read out. Prosecutors who had charged Seselj, 61, with crimes including persecution, murder and torture had demanded a 28-year sentence. But in a majority decision, the three-judge panel said there was insufficient evidence linking Seselj to crimes. Prosecutors have the right to appeal. With a surge in pro-Russian and right-wing sentiments ahead of the April 24 general election in Serbia, Seselj's Serbian Radical Party has a good chance to return to parliament after missing out after the last vote two years ago. His return to Belgrade in late 2014, when the tribunal released him on humanitarian grounds due to his ill health, only boosted his popularity among the ultranationalists. He has campaigned on the platform that Serbia must never enter the 28-nation European Union or Nato and should forge closer ties with Moscow. He has burned EU flags during pre-election rallies, and said he would join a coalition government with the incumbent populists, his former allies, only if they give up their goal of EU accession. Facebook has been working hard to position Messenger as more than just another instant messaging app. Now, Messenger has teamed up with the KLM Royal Dutch Airlines where the air travellers will receive all the information related to their travel directly on the app. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines passengers will soon be able to check in, get flight updates, make travel changes and talk to customer service representatives directly from Facebooks Messenger app. The integration is currently live in 140 destinations around the world Messenger and KLM both operate. In order to start getting all the flight related details, travellers will have to choose to receive info via Messenger at the time of booking the tickets via the airlines website. Moreover, passengers will also be able to chat with KLM support staff right inside the Messenger. David Marcus, Vice President of Messaging Products, Facebook said This is one that Ive been personally eager to solve for a while. Removing stress, and complication from air travel.Goodbye forgetting the combination of your frequent flyer alphanumerical number and password to obtain your boarding pass, and holding for a long time on the phone to change flights. Facebook said the new services begin rolling out today and will be available broadly in the coming weeks. source [HTML1] We know some visitors come to the website because a domain name leads them to here. If you are interested in buying Alonso says he was determined to compete this weekend in Bahrain, but with his ribs not fully healed doctors deemed it too risky for him to take part. And while the Spaniard insists such risks are 'very small', he concedes he cannot say decisively when he will be eligible to return. "To summarise a little, last week [in Australia] I was okay Sunday - some knee pain but not big things. I had the green light to leave the track and everything was okay," Alonso explained in Thursdays official FIA press conference in Bahrain. "On Monday I had a bit of overall pain, nothing too serious. Then I flew back, arrived in Spain and the pain was a little more, so we did a proper check and I had a small pneumothorax [collapse] on the lung. "We took advice from the doctors to relax at home and repeat the scan last Monday - the pneumothorax is gone more or less but I had some rib fractures. And because F1 is a very unique position in the car, and with the g-forces, there was a risk the fractures could move into the lung. "Its not like broken leg or arm where you can deal with the pain; its the chest where there are organs, so we cannot do much more." Asked whether he was confident of racing in China, Alonso added: "It is not 100 percent - it will be another test I need to do in the next eight or 10 days and after that the FIA will evaluate again, as they did today. "I will recover. I am already recovered from the pneumothorax, its just the ribs are not glued lets say, so it could be a problem. It is a very, very small risk, but I understand we all want zero risk. So it is just a matter of time. In the next 10 days it should be fine but we cannot guarantee - maybe five days, maybe 10, maybe 12." Alonso said he made the personal choice to stay in Bahrain in order to aid his replacement Stoffel Vandoorne, and also to assist McLaren as a thanks for the team's work in preparing his car - which suffered extensive damage in the crash - in time for the weekend. "The team did a fantastic job preparing the car so I wanted to try [to race] until the last moment," Alonso said. "Now I stay here all weekend to help Stoffel because it is a good opportunity for him, and to help the team because I love what I do, I love F1 and racing. "I want to learn from the outside how the team prepare, the actions around qualifying, the strategy, the pit stops - I want to get involved in everything on the outside because it could help me on the inside next time." WATCH: Injured Alonso disappointed not to race in Bahrain Romain Grosjean: I would give it a clear ten. It was the best we could do. Yes, we were lucky with the red flag, but we had the right strategy. We were unlucky on Saturday with the new qualifying format which meant positions at the far end of the grid for us, but with the effort and the brains of the whole team we made good on Sunday. So yes, a clear ten. Q: What many had thought would be a risk to your career already seems to have given it a boost. That was surely your hope when joining Haas, but how do the dreams now compare to reality? RG: Life is a risk; racing is a risk, as we saw with Fernando (Alonso) in Melbourne; and changing team is also a risk, yes. But it was a calculated risk. When I had a meeting with Gene (Haas) and [teak principal] Guenther (Steiner) last year they explained the project and how it was going to be just enough to make my mouth water - then I joined. (laughs) Now seeing the full picture, I have to tell myself: Hey, this is looking good! Yes the first race was unknown territory - and it ended outstandingly for us. I am aware that there will be other times when it will be harder, and there will be times when it will be the same - or even better - but what really makes my day is that from day one I felt so welcomed. That pampers your soul. Lotus was an amazing experience as theyve given me the wings to fly by my own - and now a new experience is the next step in my career. Q: You said previously that you could imagine going back to Renault. That was before Haas showed their performance level in Melbourne. Still see yourself returning to Enstone now? RG: I am a French driver, I want to be world champion - so why not a French driver in a French team? That would be something unbelievable. But right now I am here at Haas and feel fantastic - but that doesnt mean that you have to cut off your imagination. But right now I am full of the fantastic weekend in Melbourne. And for Formula One to have an American team that is successful would be a big thing. We are showing to other people that it is possible to join F1 if you do it in a clever way. Yes, there have been some jealousies in the paddock over the fact that weve bought many parts from Ferrari, but everything was within the rules and Gene and Guenther saw that point - and here we are! Once we get one hundred percent out of the car we will be much better even than in Australia. Q: Gene said that Melbourne showed why the team signed you: because you make the most of chances. But starting 19th and finishing sixth was about more than just that. What was the strategy for that race? RG: Yeah, that was quite something. Gene is an amazing boss. He is a racing man - but he is not interfering. And my engineers know exactly what I want and in the race I played my experience. I knew that the car behind me was probably faster, but I knew the points where I had to be careful and how to protect my tyres. That is what you call experience - when you finish in such a position in a car that is not one hundred percent right for that circuit. Q: Would you have finished in the points without the red flag? RG: Yes, probably ninth or tenth. That is what we were aiming for as a strategy. Then it got much better! Q: If you compare Haas to your previous team, Lotus (now Renault), where are the biggest differences? Haas as a new model of F1 team, Lotus being a traditional team RG: It is more the atmosphere that is created by the American mentality. The engineers dont have to live with a knife over their heads, as they know that Gene understands racing. The way the team operates is very similar to Lotus or Renault - our chief engineer comes from Lotus - so the meetings are the same, the procedures are the same - but as I just said, it is a matter of atmosphere. We dont feel the pressure of a boss who wants to be successful by any means. Yes, we do want to promote the brand Haas Automation, but Gene takes his time, as good things need time. The Chinese are officially guzzling down more beer than Americansmaking them the worlds largest beer market. In 2015, they drank almost two times (about 25 billion liters) the amount of beer than Americans, who downed about 18 billion liters, according to a report by Euromonitor International, a market research firm. However, its not just any beer. Studies show that from 2010 to 2015, craft beer in China has grown in market share by about 23 percent, Donnie Everts, vice president of international development for World of Beer tells FOXBusiness.com. More on this... China Scoops Up Top Spot in Ice Cream Market And, thats actually why the Tampa-based franchise is making its way to Shanghai in May. The numbers by volume are huge, and as the craft beer movement is exploding globally, World of Beer feels like the timing for entry into China could not be better, adds Everts. The franchise is already in 20 states across the country, with Shanghai being its first International location. Cong Yin, a franchisee at World of Beer Shanghai, says they have plans to open at least three more locations in the next three years. The craft beer movement is already happening in China - and the younger generation is demanding alternative options in beer choices. Also as a result of rising disposable incomes of the general population, premium brands are becoming much more popular and affordable, Yin tells FOXBusiness.com. Other big beer companies are taking notice to the growing market as well. In 2014, Anheuser-Busch InBev (NYSE:BUD) acquired two Asian breweries; Jilin Ginsber Draft Beer and Jiangus Regal Beer. And according to the Euromonitor report, stout witnessed the fastest volume growth among all other beers in 2014, up by 85% -- this alongside the rising number of pubs, bars and Western restaurants in China. Yin says Snow Brands, a joint venture between SABMiller and China Resources Enterprises, is the most prominent beer available in China and currently the best-selling beer brand in the world. However, craft beer is now beginning to fill the narrow gap between selections that have been available in the past, he adds. World of Beer says after Shanghai, its next focus will be India and the Philippines. There are areas that show terrific potential for the craft beer growth going on globally. South [America?] also shows a strong potential, adds Everts. While controversies surround the 2016 race for the White House in both Americas Democratic and Republican parties, voters who may not be interested have another option: the Libertarian Party, which promotes civil liberties and free markets. Former Republican Governor of New Mexico Gary Johnson, The Libertarian Republic founder Austin Petersen and anti-virus software developer John McAfee are among some of the top names representing the Libertarian Party in the 2016 race. The three joined moderator John Stossel on the FOX Business Network to discuss some of the major issues concerning voters in this years race, including the topic of religious liberty and discrimination. I think that if you discriminate on the basis of religion, I think that is a black hole, Johnson said. I think you should be able to discriminate for stink or youre not wearing shoes or whatever. If we discriminate on the basis of religion, to me, thats doing harm to a big class of people. When Austin Petersen, one of Johnsons opponents in the forum, asked the former governor if a Jewish baker should be required to bake a Nazi wedding cake, he said: That would be my contention, yes. John McAfee, another participant in the forum, added his thoughts to the conversation. If youre the only baker in town, it may be a problem, he said. But no one is forcing you to buy anything or to choose one person over another. So why should I be forced to do anything if I am not harming you? Its my choice to sell, your choice to buy. Petersens response to Johnsons statement: This portrays a fundamental lack of understanding of the free market. You have to allow the marketplace to work. The government cannot stamp out bigotry. The government is not supposed to make us into better peoplethats not what the United States was founded on. The Libertarian Presidential Forum will be moderated by John Stossel, and will air in two parts on April 1st and April 8th at 9 PM Eastern Time on the FOX Business Network. With interest rates still at historically low levels in most developed economies, the hunt for yield can be a challenging endeavor for investors. Fortunately, there are some high-quality businesses that currently offer dividend yields of more than 3% -- a sizable bounty in a world where interest rates paid by bank deposit accounts and short-term government bonds are often measured in basis points. In this regard, here are two excellent high-yield stocks worthy of your consideration. Image source: Anheuser-Busch InBev. The beer king In the world of beer,Anheuser-Busch InBev(NYSE: BUD) is as dominant as they come. After its recent $100 billion acquisition of its former No. 1 competitor, SABMiller, AB InBev now commands nearly 30% of the global beer market. The combined company has a portfolio of more than 500 beers, including seven of the top 10 global beer brands and 18 brands that generate more than $1 billion in retail sales. AB InBev is now the world's first truly global brewer with operations in virtually every major beer market. And while growth in beer consumption has recently been sluggish in developed markets such as the U.S., the merger with SABMiller gives AB InBev a stronger position in high-growth developing regions, particularly in Africa. AB In Bev has also been snatching up craft beer brands to expand its presence in this fast-growing segment of the massive U.S. market. Although this is still a small portion of its business, it makes the craft beer craze less of a threat than the bears would have you believe. In fact, higher-priced craft beer has made it easier for AB InBev to raise prices for its popular macrobrews, which has helped the company's revenue growth outstrip volume growth in recent years. But where the beer king really excels is in wringing profits out of each beer it sells. 3G Capital -- the Brazilian group that runs AB InBev -- has a strong track record of helping acquired businesses slash costs and boost profits, and investors should expect more of the same in the coming years. In fact, in its fourth-quarter earnings release, management increased its guidance for synergies and cost savings related to the SABMiller merger to $2.8 billion, up from previous estimates of $2.45 billion. The company has already delivered on more than $800 million of that goal, and it expects to realize the remaining $2 billion over the next three to four years. During that time, management will be (wisely) prioritizing debt repayment, so AB InBev's dividend increases may be modest for the next few years. But its current yield is already sizable, at 3.6%, and the dividend should be well secured by the more than $20 billion in EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) the company expects to achieve once SABMiller is fully integrated. Even better, with its shares down about 20% from their 52-week highs due largely to some macroeconomic related -- and likely short-term -- struggles in Brazil, AB InBev's stock is currently trading at about 24 times analysts' earnings estimates for 2017 and 21 times 2018's estimates. That's quite a bargain for such a dominant company that's expected to grow earnings by more than 24% over the next half decade. As such, investors may wish to consider taking a sip of AB In-Bev stock today. The telecom titan Like AB InBev, Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) offers investors the potential for solid income generation and capital appreciation. The telecom giant's subscription-based, utility-like business generates strong and stable cash flow that it's then able to pass on to shareholders in the form of a steadily rising -- and currently 4.7% -- cash dividend stream. VZ data by YCharts. Verizon's wireless network consistently ranks as the best in the industry, even as rivals such as T-Mobile US (NASDAQ: TMUS) and Sprint (NYSE: S) claim that they're chipping away at Verizon's lead. That ha helped Verizon continue to add postpaid wireless subscribers -- who are generally the most profitable and sought-after customers -- despite heavy promotions from T-Mobile, Sprint, and other competitors. Moreover, after largely ignoring the competition's heavy promotions and competing almost solely on the reputation of its best-in-class wireless network, Verizon has recently moved to meet its challengers head on. The company announced an unlimited data plan that's likely to prove popular with consumers and that could win some customers away from its rivals. At the very least, it should help to preserve Verizon's high customer retention. Verizon is also making moves to diversify its revenue streams. One exciting area of focus is the Internet of Things space, where Verizon is acquiring assets to strengthen its technology and service offerings. The company's IoT ambitions appear promising, with revenue growth from Verizon's IoT services rising 21% year over year on a comparable basis -- and 60% when including acquisitions -- to $243 million in the fourth quarter. Although the business is currently small (by Verizon's standards), the massive potential of the Internet of Things could help this segment grow to become a significant portion of Verizon's revenue and profits in the years ahead. Verizon is also rumored to be considering beefing up its pay-TV assets. Cable giant Charter Communications (NASDAQ: CHTR) is one company that's rumored to be a potential acquisition target, but I'd rather see Verizon snatch up Dish Network (NASDAQ: DISH). With a market cap of less than $30 billion (compared to nearly $87 billion for Charter), Dish would be much less expensive and likely easier to integrate. Dish's popular Sling TV product is a gem that could help Verizon advance its beachhead in the rapidly growing Internet TV market and expand its popular "skinny bundle" offerings. Moreover, obtaining Dish Network's valuable spectrum as part of the deal would be an added sweetener for Verizon. Regardless of whether any of these rumored acquisitions come to fruition, Verizon's core wireless business -- and more than $40 billion in annual EBITDA -- should allow the telecom titan to continue to do what it has done consistently over the past decade: reward its shareholders with steadily growing dividend income. And with its stock trading at only about 12 times forward earnings -- a significant discount to the S&P 500's forward P/E of 18 -- investors can buy this dividend dynamo at a fantastic price today. 10 stocks we like better than Verizon CommunicationsWhen 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 Verizon Communications 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 February 6, 2017. Joe Tenebruso has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Anheuser-Busch InBev NV and Verizon Communications. The Motley Fool recommends T-Mobile US. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Alphabet's Google has moved closer to making something which once seemed if not impossible, at least improbable -- driverless cars -- a reality on our nation's roads. In fact, it no longer seems like the technology is what's standing in the way of vehicles being piloted by artificial intelligence. Google seems to have mostly worked out those issues while conducting extensive testing. Instead, regulatory hurdles appear to be the company's biggest challenge. Before Alphabet can begin offering self-driving technology to the general public, the United States government needs to make a lot of changes. Currently, it's actually illegal to sell a car whose steering and control systems don't allow for human intervention. In theory, that still allows for some varieties of self-driving cars, but not the type Google envisions, which would not have a steering wheel, brake pedal, nor any other way for the passengers to take over. Google's self-driving car has been tested extensively. Source: Google To make its once-science-fiction-sounding plan a reality, the search giant first needs the government to clear the road, which is what it has asked Washington to do in a letter to U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx, the Associated Press reported. What does Google want?Essentially, the technology giant wants to jump start a regulatory process that can often take years. The letter pushes for Congress to amend a number of laws, among them the specific one that bans cars that can drive themselves without human intervention.The move suggests the company, which has been testing its self-driving cars for years, may be closer to a releasable product than many previously believed. In the letter to Foxx, Chris Ursmon, who heads Google's self-driving car project, asked for a federal fast-track for legalizing the technology, which he has already presented in a general way to the Senate Commerce Committee. Under the company's proposal, any manufacturer that could show its vehicles pass federal safety tests would be given permission to sell them, according to AP. Those rules would apply not just to Google's car, but to ones from automakers, or any other company that seeks to enter the space. The government, of course, would still be able to set conditions limiting use based on safety concerns, but it would be obligated to review company's applications in a "tight but realistic" time frame, the news service reported. Changing the rules in this fashion would bring "enormous potential safety benefits ... quite promptly with appropriate safety conditions and full public input," according to a summary of the proposal obtained by The AP. It's not just about carsGoogle is patient, but its aggressive efforts to get self-driving cars approved for general use actually highlight a bigger problem. Existing laws can't always be applied to emerging technologies. We've seenAmazon deal with similar issues as it struggles to create a path for legal consideration of its delivery drone technology. In that case, as with self-driving cars, it's not a simple case of yes or no, nor even of adapting existing law -- a whole new framework needs to be created. Amazon has shown that in these cases, being aggressive helps. Autonomous delivery drones, like driverless cars, have gone from a fanciful notion to a pending reality because of the online retailer's efforts. In that case, as in this one, the company taking the lead (be it Google or Amazon) is actually paving the way for its competition as well. How close are we?It's probably fair to say that self-driving cars have moved closer, but they are not close. Even Google spokesman Johnny Luu acknowledged to the AP that the company's proposal was "the beginning of a process." Google is asking the federal government to craft a framework under which the safety of these systems can be evaluated. That's a sensible request, because it's impossible to meet a standard that doesn't exist. A lot of work remains ahead before the technology is ready for the marketplace, but at this point, Google and the other companies attempting to create these vehicles need to start removing some of the outright barriers from the road ahead of them. So it's right for the company to ask, and the government should answer -- even if it's standards are especially rigorous. Once Google knows how high the bar is set, it can either jump over it or fail trying, but it certainly deserves a fair chance to try. The article Inside Google's Plan to Make Driverless Cars Legal originally appeared on Fool.com. Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. Daniel Kline has no position in any stocks mentioned. He will be an early adopter for driverless cars. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Alphabet (A shares), Alphabet (C shares), and Amazon.com. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. For any investor with money to put to work in the stock market, often the hardest part is deciding between seemingly disparate portfolio candidates with which you want to achieve the same goal: That is, to beat the broader market. Further complicating that goal is the fact you can achieve it in a variety of ways, especially by owning shares of businesses operating invery different places in their respective long-term stories. Take GoPro and Google parent Alphabet , for example. In the former, investors are presented with a beaten-down business with a market capitalization of less than $2 billion as of this writing, namely as it endures a lull in demand from its core capture device market. In the latter, investors have an Internet search and advertising juggernaut whose shares currently trade near all-time highs, and which boasts a market cap of nearly $520 billion. But while this might sound like a one-sided battle, let's not jump to conclusions just yet. Rather, depending on your specific investing temperament and tolerance for risk, GoPro and Alphabet can serve two very different purposes. Let's dig deeper to figure out which is the better buy. GoPro: A turnaround in the makingAs it stands, shares of GoPro are down more than 70% over the past year following a series of missteps for the business, including the failed launch of its tiny HERO4 Session camera last July, under-funding of marketing initiatives, and a woeful lack of attention to software solutions that should make it easier for customers to offload, access, and edit captured content. GoPro's entire camera lineup now consists of three devices. Image source: GoPro. Most recently, these missteps culminated in a 31.1% year-over-year decline in revenue during GoPro's crucial holiday season, which resulted in a net loss of nearly $34.5 million, or $0.25 per share. That all sounds scary -- and rightly so. But these fears arguably overwhelm the very real possibility that GoPro's stock has bottomed, especially as the company works hard to right its past wrongs. After last quarter's painful performance, for example, GoPro took a huge step to streamline its capture device offerings to only its three highest-end devices, including the HERO4 Black, HERO4 Silver, and HERO4 Session. This should, in theory, reduce sales cannibalization from similar devices, while at the same time maintaining healthy gross margin given the higher price points as compared to lower-end models GoPro discontinued. Meanwhile, GoPro CEO Nick Woodman insisted the company recognizes the need to develop more effective software solutions for users, and subsequently acquired leading mobile editing apps Splice and Replay to speed up the process for GoPro and Smartphone users. Finally, GoPro has promised to launch its new Karma Quadcopter in the first half of this year, paving the way for it to take share in fast-growing, multi-billion-dollar market. And the company is largely expected to implement a much-needed refresh of its camera lineup in time for the holidays later this year. In the end, the confluence of these events could easily propel GoPro stock higher from here. Alphabet: When winners keep on winningAlphabet, for its part, is undoubtedly on much more solid financial footing than GoPro. Last quarter, Alphabet's revenue climbed an amazing 17.8% year over year, to $21.33 billion, and would have risen 24% if it weren't for the negative effects of foreign currency exchange. For that, Alphabet can thank the relative outperformance of its primary Google segment, which includes Search, Android, Maps, Chrome, YouTube, Google Play, and Gmail -- all of which individually catered to more than one billion users last quarter. And collectively, advertising revenue from these services rose 17% year over year, to $19.08 billion, or more than 90% of Alphabet's total revenue during the quarter. Meanwhile, revenue from non-advertising sources at Google rose 24%, to $2.1 billion, thanks to strong growth from the Google Play store, Google Coud, and Apps. That resulted in 22.3% growth in operating income, to $5.38 billion, and 5.3% growth in net income, to $4.92 billion, or $7.06 per share. Put another way: Alphabet's net income last quarter alone was more than twice GoPro's entire market capitalization. And arguably most enticing, this helps to bankroll Google's compelling "Other Bets" segment. Other Bets is comprised of an aggregation of businesses ranging from Fiber (high speed Internet) to Verily (focused on longevity), to Nest (connected home products), Calico (life sciences), self-driving cars, and the "X" moonshot initiatives that boast enormous long-term potential. Last year, revenue from these initiatives climbed 37% year over year, to $448 million. But given their early stage statuses, together they also generated a huge operating loss of nearly $3.6 billion in 2015. However, Alphabet's core Google business more than makes up for those losses in the near term, and investors should keep in mind they could potentially turn into massively profitable businesses in their own right down the road. The verdictIf I had to choose just one stock for my own portfolio, I would buy Alphabet for both the solid financial footing Google provides, and the enormous potential it enjoys from the "Other Bets" category. The stability, superior growth, and global market leadership are too great to ignore, and for me this becomes more a core stock around which investors can build a portfolio. It's also worth noting Alphabet technically appears to be the "cheaper" stock looking even at traditional metrics, as it trades around 32 times trailing 12-month earnings and less than 19 times next year's estimates. By comparison -- and despite its decline -- GoPro trades around 49 times trailing 12-month earnings, and the action camera specialist is expected to turn in a loss for the coming year. However, I also wouldn't be the least bit surprised if GoPro were able to quickly grow into its valuation from a price to earnings standpoint should the business show the slightest signs of improvement over the next few quarters. If that happens, I admit GoPro's potential returns could easily dwarf those of Google as it builds its business from a much smaller base. So in the end, while Google still gets my vote as the "better buy" today, GoPro might well be worth opening a small speculative position. The article Better Buy: GoPro vs. Alphabet originally appeared on Fool.com. Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. Steve Symington has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Alphabet (A shares), Alphabet (C shares), and GoPro. 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. China's Anbang Insurance Group Co. has informed Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. that it is walking away from a $14 billion bid for the hotelier, in a surprise move capping off a three-week bidding war with Marriott International Inc. A consortium led by Anbang had appeared close to securing a Starwood agreement, under a deal that would have trumped a $13.6 billion increased bid from Marriott. Starwood now plans to revert to Marriott's most recent offer, a cash-and-stock bid that was worth $79.53 per Starwood share when it was announced last week, according to a person familiar with the matter. Should Anbang have succeeded, the takeover would have been the biggest Chinese purchase of a U.S. company ever. Instead, the combination of Starwood and Marriott--the owner of Courtyard by Marriott and the extended-stay Residence Inn--would create the world's No. 1 hotel chain with more than one million rooms and 30 brands. Anbang's withdrawal appears to end a topsy-turvy bidding war that highlights the newfound muscle of Chinese companies in the high-stakes global business of mergers and acquisitions. Last November, Marriott signed a $12.2 billion deal for Stamford, Conn.-based Starwood, which has popular brands including W Hotels, St. Regis and Westin. Then in March, the Anbang group made a surprise bid to break up the deal, offering $76 a share in cash that it subsequently bumped to $78. After Marriott raised its offer, Starwood announced on Monday that the Anbang group raised its proposal again, to $82.75 a share in cash. Starwood then said the offer from the Chinese insurance giant was "reasonably likely to lead to a superior proposal." But Anbang never followed through to make the proposal binding, and it didn't tell Starwood why, according to people familiar with the matter. Anbang, in a news release Thursday, cited "various market considerations" for halting its pursuit. Anbang was joining in the bid with private-equity firms J.C. Flowers & Co. and Primavera Capital Group. Shareholders registered their disappointment with the move, with Starwood stock falling 4.5% after hours following The Wall Street Journal's report that Anbang had backed away. The stock had closed at $83.43 at 4 p.m. ET. Some Starwood investors had welcomed the all-cash premium that Anbang offered at a time when hotel shares have been volatile. Marriott stock, meanwhile, dropped 5% after its 4 p.m. close of $71.18, signaling that some shareholders may have been happy for the company lose the deal--and walk away with a breakup fee exceeding $400 million. Marriott executives and its board, on the other hand, may be breathing a sigh of relief. Some lodging analysts have said that Marriott may have run out of firepower with its last offer. Marriott's counterbid was an unusually aggressive move for a company that historically has been conservative with its balance sheet. Chairman Bill Marriott typically has had an aversion to taking on too much debt, and the lodging company in the past has favored acquiring single-brand firms rather than pursuing splashy takeovers of rivals such as Starwood, with its 11 brands. Potentially reflecting an effort to trump its rival by other means, Marriott in a statement on Monday said Starwood investors "should give serious consideration to the question of whether the Anbang-led consortium will be able to close the proposed transaction, with a particular focus on the certainty of the consortium's financing and the timing of any required regulatory approvals." There is no guarantee regulators would have approved a Chinese takeover of Starwood, should one have been signed. There has been a surge of proposed Chinese takeovers in the U.S. this year, and it has been met by a groundswell of U.S. political opposition. Chinese regulators also could have resisted. In March, Anbang agreed to buy U.S. luxury hotel owner Strategic Hotels & Resorts Inc. from Blackstone Group LP for about $6.5 billion, including debt. It isn't clear whether Chinese authorities would have been comfortable with such an aggressive acquisition push by the insurer. Under the revised Marriott deal, Starwood shareholders would receive $21 in cash and 0.8 Marriott share for each Starwood share. Marriott and Starwood stockholders were to vote April 8 on the transaction. If approved by regulators and shareholders, the deal could close in mid-2016, the companies have said. Image source: Boeing. Boeing Co. is an iconic American name in the aerospace industry. Add in a yield of around 3.4% and a successful history of serving the consumer aviation and military industries, and there's a lot to like here. But it's just one company and it may not be the best option for income today. Here are three other dividend payers to consider if you are looking at Boeing, a couple of which you may not have thought of. 50% aviationUnited Technologies is the first alternative to Boeing you should take a look at. Although its dividend yield is only 2.6%, a bit below that of Boeing, it has one big thing going for it: diversification. Boeing makes planes, it's pretty much the company's bread and butter -- any problems there, and Boeing is going to suffer. United Technologies gets about 50% of its revenues by making parts for planes, such as jet engines, and the rest comes from climate-control equipment and elevators. Why does this matter? First, if you buy Boeing you are 100% exposed to a single aviation company. United Technologies sells its engines and parts to multiple plane makers and on the aftermarket. That provides more diversification should Boeing run into production problems. And then there are the other parts of the business that provide a counterbalance to aviation. Image source: United Technologies. While elevators and heating and cooling equipment may not be as exciting as zooming through the air in a plane, they provide a solid base of business. To provide some contrast, planes are huge purchases that only a small number of companies make. Elevators and heating go into buildings around the world, large and small, and compared to planes they are relatively cheap and in most cases necessities. United Technologies expects these two businesses to provide a stable base of around 4% to 5% annualized growth through the end of the decade. That growth won't disappear if there's an aviation downturn. Then there's one more factoid to keep in mind. Boeing has increased its dividend each year for five years. United Technologies has increased its distribution annually for over 20 years. Boeing's historical growth rate is higher (around 13% annualized), but it's hard to complain about United Technologies' nearly 10% annualized dividend growth rate over the same span. And remember that United Technologies has given you a "pay raise" every year, while Boeing has, at times, gone years without any dividend increase at all. Add in the benefits of diversification, and despite a lower yield, United Technologies is a company you should be considering as an alternative to Boeing. Further afield?That brings up two other options, Eaton Corp. and Emerson Electric . Neither has the aviation exposure of Boeing or United Technologies, but if you're looking for a good price on an industry stalwart, does that matter? Indeed, Eaton and Emerson are giants in the industrial space and they have lagged well behind Boeing when it comes to the stock market. To put it simply, this pair are out of favor right now, and that could be your buying opportunity. Eaton, which has a small and growing aviation business, is focused on power management, with operations in the electric, hydraulic, auto, and, yes, aviation spaces. Its yield is around 3.7%, giving it an edge over the aircraft maker on the yield front. Like Boeing, however, it paused the dividend during the 2007-to-2009 recession, so it, too, only has five years of annual increases under its belt. BA data by YCharts And while Eaton is expecting 2016 to be a bad year for organic growth (down as much as 4%), even worse than 2015 was (organic growth fell 2%), Eaton's diversified business model should allow it to remain well in the black. It's calling for operating earnings of $4.15 to $4.45 a share this year -- in a bad year. For reference, operating earnings were just shy of $4.25 last year. So you get to collect a nice dividend yield while waiting for the industrial sector to tick higher again. Emerson's yield is around 3.5%, a touch higher than Boeing offers. Emerson's business spans the automation, process management, network power, climate control, and commercial and residential products segments. Notice that aviation isn't on that list. That makes this a tougher sell if you're looking for aviation exposure, but the yield and a nearly 60-year history of annual dividend increases might be enough to entice you to consider ditching Boeing. Imagine, 60 years of annual "pay raises" in good years and bad! Now, to be fair, Emerson is expecting organic sales to fall as much as 5% this year. And it's getting ready to jettison its network power business, which it only recently started to build. But the current yield is roughly 10% above its average over the past five years. If you have to have some aviation exposure, look elsewhere. But if you're looking for an industrial company with a good yield, trading at what appears to be a discount to historical levels, and has a long (really long) history of rewarding investors with dividend hikes, Emerson has to be considered. Forget Boeing?So, should you forget Boeing? No. It's a good aviation company and deserves your consideration. However, you shouldn't focus exclusively on Boeing, either. There are other companies with varying exposure to aviation that are worth looking at, such as United Technologies and Eaton Corp. And there are companies without any exposure, such as Emerson, but with a higher yield and a longer history of annual dividend increases. You'd be remiss if you didn't look at this trio before pulling the trigger on Boeing. The article Forget Boeing Co.: Here Are 3 Better Dividend Stocks originally appeared on Fool.com. Reuben Brewer owns shares of Eaton. The Motley Fool recommends Emerson Electric. 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. SOURCE: BERNIE SANDERS. Presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders took the battle against high drug prices up a notch this week. The Vermont senator and 11 other members of Congress sent letter to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) calling for hearings to discuss whether the agency should exercise its march-in patent rights to Medivation and Astellas Pharma's Xtandi, a widely used prostate cancer drug. The news sent Medivation's shares reeling, but the fall-out from a NIH hearing could have broad implications for all of biotech. What's Xtandi?Xtandi is a commonly used treatment for pre- and post-chemotherapy prostate cancer patients, and prostate cancer is the second most common form of cancer in men. Last year, more than 220,000 cases of prostate cancer were diagnosed in the United States alone. Xtandi is made and marketed by Medivation and Astellas Pharma, but its patents -- up until recently -- were owned by UCLA. Earlier this month, UCLA sold its patent rights to Xtandi to a private investment group for $520 million. UCLA discovered Xtandi while conducting NIH-funded research into why prostate cancer can grow even after patients receive treatment that limits testosterone production. UCLA licensed its Xtandi patents to Medivation in 2005, after which Medivation conducted extensive human clinical trials showing that the risk of death in patients who had previously undergone testosterone reducing therapy was 29% lower in Xtandi patients than in patients receiving a placebo. The FDA approved Xtandi for use in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients who had undergone chemotherapy in 2012, and it was approved for use in the pre-chemotherapy setting in 2014. Why Xtandi?To understand why Sanders and others in Washington are singling out Xtandi, it helps to understand more about federal research funding and patents. Before 1980, universities and other institutions that received federal grants to conduct research had to turn over patents to the government, rather than use them for their own benefit. However, the government was prohibited from issuing exclusive licenses to companies, so only about 5% of the 30,000 or so patents it had accumulated were ever licensed. In recognition that this system was broken, and to spark development of future discoveries, Congress passed the Bayh-Dole Act in December 1980. This act grants universities and other recipients of federal funding the right to pursue ownership of their federally funded discoveries and to license patents resulting from this funding to drugmakers, such as UCLA did with Medivation on Xtandi. To protect American consumers from harm, the Bayh-Dole Act also provides the government entity that provided federal funding the right to exercise march-in rights, which allow the government to ignore patent exclusivity if the agency that provided the funding resulting in the patent determines that a licensee of that patent is violating specific criteria, including a failure to make use of the patent or a failure to satisfy the health and safety needs of consumers. It's this final criterion that Sanders and others think Medivation and Astellas Pharma are violating. Because Medivation and Astellas charge $129,000 for Xtandi in the U.S. -- roughly three times prices charged abroad -- Sanders argues that Americans are being unduly harmed. Uncommonly usedRequesting the use of the act's march-in provision isn't unprecedented. Five march-in petitions have been made to the NIH since the act's passage in 1980, including a petition to exercise march-in rights on Norvir, an AIDS drug marketed by AbbVie's predecessor, Abbott Labs. The petition to exercise march-in rights on Norvir came following a decision by AbbVie to raise Norvir's price 400% in 2003. The NIH reviewed the matter to see if it should execute its patent rights and concluded that drug pricing, in and of itself, doesn't justify overturning patents via the march-in provision. Specifically, the NIH concluded: Super-sized impactIf the NIH were to exercise its march-in rights to Xtandi, the impact on the biotech industry could be enormous. The NIH funnels roughly 80% of its $31 billion budget to researchers via grants every year, and because it's a major source of academic funding, NIH grants have had a hand in developing some of the most widely used medicine in America. For example, in the 40-year period following the Bayh-Dole Act's passage, the FDA approved 153 drugs that were rooted in federal funding, including 36 biologics and 15 vaccines. Among these 153 drugs are perennial top-sellers, such as AbbVie's autoimmune drug Humira, which posted $14 billion in sales last year and has ties to research done at Rockefeller University. However, the indication that appears to have benefited most in the post Bayh-Dole Act period is cancer. According to a 2011 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, oncology drugs accounted for 40 of the 153 FDA approved drugs that have stemmed from federal funding. Given that cancer drug costs are typically high, a ruling against Medivation could significantly affect the licensees of these oncology patents. Looking aheadIn the past, the NIH has distanced itself from the pricing debate, but if that were to change, it could set a precedent that leads to questioning patents protecting some of the industry's best-selling medicines. In turn, that could potentially undermine the existing relationship between university researchers and private companies. If that were to cause drugmakers to abandon those relationships in favor of their own internally developed drugs, then it could delay, or thwart, scientific breakthroughs, especially in rare and tough-to-treat diseases where trial failure is highest. Because of that risk, the NIH will probably tread carefully. The article How Biotech Is Getting Berned by Sanders originally appeared on Fool.com. Todd Campbell has no position in any stocks mentioned. Todd owns E.B. Capital Markets, LLC. E.B. Capital's clients may have positions in the companies 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. Image Source: Cobalt International Energy. Cobalt International Energy bills itself as a "new kind of oil exploration and production company." That's because unlike most oil start-ups, it didn't take its initial cash resources and plow it into acquiring oil and gas assets with existing production. Instead, it has invested from the ground up, by first exploring for new sources of oil and gas and then investing the capital needed to bring these discoveries online. That business model makes the company inherently riskier than the average oil stock, putting it at the lower end of the safe spectrum for investors. A decade without a drop of oilCobalt International Energy was initially founded in 2005. However, it wasn't until January of this year that the company actually produced a drop of oil after the Anadarko Petroleum led Heidelberg project came online, where Cobalt owns a minority stake. The reason the company went so long without actually producing any oil is due to the fact that it focuses on offshore oil development, which takes a long time to go from discovery to first oil. To use Anadarko Petroleum's Heidelberg project as an example, while the initial field was discovered in 2009, the development project wasn't sanctioned until 2013 and first oil didn't occur until 2016. That seven-year time-frame, along with the project's multi-billion-dollar price tag, adds a lot of risk for a company like Cobalt. Consider the fact that the company would have had to make its initial investment decision on this project when oil was still in the triple digits only to finally realize first oil after it's price had plummeted to a mere $30 a barrel. This really has a big impact on the economics of the company's projects, which could significantly impact its ability to create value from these investments. Image Source: Anadarko Petroleum. A concentrated positionUp until recently Cobalt International Energy had focused its exploration efforts on two core areas: The Gulf of Mexico and West Africa. However, because it doesn't produce any oil and therefore can't fund its oil projects with internally generated cash flow it needs outside capital to fund these projects, which is much harder to acquire when oil is below $40 a barrel. That need for capital was the driving factor behind the company's recent decision to sell its entire position in Angola to raise the cash it needed to develop its assets in the Gulf of Mexico. However, while that sale minimized its funding risk for the next few years, it increases the company's execution risk because it's now concentrated in just one region. That concentration is a potential big problem given the recent history of oil exploration in the Gulf, with BP's Macando disaster wreaking havoc on the region and producers a few years back. That disaster cost not only BP billions of dollars, but its partner in the project, Anadarko Petroleum, had to pay $4 billion to settle its liabilities for the spill. That's worth noting because it suggests that if a disaster were to occur at one of Cobalt's projects it too could be on the hook for a major payout, which could actually put it out of business given its smaller size. In fact, a spill wouldn't even have to occur at one of its projects to significantly impact its ability to operate. That because after the BP disaster happened the ensuing moratorium on deepwater drilling the Gulf of Mexico caused a couple of companies to go bankrupt, even though they had nothing to do with that incident. Investor takeawayCobalt International Energy is not a safe oil stock, as if there were such a thing. Its risk profile is heightened by the fact that it has a singular focus on developing oil resources in the Gulf of Mexico from the ground up. While that exploration and development focus has the potential to create tremendous value, it could easily go bust if oil prices keep crashing or another big oil spill were to hit the Gulf. In other words, investors looking for some safety are better off investing elsewhere. The article How Safe Is Cobalt International Energy, Inc. Stock? originally appeared on Fool.com. Matt DiLallo 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. Image source: TransCanada Corporation. According to news reports, Kinder Morgan has suspended work on the company's proposed Palmetto Pipeline project. It's in response to the passage of a temporary moratorium on the use of eminent domain for pipeline construction in Georgia. As such, the $1.1 billion project won't be going into service at the end of next year as initially planned, thoughgiven the project economics and the current industry conditions, that might not be a bad outcome. What's going on?The Palmetto Pipeline project was initially given the green light by Kinder Morgan in late 2014. It was designed to transport 167,000 barrels per day of refined petroleum products from the Gulf Coast to markets in the Southeast. However, its pathway, which will take it through 201 miles of eastern and coastal Georgia, has drawn opposition from local residents and environmental groups in that state. Image source: Kinder Morgan investor presentation. Because of that opposition, the General Assembly of thestate of Georgia recently passed a temporary moratorium on the use of eminent domain for pipeline construction while it commissions a study to review the project. That effectively knocks the project out of service for at least the next year because it needed to use eminent domain to lock up some of the land for that pipeline's proposed route. This isn't the first time the company has had issues with getting one of its pipelines built. It is currently facing intense opposition in Canada to expand its Trans Mountain pipeline. Furthermore, it's not the only pipeline company to face opposition, with Canadian rival TransCanada the poster child for pipeline problems. TransCanada spent six years trying to build the southward-bound Keystone XL pipeline before the project was ultimately rejected. When that project was delayed, it turned its attention to building an eastward-bound pipeline in Canada, only to face opposition in that direction as well. That opposition is a big reason why TransCanada is trying to buy growth, because it's having such a hard time building it. How it will impact Kinder MorganThe new law effectively halts Kinder Morgan's project until the end of next June, which obviously means construction won't begin this spring as initially expected. That also will push back its in-service date beyond the end of next year, which was the initial plan. As such, it will push back Kinder Morgan's ability to earn a return on this proposed investment. However, given the numbers of this project, it's not the end of the world. While the company doesn't give project-specific economics, it does note projected returns for projects within its products pipelines segment. Given this, we can see that the company was expected to invest $524.7 million to fund its 51% share of the project. Also, that investment, as well as its other products pipeline segment investments, are expected to deliver an EBITDA multiple of 10.7 times as noted on the slide below: Image source: Kinder Morgan investor presentation. While that's not a bad return, just to put that number into perspective, projects put into service in the products pipeline segment last year cost the company $771.3 million but are expected to generate $147.4 million in first-year EBIDTA. That's a 5.2 times multiple or about twice as good as what Kinder Morgan had expected to earn on Palmetto and the other projects listed. So, it is worth noting that this appears to be a lower return project for the company. Furthermore, the company was expected to invest a combined $344 million on products pipelines capex this year. Assuming less than half of that capital was allocated to Palmetto, the company could save about $150 million in capital this year by suspending this project. With the tight capital markets, not having to spend that capital right now might actually be a blessing in disguise. Investor takeawayPressing pause on the Palmetto Pipeline project is actually a good thing for Kinder Morgan. Not only do the returns not appear to be as compelling as some of its other recent projects, but it now won't have to spend this capital right away. That gives it some extra financial flexibility at a time when it's at a premium. The article Kinder Morgan Inc. Presses Pause on the Palmetto Pipeline Project originally appeared on Fool.com. Matt DiLallo owns shares of Kinder Morgan andhas the following options: short January 2018 $30 puts on Kinder Morgan and long Jan. 2018 $30 calls on Kinder Morgan. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Kinder Morgan. The Motley Fool has the following options: short June 2016 $12 puts on Kinder Morgan. 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. McDonald's is adding more than 1,000 restaurants in China and is hunting for an investment partner in Asia to speed its expansion and smooth over a rough recent history in the region. Over the next five years, the Oak Brook, Ill., company wants to build out its franchise business in China, Hong Kong and South Korea, adding more than 1,500 restaurants to its current 2,800, McDonald's announced Thursday. In China alone, it aims to have 3,500 restaurants by 2020, up from 2,200 now, Chief Executive Steve Easterbrook said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal. The expansion plans come after McDonald's announcement last year that it was closing 350 restaurants in China, Japan and the U.S. McDonald's uses franchisees and licensees in its more mature markets, like the U.S. But elsewhere it has largely relied on a more costly model of operating its own restaurants to oversee their quality and growth. McDonald's has had trouble finding collaborators in Asia. It announced last year plans to sell its restaurants in Taiwan and Japan to a franchise operator but hasn't yet closed a deal. Mr. Easterbrook said McDonald's is in the early stages of identifying the right partners. Mr. Easterbrook has been overhauling McDonald's U.S. business, including by selling more restaurants to franchisees and eliminating management layers. Now he's turning to the international market in an effort to boost sales and profits. He has set a target to expand global franchise ownership, including in the U.S., to 90% from 81%, and said the company will sell 3,500 restaurants to franchisees by 2018. McDonald's won't limit its search to companies already in the restaurant space and would like to find a partner who can help it meet local consumer needs and shifts more quickly, Mr. Easterbrook said. "We're going to throw the net wide," said Mr. Easterbrook. Compared with Chinese rivals, McDonald's and Yum Brands Inc have been slow to adapt to Chinese consumers' needs. Yum, which runs the KFC and Pizza Hut chains, announced last year plans to split off its China division, in part to address those problems. Mr. Easterbrook said franchising and local licensing are aimed at making McDonald's more nimble in local communities. Thursday's announcement also zeroes in on a goal to make China the company's No. 2 market, said Mr. Easterbrook, up from the third-largest behind the U.S. and Japan. In the next five years, McDonald's will open at least 250 restaurants a year and boost the rate of its franchised outlets beyond 30%, closer to the U.S. rate of 90%, Mr. Easterbrook said. McDonald's operated all its restaurants in China for more than two decades, until 2008 when it turned to franchising. McDonald's Asia performance has been bumpy in recent years, after problems with one of its suppliers in 2014 left some of its restaurants without chicken or hamburgers and crippled sales for quarters. The struggle to regain consumers' trust has made the China market particularly thorny for McDonald's, industry watchers say. "It isn't getting back more loyal customers," said James Roy, associate principal at the Shanghai-based consultancy, China Market Research. Chinese consumers are also increasingly health conscious and skeptical of fast food. In a survey of 10,000 consumers across China, 51% said they consumed Western fast food in 2015, down from 67% in 2012, according to consultancy McKinsey & Co. McDonald's is launching healthy menu items in its China restaurants this year, like apple slices, veggie cups and multigrain muffins, Mr. Easterbrook said. He said McDonald's has assured consumers of its quality and has been regaining customers. The company is also building out more digital kiosks in its restaurants to appeal to younger diners who want to pay with their mobile phones and order customizable burgers, he said. Write to Laurie Burkitt at laurie.burkitt@wsj.com In less than 24 hours, Anonymous will officially launch a cyber-attack on Republican frontrunner Donald Trump. The hacker group declared total war on Trump on March 15 with a video posted on its YouTube channel, dubbed #OpTrump. In the video, Anonymous invites hackers and anyone with a computer to shut down the billionaire businessmans websites, expose his private information, dismantle his campaign and sabotage his brand on April 1. Your inconsistent and hateful campaign has not only shocked the United States of America, you have shocked the entire planet with your appalling actions and ideas. You say what your audience wants to hear but in reality you dont stand for anything except for your personal greed and power, said an Anonymous member in the video. This is not the first time the group has targeted Trump; Last December, they declared digital war on the real estate mogul after he proposed to ban all Muslims from entering the U.S. On March 17, a new video surfaced from Anonymous, dubbed #OpWhiteRose. That video featured links to pages with Trumps personal information including his Social Security number, contact information for his family members, spokesperson, campaign official and agent. It singles out Trump for using his candidacy in order to promote an agenda of fascism, xenophobia as well the religious persecution of Muslims through totalitarian policies. A day later, the Secret Service confirmed that it is investigating Anonymous' threats with the assistance of the FBI. A Trump campaign official said they are looking into arresting those responsible. Former Anonymous member Deric Lostutter, AKA KYAnonymous told FOXBusiness.com he is not participating in the Anonymous Trump war but anticipates the hacker groups goal will be to make Trump out to be the hypocrite we all know he is. Trump is poison to the country, he wants to impose totalitarianism under his rule and that is not what democracy is about, Lostutter said, adding, Anonymous wants justice, transparency and power to the people they represent people as a whole. Donald Trump does not represent that. Lostutter revealed his identity after exposing the 2012 Steubenville, Ohio rape cover-up with Anonymous. The case gained national attention and Lostutter was later raided by the FBI and is currently being investigated. A billboard along an interstate played a key role in saving the life of a woman seeking a kidney donor. Kelsey Crider, 26, of Boulder, Colo., had already undergone three transplants since she was 17 and found her fourth donor after the man, an Army reservist, saw the digital sign light up for a mere eight seconds. Nate Toci, 21, was driving home from work when he saw the sign seeking a donor for Crider, who had type O blood. I tried not to get ahead of myself because I do that a lot, like, 'Oh, it would be so cool if I was,'" he told Fox31. Tests showed he was a perfect match and the two agreed to meet, Crider told Fox & Friends on Thursday. It was pretty special meeting him and Im glad I did, Crider told Fox & Friends. We have a good friendship. The two underwent surgery in late February. It was something I felt I needed to do, Toci, a member of the U.S. Army Reserves, told Fox & Friends on Thursday. During their recovery at the University of Colorado Hospital, the two bonded over their love of Lord of the Rings and now say they feel like family. Nate is the kind of guy that will just go out and give himself to other people, Crider told Fox31. The pair are sharing their story to encourage others to look into living kidney donation. Its eye-opening to know you can donate an organ and the body can accept it, Crider told Fox & Friends. The human body is crazy on what it can do. For more than three decades, Turkey has been an influential actor in the Middle East. A largely democratic Turkey enjoys complicated but strategic relations with the United States, Europe and Israel. Several Turkish domestic and foreign policy issues have significant relevance for U.S. interests, especially given its location among Arab neighbors increasingly hostile to the West. One might assume that Turkeys on again, off again chilling toward the West and Israel is a direct result of the actions and sentiments of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his and his Justice and Development Party (AKP). But Erdogan is also the President who reached out directly to Israeli President Reuven Rivlin following the March 19 terror attack in Turkey that killed three Israelis. In a letter he expressed condolences, termed the attack "cruel," and called on the international community to "unite in its struggle against terrorism that threatens all of mankind and our basic values." I want to send my deepest condolences to the Israeli people and the families that lost their loved ones in this traitorous attack in Istanbul, as they were visiting the city and wanting to get to know our culture better. I wish a speedy recovery to the wounded, Erdogan wrote. That is because Erdogan is not the root of the problem. Rather, it is a wolf in sheep's clothing, a Turkish emigrant living in seclusion in the Poconos of Pennsylvania, who has been for the last decade responsible for slowly but strongly influencing Turkish society toward Islamism (Islamic fundamentalism). That person is the shadowy and mysterious cult leader Fethullah Gulen. Multiple sources point to Gulen's purposeful and systematic takeover by his followers of Turkey's political leadership, the police, the judiciary, the education system, the media, social networks and local administrations. The goal is no longer to influence the government, but rather to take it over. Who is Gulen? He is a powerful global businessman with somewhere between three and six million followers. According to a 2012 article published by City Journal, the worth of just the American institutions inspired by Gulen range from $20 billion to $50 billion. A 2007 article published by fgulen.com itself reported the cloudy imam-prophet's budget at $25 million. The center of Gulen's movement is his network of private or semi-private schools, founded by him or his followers. According to Wikipedia, estimates of the number of schools and educational institutions vary widely, from about 300 schools in Turkey to over 1,000 schools worldwide. During a 2006 interview on Kanalturk television, it was reported that 75 percent of Turkey's 2 million preparatory school students are enrolled in Gulen institutions. He controls thousands of secondary schools and dozens of private universities. He targets and recruits youth, indoctrinates them and prepares them for a future career in legal, political and educational professions, creating the ruling classes of a future Islamist Turkey. It's an "educational jihad," as a Sabah columnist wrote in 2004. Fethullah supporters have made inroads into Turkey's 200,000-strong police force, reported the Middle East Quarterly "There are imam security directors; imams wearing police uniforms." They've entrenched themselves in the military "The Fethullahist military officers were once our students, who we financially supported, educated and assisted. When these grateful children graduated and reached influential positions, they put themselves and their positions at the service of Fethullah Gulen," said one of Gulen's assistants in a 2006 interview. "We open a house somewhere and, with the patience of a spider, we lay our web to wait for people to get caught in the web; and we teach those who do," Gulen said in a sermon uncovered by MEMRI in 2007. "You must move in the arteries of the system without anyone noticing your existence until you reach all the power centers until the conditions are ripe, they [the followers] must continue like this," Gulen said in a sermon that was publicized on Turkish TV in 1999. "The work to be done is [in] confronting the world." Despite these statements (and others), he has managed to captivate and capture many in his web including Western leaders, and members of the U.S. and foreign government . Gulen's website describes him as Muslim scholar, thinker, author, poet, opinion leader and educational activist. His English-language speeches and articles report his interest in exploring multiculturalism in the language of diversity, peace and co-existence. He has even been compared to Gandhi. So is it simple paranoia? A conspiracy theory ready to be debunked by the better intentioned? Or is Gulen responsible for the accelerated destabilisation of Turkey, something which impacts not only the Turkish, but the United States, Israel and other allies? The real question is why are some many important officials waiting silently instead of finding out and giving us answers? Using tear gas, water cannons and rubber bullets, Turkish police recently seized control of the countrys largest-circulation daily newspaper, Zaman. This blatant display of force demonstrates how far Turkeys increasingly autocratic President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will go to solidify his power and pursue his vendetta against the adversary he fears most: the moderate Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, whose columns were published by Zaman. Now, Erdogan is taking his feud even farther to American courts and the U.S. court of public opinion. While Americans may wonder what this far-away feud means to them, the stakes are high: Erdogans drive toward dictatorship threatens to fracture Turkeys 72 million people along religious, ethnic and ideological lines, imperiling its critically important role as a regional stabilizer and in the war against terrorism. Far from being a target of Turkeys government, Mr. Gulen and the moderate Muslim movement he has inspired should be valued allies in the international campaign to counter religiously motivated violent extremism. Make no mistake: America has become a battleground in Erdogans effort to pursue and punish his enemies. Hiring a high-powered, London-based attorney, Robert Amsterdam, the Turkish government is behind a lawsuit against Mr. Gulen in federal court in Pennsylvania, where the scholar, preacher and peace activist lives in exile. The suit, riddled with trumped-up charges, was clearly a response to Mr. Gulens public denunciation of the trajectory of Erdogans regime. In addition to this frivolous, politically motivated legal action, Erdogans allies have been fueling an orchestrated campaign to defame Hizmet, the global movement inspired by Mr. Gulen that includes schools, hospitals, charities and rescue organizations in more than 160 countries. The witch-hunt has targeted the coeducational, non-denominational schools, stressing math and science, which serve diverse populations across the world and in the US. In this battle between the strongman and the scholar, Americans should recognize Mr. Gulen as an advocate of human rights, religious freedom and world peace. The U.S. often asks moderate voices in the Islamic world to condemn violent extremism. Without even being asked, Mr. Gulen does this unhesitatingly and unequivocally and on numerous occasions. The Hizmet movements interfaith, educational, health care and philanthropic programs in Turkey and throughout the world address the discontents that give rise to terrorism. Unlike those who foment division, the Hizmet movement promotes interfaith harmony through dialogue with Christians, Muslims, Jews and adherents of other religions. But, far from valuing Hizmet as a national asset, the Turkish government vilifies it and Mr. Gulen in particular - as Public Enemy No. 1, placing it in the red book of national security. Why does Erdogan hate Hizmet? In the past, including his election in 2002, the Hizmet movement supported Erdogans efforts to democratize Turkey and promote reforms to pave the way for membership in the European Union. But, as Erdogan became increasingly authoritarian, the Hizmet movement began to criticize him and his party. When an official investigation of Erdogans government in 2013 found wrongdoing among his close associates and family members, he accused the Hizmet movement of infiltrating the police and judiciary, creating a parallel structure that was attempting a coup detat. Seeking to purge real and alleged Hizmet members, Erdogans administration has arbitrarily shut down newspapers like Zaman and imprisoned journalists. It has removed some 2,500 judges and prosecutors and more than 45,000 police officers and civil servants from their positions, alleging that they attempted to overthrow the government. In addition, the government has imposed extra-judicial fines, seizures, raids and tax inspections on schools, hospitals, humanitarian organizations, businesses and banks because they were perceived to be associated with Hizmet. Meanwhile, at public rallies and on national television, Erdogan has vilified participants as perverts, traitors, blood-sucking vampires, assassins, spies and collaborators with Mossad, and called the Hizmet movement a terrorist organization acting on the orders of foreign powers. This hate speech has encouraged hate crimes, such as the murder of a Hizmet member last year in the city of Yalova in northwestern Turkey. With approximately half the population opposing him, Erdogan pursues Hizmet more than most of his adversaries because, unlike his other critics, Mr. Gulen and his supporters are observant Muslims. Hizmets emphasis on religious tolerance, social service and democratic values can help to heal the very divisions that Erdogan is exacerbating. In order to force a U-turn in Turkey, Americans need to pull back the blinders to whats really going on. Erdogans full-throttled campaign against Mr. Gulen has everything to do with his paranoia and quest for power and influence, and nothing to do with Mr. Gulen and the global movement he has inspired. The criminal prosecution and jailing of journalists and the heavy-handed treatment of security issues in Kurdish majority towns make it clear that he will not stop crushing dissent until he fulfills his ambition of ruling the country without checks and balances. The issue is not only about the future of Hizmet but also that of social cohesion, human rights, religious freedom and democratic and civil society in Turkey, throughout the Muslim world and in Muslim diaspora communities across the globe. Emre Celik, an Australian based in Washington, D.C., is president and CEO of the Rumi Forum, a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization that fosters interfaith and intercultural dialogue, democracy and peace throughout the world. It is inspired by the teachings of Fethullah Gulen. He can be followed on Twitter @emrecelikrumi. The Pentagon reportedly told Congress Wednesday that it is planning to release a dozen Guantanamo detainees to at least two countries. A U.S. official told Reuters the first transfers are expected in the next few days with others to occur in the coming weeks. Pentagon spokesman Commander Gary Ross told Fox News he could not comment on when detainees would be transferred. The Administration is committed to reducing the detainee population and to closing the detention facility responsibly, he said in a statement to Fox News. According to the Washington Post, Tariq Ba Odah, a 37-year-old Yemeni who has been on a hunger strike since 2007, is among those being transferred from the detention facility. There are 91 men held at Guantanamo, down from nearly 250 when Obama assumed the presidency. Those left include 36 who are cleared for release if security conditions can be met in the countries where they will settle. Seven face trial by military commission, including five charged with planning and supporting the terrorist attack of Sept. 11, 2001. Three others have been convicted. The Director of National Intelligence reported this month that 5 percent of Guantanamo prisoners released since January 2009, when the U.S. began using the multi-agency screening process, have re-engaged in terrorism and 8 percent are suspected of it. That compares to 21 percent confirmed and 14 percent suspected under the earlier system. Fox News Jennifer Griffin and the Associated Press contributed to this report. Republicans in the Alabama legislature reportedly are planning to introduce articles of impeachment against Alabama Governor Robert Bentley after he admitted to inappropriate conversations with a former top political aide. Pressure has mounted around the 73-year-old Republican governor ever since he acknowledged last week that he made inappropriate sexual remarks to his former confidante and adviser, Rebekah Caldwell Mason, but denied having an affair with her. Recordings obtained by The Associated Press purportedly show the governor, before his divorce, professing love to someone named Rebecca or Rebekah and telling her how much he enjoyed kissing and touching her. Mason resigned from his office Wednesday. Al.com reported that Democratic Rep. Craig Ford, the Alabama House Minority Leader, confirmed that Republican State Rep. Ed Henry is setting up the initial framework for articles of impeachment. If the House impeaches Bentley, it would bring the governor one step closer to being removed from office by the legislature, Al.com said. Henry said the articles of impeachment must be introduced due to Bentleys incompetence and moral turpitude, calling into question the governors ability to govern the state. Henry is due to start the impeachment process next week when the Alabama state legislature is due to return after its spring break. Despite the calls for resignation, it is still unclear if Henry would have enough support in the legislature to move forward with the process. Alabama requires a simple majority in the House to introduce articles of impeachment. Bentley has remained firm in his plan to continue in the governors mansion, saying My intentions are to try to make this state better, to work through the difficulties were going through. The impeachment threat further compounds the calls for Bentleys resignation from both prominent Republicans and Republican groups in the state. Among those calling for his resignation are State Sen. Bill Holtzclaw, State Sen. Shay Shelnut, and Terry Dunn, a member of Alabamas Republican State Executive Committee. The Montgomery County Republican Party also issued a statement about the scandal swirling around Bentley and Mason, further pushing the threat of an impeachment process . The statement said, the Montgomery County Republican Executive Committee hereby calls upon Governor Bentley to resign his office immediately to avoid bringing further embarrassment and disgrace upon himself, the great state of Alabama, and the Republican Party of Alabama which could result from pending investigation by the Attorney General and/or impeachment proceedings. The College Republican Federation of Alabama issued a statement against Bentley, falling just short of calling for his resignation. Gov. Bentley has brought shame and embarrassment to the State of Alabama by means of local, state, and national news as well as social media through his own self-admitted devious, immoral, and possibly illegal actions involving his married senior top aide, not only of the sexual nature but regarding her compensation as a non-state employee yet making key decisions in the governing of the state, the statement said. FoxNews.com's Danny Jativa and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Security personnel for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan clashed Thursday morning with protesters and journalists in Washington, DC, at one point physically throwing a woman to the sidewalk, according to tweets containing photos, videos and witness accounts. Erdogan was scheduled to speak in the afternoon at the Brookings Institute in Washington, D.C. But before the Turkish leader even showed up, protesters calling the Turkish leader a baby-killer and war criminal already had gathered out front of the Dupont Circle thinktank. Also on the scene were supporters of Erdogan, at least one Secret Service agent, District police and the Turkish security personnel. A DC police spokesperson told FoxNews.com that officers already were on the scene to assist with security outside the event and no calls had been placed for their assistance. As of 12:15 p.m. ET, no arrests had been made, the spokesperson said. When protesters tried crossing the street to move closer to Brookings, DC police officers blocked traffic and separated them from Turkish security, according to Foreign Policy. A Secret Service agent standing nearby was overheard saying the situation is a bit out of control. A shoving match occurred later between a Turkish security official and another person, who appeared to be a Brookings Institute worker, Foreign Policy magazine's website reported. Turkish security allegedly scolded a Foreign Policy reporter and others holding cameras and one cameraman was chased across the street by Turkish guards, according to Foreign Policy. An AFP reporter tweeted that Turkish security outside Brookings just kicked an American reporter. Later, the reporter tweeted that the Turkish bodyguards tried getting an accredited reporter expelled from the speech. Amberin Zaman, a columnist and Public Policy Scholar for The Wilson Center, was among those caught in the confrontation. She tweeted a picture of one of Erdogans guards saying he had called her a PKK whore after being pushed away from the building. The Partiya Karkeren Kurdistane, the Turkish name of the Kurdistan Workers Party, is one of the main political opponents to Erdogan. Zaman says comments like that are indicative of the kind of political persecution freelance journalists have been facing in Turkey under Erdogans administration. Asked about the reported violence outside the Brookings Institute, Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes stressed a respect for independent journalism but noted that he didnt know the circumstances of what took place. The U.S. strongly supports freedom of the press, media in every country, including Turkey, Rhodes said. The Brookings Institute tweeted about the situation just after 12:30 p.m.: "To clarify, many have gathered outside, where police are monitoring the situation. The event has not yet begun." A spokesperson for the Brookings Institute told FoxNews.com I cant talk right now, thank you, and hung up when reached by phone. The Turkish Embassy indicated it was not taking media inquiries. Erdogan was invited to the Brookings Institute to speak about Turkeys role in global politics and the issues the country faces as Turkey approaches its 100th anniversary in 2023. Foxnews.com's Danny Jativa and Cody Derespina contributed to this report. Police said they've located the man suspected of pepper spraying a 15-year-old girl during an altercation at a rally for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump in southern Wisconsin. Janesville police Sgt. Aaron Dammen said Thursday that investigators have also talked to a man accused of groping the girl at the crowded rally outside a Janesville hotel and convention center Tuesday. Dammen said the investigation into the confrontation continues. No charges have been filed. Video shared on social media shows a girl at the rally accusing a man of touching her chest and then punching or shoving someone in the crowd before another man wearing a Donald Trump hat pepper sprays her. The incident is among a series of clashes between protesters and supporters at raucous Trump events. It was a subject worthy of a deep dive: How did the Republican Party elites lose control of their supporters to a wealthy interloper named Donald Trump? The New York Times offered a nuanced analysis, with reporter Nick Confessore interviewing dozens of lawmakers, donors, activists and others who described, some with resignation, some with anger, a party that paved the way for a Trump-like figure to steal its base as it lost touch with less affluent voters and misunderstood their growing anguish. From its roots in the financial crisis eight years ago, the piece described how the public grew fed up with bankers who paid no penalty and illegal immigrants who competed for jobs, along with trade deals that seemed to ship American jobs overseas. And yet the party, and particularly its Paul Ryan wing, was peddling the same old nostrums of tax cuts that primarily benefited corporations and the wealthy, lax immigration policies, and entitlement cuts that threatened benefits the voters felt they had earned. There was just one missing element: the media. News organizations, for the most part, were either oblivious or uninterested in the growing disconnect between the political parties and working-class voters. Thats because they were suffering from the very same gap. Media executives were interested in the affluent readers and viewers most prized by advertisers. Websites targeted those who could afford to pay for news. Newspapers like the Times in particular produced sections and features that catered to folks who could afford exotic vacations, luxury homes and gourmet restaurants. Stories about poverty and inner cities became a rarity, far more depressing than lifestyles of the rich and famous. Papers abandoned the labor beat as unions themselves shrunk. Politics was covered as a narrow debate between Republican and Democratic ideologues, sometimes over hot-button social issues, that did little to address the fact that wages were stagnant and manufacturing jobs disappearing. Most big-city journalists are well-educated and upper middle class, not a bad thing in terms of professionalism but a far cry from the shot-and-a-beer types of the Front Page era. The downside, however, is that it leads to blind spots. To be sure, journalists learned firsthand about economic insecurity as a shriveling news industry gave rise to waves of layoffs and buyouts. But for the most part they didnt have to worry about their jobs moving to Mexico or China. No wonder the pundits scoffed at the rise of Trump and failed to understand his appeal. They soon realized the public was angryand Bernie Sanders tapped into this anger on the liberal sidebut thought it was a generalized disgust with politicians and paralysis. They were slow to grasp the resentment on free trade and immigration, two issue where big business favors a more liberal approach. A few policy-oriented journalists made these observations, and there were warning signs such as an unknown college professor named Dave Brat knocking off Eric Cantor in a 2014 primary. But when Trump proposed building a wall along the Mexican border, the media elite was dubious. When he proposed a temporary ban on Muslim immigration, many journalists said such religious discrimination would doom his campaign. Now polls show that half the publicand seven in 10 Republicansagree with such a ban. The Times quoted Buffalo-area GOP congressman Chris Collins, who watched a dinnerware plant he had owned go out of business, in part because of what he saw as Chinese currency manipulation. Those jobs were stolen. And the politicians let it happen, he said. Media institutions dont engage in much reflection, so its hardly surprising that the Times piece ignored their role. But some journalists for that paper acknowledged their myopia, in pieces ripping Trump but also pleading guilty to missing his appeal. We expected Trump to fizzle because we were not socially intermingled with his supporters and did not listen carefully enough, writes David Brooks. We were largely oblivious to the pain among working-class Americans and thus didnt appreciate how much his message resonated, says Nick Kristof. Trump is running against the media establishment with the same fervor as he castigates the political establishment. And much of the public has lost faith in the media, dismissing their attacks on Trump and efforts to pin him down on issues. The media business spends plenty of time talking about diversity. What we often miss, in both coverage and hiring, is economic diversity. Ted Cruz leads Donald Trump in the Republican nomination contest in Wisconsin, according to a Fox Business Network Poll released Thursday. Cruz garners 42 percent among Wisconsin likely GOP primary voters, while Trump receives 32 percent. John Kasich comes in third with 19 percent. Among just those who say they will definitely vote, Cruzs lead over Trump widens to 46-33 percent, and Kasich gets 16 percent. CLICK HERE TO READ THE POLL RESULTS There is a big gender gap. Women back Cruz over Trump by a 19-point margin (46-27 percent). The two candidates are much closer among men: Cruz gets 40 percent to Trumps 35 percent. Cruzs advantage over the real estate mogul also comes from self-described very conservative voters, who give him a 36-point lead (61 percent Cruz vs. 25 percent Trump). White evangelical Christians voting in the GOP primary prefer Cruz over Trump by 49-28 percent. Trump has beaten Cruz among this key voting bloc in more than 10 contests so far, according to the Fox News exit poll. Cruz is ahead of Trump among those with a college degree (42-30 percent) as well as those without a degree (44-34 percent). Independents can vote in Wisconsins open primary -- and are more inclined to back Trump (37 percent) than Cruz (26 percent) or Kasich (26 percent). Meanwhile, independents are equally likely to opt to vote in the Republican primary (50 percent) as the Democratic primary (50 percent). The Wisconsin primary is April 5. Even so, more than one in five likely GOP primary voters say they might change their mind over the next few days (22 percent). That includes 40 percent of Kasich supporters, 18 percent of Cruz supporters, and 15 percent of Trump supporters. The ambivalence of Kasich supporters is better news for Cruz than Trump, as the Ohio governors backers are more than twice as likely to name Cruz as their second choice candidate. Dissatisfaction with the current slate of candidates is clear. Many wish there were another name on the ballot. If Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker were still in the race, 44 percent of GOP primary voters say they would vote for him. That puts him more than 20 points ahead of the pack: Trump gets 21 percent, Cruz 17 percent and Kasich 12 percent. In that hypothetical scenario, 59 percent of Cruzs supporters and 31 percent of Trumps, defect to Walker. Walker, one of the first GOP heavyweights to drop out of the race, endorsed Cruz Tuesday. Pollpourri If the general election ends up being Trump against Democrat Hillary Clinton, only 55 percent of GOP primary voters would be happy with their choices, while 42 percent would seriously consider voting for a third party candidate or not vote at all. Among Cruz backers, over half would consider voting for a third party (43 percent) or stay home (13 percent). This Fox Business Network Poll was conducted under the joint direction of Anderson Robbins Research (D) and Shaw & Company Research (R). The telephone poll (landline and cellphone) was conducted March 28-30, 2016 with live interviewers among a random sample of 1,602 Wisconsin voters selected from a statewide voter file. Results for the 742 likely Republican primary voters have a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points. Bernie Sanders is ahead of Hillary Clinton by a 48-43 percent margin in the race for the Democratic nomination in Wisconsin. Thats according to a new Fox Business Network Poll of Wisconsin likely Democratic primary voters. Sanders owes his advantage -- which is within the polls margin of error -- to young voters and men. The Vermont senator leads Clinton by a whopping 47 points among voters under age 45 (69-22 percent). And hes up by 19 points among men (55-36 percent). CLICK HERE TO READ THE POLL RESULTS "Age is a significantly more powerful driver of the vote than gender among Wisconsin Democrats and this dynamic is what is fueling Sanders' edge," says Republican pollster Daron Shaw, who conducted the Fox Business Network Poll along with Democratic pollster Chris Anderson. "When you're the front-runner and you can barely draw one out of five younger voters, you've got problems." The poll, released Thursday, finds Clinton is ahead of Sanders among women by 47-44 percent. However, women under age 45 break for Sanders by 66-28 percent. Independents also go for Sanders (56 percent) over Clinton (29 percent). Most Sanders (86 percent) and Clinton supporters (83 percent) say they are certain to back their candidate. Overall, 10 percent of likely Democratic primary voters are still undecided or plan to back a candidate other than Sanders or Clinton. If Sanders wins Wisconsin, hell have beaten Clinton in six of the last seven Democratic contests. Pollpourri There is some good news for Clinton in the Badger State. She tops Republican Donald Trump by a 49-35 percent margin among all Wisconsin primary voters in a hypothetical November ballot. In addition, 76 percent of Sanders supporters say they would back Clinton in that potential matchup, while just 62 percent of those backing Ted Cruz would support Trump. This Fox Business Network Poll was conducted under the joint direction of Anderson Robbins Research (D) and Shaw & Company Research (R). The telephone poll (landline and cellphone) was conducted March 28-30, 2016 with live interviewers among a random sample of 1,602 Wisconsin voters selected from a statewide voter file. Results for full sample have a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 2.5 percentage points and for the 860 likely Democratic primary voters plus or minus three points. A spokeswoman with MedStar Health says the healthcare provider is still experiencing widespread computer outages after a cyberattack on its systems Monday, but adds that progress is being made by the hour. MedStar Assistant Vice President Ann Nickels told Fox News that the hospital network has regained its ability to access patient records and other vital information largely in a read only capacity. She added that many doctors and nurses throughout MedStar are still unable to enter patient data and other medical information into the networks computer systems. Nickels would not elaborate on what specific type of attack the healthcare network was experiencing, only saying that MedStars IT professionals were working to rid the network of malicious computer software present on its system. Fox News reported on Tuesday, citing a MedStar doctor, that the healthcare provider is wrestling with a ransomware attack and that hackers were holding MedStars computers hostage in exchange for payment in Bitcoin. Nickels also confirmed to Fox that MedStars entire email system is still inoperable. Fox News learned this firsthand late Wednesday when an email to a MedStar employee bounced back as undeliverable. FBI confirmed earlier this week that it is investigating the cyberattack and looking into the nature and scope of the matter, according to a spokesperson with the agency. The health group, which runs 10 hospitals, the MedStar Health Research Institute and the MedStar Medical Group, describes itself as the largest healthcare provider in the Maryland and Washington, D.C. region. In a statement released Wednesday, MedStar Health acknowledged the operational challenges caused by the malicious malware attack, but added that the level of care it provides has not been affected. With only a few exceptions, we have continued to provide care approximating our normal volume levels, it said. Since Monday morning, we have seen more than 6,000 patients in our hospitals and ambulatory centers. Earlier this week the healthcare chain said there is "no evidence" that patient information was stolen or compromised following the cyberattack. Hospitals have become targets for cybercriminals using ransomware, malicious software used to extort money. The software can encrypt files until a ransom is paid in a difficult-to-trace digital currency, such as Bitcoin. The payments can be as low as a few hundred dollars, said Luke Dembosky, cybersecurity attorney for Debevoise and Plimpton and former senior national security prosecutor at the Justice Department. But lately, were seeing the amounts demanded go up into the thousands and even tens of thousands of dollars. Dembosky explained that the reason for the spike in dollars demanded is due to the fact that hackers have shifted their sights largely to high-value targets like major hospital networks and large businesses. The scale of the ransomware threat was highlighted last month when a Los Angeles-area hospital paid nearly $17,000 in Bitcoin to hackers who disabled its computer network, although recent reporting suggests the ransom paid was much higher. Henderson, Kentucky-based Methodist Hospital suffered a ransomware attack in February. According to cybersecurity analysts, these computer infections come largely by way of phishing attacks. As the FBI released in a public advisory last year, the problem begins when the victim clicks on an infected advertisement, e-mail, or attachment, or visits an infected website. Outside of paying the ransom, cybersecurity professionals warn that, if user data is not adequately backed up, there is little that victims can do to recover those files once they are encrypted. The option is prevention, explained Ann Barron-DiCamillo, chief technology officer for Strategic Cyber Ventures and former DHS cybersecurity executive. Better training for your users to make sure they know what phishing emails look like, that theyre not clicking on links from unknown recipients, that theyre not going to websites that could potentially be watering holes for delivering this kind of malware. Fox News Lucas Tomlinson contributed to this report. Faced with a North Korean regime bent on developing a nuclear-armed long-range missile, President Obama will meet Thursday in Washington with several world leaders -- including those of China, Japan and South Korea -- in an effort to hammer out a "united" response. In a Washington Post opinion piece, Obama called for the international community to remain united in the face of North Koreas continued provocations. The additional sanctions recently imposed on Pyongyang by the United Nations Security Council show that violations have consequences, Obama said. North Korea launched a short-range projectile Tuesday, the latest in a series of short-range missile launches and artillery system tests from the dictatorship. South Korean officials said it was not clear whether the test was a ballistic missile or an artillery shell, but officials told the Associated Press the test was likely in response to increased military drills from South Korea. A North Korean nuclear test in January as well a long-range missile launch in February ramped up tensions between Pyongyang and Seoul, leading to larger military drills from South Korea. At the summit, Obama is scheduled to meet with Japans Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and South Korean resident Park Geun-hye. Both U.S. allies share anxiety over neighboring North Korea. Obama also will hold meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and French President Francois Holland. The Associated Press contributed to this report. The next round of Gitmo transfers will begin this weekend with two detainees going an undisclosed country in Africa, a U.S. official told Fox News. In January, the Pentagon conducted a bulk transfer of 10 detainees at once, the largest transfer from the U.S. Naval Station at Guantanamo, Cuba to date. This next transfer of Gitmo detainees can't happen all at once because the Pentagon is required by law to notify Congress 30-days before any transfers. Capitol Hill sources tell Fox News that period has not elapsed yet for all the transfers. The first notification went to Congress in early March and the second one in the middle of this month. The first transfer of two detainees will begin this weekend, and the rest are expected in the middle of next month. All told, the number of detainees in these next two rounds will be about a dozen. There are 91 detainees remaining at Gitmo. Thirty-five have been cleared to transfer to other countries. A Pentagon spokesman would not confirm the transfer of any Gitmo detainees beginning this weekend. I do not have a timeline on when particular detainees will be transferred from Guantanamo. However, the Administration is committed to reducing the detainee population and to closing the detention facility responsibly, Cmdr. Gary Ross, a defense department spokesman, told Fox News. In the past, the Pentagon only confirmed detainee transfers once they are completed. The detainees fly in US military aircraft to their third-party nation. In a startling revelation, days ago the Pentagon's point man for Gitmo said that some of the detainees transferred from the prison have in fact re-joined the fight and worse. Congressman Dana Rohrabacher, R-Calif., asked Paul Lewis, the defense departments envoy for the prison many lives have been lost after detainees had been transferred. Unfortunately, there have been Americans that have died because of GITMO detainees, said Lewis. The Pentagon a short time later issued a statement saying that only 5% of detainees who have been released have returned to the battlefield during the Obama administration. Pentagon officials don't believe those detainees are among those who have killed Americans. In January, the Defense Department released new statistics saying the number of former Gitmo detainees suspected of re-engaging in terrorism doubled from six to 12. Senator McCain refuted the administrations statistics. He believes more released Gitmo detainees return to the battlefield putting more American lives at risk. We know for a fact that roughly 30 percent of those who have been released have re-entered the fight, and usually at a very high level, because it's a badge of honor to have been an inmate at Guantanamo Bay," McCain said. Last month the Pentagon submitted a plan to transfer those detainees not eligible for transfer overseas to go to American prisons in Colorado, Kansas or South Carolina. The plan was immediately rejected by Congress who passed a law forbidding the transfer of any Gitmo detainees to the United States. Late last month, flanked by his defense secretary and vice president, President Obama vowed once again to close the prison. It is viewed as a stain on our broader record of upholding the highest standards of rule of law, Mr. Obama said. This is about closing a chapter in our history. The presidents critics in Congress point out that in addition to keeping terrorists from returning to the fight, they also demand a plan for handling ISIS detainees, now that a 200-man special operations task force fighting ISIS and recently killed the groups second in command last week. The U.S. military has no plans to hold captured Islamic State operatives for more than a month before turning them over to the Iraqi government, a spokesman for the U.S.-led coalition based in Baghdad told reporters recently. Fourteen to 30 days is a ballpark figure, but even that is not really completely nailed down, said Col. Steve Warren, a U.S. military spokesman based in Baghdad. There isnt a hard definition of short-term. Earlier this month, Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook also made clear that the policy for holding operatives is, at best, evolving. He said they would be handled on a case-by-case basis over a short-term period. The lack of a well-defined policy for handling captured ISIS terrorists is in turn raising concerns on Capitol Hill. The law requires a comprehensive detainee policy, a congressional aide said. By definition, well figure it out if we ever capture anyone is not a comprehensive policy. Warren said that two airstrikes against ISIS chemical weapons facilities were conducted following a recent mission carried out by a US special ops assault force capturing an ISIS operative linked to its chemical weapons program. Top sniper teams from the U.S. Army, Navy and Marines went head to head last week -- but who proved they were the best? Snipers from the world's most elite special operations forces converged on Fort Bragg, North Carolina for the seventh annual Special Operations Command International Sniper Competition hosted by the U.S. Army Special Operations Command. The annual competition is five grueling days designed to test the world's best snipers to the limit. Some 25 teams took part in 21 incredibly difficult events during the competition, which ran from March 20 through March 25. Related: American Sniper widow Taya Kyle outshoots NRA champion A diverse range of teams competed, including snipers representing Special Forces (the Green Berets), Rangers, Special Mission units, Navy SEALS, Marine Special Operations and Federal law enforcement officers. Foreign allied special operations forces units including teams from Singapore, Kazakhstan and Ireland joined American snipers to battle it out for the title. Ireland took the winning title at Fort Benning's 14th annual International Sniper Competition last October, but did not repeat their success this year. The U.S. Army dominated the latest event, trouncing contenders to take all three of the top titles. The U.S. Special Forces team from 3rd Group took first place while teams from U.S. Army Special Operations Command teams took second and third. Related: Futuristic military railgun 'bullets' could travel at Mach 6 The U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School and the U.S. Army's Special Operations Center of Excellence's (SOCoE) Special Forces Sniper Course Cadre ran the competition. The SOCoE is also home to other very elite training like honing urban combat skills. The 1st Special Warfare Training Group (Airborne) hosts the competition. Special Forces Association-Chapter 62 provides additional support alongside The Special Forces Charitable Trust and other sponsors. Why pit sniper against sniper? Testing the skills of the world's best reveals how everyone stacks up, but it is also an important opportunity to sharpen skills and learn from each other. Special Forces Association (SFA) Chapter 62 Treasurer and Co-owner of Spartan Blades Mark Carey explained that the competition is designed to "test the combat skills of our units and allies, with a good competition this promotes individual and unit training throughout the year." For the sniper instructor cadre, the competition helps keep training relevant. It also means that knowledge gained in battle by different sniper units across the forces can be harvested and incorporated into the instruction of Special Forces snipers. Related: New tech gives US helicopter pilots 'Superman-style' vision The SFA helps get sponsors for the event, hosts a lavish banquet and obtains prizes that act as a further draw for top competitors. The challenges Two-man sniper teams competed in 21 challenging events. The teams hit Fort Bragg's Range 37 to compete in day-and-night sniper challenges throughout the week. The challenges are drawn from real special operations soldiers' combat experience. They are incredibly difficult, always varied designed to challenge the most accomplished of snipers. Related: High-tech sponge can save lives in less than 20 seconds The snipers had to engage targets ranging from 25 meters (82 feet) to 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) while moving through urban environments and tackling tactical challenges. Snipers faced these challenges while battling against variables like distance and unknown circumstances. To succeed, snipers needed to not just shoot accurately but also communicate effectively and efficiently with each other. All this had to be achieved while racing against the clock. Rock star prizes for rock star snipers While teams vied for the prestige of winning top honors, amazing prizes were also up for grabs. These include sniper rifles made by LaRue Tactical and NEMO Arms, optics by FLIR, MilSight and Night Force Scopes, and sophisticated shooter technology such as Kestrel Weather Elite Meter with Applied Ballistics. Snipers could also check out and try a wide range of state-of-the-art sniper gear from nearly 70 vendors. Ballet dancer turned defense specialist Allison Barrie has traveled around the world covering the military, terrorism, weapons advancements and life on the front line. You can reach her at wargames@foxnews.com or follow her on Twitter @Allison_Barrie. More from FoxNews.com Tech: A spokeswoman with MedStar Health says that that the healthcare provider is still experiencing widespread computer outages after a cyberattack on its systems Monday, but adds that progress is being made by the hour. MedStar Assistant Vice President Ann Nickels told Fox News that the hospital network has regained its ability to access patient records and other vital information largely in a read only capacity, she added that many doctors and nurses throughout MedStar are still unable to enter patient data and other medical information into the networks computer systems. Nickels would not elaborate on what specific type of attack the healthcare network was experiencing, only saying that MedStars IT professionals were working to rid the network of malicious computer software present on its system. Fox News reported on Tuesday, citing a MedStar doctor, that the healthcare provider is wrestling with a ransomware attack and that hackers were holding MedStars computers hostage in exchange for payment in Bitcoin. Related: Computer virus hits MedStar Health, prompts FBI investigation Nickels also confirmed to Fox that MedStars entire email system is still inoperable. Fox News learned this firsthand late Wednesday when an email to a MedStar employee bounced back as undeliverable. FBI confirmed earlier this week that it is investigating the cyberattack and looking into the nature and scope of the matter, according to a spokesperson with the agency. The health group, which runs 10 hospitals, the MedStar Health Research Institute and the MedStar Medical Group, describes itself as the largest healthcare provider in the Maryland and Washington, D.C. region. In a statement released Wednesday, MedStar Health acknowledged the operational challenges caused by the malicious malware attack, but added that the level of care it provides has not been affected. With only a few exceptions, we have continued to provide care approximating our normal volume levels, it said. Since Monday morning, we have seen more than 6,000 patients in our hospitals and ambulatory centers. Related: Iranian hackers indicted for attacks on US infrastructure Earlier this week the healthcare chain said there is "no evidence" that patient information was stolen or compromised following the cyberattack. Hospitals have become a target for cybercriminals using ransomware, malicious software used to extort money. The software can encrypt files until a ransom is paid in a difficult-to-trace digital currency, such as bitcoins. The scale of the ransomware threat was highlighted last month when a Los Angeles hospital paid nearly $17,000 in bitcoins to hackers who disabled its computer network. Henderson, Kentucky-based Methodist Hospital suffered a ransomware attack in February. During 2013, the number of attacks each month rose from 100,000 in January to 600,000 in December, according to a 2014 report by Symantec, the maker of antivirus software. Related: Hackers target Donald Trump, claim to leak his Social Security number A report from Intel Corp.'s McAfee Labs released in November said the number of ransomware attacks is expected to grow even more in 2016 because of increased sophistication in the software used to do it. The company estimates that on average, 3 percent of users with infected machines pay a ransom. It's not clear how many of those users were individuals and how many companies. Some ransomware attacks go unreported because the victims don't want it publicized they were hacked. The first fully functional ransomware targeting Apples Mac OS X operating system was identified by security specialist Palo Alto Networks earlier this month. The Associated Press and Fox News Matthew Dean contributed to this report. Seven people were injured Thursday after a harbor cruise boat hit a pier while docking in San Diego, causing significant damage to the bow of the vessel. San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Capt. Joe Amador told the Associated Press that three of those hurt were taken to hospitals. Four other people were evaluated by medical staff, but didnt need further care, FOX 5 San Diego reported. A mechanical malfunction was to blame for the crash, officials told FOX 5. The 22-year-old three-deck ship offers bay dinner cruises, sightseeing tours and ocean whale-watching outings. The amount of damage to the Hornblower was not immediately known. The accident occurred at San Diego's Embarcadero tourism area. Click for more from Fox5SanDiego.com. next Image 1 of 3 prev next Image 2 of 3 prev Image 3 of 3 College students on spring break have joined hundreds of other volunteers at a cemetery dating to the Civil War, realigning hundreds of tilted headstones and scrubbing grime from thousands more. The cemetery holds the graves of thousands of Union soldiers, and others from later eras. The volunteers have restored thousands of the roughly 8,000 headstones and other markers at the Chalmette National Cemetery beside the Mississippi River near New Orleans. More than 260 headstones have been put back upright. More than 150 years after the deadliest conflict on American soil, custodians of many such cemeteries are still doing battle in their upkeep. The cemetery in Louisiana was created in 1864, when Union troops occupied New Orleans. It holds about 6,000 graves of unknown soldiers. Forecasters warned people across the Deep South to prepare for another onslaught of severe weather Thursday, one day after a line of storms that triggered tornadoes left at least ten people hurt. More than 8 million people will be at an "enhanced" risk of severe weather, according to the National Weather Service. The greatest threat of tornadoes and large hail will be in northern Mississippi and Alabama, along with parts of Tennessee, northwestern Georgia and southern Kentucky, forecasters say. Severe thunderstorms are already moving across the lower Mississippi River Valley, bringing hail and damaging winds. Forecasters already have issued a flash flood watch covering much of Georgia through Friday evening. Heavy rain in the Mississippi Delta on Thursday caused widespread flooding and prompted some evacuations. Forecaster Latrice Maxie said 3 to 5 inches of rain fell late Wednesday night and early Thursday morning causing some evacuations and closing several highways. Maxie said the heaviest rain was along the U.S. Highway 82 corridor between Washington and Montgomery counties. Sunflower County Emergency Manager Ben Grant told the Associated Press about two dozen homes in Moorhead were evacuated. Mayor George Holland said he went into one flooded house and was standing in 10 inches of water. Holland said most of those evacuated have returned to their homes to begin repairs or moved in with relatives. The National Weather Service confirmed Thursday afternoon that two tornadoes touched down in southeast Louisiana, bringing down trees and power lines but causing no injuries. Meteorologist Frank Rivette told the Associated Press an eastward-moving storm spawned two weak tornadoes, both rated EF-1, early Thursday. One hit east of Greensburg in St. Helena Parish; the other struck near the village of Tangipahoa in Tangipahoa Parish. Rivette says showers remain in the forecast through Friday, keeping the area under a flash flood watch. Wednesday's storms hit northeastern Oklahoma especially hard, knocking down trees and slamming into homes in the Tulsa and Owasso areas. At least one of the seven people hurt there was in critical condition, Emergency Medical Services Authority spokeswoman Kelli Bruer said. Also, a suspected tornado hit the southeastern Arkansas town of Dermott wounding at least one person, according to officials there. The National Weather Service says heavy damage, including downed trees and power lines, was reported after severe weather swept through the town about 115 miles southeast of Little Rock late Wednesday. Earlier in the day, an American Airlines flight traveling from Dallas to Memphis was forced to make an emergency landing in Little Rock because of the stormy weather. American Airlines says the plane landed safely, but two flight attendants suffered minor injuries and were taken to a Little Rock hospital. Tulsa fire officials told Fox 23 News described at least one square mile of damage. They also said a gun club was leveled by the storms. Click for more from Fox 23. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Deer hunters are facing competition from a source that is mean, relentless and out of control. The explosion of feral hogs across the U.S. is threatening the deer population -- spreading disease, dominating the food chain and even, on occasion, killing and eating fawns. In Louisiana, where there are an estimated 700,000 wild hogs, hunters and wildlife officials say they are taking a toll on the whitetail deer herd. "They are in the marshes and beaches of Louisiana all the way up into the hills and piney woods and swamps," Jim LaCour, state wildlife veterinarian for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, told FoxNews.com. "Theyre in every habitat in the state." "If you start to see hogs in your hunting area, you are absolutely not going to see deer." hunter Justin Lanclos "Theyre very adaptable and also highly destructive," LaCour said. LaCour described the feral pigs, which can weigh up to 500 pounds, as "opportunistic" eaters -- omnivores that feast on anything crossing their path, including deer fawn, other piglets and dead animals. LaCour said hogs carry many diseases, such as leptospirosis, which can infect or kill other animals, like deer, as well as humans. "Hogs are the sport utility vehicle for disease and parasites -- they move them across the landscape," he said. "That bacteria [leptospirosis] can cause abortion in the deer and it can kill adult deer or people." Their presence is also detrimental to the land, forcing wildlife officials to carry out aerial gunning in certain areas "because they tear up the marsh and that leads to coastal erosion." Hogs were first introduced to North America by Spanish settlers. The breed most commonly seen in Texas is a mixture of those hogs and Russian boars brought over more recently for sport hunting, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Some speculate the population boom is due to relatively recent cross-breeding in the wild. Others, like LaCour, say the popularity of hog hunting in the 1980's and early '90's led humans to move the feral pigs from confined, geographically isolated areas into places they had never been before. Wild hogs can reproduce by the time they are 6 months old. Feral sows can have two litters per year averaging six piglets per litter, according to wildlife experts. Statisticians have determined that 75 percent of the population must be harvested to maintain a static population -- prompting Louisiana and other states to adopt liberal hunting policies when it comes to killing the hogs. Texas has the highest rate of feral hogs to date, according to environmentalists. For deer hunter Justin Lanclos, the very sighting of a feral pig means trouble. "If you start to see hogs in your hunting area, you are absolutely not going to see deer," said Lanclos, a 33-year-old bowhunter from Sulthur, La. "Deer are extremely smart and elusive," Lanclos told FoxNews.com. "They just dont like to occupy the same area as hogs." Lanclos, the owner of retailer Louisiana Bowhunter, said he recently received a photo showing a herd of hogs -- or sounder -- running off with a whitetail fawn. The image, believed to have been taken in Louisiana, has since gone viral on social media. "Weve got other photos of feral hogs carrying fawns," noted LaCour. "If the hogs are coming through a field and they happen to come across it, theyre going to eat it." A Massachusetts law student whose future career went up in smoke after he stole a laptop made things far worse with an illegal maneuver that could land him in prison for 20 years, according to prosecutors. Daniel Scher, 33, pleaded not guilty Wednesday to perjury and tampering with a court document after being charged with swapping out his guilty verdict slip in his case file, according to a news release from Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel Conley. Scher was convicted of larceny in 2014 after stealing the computer from Suffolk University Law School. He got three months in jail and a suspended sentence, but the school refused to grant him a law degree, according to a statement issued by Conleys office. Scher later went to the Boston Municipal Court clerks office, asked to see his case file, and then swapped a not guilty verdict slip in for the one that pronounced him guilty, according to Assistant Suffolk District Attorney Greer Spatz. The verdict slip provided to the jury in Schers larceny case had two spaces, one for guilty and one for not guilty. Following jury deliberations, the jury foreperson marked the box for guilty, and the trial judge and clerk reviewed it and it was read into the record. Following the conviction, Scher allegedly returned to the court clerks office on several occasions. During one of those visits, prosecutors say, he removed the verdict slip from his file and made a copy that he altered to reflect a verdict of not guilty. He later used the forged verdict slip in various proceedings, according to Conley. On July 22, 2014, Scher was arraigned in Brighton Municipal Court on charges of operating a motor vehicle without insurance and leaving the scene of an accident causing property damage, prompting a hearing to determine whether he had violated the terms of his suspended sentence for the larceny conviction. Schers attorney for that hearing presented the forged jury slip to cast doubt on the larceny conviction. Five months later, Scher allegedly filed a complaint with the state Department of Criminal Justice Information Services in which he claimed that the verdict at his trial was not guilty and that he had notified the court of the alleged error. And last year, an attorney retained by Scher emailed Suffolk University Law School, which had denied Scher a diploma and status in light of the theft and conviction pending a final hearing. I am attaching a copy of the verdict form that indicates Not Guilty, the attorney wrote in the email, which was accompanied by a scanned copy of the forged slip. Kids in a northern Virginia public school district unknowingly rode a school bus this week that was also carrying explosives training materials left behind by the CIA after it conducted exercises with local law enforcement agencies, officials acknowledged Thursday. The materials were packed in a container and placed in the engine compartment of a bus at Briar Woods High School in Loudoun County on March 24, officials said. It was discovered nearly a week later during a maintenance check of the bus which by then had carried dozens of kids, including elementary school students, for at least two days. During the exercise, explosive training material was inadvertently left by the CIA K-9 unit in one of the buses used in the exercise, the CIA said in a statement, which also stated the materials did not pose a danger to anyone riding the bus. After Wednesdays discovery, local law enforcement officials and eventually the CIA were called to retrieve the materials. Both the CIA and local officials, including the Loudoun County Sheriffs Office and the Fire Marshal, which had also taken part in the exercises, declined to give a more precise description of the materials after meeting with school officials Thursday. The exact nature of the training material used in this exercise is not being released at the request of the CIA so as not to compromise its training techniques, county officials said. Officials said the material had fallen out of the container and into the engine compartment, where it went uncollected and unnoticed - for nearly a week. Last week was spring break in the district, but the bus was in service on Monday and Tuesday, making eight runs totaling 145 miles, and carrying 26 students attending Rock Ridge High School, Buffalo Trail Elementary School and Pinebrook Elementary School, school officials said. After the discovery, school officials sent out an email to parents of students in the district, but the alert was short on answers and left many parents wanting a fuller explanation. During a routine maintenance procedure Wednesday, a Loudoun County transportation employee found an explosive training material on a school bus used in an exercise by a Federal Government agency last week, the initial email stated. The explosive training material was in a benign state and could not be activated through normal operation of the bus. One parent of a Buffalo Trail pupil, who asked not to be named, told FoxNews.com she did not understand why the CIA was conducting training on school grounds, and said she was dubious about the explanation of what was left behind. What are explosives training materials anyway? she said. That could mean a lot of things, none of which belong on a school bus. CIA officials said the training was routine and part of exercises its personnel do with local law enforcement throughout the metro area. An Alaska charter school suspended three first-grade girls who had plotted to kill their classmate, according to their principal. The three girls planned to use silica gel packets, which are commonly found in pre-packaged food products to keep moisture away, to poison another student, KTUU reported. Three students in the class were planning on using the silica gel packets (These are not actually poison, but the students believed they were) from their lunchtime seaweed to poison and kill another student," Winterberry Charter School Principal Shanna Mall reportedly wrote in an email to parents on March 22. Another student heard about the plan and told school administrators, said Jennifer Castro, spokeswoman for the Anchorage Police Department. "We're grateful that that student was able to speak up and obviously at such a young age," Castro said. "The important lesson here is to really teach your kids if they hear something like this, something where someone intends to do harm to someone else, they should tell someone that they trust right away." Administrators and school district psychologists talked to the girls to see if they understood what they were trying to do, whether it was a prank gone wrong or if they actually meant to hurt their classmate, school district spokeswoman Heidi Embley said. "All of these things are being discussed, especially since it's such a young age," she said. Police say the plot emerged from an ongoing feud but did not release any other details. Two other first-graders told school officials about the plan, and the officer also spoke with them. The two students reported to administrators that the plan involved using the packets from the girls' "lunchtime seaweed to poison and kill another student," Principal Shanna Mall wrote in the email. Police left discipline up to the school district. The email said it entailed "significant consequences." Embley said she couldn't release further details about how the students were punished. But Mall told Anchorage television station KTUU that the students were suspended. Mall couldn't immediately be reached for comment Wednesday by The Associated press. Asked if the school was getting calls from concerned parents or hearing from worried students, Embley said there was "nothing significant." The school is addressing any concerns directly with parents or students. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Click for more from KTUU.com. A huge controversy emerged yesterday after Donald Trump told Chris Matthews not only was he anti-abortion, but he believed women who have abortions should be punished. His campaign later walked back those comments, but not before some damage was done with womens groups condemning the comments. Ted Cruz and John Kasich slammed Trump. Hillary Clinton told Rachel Maddow on MSNBC that it was outrageous and dangerous. Trump later said it is doctors not women who should be punished for abortion. Wisconsin is turning into a real test for Mister Trump. New Marquette polls have Ted Cruz widening his lead over Mister Trump in the Badger State. The Wall Street Journal reporters Reid J. Epstein and Janet Hook today report on the Wisconsin primarys importance: Wisconsin's presidential primary next Tuesday represents the biggest test yet of Donald Trump's ability to triumph over Republican state leaders united against him. Top Wisconsin GOP players, from Gov. Scott Walker to state legislators to the powerful conservative Milwaukee talk-radio hosts, have been winning pitched battles in defense of conservative ideas since Republicans took over state government in 2011. They are united against Mr. Trump in a way he hasn't seen before, even in states where he faced millions of dollars in attack ads. The anti-Trump forces have largely aligned with Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, who vaulted to the lead in a statewide poll released Wednesday. That has left Mr. Trump flat-footed in his first entry into Wisconsin politics. He appeared surprised during a round of radio interviews, telling Charlie Sykes in Milwaukee that he didn't know the host had vowed never to support him. If the GOP forces keep Mr. Trump from winning more than a handful of the state's 42 delegates, they would hamper his argument that he's the party's consensus choice and damage his path to the 1,237 delegates necessary to win the nomination. Three delegates will go to the winner of each of Wisconsin's eight congressional districts. First place statewide is worth another 15 delegates. Three more are unbound. Meantime, theres new reporting today suggesting Donald Trump would be a weak general election candidate: New Larry Sabato predictions in the University of Virginias Crystal Ball today. They take a look at the electoral college and suggest Clinton would crush Trump in a general election. Well talk with Larry Sabato. Still new polls suggest despite some bad news for Trump, he has a great shot at taking New Yorks primary battle that takes place on April 19th. The Quinnipiac University polling has Trump getting 56% in New York, Ted Cruz with 20% and John Kasich with 19%. On the Democratic side, Hillary Clinton leads Bernie Sanders in New York 54 to 42%. The WSJ reports today that Bernie Sanders is intensifying a campaign targeting Clintons super delegates trying to sow doubt about her electability. On Maddow last night Clinton said she was ahead in the popular vote, delegates and super delegates. She suggested Bernie Sanders would need to fall in line behind her by the convention. Dan Henninger has a new column suggesting destroying the GOP could be President Obamas greatest legacy. A new column in the National Review says, Trump Supporters are foolish idiots on the Titanic. Ouch. Theres also new reporting in Vanity Fair suggesting that Paul Ryan could end up stealing the GOP nomination at the convention as a delegate win before the convention appears increasingly unlikely. The Governor of Alabama is involved in a major sex scandal and could be impeached. The Wall Street Journal is reporting that the accused Paris terrorist Salah Abdeslam taken in Belgium on March 18th wants to cooperate with French officials. Hes accused of being a key player in the terror attacks in Paris that left 130 dead back in November. Meantime, a man arrested on terror charges last week had amassed a huge stash of guns and bomb-making equipment and was preparing an attack raising fears another attack may be imminent. Severe weather hurt seven people in Oklahoma. There were reports of several tornadoes. Tulsa saw damage that is still being assessed. Air raid sirens sounded several times. Stocks struggling today worldwide on lower oil prices, but it comes after a string of solid gains. Today is the last day of the first quarter. Some workers on strike at JFK and Newark airports today. Citigroup is warning that 2 million retail bank jobs could go away as more and more gets automated. Tesla unveils its much-awaited cheaper electric car today. Its called the Model 3, and will retail for about 30,000 after rebates. Tesla believes its the car that will allow them to compete with the Big 3 automakers. A new report using advanced computer modelling suggests the West Antarctic ice sheet may melt in the next few decades raising sea levels by three feet by the end of the century. President Obama continues talks today with world leaders about Nuclear security. Fears are growing that terrorists might be able to get their hands on nuclear material to make small nuclear devices or dirty bombs. The two day summit begins today and will likely also focus on the increasingly aggressive nuclear threat from North Korea. For more news, follow me on Twitter: @ClintPHenderson A jury recommended a death sentence Thursday for a man who fatally shot three adults and an 18-month-old girl on an eastern Kansas farm in 2013, and then hid the adult bodies and stuffed the girl's remains in a suitcase that was later found in a creek. Kyle Flack, 30, was sentenced by the same Franklin County jury that convicted him on March 23 of capital murder in the deaths of Kaylie Bailey, 21, and her 18-month-old daughter, Lana. He also was convicted of premeditated first-degree murder for killing 31-year-old Steven White and second-degree murder for killing Andrew Stout, 30. Kansas, which has 10 men on death row, has not executed anyone since it reinstated capital punishment in 1994. Prosecutors have said it's unclear what led to the shootings. Investigators believe White was killed around April 20, 2013, and his body was later found under a tarp in an outbuilding near the farmhouse. Stout, 30, apparently was shot April 29 and his body was found in his bedroom under a pile of clothes. Bailey's partially-clothed body was found in a bedroom, with her hands bound behind her back. Authorities believe she and her daughter were killed on May 1. The adults' bodies were found about a week later and search crews found the child's body in a suitcase floating in the Tequa Creek the next week. Flack's lead defense attorney, Timothy Frieden, urged the jury during the sentencing phase to recommend a life sentence without parole, saying Flack was not the "monster" they had heard about, The Topeka Capital-Journal reported. Testimony during the sentencing phase indicated Flack grew up in a chaotic home with several family members who suffered from mental illness, was sexually abused as a child, and suffered from depression, social anxiety and schizoaffective disorder. Frieden said Flack functioned well while in prison for a 2005 shooting, and if sentenced to life in this case, the public would be safe. "He is salvageable," Frieden said. "Vote life when it comes down to the end." Deputy Attorney General Victor Braden said during the sentencing phase that jurors had to decide what justice entails. "Each of you will have to ask yourself what is appropriate justice?" Braden said. He said the death penalty was justified by three aggravating circumstances, including a conviction for attempted second-degree murder in the May 2, 2005, shooting of Steve Free; the fact that Flack killed more than one person and the killings of Kaylie and her daughter were done in an "especially heinous, atrocious or cruel manner." Prosecutors presented two weeks of testimony during the trial. The defense called no witnesses. Police have arrested one man and are looking for another after they allegedly were overheard plotting to kill the mayor of New Jersey's largest city. Police say a caller on Wednesday reported hearing two suspects wearing camouflage threaten the life of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. Officers canvassed the area around Penn Station before spotting the men on Market Street. Police apprehended 56-year-old Kenneth Curry and charged him with two open and unrelated warrants. The second suspect, who is identified as a 65-year-old man from New Brunswick, fled. His name has not been released. Police say the investigation is expected to result in additional charges against Curry. San Francisco State University said Wednesday it is investigating an incident involving an African-American woman seen on video grabbing a white student in a confrontation over his dreadlocks. "You're saying that I can't have a hair style because of your culture? Why?" Cory Goldstein asks the unnamed woman in the video posted on YouTube. "Because it's my culture. Do you know what locks mean?" the woman responded. He then tells her dreadlocks were part of Egyptian culture and tries to walk away but the woman blocks him and is seen grabbing Goldstein's arm. She then turns to the person filming to block the camera with her hand. Goldstein said he filed a police report after Mondays heated argument, but hes not looking to press charges and said he would like to have a respectful discussion with anyone about his hair. It's something I've had since I was 17 years old and something that's part of who I am. I believe they are powerful and helped amplify myself and helped me connect to this world," Goldstein told KGO-TV. The confrontation comes as race and sensitivity on campus are debated in universities across the nation. The university said it has started a probe in the incident and that the student who filmed it requested charges be filed against the woman. "University police responded to the incident when it occurred and took a report at the scene," the university said in a statement. Campus police said once the investigation is over, the case will be forwarded to the San Francisco District Attorneys, who will decide whether charges will be filed. As of early Thursday morning, the video had more than 2 million views on YouTube. And even though the video's description says the unidentified woman was a campus employee, university officials said that none of the people in the video are employed by San Francisco State, according to the Los Angeles Times. "San Francisco State University promotes the rights of the campus community to engage in free speech, but does not condone behavior that impedes the safety or well-being of others," the university said. "We are taking the matter seriously and will promptly and thoroughly investigate this incident through applicable University channels, including our campus student conduct procedures." The Associated Press contributed to this report. The murders of four translators working to bring the Bible to obscure languages in the Middle East earlier this month won't stop the charity behind the effort from its work, officials said. The four unidentified translators, who worked secretly for Wycliffe Associates, a Florida non-profit dedicated to bringing the gospel to hundreds of obscure languages, were killed by suspected Islamist militants at an undisclosed location,Wycliffe officials said in a statement. They shot and destroyed all the equipment in the office, read the statement. The invaders burned all the books and other translation materials in the office." Even when tragedy strikes, as in this case, the testimony of Christ is loud and clear... Bruce Smith, Wycliffe Associates President The work is so dangerous that Wycliffe Associates President Bruce Smith will not even say what country the office was in or give the names of those killed. He did say the attackers shot two workers to death and beat two more to death with emptied guns as they used their bodies to shield a senior translator who survived. Officials for Wycliffe Associates said hard drives containing the translation work for eight different language projects may be salvageable. The remaining translation team has decided to re-double their efforts to translate, publish, and print Gods word for these eight language communities. The attack highlights the recent wave of genocide against Christians in places like the Middle East and Europe. "The attack on translators shows how dangerous it is for Christians, Ryan Mauro, a national security analyst for the Clarion Project, told FoxNews.com Translators know the language and are usually familiar with the territory and population. Yet, even they are at high risk of death simply for being Christian. There is no how-to guide for survival that a Christian can follow." Wycliffe Associates has been in existence for over 70 years, helping Christians throughout the world by working towards translating Bibles into nearly 2,000 different languages. They often set up offices in the areas where a new translation is needed, working on the ground level in places like Asia, Africa and South America as well as the Middle East using a method of translation called Paradigm 3.0, which focuses on local translators and local control. Smith said the work simply cannot be done in the relative safety of the U.S. The simple answer is that the Church prefers to do translation where the people are, Smith said. Paradigm 3.0 Bible translation is all about church engagement from beginning to end. Dislocated translations delay and dilute the impact to the local communities. Officials for Wycliffe Associates say that those who survived the attack have committed to finishing the projects in an effort to recover the work lost. They are in the process of setting up a new secret location and have even asked for the publics help in raising emergency funds. Even when tragedy strikes, as in this case, the testimony of Christ is loud and clear, Smith also said in his statement to FoxNews.com. Yes, there is a tremendous cost. But as Tertullian, an early Church father, said the blood of martyrs are the seeds of the church. Syrian President Bashar Assad said he is ready to hold a snap presidential election if the Syrian people call for it, Russian media reported Thursday. He said direct elections in which all Syrians could participate would be better than the president being elected by parliament, so that the elections can be "as free as possible from the influence of various political forces," The Associated Press reported. Assad spoke in an interview with Russia's state news agency Sputnik, excerpts of which were being released over several days. The latest comments were posted Thursday. Assad has also proposed a national unity government and rejected a key opposition demand for a transitional ruling body with full powers, which major powers agreed on at a Geneva conference in June 2012. He was quoted by RIA as saying a new draft constitution could be ready in weeks and a government that included opposition, independents and loyalists could be agreed upon, the Jerusalem Post reports. But U.S. officials say Assad has lost his legitimacy to govern. "I don't know whether he envisioned himself being a part of that national unity government, White House spokesman Josh Earnest said Wednesday. Obviously that would be a nonstarter for us." The Associated Press contributed to this report. Rescue crews and army troops were in a race against time Thursday in India to save 150 people believed trapped in a pile of crushed vehicles and concrete girders after a road overpass under construction collapsed in a crowded neighborhood, leaving at least 21 people dead. The collapse occurred in Bara Bazaar, a busy residential and shopping area in Kolkata -- a city of approximately 4.5 million people -- and left scores injured. Rescuers were using saws, small cranes and their bare hands to dig through the wreckage. Bloody legs of trapped people were seen jutting out of the rubble. Police told Sky News that 150 people are believed to be trapped, while a witness told Reuters that two buses carrying more than 100 passengers were stuck under the debris. Yogesh Sharma was sitting at a small roadside tea stand with friends when the overpass, which spanned nearly the width of the city street and was designed to ease traffic through the densely crowded neighborhood, "came down with a huge crashing sound. "I left my cup of tea and ran," said Sharma, a 23-year-old resident of the neighborhood. "I was crying at the spot." At least 21 people were killed in the collapse, a police official told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media. "The area was very, very crowded. Motorized rickshaws, taxis . . . there was a lot of traffic," one witness told the New Delhi Television news channel, or NDTV. Another added: "We heard a loud rumble and then saw a lot of dust in the sky." Army troops joined efforts to rescue those trapped inside cars, trucks and other vehicles that lay under massive concrete blocks and metal debris. Huge cranes and other rescue equipment reached the site after the collapse and began clearing the rubble. Workers also used gas cutters to pry open the slabs. More than 70 injured were admitted to two hospitals in Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal state, hospital officials said. Television footage from the site showed people passing water bottles through to those who are crying out for help from beneath the debris. Some witnesses have been critical of the initial response, with one saying there appears to be very little coordination on the ground. "The condition is pathetic. At this moment no one has any clue how many people are trapped," a police officer at the scene told Reuters. O.P. Singh, the head of India's National Disaster Response Force, said the operation was a "very, very challenging task." Senior police officer Akhilesh Chaturvedi told Sky News that 15 critically injured people had been rescued. "Most were bleeding profusely. The problem is that nobody is able to drive an ambulance to the spot," he said. Mamta Banerjee, the top elected official of West Bengal state, visited the collapse site and said a private builder had missed several deadlines for completing the overpass. The contract for the overpass was signed in 2008 and it was expected to be completed in two years. She accused the previous communist government in West Bengal of not adhering to building regulations. But a newspaper reported last year that Banerjee wanted the overpass finished ahead of schedule in February, despite concerns from project engineers over whether or not it would be possible, according to Sky News. "We completed nearly 70 percent of the construction work without any mishap," said K.P. Rao, a top official of IVRCL Infrastructure company, which was building the overpass. "We have to go into the details to find out whether the collapse was due to any technical or quality issue." "It was a total act of God,'" said his colleague, Dilip, who uses one name. Building collapses are common in India, where builders use poor enforcement of regulations and use substandard materials. The Associated Press contributed to this report. A car bomb targeting police special forces in southeastern Turkey killed at least seven officers and wounded 27 other people including 14 civilians Thursday, state news agencies report, in the latest attack to rock the wartorn region near the Syrian border. The bomb exploded near a bus terminal in the mainly Kurdish city of Diyarbakr, less than 100 miles north of Syria. The explosion came two days after the Pentagon and State Department ordered families of U.S. service members and diplomats home from the region, citing security fears and attack plots from the Islamic State terror network. The private Dogan news agency blamed "terrorists" for the bombing, using the government designation for Kurdish rebels. Turkish officials have linked the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party, also known as the PKK, to a string of recent attacks. The group fights for Kurdish autonomy; Turkey and its allies consider it a terrorist organization. Turkey has been imposing curfews in several districts of the southeast since August to flush out militants linked to the PKK. The rebels have set up barricades, dug trenches and planted explosives to keep security forces at bay. The military operations have raised concerns over human rights violations and scores of civilian deaths. The fighting has forced tens of thousands of people to leave their homes. The attack comes one day before Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu is due to visit the city, including the historic Sur district where several neighborhoods are under curfew. The blast damaged several cars and shattered almost all the windows of a high rise in the area. At least six ambulances rushed to the scene as security forces sealed off streets. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Among the mounting headaches for Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in Washington this week for a visit that notably does not include a formal sitdown with President Obama is a 74-year-old Muslim cleric quietly living on a private compound in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. Fethullah Gulen, a one-time Erdogan ally, is the head of a faith-based social movement that boasts a global following, has deep roots in Turkish society, and cultivates notable influence in the U.S. education through a network of roughly 150 secular charter schools. But a nasty split between the two over Erdogans years-long crackdown on domestic dissent and Turkeys once-open media landscape has now spread to the United States, and threatens to further destabilize an already frayed alliance. It is Erdogans way of fighting the corruption without obviously confronting the issue of corruption. Professor Henri Barkey, expert on Turkey More than 2,000 Gulen supporters have been arrested in Turkey on various charges since the 2013 split, though many were later released. And Turkish authorities recently seized control of one of Turkeys largest newspapers, Zaman, which was associated with Gulen. But whats relatively new to many Americans only now hearing about Gulen is a high-profile, multimillion-dollar public relations and legal effort by the Erdogan government to extradite him to Turkey, and raise myriad questions about the propriety of the charter schools. This is a really dangerous group, charged Robert Amsterdam, a lawyer whose firm Erdogan hired to launch an international investigation of the Gulen organization - particularly its business and political dealings in the U.S. When it comes to these charter schools and Gulen, nothing is transparent. Gulen cloisters himself on the grounds of an Islamic retreat owned by Turkish Americans in Saylorsburg, Pa., and rarely gives interviews to news media. But his sermons appear online. He preaches what many consider a moderate form of Islam. And he has regularly and stridently condemned jihadist terror attacks much more so than Erdogan, say the presidents critics and typically advocates interfaith dialogue. Gulens Hizmet movment -- meaning service in Turkish -- is marked by business savvy and a successful push to build political connections. The movement is believed to be worth billions of dollars. Troubling statements from Turkey's Erdogan This is not a proselytizing movement. This is not a glory-of-Islam movement. This is a glory-of-the-Gulen-movement movement, said Joshua Hendrick, an associate professor of sociology and global studies at Loyola University of Maryland who wrote a book about Hizmet. Hendrick disputed Amsterdams argument the organization is dangerous. But in Erdogans view, Gulen is an arch-enemy of the state, whose followers represent a seditious parallel state within Turkey. Gulen is specifically accused of scheming to have his followers infiltrate the Turkish government for the purpose of overthrowing Erdogans ruling Justice and Development Party, known by its Turkish acronym as the AKP. Gulen also faces espionage charges, and two trials are now being held in absentia. Those accusations are laughable; they have no evidence, said Y. Alp Aslandogan, executive director of the Alliance for Shared Values, a New York-based organization that promotes Gulens teachings. Several scholars in the U.S. interviewed by FoxNews.com also defended Gulen and criticized the Turkish prosecution of him, citing Erdogans aggressive crackdown. There is no evidence that I am aware of to support the idea that the movement is at all violent or terroristic, Zeki Saritoprak, professor of Islamic studies at John Carroll University in Ohio, told Fox News. Allegations to the contrary are absurd. Another scholar, A. Kadir Yildirim, of Rice Universitys Baker Institute for Public Policy, agreed. All opposition groups, including the Gulen Movement, are being targeted by President Erdogan, he said, listing Kurds, non-Muslim minorities and liberals as other victims of Erdogans autocratic tilt. Professor Henri Barkey, director of the Middle East Program at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and a longtime expert on Turkey, said Gulen supporters have been scapegoated to draw attention from Turkeys complex domestic and foreign policy problems -- which range from increased internal unrest and a Kurdish insurgency to Russias menacing influence in Syria and Turkeys fraying alliance with the U.S. over among other factors -- the Obama administrations support for Kurdish militias in the battle against ISIS. It is convenient for the government to blame the Gulenists for everything, Barkey said. It is Erdogans way of fighting the corruption without obviously confronting the issue of corruption. One scholar argued for a more careful approach. Abraham Wagner, a lecturer at Columbia Law School and a board member at the Center for Advanced Studies on Terrorism, said the next U.S. administration should pay close attention to Hizmet activities in America. They are trying to undermine the (Turkish) government We have to be aware of what they are and how they are operating, he said. Its not an open and shut case. What I am urging is, lets take a closer look at what they are doing. Some have done just that. A number of Gulen-affiliated schools have been investigated over accusations that include mismanagement of public funds and possible visa fraud. Amsterdam alleges the network has a history of receiving a disproportionate share of H-1B visas -- temporary non-immigrant work visas -- that allow foreign teachers to work in the U.S. He said Gulens U.S. charter network, however loosely organized, generates massive profits, and that a percentage of that is going back to Turkey and being used to foment instability. Barkey said Gulen-affiliated charters arent necessarily engaging in illegality, but they skirt good practices or common sense sometimes. He said he was infuriated when he saw a recent report on the CBS program 60 Minutes about Gulen charters that highlighted one example of a school bringing a Turkish national to the U.S. to teach English. You are going to tell me that a Turk, who is going to speak with an accent, is going to teach English to kids in the U.S.? Barkey asked. The Chicago Sun-Times also reported last year that the Justice Department launched an investigation into alleged misuse of federal grant money at Concept Schools, a Gulen-linked network of some 30 charters in Illinois and five other states. Federal officials did not respond to multiple inquiries from FoxNews.com, but Concept management said, through a spokeswoman, they continue to cooperate with authorities. To date, no one affiliated with a Gulen charter has been convicted of any criminal activity. Amsterdam and other Hizmet critics also accused some Gulen-linked charters of targeting selected students to proselytize. Our investigation has uncovered that there is a proselytizing campaign where these Turkish teachers, we are told, actually target youths in these schools -- not a lot, maybe four or five per class -- to bring them into the movement, Amsterdam said. When asked, Amsterdam, who reiterated many of the charges in a news conference in Washington Thursday, would not immediately provide specifics. That charge, too, was met with skepticism by those who note Gulen schools are often highly regarded and more focused on science and technology instruction. Worldwide, to my knowledge, there has been no credible evidence of religious indoctrination at any school established or run by Hizmet sympathizers, said Saritoprak. Amsterdam vows his investigation is far from over. His efforts have thus far produced one court case -- a pending civil suit in U.S. District Court in Pennsylvania -- which alleges Gulen used a 2009 sermon to signal his followers in law enforcement in Turkey to falsely arrest three political opponents. Gulens lawyer in that case, Michael Miller, argues U.S. law does not apply, and called it an abuse of the U.S. courts to try to initiate a lawsuit like this as part of a global campaign, a political campaign, to harass Mr. Gulen. Meanwhile, Aslandogan and other Hizmet supporters want Americans to see through these anti-Gulen efforts, and recognize this as an international political fight led by the increasingly autocratic Erdogan. We are talking about a person with dictatorial ambitions in Turkey, and he is taking his battles to American shores, Aslandogan said. The handful of Christian families remaining in ISIS' Syrian stronghold of Raqqa have been forbidden from fleeing the city, according to a tweet from a secret group that reports from inside the caliphate. The activist group Raqqa is Being Silently Slaughtered said the black-clad terrorist army issued a decree that any Christians or Armenians still within city limits may not leave. It is believed that there are just more than 40 Christian families left in the city, and that they have been forced to register with the extremist group and to pay a "jizya," or a minority tax in exchange for being unharmed. "Any Christian living within Syria or Iraq is in a very dangerous and precarious position, David Curry, president and CEO of Open Doors USA, a Christian advocacy organization, told FoxNews.com. We want to see the Christian church survive in the Middle East, especially in the areas occupied by the Islamic State. Any Christian living within Syria or Iraq is in a very dangerous and precarious position. David Curry, Open Doors USA Raqqa first fell into rebel control in March 2013 after a battle between Al Qaeda-linked jihadi group Al Nusra and Syrian President Bashar Al Assads regime, becoming the first provincial capital under rebel control. ISIS has since used the city as a launching point to increase their caliphate. According to Raqqa is Being Silently Slaughtered, there are about 43 Christian families left in the city. The suffering of Christians began with ISIS control of Raqqa, RIBSS said on its website, according to news blog The Foreign Desk. ISIS looks at Christians as infidels loyal to the West more than their loyalty to their homeland which they live. Sources in contact with people in Raqqa told FoxNews.com that the ban extends to all citizens within the city. Christians once accounted for up to 20 percent of the population in Syria, but recently, that number has been dwindled to 10 percent. Islamic extremism and authoritarian governments combined to make last year the worst in modern history for Christians around the world, according to a recent report from Open Doors USA. The trend spiked upward in the Middle East, Africa and Central Asia, with thousands of Christians killed or imprisoned, and even more chased from their homes. ISIS alone is responsible for driving out the entire Christian population in Mosul, long considered a Christian enclave in Iraqs Nineveh Plain. Two weeks ago, the U.S. State Department officially declared a genocide designation in regards to the treatment of religious minorities in Syria and Iraq. "This is another chapter in the sad story of genocide in the region against Christians, apostates and other minorities, Ryan Mauro, national security analyst with The Clarion Project, told FoxNews.com. In 2014, as they gained a foothold in the region, ISIS established a list of restrictions that Christians living in Raqqa had to follow in order to live under the Caliphate. In addition to registering and paying extra tax, they are banned from building or repairing churches, displaying Christian symbols and praying in public. Portly North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, whose hostile actions have brought crippling international sanctions to his impoverished nation, has a new message for the Hermit Kingdom's starving masses: Get ready to eat plant roots. Kim, whose weight the South Korean government estimates has ballooned to nearly 300 pounds, signaled through state media that the nation could be headed for another famine like the one that killed an estimated 3.5 million people in the 1990s. "The road to revolution is long and arduous," an editorial in the state-run Rodong Sinmun newspaper said Monday, according to The Telegraph. "We may have to go on an arduous march, during which we will have to chew the roots of plants once again." "Even if we give up our lives, we should continue to show our loyalty to our leader, Kim Jong Un, until the end of our lives." North Korean state-run media "Arduous march" in North Korean is code for famine. It's how state media described the disaster that struck when Kim was a mere teen, which experts say was brought on by the economic mismanagement of his father, Kim Jong Il, loss of foreign aid and natural disasters. But Kim, who at 33 walks with a cane and reportedly suffers from gout, won't miss any meals. Last September, South Korea disclosed that Kim appeared to have added nearly 70 pounds to his 5-foot, 9-inch frame over the previous five years, reaching an estimated weight of 290 pounds. Photos released over the past year have shown Kim Jong Un's rapid weight gain. The secretive regime hasn't said much about it, but South Korean analysts suspect he's been under severe stress. Investigators also note that he reportedly developed a taste for Emmental cheese while he was a student in Switzerland years ago. Pyongyang has ordered every citizen in the capital to provide around 2 pounds of rice to the states supplies every month, while farmers are forced to hand over additional rations from their own meager crops to the military, South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo reported. The comments from state media come amid reports of North Koreans hoarding their food supplies, according to The Telegraph. Kim Jong Uns regime has been cracking down on open-air markets that have served as a source of additional food for city dwellers. "Even if we give up our lives, we should continue to show our loyalty to our leader, Kim Jong Un, until the end of our lives," the state-run newspaper wrote, calling for a "70-day campaign of loyalty." Much of North Korea's population of 25 million is already hungry, but new sanctions, the most severe in 20 years, were approved by the UN Security Council after Pyongyangs February nuclear weapons test and a recent long-range missile launch. The sanctions will further cripple North Korean trade and squeeze Kim's weapons programs. Under them, UN members are even barred from accepting the reclusive nation's main exports of coal and iron ore. But experts don't expect Kim's belligerence to stop just because the world shuns him. The latest message to the suffering people is yet another one of collective sacrifice. Its an old pattern of telling the population to endure short-term hardship for the promise of larger benefits over the long term, Daniel Pinkston, a lecturer at Troy University in Seoul, told the Los Angeles Times of the Rodong Sinmun editorial. The U.S. and Russia hit back Thursday against a report claiming embattled Syrian President Bashar Assad will be given refuge in another country as part of an agreement between Washington and Moscow on the future of Syrias peace process. The al-Hayat newspaper, citing an unnamed senior diplomatic source with knowledge of the alleged agreement, said U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has already told several Arab countries about the plan. The source also said the agreement was welcomed by members of the U.N. Security Council, the Jerusalem Post reported. But U.S. and Russia later denied that any agreement was in place. "This report is not true, said State Department Spokesman John Kirby. The U.N. continues to lead negotiations on a political transition between the Syrian parties, which will resume in mid-April." Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, in a conference call with reporters, said Al-Hayat published information which does not correspond to reality," according to Reuters. Meanwhile, defense officials tell Fox News that despite recent claims from Russian President Vladimir Putin that Russia was pulling out of Syria, there are now more Russian helicopters in Syria than at any time since airstrikes began in late September Though Russia has flown roughly half of its fixed wing jet aircraft back to Russia, it has deployed additional attack helicopters to Syria. Some of these new helicopters include state-of-the art Russian gunships seeing combat for the first time. Russia has not removed any of its tanks, artillery or missiles it sent to Syria late last year. Russian fighter jets flew bombing missions for Assad's army in their defeat of ISIS forces in Palmyra earlier this week. More than 250,000 Syrians have been killed and nearly half of all Syrians have been forced from their homes in the bloody conflict, the U.N. says. Fox Newss Lucas Tomlinson contributed to this report. Russian authorities used helicopters Wednesday in the search for a missing American student who officials say disappeared in below-freezing conditions after venturing out before dawn from a guest house in a mountainous region of Siberia. Colin Madsen, 25, of Jefferson County, Mo., disappeared early Sunday, investigators in the Russian republic of Buryatia said. Madsen arrived with another American student Saturday as part of a group from Irkutsk, where he was a university student. According to region media outlets, Madsen vanished from the resort village of Arshan. The tiny town is known for its mineral springs and mountainous vistas. The Investigative Committee, Russias federal investigative agency, said in a statement that Madsen and his group planned to hike the mountains Sunday, but Madsen under unclear circumstance vanished without a trace as others in the guest house slept. The New York Daily News reported that Madsen left all of his belongings, including a cellphone, inside the house. Annie Madsen of Markle, Indiana, said Wednesday that her nephew, who she said is fluent in Russian and has taught English in Russia, apparently left the house without a coat to take a walk. "He has a lot of friends concerned about him," Annie Madsen told the Associated Press about the nephew she called "a responsible young man." "I can't see him just getting up in the middle of the night and going for a walk in freezing conditions without a coat," she said. "I don't know what was going on." Colin Madsen's mother from Missouri and his father from Indiana were heading Wednesday to Russia to be closer to the search, his aunt said. Madsen had been enrolled as a university student in Russia since the fall. His family said he was inspired by foreign cultures and the Russian language, according to the Daily News. The village is located about 130 miles from Irkutsk. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Officials in Belgium gave their initial approval Thursday to transfer the captured Paris massacre suspect Salah Abdeslam to France, as his lawyer said the man wants to cooperate on his way to becoming a potential police informant. Lawyer Cedric Moisse said Salah Abdeslam is not resisting extradition and would want it to happen quickly, The Associated Press reports. The 26-year-old is suspected of planning and executing the Paris attacks in November, which left 130 dead. Belgian authorities caught him in Brussels earlier this month. A prosecutor was set to travel to Abdeslams prison in the city of Bruges Thursday to discuss his extradition under a European arrest warrant. Shortly after his March 18 arrest, another of Abdeslams lawyers, Sven Marty, claimed the terror suspect was already cooperating with Belgian authorities and could turn out to be a gold mine to unmask terror operations in Europe. Among Abdeslams admissions to police: he intended to blow himself up at the Stade de France stadium in Paris but had changed his mind at the last minute, The Telegraph reports. But excerpts of his interrogation that was leaked to French media suggested Abdeslam also told investigators lies, such as claiming he only met suspected Paris attacks mastermind Abdelhamid Abaaoud only once, despite it being know that they were childhood friends, the newspaper added. He also reportedly claimed that he did not know anything about the suicide bombings last week in Brussels that left 32 dead despite having ties to several of the suspected attackers. Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reynders has said Abdeslam was planning attacks in Brussels before he was arrested. Also Thursday, authorities in Belgium were searching a wooded, residential area close to the French border amid reports that the action is linked to the recent arrest of a man in Paris suspected of planning a future attack. Soldiers were seen looking for clues in a wooded area closes to Kortijk in western Belgium. Local media, citing federal prosecutors, said it was linked to the arrest of Reda Kriket, who is accused of participating in a terrorist group with plans for at least one imminent attack, possessing and transporting arms and explosives, and holding fake documents. Paris prosecutor Francois Molins said that Kriket is believed to have traveled to Syria in 2014 and 2015 and made several trips between France and Belgium, The Associated Press reports. At least three other people are in custody in the case in Belgium and the Netherlands. Click for more from The Telegraph. The ugly record of alleged rape and sexual abuse by international peacekeepers in the battered Central African Republic, one of the worst scandals to stain the United Nations in years, is growing much worse -- despite more U.N. assertions that it is moving aggressively to deal with the seemingly endless crisis. According to one of the U.N.s most persistent and best-informed critics over the sex-abuse issue, nearly 100 new allegations of Central African Republic sexual wrongdoing --one an alleged rape that took place last Monday -- have been aired before U.N. investigators in the past two weeks. Yesterday, the U.N. announced only that an integrated team of investigators was on the ground to probe unspecified allegations of sexual wrongdoing by U.N. and non-U.N. peacekeepers alike in the beleaguered country, often known by the acronym CAR, where a new President, Faustin-Archange Touadera, is being inaugurated today. (U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Samantha Power was in CAR for the inauguration, and today among other things planned to visit a U.N. peacekeeping field office, as well as some of the families impacted by allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse by UN peacekeepers.) The exact number and nature of these extremely troubling allegations are still being determined, the press release declared, noting they extended from 2013 to 2015. At least two peacekeeping units from Burundi and Gabon, part of the 11,500-member U.N. force known as MINUSCA, have been confined to their barracks during the probe, the U.N. declared -- except for essential tasks apparently related to CARs budding political process. Other non-U.N. peacekeepers from France -- operating under a U.N. Security Council mandate -- are also being investigated, according to the statement. It added that local armed groups -- warring factions -- were implicated in some of the actions. The U.N. press statement followed a series of earlier, lower-key declarations both by MINUSCA itself and then by Secretary General Ban Ki-moons spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, announcing that new allegations of sexual abuse had been uncovered and were being investigated. Emphasizing that these allegations reportedly refer to incidents that occurred in 2014 and 2015, Dujarric declared on Easter Monday that MINUSCAs primary concern was to ensure that the victims have been assisted and all reports immediately investigated to ensure that any perpetrator is appropriately sanctioned. We expect more information from the mission in the next days, he added. Instead, the next information blast came from a gadfly non-government organization that has repeatedly exposed U.N. internal documentation on the long-running sexual abuse scandal over the past year. The advocacy group known as AIDS-Free World was far more graphic about the shocking scope and number of the allegations, and the amount of time the U.N. has taken looking into them. On a website dubbed the Code Blue campaign, AIDS-Free World yesterday reported that as far back as two weeks ago the U.N. child relief agency UNICEF had interviewed 98 girls in one CAR province alone who said they were sexually abused by international peacekeepers. The Code Blue site did not reveal the confidential sources for its information, but provided details of some of the sordid incidents, including alleged forced sex with a dog. The website also said the roster of those allegations dated as far back as 2013 and extended through 2015, but named only peacekeepers from Gabon and France as being involved. Code Blue then brought the allegations much closer to home, at least so far as the U.N. is concerned. It declared, once again without naming its confidential sources, that in another part of the country, the mother of a 16-year-old girl had told local police that on March 28 -- last Monday -- her daughter had been raped in a hotel room by a U.N. peacekeeper from Congo. According to the website, the soldier had subsequently declared in front of his force commander that he had had sex with the girl for money. The U.N.s own announcement of the investigations made no mention of the March 28 incident. Code Blue also outlined what it said were the outcomes of a meeting on Tuesday, March 29, of top-level U.N. officials to discuss how to deal with the latest eruption of crisis. That included what Code Blue called unified messaging to the CAR government, troop-contributing countries, Secretary General Ban and the media, as well as the possible sending of high-level envoys to countries whose troops were confirmed to be part of the scandal. Queried by Fox News about the meeting details, press spokesman Dujarric confirmed that such a gathering had taken place, but emphasized that the way we are reacting shows the level of change within the U.N. in how to react to these sorts of allegations. Dujarric also pointed to an article that appeared in Newsweek on March 30 by the U.N.s special envoy to CAR, Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, relating news of the alleged rape of a 14-year-old girl by peacekeepers, along with a reference to the earlier incidents, and expressing his determination to put an end to it in my mission. Ananga-Anyanga related his extensive travels across CAR to spread an anti-abuse message, declaring that I have made the fight against sexual exploitation and abuse one of the Missions top priorities. An unspecified task force had been established to deal with the issue he said, and patrols mounted to monitor off-duty peacekeeping personnel. Now, he said, is the time for the rights of the victim to come first. They're a ragtag collection of untrained, unqualified staff with zero authority to investigate crimes . . . Paula Donovan, co-director of AIDS-Free World Maybe so. But the alarming apparent scope of the allegations as Code Blue revealed them hit hard at claims the U.N. has been making for months that it was moving as fast and vigorously as possible to put a clamp on peacekeeper sexual abuse -- not just in CAR but at 15 other U.N. peacekeeping missions are around the world -- and also bringing ugly facts as fast as possible into the daylight. Indeed, the U.N.s integrated team of investigators was derided by Paula Donovan, co-director of AIDS-Free World, as a reckless, panicked response to the latest abuse crisis. They're a ragtag collection of untrained, unqualified staff with zero authority to investigate crimes, no idea how to preserve evidence for a trial, and no expertise to question any victims of rape, never mind women and children who've been violently sexually abused by the integrated team's fellow U.N. workers, she told Fox News in response to the latest U.N. press release. An incompetent and disingenuous U.N. bureaucracy is creating dead-ends to justice and putting civilians in danger, she added. Code Blues proposed solution to the sex abuse crisis is to take such investigations out of the U.N.s hands, and given them to an independent committee of experts to handle, a possibility that the U.N. argues is legally and practically impossible. The fact is that U.N. reactions to the continuing cascade of sexual abuse allegations have contrasted recently with official expressions of criticism and even despair at the U.N.s handling of the problem. The criticism was summed up most starkly in the findings of an independent panel that last December castigated specific U.N. senior officials for their inaction and coverup of sexual abuse allegations in an earlier chapter of the scandal involving the non-U.N. troops in CAR. That document somewhat prophetically warned that bureaucratic indifference might well have prevented the discovery of the possibility of a broader pattern of sexual violence by some international peacekeeping troops. U.N. Secretary General Ban deftly sidestepped those conclusions in February, when he announced the creation of a new special coordinator, Jane Holl Lute, to handle the battle against sexual abuse. Her job, he said, was to better align our peacekeeping and human rights systems and to strengthen United Nations response to sexual exploitation and abuse. Ban followed that at the beginning of this month, when he made another and bigger public effort at U.N. transparency and rigor, in the form of his annual report on the battle against sexual exploitation and abuse, known in UN-speak as SEA. The document revealed there were 22 new sex allegations in CAR during 2015, out of 69 worldwide against peacekeeping personnel -- the largest single-mission total. Bans report was stippled with planned measures, ranging from better training to better vetting of peacekeepers to faster investigation procedures and better channels for victims to use in bringing allegations -- most of which were still entangled in the U.N.s molasses-dense combination of bureaucracy and need for member state assent. Ban had also called for a U.N. trust fund to be set up to aid victims of sexual abuse -- but the U.N. itself has no money to put in it, a fact that came up again in spokesman Dujarrics press briefings. Bans report came out just a month after the resignation of Anthony Banbury, the U.N.s Assistant Secretary General for Field Support, who had been a key U.N. troubleshooter on the peacekeeping rape issue, as well as other U.N. crises. (Banburys replacement, Lisa Buttenheim, was named to the job yesterday.) Two weeks ago, Banbury revealed his own opposition to the inclusion of soldiers from the Democratic Republic of Congo in the CAR peacekeeping mission. About 120 of them were sent home just before he resigned; Bans report revealed that the DRC troops were U.N. peacekeepings top offender in terms of number of sex-abuse allegations against them. In an impassioned New York Times op-ed piece, Banbury declared that the main reason he left the U.N. was colossal mismanagement, coupled with minimal accountability even as he praised Ban as a man of great integrity and hailed smart, brave and selfless U.N. staffers. He also noted that as sexual abuse cases kept rising in CAR -- coupled with the brazen beating of civilians by the Democratic Republic of Congo forces -- there was hardly a murmur, and certainly no outrage, from the responsible officials in New York. George Russell is Editor-at-Large of Fox News. He is reachable on Twitter at @GeorgeRussell and on Facebook at Facebook.com/George.Russell Important Cookie Information We collect information from our users this is for administration and contact purposes in connection with contributions you may wish to make to the site or your use of certain site features such as newsletter subscriptions and property enquiries. Massage Envy Adds New Chief Commercial Officer to Leadership Team March 31, 2016 // Franchising.com // SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - Massage Envy, the pioneer and largest national franchisor of massage therapy and skincare services, today announced the appointment of Beth Stiller as its new chief commercial officer. Stiller will be responsible for leading Massage Envy's services, retail, innovation and operations teams. Stiller joins the company from Walgreens where she was the group vice president of global brands and sourcing. "Beth and I have worked together in our previous roles and I'm excited to have her join the Massage Envy leadership team," said Joe Magnacca, chief executive officer of Massage Envy. "Her proven ability to deliver on strategic initiatives, as well as her vast retail and franchise experience, will be a tremendous asset and complement to the team as we continue to innovate and drive business growth." Stiller has over 20 years of domestic and international experience in both franchise and corporate environments, with a proven track record in innovating the customer experience, developing product and services, along with strong operational skills. Previously Stiller spent six years at Walgreens/Duane Reade where she led product development, brand management and sourcing activities for a $4.7 billion multi-brand portfolio. She also repositioned five brands via a consumer-led and validated brand development exercise and delivered an integrated strategic plan to drive top line growth and enhanced brand equity. "What a great opportunity to join such an incredible brand that has not only pioneered the convenient and affordable massage and skincare membership space but is now looking to innovate and transform the category once again," said Stiller. "I'm excited to join such a strong and experienced leadership team to help the brand and the franchise network on its next phase of continued growth." Along with Magnacca, Stiller joins Massage Envy's leadership team comprised of Debbie Gonzalez, chief brand officer; George Hines, chief information officer; Melanie Hansen, general counsel; Lee Knowlton, senior vice president, global franchise sales and international; and Greg Esgar, chief financial officer. Massage Envy believes total body care is an integral part of everyone's well-being journey. Through its innovative membership model, the Massage Envy franchise system enables customers to utilize massage and skincare services as a regular part of their lives rather than as a luxury or only on special occasions. The Massage Envy franchise system has grown to more than 1,100 locations in the United States, and recently surpassed the milestone of delivering more than 100 million massages and facials to its members and guests. About Massage Envy Massage Envy, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a national franchisor, and through its franchise locations, is the leading provider of therapeutic massage and skincare services. With its membership model, Massage Envy believes total body care is an integral part of everyone's well-being journey. The Massage Envy franchise system is, collectively, the largest employer of massage therapists and estheticians, with more than 25,000 dedicated professionals that provide best-in-class service to over 1.65 million members. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy has more than 1,100 franchise locations in 49 states that have together delivered more than 100 million massages and facials. The company was recently ranked No. 1 Best Franchise with an initial investment of $500,001 and up by Forbes. For more information, visit www.MassageEnvy.com, or follow us on Twitter @MassageEnvy and Facebook www.facebook.com/MassageEnvy. SOURCE Massage Envy ### Comments: Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Disqus My Elder Advocate Franchise To Open In Westchester, NY My Elder Advocate Opens Its First Franchise Unit In Westchester County, NY NEW YORK, NY (PRWEB) March 31, 2016 - Mark Brownstein has signed a franchise agreement with My Elder Advocate to open an office in Westchester, NY in May of 2016. Mark brings years of experience in the insurance industry and his passion to help address the needs of elders. I spent a lot of time researching the industry and realized that there were others offering individual services, however no company was able to offer the overarching support of helping families navigate the complex elder care. Said Brownstein. My Elder Advocate has been helping elders and families solve care-related issues and advocating for the rights of seniors for years and I am excited about being part of the franchise system. My Elder Advocate provides families with services that span the entire elder care continuum including: longer term care planning, home health agency placement and nursing home crisis intervention, to name a few. I have been helping elders and elders families for nearly 30 years. Said Jack Halpern, President and CEO of My Elder Advocate. Our mission is to help families confidently navigate the complex, fragmented and sometimes dangerous elder care system. Our elders deserve to age with dignity and live the best quality of life possible and that is what we are all about. After 30+ years in the senior care industry, the companys founders decided that they would have the greatest impact on elders by supporting advocates in communities across the US and began franchising in 2015. We are so excited to be opening a franchise in Westchester and are so fortunate to have a caring individual like Mark providing services to the community." said Claudine Halpern, Chief Operating Officer of My Elder Advocate Franchising. It is estimated that 10,000 people will turn 65 every day for the next 20 years and that by 2030; there will be over 72 million people over the age of 65. As the population continues to age, the need for effective elder care navigation services will continue to escalate. We know that there will be a significant increase in providing senior services across the aging continuum and My Elder Advocate franchisees will be at the center of the growth. According to Ms. Halpern. About My Elder Advocate My Elder Advocate is headquartered in New York, NY, and operates a corporately owned operation in Manhattan and has begun offering a franchise opportunity in 2015. Founded by Jack & Claudine Halpern, My Elder Advocate is the only independent eider advocacy organization in the North America focused exclusively on the needs of elders. For information on the My Elder Advocate Franchise Opportunity, contact their Franchise Sales Director, John Armatas at 855-844-8377 or visit our franchise website [http://myelderadvocatefranchise.com/]. SOURCE My Elder Advocate Contact: John Armatas The Franchise Sales Solution +1 (855) 844-8377 ### Comments: Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Disqus Shelby Dermatology Marks 10th Anniversary Catering to Industry's Surging Needs Increasing demand for dermatology services across the board drives the practice to strive for new heights while holding true to their founding goals, publishes dermatologistsofbirmingham.com -- A report released by research company IBISWorld in July of 2015 revealed an annual uptick of 2.9 percent in the dermatology industry over the last several years, a figure contributed to by a number of medical as well as cosmetic factors. The staff of Shelby Dermatology has watched this trend unfold for quite some time. In fact, spokesperson Dr. Bob Henderson recently announced the practice's 10th anniversary in the field. In regard to this milestone, Dr. Henderson stated, "We first opened our doors in 2006 to serve patients in Shelby County and the surrounding areas. Since that time, we've been treating the full array of medical skin conditions, both well known and obscure. We also offer Aesthetic Dermatology services catering to those who want to look younger, slimmer and more rejuvenated as well as patients suffering from varicose veins and other issues. Skin cancer falls within our realm of expertise as well. We've seen a surge in demand for all these services over the years." Dermatitis alone is currently responsible for more than 9 million visits to dermatologists across the United States each year, making this the third most prominent skin condition in the nation. Eczema cases are likewise on an upward trend among America's youth with an average of 13 percent more children showing symptoms of this condition than only a decade ago. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicts annual melanoma diagnoses will reach 112,000 by the year 2030 while other forms of skin cancer are also on the rise. Demand for cosmetic dermatology reached an all-time high last year according to reports from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Botox injections, dermal fillers, chemical peels and non-surgical skin tightening topped the list of most highly sought-after procedures in this sector. Laser hair removal remains popular among both genders though more so for female patients. As members of Alabama's preferred dermatology group, Dermatologists of Birmingham, Shelby Dermatology offers cancer detection and treatment along with a full array of medical, surgical and aesthetic procedures. Concluded Dr. Henderson, "We're proud to have spent the last 10 years helping those in our area with issues ranging from contact dermatitis and acne to skin cancer and autoimmune diseases. Cosmetic procedures are our most recently introduced services and include facials, Juvaderm, IPL and microneedling to name a few. Our goal has always been two-fold: to deliver excellent dermatology health care and foster congeniality among staff and patients. This won't change during the years to come despite the many advancements taking place in our field. We will remain dedicated to providing the highest possible level of care and look forward to what the future holds in store for our practice." About Shelby Dermatology: Established in 2006, Shelby Dermatology caters to the full spectrum of dermatology needs and is dedicated to providing the area's best patient care in a welcoming environment. For more information about us, please visit http://dermatologistsofbirmingham.com/ Contact Info: Name: Dr. Bob Henderson Organization: Shelby Dermatology Phone: (205) 621-9500 Source: http://marketersmedia.com/shelby-dermatology-marks-10th-anniversary-catering-to-industrys-surging-needs/108883 Release ID: 108883 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) China commercial vehicle industry Worth USD 5.12 Million : Latest Report By Radiant Insights,Inc The China commercial vehicle industry is projected to register a 6% CAGR during the forecast period (2014-2017). -- The commercial vehicle market aims to reach a volume of 29 million units by 2020. Commercial vehicles make the transport easier between states and national borders. The sale of commercial vehicles provides growth opportunities for logistics and transportation industries. Asia Pacific is the region with the greatest growth potential, with China being considered a prime source of revenue. Access Full Report With TOC @ http://www.radiantinsights.com/research/china-commercial-vehicle-industry The China commercial vehicle industry is projected to register a 6% CAGR during the forecast period (2014-2017). The market is estimated to attain revenue worth USD 5.12 million by 2017. The growth of the market is interlinked to the country's GDP (Gross Domestic Product), as evident by the fall of China's GDP to 7.7%. While the GDP enjoyed a slow growth, sales and output of the industry had increased by 6.4% and 7.6% respectively. Regulations pertaining to environment are expected to drive innovation in the industry, spurring market demand in the process. The China commercial vehicle industry is segmented by products. Buses, cars, and trucks comprise as major products of the market. Trucks enjoyed a sales volume of 2.7 million units. It is expected to grow with an annual growth rate of 2.8%. This segment will enjoy a stable growth rate on account of China's macro economy. Heavy-duty trucks, a sub-segment of trucks had the maximum share of the market. The passenger car segment has witnesses a surge on account of sales of tourist and school buses. Passenger cars enjoyed a sales volume of 477,000 units in 2013. It had a 12% increase as compared to the previous year (2012). It had an output of 483,000 units in 2013. The bus market is predicted to experience a CAGR of around 10% till 2017. In the bus segment, large buses enjoyed a greater share than medium or light-weight buses. Browse All Reports of This Category at: http://www.radiantinsights.com/catalog/transport-and-logistics There are currently 73 companies competing for the top position in the China commercial vehicle industry. Yutong Bus and Jinlong Bus occupied a 65% share of the bus segment in 2013. Beiqi Foton, JAC Motors, Sinotruk, Shaanxi Automobile, and Dongfeng Motor together made up almost 84% of the truck segment. Notable players of the market are Jinbei Automobile, Nanjing Auto, FAW Group, and Jiangling Holding. Browse Ongoing Reports @ Cement, Concrete & Aggregate Industry - http://www.radiantinsights.com/research/cement-concrete-amp-aggregate-industry-forecasts-china-focus About Radiant Insights,Inc Radiant Insights is a platform for companies looking to meet their market research and business intelligence requirements. We assist and facilitate organizations and individuals procure market research reports, helping them in the decision making process. We have a comprehensive collection of reports, covering over 40 key industries and a host of micro markets. In addition to over extensive database of reports, our experienced research coordinators also offer a host of ancillary services such as, research partnerships/ tie-ups and customized research solutions. For more information about us, please visit http://www.radiantinsights.com/research/china-commercial-vehicle-industry Contact Info: Name: Michelle Thoras Organization: Radiant Insights, Inc. Address: 28 2nd Street Phone: 14153490054 Source: http://marketersmedia.com/china-commercial-vehicle-industry-worth-usd-5-12-million-latest-report-by-radiant-insightsinc/108896 Release ID: 108896 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) Ellie Mae Studios Goes Live with Visual 2000 ERP.net Emerging Canadian designer of high-profile customers, Ellie Mae Studios, goes live with Visual 2000 ERP, to manage their business processes and unify all departments within a single app. -- Visual 2000 International, Canada's leading supplier of omni-channel business software for apparel and fashion accessory companies, is pleased to announce that Toronto fashion designer Ellie Mae Studios has successfully deployed the Visual 2000 End2End suite to manage their business process, from concept to consumer sale. The newly-formed company, which has already earned the praise of high-profile customers such as Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau, strives to make a name for Canada in the world of fashion. Teri Ponzo of Ellie Mae, notes that she "was looking for a Canadian company specializing in the fashion industry" to provide its ERP solution. Furthermore, she ultimately decided that Visual 2000 would be its provider "as it is the leading tool for inventory management and organizational business processes in the fashion industry." Visual 2000's VP of Research and Development, Charles Benoualid, confirmed, "Visual 2000 is delighted to be supporting emerging Canadian designers and brands to grow and compete on the world stage." Since the software has now been fully deployed, Benoualid continues, Ellie Mae Studios will benefit from Visual 2000's "centralized product information as well as streamlined design, production and distribution processes; all departments, from production to finance, will be connected in a single app." The Visual 2000 End2End suite is a fully functional omni-channel platform that was designed from the ground up by fashion industry professionals to help manage all aspects of an AFA fashion enterprise. The Visual 2000 and Ellie Mae team have achieved a live deployment date on time and on budget. About Ellie Mae Ellie Mae is a Toronto-based designer that develops vintage-inspired, eclectic jackets with a modern street style. Steadily evolving, the brand continuously develops by exploring and embracing both newness and tradition, and draws inspiration from the music that guides Ellie Mae's every movement. About Visual 2000 International Visual 2000 provides End2End software for apparel, footwear and fashion accessory companies. More than 500 companies around the world take advantage of Visual 2000?s advanced ERP, PLM, supply chain management, warehouse optimization and business intelligence software. For more information about us, please visit http://www.visual-2000.com Contact Info: Name: Greg Gascon Organization: Visual 2000 Release ID: 108801 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) OCTG (Oil Country Tubular Goods) Market 2016-2019 Trends, Competitive Landscape & Forecasts Analysis MarketReportsOnline.com adds "Global OCTG (Oil Country Tubular Goods) Market Report: 2016 Edition" report to its research store. -- The oil country tubular goods (OCTG) sector involves companies whose work is to make steel products to be used while drilling oil and gas wells. These are hollow steel products of circular cross-section used in the oil and gas industry for exploration and production activities. OCTG includes generally three categories of products - drill pipe, casing, and tubing. OCTG products can be manufactured as seamless or welded tubes and pipes. The Global OCTG (Oil Country Tubular Goods) Market Report: 2016 Edition research of 57 pages with 51 Charts and 7 Tables, 4 company profiles to the energy and power industry segment of its online data and intelligence library, Purchase a copy of this research report at USD 800 (Single User License) http://www.marketreportsonline.com/contacts/purchase.php?name=448401. The OCTG manufacturers can generally either produce seamless or welded OCTG products and not both, as the capital investment to manufacture seamless OCTG is quite high in comparison to the investment required in manufacturing welded OCTG. This report offers a comprehensive analysis of the global OCTG market. Furthermore, market dynamics such as key trends and development; and challenges are analyzed in depth. On the contention front, the global OCTG market is reined by few major players namely, Tenaris S.A., Vallourec, OAO TMK and Nippon Steel and Sumitomo Metal Corporation. The competitive landscape of the respective market, along with the company profiles of the leading players are also discussed in detail. The key factors which are anticipated to drive OCTG market include increasing global demand for oil and gas, economic growth, investment growth in offshore exploration activities and no substitute sources present for the present forms of energy. The industry is facing a decline in demand because of the falling oil prices and the decline in global rig count. The regions undergoing rapid industrialization process in the developed countries like China, India and Gulf nations have shown positive signs but the market will take time to bounce back on a positive note. Some of the significant developments of this industry include fluctuating rig count growth, increasing global E&P spending, and increasing global steel demand. However, the growth of the industry is hindered by the falling crude oil and steel prices, depletion of energy reserves and effect on the environment. Complete report available at http://www.marketreportsonline.com/448401.html. By combining SPSS Inc.'s data integration and analysis capabilities with our relevant findings, we have predicted the future growth of the OCTG market. We employed various significant variables that have an impact on this industry and created regression models with SPSS Base to determine the future direction of the industry. Before deploying the regression model, the relationship between several independent or predictor variables and the dependent variable was analyzed using standard SPSS output, including charts, tables and tests. Major Points from Table of Contents (http://www.marketreportsonline.com/448401-toc.html) are Listed Below: 1. Market Overview 1.1 OCTG Market: An Introduction 1.2 Types of Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG) Pipes 1.3 Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG) Manufacturing Process 2. OCTG Market Analysis 2.1 Global OCTG Demand 2.2 Global OCTG Demand - Shales vs. Others 2.2.1 Global Deep Water OCTG Consumption 2.2.2 Global Seamless OCTG Market 3. The US OCTG Market 3.1 The US Rig Count 3.2 The US OCTG Consumption 3.3 The US OCTG Consumption by Segment 4. Russian OCTG Market 5. Market Dynamics 5.1 Growth Drivers 5.1.1 Increasing Demand for Oil & Gas 5.1.2 Accelerating Economic Growth 5.1.3 Investment Growth in Offshore Drilling Exploration Activities 5.1.4 No Substitute Sources of Energy 5.1.5 Future Global Energy Consumption 5.2 Key Trends 5.2.1 Fluctuating Global Rig Count 5.2.2 Increasing Global E&P Spending 5.2.3 Increase in Global Steel Demand 5.2.4 COGS and SG&A Breakdown for an Integrated Seamless Producer 5.3 Challenges and Issues 5.3.1 Falling Crude Oil Prices 5.3.2 Falling Steel Prices 5.3.3 Depletion of Limited Oil and Gas Reserves 5.3.4 Environmental Issues 6. Competitive Landscape 7. Company Profiles Explore more related reports on energy and power market at http://www.marketreportsonline.com/cat/energy-and-power-supplies-market-research.html. For more information about us, please visit http://www.marketreportsonline.com/448401.html Contact Info: Name: Ritesh Tiwari Organization: Market Reports Online Phone: + 1 888 391 5441 Source: http://marketersmedia.com/octg-oil-country-tubular-goods-market-2016-2019-trends-competitive-landscape-forecasts-analysis/108756 Release ID: 108756 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) The Yellowstone County Attorney's office withheld information regarding a 2015 investigation into tainted evidence from the Montana State Crime Lab, two defense attorneys have said. During the trial of Nicholas Ellis Allison earlier this month, an agent with the Montana State Division of Investigations testified that a Montana State Crime Lab employee had tampered with some of the drug evidence in Allison's case. Allison's attorney, Daniel O.C. Ball has moved to either have the charges against his client dismissed or that Yellowstone County judge Gregory Todd grant Allison a new trial regarding the lab's tampering. The employee, Steve Brester, was an evidence technician responsible for opening evidence packages sent to the Crime Lab between September 2014 and June 2015. The Montana Attorney General's communication director John Barnes said 59 drug cases were affected across the state, and all county attorneys were given a list of those cases in 2015. "We notified prosecutors, and it would have been their call on notifying defense counsel in the affected cases," Barnes said. "We did notify the Office of Public Defender." The motion states that Ball thought "based on conversation with the State of Montana, was that all affected cases and counts that related to Crime Lab deficiencies were dismissed. At trial it was revealed that this was not the case." A motion filed the day before Allison's trial revealed more information than Ball was privy to at that time, the motion said. "While tampering was generally limited to pills, investigators cannot rule out tampering in other areas," the motion said, quoting the DCI agent who investigated the Montana State Crime Lab and testified at Allison's trial. "Essentially, the defense learned of these circumstances, and this exculpatory evidence, at the jury trial," the motion states. Both Ball and the Office of the Public Defender Major Crimes Unit Attorney Tom Bartleson moved to have charges dismissed in an additional trial involving Jessy Lee Williams. Williams was convicted in November of three felony counts including sexual intercourse without consent and aggravated burglary. Prior to trial, Bartleson filed a motion on Aug. 12, which asked for all internal and external audits of the Montana State Crime lab conducted within the past three years. That motion was filed after an investigation at the crime lab had already been going on for more than a month. An order was issued by Todd granting the motion and requiring the Crime Lab to produce "audits, findings, deficiencies, remedies and subsequent personnel actions." Bartleson writes in his motion he was only provided with audits from 2013 and 2014. He was not provided the 2015 audits because they weren't complete. Nothing regarding Brester's firing or that there was a "routine quality audit" were provided to the defense. Senior Deputy County Attorney Brett Linneweber, who prosecuted Williams, said he was drafting a response to the motion to dismiss, but said the Montana State Crime Lab does not work in tandem with the Yellowstone County Attorney's office and prosecutors are not required to turn over evidence in the hands of another agency. "We did not fail to disclose anything," Linneweber said. "The state public defenders have the right to subpoena the crime lab just like us." Yellowstone County Attorney Scott Twito said his office and attorneys met the discovery statute requirements and that prosecutors would be filing responses to Ball and Bartleson's motions, as in all cases. "We will let the courts decide," Twito said. "The state's failure to comply with its obligations under these statutes makes sanctions appropriate," Bartleson said in his motion. "Worse, the defense specifically requested additional discovery based upon the accurate understanding that personnel at the crime lab had been fired, and no discovery concerning that action was provided." In Yellowstone County nine active cases were affected by the evidence tampering and six cases were never filed. Global Autism Project Founder To Speak At U.N. For World Autism Awareness Day Global Autism Project founder and CEO, Molly Ola Pinney, will be speaking at United Nations on April 1, 2016, for World Autism Awareness Day. -- Molly Ola Pinney, founder and CEO of the Global Autism Project, will be speaking at the United Nations General Assembly on April 1, 2016, for World Autism Awareness Day. This year's annual event will focus on the theme of "Autism and the 2030 Agenda: Inclusion and Neurodiversity". Ms. Pinney will be joining a panel to address the current inequality within and among all countries in regards to autism service provision. Specifically, Ms. Pinney's panel will address the need to bridge the inequality gap. This is in accordance with Goal 10 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, "Reducing inequality within and among countries". This goal addresses autism in one of its key targets: "By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status." Most inequalities seen internationally may be a product of stigma and misunderstanding of autism, which are addressed through the mission of the Global Autism Project. Ms. Pinney will speak to the emergence of sustainable service provision which was born from her personal experience with autism service deficits in Ghana. Pinney says, "When I began looking for services to support those in Ghana, I quickly realized that lack of services was a global phenomenon and that children around the world were suffering as a result." Global Autism Project 501(c)3, is a nonprofit organization which provides training to local individuals in evidence-based practices for individuals with autism. Global Autism Project believes that every child has the ability to learn and their potential should not be limited by geographical bounds. The Global Autism Project seeks to eliminate the disparity in service provision seen around the world by providing high quality training to individuals providing services in their local community. This training is made sustainable through regular training trips and contiguous remote training. Company Name: GLOBAL AUTISM PROJECT Contact Name: Sara Costello City: BROOKLYN State: NY Country: United States Phone: 764-8225 ext. 4 Email: sara@globalautismproject.org Website URL: http://globalautismproject.org/ Source: http://authoritynewsnetwork.com/global-autism-project-founder-to-speak-at-u-n-for-world-autism-awareness-day/ Release ID: 108915 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) New EZ Popups Launch Causes Worldwide Discussion, as Unique Bonus Introduced by eMarketing Champs New EZ Popups Launch Causes Worldwide Discussion In the Digital Marketing Review Underground, as Unique Bonus Package Introduced by eMarketing Champs. Facebook Plans To Open Messenger To Publishers In April. -- The new EZ Popups Review launch is causing worldwide discussion in the digital marketing review underground because it promises to help increase conversion rates by following their three simple steps. HanifQ, an expert internet marketer, has provided a full guide and comprehensive bonus package for the EZ Popups software, available on this webpage: [+]http://emarketingchamps.com/ez-popups/ Hanif regards himself as a legitimate EZPopups review critic, because of his extensive experience with 'on-page' conversion optimization strategies. According to Hanif EZ Popups users should take advantage of Facebook's latest mobile messaging feature. Mobile messaging apps are quickly gaining popularity as a new platform for distributing content. According to some people familiar with the plans, Facebook is also looking to allow publishers to distribute their content through its highly popular messaging app. It is expected that Facebook will announce these plans along with a number of participating publishers at its annual developer conference in April. During the last year's developer conference, Facebook announced that the Facebook Messenger will become a platform instead of just a chat service. At the time of this announcement, it was thought that the platform will open up to apps such as Giphy that will allow people to send GIFs and businesses may use Messenger as a new channel for customer service. Techcrunch reported earlier this year that the social networking giant has begun testing a tool for other developers for building chat bots that can plug into the Messenger and allow people to make certain kind of requests from inside the chat app. One tech company built a chat bot for The Muppets (ABC) . This bot allowed people to converse with a fictional character and the replies was chosen by computer algorithms from a predefined list. Bild, a German newspaper, appears to be the first publisher to use this still private tool for posting articles to Messenger as it started doing this in January. The manner in which the newspaper's chat bot uses Messenger appears to be an early example of how publishers will be able to use it when the service is officially opened by Facebook. Once people start conversing with the chat bot, it will send them messages with brief description of news along with a link to the website of the newspaper with the full article. Another way in which Messenger can be used by publishers can be the way the Notify app by Facebook works. This app allows people to subscribe to receive push notifications from a number of publishers including Fox sports, People, Vice, and The New York Times among others. When people click on these notifications, the related article is opened in an in-app browser. As far as monetization is concerned, it is still not clear how publishers may be able to make money from content posted to Messenger. Techcrunch reports that Facebook plans to allow businesses to pay to send messages to people who have already been in conversation with them on Messenger which means that publishers can sell advertising on sponsored messages. However, this is still speculation as nothing concrete has been said by Facebook. There are a number of messaging apps with millions of subscribers and a number of publishers have already checked the space with various other messaging services. For instance, Buzz feed, NBC News and The Washington Post have already tried out Kik. However, the Facebook Messenger has the biggest US audience among all messaging apps and has more than 800 million monthly active users globally. Mr Quentino's comprehensive EZ Popups review and bonus package can be accessed on his official site: http://emarketingchamps.com/ez-popups/ For more information about us, please visit https://www.facebook.com/EZ-Popups-Review-510686569056636/ Contact Info: Name: Hanif Quentino Organization: eMarketingChamps Video URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNCRGTr8gos Source: http://marketersmedia.com/new-ez-popups-launch-causes-worldwide-discussion-as-unique-bonus-introduced-by-emarketing-champs/108917 Release ID: 108917 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) North Carolina Businesses Gain New Ally With Launch of Digital Marketer Gravitii Combining month-to-month flexibility with results-oriented, N.C-informed approach to local SEO, PPC, and other digital marketing services, new agency stands out from the pack, Gravitii reports -- Gravitii, a search engine optimization (SEO) and digital marketing agency, has launched and opened its doors to clients. With an exclusive approach to digital marketing that ably accounts for the distinctive North Carolina business environment, Gravitii stands ready to deploy the mix of SEO and pay-per-click strategies that best suits each client's unique needs. Committed to delivering impressive returns on investment in every case, Gravitii operates on a simple, no-obligation month-to-month model that frees clients from worries about getting bogged down in long-term contracts. Those interested can learn more about what the new agency has to offer at www.gravitii.co. "North Carolina means a lot to us, and we think it's about time that the state had a digital marketing agency that really reflects what it is about," company founder Brendan Martin said, "That's why we're so proud and excited to announce the launch of Gravitii, a new kind of agency that has been designed from the ground up to provide what businesses in North Carolina truly need. We've done away with the burdensome contracts, vague promises, and shallow understanding of the state that are typical of so many other digital marketing agencies. We're already delivering real results to our first clients and look forward to working with many more North Carolina businesses in the days to come." While just about every business in North Carolina today owns and operates a website of some kind, relatively few of those actually make much of a real difference. With so many websites to choose from, search engines like Google tend to focus on those that stand out the most when delivering results to users, meaning that the vast majority hardly receive much notice at all. Gravitii was founded to help companies throughout North Carolina break free from this commonly encountered trap and do so in ways that make a concrete difference to the bottom line. By using a carefully tailored selection of aboveboard, highly effective SEO techniques in tandem with strategic pay-per-click advertising, Gravitii delivers more traffic and attention to the websites of clients. Unlike many other digital marketing agencies in the state, Gravitii works tirelessly to make sure that the resulting revenue boosts more than justify its fees, ensuring that clients realize rewarding returns on their investments. This commitment allows Gravitii to offer its services in a flexible, month-to-month manner that gives clients far greater control over their spending decisions than is the norm in the industry. With a deep, organization-wide knowledge of North Carolina's distinctive business environment and how to achieve digital marketing results within it, Gravitii is accepting inquiries now through the convenient "Discover" form at the agency's website. About Gravitii: Delivering more traffic and more results than any other agency, Gravitii provides North Carolina companies with highly effective search engine optimization, pay-per-click ad management, and other digital marketing services. For more information about us, please visit https://www.gravitii.co Contact Info: Name: Brendan Martin Organization: Gravitii Address: Asheville, N.C 28805 Phone: (828) 668-2049 Source: http://marketersmedia.com/north-carolina-businesses-gain-new-ally-with-launch-of-digital-marketer-gravitii/109032 Release ID: 109032 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) Clean Energy Leaders Convene, Pinpoint Solutions for Future - Replays Available National and state energy experts convened in late March to address solutions for energy needs of states, communities and the nation. Solar energy, other renewable energy and transportation alternative fuels were their focus. On-demand recordings are available as a tool for action by organizations, others. -- The first two-day track of a multi-part national "2016 Energy Solutions Conference" Simulcast was held on March 23 - 24, 2016 and showcased top experts on a host of timely energy topics. The 23-speaker event focused on two themes: renewable energy and transportation alternative fuels. The conference host has created the opportunity for those who missed this powerful program to access it at their own convenience by way of online recordings of each speaker's remarks and presentation materials. These on-demand replays represent a timely resource for professionals, decision-makers and the public - including cities, counties, other public agencies, utility companies, other energy service providers, nonprofit organizations, community planners, educators, elected officials, businesses and industry, community leaders, students, and still others. From environmentalists to economic developers, energy specialists to generalists in decision roles, designers to engineers, transportation officials to consumers and many others, the conference centered on providing value for creating and carrying out solutions to meet energy needs. REPLAYS are available here: http://conference.energysmartplanning.org/replays.html Energy technology innovations, the emergence of adverse climate impacts, citizen calls for clean energy, documented job increases from renewable energy and energy efficiency, and still other influences have catalyzed a shift in the energy world and new opportunities are available for states, local communities and at the national level. Such opportunities were in the spotlight throughout the March event. "Solar energy, bioenergy, wind power and other renewable energy resources, as well as energy efficiency innovations and alternative transportation fuels, offer more opportunities for the U.S. now than ever before", notes Marcia Elder, energy specialist and conference chair. "The shift to their greater use has been recognized as vital to public health, the economy, the environment and national security", she adds. As part of the March event, senior officials of key national organizations discussed a range of issues, alternatives, strategies and real world opportunities for addressing energy needs. Participants attended from around the country to learn about the latest clean energy technologies, benefits of their use, changing trends in energy services, consumer empowerment initiatives, sustainable community approaches, and assorted models of success. Just some of the national organizations whose officials presented at the conference were: the U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Renewable Energy Lab, Pace Energy & Climate Center, The Solar Foundation, the Solar Electric Power Association, Community Power Network, Center for Resource Solutions, Biomass Power Association and American Planning Association. The event also featured a major electric utility success story: Portland General Electric and its renewable energy programs. Transportation presenters included Nissan USA, General Motors, the USEPA Clean Cities program, the Florida Solar Energy Center and three utility companies. The Business Council for Sustainable Energy and Union of Concerned Scientists were among the other presenters. Presentations by energy experts underscored how renewable energy and alternative fuels offer far-reaching and well documented benefits for local communities and the nation as a whole - eliminating pollution, creating jobs, conserving energy, arresting the effects of climate change, reducing pollution-related health impacts, stimulating local economic development and more. Access the on-demand replays to also learn about: - How the future of communities will be impacted by energy choices - How communities can go green, using solar and other renewable energy - Models of utility programs and services that consumers can seek for their own locales - Community planning approaches for creating clean energy success stories - Significant job creation happening through renewable technologies - The latest data and info on renewables for planning by states, communities and consumers - Models of renewables projects that can be replicated in other areas - Options for shifting from gasoline to cleaner energy choices in transportation - What to expect from utilities of the future in meeting consumer needs -- & how the public can weigh in on related energy decisions - And much more On-demand replays of the event are broken down by speakers and topics so interested parties can focus on those of particular interest. The event was hosted by the Future Is Now Foundation as the third in a series of successful energy conferences it has produced. The Foundation has sponsored many other Web-based events on energy and other topics over the past near 11 years. In keeping with its innovative approaches, the event was offered as a Simulcast whereby participants could attend in person or online, and as a "modular conference" with multiple tracks held throughout the year. The next track will deal with energy efficiency, green buildings and green business operations and an impressive cast of speakers has been arranged for it. Originally planned for April, a new date will be announced soon as the host implements a new plan to make the event accessible even more widely by eliminating the registration fee. The on-demand replays of the event are available through the conference Website along with other resources for a bright energy future -http://conference.energysmartplanning.org/act.html The Future Is Now Foundation, established in 2002, is a Florida-based non-partisan, nonprofit organization that hosts educational programs and technical assistance on topics that matter for the future and now. The Foundation also provides capacity building services for the success of organizations. For more information about us, please visit http://conference.energysmartplanning.org/home.html Contact Info: Name: Marcia Elder Organization: Future Is Now Foundation Release ID: 108966 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) 2nd Chance 2nd Chance Water Restoration is pleased to announce the release of their Mold Removal After Flooding Guide! The goal of this guide is to provide useful information on how to prevent mold after flooding occurs. This useful information could save homeowners money and hassle. View as PDF Print View Chicago, IL March 31, 2016 (FPRC) -- 2nd Chance Water Restoration, a Chicago based water removal company, is announcing the release of their Mold Removal After Flooding Guide. The guide is filled with useful information for homeowners who want to know what to do after flooding to prevent mold in their basement. Those that want to view these tips can visit the blog section at 2ndchancewaterrestoration.com under recent post. Patrick Mathews, a spokesperson for 2nd Chance Water Restoration, stated "Everyone who has had flooding in their basement has worried about mold. We are just trying to pass on useful information that can help prevent mold. Spring is going to bring a lot of rain and we want people to be prepared when they need water removal" Thankfully, 2nd Chance Water Restoration has released an informative guide for those worried about mold after flooding has occurred. From knowing what your humidity levels are to keeping your air moving this guide is filled with tips that any homeowner can appreciate. Making sure not to have sump pumps that are over three years old and maintaining your drain lines are also helpful tidbits. As Mathews goes on to state, "People often think their walls are not wet because the water was not very deep or the flood water went down right away. Little do they know that you need proper moisture meters to determine how wet building materials really are. It only takes water to pass through a house before drying is essential to prevent mold. This guide is a tool for homeowners to have the knowledge to prevent mold growth." About 2nd Chance Water Restoration: 2nd Chance Water Restoration is the leading authority on water removal and flooded basement cleanup in Chicago. Having acquired an A+ rating with the Chicago BBB the excellent body of work has made 2nd Chance a highly trusted and reputable service company. Send an email to Patrick OConnor of r 866-575-5814 Recent Press Releases By The Same User Water Damage Near Me Expands Their Service Area (Thu 31st Mar 16) Service Restoration Launches New Site (Thu 31st Mar 16) Service Restoration Launches New Site Service Restoration launches it's brand new website to help customers recover easier from flood damage. Service Restoration has been in the Minneapolis area for some time providing top notch flood cleanup and it is time that Minnesota residents were aware of them. View as PDF Print View Minneapolis, MN March 31, 2016 (FPRC) -- Service Restoration, a Minneapolis flooded basement cleanup company, is proud to announce the launching of it's brand new website. It is jam packed with useful information and tips on water damage restoration for Minnesota homeowners. If you are interested in that outstanding information you can look at the recent posts in the blog section at Servicerestoration.com to find what you are looking for. Dan Schmidt, A spokesperson for Service Restoration, remarked "We have been doing flooding and sewage cleanup for some time now in the Minneapolis and St Paul area without an internet presence and we felt it was time to get our message out there. Not only do we pride ourselves on service but reputation and what better way to spread that message than online" The timing could not be better because spring is here and with it comes the rain. The spring is when most flooding and sewer backup occurs and it is good for the community to have access on the web to the best water damage restoration companies around. Service Restoration has been around long enough now to gather some recognition in the community for it's excellent service, but it will be easier to generate word of mouth with the new website. Dan also goes on to state "Having saved thousands of pictures from all the water removal and sewage cleanup jobs we have performed over the years has provided us a plethora of images that should stun! We have handled all kinds of flooding problems across the country so some of the pictures we have will blow your mind! This new site will allow me to share some of my fantastic memories helping people recover from flooding." About Service Restoration: Service Restoration is aptly named as the owner and founder of the company, Dan Schmidt, prides himself on the excellent track record of his flooded basement cleanup company. While having three crews that service the entire Twin Cities area, Dan frequently hits the road to help with water damage restoration wherever it is needed. Send an email to Dan Schmidt of r 952-406-2913 Recent Press Releases By The Same User Water Damage Near Me Expands Their Service Area (Thu 31st Mar 16) 2nd Chance (Thu 31st Mar 16) The man who landed a punch to the face of Montana Attorney General Tim Fox on Tuesday night in Billings called Fox to apologize Thursday. John Barnes, communications director for the Montana Department of Justice and the Office of the Attorney General, said in an email that Fox and David E. Carpenter had a very pleasant and positive conversation. Billings Police said that shortly before midnight Tuesday after guests of the Radisson Hotel had come down from their rooms when a fire alarm was pulled, Carpenter, whod been drinking, began taking swings at Jason Thielman, U.S. Sen. Steve Daines chief of staff. At one point when Fox intervened on Thielmans behalf, Carpenter, according to Fox, cold-cocked me. Fox said he flipped Carpenter, got him in a half-Nelson, and subdued him until police arrived. The fracas occurred hours after the end of the first day of the Montana Energy Conference, which concludes Thursday. Daines is hosting the conference. Both Fox and Thielman declined to press assault charges, so police charged Carpenter with disorderly conduct. He was released from the Yellowstone County Detention Facility Wednesday, a jail spokeswoman said. In downtown Seattle on a Wednesday morning, diners at Millers Guild, an upscale eatery, are quietly choosing between breakfast dishes like smoked salmon torta and bavette with eggs. But in a few months another item will start showing up on diners bills: a mandatory service charge of 18 per cent, which the restaurant is using to help offset an increased minimum wage. Seattle, a city of 650,000 that is home to Amazon and Starbucks, has become a testing ground for one of the worlds most ambitious minimum wage hikes, and an example to the UK, which introduces its own minimum wage experiment on Friday. Seattles plan, passed in 2014, will raise the minimum hourly wage by 50 per cent in just two years, with the minimum wage reaching $15 per hour next year for large businesses. A growing number of US cities and states are following suit. California Governor Jerry Brown announced on Monday that state legislators and labour leaders had agreed on a $15 minimum wage bill the first of its kind in the US which will be voted on by the state assembly. Cities including San Francisco and Portland are phasing in $15 hourly wages. Seattle is still seen as a special test case. You can think of this as kind of the ideal conditions in which to raise the minimum wage, said Jacob Vigdor, a policy professor at the University of Washington. Seattle has a booming labour market, and a booming real estate market. There is a lot of wealth in Seattle. When the first wage hike took effect last April, unemployment stood at a seven-year low, at 3.7 per cent, in King County, which includes Seattle. Unemployment has ticked up since then, reaching 5.2 per cent in January, but economists caution against reading too much into the numbers because they are not seasonally adjusted. Mr Vigdor is leading a research team commissioned by the city of Seattle that is studying the wage increase, and said it could be another couple of years before the impacts are fully understood. At restaurants like Millers Guild the impact is much more immediate. That hit is huge to the bottom line, said Jason Wilson, the owner and executive chef at Millers Guild. The change will mean a 50 per cent hourly raise for servers, who also make tips. Mr Wilsons answer is the mandatory service charge, which will replace tips and be distributed between wait staff and kitchen staff. In the kitchen, the staff are already paid more than the minimum wage because of the tight labour market (although they do not make tips). Even a dishwasher makes $14 per hour and Mr Wilson said these jobs are hard to fill. We see it as a big gap in the labour pool right now, he said, adding that the construction boom in downtown Seattle has made it harder to fill entry-level kitchen jobs. Many other restaurants are simply raising prices to deal with the shift. A recent survey found that this was the most common response for businesses whose clientele can afford it. Not all businesses have that option. Millers Guild sits in Seattles bustling business district, just a stones throw from the Amazon campus, and Mr Wilson is optimistic that its mandatory service charge will not scare customers away. But the southern half of the city is poorer than the northern half; and business owners are more likely to reduce worker hours in response to the wage increase. It is a different story in the south side of town, said Mr Vigdor. Businesses there report that they are less confident they will be able to pass costs along to customers. One other question facing Seattle is what happens when the boom times end. When there is this next recession, do we see a greater degree of unravelling in Seattle versus elsewhere? Mr Vigdor said. The minimum wage may have one impact when the economy is booming, and a different one when it is not. Fund selectors have quashed fears about capacity issues in European equity funds after Baring Asset Management announced it would soft close one of its portfolios. Last week, Investment Adviser revealed Barings was set to soft close its 1.5bn Europe Select fund in May following significant growth in the portfolios assets. Rod Aldridge, the firms head of Emea wholesale distribution, said: Its a key product for us and one where we have had success in terms of growing the assets, which have tripled in the last five years. We regularly review capacity across our whole product range, and we thought it was prudent to manage the inflows as assets rise. While soft closures can help managers to run their portfolios effectively, these measures can also create difficulties for fund selectors seeking holdings with strong performance. Asset allocators remain confident about the choice of European equity funds available, however. Darius McDermott, managing director of Chelsea Financial Services and an investor in the Barings fund, said the soft closure announcement had prompted him to seek alternatives but did not represent a broader problem. Mr McDermott, who is assessing a European offering from Mirabaud Asset Management, said the Investment Associations (IA) Europe ex UK sector was awash with quality fund managers. It is right to look at capacity, but in the European and UK Income sectors there are more than a dozen quality managers you can look to, he explained. Barings made the right decision to soft close, as they are looking to control the flows. Its a small- and mid-cap strategy that was relatively niche, and the decision was grown-up. Funds in the IA Europe excluding UK sector, and in Europe more generally, have proved popular with investors. In January, European equity sectors stood out with net retail sales of 291m, at a time when the remaining equity sectors suffered combined net retail outflows of 249m. In 2015, funds focusing on Europe enjoyed net retail sales of nearly 4.5bn according to the IA, making up more than half of the 8.4bn in net inflows to equity funds. Meena Lakshmanan, head of investment solutions at Vestra Wealth, is also unconcerned about this sector, and does not believe the Barings soft closure is evidence of a blanket issue. She noted that the BlackRock European Dynamic fund, for example, had soft closed in 2013 before reopening the following year. Good funds may have [capacity] issues but there are other [European] funds that have seen net outflows so Im not sure this is going to be a blanket European issue, she said. Also, while Europe and Japan were popular at the end of 2015, given how the market is going, I am not convinced these overweight positions will continue in 2016. Interest in tracker funds and property funds slumped in February as absolute return and equity income products cemented their status as nervous investors products of choice. UK investment funds experienced net outflows of 399m last month, following on from the 463m of net outflows in January which marked the worst sales since October 2008, according to latest figures. The Investment Association (IA) had attributed Januarys figures to risk on, risk off market sentiment, which led to increased volatility and pushed investors to reduce their holdings. But instead of viewing market dips as a buying opportunity, sentiment among investors remained poor last month - despite the beginnings of a rally emerging in the final weeks. Notably, net sales of tracker funds also dropped sharply in February, down from 543m in January to just 91m. This represents the worst month for tracker fund sales since the 83m in sales recorded in March 2013, and adds credence to the suggestion that the products ability to withstand Januarys risk-off environment was largely due to investors making shorter-term tactical allocations. Property funds also suffered further, having recorded their first net outflows for a number of years in January. The 29m in net outflows seen in 2015s opening month was followed by a net 119m in redemptions in February. Guy Sears, interim chief executive of the IA, said: Caution was still evident amongst retail investors in February as they reduced their holdings in investment funds amid volatile markets. Outflows were seen across a range of asset classes, but we did see investor appetite for absolute return and equity income products. Targeted Absolute Return was the best-selling IA sector with net retail sales of 243m last month, up from 224m in January, while UK Equity Income saw net sales rise by 50 per cent to 214m and global income sales also returned to positive territory. Fixed income was the most unloved asset class with a net retail outflow of 265m, with the worst falls experienced by strategic bond funds, which saw outflows of 199m - largely due to continued redemptions from the M&G Optimal Income fund, Morningstar estimates suggest. A total of 196m was withdrawn from equity funds last month, the worst of which was the 218m in outflows recorded by UK All Companies funds. Europe ex-UK and US equity funds experienced the most drastic changes in sentiment. Sales of Europe ex-UK funds saw inflows of 250m in January but outflows of 27m in February, and it was a similar story for North America funds, which enjoyed 228m in net inflows in January but 67m of outflows last month. A conflict has emerged between key players seeking to bring to market the government-backed pension dashboard, amid competing announcements over who is acting for the industry. Yesterday (30 March), technology provider Origo announced it was already building the engine to power such a consumer portal, revealing it had the backing of big name providers Aegon, Ageas, Aviva, Axa Wealth, Friends Life, Just Retirement, MetLife, Legal & General, Prudential, Royal London, Scottish Widows, Standard Life, Unum and Zurich. But the move surprised some in the industry, after the Tax Incentivised Savings Association revealed just last week (21 March) it has its own plans to deliver a pensions dashboard, before the 2019 target date put forward in the Financial Advice Market Review. It said it would establish an industry run, not-for-profit facility, based on open standards to facilitate the sharing of data, use the Tisa Exchange (Tex) model as a template. These separate announcements have left key players in the market facing the prospect of divided loyalties. The basic premise of the pensions dashboard is for a secure website where consumers could request and then access their various disparate pension scheme pots, in order to get a better idea of their overall savings strategy. Many of the life and pension companies backing Origo helped set up the technology provider in 1989 and still have a stake in the electronic trading systems it has created since then. But a similar number, like Origo itself, were also present at a meeting organised by Tisa on 17 February, where 60 firms discussed the development and widespread adoption of the dashboard. Hugo Thorman, chairman at financial services consultancy and software company Altus, said he was at that meeting and saw enthusiastic support from Origo, and the firms backing it, for plans to use the TeX model. Tisa were gauging support just last week and their open standards approach was endorsed by all in the room, so I am somewhat perplexed by this statement from Origo, who were also there and in favour. He was critical of the move by Origo,described as a body ultimately owned by about 15 life companies; albeit with a benign objective. Open standards allow industry providers to compete to improve service and scope and reduce costs, those market pressures will be absent with a centralised system and database controlled by Origo; effectively a monopoly owned by an oligopoly, he added. Michael Roe, development manager at Origo, defended the companys position, saying it has been working on a pension dashboard since early last year with support from across the pension industry, and was disappointed by Tisa acting unitlaterally. Tisa hosted an event on the 17 February at which we were present, where most of the attendees expressed the desire to have one voice from the various industry bodies and specifically to avoid duplication with the work being undertaken by the Pension Finder Alpha project, stated Mr Roe. Phoenix Life has finally backed down in a stand off with an adviser after misplaced allegations his firm was involved in pension liberation. Five months of stalemate ended after Jim Bell of Serenus Consulting hired lawyers to challenge the provider and clear his name, when Phoenix refused to even discuss the issue with him, he said. Mr Bell and other advisers told Financial Adviser they supported Phoenixs vigilance of pension scams, but said the case highlighted widespread problems caused by providers poor communication with them. My overall feeling is this is typical of the current state of the UK pensions industry. It feels like every day IFAs are at war with providers when we look to transfer a pension away from any of them, Mr Bell said. A spokesperson for Phoenix said its robust processes protect customer interests, adding we are not putting unnecessary barriers in place to stop IFAs transacting on behalf of their clients. Mr Bell became aware of an issue when Phoenix refused to supply him with information about a clients pension scheme in November last year. At that time, Phoenix told Financial Adviser the advisers company had links to pension liberation - a claim Mr Bell strongly denied. Mr Bell said he was forced to hire lawyers at substantial cost to reveal in fact Phoenix had flagged Serenus because of a request for transfer values and discharge documentation by two unrelated companies, both recognised as linked to pension liberation schemes. Documents seen by Financial Adviser revealed someone had falsified a Letter of Authority and association with Serenus to try and pass themselves off as regulated. Mr Bell said he was very pleased the issue had now been resolved, but dismissed Phoenixs statements that it had given him numerous opportunities to discuss the matter. This false Letter of Authority was sent to Phoenix in 2012 and at no time did it ever approach my firm to raise the alarm, and in the subsequent two years I transferred away six other clients from them, he said. Providers are expected by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to help prevent pension liberation fraud. Pension liberation cases are falling in number, but increasingly sophisticated criminals are targeting larger scams, according to City of London Police statistics. Reported pension fraud in the year to February rose by almost 3m to 13.2m, compared to a year earlier, generated by 640 cases compared to 1,883 cases in the previous period. A spokesperson for Phoenix said it has prevented over 28m of customer funds being lost to fraud. But Steven Robinson, managing director of Clarke Robinson, said by not informing Mr Bell his firms name was being used illegitimately, Phoenix may have allowed the fraudsters to continue undetected. Advisers said providers poor communication often exasperated what could otherwise have been easy matters to resolve. Steve Hennessy, associate director at Myers Davison Ginger, said providers often do not respond to direct questions about the important parts of the pension. The firm backs the initiative, and called on other pension providers to develop a framework for the necessary consumer research to be carried out during 2016. Scottish Widows independent IGC, in its report today (31 March), asked the provider to carry out a study using an independent third party, covering a representative sample of its customer base. It is expected the findings will be ready by the middle of the year, and will inform the IGCs value for money considerations over the next 12 months. Peter Glancy, Scottish Widows head of industry development, said one of the areas where the Scottish Widows IGC felt information was needed was around actual consumer expectations. There is very limited data regarding actual individual members and what they value in their pension scheme and what they would regard as value for money and good outcomes look like for them from their investment in the scheme. Our IGC has commissioned an extensive piece of customer research to try to answer some of these questions within our own customer base. What they are keen to develop with the other IGCs, or indeed if industry would be willing to come together, is an independent piece of research which then puts each company against the findings to create a benchmark. This would then aid comparison across the market when measuring each company against actual customers expectations of value for money. Elsewhere, the committees report stated that peaks in charges for customers saving in legacy products are capped at 1 per cent of their fund in any given year, reducing the average charge below 1 per cent for the policy term in many cases, while all exit charges are being removed. Additionally, the provider agreed to communicate with customers with older products, bringing to their attention the availability of more modern products, whilst reminding customers of the value of some of the benefits only available in those older products. Finally, an alternative to cash investments, which were producing low re I hope there will now be some movement and agreement towards achieving this quickly Daren OBrien turns reflective of the low interest rate environment, has been developed to deliver a higher return for those seeking a low risk option. Babloo Ramamurthy, the independent chair of the Scottish Widows IGC, said: We believe Scottish Widows offers reasonable value for money relative to the market and is making what we believe are sensible efforts to continue to improve value for money in the future. We are comfortable Scottish Widows has designed investment options which are appropriate for its customers and has aligned its interests with those of its customers through its charging structure. Ronnie Taylor, pensions director at Scottish Widows, pointed out that they established an IGC well in advance of government legislation, so were already well placed to meet the challenges it set us. We are particularly supportive of the creation of an industry-wide customer benchmarking of providers which will give insight into what customers consider to be fair value. Card Of Thanks MILLER Please accept my sincere thanks for the ones who sent cards for my 90th birthday and also the ones who planned the party at the Tower. Also, thank to... Marriage Licenses The following couples applied for a marriage license at the local courthouse during the past week: Joshua Sean Ceinck, 38, Warfordsburg, and Heather Lynn Norris, 38, Warfordsburg. Ronald Jay Snyder... The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) has failed to meet its own target to pay nearly all farmers their 2015 basic payment by 1 April. RPA chief executive Mark Grimshaw recently told MPs that between 92% and 95% of eligible farmers would receive their payment by the end of March. As Farmers Weekly went to press on Wednesday (30 March), the agency said it had paid just 73,846 claimants, which was 85% of the total. That was worth 1.16bn out of 1.4bn owing. See also: Farmers warned to get BPS entitlement transfers started NFU vice-president Guy Smith said: April is upon us and quite clearly the RPA have not paid the 92-95% they said they would. My message to the RPA is: stop taking us for fools, something clearly hasnt gone to plan so what exactly is the problem? When will it be fixed and when can the 10,000-plus still waiting for payment expect to be paid? Meanwhile, the RPA has started distributing BPS 2015 claim statements. So far more than 53,000 have been sent out, with a further 12,000 set to go next week. The forms explain to farmers the value of their claim, how it has been calculated, including any penalties and reductions. The NFU and agents say they have received numerous reports of farmers receiving lower payments than expected for over-declaration penalties and mapping irregularities. As a result, many were drowning the RPA call centre, with some waiting 40-deep for up to one hour to get through. One land agent told Farmers Weekly: Today I phoned to find I was number 63 in the queue My client and I know the RPA have made a mistake and penalised the business unnecessarily. The penalty and the lack of BPS payment equates to 5,600. But an RPA spokesman said: The payments we make are based on the entitlements and eligible land data we hold on the Rural Payments service. Payments could be less than last year because of factors such as the exchange rate, a new calculation method and the optional greening element. It is also possible that not completing the claim to the level of detail required could also change the value of a payment. The NFU urged people not to call the RPA unnecessarily and not to take their frustrations out on RPA call centre staff. Its clear the RPA need more people with more information answering the phone, said Mr Smith. In Wales, NFU Cymru said patience was wearing extremely thin among the estimated 5% of farmers still waiting to receive their BPS part payment (80% of claim value). NFU Cymru president Stephen James said: I am particularly concerned for our cross-border farmers who have not yet been paid because of the failure of the paying agencies in England and Wales to effectively share data. In Scotland, latest figures show 63% of farmers and crofters have now been paid, equivalent to 11,433 individuals. However, NFU Scotland said these figures meant only about half the governments pot had been distributed. Story Highlights Her platform and a desire for a female president also among top reasons His backers most likely to support him for his care for people WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents who would like to see Hillary Clinton win the Democratic presidential nomination most frequently cite her qualifications, White House experience and care for the needs of the people as the reasons they favor her over Sen. Bernie Sanders. Most Important Reasons for Supporting Hillary Clinton for the Democratic Nomination What are one or two of the most important reasons why you prefer Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination? (open-ended) Among Democrats/Democratic leaners Mar 21-23 , 2016 % Capable of being president/Qualified/Experienced 29 Hillary Clinton's political background/White House experience/Bill Clinton 19 Care for and about the people/Connected to their needs 10 Hillary Clinton's a woman/Need a woman/Equal for women 9 Like/Agree with views/Good platform 8 Intelligent/Smart/Knowledgeable 8 Strong/Good leadership abilities 4 Well-versed in foreign policy/International dealings 4 Will win the election 3 Need a change/Different 3 Consistent/Stable stand by their decision 3 None/No opinion 9 Note: Responses mentioned by at least 3% are listed Gallup Other reasons Clinton supporters give to explain why they back her include the desire or need for a female president, her platform and overall views and her intelligence. Nine percent did not offer an opinion as to why they support the former first lady, U.S. senator and secretary of state. These data, based on a March 21-23 Gallup poll, come as Clinton and Sanders gear up for important primary contests in Wisconsin and New York. Gallup asked Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents who said they would support Clinton or Sanders to indicate in their own words what lies behind their preference. Responses to this question were coded into major categories as displayed in the accompanying tables. As the results show, Clinton supporters tend to cite aspects of her background and character as reasons for her supporting her. Beyond the 8% saying they like her platform, the only specific mention of issues or policy is her being well-versed in foreign policy (4%). This, however, is likely tied in to her experience as secretary of state. More Sanders supporters reference aspects of his policy stances, such as his focus on education and college tuition (10%) and healthcare problems (4%). These are in addition to the 19% who more generally say they agree with his views. The single most common mention about the Vermont senator, however, is that he cares about and connects with the people and their needs (22%). Most Important Reasons for Supporting Bernie Sanders for the Democratic Nomination What are one or two of the most important reasons why you prefer Bernie Sanders for the Democratic nomination? (open-ended) Among Democrats and Democratic leaners Mar 21-23 , 2016 % Care for and about the people/Connected to their needs 22 Like/Agree with views/Good platform 19 Honest/Trustworthy 16 Like his/her focus on education/College tuition views 10 Dislike or don't care for other candidate 8 He's a man/Don't want women in office 6 Capable of being president/Qualified/Experienced 5 Don't trust her/him 5 Is not controlled by corporate money/big business 5 Cares about the healthcare problems 4 Need a change/Different 3 Has more socialistic views/ways 3 Other (vol.) 3 None/No opinion 4 Note: Responses mentioned by at least 3% are listed; (vol.) = Volunteered response Gallup About one in six Sanders supporters say they prefer him because he is honest and trustworthy, something few Clinton supporters (1%) mention as a reason they support her. Perceptions of dishonesty were the most common responses about Clinton in a previous Gallup open-ended question among all Americans. At the same time, few Sanders supporters cite the experience (5%) that is most often mentioned by Clinton supporters (29%). Bottom Line Clinton supporters and Sanders supporters offer fairly different reasons why they prefer their candidate to be the Democratic nominee, mostly focusing on the candidates' relative strengths. Clinton's supporters commonly prefer her for what she has accomplished, in terms of her resume and job experience. Sanders' supporters more commonly mention his care for Americans' needs and his platform positions. It is unclear whether these responses reflect Democrats' principal reasons for their support of Clinton or Sanders, or if the responses largely reflect what Democrats think of first when they are asked to explain their choice in an open-ended question format. Once the nomination is settled, supporters of the losing candidate most likely will join with supporters of the victor as he or she prepares to face the Republican nominee in the general election. And as the campaign shifts from the nomination to the general election phase, those who supported the losing candidate for the Democratic nomination will likely find reasons to embrace the Democratic nominee over the Republican. Survey Methods Results for this Gallup poll are based on telephone interviews conducted March 21-23, 2016, on the Gallup U.S. Daily survey, with a random sample of 677 Democrats and independents who lean Democratic, including 384 who prefer Clinton as the Democratic nominee and 254 who prefer Sanders, aged 18 and older, living in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. For results based on Clinton's supporters, and based on results near 20%, the margin of sampling error is 5 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. For results based on Sanders' supporters, and based on results near 20%, the margin of sampling error is 6 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. All reported margins of sampling error include computed design effects for weighting. Each sample of national adults includes a minimum quota of 60% cellphone respondents and 40% landline respondents, with additional minimum quotas by time zone within region. Landline and cellular telephone numbers are selected using random-digit-dial methods. Learn more about how the Gallup U.S. Daily works. Fans who attended the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach in 2022 can renew their ticket orders for next year beginning Monday, Oct. 24. Although I am perfectly aware that this opinion will spark the ire of dog lovers, I must protest the absurdity of bringing dogs to Corvallis all the way from South Korea. The cost of doing this could be much better spent locally aiding the homeless, providing food and clothing for needy children, any number of worthy charities. The fact that South Korean (also North Korean?) culture condones eating dogs does not concern me any more than the fact that I eat cows and pigs and chickens should concern a culture which condemns such practices. Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2021. Terrorism : Jihadist allegedly threatened an attack on Bonn Bonn According to security sources, a sought after Jihadist who was in Syria has allegedly made threats of an attack in Bonn. Teilen Teilen Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Tweeten Tweeten Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Drucken According to security sources, a Jihadist who went to Syria has allegedly made threats of an attack against Bonn. A bombing attempt at the Bonn central train station in December of 2012 did not succeed, but the risk seems to be very concrete again. General Anzeiger (GA) has learned from reliable security sources that Bonn is once more in view for a radical Islamist. Apparently, there is an arrest warrant out for the man. The alleged terrorist apparently wanted to return here after his time in Syria. More information was not made available so as to not endanger the investigation. Press spokespersons for both the Bonn police and the North Rhine Westphalia (NRW) Interior Ministry, however said there were no concrete threats. In the past there has been time and again persons from the Salafist scene who are connected to Bonn, and they have threatened with attacks against Bonn, according to Bonn police spokesman Robert Scholten. He is alluding to Bonn Jihadists Yassin Chouka, who joined the Jihad in Afghanistan in 2007, and had repeatedly called for attacks without naming specific locations. There was also Bekkay Harrach of Neu-Tannenbusch who made threats in 2009 but he has since been killed. Investigators had been surprised by the attempted bomb attack at the Bonn central station in 2010. Marco C. was arrested for that and is now facing trial in Dusseldorf at the Higher Regional Court. He also lived in Tannenbusch until his arrest. According to Scholten, there are Islamists who are under observation also in Bad Godesberg and Tannenbusch but investigations have often lead police to north Bonn. An insider says Tannenbusch is a breeding ground for criminals and radicals. This stems partly from the social structure but also from the design of the high-rise buildings. Their underground garages are linked and they can go from one building to the other without being seen. Further complicating matters, according to the insider, an entire building was searched once for a suspect but on each floor there was the same name written on every doorbell. Searchers would ring one doorbell and the residents would send them to the neighbors. The people do not speak to state authorities. He also charges that security is technically lacking and says it wasnt right for NRW state government to criticize Belgian police because they also wouldnt recognize these terrorist cells in NRW. Retail shopping : Plastic bags will cost you as of tomorrow Bonn Many retailers will begin tomorrow participating in a voluntary initiative to reduce plastic bag use. Teilen Teilen Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Tweeten Tweeten Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Drucken Spring time is shopping time. With winter pushing away, people are out looking for lighter and brighter spring and summer fashions. While it has already been common to charge for bags at grocery stores, until now they have mainly been given out free of charge at clothing retailers. This will change tomorrow, April 1 as many retailers have made an agreement to begin charging for the bags. Uwe Stephan of the Bonn Retail Association says, Customers have been used to getting a bag nearly everywhere. Therefore, the customer will need to get used to the change. In the future, each store will be able to decide if they charge or not but retailers are hoping that with this voluntary initiative, they will be spared from legal regulatory action. Their goal is from April on to have at least 60 percent of bags costing something, and in two years they would like to see this increase to 80 percent. Currently, the average person in Germany uses around 70 plastic bags a year. Kaufhof in Bonn will support the campaign but will not begin until July 1. Small and middle sized bags will cost 10 cents and larger ones will cost 25 cents. At the same time, they will increase the amount of re-usable and paper bags. Retailer C & A will begin charging 20 cents a bag as of April 1. H & M is also preparing to take part in the initiative. Schneiders Obsthof says they normally pack their produce in paper and only give out a plastic bag if someone requests it. They dont have any plans at this time to charge for those. Protecting the environment and saving resources are the impetus for the action. Stephan recommends to shoppers, Just leave re-useable bags in your car or have them in your purse. ATM criminals : Postbank packing center ATM targeted A rash of ATM blasts and stolen cash has riddled Bad Godesberg in recent months. Police ask for help in finding the criminals. Foto: Ayla Jacob Bad Godesberg A rash of ATM blasts and stolen cash has riddled Bad Godesberg in recent months. Police ask for help in finding the criminals. Teilen Teilen Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Tweeten Tweeten Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Drucken An ATM at a Postbank packing center on Schwertberger Strae in Bad Godesberg was the target of criminals early Thursday morning. Residents there were awakened by a loud bang at about 4:30 a.m. They observed a man on a red Motorroller (scooter) who was driving away from the scene. Police determined that the ATM had been blasted open, parts of it flying 20 meters away. Cash was taken but the sum was not yet known. Police were at the scene today asking residents about what they may have observed. The man, who fled in the direction of Brunnenalle is described as follows: 1.8 to 1.85 meters, not wearing a helmet, driving on a red Motorroller. It is possible that another person was involved. Police ask anyone who might have information to call them at (0228) 15 0. A list of criminal statistics showing where ATM blasts have occurred show that Bad Godesberg is a favored target. Victims of these blasts have included the Deutsche Bank on Moltkeplatz, the Sparkasse on Heiderhof, the VR Bank in Lannesdorf and very recently the Commerzbank on Michaelsplatz. On Wednesday, an ATM in Bonn-Endenich was also the target of criminals. NASA, Microsoft team up to bring you closer to Mars News oi -GizBot Bureau The US space agency and tech giant Microsoft have teamed up to create "Destination: Mars", a guided tour of Mars using the same Hololens headset technology that helps scientists plan the Curiosity rover's activities on Red Planet. It will offer people a guided tour of an area of Mars with astronaut Buzz Aldrin this summer in an interactive exhibit using the Microsoft HoloLens mixed reality headset. SEE ALSO: 5 Interesting Announcements Expected at Microsoft Developer Build 2016 "Mixed reality" means that virtual elements are merged with the user's actual environment, creating a world in which real and virtual objects can interact. The "Destination: Mars" exhibit will open at NASA's Kennedy Space Center's visitor complex in Florida this summer, the US space agency said in a statement. Guests will "visit" several sites on Mars, reconstructed using real imagery from NASA's Curiosity Mars Rover, which has been exploring the Red Planet since August 2012. Aldrin, an Apollo 11 astronaut who walked on the moon in 1969, will serve as "holographic tour guide" on the journey. SEE ALSO: Microsoft hosts open source conference for developers in India Curiosity Mars rover driver Erisa Hines of JPL will also appear holographically, leading participants to places on Mars where scientists have made exciting discoveries and explaining what we have learned about the planet. "This experience lets the public explore Mars in an entirely new way. To walk through the exact landscape that Curiosity is roving across puts its achievements and discoveries into beautiful context," said Doug Ellison, visualisation producer at JPL. "Destination: Mars" is an adaptation of OnSight, a Mars rover mission operations tool co-developed by Microsoft and JPL. A pilot group of scientists uses OnSight in their work supporting the Curiosity Mars rover's operations. "We're excited to give the public a chance to see Mars using cutting-edge technologies that help scientists plan Curiosity's activities on Mars today," added Jeff Norris, project manager for OnSight and "Destination: Mars". "While freely exploring the terrain, participants learn about processes that have shaped this alien world," he added. Abigail Fraeman, a Curiosity science team member at JPL, uses OnSight to make recommendations about where the rover should drive and which features to study in more detail. Recently OnSight helped her and a colleague identify the transition point between two Martian rock formations which they would like to study in further detail. By utilising the same technologies and datasets as OnSight, "Destination: Mars" offers participants a glimpse of Mars as seen by mission scientists. "By connecting astronauts to experts on the ground, mixed reality could be transformational for scientific and engineering efforts in space," Norris said. As NASA prepares to send humans to Mars in the 2030s, the public will now be able to preview the experience the astronauts will have as they walk and study the Martian surface. Source: IANS Best Mobiles in India Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications #1 Xiaomi has decided to stay put at 1080p resolution instead of going all the way up to QHD or a 4K panel for its flagship device. While the move definitely gives the Xiaomi Mi5 an edge when it comes to battery life, but it falls behind current generation flagship like the Samsung Galaxy S7 or the LG G5 when it comes to the screen resolution. However it's worth noting that Xiaomi has used an excellent panel on the Mi5, and you would surely not miss QHD display in the device. As per the official statement the Xiaomi Mi5's display can attain a peak brightness of 600nits. #2 Just like the Samsung Galaxy S7 priced at Rs 49,000 in India, the Xiaomi Mi5 comes with an all-new Snapdragon 820 SoC. The latest chip from Qualcomm helps Xiaomi Mi5 attain a whopping score of 113,000 in Antutu Benchmark. Apparently the Xiaomi Mi5 is current highest scorer in the benchmarking application. It's however worth noting that variant of the Xiaomi Mi5 launched in India comes with a slightly lower clocked speed of 1.8GHz. Apart from that the Samsung Galaxy S7 in India is powered by an Exynos 8890 chip, while the international models don Qualcomm 820. #3 Xiaomi mayn't be making use of a new RGW image sensor as seen in the Samsung Galaxy S7, but it surely fetches you the best your money can buy. The Xiaomi Mi5 makes use of 16MP rear camera which makes use of Sony latest image sensor available namely IMX298. Xiaomi claims that the Mi5 is first camera making use of DTI (Deep Trench Isolation) technology for cleaner colour separation. #4 Hugo Barra widely publicized the 4-Axis Optical Image Stabilisation of the Xiaomi Mi5 during the press conference, both at Barcelona and India. Apparently the charismatic VP of Xiaomi claims that this new OIS implementations helps the Xiaomi Mi5 capture more stabilized videos than those captured by the iPhone 6S and Galaxy S7. In fact he showed of a video of the 4-Axis OIS in action to emphasize his statement. #5 Despite coming at a steep price of Rs 49,000 Samsung Galaxy S7 doesn't come with support for Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0. Apparently Samsung tried to save some money by not going with the Quick Charging certification, in spite of support for the same in Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 chip. Xiaomi on the other hand didn't skimp on the same and the 3000mAh battery on the inside can be charged in a matter of 1 hour. "Qualcomm Technologies is very pleased to work with Xiaomi on their latest flagship Mi5 device, featuring the cutting-edge premium tier Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor, designed to deliver amazing performance, connectivity and power savings," said Sunil Lalvani, Vice President, Qualcomm, and President of Qualcomm India. "Xiaomi and Qualcomm Technologies have a long-standing, strong relationship and have worked closely together for many years to deliver a shared vision of bringing new and truly compelling user experiences to consumers and we are excited to help bring the Mi 5 to consumers in India." Telcos stand on spectrum auction 'paradoxical': Trai chairman News oi -GizBot Bureau Calling telecom operators' objection regarding auction of premium spectrum 'paradoxical', Trai Chairman R S Sharma today questioned their stand as they have earlier blamed government on airwaves crunch for poor service quality. "The same people who were saying they are unable to provide quality service because spectrum is not available, the same people are saying don't auction the spectrum. This is some kind of paradoxical situation. Nevertheless, we will take into account every views of all stakeholders," Sharma told reporters today. He was speaking on the sidelines of a launch event of a feature phone, KKT Ultra, from Lava which supports 22 Indian languages. An inter-ministerial panel Telecom Commission on Monday decided to seek clarification from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India on mega-spectrum auction plan worth Rs 5.36 lakh crore suggested by it. SEE ALSO: India telecom subscriber base crosses 104-crore mark Of the Rs 5.36 lakh crore windfall, 700 Mhz spectrum could alone contribute over Rs 4 lakh crore if all frequencies are sold at pan-India base price of Rs 11,485 crore per Mhz - which is the highest price for any telecom radiowave. Leading operators have requested the regulator and the government to defer sale of 700 MHz spectrum, saying that ecosystem for providing services in this band was not developed and sale would lead to under-utilisation of the spectrum for several years and block industry's crucial funds. The DoT committee has found that in some telecom circles, including UP East, UP West and Bihar, Trai recommended around 40 per cent lower price for 700 Mhz band than 900 Mhz band. Spectrum is priced on the basis of its efficiency to carry mobile signals and ecosystem of device and equipment available for its usage. SEE ALSO: Call drops in India much higher than global average: Survey The lower the frequency band, the higher is its efficiency to carry long distance signals. The cost of delivering mobile services in 700 Mhz band is approximately 70 per cent lower than 2100 Mhz band, which is widely used for 3G services. Trai used a formula recommended by it in April 2012 to calculate price of 700 Mhz band spectrum. The regulator had then suggested to set the price of 700 Mhz band at four times of 1800 Mhz band that was earlier used for 2G services and now fit to be used for 4G services as well. Telecom Commission is also learnt to have discussed possibility of staggered auction of spectrum in 700 Mhz after taking in to account of representation made by industry. The government expects a revenue of Rs 98,995 crore from communication services in 2016-17, which includes proceeds from spectrum auction and other fees levied by DoT. At the event, Sharma appreciated move of Lava to launch a phone for economical segment that supports local language. "Mobile phone providers, equipment providers have big role to play. They can provide content in local language to make Digital India a success. People who know English is very less. It may have increased with increase in literacy but still I feel it's low. This is a stone laid for bridging digital divide. I expect others also to join this caravan," he said. Lava launched dual SIM enabled KKT Ultra feature for Rs 1,500 a unit with 1750 mAH battery and said that all its phones that will be launched in future will have support for local languages. "The government faced challenges in broadcasting any SMS. Many people are able to understand their local language. There is a need to work on availability of technology in Indian languages. If people can get SMS in their local languages, they will prefer to use feature phone," Ajay Kumar, Additional Secretary at Department of Electronics and IT said. Lava International Chairman and Managing Director Hari Om Rai said that mobile phone is a device that works in all space like banking, e-commerce etc. "I feel that USD 250 billion worth manufacturing activity can take place and generate employment for over 2 crore people in next 10 years. Lava will invest Rs 2,600 crore in manufacturing of mobile devices in next 7-8 years and generate employment for about 50,000 people," Rai said. Source: PTI Best Mobiles in India Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications 'Feels Like Home Season 2' offers something real and tangible to think about; takes home a pertinent point - if your intentions are good, there is nothing in life that isn't achievable. Russian FSB Detains CIA-Trained Ukrainian Spy Sputnik News 12:24 31.03.2016(updated 12:41 31.03.2016) Ukrainian Security Forces officer was detained by the Russian Federal Security Services, the FSB said Thursday. MOSCOW (Sputnik) The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) has detained an employee from the Ukrainian Security Forces, the FSB said Thursday. According to the FSB, Ukrainian Security Forces Lt.-Col. Yuriy Ivanchenko arrived in Russia under the presumption of visiting relatives, though Ukrainian authorities prohibit special security forces from leaving the country. Ahead of Ivanchenko's arrival to Russia, the FSB received information that he was trained by the Ukrainian Security Forces and the US Central Intelligence Agency to participate in on operation of collaborating with the Russian FSB and offering it his services. "The USF employee was to interest the FSB in his abilities to attain secret information and convince the FSB on the necessity of keeping ties with in under Kiev's conditions secretly. At one point or another, the USF and CIA planned to capture the FSB employee red-handed with information from Ivanchenko," the FSB said in a statement. Since Ivanchenko was detained before any damage was done to Russian security, he will be deported to Ukraine and banned from entering Russia. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Leaders Praise Central Command for Meeting Every Challenge By Jim Garamone DoD News, Defense Media Activity WASHINGTON, March 30, 2016 The men and women of U.S. Central Command have met every challenge thrown at them under the leadership of Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, and they won't miss a beat as Army Gen. Joseph L. Votel takes the reins, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said in Tampa, Florida, today. Carter presided at the change-of-command ceremony between the two men. Earlier in the day, he presided as Army Gen. Raymond A. "Tony" Thomas received the flag of U.S. Special Operations Command from Votel. Carter pointed to the myriad of challenges that the command has faced, from conducting operations in Afghanistan to supporting allies on the Arabian Peninsula to engaging with leaders across the 20-nation Centcom area of operations. Countering ISIL He singled out the counter-Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant effort for special mention. The object of the campaign is to destroy the ISIL parent tumor in Syria and Iraq, combat the spreading ISIL cancer worldwide and to protect the homeland. "One of the leaders we celebrate today put a finer point on our mission," Carter said. "As General Austin has said, 'We've got to keep our dukes up.'" The Centcom-led support in the region is giving local forces the advantage against ISIL, the secretary told the audience. "With additional training and assistance for local forces, and with support from coalition partners, we're continuing to gather momentum, and we will deliver ISIL a lasting defeat," Carter said. If it was only ISIL the commander of U.S. Central Command had to deal with, it would be enough. But the region is incredibly complex and volatile, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said during the ceremony. "There has been no other geographic combatant command that has been asked to do more, and no other combatant command has done more over the past several years than the United States Central Command," Marine Corps Gen. Joe Dunford said. The country recognizes and appreciates the service and sacrifices of the Centcom team, the general said. "We've asked a lot of you, and you've delivered," he said. "When you're responsible for a part of the world that consists of places like Iraq, Syria, Iran, Yemen, Egypt, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Lebanon, you never know what kind of crisis or challenge you are going to wake up to in the morning." Pundits Forecasted Doom Dunford reminded people that just a short while ago, many pundits were forecasting doom. "But fortunately, the Centcom team wasn't listening," he said. "They were too busy developing ways to push back on the enemy and gain momentum. They were too busy developing and maintaining a coalition of more than 60 nations. They were too busy improving intelligence and targeting process and building the capacity of our partners. They were too busy incorporating the lessons learned during the first year of the fight and making the necessary adjustments to win." All speakers at the event talked about the tumultuous nature of the Central Command region. Austin addressed the challenges he confronted upon taking command in 2013. "As you look across that vast expanse, you see unprecedented conflict and turmoil, widespread discord and tremendous human suffering," he said. "However, despite the many challenges present in that part of the world, I do believe that there is cause for optimism." The reason for his optimism, he added, is that the service members, civilians and contractors who make up Centcom "perform miracles on a routine basis." Nowhere is that more evident than with the campaign against ISIL, Austin said. "They have less territory, they have less freedom of movement, and we the coalition we now have the momentum for the campaign in Iraq and Syria," he added. "We can expect to see that momentum build in the coming weeks and months as a result of this great team over the past year and a half." Getting It Done While defeat of ISIL will take time and will require the active support of the international community, "we will get it done," Austin said. The man who will carry the flag onward thanked Austin for his support, counsel and advice. Votel, too, spoke of the region as an area of persistent strife and conflict and said the nation looks to Centcom to be "the guarantors of American interests in this vital and deeply challenging part of the world." Votel laid out his priorities, with the first being to continue efforts to understand the complex operational environment and continue to use the network of interagency and international partners "to stay ready and provide the best options for our civilian leadership." "We will recognize that success downrange starts with maintaining an agile and responsive headquarters for our subordinates," he said. "We will embrace allies, partners and interagency colleagues and remember that what we do in Centcom often affects activities and interests in other regions." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Tsai says no change in DPP's stance on sovereignty in South China Sea ROC Central News Agency 2016/03/30 16:48:11 Taipei, March 30 (CNA) President Ma Ying-jeou () told President-elect Tsai Ing-wen () during their meeting Wednesday that his government has never worked with mainland China on the issue concerning Taiping Island in South China Sea, while Tsai stressed no change in her party's stance. In a press conference following the closed-door meeting, which was the first of its kind since the presidential election on Jan. 16, Presidential Office spokesman Charles Chen () said Ma explained to Tsai during the encounter the stance of the Philippines and Vietnam on the Taiping Island issue and how the United States interprets the issue. President Ma underscored that on the issue, there has been no cooperation with mainland China, and he praised Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Secretary-General Joseph Wu () for having declared during his speech in the U.S. early this year that the DPP will never relinquish any of Taiwan's sovereignty in the South China Sea. The president expressed his wish that the DPP not be "absent" in addressing the issue of Taiwan-controlled Taiping Island, part of the disputed Sprately Islands in the South China Sea, Chen said. Prior to the presidential election, there had been an allegation that the DPP planned on relinquishing Taiwan's sovereignty in the South China Sea if it assumes power. The allegation was later rebuked by the party as absurd. In her reply, Tsai said she hopes Ma will not misjudge the DPP's stance, regardless of differing opinions expressed by some DPP lawmakers, according to Chen. Tsai also said that the DPP, which is still an opposition party before she assumes office on May 20, wants to know the history of Taiping Island as soon as possible by having access to the relevant files and data. In the end, Tsai, who chairs the DPP, stressed that her party has never changed its stance on Taiwan's sovereignty claim over Taiping Island, Chen said. The two political leaders exchanged views on various issues ranging from diplomacy and the national annuity scheme to energy resources and sovereignty disputes in the South China Sea during Wednesday's meeting, according to Presidential Office Secretary-General Tseng Yung-chuan (). During the meeting Ma was accompanied by Tseng, Presidential Office Deputy Secretary-General Hsiao Hsu-tsen (), and Presidential Office spokesman Charles Chen (), while Tsai was joined by Wu, DPP Deputy Secretary-General Liu Chien-hsin () and Alex Huang (), head of the party's department of news and information. Tseng said Ma and Tsai talked with each other for about 70 minutes, during which Ma called for reconciliation and cooperation between the ruling and opposition parties. The president also asked for a "seamless takeover" of governance, and said he will offer his assistance without any hesitation if he is asked to help in the future, Tseng cited Ma as saying. Asked at the press conference if Ma and Tsai had discussed on cross-Taiwan Strait relations, the "1992 consensus" or the progress of the planned cross-strait agreements on trade in services and trade in merchandise, Tseng said time was too short to touch on those issues. Ma only said that everyone knows his government's stance and principles in handling cross-strait relations, and Tsai did not make any remarks on the subject, Tseng said. (By Hsieh Chia-chen, Tai Ya-chen, Tang Pei-cjun and Elizabeth Hsu) ENDITEM/ke NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Plans to Boost Military Presence in Eastern Europe by VOA News March 30, 2016 The United States plans to increase its military presence in Eastern Europe to deter Russian aggression, officials said Wednesday. The Pentagon intends to deploy an armored brigade combat team on a rotational basis next February along with a full set of equipment to NATO's eastern borders, as part of the ongoing effort to reassure allies in the region that feel threatened by Russia. The nine-month rotations will bring the U.S. military presence in Europe to three fully manned combat brigades, and they will conduct military exercises across Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary, the U.S. European command said. The U.S. military has about 62,000 permanent forces in Europe, 25,000 of which Army soldiers. Under the new plan, the number will increase to 29,200 soldiers at any given time. The deployment decision means U.S. allies will "see a more frequent presence of an armored brigade with more modernized equipment in their countries," said General Philip Breedlove, commander of U.S. European Command. Current equipment used in Europe will be stored in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany, and will allow for "additional combat power, if and when needed," the military said. Officials also said the Army would send additional communications equipment to Europe for units to have the radios, computers and other equipment needed to work with the brigades. In what would be the first deployment of such proportion since the end of the Cold War, the Pentagon is acting on a proposal it announced last year to explore ways to increase U.S. military deterrence and send a message to Russia that any action against allies would be unacceptable. Russia has caused concern among NATO allies with its seizure of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula in 2014 and its strategic bomber flights. Some information for this report came from Reuters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Quick US Response Unit to Africa Focuses on US Embassies by Bernard Shusman March 30, 2016 In 2012, the U.S. State Department special office in Benghazi, Libya, was attacked by Islamic militants, killing U.S. Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens and U.S. Foreign Service Officer Sean Smith. Stevens became the first U.S. ambassador killed in the line of duty since 1979. Controversy and questions regarding security and preparedness followed. Consequently, a quick response military unit with Marines and Navy personnel was formed in 2013. Called the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force (SPMAGTF), the unit is permanently based in Spain. "The primary role of this force of just under 2,000 Marines and sailors is for U.S. embassy reinforcement," said former unit commander Colonel Calvert Worth, Jr., who was in New York on Wednesday to brief the foreign press on the role of the SPMAGTF. "The force is to respond to the ambassador or chief of missions within a short time frame" that allows "the ambassador or chief to evacuate his forces or get out of harm's way in the face of a crisis on the African continent," he said. "We have our own helicopters and airplanes [Osprey choppers and Hercules transports] that will allow us to put a sizeable force on the ground at the request of an ambassador to protect U.S. personnel and facilities." The SPMAGTF base in Moron, Spain, is within easy reach of the African continent. The unit also supports noncombatant evacuation operations, offers training to support partner interests, offers humanitarian aid and trains security forces in countries such as Mali, Senegal, Guinea, Ghana, Mali and Gabon, Worth said. How embassies work Worth said a big part of setting up and running the unit was learning about embassies. "We have to do a lot of work with the State Department so that we understand how the embassies work," he said, "where they receive their direction from, what their capacities are, and how we can be most relevant in supporting the ambassador when he calls for this force to come forward into a country." But that wasn't all. "We spend considerable time studying the cultures of the specific country or countries that we are most likely to operate," Worth added. African forces The unit will also work with African military forces. "We have proximity to crisis because of our relationship to these African countries," he said. "When we go to these countries, we intend to train with the host nation that provides us this proximity and this access to crisis countries. We train with them, military to military." Worth said that during his time in Africa, the unit conducted exercises with two countries, Senegal and Mali. A force of just under 200 was moved to Senegal, he said, where "we did military-to-military training and worked with the embassy. And that was all for the purpose of maintaining access, maintaining reach." In Mali, Worth said, the unit went into the embassy, "rehearsing an embassy in crisis and how we would respond. we worked with the host nation, their security forces and got a very, very good rehearsal that was mutually beneficial for Malian forces and U.S. personnel and the embassy team." The idea was to sensitize both the civilian and military personnel as to the capabilities of the special purpose task force and its willingness to work with the host nations in times of crisis. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Colombia to Hold Peace Talks With Second-Largest Rebel Group by VOA News March 30, 2016 Colombia has agreed to hold formal peace talks with the country's second-largest rebel group, moving closer to ending a five-decade-long civil war. Negotiations between the Colombian government and the National Liberation Army, or ELN, will take place in Ecuador, according to a joint statement issued Wednesday. The two sides had already been holding exploratory peace talks. But Wednesday's announcement formalized those discussions and brought the leftist ELN into a wider peace process. For three years, Colombia and another rebel group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, have been holding peace talks in Havana, Cuba. Colombia and the Marxist FARC group had intended to reach a peace agreement by March 23 but missed that deadline. The FARC has observed a cease-fire since last year, but the ELN has continued attacks. Leftist rebels have been fighting a guerrilla war to try to topple Colombian governments since 1964, killing more than 220,000 people. They have used drug trafficking and kidnappings for ransom to fund their war. Colombia's rebel movement has been weakened in recent years, and right-wing paramilitary forces formed to counter leftist fighters have been disbanded. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Counter-ISIL Strikes Continue in Syria, Iraq From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release SOUTHWEST ASIA, March 31, 2016 U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today. Officials reported details of yesterday's strikes, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports. Strikes in Syria Attack and remotely piloted aircraft conducted two strikes in Syria: -- Near Hawl, a strike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL vehicle. -- Near Mara, a strike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed three ISIL defensive fighting positions. Strikes in Iraq Rocket artillery and attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft conducted 25 strikes in Iraq, coordinated with and in support of the Iraqi government: -- Near Habbaniyah, a strike damaged an ISIL defensive fighting position. -- Near Haditha, a strike struck an ISIL tactical unit. -- Near Hit, three strikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and an ISIL safe house and destroyed two ISIL supply caches, 15 ISIL rockets, three ISIL bunkers and an ISIL tunnel. -- Near Kirkuk, three strikes struck two separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed five ISIL assembly areas and an ISIL beddown location. -- Near Mosul, eight strikes struck five separate ISIL tactical units, destroying three ISIL assembly areas, an ISIL vehicle, an ISIL beddown location, two ISIL safe houses and an ISIL fighting position and suppressing two ISIL mortar firing positions. -- Near Qayyarah, four strikes struck an ISIL improvised explosive device factory and an ISIL communications facility, destroying an ISIL mortar position and denying ISIL access to terrain. -- Near Sultan Abdallah, four strikes destroyed four ISIL assembly areas, five ISIL fighting positions, an ISIL tunnel system and an improvised ISIL ferry system. -- Near Tal Afar, a strike struck an ISIL communications facility. 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. Ground-based artillery fired in counterfire or in fire support to maneuver roles is not classified as a strike, officials added. Part of Operation Inherent Resolve The strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the ISIL terrorist group and the threat they pose to Iraq, Syria, the region, and the wider international community. The destruction of ISIL targets in Syria and Iraq further limits the terrorist group's ability to project terror and conduct operations, officials said. Coalition nations 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, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address No need for US gesticulation on South China Sea plans: Beijing Iran Press TV Thu Mar 31, 2016 4:1PM China has denounced the recent speculation by US officials about Beijing's plans in the disputed South China Sea, saying there is no need to "gesticulate" over the initiatives. Recently, US officials said an upcoming international court ruling on a case brought by the Philippines against China over its South China Sea claims could make Beijing declare an Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) as it did over the East China Sea in November 2013. An ADIZ is an airspace over land or water in which the identification, location, and control of civil aircraft is performed in the interest of national security. On Wednesday, US Deputy Secretary of Defense Robert Work said Washington would not recognize the exclusion zone in the South China Sea, describing such a move by Beijing as "destabilizing". In response, China's Defense Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun told a monthly news briefing on Thursday that any sovereign state had the right to establish an ADIZ. "On this, there is no need for other countries to gesticulate," Yang said, adding, "Whether or not to or when to set up an air defense identification zone depends on whether there is an aerial threat or the level of aerial threat. It needs many considerations." China claims sovereignty over nearly all of the South China Sea, which is also claimed in part by Taiwan, Brunei, Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines. The contested waters are believed to be rich in oil and gas. The dispute has at times drawn in extra-territorial countries, particularly the United States, which have more often sided with China's rivals. Earlier this month, Washington and Manila announced an agreement allowing for a rotating US military presence at five Philippine bases. Elsewhere in his remarks, Yang said the deal represented "outdated Cold War thinking" which the US should ditch. Beijing accuses Washington of meddling in the regional issues and deliberately stirring up tensions in the South China Sea. The US, however, accuses Beijing of carrying out what it calls a land reclamation program in the South China Sea by building artificial islands in the disputed areas. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Croats, Bosnians Dismayed By Serbian Nationalist Seselj's Acquittal March 31, 2016 by RFE/RL Croats and Bosnians have reacted with dismay to the acquittal of Serbian nationalist Vojislav Seselj by a UN court. The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) in The Hague ruled on March 31 that Seselj was not guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity relating to the Balkan wars of the 1990s. Croatian Prime Minister Tihomir Oreskovic called the verdict "shameful," telling reporters that Seselj's acquittal was a "defeat of The Hague court and the prosecution." Seselj "committed evil and did not show any remorse," Oreskovic said. The country's foreign minister, Miro Kovac, said the ICTY's ruling gave a "moral blank check" to those all around the world who incite war, call for ethnic cleansing, and implement policies aimed at changing forcefully internationally recognized borders. In the wake of the ruling, Croatia banned Seselj from entering the country, saying he could represent a threat to public order. Bosnia and Herzegovina's prime minister, Denis Zvizdic, said he "can't understand" how a person who participated in the aggression against Bosnia could be acquitted. Sinan Alic, who heads the Bosnian NGO Truth, Justice, and Reconciliation Foundation, described the acquittal as "madness squared" and the "collapse of international justice." Ljiljana Alvira, president of the Union of Associations of Families of the Detained and Disappeared in the Croatian Homeland War, expressed shock at the verdict. "We are all witnesses that [Seselj] participated in and encouraged atrocities across the Croatia and Bosnia," she said. The UN court's chief prosecutor, Serge Brammertz, said in a statement that the victims of crimes committed in the Balkan wars "will be disappointed" by the verdict. He also said his office would review the verdict to see if there were grounds for appeal. "This is not the first time a surprise judgment is coming out," Brammertz later told journalists. A deputy prime minister under the late Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic, Seselj faced three counts of crimes against humanity and six counts of war crimes for inciting ethnic cleansing in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Serbian province of Vojvodina. When the trial opened in 2007, prosecutors accused Seselj of raising an army of volunteers who had committed "unspeakable crimes." They argued he was criminally responsible for the murder, torture, and deportation of tens of thousands of non-Serbs as part of his project to create a "Greater Serbia" from the disintegrating state of Yugoslavia. But presiding Judge Jean-Claude Antonetti said on March 31 that Seselj bore no individual responsibility for the crimes he was accused of committing from August 1991 to September 1993. After delivering the verdict, he announced that Seselj, who was not present in the courtroom, was now "a free man." In Belgrade, Seselj supporters gathered at his Serbian Radical Party headquarters clapped and screamed with joy as the verdict was read out. Seselj, who had denied the charges, was allowed to go to Belgrade in 2014 for cancer treatment and has since immersed himself in Serbian politics, addressing rallies in defiance of the court's orders. Despite poor health, Seselj has appeared on reality television, publicly burning EU and NATO flags. He has been firing up his far-right followers in rallies ahead of a general election in April, in which the Serbian Radical Party leader hopes to win a seat. The 61-year-old welcomed the verdict, writing on Twitter: "As I understand, it looks like the battle is finished!" Seselj told a news conference that the UN judges "from the legal aspect returned the only possible verdict." He said he had previously filed a 12 million euro ($13.6 million) compensation claim against the UN tribunal and he might now ask for an extra 2 million euros ($2.3 million) for "all the suffering I have been through." Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic said he was "indifferent" to the court's ruling, saying, "I have no feelings for [Seselj]." But in Russia, a traditional ally of Serbia, the verdict was welcomed by Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin. "I congratulate my friend on his victory," Rogozin said in a tweet. Seselj's acquittal comes a week after the ICTY sentenced former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic to 40 years in prison after convicting him of genocide and war crimes committed during Bosnia's 1992-95 war, which left some 100,000 people dead. General Ratko Mladic, the general who commanded Bosnian Serb forces, is awaiting his verdict at The Hague. With reporting by Reuters, AP, and AFP Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/serbia-seselj- nationalist-acquitted-un-court/27645966.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 Probe into sexual abuse in Central African Republic must 'leave no stone unturned' - UN rights chief 31 March 2016 The United Nations human rights chief today described the latest reports of sexual exploitation and abuse in the Central African Republic as "sickening," calling for a thorough investigation into alleged conducts by UN and French troops, as well as local armed groups. "The UN investigation into these sickening allegations, which suggest sexual abuse and exploitation of a large number of women and girls, must leave no stone unturned," UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein said. "We are taking these allegations some of which are particularly odious extremely seriously. It is vital that the victims are protected and receive all necessary care." Most of the allegations relate to Burundian and Gabonese contingents present in the Kemo region between 2013 and 2015, as well as to the separate French Sangaris force stationed in the same region in the same period. Allegations of abuse in other parts of the country are also continuing to be investigated. "The States to whom these troops belong must do more to stop the abuse happening, to punish those committing these acts with appropriate sentences, and to prevent further violations," Zeid said. "Otherwise this awful cycle of abuse will never end." Simply being sent home in disgrace is a grossly inadequate response to acts such as raping minors, he stressed. The UN has vowed to do its utmost to expose such crimes when they occur, and to do everything in its power to encourage and cajole States to do far more than they are doing at present. "There has to be accountability and there has to be credible deterrence," Mr. Zeid said. The Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General released details yesterday. It said that the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) announced on 25 March that it had received new allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse. A MINUSCA-led investigation team travelled to the area and is now on the ground. It comprises experts on internal oversight, human rights, child and women's protection, conduct and discipline from various parts of the UN system, including the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF). The exact number and nature of these extremely troubling allegations are still being determined. Allegations made against the French Sangaris forces in the same area are also being investigated. Alleged victims are being interviewed and will be provided with assistance and psycho-social and medical support. The Burundian and Gabonese units allegedly involved will remain confined in camps during the investigation, except for essential tasks. The United Nations has formally notified the troop-contributing countries in question, as well as to the French authorities, informing them of these allegations. These countries have been requested to send investigators immediately to participate jointly in the ongoing investigation. Under-Secretary-General for Field Support Atul Khare met with Burundi's permanent representative to UN yesterday, and the Security Council will be briefed on the latest developments in a closed session today. A meeting with representatives of Gabon will take place as soon as possible. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Serbian Nationalist Acquitted of War Crimes by Isabela Cocoli March 31, 2016 The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) acquitted Serbian ultranationalist leader Vojislav Seselj Thursday of all nine counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity brought against him in connection with the Balkan wars of the 1990s. "Vojislav Seselj is now a free man," declared presiding Judge Jean-Claude Antonetti in the court's ruling, stating that the prosecution failed to prove the existence of a criminal purpose and his participation in a joint criminal enterprise (JCE) with Serbian forces during the ethnic wars sparked by the collapse of Yugoslavia. "With this acquittal on all the nine counts of the indictment, the arrest warrant issued by the appeals chamber on 17 June, 2015 is hereby rendered mute. Following this verdict Vojislav Seselj is now a free man," said Antonetti. Seselj blasts ITCY At a news conference in Belgrade after the verdict, Seselj had harsh words for the ITCY process against him. "This time, after so many proceedings and wrongly-accused Serbs given draconian punishments, there appears to be two honest and honorable judges who have resisted all the pressures from the outside, and who have given the only lawful verdict," he said. "The idea of a Greater Serbia remains powerful, with me or without me," Seselj said. "I have contributed only a little with my overall political and war involvement." In a 2-1 ruling, the three-judge panel said that Serbian plans to create a "Greater Serbia" by uniting lands they considered Serb territory in Croatia and Bosnia were a "political goal" and not a criminal plan, as prosecutors alleged. Chief prosecutor Speaking to reporters following the court ruling in The Hague, the ICTY chief prosecutor in the case, Serge Brammertz of Belgium challenged that argument, because the plan was often accompanied by military campaigns that drove thousands of non-Serb civilians out of their homeland and left thousands of others dead. "I am absolutely convinced that victims' communities and many people will not be satisfied with this outcome. We, in large part, share their frustrations. We will, as an office, review carefully the arguments put forward by the trial chamber in order to determine if we are appealing this decision. ...The number of findings which really depart from what we consider the normal jurisprudence of the tribunal in relation to a number of factual findings, as for example, the absence of a wide spread and systematic attack against the civilian population or in relation to the hate speech which was considered more as, by the judges, as an encouragement more than incitement of committing crimes." Croatia's reaction Following the ruling, Croatia's prime minister, Tihomir Oreskovic, said that the verdict was "shameful" and a "defeat of The Hague court and the prosecution." Speaking to reporters during his visit to Vukovar in eastern Croatia, Oreskovic further said that Seselj is a man "who committed evil and did not show any remorse, neither then nor today." Oreskovic laid wreaths in memory of those who died in the 1991 battle of Vukovar. The town was besieged and destroyed by the Yugoslav army with a Serb majority and local rebel Serbs who opposed Croatia's independence. Thousands of people were killed and wounded in the battle of Vukovar in 1991. Charges against Seselj The 61-year-old Seselj was charged with nine counts by ITCY prosecutors. Three were for crimes against humanity - persecution, deportation and inhumane acts of forcible transfer and six were for war crimes murder, torture and cruel treatment, wanton destruction, destruction or willful damage done to institutions dedicated to religion or education, plunder of public or private property. He was accused of having directly committed, incited, aided and abetted those crimes committed by Serbian forces during the period from August 1991 until September 1993, and to have been part of their commission through his participation in a JCE. Seselj was not in the courtroom when the verdict was announced. He surrendered to the ICC in 2003, but was allowed to return to Serbia in November 2014 for treatment of liver cancer. He refused to return to The Hague to hear the verdict, setting fire to EU and NATO flags outside a Belgrade court earlier this month in an act of defiance. Seselj plans to run for parliament in the coming election as leader of the far-right Serbian Radical party. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address South African Court Orders Zuma to Pay Up by Thuso Khumalo March 31, 2016 South Africa's Constitutional Court has ordered President Jacob Zuma to repay some of the $16 million in public funds used for upgrades at his private home. The ruling Thursday comes as authorities investigate Zuma for another more recent scandal, alleged undue influence given to the wealthy Gupta family. Handing down the Constitutional Court judgment on Thursday, Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng said President Zuma violated the constitution when he ignored the public protector's order to pay back some of the money used to build non-security features at his private home. "The failure by the president to comply with remedial action taken against him by the public protector in her report of 19 March 2014 is inconsistent with Section 83 (b) of the constitution and is invalid," Mogoeng said. The court gave the National Treasury 60 days to determine how much Zuma should pay. Mogoeng said once the court receives the Treasury's report, Zuma will have to pay. "The president must personally pay the amount determined by the National Treasury within 45 days of this court's signification of its approval of the report," Mogoeng said. ANC also draws fire The court also had harsh words for the National Assembly where the ruling African National Congress allegedly shielded Zuma from paying back the money. "The resolution passed by the National Assembly absolving the president from compliance with the remedial action taken by the public protector is invalid and is set aside," Mogoeng said. The Democratic Alliance Party and the Economic Freedom Fighters Party have pledged to impeach Zuma and remove him from office for violating the constitution. Both the ANC and President Zuma have issued statements welcoming the judgment, saying they respect it. Political analyst Levy Ndou said Zuma's fate is in the hands of the majority ANC Party in parliament. "If they come out clearly and say the state president has breached his oath of office, that will provide sufficient reasons for parliament to move for a motion of no confidence on the state president," Ndou said. The judgment has created more problems for the already embattled president. The country's elite police unit is also investigating Zuma's son for allegedly helping the wealthy Gupta family influence the appointment of ministers. The probe follows claims by some government officials that people involved with the Gupta family's extensive business holdings offered them ministerial posts. The ruling ANC is also investigating, which analysts say could further hurt President Zuma's standing. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address French president scraps contentious anti-terror bill Iran Press TV Wed Mar 30, 2016 3:16PM French President Francois Hollande has abandoned a controversial bill to change the constitution to strip militants convicted of terror offences of their French citizenship. "A compromise appears out of reach on the stripping of terrorists' nationality," Hollande said in a brief televised statement on Wednesday after the two houses of the French parliament failed to agree on the initiative amid four months of fierce debate. A section of the opposition has been "hostile" to any constitutional revision, he said, adding, "I deeply regret this attitude." The proposal's withdrawal is a major blow for Hollande, who had introduced it in the wake of the terror attacks in and around the French capital city of Paris last November. The Takfiri Daesh terrorist group claimed responsibility for the assaults, which left 130 people dead and 350 others injured. Hollande also wanted to enshrine in the country's constitution a state of emergency adopted following the November attacks. France has been under a state of emergency over the past months, giving authorities extra powers to keep people in their homes without trial and search houses without judicial approval. The anti-terror bill divided Hollande's Socialist party and led to the resignation of former justice minister, Christiane Taubira, in January. "I have decided to close the constitutional debate (but) I will not deviate from the commitments I have taken ... to ensure the security of our country," the French president stated. Marine Le Pen, the leader of the far-right National Front (FN), denounced the decision to scrap the constitutional reform as "a historical failure." "Francois Hollande fails to have his own words taken seriously. He and his government are the only ones responsible for this failure," Le Pen said. Hollande's Socialist Party, however, accuses the country's right-wing opposition for what it describes as the "sad spectacle." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Fears Islamic State Will Use Guerrilla Tactics in Europe by Jeff Seldin March 30, 2016 Security agencies racing to break the web of Islamic State (IS) terror cells that have spread across the European continent are also bracing for another worrisome possibility - that the group will use guerrilla tactics honed in Syria and Iraq to carry out attacks on critical targets or infrastructure. Concerns have been heightened in recent days, most notably with the revelation that a laptop found during a raid connected to the suspects in the Brussels terror bombings contained images and floor plans of the office of Belgium's prime minister. That, along with evidence that two of the Brussels bombers, Khalid and Ibrahim el Bakraoui, conducted video surveillance of a scientist at Belgium's Tihange nuclear complex, could suggest some terror cells are prepared to abandon the group's hallmark attacks on so-called "soft targets" like train stations or cafes, in favor of bigger, more symbolic venues. "They're very invested in the pageantry of it all so I wouldn't be surprised," said one U.S. official familiar with the intelligence on IS. "They're unambiguous about seeing Europe as a battlefield." European officials are equally worried, especially given that the ability to detect and disrupt potential plots varies greatly country to country. "We still have a very high level of concern for new terror attacks," a Western diplomat told VOA, speaking on condition of anonymity. "The level of engagement and commitment to discover potential attacks is very high." Adding to the concerns is IS's growing ability to use the Internet to share intelligence between its core leadership and provinces and cells around the world. "ISIS now has mastered online dissemination of all their combat lessons learned," said Malcolm Nance, a former counterterrorism and intelligence officer who now heads the Terror Asymmetrics Project (TAPSTRI). "We're seeing vehicle designs of these technical vehicles with armor plating that we see in combat in Ramadi showing up in Benghazi, showing up in Somalia," he said. "And all of their intelligence sharing is happening at a very rudimentary level, and it's very hard to intercept." European network Initially, intelligence concerns about additional attacks centered on IS terrorists using November's attacks in Paris as a blueprint, hitting multiple "soft targets" simultaneously, maximizing civilian casualties. But the Brussels attacks that killed 32 people suggest the terror group is growing bolder. "What it says is that our enemy has a network that seems to be active and thriving in the heart of Europe," former CIA director, Gen. Michael Hayden told VOA. "The level of sophistication, kind of continuing on that same arc, we have seen ISIS as it so to speak ups its game." Making the situation more dangerous is that U.S. officials believe IS is now "deeply rooted" in Europe, using perhaps hundreds of jihadists who have returned home from Syria and Iraq to mold thousands more into a guerrilla units, capable striking even after sustaining losses. "A number of terrorist plots have been disrupted," a second U.S. official told VOA, cautioning the numbers may be in IS's favor. "ISIL's access to thousands of foreign fighters and its willingness to trade risk for headlines underscores the ongoing threat the group poses to the West," the official added. And former counterterrorism officials, like Malcolm Nance, warn the surveillance of the Belgian nuclear scientist and the laptop with plans of the prime minister's office indicate it is only a matter of time before IS foreign fighters unleash their combat experience on high value targets. 'Assume' new attacks "You absolutely should just assume that they are all ready to attack," Nance warned. "Just way too much effort has gone into this, even if they didn't get past the planning stage," he said. "Maybe the Belgian reactor was just the model It could be carried out anywhere." Nance believes such an operation would closely mirror attacks the group has carried out in Syria, Iraq and elsewhere. After extensive intelligence gathering, Islamic State fighters would move into position, using Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs), or truck bombs, to breach the perimeter, with a follow on truck bomb to sow additional confusion before fighters move in. In the case of a nuclear facility, Nance said the goal would be to cause a meltdown, turning the complex itself into a dirty bomb. For now, some Belgian officials have downplayed the concerns, saying there is little to indicate such attacks are imminent. Yet officials in France say a cell there did appear to be on the verge of taking action. Prosecutors filed preliminary terror charges against 34-year-old Frenchman Reda Kriket Wednesday, calling the cache of explosives and arms found in his apartment an indication an imminent act of "extreme violence" was in the works. Kriket is suspected of having traveled to Syria in late 2014 or early 2105 and had already been convicted in absentia by authorities in Belgium this past July on terror charges. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address IS 'Cyrillic Jihadists' Create Their Own Community in Syria by Mehdi Jedinia March 30, 2016 Over 5,000 jihadists from the Central Asian countries of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan are fighting in the ranks of the so-called Islamic State militant group in the Middle East. These Russian-speaking Muslims not only play a major role within the IS leadership, but also have built a community of their own in the areas controlled by the extremist group. In fact, they are now raising their children to be a second generation of jihadists, sources say. Russian-speaking Jihadists are the second largest group of foreigners fighting for IS. The number of jihadists from Central Asia and Russia joining IS has increased by as much as 300 percent since June 2014, according to a report by the New York City-based Soufan Group. While their rituals, customs, race, and ethnic background may vary, members of this group have at least one thing in common that distinguishes them from other jihadists: they can read and write fluently in Cyrillic script, given that the now-independent countries of their birth were for decades dominated by the Soviet Union, which used Russian as its lingua franca. Most of these so-called "Cyrillic Jihadists" have settled near the Syrian city of Raqqa, the de facto IS capital, and their areas have developed into real communities with certain habits and rituals. Residents can hear Friday prayers in Russian at the Abubakr Dagestani mosque. Adults can attend at the Abu Muslim Islamic school to study Arabic and Quranic thought. Children study math and the Quran at a Russian-language school run by the foreign fighter brigade headed by Abu Hanif Jamaat, a native of Dagestan in Russia's North Caucasus region. Homesick wives of the jihadists can shop for products from their home countries at the "Univermag" Russian store. "The Russian-speaking jihadists formed a community of their own within IS," said Salem al-Hammoud, a civic activist from the IS-controlled Syrian city of Deir Ezzor who is currently based in Turkey. IS has fighters from all over the world, including North Africa and Europe, "but there's a significant percentage that comes from the former Soviet republics," he said. "These fighters are very different from others in terms of discipline and military training comparing to their Arab and African counterparts," Al-Hammoud said, adding that the IS leadership appoints them to important posts "because they are tough and they do not sympathize with locals." Since they do not mingle with other jihadists, he said, IS leaders view them as "a very reliable, resilient force." Fighters from the Caucasus region, Central Asia and Russia are linked by their knowledge of Russian. "There is evidence that the Russian-speaking fighters train together," said Edward Lemon, a researcher at the University of Exeter in Britain. "Russian-speaking fighters, most notably the late Abu Omar al-Shishani, have risen to the top of the ranks of IS. Given their combat experience, fighters from the North Caucasus are regarded as particularly strong fighters." Abu Omar al-Shishani, born Tarkhan Batirashvili, was an ethnic Chechen from Georgia who served in the Georgian Army during its brief war against Russia in 2008 before becoming a top IS commander in Syria. He died from wounds sustained in a U.S. airstrike conducted in Syria in early March. Not mercenaries Contrary to the common belief that these fighters joined IS to make money, many of them see IS-controlled territory in Syria as their home and do not consider themselves mercenaries. Babajon Karabayev, a former IS fighter who returned to Tajikistan, said that these fighters call the Islamic State home. Karabayev was looking for a job in Russia due to the bad economy in his home country. Frustrated with the Russian job market, he fell into the IS recruiting network. "Many fight for money, but most are there for their ideology," he said. He received some money, but left the group because he was not as steadfast in his convictions as others. A tax-free income stream is an incentive to join IS, but not enough to keep someone in its ranks over the longer term. "IS propaganda stresses the positives of living in the Caliphate - brotherhood among fellow Muslims and the idea of building a pure Islamic State," said Lemon. "There is limited evidence that money is a driver for recruitment, but it certainly plays some role." IS recruiters exploit the lack of social support for Central Asian immigrants in Russia. "Many are recruited from migrant worker communities in Russia, as the lack of a supportive community there opens the door to recruitment," says Catherine Putz, a U.S.-based journalist and researcher. "There are also economic factors involved, as extremist groups often tempt recruits with promises of money." Identity crisis The fact that people like Abu Omar al-Shishani and Gulmurod Halimov, a U.S.-trained police colonel in Tajikistan who went to the Middle East and joined Islamic State, have become top IS members has created a sense of belonging for Russian-speaking Muslims, who suffered an identity crisis in their home countries. According to the Soufan Group, a majority of the "Cyrillic Jihadists" come the North Caucasus particularly Chechnya and Dagestan, areas with long histories of Islamic extremism. Rashot Kamalov, the imam of the Al-Sarahsiy Mosque in Kyrgyzstan who encouraged his followers to join IS in Syria, was sentenced to a five-year jail term for "inciting religious hatred" and "possessing extremist materials" in February 2015. But Kamalov remains popular with some young Kyrgyz Muslims. "Not only Kyrgyz but other youngsters with Islamic tendencies from Chechnya, Dagestan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan have been exposed to this idea and have embraced it as a form of self-expression," says Noah Tucker, managing director of Registan.net, a website the focuses on Central Asia, the Caucasus, and South Asia. "They come to believe that the Islamic State is the Islamic utopia they were chasing for years. Most of the recruiting material from ISIS aimed at Central Asians in Russia actually focuses almost exclusively on identity 'You are Muslims, and your problems are caused by those who oppress Muslims' - and offers it both as an explanation for what potential recruits have suffered in life and as a solution , presenting ISIS as the 'Muslim counterforce' to this oppression." Islamic utopia, Russian style Although Russia has clearly sided with President Bashar al-Assad in what it calls "the fight against terrorists in Syria," some observers claim that Russian authorities have encouraged local jihadists to depart for Syria. Nadir Medetov, a 32-year-old Dagestani Salafist who was arrested by the Russian security services in October 2014 on charges of illegally possessing illegal firearms turned up in Syria four months later. Some experts believe that Medetov was able to escape to Syria not due to a lapse in security, but because of a deliberate Kremlin strategy to send the most troublesome members of society to hotspots abroad. "There are reports arguing that the Russian government took a very active role in helping jihadists and potential militants leave the Caucasus to go fight in Syria - where, as it turned out, the Russian air force was able to bomb them with a level of impunity they cannot implement in the Caucasus anymore," said Registan.net's Noah Tucker. Russian Defense Sergei Shoigu recently claimed that his forces killed more than 2,000 Russian jihadists in Syria. Future cannon fodder The Russian-speaking jihadists see IS as a lifestyle choice and even a long-term plan for the future, which is why they try to raise their children to be the next generation of jihadists. In the Russian-language schools in IS-controlled territory, the children of the Russian-speaking jihadists are subjected to brainwashing and discipline by uncompromising Muslim scholars. Some Muslim families in Central Asian countries send their children to IS territory in the Middle East for what they think will be a better life. According to a recent report by Kyrgyzstan's internal affairs ministry, 85 children under the age of 10 and 36 teenagers left Kyrgyzstan for Syria during the last few months. Sirwan Kajjo, Fatima Tlisova, Firuz Bartov, Saeid Al-Kanassi and Mumin Ahmadi contributed to this story. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Belgium Approves Extradition of Paris Attacks Suspect to France by VOA News March 31, 2016 The main suspect in last November's terrorist attacks in Paris can be extradited from Belgium to France, Belgium's federal prosecutor announced on Thursday. Belgian and French authorities will now consider jointly how to proceed with the extradition of Salah Abdeslam, the prosecutors said in a statement. Earlier Thursday, Abdeslam's lawyer said his client is eager to cooperate with French officials in their investigation of the attacks. Cedric Moisse told reporters Abdeslam will not fight extradition to France from Brussels, where he was arrested on March 18 after four months on the run. He is accused of helping to plan the attacks that left 130 people dead in the French capital. Abdeslam has also been linked to Khalid and Ibrahim el Bakraoui, the brothers who took part in last week's suicide bombings in Brussels that killed 32 people. Meanwhile, prosecutors filed preliminary terror charges against 34-year-old Frenchman Reda Kriket Wednesday, calling the cache of explosives and arms found in his apartment during a raid an indication an imminent act of "extreme violence" was in the works. Kriket is suspected of having traveled to Syria in late 2014 or early 2105 and had already been convicted in absentia by authorities in Belgium this past July on terror charges. VOA National Security correspondent Jeff Seldin contributed to this report. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Preparing to Transfer More Prisoners From Guantanamo Bay by VOA News March 31, 2016 U.S. military officials have informed Congress that they plan to transfer about a dozen inmates from the terrorist detention facility at the naval base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The officials, who spoke to news outlets on condition of anonymity, say at least two countries have agreed to accept the detainees. One of detainees set to be transferred is Tariq Ba Odah, a 37-year-old Yemeni national who has been force-fed daily since staging a hunger strike in 2007. He now weighs just 33 kilograms, a loss of about half of his original weight. Ba Odah is one of 91 detainees still being held at Guantanamo, which opened under former President George W. Bush to hold suspected terrorists caught in the U.S.-led war on terrorists in Afghanistan. About 37 of those detainees have been approved for resettlement in a third country, including Ba Odah. The first of the transfers could take place in the next few days, with the rest occurring during the coming weeks. The Guantanamo facility has been criticized both in the United States and abroad as a symbol of human rights abuses for indefinitely holding prisoners without trial. President Barack Obama has vowed to close the Guantanamo detention facility since first taking office, but his efforts have been opposed by Congress. The president has submitted a plan to Congress to close the facility that includes transferring several detainees to maximum-security federal prisons in the United States, but Congress has imposed a ban on such transfers. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Threat Remains One Year After Garissa University Terror Attack by Mohammed Yusuf March 31, 2016 This Saturday Kenya will mark the one-year anniversary of the terror attack on Garissa University. Al-Shabab militants killed 148 people there, most of them students. In the past year, Kenya says it has heightened its response capabilities. But the region, and the continent, remain on high alert for further attacks. On April 2, 2015, four gunmen from the Somali militant group al-Shabab stormed Garissa University in northeastern Kenya. Twenty-two-year-old Steve Mwangi was there. He hid in a cupboard with three others. "We hid from seven in the morning to six-thirty in the evening, when a rescue squad came to the hostel. I didn't think I would get out of that place. When I realized they were killing people and they killed two of my roommates I was like next they will come confirming inside the hostel but, fortunately, they didn't," he said. Mwangi moved off campus and now he commutes. He says he won't sleep in the dorm in case of another attack. Al-Shabab militants said they attacked the university as payback for Kenyan military operations in Somalia. The siege at Garissa went on for at least 12 hours. Militants killed 148 people and wounded dozens more. Slow response Kenyan security forces were severely criticized for their slow response. According to local media, it took them at least seven hours to reach the university. Interior Ministry spokesman Mwenda Njoka told VOA those deficiencies have been addressed. "With the refurbishment of the helicopters and also the ones being bought, it means our paramilitary are able to move within the fastest time. For instance, the reaction time for Garissa University, everybody admits that we didn't move as fast as we should have. But if we had the equipment we have now, we could have been able to get troops there within an hour or else," he said. Threat remains high And security analysts say the risk of similar attacks remains high. Homeland security expert Richard Tuta points out that the attack on Garissa, like the more recent spate of A.Q.I.M. attacks on hotels in West Africa, required just a handful of fighters. "The return will be very high in terms of the numbers of casualties, and the cost of attacking those target is very minimum because they don't require a lot of preparation. They don't require a lot of expertise in order to penetrate some of these soft targets," he said. A single attack like Garissa or the deadly three-day siege of Westgate mall in Nairobi in 2013 were propaganda boons for al-Shabab. When Garissa happened in 2015, it had seemed al-Shabab was on the defensive amid continued pressure from African Union troops in Somalia. But shortly after, in mid-2015, the balance began to shift. Militants have raided military bases in Somalia, walking away with gear and killing dozens of regional troops in at least two attacks. Al-Shabab has also increased bomb attacks in Somalia. Some experts believe the al-Qaida affiliate is in a fierce battle for survival as the Islamic State group lures away its fighters and draws new recruits in the region. Observers also note that African terror affiliates are jockeying for funding and influence. Nairobi-based security expert Andrew Franklin sees more local motivations. "We are missing on the big picture al-Shabab objective. It's focus for 2016 is on derailing the election schedule in Mogadishu in August 2016. Its objective is to demonstrate that the federal government of Somalia is unable to hold elections," he said. Since Garissa, Kenya has not seen a major terror attack. But the threat remains, and security experts say African security agencies must work together to stop militant groups and combat the spread of extremist ideology that is radicalizing young people. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Glonass Navigation System's Ground Infrastructure Successfully Completed Sputnik News 07:38 31.03.2016(updated 10:14 31.03.2016) The testing of the ground control system of the Glonass satellite navigation system has been completed, Nikolay Testoyedov, the Head of the Reshetnev Information Satellite Systems Company told Izvestia newspaper. MOSCOW (Sputnik) The testing of the Glonass system started in 2011. In December 2015, the Russian Defense Ministry was put in charge of the systems' final tests. "The tests ended successfully, otherwise the system would not have been accepted. I want to give credit to our customers they are demanding people and if something was not in line with their technical objectives they pointed it out and we worked it through, modernizing some things," Testoyedov told Izvestia. Glonass is a satellite navigation system, which offers an alternative to the US Global Positioning System (GPS). The Glonass network provides real-time positioning and speed data for surface, sea and airborne objects around the globe. The system currently consists of 28 satellites, of which 23 are operational, and a number of ground relay stations. On Wednesday, head of Roscosmos Igor Komarov,announced that the Russian space agency would transfer control over the ground infrastructure of the Glonass global positioning system to the country's defense ministry later this year. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Will Not 'Paper Over' Differences With China in Leaders' Meeting by Nike Ching March 30, 2016 The Obama administration will not "paper over" differences with China on maritime and cyber security issues, but will promote "shared interests" in preventing destabilization on the Korean Peninsula and in promoting denuclearization, according to senior U.S. officials. President Barack Obama will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday on the sidelines of the Nuclear Security Summit. "Our engagement has also allowed us to address differences in a very candid and constructive way. We don't paper over these differences. We don't hide them," said White House Senior Director for Asian Affairs Dan Kritenbrink. While North Korea's nuclear threat is expected to be one of the most important issues, the U.S. also will raise concerns about maritime disputes and cyber security during the U.S.-China leaders' meeting, a senior State Department official told VOA. A United Nations Security Council resolution adopted earlier this month imposes tough new sanctions on Pyongyang. The measure has put China on the spot because 90 percent of North Korean trade flows either to or through China. The U.S. has been encouraging China to exert influence and pressure on North Korea to stop nuclear provocations. A State Department senior official said that so far the cooperation between Washington and Beijing in ensuring a strong implementation of the resolution has been "very, very good." "China joins with us in a very strong and intensive focus on ensuring good, solid implementation of the U.N. Security Council resolution, which, as many of you know, places strong constraints on North Korea's ability to continue to conduct commerce across its borders, whether by sea, air or land," said Under Secretary of State Rose Gottemoeller on Wednesday at the Foreign Press Center. South China Sea While the U.S. does not claim sovereignty over the South China Sea, Washington has been firm on upholding principles including non-militarization in the hotly contested islands, and a peaceful resolution of disputes consistent with international law. Beijing has launched a massive effort to assert its claims over a string of islands in the South China Sea through new construction and island-building, ignoring competing claims by Taiwan, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei. More recently, China has deployed a radar system throughout the disputed islands, and an advanced surface-to-air missile system on Woody Island, which is part of the region's Paracel Island chain also claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam. "We'll be very clear where we believe that there is behavior that is counter to those principles, just as we're very clear in our own interests in promoting international principles like freedom of navigation," said White House Deputy National Security Adviser Ben Rhodes in a briefing to preview the Nuclear Security Summit and Obama-Xi meeting. U.S. Navy ships have been conducting what officials called "freedom of navigation" operations in international waters, including sailing within 12 nautical miles of disputed islands in the South China Sea, which was denounced by China as a provocation. Obama's meeting with Xi on Thursday would be their first meeting in 2016 in Washington, D.C., six months after a state visit by Xi last September. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address DPRK FM Spokesman Blames U.S. for Escalating Tension on Korean Peninsula Korean Central News Agency of DPRK via Korea News Service (KNS) Pyongyang, March 31 (KCNA) -- A spokesman for the DPRK Foreign Ministry Thursday released a statement hitting out at the U.S. for its foolish attempt to shift the blame for the escalated tension on the Korean peninsula on to the DPRK. The U.S. is describing the just self-defensive countermeasures taken by the DPRK to cope with the former's frantic war moves and its sanctions and racket to stifle the latter as a "provocation" and "threat" and creating impression that the latter was to blame for the above-said tension. This is profound confusing of right and wrong. The statement noted that the prevailing grave situation was entirely attributable to the U.S. It went on: The U.S. nuclear threat and blackmail are neither temporary ones started recently nor an abstract conception but a potential threat it has posed to the DPRK every day for the past several decades after adopting the preemptive nuclear attack on it as a policy. The U.S. attempted to mount a nuclear attack on the DPRK as early as in the 1950s and the Bush administration officially listed the DPRK, which was a non-nuclear state, as part of "the axis of evil" and target of preemptive nuclear attack early in the 21st century. The Obama administration excluded the DPRK from the list of the "nuclear non-use" in April of 2010, fully revealing its scenario for mounting a preemptive attack on the DPRK. The U.S. is reiterating it still now. It has staged large-scale joint military drills every year and made practical preparations for a nuclear attack on the DPRK by mobilizing various type nuclear war hardware. The on-going Key Resolve and Foal Eagle 16 joint military exercises, in particular, are unprecedented in their scale and provocative nature. While threatening the DPRK with nukes, the U.S. is resorting to an extreme political and economic pressure on the former. Lording it over the UN and the international community, the U.S. is recklessly working to stifle a sovereign state at any cost with every conceivable illegal and brigandish means and methods employed. This can never be tolerated. Now that it is as clear as noonday the U.S. military threats and hostile acts against the DPRK are designed to decapitate the supreme leadership and bring down the "social system" of the DPRK, it is left with no option but to take actions to protect the dignity of its supreme leadership, sovereignty and right to existence. The U.S. nuclear threat and blackmail, joint military exercises, sanctions and other moves to stifle the DPRK are the root cause of pushing the situation on the peninsula to the brink of a clash of nuclear weapons. The U.S. seeks to shift the blame for the escalating tension on to the DPRK by triggering off its resistance through diverse pressure but it brings into bolder relief the true colors of the former as an aggressor and provocateur. If the U.S. tries to infringe upon the supreme interests and sovereignty of the DPRK even a bit, the latter will mete out a prompt merciless punishment to it with all means including nuclear force involved and defuse the threats to its sovereignty and regional peace and security, declares the statement. -0- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US, Japan, S. Korea Urge Strict Sanctions Enforcement Against N. Korea by Mary Alice Salinas March 31, 2016 President Barack Obama and the leaders of Japan and South Korea on Thursday urged the international community to "vigilantly enforce" tougher U.N. sanctions against North Korea following Pyongyang's nuclear and missile tests this year. After meeting on the sidelines of the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, Obama, South Korean President Park Guen-hye and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe vowed the longtime allies would stand together and tighten security cooperation in the face of rising tensions. "One of the topics now most on our minds is the issue of North Korea, and we are united in our efforts to deter and defend against North Korean provocations," Obama said with the three leaders seated side by side. "We agreed during this meeting that trilateral security cooperation is essential in maintaining peace and stability in Northeast Asia, deterring the North Koreans' nuclear threat and the potential of nuclear proliferation as a consequence of North Korean activities," he added. North Korea has been roundly condemned for conducting a nuclear test in January and a long-range rocket launch in February, violating several U.N. Security Council resolutions. In March, the council passed a resolution imposing tougher sanctions on Pyongyang. They require mandatory inspections of all North Korean cargo and ban the export of most of the country's mineral trade that has been used to fund its nuclear development program. About 90 percent of North Korean trade flows through or to China, so Beijing's enforcement of the tighter sanctions is critical. The U.S. has been encouraging China to press harder on North Korea to stop its nuclear provocations. Obama also met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the summit Thursday. Since North Korea's aggressive actions this year, Washington and its allies have started talks on the possible deployment the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system in South Korea, a move likely to raise tensions with Beijing. "Insofar as we continue to face the threat from North Korean provocations, we have to take necessary measures to protect ourselves and our allies," said Ben Rhodes, Obama's deputy national security adviser, who acknowledged Beijing has stepped up its pressure on Pyongyang. "We've had good support from China, but we clearly believe that there's more that will continue to have to be done, including on enforcing the sanctions we've put into place," he added. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran won't need permission on defense capabilities: Minister Dehqan Iran Press TV Thu Mar 31, 2016 10:17AM Iran's defense minister says the country will not wait for permission from "others" to boost its defense capabilities after the US and its allies urge the UN to take action over Tehran's missile tests. Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan said what constitutes Iran's regular missile drills "is based on pre-arranged plans which are carried out in order to assess the degree of its preparedness and capabilities." "We will continue to act on achieving defense capabilities with the aim of responding to any threat. In this course, we will not need any authorization or approval from others," he told the state television Wednesday night. Dehqan stressed that Iran would never move toward developing unconventional weapons. "The Islamic Republic of Iran has never had and will never have an aggressive attitude toward any nation or country, (but) in defending itself, it will use all means possible on the basis of its national interests." Security Council meeting His remarks came after the US, France, Britain and Germany were reported to have called for a Security Council meeting to respond to Iran's recent ballistic missile tests. The Reuters news agency, citing unnamed diplomats, said experts from the 15-nation body would discuss Iran's missile program on Friday and were expected to consider the possibility of a statement condemning it. Dehqan predicted that the council would not take any action against Iran because its tests didn't violate either a July nuclear agreement or a UN resolution on Tehran's missiles. "I am confident that the Security Council and the United Nations will not respond as our actions are neither a breach of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action nor are they against Resolution 2231," he said. In their letter to the UN chief Ban Ki-moon on Monday, the US and its three European allies stopped short of calling Iran's missile launches a "violation" of the resolution. The tests, they claimed, were "inconsistent with" and "in defiance of" council resolution 2231, because they were "inherently capable of delivering nuclear weapons," a charge Iran vehemently denies. "I think America, England and France must look a bit at their own national interests and stand less as an advocate of the interests of Israel as an aggressive, murderer and illegitimate regime," Dehqan said. UN's Resolution 2231 "calls upon" Iran to refrain for up to eight years from activity related to ballistic missiles designed with the capability of delivering nuclear weapons. No violation Russia, a veto-wielding permanent member, has made clear it considers compliance with the appeal in resolution to be voluntary. On Wednesday, the Russian Foreign Ministry's Mikhail Ulyanov said Iran's test launches did not violate the UN resolution. "The resolution does not ban the tests," said Ulyanov, who is the head of the ministry's department for non-proliferation. Tehran has also said it is under no obligation to comply with the appeal to refrain from missile work and vowed to continue developing ballistic missiles in the face of threats. Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday that missile power is key to Iran's future security. "In this jungle-like world, if the Islamic Republic seeks negotiations, trade and even technology and science, but has no defense power, won't even small countries dare threaten Iran?" the Leader said. "Our enemies are constantly enhancing their military and missile capabilities and given this how can we say the age of missiles has passed?" he added. US hostility Chairman of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee expressed indignation that there was no ground for new UN sanctions on Iran. "As many of us feared, now it appears Iran can defy those restrictions with impunity fearing no pushback from the UN Security Council," Republican Senator Bob Corker said. Corker is among many US lawmakers who have demanded more sanctions on Iran over the missile tests. Dehqan said, "The Americans basically don't want our national power to expand in various aspects." "This issue attests to the efficiency and ability of our democratically religious system which can become a model for oppressed countries and motivate them to stand against the demands" of arrogant powers, he added. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Senior Iraqi cleric orders supporters to halt Baghdad sit-in Iran Press TV Thu Mar 31, 2016 5:19PM Prominent Iraqi cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has called on his supporters to stop a sit-in inside Baghdad's Green Zone district aimed at pressing the government to reform the country's political structure in a bid to tackle corruption. "End your sit-in before the gates of the Green Zone, with thanks and appreciation to you," Sadr said in televised remarks on Thursday. The remarks came hours after Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi presented a list with the names of candidates for ministries as he works up a new cabinet lineup. The premier named Nizar Salem al-Numan as a candidate for oil minister as part of the cabinet reshuffle, state television reported. He also named prominent politician Ali Allawi for the post of finance minister and tagged Sharif Ali bin al-Hussein for foreign minister. Iraqi lawmakers appear divided on the cabinet reshuffle. The Iraqi parliament postponed its session to vote on the cabinet lineup until April 2. It had been expected to reconvene on Thursday. Sadr had called on Abadi to move ahead with a plan announced more than six weeks ago to change ministers in an attempt to combat systemic political patronage that has abetted graft in the Arab country. On March 18, Sadr's followers began the sit-in at entrances to the Green Zone, which houses the legislature, the prime minister's office and various foreign embassies. He joined the protest action on March 27. The demonstrators had vowed to continue their action until the government fulfills its pledge to enact political reforms. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister Abadi presents new Iraqi cabinet lineup Iran Press TV Thu Mar 31, 2016 12:10PM Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi of Iraq has presented a list with the names of candidates for ministries as he works up a new cabinet lineup. "He presented a list with the names of candidates for ministries and their CVs who were chosen by a special committee of experts on the basis of professionalism, competence, integrity and leadership," said a statement on the website of the Iraqi premier on Thursday. Abadi named Nizar Salem al-Numan as a candidate for oil minister as part of the cabinet reshuffle aimed at combating corruption, state television said. The premier also named prominent politician Ali Allawi for the post of finance minister and tagged Sharif Ali bin al-Hussein for foreign minister, the report added. Iraqis have been protesting against corruption over the past months calling for reforms. The administration of Abadi has failed to deliver on its reform promises. The number of ministers that would be affected by the reshuffle is not clear yet. The Iraqi parliament must vote on any change of the cabinet lineup. The parliament, however, postponed its session for that matter until April 2. It had been expected to reconvene later on Thursday. Lawmakers appear divided on the reshuffle, as a number of parliamentarians have called for changes to all ministries and others only urge a partial change. On March 29, senior Iraqi cleric Muqtada al-Sadr met with Abadi ahead of a deadline set for the premier to enact political reforms. The parliament voted on March 28 to give Abadi a three-day deadline by which to present his new government or face a vote of no-confidence. Sadr began a promised sit-in inside Baghdad's Green Zone on March 27, vowing to continue the protest action until the government fulfills its pledges for reforms. He joined his followers at the gates of the area, which is home to many government offices as well as the parliament and foreign embassies. Meanwhile, Iraq's former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who is currently the secretary general of the Islamic Dawa Party, has reportedly expressed his conditional support for the reshuffle if the changes do not affect less than nine ministries. Otherwise, he has stated, the party will not take part in the parliament vote for the reshuffle. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Presidential-Style Powers Proposed for Aung San Suu Kyi by Richard Green March 31, 2016 The party of Myanmar democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi submitted a proposal that would make her an official "state advisor," a move that would allow her to play a dominate role in running the country. A bill was introduced Thursday in parliament that would specifically allow the Nobel Peace laureate to control and conduct the activities of all the ministries. She already holds down four posts in President Htin Kyaw's 18-member Cabinet the ministries of foreign affairs, education, energy and the president's office. The measure is expected to easily pass in the legislature, which is dominated by Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy. The NLD won overwhelming control of both chambers of parliament in November's elections, giving it control over the presidency. But Myanmar's constitution drafted by the military junta before turning over power to a quasi-civilian government in 2010 bars anyone with a foreign-born spouse or children from becoming president a clause that applies to Aung San Suu Kyi, since her late husband was British, as are her two sons. President Htin Kyaw, Aung San Suu Kyi's childhood friend and longtime confidant, was sworn in Wednesday as Myanmar's first civilian head of state since 1962, bringing an end to complete or partial military rule. But the military remains a political force in Myanmar it holds 25 percent of all parliamentary seats, plus the key ministerial posts of home affairs and defense, enough to give it veto power over any proposed constitutional changes. Post-election talks between Aung San Suu Kyi and the military to remove the clause failed. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia to Answer Asymmetrically to NATO Major BuildUp in Europe Sputnik News 14:48 31.03.2016(updated 15:22 31.03.2016) Russia will not passively watch the US and NATO build-up in Europe and will provide an asymmetrical response, which will be highly efficient, not elaborately expensive and calibrated in accordance with Russia's understanding of the extent of the military threat, Russian envoy to NATO Alexander Grushko said on Wednesday. The comments come in response to the recent Pentagon announcement that it is readying a more robust US military presence in Eastern Europe. On Wednesday, the Pentagon revealed its plans to position American troops, tanks and other armored vehicles full-time along NATO's eastern borders to deter so-called "Russian aggression," in what would be the first such deployment since the end of the Cold War. "The new gear includes 250 tanks, Bradley Fighting Vehicles and Paladin self-propelled howitzers as well as more than 1,700 additional wheeled vehicles and trucks," according to The Wall Street Journal report. The White House approved the "broad contours" of the plan, designed to start in February 2017, when it signed off on the $3.4 billion European Reassurance Initiative budget last month, leaving the specifics to the Pentagon. Congress still has to sign off on the request. "By no means, are we passive observers," Grushko said in an interview with Russia-24 news channel. "We will utilize all military measures we deem necessary in order to counterbalance this reinforced presence which, by the way, has no justification whatsoever." "There will be an asymmetrical response, which will be highly efficient, not extremely expensive and calibrated in accordance with Russia's understanding of the extent of the military threat," he added. Grushko noted that NATO is already sounding the alarm over Russia's strengthening of its potential on the so-called "anti-access/area denial" capabilities, which now cover the Kaliningrad region, Black Sea and Kola Peninsula in the far northwest of Russia and over Russia's defensive measures of its air group in Syria after Turkey downed its jet in Syria. Russia's envoy has also addressed reports of Air Force Gen. Philip M. Breedlove's suggestion to resume surveillance flights of U-2 jets over Europe, presumably on the borders of the Baltic states. Breedlove apparently suggested that "EUCOM needs additional intelligence collection platforms, such as the U-2 or the RC-135, to assist the increased collection requirements in the theatre." Grushko has not ruled out that such jets could be used over regions bordering Russia, however said that he sees undertones of propaganda in the reports rather than a real threat. "It seems to me that these [reports on the potential resumption of flights by US reconnaissance planes] are nothing more than another propaganda volley, but made with a certain intent," he said. "Reconnaissance aircraft will not fly over Russia," he stated. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address No need for Syria's federalization: Assad Iran Press TV Wed Mar 30, 2016 2:52PM Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has rejected certain efforts aimed at presenting a federal model for the future political system of the country, saying that Syria is too "small" for adopting such a model. "From a sociological point of view, there must be components of society that may not be able to live with one another for there to be a federation," he told Russia's RIA Novosti state news agency in an interview published on Wednesday, adding, "There is none of this in Syrian history." The federal political structure is an option favored by Syrian Kurds who have recently declared a federal region across several provinces under their control as they seek autonomy. However, those involved in UN-brokered talks in Geneva aimed at ending the crisis in Syria, including Damascus and the UN's Syria envoy, have dismissed the declaration. "The majority of Kurds want to live in a united Syria, within the framework of centralized power in political terms, and not in a federal structure," Assad said. Assad urges inclusive unity government Elsewhere in his comments, the Syrian leader stressed that both government and opposition should be included in a Syrian unity government, while rejecting the "transitional body with full executive powers" that the opposition pushes for in a move that entails Assad's departure. It would be "logical for there to be independent forces, opposition forces and forces loyal to the government represented there," he said. President Assad, meanwhile, stipulated that the meaning of the term "the political transition" is transition from one constitution to another, adding, "Thus, the transition period must be under the current constitution, and we will move on to the new constitution after the Syrian people vote for it." The UN-backed talks involving Damascus and the opposition came to a halt earlier in March over Assad's future. The opposition argues that he must step down before a transitional government is established. "Neither the Syrian constitution, nor the constitution of any other country in the world includes anything that is called a transitional body of power. It's illogical and unconstitutional," Assad said. Responding to Assad's remarks, George Sabra, a negotiator for the Saudi-backed High Negotiations Committee (HNC) at Geneva peace talks, repeated the demand for Assad's ouster. "The government, whether it's new or old, as long as it is in the presence of Bashar al-Assad, is not part of the political process," he said. Call for reconstruction of Syria The Syrian president also called on Russia, China and Iran to help Damascus rebuild the country which he said has suffered an economic loss of more than USD 200 billion (176 billion euros) during the past five years of conflict. "Economic issues can be settled immediately, when the situation stabilizes in Syria, but rehabilitating the infrastructure will take a long time," Assad said. He added that Damascus expects the process of rebuilding the country to be based on "three main countries that supported Syria during this crisis -- Russia, China and Iran." Syria has been gripped by foreign-backed militancy since March 2011. In recent months, Syrian army, backed by the Russian air power, has been making major gains against Takfiri groups, recapturing several strategic areas from their grip, including the ancient city of Palmyra. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Kurds Disagree With Assad's Logic Against Syrian Federalism Sputnik News 18:05 31.03.2016 Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party representative to the United States Mehmet Yuksel said that if Assad believes minorities in Syria are not eligible to form a federal system, one can easily argue that the president's Alawite minority should not have been able to rule over a central state for more than 50 years. WASHINGTON (Sputnik) Syrian President Bashar Assad's argument that his country is too small for the Kurds to declare a federal region contradicts examples in other countries that are half the size of Syria, Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party representative to the United States Mehmet Yuksel told Sputnik on Thursday. Assad told Sputnik in an interview published on Wednesday that Syria was too small for federalization, and claimed most Kurds wanted the country to remain united. Earlier this week, Assad told French lawmakers that Kurds would be a minority within their own territory. "Assad does not approve the federal state declared by the Kurds in Syria by making the argument that 'Syria is a little country and Kurds are the minority within it'," Yuksel stated. "However, what about Belgium and Switzerland? They are not even half the size of Syria, but have adapted [a] federal system as their governing system." Moreover, Yuksel noted, if Assad believes minorities in Syria are not eligible to form a federal system, one can easily argue that the president's Alawite minority should not have been able to rule over a central state for more than 50 years. The bigger problem, Yuksel observed, is that Assad should have previously upheld Kurdish liberties, but instead his authoritarian-style of governance has left the country in ruins. "The issue is not the type of system in Syria, but Assad's reluctancy to acknowledge the status and the rights of the Kurds in the country," Yuksel argued. At a constituent conference in the Hasakah province on March 17, the Syrian Kurds announced the creation of a federal region in the country's north the so-called Federal Democratic System of Rojava and Northern Syria. Kurds expect that the federation would unite separated national communities as well as their militias to counter terrorists in the region. Russia has repeatedly stated that Syria's territorial integrity was a critically important issue for the majority of states taking part in the process to settle the Syrian crisis. Last month, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Moscow would support the establishment of a federal republic in Syria if the Syrians themselves decided that that is what is best for their country. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Assad to Sputnik: Russian Military Operations in Syria Largely Successful Sputnik News 14:25 31.03.2016(updated 15:03 31.03.2016) The Syrian president stated that Russia has contributed to the peace process in Syria greatly. DAMASCUS (Sputnik) Russia has made great progress in the fight against terrorism in Syria if comparing US-led coalition operations and the beginning of Russian operations, Syrian President Bashar Assad told Sputnik in an interview. "Let's make a simple comparison. What was the situation like before the operation of Russia's Aerospace Forces in Syria, when the Western coalition formed over a year and a half ago was acting 'on the ground?' Terrorism expanded its presence, occupying most of the territory of Syria and Iraq. And how did the situation change six months after the start of the Russian operation in Syria? Terrorist forces began to retreat, especially Daesh [IS]. So, the reality itself proves the fact that Russians, in our opinion, have achieved great success, especially in the military sphere, on the battlefield, causing significant damage to terrorism," Assad said. He added, however, that "the war on terror is not over, it continues." Syrians are interested in Russia's military presence remaining in the country in the future, Syrian President said. "And I do not think that the Syrian public opinion is interested in the Russian support ending right now or in the future, and, as a result, the Russian contingent being withdrawn," Assad said. After the third round of intra-Syrian reconciliation talks in Geneva, UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura published a document containing 12 principles. The Syrian government and opposition will study the document before the next round and either agree to it or make amendments to it. One of de Mistura's suggestions is to forbid the presence of foreign military forces in Syria. When Assad was asked whether Russia could establish a permanent base at Hmeimim, the Syrian leader said the invitation of foreign contingents to any sovereign state is the sole right of that state and no one can limit this unless the country itself has included such a ban in its constitution. "Such a constitution does not exist right now. And I do not think that the Syrian public opinion is interested in the Russian support ending right now or in the future, and, as a result, the Russian contingent being withdrawn," Assad said. Assad emphasized that Syria still remains "in the heart of a battle that is not over yet," so the size of the Russian contingent deployed to the Hmeimim Airbase should be proportionate to the size of the terrorist threat, as well as the spread of terrorism in Syria. "Terrorism is still strong. It is true that we, together with the Russian forces, have achieved success in the task of reducing the scope of terrorism, but, nonetheless, it is still strong: there are volunteers arriving from abroad, Turkey continues to support terrorism, as well as Saudi Arabia and other states, so the contingent deployed [at Hmeimim] must not be smaller in number than what is necessary for the fight against terrorism," Assad said. Assad added that only after terrorism is completely uprooted, Russia should begin reducing its contingency. "I think that the Russian government will itself reduce the contingent that it will not be using, then we'll have a different conversation," he said. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Kurdish Representative Says Assad 'Not Ready' for Political Transition Sputnik News 14:12 31.03.2016 Rodi Osman, the head of Syrian Kurdistan's representative office in Moscow said that the Syrian Kurds continue to insist on federalization despite recent statements by President Bashar Assad claiming that Syria is too small to be federalized. MOSCOW (Sputnik) Syrian President Bashar Assad's stance on the issue of Kurdish autonomy proves that he is not ready for a political transition in the country, the head of Syrian Kurdistan's representative office in Moscow told Sputnik. Assad said, in an interview with Sputnik published on Wednesday, that most Kurds wanted to live in a united Syria and not in a federalized country. At the same time, Assad said that there was an understanding that a "certain change" in regard to the Kurds should be made. "His arguments prove that he is not ready for change and a transition to a new political system in Syria," Rodi Osman said. The Syrian Kurds continue to insist on federalization despite recent statements by President Bashar Assad claiming that Syria is too small to be federalized,according to Rodi Osman. Assad noted, that it would be impossible for Syria to exist as a federal state because the country is too small. "Syria is bigger than Switzerland, Belgium and the United Arab Emirates together, and these all are prosperous and stable federations," Rodi Osman said. "We in Rojava [Syrian Kurdistan, de facto autonomous region, made up of three cantons] continue to insist on federalization within the Rojava canton," he added. At a constituent conference in the Hasakah province on March 17, the Syrian Kurds announced the creation of a federal region in the country's north the so-called Federal Democratic System of Rojava and Northern Syria. Some 200 delegates from Syria's north, home to a predominantly Kurdish population, attended the conference. The Kurds are a Middle Eastern ethnic group with the population of some 30-35 million living mainly in Turkey, Iran, Iraq and Syria. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Turkey Threatens More Shelling on Syrian Kurds if Advance Continues Sputnik News 13:33 31.03.2016 Turkish Armed Forces will continue to shell Kurdish militias in northern Syria along the Turkish border, if Kurdish forces cross the line between Jarabulus and Azaz, according to local media. ANKARA (Sputnik) Turkey will continue to bombard Syria's Kurdish self-defense forces should the militias cross the line between the northern Syrian cities of Jarabulus and Azaz in their anti-terrorist offensive, local media reported Thursday. Turkey has been shelling Kurdish militias in northern Syria along the Turkish border since February. Ankara has claimed that the Syrian Kurds have links to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which is considered a terrorist organization by the Turkish authorities. The Hurriyet newspaper reported, citing a military source, that the Turkish Armed Forces would not invade Syria should the Kurds cross the line between Jarabulus and Azaz in their offensive against the Islamic State (ISIL or Daesh) militant group, but would instead shell Kurdish positions. Syria has been in a state of civil war since 2011, with the government forces fighting several opposition factions and militant groups, including Daesh. Kurdish militias have also been fighting against Daesh, which is outlawed in many countries, including Russia and the United States. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Turkish General Staff Rejects Reports of Alleged Military Coup Preparations Sputnik News 19:29 31.03.2016(updated 19:42 31.03.2016) The Turkish army on Thursday rejected media speculation about a possible military coup in the country, taking legal action against those responsible for spreading such rumors. ANKARA (Sputnik) Several Turkish media outlets have published reports of an alleged planned military coup against Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in recent days. Some reports pointed to political-exile Fethullah Gulen, a former imam and founder of the influential Gulen movement, as the possible leader of the coup. "Discipline and unconditional subordination to command is of great importance to the Turkish Armed Forces. Any illegal actions unsanctioned by the command are impossible. Turkey's General Staff once again expresses its commitment to democracy and the country's Constitution. Such accusations are groundless, and those spreading them have been taken to court. They are demoralizing our service personnel," the Turkish General Staff said in a statement. Erdogan is currently on a visit to the United States, where a number of world leaders are expected to gather for the Nuclear Security Summit (NSS), due to run from March 31 to April 1. The Turkish army has carried out two coups since the Republic of Turkey was founded in 1922. In 1960, the Democrat Party's government was overthrown by a group of officers, while in 1980, a military coup resulted in the armed forces-led National Security Council taking power for three years. In 2012, hundreds of people were implicated in the Sledgehammer coup plan. All of the suspects have since been acquitted. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The early church father Tertullian once asked, What has Athens to do with Jerusalem? by which he meant What has Greek thought and philosophy to do with Christianity and its Biblical heritage? Today we might ask a similar question, What has Apple to do with Hobby Lobby? or What does the conflict between Apple and the federal government over encryption have to do with Hobby Lobbys struggle with the government over religious liberty? The answer is: More than you might think. As Chelsea Langston argues, the tech giant and the craft store share a defense of constitutional protections for institutions: The continued media coverage of Apples case offers an opportunity for religious freedom advocates. Its example reminds us of the broad importance of protecting organizationsboth secular and religious, for-profit and non-profitfrom compulsion to act against their most foundational values. This comparison between the Apple case and the Hobby Lobby case is not exact, but the two are closer than we may realize. Read more . . . Press Call Previewing the Nuclear Security Summit The White House Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release March 30, 2016 PRESS CALL BY BEN RHODES, DEPUTY NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR FOR STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS; LAURA HOLGATE, NSC SENIOR DIRECTOR FOR WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION AND ARMS CONTROL; DAN KRITENBRINK, NSC SENIOR DIRECTOR FOR ASIAN AFFAIRS PREVIEWING THE NUCLEAR SECURITY SUMMIT Via Conference Call 4:37 P.M. EDT MR. PRICE: Good afternoon, everyone, and thanks for joining today's call. We want to take an opportunity to preview the upcoming Nuclear Security Summit that will start here in Washington later this week. First order, on the ground rules. This call will be on the record. We have three senior administration officials on this call. They are Ben Rhodes, the Deputy National Security Advisor. We have Laura Holgate, the NSC Senior Director for WMD. And we have Dan Kritenbrink, the NSC Senior Director for Asia. This call is on the record, but it will be embargoed until the conclusion of the call. And with that, I'll turn it over to Ben to start us off. MR. RHODES: Great. Thanks, everybody, for joining the call. I'll just give you an overview of the summit, and then my colleagues can go into a little more detail. So, first of all, the Nuclear Security Summit process was initiated in the comprehensive speech that the President gave in Prague in 2009, when he announced that the United States would be hosting the first summit on nuclear security. In that speech, the President laid out four pillars of the approach to pursue peace and security of a world without nuclear weapons, while noting, of course, that so long as nuclear weapons exist we will need to have a strong and credible deterrent for the United States and our allies. Specifically, he laid out U.S. policies related to nuclear disarmament, nuclear non-proliferation, nuclear security, and nuclear energy. In this summit schedule, which I will address in a little bit, we deal, in addition to nuclear security and nuclear energy, with our ongoing efforts to promotes nonproliferation, specifically a number of meetings that will focus on our efforts to promote denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula and to lift up our successful efforts to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons to Iran. Over the course of several summits, we've been focused on the issue of nuclear security, how we are securing nuclear materials from terrorist organizations and other bad actors, and how we are promoting the peaceful use of secure nuclear energy. So far, we've made good progress over the course of the summit process. We've been focused on the roughly 2,000 metric tons of nuclear weapons usable materials -- that's highly enriched uranium and separated plutonium -- that are present in both civilian and military programs around the world. We know that terrorist organizations have the desire to get access to these raw materials and their desire to have a nuclear device. That was certainly the case with al Qaeda, and that is certainly the case with ISIL as well. And given the ongoing concern about chemical weapons in Iraq and Syria, we have seen ample proof that terrorist organizations like ISIL have no regard for innocent human life or international norms, and that only redoubles the need for us to have effective international nuclear security approaches. As the President said back in Prague, a terrorist attack with an improvised nuclear device would cost an enormous amount in terms of human life, and could also have profound political and economic and environmental effects on global security as well. And so, therefore, this is a challenge that demands the type of international cooperation that we are promoting through the Nuclear Security Summit process. What we've been trying to do since the Prague speech is to reinvigorate both bilateral and multilateral efforts and to challenge nations to examine their own commitments to nuclear security. And the Nuclear Security Summit process has been central to those efforts. Since the first summit in April of 2010, President Obama and more than 50 world leaders have been working together to prevent nuclear terrorism, to counter nuclear smuggling, and to enhance nuclear security through the summit process. This has been a process that involves obviously the leaders' summit, but also a series of working groups that have been pursuing these efforts in between the summits as well. And we believe that we've built a track record of meaningful progress on nuclear security. Collectively, summit participants have made over 260 national commitments over the course of the three Nuclear Security Summits. And of those commitments, nearly three-quarters have already been implemented. These outcomes include removing nuclear material from countries, or eliminating nuclear material; ratifying treaties and implementing treaties related to nuclear security; converting reactors; strengthening regulations; developing centers of excellence on nuclear security; upgrading technologies; and enhancing national and multilateral capabilities that promote nuclear security. And these are concrete evidence of the types of steps that can be taken through multilateral cooperation and capacity-building. Because of these efforts, it is harder than ever before for terrorists or bad actors who acquire nuclear materials. and that, of course, makes all of our people more secure. We believe that it's been necessary to prioritize this at the leader level because, frankly, you get a lot more done when you have the attention of national leaders. And the summit process itself serves as an accountability mechanism for individual countries to be following through on their commitments. I'll just go through the schedule now before turning it over to Laura Holgate to go through some of the details of this summit. On Thursday morning, the President will hold a trilateral meeting with President Park of the Republic of Korea and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan. This meeting is an opportunity for these three leaders to discuss the threat posed by North Korea, and to discuss how we can advance our trilateral security cooperation. These are obviously two of our most important allies in the world. And my colleague, Dan Kritenbrink, will be able to talk through our ongoing cooperation with the Republic of Korea and Japan. Then later on Thursday, the President will host President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China for a bilateral meeting. This, too, will present an opportunity to address the threat posed by North Korea and also to advance U.S. and China cooperation on a range of issues. Thursday night, the President will host all of the leaders at the White House for a working dinner, during which they will share perspectives on the evolving nuclear terrorism threat. On Friday morning, the President will be meeting with members of the P5-plus-1 on the margins of the Convention Center. He will have an opportunity to mark the progress that has been made in implementing the Iran deal. Thus far, we have seen Iran meet its major commitments with respect to the nuclear agreement -- whether it's shipping stockpiles out of the country, whether it's converting the Arak reactor, or whether it's disconnecting and putting under continuous monitoring centrifuges, or adhering to the inspections and verification regime that is central to our ability to monitor the implementations of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. So the President will meet with leaders of the P5-plus-1 as well as the IAEA, which, of course, is the body that works with us to ensure Iranian compliance with the nuclear deal. And again, just as we're focused on nuclear security, we're very focused on nonproliferation and stopping the spread of nuclear weapons. And Iran was the country, in 2009, that we were most concerned about in terms of the continued spread of nuclear weapons. And the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action demonstrates how steady and principles diplomacy can be successful in achieving outcomes and stopping the spread of nuclear weapons. Later, on Friday morning, the President will preside over three plenary sessions with the leaders and their top ministers. After reflections from the Dutch Prime Minister Rutte, who hosted the last Nuclear Security Summit, on the events that have transpired since the 2014 summit, the leaders will discuss the steps that they have taken in their own countries to improve nuclear security. Over lunch, the leaders of the U.N. and the IAEA and Interpol will offer their views on how their institutions can enhance nuclear security. And the leaders will discuss how to advance international cooperation on nuclear security. In addition, this year's summit will include a special summit that will focus leaders on the threat of groups like ISIL, who have targeted urban areas across the globe. ISIL clearly is an organization that poses a threat not just to individual countries, but to global security. And having this many leaders together at once provides us an important opportunity, in the wake of the recent attacks in Brussels and other countries, to address how we can enhance our capabilities to work together to confront the threat posed by ISIL, both in the context of preventing the spread of nuclear materials and also with respect to enhancing our own counterterrorism activities. Following the conclusion of the summit, the President will hold a press conference here in Washington. We'll stay in touch with everybody over the course of the two days, and we've also launched a website -- NSS2016.org -- which is the official website for the summit, which will have regular updates as well as a Twitter handle -- @NSS2016. And with that, I'll turn it over to Laura to go through the summit agenda. MS. HOLGATE: Thanks, Ben. Thanks, everybody. I'll just say a couple words about some of the deliverables for the summit -- those will take multiple forms. The most obvious and predictable one is the communique -- all of the four nuclear security summits have had a communique, but this one is designed to be more political and high-level, more akin to the Washington 2010 communique than the communiques for the past two summits. And it will essentially highlight the progress made, that the summits have made, point to the future for more work to do, identify that even though this is the last summit in this format, leaders will continue to pay personal attention to this issue, and it will launch the action plans that are the second category of deliverables. The action plans have been designed to support the enduring institutions and initiatives that are related to nuclear security. You've heard Ben mention most of them -- the U.N., the International Atomic Energy Agency, Interpol, as well as a global initiative to combat nuclear terrorism and the global partnership. And these action plans will represent steps that the summit participants will take as members of these organizations to support their enhanced role in nuclear security going forward. So this is a part of the answer to the question of how do you sustain the momentum of the summits after the summit ends. The second part of that -- or another part of that answer will be the issuance and launching of something that we're calling a nuclear security contact group that will be a way to sustain at the expert working-level -- senior expert working-level a synchronization of actions to implement all of the various commitments that have been made across all four summits. That will be announced and more detail will be provided on that. In addition to that joint statement, there will be 17 other joint statements or things that we've come to call gift baskets, which are collective commitments of summit participants -- not consensus documents, but where several countries are working around a same issue in order to make progress and actually carry out activities. And so we'll see different topics associated with nuclear smuggling, with cybersecurity as it relates to nuclear security, as well as topics like insider threats at nuclear facilities, and so on. And so those will represent -- and also radiological sources, radioactive sources, and the security of that. And so these gift baskets characterize the steps that different collections of countries are going to be making in going forward. And then, of course, there will be a whole series of national progress reports that will include both information on what countries have done in the last two years since the last summit in The Hague, and pledges that they will make going forward. So your inboxes will be full, I'm sure, as we start to release all of that information over the next couple of days. MR. KRITENBRINK: Thank you, Ben. The President is looking forward to hosting a trilateral meeting with President Park Geun-Hye and Prime Minister Abe Shinzo on the 31st, as Ben has mentioned. We often like to say that our rebalance to Asia starts with America's treaty allies, and certainly we have no more important allies than Japan and the Republic of Korea. We share common values and a common vision for the region, and that vision is rooted in our strong commitment to the rules-based order. I think the primary focus of the trilateral meeting will be North Korea. And I think the three leaders will clearly demonstrate their unity in our commitment and our firm resolve to deter and defend against North Korean aggression. Our three countries recognize that our security is linked and that it's essential that we work closely together to meet this challenge. And I anticipate that they will call upon all in the international community to join in vigilantly implementing U.N. measures on North Korea. But I think the three leaders will also discuss our trilateral security cooperation that goes well beyond the Korean Peninsula. And I anticipate that they will discuss a range of issues, including defeating ISIL to promoting global health to combatting climate change, as well. And I think our cooperation on those issues is a clear testament to the common bonds that we share. If I can make a brief comment on the bilat with Chinese President Xi Jinping, as well, which also, as Ben mentioned, will take place on March 31st. I think we see this bilateral meeting as part of a continuum of senior-level engagements between the United States and China. As you'll recall, President Xi was here for a state visit last September. The two Presidents then met in Paris on November 30 on the margins of the Paris climate summit. And the two Presidents have had three phone calls since then. We also anticipate that they will meet again on the margins of the G20 in China in September. And I think the high tempo of senior-level engagement with China is a recognition of the fact that this is where problems get solved and decisions get made. The President's direct engagement with President Xi during the Paris climate negotiations helped to move forward our joint efforts and secure an ambitious climate agreement. And the President's phone call to Xi Jinping in February supported our reaching an agreement in New York on impactful U.N. Security Council resolutions on North Korea. I think because of this high-tempo senior-level engagement, we've been able to identify opportunities for cooperation where our interests align. For example, I think bilateral cooperation with China right now is exceptionally broad and deep on issues ranging from climate to nuclear security to development, public health, Iran and Afghanistan. But our engagement has also allowed us to address differences in a very candid and constructive way. We don't paper over these differences. We don't hide them. We don't pull punches in addressing them. So I anticipate you'll see that balanced approach on display on March 31st. And the Presidents will talk about, again, the range of issues on which we cooperate. They'll talk about common challenges, including North Korea. And I think they'll have a candid exchange on areas where we continue to have significant differences, including things such as human rights, cyber, maritime issues, as well. Thank you. Q Hi, thanks for doing this. I was hoping that in the wake of Belgium, you might be able to frame things for us in terms of how that has impacted your thinking. Specifically, those reports that two of the suspects in the bombings were involved in a plot that involved surveillance of a high-ranking Belgian nuclear scientist. That has raised concerns about a nuclear attack in Europe. Are those concerns warranted, and has that impacted the agenda? MS. HOLGATE: As you mentioned, having a portion of the discussion that focuses on counter-ISIL is a judgment that was made in January, but it turns out that it's obviously very timely, unfortunately. We have seen those reports about targeting nuclear facilities as part of a broader-level -- broader plot. And certainly the video footage is of concern and suggests that there is at least some interest by ISIL. But we don't have any indications that it was part of a broader planning to acquire nuclear materials, and we don't have any information that a broader plot exists. I do want to highlight that we've been working closely with Belgium over the years on nuclear security issues. We've worked with them to reduce the amount of highly enriched uranium at that particular site where that manager worked. And there's extensive cooperation between our regulatory bodies that includes discussions of nuclear security and related issues. And we stand ready to help the Belgians in any way should they require or wish to cooperate more deeply with us on these issues. MR. RHODES: The only thing I'd add is what the summit does is it provides us an opportunity both to look at how we are, as a general matter, securing nuclear materials so that terrorists are not able to acquire them because of security arrangements, and also how we are also targeting ISIL and countering ISIL more broadly. So, again, both looking at denying access to the most dangerous materials and going on offense against ISIL broadly. We've seen over the years different terrorist organizations have ambitions related to acquiring nuclear materials. We've seen that in their public statements. We've seen that in different cases in terms of their monitoring of nuclear facilities. And that's why the summit process is so important. Because different countries have different levels of security at their facilities or in terms of how they are handling nuclear materials. Belgium has advanced nuclear security protocols in place, but we have a variance among different countries. And that's why what the summit aims to do is bring countries up to a high standard of nuclear security, whether that's through information-sharing, or centers of excellence, or ratification and implementation of relevant treaties. We want to be essentially raising the global norm related to nuclear security so that it's difficult for anybody to have any access to those materials. At the same time, we are engaged in a counter-ISIL campaign and nearly all of the countries who will be participating at the summit are part of that effort in one way or another. So we'll have the opportunity both to address the security of materials and to address the counter-ISIL effort more broadly. Q My question is about this chain of nuclear security and I guess how it's only as strong as its weakest links. You guys, the U.S., are limited in this process by the deals that you can reach with other countries, so the system isn't going to be perfect. And the people that I've been speaking to point out a few substantial gaps in the system even now, after all these years of these high-level meetings. One of them being the lack of an international framework to keep tabs on radiological sources; an unwillingness among some countries to open up plutonium fully to this process because they want it for commercial purposes; and also an unwillingness of militaries around the world for a full agreement on how they will treat their material, the mercury demand, and that's something like 85 percent of this material in the world. I mean, suppose the gaps the analysts are talking about -- I guess you know about them, too -- say, if each of you could give me one gap that isn't going to be plugged at the end of this week that you'd like to see a lot more work on, what would it be? MS. HOLGATE: Yes, I think we might have already had this conversation today. But as I mentioned earlier today, the rad sources have always been part of the Nuclear Security Summit process. They've received more interest in recent years. And this year you will see references to it in both the communique and there will be a specific gift basket of commitments made connected to radiological sources. Certainly all of the summit communiques have incorporated language that makes it clear that national expectations for security include all material, including those in weapons, and so military materials have always been addressed in the broad scope of the summit process. Certainly, over time, we would like to see more progress on reducing quantities of material, globally, on getting more and more countries to ratify the relevant treaties so that they can enter into force, and begin to create global binding expectations and requirements on those who exceed them. We certainly will continue to work on military material issues in a range of forms and formats -- bilaterally and otherwise -- and also, looking at improving nuclear smuggling capabilities to interdict and also prosecute nuclear smugglers and illicit traffickers. So there's a robust, forward agenda, there's no question. And what we're trying to do in the summit is establish a momentum that will carry forward through the existing institutions and in our various bilateral and multilateral conversations. MR. RHODES: I'd just add -- look, the question is a very good one. In an ideal world, a treaty, for instance, related to fissile material is something that we have expressed support for in the past but that there is not sufficient international buy-in to advance at this time. So, as you note, we are dealing with a reality in which you don't have, for instance, that type of binding agreement in terms of the production of fissile material. At the same time, however, what the summit does, is it gives us the capacity to enhance security around how material is handled. So, even as you have countries with different civilian and military programs, we are able to enhance the security measures that are in place so that countries are handling that material more responsibly. In some cases, countries are reducing or limiting that material. So within the reality of the existing international agreements, the summit allows us to make sure that this material is more secure; that nations can draw upon the expertise of other nations in terms of how they're handling their material; and that we are leaving no stone unturned in terms of providing capacity-building and facilitating international cooperation so that the world's most dangerous material doesn't fall into the wrong hands. One other note I'd make is that as we look at how we're dealing with nuclear programs more broadly, including those that may or may not have a military purpose, we've also worked, for instance, through the Iran deal, to identify how we can have a more robust monitoring mechanism in place that is able to look across the entire nuclear supply chain of the Iranian nuclear program. That effort in terms of nonproliferation -- and, again, that's the nonproliferation agreement, so a separate category from nuclear security -- that benefitted from lessons that were learned in terms of our efforts to promote denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula with the adoption of the additional protocol and the additional monitoring mechanisms. So as we look forward to the future of the NPT and how we're strengthening a nonproliferation regime and how we're thinking about monitoring nonproliferation agreements in the future, we've sought to draw upon the lessons of the past so that we're better able to prevent proliferation just as we're working to better prevent the proliferation of nuclear materials through the nuclear summit process. Q What are you more worried about -- that extremists could get their hands on fissile material or even obtain a weapon from Pakistan or elsewhere, or that they would get this radiological material that we've been talking about and be able to create some type of a dirty bomb? And is there any focus in this summit or in these talks on how the global community would respond to some type of a nuclear incident and the type of public panic that it would trigger? MS. HOLGATE: I mean, it's hard to handicap those two scenarios. They're both ones that we're working hard to prevent and avoid. Certainly there is much more extensive radiologically material out there in the world than there is highly enriched uranium or plutonium that you need to make an actual nuclear weapon. You find radiological material in industrial, medical, academic and other communities, and there is a code of conduct that identifies best practices on how to secure that. And there were several countries at the last Nuclear Security Summit who committed to secure their most dangerous sources by the end of this year, and so that -- there's improvements on the radiological security every day. That having been said, there are abandoned sources, orphan sources that concern us. And the potential for that kind of a device certainly exists. At this point, we don't have explicit indications that ISIL is looking to achieve either type of a nuclear or a radiological capability, but we're keeping a close eye on that. I think it's important to take this moment to recognize the distinction between an improvised nuclear device -- which would actually create a nuclear yield, and, depending on how much material, could be as devastating as an actual nuclear explosion, -- versus a radiological dispersal device, which would be certainly disruptive, but the spreading radiological material does not typically create near-term death or illness in people. It does create massive cleanup problems. It does create the potential for long-term cancer rates to be increased. So I don't want to minimize it in any way. It would be a massively disruptive and problematic event, but it does not rise in any way to the level of death and destruction that would come from an actual nuclear weapon. As for the response issue, the Nuclear Security Summits have focused on the prevention side of that and not address response. That having been said, there was a very interesting even that was hosted by Secretary of Energy Ernie Moniz in January with several of his counterparts from Nuclear Security Summit countries in a table-top exercise type of event that did get into some of the response issues, and identified some of the challenges that come along with how you communicate across boundaries and borders in neighboring countries when you have a nuclear event that creates contamination moving from one country to another, or where the contamination itself crosses boundaries, the importance of public communication, the importance of prior arrangements to share information in that situation, and especially to share communication plans and how one is going to talk to the publics involved, recognizing that there may be in different countries -- and also the treaty requirements to notify each other of events that are associated with releases of nuclear material. And so that was a very fruitful conversation. And I think the ministers who participated in that took away a renewed commitment to relook at their own preparedness to deal with some kind of a nuclear incident in their own country, and the importance of cooperating towards that end. MR. RHODES: The only thing I'd add is that you also have a geographic variance in terms of the different nature of the threat across the many countries that are participating. So again, different countries have the presence of different types of materials on their soil. So, therefore, in some countries, there may be the presence of material that could serve a purpose as it relates to a nuclear yield as against countries where you don't have that type of highly enriched uranium or plutonium present. But obviously you would be concerned about the dispersal of any radioactive material. So we're able to kind of look across that full spectrum in considering what types of nuclear security procedures and protocols need to be in place to deal with both threats. And then in terms of ISIL, obviously, what everybody shares is the interest of degrading and ultimately destroying ISIL as a terrorist organization, just as we've been doing against al Qaeda. That will ultimately be the best way of ensuring that we are minimizing any threat -- whether it's a threat of WMD or the more conventional terrorist threat that we've seen in the recent tragic attacks in Brussels and other places. At the same time, again, we work very closely with all these countries to respond to a full range of contingencies, including working with Japan in the aftermath of the tsunami as they were working to deal with a very significant challenge in terms of the dispersal of potentially dangerous material. So we're able to draw lessons from those experiences as well. Q Hi. Thank you. First of all, what significance do you place on Russia not showing up for the summit? And how do you think that will affect their cooperation on these issues moving forward? And secondly, on China, it seems like what we see over and over again is no matter what sanctions you place on North Korea against their nuclear ambitions, it doesn't really affect their behavior. And there's a lot of talk lately about China making some movements to increase pressure on North Korea, although I guess the results of that remain to be seen. To what extent will that be a focus of the bilateral meeting? And do you see any real indication that China is putting that kind of useful pressure on North Korea now? MR. RHODES: Sure, I'll start here, and Dan, I know you may want to add on North Korea. First of all, Russia's decision to certainly not participate at a high-level we believe is a missed opportunity for Russia above all. They have benefitted enormously from cooperation on nuclear security and nonproliferation in the past. They've been a partner in eliminating dangerous materials, they've been a partner in promoting nonproliferation due to the P5+1 agreement with Iran. And, frankly, all they're doing is isolating themselves in not participating as they have in the past. However, we do have ongoing cooperation and dialogue with them on issues related to nuclear security, and that's important work that is ongoing. Given the amount of material in both of our countries and given the cooperation we've done in parts of the former Soviet Union, it is important for the world to see and to know that the United States and Russia have continued cooperation on issues related to nuclear security. I'd just say on North Korea that China has -- look, you would not have the sanctions that were passed through the U.N. Security Council without China's cooperation and support. These are by far the toughest sanctions that have ever been imposed on North Korea. We believe that they are going to have a significant impact, both in terms of imposing a cost on North Korea for its action but also importantly in denying North Korea important materials that could have a concerning use. So we've seen China step up in many ways in terms of applying pressure. The fact is, it has to over time affect the calculus of the North Korean leadership. And thus far, they have not shifted course and upheld their own commitments to denuclearization, and that's why we will of course have a continued dialogue with both China and the Republic of Korea and Japan. At the same time, insofar as we continue to face the threat from North Korean provocations from North Korea, we have to take necessary measures to protect ourselves and our allies. And that's why, for instance, we're in discussions about the deployment of additional missile defense so that we're able to guard against that threat. So we've had good support from China, but we clearly believe that there's more that will continue to have to be done, including on enforcing the sanctions we've put into place. MR. KRITENBRINK: I completely agree with all that. The only thing I would add is that I do think this will be one of the most important issues that President Obama and President Xi discuss in their bilat, but I don't have anything further to add to your comment. MR. RHODES: And the only thing I'd add, Michelle, is that China -- it's in their interest. The destabilization in their neighborhood, these provocations out of North Korea, that is only counterproductive for China. They do not benefit at all from seeing that type of behavior emanating from North Korea. So we do believe that we have a shared interest in preventing destabilization on the Korean Peninsula and in promoting denuclearization. And that's the basis upon which we're able to pursue cooperation. Q I wanted to ask you about the Islamic State meeting. What do you expect the result of that meeting to be? Are there actual tangible agreements or other sorts of steps that you want or anticipate will come out of it or is this just a meeting to talk about how everyone is concerned about it? And on the P5-plus-1 meeting, is there actual doubt that Iran is in compliance, or is this more of a check-the-box type of meeting? Thanks. MR. RHODES: No, there's no doubt on your second question, Carol. In fact, we've seen Iran comply with all of their major commitments under the Joint Conference Plan of Action. The fact of the matter is this is an opportunity to bring those countries together with the IAEA, which is, of course, has a central role in monitoring the agreement. And given that this is a summit focused on nuclear security and where we're also addressing nonproliferation, we believe it was important for that meeting to go forward. Again, it demonstrates the multifaceted approach we're taking in terms of securing nuclear materials but also finding ways to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons. And so that's the purpose for that meeting. On ISIL, it certainly is a fact that everybody is concerned. And I think what will be only a couple of components -- one is to be able to approach the threat posed by ISIL through the specific prism of how we are working to prevent them from acquiring dangerous material like nuclear materials. So it's important that on the spectrum of threats posed by ISIL, we have a discussion that addressed the most lethal threat from terrorist organizations, and that's their ability to acquire nuclear materials. So that's the first point, is that this gathering uniquely focuses on nuclear security and the nexus of terrorism and nuclear materials. And so this is the first of its kind to approach where we're going to be able to look at the ISIL threat through that prism. We've done that with al Qaeda in the past at these summits, and given the evolving threat of terrorism and the increasing prominent of ISIL, we will now look at it that way. At the same time, I think we'll certainly be able to also look at specifically the threat that ISIL poses in urban centers. We've seen them try to gain a foothold and try to launch attacks in a variety of different cities and many parts of the world, and so we'll be looking at ways in which we can cooperate on a counterterrorism basis so that we're sharing information, disrupting terrorist plots, and preventing attacks like those that we saw most recently in Brussels. The President is also going to have a chance I think to see some of his counterparts on the margins of the meeting, including some of our key counter-ISIL partners. We'll keep you updated on those discussions, but I expect that we'll have a chance to check in with some of the key partners in the counter-ISIL campaign at this meeting. Q On the trilateral on Thursday, in light of the Japanese-South Korean kind of recent understanding of historical issues, can you comment on the significance of having both Prime Minister Abe and President Park in the same room? And will that signify a shift in strategy, dealing with North Korea going forward? And then on the bilateral with President Xi, last time he was here he pretty blatantly promised that there would be no more militarization on the South China Sea. Is President Obama going to call him out on that in light of recent Chinese activity there? How will he approach that issue? Thanks. MR. RHODES: Well, I'll start on that. First of all, the last time I think we had a meeting -- a trilateral meeting with the Republic of Korea and Japan was at the last Nuclear Security Summit when the two countries were not, let's say, enjoying particularly good relations. And we very much supported and applauded both leaders for reaching an important agreement in dealing with comfort women and the historical legacy issues, and we believe that they both showed a lot of courage and vision to forge a lasting settlement on that issue. Bottom line for us is that we believe it's good for the Republic of Korea, good for Japan, good for the United States, and good for the world when not only do we have good relations with our allies but our allies have good relations with each other. And given the shared threat posed by North Korea, and given the many shared interests between the Republic of Korea and Japan, we believe that facilitating greater security cooperation and improved relations is good for both countries, good for us, and good for the Asia Pacific broadly. On the South China Sea, I'd just say that we once again reiterated the principles that we would uphold as it relates to maritime disputes in the South China Sea -- most recently at Sunnylands. Non-militarization was certainly one of those principles, along with the peaceful resolution of disputes, support for resolving the issues consistent with international law. That's not to single out China. That's a principle that we would support as it relates to any country. And we'll be very clear where we believe that there is behavior that is counter to those principles, just as we're very clear in our own interests in promoting international principles like freedom of navigation. Q Can you say more about what the conversation -- even though it's not a formal meeting -- with Erdogan might be, especially given the ordered departures today? And how concerned -- how much concern is there about the ISIS presence, the recent attacks, as well as the Kurdish separatist attacks in Turkey? Thank you. MR. RHODES: Thanks, Andrea. I would just say that we clearly have a very broad agenda that we're working through with the Turks right now. And the President has had very regular conversations with President Erdogan in both meetings and phone calls in recent weeks and months. Number one, we do share a lot of common interests. We share an interest in countering ISIL, and Turkey continues to play an important role in the counter-ISIL coalition, including supporting and hosting certain coalition efforts. We share an interest in managing the enormous refugee challenge, and Turkey is hosting an enormous number of Syrian refugees and is working closely with the EU to find ways to address that crisis and to provide humanitarian support. So that's the first point I'd make, that there continues to be a lot of common interests that the President could discuss with President Erdogan. And then I should add that includes resolving the Syrian civil war in a matter that leads to the departure of Bashar al Assad and a transition to a new government in Syria. And second, we do see just a significant series of threats as it relates to plots and recent attacks within Turkey. And where the United States sees those types of threats, we have an obligation to provide advice to our citizens and personnel. And so, as we would do not just in Turkey but in any country in the world, we provided that guidance. And we are adjusting our security protocols as it relates to the presence of our personnel and their families at certain facilities inside of Turkey. And again, that just simply reflects the current threat assessment and that's something that we'll continue to review going forward. We share intelligence with Turkey so we've had a very healthy exchange of information about the current threat picture. And then as it relates to the Kurdish issue, we've clearly had differences and common positions, depending on the different groups within northern Iraq and northern Syria. We certainly share the Turkish government's concerns about the PKK and their terrorist activity. At the same time, there are Kurdish fighters obviously in Iraq but also inside of Syria who have been important in working to roll back ISIL's territorial gains. One of the points that we've also made to Turkey is that in northern Syria increasingly we're also working with Syrian Arab coalition partners who are applying pressure on ISIL in places like north of Raqqa. So it's a complicated picture. We understand their concerns, their security concerns of the PKK. We're also working to make clear to them that we have -- we will take their concerns into account and we'll work with them very carefully so that we're able to partner with some Kurdish fighters who are working alongside Syrian Arab fighters who have proven to be effective in taking back territory from ISIL. But this is going to be a continued discussion, and I'm sure that the President will see President Erdogan over the course of the summit, even if they don't have a formal bilateral meeting they'll have plenty of opportunity to exchange views. And, frankly, because they've talked so much about this, this will be a conversation that is ongoing, that will continue at the summit, and I'm sure will continue after the summit. We also expect that Vice President, who has spent a lot of time with President Erdogan and will have the opportunity to have a separate bilateral meeting with him as well. Thanks, everybody, for joining the call and we'll stay in touch as we head into the summit. END 5:29 P.M. EDT NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address As several companies from around the world of telecoms share their Q3 results, here is a financial round-up with all of the key points. Most of economics can be summarized in four words: People respond to incentives, says economist Steven E. Landsburg. The rest is commentary. The same can (mostly) be said about electoral politics: Politicians respond to incentives. Politicians are often derided for following the crowd rather than leading on public policy. But in doing so they are often acting rationally. To gain votes you have to give people what they want, even if want they want is ultimately harmful. When we can see or predict the destructive outcome of such policies there is a tendency to assume the politicians motives were dishonorable. But more often than not, politicians who endorse bad policies have noble motives even if it is nothing more than the desire to give voters what they asked for. I believe that is true in the case of Hillary Clinton, who became the first major presidential candidate to ever recommend paying all disabled workers the minimum wage. I assume her motives are perfectly pure, even though the result would lead to increased unemployment for disabled workers. Currently, if you want to hire someone, the minimum you can pay a worker is either zero or the federally mandated minimum wage. You can get away with paying nothing at all if you call the job an internship and comply with a half-dozen government requirements. Otherwise, you must pay the worker $7.25 an hour. But there is an exception to that rule. In 1938 Congress instituted whats known as the 14c exemption to the Fair Labor Standards Act, which allows employers to obtain a special wage certificate from the Department of Labor that waives their obligation to pay disabled individuals the federally mandated minimum wage. With this exemption an employer can pay a commensurate wage, a sub-minimum wage paid to a worker with a disability that is based on his or her individual productivity (no matter how limited) in proportion to the productivity of experienced workers who do not have disabilities performing essentially the same type, quality, and quantity of work in the vicinity where the worker with a disability is employed. How is this commensurate wage determined? As the U.S. Department of Labor explains: In very simple terms, if the worker with a disability is 60% as productive when performing a particular job as is the experienced worker who does not have a disability performing the exact same job, the commensurate wage for that worker with a disability would be at least 60% of the prevailing wage (the wage rate paid to the experienced worker who does not have a disability). Heres an example of how it works: In a widget factor the average worker can produce 100 widgets an hour, for which they earn $8 an hour. A disabled worker, however, may only be able to produce 50 widgets an hour. Because their productivity is only 50 percent of the average, they get half the average pay: $4 an hour. Based on this standard, the employer has nothing to gain by hiring disabled workers and would do so simply out of charity. Instead of paying one fully productive worker, they could hire two disabled workers at 50 percent functionality. But the employer would gain no real benefit and so has no incentive to exploit disabled workers. Indeed, the employers who most often qualify for the exemption are non-profits like Goodwill Industries whose goal is to provide job skills and opportunities for the disadvantaged. But some progressive disability rights activists decry this system as unfair. They point out that there may be little to no economic benefit for someone who may only earn a few dollars for their labor. On this point they are mostly right. But no one is expecting disabled people to be able to support themselves financially on $1 an hour. And they miss the reason this exemption is necessary and beneficial: work is about more than money its also about the dignity of contributing to the world, to using our vocations to serve our fellow man. By eliminating the 14c exemption we would be telling disabled workers that since their productivity is not able to meet the threshold for the minimum wage, they must either work for no compensation (like unpaid interns) or else not be allowed to work at all. Its bad enough the government already sends this message to low-skilled workers. Why would we want to tell disabled workers they too arent worthy of having a job? Politicians like Clinton have an obvious incentive to pander to voters who decry inequitable pay. But noble motives are no excuse for harming those who are most in need of the dignity of work. New U.K. Treasury chief Jeremy Hunt has reversed most of an economic package announced by the government just weeks ago, including a planned cut in income taxes. Hunt said Monday he was scrapping almost all the tax cuts announced last month by the Conservative government of Prime Minister Liz Truss, and also signaled that public spending cuts are on the way. It was a bid to soothe turbulent financial markets spooked by fears of excessive government borrowing. The move raises questions about how long the beleaguered prime minister can stay in office, though Truss insisted she has no plans to quit. She vowed to lead the Conservatives into the next general election, but many in the party want her gone. MARTINSVILLE Kris Landrum, the marketing and public relations manager of Patrick Henry Community College, who has been keeping the community informed about the events and news of its college for over 30 years is retiring. Landrum joined PHCC in 1985 as a clerk typist for the office of public relations. In 1997, after changing roles within the public relations office several times, she became the colleges chief public relations officer. When I started working at PHCC in 1985, we were small enough that we pretty much knew every students name and we were just beginning the transition to computers from typewriters, said Landrum. During her tenure, Landrum has watched the college grow in many ways. Since 1985, PHCC constructed two buildings, added several off-campus sites and introduced many new programs of study. The once intimate campus now averages more than 2,000 students each semester. For over 30 years, Landrum has watched and coordinated graduation ceremonies for countless Patriots. Except for one year, when she joined the sea of mortarboards and watched the ceremony from the perspective of a graduate. In 1990, Landrum received her Associates in General Studies from PHCC. She then went on to receive her bachelors degree in English/journalism/communications from Averett University in 1994. Even while pursuing her education and raising two children, Landrum continued working full-time for the PR department at PHCC. I think it is safe to say that no one knows PHCC like Kris Landrum. She has given so much of her life to this college, said PHCC President Dr. Angeline Godwin. Over her 31 years, frequently working late nights and weekends and even during her vacations, her contagious vivacity has never waned. She is a spark that has lit up this college for many years. Landrum has played a critical role in the majority of the colleges most defining moments of the past 30 years. She led the team that conducted PHCCs 50th anniversary celebration in 2012. She coordinated the announcement and inauguration of Dr. Angeline Godwin when Godwin became the colleges new president in 2012. She led the college through two rebrandings. Landrum also was a key contact for the college when President Barrack Obama visited in 2008. Before that, she was also a key contact when Good Morning America came in 1991. Trying to put into words what Kris Landrum has meant to this college is an impossibility, said Dr. Greg Hodges, the vice president for institutional advancement and campus life. Her dedication, her professionalism, and her innate goodness have made her irreplaceable. She has shared that when she left her job as a reporter 30 years ago to come PHCC, many of her newspaper journalists thought she had sold her soul. What they did not know is that she would, in fact, become the heart and soul of this institution. TORONTO, March 30, 2016 /CNW/ - Galane Gold Ltd. ("Galane" or the "Company") (TSX-V: GG) is pleased to announce that it has filed a rights offering notice (the "Notice") and rights offer circular (the "Circular") on www.sedar.com for an offering (the "Rights Offering") to the eligible holders of its common shares (the "Common Shares") of record at close of business on April 8, 2016 (the "Record Date"). The rights issued under the Rights Offering (the "Rights") will expire on May 6, 2016 (the "Expiry Date"). The Rights Offering will be conducted in all of the provinces and territories of Canada. Each eligible registered shareholder of Common Shares on the Record Date will receive one (1) Right for each Common Share held by such shareholder. One (1) Right plus the sum of $0.01 will entitle the Rights holder to subscribe for one Common Share. The Rights issued under the Rights Offering will be evidenced by transferable rights certificates (each, a "Rights Certificate"), and will expire at 4:30 p.m. (Toronto time) on the Expiry Date, after which time unexercised Rights will be void and of no value. The Rights shall not be listed for trading. Eligible shareholders are entitled to subscribe for additional Common Shares, subject to certain limitations set out in the Circular. It is anticipated that the Notice and accompanying Rights Certificate will be mailed to each of the eligible shareholders of the Company on or about April 15, 2016. Eligible registered shareholders wishing to exercise their Rights must forward the completed Rights Certificates, together with the applicable funds to Equity Financial Trust Company, the rights agent of the Company, on or before the Expiry Date. Shareholders who own their Common Shares through an intermediary, such as a bank, trust company, securities dealer or broker, will receive materials and instructions from their intermediary. A fully subscribed Rights Offering is expected to generate gross proceeds of approximately $713,000. The net proceeds from the Rights Offering are expected to be used to recommence operations at the mining facilities of its subsidiary Galaxy Gold Mining Limited ("Galaxy"). While the Company intends to spend the available funds as described, there may be circumstances where, for sound business reasons, a reallocation of the available funds may be necessary. In any event, the available funds will be used by the Company in furtherance of its business. Chief Executive Officer Nick Brodie stated, "Galane has undertaken an extensive review on its fundraising to recommence operations at its newly acquired Galaxy operation. From the review, we decided that we would like to give existing shareholders the opportunity to invest in the future of the Company. To that end, we believe that the best and most equitable way to achieve this is to undertake a rights offering. We hope that all eligible shareholders will participate as the net proceeds of a fully subscribed rights offering is expected to provide sufficient funds to start the rehabilitation and commence a tailings operation at Galaxy. At current gold prices we expect this will produce positive operating cash flows in the short term. We will also continue to finalise the plan to fully rehabilitate the existing plant and to restart underground mining at Galaxy in the near future." About Galane Gold Ltd. Galane is an un-hedged gold producer and explorer with mining operations and exploration tenements in Botswana and South Africa. Galane is a public company and its shares are quoted on the TSX Venture Exchange and the Botswana Stock Exchange under the symbol GG. Galane's management team is comprised of senior mining professionals with extensive experience in managing mining and processing operations and large-scale exploration programmes. Galane is committed to operating at world-class standards and is focused on the safety of its employees, respecting the environment, and contributing to the communities in which it operates. Galaxy Description Galaxy's mining assets are located on the Barberton Greenstone Belt ("BGB"), approximately 10 km to the west of the town of Barberton in the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa and include several historical mining operations on the BGB as well as tailings storage facilities comprised of previously mined and processed material. The mining of gold in South Africa began in Barberton, where the first traces of alluvial gold were discovered in 1874. Historic production at Galaxy commenced in the 1880s. To date, the mining assets have produced over one million ounces of gold. The information regarding the quantity of gold produced historically is based on available public sources, has not been independently verified by the Company and should not be relied upon as a predictor of future results. Galaxy's existing processing plant is in need of refurbishment and consists of a crushing, milling, flotation, thickening, Biox, carbon in leach, elution and tailings disposal designed to treat 16,000 tonnes of ore per month. This facility can be expanded through refurbishment and the introduction of larger mills and flotation equipment. Cautionary Notes Certain statements contained in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements". All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this press release, including, without limitation, those regarding the completion, timing and quantum of proceeds of the Rights Offering, the Company's future financial position and results of operations, strategy, plans, objectives, goals and targets, and any statements preceded by, followed by or that include the words "believe", "expect", "aim", "intend", "plan", "continue", "will", "may", "would", "anticipate", "estimate", "forecast", "predict", "project", "seek", "should" or similar expressions or the negative thereof, are forward-looking statements. These statements are not historical facts but instead represent only the Company's expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual results may differ materially from what is expressed, implied or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. Additional factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially are set out under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties" in Galane's annual management's discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2014, a copy of which is available on the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Management provides forward-looking statements because it believes they provide useful information to investors when considering their investment objectives and cautions investors not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements and other cautionary statements or factors contained or referenced herein, and there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, the Company. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect subsequent information, events or circumstances or otherwise, except as required by law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE Galane Gold Ltd. VANCOUVER, BC--(Marketwired - March 31, 2016) - GoldQuest Mining Corp. (TSX VENTURE: GQC) (FRANKFURT: M1W) (BERLIN: M1W) ("GoldQuest" or the "Company") is pleased to announce an update on the district wide exploration of the Company's 100% owned Tireo Project surrounding their multi-million ounce Romero gold/copper deposit in the Dominican Republic. The Project covers around 50 kilometres in strike length of the Tireo volcanic formation, only a small fraction of which had been subject to detailed exploration. GoldQuest geologists have been mapping and sampling the complete Project area for the past 12 months. This program has highlighted a corridor of alteration indicating mineralizing hydrothermal activity, as seen at Romero. The Company is following this up with an extensive ground geophysical survey employing induced polarization (IP) covering over 30 square kilometres that is in progress. With around a quarter of this survey's area covered, at least four new exploration targets considered worthy of drilling have been identified, which are shown on the map found here: http://www.goldquestcorp.com/images/maps/Tireo/Tireo_Formation.pdf In the area surveyed to date, 17 grab samples returned over 1 g/t gold, with the highest sample returning 9.7 g/t gold. GoldQuest's Chairman Bill Fisher commented, "Our new exploration targets display a number of similarities to our 2012 Romero discovery, which was discovered by drilling targets generated by the first IP program deployed in the region. The new IP survey has made a great start and we look forward to reporting on further results as the program unfolds, as the areas with the greatest extent of intense argillic alteration have yet to be surveyed. GoldQuest has always stressed the importance of the Tireo trend as a potential "mining camp" capable of hosting multiple deposits. We view the results of the ongoing program as the roadmap to potential new discoveries. " "The targets highlighted in this release are in areas of deeper erosion which created surface exposures of the target rock types and areas of intense alteration, some of which report highly anomalous gold results from grab samples. This direct evidence, at surface, rather than "blind" and at depth as at Romero, increases our confidence in the potential for further discoveries," commented Julio Espaillat, GoldQuest's President & Chief Executive Officer. The list of characteristic features below have been identified at Romero, and are clearly visible in these new targets. This set of features suggests potential for new discoveries of similar styles of mineralization. Gold and/or copper at surface, particularly in dacite and andesite volcanics Magnetic lows - hydrothermal fluid movement destroys the surrounding rock's magnetism. Argillic alteration -evidence of hydrothermal fluids "cooking" the surrounding rocks. High Chargeability - shows the plume of sulphides within which lies the highest potential for gold/copper - this is the technique that discovered Romero. High resistivity - shows the area where silica creates a resistive core to a chargeability high -- very distinctive at Romero. Rhyolite domes in the area - evidence of volcanic activity possibly related to metals emplacement. A continuous high chargeability trend along magnetic lows has emerged from the current survey with four distinct zones of even higher chargeability values. The trend and the higher chargeability zones within it are clearly visible as areas of red and pink shading on the map found here: http://www.goldquestcorp.com/images/maps/Tireo/Tireo_Formation.pdf The map also displays approximate boundaries of intense argillic alteration showing the clear spatial correlation between alteration at surface and areas of underlying high chargeability. All four high chargeability zones are 500 metres or more in length and up to 200 metres in width, with a high resistivity signature coincident with the high chargeability. They also display anomalous gold and copper in grab samples, argillic alteration and adjacent rhyolite domes. These are characteristic features of the area surrounding the Romero deposit which has high concentrations of chalcopyrite, a copper sulphide, gold and quartz (silicification). The high silicification areas of Romero are correlated to the highest gold grades. IP surveys and other ground exploration are continuing southwards through the Tireo Project. The Company will issue further news on other new discovery areas and exploration results as they become available. The information in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Jeremy Niemi, P. Geo., Vice President, Exploration of GoldQuest and a Qualified Person for the technical information in this press release under NI 43-101 standards. About GoldQuest GoldQuest is a Canadian based mineral exploration company with projects in the Dominican Republic and trades on the TSX-V under the symbol GQC and in Frankfurt/Berlin with symbol M1W. Additional information can be viewed at the Company's website www.goldquestcorp.com. On Behalf of the Board of Directors of GoldQuest Mining Corp., "Bill Fisher" Chairman Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this news release are "forward-looking" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward looking information. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to exploration on the Tireo Project, exploration results, the Company's future plans and exploration programs, including the timing of such plans and programs, and the merits of the Company's mineral properties. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential", "indicate" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon the current belief, opinions and expectations of management that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and other contingencies. Many factors could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. These factors include, among others, the timeliness and success of regulatory approvals, market prices, metal prices, availability of capital and financing, general economic, market or business conditions, as well as other risk factors set out under the heading "Risk and Uncertainties" in the Management's Discussion and Analysis dated September 30, 2015, which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. Montreal, QuAbec (FSCwire) - Argex Titanium Inc. (TSX:RGX) (the Corporation or Argex) announces that it has been granted a management cease trade order (the MCTO) by its principal regulator, the Autorite des marches financiers (the AMF), and as such, the AMF has accepted the Corporations request for such MCTO. As previously announced on March 16, 2016 by way of press release, the application for the MCTO was made by the Corporation in respect to the late filing of the Corporations annual financial statements, accompanying managements discussion and analysis, related CEO and CFO certifications and annual information form for the financial year ended December 31, 2015 (collectively, the Required Filings), which were to be filed at the latest on March 30, 2016. The MCTO restricts all trading in securities of the Corporation, whether direct or indirect, by the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and the directors of the Corporation until such time as the Required Filings have been filed by the Corporation. The MCTO does not affect the ability of shareholders who are not insiders of the Corporation to trade their securities. However, the applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities could determine, in their discretion, that it would be appropriate to issue a general cease trade order against the Corporation affecting all of the securities of the Corporation. As previously announced, the Corporation was not in a position to timely file the Required Filings. Argexs board of directors and its management confirm that they are working expeditiously to meet the Corporations obligations relating to the filing of the Required Filings, and the Corporation continues to expect to file the Required Filings no later than April 29, 2016. The Corporation confirms that it will satisfy the provisions of the alternative information guidelines under Policy Statement 12-203 respecting Cease Trade Orders for Continuous Disclosure Defaults for so long as it remains in default as a result of the late filing of Required Filings. During the period of default, the Corporation will issue bi-weekly default status reports in the form of further press releases, which will also be filed on SEDAR. The Corporation confirms that there are no insolvency proceedings against it as of the date of this press release. The Corporation also confirms that there is no other material information concerning the affairs of the Corporation that has not been generally disclosed as of the date of this press release. About Argex Titanium Argex Titanium Inc. has developed an advanced chemical process for the volume production of high grade titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) for use in high quality paint, plastics, cosmetics and other applications. The Corporations unique proprietary process takes relatively inexpensive and plentiful source material from a variety of potential vendors, and produces TiO 2 along with other valuable by-products. Argexs process provides a significant cost and environmental advantage over current legacy TiO 2 production methods. Contact: Mazen Haddad Director and Interim President and CEO Argex Titanium Inc. (514) 843-5959 Neither the TSX nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view this press release as a PDF file, click onto the following link:public://news_release_pdf/ARGEX03312016.pdfSource: Argex Titanium Inc. (TSX:RGX) http://www.argex.ca/en/ Maximum News Dissemination by FSCwire. http://www.fscwire.com Copyright 2016 Filing Services Canada Inc. Vancouver - Nickel One Resources Inc. (the Company) (TSXV: NNN) - The board of Directors accepted Michael Collins resignation as President, CEO and Director effective March 22, 2016. The Company thanks Mr. Collins for his dedication to the Company and wishes him the best in his future endeavours. As a result of Mr. Collins resignation, the Company is pleased to announce that, Mr. Vance Loeber has been appointed the new President & CEO and will fill the vacancy on the board as a Director effective March 23, 2016. Mr. Loeber has over 30 years of international finance experience and specializes in resource funding. Mr. Loeber was one of the founders of U.S. Silver Corp. (USA:TSX), Sandspring Resources Ltd. (SSP:TSXV) and Carlisle Goldfields Ltd. (CGJ:TSX). The Company is also pleased to announce that Mr. Abraham Drost, M.Sc. P.Geo. was elected non-executive Chairman of the Board of Directors. Mr. Drost played a senior management role in a series of successful transactions including the sale of Premier Royalty Inc. (NSR:TSX) to Sandstorm Gold Ltd. (SSL:TSX) and the recent sale of Carlisle Goldfields Ltd. to Alamos Gold Inc. (AGI:TSX). Grant of Options On March 29, 2016 the Company granted 2,075,000 Options to certain Directors, Officers and Consultants of the Company. The Options are exercisable at a price of $0.15 per share for a period of five years from the date of grant. Options granted will vest in four equal installments over 12 months. The Options were granted pursuant to the Company's shareholder-approved stock option plan and are subject to the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange and any applicable regulatory hold periods. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD: Vance Loeber >President, CEO & Director For further information contact: Vance Loeber Phone: 778-3274-5799 ext. 315 Fax: 778-327-6675 Email: info@nickeloneinc.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This press release is not an offer or a solicitation of an offer of securities for sale in the United States of America. The common shares of Nickel One Resources Inc. have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration. Source: Nickel One Resources Inc. (TSX Venture:NNN) http://www.nickeloneinc.co SHARE PPG PPG Paints' 2016 color of the year, Paradise Found, is a complex, leafy hue. Green is a trending color this spring as people respond to wellness trends and the need for calmness in a hectic world. PPG Greens like this play well with others. Combining gray-green with matte black modernizes a traditional space. Paired with white, the color becomes more mineral and organic. AllModern.com Crisp, contemporary green and white chevrons make a bold statement on this Europa slipper chair from AllModern. Bright greens like lime, apple and chartreuse are part of a trending palette for spring. Spring decor features a full palette of them By Kim Cook, Associated Press When we start thinking "spring," one color comes to mind. Tender pea shoots, that soft fuzziness on budding trees, a new lawn there's a palette of greens that herald nature's shift to the warm seasons. And there are many fresh ways to bring green indoors with paint and furnishings. "Green is Mother Nature's favorite color. It's so abundant in the world around us that we're accustomed to seeing it as a background color," says Lee Eiseman, head of the Eiseman Center for Color Information and Training near Seattle. She also points out the "good-for-you" connotations of green eating fruits and vegetables, juicing and so on and the generally calming nature of the hue. "We're looking for that restful shade to bring the outside in, and provide balance in our lives," she says. Dee Schlotter, the spokesperson for PPG Brands, design and color marketers and makers of PPG Paints, says, "Green is restorative, rejuvenating and fresh. Being in nature brings an ease or a relaxation that's almost immediate. Recreating that feeling in the home is very popular right now." The company has chosen Paradise Found as their 2016 color of the year. It's a soothing gray-green with a hint of blue. Greens like this play well with others. Combining gray-green with matte black modernizes a traditional space. Paired with white, the color becomes more mineral and organic. Farrow & Ball has a new, leafy, verdant hue with historic provenance to help commemorate the paint maker's 70th anniversary. "Yeabridge Green was originally found in an 18th century Georgian farmhouse in the (United Kingdom) county of Somerset," creative director Charlie Cosby recalls. During renovation, an original gun cupboard was removed, revealing the paint color. Rich and earthy, it's a green in the family of avocado, olive and evergreen. Crate & Barrel's Marin collection of artisan-made stoneware comes in a relaxed yet sophisticated lemon grass shade. There's a soft wool rug named Baxter in the hue as well. (www.crateandbarrel.com) If you're trying green for the first time, Eiseman advises looking at the blue-greens. "They're the most universally pleasant and least risky," she says. "Particularly teals and deep turquoise." West Elm has a little midcentury-style desk and wooden counter stools in a gentle blue-green they're calling "oregano." (www.westelm.com) CB2 has a sleek, low-profile dresser done in high-gloss mint lacquer. They also have a mint, powder-coated steel filing cabinet, and an array of minty trays, vases and napery. (www.cb2.com) Saturated shades like chartreuse, citron and lime give a "pop" to walls and home accessories. At All Modern, find bold, zigzag-printed throws and slipper chairs from Amity Home, Deny Designs and Handy Living. (www.allmodern.com) Kitchenaid's mixers and tools come in a fresh apple green. (www.kitchenaid.com) Looking for other colors with which to pair green? "Reach across the color wheel and choose the complementary colors," Eiseman says. "It's the rose tones, wines and warm purples that are very effective with shades of green." Associated Press Pakistani Christians hold a vigil for victims of a suicide bombing Sunday in Lahore, Pakistan, on Wednesday. Meanwhile, nearly 80 people were arrested during raids in Pakistan's Punjab province, held in response to the bombing, Pakistani news channel Geo News reported. SHARE By Shashank Bengali, Los Angeles Times (TNS) MUMBAI, India Pakistani counterterrorism police killed at least five people Wednesday and arrested scores more in what it described as an intensified crackdown following a suicide bombing at a public park in the eastern city of Lahore. Police in Punjab province raided a house in Raiwind, outside Lahore, and killed five suspected militants in a shootout, Pakistani media reported. Nearly 80 people were arrested in total from two other districts in Punjab, Pakistani news channel Geo News reported. Yet the early days of Pakistan's probe into Sunday's bombing at the Gulshan-e-Iqbal park in Lahore, which left 72 people dead including at least 25 children, have renewed criticism of the government's counterterrorism policies. Police and intelligence agencies in Punjab rounded up at least 5,221 suspects in the 24 hours after the attack and had released 5,005 by late Tuesday, the provincial law minister, Rana Sanaullah, told reporters in Lahore. At least 1,000 of those arrested were part of a list of people believed to be involved in anti-state activities or hate speech. The arrests and subsequent releases gave the appearance of a government "groping in the dark" to demonstrate its resolve following the latest militant attack against civilians, according to a report Wednesday in Pakistan's Dawn newspaper. "This is an exercise these security agencies carry out after every attack of this nature," said Saifullah Mehsud, executive director of the FATA Research Center, which studies militant activity in Pakistan's Federally Administered Tribal Areas. "This is more for the consumption of the public," Mehsud said in an interview. "They just round up these guys, and after a few days, when the furor dies down, they release them for lack of evidence. I don't see it as any meaningful action." Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, a Pakistani Taliban splinter group that claimed responsibility for the bombing, has carried out several high-profile attacks in recent years. Investigators in Punjab said they found evidence at the blast site that matched evidence collected from three other attacks over the past year and a half, including two suicide attacks on churches in Youhanabad last year that killed at least 15 people. The group said it carried out the park bombing to target Christians celebrating Easter. Pakistan, an overwhelmingly Muslim nation of 182 million people, has a small Christian minority. At least 14 of the victims at the park were Christians, officials have said. One of several splinter groups that have broken with the Pakistani Taliban in recent years, Pakistan has struggled to rein in militants, in part because elements of the Pakistani security establishment have nurtured extremist groups that have carried out attacks in neighboring India and Afghanistan. Militant groups that target the Pakistani state have taken advantage of the havens, experts say. SHARE Tankersley By Ngan Ho of the San Angelo Standard-Times A Tom Green County judge sentenced Jaime Kaylan Tankersley to 180 days in jail, probated for two years, in the 2014 car crash that killed 20-year-old Aaron James Allen. Tankersley, 32, of Mertzon, pleaded no contest to driving while intoxicated in Judge Ben Nolen's court Monday. Tankersley must pay $917 in court fees and fines and serve 72 hours of confinement starting April 18 as conditions of the plea. Additionally, an ignition interlock device will be placed on her car. She originally was charged with intoxication manslaughter in December 2014 collision that killed Allen, an Angelo State University student and a 2013 Lake View High School graduate. However, after the case was presented to a Tom Green County grand jury in June, Tankersley instead was indicted on a charge of driving while intoxicated. The crash happened about 11:55 p.m. Dec. 6, 2014, at North Bryant Boulevard and West Seventh Street. Tankersley, who was driving a 2014 Dodge Ram 2500 pickup with her husband, Wesley Tankersley, as a passenger, was northbound on Bryant, while Allen, who was driving a 1999 Honda Civic, was southbound on Bryant. The Dodge struck the driver's side of the Honda when Tankersley attempted to make left turn onto West Seventh Street, according to court documents. The pickup failed to yield right of way to the Honda, police said. Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace Eddie Howard pronounced Allen dead at the scene. Tankersley admitted to having a glass of wine earlier in the evening, and three cans of beer were found in her car all with lipstick on the rim, according to court documents. Tankersley refused to perform the standardized field sobriety tests and to provide a sample of her blood, according to the documents. Police "noted that the defendant's balance was unsteady, her eyes were watered and she had the moderate odor of an alcoholic beverage on her," court documents stated. Neither Tankersley nor her husband was injured in the crash, according to court documents, and the husband was released at the scene. Tankersley was arrested about 5 a.m. Dec. 7, 2014, and booked into Tom Green County Jail on the original charge of intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle. She had no previous criminal history and was released Dec. 8 on $25,000 bail. In a lengthy session June 30, grand jurors considered all the evidence gathered, including reports prepared by members of SAPD, statements from eyewitnesses, photographs, toxicology reports and blood test results, according to a news release from the 119th District Attorney's Office of George McCrea, issued on July 1. Two separate accident reconstructionists concluded that the Honda Civic was going 70 mph or more at the time it collided with the truck and that the primary cause of the collision and Allen's death was speed, according to the release. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, the punishment for a first DWI is a fine of up to $2,000; three days to 180 days in jail; loss of driver's license up to a year and an annual fee of $1,000 or $2,000 for three years to retain driver's license. "I cannot understand how you can take somebody's life and you've been drinking, but you get charged with DWI," Allen's father, James Slaughter, said Wednesday. Slaughter filed a $1 million wrongful death lawsuit against Tankersley on Feb. 2, 2015, in the 119th District Court. The case is active. "You killed my son, and you want to blame him? That's what made me mad." Slaughter said. "If they want to sit there and buy their way out of trouble, then I consider them all cowards." Slaughter said Allen was his only child and that he sometimes drives through the intersection where Allen died to cope with his pain. "I miss texting and talking to him. It just hurts not being able to see him again," Slaughter said while trying to hold back tears. "My son is gone. My son is dead." Slaughter said he prays and visits Allen's grave and promised him that he is going to keep fighting until Allen gets justice one day. "We're going to keep pushing until we get something done. We're not going to stop. I promise my son that." The office of Theodore "Tip" Hargrove, who represented Tankersley, said he would not comment on the case. Michelle Gaitan/Standard-Times Col. Christopher Harris, mission support and group commander at Goodfellow Air Force Base, accepts the 2015 Spirit of Caring Award on behalf of the base at Wednesday's luncheon. The award honors the base's many years of community support. SHARE Michelle Gaitan/Standard-Times A cardboard cutout of Chewbacca is stationed in the corner of the McNease Convention Center for award recipients to take a photo with during the United Way of the Concho Valley's annual award luncheon Wednesday. This year's theme was "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." By Michelle Gaitan of the San Angelo Standard-Times Numerous local businesses, media outlets, community members and Goodfellow Air Force Base were honored during an annual awards luncheon held Wednesday by the United Way of the Concho Valley. At the "Star Wars: The Force Awakens"-themed event, Darth Vader made a special appearance to help celebrate the 2015 campaign that raised $1,743,526. Award recipients were also able to have their photo taken with a cardboard cut-out of Chewbacca. It was a challenge to raise funds this year because of the slow economy, but the good news is the United Way will be able to support agencies at the same level as it did this past year, said Anthony Wilson, United Way's campaign chairman. "Essentially what that means is the United Way will help a lot of our families, friends and neighbors who are in need," he said. In the coming year, Wilson said the United Way will provide $932,000 in financial support to 19 programs offered by 17 local and area nonprofits. "San Angelo is always amazing," Wilson said about the city's continued support. "I am always overwhelmed by the generosity of this community and the heart of the community." SHARE By Polly Mosendz, Bloomberg News (TNS) NEW YORK Millennials aren't so crazy about your tweets, Donald Trump. Wait! They aren't wild about Clinton or Sanders on Twitter either. What they really want to do is meet you guys. In fact, 56 percent of millennials, defined by the survey as 18 to 34 years old, would rather meet a political candidate in person than chat with him or her on social media, compared with 51 percent of baby boomers and 45 percent of Generation X, according to a survey released Wednesday. And despite what is nonetheless a high level of political engagement on social platforms, 44 percent of the millennials surveyed said politicians don't come off as real on social media, compared with 32 percent of Gen X and 31 percent of the boomers. "There's a large emphasis on authenticity," said Brian Stipelman, associate professor of political science at Dowling College. "It cuts across generational divides, but it's more likely to be important to younger voters." The survey, of 3,025 American adults, was conducted by market research firm Ipsos for Eventbrite, a ticketing platform that has processed more than 2 million tickets to more than 10,000 political events since January 2015. Just over half of the survey's respondents follow Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, compared with 44 percent who follow Hillary Clinton and one third who follow Republican frontrunner Donald Trump. While millennials have a reputation for being "hashtag activists" and "clicktavists," the survey found that 45 percent of political event-goers are millennials, compared with 32 percent for Gen X-ers and 23 percent for boomers. Young people might be more keen on attending these events because "there's an enormous degree of distrust among millennials for institutions," Stipelman said. "They don't necessarily trust the media or political parties. If that's the case, (millennials) will be more interested in seeing (politicians) up close and in person, as they won't trust the vehicles through which they are normally introduced to these candidates." The survey found that attending a political event also helps convert voters, in every generation: 77 percent of millennials said the last one they went to made them want to vote for the candidate, compared with 79 percent of those in Gen X and 76 percent of boomers. But all this political engagement doesn't mean millennials are actually going to vote. A survey of 18- to 29-year-olds conducted last fall by the Harvard Institute of Politics found that the vast majority, 78 percent, didn't consider themselves to be politically engaged, and only about two thirds were registered. SHARE How can Donald Trump be stopped? For months, conservatives have debated what Trump represents and whether they can or should support him. While millions of voters still have time to make their choice, among those pundits, politicians, activists, donors and strategists who've been hashing this out for a seeming eternity, that argument is over. Trump is either someone you can live with or celebrate as the standard-bearer of your cause and your party, or he isn't. This is an insurmountable divide within the party and the conservative movement. That means it's a zero-sum contest. There will be winners and losers. Either Trump wins or #NeverTrump wins (that's the umbrella Twitter hashtag for a diverse coalition of conservatives who will never vote for the man). There's no compromise. So if you're a #NeverTrumper, the debate now is all about the how. The most desirable, but least plausible, way to stop Trump would be for Ted Cruz or John Kasich simply to beat him before the Republican convention in Cleveland. Unfortunately, Cruz would need to secure more than 80 percent of the remaining delegates to win the nomination outright. Kasich, the longtime candidate of math deniers, would need to capture more than 100 percent. The second-best, but more likely, scenario is to deny Trump the 1,237 delegates required to automatically win on the first ballot. Right now, that seems quite doable. University of Virginia political scientist Larry Sabato projected the most likely scenario for Trump to get to 1,237. It required Trump to carry both Wisconsin and Indiana handily, and even then he only landed at 1,239. Right now, that looks unlikely. Most observers believe that if Trump can't reach the magic number, he'd hemorrhage support after each ballot at the convention, because delegates tend to be party regulars (and more and more delegates are released to vote their conscience after each round of voting). That's why the margin of Trump's shortfall matters so much. If he comes just a few shy of 1,237, he could probably cut deals with a handful of delegates. Or he could horse-trade with Kasich, making the Ohio governor his running mate. What's more important, however, is delegate psychology. Some argue, in defiance of the rules, that Trump should be the nominee even if he fails to reach 1,237. My Fox News colleague Sean Hannity says he "will support whoever gets the most delegates," which, given the math, means he will support Trump, no matter what. That sentiment might be compelling with a narrow shortfall. But if Trump misses the mark by, say, 150 delegates, that would be significantly more than the delegate totals of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina combined. It's one thing to deny the trophy to the guy who finished a few yards shy of the finish line. It's another if he misses it by a mile. The bigger the shortfall, the easier it is to convince delegates that they are not defying the popular will by denying Trump. Cruz would be the most likely victor in a floor fight but that isn't assured. The longer the balloting goes, the more likely it is that the bitter and bleary-eyed delegates will opt to order off-menu. That's what Kasich is allegedly counting on. But Kasich is widely disliked, and it might be a good deal easier to find a unifying candidacy in, say, Rick Perry, Scott Walker, Nikki Haley or Mike Pence. The third option is what Weekly Standard editor Bill Kristol calls "Plan B." If the #NeverTrumpers fail to stop Trump at the convention, they could rally around an independent candidate. Who might that be? That's the billion-dollar question. Some want a true outsider such as retired Marine Gen. James Mattis. Others think Mitt Romney could leap into the breach. The path to an independent candidacy is perilous. But if you're of the opinion that Trump and Hillary Clinton aren't acceptable options, the perilous path is the only one available. Jonah Goldberg is a fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and a senior editor of National Review. Contact him at goldbergcolumn@gmail.com. This week, Obama unveiled a set of executive actions to help states combat the opioid epidemic. But perhaps most notably in his speech for health officials was the announcement of final rules for Medicaid's mental health and substance abuse coverage.The rules aim to strenghten the existing 2008 Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, which requires health insurers to offer the same level of benefits for mental health and substance abuse that they do for physical health. States, however, haven't been enforcing that law , partially because of the federal government's lack of explanation of how to do so.Under the new rules, states will have to -- if requested -- disclose coverage information as well as reasons for rejecting claims related to mental health and substance abuse care. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services proposed the new requirements last year. They've now been finalized by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.When the rules were released last year, the National Association of Medicaid Directors said "Medicaid directors are hopeful that parity ultimately helps to level the playing field ... and ultimately reduce future reliance on Medicaid."The 2008 law requires all Medicaid plans to cover some form of mental health services, but the offerings have widely been considered weak -- especially compared to private insurance plans. Obama emphasized the need to let the insurance carriers know we are serious about this.The new rules could create an influx of new lower-income patients in mental health and substance abuse treatment that previously couldnt afford it or didnt have options they were comfortable with. Medicaid recipients are also much more likely to have behavorial health issues; 35 percent have some form of mental illness, compared with 18 percent of the general population.Medicaid plans vary by state, so the new rules will probably be a bigger deal in some states than others, according to Anya Rader Wallack, Rhode Islands Medicaid director.We have greater restrictions on substance abuse coverage in the state, so this is huge for us," she said. "Its a great opportunity for us to expand care."But actually expanding these offerings could be a heavy lift for many Medicaid directors who already struggle with a lack of financial and personnel resources.Adding to the challenge is the national shortage of mental health workers. Ten states currently have less than 50 percent of the mental health workers they need. Only six states have more than 75 percent of their need met. The problem is even worse in rural areas , where the opioid epidemic has hit hardest. For every 10 miles you move from a city, it becomes 3 percent more difficult to find a behavioral health worker.Demand has increased, but supply of these practitioners simply has not, said Haiden Huskamp, health policy expert at Harvard Medical School. I think its very likely that we will have people with this new coverage ... but with nowhere to get [care].Some of Obamas proposals hope to fill in those gaps. He released $94 million in new funding for community health centers and $1.4 million for education projects in rural areas focused on health and safety.States have tried a variety of ways to address the mental health-care worker shortage. Some are experimenting with telehealth to reach people in more remote areas. Others are turning to more drastic measures, such as licensing religious leaders as mental health counselors.There is also the issue of Medicaid spending, which is already at record highs in some states. Medicaid directors say its tough to say if parity implementation will cause Medicaid costs to rise even more, but some studies suggest costs may actually decline.There have been many studies done on private health plans that have implemented a parity, and theyve all shown that spending either stayed the same or actually went down a bit in the long run, said Harvard's Huskamp. However, we know that a disproportionate amount of people impacted by heroin epidemic are on Medicaid. And since an expansion of services like this within Medicaid has simply never been done, I just dont know how overall spending could be impacted.Medicaid officials may be scrambling in the next few months but are largely thrilled by the Obama administrations helping hand.Even in Maryland, where we think of ourselves having a very robust health-care system, its going to be tough logistically to figure it all out, said Shannon McMahon, Marylands deputy secretary for health care financing. "[But] anything that will help us improve access to care for our most vulnerable populations is wonderful." Rebekah Mason, the woman reputedly on the other end of the line in Gov. Robert Bentley's sexually-charged phone calls, resigned from her position as Bentley's top aide Wednesday.The governor has had he has no plans to do likewise, though there are rumblings of an impeachment attempt in the House of Representatives."I have resigned as Senior Political Advisor to Governor Bentley and will no longer be paid from his campaign fund," Mason wrote in a prepared statement sent out by the governor's office Wednesday. "I have also ended my work with the Alabama Council for Excellent Government."Mason's resignation is the latest fallout in a burgeoning Goat Hill scandal that erupted last week, when Bentley fired Spencer Collier, director of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.Collier had been on leave from the state law enforcement branch since February, following a dispute over Collier's decision to provide an affidavit to prosecutors in the corruption trial of House Speaker Mike Hubbard.State investigators later said they found evidence of misuse of funds in Collier's office, and Bentley fired Collier the next day. Then Collier dropped a bombshell, claiming that Bentley and Mason were engaged in an affair, and that Mason was the "de facto governor," making decisions for Bentley.Mason is married, and Bentley last year was divorced by his wife 50 years. Both have denied an affair, though Bentley last week acknowledged that he had made sexually inappropriate remarks to his top aide. An audio recording, leaked to the press last week, captures one end of a telephone conversation in which Bentley tells woman he enjoys feeling her breasts. Bentley addresses the woman as "Rebekah."The revelations redoubled the focus on Mason's unusual position with the Bentley administration. Bentley's campaign spokeswoman in the 2010 and 2014 campaigns, Mason was once a communications director on the state payroll, but switched in 2013 to a "senior political advisor" position.Her political consulting firm has since been paid $503,000 from Bentley's campaign fund -- more than $180,000 of which was, according to Mason, a pass-through to pay for political advertising. Mason has said she also received $15,000 from the Alabama Council for Excellent Government, a nonprofit that hasn't revealed his donors.Those payments sparked an ethics complaint by State Auditor Jim Zeigler, who says Mason should have registered as a lobbyist while working with the governor while on someone else's payroll.A small but growing number of officials in both parties have called for Bentley to step down. The Decatur Daily reported Wednesday that Rep. Ed Henry, a Hartselle Republican, plans to file articles of impeachment against the governor. Attempts to reach Henry for comment were unsuccessful.House Minority Leader Craig Ford, D-Gadsden, told The Star earlier that he would file impeachment articles if no one in the majority party did. Bentley is unable to lead, he said, with questions about the scandal still lingering."The governor has made a mockery of our state," Ford said Tuesday.Attempts to reach the governor's staff for comment on the resignation and the impeachment threats were unsuccessful Wednesday afternoon.Alabama's impeachment process closely mirrors the process at the federal level. The House can vote to impeach a governor, after which an impeachment trial is held in the Senate, presided over by the chief justice of the state Supreme Court.Under the Constitution of 1901, grounds for impeachment include neglect of duty, corruption, incompetence or "any offense involving moral turpitude."So far, only a handful of House Republicans have made public calls for Bentley to step down. Jess Brown, a political science professor at Athens State University, said an impeachment effort could have a chance in the House despite that reluctance."If I'm a legislator, looking ahead to 2018, I'm not going to be behind the eight-ball on this," he said.All 140 legislators are up for re-election in 2018. If articles of impeachment make it to the floor of the House, Brown said, lawmakers who vote to keep Bentley in office run the risk of being "eaten alive" by primary opponents.Bentley has said repeatedly that he has no plan to resign. Brown said the governor may have nowhere to go if he leaves office. Bentley, a retired doctor, lost access to two private homes in his divorce settlement last year, and likely has an alimony payment to the former first lady.He promised in 2010 not to draw a salary until Alabama reaches "full employment," and six years later he has collected only token $1 payments and some small travel reimbursements."In terms of cost-benefit analysis, the governor's office has cost him royally," Brown said.Attempts to reach Mason, for comments on her plans for the future, were not successful."My only plans are to focus my full attention on my precious children and my husband who I love dearly," she wrote in the prepared statement released Wednesday. "They are the most important people in my life." Gov. Kate Brown signed a bill into law Tuesday that mandates the state crime lab triage and process the backlog of untested rape kits sitting in police departments across Oregon. Senate Bill 1571, also known as Melissa's Law, passed through the Legislature unanimously during the 2016 session.The law is named for Melissa Bitter, who was killed by a serial rapist in Portland in 2001. Evidence kits from two other women attacked by the same rapist four years earlier sat untested on a shelf in the Portland Police Bureau until an investigator noticed similarities between the cases following Bitter's death.Rep. Ann Lininger, D-Lake Oswego, who helped craft Melissa's Law, said in a legislative debate that Bitter's death could have been avoided. Yet her situation is not unique.In July 2015, a USA TODAY NETWORK investigation found that at least 70,000 untested rape kits sit in crime labs across the nation. That backlog is important because untested kits containing DNA evidence can't be used to prosecute sex crimes or exonerate the wrongfully convicted.Since publishing the investigation, at least 20 states pursued reform efforts for rape kit testing standards. The federal government issues hundreds of billions of dollars each year in grant funding to state and local governments, but managing that money and meeting grant requirements to keep it is one of the most complex tasks government must undertake. Two vendors in the grant management and cost allocation space eCivis and CostTree made two announcements March 29 aimed at making the process easier. Part one of the announcement was a partnership that gives customers of either company access to the services of both. Part two was the launch of a new website packed with free resources to help state and local governments understand one of governments most misunderstood jobs.It is like expense reports. You dont want to do it, but you need to do it in order to operate your business, said James Ha, CEO of eCivis. Most state and local government leaders look at grants management as a complete mystery. The federal government said that $100 billion out of the $600 billion of federal financial assistance is mismanaged, so one in every six dollars. Part of that is they dont have the resources, they dont have the tools, and the lack of that really impacts local communities. So our goal is to support state and local government's work in local communities.Once many governments get federal funding, they treat the funds almost as the same as their general funds, which is a mistake, Ha said. Leaders may understand grant management, he said, but staff members often have trouble negotiating the requirements and a technology marketplace filled with overlapping solutions.Staff members are being asked to deploy multiple solutions at the same time, so if we take solutions that are already extracting data or information or supporting a process, bringing those companies together and finding the overlap so we solve some of the issues that staff folks dont really have time to figure out, then we feel like technology in the public sector, particularly state and local government, will have a better chance of succeeding, he said.The new website, GrantsCase.com , is a collection of resources compiled by the two companies that will help remedy governments education problem, Ha said. The site's first section is a uniform guidance quick reference.The uniform guidance is grant reform and legislation that all organizations receiving federal funds need to follow, Ha explained, adding that the information is typically available in paper form, but they've done the work to simplify and digitize it.The site also features a video series of a past training seminar hosted by the cities of Los Angeles and Houston and led by Senior Policy Analyst Victoria Collin of the White House Office of Management and Budget. The two companies produced and published these previously inaccessible videos, Ha said.A collection of PDFs, excel files, videos and infographics represents some of the best resources in grant management available, according to Ha.Our collective mission is really about local communities. Grant funding makes up such a large portion of the projects and programs that are delivered through state and local government to actual citizens, and what they accomplish is massive. How they are managed is not well understood. Its an area that could improve. A Planning Methods App for City Madness NYCs Participatory Budgeting Civic Tech Director Exits After Philly Mayor Enters It's been an amazing run, but it's time for me to leave @PhiladelphiaGov. It's disappointing that I may be the last Director of #CivicTech. Aaron Ogle (@atogle) March 24, 2016 Next for me? I'm taking time to be with my family, hike in the woods, enjoy Philadelphia, and explore future career opportunities. Aaron Ogle (@atogle) March 24, 2016 The 21st century has dealt city planners a rough hand. Cities are growing denser, traffic congestion is spreading and global warming is submerging Americas coastlines. But troubles notwithstanding, a team of entrepreneurs is attempting to reshuffle the deck with an app that tosses fresh methods into todays urban planning. The idea stems from GreaterPlaces, the maker of Cards Against Urbanity, a parody of the rude and raucous game Cards Against Humanity where players answer questions in a series of funny and profane responses.In a Medium post, GreaterPlaces Co-Founder Lisa Engstrom Nisenson writes about how her startup went from Cards Against Urbanity to its latest product, simply titled: City Design Method Cards. She recalls a really shty summer in 2014 when her tech startup was in a slump and she found herself drinking with a colleague for inspiration.Halfway through a beer, I remember saying, Lets do something fun," Engstrom Nisenson said.The epiphany resulted in the first lines for Cards Against Urbanity, a game that once released on Kickstarter ignited an uproar of praise from planning officials and city workers. Her team began receiving photos of game nights from city staff, requests for card decks, calls to host events and booming kudos on Twitter. The success drove GreaterPlaces to ask what would happen if there was a card app that with a mix of insight and practical methods guided cities to solve real-world issues. She likened it to a Pinterest for city planning.We have put together a deliberate series of tools to meet everyone where they are on the learning curve and guide them using print, tech, mobile, Web and humor, Engstrom Nisenson said. We want a platform to connect people seeking ideas and inspiration with civic innovators worldwide who are doing the work.The app would work by taking the burdens of cities and pairing them with a searchable menu of digital cards users could share and search by category or civic problem. The platform is still in development, but GreaterPlaces has launched a new $38,000 Kickstarter campaign to turn it into an enhanced Web and mobile app service for cities.Participatory budgeting isnt new to New York, but for the first time since the program began in 2011 the city is asking citizens to vote online and with more than $30 million for community projects. This year 28 out of the citys 51 districts are engaging in the process. This requires each New York district member to put up a minimum of $1 million each of discretionary capital funding for citizen decision-making.As in 2015, the civic tech startup Democracy 2.1 is coordinating all digital aspects of the program. This has resulted in an early citizen engagement campaign to poll support for proposed projects, engineering a preregistration app for instant online voting from different devices, and streamlining the citys paper ballot for quick scanning. Once voting ends on April 3, Mayor Bill de Blasio and the City Council will finalize the details in May and June with adoption by July 1 the start of New Yorks next fiscal year.In 2015, the program saw record numbers with 24 districts participating and more than 51,300 ballots cast. Among the selected projects last year, citizens awarded funds for a diverse mashup of civic works. They paid for park facilities, library fixtures, sidewalks, school renovations and even New York City Police Department security cameras. The 2016 projects are equally diverse and can be seen on an interactive map on the city website. Real Money, Real Power: Participatory Budgeting from PBP on Vimeo Philadelphias Civic Tech Director Aaron Ogle has announced he will step down after roughly a year and a half in the position. His departure, revealed in a Twitter post on March 24, may call into question whether the incoming administration of Mayor Jim Kenney will match former Mayor Michael Nutters investment in innovation and technology initiatives.In a tweet confirming the exit, Ogle expressed skepticism about the future of his position.Technical.ly Philly reported last week that Ogle is leaving behind his work directing the creation of Alpha.Phila.gov, a developing prototype for the citys next website and that CIO Charlie Brennan has tasked Kyle Odum, the citys Web and data delivery manager, to oversee the Web and creative services team responsible for the new site. Brennan said he was unsure if another civic tech director would be hired.On his Twitter account, Ogle didnt elaborate about his reasons for leaving but did say in a follow-up post that he was exploring future career opportunities and taking time to be with his family. In January, Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner announced the formation of a new office, the Department of Innovation and Technology, that would modernize technology in the state. And on March 30, Rauner and several department directors explained how system modernization is improving one of the nations most outdated collection of state systems.As weve talked with you in the past, Illinois has been woeful weve been way behind, decades behind in the use of technology to provide higher quality services, more efficient services for the people of Illinois, Rauner said. Were one of the highest spending states on IT, but one of the worst states on digital services delivered. Weve got to change that. Weve got to invest our money wisely and provide much more digital services, higher quality services.In the Center for Digital Government's* 2014 Digital States Survey, Illinois received a grade of C+ . The states improved efforts in transparency and efficiency through open data efforts and shared services were noted, but the its technology being years behind dozens of other states played a large role in the lower grade.The state is already making progress, Rauner said, and to prove it he brought out Bryan Schneider, director of the Illinois Department of Professional and Financial Regulation, who explained how a shift away from paper is helping to better serve the more than 1.1 million working professionals in the state he is charged with licensing and supporting.In February of this year, our department began a departure from a technology experience for our stakeholders that was eerily reminiscent of the early 1980s, Schneider said. We made a series of simple but impactful changes in how we do business, implementing a process that allows us to communicate electronically with the professionals licensed and regulated by our divisions of professional regulation and real estate."The state now communicates with its professionals exclusively through electronic means concerning the license renewal process, he said. "These moves toward a paperless licensing process will save the state millions of dollars in avoided postage, paper and printing costs alone in the coming years.Since the change, the state has processed more than 140,000 renewals and new license applications, he said, and the state looks forward to updating its entire licensing process to a paperless one.John Baldwin, director of the Department of the Illinois Department of Corrections, also spoke, sharing how his departments adoption of an inmate management platform is keeping the state safer by tracking prison program analytics and monitoring the unique needs and challenges associated with each inmate.On Dec. 14, 2015, the Illinois Department of Corrections rolled out Offender360 and in one large step we went from 1970 mainframe technology to the cloud, Baldwin said. We are excited about our future. It will allow us to shift from an output-based system, which only counted numbers and didn't give you outcomes. Our new system, Offender360, will allow us to measure outcomes. Staff will have more knowledge, more information to make better choices, which will result in better outcomes."Baldwin recalled several failures in years past to adopt such a system before the current state CIO and Director of the Department of Innovation and Technology, Hardik Bhatt , managed to succeed with this implementation.If an agency wants to buy a paperclip today, they have to go through four systems, Bhatt said. Three of those systems require manual entry in each of those systems, one after the other, and the fourth system requires the third system to be converting that data into a tape and running that tape into another agency. Can somebody check if we are in 2016 or 1986? I mean, thats the operational transformation that we are already working on deploying in enterprise resource planning.Bhatt explained the states technological transformation requires changes in the its deeply rooted culture, operations, customer service and organizational structure.Over the next three months, we will complete the new organization structure, the new leadership structure, the new governance structure, how the IT gets done," Bhatt said, "because eventually what we want to do is make Illinois the most competitive state not just in the country, but around the globe. F1 teams will now begin to turn their focus towards designing a car for the all-new technical regulations of 2017. While April 30 is the actual deadline for the new rules, it is now essentially clear that F1 will speed up substantially next year with a blueprint for wider cars and tyres. "Before too long he (Adrian Newey) will be starting to look at 2017," confirmed Red Bull's Christian Horner, "now that those regulations look pretty fixed." Haas team owner Gene Haas added: "We're moving on to the 2017 car because it is a pretty radical change." And Williams deputy Claire Williams told Christian Sylt in the Independent: "It will be a challenge because we'll be designing those (2017) race cars alongside this year's. "But that's a good thing and I think it demonstrates that the drive is there to try and do something to help drive people back to their TV sets to watch the sport." (GMM) Fernando Alonso will miss this weekend's Bahrain grand prix. Although the Spaniard made the trip to the island Kingdom in the wake of his horror crash in Melbourne, his clearance to return to the cockpit depended on a meeting with FIA doctors on Thursday. After that examination, while Alonso told reporters he feels "ok" and wants to race, the FIA revealed that the McLaren-Honda driver has been ruled out for Bahrain. "Two sets of chest CT scans were compared and it was decided that there was insufficient resolution of the signs to allow him to compete on safety grounds," spokesman Matteo Bonciani confirmed. A day after the Melbourne crash, Alonso - wearing a bandage on his knee - had confided to the correspondent for the Swiss daily Blick: "I slept badly and have sore ribs." McLaren confirmed on Thursday that Alonso will be replaced in Bahrain by reserve Stoffel Vandoorne, the reigning GP2 champion, who is now en route. The Woking based team said it accepted the FIA's decision about Alonso. "Stoffel will be here on Friday morning," the team declared. Former double world champion Alonso is now aiming to return to action in China. "A repeat chest scan has been requested before the Chinese grand prix," the FIA's Bonciani said, "and the results will be considered before allowing him to race there." (GMM) With more advanced machinery, lubricating and functional fluids represent a steadily growing industry projected to reach $11 billion by 2020. Synthetic fluids, which are more expensive than petroleum-derived materials, address increasing market demands for higher quality and purity, increased performance and more stringent environmental standards. By developing high performing synthetic fluids with better thermal stability, BASF aims to extend the life cycle of these materials, reduce waste and support the development of more fuel-efficient vehicles. BASF has kicked off its second annual North American Science Competition . This years competition focuses on chemistries that can be used to develop a synthetic fluid to meet the needs of future high-performance, high-efficiency engines and transmissions. Natural mineral oils possess very high traction, but very poor thermal stability. Synthetic fluids, such as poylol esters (POE), poly-alpha-olefins (PAO), polyalkylene glycols (PAG) or alkylated aromatics (AKB) possess very good thermal stability, but very low traction. The challenge is to create a new synthetic lubricant that has the high traction or pressure-viscosity properties of a natural mineral oil lubricant to prevent wear, while maintaining the thermal stability of a synthetic lubricant in a cost effective manner. Specific challenges posed by BASF include: How might we develop a synthetic lubricant that possess a 4-6 cSt viscosity at 100 C with a viscosity index of < 100 and more preferably < 50? How might we develop a synthetic fluid that has a pour point < -30 C and a high temperature thermal stability that is superior to a typical Group II or Group III mineral oil lubricant? How might we improve traction of the new synthetic lubricant by at least 20-30% compared to traditional commercial synthetic lubricants? How might we utilize the synthetic fluids structure and molecular weight distribution to achieve desired performance with regards to traction and thermal stability? The competition is open to teams consisting of two to four Ph.D. students and young researchers in the US and Canada (excluding Quebec). BASF will evaluate all qualified proposal submissions for their novelty, scientific and business merit and technical feasibility. Up to 5 teams will be selected as finalists to develop a proof of concept and to pitch their proposal to the judging panel. The evaluation of the proposals will be based on the following criteria: Meeting Challenge requirements Demonstrating novelty and originality Indicating technical feasibility and business fit Communicating the relevance to the challenge statement and value created by the proposed solution Showing team work, collaborative nature of the project and diversity of team make-up Creating economic and environmental impact by the potential application Proposals are being accepted until 9 May 2016. All finalists will receive cash awards and the opportunity to present their proof-of-concept to BASF executives 3-4 August at the BASF Research and Development location in Tarrytown, NY. The City of Montreal, Canada has signed a two-year framework agreement with Cite Nissan Gabriel SEC to supply LEAF EVs for the municipal fleet. This agreement reflects the commitment of our Administration to develop the electric vehicle sector. We move from words to actions by example; electrification of part of the municipal vehicle fleet is one of the pillars of the electrification of transport strategy of the City of Montreal. The purchase of electric vehicles is a step towards achieving our goal of 30% reduction by 2020 of greenhouse gas emissions, compared to 1990. Denis Coderre, Mayor of Montreal Montreals strategy for transportation electrification is based on the guidelines contained in the Master Plan, the Transportation Plan, the Sustainable Development Plan 2010-2015 Montreal community, and the Plan to reduce emissions of greenhouse for Montreal from 2013 to 2020. The main elements of the electrification strategy are: The establishment of a network of 1,000 street recharging points by 2020; The establishment by private companies of a system of self-service electric cars; The conversion of the municipal fleet to electric vehicles; Electrification of Montreal Transit Corporation (STM) buses; and Continued cooperation of the City with governmental partners. The City of Montreal has been a member of the public charging network Electric Circuit Hydro-Quebec since 2013. The city recently installed 16 charging stations located near the convention center, following the acquisition of 50 terminals and 3 terminals for fast charging. By the end of 2016, nearly 100 charging stations that will be accessible to the public, said Elsie Lefebvre, associate Councillor responsible for electrification strategy of the City of Montreal. Montreal will host EVS29 from 19-22 June 2016. March 31, 1981 President Reagan was shot by a young gunman Monday and underwent immediate emergency surgery for removal of a bullet that lodged in his left lung. Doctors described his condition after an operation of less than two hours as good and said that his life was never in serious danger. Surgeons removed fragments of a .22-caliber bullet that had penetrated his lung by three inches. Three other persons were seriously wounded in the assassination attempt: White House Press Secretary James S. Brady, 40; a Secret Service agent, Timothy J. McCarthy, 31; and a District of Columbia policeman, Thomas Delahanty, 45. Women who are expecting a baby, or who may be contemplating a pregnancy, can get some expert advice and input from staff at Greenwich Hospital. Anyone interested in the mysteries of birth can stop in at a fair at the hospital Saturday morning. Tours will also be given. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Coffee with your legislator on Monday State Representatives Livvy Floren, R-149th; Mike Bocchino, R-150th; Fred Camillo, R-151st, and State Sen. L. Scott Frantz, R-36th will host coffee with a legislator from 8 to 9 a.m. Monday at Glory Days Diner, 69 East Putnam Ave. Residents welcome. Blumenthal praises Obama for action on opioid crisis U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., applauded President Barack Obamas recent policy moves to battle what has been characterized as a national crisis of heroin and opioid addiction. The Obama administration has ordered the Department of Health and Human Services to to expand the patient limit from 100 to 200 for qualified physicians to prescribe buprenorphine to treat opioid addiction. The proposed rule could aid tens of thousands of patients to receive the medicine to treat their addictions, according to Blumenthal. The agency also released $94 million in funding to 271 community health centers across the country in early March to increase substance abuse disorder treatment services, money projected to provide treatment for opioid addictions to 124,000 new patients. These steps are specific, positive measures - but only first steps against a public health hurricane sweeping the nation, Blumenthal said. My roundtables across Connecticut have shown the need for more naloxone, more public education, more physician training and more law enforcement resources - all addressed by the Presidents initiative but still only a beginning. Matching the opioid epidemic must be a public health initiative of historic magnitude - uniting state and federal authorities along with educators, medical experts, parents and recovering addicts. In the long run, greatly expanded treatment and health services must be made available - and excessive prescription of opioid pain killers must be stemmed and stopped. Himes, Blumenthal, Murphy honored in North Haven for transportation advocacy Three weeks ago, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., and the rest of the states congressional delegation were honored by more than 200 transportation advocates for helping pass the Fixing Americas Surface Transportation Act. The $281 billion bill ensured funding for roads, bridges and other infrastructure through 2020. More than 200 transportation advocates from chambers of commerce, the state construction industry, metropolitan transportation planning agencies and other groups honored the seven-member delegation. The FAST Act, which was signed into law in December, provides Connecticut with more than $500 million annually through 2020 to fund critical transportation projects. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate College students are reaching deeper into their pockets as more schools approve tuition hikes nationwide. Rice University , the highest ranked college in Texas, announced a 3.2 percent ($1,660) tuition increase this week, bringing the total cost for a year at the school to $57,668. The University of Texas also approved a tuition hike, which was the school's first increase in five years. RELATED: The most selective colleges in America Startclass examined data from the National Center for Education Statistics to find the public schools with the highest tuition increases over the past 10 years. Of those schools, 16 saw in-state tuition double. Many of the schools with the biggest increases are located in Colorado and California, along with one in Texas, according to Startclass. >> Click the gallery above to see the colleges with the biggest tuition hikes over the past 10 years The list includes schools with at least 5,000 undergraduate students. All tuition amounts were inflation-adjusted for 2015. Rising tuition costs have moved state leaders in Texas to look for solutions in regulating college costs. Learn what options are on the table in this story on HoustonChronicle.com. PASS CHRISTIAN, Mississippi -- Officials found an infant dolphin dead along the shoreline in Pass Christian, marking the eighth baby mammal to wash ashore in the past week. The director of the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies, Dr. Moby Solangi, tells WLOX TV 35 dead dolphins were found in 2015 along the Mississippi Coast. In 2016, that number now stands at 46. He said Wednesday dolphin deaths are on pace to eclipse 2010, the year of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill when 65 dolphin died in Mississippi waters. Solangi points to the red tide algal bloom in the Gulf last fall as a likely factor in the deaths of the infant dolphin. He says one of the effects of red tide is it causes a mother to abort or deliver early. PASCAGOULA, Mississippi -- An Ocean Springs man accused of killing a man with a samurai sword is no longer facing criminal charges. A Jackson County grand jury Wednesday ruled there was insufficient evidence to indict 20-year-old Johnny Romero on a second-degree murder charge in the October 2014 death of aspiring rapper, 29-year-old Shannon Bowen, who's also known as "Lil Skill It" or the "Inevitable Mac." Cherie Wade with the district attorney's office tells the Sun Herald the case is now closed unless new evidence becomes available. Investigators say Bowen and Romero got into an alcohol-fueled argument over the use of a community lawn mower. Romero claimed self-defense during the investigation. Sheriff Mike Ezell says evidence shows Romero left and returned with the sword and stabbed Bowen. Ezell says Bowen was not armed. Photo: Mike Mozart /Flickr Theyre working against the clock. Restaurant chain Ruby Tuesday remember it? is in the news for one of the first times since pretending to blow up a competitors restaurant back in 2008, but this is for an even worse reason: A class-action lawsuit filed on behalf of every server and bartender in the last three years claims the company saves money by forcing them to misreport hours and work off the clock. Its technically legal for tipped workers, whose hourly pay is as little as $2.13 in some states, to spend up to 20 percent of their time doing non-tipped side jobs anything beyond that and the government says they have to get the full minimum wage of at least $7.25. But Charlene Craig, the Tennessee waitress who first filed the suit, says a lot more than 20 percent of servers shifts are spent only making the tipped wage while working on menial tasks like cutting lemons, refilling ice bins, and rolling silverware. The suit alleges that the corporate culture encourages employees to deal with it: The employees will say Im just not going to clock in while Im doing this side work, Craigs attorney, Chris Hall, tells the Chattanooga Times Free Press. Management knows. Its kind of a wink-wink, everybody knows. Hall adds other chains have tried this subterfuge before, because who wouldnt rather pay someone $2.13 an hour to do manual labor if you can? Ruby Tuesday denies the charges, and in a statement says it looks forward to its day in court, where lawyers will be providing a vigorous defense of the company on this matter. If the chain loses, workers from as many as 658 locations could be entitled to back pay of $10.24 an hour. Applebees fought the last big legal battle over wages and this 20 percent rule. Its lawyers managed to appeal a suit involving 5,600 workers all the way up to the Supreme Court, but the justices told the chain its on the hook for whatever the lower court decides. [Times Free Press] A couple of new Lenovo-branded smartphones have been spotted on GFXBench, and curiously, both have same specs. They are powered by MediaTek MT6735P SoC and sport a 5-inch HD display. RAM is 2GB, while internal memory is 16GB. The camera department is handled by an 8MP rear unit and a 5MP front shooter. Both come with Android 6.0 Marshmallow pre-installed. While nothing else is currently known about the devices, their model numbers - XT1700 and XT1706 - does indicate (XT followed by four numbers) that they are actually Motorola handsets, with reports suggesting we could be looking at next-gen Motorola Moto E, or a Lenovo Moto E may be?. Via PASCAGOULA, Mississippi -- Ingalls Shipbuilding has received a $618 million contract "modification" to fund construction of a new Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, DDG 123, for the U.S. Navy. Ingalls had previously received a $55 procurement contract for DDG 123. With the additional funds now received, the total value of the contract stands at $673 million. DDG 123 is the fourth of five destroyers Ingalls was awarded in June 2013. "This will be the 34th Arleigh Burke destroyer built at Ingalls, and we thrive on this experience," said George Nungesser, Ingalls' DDG 51 program manager. "Maintaining the same shipbuilding teams from ship to ship is paying dividends to our learning curve. The U.S. Navy sailors manning this future DDG deserve the best quality, and our shipbuilders will provide that in a way that is the most cost-effective." According to Ingalls, a five-ship contract allows the shipyard to more efficiently build ships by buying material in bulk and moving the workforce from ship to ship. Ingalls is currently scheduled to be building destroyers through 2023. Ingalls has delivered 28 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers to the Navy. Destroyers currently under construction at Ingalls are John Finn (DDG 113), Ralph Johnson (DDG 114), Paul Ignatius (DDG 117), Delbert D. Black (DDG 119) and Frank E. Peterson Jr. (DDG 121). Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are highly capable, multi-mission ships that can conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence and crisis management to sea control and power projection, all in support of the United States' military strategy. DDGs are capable of simultaneously fighting air, surface and subsurface battles. The ship contains myriad offensive and defensive weapons designed to support maritime defense. Haiti - Elections : Swearing and installation of the new CEP Wednesday, March 30, at the Court of Cassation (Champ-de-Mars), the 9 members of the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) appointed by presidential decree Tuesday https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-17014-haiti-flash-cep-members-appointed-by-presidential-decree.html (Carlos Hercule : Episcopal Conference of Haiti ; Frinel Joseph : Reformed worship ; Kenson Polynice : Peasant / Voodoo sector ; Marie-Herolle Michel : Patronal sector ; Josette Jean Dorcely : Union sector ; Leopold Berlanger : Press sector ; Jean Lucien Bernard : University sector ; Marie Frantz Joachim : Woman sector et Jean Simon Saint-Hubert : Human Rights sector) in the presence of Prime Minister Enex Jean-Charles, were sworn in, swearing before the judges "to respect the Constitution and laws of the Republic, to fulfill my duties accurately and with loyalty and conduct myself in all with dignity." "In our capacity as Electoral Adviser enshrined in the oath done on this day, we have to first mission to organize good elections awaiting realization in the best conditions and in the shortest possible time. The implementation of the requirements of the Constitution and the relevant legislation on electoral matters will be our compass in fulfilling our mandate," declared Leopold Berlanger at the swearing ceremony, adding "This is to organize credible elections that can inspire confidence to voters and candidates and all sectors involved in the competition, regardless of their political or ideological sensitivity, regardless of their affiliation, either in power or in the opposition." For his part the Vice-president of the Court of Cassation urged the new electoral advisers not to be swayed or manipulated by anyone in fulfilling their missions reminding them "You have not to take orders from anyone." After the swearing completed the electoral advisers went to the premises of the CEP in Petion-ville where they have been installed in office by Me Camille Junior Edouard, the new Minister of Justice, accompanied by Simon Dieuseul Desras, as Minister a.i. of National Defence in the presence of Ronald Lareche Vice-President of the Senate and Cholzer Chancy President of the Chamber of deputies and several representatives of the international community. According to the Minister Edouard, the Mission of members of the CEP is to complete the electoral process as required by the agreement of 5 February. "The electoral advisers, have a duty to fulfill their task in the serenity and impartiality [...] We all have a rendezvous on the continuation of the electoral process. Which appointment will enable us to bring the country out of this situation [...]" SL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Flash : Formation of the new CEP Bureau Wednesday, after the swearing-in ceremony and installation https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-17025-haiti-elections-swearing-and-installation-of-the-new-cep.html , the new members of the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) held their first working session dedicated to the formation of Bureau of Council. Following this session, Me Mosler Georges, Executive Director of CEP communicated the composition of the new Office of the Electoral Council : Leopold Berlanger : President (Press sector) ; Carlos Hercule : Vice-president (Episcopal Conference of Haiti) ; Mme Marie Frantz Joachim : General Secretary (Women sector) ; Monsieur Frinel Joseph : Treasurer (Reformed worship). Me Mosler Georges recalls in his note that the Provisional Electoral Council is committed to achieving fair election, inclusive and transparent... HL/ HaitiLibre JACKSON, Mississippi-- Last week, a police chase which began in Clinton and continued inside of Jackson city limits resulted in a death of a 34-year-old man Lonnie Blue. This is not the first time a police chase crossing city boundaries has resulted in death or injury. Repeated incidents of this type have created increased dialog regarding the rights of law enforcement agencies in pursuing suspects across jurisdictional boundaries. Jackson County police departments have not experienced an incident of this magnitude but in having conversation police chiefs from Pascagoula, Moss Point, and Ocean Springs, the general consensus was they would follow their department's policy at all costs. Mark Dunston "Our police department pursuits are called in by the officer and monitored by a supervisor," said Ocean Springs police chief Mark Dunston. "The supervisor obtains all of the particulars of the pursuit, weather conditions, speed the offender is traveling, as well as the road and neighborhood conditions. Communication between the officer and supervisor is consistent as continuous updates come from the officer to the supervisor. The supervisor directs other officers what to do during the pursuit and makes the determination on whether to allow the pursuit to continue or discontinue based upon all of the factors provided by the officer." "Most departments in regard to police chases rely on Kenny Johnson their departmental policies," Pascagoula police chief Kenny Johnson said. "Our pursuit policy for one, is very strict. We only chase into another city if it is a felony crime, the offender is not known to us, and it is safe to do so. If it is a danger to the public and it is a less than greater need to catch the offender, in all of those interests, we are going to terminate our pursuit." Moss Point police chief Art McClung concurs with Dunston and Johnson. "There is no inter local agreement, but pursuits depends on that particular city's police policy in regards to pursuit," McClung said. "Our officers have to go by our policy, period. If the chase does not fall within our policy in regard to vehicle pursuits, at that time, our officers must govern themselves accordingly. Overall, our protocol is to continue to keep the citizens and officers as safe as possible. If we see the pursuit is too dangerous for several factors, we cease the pursuit." McClung cited the Brister vs. City of Jackson case as the precedent to which all of Mississippi's law organizations must follow when it comes to police chases. The case and its ruling can be found here. There are particular circumstances when a chase would extend past jurisdictional lines and when police officers should allow the officers within their city to do their job, according to McClung. Art McClung "If a crime occurs in your jurisdiction, it does not matter where you make the stop," McClung said. "But if you follow them a half a mile down the road from your jurisdiction, as long as you can show or prove that it happened in your jurisdiction, you have the right to stop them." "If I drove over the line in Pascagoula, and I see someone who does not have a seat belt on, I am not allowed to issue a citation, but there are exceptions to that rule," McClung continued. "If you are on a state or federal task force, you have a broader range of jurisdictional powers, which allows you to pull over an individual outside of your jurisdiction." Sticking to departmental policy was the synonymous answer given by these three police chiefs in order to eliminate third party deaths. If a chase continues from one city to the other, there are two methods of communicating, according to Dunston. "Our dispatch office would contact their dispatch office, or everybody is notified to go on a county-wide channel," he said. "Once they are alerted to go to that channel, then they can monitor that channel. All of the officers from the other agencies in the pursuit pathway can switch to that designated channel to remain abreast of the situation. "These types of incidents can remain at a minimum if the decision-making ability and the training provided to the officers and supervisor monitoring the pursuit can determine if a chase should continue based on all factors involved." Haiti - Politic : Installation of the new Minister of Foreign Affairs Monday in the salons of the Chancellery in Musseau, Pierrot Delienne, the new Minister of Foreign Affairs also Minister a.i. of Interior and Territorial Communities, was installed in office as Chancellor, at a ceremony chaired by Aviol Fleurant, the new Minister of Planning and external Cooperation. He takes over from outgoing Chancellor Lener Renauld. In his speech, the new Haitian Chancellor pledged among other things, to make the Haitian diplomacy more dynamic and more visible on the international stage; to better position Haiti in international bodies; stimulate international relations; to protect the rights of Haitian nationals living outside the country and to improve the organization and operation of the Chancellery. Aware of the difficulties that often faces diplomatic staff in the exercise of its functions he ensures that he will bring to his staff "a consistent support and of quality as far as possible, for in the world, you are able to produce results in line with diplomatic orientations of the first black republic in the world." Learn more about Pierrot Delienne : Pierrot Delienne holds an MBA (1983) from the University of Quebec in Montreal, one in Business Administration BA and law degree from the State University of Haiti. He was a professor of marketing and program manager at Quisqueya University and expert consulting in Haiti with several companies. He became Minister Counsellor at the Mission of Haiti in Geneva in 2006, near the World Trade Organization (WTO). PI/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Social : The triple lynching of disabled women provokes outrage Wednesday, March 30 at a press conference several organizations defending the rights of the disabled : the Haitian Society for Aid to the Blind (SHAA), the National Associative Network for the Integration of Persons with Disabilities (RANIPH), the National Federation of the Deaf of Haiti (FNSH) and the Association of deaf of eveque, Haiti (ASLH) came together to denounce the triple murder of three women deaf and dumb, lynched after being taken for "witches", while they sought only a place to sleep in the zone of Haut Damier, area near Cabaret on March 18 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-16982-haiti-flash-3-disabled-women-assassinated.html These organizations who for a long time struggle to enforce the rights of the disabled, launched an appeal of distress and sadness to the authorities to ensure respect for the rights of disabled people in the country. They require government: justice and compensation for the families of 3 women cowardly murdered (Jesula Germain, mere de six enfants, Vanessa Previl and Monique Vincent). Upset, Gerald Oriol Jr., Secretary of State for the Integration of Persons with Disabilities, strongly condemned these crimes "This is unthinkable in our society that such crimes be committed" recalling that one of the three victims was pregnant three months. Gerald Oriol Jr believes that society should say no to violence, no to discrimination. For Dr. Michel A. Pean, coordinator of the SHAA "it is time to question the customs and outdated traditions of certain elements of Haitian culture..." In addition, in a statement, the Board of Directors of the Arche Haiti, points out that "these odious crimes, remind that committed on our revered dumb musician Ti-Pierre in the 1990s. They challenge our conscience. It is time that the judicial authorities take into account, as well as all other citizens of the country, the needs of disabled victims [...] It is worth remembering that any person affected by intellectual disabilities and / or physical is a full persons that deserves the consideration of everyone [...]" Friday, April 1, to honor the memory of the three victims a march is planned in Port-au-Prince, the gathering and departure will take place at 8:00 am in front of the St. Vincent Center and will end in sit-in front of the Ministry of Justice. TB/ HaitiLibre Haiti - News : Zapping politics... USA opposed to a Verification Commission Peter Mulrean, Ambassador of the United States accredited to Haiti says to be opposed to the the creation of a new Commission of verification of electoral process. He expressed concern political instrumentalization of this Commission, noting that the recommendations made by the Independent Electoral Commission of Verification should instead be implemented to continue the electoral process initiated in 2015. Also reacting to voices calling for a new agreement, the US diplomat sees no valid reason for a new agreement. Lack of funds for elections and the country Wednesday at a press briefing, Serge Simon, the Presidential Spokesman revealed that there remained only 6% of available funds in the budget allocated for the organization of the second round of presidential elections scheduled for April 24th Furthermore he explained that the financial situation in Haiti was "catastrophic" for lack of sufficient revenues and an international assistance almost nonexistent right now [because of a transitional government]. Finally he said that President a.i. Jocelerme Privert does everything to respect the agreement and its mandate, which will end on May 14, when the newly elected President should (in principle) take office... Canada pleased with the latest developments Canada welcomes the inauguration of the Prime Minister Enex Jean-Charles and his Cabinet and the appointment of the Provisional Electoral Council, two key steps to conclude the electoral process. See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-17025-haiti-elections-swearing-and-installation-of-the-new-cep.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-17004-haiti-flash-the-government-is-installed.html Visit of Obama in Haiti unlikely... Wednesday US Ambassador Peter Mulrean declared on a radio station of the capital that due to the uncertain situation on the political level that prevails in Haiti, the visit of President Obama to Haiti is unlikely for the moment. Privert asks the PM to postpone or to report some recent decrees Jocelerme Privert called his Prime Minister Enex Jean-Charles to reconsider several decrees "I notify you the concerns and the worries expressed by representatives of various sectors of national life: several decrees issued on the eve of the opening of Parliament, between December 2015 and 6 January 2016, deserve to be reconsidered in their form and opportunity. This application aims that some of them, be reported or adjourned and should not leave you indifferent." HL/ HaitiLibre Published on 2016/03/30 | Source Song Joong-ki stepped in to rescue Song Hye-kyo, who had been kidnapped. Advertisement The 11th episode of KBS 2TV's Wednesday & Thursday drama, 'Descendants of the Sun' showed Yoo Si-jin (Song Joong-ki) communicating with Kang Mo-yeon (Song Hye-kyo) through a radio. On this day, Yoo Si-jin came out hurriedly to follow Kang Mo-yeon when he heard she had left with Uruk police officers. To match Yoo Si-jin's uneasy feeling, those who were believed to be Uruk officers were Argus (David Lee McInnis)'s subordinates. Argus kidnapped Kang Mo-yeon to make a deal with Yoo Si-jin. While holding Kang Mo-yeon as a hostage, Argus put out a condition that Yoo Si-jin should guarantee them a safe path to retreat. Yoo Si-jin told Kang Mo-yeon through a radio, "I'll find you and rescue you for sure. So don't be intimidated and don't cry. Just wait a little bit longer". Yoo Si-jin was going to initiate a hostage rescue operation right away. However, the Blue House ordered him to wait because it was a matter to be addressed on a national level. Yoo Si-jin expressed his frustration saying, "I am not sure where your country is. However, I'm going to protect my country" and then he was going to carry out the rescue operation alone. Fortunately, Commander of Special Forces, Lieutenant General Yoon contacted Yoo Si-jin and gave him a lenient order. Lieutenant General Yoon told him, "I'll give you three hours. For the three hours, you are not a member of Alpha team, nor captain of Mooru or the Republic of Korea Army". Yoo Si-jin took off his military uniform and started to carry out his own rescue operation in order to save the woman his loved. Watch on Viki 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 led retail giant Dick Smith is keeping thousands of employees in limbo by not announcing exact dates for store closures, which staff say is preventing them from moving on to new careers.A spokesperson for Dick Smiths receivers Ferrier Hodgson said employees would receive redundancy notices and final work dates closer to closure date, CRN reported.But if employees opt to resign before they receive their redundancy notice, they could forfeit their entitlement to a redundancy payout.The spokesperson told CRN that individual store closures were dependent on the sale of remaining stock, and not all stores would close on the same day.Dick Smith employees say theyve been left in the dark and are unable to move on to new careers.Employees are taking matters into their own hands by posting signs around store premises telling customers they didnt know when Dick Smith stores would close, and even asking customers to recommend new jobs that they could go to after the store closures.A Dick Smith employee told Fairfax it was difficult to look for new work because management still hadnt specified when stores would close."The problem is because we haven't received our notice of redundancy, and without a notice of redundancy you basically void your entitlements [if you leave]," the employee told Fairfax."I would only take a new job if they were willing to wait until Dick Smith closes, because I'm not missing out on potentially thousands of dollars of redundancy."He said Dick Smith was required to give employees four weeks notice if they were made redundant, however workers at Dick Smiths Move airport stores and Electronics Powered by Dick Smith stores were informed just days before their stores were closed.The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has announced an investigation into Dick Smiths collapse for issues of administered trust and confidence.Ferrier Hodgson said employees would receive redundancy notices and final work dates "closer to the closure date of their store".The spokesperson for Ferrier Hodgson also said it was expected the current stock sale would generate enough cash to pay all workers their entitlements."Employee entitlements are priority claims that rank ahead of the secured and unsecured creditors and are expected to be paid in full," the spokesperson told Fairfax.Similar stories: Employers who fail to properly investigate claims of employee bullying could face costly negligence claims and reputational damage. Bullying in the workplace can have serious consequences for an employer, says Holman Webb Senior Associate, Ethan Brawn. These consequences could take the form of a workers compensation claim or common law claim, both which will have a negative impact on a businesss insurance premiums, Brawn told HC Online. In recent years we have noticed an increase in negligence claims arising out of allegations of workplace bullying, Brawn says. Across Australia, governments have sought to limit employees entitlements to workers compensation. This has seen more marginal claims brought in negligence as employees seek to maximise their financial outcomes. However, Brawn says that in the context of claims for negligence, there are few authorities providing guidance as to what conduct amounts to bullying. To succeed in a negligence claim, a plaintiff must establish that they were bullied and that the employer was negligent in breaching its duty of care towards the employee. When assessing whether a risk of injury from bullying is reasonably foreseeable the court must look the risk posed to an individual employee, Brawn says. An argument stating that it is well known that bullying may cause an injury and therefore an employer owes a broad duty of care to all employees to guard against the risks associated with bullying is unlikely to be sufficient, he says. A plaintiff will need to establish that the employer should have known that they were at risk of a psychological injury to establish a duty of care. Employees may use allegations of bullying to lay the foundations of a general protections claim under the Fair Work Act, Brawn says, adding that the Fair Work Act can also be utilised to obtain a stop bullying order. Unfortunately most employers will find that they do not have insurance coverage for these types of claims, he says. As bullying is currently a hot topic in workplace law, claims can attract a lot of unwanted attention, resulting in irreparable reputational damage for an employer. The often salacious allegations that underpin many bullying claims make these stories attractive to the media and the public, Brawn says. This can result in reputational damage for those involved and see customers of the business seek to disassociate themselves from that business lest they be tarred with the same brush. If bullying is related to race, sex, or some other ground of discrimination, employers could also see themselves on the wrong side of anti-discrimination legislation and face costly claims. Brawns advice for HR professionals: Kieran Coxs case was sent forward to the Circuit Court A Driver accused of endangering others during a road-traffic incident over four years ago has been sent forward for trial. Kieran Cox (31) was allegedly driving dangerously at the time. He is facing trial by judge and jury in the Circuit Court after the DPP ruled that the allegations were too serious for the District Court. The accused appeared before Blanchardstown District Court charged with endangerment. The alleged incident took place at the Clonee slip road, N3 Clonee, on February 16, 2012. Mr Cox is also accused of dangerous driving at the same time and place. It is alleged that he drove a 1997-registered vehicle dangerously at speed and collided with another car, which created a substantial risk of death or serious harm to another individual. A state solicitor said that the book of evidence was ready and had been served on the accused, who goes forward to the next sittings of Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Plea Judge David McHugh gave Mr Cox the formal alibi caution. The judge also ordered a video copy of an interview that gardai conducted with the accused be handed to his legal team. A defence solicitor and one junior counsel were assigned on free legal aid. Mr Cox - with addresses at Thomand Road in Ballyfermot and North Circular Road, Dublin 7 - has not yet indicated a plea to the charges. A Latvian woman who worked at Aer Lingus' VIP lounge at Dublin Airport claimed she was "humiliated" into cleaning toilets after her employer discovered a bottle of vodka in her handbag. Claiming her employer made her out to be "a drunk and a thief" Kristina Malinovska (40) from Dublin is suing her former employer, One Complete Solution Ltd, trading as Outsourced Client Solutions (OCS), for constructive dismissal at the Employment Appeals Tribunal. Ms Malinovska broke down in tears as she told the tribunal yesterday how she worked without incident as a lounge assistant and waitress at Aer Lingus' Gold Circle lounge at the Dublin Airport for 15 years. The lounge, which provides elite Gold Circle Club members with a free bar and snacks while awaiting their flights, is run by OCS which also provides cleaning and pest control services. Reported Ms Malinovska said she had an unblemished work record and reported for her 1pm to 9.30pm shift on January 27, 2015 when a duty manager checked her handbag as part of a routine search of staff belongings. The manager found a 250ml plastic bottle containing vodka. Ms Malinovska was told to leave the premises immediately and was summoned to an investigation into the matter the following day in which she denied stealing the vodka or consuming it at work. She claimed she bought the vodka to drink with a friend after work because she wouldn't be able to make it to an off-license before it closed. She said she transferred the vodka into a plastic bottle due to security checks at the airport. She received a letter from OSC on February 19, 2015 stating that the subsequent investigation into the matter found nothing untoward. There was no sanction forthcoming against her, other than a request not to bring "large quantities of alcohol to work", the tribunal heard. Promised But she was told she wouldn't be working in the lounge again and her new job would be cleaning in toilets and the general food court area in the airport, despite claiming she was "promised I would never be moved". This prompted her to quit her job which pays around 20,000 a year, because she felt humiliated by what she believed was a demotion. Michael Leavy, a former OCS operations manager, denied Ms Malinovska was suspected of drinking on the job or stealing liquor and gave the reason for her sudden change in job functions as "a demand by operations to cover that position right away." OCS also said Ms Malinovska's job title was a cleaner and that she agreed to OCS's employment conditions that her job function and location can change. The case was adjourned. Dublin's latest crime statistics have revealed a worrying increase in the number of sexual offences being reported. There were 536 reported rapes across the State in 2015 - an increase of more than 12pc on the previous year according to figures released by the Central Statics Office (CSO). The number of sexual offences reported in Dublin has increased by 116 - from 663 in 2014, to an alarming 779 in 2015. The number of recorded incidents in this group rose to 2,361 nationally last year - a 15pc increase from 2014. Sexual offences involving mentally-impaired victims, aggravated sexual assaults and other sex crimes are also on the rise. The data also revealed the number of kidnapping offences in the city increased by 54 incidents in 2014, to 71 in 2015. There was also an increase in the number of public order and social offences on the streets of the capital. This category saw a total increase of 2,256 offences - from 9,552 in 2014, to a 11,808 last year. However, the figures show a decrease in a range of criminal offences in the city - including homicides and burglaries. Pressure Dublin Rape Crisis Centre chief executive Noeleen Blackwell said she wasn't surprised at the rise of sexual assaults being reported, adding that more people are seeking help. "We are seeing a lot of pressure on services right now," she told the Herald. "A lot of people are coming in with stories that are a lot more complex and difficult. "One of the real indicators is now we have one of the longest waiting lists for counselling services we have ever had. "The counsellors are coming across stories that are complex," Ms Blackwell added. A dangerous new crime gang has unleashed a reign of terror on the streets of Dublin - and is also involved in violent organised criminality across the nation. Sources have revealed that up to 20 criminals are now key members of the mob - nicknamed the "New INLA" - which has set up base in Ballymun on the capital's northside. They are closely connected to feared crime figure Gerard Mackin, who was convicted and then cleared of a dissident feud-related 2007 murder in the North. Sources said that gardai were desperately trying to clamp down on the gang's activities with the arrests of a number of senior players in the mob. "They are involved in extortion, criminal debt collection and drug-dealing, but they are also involved in legitimate businesses - they are making tens of thousands of euro each month," a source said. "This gang has huge back-up from the North and they are going around like they own the place - and everyone is terrified of them. "They are staying neutral in the Kinahan/Hutch feud because they are waiting to see what will happen." Investigations into the mob were stepped up after a viable bomb and a Glock pistol were seized and a Polish man arrested after armed gardai pulled over and searched a vehicle near Mountrath in Co Laois on February 25 last. That incident led to the M7 motorway being closed for a number of hours. Sources said the bust led to "lives being saved." A key member of the dangerous gang is Jonathan Keogh (30) from Dublin's north inner city. He was given an eight-year jail sentence by the Special Criminal Court in July 2009 after he was caught by gardai making pipe bombs the previous September. Detonate During the bust on Keogh in a Clondalkin apartment, gardai found the components for four pipebombs, including travel-alarm clocks that could be used to detonate the bombs. They also found nails, which are usually taped to the outside of a pipe bomb and are meant to scatter when the bomb explodes, hitting anyone in the vicinity. Another key member of the gang is a psychotic gangland criminal from Ballymun, who has acted as a bodyguard for hire and is suspected of being "extremely close" to the group. The 30-year-old, who cannot be named here for legal reasons, has over 80 previous convictions including drugs, criminal damage, road traffic and possession of firearms has been causing mayhem since his release from jail over a year ago. Sources said the gang were also believed to be behind two murder attempts against Limerick criminal Sean 'Cowboy' Hanley last year. One of the senior gang members is suspected of being involved in a pipebomb intimidation incident targeting Dublin drug dealer Charlie 'The Walrus' O'Neill, before the 53-year-old died of natural causes in August. This criminal and another feared dissident Republican are also the chief suspects for a savage torture attack in Co Limerick last November. Patrick Joseph Kelly was born in 1896. The youngest of four, he grew up in Lusk. He joined the Volunteers in 1914 and took part in the Howth gun-running in 1915. On Easter Monday he mobilised in Lusk, along with his two brothers, and was detailed to go to the GPO. On arriving he was sent on to the Mendicity Institution on Usher's Quay, under the command of Sean Heuston. Their orders were to attack British troops coming from the Royal Barracks (Collins Barracks) to the Four Courts. Patrick and 25 others held the position until noon on Wednesday. At that time, surrounded by 400 Royal Fusiliers, Heuston surrendered. At a courts martial on Thursday Patrick Kelly was sentenced to death. On Monday May 8 Patrick's commanding officer Sean Heuston was executed. Patrick Kelly's sentence was commuted to three years penal servitude. He was imprisoned Britain before being released in 1917. His brothers Matthew and Joseph fought at Ashbourne. Patrick Kelly later fought in the War of Independence. He became an electrician, with two shops in Lusk, married and had six children. Patrick Kelly died in March 1945. He is buried in Lusk. Details submitted by grand-daughter Helen Kelly GREENEVILLE, Tenn. Tusculum Colleges Doak House Museum is hosting a Lego Historian competition, which will commemorate history in East Tennessee. Participants may use Lego blocks, or other plastic bricks, to design and build a historic structure located in East Tennessee. This is a first-time event for the Museums of Tusculum College, and we are hoping to get as many people involved through modeling historic buildings and monuments with their Lego blocks as possible, said Dollie Boyd, director of museums. The Doak House Museum will be accepting submissions April 11-14, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event will culminate during the Old Oak Festival on the Tusculum College campus, April 15-17. Attendees of the Old Oak Festival will have the opportunity vote for their favorite on Saturday, April 16, 1-3 p.m. Prizes will be awarded in five categories: kindergarten-grade 2, grades 3-5, grades 6-8, grades 9-12 and adults. The awards ceremony will take place on Sunday, April 17, at 3 p.m. To be eligible, the historic structure must be located in East Tennessee and be more than 100 years old, such as any of the historic structures located on the Tusculum College campus, at Exchange Place in Kingsport or in Jonesborough. Entries must be the participants own creation, and entries based on a kit or online design are not eligible. Entries must be secured on a base no bigger than 24 by 24 inches and may not reach over four feet tall. The base may be decorated to compliment the project. Only one entry will be accepted per participant or team. Registration is open online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lego-historians-project-drop-off-tickets-22657057870. Deliver completed projects to the Doak House Museum, 690 Erwin Highway, Greeneville, TN 37745. Big Stone Gap, VA. The 2016 Gathering in the Gap Music Festival, featuring The Black Lillies, Dave Eggar & Deoro with Amber Rubarth, and Whitetop Mountain Band, offers area songwriters entry into its annual songwriting contest. A crowd favorite, the songwriting contest showcases outstanding, but under-recognized, performing songwriters who represent the spirit and traditions of Appalachian culture. Gathering in the Gap will be held at the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park in Big Stone Gap on Saturday, May 28. Song topics include songs relative to Americana and related topics and topical songs about his-toric or current events. Song genres should have roots in Appalachian culture, such as Old-Time, Folk, Bluegrass, Country, Gospel, Blues, and Rockabilly. A panel of professional songwriters, publishers, or other music industry professionals will judge entries based on the following criteria: originality, lyrics, melody, and relevance to criteria. Music production and performance quality of submittal are not considered. From the original mailed cd entries, panelists will choose ten finalists, who will compete on the main stage in the Gathering in the Gaps songwriting contest. Each finalist will be given a free-access ticket to the festival, along with a festival t-shirt. The top three winners will receive cash prizes and plaques. The entry deadline is April 30, 2016 by 4 p.m. with an entry fee of $10 for the first song and $5 for a second song. Please send a cd copy of the submission with a check or money order payable to the Friends of the Southwest Virginia Museum, 106 West 1st Street North, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219 or drop off during business hours at the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park in Big Stone Gap, VA. All entries must arrive by deadline, not by postmark. For a complete set of competition rules, a schedule of events, or a downloadable registration form, please visit the festival website at www.gatheringinthegapmusicfestival.com and click on Songwriting Contest. For more information about the songwriting contest or festival events, please call the Museum at 276-523-1322 or visit the website mentioned above. The award-winning Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conserva-tion and Recreation. For more information about Virginia State Parks activities and amenities or to make reserva-tions in one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov. ks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov. Andrews, a red-bearded, floppy-hat-wearing presence on the local music scene, died recently at age 39. He supported countless local musicians as a front-row dancer. Now a long list of local musicians will support Andrews. A Celebration of the Life of Brian Andrews will stage on April 1 at the Willow Tree Coffeehouse and Music Room in Johnson City. Musicians including Bristols JP Parsons and Johnson Citys Amythyst Kiah will appear in Andrews honor. All proceeds will benefit a fund established in Andrews name. He was an angel, said Ivan Andrews, Brians father, during a memorial last Thursday in Bristol. Tears fell, smiles broadened, memories swapped during the memorial. A parade of Andrews friends sang songs in his memory, including Bristols Adam Lawson. Brian Andrews was one of the kindest, friendliest and most loyal souls that I have ever had the pleasure of knowing, said Lawson. If there was music to be heard, it was most likely that Brian was there to show his support for our scene. Lawsons moving rendition of Wayfaring Stranger captivated while capturing the spirit of such profound loss. You would see him at any given night dancing and singing his cares away to a local or regional band or artist, Lawson said. The scene lost a really special guy last weekend. A number of Andrews friends, including Stan Blankenship, recalled their friend as the music played. Hes an icon, said Blankenship. Now hes a legend. Picture Andrews. Lets say The Black Lillies were on stage at Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion. Whether the crowd was large or small, Andrews danced near and typically in front of the stage, dancing on his own with nary a care in the world. He wore a floppy hat adorned with buttons. If chilly, he wore one of several large fur coats. Then there was his long red beard, big shiny smile and friendly hello for whomever he met. Andrews epitomized freedom. He was a leaf in a breeze. He was on cloud nine when the music played, said Evie Andrus, a locally-based fiddler and organizer of Fridays celebration in Andrews honor. There were music fans and then there was Brian. He took it to a whole other level. If his favorites were on stage, then Andrews was sure to show. He had that big ass red beard, that old hat, wild shirt and his fur coat, said Scott Thomas, a drummer and longtime fixture on the local music scene. If you knew him, for some insane reason it made sense. Andrews lived in Bristol, Virginia. He worked by day as a handyman. Quite well, too. By night, he followed the music and musicians that he loved. You couldnt help but like Brian, said Randy Broyles, formerly of Hundred Acres and long known as The Crooked Man. Broyles dedicated his rendition of Johnny Cashs take on Hurt to Andrews during his memorial last week. Lawson backed him on guitar. Despite how hard this life can be we cant forget to smile, to sing, and to dance, Lawson said. Be excellent to each otherthats what Brian would do. Andrews hat passed from person to person, head to head, friend to friend during his memorial. No doubt, Andrews hat will turn up one more time during his celebration. Amid the tears from loss and the cries of goodbye, were he able to return for one more song, then surely Brian Andrews would dance. And smile. And love one and love all. He was an angel in life, Ivan Andrews, Brians father said. Now he is an angel. But that still did not mar the enthusiasm of a few hundred fans gathered at the Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, for this seasons grand opening festivities. After all, these lucky few stood in the presence of the incomparable Dolly Parton, who sported a grin and a flaming, flashy outfit. And, even though not all had gone as planned, this world-class entertainer knew just what to say and do in East Tennessee's Sevier County. "I know you're all disappointed about the Lightning Rod. It's not open," Parton said. "I know I am disappointed. But, really, it's something that we had to make sure. The manufacturer said to us, 'We need the extra time, because we want it to be just perfect and safe.' So I'm sure you understand that." No opening date has been set for the Lightning Rod, said Dollywood spokesman Wes Ramey. "Lightning Rod is an innovative ride featuring new technology never used on a wooden coaster," Ramey said in a statement. "The ride manufacturer asked for additional time to commission the ride. Progress is being made daily." This ride, according to Ramey, promises to be the world's fastest wooden roller coaster with a speed of 73 mph. "And once we get it open, everybody will forget all about the fact that it ain't open this weekend," Parton said on stage with a laugh. "It's the first launched wooden rollercoaster. And I think that means that it's taking off." Still, you can forget about ever seeing the 70-year-old Parton take off on the Lightning Rod. "I don't ride the rides," Parton said, laughing. "Everybody knows that about me: I don't ride 'em," Parton added. "But, I was saying, 'This one is not open and this was the very one that I was going to ride.' I was going to try to tell you a big lie, but I know that you're on to me. J4 CD Release Party Excitement encircles J4. Formerly of Bluff City, Tennessee, now based in Nashville, J4 return to the Tri-Cities to herald the release of their new CD, A New Revival, for two shows on April 1 at Blackbird Bakery in Bristol, Virginia. Recall the four siblings named Josiah, Josephine, Jedidiah and Jessi hence J4. They dipped into the national spotlight seven years ago when they appeared on CBS Early Show. An evolution in sound has since enveloped J4. They struck a pop-heavy, Band Perry-ish approach then. Now theyve morphed into more of Lumineers meets Mumford and Sons approach. Their taut sibling vocal harmonies and infectious way with melody remain. As the title of their new release indicates, a new revival of a new day has dawned for J4. If You Go >> What: J4 CD Release Party >> Who: J4 >> When: April 1, 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. >> Where: Blackbird Bakery, 56 Piedmont Ave., Bristol, Va. >> Admission: Free >> Info: 276-645-5754 >> Web, audio and video: www.thebandj4.com Bristol Bluegrass Spring Fest Bristol and bluegrass fit like yall and come. Last years inaugural Bristol Bluegrass Spring Fest emphasized that longtime fact. So, success warranted a second installment. Slated for April 1 and 2 at Holiday Inn off Exit 7 in Bristol, Virginia, busloads of bluegrass luminaries fill this years marquee. April 1 features Marty Raybon atop the bill. Larry Cordle, renowned for writing Ricky Skaggs Highway 40 Blues, follows. Add Sammy Shelors sharpened Lonesome River Band, Tim Whites honking VW Boys and so forth. Turn to April 2 and legendary Larry Sparks as the headliner. Toss in those rascally harmonious Grascals, Ralph Stanley II and more. So tune the banjos, resin the bows and as Porter Wagoner sang in song, yall come. If You Go >> What: 2nd Annual Bristol Bluegrass Spring Fest >> Who: Marty Raybon, Larry Cordle, Larry Sparks, Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out, The Grascals, VW Boys, etc. >> When: April 1 at 2 p.m. and April 2 at 12 p.m. >> Where: Holiday Inn, 3005 Linden Dr., Bristol, Va. >> Info: 276-566-7244 Alarm Clock Conspiracy May the bells of rock ring. Count on Ashevilles Alarm Clock Conspiracy to tip the pints on April 2 at Wolf Hills Brewing Co. in Abingdon. Plugged in or acoustic, theyre an outfit of indie rockers for whom the tag eclectic belongs. Roots of Alarm Clock began with the pairing of Chris Carter and Ian Reardon in 1999. Theyve since built a band on a foundation of wrangled irreverence. Theyre not Sex Pistols nuts but theyre not Ed Sheeran soft, either. Instead, the indie vets mix revelatory originals with clever nods to the Beatles and Foo Fighters. They straddle yesterday and today, rock and rockier, revolt and responsibility. If You Go >> Who: Alarm Clock Conspiracy >> When: April 2, 5:30 p.m. >> Where: Wolf Hills Brewing Co., 350 Park St., Abingdon >> Info: 276-451-5470 >> Web, audio and video: www.alarmclockconspiracy.com Music Notes Happy times beckon near and not so far here in the Birthplace of Country Music. For instance, Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion will announce the lineup for its forthcoming 16th installment on April 21 three weeks from today. A dozen acts including Marty Stuart, Cracker and Unknown Hinson were revealed in December for the festival, which will stage during the weekend of September 16-18. Since Feb. 25, Rhythm & Roots has peeled back the veil every few days on more acts scheduled to appear this year. They include critically acclaimed John Moreland, Woody Pines, and Hot Club of Cowtown. Visit Rhythm & Roots Facebook page, www.facebook.com/bristolrhythm/ and http://countdowntobristolrhythm.com for more information on subsequent acts revealed. To hear occasional music from artists named, tune to Radio Bristol 100.1 FM via your radio dial or Radio Bristols App, www.birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/radio-bristol-app. Of note, tickets remain plentiful and for a bargain at $60 for the entire weekend. For ticket information, call 423-573-1927. Free MP3 Downloads Indie pop newcomer Trevor James Tillery helms this weeks free MP3 downloads. Visit http://noisetrade.com/trevorjamestillery/in-moonlight for Tillerys six-song debut EP, In Moonlight. Like water from a broken faucet, drama drips throughout Tillerys debut. From death on an elegant Silver Sea through a hopeful Carry You Down, Tillery strikes like a shadow in the dark in search of light. Nothing goes right for Edgewood in long trip to East Central CHICAGO Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel says he will try to poach businesses and conventions from North Carolina because of a law eliminating anti-discrimination protections for lesbians, gays and bisexuals. Emanuel also says he will he ban the use of city funds for nonessential travel to the state. The law also prohibits transgender people from using washrooms that do not match the gender they had at birth. Emanuel pointed to his ability to lure a Whole Foods warehouse and 200 jobs from Indiana to Chicago because of that state's passage of a bill that raised concerns about discrimination against gays and lesbians. The mayor also threw in a $7.4 million subsidy. Emanuel said he has asked his staff to draw up a list of North Carolina companies they think "we can talk into considering a move to Chicago." The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond could rule any day now in the case of Gavin Grimm, who was born female but identifies as male. Grimm says he has to take a "walk of shame" to use a restroom at Gloucester High School. Whatever the judges decide, the impact will be far more sweeping than what Grimm envisioned when he challenged the policy last year. "I did not set out to make waves I set out to use the bathroom," Grimm says. North Carolina's bathroom bill was unveiled, debated and signed into law in a single day last week, two months after the appeals court in Richmond heard arguments in Grimm's case. But two workers and a transgender student at the University of North Carolina are making similar arguments as they seek a federal injunction preventing enforcement of the new law. Among other things, the law directs public schools, public universities and government agencies to designate bathrooms and locker rooms for use only by people based on their biological sex, and says transgender people can only use bathrooms matching their gender identity if they've had their birth certificates changed, which in North Carolina usually requires sexual reassignment surgery. The law has prompted a national backlash. Businesses and politicians have announced boycotts of North Carolina, and legal challenges ensure that the wedge issue will dominate the Republican governor's re-election campaign against his Democratic challenger. Advocates on all sides will closely read the ruling, since U.S. District Judge Thomas Schroeder in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, an appointee of President George W. Bush, will have to adhere to any precedents set by the appellate court, said Joshua Block, the American Civil Liberties Union lawyer representing Grimm. "One way or another, what happens in Gavin's case is likely going to set the rules of the road for how the North Carolina case proceeds," Block said. Grimm alleges that school board policy requiring him to use girls' restrooms or a single-occupancy unisex bathroom available to all students violates Title IX of the U.S. Education Amendments of 1972, the federal law prohibiting sex discrimination in public schools. He also says the policy denies him equal protection rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. The North Carolina suit raises similar claims, alleging that transgender people who haven't received a sex-change operation and changed their birth certificate can't access their preferred restrooms, and are therefore treated unequally from non-transgender people. Since Grimm's trial judge has yet to decide constitutional issues, the appellate ruling will focus on the Title IX question and "won't provide guidance about the constitutionality of the North Carolina law," said Kevin Walsh, a University of Richmond expert in constitutional law. The U.S. Justice Department filed a "statement of interest" in Grimm's case in July declaring that failure to allow transgender students to use restrooms that correspond with their gender identities amounts to sex discrimination under Title IX. In North Carolina, gay rights advocates warned that the new law puts billions of dollars in federal educational funding at risk. North Carolina's law also bars local governments from making their own restroom ordinances, providing other protections from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, or requiring businesses to pay higher wages or paid sick leave, raising authority questions that aren't at issue in the Virginia case. Block sees a possible road map in the 4th Circuit's ruling striking down Virginia's same-sex marriage ban. A federal judge later told North Carolina lawmakers that the appellate court made such laws unconstitutional throughout the five-state circuit, which also includes South Carolina, Maryland and West Virginia. The U.S. Supreme Court later legalized gay marriage nationwide. The use of public facilities by transgender people has emerged as the next most important legal issue for LBGT advocates, and North Carolina is the first state to require public school and university students to use only bathrooms that match their birth certificates, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. "I think there is no question that this could wind up at the Supreme Court," said University of North Carolina law professor Maxine Eichner. Grimm, 16, said he started refusing to wear girls' clothes by age 6 and told his parents he was transgender in April 2014 a year before Olympian athlete and reality TV star Bruce Jenner changed into Caitlin. Grimm's parents helped him legally change his given name, and a psychologist diagnosed him with gender dysphoria, characterized by stress stemming from conflict between one's gender identity and assigned sex at birth. Grimm began hormone treatment to deepen his voice and give him a more masculine appearance, and was allowed to use the boys' rooms for the first few weeks of his sophomore year. Then some parents complained, and the board voted 6-1 to restrict students with "transgender issues" to single-stall unisex facilities or restrooms corresponding to their biological sex. Grimm calls that stigmatizing. School officials say it protects the privacy of all students. 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/ Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue earlier this month, Admiral Harry Harris, Commander-in-Chief, US Pacific Command, called for quadrilateral Australia-India-Japan-US consultations for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. He said, Together, we can develop a roadmap that leverages our respective efforts to improve the security architecture and strengthen regional dialogues. Together, we can ensure free and open sea lanes of communication... Harris also announced that the next set of naval exercises in the trilateral annual Malabar series, comprising India, Japan and the US, will be held in the northern Philippine Sea, close to the South China Sea. The Chinese perceive such efforts as attempts to gang up on them and, therefore, their reaction was fast and furious. A spokesperson of Chinas foreign ministry said, We urge the US government to put some restraint on them (US commanders) and stop them from irresponsible sensationalism and hyping up so as to avoid undermining regional peace and stability. China senses the emergence of a security vacuum in the Indo-Pacific and is rushing to fill it. Beijing has discarded Deng Xiaopings 24-character strategy to hide our capacity and bide our time. It has dropped the phrase peaceful rise while referring to its economic growth and military assertiveness. Read | Beijing will not budge on South China Sea dispute China has deep internal fault lines. Its rapid economic growth, now slowing, has been uneven and non-inclusive. There is a deep sense of resentment of the Communist Party for the denial of basic freedoms. The discontent could boil over and lead to an uncontrollable spontaneous implosion. David Shambaugh, a well-known China scholar, is among those in the China-may-implode school. The recent crash of Chinese stock markets and their continuing volatility point to the possibility of a meltdown. Most Asian leaders are apprehensive of Chinas intentions and worry that it may behave irresponsibly somewhere in the Indo-Pacific. It could decide to intervene militarily in the South China Sea, or to occupy one or more of the disputed Senkaku/ Diaoyu islands or decide to resolve the remaining territorial disputes, like that with India, by using military force. Though President Xi Jinping has denied plans to militarise the South China Sea, surely China is not building air strips there to fly in Japanese tourists. Both the contingencies implosion and military adventurism have a low probability of occurrence, but will be high impact events with widespread ramifications should either of them come to pass. In such an eventuality, India and the US will both need strong partners to deal with the fallout and to manage the consequences. Hence, the India-US strategic partnership makes eminent sense as a hedging strategy. Read | Chinas defence budget to cross $150 bn, four times that of Indias India must join the US and other strategic partners, such as Australia, Japan, Singapore, South Korea and Vietnam, to establish a cooperative security framework for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and for the security of the global commons air space, space, cyber space and the sea-lanes of communication to enable freedom of navigation and free flow of trade. If China is willing to join this security architecture it should be welcomed. However, it is unlikely to do so as it believes that one mountain cannot contain two tigers and sees itself as the lone tiger on the Asian mountain. US leaders have expressed their support for Indias emergence as a major power several times. They have said the US is committed to help India become a major world power in the 21st century. President Barack Obama declared in 2010 that India is not just a rising power, it has already risen. The US hopes India will soon become a net provider of security in the region. The expectations include India joining international counter-terrorism and counter-proliferation efforts; sharing intelligence; upholding the rules and norms governing maritime trade; providing help to the littoral states to meet their security needs; helping to counter piracy and narcotics trafficking; and, continuing to taking the lead in humanitarian and disaster relief (HADR) operations in the region. All of these expectations are unexceptionable and India has been contributing extensively to achieving these common goals. India must not hesitate to intervene militarily in conjunction with its strategic partners if its vital national interests are threatened in its area of strategic interest. This extends from the South China Sea in the east to the Horn of Africa in the west. India would prefer to intervene under a UN flag but may join a coalition of the willing in case consensus is difficult to achieve in the UN Security Council. India must develop robust tri-Service capabilities for military intervention. Read | China wary of US proposal for security dialogue with India, Australia Indo-US defence cooperation, a key component of the strategic partnership, must be enhanced to take it to the next higher trajectory to enable the two countries to undertake joint threat assessment; contingency planning for joint operations; sharing of intelligence; simulations and table-top exercises besides training exercises with troops; coordination of command, control and communications; and, planning for operational deployment and logistics support. All of these activities must be undertaken in concert with Indias other strategic partners in Asia. Only when a cooperative security framework is in place will the India-US strategic partnership realise its true potential as a force for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. (The writer is Distinguished Fellow, Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, New Delhi. The views expressed are personal.) Learn a craft, catch an art show or two: best reasons to get out of the sun this season Art > Te tolanche dhaga navhate Prabhakar Pachputes family has worked in the coal mines of Chandrapur for generations. Now, the artist combines his research and his personal experience to create surreal images. When: April 12 to May 15 Where: NGMA, MG Road, Fort Call: 2288 1969 >Field Can our selfie-obsessed minds see a face even in a landscape? Ahmedabad-based artist Ravi Joshis exhibition Field explores this thought through a collection of 100 small format canvases. In his works, landscapes morph into portraiture and he urges you to view two trees as a human image of limbs and faces. When: Till April 30, 10.30am to 6.30pm Where: The Loft, Mathuradas Mill Compound, Tulsi Pipe Road, Lower Parel Call: 9769 457917 >Feedback Loop Curated by Kanchi Mehta, this exhibition showcases intriguing exhibits by eight emerging artists. Influenced by cause and effect but in reverse, the title refers to a channel formed when an effect returns to its cause. Dont miss Madhavi Gores live feed where she tries to be productive at a studio for three hours. When: Till April 23, 11am to 6pm Where: Tarq, Dhanraj Mahal, CSM Marg, Apollo Bunder Call: 6615 0424 Boat People by PS Jalaja is on display at Tarq > The best of Galerie Isa If you havent viewed Galerie Isas abstract exhibitions through the year, its time to catch up. Our pick: the abstract artwork by Germany-based artist Gregor Hildebrandt made using cassettes. When: Till April 22, 11 am to 6 pm Where: Galerie Isa, Great Western Building, SBS Road, Fort Call: 6637 3432 >Soil Oil Oil has influenced the course of history from the days of World War II. Now, artist Sachin Bonde uses maps, flags and fighter planes to explain the allure of oil. He highlights the 2011 incident when Yashwant Sonawane, additional district collector of Malegaon, was burned alive for exposing the oil mafia. When: Till May 15 Where: RBT Group, Clark House, 8 Nathalal Parekh Marg Call: 72083 39110 Also read: Post-midnight guide to Mumbai adventures Workshops >Bake bread Bread lovers, take note. You dont have to buy expensive artisanal bread anymore. Instead, you can bake your own loaf at home. This workshop by Blue Bulb will teach you to make two types of artisanal bread. When: Monday to Saturday Where: Anywhere in the city Price: Rs 1,799 per person onwards Master the art of making two kinds of artisanal bread (Photo: iStock) >Paint a storm Paint, drink, eat and socialise thats the concept behind Paintstorm. The monthly event offers guidance on making acrylic artwork.This edition, the theme is Abbey Road, the album by The Beatles. Only for those above 21. When: April 24, 4.30pm to 7.30pm Where: Doppio, Breach Candy Visit: facebook.com/paintstorm.in >Ink it right Fascinated by tattoos but dont know anything about it? Learn the basics including shading, how to work the tattoo machine and work with needles. Where: Aliens Tattoo Studio, K2, Old Sonal Industrial Estate, Malad Link Road, Malad (W) Call: 9833 065209 Price: Rs 75,000 Also read: How to party in Mumbai this summer > Stage a laugh riot If you always thought you had a funny bone, now is the time to hone it. The Pomegranate Y-IMPACT Theatre Mentorship introduces you to stand-up, comedic sketches, song and music parodies, buffoonery and genres like satire, parody and farce. When: May 14 and 15, 10 am to 2 pm; May 28 and 29, 10 am to 2 pm; June 2 to 11, 10 am to 2 pm Where: PL Deshpande Academy, Prabhadevi Call: 9820521940 Price: Rs 27,250 >Dance your way Learn the A to Z of dance through this three-week intensive course that covers contemporary, ballet, hot jazz heels, zumba, jazz, hip-hop, kathak, Bollywood, gymnastics and dance history and archiving. Age: 14 years to 30 years When: May 2 to 20, 3pm to 6pm Email: info@sumeetnagdevdancearts.in Call: 99201 11033 SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON One out of every five, or 20%, candidate in the two-stage first phase of the West Bengal assembly polls have criminal cases against them, a report published by a civil society initiative has said. West Bengal Election Watch (WBEW), which analysed affidavits filed by the candidates, said on Wednesday 17% of them have serious criminal cases like murder, rape, kidnapping and robbery against them. Polling will be held in 18 constituencies in the south and western districts of the state in Phase 1(A) on April 1 and 31 will go to the polls in Phase 1(B) on April 11. A total of 296 candidates are in the fray for these 49 seats. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has the maximum number of candidates with criminal cases against them at 15, followed by the ruling Trinamool Congress at 12, Congress at nine and CPI(M) at four. WBEWs coordinator Biplab Halim said Gobordhon Bagdi, the CPI(M) candidate from Salboni assembly constituency in West Midnapore district, is the only candidate who has two murder cases against him. A lot has been discussed in the media about pre-poll violence and possible violence during polls. When candidates having such criminal charges against them, no wonder violence becomes an integral part of election, Halim said during a press conference. It said 23 or 8% candidates have assets worth Rs 1 crore and above and added that out of the four richest candidates, three belong to the ruling party. Pradip Kumar Majumder, Trinamool nominee from Durgapur (east) constituency in Burdwan district, is the richest candidate with total declared assets of Rs 12 crore and self-income of Rs 4 crore. The second richest is actor Sohom Chakrabarty, who is contesting from Barjora in Bankura district and is a debutante in electoral politics. His declared asset is Rs 2 crore and self-income is Rs 98 lakh. State textiles minister Shyamapada Mukherjee, who was grilled by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the Saradha scam, is the third richest. A candidate from Bishnupur in Bankura district this time, Mukherjees total assets stand at Rs 1 crore and self-income at Rs 17 lakh. The fourth richest candidate in Purnendu Chaudhuri, an Independent from Pandaveswar in Burdwan district. Tanushree Dalui, SUCI (Communist) nominee from Chandrakona constituency in West Midnapore, has assets worth just Rs 500. According to age profile, 169 candidates are aged between 25 and 50 years and 127 are aged between 51 and 80 years. Only 33 of a total of 296 candidates are female candidates. As many as 129 candidates, or 44%, are graduates or post-graduates. Union environment minister Prakash Javadekar on Thursday criticised the Tamil Nadu government for not wanting ordinary people to benefit from the states electricity, but instead wanting power thieves to benefit. Speaking to reporters in Chennai after a party meeting, Javadekar also said that Tamil Nadu chief minister J.Jayalalithaa was inaccessible. He was echoing the views of Union power minister Piyush Goyal, who expressed similar views at a conference in New Delhi last week. Reacting to Tamil Nadu electricity minister Natham R. Viswanathans statement that the Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY) scheme would benefit only private power producers and banks, Javadekar said the scheme would actually cut power theft. According to him, 18 states including several non-Bharatiya Janata Party ruled ones, signed up for the UDAY scheme as they realised that it would benefit the honest consumers. Javadekar said around Rs 180,000 crore will be saved through this scheme and it will bring many power distribution companies out of red. He said Tamil Nadus power distribution company had reported a loss of around Rs 12,000 crore last fiscal. He also faulted the Tamil Nadu government for not joining the UJALA scheme to provide LED bulbs at lower cost which has benefitted around nine crore people in the country. Hrithik Roshan has broken his dignified silence and named Kangana Ranaut as the person who has been interacting with an impostor who had an email ID in the actors name. He had earlier refrained from naming Kangana as the emails were reportedly provocative in nature and he wanted to save the Tanu Weds Manu star from public and media scrutiny. Based on the actors FIR, the Mumbai Polices cyber crime police station in Bandra Kurla Complex has summoned Kangana for making inquiries, said reports. They have also summoned Kanganas sister Rangoli as she was privy to the details of the email communication. Both have to appear before the police and record their statements within a week. Read: Hrithik Roshan gets notice for hurting sentiments with Pope comment The cyber police station has recently registered a FIR against an unknown person for allegedly impersonation actor Hrithik Roshan by creating a fake email ID in his name and using it to chat with the actors fans. Kangana Ranaut and sister Rangoli (l) have been summoned by the Mumbai Police to record their statements. An officer from the cyber police station said they have registered a FIR under relevant sections of the Information Technology Act against the person for allegedly committing identity theft and impersonation. How it happened At Karan Johars birthday party in 2014, Kangana approached Hrithik and thanked him for appreciating her work in Queen. To this, Hrithik reportedly said that he had not interacted with Kangana over email and the account was a fake. Hrithiks legal notice alleges that after Kangana came to know of his real ID, she spammed him. Hrithiks notice firmly denies any link between him and the National Award-winning actor. Hrithik demanded a public apology from Kangana about allegations that they had an affair or he would make the emails, which allegedly contain provocative and nude pictures and clips, public. Kangana retaliated with a legal notice. My client (Kangana) states that it was Hrithik who wanted to communicate from a newly created ID because of his impending divorce. In an effort to safeguard his name, image and reputation your client (Hrithik) time and again malafidely and in mischief hacked my clients email ID and deleted all the mails sent by him, the notice said. Read how Kangana-Hrithiks love led to legal mess The public statements Hrithik Roshan issued a public statement, saying, Anything private that becomes public gives rise to speculation and unnecessary controversies simply because the general public are not privy to the whole truth. Out of respect for everyone involved, I followed the legal path to resolve the matter in question so as to keep it private. It was a breach of ethics to reveal the contents of a private legal notice. Dignified silence is dignified up to a point, but there comes a time when the silence needs to be broken to protect ones name, family and image. She dismissed the statement as an effort to gain public sympathy. Read more about the stars public statements Hrithik and Kangana in a still from Krrish. The FIR Hrithiks father Rakesh Roshan had approached the police station earlier this month with a written complaint, reminding them of the complaint made in December 2014 to initiate action against the person. Back then Hrithik had even complained to the Mumbai police commissioner after getting to know that someone else has allegedly created a fake email account in his name. The actor got worried when he was told that a girl, who he has now named as the Queen star, had sent her controversial pictures to the fake email account presuming it was his. Hrithik, in a letter to the then police commissioner Rakesh Maria and the BKC cyber crime division, had said that a person is in contact with his friends and fans using a fake email address by the name of hroshan@email.com. He got to know about the fake account when he started receiving calls from his friends asking why he was not replying to their emails. The impersonator allegedly communicated with Roshans fans and people from the film industry. Hrithik wrote in the letter: It is a well-known fact that many a times young girls and boys send their provocative and / or nude pictures and film clips to film personalities in vain hope that it could bring them some work. I am given to understand (sic) that a young girl (now named as Kangana) has send a lot of such photographs and film clips on the email address hroshan@email.com, thinking that she is sending it to me. He also mentioned that if the said material used wrongly, it can prove detrimental to the girl. DCP, cyber, M Raj Kumar and Hrithiks lawyer Deepesh Mehta refused to comment on the development. The government has decided to monitor the utilisation and management of capital expenditure by public sector units (PSUs) on a monthly basis. Besides, it is also keeping an eye on the investments of these companies with a view to yield better returns amid fiscal constraints. After the buyback of 25% shares in Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL), which garnered almost Rs 5,300 crore, the government is looking for more such cases, sources said. Over Rs 2 lakh-crore surplus cash is lying idle with PSUs. The government is likely to aggressively follow the buyback model to achieve its disinvestment target of Rs 56,500 crore for the current financial year (2016-17). The state-owned units have been asked to send a detailed report to the Centre on their investments and capex plans. The Prime Ministers Office is also keeping a close watch, sources added. The PSUs have also been asked to strengthen their balance sheets by restructuring capital wherever applicable, while expanding their business activities by leveraging their net worth. Keeping in mind the focus of the government on management of its investments in PSUs, a professional approach to capital management and capital restructuring is of great relevance, said Neeraj Kumar Gupta, secretary, department of disinvestment. With the buyback of shares from HAL and BDL, total disinvestment revenue stands at Rs 24,000 crore for 2015-16, compared to the revised estimate of Rs 25,312 crore. The government has responded positively by participating in the buyback (in HAL and BDL), Gupta added. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON In a move that could increase your airfares, the Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) wants the aviation ministry to amend rules that exempt transit passengers from paying user charges and fees if their connecting flight is within 24 hours of their arrival. In India, a passenger is treated in transit or transfer if the onward travel journey is within 24 hours from arrival at an airport and is part of the same ticket. At present, transit passengers dont pay the charges and fees of the particular airport they are transiting from if their connecting flight is within 24 hours of their arrival. MIAL, the GVK-led consortium that operates the Mumbai airport, has asked the ministry to reduce the exempted time to six hours. Airlines say a change of rules will have a direct impact on fares. Airport charges and fees like user development fee (UDF), development fee (DF) and passenger service fees (PSF) are included in the ticket cost. Passengers already pay these charges at airports they depart from and arrive at. UDF can be as high as Rs 1270 at some airports, said an airline official. Basically, they want to levy these charges on transit passengers spending more than six hour at Mumbai airport, said another airline official. MIAL did not offer comments for the story. Aviation ministry, which is examining the proposal, has asked airlines for their views on the issue. Arguing that the exemption be restored to six years, as was the case earlier, MIAL has told the ministry that there had been a substantial increase of exempted passengers at Mumbai. There are 20% exempted passengers against the total departing passengers from Mumbai, it said in a letter. It is imperative that transit passengers should be considered as it was earlier i.e. for less than six hours and such transit passengers should pay same charges, say at least 50%, as is the practice worldwide, it said. The Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), the GMR-led consortium that operates the Delhi airport, has, however, opposed the move to reduce the exempted time. DIAL does not subscribe to the proposal to reduce the transit time, it said in a letter to the ministry. DIAL said that reducing the transit time will create confusion among airlines. DIAL did not provide comments for the story. DIAL, however, submitted to the ministry that, In order to spread the cost across all categories of passengers, we would suggest that transfer and transit passengersalso bear some of the cost of infrastructure usage. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON After selling stake in Bangalore International Airport Ltd, debt-laden GVK Power and Infrastructure is scouting for buyers for its road assets. The company has already initiated talks with investment bankers and consultants to oversee the sell-off process, multiple sources confirming the development said. A GVK spokesperson, however, refused to comment and said: As part of corporate policy we do not comment on speculative queries from the media. The infrastructure major currently has three highway projects in its portfolio Jaipur-Kishangarh in Rajasthan, Deoli -Kota in Rajasthan and Bagodara-Vasad in Gujarat totalling 275km. It has invested Rs 2,426 crore in the projects till date. As on March 31, 2015, GVKs debt stood at Rs 25,062 crore. Confirming the development, a senior board member of an infrastructure company said on the condition of anonymity: We are evaluating their Jaipur-Kishangarh Project in Rajasthan. A senior analyst of an investment advisory agency assisting GVK in the deal said: The Jaipur-Kishangarh project is likely to yield the company maximum premium against the other two. He, however, refused to share the current valuations of the three projects. GVK Jaipur Expressway Pvt Ltd (GJEPL) is Indias first six-lane BOT (build-operate-transfer) road project and is part of the Golden Quadrilateral under the National Highways Development Project. The focus of the group continues to be debt reduction, and the move (to sell stake in road projects) is part of the companys strategy to create liquidity by offloading assets, another source said. According to industry sources, the company is also looking to divest some of its 55% stake in Mumbai airport as well. However, it could not be independently confirmed. GVK Power and Infrastructure Ltd recently announced a 33% stake sale in Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL) to Canadian billionaire Prem Watsas Fairfax India Holdings Corp for Rs 2,149 crore, which is likely to bring down its debt by Rs 2,000 crore. Delays in regulatory approvals, land acquisition problems and funding crunch have led to high borrowing costs, which have put pressure on highway developers. Another infrastructure major, GMR Infrastructure Ltd, recently sold a 51% equity stake in its 99-km highway project in Karnataka to joint venture partners to pare debt. GVK is among Indias most debt-ridden companies. The others include Adani Power (Rs 44,840) crore, Lanco (Rs 39,890 crore), Suzlon Energy (Rs 18,035 crore) and Hindustan Construction Company (Rs 12,170 crore). There is an uncanny similarity between Sahara Group chief Subrata Roy and UB Group chairman Vijay Mallya. They share a larger-than life persona, an appetite for big risk backed by borrowed money and love for media spotlight. Today, both of them are in deep financial trouble, scraping the bottom of the barrel to put an end to the misery they have landed themselves in. Sahara, who recently completed his second year in Tihar jail, is fighting hard to raise the bail money amount of Rs 10,000 crore. He reportedly deposited Rs 4,000 crore with market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), even as he put up his hotels in India and the US for sale to make up the balance. His lawyers recently told the Supreme Court that Rs 17,000 crore of the Rs 30,000 crore raised from investors without Sebis approval has already been returned. If and when out of jail, Saharas battle to refund the balance will continue. Mallya is faced with a similar challenge, but of a relatively lesser magnitude. On Tuesday, his lawyers told the apex court that a one-time settlement with the banks is possible, with an offer to pay up Rs 4,000 crore of the Rs 9,000-crore Mallya (and his companies) owes the 17-member consortium of banks, by September this year. This consortium led by the State Bank of India said it will examine this offer. One of Mallyas most valuable and liquid assets today is his 8 per cent stake in beer maker United Breweries. This, at the current market value, is worth around Rs 1750 crore and according to stock exchange disclosures, 98 percent of this is already pledged. Mallya also owns real estate assets in India, Europe and the US. Liquidating some of these and honouring the Rs 4000 crore deal, at least on paper, seems plausible. If the banks do accept this deal, the bigger worry then is not just about collecting what Mallya promised to pay, but setting precedence for other willful defaulters who may expect a similar deal. Reports published in December last year placed the size of stressed assets in the Indian banking sector close to Rs 7 lakh crore. Accepting Mallyas offer, at least in theory, would mean banks are willing to make a similar deal with other defaulters. Earlier this month, finance minister Arun Jaitley on two separate occasions said every last penny of what Mallya owes will be collected and later, in more general terms, said banks are empowered to take coercive action to recover their dues. Despite all the similarities, there is one crucial difference between Sahara and Mallya, at least from the lenders point of view. Sahara is in jail and Mallya is outside the country negotiating from a safe distance. Turning down this offer and engaging in a long drawn legal battle to recover everything he owes to the banks, despite Jaitleys rhetoric, seems like a road to nowhere. The East Delhi municipal corporation will set up the citys first government-run graveyard in Ghazipur. Civic agencies have been relying on private contractors and NGOs to dispose of dead dogs, which is expensive and often painful for dog owners. Pet owners have suffered a lot, not knowing what to do when their pets pass away. Its a great service to offer, said Geeta Seshamani, co-founder of Friendicoes SECA. The facility, which will come up on one acre at the Ghazipur landfill, will also house a sterilization and veterinary centre that will help control canine population in the city that reports a dog bite every six minutes. The combined facility will have a monthly capacity to sterilize 100 dogs. It takes at least three days to sterilize a dog, a civic official said. The north and the south Delhi municipal corporations, too, will set up sterilization centres. The south body also plans a green-waste powered electric crematorium for small animals. The civic bodies have faced criticism with the dog population reporting a steady rise since 2013. To sterilize dogs, Delhi relies on NGOs, which is a drain on cash-strapped civic bodies. While the three municipal corporations spend crores of rupees on sterilising strays every year, they still dont have a count of the dog population. A conservative estimate puts their numbers at around 600,000, sources said. Around 7,729 cases of dog bite were received every month by the citys 35 government hospitals in 2015. The figure is expected to be much higher as privates hospitals are not required to report these cases to the government. The Delhi Assembly on Thursday suspended BJP legislator OP Sharma from the House for the next two sessions for making derogatory remarks against AAP MLA Alka Lamba during the winter session. The suspension is a from the recommendation of the Houses ethics committee to expel the Vishwas Nagar MLA. It concluded that Sharma was a habitual offender. The Delhi Assembly decided to suspend him as proposed by deputy chief minister Manish Sisodi after Sharma expressed only regret and did not apologise. Sharma even termed Alka Lamba his sister. Earlier, AAP MLA Bhavna Gaur, a member of the ethics committee, moved a proposal in the House on Thursday seeking action against him as he did not show any regret. The BJP MLAs walked out in protest after Leader of Opposition Vijender Gupta alleged the motion was taken up for discussion and voting in violation of the rules. However, following a discussion over the proposal when ruling party legislators demanded an exemplary punishment, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said Sharma should be given another chance to apologise for his remarks. We should give respect to ethics committee which is made as per law. The committee has found OP Sharma guilty. After discussion, MLAs were in favour of his expulsion. But I am putting up a proposal before the House that we should not expel him. We should respect that people are elected with peoples mandate, Kejriwal said. It is clear that Sharma has made derogatory remarks against Lamba and if he apologises to her and assures the house he will not repeat his act, he should be forgiven, Kejriwal further said. The BJP legislators returned and the Leader of Opposition demanded that deputy CM Manish Sisodia and other AAP legislators who had got into an argument following Sharmas comment also should apologise. Gupta also alleged the ruling-party with its 67 MLAs was using their brute majority to take a unilateral action against Sharma. In his defence, Sharma said he was misinterpreted by the ruling-party MLAs. I was not allowed to speak full sentences due to which I was misinterpreted by other members of the House. If Lamba, who is like my sister, thinks that I have done something wrong, I express my regret, Sharma said, before walking out again. Sisodia pointed out that the BJP legislator only expressed conditional regrets. An amended motion was passed by Bhawna Gaur recommending suspension of Sharma for the next two sessions. The motion was adopted by the House with voice vote, which led to Sharmas suspension. Alka Lamba said, At a personal level, I can never consider a person like OP Sharma as my brother. But the chief minister displayed a big heart and I have accepted it, she told reporters outside the House. People who use app-based taxi services will face problems from Friday as the Supreme Court-imposed ban on diesel cabs comes into effect from April 1. The ban could hurt thousands of cab driver who have taken loans to buy vehicles. Across the city, thousands of cab drivers are scared of losing livelihood. The rules prohibit drivers from selling commercial vehicles within two years of purchase. At least 35,000 commercial diesel vehicles ply in Delhi. I have tried to sell my vehicle but you cant sell your commercial vehicle before two years. I dont know what to do. How will I repay the loan, and school fees of my children? The government should intervene, said Gagandeep Singh Mehta, a driver with Ola. App-based aggregator Ola has submitted an affidavit saying it will not run any diesel cabs. On Wednesday, a day before the hearing in Supreme Court, the Environment Pollution (Prevention & Control) Authority (EPCA) called a meeting of senior bureaucrats and cab operators from four states to discuss how the ban would be enforced. The meeting was attended by transport commissioners from Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan and aggregators such as Ola, Meru among others. According to sources, Ola has given an affidavit saying it will not run any diesel cab on its platform while Uber did not turn up. The association of Delhi taxi tourist operators protested at the venue and transport department officials promised them that no action will be taken if they give an affidavit that they will not run in Delhi. The meeting was called to discuss and verify compliance as well as enforcement of orders on conversion of all diesel taxis plying on city permits to CNG by March 31, 2016. The data will be shared with the Supreme Court on Thursday. As a law abiding corporate citizen, we at Ola respect the law of our land and will abide by the Supreme Courts order on running only CNG cabs in Delhi-NCR. We attended the meeting and submitted a letter to confirm the same, said Deep Singh, business head, Ola (north). While we aim to serve our customers in Delhi NCR with a 100% CNG only fleet, we are keeping the interests of driver partners on priority by working closely with the driver community across the region; helping them source CNG vehicles at discounted prices. Ola helped 6,000 driver partners in Delhi NCR buy new CNG cars, Singh said. According to sources, association of angry Delhi taxi tourist operators told the committee that Ola and Uber do not have licence to ply even CNG cars. Because of violations by Ola and Uber, other service operators who travel outside Delhi are suffering. Vehicle that have all-India permits will be challaned even if they are not plying within Delhi. There is a need to have clarification on this, said Sanjay Samrat, president of All India tourist taxi association. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Supreme Court will on Thursday consider extending the deadline for its December order on banning registration of diesel vehicles with engine capacity of 2000cc or above in Delhi and the other NCR towns. The ban was supposed to come into effect from April 1. The special bench headed by Chief Justice TS Thakur will also take up applications asking the court to modify the December 16, 2015, ruling. The applicants demanding the extension include car manufacturers such as Mercedes Benz, General Motors and Toyota. They have requested the court to relax the conditions saying the new car models comply with the latest emission norms. The SC order said: The rich wont be allowed to buy luxury cars and pollute the environment. The order issued to clean the air in Delhi worlds most polluted city included a ban on the entry of non-Delhi bound trucks and those registered before 2005 into the Capital. It directed the taxi aggregators such as Ola and Uber to convert from diesel to CNG by March 31, 2016. The ban had hit luxury car manufacturers since most of their sales come from diesel vehicles and Delhi is a crucial market for them. The order affected sales of over 60 car models from different manufacturers. Even if the plea to modify the ban order is accepted, the bench is likely to impose a one-time environment compensation on purchase of new diesel cars of any variant. The SC will also take up private diesel taxi owners petition asking the court to relax the deadline for them to convert their vehicles to CNG. The application of the Special Protection Group, complaining the ban had stalled procurement of cars/SUVs, will also be heard. SPG has said it needs the diesel-run SUVs as escort vehicles for its protectees, which include the Prime Minister, former PMs and their immediate family. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Mock-ups of the Akash surface-to-air missile have been a regular on Independence Day parades. It has repeatedly been touted as one of the successes in Indias tortuous attempts at producing weapons at home. Indian Army has now said it wants to buy a foreign made surface-to-air missile, Israels Spyder QR-SAM, despite having already inducted two Akash regiments. The reason: The Akash simply doesnt work. This underlines the trade-off that will exist for many years in trying to Make in India and the weapons requirements of the armed services. The armys decision also reminds us that given how tough a neighbourhood India lives in, there is little leeway on how much national security can be compromised. There will be little argument that Indias future trajectory is severely compromised by its small, shrunken manufacturing sector. There will be even less debate that Indian security interests are not served by its dependence on imported military wares. That does not mean that Indias soldiers can be expected to use substandard weapons systems while it learns to develop its own weapons a process that could take decades. Read | No Make in India here: Foreign tech must for countrys defence sector What is needed is a long-term plan to slowly build the technological and institutional capacities to learn to how to design, construct and even export weapons. Defence and aerospace are the cutting edge of technology and baby steps will be required to get even a foot in this door. Over the years New Delhis politicians and bureaucrats have developed a pattern of either slapping Sanskrit names on assembled foreign-made weapons or announcing grandiose plans to build advanced weapon systems even while the country struggles to make revolvers and combat boots. Make in India should be seen as an evolutionary process. The government should workout a rough roadmap, one that should be done in consultation with Indian and foreign industry, in which the milestone should be the mastering of specific capabilities, learning how to build world-class components and moving onto the crown jewels of defence weapons design and system integration. The indigenisation success of the Indian navy, for example, has been possible because the initial focus was on hulls and superstructure, working towards propulsion and more sophisticated technologies. When it comes to electronics and actual weapons, the navy still imports the vast bulk of its needs. The Akash is a perfect example of how things should not be Made in India. The armys need was for a quick-fire missile that could knock out low-flying, high-speed targets like drones and fighters. This is the kind of advanced equipment that should have been recognised as a technological goal for the future. It is time to recognise that national security is one policy area where quick fixes and symbolic politics should be avoided because the negative consequences are literally incalculable. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked for a new body to subsume the present higher education regulators and the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog has been told to suggest a new framework after consulting stakeholders. A committee headed by NITI Aayog vice-chairman Arvind Panagariya and having members from various fields of the academia has been constituted to give recommendations in three months, sources said. A NITI Aayog functionary said replacing the existing higher education regulatory bodies -- University Grants Commission (UGC), All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), National Council for Teachers Education (NCTE) and Medical Council of India (MCI) -- was on the agenda of the committees discussions. The existing bodies could be replaced by a National Commission for Higher Education, whose operational framework would be formulated by the NITI Aayog panel whose members include health secretary PK Mishra and NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant. The four bodies control some 50,000 educational institutions among themselves, with UGC being the oldest -- set up in 1956 through a central law. Senior functionaries in regulators such as the MCI, the AICTE and the NCTE have of late been accused of corruption and favourtism in the absence of clear and transparent guidelines, leading to the misuse of discretionary powers. Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) is keen higher education needs to be modernised and has to be of international quality, a senior NITI Aayog functionary said, requesting anonymity. Politics inside university campuses is not appreciated worldwide. They are places for debate and discussion for academic excellence. This comes as a number of central universities -- from Hyderabad and Delhi to Rajasthan and Jharkhand -- find themselves embroiled in controversies over so-called nationalism, leading to the arrest of some students and disciplinary action against faculty members. This is not the first time an attempt is being made to revamp higher education regulators. The National Knowledge Commission headed by Sam Pitroda had suggested an autonomous higher education commission with experts as heads of different streams such as technical education, health, teacher training and so on. The recommendation was opposed by the health ministry which controls the MCI and the HRD ministry which has operational control over the UGC, the AICTE and the NCTE as they were not willing to relinquish control. In March this year, Parliaments standing committee had asked the health ministry to set up a national medical commission through legislation. Earlier, the standing committee on education had raised questions over the efficacy of the AICTE and the UGC. We will examine recommendations made by the parliamentary committee and other bodies and will suggest a complete overhaul framework as present regulators cannot build a modern education system, said one of the committee members, who was not willing to speak on the record till the committee finalised its report. Madhya Pradesh has turned third time lucky by managing to find a company to supply smartphones costing Rs 2,500 each -- after failing twice to finish tender process to distribute the devices among undergraduate students. According to department sources, 3.75 lakh smart phones will be distributed to regular students of academic year 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17 from April this year. Madhya Pradesh State Electronics Development Corporation Limited (MPSEDC) Limited has completed the bidding process. Department of higher education commissioner Umakant Umrapo said, All procedures have been completed. Phones will be distributed soon. Since Bhartiya Janta Partys (BJP) came to power in 2013, the government has been trying to keep a promise made during state assembly elections in the year that they will provide smartphones to promote e-learning. Bidding started in September 2014 but remained incomplete in the absence of bidders. During the second time, the process of inviting tenders completed but neither the company winning the bid was well established nor did it have service centres at all district headquarters. The government also tried to provide money to students but chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stuck to distributing the phones. Later, at a meeting of Higher Education Department in January 2016, the government set an April, 2016 deadline to complete distribution of phones, to be given to students with 75% attendance in class. Higher education minister Uma Shankar Gupta said, We are happy that the process is on the verge of completion. The smart phones will be distributed to students at a function in April. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON An under-construction flyover collapsed in a congested Kolkata market on Thursday, killing at least 22 people and trapping hundreds underneath giant steel frames and concrete slabs. Around 250 metres of the 2.2 kilometre-long Vivekananda Road flyover crashed onto dense traffic around 12.30 pm near one of Kolkatas most important business districts, Burrabazar. The official death toll was 19. Close circuit camera footage showed people, cars, buses, autorickshaws and hawkers getting crushed as the massive concrete structure crashed on the busy street underneath. A bloody hand from under a girder gestured for help as people handed over water bottles to survivors pinned underneath. At the Calcutta Medical College Hospital (CMCH), blood covered the entire floor as people frantically looked for familiar faces among the dead and injured. It is nothing but an act of God. So far in 27 years we have constructed several number of bridges...it never happened, said K Panduranga Rao of the Hyderabad-based IVRCL, the company building the flyover. Local residents said casting was done on a portion of the collapsed structure on Wednesday night. Caught on camera: The moment when the flyover collapsed Read: Kolkata flyover collapse shocks country: Who said what on tragedy Caught on camera: Flyover under construction collapses in Kolkata Police sealed the offices of IVRCL and registered an FIR at the Posta police station. Experts warned that the toll could mount and clearing debris may take several days as cranes to lift heavy concrete slabs hadnt arrived hours after the accident. Rescuers had pulled out more than 80 people till 10 pm. We cannot say when the debris will be cleared and the rescue operations will be overWe have been able to rescue, or extract, very little of what locals and eyewitnesses told us are buried under the rubble, said Supratim Sarkar, joint commissioner (headquarters) of Kolkata Police. Authorities rushed 500 army men and National Disaster Response Force personnel to help local police rescue passengers from buses and taxis under the debris. Shocked & saddened by collapse of under construction flyover in Kolkata. Took stock of the situation & rescue operations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee rushed to the spot and sought to shift the blame for the disaster to the erstwhile Left Front that was in power when construction began in 2009. My thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives in Kolkata. May the injured recover at the earliest. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 31, 2016 Read: The Kolkata flyover that collapsed never really took off Act of God: Construction firm official on Kolkata flyover collapse Construction began on flyover during CPI(M) time, not our time. We have cancelled all our election meetings, and have come here. The guilty will be given strict punishment, she said. The government announced a compensation of 5 lakh to the families of the dead, 2 lakh for those critically injured and Rs1 lakh for those who suffered minor injuries. But opposition parties werent convinced and blamed the ruling Trinamool Congress for the incident that is expected to influence the assembly polls less than a week away. The construction work was carried on in an unscientific manner. The state administration did not take any lesson even after the collapse of Ultadanga flyover three years ago, said Union minister of state for urban development and BJP MP Babul Supriyo. The Congress demanded the arrest of state urban development minister Firhad Hakim who was seen accepting cash in a recent sting video -- and accused the police of being lax in starting rescue operations. In pics: Several feared trapped under collapsed Kolkata flyover We demand full investigation. People are dying like cats and dogs, said state Congress chief Adhir Chowdhury. The flyover was supposed to be one of the longest in the city and ease traffic woes by connecting the packed Central Avenue to Howrah Bridge. But it missed several deadlines as the implementing agency went bankrupt amid ballooning costs, land hurdles and frequent design changes. Its not due to any quality issue nor any technical issue, as of now, said IVRCL director (operations) AGK Murty. The final deadline for the flyover was in May 2015 but was missed. The frequent delays and cost overruns may have taken a toll on the structure a common problem with infrastructure projects in Kolkata that are choked by regulatory hurdles and unavailability of land. Helpline Numbers:1070, 033-22143526 | 033-22535185 | 033-22145664 Read: Bengal govt will give report on Kolkata flyover disaster: Rijiju Pune-based activist Hemant Patil received a threat letter asking him to withdraw his PIL in Bombay high court against AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi and party MLA in Maharashtra Waris Pathan for refusing to chant Bharat Mata Ki Jai. I have filed a complaint at Vishrantwadi police station in Pune under section 507 IPC (criminal intimidation) against an unknown person and will take up the matter with the high court when the public interest litigation comes up for hearing, Patil told PTI. Senior police inspector PN Supekar confirmed that a non-cognisable complaint has been filed and investigations are underway. The letter, written in Marathi on a postcard, asked Patil to take back the petition he had filed in the high court against Owaisi. The threat letter said Owaisi is like God to Muslims and anything against him would not be tolerated. Hemant Patil, we will kill you, if you pursue the matter in the high court, the letter reads. The PIL had urged the court to order an inquiry into speeches made by Owaisi and Pathan, in which they had allegedly dishonoured the country by making objectionable comments. The petition had contended that the speeches made by them amounted to spreading communal disharmony and hurting national integrity and unity of the country. Such remarks are anti-national and have the tendency to break the social fabric of the society and divide the people on the basis of religion and parochial issues, said Patil, who heads the NGO,Bharat against Corruption. The petition that is slated to come up for hearing in due course demanded a ban on All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), saying that remarks made by the duo amounted to violation of Representation of the Peoples Act and were against the basic principles of the Constitution. The PIL further sought a direction to the Maharashtra government, director general of police and secretary of home department to call for the records in respect of speeches delivered by Owaisi at a public rally in Latur and Pathans utterances in the state Legislative Assembly that they would not say Bharat Mata Ki Jai. The petition alleges that Owaisi and his party members deliver speeches that spread communalism and endanger national integration. The pen is mightier than the sword, and if this incident is anything to go by, Prime Minister Narendra Modis well-wishers are starting to realise that already. When the Gujarat state board exams began early this month, Class X and XII students of many Ahmedabad schools were reportedly gifted pens emblazoned with an image of Modi alongside the Lotus the BJPs electoral symbol. The writing instruments wrapped in saffron packets were donated by Todays, a private manufacturer. Read: In Brussels, Modi asks world leaders to unite in fight against terror A media report said the pens were accompanied by a letter from the company, contending that they were being gifted after obtaining the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Boards permission. A senior official, however, denied the companys claim. He said that though the company had approached the board last year for this purpose, their request was denied on the grounds that the pens carried a political partys symbol. Haryana IAS officer Ashok Khemka on Wednesday expressed his dissatisfaction over delay in posting after his promotion to the rank of principal secretary. In a tweet, Khemka wrote: Awaiting posting on promotion for last 3 months. Holding a lower rank post is humiliating. Like a Lt Gen forced to hold post of Brigadier. Khemka, who was promoted by the state government along with five other IAS officers of the 1991 batch on December 31, 2015, is currently posted as secretary and director general, archaeology and museums department. Awaiting posting on promotion for last 3 months. Holding a lower rank post is humiliating. Like a Lt Gen forced to hold post of Brigadier. Ashok Khemka, IAS (@AshokKhemka_IAS) March 30, 2016 The whistleblower IAS officer, who had grabbed headlines for cancelling the mutation of a land deal involving Congress president Sonia Gandhis son-in-law Robert Vadra and DLF during the previous Congress regime, had responded to his promotion by tweeting on January 1 that he was awaiting posting on promotion to the rank of principal secretary. While a senior IAS officer attributed the delay to top-heavy structure of the state bureaucracy, an aide of chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar had in February indicated that the posting orders of the 1991 batch officers would be issued after the states global investors meet in March. Bihar will join the select list of states practising complete or partial prohibition with the ban on country liquor coming into force on Friday as part of chief minister Nitish Kumars poll promise to stop sale of alcohol. The partial ban would not cover the sale of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL), which would be available in 656 shops within urban limits, but not in rural areas, of the states 38 districts. This would bring about a sharp reduction in the number of total liquor outlets, which stood at 6000 till March 31. We have made all arrangements to implement a total ban on sale of country liquor. The government would act tough against those involved in making spurious liquor, excise minister Abdul Jalil Mastan had said pointing to the bill introduced in the Bihar assembly on Wednesday. Bihar had tried its hand at prohibition in 1977-78 during the regime of Karpoori Thakur, but failed to implement it effectively. Alcohol prohibition in India is in force in the states of Gujarat, Nagaland and parts of Manipur; as well as in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep. Kerala has been implementing prohibition in a phased manner since 2014. Though the state would lose an estimated Rs 2000 crore of revenue from the ban on country and spiced liquor, the state government is unfazed. Bihar earned Rs 4000 crore from liquor sale in 2015-16. There could be a total ban on liquor in the next one year. We are doing it for a social cause and to save millions of households where women are subjected to domestic violence and family disintegration, besides facing social and health costs, the chief minister had said. Kumar has repeatedly talked about the positive social impact the ban would have, especially on women his vote bank, to justify it. He has underlined how women voters complained of rising number of drunkards and broken homes due to the liberal excise policy pursued from 2006 to 2015 during his earlier regime. It had paid rich dividends as the states revenue figure rose from paltry Rs 319 crore in 2005-06 to Rs 3650 crore in 2014-15. Responsibility fixed The Bihar Excise (Amendment) Bill 2016 prescribes a death penalty for those engaged in sale and manufacture of illicit liquor and stiff penalties in case of deaths of consumers, or injury. Public nuisance by drunkards would invite jail terms and stiff fines. The government has already started cracking its whip on people involved in the sale, transport, storage and consumption of illegal liquor to send a clear signal. While 1839 persons have been arrested and sent to jail, the crackdown has resulted in the seizure of 8902 litre of country liquor, 1718 litre of illegal foreign liquor and 25,932 litres of illegally brewed liquor. The governments intention to implement the ban strictly is also manifested in the detailed action plan with the Bihar State Beverage Corporation Limited (BSBCL), which was previously a wholesaler, taking the new role of a retailer, weeding out private dealers in liquor business. All the IMFL shops in urban areas will now be run by BSBCL. State police headquarters have made station house officers (SHOs) solely responsible for ensuring the ban. The SHOs will be helped by chowkidars and dafadars at the ground level. Authorities have clarified that in case of any violation, SHOs will face action. For an effective implementation of the policy, the production of rectified spirit has already been stopped in all distilleries from March 1 and from April 1 all of them will switch to production of ethanol from molasses. The state, however, faces the challenge of checking the flow of spurious liquor from illegal units and neighbouring states and countries like Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan. Effect on manufacturers The partial ban is likely to have an adverse impact on Bihars hope to emerge as a brewery hub as the uncertainty over an impending total prohibition has forced three beer companies to put their modernisation and expansion plans on hold. These companies had set shop in Bihar to make it a production base for supplying low alcohol products to other states. Lord Karan Billimorias Molson Coors, Danish brewing company Carlsberg and Vijay Mallyas United Breweries (UB) had set up shop in the consumption-driven state, involving a total investment of Rs 800-1000 crore. Political impact Politically, the ban appears to be a strategic move of the chief minister to consolidate his new constituency of three crore women electorate and also usher in a silent revolution of women empowerment through the formation of 10 lakh self-help groups (SHGS), which have been involved in enforcing the ban. In July last year, the CM had mooted the idea of prohibition when women members of SHGs demanded its inclusion in the state vision document 2025. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON China once again blocked Indias bid at the UN to ban JeM chief Masood Azhar, the mastermind of the Pathankot terror attack. According to highly placed sources in New Delhi, just hours before the deadline earlier on Thursday, China requested the UN Committee that is considering a ban on the chief of the Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), to hold the designation. After the attack on the IAF air base at Pathankot on January, India wrote to the UN in February, calling for immediate action to list Azhar under the al Qaeda Sanctions Committee. The submission was armed with strong evidence of the outfits terror activities and its role in the Pathankot attack, in which seven Indian military personnel died. India also told the UN Sanctions Committee that not listing Azhar would expose it and other countries in South Asia to threats from the terror group and its leader. The India submission was considered by the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate (CTED) for technical aspects of the evidence provided. The technical team then, with the support of the US, UK and France, had sent it to all the members, sources said. All were told that if there are no objections, the designation will be announced after the expiry of the deadline, sources said. However, hours before the deadline, China requested the committee to hold up the banning of the JeM chief, sources said. According to other government sources, Chinese action was in consultation with Pakistan that is not on the UN committee. The UN had banned JeM in 2001 but Indias efforts to ban Azhar after the Mumbai terror attacks did not fructify as China, one of the five permanent members of the UN group with veto powers, did not allow the ban apparently at the behest of Pakistan. Congress senate members of Maharaja Sayajirao University on Wednesday proposed to confer honorary doctorate degree on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and megastar Amitabh Bachchan, but the move was rejected by the varsity administration as an attempt at cheap publicity. Senate member Amar Dhomse proposed conferring the degree on Modi, while Kamal Pandya, another representative in the key university body, proposed the name of Bachchan, who is the brand ambassador of Gujarat Tourism. Narendra Rawat, a senate member and general secretary of Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee, proposed the name of Nita Ambani, who heads Reliance Foundation, for award of honorary doctorate degree by the university. Dhome and Pandya belong to Congress, the main Opposition party in Gujarat and a bitter critic of Modi. They wanted to put forward their proposal at the Thursday meeting of senate, a body which discusses university-related policies. However, the university administration rejected the proposal, saying consent of the dignitaries concerned was not obtained. Prof Parimal Vyas, the Vice-Chancellor, asserted that conferring honorary degree of doctorate on Modi is not an issue to be debated at the Thursdays annual general meeting of the senate. Without obtaining consent from the dignitaries concerned, how can such a degree be conferred on them? he asked. This seems to be an attempt to gain cheap publicity, Vyas said. We rejected their proposal, which they wanted to be part of the Senates agenda, on technical ground. The university has decided to confer honorary degree of doctorate on A M Naik, chairman and MD of L&T Group, and Dilip Sanghvi, founder of Sun Pharmaceuticals. Both of them have given their consent for it, he added. In a recent Fatwa issued by one of the head maulanas of Dargah-e-Ala Hazrat, Wahabi muslims have been barred from entering the Mosques of Barelvi sect of Muslims. The fatwa was issued on Monday in response to a whatApp query of a Barelvi Muslim from Gujrat. Muhammed Ali, a resident of Ahmedabad, Gujrat in his whatsApp query has said, Followers of Wahabi sect often visit our mosque to propagate the message of their sect.In his query he has asked the maulana if such people should be stopped from entering the mosques and whether legal action could be taken against them. In the fatwa issued, the head maulana Mohammed Salim Nooori has said that such people must be stopped from entering the Mosques saying, that such people are extremist and cause trouble wherever they go. While talking to Hindustan times about the Fatwa, Mulana Salim Noori said,The reason behind issuing this fatwa was the hike in reports of conflict between Muslims of different cast in recent times. He said aim of the fatwa is to reduce such conflicts. The fatwa will insure that people of two sects go to different mosques thus reducing confrontation and conflicts. According to the Mulana the people of both the sects, are of different mindset. Barelvi muslims are peaceful but the Wahabi are extremist, he said. The maulana further informed that contents of the current Fatwa are not new and similar fatwas have been issued on various occasion in the past. The ongoing political crisis in Uttarakhand has been giving nightmares to parties in the hill state as they are forced to keep an eye on their legislators round the clock. It has been more than 10 days since the nine Congress legislators rebelled against the then chief minister Harish Rawat. Now, fearing poaching by rival outfits, political parties in the state are leaving no stone unturned to keep their legislators together. The BJP, for instance, put up all of its legislators to a resort on the outskirts of state capital Dehradun on Wednesday. Earlier, the legislators, along with the Congress rebels, were flown to a 7-star hotel in Gurgaon. From there, the flock was moved to a resort of a BJP leader near Jaipur. It is like a holiday trip. We are on a junket on party expenses, said a BJP MLA. The BJP legislators were also taken on a trip to Pushkar and some destinations near Jaipur. Uttarakhand BJP in-charge Shyam Jaju and senior leader Kailash Vijayvargiya interact with party leaders in Dehradun on Wednesday. (PTI) The Congress, which has been hit by the political turmoil, is also taking precautions to make sure its legislators dont become soft targets for hunters. The partys legislators were dropped off at a safe resort near Corbett National Park on March 21 on charted choppers. After spending nearly a week there, they were flown back to Dehradun on March 27. Congress leader Ambika Soni meets party MLAs in Dehradun. (PTI) In a bid to keep the legislators happy, Rawat hosted a lunch for them in a hotel, away from the chaos of the capital on Wednesday. The rebels have gone and the loyal remain with us. We trust our legislators but not the poachers, said Jot Singh Bisht, state Congress vice-president. On the other hand, Congress rebels have preferred to remain aloof. They are in Delhi and likely to return to the state capital on Thursday. One of the rebel legislators, on condition of anonymity, said the political situation is fluid in Uttarakhand and the Congress can try to lure weak links. Many legislators across parties felt they should go back to their constituencies. BJP MLA Pushkar Singh Dhami said there were not obligated to stay put in the Capital. I will be going back to my assembly constituency shortly, he added. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Apparently referring to Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that some neighbours dont understand that problems can be resolved peacefully by talks, citing the example of Bangladesh with which Indias boundary dispute was resolved. While talking about how disputes with Bangladesh were solved, he said, We presented an example before the world that by talking, issues can be resolved with neighbouring countries. (But) some neighbours do not understand this. Now, how can we change our neighbours? They will also understand, some day they will also understand. While the Prime Minister did not name the country, he was apparently referring to Pakistan with which India has several disputes. Sometimes we wonder if there can be solutions to problems with neighbours...There was a land dispute with Bangladesh since that country was born in 1971. Since then, the question was pending. One issue was about water sharing, another about demarcation of boundary in the sea and third about land boundary, Modi said, addressing a gathering of Indian diaspora in Brussels. You would be happy to know that after our government came, without firing any bullet, without any fight, by just sitting with Bangladesh, the border dispute was ended. Whoever had to come to India, they came, whoever had to go to Bangladesh they went, the border was demarcated and now fencing work is going on there. The disease of infiltration will also end and both the countries will live peacefully and happily. Water dispute has also been resolved, Modi said. He was enlisting various steps taken by his 22-month-old government to end disputes. The Prime Minister said that while the world was going through an economic crisis, global analysts and rating agencies like IMF see India as a land of hope. India is currently one of the fastest growing economies, not because of naseeb (luck), nor because of Modi but the reason for this is the efforts by 125 crore people of the country, he said. If the direction is right, policy is clear and above all, intention is clear, then nobody can stop India. India can progress, he said. Modi, who enlisted before NRIs the various initiatives of the government during the one-hour speech, said he was giving account of his work as he considers himself pradhan sevak (prime servant) and not the Prime Minister. In a democracy, it is obligatory to give an account of your work to the people, he said. Talking about corruption, he said he was confident that the menace can end with little changes. Authorities at the University of Hyderabad have decided to demolish a memorial for Dalit research scholar Rohith Vemula, who committed suicide in January after alleging caste discrimination, amid renewed protests against vice-chancellor P Appa Rao. The decision to demolish unauthorised things at the shopping complex inside the campus was taken at a meeting of deans, which was presided by Appa Rao. The decision has evoked strong reactions from students, who have been agitating for justice to Vemula and ouster of Appa Rao whom they hold responsible for the research scholars suicide. Read: Rohith Vemula: An unfinished portrait Hyderabad University students protest against VC Appa Rao. (HT Photo) If they do this, we have to react seriously, Prabhakar, a leader of Ambedkar Students Association (ASA), told HT. He said 95% of students are emotionally attached to Veliwada, an ostracised area meant for Dalits where Vemula sat on protest for 13 days with four other suspended students. Vemula committed suicide in January after alleging caste discrimination, sparking a political debate in the country. Students have staged protests in the area and erected a small tent, built a cement structure and installed busts of Vemula since then. DOCUMENTS ON UNIVERSITY OF HYDERABADS MEETING On March 22, a group of students, who were opposing Appa Raos return as the VC after a two-month leave, allegedly vandalised his residence and pelted stones at police. Twenty-five students and two faculty members were arrested in connection with the violence on the campus and were released on Tuesday. They have vowed to intensify their struggle until Appa Rao is removed as the vice-chancellor. The students union of the university has even sought President Pranab Mukherjees immediate intervention to resolve issues related to the varsity and ensure sacking of Appa Rao. Read: Rohith Vemula no hero as he killed self rather than fight: BJP India will not get access to Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar, a highly-placed source in the Pakistan government said. The demand is frivolous, the official said. On Tuesday, NIA chief Sharad Kumar had said his team would want to visit Bahawalpur in Pakistan where the Jaish-e-Mohammad is headquartered. He had said they would demand access to Azhar, who the NIA believes is the mastermind behind the Pathankot attack. A five-member Pakistani team is currently in India to gather evidence into the attack. They are likely to submit a report on their return that India hopes will help prosecute Azhar and his brother Abdul Rauf Asghar. Pakistani officials, however, said there is no reciprocity to the process. We are determined to investigate the involvement of the Jaish, but instead of playing to the domestic gallery, India should cooperate with us and help us gather evidence and strengthen the case. The trial against Jaish members will be conducted in a Pakistani court of law so where is the need for granting India access to Masood Azhar, the official said. Read | NIA plays JeM leaders Pathankot tape, Pakistan probe team listens India believes it has a strong case against Azhar who it had to release in 1999 in exchange for passengers on board a Nepal-Kandhar Indian Airlines flight that was hijacked. Azhar launched the Jaish after his release. Sartaj Aziz, who advises Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, has admitted that one of the phones shared by India had been tracked to the Jaish-e-Mohammad. Some of the six suicide bombers who laid a siege in Pathankots air base had made calls to Pakistan which had been intercepted by India. Pakistan has detained some of the suspects in connection with the Pathankot attack probe, investigators from the country told their Indian counterparts on Wednesday. More details about detentions cannot be shared at this moment, said Sharad Kumar. But sources said Masood Azhar, chief of JeM, the outfit allegedly behind the attack, or his brother Rauf are not among those detained by the authorities. Read | Pakistan probe team retraces terror route to Pathankot air base SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON India and the US discussed ongoing counter-terrorism cooperation in the lead up to Prime Minister Narendra Modis arrival on Thursday for the Nuclear Security Summit. Modi reached Washington early on Thursday morning from Brussels for the two-day summit aimed at preventing nuclear material from falling into the hands of terrorists and traffickers. An initiative of US President Barack Obama, India has wholeheartedly embraced the summit given challenges it faces from terrorist groups based in nuclear-armed Pakistan. There are long-standing security concerns about Pakistans nuclear arsenal, considered the worlds fastest growing by experts, despite Islamabads assertion that its safe. Before a meeting with visiting National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Wednesday, US secretary of state John Kerry spoke of serious questions raised by some choices made in the region in the sphere of nuclear arms. He didnt name any country or entity. India, on the other hand, Kerry said, has a long record of being a leader, of being responsible in its stewardship of nuclear weapons and nuclear materials. Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed figured in discussions held the same day by Doval at his meeting with his US counterpart Susan Rice. A White House statement about their meeting said the two terrorist groups were discussed in the context of India-US counter-terror cooperation. Doval and Rice also discussed the terrorist threat posed by ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant another name for Islamic State) in the region and the importance of combating the ideology that fuels such groups. Islamic State is a top concern for the summit in the light of recent attacks in Paris and Brussels, with a special session set aside for discussing measures to tackle it. World leaders will discuss, Obama wrote in an op-ed in The Washington Post on Thursday, ways to prevent the worlds most dangerous networks from obtaining the worlds most dangerous weapons. The session on IS is on Friday, with sessions on nuclear security, following discussions about nuclear security accompanied by presentations by attending delegations. Modi and other world leaders will join Obama at the White House on Thursday evening for a working dinner during which they will discuss Nuclear Security Threat Perceptions. US officials have said there will be a summit communique at the end and some 17 announcements along the way. Karnatakas minister for higher education said on Thursday that the state government will leave no stone unturned in nailing the culprits who leaked a 12th standard chemistry paper. RV Deshpande told ANI that it is not healthy that such incidents are taking place repeatedly and added that the state education department will interrogate the matter with full transparency. This is not for the first time that this is happening, so many times it has happened it is not good, it is not healthy. Those who are responsible , the government will take action but you cant call it a government failure. If this has happened due to negligence then action will be taken against that person, he said. The education department will act in transparent manner and will take desired actions keeping the interest of the student intact. The CID is investigating the earlier matter and now it has happened again, the government will leave no stone unturned to do justice, he added. The re-examination, initially scheduled for March 29, was postponed for Thursday following protests demanding the withdrawal of the re-examination. Earlier in the day, the students and their parents staged a protest outside the Department of Pre-University Education (DPUE) and pelted stones at the PUC building. The PUC examination took place on March 21 which was later postponed and rescheduled for Thursday due to the question paper leak. Preliminary inquiry revealed that the chemistry paper was leaked near an exam centre in a womens college at Ballari, about 330km from Bengaluru, and at a state-run college at Malur in Kolar district in Karnataka. The PUC exams in the state, equivalent to second year intermediate course or Class 12 in central schools, began on March 11 across the state. As many as 6.5 lakh students will be appearing for this exams in the coming academic year. A flyover under construction in the bustling city of Kolkata collapsed on to moving traffic below, killing at least 14 people with as many as 150 people feared trapped, police said. The flyover was under construction when it collapsed onto a crowded street around lunchtime, crushing pedestrians, cars and other vehicles under concrete slabs and metal. Here is what leaders across political parties had to say about the tragedy: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Shocked and saddened by collapse of under construction flyover in Kolkata. Took stock of the situation and rescue operations My thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives in Kolkata. May the injured recover at the earliest. Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi News of the collapse of a flyover in Kolkata extremely tragic. I hope rescue and relief operations reach those trapped and injured at the earliest My heart goes out to the people who have lost loved ones in this tragedy. Read: In pics: Several feared trapped under collapsed Kolkata flyover Kiren Rijiju, Union minister of state for home affairs Central forces are already there for relief and rescue operations. It is a joint effort and whatever help will be required further will also be made available Sadly, the number of casualties is substantial and there are many more injured. We have to take care of the injured. Home minister Rajnath Singh Deeply saddened to know that precious lives have been lost in the Kolkata accident. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased Babul Supriyo, MoS, Union urban development minister The construction work of the bridge was carried on in an unscientific manner. The state administration clearly did not take any lesson even after the collapse of Ultadanga flyover three years ago . West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee I am requesting everyone to clear the area so that rescue operation can run smoothly We have cancelled all our election meetings, and have come here. The guilty will be given strict punishment. TMC leader Derek OBrien Monumental tragedy. Rescue ops on. Many feared dead. Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury Urban development minister Firhad Hakim should be arrested immediately. The police came to the spot after a good two hours. Why? The rescue operation should have been started within an hour. We demand full investigation. People are dying like cats and dogs. We will go to the hospitals and our supporters will donate as much blood as required to treat the injured. Asok Bhattacharya, former urban development minister and CPI-M leader There should be a high-level inquiry. I have no responsibility. The present urban development minister has to shoulder responsibility. Basudeb Banerjee, Bengal chief secretary The state government will pay a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the next of kin of every person who died and Rs 2 lakh for those who are injured. An NDRF official part of the rescue operation Many people are still trapped. Thats why we are using gas cutters to make holes in the debris so that we can enter and try to extract those trapped. A 45-year-old woman was shot dead on Wednesday allegedly by militants in south Kashmirs Pulwama district, police said. Hameeda Begum was shot near her residence at Bhat Mohalla in Noorpora village of Awantipora, a police official said. I was out somewhere, heard some gunshots fired. When I came back home, I saw bullet marks on her body, Hameedas son told ANI news agency. Police later came and sent the body for post-mortem-Son of woman(killed by terrorists in J&K's Pulwama last night) pic.twitter.com/qpubbMKTd5 ANI (@ANI_news) March 31, 2016 Police said the woman died on the spot. The body has been taken for medico-legal formalities, the official said, adding security forces have cordoned off the area and launched a manhunt to nab the assailants. (With inputs from agencies) Prime Minister Narendra Modi cautioned that the United Nations may become irrelevant if it continued to drag its feet on Indias demand to pass a resolution defining terrorism, its supporters and the criteria for declaring a country a supporter of terrorism. Read more: Terrorism, UN, corruption: Top quotes from PM Modis Brussels speech If this is not done soon, institutions such as the United Nations may soon become irrelevant, Modi said, addressing a large audience of diaspora at Brussels on Wednesday, and added that religion needed to be delinked from terrorism while countering it across the globe in a united stand. Arriving in Belgian capital barely a week after the city was shaken by a terrorist attack, Modi observed one minute of silence along with the 5,000-strong gathering in memory of the victims of the March 22. Explosions shattered the Brussels airport and the Maelbeek metro station, killing more than 30 people, including Indian IT professional Raghavendran Ganeshan. India lost more people to terrorism than to wars since independence. When we raised the issue of terrorism, we were told (by the west) that it is a law and order issue. But they realised its challenge when the ground slipped beneath their feet on 9/11, Modi said. Read more: In Brussels, Modi asks world leaders to unite in fight against terror Continuing the theme of terrorism that dominated most of his interactions through the day, the Prime Minister said India would never bow to terrorism to much applause from the gathering. India has not bowed to terrorism; there is no chance of bowing to it now. Read more: PM Modi mourns Brussels victim Ganeshan, beckons Belgian investment He once again called on the international body to spell out terrorism so that the distinction being made in some countries and regions between good and bad terrorism could be obliterated. But it wasnt just his take on terrorism that kept his audience going; Modi, who was in Brussels to attend the India-EU summit, drew many cheers when he referred to bank accounts being opened for the poor under his governments plans. There are those who take money from banks and run away, and there are the poor who deposit Rs 34,000 crore in banks, he said, making an oblique reference to businessman Vijay Mallya who is being prosecuted for a Rs 7,000 crore loan to a consortium of banks. Modi further claimed there is not a single government school in India without a toilet for girls, and listed several achievements of the NDA in the area of urea and coal production, highways, ports, software exports, solar energy, giving gas connections to the poor and rural electrification. He also said the one-rank-one-pension (OROP) demand has been implemented. Based on his experience in the government so far, corruption can be eradicated, Modi added. The Prime Minister went on to say that 2015 saw targets being reached in various areas that had never been reached since independence. The important aspect through all of this is communication, it appeared, as he mentioned some of his governments diplomatic progress. We solved the land and water issue with Bangladesh through talks. But some neighbours do not understand talks, but they will someday realise that issues can be resolved by talks, Modi said in another oblique reference, this time directed at Pakistan. Calling Indians in Brussels and those settled abroad as the ambassadors of the country, Modi listed several measures for the benefit of non-resident Indians, including plans to increase the baggage allowance of passengers arriving in India. Modi concluded his day-long visit with the community event and headed to Washington to attend the Nuclear Security summit. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Lok Sabha ethics panel has launched a probe into a sting operation, which allegedly caught Trinamool leaders taking bundles of bribe money, by seeking incriminating video tapes from Narada News. It also asked the media portal to provide it with a full transcript of the video. Source said the panel may also look into the possible motive of the sting operation, considering that it was carried out just before the West Bengal assembly elections. The ethics panel has not served notices to the Trinamool MPs seen in the video. Read: Stings stink: Opposition wants CBI investigation, BJP moves EC A source on the panel said that principles of natural justice will be followed in conducting the probe. Before asking the accused to respond, we should first see if the tapes are fake or not. Also, all the allegations have come only through the media. The committee must check the tapes themselves to view the content, he said. The Trinamool Congress, meanwhile, continues to dub the tapes as fake. In her public rallies, chief minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the Opposition of using money from underworld kingpins to dent her partys image. Narada News, for its part, swears by the authenticity of the tapes. Read: Several TMC heavyweights may lose in Bengal polls, says TV survey The sting operation, which comes two years after the Sharada chitfund scam, has dealt a veritable blow to the Trinamool Congress. In the tape, MPs such as Saugata Ray, Suvendu Adhikary, Sultan Ahmed and Prasun Banerjee were seen taking money from a journalist pretending to be a businessperson. The Congress and the CPI(M) had demanded a CBI probe into the incident. The Rajya Sabha ethics panel will also probe the sting video separately because its MP, Mukul Roy, had also featured in the operation. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON An official of the company that was building a flyover that collapsed on to vehicles and street vendors in Kolkata on Thursday said the incident was an act of God. At least 18 people were killed and dozens more injured when the flyover collapsed in the busy city, an official said, as emergency workers battled to rescue people trapped under the rubble. About 70% of the construction work was completed properly. The experts regularly monitored the progress of the project It is a total act of God. This has never happened before, we are also in shock, KP Rao of IVRCL Infrastructure, the company that is executing the project, told television channels. Lack of proper planning, delays, lacunae in design and bad tendering may have triggered the collapse, IANS quoted an engineering expert as saying. The long-delayed 2.5-km Vivekanda flyover under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission was expected to tackle congestion in Burrabazar area - the location of one of the largest wholesale markets in Asia - up to the Howrah station, the gateway to the city. Kolkata Flyover Collapse: 'Act of God,' Says Builder https://t.co/93OYCwa4oi (video) NDTV News feed (@ndtvfeed) March 31, 2016 Indian Institute of Technology-Kharagpur architecture faculty Joy Sen, who is very familiar with the heavily-congested area, said such large-scale projects are executed in phases and if time is not taken into consideration, then it becomes risky. Read: In pics: Several feared trapped under collapsed Kolkata flyover Phasing of construction and time and use of materials are interlocked. If these things are not done on time, then construction like these which are exposed to weather becomes very risky. They have a time schedule and you cannot delay with these projects. You need proper planning and you cant play with human lives, Sen, a professor and head of architecture and regional planning department said. The projects foundation was laid in 2008 and work on the Rs.164-crore project began on February 24, 2009. It was scheduled to be completed in 2012 but land acquisition issues delayed its completion. The implementing agency too ran into financial troubles. Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi criticised the slow pace of rescue operation by the West Bengal government and demanded a CBI probe into the under-construction flyover collapse incident. Read: Kolkata flyover collapse shocks nation: Who said what on tragedy The state is yet to start the relief work properly. I have requested to send NDRF teams to conduct the relief work, the Union minister of state for parliamentary affairs said. We feel that CBI inquiry should be initiated into the incident, to book the culprits. All the culprits, however big he may be should be arrested. The state should request for a CBI inquiry. This incident is a clear case of rampant corruption regarding the construction of flyover, Naqvi said. Terming the collapse of the flyover as a disaster, the Centre assured the West Bengal government all help in rescuing trapped people from the debris and said a report from the state will give a clear picture on how the tragedy had happened. It is a disaster. It has to be responded as a disaster. We are ready to provide additional forces if necessary, he told reporters. In a major boost to the Indian probe into the Pathankot case, Pakistan has admitted the involvement of its nationals in the terror attack. It came in the form of the Pakistani joint investigation team (JIT)s written request to the national investigation agency (NIA) for sharing evidence in the case. The request was made under Section 188 of the Pakistani CrPC, which applies to Pakistani nationals who commit crime outside the country, according to NIA officials. The JIT submitted a written request to the NIA for sharing evidence in the Pathankot case , only then a process for providing them documents, witness statements and other information was started on Wednesday, said a senior NIA official requesting anonymity. Section 188 of the Pakistani criminal procedure code applies for prosecuting those Pakistani nationals in Pakistan who have committed crime outside its jurisdiction. It is a formal acceptance of involvement of Pakistani nationals in the airbase attack, said the official. The process of sharing evidence that began on Wednesday continued on Thursday as well with the JIT examining 13 witnesses in the case including Punjabs superintendent of police Salwinder Singh, his cook Madan Gopal and jeweler friend Rajesh Verma. Singh, Gopal and Verma were travelling together in Punjab police officials vehicle on the intervening night of December 31 and January 1 when four attackers overpowered them and snatched their vehicle to reach the airbase. Eight persons including seven security personnel were killed in the attack. A five-member JIT, including an officer of Pakistani spy agency ISI, has in India for the last five days to interact with the NIA officials who conducting probe here. Examination of Salwinder happened in the presence of two officials each from the NIA and the JIT. Salwinder is being treated as witness in the case, said another official of the NIA who also spoke on the condition of anonymity given the sensitive nature of case. The official added that the NIA probe converges with the investigation carried out in Pakistan at some place. The JIT has accepted that the attackers came from Pakistan. The NIA and the JIT are probing same set of accused, said the official. India probe has revealed that at least four attackers, who captured Salwinder Singhs vehicle, had come from Pakistan after a conspiracy hatched by terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad, headed by Maulana Masood Azhar. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Pakistani JIT team probing the Pathankot terror strike completed recording statements of the witnesses on Thursday and were handed over some more documents that included DNA reports of the four terrorists killed in the 80-hour encounter. The Joint Investigating Team (JIT) of Pakistan, which is headed by additional inspector general of police of the Counter Terrorism Department, Muhammad Tahir Rai and includes ISIs Lt Colonel Tanvir Ahmed, began their day by recording the statements of witnesses in the case, NIA sources said. The team questioned 16 witnesses, Punjab SP Salwinder Singh, his jeweller friend Rajesh Verma and cook Madan Gopal. The three were kidnapped by the Pathankot attack perpetrators belonging to the banned Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed on the night of December 31 and January 1. The terrorists had allegedly dumped Verma after slitting his throat and continued their journey with Singh and Gopal before jettisoning them a few kilometres away from the Pathankot air base. The terrorists entered the air base and mounted the brazen assault on the night of January 1. In the fierce encounter that ensued, seven security personnel besides four terrorists were killed. The Pakistani JIT had asked NIA to hand over swabs of four terrorists identified as Nasir Hussain (Punjab province), Abu Bakar, (Gujranwala), Umar Farooq and Abdul Qayum (both from Sindh). However, the Indian anti-terror probe agency handed over to the visitors the DNA reports of the terrorists and asked them to match those with their family members, NIA sources said. Talks are at a conclusive stage and hopefully by tomorrow afternoon everything will be over, director general of NIA, Sharad Kumar said in New Delhi. The JIT also spoke to the caretaker of a shrine visited by Singh before he was kidnapped and policemen and other witnesses who spotted the abandoned hijacked vehicle. Statements of a couple of doctors who conducted the postmortem were also recorded. After a hectic one-day schedule in Brussels, Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Washington on Thursday to attend the fourth Nuclear Security Summit (NSS). To be held on March 31 and April 1, the summit will likely see discussions on measures to strengthen the global nuclear security architecture, especially to ensure that non-state actors do not get access to nuclear material, Modi said earlier. Fifty-three nations and four international organisations will participate in the summit being hosted by US President Barack Obama. Heres a quick take before the NSS kicks off. 1) Why is there a summit The possibility of terrorists using nuclear weapons, either by stealing or buying them, increasingly became a global obsession after the 9/11 attack that infamously demolished the Twin Towers in New York. Threats of nuclear terrorism seemed possible as there were many poorly guarded nuclear storage facilities and reactors, aside from radio active waste from hospitals. In 2010, Obama took the lead in organising a summit of key world leaders to come up with concrete action plans to address these concerns. The first nuclear security summit was held in Washington in March the same year. Read more: Modi in Brussels: Define terrorism or UN may become irrelevant 2) Larger objective of the NSS President Obama detailed a very ambitious plan at the outset to secure all nuclear materials that can be used for weapons within four years. In 2010, it was estimated that there was 2,100 tonnes of nuclear material that could make 120,000 bombs. Six years on, more than 1,800 tonnes of nuclear material remain stored in 24 countries, most of which are vulnerable to theft, according to former US senator Sam Nunn, co-chairman of the Nuclear Threat Initiative. Securing it remains a work still in progress. Read more: India plays very important role in nuclear weapon stewardship: US 3) How the NSS effects change on the ground Twelve countries have decreased their nuclear stockpiles in the last six years.They include the US, Russia and France, three of the worlds top nuclear powers. More than 300 seaports, airports and border crossing points have nuclear detention devices to prevent smuggling of nuclear materials. 4) Day 1 of the summit The summit will begin with a leaders-only dinner at the White House on March 31. Leaders of the 53 countries and the four international organisations participating in the summit will share their assessments of the threat of nuclear terrorism. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also expected to share Indias assessment of the threat. 5) On the agenda for day two On April 1, there will be three plenary sessions. At the first session, there will be a focus on national actions to enhance nuclear security. The discussions at these summits are interactive, i.e., there will be no written or read out statements. Indias written National Progress Report will be circulated at the summit and the Prime Minister will intervene in this discussion. There are two more plenary sessions and a working lunch where various aspects of the nuclear safety will come up for discussion. 6) The hypothesis The final plenary discussion at the summit will be a policy discussion on nuclear terrorism based on a hypothetical scenario. This will allow leaders to engage in a realistic conversation on the challenges posed by international terrorism, in particular the threat of nuclear and radiological terrorism. Read | PM Modi arrives in US to attend Nuclear Security Summit SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Unidentified people dumped the carcass of a cow overnight at a Ranchi park that hosts daily gatherings of RSS activists, sparking tension in a state that has emerged as a flashpoint of communal conflagration. Police removed the carcass on Thursday morning, soon after it was spotted by joggers and RSS activists carried out a ritual purification of the Ram Dayal Munda Park in the heart of the capital city. The incident came just a fortnight after two Muslim cattle traders were killed in Latehar district and their bodies hanged from a tree, allegedly by right-wing Hindu groups. Data for 2014 from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) show 349 incidents of religious violence in Jharkhand, the highest in the country. Ranchi, India - March 31, 2016:::Police deployed after unknown miscreants dumped a slaughtered cow at Ram Dayal Munda park Morahbadi in Ranchi. (Photo by Parwaz Khan/ Hindustan Times) (Hindustan Times) An FIR was lodged against unidentified persons. From now on, senior police officers will frequent the area to prevent recurrence of such incidents. Additional forces have been sent to sensitive areas, said Sudarshan Asti, deputy superintendent of police (city). RSS leader Sujit Singh said the incident was part of a larger conspiracy to provoke the organisation, considered the ideological mentor of the BJP that rules the state. Ranchi has witnessed at least six such incidents in the last one year. Cattle are slaughtered and thrown near temples, parks and public places in an attempt to instigate us. We do have faith in the administration, but it has failed to curb such incidents, Singh said. :Police deployed after unknown miscreants dumped a slaughtered cow at Ram Dayal Munda park Morahbadi in Ranchi, India, on Thursday (Hindustan Times) RSS activists shouted slogans and blocked the road in front of the park demanding identification and arrest of people responsible for the act. They even threatened to resort to vigilantism unless police took immediate action against the culprits. BJP legislator from Kanke, Jitu Charan Ram, visited the spot and asked the authorities to prioritise the case. Senior police officers too rushed to the spot to bring the situation under control. The cordon was lifted after the protesters dispersed around 9.30 am and traffic restored. Last year, Ranchi witnessed a riot-like situation after yet-to-be-identified people threw the head of a cow near a temple. Police caned protestors and clamped prohibitory orders across the city to diffuse the situation. One person was killed and several others injured in communal clashes in other parts of the state in November last year. Students and two professors of University of Hyderabad vowed after their release from jail to intensify their struggle till Appa Rao is removed as the vice chancellor. Stating that there was no going back on the movement following the suicide of Dalit research scholar Rohith Vemula, they said the police repression had only strengthened their resolve. Twenty-five students and two faculty members, who were released from jail on Tuesday night, reached the campus to a rousing welcome from friends. A huge march was taken out on the campus with students raising revolutionary slogans and waving blue flags. They held torches as well as placards. Security men taking away the students agitating for justice to Rohith Vemula at Hyderabad Central University on Saturday. PTI (PTI) The students shouted slogans demanding the arrest of Appa Rao, whose return as vice chancellor on March 22 led to violent protests and a police crackdown on protestors. Those arrested and jailed addressed the gathering after midnight, narrating the ordeal they went through. Tathagat Sengupta, one of the two professors arrested, said the crackdown was an attempt to divert the movement, which seeks justice for Rohith and students and members of all marginalized communities. Appa Rao and all his political masters should know that we will not give up this struggle, said Tathagat, an assistant professor in mathematics department. The students and professors recalled the incidents of March 22 and said the police beat them up in vans, took them from one police station to other, abused them and branded them anti-national. They (police) told us you are anti-national and Yakub Memons and you eat beef. They abused our mothers and sisters, said K.Y. Ratnam, an associate professor in the political science department who spent nearly a week in jail. He said the vice chancellor, instead of addressing dissent, went for despotic and authoritarian methods to crush it. Appa Rao should have been in jail for Rohith Vemulas death but we were sent to jail, said Ratnam, one of the founders of the Centre for Ambedkar Studies at the university. Tathagat said the treatment of women students was beyond description. Donatha Prashanth, a student leader, said women students were molested. Customs officials seized over two kilograms of cocaine worth Rs 10 crore from a woman who came from Dubai on March 25. It was one of the highest seizures of the contraband in the city this year, said officials. In 2013, the officials seized around four kilogrammes of cocaine from the cargo terminal. The customs officials on Wednesday said they received a tip-off about the woman, a Zimbabwe national. The officers detained her and found a cavity built in her shoulder bag, which contained cocaine. The Shiv Sena has slammed the Modi governments decision to impose Presidents Rule in Uttarakhand, stating that it was reminiscent of Congress strategies in the 1980s. In an editorial titled Democracys death or murder? in party mouthpiece Saamna on Wednesday, the party also called their alliance in Maharashtra a temporary arrangement of political convenience, one borne out of compulsion. The BJP has been facing immense criticism from Opposition parties as well as a few allies over its attempts to oust the Harish Rawat-led government in Uttarakhand, and the Shiv Sena is only the latest to join the bandwagon. Rawat had time to prove his majority till March 28. What was the hurry in imposing Presidents Rule a day before this was to happen? After the sting operation, questions of propriety were raised and democracy was strangulated in the name of propriety. Read:Holding MLAs becomes a costly affair for parties in Uttarakhand Alluding to the BJPs often-stated political mission of a Congress-mukt India, the editorial said such moves were not the way to go about achieving that. We are also opposed to the Congress ideology and corruption, but a democratically elected government must go out only in a democratic manner, the editorial asserted, adding that the desire for single-party rule is more dangerous than emergency and dictatorship. The Sena also echoed Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwals contention that the Centre was targeting states ruled by other parties. Himachal Pradesh seems to be on the Centres radar. We wont be surprised if Uttarakhand is repeated there too, the editorial said. Read: Union Cabinet recommends ordinance for Uttarakhand expenditure The Sena picked the occasion to hit out at the BJP over its uneasy alliance in Maharashtra. Had we not backed the BJP here, they would have indulged in horse trading like they did in Uttarakhand in the name of morality here too. We supported them so that Maharashtra doesnt have such political instability. Tomorrow, if we take a separate stand on an issue concerning Maharashtra, the BJP wont indulge in morally right politics. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena supremo Uddhav Thackeray declared his support for jewellers who are striking to demand the withdrawal of 1% excise duty on gold and non-silver jewellery imposed on them in the Union budget. If the Centre is talking to foreign companies (for Make In India), then why not jewellers? Thackeray asked, adding that Sena MPs will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Arun Jaitley soon to seek its withdrawal. If the government still doesnt reconsider its decision, the party will participate in the jewellers agitation, he warned. In a novel protest for release of water from a dam to his constituency, a Congress MLA on Wednesday entered the Madhya Pradesh Assembly wearing only dhoti, causing flutter in the House which led to its adjournment as BJP and opposition parties squabbled over his act. Ram Kishore Dogne, who represents Harda seat, entered the House during Zero Hour demanding that water be released from channels of Tawa dam to his area. Objecting to his act, the Treasury benches said Dognes behaviour is against the decorum of the House as women members were also present on floor. Congress MLA from Harda Ram Kishore Dogne (C) with farmers taking out 'Dandi March' at Madhya Pradesh Assembly in Bhopal (PTI) Panchayat Minister Gopal Bhargava said the Assembly is known for its rich history and decency while the Legislative Affairs Minister Narottam Mishra said the MLAs act was aimed only at grabbing headlines. However, BSP MLA Usha Choudhary came out in defence of Dogne, saying that even Mahatma Gandhi wore dhoti throughout his life and freed India from the British rule. Congress MLA Ramniwas Rawat recalled that a former CPM member Ramlakhan Sharma had once came to the House wrapped in cloth below his waist. Intervening into the matter, Speaker Sitaram Sharma said Dogne has come to the House with a problem. This House is not for staging protest and please dont bring Mahatma Gandhi into it and give example of the former member, he added. Congress MLA Ramniwas Rawat recalled that a former CPM member Ramlakhan Sharma had once came to the House wrapped in cloth below his waist. (PTI) Seek answers to mitigate peoples problems, the Speaker told the members. However, members of BJP, Congress and BSP continued to trade charges and created a bedlam, forcing the Speaker to adjourn the House for 10 minutes. Dogne then met the Speaker in the latters chamber. Emerging from the meeting, Dogne told PTI that Speaker had assured him that he will talk to principal secretary of water resources department for the release of water from the dam. However, the MLA vowed that he will continue to be in the same attire till the work starts on ground on his demand. Suspended Gurdaspur superintendent of police Salwinder Singh on Thursday arrived at the NIA headquarters in Delhi to be questioned by the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) from Pakistan on the Pathankot terror attack. Singh, his cook Madan Gopal and friend Rajesh Verma reached the NIA office where the JIT will question the three in the presence of National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials, sources told IANS. The three were questioned by the NIA on March 26 and have been living under the agencys supervision since then. Singh has claimed that he, Verma and cook Gopal were abducted by four or five heavily-armed terrorists near Punjabs Kolia village on January 2. The terrorists later attacked the Pathankot airbase in which seven security personnel were killed. The Pakistani terrorists were later killed in a shootout. The Pakistani team is in India to probe the Pathankot attack, which New Delhi says was masterminded by Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Maulana Masood Azhar. On Monday and Tuesday, the NIA submitted evidence to the five-member JIT on the terror attack. According to NIA sources, the evidence show that the Pathankot operation was planned by elements in Pakistan. The visiting team comprises among others Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) official Lt. Colonel Tanvir Ahmed and military intelligence officer Lt. Colonel Irfan Mirza. Civil rights activist Teesta Setalvad and two CPI (M) MPs were not allowed to enter University of Hyderabad on Tuesday, evoking protests from students. The two MPs from Kerala were T. Rajesh and P.Sampath, who were stopped by security personnel at the main gate. They were invited by the students groups to address a public meeting as part of the ongoing agitation against last weeks police crackdown and the demand to remove P. Appa Rao as vice chancellor. Teesta and the two Lok Sabha members lodged strong protest over the denial of entry. They condemned the curbs imposed by the university on entry of political leaders, activists and media into the campus. The students, who were waiting from on the campus, also rushed to the main gate and raised slogans against the university authorities. Joint Action Committee for Social Justice, an umbrella grouping of various students groups, has condemned the universitys action and called it an attempt to stifle the movement for justice to Rohith Vemula, a Dalit research scholar who committed suicide in January. The unrest on the campus began on January 17 after Rohith, one of the five Dalit students suspended for allegedly attacking a leader of ABVP, committed suicide. This triggered a massive protest by students, who demanded action against vice chancellor and central minister Bandaru Dattaetrya who were named in First Information Report. Appa Rao, who went on leave on January 24, resumed charge last week, triggering huge protest. The students ransacked the vice chancellors lodge on March 22 and in the subsequent police crackdown 25 students and two faculty members were arrested and jailed. They were all released on bail on March 29. An under-construction flyover collapsed in a congested Kolkata neighbourhood on Thursday, killing at least 22 people and trapping hundreds underneath giant steel frames and concrete slabs. Click here to read the full story 6:30pm: Officials say toll rises to 22. 5:35pm: It is nothing but Gods act, claimed Panduranga Rao of the Hyderabad-based IVRCL Construction company engaged in the flyovers construction, drawing all round flak. 5:30pm: Police said that 18 persons have so far died in the incident in Burrabazar area. CCTV footage of the bridge collapsing #WATCH CCTV footage of the bridge collapsing near Ganesh Talkies in #Kolkatahttps://t.co/4M3JG324OX ANI (@ANI_news) March 31, 2016 Firefighters and residents were trying to rescue those trapped under the wreckage of the metal-and-cement structure that came down near Girish Park in a teeming commercial district. Watch | Many killed as bridge collapses in busy area of Kolkata 5:20pm: 500 army personnel have reached the spot. A total of 78 people were rescued till 5 pm. Many are still trapped as the huge concrete structures that came crashing down could not be removed. Two of the dead were identified as Tapan Malhotra, a resident of Malapara, and another Sanju Malhotra, a resident of Girish Park. 5pm: A total of 78 were rescued till 5 pm. Many are still trapped as the huge concrete structures that came crashing down could not be removed. Two of the dead were identified as Tapan Malhotra a resident of Malapara and another Sanju Malhotra, a resident of Girish Park. MoS for home Kiren Rijiju said two team of NDRF, comprising around 90 personnel, have already been engaged in the rescue operations at the spot while three more teams, comprising around 135 personnel, were on their way. It is a disaster. It has to be responded as a disaster. We are ready to provide additional forces if necessary, he told reporters in New Delhi. Rijiju said a report has been sought from the West Bengal government on the incident and that will give a clear picture on how it had happened. 4:30pm: Babul Supriyo, MoS, urban development minister, said: The construction work of the bridge was carried on in an unscientific manner. The state administration clearly did not take any lesson even after the collapse of Ultadanga flyover three years ago . 4:10pm: PM Narendra Modi tweeted: Shocked & saddened by collapse of under construction flyover in Kolkata. Took stock of the situation & rescue operations. Car being pulled out from the debris of the collapsed bridge near Ganesh Talkies in #Kolkata pic.twitter.com/IpgabS4XUd ANI (@ANI_news) March 31, 2016 3:45: CM Mamata Banerjee announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the dead, Rs 2 lakh each for those critically injured and Rs 1 lakh each for those who suffered minor injuries. 3:43: Mamata Banerjee said 14 people were killed and at least 17 injured in the tragedy were taken to hospital. 3:40: The ruling Trinamool Congress says the Left Front is playing politics over the tragedy. 3: 35pm: Vehicles are still trapped as rescue efforts continue. Vehicles stuck under the debris of the collapsed under-construction bridge near Ganesh Talkies in Kolkata. pic.twitter.com/CvBGQWxi10 ANI (@ANI_news) March 31, 2016 3:30pm: A building has been completely evacuated to ensure that if other sections collapse it will not endanger more lives. 3:25pm: Army has deployed four columns of rescue personnel, three medical teams with two ambulances and surgeons with nursing assistants. An engineering team with specialist equipment has also reached the spot. 3:15pm: The army has been called in for providing assistance and troops are on the way, said a statement of S S Birdi, CPRO defence. There are no sights of cranes that can lift the mammoth slabs even three hours after the incident. A control room has been opened at the state secretariat. 3:10pm: Mamata Banerjee said: The flyover was tendered in 2008 during CPM rule. 3pm: Army called in to assist in rescue work. The troops are on the way, reports ANI. 3pm: Rahul Gandhi tweeted: News of the collapse of a flyover in Kolkata extremely tragic. I hope rescue &relief ops reach those trapped and injured at the earliest. 2:55pm: Chief minister Mamata Banerjee and other senior Trinamool Congress leaders have reached the spot. 2:50pm: Efforts are underway to rescue those trapped under the debris. Many cars, trucks and rickshaws were seen under the large chunks of concrete and metal debris. 2:35pm: Union home minister Rajnath Singh spoke to DG NDRF who apprised him of the situation at the accident site in Kolkata. NDRF teams have been rushed to the spot for rescue ops. 2:25pm: More than one bus with passengers is still trapped under the debris, said Kolkata Police personnel manning the Lalbazar control room in Kolkata. 2:20pm: The condition is pathetic. At this moment no one has any clue how many people are trapped, said Raichand Mohta, a police officer at the scene. 2.10pm: 2 units of NDRF were rushed to the accident site to assist in rescue work, says ANI. 2pm: According to Trinamool Congress sources chief minister Mamata Banerjee is rushing back to Kolkata from West Midnappore where she was on an election campaign trip. Paramilitary forces in the city on election rushed to the spot to lend a helping hand to the rescue efforts. People were seen pushing water bottles responding to cries of help coming from persons trapped under the debris . 1.50pm:Two people declared dead. Local residents in north Kolkatas Girish Park say hundreds of people and some vehicles are trapped under the debris of the flyover. The principal of Calcutta Medical College T K Lahiri told HT that two persons were brought dead while two were undergoing treatment at the hospital. News agency ANI reported 10 people were dead. WATCH: Desperate attempts being made to lift up fallen under-construction bridge to rescue trapped people in Kolkatahttps://t.co/qyt7XktjuX ANI (@ANI_news) March 31, 2016 Five persons were rushed to the hospital, DC traffic V Solomon Neshakumar said. The collapse occurred in a congested area on Vivekananda Road in north Kolkata. In pics: Under-construction flyover collapses in Kolkata The flyover was set to be one of Kolkatas longest, connecting Girish Park in north Kolkata to Howrah. Rescue workers were seen trying to extract those trapped by cutting through stone slabs using heavy drilling machines. Personnel from disaster management authority rushed to the spot. The Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority was building the flyover. With inputs from agencies A US federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by Indian fishermen and farmers against the World Bank over a loan for a power plant in Gujarat they claimed ravaged the environment. The World Banks International Finance Corporation (IFC) is shielded by immunity and cannot be sued in the United States, the US district court judge ruled. The IFC loaned $450 million to help build the coal-fuelled Mundra power plant, which became fully operational in 2013. The company that carried out the project, Coastal Gujarat Power Limited, a subsidiary of Tata Power, said it would create jobs, benefit 16 million domestic consumers and provide competitively priced electricity to industry and agriculture. But fishermen, farmers and others living near the plant said it took a huge toll on the environment. Saltwater leaking from the plant made groundwater undrinkable and unfit for irrigation, hot water from the cooling system harmed the fish catch and air quality suffered, they said in the US lawsuit filed last year in the District of Columbia. Their way of life could be fundamentally threatened or destroyed, the complaint said, accusing the IFC of irresponsible and negligent conduct in financing and supervising its loan. But US District Court judge John Bates in a ruling last week said under the International Organisations Immunities Act, the IFC is immune to prosecution in the United States. The farmers plan to appeal, the US nonprofit EarthRights International, which filed the lawsuit, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. This is a fight for our lives and livelihood, Gajendrasinh Jadeja, head of Navinal panchayat, a village that is a party in the case, said in an email. We believe we will prevail, Jadeja said. An IFC spokesperson said the organisation would not comment on active legal matters. A plan being implemented by Coastal Gujarat Power, however, includes what she called mitigation measures, she said, but she did not elaborate. The World Bank and IFC have come under criticism by groups that contend their focus on big projects can disrupt the environment and displace people. The IFC, with 184 member countries, is the largest global development institution focused exclusively on the private sector in developing countries, according to its website. The Centre has asked the West Bengal government to give it a report on how a flyover collapsed in Kolkata and killed several people, said union minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday. It is a disaster. It has to be responded as a disaster. We are ready to provide additional forces if necessary, said Rijiju, minister of state for home, in Delhi. Report will automatically be generated. It will tell us what actually had happened, he said. Rijiju said the tragedy had taken place at a very crowded place and it could have been avoided by taking adequate precautionary measures. Safety measures must be taken. There are prescribed norms for safety in construction sites. It is a matter of investigation whether safety measures were taken or not, he said. Rijiju, however, refused to hazard a guess on whether the incident was a sabotage. I dont want to speculate on anything, he said. He said currently the priority of the rescue teams is to clear the debris and save as many people as they can. The Minister said all injured are being provided treatment by the state government. Rijiju said after the rescue operations are over, adequate compensation would be given to the victims. Two teams of National Disaster Relief Fund, comprising around 90 personnel, are working in Kolkata and three more teams, comprising around 135 personnel, were on their way to the city. Leaders of China, India, Japan and South Korea are among the heads of governments converging in Washington for a summit on countering the nightmarish threat of nuclear terrorism. But with tensions in North Korea and the South China Sea running high, the meetings that Asian leaders have on the sidelines could attract more attention than the summit itself. President Barack Obama has put a premium on expanding ties with Asia, in part to counter the rise of China. The U.S. has deepened ties with India, and strengthened long-standing alliances with Japan and South Korea while prodding these two core East Asian allies to overcome their historical differences. Despite the strategic rivalry, Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping have also striven to cooperate, which has yielded mixed results. Heres a look at who will be meeting in Washington and the dynamics that will be in play: Japan and Korea: Reluctant Allies Obama will reprise a joint meeting he had with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and South Korean President Park Geun-hye at the last nuclear security summit held in The Hague in 2014. That marked a concerted, but subtle U.S. push for Tokyo and Seoul to resolve the acrimony between them over Japans colonial occupation of the Korean Peninsula in the first half of the 20th century and its militarys use of Asian sex slaves during World War II. In December, Japan and South Korea reached an agreement including an indirect apology from Abe and a Japanese pledge to provide 1 billion yen ($8 million) to a fund for the South Korean victims. That has calmed the tensions between the U.S. allies, but uncertainty remains over the implementation of the agreement. One thing Japan and South Korea have rarely disagreed over is North Korea, whose missiles could target both countries. The White House says Obama, Abe and Park will on Thursday discuss responses to the North Korean threat after its recent nuclear test and space launch and security cooperation. Read: Xi headed for nuke summit, talks on N Korea, nuclear terror on cards What Obama wants from China and what China wants Obamas meeting with the Chinese leader comes just six months since their last talks in Washington during a state visit. There will be less grandeur this time, but the stakes may be higher. Obama will be urging China to implement the tough U.N. sanctions it signed up to for use against North Korea, its traditional ally. Xi will want the U.S. to restart negotiations with the North, although the prospects appear slim unless sanctions bite and the North makes nuclear concessions. Since annual U.S.-South Korean war games began this month, Pyongyang has been testing missiles and artillery, and has threatened nuclear strikes on Washington and Seoul. Also on the agenda will be Chinas island-building and construction of military facilities in the disputed South China Sea. Tensions there look set to intensify with an upcoming ruling from an international tribunal that could challenge the legal basis of Beijings sweeping territorial claims. China accuses the U.S. of stoking tensions by sending military ships and planes through the area on freedom of navigation maneuvers. Read: PM Modi in US: Heres why Nuclear Security Summit is important for India Whos talking and not talking at these talks Obamas presidency is in its final year, but hes not the only center of attention this week in Washington. Park is set to meet Xi in a sign of how South Korea and China have grown closer through their economic bonds and Beijings disaffection with North Korea. Park is also slated to meet separately with Abe as Japan-South Korea tensions ease. But with Japan-China relations still hampered by a territorial dispute and historical grievances, Japanese officials say theres no plan for Abe to meet Xi. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also be at the nuclear summit, but theres no prospect for reconciliatory talks with archrival Pakistan because its prime minister, Nawaz Sharif, canceled his Washington trip following a suicide bombing targeting Christians in Lahore that killed more than 70 people. Independent MLA from Maharashtra, Bachchu Kadu, who had been booked for allegedly assaulting a government officer at Mantralaya, was arrested by the Mumbai Police on Wednesday. The legislator, who represents Achalpur Assembly constituency in Amaravati district of Maharashtra, was held by the Marine Drive Police as soon as he came out of the Assembly. According to police, Kadu, along with a clerk Ashok Jadhav, hag gone to meet BR Gavit, deputy secretary, general administration department, on Tuesday. He was insisting that Jadhav be allowed to continue to stay in the government quarters and be allotted additional accommodation, in violation of norms. The officer apparently refused to entertain his demand. An infuriated Kadu allegedly abused and hit him hard on the head. Police said a case under IPC sections 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty), 332 (voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servant from his duty), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace) and 34 (common intention), had been registered against the MLA and the clerk in this connection on Tuesday. Another accused in the case is yet to be traced, police said. A three-term MLA from Achalpur, Kadu, had also assaulted a clerk in Mantralaya in 2009 after he had refused to release an order. Earlier in the day, while interacting with reporters, Kadu had said, Instead of taking action against me, the government should act against such officers. What I did is for the common people. Making a statement in the Assembly later, Kadu denied having assaulted the official. I did not beat him. Had I beaten him, I would have said so. If such false allegations are being levelled, should we (legislators) stop going to Mantralaya, he asked. Jadhav wanted to continue living in the quarters for two more years on medical grounds. I was trying to explain this to him (Gavit), Kadu said. Organised dadagiri (intimidation) (by government officials) should stop, Kadu said, in reference to the protest by the Mantralaya staff over the incident. Meanwhile, the government employees working at the Mantralaya, who had gone on a flash strike on Wednesday to protest against the incident and demand action against the legislator, called off their protest in the evening. State revenue minister Eknath Khadse has announced an enquiry by the chief secretary into the alleged assault. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) attached property worth Rs 120 crore of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) legislator Ramesh Kadam, accused of siphoning off crores from a state-run body. The attachment includes a flat in Borivali, an agriculture land in Aurangabad, bank balances, equity shares and land in Peddar Road. Kadam, as chairman of Annabhau Sathe Development Corporation (ASDC), had allegedly transferred funds of the state-run body to various organisations headed by him. The money was meant for the welfare of backward communities. According to the charge-sheet quoted by the ED, main accused Kadam -- sitting MLA of the NCP -- was the president of ASDC from August 13, 2012, to December 12, 2014. During this period, he in collusion with the officials of the corporation and other accused persons made a pre-planned conspiracy and misappropriated the funds of the corporation, which were given to various institutions, for their own benefit and thus embezzled an amount to the tune of Rs 312.26 crore. While doing this, they cheated and betrayed the corporation and for this purpose, they used forged documents as genuine and used the ill-gotten money for their own purposes, stated the ED. Acting on the FIR at Dahisar police station, CID Navi Mumbai had investigated the case of misappropriation of funds. The ED also began a probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Based on the PMLA investigations, it is revealed that Kadam and other accused persons have fraudulently acquired/misappropriated huge funds from ASDC meant for the upliftment of the Matang community and have laundered these proceeds of crime through fictitious entities created by them for this specific purpose and further integrated the same into movable/immovable properties in their personal/companys name, said an ED officer. In August 2015, Kadam was arrested from a five-star hotel on the Pune-Ahmednagar road in an early morning swoop by the CID. Kadam is one in the long list of NCP leaders against whom the government has launched inquiries. Properties attached by ED Flat in Borivali valued at Rs 2.11 crore in the name of Ramesh Kadam and his wife Agriculture land in Aurangabad valued at Rs 7.36 crore in the name of M/s Joshaba Central Consumer Cooperative Society, wherein Kadam was the chairman Bank balance of Rs 76.67 lakh Equity shares and land admeasuring 669 square meters at Peddar Road, Mumbai, owned by Kadams company M/s Comral Realty Pvt. Ltd. worth Rs 39.69 crore. However, the current market price of the land at Peddar Road is in the range of Rs 100110 crore . The state government signed multiple memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with Tata Trusts to work together in areas of public health, reforms in jails and education among others. The chairman of the trust, Ratan Tata, was present at the Vidhan Bhavan when the agreements were inked between the state and the trust. Tata also witnessed the Assembly proceedings from the VIP gallery and was present when the announcement about the MoUs was made in the House by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. According to the MoU signed with the health department, the trust has admitted to collaborate for cancer research, treatment and creating national cancer grid to launch a new treatment regime and set up a bone-marrow registry by the government for the first time. The grid aims at 50,000 bone-marrow donors in the next three years by participating in all government medical colleges in the state. A strategic healthcare advisory unit will also be set up to implement technology-backed interventions to improve health and nutrition outcomes by developing hospital information systems and medical supply corporation. One of the MoUs was signed for programmes for women empowerment by improving digital literacy in rural Maharashtra by providing training and enabling access to the Internet. The programme will be implemented through self-help groups (SHGs) as part of the Internet Saathi Initiative developed jointly with the Google. The government also signed an MoU for the legal aid, health and mental health services as well as opportunities for training and skill upgrade for the inmates in various central jails of the state. Tata, while speaking to the media, said, It is a great honour for us to have joined hands with the Maharashtra government to extend health services to the people of the state. It is a landmark move and we are looking forward for effective implementation of the projects in various fields, he said. The Justice Zora Singh Commission of Inquiry on Wednesday summoned Punjab inspector general of police (IG) Paramraj Singh Umranangal as part of its probe into the Behbal Kalan police firing in which two youths were killed during an anti-sacrilege protest in October last year. He has been asked to appear before the commission in the first week of April. The move came after the commission recorded the statement of suspended Faridkot senior superintendent of police (SSP) Charanjit Sharma last month. Sharma was suspended in October last year following the death of two youths. However, the police are yet to initiate action against him. Umranangal had been evading response to letters sent to him by the commission since January this year. He was asked to send details of the arms and ammunition used by cops during the firing incident. The commission also conveyed to additional director general of police (ADGP) IPS Sahota that it had been getting a cold response from police officials in joining investigations. The ADGP appeared before the commission on Wednesday and he has been asked to submit details police findings and other information on the firing incident within a week, justice Zora Singh (retd) told Hindustan Times. Besides Umranangal, the commission has also summoned Faridkot senior superintendent of police (SSP) Sukhwinder Singh Mann. Sikh preachers also summoned Sikh preachers, including Panthpreet Singh, Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale, Giani Kewal Singh, Gursewak Singh, Satnam Singh, Bhai Amrik Singh Ajnala and Avtar Singh Sadhawala, have also been asked to appear before the commission next month. Some of them have already sent their statements in the form of affidavits to the probe panel. The commission wants to record their statements into the sacrilege incidents of Guru Granth Sahib at Bargari and police action on protesters at Kotkapura. Panel to visit Faridkot on Thursday The probe panel will visit Faridkot and Behbal Kalan on Thursday for the third time to look for material information, besides recording statements of residents. Sources said the material information includes empty shells of cartridges found from the spot after police firing at Behbal Kalan. The empty shells are with one of the witnesses, Baba Kheta Singh, local priest of a gurdwara at Behbal Khurd village, who is yet to record his statement with the commission. On January 12 this year, the commission had sought details of arms and ammunition, including live and empty cartridges, reported or deposited at the time of arrival and departure of cops at the police stations from Umranangal, who was then posted as the Ludhiana commissioner of police. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The war of words between Punjab Congress chief Captain Amarinder Singh and partys senior leader Bir Devinder Singh, who resigned from the post of partys media panel coordinator on Wednesday, has opened a can of worms on the Amritsar Improvement Trust land scam case, in which Amarinder, who was the chief minister then, is an accused. Alleging blackmail by Amarinder, Bir Devinder has made startling revelations claiming that the former offered him a quid-pro-quo (a ministers post after he becomes the chief minister) soon after winning the Lok Sabha election against Arun Jaitley from Amritsar. Amarinder had called me to his Moti Bagh Palace to thank me for helping him in the Amritsar elections. Former Punjab finance minister Surinder Singla was also present. After a round of drinks, two Supreme Court lawyers, Atul Nanda and his wife, joined us and Amarinder asked me to sign an affidavit. I was shocked to read it. It negated all that I have said on the case before the special committee of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha. It was my starred question on which the whole case was based and the affidavit wanted me to admit that it was all based on misrepresentation of facts and Amarinder never met or called me to settle the case as the CM. I told Amarinder that cannot sign it as it will amount to perjury and I, who has been honoured as a best parliamentarian and have presided over the House as a deputy speaker, could not undermine the dignity of the House, Bir Devinder told HT in an exclusive interview. The former deputy speaker said he started getting summons from DIG vigilance Rajinder Singh to give his statement after the Punjab and Haryana high court had ordered reinvestigation into the case on December 22, 2014, on a petition moved by Amarinders counsel. After many calls, the DIG later sent an SMS to Bir Devinder on September 9, 2015, asking him to fix a date for the statement saying a report had to be submitted in the HC. After I got the message of the vigilance DIG for recording my statement, I tried to contact Amarinder but could not. Later, through his close aide, I delivered the message and got a call. Amarinder asked me not to give any statement to the vigilance till he spoke to his lawyers. Amarinders close aide Bharat Inder Singh Chahal then came into the picture. He visited my house in February and requested me to end the case, asking me to give a favourable statement. Chahal told me we would fix the date and time with the vigilance DIG, who was in constant touch with him (Chahal). He later made me speak to Amarinder on the phone. But I told Chahal that I will not give any statement without meeting Amarinder. Later on February 14, Chahal invited me to his house where he produced a written statement, asking me to sign it. He told me a meeting with Amarinder was possible only after I gave the statement. I refused to sign the statement and took it from him. He asked me to return it and I did so to avoid a scuffle, Bir Devinder said. The two-time MLA and former deputy speaker did not receive the summons on February 29 this year, when a vigilance inspector came to his residence in Patiala to deliver them asking him to appear for recording his statement at the Punjab vigilance bureau headquarters in Chandigarh on March 4. Bir Devinder did not accept the summons saying, he needed to see the HC judgment that had ordered the reinvestigation. It is no co-incidence, says Bir Devinder, that the Ghanaur rally of Madan Lal Jalalpur was announced for March 7. Chahal called me up in first week of March saying how will I get a ticket to contest elections if I did not give the statement in Amarinders favour. He said the rally can be cancelled even overnight. I told him I will not give in to such blackmail and why was the meeting being linked to the case. I did not know the wires of the case were linked to the CM when I had raised the issue in the Punjab assembly against then local bodies minister Chaudhary Jagjit Singh, Bir Devinder said. Absolute lies When contacted, Amarinder rebutted Bir Devinders accusations saying the latter was eyeing the Ghanaur assembly seat, which he had refused to allot to him. He is telling absolute lies. Surinder Singla was trying to bring us close. I did thank him for helping me in Amritsar elections as he is a good speaker and used to speak at my rallies, but I dont remember calling him to Moti Bagh Palace and I never asked him to sign any affidavit. How can I ask him to withdraw his statement on a case which had gone up to the Supreme Court constitutional bench? What is his locus-standi in the case after the HC has ruled that the House committee report should not form the basis of the first information report registered in the case and it needs to be reinvestigated. He is lying that he did not know the case was linked to me. As the CM, I had put my consent on the file on Amritsar land case after getting the advocate generals nod. He is a disgruntled person and had joined hands with the Akalis to throw me out of the assembly after I removed him from deputy speakers post as the CM as he had made it difficult for the speaker to function. Chahal has nothing to do with my case, Amarinder said. Amarinder also questioned which Congress CM Bir Devinder got along with. Be it Darbara Singh, Beant Singh or me, he has challenged everyone. He is now trying to blackmail me for the Ghanaur seat. In good faith, I made him in-charge of the media panel. Instead of handling his work, he is busy harming the party, Amarinder added. I had resigned, was not removed Bir Devinder countered Amarinders rebuttal saying he had resigned from the deputy speakers post as Amarinder was exerting undue pressure on him. Who is the CM to remove a deputy speaker? My resignation was not accepted for over a month and later I was awarded the best parliamentarian award. Amarinder is saying the Ghanour seat belongs to former MLA (Madan Lal), how is he offering me Sirhind seat which belongs to a sitting MLA? You cant counter a dead man or a liar. I have paid a heavy price for raising the issue and was denied tickets in 2007 and 2012 elections. My political career is still at stake even after all these years, he added. By the end of the first week of April, residents will be empowered to demand action on non-functional streetlights and park lights within three working days of bringing the issue to the notice of the sub-divisional engineer (SDE) concerned. If the problem is not resolved within the specified time, the officer is liable to pay a fine. This and more citizen-friendly provisions are part of the revised Citizens Charter Act that was passed in the monthly House meeting of the municipal corporation on Wednesday. For a start, 90 services are covered by the Act that will be implemented after approval from the UT administration is expected by the first month of April. The Act fixes time that is to taken for resolution of all kinds of civic works and in case, the official concerned is found to be responsible for delays in 20% or more of total cases handled by him/her, then he could be penalised at the rate of Rs 10 per day for the total number of delayed days. The maximum penalty that could be imposed is Rs 1,000. MC commissioner B Purushartha said, Getting a citizens charter was our priority, Now, the Act has been sent to the UT administrator for approval. We hope to implement it by April first week. A nominated councillor claimed that adverse remarks against officials who failed to implement the Act must be made part of their annual confidential reports (ACRs). Former mayor Subhash Chawla demanded that the service of lifting of dead animals must also be part of the charter. The no-holds-barred war of words between Punjab Congress president Captain Amarinder Singh and senior party leader Bir Devinder escalated on Thursday with the latter being suspended from the primary membership of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) even as partys poll strategist Prashant Kishor tried to resolve the crisis by meeting him in the evening. Amarinder also recommended action against senior leader Jagmeet Brar for his recent acts of indiscipline to the party high command. Being a member of All India Congress Committee (AICC), only the party president Sonia Gandhi can take action against Brar. In view of the recent media reports and your anti-party activities, you are thereby suspended from the primary membership of the PPCC with immediate effect, said the notice issued by the PPCC to Bir Devinder. A committee headed by MLA Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa with MLA Ajaib Singh Bhatti and former MLA Rana KP Singh as members has been constituted to look into the matter. You have to reply to the committee by April 7 as to why further action should not be taken against you, it added. In the evening, Prashant Kishor and Devinder had an hour-long meeting at the Chandigarh airport before the former left for New Delhi. I got a call from Prashant in the evening. He met me and said he was worried over the developments and emphasised that the issue should be resolved amicably and we should not escalate it further. He had come to meet me with authority from the party high command and knowledge of Amarinder, Bir Devinder said, refusing to divulge any further details of the meeting. Senior Congress leader and former deputy speaker of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Bir Devinder Singh on Wednesday resigned as coordinator of the partys panel for electronic media debates. (HT Photo) On the vigilance probe into the Amritsar land scam, Bir Devinder said he has refused to depose before the Punjab vigilance in the case. I received the summons from the Punjab vigilance bureau on March 8 to appear on March 11 for recording my statement. I have communicated to them that the FIR is based on the house committee report of the 13th Vidhan Sabha of which I was not a member. The Punjab and Haryana high court has ordered a reinvestigation into the case saying matter be probed independently (without reference to report of special house committee). I had given my statement to the special House committee and have no locus standi left in the case after the HC judgment, Devinder said. However, hinting that his options are open, he said, If Amarinder continues to call me the complainant to harm my political career, I will move the HC to challenge the reinvestigation ordered by it into the case on December 22, 2014 and plead to be made a party. The Punjab government will have to explain how its additional advocate general accepted the terms of Amarinders counsel, he added. On suspension, Bir Devinder said he has yet to receive the notice but is not worried about it. If suspended by party, I will not be able to fight elections and will fight the case in the court then. Amarinder must have used all his sagacity and wisdom to suspend me and I think he, too, must be a sad man today, he added. The diatribe of Brar and Bir Devinder against Amarinder has also split the Congress ranks with many senior leaders supporting the beleaguered leaders. Amarinder is getting a taste of his own medicine. He got away with nothing less than the Punjab Congress presidency after his open attacks on Partap Bajwa. How can the party adopt two different yardsticks --- let Amarinder get away and suspend others, a senior Congress MLA said. Reacting to Bir Devinders suspension, Congress general secretary in-charge for Punjab affairs Shakeel Ahmad said no indiscipline will be tolerated. He, however, refused to comment further by saying that it is an internal matter of party. What is Amritsar land scam? The case is related to improper exemption of a vacant plot of land measuring 32.10 acres licensed to a private coloniser ---Veer Colonisers --- from a pool of 187 acres that had been notified for acquisition by the Amritsar Land Improvement Trust on December 5, 2003. Bir Devinder Singh, as member of the then assembly, had asked a starred question related to exemption of land on March 1, 2006. The then local bodies minister Chaudhary Jagjit Singh and chief minister Amarinder Singh were later found guilty by a special House committee formed by the Akali Dal government to look into the matter and a vigilance probe was ordered. Taking a tough stand against former deputy speaker Bir Devinder Singh and Jagmeet Brar, Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) president Captain Amarinder Singh on Thursday suspended Devinder from primary membership of the party. Capt also forwarded the case of Jagmeet Brars suspension to the party high command. Brar is an All India Congress Committee member (AICC) and technically cannot be suspended by the PPCC chief The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on Thursday passed Rs 1,064-crore budget for the 2016-17 fiscal with focus on education. This is Rs 70.90 crore more than the amount the religious body spent in the last fiscal. A major share of the budgetary allocation ---Rs 218.43 crore --- is proposed to be spent on educational institutes. An additional sum of Rs 32.18 crore has been allocated under the education fund head. It will be utilised for providing scholarships to Sikh students studying in SGPC-run institutes. In the last fiscal year, Rs 182.21 crore were spent on educational institutes while Rs 1 crore was spent under the head education fund. Presenting the budget, SGPC general secretary Sukhdev Singh Bhaur said the construction of 13 new schools/colleges was started last year. Some of these schools are ready and will be operational in the new academic year, he added. These include Bibi Sharan Kaur Khalsa College, Chamkaur Sahib, Baba Sangat Singh Polytechnic, Banga and Sri Guru Gobind Singh Khalsa College, Bhagta Bhaike (Bathinda). The SGPC executive also proposes to spend Rs 104 crore on the upcoming Miri Piri Medical College at Shahbad Markhanda in Haryana.. The religious body proposes to give an assistance of Rs 6 crore to the Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Fatehgarh Sahib. It also plans to open a couple of training academies in Punjab for which funds will be made available from the amount earmarked for educational institutes. The academies will train and prepare young Sikh boys and girls for taking the civil and defence services examinations. During the training period, candidates selected through an entrance examination, will be provided free boarding and lodging facilities. The SGPC has taken the step as it feels there has been a marked fall in the number of Sikh candidates clearing the civil or defence service examinations, Bhaur said. SGPC chief Avtar Singh Makkar chaired the meeting of the executive, which was specifically called for passing the budget on the last day of the ongoing financial year. In his speech, Bhaur made it clear that the annual budget of the SGPC is prepared after taking into account its revenue collection of the last fiscal year. These revenue collection come from gurdwaras where devotees make cash and other offerings, he said, adding that other sources include the annual interest from bank deposits, online offerings or assistance and the revenue collected by giving SGPC properties, including agricultural land, on rent or contract. Section 85 gurdwara fund A major portion of the revenue collected from gurdwaras is spent on salaries of its employees and on improving the infrastructure in shrines under the control of the religious body in Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh (HP). The salaries are paid and gurdwaras maintained from the funds earmarked under the Gurdwara Sahiban section 85 fund. Stress on dharam prachar The SGPC proposes to spend Rs 70 crore in 2016-17 for spread of Sikhism (dharam prachar). This would include organising religious functions in Punjab and other states for creating awareness on Sikhism. For its printing press, the SGPC has kept aside `8 crore. It is at this press that the Guru Granth Sahib is printed and then the scripture is sent to Sikh shrines in India and abroad. Box Total budget Rs 1064.14 cr General board fund: Rs 61.50 cr Trust fund: Rs 46.52 cr Printing press: Rs 8.9 cr Dharam prachar: Rs 70 cr Gurdwara Sahiban section 85: Rs 626.91 cr Educational institutes fund: Rs 218.43 cr Education fund: Rs 32.18 cr Various senior health officials on Thursday expressed concern over continuation of female foeticide in the society during a regional workshop organised here by the Punjab health and family welfare department under the theme If the world is an eye, woman is light of latter. She needs to be understood, not killed. Addressing the workshop, Amritsar civil surgeon Dr Jai Singh said the society could not exist without a woman, so she should be given due respect. But, number of woman is decreasing in our society which is a cause of worry. In such condition, there is dire need to conduct these kinds of workshops frequently to create awareness among general public, he added. Sharing different aspects of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, district family welfare officer Dr Ranjit Singh Butter said despite persistent efforts by the government and the non-government organisations (NGOs), illicit practice of female foeticides still continue. To curb this problem, mindset of every person needs to be corrected, he added. Dr Kulwinder Kaur and child development project officer (CDPO) Meena Kumari also expressed their views on female foeticide. Students from various educational institutes presented songs on the social evil which shook the audience. Role of stage secretary was played by mass media officer Raj Kaur. The workshop was attended by civil surgeons, district family welfare officers, PNDT coordinator, district advisory committee members of Amritsar, Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur and Pathankot district and staff and students of government medical college, Amritsar. Amid chaos and allegations of corruption against officials of the civic body by several councillors, including those belonging to the ruling SAD-BJP combine, the Jalandhar municipal corporation (MC) on Thursday passed a budget Rs 603.68 crore for 2016-17 in a few minutes during the House meeting. The SAD-BJP councillors, including senior deputy mayor Kamaljeet Singh Bhatia, Ravi Mahendru, Minta Kochhar, Ram Gopal and Joginder Singh Tonny, targeted mayor Sunil Jyoti, municipal commissioner Gurpreet Singh Khehra and other officials, alleging corruption in the town planning and building and road branches of the civic body during zero hour that lasted for more than an hour. They alleged that several illegal buildings have come up in the city but the civic body has not taken any action as they are in connivance with the building owners. They also chanted slogans against the mayor and the commissioner. Bhatia raised chor bazari and gundagardi slogans and accused officials of patronising illegal building owners in the city. The mayor and senior deputy mayor exchanged a heated argument with the former threatening his deputy to suspend from the House and the latter daring him do so. Bhatia even took on commissioner Khehra for demolishing a building in Basti Guzan market that is in his ward. BJP councillor Ravi Mohindru, close to Jalandhar central MLA Manoranjan Kalia, alleged that the MC has released the payments for the construction of those roads that do not even exist. The mayor requested them to let the officials concerned respond to them, but to no avail. Mohindru demanded that a complaint should be lodged in this regard with the DGP vigilance for a fair probe as the scandal ran into crores. To this, the mayor asked Mohindru to file a complaint personally after the latter refused to hand over the complaint to the vigilance committee. BJP councillor Joginder Singh Tony alleged that MC officials have not taken action against the owners of Rangla Vehra, Patel Hospital and Skylark Hotel for encroachments. Another party councillor Ram Gopal accused the commissioner, claiming that corruption had increased during his tenure and he did not listen to anyone. BJP councillor Minta Kocchar also targeted the mayor and had a heated argument with him. Minta accused the mayor of wrongdoing while the latter asked him to mind his language. Congress councillors, including Pardeep Singh, raised chor chor slogans targeting chief parliamentary secretary KD Bhandari. The leader of the opposition Jagdish Raja also alleged corruption in the civic body and raised slogans against the mayor. Congress councillor Sushil Rinku said that construction of roads in his ward was pending for several years despite the fact that tenders were floated. Amid the uproar, the mayor proposed to pass the `603.68 crore budget. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Hundreds of employees of the Nestle factory here blocked the Moga-Ferozepur road for about half-an-hour demanding reinstatement of the 68 contractual employees, who were reportedly expelled by the contractor. The contractual employees, who had been working for decades at the factory, have been sitting on an indefinite protest outside the DC office complex after they were expelled from their jobs. Employees of JITF Ecopolis also joined their protest to support them and chanted slogans against the Nestle authorities and their contractors. All the contractual employees were deputed in the Nestle unit for civil works such as plumber, carpenter, and labourers. The traffic remained blocked for half an hour and commuters had a tough time while the police remained a mute spectator. Arun Bohar, adviser of the Nestle Thekedar Labour Union said that they would not lift the protest till the Nestle authorities reinstated the expelled employees. Authorities have told us to give them a job but on a new Provident Fund (PF) number, but we want reinstatement on the same PF code as with the new PF number all the hard work will not be counted which they had done in decades, he said adding that their gratuity amount will also be abolished. Three Tarn Taran policemen were among four people killed , as a car hit an Akal Academy school bus near Ranike village on the Sidhwan-Humbran road on Thursday morning in this district. The car hit a motorcycle and a scooter before the school bus. At least six schoolchildren injured in the accident were moved to local hospitals. A woman on the scooter has sustained a fracture. The impact crushed the car so badly that rescuers had to struggle to pull out the bodies. Two of the policemen were killed on the spot, while another died in hospital. The victims assistant sub-inspector Kulveer Singh and constables Heera Singh and Jagdeep Singh were posted at Patti in Tarn Taran district. Ludhiana motorcyclist Parveen Kumar is the other victim. The policemen were on their way to Chandigarh for a hearing in the Punjab and Haryana High court, and eyewitness account suggests that rash driving caused the tragedy. Ludhiana deputy superintendent of police (rural) Ajayraj Singh and Sidhwan station house officer (SHO) sub-inspector Avtar Singh inspected the scene of accident. The parents of the injured students also came to the hospital, where tehsildar Gurpiar Singh informed them that all children had received only minor injuries. Heres a word of caution for all couples! When men impose exacting standards on their partners in matters of sex, women tend to get sexually dysfunctional, according to a detailed study done at the University of Kent, Britain. Partner-prescribed sexual perfectionism can lead to decrease in female sexual function regarding arousal, showed the findings published in the journal Archives of Sexual Behaviour. The study led by professor Joachim Stoeber from the University of Kent also found that partner-prescribed sexual perfectionism contributed to negative self-image. Perfectionism is defined as a striving for flawlessness and the setting of exceedingly high standards for performance, accompanied by tendencies for overly critical self-evaluations and concerns about negative evaluations by others. Read: Rooting for a happy marriage? Have sex 11 times a month! It is a common personality characteristic that may affect all domains of life. However, the longer term consequences of how it affects peoples sex life had previously not been explored. The research considered the response of 366 young women who completed two surveys in the period December 2013 to February 2014. Read: Lets talk sex! He just wants sex, she wants it good Those recruited to the study were told that the online survey was investigating whether personal and interpersonal expectations and beliefs affect ones sexuality and sexual function. Researchers differentiated between four forms of sexual perfectionism -- self-oriented, partner-oriented, partner-prescribed and socially prescribed. Read: Feeling good about your partner is actually not good for you Sex suffers when men demand perfection from partners. (Shutterstock) Read: Couples need more me time than sex They found that partner-prescribed sexual perfectionism contributed to womans negative sexual self-concept and female sexual dysfunction. They further found that partner-prescribed sexual perfectionism predicted decreases in sexual esteem and increases in sexual anxiety, suggesting that it is a psychological factor that may contribute to sexual problems in woman. A third woman and a former employee of Teri has accused environmentalist RK Pachauri of sexual harassment. The complainant, who is European, claims she faced harassment while working as his secretary at the environment think tank in 2008. Pachauri, 75, facing similar charges from two other women who worked at The Energy and Resources Institute, refused to comment. His lawyer called it a conspiracy to defame his client. The latest scandal emerged after the woman, whose nationality has not been revealed, released a statement to the media through her lawyer Vrinda Grover. She reportedly wrote to Grover in February 2015 after she came to know of an FIR against Pachauri in one of the earlier cases. I remember that in the third week of February 2015, I read some news reports that said an employee of Teri had filed a criminal complaint against RK Pachauri for sexually harassing her. On reading these reports, I was 0 per cent surprised. I can very much relate to what the other woman wrote in her statement, read the statement. She was 19 at the time, she said, and noticed a big difference in the way Pachauri behaved with her and with Indian men with whom he maintained a polite distance. Ratna Appnender, another lawyer representing her, said the police were informed and also told that she was ready to present herself before them, but they made no effort to contact her. When contacted, Pachauri said, Please talk to my lawyer Ashish Dikshit. It is a conspiracy by Vrinda Grover to defame Pachauri. Everytime a woman is said to make allegations, it is only to the press, not the police or court, said Dikshit. Why is it that every woman comes and reports to Vrinda Grover? There is some conspiracy. It only happens when there is some court hearing. There is a matter coming up. To prejudice the judges, these types of reports are aired. A third woman and a former employee of Teri has accused environmentalist RK Pachauri of sexual harassment. The complainant, who is European, claims she faced harassent while working as his secretary at the environment think tank in 2008. Pachauri, 75, facing similar charges from two other women who worked at The Energy and Resources Institute, refused to comment. His lawyer called it a conspiracy to defame his client. The latest scandal emerged after the woman, whose nationality has not been revealed, released a statement to the media through her lawyer Vrinda Grover on Thursday. She reportedly wrote to Grover in February 2015 after she came to know of an FIR against Pachauri in one of the earlier cases. I remember that in the third week of February 2015, I read some news reports that said an employee of Teri had filed a criminal complaint against RK Pachauri for sexually harassing her. On reading these reports, I was 0 per cent surprised. I can very much relate to what the other woman wrote in her statement, read the statement. She was 19 at the time, she said, and noticed a big difference in the way Pachauri behaved with her and with Indian men with whom he maintained a polite distance. She said Pachauri would put his hands on my waist repeated times, he would hug me longer than felt comfortable, [and] kissed me on the cheek. On one occasion, she said, Pachauri came to her home. I was sick and could not come to office. He came to my home with a bouquet of roses. This might sound sweet, but at that time I just felt uncomfortable and scared. He would call me during non-working hours and holidays to ask me to come to his office and when arriving, it became evident he had no specific task for me. She requested a move to another department but was still summoned to Pachauris office from time to time. Later, he told her her contract would be terminated early. When she left Delhi, she had only completed four months of her one-year contract. Ratna Appnender, another lawyer representing the woman, said the police were informed and also told that she was ready to present herself before them, but they made no effort to contact her. When contacted, Pachauri said, Please talk to my lawyer Ashish Dikshit. It is a conspiracy by Vrinda Grover to defame Pachauri. Everytime a woman is said to make allegations, it is only to the press, not the police or court, said Dikshit. Why is it that every woman comes and reports to Vrinda Grover? There is some conspiracy. It only happens when there is some court hearing. There is a matter coming up. To prejudice the judges, these types of reports are aired. In Pretty Woman (1990), Richard Gere and Julia Roberts book one for a date. Tony Stark owns an entire fleet. Leonardo Di Caprio as Jordan Belfort in Wolf of Wall Street hosts his bachelors party on it. Private jets have long been the ultimate symbols of wealth in popular culture. Now, you too can book a private jet like a millionaire. Without spending the millions. App-based services such as JetSteals and BookMyCharters let you book a chartered flight within 60 seconds. Its like booking a cab. You can put in your preferred departure and arrival locations, time, the number of co-travellers, and book an aircraft. We arrange the rest, says Kanika Tekriwal, co-founder and CEO, JetSetGo, the online charted flight portal that launched JetSteals last month. Now, you too can book a private jet like a millionaire. Without spending the millions. (Image courtesy: JetSteals) Take off The traditional offline method of booking a chartered plane involved no direct contact between the consumers and aircraft companies. Youd get a broker to negotiate prices with a limited number of airline companies. That process is like buying a house. Only you dont get to see the house until after youve paid up. There is no financial accountability, or even a guarantee of a secure aircraft, claims Tekriwal. In contrast, these new-age online portals attempt to bridge that gap. The offline model takes up to 48 hours to generate a quote. Online platforms are reducing the process of searching, quoting and booking an aircraft to less than a minute, says Rajeev Wadhwa, chairman and CEO, Baron Aviation, which launched BookMyCharters in December, 2015. BookMyCharters, for instance, currently displays options across 40 aircraft companies and connectivity to 129 airports across India. With new age online portals, all one needs to do, to book an private jet is put in your preferred departure and arrival locations, time and the number of co-travellers. (Image courtesy: JetSteals) Apparently, the demand for these online portals emerged two years ago, with a steady growth in clientele. Initially, private jets were used only by high net worth client: industrialists, high profile lawyers and doctors would book them for business meetings. Today, though the financial background of customers remains high income, their purpose is transitioning to luxury travel. We have a lot of bookings for short distance exotic locations in south east Asia. We recently had a client who took a private jet to the Maldives to host his bachelor party in the air, says Tekriwal. Personal planner As flying private becomes more of an experiential travel choice, portals are rising up to the occasion by playing travel organisers. So you get choice of food, drinks and toiletries on board the jet, and private pick-ups and drops to hotels. But what does it cost? The rates range from `60,000 to `5 lakh per flying hour, with additional travel planning expenses, says Tekriwal. Companies draw up a written contract with their customers that officiate personalised arrangement, and amenities provided. They also run a security check on their consumers beforehand. A still of Tony Starks private flight. Take your pick Bookmycharters.com Jetsetgo.in Tajaironline.com Privatefly.in Aircharterservice.co.in SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Prime Minister David Cameron held crisis talks on Thursday to salvage Britains steel industry after Indian giant Tata Steel said it was putting its business in the country up for sale, threatening 15,000 jobs. The sale throws into doubt the future of an industry that fuelled British industrialisation and helped build its empire. Tatas decision also puts at risk Britains biggest steel plant at Port Talbot in the former industrial heartland of south Wales. The facility is Waless biggest single employer and closure would have a devastating impact on the local economy. While Cameron said I dont believe nationalisation is the right answer to protect the steel industry -- hit by plunging prices triggered by cheap imports from China -- he vowed to explore all options to help find a new buyer after Tatas announcement on Wednesday. Those jobs are vital to workers families, vital to those communities and the government will do everything it can working with the company to try and secure the future of steelmaking in Port Talbot and across our country, Cameron said after meeting ministers following his early return from holiday. Port Talbot, a central part of the Welsh economy since 1901, is reportedly losing 1 million (1.3 million euros, $1.4 million) a day in the face of high energy costs and plunging prices caused by a chronic global oversupply of steel. Everyone either works in Tata or knows somebody who does, said Christina Rees, a local MP for the main opposition Labour party. For every job lost at Tata, four others will be affected in the local communities. Daniel Helson, a 20-year-old who works in the towns coke ovens, said Port Talbot would just disappear, disintegrate if the plant closed. Read | No guarantees over future of Tata Steel assets: Cameron The houses will go. Therell be nothing here for anyone. Well all have to move away, he added. EU referendum implications Cameron is also battling to avoid the situation, giving fuel to campaigners who want Britain to leave the European Union in a tight referendum on June 23. Nigel Farage, leader of the anti-EU UK Independence Party, said Port Talbots position showed that a vote to remain in the EU would mean the end of the steel industry in this country. But Cameron said it highlighted that Britain needed to be in Europe making sure the markets are open. The government has been accused of turning a blind eye to Chinese dumping of steel on world markets in order to secure wider investment in Britains economy. A picture shows Tata Steel's steel plant in Scunthorpe, north east England. (AFP Photo) It rolled out the red carpet for China President, Xi Jinping, during a state visit last year while opposing EU plans to impose higher tariffs on Chinese steel. Compared to the United States, EU import tariffs on Chinese steel imports are low -- there is duty of 16% on Chinese cold-rolled steel compared to a 236% tariff in the US. It is galling that the UK government... has continued to block these changes in the EU -- leaving the steel industry on its knees, said Gareth Stace, director of UK Steel, the industrys trade association body. The government must support the lifting of the lesser duty rule, otherwise steel manufacturing will be lost in the UK. Not going to find a buyer Metal processing company Liberty House said it was looking at some of Tatas British assets but the groups president Sanjeev Gupta suggested it was more interested in processing plants rather than production facilities like Port Talbot. Analysts warned Tata would struggle to offload the production plants, of which there are three in total. They are not going to find a buyer because they would ask for substantial help and if they (the government) were ready to give such help, then they would have rather helped Tata, Mohan Sodhi from the Cass Business School at Londons City University told AFP. The steel industrys woes are the latest chapter in the demise of Britains once-proud heavy industry in traditionally working-class regions in Scotland, Wales and the north of England. A union worker wears a "Save Our Steel" badge as he speaks during a television interview near the Tata Steel steel plant at Port Talbot, south Wales. (AFP Photo) Britain accounted for 40% of the worlds steel production in 1875, exporting to its empire and the United States. The industry dwindled as it lost foreign and domestic market share to cheaper rivals and it has since become a politically-charged lightning rod for Britains industrial policy. It was nationalised by Labour in 1949, privatised by the Conservatives in 1952, nationalised by Labour in 1967 and then privatised again by the Conservatives in 1987. Read | Stung by heavy losses, Tata Steel to put entire UK plants up for sale CORRECTED Louisiana senators voted yesterday against repealing a law that requires that public schools give balanced treatment to evolution and creationism despite the fact that the law has been deemed unconstitutional and cant be enforced. The law, which also prohibits teaching evolution as scientific fact, was initially passed in 1981 but found unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court six years later . Its not supposed to be applied to classrooms. However, it hasnt yet been stripped from the books. The senators voted 4-2 against the laws repeal, reports the Associated Press. It basically creates a situation where only the secular review of creation is taught, said state Sen. John Milkovich, a Keithville Democrat, who was in favor of keeping it, according to the AP. Other such laws that were found unconstitutional have been repealed in the state. Im not asking you to give up your belief in God. Im not asking you to get in bed with the devil. Im just asking you to uphold your oath to the constitution, said Sen. Dan Claitor, a Republican from Baton Rouge, who hoped to delete the law. [CORRECTION: A previous version of this post misstated the court in which the law was deemed unconstitutional.] Brussels bomb-damaged airport said on Thursday it was technically ready to reopen but would not resume flights yet, even as prime Paris attacks suspect Salah Abdeslam indicated he wanted to cooperate with French authorities. Zaventem airport has been closed since its departure hall was wrecked in coordinated Islamic State suicide attacks on March 22 that also struck the citys metro system and killed 32 people. In a bid to end the travel chaos caused by the closure of an important European air hub, hundreds of staff staged drills earlier this week to test temporary check-in facilities as well as enhanced security measures. The bombings came just four months after 130 people were killed in terror assaults in Paris. Investigators have since uncovered connections between the two attacks, exposing a complex web of cross-border jihadist networks. Abdeslam, the sole surviving suspect of the Paris attacks, was arrested in Brussels on March 18 after four months on the run. The arrest was considered a rare success in Belgiums anti-terror fight, although he was found just metres from his family home and has refused to talk since the Brussels bombings despite having links to the attackers. Salah Abdeslam wants to be handed over to the French authorities, lawyer Cedric Moisse told reporters in Brussels. I can also confirm that he wants to cooperate with the French authorities. A prosecutor was to meet with Abdeslam at the prison where he is being held in the western city of Bruges to discuss his extradition under a European arrest warrant. A judge is set to rule on the extradition by Friday at the latest. Fruitless search Finding itself at the heart of Europes battle against terrorism, Belgium has carried out a series of raids and arrests in recent weeks. In the latest operation Thursday, police and soldiers searched a wooded area in Marke near the town of Courtrai in western Belgium, with authorities saying the raid was linked to a thwarted plot to attack France. The main suspect in that case, Reda Kriket, has been charged in France with membership of a terrorist organisation after police found an arsenal of weapons and explosives at his home. The Brussels bombers and suspects on the run. (AFP Photo) The joint French-Belgian operation by masked police and armed soldiers along a busy motorway lasted for several hours but ended without yielding any results. The operation is over. They didnt find any explosives or weapons and the operation did not lead to any arrests, said spokesman Eric Van der Sypt from the federal prosecutors office. Brussels airport meanwhile said it had received the go-ahead from fire services and the Belgian Civil Aviation Authority for a partial restart of passenger flights. The airport is thus technically ready for a restart, it said in a statement. However, the authorities have yet to take a formal decision on the restart date. Until Friday evening no passenger flights will take place at Brussels Airport. An undated handout image made available by Belgium Federal Police of Salah Abdeslam. (AP Photo) Under the temporary arrangements, the airport would be able to handle 800 departing passengers per hour, around 20% of normal capacity, it said. Arriving passengers will go through the usual baggage reclaim and arrivals area in the terminal as it was only slightly damaged and has since been restored for use. CCTV appeal Belgian-born French citizen Abdeslam, 26, has refused to answer questions since the day after his arrest. Before that he was questioned for three hours solely about the Paris attacks -- and not about possible further terror plots. After the Brussels attacks he again refused to speak to investigators. Abdeslam has connections to at least two of the Brussels bombers. Khalid El Bakraoui, who blew himself up at the metro, rented a flat in Brussels where Abdeslams fingerprints were found. One of the two airport bombers, Najim Laachraoui, once drove to Hungary with Abdeslam. Belgium is still searching desperately for a suspected third attacker, the so-called man in the hat seen in surveillance images alongside the two airport bombers. With no suspects in custody over the attacks, police on Thursday appealed for CCTV footage from members of the public. They asked all residents and business owners in the Brussels region who have surveillance cameras pointed at public roads not to delete any footage from March 15 onwards in case it could help the inquiry. Imre Kertesz, the Hungarian writer who has died aged 86, was a nervous mess as he took the call from the Nobel Committee in 2002 telling him he had won the most prestigious prize in literature. Yet this was a man who survived not only Nazi camps as a teenager but also the dark and brutal few years of Stalinist dictatorship immediately after World War II. In this he was not alone, but few could craft their unspeakable experiences into words on the page in the way this tormented and deeply pensive survivor of two dictatorships could. I wrote about the Holocaust because it was a unique experience, I had to live through such a defining experience of the 20th century, and I survived it. But I wrote novels, not Holocaust literature, Kertesz told German newspaper Die Zeit in 2009. He was, he said, particularly interested in what happens to language and people among totalitarian dictatorships. Kertesz, who died on Thursday after a long illness, was born into a Jewish family in 1929 in Budapest. He was sent to the Auschwitz Nazi death camp aged just 14 and then to Buchenwald. Miraculously he survived. Returning to Hungary, he was fired from his job as a journalist in 1951 after the paper he worked for was turned into a propaganda organ of the Communist regime. He decided he wanted to become a writer but it took him 13 years to write his first and key oeuvre, Fatelessness, as he struggled to find a structure, a frame in which words can come to life. Hungarian Nobel Prize in Literature winner Imre Kertesz holds his award during a ceremony at the Jewish Museum Berlin in this file picture taken November 15, 2008. (REUTERS) The book, an emotionless but powerful account of everyday life in Nazi camps through the eyes of a teenager, went almost unnoticed in Hungary when it was finally published in 1975. The communists never liked my books because they felt that they contained something explosive: a sort of cry against dictatorship, not just the Nazi dictatorship, he said later. He started translating into Hungarian German works -- Nietzsche, Duerrenmatt, Schnitzler and Wittgenstein -- and did not publish another novel until Fiasco in the late 1980s. The dapper writer eventually turned his back on Budapest and moved in 2001 to Berlin where he lived with his wife, until he returned to Hungary in 2013 because of illness. A thickset hawthorn hedge Little known in the English-speaking world, at least until he became Hungarys first -- and still only -- winner of the Nobel literature award, Kerteszs works have enjoyed considerable success translated into other languages, particularly German. In 2002 recognition, and some welcome money, came from the Nobel Committee, who praised writing that upholds fragile experience of the individual against the barbaric arbitrariness of history. His style, it said, was like a thickset hawthorn hedge, dense and thorny for unsuspecting visitors. But he relieves his readers of the burden of compulsory emotions and inspires a singular freedom of thought. Gabor T. Szanto, editor of the Jewish literary magazine Szombat and who interviewed Kertesz, told AFP on Thursday that the authors unprecedented suffering helped to give him unprecedented knowledge. He was one of the 20th centurys most influential Hungarian writers, not just through his works but through his thoughts and worldview as well, his publisher Krisztian Nyary from Magveto Publishing, told AFP. He will remain hugely influential on other writers in years to come, Nyary said. The Academy of Arts in Berlin, to which Kertesz entrusted his archive of manuscripts and correspondence, called his passing an enormous loss. He was an exceptional author, a writer who knew how to describe the history of his time in a way that was both poetic and political, Sabine Wolf, head of the academys literary archives, told AFP. The Holocaust, Kertesz said in 2002, was a scar on European culture, on the bond between ancient Greece and ourselves. The trauma will always be there. A drone strike near the Islamic State groups de facto Syrian capital Raqa killed a jihadist commander heading to Aleppo province on orders from the organisations chief, a monitoring group said on Thursday. His death is the latest in a series of blows to the Islamic State in recent weeks, and comes days after Russian-backed Syrian government forces recaptured the ancient city of Palmyra from its grip. Abu al-Hija, a high-ranking Tunisian IS commander, was killed late on Wednesday in a strike by a drone that was most likely operated by the US-led coalition, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. He had travelled to Syria from Iraq just 24 hours earlier at the behest of IS chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the Britain-based monitoring group said. Abu al-Hija is the latest senior IS member to be killed in recent weeks. Last week, US forces killed IS deputy leader, Abd ar-Rahman Mustafa al-Qaduli. Earlier this month one of the groups most notorious commanders, Omar al-Shishani, also died. ISs leadership is being debilitated, Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP. Without infiltration of IS, these killings would not have been possible. The latest killing came after Syrian government troops backed by Russian forces seized Palmyra on Sunday. The recapture of Palmyra, known as the Pearl of the Desert for its colonnaded alleyways and stunning temples, was seen as the biggest blow so far in the war against IS in Syria. While Russia and the United States back opposing sides in the conflict between the Syrian government and rebels, both are intent on crushing the jihadists. It is clear that Russia and the United States are coordinating in the fight against IS, Abdel Rahman said. Abu al-Hija had been ordered by Baghdadi to travel from Iraq to Aleppo province near Turkeys border to oversee IS resistance to an offensive by US-backed fighters of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces. The fighting, which has been especially fierce in the past four or five days, could lead to IS being expelled from the area and pushed eastwards into Raqa province, Abdel Rahman said. A top Pentagon official said earlier this week that IS was losing the fight against the US-led coalition in both Syria and Iraq, even as it continues to mount attacks overseas, like the suicide bombings that killed more than 30 people in Brussels on March 22. An Italian nurse has been arrested on suspicion of killing 13 patients by administering fatal doses of a blood-thinning drug while they were in intensive care, authorities announced on Thursday. Fausta Bonino allegedly killed the patients aged between 61 and 88 over the course of 2014 and 2015 at a hospital in the Tuscan town of Piombino, local police told a press conference. Investigators believe that the victims, all seriously but not terminally ill, died as a result of being given strong doses of the anticoagulant drug Eparina. Marketed as Heparin in the United States and other markets, the drug is used to prevent blood clotting. Bonino is accused of having given her victims up to 10 times the usual dose of the drug, including in certain cases where it had not been prescribed by the physicians treating the patients. The result, police said, was to rapidly trigger multiple and irreversible internal bleeds which killed the alleged victims. Bonino was arrested Wednesday after a review of all the recent abnormal deaths at the hospital identified her as being the only staff member involved in every case. The review was triggered after the units death rate for admitted patients spiked from 12% to 20%. In the horror rankings we have reached a new peak of human misery, Health Minister Beatrice Lorenzin said in a statement. Bonino has been imprisoned pending formal charges. Prosecutors want her to to be charged with multiple homicide with the aggravating factor of cruelty. Police said that the married mother of two grown-up children had been treated for depression. Her case follows that of Daniela Poggiali, a 44-year-old former nurse who received a life sentence in early March for the murder of one of the 38 patients she was initially suspected of having killed. Poggiali achieved global notoriety after it emerged she had taken selfies next to recently deceased patients and as a result of reports that she had given huge doses of potassium to sick people she found annoying. Sadly this (the Bonino case) is not the first time that serial killings have been uncovered with a killer nurse as the protagonist, Lorenzin said. Such action goes against every medical and ethical code. This latest episode shows once again the necessity of careful monitoring of the oldest and most fragile people when they trust their lives to health institutions, she added. We have to defend life with all our powers at every stage, including the terminal one. The defence of life is a fundamental value. The Pakistan government has written to Iran seeking help in investigating the activities of Kulbhushan Jhadav, an Indian national arrested in Balochistan on charges of spying, according to a media report on Thursday. A letter written by Pakistans interior ministry further sought the Iranian governments help to identify other agents of RAW, Indias external spy agency, operating in the region, Geo News channel reported. The letter also called on Iran to arrest and hand over another Indian spy identified only as Rakesh alias Rizwan. India has dismissed Pakistans allegations that Jhadav, a former officer of the Indian Navy, was involved in espionage. Minister of state for home affairs Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday accused Pakistan of cooking up stories to defame India and of releasing a doctored video in which Jhadav is seen purportedly confessing to New Delhis alleged involvement in terrorist activities in Balochistan. Jhadav, who was arrested by intelligence agencies in Balochistan, is believed to have been running a business in the Iranian port of Chabahar. Pakistan also said on Thursday it had apprised the European Union and major capitals about the arrest of Jhadav. Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria told a weekly news that the the whole world saw the Indian agents confessional statement. Read: Pak arrests RAW agent, India denies link: All you need to know Zakaria said Pakistan has shared evidence regarding Indias alleged involvement in terror activities with the United Nations. Jhadavs arrest will also be taken up with the world body, he said. A report in The Express Tribune newspaper said the backchannel contacts between the national security advisers (NSAs) of India and Pakistan to discuss security and terrorism-related issues was in danger of being scrapped after Indian NSA Ajit Dovals name was linked to the controversy created by the arrest of Jhadav. The daily quoted unnamed security officials as saying that Jhadavs confessional statement had confirmed the Indian NSAs role as the architect of RAWs current policy of stoking violence in Balochistan. On Tuesday, chief military spokesman Lt Gen Asim Bajwa had claimed that Jhadav was being directly handled by the Indian NSA and RAW chief. The serious nature of the allegation against Doval has compelled Pakistan to reconsider the arrangement involving the two NSAs, the report said. Read: Businessman? Cops son? Conflicting claims over spy arrested in Pak Doval and his Pakistani counterpart Lt Gen (retired) Nasser Khan Janjua have played a key role in recent efforts to put ties on an even keel. Their secret meeting in Bangkok in December paved the way for an agreement between the two countries to resume bilateral dialogue. The military establishment has conveyed its concerns to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and a final decision on continuing the contacts between the NSAs will be taken by the premier, the report said. Meanwhile, Iran on Thursday sought to clear the air over reports that Jhadav had been operating from its soil. A statement issued by the Iranian embassy in Islamabad said some elements were trying to spread undignified and offensive rumours to undermine Iran-Pakistan relations. During the past few days, some sections of Pakistani media have spread contents regarding detention of an Indian agent and the matter related to it, which could have negative implications on the fraternal and friendly atmosphere of Iran and Pakistan, the statement said. Iran had always proved itself as a confident partner and neighbour for Pakistan, whose western borders have never been threatened, the statement said. Security of Iran is security of Pakistan and security of Pakistan is security of Iran, the statement added. Read: Pak releases video of RAW officers confession, India rubbishes claim President Jacob Zuma flouted the Constitution in using public funds to upgrade his private residence and must repay the money, South Africas top court ruled on Thursday, sparking calls for his impeachment. The Constitutional Court delivered a damning verdict on the 73-year-old Zumas conduct after a swimming pool, chicken run, cattle enclosure and amphitheatre were built at his rural homestead as so-called security measures. The President had refused an ombudswomans orders to repay money spent on the upgrades, which became a symbol of alleged corruption and greed within the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party. Zuma failed to uphold, defend and respect the Constitution as the supreme law of the land, Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng said in a strongly worded judgement. The rebuke came as Zuma fights back against separate allegations that a wealthy Indian family influenced ministerial appointments in a scandal that has rocked his government. The Democratic Alliance (DA), South Africas main opposition party, said Zumas action amounts to a serious violation of the Constitution, and constitutes grounds for impeachment. It added it had officially begun the process to impeach Zuma. The DA brought the case to court with the far left Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party. We call on the president to step down with immediate effect, EFF leader Julius Malema said. We would call upon the ANC to do the right thing and recall the president. The government said in a statement that Zuma respects the courts judgment that he should repay the state some of the $16 million spent on upgrades to his private home. The President will reflect on the judgement and its implications on the state and government, and will in consultation with other impacted institutions of state determine the appropriate action, the statement said. Zuma weakened? Zuma recently endured renewed corruption allegations after deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas said he was offered the top job in the treasury by the Guptas, an Indian business family said to hold huge sway over the president. His standing was badly hit last year after he sacked two finance ministers within days, triggering a collapse in the rand and a major withdrawal of foreign investors. Zuma has also been battered by the countrys sharply declining economy. But he retains a strong grip on parliament through his dominant leadership of the ANC, and any impeachment bid looked unlikely to succeed. Public Protector Thuli Madonsela, the countrys ombudswoman, ruled in 2014 that Zuma had benefited unduly from the work on the Nkandla property in KwaZulu-Natal province, and that he should re-fund some of the money. The president reacted by ordering two government investigations that cleared his name including a report by the police minister which concluded the swimming pool was a fire-fighting precaution. Mogoeng said on Thursday that Zuma must personally pay the amount determined by the national treasury. The work was valued in 2014 at 216 million rand (then $24 million). Future of ANC The ANC controls parliament after winning elections in 2014, and Zuma easily survived a no-confidence vote earlier this month. A successful vote to impeach Zuma would require a two-thirds majority in the assembly. Opposition parties hope Thursdays ruling will bring gains in local elections this year as frustration grows over 25% unemployment and grinding poverty for many black people more than 20 years after the end of apartheid. He (Zuma) enjoys less power inside the ANC than he did before firing the finance ministers in December, Aubrey Matshiqi, analyst at the Helen Suzman Foundation, told AFP. But the erosion in power he has suffered is not sufficient and does not constitute a direct threat yet to his position. Zuma will have completed two terms in 2019 and is not eligible to run for president again, but the ANC could replace him ahead of the vote. The ANC led the fight against white minority rule and has ruled since Nelson Mandela became president in 1994. Turkish security and pro-Kurdish protesters clashed outside of a US think tank on Thursday ahead of a speech there by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Erdogan was in Washington to attend a major nuclear security summit hosted by President Barack Obama and was giving a speech at the Brookings Institution. Scuffles erupted as Turkish security moved to clear out about 40 protesters who had gathered outside the building carrying banners of Syrias Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD) and chanting Erdogan baby killer. A small pro-Turkish counter-demonstration also turned up at the scene, with one banner reading, No difference between PKK and ISIS, referring to the Kurdistan Workers Party and the Islamic State group. A reporter with US media outlet National Public Radio was kicked by Turkish security during the scuffle while other agents grabbed one of the effigies and ripped it up. About 20 Washington police officers tried to separate the two sides. Inside the event, Erdogans security agents tried to remove at least one US-based Turkish journalist from the room but Brookings staff intervened and he was allowed to stay. Turkey categorises the PYD as the Syrian branch of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which has fought a decades-long insurrection against the Turkish state. 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. Our ancestors may have killed off the last remaining Hobbits, or Homo floresiensis, an obscure human-like species that stood only three-feet tall and weighed 75 pounds, according to a new study. These dwarf-like hominoids were first discovered in 2003 by scientists excavating at the Liang Bua cave site located on the Indonesian island of Flores. At the time, scientists found evidence suggesting that these newly discovered species lived alongside humans until about 11 centuries ago. However, analysis on newer excavations reveal that these "hobbits," originally thought to be humans suffering from dwarfism, Down's syndrome or some other growth-stunting disease, went extinct 50,000 years ago. Scientists in the previous study came up with their timeline by analyzing the chemical makeup of the soil surrounding the fossils. However, new research reveals that dating from the previous study is most likely inaccurate because the soil used to analyze date the Hobbit remains were not evenly deposited. "At the time of the initial discovery, not enough of the older deposits had been exposed, and this led to an error in the interpretation of how the dates obtained at that time applied to the sediments that contained the hobbit remains," said researcher Matthew Tocheri of Lakehead University in Canada. Instead of focusing on excavating on the cave's center and eastern wall like previous studies, the researchers from the latest study focused on digging towards the back of the cave. Besides expanding the excavation site, Tocheri and his team used several dating methods, including uranium-series dating and infrared stimulated luminescence methods, to reveal that the Hobbit skeletal remains were from 60,000 to 100,000 years old and the artifacts or simple stone tools that they left behind were around 50,000 to 190,000 years old. "The youngest Hobbit skeletal remains occur at 60,000 years ago but evidence for their simple stone tools continues until 50,000 years ago. After this there are no more traces of these humans," co-researcher Maxime Aubert said. Aubert said that the latest findings suggest early humans may have been involved in wiping out these pint-sized hominoids. "Homo floresiensis seems to have disappeared soon after our species reached Flores, suggesting it was us who drove them to extinction," he explained. "These results are tantalizingly close to the earliest evidence for modern humans in the region, which might suggest a causal link to the subsequent disappearance of H. floresiensis," said Tom Higham, an archaeological scientist at the University of Oxford. While experts believe that humans and Hobbits really did live side-by-side on the island of Flores, the researchers said that more studies are needed to see if we were really the culprit of Homo floresiensis extinction. "They might have retreated to more remote parts of Flores, but it's a small place and they couldn't have avoided our species for long. I think their days were numbered the moment we set foot on the island," said co-researcher Adam Brumm. "It's a smoking gun for modern human interaction, but we haven't yet found the bullet," said co-lead researcher Richard Roberts, a geochronologist at the University of Wollongong in Australia. The latest findings were published in the March 30 issue of the journal Nature. @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A proposal to designate an underwater mountain range and ecosystem of diverse red coral and many fish, Cashes Ledge, as the Atlantic Ocean's first national marine monument, will not go forward soon. The White House Council on Environmental Quality conveyed the news last week that President Barack Obama has decided not to create the monument at this time. That's a disappointment to environmental groups, which want protection for Cashes Ledge and a nearby area, Coral Canyons and Seamounts, east of Cape Ann, Mass. The two together have been called "the Yellowstone or Yosemite of the ocean" by Peter Baker, director for U.S. Oceans and Northeast for the Pew Charitable Trusts. The areas are known for strong biodiversity, kelp forests and providing habitat for threatened right whales. Cashes Ledge has mountain peaks that rise near the water surface. Both areas are in the Gulf of Maine. "Currently, there are four marine monuments protecting 300,000 square miles of the Pacific," said Baker. "For the Atlantic, we're proposing that 6,000 square miles with these two monuments be protected." The groups argue that Obama could use the Antiquities Act to bypass congressional approval for a monument. President George Bush did this in 2006 when he created what is now the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, an area of 140,000 square miles off Hawaii. The groups' fear is that if this area of the Atlantic goes unprotected, it will later be exposed to oil and gas exploration dredging or undersea mining for minerals. Both of those are already happening elsewhere; Canada's Nova Scotia is being explored for gas. Two scientists - Peter Auster of Mystic Aquarium and Scott Kraus of the New England Aquarium - recently completed scientific analysis of both areas and released the findings in a webinar sponsored by Pew Trusts. Kraus studied marine mammals relatively near to the surface, and Auster focused on benthic fish (those at the lowest water level). "It's unfortunate that [the White House] made that announcement before getting the scientific information available today," Baker said during the webinar. Post-analysis, the scientists noted that Cashes Ledge has 509 times the fish biomass of coastal areas, and provides habitat for a thrilling range of whales and dolphins and a resident population of cod. In the Canyons and Seamounts area, four seamounts with very steep sides rise from deep oceanographic regions into shallow water. There are at least 73 types of coral and 615 occurrences of coral in those waters, and some of the coral grow to two and a half meters in height. Coral of this type and size is likely "a millennia in age" based on aging studies in other areas, noted Kraus. The range of chemosynthetic communities, those that use chemical energy instead of energy from sunlight, in the Seamounts area is unusual, Kraus noted. These benthic communities are an important part of the food web. Elsewhere in the Seamounts area, thousands of dolphins swim. It is the marine equivalent of the Serengeti, says Auster. Beaked whales live there as well - they are the deepest divers on the planet and are also able to stay down the longest. The scientists propose protection of Cashes Ledge and Seamounts partly because they are already relatively pristine. Cashes Ledge has virtually no fishing, having been protected for 14 years by New England Fisheries Management Area. But the two scientists noted that oil and gas exploration dredging could be a threat, as could manganese mining. Preserving the two areas would most likely increase the number of fish that thrive there and go into nearby fisheries, Auster pointed out. This idea is backed up by a 2015 study of waters in and near marine protected areas in California's Channel Islands by the University of California Santa Barbara. The marine worlds there showed greater biodiversity after 10 years of protection. "As America expanded into the western territories, presidents like Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson acted decisively to protect natural treasures such as Yellowstone, Yosemite and the Grand Canyon before they could be industrialized," said Michael Conathan, director of ocean policy for the Center of American Progress, in the webinar. "With similar leadership from President Obama, areas like Cashes Ledge and the New England Coral Canyons and Seamounts are poised to become the national treasures of tomorrow." @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Colorados highest court is set to wade into the teacher-tenure debate after agreeing to hear a case brought by seven current and former Denver Public School (DPS) teachers. The teachers are suing DPS over how the district is using the states 2010 teacher-evaluation law to place tenured teachers on unpaid leave . Before the 2010 law, tenured teachers who were excessed"&mash;that is, lost their current position because of program changes (say a school decided not to offer Spanish anymore, for instance), were guaranteed a new placement. Those teachers were just assigned to an open teaching position in the district, whether or not the principal at the new school wanted them there, in a practice called force placement. Since 2010, DPS has been placing excessed teachers on temporary assignments and giving them 12 months to find a position via mutual consent"one where the principal and other staff agree to take them on. If unsuccessful after 12 months, those teachers are placed on unpaid leave. Teachers and their unions argue that this process violates the central tenets of tenure, saying it amounts to the same thing as firing teachers without cause or a hearing. District leaders and principals across the country have argued that forced placement too often leads to weak teachers being placed in low-income and minority schools, because these schools are the most likely to experience frequent openings. They argued this practice exacerbates achievement gaps. If districts must go back to forced placement, then those students are the most likely to have teachers who are not the right fit forced into their schools, Denver Public Schools acting superintendent Susana Cordova told Chalkbeat Colorado . Denver superintendent Tom Boasberg, currently on a six-month leave of absence, struck a similar note , talking to my colleague Stephen Sawchuk a few years back: Schools are incredibly mission-driven organizations, and each has its own unique culture. Its really important that all of the members of the team at the school buys into that vision. But teachers and their unions say that just because a teacher is excessed doesnt mean he or she is a bad teacher. Union leaders have argued mutual consent opens the door to the kinds of favoritism and nepotism that teachers unions were created to counteract . Rob Weil, the director of field programs for the American Federation of Teachers, told Sawchuk: At a minimum, its a return to the old industrial model, top-down management of schools that didnt work then and isnt going to work now. Its definitely going back to yesterday. The Denver case was originally filed back in 2014 . The District Court Judge Michael Martinez sided with the school district , ruling that placing a teacher on unpaid leave isnt the same thing as firing him or her altogether. The teachers, however, won on appeal, which led the district to ask the states Supreme Court to hear the case. Denver is far from alone, several districts and states have fought to end force placement. Usually with a self-proclaimed education reformer at the helm, Rhode Island, the District of Columbia, Chicago and New York City are just some of the jurisdictions that have targeted these involuntary transfers. For more on the Denver lawsuit: In the distant past, massive sharks roamed our seas. Now, scientists are taking a closer look at what caused these Jaws-like behemoths to die off - and they found that it may just have been prey scarcity. The largest shark to ever exist is called Carcharocles megalodon. This creature lived between 23 million and 2.6 million years ago. It was massive during its lifetime, spanning up to 18 meters in length. This shark likely fed on marine mammals, like killer whales do today. However, this massive shark became extinct. While scientists have long blamed climate change for its disappearance, researchers wanted to investigate the phenomenon a bit further. Now, they've gotten a closer look at how the megalodon may have finally gone extinct. In this latest study, the researchers looked at 200 megalodon records from museum collections and databases. This allowed the scientists to reconstruct the range and abundance of the massive shark. So what did they find? About 16 million years ago, the shark could be found in the Northern Hemisphere in the relatively warm waters off of the coast of America. They could also be found around Europe and the Indian Ocean. The sharks then later moved into the Asian, Australian and South American coastal waters. Then, about five million years ago, the sharks went into a continuous decline. Interestingly, though, the researchers didn't find any evidence that climate changes were responsible for this decline. "We were not able to ascertain any direct link between the extinction of C. megalodon and the global fluctuations in temperatures during this time," said Catalina Pimiento from the Paleontological Institute and Museum of the University of Zurich, one of the researchers of the new study. "Changing climatic conditions do not appear to have had any influence on the population density and range of the giant sharks." The findings reveal a bit more about this massive shark. More specifically, it shows that climate may not have been the major cause of this decline. Instead, it's likely a decline in prey and the appearance of new predators that may have actually caused this massive shark to become extinct. The findings are published in the Journal of Biogeography. @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Yuba River Charter School in Nevada County, Calif., has been shut down and quarantined after school officials learned that an unvaccinated child with measles had attended school prior to spring break. The Nevada County Public Health Department revealed that the child had travelled overseas and became sick after returning to the United States. The child has since recovered from the illness, but since he showed symptoms while attending school earlier this month, officials decided to err on the side of caution and quarantine the campus - especially due to the contagious nature of measles which can easily be spread through air or direct contact. Based on records, Nevada County is highly susceptible to measles, ranking among the lowest in terms of vaccination rates in California. Only 77 percent of incoming kindergartners have been fully vaccinated by the start of the 2015-2016 academic year, with YRCS being particularly vulnerable, as only 43 percent of kindergarten students are fully vaccinated. As such, even though the school re-opened Wednesday, only students who have provided sufficient documentation of an immunity to measles will be allowed to attend classes. These documents include a documentation of at least one measles vaccination two weeks prior to March 17 (the last day the affected child attended school while showing symptoms) or later, or a blood test report showing IgG antibodies to measles. If the infected child, or any other child for that matter, fails to present these documents then they will be barred from going to school. Excluded students students can resume school on April 8 once the Health Officer from the Nevada County Public Health Department affirms that the period of surveying the outbreak of measles is done and no new cases of measles have sprouted in the vicinity. In the meantime, they have been urged to remain quarantined. California is no stranger when it comes to measles. Despite the disease being declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, pockets of unvaccinated children have led to outbreaks in recent years including a 2015 outbreak that started in two Disney theme parks in Southern California and wound up leaving 130 people infected across the state. That outbreak - along with several other, smaller cases from later that year - led to legislation being passed that makes it more difficult for parents to leave their childen unvaccinated. Unfortunately for YRCS, it only goes into effect for the 2016-17 school year. @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. As white-nose syndrome continues to make its way across North America, scientists have found that the deadly bat disease has spread across the Eastern U.S. and made its way to the Northwest. The finding stemmed from a test on a small brown bat that died at a Seattle-area research facility, which revealed that it was infected with white-nose syndrome originating from the Pseudogymnoascus destructans fungus. The fungus, which weakens bats by eating away at their skin and destroying their biological rhythms, has killed over 6 million North American bats thus far. Until now, the westernmost known location of the fungus was Nebraska, but experts now worry that it will likely make its way into Oregon, if it hasn't already. "We are extremely concerned," said Dan Ashe, federal fish and wildlife director. Although the fungus is native to Europe and Asia, it made its first appearance in the U.S. in 2006 when researchers discovered infected bats in eastern New York state. Since then, the fungus has made its way through 32 states and five Canadian provinces. Scientists are still unsure as to how the disease reached Washington, and they are working to determine whether the dead bat was alone or the first discovered victim of a larger infestation, although they believe that the latter possibility is the most likely. As of now, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is working to keep watch on the area where the infected bat was discovered and search for other victims. "The bat found near North Bend most likely had been roused from hibernation and was attempting to feed at a time of very low insect availability," said Katie Haman, a veterinarian with the department. "At this point we don't know where the infected bat may have spent the winter, but it seems likely that it was somewhere in the central Cascades." "The concern has always been it would show up somewhere in North America and create a new center of detection and spread from there," said Jeremy Coleman of the U.S. Geological Survey. "We've been bracing for such a jump, fortunately it hasn't happened until now." The effects of the disease have been described as the most sudden decline in American wildlife in recorded history. @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. H ouse prices are rising at almost three times the national average in two London boroughs due to have faster transport links thanks to the Elizabeth line. Hillingdon has eclipsed every other borough in the capital in the past 12 months, with a price rise of 17.1 per cent, taking the average cost of buying to 390,000 in areas such as Hayes & Harlington and West Drayton, where new stations are planned along the rail route, including a spur to Heathrow. The latest Land Registry figures also show sharp rises in Havering in east London, where a similar pace of growth has taken average property prices to 361,000. Romford, Gidea Park and Harold Wood, all within the borough of Havering, will each have stations on the eastern section of the Elizabeth line. Average house prices along the western section of the Elizabeth line A study released by property consultant CBRE predicts that average prices around Elizabeth line stations will increase above local house price growth until the line launches in 2018/19, resulting in an average price hike of 133,000 between now and when the first trains run. Recent reports from Rightmove have shown that asking prices for homes along the line have soared by up to a third in 12 months, with the furthest reaches of the route emerging as its best performers so far thanks to journey times to central London being slashed so heavily. In Hillingdon, trains from West Drayton to Tottenham Court Road will shave almost half an hour off travel times, while commutes will be 27 minutes faster from the new station at Hayes & Harlington. Asking prices in two parts of Havering have soared over the last year, says Rightmove. Harold Wood had a 28 per cent rise, to an average price of 278,000, while in Romford there was a 27 per cent rise, to an average price of 267,000. Guy Bentley, CEO Worldwide of Glion Institute of Higher Education recounts his experience at the recent "Inside the Future of Luxury" panel held recently in London and dissects discussion outcomes on their relevance and implications for higher education. Taking stock of the UK's luxury industries At the charming premises of Home House in Marylebone, Glion recently had the privilege of hosting luxury industry leaders from a range of different British brands to debate the nature of future luxury consumers and their notions and expectations of high-level costumer experiences. In front of a select group of Glion students, alumni and guests, representatives from sectors as diverse as hospitality, jewellery, auctioning, yachting and private aviation shared their assessment of the state and future of the UK's high-end creative and cultural industries, which have grown over 25% in 2010 2013 and are forecast to reach sales values of GBP 51 - 57 billion by 2019 and account for 158,000 to 177,000 jobs, according to a recent study commissioned by Walpole, UK's luxury trade association. With this rapid growth and the volatility of global markets, luxury businesses need to keep reinventing themselves and create the type of products and services that continue to inspire new breeds of consumers, while staying true to their origins and heritage. Identifying the future luxury consumer The main challenge remains equal to all brands within the luxury sector: how to sell non-essential goods and services. Typically, brands utilise design, branding and the experience related to a good or a service to differentiate from competition and engage customers and all three categories need to be of the highest level and quality to inspire consumers to choose and stay loyal to a certain brand. At the same time, consumer groups are changing with a younger millennial generation gaining spending power that is well-informed and spoilt for choice, since it makes most purchasing decisions online and expects the best value for money within a specific price range. In order to cater to this consumer group, auctioneer Christie's is increasingly running online-only auctions for modern art, watches and wine and now generates over 30% of its new business over online channels. But also more senior customers' behaviour is shifting: where a Sunseeker boat show in the past attracted a mostly male clientele it has today become a family event, where purchasing decisions are made across genders and generations. Luxury companies have further developed strong relationship management with their top-tier clientele and organise non-accessible, unique experiences to ensure their brand loyalty. At Boodles, buyers of certain collections get access to exclusive private performances of the Royal Ballet, accompanied by a Boodles family member. Creating luxury experiences for tomorrow In terms of products and services, the luxury industry is seeing a general shift from luxury goods towards luxury experiences, as many consumers already own the luxury goods they aspire to. Also, experiences tend to be more inclusive and can be shared with others, either in person or via social media. The high-end hospitality sector has typically been an area of experiential luxury, where guests are willing to spend more for a higher quality of service and a heightened atmosphere. Celebrity chef Marcus Wareing builds on the heritage of his restaurants and caters his service to fulfil his guests' every wish. Contemporary Mark Hix commissions artists to create unique restaurant environments, such as huge Damien Hirst sculpture of a cow and a chicken kept in formaldehyde for his latest grill restaurant. For long-time London hotelier and Glion alumnus Stephen Alden, innovations often occur across sectors and through creative collaborations. A turning-point in the industry was when hotels discovered design and luxury brands discovered service, realising that costumers expect the highest level of service throughout the entire journey, from product promotion to sales consulting and after-sales service. Across the industry, online channels have become indispensable to raise awareness for brands and facilitate transactions. Quintessentially Lifestyle, a bespoke concierge service, teases members with the latest luxury experiences in their online community to then suggest personalised unique experiences based on customers' preferences. Private jet charterer Victor follows a high-tech/high-touch approach with a customised app complementing a high-level customer service, enabling clients to choose how they wish to book their charters and how much interaction they prefer in the process. Preparing talent for the luxury industry Despite digitalisation trends, consumers seem to appreciate a human element within the transaction and on the highest levels of luxury, a need for personal interaction prevails to provide the personalised, compassionate service that inspires consumers' confidence. With Glion, we have recently established a world-leading higher education institution in London that looks back on long-standing tradition of classical Swiss hospitality, paired with the business and soft skills required to lead teams and operations. Our latest undergraduate track combines hospitality and luxury brand management and prepares students to join this aspiring sector and create future personalised experiences. Because according to Stephen Alden, "Luxury is something that moves you with an emphasis on you." Paula Hunter Weber Shandwick 07739989915 Glion Can I Go to Jail for Not Paying Restitution? You were ordered to pay restitution at your sentencing hearing and you haven't done it, so you're scared you will go to jail. And you may, although there is a process and a prosecutor will have to prove a willful failure to pay in order to punish you for this. In some criminal cases, restitution is ordered as part of sentencing, whether after a trial verdict or in a negotiated resolution. Paying restitution is often made a condition of probation, for example. Let's take a look at how restitution arises and what happens if you do not pay. Paying Restitution Restitution is often made a condition of probation as a way to keep a defendant on the hook for failure to pay, although this may vary from state to state. Say you were ordered to pay restitution as part of probation, then there is probably a set amount you must pay on a monthly or other regular basis. Restitution goes to victims, not to the state, and when you do not pay it, your probation officer will probably issue a violation. A probation violation hearing is not like a trial -- the burden of proof on the prosecution is lower than at trial. But it also not automatic -- your officer cannot just decide you have violated and send you to jail. A notice of violation will be sent to the prosecution and the state will have to prove that you willfully did not pay. That means if you cannot pay, you cannot be violated but if you choose not to pay, you will be punished. At that point if you are found to have violated, the judge will decide if and how to punish this. If restitution is the only basis for a violation, the court may decide that you should not be in custody so as to not further disrupt your payment schedule. Handling Restitution If you are in trouble with your restitution payments, don't wait for probation to issue a violation or the court to order a hearing. Make contact with probation. Develop a relationship with your officer so that when something happens, they will give you a break and maybe let you have a little extra time to pay before issuing a violation. Talk to a Lawyer If you or someone you know has been charged with a crime or has already been sentenced and is facing a probation violation for failure to pay restitution or fines, speak to a lawyer. Many criminal defense attorneys consult for free or a minimal fee and will be happy to assess your situation. Related Resources: Two student teams' presentations were so strong that the judges in the Cornell Hospitality Business Plan Competition declared a tie. Both teams will be awarded the first-place prize money of $25,000, the largest prize package on campus specifically for current Cornell University students. The co-winners in the 2016 edition of the competition are Team Last Second Beach and Team Maidbot. Team Chill won third place, with a prize of $5,000. A total of five student teams, which have been working on their plans for the entire academic year, presented their business concepts to a judging panel of entrepreneurs. The competition was held during the annual student-run event, Hotel Ezra Cornell. Team Last Second Beach plans to offer a mobile app that aggregates and presents the best options for travelers seeking to take short beach vacations such as all-inclusive resorts and cruises, thereby fulfilling consumers' needs and giving distributors a targeted, low-cost distribution channel. Aimed at hotel operations, Maidbot is a robotic vacuum cleaner that would speed room turnaround by assisting room attendants in cleaning rooms and public spaces. Team Chill's plan is for a chain of Italian ice shops allowing for personal self-service customization. The teams are composed of primarily students at the School of Hotel Administration. Students from other colleges including the Johnson School, the ILR School, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and the College of Engineering also participated in the competition. The winning teams are: Last Second Beach: Owen Buehler ENG '16, Zach Demuth MMH '16, Harrison Goldstein ENG '18, and Khalid Ladha MMH '16;Maidbot: Alex Levy SHA '18; andChill: Hanna Basra SHA '17, Joseph Bell SHA '17, W. Spenser Cardenas SHA '17, and David Luo SHA'17. The Hospitality Business Plan Competition is part of the experiential learning programs of the Leland C. and Mary M. Pillsbury Institute for Hospitality Entrepreneurship at the School of Hotel Administration (SHA). This years' total of over $35,000 in prizes is the largest yet for the competition. The purpose of the competition is to educate the student teams and give them experience in conceptualizing, researching, and articulating a business idea, all skills they will need to successfully launch a business. Throughout the competition, SHA faculty advise the student teams, as do the members of the institute's extensive entrepreneurship network. In determining the top concepts, judges considered factors such as whether the target market size for the concept is sufficiently large and attractive for the company to eventually reach scale, and whether the proposed business model makes sense, so that the company can actually make money. The final presentations had to be clearly articulated and supported with data relating to potential demand and market barriers. The competition is supported by gifts from the title sponsor, Stephen Thomson '82, and the originating sponsor, the Sun Family, Stanley '00 and his parents Dennis and Betty. Additional sponsors include platinum sponsors Greg Dollarhyde '80, MBA '81, Hersha Hospitality Trust, and Marriott International; and silver sponsors Elizabeth Shingleton Glomsrud '00 and Barbara Foote Shingleton '75. 2016 first place winners: Team Last Second Beach (Owen Buehler ENG '16, Zach Demuth MMH '16, Harrison Goldstein ENG '18, and Khalid Ladha MMH '16) and Team Maidbot (Alex Levy SHA'18). Photo by Cornell About the Cornell Hospitality Business Plan Competition The purpose of the Cornell Hospitality Business Plan Competition is to provide an experiential learning opportunity to rising entrepreneurs and assist them in developing a professional business plan in the hospitality industry. The process involves direct interaction with experienced entrepreneurs and venture capital and equity investors. About the Leland C. and Mary M. Pillsbury Institute for Hospitality Entrepreneurship The Leland C. and Mary M. Pillsbury Institute for Hospitality Entrepreneurship, which opened in 2006, teams students with seasoned faculty and accomplished entrepreneurs to help them develop the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions. The Pillsbury Institute is also a source of information on creating a hospitality business, managing a small and family-operated business, purchasing a franchise, developing a corporate venture, funding a new venture, and being an innovator. It looks like you've reached a page that doesnt exist (anymore). Please use the navigation or search above to find content on Hospitality Net. Go back to home What's Your 'Threat Score'? When you ask for a loan, a bank will run a credit report to see if you're a good candidate. Data from other banks, lenders, and vendors will spit out a credit score and the bank will then make its decision accordingly. And when you commit a crime, local police now have the ability to run a threat report, gathering data from arrest reports and property records to social media postings in order to create a threat score, and tailor their response accordingly. If it all sounds a bit like Philip K. Dick's precogs, you're right, with all the attendant privacy and punishment concerns. Beware of Precog As The Washington Post reported, software like Beware can be incredibly helpful to law enforcement. After a 911 call reporting a man threatening his ex-girlfriend, Fresno police consulted Beware, which returned the highest possible threat score: "The man had a firearm conviction and gang associations, so out of caution police called a negotiator. The suspect surrendered, and police said the intelligence helped them make the right call -- it turned out he had a gun." Fresno's Real Time Crime Center is exactly how you would picture it: a "futuristic control room" with dozens of monitors on the walls relaying footage from hundreds of police, school, traffic, and (soon) officer body cameras, along with data from ShotSpotter, a series of microphones strung throughout the city to locate gunfire. And added to this array are Beware and Media Sonar, software that crawls social media feeds searching for mentions of illegal activity. Be Aware According to the Post, Beware's maker, Intrado, hasn't revealed the exact formula it uses to create its threat scores, but most of the data is generated from the address: "As officers respond to calls, Beware automatically runs the address. The searches return the names of residents and scans them against a range of publicly available data to generate a color-coded threat level for each person or address: green, yellow or red." Without knowing exactly how a person's threat score is calculated, it's difficult to know which privacy interests are at play, or how accurate the system is. Intrado told the Post it uses "commercially available, public information," but precisely how it uses that information remains a mystery. For now, you may want to find out who lived in your house before you, and be careful what you post on Twitter. If you've been charged with a crime -- whether based on fancy new technology or the old fashioned way -- you should talk to an experienced criminal defense attorney about your case. Related Resources: In year-over-year comparisons, the country's occupancy dropped 12.4% to 55.0%; average daily rate for the week was up 1.0% to CAD133.18; and revenue per available room fell 11.5% to CAD73.31. The Canadian hotel industry reported mostly negative results in the three key performance metrics during the week of 20-26 March 2016, according to data from STR. In year-over-year comparisons, the country's occupancy dropped 12.4% to 55.0%; average daily rate for the week was up 1.0% to CAD133.18; and revenue per available room fell 11.5% to CAD73.31. Among the provinces, British Columbia reported the only rise in occupancy (+4.8% to 67.5%) for the week as well as the only double-digit increases in ADR (+14.6% to CAD152.13) and RevPAR (+20.1% to CAD102.64). Alberta experienced the steepest declines in occupancy (-23.9% to 46.3%) and RevPAR (-28.7% to CAD61.31). ADR in the province dropped 6.4% to CAD132.41. Saskatchewan reported the largest drop in ADR (-6.9% to CAD123.63) along with double digit occupancy (-22.9% to 47.8%) and RevPAR (-28.2% to CAD59.03) decreases. Newfoundland and Labrador reported a 23.6% decline in occupancy to 45.2% and a 27.7% decrease in RevPAR to CAD57.01. In Nova Scotia, occupancy fell 23.5% to 49.3%, while RevPAR was down 25.1% to CAD57.18. About STR STR provides clients from multiple market sectors with premium, global data benchmarking, analytics and marketplace insights. Founded in 1985, STR maintains a presence in 10 countries around the world with a corporate North American headquarters in Hendersonville, Tennessee, and an international headquarters in London, England. For more information, please visit str.com. The 90s is a decade that becomes more legendary with time. The magical aura that surrounds Led Zeppelin IV or Ziggy Stardust begins to surround albums like Illmatic and Reasonable Doubt. In the case of 90s hip hop, cover art was a vital piece of any albums identity, and many artists created images that would be as recognizable as their beats and lyrics, if not more so. How many Illmatic rip-off shirts have you seen? What about Ready to Die? These album covers the subjects, typography, effects, and overall vibe have become ingrained in our culture the same way as posters for films like Godfather or Forest Gump. Today we take a look at the most iconic hip hop album covers of the 90s. Click through the gallery to take a trip down memory lane 2Pac All Eyez on Me (1996) The cover for All Eyez on Me is quintessential Death Row imagery: black, red, and white with a mean-mugging artist on the front. Shakur throws up the westside W with one hand and flaunts his Death Row chain with the other; its a sign of the times. In 96, the beef between New York and LA was coming to a boil, and this album cover provoked the skirmish while reminding the people just which side you were supporting when you bought this double album. With a running time of over two hours, AEOM features everyone from George Clinton to Nate Dogg, and even ditches the east/west thing temporarily to invite Method Man and Redman on a track. The music lives on, as does the image of Tupac leaning over the back of a chair. The Notorious B.I.G. Ready to Die (1994) If were going to start with 2Pac, then we must follow up with Biggie. Ready to Die is one of the most infamous hip hop debuts of all time. The Notorious B.I.G. released this one to the world in 1994 under Puff Daddys Bad Boy Records. It was Bad Boys first release, period. The album cover depicts a young Biggie, afro and all, floating in white space in stark contrast to Death Rows black backdrop. This baby is so iconic, that it was used in the Supreme x Bad Boy collaboration years back. While the baby picture remains as iconic as Nas Illmatic portrait, the typography on this one is perhaps even more influential. The black and red letters have been nodded to time and time again throughout fashion and pop culture. Nas Illmatic (1994) Heres an album that changed it all sonically, but also one that has had a huge impact with its image. There are entire articles dedicated to Illmatic nods and rip-offs. Whether its an up and coming MC or Michael Jordans clothing line, the image of Nas debut record is everywhere. Nas himself nodded to the Illmatic artwork on his follow-ups It Was Written, I Am, and Nastradamus. When you have something that isnt broke, theres no point in fixing it, and although the logo changed after the first album, that double-image of a young boy and his Queens streets will live forever. Dr. Dre The Chronic (1992) In a lot of ways, Dr. Dre jumpstarted the trend of hip hop culture sampling imagery. The Chronic showcases its star in the center of the Zig Zag rolling papers design, making the company forever linked to rap music in the subconscious of humans everywhere. (I wonder if Zig Zag saw a huge boost in sales around the time the record dropped) The music on this LP is legendary, as is the repurposing of joint paper graphics for the hip hop nation. Snoop Doggy Dogg Doggystyle (1993) Legend has it that Joe Cool created the album cover for Doggystyle for just $25. Cool took elements from Funkadelic, just like everyone doing the G-funk thing did, and blended them up with his own comic-like cartoon illustrations. I didnt think it would be iconic, man, Joe Cool told HipHopDX. And then when it sold as many as it sold, and I seen my shit up there, it just gave melike damn. I cant believe it. My artwork is out there, cause Snoop let it come. He gave me the opportunity, man. He got me a little bit of 15 minutes of fame up in the world. Its been 20 years, man. He gave me that opportunity. Man I love him for it. Cool would work with Snoop again on his Greatest Hits album cover, drawing the Doggfather himself in front of a bunch of stripping bitchesyou know, like dogs. Outkast ATLiens (1996) The south is a mecca for rap nowadays, but back in the 90s it received little recognition. Outkast paved the way, though, with a run of classic albums all the way through their discography. Among them is ATLiens, dawning a comic-like album cover that was elaborated upon in the 24-page booklet that came with the album. Artist D.L. Warfield is the mastermind behind this conceptually rich design, and this jumpstarted a lucrative career in designing album art for other artists like Usher, TLC, and Goodie Mob [via]. DMX Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood (1998) Jonathan Mannion has enough album covers under his name to comprise a list himself, but out of the hundreds of album covers hes responsible for, DMXs Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood still sticks out. DMX, the crazy rap cat we all know him as, kicked off the albums first verse with, I got blood on my hands and theres no remorse and got blood on my dick cause I fucked a corpse. Straight naaaaasty. Mannion recalled with MTV News: We got in, I had chills the entire time we were shooting. He got in with his own pants realizing that he had 14 other pants on a rack that, in the other room that the stylist brought. And we had an incredible day and made amazing pictures. Wu-Tang Clan Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) (1993) Wu-Tang have an unmistakable style that is completely unlike anyone else in hip hop. While rappers have enjoyed channeling their inner-gangster or mafia member, very few have embraced eastern culture like the Clan. From their name down to their personas and lyrics, the Clan embody the art of Kung Fu in their rapsomething unprecedented before they came along. The 36 Chambers album cover is the product of Daniel Hastings, a photographer / designer who recalled the process in a piece with Egotripland a few years ago: I loved their logo. So I was like, lets take this logo and just make a big fuckin gold logo. So I got an artist to carve it out of foam core and paint it gold. And then we got a crazy church locationToday, that place is gorgeous. You cant rent that place for less than 5 Gs. [Back then] this place was destroyed. There was like rocks coming out of the walls. It was just crazy. But it was like an abandoned synagogue, and I was like, Wow, this could work as a monastery.' Jay Z Reasonable Doubt (1996) Heres another product of Jonathan Mannion, who has done multiple Jay Z albums over their careers. Reasonable Doubt is the celebrated debut from Hov, an album that even he says is his best. The luxurious production played the backdrop from Jay Zs mafioso rhymes, which thrusted him into the mainstream and set him up for a fruitful career. Just earlier this year, Mannion went on Sway in the Morning to discuss the process A Tribe Called Quest Midnight Marauders (1993) While we still feel the loss of Phife Dawg, we take a second to divert our pain to give props to the Midnight Marauders album art. A Tribe Called Quest decided to make many members of the hip hop community apart of their Tribe with the album art, of which they had three different varieties, one with a red frame, one with a green frame, one with a black frame. Depending on which one you got, there were different hip hop stars on the cover. The red frame had Grandmaster Caz, DJ Tony Tone, and Pharoahe Monche, among others. The black frame had Del The Funkee Homosapien, P. Diddy, DJ Kid Capri, and the dudes from Pharcyde, among others. Meanwhile, the green frame was stacked with the likes of Chuck D, Too $hort, Kool Moe Dee, Grandmaster Flash, Afrika Bambaataa, Ad-Rock, MCA, Ice-T, and more. There's a new anthem for the times we live in! Californian rappers YG and Nipsey Hussle join forces on the joyous Fuck Donald Trump, which samples the Republican frontrunners infamous Mexico speech and black students who were kicked out of one of his rallies in Georgia. I like white folks, but I dont like you/ All the niggas in the hood wanna fight you, the duo proclaim over a bass-heavy beat. Later on, they issue a: "It wouldn't be the U.S.A. without Mexicans. And if it's time to team up, shit, let's begin clarion call. Adding to the spirit of solidarity is the fact that Ty is a Blood, and his partner in rhyme a Crip. Lovers of melodic guitar noise step this way... North County Dublin trio Fangclub have just unleashed Bullethead, their first official single, which is a glorious 2min 3sec blast of guitar noise. Thats the one we always finish our set with, and which destroys the place! says proud parent Steven King. Its chaotic and a bit dark round the edges, which has something to do I think with me having an addictive personality. "Amphetamined, take no prisoners rock with pop hooks that Brian Wilson would be proud of, is how Hot Press previously described Steven and his bandmates, and were sticking to it. Catch them live in Whelans, Dublin (April 8 + Otherkin); Sals, Waterford (22); Mike The Pies, Listowel (23 + The Mighty Stef) and Spirit Store, Dundalk (28). Signed to Universal Music in Ireland, theyll also be hitting the festival circuit hard. It's a little less than a week before the most prestigious awards night in Irish film and television gets underway and today, this years 'Rising Star' Nominees were unveiled. With the incredible talent that is brewing in Ireland's media circuit, we certainly don't envy the decision making made by the IFB and IFTA but they have chosen 4 excellent and worthy candidates for the 2016 'Rising Star Award'. The 2016 Nominees are: - Rebecca Daly (Writer/Director) - Alex Fegen (Writer/Director) - Stephen Fingleton (Writer/Director) - Barry Ward (Actor) Rebecca Daly has done outstanding work in directing and writing the confounding film Mammal starring Oscar-nominee Rachel Griffiths and Barry Keoghan. Alex Fegen is the mastermind behind the provoking, moving and resonant documentaries The Irish Pub and Older Than Ireland. Stephen Fingleton gave us the chilling dystopian Irish thriller The Survivalist which has been on the festival touring circuit making waves. Advertisement Barry Ward has been grafting out an impressive repertoire for himself and has most recently starred in the gripping political drama The Truth Commissioner. With such a rich bunch of talent, it could be anybody's win. Previous recipients include Saoirse Ronan, Michael Fassbender, Domnhall Gleeson, Jamie Dornan and Sarah Greene. The awards will be hosted by Deirdre O'Kane and there will be an array of guests there on the evening to perform and carry out some speeches. Speaking on the selection of this years 'Rising Star' nominees, CEO Aine Moriarty highlighted the importance such an award has for up and coming artists; This important Award showcases four superb Irish talents who have proved themselves to be world class professionals in their fields and leading Irish creative professionals to spearhead and continue Irelands golden era of filmmaking into the future. IFTA is proud to showcase Irelands Rising Stars and acknowledges the partnership with the Irish Film Board across this Award supporting new Irish industry talent. The 2016 IFTA Awards Ceremony will take place at Dublin's Mansion House on Saturday April 9 and will be broadcast the following day on TV3 at 9pm. Sometimes you have to wonder why Hollywood just can't leave the classics be? It's now almost a done deal that remakes of Clint Eastwood's The Beguiled and the French instant classic The Intouchables are being put through the Hollywood treatment in a revised edition. Taking direction of The Beguiled is the unlikely Sofia Coppola. Coppola tends to come up with her own material but has this time decided on taking a chance with 1971's The Beguiled. In the original, Clint Eastwood played an injured Union solider who is taken into a Confederate girls' boarding school. With his brooding good looks (and probably down to him being the only male option), he swoons his way into the hearts of the women residing in the institution and is the cause of violent jealousy and betrayal amongst them. Coppola has already begun recruiting her cast. Nicole Kidman, Kirsten Dunst and Elle Fanning are all on board to play women of the Institute. Who will be the object of their affections remains to be seen but Coppola is eager to begin filming some stage this year. She insists that she will remain true to the original film and keep consistent with the time period which will be welcomed by fans of the original. As well as this, news has been emerging that a remake of the French comedy The Intoucables is certain. Back in 2011, the film became a major hit, both in its native France and on a global scale. The film introduced the world to Omar Sy who has since gone on to appear in major Hollywood productions including Jurassic World. To confirm the news, the star took to Twitter to wish the two new potential leads (Bryan Cranston and Kevin Hart) the best of luck. Advertisement The Intouchables is the charming true story of paraplegic millionaire Phillippe who sets out to find a new carer to attend to his needs. Feeling reckless and drawn to his ignorant manner, Phillippe decides to employ a thug from the banlieues, Driss. What unfolds is a incredibly touching and life-affirming relationship between the pair as Driss pulls Phillippe out from the depths of depression. Many will be on the fence about this one as it will be (arguably) impossible to top the original. The remake has been in the rumour mill for quite some time with Colin Firth, Tom Shadyac and Paul Feig all previously being linked to the project. However with Bryan Cranston and Kevin Hart close to sealing the deal, it could arrive on our screens sooner than anticipated. We will just have to wait and see what the verdict is on these reboots when they eventually make it to the big screens but there's no doubt, they have some pretty big boots to fill. On Tuesday the stock of GreenGro Technologies Inc (OTCMKTS:GRNH, GRNH message board) suffered a harsh blow as it slashed close to 20% of its value and dropped down to a close at $0.039. Yesterday, however, thanks to a new press release the ticker managed to bounce right back up. GRNH announced that iGot420, an affiliated company, had received final clearance for groundbreaking of a project in Southern California. According to GreenGro's projections they could realize up to $2.5 million in sales of equipment and supplies during the first phase of the project. While the news did get investors excited and in the early portion of the session GRNH climbed to a high of $0.049 per share the positive momentum quickly lost a lot of its strength. Still, the ticker finished the day with a gain of over 10% closing at $0.043. It seems that for now the stock will remain a highly volatile choice. Opening the latest financial report filed by GRNH reveals that at the end of the third quarter of 2015 the company had: $32 thousand cash $765 thousand total current assets $285 thousand total current liabilities $98 thousand revenues $58 thousand net loss By pennystock standards the balance sheet is actually not that bad but the limited cash reserves and the fact that compared to the same quarter in 2014 the reported revenues were down by close to $30 thousand were far from encouraging sings. Earlier this month, however, GRNH gave investors some concrete reasons to believe that things are rapidly going in the right direction. On March 8 the company revealed that for the last three months of 2015 they had managed to generate over $200 thousand in sales. The numbers for first quarter of 2016 are even more impressive - $522 thousand in sales, for a year-over-year increase of nearly 243%. Investors will have to wait for quite a while, though, in order to see an official confirmation of the numbers for the first quarter of 2016. At the same time GRNH weren't able to complete their annual report for 2015 on time. A couple of days ago the company submitted a notification of late filing stating that the delay was due to outside CPA's still reviewing the financial statements. The company anticipates the report to be filed on April 14. Until we can see the entire picture of the company's financials it may be wise to use caution when approaching the stock. It might also be a good idea to take into consideration the approximately 29 million shares that GRNH issued last year in exchange for services. If the owners of those shares decide to unleash them on the open market the consequences could be dire. 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. Who Is Liable in a Skateboarding Accident? The skaters of your youth have turned into adult commuters and they are riding their decks through crowded city streets, which has piqued your interest in skateboard liability. What does this mean in the case of injury and who can be sued in a skateboard crash? Just as in any other type of accident, liability for an injury stemming from a skateboard crash will be considered under the law of negligence. Negligence has four elements which must be proven for an injury claim to succeed. Let's review them here. Proving Negligence The four elements of negligence are duty, breach, causation, and compensable harm (sometimes called damages). All four elements must be present for a negligence case to succeed, meaning -- for example -- that even if a defendant is at fault, a plaintiff cannot win if there was no injury. Assuming, you are the plaintiff suing a skater, first you must show that the skater owed you a duty of care. The duty of care owed would be that of the a reasonable skater in same or similar circumstances. What does that mean? An illustrative example may help you to see. If the skater you're suing did an Ollie (a slightly tricky skating jump) onto a crowded sidewalk during rush hour, that is probably unreasonable and likely considered a breach of the duty of care owed. Thus, two elements of negligence are satisfied. Next, you have to show that the defendant skater's actions caused your injury and that there were no unforeseeable intervening circumstances. Say the skater argues that a car was coming, forcing the move to the sidewalk. Arguably, that is foreseeable and does not necessarily negate causation. But if a big truck going the wrong way down the street is what prompts the skater to Ollie onto your feet, then causation is not as clear (you could name the trucker in the suit, too, though). Finally, you must show harm or damages. Is your claim compensable? Were you injured in such a way that an award from the court can make things right? Damages claims usually cover medical care, time for lost work and wages, and other costs associated with your injury. Talk to a Lawyer If you or someone you know was injured in a skating accident, or injured by a negligent skater, speak to a lawyer. Many personal injury attorneys consult for free or a minimal fee and will be happy to assess your claim. Related Resources: 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. How Long Can I Collect Past-Due Child Support? Once long ago you were married, and in your divorce a court ordered your now-ex-spouse to pay child support, which never happened. In fact, it has been years of you going it alone and never receiving what the other parent was legally obligated to contribute. What can you do? Child support is determined by state courts and the different states all have their own statutes of limitation on how long you can seek back child support. Let's look at a few examples across the country so you can see how to figure out what you need to know. Each State Varies Each state's laws vary. The age of majority, for example, may be 18 in some state, 19 in others, and 21 in others. Many states do not require child support beyond the age of majority but allow it if stipulated to, or by agreement. And states also vary in how long they give a person to collect on past-due payments. In Alabama, there is a 20-year statute of limitations on child support enforcement, with the clock starting to tick on the date of judgment. Say a child was a 1-year-old when the support order was issued and the parent never paid, you would only have until the child reached age 21 to seek back pay for missed support or lose the claim altogether. But some states have no limitations on how long a parent can seek to enforce a support order. In Colorado, for example, there is no limitation for collecting on an enforcement order unless the arrears -- or past-due payments -- have been reduced to a judgment which has its own separate statute of limitations. In Colorado, a support order is valid for 20 years, but parents may seek renewal of the support order before it expires. Meanwhile, in Wyoming, which also does not have a limit on how long parents may seek enforcement of a support order, support judgments are dormant after five years if unexecuted. What that means is that if no action has been taken on the order for five years it will lapse. But a judgment may be acted upon for 21 years after dormancy, for a total of 26 years. Consult With Counsel As you can see from the above examples, there is quite a range of rules across the states and there may be exceptions even if the statute of limitations has run on your judgment. If you are a parent looking to enforce a child support order or to collect arrears, speak to a family lawyer. Many family law attorneys consult for free or a minimal fee and will be happy to assess your case. Related Resources: Certificate Program With Emphasis on Leadership/Organizational Development Rank: 6 Company Name: Carleton University Program Name: The Management Certificate for Women, (MCW) Program Director: Dr. Merridee Bujaki Address: Sprott School of Business, 323 Dunton Tower, 1125 Colonel By Drive Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6 Call: (613) 520-2600 Email: creww@sprott.carleton.ca Visit: http://sprott.carleton.ca/our-programs/management-certificate-women/ What is the overall objective of your program? The Management Certificate for Women (MCW) is a unique program designed to provide women with an opportunity to develop their management skills in a supportive environment, while having an opportunity to discuss the particular challenges that women face in management roles. Working with fellow leaders and experienced facilitators in the classroom, participants explore how organizations work, how they can construct paths to succeed in management roles, and how to build lasting professional networks. Group and individual exercises, personal reflection and the application of management concepts in the work environment serve to reinforce management concepts introduced in the classroom. How is the target audience impacted by your program? During the seven month MCW program, the participants grow personally and professionally as they develop knowledge ... Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 16-03-30 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 TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW No. 59/16 30.03.2016 [A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS [01] Akinci met with Schulz; statements by Akinci [02] Akinci's advisor: "The Turkish Cypriots' security, equality and freedom are being guarded at the negotiating table" [03] Atun: "It is not right to open for discussion the issue of Turkey's guarantees while the Cyprus negotiations process is still continuing" [04] Eroglu criticized the calling for tenders for hydrocarbon exploration and claimed that Turkey could issue a new Navtex [05] Aktoprak is the new general secretary of DP [06] An "emergency action exercise in cases of disaster and emergency" to be held in the occupied area of Cyprus [07] Columnist: "If Akinci thinks of the solution, he must state that the Republic of Cyprus' right to search for natural gas should be respected" [08] Sahalli: "The Green Line Regulation not enough satisfactory for us" [09] Turkey holds nearly 700 Daesh suspects so far this year [A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS [01] Akinci met with Schulz; statements by Akinci Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (30.03.16) reports that the President of the European Parliament (EP) Martin Schulz, within the framework of his contacts in the island, met yesterday with the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mustafa Akinci at the so-called presidential palace. In statements to the press after the meeting, Akinci described the meeting as very constructive and explained that he briefed the President of the EP on the latest stage of the Cyprus negotiation process. Reminding that he met with Schulz in the past during his visit in Brussels, Akinci said that Schulz has a good knowledge of the Cyprus problem and added that he is also a person who honestly supports the solution. Akinci stated that he also thanked Schulz for his support and interest on the Cyprus negotiation talks and added that they exchanged views on the improvement of their ties as Turkish Cypriots with the EP, taking into consideration that they will share a common future all together into the European family. Akinci also stated that he pointed out once more the Turkish Cypriot's determination towards the solution and added that Schulz' assured him that his support, as well as all other European organizations' support towards the efforts for finding a solution will continue. (AK) [02] Akinci's advisor: "The Turkish Cypriots' security, equality and freedom are being guarded at the negotiating table" Illegal Bayrak television (30.03.16) broadcast that Gurdal Hudaoglu, advisor of the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci responded to questions regarding the Cyprus problem and stated that the newly launched licensing for hydrocarbon exploration by the Greek Cypriot side had not raised tensions at the negotiating table. He however claimed that this unilateral move did not go well with the positive atmosphere of the negotiations. "The objection of Akinci should be understood [?] there is no active drilling activity today, it is a tender process. But it could create tension and we saw this happen in the past when it even caused the suspension of the talks. There is a need to keep tensions in this geography calm and approach things calmly. Otherwise, such unilateral moves will cause Cypriots to face new tensions", he said. Hudaoglu also evaluated President Nicos Anastasiades's statements that both sides were digging trenches on the issue of the four freedoms. "The Turkish Cypriots should feel comfortable and at ease. Their security, equality and freedom are being guarded at the negotiating table" he said. Evaluating the European Parliament President Martin Schulz's visit to Cyprus, he said that the Cyprus problem and work towards harmonizing with the EU after a solution are on the agenda. "However the issue of guarantees is not, because the guarantees will be taken up by the related parties at the end of the negotiations process" he argued. Hudaoglu stated that there was a constructive relationship between the Akinci and the "government" and added that this does not mean that there is consensus on all issues. [03] Atun: "It is not right to open for discussion the issue of Turkey's guarantees while the Cyprus negotiations process is still continuing" Illegal Bayrak television (30.03.16) broadcast that Sunat Atun "minister of economy, industry and commerce" issued a written statement and said that it is not right to open for discussion the issue of Turkey's guarantees while the Cyprus negotiations process is still continuing. He further claimed that the Greek Cypriot Presidential Commissioner Fotis Fotiou's attempt "to portray the terrorist organisation EOKA as a heroic organisation to new generations is proof that the Greek Cypriot Administration will never change its policies in Cyprus". [04] Eroglu criticized the calling for tenders for hydrocarbon exploration and claimed that Turkey could issue a new Navtex Turkish Cypriot daily Diyalog newspaper (30.03.16) reports that former Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu criticized the Republic of Cyprus for calling for new international tenders for off-shore hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation license within its exclusive economic zone, while the Cyprus negotiations are still on process and there are "claims", as he said for reaching an early solution. Eroglu who issued a written statement, said that the rights of the Turkish Cypriots are usurped and called on Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci to show the necessary determination to stop the Greek Cypriots and to take the necessary steps for safeguarding the rights of the Turkish Cypriots. He went on and added that the Greek Cypriots should know that if the situation continues in the same way, then by all means the Turkish side will issue a Navtex and the issue of bringing a platform in the area will come into the agenda, like the period he was on "power". (CS) [05] Aktoprak is the new general secretary of DP Turkish Cypriot daily Diyalog newspaper (30.03.16) reports that Mehmet Erol Aktoprak was elected general secretary of the Democratic Party (DP). Commenting on Aktoprak's election, the chairman of DP Serdar Denktas stated that a new era is starting for the party. DP's previous general secretary Hasan Tacoy quitted his position a few days ago. (CS) [06] An "emergency action exercise in cases of disaster and emergency" to be held in the occupied area of Cyprus According to Turkish Cypriot daily Gunes newspaper (30.03.16) the "civil defense organization" in the occupied area of Cyprus will carry out a two-day-exercise on March 31- April 1st, called "emergency action exercise in cases of disaster and emergency". Within the framework of the exercises, sirens will rung from time to time. (AK) [07] Columnist: "If Akinci thinks of the solution, he must state that the Republic of Cyprus' right to search for natural gas should be respected" Under the title "Is the solution or the election more important for Akinci", Turkish Cypriot columnist Serhat Incirli writes in daily Kibris newspaper (30.03.16) that if Turkish Cypriot leader, Mustafa Akinci thinks of a solution to the Cyprus problem, he must state that the Republic of Cyprus' right to search for natural gas should be respected. Commenting on the recent statements by Akinci on the issue, Incirli notes that if by making such statements Akinci thinks of the so-called presidential elections, then he is the right path, because Turkey will definitely support him. The columnist writes that all three Turkish Cypriot leaders before Akinci had tried to "convince the Greek Cypriots" on the "just cause of the Turkish Cypriots", something which Akinci is also trying to do now. He adds the following: "Shall we explain the issue a little bit? Let's explain it. All four leaders do not recognize the Republic of Cyprus. They believe that there is a separate state in the north. And they put this belief on the table in a very firm manner. Do they not have any difference at all? Those who say that 'they have' should put forward this difference. [?] Have the four leaders said something different on issues such as the security and guarantees, the refugees who came from Turkey, the Turkish army and the property-territory? Are all Denktas and Talat and Eroglu and Akinci not supporting 'Turkey's active and effective guarantees'? Are all Denktas and Talat and Eroglu and Akinci not saying that the lands which we have taken in 1974 and on which we currently living belong to us? They have a difference of 'nuance'. This is true. The way they say it might be different, but in the end while the uppermost started with saying 'we have taken them with blood and we will not give them away', Akinci is saying 'the current user should have the first say'. There is no different stance between the two leaders on this issue. All four of them supported and are supporting that all refugees who have come from Turkey will stay here. Do they have differences on the hydrocarbon issue? Before his election Akinci had a different stance, but is he not saying to Anastasiades now 'beware, do not search for natural gas, my mother will beat you'? This is the reason for which I am saying that 'four leaders', all four leaders have tried to convince the Greek Cypriots on our 'just cause' and the fourth is still trying. We had no other job than convincing the Greek Cypriot side on the issues such as that 'the properties in the north belong to us, the properties we left in the south belong to us, the Turkish army will stay and the refugees from Turkey will not go'. 'Akinci was the last hope'. Is the natural gas a possession for the future? This is what Akinci is saying and adds: If reasonable behavior is not exhibited tension will exist regarding this issue. What does this mean? What is behaving reasonably? It is the Republic of Cyprus, which we call Greek Cypriot Administration, abandoning its most natural and legitimate right! Not conducting a research for natural gas! Very well, what is the tension? Turkey issuing a Navtex again. That is, saying 'look, I will strike'? If Akinci will not say now on this issue that 'searching for natural gas is Anastasiades' most natural right', if he is not saying this, I can think of two possibilities: [01] Akinci has forgotten what he was saying before his election. [02] Akinci is definitely thinking of a next election and not the solution. [?] Now Akinci has also focused on supporting and negotiating Turkey's interests. You would say that 'we are not different than our motherland'. I totally respect this. However, you should have been able to say this before being elected. While we are so close to the solution, it is not correct to demand from a legal state recognized by the world 'not to search for natural gas' and making a comment saying that 'the Greek Cypriot side will blow the negotiations up, there will be a problem, there will be tension'. [?] The issue should not be recognizing the Republic of Cyprus, when it suits us and saying 'long live the TRNC' when it does not suit us. Yesterday Ali Erel recalled it as well. Was carrying the water from Turkey, which is more valuable than the natural gas, without knowing what would come through the pipelines, something done by taking the permission of the Greek Cypriots as required by the rights deriving from the Republic of Cyprus? Or this is different? [?] If Akinci thinks of the solution, he must say that the Republic of Cyprus' right to search for natural gas should be respected. The community is definitely behind him. If Akinci is making calculations for the next presidential elections, he is the right path. Turkey will definitely support him". (I/Ts.) [08] Sahalli: "The Green Line Regulation not enough satisfactory for us" Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (30.03.16) reports that the so-called minister of agriculture, natural resources and food, Erkut Sahalli, in statements yesterday after meeting with the "cooperative administration board of the potatoes producers", said, inter alia, that no problems will be experienced in the exports of products which are produced under the appropriate standards. Sahalli also stated that the 11 TIR of potatoes were turned back from Mersin port in Turkey was not because the port was closed for the Turkish Cypriot products but because the potatoes suffered from a disease. Referring to the EU Green Line Regulation, Sahalli described the regulation as a very important opening. He, however, added that the regulation is not satisfying them enough. Sahalli went on and stressed the need for EU experts to carry out controls on the products that are sent to "south Cyprus" within the framework of the GLN. (AK) [09] Turkey holds nearly 700 Daesh suspects so far this year Ankara Anatolia news agency (30.03.16) writes that nearly 700 suspected Daesh members have been detained in nationwide anti-terrorist operations since the beginning of 2016, according to data compiled by AA. A total of 693 Daesh suspects were held over the first three months, with 160 of them being remanded in custody, reports show. Of the total suspects, 554 were detained between January and February, out of whom 98 were sent back into prison. During the operations, security forces, including police, gendarmerie and border troops also seized a large number of organizational documents, weapons and ammunition belonging to the Daesh terrorist group. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio (CS/AM) Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article EO may have taken the title as most generous employer after splashing out $32 million on a lavish TV-inspired employee holiday to South Korea.Guo Chenglin, who heads up Chinese beauty company Aurance Group, took staff on an all-expenses trip to Incheon, located in the north west of the East Asian country.Flown out on 150 flights over the course of three days, the 4,600 workers comprised the single largest tour group ever to arrive in South Korea and stayed in 1,500 rooms across 26 different hotels.The themed vacation which is just the latest annual employee holiday is inspired by a popular South Korean TV drama called My Love from the Star.So far, workers have visited filming locations and indulged in a fried chicken and beer party organized after a popular character on the show famously praised the combination.The company plans to squeeze in time promotional activities for their beauty products and health supplements too although the planned gala event doesnt exactly sound like tedious work.One employee told UK news outlet the Daily Mail that employees are expected to return to work by the beginning of next week. Bursts of We love you were shouted from the crowd outside Torontos City Hall Wednesday as the body of Rob Ford was carried into a waiting hearse. Standing metres away was the former mayors family: his widow Renata, and the couples children Stephanie and Doug Jr. Advertisement Renata acknowledged the Ford Nation supporters by waving and blowing kisses to the crowd. Rob Ford's wife Renata blows kisses to the crowd of Ford Nation supporters at city hall alongside Ford's children https://t.co/tTpLQ0qJg4 Globalnews.ca (@globalnews) March 30, 2016 Though she stood behind her daughter Stephanie as the 11-year-old gave a moving eulogy, Renata said little at the downtown funeral service. I cant even imagine the pain shes going through, said Fords nephew Michael in a CP24 interview hours after the service wrapped at St. James Cathedral. Despite the all media attention on her husband since he assumed the mayors office, Renata mostly stayed out of the public spotlight. Advertisement Rob Ford watches election results at his moms home on October 25, 2010. (Photo: Peter Power/The Globe and Mail via The Canadian Press) Little is known about her, aside from the fact she was raised by Polish parents in Etobicoke and that her maiden name is Brejniak. The couples private life came into the public eye in 2008 when Ford, then a councillor, was charged with assault and uttering a death threat to his wife. The charges were withdrawn after the Crown felt Renatas statements were inconsistent. Three years later, after Ford was elected mayor, the couples home life made headlines in the Toronto Star. Renatas mother called police on Christmas morning to say her son-in-law had been drinking and was taking his children to Florida against his wifes wishes. Advertisement Renatas father later called the newspaper to say the 911 call was a mistake. No charges were laid. Rob Ford apologizes for crude remarks he used at a news conference, as his wife Renata looks on. (Photo: Chris Young/The Canadian Press) After Ford swept into the mayors office with a landslide victory in 2010, his wife more or less stayed out of the public eye. But three years into his mayoralty, Renata made a rare public appearance a day after her husband made controversial comments about the couples sex life at an impromptu media scrum. In response to reports he made lewd comments toward a female staffer, Ford said he was happily married and had more than enough to eat at home." Advertisement Ford apologized for the unforgivable language he used in his graphic remarks as his wife awkwardly stood next to him with her hands clasped, shifting uncomfortably. Renata Ford, second left, is escorted to her car by staff after attending a press conference with her husband in 2013. (Photo: Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press) For the past six months I have been under tremendous, tremendous stress, he said at the time, referencing the media circus that erupted after images of him seemingly smoking crack cocaine surfaced. The stress is largely of my own making. I have apologized and I have tried to move forward, he said at the time. Advertisement Ford Nations first lady Ford was fiercely protective of his wifes privacy, and dodged reporters questions about her age or occupation. His staff were also known to shoot down queries into Renatas background. Rob Ford's wife, Renata, walks across her street with a sign and hands it to a neighbour on Oct. 2, 2014. (Rick Madonik/Toronto Star via Getty Images) What is known about Fords widow can be credited to the city hall reporter who broke the story of Ford's video that made him infamous. Robyn Doolittles book Crazy Town" revealed that Renata was previously married to a Polish man named Artur Kisicki, a cabinetmaker. She married when she was 22 in June 1993, but the marriage didnt last. Advertisement The couple separated 18 months later, and Kisicki filed for divorce the following year. "Court records do not indicate what led to the marriage breakdown, although a source close to the family says Renatas drinking played a role," Doolittles book states. Rob Ford checks his phone as Renata embraces daughter Stephanie and son Doug Jr. as the Ford clan watches the results on TV in the basement of the family home on Oct. 27, 2014. (Photo: David Cooper/Toronto Star via Getty Images) Both Rob and Renata were raised in the same Etobicoke neighbourhood and met while attending the same high school Scarlett Heights Collegiate but were a few years apart. Its not known exactly when the two started dating. But they saw each other for years before Ford reportedly proposed after returning from Florida in 1999. That's where police had found him in possession of a marijuana joint and arrested him for driving under the influence. Advertisement Last words A day after Ford died, the Toronto Suns Joe Warmington spoke to Renata about her familys loss. In an exclusive interview, she shared that her husbands last words to his family were, I dont want to leave you guys. Former Toronto mayor Rob Ford and his wife Renata leave a rally for Stephen Harper in Toronto on Oct. 17, 2015. (Photo: Mark Blinch/Reuters) And despite their lives being shared with an aggressive cancer the last year and a half, the mother of two said the silver lining was that Rob was finally home more for quality family time in his final months. I am really grateful for that, she said. Also on HuffPost A New York State man faces several drug charges after police found more than 1,400 bags of heroin hidden inside his body. Police in Vermont made the find after stopping Fernando Estrella, 41, in his minivan at 5 a.m. on Tuesday, according to a news release. Advertisement Cops pulled him over for motor vehicle violations, but during the stop a drug-sniffing dog alerted officers to Estrella's car seat. No drugs were found in the van, so Estrella was detained and a search warrant executed. He was later taken to a local hospital where about 1,428 bags worth of heroin were found inside his rectum. The amount was inside three condoms, police told The New York Daily News. Fernando Estrella. (Photo: Vermont State Police) The Bronx man was also charged with violating release conditions from a November 2015 cocaine arrest, which prohibited him from possessing regulated drugs, according to police. Advertisement This isn't the only heroin arrest that has recently raised eyebrows. A Massachusetts man faces drug trafficking charges after surgeons removed 27 bags of heroin from his stomach, intestines and rectum last week. Miguel Rodriguez, 51, was allegedly trying to smuggle the substance into the U.S., police told Salem News. He had overdosed after one of the bags burst. Overdoses from heroin and other opioid drugs are still considered to be the leading cause of accidental death in the U.S., according to CNN. The Obama administration announced new plans Tuesday to combat the widespread abuse of prescription drugs and heroin. Last month, US$1.1 billion was pledged in funding to fight the epidemic. Also on HuffPost Dumb Criminals See Gallery Conservative MP Jason Kenney claims that carbon dioxide (CO2) is not a pollutant. The claim itself is open to question. But it's also totally beside the point. Kenney, a former cabinet minister under ex-prime minister and "climate villain" Stephen Harper, made the claim in a Wednesday tweet that came amid a discussion of how Canadians are contributing to global warming. Let's have an informed conversation about Canada's contribution to global emissions. (#Oilsands is < 0.15%) pic.twitter.com/V5EbZjwtAw Canada Action (@CanadaAction) March 30, 2016 Twitter user Alain Pouliot then invited Kenney into the conversation, as he asked to see the same graph on a per capita basis. Advertisement Pouliot asked another user, who was arguing with him, "So because we have more space, more trees, we get to pollute more? Is that a serious statement?" @alain_pouliot@FrankPeresta@CanadaAction Co2 is not pollution. Life would cease to exist without it. Our forests breathe Co2. Jason Kenney (@jkenney) March 30, 2016 Also, did you know arsenic is all natural? #climatechangehttps://t.co/QdlRy4IrfG Gerald Butts (@gmbutts) March 30, 2016 Advertisement As for Kenney's tweet, there are varying opinions on whether to call CO2 a pollutant. Two years ago, Scientific American published a story headlined, "The Worst Climate Pollution is Carbon Dioxide." It reported on a study showing that CO2 "outranks soot, methane and even hydrofluorocarbons in terms of long-term global warming." "It has become very clear that if you want to stabilize warming at any level, you have to start phasing out CO2," research scholar Joeri Rogelj of the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis told the magazine. "Reducing other climate pollution can help in different ways and for different things, but in climate stabilization terms, it's noise on the fact that you have to phase out CO2." Advertisement In 2009, The Wall Street Journal noted that when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) characterized rising CO2 emissions as a "hazard to human health," it hesitated to call it a pollutant. Nevertheless, the WSJ also said pro-business groups had long used the argument that CO2 is an "essential ingredient of life" to push back against regulation of carbon emissions. More recently, Salon reported on a free market think tank claiming CO2 is "good for human and environmental health." At the same time, a study out of Montana State University showed that increased CO2 couldn't stop grasslands from losing half their productivity in just under 50 years suggesting more carbon dioxide wasn't much good to this particular environment. Advertisement In other words, rising CO2 are widely considered a problem, even if not everyone calls them pollution. So ... what point is there in discussing that? Also on HuffPost: As more states in America begin to legalize marijuana, more companies are creating marijuana products we've never seen before. It started with the obvious ones: smokables and drinkables, edibles and oils. The usual suspects (you know, like pot brownies). Now, there are products on the market that will take care of both your skin and get you high at the same time... Advertisement In a recent Vogue article, the legendary mag asks, "Can marijuana save your skin?" The story highlights a number beauty brands who include a measurable amount of cannabinoids ("the naturally occurring compounds found in the flowers and leaves of the plant") in their products which are said to include anti-inflammatory and cell-regenerative traits. And not only will your skin look flawless, but many companies are claiming the product will also increase satisfaction during orgasm. Although the majority of these products are being produced in states like Colorado, Washington and California where pot is legal, some Canadian companies still offer MJ creams for those who are certified to use medical marijuana. Advertisement With Prime Minister Justin Trudeau touting marijuana legalization in Canada, we could soon be seeing some of these beauty products arrive on Canadian shelves. Watch the video above to find out more about marijuana beauty! Follow Huffington Post Canada Style on Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter! Also on HuffPost Have you ever picked up a James Michener novel and just held it in your hands? After a little while that tome you've been holding starts to get awful heavy, making your muscles ache. Reading one of this literary master's works is a task unto itself, but can be incredibly rewarding. You can come away from the reading one of his books feeling like you've learned a lot about somewhere or something you'll probably never personally experience. It's because I once tried to read his book 'Space' - admittedly I didn't finish it - that I am fascinated when someone tries to adapt one of his books. 'Hawaii' is an especially strange choice because it's nearly 1000 pages long and spans nearly two hundred years of history. 1966's film 'Hawaii' was smartly adapted using only parts of the book saving the rest of the novel for 1970's 'The Hawaiians.' While 'Hawaii' was a lean story and focused, 'The Hawaiians' much like Michener's novel is too broad and unwieldily for a single two-hour film and would have been better suited as a miniseries. Whip Hoxworth (Charlton Heston) has done it his own way all of his life. Never dependent upon his Grandfather's fortune, Whip has made a life for himself as a sea caption transporting Japanese and Chinese immigrants to Hawaii. While these people are paying passengers, they're basically herded into the ship's hold like cattle and held in slave-like conditions with little food or water. Two of these passengers are Mun Ki (Mako) and the beautiful Nyuk Tsin (Tina Chen). Nyuk Tsin is supposed to be transported to Hawaii to work in a brothel, but Mun Ki claims her as his wife to keep her safe on the boat, and when Whip offers them work on his property, the pair are bound together. Whip's hopes and dreams are to get away from a life at sea and start his own thriving plantation. But when his Grandfather leaves Whip out of his estate, Whip and his wife Purity (Geraldine Chaplin) are given 80,000 acres of seemingly worthless land. But Whip is ambitious and on that land, he sees great potential and has the wild idea of cultivating pineapple plants. As time passes, Whip sees that Nyuk Tsin shares his level of ambition as she works herself to the bone to build a family fortune for herself and Mun Ki. As a continuation of the multigenerational story started in 1966's 'Hawaii,' 1970's 'The Hawaiians' is a movie that feels like it's trying to accomplish entirely too much in a very short amount of time. The source material is dense, thick material that in order to justify a proper adaptation you would need a dozen hours of screen time, not just 132 minutes. It's this truncated timespan that keeps a lot of the material this film tries to create from truly resonating. Things happen without any indication of the passage of time. In one shot Mun Ki and Nyuk Tsin are moving into their small wood shack home on Whip's property, the next shot there's a child strapped to Nyuk Tsin's back and Whip is asking the woman to nurse his child because Purity isn't able to. It's this blink and you'll miss it feeling that keeps this movie at a distance from its audience. The shame of this film not really working is that it is incredibly well produced. The film looks and sounds expensive featuring a splendid cast, some impressive production design work to recreate late 19th century Hawaii and some intricate costuming to match. As one sits down to watch 'The Hawaiians,' it doesn't take long for one to feel like they're missing out on a lot of great material - which was exactly my experience with this film. I constantly felt like I was watching every other episode of a television event series and was left having to connect the dots of what is happening when, where, and why. As a followup to 'Hawaii,' 'The Hawaiians' doesn't quite work as cleanly as one would hope but is still entertaining in its own way. It may not be as satisfying as one would hope, but it's worth watching at least once. The Blu-ray: Vital Disc Stats 'The Hawaiians' arrives on Blu-ray thanks to Twilight Time and is limited to a release of 3,000 copies. Pressed onto a Region Free BD50 disc, the disc is housed in a standard clear Blu-ray case. Also included is a booklet featuring an essay by Julie Kirgo. Imagine waking up from an accident only to discover you were saved by a prince. No, it's not a Disney movie, but for 37-year-old tree surgeon Jim Schembri, it was real life. After being knocked unconscious by a tree at work, Schembri woke up as he was being loaded into an East Anglian Air Ambulance in Wisbech, a town in England. Advertisement Despite his injuries, Schembri a former soldier managed to recall Prince William worked for the helicopter service, and cracked a joke at the royal's expense. "I said Willsy better not be flying this thing," Schembri told ITV News. To his surprise, the 33-year-old prince responded to him from the pilot's seat and teased "oh, I've been holding your head for the last 30 minutes." According to Schembri, who suffered from a dislocated shoulder and rib, the Duke of Cambridge even visited him in the trauma room after the accident. This isn't the first time Prince William has flown to the rescue. In November 2011, the royal rescued two sailors whose cargo ship sank in the Irish Sea. Advertisement Both times the prince was praised for his professionalism and smooth flights. The Prince first started working with the East Anglian Air Ambulance in July of 2015. He donates his entire 40,000 (almost $75,000) salary to charity. Watch the full video above. Also on HuffPost: Vice Media lost a court battle Thursday, and now may have to hand over all correspondence with an Islamic State fighter to the police. The media company went to court last month, asking a judge to quash a production order served to them by the RCMP in 2015. Vice Media and its reporter, Ben Makuch, were ordered to hand over all notes and records of correspondence with Farah Shirdon, the Calgary man notorious for burning his Canadian passport on YouTube. Its not in the publics interest, Vice Media Canadas president Ryan Archibald said of the ruling. This is a precedent-setting ruling which has great effect on the freedoms of media to operate and protect their sources, he told The Huffington Post Canada. Advertisement Vice published multiple articles and a Skype interview with Shirdon in 2014. Canadians at home shall face the brunt of jihad, he told Makuch. If you are in this crusader alliance against Islam and Muslims you shall see your streets filled with blood insha'Allah, he said. The 22-year-old Shirdon was charged in absentia last September with several offences, including leaving Canada to participate in the activity of a terrorist group, taking part in the activity of a terrorist group, and threatening Canada and the United States. Vice Media reporter Ben Makuch leaves Ontario Superior Court in Toronto on Feb. 29, 2016. RCMP are trying to force Vice to turn over materials related to interviews Makuch did in 2014 with suspected terrorist, Farah Shirdon. (Photo: Colin Perkel/Canadian Press) Advertisement Makuchs notes are vital context evidence to prove Shirdons threats were sincere and hes not just a foolish or mentally unstable individual enjoying the hubris of internet celebrity, the original order said. Vice argues that everything relevant has already been published. They have enough evidence to bring him in and put him away, so were not sure what more these materials would provide, Archibald said. Theyre just fishing because they dont know whats in there. The company hasnt decided yet if it will appeal the decision. Makuch said previously he's prepared to go to jail if it means keeping the information out of the RCMP's hands. "We stand behind Ben Makuch and we will stand behind every journalist in his position," Vice said in a statement. "The principles at stake are too important." David A. Walega via Getty Images LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 04: Director Victor Ronald Salva attends the premiere of 'Dark House' at the Harmony Gold Theatre on March 4, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by David A. Walega/WireImage) A casting call has been yanked and a petition launched in response to a convicted pedophile's move to direct a movie in British Columbia. The Union of BC Performers issued a warning to its members earlier this month about Victor Salva, a convicted child molester, and the production of Jeepers Creepers III. Advertisement A performer has the right to refuse work if they believe the nature of the work is unsafe, the unions memo said. Given the nature of Mr. Salvas prior conviction, we ask that agents disclose this information to the parents/guardians of any minor performers who are being put forward for roles on this production. Salva was convicted of sexual misconduct involving a 12-year-old boy who played the lead role in the director's 1988 horror film, "Clownhouse." According to Salon, Salva served 15 months of his three-year sentence. A performer has the right to refuse work if they believe the nature of the work is unsafe. A Jeepers Creepers III casting call had advertised for an 18-year-old woman to play the role of 13-year-old girl. Advertisement The notice was only recently pulled by Breakdown Services, Deadline reports. And now one B.C. man is calling on Premier Christy Clark to step in. A petition spearheaded by an Abbotsford man is asking for Salva to be kept out of the country. This man should not be granted access to Canada and I am absolutely disgusted that he's coming to B.C.," it read. "Let's try and stop this scum bag! Star Trek actor William Shatner is being sued for US$170 million (that's $240 million here in Canada) by a man claiming to be his son. Florida radio DJ Peter Sloan, who now goes by the name of Peter Shatner, filed a lawsuit last week demanding 85-year-old Shatner submit a DNA test to confirm his paternity. Advertisement According to court documents, 59-year-old Sloan claims his biological mother, late Canadian actress Kathy McNeil, had a brief affair with Shatner while working together in Toronto. Sloan was then born in 1956 and was given up for adoption by McNeil when he was just five days old. My father, William Shatner, had no idea of my existence at that time, Sloan told Inside Edition. Apparently, [my mother] discovered the pregnancy after having relations with William Shatner in her apartment. Before McNeil passed away, she wrote a letter to her son saying that there was a possibility that Shatner was his father. However, she also had relations with another man during the same time. Advertisement Despite this, Sloan claims in the lawsuit that he met Shatner on the set of T.J. Hooker in 1984 and at that time, Shatner admitted he was Sloans father. A week later, the actors rep told Sloan that Shatner was totally denying paternity at this point and refused to do a DNA test. The rep then advised Sloan to keep quiet about Shatners supposed paternity as the information would be horrendous for the actors career. Shatner, who has three daughters with first wife Gloria Rand, denies Sloans claims. Additionally, the actors attorneys have requested Sloan stop using the surname Shatner, which he adopted in 2011. During a recent radio interview, Shatner was asked about Sloans claims and reiterated that he was not the father. Well, everyone looks like me, the 85-year-old said. He's apparently a lovely man who's in need of a father. According to CNN, Sloan is seeking $50 million in pain and suffering, $30 million in compensatory damages, and $90 million in punitive damages. Advertisement ALSO ON HUFFPOST: ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE- In this Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2015 file photo, soldiers guard people fleeing from Boko Haramas carnage and about to be searched to ensure there are no insurgents infiltrating a refugee camp. People detained by the military and a civilian self-defense force are disappearing in northeast Nigeria, some wrongly accused of fighting for Boko Haram by neighbors settling old scores. The army says it is setting up a human rights office to investigate complaints. Amnesty International holds Nigeriaas military responsible for the deaths of some 8,000 detainees since 2011 _ more than a third of the 20,000 people who have died in Nigeriaas Islamic uprising. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba, file) When the Grade 8 class of North Ward Public School in Paris, Ont. graduated last summer, they made their teacher promise to continue educating students about the terrible plight of people in war-ravaged Yemen. "Don't give up on them, Ms. Connors," they said to her. North Ward had a pen pal exchange with aid workers and activists in the Middle East country that caught our attention last year. Katie Connors' Grade 7 and 8 students learned about the conflict erupting in Yemen through emails and Skype and raised awareness by writing letters to Canadian politicians and using social media hashtags like #YemenMatters. Advertisement Last month, Connors connected a fresh group of students with Nena Aqlan and Bushra Al-Fusail, two Yemeni activists who recently fled the violence in their homeland. Aqlan and Al-Fusail told the students what shocked them most was how no-one on the street or in the media outside Yemen was talking about what is happening there today. The conflict in Syria remains the deadliest in the world today, with almost 70,000 killed since the start of 2015. However, it's not the only war costing thousands of lives. Entering its second year, Yemen's civil war has seen more than 8,000 civilian casualties. Here are some of the other deadliest, but largely forgotten conflicts, deserving of our attention. Afghanistan Since the last of our soldiers departed Afghanistan in 2014, Canadian media has spilled little ink about that troubled nation. Blood, however, continues to spill in the ongoing insurgency. More than 36,000 were killed in Afghanistan last year alone; it's still the second worst conflict in the world today after Syria. Advertisement Nigeria Boko Haram, another Islamic militia, has faded from headlines since soldiers abducted 219 school girls in Nigeria two years ago. But its terror campaign of kidnappings and attacks hasn't ended. More than 11,000 people were killed last year. In a horrifying new twist, the insurgent group has started turning the young girls it steals into suicide bombers. Somalia Ironically, Yemen was once a safe haven for refugees from Somalia. Now Somalis are fleeing back home again -- accompanied by thousands of Yemenis -- straight into the crossfire of a growing guerrilla war between Somalia's new government and the Islamic militia al-Shabaab. The violence has claimed more than 5,000 lives in the past year. Darfur and South Sudan Hundreds of thousands have been killed and more than 9,300 women raped since conflict erupted in the Darfur region of west Sudan in 2003. In January, fresh clashes broke out between militias and the Sudanese army, causing as many as 50,000 more civilians to flee. Meanwhile, a three-year-old civil war rages in South Sudan. "It is easier to find women and girls who have been gang-raped than who are literate," writes New York Times journalist Nicholas Kristof. What's more, the UN has only been able to raise three per cent of the money it needs to help the more than two million people displaced by Sudanese conflicts over the past decade. Advertisement Turkey Last year, Canadian media reported extensively on our soldiers working with Kurdish militias to fight the Islamic State. Far less has been said about the ongoing fight between Kurds and the government of Turkey. Since peace talks broke down early last year, violence has surged, claiming as many as 3,600 lives. There are so many other people in other countries in desperate need. As a nation that takes in refugees and takes pride in its generosity, and as individual Canadians with donation to give, we must ensure that no one is forgotten. Brothers Craig and Marc Kielburger founded a platform for social change that includes the international charity, Free The Children, the social enterprise, Me to We, and the youth empowerment movement, We Day. Visit we.org for more information. Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook ALSO ON HUFFPOST: Getty Images/iStockphoto Overcoming my addiction to heroin as a teenager was the most challenging thing I have ever done, but a national drug policy that didn't put health first only made it more difficult. My descent into addiction began as a teenager. I experienced trauma early in life and was raped in my sophomore year of high school, which took a toll on my mental health and led to using drugs as a means of escape. Advertisement At 15, I started abusing alcohol and experimenting with drugs, and by 18, I had developed a chronic addiction to heroin and had varying levels of dependency on street stimulants and ketamine. Over the five years I spent seeking treatment, my family and I encountered a seemingly endless series of obstacles -- from programs that couldn't accommodate me, to waiting lists that lasted much longer than my desire to get clean -- all of which combined to feel like the treatment system was designed for me to fail. As a young woman with multiple diagnoses and a history of trauma, I quickly discovered that the treatment services available were laughably insufficient for my needs. More than once, I was deemed ineligible due to my eating disorder diagnosis, and was even terminated from a program when my struggles with self-harm came to light. I'll never forget waking up in an ER to be told that I had almost died. Given that mental illness is regularly accompanied by a co-occurring substance use problem, the fact that most programs can't accommodate concurrent disorders is a serious problem. Advertisement Since the treatment options I needed were so scarce, I spent a large part of my teenage years in hospitals or psych wards with people much sicker than I because entry to any government-funded program was prefaced by a six to seven month long waiting list. I thought the waiting would be over once I was in the program, but after detox, I learned that the second phase wouldn't begin for another two weeks. When you're an addict and you're only coping mechanism is using, two weeks may as well be an eternity. I quickly realized that practicing abstinence from inside the security of a locked ward is nothing like practicing outside, where all the stressors and demands of life await you. And, if you're addicted like I was, there is a good chance that your life is also chaotic and rife with conflict and toxic associations. Throw constant cravings into the mix, and maintaining sobriety for even two weeks becomes a Sisyphean feat. The increased risk of fatal overdose following any period of abstinence means that waiting isn't just gruelling and inconvenient, it can also lead to death. Like so many others with opioid addiction, I relapsed countless times while waiting for treatment. Advertisement I'll never forget waking up in an ER to be told that I had almost died. A stranger found me unconscious, and through a collaborative effort between the officers who arrived just as I lost vitals and paramedics who administered miracle-drug naloxone, my overdose was reversed and disaster averted. Had naloxone been administered even one minute later, I would not have survived and been given the chance to turn my life around. That's why I was shocked to learn that the first people to arrive at the scene -- police -- aren't equipped to administer naloxone in Toronto. I was fortunate enough to survive my overdose and overcome my addiction. My family and I, and thousands of families like ours across Canada, experienced how destructive addiction can be. In those times, all my family cared about was helping me find treatment that worked, and keeping me alive in the meantime. We thought that these goals would align with the top priorities of our federal drug policy. Yet over the years, it became glaringly obvious that our national drug policy was failing to put the health of people with addictions at its core. As the recent open letter from the International Centre for Science in Drug Policy outlines, Canada and the majority of other countries have prioritized a small set of indicators, such as the number of drug-related arrests and seizures, to evaluate drug policy. Advertisement Over the years, it became glaringly obvious that our national drug policy was failing to put the health of people with addictions at its core. My family and I learned firsthand that in a world of finite government dollars, measuring success based on how many people are using drugs or how available they are comes at the expense of other more important priorities -- like making sure we have enough addiction treatment beds for people who need them, or judging success on the number of drug overdose deaths we are able to avoid. "What gets measured, gets done," as they say. Police never seemed to be under resourced when it came to carrying out arrests for drug possession -- which I experienced time and time again -- but that stood in stark contrast to health services. Adopting the health indicators recommended in the open letter -- including level of coverage for evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders, incidence of fatal overdose and level of access to naloxone, among people who use drugs -- would be a meaningful step forward in aligning Canadian drug policy with the concerns of affected communities. We must also take the recommended metrics a step further by specifically measuring and prioritizing the availability of treatment options for people with co-current disorders, and increasing accessibility of naloxone among law enforcement. Advertisement Until we adopt new indicators focused on keeping people with addictions alive and helping them get sober, drug policy will continue to fail to meet community needs. Victoria Sinclair no longer worries about getting her next fix. She has been clean and sober since October 2014 and is enjoying her renewed lease on life. This year she graduated from York University where she earned a bachelor in psychology, rediscovering that life comes with it's very own natural highs. These days she finds solace in yoga, meditation and long-distance running. She volunteers her spare time working with youth who use substances, and is involved in numerous campaigns for mental health, social justice and the environment. Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook MORE ON HUFFPOST: shutterstock bakersfield ca mar 24 an... According to a January 2016 Leger survey for the Association for Canadian Studies, some two in three Canadians agree that "with the exception of Canada's aboriginal peoples everyone that settled in Canada is an immigrant." The 2011 Canadian census reports that there are more than 31 million non-Aboriginal Canadians. That would make for a very substantial number of immigrants and clearly not correct with the official figure reported in the census being just below 6.8 million. That number represents some one in five Canadians, the second highest share of foreign-born in the world (behind Australia). In Greater Toronto nearly half the population is foreign-born. With much of Canada's historic growth fueled by multiple waves of migrants, the country is often described as a nation of immigrants. In the same 2016 ACS-Leger survey nearly three in four Canadians acknowledge that they "have an ancestor that comes from another country." Advertisement But even if many Canadians are willing to subscribe to the awkward notion that the vast majority of us are immigrants, native-born Canadians do not describe themselves as such. Both de facto and de jure Canadians think of immigrants as persons born outside of the country. Most will rightly view the notion of a Canadian-born immigrant as a contradiction in terms. Indeed when surveyed, many of the same people that presumably believe we're all immigrants agree with such statements as "immigrants are not good for the economy, that there are too many immigrants, that immigrants don't share our values." Rest assured that they are not thinking of themselves as immigrants when making these observations. After a certain period of time living in the country, many foreign- born Canadians no longer regard themselves as immigrants. They tend to reserve that category for recent arrivals that are frequently referred to as newcomers. Hence, while it may appear paradoxical, you'll occasionally hear someone that's foreign-born make an unflattering comment about immigrants. Indeed I've found myself gently, or less so, reminding such individuals that they're immigrants (or at least they once were). But there a significant segment of the Canadian-born population that sometimes wrongly gets labeled as immigrants. I refer specifically to persons born in Canada of foreign born parents (a group to which I belong). Much social science literature in Europe refers to these children of immigrants as "second generation immigrants". To many North American observers the term must seem like an oxymoron. It nonetheless gets employed by a number of Canadian scholars. There are statistical breakdowns in the census of Canada on the basis of generational status. Immigrants are generally designated as the first generation, their children as second generation and there is a category for third generation or more. It's inaccurate to refer to second generation Canadians as something other than non-immigrants with whom they are grouped in the census question on immigrant status. Advertisement The confusion that is created by designating them as "second generation immigrants" is sometimes influenced by European analysis with the practice in several EU countries of not automatically conferring citizenship on persons born in the country. For example, children born in France of foreign born parents do not become citizens until reaching the age of the majority. Switzerland does not automatically extend citizenship to a child that is born in the country. Rather, a person is automatically Swiss if at least one of the child's parents is Swiss. Relatively few Canadian scholars that use the term second generation immigrants necessarily think of such individuals as immigrants. Rather most simply echo terminology that is used in some of the Canadian literature on immigration and citizenship and/or seek to engage with European policy-makers or scholars by employing a common vocabulary. But the Canadian-European comparisons can be problematic and regrettably they sometimes don't make for good scholarly work. Is Canada a nation of immigrants? It is certainly a nation with many immigrants who have played a critical role in the process of nation-building. But it is simply too limiting a concept when "the nation of immigrants" conveys the idea that immigration is the country's principal defining characteristic. Tetra Images via Getty Images USA, New Jersey, Woman ready to go on vacations All moms know and appreciate a solo trip to the grocery store, the library or, on really bad days, just sneaking in a solo trip to the bathroom. These types of trips are important, immediate life-savers. But let's face it their benefits are short-lived. When I traveled to Australia recently it occurred to me, after a few trepidatious days, how much I needed to be there, traveling alone. When is the last time you traveled farther than across town on your own? If you are struggling to think about where, when and why you've traveled alone it's been too long! Advertisement I do not have a life that is any harder than any other mom. Yet, for years, I always had a reason to get home as quickly as possible when I had to travel for work. I never took the time to enjoying being alone in fact I often felt guilty for not being at home. For me, Australia was a wake-up call. After such a long flight, so much planning and the sheer exhaustion of jet lag, I was not in my usual panic to get home. No matter what was going on at home, I was not able to get there quickly. It was a terrifying reality and also an odd relief. Once I'd accepted the extra time in Australia, I decided to get to know "me" again and just enjoy some alone time. I created my own version of the long lunch. I picked up a magazine simply because I liked the cover. I ordered exactly what I wanted and tacked on a glass of wine. That's right! Wine!!!! In the middle of the day! Not quite a Mad Men lunch, but as close as I get! I took my time eating, sipping wine and flipping through the magazine. At first I felt a little guilty. Lunch normally is something I eat, when I eat, in the car on the way to my next appointment or at my computer. Or when kids are home it's often standing up and going between getting them drinks or styling their sandwiches (Yes, I have done this. If a child will eat a sandwich cut into triangles but not squares and I have a meeting at two, I will cut the sandwich into triangles.) Wine? Ummm nope. Fun magazines? Only if sorting mail counts. Advertisement But, in Australia, no one knew me. No one cared what I ate, how long it took me to eat, what I was reading as I ate or that I had wine (in the MIDDLE of the day!). Once I got used to the idea that I could just relax and be me, I started looking forward to my long lunches. Maybe it's just me, but food tastes so much better when someone else makes it for you! It was lovely just taking time for myself, just being alone and not having to respond to anyone calling my name. Being able to enjoy the decadence of a glass of wine and a trashy magazine. I realized I rarely did anything just for me and if I did I didn't take the time to ENJOY it. Take a chance. If you travel for work or must take a trip for other reasons, go ahead and go alone. Yes, it can be a hassle to arrange childcare, pre-make dinners and all the rest of the stuff your family thinks just magically happens. Still, it's worth it. Traveling alone lets you remember who you were before you were the key cog in a family. You don't have to go to Australia to achieve this. They have wine in Pittsburgh, Toronto and Phoenix. They also have tea, massages and nice empty hotel rooms if you simply want to skip lunch and nap! Advertisement The key to travel alone is taking the time to get to know yourself again. Not a mom, not a part of a couple -- just you. Trust me, you will come home rejuvenated and ready to re-assume your role as mom and partner. Laura Berg Come join my adventures! Some of the protesters, who took to the streets on March 23, were seen holding posters with the words Arakan State Is Not a Colony and We Dont Want a Governor System. A reference to the time when Burma was ruled by unelected British colonial administration. We want the Arakan National Party, which won in Arakan State, to lead the formation of the state government. We want the Arakan State Chief Minister to be appointed by this party. This is the desire of the Arakan people. So, we are demanding in line with the public desire, said ANP supporter Daw Kyawt Sein, a prominent woman's leader. Reached for comment, U Pe Than, an ANP Central Executive Committee Member and Pyithu Hluttaw (parliament) MP from Myaebon Township, claimed that his party had no involvement with the protest and the public was only expressing their wishes on their own. Despite the widespread calls from many Arakanese in the state that the ANP lead the state government, the NLD this week appointed one of their own MPs, Nyi Pu, to be Arakan Chief Minister. The ANP has responded by staging a walkout from the state parliament in protest against the decision. Translated by Thida Linn Allen Donikowski via Getty Images Young man in his early thirties with bulging blue eyes looking at his laptop screen in shock. A recent World Bank report highlighted the increasing role of Internet communication technologies in our economy. Among mature countries, these account for an average of 21 per cent of GDP growth. And only a portion of the benefits of the Internet for businesses and individuals are captured by GDP figures. Yet unwise regulation could threaten the goose that lays the golden eggs. Access to the Internet and its economic ecosystem increases productivity in virtually all sectors of the economy. Not only does it provide small and medium enterprises with access to the global marketplace, it also gives them access to the back office, shipping, tracking logistics, and other support capabilities that were once restricted to large corporations. Google's chief economist, Hal Varian, coined the term "micro-multinational" to describe how the Internet has levelled the playing field for mom and pop shops. Advertisement For individuals, Internet computing has created new markets and employment opportunities, helping supply to meet demand by making markets more efficient and competitive for everyone's benefit. It is now increasingly easy to expand one's business abroad without a physical presence. In turn, these technologies have helped consumers' voices be heard. Tapping into the world's cognitive surplus has allowed markets to become increasingly transparent through such things as product reviews, niche market blogs, social networks, and crowdsourcing, thereby reducing middlemen's ability to jack up prices. Most of these technologies and services that have radically impacted our routines have been developed in a business environment characterized by soft regulation. This can be attributed, to some extent, to the difficulty governments have had in dealing with a rapidly changing market. Internet applications that have made the news worldwide of late are good reasons to celebrate this lag in regulation. Not that Internet ecosystems have been completely unregulated, since the same civil code, and common law, which apply to the traditional economy also apply to Internet transactions. The Internet is a phenomenon that we often take for granted. But as the Internet revolution is spilling over from screens and handheld devices into the real economy, it has been greeted coolly by governments. As older industries' market shares are being challenged, it is tempting for elected officials to halt this fourth industrial revolution by renewing barriers to entry for protected sectors of the economy. By and large, these barriers to entry are ossified, outdated regulations that place strict limits on consumers and providers of digital services. Taxi companies and hotel chains, for example, feel threatened by the new global competition represented by ride-sharing applications and accommodation-booking sites that are able to evade regulations, the effect of which was to harm consumers in the first place. Advertisement The Internet is a phenomenon that we often take for granted. Yet reasserting needless regulation, or adopting new, seemingly benign rules, could have significant negative effects on the virtuous circle of digital innovation, whereby productivity gains related to the Internet feed further investments. In particular, small businesses benefiting from the Internet, and innovative start-ups that drive Internet innovation, have little or no presence in discussions about public policy. Laws and regulations that are directed at certain industries can have significant adverse effects on other industries. It has been difficult for government officials to see intrusions into traditional industries as anything other than a misuse of new technologies. Ill-conceived regulations could slow the pace of the development of this ecosystem that underpins the investment of billions of dollars and benefits virtually everyone. When it comes to the Internet, as with the rest of the economy, the best regulation is that which is enacted sparingly. Let's go back to late August for a moment. About a third of federal campaign was over and polls suggested that Thomas Mulcair's NDP stood more than a puncher's chance of forming government. After years of work and compromises, they sat somewhere on the cusp, credible but cautious. At a lighter campaign event, Mulcair was asked about the prospects that Republican frontrunner Donald Trump -- brash billionaire, A-plus asshole -- might soon become the U.S. president with whom he'd have to work as prime minister. Advertisement Mulcair laughed. Lots of us laughed away Trump, back then. But he also conceded it was "theoretically" possible. "I don't know him as an individual, but I get to watch the character that is Donald Trump and I think American voters are pretty smart people," he told ET Canada. "I'll let them decide." Republican U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks to the media in Washington on March 21, 2016. (Photo: Jim Bourg/Reuters) Advertisement By that time, Trump had already dismissed many Mexican immigrants as rapists, and said Arizona senator and former POW John McCain -- who can't lift his arms above his shoulders because of years of torture -- was no "war hero." He also suggested a female journalist dug up his vile comments about women because she was menstruating. Charming chap. Still, Mulcair was measured. Canadians don't get to pick who sits in the White House, after all. Of course, Trump has grown more dangerous in the months since Mulcair's party painfully returned to third-place status. Trump has promised a temporary ban on Muslims coming to America. He's mused openly about killing the families of terrorists and about committing war crimes. He's welcomed chaos. He's belittled and bullied. And he's won. Again and again. PM won't take the bait It's been nauseating to watch the party of Abraham Lincoln inch closer to nominating that man for president. America means something to us Canadians, after all. So, it makes sense that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been asked about all this, particularly on his trips stateside where he is often held up as Trump's antithesis. Advertisement Damned if he'll take the bait, though. Trudeau hints, instead, that we already know where he stands. He usually doesn't mention Trump by name, but speaks in general terms about politicians who chart a path to victory through mobs of angry, desperate, scared people. He says he doesn't want to interfere in a foreign election but concedes, time and again, that he will have to work with whoever wins. Sometimes he paraphrases Lincoln -- fancy that -- saying he has confidence in the "better angels of American nature." Not good enough, some say. At a global town hall hosted by The Huffington Post Canada earlier this month, Trudeau was pushed on whether he has a duty to speak up. This goes beyond Canada-U.S. relations, doesn't it? "I'm not going to pick a fight with Donald Trump right now," he concluded. And so, on Wednesday, the NDP leaked a 40-second video to media of Mulcair attempting to fill a void. Advertisement At a recent event with party staff, Mulcair derided Trump as a "fascist" and called out the prime minister's reticence to say the same. "I will not hesitate to point out the fact that Mr. Trudeau just shrugs his shoulders when he's asked about Donald Trump and says, 'Oh the relationship between Canada and the United States goes beyond any two individuals,'" Mulcair says in the clip. "I'm sorry: if a fascist becomes president of the United States, I want to be on record as having opposed it long before that election." And so now Mulcair's on the record -- though his party urged the Trudeau government to ban Trump back in December. Advertisement "I'm sorry: if a fascist becomes president of the United States, I want to be on record as having opposed it long before that election." -- Thomas Mulcair Perhaps more crucially for him, Mulcair is in the headlines before the make-or-break leadership vote he'll face next week. The cynic in me can't help but wonder if that was the sole motivation. If Mulcair is to stay on as NDP leader, a large part of that compromise will centre on his maturity, his gravitas, his ability to rattle the prime minister. There's probably nobody better in question period, when Mulcair's on his game. He's brilliant. He might deserve another shot. That's what made the ploy this week disappointing. Mulcair knows now, as he did in the summer, that this mess is for Americans to sort out. And I suspect Trudeau, still dismissed by some as a lightweight, knows there's little upside to diving in. Let's imagine the prime minister went for it. Let's imagine he called Trump a fascist and urged U.S. Republicans to disown him, to shut down the circus. Advertisement The story would make a much bigger splash than that photo of Trudeau striking a yoga pose on a desk, shot in 2011 and inexplicably inescapable this week. (Photo courtesy Greg Kolz) Trudeau would probably be told to mind his own business, sure. But more than that, such a gambit would likely only help elevate Trump, who seems to rise higher in the face of backlash and calls from the so-called establishment to find some shame and stand down. Trump might even sell the message that Canada's leader feared him because of his pledge to renegotiate NAFTA or only approve the Keystone pipeline if America can get a better deal. They don't want America to win again, he might say. Angry people who haven't won in a while might quite like that message. Near the end of an event in Washington Thursday, Trudeau was, again, asked to share a word about the presidential race. The room erupted in laughter. Advertisement He took a breath and offered, as if by rote: "I have great faith in the American people and look forward to working with whoever gets elected in November." The room seemed to hear him loud and clear. I suspect Mulcair does, too. Also on HuffPost: Shutterstock human resources concept hand... Human resources and corporate culture have been drastically changing in recent years and Vancouver technology companies are leading the way in this transformation. In the past decade the very purpose and focus of human resources departments has been shifting. This shift has resulted is something of a revolution in how companies manage and empower their employees. Rise's Director of People and Culture Rocky Ozaki suggests that the old way of human resources is dead. "The connected generation, they are changing the way that companies attract, retain and engage their people," said Ozaki. Advertisement Ozaki suggests that the company is not perfect when it comes to culture and engagement practices but they want to be the industry leaders and serve as a "test kitchen" on new approaches. According to another Vancouver area tech company, PerfectMind, corporate culture is not the exterior looking qualities such as cool looking office but, they do not get to the foundation of what real corporate culture is. o culture this culture PerfectMind and other companies want to learn how to design, implement and sustain it for optimum growth. PerfectMind insists that culture's foundation is based upon the corporate purpose and values. There are five core principles that Metro Vancouver tech companies are adopting to set themselves apart. Advertisement 1) Culture of Local The global economy that we now live has made it even more important for companies to promote their local economy and products. Vancouver tech companies are often notorious for this, including featuring local artists in their office setup. RentMoola is one such company in this city is doing that by having a local art collection in their Vancouver office from the Burrard Arts Foundation. RentMoola is an online global payment network that enables residential tenants to pay rent, and condo owners to pay their fees by cards. Other companies should follow this company's leadership by involving more local products in their operations. 2) Culture from the Beginning It is key for the culture at a business to be created at the beginning of their operations and by doing so, the right work environment will continue. Riipen Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer Dave Savory said "as an early stage startup going through the process of raising capital and growing our team, building the right culture is extremely important to us." "Riipen is an experiential learning platform that matches employers to top faculty-supervised industry projects completed by university and college students," said Savory. The COO suggested that through Riipen, companies can benefit from positive brand awareness on campus, millennial insights, and a better talent pipeline of top graduating talent for upcoming employment opportunities. Advertisement Savory said that since the company's beginning they have had a strong emphasis on team spirit as it relates to the culture that they are creating. "One of the ways we do this is to always wear orange Riipen shirts, and if they fail to wear the t-shirt then they purchase the team a case of beer," said the Riipen Co-Founder. 3) Culture of Alignment Technology companies are often layer focused on being data-driven but human resources needs to be like all areas of their operations. Human resource departments are consumed with managing, empowering and recruiting employees but they often do not have time to handle the bigger picture culture issues. PerfectMind is one such tech company who has hired a people and culture consultant to help ensure their corporate culture is where it should be. The North Vancouver tech company said that creating a culture of alignment is key because then all of their employees know why they exist. "By doing so, they know the purpose of vision of the company then they also recruit based upon these values," PerfectMind CEO Farid Dordar 4) Culture of Improvement The capacity to continually improve and change is essential for having a people and culture department that empowers it's employees. For instance, RentMoola has a range of innovative corporate culture initiatives to help empower and inspire their employees. Each new employee is welcomed with a swag kit before they learn about the offsite happy hour events and in-office disc jockey. Learning is an essential part of their culture so they offer lunch and learn events that they call MoolaIQ. These initiatives show the industry that it is key to change what needs to be improved and work upon initiatives that work. Advertisement PerfectMind CEO highlighted that establishing a culture based upon character helps create an environment that is balanced and a great place to be for employees. 5) Culture of Open Arms While it is not uncommon for tech companies to host open houses, Rise is a company whose events are uniquely welcoming. These kinds of events are an exceptional way to promote the brand, recruit potential employees and establish relationships with likely users and supporters. Millennials have experienced a range of employers who have made us aware of the type of workplace we want to be apart of. These four companies are creating an environment where the people can thrive and if they are thriving then their companies can grow. People and culture is no longer something relegated to an office but the entire company has to place importance on this area. Advertisement As managing employees continually changes in our world, millennials want to feel valued and like their work matters. Millennials don't want a job but they ultimately want a career they love. These five principles can help organizations create a work environment that millennials want to be in. The five things you need to know on Thursday March 31, 2016 Paul is on holiday. So this morning's WaughZone is written by Owen Bennett. 1) EVERYTHING MUST GO Chaotic, disarray, crisis some of the words on the front pages of the papers this morning as the Governments handling of the steel industry is called into question. Advertisement David Cameron will this morning chair a meeting of key ministers in Downing Street to decide what action to take to try to save an industry which an estimated 40,000 jobs rely on. Business Secretary Sajid Javid is flying back to the UK from Australia, but before he got on the plane he managed to add confusion to the claims of incompetence by pulling nationalisation off the table despite his junior minister Anna Soubry just hours before saying all the options were being looked at. Questions are also being asked about why the Government is still blocking an EU plan to impose greater tariffs on Chinese steel. Last month Javid claimed such a measure would be damaging for the UK economy as a whole as it could drive up the cost of projects for steel consumers. The Guardian report on a Tata source saying the value of its British division is worth almost zero, and that it needs 4billion to get the businesses back on track. The paper also reports Government officials believe renationalisation would cost 1.5billion a year. Advertisement Of course any kind of state aid would have to comply with EU regulations, which are designed to stop governments giving an advantage to industries in the Single Market. Brussels is already investigating the 2billion aid package the Italians gave to its countrys steel maker, Ilva. And here lies the problem for Cameron. If he says: Well of course I would love to bail out the steel industry but the EU wont let me, the Brexiters would plaster that on every piece of campaigning literature from now to June 23. Alternatively, if he says: The industry clearly isnt viable and we shouldnt waste Government cash on it, Labour has its attack lines sorted for the upcoming local elections. 2) SECOND COMING While the Tories are struggling to get their ministers in the same country, let alone the same room, Labour are proving to be much more effective with their response to the crisis. Jeremy Corbyn cut short his holiday to Devon (where he had lemon drizzle cake for breakfast one morning apparently) to travel to Port Talbot to meet steel workers. Advertisement After David Cameron turned down his suggestion for Parliament to be recalled, the Labour leader launched a petition on Parliaments website (although Parliament would need to be recalled to consider the petition about whether Parliament should be recalled) Shadow Business Secretary Angela Eagle is making sure that while her Government equivalent is stuck in the air she is getting as much media time as possible, and the Mirror splashes with her line that George Osborne is more interested in kowtowing to China than protecting UK steel. Stephen Kinnock, who was over in Mumbai to put pressure on the Tata board ahead of their meeting, repeats the attack in a blog for Labour List. It is not just Labour calling on the Government to bankroll the steel industry Tory MP Tom Pursglove yesterday wrote a letter to Cameron asking for a short-period of public-ownership while a buyer is found. Pursglove (who told me in an interview last year he is a child of Thatcher) has a majority in Corby of 2,412. Advertisement 3) DEFINITELY MAY-BE At a press gallery lunch last year, Sajid Javid made a joke about standing to be the next leader of the Tories. That sentence is probably the last time youll read the words Sajid Javid and next leader of the Tories together. A survey on who should be the next Tory leader carried out for the Independent puts the Business Secretary on just five per cent with the public and two per cent with Tory members. Way out in front is Boris Johnson, with the support of 38% of the public and crucially seeing as they are the selectorate after all 42% with the party faithful. So far, so predictable but what is interesting is the rise of Theresa May, who finds herself in second place, ahead of old Omnishambles Osborne. When May backed Remain in January, many felt she had dealt herself out of the leadership race to succeed Dave. But with Osborne crashing and burning, she could still emerge as the main rival to Boris and find herself in the final two to face party members. Advertisement If she does, she might just stand a better chance at beating Boris than Osborne. May is known for working the constituency associations up and down the country, and as a result is a popular figure among activists. Should Boris fail to deliver Brexit and it could well be painted out as HIS failure the pragmatic, unflashy Theresa May might be a lot more appealing to those who vote in the leadership election. 4) THE GOOD WILL OUT The Mail is one of the few papers not to splash on steel this morning, instead leading with a report which reveals some uncomfortable truths about end-of-life care in hospitals. According to the Royal College of Physicians, half of patients had not been helped to drink in their final 24 hours, two thirds had not been helped to eat and one in six had Do Not Resuscitate orders issued without discussion with either them or their families. One nurse said her colleagues mustnt adopt a cross-the-road mentality when it comes to dealing with those close to death. Advertisement The Mirrors take on the report focuses on the lack of 24-hour palliative care in nine out ten hospitals surveyed. BECAUSE YOUVE READ THIS FAR:This little boy decides violence is not the answer when confronted with a pinata. Prepare to go 'awwwwww'. 5) MODERN LIFE IS RUBBISH Its a little known fact (that I always mention on Twitter) that I once followed Nigel Farage around for a bit and wrote about him. How I wish I was American and Donald Trump was my muse. Everyday, he manages to bring a new slice of fear and loathing to his campaign trail. His latest outburst involved him saying that women should suffer some sort of punishment for having an abortion if the procedure was banned in the States. Republicans and Democrats criticised the remarks, which prompted a rare u-turn from Trumpety-Trump. In a statement he said those who carried out the procedure should be punished, and added: The woman is a victim in this case as is the life in her womb. Advertisement This is not the first time a Republican has stumbled on the issue of gender rights. In 2012, Republican Senate nominee Todd Akin said that in instances of legitimate rape the body manages to block unwanted pregnancies. It isn't every day Yale gets an offer like this. Florida Governor Rick Scott has offered Yale University a new home in the Sunshine State. His invitation comes after it was revealed that a proposal in Connecticut legislature could impose taxes on Yale's sizable pot of donations, known as an endowment. Yale has been in Connecticut for more than 300 years We would welcome a world-renowned university like Yale to our state, Scott announced on Tuesday. Adding: "I can commit that we will not raise taxes on their endowment." It seems unlikely that the New Haven institution will be swapping its stony arches for sandy beaches any time soon. Advertisement A Yale spokesman responded to the offer saying: "It's wonderful to be recognized as an outstanding asset, but Yale, New Haven and Connecticut have been on common group to great mutual benefit for 300 years." Despite the offer, it is unlikely that Yale will move to Florida Speaking to the Hartford Courant on behalf of Connecticut Governor Daniel Malloy, Devon Puglia said that the state has no plans to impose heavier taxes on Yale's endowment. "Many proposals are put forward during the legislative session and many stay as just that - proposals," he said. Advertisement "We value Yale, the students it educates, the research and innovation it generates, and the neighborhoods it strengthens in New Haven. "As the governor made clear, we don't believe that new taxes should be part of our solution as Connecticut adjusts to a new economic reality." Yale's $26.5 billion (18.5 billion) endowment is the second-largest of any university in the United States. Harvard pips them to the post with $37.6 billion (26 billion). On Saturday night I found myself raving in a German club, Schwester, to house music with a ceiling shattering baseline. I sipped on my German Pilsner beer and breathed in the atmosphere. The Germans, Berliners in particular, pride themselves on their clubbing experience. Us Londoners are tame according to them. My German cousin was dismayed when he came over to London for the first time, last year, expecting to party it up, only to be booted impatiently out of the Leicester Square club that we were in, at 3am. That's pretty late by my standards, but according to him, Berlin does it better, or at least, they club harder. I've been to Berlin since, but didn't go 'out out' so I still can't vouch for that. But If Saturday night was anything to go by, it seems like he might be right. The odd thing is that I spent my Saturday night in Elephant and Castle, home to the Ministry of Sound, London. Many a student night were spent there partying 'til dawn, but this time was different. I felt like I was in Berlin. How might one experience the authenticity of a crazy German club in good ol'd London, I hear you ask. I was at a Secret Cinema X evening. For those unfamiliar with that concept, it's an immersive cinema event that plants you in a whole new place and time and allows to experience music, dance and film in a totally novel way. This is the second one that's happened so far, I hear the first one was based on 'Amy', and featured a jazz club experience to boot; I'm sorry to have missed that. The film on show on Thursday was 'Victoria', a Sebastian Schipper directed film which won the Berlin Silver Bear for Outstanding Artistic Contribution for Cinematography. It was really good, and better still, we were lucky enough to see it a week before its UK release, on 1st April. Not many films can keep you watching for two plus hours these days, we're all busybody clock watchers with places to be and people to see, but I've got to say this film was excellent. I found it slow to start with, but I grew attached to the main character Victoria as the film progressed. I watched innocent, naive Victoria meet a group of nutty Berliners in a club, and in the hours that followed, the course of her night, and possibly life, crumbled before my eyes. I even shed a silent tear. Yeah sure, the storyline was unrealistic (it's unlikely that you'll bump into prospective bank robbers in a German club, and no sane person gets into a car with drunk strangers) but no, I didn't care. The cinematic effects were incredible (I heard the film was shot in one take), the soundtrack was great and the consistency with the real-life club-setting was very effective too. Advertisement For those that had the stamina, the film's ending signalled the continuation of party time with lookalikes who had me well-and-truly fooled. Apparently this Berlin club carried on 'til the early hours of Easter Sunday morning. If you're after a clubbing experience like this though you might be saddened to know that these one-night-only events are as secret as the more widely known Secret Cinema nights. Before you get there you'll only know that you're in for a good night, but nothing else is given away. Guess to your heart's content, but you'll always be surprised. I'm not sure when the next one is but a Google every now and again will keep you in the know. If you don't like surprises, which lots of people don't, some of the themes of the events are made public in advance; The Grand Budapest Hotel and Star Wars were, for example. 28 Days Later, a post-apocalyptic horror-come thriller directed by Danny Boyle, is the next upcoming experience. I for one, as a fan of the film, am game, but terrified. I know it's going to be damn spooky, SC don't do half measures. Advertisement 'Come join the party guys, why are you leaving so soon' hollered one of the actors as we made our way towards the exit. 'It's not soon, it's really late!' I protested. "I wasn't exactly top of my class, my techniques were a bit out there." Edda Gimnes confirmed what I feared when lecturing recently - that in some institutions, students were being moulded, polished and judged according to a narrow set of guidelines where a certain 'aesthetic' prevails and is thought of as 'good design' and all else is less than acceptable. Want to design shiny ballgowns? Tacky! Want to scribble on blank canvases then slash and top-stitch them together a la' paper doll dress? No way! Fashion design is almost entirely subjective, but you'd be forgiven for thinking otherwise if you listen to some schools of thought in fashion education (no pun intended). Advertisement Edda Gimes AW16 collection and inspiration What makes a good design? What makes a great designer? Does it have anything to do with taste? Does it matter? The question I prefer to ask is how does the designer's work make me feel? What does it inspire in me? If the answer is nothing, then subjectively, it's not for me. In the case of Edda Gimnes collection it filled me with happiness, excitement and wonder. I think fashion is largely about magic... and clothes. Edda's clothes are sprinkled with a childlike fun that came from her abandon and wit in scrawling across vast sections of cloth with her non-dominant hand in an effort to return to a time when she was learning to draw - to return to being a kid. The charming naivety leaps off the fabrics which are stiff cotton 'canvases' that showcase her monochrome illustrations to great effect. The jagged seams and raw edges suggest an immediacy of design realisation - it's like she created the pieces with fervour before their essence could be lost. She admits to struggling with pattern cutting and finding a way around that limitation by creating cutouts roughly in the shape of a dress sketched flat on a piece of paper. Rather than being held back by her limitation, it fed into the quick, naive mood of the illustrations and brought them to life in an honest and 'fitting' way. Advertisement The slow and at times laborious nature of refinement and re-working in clothing design and creation can mean that all that is human about the design is smoothed away, leaving a perfect but impersonal result. The 'hand' in the creation - the personality - is lost. Edda's clothes are theatrical and honest - not unlike her. Edda's personality shines boldly throughout the collection and I want to wear it all. I was in and out of tops and skirts and shoes and lived for a little while in her world. It was fun, personal and compelling. Advertisement To hear Edda talk about receiving a warm and positive response to her work was a joy. She was still beaming from meeting Jimmy Choo earlier that day. He took a huge shine to her and her collection. He adored her mis-matched and customised high street shoes. I can't help but think of Quentin Blake's illustrations when I look at her black scribbles atop the pointy toed shoes. She beams with the recollection of reading Roald Dahl's books as a child and initially couldn't remember where her inspiration for this illustration style came from, until she dug deep into her memories and saw the connection. I'm delighted to bring the passion and energy of Edda's designs to the 'pages' of Huffington Post. Her garments are digitally printed and cut and sewn in London and when I spoke to her at Fashion Scout during London Fashion Week she was taking private orders. Sara Maino from Vogue Italia stopped by and Edda had interest from boutiques in Japan while I was chatting to her, so get your orders in fast, before everyone's chasing a piece of Edda Gimnes magic. Edda Gimnes AW16 When rounding off this post I read a completely unrelated (but brilliant) article and realised that the success of Edda's collection lies in its authenticity. It offered this: Advertisement "When you're not trying to hide away the real version of yourself, people will respond'. When you're demonstrating authenticity, not some contrived personality, that's when you find a way to reach out and connect with other human beings" Onwards and upwards, authentically. Since this interview, Edda won the bronze award at Remix in Milan. Originally published on Techstyler.fashion This week's crisis in Port Talbot and elsewhere has not come out of the blue - Britain's steel industry has been in trouble for some time now - and David Cameron, business secretary Sajid Javid, and the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills all appear to have been asleep on the job. Or perhaps steel workers simply don't matter to them as much as City bankers - in 2008, the then Labour government quite rightly spent 1.2trillion propping up the banks, the equivalent of 20,000 for every man, woman and child in the country. At the time, David Cameron and George Osborne said they would have done exactly the same. In December, the Business, Innovation and Skills committee of MPs noted that other European Union countries - including Germany, France, Italy and Spain - have done far more to protect their industries from the collapse in global steel prices, and the unfair dumping of excess steel by China. Advertisement Yet Sajid Javid has had the gall to blame the European Union for not introducing tariffs on the cheap Chinese steel that is being dumped on world markets and putting higher-quality European production at risk. In fact, it is the British government that has blocked higher tariffs proposed by the EU Commission. No wonder some are concluding that Javid and his fellow ministers are sacrificing our steel industry in order to attract Chinese finance for the nuclear power project at Hinkley Point, and pretending it's about free trade. Britain needs steel - and global steel demand is set to double by 2050. So this is not just about saving the 15,000 jobs in Port Talbot and the up to 25,000 jobs in the supply chain - crucial though that is. We need to take a long-term view, and formulate an effective, long-term industrial strategy that includes a domestic market for the steel we produce, and encourages, for example, maximum use of UK-manufactured components in the construction of offshore wind farms. There are challenges around keeping our steel industry competitive while at the same time tackling climate change. But climate change policy accounts for as little as just one or two per cent of the steel industry's energy bill. In contrast, fossil fuel prices for the industry have risen dramatically in recent decades. Indeed, energy-intensive industries such as steel are part of the solution to climate change - industries such as steel and chemicals are vital to a successful low-carbon economy. That's why we need to see a strong, competitive, low-carbon, job-rich, energy-efficient UK steel sector. And we want to see the Government taking an active role in making that happen. Advertisement Time is now of the essence. And the Prime Minister's reluctance to contemplate public ownership shows yet again a government putting misguided ideology above practical support for an industry - and communities - in need. The opposition parties need to collectively step up to the plate vacated by Tory ministers, and come together to formulate a plan not only for protecting the 40,000 jobs now at risk, but for ensuring a long-term, low-carbon future for Britain's steel industry - bringing the sector back into public ownership, if necessary. That's why I'm adding my voice to the increasingly loud and urgent calls for Parliament to be recalled. Antisemitism is on the rise across Europe and here in Britain too. As with so many of society's ills, wrestling is not immune to it. At a recent Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW) show, there was an incident that has focussed may people's attention on antisemitism and other discriminatory behaviour. It is perhaps best to cross-post the words of Independent wrestling talent David 'The Product' Starr (aka Jewish Canon): Been receiving a lot of messages about a particular incident at CZW last night. Here is what happened:There is a... Posted by David Starr on Sunday, 27 March 2016 Advertisement A video of the incident does exist but has some rather graphic language, so be warned: David Starr shoots, lesson learned. Don't call him the "J-Word" Posted by We Love Pro Wrestling on Monday, 28 March 2016 Starr has subsequently reported that some people would have him turn this incident into a "work" or a storyline to help progress his career. He rightly remains resolute that this is an opportunity to "promote the idea that bigotry, racism, xenophobia, homophobia, and any form of discrimination is not acceptable anywhere". He has also made clear that the issue was not the whole CZW fan-base but particular individuals. There seems to be some people that have the belief that I should turn this incident that occurred at CZW this weekend... Posted by David Starr on Monday, 28 March 2016 In the same week that Starr spoke out, German independent wrestling legend Tommy End tweeted that an individual at a Progress Wrestling show had been using the 'N' word towards him. At a previous Progress show where a simple-minded fan had directed a transphobic attack towards a female wrestler, the entire crowd is reported to have turned to said individual and chanted the progress motto of "don't be a d**k". Reports indicate this was a lone loser but we commend Tommy End for calling out this type of behaviour. Advertisement To the Progress fan using the 'N' word towards me during my brawl: I have stopped matches before for this shit, and I will stomp you out. Tommy End (@tommyend) March 28, 2016 We at Royal Ramblings have also seen antisemitism on social media amongst the wrestling community. One Jewish talent told us that he'd encountered a "couple of jokes here and there" but we didn't find it funny when that individual had a racially loaded tweet sent to them by one of their 'friends'. Nor was it amusing to see Anne Frank's name used in a Hitlerian 'joke' meme. The denigration of the Holocaust and casual antisemitism on social media or in a crowd is simply put, not acceptable. We once wrote that where discriminatory behaviour existed, promotors must act. Disciplinary action where appropriate, twinned with positive educational and charitable endeavours be they storyline or otherwise- we hope CZW acts. We also called for the inculcation of mutually supportive wrestling communities and fan-bases. It would appear from the tremendous response to David Starr's Facebook post and the general attitude of the Progress wrestling crowd that this is happening to a reassuringly large extent. However, we must all do our bit and we at Royal Ramblings want to educate. So readers that don't know, should understand that antisemitism is the canary in the coal mine for wider problems in society. As the Community Security Trust (CST) explains, antisemitism at its heart is hostility, phobia or bias against Judaism or individual Jews as a group. Outright antisemitism has become somewhat of a taboo since the Holocaust but it hasn't disappeared. Rather, anti-Jewish hatred has mutated in form throughout time from religious to ethnic and racial-biological to nationalist. Whereas racial abuse tends to have its victims portrayed as primitive or worthless, anti-Jewish hatred has the victims as all-powerful and duplicitous rulers. Historically therefore, antisemitism has been rooted in allegations of Jewish cunning, conspiracy, immorality, wealth, power and hostility to others. It is that perspective which can still resonate within mainstream discourse about the Middle East conflict in relation to 'Zionists' or the 'Jewish Lobby' and is more difficult to see then say attacks on a synagogue or visibly Jewish people. Antisemitism should have nothing to do with people's views on the Israel-Palestine conflict but to be clear, any theory which relies upon stereotypes of Jewish cunning or wealth and alleged control of media or politicians is antisemitic. Advertisement Antisemitism is also no worse than hating someone because they are a Muslim, Christian, Hindu or Sikh because of their skin colour, sexual orientation, gender or any other characteristic. Wrestling is an industry, yes but it is also a forum in which to bring people together to be entertained and to have fun. It should be a force for good, not evil. We commend those that speak out, those that don't turn a blind eye and those that act. Make sure to speak out if you see others being discriminatory or discriminated against at a show. Dont be a bystander and obey the call of the Progress wrestling fans... I wish I didn't have to write this piece, I really do. I wish you could walk into your appointment without hassle from people who don't want you to have an abortion, but the truth is, you probably won't. Let's get this straight: you have the right to use legal abortion services free from harassment or intimidation. And while not everyone who sees the protesters is upset by them, we know that their activities can add to the stress some women feel about having an abortion, and that's just not on. Advertisement There is widespread public support for a woman's right to abortion in the UK. Fewer than one in 10 people are opposed to abortion, and of those that are, only a small minority feel minded to stand outside clinics protesting. So, if you have an appointment, forewarned is forearmed. Here's what you should know. 1. Staff at your abortion clinic will take your safety and wellbeing very seriously and will be there to take care of you at every step. If you're worried about protesters, give the clinic a call before you arrive and they should be able to meet you and escort you in. 2. Not all abortion services have protesters outside. Increasingly, services offering medical abortion, where pills are taken to end a pregnancy, are located in general healthcare settings like a local GP surgery, and so don't tend to attract protests. 3. Larger centres that carry out medical and surgical abortions usually do have protesters outside, but these clinics are often set back from the road so you can drive past them if you arrive by car. Protesters are not allowed onto clinic premises, so you will not be followed. Advertisement 4. Some of these protests are quiet and at a respectful distance, but some groups can be noisy and persistent in their approaches to women. They are not allowed to touch you or block your access and you do not have to speak to them. 5. Very occasionally, the protesters may be joined by a counter-protest - people who disagree with the anti-abortion protesters and who gather to make that point and show solidarity with women's right to choose if and when to have children. I understand their motivation, but it can be hard to tell friend from foe when you're walking past, so clinics always discourage counter-protests where possible. 6. Protesters may have posters, leaflets or other materials designed to put you off using abortion services. They may also try to talk to you as you arrive. Take anything they say or give you with a massive dose of salt. I've seen leaflets that say abortion causes cancer, or will make it hard for you to bond with any future children you may have to give you just two examples. It's utter nonsense, totally untrue. The staff in your clinic will be able to give you the facts or check out our website (www.mariestopes.org.uk) in advance. Advertisement 7. Keep calm and keep walking. You'll soon be through the door. 8. Report anything to the clinic staff that you think they should know. They can and will call the Police if they feel the protesters have crossed a line. 9. Remember - protesters can't stop you from using an abortion service. It's your decision and no-one else's. These are legal services and you are entitled to use them if you choose to. 10. Once you're in the clinic, you'll be looked after by some of the kindest, most dedicated people working in healthcare. They choose to work in abortion clinics to support the one in three women who will need to end a pregnancy during her lifetime, and they walk through protests every single day to do it. You'll be in great hands. A senior official from KIA Regiment 6 told KNG that it was the Burma Army who attacked the KIA. He said: When three soldiers from our side went to gather water the Burma Army came in between us and shot at our men. Thats why a short skirmish took place. Our men are fine. They have all arrived in one piece this evening, He also claimed that Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army (RCSS/SSA) had been supporting and cooperating with the Burma Army in the area. He said: Our Battalion 37 has been moving around Mannaung village of Mongbaw. The Shan Army [RCSS/SSA] followed us wherever we went and shot at us. The Burma Army and the Shan Army [RCSS/SSA] have been moving together. The RCSS/SSA leader General Yawd Serk denied that there was any military cooperation between the RCSS/SSA when asked by KNG at the Ethnic Armed Organisations (EAO) conference held in Chiang Mai, Thailand on 25 March. Seven EAOs who have not signed the nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA), including the Kachin Independence Organisation (KIO), held a meeting at the United Wa State Army (UWSA) headquarters in Pansang, Wa State on 26 March. Translated by Thida Linn Edited in English by Mark Inkey for BNI Take an argument, take an idea, and follow it to its logical extreme -- and its absurdities, and its contradictions, will be laid bare. La Sha's blog shows us where identity politics has led us to. Like dry rot in a timber frame, identity politics hollows out the liberal rhetoric espoused by its upholders. Their ideas and values remain just an empty husk. Identity politics divides people by their race, gender, and sexual preference. Our human experience is divided upon these lines. Identity politics does not create equality, it merely reverses previous inequalities of respect. Certain kinds of people are preferred to certain others. Stick to this doctrine unflinchingly, and we find ourselves watching 'liberals' (or SJWs), homogenising and demonising groups, and siding with oppressors. Advertisement As Graham Good argues, the new sectarianism of identity politics treats people not as individuals, but as 'representatives' of their demographic group, and thus their dignity and autonomy are diminished. See how Muslim students who support liberalism and reject Islamism, seem to run counter to the popular perception of the authentic 'Muslim' prevalent on many campuses. Identity politics assigns groups emotional scripts, and if individuals deny having such feelings, they risk being told that they are 'in denial', or that they have been intimidated or co-opted. This is the experience of many liberal Muslims, 'Terfs', or any other group that rejects the strict identity code that's handed down to them. As Good describes, identity politics leads us to believe that 'discrimination is constructed not as conscious and individual, but as unconscious and collective. Normal, well-meaning people are held to be unwittingly acting in ways that 'exclude' certain demographic groups.' A white male like Otto Warmbier for example, will inherently be aggressive and exclusionary to 'minority' groups. It's easy to see where this belief can lead to.. Otto Warmbier you see, had committed the terrible crime of being born white, male, and heterosexual. Advertisement No wonder La Sha's tone is gleeful. Her article is a joyous celebration of man getting his comeuppance for being born so 'privileged'. La Sha says in her bio that she writes to 'deconstruct oppressive ideologies and systems'. Surely her horror would be placed at the foot of the totalitarian regime that is the exemplar for state-sponsored terror? But no, her warm ridicule is saved for Mr Warmbier, because he had the contempt to disrespect North Korea's 'law and order'. Indeed, "If he had obeyed North Korea's laws, he would be home now." The art of risk prediction is a tricky one. With most problems, the obvious approach to take is to predict a gradually increasing or decreasing level of concern regarding a situation as in 19 out of 20 situations we may have in global politics, that's the most likely outcome. It isn't always the obvious path that is taken though. One of the only people to predict the Arab Spring was the British journalist John R. Bradley who predicted both the revolution in Egypt as well as the wider Islamist direction of travel in the regions upheaval and whose prediction of destabilization in Saudi Arabia no longer seems like an outlier in global prediction. Most experts saw business as usual continuing, until of course it didn't. Those experts at least have the excuse that none of the revolutionaries warned them months in advance of their plans. It was conventional wisdom in counter-terrorism circles pre-November 2015, that it was extremely unlikely that the Islamic State would be able to attack Europe. This was a decision born of a prevailing wisdom that there would be plenty of willing would-be terrorists in Syria, but that getting them and their tools of the trade into Europe would be nigh impossible. This despite the Islamic State frequently stating that they had the means and desire to attack Europe well before that period. Two examples are of an interview given to Buzzfeed by an Islamic State member in January 2015 on how the group was smuggling fighters to Europe in order to carry out attacks and the reports of the anti-IS activist group based in Syria, Raqqa is being slaughtered silently who reported that European ISIS members were openly bragging about being soon sent back to their home countries to carry out attacks. Advertisement There are many other examples of Islamic State making such claims before, but they were dismissed as merely propaganda. The thing about propaganda is to have credibility, you don't say anything that you don't mean to follow up on. The focus now, however should be not on how we missed things get as bad as they are now, but how much worse they could get. The noted British terrorism expert Shiraz Maher remarking on the number of plots disrupted in France stated "Good grief. The French are practically fighting an insurgency." The idea that things could escalate further in Europe is taken further by the former National Security Agency analyst and current history professor John R. Schindler who talks of guerrilla war on Western European soil. At the moment it seems to me, quite unlikely yet possible, things will get that bad, but the possibility is more likely than it was last week before the Brussels attacks. Other seemingly equally unlikely scenarios such as the 9/11 attacks, the Arab Spring and the financial crisis have come to pass. These world changing events, known as black swan events after the book of the same name by Nassim Nicholas Taleb are hard, but not impossible to predict. There are worrying signs that the Islamic State are wishing to raise the temperature of their campaign. The Guardian reported that pro-IS propagandists have been sending text and social media messages en masse to young Muslim men from Molenbeek (the district of Brussels which has been most connected with the organization) that they have not previously been in contact with. Advertisement I am reminded of an incident in the early days of the anti-independence terrorist group in 1960s Algeria, the OAS, where that particular insurgency was furthered immensely by the hijacking of the main television channel in the middle of prime time viewing to deliver a propaganda message on behalf of the group. As television was the main form of communication in the late 20th century, so smartphones and social media are today. The reason the OAS decided to undertake their spectacular propaganda coup was to upgrade from a small conspiracy of killers to become a mass-participation movement. I know I'm not the only person watching The People Vs OJ Simpson on BBC2. But just in case you've been out of the loop - it's a star-studded ten part television series documenting the murder of Nicole Brown Simpson and the trial of her ex-husband OJ. The series follows both the prosecution and the defence in their battle for justice. The thing that most caught my eye, despite the gory details of Nicole's murder and the blatantly obvious guilty suspect, is how Marcia Clark is treated throughout the series. An accurate representation, Sarah Paulson was chosen to play Marcia Clark - the fiery, go-getter lawyer who was also the leading prosecutor in the OJ Simpson trial. It was in 1995 that Clark took on her most infamous trial working to prosecute OJ Simpson for the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman. The moment Simpson was found not-guilty; Clark left the court, her job and her reputation and never looked back. Throughout the highly publicised double-homicide trial, Marcia Clark was forced to be subject to ridicule, torment and sexism from the American press, the public and her opposing lawyers. I have now watched the first seven episodes of The People Vs OJ Simpson and, for the most part, have watched in complete horror as developers Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski portray the exploitation of Marcia Clark. While most are caught up in the regurgitated black civil rights movement and the fact that a sporting star brutally murdered his wife and an innocent man, it is scarring to witness the way that Clark is treated. She is scorned at and mocked in the first few episodes based entirely on her physical appearance. Her intelligence and aptitude to do her job is completely disregarded in favour of idle gossip about what she looks like. Referring to the mini-series and looking back on the trial, the now-author has spoken out about what a truly painful time in her life it was. While mainly grieving for the remaining members of Nicole and Ron's families and the injustice they have been served, Clark often recalls on her mistreatment and the battle she was, at that time, required to face against her ex-husband for custody of their children. Because Ms Clark was a woman, she was doubted throughout the trial not only for her skills as a lawyer, but also as a mother. Advertisement Before the trial started, Clark was advised by a jury consultant to 'talk softer, dress softer, wear pastels'. She was told to consider wearing skirt suits instead of the trouser alternative. Throughout the trial she was constantly criticized for her perm, something on which she's recently commented that she "wanted wash-and-wear hair. I had two little boys in diapers, and I did not have time to mess with that stuff". In the series, we see Clark essentially tune out every comment and sneer that was made towards her by reporters and opposing lawyers alike, until an ex-husband releases an old, topless photograph of her on the beach on holiday. Instead of focusing on her accomplishments, the media consistently and belligerently chose to only address her physical appearance. Her colleagues and opponents referred to her as a "bitch" and potential jurors commented that they would "not want to be her boyfriend". She was told that black women didn't like her and that she would appeal more if she changed her hair or smiled more. Marcia Clark should have been addressed as what she was - a professional. She was strong, smart and tough, and should not have been forced to worry about how she looked. I wish I could say that there are no current cases in which a woman's ability is overlooked as a result of her gender, but sadly, I cannot. Advertisement Veiling and female circumcision are long-standing practices that predate all the Abrahamic religions but remain dominant throughout society today. The former is a broad tradition practiced by women and girls across the world, that varies from the sartorial cloth over the hair as an extension of the dress or sari, to the more steadfast hijab, which neatly tucks away all hair, covering the ears and neck but revealing the face. Then there are variations that proceed towards the complete coverage of the body including fingers and ankles, where even the wearer's eyes are hidden, confining their vision to a view mediated by a mesh screen. The latter is a ritual with a specific intention to control female sexuality varying from removal of the clitoris to the entire genitalia, sewing the vaginal opening shut, leaving a hole just big enough for urine and menstrual blood to drip out. This ensures that a woman can be identified as a virgin before marriage and her husband is the one to execute the gallant act of deflowering. This is precisely why female circumcision for non-medical reasons is more aptly described as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Effects of FGM include infections, painful intercourse, infertility, difficulty in childbirth and other long-term consequences, which are still being discovered. Advertisement Regardless of how imposing the most extreme form of the veil can be, it is impermanent, unlike FGM which stings more destructively, so is it right to conjoin the two in the postmodern context of rethinking women's agency? I was to find out that my brazen anti-FGM stance is 'regurgitating the hideous colonial project that imposed itself on the rest of the world on a civilizing mission to rescue the women of the third world from its savage men'. The rationale I am told, is that even as a Nigerian born woman, I cannot speak for other less privileged Nigerian women, how much less, a white woman on behalf of ethnic minorities. It was at Goldsmiths University that I came to witness this betrayal first hand, which ascribes brutality onto people from other places as part of culture but fashions itself so self-righteously. Like John the Baptist at the feet of Jesus crying; 'Who am I to say that female circumcision is barbaric, lest I judge thee through my western colonial gaze?' In the seminar that alerted me to the pervasiveness of this sinister trend, my lecturer failed to make a distinction between veiling and FGM, simply conflating the two as cultural modes of being that are parallel to western secular thought. The argument for veiling can certainly be made: Muslim women choosing modesty, piety and privatisation of their own bodies in order to maintain power - in what they deem a patriarchal world in which women's bodies are objectified, sexualised and commodified. As much as that would be true for them, it does not negate the fact that women are punished with lashes and acid for refusing to abide by the law where veiling is enforced. Sudan's morality police routinely harass women for unveiling, while in northern Nigeria, the charge of indecent dressing can be levied on any woman found not to be complying - not to mention the aggressive policing of the veil in Iran, Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia. The comparison to bikinis and mini skirts as equivalents to the veil do not hold, because no woman is ever flogged, burned or stoned for not showing enough skin. Advertisement Goldsmiths, very much like SOAS seems to be the hotbed of this double standard reinforced by some academics and propagated by a faction of student activists. In December 2015, the feminist and LGBT societies at Goldsmiths left even their own members baffled by their decision to extend 'solidarity' to the Islamic society, whose members disrupted human rights campaigner Maryam Namazie's lecture. They had deemed Namazie a 'notorious Islamophobe', for referring to the veil as 'bin bags'. During the lecture, Namazie backed up her statement and reinforced the importance of continued opposition against traditions such as FGM which are an affront to women's rights. When probed on the matter, a representative of the Goldsmiths LGBT society responded that "as a white person, I cannot condemn FGM because of my colonial past." Is this putative desire to carry the burdens of the past squarely on one's shoulders echoed among feminists? Germaine Greer once argued that attempts to outlaw FGM amounted to 'an attack on cultural identity', stating: "one man's beautification is another man's mutilation." Greer was widely condemned, almost unanimously. Nearly 20 years on, some fields of study in academia including critical race and gender theory are reawakening the same argument albeit from a postcolonial perspective - the difference now being that a generation of ethnic minority students have themselves, bought into this defeating narrative. The stance becomes reactionary, and any cause that contravenes the ugly history of colonialism becomes appealing, regardless of the implications. This pattern of taking an apologetic stance is increasingly expressed on the far-reaching left, reinforcing the idea that concerns of gender based violence become a separate issue to feminism if the perpetrator is brown or black. The issue is deemed as 'their own problem', inherent to their culture, which should be left to them. While this response may at first be dismissed as the uninformed opinion of a fringe student minority, to what extent do they represent the politics within modern feminism? And how does this type of politics play out in the wider world? What is dangerous about this standpoint is how it fails minorities such as children, women and non-hetrosexuals within those minority communities. Advertisement FGM, like veiling is not a practice confined to far off lands. FGM continues to be practiced illegally on British born girls, with a case reported in the UK approximately every two hours. If FGM is carried out on a white child in Britain, it will be regarded as criminal - so why does this position shift when a Somali child is violated? According to the neutral stance prescribed on my course, I am not to celebrate Nigeria officially banning FGM in 2015, because it is actually reverting to the colonial standard, which deemed the practice as barbaric. Nigeria also banned the veil for girls at public schools throughout Lagos state, with a judge ascribing the policy to "values of plurality and the respect for the rights of others who have subscribed to a non-faith based educational system." This is an immense achievement, and a testament to the growing secular pushback throughout countries that have been so wedded to religion. To write this off as 'an internalized racist form of colonialism that continues the western patriarchal imposition' is a disservice to the progress being made in the advancement of women's rights and freedoms on the continent. It is possible that lecturers are finding it increasingly difficult to swim against the wave of regressive thought gaining ground in courses in social sciences and humanities, nevertheless students should be presented with the plural sides of the debate. There was no mention of African feminists who have dedicated their lives to banishing FGM, such as the [late] Ghanaian activist Efua Dorkenoo, who worked tirelessly for 30 years and pioneered the global movement to end the practice, along with Egyptian feminist Nawal El Saadawi, a vocal abolitionist. In the diaspora, campaigners of African heritage include Waris Dirie, Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Amal Farah, Nahla Mahmoud, Bogaletch Gebre, Alishba Zarmeen, Jaha Dukureh, Hibo Wardere, Salimata Knight, Mona Walter, Sainab Abdi, Leyla Hussein, Nimko Ali and many others too numerous to list. Glasgow shopkeeper, Asad Shah, was murdered by another Muslim for what appears to be a religiously motivated crime. Mr. Shah had wished Christians a Happy Easter. This event is significant because it marks the levels of intolerance Muslims themselves are facing from a fringe minority within their own communities. I worry this minority is growing. How have we ended up in this situaton? Muslims are now regularly castigated online by other Muslims for expressing greetings such as 'Happy Birthday,' 'Happy Christmas and even 'Happy Mothers Day!' It never used to be like this. Who influences these bigoted Muslims? Is it (pseudo) scholars such as Zakir Naik who promotes his propaganda through his Satellite station, Peace TV? He is popular amongst South Asian Muslims and was banned by Home Secretary Theresa May in 2010. Or is it those who have their own slots on the various Asian and Islamic UK based satellite TV stations, some of whom are also invited to speak at University Islamic Society events? Or is it the growing number of international celebrity scholars online with huge social media followings? Of course people should be free to express their views providing they don't incite violence. If they think it is against their faith to say 'Happy Easter' or 'Happy Diwali' then they should be able to say so. However, it is important to try and identify why some are policing other Muslims and think it is acceptable and perhaps even their religious duty to punish them because they have a different religious perspective. The attacks can be verbal or physical. In Islam we believe only God declares what is lawful (halal) and what is unlawful (haram). It seems now to be a regular occurrence being told things are 'haram' and therefore against Islam. We have good scholars who are moderate in their views but unfortunately those with hardline opinions often drown their voices out. In fact they are also attacked and maligned in an attempt to discredit them so their views don't gain traction amongst Muslim youth. Advertisement Islam has a long tradition of recognising differences of opinion and debating with respect (Quran 16:125). The fringe that claims to be an authority on Islam are devoid of the most basic Islamic etiquette and blatantly ignore the Quran's spirit of mercy and tolerance. Muslims who express views regarded as too moderate and therefore against their narrative (and according to them against Islam), are often bullied and smeared including incitement of hatred. Many Muslims have been subjected to such aggressive behaviour regularly through social media. The Online trolls who go after Muslim men and women in this manner are often connected to each other and sometimes operate in packs. Muslims like myself are also regularly referred to in derogatory terms such as 'House Muslims,' (derived from the term House Negro) 'Uncle Toms,' and 'Sell Outs.' It is used to dehumanise any Muslim who disagrees with their worldview. They are portrayed as traitors pandering to the interests of White people, especially those in media and government. This is arrogant, dangerous and also bigoted rhetoric. Contrary to what they may believe and want, Muslims are diverse in their religious and political views and can think for themselves and engage with people in power on their own terms. We are a part of British society and should be engaging on every level and not shouting and whinging from the margins. These bigots can disagree and move on but they don't. They want to harass in an attempt to silence and shut alternatives voices down. They want to enforce one religious and / or political ideology. They will stop at nothing to achieve their aim including accusing Muslims of changing Islam and refusing to accept that Muslims are diverse and believe in different interpretations. This deliberate tactic now being employed against British Muslim is a sinister one because the consequences of implying that someone is a heretic or is committing blasphemy can be fatal. It is a subtle and covert form of extremism. There are 50 shades of extremism and this is one of them. Advertisement Unfortunately I am now on this hit list of Muslims to target. After being trolled on Twitter recently, an anonymously written article appeared online criticising a number of Muslims. Interestingly the article was called, Deformist Subversions: British Islam Architects and Shaista Gohir. It is clear the intention of this piece is to promote that we (and especially me) are distorting Islam. I have even been given my own Islam and it is called Gohir's Islam. The next step can easily be accusing me of heresy and blasphemy or hope that others will do that after reading the article. Perhaps the author wants to remain anonymous to avoid responsibility of any consequences from this article. The question I have been asked consistently since the Government withdrew its proposals to amend the Hunting Act in July in response to the SNP's decision to vote against the changes is why Defra did not wait until the implementation of English Votes for English Laws (EVEL). The new rules are supposed to restrict the involvement of Scottish and Welsh MPs in Westminster on issues which are devolved to legislatures in their countries, and if Scottish MPs had been excluded from the vote on the Hunting Act the law would have been changed. The answer, I am afraid, is that those new rules are a misnomer, they do not restrict any MPs from voting on any Statutory Instrument which amends existing legislation, nor do they stop any MP from voting on the crucial final stages of any new legislation. The futility of EVEL was emphasised a couple of weeks ago when the SNP did a similar U-turn on the Government's proposal to allow shops to open for longer on Sundays and equalize Sunday trading laws North and South of the border. EVEL did not stop SNP MPs voting down the Government's plans and inflicting a humiliating defeat. Advertisement As with the amendments to the Hunting Act this was about politics, not principle, with one SNP MP admitting "My default position is that we should do everything to maximise the Government's discomfort". The day after Scotland voted to remain in the union David Cameron stood on the steps of 10 Downing Street and said: "I have long believed that a crucial part missing from this national discussion is England. We have heard the voice of Scotland - and now the millions of voices of England must also be heard. The question of English votes for English laws - the so-called West Lothian question - requires a decisive answer." Photo Credit: Portobello Star Gin, tonic, ice, and lemon. Serving a classic G&T couldn't be simpler, in theory. And yet home-made attempts are often lacklustre compared to bar-bought ones. Access to quality ingredients are not the problem - local supermarkets are awash with small-batch artisan gin brands. And as for premium tonic water, it's even made it into the essentials aisle. So I decided to ask an expert and headed to Notting Hill's Portobello Star. An historic bar which is home to Portobello Road Gin and the fabled Ginstitute. According to Ashton, head bartender, the first step to G&T perfection is to choose a gin that matches your mood. Think about what you want. Scottish gins are more earthy with forest botanicals. Want something a little more fruity? Pick a fruity gin. Classic? Get a London Dry. Advertisement Get your glass right. Ashton favours the Spanish copa. This huge balloon-shaped glass will hold all the aromas inside whilst enabling your G&T to slosh around. By agitating the liquid, you're activating the flavours. Use as much ice as possible. A measly handful will over-dilute it. You need to keep it as cold as possible, so fill it to the brim. Ice goes in first so that the gin chills as it runs over the cubes to the bottom of the glass. Duke's bar in St James' even keeps its gin in the freezer. Choose a tonic depending on your mood. For example, a Mediterranean tonic water contains half the quinine, so is much lighter. Ashton prefers a ratio of 50ml of gin to 100ml of tonic. But it depends on personal taste and also the gin itself. Lighter gins such as Bombay Sapphire can't cope with a hefty slug of tonic, but the bolder London Drys can stand up to quite a lot. Now the garnish. This final sprig, slice or peel can either compliment the gin or mirror one of its own botanicals. For example, a slice of cucumber is a favourite garnish for both Hendrick's and Martin Miller's as both gins contain this ingredient. But stay away from anything too flavourful - contrary to tradition, don't squeeze loads of citrus into your glass or the acid will wash away the more delicate notes of the gin. Ashton recommends using only the zest, two long strips with a potato peeler and avoiding the bitter white pith. The lightly-perfumed oil of your lemon/lime zest - or with Portobello Road Gin pink grapefruit - will accent the gin beautifully. Take one strip and lightly rim the glass, then drop it down the inside. Gently twist the second over the top to release an invisible mist of oils. And Voila. Advertisement A true Gin Connoisseur, however, may want to take it one step further. I'm talking about creating a custom gin with your chosen blend of botanicals. It's quite a length to go to, but sledgehammers and nuts aside.. it seems the next logical step in our gin renaissance. If you think you know your angelica root from your coriander leaf, then why not put your money where your mouth is? In London, City of London Distillery, Bump Caves and the Portobello Star's own Ginstitute invite customers to come in and blend their own. Further afield, The Cambridge Distillery offers a bespoke tailoring service. After all, gin does lends itself to customisation more than any other spirit. For example, now the G&T class is over, Ashton's preparing an Easter-themed martini which involves spraying the glasses with a super-strength hot cross bun gin. Photo Credit: Victoria Ferran This strange new gin was distilled upstairs by steeping actual hot cross buns in natural grain spirit for 24 hours, after which it takes a trip through Copernicus II, a copper pot still, where it's heated, vapourised, and then condensed. Adding purified water brings the mega-strong gin down to a drinkable strength. So if it works for hot cross buns - what else can be made into a gin distillate? I climbed the old wooden stairs to find out. Advertisement The Ginstitute is a small square room flooded with sunlight. Along one side is a wooden bench straight out of a chemistry lab. Tall scientific beakers are filled with brightly-coloured botanicals macerating away in ethanol. One is smoked chicory, another is labelled cassia bark - a type of cinnamon which smells like Big Red chewing gum. A large pile of lemongrass, cut in half and toasted, is awaiting its turn. Photo Credit: Victoria Ferran Opposite us, the wall is lined with shelves groaning under the weight of homemade distillates, transparent in their vintage glass bottles. There are many familiar faces: Juniper Berries, Lemon Peel, Bergamot. But also curious interlopers: Asparagus, Avocado, Horseradish, Lapsang Su Chong. For a London Dry, botanicals must all come from a plant - so pips, seeds, stem or leaves - and be distilled in natural grain spirit. After that the sky's the limit. Photo Credit: Victoria Ferran It seems unlikely that these weirder distillates would work but a resident Ginstructor reassures me that these bold new botanicals can blend very successfully with traditional ones. But asparagus? really? Apparently so. They've recently revived the Red Snapper - a popular 1920s Parisian cocktail and precursor to our Bloody Mary - with an asparagus-loaded Portobello Road gin. Advertisement Photo Credit: Victoria Ferran San Francisco is in the news again, but this time it's for what is being called an assault on a white guy for having dreadlocks. I saw the video and got upset. It's 47 seconds with no beginning or end. That frustrates me. It's the lack of context. Who is this black woman? What kind of day is she having? What is her story? Who is this white guy with the dreads? I like his trousers. What books are in his backpack? Why does he sound so hood? In college, I was a hippy. I became accustomed to white guys with dreads, white guys who think they are going to save the world with their poetry, and white guys who still didn't know what to do with me - a black woman. Seeing a white person with dreads has never really bothered me, they're nice people, friends of mine, some of my best friends actually. That is because I grew up in East London, where my race was never an issue and my neighbour was white and so was my first boyfriend. What is racism? And why do I always hear of it in places like "the workplace," or "the Tube?" College changed that because I met people from all areas of London and I learnt a lot. I realised that even black men can sometimes exhibit what I call "black misogyny," telling a black woman she isn't beautiful because she's dark skinned, wears weave or goes natural. I realised some people could "never date a black girl." I realised sometimes blacks, whites, Asians and Latinos really don't mix together. I realised that people are ignorant and that I would start to feel inadequate for having black skin, black hair and a fuller figure. I'm sure the black girl in the video has realised all this too. But unfortunately for her, America isn't the kind of nation that is going to tell her that it's nonsense. She's living in a nation where people who look just like her are treated unfairly by the system that exists to protect and develop them. And some white guy wants to pick his favourite part of her culture and wear it as a fashion statement through his hippy phase? Knowing it's likely he will never experience the strife she faces as a black person? I understand that making her mad. Advertisement I will state: I have no personal problem with anyone having dreads. Though I am against cultural appropriation: bindis, Native American headdress, blacking up (yuck), etc. They trivialise something that is literally everything to a group of people and reduces it to some fun for a night out where you get drunk on three single vodka mixers and act a bloody mess. Dreadlocks are a bit trickier to label for me and I generally see them in a more relaxed manner. They mean different things to every black person. But will I ever tell a black person they have no right to be mad about dreadlocks? Never. Just because we're black doesn't mean we're all the same. My experience is different from hers. I'm English for one, London-born, and I genuinely believe that has benefitted me in terms of personal growth, my interests and my own self-worth. The system here doesn't make me feel oppressed just because I'm black (though I feel that too), it's usually more because of classism, patriarchy and the Tories. Those are things I can handle for the most part. There are other black people from England who will feel racially oppressed depending on the lives they've lived. They have the right to be mad. Just like this girl in the video probably does - though she didn't need to put her hands on him. The guy in the video surprised me. I couldn't deal with the language he was using when addressing her. The "yo" and the "bruh." Where did you get that from? Is that language you have acquired because you're talking to a black girl? I have had that countless times. People spudding me too, telling me to "keep it real," telling me not to stab them, calling me "exotic," saying my hair is nice "for a black girl," reciting a song or a joke and using the N-word to me, seeing my skin colour and telling me they have been to Kenya (I'm a British-born Nigerian so I don't care if you've been to Kenya really. I've been to Ireland before, do I need to tell you?) This is 'innocent' annoying behaviour by people who are ignorant, they have snapshots of black culture and they think they know. It's frustrating at best. Advertisement Fairfax: Eddie Jim Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews will create a central agency to handle all family violence issues across the state, after the government pledged to adopt every recommendation in the Royal Commission into Family Violence report. The Victorian Premier spoke to Leigh Sales on The 7:30 Report on Wednesday night, announcing the state government's new approach would be based on "outcomes". Advertisement "I think we know the system has failed many people in that it's not actually a system... It's a series of disparate services filled with people of passion and great effort and people who work and struggle so hard against the system, almost, to keep people safe," Premier Andrews said on the program. "There will be one agency that deals with all the government's efforts... there there will be a central coordination where you assess each victim's risk and put in steps and a plan to deal with that risk." The Premier said training staff in hospitals and specialist family violence services will also be vital to delivering better outcomes -- and reduce the number of victims -- across the state. "There will be new measures and a determination to be accountable and a much more connected system where we're sharing information, we're sharing data, we're building evidence and we're making sure that it is truly a system that keeps people safe," Andrews said. Advertisement With the looming COAG meeting on Friday, Andrews would like support -- or at least a discussion -- around a "family violence medicare item number" recommended by the commission. "If you are a victim survivor of family violence, you and your kids can go to the GP, get bulk-billed, get the care and the service that you want. That's a simple thing. Yes, there's a cost involved, but they're not costs really. They're investments in a more decent Australia," Andrews said on on the program, before slamming Turnbull's pitch to hand over income tax to the states. On Wednesday the 1900-page report from the Royal Commission into Family Violence released more than 200 recommendations including an overhaul of the court system which would get all family violence matters in specialist courts within five years. The Commission also recommended the state establish "support and safety" hubs, so victims can get risk assessments, police referrals, book into crisis accommodation and find other necessary support all in the one place. Advertisement Stronger perpetrator programs have also been recommended along with sharing of information between courts, police and key domestic violence services. As the Commission -- which is the first commission into family violence in Australia -- only spent $13.5 million of the $30 million in funding it received from the state government, Commissioner Marcia Neave suggested the rest be spent kickstarting funding the 227 recommendations. Upon the release of the report, Premier Andrews was joined by Rosie Batty and the Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Fiona Richardson at Victoria's Parliament House on Wednesday. On Monday Richardson revealed her own personal battles with family violence, as she opened up on the ABC's Australian Story about her violent and alcoholic father. Speaking to The Project on Wednesday night Richardson said her experience "brings a unique perspective [to her ministerial position] and a focus on this issue from a victim's perspective". Advertisement ChesiireCat via Getty Images Young woman lookimg at birthmark on her back, skin. Checking benign moles For the most part, we Aussies are a bunch of sun lovers. And while many of us have had the importance of 'slip, slop, slap' drilled into us from a young age, it doesn't always mean we can get away with our outdoorsy lifestyle scot-free, particularly when it comes to our skin. In short, it's extremely important to regularly check our skin for signs of any changes, and now we are about to head into the cooler seasons and essentially dive into our woollies for a couple of months, the timing couldn't be better. Advertisement "Early detection of skin cancers is critically important -- especially for melanoma -- so they can get treated," Chair of the Skin Cancer Committee for Cancer Council Australia, Craig Sinclair, told The Huffington Post Australia. "Melanoma kills over 1500 Australians each year, and we do know that it can grow [quite quickly]. Sometimes it can be a matter of months between someone first noticing it to the point where it has metastasised and has become very difficult to treat. "If caught earlier, it's much easier to treat and the chance of survival is very good. However, when the melanoma has spread and metastasised into the blood stream and lymph system, then it can be potentially deadly and very, very difficult to treat." In terms of what exactly to look for, Sinclair says basically any sign of changes to moles or spots would warrant a visit to your local GP. Advertisement "Our job is to be well aware of our skin and look out for any spots changing shape, colour or size. If a mole is growing or its changing in shape, or it appears to be a different colour, then it is really important to go to your GP," Sinclair said. "I think there can be the misconception that people need to see a specialist straight away. In fact, your local family GP is well equipped to look at these spots and to investigate if theres a concern or to treat immediately if easy to do so. "There are lots of different types of melanomas and different types of common skin cancers which I won't go into now, but really all we need to worry about is making sure we know our body well and are aware of anything intrinsically changing shape, colour or size." In terms of why now is such a good time to get checking (though of course, regular checks are encouraged), it's quite simply because cooler weather = more clothes, which means less chance of friends or family members spotting any potentially troublesome moles. Advertisement "Obviously it's a lot easier to check your skin in the summer months when you do have less clothing and your skin is more exposed, as people are more likely to notice any changes," Sinclair said. "But in the middle of winter, we tend to be hibernating with a lot more clothes on. Though we shouldn't stop looking, were less likely to notice any changes quite simply because they are covered up. Also it's less likely other people will notice. "I am always amazed to hear stories of melanoma survivors, who had a friend or loved one who pointed out something didn't look right. While we as individuals are pretty good at detecting if something is not feeling right, often friends or family members have an active role, particularly on those parts that are difficult to see." Sinclair also urges Aussies to continue using sun protection, regardless of decreasing temperatures. "I just want to reinforce the importance of prevention. It makes the world of difference if you can detect [skin cancers] early," Sinclair said. Advertisement "My best advice is to continue to choose sun protection whenever there is a UV index greater than three. So, for Queensland, that's all year around. For Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania, it's until about the end of April, and for New South Wales it's really up to the end of May. "The best thing is not to be guided by temperature but by the UV forecast. SunSmart actually has this fantastic app which provides the UV levels for the day and when sun protection is required, in something like 200 locations around the country. "But once again -- just because it's getting cooler, it doesn't mean you can throw sun protection out the window. Dont be fooled by temperature, its not related to UV." The eight ethnic armed groups discussed their preparations for the national level political dialogue with the incoming National League for Democracy (NLD) government. Also discussed were ways these groups can cooperate with the remaining ethnic armed groups that have not signed the NCA We have formed a coordinating team to jointly resolve emergency issues, but this team does not cover everything. The steering committee was formed to become more effective [than the coordinating team]. We have also prepared and discussed how to carry out the national-level political dialogue, which is mentioned in the NCA, explained Colonel Sai Hla, a spokesperson for the Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army (RCSS/SSA). Colonel Sai Hla attended the summit as did the leader of the RCSS/SSA, Colonel Yawd Serk. Colonel Sai Hla added that a committee has also been formed to engage with ethnic armed groups that have not signed the NCA. On March 27 this committee met with the United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC), which comprises many non-NCA signatories. The second summit of the NCA signatories was attended by the Karen National Union (KNU), the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA), the Karen National Union/Karen National Liberation Party-Peace Council (KNU/KNLA-PC), the Arakan Liberation Party (ALP), the Chin National Front (CNF), the PaO National Liberation Organization (PNLO), the All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF) and the Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army (RCSS/SSA). Osman Orsal / Reuters Visitors from Australia and New Zealand attend a dawn ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Gallipoli, at Anzac Cove in Gallipoli April 25, 2015. The battle on Turkey's Gallipoli peninsula was one of the bloodiest of the Great War, as thousands of soldiers from the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) were cut down by machinegun and artillery fire as they struggled ashore on a narrow beach.The fighting would eventually claim more than 130,000 lives, 87,000 of them on the Ottoman side, before the Turks finally repulsed the poorly planned Allied campaign. REUTERS/Osman Orsal The federal government has increased its travel advisories for Turkey in the wake of recent terrorist attacks, just weeks before thousands of Australians travel to the country for ANZAC Day commemorations. Suicide bomb attacks in Istanbul and Ankara that have killed 80 people led the government to Thursday lift travel recommendations for Australians to reconsider your need to travel' -- the level below 'do not travel'. Advertisement The particular area where Australians will mark ANZAC Day services on April 25, Canakkale and the Gallipoli peninsula, remain at exercise a high degree of caution. The Gallipoli dawn service on ANZAC Day 2015 "The Australian Government does not take this decision lightly," Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said in a statement. "I am conscious of the effect of this on the many Australians planning to attend this years ANZAC Day commemorations at Gallipoli. The Australian Government is not aware of any specific threat to ANZAC Day services planned on the Gallipoli peninsula or to other Australian interests in Turkey." Advertisement More than 8000 Australians attended ANZAC Day services at Gallipoli in 2015. Bishop said Australians travelling to the ANZAC Day services should minimise time spent in Istanbul and Ankara. "We continue to work very closely with New Zealand and Turkey to ensure the safety and security of Australians and New Zealanders attending the ANZAC Day ceremonies. We greatly appreciate the extensive security arrangements put in place by Turkish authorities on the Gallipoli peninsula," Bishop said. Fairfax Media Initial reaction to Turnbull's proposal to allow some form of State income tax has ranged from it being considered as a stroke of genius, through to foolishness, even before the detail has been settled. And reaction has been further confused by inconsistencies between the Treasurer and the PM as to how it would work. At its most basic level, it is simply a reclassification, replacing grants from the Commonwealth for things such as schools and hospitals, presently allocated on a more or less ad hoc basis, with a guaranteed share of income tax revenue. Advertisement This could be more attractive to the States as it would give them more direct access to a "growth tax", but would in no way guarantee that such funding would be adequate to meet the spiraling longer-term costs of health and education, with little increased "discipline" on their spending, or incentive for them to be more cost-conscious or efficient. If the money runs out they will still "blame" the Commonwealth. At a more sophisticated level, the attempt is to deal with what economists call "vertical fiscal imbalance" -- that is, the States do the bulk of the spending, without having the odium of having to raise the taxes to pay for it. It is argued that this would give them greater responsibility, impose more discipline, and remove their capacity to "blame" the Commonwealth. This would mean that ultimately States could set their own rates of personal income tax, on some agreed basis. So, there would be no guarantee that the "total tax burden" would not increase, and there would also still be a need for "horizontal fiscal equalization" reflecting the reality of differential taxing capabilities between the States -- still some capacity for blaming. Politically, it will be difficult to sell the idea of "another layer of tax", at the discretion of another layer of politicians, raising fears of an "American style" complicated, three-level tax system. With the distrust of politicians as great as it is, it will just look like yet another way to raise more tax. Advertisement As to eliminating the blame game, the essence is to make a once-and-for-all decision to allocate responsibilities for specific areas of government spending to just one level of government, with an absolute commitment to essentially close down the other level of government. For example, allocate education as a State responsibility, thereby being able to close the Federal Department of Education except for a national standards/curriculum responsibility, or have a single national Department of the Environment, closing State departments. It was hoped the current Review of Federation would have made such recommendations. Then, against that background, consideration could be given to the most effective, fair and simple means of funding a reconstructed Federation, genuine tax reform. Unfortunately, the Federation Review will fall well short of this ideal, and this tax proposal works to further fragment our Federation when, surely, we should focus on a national approach, to develop a national economy and social system, with a minimum of inconsistencies and impediments, rather than a confederation of independent, and competitive, States. Just look at how the States, through competition, have neutered payroll tax, in principle one of the most effective taxes. Just imagine how competition with income tax rates may have significant labour market consequences with our mobile workforce. Much progress has been made, across many policy and regulatory areas, to develop a national approach in recent years. This would be a significant backward step. Advertisement We might also learn from the current European/Euro difficulties. The longer-term success of the Euro, as a common currency, necessitates a unification of budgetary policies. This has been almost impossible for them to achieve, and the differences are now unsustainable, with weaker players, such as Greece, risking an exit. Do we really want to risk the long-term stability of our common currency, the $A, as already significant differences between the States are accentuated? We will still need to channel significant grants to the weaker States that will not be able to fully fund their health and education bills, even with considerable taxing powers. Handing back income tax powers to the States could also significantly constrain the Commonwealth Government's capacity to manage its income tax. For example, suppose the Commonwealth wants to hand back bracket creep. Is it going to have to gain the approval of State governments to vary tax brackets/rates? Let's hope this proposal doesn't get up. While Turnbull may see some short-term political gain, it would have significant longer-term negative consequences for our national economy, and for the very fabric of our society. Foolishness indeed! ________________ Americans dont always trust their doctors, and heres the proof: a 2012 survey found that just 34 percent of U.S. adults said they had great confidence in the leaders of the medical profession -- a significant drop from 76 percent in 1966. A 2015 study from ZocDoc confirms this widening distrust of medical professionals. According to the study, 30 percent of women and 23 percent of men have lied to their doctors through omission, or by telling white lies -- most often in response questions relating to diet and fitness routines and smoking and alcohol use -- due to embarrassment or time constraints. The state of the doctor-patient relationship seems perplexing, until we closely examine what's happening in the exam room. Advertisement Thirty percent of women and 23 percent of men have lied to their doctors. Image Credit: Anchor Point Doctors and patients struggle to make authentic connections between one another. Both parties feel rushed during the typical 15 minutes of appointment time, which is inadequate for real relationships to form. A 2001 study at the University of South Carolina found that primary care patients had only 12 seconds to speak before being interrupted by their physician, which doesnt bode well for anyone -- especially a shy person whos a little nervous or embarrassed about his or her, ahem, situation whatever it may be. The Hard Questions: How Can Doctors Earn (And Keep) Patient Trust? Tess* made an appointment with Dr. James Doty, clinical professor in the Department of Neurosurgery at Stanford University and the Director of the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE) at Stanford University School of Medicine, to address her chronic back pain. After visiting several other doctors, Tess wanted another opinion regarding a recommendation shed gotten from a previous doctor to undergo spine surgery. But after their initial meeting, Doty was convinced there was more to the story. She was overweight, she was stressed, and the bangs hanging in her eyes made it easy for her to avoid eye contact, Doty says. As I spoke with her, I could tell there was more going on than simply her back. She had something called dyspareunia, which is pain with intercourse. I also noticed she had scars on her wrist. Instead of sticking with routine protocol, like, throwing her X-rays [up on] the wall, Doty says, he prodded further. In their conversation he learned she had a long history of unhappiness and sexual abuse -- Tess had been raped by her stepfather at age 12. Doty came to the conclusion the 28-year-old woman wasnt just suffering from back pain. She was chronically unhappy, struggling with weight management, and was unable to have satisfying intercourse. Advertisement Not a single doctor had sat down and asked any of the important questions, Doty explains. Of course, Tess hadnt necessarily volunteered this information, either, making it even more important for Doty to establish his trust. Instead of scheduling the surgery, Doty referred her to a psychiatrist. After six months of psychiatric treatment, Tess had lost weight and was back-pain-free. This is the difference between really listening, and doing it the easy way, Doty says. If your patient feels rushed, if they feel youre not really with them, or that theyre just another number, you wont establish that trust you need to create a connection where your patient feels you truly care, and vice versa. The Doctor-Patient Relationship Begins In Medical School "When patients are in a difficult spot and struggling, they want some kind of affective or emotional presence, Post says. There needs to be some dimension of -- if you will -- heart. Image Credit: Anchor Point In the case of medicine, its a disservice not to offer courses that focus on empathy, communication and relationships, according to Emiliana Simon-Thomas, science director at the Greater Good Science Center. Imagine telling someone they were going to compete in the Olympics as a runner, but rely on life experience to prepare them, Simon-Thomas says. Here we are putting [new doctors] in a position where they are confronted with pain and suffering all day. To not prepare them for that is unfair. Educators in the medical field agree, and more and more medical schools have started to incorporate the doctor-patient relationship into the curriculum. Emory University Medical Center, Duke University Medical Center and Stony Brook University School of Medicine offer training in medical humanism. Oncotalk, a course required of Dukes oncology fellows, and Empathetics, a series of online courses for physicians, are part of a larger effort to teach doctors clinical empathy and improve the relationship between patients and their doctors. Advertisement At Stony Brook, a mandatory course guides future clinicians, doctors and nurses to pay more attention to the fine details of a patient experience. Students learn how to build a better connection with patients, express empathy and learn the art of attentive listening, Stephen G. Post, Ph.D., director of the medical schools Center for Medical Humanities, Compassionate Care and Bioethics, says. We teach students how to respond empathically to patients; ask questions not just about their history of disease, but how they are coping with their diagnosis and what theyre most fearful of, Post says. Students run through real-life simulations with actors playing patients, which require them to use their new listening and sympathy skills, and feedback is provided. Post admits that in reality, these scripts can be purely cognitive, or recited mechanically -- but thats not enough to cut it as a trusted professional in the medical world. When patients are in a difficult spot and struggling, they want some kind of affective or emotional presence, Post says. There needs to be some dimension of -- if you will -- heart. The Science Behind Compassionate Care The proof is in the medical reports: Adding empathy and compassion to the equation improves patient outcomes. Studies show that a positive doctor-patient relationship can have significant effects on health outcomes like obesity, diabetes, hypertension, asthma, pulmonary infections and osteoarthritis pain. Research also shows that when health care workers treat patients with compassion, they often have lower blood pressure, have less pain and anxiety, and even heal faster. Advertisement Related studies in 2011 and 2012 found that diabetes patients of doctors who scored higher on a test of empathy were less likely to have complications associated with their condition than patients of doctors who scored lower on the test. The results further confirmed how physician empathy can positively impact patient outcomes. As in Dotys example, a doctors ability to connect with his or her patient can also make identifying the real problem easier. When clinicians make these kinds of empathic connections with their patients, when they dont interrupt them, when they are comfortable with moments of silence, when they can pause a little bit when they see their patient is getting emotional, you see much better diagnostic accuracy, Post says. When patients feel that kind of security in a relationship, they are able to say things about themselves that are diagnostically relevant that you never would have come up in a more formal-type questionnaire. The New Focus On The Patient Helps, But Lets Not Forget About Physicians With initiatives like those at the university level in place and growing, there is reason to believe the future of medical care can only improve. The problem? Physician burnout is trending. Theres an incredible problem of physician burnout and depression, Post says. Last year, 500 to 600 doctors in America killed themselves. Forty to 60 percent of physicians are unhappy with their professional lives. (While no hard data exists, its reliably estimated that at least 400 physicians commit suicide every year.) Advertisement According to Post, most doctors who report unhappiness with their professions chalk it up to the fact that they can no longer connect meaningfully with their patients. Several workplace pressures, including health care systems protocols such as HCAHPS (a survey instrument and data collection methodology thats basically a Yelp for hospitals), loads of billing paperwork and financial obligations, often push doctors to rush through their patient load, leading to dissatisfaction. In short, physicians need some TLC, as well. When youre deprived the time to connect with your patient and hear what they have to say, thats intrinsically frustrating, Simon-Thomas explains. Its a dismissal of ones agency, and can erode a doctors sense of efficiency. It can also set them up for failure. Ultimately, the system needs to change, Doty explains. As it stands, the medical system doesnt allow true human connection. We have the most expensive health care in the world, Doty continues, with the highest level of patient dissatisfaction . we spend lots of money on useless tests, inordinate amounts of money to do things that are clearly not beneficial, but no one will say, Lets give this doctor 20 minutes more for each patient so they can take the time to ensure that we nurture our healthcare providers by having programs that are supportive and improve resilience. Now that would be cost-effective. What Everyone Can Do To Improve Outcomes Since we cant override Americas health care system, the best thing we as patients can do is return the favor. Advertisement By attempting to understand the stresses doctors are under -- like taking into the account the heavy paperwork and endless swinging door of patients they have to deal with on a daily basis -- we can act more compassionately toward our health care providers. No one likes to feel discarded or rushed, whether theyre a patient or a physician, Doty says. To improve the lives of everyone around us, we all need to be empathetic." Dignity Health would like to extend their thanks to the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE) at the Stanford University School of Medicine for their partnership. Dignity Health is on a mission to infuse more compassion into health care, and throughout our daily lives. When heart and health go hand-in-hand, amazing outcomes are possible. Donald Trump held court at the Republican National Committee today, making it the last time he appears at something abbreviated "RNC" without the assistance of riot police. Trump lies 71 times an hour, a clip that places him just behind Ain't It Cool News movie reviews and just ahead of those one weird trick ads you see on the internet. And according to our Twitter feed, today is National Border Control Day. Remember to leave a chair empty at your dinner table to symbolize Louie Gohmert. This is HUFFPOST HILL for Thursday, March 31st, 2016: TRUMP, GOP BRASS MEET AT RNC - No concealed carry at this RNC, either. Christina Wilkie: "Donald Trump met Thursday afternoon with Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus and other party leaders in Washington. The meeting came as a surprise to many -- it was not announced ahead of time, and the agenda wasnt made public. But its a pretty safe bet that Priebus and his partys presidential front-runner talked about Republican convention delegates, and the process for awarding them to candidates. If thats the case, the meeting didnt come a moment too soon. Trump and his campaign have lately been fanning conspiracy theories about how the GOP will try to choose a presidential nominee in secret and override the will of the Republican voters who cast ballots for Trump." [HuffPost] Advertisement SPEAK GOOD LIKE TRUMP, AMERICA'S MOST BIGLY TALKER - Andrew Romano: "Perhaps the most marked characteristic of Trumpese is the way its sole speaker is always veering off on mid-sentence tangents to provide real-time color commentary on his own remarks; to revise, amend or even contradict his previous thought; to assure his audience that he 'loves' the person, country or ethnic group he just mentioned, or vice versa; to say whatever happens to pop into his head at any given moment. Even his parentheticals have parentheticals...Trump repeats himself in a different way. He repeats phrases one after the other, often in the same sentence not as deliberate parallelism but as a compulsive placeholder...In linguistics, a grammatical expletive that increases the emotional content of an expression is known as an intensifier. 'Very' is the basic intensifier; others include 'so,' 'such,' 'really' and 'totally.' Trump is obsessed with intensifiers...even when his sentences dont end with punch lines, he simply follows them with a one- or two-word declaratory judgment both in real life and on Twitter. One of his favorite codas is 'sad!'" [Yahoo] Some bama-ass bull, right here: Aaron C. Davis says Bernie Sanders will get on the ballot in D.C. despite some really arcane and headache-inducing paperwork nonsense causing a holdup: "If the D.C. elections board (which has had problems of its own) is not willing to certify Sanders, [D.C. Democratic Party chair Anita] Bonds has another solution to make sure Sanders makes the ballot. Bonds said she will ask the D.C. Council to pass emergency legislation on Tuesday to make clear that the party has 24 hours from when it stops accepting checks to submit the names to the elections board. Three D.C. Council members called the situation embarrassing and sloppy, but said they would be willing to make sure all candidates who had submitted their information in good faith before the deadline make the ballot. D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson echoed that sentiment. 'I think the intent would be to make sure the process treats candidates fairly,' Mendelson said." [WaPo] Advertisement Why DELANEY DOWNER - Scilla Alecci and Nicky Forster bring the sad about lead paint in New York City: "In December 2011, just two months after she and her husband moved in with their 1-year-old twins, Abdul-Majeed got a call from her pediatricians office. The level of lead in her daughter Zoes blood was alarmingly high at 21 micrograms per deciliter an amount four times the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention threshold of 5 micrograms per deciliter. The pediatrician and a nurse explained that at that level, Zoe was at risk for learning disabilities, lower intelligence and behavioral disorders." [HuffPost] Does somebody keep forwarding you this newsletter? Get your own copy. It's free! Sign up here. Send tips/stories/photos/events/fundraisers/job movement/juicy miscellanea to huffposthill@huffingtonpost.com. Follow us on Twitter - @HuffPostHill DONALD TRUMP NOT POPULAR: POLL - Philip Rucker and Robert Costa: "If Donald Trump secures the Republican presidential nomination, he would start the general election campaign as the least-popular candidate to represent either party in modern times. Three-quarters of women view him unfavorably. So do nearly two-thirds of independents, 80 percent of young adults, 85 percent of Hispanics and nearly half of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents. Those findings, tallied from Washington Post-ABC News polling, fuel Trumps overall 67 percent unfavorable rating making Trump more disliked than any major-party nominee in the 32 years the survey has been tracking candidates." [WaPo] Jonathan Cohn has written a wonderful story about the evil TV ads for sleeping pills. The story has a "Snowfall"-level presentation, too. Advertisement LOOK UP 'LIAR' IN THE ENCYCLOPEDIA AND YOU'LL SEE DONALD TRUMP - No you won't -- that was a lie. Dana Liebelson, Jen Bendery and Sam Stein: "On Wednesday, The Huffington Post assigned five and a half reporters to look into a roughly 12,000-word transcript of Trumps town hall event on CNN the night before. It took us hours, but in all, we found 71 separate instances in which Trump made a claim that was either inaccurate, misleading or deeply questionable. Thats basically one falsehood every 169 words (counting the words uttered by moderator Anderson Cooper), or 1.16 falsehoods every minute (the town hall lasted an hour, including commercial breaks)." [HuffPost] About as effective as that other Republican Savior: "There's been a lot of talk about Republicans possibly nominating Romney or Ryan at a contested convention, but both under perform a generic Republican candidate. Romney is incredibly unpopular nationally now -- his 23/65 favorability rating is even worse than the 29/63 Trump comes in at. Clinton (45/32) and Sanders (48/31) each lead Romney by double digit margins. Ryan would trail Clinton 44/39 and Sanders 45/38, numbers not terribly dissimilar to how Trump polls against each of them. It's not clear Romney or Ryan would do much to save the party this year." [PPP Polling] The union makes *America great again*: "A prominent immigrants rights group is asking the AFL-CIO labor federation to expel a member union that represents border patrol agents after it endorsed Donald Trump for president." [HuffPost's Dave Jamieson] 'TOUGH ON CRIME' AN INCREASINGLY BAD CAMPAIGN TACTIC - Try, "Don't criminalize horses in midstream," instead. Kim Bellware: "In fact, some experts now say that a string of incumbent defeats across the country suggests it doesnt take a Black Lives Matter-specific flashpoint for voters to reject incumbent prosecutors. For many DAs, their longstanding embrace of tough-on-crime policies is reason enough...In November, Mississippi voters sacked District Attorney Forrest Allgood after 27 years in office. The Washington Post described Allgood as 'one of Americas worst prosecutors' due to his aggressive prosecutions against vulnerable defendants, including a 13-year-old boy and an intellectually disabled young woman. Both convictions were overturned... In the 1980s and 1990s, when crime rates were significantly higher than they are today, prosecutors embraced policies like 'three strikes' laws and mandatory minimum sentences...As crime rates have declined, however, prosecutors have been slow to adjust to the new reality." [HuffPost] Speaking of lousy African-American outreach: "The Republican National Committee is losing the person who leads the GOPs outreach to black communities, as first reported by NBC News and confirmed by The Huffington Post. Kristal Quarker-Hartsfield, the national director of African-American Initiatives at the RNC, is leaving the organization to work for Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan..Quarker-Hartsfield joins several other staffers of color who have departed the RNC recently. Orlando Watson, communications director for black media, left earlier this month. Tara Wall and Raffi Williams, son of Fox News political analyst Juan Williams, both left their press positions at the RNC late last year." [HuffPost's Tyler Tynes] BECAUSE YOU'VE READ THIS FAR - Here's an upset cat. TENNESSEE AND THE BIBLE, SITTIN' IN A TREE - A resounding "Meh" to the Good Book. AP: "Republican Gov. Bill Haslam said Wednesday that he remains opposed to a renewed effort to make the Holy Bible the official state book of Tennessee. Haslam initially voiced opposition to the measure before it was derailed over constitutional concerns in the state Senate last year, and sent back to committee. The bill is now awaiting a new vote in the upper chamber of the Legislature. 'The Bible is the most important book in my life, and I think in the world,' Haslam told reporters at the state Capitol. "But that's very different than being the state's official book.' But the governor stopped short of saying he would veto the bill sponsored by Sen. Steve Southerland, R-Morristown, because he wants to see the measure in its final form before making up his mind. Southerland told the Senate Judiciary Committee this week that his bill is aimed at honoring the historical significance of the Bible in Tennessee, and not as a state endorsement of religion." [AP] COMFORT FOOD - A look at the work of Zaha Hadid, the world's most famous female architect, who passed away today. - Let a serene feeling of tranquility overcome you as this video of an ice cream cake assembly line lulls you into acceptance of the robot revolution. Advertisement - Hall of Fame NBA star Adrian Dantley is refereeing kids basketball in Montgomery County. TWITTERAMA @berniethoughts: INSIDE EVERY CUCUMBER IS THE POTENTIAL FOR PICKLE @elisefoley: Im offended by Gen X-ers misspelling millennial out of a lack of respect. Micro-agression. WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 30: U.S. President Barack Obama listens as Vice President Joe Biden speaks during the Easter Prayer Breakfast at the White House on March 30, 2016 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch-Pool/Getty Images) With the Supreme Court in flux, the highest authority in U.S. law has punted a landmark case over to the executive branch, effectively asking it to decide whether debt collectors can charge interest rates so high they're deemed illegal in some states. In Madden v. Midland Funding, LLC., a debt collection company purchased the plaintiff's charged-off debt, but the plaintiff resided in New York state where the usury limit is 25 percent annually. The complaint was simple. Midland had tried to collect 27 percent, two points more than the state usury laws allowed. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2 Circuit decided in the plaintiff's favor, taking the view that the two percentage points over the state usury limit violated the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Advertisement The question answered by the 2 Circuit had nothing to do with whether or not debt collectors should be allowed to hunt and potentially mortally wound those who are not financially strong -- but more simply what sort of weaponry they should be able to use to do so. Bazooka or Pellet Gun: The Problem Madden v. Midland Funding LLC is a classic manifestation of our nation's often rudderless approach to consumer financial safeguards. For those who follow these things, it won't be news that the lack of steerage has absolutely nothing to do with any inherent design flaw. The basics of the banking system's ability to extend loans and charge interest on them established by Alexander Hamilton still works fine. Having said this, that system has sustained damage on the many rocks and reefs of patchwork legislation over the years, laws and regulations aimed specifically at empowering the lender--with the exception of extreme cases like loan sharking and other RICO offenses -- over the interests of the borrower. Necessary Background A 1978 Supreme Court case, Marquette Nat. Bank of Minneapolis v. First of Omaha Service Corp., decided that the National Banking Act of 1863 allowed a national bank to charge the interest rate of the state in which it was headquartered, regardless the rates applicable in the state where a borrower resides. Advertisement In 1980, Congress passed the Depository Institutions Deregulation and Monetary Control Act, which exempted federally chartered installment plan lenders from state usury limits. This is the underlying reason so many lenders scurried to set up shop in states like South Dakota and Delaware. They offer the most bank-favorable terms. Now, under the post-Marquette reading of the National Banking Act, any nationally chartered bank could charge 27 percent interest, so long as it wasn't headquartered in New York State, but that "professional courtesy" proffered by various lender-friendly generations of lawmakers could not be extended to Midland Funding. The reason: It is a non-bank. Therefore, the decision found, state usury laws applied. The decision created quite a stir, because if upheld, many folks in the financial world argued, it would create Byzantine layers of complication since states have different applicable rates. First of all: this is ridiculous. There are already countless state and local laws that govern how debt collectors, banks and non-banks operate. One more is meaningless. Meanwhile, the fate of countless consumers in the sights of debt collectors will be decided by the Obama administration, which has been asked to file a brief "expressing the views of the United States" in the matter of Madden v. Midland Funding LLC. Pending Justice Antonin Scalia's replacement, four votes are needed to get the case heard before the Supreme Court. Clearly, they don't have the votes, and they are looking for some guidance on the matter from the president, or more precisely, from Obama's Solicitor General Donald Verrilli. Advertisement What Should the Solicitor General Do? Is it too blunt to say merely, "Duh?" There will always be a hunter-hunted component in the world of consumer debt collection. At issue is to what extent that will be allowed. Depending on the Solicitor General's decision on behalf of this Administration, non-bank entities will either have to fish using the catch-and-release method, or they'll get to use dynamite. At some point, taxpayers are going to realize that sea level rise isn't an abstract problem that randomly hits a few unfortunates. Yesterday, the Washington Post reported on the results of a analysis in the journal, Nature. "Sea levels could rise nearly twice as much as previously predicted by the end of this century if carbon dioxide emissions continue unabated, an outcome that could devastate coastal communities around the globe, according to new research published Wednesday. The startling findings, published in the journal Nature, paint a far grimmer picture than current consensus predictions, which have suggested that seas could rise by just under a meter at most by the year 2100." So really, now is the time to have a substantive dialogue including the investors and top managers of the industry indispensable to modern civilization: the nation's electric utilities. Advertisement In South Florida, one of the regions with the most to lose from sea level rise, there is one corporate interest that has the expertise, resources and skill to begin breaking down what exactly is at stake when sea level rise materializes. That company is Florida Power and Light, a subsidiary of one of the nation's largest utilities, NextEra Energy, Inc. (NEE) There are compelling reasons for the board of directors and top executives of nation's electric utilities to help investors, shareholders and the public understand the real risks of sea level rise to markets and infrastructure on America's coasts. First and foremost: the liabilities are unlimited. Just because the liabilities are unlimited doesn't mean they are abstract. No, the risks to its markets and infrastructure are quantifiable and ought to be lifted out of the few sentences on risk in fine print, required to be included in SEC filings. Advertisement Continued high emissions of heat-trapping gases could launch a disintegration of the ice sheet within decades, according to a study published Wednesday, heaving enough water into the ocean to raise the sea level as much as three feet by the end of this century. With ice melting in other regions, too, the total rise of the sea could reach five or six feet by 2100, the researchers found. That is roughly twice the increase reported as a plausible worst-case scenario by a United Nations panel just three years ago, and so high it would likely provoke a profound crisis within the lifetimes of children being born today. Late last year, I proposed a shareholder resolution for the upcoming annual meeting of NextEra Energy, Inc. specific to sea level rise impacts and risk disclosure. NextEra fought the resolution with the Securities and Exchange Commission, writing among other points that it -- essentially -- can't see that far into the future. My shareholder resolution was approved by the SEC and will soon appear in NEE proxy materials for the 2016 annual meeting. NextEra and FPL could decide to change strategy with respect to risk disclosure of climate change. I understand the point of view of NextEras management that investors expect predictable returns (and executive compensation follows). However, with global warming and sea level rise, the costs to FPL are quantifiable. Its markets in Florida are arguably the most at risk in the nation from sea level rise. Assessing those risks for investors and ratepayers couldn't happen a moment too soon. The new research, published by the journal Nature, is based on improvements in a computerized model of Antarctica and its complex landscape of rocks and glaciers, meant to capture factors newly recognized as imperiling the stability of the ice. The new version of the model allowed the scientists, for the first time, to reproduce high sea levels of the past, such as a climatic period about 125,000 years ago when the seas rose to levels 20 to 30 feet higher than today. FPL is spending hundreds of millions of ratepayer dollars to advance plans for two new nuclear reactors at Turkey Point. If those plants are ever built, Turkey Point would be the largest nuclear power generation facility in the U.S. Recent disclosures -- also anticipated decades ago by environmentalists -- demonstrate that its existing reactors, built with 1960's technology, are likely violating federal law through a malfunctioning cooling canal systems. (On existing problems, ratepayers have had no help at all from the Florida legislature or the administration of Gov. Rick Scott or his presumptive successor, Ag. Secretary Adam Putnam. So far as climate change is concerned, Gov. Scott has barred state officials from even using the words.) Advertisement While NextEra management indicated its opposition to my shareholder proposal, at the very least a marker has been put out: future generations will judge the actors and the result. Those actors include the electric utility industry's major investors; managers of pension funds, mutual funds, and hedge funds. "You could think of all sorts of ways that we might duck this one," said Richard B. Alley, a leading expert on glacial ice at Pennsylvania State University. "I'm hopeful that will happen. But given what we know, I don't think we can tell people that we're confident of that." That statement, alone, should trigger risk analyses beyond the fine print buried in SEC filings by the nation's electric utilities. Pearson (Mis)Education faces an assault on its operations from major British and American labor union pension funds. They plan to challenge company management at its general stockholders meeting on April 29, 2016 in London. The opposition group holds 40,000 voting shares and includes UNISON, one of Britain's largest trade unions with 1.3 million public service industry members, the Chicago Teachers Pension Fund, Trade Union Fund Managers, and 130 individual shareholders. The coalition will enter a resolution at the stockholders meeting calling on Pearson to "end its over-reliance on the education testing programme in the US, which has been affected by a recent change in the law and is also becoming increasingly unpopular." The move has apparently unnerved higher echelons in Pearson (Mis)Education. They felt compelled to respond on the company website, promising to give the resolution "due consideration." Of course, before any "due consideration," Pearson dismissed the claims. Management argues the benevolence of their actions, that "Pearson has an important role to play in assisting public, private and other partners in improving outcomes." It also promises to continually review its business strategy so they can provide "better educational products and services around the world." The company's call for the stockholders meeting specifically asks eligible voters to reject the pension fund proposal. "The board of directors believes that resolution 19 will not promote the success of, and is not in the best interests of, the company and its members as a whole. Your board therefore unanimously recommends that you vote AGAINST resolution 19, as the directors intend to do in respect of their own beneficial holdings." The resolution requires a 75 percent "yes" vote to be approved. Advertisement Much of the Pearson web response to the pension plan motion reads like a reading passage on one of Pearson close-reading Common Core aligned high-stakes standardized tests. The words don't quite make sense. According to Pearson, yes, the company's share price fell 40 percent through December 31,2015, but then it rose 17 percent. And the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) no longer requires states to use Common Core aligned Pearson standardized tests, but business will be okay because they still have to use some assessments. Although Pearson "administered approximately 50 million high stakes tests last year" in the United States, the U.S. test market only accounts for less than 10 percent of Pearson's global business. Oh, but we forgot to add in all the test aligned review books, textbooks, curriculum, and staff support or report what percentage of our profits are made off the U.S. testing industry. Pearson's benevolence as a profit-making company also extends to creating a network of low cost private schools in the developing world, although it is unclear who can afford them or their impact on public education. In the Philippines, the $500 a year per student tuition charged at a Pearson school is far more than most economically disadvantaged Filipino families can afford. The lowest-income families in the Philippines would have to expend 40 percent of their annual household income to send one child. Advertisement There were also a number of issues the press release did not directly address. On October 21, 2015 Bloomberg News called the Pearson stock slump on the London Stock Exchange "the biggest since at least 1988." In just two days, the value of Pearson's stock declined by $3.6 billion. CNN's Money website reported that Pearson's revenues have been stagnant since 2012. In 2010, twenty six states were part of a national consortium that planned on using Pearson testing products to administer Common Core aligned PARCC exams. By August 2015 only seven states were still partnered with PARCC. With ESSA granting states more testing flexibility Pearson stands to lose even more "partners." Internationally Pearson is also not doing very well. South Africa sharply cut back on the purchase of Pearson textbooks. In the Philippines, Pearson is under attack for undermining public education. Last summer, Mugwena Maluleke, General Secretary of the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU), and a former math teacher and Principal of Tshwane's Rodney Mokoena Junior Secondary School, accused Pearson of "turning its back on free public education for all" in its efforts to "commercialise and privatise education at all levels." In Los Angeles, the school district cancelled its contract to install Pearson software on Apple I-Pads. LAUSD also demanded, and received, a multimillion-dollar refund because Pearson could not deliver the math and English curriculum it promised. In New York State, two Pearson teacher certification tests were thrown out by a federal court judge for discriminating against minority candidates. Meanwhile, on the latest test iteration, the tests are designed so that Pearson makes money ever time a teacher certification candidate fails. According to UUP Vice President for Academics Jamie Dangler "This means Pearson has little incentive to fix flawed exams, since they profit when students take and retake them. With four new teacher certification exams in New York State administered by Pearson, students can spend up to $1,000 or more to take and retake tests." The New York State Board of Regents is currently reevaluating its teacher certification program and tests and may abandon Pearson altogether. Advertisement Pearson is also being challenged by teacher education students at the City University of New York. They posted an online petition demanding the suspension of the Pearson administered teacher certification portfolio known as edTPA. The petition charges, and I agree, "There is no research or evidence to support that the edTPA is a reliable method for evaluating or choosing teacher candidates." In an opinion piece published yesterday in The New York Times, Ellen Weintraub, a member of the Federal Election Commission, suggests a way to "blunt the impact" of Citizens United v. FEC. There are reasons to question the propriety of a federal officer attempting to "blunt" a First Amendment ruling against her agency, and I am unaware of another federal entity whose commissioners routinely take to the pages of major newspapers to decry binding Supreme Court precedent. But no matter how attractive you find her proposed "zero-tolerance standard," under which any corporation with even a single foreign shareholder could be barred from any political activity, her proposal relies on a number of fatal legal errors. Commissioner Weintraub makes a three-step argument. First, she asserts that the Supreme Court "has never held that corporations have any of the political rights of citizens." Consequently, in Citizens United, the Court "can only have meant" to protect the First Amendment liberties of "associations of American citizens who are allowed to contribute." Second, she notes that foreign nationals and U.S. government contractors are "forbidden by law from directly or indirectly making political contributions or financing certain election-related advertisements known as independent expenditures and electioneering communications." Finally, acknowledging that "many American corporations have shareholders who are foreigners or government contractors," she claims that the law now requires her new "zero-tolerance standard," which would bar any political activity by those corporations. Advertisement She is mistaken at each step. First, the Commissioner is simply wrong when she claims that no case until Citizens United "held that corporations have any of the political rights of citizens." Cases doing precisely that predate the FEC itself. In NAACP v. Button, the Court applied the First Amendment to a corporation's civil-rights litigation activities. Importantly, it did so for the NAACP itself and not merely its members: "petitioner may assert this right on its own behalf, because, though a corporation, it is directly engaged in those activities, claimed to be constitutionally protected, which the statute would curtail." Presumably political rights are implicated by "extensive... lobbying activities" and "litigation aimed at ending racial segregation." Four years later, the Court extended that holding from corporations to unions in Mine Workers v. Illinois Bar Association. Finally, and most obviously, the Court has long respected the press rights of for-profit corporations. But perhaps the only "political rights" Weintraub has in mind are rights involving the spending of money to further political speech. In that case, Bellotti v. First National Bank of Boston--a 1978 decision authored by Justice Lewis Powell--is directly on point. It upheld the right of a corporation (a for-profit bank, in fact) to spend money advocating the passage or defeat of ballot measures. The language could not be clearer: If the speakers here were not corporations, no one would suggest that the State could silence their proposed speech. It is the type of speech indispensable to decisionmaking in a democracy, and this is no less true because the speech comes from a corporation rather than an individual. The inherent worth of the speech in terms of its capacity for informing the public does not depend upon the identity of its source, whether corporation, association, union, or individual. Just eight years later, the Court reaffirmed this holding in a decision authored by liberal Justice William Brennan. That case, Massachusetts Citizens for Life v. FEC, prevented the Commissioner's own agency from banning a pro-life voter guide, published by a corporation, that endorsed specific candidates. In short, and as the overwhelming majority of lawyers practicing in this area know, Citizens United's decision to extend "political rights" to a corporation was completely unremarkable. And it is of a piece with the necessary role corporations play, in the context of political speech and association, as both protectors of vulnerable, atomized individuals and the means by which those individuals pool resources to accomplish greater ends. There are good faith disagreements about the proper scope of corporate political rights, but not their existence. Second, Weintraub notes that foreign nationals and U.S. government contractors are "forbidden by law" from making political contributions or financing certain types of advertisements. This is true, so far as it goes, but of course corporations generally are also banned from making contributions, at least contributions to candidates and political parties. This highly-relevant fact should have been stated. More importantly, she fails to explain how a single foreign shareholder in any way "contributes" to or "makes" a political expenditure when a corporation of which she owns a small fraction does so. When a corporate share is purchased, it is unlikely the money goes to the corporation; the share was sold on the open market, usually to someone who had held the share previously. It may have been many decades since the share was originally issued and the associated capital provided to the corporation, and it is unlikely that the cash was put up by individuals, as opposed to investment banks or similar entities. If the purchase of a share doesn't provide the money by which political activity is undertaken, in what sense is our hypothetical shareholder engaging in politics at all? Indeed, the usual argument, and the one made by the dissenters in Citizens United itself, is that individual shareholders must be protected from political speech by the corporations in which they hold shares. This is because, in Justice Stevens's view, individual shareholders seldom exercise substantial control over corporations because of "the internal authority wielded by boards and managers." Their principal means of expressing disagreement with a corporation is to sell their shares. Weintraub turns this argument on its head: shareholders, previously understood by the campaign finance reform community as vulnerable outsiders, are treated instead as active participants in corporate speech. Regardless of one's view on the "shareholder protection" rationale underlying the Citizens United dissent, Weintraub's argument is in clear tension with that line of reasoning. Advertisement And how do we even know who the offending shareholder is? What if the shareholder is in fact another company? As Justice Stevens recognized in his dissent in Citizens United, "[m]ost American households that own stock do so through intermediaries such as mutual funds and pension plans." Moreover, many shares are held in "street name," that is, the name of a broker or other fiduciary and not the name of the owner. How does Weintraub intend to sort out the ultimate owner of every share of stock issued by every American corporation? These practical objections are relevant to the third step in the argument: that the only option available, under present law, is a "zero-tolerance policy." But there is another option, and it's the one the FEC itself has been using for decades: who controls the corporation's activity? That's the standard used in other contexts. For instance, under existing regulations, "a foreign national shall not direct, dictate, control, or directly or indirectly participate in the decision making process" of a corporation or other entity engaged in election-related activities. Not only must a U.S. citizen make the relevant decisions, but a U.S. subsidiary of a foreign corporation must fund regulated activity with earnings from the United States. So there is another model. And it addresses the fact that (1) individual shareholders very seldom make corporate decisions, and (2) individual shareholders do not, in any real sense, "fund" a corporation's political expenditures. Instead, the existing rules require that (1) U.S. nationals make those decisions instead of foreign nationals, including shareholders, and (2) any funds must come from the corporation's domestic activities (not from foreign sources). And this rule does not require the FEC to carry out the hopeless task of determining the precise, ever-changing owners of every share of stock, sometimes including intermediary funds, and determining whether each of those millions of individuals is a foreign national or U.S. government contractor. Advertisement But perhaps the impossibility of the task is the point. If Commissioner Weintraub gets her way, it will be impossible for any significant corporation to be sure that none of its shareholders is a prohibited person. Indeed, Weintraub essentially threatens public companies, suggesting that she would vote in favor of enforcement actions against them and warning that "lawyers may wish to think twice before signing off on corporate political giving or spending that they cannot guarantee comes entirely from legal sources." Even if the a company could, miraculously, show that its shareholders are "legitimate," shares change hands, and the very complexity described previously will encourage complaints, litigation, and deeply-invasive government investigations. The goal, then, is to force any corporation of significant size into complete silence. Weintraub has conjured up a poison pill--the identity of any single shareholder--that, as a practical matter, would ban all corporate speech. Weintraub may sincerely wish that policy outcome, but her argument simply doesn't hold together. Corporations have long had First Amendment rights, and for good reason. While shareholders often have an interest in corporations being able to speak as corporations, in the overwhelming majority of cases they neither direct a corporation's political speech nor fund it. And there is a better policy, one the FEC already pursues, and one that would pass constitutional scrutiny as a "less restrictive means" toward preventing foreign influence in our elections than the indiscriminate ban Weintraub proposes. But finally, and most importantly, this proposal is clearly and unambiguously contrary to Citizens United. It is a transparent attempt to do indirectly what the Commission was told it may not do directly: ban corporate speech. The article states that Weintraub will "direct the commission's lawyers" to undertake a review of her novel theory. Those attorneys are professionals, and they will doubtless make all of these arguments. But a formal legal conclusion issued many months from now will not undo the harm done when a sitting federal official takes to the pages of the Times to fan the flames of an already distorted and bitter debate. Was Robin Hood a villain or a hero? Some say a heroic outlaw. Yet, the heroism of his crimes didn't mitigate their criminality. The same is true of any vigilante justice cloaked in a robe of morality. Even more so when state leaders try to take the law into their own hands. It's called "abuse of power." Our laws punish abuse of power when money is involved. Money laundered, money extorted, bribery, chicanery, swindlers left and right. Money makes headlines, but take money out of the picture and you'll see politicians trying to stretch their powers under the guise of legal authority, day in and day out; power mongering to further their own legislative agendas. Most of the time they get away with it by fashioning bogus legal justifications that no one questions, because it's better to avoid getting stuck knee-deep in a quagmire of legalese. But often times those justifications, are just that -- legal jargon with no legitimate grounding in the law. Advertisement For example, Governors and Mayors across the country are issuing executive orders banning non-essential, government-funded travel to North Carolina. A growing number of states including Vermont, Washington and New York join cities like San Francisco, Portland and Seattle in boycott. The move is retribution for a law preventing transgender people from choosing their preferred restrooms, among other provisions. This is tantamount to state-choreographed sanctions against North Carolina. File that under a nobly garbed abuse of power. I am not addressing the morality of the motivation here. There is clearly a strong tidal wave of backlash, and conversely a less publicized subset of support for the law. Let the debate fester. All I am saying is that travel bans are not procedurally allowed under the law for this purpose. It's analogous to a harsh interrogation that yields a confession from a guilty man who hasn't been read his Miranda rights. Even if he committed the crime, the confession, the goldmine of guilt, becomes inadmissible. So too here. Even if New York and other states are decrying the discriminatory tenets of North Carolina's latest legislation, the states simply can't embargo their counterparts into submission, and certainly not through the use of an executive order. The executive order is not a power explicitly granted by the Constitution. It is a necessary power for leaders to "faithfully execute the laws." Courts have reasoned that there will be times when the President must act unilaterally to enforce Congress's laws, hence the executive order was born for this purpose. Similarly, state leaders may use executive orders to enforce congressionally authored laws within the state, or in times of emergency to protect the interests of the people. Nowhere does the federal or any of the state constitutions or laws grant the power to a politician to use the state's economic activities as a weapon to influence another state's policies. Look below the surface at what is happening. State politicians are using executive orders to impose economic sanctions on another state to coerce it (North Carolina) to conform its civil rights/LGBT policies. It is shocking there are not more people calling attention to this illegal maneuver. Advertisement Governors are proclaiming it is in their states interests to promote equality and act out against discrimination. This may be true, however, they have no power to do so outside of their states. Let's take New York's executive order for example. The Governor justified his travel ban on the basis that New York has an interest in promoting equality as a leader in reforming state laws for the LGBT community. Congrats New York. I'm not undervaluing that achievement. But, New York's legislative power is solely confined to New York. The State is not a congressional body with a police power over the entire country's legislation. Let's look no further than the highest court in the land for its binding wisdom on this issue. The Supreme Court has ruled on state-issued sanctions in the past. Numerous times, states have banned business and travel to foreign countries in protest of human rights abuses. SCOTUS has consistently overturned those bans as unconstitutional, holding that the States may not interfere with the federal government's powers over foreign affairs or interstate commerce or anything else for that matter. New York's Governor claims New York doesn't want to indirectly fund anti-discrimination laws by allowing travel to North Carolina. But inversely, he's forcing New York to burden our whole interstate commerce system by banning travel based on one law. This is a violation of the dormant commerce clause, which stands for the following rule: Congress has sole power over interstate commerce therefore states cannot enact legislation that burdens said commerce. If North Carolina passed a discriminatory law then the people of North Carolina need to challenge that law as unconstitutional. There is already a lawsuit underway to do exactly that. A judge will either force North Carolina to rewrite the law or allow it to enforce the law. However, banning travel to North Carolina based on out of state policy grounds is wholly outside of the executive authority of state leaders. A strong democracy requires change through public discourse and legislative action, not unilateral, unlawful, executive policymaking. Advertisement This isn't the first time states have used the travel ban tactic in response to anti-gay legislation. The same tactic was employed at the same time last year in the bake me a cake wars. In March 2015, Indiana enacted the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. It gave businesses the legal standing to refuse to serve gay couples a wedding cake. States issued travel bans galore. The multi-state boycott worked and Indiana's leaders reformed the law. A recent case in Western New York has unsurprisingly confirmed that staring at a police officer does give police the right to search you. In People v. Savage, an appellate court in Buffalo, New York, recently tossed a conviction for possession of a loaded handgun after a man stared at police in a high crime area and the weapon was found. In other words, it is unconstitutional for police to search a person--no matter what contraband may be recovered after the fact--simply for starring at the police. More recently in Brooklyn a U.S. postman was arrested in the middle of his rounds after he challenged a car full of plainclothes police officers for nearly hitting him. William Bratton, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department, expressed "strong concerns" about the mailman's arrest. Advertisement In People v. Savage, New York's Fourth Department overturned the lower court's decision and suppressed the evidence of the loaded handgun. The criminal case started when Damone Savage and two other men were spotted by Buffalo police officers as they made an unrelated traffic stop in a gas station. One police officer testified at a hearing that "they observed defendant and two other men walking down the sidewalk on the other side of the street in a 'higher crime area.' [And] [d]efendant was 'staring' at him and his partner or at their marked patrol vehicle." The police officers then drove up to the men and asked "What's up, guys?" That is when Mr. Savage started walking at faster and then one of the officers testified that he saw Mr. Savage drop a gun holster to the ground and then a handgun in bushes. After a lower court judge found the circumstances surrounding the recovery of the handgun constitutional, thereby refusing to suppress the evidence, Mr. Savage pleaded guilty to possessing a loaded handgun. In New York, that crime is known as Criminal Possession of a Firearm in the Second Degree, a serious felony that carries a mandatory minimum period of incarceration. He was sentenced to seven years in prison. That is until an appellate court had its say. Although laws may differ among the states, in New York, the police need some credible reason to approach a person to ask even the most basic questions like a name, address or destination. Throughout the United States, police need a much higher level of suspicion often called reasonable suspicion in order to conduct a search for weapons. And searches are generally permitted if the police have probable cause that a crime was or is being committed or is there is some other exception to the warrant requirement (and there are many). Advertisement The Court in Mr. Savage's case ruled that the conduct of the police officers "was not justified from its inception." The Court concluded that "merely staring at or otherwise looking in the direction of police officers or a patrol vehicle in a high crime area while continuing to proceed on one's way, absent any indicia of nervousness, evasive behavior, or other movements in response to seeing the police" was not sufficient to justify the officers' encounter with the men. Under the fruit of the poisoners tree doctrine, the Court suppressed all of the evidence that was recovered, the handgun as well as Mr. Savage's statement. Well, that didn't take long, did it. Just days after the Justice Department dropped its high-profile case against Apple over the San Bernardino shooter's iPhone, the FBI offered Wednesday to help a prosecutor in Arkansas hack an iPhone and an iPod in a double murder case. AP was first to report that the FBI today agreed to defeat security features to allow access to the contents of those two iOS-running devices, which belonged to two teenagers charged with killing an elderly couple. We still don't know what mysterious 'outside assistance' the FBI received, and rumors that an Israeli firm sold them an exploit remain unverified. The government says it won't share the method it used to access the San Bernardino iPhone, but it feels safe to assume that however they did it, they bought the rights to do it again and again. They're not telling Apple, or the rest of us. From the Associated Press: Faulkner County Prosecuting Attorney Cody Hiland said the FBI agreed to the request from his office and the Conway Police Department Wednesday afternoon. A judge on Tuesday agreed to postpone the trial of 18-year-old Hunter Drexler so prosecutors could ask the FBI for help. Drexler's trial was moved from next week to June 27. Drexler and 15-year-old Justin Staton are accused of killing Robert and Patricia Cogdell at their home in Conway, 30 miles north of Little Rock, in July. The Cogdells had raised Staton as their grandson. The FBI announced Monday that it had gained access to an iPhone belonging to Syed Farook, who died with his wife in a gun battle with police after they killed 14 people in San Bernardino in December. The FBI hasn't revealed how it cracked Farook's iPhone. Authorities also haven't said whether the iPhone and iPod in the Arkansas case are the same models or whether the FBI will use the same method to try to get into the devices. Hiland said he could not discuss details of the murder case in Arkansas, but confirmed the FBI had agreed less than a day after the initial request. FBI: You should do it, it's just one phone Apple: No it isn't FBI: We got in Apple: You should say how, it's just one phone FBI: No it isn't Jonathan Zdziarski (@JZdziarski) March 30, 2016 FBI Agrees to Unlock iPhone, iPod in Arkansas Homicide Case https://t.co/PHlC1QwW1X Welp, that didn't take long. Kurt Opsahl (@kurtopsahl) March 30, 2016 There you have it. Multiple platforms supported and they obviously bought the rights to the solution. https://t.co/VV49JJWTZB Jonathan Zdziarski (@JZdziarski) March 31, 2016 Here's my reasoning, why I think the nature and source of an FBI exploit is a matter of national security https://t.co/l7EE1cQ9J1 Jonathan Zdziarski (@JZdziarski) March 30, 2016 FBI refusing to say how it got into the San Bernardino iPhone runs against best security practices, writes Schneier: https://t.co/WNzMHjN9GF EFF (@EFF) March 30, 2016 Pakistani supporters of convicted murderer Mumtaz Qadri shout slogans during an anti-government protest in front of the parliament building in Islamabad on March 30, 2016.Islamist protesters gathered in the Pakistani capital said they would not end their days-long sit-in and were 'willing to die', as armed security forces readied to clear the camp. The demonstrators, supporters of executed Islamist assassin Mumtaz Qadri, who was hung on February 29, say they have submitted a list of demands including the execution of a female Christian blasphemy convict.Pakistan's army launched raids and arrested suspects after a Taliban suicide bomber targeting Christians over Easter killed 72 people including many children in a park crowded with families. / AFP / AAMIR QURESHI (Photo credit should read AAMIR QURESHI/AFP/Getty Images) The horrific suicide bombing at a park in Lahore on Sunday that killed over 70 people, mostly women and children, is one of many assaults by religious hardliners in Pakistan who are striving to remain politically relevant and in the media limelight. Attacks on soft targets like parks on holidays or schools (the Dec. 16, 2014 attack at the school in Peshawar that killed over 140 children, for example) are the most desperate, sensationalist optics of a multi-pronged strategy with a savvy media component. The aim: to grab political power and impose a harsh version of Islam on a country founded in the name of the religion. Advertisement It is no coincidence that the Lahore attack took place on Easter Sunday and targeted Christians. Attacks on other religious communities such as Shiites or Ahmadis -- and there have been many -- just don't grab world headlines in the same way. The tragedy overshadowed a "religious" -- in quotes because their real agenda is political -- gathering in Islamabad to observe Mumtaz Qadri's chehlum, a prayer for departed souls held 40 days after death. Sunday marked 27 days, not 40, since Qadri's execution. The timing and venue, Pakistan's Parliament, indicate a political motivation. Pakistani children hold candles during a vigil on Dec. 15, 2015 to pay tribute to the victims of the Peshawar school massacre. (Xinhua/Umar Qayyum via Getty Images) On official duty as a bodyguard, Qadri shot dead Punjab Governor Salmaan Taseer on Jan. 4, 2011; he was inspired by the "religious" rhetoric against Taseer, who had supported Aasia Bibi, a Christian woman sentenced to death in 2010 for alleged blasphemy. Advertisement In Qadri, the religious right -- including the well-organized lawyers' consortium behind most blasphemy accusations in Pakistan -- have found a potent, emotive weapon that bridges sectarian divides. Muslims of one sect targeting another sect of Muslims form about half the nearly 4,000 cases filed under the blasphemy laws since 1986. When investigated, such cases are often found to be based in some enmity, rivalry or jealousy. Qadri belonged to the Barelvi sect of Sunni Islam, a generally peaceful branch of Islam compared to the hardline Wahhabis and Deobandi. Holding up this son of a vegetable seller as warrior of Islam, the Barelvis can assert themselves. A supporter of Qadri at a protest in Islamabad on March 4. (REUTERS/Faisal Mahmood) Since the 1980s, patronized by the security establishment, the religious right has gained political ground. Pakistan, along with the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, nurtured the mujahideen to fight in Afghanistan against the Soviet Union. After the Cold War, these religiously motivated fighters provided Pakistan with plausible deniability in the disputed territory of Kashmir and with strategic depth in Afghanistan. These policies led to the rise of an extreme interpretation of Islam, including Takfiri ideology -- apostatizing other Muslims. Morphing from the mujahideen, the Taliban stepped into the vacuum created after America's departure from Afghanistan and imposed a rigid version of Islam similar to Saudi Arabia's. The Taliban, al Qaeda and other similar groups oppose Saudi Arabia as a monarchy friendly with the West, even though their rigid ideology originates from Saudi Arabia. This also goes for the death cult -- the so-called Islamic State -- that also has support in Pakistan. Advertisement Their goal is to grab political power and impose a harsh version of Islam on a country founded in the name of the religion. Pakistan's security establishment distanced itself from extremist groups after 9/11 but has been slow to move against its erstwhile "strategic assets." A terrorist attack on Karachi's international airport in 2014 finally catalyzed the military operation in North Waziristan that borders Afghanistan. The lack of transparency remains troubling. So does the security establishment's continued obliviousness to the anti-India, homegrown jihadis ensconced in Punjab. Since these groups were not attacking Pakistan, the army didn't want to open more fronts. This changed after the Lahore attack, according to an army spokesman. Several "suspected terrorists and facilitators have been arrested" in raids in cities across Punjab. Pakistani soldiers patrol during a military operation against Taliban militants in North Waziristan on July 9, 2014. (AAMIR QURESHI/AFP/Getty Images) But the terrorist mindset cannot be eliminated through force alone. There has to be a multi-pronged response, which includes attention to rule of law, due process and the overhaul of curricula at schools and religious seminaries that propagate an extremist mindset. Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah insists that all 15,000 madrassas in the province have been scrutinized and are not engaged in any "anti-state activity." But then again, he is one of the many politicians who broker electoral alliances with extremist groups to get more votes. The Pakistani electorate has consistently rejected religious parties at the polls, bringing very few of their candidates to the assemblies. Religious parties in the political system as well as those that reject democracy are united against any moves towards pluralism and inclusivity. This includes the recent parliamentary resolution to declare the Hindu festivals of Holi and Diwali, plus Easter, as holidays, and the provincial Punjab Assembly's women's protection bill that would provide redress against gender violence. Pakistan must empower its police to counter crime at the local level -- such as attacks on barbershops for shaving men's beards -- which feeds terrorism on the larger stage. Gender violence often takes place on the pretext of honor, and there is widespread impunity, if not in law then in practice. Such impunity also applies to violence on the pretext of the honor of religion. Inaction against perpetrators is particularly obvious when they target the persecuted Ahmadi community, which was declared non-Muslim by a constitutional amendment in 1974. Last December, for the first time, the government removed posters from shops banning the entry of Ahmadis. Advertisement Pakistan must move to redress these injustices, including addressing the anti-Ahmadi legislation in its constitution, which continues to fuel the extremist mindset. Simultaneously, as I've argued before, Pakistan must empower, train and equip its police force to counter organized crime at the local level and counter the extremism that feeds terrorism on the larger theater -- attacks on barbershops for shaving men's beards or on shops selling music videos, defacing women's faces or limbs on billboards or attacking a Valentine's Day activity. Students at a madrassa in Karachi on March 4, 2015. Religious schools in Pakistan are sometimes the only source of education for children. (AP Photo/Fareed Khan) Since the 1990s, when the religious right began misusing blasphemy laws systematically in pursuit of their political agenda, vigilantes have killed over 60 people who allegedly committed "blasphemy." Some, like Taseer, were never charged and tried. Others were killed after being acquitted or by other prisoners or even by prison guards. Victims include lawyers and judges. Qadri is the first to be punished for such a murder. Reservations about the death penalty aside, taking that step indicated the government's resolve to not be bullied by extremists. The dharna in Islamabad will test this resolve. Advertisement Chants of "Go Nawaz go!" targeting the Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif are reminiscent of the dharnas in 2014, led by opposition politician Imran Khan and the Canadian-Pakistani cleric Tahirul Qadri (no relation to Mumtaz Qadri). Both were seen as being supported by the security establishment that still controls much of Pakistan's policies behind the scenes. Their demands undermine rule of law and constitutionality in Pakistan. These protestors' slogans are also targeting the army, forcing the more mainstream Jamat-e-Islami to distance itself from the event that it initially supported. Protestors are also using abusive language towards women in Sharif's family. Their demands undermine rule of law and constitutionality in Pakistan. They want Pakistan to officially declare Qadri as a martyr, execute Aasia Bibi (her case is pending in the Supreme Court), release their activists (some 200 have been arrested), remove all Ahmadis from government service and expel them from the country. Attacks like the one in Lahore will not end by appeasing such anarchists. Any move to do that will undermine the democratic political process upon which the country has embarked since the last two elections. That is precisely what the extremists want. To counter them, Pakistan must stay the course -- the democratic political process in the long run is an antidote for extremism. The international community must support this. Earlier on WorldPost: Ladies and gentlemen, I rise in defense of deviousness, a much misunderstood and maligned aspect of political leadership. Deviousness, in truth, is often a desirable trait in political leaders -- an assertion I shall prove in a straightforward manner by citing well-known historical examples that are crystal clear. I mount this defense because voters in the Presidential primaries seem desperately eager to back a candidate they perceive to be honest and trustworthy. "Authenticity" is all the rage, especially among those voters who are enraged. Donald Trump, for example, is acclaimed by his supporters for "telling it like it is." Ted Cruz is seen as "a principled conservative" who won't back down no matter what. Bernie Sanders is hailed as a man who can be counted on "to do the right thing." There's just one drawback. Authenticity ain't all it's cracked up to be. American history proves it. Time and again, great leaders who accomplished great deeds relied on deviousness to get the job done, not honesty and trustworthiness. Advertisement Exhibit A is Benjamin Franklin. Perhaps the most lovable of the Founding Fathers, Franklin appeared to be all benevolence and bonhomie, but actually he was a creature of vast cunning and guile. That's how he managed to talk the French out of $14 billion -- in today's money -- to finance the American revolution, money without which the revolution probably would have failed. (This was money the French could ill afford to give. They were tottering on bankruptcy.) Franklin secured this aid while circumventing vicious infighting amongst his American colleagues and treacherous backroom dealings at Versailles. He operated on the sly, often misleading his quarreling colleagues. These included the estimable John Adams -- an "authentic" man if ever there was one -- honest to a fault -- and therefore worse than useless in diplomacy. For his part, the principled Adams was contemptuous of Franklin, whom he described as "the greatest imposter on earth." Next up: Thomas Jefferson. The original champion of small government, the original proponent of the "strict construction" of the Constitution, Jefferson was also the original flip-flopper on both these principles. In 1803, as President, he tossed his convictions aside in order to make the Louisiana Purchase -- an act of government big enough to double the size of the nation and one that was clearly unconstitutional too. Nothing in the Constitution authorizes the President, acting on his own, to spend public funds to expand the nation's boundaries. So Jefferson bobbed and weaved, claiming that the President's power to acquire territory was "implied" in the Constitution's clause on treaty-making. Then there's "Honest Abe." In Lincoln's Political Thought, Professor George Kateb argues that Lincoln's political life "illustrates the unsettling truth that in democratic politics--perhaps in all politics --it is nearly impossible to do the right thing for the right reasons, honestly stated." So it was that Lincoln declared time and again that he was fighting the civil war to preserve the union, not to abolish slavery. While Lincoln thought slavery immoral, he knew moral arguments wouldn't abolish it. But since the Southerners used slaves to support their armies in the field, Lincoln justified the Emancipation Proclamation as a "fit and necessary war measure" to cripple the Confederacy's war effort. Advertisement This brings us to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, one of the most successful political tricksters of all time. Roosevelt's success was due in large part to his personality. He was charming and funny. He radiated joy and optimism. The people loved and trusted him. But FDR was not altogether the nice guy he appeared to be. Pursuing his objectives, he could be dishonest, guileful, underhanded, even ruthless. In his relationships with others, he could be manipulative, callous, and vindictive--and not warm. "Roosevelt was the coldest man I ever met," Harry Truman said of him. FDR's deviousness was never more fully employed than after the outbreak of war in Europe in 1939. Roosevelt believed this war would necessarily and inevitably draw in the United States in order to defeat the global reach of Fascism. But first he had to circumvent strong isolationist sentiment in the Congress and in the country. He did so by pretending to maintain American neutrality. Campaigning in Boston in 1940, he declared, "I have said this before, but I shall say it again, and again and again. Your boys are not going to be sent into any foreign wars." Meanwhile, behind the scenes, FDR was doing all he could to prepare America for entry into the conflict. After Pearl Harbor, FDR went on to lead the nation to victory in the greatest war of all time. As Harry Truman also said of FDR, "He was a great President." This brings us to the Cold War and to the three Republican Presidents who ran for office as ardent Cold Warriors but--once in office--turned out to be secret peaceniks. I'm speaking here of Eisenhower, Nixon, and Reagan, each of whom found it necessary to bamboozle not only the Soviets but also the hardliners and hawks in their own Administrations. Eisenhower's smiling, genial, "regular guy" image belied his immense political skills, one of which was a flair for hiding those skills. His motto was "Conceal your strengths." In Eisenhower, British historian Paul Johnson quotes Richard Nixon describing the President under whom he served as Vice-President for eight years as "by far the most devious man I ever met in my life.'' Advertisement The 1950s were the height of the Cold War, and throughout the decade dangerous provocations brought great pressure on President Eisenhower to respond militarily. His foreign policy and military advisers, for example, wanted to use the atom bomb to stem an expanding communist threat in Indochina. Ike, the war hero, refused. He made sure no wars were fought on his watch. Today, many historians look back on the Fifties and hail it as a decade of peace and prosperity, a rarity in history. When he became President, Nixon -- no piker himself when it came to deviousness -- secretly initiated negotiations with China. He knew that the Soviet Union and Red China, despite their facade of ideological unity, were actually in deep conflict. So Nixon's strategy was to play off one against the other. Ultimately Nixon visited China and broke bread with Mao Zedong. Given his reputation as a fierce anti-communist ideologue, Nixon could risk such a gigantic flip-flop in foreign policy, something no dovish Democratic President could afford to do politically. When Ronald Reagan became President he continued this Republican tradition of saying one thing while doing another. While raining denunciations on the "evil empire," Reagan quietly forged a rapprochement with the Russians. This involved misleading his own relentlessly hard-line advisors who were convinced that any negotiations with the Soviets were dangerous traps. Nevertheless, Reagan entered into a sustained and intensely personal exchange engagement with Mikhail Gorbachev, the new Soviet leader. Ultimately, this exchange led to the liberation of Eastern Europe from communism, a victory achieved without firing a shot. Now, what lesson should voters seeking "authenticity" in a Presidential candidate learn from this history? I assume these voters are also seeking a strong President who is capable of great deeds, such as defeating the threat that terrorism poses to the nation. This hugely difficult task, I argue, calls for statecraft of the highest order. Here is my vision of just how this statecraft should operate. Our new President will only appear to be "telling it like it is" while he's actually doing something else behind the scenes -- just like Ben Franklin and FDR. When he judges it to be in the national interest, our new President will bend or even betray his principles -- just like Thomas Jefferson. Our new President will always strive to "do the right thing" if he can figure out some devious way to accomplish it -- just like Abe Lincoln. And -- if we're lucky -- our new President will surreptitiously pursue peace while avoiding the start of a new war -- just like Eisenhower, Nixon, and Reagan. Advertisement Hey, why in heck am I saying "he" when there is only one candidate in the running who can fulfill this vision? That candidate is Hillary Clinton. In a recent survey of voters, the words most used to describe her were "liar, dishonest, and untrustworthy." Wow! That's music to my ears! Today, as we honor the life and legacy of Cesar Chavez and National Farmworker Awareness Week comes to a close, there is still so much work to be done to ensure the health and dignity of farmworker communities. My family was involved in the early fight for minimum wage and fair working conditions for farm workers and I later began my career as a labor organizer in the Rio Grande Valley. I know firsthand the importance of organizing in these communities. Planned Parenthood shares Cesar Chavez's belief in fair treatment for everyone; we believe that all people and their families deserve to live a safe, healthy, empowered life regardless of where they live -- no matter what. Advertisement As a reproductive health and rights organization, Planned Parenthood understands that health and environment are linked. We know that the decisions of what chemicals are in our environment impact everyone, but there is a disproportionate impact on communities of color. Moreover, we know that farm workers around the world continue to work and live in vulnerable conditions, where exposure to pesticides places them at risk of suffering from serious health problems -- including reproductive health problems of women and men. In the United States alone, these environmental hazards cause farm workers to suffer from more chemical-related injuries and illnesses than any other workforce nationwide. As a result, farm workers are faced with long-term reproductive health problems. Pesticides are known to be poisonous and carcinogenic and even in small increments pesticides have an impact on child and adolescent brain development. Due to low wages, many pregnant farm workers are forced to work until their babies are born -- out of necessity. This exposure places them at risk of preterm births, low birth weight, and birth defects. I am proud of the work being done by Planned Parenthood locally to build coalitions with farm worker organizations. Planned Parenthood of Santa Barbara, Ventura and San Luis Obispo has united with Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE), Mixteco Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP), Lideres Campesinas, and other advocates. Together, they have united and made demands for pesticide reform in a Farm Worker Bill of Rights. They recognize that everyone has the right to choose to parent safely without fears of physical and environmental harm and violence -- regardless of where they live or work. We continue to fight because for many, reproductive health problems are exacerbated by anti-immigration policies and practices -- which is why we care deeply about advocating for comprehensive immigration reform, especially where many of our patients continue to be denied access to reproductive care due to their immigration status. In areas such as California, Texas, and Florida, where anti-immigration practices often coincide with anti-abortion sentiment, we are proud to serve everyone -- regardless of immigration status. We fight to ensure that everyone can travel freely to access the care that they deserve. Advertisement Together with our local Planned Parenthood organizations we stand in solidarity with the farm worker organizations that continue to fight for just, equitable work conditions. Focused engineer assembling robot It's been reported that Millennials check their smartphones more than 40 times a day. So, what if they spent that time turning their apps, mobile devices, newsfeeds, and coding skills into a force for social impact? It turns out that many of them already are. This week at UC Berkeley, students from more than 200 universities and 80 countries will come together to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing their generation at the Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI U) meeting. President Bill Clinton created CGI U in 2007 to engage college students in addressing important issues early in their lives, and entrepreneurial Millennials from around the world have been mobilizing around the platform ever since. Advertisement Each of the 1,200 college and university student-attendees is accepted to the meeting based on the strength of their ideas and Commitments to Action: practical plans to make a difference in the areas of education; the environment and climate change; peace and human rights; poverty alleviation; and public health. Since its inception, CGI U has resulted in more than 5,500 Commitments to Action that are bringing solar energy to inner cities, introducing teenage girls to engineering, and making a difference in countless other ways that are inspiring the next generation of leaders. From building drones that fight elephant poaching to developing apps that address mental illness, here are some of the ways that young people are getting engaged online and on the ground as they redefine what it means to create positive change. From Drones to Mobile Phones Across the bay from Silicon Valley, this year's CGI U meeting will highlight leapfrog technologies as a tool for social good, with one session focusing on ways in which drones can provide greater information transparency and access to critical resources. While the increased use of drones has raised legitimate public safety and security concerns, Abdelaziz Lawani, an undergraduate student at the University of Kentucky, is leveraging this technology to identify and fight poaching and deforestation practices in West Africa. Abdelaziz taught himself to build drones, and now through his CGI U commitment, he will use unmanned aerial services to monitor ecological threats such as poaching, uncontrolled bushfires, and agricultural encroachments in Benin and Niger. Advertisement In partnership with the University of Kandi in Benin, Abdelaziz will train other students at the National School of Wildlife and Protected Area Management on how information from aerial drones, in combination with GIS, open-source software, and social media, can serve as a powerful tool for real-time ecological assessment. Other CGI U students are making a difference by employing more familiar technologies. Suraj Patel, a graduate student at UC Berkeley, noticed that while mobile devices are becoming more affordable, the user experience isn't necessarily becoming more accessible for the 700 million people around the world who can't read or write. Through his organization, Suraj is making a CGI U commitment to create a user interface designed specifically for illiterate users. He envisions a platform that will aid content developers in creating and disseminating audio, image, and video content for smart devices within parameters appropriate for a demographic too often left behind. Seed Funding Powered by the Crowd As more young people are becoming entrepreneurial well before they graduate from college, they are looking to acquire seed funding via digital crowdfunding platforms--opportunities that barely existed even a decade ago. To help select students turn their commitment ideas into action, CGI U is co-hosting a Commitments Challenge with Crowdrise, an online platform dedicated exclusively to charitable fundraising. In an NCAA March Madness-inspired head-to-head bracket, the students who raise the most money for their commitment in each round move forward in the competition. No matter how far the students go--or when they're eliminated--in the Challenge, they get to keep what they raise for the implementation of their projects. The competition--which launched with projects ranging from an electricity-free vaccine storage refrigerator to a low-cost water purifier --has reached the Final Four, and the winner will be announced on April 2 at CGI U 2016. Click here or on the widget above to help decide the winning project now. Advertisement Coding for Impact A wide range of coding classes, bootcamps, and communities have emerged over the past decade on campus and beyond. At the Clinton Foundation, we've launched a series of Codeathons to mobilize young coders and designers who can harness technology to enable civic and social innovation. On March 31, the third annual Clinton Foundation Codeathon at CGI U will bring together tech-savvy students from all over the world to find unique solutions to mental health problems on college campuses. Co-hosted by the Clinton Health Matters Initiative, this two-day event will gather developers to create new digital prototypes that could address depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. These are just a few of the ways that young people are innovating for social impact within the CGI U community this year. To vote for your favorite project in the Commitments Challenge, visit our site on Crowdrise. You can also follow us on Facebook and on Twitter at @CGIU to see the winner and check out meeting news and highlights. It's deeply personal for me not just because I happen to be a lesbian but because I think that civil rights should be on everyone's agenda. I think it's so important that we respect one another, that we respect and celebrate difference and that we treat others as we would want to be treated ourselves. It's as simple as that. Obviously my office continues to be involved in the fight for marriage equality. I was so happy that it turned out that the first brief with my name on it as a newly-elected attorney general was the brief that we filed with the Supreme Court in the marriage equality case and continues to be the work that we need to do. I'm working really hard and strongly supporting the Transgender Accommodations Bill pending right now in the Massachusetts legislation. We got a bill that would ban discrimination against transgender folks in places of public accommodation. Sadly there's still a gap in our law and while the legislature in Massachusetts took important steps a few years ago to ban discrimination against transgender folks in the workplace, housing and in schools, they did not address places of public accommodation and that's just not right. We need to fix that so the bill is pending now in the legislature. I'd love to see it get a vote as soon as possible and see it signed into law so that transgender people in Massachusetts and those visiting Massachusetts will have protections under the law. APPLETON, WI - MARCH 30: Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks to guests during a campaign rally at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel on March 30, 2016 in Appleton, Wisconsin. Wisconsin voters go to the polls for the state's primary on April 5. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) Anderson Cooper just made some news, by asking all three Republican candidates for president whether they'd honor their previous pledge to support the eventual Republican nominee -- no matter who won. None of the three candidates now say they'll honor their loyalty pledge, although two of them tried to weasel out of even giving a straight answer. Personally, I can't decide which is more bizarre, the whole spectacle of a party loyalty oath in the first place, or the news that all three Republicans seem to have set a new world speed record by breaking a big campaign promise -- not after getting elected, and not while pivoting to the middle after becoming the nominee, but before the primary season is even over. The oath, of course, was nothing more than a gimmick in the first place, directed at one candidate alone. All the Republican National Committee really wanted was a signature on the following: "I, Donald Trump, after my inevitable flame-out on the campaign trail, pledge not to attempt a third-party run and instead will support the eventual Republican nominee, which (of course) will not be me." That was deemed too personal, so they made all their candidates sign a generic pledge not to do so, to preserve the appearance of fairness. Advertisement Trump was (obviously) never supposed to win. Now that he's within reach of the nomination, the loyalty oath is coming back to bite the establishment Republicans in a big way. Now they've all pledged to remain loyal to Trump -- which was definitely not the way it was all supposed to work out. Last night, this pledge was pronounced null and void, even though a few short weeks ago (in their last debate) all three candidates swore they'd stick to their pledges. Trump now says he doesn't consider himself bound by it any more, because the party has been "unfair" to him. He's got a point -- when was the last time we've seen a major party fervently doing everything they possibly can to deny their nomination to the guy who's getting the most votes? Similar things have happened before, but not in such blatant fashion, and not very recently. At least Trump honestly answered the question, clearly stating that he no longer was going to honor his pledge. Ted Cruz and John Kasich both tried to weasel out of providing a clear answer, hoping that the voters would connect the dots while still preserving some shred of deniability. In other words, both Cruz and Kasich gave typical politician-speak answers. But neither one of them said anything like: "I made a solemn oath to support the Republican presidential candidate, and I am not going to break my word." Not even close. What both of them did instead was to essentially stick their fingers in their ears and mutter: "Donald Trump is not going to be the Republican nominee," over and over again, in the hopes that repeating it enough times would somehow make it come true. Not too surprising, since this is the party that believes if the president just utters the words "radical Islamic terrorists" enough times, then they will all give up, go home, and stop fighting. Magical phrases are big in the GOP, it seems. Advertisement No matter how hard they wish, though, Donald Trump might well become the Republican nominee later this year. What's interesting about this development is that Cruz and Kasich might have opened the flood gates for the rest of the party to start taking a real stand against Trump. Cruz and Kasich (and Rubio, when he was still running) weren't the only ones to completely undercut all their badmouthing of Trump with: "...but, of course, I'll still support him if he's the GOP nominee." Lots of other prominent Republicans have gotten caught in this trap as well (most recently, Paul Ryan). They all provide a list of why Trump is so horrible and why he's unthinkable as president, and then they humbly end by stating they'll support him anyway, should he win the party's nomination. But now that Cruz and Kasich have led the way, it'll be interesting to see whether other Republicans get on board or not. Because this might be the last chance they've got to stop Trump. And it's a lot easier to make the case against Trump when you are free to say: "I will not support Trump even if he becomes my party's nominee." If prominent members of Congress and the Republican establishment publicly rip up the concept of loyalty oaths by fully denouncing Trump, it might just be persuasive enough that the remaining primary voters deny Trump the nomination. It probably won't work (nothing else has, yet), but it'd have a better chance with strong denunciations of Trump, complete with clear refusals to back him even if he wins the nomination. The Republicans are in a serious pickle, that much is for certain. I only see three probable outcomes, at this point. Trump could get the nomination and a large portion of Republican Party officials could do their best to ignore or disavow Trump, and even run campaigns (for the Senate and the House) which directly state that they don't support Trump. After Trump's inevitable defeat (this line of thinking goes), they could gather the scraps of the Republican Party, lick their wounds, and work hard to insure that their party is never hijacked in such a fashion ever again. The second possible scenario is that a large portion of the Republican Party form their own third party, either by building one anew or trying to hijack one of the third parties which already exist (and already have ballot access in most states). They would choose some hapless candidate as a sacrificial lamb, who would go on to lose in a big way, but whose loss would also deny Trump the Oval Office. This would be a temporary hiatus from the Republican Party, and as in the first scenario, they'd all return to the GOP afterwards and try to figure out just what the heck happened to their party. The third scenario starts the same as the second, but instead of eventually returning to the Republican Party after launching a third-party bid, the former Republicans would decide that building a permanent alternative is the way to go. Either the Republican Party would collapse afterwards (after Trump exits the stage, leaving it a hollowed-out shell), or the new third party would never gain traction and eventually all the Republicans would drift back to the wreckage of the Republican Party, post-Trump. Advertisement Of course, all three of these scenarios start with basic assumptions which might prove to be wrong. Trump might actually win not only the nomination but also the presidency. Or, perhaps, the Machiavellian plotting to deny Trump the GOP nomination will actually work, leaving Trump to be the one to explore a third-party option. It's impossible to say what the odds are right now for any of these, really. But the whimpering death of the loyalty oaths certainly expands the range of possibilities, especially for Republican senators (and other GOP candidates) who are already very nervous about running with Donald Trump at the top of their ticket. If Cruz and Kasich can break their pledge (one that was physically signed, on paper), then all the other Republicans will be free to follow suit, since they never even had to swear such an explicit loyalty oath to the party in the first place. We will all see the spectacle of Republicans running for office while also running as hard as they can against their own party's presidential nominee. That would lead to some interesting campaign ads, that's for sure. But Democrats shouldn't get too gleeful at watching Republicans squirm, though. No matter what happens, the Republicans aren't going to go away. Even if "the Republican Party" disappears from the American political landscape, the members of that party won't. They may rename themselves, or they may spend one election cycle in complete and utter disarray, but that doesn't equate to a future of one-party Democratic rule or anything. Whatever they wind up calling themselves, conservatives will still be with us, in other words. But the time for pretense is over, for Republicans. Instead of having to say with a straight face "I will support Donald Trump as nominee" while deep down inside knowing it isn't true, Republicans are now able to state their intentions without making news for breaking a silly pledge. Now the anti-Trump or "NeverTrump" movement can operate right out in the open. They can fully make the argument against Trump and not be accused by other Republicans of being insufficiently loyal to the party. It's really the only chance they've got left to stop Trump, so it will be interesting to see how many of them (and which ones) decide to use this tactic. It's probably too late, but at least now the anti-Trump faction can be a lot more unashamed and honest about their true beliefs. With the loyalty oath now pronounced null and void by all three candidates left in the race (which, ignoring the weasel words, is what just happened), the rest of the Republicans are now free to tell the public what they really think of Donald Trump. Chris Weigant blogs at: Now that the FBI has magically cracked an iPhone used by San Bernardino gunman Syed Farook, the vitriol has calmed down in Apple's very public battle in defense of privacy. Apple's hardened stance in its 6 week defense against the FBI raises a broader question about the tension between commercial interests and public safety in modern free economies. While this heated skirmish appears to be over, the broader war between security and privacy is just beginning. On one extreme, privacy advocates treat the sanctity of digital identifiers and customer privacy as absolutes. On the other, security advocates treat public safety as an absolute. The truth lies somewhere in the middle and both public and private organizations are scrambling to find their footing amid increasingly blurred boundaries. Privacy and security are not opposite ends of a spectrum in an interconnected and insecure world. Rather they are two equally important goals that must work in co-movement in order to maintain a safe, global and digitally-dependent economy. In short, the tug-o-war analogy between privacy and security belongs in a bygone era. A more apt description is two equally important objectives tethered by an elastic band. Under normal circumstances privacy and security lie at rest at opposite ends. Certain forces or conditions however may cause them to spring back together and even overlap. The terror attack in San Bernardino was such a case. However, tragically, the loss of 14 lives and serious injuries sustained by 22 others proved to be an insufficient calculus in the favor of security. Framing the legal battle between Apple and the FBI as one of privacy versus security misses the symbiotic nature of their relationship. In our times, defined by a worldwide tragedy of the commons calling for frequent public bailouts, cyber risk, terrorism and climate change you simply cannot have one without the other. Greater transparency, accountability and, above all, cooperation are needed between public and commercial interests. Advertisement Few may remember the name Jose Padilla who was found guilty of plotting to detonate a so-called dirty bomb scattering radioactive material that could have claimed thousands of lives turning a major city into a ghost town. This case took place in the heady days after 9/11 in May of 2002 when the biggest cyber threats were rudimentary phishing and ID-theft scams. While the dirty bomber case is not free of legal controversy, it also occurred 5 years before the launch of the now ubiquitous iPhone, in a time when a little more than 10% of the world's population where using the internet according to the World Bank. It is reasonable to assume the risk of such a mass casualty event, if it were to occur today, would engender starkly different positions from privacy and security proponents if a locked iPhone held clues for public safety. Clearly no one wants an omniscient state any more than one wants mass casualty events or cyber ne'er-do-wells. Sadly these forces are colliding in the real world with real consequences and we all need to come to terms with areas where commercial, public and security interests will overlap. The Germanwings airline tragedy provides another example where theses very issues are playing out in Europe pitting aviation safety versus medical privacy. In this case investigators have learned that Andreas Lubitz, the co-pilot of the doomed flight, was suicidal and numerous (private) red flags were missed just days before he crashed the plane into the French Alps claiming 150 lives. French accident investigators and lawyers for the victims' families are calling for laxer medical privacy standards when possible risks to public safety emerge. Clearly loosening privacy rules singling out certain professional classifications like airline pilots will create a raft of new challenges, however, some conciliatory ground must be found to avoid these preventable losses. Insidiously the reinforced cockpit doors meant to protect the public from another 9/11-style hijacking amplified the once unthinkable exposure to a suicidal pilot. Advertisement January 11 was a bad day at the office for King Abdullah II. The king of Jordan had just been stood up by the president of the US, although he met Vice President Joe Biden, and there was one more appointment for him in Washington - an off-the-record briefing with senior members of Congress. He decided to put the boot in. Abdullah shredded America's policy in Syria: Where did America stand, the king wanted to know. Did the US want to get rid of the Islamic State or just Assad? Didn't the US realise the Cold War was over and that they were in the middle of the Third World War, in which Christians, Muslims and Jews were fighting the khawarej, the outlaws? "The US should ask itself why did ISIL (the Islamic State group) get to where it is now," he said. "This is unacceptable." This was not the first time Abdullah has complained about Obama to Congress. According to Jeffrey Goldberg who interviewed the president for The Atlantic, Obama pulled Abdullah aside at a NATO summit in Wales in 2014, saying he had heard the king had complained about his leadership to the US Congress and if he had complaints he should address them directly to him. Advertisement The king later denied he had made derogatory comments to Congress in 2014, but then he also denied the comments he was recorded making this January. Denial is becoming a way of life for the king. Abdullah went on to claim Turkey was behind the region's problems with radical Islam. Radicalisation, he claimed, was made in Turkey. It was no accident that Islamic State militants kept turning up in Europe. It was Turkey's policy to export them. It got its hands slapped by the West, but Europe did not do anything about it. Furthermore Turkey was buying oil from the Islamic State. Why? Because, in the king's view, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan "supported a radical Islamic solution to the region". Jordan's problem with Turkey was strategic and global. What was Turkey doing in Somalia, the king wanted to know. It was surely not wise, even among friends, for the king to attack an ally needed by a debt- and refugee-laden Jordan. The revelations about the January visit to Washington broke just before a two-day official visit to Amman by the Turkish Prime Minister Ahmed Davutoglu this week. Advertisement So, why did Abdullah do it? For whom was he speaking? Attacks on Turkey, as the power behind the IS throne, have been made before. Mohammed Dahlan, a Fatah strongman and security adviser to Mohammed bin Zayed, crown prince of Abu Dhabi, made similar claims to a NATO-linked think-tank, the Atlantic Treaty Association in Brussels. Dahlan accused the West of hypocrisy in its ugliest form. He said: "OK, terrorism reached Europe. But how did it get there? No one is saying. OK, world oil trade, and the whole of Europe knows who is trading and with whom, with Turkey. Yet, you remain silent. Had this sort of trade been conducted with Egypt, with whom you have no interest and whose political regime you dislike, you would have waged a political war." He went on: "The entire movement of terrorism in Syria came through Turkey. And you know this. But you are not bothered. Because you have political interest. Or I have no explanation why this is happening. I am not against Turkey. But I am against not exposing the facts of those who are not confronting ISIS, those who are providing it with financial facilities, trading in oil with it or smuggling weapons to it." Dahlan then made an overtly ideological point about religion and politics in a Muslim country. He described his new home, the United Arab Emirates (a country that tortures and imprisons its opposition, funds military coups in Egypt, interventions in Libya and assassinations in Tunisia) as an oasis of liberal behaviour. It has churches, mosques and beaches. "There is development and there is care for the people. Therefore, yes if we want to build a future, we must use a successful model." Both Abdullah and Dahlan attacked Turkey not just as an alleged financier and arms supplier for Islamic State, but also as an alternative political model to autocracies like Jordan or the UAE. Turkey, Jordan and the Emirates are all supposed to be on the same side in Syria, part of a military coalition led by Saudi Arabia. But neither Abdullah nor the Emiratis treat this coalition as anything more than rhetorical. In his briefing to Congress Abdullah admitted that Jordan only joined this coalition because it was "non-binding". Non-binding is an understatement. As far as I can see, they are all fighting different wars in Syria. Jordan, the Emirates and Egypt are happy for Assad to stay, as long as Syria suppresses its Arab Spring. The last thing the king wants is for its northern neighbour to hold real elections, form coalition governments and share power and wealth. Turkey - which negotiated with Assad for eight months in an attempt to persuade him to accept political reforms - the Saudis and Qatar either tolerate or support Islamist militas among the rebel Free Syrian Army in the hope that given free elections, they can be wooed away from the al Qaeda-affiliated fringe. A rather more cohesive coalition is opposed to both factions. This consists of Assad, Russia and Iran, who are all fighting for the same thing - the continuation of the regime. Putin sees Syria through the prism of the insurgencies in Chechnya, Dagestan and Tajikistan, and feels betrayed by the assurances given to Russia over Libya. Barack Obama has given up on Syria, as he has on the Middle East in general. In his interview with The Atlantic, Obama regards his decision not to bomb Assad after the chemical attack as a moment of liberation from the Washington foreign policy playbook and calls Libya "a shit show" after the ouster of Gadafi. Goldberg wrote: "Libya proved to him that the Middle East was best avoided." "There is no way we should commit to governing the Middle East and North Africa," Obama recently told a former colleague from the Senate. "That would be a basic, fundamental mistake." The betting is that neither the pro-Assad coalition nor the Saudi-backed one will prevail in Syria. The likeliest outcome of a ceasefire is a Syria permanently fragmented into sectarian statelets in the way Iraq was after the US invasion. This could be regarded as the least worst option for foreign powers meddling in Syria. Jordan, the Emirates and Egypt will have stopped this dangerous thing called regime change. Saudi will have stopped Iran and Hezbollah. Russia will have its naval base and retain a foothold in the Middle East. Assad will survive in a shrunken sectarian state. The Kurds will have their enclave in the north. America will walk away once more from the region. There is just one loser in all this - Syria itself. Five million Syrians will become permanent exiles. Justice, self-determination, liberation from autocracy will be kicked into the long grass. The history of the region has lessons for foreign powers. It proves that fragmentation only leads to further chaos. The region needs reconciliation, common projects and stability as never before. That will not come from creating sectarian enclaves backed by foreign powers. The Islamic State is a distraction from the real struggle of the region, which is liberation from dictatorship and the birth of real democratic movements. IS is not a justification for the strong men. It is a product of their resistance to change. History did not start in 2011 and it won't stop now. The revolutions of 2011 were empowered by decades of misrule. There is a reason why millions of Arab rose - peacefully at first - against their rulers and that reason still exists today. Advertisement As long as there is no real democratic solution in the Middle East, the Islamic State group will continue to mutate like a pathogen that has become antibiotic-resistant in the body politic of the Middle East. Each time it changes shape, it will become more virulent. As March draws to a close and April opens, front runners (in the form of Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump) have emerged in the presidential primaries and caucuses that are being conducted by both of the two major parties. Those results are revealing for what they say about religiosity in modern American presidential politics. Let's start first with the Democrats. By the time of the first major electoral contest (the Iowa caucuses), the field had been winnowed essentially to a choice between former U.S. Senator from New York and former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont. Beginning with the results of those caucuses on February 1st through the end of March, Clinton emerged as the heavy favorite to win the Democratic presidential nomination. In so doing, she has been helped by her moderate religiosity, which poses a significant contrast with Sanders' secularism. Hillary Clinton grew up in the Methodist Church, attending one close to her home in Park Ridge, Illinois, a Chicago suburb. While seemingly never very religious, Hillary Rodham as she was then, belonged throughout her childhood. She has fond memories of a youth pastor who exposed her to new ideas about social justice (he took her to hear the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. when he came to Chicago to speak and preach). Theological moderation was the norm in the 1950's and early to middle 1960's, when Hillary Clinton was growing up, and her relationship with religion reflects that. It has clearly been a constant source of values for her, but never the central thing in her life. Advertisement That helped her, in Iowa especially, where she proudly proclaimed toward the end of a very tough caucus campaign that "I am a Methodist," something that resonated strongly with churchgoing, moderately religious Democrats, of whom there are many in Iowa. Shortly after her narrow victory there, Hillary Clinton opened up to reporters about her faith, saying that she has a group of faith advisers who "who are close to me" and also said that "I get a a scripture lesson every morning from a minister that I have a really close personal relationship with." Clinton also revealed that she has friends who are rabbis "who send me notes, [and] give me readings that are going to be discussed at services." The contrast with Bernie Sanders is clear. He went to Hebrew School as a child, which made him familiar with the Jewish religious tradition, but he never became religious himself. Sanders' brother likes to say that "Bernie is completely secular," and Bernie doesn't disagree with that assessment. Instead, he says that certain parts of the Jewish religion inform his secular quest for social justice. Consider now, the Republican side of the presidential nomination process this year with respect to the issue of religiosity. By the end of March, Donald Trump had emerged as the GOP front runner. Trump's connection to religion remains somewhat murky. He claims to have belonged to New York's Marble Collegiate Church as a child, which was a place of note (the famed clergyman and theologian Norman Vincent Peale was the senior minister there for many years). But there is no record of Trump having been a member there then. More likely, he and his family went to services at Marble Collegiate, but never actually joined. Trump considers himself a Presbyterian, but seemingly in a fairly nominal sense. Like Hillary Clinton, his contemporary, Trump grew up in an era that tended to bring even the not-all-that-religious to church, at least once in a while, and that seems to be what he was like then. Advertisement Trump's efforts on the campaign trail to sound familiar with scripture are awkward and unconvincing, but they succeed in reassuring voters that he does at least consider himself to be a Christian, in some minimal sense. That has helped Trump perform better in the GOP nominating process thus far than strongly religious candidates such as Texas Senator Ted Cruz and Dr. Ben Carson. For Cruz and Carson especially, religion has clearly been the central thing in their lives; both men can fairly be described as very religious. But many GOP primary voters and caucus participants are clearly uncomfortable with a very religious person as a candidate for President. "Religious yes, but not overly so" appears to be the most appealing version of religiosity within today's GOP presidential primary and caucus electorate. US President Barack Obama speaks during a bilateral meeting with China's President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Nuclear Security Summit at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on March 31, 2016 in Washington, DC. / AFP / MANDEL NGAN (Photo credit should read MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images) Last night, on the eve of the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, President Obama admitted that "nuclear security" will continue to elude us so long as nuclear weapons exist. It is a central message of the Global Zero campaign echoed by political leaders and activists around the world. Seven years ago in Prague, the President boldly put the pursuit of global zero at the top of his foreign policy agenda. It brought new energy to the decades-long struggle to end the nuclear threat, and held all the promise of being a defining moment for a historic presidency. Advertisement Today, it is a promise unfulfilled. Neither his fine words in yesterday's Washington Post nor his fourth and final Nuclear Security Summit changes that. To be fair, there are gains worth celebrating. Modest cuts to U.S.-Russian Cold War stockpiles. The unwinding of the Iranian nuclear program. New attention by world leaders to the threat of nuclear terrorism. As the President rightly notes, we made progress. But we now risk losing ground. There are still more than 15,000 nuclear weapons in the world. Beyond all reason, the United States and Russia keep thousands of them on hair-trigger alert, ready to launch at any moment. Other nuclear-armed states may soon tip-toe in their footsteps. The specter of nuclear terrorism will outlast the Nuclear Security Summits, which ignore nuclear weapons entirely as well as 98% of the world's weapons-grade material (all civilian plutonium and all military highly-enriched uranium and plutonium)--enough to fashion more than 200,000 bombs of the sort that flattened Hiroshima. And we are on the brink of a dangerous new nuclear arms race, fueled by the President's own outrageous plan to spend $1 trillion on a new generation of nuclear weapons over the next three decades. On every front, the risks that nuclear weapons will be used are rising. Since 1945, we are more likely than any generation to witness another city wiped off the map. This would be a global humanitarian, environmental and economic catastrophe--and a point of no return. Time is not on our side. While the President recites a familiar list of worthwhile pursuits, none acknowledge the fierce urgency of now. If we are to avert this nightmare scenario, it will take more than banning explosive testing or halting new fissile material production. Big vision requires bold steps, not incremental ones. "Patience and persistence," but also acts of courage. We must reverse course on a misguided nuclear spending spree that is utterly out of sync with the pursuit of a world without these weapons. We must retire insane Cold War policies that keep nearly half our nuclear arsenal locked and loaded, exposing the entire world to unacceptable risk. And above all, we must round up world leaders not merely for a Nuclear Security Summit to shore up civilian nuclear materials, but for a Nuclear Weapons Summit that for the first time focuses high-level political actors on the end game: the phased, verified elimination of all nuclear weapons globally. This week's gathering of key governments in Washington should not be the President's final act, nor his op-ed the final word. He still has time to set something bold in motion--something worthy of the vision he laid out in Prague, something that the next administration can carry forward. For a little while longer, it's not too late. Advertisement Today, President Obama met with Americans who have received commutations on prison sentences during his presidency, and under previous administrations. Today, Obama commuted the sentences of 61 more people who were convicted of federal drug and firearm crimes. More than than a third of them were serving life in prison. One of the prisoners pardoned today was Weldon Angelos, a man who was serving 55 years for carrying a gun while he sold small bags of weed to an undercover cop. The New York Times editorial board points out that there are some 10,000 more requests waiting. Obama is one of the stingiest presidents in American history, when it comes to presidential pardons. Snip: While that's better than nothing, it is nowhere near the action needed to rectify the injustice suffered by thousands of low-level, nonviolent inmates who still languish in federal prison, serving sentences far longer than what would be imposed under today's laws. Keeping people like this locked up for years costs not only taxpayers, but society as a whole. In 2014, the Justice Department said it would begin a new initiative that would rely on the president's pardon power to reduce the prison terms of drug offenders sentenced under old laws. Yet with more than 10,000 clemency applications still waiting for resolution, Mr. Obama has issued only 248 commutations. [nytimes.com via @NYTopinion] Some things in life are rather predictable. For instance, I know if I wear white, by 5:00pm my clothes will be stained. Or if I see a movie starring Ben Affleck, 9 times out of 10, it's going to suck. When Passover arrives each year, the most predictable end to a lovely Seder dinner, is unfortunately, very crappy desserts. Though I adore coconut macaroons, they're really more of a sweet snack, than say a dessert you hold proudly in your arms just before you lay it on the dinner table. Most other Passover desserts include cakes made with matzo meal, which oftentimes are so dense, they'd be better utilized as paper weights, rather than offered as something edible. Cooking sans flour, leavening and dairy sounds as appetizing as eating at a Sizzler's steakhouse, but trust me, I'm about to turn your world upside down with this amazing naturally flour-free recipe. Advertisement Referred to in Spain as "Tarta de Santiago," this cake dates back centuries ago. Decorated with a powdered sugar cross representing Saint James, this almond cake can be found near the Cathedral of Santiago de Copostela in Galicia, which houses the relics of the Apostle St. James. Here comes the twist, according to food writer Claudia Roden, there is a great likelihood this cake was originally created with Passover in mind. Many Jewish people had settled in Coruna, a Galician city, after fleeing from the Berber Almohads' attempt to convert them during the 12th and 13th century. Coruna still houses a synagogue as well as a Jewish quarter today. Though some Jewish people had converted to save their lives, many continued to celebrate their Jewish traditions in covert fashion. Dusting over the cross with powdered sugar is one hypothesized attempt to enjoy a Passover dessert without conforming. Like most things in history that took place centuries ago, the true origins of this beauty will continue to be debated. My father who always enjoys pointing out famous Jewish people, especially at inappropriate moments and loudly declaring pride over anything with Jewish origins, would love the idea; this delicious cake could potentially be a Judaic original. I was skeptical when I first started researching various recipes: eggs, almonds, sugar and citrus? No butter, no flour, yuck! But alas, I could not predict this outcome, it was absolutely divine. Light, airy, with a nutty texture and citrus notes, I couldn't get enough. In fact, my husband and I demolished the cake before I could get any "tutorial" pictures of dusting powdered sugar designs. All of the cake's height and fluffy texture comes from whipped egg whites. Hubby likened the taste to a beignet, light and airy. I could see where he was coming from though I would describe it to be more like an angel food/orange cake hybrid. This cake requires no accompaniments, though whipped cream and/or berries are always a welcome addition to almost any dessert. For those who are interested in making their own matzos, check out last years' post here. Advertisement Chag Sameach (Happy Holidays)! Enjoy! Title: Citrus Almond Cake Author: Dough Mamma Prep time: 35 mins Cook time: 20 mins Total time: 55 mins Serves: 8 Notes: A few confessions here. One, this is very easy to make, though I have included a tutorial following the recipe for those who are unfamiliar with folding in egg whites. If you want to skip grinding your almonds, go ahead and buy almond meal. Use organic citrus since you will be using the zest. I packed my springform pans by accident so instead, I greased and lightly floured my brownie pan; then I put a piece of parchment paper on the bottom of the pan as well. I should have pulled my cake about 3 minutes earlier as it should be golden brown not chestnut brown, regardless, it still tasted divine. After 20 minutes, check your oven so your cake doesn't burn. Since all the volume comes from whipped egg whites, you want to be careful not to deflate your batter as you incorporate the egg whites, simply rotate your bowl a few inches every time you fold in. My egg whites filled my 5qt bowl and it took me a good five minutes to incorporate the entire bowl. Always make sure you use a clean bowl when whipping egg whites and make sure there is no grease on the bowl or the whisk. If you cant find caster sugar, you can grind regular sugar until it is a fine texture -- like artificial sweetener. Ingredients Citrus Almond Cake 8 oz blanched almonds 6 large eggs, separated, at room temperature 1 cup of superfine sugar (A.K.A. Caster sugar, found at whole foods and similar stores) Grated zest of one lemon Grated zest of one orange tsp of salt tsp of almond extract (careful, a little goes a long way) 1 tsp of Grand Marnier *optional, but adds lovely hints of orange Powdered sugar for dusting the top Orange Simple Syrup *optional cup of orange juice (about 1 large orange) cup of sugar Instructions Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease and lightly flour a 10 inch springform pan, or see notes if you don't have a springform pan. Ground almonds in a food processor until finely ground. Add salt and mix. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the egg yolks with the sugar until smooth and pale. Beat in the zests, almond extract and Grand Marnier. Set bowl aside. In another large bowl, with clean beaters, beat the egg whites on full speed, until stiff peaks form. This egg whites will almost fill a 5qt bowl. Taking about 1 cup's worth of whipped egg whites at a time, fold them into the almond mixture until all the egg whites have been incorporated. Advertisement Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and the cake springs back when gently pressed. Allow to cool on wire rack in pan for 10 minutes. Take a butter knife and run around the inside of the pan to loosen cake if necessary. Carefully flip cake onto wire rack so that the cake bottom is now on top. An easy way to "flip" is to take the topside of the wire rack and place it on top of the cake and invert. While your cake is cooling you can make your simple syrup. Heat orange juice and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat until all sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Once the cake has cooled completely you can add your simple syrup with a pastry brush if using. Allow to soak in for about 15 minutes before dusting with powdered sugar. Store at room temperature in an air tight container. Below are some ideas for powdered decorations demonstrated on paper instead of cake, because we inhaled the cake before pictures could be taken. The first Regional Forum of the Young Arab Voices, co-organized by the Anna Lindh Foundation (ALF) and the British Council, gathered in the Tunisian capital more than 80 emerging young leaders from eight Arab countries of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to compete in debating topical and controversial issues such as media censorship in reporting terrorist attacks, banning religious schools, and compulsory quotas for youth in local elections. The Forum was a landmark activity in a five-year programme that has brought to the heart of the MENA region the traditional democratic approach to conflict in perceptions, crafted around a carefully organised and structured dialogue. More than 100,000 young people from Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco have had the opportunity to develop their skills in public debate and obey the logic and rules of parliamentary systems, while arguing in favour or against motions on topics affecting the countries of the entire Euro-Med region. In a plenary session at the closure of the competition, the participants issued a declaration stating that "it is more urgent than ever to create new opportunities for opening up dialogue across Europe and the Mediterranean". The logic of terrorism is completely rejected in the declaration that explicitly condemns the recent bombing in Brussels and acts of violence elsewhere in the Arab world and in Turkey. "In our debates we have shown that there are different ways of meeting the challenges of life affecting societies both in the MENA region and Europe", states the declaration. "We need more opportunities for this kind of debate", it adds. "It will reduce incentives to extremist voices and reduce the space for intolerance which is feeding terrorism. It will allow us to understand each other better, and to build a circle of dialogue and coalition of common values. We want to involve many millions more voices in this process, all those silent majority who are involved in positive action but do not find yet their voices heard. We want an inclusive dialogue to find common ground among youth to the north and south". Advertisement Equally explicit was the message brought to the Forum by Ouided Bouchamaoui, member of the "Tunisian Dialogue Quartet" awarded the 2015 Nobel Prize for Peace for its successful efforts to promote the development of civil society and democracy in the country. "Our message to the West is that we are ready for dialogue", said Ouided Bouchamaoui. "The best way to fight radicalization is by being present in civil society and being active in decision making", she added expressing "pride in our youth, our unity and our skills for dialogue". The Growing Dangers of Indian Point Cross-posted with TomDispatch.com It was a beautiful spring day and, in the control room of the nuclear reactor, the workers decided to deactivate the security system for a systems test. As they started to do so, however, the floor of the reactor began to tremble. Suddenly, its 1,200-ton cover blasted flames into the air. Tons of radioactive radium and graphite shot 1,000 meters into the sky and began drifting to the ground for miles around the nuclear plant. The first firemen to the rescue brought tons of water that would prove useless when it came to dousing the fires. The workers wore no protective clothing and eight of them would die that night -- dozens more in the months to follow. It was April 26, 1986, and this was just the start of the meltdown at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine, the worst nuclear accident of its kind in history. Chernobyl is ranked as a level 7 event, the maximum danger classification on the International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale. It would spew out more radioactivity than 100 Hiroshima bombs. Of the 350,000 workers involved in cleanup operations, according to the World Health Organization, 240,000 would be exposed to the highest levels of radiation in a 30-mile zone around the plant. It is uncertain exactly how many cancer deaths have resulted since. The International Atomic Energy Agencys estimate of the expected death toll from Chernobyl was 4,000. A 2006 Greenpeace report challenged that figure, suggesting that 16,000 people had already died due to the accident and predicting another 140,000 deaths in Ukraine and Belarus still to come. A significant increase in thyroid cancers in children, a very rare disease for them, has been charted in the region -- nearly 7,000 cases by 2005 in Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine. Advertisement In March 2011, 25 years after the Chernobyl catastrophe, damage caused by a tsunami triggered by a massive 9.0 magnitude earthquake led to the meltdown of three reactors at a nuclear plant in Fukushima, Japan. Radioactive rain from the Fukushima accident fell as far away as Ireland. In 2008, the International Atomic Energy Agency had, in fact, warned the Japanese government that none of the countrys nuclear power plants could withstand powerful earthquakes. That included the Fukushima plant, which had been built to take only a 7.0 magnitude event. No attention was paid at the time. After the disaster, the plants owner, Tokyo Electric Power, rehired Shaw Construction, which had designed and built the plant in the first place, to rebuild it. Near Misses, Radioactive Leaks, and Flooding In both Chernobyl and Fukushima, areas around the devastated plants were made uninhabitable for the foreseeable future. In neither place, before disaster began to unfold, was anyone expecting it and few imagined that such a catastrophe was possible. In the United States, too, despite the knowledge since 1945 that nuclear power, at war or in peacetime, holds dangers of a stunning sort, the general attitude remains: it cant happen here -- nowhere more dangerously in recent years than on the banks of New Yorks Hudson River, an area that could face a nuclear peril endangering a population of nearly 20 million. As the Fukushima tragedy struck, President Obama assured Americans that U.S. nuclear plants were closely monitored and built to withstand earthquakes. That statement covered one of the oldest plants in the country, the Indian Point Energy Center (IPEC) in Westchester, New York, first opened in 1962. One of 61 commercial nuclear plants in the country, it has two reactors that generate electricity for homes across New York City and Westchester County. It is located in the sixth most densely populated urban area in the world, the New York metropolitan region, just 30 miles north of Manhattan Island and the planets most economically powerful city. Advertisement The plant sits astride two seismic faults, which has prompted those opposing its continued operation to call for a detailed analysis of its capacity to resist an earthquake. In addition, a long series of accidents and ongoing hazards has only increased the potential for catastrophe. According to a report by the National Resources Defense Council (NDRC), if a nuclear disaster of a Fukushima magnitude were to strike Indian Point, it would necessitate the evacuation of at least 5.6 million people. In 2003, the existing evacuation plan for the area was deemed inadequate in a report by James Lee Witt, former head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. American officials have urged U.S. citizens to stay 50 miles away from the Fukushima plant. Such a 50-mile circle around IPEC would stretch past Kingston in Ulster County to the north, past Bayonne and Jersey City to the south, almost to New Haven, Connecticut, to the east, and into Pennsylvania to the west. It would include all of New York City except for Staten Island and all of Fairfield, Connecticut. Many scholars have already argued that any evacuation plans shouldnt be called plans, but rather fantasy documents, Daniel Aldrich, a professor of political science at Purdue University, told the New York Times. Paul Blanch, a nuclear engineer who worked in the industry for 40 years as well as with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), thinks a worst-case accident at Indian Point could make the region, including parts of Connecticut, uninhabitable for generations. According to a report from the Indian Point Safe Energy Coalition, there were 23 reported problems at the plant from its inception to 2005, including steam generator tube ruptures, reactor containment flooding, transformer fires, the failure of backup power for emergency sirens, and leaks of radioactive water laced with tritium. In the latest tritium leak, reported only last month, an outflow of the radioactive isotope from the plant has infused both local groundwater and the Hudson River. (Other U.S. nuclear plants have had their share of tritium leaks as well, including Turkey Point nuclear plant in Florida where such a leak is at the moment threatening drinking water wells.) Experts agree that although present levels of tritium in groundwater near the plant are alarming, the tritium in the river will not be considered harmful until it reaches a far greater concentration of 120,000 picocuries per liter of water. (A picocurie is a standard unit of measurement for radioactivity.) Tritium is the lightest radioactive substance to leak from Indian Point, but according to an assessment by the New York Department of State, other potentially more dangerous radioactive elements like strontium-90, cesium-137, cobalt-60, and nickel-63 are also escaping the plant and entering both the groundwater and the river. Advertisement Representatives of Entergy Corporation, which owns the Indian Point plant, report that they dont know when the present leak began or what its source might be. No one has made a statement as to when the leak started, wrote Paul Blanch in an email to us. It could have started two years ago. Nor does anyone seem to know where the leak is, how much radioactive matter is leaking, or how it can be stopped. The longer the leak persists, the greater the likelihood of isotopes more potent than tritium contaminating local drinking water. According to David Lochbaum, director of the Nuclear Safety Project for the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) and once a trainer for NRC inspectors, the danger of flooding at the reactor should be an even greater focus of concern than radioactive substance outflows, since it could result in a reactor core meltdown. Yet despite repeated calls for Indian Points shutdown from the early 1970s on, it keeps operating. On April 2, 2000, the NRC rated one of Indian Points two reactors the most troubled in the country, and it has been closed for lengthy periods because of system failures of various sorts. This, it turns out, is typical of Entergy-owned reactors. There were 10 near-miss incidents at U.S. nuclear reactors last year, a majority of them at three Entergy plants, according to a UCS report on nuclear plant safety. A near-miss incident is an event or condition that could increase the chance of reactor core damage by a factor of 10 or more. In response, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission must send an inspection team to investigate. The number of such incidents has declined since UCS initiated its annual review in 2010, overall, a positive trend, according to report author Lochbaum. Five years ago, there were nearly twice as many near misses. That said, the nuclear industry is only as good as its worst plant owner. The NRC needs to find out why Entergy plants are experiencing so many potentially serious problems. Upstate New Yorks Ginna plant, he adds, has been operating as long as Indian Point, but with only two events in its history. At Indian Point theres a major event every two to three years. What troubles Lochbaum more than anything else is Indian Points vulnerability to flooding. There was a problem in May 2015 where a transformer exploded, he told us. There was an automatic fire sprinkler system installed to put this out. But it ended up flooding the building adjacent to where the explosion had taken place. Fortunately a worker noticed that an inch or two of water had accumulated. If the room had flooded up to five inches, all the power in the plant would have been lost. It would have plunged unit 3 into a station blackout. Advertisement This might indeed have led to some kind of Fukushima-on-the-Hudson situation. In Fukushima, after the earthquake wiped out the normal power supply and tsunami floodwaters took away the backup supply, workers were unable to get cooling water into the reactor cores and three of the plants six reactors melted down. In 2007, when Indian Points plant owner applied to the NRC for a 20-year extension of the plants operating license, it was found that a flood alarm could be installed in the room in question for about $200,000. As Lochbaum explains, The owner determined it was cost-beneficial, that if they installed this flood alarm... it [would reduce] the risk of core meltdown by 20%, and [reduce] the amount of radiation that people on the plant could be exposed to by about 40%, at a cost of about two cents per person for the 20 million people living within 50 miles of the plant. But nine years later, he told us, that flood alarm has still not been installed. Potential Pipeline Explosions As if none of this were enough, a new set of dangers to Indian Point have arisen in recent years due to a high-pressure natural gas pipeline currently being built by Spectra Energy. Dubbed the Algonquin Incremental Market (AIM) pipeline, it is to carry fracked natural gas from the Marcellus Shale formation underlying New York and adjacent states to the Canadian border. At 42 inches in diameter, this pipeline is the biggest that can at present be built -- and heres the catch: AIM is slated to pass within 150 feet of the plants reactors. A former Spectra worker hired to help oversee safety during the pipelines construction told a reporter that the company had taken dangerous shortcuts in its rush to begin the project. He had witnessed, he said, at least two dozen serious safety violations and transgressions. Taking shortcuts in pipeline construction could, in the end, prove a risky business. Pipeline ruptures are the commonest cause of gas explosions like the one that, in March 2014 in Manhattans East Harlem, killed eight, injured 70, and leveled two apartment buildings. Robert Miller, chairman of the National Association of Pipeline Safety Representatives, attributed the rising rates of such incidents in newly constructed pipelines to poor construction practices or maybe not enough quality control, quality assurance programs out there to catch these problems before those pipelines go into service." Advertisement In January 2015, the National Transportation Safety Board published a study documenting that gas accidents in high-consequence areas (where there are a lot of people and buildings) have been on the rise. With the New York metropolitan area so close to Indian Point, it seems odd indeed to independent experts that the nuclear plant with the sorriest safety history in the country has been judged safe enough for a high-pressure gas pipeline to be run right by it. A hazards assessment replete with errors was the basis for the go-ahead. Richard B. Kuprewicz, a pipeline infrastructure expert and incident investigator with more than 40 years of energy industry experience, has called that risk assessment seriously deficient and inadequate. At another nuclear plant subsequently shut down, as David Lochbaum points out, a rigorous risk analysis was conducted for possible explosions based on a worst-case scenario. (I couldnt think of any scenario that would be worse than what they presumed.) At Indian Point, the risk analysis was, however, done on a best-case basis. Among other things, it assumed that any pipeline leak around the plant could be stopped in less than three minutes -- an unlikelihood at best. Its night and day. They did a very conservative analysis for [the other plant] and a very cavalier best-case scenario for Indian Point... I dont know why they opted for [this] drive-by analysis. Tombstone Regulation Of all the contaminants released in this industrial world, radioactivity may, in a sense, be the least visible and least imaginable, even if the most potentially devastating, were something to go wrong. As a result, the dangers of the peaceful atom have often proved hard to absorb before disaster strikes -- as at the Three Mile Island reactor near Middletown, Pennsylvania, on March 28, 1979. Even when such a power plant sits near a highway or a community, its usually a reality to which people pay scant attention, in part because nuclear science is alien territory. This is why safety at nuclear power plants has been something citizens have relied on the government for. The history of Indian Point, however, offers a grim reminder that the government agencies expected to protect citizens from disaster arent doing a particularly good job of it. Over the past several years, for instance, residents in the path of the AIM pipeline project have begun accusing the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) of overwhelming bias in the industrys favor. As FERC has a corner on oversight and approval of all pipeline construction, this is alarming. Its stamp of approval on a pipeline can only be contested via appeals that lead directly back to FERC itself, as the Natural Gas Act of 1938 gave the agency sole discretion over pipeline construction in the U.S. Ever since then, its officials have approved pipelines of every sort almost without exception. Worse yet, at Indian Point, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission joined FERC in green-lighting AIM. Advertisement During the two-and-a-half-year period in which the pipeline was approved and construction began, the mainstream media virtually ignored the project and its potential dangers. Only this February, when New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who has been opposed to the relicensing of Indian Point, first raised concerns about the dangers of the pipeline, did the New York Times, the paper of record for the New York metropolitan area, finally publish a piece on AIM. So it fell to a grassroots movement of local activists to bring AIMs dangers to public attention. Its growing resistance to a pipeline that could precipitate just about anything up to a Fukushima-on-the-Hudson-style event evidently led Governor Cuomo to urge FERC to postpone construction until a safety review could be completed, a request that the agency rejected. In February, alarmed by reports of tritium leaking from the plant, the governor also directed the states departments of environmental conservation and health to investigate the likely duration and consequences of such a leak and its potential impacts on public health. According to Paul Blanch, the risk of a pipeline explosion in proximity to Indian Point is one in 1,000, odds he believes are too high given whats potentially at stake. (He considers a one-in-a-million chance acceptable.) "I've had over 45 years of nuclear experience and [experience in] safety issues. I have never seen [a situation] that essentially puts 20 million residents at risk, plus the entire economics of the United States by making a large area surrounding Indian Point uninhabitable for generations. I'm not an alarmist and haven't been known as an alarmist, but the possibility of a gas line interacting with a plant could easily cause a Fukushima type of release." According to Blanch, attempts to regulate nuclear plants after a Fukushima- or Chernobyl-type catastrophe are known in the trade as tombstone regulation. Nobody, of course, should ever want to experience such a situation on the Hudson, or have Americas own mini-Hiroshima seven decades late, or find literal tombstones cropping up in the New York metropolitan area due to a nuclear disaster. One hope for preventing all of this and ensuring protection for New Yorks citizenry: the continuing growth of impressive citizen pressure and increasing public alarm around both the pipeline and Indian Point. It gives new meaning to the phrase power to the people. Advertisement TomDispatch regular Ellen Cantarow reported on Israel and the West Bank from 1979 to 2009 for the Village Voice, Mother Jones, Inquiry, and Grand Street, among other publications. For the past five years she has been writing about the environmental ravages of the oil and gas industries. Lion male making a 'Flemen' gesture to inhale the smell of nearby females (Panthera leo). Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya. Mar 2011. March 2016 was the Supreme Courts first full month in session with only eight justices in more than 25 years -- and its first in almost 30 years without Antonin Scalia. The difference was clearly felt all month long. The cases that so sharply divided the Court in March on reproductive rights, religion and other issues, and the controversy outside the Court resulting from the Republican Senates refusal to even consider the Presidents nominee to fill the vacancy, have underlined the importance of a fully staffed nine-member Supreme Court and the crucial significance of the November elections for the future of the Court and of Americans rights and liberties. The lions roar towards the beginning of March was the oral argument in Whole Womans Health v. Hellerstedt, a challenge to an extremely restrictive Texas law that would reduce the number of clinics offering abortions in Texas to ten and seriously harm the health and reproductive rights of millions of women. The more progressive wing of the Court was extremely vocal and seemed to dominate the courtroom, perhaps because of the absence of Scalias aggressive questioning but also because of the genuine concern and even outrage at Texas back-door attempt to make abortion effectively inaccessible to most Texas women. Right-wing justices Roberts and Alito were just as clearly disposed towards Texas, while Justice Thomas, who had actually spoken during an argument in February, was silent. Advertisement As usual, the key justice on the divided Court was Kennedy. If he sides with the conservatives, the lower court decision upholding the Texas law will likely be affirmed by a 4-4 tie vote, setting no national precedent but harming women in Texas and inspiring such restrictive laws elsewhere. If he sides with moderate justices, the law will be struck down 5-3. Based on the argument, which is an imperfect predictor, the most likely scenario may be a 5-3 ruling keeping the temporary stay of the law in place and sending the case back to the lower courts for additional fact finding on the effects of the law. That could very well lead to the Supreme Court reconsidering the issue in a year or two--making the identity of the justice who replaces Scalia, and who fill any other Court vacancies that arise, critical to the future of reproductive rights. Later in March, the Court graphically demonstrated the problems caused by having only 8 justices by splitting 4-4 on the issue of whether federal law protecting against discrimination in lending applies to discrimination on the basis of marital status against bank loan applicants. The split affirms the decision in Hawkins v. Community Bank of Raymore that the law does not so apply, but that decision controls only for residents of the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals in Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri and Nebraska. A contrary decision by the 6th Circuit means that this protection does apply to residents in Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee. No one knows what the rule is elsewhere. The Court also split 4-4 and thus affirmed without opinion in the case of Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association, a challenge to Supreme Court precedent on unionization that was rejected in the lower courts but will likely come up again in the future; indeed, the attorney challenging the unions has already announced he will ask for the case to be reheard next term. An unknown number of 4-4 splits and conflicting rules and confusion across the country is likely until the vacant Court seat is filled. Advertisement In fact, another such possibility came up at another contentious argument towards the end of March in Zubik v. Burwell. That case concerns religious objections under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) to the Affordable Care Acts (ACA) requirement that all employer insurance plans provide employees with access to contraceptives. In the previous Hobby Lobby case, the Court ruled 5-4 that private for-profit employers could invoke RFRA and take advantage of an ACA accommodation that allows religious non-profit universities and other institutions to simply notify the government of their objections so that the government would deal directly with their health insurance companies to provide coverage and leave the employers out of it. Now, in what has been dubbed Hobby Lobby Part II, those very same non-profits are claiming that the very act of opting out imposes a substantial burden on their religious practices because they remain complicit in their employees getting contraceptives. In other words, they claim RFRA gives them the right to prevent their employees from receiving contraceptive coverage under the ACA, even if that violates the employees own religious beliefs. Many supporters of religious liberty, and every court of appeals to have considered the issue but one, have rejected these arguments. Professor Douglas Laycock, widely acknowledged as one of the drafters of RFRA and who has never before supported the governments position in a religious liberty case, did so in Zubik. As he explained, echoed by the comments of the Courts four moderates, such an interpretation of RFRA conflicts with its language and history and would allow any religious adherent to exempt itself from any federal law by deciding for itself that its religion was substantially burdened, unless the government could prove a compelling government interest. As Justice Breyer pointed out, that view could allow Quakers to refuse to pay taxes, workers to refuse to shovel snow in front of an abortion clinic, or Christian Scientists to refuse to report accidents. In effect this would misinterpret RFRA to mean that there is a substantial burden whenever any government action offends someones religious beliefs. And millions of women could be deprived of ACA contraceptive coverage as a result. Not surprisingly, Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Alito sided with the challengers, as Justice Thomas will likely do as well. But even though he praised the accommodation in Hobby Lobby, Justice Kennedy suggested that it did constitute a substantial burden under RFRA because the adherents said so. Although other Kennedy comments were more in line with arguments made by Laycock, and the Court has asked for additional briefing in the case, if Kennedy joins the three more conservative justices, the result again would be a 4-4 split. That would mean that whether a woman who works for a religious university can receive ACA contraceptive coverage will depend entirely on where she lives; if she is in Minnesota, Missouri, Arkansas, Iowa, or Nebraska in the Eighth Circuit, she is out of luck. And the issue will remain confusing and unresolved until another such case reaches a Supreme Court with nine justices. Advertisement All this happened in March in the context of the unprecedented Republican Senate blockade against providing a hearing or vote, and in many cases even a meeting, to the Presidents well-qualified Supreme Court nominee, Chief Judge Merrick Garland of the DC Circuit, who has previously been praised even by Senate Republicans. Statements by many Republican Senators and right-wing interest groups make their intent clear: to keep the seat vacant in the hope that a Republican President is elected and will appoint someone like Scalia to preserve the current usual 5-4 far right majority on the Court. Every year the challenge of managing the cost of a college education continues to grow. The average cost of public universities is nearly five figures a year, and families at private colleges can expect to pay three times the cost of a state school. Of course, heading directly to a four-year university out of high school isn't the only route to earning a university degree. Community colleges are an attractive option for many students looking for a more affordability, and quality preparation for the rigors of a university. President Obama has recognized this and recently launched the Americas College Promise to make community college more attractive to all Americans. Maximizing the success of our transfer students demands that two-year colleges and four-year universities nurture and maintain collaborative and effective relationships. And when we extend that collaboration to the K-12 system, we begin the positive step of seeing our institutions as one educational ecosystem focused on student success, instead of three silos focused on institutional success. Advertisement Long Beach institutions recognized this need for collaboration and relationship building in 2008, when we came together and launched the Long Beach College Promise. Over the better part of the last decade, Long Beach City College, California State University, Long Beach, the Long Beach Unified School District and the City of Long Beach have collaborated on a variety of initiatives to improve college preparation, access and completion. The vision has been to create a college-going culture amongst all the communities we serve. This comprehensive program has become a model for the nation, and was used by White House education leaders to help shape the America's College Promise proposal. The Long Beach College Promise engages students at an early age, with 4th- and 5th-grade college tours, and a greater focus on college preparation throughout their LBUSD experience. By the time LBCC students are prepared to transfer, the College Promise has strengthened the bridge between LBCC and CSULB. The City of Long Beach has worked to increase internships in the region, so our students and graduates can supplement their educations with real-world work experience. Each partner in the College Promise fulfills its part to provide incentives, services and support, with a seamless transition for the student. The program offers such benefits as a tuition-free academic year at LBCC and preferred admission to CSULB. Our partner CSULB offers education and assistance, summer programs, bridge programs and special advising to our students at LBCC. Thanks to the Long Beach College Promise, more high school graduates are completing foundational coursework at LBCC and advancing to CSULB or other four-year colleges and universities. LBUSD students who attend LBCC and then transfer to CSULB graduate at higher rates than other transfer students entering the university. Advertisement Forging relationships between school districts, two-year colleges and four-year universities isn't easy. It calls for a focused commitment and investment of time to raise the bar of student success. Strong relationships have to be cultivated at all levels. The institution's CEOs must create a collaborative spirit that infuses the institutions from the top down. Faculty must collaborate more effectively to build solid transfer pathways. Researchers must freely share data so that student success can be measured across time and across institutions. Each work group must take ownership of their respective roles and goals. Most importantly, each institution commits to taking responsibility -- and being held accountable -- for the academic success of each child in the greater Long Beach region. These relationships are critical, but are only the beginning. Measurable outcomes should be defined in a plan, and that plan should be part of a larger promise or agreement. Each group must to be willing to make the outcomes a priority. Establishing relationships between two-year colleges and four-year universities is a long-term endeavor. Commitment to program goals, regular dialogue and shared accountability are all crucial components the Long Beach College Promise. It takes time and effort. But it's a smart investment of resources that benefits students and local communities, because college graduates statistically earn more and contribute more to the economy. Long Beach residents have recognized this, and donated generously to help fund the Long Beach College Promise. Donations to the LBCC Foundation have enabled us to offer a full tuition-free academic year at LBCC to qualified LBUSD graduates. More than 12,000 students have received the scholarship since 2008. Advertisement Throughout California and the nation, these types of partnerships will become increasingly critical to help students meet their higher education goals and reach their full potential. When the moment comes that you realize that you have to find that perfect gown, Manhattan is the place to be. Whatever your budget, whatever your style, you will find your treasure. Below are some of my favorites to outfit the bride, the bridesmaids and beyond. Try some of these extraordinary couturiers for your once (or more) in-a-lifetime dress: The Newcomers: Bridal Redefined BHLDN 1230 Third Ave New York, NY 10021 212-288-1940 Anthropologie's beautiful, bohemian, urban bridal annex on the Upper East Side creates gowns priced at $500 to $2,500 to fit any budget. Also features party dresses, honeymoonwear, jewelry, headpieces, and gifts. J.Crew Bridal Shop 91 Fifth Ave New York, NY 10003 212-255-4848 The Fifth Avenue salon's stylists are ready to help brides and the entire bridal party find the perfect dress. You already shop there for everything else! Advertisement Rent the Runway 16 W 18th St New York, NY 10011 800-509-0842 For the bride, for the guest and everything in between. Perfect for someone who doesn't want to keep the dress forever; more about the memories. Wallet friendly method and there are stylists to help. Think engagement party, bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, reception...haute couture at the ready. Gown rentals from Halston Heritage, Badgley Mischka, Marchesa, Monique Lhuillier and Tracy Reese. The Reformation 156 Ludlow St New York, NY 10002 646-448-4925 The LA-based boutique with two New York stores recently launched its bridal collection. These ethereal, modern, sexy dresses have prices under $700. Stunning. Stone Fox Bride 611 Broadway Rm 613B, New York, NY 10012 212-260-8600 Non-traditional. Stone Fox specializes in dresses from downtown designers for the free-spirit bride. Jewelry, Veils, Vintage; find it all. The Bridal Garden 54 W 21st St Rm 907 New York, NY 10010 212-252-0661 This Flatiron non-profit emporium offers designer gowns from Lela Rose, Vera Wang, and more for up to 75% off retail prices with proceeds benefitting charitable organizations for the education of disadvantaged children. Good Karma all around! Advertisement Wedding Dress Royalty Amsale 625 Madison Ave New York, NY 10022 (212) 583-1700 They say it best...... "The Amsale Madison Avenue flagship salon offers the ultimate experience of Amsale's world. In this haven of tranquil and understated elegance, each bride receives one-on-one guidance from an expert Amsale consultant, and may select dresses from the Amsale and Kenneth Pool collections. The salon carries the most comprehensive selection of Amsale gowns in the world and features one-of-a-kind designs that can be found nowhere else. When a bride comes to the flagship salon to find her perfect dress, she is ensured an exquisitely tailored fit thanks to Amsale's personal tailoring team." In one word: breathtaking! Carolina Herrera 954 Madison Ave New York, NY 10021 (212) 249-6552 A wedding destination by the timeless Carolina Herrera. Dresses start around $4,000, and alterations start at $500. The epitome of elegance for the entire bridal party. Monique Lhuillier 19 E 71st St New York, NY 10021 (212) 683-3332 The second floor of the red-carpet designer's townhouse is dedicated to the entire bridal collection; headpieces, shoes, bridesmaid, fine jewelry. Romona Keveza Flagship Boutique 1 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10020 The celebrity celebrated, designer's penthouse atelier is divine. Pronovias 14 E 52nd St New York, NY 10022 (212) 897-6393 The Barcelona-based bridal powerhouse offers the following three luxe things in their flagship: 1. A personal stylist will advise you according to your own style. 2. Get your perfect bridal or cocktail look, complete with our exclusive accessories. 3. Live the experience in our NYC Flagship store, and try on the entire collection in a private space. Advertisement Wonderful concept, fabulous gowns! Divine Designers - All Under One Roof Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier 110 E 55th St New York, NY 10022 (212) 319-6778 Brides go to this townhouse for a personalized experience and luxe couture gowns from designers such as Marchesa, Oscar de la Renta, Vera Wang, and Jenny Packham. "has become the premier bridal salon for upscale, sophisticated brides from around the world. The Atelier caters to a select clientele including celebrities from the stage and screen as well as the who's who of New York society and the fashion industry. Mr. Ingram offers a wide selection of gowns from top of the line bridal and special occasion designers in an intimate salon setting. Mr. Ingram and his highly trained staff are dedicated to providing all women with the highest quality experience at every stage from gown selection to final fitting. " The White Gown 3 E 44th St New York, NY 10017 The full-service bridal boutique is known for dresses of every style and budget and features an on-site seamstress. Designers such as Nicole Miller, Blush by Jim Hjelm, Badgley Mischka, Pronovias and WToo among others. Kleinfeld Bridal 110 W 20th St New York, NY 10011 (646) 633-4300 Women from all over the world come to New York City for an appointment at Kleinfeld -- in part because of the service provided by the store on the TLC show, but mostly because it's got one of the biggest dress selections in the city. Say yes to the dress! The ultimate bridal experience. David's Bridal 751 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10010 (646) 827-4050 The nation's go-to spot for all things wedding has three locations in the five boroughs, including this one just a few blocks away from Kleinfeld. Budget bridal for gowns, shoes, jewelry, accessories, tuxedos, prom..... The Icing on the Cake Don't forget a spectacular wedding cake that is an edible masterpiece! Wedding Cake by renowned Pastry Chef Jean-Rony Fougere. Chef Fougere has been named one of the Top 10 Cake Designers for 2016 by Dessert Professional Magazine for his unique style of abstract shapes and realistic cake designs. Advertisement Visit Chef Fougere's website for more Information: www.Jeanfougere.com Habanero chiles hang from a plant in a field during harvest in Merida, Mexico, on Monday, Feb. 1, 2016. Habanero chile producers in the Yucatan region are moving away from using pesticides and other chemicals in order to comply with international standards for organic foods and increase exports. Photographer: Susana Gonzalez/Bloomberg via Getty Images This week we observe one of the most significant holidays of the year: Cesar Chavez Day, in honor of the farmworkers movement and the hard-won triumphs of some of the most marginalized among us. Thinking about this in combination with International Women's Day reveals the ties that continue to bind them together: both movements are constituted by workers who have endured persistent silencing, dismissal, and disenfranchisement. Yet both movements have also contributed labor that while undervalued, continues to create and sustain human life. When women and farmworkers speak up about wage theft, unsafe working conditions, or sexual assault and domestic violence, the enduring patriarchy and sexism endemic to U.S. workplace culture engender doubt, often spoken but too often insidiously unspoken. Rather than responding with action, management and company leadership often call for endless dialogue and broader study, as if the brave testimonies of survivors are not credible or significant. When acknowledged as truthful, often they are dismissed as isolated incidents that cannot possibly be part of systemic social problems requiring systemic policy solutions. Advertisement Women, after generations of struggle, have finally gained enough--just enough--political capital for "fair pay" to gain broad support. Last year, California signed into law the Fair Pay Act, led by our own Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson, one of the strongest laws in the country enforcing equal pay for women. It drew support from the statewide American Association of University Women (AAUW), California Chamber of Commerce and a majority of legislators of both parties. Farmworkers in our community are mostly undocumented immigrants, ineligible to vote, many from indigenous communities who speak native languages like Mixteco, with little formal education to read and write in Spanish, let alone English. It should come as no surprise that farmworkers have little political capital. Since the 1970's, farmworkers work more hours, and yet wages in real value have declined. They are still the only workers in California who are not paid overtime after 8 hours a day or 40 hours a week, a result of the racist legacy of their exclusion from the Fair Labor Standards Act in the 1930s, a deal brokered between President Roosevelt and Southern congressmen who refused labor rights to Black farmworkers. The struggles of women and farmworkers are intertwined. Perhaps the only members of our communities paid less than male farmworkers are female farmworkers. According to Census data, while year-round, full-time male farmworkers in the Central Coast earn around $20,000 per year, their female counterparts earn roughly $15,000. Female farmworkers are especially vulnerable to sexual assault and harassment, where foremen have almost absolute power over their workers. And women farmworkers often have to work while pregnant, despite known links to reproductive health harms from exposure to hazardous pesticides during pregnancy. As women who continue to fight for equality, we stand in solidarity with farmworkers struggling for justice. We ask our policymakers at the county, state and federal levels to believe farmworkers who are courageously speaking up despite immense fear of retaliation that could cost them their jobs or being deported away from their families. Know that for every person who is able to testify in front of policymakers or file formal complaints or be interviewed by researchers, there are countless numbers of farmworkers who have survived abuses and are fearful to speak about them. Advertisement When you hire someone to take care of your loved ones, it's important to know a few things about the agency and caregiver you choose. So you'll want to ask these key questions when you're choosing anyone to provide in-home care. You want to know who is coming into your home and that you are getting quality care. 1.Do you perform national criminal and sex offender background checks for all of your employees before they start work? In the state of North Carolina, agencies are only required to perform a state background check, and the agency must complete the background check within five days of the employee starting. That means that there are cases in which caregivers with criminal backgrounds, such as theft, abuse and other crimes, could be sent into your home for up to five days. Since only a state background check is required, an agency could possibly hire someone who committed a crime in another state. 2.Do you do periodic background checks after the employee is hired? In one instance, we had a caregiver for my mom who was picked up for shoplifting after she started working for the home care agency she was with at the time. We discovered this with a simple google search - after she had conned my mother out of hundreds of dollars worth of items. Advertisement 3.Do you verify that employees' licenses are clear from the state? The agency should always verify that a caregiver's license is clear and that they have not had any reports of neglect or abuse prior to employment. 4.Do you conduct a 10-panel drug screen to check for prescription and illegal drug use? Unfortunately, drug abuse, particularly prescription drug abuse, can run rampant among caregivers. Since many seniors are on an entire array of medications, this can be a huge temptation. 5.Do you perform random drug screens on your employees? We conduct drug screens after the initial hire to ensure the safety of our clients. 6.Do you use paper or electronic timecards for hours billed? The Federal government is becoming more strict on timecards, however it has been standard practice in many smaller agencies to use paper timecards. Unfortunately, many of the seniors we serve have dementia, or may feel intimidated. So they might sign a document they do not understand, or that they feel they must. If telephony or GPS technology is used for time cards, then it is possible to verify that the caregiver is at the location with the client. Advertisement 7.Are you and your employees all licensed, bonded and insured? It's important to know that the caregivers are also covered. When they are independent contractors, they may not be covered by the agency's license or insurance. If something were to happen, it wouldn't be covered by the agency's insurance, and the client may be out of luck. 8.Are your caregivers employees or are they independent contractors? Unless you are using a caregiver registry, or hiring a caregiver directly, they must be an employee of the agency. If you hire a caregiver privately, then you must provide proper withholding and payroll taxes. 9.Do you follow national, state and local laws regarding minimum wage? This should be a no-brainer. However, many agencies will allow a caregiver to live in the client's home 24/7 with no guarantee that the caregiver is getting adequate sleep. This can put both the client and caregiver at risk. If a caregiver is being paid $100 a day to live in with a client, you can be sure that applicable minimum wage laws aren't being followed, which can open you up to a lawsuit. 10. Do you conduct random, unannounced visits to caregivers while they are working? One of my dad's caregivers, who was phenomenal, worked with him 12 hours a day, 7 days a week for 2 years. The number of supervisory visits that were made during her working hours throughout that time? Zero. Since she worked from 5:30 PM - 5:30 AM, and since it wasn't during first shift, no visits were made. By asking a lot of questions about the care that your loved one will be receiving, you will get the best possible care. Note that there was one very big question that wasn't listed, and that was about price. The reality is that most home care agencies charge relatively the same rates, within a dollar or two of each other. You can't measure how good a home care agency is by price alone, nor should you choose one based solely on price. I'm not saying that cost shouldn't be part of the equation, but the reality is that it shouldn't be the only deciding factor when choosing an agency. Advertisement DE PERE, WI - MARCH 30: Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during a campaign event at St. Norbert College in De Pere, WI on Wednesday March 30, 2016. (Photo by Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images) Donald J. Trump is not the first presidential candidate to suggest that his self-proclaimed genius at hard-nosed deal making suits him perfectly to lead America (no matter the consequences to those who are dealt out). The mantra is hardly new. A century-and-a-half ago, a Democratic candidate for the White House conveyed an eerily similar message. But American voters of that day rejected deal-making as a primary qualification for high office. In the 1858 Lincoln-Douglas debates, and again in the 1860 presidential race, Stephen A. Douglas boasted that his deal-making prowess had made it possible for the North and South to end its long and bloody battle over slavery--without ever really confronting the moral horror the institution represented, or the brutality suffered by the people enslaved. The voters in 1860 not only rejected Douglas, but the deal itself--agreeing with Abraham Lincoln's maxim that "a House divided against itself" could not stand. Advertisement Indeed, in 1858 and 1860, Douglas actually had far more claim to the title of national deal-maker than does Trump today. In 1854, the senator had miraculously managed to steer through a bitterly divided Congress the Kansas-Nebraska Act, the ultimate deal designed to postpone the inevitable national showdown over slavery. Under Douglas's legislation, white settlers in the new western territories were empowered to vote on whether or not to permit slavery within their borders. The deal would surely lead to an end to slavery "agitation," he claimed, and bring with it a transcontinental railroad and in the bargain the fulfilment of America's Manifest Destiny. But the moral consequences of the deal -- or, rather, the absence of morality with which it was crafted -- "aroused" former Congressman Abraham Lincoln back into politics. Four years after the Kansas-Nebraska deal, Republicans chose Lincoln to oppose Douglas's bid for a third Senate term, and Lincoln challenged the incumbent to debate him throughout Illinois. (Ubiquitous as debates have become today, these were the first sustained campaign debates in American history.) Douglas used the 1858 "joint meetings" to defend his deal and insist (racial invective flying) that Lincoln's opposition masked his secret desire to provide black men with equal rights -- a position considered radical by most voters of the day. Lincoln replied with a roar. How, he asked, could people in individual territories be invited to cast votes for or against an institution that degraded other human beings? How could the national government abdicate its moral responsibility to limit the spread of slavery and place it on the "course of ultimate extinction" as the Founders had planned? How could the dream of opening the West to free labor -- to workers who could strive upward toward the American dream of middle-class life -- be shattered by the importation of a permanent, unpaid laboring class of slaves? Popular Sovereignty, Lincoln charged, was a "deceitful pretense." It was an "arrant humbug." What could now prevent pro-slavery whites from hopping from one territory to another, voting each time to legalize slavery everywhere they cast ballots? Indeed, the Supreme Court had all but struck down all limits on slavery with its infamous 1857 Dred Scott decision. No, Lincoln insisted, this deal could not stand. Unchallenged, it would allow "the people of a territory to have slavery if they want to, but does not allow them not to have it if they do not want it." [Ottawa] Above all, it was inhumane -- "teaching that the negro is no longer a man, but a brute; that the Declaration of Independence has nothing to do with him! That he ranks with the crocodile and the reptile; that man, with body and soul, is a matter of dollars and cents." [Columbus] Not even the possibility of immediate gratification -- a potential time-out in the debate and bloodshed over slavery -- was worth the price that came with it: the abrogation of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Advertisement Given the prevailing racial prejudice among white Americans, North As well as South, even Lincoln felt the political need to retreat from the high moral ground he had tried to occupy. In the fourth debate in 1858, Lincoln swore that he harbored no plan to make voters or jurors of black men, or permit intermarriage, acknowledging "a physical difference between the white and black races which I believe will for ever forbid the two races living together on terms of social and political equality." Even from the depths of this "cringe-worthy," expedient argument, Lincoln still managed to separate himself from Douglas's aggressive racism by insisting: "I do not understand that because I do not want a negro woman for a slave I must necessarily want her for a wife." [III: 145-6] Lincoln insisted that Douglas the deal maker had no right to offer to spread black slavery for the economic convenience of Southern white settlers. If Douglas had his way--if he was permitted to make the deal on a national level -- he would invariably "plant slavery over all the States -- never speaking of it as in any way a wrong." [III: 181] At the time, Senators were still chosen by state legislatures, not direct votes of the people, and with Illinois Democrats retaining their majority thanks in part to gerrymandering, Douglas won re-election. But the intense political rivalry between the two politicians continued, and two years later, Douglas seemed poised to receive the Democratic nomination for the presidency, and defeat the dark horse Republican nominee, Abraham Lincoln. In the ultimate brokered Democratic convention, fierce opposition came from Southern delegates who believed Douglas was not conservative enough. For these purists, deal-making proved a liability, not an asset. Slave-owners should be able to take their slaves anywhere, with no vote of approval required. Hopelessly deadlocked, with two-thirds of the delegates required for nomination, Southern pro-slavery forces stormed out of the convention, created their own political party, and put forth their own candidate. Douglas won nomination from what was left of the party, but at a price. Not even the "Little Giant" could compete in the fall election. In November, with only 39% of the popular vote, Republican nominee Lincoln swept to an overwhelming electoral majority over split opposition. His platform was straightforward: Slavery could not extend another inch westward. Advertisement As President-elect, Lincoln himself had the chance to make a Douglas-like deal--one that might conceivably have kept the country together, at least for a while longer: allowing Douglas-style "popular sovereignty" to dictate whether new states should be "slave" or "free," after all. But Lincoln would not bite. "Let there be no compromise on the question of extending slavery," he told Illinois' other U. S. Senator. "If there be, all our labor is lost, and, ere long, must be done again... Stand firm. The tug has to come, & better now, than any time hereafter." For "if we surrender," he warned a Pennsylvania Congressman, "it is the end of us, and of the government." [IV: 149, 172] In the midst of that 1858 debate season, speaking to a large rally in the tiny town of Edwardsville, Illinois, Lincoln had warned against the kind of immoral politics -- and politicians -- that amoral deal-making could incubate. "What constitutes the bulwarks of our own liberty and independence?" he asked the crowd. "It is not our frowning battlements, our bristling sea coasts, the guns of our war steamers, or the strength of our gallant and disciplined army. These are not our reliance against a resumption of tyranny in our fair land." "Our defense is in the preservation of the spirit which prizes liberty as the heritage of all men, in all lands, every where. Destroy this spirit, and you have planted the seeds of despotism around your own doors." [CW III: 95] Stephen A. Douglas died only months after Lincoln became president. But ironically, his deal remained on the federal books through the first year of the Civil War. Not until June 1862 did Congress respond to Lincoln's leadership and overturn the Kansas-Nebraska Act, officially banning slavery from all of America's western territories. Three months later, Lincoln dealt with America's most intractable hypocrisy in his own way: he issued the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation. Moral leadership, not deal-making, had triumphed. Hopefully, history will repeat itself. Advertisement Voter Registration Application for presidential election 2016 My kids are teens -- a 17-year-old girl and a 14-year-old boy -- who have asked repeatedly, and earnestly, if we can move to Canada or Europe if Trump becomes president. And they have both expressed the desire to live in another country when they're adults. I recognize that there's some teenage naivete behind their request. I remember as a high school student worrying that a Reagan presidency meant the sky might fall at any moment. But this is different -- Trump is no Reagan. Neither is Cruz. The more I think about it, and the more I hear other children and adults express the same sentiment, the less crazy the idea sounds. What great irony if it actually happened -- if a portion of liberal Americans packed up and moved to Canada, or back to Europe from whence so many of us came -- to escape an authoritarian Trump presidency and the repressive, regressive conservative movement in this country. Trump supporters might say good riddance. Some of you are already expressing that feeling, gleefully, on Facebook. But as my liberal friends joke about moving, there are those for whom this election looms even larger, and scarier. Advertisement Let's face it. Underneath all the vitriol aimed at Muslims and immigrants, and our first black president, there's a desire among a shockingly hefty portion of the U.S. population to return America to its whiter, Christian roots. Most will deny it at every turn, but it's there all right. Behind every "Make America Great Poster" lurks an invisible "WASPS Unite" banner. If anyone has a claim to that long-gone white Anglo-Saxon America, it would be someone like me. But why on earth would anyone aspire to that? I'm a direct descendant of William Sabin, an Englishman who sailed to New England shortly after the arrival of the Mayflower, settled in Rehoboth, MA had business dealings with Miles Standish, and founded a prosperous mill. He was also the foreman of the jury in an infamous trial that convicted three Native Americans for killing an Indian translator. The verdicts and subsequent hangings ignited King Philips War. It was this war between the settlers and the Native Americans that acted as one of the major catalysts for the irreconcilable differences between the two groups. And we all know the rest of that story. Yes, my family was part of that very first wave of immigration, the one that barreled through New England killing and manipulating the so-called savages and barbarians whose crimes were darker skin and different beliefs -- and getting there first. But over time, I'd like to think we evolved a bit. We watched New England accept wave after wave of immigrants who became vital to the economies and cultures of the area. We moved around the country settling in California, Ohio and Missouri. We lived in diverse cities and changing suburbs. My family happily settled in the melting pot of the world, New York. Advertisement America and Americans have always evolved, and it's precisely that evolution that has made us powerful and compassionate, dynamic and entrepreneurial, and ahead of the cultural and technological curves. Trump can blabber on about immigrants and walls. Conservatives can talk all they want about the loss of American values, the problem with gay marriage, the evils of abortion and birth control. They can try to return us to another era -- to treat the Constitution as an absolute in its original state, rather than as a living document, to squash personal freedoms in the name of another historic document, the Bible. But even if we lose this round, I believe my children will make sure we win the bigger battle. Maybe you don't give a damn about my kids, but here's another thing to consider. Their generation isn't buying into your hate. This generation believes strongly in equality for all, is sensitive to the plight of those who desire a better life on our shores, cares deeply about the rights of the LGBT community, and is highly invested in preserving and improving women's reproductive rights. And this generation believes in an idea lost on America's conservatives. What happened to the separation of church and state? my son has asked repeatedly since this election season began. Why are the candidates always talking about God, and bringing their religion and personal beliefs into politics? How dare men tell me what to do with my body, my daughter says. All this talk about the Constitution and the right to bear arms, but what about my right to be shielded from your religious beliefs? My kids aren't alone -- they're the future of this country. Maybe Trump will win the nomination, and maybe he'll even become the next president. But I have to believe that a different vision for the future will win this election. And as my kids and their peers across the country grow up, many conservative ideas will become obsolete and the Republican Party will die a quick death. Right now it's dying a slow, tortured death, with Trump leading the charge to turn it into something utterly repugnant. But as the population ages, that death will accelerate and the party will cease to exist -- unless the party evolves. Advertisement Daniel Shaver said "please don't shoot me" moments before Officer Philip Brailsford shot him five times. Shaver was unarmed. Shaver, who worked in pest control, was in a hotel room, drinking alcohol, when the police arrived. Someone reported a man pointing a rifle out the room's window. Shaver had two pellet rifles related to his job in the room, but was not anywhere near them at the time. Brailsford faces murder charges and has been fired. Maricopa County prosecutors and Mesa police will not release the video from Brailsford's body camera. Police also released photos from the scene, including a look at the weapon Brailsford used in the deadly shooting. His department-issued rifle can be seen inscribed with the words "You're F", a violation of departmental policy due to the profane language. Daniel Shaver update: Officer Philip Brailsford describes moments before he fatally shot unarmed man [ABC] On Monday, March 21, students at Emory University in Atlanta found "Trump 2016" and similar campaign messages written in chalk on the sidewalk. A group of students organized a protest, and went to the university president to express their feelings of fear and intimidation. It is silly to protest the chalking of Donald Trump's name on a sidewalk. Those students need to buck up and take a deep breath and realize that this incident is not life-threatening. Part of growing up is learning to sort out the less serious from the more serious, the trivial from the significant, the molehill from the mountain. I pray that these students will chalk up this incident as a learning experience. In another example of pandering to wimpiness, the Georgia legislature passed a law to coddle religious congregations and organizations whose delicate sensibilities might be injured if gay or transgendered people were able to exercise their rights. Facing a business boycott of the state, the governor vetoed the bill. The states of Kansas and Oklahoma passed laws to coddle evangelical clubs on college campuses who are frightened that inclusion rules for student activities might result in their clubs being taken over by atheists or gays. But it ought to be obvious that atheists or gays are highly unlikely to show up at fundamentalist Christian campus clubs at all. Christian conservatives are whining about the equivalent of chalk on the sidewalk. Instead, they ought to be putting the faith of Jesus into action against poverty. It is time say no to overreactions to minor provocations, on our campuses and in our communities. Advertisement The students at Emory should not be protesting chalk. They should be protesting Trump, because he really is a life-threatening problem. He disqualified himself for the presidency when he said he would pay the legal bills for anyone who got arrested for beating up protestors who disrupted his rallies. It's utterly unacceptable to run a campaign that way, nor should it even be conceivable to run a country that way. We must say no to his incitement to violence. We must say yes to respect and peaceful dialogue about our nation's issues. But there can be no campaign dialogue with Donald Trump about the future of America, after what he has done. I think we have to be clear about this in conversations with our fellow voters. There is a long line of Republicans whom I did not like, did not agree with, and did not want anywhere near the White House, the Congress, or the statehouse. But this situation is worse by an order of magnitude. Donald Trump isn't just the latest in a long line of impediments to social progress. He is a thug. Advertisement Trump cleverly obscures his thuggery by blasting a blizzard of baloney that drifts over any attempt to grapple with any one of his lies and distortions. His blather comes so thick and fast that it overwhelms the sensorium. It is a calculated method to keep his ego-balloon full, to mesmerize people into believing he's a big, powerful, blunt guy who can shake things up and make America great again. Instead of trying to respond, item by item, to the countless outrageous things he says, he must be deflated by focusing on the one totally unacceptable thing that sums up all else that is wrong about his candidacy. Ted Cruz is a plenty scary candidate for the presidency, too. For him to prevail over Trump would be like going from the fire into the frying pan. If Cruz gets the nomination, he'd be the most dreadful Republican to run for the White House in living memory. I need not list the abundant reasons for this postulation. I invoke his name only because of this: he's a terrible candidate, but he's qualified to run and he is worthy to engage in debate about the nation's issues. Trump is not, and for one crisp, simple reason. U.S. President Barack Obama (C) participates in a G7 leaders meeting during the Nuclear Security Summit in The Hague March 24, 2014. At the table are the President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy, French President Francois Hollande, British Prime Minister David Cameron, Obama, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso. (L-R, clockwise). REUTERS/Jerry Lampen/Pool (NETHERLANDS - Tags: POLITICS) The good news is that world leaders are gathering again in Washington to announce new measures to stop terrorists from getting nuclear weapons. The bad news is that it may not be enough. This is the fourth and final nuclear security summit, and it could not come at a better time. The Brussels attacks and news that the terrorists had secretly filmed a Belgian official who worked at a nuclear facility has sent chills down the spines of even the most hardened security experts. We may be closer to a nuclear terrorist attack than many realize. "The capabilities of some terrorist groups, particularly the Islamic State, have grown dramatically," said Harvard scholar and former Bush Administration official William Tobey. "In a net calculation, the risk of nuclear terrorism is higher than it was two years ago." Advertisement Since President Barack Obama began these innovative conferences in 2010, 12 nations have eliminated their stockpiles of highly enriched uranium, the fuel that powered the Hiroshima bomb. This includes Ukraine, where after 20 years of effort, officials shipped 440 pounds -- enough for a half dozen bombs -- out of the country just two years before mass protests toppled the government and civil war erupted. Scores of nations have committed to tightening security at their nuclear sites. The bad news is that for all their success, these summits are not moving fast enough. When fleeing a forest fire, direction is important -- but so is speed. Can we get to safety before catastrophe engulfs us? One accident is all it would take to trigger a global thermonuclear war. When this summit ends, so will the process. There will be tons of nuclear material left poorly guarded in over 25 nations. It takes about 60 pounds of uranium to make a crude bomb. The worry is that we will be left with a patchwork of agreements, voluntary commitments and informal rules rather than legally binding obligations and the enforcement of global standards for guarding these deadly materials. Worse, the entire process has just focused on the nuclear material in civilian use, ignoring the vast majority of the material held by world militaries. If this weren't bad enough, the risk of nuclear terrorism is only one of the threats presented by nuclear weapons. The agreement with Iran has stopped and rolled back its nuclear program. The risk of an Iranian bomb anytime in the next two decades is receding -- no matter what Donald Trump claims. But just when you thought it might be safe to get back in the water, the North Korean nuclear shark strikes with another nuclear test in January and a satellite launch last month. Just this week, it released a bizarre video showing Washington ablaze in a nuclear fire. North Korea is the last remaining proliferation threat, and if we don't stop it soon, the threat of a growing arsenal and unstable leadership could push neighboring nations to consider starting their own nuclear arsenals. Advertisement A North Korean ballistic rocket at an unknown location on March 11. (TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY REUTERS/KCNA) In South Asia, Pakistan and India are already in a nuclear arms race. Each has over 100 weapons and is building more. With unresolved border disputes and a history of conflict over the past few decades, the risk of a new conflict escalating into a regional nuclear war is high. The impact would be global. Tens or hundreds of millions would be killed, a subcontinent destroyed, the world economy shattered. Smoke from the fires ignited by the nuclear explosions, scientists estimate, could shroud the Earth in clouds, dropping global temperatures enough to kill many food crops and triggering a famine that could kill a billion people. But the greatest dangers may come from our own arsenals. Russian President Vladimir Putin, reflecting the tension between Russia and the U.S., is not attending the security summit. Russia is a country in decline, but it maintains about 7,000 nuclear weapons. So does the U.S. Russia keeps about 900 of these weapons on hair-trigger alert, ready to launch in minutes. So does the U.S. There have been dozens of close calls in the nuclear age when these weapons were almost launched. One accident -- one miscalculation -- is all it would take to trigger a global thermonuclear war. Most people believe that danger ended with the Cold War. They are wrong. The war is over, but the weapons remain. Obama could use a speech at Hiroshima to recapture his agenda, to force executive actions. It gets worse. We are on the brink of a new arms race. Russia is slowly building new nuclear weapons to replace its aging systems. But the Pentagon plan to spend $1 trillion to build a whole new generation of nuclear-armed submarines, missiles, bombers and warheads, dwarfs that efforts. Russia will struggle to keep up; China might conclude it must enlarge its small nuclear arsenal, triggering responses down the reaction chain to India, Pakistan and other nations. Advertisement Sadly, despite his many achievements, the legacy of a president who sought "the peace and security of a world without nuclear weapons" may be the extension of the nuclear age for another 50 years. "Nuclear weapons are up, up, up, and controlling them is down, down, down," warned Harvard professor Matthew Bunn. President Obama still has time. He is said to be considering a visit to Hiroshima when he goes to Japan for the G7 summit later this year. He should go. The Atomic Bomb Dome there is a chilling reminder of what just one small nuclear weapon can do. The weapons in our arsenals are vastly more powerful than the blast that incinerated tens of thousands of men, women and children in a single blast. A Shaheen-III missile, capable of carrying nuclear warheads, is in a military parade to mark Pakistan's Republic Day in Islamabad on March 23. (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed) The president has the right vision, but he has been let down by his own bureaucracy, particularly Pentagon officials who defend obsolete nuclear programs more than the president's policies. He could use a speech at Hiroshima to recapture his agenda, to force executive actions. He could announce that he is canceling or delaying the most dangerous and destabilizing of the new systems he has ordered built -- the new nuclear cruise missile and the new intercontinental ballistic missile, as former Secretary of Defense Bill Perry urged. He could take at least a portion of our redundant, obsolete weapons off of hair-trigger alert. He could pull our nuclear weapons left over from Cold War deployments from insecure bases in Turkey and Belgium. He could take any of a dozen other actions experts have recommended. Advertisement He could leave the presidency knowing that when he had the chance, he did everything he could to protect America from the most horrific weapons humankind ever invented. Also on WorldPost: Ever since marijuana was legalized in some parts of the United States, with different degrees of access depending on where you live, I've wondered about the business side of pot. As a microbusiness advocate, researcher and owner, I wanted to know if this was a truly viable business for the self-employed or small business owner. Personal, moral and ethical judgments aside, this is a unique situation in the business world. A formerly illegal substance, one with a long history of sending dealers to prison, is now a legal retail product. One that people are willing to pay a lot of money for. If industry outlooks remain steady, the industry will be worth $44 billion by 2020! On face value, that obviously seems like a lucrative business and that you'd be silly not to grab your small piece of the pie. But a new industry, with varying degrees of legal status, brings up more questions than your ordinary growing industry. Advertisement Is this the next gold rush? Or do we just think it is? How Much is It Really Worth? The projected $44 billion market aside, this is a new industry that hasn't seen a Census survey yet. The majority of self-employed businesses in the United States are classified as "nonemployers" by the government and we won't know the actual profitability of any small, micro or nonemployer business until 2020. Colorado legalized marijuana in 2012, which isn't a lot of time to understand an industry or see how it fluctuates There has already been a surplus of weed in Washington where industry insiders said it was "an economic nightmare" and "I don't know anybody getting rich." Although a Merrill Lynch report called "Medical Cannabis has high POTential" created buzz that the pot industry was now considered viable by big investors, publicly traded cannabis companies actually performed poorly. To make matters more confusing, it is unknown what kind of business owners actually own Colorado's 1200 marijuana businesses. According to David Migoya, from The Denver Post, "basic information about these entrepreneurs is not available to the public without paying hefty fees" which is a $10,000 fee per name through a State information request. Verdict: I don't know enough yet to call it a profitable industry for small business owners. We probably won't have enough data to see how profitable the marijuana industry is for small businesses until after the next Census. Advertisement Are the Legalities Stable? It's no wonder that the marijuana industry is highly regulated. To make matters worse, each state is different. Pot is legal in four states, and medical marijuana is legal in 20 (as of the publication of this article). However, the Merrill Lynch report said: "Due to rapidly evolving and potentially conflicting legislation enacted on a state-by-state basis, the cannabis-testing industry is subject to disruptive changes." A true comparison of the legal ramifications for small business owners is difficult, as each state's laws evolve to meet the needs of government, businesses and consumers. Even in the pro-pot state of Colorado there has been issues, including a recent ban on pot clubs in Colorado Springs. A Maine initiative to legalize pot (medical marijuana is already legal in Maine) has been blocked due to signature irregularities for the ballot initiatives. While Hawaii is struggling to find a way to safely determine how much pot is okay for drivers. Verdict: The Washington Post reports support for marijuana legalization is higher than ever before. But to call the legalities stable is reaching. This year's presidential election will certainly play a part, as the frontrunners all have varying degrees of support. The Marijuana Policy Project gives Bernie Sanders an A on marijuana policy, Hillary Clinton a B, Ted Cruz a C, and Donald Drumpf a C+. Each region will have to be completely researched for specifics, trends and upcoming policy issues. Is There Education and Business Support for Small Growers and Sellers? Education is a must for small business owners. And there isn't enough education or credible professional and financial support for this growing industry. For example, Maine's Community College System mission is to train the workforce including educational, occupational and technical support. Yet Maine doesn't currently have any training for medical marijuana suppliers. Harvard Law School and the University of Denver both added marijuana law classes, but that's nothing to do with small business ownership. There are some private classes available, including business planning from GreenZip. But for an industry worth billions, the educational side of this equation is sorely lacking. Advertisement There are some professional business associations and tradeshows, like the National Cannabis Industry Association. The Cannabisseur Social Network offers a wide variety of business support, including resources like jobs, marketing opportunities, local business searches, and networking. None of these are complete business solutions but are steps in the right direction. Verdict: As this is a new and growing industry, the switch from illegal to legal operations hasn't quite caught up to what small business owners need -- yet. Given time, educational and business support will grow. But for now, novice business owners may struggle to find the credible help they need. The New Cartels: Will Big Business Take Over the Pot Industry? There is no doubt that the legal marijuana industry is growing, or that it will be worth billions across the country. It's also undeniable that the business opportunities are immense. From traditional growers, to dispensary owner, to pot bars -- it's an entrepreneur's dream. But there's a lot more to think about and it's a complex issue. Although it's been called the best startup opportunity, there is a distinct difference between startups and microbusinesses. In fact, a third of cannabis wholesalers spent at least $50,000 to start their new marijuana business. That's far beyond what most microbusiness have for a startup budget. And the issues go far beyond trying to find startup cash. When pot was illegal, there was a specific business model. Drugs trickled down from the big cartels to local dealers. Now that it's legal, big business will still try to put their sticky hand into the pie. With projections like this, they would be silly not to try. Advertisement Not to mention, there are no legal mentors with more than a few years of experience. Sure, there are a ton of illegal mentors out there, but when you're considering dumping your life savings into a new startup (regardless of size) you want credible, reliable, and experienced business support. Black Youth in Prison Judge H. Lee Sarokin recently wrote an article entitled "The Guilty Have a Better Chance for Parole or Pardon Than the Innocent." As an innocent prisoner, I've witnessed this myself for the last two decades (and counting). The only thing that has changed over time is that more and more corruption is being exposed. The internet and social media are bringing our stories to light at an alarming rate. It takes a lot for a judge to speak out on behalf of the wrongfully convicted. Innocent prisoners, as a whole, commend these judges for their bravery and good faith. You might think that honesty is a requirement for being a government official -- but that's not always the case. Honesty is often suppressed, the truth gets covered up, and the victims are the innocent and our families. For each of the last two years, records were set in the number of exonerations nationwide: 127 in 2014 and 149 in 2015. People are starting to wonder whether our judicial system ever be fixed. Advertisement One thing that officials have conceded--unanimously--is that we need "prison reform." Usually, the conversation focuses on how often African Americans are targeted more, arrested more, and given longer prison sentences than Caucasian Americans. If they have conceded that our criminal justice system needs reform, why not acknowledge the elephant in the room--innocent prisoners? Despite the record numbers of exonerations, the topic of innocent prisoners is left out when politicians are speaking of reform. And this issue isn't separate from racial inequality--the overwhelming majority of wrongfully convicted prisoners are people of color. There are statutes that stand in the way of bringing the truth to light. In many cases, even if we show our innocence, if we don't abide by strict and timely procedures, we are prohibited from bringing evidence of our innocence before the courts. The U.S. Supreme Court stands by these laws and procedures. You can be innocent and have evidence to clear you, but if you file your appeal just one hour past the deadline, your appeal is labeled "time barred." This means you have defaulted your appeal rights and can no longer raise your innocence claims without providing new evidence. Filing an appeal too late trumps innocence. Corrupt prosecutors would rather an innocent prisoner serve life in prison for filing an appeal late than see a wrongful conviction overturned. Those prosecutors are protected by the law and hide behind these strict guidelines and appeal procedures. African Americans are the most affected by this madness. But none of this is news. For us, what we endure is like a ghost from slavery. For too many officers of the court, it's not about doing what's right -- it's about getting and maintaining convictions by any means necessary. They don't care about our families being torn apart and relationships being ruined. Let me take it a step further. The prosecution in my case withheld evidence of my innocence for over eighteen years. Then, instead of doing what's right, my prosecutor blamed me for not finding this evidence sooner! He went on to state that his office had an "open-file" policy and asked why I didn't have an affidavit signed from one of my previous attorneys stating they had never seen these documents. Now, all of my prior attorneys have signed affidavits stating they had never seen these withheld documents. Advertisement Finally, my appeal is in front of a judge who could bring my nightmare to a close. Hopefully he will make the right ruling. But my life is only one of many lives that have been stolen. Who's next? An upcoming conference at the Harvard Business School (HBS) sees business and economic cooperation as a potential tool for bringing peace and prosperity in the Middle East. The Arab and Israeli students are collaborating in a unique fashion for the event, Economic Prosperity for Peace, a day-long conference taking place on Sunday April 3rd, by focusing on business opportunities for a better future instead of being discouraged by political differences and barriers to normalization. The Middle East has witnessed tremendous unrest and tension in the recent years and the young business students at Harvard, who are organizing Sunday's conference, are very aware of the challenges of bringing people together. "We are not offering solutions - we are opening a conversation," says Aliza Landes, one of the organizers of the conference. Aliza, who is getting a joint degree from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and MIT Sloan, says the reason they have decided to host the conference at HBS is because the business environment helps in keeping politics aside and focusing on pragmatic solutions. "None of us think that this conference will solve the conflict in the Middle East. We do hope, however, that it will contribute to building a rich, viable and reliable network for tomorrow so that these likeminded and collaborative people are there in the future when, hopefully, the political situation in the Middle East has improved and long-standing conflicts have been resolved." The organizers say they will purposely keep politics aside and explore options that business and investment offer in bringing peace, stability and prosperity in the region. Optimistic about making a difference in the region by promoting entrepreneurship and infrastructure development, the organizers believe skills-based training and education will help in laying the groundwork for an eventual and sustainable peace in the region. Aziz Albahar, an HBS student and an organizer for the conference, was born and raised in Kuwait. He is passionate about working with the Israeli students to use business as a tool to bring about a change on the ground. Like Aliza, Aziz also admits that political solutions do not come quickly but they should, at the same time, not hamper cooperation and understanding on important fronts such as business. "We all get caught up in the politics of how things work in the region," he reminds, "Instead of trying to fix problems that we will probably not be able to solve, we should focus on business areas where we can bring people closer and create change on the ground." This year, the Arab-Israeli business conference is entering its second year since its success in 2015. The inaugural conference last year attracted high-profile speakers such as the former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, Larry Summers, multimillionaire Ronald Mourad Cohen, Venture capitalist Yadin Kaufmann and Member of the Knesset, Erel Margalit. "It is gatherings like this one, at a time of substantial difficulty, that offer hope," said Larry Summers while opening last year's conference. "History teaches that economic failure and success determines the future security of nations." Advertisement Subject: A voter approaching an election polling place station during a United States election. Co-authored by Chance Strickland, Political Hobbyist & Educator in Waiting Every four years we see the same song and dance: a diverse mix of party elders, rising stars and professional agitators competing for their party's nomination to the highest political office our nation has to offer. And so begins a bizarre series of rituals that, in spite of quadrennial gripes from a few pundits and shared Facebook posts, we seem to accept as an engrained and sacred part of the democratic process. But the presidential primary system as it exists today is a surprisingly new phenomenon, and it is hardly unreasonable to believe that it can and should be overhauled. Below are just a few reasons why that's exactly what needs to be done. Advertisement 1. State-by-state discrepancies make the primary process imbalanced Most states and territories hold primaries, which are organized and paid for by their respective state governments. The remaining states and territories opt for caucuses and party nominating conventions, where complicated rules and long processes mean voter turnout is often much lighter than in primaries. Some contests are open to all voters regardless of political affiliation, while others are solely intended for pledged party members. Such wide variation among states means that all votes are not created equal. Issues of accessibility and voter impact at the ballot box are directly contingent upon the rules that govern each state's primary process. 2. Delegate allocation is confusing -- and undemocratic The process by which delegates are allocated also varies by state and by party. On the Republican side, each state is granted leeway in determining how delegates are assigned. Many states allocate delegates on a winner-take-all or winner-take-most basis, a process that effectively undermines individual votes. In Texas, for example, the state party only awards delegates to candidates who meet a 20 percent threshold of the popular vote, which essentially rendered meaningless the over 500,000 votes (roughly 18 percent) cast for Rubio. On the Democratic side, candidates must acquire at least 15 percent of the state's popular vote in order to accrue pledged delegates, a policy that did not bode well for Clinton supporters in Vermont where she received just shy of 14 percent. For Kasich supporters in Georgia (where he fell far short of the 20 percent threshold), they would have been just as well writing in Paul Coverdell, who despite his postmortem conditions will receive the same number of Georgian delegates as Kasich come July. Meanwhile, Donald Trump will arrive in Cleveland with about 43 percent of the pledged delegates awarded through March, despite only receiving 35 percent of the votes cast in that same time. Advertisement 3. Closed primaries and caucuses discourage broad participation On this point, there are clearly pros and cons to restricting primary participation to party members. As Rush Limbaugh's "Operation Chaos" illustrated in 2008, open primaries can persuade members of another party to participate with the goal of disrupting the process rather than selecting a nominee on his or her merits. In the 2016 Michigan primary, some pundits prognosticated that many of Hillary Clinton's supporters may have crossed over to vote against Donald Trump. So clearly, political parties have a vested interest in keeping primaries closed to discourage agitation and maintain party loyalty. Yet, should open primaries even be a question in a democratic contest? Shouldn't citizens, whose tax dollars fund primaries, be allowed to vote strategically in order to achieve a desired result? And why should only Democrats and Republicans have a say in deciding which candidates are most qualified to serve as commander in chief? By shutting out unaffiliated voters, states with closed primaries and caucuses see much lower participation, which is arguably worse for political parties whose ultimate success in the general election is based on high voter turnout. 4. Early states wield disproportionate amounts of power and do not reflect the broader electorate The power of early states rests in their ability to create momentum for candidates. Yet the combined population of the first four primary states -- Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina -- is a little more than 12 million people. That is less than one-third of the population of California alone, yet you don't see a lot of presidential hopefuls eating fried guava on a stick with voters in the suburbs of San Diego. That's because Californians don't vote until June 7, and in most recent cycles the parties have settled on nominees well before they get the chance to participate. Further, the electorate in first states to vote hardly represent the diversity of the nation as a whole. According to the most recent census, 92.1 percent of Iowans identify as purely white. Compare that with the 36.3 percent nationwide who identify as anything other than white, and the discrepancy is glaring. In New Hampshire the gap is amazingly even wider, with an even 94 percent identifying as white and white alone. 5. Superdelegates are fundamentally undemocratic Hilariously enough, the arguably undemocratic role of superdelegates -- who are tasked with casting their votes for a candidate of their choosing at party conventions -- only exist on the Democratic side. Despite the fact that their votes are not bound by the results of popular elections in their state, their votes weigh much more heavily than the votes of average citizens. While Bernie Sanders earned 15 pledged delegates to Hillary Clinton's nine in New Hampshire, six superdelegates have declared their support to Clinton, forcing an effective tie at the convention. If New Hampshire's two uncommitted superdelegates end up swinging into Clinton's camp, she will defeat Bernie Sanders on the floor despite losing the popular vote in that state by more than 20 percent. Advertisement While superdelegates are solely a byproduct of the DNC, Republicans have their own version of the "smoke-filled room": unbound delegates, or delegates who essentially become free agents if the candidate to whom they were bound suspends their campaign. And because there is no law barring unbound delegates from accepting bribes, they could theoretically sell their vote to the highest bidder on the convention floor. As National Social Work Month winds down, I've been thinking about what older foster youth and those aging out of state care need from their social worker, counselor or other supportive people in their lives. What do they want and need to help them make the leap from dependence on the system to successful independent adulthood? The best way, the only way, to find out what these young people need is to listen. Just listen. By listening, I've learned three things. 1. They have no time for anyone who isn't genuine, real, willing to dive deep into their lives. Every former foster youth has a story of a child welfare worker who only scratched the surface, who did the minimum, who seemed there only for a paycheck. Former foster youth want people who care deeply about them and prove it by being available at critical moments in their lives. Advertisement One of the best examples I've heard of this involves a honey bun - a frosted, sweet roll pastry. I was on a panel presenting Youth Villages' YVLifeSet program, which helps former foster and other vulnerable youth. A program participant was asked about a time when a YVLifeSet specialist really helped him. The story he told wasn't about finding a job or an apartment or life skills training. It was late one night, and he was distraught. His girlfriend had just broken up with him via text message. He texted his YVLifeSet specialist - who responded immediately. The specialist tried to help the young man put things into perspective, and he asked: "How did you approach her in the first place? How did you get her to be your girlfriend?" He had approached her in a cafeteria and bought her a honey bun. Talking to his specialist gave the young man an idea. He sent his girlfriend a text with an emoticon of a honey bun and many hearts. She took him back. I guess giving good romance advice in the middle of the night could be considered "other duties as required" for people who work with, mentor or just befriend former foster youth. Advertisement 2. They want someone who can handle the hard stuff. Often they're going through very important, very emotional things -- tipping points in their lives. Some of the things I've seen former foster youth face are disrupted adoptions, becoming homeless, trying to figure out their sexuality, learning hard details about their biological families. Tough times call for strong, determined friends, mentors or social workers. 3. They need doers, people who are more action than talk. This spring, one YVLifeSet specialist spent hours helping a young man learn to drive a stick shift. How to keep from jumping off the clutch and stalling an engine is not something you learn in a 30-minute life skills class. Another was called to be with a young woman in a delivery room. There was no one else to support the young woman as she gave birth. By doing, by being there, that person became part of that young woman's life story forever. That's real. No matter how you came to care about a former foster youth - whether it's a career or a friendship or a mentoring experience, I want to thank you. Thank you for making these young people a big part of your life. Thank you for those times that you put their challenges above your own needs and what might be best for your own family. Every year, more than 23,000 young people age out of foster care in this country; without help, they face incredible challenges. With all of us working together, this is a solvable social problem. Thank you for being part of the solution. If you're interested in learning more about how to help former foster youth and are in the D.C. area, please consider joining me at a Capital Hill Forum, "Scaling Effective Practices for Youth Transitioning Out of Foster Care," sponsored by the American Youth Policy Forum and Youth Villages, May 23. Luncheon participants listen as Ambassador Akbar Ahmed (center-right) delivers remarks on the importance of improving Muslim-Jewish relations both nationally and globally. Photo by Elisa Frost. To say Jews and Muslims are in dire straits globally is an understatement. On the one hand, Muslims are the new "other" on the block. In Germany, for instance, an extremist movement called "Patriots Against the Islamization of the West" (PEGIDA) has formed to unleash discontent and threats towards the Muslim community. Messages of hate have even made it to the highest levels of government in Europe, with the Hungarian government placing a fence on its border to stem the flow of refugees. On the other hand, across Europe, anti-Semitism has reached such a fevered pitch in cities such as Marseilles and Paris, that Jews are leaving in droves. Despite global tensions, on February 11, Ibn Khaldun Chair of Islamic Studies at American University, Ambassador Akbar Ahmed, hosted a luncheon of senior Jewish and Muslim leaders, including some of Greater Washington's most senior rabbis and imams and the acting U.S. Special Envoy to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to discuss relations between the two groups. The goal: cultivate a sense of warmth between Jews and Muslims as the safety and sanctity of their respective communities across the world is in jeopardy. Advertisement For participants at the luncheon, questions needed answers: How do Jews reach out to Muslims? Do Muslims condemn terrorism and anti-Semitism? How do both communities overcome the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? What common heritage in history do Jews and Muslims share? And hanging over all these outstanding matters was the question of, "Why do they hate us?" To begin, Nanette Levinson, the American University School of International Service Dean of Faculty Affairs, welcomed participants by acknowledging the critical role Ambassador Ahmed plays in including his students in innovative Islamic studies research and interfaith dialogue. Stuart Weinblatt, Rabbi of B'nai Tzedek Synagogue in Potomac, Md., echoed Dean Levinson's words, relaying the imperative of the gathering to dispel any myths regarding Jewish-Muslim affairs. One key myth hindering relations is the idea that both religious groups have never truly lived in harmony. However, Ambassador Ahmed's acclaimed documentary film, Journey into Europe, a fieldwork-based documentary examining the historic and contemporary state of Muslims in Europe, played in the background, shattering this myth left and right. The film showed Muslims and Jews coexisting in many periods throughout history. In eighth-to-fourteenth century Moorish Spain, for example, Jews and Muslims joined hands with Christians in the mutual pursuit of 'ilm (knowledge). Later on, during the 16th Century, the Greek, then-Muslim-ruled city of Thessaloniki became an interreligious haven for Jews fleeing the Spanish Inquisition. Following the film, a dialogue identified common room for growth between the communities. Both Jewish and Muslim attendees recognized ongoing congregation-to-congregation conversations occurring between high-level officials in the Jewish and Muslim communities. The luncheon itself was one of them. They also pointed to successful inter-congregation exchanges among youth. It was the innocence of children that was a blessing for building lasting friendships between Jews and Muslims. At the very least, participants felt content that the potential for dialogue is strong. Advertisement Author Matthew Agar (center-left) joins audience members in hearing Ahmed (left) propose new approaches to Jewish-Muslim dialogue. Dialogue participants identified numerous paths forward in strengthening relations, including congregation-to-congregation exchanges between high-level Jewish and Muslim religious officials. Photo by Elisa Frost. In response to these candid interfaith conversations, Gary Berman, event co-host and congregant of the B'nai Tzedek Synagogue in Potomac, Md., underscored that the questions facing Jews and Muslims are inherent to the demographic realities facing the two communities. "If there are 1.5 billion Muslims, we [Jewish people] better reach out to them", he said. By extending a hand, a "butterfly effect" occurs, where the developments of small steps forward create a large impact. "I think there is a common hope for Muslim and Jewish people", said Rizwan Jaka, Chairman of the All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS Center) in Sterling, Va. Going forward, he said, "there have to be some interesting conversations to kind of peel away the myths and misinformation that may be out there." So, should we have faith in interfaith dialogue? A week after this event, I received an email from Ambassador Ahmed to find a picture of Dr. Amineh Hoti, his daughter and Executive Director of the Markaz-e-Ilm Center for Dialogue & Action in Islamabad, Pakistan, speaking at a church in Islamabad. In the photo, there were two men I thought to be Priests and Bishops. In fact, they were Rabbis. One even gave a prayer in Hebrew for the audience members. I smiled, and inside, I cried tears of optimism. To me, this was a sign of a modern sanctuary of peace between Jews and Muslims, where the issues of stabbings and bombings by Palestinians and Israelis did not matter. Neither did the suicide bombings in Pakistan's backyard. All that mattered was Tikkun Olam, the process, however difficult, of healing our fractured world. We have had peace before. We have it in small pockets now. We know what it feels like, what it looks like, and what it sounds like. We want the laughter enjoyed during the luncheon by Jewish and Muslim brothers and sisters. We want the prayers of a Priest, Rabbi, or Imam chanting the common beauty we all share. We want the chills that go up our spines when we read a poem by Rumi on the power of universal love. We want peace; by embracing one another, we can have it. Advertisement Ambassador Ahmed gathers with his team, including author Matthew Agar (right) and hosts after a screening of Journey Into Europe at the United States Institute for Peace. Photo courtesy of Patrick Burnett. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's first ever trip to Western Sahara has sparked a furious reaction from the Moroccan government, which has taken the extraordinary step of ordering the withdrawal of much of the UN peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara. It has also threatened to pull troop support from peacekeeping operations around the world. This came just days after members of the Moroccan government had encouraged the country's citizens to take to the streets of Rabat in protest against Ban Ki-moon. The personal nature of these attacks "astonished" the Secretary-General, who described it as disrespectful towards both himself and the United Nations. Morocco has a long history of calculated overreaction when it comes to Western Sahara. It lashes out aggressively whenever the official line from Rabat is challenged. But the basic facts are clear: Morocco has illegally occupied Western Sahara for more than 40 years. No country in the world recognizes Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, which the UN classifies as a Non-Self-Governing territory awaiting a process of decolonization. On 5 March, the UN chief met with Saharawi refugees - who live in unforgiving desert camps in southwest Algeria - and vowed that the UN would do more to resolve the conflict. He was right to do so. The Saharawi people have international law on their side, and a 25-year-overdue promise that they will be allowed to vote in a referendum to choose between independence or integration with Morocco. This was agreed to by both Morocco and the Frente POLISARIO - the legitimate and internationally recognized representatives of the Saharawi people - when they signed a ceasefire agreement in 1991 that was then endorsed by the UN Security Council. Now Ban's efforts must be backed by Security Council members and the international community in order to uphold the Council's own resolutions and advance the long-stalled UN political process on Western Sahara. Advertisement It won't be easy. Morocco will fight every step of the way, supported to varying degrees by its allies on the Security Council (most notably France) and others. The Moroccan reaction to challenges over Western Sahara is always aggressive, both publicly and behind the scenes. Morocco often gets its way simply because it's willing to raise the stakes when others are inclined to back down in order to reduce tensions. This is why the Security Council has failed to seriously grapple with the conflict over the past quarter century. Many countries have made the cynical, but misguided, calculation that it is better not to rock the boat with Morocco. The Frente POLISARIO and the people of Western Sahara have long followed the diplomatic path towards achieving their objectives. They have been incredibly patient, but that patience is not infinite. It is not possible for another generation of Saharawi youth to accept that they must live their lives in perpetual exile. Morocco's penchant for escalation has been most evident at the UN, but a similar dynamic plays out everywhere Western Sahara is discussed. In February, Morocco announced that it would break all ties with European Union institutions over an EU Court of Justice ruling that invalidated the trade agreement between the European Union and Morocco. European officials were left scrambling to smooth things over, but when Morocco reacts venomously and the response is capitulation, it is simply emboldened. Advertisement Not even the powerful have proven immune to this dynamic. In 2013, the United States unexpectedly put forth a proposal that the UN peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara (the Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara) should be invested with the responsibility to monitor human rights in the occupied territory of Western Sahara. Human rights abuses committed against indigenous Saharawis are rampant, and well documented. By all rational measures, it was a reasonable proposition; the mission in Western Sahara is the only modern UN peacekeeping mission not tasked to monitor human rights. Morocco responded in typical fashion by canceling planned joint military exercises with the United States. The US backed down and the peacekeeping mission remains without a mechanism to monitor human rights. This familiar pattern must be broken. The Security Council should anticipate that Morocco will throw up every obstacle it can. The Secretary-General's pledge to take real steps presents a serious opportunity, which the Security Council has a responsibility to support in accordance with its own long-standing and unfulfilled resolutions. With a seemingly endless list of global crises, there will be the temptation to do the easy thing and kick the can down the road with platitudes of support that aren't backed by concrete action. That would be a shortsighted mistake, and the people of Western Sahara deserve better. With a trio of wins at his back including Washington State, Alaska and Hawaii, insurgent candidate Bernie Sanders is now turning his sights on the Midwestern state of Wisconsin, where one recent poll places him five points ahead of challenger Hillary Clinton. If he can win the Wisconsin primary on April 5, which seems within the realm of possibility given the state's labor and progressive tradition, not to mention the long history of student activism at University of Wisconsin, Madison, then Bernie will have some wind in his sails as the electoral contest veers into delegate-rich eastern states. It is vital that Bernie sweeps New York on April 19, though the odds are much more challenging there. Unlike other primary contests which are open to independent voters, New York holds a closed Democratic primary. Up to this point, independents have strongly favored Bernie, whereas Hillary Clinton tends to do better in closed primary contests. To its credit, however, the campaign has just opened an official office in the Gowanus section of Brooklyn. While no one should write off New York's upstate voters, who tend to be white, concentrating on diverse New York City makes more tactical sense. Up to this point, Sanders has done well with white voters but has struggled at times with minorities. Concentrating on Brooklyn in particular is a strategically wise move. The area is New York's most populous borough, towering over Manhattan by some one million people, and overall Brooklyn makes up about 10 percent of the state's population. Advertisement Long eclipsed by Manhattan, Brooklyn now enjoys some clout in the form of Democratic Mayor Bill de Blasio, a native of local neighborhood Park Slope. In tandem with such newfound clout, many hoped the Democrats would hold their convention in Brooklyn, though ultimately the party opted for Philadelphia. Needless to say, Brooklyn has historically voted democratic on a very consistent basis. As such, the borough represents an essential electoral prize in the New York primary contest. Brooklyn's Millenial Generation Long before the "official" campaign showed up in Brooklyn, volunteers were quick to organize. Without an official headquarters, activists held their first meeting last spring atop one resident's Park Slope rooftop apartment. From the outset, it was Park Slope which wound up being the epicenter of the Bernie campaign and the neighborhood displayed the highest concentration of volunteers from any area throughout Brooklyn, let alone the city as a whole. To a certain extent, this is hardly surprising: a long-held bastion of liberal and progressive politics, Park Slope is also home to a local food cooperative which is at least nominally somewhat socialist in spirit. In recent years, many around the country and even the world have become aware of Brooklyn, which has enjoyed a meteoric political, cultural and even economic rise. Though it's almost a cliche at this point to speak of hipsters, Brooklyn or at least parts of the borough display a dynamic and youthful energy. It is precisely this millennial generation which has helped spearhead Bernie's campaign in Brooklyn, though to be sure some older political veterans, particularly those over 60, have also played a role. Not only have volunteers organized at the local level in Brooklyn but they have also called voters in early primary states. Not stopping there, some have fanned out to New Hampshire and even farther afield to help in canvassing efforts. With support from young millenials, Bernie has been able to consolidate his base in key Brooklyn enclaves such as Bushwick and Ditmas Park. Some of these twenty-somethings come out of the Occupy Wall Street movement, while others are complete political newcomers and may not define themselves as "leftist." Advertisement It's difficult to know precisely how many volunteers Bernie deploys in Brooklyn at any given time as there are different "circuits" of people at multiple levels. From the outset, about 30 hard core activists set up the larger campaign infrastructure, though new volunteers come and go from local meetings making for a total of about 200-300 people. There's a whole other level of people, however, who show up for phone banking events on an infrequent basis or attend larger events such as marches, perhaps numbering some 500-600 people. Without the technical know-how of the younger generation, particularly when it comes to social media, it's highly doubtful that Bernie would have developed much of an operation in Brooklyn in the first place. Perhaps even more importantly, tech-savvy activists have been able to amass an impressive amount of voter data which allows for skillful targeting come election time. Brooklyn's Latinos Much has been remarked about the racial contours of the Bernie movement and the so-called dominant role of white millenials. While the media has over-hyped this narrative, and Bernie has demonstrated crossover appeal to minorities in certain states, there's a degree of truth in such observations. These dynamics can play out at the local level in Brooklyn, where the campaign tends to attract predominantly white folk. This in turn can give rise to an undesirable dynamic in which whites are deployed to canvas in other outlying areas of the borough. From a tactical standpoint, the borough displays many daunting and even bewildering characteristics. Geographically vast, Brooklyn is separated into discrete neighborhoods which can feel like islands unto themselves. Sunset Park is a poor and working class Latino and Chinese enclave located just two miles away from Park Slope. For the outsider venturing into the area, one may almost feel transported to Guadalajara or Shanghai. Many Latinos in the neighborhood are illegal aliens and can't vote, let alone speak English. When local residents are engaged in a daily battle for economic survival, it can be difficult to make political inroads within the community. Nevertheless, Mexico and Central America have their own tradition of leftist politics and many residents may courteously stop and converse on the street. Throughout the summer, Bernie volunteers made a big push in Sunset Park by signing up new voters and distributing flyers in Spanish. In the beginning, the number one question on the minds of passers-by was "Who's Bernie?" Some six months later, with people now tuning in to the electoral stakes, the good news is that Sanders enjoys a fair amount of support in the neighborhood. Advertisement To the degree that people are tuning in, however, many are also embracing Hillary Clinton who may be on par with Bernie or even enjoy a slight edge (bizarrely, some Latinos now also support Donald Trump). On the purely generational level, it seems Bernie has broader appeal amongst Latino youth while older folk may dismiss kids as being naive or even "confused" for aspiring to tuition-free education at state colleges. Over time, more Latinos have joined the campaign though Sunset Park has represented a significant uphill battle: while many youth sign the volunteer forms, very few show up to subsequent meetings. Months later, it's still non-Latino whites organizing within the community as opposed to the Latinos of Sunset Park canvassing their own neighborhood, suggesting some kind of cultural or psychological barrier. Gowanus and Park Slope While such conditions are certainly daunting, Bernie operatives have demonstrated a shrewd organizing strategy when it comes to upcoming Brooklyn operations. By setting up shop in the Gowanus, a warehouse district in the midst of gentrification, the campaign hopes to tap into the millennial youth scene. Strategically located just outside Park Slope and Sunset Park, the Gowanus area could bridge a critical cultural divide between disparate Brooklyn constituencies. Unlike Hillary Clinton's headquarters, which is located in decidedly staid Brooklyn Heights, the Gowanus operation lies just a block away from the Bell House, a popular local venue featuring everything from concerts to geeky science lectures to trendy hipster food festivals. On the other hand, the Gowanus has historically lacked any underlying political trajectory. With the exception of the Interference Archive, which houses a library of leftist books and occasionally puts on shows culled from its own collection of 1960s poster art, the neighborhood is more widely known for its eccentric arts scene. Provided of course that local hipsters start to look toward the Gowanus for something other than barbecue and craft beer, the neighborhood could be an important staging ground for operations farther afield. While adjacent Park Slope is known for some older 1960s generation activist types and has certainly yielded many volunteers for Sanders, the area certainly isn't "locked up" for the campaign by any means and there's probably still a fair amount of persuasion in order. Home to young Brownstone couples raising children within a rather insular domestic bubble, the area is psychologically more akin to the suburbs. To be sure, the area's "crunchy granola" culture is reminiscent of Burlington, Vermont or Seattle Washington, cities where Bernie does quite well. Nevertheless, Park Slope can be very complacent and favors the status quo, particularly when it comes to real estate interests and property values. While local residents don't typically work on Wall Street, many have corporate jobs in other sectors such as advertising. In the 2009 mayoral election, Park Slope broke heavily for Mike Bloomberg. Advertisement Brooklyn's Ethnic Politics and "Jewish Identity" There's been a fair amount of talk in the media about how New York supposedly favors Hillary Clinton over Bernie, though looked at more closely such arguments don't necessarily stand up. To be sure Hillary is a former Senator from New York, but when she originally ran for office she was an out of state carpetbagger while Bernie meanwhile actually grew up in Midwood, Brooklyn (for more see this video, in which Bernie takes a tour of his old neighborhood, or click here for Bernie's historic landmarks in Brooklyn). Those who know Sanders well remark that Bernie, who grew up playing stick ball in Midwood, is "100% Brooklyn," while the Vermont Senator's postwar working class accent may betray his local roots. What is more, Bernie is Jewish which can be quite a political advantage when it comes to Brooklyn let alone New York City. Up to this point, Bernie has bent over backwards to court the black and Latino vote, with dismal results to show for the former and only mixed results for the latter. In Brooklyn, Bernie has black and Latino volunteers on staff, though it's unclear how much effort the campaign will put into courting the numerically massive Jewish vote. Perhaps, political operatives may wonder whether Jews constitute an actual voting bloc or just form part of the larger "white vote." To be sure, some pockets of Jews preserve their own sub-cultures throughout Brooklyn. Hassidic Jews, who have now moved into Bernie's old neighborhood of Midwood and also occupy large sections of Crown Heights and Williamsburg, tend to break Republican though reportedly some register as Democrats so as to have an impact on local city elections. Orthodox Jews tend to be less politically conservative, and live along Ocean Parkway, a major thoroughfare. Perhaps the vast majority of Jews, however, have assimilated into the wider culture and as a result religion and ethnic identity aren't so paramount in daily life. Whatever the case, Bernie would be foolish not to play to his ethnic strength in Brooklyn. Without wearing religion on his sleeve, Bernie could try to reach out to Jewish voters, particularly those of a more progressive or leftist bent. Many states which have voted thus far in the primary and caucus schedule don't have substantial Jewish populations, though Sanders' lack of interest in this regard constitutes one of the great mysteries of the campaign. In the case of Florida, for example, Bernie ignored Jewish retirees who make up a big voting bloc in the state. A recent headline in the Guardian reads, "Bernie Sanders' candidacy is a first for Jews. Why isn't he talking about it?" Bernie's silence is even more perplexing given that the candidate had a bar mitzvah in Brooklyn and even lived on an Israeli kibbutz in his youth. Advertisement One may suspect there are a couple of different reasons for Sanders' reticence. In the first place, Bernie comes out of the secular Jewish tradition and may feel uncomfortable playing identity politics. Secondly, Sanders has sought to run an "issues-based" campaign which de-emphasizes culture. But while such notions sound noble, this strategy may not be very suited for New York City or Brooklyn which display a dizzying array of ethnicities and neighborhoods. Apparently, Bernie thinks Jewish identity is something to play or "ham up" for a Hollywood comedy, but otherwise this has no place on the campaign trail. Lastly, Bernie also could make a play for the Eastern European and Russian immigrant vote which is important in certain Brooklyn districts such as Greenpoint or Sheepshead Bay. Bernie's father hailed from the Polish village of Slopnice, and Sanders shares the American immigrant experience. Reportedly, Slopnice is very proud of its own native son, which makes one wonder whether the campaign has contemplated any outreach to the Poles of Greenpoint who can actually vote in a U.S. primary election. Future of the Political Revolution So just how should Bernie try to sew up Brooklyn within his column? If the "official staff" has a concrete plan of action for the borough, organizers are being rather tight-lipped about it. To a certain extent, arcane delegate math at the district level will dictate the campaign's logistical and tactical decisions. At the same time, a positive outcome in Wisconsin could translate into greater media visibility in New York as well as a palpable sense of momentum. Whatever the case, Bernie won't have much time to campaign since there's only two weeks separating the Wisconsin and New York primaries. At the very least, however, Bernie should consider spending a couple of days campaigning in Brooklyn in particular, let alone other boroughs throughout the city. Ultimately, Bernie's strength may lie in organized marches which can attract crowds. Unlike Hillary, whose events tend to be stage-managed and lack enthusiasm, Sanders has been able to hold huge rallies and thereby generate media buzz. If his security detail were to allow him to do so, Bernie might hold a march through central Brooklyn, a black area which is home to 1 in 10 of the city's Democratic voters. Another key vantage point is Grand Army Plaza, from which marchers could proceed along Flatbush Avenue toward Fulton Street, winding up at Borough Hall in downtown Brooklyn where the campaign might hold a rally. If he really wanted to go for the symbolism, Bernie could furthermore call for a march over the Brooklyn Bridge and lead his followers to Zuccotti Park, site of the original Occupy Wall Street movement. Advertisement So much for the buildup to primary day, but what happens after the election in Brooklyn? The short answer is that the campaign will simply shut down its office in the Gowanus and "re-assign" its operatives to other states such as neighboring New Jersey. To a certain extent, these developments are hardly surprising given the natural ebb and flow of presidential campaigns. On the other hand, Bernie has certainly heightened expectations through his rhetoric which emphasizes a so-called "political revolution" and the need to cultivate a grassroots "movement." Just what such statements actually mean is open to some interpretation, and some may have hoped that Bernie would ultimately transcend the narrow confines of a presidential campaign by helping to build something more (for a fuller discussion of these topics, see my articles here). Whatever happens in the nominating process, it is to be hoped that Bernie won't "fritter away" his movement by demobilizing political followers. There is a tendency for official campaigns to simply "parachute in" paid staff to primary states and subsequently send them off elsewhere. While those kinds of tactical decisions are probably inevitable, they have a way of leaving activists in the lurch. Campaigns are just as much about establishing personal networks and building up community spirit as they are about the day-to-day business of canvassing and phone banking. For close to a year, volunteers set up campaign infrastructure before the "official campaign" ever landed in New York, and in the process activists got the opportunity to meet each other. Now, before they even get a chance to become acquainted with Bernie's paid staff, the latter will simply vanish. Bernie's Legacy Whether there's sufficient energy in Brooklyn, let alone the rest of the city to continue fighting for a "political revolution" predicated on Bernie's ideas is an open question. During the campaign, few spoke up for the need to construct a larger movement outside of the campaign itself. To a certain extent that's hardly surprising given the sheer amount of work which goes into securing ballot access, registering new voters and the like. As a result of the constant deadlines, political discussions tended to focus on practical logistics rather than over-arching philosophical ideas. There are pluses and minuses to such an approach. On the one hand, staying focused on simple deadlines can be efficient and tends to discourage counter-productive partisan and ideological debate. On the other hand, there has been a certain tendency toward Bernie "hero-worship" within the campaign which fails to consider the need for a wider social movement. Once the primary is over, many people may naturally wander off and much of the personal, logistical and political infrastructure could be lost or simply dissipate. It is to be hoped that never happens, however, for all of the contact details, voter information, e-mails and the like could be squandered. There is, however, an alternative: Bernie could keep the Gowanus headquarters open indefinitely, even after the New York primary, with an eye toward preserving the Brooklyn operation. While paying the rent would certainly be expensive, it's not as if the campaign is hurting for money right now. In the short-term, volunteers could use the space for phone banking and making calls to other states which vote after New York. In the long-term, however, the Gowanus could turn into a political center sponsoring talks and discussions while helping to mobilize people around common issues of concern. Periodically, presidential candidates rile up the Democratic base and raise expectations. In 1988, Jesse Jackson carried the liberal banner but failed to turn his campaign into a grassroots movement. In 1992, Jerry Brown followed suit and similarly failed to channel popular enthusiasm into lasting results. In 2000, Ralph Nader fulfilled much the same role, this time as a third party candidate. Whatever happens with the Bernie campaign, the question for Sanders is whether he can supersede these previous efforts. Perhaps, by making a modest investment in Brooklyn, the borough which has done so much to spearhead his candidacy, Bernie can help to foster underlying structural change. Nikolas Kozloff is a New York-based writer and photographer who frequently addresses the notion of revolutionary change. The parliamentary vice-president from Fidesz the largest faction in the Hungarian government has asked parliament to "ban communication devices that [law enforcement agencies] are not able to surveil despite having the legal authority to do so." Since any working cryptographic system is one that has no known vulnerabilities, whose key length is sufficient to make brute force guessing impractical within the lifespan of the universe, this amounts to a ban on all file-level encryption and end-to-end communications encryption, as well as most kinds of transport encryption (for example, if your browser makes a SSL connection to a server that the Hungarian government can't subpoena, it would have no means of surveiling your communication). However, the Fidesz rep Gergely Gulyas either doesn't know what he's talking about, or he doesn't care, as what he seems to be asking for is a rule requiring smartphone app stores to remove cryptographically secured messengers, like Imessage, Whatsapp, Wickr, Hangouts, etc. This would not stop surveillance targets from using foreign versions of the app store, sideloading cryptographically secure apps, or using cryptographically secure desktop apps. In other words, it would have virtually no impact on the ability of those conspiring to commit crimes to hide their communications from the security services. Hungarians have a healthy suspicion of mass surveillance, a legacy of the country's years under Stalinist police-state rule. However, nationalist/populist/xenophobic movements within the country have grown in recent years, and with them, a tolerance for an authoritarian state, provided that it focuses its energies on political dissidents, migrants and foreigners. The ruling party's goal is simple: it wants to legalize mass surveillance of Hungarian citizens. Currently, Hungarian law enforcement agencies already have the authority to tap phones, log internet traffic, search private property, plant bugs, etc., but all this must be done with the approval of a judge (something like a warrant). However, the current legal framework in Hungary also allows for law enforcement agencies to conduct surveillance of individuals within the framework of counter-terrorism operations. A recent ruling by the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg shot down this practice in Hungary, but the legal framework allowing it to continue has yet to be modified. The Fidesz government would now like to lay a legal foundation that would make mass surveillance of citizens possible in an effort to thwart any potential terror attacks. Fidesz wants to make encryption software ILLEGAL [Budapest Beacon] (Thanks, Andrew!) (Image: "To Arms! To Arms!" Bolshevik Hungarian propaganda poster from 1919. ) I have always been a bit of a Renaissance person. At one point I was taking home paychecks as a television host, adoption caseworker, non-profit CEO, Evangelical megachurch preaching pastor, operator of homes for individuals with mental retardation, seminary instructor, and magazine editor and columnist. I loved the challenge of mastering a plethora of responsibilities. Well, that, and I happened to be running away from myself. More about that later. When I look back there are a number of threads running through those varied jobs, yet one stands out. I did not understand its importance until my life took a major turn. Those jobs were all handed to me - a tall, successful, well-educated, white American male who was clueless just how entitled he was. Oh, I worked hard, but given my privilege, that hard work sent me to the top of the class. Because I've flown well over two million miles with American Airlines, I know a bit about airplanes. Over the years, on a rough flight I might comfort a seatmate by saying, "There's nothing to worry about. This is a DeHavilland Dash 8-100 turboprop, one of the safest airliners in the sky." People believed me because I acted as one with authority. I can't tell you how many times a seatmate or even a flight attendant, would ask, "Are you a pilot with the airline?" I looked like a pilot. I looked like the host of a national television show. I looked like the preaching pastor of a megachurch. Advertisement But that was then. Last month I was on a very turbulent flight from LAX to Honolulu. The woman seated next to me said, "I can't remember a flight this bad." From my frequent flyer bag of tricks, I replied, "Well this is an A321, and it's actually a little underpowered. When it has a full load of fuel and every seat is taken, it can't fly above the weather." The woman did not ask if I was a pilot for the airline, she just glanced as if to say, "You should keep your thoughts to yourself." She asked a flight attendant why the flight was so rough. He answered, "We can't fly over the weather." She thanked him and settled less nervously into her seat. I thought, "How on earth could this woman be so dismissive of me? I gave a more thorough answer than the flight attendant, but she acted like I was an idiot. What's up with that?" Of course I knew good and well what was up with that. The same thing has been up with that everywhere I go, from the airport to the car repair shop to the hardware store, ever since I transitioned from Paul to Paula. My bachelor's degree, two master's degrees, doctoral degree, and three page curriculum vitae stand for nothing. I am summarily dismissed for one single reason. I am a woman. I do have a little sympathy for successful, straight, white American males. No matter how hard they try, they will never understand how much the world is tilted in their favor. Short of changing genders, race, or sexual identity, it is impossible for them to know. Cisgender females cannot truly comprehend how difficult it is for them to be heard. What exists is all they know. It is all their mothers knew, and their mothers before them. They were enculturated to accept dismissal. Advertisement For every woman with whom I have ever worked, I am so sorry. I thought I was one of the good guys. I did not know what I did not know. If you thought I was aloof, arrogant, or dismissive, it is because I was. I was ushered into that entitled existence by an education system and church that elevated me above you. I am deeply sorry. I ask your forgiveness. And now, a word about the church that entitled me so. I have preached in three of the 12 largest churches in America. Today I would not be allowed in the pulpit of a single one. Not only would I be barred because I am transgender, I would be barred because I am a woman. The irony is the things I know now make me twice the person I was before. But women's voices remain silenced, while churches stumble in the dark with a leadership blinded by its own entitlement. It has made me into something I never expected to be - a feminist. Two weeks ago I was speaking with three Christian women I deeply respect, each a strong feminist. I said, "Now that I live and breathe among you, I am still far from an essence you gracefully carry. Maybe it is because you are mothers, and ponder things in your heart that accumulate toward wisdom. Or maybe it is because you process not in part, but the whole. Or maybe it is because you stand there with your defiant nevertheless, born of love but refined by fire." I've written about Sun Valley before a few times from top foodie picks and the Sun Valley Lodge to skiing and photo walks, and yet I still haven't been to this natural beauty or had a view of Bald Mountain in the summer time. Otherwise known as Baldy, it has one of the higher summits of the Smoky Mountains, all of which are part of the Sawtooth National Forest. Each Spring, I head to Sun Valley for an annual conference called DENT where rich conversations happen around technology, science and innovation. Within the mix of innovation, there's an element of passion for a myriad of things, including arts, education, sports, sustainability and doing the right thing to make society a better place. It seems fitting that Sun Valley should be the home of such an event, where its main town of Ketchum attracts skiers, adventure enthusiasts, artists, hikers and "turn-the-world upside down" seekers. Unlike last year, Sun Valley was blessed with snow this season, including a nice pour a few days before I arrived. The views are spectacular, so much so, that it's rare that you'd make a turn regardless of what trail you're on, and not be faced with pure beauty. I was keen to test out my Helly Hansen gear this year since it arrived not long before my trip and I knew I wouldn't have a chance until next season...and so I broke out the oh so stunning white Bellissimo ski pants and the vibrant purple Double Motion Stretch Jacket. Bravo - I love their active wear! Advertisement Spring skiing is bliss, especially in Sun Valley, where you get those crisp blue mountain skis so prevalent in America's west. Of course after two runs, I realized I would have been better off in a jacket shell given the 50 something temperatures and warm sunshine. And so, I skied with the jacket open and couldn't have been happier. Even though it was a Sunday when I first hit the trails, the lift waits were short and the mountain not crowded. They offered plenty of options from well-groomed trails to those with fluffy white powder you could break in yourself. For families, take note that there's a 26,000-square-foot family center with everything from lessons to rentals to lockers. They boast four main lodges: River Run Day Lodge, which is at the base of Baldy, which is essentially a mini village of everything ski and ride related, Warm Springs, also at the base of Baldy which features one of the West's most famous Idaho potato bars, Seattle Ridge which is at 8,800 square feet along the Seattle Ridge area of Baldy, it boasts jaw-dropping views of the surrounding Wood River Valley and Carol's Dollar Mountain Lodge, which I've never visited yet. It is family-friendly with a European twist. Located within easy walking distance of the village, Carol's is a good spot for breakfast or lunch, either inside or on the heated patio. The nice thing was that they still had me in the system so I was fitted that much faster and on the slopes on no time. I've only skied Sun Valley in the Spring but it's been a joyous experience both times. They have thirteen chairlifts and 65 varied runs. Dollar Mountain features two new high-speed quads, a full-featured terrain park with 76 rails, North America's largest super pipe, and the Wundercarpet, an effortless uphill transporter. Additionally, they have themed Adventure Trails for kids, with 30 acres of glade ski and boarding terrain. Advertisement If you stay at the or Inn (owned by the same folks and a mere five minute walk through the village from each other), a great choice for families, you may opt to eat on-site however there are plenty of great restaurants in downtown Ketchum and they offer a complimentary shuttle back and forth, so you can take in the best of what the town has to offer. I did a fairly extensive round-up of restaurants a couple of visits ago --- see my top 12 picks, many of which are still favorites of locals. It includes eateries that locals love as much today as they did in 2014, such as Globus, Enoteca and Ketchum Grill, still on East Avenue (three of my favorites). A real stand-out this year goes to a quaint restaurant called Vintage, which has been around for awhile. Located in a restored historic cabin, all the tables are in one small room, seating only 20 in total. You'll want to make a reservation well in advance to ensure availability when planning your trip. Inside, its tables all have white table clothes and face a wall-to-wall wine case, and one of their outstanding bottle selections is sure to pair perfectly with whatever you order. Since I was there with a group, we had a pre-set menu, which included an incredibly fresh Burrata salad, which included smoked tomatoes, watercress balsamic caviar and basil oil. Simple, but it lingered on my mind well after the meal. They specialize in upscale peasant food using locally farmed sources for all their seafood, meat and poultry. Some more classic menu items include crispy skin roast duckling and Cajun oysters, but also more hearty options like Organic Naturally Raised pecan crusted chicken breast with roasted tomato chutney and Dijonnaise sauce, accompanied by Gorgonzola mashed potatoes and Italian roasted veggies. My favorite? The Beef Tenderloin, which is oh so tender. They serve it with Idaho twice baked potatoes with three cheese roasted wild mushrooms and grilled asparagus, laced with a red wine syrup. I asked for no potatoes and double the veggies to keep it on the healthy side, a smart choice given the portions. A relatively newbie in town is a place called Warfield Distillery & Brewery on North Main Street. My favorite part about the restaurant is its authentic brick wall behind the bar, which faces nearly every seat in the place. Imagine a wide array of liquors, spirits and wines jutting out from antiquated brick while you sit and sip your favorite libation on a leisurely evening out on the town. Booths take up most of the middle of the restaurant whereas the tables that line the walls have soft cushion-covered benches and pillow throws. Advertisement Photo credit: www.conradgarner.com. How's this for a creative choice you don't have that often? The Handmade Pierogi is a smoked mash that combines potatoes, sauerkraut, housemade cheese, caramelized onions and brussel leaves - wow, right? Then, there's their beet salad, which is served with spicy pecan, mustard greens, arugla, citrus and a shallot dressing. I could have had two of these - the spicy pecan mixed with the sharpness of the citrus and shallots was memorable. And, since you're in Idaho, why not try the Elk? They have a scrumptious Elk Carpaccio which was served with green citrus granita, toasted juniper and blackberry vinaigrette. Bravo! Perfectly positioned in the heart of downtown Ketchum, you could dine here and walk to any of the nearby bars for a late night drink or take in a game of pool at dive bar The Casino, ID Grumpy's or The Cellar Pub. Konditorei and the Elkhorn Clubhouse are worth mentioning also -- fabulous chocolate and traditional joint for drinking and dining respectfully. Elkhorn is even better during warmer months since you can grab a table on the patio and take in the pristine Dollar Mountain view surrounded by the Elkhorn golf course. They do signature plates like legendary crab cakes, lamb sliders, sandwiches and salads, but have great desserts as well. Photo credit: SunValley.com. While there was plenty of snow on the ground while I was there in March and it wasn't quite the season for the same kinds of hikes you could do in the middle of summer season, there are plenty of trails to take in with or without a family in tow in the immediate area, as long as you have a decent pair of hiking boots that can withstand wet mush. There are a few choices within a stone's throw of the main town, especially for a moderate walk. Big Wood River and Warm Springs Creek runs through the town and into more rural areas, both quite pretty to take in by foot or bike. There's a bike path for warmer days that is fairly central. The Sawtooth Mountains boast some of the best alpine granite in the country, with rock-climbing, hiking, and backpacking treks leading to 10,000 foot peaks or pristine alpine lakes. For the adventurous among you, try Bald Mountain Trail which goes to 3,200 feet and is over five miles long. Advertisement A great choice with kids in tow is a trail head that leads to the well known Baker Lake, which is about a 9-10 mile drive out a dirt road and the round-trip walk will take you to about 846 feet. If fishing is your thing, bring a pole -- the lakeside path is nicknamed "Fisherman's Trail", a great reminder that there's plenty of fish in the lake. Proctor Mountain is a more moderate hike that goes to 1,600 feet over around 4.5-miles. The views are spectacular and while you won't get the benefit wildflowers in the spring, if you're there in the summer, you'll want a camera to capture those vivid colors. I'm becoming nocturnal. This morning I was up at 3:30. I rummaged around the foot of the bed in the dark, picking up my clothes and pulling them on, made a thermos for my Sidamo coffee, and set out for the forest in Prospect Park. The woods are closed after dark, and the police shine spotlights into the foliage from their cruisers, but part of the forest is near the fence-line at the street, so I can escape into the trees. I squint as I walk to avoid twigs in the eye. It is a night with some wind, the clouds sailing over the black swaying branches. I climb a ridge that stretches into the interior of the park. There is a forested Quaker cemetery there. I can just make out the gravestones in the roots and leaves. In a low voice, I talk to the peace-makers who are sleeping beneath this forest floor. I am thanking them for their courage. Now we need their guidance. Advertisement The choir and I will attempt some activism this week against the socialite New Yorkers who control these parks. They spray Monsanto's toxic RoundUp, and they have increased the spraying as they replaced park workers who for many years weeded the parks by hand. While the World Health Organization and scores of studies warn that glyphosate is linked to cancers, endocrine disruptions, autism, birth defects - the spraying doesn't stop, it spreads. And they won't tell us where and when they do it. I share all this with the dead heroes in the shadows. I look up at the starry sky up above canopy of old trees. I am wondering how it must have felt to look out across the Pacific Ocean, back in 1958, when a small band of Quakers set out from San Pedro, California in a sailboat called the Golden Rule. The USA and the USSR were testing large atom bombs during the cold war, and radioactive clouds were roaming the atmosphere. The peace sailors planned something unprecedented. They would sail into the giant sloping waves of the Pacific for weeks and weeks. Five-thousand miles later they hoped to be floating in the center of a nuclear test site in the Marshall Islands, daring them to kill the witnesses. Pushing away from the dock and raising the canvas to the wind, how did you feel? They got about halfway, but halfway the Golden Rule was boarded twice at their stop in Hawaii, and then the crew of five was quickly charged, convicted and sentenced to six months in prison. An international outcry ensued, and the Greenpeace and Sea Shepherd ships set sail from the inspiration of the Golden Rule. We ask for your blessing. The distance that we are facing with our toxins is of a different kind. This is the endless ocean of the life around us that we cannot see. We have the mystery of tens of thousands of invisible gaseous chemicals. The poisons are far away, but it is here in our breath as we take the stuff of the outside city into our bodies. It's right here. Advertisement Mother and father activists! Be with us as we sing in the doorways of the Conservancies of New York City. If and when we are arrested, may some kind of articulate scandal make this hidden world obvious to everyone, so that we can sail into the molecular manipulations of power. Rev Billy Politics and entertainment used to reside in separate spheres. But in this year's Presidential campaign coverage, they've converged. While this has driven up TV ratings and network incomes, it's been a dangerous pastime for a country already behind in the things that matter. In the heated exchange of taunts and putdowns, even the questions to candidates have ignored one of the most serious threats to US economic competitiveness: our nation's failure to invest in our children -- our future human capital. The people who want to lead this country have to start talking about this as a key economic issue. We cannot hope to lead on the world stage when we are squandering the ability of our population and hobbling our future by neglecting our children here at home. Children can only grow to be productive workers, tax-paying citizens, and fully functional human beings if provided high-quality care by parents and other caregivers long before they start kindergarten. Advertisement But where in the presidential debates is there any mention of this neglect of our nation's most important asset: our children? With all the talk about increasing jobs, how can that be done without making child care accessible and affordable? Without paid family leave and earned sick time as minimum labor requirements, how can parents build careers and financial security? With the cost of medical care outpacing wages, how do people take care of their aging parents? These questions face every family and confront every voter. These are the issues our leaders will have to navigate. Yet they get nary a mention in the free-for-all slugfests and verbal pyrotechnics that pass for proof of political leadership on TV. Another vital matter ignored is that our failure to support care for children, the elderly, and others in need is a major cause of our country's huge economic inequalities - higher than any other wealthy nation. The fact is that what swells these economic disparities is the disproportionate poverty of women and children, which in turn is directly related to the failure of US policies to support the care work primarily performed by women for below-par wages in the market and for free in households. Women in the US, responsible for the bulk of our economic expansion in the past half century according to Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen, remain burdened by the amount of unpaid care work they perform. Sidelined by a work culture with no flexibility for birth or family care, they unsuccessfully struggle for parity in positions of leadership and authority. Advertisement GDP, the economic measure we hear about all the time, also pays no attention to these critical matters. This is why policymakers need new metrics: Social Wealth Economic Indicators (SWEIs). SWEIs show that other countries have taken steps to fully leverage their workforce and invest in the next generation, while the US has not, and that these countries have much lower poverty rates. SWEIs also show something else ignored in our current political conversation: the importance of the status of women. If you want to know how strong a country is, how vibrant its economy and how robust its democracy, don't look at GDP. Look at Social Wealth Economic Indicators. Americans need to know that, at odds with every other modern economy, the US has no nationally guaranteed paid time off for new parents. Our exploding aging population pulls workers, mostly women, out of the workforce, in whole or in part, to look after their parents or in-laws. The value of family care provided to elders or family members with disabilities would be $470 billion if purchased at market rates or added to the tab of public health costs. In the UK, (whose population is 1/5 of that of the US) the value of all the unpaid childcare performed in 2010 amounts to $343 billion, or three times the contribution of that country's financial services industry. Recent estimates in the US put that figure in the trillions of dollars. But even that doesn't begin to quantify the cost to the caregivers themselves, or their families and communities. When women are as successful as men in politics and business, when men share in family care and unpaid work, research shows that the standard of living is higher for everybody, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, or educational level. Yet in the US, women don't have parity in business, government, or academia, and are clustered in lower paying job sectors, especially the work of care, which is so low paid that many care workers live in poverty and rely on public assistance to get by. Advertisement Instead of expanding opportunities for women and children to maximize their potential, our current policies are closing doors. All this puts a huge downward drag on the economy. If those who would lead us want the chance to do so, they need to lay aside the chest pounding and name-calling. It's time to talk about realities: the urgent economic need for removing barriers to women's advancement, investing now in our future workforce, and acknowledging that care is as important to voters as cash. The party establishment is aghast. An insurrectionist candidate is close to securing the party's nomination. Fears arise on the part of the party establishment that this candidate will get clobbered in the General Election. Party chieftains and financial benefactors panic because the insurrectionist candidate is not beholden to them. A cacophony of voices emerges to try to stop this runaway train from garnering the nomination. This may sound like the current landscape within the Republican Party as real estate mogul Donald Trump is holding a commanding lead for the Presidential nomination, and the GOP establishmentarians are moving full throttle to stop him. Some are even endorsing his chief rival, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), recently the bugbear of the party. This political scenario played out twice in the 1970's, not in the GOP, but in the Democratic Party. Both times, the effort by the establishment to squelch the insurgency failed. Advertisement In 1968, Vice President Hubert Humphrey entered just one Democratic Primary, South Dakota, which he lost. Humphrey supported the administration of President Lyndon B. Johnson in prosecuting the War in Vietnam. This led many in the party to support anti-war candidates rather than Humphrey. Humphrey's campaign dispatched favorite son candidates like Governor Roger D. Branigin in Indiana to appear on the ballot in his place. These candidates then released their delegates to Humphrey at the Democratic Convention. Humphrey collected the support of delegates in those states which did not hold primaries. In these states the party elite controlled the delegates. As the result of this somewhat undemocratic process, riots ensued in front of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, and anti-war liberals embarrassed Humphrey on the campaign trail, sometimes heckling him at his rallies. Humphrey lost the election, in part because he failed to coalesce the support of the party base. In response to the discontent within the party, the McGovern-Fraser Commission was established to make the selection process more democratic. One of the reforms it established was that delegates be positioned based upon the state or territory population. Many states conformed to the new rule by awarding delegates at primaries rather than force the candidate to genuflect to the high command of the state party. Consequently, grassroots Democrats were empowered to select the nominee. Interestingly, one of the Chairmen of this commission, U.S. Senator George McGovern (D-SD), ran himself for the Democratic Presidential nomination in 1972, appealing directly to the ascendant anti-war liberal bloodline of the Party. Advertisement While many elected officials took a more nuanced approach toward ending the Vietnam War, McGovern sang from the same hymnbook as the "new left." He stated that as President he would: "announce a definite early date for withdrawal of every American Soldier." In addition, McGovern called for a major truncation of the U.S. military budget over three years and a $1,000 income supplement for every American. As McGovern racked up formidable primary victories, party regulars formed an "Anybody But McGovern" coalition. Former President Lyndon B. Johnson and Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley strategized behind the scenes to stop McGovern at the Convention. The ringleader of the Anybody But McGovern movement was an obscure moderate Governor from Georgia named Jimmy Carter. At the Party's National Convention, there was a last ditch effort to save the party from a McGovern nomination. Carter nominated one of McGovern's vanquished rivals for the nomination, U.S. Senator Henry "Scoop" Jackson (D-WA). Jackson, a traditional Democrat, had performed poorly in his bid for the nomination, only winning his home state caucuses. However, he did not officially drop out of the race. Carter's effort to promote Jackson failed and McGovern pocketing the nomination. During the General Election campaign, many down-ballot Democratic candidates joined "Democrats for Nixon" (Republican President Richard M. Nixon) in an effort to inoculate themselves from being tethered to McGovern. Some party loyalists reluctantly supported McGovern, but did little campaigning for him. Former Democratic President Lyndon B. Johnson was dismayed by the McGovern nomination, offering him merely a tepid endorsement. Johnson simply stated: "I've always supported the Democratic Party and I'm going to support you." Johnson privately said to his former aide Bobby Baker: "George McGovern? Why, he couldn't carry Texas even if they caught Dick Nixon fu*** ng a Fort Worth sow." Johnson was correct, McGovern lost 49 states and won just 33.24% of the vote in the Loan Star state. Witnessing how McGovern had won the nomination by taking full advantage of the new state of play in the party, Carter began orchestrating his own candidacy. Carter used his remoteness from the Democratic establishment as an electoral asset. Carter had served just one term as Governor of Georgia. A 1974 Harris Interactive Poll of choices for the 1976 Democratic nomination registered 35 names. Carter did not even make the list. Advertisement Carter spent an inordinate amount of time in Iowa, which held the first caucus. Carter correctly predicted that an Iowa victory (he actually came in second to "uncommitted") would put him on the map, giving him the momentum and positive media attention to win New Hampshire, which he did. To the mortification of the party hierarchy, Carter became the frontrunner, forging a coalition of disaffected Democratic voters, African-Americans, Southern Whites, and new voters inspired by Carter's clarion call for "A government that is honest and competent." In 1972, the Democratic establishment had feared McGovern was too liberal to win the Presidency. In 1976, the Democratic High Command thought Carter was too conservative to rally the party's base in the General Election campaign. Neither candidate was beholden to the party establishment. Carter's flagship accomplishment as Governor had not been to increase government spending on social services, but to streamline government, reducing the number of government agencies from 300 to just 22. In addition, many Democratic liberals would be reluctant to support a White Southerner. Some associated White Southern politicians with segregation. However, Carter was actually in favor of desegregation and had declared in his 1971 Inauguration address as Governor: "The time for racial discrimination is over." Still, Carter rattled some liberals by telling The New York Daily News that he saw: "Nothing wrong with ethnic purity in urban neighborhoods" and would not "force racial integration of a neighborhood by government action." Carter apologized for the remarks four days later. In addition, some secular liberals were uncomfortable that Carter was a born-again Christian who openly sported his faith. Shortly after the ethnic purity fiasco, Establishment Democrats rallied around the man Carter had nominated for President in 1972, Henry "Scoop" Jackson, in the critical Pennsylvania primary. Many in the establishment actually favored U.S. Senator Hubert Humphrey (D-MN). However, he had not entered the race. Consequently, the inchoate "Anybody But Carter" movement rallied behind Jackson who led in most polls in Pennsylvania. Yet Carter campaigned indefatigably for eleven days in the Keystone State. To the chagrin of the Democratic establishment, Carter soundly defeated Jackson in Pennsylvania. The Anybody But Carter movement, believing Humphrey was the only person who could halt the Carter groundswell, beseeched him to enter the race, but Humphrey declined. Advertisement Two late entrants, U.S. Senator Frank Church (D-ID) and California Governor Jerry Brown, racked up late primary wins, but Carter's delegate lead was immutable. He soundly secured the nomination. Ultimately, the Democratic base rallied around Carter, allowing him to eke out a victory over Ford. However, President Carter had problems ingratiating himself with his fellow Democrats. Many were dismayed that he worked to balance the federal budget and to streamline the federal government rather than implementing a major social stimulus program to strengthen the nation's economy. In 1980, Carter barely won the renomination by his party, but lost the General Election in an electoral landslide. A few days ago, a friend mentioned that an organization she belongs to was going to have Leon Panetta as a speaker. She was planning to go, to hear the former White House Chief of Staff under Bill Clinton, and former CIA director appointed by Barack Obama, among many other positions he's held, including U.S. Congressman. It reminded me about the time I had crossed paths with the fellow, and since the event took place in mid-season of a presidential campaign, this seems as good a time as any to tell the tale. Especially since it has a slight connection in other ways, as well. In 2000, when the Democratic Convention was held in Los Angeles, I had a press pass and covered the event for the Writers Guild of America's magazine, Written By. I spent most of my time on the convention floor, which was wonderful (and from where I saw an absolutely wonderful documentary on the nominee, Al Gore, which alas because of network constraints never got shown on national television), but occasionally, I wandered out into the concourse and strolled around. It was there among the ocean of unrecognizable faces that, at one point, I saw Leon Panetta and, pleased by the unexpected opportunity in front of me, thought it would be nice to ask such an established political figure some questions for my article. I figured that having a quote from someone who was that prominent would add more than a bit of substance to my low-key wanderings and personal observations, and might even impress the editor who no doubt wasn't expecting such a thing, given what I had proposed. But Panetta was occupied by a group who was talking with him in what appeared to be intense conversation, and so I waited. And waited. And waited. And then waited some more. I knew he was important in American politics, so I was patient, it was worth the wait -- but eventually, I was starting to get tired of waiting, there are limits when a day only has 24 hours and a convention has far fewer, so I moved a little closer. And as I neared, it became clear to me that Panetta wasn't really talking with them at all, but rather it was a group of women who had converged on him, had his ear and were barraging him with their opinions. His part of the communication process was as The Listener. He seemed very polite, sort of nodding with a somewhat glazed look, but it seemed like he was almost being held hostage because he didn't know how to get away. (Which is pretty hilarious, given that he was the White House Chief of Staff, and soon to be Secretary of Defense and later the CIA Director.) Clearly, he's no shrinking violet. But he was just stuck there. Trapped, unable to know how to politely leave. Advertisement I had been watching this for almost 10 minutes, but that was after coming across it mid-stream. There was no way to know how long this had fully been going on. Given the polite, but frozen and silent smile on his face, accompanied by those empty head-nods we're all familiar with using in the midst of soul-sucking conversations when we realize we have No Way Out, it could have been hours. I suddenly had an idea. Praying that I was right about this and wasn't about to cause an international incident (but unless the history of human body language had changed in the last 24-hours, I was pretty near-certain I was right...) I took another couple steps closer, interrupted and excused myself, and held up my press badge. "Excuse me, Mr. Panetta," I said, "but we have..." - and instantly he knew exactly what I was doing (since he was well-aware that he didn't know who I was and knew we did not have a scheduled appointment), and he suddenly spun and said to the women SO apologetically, so graciously, "Oh, I'm so sorry, but I have to get to this," and they excused him as they quickly cut through the group. He and I went walking off, not saying a word to each other yet, until we got far enough away. But while we quickly walked, as he looked straight ahead, he said out of the corner of his mouth, in an almost-whisper, "Thank you." To this day, I still laugh at memories of the "Thank you." and the look of controlled relief on his face, not quite far enough away from the Danger Zone to yet fully relax. Eventually, I did ask him a few questions and got to use the quotes in my article for the WGA magazine, which made my wanderings and observations far more substantive, and which the editor was indeed impressed with... For which I gained immense admiration for the power of a group of women who had corralled the man who would soon be the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency in order to simply get across their opinions. Advertisement Politicians getting on the wrong side of women, take care. * What's your role at Amazon Art? I'm the Senior Manager of Business Development at Amazon Art. I recruit and manage galleries and dealers to sell on the platform as well as organize Amazon's presence at art fairs around the country, spreading the word to the general public. Even though Amazon is a big name, and a brand known throughout the world, Amazon Art is still not on the radar of many people, and just now becoming known. Even internally at Amazon, many people haven't heard of Amazon Art. So, I'm an ambassador for getting the word out, on every level, and to every audience. I'm always thinking of creative ways to reach a more global audience, collectors in the art world, people wanting to collect art, and customers who are already purchasing from Amazon. As you know Amazon is all about the customer, so we work on things like returns and shipping with the Amazon system, as well as making it a stellar art site within Amazon. What are some of the big projects you've worked on recently? At the end of last year, we I worked on a special project called the Amazon Street Art Project that coincided with the end of Art Week Miami. We worked directly with Vandalog and seven street artists, and commissioned them to create prints especially for this event. It was also a time bound event, which we hadn't done before. It yielded some amazing results. Through this, we've brought in a completely different customer base, and it was a real litmus test for future possibilities. It was overwhelmingly popular. And it generated some great press. Overall, our response for our Street Art Project was overwhelmingly positive. Advertisement How did you get involved in art consulting? I made a series of interesting work and personal decisions over the course of 20 years, never thinking it would become my life's work. I earned a degree in art history, and I knew I was never going to be an academic. But when I realized there was a wheeling and dealing side to art that was it. I never looked back. I enjoy the process. That was it for me. I started by working in galleries doing anything that needed doing, from changing light bulbs to hanging artwork, and eventually selling it. I went from there to becoming an ASA trained appraiser, and then began working with large corporate clients. Specializing in bluechip and Twentieth Century oils. I became a broker for my clients, and for my corporate clients I act as both an appraiser and a seller. I managed street artists and graffiti artist and opened several galleries in New York and the DC area. And this led to what you're doing now? Amazon Art is a full time role. In essence, now I work in an advisory and consulting capacity as well as everything else. One of the galleries I ran in New York specialized in Naive Art from 22 different countries around the world. So I was able to travel to places like Central America, and purchase work from these farmers and fishermen who were self-taught and made Naive art. After closing that gallery in 2010, I worked as the Head of Art for The Faberge Big Egg Hunt, the largest public art exhibition in New York City's history. So that was very interesting and always busy. So, all of this background led to things like having an eye for emerging artists and Street Art. What does your schedule look like? I travel about every three weeks. New York, Miami, Los Angeles. The art world has changed in that there's not a lot of down time anymore. It used to follow a very European schedule, more seasonal, based on the auction calendar. Art consultants used to have summers off, but now there are art fairs happening all summer long. For example the Seattle Art Fair that happened last summer is a good benchmark of what I'm talking about. Amazon Art was one of the sponsors of the fair. As a new art fair, it brought together an impressive number of galleries and collectors from across the globe. Advertisement What's your favorite aspect of what you do? This, right here. I love meeting new people. All of the people, at every level of the art world - it's just such a fascinating industry. There are completely new aspects of it, and some very arcane aspects. There are still some very old fashioned components of the art world, some of which can be frustrating. On the fun side, there are new things happening in media which are expanding what people think about art. Artists are doing some amazing things in video. Can anyone forecast what may happen in art markets in the coming years? One of the things that's happened over the past decade is just the amount of new art fairs, festivals, and biennales that are popping up all over the place. The way the art world is structured right now, is that it's moving at such a frenetic pace that it's difficult to keep up with. The interesting thing is to imagine what all this will look like in the future, when a large part of art and art-making will be digitized. What happens when half of art become pixels? And there are technological advances we haven't even imaged yet. I think more attention will be paid to the preservation of digital art, and what the next iteration of art will be. Artists will push the boundaries between what we consider fine art and video, and other types of digital media. Anything more to add? Just that there's a lot of amazing art being made, there's amazing stuff happening all around the world. Sometimes it overwhelming because I see so much art, and often it feels derivative. But the greatest thing about what I do is when you have those moments, and when you turn a corner, and it's like the first time you see the Coliseum in Rome. Hey, I was just walking down the street, and here it is. That type of feeling. When you walk into the studio of someone who's unknown and you get that feeling, like "whoa!" I've found something no one else has found yet. Artists have the same type of experience, like when they are working upon something they've never done before, and it just works. They can step back and be 100 percent behind what they just created. It might be rare, but a creative person recognizes it when it happens. I don't even think it's a genius thing. It comes with practice, artists have to practice the same way musicians do, to be great. Everything from the doodling on the back of an envelope to getting ready for a show is part of the process. It goes into the brain bank and stays there, as long as an artist sticks with it. In the same way it takes many years to develop and eye as a curator or collector, it takes the same amount of energy for the artist to develop their skills. Some other examples of our Huffington Post blogs: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/russell-c-smith/digital-fire-northwest-vo_b_1993493.html http://www.huffingtonpost.com/russell-c-smith/a-timely-interview-with-j_b_2378166.html http://www.huffingtonpost.com/russell-c-smith/little-free-library_b_1610026.html Advertisement Army Sergeant Major Jesse Acosta has received notification from the VA that his benefits for a caregiver are ending in 90 days, at the end of May. The letter he received from the VA states "he is no longer appropriate for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers." They say they are pleased to inform him of this. According to the VA, even though Acosta, blinded by a mortar attack in Iraq, is still blind, they are excited (with an exclamation point to prove it) to let him know they have determined he's "graduated," and no longer needs a caregiver. Seriously? Acosta served with distinction from 1975 until his retirement in 2010. In 2003 he joined the Individual Ready Reserve program until he was recalled to active duty in 2005. He deployed to Iraq in August. Everything changed on January 16, 2006 when he was struck by a mortar. His injuries included the loss of both eyes, injury to the frontal and temporal lobes of his brain, loss of part of his jaw and teeth, a back injury, a herniated calf muscle that won't heal and loss of a kneecap so that one knee is bone on bone. He was not expected to survive when he arrived at the military hospital in Landstuhl, Germany. But survive he did. Over the course of forty surgeries his jaw and eye sockets were reconstructed but his vision was lost forever. Today he's a fine-looking man. In good shape, fit, his service dog by his side. You wouldn't know looking at him that he's been rated, in addition to his blindness, 70% disability from PTSD and 100% disability from TBI. Advertisement Jesse Acosta returned to his employer after Iraq, but he needs some assistance to do his job. Likewise, at home he needs some help. That's what the caregiver provides: help getting to medical appointments, managing medication refills, help with paperwork and shopping. The daily things that sighted people take for granted. His service dog helps both with mobility and with PTSD. But the caregiver fills an essential need. Whether or not the VA agrees. When I spoke with Jesse, he told me, "When the VA representative called to tell us the caregiver benefit had been canceled, we were told verbally that 'the VA does not consider blindness a disability'." You can understand how the VA might look at him...he's employed, he has a service dog...and think his blindness does not completely disable him. But how humane is it not to take into consideration the effects of PTSD and TBI? The VA has treated him for both and they have complete records. He can appeal his case, of course. But how long will that take? Based on a 2012 VA report, about two and a half years. By the way, here are the eligibility criteria from the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act," Public Law 111-163: Section 1720G (a) (2) ''(2) "For purposes of this subsection, an eligible veteran is any individual who-- Advertisement "(A) is a veteran or member of the Armed Forces undergoing medical discharge from the Armed Forces; "(B) has a serious injury (including traumatic brain injury, psychological trauma, or other mental disorder) incurred or aggravated in the line of duty in the active military, naval, or air service on or after September 11, 2001; and "(C) is in need of personal care services because of-- "(i) an inability to perform one or more activities of daily living; "(ii) a need for supervision or protection based on symptoms or residuals of neurological or other impairment or injury..." The act was intended, among other things, to assist members of veterans' families who have left careers to care for veterans with catastrophic disabilities. However, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is failing to implement the law (Public Law 111-163) as Congress intended. Paralyzed Veterans of America testified on this point on March 11 before the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Health. Carl Blake, Legislative Program Director for Paralyzed Veterans of America, said, "(VA) said the only way a caregiver will be eligible for this is if the veteran would have otherwise been institutionalized. Blake explained that such an interpretation would lower the number of families eligible for these benefits, such as monthly stipends and health-care benefits through the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA), to about 840. According to Blake that number is less than 25 percent of what Congress intended. An article in the Illinois Statesman on Feb. 23, 2016 states that about 7,000 veterans who were receiving caregiver benefits are no longer getting them. "About a third were cut because VA staff members determined that they did not meet medical criteria for the support." The program, passed into law in 2010, was never intended to be a permanent benefit. Only last year did the VA publish an official rule on how the program should be run. Stipends were to be provided to families as long as the veteran's health met certain criteria. If the situation improved, the VA might remove patients from the financial part of the program. Based on his experience, Jesse says, "I have never been VA friendly, and because I question and challenge the VA process, I truly believe I have been targeted in having this benefit canceled." He was also quick to say he's not the only one receiving this kind of treatment by the VA, and he launched into a story about another vet in the LA area whose VA care came from...are you ready? VA facilities in Long Beach, West Los Angeles, San Diego, Loma Linda, East Los Angeles and downtown LA. This is Southern California. That's miles and miles of driving, not to mention hours of car time because of traffic, and then the expense on top of that. It's no wonder that so many vets suffering from PTSD and TBI also have anger management problems. I can't help but think the run-around treatment, some of it looking like harassment, that these vets experience from the VA is a factor in the number of veteran suicides. 22 a day. Still. Advertisement Sergeant Major Acosta served with distinction in the U.S. Army from 1975 until 2010. Among his many awards are The Legion of Merit, The Bronze Star, The Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal and six Army Commendation Medals. What's it going to take to get any reform in this mega-bureaucracy? The VA's budget for fiscal year 2016 is $163 billion. The proposed 2017 budget includes an increase for VA funding. Maybe money isn't the problem. Maybe it's the structure of the VA, how large and unwieldy it is. Maybe it's the entrenched culture of no accountability. I'll grant that changes are being made. But how do we explain to the Jesse Acostas who served this country that it's just too much trouble to take their cases individually? That in order to get through the number of cases, there's more investment in blocking treatment than in authorizing it? Because that's how it looks to me. On April 1, Myanmar's first civilian government in nearly 50 years, led by Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy, will take office in the capital of Naypyidaw. After months of speculation and elusive riddling, a new administration in Myanmar has finally been revealed with the Lady's close friend and loyal ally, Htin Kyaw, as President. This is a remarkable step in the right direction, but there is still a long way forward before reform begets real change and the country can break free from its repressive past. That Aung San Suu Kyi's cabinet includes a number of former political prisoners inspires some confidence in the new government. But will the administration be able to effectively remedy a long legacy of abuse? The continued arrest, prosecution, and imprisonment of human rights defenders including journalists, students, and land rights activists has only escalated in the past many months. Repressive laws, both old and new, are being selectively applied to maximise jail sentences through various legislative loopholes. Last year saw the first known application of new media laws including the Electronic Transactions Act and the Telecommunications Law where mere satire brought forward defamation charges and many months of imprisonment. The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners estimates that of February 90 political prisoners remain behind bars and over 400 are facing politically motivated charges, many of whom are human rights defenders. Advertisement The new administration should make it a priority to fulfil ex-President Thein Sein's failed pledge to promptly release all political prisoners. It should firmly commit to protecting a space for human rights defenders to operate without fear of reprisal. Human rights defenders should be able to develop their role in monitoring, promoting, and protecting human rights without harassment and intimidation. The military still wields extensive control over government affairs and beyond, which limits this transition to democracy as partial at best. The military holds an effective veto over all constitutional change and control over three key government ministries. And the military's nomination of Myint Swe for Vice President does not inspire confidence to this end. The notorious ex-military hardliner was Yangon Regional Commander during the suppression of the Saffron Revolution. The thousands-strong demonstrations of 2007, where students, political activists, and monks called for basic living standards and genuine dialogue with political opposition, saw a violent crackdown on peaceful protestors. Hundreds were subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention, interrogation, and torture. 32 people, including monks, were shot dead on the streets of Yangon and had a lasting impact on the regime's credibility. A reputed 'crony' with vested business interests around the country, Myint Swe has held post of the Chief Minister of Yangon since 2011. Following a student demonstration in Yangon in March 2015 he deployed a paramilitary group to crackdown on the activists. Many have expressed disappointment at the military's decision to nominate Myint Swe. Advertisement The Lady and her allies have yet to articulate a concrete human rights agenda going forward. It would bode well for the administration to now publicly commit to a tangible plan of action to deliver on its commitments vis a vis international human standards. Crucially, this includes amending the Right to Peaceful Assembly and Peaceful Processions Act that directly hinders freedom of association and expression by providing considerable latitude to authorities in defining legitimate 'assembly.' The NLD should promptly ratify key human rights conventions, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and ensure that the Office of the High Commission of Human Rights is granted a full mandate in-country. Judicial reform is critical in allowing the rhetoric of reform to coincide with reality. The sheer number of trumped up and politically motivated arrests posit a direct challenge to the independence of the judiciary. Where the judiciary remains either directly or indirectly involved in the continued persecution of human rights defenders and others, due process and fair trial rights cannot effectively materialize. Additionally, committing to instating tangible reforms to the National Human Rights Commission, including, at minimum, independence, should be an on-going effort. At a time when the Chicago Teacher's Union is planning a one-day strike, it's important to remember that while we as teachers may support or oppose the strategy of a Day of Action, we're united by a common set of values around education. We believe that education opens the door to opportunity, and that this door needs to be open whether students live in Lawndale or Little Village, Englewood or Edgewater. We believe that every child deserves a well-trained, effective teacher. And we believe that funding challenges are limiting our city's ability to serve all of its students well. We are aligned on these values - even if we have different ideas about how to achieve them. We Support the Day of Action: While jailed for protesting segregation, Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote, "We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the vitriolic words and actions of the bad people but for the appalling silence of the good people." We are proud that the Chicago Teachers Union has refused to stay silent. The CTU's House of Delegates has voted in support of a 1-day strike on April 1st. This Day of Action is about putting students first. On April 1, Chicago's K-12 educators, college professors, community organizations, labor organizations, and others will stand together to collectively raise an alarm that the citizens of this state can no longer ignore. In the last three years, Chicago has closed 50 schools, cut hundreds of staff members, and frozen teacher pay. Many of our schools lack art classes, after school enrichment, or sports. The city and state are selling out the future of our children by refusing to embrace and argue for additional revenues. Chicago Public Schools is broke and has exhausted its capacity to borrow. There are two possible paths forward for the district: 1) severe staffing cuts, dramatic increases in class sizes, and more neighborhoods torn apart by school closure; or 2) serious revenue solutions like a progressive income tax. We oppose any solution that does not include additional revenue because of the dramatic effects it will have on our students. What's more, our recent graduates are now at risk of dropping out of college due to decimated state funding, including suspension of MAP grants. These cuts mean that students have less access to career choices, are less marketable, less competitive, and are less likely to have upward mobility. That is a future we cannot accept for our students, and that is why we support the April 1st Day of Action. - Casey Fuess (Robert Lindblom Math & Science Academy) - Andrea Parker (Robert Fulton Elementary) - Jim Staros (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr College Prep) We Oppose a One-Day Strike: We believe that the Chicago Teachers Union wants to do what is right for Chicago's children, but that the union's tactics are misguided. Our schools are severely underfunded, and we believe that CTU wants to protest against the decisions of city and state leaders that threaten our students' education. However, we are concerned that the lack of clarity around the Day of Action will cost us the support of many teachers and the public - because we fear that the public will wonder, as we do, what the purpose of the Day of Action truly is. First, there has been no clarity about whether teachers are sending a message to CPS or the state. Is CTU protesting against a reduction in the pension pickup, the declaration of three furlough days, or state underfunding? Second, while CTU originally stated that the purpose of the Day of Action is to protest the furlough, it is illogical for this day to fall a week after the furlough. Why not protest on the furlough day itself, or on our professional development day on April 8, and avoid another day that students miss school? Finally, the union has also stated the purpose of the strike is to protest the state's inability to fund its schools adequately. We agree, but then wonder: why we are we protesting in Chicago and not Springfield? Last spring, in the chaos following the firing of Mattel's CEO (who presided over a disastrous slide in Barbie sales), a Mattel finance executive got an email from his new boss, replacement CEO Christopher Sinclair, ordering the transfer of $3 million to a new Chinese supplier. She promptly wired the money to China's Bank of Wenzhou, confirming the transaction a few hours later with Sinclair, who said he'd sent no such email. The FBI and their bank told them it was too late, the money had landed in China. The con, called the "Fake CEO scam," had been perfected on many smaller US businesses, but Mattel was the biggest target to date. The FBI says that China has become the new banker for global money laundering, and that money that disappears into its banks can never be recovered. In a rare stroke of luck, though, Mattel was able to get its money back. When the Bank of Wenzhou opened the following Monday, a China-based anti-fraud executive from Mattel strode past the sculpted lions that flank the entrance to the bank's headquarters, marched upstairs to the International Business Department and presented a letter from the FBI, according to two people familiar with the investigation who were not authorized to speak publicly. Chinese police froze the account that very morning. Two days later, on May 6, Mattel got its money back, according to the letter. Mattel wrote that the Wenzhou police "showed a great sense of responsibility and enforcement capability." "We hereby reiterate our appreciation," Mattel wrote. "We also hope that this case can pave the way for future international cooperation in fighting similar transnational crimes." Mattel vs. Chinese cyberthieves: It's no game [AP/CBS] (via /.) President Obama's essay of Argentine tango was a diplomatic triumph. Those of us who devote a lot of time and effort to that remarkable music and dance form know from the very beginning how difficult it is. You don't just start up and dance tango. The very first lesson is the worst because, as Nora Olivera, the superb maestra with whom I've been studying since my first very tentative efforts, told me after our initial lesson, "The trouble, poeta, is that you don't know how to walk." I protested, since I thought I had been walking more or less successfully since I was eighteen months old, and by the time of my first tango lesson, I was quite a bit older than that. She clarified her criticism: "I mean, you don't walk in the way of tango." I spent the next year or two trying to learn it, with exhaustive coaching from Nora and slavish practice up and down my hallway at home...all to glorious music. It was one of the most difficult physical tests I've ever faced. Eventually, I got it. Terence Clarke and Beatrice Bowles Photo by Kevin Carrel Footer. Used with permission. But nothing in tango is easy. Once, during a lesson I was having with the great Carlos Gavito, I bemoaned the fact that I felt I woud never really get tango, that my northern upbringing, my un-Mediterranean, un-bonairense (i.e. Buenos Aires) heart made it impossible for me. Gavito waved my protestations away. "Terry, if I have one good tango during the milonga...one!...I consider the evening a success. Because that's usually all I get." Advertisement Carlos Gavito and Marcela Duran Photo: Courtesy of Carlos Gavito. Used with permission. Carlos Gavito, of all people, said that to me. So...President Obama. This man has real grace, and it showed in his performance that evening, despite the fact that, yes, he was unsure of himself on the dance floor and, yes, he was worried that he may be shown up. But he was not worried enough to miss all the nuances of the music and the delicacies of the tango walk, as I was the first time I tried it. He's got the thing in his heart. His tango soulfulness is clear. You can see it simply in the way he holds himself. Grace. Self-knowledge. Verve. Confidence. The phenomenon of Obama's tango is very important for the relationship between the United States and South America. In Argentina, unlike in the United States, dancing well is considered the mark of an accomplished man. If you can do that, it means you've got a fine sense of yourself, you're willing to enter freely into the difficulties of one of the great dance forms in the world, and you are not afraid. You respect the music. You understand the emotional depth of the dance. You move as though tango will reveal to you the secret to understanding, the sharing of knowledge with your partner, the give and take of moving together, suggestion, negotiation, the idea presented, the discussion of that idea...all undertaken with a great heart. These are the kinds of things that nations must learn in order for the world to move ahead with thoughtful fellow feeling and authority, for the benefit of all. Tango can do that for you. But I don't know of anyone in the current crop of Republicans who would understand this. Surely not Donald Trump. And Mitch McConnell? Please! After the president's success on the dance floor, he was criticized by several on The Right for being so devil-may-care in the wake of the Brussels (and other) attacks. "I think he ought to return home," John Kasich immediately opined. Nicolle Wallace, George W. Bush's former director of communications, suggested that Obama's tango was a "communications crime...that puts him vastly out of step with the entire American public." (No pun intended, I hope.) Stuart Varney, host of Fox Business, was upset by "another jarring image of President Obama dancing the night away while Europe mourns its dead. Good morning, everyone. This is not going to go down well." Fox's Andrew Napolitano worried about it too. "I'm not so sure he should be doing that when everybody else is worried about where ISIS is, who they're going to kill next, and are they going to come over here." Advertisement I suspect that Obama does worry about ISIS, quite a bit. And if I'm not mistaken, he was at the time on an important diplomatic trip to Argentina, a close ally of the U.S. and a nation central to South America's continuing rise to true world prominence. His tango was a very positive nod to that country's deep artistic and historical importance to the western hemisphere. More to the point, though, I think these right-leaning spokespeople would do better to recall the Republican party's wholesale stampede to launch the invasion of Iraq in 2003. Their enthusiasm for that event was total, and thus a major reason for why the Middle East is so embroiled in its current problems. They didn't seem to fret all that much while Iraq was mourning its many, many thousands of civilian dead. Of the two diplomatic efforts, Obama's tango was clearly the more successful. MANHATTAN, NEW YORK CITY, UNITED STATES - 2016/03/30: Candidate places hand over heart while on stage. Democratic primary front runner Hillary Clinton appeared before hundreds of supporters in Harlem's Apollo Theater to hear her address issues such as income inequality & gun control. (Photo by Andy Katz/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images) It's a lie that Hillary Clinton is a liar. The truth is that Hillary Clinton tells us the truth -- and she has been doing so for decades. But many women -- particularly millennials -- have a different image of Hillary Clinton. Writing in Mother Jones, Kevin Drum has this perspective on why millennials might think that Hillary is untrustworthy: Advertisement It's easy to understand why they might think this. After all, Hillary has been surrounded by a miasma of scandal for decades--and even if you vaguely know that a lot of the allegations against her weren't fair, well, where there's smoke there's fire. So if you're familiar with the buzzwords--Whitewater, Travelgate, Vince Foster, the Rose law firm, Troopergate, Ken Starr, Benghazi, Emailgate--but not much else, it's only human to figure that maybe there really is something fishy in Hillary's past. I've been spending time on college campuses with young women who identify with what's being called "New Wave Feminism," and I get a lot of questions about Hillary Clinton and the "trust" issue. I'm gratified to report that I see heads nodding in agreement when I give my answer. Hillary Clinton is the most admired woman in the world for a record 20 years, but as soon as she says she is running to be President of the United States of America, suddenly people say we can't trust her. There is a gendered aspect to this that we need to confront. Politicians are constantly, constantly telling us not to trust women. We're told we can't be trusted to make our reproductive health decisions. We're told we can't be trusted when we say we've been sexually assaulted -- it's assumed that we are lying, or asked for it, or wore the wrong clothes, or said the wrong things. Even in the corporate world, women aren't trusted to be top leaders. Only 5% of Fortune 500 companies have female CEOs. So when people say they can't trust Hillary, they are tapping into the same tired old excuses for keeping women out of leadership. I call sexist bullshit on that. Beyond the buzzwords and soundbite-sized misapprehensions, Hillary Clinton has an inspiring record of achievement in matters of great importance to women. Let me count some of the ways Hillary is telling important truths in this campaign. 1. Hillary Clinton is telling us the truth about the college child care gap. Hillary's plan for debt-free college includes federal funding to place child care facilities in two-year colleges. Here's why: Nearly half of student parents attend two-year colleges, yet less than half of all two-year college campuses offer on-campus child care services. Lack of quality child care is a major reason why students, especially women of color, end up not completing their studies. What's more, Hillary has proposed he Student Parents in America Raising Kids (SPARK) program that will award scholarships of up to $1,500 per year to up to 1 million student parents to pay for child care, transportation and "emergency financial aid. This program follows on the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund, which then First Lady of Arkansas Hillary Clinton helped found in 1990 and has awarded nearly 40,000 single parent scholarships and significantly improved the retention and graduation rates of its awardees. 2. Hillary Clinton is telling us the truth about sensible gun laws. She knows that America simply cannot accept as "normal" about 33,000 gun deaths every year. Common sense, and long overdue gun laws, including getting rid of gun manufacturers' blanket immunity from being held liable for defective products, is key to making communities safer. The presence of guns in a home where there is intimate partner violence makes it five times more likely that domestic violence will turn into murder. Women are 11 times more likely to be murdered with guns in the United States than women in other high-income countries, and more than half of them are murdered by intimate partners or family members. 3. Hillary Clinton is telling us the truth about the need for full funding for abortion care. supports full funding for abortion care, whether a woman gets her health care through Medicaid, on an exchange, or through her employer. As I wrote here last February, What's more, Secretary Clinton understands that reproductive health care is part and parcel of women's health, not some exotic outlier that gets forgotten or downplayed when health policy is being hammered out. Her leadership on reproductive health care goes way beyond the "I support a woman's right to choose" declaration we've come to expect from Democratic candidates. Hillary Clinton has been a leading voice in not only defending access to abortion, but in demanding public funding for abortion care like any other health care. Hillary Clinton was the first candidate in the Democratic primary to come out squarely and emphatically in support of repealing the Hyde Amendment, the 1976 law that blocks Medicaid from funding abortion care. This means that for low-income women, disproportionately women of color, who rely on Medicaid, it's as if Roe v. Wade never happened. Hillary Clinton has said, "I would like to see Planned Parenthood even get more funding" and "A right without the opportunity to exercise it isn't a right. Low-income women deserve health care. The Hyde Amendment should be overturned." 4. Hillary Clinton is telling us the truth about paid family leave. The United States is the only developed nation in the world with no guaranteed paid leave of any kind. In fact, only 13 percent of American workers have access to paid family leave--with the lowest paid workers up to four times less likely to have access than the highest paid. Hillary Clinton wants to guarantee up to 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave for workers and ensure at least a two-thirds wage replacement rate for workers so that low-income and middle class workers receive the financial support they need to take the leave they need. But Hillary's understanding of this issue goes beyond support for legislative proposals. I'm impressed by how much she's thought about this, and her deep understanding of why family leave is so important to women. In a major economic speech, Hillary Clinton said, The movement of women into the American workforce over the past 40 years was responsible for more than $3.5 trillion in economic growth. But that progress has stalled. The United States used to rank seventh out of 24 advanced countries in women's labor force participation. By 2013, we had dropped to 19th. That represents a lot of unused potential for our economy and for American families. Studies show that nearly a third of this decline relative to other countries is because they're expanding family-friendly policies like paid leave and we are not. We should be making it easier for Americans to be both good workers and good parents and caregivers. Women who want to work should be able to do so without worrying every day about how they're going to take care of their children, or what will happen if a family member gets sick. I'm old enough to have seen more than my fair share of political campaigns that were built on lies, distortion and even hatred. When I was a law professor in New Orleans, I was deeply involved in the resistance to the racist gubernatorial campaign of David Duke. As President of NOW, I hear outrageous and offensive attacks on women and their advocates every day. But Hillary Clinton has had to endure more distortions of her record and attacks on her character than any political figure in recent memory. I know exactly what Donald Trump means when he boasts, "I haven't even started on Hillary Clinton." BROOKLYN, N.Y. - Top Clinton campaign operatives announced today that a Protection From Accountability order against Bernie Sanders has been granted by MSNBC. Joel Benenson, senior Clinton strategist and Corporatist-whore-without-Portfolio, had previously demanded Sanders alter his "tone" from one of running for president to one of weepy resignation. Fiery young progressives Charles Schumer and Debbie Wasserman Schultz hailed the news as a way to energize the Democratic Party behind President Obama's economic policies. Which, they boast, have brought prosperity to everyone from Timothy Geithner to Peter Orszag baby mamas. Meanwhile, an attempt by Hillary to generate spontaneous Sanders campaign rally excitement misfired tragically earlier today. Clinton took the stage dressed as The Little Old Bird Woman from Mary Poppins to the maudlin strains of "Feed The Birds". Unfortunately Bill Clinton, waiting backstage, missed his cue to release the menagerie of penned up pigeons and doves due to the presence of an attractive stagehand. When he did regain focus and opened the cage, the startled fowl violently attacked the former President and pecked out the last remnants of his integrity. Advertisement Despite MSNBC's efforts, national polls continually show Senator Sanders as the candidate more likely to win in November. Though a recent poll of "likely voters" for a Trump / Clinton race shows Hillary Clinton defeating Donald Trump. On March 11, 2011, following a massive earthquake and a devastating tsunami, the cores of three of the reactors at Japan's Fukushima nuclear plant melted down with horrific results. Radioactive cesium, with a half-life of 30 years, contaminated almost 12,000 square miles of the country, an area about the size of the state of Connecticut. The government considered 12.5 square miles around the plant so poisoned that its population was evacuated and it was declared a permanent "exclusion" zone. (At Chernobyl in Ukraine, three decades after the other great nuclear disaster of our era, a 1,000 square mile exclusion zone is still in place.) One hundred and twenty thousand evacuees, some from areas outside the exclusion zone, have still not gone home and some undoubtedly never will, despite a vast decontamination program run by the government. (Sixteen to twenty-two million bags of contaminated soil and debris will someday be buried in a vast landfill near the plant, but it may take decades to get them there and that's only the beginning of the problems to come.) And let's not forget that, according to a report from the French Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety, the ocean waters around Fukushima received "the largest single contribution of radionuclides to the marine environment ever observed." To this day, five years later, eerie photos continue to emerge from now eternally deserted towns miles from the plant, thanks to what's called "dark tourism." But bad as the Fukushima nuclear disaster was, it might have been so much worse. Japan's then-prime minister, Naoto Kan, has only recently admitted that he was so worried by the unraveling catastrophe and the swirl of misinformation around it that he almost ordered the evacuation of Tokyo, the capital, and all other areas within 160 miles of the plant. The country, he said, "came within a 'paper-thin margin' of a nuclear disaster requiring the evacuation of 50 million people." Advertisement Keep that in mind as you read, "A Fukushima on the Hudson?", today's report from Alison Rose Levy and Ellen Cantarow, who has in recent years covered citizen resistance to the desires of Big Energy for TomDispatch. Since the United States used nuclear weapons on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945, nuclear power has always had a fearsome aspect. In the 1950s, the administration of President Dwight Eisenhower began promoting "the peaceful atom" in an attempt to take some of the sting out of atomic power's bad rep. (As part of that project, Eisenhower helped then-ally the Shah of Iran set up a "peaceful" nuclear program, the starting point for Washington's more modern nuclear conflicts with that country.) The Hillary Clinton email probe is getting very close to becoming another full-blown Clinton scandal. David Shuster of Al Jazeera reported on March 30th that the FBI is arranging interviews with former State Department aides Philippe Reines, Former Clinton Chief of Staff Cheryl Mills, and Clinton herself. Shuster also scooped that Justice Department prosecutors are joining the FBI team of investigators. Here are some things that need to be understood regarding this email probe based on what has been reported. The LA Times recently reported that interviews are being arranged for the FBI to speak to HRC associates. This infers that all the preliminary investigation into this matter has been done. The fact that subpoenas for interviews have been submitted and that one of HRC's aides has been granted immunity means a grand jury exists to approve of the immunity and interviews. Advertisement Weeks ago it was revealed that Bryan Pagliano, the person granted immunity failed to inform his employers at the State Deptartment that while in their employ he was also employed by HRC to manage her private email server. Persons who have been US prosecutors with knowledge of the laws regarding the Clinton server have stated that it was unlawful of Pagliano to not inform his government employers he was also privately working for Secretary Clinton. That he knew he was in violation because of this would be a strong motivation to cooperate with the FBI investigation. The crux of the case against HRC according to knowledgeable people of these laws have stated that the very existence of her private email server was a violation of law regarding national security. We know Clinton never used the .gov email account that was created for her. It is very important to understand that HRC as Secretary of State was one of ten members of the government that had the authority to make a document classified. Like all government employees at this level, HRC signed a document that clearly states she is responsible and accountable for information that is classified regardless of when it is given the status of classified. This cuts through the smokescreen of the defense that documents that went through HRC's private server were later identified as classified and that is all she had done. She was expected by way of law to know which material by its inherent nature was deemed worthy of this classification. We know that at least 22 of her emails were not only classified but identified as SAP. Special Access Programs (SAP) are considered "highly classified" documents. It appears quite likely she broke national security laws during her time as Secretary of State. Advertisement The big question is why did HRC not use a .gov email address and why did she only use her private server for ALL of her email correspondence. Her stated reason of "convenience" seems incomplete at best in terms of an answer when it is handling matters of national security. Yes, it was inconvenient for her to read all of her classified email from a secure laptop in a special room which disabled her blackberry, but how does that justify anything when it comes to national security. HRC was rebuffed when she requested of the NSA a secure blackberry similar to the one they made for President Obama that could not be hacked. A big reason why HRC could not bring her blackberry into the secure room is that hackers can take over a blackberry and turn it into a listening device. Her Secretary of State offices were located in such a room so that yes, this was inconvenient. It was deemed by the NSA too costly and time-consuming to create a second blackberry. It has been noted by the NSA that this was typical of the Clintons to believe they warranted special treatment above and beyond everyone else. An obvious reason for HRC to want to control all of her email by private server became readily apparent when after her time as Secretary of State individuals and organizations put in FOIA requests regarding her emails. The State Department ultimately came back with the response to these requests that there were no documents to be found. The State Department mislead the requesters by not informing them that they could not be found because they were not on a government server but a private server. This would indicate the possibility that some of her old employees were trying to protect her. These would probably be the same employees who did not think to question why their Secretary of State did not use a .gov email. Apparently HRC is such an intimidating figure that no one in government thought to question this matter of national security. In regards to access of her emails if she would have used a .gov email then not only FOIA requests were a concern for HRC but also the fact that thousands of individuals could have access to her emails. Given the Clintons penchant for scandals and their subsequent secrets it does not take any imagination to conclude why HRC only used a private server. She expected to have something to hide. The only reasonable conclusion to be made by all of this is that HRC prioritized her ability to keep secrets over the needs of national security. There is one particular area of interest that is being speculated she wanted to hide and might have been included in the 30K emails she destroyed. This is the matter of money donated to the Clinton Foundation by the same countries who got approved by Hillary's State Department to buy U.S. arms. The book "Clinton Cash" covers this in detail and is being studied by the same FBI investigators that are investigating her emails. It is not shocking that HRC made this astoundingly bad extremely selfish decision to only use a private email server as Secretary of State when juxtaposed to past Clinton behavior. The biggest question this begs is whether she can be trusted as our next president to prioritize matters that put the interests of the country ahead of personal interests. President Obama and Loretta Lynch are very likely going to have a big decision to make regarding this matter. They of course do not want to deal with this but given how secrets have a way to getting to the media in DC this is certainly not something they will be able to shove under a rug even if they were tempted to. Most likely this hot potato will be passed on by them to a Special Counsel. Hopefully, once its obvious this is not going to go away easily that Hillary will withdraw from the nomination process for president. However, even though this would be the right thing to do, is it what Hillary will do? That is quite up in the air when there are three factors in their behavior that are quite consistent. They are very selfish, they fervently believe rules and laws do not apply to them, and they are totally committed to the pay to play practices that dominate US politics. Something to keep in mind if you really want to both understand this upside down election process and the Clintons is that understanding psychology is much more helpful than understanding standard politics. This election process is dominated by anger which usually leads to self-destructive behavior. The Clintons appear to have a somewhat unique strain of self-destructive behavior. They appear to have the same compulsive behavior as gamblers when it comes to the number and scope of secrets that get created connected to their lives. It is plausible both the Clintons and gamblers are caught in a similar vice of compulsive self-destructive behavior. US President Barack Obama leaves after speaking about US - Iranian relations, including the Iranian-American nationals that were jailed in Iran and are being freed as part of a prisoner swap, in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington, DC, January 17, 2016. The presidential statement comes after the lifting of international sanctions against Iran as part of a nuclear deal capped by a US-Iranian prisoner exchange. / AFP / SAUL LOEB (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images) Surprise, surprise -- the nuclear accord between the U.S., other major world powers, and Iran is under threat. But the source of this risk might upset expectations: it is the Obama administration that has failed to resolve persistent ambiguities with the U.S. sanctions relief and, as a result, major foreign banks continue to refuse to handle transactions involving Iran, frustrating the expectations of Iran's people for economic reprieve and plaguing the ultimate sustainability of the nuclear accord. Recent developments signal the danger ahead. Last week, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei publicly alleged that the United States was failing to "respect its commitments" under the nuclear accord, particularly by "using roundabout paths to prevent the Islamic Republic" from achieving economic re-integration with the rest of the world. Specifically, the Supreme Leader decried the reticence of foreign banks to re-engage with their Iranian counterparts, chalking it up to pernicious efforts by U.S. sanctions authorities to undermine the benefit of the sanctions relief for Iran. Advertisement The Supreme Leader is wrong to believe that the United States is seeking to undermine the value of the sanctions relief for Iran. Nonetheless, the Supreme Leader's public comments do signal the despair to which Iran has fallen as European banks refuse to provide financial support for the stepped-up business interest in Iran. This despair is a serious danger for the nuclear accord: if Iran fails to see practical benefit to the nuclear bargain it has struck with the United States and other major world powers, then its commitment to the nuclear accord may well erode. Moreover, this despair will herald a perception in Iran that President Rouhani -- who has sought to steer the Islamic Republic on a path towards political and economic re-integration with the rest of the world, including the United States - has failed in his efforts to rehabilitate Iran's political image and economic well-being. The consequences for Iran's own internal development could well be devastating. The Obama administration should not sit on its hands as this problem festers. Failure to take action and resolve the lingering ambiguities regarding the application of surviving U.S. sanctions could end up derailing the nuclear accord and upsetting President Obama's signature foreign policy achievement. Simple solutions do exist. For starters, the Obama administration should provide clear guidance on how major foreign banking institutions can re-engage with Iran all the while remaining compliant with surviving U.S. sanctions. That means providing in precise detail what due diligence measures U.S. authorities expect foreign banks to take when re-engaging with their Iranian counterparts and handling transactions for which Iranians are counter-parties. Banks need both a road map and a check-list, and only the Obama administration can give it to them. Advertisement Second, the Obama administration should provide public encouragement for major European and Asian banks to re-connect with their Iranian counterparts - much as Europe's political leaders are doing right now. While the U.S. continues to prohibit its own banks from engaging with Iran, the United States has a serious interest in ensuring that Iran receives the benefit of its bargain under the nuclear accord. Everyone is watching Washington, too. This month, the UK Prime Minister David Cameron sent an unusual letter to one of the UK's largest banks -- Barclays -- encouraging it to conduct Iran-related transactions. Barclay's response was illustrative: so long as the U.S. maintains its own trade embargo with Iran, Barclays said, the bank will be reluctant to re-engage their Iranian counterparts and handle funds transfers on behalf of Iranian parties. In other words, it doesn't much matter what the UK's political expectations are; what matters is what the United States is doing. That is why public notice of encouragement from high-level U.S. officials -- rather than the persistent but small private meetings with U.S. bureaucrats -- will move the needle and raise the confidence-level of foreign banks interested in resuming financial transactions with Iran. Finally, the Obama administration should consider relieving additional sanctions on Iran in order to assuage concerns over the unworkability of the sanctions relief. For instance, banks are having trouble dealing with the fact that their Iran-related transactions cannot dollar-clear a U.S. bank, thereby forcing them to screen off all Iran-related dealings. In discussions I have had with bank officials, the costs of such restructuring are prohibitive, particularly insofar as no one is racing to take up Iran-related business in the first place. One step that the administration could take is to reinstate the license authorization for "U-turn" transactions, where U.S. banks are authorized to process funds transfers for the benefit of Iranian parties but only where such funds transfers were initiated and received by a non-U.S., non-Iranian banks. The U-turn license - as it was known -- was revoked in November 2008 and only then in order to isolate Iran's financial system for purposes of winning concessions on its nuclear program. By reinstating the U-turn license, which would allow foreign banks to engage in dollar-clearing for Iran-related transactions -- the Obama administration would resolve the unrelenting practical issues that have arisen for banks in processing Iran-related transactions. Advertisement Cross-posted from UN Women A day in the life of, a new editorial series, provides a glimpse into the daily work and challenges that UN Women staff face in the field. Lusiana Bulu, 38, talks to UN Women's Ellie van Baaren about the challenges she and other market vendors are facing in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Winston. Photo: UN Women/Murray Lloyd Ellie van Baaren, is the regional communications and media specialist for UN Womens Fiji Multi-Country Office. She worked as a journalist and communications consultant for 15 years before joining UN Women as a VSA volunteer from New Zealand in March 2014. Advertisement The first thing that hits you about a country that has felt the full force of a category five cyclone is the trees. Its like they have been ravaged by a forest fire, one that strips them of their foliage but otherwise leaves no visible scorch marks. Unfortunately, I was seeing this for the second time in less than a year. Surveying the damage, talking to women who are battered and exhaustedbut far from broken by Mother Natures furyI have witnessed womens incredible strength and resilience. As the communications and media specialist for UN Womens Fiji Multi-Country Office, its my job to help amplify the stories of the challenges Pacific women experience in their everyday lives, as well as their achievements and what we are doing as an organization to help create change. Its a privilege and a responsibility. It can leave me feeling at times enraged and indignant but also hopeful and inspired. An example of the destruction wrought by Tropical Cyclone Winston along the Kings Road on Viti Levu, Fiji.Photo: UN Women/Murray Lloyd Cyclone Pam was a monster storm that made a direct hit on the south-eastern islands of Vanuatu in March 2015. The death toll was mercifully small but the level of destruction was devastating. Up to 98 per cent of crops were destroyed, depriving thousands of both their sources of food and income. Some of the hardest hit were the women, who are often tasked with growing and selling the produce at rural or urban markets. The money they earned paid for their children to go to school, the clothes on their backs and the food on their tables. I spent five days travelling around Efate island talking to women about what they had experienced and what the future held. Advertisement Just 11 months later, Cyclone Winston turned from a nuisance storm into a terrifying Category Five monster. The strongest cyclone ever to hit Fiji and one of the strongest to hit the Southern Hemisphere, its wind gusts reached 350kmph and storm surges inundated coastal towns. Putting up the tents, tables and chairs provided by UN Women to serve as a temporary market space in Rakiraki. Tropical Cyclone Winston destroyed the market building, depriving hundreds of vendors, most of them women, of a place not only to earn a living, but also to support each other emotionally as they recover. The tents, tables and chairs were provided through UN Women's Markets for Change project, which is funded by the Australian Government.Photo: UN Women/Murray Lloyd For me it hit much closer to homeliterally and figuratively. Firstly, I got a taste of what it feels like to experience such a storm. A weekend holiday put me in Winstons path, less than 50km from the storms centre, and Ill never forget the hours I spent huddled in the toilet while the wind roared and trees cracked and fell around me. But I was lucky. Many of the women I had talked to over the past two years had lost everything. They would have to start again, some with even less than the first time. UN Women does a lot of work with market vendors and farmers, and with partner organizations working to end violence against women and girls. Here in the Pacific, we also focus on ensuring the needs and capabilities of women are integrated into every level of disaster response, recovery and risk reduction. Its essential in situations like Pam and Winston that the voices of women are heard and that they receive the support they need to get back on their feet as quickly as possible. Thats where I get to play a part. My role is to listen. To document and share the stories, experiences and messages of the women most affected by disasters like Cyclone Pam and Winston. In early March 2016, that role brought me to Rakiraki and Varanisese Maisamoa. I met the 38-year-old Varanisese among the ruins of Rakiraki Market, selling vegetables she had travelled almost 190 km to find because her normal suppliers now have nothing to offer. Advertisement UN Women's Ellie van Baaren talks to Reenal Prasad about the challenges she has been facing since Tropical Cyclone Winston hit Fiji. While her house in Toko, about 3 km from Tavua, survived, most of her family's belongings were ruined by the rain and flooding.Photo: UN Women/Murray Lloyd Shes my age [38], but her life couldnt be more different. Shes been selling at the market for 11 years and is the President of the Women Vendors Club. In ordinary times, on a good day, she can make FJD 100-150 (USD 50-75), which covers the water bill, transport, her childrens school and medical care, and any day-to-day needs. She, her husband and her four daughters all sheltered in their outhouse while Winston took the roof off their home. At his boarding school in Suva, her son had to run for his life. Varanisese then spent two days sleeping in her car to ward off looters. Ten days after the cyclone she had no electricity and intermittent water supply. Varanisese Maisamoa, 38, pulled together half of what she had left after the cyclone to donate to her fellow market vendors.Photo: UN Women/Murray Lloyd Yet, despite her own losses, her mind is on her fellow market vendors and the rest of her community. She is working to organize a group of women vendors to collectively pay enough for a farmer to deliver a truckload of produce for them to sell; she has also gathered half of what she has left to give to other families who need it. Advertisement To hear her speak with such hope and solidarity despite having lost so much is deeply inspiring: I love this community. Everyone is your friend; everyone is your neighbour. Right now we have to be brave and put a smile on our faces and try to move on, she says. And thats what stays with me long after I thank these women and head back to my comfy office. The sheer resilience in these women and their communities is astonishing, but ultimately unsurprising. I see it and hear it every time I interview a woman taking part in one of our programmes, every time I observe one of our partner organizations in action. It just shines a little brighter when theyre faced with such dark times. Lusiana Bulu, 38, and her husband Lukekalevu at Ba Market in Fiji's Western Division. The cyclone was already approaching Ba when she left the market to secure her home and by that time it was too late to head to an evacuation centre. They lost their toilet and bathroom and still have no electricity. The market is their only source of income, but many customers cannot afford the higher prices caused by a shortage of local produce after Tropical Cyclone Winston.Photo: UN Women/Murray Lloyd "It may not be good for America, but it's damn good for CBS." -- Les Moonves, CEO of CBS, when discussing Trump's candidacy Donald Trump's ascendance has many enablers, but news media deserve special scrutiny. Television news in particular has popularized Trump -- and, in doing so, has turned our political process into a reality TV spectacle. Even when attacking, news media are boosting his visibility. And even as he attacks them -- threatening to change libel laws, mocking and feuding with journalists, holding campaign events where members of the press are corralled and roughed up -- he serves media well. Because the news organizations that cover Trump are making obscene amounts of money. Advertisement While it's tempting to blame the audience for this skewed coverage, it's far more complicated. "We simply give people what they want" has been the industry's go-to justification for cheap and shoddy programming since the dawn of commercial media. Just because it's hard to look away doesn't mean we crave constant spectacle instead of substantive news. And though it's difficult to imagine an alternative when options are lacking, we can still dare to dream that a better media system is possible -- one that does not sensationalize and trivialize matters of profound importance to the future of our democracy and of our planet. Much popular media criticism decries specific journalists or news organizations' individual failures. But this suggests that the problem lies with only a few bad apples. Rarely do we consider the underlying structural reasons for why our media system operates as it does. This is not to imply there's a cabal of media owners who meet in smoky backrooms to plot the manipulation of the masses. Rather, we can better understand the "trumpification of the media" by focusing on the commercial logic that drives it. This draws attention to the root of the problem: the commercial pressures and profit imperatives that encourage particular types of news coverage. Commercial news media are first and foremost businesses, and Trump is pure gold for their bottom line. He keeps ratings high and ad sales strong. Conflict and controversy attract eyeballs, and our hyper-commercialized media system cares most about what sells advertising -- not what informs or enriches our democratic discourse. Most commercial media organizations, whether cable news, broadcast news, newspapers, and increasingly websites, profit most by serving up audiences to advertisers who pay big money. That's why media CEOs hear a "ka-ching!" every time Donald Trump appears on the screen. Advertisement How did this happen? How did the U.S. end up with a system that, in many sectors, is dominated by a handful of corporations, is only lightly regulated by public interest protections, and is largely commercial with only weak public alternatives? Suffice it to say that this system didn't emerge from entirely democratic decisions; it arose instead from a history of commercial interests winning out over others. Other democracies have developed strikingly different media systems, which aren't simply reflections of taste, culture and style. These differences arise from structural factors, and they affect the quality of information that audiences receive. Research has shown that commercialized news correlates with low political knowledge. Compared to other countries' media systems, ours is extremely commercialized, and few Americans realize how much of a global outlier we are in our meager funding of public media. For the past 100-plus years the U.S. has tried to sustain its experiment in commercialized journalism by treating news as both a commodity and a public service. While a perfect division never existed, the news industry (often out of fear of public backlash and government intervention) has long sought to prevent commercial imperatives from overwhelming democratic necessities. Today any vestiges of that always-porous divide are quickly eroding. Television news media demonstrate this most blatantly, but digital print media suggest similar trends with the rise of ubiquitous click-bait exposing readers to invasive and deceptive advertising. With ever-diminishing revenues for hard journalism, this trajectory is troubling -- and symptomatic of our media system's larger structural problems. We often forget that our hyper-commercialized media system is the product of policy decisions and not some act of nature. So it doesn't have to be this way; a different system was possible -- and it still is. Alternative models, both from the American past and from other countries, show us that different systems are viable. But they require policy interventions to establish structural safeguards and incentives for responsible and informative media. We could create a stronger public media system (one that actually behaves differently from its commercial counterparts), experiment with non-profit models, break up media monopolies and promote meaningful public service obligations that encourage high journalistic standards and practices. Taken together, these efforts might help prevent commercialism from trumping democracy. U.S. President Barack Obama shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping during their meeting at the start of the climate summit in Paris November 30, 2015. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque BEIJING -- My first contact with the U.S. was in November 1971. Since then, I've been watching the evolution of the China-U.S. relationship. The past 45 years have witnessed three phases in its development. During the Cold War, the China-U.S. relationship was built on a common strategy vis-a-vis Soviet hegemony. Its foundation was quite stable. The Soviet threat was a unifying factor. In the aftermath of the Cold War, the China-U.S. relationship was bolstered by growing economic and trade ties. In 1991, China-U.S. bilateral trade volume amounted to $25.3 billion. In 2012, the figure went up to $500 billion. Tremendous growth of China-U.S. economic and trade cooperation proved to be a solid foundation for our bilateral relationship. Advertisement The year 2013 marked a new phase of the China-U.S. relationship supported by triple pillars: cooperation to deal with global challenges, bilateral economic trade and investment cooperation and military-to-military exchanges and security cooperation. The new phase of the China-U.S. relationship is one of simultaneous friction and cooperation, a "new normal," as the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi described at his press conference on March 8. "There is both cooperation and friction between us," he said. "This might be the normal state of affairs." Undoubtedly, we're seeing more and more friction between China and the U.S. on a range of issues, such as the South China Sea, cybersecurity, trade disputes, human rights and intellectual property rights. China and the U.S. have different histories, cultures and political systems and are at different stages of development. Naturally, they may have differences. In 2010, Chinese GDP overtook that of Japan to become the second-largest economy in the world. This fact added a new dimension to the China-U.S. relationship: rivalry between an established power and a rising power. DigitalGlobe high-resolution imagery of the Subi Reef in the South China Sea, a part of the Spratly Islands group. (DigitalGlobe via Getty Images) The year 2016 is a very sensitive year for the China-U.S. relationship, because this is the election year in the U.S.. The presidential candidates may have a big mouth and say whatever they deem helpful to their campaign. Other sensitive issues include U.S. arms sales to Taiwan and the Democratic Progressive Party's victory in the election in Taiwan. How to best manage the China-U.S. relationship is a major challenge to both China and the U.S.. There are two competing agendas in the relationship: cooperation and friction. If the cooperation agenda fails to move forward, the friction agenda may take over. That would be a very bad scenario. Given the importance of China-U.S. relations to world peace and development, this scenario would be bad not only for our two countries, but also for the whole world. Therefore, to advance the cooperation agenda is the best way to manage the China-U.S. relationship. To advance the cooperation agenda, we have first to identify the convergent interests between China and the U.S.. In 2016, what is the most important convergent interest between the two countries? Economy. If you read Premier Li Keqiang's government work report and watch the U.S. economic performance in the 4th quarter of 2015, you can see that economic growth tops the agenda of both the Chinese and American governments. On Jan 27, when President Xi Jinping met with Secretary of State John Kerry in Beijing, Xi pointed out: "I've emphasized several times, when China and U.S. strengthen cooperation, we can do big things for the benefit of the world." President Xi is right. Look at the Paris Climate Change Agreement, the Iranian nuclear deal and the U.N. Security Council's resolution on North Korea -- China-U.S. cooperation played a pivotal role in each. Sluggish economic growth is a major issue facing both China and the U.S., as well as the rest of the world. If we want to give a strong boost to economic growth, we must, first of all, further grow China-U.S. cooperation. Advertisement What can China and the U.S. do in this area? Two things come to my mind: 1. To speed up and conclude BIT negotiation. China and the U.S. are negotiating a bilateral investment treaty. If concluded, this treaty will be another milestone in China-U.S. economic cooperation, taking our economic cooperation to a higher stage. Chinese companies, both public and private, are going global. The U.S. is one of their most coveted investment markets. The Chinese economy is going through a restructuring process. To fix the problem of pollution and upgrade the Chinese industry, American companies can do a lot in China. BIT will open up a new phase of China-U.S. economic and investment cooperation and give a push to China's badly needed economic reform. 2. To work together to ensure the success of the G20 Summit scheduled for Sept. 4-5 in Hangzhou. China-U.S. cooperation can play a crucial role in making this summit a success, which is very important to boost confidence and stimulate growth. It takes two to tango. China and the U.S. have to take every opportunity to strengthen cooperation in the economic area for the benefit of the two countries and the global economy. Earlier on WorldPost: Young couple with smartphones in their bed This week the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) dropped its lawsuit against Apple. The DOJ sought a court order to legally require Apple to create an operating system to get around iPhone encryption protections. Since December 2015, the FBI and Department of Justice have sworn that the only way to unlock the phone of one of the San Bernardino shooters was with Apple's help. Apple has built in specific security protections into the iPhone software to protect customer data, and to prevent access by anyone who is not the owner or does not have the owner's password. The government wanted Apple to essentially create a backdoor that would allow the government to hack the iPhone. But any software tool that is created to specifically weaken the iPhone's security protections could also be exploited by others. It's like leaving the window of your home open, and expecting a criminal to break into your home from the front door but not the window. Advertisement The government's request to Apple would make the iPhone vulnerable to other hackers, increasing the risk of breaches to iPhone users' private and confidential information. A recent report by Amnesty International also found that forcing companies to provide 'backdoors' to encryption deployed in their products or services will interfere with users' rights to privacy and freedom of expression. The Apple case also has greater implications on civil liberties. As Congresswoman Eshoo articulated, "Efforts to circumvent code that protects sensitive information on one device creates a dangerous precedent for future seizure of information and a pathway for unauthorized access of that information . . . Yes, law enforcement is important to us, but mass access to surveillance by the federal government is not the answer." The Apple case brought to the forefront an ongoing debate of the balance between national security and civil liberties. Partly, because Apple decided to fight back and has the resources to actually do so. But the battle over civil liberties has been brewing for some time. Last year, President Obama signed into law under the omnibus spending bill, the Cyber Information Sharing Act. The Act authorizes companies to police their consumers' personal information, texts, and calls, and share this information instantly with the government. This is real time sharing of "cyber threat indicators" to military and intelligence agencies, and automatic sharing with the National Security Agency (NSA). Law enforcement overreach continues with state legislation in California and New York, which attempt to ban all encryption on smartphones. Advertisement In other attempts to force tech companies to become investigative arms of the government, the government has pressured companies to censor speech. The government wants tech companies like Google, Facebook and Twitter to remove content off their websites, as part of the government's efforts to combat violent extremism. The government couches the speech and content it seeks technology companies to remove as "extremist material." But what is extremism? What is considered extremist material? What is considered extremism is subjective and a continuously evolving perception. Extremism speech encompasses speech that perhaps is deemed unfavorable, different, or contrary to society standards and/or acceptance at that time. Nevertheless, even extremist speech is protected speech, as evident by political rhetoric dominating the 2016 Presidential election. However, historically and in recent times with the Occupy Wall Street Movement, the government improperly classifies and treats political opposition, 1st Amendment-protected speech, as violent extremist speech. It basically amounts to the government using fear to crackdown on unfavorable speech, and views, beliefs, thoughts and ideas they do not agree with or like. A gentleman in Laholm, Sweden allegedly delivered a "revenge fart" in a woman's flat after she refused to have sex with him. So she called police who were obligated to investigate for any criminal activity. Apparently though, revenge farting is not a crime. From 60ABC: The man and the woman, whose names were not released to the public, had talked of having sex in a different occasion, but they are not in a relationship. According to the woman, the man visited her in her house with the desire to have sex with her. When she refused to indulge him, he simply farted and left. "It smelled very bad in my flat," the woman said in her police report. Anadolu Agency via Getty Images COPENHAGEN, DENMARK - NOVEMBER 2: Rajendra K. Pachauri, chair of the IPCC, attends the press conference about the fifth assessment report during the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) at the Tivoli Hotel & Congress Center in Copenhagen, Denmark on November 2, 2014. (Photo by Freya Ingrid Morales/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images) NEW DELHI -- A third woman, who is a foreign national, has alleged that she was sexually harassed by RK Pachauri while she was working as his secretary in 2008. The woman, who has publicly released her statement today through her lawyers Vrinda Grover and Ratna Appnender, alleged that when she summoned the courage to tell Pachauri to maintain professional relations with her four months into her job with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), he abruptly terminated her one-year contract. She was only 19 years old at the time. "From the beginning I noted a big difference in the way Pachauri behaved around me, compared to how other Indian men behaved with me," she said in her statement. "Other men kept a polite distance with limited physical contact. However, from the beginning Pachauri would put his hands on my waist repeated times, he would hug me longer than felt comfortable, kissed me on the cheek and inquired about my private life." Advertisement She has made serious allegations against Pachauri and TERI. She alleged that it seemed "usual" for RK Pachauri to sexually harass women in the office and that there was nothing that could be done to complain against him or challenge his decisions at work, which is why she claimed to have never contested her abrupt termination of contract. "When he terminated my contract, I did not think there was any point in contesting it, as from my conversations with former employees at TERI I had gotten the feeling that it would be of little use trying to challenge any decision of Pachauri's," she said. "I also felt very relieved that I would not have to face Pachauris sexual harassment any longer. I left New Delhi a few weeks after this and returned to Europe." Spurred by piece in The Guardian The woman begins her statement by referring to the recently published article in The Guardian that carried Pachauri's claim that his computers were hacked, and that he was being targeted by climate change deniers. Advertisement Alleging that all the sexual harassment charges against Pachauri are "right in line with his character", the woman, who is now 27 years old, said that she wasn't surprised at all when the allegations against Pachauri broke last year. "I can very much relate to what the other women wrote in her statement," she said, referring to the statement by the 29-year-old female researcher who lodged a criminal case of stalking, intimidation, and sexual harassment against Pachauri. She alleged that Pachauri's claim to The Guardian that his computer was hacked is "totally false". Pachauri's behaviour towards her She claimed that he made sexual advances towards her, and asked her to come to office during non-working hours and holidays without any reason. She alleged that she started to feel "insecure about his motives" for hiring her, and would even lie to him and claim her friends were waiting for her outside if she was alone with him in office. The final straw was when he allegedly asked her to join him at his summer house outside the city for a weekend when his wife was out of town. She claimed that she told him off, asking him to stop contacting her outside office and eventually sought a transfer to another department in TERI to stay away from him. He finally ended her contract soon after she told him she did not want to work with him, she claimed. Bearing on present case The woman, who no longer lives in India, has repeatedly informed the police through her counsels that she is willing to give statements as a witness in the present case against Pachauri that goes on trial next month. The police, however, have not contacted her counsels or made any efforts to record her statement, said Appnender, one of her lawyers, to HuffPost India. "The police have been sent communications from her thrice since March last year," she said. But it is unclear how much her testimony would help the present case against Pachauri, as she didn't work with the complainant and did not witness Pachauri harassing her. Her testimony, though can help establish Pachauri's character as a sexual predator at the workplace, said the original complainant's lawyer, Prashant Mendiratta. Advertisement "It is up to the prosecution or the court to decide to include her as a witness," he told HuffPost India. "We don't have any say in this. But she could certainly be a character witness for the case if her testimony is taken up." A TERI spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment. The case comes up on trial on 23 April. Contact HuffPost India Also See On HuffPost: Sivaram V / Reuters Italian sailors Massimiliano Latorre (L) and Salvatore Girone wait to board an elevator to reach the police commissioner's office in the southern Indian city of Kochi December 18, 2012. Italy's Defense Minister Giampaolo Di Paolo on Sunday visited two Italian marines accused of killing two fishermen off the coast of Kerala, stepping up pressure to allow the men home for Christmas after the case flared into a diplomatic spat. The sailors, members of a military security team protecting the cargo ship Enrica Lexie from pirate attacks, open fired on a fishing boat they mistook for a pirate craft in February. The killings of the unarmed fishermen triggered outrage in India. REUTERS/Sivaram V (INDIA - Tags: POLITICS MILITARY) BRUSSELS -- The European Union and India failed on Wednesday to defuse a long-running row over two Italian marines accused of murder and the case moved to an international tribunal after four years of diplomatic squabbles. At a joint summit in Brussels, held after delays imposed by Italy, the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and EU leaders maintained their positions over the case. Advertisement In 2012, India arrested two Italian marines who were escorting an oil tanker on suspicion of shooting dead two fishermen they mistook for pirates. Though they were not charged, the pair were barred from leaving India. Massimiliano Latorre was allowed to return home last year for medical treatment but Salvatore Girone has been confined to New Delhi, where he lives at the Italian ambassador's residence and reports regularly to police. Also Read: Why India Should Just Let The Italian Marines Go "The EU shares Italy's concerns to find an expeditious solution for the prolonged restriction of liberty of the two Marines," said a joint statement issued after the meeting. "India stressed the need for rendering due justice for the families of the Indian fishermen who were killed," the document added. Advertisement Italy says Girone's human rights are being violated and has asked the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague to order India to send him home. But India's lawyers in the Hague say the delays resulted from Italy's 2012 move to escalate the affair to international courts rather than letting Indian courts handle it. "The trial has not commenced due to an obstructive course of action by India," said Neeru Chadha, India's lead lawyer. "Italy is now trying to shift the blame onto India." Italy maintains both marines were immune to prosecution since they were serving on a U.N.-backed anti-piracy mission and the oil tanker they were escorting was in international waters when it fired on the fishermen. Italy has paid $190,000 in compensation to each victim's family. India hoped the Brussels summit would bring a thaw in ties with the European Union and persuade Italy to refrain from blocking India's membership in a key global group on missile technology. Rome single-handedly scuppered India's bid to join last year. Advertisement At the summit, the EU and India committed to continue talks for a trade and investment deal, and shared common positions on foreign affairs and security issues. The European Investment Bank, the financial arm of the EU, agreed its biggest loan to India to develop a metro line in the Indian city of Lucknow with 450 million euros of EU money. Advertisement Contact HuffPost India Also see on HuffPost: DIBYANGSHU SARKAR via Getty Images Indian rescue workers and volunteers try to free people trapped under the wreckage of a collapsed fly-over bridge in Kolkata on March 31, 2016.At least 14 people were killed and dozens more injured when a flyover collapsed in a busy Indian city on March 31, an official said, as emergency workers battled to rescue people trapped under the rubble. / AFP / Dibyangshu SARKAR (Photo credit should read DIBYANGSHU SARKAR/AFP/Getty Images) A flyover collapse in a congested city is a disaster in normal times. A flyover collapse in the middle of an election season is a catastrophe of a different order. Then the response is not just about ambulances, fire trucks and rescue crews. Its also about a different kind of damage control. Some seek to exact electoral dividends. Some seek to minimize electoral fallout. The flyover collapse in Calcutta is a horrible tragedy. Lets refrain from playing politics over it, tweets Suhel Seth. Its sage advice and Trinamool MP Derek OBrien retweets it as well. Advertisement It is a tragedy but unlike a supercyclone or an earthquake, its a man-made tragedy. Flyovers do not collapse just like that. They collapse because someone made a mistake. Or someone cut corners. Or someone was in too much of a hurry. And too often politics helps paper over those sins of omission and commission if they were not responsible for them in the first place. This has happened before on a smaller scale. In 2013 a huge chunk of the Ultadanga flyover collapsed in Kolkata as well. The Vivekananda Road flyover that fell in Kolkata has had a long and troubled history. IVRCL, the firm contracted to build it, got the contract in February 2007. It was meant to be an 18-month contract worth Rs164 crore. 60 months later, The Telegraph reported one-third of the project remained to be done and IVRCL had admitted in a letter it was out of funds to buy material. The flyover was being built over the protests of local residents who complained in an area as congested as that they would be able to reach out from their apartments and practically touch it. The location of the piers had to be changed to avoid some 22 utility lines that criss-cross the area. An engineer told the newspaper that in the first 18 months they only got 23 percent of the land. Advertisement This is the story of many complex urban infrastructure projects. It's so commonplace its not even frontpage news anymore. The collapse of this flyover merely puts the spotlight on this one. Whats sure to be pointed out over and over again is that the contract was awarded in 2009. That means it was awarded under CPM rule and was merely inherited by Trinamool. Already the politicking has started. And in that sense politics is well nigh unavoidable no matter what OBrien tweets. This has happened before on a smaller scale. In 2013, a huge chunk of the Ultadanga flyover collapsed in Kolkata as well. Luckily, it happened at 4:30am when it was deserted and not in a congested market area like this one. The flyover was built in a hurry so that it could be inaugurated by then chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee before the 2011 assembly elections, said urban development minister Firhad Hakim. Nonsense, said his predecessor Ashok Bhattacharya. There is no point in blaming the Left Front government. They should make a proper inquiry to see if the flyover was properly maintained. The image of a person, still alive, grasping for water, and unable to be rescued by the entire city administration should haunt all of us. That was the blame game for a flyover accident in the dead of the night that left three people injured. This is a different ballgame altogether as the death toll keeps rising. Advertisement Already the politicking has started. Political leaders of all stripes have rushed to the scene in real time or virtually. The BJPs Kailash Vijayvargiya is laying the blame on Mamatas door saying Mamata jis govt is responsible for this.Adhir Chowdhury of the Congress is demanding the resignation of Firhad Hakim. Mamata Banerjee is on the scene taking pains to point out construction began during CPM time not our time. Passing the buck is the other side of the blame game. The 2011 AMRI hospital fire in some ways showed Mamata Banerjee doing what she does best--be the neighbourhood Didi, parked on the scene, almost micro-managing the operations. Whether its effective or gets in the way of professionals, it does send a psychological message to traumatized citizens that their chief minister is standing by them. But the AMRI fire also showed that despite all the rhetoric of no one being spared, very little happened to deliver justice to those whose relatives died in the fire. The case creeps along while AMRI quietly reopened that hospital in 2014. When the 2014 anniversary came around, the media noted that in 1,095 days, the only progress had been filing the chargesheet. Thus disaster site promises of stringent action tend to ring hollow. But indeed let us leave the politics aside. Let us instead think about the images we are seeing on television. A hand reaches out from under the concrete rubble. A helpless bystander hands it a bottle of water but cannot in any way lift the girder under which the person is trapped. The image of a person, still alive, grasping for water, and unable to be rescued by the entire city administration should haunt all of us. It is a monumental failure as a city, not just a party. Advertisement Our emergency response to a disaster can almost be more disastrous than the tragedy itself. What should perturb us is that the chief minister managed to cancel her rally in Midnapore, several hours from Kolkata, and rush back to the scene before the cranes that could actually lift the humongous concrete girders could make it to the same accident site. Three hours after the flyover collapsed, the cranes were still coming. That is what is horrifically scary. We cannot foresee disasters. But we can plan for the emergency response to them. All the neighbours being interviewed on television across channels had the same complaint--where was the administration, where were the cranes, where was help beyond the local good samaritans. What we see on television in the middle of a metropolitan city is damning proof that our emergency response to a disaster can almost be more disastrous than the tragedy itself. Advertisement ANI 7.30 pm The Kolkata Police has filed an FIR against IVRCL. Times Now reports that three of the offices have been raided but no one was found in these offices. It is not clear if the police is going to pursue officials in the Hyderabad headquarters of the company. Advertisement An official from the company spoke to the media saying, "It's an act of God. Seventy percent of the project has been completed and 69 percent went without glitches. It is an act God. We are shocked at the incident. There was strict monitoring of the project and checks conducted by the consultants. Even the KMDA (Kolkata Municipal Development Authority) have conducted checks." Times Now reported that this is not the first time the company has run into trouble. It was being investigated by the CBI for alleged irregularities in the Tsunami rehabilitation housing project in Puducherry. The latest death toll is 21. 5.15 pm: Mamata Banerjee said that the 'guilty will not be spared' and then said her primary focus at the moment is to make sure that the rescue operations are conducted without too many glitches. However, she still snuck in the information about the flyover having been approved by the previous Left government in Kolkata. "The guilty will not be spared. We will take action. A very, very unfortunate tragedy. Rescue now first priority," she said. "We appeal to local people to cooperate with us. Please keep the roads free so that rescue ops can continue. Advertisement "Our main focus right now is rescuing those trapped," she added. Times Now reports that the builder, IVRCL has responded to the tragedy by saying it 'was an act of God'. Control Room Numbers: 1070, 033-2214-3526, 033-2253-5185, 033-2214-5664 4.50 pm: Indian Express reports that the Army has already deployed four columns of personnel for the rescue operations. "There are three medical teams each comprising two Army ambulances, surgeons and nursing assistants. One Engineer team of the Army has also reached the flyover collapse site with special equipment," the report states. Banerjee announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the kin of the deceased and Rs 2 lakh for those injured. Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi tweeted: News of the collapse of a flyover in Kolkata extremely tragic. I hope rescue &relief ops reach those trapped and injured at the earliest Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) March 31, 2016 My heart goes out to the people who have lost loved ones in this tragedy Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) March 31, 2016 Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the deaths in the tragedy and said his thoughts were with the victims. Shocked & saddened by collapse of under construction flyover in Kolkata. Took stock of the situation & rescue operations. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 31, 2016 My thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives in Kolkata. May the injured recover at the earliest. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 31, 2016 4.20 pm: Police have told PTI that at least 8 people have been killed and some other reports have pegged the death count at 14 till now. WB CM Mamata Banerjee at the spot where under-construction bridge collapsed near Ganesh Talkies in Kolkata. pic.twitter.com/1TBrjKuWjP ANI (@ANI_news) March 31, 2016 4.15 pm: Even before the rescue work could begin, political mud slinging kicked off. As CPM leaders took to national and local television channels who criticise the government, the chief minister retorted vehemently. Mamata Banerjee visited the site and expressed condolence for the deceased. However, she also added that the work on the flyover had been approved by the previous CPM government in 2008. "I had asked for proper paper work and details of the planning. However, they were not submitting us the plans despite our repeated requests. Now if we stopped work on it, courts would ask us, why have we stopped work?" she said, fighting back the accusations against her government just a couple of days ahead of the Assembly polls in the state. 2.30 pm: An under-construction flyover collapsed in a busy north Kolkata neighbourhood today afternoon. Several labourers were reported to have been working on and under the flyover when it collapsed, apart from pedestrians and commuters who were present at the heavily crowded location. Various reports have put the number of persons dead in the incident between one and ten, and several more are feared trapped under the debris. A witness told NDTV that at least 150 could be trapped under the debris and television visuals showed cars trapped under it, half of their bodies sticking out from under the debris. Advertisement The flyover, according to news channels, was supposed to be the longest in Kolkata connecting north Kolkata to Howrah on the fringes of the city. The flyover had been under construction since 2009 and had been delayed several times. A disaster management team has been dispatched at site where the Vivekananda flyover near the old Ganesh Talkies collapsed. "Disaster Management Groups, officials of Kolkata Police and Fire and Emergency Services are at the stop. DMG officials are using gas cutters to save trapped people," a report on DNA stated. Eye-witnesses speaking to news agency ANI have said that cement had been poured onto the framework just yesterday. Bridge at Ganesh Talkies has fallen 10 min. before. Bengal is Developing. No clue abt killed n injured. @Bunibrotopic.twitter.com/xDdy7Io4M4 Ravi Saraogi (@ravi_saraogi) March 31, 2016 Operations underway near Ganesh Talkies(Girish Park) in Kolkata after Under-construction bridge collapses,10 dead pic.twitter.com/ArPP4nv1z2 ANI (@ANI_news) March 31, 2016 While it has still not been revealed who the builders are, political blame game over the tragedy has already started. When Times Now contacted local CPM leader Mohammed Salim to get an idea about the area and how many people were there, he launched on to a rant against the Trinamool Congress government. When it was pointed out that this may not be the right time to indulge in mud-slinging, a visibly miffed Salim said that the municipal corporation and the urban development ministry should be hauled up for allowing corruption. Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress spokesperson Derek O'Brien tweeted: Monumental tragedy. Rescue ops on.Many feared dead. Chief Sec/Home Sec at site. CM headed back to Kol immediately.This is the update I have Derek O'Brien (@quizderek) March 31, 2016 According to latest reports, the NDRF is headed towards the location and chief minister Mamata Banerjee is headed back to Kolkata from her campaign. The head of the NDRF team, OP Singh told Times Now that two teams with advanced equipment have been despatched to the location. Advertisement Contact HuffPost India Also see on HuffPost: Hindustan Times via Getty Images KOLKATA, INDIA - JANUARY 8: Prime Minister of Bhutan Tshering Tobgay, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu during the inaugural function of Bengal Global Business Summit, at Milan Mela Ground on January 8, 2015 in Kolkata, India. The Bengal Global Business Summit is designed to attract the investor community to the cash-strapped state. During the function, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said, aIf Bengal followed such a strong economic growth policy, it would be able to generate jobs and revenue needed to fight poverty, else would have to fall back on shallow political slogans.a (Photo by Ashok Nath Dey/Hindustan Times via Getty Images) NEW DELHI -- This is the story of how Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu didn't end up having lunch with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The Indian Express reported today on the comedy of errors involving two aides called Tapan Roy and two politicians named Mamata from the All India Trinamool Congress, the ruling party in West Bengal. Advertisement When Tapan Roy, secretary to Mamata Thakur, a TMC lawmaker in the Lok Sabha, phoned the landline number in Prabhu's office to set up a five-minute meeting for his boss, he got a call back in 25 minutes. Prabhu not only granted the appointment, but he cleared his schedule to have lunch with "Mamata" on March 8. The Indian Express reported on why Prabhu thought he was having lunch with Mamata Banerjee. Tapan Roy is the name of Mamata Thakur's aide, and also the name of Mamata Banerjee's longtime aide, who was her additional private secretary when she was Railway Minister. While his aides were ready with talking points, bouquets and garlands, the situation started to unravel just a few minutes before the lunch was to kick off at 1:00 pm at Prabhu's residence. Advertisement We realized something was wrong when someone from the Railway Ministry called to ask when Madame was landing in Delhi, Roy told the newspaper. While Thakur and Roy were on their way to Prabhu's residence, someone phoned again to ask if Madame had arrived in Delhi." We asked them if they had made a mistake and were actually expecting the Chief Minister. They said yes. When I said they were mistaken, they refused to believe me, he told The Indian Express. The situation cleared up after Prabhu's aides contacted Mamata Banerjee's officials. I told them this was not the way Mamata Banerjees appointments are fixed, and they should have known that. For a start, the Resident Commissioner for West Bengal in Delhi would call and one of us would call up the Railway Ministers private secretary directly. We would not call the Railway Boards landline number. How could they get confused? Tapan Roy, the Chief Minister's aide, told The Indian Express. An angry Prabhu reportedly lashed out at his officials over the goof up. As is usually the case, the person at the bottom of the chain of command bore the brunt. The telephone operator, who used to receive calls at Prabhu's office, was posted elsewhere, The Indian Express reported. Advertisement Thakur's secretary has also been asked to identify himself as Tapan Roy, Jr. I have been told to call myself Tapan Roy Junior. But I have engaged in correspondence with the Prime Ministers Office and sought appointments with the union ministers of HRD and Home for the MP, but never faced such a situation, he told The Indian Express. Contact HuffPost India Also on HuffPost India: JOHN THYS via Getty Images European council President Donald Tusk (3rdL), EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker (2ndL) and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (3rdR) attend a one-day EU-India summit, with talks on improving counter-terrorism cooperation high on the agenda. / AFP / JOHN THYS (Photo credit should read JOHN THYS/AFP/Getty Images) BRUSSELS -- Prominent members of the European Parliament yesterday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi can be EU's "major ally" in the global war against terror and should be proactively engaged as India has the "first-hand knowledge" of dealing with such issues. Extending a warm welcome, the members termed Modi "a person of great prominence on India's political landscape." Advertisement "The European Parliament believes Modi can be a major ally of the EU in the global war against terror," they said after meeting Modi at Hotel Steigenberger this morning. "EU can learn a lot from the Indian experience in fighting Islamic extremism as India has first-hand knowledge in dealing with the issue," they said in a letter. The members said the EU "should engage Indian decision makers led by Modi in a proactive dialogue and focus on overlapping interests, including maritime security, terrorism, space and cyber defence." Modi arrived here today for a hectic day-long visit during which he will attend the India-EU Summit. Belgian capital Brussels, which was attacked by suicide bombers last week, is the first leg of Modi's three-nation four-day tour which will take him to the US and Saudi Arabia. Advertisement Since the terrorist attack on 22 March, the Brussels airport is yet to be fully operational and Modi's Special Air India plane had to land at the Brussels Military Airport. Belgian Army has been deployed for the prime minister's visit. Due to an enhanced terror threat, additional security has been put in place for Modi's public interaction with the Indian diaspora. Advertisement Contact HuffPost India Also see on HuffPost: Bollywood Life/Twitter The success of Ram Madhvani's hijack drama Neerja, which depicted the final hours of slain Pan Am purser Neerja Bhanot in 1986, has led to a hilariously petty political squabble between three parties in Mumbai. Leaders from the Shiv Sena and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), both headquartered in the city, have been tripping over each other in their rush to pay tribute Bhanot, who was portrayed by Sonam Kapoor in the recently released film. On Monday, Mumbai Mirror reported that Manish Chavan, an MNS corporator, had proposed the idea of renaming a chowk (junction) in the city's Mahim (West) area after the Ashok Chakra winner. This junction is opposite Bombay Scottish School, where Bhanot studied. Advertisement However, it transpires that the Shiv Sena is none too happy about MNS taking credit for this proposal, with the party claiming that the idea actually came from Aaditya Thackeray, who heads their youth wing, the Yuva Sena. Thackeray, who also studied at Bombay Scottish, was reportedly approached by Kapoor and the film's producer Atul Kasbekar to get this done. "Aadityaji wanted to honour Neerja for her heroics. So local Shiv Sena legislator Sada Sarvankar moved the proposal before the BMC [Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, Mumbai's governing civic body]. However since the BMC said it would be better if a corporator makes the request, we let Manish Chavan do it," a Sena member told Mumbai Mirrorin a report published Thursday. A file photo of Yuva Sena president Aaditya Thackeray An effort to etch the story of Neerja's courage as inspiration for students, as you have through the movie for all https://t.co/8jaNbjBSuL Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) March 26, 2016 Plans for a joint Sena-MNS inauguration of the junction were foiled by Chavan, who let the MNS take credit for the entire idea. However, not to be outdone, the Sena has come up with another plan to reclaim some of that limelight. "We got all the paper-work done. In fact, when the issue came up for approval before the group leaders, it was the Sena that supported it. However, the MNS went ahead with the inauguration so we will now get the plaque installed with her story," an unnamed spokesperson told MM. Thackeray tweeted: Advertisement The plac can't just have the name of Neerja, it must carry her story, is what @atulkasbekar and I thought and thus, next week it shall be up Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) March 25, 2016 Incidentally, a junction named Neerja Bhanot Chowk already exists in the city, in its Ghatkopar (East) area. It was inaugurated in the early '90s by none other than Amitabh Bachchan. However, no plaque or signboard exists today, even though locals still refer to the junction as 'Neerja Chowk' it was removed in 2009 after that stretch was concretised and no one ever thought of putting it back. Now, however, with the Shiv Sena and MNS locking horns over this issue, the Bharatiya Janata Party has decided it cannot be left behind. Falguni Dave, the BJP corporator from Ghatkopar (East), has proposed to reinstate the plaque at the original Neerja Bhanot Chowk independently, since existing municipal laws set no limit on the number of roads or junctions that can be named after a particular person as long as they're in different areas. She told MM: "We have written to the BMC to reinstall the plaque. Senior party leaders will be inviting Bachchan this time around as well." Also Read: Everything You Need To Know About Neerja Bhanot Bhanot, an occasional model and a purser for the now-defunct Pan Am Airways, was shot dead in September 1986 just two days before her 23rd birthday, after her flight was hijacked by terrorists belonging to the Abu Nidal Organisation during a stopover in Karachi. Her actions helped save the lives of 359 passengers on board. She was posthumously awarded the Ashok Chakra, India's highest peacetime award for gallantry, and continues to be its youngest and only female recipient. Madhvani's Hindi feature film on her final hours, Neerja, released on February 19 to widespread critical acclaim. A stone plaque with Bhanot's name and details of her bravery was inaugurated at her alma mater St Xavier's College, Mumbai, by Kapoor in early February. Aside from that, the first and only other memorial dedicated to this brave young woman exists in a small village called Ghal Kalan, Tehsil Moga, Punjab, as per this Indiatimes.com post. Created by sculptor Manjit Singh Gill in 2013, it comprises a sculpture of Bhanot, one of the Pan Am aircraft, and a plaque that tells the story of her courage. Advertisement Contact HuffPost India Also see on HuffPost: KatarzynaBialasiewicz via Getty Images Labeled remains of person lying in mortuary The Morning Wrap is HuffPost India's selection of interesting news and opinion from the day's newspapers. Subscribe here to receive it in your inbox each weekday morning. Essential HuffPost Former TERI director general RK Pachauri broke his silence on the sexual harassment case he is battling in a series of interviews to British newspaper The Guardian. But apart from claiming that his 'email account was hacked', he forgot to throw light on several important aspects of the case. Here's the complete list of things The Guardianneglected to address in its piece on Pachauri. Advertisement After the Easter Sunday bombings news in Lahore, a heartwarming story from Karachi has been going viral online. A young man met with positive and encouraging responses from his fellow travellers as he took the public transport, all colour-smeared, after playing Holi with his friends. Actress Bipasha Basu and actor Karan Singh Grover, who are one of Bollywood's most talked-about couples (even though they've never acknowledged their relationship publicly) are taking the plunge. According to sources, the wedding will take place at the end of April and will be a small, intimate affair. We revisited beautiful, yet forlorn photographs of Diana, the Princess of Wales, when she visited India's famous monument Taj Mahal in 1992. The trip, and her solitary photographs had made front page news worldwide and was widely interpreted as a symbol of the irreparable state of her marriage to Prince Charles. Main News Gujarati diamantaires in Antwerp and many from Surat flew to Brussels to meet and greet Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his scheduled official visit post the terrorist attack at Brussels airport. Over 100 diamond barons have organised a grand function of the Indian community for PM Modi. Advertisement The Bombay High Court on Wednesday ruled in favour of womens right to worship, saying there is no law that prevents women from entering a place of worship, and if men are allowed entry, women should be allowed too. Indrani Mukerjea, who has been booked for her daughter Sheena Boras murder, has sent a legal notice to the Marlow housing society in Worli, Mumbai, claiming that though the flat was gifted to her daughter Vidhie, she has interest in the property and that the flat cannot be sold without her consent. A 16-year-old Class IX student committed suicide at his residence, in Bengaluru after he was allegedly reprimanded by the school for his poor performance in studies. Off The Front Page Nearly 30 years after the hijack of Pan Am Flight 73 at Karachi airport, six of the plane's crew have spoken to the media for the first time. The horrifying incident on which the critically-acclaimed film Neerja was based, saw the death of 22 people. Former Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was planning to propose Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchans name as the next President of India. The revelation was made by Singh in a television interview. Advertisement Ahead of the crucial India-West Indies World T20 semifinals, Harbhajan Singh and R Ashwin had a little fun with each other when they tried teaching each other their mother tongue. Singh struggled with Tamil, while Ashwin tried his hand at Punjabi. Salman Khan's sister Arpita Khan gave birth to a baby boy on Wednesday morning. The news was shared on Instagram by her husband Aayush Sharma. Opinion Behind the haze of the Deonar fire in Mumbai is the story of how agrarian distress and development programmes have forced people into an unliveable habitat, says S Parasuraman in his column in The Hindu. "The high mounds of trash in which children and stray dogs loiter around, and around which the air smells of burnt plastic and putrefying garbage makes Deonar most certainly unfit for human habitation... Forty years ago, when Mumbai embarked on several redevelopment programmes, spatial transformations, beautification and cleansing drives to become the economic capital of India, it seemed to close its eyes to communities which are at the very bottom of its class, caste and gender pyramid," he says. Uttarakhand shows how BJP promises of cooperative federalism, Congress-mukt Bharat sit uneasily together, says KK Kailash in his column in The Indian Express. Small states with less than 100 legislative assembly members have been unstable and have had a more frequent change of leadership compared to larger states. The lower thresholds to beat the anti-defection law incentivise party switches and this may explain the instability. Second, the strong-Centre model of federalism combined with the weak financial position of many smaller states also encourages them to shift positions. These two factors make smaller states particularly vulnerable not only to party switches but also to the machinations of the ruling party at the Centre," he writes. The Indian team have become too reliant on Virat Kohli's run-scoring heroics in the World Twenty20, writes Virender Sehwag in Sport360. "He is the one player who has been scoring the big runs at crucial moments for India for quite some time and it looks like he will become one of the greatest batsmen soon... But we need to also accept the fact that our opening pair is not giving the start that we want. Even Suresh Raina is not coming up with the runs and that is not an ideal situation. Its the semi-final and the entire batting line-up needs to stand up and pull its weight... The West Indies are such a strong batting line-up, I think it will be best to field first and try to restrict them to around 180 and then go after the target. Form and record aside, at the end of the day its all about mastering the conditions on the day and soaking in all the pressure," he writes. Advertisement Kansas football heads toward a bye week it needs A number of Kansas football players were either out Saturday due to injury or at least limited. The bye week should help them. 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. Property/casualty insurer Chubb announced Wednesday the launching of a healthcare industry practice. The practice will serve the insurance and risk management needs of hospitals, physicians, long-term care facilities, managed care providers, and other similar healthcare facilities and operations.The insurer has appointed Caroline Clouser, the executive vice president of Chubb Healthcare, to lead the practice.The integration of physicians shifts in payment models, new medical treatments and technologies, changing regulations, and merger and acquisition activity are driving health care transformation and are challenging the industry to find new and creative risk management strategies and coverage options to help protect itself against significant liability exposures. Our industry practice is uniquely positioned to address these challenges with a comprehensive portfolio of products and services, Clouser said in a statement.Clouser will be based in Philadelphia and will answer to Chubb North America Major Accounts Division president Chris Maleno. Under her command is a team of healthcare underwriters, risk engineers, service specialists and regional distribution leaders across multiple lines of business.According to the companys statement, the practice will offer medical professional liability coverage, management liability coverage, privacy & network security coverage, environmental coverage, accident & health coverage, and surety coverage. The elimination of Kynect, the Kentucky exchange whose success drew national attention, has made insurance enrollment a real mess, according to at least one healthcare advocate.Emily Beauregard, executive director with Kentucky Voices for Health, told WUKY this week that there has been an increase in application errors, longer wait times for help, and a number of people who have been mysteriously disenrolled from Medicaid.The wait time for the people who stay on the line is over two hours, but 6,000 to 7,000 calls a day go unanswered, Beauregard told the news outlet. Thats a lot of people who cant get assistance.The allegations come after Kentuckys new Governor Matt Bevin ordered the enrollment platform dismantled by late this year. Since then, the Department for Community Based Services has taken over Medicaid enrollment and individual and small group insurance has reverted to the federal exchange, HealthCare.gov.Cabinet for Health and Family Services spokesman Doug Dogan has acknowledged the difficulties with the transition, but says the cabinet is working diligently with the contractor to correct problems and make the system perform as was intended.That isnt enough for Democrats in the state, however, who have put together legislation that would keep Kynect and protect Medicaid expansion. They cite in support of their bill a Kaiser Family Foundation poll that indicates 72% of Kentuckians want to keep Medicaid expansion without any changes. A similarly high number are reported to be in favor of keeping Kynect open for business.Republicans, however, say the state exchange is costing Kentucky too much money and that Medicaid delivery needs to be restructured.Regardless of the outcome, Kentucky residents are struggling now to get used to the transition.Medicaid recipient Connie Holt told WUKY that managing her chronic health conditions through the new facilitator has transformed into a daily nightmare.I was in tears by the end of the day, Holt said. I would make calls until my battery went dead on my phone and Id have to plug it in to charge. Back and forth all day long.During the height of its popularity, Kynect was revered as one of the most successful state insurance exchanges while the rest of the country struggled with chronic technological snafus and enrollment errors. 'Miracles from Heaven': Friendly Persuasion I think it was St. Augustine, if I may paraphrase a saint, who stated that one cannot prove God's existence through logic, but rather, only through one's faith. It is in this theological vein, whether consciously referencing the early Christian thinker or not, that director Patricia Riggen weaves her tear-jerking, often compelling "Miracles from Heaven." The film is based on the true-life travail of Anna Beam, a terribly sick little girl superbly portrayed by Kylie Rogers. The open-minded as well as the ever curious will find much to chaw on here, whereas devout atheists may view this faith-based exercise in religious conviction with the same disapproval a vegetarian might feel when confronted with a sizzling, 24-ounce ribeye (medium, please). But while inevitably confirming what the choir has been singing since most of humanity embraced the monotheistic concept, it's the quasi believers who haven't completely shut the door on a higher power who are likely to be most challenged and/or intrigued by Anna's testimony. Oh, to be as convinced and as certain of salvation as the Beam family of Burleson, Texas, appears to be in the opening scene. Gathered outdoors, frolicking in the sun on their tidy, picture-perfect ranch are sisters Anna, Abbie and Adelynn, politely bickering over the trivial things that seem important when you really haven't a trouble in the world. Their pretty mom, Christy (Jennifer Garner), looks on with pride, while Dr. Kevin Beam, their dad and a veterinarian who just opened a big new clinic, busies himself in the corral, a symbol of well-being and solidity. Of course, whether in the movies or real life, most of us get a little scared when treated to such serenity. It's the way we're hardwired. Call it the survival instinct. So we suspect there's something wrong with this picture. Yep ... the other shoe, doubtlessly lost by some ill-willed giant, is about to drop. Quicker than you can say manipulative mechanism, a dark pall covers the Beam family's world. When suddenly struck with stomach pains, Anna isn't just sick: She's very sick. Going from medical pillar to post, it's soon learned she has a very rare digestive disease. There is no known cure. The only doctor who has had a modicum of success in alleviating some of the scourge's symptoms is a Dr. Nurko, sympathetically played by Eugenio Derbez. But he's in Boston. And who knows if the bigtime physician will see Anna anyway? The waiting list for an appointment is nine months. Even if there is an opening, start calculating the airfare back and forth from Texas. Dad, convincingly acted by Martin Henderson, has just recently sunk all the savings in his new facility. The bills accumulate. As UK to Get its Third PM in Three Months, Here's Why the British Public is Not Choosing Its Leader | Explained We work towards an equitable, gender-just, self-reliant and sustainable fisheries, particularly in the small-scale, artisanal sector We work towards an equitable, gender-just, self-reliant and sustainable fisheries, particularly in the small-scale, artisanal sector We work towards an equitable, gender-just, self-reliant and sustainable fisheries, particularly in the small-scale, artisanal sector We work towards an equitable, gender-just, self-reliant and sustainable fisheries, particularly in the small-scale, artisanal sector The content you are trying to view is exclusive to our subscribers. To unlock this article: Imperial Valley News Center Secretary of State John Kerry's Meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev Washington, DC - U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry met today in Washington with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to discuss a range of bilateral and regional issues. Secretary Kerry commended Azerbaijans role in European energy security as a leader in developing the Southern Gas Corridor. He expressed U.S. support for Azerbaijans efforts to become a regional trade hub. Secretary Kerry also thanked President Aliyev for Azerbaijans contributions to NATOs mission in Afghanistan, its support for peacekeeping operations, and its important counterterrorism role. On democracy and human rights issues, Secretary Kerry welcomed Azerbaijans recent positive steps and urged further progress. The two also discussed efforts to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Secretary Kerry affirmed U.S. support for Azerbaijans territorial integrity and underscored our concern about violence along the Line of Contact and the international border. He emphasized our commitment to working with the sides to reach a comprehensive settlement based on the principles of international law, the UN Charter, and the Helsinki Final Act. Imperial Valley News Center Secretary of State John Kerry's Meeting With Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry Washington, DC - Today Secretary Kerry met with Egyptian Foreign Minister Shoukry, and they discussed a range of regional and bilateral issues, including Libya and Syria. The Secretary reiterated the US commitment to help Egypt fight terrorism, increase economic growth, govern democratically, and bolster regional security. The Secretary also discussed the importance of easing restrictions on association and expression in Egypt and of allowing human rights non-governmental organizations to operate freely. Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia Requests Funding for the ONE California Citizenship Program Sacramento, California - Today, State Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia presented on behalf of the 21 members of the Latino Legislative Caucus a request for the state legislature to invest $40 million in the ONE California Immigration Services funding program. Last year, the legislature and the Governor invested $15 million to provide grants to qualifying nonprofits and legal service organizations as part of the 2015-16 State Budget. The goal of this historic step was to provide education, outreach and application assistance to lawful permanent residents eligible for citizenship and to undocumented immigrants eligible for deportation relief, said Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia. This year, the Latino Legislative Caucus alongside the Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus are asking for $40 million to help our prospective immigrant communities. The ONE California program provides state assistance for immigrants to apply for citizenship or a lawfully present status. This is the next step for our Golden State to maintain leadership on immigrant integration. Under the ONE California proposal, $40 million would be appropriated to develop a community-driven model to assist eligible immigrants applying for citizenship or deferred action. By leveraging partnerships of qualified non-profits with strong ties to immigrant communities, we can ensure that millions of Californians are set up to succeed. Attorney General Kamala D. Harris Announces Settlements Totaling $4.95 Million with LG, Hitachi, Panasonic, Toshiba and Samsung Over Price-Fixing Scheme San Francisco, California - Attorney General Kamala D. Harris today announced a preliminary approval of settlements resolving allegations that LG, Hitachi, Panasonic, Toshiba, and Samsung, companies all based in Japan or Korea, fixed prices on critical components of televisions and computer monitors from 1995 to 2007. Those critical components, known as Cathode Ray Tubes or CRTs, were used to display images on computer monitors and televisions screens before they were replaced by flat screens. The court has approved the settlement pending valid objections submitted within 60 days. The companies price fixing scheme caused damage to California consumers and government entities that overpaid for their televisions and computers. The announced settlement has led to legally enforceable judgments against these foreign companies. LG, Hitachi, Panasonic, Toshiba, and Samsung deliberately targeted the U.S. market to raise prices for televisions and computers worldwide, said Attorney General Harris. These settlements bring justice and relief to California consumers and end the malicious practice of price-fixing by these companies. The settlements, which were filed in San Francisco Superior Court, require all five companies to pay a total of $4.95 million to settle claims of overcharges paid by California government entities, general damages suffered by the States economy, and civil penalties. The settlements require that the companies pay back the illegally obtained profits to those affected by their actions. In addition, the settlements include injunctive relief, which requires that each company engage in company-wide antitrust compliance training and reporting that involves products in addition to CRTs and extends to foreign companies and subsidiaries. Finally, the settlements include requirements, enforceable by the court via fines and imprisonment, to prevent future violations of antitrust law. In 2011, after the Office of Attorney General Harris conducted a confidential investigation into price-fixing involving CRTs, Attorney General Harris filed complaints against these companies for having entered into a price-fixing conspiracy of critical components of television and computer screens. That conspiracy involved top-level meetings of key executive decision-makers in Asia and Europe to set prices and outputs of CRTs. It also involved worldwide meetings among lower-level executives to exchange confidential information. Californian subsidiaries of these companies were involved in this conspiracy and took on the role of monitoring the prices of televisions and computers in California stores. This case, filed by Attorney General Harris, requested the court award damages to California consumers. A parallel case filed by private counsel in federal court, known as the Indirect Purchaser Plaintiffs, also requested damages on behalf of Californians, and Attorney General Harris and the Indirect Purchaser Plaintiffs coordinated their discovery and settlement efforts. Due to these coordinated efforts, California consumers or sole proprietorships that purchased at least one television or computer between 1995 and 2007 can make a claim, with a guaranteed minimum check of $25. All eligible California consumers and sole proprietorships can file claims for reimbursement at https://www.crtclaims.com/. The new deadline for filing those claims is June 30, 2016. In December 2015, Attorney General Harris announced a settlement resolving allegations that Pratibha Syntex Ltd., a company based in India, gained an unfair competitive advantage over American-based companies by using pirated software in the production of clothing imported and sold in California. The settlement, which was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, required Pratibha Syntex to pay $100,000 in restitution, prohibited Pratibha Syntex from using unlicensed software or reproducing any part of a copyrighted software program without the permission of the legitimate copyright holder, and required the company to perform four complete audits of the software on their computers and fix any violations within 45 days. That case marked the first time a state has secured a legally enforceable judgment against an international company for these types of violations. Copies of the complaint, memorandum in support of preliminary approval, and the order granting preliminary approval, are all attached to the online version of this release at www.oag.ca.gov/news. Further details can also be found at http://oag.ca.gov/consumers/crt_notice. Naval Air Technical Training Center Hosts Women's History Month Celebration Pensacola, Florida - More than 400 service members and civilian employees attended a two-hour Naval Air Technical Training Center sponsored Women's History Month celebration March 29 in the Chevalier Hall Charles E. Taylor Hangar aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola. The celebration, a NATTC Diversity Council function designed to showcase the National Women's History Project's 2016 National Women's History Month theme of 'Working to Form a More Perfect Union: Honoring Women in Public Service and Government,' featured presentations from NATTC Executive Officer Cmdr. Scott Sherman and guest speaker Lusharon Wiley as well as a question and answer session and presentation from Manpower, Personnel, Training and Education Fleet Master Chief (AW/SW) April D. Beldo. Beldo spoke for nearly 10 minutes to the crowd, explaining the importance of the changes she's seen during her U.S. Navy career. "Things have changed," she said. "In my 30+ years I have seen change in the Navy and one of the things I've noticed as part of our organization is that we're ahead of society when it comes to changing and being more accepting to the diversity of an organization and including everyone's ideas, their vision and their background." Beldo cited several examples of women in the U.S. Navy who affected significant change, citing accounts of heroism on battlefields, strides in innovation and technology as well as assuming responsibilities in what were previously male occupations and roles. "Don't tell me it cannot be done," she told the audience. "Because there are some trailblazers making it possible for you and I to do whatever we set our minds to. They didn't allow anyone or anything to stand in their way. Let's make it our personal mission that their efforts not be in vain." Wiley, the associate dean of students and the director of Inclusion Services and Programs at the University of West Florida in Pensacola, spoke on the various contributions women have made in local and national arenas. NATTC Executive Officer Cmdr. Scott Sherman, also a guest speaker at the event, said the NATTC Women's History Month celebration is important for the hundreds of students present. "Here at NATTC we have an awesome diverse staff," he said. "We come from all walks of life, all backgrounds. Twenty-three percent of our student population is female so we have to have awesome female instructors in order to mentor those young women. The staff that we have here is the best in the Fleet and it's an honor to work with them on a daily basis." Event organizer Senior Chief Air Traffic Controller (AS/SW) Jacqueline Williams said the event was extraordinarily successful, and hoped the presentations were able to impress on both the men and women in attendance - most of who have been in the Navy less than six months - the importance of diversity as they begin their Navy careers. "These dynamic speakers [Beldo, Wiley and Sherman] are all experts with years of experience and leadership in their respective areas," she said. "Their views on the changing roles of women in the military, women in the Navy, and women in public service are something from which each and every one of these young Sailors can learn and appreciate." In the United States, Women's History Month traces its beginnings back to the first International Women's Day in 1911. Since 1988, U.S. presidents have issued annual proclamations designating the month of March as Women's History Month. For more than 70 years, the Naval Air Technical Training Center has been providing training and increasing readiness within the Naval Aviation Enterprise. The facility graduates approximately 15,000 Navy, Marine Corps and international students annually and is the largest training facility in the Navy post Recruit Training Command. NATTC is part of the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training, which provides single site management for Navy and Marine Corps aviation technical training. The United States-Nigeria Bi-National Commission Joint Communique Washington, DC - The United States-Nigeria Bi-National Commission (BNC) met on March 30, 2016, in Washington, D.C. The BNC was co-chaired by Geoffrey Onyeama, Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Federal Republic of Nigeria and Antony Blinken, Deputy Secretary of State, United States of America. U.S. National Security Advisor Susan Rice provided opening remarks, and Secretary of State John Kerry met the group and hosted a working lunch. During President Muhammadu Buharis July 20-22, 2015, visit to Washington, President Buhari and Secretary Kerry underscored the need to strengthen and revitalize the BNC to advance our overall relationship and spur joint action on key issues. At a meeting on November 13, 2015, between an interministerial group led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, the two sides underscored the need to reinvigorate the BNC as a forum for focused, high-level discussions. They identified three areas of focus: Security Cooperation Economic Growth and Development Governance and Democracy The two sides subsequently developed a detailed agenda and added a working bilateral lunch on Multilateral Cooperation. Joint Goals The BNC reviewed a paper setting out proposed joint goals for each agreed area of focus. It directed working groups be established for each area of focus, and that these working groups finalize the paper within one month. Security Cooperation The BNCs discussion on security cooperation was co-chaired by H.E. Mansur Dan-Ali, Honorable Minister of Defense, Federal Republic of Nigeria, and Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The BNC jointly determined to take further actions to advance U.S.-Nigeria security cooperation to promote peace and security in Nigeria, especially in northeastern Nigeria and the broader Lake Chad region. Both sides recognized that this cooperation includes, but is not limited to, military cooperation. The BNC noted the continued threat to peace and security posed by Boko Haram, which is now an affiliate of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). The United States reaffirmed its support for Nigeria and its neighbors in countering this threat. The BNC noted that the Governments bilateral security cooperation focuses both on immediate threats and medium and long term security and stabilization objectives. The BNC discussed the situation of refugees and internally-displaced persons (IDPs) in Nigeria and the region, and the Governments decided to work together to create conditions for their safe and voluntary return. The BNC also discussed measures to counter violent extremism and encourage defections from Boko Haram; the importance of protecting civilians and safeguarding human rights; the need for integrated planning for the restoration of full civilian authority, resettlement and reconstruction; the need to understand and eliminate sources of terrorist financing; and ways to expand intelligence sharing. The BNC established a Working Group on Security Cooperation and directed that it meets within six months to review progress on joint goals. Economic Growth and Development The BNCs discussion on economic growth and development was co-chaired by Mr. Okechukwu Enelamah, Honorable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Federal Republic of Nigeria, and Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The Nigerian side expressed appreciation for the efforts of the U.S. government and the contributions of key stakeholders such as the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce towards the successful hosting of the Nigerian United States Business Forum and Reception Dinner. Both sides acknowledged the major outcomes of the Business Forum which stressed the need for increased United States investments in Nigeria through the provision of an enhanced business climate, policy predictability, and transparency. The BNC noted the Governments decision to take further actions to promote prosperity and growth, economic diversification, and job creation through policies that will improve the environment for doing business together. In this respect, the BNC recognized that sound macroeconomic policies are important to managing the challenges of declining global oil prices. The BNC noted the Governments pledge to work together to ensure maximum utilization of current programs to promote trade and investment, including the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA). The BNC recognized the importance of infrastructure development for Nigerian economic growth, noting particularly the importance of increasing access to electricity and improving efficiency to lower its cost. The BNC also discussed ways to expand cooperation on renewable energy and integrated water resource management. With respect to economic diversification, the BNC noted the potential for expanded agricultural investment and production, as well as the role played by extractive industries, including solid minerals, petroleum and natural gas. The BNC established a Working Group on Economic Growth and Development and directed that it meet within six months to review progress on joint goals. Governance and Democracy The BNCs discussion on governance and democracy was co-chaired by Mr. Abubakar Malami, Minister of Justice, Federal Republic of Nigeria, and Deputy Secretary Antony Blinken. The BNC noted the historical importance of Nigerias 2015 elections and the peaceful transition that ensued. The United States intends to support Nigerian efforts towards improving the quality of elections, and looks to Nigeria to support elections and democracy throughout Africa. The BNC decided to strengthen their joint efforts in support of good governance, anti-corruption, and enhanced delivery of public services, including national institutional frameworks for peace building and conflict management to strengthen Nigerias democracy and promote inclusive prosperity. The BNC recognized that the United States intends to continue its support for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other anti-corruption agencies, as appropriate. The BNC discussed the Open Government Partnership (OGP) and the Partnership on Illicit Finance (PIF). The United States noted the potential benefits to Nigeria of membership in these two initiatives. The Nigerian side agreed to respond to the outstanding invitations to join these partnerships in due course. The BNC noted the Governments decision to intensify their work together to help Nigeria trace funds and assets stolen through corruption and other illicit activities and seek to recover the assets. The BNC decided to expand people-to-people contacts between the two countries, including efforts such as the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). The BNC established a working group on governance and democracy and directed that it meet within six months to review progress on joint goals. Multilateral Cooperation At its working lunch, the BNC discussed issues including climate change, strengthening ECOWAS to promote regional economic integration, and the potential provision of UN financial support for conflict prevention, and the financing of UN Security Council-approved African Union peacekeeping operations. Vote of Thanks and Next Meeting The Government of Nigeria thanked the Government of the United States for hosting the meeting of the Bi-National Commission. It was determined that the next meeting of the full BNC should be held in Nigeria within one year at a date to be mutually agreed through diplomatic channels. Cian ODowd, IMO Policy and International Affairs Officer, looks at how the IMO will help doctors preserve their medical professionalism in an increasingly commercial healthcare environment. While medical professionalism can be difficult to define, it is well recognised that the concepts of duty of care, placing the patients needs ahead of those of the physician, and the equal treatment of all are behaviours that have been expected of good physicians since the very dawn of society. Commercial influences can, and do, pose risks to the professionalism that forms the foundation on which the care and treatment of patients is built something that the IMO has warned against on numerous occasions. In 2007, the organisation released its Position Paper on the Role of the Doctor, which illustrated the nature of the doctor-patient relationship as one that was properly characterised by care, dignity, and trust, rather than one that could be regarded as a commercial relationship in which the patient merely purchased medical services. The potential negative impacts of an overly commercialised healthcare environment were further highlighted in the IMOs 2012 Position Paper on the Market Model of Healthcare Caveat Emptor, in which the organisation warned that commercial imperatives conflicted directly with the internationally affirmed values of professionalism to which doctors subscribe. The medical professions integration of ethical considerations into medical practice has doubtlessly contributed to doctors being regarded, both in Ireland and internationally, as the most, or one of the most, trusted of all professions. Much of this trust stems from two sources: a doctors behavioural competency, and patients belief that their doctor puts their interests first. Patient trust of their doctors is a critical component of a beneficial doctor-patient relationship and has been demonstrated to lead to improved patient outcomes and higher rates of adherence to treatment. However, modern commercial pressures, as international research can attest, risk eroding this trust in physicians. Doctors interactions with pharmaceutical companies can affect prescribing behaviour, and receiving free samples, funding to attend symposia, and honoraria, have all been demonstrated to commonly result in a favourable view of the products of the pharmaceutical company in question by doctors. Patients receiving private healthcare can experience considerably different treatment than those in public facilities, with private patients more likely to receive a greater number of interventions than their public counterparts with similar profiles. Additionally, at a time when medical information, and the advertisement of medical services is more prevalent than ever before, patient awareness of, and demand for, particular medicines or diagnostic testing places considerable pressure on doctors shoulders. Such pressures can create incentives to over-treat to satisfy patient demands or bolster revenue, rather than focussing solely on the provision of evidence-based care. Systemic problems, such as a chronic under-resourcing of public healthcare, and risks to the viability of many practices, can also injure the doctor-patient relationship. Where the absence of appropriate funding and resourcing causes patients to receive delayed and inadequate care, this can damage patients perceptions of the entire healthcare system. In November 2015, the IMO hosted a workshop with members of its Consultant, General Practitioner, NCHD, and Community and Public Health Committees to consider the various commercial pressures that are applied to physicians throughout their professional lives, and what measures can be taken to ensure that such pressures do not compromise the standard of care received by patients. This workshop was followed in February with a survey of the IMO membership on the extent to which doctors in Ireland feel that commercial influences are exerted on the profession. Unsurprisingly, many of the results indicate that these pressures are affecting the way healthcare is delivered. Some 74 per cent of surveyed doctors have concerns that some commercial incentives impact or will impact on patient care, while 85 per cent agreed that private care could lead to over investigation. The extent to which doctors perceive the inadequacy of the funding and resourcing of our public healthcare structures is evident from the fact that 78 per cent would urge patients to consider private care, where they can afford it, in order the receive treatment without unreasonable delays. At this AGM, on April 2, the IMO will launch its Position Paper on Preserving Professionalism in an Increasingly Commercial Healthcare Environment, which will contain a wide range of recommendations for public authorities, policymakers, and doctors, on how the undue impact of commercial pressure on the medical profession can be reduced. Doctors should not be put in a position where they are forced to juggle financial and resource constraints alongside the well-being of their patients. They, and their patients, must have full confidence that medical care received in public and private healthcare facilities does not differ in any significant respect. It is the responsibility of government to provide adequate funding and clinical safeguards to ensure that this is the case. Doctors too have a role in recognising potential conflicts of interest where they arise; however, in this they must be supported. Regulations governing the sponsorship and sales representation aimed at physicians must be tightened and enforced, and doctors should have ready access to educational programmes that examine the ethical considerations of their profession. Dr Jordan Cohen, former President of the Association of American Medical Colleges, stated that a degree of mutual exclusivity existed between medical professionalism and commercialism, in that an increased focus on commercialism necessarily begets an increased focus on profitability. In ordinary commercial activity, consumers are encouraged to question the motives and claims of goods or service providers. However, when applied to medicine, this could lead to the replacement of the physicians mantra primum non nocere, or first, do no harm, with the motto of consumerism, caveat emptor, or let the buyer beware. Such distrust of doctors by patients has no place in medicine, and may only serve to harm patients interests. It is therefore vital that medical professionalism in Ireland is safeguarded, and the IMO will strongly advocate to ensure that public policy supports and protects medical professionalism, and the necessary trust that forms the foundation of the doctor-patient relationship. In the wake of continuing threats of terrorist activity across the globe, two Irish training bodies are set to be advised by doctors to be aware of the potential of unconsciously legitimising regimes with links to terrorism, IMT reports. A motion proposed by the IMO Consultants Committee for discussion in the General Motions Session of the IMO AGM next week is aimed at the RCSI and RCPI, which both have training interests overseas. The IMO calls upon the RCPI and the RCSI to ensure that funding received from overseas governments in support of postgraduate training of doctors does not legitimise regimes that actively support international terrorism, sectarianism, misogyny, homophobia or have laws enshrining such ideals, reads the motion awaiting debate. Nonetheless, another motion by the same Committee urges the IMO to lobby both colleges to continue to foster and support high-quality postgraduate training of doctors in developing countries, particularly where there is poverty and urgent healthcare need. In a related but separate development, international law researchers at Lancaster University Law School have highlighted how domestic public oversight mechanisms can extend to overseas education programmes bringing with them human rights standards and obligations. Their work highlights the need for robust due diligence and accountability mechanisms in the provision of education in other countries. From torture and labour rights violations to restrictions on academic freedom, allegations of human rights violations have proved a challenge to efforts in the transnational provision of education, the researchers stated. But universities engaging in extending their programmes to other countries risk more than their reputation. They may also entail legal risks in their home country. Bahrain Their paper, published in the International Journal of Human Rights (IJHR, DOI: 10.1080/13642987.2016.1147435), co-authored by Academic Fellow Dr Gearoid O Cuinn and Professor of Human Rights Law Prof Sigrun Skogly, both from Lancaster University, used, as a case study, Irelands controversial accreditation of an Irish branch campus in Bahrain, an issue that is about to be considered as part of Irelands review in front of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). Dr O Cuinn is the founder of the Global Legal Action Network (GLAN), formerly known as Ceartas, a human rights NGO run by Irish lawyers that last October submitted to the UNHRC that Ireland may be in breach of international law, owing to the Irish Medical Councils (IMC) decision in December 2014 to grant RCSI-Medical University in Bahrain (RCSI-MUB) accreditation. This came amid alleged human rights abuses, including the torture of injured pro-demonstrators and medics who treated them by the Gulf states ruling regime within the training hospitals it uses. The IJHR paper examines human rights concerns associated with the rapidly expanding field of transnational education an activity frequently reliant on interstate cooperation. By re-examining the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights, the legal obligations of countries providing public oversight of overseas programmes are explored. Research behind the paper entitled, Understanding Human Rights Obligations of States Engaged in Public Activity Overseas: The Case of Transnational Education, will inform a stakeholder submission in Irelands Universal Periodic Review by the UNHRC later this year. lloyd.mudiwa@imt.ie Pakistan University Issues Notice to Institute After 'Immoral' Dance Video Goes Viral Get our free weekly email for all the latest cinematic news from our film critic Clarisse Loughrey Get our The Life Cinematic email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the The Life Cinematic email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Notably, in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, one character pulls off one miraculous escape no one can really explain: Poe Dameron. In the film *spoilers ahead* Poe and Finn manage to escape the First Order only to be shot down, crashing onto the planet Jakku where Rey lives. We immediately have Finn pop up on screen, but Poe is believed to be dead and we dont see him again until much, much later in the film. Director JJ Abrams has previously revealed that Poe was supposed to die at that stage, but thankfully actor Oscar Isaac managed to talk him out of it. Originally Poe was going to die early on in the film, and that was the script that Oscar saw, Abrams says in the upcoming documentary on the making of The Force Awakens. One of his issues was that he had made four movies in which he had died early on. And he was sick of dying early on. Isaac elaborates: A week or so later, JJ wrote to me and said Weve got it figured out, Poes in the rest of the movie now. And so this idea that Poe comes back was added later. Which obviously for me was incredibly exciting and fantastic, I get to live. Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Show all 45 1 /45 Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Star Wars: The Force Awakens ILM concept art Thankfully, he did live on and those Fin/Poe dreams are still alive. Meanwhile, Star Wars: Episode VIII is currently filming, with Kylo Ren actor Adam Driver saying it has a really great script while also comparing Abrams with director Rian Johnson. Get our free weekly email for all the latest cinematic news from our film critic Clarisse Loughrey Get our The Life Cinematic email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the The Life Cinematic email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} "The transgender tipping point," declared TIMEs front cover. 29 May, 2014. The pop of champagne bottles, and the electricity of change in the air; never before had the spirit and contributions of the trans community been so felt amongst the currents of mainstream culture. In film and television, trans narratives were finally shifting to its centre; where before theyd be so often reduced to drained stereotypes and transphobic mockeries, the punch line to a joke or a sinister other in the shadows. At that moment, Orange is the New Blacks Laverne Cox arrived like the herald to a new era; gracing TIMEs cover with all the wit, self-assuredness, and charisma thats made her one of the Netflix series standout characters. As Litchfield Penitentiarys resident hairdresser, Coxs Sophia Burset sees her stand tall through the trials of her imprisonment for credit fraud, the struggles of being a mother behind bars, and the transphobic abuse she receives from other inmates. Though her presence feels remarkable, in reality, her character should merely represent the normality of trans experience on screen. Someone as filled with diverse fears, passions, and flaws as the reality we see around us; whose transition isnt muffled into silence, but hasnt engulfed her as the sole defining part of her identity. It's not exactly magic, to merely treat trans characters with the same complexity and investment as their cisgender equivalents; yet the fact someone like Sophia Burset can feel like such a unique revelation is true testament to exactly how far we have left to go. Its the time for celebration; but only the kind of celebration that marks the start of a revolution, and not the end of one. Not to elevate the Oscars too far beyond their frivolous, back-patting niceties; but awards season appears always to inevitably amplify Hollywoods deepest inequalities; with the issues rife amongst trans narratives certainly not excluded from their grasp. Two major trans characters have made their mark on Hollywood in the past few years, with both landing their respective actors a touch of Academy Awards glory. The problem? Neither of those actors were transgender; with Jared Leto winning Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Dallas Buyers Clubs Rayon, and The Danish Girls Eddie Redmayne receiving a nomination for his portrayal of Lili Elbe. As Paris Lees argues, the issue here is in whether these trans narratives are actually doing the community any justice; whether trans voices are being heard, as opposed to their stories merely being appropriated to give some the most superficial sense of progression and diversity. Access unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows with Amazon Prime Video Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up Its unfair to assume selfish motivations on the part of Dallas Buyers Club director Jean-Marc Vallee or The Danish Girls Tom Hooper, and nor is there a sense of ungratefulness at seeing trans narratives in major Hollywood movies; but does this really feel like progress when those narratives are being taken away from those whove actually experienced them? When Vallee was asked in 2013 whether hed have considered hiring a trans actor for the role of Rayon, he merely retorted: "Never. Are there any transgender actors? Im not aiming for the real thing. Im aiming for an experienced actor who wants to portray the thing." Frankly, that's a troubling attitude to see; and part of a wider misperception that casting dispersions on cisgender actors in trans roles is some sort of attack on the very art of acting. Simply put, when Hollywood is truly a level playing field; when trans actors can play cisgender roles without the bat of an eyelid, then so should cisgender actors portray trans roles without hestitation. Except, trans actors arent being considered for cisgender roles; and, if they arent being considered for transgender roles either, where exactly can their voices be heard in mainstream cinema? As Eddie Redmayne walked the awards red carpets for The Danish Girl, Tangerine celebrated the performances of two spectacular trans actors at the Independent Spirit Awards. Mya Taylor took home Best Supporting Female award at the ceremony, and her speech summed it all up rather beautifully; "There is transgender talent. There's very beautiful transgender talent, so you better get out there and put it in your next movie." And there really is. Amazons Transparent series brings to light a vast diversity in trans narratives; though Jeffrey Tambor plays the titular role of the transitioning Maura Pfefferman, there exists significant trans talent amongst its cast. Trace Lysette appears as yoga teacher Shea, and stand-up Ian Harvie appears in the role of Dale. Hari Nef joined the cast in its second season as Tante Gittel, a trans woman living in 1930s Weimar Berlin whose story parallels Pfeffermans; Alexandra Billings also features, who happens to be the first openly trans woman to play a transgender character on TV in 2005's Romy and Michele: In the Beginning. Netflixs Sense 8 is also worth mentioning here; its a TV series by trans creators, featuring a trans lead role played by a trans actor. Jamie Claytons hacktivist Nomi Marks is a sparkling example of trans narratives on screen; absolutely courageous, whip-smart, and sensitive. Its not something that cisgender creators would be incapable of producing, but the perspective given to the character by the shows creators and writers, The Wachowski Sisters, is so vital to the show in depicting trans narratives in an absolutely authentic, honest light. Theres no reason trans narratives need to be entirely withheld from cisgender creators; the very beauty of the creative soul is its capability of living in the minds of others, of understanding the deep variance of our lives and experiences. But were dealing with a cultural shift where trans voices continue to be excluded from their own narratives; its ludicrous to think that they dont somehow deserve to shape how they themselves are portrayed on screen. If we really want to talk about the "transgender tipping point", thats precisely the target we need to be aiming for. 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 }} Michael Kiwanuka is back, and getting ready to force those pigeonholing him as yet another soul revivalist to open their minds. The 28-year-old, born to Ugandan refugees, attracted mainstream attention when he won the BBC Sound of 2012 poll in 2012 and supported Adele on her 21 tour. Debut album Home Again impressed critics and saw him aligned with the likes of Otis Redding and Bill Withers, his honeyed vocals and effortless intensity irresistible as an antidote to too-often vacuous chart offerings. Then, he disappeared for four years. Kiwanuka was evidently buzzing as he took to the stage for a sold-out gig at Sloane Squares Cadogan Hall, and rightly so, for little did the audience know that an arsenal of new songs awaited. Fresh tracks dominated the set list from start to finish, performed more dramatically than his fans are used to with backing dancers, a full band and even an arty concept video. Crucially, Kiwanuka has experimented with his sound rather than churning out more of the earthy, purer tracks that helped him break through. This explains why upcoming second album Love & Hate - produced by Danger Mouse and Inflo no less - has taken so long to reach us, but with tinges of gospel and Pink Floyd-esque psychedelia adding edge to his impassioned and untainted vocals, ignoring any pressure to rush was savvy. Bluesy Black Man in a White World proved the dazzling highlight, captivating everyone with its rhythmic clapping, refreshing vulnerability and challenging lyrics that tackle self-identity and the inherently human desire to belong. Kiwanuka was Mercury Prize-nominated with Home Again and judging by this track hes already laid claim to this years gong. The more melancholic Ill Never Love softened the tone - Kiwanuka joking that its sad but luckily quite short - while One More Night and The Final Frame showcased more of the timeless yet contemporary cocktail he so successfully shakes up. Notably missing from this comeback was a stripped back, acoustic interlude, but the sprinkling of old favourites like Im a Getting Ready and Always Waiting satisfied those craving a soothing shot of vintage Kiwanuka. Ending the night with Home Again and Love & Hate, a standing ovation confirmed the obvious: this North London lad is still very much one to watch. Love & Hate is set for UK release on 27 May 2016 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 }} Almost a fifth of the worlds population will be obese by 2025, experts have warned, despite figures from the UN World Food Programme showing that one in nine people do not have enough food to lead a healthy, active life. Over the 40-year period between 1975 and 2014, the number of men and women in the world classified as obese soared from 105 million to 641 million, research by Imperial College London showed. The average person also became 3.3lb heavier with each passing decade. Were this trend to continue, 18 per cent of men and 21 per cent of women would be obese by 2025, according to the analysis, published in The Lancet medical journal. More than 6 per cent of men and 9 per cent of women would be severely obese, putting their health at risk, the study found. Over the past 40 years, we have changed from a world in which underweight prevalence was more than double that of obesity to one in which more people are obese than underweight, said Majid Ezzati from Imperial College, who led the research. He said that to avoid an epidemic of severe obesity, new policies that can slow down and stop the worldwide increase in body weight must be implemented quickly and rigorously evaluated, including smart food policies and improved healthcare training. Despite the trend, excessively low body weight remained a serious public health issue in the worlds poorest regions, the studys authors pointed out. Writing in the journal, George Davey Smith, from the School of Social and Community Medicine at the University of Bristol, stressed the importance of not letting obesity divert attention away from poor nutrition. A focus on obesity at the expense of recognition of the substantial remaining burden of under-nutrition threatens to divert resources away from disorders that affect the poor, to those that are more likely to affect the wealthier in low-income countries, he warned. Neena Modi, president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, said: These results are a stark reminder to government of the work that still must be done to combat obesity. This is an international problem, and worldwide joined-up thinking is needed to make progress. The UK can be a world leader in tackling obesity and the Governments upcoming childhood obesity strategy provides a good opportunity to be that leader. The recent announcement of a sugar tax is a welcome start. 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 }} Buy-to-let investors have been caught in a bottleneck of deals as people desperately try to complete deals before stamp duty changes come into force at midnight. be before a deadline that will add thousands to the tax on a second home. Stamp duty on buy-to-let and other properties not intended as a main residence will rise 3 per cent at midnight on 1 April. The duty on a property sold for 200,000 will rise from 1,500 to 7,500. "Its been a hugely busy day as people are desperately trying to meet that deadline, Martyn Baum, president of the National Association of Estate Agents, told the Independent. It will be interesting to see what happens tomorrow because not all will get through. They may pull out or renegotiate, which could have a knock on effect to people all the way up the chain, he said. Mr Baum said 85 per cent of NAEA members had noticed an increase in buy-to-let activity ahead of the deadline. Ordinary homebuyers have been forced to move ahead of the deadline because of a buy-to-let investors in the chain. Russell Quirk, founder and CEO of eMoov, said one buyer in north London had an offer accepted on a property at the start of March, exchanged keys on March 21 and completed the sale today. With a price tag of 860,000, the buyer has saved themselves over 25,000 in stamp duty tax by acting so swiftly, he said. Mr Quirk said one buyer in Bromley who had their offer accepted last month had opted to make the new property their sole residency instead of rushing through a sale, saving herself 10,000 in tax. The stamp duty hike was announced by George Osborne in the Autumn Statement. But details of how the 3 per cent rise would be implemented were not revealed until the Budget on 16 March, leaving solicitors, surveyors, estate agents and others in the market little time to prepare. Rob Hailstone, founder of Bold Legal Group, said the Chancellor has had a part to play in the chaos ahead of the deadline. The consultation was sneaked out between Christmas and New Year, the consultation period was short, the guidance was vague and confusing and the implementation period between the budget and the deadline was a joke, he said. Outrageous property deals in pictures Show all 15 1 /15 Outrageous property deals in pictures Outrageous property deals in pictures The Park Lane townhouse set to become one of the UK's most expensive student flats at 4,000 a week A town house situated in Park Lane, one of the most affluent places in London, is about to become the capitals most expensive student residence. Most of London students usually live in halls of residence before moving on to house-share. For this reason it is fair to say few will able to afford the 3,540 square foot three-bedroom flat, which is available for 4,000 a week, 16,000 per month or 192,000 per year. Wetherell Outrageous property deals in pictures London's most expensive flat goes on sale at Buckingham Palace near Buckingham Palace priced at 150m A luxury flat in Londons historic Admiralty Arch, which overlooks Buckingham Palace, could sell for up to 150 million. If sold for that price, the 15,000 sq ft apartment will become London's most expensive flat, topping One Hyde Park, a flat which sold for 140 million in 2014.The Grade I listed property boasts 12 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms Outrageous property deals in pictures Little White House inside the US embassy complex in London goes on sale for 2.5m A luxury home inside the US embassy complex has gone on sale for 2.5m. The property is said to be the most protected home in Britain and any visitor is asked to carry an identity card at all times. The complex has patrolling US marines, a 24-hour British police presence, checkpoints, anti-tanks blocks and CCTV.But potential buyers looking for a fortress should not get their hopes up as all the security will disappear once the US embassy moves to a new site in Nine Elms in 2017. The home, located at 4 Blackburnes Mews near Grosvenor Square, dates back to 1732 and owes its nickname to its white facade, grand entrance and sweeping staircase as well as its proximity to the US embassy. It provides nearly 3,000 sq ft of living space and benefits from access to communal gardens. Wetherell Outrageous property deals in pictures First London luxury flats to contain their own private art gallery with prices going from 3.8m up to 7.7m The first private luxury apartment building in London with its own private art gallery has been unveiled in March. The Chilterns at 24 Paddington Street contains 44 luxury residences, the majority of which were sold in 2013. It contains a signature restaurant, a 24 hour-hotel style concierge service, a gymnasium and sauna and a private cinema. The new art gallery, with original pictures of the area by David Bailey, is part of the lobby of the building and is one of the most exciting and unique features of the Chilterns, according to Stephen Conway, CEO of Galliard Homes. With prices going from 3.8 million up to 7.7 million for a three bedroom flat, the residence is located between the local shops of Marylebone High Street and Baker Street. Outrageous property deals in pictures Margaret Thatcher's Belgravia home is up for sale for 30m Margaret Thatchers six-floor townhouse in Belgravia is on the market for a cool 30 million. The Grade II listed building on No. 73 Chester Square, one of Londons most prestigious addresses, now boasts a lift, a newly constructed mews house with a roof terrace and a private garage after a three-year refurbishment by Leconfield, a development and construction company. Some features from Thatchers time at the property remain. The layout and design of the formal dining room and interlinking study on the ground floor has been reinstated exactly as the Iron Lady had it during her 22 years at the property, from 1991 until her death in 2013. Outrageous property deals in pictures Tiny London house that is just 10ft wide goes on market for 800,000 A tiny terraced house that measures no more than 10ft wide has gone on the market in south London for a staggering 800,000. The house, generally labelled "unique" by estate agent Foxtons, looks all the more unusual because it is sandwiched between two regular-sized homes. It doesn't even have a proper back door - images of the interior suggested renovators had sought to maximise the property's space by including a folding aperture to the similarly narrow back garden. Outrageous property deals in pictures The Mayfair penthouse that sold for 30 million A Mayfair penthouse on Albemarle Street, one of Mayfair's oldest roads, sold to a mystery buyer for 30 million in December. The 5,845 sq ft, three-bedroom family home is thought to be one of the most expensive properties sold in the capital this year, and comes with an annual service charge of 61,000. supplied by Estate agent Peter Wetherell Outrageous property deals in pictures The dilapidated pre-fab 'shed' sold for nearly 1 million A pre-fabricated bungalow in south-east London has sold at auction for just under 1 million. The 1950s property in Peckham comes with 0.6 acres of land, is in need of renovation and has no fitted bathroom, but still sold for 950,000. A guide price of 590,000 was initially set, but increased rapidly during the bidding. Google Maps Outrageous property deals in pictures The starter home flats that went for a combined 60 million Some 215 affordable starter homes, specifically designed for first time buyers, sold out in just three hours in November, after dozens of aspiring homeowners camped overnight and queued in bad weather to get their hands on the flats. The starter home flats at Trinity Square by Galliard Homes went for a combined 60 million, or an average of 700 per sq ft. Londoners looking for affordable housing did not hesitate to camp out for up to two days to snag a flat, despite the fact that the project will not be complete for another two years. Galliard Outrageous property deals in pictures The longest lateral flat where H.G wells hosted a book club: yours for 3.65m The 2,200 square foot apartment in Chiltern Court in Marylebone was also home to author Arnold Bennett and political cartoonist David Low. Now on the market for 3.65 million through Rokstone agency, the four-bedroom flat has been refurbished into a luxury apartment, providing an exceptional 40 meter window frontage and depth. It claims to be the longest and most outstanding lateral flat - ones that stretch the full width of a building, or sometimes across two buildings - currently for sale in Londons West End. Rokstone Outrageous property deals in pictures Gatti House: the flats with celebrity links and private "pizza" lift that sold for a collective 16.5 million Celebrity links, a famous history and a private pizza lift has helped set a new record for price per square foot for a block of flats in central London. The four flats have sold for a collective 16.5 million at Gatti House on Londons Strand. Gatti House, a magnificent grade II building built in 1867, was sold as four separate apartments priced from 2.95 million to 5.95 million by CBRE Residential and Beauchamp, which has completed the last remaining sale. CBRE Residential and Beauchamp Outrageous property deals in pictures Londons most expensive office A newly refurbished office in the heart of Mayfair measuring 6,000 sq ft was unveiled by Enstar Capital in October. At 500 per sq ft, it is set to be the most expensive commercial fit out ever undertaken in the West End, according to the developer. The workspace on 54 Brooks Mews features gold-plated executive washrooms inspired by Armani-hotel in Italy, timber flooring imported from a 16th century monastery in Tuscany and an Art Deco entrance restored with a new 54 entrance logo replicating Steve Rubells famous studio 54 nightclub logo from the seventies. While the directors floor include a rooftop terrace dressed with loungers and an outside meeting and dining table. Enstar Capital Outrageous property deals in pictures Former garage in Mayfair become worlds most expensive mews house at 24m in Mayfair In September, the worlds most expensive mews house, in Reevews Mews, sold to a Qatari buyer for an eye-watering 24 million. Outrageous property deals in pictures A penthouse where you canoe from your front door, yours for 16.95 million London luxury dockside complex located on Chelsea creek is due for completion by the end of 2016. But its luxury flats are already on sale including this penthouse yours for 16.95 million. Its future residents will be able to slip down the river for a work out on the water at anytime of the day. Outrageous property deals in pictures The only property in London too expensive for the citys super-rich property buyers A 45 bed-room mansion near Hyde Park, previously owned by a Saudi Prince, received a private bid for 280 million. If accepted this would have made the property he most expensive single home ever to be sold in Britain. It was originally listed with an asking price of 300 million more than double the price of the UKs second most expensive home. Additional affordability tests for landlords recently announced by the Bank of England will heap added pressure on the buy-to-let market and force some private landlords to drop out, industry insiders said. Professional landlords and larger private investors are expected to continue to buy and let properties despite the changes. First-time buyers are expected to benefit from the changes. First-time buyers will have a little more elbow room to get into the market, Mr Baum said. But until were building more houses to meet demand the problem wont be solved. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} UK holidaymakers chasing the sun in Spain and the Canary Islands have helped Tui keep its numbers up despite terror attacks around the world. Summer bookings from British sunseekers were up 9 per cent year-on-year with Spain, the Balearic Island and the Canary Island witnessing the most significant growth, according to the tour operator. Revenue was up 8 per cent with the company now expecting a 10 per cent growth in profits this year. There was also a surge in the UK for long-haul bookings, with strong demand for Mexico, Dominican Republic and Jamaica. With the launch of our new summer 2017 programme next month, well continue to build on this solid performance, and to offer the best destinations and holiday experiences for our customers, said Nick Longman, Managing Director, TUI UK & Ireland. Tui, the worlds largest travel operator outshined Thomas Cook, its rival travel firm which has admitted last week that customers were delaying plans due to security concerns with summer bookings 5 per cent lower than last year. Terrorist attacks in Brussels, Turkey, Paris, Tunisia and Egypt in the past few months have shaken the travel industry. Last month Tui said that demand for summer holidays in Turkey has plunged by 40 per cent in the wake of the terrorist attack on tourists in Istanbul in January. TUI Group said holiday bookings for this summer were higher than last year as Europeans chose to holiday in Spain and further afield instead of destinations like Turkey, putting it on track to meet its annual target. Brussels attacks: tributes are paid to the victims Show all 27 1 /27 Brussels attacks: tributes are paid to the victims Brussels attacks: tributes are paid to the victims Wreaths of flowers in front of an entrance of the Maalbeek subway station in Brussels in homage to the victims of a terrorist attack. Getty Images Brussels attacks: tributes are paid to the victims Wreaths of flowers in front of an entrance of the Maalbeek subway station in Brussels in homage to the victims of a terrorist attack. Getty Images Brussels attacks: tributes are paid to the victims A building illuminated with the Belgian flag colours and a heart in Brussels, two days after suicide bombing attacks of terrorists on March 22 in Zaventem airport and subway Maelbeek. Getty Images Brussels attacks: tributes are paid to the victims A picture taken on 24 March, 2016 on place de la Bourse in Brussels, shows drawings and a candle, two days after suicide bombing attacks of terrorists on March 22 in Zaventem airport and Brussels subway Maelbeek Getty Images Brussels attacks: tributes are paid to the victims Candles are displayed in tribute to the Brussels attacks victims on 24 March, 2016 on place de la Bourse in Brussels, two days after the suicide bombing attacks of terrorists on 22 March. Getty Images Brussels attacks: tributes are paid to the victims A mourner lights a candle in Trafalgar Square during a candlelit vigil in support of the victims of the recent terror attacks in Brussels. Getty Images Brussels attacks: tributes are paid to the victims Brussels airport workers pay tribute to the victims near Zaventem Getty Images Brussels attacks: tributes are paid to the victims Activists light candles and hold placards to condemn the terrorist attacks in Belgium, during a gathering in Manila, Philippines Brussels attacks: tributes are paid to the victims A banner for the victims of the bombings reads "I am Brussels" at the Place de la Bourse in the center of Brussels Brussels attacks: tributes are paid to the victims European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, left front center, stands with front row, left to right, French Prime Minister Manuel Valls, Belgium's King Philippe, Belgium's Queen Mathilde and Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel as well as members of the European Commission during a minute of silence at EU headquarters in Brussels Brussels attacks: tributes are paid to the victims People join hands in solidarity near the former stock exchange following the bomb attacks in Brussels Brussels attacks: tributes are paid to the victims Belgium flags ornate the facade of the Paris Town Hall Brussels attacks: tributes are paid to the victims A woman embraces her children at The Place de la Bourse as she pays her respects to victims of the terrorists attacks in Brussels Brussels attacks: tributes are paid to the victims Belgian and European Union flags fly at half mast following the bomb attacks in Brussels Brussels attacks: tributes are paid to the victims Candles in the colors of the Belgian national flag are lit inside the Belgian embassy in Madrid, a day after the deadly suicide attacks on the Brussels airport and its subway system Brussels attacks: tributes are paid to the victims Servicemen of Azov, Ukrainian volunteers battalion, hold torches in front of floral tributes during a ceremony in front of the Belgian embassy in Kiev, in tribute to the victims of Brussels attacks Brussels attacks: tributes are paid to the victims A refugee boy holds up a placard reading "Sorry for Brussels" at a refugee camp near the Greek-Macedonian border Brussels attacks: tributes are paid to the victims Brussels tributes People light candles in tribute to victims at a makeshift memorial at the Place de la Bourse in Brussels Getty Images Brussels attacks: tributes are paid to the victims Brussels tributes A woman holds a drawing by French cartoonist Plantu picturing a character made of a French flag consoling another made of the Belgian flag, in front of the Hotel de Ville in Paris Getty Images Brussels attacks: tributes are paid to the victims Brussels tributes The colours of the Belgian flag are projected on to (clockwise from top left) the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the town council building in Belgrade, Rome's Campidoglio and the Royal Palace at Dam Square in Amsterdam Getty Images Brussels attacks: tributes are paid to the victims Brussels tributes Candles are lit in tribute to the victims, at the Place de la Bourse in Brussels Getty Images Brussels attacks: tributes are paid to the victims Brussels tributes A woman holds a placard reading "Paris hearts Belgium, How much time will it take us to open our eyes and say STOP, Today our hearts are broken, Open your eyes to change the future" at the Place de la Republique in Paris Getty Images Brussels attacks: tributes are paid to the victims Brussels tributes People gather to pay a tribute to victims of terrorist attacks in Brussels Getty Images Brussels attacks: tributes are paid to the victims Brussels tributes People write messages on the ground at Place de la Bourse in Brussels Getty Images Brussels attacks: tributes are paid to the victims Brussels tributes A bouquet of flowers in the Belgian national colours with a card reading 'To our neighbours, to our friends, to our Belgian brothers - an indignant Parisian' is seen next to a French national flag at the fence of the Belgian embassy in Paris Getty Images Brussels attacks: tributes are paid to the victims Brussels tributes Solidarity messages are written in chalk outside the stock exchange in Brussels AP Brussels attacks: tributes are paid to the victims Brussels tributes Messages and floral tributes outside the Brussels stock exchange AP Wyn Ellis, Numis analyst said Tui move to sell more upmarket holidays, which are exclusive to its customers, means its booking profile was different to Thomas Cook. Tui has positioned itself particularly well with what it calls a differentiated product which has an earlier booking pattern, he said. Shares in TUI, which has a market capitalisation of 6 billion, gained 4.5 per cent to 1,075 pence at 0756 GMT after what Cenkos analyst Simon French called a reassuring update. Additional reporting by Reuters 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 }} Hungarian writer and Holocaust survivor Imre Kertesz, who won the 2002 Nobel Literature Prize, has died at the age of 86. Kertesz's publisher told state news agency MTI he passed away on Thursday morning at his Budapest home after a long illness. Kertesz won the Nobel Prize for works the judges said portrayed the Nazi death camps as the ultimate truth about how low human beings could fall. Judges also said his writing "upholds the fragile experience of the individual against the barbaric arbitrariness of history". In his acceptance speech, he said he only wrote the novel for himself. "I didn't have an audience and didn't want to influence anyone." Born in Budapest in 1929, Kertesz was sent to Auschwitz as a teenager along with thousands of Hungarian Jews. He was then transferred to Buchenwald concentration camp, where he was liberated from in 1945. He reportedly once said: "As a child you have a certain trust in life. But when something like Auschwitz happens, everything falls apart." Notable deaths in 2016 Show all 42 1 /42 Notable deaths in 2016 Notable deaths in 2016 Debbie Reynolds was an American actress, singer, businesswoman, film historian, and humanitarian. She died on December 28 in Los Angeles Rex Notable deaths in 2016 Actress Carrie Fisher died on December 27 aged 60 Rex Notable deaths in 2016 Comedian and Actor Ricky Harris died on December 26 aged 54 Rex Notable deaths in 2016 British singer George Michael died on 25 December aged 53 Getty Notable deaths in 2016 Rick Parfitt OBE was an English musician, best known for being a singer, songwriter and rhythm guitarist in the rock band Status Quo. He died on December 24 in Marbella, Spain Rex Notable deaths in 2016 Lord Jenkin of Roding died at the age of 90 on the 21 December PA wire Notable deaths in 2016 Rabbi Lionel Blue died on the 19 December Rex Notable deaths in 2016 Zsa Zsa Gabor died on December 18 Getty Notable deaths in 2016 Leonard Cohen died on 7 November Getty Images Notable deaths in 2016 Grand secretary of the Orange Order Drew Nelson died on 10 October aged 60 after a short illness PA Notable deaths in 2016 Aaron Pryor, the relentless junior welterweight died Sunday, Oct. 9, at the age of 60 at his home in Cincinnati after a long battle with heart disease AP Notable deaths in 2016 Polish Director Andrzej Wajda died on October 9, aged 90 Reuters Notable deaths in 2016 Stylianos Pattakos has died following a stroke on 8th October. He was 103 years old. AP Notable deaths in 2016 Dickie Jeeps, was an English rugby union player who played for Northampton. He represented and captained both the England national rugby union team and the British Lions in the 1950s and 1960s. He died on 8th October. He was 84 Getty Notable deaths in 2016 Duke of Westminster Billionaire landowner the Duke of Westminster, Gerald Cavendish Grosvenor has died on 9 August, aged 64 Rex Features Notable deaths in 2016 Christina Knudsen Sir Roger Moores stepdaughter Christina Knudsen has died from cancer on 25 July at teh age of 47 Getty Images Notable deaths in 2016 Caroline Aherne The actress Caroline Aherne has died from cancer on 2 July at the age of 52 Getty Images Notable deaths in 2016 Christina Grimmie Christina Grimmie, 22, who was an American singer and songwriter, known for her participation in the NBC singing competition The Voice, was signing autographs at a concert venue in Orlando on 10 June when an assailant shot her. Grimmie was transported to a local hospital where she died from her wounds on 11 June Getty Notable deaths in 2016 Kimbo Slice Former UFC and Bellator MMA fighter Kimbo Slice died after being admitted to hospital in Florida on 6 June, aged 42 Getty Notable deaths in 2016 Muhammad Ali The three-time former heavyweight world champion died after being admitted to hospital with a respiratory illness on 3 June, aged 74 Getty Images Notable deaths in 2016 Sally Brampton Brampton who was the launch editor of the UK edition of Elle magazine has died on 10 May, aged 60 Grant Triplow/REX/Shutterstock Notable deaths in 2016 Billy Paul The soul singer Billy Paul, who was best known for his single Me and Mrs Jones, has died on 24 April, aged 81 Noel Vasquez/Getty Images Notable deaths in 2016 Prince Prince, the legendary musician, has been found dead at his Paisley Park recording studio on 21 April. He was 57 Notable deaths in 2016 Chyna WWE icon Joan Laurer dies aged 45 after being found at California home on 20 April Notable deaths in 2016 Victoria Wood The five-time Bafta-winning actress and comedian Victoria Wood has died on 20 April at her London home after a short illness with cancer. She was 62 Notable deaths in 2016 David Gest The entertainer and former husband of Liza Minnelli, David Gest has been found dead on 12 April in the Four Seasons hotel in Canary Warf, London. He was 62-years-old PA Notable deaths in 2016 Denise Robertson Denise Robertson, an agony aunt on This Morning for over 30 years, has died on 1 April, aged 83 Notable deaths in 2016 Zaha Hadid Dame Zaha Hadid, the prominent architect best known for designs such as the London Olympic Aquatic Centre and the Guangzhou Opera House, has died of a heart attack on 31 March, aged 65 2010 AFP Notable deaths in 2016 Ronnie Corbett British entertainer Ronnie Corbett has passed away on 31 March at the age of 85 2014 Getty Images Notable deaths in 2016 Imre Kertesz Hungarian writer and Holocaust survivor Imre Kertesz, who won the 2002 Nobel Literature Prize, has died on 31 March, at the age of 86 REUTERS Notable deaths in 2016 Rob Ford Rob Ford, the former controversial mayor of Toronto, has died following a battle with a rare form of cancer. The 46-year-old passed away at the Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto on 22 March Notable deaths in 2016 Joey Feek Joey (left) passed away in March after a two-year cancer illness. She was part of country music duo, Joey + Rory, with her husband Rory (right) Jason Merritt/Getty Images Notable deaths in 2016 Umberto Eco Italian writer and philosopher Umberto Eco died 19 February 2016 aged 84 EPA Notable deaths in 2016 Harper Lee Harper Lee, the American novelist known for writing 'To Kill a Mockingbird', died February 19, 2016 aged 89 2005 Getty Images Notable deaths in 2016 Vanity Vanity, pictured performing in 1983, died aged 57 REX Features Notable deaths in 2016 Dave Mirra The BMX legend's body found inside truck with gunshot wound after apparent suicide aged 41 Notable deaths in 2016 Harry Harpham The former miner became Sheffield Labour MP in May after many years as a local councillor. He died after succumbing to cancer, at the age of 61. Notable deaths in 2016 Dale Griffin The Mott the Hoople drummer died on January 17, aged 67 REX Notable deaths in 2016 Rene Angelil Celine Dion's husband and manager Rene Angelil has lost his battle with cancer on 14 January, aged 73 2011 Getty Images Notable deaths in 2016 Alan Rickman Legendary actor Alan Rickman has died on 14 January at the age of 69 after battle with pancreatic cancer. He is largely regarded as one of the most beloved British actors of our generation with roles in Love Actually, Die Hard, Michael Collins, and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and an illustrious stage career 2015 Getty Images Notable deaths in 2016 Maurice White The Earth, Wind & Fire founder died aged 74. The nine-piece band sold more than 90 million albums worldwide and won six Grammy awards Notable deaths in 2016 Lawrence Phillips Former NFL star found dead in prison cell on 13 January in suspected suicide, aged 40 AFP/Getty Images Following liberation, he lived most of his life between Budapest and Berlin. His best-known novel, Fatelessness, described the experience of a 15-year-old boy in concentration camps and was published in 1975 after a decade-long struggle to have it published. He is survived by his wife Magda. Additional reporting by Reuters and Associated Press. 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 }} Hobbits lived in Indonesia and disappeared thousands of years earlier than we thought, according to new research. Some had speculated that the small creatures might have gone on for lives even surviving to the present day. But the species disappeared from their Indonesian island no later than 50,000 years ago, at about the same time that early humans arrived there. It isnt clear whether the two species ever met. But scientists say that it is possible Homo sapiens played a role in wiping out the Hobbits, and that the new findings will allow them to concentrate on new research to find out whether that is the case. 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 "To me, the question is, 'Would the Hobbits have become extinct if humans had never made landfall on Flores?' And the answer is 'no.' We were likely the decisive factor in their demise, but we still need to find hard evidence to back up this hunch," said Geochronologist Bert Roberts of Australia's University of Wollongong. Numerous animals disappeared on Flores at the same time, said paleoanthropologist Matt Tocheri of Canada's Lakehead University and the Smithsonian Institution's Human Origins Program. These included small elephants, giant marabou storks, vultures and large Komodo dragon lizards. The new dates were discovered by excavations in the caves where remains of the 3-foot Hobbits were first found. The hobbits are formally known as Homo floresiensis, reflecting their home on the Indonesian island of Flores. With small, chimp-sized brains, the hobbits had skulls that resembled Homo erectus, which lived in Africa and Asia. But they also had long arms and short legs that harkened back to the much older evolutionary forerunners best known for the skeleton dubbed Lucy. It's not clear where they fit in the human family tree. They may have descended from taller ancestors who shrank because of their isolation on the island. Some scientists have argued they were diseased modern humans rather than a separate species, but experts called that a minority view and several said the new dates make it less likely. Professor Richard Roberts, from the University of Wollongong, Australia, who oversaw the analysis used in the new study, said: "We dated charcoal, sediments, flowstones, volcanic ash and even the H. floresiensis bones themselves using the most up-to-date scientific methods available. "In the last decade, we've vastly improved our understanding of when the deposits accumulated in Liang Bua, and what this means for the age of 'hobbit' bones and stone tools. But whether 'hobbits' encountered modern humans or other groups of humans - such as the 'Denisovans' - dispersing through Southeast Asia remains an open and intriguing question." Additional reporting by agencies 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 only British survivor found at the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp at the end of the Second World War detailed in newly-released documents how victims of Nazi atrocities had resorted to cannibalism to stay alive. Harold Le Druillenec said that he spent all his time at Belsen heaving bodies into graves in a graphic account recounting the horrors that he had seen while surviving three concentration camps. More than 70,000 people died at Bergen-Belsen in 1941-45. He was arrested in Jersey the day before D-Day in 1944 for helping his sister to harbour an escaped Russian prisoner-of-war and for non-cooperation with German occupying forces in the Channel Islands. He went on to give evidence at the Belsen trials after the war at which dozens of SS men and women were convicted for their roles in crimes at the camp. "I survived three concentration camps by a lot of luck and the ability to 'live outside the carcase'. I retain this trait, Mr Le Druillenec wrote in his note released today by the National Archives in which he sought compensation for his disability. Hitchcock's documentary on Belsen Show all 2 1 /2 Hitchcock's documentary on Belsen Hitchcock's documentary on Belsen Belsen concentration camp in 1945, while under British control after liberation In 1945, Hitchcock was enlisted by his friend Sidney Bernstein to help with a documentary on German wartime atrocities, based on the footage of the camps shot by British and Soviet film units. That documentary was never seen. Getty Hitchcock's documentary on Belsen Seat of power: Alfred Hitchcock in 1969 It is both distasteful and absurdly reductive to see a Nazi atrocity documentary as a Hitchcock movie. We will never know exactly how much he contributed to the film, even if it seems certain that his ideas about how it should be structured were taken on board. Getty He said there was no food, water and sleep was impossible at Belsen, the worst of the three camps where he was held. He wrote: "All my time here was spent in heaving dead bodies into the mass graves kindly dug for us by 'outside workers' for we no longer had the strength for that type of work which, fortunately, must have been observed by the camp authorities. Poland funeral honours Auschwitz survivor Bartoszewski "Jungle law reigned among the prisoners; at night you killed or were killed; by day cannibalism was rampant. "The bulk of Auschwitz had been transferred to Belsen when I arrived and it was here that I heard the expression 'there is only one way out of here - through the chimney!' (crematorium). He was freed after 10 months' imprisonment, during which he lost more than half his body weight, and spent almost a year recovering from the dysentery, scabies, malnutrition and septicaemia that he suffered. The Foreign Office eventually agreed to pay him compensation, awarding him 1,835 - around 30,000 today - for the time he spent imprisoned and his disabilities, which were deemed to be "less than 50%". 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 }} Nanny state laws make Britain the worst place in the European Union (EU) to be a wine drinker and a smoker, according to a report which ranks the UK as the blocs third most meddling country when it comes to regulating citizens private lives. Excessive regulation and so called sin taxes mean that only Finland and Sweden are worse when it comes to intervening in lifestyle freedoms, the 2016 Nanny State Index found. The results make depressing reading for those of us who want the government to keep out of our private lives, said Christopher Snowdon, head of lifestyle economics at the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) which published the report along with the European Policy Information Centre. Health news in pictures Show all 40 1 /40 Health news in pictures Health news in pictures Coronavirus outbreak The coronavirus Covid-19 has hit the UK leading to the deaths of two people so far and prompting warnings from the Department of Health AFP via Getty Health news in pictures Thousands of emergency patients told to take taxi to hospital Thousands of 999 patients in England are being told to get a taxi to hospital, figures have showed. The number of patients outside London who were refused an ambulance rose by 83 per cent in the past year as demand for services grows Getty Health news in pictures Vape related deaths spike A vaping-related lung disease has claimed the lives of 11 people in the US in recent weeks. The US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has more than 100 officials investigating the cause of the mystery illness, and has warned citizens against smoking e-cigarette products until more is known, particularly if modified or bought off the street Getty Health news in pictures Baldness cure looks to be a step closer Researchers in the US claim to have overcome one of the major hurdles to cultivating human follicles from stem cells. The new system allows cells to grow in a structured tuft and emerge from the skin Sanford Burnham Preybs Health news in pictures Two hours a week spent in nature can improve health A study in the journal Scientific Reports suggests that a dose of nature of just two hours a week is associated with better health and psychological wellbeing Shutterstock Health news in pictures Air pollution linked to fertility issues in women Exposure to air from traffic-clogged streets could leave women with fewer years to have children, a study has found. Italian researchers found women living in the most polluted areas were three times more likely to show signs they were running low on eggs than those who lived in cleaner surroundings, potentially triggering an earlier menopause Getty/iStock Health news in pictures Junk food ads could be banned before watershed Junk food adverts on TV and online could be banned before 9pm as part of Government plans to fight the "epidemic" of childhood obesity. Plans for the new watershed have been put out for public consultation in a bid to combat the growing crisis, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said PA Health news in pictures Breeding with neanderthals helped humans fight diseases On migrating from Africa around 70,000 years ago, humans bumped into the neanderthals of Eurasia. While humans were weak to the diseases of the new lands, breeding with the resident neanderthals made for a better equipped immune system PA Health news in pictures Cancer breath test to be trialled in Britain The breath biopsy device is designed to detect cancer hallmarks in molecules exhaled by patients Getty Health news in pictures Average 10 year old has consumed the recommended amount of sugar for an adult By their 10th birthdy, children have on average already eaten more sugar than the recommended amount for an 18 year old. The average 10 year old consumes the equivalent to 13 sugar cubes a day, 8 more than is recommended PA Health news in pictures Child health experts advise switching off screens an hour before bed While there is not enough evidence of harm to recommend UK-wide limits on screen use, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health have advised that children should avoid screens for an hour before bed time to avoid disrupting their sleep Getty Health news in pictures Daily aspirin is unnecessary for older people in good health, study finds A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has found that many elderly people are taking daily aspirin to little or no avail Getty Health news in pictures Vaping could lead to cancer, US study finds A study by the University of Minnesota's Masonic Cancer Centre has found that the carcinogenic chemicals formaldehyde, acrolein, and methylglyoxal are present in the saliva of E-cigarette users Reuters Health news in pictures More children are obese and diabetic There has been a 41% increase in children with type 2 diabetes since 2014, the National Paediatric Diabetes Audit has found. Obesity is a leading cause Reuters Health news in pictures Most child antidepressants are ineffective and can lead to suicidal thoughts The majority of antidepressants are ineffective and may be unsafe, for children and teenager with major depression, experts have warned. In what is the most comprehensive comparison of 14 commonly prescribed antidepressant drugs to date, researchers found that only one brand was more effective at relieving symptoms of depression than a placebo. Another popular drug, venlafaxine, was shown increase the risk users engaging in suicidal thoughts and attempts at suicide Getty Health news in pictures Gay, lesbian and bisexual adults at higher risk of heart disease, study claims Researchers at the Baptist Health South Florida Clinic in Miami focused on seven areas of controllable heart health and found these minority groups were particularly likely to be smokers and to have poorly controlled blood sugar iStock Health news in pictures Breakfast cereals targeted at children contain 'steadily high' sugar levels since 1992 despite producer claims A major pressure group has issued a fresh warning about perilously high amounts of sugar in breakfast cereals, specifically those designed for children, and has said that levels have barely been cut at all in the last two and a half decades Getty Health news in pictures Potholes are making us fat, NHS watchdog warns New guidance by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the body which determines what treatment the NHS should fund, said lax road repairs and car-dominated streets were contributing to the obesity epidemic by preventing members of the public from keeping active PA Health news in pictures New menopause drugs offer women relief from 'debilitating' hot flushes A new class of treatments for women going through the menopause is able to reduce numbers of debilitating hot flushes by as much as three quarters in a matter of days, a trial has found. The drug used in the trial belongs to a group known as NKB antagonists (blockers), which were developed as a treatment for schizophrenia but have been sitting on a shelf unused, according to Professor Waljit Dhillo, a professor of endocrinology and metabolism REX Health news in pictures Doctors should prescribe more antidepressants for people with mental health problems, study finds Research from Oxford University found that more than one million extra people suffering from mental health problems would benefit from being prescribed drugs and criticised ideological reasons doctors use to avoid doing so. Getty Health news in pictures Student dies of flu after NHS advice to stay at home and avoid A&E The family of a teenager who died from flu has urged people not to delay going to A&E if they are worried about their symptoms. Melissa Whiteley, an 18-year-old engineering student from Hanford in Stoke-on-Trent, fell ill at Christmas and died in hospital a month later. Just Giving Health news in pictures Government to review thousands of harmful vaginal mesh implants The Government has pledged to review tens of thousands of cases where women have been given harmful vaginal mesh implants. Getty Health news in pictures Jeremy Hunt announces 'zero suicides ambition' for the NHS The NHS will be asked to go further to prevent the deaths of patients in its care as part of a zero suicide ambition being launched today Getty Health news in pictures Human trials start with cancer treatment that primes immune system to kill off tumours Human trials have begun with a new cancer therapy that can prime the immune system to eradicate tumours. The treatment, that works similarly to a vaccine, is a combination of two existing drugs, of which tiny amounts are injected into the solid bulk of a tumour. Nephron Health news in pictures Babies' health suffers from being born near fracking sites, finds major study Mothers living within a kilometre of a fracking site were 25 per cent more likely to have a child born at low birth weight, which increase their chances of asthma, ADHD and other issues Getty Health news in pictures NHS reviewing thousands of cervical cancer smear tests after women wrongly given all-clear Thousands of cervical cancer screening results are under review after failings at a laboratory meant some women were incorrectly given the all-clear. A number of women have already been told to contact their doctors following the identification of procedural issues in the service provided by Pathology First Laboratory. Rex Health news in pictures Potential key to halting breast cancer's spread discovered by scientists Most breast cancer patients do not die from their initial tumour, but from secondary malignant growths (metastases), where cancer cells are able to enter the blood and survive to invade new sites. Asparagine, a molecule named after asparagus where it was first identified in high quantities, has now been shown to be an essential ingredient for tumour cells to gain these migratory properties. Getty Health news in pictures NHS nursing vacancies at record high with more than 34,000 roles advertised A record number of nursing and midwifery positions are currently being advertised by the NHS, with more than 34,000 positions currently vacant, according to the latest data. Demand for nurses was 19 per cent higher between July and September 2017 than the same period two years ago. REX Health news in pictures Cannabis extract could provide new class of treatment for psychosis CBD has a broadly opposite effect to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main active component in cannabis and the substance that causes paranoia and anxiety. Getty Health news in pictures Over 75,000 sign petition calling for Richard Branson's Virgin Care to hand settlement money back to NHS Mr Bransons company sued the NHS last year after it lost out on an 82m contract to provide childrens health services across Surrey, citing concerns over serious flaws in the way the contract was awarded PA Health news in pictures More than 700 fewer nurses training in England in first year after NHS bursary scrapped The numbers of people accepted to study nursing in England fell 3 per cent in 2017, while the numbers accepted in Wales and Scotland, where the bursaries were kept, increased 8.4 per cent and 8 per cent respectively Getty Health news in pictures Landmark study links Tory austerity to 120,000 deaths The paper found that there were 45,000 more deaths in the first four years of Tory-led efficiencies than would have been expected if funding had stayed at pre-election levels. On this trajectory that could rise to nearly 200,000 excess deaths by the end of 2020, even with the extra funding that has been earmarked for public sector services this year. Reuters Health news in pictures Long commutes carry health risks Hours of commuting may be mind-numbingly dull, but new research shows that it might also be having an adverse effect on both your health and performance at work. Longer commutes also appear to have a significant impact on mental wellbeing, with those commuting longer 33 per cent more likely to suffer from depression Shutterstock Health news in pictures You cannot be fit and fat It is not possible to be overweight and healthy, a major new study has concluded. The study of 3.5 million Britons found that even metabolically healthy obese people are still at a higher risk of heart disease or a stroke than those with a normal weight range Getty Health news in pictures Sleep deprivation When you feel particularly exhausted, it can definitely feel like you are also lacking in brain capacity. Now, a new study has suggested this could be because chronic sleep deprivation can actually cause the brain to eat itself Shutterstock Health news in pictures Exercise classes offering 45 minute naps launch David Lloyd Gyms have launched a new health and fitness class which is essentially a bunch of people taking a nap for 45 minutes. The fitness group was spurred to launch the napercise class after research revealed 86 per cent of parents said they were fatigued. The class is therefore predominantly aimed at parents but you actually do not have to have children to take part Getty Health news in pictures 'Fundamental right to health' to be axed after Brexit, lawyers warn Tobacco and alcohol companies could win more easily in court cases such as the recent battle over plain cigarette packaging if the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights is abandoned, a barrister and public health professor have said Getty Health news in pictures 'Thousands dying' due to fear over non-existent statin side-effects A major new study into the side effects of the cholesterol-lowering medicine suggests common symptoms such as muscle pain and weakness are not caused by the drugs themselves Getty Health news in pictures Babies born to fathers aged under 25 have higher risk of autism New research has found that babies born to fathers under the age of 25 or over 51 are at higher risk of developing autism and other social disorders. The study, conducted by the Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment at Mount Sinai, found that these children are actually more advanced than their peers as infants, but then fall behind by the time they hit their teenage years Getty Health news in pictures Cycling to work could halve risk of cancer and heart disease Commuters who swap their car or bus pass for a bike could cut their risk of developing heart disease and cancer by almost half, new research suggests but campaigners have warned there is still an urgent need to improve road conditions for cyclists. Cycling to work is linked to a lower risk of developing cancer by 45 per cent and cardiovascular disease by 46 per cent, according to a study of a quarter of a million people. Walking to work also brought health benefits, the University of Glasgow researchers found, but not to the same degree as cycling. Getty "Unless you are a teetotal, non-smoking vegetarian, my advice is to go to Germany or the Czech Republic this summer," he added. The league table ranked each of the 28 EU countries based on how they try to control smoking, drinking, eating and the use of e-cigarettes, known as vaping. Assessments were based on the taxation, advertising restrictions, bans and other regulations each states imposes. Although paternalistic laws are often said to be justified on health grounds, the report concluded that countries with heavy alcohol and tobacco regulation do not have lower rates of drinking or smoking. "The big picture is that there is no correlation between nanny state regulation and higher life expectancy," it said. Finland topped the index because of its taxes on chocolate drinks, alcohol and tobacco. The northern European nation also has an outright ban on e-cigarettes, a ban on drinking happy hours and heavy restrictions on advertising. But the UK has the most "draconian" smoking ban and the highest rates of tax on wine and cigarettes, the researchers found. It also comes second only to Finland on beer duty, while spirits duty is also higher than every non-Scandinavian member state. Overall, Britain comes top for its tobacco controls, fourth for alcohol and seventh for food and soft drinks, the report said. But its more liberal approach to e-cigarettes gave it a final ranking of third. The Czech Republic was the lowest ranking country, closely followed by Germany and Luxembourg. 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 }} Large quantities of enriched uranium are to be shipped from Britain for disposal in the United States, while American nuclear material is to be sent in the other direction for use in the treatment of cancer patients across Europe. The transatlantic nuclear swap will be detailed by David Cameron at a meeting of world leaders in Washington where the focus will be on preventing terrorists from obtaining the raw materials for a dirty bomb. Mr Cameron will announce that about 700kg of radioactive waste most of which is held at Dounreay in northern Scotland will be dispatched to the US either by sea or air. American nuclear disposal plants have far greater capacity to dispose of dangerous material than their British counterparts, British officials explained. 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 Under the deal, a different form of highly-enriched uranium will be returned to Euratom, the EUs nuclear power agency, where it will turned into medical isotopes used in the diagnosis and treatment of such conditions as thyroid cancer in European hospitals. A Government source said: Its a win-win we get rid of waste and we get back something which will help us fight against cancer. This is an exciting initiative that shows how you can work together to deal with the potential problems and downsides that you have in terms of processing nuclear waste, and turn it into a benefit. Britain and the US will also stage a joint exercise later this year to prepare for any online attack against nuclear power plants and waste storage facilities. The two-day Nuclear Security Summit (NSS), hosted by Barack Obama will be attended by around 50 world leaders. Recommended Read more Haunting pictures show desolation of Chernobyl 30 years on The Prime Minister will offer British expertise to other countries to safeguard their civil nuclear installations from attack amid concerns about the prospect of nuclear terrorism. A government source stressed that there was no credible evidence of terrorists targeting British facilities. The UK will also commit 10m this year to improve security standards around nuclear plants and waste facilities. 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 }} The rival groups bidding to lead the Brexit campaign in the EU membership referendum will go head to head on Friday. Each is submitting its formal application to the Electoral Commission which will select the lead campaigns for Leave and Remain. The chosen teams will be allowed to spend millions on campaign broadcasts and mail shots. While only one group, Britain Stronger In Europe, is expected to lead the argument for the UKs continued membership, the Leave designation is being bitterly contested. Vote Leave was initially considered the front-runner. It is being backed by senior ministers including Michael Gove and Chris Grayling, as well as Iain Duncan Smith who has just resigned from the Cabinet and the London Mayor, Boris Johnson. But it is being strongly challenged by the Grassroots Out group, which stresses its popular credentials. It has the backing of Conservative and Labour MPs, as well as the Ukip leader Nigel Farage. The rival groups held a secret meeting on Monday chaired by Mr Grayling to discuss their differences, but they are both still putting their names forward. The Electoral Commission is due to make its decision in about ten days time. 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 }} A former Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate who vehemently denies a series of child sex charges is planning to run for Nottinghamshires police and crime commissioner (PCC). Jason Zadrozny appeared at Mansfield Crown Court on Wednesday, the first time since he was charged with two counts of raping a boy under 16, three of sexual activity with a boy aged between 13 and 15 and four charges of indecent assault of a boy under the age of 16. He was granted bail and will appear at Nottingham Crown Court on 27 April. Speaking outside the court in Mansfield, a representative for Mr Zadrozny said his client would vehemently deny the allegations which date from 2003 to 2006. The 35-year-old was a Liberal Democrat candidate in Ashfield in 2010 and was selected to fight the seat in 2015. He was suspended by the party following his arrest over the child sex allegations. Mr Zadrozny, an independent councillor at Ashfield District and Nottinghamshire County councils, announced he would run for PCC in the May elections after the court appearance. Dismissing the suggestion that running in the election and fighting the criminal allegations was untenable, he said: I am looking forward to my day in crown court. He said he wanted to prove that he was innocent, adding that he was confident of what the outcome of the trial would be. I wouldnt be standing here today with my reputation on the line, with my friends and family behind me I wouldnt be here if I wasnt 100 per cent confident that I am not guilty. Nottinghamshire Police said it would not comment during the legal proceedings. Nottinghamshire County Council disqualifies councillors if they have been sentenced to three or more months in prison. At the time Mr Zadrozny was charged in February, Anthony May, chief executive of the council, said: We are aware that a Nottinghamshire County Councillor has been charged with a number of sexual offences. There is no action that the County Council can take at this stage as this is a matter for the Courts. Ashfield District Council said: "The criminal charges recently brought against an ADC Councillor are a matter for the Courts and the Council should not and will not comment further on those charges at this time. Additional reporting by PA 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 }} A petition urging the Government to recall Parliament and take immediate action to avert a crisis in Britains steel industry has passed 100,000 signatures. The call to cut short the Easter recess for politicians was launched by Jeremy Corbyn yesterday and, at the time of writing, had more 110,000 people backing it. The Prime Minister has insisted the Government is doing everything it can to deal with the escalating crisis in the steel industry but echoed the Business Secretarys comments that nationalisation is not the solution. Downing Street said they had no plans to recall Parliament. An analysis by the Institute for Public Policy Research think-tank found that around 40,000 jobs could be lost if no buyer is found for Tata Steels UK operations. They include Tatas 15,000-strong workforce and 25,000 people who depend on it. There is, however, a flaw with the petition: the decision for it to be considered in a Commons debate rests with petitions committee, which will not meet until Parliament returns from the Easter recess on April 11. "The situation at Port Talbot is of deep concern. I know how important those jobs are, the Prime Minister said in a statement. He added: "Those jobs are vital to workers' families, vital to those communities and the Government will do everything it can working with the company to try and secure the future of steelmaking in Port Talbot and across our country, it's a vital industry." A spokesman for 10 Downing Street said: "Ministers will continue to hold briefings to update representatives of other parties on the situation but we have no plans to recall Parliament. Our focus is on finding a long-term sustainable future for steel making at Port Talbot and across the UK. Stephen Kinnock, Labour MP for the South Wales constituency of Aberavon, told Sky News on Thursday morning he was flabbergasted by the incompetence shown by the government over the crisis. "Its a total shambles, and its been a shambles for years," he said. "Its absolutely extraordinary that theyve been asleep at the wheel for this long." Caroline Lucas, the Green Party MP, added her partys voice to recall Parliament in the wake of the Tata steel crisis. She said: This weeks crisis in Port Talbot and elsewhere has not come out of the blue Britains steel industry has been in trouble for a long time now. Yet the government appears to have been asleep on the job. Ms Lucas added: The Prime Ministers reluctance to contemplate public ownership shows yet again a government putting ideology above practical support. Time is now of the essence. Opposition parties need to collectively step up to the plate vacated by Tory ministers, and come together to formulate a plan not only for protecting the 40,000 jobs now at risk, but ensuring a long-term, low-carbon future for Britains steel industry. Thats why Im adding my voice to the increasingly loud and urgent calls for Parliament to be recalled. 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 }} Sajid Javid, the Business Secretary and rising star of the Tory Party, has faced calls to resign after it emerged he planned to take a holiday in Australia while the UKs steel industry faced crisis and the loss of thousands of jobs. Mr Javid took his daughter with him on an official visit to Australia this week, and planned to extend the trip into a holiday, it has emerged. His trip coincided with the crunch Tata board meeting in Mumbai, which led to the steel giants decision to sell its UK business. The Business Secretary cut short his trip to Sydney, for which he paid his daughters costs, after Tatas announcement. He will visit the steelworks at Port Talbot in Wales on Friday, where he will face difficult meetings with workers and management. The plant is facing up to 4,000 job losses, with many more jobs in related industries also at risk. The plants local MP, Labours Stephen Kinnock, said that given the magnitude of the threat to UK steel production, and suggestions his trip was not for entirely work-related reasons, Mr Javid should consider his position. Business Secretary Sajid Javid has returned from his trip to Australia (Getty Images) The Government has confirmed that it will appoint independent advisors to help Tata find a buyer for its UK business. Im going to Port Talbot to meet staff and management, who are understandably extremely anxious about their future, Mr Javid said. I will listen to them, and I want to reassure them myself that the Government is on their side in working hard to achieve a long-term solution for them, for the region and for the wider UK steel industry. While we cant change the status of the global steel market, we can and are playing a positive role in securing a sustainable future. Mr Kinnock was in Mumbai earlier in the week with Community union leader Roy Rickhuss to lobby Tata to back a rescue plan for Port Talbot. We have known for months that 29 March was going to be D-Day for the British steel industry, with up to 40,000 jobs on the line, he said. The Business Secretary was not even in the country he chose to jet off to Australia. He should have been in Mumbai with me and Roy Rickhuss. I really wonder whether, if they had steelworks in Oxfordshire, would we have this level of disengagement? The future of UK steel: The options Find a buyer Business minister Anna Soubry has said the dream solution would be finding a successful buyer. But Tata says it is losing 1m a day in its UK operations following a collapse in the price of steel products, making it a risky prospect for interested parties. Government loans for buyer The Government could step in and provide a loan to a potential buyer to make the purchase more attractive. Temporary public ownership The Government could play the middle man in the sale of Tatas assets and help to find a suitable buyer. This would involve taking temporary ownership of the business before selling it on. Tax relief A range of tax breaks could also be considered to make the purchase more attractive. Nationalise the steel industry Despite cries for the Government to nationalise the steel industry, it has been ruled out by the Prime Minister David Cameron following a meeting with ministers. 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 }} Jeremy Corbyn stepped up his attack on the Governments handling of the threat to Britains biggest steel producer, challenging it to take a public stake in the beleaguered industry. The Labour leader paid a high-profile visit to Port Talbot hours after the decision to put the South Wales plant up for sale was announced and while Mr Cameron and the Business Secretary, Sajid Javid, were out of the country. More than 120,000 people have signed his petition calling for Parliament to be recalled early to discuss the fate of steelmaking and demanding the government acts immediately to protect the steel industry and the core of manufacturing in Britain. Mr Corbyn said the Prime Minister had offered no solutions to the Tata crisis. It is not good enough for David Cameron to stand by and say the situation is difficult, he said. Plaid Cymru called for the Welsh government to take temporary ownership of Tatas Welsh plants as a first step towards a buy-out until another sustainable offer emerges. 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 }} The Government has been accused of failing to protect British steel by blocking EU plans to impose tougher sanctions on aggressive Chinese steel dumping while the industry stands on the brink of collapse. EU Council working party papers seen show the UK is one of 14 countries that, as early as 2014, were seeking to block the EU from axing the so-called lesser duty rule, which could allow increased tariffs to be placed on cheap imports. 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 Business Secretary Sajid Javid called on the EU in February to use every means available against steel dumping in a letter to the European Commission which was also signed by seven other EU business ministers. But he later went on to say it would not be right for the EU to scrap the lesser duty regulations, which some countries want to end in order to allow higher tariffs on Chinese steel. The US, which has scrapped the rule, is suggesting tariffs of more than 200 per cent on some products. The long-standing bid by Brussels to raise tariffs is seen as pouring cold water on claims by Ukips Nigel Farage that EU membership is a major factor behind the "massacre" of Britain's steel industry. Judith Kirton-Darling, Labour MEP for the North East, which is still reeling from the closure of the Redcar steelworks, said the Government is crying crocodile tears over the steel industry, while blocking higher tariffs. She said: For months, UK ministers have claimed they are doing everything possible to address the deep crisis in our steel industry. "But rather than supporting much needed action, they have been delaying and blocking it while tens of thousands of steelworkers and their communities are virtually defenceless in the face of aggressive steel dumping from China. Labour MEP Judith Kirton-Darling said the Government is crying crocodile tears over the steel industry Annual Chinese steel exports to EU countries including the UK have increased from 1.3m tonnes in 2009 to 7.7m tonnes in 2015. The Fitch rating agency said this month that removing the lesser duty rule could materially reduce EU steel imports. Dominic King, head of policy at UK Steel, said: It is galling that the UK Government has not taken action itself and has continued to block these changes in the EU leaving the steel industry on its knees. Government must support the lifting of the lesser duty rule, otherwise steel manufacturing will be lost in the UK and Europe. The Department of Business, Innovation and Skills says the EUs own independent evaluation shows that tariffs are being set at roughly the right level and EU measures imposed under the current rule have been effective in curtailing Chinese imports. A spokesman for the department said the UK has been at the forefront of pressing the EU to act against unfair dumping. He said: The point is we need to strike the right balance. Thirteen other EU countries took the same approach to ensure the best interests of the industry, businesses and consumers. 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 }} Almost 100 girls in the Central African Republic have said they were sexually abused by international peacekeepers, with three claiming they were tied up and forced to have sex with a dog by a French military commander in 2014. The United Nations has announced an urgent investigation into allegations of rape and assault, saying reports dated back three years. A delegation from its Minusca mission aiming to stabilise the war-torn country interviewed victims on Saturday, uncovering horrific claims against UN and local forces, as well as troops sent by France. The results of the investigation have not yet been made public but the Aids-Free World campaign group said sources had passed it details. UN peacekeeping soldiers from Rwanda patrol on December 09, 2014 in Bangui. (AFP/Getty Images) A spokesperson said three girls reported that they and a fourth victim, who has since died of an unknown illness, were tied up and undressed at a military camp by a commander from the French Sangaris force. They said they were then forced to have sex with a dog before being given 5,000 Central African Francs (6) each. One of the victims said she was called the Sangaris dog by people in the community after the attack. The three surviving girls had sought basic medical treatment, Aids-Free World said. It is far from the only report of abuse in CAR, where peacekeepers have been accused of raping girls as young as 12. A report leaked last year included claims that French troops forced refugee children fleeing violence to perform sex acts for food. France probes claims of child sex abuse by its troops in Central African Republic Unicef has reportedly interviewed 98 girls who claim to have been sexually abused by international peacekeepers in just one province of CAR. The UN Secretary-General is to consider dispatching high-level envoys to countries whose troops have been implicated and prima facie allegations have been confirmed, Aids-Free World reported. The group said the information it received - including on the alleged rape of a 16-year-old girl by a peacekeeper in a hotel on Monday - is in the hands of senior UN officials. Allegations of child rape and other sexual abuse has put the spotlight on UN peacekeepers in recent months, especially those based in Central African Republic and Congo. There have been similar allegations against troops from the French intervention, Operation Sangaris, which operates independently in CAR. On Monday, the UN announced that a delegation had been sent to investigate reports in Kemo prefecture after it received new allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse both by UN and non-UN forces and civilians. Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Show all 19 1 /19 Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Afghanistan Recommendation: I urge the Government of Afghanistan to adopt legislative reforms to ensure that sexual violence offences are not conflated with adultery or morality crimes and to establish infrastructure for the delivery of protection, health and le gal services to survivors. I call on the Ministry of the Interior to accelerate efforts to integrate women into the Afghan National Police, thereby enhancing its outreach and its capacity to address sexual and gender-based violence Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Central African Republic Recommendation: I urge the authorities of the Central African Republic to ensure that efforts to restore security and the rule of law take into account the prevention of sexual violence and that monitoring of the ceasefire and peace agreement explicitly reflects this consideration, in line with the joint communique of the Government and the United Nations on the prevention of and response to conflict-related sexual violence signed in December 2012. I further encourage the authorities to make the rapid response unit to combat sexual violence operational and to establish a special criminal court Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Colombia Recommendation: I commend the Government of Colombia for the progress made to date and its collaboration with the United Nations, including through the visit of my Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict in March 2015. I encourage the authorities to implement Law 1719 and continue to prosecute cases of sexual violence committed during the conflict to ensure that survivors receive justice and receive reparations. Conflict-related sexual violence should continue to be addressed in the Havana peace talks, as well as in the resulting accords and transitional justice mechanisms. Particular attention should be paid to groups that face additional barriers to justice such as ethnic minorities, women in rural areas, children, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex individuals and women abused within the ranks of armed groups. I encourage the Government to scale up its protection measures and share its good practices with other conflict-affected countries Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Congo Recommendation: I urge the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to ensure full implementation of the armed forces action plan against sexual violence, to systematically bring perpetrators to justice and to deliver reparations to victims, including payment of outstanding compensation awards. I call on donors and the United Nations system to support the Government in its efforts and to pay increased attention to neglected areas, including unregulated mining regions Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Iraq Recommendation: I commend the Government of Iraq for its national action plan for the implementation of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) and urge its swift implementation, including by training its security forces to ensur e respect for womens rights. Programmes to support the social reintegration of women and girls released from captivity by ISIL are urgently needed, as is community-based medical and psychological care. The capacity of the United Nations system should be enhanced through the deployment of Womens Protection Advisers or equivalent specialists Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Libya Recommendation: I urge the national authorities in Libya to implement Decree No. 119 and Resolution 904 of 2014 to ensure redress for all victims, including those affected by the current conflict, through the establishment of multisectoral services and the adoption of legislation to categorically prohibit sexual violence Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Mali Recommendation: I urge the Government of Mali, with support from United Nations Action against Sexual Violence in Conflict, to develop a comprehensive national strategy to combat sexual and gender-based violence and to ensure the safety of humanitarian workers so that services can reach remote areas. I further call on all parties to ensure that conflict-related sexual violence is addressed in the inter-Malian dialogue and that perpetrators of sexual violence do not benefit from amnesty or early release Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Myanmar Recommendation: I urge the Government of Myanmar to continue with its reform agenda and, in the process, take practical and timely actions to protect and support survivors of conflict-related sexual violence and to ensure that security personnel accused of such crimes are prosecuted. Sexual violence should be an element in all ceasefire and peace negotiations, excluded from the scope of amnesty provisions and addressed in transitional justice processes. It is critical that women be able to participate consistently in and influence these processes Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Somalia Recommendation: I reiterate my call to the Federal Government of Somalia to implement the commitments made under the joint communique of 7 May 2013 and its national action plan to combat sexual violence in conflict, including specific plans for the army and the police. I encourage the adoption of a sexual offences bill as a matter of priority Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life South Sudan Recommendation: I urge the parties to the conflict in South Sudan to adopt action plans to implement the commitments made under their respective communiques. I call upon the Government of South Sudan to address the negative impact of customary law on womens rights and to reflect international human rights standards in national law. I also encourage the African Union to make public and act upon the report of its Commission of Inquiry on South Sudan Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Sudan (Darfur) Recommendation: I call upon the Government of the Sudan to grant the United Nations and its humanitarian partners unfettered access for monitoring and the provision of assistance to people in need in Darfur. Given that there has been grave concern over sexual violence in Darfur for more than a decade, I encourage the Government to engage with my Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict to develop a framework of cooperation to address the issue comprehensively Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Syria Recommendation: I acknowledge the Governments invitation to my Special Representative to visit the Syrian Arab Republic and call upon the authorities, in the context of such a visit, to agree on specific measures to prevent sexual violence, including by members of the security forces. I condemn the use of sexual violence by ISIL and all other parties listed in the annex to the present report and call on them to cease such violations immediately and allow unfettered access for the delivery of humanitarian assistance Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Yemen Recommendation: I urge the authorities in Yemen to undertake legislative reform as a basis for addressing impunity for sexual violence, ensuring the provision of services for survivors and aligning the minimum legal age of marriage with international standards. I further call on the authorities to engage with local community and faithbased leaders to address sexual and gender-based violence and discriminatory social norms Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Bosnia and Herzegovina Recommendation: I urge the relevant authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina to harmonize legislation and policies so that the rights of survivors of conflict-related sexual violence to reparations are consistently recognized and to allocate a specific budget for this purpose. I further call upon the authorities to protect and support survivors participating in judicial proceedings through, inter alia, referrals to free legal aid, psychosocial and health services, as well as economic empowerment programmes Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Ivory Coast Recommendation: I urge the Government of Cote dIvoire to ensure the effective implementation of its national strategy to combat gender-based violence and the action plan for FRCI, and call on the international community to support these efforts. It is critical to accelerate disarmament, demobilization and reintegration and strengthen law enforcement to ensure that ex-combatants who have been reintegrated into the transport sector do not pose a risk to women and girls who are reliant on those services. The Government and the international community must provide monitoring and awareness-raising to mitigate the possibility of a recurrence of sexual violence in the context of the presidential elections to be held in October 2015 Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Liberia Recommendation: I call on the Government of Liberia to continue its critical efforts to combat sexual and gender-based violence including through the United Nations-Government of Liberia Joint Programme, and in the context of recovery from the Ebola virus epidemic Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Nepal Recommendation: I encourage the Government to ensure that survivors of conflict-related sexual violence are recognized under the law as conflict victims, which will enable them to access services, judicial remedies and reparations. I further call on all parties involved in the transitional justice process to ensure that the rights and needs o f survivors of sexual violence are addressed in institutional reforms and that these crimes are excluded from amnesties and statutes of limitations Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Sri Lanka Recommendation: I call upon the newly elected Government of Sri Lanka to investigate allegations of sexual violence, including against national armed and security forces, and to provide multisectoral services for survivors, including reparations and economic empowerment programmes for women at risk, including war widows and female heads of household Countries where sexual violence has become a way of life Nigeria Recommendation: I encourage the Government to implement its national action plan on the implementation of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) to ensure that womens protection concerns are mainstreamed throughout its security operations. I also call upon the authorities to guarantee security in and around internally displaced persons camps and to extend medical and psychosocial services to high-risk areas The head of Minusca, Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, described his despair and anger at the allegations and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. Meanwhile, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights described the latest allegations as sickening and said investigations would leave no stone unturned. We are taking these allegations some of which are particularly odious - extremely seriously," The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights described the latest allegations as sickening and said investigations would leave no stone unturned. We are taking these allegations some of which are particularly odious - extremely seriously," Zeid Raad Al Hussein added. "It is vital that the victims are protected and receive all necessary care. People fleeing fighting in the Central African Republic (Getty) Most of the allegations relate to Burundian and Gabonese contingents present in the Kemo region between 2013 and 2015, as well as to the separate French Sangaris force stationed in the same area during that time, a spokesperson said. Relevant authorities in all three countries have been formally notified of the allegations against their troops. CAR was plunged into conflict after mainly Muslim Seleka rebels toppled the president in 2013, leading to the formation of the Christian anti-Balaka militia, unleashing sectarian fighting that forced hundreds of thousands of civilians to flee their homes. The UN sent a 10,000-strong force in the following year to help restore order and France launched its intervention at the request of the Bangui government. Violence declined in November and hopes for stability rose with the inauguration of a new President on Wednesday but sexual abuse and war crimes remain a serious concern. The French ministry of defence have not responded to The Independent's request for a comment. Additional reporting by AP For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A suspected suicide bomber intercepted in northern Cameroon is not one of the schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram in 2014, an African NGO has said. There are 219 girls still missing out of the 270 abducted from their school in Chibok by the militant group in an incident which sparked international outrage and a campaign for their safe return. Military and local government sources said that one of two females caught by local defence forces in Limani near the Nigerian border on Saturday before they could carry out a suicide attack had claimed to be one of the missing students The Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF) partnered with the Nigerian government and parents of the schoolgirls to verify the girl's identity. The mother of one of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls at a rally pressing for their rescue in Abuja last year (AFP) MMF chief Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode said three representatives of the parents of the missing students looked at photographs of the girl and a woman she was arrested with, but said they "do not fit the description of any of the missing daughters from Chibok". She said the Nigerian government told her group on Tuesday that the girl identified herself as a 12-year-old originally from Maiduguri, northeast Nigeria, who was abducted from Bama about 60 km (40 miles) away, when the town was overrun by Boko Haram a year ago. Around 7,000 people from Bama briefly fled to refugee camps just outside of Maidugiri to escape the militants before it was liberated by the Nigerian army. The rise of Boko Haram Show all 20 1 /20 The rise of Boko Haram The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram The leader of the Islamist extremist group Boko Haram Abubakar Shekau delivers a message. Boko Haram has claimed responsibility for the mass killings in the north-east Nigerian town of Baga in a video where he warned the massacre was just the tip of the iceberg. As many as 2,000 civilians were killed and 3,700 homes and business were destroyed in the 3 January 2015 attack on the town near Nigeria's border with Cameroon AFP The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram People displaced as a result of Boko Haram attacks in the northeast region of Nigeria, are seen near their tents at a faith-based camp for internally displaced people (IDP) in Yola, Adamawa State. Boko Haram says it is building an Islamic state that will revive the glory days of northern Nigeria's medieval Muslim empires, but for those in its territory life is a litany of killings, kidnappings, hunger and economic collapse The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram Nitsch Eberhard Robert, a German citizen abducted and held hostage by suspected Boko Haram militants, is seen as he arrives at the Yaounde Nsimalen International airport after his release in Yaounde, Cameroon on 21 January 2015 The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram Officials of the Nigerian National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) visit victims of a bomb blast in Gombe at the Specialist Hospital in Gombe. According to local reports at least six people were killed and 11 wounded after a bomb blast in a marketplace in Nigeria's northeastern state of Gombe on 16 January 2015. Islamist militant group Boko Haram has been blamed for a string of recent attacks in the North East of Nigeria The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram People gather at the site of a bomb explosion in a area know to be targeted by the militant group Boko Haram in Kano on 28 November 2014 The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram People gather to look at a burnt vehicle following a bomb explosion that rocked the busiest roundabout near the crowded Market in Maiduguri, Borno State on 1 July 2014. A truck exploded in a huge fireball killing at least 15 people in the northeast Nigerian city of Maiduguri, the city repeatedly hit by Boko Haram Islamists The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram President Goodluck Jonathan visits Nigerian Army soldiers fighting Boko Haram Getty Images The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram Displaced people from Baga listen to Goodluck Jonathan after the Boko Haram killings AFP/Getty The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram Nigeria's President Goodluck Jonathan speaking to troops during a visit to Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State; most of the region has been overrun by Boko Haram AFP/Getty The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram Members of the Nigerian military patrolling in Maiduguri, North East Nigeria, close to the scene of attacks by Boko Haram EPA The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram Boko Harams leader, Abubakar Shekau, appears in a video in which he warns Cameroon it faces the same fate as Nigeria AFP The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram Nana Shettima, the wife of Borno Governor, Kashim Shettima (C) weeps as she speaks with school girls from the government secondary school Chibok that were kidnapped by the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram, and later escaped in Chibok The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram South Africans protest in solidarity against the abduction of hundreds of schoolgirls in Nigeria by the Muslim extremist group Boko Haram and what protesters said was the failure of the Nigerian government and international community to rescue them, during a march to the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram Boko Haram militants have seized the town in north-eastern Nigeria that nearly 300 schoolgirls were kidnapped from in April 2014 AFP The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram A soldier stands guard in front of burnt buses after an attack in Abuja. Twin blasts at a bus station packed with morning commuters on the outskirts of Nigeria's capital killed dozens of people, in what appeared to be the latest attack by Boko Haram Islamists, April 2014 The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram The aftermath of the attack, when Boko Haram fighters in trucks painted in military colours killed 51 people in Konduga in February 2014 AFP/Getty Images The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram The leader of Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau (with papers) in a video grab taken in July 2014 AFP/Getty The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram Ruins of burnt out houses in the north-eastern settlement of Baga, pictured after Boko Haram attacks in 2013 AP The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram A Boko Haram attack in Nigeria, 2013 AFP/Getty Images The rise of Boko Haram Boko Haram Abubakar Shekau, Boko Harams leader AP The woman with the young girl identified herself as a 35-year-old mother of two. Ms Muhammad-Oyebode said the pair had been handed over to the Nigerian military and were being sent back to the country. Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan was criticised for his slow reaction to the Chibok kidnappings, which was seen by some as indicative of his response to Boko Haram, which at its strongest held large swathes of northeastern Nigeria. The girl's companions blew themselves up in the Dikwa Camp, in Borno State in north-eastern Nigeria, killing at least 58 (STRINGER/AFP/Getty Images) President Muhammadu Buhari, who defeated Mr Jonathan in an election last year, ordered a new investigation into the abductions in January. Joint operations between Nigeria and neighbouring countries drove Boko Haram from many of its strongholds last year but the group has stepped up cross-border attacks and suicide bombings, many of which have been carried out by young girls. Last month, a teenage girl ripped off her suicide vest and fled from her handlers when she was sent to blow up the Dikwa refugee camp in northeastern Nigeria. Her two companions went through with the plan and killed at least 58 people. Additional reporting by Reuters 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 }} An $86m spy plane kitted out by the US Drugs Enforcement Agency (DEA) for the skies above Afghanistan has instead been sitting in a hangar in Delaware, it has emerged. The DEA bought the ATR 42-500 plane for less than $10m in 2008, to help combat the Afghan drug trade, which is thought to contribute to funding terrorism. But the agency then spent almost $65m on modifications and surveillance equipment, as well as building a customised hangar to house the aircraft in Kabul. However, a report published this week by the Inspector Generals Office of the US Justice Department found that the plane remains inoperable, resting on jacks, and has never actually flown in Afghanistan. The DEAs activities in Afghanistan were wound down last year, and now the plane is unlikely ever to fly there. It was grounded in Delaware after failing a Federal Aviation Administration inspection in 2014. A DEA official told investigators the plane would eventually be used for anti-drug trade efforts in Latin American and the Caribbean. The report concludes that the more than $86 million spent on the purchase and modification of the DEA's ATR 500 aircraft with advanced surveillance capabilities to support the DEA's counter-narcotics mission in Afghanistan has been an ineffective and wasteful use of government resources. 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 }} Donald Trump has called for doctors to be held criminally responsible for carrying out terminations in an apparent U-turn after suggesting that women should undergo some form of punishment if abortions are banned. The Republican Presidential hopeful released a new statement amid a growing backlash in the US, where Hillary Clinton called his remarks horrific and telling. Describing himself as pro-life in an interview with MSNBC, Mr Trump said he supported a theoretical ban on abortion in most cases. But in comments subsequently released by Mr Trump's campaign team, he appeared to backtrack on his support for unspecified penalties for women. If Congress were to pass legislation making abortion illegal and the federal courts upheld this legislation, or any state were permitted to ban abortion under state and federal law, the doctor or any other person performing this illegal act upon a woman would be held legally responsible, not the woman, the statement said. The woman is a victim in this case as is the life in her womb. My position has not changed - like Ronald Reagan, I am pro-life with exceptions. Mr Trump has previously said he is opposed to abortions except in the case of rape, incest and when the life of the mother is at risk. Arguing in favour of a ban on Wednesday, he said: Youll go back to a position like they had where people will perhaps go to illegal places - but you have to ban it...there has to be some form of punishment (for women)...I haven't determined what the punishment should be. Donald Trump's most controversial quotes Show all 14 1 /14 Donald Trump's most controversial quotes Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On Isis: "Some of the candidates, they went in and didnt know the air conditioner didnt work and sweated like dogs, and they didnt know the room was too big because they didnt have anybody there. How are they going to beat ISIS?" Getty Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On immigration: "I will build a great wall and nobody builds walls better than me, believe me and Ill build them very inexpensively. I will build a great, great wall on our southern border, and I will make Mexico pay for that wall. Mark my words." Reuters Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On Free Trade: "Free trade is terrible. Free trade can be wonderful if you have smart people. But we have stupid people." PAUL J. RICHARDS | AFP | Getty Images Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On Mexicans: "When Mexico sends its people, theyre not sending their best. Theyre sending people that have lots of problems. Theyre bringing drugs. Theyre bringing crime. Theyre rapists." Getty Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On China: "I just sold an apartment for $15 million to somebody from China. Am I supposed to dislike them?... I love China. The biggest bank in the world is from China. You know where their United States headquarters is located? In this building, in Trump Tower." Getty Images Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On work: "If you're interested in 'balancing' work and pleasure, stop trying to balance them. Instead make your work more pleasurable." AP Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On success: "What separates the winners from the losers is how a person reacts to each new twist of fate." Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On life: "Everything in life is luck." AFP Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On ambition: "You have to think anyway, so why not think big?" Getty Images Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On his opponents: "Bush is totally in favour of Common Core. I don't see how he can possibly get the nomination. He's weak on immigration. He's in favour of Common Core. How the hell can you vote for this guy? You just can't do it." Reuters Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On Obamacare: "You have to be hit by a tractor, literally, a tractor, to use it, because the deductibles are so high. It's virtually useless. And remember the $5 billion web site?... I have so many web sites, I have them all over the place. I hire people, they do a web site. It costs me $3." Getty Images Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On Barack Obama: "Obama is going to be out playing golf. He might be on one of my courses. I would invite him. I have the best courses in the world. I have one right next to the White House." PA Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On himself: "Love him or hate him, Trump is a man who is certain about what he wants and sets out to get it, no holds barred. Women find his power almost as much of a turn-on as his money." Getty Images Donald Trump's most controversial quotes On America: "The American Dream is dead. But if I get elected president I will bring it back bigger and better and stronger than ever before and we will make America great again." GETTY The comments immediately sparked a huge response in the US, both from supporters in pro-life groups who are seeking to tighten abortion laws and from women's campaigners opposing Mr Trump's stance. Mrs Clinton, the leading Democratic Presidential candidate, wrote on Twitter: Just when you thought it couldn't get worse. Horrific and telling. Mr Trump's political rivals also stepped into the debate. Of course, women shouldn't be punished, Republican candidate John Kasich said, although he also opposes abortion except in specific cases such as rape. Ted Cruz, the Texas senator currently in second place in the nomination race, said Mr Trump had not thought through the issue. What's far too often neglected is that being pro-life is not simply about the unborn child, it's also about the mother, he said in a statement. A pro-choice protest in Texas (AP) Many critics were citing apparently contradictory statements made by the property magnate in the past, including in a 1999 interview when he called the right to choose a personal decision that should be left to the women and their doctors. I support a womans right to choose, but I am uncomfortable with the procedures, he wrote in his 2000 book The America We Deserve. While 49 per cent of Americans believe abortion is morally wrong, according to data from the Pew Research Center, 51 per cent feel it should remain legal. Naral Pro-Choice America called Mr Trump's position unhinged and warned that he would endanger women in the event of being elected President. Vicki Saporta, president and CEO of the National Abortion Federation, told The Independent that the latest remarks were more extreme than any current or proposed anti-abortion law around the US. "The last thing we need is to send women to jail just because they've made their own healthcare choices," she added. "I don't think there would be support for these kinds of penalties." The US Supreme Court ruled that it will hear a challenge to provisions in the Texas law (EPA) Some anti-abortion groups also distanced themselves from Mr Trumps initial proposal. Jeanne Mancini, president of March for Life Education and Defense Fund, said it is completely out of touch with the pro-life movement and against the very nature of what we are about. Even before his comments, recent polls have put Mr Trump's negative ratings nearing or even eclipsing 70 per cent among women. But the Republican candidate has appeared to thrive on controversy, even as his campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski, awaits a court hearing after being charged with assaulting a female reporter earlier this month. The Wisconsin primary on Tuesday is expected to be pivotal in the race, where Mr Trump has so far won 739 delegates to Mr Cruz's 465. Ohio governor Mr Kasich lags behind with 143. Additional reporting by AP 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 }} Churches in Mississippi would permit people to bring concealed weapons to services under a new law that is making its way through the state legislature. Earlier this week, the legislators in the Mississippi state senate approved the so-called Church Protection Act, also known as HB786. It would allow churches to designate members as security guards, who could obtain permits to carry concealed weapons in order to protect congregants from attacks. Those security guards would be immune from lawsuits stemming from responding to a threat, NBC reported. One opponent of the bill, State Senator Hillman Frazier, pulled out a sword during a debate in the Mississippi Capitol on Tuesday, citing a biblical story about a disciple cutting off a servants ear. We don't need to pimp out the church for political purposes, he said. If you want to pass laws to liberalise gun laws, do that. But don't use the church to do that. Senator Sean Tindell, a supporter of the measure, said the bill would only give churches the option to create a security force. It gives members of the church, if they so choose, a greater ability to protect themselves and their families and their church, he said. Dylann Roof has been charged with nine counts of murder The Mississippi Senate voted 36-14 in favor of the measure, which now heads to the House. Americas largest gun lobbyist, the National Rifle Association, praised the Mississippi lawmakers for defying the gun control activists, saying the measure ensures that each Mississippian has the right to carry their firearm in the manner that best suits them. After the June 2015 attack on a black church in Charleston, South Carolina, when nine people were killed during bible study, gun proponents argued that had someone been armed they may have been able to protect the members. A 21-year-old man, Dylann Roof, faces nine counts of murder for the killings. But a gun-control advocacy group, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, said the Mississippi bill defied the will of a vast majority of voters who did not see concealed carry permits as a priority. Todays vote is a dangerous setback for our state that dismantles the concealed carry permitting system that has helped to keep Mississippians safe for years, said member Shirley Hopkins Davis. Mississippi lawmakers have made it clear that the will of 83 per cent of Mississippians who agree that a person should have a permit to carry a hidden loaded handgun in public does not matter to them at all. 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 Republican politician in Alabama has announced plans to impeach the states governor after he admitted making inappropriate remarks to a female political aide. A member of the Alabama House of Representatives, Ed Henry, said on Wednesday he will introduce a resolution to begin impeachment proceedings against Governor Robert Bentley. Mr Henry said Governor Bentley had lost the confidence of both lawmakers and voters but acknowledged his measure was unlikely to succeed. Both men are Republicans but have frequently clashed on several issues over the past two years - including the governors proposal to raise taxes in 2015. Recommended Read more Former New York Governor accused of assaulting a woman at the Plaza hotel Governor Bentley admitted he had made the comments during a news conference last week but denied he and the aide, Rebekah Caldwell Mason, were having an affair. He said he had apologised to her and to his family for his behaviour. The governor was heard telling a woman he called Rebekah that he worried that he loved her too much in a secretly recorded telephone conversation. Local news website, AL.com got hold of a copy of the recording where he is heard saying: "You know what? When I stand behind you, and I put my arms around you, and I put my hands on your breasts, and I put my hands (unintelligible) and just pull you real close. I love that, too." 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 Governor Bentley said his relationship with Ms Caldwell Mason was not sexual and he loved all his staff. It comes as Ms Caldwell Mason announced she was stepping down as his senior political adviser to focus on her precious children and [her] husband who [she] loves dearly. Ms Caldwell Mason joined Governor Bentleys campaign as his spokeswoman when he began his longshot bid to become governor in 2010. She previously worked as a news anchor in his hometown, Tuscaloosa, in the west of the state. Additional reporting by AP 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 }} Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders has been praised for giving transgender activists a voice at his rallies in front of thousands of people. The Brooklyn-born candidate not only has a perfect 100 per cent score card from the Human Rights Campaign - Texas Senator Ted Cruz has 20 per cent - but he is also the first ever presidential candidate to be introduced at a rally by a transgender person. Twice. Two transgender rights activists stepped out to support Mr Sanders this month in Oregon and Washington. Recommended Read more Caitlyn Jenner supports Texan Senator Ted Cruz Andrea Zekis, Policy Director, Basic Rights Oregon, and founder of the Arkansas Transgender Equality Coalition, told the audience that she has faced unequal opportunity in employment and housing and she was scared. The biggest change in my life happened when I realised I have a voice, she said. There are lawmakers out there who care about what I have to say, and who care about when people are struggling, and their families are struggling, and they are struggling. We need a leader who is committed to economic justice for all people, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity, she added. Jenny Seibert, a transgender activist who introduced Mr Sanders at a rally in Spokane, wrote in her blog that his campaign has been "shaking the ground" - it is sanderseismic - and that he is an incredible man. According to my friend, Cammie, I am the first transgender person to ever introduce a presidential candidate. And all the trans people say, That we know of! she wrote. Senator Sanders has publicly opposed a recent North Carolina law that has legalized discrimination against transgender people. He said on twitter: Its time to end discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. This law has no place in America. His spokesperson also told the Washington Blade that he - alongside Hillary Clinton - opposes a law passed this month in Kansas which allows faith-based student groups at publicly funded universities and colleges to reject LGBT members or members of other faiths. Oft-quoted voice of the transgender community, Caitlyn Jenner, hit the headlines this month when she voiced her support for Republican Ted Cruz, arguing that Ms Clinton had a poor track record on women's rights. Transgender rights groups are also increasingly backing Ms Clinton, however, with Trans United for Hillary launching in February. Ms Clinton was introduced on Wednesday night at a fundraiser in New York by Angelica Ross, a black transgender woman and advocate. Ms Clinton did not appear to win over Ms Jenner when the pair bumped into each other this month. In recent episodes of her reality television show, Ms Jenner called the Democrat "a f***ing liar". Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Donald Trump has been branded ignorant and irresponsible by a former UK defence minister after refusing to rule out using nuclear weapons to attack Europe. John Spellar, a Labour MP and former defence minister during Tony Blairs government, criticised the presidential hopeful after he insisted he would not take any cards off the table. The Warley MP said: "Clearly he has no understanding of defence and security and this is completely irresponsiblethat is why it is so important that he doesn't win the presidential election of our greatest ally. "It's stupid. It would be dangerous if he did get inthis is both ignorant and irresponsible and I hope the American people will ensure that he will never have that responsibility." The former defence ministers comments came after the Republican president frontrunner refused to rule out dropping a nuclear bomb on Europe, saying he is not willing to take any cards off the table. In the MSNBC interview which has already made headlines worldwide for Mr Trumps controversial comments on punishing women for having abortions, the presidential candidate said if the US wasnt willing to use its nuclear weapons, why are we making them? Trump does not rule out using nuclear weapons in Europe Mr Trump did say he would be the last one to use the nuclear weapons and added his now-familiar line that he was against Iraq which is not strictly the case. I would be very, very slow to pull that trigger, Mr Trump said. [But] if someone hits us with a nuke, you wouldnt fight back with a nuke? David Cameron has previously said there are circumstances in which he would launch a nuclear attack on another country. The PM described nuclear bombs as the ultimate insurance policy and said the attack could be justified. He was speaking in October last year, after opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn said he would not use nuclear weapons on another countrys population. Additional reporting by Press Association Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Donald Trump has refused to rule out dropping a nuclear bomb on Europe, saying he is not willing to take any cards off the table. In an MSNBC interview which has already made headline for Mr Trumps comments on punishing women for having abortions, the presidential candidate said if the US wasnt willing to use its nuclear weapons, why are we making them? Mr Trump did say he would be the last one to use the nuclear weapons and added his now-familiar line that he was against Iraq which is not strictly the case. I would be very, very slow to pull that trigger, Mr Trump said. [But] if someone hits us with a nuke, you wouldnt fight back with a nuke? Heres the exchange with Chris Matthews in full: Donald Trump: First of all, you dont want to say take everything off the table because you would be a bad negotiator if you do that. Chris Matthews: Just nuclear? DT: Look, nuclear should be off the table, but would there be a time that it could be used? Possibly. CM: The problem is when you say that, the whole world heard that. David Cameron heard that in Britain, the Japanese where we bombed them in 45 heard it. They are hearing a guy running for President of the United States talking about maybe using nuclear weapons. Nobody wants to hear that about an American president. DT: Then why are we are making them? Why do we make them? 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 CM: Because of the old mutually assured destruction, which Reagan hated and tried to get rid of. DT: I was against Iraq, I would be the last one to use the nuclear weapons because thats sort of like the end of the ball game. CM: Can you tell the Middle East were not using nuclear weapons? DT: I would never say that. I would never take any of my cards off the table. CM: How about Europe? We wont use in Europe? DT: Im not going to take it off the table for anybody. CM: Youre going to use it in Europe? DT: No! I dont think so. But CM: Just say it, say Im not going to use a nuclear weapon in Europe. DT: I am not taking cards off the table. Im not going to use nukes but Im not taking any cards off the table. CM: The trouble is, the sane people hear you, and the insane people are not affected by your threats. The real fanatics say good, keep it up. DT: I think they are more affected than you think. Earlier this week, Mr Trump struggled with another question on the nuclear issue when he was asked by right-wing radio host Hugh Hewitt which of the USs triad of weapons by land, by sea or by air was in most urgent need of an upgrade. The candidate appeared not to understand the question, even when it was repeated, eventually responding: I think I think, for me, nuclear is just the power, the devastation is very important to me. David Cameron has previously said he would be willing to use nuclear bombs if an attack was justified, describing them as the ultimate insurance policy. He was speaking in October last year, after opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn said he could conceive of no circumstances in which he would order the use of a nuclear weapon. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Donald Trump is struggling to limit the fallout from controversial comments he made in Wisconsin on Wednesday about women and abortion as a new poll suggested he may suffer a thumping defeat in the states primary elections next Tuesday. A spokesperson for the Trump campaign, Katrina Pierson, said the candidate had committed a simple misspeak when he suggested during a cable news town hall meeting that if abortions were made illegal in America women who had them would have to face some form of punishment. The gaffe, which drew loud protests from pro-choice and anti-abortion activists alike, as well as from other presidential hopefuls from both parties, made a week already full of woes for the billionaire even worse. He quickly issued two statements rowing back from what he said, the second insisting it was the doctors not the women who would face punishment. But the damage had already been done. The past 24 hours revealed in the clearest way yet that Donald Trump is not prepared to be president, John Kasich, the Ohio Governor and the straggler in the Republican race, said. I dont know what world this person lives in, added Bernie Sanders on the Democratic side. Hillary Clinton declared Mr Trumps remarks one of the most outrageous and dangerous statements ever made by a presidential candidate. Mr Trump has insisted that a win in Wisconsin would absolutely cement his status as the likely Republican nominee. But he has faced unexpectedly stiff headwinds, in part because, unlike in most other states, the Republican Party machinery in Wisconsin is united in its determination to stop him. Those leading the effort are Governor Scott Walker, who has endorsed Senator Ted Cruz, and Charlie Sykes, a popular radio talk show host in the Milwaukee area. A poll released by Marquette University in Milwaukee showed Mr Cruz leading with 40 per cent against 30 per cent for Mr Trump and 21 per cent for Mr Kasich. Mr Trumps support was unchanged since the last poll in February but that of Senator Cruz had doubled. There was also troubling news in the poll for the Democrat front-runner, Ms Clinton, who trailed Mr Sanders by five points. A loss in Wisconsin would make it harder for Mr Trump to attain the simple majority of delegates he needs to seize the nomination and increase the chances of a floor fight at the party convention in July. Mr Trumps contrarian political instincts have placed him where he is now, yet may have only worsened his predicament in Wisconsin. From the moment he landed in Wisconsin this week, he set about belittling Governor Walker, who had endorsed Mr Cruz. Yet Mr Walker remains highly popular in the state. 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 state trooper and gunman have been killed after the shooter opened fire at a Greyhound bus station in Richmond, Virginia. Virginia State Police identified the shooter as 34-year-old James Brown III of Aurora, Illinois. Investigators have not yet identified a motive. Two women were also wounded in the shooting but are expected to survive their injuries, Colonel W Steven Flaherty said on Thursday. The trooper was identified as 37-year-old Chad Dermyer, who is survived by his wife and two children. Dermyer graduated from the police academy in 2014 and served as an officer in both Jackson, Michigan and Newport News, Virginia. Steve Helber/Associated Press (Steve Helber/Associated Press) Police were called to the scene at around 2:45pm in the city of Richmond. The shooting occurred after a brief exchange between Dermyer and Brown. Both the trooper and gunman were rushed to the hospital where they later died from their injuries. He has a history of charges, but we havent been able to sort through what convictions he had, Colonel Flaherty said of Brown. Theres not much weve ruled out, but certainly theres no indication of terrorism. Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe responded to the shooting by offering any state resources needed in the ongoing investigation. "I have spoken with the Mayor of Richmond and the Superintendent of the Virginia State Police and offered whatever state resources mya be necessary to respond to this situation. Our public safety team and I will continue to monitor the situation and support State Police and local authorities in their response and investigation of this incident." 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 former inmate has spoken out about his time in an Auschwitz-like prison camp in North Korea, and his escape from the country. Kang Chol-hwan, whose grandfather was accused of being a traitor, was imprisoned aged nine in Yodok concentration camp, staying there for ten years. The government of North Korea runs one of the worlds most reclusive and repressive regimes, severely restricting information and freedom of movement and expression. There are also an estimated 80,000 to 120,000 political prisoners locked in concentration camps in the country. The camps have faced frequent allegations of torture, forced abortions, starvation, arbitrary executions and other "unspeakable atrocities". Kang was imprisoned aged just nine-years-old (Tbayer/Wikipedia) After his release, he escaped from North Korea and began a new life in South Korea. He now campaigns for a human rights group in North Korea, and his group, North Korea Strategy Center, smuggles USB sticks into the North to inform its people about the outside world. Mr Kang used the forum Reddit to answer questions about his life in the camp. Daily life in the work camps is very mundane, he said. We woke up at 5am and were forced to work until sunset. We were given lessons on Kim il-sung [first supreme leader of North Korea] and Juche [North Korean political doctrine]. Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone Show all 30 1 /30 Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone Farmer works in a field Getty Images Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone Women soldier walk on the street Getty Images Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone A female soldier guards railway Getty Images Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone A general view of platform of Pyongyang Railway Station Getty Images Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone Students stage a protest against South Korea and the US in Pyongyang Getty Images Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone Students rehearsal for celebrating the 70th birthday of Workers' Party of Korea Getty Images Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone People enjoy the cool at the carriage door Getty Images Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone A general view of countryside Getty Images Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone Korean People's Army soldier rest on the rail 2015 Getty Images Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone A little boy begs food on the platform in Hamhung Railway Station in Hamhung 2015 Getty Images Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone Children swim in a river in noon Getty Images Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone People cross a railway crossing 2015 Getty Images Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone A boy collects corn cob beside a railway Getty Images Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone A customs officer is seen on the train No.100 from Moscow to Pyongyang at Tumangang railway station in Tumangang Getty Images Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone A customs officer checks a passenger's mobile device on the train to Pyongyang Getty Images Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone A railway station in Tumangang Getty Images Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone A general view of the railway station in Tumangang Getty Images Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone Kids pass by Tumanggang railway station in Tumanggang 2015 Getty Images Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone A general view of Tumangang Getty Images Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone A general view of Tumangang - a small town located at North Korea and Russia border Getty Images Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone A train carriage on it's way to Pyongyang is delayed for a day and half due to military transportation in Tumangang Getty Images Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone A customs officers talks to a passenger at Tumanggang railway station in Tumanggang Getty Images Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone A little girl walks on the street in Tumanggang 2015 Getty Images Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone An elderly man is seen in Tumangang Getty Images Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone Kids go to school in morning in Tumangang 2015 Getty Images Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone Life in North Korea captured with a mobile phone "We were forced to watch public executions. We were physically abused - hit and tortured. "I think of it as another form of Auschwitz. "These work camps are like products of Nazism, and an abusive government needs elements such as Nazi concentration camps. They just have different ways of killing people." Mr Kang also highlighted how restricted all aspects of life were in North Korea, even outside of the camps. "In North Korea, its not really possible for common people to enjoy hobbies," he said. Because peoples lives are governed within the authoritys rules and communal lifestyle, having personal hobbies or showing personal preference is a shortcut to the prison camp. After escaping from North Korea in 1992, he was shocked by social differences between the North and South. Womens rights in the two countries are so different. In North Korea, women are often treated harshly, but in South Korea, I saw women smoking, which is unimaginable in the North. Actually everything was a shock. The fact that I could travel whenever I wanted was shocking. In North Korea, you need a travel pass to go anywhere but in South Korea, the freedom of movement is taken for granted. Mr Kang also asserted that the international community has been misguided in its economic attempts to put pressure on the North Korean regime. Real pressure on the North Korean government would be to open up the physical border and induce mass defection, or to open up the information barrier and to provide access to outside information, he said. North Korea propaganda video depicts imagined attack on Washington The government wants to prevent defection. They fear that if many people start to defect, unification similar to the German case will take place. So, they are focused on keeping the border shut. Second, the government wants to prevent North Koreans from having access to outside information. The more North Korean citizens know, the more dangerous it is for the government. So far, I do not believe we have been targeting either of these. Mr Kang has been trying to fight the government using the second method. USB stick drives, loaded with information about the world outside North Korea, are smuggled into the country by the thousands - but not without risk. North Korean citizens often get caught using these USB sticks but they are released when they give bribes to the police. I believe it would be about 500 dollars maximum in Pyongyang and about 200 to 300 dollars in other regions. The problem would be if they are caught and they have no money to bribe their way out." The North Korea Strategy Center is currently running a crowd-funding campaign to smuggle more USB sticks into North Korea. 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 }} US Army medic Col Chuck Helms had seen carnage before. He was in New York on 9/11, and has treated trauma victims all over the world. So when a blast ripped through Brussels Airport while he was in transit, he volunteered his services, and entered the blackened, dusty scene of the bombs that targeted the heart of Europe yesterday. There were a lot of people trying to help you had the police, you had the military, he told me. But there was glass everywhere, so most of the military had glass in their hands, they didnt realise that they had injuries because they were trying to assist people. There were a lot of tourniquets, a lot of people had put on tourniquets. I spoke to Col Helms in the outdoor cargo area of Brussels Zaventem Airport, where passengers evacuated from the terminals were milling around in confusion, casting incredulous glances to the airports smashed windows and trying to reach friends and family on their phones. A man sat on the floor in a blood-stained sweatshirt; others tried to keep warm after being forced out of planes into the cold air of early spring. There was disbelief at the scale and audacity of the attacks, and the chaos and confusion of security and airport staff in a country that was on high alert for a terror attack. In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport Show all 30 1 /30 In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport A man carries an injured person in Brussels Airport, after explosions ripped through the departure hall In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport Travellers get to their feet in a smoke filled terminal at Brussels Airport after explosions In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport A man is wounded in Brussels Airport in Brussels In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport A man speaks on a mobile phone in Brussels Airport, after the explosions ripped through the departure hall In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport Belgian police officers detain a man at the Gare du Midi train station in Brussels In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport A police officer stands guard as people are evacuated from Brussels airport, after explosions rocked the facility in Brussels In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport People stand near Brussels airport after being evacuated following explosions that rocked the facility in Brussels In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport Crew and passengers are evacuated from Zaventem Bruxelles International Airport after an attack in Brussels In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport Passengers gather near Brussels airport in Zaventem, following its evacuation after blasts rocked the main terminal of Brussels airport In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport Two women wounded in Brussels Airport in Brussels In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport Passengers and airport staff are evacuated from the terminal building after explosions at Brussels Airport in Zaventem near Brussels In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport Passengers and airport staff are evacuated from the terminal building after explosions at Brussels Airport in Zaventem near Brussels In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport Broken windows seen at the scene of explosions at Zaventem airport near Brussels In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport People leave the scene of explosions at Zaventem airport near Brussels In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport People are evacuated from the scene after two explosions were heard at Brussels Airport In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport People wait outside of the Brussels Airport after evacuation In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport People leave the airport area after explosions at Brussels Airport in Zaventem In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport Passengers comfort each other as they are evacuated from the terminal building after explosions at Brussels Airport in Zaventem In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport People react as they walk away from Brussels airport after explosions rocked the facility in Brussels In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport Emergency services attend the scene of explosions at Zaventem airport near Brussels Reuters In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport Injured people at the scene at Brussels Airport after two explosions were heard PA In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport The aftermath of the explosions at Brussels airport PA In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport People wait outside of the Zaventem airport after two explosions were heard PA In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport Emergency services at the scene of explosions at Brussels Airport In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport A view of the scene after the explosions at Brussels airport PA In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport Emergency services at the scene of explosions at Zaventem airport near Brussels Reuters In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport The aftermath of the explosions at Brussels airport PA In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport The view of the Brussels airport after the explosion PA In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport Smoke is seen at Brussels airport in Brussels AP In pictures: Terror attacks at Brussels airport A photo shows cars on a blocked highway near Zaventem, Brussels National airport, after two explosions rocked the main hall of Brussels Airport Getty Images We felt like a wave, you feel it in your whole body, it is like you are in water and someone jumps in the water and you feel that wave, said Andrew Brandt, a former law enforcement officer from Arizona, who was in Terminal B, the long-haul terminal, when the bombs went off. We were telling airport agents what we felt, that it was an explosion, then they were like What?. Then we heard: Evacuate, evacuate. Then they say, Stay where you are. Then Evacuate, evacuate again, but everyone was just standing around. I too had been in the airport that morning due to travel to Frankfurt for work and passed two soldiers at the airport entrance at 7.35am. I had not given them much thought: Brussels went into lockdown last November after the Paris attacks, and tanks and troops are a common sight in public. I briefly considered eating breakfast in the check-in area, but decided instead to pass through security towards my gate in Terminal A, a short walk from the departure lounge. So when the blasts ripped through the area half an hour later, I heard and saw nothing. But it quickly became apparent that something was wrong: I was just finishing my breakfast when a restaurant employee rushed through and told us to leave. People were confused, and wandered out of the restaurant area to the main concourse of the terminal where people board at the gates. Then a message came over the loudspeakers: Evacuate, evacuate: this is a general notice to evacuate the airport. Confusion among passengers became tinged with panic when it became apparent that there would be no evacuation. Staff seemed unaware of what to do. I overheard one airport employee shrug and say to a passenger: Weve never done an evacuation before. Another ushered me to a gate leading outside and told me it would open soon, but it didnt. No security staff, police or army showed up. Another message on the loudspeaker told everyone to stay where they were. The terminal was in lockdown. It is the safest place to be, another airline employee told me, as news filtered through of a bomb in the departure lounge. New Brussels airport aftermath video shows total devastation inside terminal Brussels had been on high terror alert for months, yet there appeared to be no plan in place to evacuate the airport in the case of an attack. After about 45 minutes, another evacuation message came over the loudspeaker. This time some police officers and a handful of airport staff ushered the thousands of passengers down two escalators and on to the Tarmac outside. We walked past planes still filled with passengers who had not been allowed to disembark, before being told to wait for buses in a cargo area. People stood in huddles, wrapped in airline blankets waiting to be told what to do. The elderly and young children had nowhere to sit, and people simply looked bewildered as fire engines and ambulances passed with their sirens blaring. I could see the damage to the front of the airport: windows blown out in the area through which I had walked hours before, patarolling soldiers with guns drawn. I approached a man sitting on the floor with blood on his shirt. Yassine Amrani, 38, explained that he was homeless and lived on a road that runs under the airport. But when he heard the explosion he had raced into the airport to try to help. I was with my friends boom, in one second, all the people were running away. I went inside and I saw everywhere dead people and fire. I was looking for people because the ceiling had fallen on the people and you had to search for the people. One woman had a baby in her arms and kept saying My baby, my baby. I said: You have your baby in your arms and he is fine, he said. Others who had been in the terminal building were trying to process what had happened, and how close they had come to being caught in the carnage. I was in the lounge and heard a rumbling so thought something had hit the airport, said Josh Balser, from the US. Then they told us to go to the end of the hallway and eventually some guy was screaming, We found guns and ammunition, everybody leave your bags and exit the airport. Most people followed instructions and found themselves shivering outside without coats, bags or passports. Eventually we were taken to a hangar, where water and food were provided. Finally, transit passengers who had disembarked after lengthy flights, only to spend the next frightening hours experiencing a terror attack and its aftermath, were able to rest. They laid their airline blankets on the floor and tried to sleep. 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 large explosion has gone off near a bus station in the southern Turkish city of Diyarbakir, with ambulances on the scene and reports of "many casualties" in Turkish media. According to the state-run Anadolu news agency four people were killed and 14 wounded. Security sources said the car bomb was targeting a bus transporting police special forces. The private Dogan news agency reported the same toll and attributed the cause of the explosion to a car bomb. The agency blamed "terrorists" for the incident, using the government designation for Kurdish rebels. Diyarbakir is the largest city in Turkey's mainly Kurdish southeast and has been hit by waves of violence in fighting between the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and the government. In pictures: Ankara bombing Show all 30 1 /30 In pictures: Ankara bombing In pictures: Ankara bombing Family members and relatives grieve for victims of a car bombing outside the forensic morgue in Ankara In pictures: Ankara bombing Men hold Turkish flags over the coffin of a car bombing victim during a commemoration ceremony in a mosque in Ankara In pictures: Ankara bombing Relatives of Feyza Acisu one of the victims who was killed in an explosion cries during the funeral in Ankara In pictures: Ankara bombing In pictures: Ankara bombing Relatives of Murat Gul one of the victims who was killed in an explosion pray near the coffin covered with Turkish flags during the funeral in Ankara In pictures: Ankara bombing Forensic experts investigate the scene of an explosion the day after a suicide car bomb ripped through a busy square in central Ankara killing at least 34 people and wounding 125, officials said, the latest in a spate of deadly attacks to hit Turkey In pictures: Ankara bombing Forensic experts investigate the scene of an explosion, the day after a suicide car bomb ripped through a busy square in central Ankara In pictures: Ankara bombing Turkish police secure the area as scenes of crime officers search the area after an explosion in Ankara In pictures: Ankara bombing Relatives of victims who were killed in an explosion mourn in front of forensic medicine institution in Ankara In pictures: Ankara bombing People carry an injured person on a stretcher at the scene of a blast in Ankara In pictures: Ankara bombing Relatives of people wounded in an explosion in Ankara, Turkey, react as they arrive at a hospital to see their loved ones In pictures: Ankara bombing Emergency workers are seen on a bus at the explosion site in Ankara In pictures: Ankara bombing Forensic experts investigate the scene of an explosion in Ankara In pictures: Ankara bombing A burning car after a blast in Ankara In pictures: Ankara bombing Emergency services attend the scene in central Ankara's Kizilay Square In pictures: Ankara bombing In pictures: Ankara bombing Dogan Asik, 28, who was blown away from inside a bus by a powerful explosion speaks at the explosion site in the busy center of Ankara In pictures: Ankara bombing Emergency services help an injured person following after an explosion in Ankara's central Kizilay district in Ankara In pictures: Ankara bombing The wreckage of a bus and a car are pictured at the scene of a blast in Ankara In pictures: Ankara bombing Forensic services and firemen work around burnt out taxi vehicles after a blast in Ankara In pictures: Ankara bombing In pictures: Ankara bombing In pictures: Ankara bombing In pictures: Ankara bombing At least 27 people were killed and 75 wounded in an explosion in the Turkish capital Ankara in what appeared to have been a car bomb attack according to Ankara governor Mehmet Kiliclar Getty In pictures: Ankara bombing Medics carry an injured person at the explosion site in the busy center of Turkish capital, Ankara AP In pictures: Ankara bombing The bomb exploded close to bus stops near a park at Ankara's main square, Kizilay. The news channel said the explosion occurred as a car slammed into a bus, suggesting that the blast may have been caused by a car bomb AP In pictures: Ankara bombing Emergency workers work at the explosion site in Ankara Reuters In pictures: Ankara bombing Emergency workers work at the explosion site in Ankara, Turkey Reuters In pictures: Ankara bombing A destroyed bus is seen in the street after an explosion in Ankara EPA In pictures: Ankara bombing Emergency workers work at the explosion site in Ankara, Turkey Reuters Turkey's security forces are engaged in an operation against Kurdish rebels from the PKK in the region. Security sources told AFP news agency the bomb exploded as a police armoured vehicle drove past. The attack came as Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu was due on Friday to make a rare visit to Diyarbakir. Additional reporting by wires 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 ex-wife of the man suspected of hijacking an EgyptAir flight has described their marriage as the darkest chapter of her life. In an interview published in Cypriot newspaper Phileleftheros, Marina Paraschou rejected the idea that Seif Eldin Mustafa hijacked the flight because he wanted to see her. On Tuesday, Mr Mustafa, who was wearing what is now known to be a fake suicide belt, took 72 passengers and crew members hostage on board the Airbus A320 which was travelling from Alexandria to Cairo. The plane had to be diverted to Cyprus and Mr Mustafa was arrested following a five-hour standoff on the tarmac at Larnaca airport. Ms Paraschou is from Oroklini, a village in the same district as the airport. Police prosecutor Andreas Lambrianou said the suspect told police upon his arrest: "What's someone supposed to do when he hasn't seen his wife and children in 24 years and the Egyptian government won't let him?" Ms Paraschou, who divorced Mr Mustafa in 1990, said: Most of the media painted a picture of a romantic situation in which a man was trying to reach out to his estranged wife. But that couldnt be further from the truth and they would have a different opinion if they knew what he was really like. She added: The seven years I was married to him was the darkest chapter in both mine and my familys life. In pictures: EgyptAir hijacked plane Show all 10 1 /10 In pictures: EgyptAir hijacked plane In pictures: EgyptAir hijacked plane Seif Eldin Mustafa, suspected of hijacking EgyptAir plane MS181, flashes the 'V' for victory sign as he leaves the court in Larnaca in a police car AFP/Getty Images In pictures: EgyptAir hijacked plane Seif Eldin Mustafa wears handcuffs as he leaves the court in Larnaca escorted by Cypriot police AFP/Getty Images In pictures: EgyptAir hijacked plane An EgyptAir flight 181 passenger embraces a family member after arriving at Cairo international airport Reuters In pictures: EgyptAir hijacked plane CCTV footage shows Seif Eldin Mustafa walking through a metal detector before being patted down by security Egypt Ministry of Interior In pictures: EgyptAir hijacked plane Cypriot police guard the hijacked EgyptAir A320 plane at Larnaca Airport after it landed in Cyprus EPA In pictures: EgyptAir hijacked plane Passengers evacuate a hijacked EgyptAir Airbus 320 plane at Larnaca airport, Cyprus Reuters In pictures: EgyptAir hijacked plane An official boards a hijacked Egyptair A320 Airbus at Larnaca Airport in Larnaca, Cyprus In pictures: EgyptAir hijacked plane An Egypt Air Airbus A-320 sits on the tarmac of Larnaca aiport after it was hijacked and diverted to Cyprus In pictures: EgyptAir hijacked plane A Cypriot policeman stands guard near a hijacked EgyptAir A320 plane at Larnaca Airport, Cyprus In pictures: EgyptAir hijacked plane Screen grabbed image taken from Flightradar24 of EgyptAir plane MS181 which has landed in Cyprus after being hijacked while flying from Alexandria to Cairo She claimed that when she phoned to tell him of their daughters death, he said: What do I care? I can assure you, he never cared about me or his children, both when he was in Cyprus and after he left. Ms Paraschou also claimed Mr Mustafa did not ask to speak to her and that police only requested that she identify his voice. 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 }} For the second time in a week, airline flight schedules to and from the UK are being severely disrupted. Storm Katie tore across southern Britain on Monday, causing hundreds of cancellations and diversions. On Thursday the cause was striking air-traffic controllers in France, which has also affected services to many other destinations. The action is part of a nationwide strike that also involves other transport workers, teachers and broadcast staff. They are protesting against government plans to relax the 35-hour week and other worker benefits. So far British Airways has cancelled 30 flights to and from Heathrow to France and Spain, plus others from London City and Gatwick to Spain. The worst airports in the world, according to pilots Show all 10 1 /10 The worst airports in the world, according to pilots The worst airports in the world, according to pilots Los Angeles (LAX), US Rex Features The worst airports in the world, according to pilots Kathmandu (KTM), Nepal The worst airports in the world, according to pilots Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), France The worst airports in the world, according to pilots Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), Philippines The worst airports in the world, according to pilots Chicago (ORD), US The worst airports in the world, according to pilots Heathrow (LHR), UK The worst airports in the world, according to pilots Pyongyang Sunan International Airport (FNJ), North Korea The worst airports in the world, according to pilots Sao Paulo-Congonhas Airport (CGH), Brazil The worst airports in the world, according to pilots La Guardia Airport (LGA), New York City, US The worst airports in the world, according to pilots Madrid-Bajaras (MAD), Spain BA said: The French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) has mandated the cancellation of a number of flights for all airlines using French airspace. Unfortunately, in addition to cancelling some flights to and from France, other European flights which use French airspace will also be affected and are likely to experience delays and cancellations. The airline will try to use larger aircraft to reduce the level of disruption. Britains biggest budget airline, easyJet, said 65 per cent of its flights pass through French airspace, and added: Unfortunately even flights not flying through French airspace could be affected, if the aircraft operating the flight has been delayed due to the strike on previous flights. The airline warned: In many cases, we have to push back our aircraft from the gate and then wait on the airfield so that we can take advantage of potential improvements of departure slots. Ryanair, Europes biggest low-cost airline, has cancelled more than 100 flights - likely to affect more than 15,000 passengers. The carrier claimed it is the third such strike in two weeks and the 43rd in seven years - which works out at one stoppage every eight weeks on average. The airline said: This latest unjustified action shows that a tiny French union can yet again hold Europes single market and open skies to ransom while the French Government protects French domestic flights. Workers are protesting against government plans to relax the 35-hour week (AFP/Getty Images) The airline also alleged that Air France services are being protected by minimum service obligations. Air France said that it will operate its entire schedule to and from its main base at Paris Charles de Gaulle, as well as all its long-haul flights from other airports and 80 per cent of domestic flights from Paris Orly. The cost to airlines is likely to run into tens of millions of pounds. While stranded passengers are not entitled to cash compensation, they can claim meals and accommodation until they are finally flown to their destination. Airlines for Europe, which represents the biggest carriers in Europe, is demanding intervention from the European Commission to limit the disruption by striking controllers. The managing director, Thomas Reynaert, said: Repeated and disproportionate industrial action by French ATC unions is seriously impacting the travel plans of thousands of passengers during Easter. It is unacceptable that airlines and their customers can be repeatedly punished by these unjustified strikes. P&O Ferries, the biggest operator across the Channel to France, said: We are confident that we will be able to maintain a scheduled service on our Dover-Calais route. Eurostar trains from London to Paris and Brussels are running normally, and most long-distance rail services within France appear to be unaffected. 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 Belgian prosecutor has approved a request to extradite the Paris attacks suspect Salah Abdeslam to France, after he agreed to "cooperate" with the French authorities. In a statement, Brussels officials said the decision was expedited on the grounds Mr Abdeslam had "agreed to be transferred". Earlier, the suspect's Belgian lawyer suggested he had agreed to turn supergrass, in what is understood to be a bid to secure a plea bargain. Mr Abdeslam has denied direct involvement in the killing of 130 people in the French capital on 13 November last year, insisting he only drove others to the locations of the shootings and provided logistical support. He was arrested in a police raid on the Belgian suburb of Molenbeek last Friday after a four-month manhunt, shot in the leg as he tried to flee. In pictures: Brussels shooting Show all 9 1 /9 In pictures: Brussels shooting In pictures: Brussels shooting Brussels shooting Police secure an area in Brussels followinf the anti-terror raid linked to last year's Paris attack AP In pictures: Brussels shooting Brussels shooting An armed police officer runs on top of a roof during a police operation on the site of a shooting in the rue du Dries in Forest, Brussels EPA In pictures: Brussels shooting Brussels shooting Police officers take position on a rooftop during a police raid in Forest, Brussels EPA In pictures: Brussels shooting Brussels shooting Police at the scene where shots were fired during a police search of a house in the suburb of Forest near Brussels, Belgium Reuters In pictures: Brussels shooting Brussels shooting Police at the scene where shots were fired during a police search of a house in the suburb of Forest near Brussels, Belgium Reuters In pictures: Brussels shooting Brussels shooting Police at the scene where shots were fired during a police search of a house in the suburb of Forest near Brussels, Belgium Reuters In pictures: Brussels shooting Brussels shooting A victim is removed from the scene where shots were fired during a police search of a house in the suburb of Forest near Brussels, Belgium Reuters In pictures: Brussels shooting Brussels shooting A victim is removed from the scene where shots were fired during a police search of a house in the suburb of Forest near Brussels, Belgium Reuters In pictures: Brussels shooting Brussels shooting Police at the scene where shots were fired during a police search of a house in the suburb of Forest near Brussels, Belgium Reuters Speaking to reporters on Thursday morning, Mr Abdeslam's lawyer Cedric Moisse said he was no longer resisting extradition to France following legal advice, and would rather it happen quickly. "He wants to cooperate with the French authorities," Mr Moisse said. Mr Abdeslam crossed back into Belgium the day after the Paris attacks, despite his car being checked by police, and was named Europe's most wanted fugitive. Paris attacks suspect caught Meanwhile, Brussels airport police have said they raised concerns about "overall security" at the hub long before the bomb blasts there on the 22 March, which came four days after Abdeslam's arrest. In an open letter to their superiors, officers said they had complained about the issue "daily". They said there "had not been any security control of passengers or luggage from the airport complex right up to the centralised body searches" area. The letter said the lack of security was such that police fear "scouts were sent out to assess the security lapses and plan terror". The airport police also complained that too many airport employees have criminal backgrounds. 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 Serbian ultra-nationalist Vojislav Seselj has been found not guilty of war crimes over the Balkan wars in the 1990s. Mr Seselj, 61, had been charged with nine counts alleging he was responsible for or incited atrocities by Serbian paramilitaries in the wars in Bosnia and Croatia. But judges at the UN International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) at The Hague acquitted the politician of all counts after deeming there to be insufficient evidence linking him to the crimes. Mr Seselj, who served as deputy Prime Minister of Serbia from 1998 to 2000, has denied all charges. Judge Jean-Claude Antonetti said: "With this acquittal on all the nine counts of the indictment the arrest warrant issued by the appeals chamber is rendered moot." "Vojislav Seselj is now a free man." Judge Antonetti accepted that Mr Sedelj "may have had a certain amount of moral authority over his party's volunteers," but he said "they were not his subordinates". Although Mr Seselj did not attend the hearing, he later said: "After so many proceedings in which Serbs were given draconian punishments, this time two honest judges showed they valued honour more than political pressure." According to the indictment dated December 2007, he was charged with three counts of crimes against humanity and six counts of war crimes for inciting ethnic cleansing in Croatia and Bosnia. In 2003, Mr Seselj surrendered voluntarily to the ICTY. The following year he was permitted to return to Belgrade after the tribunal released him on humanitarian grounds due to ill health. The move to acquit Mr Seselj is likely to boost his Serbian Radical Party ahead of Serbia's general election on 24 April. He is staunchly against the European Union and has campaigned against Serbia joining NATO. 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 }} Air strikes damaged a school and a hospital in a suburb of Damascus yesterday, killing at least 10 people in one of the bloodiest attacks since the start of a partial ceasefire more than a month ago. Opposition activists blamed the Syrian air force for the attacks in Deir al-Asafir, in the eastern Ghouta district of the Syrian capital, and said itthe strikes threatened to derail fragile truce and peace negotiations due to resume in Geneva in two weeks time. The Syrian National Coalition, an opposition group, described the attack as a massacre. The Syrian government says that the al-Qaeda affiliate Jabhat al-Nusra, which along with Isis is excluded from the ceasefire agreement, operates in the districts on the eastern fringe of the city. Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Show all 10 1 /10 Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Palmyra recaptured by Syrian pro-government forces Graffiti on the ancient stones reads in Arabic Shooting without the permission of the chief is prohibited Getty Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Palmyra recaptured by Syrian pro-government forces Damaged artefacts lay inside the museum of the historic city of Palmyra Reuters Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Palmyra recaptured by Syrian pro-government forces Syrian pro-government forces rest by Palmyra Citadel as they take control of the city from the hands of Isis Getty Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Palmyra recaptured by Syrian pro-government forces The UNESCO world heritage site appears surprisingly intact after its recapture from the militant group Getty Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Palmyra recaptured by Syrian pro-government forces Many had feared the ancient city would be destroyed following its capture by Isis in May Getty Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Palmyra recaptured by Syrian pro-government forces Smoke billows from the Palmyra Citadel as Assads forces drive the Jihadist group from the city Getty Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Palmyra recaptured by Syrian pro-government forces Palmyra is one of the most important cultural centers of the world Unesco says Getty Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Palmyra recaptured by Syrian pro-government forces Pro-government forces play football in the streets following the recapture of the city Getty Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Palmyra recaptured by Syrian pro-government forces The extent of the destruction caused by Isis 10 month occupation of the city has yet to be fully realised Getty Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Palmyra recaptured by Syrian pro-government forces The City Council of Palmyra building in ruins Reuters However, the British-based monitoring group the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that the area was also home to around 2,700 families. The group put the death toll at 10, including four children and a rescue worker, but said that figure was expected to rise due to the high number of severe injuries. Others said the number of dead was approaching 30. The attack came as President Bashar al-Assad said that he would be willing to hold an early presidential election if it was demanded by the Syrian people. In an interview with the Russian news agency RIA, the Syrian leader said: If there is such a will, this is not a problem for me. In the last presidential election, held in 2014 amid heavy fighting across the country, Mr Assad won 88.7 per cent of the vote in a result dismissed by the opposition as a farce. Yesterday the Kremlin was yesterday forced to deny a report in the pan-Arab newspaper al-Hayat that Moscow and Washington had struck a deal to remove Mr Assad from power. The story claimed that John Kerry, the US Secretary of State, had told several Arab countries that an agreement had been reached to allow Mr Assad to depart for a third country at an unspecified point in the future. Dmitry Peskov, a Kremlin spokesman, said that the report does not correspond to reality. Drone attack Isis leader killed An envoy to the Isis leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is believed to have been killed in a drone strike, according to the monitoring group the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Abu al-Haijaa al-Tunisia was said to be travelling from Iraq to oversee the groups military operations in rural north-east of Aleppo province when his vehicle was targeted, the British-based group said. Yesterday also saw the Russian Defence Ministry say Russian demining experts had arrived in Syria to start clearing mines in the ancient town of Palmyra, which was recaptured from Isis on Sunday by Syrian troops under the cover of Russian air strikes. The Kremlin had pledged to help the Syrian government clear the archaeological site of mines. The Russian ministry said in a statement that the first demining group landed early yesterday at its base in Syria. It was not immediately clear when the Russians would get to Palmyra. The demining is expected to take several months. 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 }} Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was "a normal family man" before he became the leader of Isis, according to his wife. Saga al-Dulmaimi, 28, has a daughter with Baghdadi. When she married him in 2008, he worked as a university lecturer, teaching religion and Sharia. Only later did she find out he was active in extremist groups. In an interview with Expressen, she said: "I married a normal person who was a university lecturer. At the time his name was Hisham Mohammad." Who is Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi? Describing the man who would later go on to become the leader of the jihadi group, she said: "He was a family man. He went to work and came home to his family. He didn't even take part in the resistance movement. "How he then became Emir of the most dangerous terrorist organisation in the world is a mystery to me." Baghdadi, who has declared himself "caliph" of the Islamic State, is one of the most wanted terrorists in the world. The US placed a $10 million bounty on his head. He reportedly held women captive as his private property and raped a number of them. He was last heard from in a 24-minute audio message released in December 2015, claiming his organisation was "thriving" despite the international forces arrayed against it. Five things we know about Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi Show all 5 1 /5 Five things we know about Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi Five things we know about Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi What he looks like Aside from footage of the Isis leader giving a speech in Mosul, Iraq, upon the declaration of Isis's so-called "caliphate" last year, there are only two confirmed photos of al-Baghdadi in existence Five things we know about Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi How old he is US records on al-Baghdadi exist from the time when he was held at Camp Bucca, the main American-run prison in Iraq after Abu Ghraib was embroiled in a torture scandal. They say he was born in Samarra in 1971, making him around 44 years old Five things we know about Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi He's an educated man Al-Baghdadi is believed to hold an undergraduate degree, masters and PhD from the Islamic University in Baghdad Five things we know about Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi There's a bounty on his head The Isis leader is listed as a terrorist by the FBI and since 2011 there has been a $10 million reward posted for information which could lead to his capture Five things we know about Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi He was a polite, football-loving student When he was younger, al-Baghdadi was a keen footballer with his local mosque's team. Former friends described him as their best player, one calling him the Messi of the team. He married around the year 2000 after completing his PHD, and lived the quiet life of a family man until the 2003 invasion Ms al-Dulmaimi grew up in Iraq and married Baghdadi after her first husband was killed fighting American troops. "He loved the children," she said. "He was their idol. He was an excellent person in that respect, but my relationship with him was shallow." The most recent image purporting to show Isis leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi She was not happy with the marriage, having moved in with Baghdadi his wife and their children. After becoming pregnant with her daughter, Hagar, she decided to leave Baghdadi. "I left him. Yes, you could say that I fled from him. It had nothing to do with him as a person. I wasn't happy. It was unfair on his first wife. She was very upset. That's why I left." "No, I was not in love with him. I didn't love him. He was an enigmatic person. You couldn't have a discussion or hold a normal conversation with him." Ms al-Dulmaimi now lives with her Palestinian husband, fearful Baghdadi may try to kidnap her daughter Hagar, who wants to travel to Europe to study. She denounced the recent Isis attacks in Paris and Brussels, speaking out against the group's "murder, blood and brutality". "Civilians were killed," she said. "When people with weapons kill civilians, isn't that terrorism? "It's murder, blood and brutality. As a mother, I consider what they're doing to be terrorism. If someone hurts my son, he's a terrorist. Every mother thinks that." For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Israeli military prosecutors have reduced the charge against a soldier who shot dead an unarmed and severely wounded Palestinian man from murder to manslaughter. Caught on video, a Palestinian man could be seen bleeding and lying flat on his back when the defendant walked up to him, cocked his weapon and fired point blank at the man's head. The victim, Abel al-Fatah-al-Sharif, had already been shot and incapacitated during a stabbing attack on an Israeli Defence Force (IDF) soldier in Hebron in the West Bank. The defendant has claimed he was acting in self-defence believing 21-year-old Sharif to have been wearing a suicide belt, The Guardian reports. At an IDF court hearing, Lieutenant Colonel Edoram Rigler said the prosecution believed they could secure a conviction on the reduced charge of manslaughter. Other soldiers present at the scene told the hearing the defendant had said before shooting Sharif: "The terrorist was alive and he deserved to die." The United Nations special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, Christof Heyns, reviewed the Hebron footage and stated: "The images shown carry all the signs of a clear case of an extrajudicial execution." In response to such attacks, 11 US senators have signed a letter calling on President Barack Obama to investigate alleged Israeli human rights abuses to decide whether military aid to Israel should be cut. Israeli soldiers stand near the body of Abed al-Fatah al-Sharif, 21, who was shot and killed by a soldier while laying wounded on the ground in Hebron (AP) Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has attacked US critics saying: "Where is the concern for the infringement of the human rights of so many Israelis who were murdered and wounded by criminal murderers?" According to the Times of Israel, Netanyahu added the senator's letter "should have been directed at those who incite children to cruel acts of terrorism". 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 security forces have shot dead refugees escaping from the Syrian conflict, according to reports. UK-based monitoring group the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights alleged 16 people seeking sanctuary in Turkey have been shot over the past four months. They said those killed included three children. Other examples compiled by the Syrian Observatory include the alleged killings of a man and his child at Ras al-Ain, at the eastern end of the Turkish-Syrian border. In the west of the country, two refugees were reportedly shot dead at Guvveci on 5 March. Its in all areas. It happens to people coming from Idlib, Aleppo, Isis areas, Kurdish areas, a spokesman for the Syrian Observatory told The Independent. Other sources, including a Syrian people smuggler based in Turkey and an officer of the UK-supported Free Syrian Police, told The Times they believed the number of refugees killed by Turkish forces was actually far higher. They said this was because people killed on the Syrian side of the border were buried in the conflict zone, where record keeping is much more difficult. The smuggler told the newspaper refugees attempting to cross the border would now either be killed or captured. Citing Turkey's former open-door refugee policy, he added: Turkish soldiers used to help the refugees across, carry their bags for them. Now they shoot at them. 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. It is not the first time Turkish authorities have faced criticism over their treatment of refugees. In March, the Turkish Coast Guard allegedly attacked a dinghy filled with migrants in the Aegean. The latest allegations are likely to cast further scrutiny on the EU migrant deal with Turkey. Under the terms in which Turkey is declared a "safe third country" migrants arriving in Greek territory by boat will be deported back to Turkey in an attempt to stem the flow of people into Europe. In return for taking back the migrants, Turkey will receive 4.6 billion in aid from the EU and its citizens will, from June, be able to travel without visas in the Schengen area. For every migrant deported to Turkey, the EU will take in a Syrian refugee from Turkey, but this number will be capped at 72,000. Despite the agreements imminent April 4 implementation, many believe neither Greece nor Turkey is fully prepared to meet the terms. There is uncertainty over how the migrants to be deported will be processed, or housed. Many deportees are likely to be taken to the western Turkish town of Dikili. However, the towns mayor, Mustafa Tosun, said: "Our worries are that not just Dikili but the whole region's infrastructure is not ready if they stay here - whether it's health or education facilities. We have expressed these worries." Migrant arrivals on the Greek islands have been increasing as the agreements deadline approaches. Sign up to our free fortnightly newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Nadine White Sign up to our free fortnightly newsletter The Race Report Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the The Race Report email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The white student at the centre of the San Francisco State University (SFSU) cultural appropriation video has spoken out about being harassed by a black student over his dreadlocks, insisting its my hair, my rules, my body. In an interview with the Golden Gate Xpress, an SFSU student-run publication, 22-year-old Cory Goldstein claimed he looked at the female student who said: Sorry, but we don't want people with your hair here, something he said he found really rude while trying to walk away from the situation. The environmental science student also described how he was followed and tried to leave multiple times, but that she wouldnt let me. Recommended Read more Black student filmed harassing white student over his dreadlocks He said: She kept grabbing me, pushing me back, trying to make her point or something. I didnt want to talk or discuss this situation with her at all. I felt that I didnt need to explain myself: my hair, my rules, my body. The 47-second video clip surfaced online on Tuesday and has, so far, gathered more than 2.2 million views and begins by showing the female student supposedly threaten to cut Mr Goldsteins dreadlocks with scissors. Mr Goldstein is then heard to defend his hairstyle and asks the female student: Youre saying I cant have a hairstyle because of your culture. Why? She replies: Because its my culture. The top 10 universities in the world Show all 10 1 /10 The top 10 universities in the world The top 10 universities in the world 1. California Institute of Technology The top 10 universities in the world 2. University of Oxford The top 10 universities in the world 3. Stanford University The top 10 universities in the world 4. University of Cambridge The top 10 universities in the world 5. Massachusetts Institute of Technology The top 10 universities in the world 6. Harvard University The top 10 universities in the world 7. Princeton University The top 10 universities in the world 8. Imperial College London The top 10 universities in the world 9. ETH Zurich Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich The top 10 universities in the world 10. University of Chicago The female student is also seen to block Mr Goldsteins path, preventing him from walking away from the situation as she pushes him back, all the while accusing him of cultural appropriation. Speaking about the incident with the Xpress, Mr Goldstein said it was not okay to be attacked over his hairstyle, insisting: Its not even part of the coloured communitys culture. He added: Its in Egyptian culture, Viking culture - even in Victorian culture. He also said the fact that he has dreadlocks shows I actually love and respect their culture, and it is something he holds true to himself. However, according to the Golden Gate Xpress site and comments which have since surfaced online, eyewitnesses have attempted to paint a clearer picture in the events which led up to the video. One SFSU student took to Facebook and described how his friends had confirmed they were at the situation when the incident occurred. He wrote: The first moment of violence was when the white man in question called a black woman a b***h when she was trying to flyer. Things escalated from there. This is not in the video, and the fact that everyone quickly sided with the white man shows that we are so quick to jump on the side of privilege. The Xpress has also quoted another student, Maddy Grey, as having said: He called her a b***h after she tried to give him a flyer so she went to talk to him about his dreads and not to call her a b***h (naturally). SFSU is standing by the statement it released shortly after the clip began to gather attention which said the institution was aware of the video and that university police had been called to the scene of the incident when it occurred The statement continued: No criminal charges have been pressed at this time to the universitys knowledge. San Francisco State University promotes the rights of the campus community to engage in free speech, but does not condone behaviour that impedes the safety or well-being of others. We are taking the matter seriously and will promptly and thoroughly investigate this incident through applicable university channels, including our campus student conduct procedures. Mr Goldstein had also confirmed on his Facebook page he would not be filing any criminal charges, but said: I did file a formal campus police report and I decided to let the education system deal with her. 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 }} Dear Muslim men, I still remember the day my mother was told her life was in danger. Her right to exist on this earth was suddenly being questioned because she decided she was exhausted. Exhausted for all her sisters, mothers and daughters who are unfortunate enough to have been born with another X chromosome rather than a Y. What were her demands? Merely a space to pray in the mosque. Despite knowing she was potentially putting herself on the line, she stood her ground to claim what has been snatched from us. This did not happen in a faraway land, but here in the UK, and the heinous crime my mother committed that warranted such a savage response was requesting her God-given rights. She should have been smart enough to know not to ask for something that may threaten the towering, carefully constructed, religiously disguised pedestal that has cradled the male ego for centuries. The outrageous desire to pray in a mosque that has only welcomed men since its creation represented values far too Islamic for these chauvinists. We attended a mosque meeting advertised as being open to the public, and were abusively shouted down as soon as my mother attempted to make a contribution. No one had yet informed us that the public does not include females. Following police involvement, we were begrudgingly afforded a small place to pray, and saw the intimidation tactics become even more pathetic: tutting, head-shaking and sneering comments followed us round every corner. We felt unsafe. The countries with anti-women laws Show all 5 1 /5 The countries with anti-women laws The countries with anti-women laws The countries with anti-women laws The countries with anti-women laws The countries with anti-women laws The countries with anti-women laws And this isnt an isolated incident. When certain Muslim Labour councillors were accused of systematically and calculatedly blocking Muslim women from becoming MPs, I wasnt surprised. I wasnt surprised at another result of relentless animosity, the opening of a woman-led mosque in Bradford, either. Theres no religious illegitimacy here. Making room for Muslim women isnt un-Islamic. And I havent been pushed away from my religion by sexist men in the Muslim community. Instead, I have drawn closer to my faith. I recognise the irony of the fact that the first university in the world was established by a Muslim woman, yet today many are denied an education. That the Prophet Mohammed fought on horseback alongside a woman, and yet now, many are told to stay in their houses and denied the right to drive. That in Mecca, at Gods house, I walk hand-in-hand with my husband while worshipping, but UK mosques deny me entry. That the majority of the 5,000 annual British converts to Islam are women, because they see the Quran affirming gender equality, and have realised a deeper liberation even as a culturally asphyxiated brand of so-called Islam run by chauvinists oppresses us. Quite simply, in being your intellectual, spiritual and social equals, we recognise the immensity of the paradox that some of you continue to propagate. Despite your fervent attempts to use mistranslations and misinterpretations of scripture and tradition to satisfy your desires, we dont believe you. We do not need strengthening, we need recognition of the different forms our strength comes in. This is an injustice at one end of the same spectrum that groups like Isis operate on. And for those of you who do not actively enforce this injustice, by remaining complicit in the shackling of even one woman, you are shackling all of us. How can a society progress if half of it is chained? Were desperate to pull back the paralysing grip of the lethal combination of male ego and cultural deadweight, to untangle this mess and to live how our faith truly tells us to live, relieved of our exhaustion. Ultimately, we need you to help us reclaim Islam. Until all of society learns to respect the half of society that bears and births them, humans will remain crippled, our social ills cannot be healed. We are hurting. Exhausted. But I have hope. Because, as Al Ghosaibi says, when a wound is tired of crying, it starts to sing. Muslim men, you owe us our rights and the Quran says so. Dont forget that. Sincerely, A Muslim woman 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 }} They could go on hunger strike. They could talk to the International Red Cross. Their wretched trials could be witnessed by journalists. Their utterly illegal detention under international law, that is was known about, and widely condemned as an outrageous and flagrant breech of human rights. But they couldnt be waterboarded. The fact that the CIA thugs didnt get their hands on them or not as far as we know must be the one charitable thing to come out of Guantanamo, whence a dozen extra prisoners are to be released, according to the Pentagon. 91 still to go. And oh yes, one of the dozen is a Yemeni who has been on hunger srike since 2007 and has lost half his body weight. So that just shows you. Go on hunger strike, and you get released. The Americans dont want anyone dying on hunger strike; Tariq Ba Odah has been force-fed daily --strapped down, a rubber tube forced inside his nose and a liquid supplement pumped into his stomach. Sounds a bit like torture to me. But thats how it goes at Guantanamo. When theres no rule of law, youve got to keep these guys alive. Recommended Read more An open letter to Muslim men from an angry Muslim woman No rules, no law. Remember how the bad guys picked up on this? Remember how al-Qaeda and Isis used those orange jumpsuits for their prisoners, how they dressed up their inmates before butchering them? I cant recall any US official commenting on that particular theatrical prop. Because this would suggest, wouldnt it, that a theatrical prop is exactly what it was at Guantanamo - a method of humiliating prisoners, of flaunting their imprisonment. And then there were the obviously flawed charges - I can think of a bunch of Bosnians locked up to no purpose and then handed back to Bosnia, not to mention an Afghan so old he was obviously senile and let us not forget a few Brits, too and then a few men who did indeed return to active duty. Because the problem is that by putting the guilty along with the innocent I use the quotation marks advisedly you make everyone innocent. And this is the point, isnt it? By including men of violence with men who would never commit violence, you both contaminate the innocent and cleanse the guilty. This is what George Bush did. This is what the Americans did. No wonder Barack Obama wanted to close Guantanamo. He saw in it something iniquitous: he saw in it the staining of a whole group of people mainly Muslim, of course, often brown, even black people who were imprisoned outside the law. Indeed, the law didnt even get a look in. Illegal combatants was the phrase, I seem to recall. Illegal as in non-legal. And of course, thats how Isis and company treated their truly innocent hostages. They shrewdly understood that the final humiliation was to dress up their victims in the same clothes as the Guantanamo men to make them equally guilty, equally bad, equally horrific. That is George Bushs legacy to us. Now lets go back to Ba Odah, who was taken to Guantanamo in 2002 thats fourteen years in prison, for heavens sake but he cant be sent to his home (Yemen, of course) because of a congressional ban on repatriations to Yemen. And hes one of 41 Yemenis who cant be transferred there. Incredible! Thats almost half the entire prisoner roll-call in Guantanamo. Now let me get this right. When they were sent to the Cuban camp, these were the worst of the worst, the bad guys, the dudes in the black hats. And now it turns out that the Yemenis were the worst of the worst. But I have to say that I dont remember many Yemenis in Osama bin Ladens camps and I met the man twice in Afghanistan so how come there are so many in Guantanamo? True, there were Egyptians, Algerians, Tunisians, Saudis (bin Laden was one of them) and Moroccans. But Yemenis? Well, I guess the Saudis are killing a lot of them right now (the Shia variety, needless to say, for Ba Odahs faith is commonly believed to be Sunni). But then again, we come back to the fact that the Saudis are the principal supporters of the Wahhabi Salafist Sunni faith whose religion is espoused by the Taliban and Isis (and a lot of Gulf states). And if were going to name the bad guys, maybe we should be talking about some folk (a Bushism, by the way) who live in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as... Oh hell no, lets not go down that road. It may lead to Guantanamo. 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 }} My name is Mohamed Alkhateb, and I was born and raised in Palmyra. I went to university in Homs, but when noises started to be made about a revolutionary movement, I knew I had to return to my home city. At the beginning of the Revolution, my friends and I established what we called the Palmyra Coordination - essentially a group to coordinate and lead peaceful demonstrations calling for freedom. But the situation quickly spiralled out of control. Security forces within the city were unable to control the escalating revolution or withstand the flood of demonstrations. Tens of protesters were killed during their efforts. After months of protests, the Assad regime sent a huge deployment of about 50 tanks and 3000 soldiers to take control of the city. After Palmyra was stormed by the SAA [Syrian Arab Army], some friends and I knew we had to flee. After six days, however, we were captured by a group of around 30 SAA soldiers in the surrounding countryside and detained. Recommended Read more Isis has skewed our perception so much that we laughed off a hijacker Needless to say, we were badly treated by these soldiers. They slapped us and beat us, and then marched us to a security branch in Palmyra to begin our interrogation. Worse was to come. During the interrogation, we witnessed all kinds of violence; perhaps the greatest irony of all is that we were accused of participating in demonstrations and protests which had only ever been peaceful. The interrogation didn't end there. I was sent to what is known as Security Branch No. 291 in Damascus, where I witnessed a myriad of torture methods. It seemed like an inescapable situation. But after seven months, incredibly, the regime released me. When I arrived back in Palmyra, everything had changed. I felt unable to remain in the city, and permanently unsafe; it was impossible to know when or whether I'd be imprisoned by the regime again. Ultimately I made the decision to leave the city, and travel with people-smugglers to Turkey. Isis launched their assault on Palmyra in May 2015, after I had left, and I was heartbroken. I knew this would result in more tyranny and more injustice towards my own people. Predictably, once they had moved in, the group began to apply its stringent policies. Simply put, under Isis, everything is forbidden. Anyone who violates their arbitary rules is either punished severely or killed. It is hard to live under the control of Isis, and it became harder when Assad started to bombard the city. Because Assad claims that he bombs Isis, but in actuality most of his victims are civilians. After months of bombardment, most of Palmyra's population had fled to the north and east of Syria. According to the Syrian Observatory, there were less than 100 civilians left in the city when it was retaken from Isis. Even now that Palmyra has been supposedly liberated by Assad's soldiers, there's little hope for those displaced civilians to return to their homes; they're too afraid of Assad's forces and the militias linked with him. Many have expressed their fear that the Assad-linked vigilante groups will suspect them of having collaborated with Isis, and punish them accordingly - as they have done elsewhere in the country. Assad claims he launched this campaign to protect Syrians and liberate the World Heritage Sites from Isis, but his bombs have destroyed as much of the city and its precious ruins as Isis did. We, the people of Palmyra, consider both Isis and Assad to be criminals. Both commit crimes against humanity, kill innocent people and destroy cities and historical relics. Both displace hundreds of thousands of innocent citizens through their actions. Both detain, torture and kill political activists like me. Palmyra has not been liberated. It has just been transferred from one tyranny to another. Our message to the West and to the international community is this: dont act as though you are blind to Assads crimes. As you penalise Isis, you must penalise Assad's regime in equal measure. He is the essence of the problem in Syria - and both him and Isis are the enemies of normal Syrian people. As told to Matt Broomfield 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 }} Tata Steels decision to sell up in the UK gave the Prime Minister a brutal welcome on his return from holiday, brought the business secretary home early from Australia, and allowed Jeremy Corbyn to strut his stuff against one of the grittier industrial backdrops this country still has to offer. It places at least 15,000 jobs at risk - close to 40,000 if you include the likely knock-on effects - and many of those jobs are in areas that remain dependent on a single employer. No wonder there is much fluttering in the political dovecote. In some ways, what is unfolding in South Wales and elsewhere has the feel of a drama from the 1980s. We are back discussing the merits or otherwise of nationalisation - if its good enough for a bank, why not for steel? Out-and-out free-marketeers are back arguing the toss with the statists - except that steel production now accounts for only 1 per cent of Britains manufacturing output and a fraction of the jobs that it did then, so that the costs and benefits of any rescue now look a little different. And then there is - how could there not be, less than three months before the in-out referendum? - the EU angle. If we were out, say the Leavers, the UK would be free to slap much higher tariffs on imported steel, saving a key sector of manufacturing and the jobs that go with it. Not so fast, say the Remainers, prices of practically everything metallic - from cars to pre-fab warehouses - would then rise to match, leaving the UK substantially poorer, and the EU could impose its own tariffs on UK steel exports. All these questions of principle and practice are relevant, but not nearly as relevant as the one question that successive governments have preferred not to ask over the same time - at least not with the degree of openness that was warranted. And this question is: how far has the much-vaunted openness of the UKs economy been in the national interest? How far has the quest for foreign investment been allowed to override other considerations? Is there a point at which a country can be too open for business? This has nothing to do with the UKs membership or not of the European Union. EU members take different views of their own home-grown industries and use different stratagems to protect what they see as their interests. But they operate a tariff-free zone: free movement of goods, as of people. The quarrel of the UK steel industry in general, and of Tata Steel UK in particular, is not with any other European steel producer, but primarily with China because of the scale of its manufacturing and the cheapness of its steel. Any remedy here needs to be sought through the EU. Its economic clout as a grouping was demonstrated when it acted - successfully - 13 years ago against discriminatory US tariffs (on steel, as it happened). But care has to be taken not to damage other sectorial interests, in the UK, as across the EU. This is why the EU has tariffs on Chinese steel which are lower than those imposed by the US. Yet the bigger quarrel has to be had with this, and previous, UK governments. In the past 24 hours a former head of the Navy, Admiral Lord West, has argued that a home-grown steel industry is vital for national defence. If he has a point, beyond special pleading, then where were the top brass when the preponderance of the UK steel industry was sold to Indian-owned Tata? Did the UK government of the day - it was the Blair government that signed off on the sale of then Corus to Tata - not regard steel as a strategic industry, without which the UKs prized defence sovereignty could be impaired? And if it did, was there not an argument for keeping it in UK, or EU, ownership? Let me clarify here that my instincts are all in favour of free trade. Abolishing barriers, to my mind, is infinitely preferable to building them. Europe-wide free trade has been of enormous benefit. But if even the United States, that arch-advocate - if not perfect practitioner - of the free market draws lines around its national interests, then it surely has sound reasons. Such has been the UKs accelerating zeal to attract foreign money that more than half of all shares in UK-based companies are now in foreign hands. And the London Stock Exchange itself is about to go the same way. Where clearly commercial goods are concerned, and there is genuine competition, it is hard to object, even where supposed national treasures are lost. The problem with Krafts takeover of Cadbury was less the purchase as such, than the almost immediate betrayal of trust. But what of utilities and major infrastructure? Privatisation is one thing; a sale to non-UK, or even non-EU, interests, it seems to me, quite another. While the US Congress halted a proposed sale of six ports to the UAE, many UK ports are foreign - non-EU - owned. They include Londons Prince Albert Docks, where a Chinese developer has apparently run into some sort of undefined trouble. Recommended Read more An open letter to Muslim men from an angry Muslim woman The capitals biggest airports are now all in foreign hands. EDF (France) not only owns a major UK utility, it is about to build at least one, maybe more, nuclear power stations here, funded in part with Chinese money - a deal that has aroused qualms even among some of EDFs own executives. A Chinese telecoms conglomerate (Huawei) provides much of BTs hardware. There are reportedly safeguards in place. Says who? The same people who signed off on it, though the US is said to have expressed reservations. The extent of foreign ownership in the UK economy is not something that has been openly debated as such, with the downsides - loss of security and control - as well as the upsides - money, obviously - given equal airtime. Tatas exit offers an opportunity to ask the big questions that should have been raised - but werent - when Tata bought into the UK steel industry in 2006. 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 }} It was the look on the face of the man from the Electoral Commission that sealed it, specifically at the moment when a cabbie in a luminous like green hoodie swung open his vehicle to reveal a further 13 crates of documents, that the Electoral Commission would have a matter of days to read. This must be the most ludicrous thing I've ever seen in politics, said one onlooker. That onlooker, for the sake of context, was Nigel Farage, a chap who, before the last election, gave a speech on Chieftain Mk 100 tank, and at the one before that, almost died crashing a light aircraft in a field in Northamptonshire. There is, you may know, a grave decision shortly to face the nation on 23 June. But before then, the Electoral Commission must make an even more momentous decision of its own. Somebody has to have conferred upon it the honour of official designation of the Out campaign. Should it be the Peoples Front of Judea otherwise known as Leave.EU? Or the Judean Peoples Front, Grassroots Out? Leave.EU, Michael Goves lot, sent in their paperwork by email. Not wishing to exert any undue pressure, Grassroots Out hired an articulated lorry, with SAY GOODBYE TO BRUSSELS painted across it in two foot high letters and parked it outside the Commissions central London headquarters, for a handover ceremony entirely of their own creation. It is hardly worth pointing out that the lorry was a Renault. They all are. The one Boris Johnson drove around a Dartford car park two weeks ago, shouting anti-EU soundbites out the cab window was also a Renault. That kind of entry-level absurdism we are long past. They could have put the 50,000 pages of documents in the lorry, you might think, but no. Grassroots Out official delivery boy Simon the cabbie was on hand. The handover has taken place but it is not official until Simon the cabbie arrives with the other thirteen boxes, said Peter Bone, the never knowingly under-receded MP for Wellingborough. If you dont know who he is, dont worry. Nor did a passing student on his way into Cass Business School next door, who took one look and asked his friend: What is Sven Goran Eriksson doing here? Remarkably, that comparison casts perma-sneering Tom Pursglove as the David Beckham of the day, the 27-year-old former researcher to Mr Bone, who has not yet let his new job as Member of Parliament for Corby interfere with his primary requirement of never straying more than a eighteen inches from his masters side in either actuality or opinion. The pages upon pages were, Mr Farage explained, evidence of the broadest imaginable coalition of views that make up their movement. Thats one of the criteria for being granted the official designation, you see, a prize that doesnt really get you any money, but does give you the official electoral right to spend even more of your own. Among their number, controversially, is George Galloway. Oh weve got much further left than Galloway in there, Farage said. Weve got the Communist Party of Great Britain. Actually I think they're called the New Communist Party now. There might have been a schism. It rarely comes to this. Well, it never comes to this. In these confusing times, that the two sides couldnt work even this much out between them tells you a very large amount of what you need to know. I've wanted to work with them from the start, Farage claimed. They don't want to work with us. Theyre establishment, theyre SW1. He might have gone further, but its difficult, in these tense times, when youre in the heart of the City of London and luminous green balloons are bursting around you with loud bangs once every thirty seconds. Are you lot going to be here all day? another student wanted to know. They were gone by noon. Theyd done more than enough. Sign up to our free fortnightly newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Nadine White Sign up to our free fortnightly newsletter The Race Report Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the The Race Report email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} A few weeks ago, when the computer AlphaGo beat the (human) Go world champion, some of the more sensationalist media commentators asked whether one day computers would overtake humans entirely, and perhaps even enslave us. I remember standing in the kitchen of my flat, laughing at the sci-fi absurdity of this idea - little suspecting that within days I would be wondering whether the Algorithmic Tyranny was already underway, and whether free and open political discussion had already become its victim. My journey into the Kafkaesque labyrinths of our brave new world began on 23rd March when I wrote a satirical anti-racist post on my Facebook blog. The story was pretty simple - our narrator, a middle-class white man, is trapped in a Glaswegian alleyway without his trousers as the result of a strange series of events. He recounts how his day first took a turn for the peculiar when a Muslim woman confronted him in the street with a list of crimes associated with Christianity (Apartheid! Abortion clinic shootings! The Lords Resistance Army!). Jumping on a bus to escape his assailant, our narrator is then confronted by a group of Asian teenagers who accuse him of being a sex offender in the vein of several high-profile middle-class white men (Jimmy Savile, Rolf Harris), and a Sikh man who quotes the Bible as evidence that Christianity supports rape. Finally, after jumping off the bus, the strangest encounter of all: several stark-naked Xhosa teenagers on their way to an initiation ceremony, who suggest that our narrator is only wearing trousers because he is being oppressed by his society. His trousers are promptly stolen as an act of liberation, along with his Thundercat underpants, and he is left stranded and begging the people of Facebook for sartorial assistance. I hope the satirical nature of this tale doesnt need to be explained to you, dear reader. The messages I received from members of the Muslim community over the days that followed were extremely humbling: some told me that what I had written had made them feel more hopeful for the prospects of their children growing up in non-Muslim countries. Several teachers even asked my permission to use the piece as a teaching aid to discuss discrimination in their classrooms. Within days I was being interviewed about the post by the Independent, and it had been shared by high profile websites like LAD Bible and The Poke. Then, after six days, and having accumulated 30,000 shares and 60,000 likes, Facebook abruptly removed the post for violating community standards; furthermore, as punishment for my unspecified crime, I was banned from Facebook for three days, and was only able to post on my blog via a friends account. Since then, I have felt like some sort of cyber-Alice falling down a crazy rabbit warren of automated forms and electronic dead ends. I dont know if my post was removed by a human, or, as many of my followers have suggested, an algorithm. I dont even know why it was removed - the community standards that were violated are nothing more than a vague set of allusions to users feeling safe (they dont specify which users this refers to - racists? Islamophobes? White supremacists?). Most frustrating of all is the fact that I cannot possibly avoid repeating whatever crime the invisible Facebook judges have found me guilty of, because I dont even know what it is. All my attempts to explain my case to an actual human at Facebook have lead nowhere. There were certainly a few people who thought the story was a lie aimed at attacking minorities rather than a piece of fiction aimed at supporting them, and others who didnt bother to read beyond the first line before venting in the comments. I have every sympathy for these people - I know that members of persecuted groups are confronted with so much hatred online, and their defences are so heightened, that its hardly surprising that a small minority may jump to conclusions without properly digesting what they read. But the post was seen by 6.5 million people: even if only one in a thousand complained, Facebook would have heard from 6500 people who were unhappy with what I had written. The message sent to these people by the posts removal is perhaps the most harmful message of all: that they were right to assume that they were being denigrated; that they have been subject to attack from a widely shared and widely approved-of piece of writing. In its blunt and inhuman censorship, Facebook has only increased these users (misplaced) sense of persecution. The seriousness of Facebooks sloppy censorship cannot be overstated. This single website is our most important political forum: it is our 21st century Speakers Corner, our coffee houses, our suffragette societies, and our Quaker meeting rooms, all rolled into one. Some Facebook entities have even evolved into powerful political forces in the real world, the most prominent being the far-right Britain First. All of this political discussion is moderated by, at best, unelected and unaccountable people; at worst it is the responsibility of an even less accountable set of wires and microchips that can erase content without a human arbiter ever becoming involved. The irony of this form of censorship lies not only in which content it deletes, but also which it lets through. In the last few days I have been inundated with stories from followers of reported posts that were deemed not to undermine community standards: beheadings, beatings, and rape jokes among them. In the same week that my post was widely shared and praised by members of the Muslim community before being censored, Britain First was allowed to share an image of primary school children doing yoga, with a caption implying that they were being forced to perform Muslim prayers. This blatant falsehood - which some would argue borders on incitement to hatred - has been deemed not in violation of community standards. The problem isn't that these rules exist, it is that they are inconsistently applied with no way of appealing to a real person. Those commentators who thought that AlphaGo heralded the enslavement of humanity made one crucial error in their assumptions: they all supposed that computers would take over because the speed and complexity of their thought processes would become superior to our own. Now, it seems that the opposite may be true: computers are already stifling human beings because their algorithms are oblivious to the very subtleties of thought - irony, humour, satire, hyperbole - that make us human in the first place. President Michael D Higgins was due to be guest of honour at the commemorative event in Belfast City Hall on April 8 The President has pulled out of attending a civic dinner in Belfast to mark the centenary of the Easter Rising. Michael D Higgins was due to be guest of honour at the commemorative event in Belfast City Hall on April 8. It is understood the fact the occasion has not garnered enough cross-party support, with a number of unionists declining invitations, motivated the president's decision to stay away. Sinn Fein Lord Mayor Arder Carson received a letter from the president outlining his reasons for pulling out. Mr Carson said: "Both personally, and on behalf of Belfast City Council, I am extremely disappointed that the President is no longer attending this event, part of our Decade of Centenaries programme. "The overall programme for the decade was agreed by full council and has cross-party support; and that position has not changed. "A lot of hard work has gone into creating an inclusive programme of events which is respectful of all viewpoints and which focuses on the key events of our shared history, and those which have impacted on our city. "In this important year which reflects on the centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising and the Battle of the Somme, Belfast City Council has shown leadership in how we mark these events and I would wish that to continue. "The dinner will, of course, be going ahead on April 8 and I am very much looking forward to the occasion." A spokesman for Aras an Uachtarain confirmed President Higgins would not be attending. "The President accepted the invitation to the civic dinner on the basis that there was cross-party support for the invitation," he said. "This now is no longer the case, leaving the President with no other option but to withdraw as he does not want to become embroiled in matters of political controversy." A file photograph from 2011 of interaction between the PSNI and gardai on the border. Photo: Mark Condren There is always money to be made along a border, some legitimate and some not so legitimate. Life along either side of the border with Northern Ireland for many decades was full of stories, rumours and even myths about smuggling. There were stories of cattle swimming across lakes and rivers to the other side of the border, pigs being sedated with Guinness while crossing by boat, coffins filled with contraband, false floors in vans and trucks. State subsidies on livestock brought stories of people moving animals across the border at night for inspection, only to be brought back again the next day in an international merry-go-round spread over a few fields. Back before large criminal gangs figured out how to wash the dye out of agricultural diesel using toxic acids, guys would even build a new hidden fuel tank in their car which was filled from inside the boot. This left the original fuel tank disconnected from the engine and carrying the same pint of ordinary diesel for years in case they were ever dipped by customs. The principles behind making money from a border are similar almost anywhere in the world. Put people in close proximity to each other but in different states and ingenuity will capture opportunity. Different jurisdictions have different levels of tax and excise, creating a price differential. Different currencies operated in towns beside each other but on either side of a border, also create price differences that can be exploited. Different jurisdictions have different subsidies or rules, which create a market on the other side of the border, because a product is not available on one side or is subsidised more heavily. In the case of partition and the border in Ireland, the opportunities have changed over the decades. In his book, '29 Main Street - Living with Partition', historian Dermot McMonagle chronicles life growing up in his native border town of Ballyconnell in Co Cavan. In the 1950s Britain introduced the Agricultural Deficiency Payment System, which provided a wonderful opportunity for smuggling. "Ballyconnell became a resting station for cattle and pigs moving northwards as the new market conditions dictated. For cattle to qualify for payments or subsidies, heifers and steers were ear punched with a sharpened half-inch copper pipe to make them bona fide northern animals, and left to heal for a time." He describes how pigs from different litters were all thrown in together, but sprinkled with Jeyes fluid to give them a common scent, to stop them fighting. "It rarely worked". New Zealand butter was available in Fermanagh for as little as 1/3d, while Killeshandra butter was available in Ballyconnell for 3/6d, McMonagle points out. There was very good money to be made. With Ireland and Britain's entry to the EEC in the early 1970s, opportunities for smuggling began to decrease. Animals might be smuggled to benefit from subsidies but the list of goods on which duty had to be paid dwindled. Allowances on goods purchased for personal use were increased and many Southerners have stories about hiding goods bought across the border that they may have been allowed to bring across anyway. The arrival of the single European market in 1993 effectively ended the border as a custom barrier to trade. But it hasn't done away with smuggling. There may be a single market but different rules still create smuggling opportunities. The industrial scale criminal operations behind diesel laundering are costing the exchequer hundreds of millions of euro per year in lost excise and environmental clean-up. Many of those involved also make millions from cigarette smuggling. But there are other tax differences to be exploited. The tax treatment of solid fuel has become the latest big money whizz. A carbon tax in the South creates an opportunity to smuggle across from the North. Vat in the South on solid fuel is 13.5pc. In Northern Ireland it is 5pc. Carbon tax adds 2.11 to a bag of coal in the South. In the North it is 0. The Irish Hardware Association, whose members have seen solid fuel sales fall, reported last year that a smuggler bringing in a 20-tonne truck of coal from Northern Ireland saves 1,195 in Carbon Tax alone. The Vat differential increases the evasion rewards to 2,005. If so much illicit activity continues when both sides of the border are in a single European market, what will it be like if the UK decides to leave the EU? One of the great benefits of the peace process has been the free movement of people, as well as goods, cross the border. As a result regional economies in border areas can benefit from people moving to the other side, commuting to the other side or simply just passing through the other side as part of their work routine. Back in the 1940s Southern citizens had to apply to the RUC for a "Document of Identity" to travel within the North. So much has improved since then. Brexit advocates argue that Ireland and the UK can continue with a freedom of movement treaty after a Brexit, just as they had before joining the EEC. After a Brexit, both will still be sovereign independent states, but one will be subject to the rules, directives and wishes of its European counterparts. The border in Louth, Monaghan, Cavan, Leitrim and Donegal will be the border with the EU. It would be ironic to think that if customs posts and queues returned to the border, that so too would smuggling. Yet the history of the border shows that it is not fully "policeable". New tariffs would increase the opportunities and therefore smuggling is likely to increase, not to mention the creation of new barriers it would present to the movement of people through possible delays. It is also ironic that the First Minister in Northern Ireland, DUP leader Arlene Foster, is advocating a Brexit, given the likely impact it could have on agriculture and food, which employ 6pc of the working population in Northern Ireland. The Republic accounts for a third of Northern Ireland services exports. Total exports to the South are around 1.8bn annually compared to 1.2bn in the other direction. A Brexit could represent an enormous social and economic step backwards for the idea of the island economy. A group of investors, led by US billionaire Wilbur Ross, pumped 1.3bn into Greek lender Eurobank in 2014. Photo: Bloomberg US billionaire Wilbur Ross contacted Finance Minister Michael Noonan late last year to discuss the recapitalisation of Greek banks, where he is an investor. Details of Minister Noonan's calendar show Wilbur Ross contacted the Limerick TD late last year to discuss alternative approaches available for the recapitalisation of Greek banks. Mr Ross, who led a group of investors that had pumped 1.3bn into Greek lender Eurobank in 2014, held a half-hour call with Mr Noonan on November 2, according to documents released under Freedom of Information. At the time, Mr Ross had been concerned about the governance of Greek banks and the structure of a potential fresh recapitalisation after stress tests carried out by the European Central Bank found a capital requirement of 14.4bn. Investors - including Mr Ross - expressed concerns that the Greek government might use the opportunity of the recapitalisation to cement its control of the banks. On October 2, Mr Ross sent Mr Noonan a letter requesting a meeting to discuss alternative approaches to recapitalisation. Ireland has no direct role with Greece's battered banking market, but the Eurogroup of Eurozone finance ministers, including ours, was involved in signing off on a recapitalisation scheme for Greek lenders last year. A spokesman for Mr Noonan said that given the intervention Mr Ross made in Bank of Ireland, the minister was "happy to listen to" Mr Ross's concerns. The businessman sold his entire stake in Bank of Ireland in June 2014, having tripled his money. "I'm told the minister was in complete listening mode on the call. Somebody they were willing to give some time to had expressed concerns. "They were happy eventually to listen to those concerns and have a think about what he had to offer, and what he had to say," the spokesman said. He said officials here were happy to share Ireland's experiences with their Greek peers and set about organising a call with counterparts in Athens after Mr Ross's call. However, the spokesman stressed that they were not planning to articulate Mr Ross's concerns. "The Department thought it could be beneficial to remind Greek colleagues how Ireland had benefited from private sector investment in our recovering banking sector," the spokesman said. "That would include discussing the importance of support at key times." However, within days Greek authorities took action in relation to the banks and no action by officials in the Department was ultimately taken. The spokesman said there has been no further calls in relation to this issue. Mr Ross did not respond to an email requesting comment. Tie-up would involve Stobart Air, which operates the Aer Lingus Regional services (pictured) and CityJet Dublin-based carriers Stobart Air and CityJet are exploring a tie-up in a move that could create one of Europe's biggest regional airline groups, the Irish Independent has learned. The deal would be dependent on the final outcome of a sales process for Stobart Air, however. Stobart Air, which operates the Aer Lingus Regional service, is currently up for sale, with bids likely to value it at between 60m and 65m. The Irish Independent also understands that Stobart Air management, led by chief executive Sean Brogan, have tabled a bid to buy the airline as the battle for control heats up. It's likely that such a bid could receive support from Aer Lingus, for instance, which also has a stake in a company that leases aircraft to Stobart Air. The Stobart Air sales process began last year, after shareholder Invesco Perpetual indicated that it wanted to exit its involvement in the business. It owns 40pc of Stobart Air, which was previously known as Aer Arann. UK transport group Stobart owns 45pc of the airline, while broker Cenkos has a 10pc stake. Former Aer Arann chairman Padraig O'Ceidigh owns 5pc. Aer Arann was bought out of Examinership in 2010 by the current consortium of owners. It's understood that the Stobart Group is interested in selling its stake, but at the same time working with a potential bidder for Stobart Air to approve a tie-up between the airline and CityJet. The Stobart Group also owns Southend Airport, east of London in Essex. It's unclear if the possible tie-up between Stobart Air and CityJet would happen if Stobart Air management are successful in their buyout bid. A spokesman for the Stobart Group did not respond to queries, while a spokesman for Stobart Air declined to comment. Invesco also declined to comment. CityJet chairman Pat Byrne, who has just completed the acquisition of CityJet from Germany's Intro Aviation along with a number of private investors, was not contactable yesterday. It's understood that up to three bids have now been received for Stobart Air, including an offer from Dublin-based Aviation Finance Company. If Stobart Air and CityJet did seal a formal tie-up, it could create a major European regional airline group. Stobart Air generated revenue of 127m in 2014, the latest set of publicly available accounts for the business show. That was 24pc higher than in 2013. Stobart Air made a 13.5m operating loss in 2014. But Sean Brogan said earlier this year that the company had been profitable in 2015. Stobart Air operates the Aer Lingus Regional service on a franchise basis for Aer Lingus, which is now owned by IAG. Its main focus is feeding passengers from the UK to Dublin, where they can connect to Aer Lingus transatlantic services. It also operates some services for FlyBe, and carried a total of 1.3 million passengers in 2014. CityJet, which had been heavily loss-making since 2008 under the ownership of Air France-KLM, narrowed its losses to 23m in 2014 on revenue of 121m. Its main operational base is London City Airport, in the docklands area, and it carried two million passengers last year. Mr Byrne has predicted that the airline will make a "modest" profit this year, and expects revenue to hit about 300m within two years. Last year, CityJet signed a wet lease agreement with SAS to operate regional flights in Scandinavia for the airline. The Dublin airline also bought SAS subsidiary Blue1, and ordered eight Bombardier aircraft to operate the service. CityJet has also ordered up to 31 Sukhoi Superjets, valued at over 1bn. Earlier this month, business magazine 'Fortune' hailed the resurgence of Irish whiskey in the United States. Under a headline proclaiming that the drink wasn't just for St Patrick's Day, the publication - one of America's major business reads - marvelled at its soaring sales in the American market. "Irish whiskey demand is so strong in the US that it likely leaves other alcoholic beverage producers green with envy," it noted. The industry is booming. Just look at the number of distilleries popping up across the island. In 2013, there were just four distilleries in operation producing and selling. These included Cooley, Kilbeggan, New Middleton, and the Old Bushmills Distillery. At the end of 2014, that had doubled to eight, and 17 are expected to be in production by the end of July. A further 17 are planned. In January, it was revealed that Donegal was set to get its first whiskey distillery in 174 years with the announcement of the Sliabh Liag Distillery. The Connacht Whiskey Distillery, in Ballina, Co Mayo, opened last October. And the Teeling Whiskey Company opened its new distillery and visitor centre in The Liberties, Dublin, last year. Founder Jack Teeling wanted to rekindle a little family history, as Walter Teeling had a distillery on Marrowbone Lane in the 18th century. It's a remarkable story, and one that Miriam Mooney, the head of the Irish Whiskey Association (IWA), clearly enjoys telling. Over a cup of tea. To have had our conversation over a whiskey, while arguably appropriate from my point of view given the focus of the interview, would have potentially been difficult for Mooney. Because no doubt she would have had to choose, and that would be a no no. "We don't have a favourite child," she says, on more than one occasion. All, it would appear, are equally gifted and destined for greatness. But the industry has benefited from a little image shake-up. In its 48-page vision document for the sector, published last year, the IWA notes that Irish whiskey is no longer playing to the stereotype of the "fighting Irish" or as a way to spice up Irish coffee. It's now carving a niche in the global market, playing to the fact that it has such a long history in this country (Irish whiskey has been distilled since the 6th century), and that there's such a desire among its producers to build on that heritage. "It's seen as a premium, handcrafted product," Mooney says. "I think consumers are now beginning to rediscover Irish whiskey and the taste. It's got a really distinctive character. It's very smooth, it's very approachable. It's offering real alternative to other whiskey categories out there." And then there's the demographic factor. A younger generation has come on board, lured by the ease with which it can be mixed in cocktails, she says. "It's become a very cool, very sexy drink," Mooney adds. She recalls that on Christmas night, she invited a neighbour to her house and the pair had a whiskey, mixed with ginger ale, mint and ice. That neighbour is now a big fan. In its heyday in the 19th century, there were almost 90 distilleries on the island, producing more than 12 million nine-litre cases a year, making Irish whiskey the largest global spirits category. But over time, it declined fairly dramatically, and by the mid-1980s, just two Irish distilleries remained, both owned by Irish Distillers. Scotch, Bourbon and Canadian whiskey had all surged, and had left Irish volumes far behind at about 1pc of global sales, the IWA notes. By the late 1980s, the recovery began. It was modest at first, but was helped by the fact that Irish Distillers had become a member of the Pernod Ricard group in 1988, providing big global distribution opportunities for Jameson and other brands, and then the Cooley Distillery was set up in 1987. That was the first independent distillery to begin distilling Irish whiskey in over 100 years. Over the subsequent years, the expansion began, and in came some of the bigger drinks producers, including Diageo, William Grant and Sons and Beam Suntory. By 2014, more than 6.7 million nine-litre cases of Irish whiskey were exported to more than 100 countries worldwide. That's an increase of around 200pc in a decade. The figure is set to exceed 12 million by 2020, and rise to 24 million by 2030. Global market share is now at 4pc. For Mooney, a lot of the success can be attributed to the passion of those involved. Such has been the resurgence, the Irish Whiskey Society, entirely separate to the IWA, set up in 2009 promoting the sensible enjoyment of the drink and to foster a greater appreciation. It holds regular tasting events. "I became interested in Irish whiskey before I came into this role, genuinely," Mooney says. "I was at a whiskey tasting, and I was really transfixed by the history, the heritage and the passion of one of the brand ambassadors, which I won't name. I was really taken aback by this. Then I went home one day, and 'Whiskey Advocate' [magazine] was on the coffee table and I read the story about the Teelings and I thought this is such an incredible story." The Irish Whiskey Association was set up in 2014 to lobby on behalf of its members, and ensure support for the industry. Chief among its list of requests is adequately resourced infrastructure, for the whiskey business is an expensive one to tap into for new entrants. It's estimated that the capital cost of building a nine-litre case distillery from scratch is 15m-20m per litre of annual capacity, and three years is the minimum ageing period by law for Irish whiskey. The IWA says that the working capital required to distil, mature, bottle and ship before the first cases are sold, would be in the order of 15m. "We need financial supports for the newer entrants to make sure that they are facilitated in any way that they can," Mooney says. "The capital costs to getting into this industry are very high." Mooney believes the Government should consider setting aside some of the money in the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) for investment in the sector. The banks, she says, seem unwilling to provide the capital required. "There is an issue with the banking system here in that they're not familiar with the possibilities and the Irish Whiskey Industry per se," Mooney says. "I think we've got Ulster Bank and RBS, who would have had more insight into it because of their association in Scotland. So I think in the interim, something from the ISIF is needed." The IWA's strategy also calls for technology grant aid, reduced rates for warehousing and brand building and market research. The requirement for a skilled workforce is also high up on the list, with a graduate programme and greater interaction with third level colleges required, the body has said. And there's a need to build and develop the tourism potential. Mooney points to the fact that the IWA will be launching an Irish Whiskey Tourism Strategy later in the year. She also points to the importance of protecting the Irish Whiskey brand. In Ireland, the category is defined and protected by the 1980 Irish Whiskey Act. At EU level, it is protected by EU legislation, and underpinned by what is known as the Technical File. "It states the manner in which Irish whiskey must be made in order for it to be permitted to be labelled as Irish whiskey," Mooney says. And the IWA, in the coming weeks, will be launching its own protect Irish Whiskey campaign. Mooney hails the collegiality in the industry. Participants are more than happy to help out competitors and ensure their business can survive and thrive, she says. Because the better the industry as a whole does, the better for everyone. To that end, the association has been devising its own mentoring programme for new entrants to avail of. "The large entities and more established players have indicated their willingness to start this programme so we're going to be putting the framework around that at the minute and I think that's going to be really exciting and key and will help to come to build those figures." "There's a great sense of collegiality within the association and I think that one of the reasons for this is the mutual benefit. When you see the category grow, each company benefits from that and it increases the opportunity to go into different markets as the category is better known." The US and EU are by far the largest markets for Irish Whiskey. Within the EU, Latvia is the largest export destination as it is a re-sale destination for Russia and the Baltic countries. Mooney sees scope for expanding further into destinations in South America, South Africa and Asia. The association has close ties with its much bigger cousin in Scotland, to talk export opportunities and other trade issues. Ireland has a long way to go to reach the heady heights of Scotch whisky, which exported over 90 million nine litre cases, compared with Ireland's seven. But the ambition and demand for further expansion is evident. For Mooney, a barrister by profession, a career in the whiskey and spirits sector has allowed her to marry her two professional passions - an interest in licensing law, and business. She worked for a period in college in the old Jameson Distillery, where she quickly picked up an interest as she spoke with the phalanx of tourists that it attracted. After college, she worked for one of the big accountancy firms, initially on a merger, and subsequently in tax. The latter wasn't for her. "My father, God rest him, always said to me, 'whatever you do in life you have to make sure that you have a passion for it'," she says. "If you enjoy something, you'll have tough days and there'll be obstacles, but you'll always surmount them. And it won't be work and it'll be something you want to achieve because you're driven. But if it's something that you don't have a passion for, then it becomes work and it's not a labour of love." Such is her passion for the industry, she took her bridal party on her wedding day last October to Dingle Distillery. So does she have a favourite whiskey brand? Cue awkward silence, a nervous laugh, and the remark about choosing a favourite child again. "If the next question was what was the last whiskey I had, I'd say 'Greenspot with ice'," she says. Irish med-tech investor Malin Corporation is seeking outside support as it puts together a 300m fund to invest in research and development (R&D) focused life sciences start-ups, the Irish Independent has learned. According to papers filed as part of an application to the European Investment Bank (EIB), Malin is promoting the project which aims to finance investment into innovative R&D intensive early stage companies. The EIB can invest in a variety of projects across the European Union but typically matches funds raised in the private sector. According to a filing on the EIB's website, 70m of the 300m targeted by Malin is being sought from the EU's Luxembourg-based bank. "The project supports the growth phase of innovative technology small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by ensuring their ability to fund their development programme," according to the note. Malin itself declined to comment further when contacted by the Irish Independent. Irish stock market-listed Malin was set up by a number of former executives of Irish drugmaker Elan, including former chief executive Kelly Martin, to act as a startup incubator to develop life science companies. It raised 330m in Europe's biggest biotech IPO last March when it floated on the Irish Stock Exchange. Among the investors in the company is the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund, which has a near 13pc stake and is the second biggest single investor. That reflects the commitment from Malin to create 200 jobs and invest 150m in Irish companies. It has also pledged that ten of the companies in which it invests will employ at least 200 people in Ireland on a full-time basis over the next five years. Besides the ISIF, Malin also has many other high profile investors including billionaires and wealth funds. One of the most prominent investors is UK financial guru Neil Woodford, who previously ran one of the largest funds in Britain and is the largest stakeholder in the company. Mr Woodford was also previously an investor in Elan. Malin has taken stakes in more than a dozen companies since it was formed, including acne drug group Novan and African speciality pharma group Serenus. One of Malin's largest investments is a 73m punt on UK biotech firm Immunocore, which is focused on cancer treatments. Health check: if you have not changed insurance plans in the last few years, the chances are you are getting poor value A SIGNIFICANT victory was secured for consumers in the past few weeks when the Central Bank ordered an end to a dirty little trick used by health insurers. This is where families are given very little information about alternative plans when it comes to renewing their policies. And if families do not contact their insurers to find out about alternative plans they are 'auto-renewed' on the existing plan, which often represents really bad value. This is because health insurance providers are constantly altering the prices and benefits of health insurance policies. Older plans are generally more expensive, with benefits often whittled away year by year, while newer plans are introduced all the time, with better benefits and lower prices. This is to allow the four health insurers to compete with each other, and to attract younger members, and sought-after corporate customers that either pay fully or partly pay for the health cover of their staff. There are now some 420 different plans. If you have not changed plans in the last few years, the chances are you are getting poor value. The Central Bank found that just 15pc of people switch plans every year. This means thousands of families are often automatically renewing on inferior plans. The Central Bank, which recently became responsible for the regulation of all health insurers in the market, is to be commended for ordering health insurers to now provide more information to families when they are renewing their policies. It carried out a probe of health insurers at their offices. This found that the level of customer care provided by health insurers varied widely. Now VHI, Laya, Aviva and GloHealth have to change the content and presentation of letters sent to families at renewal time. Insurers will now have to: Clearly explain to consumers that their policy will auto-renew on to the same policy if they do not contact their insurer prior to their renewal date; Encourage consumers to make contact during the renewal process to ensure the provider assesses if there are more suitable policies available. The regulator also said it was taking action against three unnamed insurers over how they gather information on their websites for quotations for consumers. The issue here is that too little information is gathered, and choices of plans offered to consumers are not comprehensive. The best advice is to speak directly to your insurer at renewal time and challenge them to find you the closest equivalent plan to your current one, but at a lower cost. Broker Dermot Goode of TotalHealthCover.ie advised consumers to think of health insurance like any other insurance policy, and shop around each year. He said the latest changes would make it easier for consumers to choose a plan. All of this is most important as close to 100,000 people who took out health cover for the first time last April and May will be due to renew soon. They were reacting to penalties, known as lifetime community rating, which get higher the more you are over the age of 35 and take up a policy for the first time. And it is good to see the regulator bearing its teeth given that Aviva and GloHealth are about to be merged following their takeover by Irish Life. Remember, in this country, loyalty seldom pays. Q: I have a small farm in the midlands and was considering converting some of the farm buildings into a microbrewery as there is no brewery in our local county. I would welcome any advice you could give. A: There has been fantastic growth in the number of microbreweries around the country in the last five years and as far as I am aware there are now over seventy breweries at various locations throughout the country. The market share of the microbreweries does not yet reflect their numbers, and from what I understand the share of beer sold from the microbreweries is approximately 5pc. On the positive side that suggests that if Ireland follows the trend in both the UK and America, there is still room for significant growth. I have heard some concerns raised by those within the industry that there may not be room for every single brewery as they're all targeting the same consumer. I have no doubt you will gain quick popularity within your own county and region and you will find little difficulty with persuading pubs and retailers to stock your product. Everyone loves to have a local brewery in their own area to be proud of, however there will not be enough volume in this to keep you in business and therefore you have to think about your strategy for other sales. The obvious route would be to take on a distributor and push your product out nationally with particular emphasis on pubs who differentiate through offering a different variety of beer. You may however find this route is crowded. Alternatively, looking at an export market at the early stages could be advantageous. This can be complex and in the case of America, can require both an importer and distributor which means your cost model has to be carefully planned out. Bord Bia will certainly be able to assist with advice on export markets. Success or failure will certainly be determined by the strength of your branding and the unique nature of your product. Australia is a good benchmark for a whole range of different types and styles of beer and varying approaches to marketing and branding. Some beers take a very traditional approach, while others are fun and funky. On the retail side of things most of the microbreweries so far focused on bottled beers and I am only aware of one Irish microbrewery who has a canned beer product. This may be an opportunity for you. Whatever route you decide to go you will need to work very hard on the brand building aspect through getting lots of PR and having a very strong digital media campaign to help get the message out there. I wish you well on your journey and do let me know how you get on! Send your small business questions to himself@ feargalquinn.ie Subscribe to The Ready Business show, in association with Vodafone via iTunes or SoundCloud. What kind of future does customer service have in a digital landscape? Or does it have a future at all? Intercom is one Irish company that believes it can fix the disjointed and broken model and Brian Purcell spoke to Jeff Gardner, their Head of Customer Support, to find out the solution they're proposing. In the words of their Irish founder, Eoghan McCabe, Intercom believes the current online customer service model is f*&king broken. Their solution is obviously working as its a company that has raised $66m in funding so far, $35m of which was most recently in 2015. If youre a company that has a support product, interaction is usually initially from a robot email, explains Gardner. And youre waiting for a response that is totally faceless and that you cant even send an email back to. With Intercom youre told how long to expect to get a reply. Youll be notified when someone gets back to you via your phone in the same way that Facebook messenger or WhatsApp does. Servicing customers through our platform enables you to be prompt and friendly and human with them be it through queries or bookings. Customer service should feel like walking into your local pub where they know a bit about you and your background and thats what were trying to do: to make digital interactions closer to personal ones. On this weeks Twitter poll, we asked our listeners, whats better when you need to speak with Customer Service? Online/Phone/In-Person? And interestingly, 37% voted for phone support, 31% for online chat and 27% for in-person support. Its very interesting that people prefer in-person support, admitted Gardner. But it is a good thing and shows that human connection is still important after all. The lesson for digital communication is that it needs to bring that feeling of personality and human interaction, things you would do with your friends, to customer service online also. Well be running our Twitter poll every Friday on @independent_ie using the hashtag #readybusinessadvice so dont forget to let us know the key business issues that you would like us to address. The Ready Business show, in association with Vodafone , is available via iTunes , SoundCloud and Stitcher or subscribe to the RSS feed of the Ready Business Podcast using your favourite podcatcher. You can check out the full Ready Business Podcast series here . Sponsored by: Is Microsoft slowly letting its mobile phone division ebb away? That is one of the issues that I hope will become clearer at this year's Microsoft Build, an annual developers' event where Microsoft reveals the major trends and technologies it's working on. Ever since Microsoft bought out Nokia's handset business and abolished the Nokia brand, it has struggled to deliver on its promise of making Windows Mobile a genuine mass-market mobile platform to rival iOS and Android. While Windows phones' excellent Nokia manufacturing heritage bought the devices some time, Microsoft hasn't been able to shake the 'app gap', where much-used services such as Snapchat, YouTube or banking services just didn't bother releasing apps for Windows phones. This has led to a market where a large number of Windows phone users have been reluctant purchasers, such as office workers assigned a device without a choice or kids handed a phone by their parents because it was cheaper than other models. But through this process, Microsoft has never admitted defeat on its mobile plans. Indeed, last year it came up with a plausible new strategy for the handsets - part of a seamless user ecosystem with tablets and PCs. But there are signs that the energy this strategy requires to succeed may now be reserved for other parts of Microsoft's business. Mobile is a cut throat, capital-intensive business with just three or four companies making any real money out of it (principally Apple and Huawei). If Microsoft really wants to make Windows phones a consistent third force, it would arguably take the lion's share of the company's effort and development brains. With that clearly not on the table, are the days of Lumias and Windows phones now numbered? And do Irish companies which now push Windows phones on staff for IT management reasons have to reassess their whole corporate device strategies? Furthermore, what might this mean for Microsoft's entire device ecosystem? The company's stated position up to now has been that it is shifting its mobile phone division into an overall device strategy that uses 'universal apps'. The idea is that when you switch off your work PC every evening, you could pick up exactly where you left off on your phone, home PC or Surface tablet. But without a Windows phone in your pocket, that whole strategy has a vacuum. Phones, the evidence suggests, are becoming the most important part of our daily computing and communication ecosystem. They are the critical link between your work and home PC. Yet if the roadmap for new Windows phone releases are anything to go by, things aren't looking great. As third-party manufacturers shy away from making Windows Phones much any more, Microsoft itself will only release a small number of Lumia models this year. Facing intense competition from Asian Android manufacturers and Apple, Microsoft's mobile market share is falling at what looks like a terminal rate. This is not something to celebrate: diversity and competition are essential for pushing things forward in mobile, just as they are in any other tech arena. Incidentally, there is plenty to focus on at this year's Build event outside mobile. Hololens, though still in development, continues to pique the world's interest; last week, Microsoft unveiled 'Holoportation', a communications and messaging system that lets people view hologram messages using the Hololens headsets. Although headsets have a wobbly track record when it comes to mass adoption, Hololens genuinely looks cool. Other notable themes this year include the prospect of opening up the XBox as a new platform to developers. That could bed the Xbox down as a smart TV box that competes not only with Apple TV, but eventually Virgin and Sky. So there is a lot of stuff in Microsoft other than desktop software and phones. The question is whether phones have any future in the company's future. China is moving to tighten its grip over the internet as it rolls out draft rules that will effectively ban Web domains not approved by local authorities, including possibly the most widely used .com and .org addresses. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology is seeking feedback on regulations proposing that internet domain names offering "domestic access" should only be provided by services supervised by the government, according to a notice on the regulator's website. Domain names are web locations such as .net or .cn and under the proposal, their providers have to apply to the ministry for approval before Web addresses are allowed to operate. That could allow the government to monitor users' activity and strengthen their control over what content is accessible, Lento Yip, chairman of the Hong Kong Internet Service Providers Association, said. The government of China, which has the world's largest internet population, blocks and filters content from local and overseas websites to keep a tight rein on citizens' access to information via the so-called Great Firewall. "The domain name system will work in the background for your every single click on the browser, while the Great Firewall blocks outside content," Yip said. "If this trend continues, we can predict that the Chinese network will soon become a big Intranet, totally monitored by a network 'big brother'." "The authority can block all domain name servers outside of China (the Great Firewall) and allow only domestic domain name servers to serve Chinese internet users requests." China employs one of the world's most exhaustive internet censorship regimes to suppress dissent and information deemed dangerous by the Communist Party. Social-media posts can be deleted and search terms blocked, while local Web users can't access foreign websites including those of Facebook and Twitter. The ministry didn't respond to a request for comment on how the envisioned rules could affect internet regulation. The government has increased restrictions since Xi Jinping took power three years ago, passing a security law establishing "cybersovereignty", making retweets of rumours a crime and advancing regulations that would let companies in key sectors only use technology deemed "safe and controllable." Authorities are seeking feedback on the draft till April 25 next. If adopted, the new rules mean that, instead of blacklisting specific sites, the government will grant access only to websites that make it onto a white-list, said Lokman Tsui, an assistant professor at the School of Journalism and Communication at the Chinese University of Hong Kong who has advised Google on freedom of expression and the internet. "This is a serious escalation and from what I can see would be an unprecedented move," Tsui said in an email. "It doesn't seem exclusive to .cn." China last year erected regulations to supervise domain name registrars that operate within its borders, but the new rules would be the first time it's sought to extend its control over domains themselves, Tsui said. Article 37 of the proposed rules expressly puts domain names under central control, by blocking any not registered with the authorities, he said. The wording was vague and it's unclear whether websites hosted outside the country and administered by The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) - the quasi-governmental non-profit gatekeeper for Web addresses - could be subject to the regulations. Yip said the regulations will likely apply only to websites hosted on servers within the country. "Domain names engaging in network access within the borders shall have services provided by domestic domain name registration service bodies," according to the rules published last week. "For domain names engaging in network access within the borders, but which are not managed by domestic domain name registration service bodies, internet access service providers may not provide network access services." (Bloomberg) GoldCore has secured exclusive rights in Ireland and the UK for the sale of one of the largest and purest gold coins in the world - the first 'million dollar coin' - minted by The Royal Canadian Mint in 2007. Only five of the bullion coins, weighing 100 kilos or 3,215 troy ounces each, are in existence today - and one of the 99.999pc pure gold coins has now become available for sale. Each coin has a face value of $1m, The coins were minted by the Royal Canadian Mint, which operates refineries, as well as minting Canadian bullion coin products including the popular Canadian Maple Leaf gold and silver bullion coins. The portrait of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II on one side is a work by celebrated Canadian portrait artist Susanna Blunt. The reverse features a hand-polished maple leaf design by Royal Canadian Mint artist and engraver Stan Witten. Irish Rail has warned unions it will seek cuts worth 1.4m if it fails to introduce a new 10- minute Dart service. In a letter to Siptu and the NBRU, it describes its difficulty in bringing in the more frequent service as a "missed opportunity" and says its finances are worsening as it borrows to pay its bills and wages. It was sent as the commercial semi-state company decided to postpone the new service that would have improved on the current 15-minute service, due to "union intransigence". The 10-minute service was due to start on April 10. But unions have refused to attend talks on the new service until progress had been made on a pay claim that takes account of recent proposals for pay rises at the Luas. The letter from Irish Rail's Director of Human Resources, Ciaran Masterson, says the company remains in an extremely difficult financial position and will only emerge from this by meeting customers' needs. "Your position in relation to the 10-minute Dart service will further damage our financial position," he tells the unions. Income "In 2016 we had an assumed income from this initiative of 1.4m. We will now seek further cost savings to compensate this lost opportunity." Mr Masterson said he was bitterly disappointed that the unions would not engage in talks on the introduction of the new Dart timetable last week. The NBRU has warned of a long campaign of industrial action in the coming months, which would affect 60,000 passengers a day, if Irish Rail refuses talks on its pay claim. It accused Irish Rail of "peddling untruths" regarding the availability of newly-trained drivers to operate the new 10- minute service. Dermot O'Leary, general secretary of the NBRU, said blaming Dart drivers and their unions for the postponement of the 10-minute service is "disingenuous in the extreme". He said Irish Rail's comments are designed to deflect from the fact that management at Irish Rail did not carry out the necessary advance planning for recruitment or talks with staff. The union chief said it was refusing to engage with worker representatives on pay when passenger numbers and revenue are heading back to peak levels. In a response to Mr Masterson's letter, he said the attitude being shown to staff was "nothing short of contemptible". He said it was bad enough having to succumb to pay cuts to address financial circumstances in 2012 and 2013 but said the "sheer insolence" shown by some senior management in claiming kudos for receiving supplementary exchequer funding added "insult to injury". "It is a sad indictment when a once proud public transport service provider has to resort to becoming a caricature of Oliver Twist, in 'Please Sir, I want some more' in order to run a train service," Mr O'Leary said. He said state subvention fell from 189m in 2007 to 117m in 2014. He said the supplementary funding received was tantamount to placing a sticking plaster on a gaping wound. Taxpayers contribute roughly 3.60 per journey on Irish Rail services, while in the UK the subsidy is around 8, he said. While staff numbers were reduced by 37pc since 2002, he said passenger numbers were inching towards peak levels, and revenue had risen from 195m in 2013 to 236.9m last year. "Short-termism and fire brigade-style reactionary tactics is no way to run a transport system," Mr O'Leary said. A former Dublin cabbie who continued operating a taxi after he was banned from driving is lucky he is not going to jail, a judge said yesterday. Stock Picture: Getty A former Dublin cabbie who continued operating a taxi after he was banned from driving is lucky he is not going to jail, a judge said yesterday. Trevor Johnson (38), of Gortmore Avenue in Finglas, pleaded guilty at Dublin District Court to charges under the Taxi Regulation Act for unlawfully operating a taxi while suspended, having no driving licence, no motor tax or insurance and not having a Public Service Vehicle licence. Judge Grainne O'Neill heard that Johnson was arrested at 10.25pm on the night of March 4 at Bride St in Dublin 8. Garda Damien Duffy, who is attached to the Garda Traffic Corp, said that he stopped the '07-reg silver Skoda. There was a young woman passenger sitting in the back seat who thought it was a legitimate taxi. The traffic garda said the car appeared to be a taxi and had a number on the roof and a corresponding number on a door panel but a window sticker which a taxi should have was missing. Gda Duffy said Johnson had been a taxi driver until last year and the car had previously been registered as a taxi. Johnson told him from the outset that he was in dire financial circumstances. Judge O'Neill asked if there was anything else at play in the case and the garda said there was not but he could understand why that assumption could be made. He said extensive enquiries were carried out and gardai had no reason to doubt that this was purely to assist the man's finances. Conviction He had a previous conviction, last year, for driving without insurance which resulted in a two-year road ban. Defence solicitor Noelle Kenny said her client was 60,000 in arrears with his house repayments. He had bought the property in 2007 when he was working a plumber. However, during the crash he lost his job and had to move home to his mother for whom he acts as a carer. She said he was in desperate financial need at the time of the incident. He is attending counselling for depression and has a young child. He is nervous and has just got work again in the construction industry and wanted to get control of his life again, the defence lawyer said. Judge O'Neill said he should thank his solicitor and a fair garda that he was not going to jail. She fined him 600 and adjourned the case until May 25 for a probation report on his suitability to carry out 100 hours' community service in lieu of a three-month sentence. A TV fitness instructor has appeared in court on charges of assaulting his model ex-girlfriend. Former 'Today' show fitness expert Francis Xavier Usanga (29), of Lanesboro, Finglas in north Dublin, is accused of assault causing harm to Emma Murphy at FX Fitness in Santry on July 3 last. The charge is under Section Three of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act. He appeared before Judge Patricia McNamara at Dublin District Court yesterday dressed in a grey pinstripe blazer and dark blue jeans. Mother-of-two Ms Murphy (26), a model and fitness blogger, watched the proceedings from the public gallery. Defence solicitor Daniel Hanahoe said it was the case's first listing in court. Judge McNamara noted the charge and that the defence were asking for an order for disclosure of evidence. Det Sergeant Michael Mulligan told Judge McNamara that the DPP has directed summary disposal. This means the case could be dealt with at district court level and not sent forward to the circuit court, which has tougher sentencing powers. However, a final ruling on the trial venue has to be made. Judge McNamara asked if the defence wanted the jurisdiction issue to be decided. However, Mr Hanahoe asked for that not to be done at this stage. He was granted an adjournment until May 5 next to allow gardai time to provide disclosure of evidence. Mr Usanga, who was accompanied to court by his mother, has not yet entered a plea to the charge. An outline of the facts may be heard on the next date, when the judge will decide on the trial venue issue. 'Red Rock' The fitness expert did not address the court but nodded to his solicitor when the judge announced his next court date. Nigerian-born Mr Usanga previously appeared in TV3's 'Red Rock' series and has also appeared as a fitness trainer on RTE's popular 'Today' show, which is presented by Daithi O Se and Maura Derrane, on a number of occasions. A former 'BScene' agency model, he also appeared in Jennifer Maguire's dating series 'One Night Stand' in 2010. He formerly worked at FX Fitness in Santry. Yesterday, Judge McNamara granted him free legal aid after she was furnished with a statement of his means and noted he is currently unemployed. A grandmother who Gardai believe was assaulted at her home died due to blunt force trauma to the head. Mother of three Carol McAuley from Ballybough Road, Dublin 3 suffered a catastrophic brain injury and died on August 21 2014. Dublin Coroners Court heard that she died as a result of a subdural hemorrhage due to trauma to the head. Investigating Gardai found huge inconsistencies and mistruths among statements collected in the homicide investigation that followed her death. Detective Inspector Francis Sweeney of Mountjoy Garda Station said there were inconsistencies in statements from those in the flat emergency services were called to on July 25 2014. Pressed by relatives in the public gallery about what could be done about the inconsistencies, Det Insp Sweeney said, It is highly unlikely they will change their story. State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy said the deceased was vulnerable because she had cirrhosis of the liver and that was a contributory factor in her death. There were a number of possible causes for the brain injury, Prof Cassidy said. It could have been caused by an assault, a blow to the face, she could have been gripped, grabbed or pushed. Equally, due to drinking, she could have fallen, Prof Cassidy said. Ms McAuley had suffered a black eye, which Prof Cassidy said was more likely to be due to a direct blow to the face. Upon her admission to hospital, she had bruising to her right eye, neck, chest, wrist and forearms, the court heard. Ms McAuleys partner, Joe Murphy was not present in court. In his deposition, he said on July 24 2014, he went picking periwinkles in Skerries. She was hanging out the washing when I left, he said. When he returned home at 1am Ms McAuley was not there and he fell asleep on the couch,he said. He woke at 10.47am to find his partner in the spare room. There was vomit on the pillow. Ms McAuley was rushed to the Mater Hospital, where she told staff she had been assaulted. She was operated on at Beamount Hospital but her condition did not improve and she died almost four weeks later. Witness Deborah McCarthy said she met Ms McAuley on the street in Ballybough at 9.40pm on July 24. In her deposition she said the deceased was sober and had no visible bruising. I would be of the opinion that possibly she was assaulted in the house at Ballybough, Det Insp Sweeney said. Coroner Dr Brian Farrell said the causation of the blunt force trauma to the head was in question. Its all going down to whatever happened on the 24/25 July. Whatever happened, the death goes back to that, Dr Farrell said. The jury returned an open verdict. The Garda file into Ms McAuleys death remains open. Delegates Ciara Kinsella and Marian ONeill of the Stillorgan Branch pictured at the ASTI annual convention in Cork. Photo: Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision Secondary teachers have thrown another spanner into the works of junior cycle reform. The latest move by the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) plunges plans for long-awaited changes to the learning experience for students into a new level of chaos. Having won the battle about not assessing their own students for a State certificate, the ASTI now says its members won't even assess their pupils for a proposed new school certificate. Instead of parents receiving detailed reports on how their child is doing in school, they will get blank pages on their progress, when the Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement (JCPA) replaces the Junior Certificate in 2017. A vote by delegates at the ASTI conference effectively blocks meaningful engagement between the union and the Department of Education on reaching agreement on the new arrangements for junior cycle. There was strong support for a motion calling on members to refuse to assess their own students for school certification, proposed by Mark Walshe of Dublin North East branch and a member of Fightback, a group of activists within the ASTI. However, ASTI executive member Noel Buckley warned about the danger of opening up hostilities with the Government on too many fronts. The ASTI is also threatening a strike on junior cycle reform from September, a ballot on industrial action over lower pay rates for newly qualified teachers and another ballot on withdrawing from working the 33 Croke Park hours. The other second-level union, the Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI), has dropped its opposition to junior cycle reforms and its members are preparing to roll-out changes in their schools in September. Any hope that the ASTI - whose members teach in two of every three second-level schools - was moving in the direction of a resolution has suffered a serious setback. It opens up the prospect of a two-tier system, with pupils in TUI schools experiencing modern approaches to teaching, learning and assessment, while in ASTI classrooms they do not. A key focus of the overhaul of junior cycle is an end to reliance on a single set of exams, and more continuous assessment in schools to measure other skills, such as oral communication. The ASTI and TUI ran lengthy campaigns against the reforms, their opposition largely based around the original proposal for teachers to take over assessing their own students for the State certificate. They argued it would put undue pressure on teachers to awarding high marks, and would ultimately cause standards to drop. Last year, the unions won a major concession when Education Minister Jan O'Sullivan agreed to a dual system - retaining State certification for traditional exams, but also having separate school certification on pupils' progress, including reports on two new classroom based assessments to be conducted by teachers. The two certificates would combine into the JCPA that would be issued in the September after the students have sat the State exams. At the time, the ASTI described it as a "significant achievement" and stated that there would be no link between classroom based assessment and State certification. But the motion adopted yesterday represents a major departure from that position. Recently, ASTI general secretary, Kieran Christie talked about a "window of opportunity" to address outstanding issues, but progress now looks to be in jeopardy. The grand-nephew of one of the signatories of The Proclamation has called for senior management at institute's of technology to be held accountable for the lack of women in senior roles. Dr Joe MacDonagh, whose granduncle Thomas MacDonagh was executed in Kilmainham Gaol in May 1916, said sanctions should be imposed on institutions that do not address gender imbalance. Only 29pc of senior staff at the country's 14 ITs are women. Dr MacDonagh, who lectures in Business at the Institute of Technology Tallaght, was speaking at the Teachers' Union of Ireland (TUI) annual congress at the INEC in Killarney. It was also addressed by fellow union member Sean Connolly, great-grandson of rebel leader James Connolly. "There isn't a problem at entry level - but women don't progress beyond that," Dr MacDonagh said. "The systems in Ireland aren't really fit for purpose and although not nakedly so, they are discriminatory." He also advocates having equality managers as a senior role in the institutes and sanctions being linked to funding so that it's taken seriously. Sean Connolly, who teaches at Rathmines College, urged TUI members to "jealously guard" the principles of free education. Labour Party leader and Tanaiste Joan Burton talking to the media after a party meeting at the Citywest Hotel in Dublin yesterday. Photo: Sam Boal Joan Burton has resisted angry calls to resign as Labour Party leader at a heated meeting which saw one of the party's senior TDs storm out. Ms Burton and the party's deputy leader, Alan Kelly, were strongly criticised for their leadership and were called upon to step aside. During a meeting which lasted almost six hours, unsuccessful Labour candidates rounded on Ms Burton in particular for her role in the party's disastrous election result. With just seven TDs, Labour suffered one of its worst defeats in the party's history. But after hours of criticism at the Citywest in Dublin, Ms Burton said she would wait until after the next Government was formed before announcing her intentions about her future as leader. Sources said this caused "frustration" among many present, after calls for her to resign had continued throughout the meeting. The acting Tanaiste defended her leadership and criticised several senior Fine Gael figures for Labour's election meltdown.It was claimed at the meeting that Ms Burton had developed a poor relationship with her predecessor, Eamon Gilmore, and that this was deeply unhelpful. Mr Kelly's role was also criticised, with one source saying "there wasn't much warmth or love in the room" for either him or Ms Burton. Particular criticism was levelled at Ms Burton by Labour's former whip, Emmet Stagg, and defeated TDs Anne Ferris, Michael McCarthy and Ciaran Lynch. Mr Lynch spoke publicly outside the meeting, saying: "I believe it's a time to rebuild [the party] and I believe that a new leadership is required in that regard." Meanwhile, sources present said that Cork East TD Sean Sherlock, who is being tipped to succeed Ms Burton as leader, walked out during her contribution. Dublin West TD Ms Burton was strongly defended by Senator Mairia Cahill, however. There were calls for Brendan Howlin, the Acting Public Expenditure Minister, to replace Ms Burton as leader as a consensus candidate to avoid a "long, drawn-out, factious leadership contest". Another source said that there was a sense of "inevitability" about Mr Howlin assuming the leadership, adding: "If I was a betting person, I'd put money on that." Prior to the meeting, Labour senator Mary Moran said there was a "total lack of communication" and that she had not been contacted for five weeks by anyone in the party. A number of sources accused Ms Burton of being "in denial" in relation to her leadership, with one saying: "It was like being at a funeral where the chief mourner didn't know the person was dead." Acting Taoiseach Enda Kenny will contact Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin as early as tomorrow after being warned that the lack of talks between the two main parties is threatening any prospect of forming a stable government. Mr Kenny is to draft in Finance Minister Michael Noonan in a bid to finalise a set of proposals with Independent TDs that could form the basis for a Programme for Government. Senior Fine Gael figures yesterday presented a suite of proposals in the areas of justice, disability, flooding and climate change in a push to secure the backing for Mr Kenny's election as Taoiseach on Wednesday. Central to Fine Gael's strategy is to win the support of enough Independents so that a minority Fine Gael government is the only option other than a snap election. But during a series of frank exchanges in Government Buildings, Mr Kenny was told that the "cold war" between him and Mr Martin must come to an end. And claims by senior Fine Gael figures, including acting Jobs Minister Richard Bruton, that the party will not support a minority Fianna Fail government has caused concern among some Independents. One deputy present throughout the talks told the Irish Independent that such a claim "smacks of arrogance". For the first time since the election five weeks ago, Mr Kenny confirmed that he intended to contact Mr Martin once a policy document was agreed with the Independents. Senior Fine Gael figures now say Mr Kenny will make contact with Mr Martin before the April 6 vote and potentially as early as tomorrow. But talks aimed at agreeing a policy platform with the Independents will continue tomorrow, during which Mr Noonan is likely to weigh in. "He's a rock of sense and will bring considerable experience," said a source. Split Meanwhile, Fianna Fail has organised its own set of round table talks for next Monday and Tuesday in a move designed to make Mr Kenny sweat. A senior Fianna Fail source confirmed the party had secured the services of a range of civil servants to deliver presentations to the group of Independents. Senior party figures say Fianna Fail is refusing to give up on the prospect of Mr Martin being elected Taoiseach. And the party received a boost last night after it emerged several Independents are considering voting for Mr Martin on Wednesday. A potential split has also emerged in the so-called 'Rural Five' group - with sources suggesting that it may not vote as a pact, as originally planned. But in a worrying development for Mr Martin, his backbench TDs are becoming increasingly edgy over the ongoing political stalemate. A number of party sources say Mr Martin could be warned to abstain during Wednesday's vote if a victory for Mr Kenny seems inevitable. "There is discontent in the ranks over whether Micheal is approaching this in the right way. We are concerned that he is walking us into another election," said a senior party figure. Meanwhile, the Green Party said it was withdrawing from talks with Fine Gael, with leader Eamon Ryan saying he believes Fianna Fail will also find it difficult to form a minority government. The Floating Voter on the week in Irish politics Hello Enda, it's me Micheal I was wondering if after all these years you'd like to meet To go over everything They say that time's supposed to heal ya But I ain't done much healing Maybe its not quite Adele, but Micheal Martin did finally pick up the phone to Enda to discuss, amongst other things, government formation. After five weeks since the general election, Fine Gael and Fianna Fail have actually spoken and the Floating Voter was wondering what took them so long. Looking back on the last seven days in Irish politics, the Floating Voter team discussed the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Rising that saw some pride and positivity around the Irish State once more. While, in the messy business of making up the numbers for government, presenter Philip Ryan was asking if Fine Gael are losing numbers and support and if the momentum is back with Fianna Fail. Plus, joining them in studio was William Lavelle, Frances Fitzgeralds special adviser who is also running for the Seanad and was nominated by the Irish Internet Association. Will there be more cat videos online we wanted to know? And in the quick-fire round, who would the Fine Gael councillor choose: Donald Trump or Micheal Martin? The Floating Voter is available every Tuesday and Friday and can be listened to on SoundCloud, iTunes, Stitcher and Independent.ie London water officials said that this fatberg under the Shepherds Bush Road in 2014 in London was the size of a Boeing 747, if it were buried underground 'Fatbergs' the size of boulders and sewers which are 35pc blocked have been discovered in Galway. A pilot project in the city has found that fats, oils and greases (FOGs) are wreaking havoc in the sewer system, causing damage which will cost hundreds of thousands of euro to address. A fatberg is a congealed lump of fat, often containing wet wipes or other sanitary items, which does not break down in the system. The project, initiated by Irish Water, found that more than 90pc of businesses in the city, including restaurants, laundrettes and hairdressers, failed to have controls in place to reduce the rate of FOG discharges into sewers, This has resulted in serious odour issues and overflows across the network, with some sewers blocked and leading to water quality failures. A sewer along Shop Street is home to a "boulder-sized" fatberg approximately 400mm wide, a 300mm blanket of FOG and a part of the sewer is 35pc blocked due to continued uncontrolled discharges. The cost of remediating and rehabilitating this sewer will be significant, Irish Water said. The pilot project arose after Galway City Council identified historical flooding events related to FOG blockages on some of the major streets in the city. A pilot area from Eyre Square to Sea Road, and a strip in Salthill, was examined where a large number of food service businesses are located. Businesses are supposed to have licences in place allowing them to discharge into sewers, but only in Dublin City is a system in operation. Irish Water asked businesses to set out the controls they had in place to eliminate discharges, and have begun to roll-out an education programme. It plans to implement a national licensing regime, which is required under the Water Pollution acts. Hotel and publican representative groups, Failte Ireland, retailers group RGDATA, traders associations and the Galway Chamber were consulted, along with meetings of business owners. Some 400 visits were made to 270 premises, but 90pc had no controls for grease discharges into the sewers. In 2013, a fatberg the size of a bus was removed from a sewer in London. The blockage was discovered after residents in flats complained that they couldn't flush their toilets. A former director of Galway United Football Club has been accused of racism after posting comments online saying he didn't feel safe around Muslims. Mike Buckley, who sat on the board of the popular League of Ireland club, resigned earlier this week. However, he says his departure had been "planned for months" and said that it had nothing to do with "one line of a great post." The post in question was made a number of days after a series of terror attacks rocked Brussels killing 37 people. "How do you reform a suicide bomber?" he asked in the post. "Of the 452 suicide attacks alone last year 450 were confirmed as being Muslim. So potentially the nice guy or girl standing beside you or your relations in an airport, cinema or tube station are primed to go off," he continued. "I am calm and rational, but as of now I don't feel safe near any Muslim. Can anyone blame me?" Speaking on RTE radio yesterday, Mr Buckley said he was not "anti-Muslim or racist", stating that he was "anti-suicide" and informing listeners that he had set up an anti- suicide charity in Galway. "I respect all Muslims and everything like that. It is anti-suicide I am. I am the chairman of Onwards and Upwards, which I set up to help [relieve] our epidemic. It is anti-suicide I am more than anything else. They were my opinions, not the board of Galway United," he stressed. "I put it [the post] up after Brussels I was just frustrated with all the suicides in the world." Mr Buckley added that he stood by his views regarding his personal safety when in the company of Muslims. "I stand by what I have said in view of what has happened recently to all those poor people in Brussels and all over the world with suicides. I would feel unsafe sitting beside a Muslim at that particular time. I would just have fear. If someone looked like a perceived Muslim to me - and that would be dark skin, a goatee beard and look shifty - the type of stereotype that is posted up on sites all over the world. I am not anti-racist or anything. I am purely anti-terrorist. I am totally not racist." The post, which has since been removed, was brought to the attention of the public by Garrett Mullan, a director of equality group Show Racism the Red Card. Mr Buckley insisted the group is "making a mountain" out of his comments, but Mr Mullan said they had upset fans, including a large number of ethnic minorities who were supporters of the club. Attempts to contact Mr Buckley and Galway United last night were unsuccessful. President Michael D Higgins once served as president of the club. An 18-year-old girl in need of a live-saving operation will die unless she can be transferred to a hospital which will carry out the surgery, her brother has said. Breda Kevane, who is currently in an induced coma at Kerry University Hospital, is awaiting urgent surgery on her airways to save her life. However, she must first be transferred to an available bed at Cork University Hospital or University Hospital Limerick, according to her brother Paddy Kevane. Mr Kevane said his sister - who turns 19 in two weeks' time - is likely to die in the coming days unless she can get a bed in one of the hospitals. "The issue at the moment is that every hospital is overflowing and she can't get a bed," Mr Kevane told 'The Right Hook' on Newstalk. Intensive care "The problem is, she needs a special operation done to help with her airways and because Kerry General Hospital cut back with all the cutbacks and everything, she'll need to be transported to either Cork University Hospital or Limerick. "There is no bed available. "If she stays in Kerry for another two or three days, the most likely outcome is that she'll die," he said. His sister's doctors have told him that they are trying their best to facilitate Ms Kevane. "What he [the doctor] is saying is, 'we're trying our best to get a bed for Breda, we're doing everything we can'." He said the family would consider travelling to Dublin or Belfast for the surgery but that they feel Ms Kevane "wouldn't make it" that far. "The closest and safest bet would be taking her to either Cork or Limerick and that's as far as they're willing to go with her. "My parents are devastated. They're trying everything they can and at the moment this is all I can do, to go public with it." In response to the situation, the HSE said it would be inappropriate to comment on individual cases but that it has contacted the two hospitals involved to get an update on their overall situation. "It is inappropriate for us to comment on individual cases. We would advise the individual who contacted you to speak directly with the patient's medical team," the statement read. "We have contacted the two hospitals involved to get an update on the overall ICU situation but we would stress that patients are prioritised on the basis of clinical need." The Dublin Simon Community has called on the government to put together a package to stem the flow of people falling into homelessness Figures show that 5,715 men, women and children are now stuck in emergency accommodation an increase of 49pc over the course of 2015. The Simon Communities in Ireland cited the alarming figures as they called for a cross-party platform to tackle the homeless crisis ahead of the forum on housing taking place in Dublin today. Their research found that the number of children in emergency accommodation has risen to 1,830 (an increase of 111pc on 2014), with the number of families now at 884 (an increase of 120pc). Niamh Randall, spokesperson for the Simon Communities, has said that the situation continues to grow worse each day as we wait for the formation of a new government. Expand Close Niamh Randall / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Niamh Randall We need short, medium and long-term measures to have a realistic impact and to increase housing supply, but also to stop people, families and children becoming homeless, she told Newstalk Breakfast this morning. The forum will be hosted by Acting Environment Minister Alan Kelly. Former Housing Minister Paudie Coffey will attend, along with representatives from NGOs and State organisations. The housing and homeless crisis is absolutely a national crisis, its affecting every region and every community around the country, said Ms Randall. She described the latest figures as shocking and stark, saying: Living in emergency accommodation is hugely damaging and very, very traumatic for people, for families and for individuals who are living in one hotel room and trying to eat, sleep and play but also for a grown adult sharing dormitory-style accommodation. Expand Close Acting Environment minister Alan Kelly. Photo: Irish Independent / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Acting Environment minister Alan Kelly. Photo: Irish Independent She explained that a crucial aspect of any plan to address the crisis is to consider how to prevent people from becoming homeless, citing rent supplement as an absolute necessity. The homeless charity are urging an immediate increase in rent supplement to correspond with real market rents, as well as the introduction of measures to tackle buy-to-let mortgages in distress. Ms Randall noted that although such properties may not be the principal home of the mortgage holder, they are somebody elses home. The Simon Communities are also advocating for greater protection for the private rental sector, better use of existing empty private housing units and to bring vacant Local Authority housing back into use in a timely manner. Ms Randall said that the number of people sleeping rough remains high in Dublin, and has risen dramatically in Cork. From our own experience, the numbers in Cork have increased quite rapidly, from 38 people in 2011 to 345 people in 2015, which is a huge increase. She argued that coordinated action is necessary to address the crisis. Were asking all recently-elected TDs to put aside their party colours and their affiliations and to agree that this is a red line issue that we need to work on immediately, said Ms Randall. We need to pull together experts to work on this - we need to deliver this really rapidly. Ireland has ranked fourth in a survey of European Nanny States when it comes to laws on cigarettes, alcohol and food. Stock Photo: Getty Ireland has ranked fourth in a survey of European 'Nanny States' when it comes to laws on cigarettes, alcohol and food. The country has the second most stringent rules on tobacco and is in third place when it comes to drink according to the survey of 28 European Union countries. Only Britain was deemed to have more strict laws on tobacco, while Finland and Sweden topped the league table on tough alcohol rules. The Nanny State index was compiled by six European think-tanks and was spearheaded by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), a UK-based organisation which is reported to have previously accepted funding from a tobacco company. The survey resulted in "a league table of the worst places in the European Union to eat, drink, smoke and vape". Its editor Christopher Snowdon said: "Ireland in the last 10 years has really come up as being a sort of leader in nanny state regulations, as has the UK, so I guess the countries are more of less where I would expect them." He said Ireland was "quite well known" for being increasingly keen to bring in these kinds of public health policies. "Obviously we're looking at minimum pricing of alcohol, plain packaging tobacco... it was already the first country to bring in a smoking ban. It doesn't surprise me to see it near the top," he added. The criteria being considered in ranking the countries included taxation polities, advertising rules, laws on vending machines and smoking bans among other items. Ireland was fourth on the overall list behind Finland, Sweden and the UK with the Czech Republic considered the country that was the least like a nanny state. David Beard and Nicky Leonard Beard with newborn babies Lachlan, Kelly and Blake, whom they want get home to New Zealand An Irishman stranded in Mexico with his partner has appealed for help to bring home their three new babies, born to surrogate mothers. Nicky Leonard Beard (32) and his husband David Beard (41) celebrated the births of Lachlan, Kelly and Blake to two surrogate mothers in Mexico last month. The couple live in Auckland, in David's native New Zealand, and are believed to be one of the last gay couples to use Mexican surrogates to give birth to their children, as the country has recently tightened its IVF laws. Now the couple want to bring their children home from Villahermosa in Tabasco, Mexico. But their case became complicated after they claimed the Cancun adoption agency disappeared with the money they had paid over for medical bills, legal costs and surrogate care. Pregnant The couple are now calling on the New Zealand and Mexican governments to cut through the red tape and allow them to bring their new family home. They contacted media in New Zealand highlight their difficult situation: "David, Nicky, Lachlan, Blake and Kelly simply want to come home to their family," they said in their appeal. The three babies were born in an arrangement with their parents and an Argentinian egg donor. It was claimed that the Mexican government had assured the Beards that they would be allowed take the children out of the country despite new rules clamping down on surrogacy, as the two surrogates were already pregnant when the laws were introduced. David, a prominent lawyer and owner of an Auckland law firm, and Nicky have enlisted the help of a top family lawyer to help fight their case. David said: "I'm always fighting for the underdog, I don't want to ask for help, it's always hard to reach out." But, speaking about the unexpected bills the couple now face, he said: "We totally planned this out, but now it's going to cost us a fortune to get home." They are also asking the New Zealand immigration minister to intervene to ensure the children are issued with New Zealand passports by the embassy in Mexico City, rather than having to wait for Mexican passports. The New Zealand government says it is aware of the couple's case and has provided advice. New Zealand family lawyer Debbie Dunbar said that there were hurdles involved in bringing babies back into the country. AN IRISHMAN has been stabbed and killed while on what is believed to have been a first date at a Sydney restaurant. The man, named in local media as Keith Collins (53), was stabbed in the neck and chest while his date Jovi Pilapil was also injured. Her ex-husband is the chief suspect. The Sydney Morning Herald has reported that Mr Collins, a father who lived in Terrigal on the Central Coast but believed to be originally from Dublin, died at the scene at Kangam BBQ restaurant in Westfield Hornsby. Mr Collins daughter Aisling wrote on Facebook: "I love you more than anything dad, I'll forever be your girl no matter what." Another relative Audrey Jenkins took to social media today. She wrote: "Love you big bro. Please, please be at peace now. Xxxx" Ms Pilapil was able to run away and hide in an upstairs shop, where she collapsed. It is believed that the pair had arranged the meal after meeting on a dating website. The newspaper is reporting that they were stabbed by a man believed to be Ms Pilapils ex-husband, Alexander Villaluna. Witnesses said the alleged attacker calmly walked up and down the shopping centre's concourse, covered in blood and with the 20-centimetre knife in his hand. After about 15 minutes, a female police officer with her Taser drawn apprehended Mr Villaluna, who had walked back inside the Korean BBQ restaurant and surrendered without incident. Witness A witness said the alleged attacker appeared "eerily calm" as he paced up and down. "It's almost like it was an out-of-body experience for him," he said. "He probably sat down wondering what to do. He was eerily calm as though it didn't really matter." Detective Acting Superintendent Damian Henry told reporters the relationship between the three people will form part of the police inquiry. "We're yet to establish if there's a domestic relationship between the three parties," he said. "We believe that there might be a domestic relationship between the female and the (charged man)." Superintendent Henry said the 38-year-old woman was taken to Royal North Shore Hospital with a punctured sternum and was expected to have surgery. One witness to the attack said."The guy jumped over the counter and stabbed him with a glass bottle. He got two in the neck and two in the stomach and he, like, dropped." It has yet to be confirmed if a knife or bottle was used in the attack and a number of items were taken from the scene for forensic examination. Mobile phone footage from diners and other shoppers in the centre will also be scoured as part of the investigation. Footage of the suspect being arrested shows a Taser-wielding officer demanding the man drop a backpack and kneel on the ground before being handcuffed. The 44-year-old man was arrested nearby and was taken to Hornsby Police Station where he was charged with murder and attempted murder. He was refused bail and chose not to appear when his case was heard before Hornsby Local Court. He will face court again in May. The mother of a two-year-old boy with a severe form of epilepsy has called for the legalisation of cannabis in Ireland. Little Tristan Cahalane suffers from Dravet syndrome and his mother Yvonne has had to move with him to the US to get the treatment he needs. "It is known as a catastrophic form of epilepsy," Yvonne told Newstalk Breakfast. "It's uncontrollable with the average pharmaceutical medication. So a lot of these children [who suffer from the syndrome] end up on a mass cocktail of drugs to try and maintain it a little bit." Dravet syndrome is a rare genetic illness that occurs in infancy; it is a form of severe epilepsy, a life threatening condition in which seizure can last longer than 30 minutes. An estimated 150-200 of 8,000 children in Ireland with epilepsy suffer from Dravet syndrome. "The seizures are long and they can end up to going up to 500 a day for some people," Yvonne said. According to his mom, Tristan was having as many as 20 seizures daily, episodes that would end in injuries to the young toddler. Read More Yvonne said that it was during her in-depth research into the syndrome, a time when baby Tristan's "huge amounts of medication" was regularly changed, she discovered that cannabis was an effective treatment. "It's a cannabis oil - just the whole plant, so that you have the broad spectrum of all the compounds in the plant," she explained on the radio show. However, the controversial product is not licensed in Ireland or other EU member states. In December, the family "left everyone behind" to move to America so that Tristan could avail of the product, which can used in drop form, as a thick paste or as a patch for the child. But Yvonne maintains that the relocation was worth it as the cannabis oil has "done wonders for Tristan". "It's crazy....he's a new child...Within days there was a difference," she said. The little boy had stopped talking last May as he was having heavy seizures at the time - but the new treatment meant that he was beginning "to use his words again". The family's US visa expires in December and Yvonne has called on action from the Irish government to change the laws to allow Tristan to return home. "We can't stay here indefinitely - and if we come home without this [cannabis oil] Tristan's absolutely going to be worse," said Yvonne. A tornado touches down in Tulsa during serious storms across Oklahoma (AP) Little Rock Fire Capt. Steve Kotch, right, and an unidentified woman stumble and fall into the water as Kotch uses a cable safety line to rescue her from her flooded car in Boyle Park in Little Rock, Ark., during heavy rainfall (Stephen B. Thornton/The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette via AP) 'Five weeks later, Kenny finally set to call Martin' is the front page story from the Irish Independent this morning as the acting Taoiseach is set to finally contact FF leader Micheal Martin about the formation of a government. Read More The Herald leads with a story of 'new gang's reign of terror' as the paper reports that up to 20 criminals are now key members of a mob - 'New INLA' - which have set up a base in Ballymun in Dublin. Expand Close David Beard and Nicky Leonard Beard with newborn babies Lachlan, Kelly and Blake, whom they want get home to New Zealand / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp David Beard and Nicky Leonard Beard with newborn babies Lachlan, Kelly and Blake, whom they want get home to New Zealand Read More A front page picture piece on the Irish Examiner - also featuring on the Irish Independent's front page - is the efforts of an Irish man and his gay partner trying to get his three newborn babies, born to surrogate mothers, home from Mexico. Read More 'Martin postpones talks with Fine Gael' is the top line from the Irish Times which reports that Fianna Fail is to put off talks with FG until after a further round of talks with Independent TDs. Meanwhile, the court appearance of former TV fitness star Francis Xavier Usanga makes the front page of the Irish Daily Mirror with 'TV fitness star on assault charge' as the man has been charged with the alleged assault of his model ex-girlfriend Emma Murphy. Read More 'Breda needs bed or she'll die' writes the Irish Daily Star as the paper reports that the brother of a seriously ill teenager has warned she will die in the next two days if does not get a hospital transfer for a life-saving operation. Read More In world news, at least seven people have been injured in severe storms in Oklahoma that included several tornados. The City of Tulsa said the authorities were searching every home in an area that suffered damage. Read More The mother of a British hostage photographed with the Egyptian plane hijacker wearing a "suicide vest" has branded her son's actions "stupid". Pauline Innes scolded her son Ben as he arrived back in the UK less than 48 hours after the image emerged of him stood grinning next to a man who claimed to have smuggled a bomb belt on board. Read More And a professional surfer suffered serious injuries when he was mauled by a shark off the Australian east coast. Brett Connellan, 22, was flown by helicopter to Sydney's St George Hospital in a serious condition after he was attacked 75 miles to the south at a beach near Kiama, police said. Sinn Fein politicians have rallied behind the party's Dublin MEP Lynn Boylan's bizarre criticism of the choice of flowers used during the State's 1916 Rising commemorations. Fellow European Parliament member Matt Carthy said Ms Boylan was not trying to be "provocative" and Dublin Bay North TD Denise Mitchell said she thought "there was more pressing issues". Ms Boylan complained that lilies should have been used instead of daffodils when four children laid flowers in one part of a commemorative event at the GPO. She questioned if the use of daffodils was a case of "revisionism" even though there were lilies on display as well. Mr Carthy defended Ms Boylan, who he said was merely asking a "hypothetical question" and said the focus should be on the events that were celebrated across the country. "Lynn was wondering why daffodils were used instead of lilies; it wasn't meant to be a provocative question as such," the Midlands-North-West MEP told the Irish Independent. "I was at quite a number of events at the weekend. Some were organised by the party, some were organised by community groups. All were fantastic events. From my point of view, we should be celebrating the fact the weekend went off so well." Ms Mitchell said she thought Ms Boylan was "making a point that's been blown out of proportion", adding that "the lily was always associated with Easter". She criticised coverage of her colleague's remarks, saying: "I think there's more pressing issues than lilies and daffodils." She cited the crises in housing and health. Asked about the criticism, Ms Boylan said: "I was asking a question, am I not allowed ask a question anymore?" Although the lily is a symbol of the Rising, it has also been associated with the Provisional IRA. Burglaries stood at 26,246 in 2015 dropping 5pc from 27,635 the previous year One person is raped every day in Ireland, worrying new crime figures reveal. Overall there was been a dramatic jump in all sexual offences reported to gardai last year. And while burglaries dropped during the period, they still remain high - despite political spin from Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald. Burglaries stood at 26,246 in 2015 - dropping 5pc from 27,635 the previous year. The minister said: "The very welcome reduction in burglary is most encouraging and I believe it vindicates the carefully considered strategy to tackle the scourge of burglary crime." But despite the minister's claims about the success of Operation Thor in the final months of the year, burglaries actually rose. They went up from 6,084 in the third quarter of 2015 to 6,097 in the final quarter. The minister claimed a 26.2pc drop, but that only applies when the final quarter of 2015 is compared to the final quarter of 2014. Robbery, extortion and hijacking offences fell by 2.4pc to 2,584. However, within that category 'Blackmail or extortion' offences rose by 147.6pc to 52 while 'Robbery of an establishment or institution' rose by a significant 9.8pc over the same period. The figures are revealed in the latest Central Statistics Office data. Among the most startling statistics were the 536 reported rapes across the state - representing an increase of more than 12pc on the previous year. Sexual offences involving mentally impaired victims, aggravated sexual assaults and other sex crimes are also on the rise. Overall, there was a 15pc jump in all sexual offences -suggesting more than six people are sexually assaulted every day across the Republic. But just over half of categorised crime have shown a drop, including burglaries, robberies, weapons and drugs offences. The murder rate plunged more than 40pc from 52 to 30. Both weapons and explosives offences and recorded drug crime were down by nearly 5pc last year. This included a sharp drop in the number of drug smuggling and drug-manufacturing offences, while drug-dealing has also fallen back. Last year also saw a marked increase in murder threats and serious assaults. Under the heading of kidnapping offences, there were 93 false imprisonments - up by a significant 75pc. There was an 8pc rise in fraud and deception cases, up to 5,600. Serious At the same time, prostitution offences nosedived more than 50pc from 129 to 56. Car theft was down but shop-lifting increased during the year, with more than 22,500 offences reported. There was a slight rise in public order offences, the CSO report shows. Ms Fitzgerald claimed the figures showed important reductions in some of the most serious crimes, including burglary. But she noted in particular the rise in sexual offences and assault. "While I welcome the reductions in burglaries and other serious crime categories, the latest crime figures show that we need to maintain investment in Garda resources as well as continuing with the recruitment of new gardai," she said. "With the continuing support of communities throughout the country, I am confident that An Garda Siochana will continue to confront criminals and provide protection and reassurance for all law-abiding people." Hundreds will today pay tribute to a young mother-of-three who tragically died just minutes after giving birth to her new son. Tracey Campbell Fitzpatrick (36) will be removed to her native Mayo as St Luke's Hospital in Kilkenny confirmed that a full review is now underway into the precise circumstances of the tragedy. The mourners will be led at her Requiem Mass tomorrow by her heartbroken parents, James and Pauline Campbell, her husband, Bernard, her children, Jamie, Adam and Max, and her siblings, Amanda, Paula, Diane and Alan. Mrs Fitzpatrick, who married in 2014, gave birth to a healthy baby boy in St Luke's Hospital on Easter Monday. The boy, her third son, was named Max. However, shortly after the delivery, Mrs Fitzpatrick's condition suddenly began to deteriorate. Medical staff became very concerned about the status of the young mother. She was rushed to an operating theatre for treatment. Sadly, she died before emergency surgery could begin. "The staff and management of St Luke's Hospital are currently focused on supporting the family at this very sad time," a hospital spokesperson said. "An internal review process has commenced, with a full investigation to follow." The Kilkenny Coroner's Office has also been notified. The full details of the hospital review will now be compiled for Coroner Tim Kiely. A post mortem examination was carried out on Tuesday at St Luke's Hospital. The hospital review could now take between two and three months to conclude. Mrs Fitzpatrick had been living with her husband and children in Templepeter outside Nurney, Co Carlow. Her husband and his family are from the Templepeter and Nurney area. The Fitzpatricks were described by neighbours as lovely people who are very involved in the local community and sporting organisations. Mr Fitzpatrick was too heartbroken to comment on the tragedy. Hundreds extended their sympathies last night as Mrs Fitzpatrick lay in repose at her Carlow home. The 36-year-old was from Shanvaghera, just outside Knock in Co Mayo. A special Mass for Mrs Fitzpatrick will take place at 11am today at St Patrick's Church in Rathoe, Co Carlow. Her remains will then be taken to her parents home in Mayo where she will remain in repose. She will then be removed to St Ann's Church, Shanvaghera for 11am Requiem Mass on Friday with the burial taking place at nearby Knock cemetery. Carlow neighbours said they were still trying to come to terms with the sheer scale of the tragedy. "Everyone is heartbroken by it," explained one local woman who asked not to be named. "It is terrible to think that while the whole country was taken up by the Easter Rising ceremonies on Monday three little children were losing a devoted mother." "They are a lovely family and we are just so devastated for them." Ireland records an average of two maternal deaths each year. These are defined as the death of a mother during pregnancy or within 42 days of her pregnancy ending. Pictured at the commencement of new year round services to Birmingham and Edinburgh were Joe Gilmore, Managing Director, Ireland West Airport and pilots and crew from Flybe Mons James Horan proudly holds aloft a carrier bag with the name of his airport on it as he walked across the tarmac to his plane for the inaugural flight/pilgrimage to Rome from Knock Airport. Pictured at the commencement of new year round services to Birmingham and Edinburgh were Joe Gilmore, Managing Director, Ireland West Airport and pilots and crew from Flybe. Ireland West Airport Knock is set for its busiest ever year with new services to Birmingham, Edinburgh and the Costa Dorada. This week, the airport celebrated the launch of Flybes new, year-round services from Knock to Birmingham and Edinburgh. Six weekly flights to both destinations, along with extra capacity on Flybes Manchester route, will add 78,000 seats this year, it said. This further cements the airports position as the premier UK gateway for the West of Ireland, as we now service nine different access points, said its MD, Joe Gilmore. 2016 also sees a new Falcon and Thomson charter service to Spains Costa Dorada, bringing Knock's total of international destinations to 22. Ireland West celebrates the 30th anniversary of its official opening this May 28, with a programme of events including a gala evening and 5km charity run/walk. The airport was originally the brainchild of local parish priest Monsignor James Horan (below), who believed that it could deliver employment and pilgrims to a region suffering from mass emigration in the 1980s. Horan died two months after the airport was officially opened. Expand Close Mons James Horan proudly holds aloft a carrier bag with the name of his airport on it as he walked across the tarmac to his plane for the inaugural flight/pilgrimage to Rome from Knock Airport. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Mons James Horan proudly holds aloft a carrier bag with the name of his airport on it as he walked across the tarmac to his plane for the inaugural flight/pilgrimage to Rome from Knock Airport. Three decades later, the rebranded Ireland West Airport Knock expects to welcome a record 720,000 passengers in 2016, up from 685,000 last year. Despite the growth, however, the company that operates the airport recorded a pre-tax loss of 536,618 before a government operational subvention in 2014. Recently, Knock received a boost when local authorities in Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Leitrim, Donegal and Sligo agreed to invest 7.3m in the airport in return for a 17.5pc equity share and additional board and strategic participation. In recent years, Ireland West has added several new sun holiday routes, including Alicante, Barcelona, Croatia, Faro-Algarve, Lanzarote, Milan and Tenerife. Aer Lingus and Ryanair also operate dozens of weekly flights to and from the UK. Expand Close Ireland West Airport Knock / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Ireland West Airport Knock We look forward to working closely with Flybe and Ireland West Airport to maximise the promotion of the new services, said Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland. As an island destination, the importance of convenient, direct, non-stop flights cannot be overstated they are absolutely critical to achieving growth in inbound tourism. 10 million passengers have used the airport since 1986. In the minds of the nation's youthful population, Easter Sunday, April 24, 1916, will forever be the bloody day that our Ireland was born. In a haze of violence, pain and raw, unrepentant pride a band of rebels would hoist the flag of new beginnings above the GPO. Hundreds were killed during the days and nights of fighting that followed. Many of them innocent - many of them children. The face of Dublin, too, would forever be altered - leaving the city, to this day, bearing the scars of what many believe was the birth of a Republic that very few wanted. In truth, the pain felt in the capital that day was simply the striking pangs of labour. The nativity of the newborn nation that the majority of people thought they did not want occurred nine days later. On May 3, 1916, in an eerily peaceful stone-breakers yard a fire would ignite inside the hearts of a nation that would spur a true rising. "They told me how Connolly was shot in a chair. His wounds from the battle, all bleeding and bare. His fine body twisted, all battered and lame. They soon made me part of the patriot game." Those are the haunting words of Dominic Behan's troubled lament 'The Patriot Game' - one of many ballads, songs, stories and tales that, over the decades, would call many young Irish men and woman to arms. The events of that day and the days that followed in old Kilmainham Gaol forever changed Ireland. Fourteen men would pay the ultimate price for the love of their country here. The first was Padraig Pearse, the last James Connolly. If the British had banished the leaders to the inside of a cell, rather than sealing their fate with the cold sting of lead, things may be very different now. Yesterday, while officially opening a new 5m visitor centre at what he called one of Ireland's "most important monuments", an Irish leader again called on the Irish people - this time not to the bullet or to the ballot. From the newly refurbished courthouse building where our rebel leaders would have been handed the most final of sentences, President Michael D Higgins called on the people "to keep building a republic which the 1916 leaders would be proud of". "In its current life as a museum it [Kilmainham Gaol] fulfils a new and essential role, in enabling all of our citizens to engage with history and commemoration in a way that is inclusive, ethical and honest. "As we commemorate the centenary of the Easter Rising, let us do so in a spirit of determination to honour the deaths of those brave leaders who died in Kilmainham Gaol in 1916, and with respect for a full appreciation of their lives and action, and the context in which these were transacted," he added. "They died imagining a brave new Ireland, and we must continue the work of building a Republic of which our founders would be proud - a nation rooted in courage, vision and a profound spirit of generous humanity." The new visitor centre is on the site of the old courthouse, handed over to the Office of Public Works in 2013. The building, which dates back to 1820, is now home to a coffee shop, bookshop and interpretative displays. Kathryn Thomas and Daithi O Se at the 2008 TV Now Awards The TV Now Awards might have only lasted for four years, but they will live on forever in our hearts. The deliciously Celtic Tiger red carpet ceremony - which was run in association with the popular TV Now magazine - summed up the style and excess of the 2006 to 2010 era and quickly became one of the hottest tickets in town. It was an annual gathering of famous faces from Ireland and the UK (namely a pre-makeover Michelle Keegan) to bask in their success on the small screen at Dublin's Mansion House. It was a time of sequins, chiffon dresses and Lucy Kennedy (who we love, for the record) outdoing herself every single year. This week, we rooted through the archives to relive the glory days of the TV Now Awards. RIP. Check out the gallery, below: 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 (L to R) Rosanna Davison in 2009; Grainne and Sile Seoige in 2007 and Anne Doyle in 2009 TV Now Awards 2007: Rosanna and her now-husband Wesley Quirke made on of their earlier red carpet appearances. TV Now Awards 2009: Rosanna Davison's daring look made for one of the most memorable red carpet moments of the noughties... ...and the back. TV Now Awards 2008: Then in full 'Wesanna' media mode, Rosanna and Wes stood out for wearing classic black. TV Now Awards 2010: Rosanna's embellished mini dress was fun and flirty - perfect for a youthful red carpet event in 2010. TV Now Awards 2009: Lorraine Keane's no holds barred style was simply unforgettable. TV Now Awards 2007: Lorraine Keane pulled an Andrea in this striped maxi dress. TV Now Awards 2009: Anne Doyle can wear whatever she wants because she's Anne Doyle. TV Now Awards 2007: Riding high on small screen fame, Sile and Grainne Seoige's 2007 choices will go down in Irish red carpet history. TV Now Awards 2007: Kathryn Thomas' silver strappy sandals and matching clutch stole the show. TV Now Awards 2008: The first known photo of Kathryn Thomas and her signature red carpet pose. TV Now Awards 2010: One of the original influencers - Kathryn's hred dress proved so popular, it flew off the shelves immediately after. TV Now Awards 2010: Sonya Lennon showed she's never played by anybody else's style rules. And keeps winning. TV Now Awards 2009: Thank you Emma, for this pink embellished satin gown. TV Now Awards 2007: Emma O'Driscoll and her silk patterned gown were 2007 fashion at its height. TV Now Awards 2008: If it ain't broke, don't fix it Emma. TV Now Awards 2010: Emma changed it up altogether and her risk paid off. TV Now Awards 2009: Lucy Kennedy's purple centric outfit was just one of many of her iconic TV Now looks. TV Now Awards 2007: Lucy Kennedy kept it up in this black and white polka dot gown and thick red belt. TV Now Awards 2006: Lucy Kennedy brought her red carpet A-game from the get-go and we applaud her for it. TV Now Awards 2009: Grainne, in a frilled polka dot dress, and Sile brought their 2009 A-game. TV Now Awards 2009: Michelle Keegan led the mini dress brigade in this orange number. TV Now Awards 2010: It was before her post-Coronation Street makeover, but in Michelle Keegan's defence, this mini drape dress was all the rage. TV Now Awards 2009: Taking a leaf out of Rosanna's book, Leigh Arnold, then riding hide on The Clinic fame, opted for a black jumpsuit and 2009's signature accessory - a chunky turquoise statement necklace. TV Now Awards 2007: Michelle Doherty went for the sultry siren look. TV Now Awards 2006: Claire Byrne's red dress (and hairband) was bang on trend at the time. TV Now Awards 2008: Claire Byrne was the lady in red again. TV Now Awards 2006: Andrea Roche wore an interesting, colourful, striped gown. TV Now Awards 2009: This time around, Andrea Roche opted for a more classic look. TV Now Awards 2007: Two years later, we revisit the Xpose hosts. TV Now Awards 2008: Brian Ormond and Pippa O'Connor let the world know they were a power couple to be reckoned with. TV Now Awards 2010: Witness the beginning of Pippa O'Connor's style-volution which ended with her turning into a fashion powerhouse. TV Now Awards 2009: Xpose hosts (L-R) Karen Koster, Glenda Gilson, Lisa Cannon, Sybil Mulcahy and Aisling O'Loughlin each brought their unique style to the red carpet. TV Now Awards 2009: Lisa Cannon's bust-boosting red dress was strikingly similar to her blue gown from the 2015 VIP Style Awards. TV Now Awards 2010: Lisa changed it up in a memorable metallic mini. TV Now Awards 2009: Then living in Dublin after finding fame again on RTE's You're A Star, Michelle Heaton acessorised her yellow bandeau dress with bling-tastic jewellery. TV Now Awards 2010: Jean Byrne's signature style began to shine through. TV Now Awards 2010: After Seoige was scrapped, Sile and Grainne made a lasting impression with a joint red carpet appearance. TV Now Awards 2010: Before Eurovision, before panto and right after the X Factor, identical twins from Dublin were making waves in media. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp (L to R) Rosanna Davison in 2009; Grainne and Sile Seoige in 2007 and Anne Doyle in 2009 Leonardo DiCaprio with the Best Actor BAFTA (The Revenant) in the press room at the EE British Academy Film Awards at the Royal Opera House, Bow Street, London Richard Madden attends the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition on June 3, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images) Richard Madden attends the "China: Through The Looking Glass" Costume Institute Benefit Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 4, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images) Laura Whitmore's ex-boyfriend Rory Williams says the pair had already split by the time those Leonardo DiCaprio rumours surfaced after the BAFTAs. The Sunset Sons frontman, who performed in Dublin on Tuesday night, broke his silence about his split with the Irish tv presenter, saying they had quietly parted ways in February. Whitmore, (30) who was hosting the BAFTAs red carpet for their YouTube channel, spent the night partying with the Oscar-winning actor. Leo (41) reportedly partied the night away with the Bray native and pals in his hotel suite, including supermodel Lily Donaldson, in celebrations that went on until 5am. But Rory explained that the couple had already split, making it "complicated" when he was still linked to the popular tv star after the red carpet event. Expand Close Laura Whitmore / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Laura Whitmore Read More "People thought we were still together when the story broke," he told the Irish Daily Mirror. "It made it a bit more comlicated. I had been out the night before and got really drink. I woke up the next morning hungover, I looked at my phone and had about 50 messages telling me about Leo, I was like 'What the f*** is going on?'" "I'm a bit fan of the dude, so our pictures being put next to each other was very surreal. It's pretty f***ed up. I take it with a pinch of salt." At the time, it was reported that DiCaprio had first spotted Whitmore at the amfAR gala in New York and "made a beeline for her" when he saw her again at the BAFTAs. Meanwhile, Laura is reportedly dating former Game of Thrones star Richard Madden for the last number of weeks. "They met at the BRITS last month, and they spent the entire weekend after that together, a source told heat magazine. Expand Close Leonardo DiCaprio with the Best Actor BAFTA (The Revenant) in the press room at the EE British Academy Film Awards at the Royal Opera House, Bow Street, London / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Leonardo DiCaprio with the Best Actor BAFTA (The Revenant) in the press room at the EE British Academy Film Awards at the Royal Opera House, Bow Street, London Since then, theyve hung out almost every day. Laura thinks it could be something really special. They tried to keep it low-key for as long as they could, but shes really happy. The first teaser trailer for the BBC's revamped Top Gear series features an array of supercars and classic automobiles - from the McLaren 675LT to the Ferrari F12 TDF, to the three-wheeled Reliant Rialto. Car enthusiasts will not be disappointed as the likes of the Aston Martin Vulcan, Zenos E10 and Ariel Nomad are put through their paces around the track. The clip also shows new host Chris Evans looking a bit queasy as co-presenter Sabine Schmitz takes him for a spin - and she is forced to pull over and let him out of her pristine red Audi R8 to vomit. Co-host Matt LeBlanc is shown "driving" a Reliant three-wheeler from London to Blackpool - although he is stuck on the back of a recovery truck on the M6 after it breaks down. Scowling in his coat and American flag helmet and sneezing in the cold, he complains: "I'm going to have a good long talk with the wardrobe department. With a stick. A big stick." The former Friends star broke down in a retail outlet car park in Staffordshire and was forced to make an u nplanned pit stop in his stars-and-stripes emblazoned car part-way through the motor show's London to Blackpool challenge. He was meant to be racing co-host Evans, whose car was covered with the Union flag. Jenson Button also makes an appearance, giving Evans a spin around the track in a bright green McLaren 675LT. Included in the trailer are clips from filming in the UK, US, Morocco, France and the UAE. A Dodge Viper ACR with a Browning machine-gun roof attachment makes an appearance in Nevada, while a yellow Ford Mustang is shown in Scotland. Car fans will be able to spot an orange Ariel Nomad in Morocco and a Ferrari F12 TDF at Paul Ricard circuit in France. However, there is no footage from Kazakhstan - as a big budget Top Gear trip had to be cancelled when the team were not permitted to fly from Moscow. Video of the Day It was revealed on Wednesday that, after a dispute between the airline and Kazakhstan, flights were grounded and the Top Gear team were not able to get any further than the Russian capital. They were forced to return to London empty-handed. The BBC told the Press Association: "Through no fault of the Top Gear team, the airline carrying them was not permitted to fly from Moscow to Kazakhstan and so they returned to London. "They intend to visit Kazakhstan in the future to shoot the planned film there. The BBC will be looking to recoup the cost of the flights." Also not included is footage of Matt LeBlanc and rally driver Ken Block performing "doughnuts" around the Cenotaph in London. The stunt caused an uproar, with Evans apologising and promising the footage would not be aired. The show will be re-launched in May. Hillary Clinton has taken aim at Donald Trump's hardline immigration policies as well as violent incidents at some of his rallies in a new television ad campaign set to run in New York. Democratic hopeful Mrs Clinton claims in the ad that while some people say America's problems can be solved by "building walls" and "banning people based on their religion", New Yorkers know better. The TV spot shows a clip of a man being punched at a recent Trump rally and briefly flashes a sign from one of the billionaire's new hotels. New York holds its Democratic and Republican primaries on April 19. While Mrs Clinton still faces a strong challenge from Democratic rival Bernie Sanders, it is notable that the ad focuses on Mr Trump, the Republican frontrunner and a native New Yorker. Pivotal Meanwhile, Wisconsin's April 5 primary looks pivotal in the Republican race. If Mr Cruz wins, it would narrow Donald Trump's already tight path to the nomination and raise the prospect of a contested party convention. Delegates there might turn to other candidates if the billionaire fails to win on the first ballot. Mr Trump heads into Wisconsin with 739 delegates to Mr Cruz's 465, while Mr Kasich lags behind with 143. Wisconsin has 42 Republican delegates, with 18 going to the state-wide winner and 24 divided among the winners in each of the state's eight congressional districts. Mr Trump told supporters at a rally that "if we win Wisconsin, it's pretty much over," noting his significant delegate lead over both his rivals. He would need 1,237 delegates by the end of the primary season to capture the nomination and avoid a contested convention. U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump waves to onlookers and reporters as he departs through a back door after meetings at Republican National Committee (RNC) headquarters in Washington March 31, 2016. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump made a surprise closed-door visit to the Republican National Committee on Thursday after a tumultuous two days that featured a reversal of his pledge to support the party's nominee. Trump, who also has sought to contain the fallout from his Wednesday comments supporting punishment for women who have an abortion, said on Twitter afterward he had a "nice meeting" with RNC Chairman Reince Preibus but divulged no details. "Looking forward to bringing the party together," he said. "And it will happen!" An RNC spokeswoman described the meeting as "a productive conversation about the state of the race" and said it was part of Preibus's regular communications with the party's presidential candidates. Trump's relationship with the RNC has been contentious at times, and he recently complained the party was not treating him fairly as it made preparations for a possible contested convention in July in Cleveland. On Tuesday, Trump backed away from a loyalty pledge he signed in September promising to support the party's eventual nominee and not to run an independent campaign for the White House. The RNC pledge has unraveled as Trump's remaining rivals, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas and Ohio Governor John Kasich, also indicated they were unlikely to observe the pledge if Trump was the nominee. Barry Bennett, an adviser to the Trump campaign, said Thursday's visit was about Trump helping the RNC raise money. "The meeting is to help the RNC," he said on MSNBC. The billionaire businessman was in Washington for an announced meeting with members of his newly established foreign policy team. His campaign also is setting up a Washington office to run its convention operations and work with the RNC and Congress. But Trump's campaign has been trying to dig out from under a torrent of criticism about his comment on Wednesday that women should face punishment for getting an abortion if the procedure was outlawed, although he quickly reversed his stance. Trump, leading in the race to win the Republican nomination for the Nov. 8 presidential election, pulled back from his initial comments within an hour, first issuing a statement that U.S. states should handle abortion issues and later saying doctors who perform abortions are the ones who should be held responsible. 'SIMPLE MISSPEAK' "You have a presidential candidate that clarified the record not once but twice," Trump spokeswoman Katrina Pierson told CNN, describing the initial comments as a "simple misspeak." She said Trump was "pro-life with exceptions" and said his statements after the comments in an MSNBC interview were an accurate depiction of his views. "We shouldn't make this a 24-hour headline when we have things like terrorism going on in the world," Trump's latest controversy threatened to further erode his standing with women voters, many of whom have been offended by his use of vulgarities and insulting language to describe women during the presidential race. The abortion flap erupted as Trump campaigned in Wisconsin ahead of the state's critical primary on Tuesday. An opinion poll released on Wednesday showed Cruz had advanced and was now ahead of Trump by 10 percentage points in Wisconsin. Trump's meetings with his new foreign policy advisers follows several controversial statements on national security issues, prompting critics to question his suitability to be commander in chief. In recent interviews, Trump has declared NATO obsolete, said Saudi Arabia is too dependent on the United States and said Japan and South Korea may need to develop their own nuclear programs because the U.S. security umbrella is too costly to maintain. In the same MSNBC town hall where he made the abortion comments, Trump refused to rule out the potential use of nuclear weapons in Europe or the Middle East to combat Islamic State militants. "I would never take any of my cards off the table," he said. Many establishment Republicans have labored to block Trump from getting the nomination at the July convention, worried that he will lead the party to a broad and overwhelming defeat in November. Trump's Republican rivals said his abortion comments were just the latest in a series of controversies that raise questions about his suitability for the White House. "It just shows that he's really not prepared to be president of the United States," Ohio Governor John Kasich told reporters at a New York news conference arranged so that he could address the controversy. Kasich said the president should not be constantly rowing back on a series of "wild-eyed suggestions." "I have to tell you that as commander in chief and leader of the free world, you don't get do-overs. You need to be able to get it right the first time," Kasich said. Opposition to abortion, which was legalized in a Supreme Court ruling more than 40 years ago, is a central plank in the platform of most conservative politicians. But conservatives have questioned whether Trump, who once supported access to abortions, is sincerely committed to his anti-abortion stance. An airliner flying from Hawaii to Japan was forced to turn back and land in Honolulu after a passenger insisted on doing yoga in the galley in defiance of the crew, an FBI spokesman said. Hyongtae Pae, 72, was charged in federal court on Monday with interfering with the crew of an aircraft in connection with the disturbance last Saturday aboard United Airlines flight 903 bound for Tokyo's Narita airport. Pae reportedly ignored crew instructions and, during meal service, headed to the galley in the back of the plane to "meditate and do yoga," according to an affidavit filed in federal court. When his wife, who was traveling with him, tried to persuade him to sit down, Pae reportedly grew agitated, pushing her and yelling. Several U.S. Marines who were on the plane helped the crew escort Pae to his seat, said Federal Bureau of Investigation special agent Tom Simon, a spokesman for the agency's Honolulu office. "While yoga and meditation can be beneficial activities, it doesn't negate the need to obey flight crew instructions while in the air," Simon said. "The fact that the defendant's alleged misconduct caused the flight to be turned around in the air gives you an idea of the seriousness of this situation," Simon said. Pae, a retired farmer, was headed home to South Korea, via Japan, and was sleep-deprived after his first visit to Hawaii, his attorney, J.T. Kim, told Reuters. "He was trying to calm himself down," Kim said. "I guess that's why he wanted to do some yoga, to calm himself down." A federal judge on Wednesday ordered Pae released on bail of $25,000, but told him to turn over his South Korean passport and stay on the island of Oahu. If convicted, Pae faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison Eliza Adamson-Hopper, five, playing with her cat Mittens, after writing to the Chief Constable of Durham Police, asking why there are no police cats (Cheryl Adamson/PA) A letter sent by Durham Police chief constable Mike Barton in response to Eliza Adamson-Hopper's letter (Cheryl Adamson/PA) A police force could be the first to introduce cats alongside its dogs after a five-year-old wrote to the Chief Constable suggesting they should team up. Eliza Adamson-Hopper received a reply from Durham Police chief Mike Barton, thanking her for the suggestion and saying he would pass the idea on to an inspector. Mr Barton included a drawing of his cat, Joey, on the back of his hand-written letter. Now Inspector Richie Allen, of the Dog Support Unit, has confirmed the force will consider using cats in an as-yet unspecified role. Eliza, from Burnopfield, has a cat, Mittens, and a dog called Susie, and the pets are friends. She wanted to know why the police do not use cats. To illustrate the point she sent a drawing of a police officer with a cat and a dog. Her mother, Cheryl Adamson, said: "Eliza has loads of questions for everyone and I don't always know the answers. We said she could write a letter. "We typed out a letter to the Chief Constable, she told us what to write, and we said she might not get a response because he is a busy man. "When we got a reply it was so sweet. "It was not a bog-standard response, it was really personal to her, and we loved the drawing of the cat, it really tickled us." Eliza's letter to Mr Barton pointed out cats' skills which could help policing, such as listening out for danger and finding their way home if they are lost. Ms Adamson, 33, said: "She said they are good at helping people who are stuck up trees. I don't know how often that happens in Durham, but if it does, cats have got it nailed." The proud mother added: "Eliza was delighted with the response, but we thought that would be the end of it. "Then the inspector from the dogs unit sent her a calendar and invited her to an open day." Now Eliza has decided to raise funds for the retired police dogs charity Paws Up. Mr Allen said in a statement that the force was considering recruiting the UK's first police cat. "Their duties and responsibilities have not yet been agreed but if nothing else they will become the force mascot," he said. "Of course if it smells a rat we'll expect it to catch it!" A general view of the collapsed flyover in Kolkata, India, March 31, 2016. REUTERS/Rupak De Chowdhuri Vehicles are seen trapped under a partially collapsed overpass in Kolkata, India, Thursday (Swapan Mahapatra/Press Trust of India via AP) A long section of a road overpass under construction has collapsed in a crowded Indian neighbourhood, leaving at least 21 people dead and scores of others injured. Rescuers in Kolkata used saws, small cranes and their bare hands to dig through the wreckage in search of survivors. At least 21 people were killed, a police official said. It was not immediately clear how many people remained missing. Yogesh Sharma was sitting at a small roadside tea stand with friends when the overpass, which spanned nearly the width of the city street and was designed to ease traffic through the densely crowded Bara Bazaar neighbourhood, "came down with a huge crashing sound". Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close A view shows the flyover which collapsed in Kolkata, India, in this still image taken from video March 31, 2016. REUTERS/ANI via Reuters TV Labourers work at the site of metro railway flyover under construction in Ahmedabad, India REUTERS/Amit Dave Vehicles are seen trapped under a partially collapsed overpass in Kolkata, India, Thursday (Swapan Mahapatra/Press Trust of India via AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A view shows the flyover which collapsed in Kolkata, India, in this still image taken from video March 31, 2016. REUTERS/ANI via Reuters TV "I left my cup of tea and ran," said Mr Sharma, a 23-year-old resident. "I was crying at the spot." Smashed yellow taxis, destroyed rickshaws and the bloody legs of trapped people jutted from the collapsed girders and concrete slabs. The fallen sections of the overpass totalled around 100 metres, with many other parts still standing. Mamta Banerjee, the top elected official of West Bengal state, said a private builder had missed several deadlines for completing the construction. Army troops and personnel from the National Disaster Response Force joined efforts to extract people from vehicles that lay under massive concrete blocks and metal debris. Huge cranes and other rescue equipment reached the site and rescuers began clearing the rubble. Workers also used gas cutters to pry open the slabs. O.P. Singh, the chief of the disaster response force, said the operation was a "very, very challenging task". Rescuers were using sniffer dogs and special cameras to find trapped people, Mr Singh told reporters. More than 70 injured people were admitted to two hospitals in Kolkata, hospital officials said. "The area was very, very crowded. Motorised rickshaws, taxis... there was a lot of traffic," one witness told NDTV television. The contract for the overpass was signed in 2007 and it was expected to be completed within two years. Ms Banerjee accused the previous Communist government in West Bengal of not adhering to building regulations. "We completed nearly 70% of the construction work without any mishap," said K.P Rao, a top official of IVRCL Infrastructure company, which was building the overpass. "We have to go into the details to find out whether the collapse was due to any technical or quality issue." "It was a total act of God,'" said his colleague, Dilip, who uses one name. Building collapses are common in India, where regulations are poorly enforced and builders often use substandard materials. Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond speaks during a joint press conference with his Lebanese counterpart Gibran Bassil in Beirut (AP) Syrian president Bashar Assad has said he is ready to hold a snap presidential election if the people call for it. He also said direct elections in which all Syrians could participate would be better than the president being elected by parliament, so that the elections can be "as free as possible from the influence of various political forces". Mr Assad spoke in an interview with Russia's state news agency Sputnik, excerpts of which were being released over several days. The latest comments were posted on Thursday. He has also proposed a national unity government and rejected a key opposition demand for a transitional ruling body with full powers, which major powers agreed on at a Geneva conference in June 2012. Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond later scoffed at Mr Assad's offer for a national unity government that includes members of the opposition, calling it insufficient. He said that what is needed in Syria is a transitional government. Speaking in Beirut, Mr Hammond told reporters that Mr Assad talks about a unity government, "by which he means bringing one or two hand-picked regime-friendly oppositionists into minor posts in the government". He added: "That is not sufficient." Mr Hammond called for the creation of a government that represents all communities in Syria and "it has to be a government that is not, or at least in the future, will not be led by Bashar Assad". Brussels airport authorities have said they are ready to resume flights from the bomb-damaged facility soon, but not before the weekend. Belgium's civil aviation authority and the fire department have given their approvals to a reopening following testing on Tuesday, one week after the suicide bombings. Operating company Brussels Airport said in a statement that the airport is "technically ready for a restart of passenger flights in the temporary infrastructure foreseen for check-in". Flights will resume once political approval to reopen is granted, but not before Friday evening. Due to the damage, the airport will be able to run only at 20% of normal capacity. The area where arriving passengers transit was only slightly damaged and is ready for use. The move comes after police at the airport said they had criticised the lack of security at Belgium's main transport hub well ahead of the attacks on March 22. In an open letter to their superiors and the airport authorities, police said they had sent "strong daily signals regarding the overall security at the airport". They complained that "there had not been any security control of passengers or luggage from the airport complex right up to the centralised body searches" area. The letter said the lack of security was such that police fear "scouts were sent out to assess the security lapses and plan terror". The airport police also complained that too many airport employees have criminal backgrounds. The family of Jean Charles de Menezes have lost a human rights challenge over the decision not to bring charges against British police marksmen over his death. Judges at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled British prosecutors were right not to charge police officers over Brazilian electrician's fatal shooting in 2005. It comes more than a decade after he was mistaken for a suicide bomber and shot dead by police marksmen on a London Tube train. Lawyers for the family argued the assessment used by prosecutors in deciding that no individual should be charged over the shooting was incompatible with Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which covers the right to life. Britain failed to ensure "accountability and punishment" over the shooting, they argued. The claim also challenged the definition of self-defence in British law, under which officers only had to show they had an "honest belief" that they were right to use such a high degree of force. Judges rejected the case in its entirety. "The court considered that all aspects of the authorities' responsibility for the fatal shooting had been thoroughly investigated." "The court found that the UK authorities had not failed in their obligations under Article 2 of the Convention to conduct an effective investigation into the shooting of Mr de Menezes which was capable of identifying and - if appropriate - punishing those responsible," said the ruling. "In particular, the court considered that all aspects of the authorities' responsibility for the fatal shooting had been thoroughly investigated." Mr de Menezes (27), was shot dead by Metropolitan Police firearms officers at Stockwell Underground station in south London, the day after failed terrorist attacks on the transport network. ( Daily Telegraph London) Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022] EgyptAir plane hijacking suspect Seif al-Din Mustafa flashes the victory sign as he leaves court in a police car in the Cypriot coastal town of Larnaca yesterday. Photo: Petros Karadjias/AP Photo The Egyptian man arrested for hijacking a passenger plane flashed the V for victory sign as he appeared in court in Cyprus for the first time yesterday. Less than 24 hours after Seif al-Din Mustafa (59) sparked global terror alerts by claiming he had a bomb onboard an EgyptAir flight, he appeared in handcuffs at a Larnaca court. He has not been formally charged, but a Cypriot prosecutor said he expected the suspect would face charges of hijacking, illegal possession of explosives, kidnapping and threats to commit violence. According to the prosecutor, Andreas Lambrianou, Mustafa had told police that he carried out the hijacking in order to see his estranged Cypriot ex-wife. "What's someone supposed to do when he hasn't seen his wife and children in 24 years and the Egyptian government won't let him?" Mr Lambrianou quoted him as telling investigators. The statement appears to reinforce earlier reports that Mustafa had grown frustrated that the Egyptian government was barring him from travelling abroad. After the plane landed at Larnaca airport, Mustafa reportedly demanded to see his ex-wife, who was named in the Cypriot press as Marina Paraschou, a 51-year-old with whom he reportedly had four children. The court ordered that Mustafa be detained for eight days while formal charges are brought. It is unclear if Egypt will try to have him extradited back home, where he has a long string of convictions for crimes like theft and impersonation. If found mentally competent to stand trial, he could face a lengthy prison sentence in either country. Cypriot authorities have said Mustafa was "psychologically unstable" and they do not consider the case to be "terrorism-related". Mustafa gave the victory symbol from the back of a police vehicle but had the same slightly unsure look captured in a photograph he took with a Ben Innes, a 26-year-old British hostage onboard the aircraft. Mr Innes' photograph has been posted on social media around the world by people amazed that he would take a photograph with a man claiming to have a suicide vest on. Mr Innes told The Sun yesterday: "I'm not sure why I did it, I just threw caution to the wind while trying to stay cheerful in the face of adversity. "I figured if his bomb was real I had nothing lose anyway, so I took a chance to get a closer look at it. "I got one of the cabin crew to translate for me and asked him if I could do a selfie with him. "He just shrugged 'okay', so I stood by him and smiled for the camera while a stewardess did the snap. It has to be the best selfie ever." He said he texted his mother, Pauline, as the drama unfolded, adding: "My mum was obviously frantic with worry and kept telling me not to do anything to draw attention to myself. I didn't know how to tell her I'd already done a selfie with the hijacker." Recounting the ordeal, he said: "I could see he had what looked like a bomb and I was scared, but he didn't seem particularly anxious as we first landed. "He eventually let virtually all the passengers leave, but I was left behind with two other Brits. "After about a half-hour at Larnaca I asked for a photo with him as we were sitting around waiting. I thought, 'Why not? If he blows us all up it won't matter anyway'." He said cabin crew were allowed to leave before the Egyptian pilot locked himself in the cockpit and climbed out of the window, adding: "We moved towards the door as he went to the back of the plane. "Then we ran for it, expecting the aircraft to explode. When we got to a safe distance, we laughed out loud with relief." ( Daily Telegraph London) Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022] A young model jumped naked to her death to escape being raped by an estate agent and his friend. The Daily Mail has reported that university student Gulay Bursali (20) had wanted to go to Istanbul with her boyfriend, identified only as Engin O. The young couple, both Turkish, had asked a property agent if there was an empty apartment they could rent for the weekend, and managed to get the keys to a house in the district of Basaksehir. After a night out with friends in the local bar, the pair returned to the flat where they were later allegedly attacked. In Bursali's boyfriend's statement to police, he said the estate agent and his friend gained entrance to the apartment when they said they needed to collect some things. However, the boyfriend, was then reportedly beaten and locked in a room while Gulay was stripped naked and threatened with attack. An eyewitness told a local TV station: "I heard somebody screaming help, and I thought maybe it was just someone messing around. Then I saw naked girl hanging out of the window. "She was yelling don't pull me inside, if you try to pull me inside I will jump. Those inside were shouting at her to come inside, saying they were going to call the police. "But she wasn't interested, I heard her threaten them two more times to say that she would jump, and was calling for somebody to help. "I didn't say anything, I felt if she moved even a bit she was going to fall and that was why didn't say anything. I just called the police. While I was doing that, she jumped." Police are on the hunt for the two men involved. The mother of a British hostage photographed with the Egyptian plane hijacker wearing a "suicide vest" has branded her son's actions "stupid". Pauline Innes scolded her son Ben as he arrived back in the UK less than 48 hours after the image emerged of him stood grinning next to a man who claimed to have smuggled a bomb belt on board. The health and safety auditor from Leeds was one of 72 passengers and crew taken hostage by Seif Eddin Mustafa soon after their EgyptAir flight took off from Alexandria on Tuesday. His decision to pose for the snap, which was printed on newspaper front pages, has attracted criticism. Expand Close Ben Innes was flown home today after being held hostage on the flight which was forced to divert to Cyprus / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Ben Innes was flown home today after being held hostage on the flight which was forced to divert to Cyprus As Mr Innes was collected by his mother from Manchester Airport late on Wednesday she said "I don't know why you did it," according to The Sun. Mustafa, 59, is understood to have revealed the fake suicide belt soon after the flight to Cairo took off, triggering an emergency diversion to Cyprus. Meanwhile Mr Innes is said to have contacted his mother soon after the drama began to reassure her he would keep a low profile. However, at some point during the five-hour stand-off, the 26-year-old decided to "throw caution to the wind while trying to stay cheerful in the face of adversity" and pose for a picture with his captor. The snap, in which the hijacker can be seen wearing a khaki-coloured fabric belt with a series of pouches wired together, went viral after it was posted on social media. "Mum was very upset seeing me, but I made it safe and sound," he told the newspaper as he arrived back in the UK. "The past two days have been crazy, unbelievable. But I'm here now and things can get back to normal. I'll be relaxing at home with Mum," he added. Mrs Innes told The Sun that he had not posed for a "selfie" with the hijacker, who was described as "psychologically unstable" by Cypriot officials. "You can clearly see that it is not Ben who is taking the picture," she said. On Wednesday a picture of another hostage posing with Mustafa emerged. It appeared to show an air stewardess, named in reports as Naira Atef, smiling and standing next to him. In an article on social media for the Daily Mail, broadcaster John Humphrys questioned Mr Innes's decision to pose for the snap. He wrote: "The photo was the perfect demonstration of this strange new urge to be the star of your own social media show, even in a situation when minutes earlier people thought they were going to die." The Cypriot court ordered Mustafa to be detained for eight days as he faces charges including hijacking, illegal possession of explosives, kidnapping and threats to commit violence. The incident comes just five months after 224 people were killed when a Russian aircraft crashed over Egypt's Sinai Peninsula minutes after it took off from the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. The UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon called on the international community to resettle some 480,000 Syrian refugees yesterday, while calling on world leaders to counter "fear-mongering" over the potential security threat posed by Middle East refugees. "I ask that countries act with solidarity, in the name of our shared humanity, by pledging new and additional pathways for the admission of Syrian refugees," Mr Ban told an emergency summit in Geneva organised by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). His calls came as Europe prepares to implement a controversial deal to begin deporting irregular migrants - including Syrians - back to Turkey as part of a bid to end Europe's worst refugee crisis since the Second World War. Syria's civil war continues to fuel an exodus of 4.8 million refugees from the country, although a fragile ceasefire has held over the past month. In the latest development in halting process of negotiation, Bashar al-Assad, the Syrian president, yesterday ruled out accepting opposition demands for a "transitional body with full executive powers" as part of a UN-backed plan to bring peace to the country. Illogical Instead, Assad said in an interview a national unity government would be formed by various Syrian political forces - "opposition, independent, the current government and others". "Neither the Syrian constitution, nor the constitution of any other country in the world includes anything that is called a transitional body of power. It's illogical and unconstitutional," he told Russia's state-backed Sputnik news agency. Assad also blamed Western sanctions as the main causes of Syrian migration, glossing over his own government's role in plunging his country into civil war. Mr Ban urged governments to focus on the benefits refugees can bring to ageing economies and said leaders must push back against anti-immigrant sentiment that depicted refugees not as victims of war, but a security risk. "Attempts to demonize them are not only offensive; they are factually incorrect," he told the one-day conference. "I call on leaders to counter fear-mongering with reassurance, and to fight inaccurate information with the truth." The Syrian crisis has produced 4.8m refugees and 6.6m internally displaced people. Turkey hosts some 2.7m Syrians. ( Daily Telegraph London) Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022] Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi: His message comes as Isil faces new setbacks Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was "a normal family man" before he became the leader of Isis, according to his wife Saga al-Dulmaimi, 28, has a daughter with Baghdadi. When she married him in 2008, he worked as a university lecturer, teaching religion and Sharia. Only later did she find out he was active in extremist groups. In an interview with Expressen, she said: "I married a normal person who was a university lecturer. At the time his name was Hisham Mohammad." Describing the man who would later go on to become the leader of the jihadi group, she said: "He was a family man. He went to work and came home to his family. He didn't even take part in the resistance movement. "How he then became Emir of the most dangerous terrorist organisation in the world is a mystery to me." Baghdadi, who has declared himself "caliph" of the Islamic State, is one of the most wanted terrorists in the world. The US placed a $10 million bounty on his head. He reportedly held women captive as his private property and raped a number of them. He was last heard from in a 24-minute audio message released in December 2015, claiming his organisation was "thriving" despite the international forces arrayed against it. al-Dulmaimi grew up in Iraq and married Baghdadi after her first husband was killed fighting American troops. "He loved the children," she said. "He was their idol. He was an excellent person in that respect, but my relationship with him was shallow." She was not happy with the marriage, having moved in with Baghdadi his wife and their children. After becoming pregnant with her daughter, Hagar, she decided to leave Baghdadi. "I left him. Yes, you could say that I fled from him. It had nothing to do with him as a person. I wasn't happy. It was unfair on his first wife. She was very upset. That's why I left." "No, I was not in love with him. I didn't love him. He was an enigmatic person. You couldn't have a discussion or hold a normal conversation with him." Ms al-Dulmaimi now lives with her Palestinian husband, fearful Baghdadi may try to kidnap her daughter Hagar, who wants to travel to Europe to study. She denounced the recent Isis attacks in Paris and Brussels, speaking out against the group's "murder, blood and brutality". "Civilians were killed," she said. "When people with weapons kill civilians, isn't that terrorism? "It's murder, blood and brutality. As a mother, I consider what they're doing to be terrorism. If someone hurts my son, he's a terrorist. Every mother thinks that." Imre Kertesz, the Hungarian writer who won the 2002 Nobel Prize for Literature for fiction largely drawn from his very real experience as a teenage prisoner in Nazi concentration camps, has died at the age of 86. Book publishing firm Magveto Kiado said Kertesz died at his Budapest home at 4am on Thursday after a long illness. Kertesz was only 14 when he was deported to the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland in 1944. He survived that camp and was later transferred to the Buchenwald camp from where he was liberated in 1945. "As a child you have a certain trust in life. But when something like Auschwitz happens, everything falls apart," he once said. Yet Kertesz also made a startling confession that he experienced "my most radical moments of happiness" while at Auschwitz. "You cannot imagine what it's like to be allowed to lie in the camp's hospital, or to have a 10-minute break from indescribable labour," he told Newsweek magazine in a 2002 interview. "To be very close to death is also a kind of happiness. Just surviving becomes the greatest freedom of all." After returning to his native Budapest, Kertesz eked out a living working as a journalist and translator. Distrusted by the communist authorities who ruled Hungary after the Second World War, he spent his time translating into Hungarian the works of Friedrich Nietzsche, Sigmund Freud, Ludwig Wittgenstein and Elias Canetti in a small apartment overlooking the Danube River. Influenced by the post-war existentialist novels of Albert Camus and Jean-Paul Sartre, Kertesz was fascinated by the fate of the individual in an often totalitarian environment, where others decided his destiny. "I am a non-believing Jew," he once said in an interview. "Yet as a Jew I was taken to Auschwitz. I belong to those Jews whom Auschwitz turned into Jews." Fateless, the novel which, together with other works, won him the 2002 Nobel prize for literature, finally appeared in 1975 after a decade-long struggle to have it published. It was largely ignored, both by the communist authorities and the public in a country where awareness of the Holocaust remained negligible, despite the murder of around 500,000 Hungarian Jews by the Nazis and their Hungarian henchmen. According to Kertesz, the quasi-taboo status suffered by Fateless for so long may have been rooted in the fact that, despite its Holocaust theme, the book also reflected Hungary's totalitarian communist system. "I wrote Fateless about the Kadar regime," Kertesz said in an interview with the Hungarian weekly Elet es Irodalom, referring to communist dictator Janos Kadar, who ruled Hungary until shortly before the democratic changes of 1990. "Whoever lived in the Hungary of the 1970s had to notice immediately that the author (of Fateless) knew the present and despised it," he said. To Kertesz, the process of adaptation to the Holocaust described in his book could just as well be applied to what happened to people in Hungary after the failed anti-communist revolution of 1956. In its citation for the Nobel prize, the Swedish Academy also recognised this element of Kertesz's writing. "Kertesz's message is that to live is to conform," the academy said. "Individual experience seems useless as soon as it is considered in the light of the needs and interests of the human collective." Others said Kertesz's work could also be seen as a study of all repressive regimes. "Kertesz's significance was that in some sense he formulated the essence of totalitarianism," said Gabor T Szanto, a writer and editor of Szombat, a Jewish cultural magazine. Numerous other novels, continuing the themes of the Holocaust, dictatorship and personal freedom, appeared throughout the 1980s and 1990s, winning Kertesz professional respect but failing to gain him a wider audience. All that changed upon his winning the Nobel prize, which suddenly propelled him to domestic and international fame. His infrequent personal appearances in Hungary in wake of the Nobel prize were a massive success, with hundreds of people queuing for hours to get copies of his books signed. In his Nobel acceptance speech, Kertesz claimed with typical self-irony that he wrote only for himself. "I didn't have an audience and didn't want to influence anyone," he said. In literary circles, he was regarded as a jovial companion, with a harsh, no-nonsense critical eye. A typical gesture was his refusal to support a statue being raised in his honour alongside that of other Hungarian Nobel winners. Still, Kertesz's Nobel victory, making him the first Hungarian to win the literature prize, caused great resentment among some Hungarians who would have preferred that a non-Jewish countryman get the honour instead. Fateless, however, was later incorporated into Hungary's high school curriculum and Kertesz was awarded several state honours. Kertesz described Liquidation, published in 2003, as his "last novel about the Holocaust". Set during Hungary's transition from communism to democracy in 1989, he said it was about "people who did not experience the Holocaust directly - the second generation, who still have to deal with the Holocaust". Among his other books were Fiasco (1988) and Kaddish For A Child Not Born (1990) - which formed a trilogy with Fateless - Someone Else (1997), The K File (2006), an autobiographical novel, and Europe's Depressing Heritage (2008). Magveto Kiado said that during the last months of his life, even while ill, Kertesz helped prepare The Viewer, a selection of his diary entries between 1991 and 2001 which was published this month in Hungary. A film version of Fateless, directed by Lajos Koltai and for which Kertesz wrote the screenplay, premiered in Hungary in 2005. He is survived by his second wife, Magda. The Turkish army says it has no plans to stage a coup against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and has threatened legal action against anyone who suggests otherwise. The rare statement aims to quash speculation over the possibility of a coup while Mr Erdogan visits the United States. The military said on its website such "baseless news" was hurting morale in its ranks without naming specific publications. "It is out of the question to make concessions to any illegal action outside the command structure," it said. The Turkish army, historically seen as a defender of secular principles, has ousted three elected governments and one prime minister. The army's was power reduced through a series of measures after Mr Erdogan became prime minister in 2003. Mr Erdogan is due to return to Turkey on Sunday. South Carolina football beats Texas A&M 30-24 in first win vs Aggies South Carolina football nearly squandered a 17-0 lead in the first quarter, but held on to beat Texas A&M 30-24 for the first time in program history. SHARE KIRK BROWN/INDEPENDENT MAIL Tri-County Technical College political science instructor Michael Lenz shares his views on the revival of the hippie counterculture during a lecture in Marshall Parker Auditorium. By Kirk Brown of the Independent Mail PENDLETON Is the era of flower power, free love, peace signs and tie-dye clothing making a comeback? Michael Lenz, a Tri-County Technical College political science instructor, spent an hour Wednesday outlining what he sees as a revival of the hippie counterculture. His lecture, sponsored by the Tri-County Tech Enrichment Series Committee, drew a near-capacity crowd at the Marshall Parker Auditorium on the college's Pendleton campus. Lenz said the "natural rhythm of history" and the rise of the Information Age have set the stage for a resurgence of hippie ideals. He said the Internet has provided people with unprecedented access to information while also making them feel more alienated. And just like in the 1960s and 1970s, Lenz said, people "are losing trust rapidly" in both governmental and religious institutions. That has led many to seek out "authentic and direct spiritual" experiences, Lenz said. "This is at the core of the what the hippie movement was about," he said. Lenz said meditation and wilderness therapy programs are becoming increasingly popular. He also said that the use of psychedelic drugs such as LSD and mushrooms is nearing levels seen in the 1960s and 1970s. "I am neither encouraging nor am I discouraging you all to use drugs," he told students in the audience. "That is something that should be a personal choice. You should also acknowledge that right now it is obviously illegal in this country, so I would never advocate that openly." Rising concern about global warming, a recognition of the importance of alternative energy sources and a growth in sustainable communes were other trends that Lenz mentioned. His audience appeared to have little knowledge about communes such as The Farm near Summertown, Tennessee, which was established in 1971 on the basis of nonviolence and respect for the Earth. About 150 residents still live there. Lenz also cited what he described as the "eruption of protest movements." He recounted personally taking part in the Occupy Wall Street movement in 2011. He closed his lecture by discussing the liberalization of marijuana laws in numerous states. "The public is starting to come to the general consensus that weed is not dangerous," Lenz said. "Weed does not turn you into a killer or rapist." Follow Kirk Brown on Twitter @KirkBrown_AIM Anil Mascarenhas and Yash Ved of India Infoline, Vimal Kejriwal says, "We expect to deliver a 10% growth in revenues next year. We have seen bunching of large orders in Q4 and we are positive about the order inflow. The order book break-up will be to an extent of 50:50 in terms of domestic and overseas business but the mix is moving more in favour of domestic. In L1 orders we are at a record high this year." In an exclusive interaction withandof India Infoline,"We expect to deliver a 10% growth in revenues next year. We have seen bunching of large orders in Q4 and we are positive about the order inflow. The order book break-up will be to an extent of 50:50 in terms of domestic and overseas business but the mix is moving more in favour of domestic. In L1 orders we are at a record high this year." KEC International is a global infrastructure Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) major. It has presence in the verticals of Power Transmission and Distribution, Railways, Water, Cables and Renewables. Globally, the Company has powered infrastructure development in 61+ countries. It is the flagship Company of the RPG Group. Vimal Kejriwal, Managing Director & CEO, KEC International Ltd has significantly contributed in turning around KEC into a profitable company. He has also been instrumental in successfully bolstering the company's international exposure. With around 33 years of rich & diversified corporate experience including 13 years in KEC, Mr. Kejriwal has received numerous honors and accolades. Under his initiative and direction, apart from entering 19 new countries, KEC also acquired SAE Towers headquartered in USA having factories in Brazil and Mexico. With this acquisition, KEC become the largest globally operating tower manufacturing company in the world. Mr. Kejriwal is also very active on the industry front, presently, he is the Chairman of Transmission Line Division of CII and a Member of Executive Council of IEEMA. He is a distinguished alumnus of the Kellogg School of Management, USA and Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), India. He is also a meritorious Chartered Accountant and a Member of The Institute of Company Secretaries of India. Investments in the power transmission and distribution segment are on the rise. As a dominant player, what sector-specific changes do you foresee in consequence? A major trend which we are seeing is that the projects are getting bigger and bigger. This is a good news for us. This is because as the project sizes go up, the requirement for resources also go up. You need higher working capital, manpower requirement increases, you need to meet safety standards and deliver quality. This results into reduction in competitive intensity as most of the fringe and non-serious players are not able to compete. Especially in states, project size and technology benchmarks, both are going up following the switch to Gas Insulated Substations (GIS) and High Temperature Low Sag (HTLS) Conductors. In a way, its like the mobile revolution in telecom where we saw a leapfrog; people didnt have fixed lines and they directly moved to mobiles. States are realizing that they were under-invested and now they are adopting the latest technologies, which obviously are expensive. Generally, with the resource crunch that most of the governments face, especially the state governments, the projects are stretched till last moment. Thus, when a project is announced there is a clear emphasis on faster project completions. This means that the timelines are getting shorter and shorter. In fact the timeline have got reduced to 12 to 15 months or in some cases even lower than a year. All this augurs well for companies like ours, which can invariably deliver on our promise. Otherwise, historically, project completion targets are not taken seriously in India. Are the bonuses awarded for early completion helping timely deliveries? Yes. As indicated earlier, clients are expecting a speedier completion of projects which helps them in converting their capital-work-in-progress into a revenue generating asset. This is similar to Tariff Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) projects where the developer benefits from early completion of project and his IRR improves. To do this the clients are ready to pay some incentives. We have been paid a bonus by a state utility for early completion and have also bagged similar bonuses in international contracts as well. Many of our other customers are also starting to include a bonus clause in the contract. Do you expect the Uday scheme to bring more opportunities for you? How feasible is the implementation of this scheme? Uday scheme will improve operational efficiencies of discoms. This will lead to reduction of cost of power, reduction in interest cost of discoms through alignment with state finances. If subsidized power is offered as being planned, the demand for power will go up leading to an increase in infrastructure requirement. Moreover, if cost of power reduces, discoms will want to supply more power. All of this will have a positive impact on our T&D business. What steps have you taken to lower working capital intensity of your business? What is the break-up between fixed and variable contracts? in 7 months in 7 months Could you elaborate on your growth rates, order inflows and new wins? We expect to deliver a 10% growth in revenues next year. We have seen bunching of large orders in Q4 and we are positive about the order inflow. The order book break-up will be to an extent of 50:50 in terms of domestic and overseas business but the mix is moving more in favour of domestic. In L1 orders we are at a record high this year. We have announced new orders of Rs. 1,041 crore earlier this month. They clearly reflect our efforts to diversify the geographical spread of our Order Book. The order win in Ghana is a significant step towards consolidating our position in the growing African Market. The company acquired SAE Towers Holdings LLC in September 2010. Brazil and Mexico both have delivered profits every year except last year where Mexico made loss due to lack of orders. The issues there seem to have got sorted and we should see orders coming in. In terms of tax rate, you are paying a higher rate. India is not the only country which has retrospective taxation issues. The last couple of years we have been paying more by way of taxes due to some disputes internationally. We expect to resolve most of the tax-related issues by this year end. How are you viewing the solar space? What we do is solar EPC. If you take out the component of solar panels, the job is no different from doing a regular sub-station or transmission line. In solar, you need to finish your project in around three months. The biggest constraint in solar projects is the supply chain. The advantage we have is that we have a great control over the supply chain. KEC also has transmission lines and sub-station projects across the country and thus have resources across India to mobilize any activity overnight. The clients are also mostly similar. On the other hand, in the private space, companies are looking for credible EPC partners so that they can achieve faster financial closure. The next few years offers great opportunities in this space. How is digital transformation impacting traditional business? As and when the Smart Cities come up as envisioned, there will be a lot of demand for digital transformation. The fact remains that we are in an industry that will require a lot of physical work and delivery. Yes, we have developed our own apps for customers so they can stay updated on the developments regarding their projects. We are focusing more on manufacturing side. We are looking at how best to control the supply chain and use barcodes and our work in the digital space is more on the information piece. In the manufacturing and hardware we have digital technology in terms of various readers and gadgets to check machine performance. Brief us about your financials. We have announced its unaudited consolidated results for the quarter and YTD nine months ended December 31, 2015. For the quarter ended December 31, 2015, the Net Revenue for the quarter stands at Rs. 2058.8 crore as against Rs. 2053.3 crore in the corresponding quarter of previous year. EBITDA for the quarter stands at Rs. 160.9 crore as against Rs. 104.6 crore in the corresponding quarter of previous year, an increase of 53.9% yoy. EBITDA margin for the quarter stands at 7.8%, the highest in last 15 quarters. Profit before Tax for the quarter stands at Rs. 73.5 crore as against Rs. 1.4 crore (excl. asset sale) in the corresponding quarter of previous year. What are your key global expansion plans? We continue to deliver improved performance despite challenging headwinds globally. Our focused strategy of de-risking the business through geographic spread and diversified business portfolio has yielded good results. Further, building on to our success in the domestic substation space, we are expanding our presence in the International Substation arena as well. We have completed a GIS in Saudi. We have won a new substation order in Afghanistan in addition to the substation orders secured earlier in Nepal, Bhutan and Saudi. Your message to shareholders We are talking about improvement in margins despite the headwinds which is an achievement in itself. For shareholders, this month we announced an interim dividend too. Next year we expect the growth momentum to continue. We are eyeing 10% growth for FY17. Moreover, we expect our new businesses like railways and solar to grow fast. Early completion of projects is a major driver towards lower working capital intensity. The fact that project cycles are getting shorter reduces the working capital requirements. We recently completed a project, which was scheduled for 12 months. The money which would have taken 12 months to come will now be received. The second aspect is ensuring that the contracts are on commercially friendly terms so that the contracts could be closed fast. Earlier, it would take two to three years to commercially close a contract and now we are targeting it at around six months. With some of our clients which are publicly listed companies and those who are owners of projects under TBCB, would like to have commercial closures on projects at the earliest. We are also constantly educating our team to deliver exactly in line with the commercials specified in the contract. This helps on the current working capital, early completion and faster commercial closure. As far as our order book is concerned, our contracts in India are generally variable price while overseas ones are fixed price contracts. Prevent Unauthorized Transactions in your demat / trading account Update your Mobile Number/ email Id with your stock broker / Depository Participant. Receive information of your transactions directly from Exchanges on your mobile / email at the end of day and alerts on your registered mobile for all debits and other important transactions in your demat account directly from NSDL/ CDSL on the same day." - Issued in the interest of investors. KYC is one time exercise while dealing in securities markets - once KYC is done through a SEBI registered intermediary (broker, DP, Mutual Fund etc.), you need not undergo the same process again when you approach another intermediary. No need to issue cheques by investors while subscribing to IPO. Just write the bank account number and sign in the application form to authorise your bank to make payment in case of allotment. No worries for refund as the money remains in investor's account." www.indiainfoline.com is part of the IIFL Group, a leading financial services player and a diversified NBFC. The site provides comprehensive and real time information on Indian corporates, sectors, financial markets and economy. On the site we feature industry and political leaders, entrepreneurs, and trend setters. The research, personal finance and market tutorial sections are widely followed by students, academia, corporates and investors among others. Closing bell: Live market: Read More: Finally, BSE Sensex ended with a gain of mere three points at 25,342. The BSE Sensex opened at 25,365, touched an intra-day high of 25,480 and low of 25,223.The NSE Nifty closed with a gain of three points at 7,738. The NSE Nifty opened at 7,728 hitting a high of 7,778 and low of 7,702.The BSE Midcap closed 0.6% higher and Smallcap indices higher by 0.46% respectively.Tata Power, Idea Cellular, ZEEL, IndusInd Bank, Sun Pharma, TCS, UltraTech Cement were among the gainers on NSE, whereas SBI, ONGC, Coal India, Tata Steel, Vedanta, BhartiAirtel and Asian Paints were among the losers today.On the global front, Chinas Shanghai Composite Index closed up by 0.12% and Hang Seng ended marginally down 0.13%.In Europe, the FTSE 100 marginally down 0.64%. On the other hand, DAX and the CAC 40 trading lower by 1% each.The Indian Rupee was trading up by 12 paise at 66.25 per US dollar.The India VIX (Volatility) index was down 1.33% to 16.5825. Out of 1,801 stocks traded on the NSE, 746 declined and 804 advanced today.A total of 32 stock registered a fresh 52-week high in trades today, while 30 stocks touched a new 52-week low on the NSE.At 3:19 PM, the S&P BSE Sensex is trading at 25,326 down 13 points, while NSE Nifty is trading at 7,736 up mere one points.The BSE Mid-cap Index is trading up 0.07% at 10,554, whereas BSE Small-cap Index is trading up 0.16% at 10,510.Sun Pharma, ITC, NTPC, Bajaj-Auto, Hero MotoCorp, HDFC Bank and HUL are among the gainers, whereas GAIL, ONGC, Tata Steel, Maruti Suzuki, Asian Paints, Adani Ports, HDFC, BHEL and Coal India are losing sheen on BSE.Some buying activity is seen in power, pharma, utilities, banking and telecom sectors, while auto, consumer durables, metal, energy and realty are showing weakness on BSE.The INDIA VIX is down 0.60% at 16.7050. Out of 1,801 stocks traded on the NSE, 810 declined, 720 advanced and 271 remained unchanged today.A total of 26 stocks registered a fresh 52-week high in trades today, while 29 stocks touched a new 52-week low on the NSE.The Indian rupee opened higher for the fifth consecutive session. The rupee gained 2 paise and is trading at 66.35/$ on Thursday as against the previous close of 66.37/$. On Wednesday, the rupee registered handsome gains against the greenback, aided by weaker trend in US dollar against the basket of currencies. The currency markets were influenced by the dovish stance adopted by Fed Chief Janet Yellen at the Economic club of New York.Hindustan Zinc was higher by 5% at Rs. 184. The company has announced that the Board of Directors, at its meeting held on March 30, 2016, has declared special golden jubilee dividend @1200% i.e. Rs. 24/- per equity share of Rs. 2/- each for the financial year 2015-16.ONGC stock was lower by 2% at Rs. 212. Standard & Poor's Ratings Services said that its rating on Oil And Natural Gas Corp. Ltd is unaffected by the company's US$5 billion investment plan for the Krishna Godavari (KG) basin on the east coast of India.Gammon India Ltd was higher by 6% at Rs. 12. The company has announced that a meeting of the Board of Directors will be held on April 02, 2016, inter alia, to consider proposal received from an Investor for investment in the company's engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) business.Natco Pharma Ltd stock was higher by 4% at Rs. 415.The Board of Directors have approved the sale of Save Mart Pharmacy Stores located in USA which is a non-core business of the Company.Suzlon Energy Ltd stock was lower by 2% at Rs. 13.The company announced another turnkey order of 48.30MW wind power project from Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL).Gallantt Ispat Ltd has announced that a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Company will be held on April 05, 2016, inter alia, to discuss, consider and approve the expansion of the units of the Company. Gallantt Ispat Ltd is currently trading at Rs. 501.9, up by Rs. 7.9 or 1.6% from its previous closing of Rs. 494 on the BSE.Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd has announced that the company has launched phase 3 of its Affordable Residential Project 'Happinest Boisar on March 30, 2016.Shree Cement slipped 2.4% to Rs.11,960 on BSE. The company has commissioned Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Blocks Project having capacity of 3 Lac Cubic Meter Per Annum at Sikandrabad, Bulandshahr in Uttar Pradesh on 29 March 2016.Jain Irrigation Ltd stock was up by 2% at Rs. 38. The company's arm Jain Farm Fresh Foods has raised Rs. 402 crore through equity isuance.Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd was up 4% at Rs. 290. Brigade Group and GIC have announced the acquisition of an 16 acre property in Chennai from Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd for a sale consideration of Rs. 537.86 crore.IL&FS Transportation Networks Ltd stock surged 5% at Rs. 71. The Committee of Directors approved the allotment of 4,250 rated, listed, redeemable, non-convertible debentures (the "Debentures") of the face value of Rs. 10,00,000 aggregating to Rs. 425 crore on a private placement basis on March 30, 2016.Federal Bank stock gained 1% to Rs.47 on BSE. Around 42 lakh shares were traded in a single block on the BSE.PNC InfraTech Ltd has announced that it has bagged highway EPC project worth Rs.1,155 crore. The order book has hit at all-time high over Rs.5,400 crores. The stock is currently trading at Rs. 517.5, up by Rs. 12.1 or 2.39% from its previous closing of Rs. 505.4 on the BSE.Ahluwalia Contracts stocks trading 0.7% higher at Rs.282.80 on BSE. The company has secured new orders aggregating to Rs.199.86 crores(approx.) for construction of Institutional Building, including Electrical, Plumbing & Firefighting Services.Mercator climbed 9.4% to Rs.22.10 on BSE. Mercator International Pte. Ltd (MIPL) has received approval from the Singapore Exchange (SGX) for divestment of the entire stake in Mercator Lines (Singapore) Ltd.Aurobindo Pharma Limited has received final approval from the US Food & Drug Administration (USFDA) to manufacture and market Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection USP, 5 g/vial and 10 g/vial (Pharmacy Bulk Package). This product is expected to be launched in the later part of FY16-17. Aurobindo Pharma Ltd is currently trading at Rs. 734.4, down by Rs. 7.3 or 0.98% from its previous closing of Rs. 741.7 on the BSE.Larsen & Toubro Ltd has announed that it has bagged orders worth Rs. 2271 crores. Larsen & Toubro Ltd is currently trading at Rs. 1223.05, down by Rs. 3.7 or 0.3% from its previous closing of Rs. 1226.75 on the BSE.SRF gained 1.4% to Rs. 1,323 on BSE. The company has been commissioned and capitalized at an approximate cost of Rs.25 crore and Rs.9 crore respectively.Shares of Gas companies trading on a mixed note after the government's move to cut natural gas price to $3.2 per mmBtu from $3.82 per mmBtu. Gas distributors trading higher whereas gas producers trading lower on BSE. Gujarat Gas Ltd is currently trading at Rs. 552, up by Rs. 16.95 or 3.17% from its previous closing of Rs. 535.05 on the BSE. Petronet LNG Ltd is currently trading at Rs. 247.5, up by Rs. 0.6 or 0.24% from its previous closing of Rs. 246.9 on the BSE. Indraprastha Gas Ltd is currently trading at Rs. 560.8, up by Rs. 10.8 or 1.96% from its previous closing of Rs. 550 on the BSE. Oil & Natural Gas Corp Ltd is currently trading at Rs. 214.5, down by Rs. 3.35 or 1.54% from its previous closing of Rs. 217.85 on the BSE.GAIL (India) Ltd is currently trading at Rs. 356.45, down by Rs. 3.3 or 0.92% from its previous closing of Rs. 359.75 on the BSE. Reliance Industries Ltd is currently trading at Rs. 1050.45, up by Rs. 5.55 or 0.53% from its previous closing of Rs. 1044.9 on the BSE. United Breweries Ltd: Vijay Mallya may offer his shares in United Breweries Ltd (UBL) to partner Heineken to generate cash for a possible settlement with the lenders of the grounded Kingfisher Airlines, reports a national daily. Hindustan Zinc Ltd: The Board of Directors of the company at its meeting held on March 30, 2016, has declared special golden jubilee dividend @1200% i.e. Rs. 24/- per equity share of Rs. 2/- each for the financial year 2015-16. The amount of dividend will be paid / dispatched to the shareholders within the statutory time period. Jain Irrigation: Jain Irrigation arm Jain Farm Fresh Foods has raised Rs. 402 crore through equity isuance. Asian Paints: Asian Paints has decided to enter the adhesives market through a distribution arrangement with Germanys Henkel Adhesive Technologies, reports a business daily. OBC: Oriental Bank Of Commerce has informed the Exchange that the Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance , Government of India has conveyed its decision to infuse capital funds to the tune of Rs. 300 crore in the Bank by way of preferential allotment of equity in favour the Government of lndia. NHPC Limited: The company has announced that upon successful trial run of Unit No.# 2 of Teesta Low Dam HE Project Stage IV (4 x 40 MW) at its installed capacity of 40 MW for continuous 12 hours on dated 29.03.2016, the unit No. #2 is hereby declared under commercial operation w.e.f. 00:00 hours of March 31, 2016. Vijaya Bank: The bank said that the government has approved a capital infusion of Rs.220 crore in lieu of preferential allotment of shares. Wipro Limited: Wipro announced the appointment of Patrick Dupuis, an experienced financial and business strategist, recognized for driving cultural and operational transformation at scale, to its Board of Directors as an Independent Director, effective April 1, 2016. MEP Infrastructure Developers: The company has announced that the Company in Joint Venture with Sanjose India Infrastructure & Construction Pvt. Ltd has been declared as the Successful Bidder [L1] by MORTH (Ministry of Road Transport and Highways]. Brigade Ent: Brigade Group and GIC has announced the acquisition of an 16 acre property in Chennai from Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd for a sale consideration of Rs. 537.86 crore. Adani Transmission: The company is planning to raise Rs 3,000 crore or more via masala bonds, says report. Reliance Capital: The company announced the completion of additional 23% stake sale in Reliance Life Insurance to Nippon Life Insurance. Reliance Capital Ltd has announced that it has bought back listed, secured, fixed Non-Convertible Debentures. Aurobindo Pharma: The pharma company announced that it has received USFDAs approval for Vancomycin Hydrochloride. Natco Pharma: Board of Directors of Natco Pharma has approved the sale of Save Mart Pharmacy Stores located in USA which is a non-core business of the Company. Tata Steel: Standard & Poor's Ratings Services said that Tata Steel Ltd.'s (BB-/Stable/--) plan to restructure its U.K. operations, which could include potential divestment, will be positive for the credit profile of the company. SBI: Consortium of banks led by State Bank of India confirmed receipt of an offer for settlement of dues from Kingfisher Airlines Ltd. The bank along with other consortium members, will examine the same. PVV Infra: The company has received work order from CPWD BUVANESHWAR, in the State of ODISHA, for Supply & Installation Prefab Toilets Units, under SWACHCH BHARAT ABHIYAAN. SMS Pharmaceuticals: The board of directors of SMS Pharmaceuticals to considered the report of the independent committee and approved in principle to initiate the process of demerger of the company based on its regulatory and non- regulatory units. Vakrangee: Vakrangee Ltd has partnered with My Mobile Payments Limited (MMPL) for Bill Payment Collection Services under its E-Governance Business. ONGC: Standard & Poor's Ratings Services said today that its rating on Oil And Natural Gas Corp. Ltd is unaffected by the company's US$5 billion investment plan for the Krishna Godavari (KG) basin on the east coast of India. Bharti Airtel Ltd: The telecom company has introduced 4G Services in Goa, according to reports. Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited: BHEL has achieved one more milestone by successful commissioning a 250 MW coal-based thermal power plant (TPP) in Bihar. Union Bank of India: Government-owned Union Bank of India has raised Rs. 1,000 crore bonds on private placement basis. Shree Cement Ltd: The company has commissioned Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Blocks Project having a capacity of 3 Lakh Cubic Meter Per Annum at Sikandrabad, Bulandshahr in Uttar Pradesh on March 29, 2016. Suzlon Energy: The company said it has bagged a new turnkey order of 48.30 megawatt (Mw) wind power project from Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL). will supply atoin north-eastern India. The order includes seven Wartsila 34SG engines running on natural gas. The letter of award was issued in December 2015, and the power plant, delivered on a turn-key basis, is expected to be operational by March 2018.plans to replace outdated gas turbine units with Wartsila technology. When gas is scarce, the plant needs to be run at part-load. Wartsila engines can do this while maintaining very high efficiency. According to, this would not be possible with gas turbines. By absorbing the variations in the gas supply, Wartsila engines enableto produce more efficient power from the same amount of fuel without affecting the heat rate.Initially, the power station will operate on an open cycle mode, buthas the option of converting it to a combined cycle plant by installing waste heat recovery units. The modularity of Wartsila power plants also allows the customer to easily expand the power plant with more engines to meet future demand.Currently, a major portion of the electricity is imported into Assam from outside of the state. The new power plant will increase the region's energy independency and help to meet its increasing electricity demand. According to a social responsibility report by APGCL, the project will also provide the local population with better access to electricity. A reliable power supply will also benefit the area's hospitals, schools and other social services. The project is financed by the Asian Development Bank as part of an investment programme for the energy infrastructure in Assam."This project will further strengthen Wartsila's position in the utility power market in India that is looking for gas-based solutions," says Partha Paul, Business Development Manager at Wartsila.Wartsila has an installed capacity of 4000 MW in India, and globally 60 GW in 176 countries. A new measure passed with overwhelming support in the Indiana legislature aims to encourage more minority students to pursue careers in school administration. Rep. Donna Harris, D-East Chicago, authored House Bill 1179, which expands an already-existing scholarship fund to include a wider range of minority students. Indiana Gov. Mike Pence signed the bill into law the following week. Prior to Harris proposed changes, the policy offered stipends up to $5,000 paid directly to certain qualified minority students who were completing the student teaching assignments required for their teaching degrees. With Harris changes, qualified minority students who are completing graduate-level internships in school administration can also be eligible for the stipend. It is important we work to ensure minorities are becoming involved in the educational process, Harris said in a statement. The change to this scholarship would help guarantee we are supporting those interested in the administration and operation of a school as well as assisting those who aspire to become teachers. Justin Ohlemiller, executive director of Stand for Children Indiana, praised the passage of the amended stipend program as a positive step in the right direction. It is not only important to have teachers in front of the classroom who reflect the community theyre teaching in, he said, but its important to have diversity in the administrative ranks as well, leaders who are able to connect with and understand challenges of students in their communities Those educators come with a perspective that is unique to their life experience. Ohlemiller said he finds the number of minority teachers and school leaders alarming, compared to the number of minority students enrolled. According to data from the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE), the percentage of minority students in Indiana public schools outpaces the percentage of minority teachers. In the 201314 school year, 70.9 percent of Indiana public school students were white, 12.3 percent were Black and 10.1 percent were Hispanic. In the same year, 94.7 percent of Indiana public school teachers were white, 4.1 percent were Black and 1.2 percent were Hispanic. Studies and stories on diversity among school administrators arent as readily available as resources about diversity among teachers, but numbers from IDOE show a similar disparity. Of 3,331 Indiana school administrators in 2015, 89 percent were white, 9 percent were Black and only 1 percent were Hispanic. Nationwide, 2015 numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics said only 13.4 percent of education administrators were Black or African-American and 9.3 percent were Hispanic or Latino. Current trends in U.S. population and the teaching profession show these gaps will likely continue to widen. This minority teacher shortage becomes more acute each year, the National Education Association (NEA) has said. Such a crisis could lead to a failure of all American students to learn the academic, personal and social skills they need in the multicultural workplace of the future. In response to the looming issue, the NEA has issued a formal policy resolution on minority educators. The National Education Association believes that multiracial teaching staffs are essential to the operation of schools. The Association deplores the current trend of diminishing numbers of ethnic minority educators, the resolution says. The Association urges local and state affiliates and appropriate governing bodies and agencies to work to increase the number of ethnic-minority teachers and administrators to a percentage at least equal to, but not limited to, the percentage of the ethnic minorities in the general population. Ohlemiller knows groups like Stand for Children Indiana have their work cut out for them. We have a lot of work ahead of us to really raise the teaching profession up, Ohlemiller said. (We need to) overhaul the profession itself and make sure teaching is seen as a career path with similar prestige or importance to being a lawyer or a doctor. The Make America Great Again campaign led by GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump is reaching new heights as results of the U.S. primaries continue to roll in week after week. Despite his growing popularity in states such as Arizona and Mississippi, many individuals have expressed deep concern for the future of the country if Trump is elected president. Several of his campaign rallies have spun out of control in one incident, a Black man was sucker punched by a white Trump supporter, and in a separate event, Chicago residents, both minorities and non-minorities, helped shut down a scheduled rally in their city. Outside the local chaos, many U.S. residents have called Trump racist and sexist, and his word choice has often been criticized. The candidate has said on record statements such as, When Mexico sends its people, theyre not sending the best. Theyre not sending you, theyre sending people that have lots of problems, and theyre bringing those problems to us. Theyre bringing drugs. Theyre bringing crime. Theyre rapists And some, I assume, are good people; One of the key problems today is that politics is such a disgrace. Good people dont go into government; and Our great African-American president hasnt exactly had a positive impact on the thugs who are so happily and openly destroying Baltimore! Statements such as these have sparked the idea of Americans packing their bags and moving out of the country to Canada. In a recent survey conducted by Vox.com, 28 percent of Americans claimed theyll move to Canada should Donald Trump win the presidency. Despite those remarks and concerns, Trump supporters admire him for his honesty, wit and outgoing personality. The Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper spoke with a variety of individuals about their stance on the presidential candidate. Too Black, spoken word artist (He is) a racist, sexist, xenophobic and potentially fascist dictator who tapped into a sentiment among poor and working class whites that they are losing their footing. Make America Great Again implies their country is being taken away from them by others. These others are Muslims, gays, women, Latinos and Blacks essentially anyone who isnt a straight, white man. Trump speaks their language. He makes their whiteness feel whole again. He reminds them they deserve better. Ironically, they actually do, but unfortunately, white supremacy with a face-lift isnt better. Still, thats what Trump is offering. This cant all be blamed on Trump, because the Republican party has been stoking the same flames for years. Trump just does it better. Greg Meriwether, Indianapolis resident When I think of Donald Trump, my mind is upset and thankful all at the same time. Donald Trump has absolutely no business being the front-runner for the GOP. He is a rabble-rouser and a total PR nightmare. I believe he is a racist, but more toward the Hispanic community. This makes me believe before the Hispanic population grew to what it is now, he was equally racist toward the Black community. However, I am thankful for Donald Trump, because he is allowing the Blacks who thought racism was dead to see it is alive and stronger than ever. He is also exposing the hidden racism that looms over this country, while proving that we as Blacks were not just making up these stories about inequality and injustice. Ash Ogunleye, YouTube vlogger Donald Trump is a self-made multi-billionaire, meaning he cant be bought off by big business; hes got a long track record of success; he knows how to make deals; he has the connections to get the job done and all in all is the only candidate who I believe has the countrys best interests in mind. While most of my views on Trump can be found in my YouTube videos, I will state again that, while I personally will always take my destiny in my own hands, Trump is the only candidate who is willing to address the immigration issue head on. If Blacks are going to cry about jobs not being available or being given to someone else, it would be perfectly logical to support a candidate whos willing to build a wall, keep the illegals from coming in to take these same jobs from Americans, and boot out the ones living here currently and make them come in the legal way like everyone else. The solutions he has proposed to this country will help, I believe, to Make America Great Again and unite this country after so many years. Trump is a representation of the thing that can break the chains Democrats have had on minorities and the less fortunate for so long. The Establishment wants everyone divided for their own power gain. This is mostly why I believe there is so much resentment toward Trump. That and the fact therere so many who simply see him as a threat to their free handouts. I have been ridiculed for being Black and supporting Trump, (but I) have never and will never back down from what I believe in. There are also many Blacks across the country who feel the same way. Rosnellys Perez, Indianapolis resident I stopped following the race, because I feel like its a joke at this point. Donald Trump makes a mockery out of this. I think he would literally destroy the USA if elected. He makes rude comments and threatens other candidates and citizens and is being praised for it. I believe his mission is to create chaos in the country, and he has achieved this before being elected. The comments he made about Mexicans were specifically hurtful to me as an immigrant. Im not going to say that every immigrant is a saint, but not every American is a saint, either. He has such a disgusting idea of us, and its sad that so many people support and agree with him. Aaron Story, Indianapolis resident Its scary to think this is a real potential option for presidential leadership. While we are shocked, perhaps we shouldnt be. Politics are always divisive, and the recent trend toward sensationalism over reason and intelligence has brought the worst of our country to the surface. While by far this is the worst and scariest option of the group, Im not too motivated about any of the front-runners on either side. We are a divided nation in need of deep, deep healing. Sarah Stoner, Indianapolis resident I think Ted Cruz would make an excellent candidate, but the reality is Donald Trump is dominating the primaries and will likely be the front-runner for the Republican Party. I have been in support of Trump for quite a while now. I appreciate that he isnt afraid to speak out on controversial topics or voice his opinions and plans and that he has successful experience outside of the political world and therefore isnt focused on saying what is simply politically correct. Many Americans are fed up with the empty promises and smooth-talking speeches made by politicians, so in that sense Trump is refreshing! Although I dont agree with everything he does or says, I find myself feeling more and more confident that he can get the job done! I dont need a president who is nice and happy and tolerant of everything. What I believe America needs is someone who will make things happen and turn our country around. Yes, he is a prideful man, but I also think theres something significant to be said for someone willing and able to financially back up his campaign entirely,. I think he is stirring things up, and it may not always look pretty, but it might be what our country needs, at least in part. He did come out and say he does not endorse or encourage violence. Ultimately, my trust is not in any man but in Christ, and even as I might support one over another, I can rest assured that God is bigger and more capable of redeeming us as a country and people than anyone or anything else! God uses imperfect people to do great things. The state of Madhya Pradesh is not usually considered as the first choice for a travel destination, and that's a shame, because trust us, that's hardly the case. Think breathtaking historical architecture, glorious monuments, serene waterfalls, mosques, temples and museums galore and a touch of national parks - sounds like a very exciting vacation, doesn't it? We agree. indianholiday Though there's simply a lot to do and see in Madhya Pradesh, we've compiled a list of top five places that set Madhya Pradesh apart from the rest of the country and will ensure you have the vacation of a lifetime Time to pack your bags! 1. Hanuwantiya Island travelnewsdigest In a bid to promote water tourism in the state, the Madhya Pradesh government has developed the Hanuwantiya Island, which is located in the reservoir of Indira Sagar Dam on the Narmada river. The Madhya Pradesh Tourist Development Corporation has constructed a boat club that offers one cruise and two motorboat rides, a restaurant, and 10 cottages to accommodate tourists. To ensure that the place has ample amounts of natural beauty, plantation has also been done. Moral of the story? This is going to be straight out of your dream. 2. Son Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary pinformation What sets Madhya Pradesh apart from the rest of the tourist destinations is undoubtedly its wildlife. And though there are the usual haunts like the Kanha National Park and Bandhavgarh National Park, theres also that one forest not many travellers are aware of - the Son Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary. As the name suggests, this wildlife sanctuary, which derives its name from the river Son, is dedicated to the conservation of gharial, which is considered to be one of the most endangered species in the world. You can see gharials in their natural habitat. We bet youre excited! 3. Sanchi Stupa tripadvisor Itd be a shame to visit Madhya Pradesh and not have a look at one of the oldest Buddhist monuments in the country, which is also a world heritage site. Revel in Buddhist architecture as you visit this place. 4. Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka tripadvisor Explore the history of the Pandavas by visiting the rock shelters of Bhimbetka, which is about 46 kms from Bhopal. It comprises paintings that are 10000 years old. It is said that these paintings are from the time when humans started to live in groups and socialise. These rock shelters are a well preserved world heritage site that will guarantee an amazing experience for you and your family. P.S- Dont forget to take a guide approved by the Archaeology Department. Perception is a rather odd thing. While it may or may not have any resemblance to the actual reality, there is no denying it drastically impacts the idea people have of the place, or the people. It's the same with professions. We tend to think that people from a certain demographic are gifted with certain traits that let them excel in a particular trade. Here's a list of India's top 10 cities and the professions they are famous for: New Delhi The Politician capital This should come as no surprise! Come on, the city thats best known for high adrenaline heated political debates is the go-to destination for aspiring politicians. If you want to be the Neta, this is the place to be. Period. Mumbai The Actor Boxcity The birthplace of Bollywood is where the filmy action lies surely. Mumbai is called The City of Dreams for a reason. This is where it all began for the movie stars who slept on deserted train platforms or pavements, and then made it big! While many never make it to the big screen, the allure of stardom still drives thousands of wannabe actors to flood the city every year. Who knows, they might be the next superstar? Picture abhi baki hai mere dost! (The movies not yet over my friend!) Bangalore The Techie Techcity The Silicon Valley is known across the world for providing affordable IT solutions to nearly every country across the globe. It is also at the center of the Indian technology boom, so much so that when techies in Silicon Valley were losing their jobs because those were exported to India, they claimed to have been Bangalored! Chennai The Doctor Indiatimes There is a reason people run to Chennai for their medical needs. The citys littered with hospitals which offer world-class healthcare services, at a fraction of the cost of getting treated abroad. No wonder medical tourism is so popular in Tamil Nadu! Kolkata The Intellectual Indiatimes The city that houses leading educational institutions like Jadavpur University, Presidency University and St. Xaviers College, has been at the center of Indias freedom struggle, thanks to the incredibly sharp and passionate youth. No wonder Gokhale once said, What Bengal thinks today India thinks tomorrow. Whether its a result of some secret formula in the fish they cook, we cannot tell. This is where you unleash storms over teacups at the Coffee House with serious debate on Politics, Science, Society, or whatever suits your fancy. Doesnt matter if you dont believe in it, just argue it till your last morsel. Ahmedabad The Entrepreneur Indiatimes The notion is that Gujratis (or simply Gujjus in common parlance) know their money. The idea originates from the fact that numerous Gujratis have made it big with their innovative entrepreneurial ventures. Is it genetic? Your guess is as good as ours. Varanasi The Priest Indiatimes While Delhi maybe the national capital, Varanasi is the spiritual capital of India. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and is Hindu god Lord Shivas favorite city. If the gods love it, you surely would. Known to be the holiest of cities for Hindus and Jains across the world, some even believe a death at Varanasi brings salvation! Hyderabad The Chef ngmnexpo Another obvious choice. Can one argue that a place inhabited by foodie Nizams for centuries, and is the birthplace of most of the iconic Mughal dishes India is famed for would NOT be best known for its food? You've got to be kidding me! Chandigarh The Wrestler indiatimes Maybe this is just in their genes, but there ought to be some explanation about the wrestling frenzy in the capital city of Punjab and Haryana. Some say its a Punjabi thing. But we believe it doesnt matter as long as it continues to reward us with world class wrestlers to do India proud. Goa The Bartender Partyowl Indias most favorite party destination needs the most number of bartenders, it's as simple as that! A place that has a bar, pub or nightclub around every corner, it's undoubtedly the place that employs a huge number of bartenders! While the partys on, you need someone to make the drinks, dont you? Aamir Khan recently met the Governor of Maharashtra, Ch Vidyasagar Rao, and his wife Vinoda, at the Raj Bhavan. One of the prime matters of the discussion was the Satyamev Jayate Water Cup initiative. According to a report by Mumbai Mirror, the Governor gifted Aamir a copy of Discovery of India. The PK actor also discussed his vision of uniting the Hindi and Marathi filmy folks for his upcoming campaign trail through rural Maharashtra with the Governor. Reports claim that Aamir hosted a private dinner at home and he invited his friends from the B-Town. A photo posted by Aamir Khan (@iamaamirkhan) on Dec 16, 2012 at 7:48pm PST One of the guests who attended the dinner told media, A photo posted by Kangana Ranaut (@kanganaranaut) on Aug 11, 2015 at 7:12am PDT "He had discussed the initiative with Kangana first over a telephonic chat and had called her again to congratulate her on her recent National Award. She was among the early birds, along with Saif Ali Khan and Rajkumar Hirani, and spent time with Aamir and Kiran." Actors who would be tentatively representing the Marathi film industry include Riteish Deshmukh, Sai Tamhankar, Reema Lagoo and Atul Kulkarni. Even Aamir's ex-wife Reena Dutta, Sunny Leone, Aamir's Satyamev Jayate research team were among the guests. The guest further added: "The purpose of the meeting was to appraise the actors about Aamir's plans for water harvesting and addressing the water scarcity problem. He has urged his friends to campaign along with him through the state with a team that will dig wells and teach villagers about water harvesting. The legalities involved were also discussed." From Saif Ali Khan and Kangana Ranaut to Riteish Deshmukh, these actors will be touring villages in Maharashtra in order to spread awareness about water-harvesting. Consider yourself an expert on Bollywood trivia? Well, heres your chance to test your filmi knowledge! Read on to find out if you knew these interesting facts. 1. Waheeda Rahman played both mother and lover to Amitabh Bachchan. The super talented actress Waheeda Rahman has played both mother and a lover to Amitabh Bachchan. Waheeda played the love interest of Big B in the films Dharma and Adalat and his mother in Trishool and Coolie. 2. Big B used to open studio gates himself Deccanchronicle Amitabh Bachchan and his punctuality is known by all. But very few know that this superstar is so punctual that many a times he used to open the gates of Filmistan Studios himself as he used to reach the place before the watchman or gatekeeper. Amazing! isn't it! May be this is what the aura of a filmstar should be. Probably Amitabh Bachchan is the only actor in Bollywood who still sticks to his given time and date. Be it a meeting or a press conference, he is the one who reaches before time and waits for the rest.. 3. Amjad Khan was not the first choice for Gabbar Singh Actor Amjad Khan was almost dropped from Sholay which was a cult classic movie in the year 1975. Yes! you read it correct, Amjab Khan who played the role Gabbar Singh so well in the movie was indeed not the first choice for the role. Do you want to know that reason why he was not the first choice? The reason is scriptwriter Javed Akhtar found his voice weak for Gabbar Singh's role. Interestingly, Danny Denzongpa was approached for that role initially. 4. Dimple married Rajesh Khanna at the age of 16 Dimple Kapadia was only sixteen years old when Raj Kapoor introduced her in Bobby in the year 1973. She also got married to Bollywood superstar Rajesh Khanna in the same year. Despite the enormous success of Bobby, she took a short break from acting to raise her children. After a string of films, Dimple Kapadia emerged in Bollywood after a long hiatus with Dil Chahta Hai and was seen in a pivotal role in Finding Fanny. 5. Dilip Kumar rejected international project Thespian star Dilip Kumar was offered a lead role in the international project Lawrence of Arabia in the year 1962 by director David Lean. However, the actor declined the offer for reasons better known to him. Eventually, the role subsequently went to Egyptian actor Omar Sharif. Popular Indian comedian and actor-director I S Johar was a part of Lawrence of Arabia, though. 6. Raj Kapoor was superstitious before the release of Satyam Shivam Sundaram Zeenat Aman and Shashi Kapoor starrer Satyam Shivam Sundaram won many accolades nationally and internationally. Both the lead actors were appreciated for their outstanding performances. Zeenat was specially acclaimed for her look from the movie. She emerged as sex symbol in Bollywood with this movie. But a few must know that Raj Kapoor was superstitious and went off drinking as well as eating non-vegetarian food before the release of Satyam Shivan Sundaram. 7. Mughal-E-Azam was made in three different languages One of the cult Hindi movies of Bollywood Mughal-E-Azam is a master-piece and a film like it will never be made again. But did you know that Mughal-E-Azam, which released in the year 1960, was a trilingual Bollywood movie. That was not all as the film was indeed shot all its scenes thrice. The languages in which it was made were Hindi, Tamil and English. However, luck was not with the movie in all the languages as the Tamil one flopped miserably, which resulted in English version to get aborted. (Originally published in The Times of India) oldindianphotos When Sarla Thakral became the first Indian woman to fly an aircraft, she already had a four-year-old daughter! We have been trying to dig into our history timelines and come out with names of India's female unsung heroes so that you know why we say they Bollywood needs to make a biopic on them. And taking the series forward, we chose Sarla Thakral, the one lady who pioneered a career in aviation. She was not just the first woman to fly solo, but her story of success is as inspiring as anyone's today. Just that people barely know about her! Read on to know more about this super-woman. 1. Delhi-born Sarla was fiercely ambitious who got an aviation pilot license in 1936 when she was just 21. misstoddfilm At a time when women were fighting for equal status in the society, Sarla was already living her dream in the skies, quite literally. That's how you wing your way into the sky and create history. 2. When Sarla took her first flight, she was not just married but also a mother of a four-year-old daughter. dehavilland She tied the knot with P D Sharma, also a pilot, at a young age of 16. Her husband was the initiator behind her achievement and her father-in-law was also supportive of all the things. "My husband was the first Indian to get airmail pilot's license and flew between Karachi and Lahore. It wasn't so much of him though. My father-in-law was even more enthusiastic and got me enrolled in the flying club. I knew I was breaching a strictly male bastion but I must say the men, they never made me feel out of place." - Sarla Thakral 3. She stepped into the cockpit in a saree! flickr At a time when aviation was only about men, Sarla entered the cockpit of a Gypsy Moth and made a history as India's first lady pilot. 4. Sarla obtained her 'A' license after accumulating over 1000 hours of flying. vivchavan She was then looking for the group B license which would've authorized her to fly as a commercial pilot. While working to get this license, World War II broke out and civil training was suspended. This was a speed-breaker in her career. 5. Her life took an ugly turn at the age of 24, after which she gave up on all her dreams. eatonvilletorainier During her training in Jodhpur in 1939, her husband died in a crash. She was widowed at 24. That's when she abandoned her plans to become a commercial pilot. 6. She returned to Lahore to join the Mayo School of Arts and got a diploma in fine arts. twitter But after the partition, she moved to Delhi with her two daughters. 7. In her second innings of life, she became an entrepreneur. She successfully took up jewellery making, saree designing, painting and designing for the National School of Drama in her later years. One of her clients was Vijayalaxmi Pandit! "I dabbled in designing costume jewellery, which was not only worn by the who's who of that time, but also supplied it to Cottage Emporium for 15 years. After that, I took to block printing and the sarees designed by me were well sought after. This too continued for 15 years. Then I began designing for the National School of Drama and all along I kept painting." - Sarla Thakral Sarla represents the face of a new and confident Indian woman. She came as a fresh breeze of courage and determination, leaving hundreds inspired for generations. Sadly, her story got buried after her death in March 2008. Her simple moto in life was: "Always be happy. It is very important for us to be happy and cheerful. This one moto has seen me tide over the crisis in my life". - Sarla Thakral ndtv Do you agree with us now, why we say Bollywood needs a biopic on this iron lady? Well, given a chance maybe actress Sonam Kapoor can play her part. After all, she did a tremendous job as an air hostess who fought all odds to save hundreds of lives in her last biopic Neerja. Also, she is well versed with what all goes inside a plane, from cockpit to cabin! tellymaza B-town's separations are giving us an overdose already. Karisma Kapoor who had recently filed a dowry harassment case as part of her impending divorce from husband Sunjay Kapur has now withdrawn the consent of separation. The divorce proceedings of the couple fell through, with both parties took back their mutual terms. Karisma's decade-long marriage with Delhi-based businessman Sunjay stands, even though they are estranged. Divorce lawyer Kranti Sathe, while confirming the development, said, "The petition for divorce on the grounds of mutual consent stands disposed of. It was withdrawn by both parties." Sathe added that Karisma had filed the application to withdraw her consent as Sunjay had not complied with the financial obligations seeking the welfare of his children. The couple had earlier filed a mutual consent divorce petition in a Mumbai family court. During the proceedings on Friday, Sunjay was made to communicate with the marriage counsellor via video conferencing, following which a report was filed before the judge. ndtv The couple have two minor childrena daughter and a younger son. It was Sunjay, who first moved the family court in Bandra on May 31, 2014. Both were estranged by then. He had filed a custody petition for both his children on the grounds that Karisma daughter of the yesteryear actors Randhir Kapoor and Babita and sister of actress Kareena Kapoorwas allegedly seeing someone else. When a petition is filed through mutual consent plea, there is a six-month cooling off period to give time to both sides for a rethink, at the end of which if they still want to split, divorce is granted. They also have up to another year to work on their decision to get divorce by consent. abplive The couple had tied the knot in 2003. But after their first child, Samiera, was born, their differences came to the surface. All we can hope is that they are able to settle their differences soon and start afresh post separation. Did he didn't he? The Netaji mystery deepens. Files declassified by the Modi government on Tuesday indicate that Netaji Subhas Bose made three 'broadcasts' on dates after he's thought to have died in a plane crash in Taiwan on August 18, 1945. One file in particular, File No 870/11/p/16/92/Pol, contains the content of these broadcasts, supposedly from Netaji. The content likely came from Governor House in Bengal. It's mentioned in the file that one PC Kar, an official thete, claimed that a monitoring service had picked up the broadcasts on the 31-metre band. Kar apparently told then governor R G Casey about them. The first broadcast, supposedly by Bose, was on December 26, 1945. "I am at present under the shelter of great World powers. My heart is burning for India. I will go to India on the crest of a Third World War. It may come in ten years or even earlier. Then I will sit on judgement upon those trying my men at the Red Fort," the broadcast said. The second broadcast was on January 1, 1946. "We must get freedom within two years. The British imperialism has broken down and it must concede independence to India. India will not be free by means of 'non-violence'. But I am quite respectful to Mahatma Gandhi." The third broadcast was in February 1946. "This is Subhas Chandra Bose speaking, Jai Hind. This is the third time I am addressing my Indian brothers and sisters after Japan's surrender... The PM of England is going to send Mr Pethick Lawrence and two other members with no object in view other than let the British imperialism a permanent settlement by all means to suck the blood of India." TOI The declassified file also refers to a letter of July 22, 1946, from Khurshed Naoroji, one of Gandhi's secretaries, to Louis Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of the British Indian Empire. "At heart, the Indian Army is sympathetic to the INA (Bose's Indian National Army). If Bose comes with the help of Russia, neither Gandhiji nor Nehru nor the Congress will be able to reason with the country," Naoroji writes to Mountbatten. In addition, the file refers to the British government, on October 25, 1945, taking up the issue of Netaji having died in the air crash. It says the British Prime Minister was chairing a meet to consider, among other things, what to do with Bose in the post-war situation. The British cabinet discussed a confidential note sent by the Viceroy of India, Lord Wavell, regarding the "finalisation of a policy towards Bose". The file says that the diary of Mountbatten, who was then the supreme commander of the Allied forces in Southeast Asia, indicates that he received a dispatch from the British directorate of military intelligence after the news of Bose's death in the crash. The message said: "When Bose was preparing to leave Burma by plane, the Chinese intercepted a message from the Japanese asking him to remain in Burma. Bose subsequently escaped to Thailand." Prime Minister Narendra Modi has suggested a series of structural reforms in education, ranging from schools being mandated to display grade-wise learning goals for each class for which Niti Ayog has been entrusted to recommend overhauling of University Grants Commission and All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE). Students to evaluate teachers School students will be asked to evaluate their teachers and a university may be started for teacher training. In a meeting that the PM held with Niti Ayog and HRD top brass, including minister Smriti Irani, a series of decisions were taken. A detailed outcome-focused presentation was made by Niti Ayog. The Hindu/ Representative Image A senior HRD official said, "Access to school education has more or less been achieved. The problem is with quality. The meeting emphasised on outcomes, be it school or higher education. Equal emphasis was laid on vocational education." As for UGC/AICTE, the meeting expressed disappointment with their functioning and complete failure as regulators. Niti Ayog has been asked to recommend big changes so that they can address present concerns in higher and technical education. Grade-wise learning goals to be displayed on school board In school education, it was decided that minimum grade-wise learning goals from class I to VIII will be displayed on school board. As far as funding goes, HRD sources said, a substantial component of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) will be linked to learning outcomes and fund release will depend a lot on quality. chennaichallenge It has also been decided to grade schools and start remedial classes for weaker students. At regular intervals, national/regional workshops will be held for sharing best practices. While a decision on doing away with 'no-detention policy' was not taken, it was decided that till then Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation should continue in a rigorous fashion. No more proxy teachers Aware of the fact that teachers are also made to do non-teaching work, PM suggested a comprehensive study. Schools will be mandated to put photographs of teachers to avoid proxy teachers doing the job of permanent ones. boloji/ representative image Teachers' profiles will be linked to Aadhar and to deal with their skewed ratio in rural and urban India, teachers will be regularly transferred to rural schools.In secondary education, the PM also suggested introduction of 800 vocational courses as part of the syllabus. The Western Ghats, called Nilgiri or the Blue Mountains, extend from Gujarat in the north all the way to Kerala in the south. Very recently, the Agasthyamala was named a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. One of the primary reasons behind the success of this reserve is the fact that humans have been able to affect very little of it. Continuous efforts towards the conservation of natural habitats of trees and animals has led to this green expanse which is now recognised internationally. The distinction by UNESCO will also help conservationists to continue their good work in other regions as well. Agasthyamala Reserve only covers a fraction of the Western Ghats and spreads across Kerala and Tamil Nadu. There are a host of sanctuaries and new wildlife reserves in the Western Ghats that have now come into the limelight. These include the Kaas Plateau of Maharashtra, and Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Karnataka, among several others, that require greater efforts towards conservation. www.wildtrails.in Of the many species that inhabit the region, the Nilgiri Marten and the Nilgiri Tahr are among the rarest. www.observationdeck.kinja.com They are the pride of the Western Ghats. The Purple Frog is also an endangered amphibian that can be spotted in the region along with the Malabar Parakeet, Grey Hornbill and also the Indian Flying Fox. Among the commonly spotted animals are the Gaur or the Indian Bison which is struggling to find space in several other forest reserves of India. The Royal Bengal Tiger and the sloth bear also have a home here. The Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven for birds while the Palani Hills is a favourite for bird-watchers to get a glimpse of the Malabar Parakeet apart from more than a hundred varieties of butterflies. www.indianaturewatch.net UNESCO stated that the biggest reason for including Agasthyamala in the list of 20 other biospheres around the world is the 400 endemic varieties of trees that have been protected in this biosphere. "Consisting mostly of tropical forests, the site is home to 2,254 species of higher plants including about 400 that are endemic. It is also a unique genetic reservoir of cultivated plants especially cardamom, jamune, nutmeg, pepper and plantain. Three wildlife sanctuaries, Shendurney, Peppara, Neyyar and Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger reserve, are included in the site," it said. www.planetgreenearth.blogspot.com The plush slopes of the Western Ghats provide and protect nature. The rivers are alive with a rich variety of fish, the banks of the river provide ample food and shelter for the amphibians and molluscs. The endemic trees and undergrowth have helped in increasing the numbers of insects and reptiles as well. The King Cobra has its own designated zone in Agumbe, the best place to spot the red-listed reptile. www.team-bhp.com The key to such a successful natural habitat lies in the hands of tribals who also call the Western Ghats their home. The tribals live off the forest but worship every life form in the region and strive to protect their home. They avoid taking in excess to ensure the forest has enough time to regenerate and provide for their future generations. The population of tribals is decreasing every year, and with it, there are lesser guardians of the forest. The Western Ghats also faces threats of illegal wood extraction, poaching as well as mining in several pockets. The lack of a single body to oversee the conservation of the Western Ghats region is a key reason for such mismanagement. www.indiainsight.com After nearly two decades of absence, smooth-coated otters have finally returned to the Thoothapuzha River in Kerala. Although the state is known as the pioneer in conservation projects and green initiatives, the river had been languishing under the effect of human waste and fishing malpractices but with continued efforts on the part of the residents of the Thootha Village, the marine life in the river seems to have been revived. Panoramio Residents of the village claim that otters were a common sight in the river till about 15 years ago when they suddenly disappeared. In the light of the impeding water crisis in India, the rejuvenation of the Thootha river which feeds the Bharathapooza, one of the main rivers of the region which is already running low, brings hope. wanderlust Otters are apex predators in this riverine ecosystem. Their return to a river is akin to tigers returning to a forest. It indicates that the ecological health of the river has improved, there is plenty to eat for the otters, and there is a natural habitat safe enough for them to breed. Wildlife biologist Aathira Perinchery says otters are considered bio-indicators since their presence signifies improvement in water quality and availability of fish and other aquatic animals. They, however, try and avoid human habitations. By creating a better environment and reducing human activity in the water and along the banks where they make their dens and breed the community at Thootha would have encouraged them to return. wildwithpants.blogspot.com We have been working to stop open defecation on the river banks, and also dumping of waste, said Nasser Thootha, a social and political activist. We keep watch at night to prevent drivers from taking their trucks into the river for washing. We have managed to reduce this by 80%, which is a major achievement. There was a time a few years ago when the river used to stink and even bus passengers covered their noses when passing over the bridge. Fortunately, it is not so today. A local group under the banner of Thoothapuzha Samrakshana Samithi carried out a river cleaning campaign a few months ago. They gathered the youth and schoolchildren from the village to clean the river. This activity raised the awareness of the community on their relationship with the river ecosystem and the need for its conservation, said Mohammed Iqbal, a local businessman. Youtube The group also highlighted the need to stop fishing using dynamite in the river as it was detrimental to the overall marine system. Illegal mining also posed a significant threat to the health of the river. With consistent efforts, conventional fishing has returned although mining has been stopped completely in the region. A young bird-lover's attempt to save a pigeon led to a tragic chain of events that claimed the lives of two men, both drowning in a drain pipe, in northeast Delhi's Wazirabad. TOI One of the victims, 19-year-old Anil Sahni, had gone to feed pigeons near a sewage pipe on Monday evening when he noticed a bird stuck in the sludgy water of the drain. While trying to hang from the open manhole to pick up the pigeon, Sahni fell into the pipe and got stuck in the sewage water, eyewitnesses said. Among those who saw Sahni fall into the drain was Naseeruddin, 35, a diver credited with saving the lives of nearly 100 people around the colony, which is situated next to the Yamuna. Naseer promptly jumped in to rescue Sahni. Neither of them got out of the pipe alive. "Neither could the two men stand inside the badly stinking drain pipe due to the flow of water, nor could they swim due to the sludge. The toxic gases in the drain made it difficult for them to breathe," said Mohammad Shaqir, an eyewitness. TOI Both victims were residents of Sonia Vihar area. Witnesses said it was around 4.30pm when Anil Sahni, went up to a cemented block built around a manhole of the sewerage pipe, to feed the birds. This was part of his daily routine. "He saw a pigeon stuck inside the pipe. It was totally wet and could not fly out. Fearing that the bird would die if left alone, Sahni bent down to help it. But the pipe was wide and he could not reach the water. While straining to catch the bird, Sahni's grip got loosened and he fell inside," said Shaqir. Naseeruddin, who was employed at the cremation ground to supply wood, saw the incident and rushed in to help. "We called him Naseer bhaijan. He was a diver and had saved any lives in the area. People know him as a saviour," said Shaqir. twimg Locals said the police were immediately called to rescue the two men. But by then the men were dead. Even the bodies could be brought out only after they floated up to the sewer opening, 100 m away from the spot where the two had jumped in. The duo was rushed to a nearby hospital and declared brought dead. Police said the bodies were sent for postmortem and later handed over to the families. "My son lost his life to save a bird. He didn't think about his mother and his younger siblings before jumping in. TOI The officials who kept the sewer open should be jailed," said Shanti Devi, Anil's mother. "The postmortem has ascertained death by drowning and the viscera of the deceased men has been sent for examination to check if toxic gases played a role in causing the deaths," said Ajit Singla, DCP northeast. Delhi Jal Board officials could not be contacted after repetitive attempts. A 72-year-old man on a flight from Hawaii to Tokyo decided to do some yoga at the rear end of the aircraft during the meal service. Naturally he was not allowed to do so and was asked to return to his seat. roomartspace.com Mr Hyongtae Pae from South Korea was visiting Hawaii with his wife. A sufferer from anxiety problems he took up yoga to calm his nerves, but perhaps doing it on an aircraft is not the right place and time. The disgruntled passenger started screaming at the cabin crew for ordering him around and got angry at his wife for siding with them. He pushed her aside when she tried to stop him. bombayroomyoga.com He also tried to headbutt and bite US marines present on the flight who were trying to force him back to his seat. The flight was redirected to Honolulu after Mr. Pae threatened to kill all the passengers and claimed that there was no god. At his detention hearing, an assistant attorney claimed that he was a danger to himself, his wife and others. Mr Pae was placed on suicide watch at Honolulu Detention Centre. He was released on a $25000 (INR 16.6 Lakh) on the condition that he not leave the island until he undergoes mental evaluation. ilashininggem.blogspot.com Pae told the FBI that he hadn't slept in 11 days during his vacation. Looks like yoga wasn't helping him at all... Gurdwara Bhai Biba Singh in Jogiwara, Peshawar opened its doors for devotees on Wednesday, ahead of the baisakhi festival. Express Tribune The Gurdwara is believed to have been established at the time of the 10th Sikh guru, Gobind Singh, who died in 1708, making this structure at least 300-years-old. It was for centuries one of the most visited places of worship for Sikhs but has not been used since the partition. Express Tribune "We have carried out massive renovation work of Gurdwara Bhai Biba Singh and would be pleased if Sikhs from India visit the shrine and pay obeisance," Siddiq-ul-Farooq , chairman of Evacuee Trust Property Board said, The decision to reopen our place of worship has brought us great joy. Before this, we had only two gurdwaras in Peshawar, Gurdwara Johgan Shah in Saddar and another in RA Bazaar. The gurdwara in RA Bazaar mostly remain closed as security forces are deployed there, Pakistan Sikh Community (PSC) Chairperson Radesh Singh Tony told The Express Tribune. Reuters Even though many parts of Pakistan including Punjab and Sindh had a thriving Sikh population before 1947, a majority of them migrated to the Indian side following the partition. According to a 2006 estimate there are around 20,000 Sikhs in Pakistan. Facing what is being called the city's worst air quality crisis, Mexico City is temporarily ordering all cars to remain idle one day a week. Currently vehicles are exempt from the city's "no circulation" rules if owners obtain a sticker from a smog-check center certifying them as lower-emission. Christopher Michel / flickr Read Also: 5 Cities Implemented The #EvenOdd Road Rationing Policy. But Was It Effective? But the Environmental Commission of the Megalopolis said Wednesday via Twitter that all cars must now comply, regardless of whether they have the sticker. They'll also be forced from the roads one Saturday a month. The measure will last from April 5 until June 30, around the time that summer monsoon storms arrive and significantly improve Mexico City's air quality. The commission is a cross-government agency comprising the capital and surrounding states that together make up the metropolis of 20 million-plus people. tribktla Were excited to announce that indmin.com is now part of fastmarkets.com. A new look and an improved experience means you can still stay ahead of this fast-moving market with price data, news and market intelligence right here on Fastmarkets. Discover more than 2000 prices, news and analysis in primary and secondary metals markets. We cover base metals, industrial minerals, ores and alloys, steel, scrap and steel raw materials. If you already have a Fastmarkets account, youll still have uninterrupted access to your markets by logging in with your current details. The Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio, has urged Nigerians not to blame the countrys current economic woes on the All Progressives Congress-led federal government. The former Akwa Ibom State governor who made the plea in Arochukwu, Abia State yesterday, said the current economic challenges bedeviling the country was a global phenomenon following the steady fall in crude oil prices Nigerias main source of revenue. Akpabio (PDP/Akwa Ibom North-West), who threw his weight behind the governments effort to diversify the revenue base of the country, noted that the impact of the global economic crises is being felt more by Nigerians because of over-reliance on oil. He, therefore, advised the federal government to pay attention to other sectors of the economy like mining, agricultural and entrepreneurship ventures as well as foreign direct investment to boost the countrys revenue base. So, what has happened here is that with the massive failure, what we call oil glut in the market, the oil price has reduced below what we expected in the last 20 years. That automatically has affected our economy, he said. The Senate minority leader stressed that it has nothing to do with which administration is in power. It has something to do with resources to be able to deliver the dividend of democracy. Senator Akpabio, while admitting the effect of the harsh economic climate on the citizenry, urged them to remain patient even as he drummed up support for the present administration, in spite of party differences. The country belongs to all of us and if the country collapses on our heads, it means that we bequeath nothing to our children, he added. Legal scholars and experts exchanged verbal attacks around a round table convened by the Department of Jurisprudence and International Law, University of Lagos on Thursday, to brainstorm on winning the war against corruption. The round table tagged Winning the War Against Corruption was also an opportunity to launch the book Legal Perspectives to Corruption, Money Laundering, and Assets Recovery in Nigeria. Human rights lawyer Femi Falana delivered the keynote speech Rule of Law and Treatment of Politically Exposed Persons in Corruption Cases. However, things heated up after controversial scholar, Femi Aribisala, took to the podium to discuss Falanas speech. There is no fight against corruption in Nigeria. And if theres no fight against corruption, you cant even talk about war, Mr. Aribisala said. He also dismissed Former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesilis definition of corruption the abuse of public space for private gains. Corruption cannot be narrowly defined the way Dr. Ezekwesili defined it, only relating to public institutions. We are corrupt in Nigeria. The plumber, the tailor, the whole society is corrupt, said Mr. Aribisala. And we have not yet taken a decision, we have not yet gotten to a point where we are fed up. I mean, she (Mrs. Ezekwesili) had given an example of Hong Kong where people became fed up and said enough is enough. We have not reached that situation yet, I dont know why not, but we certainly have not. The 2015 election was not an anti-corruption election. We did not have any political party that presented an anti-corruption mandate to us. The party that won the election was just a makeover of the PDP, I mean the PDP people moved from the PDP to the APC. If they were corrupt when they were in PDP, they became clean when they were in APC. So there is no mandate against corruption. If President Buhari was determined to fight against corruption, my feeling is that he gave up after losing election three times. Because the fourth time, he formed an alliance with people who he despised before. And they were not necessarily people who had a track record of being (sic) anti-corruption. So today, I dont know who is anti-corruption. According to Aribisala, the current fight against corruption by the President Muhammadu Buhari government is merely a fight against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). We have to make up our minds if we really want to deal with the question of corruption. If we want to deal with the question of corruption, Nigerians themselves must insist on it and we have to deal with it at the institutional level, he said. The institutional fight against corruption that has taken place to the extent that it has, took place under PDP. The institutional structures, even the ones that the present government is relying on, are PDP structures. Whether it is EFCC, ICPC, TSA, all these came under PDP. In ten months of Buharis government, there has been no institutional structure that has been laid against corruption. We have simply had media circuses accusing people of corruption. You cannot fight corruption with corruption. And corruption is more than just the stealing of money. If you disobey the rule of law, you have corrupted the system. If you create an avenue where you have a big margin between the official foreign exchange rate and the parallel market rate, theres gonna be corruption. If you have children of the rich getting into the CBN on nepotistic grounds, the corruption is still with you. If you have a budget that is padded left right and centre, and after this was revealed you passed it and say only a small amount changed in it, and we do not know what is in the new budget, you cant say you are against corruption. There is no transparency in any of these things. Because the last 16 years was not just PDP government? The legacy parties of the APC were also in power. In fact when the PDP was ostensibly dealing with corruption, it addressed people in its own party. We are not having that now. And thats why I cant trust Falanas prescription that we are going to establish special courts. I dont trust this government to establish those courts. They will simply establish courts to decimate the opposition. People like Orubebe will be arrested, and they will file cases against him and several months later they will drop the charges against him. And they will have pronounced him guilty in the newspapers on charges that will later on be dropped. That is not a fight against corruption. Aribisalas speech ended with a thunderous applause by students. But Itse Sagay, a professor of Law and the chairman of the occasion was angry. This is not unexpected; he is the chairman of a Presidential Advisory Committee on Anti-courruption. We are not here to make students clap, he said. We are here on a very serious business. And students, dont behave like American electorates who are ignorant. Donald Trump. The appreciation of unserious people shows ignorance. How can someone come here and say theres no war against corruption and there is clapping? The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) says the persistence fuel scarcity faced by Nigerians is part of the ongoing sabotage in the political system, the national president of the union, Dr Nasir Fagge, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos after paying a courtesy visit to Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun, the Vice-Chancellor, Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo. Fagge alleged that the fuel scarcity was created by some group of people, who were used to stealing public funds. All the problems arising now should have been envisaged and addressed before removing the subsidy. Government is supposed to know that some people will try to frustrate its effort and should have pre-empt that, he said. According to the ASUU president, it is also wrong for political office holders to make unfulfilled promises to Nigerians about when the fuel scarcity will end. How will a government official utter conflicting statements that the fuel scarcity will be resolved on April 7, but later said it will be in the second week in April. That is unfair. Government officials should be held responsible for their promises and anyone who makes promise and failed to fulfill it should be eased out of the system, he said. Fagge called on President Muhammadu Buhari, who is also the Minister of Petroleum Resources, to urgently save Nigerians from the current hardship the fuel scarcity had brought upon them. The rights group, Human Rights Watch, has said that at least 400 women and children, including 300 primary school pupils, were abducted by Boko Haram from Damasak, Borno State, a year ago. In a report published on its website, the HRW urged the Nigerian government to make serious efforts to secure the release of the abductees. Describing the abduction as the largest documented abduction by Boko Haram, the group observed that the abduction has drawn less attention than the Chibok shoolgirls abduction. Three hundred children have been missing for a year, and yet there has been not a word from the Nigerian government, a researcher at the HRW, Mausi Segun, said. The authorities need to wake up and find out where the Damask children and other captives are and take urgent steps to free them. The report also quoted eye witnesses, who explained how the attack took place describing governments effort to rescue the children as inadequate. It would be recalled that Boko Haram seized the trading town of Damasak, about 200 kilometers northwest of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital on November 24, 2014 but were finally dislodged between March 13 and 15, 2015, by soldiers from neighbouring Chad and Niger as part of a cross-border military operation. According to Human Rights Watch, the fleeing insurgents took with them the 300 school pupils and an estimated 100 more women and children, who they have been holding captive ever since. Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State on Wednesday declared the alleged abduction of over 200 schoolgirls from their hostels by Boko Haram in Chibok, Borno State almost two years ago, as a hoax. The governor in a statement by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, said the alleged abduction was a political tool deployed to stir public sentiments against the Goodluck Jonathan administration ahead of the 2015 general elections. Mr. Fayoses comments came on the heels of the confirmation by the Nigerian government that one of the would-be female suicide bombers arrested in northern Cameroon last week and who claimed to be one of the abducted schoolgirls, is not from Chibok. Today, many opposition leaders are underground. I dont think any of these girls is missing; it is a political strategy. Who is fooling who? If you wanted to use it to remove some people, you have succeeded already, Fayose said while declaring open a two-day workshop on Political Aspirants Capacity Enhancement organised by Women Arise for Change Initiative. The workshop was organised for women from Ekiti, Osun and Ondo states. I dont know if there are missing girls but no indication has shown that. It is a political strategy, because I dont think any girl is missing. If they are missing, let them find them, the governor added. He also mocked the #BringBackOurGirls advocacy group, saying some of its leaders are using the movement to seek political appointments. The Ekiti governor further lamented that human rights groups had gone silent since President Muhammadu Buhari came on board, saying Im concerned about the activities of human rights groups. Today the government of the day is obeying court order of their choice, while human rights are not respected. We must talk about government providing cover for criminals. You are now using that person to harass innocent person. You will never have peace when you hide justice, he added. According to Fayose, Police came into town yesterday (Tuesday) to arrest political opponents. If you like, demonise me, I will demonise you. I dont need the police and the SSS (Department of State Services) to walk in my state. It is when you are not popular that you walk with police. Any government that rises against me, that government will come down. Im Peter the rock. By engaging me, you make me more popular and relevant and then court sympathy. Im one person that is going places. That is why all these challenges are against me, he stated. The governor also advised women seeking elective offices to be loyal to their husbands. Earlier, the President of the initiative and human rights campaigner, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, said the objective of the workshop was to enhance women political participation and their inclusion in decision making process by promoting female political aspirants and appointees. According to Okei-Odumakin, the workshop was organized to encourage a more massive political mobilisation of women. She also lamented that Nigerian women had not fully involved themselves in politics, despite the constitutional provisions giving them rights to political participation. The Ekiti State Government has accused the whistleblower on the alleged rigging of the June 21, 2014 governorship election in the state now referred to as Ekitigate, Tope Aluko, of making millions from the All Progressives Congress, APC, in a bid to remove the state governor, Ayodele Fayose. It also accused Aluko, who was the Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, during the elections, of feeding the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) with lies that the party stockpiled arms during the June 21, 2014 polls. The Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to the Governor, Lere Olayinka, in a statement yesterday labelled Aluko as a Judas, who he said would soon be dumped by his principals. Mr. Fayose said it was laughable that Aluko, who was expelled from the PDP is still claiming to be a member of the party. Can Aluko be a member of PDP by force even when PDP has said he is not wanted? The statement reads: Aluko and his likes can continue to run from pillar to post. All their efforts will come to naught. Like the Biblical Judas, we will all live to see how those treating him like their man Friday will dump him. Describing Alukos claims as talks from a demented mind, the statement said Nigerians must ask the former PDP scribe why he was unable to deliver his polling unit in Iyin-Ekiti to the PDP, if indeed he was the arrowhead of the rigging. Aluko can continue with his journey of political perfidy. He can keep running while enjoying the proceeds of his political 419. But like the Biblical Judas, he can only run; he will be caught by his deeds one day. Step aside Tom Holland, a new incarnation of Spidey is swinging into action. Weve had Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield, and now were anticipating Tom Hollands younger-take on Spider-Man in Captain America: Civil War, but Nigeria is throwing their own interpretation into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Prepare yourself everyone: Meet Nollywoods incredible Spider-Girl. Watch her here As you can see Spider-Girl could easily stand toe-to-toe with giants in the Marvel universe; flinging enemies into the sky and saving vehicles which are mildly going over the speed limits. If anything, the real stars of the show are the powerful screams from civilians startled by her presence. Its the kind of shrill Daredevil could hear from Hells Kitchen. The genuine movie trailer is one of the many treats offered by Nigerias Hollywood equivalent, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2012. Judging by the trailer for Captain America: Civil War, it looks like Captain America is lacking a Spidey companion. So should Nigerian Spider-Girl face-off against Tom Holland? Source: MetroUk Three children went to pluck cashew from a bush opposite Ajyaita Village in Kakau District of Chikun LGA of Kaduna State on Tuesday, but ran into a very unlikely sight a corpse, which was later identified as that of the abducted military officer. Ajyaita village is about 10 kilometres from Kaduna city centre, and lies along the Eastern By-pass which links the Abuja-Kaduna express way to the southern part of the state. The children had set out for the forest opposite the village on Tuesday morning and met the decomposing body by a narrow footpath leading to the forest. Some elders told Daily Trust that the children then ran back home to reveal the unpleasant information to a farmer who they earlier met on their way to the forest. The man was planting yam seedlings at a farm. After hearing the childrens story, he rushed to the spot to confirm it, and he in turn, ran to inform the village head. The village head informed the police authorities who deployed some policemen to accompany him to the spot. The police then called the army authorities who came to inspect the corpse. Therein came the painful confirmation it was the body of Colonel Samaila Inusa, who was kidnapped a few days earlier. The military came with photographs and confirmed that he was the one. There was no identity card found on him, but the military identified him as the missing colonel. The place he was found is a bush path that is accessible by a car. The bush is also close to a village called Kefinary, an elder said. Residents of Ajyaita refused to take our correspondents to the place, saying the place had been cordoned off by soldiers who asked people to stay away for now. Daily Trust noticed some heavily armed policemen patrolling the area while villagers were busy with their work without any noticeable tension. The colonel was buried yesterday at the Ribadu Cantonment, Old Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) site in Kaduna according to Islamic rites. Draped in the national colours of green-white-green, the body arrived the old NDA cemetery around11.45am from the 44 Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna and was interred at noon after prayers at the NDA Jumaat mosque. Relations, colleagues and friends couldnt hold back tears, while some cried loudly. The Chief Administrative Officer of the Nigerian Army, Major General Ado Abubakar, who represented the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, said it was a great loss to the Nigerian Army. He described late colonel as a very committed officer who never joked with his responsibilities and announced that the army would do everything possible to get those behind the killing. Col. Inusa was a great soldier. We all feel the pains. Though death is inevitable and nobody can run away from it. I came in to represent my boss, the Chief of Army Staff because the Nigerian Army is mourning one of us that had really served this country greatly and we are not really happy the way he died, but whatever happened, we will see to the end of it all, he said. The Commander, Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Major General Kasim Abdulkarim, said the late Samaila who served under his command was a loyal, committed and hardworking officer who would be fondly missed by his colleagues. Gen. Abdulkarim urged officers and men of the Nigerian military to take precautionary measures for their personal safety. The colonels younger brother, Mustapha Inusa, described him as generous, saying, he was good to everyone, both within and outside his family. He was our familys breadwinner and we will miss his dearly. Samaila is dead and he was buried in the presence of his parents, you know what it feels like for parents to bury their children, it is not a good feeling, his parents will really feel his absence because he was the one who used to cater for them, he said. Colonel Inusa, who was the Commander, 81 Battalion in Bulabulin, Damboa LGA of Borno State before he became Chief Instructor at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Jaji, Kaduna State, was honoured with a three- gun salute by officers. A close friend of the deceased and former Minority Leader of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Muhammad Ali, described him as a humble and calm person who was loved by all. Another close family friend who simply gave her name as Mama Hauwa described the late Samaila as a perfect gentle man. She prayed that his soul rest in peace while calling on the military authorities not to relent in their resolve to get the killers. Born in 1972 in Nasarawa LGA of Kano State, Col. Inusa attended Ramat Special Primary School from 1979 to1985 and proceeded to the Ahmadiyya Secondary School, Kano where he obtained his West African School Certificate in 1991. He gained admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1992 as a member of the 44th Regular Course and graduated in 1997 with a Bachelors degree in Biological Science. He was the aide-de-camp to Sierra-Leonean Vice- President and was promoted to the rank of Colonel last year. His last appointment was as Chief Instructor at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Jaji. Source: Daily Trust Governor of Niger State, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello on Thursday said that the recent electricity tariff hike introduced by the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) was dead on arrival because it came at a wrong time. The governor said Nigerians have a lot of difficulties to grapple with at the moment, noting that the increased tariff will only make things worse than it is. Speaking to the Board of Directors and officials of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), who visited him in his office, Bello said that the people in the state will not be able to pay the tariff about to be imposed on them by the regulators. The electricity tariff is coming at a wrong time because we are facing lots of difficulties at the moment as a nation. My state, Niger state is a government dependent state, most of the citizens are dependent on government finances to survive and unfortunately, we have not embarked on commercial activities or industrialization. Now that the government has no money, it is having a negative impact on everyone and to now request for more payments in terms of tariff is making things worse. I hope something will be done about it, he said. Decrying the deteriorating power situation in Niger state, especially the state capital in the past four months, the governor asked the distribution company to increase power distribution to the state to 40 megawatts. The whole state is crying and I have not been able to help. It is an indictment to me and my government. Please for the sake of peace, help me improve power supply in Niger state by 20 percent margin. When this is done, the people will know that I have done my best. Not everyone understands that it is out of my control. Please improve power distribution, the governor appealed to the officials. Gov. Bello, however, urged the people of the state to exercise patience as development takes time to come by. The path this administration is taking is new but it is the right path to take. We are faced with some challenges, but I believe that we will eventually surmount them, he enthused. Earlier, the Chairman of the AEDC Board of Directors, Ambassador Shehu Malami, expressed the readiness of the distribution company to improve the quality of electricity supply to Niger state and its franchise area, adding that their only constraint is that they only distribute the power allocated to them by the generation company. Malami, however, assured that days of power shortage in the state will soon be over as the company was working to ensure that they are given adequate power to enable them meet the demands of their customers. He also stated that arrangements have been made to enumerate all their customers and meter them, adding that 5,000 meters would be distributed in the next couple of weeks to reduce customers on estimated billing. The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, has urged the British Government to intervene in his case by asking President Muhammadu Buhari to release him from prison. Kanu who is facing treason charge alongside two other pro-Biafra agitators, Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi, approached the British government through his lawyer, Mr. Ifeanyi Ejiofor. In a letter dated March 24 and addressed to the British High Commissioner in Abuja, Kanu described himself as a victim of travesty of justice and gross human rights violation. He insisted that the President Buhari-led administration has violently abused his fundamental human rights through his prolonged detention in prison custody. It is repeating the obvious to state that our client is a full British citizen, by virtue of which position he is entitled to all Rights, Privileges and Protection, guaranteed under the British Laws and conventions. We are therefore constrained in the circumstance, to formally notify the British Government via this medium, of our well informed reservations, and apprehension, that our client is undergoing persecution in the charge above referred, and deliberate design by the persecutors to frustrate every effort of the Defense team aimed at giving our client a fair trial. It is the position of our Law, that dual citizenship is a constitutional right of the citizens of Nigeria, clearly provided for under section 28 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended in 2011. Dual citizenship is not a crime under our Law. Our reservations on the Presidents comment was underpinned by the findings made in the ruling delivered on February 29, 2016, by Hon. Justice John Tsoho, wherein our client and the two other defendants were denied bail. Recalled that on December 29, 2015, during the Presidential Media Chat, the President told the whole world that Nnamdi Kanu cannot be granted bail, alleging that he came into the country without a valid travelling passport. This pronouncement was roundly condemned by both local and international commentators. His pronouncement was viewed as a clear usurpation of the functions and powers of the judiciary. Though very regrettable and extremely unfortunate, Nnamdi Kanu was refused bail on January 29, 2016. In refusing him and other defendants bail, the court also cited the facts of his possession of dual passports as a flight risk, and as such held that he cannot be granted bail, the letter read. Nine members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly yesterday stormed Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, to hold a press briefing on their alleged harassment in the hands of security agencies. The lawmakers, who converged on the Iyaganku Press Centre of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, as early as 6:30am, said their movements were being trailed by security agents. Led by the Deputy Speaker, Adewumi Olusegun, they appeared to be on transit as they hurriedly addressed reporters and drove away. The Chairman, Committee on Information, Gboyega Aribisogan, assisted by Dr. Omotoso Samuel and the Chief Whip, Akinniyi Sunday, alleged that they were offered $1million to impeach Governor Ayodele Fayose. In their prepared speech, the affected lawmakers unequivocally restated their loyalty to Fayose as they maintained that no amount of intimidation, arrest, detention, harassment and monetary inducement will make us dance to the tune of those whose only interest is to truncate the Fayose-led government and return to power through the backdoor. The lawmakers advised the All Progressives Congress, APC, to stop trying to get into power through the backdoor. They should stop this harassment, intimidation and use of federal power to oppress innocent Nigerians. They also alleged that their lives were being threatened and we no longer feel safe in our homes in Ekiti State. We want Nigerians to help us ask the police and their collaborators what the arms they claimed were stockpiled during the election used for? Could arms have been stockpiled and no violence, death or attack recorded during and after the election? Why is the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State willing to ridicule all government agencies? Why have the police not arrested the APC Chairman, Jide Awe, who is wanted for alleged murder and Temitope Aluko, who was declared wanted by the court for perjury, and instead providing security cover for them? Even though we believe that the Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, a thoroughbred professional, cannot be part of this clandestine plot, we call on Nigerians to impress it upon the police not to allow themselves to be used by desperate APC politicians. This is because doing so will further expose the penchant of the Buhari-led administration for dictatorship. No member of the Assembly is remaining in that state. It is not a question of nine of us here with you. All of us, the 26 members, were targeted but they were trying to arrest 11 of us. Some of us seated here have our names on the hit list. We are not going to hide for them. We will resist them with the last blood in our vein, we wont be coerced. Let it be known to them that we wont shift ground, no matter the amount of intimidation and harassment. We wont go into hiding. In response to a question whether their absence from the state is not affecting their parliamentary duties, the whether or not the incident is affecting their parliamentary functions, Mr. Olusegun said the lawmakers were still working and passing bills as at Tuesday. The Oyo State government has decried the seven-day strike ultimatum by the state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, saying it was totally unnecessary and uncalled for. Governor Abiola Ajimobi, who made this known in a statement by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Yomi Layinka, said the government had not flouted the agreement it reached with workers last year. The statement reads: The attention of the Oyo State government has been drawn to media reports insinuating disharmony between the government and the state branch of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over payment of salary arrears. The government empathizes with workers and pensioners and solicit continued understanding over the matter. It is important to note that leaderships of the labour unions and the government have had a very robust understanding on this matter long before now. Mr. Layinka said the governor has scheduled a meeting today with Labour leaders. The governor also appealed to workers to allow reason to prevail by not truncating the industrial harmony existing within the state. The senator representing Delta South District on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Peter Nwaboshi, has expressed confidence that the PDP will take over the Senate Presidency from the All Progressives Congress (APC) if the current occupier of the position, Bukola Saraki (APC, Kwara central) is removed. Following Sarakis trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal for alleged false declaration of assets when he was governor of Kwara State between 2003 and 2011, there have been speculations that the PDP has been positioning to take over the number three seat of the country. Mr. Saraki emerged Senate President on June 9, 2015 largely due to the support he got from senators elected on the platform of PDP, to the chagrin of his party, the APC, which had a preferred candidate for the position in the person of Senator Ahmed Lawan (APC, Yobe North). At the moment, the red chamber is roughly divided between the APC and PDP with 58 and 44 senators respectively while the Labour Party has one senator. The numbers could further increase for either the APC or PDP as reruns for six Senatorial Districts are being conducted. In an interview yesterday, Nwaboshi said his party would produce the next Senate president if Saraki was forced out of the seat. The senator, who chairs the Committee on Niger Delta, described the former Kwara governors trial as a blackmail, adding that the PDP was ready to replicate the current system in the United States of America, where the Republican Party is in charge of the parliament, while the Democrats are in control of the executive. I was the first to address the press in Port Harcourt and I told them that Saraki was going to win the Senate Presidency and I gave them my reasons. Eventually, we went there, he won. If, but God forbids, because we dont see it coming, by chance Saraki is removed; I can tell you that the PDP will produce the next Senate President. We only need three and we have it. The calculation is very clear to me. The calculation is very clear for the PDP. We know what it will take us. When I told them that Saraki was going to win, I did a lot of mathematical calculations based on the facts on the ground and it is even clearer to me now that the PDP will win it. We will win it. If anybody is thinking that a PDP man is going to vote against a PDP candidate, he is telling you a lie. We have people and we know how to get the people from the APC. We will win and that will be very interesting. I can tell you with whats on the ground that we will produce the next Senate President, he said. Meanwhile, the APC Senate caucus is leaving nothing to chance as fence-mending moves have begun to unite the senators, who became divided following the emergence of Saraki as Senate President. The reconciliatory moves are being spearheaded by the former governor of Sokoto state, Senator Aliyu Wamakko (APC, Sokoto North). The Pentagon plans to transfer about a dozen inmates of the Guantanamo Bay military prison in Cuba to at least two countries, a US official has said. The first of the transfers were expected in the next few days and the others would take place in coming weeks, said the official on Wednesday who spoke on condition of anonymity. The transfers are part of President Barack Obamas latest push to close down the facility, that opened the US to accusations of torture. Tariq Ba Odah, a Yemeni man who has been on a long-term hunger strike and has lost about half of his body weight, will be among the prisoners being transfered. Ba Odahs lawyers had tried unsuccessfully to win his release on health and humanitarian grounds, but Pentagon officials said he was receiving proper care. There are now 91 prisoners at the Guantanamo Bay prison. Most have been held without charge or trial for more than a decade, drawing international condemnation. Obama, who last month presented Congress with a blueprint for closing the prison, faces stiff opposition from Republicans as well as some from his fellow Democrats. The administration wants to avoid fuelling any political outcry over specific sites during a US presidential election year. The Pentagon has notified Congress of its latest planned transfers from among the 37 detainees already cleared to be sent to their homelands or other countries. The Defence Headquarters has denied allegations that soldiers rounded up three men of Arepo Community on the Lagos-Ogun border and killed them. Residents of the community yesterday took to the streets in protest against the alleged murder of the three men identified simply as Biodun Mohammed, 24, Body and Chicago. The residents claimed that about seven personnel of the military component of the joint task force on anti-pipeline vandalism on Sunday, arrested the trio at a beer parlor in the area and took them into a bush where they allegedly executed them and abandoned their corpses in Voera Estate. Arepo community, notorious for pipeline vandalism, was the scene of the ambush and brutal murder of some operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS, by suspected vandals last year. The Director of Defence Information, Rabe Abubakar, who described the allegations against the soldiers as unfair, urged residents of Arepo community to point their fingers elsewhere. According to Mr. Abubakar, a Brigadier General, all security agencies engaged in that operation have been committed towards protecting government infrastructure and the lives of innocent residents who were easy target for vandals. To accuse soldiers of any of the killings is unfair. There is no iota of truth in that. I have received the details and I can tell you that there was no sign of gunshots nor was there anything to show military personnel or operatives engaged in Operation Awatse were responsible. In as much as we sympathize with the people over their loss, we advise that they should point their fingers elsewhere. Why would soldiers kill people now? There has been no operation since Easter holiday. No encounter and nothing has happened. If the military was hostile towards the populace there, it would have taken revenge when some personnel were killed but we maintained peace. How can we kill people we are out to protect? Caution should be applied in allegations like this. Miscreants have been siphoning fuel and vandalizing platforms of government. The government decided to give protection to the facilities as well as innocent residents by deploying security forces to the area, the Defence spokesman said. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Southwest geo-political zone yesterday backed the proposal to retain the national chairmanship of the party in the North. The Southwest PDP, which supported the proposal during a stakeholders meeting in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, argued that the move would help the party regain its strength in the North after a woeful performance at the 2015 general elections. The Zonal Chairman, Makanjuola Ogundipe, took endorsements of participants and presented it as the zones position. According to Makanjuola, the proposal for the North to retain the national chairmanship does not necessarily translate to a tenure elongation for the incumbent, Ali Modu Sheriff, who is expected to step down on May 21 when a national convention will be held to elect a new leadership for the PDP. It also does not forbid any other zone from showing interest in the position. No person or group can deny any member the right to aspire to any office. We are in a democracy, not autocracy. We have canvassed our views. Let those with contrary opinions or positions put forward theirs. We need not abuse one another, the zonal chairman said. The meeting pointed out that a North, which has only two PDP governors Hassan Dankwambo of Gombe and Darius Ishaku of Taraba, will be further weakened by being denied the position of the National Chairman. At the meeting were National Secretary, Prof Wale Oladipo; National Publicity Secretary Olisa Metuh; Senator Buruji Kashamu; National Women Leader Kema Chikwe; Senator Teslim Folarin; Alhaji Shuaib Oyedokun; former Southwest Zonal Chairman Tajudeen Oladipo; Senator Ayo Adeseun; former House Leader Mulikat Akande-Adeola and Ade Dosumu. Others are state chairmen- Tunji Shelle (Lagos), Yinka Taiwo (Oyo), Ganiyu Olaoluwa (Osun) and Idowu Faleye (Ekiti). On this day in 2015: The opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) declared victory for its candidate, former military ruler Muhammadu Buhari, in the March 28 presidential election. Also on this day in 2014: Court ruled that lawmakers who defected to the main opposition coalition in December must vacate their seats. This was a victory for President Goodluck Jonathan ahead of what was a closely fought election in February 2015. Equally on this day in 2013: Nigerian troops claim to have killed fourteen suspected militants that were a part of the Boko Haram rebel group in the city of Kano. The Nigerian military stated that the group had been planning attacks on Easter. Its full speed ahead for Microsofts Universal Windows Platform, regardless of previous skepticism from developers. The company this week is using Build, its main developer conference, to evangelize UWP for multi-form-factor apps, emphasizing growing developer acceptance and efforts to move existing desktop apps to the paradigm. Featured in Windows 10, UWP is intended to enable development of apps across PCs, tablets, phones, and other devices using one API and one app package. Microsoft on Wednesday also revealed that UWP would provide full access to proactive intelligence for the Cortana personal digital assistant platform. As previously announced, UWP apps will also run on Xbox and HoloLens, although in the latter case development of true virtual reality apps requires a more complicated toolchain. UWP has come under under criticism, with Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney calling it a closed platform and an apparent attempt to lock down the consumer PC ecosystem. Its backward compatibility also has come into question. Microsoft, however, is pushing developer to UWP with all its might. Universal Windows Platform brings together all of that Windows history as well as everything that todays users expect from a modern app platform, such as seamless install, uninstall, and update capabilities, said Microsofts Terry Myerson, executive vice president of the Windows and Devices Group, during a presentation Wednesday at the San Francisco conference. Myerson stressed momentum for UWP, saying it was experiencing a 60 percent growth rate in the number of new developers adopting it during the past few months. Companies such as Bank of America, Disney, Twitter, and Starbucks back UWP; Facebook plans support as well, Myerson said. Indeed, attendees at Build showed considerable interest, with a room seating roughly 1,100 persons mostly filled for a session on the UWP App Model. During the session, Andrew Clinick, group program manager for Microsoft, cited appx as the common installation package for UWP apps. He also noted Project Centennial, for converting Windows apps leveraging Win32 and .Net to UWP for distribution in Windows Store. Microsoft on Wednesday also detailed Desktop App Converter, a tool that takes an existing desktop application or games and converts it into a Centennial-compliant app. Project Centennial, though, remains a work in progress. Project Centennial, the desktop bridge, is not entirely finished, Clinick said. We want you to iterate with us. We really want your feedback and I encourage you to be as brutally honest as you can be. Also, Microsofts Visual Studio 15 Preview, unveiled Wednesday, features a XAML edit-and-continue capability for Universal Windows apps and Windows Presentation Foundation. A supervisor of developers expressed interest in Microsofts single-code base strategy. From the development point of view, there is a clear advantage for Microsoft to have the same code base running on different targets, said Pierre Martin-Dumont, a former developer himself, at Cooper Power Systems by Eaton. We have been doing the same for years, by having the same application-level software running on different hardware and different version of WinCE, with a lot of success. Clinick also discussed Project Rome, an internal Microsoft connectivity project intended to help engage users across devices. Its about connecting applications between devices, he said. If you want to call an application between a PC and a phone, you can go ahead and do that, assuming, obviously, the user gets consent." The first iteration of Project Rome is shipping in the Anniversary update to Windows 10, due this summer. Clearly, Microsoft is dangling exciting new capabilities in front of developers to entice them to UWP -- providing the means to convert old Win32 applications as well. Whether that will be enough to stir developer enthusiasm remains to be seen, but Microsoft has left no question about where it intends to go. This morning, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Windows honcho Terry Myerson, and an array of supporting personnel delivered an impressive series of product demos and rollouts that left observers -- even jaded ones, present company included -- amazed at what awaits the Windows milieu. As always, its important to filter out the promises from the reality. Heres a brief overview of whats actually available today and what we expect to arrive in the Windows 10 Anniversary Update -- better known as Redstone 1, possibly numbered build 1607, likely scheduled for release in July. Surprisingly, several of the new features weve been anticipating -- extensions for Microsoft Edge, Live Tiles, Notification/Action Center improvements, OneDrive fixes, Skype changes being the primary examples -- werent discussed in the keynote. Windows phone was seen in only one demo and mentioned not at all. But many other announcements were seemingly on target for release with Redstone 1 -- er, Windows 10 Anniversary Update. The official word is in Myersons new blog post. Windows Hello, the face-recognition and fingerprint-recognition technology, will become available to Windows apps and to Microsoft Edge -- thus, apparently, to Edge extensions. The exact mechanism of the interaction isnt yet described, but presumably itll work much like fingerprint recognition in Android and iOS apps. (LastPass has had fingerprint recognition in Android for many months.) Windows Ink stylus support gets integration into Maps -- draw a line between two locations and Maps will bring up directions. The demo showed an Ink Workspace page that simplifies navigation with the pen and makes it easier to buy ink-friendly Windows Store apps. Interaction with a pen is simplified, with a click bringing up the previous Workspace page. Even Cortana gets into the act, interpreting whats been scribbled on StickyNotes. An on-screen ruler makes inking much more precise. Cortana has taken on new prominence, with a landmark 1,000 apps now hooked into speech recognition. She will appear on the Win10 lock screen, apparently enabling voice logon (and, pundits will note, listening to everything happening in the room whether Windows is logged on or not). Cortana integration with your email, Skype, your Photos collection, calendar, locations tracking, and more are expanding greatly -- though the demo of Cortana working with a calendar used a program Ive never seen before. Cortana is at the forefront of the drive to conversations as a platform -- a buzzwordy recognition that voice is well on its way to becoming the next input and output medium, in a world of "OK Google" and "Siri" and "Alexa." It isnt clear how much CaaP we can expect in the Windows 10 Anniversary Update. Xbox One, now a Windows 10 device, takes on new prominence as both the recipient of Windows Store apps and a new home for Cortana. In theory, every app that you run on a Windows 10 PC will also run on the Xbox and vice-versa. You can even transform your Xbox One into a development machine. HoloLens shipped to developers. Theres still a lot of hope for the future of HoloLens -- even some functioning source code you can download on GitHub -- but commercial reality is still down the road. Xamarin is already out, integrated into Visual Studio 2015 Update 2. Xamarin makes it easy to share code among Windows, iOS, and Android apps, while still letting developers customize for each platform. Finally, I was most impressed with the demo of Bash -- the Ubuntu Linux shell/command processor -- running in native mode under Windows 10. It's not a VM, not wrapped around an emulator, but native, running in the Windows Subsystem for Linux. Hey, it only took Microsoft 25 years to get with the system. Scott Hanselman has the technical details on his blog. My colleague Serdar Yegulalp explores why this is so freakin amazing in a Tech Watch post. Thats what we know -- or at least expect -- will happen in the Windows 10 Anniversary Update. For developers, its a considerable accomplishment. As Myerson puts it: The Universal Windows Platform brings together the openness that is part of Windows history, as well as everything that you expect from a modern application platform -- like robust install, uninstall, and seamless updates. Our goal is for Windows to be the best platform for all developers -- making Windows their home and getting the best return on their investment in their code. Thats only the part we expect in July or so. Microsoft announced the Cortana Intelligence Suite shortly after the keynote ended. The new smarts in Cortana can tap into data that Microsoft has accumulated and massaged. The Intelligence Suite is powered by cutting-edge research into big data, machine learning, perception, analytics, and intelligent bots. Built on Microsoft Azure, these capabilities can be used by developers and businesses to create intelligent end-to-end solutions, including new apps that learn about our world and bots and agents that interact with people in personalized, intelligent ways. Both during and after the keynote, we saw amazing demonstrations of how this newly evolved Cortana can intelligently parse speech and analyze real-time photographs to aid the visually impaired. There are two powerful parts of the Intelligence Suite: Microsoft Cognitive Services is a collection of intelligence APIs that allows systems to see, hear, speak, understand and interpret our needs using natural methods of communication. Microsoft Bot Framework can be used by developers -- programming in any language -- to build intelligent bots that enable customers to chat using natural language on a variety of platforms, including text/SMS, Office 365, Skype, Slack, the Web, and more. Both the Cognitive Service and the Bot Framework are in preview. Whether theyll appear in 2017 or later is anybodys guess. Preliminary versions of the Skype Bot API and Skype Bot SDK are available. The previews only work with messaging for now, but expect voice and video in the future. Microsoft claims 270 million active users of Windows 10 so far, likely a count of the number of monthly active users, spread across a wide variety of platforms, including (presumably) Xbox, phones, and IoT devices. Thats up about 25 million a month from the last Microsoft-provided data point of 200 million from December. Windows 7 added about 20 to 25 million users a month for most of its lifetime, although the numbers now are calculated differently (Win7 shipped copies versus Win10 monthly actives). The latest Windows 10 beta test version, build 14295, has been released to the Windows Insider Slow ring. Frequently, release to the Slow ring is accompanied by release of full ISO images of the build -- useful for those creating virtual machines and helpful for those who want to perform a clean install. At this point I dont see the files available for download, but Windows spokesperson Gabe Aul points to the Windows Insider signup page. Bootlegs of 14295 have been available for several days. Cattle bulls are back in force Sidwell Strategies - Sat Oct 22, 7:12PM CDT Cattle-on-Feed; Rebound in Equities & Energy Triple Digit Hog Rally Barchart - Fri Oct 21, 4:40PM CDT Lean hogs extended their rally into the weekend with another $0.20 to $2.10 gains in the front months. December was up the most on Friday, but is still a $1.40 discount to Feb. Through the week, December... HEZ22 : 89.125s (+2.41%) HEJ23 : 93.850s (+0.78%) KMZ22 : 98.000s (+1.16%) Cotton Limits the Weeks Pullback with Friday Strength Barchart - Fri Oct 21, 4:40PM CDT Cotton futures traded in a wide 413 point range from +253 to -160 (Dec). At the close the front months were 32 to 173 points in the black. December closed the week at a net 402 point loss, having spent... CTZ22 : 79.13s (+2.24%) CTH23 : 78.55s (+1.67%) CTK23 : 78.15s (+1.44%) Wheats Closed Mixed on Friday Barchart - Fri Oct 21, 4:40PM CDT CBT SRW futures ended the last trade day of the week with 1 to 1 1/2 cent gains. For the December contract that meant a net 9 cent loss for the week. KC futures pulled back by 1/2 a cent to 2 cents on... ZWZ22 : 850-6s (+0.18%) ZWH23 : 869-4s (+0.17%) ZWPAES.CM : 7.8533 (+0.24%) KEZ22 : 948-2s (-0.16%) KEPAWS.CM : 9.0581 (-0.16%) MWZ22 : 961-4s (-0.10%) In 1954, Meals on Wheels began delivering food to the homebound in Philadelphia. Today, the organization feeds close to 2.5 million shut-ins annually across the United States. Its primary focus is serving senior citizens, an effort that is growing rapidly as baby boomers age. By 2050, the number of senior citizens in the U.S. is projected to double to 112 million people. Meals on Wheels benefits from a decentralized structure. There are 5,000 Meals on Wheels programs around the U.S., which are largely run by some 2 million volunteers. These programs engage in extensive fundraising, and as we've reported, local leaders of top name-brand nonprofits face unique opportunities and challenges when it comes to raising money. Related: Raising Money for a Basic Need With a Powerful Brand Behind You Recently, we chatted with the head of Meals on Wheels West (MOWW), which serves clients in the coastal communities of Los Angeles. Not only is it expanding its geographic area to serve more seniors, it is also expanding the demographics of its homebound clients. We serve people of all ages, Executive Director Chris Baca told Inside Philanthropy. I think there is a misconception that we only serve seniors. So if you had a motorcycle accident and got laid up for a couple of months, we would provide food. Since the beginning of 2015, MOWW has increased its food deliveries by 40 percent. Without growing funding, these efforts would fall flat. For Baca the key to fundraising success is really about the mission, making sure that people understand what youre doing, making sure to share your success stories and ensuring that people understand the need out there. Really interact with your community. Dont get trapped behind your desk. We've heard other local fundraisers say nearly these exact same things. You want to raise the big money? Get out there and sell. Its an admonition that Baca takes to heart. He sandwiched speaking to Inside Philanthropy between talks to the Venice Neighborhood Council, the Rotary Club of Venice/Marina del Rey, and the City of Santa Monica Commission on Seniors. Spending face time with people is vitally important, raising awareness of whom we serve, Baca said. Meals on Wheels West has been battling food insecurity for more than 40 years, and has solid support from donors including the Scan, Walmart, Ralph M. Parsons, Weingart, Johnnie Carson, and the George Hoag Family foundations. The Santa Monica Rotary Club also supports MOWW. But the majority of donations, 53 percent, come from individuals, solicited through the annual gala, direct mail, the newsletter and website. Besides Baca, there are only three other full time staff members, Kevin McNulty, chief administrative officer; Ellen Rabin, director of community relations and development; and Angel Howe, client coordinator. Volunteers are a key part of MOWWs success, as they are for every local Meals on Wheels. We have 400 volunteers on over a hundred routes who donate their time and vehicles to deliver food. We estimate this contribution at $280,000 a year, Baca said. People who deliver for us really see whats going on; it affects them. Often, volunteers also donate cash. Nearly three-quarters of every dollar contributed pays for the meals. Meals on Wheels encourages local politicians to help with deliveries. Santa Monica Mayor Richard Bloom and late Los Angeles City Councilor Bill Rosendahl have volunteered. Theyve experienced first-hand that MOW delivers more than food. Volunteers offer social support and are trained in doing wellness assessments. Not too long ago, one of our volunteers noticed that someone was behaving a little oddly, slurring her speech a tiny bit and our volunteer triggered a medical alert. Paramedics came and it was the beginning of a stroke, so we very likely saved that womans life, Baca said. Well also do referrals to other agencies. If someone is really depressed, we will get another local agency to do mental health visits with them. Due to the political support the charity has stoked, MOWW gets 13 percent of its backing from local governments. Another source of funding comes from the meals themselves. Clients pay on a sliding scale, from $8 a day for a delivery of a hot dinner and a light supper down to zero, based on ability to pay. About 17 percent of our revenue comes from meal fees, Baca said. Its the same purchase model used by nonprofits like DKT International, as we've reported. Related: Inside a Global NGO's Quest for Financial Sustainability MOWW stretches its resources and impact in other ways, too. One of the things that really works for us is collaborating, Baca said. We are working with Providence Saint Johns Health Center to provide meals to low-income users of their emergency room. Our Heal Healthy at Home initiative targets newly discharged hospital patients and people returning home from rehabilitation facilities." MOWW is also partnering with UCLA Medical Center Santa Monica and Kaiser Permanente. Helping patients eat nutritiously after discharge makes medical sense. Studies show that if you feed patients, their healthcare costs go down, so its a win-win for healthcare providers and hospitals, Baca said. Recognizing this fact, Kaiser gave MOWW money from its community benefits program. Other collaborations have involved work with veterans organizations. Additionally, MOWW has partnered with Southern California Edison to provide emergency solar-powered, crank flashlight/radios to its new homebound patients for dependable light and information in the event of earthquake. Pets can be a major contributor to a patients wellbeing. We discovered that several of our low-income clients had been giving their food to their dogs because they didnt have money for pet food, Baca said. So we have been providing pet food to our clients for several years. Our Keeping People and Pets Together program is sponsored by Centinela Feed and Pet Supplies and Banfield Charitable Trust. In 2015, we started providing emergency vet treatment to pets of our low-income clients. Googles Southern California headquarters is in Venice, a food delivery area recently taken over by Meals on Wheels West. We think that there are a lot of formerly homeless people and veterans that we can serve in Venice, Baca said. Google not only gives money, it sponsors a team of 14 people who volunteer on a rotating basis. Googles most noteworthy effort is its contribution to the MOWW's annual gala, the Halloween Monster Bash costume party and food tasting, also supported by Loews Hotel. Baca also founded the County of Los Angeles Meals on Wheels Association, which aims to consolidate the nonprofit's various operations and up its game, along with its clout, in the vast L.A. region. Self-storage properties are constantly changing hands, and Inside Self-Storage is regularly notified of these market transactions. Many are covered in detail on the ISS website and available for viewing on the Real Estate topics page. Following are additional acquisitions and sales that werent covered independently due to missing information such as buyer, seller, sale price or other relevant details. Affordable Self Storage in Norwalk, Conn., was sold for $19 million. The property at 162 Bouton St. comprises 77,760 net rentable square feet of storage space in 879 units, 477 of which offer climate control. Built in 1989, it sits on nearly 4 acres. Brett Hatcher, vice president of investments, and Joseph Holloway, associate, in the Columbus, Ohio, office of commercial real estate firm Marcus & Millichap represented the buyer in the transaction. They also represented the seller, a private partnership based in Darien, Conn., listed under the name Paul and John Hertz. All American Self Storage in Longwood, Fla., was sold to a private investor. The property at 460 Florida Central Parkway comprises 65,510 net rentable square feet of storage space in 540 units, 91 of which offer climate control, as well as12 vehicle-parking spaces. The buyer and the seller, also a private investor, were represented in the transaction by Michael A. Mele, senior vice president of investments in the Marcus & Millichap Tampa, Fla., office and senior director of the firms National Self Storage Group. Aunt Kittys Kubbyholes in Westminster, Md., was sold for $1.28 million to a self-storage investor. The property at 1715 Old Liberty Road W. is 25 miles northwest of Baltimore. Built in 1996, the single-story facility on 1.53 acres comprises 12,550 square feet of storage space in 90 units. The buyer and seller were represented in the transaction by Kevin Bledsoe, brokerage advisor for Investment Real Estate LLC (IRE). The seller built the property on a parcel that had been in his family for several generations, and it held a lot of sentimental value, he said. Barry's Storage in Decatur, Ill., was sold. Constructed in 1999, the property at 5465 E. U.S. Route 36 comprises 76,600 net rentable square feet of storage space in 13 single-story buildings. It also has vacant land for expansion. The facility includes 547 storage units, the majority of which offer climate control, as well as 34 vehicle-parking spaces. The buyer and the seller were represented in the transaction by Mele and Sean M. Delaney, senior director in the Marcus & Millichap Chicago/Oak Brook office. Diamond Self Storage, a 44,793-square-foot facility in Beverly Hills, Fla., was sold to a private investor. Built in 2002, the property at 4239 N. Modelwood Drive sits on 2.84 acres and contains 425 units. The buyer and the seller, a private investor, were represented in the transaction by Mele as well as Luke Elliott, senior associate, and Brian Baldwin, associate, also from the Marcus & Millichap Tampa office. Fountainebleau Self Storage & Apartments, a mixed-use property in New Orleans, was sold. Originally built as the Fontainebleau Motor Hotel in 1966, the multi-story property was redeveloped in 1993 to include 602 storage units, 100 apartments and 85 music studios. The property also includes three cell towers and a ground-floor lease with fast-food chain Burger King. The property is primarily comprised of indoor, climate-controlled units and a managers office. The top three stories of the storage building house the music studios, which average 500 square feet each. The four-story apartment building offers 100 one-bedroom, one-bath residences, averaging 600 square feet each. The buyer and the seller were represented in the transaction by Charles Chico LeClaire, senior vice president of investments, and Adam Schlosser, vice president of investments, of The LeClaire Group and the Denver office of Marcus & Millichap. Issaquah Newport Way Storage in Issaquah, Wash., was sold for $289 per square foot. Built in 2009, the property at 795 N.W. Juniper St. includes a four-story building containing 518 climate-controlled units. The seller, a local limited-liability company, was represented in the transaction by LeClaire. Golden & Associates represented the buyer, a local family trust. National Storage Affiliates Trust (NSAT), a real estate investment trust (REIT), purchased Affordable Storage Solutions in Pueblo, Colo., for $3 million, and rebranded it as SecurCare Self Storage. The property at 90 Greenhorn Drive comprises 50,810 square feet of storage space in 396 climate-controlled and drive-up units. Built in phases from 2008 to 2014, it includes single- and two-story structures. LeClaire and Schlosser represented the seller, a local private investor. This acquisition further illustrates the willingness of our industrys largest companies to enter secondary and tertiary markets if the quality and yield is there, Schlosser said. Pak-n-Stak and Pak-n-Stor in Newnan, Ga., were sold for $719,617 and $585,383, respectively, to an out-of-state, limited-liability company. The Pak-n-Stak facility at 205 Elzie Johnson Road is 30 minutes from downtown Atlanta and includes 35,430 square feet of storage space. The second property is eight miles southwest at 28 Hillwood Circle. It comprises 29,250 square feet of storage space. Neither of the properties had onsite management. The buyer and the seller, a private investor, were represented by Stacey Gorman, senior director of the Marcus & Millichap Atlanta office. Plantation Storage in Columbia, S.C., was sold to an out-of-state investment firm for more than $96 per rentable square foot. The buyer formed an LLC to acquire the facility. Opened in 1996, the property at 810 Sparkleberry Lane features 14 buildings on more than 3.4 acres. It comprises 62,470 net rentable square feet of space in 462 climate-controlled and drive-up units. The property also includes a rental office and managers apartment. Midcoast Properties Inc. President Dale C. Eisenman represented the seller. Your Space Self Storage LLC acquired South Hudsonville Self-Storage in Hudsonville, Mich., from a group of investors. Its the fifth property Your Space has purchased in the region. The company recently converted a portion of the former Aslan Building at 600 7th St. N.W. in Grand Rapids, Mich., to storage and purchased a U-Haul International Inc. dealership in Holland, Mich. The property at 4254 Central Parkway is in the Jamestown Commerce Park, a 10-building property. It also operates as a U-Haul dealership. "With the economy in West Michigan continuing to show strength, we see the self-storage sector as a key part of the region's growth, because access to storage facilities is critical for families and small businesses in the area," said Andre Gardzella, owner of Your Space. Since its inception in 1998, IRE has provided brokerage, construction, development and management services to self-storage owners and investors. Its construction arm, founded in 2000, has built more than 2 million square feet of self-storage space in eight states. Marcus & Millichap is a commercial-property investment firm with more than 1,500 investment professionals in offices throughout the United States and Canada. Midcoast Properties offers brokerage services to self-storage owners and investors in the Carolinas and Georgia. Headquartered in Greenwood, Colo., NSAT is a self-administered and -managed REIT focused on the acquisition, operation and ownership of self-storage properties within the top 100 U.S. Metropolitan Statistical Areas. The company has 292 self-storage facilities in 17 states comprising approximately 17 million net rentable square feet. It's owned by its affiliate operators, who are contributing their interests in their self-storage assets over the next few years as their current mortgage debt matures. Founded in 2015, Your Space Self-Storage acquires and manages five storage facilities in in West Michigan. Its portfolio includes more than 1,400 units including vehicle-parking spaces. Futures contracts for crude oil declined in trading in the U.S. and U.K. this morning as investors ponder mixed fundamental data for energy markets. The Energy Information Administration weekly supply report released on Wednesday indicated the seventh consecutive expansion for stockpiles at 535 million barrels higher than consensus estimates among analysts. Despite a rally of more than 10 percent from year-to-date lows for front-month delivery contracts, there are signs that oil markets may come under pressure again as global supply levels remain robust despite moves by some major producers to cap output. In a potentially positive development for global demand, state-run media quoted an executive with Unipec, a subsidiary of Chinese oil company Sinopec, that china will supersede the U.S. as the largest global importer in 2016. S&P warns over possible China downgrade. On Thursday, New York credit-rating agency Standard & Poors revised its outlook for Chinese sovereign debt, warning of a possible downgrade. The announcement comes as a sluggish response to Beijings policy interventions sparks fears that gross-domestic-product targets may be lowered again. MetLife decision spurs questions over Dodd-Frank enforcement. A ruling on Wednesday in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia agreed with MetLife that the insurer should not be subject to higher regulatory standards as a systemically important financial institution (Sifi)under the Dodd-Frank Act. In defeating the arguments of the Treasury Department, MetLife will avoid additional levels of oversight and increased capital requirements. Critics of the 2010 legislation enacted in the wake of the financial crisis have argued that the requirements stipulated are vaguely defined and arbitrary. GE seeks release from financial regulation. General Electric announced on Thursday that it has asked the Financial Stability Oversight Council to be removed from oversight by the Treasury Department. The conglomerate, which has shed assets globally in recent years, argues that it has sufficiently retreated from financial services to no longer be treated as a systemically important financial institution. Court deals blow to Zuma. The highest court in South Africa on Thursday ruled that the nations president, Jacob Zuma, violated the constitution when he used taxpayer funds for personal expenses. In finding that as much as $15 million should be repaid to South Africa, the courts judgment is a setback for Zuma as he faces a more serious scandal relating to allegations of corruption within the ruling African National Congress. Toshiya Mizutani of Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities Co. becomes the 14th person inducted into Institutional Investors All-Japan Research Team Hall of Fame, which honors those analysts who have achieved at least ten sector-topping appearances. Equity research was not the 57-year-olds first career choice. I had wanted to become a musician, he recalls. However, being a musician requires innate talent so I gave up. Instead, Mizutani went to Chuo University in Tokyo, where he earned a bachelors degree in economics, and worked in investor relations for several companies before joining Mitsubishi UFJ as a construction analyst in 2000. He debuted on the All-Japan Research Team in 2005, as a runner-up, then advanced to third place the following year. In 2007 he finished in first place for the first time and hasnt moved from the summit since. Equity research is the kind of job whose demands will change with the times, he observes. Sometimes it can be very difficult to predict what will happen next, but thats what makes the job so interesting. Through the years money managers have praised Mizutanis thorough understanding of the companies he covers. The analyst knows the industry well and probably has the most contacts in the sector, one buy-side backer told II in 2009, while last year another noted that his long experience and deep knowledge make him extremely valuable. To be successful as an analyst, Mizutani believes, you really have to enjoy what you do. You have to respond quickly and to have a strong desire to learn and most important, you have to like people, he says. When hes not working, Mizutani indulges his love of music. I practice with a chorus and go to concerts tango, classical music, jazz, he says. I also like to go hear rakugo, an ancient Japanese tradition of comic storytelling in which a seated performer creates multiple characters using only minimal props and variations in the pitch and tone of his voice. Mizutani is one of six Hall of Famers to lead their respective lineups this year. The others are: Shinsuke Iwasa of Mizuho Securities Group, Broadcasting Katsushi Saito of Nomura, Machinery Nobuyuki Saji of Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities Co., Economics Mariko Watanabe of UBS, OTC & Small Companies Atsushi Yamaguchi of UBS, Metals Four other Hall of Fame inductees appear on the 2016 team: Jun Harada of UBS, Transportation (runner-up) Toshihiko Okino of UBS, Housing & Real Estate (second place) Hidemaru Yamaguchi of Citi, Health Care & Pharmaceuticals (runner-up) Takaaki Yoshino of Daiwa Securities Group, Quantitative Research (third place) Two analysts celebrate their ninth sector-topping appearances this year, meaning they may earn entry into the Hall of Fame next year: Daisaku Masuno of Nomura, Telecommunications Kunihiro Matsumoto of SMBC Nikko Securities, Auto Parts Full results of the 2016 All-Japan Research Team survey will be released on Tuesday, April 5. Follow Thomas W. Johnson on Twitter at @tjohnson_nyc. The Australian Government has announced the introduction of a rebate that could be worth up to $2, 500 for farmers on their agricultural insurance.The rebate, known as the Managing Farm Risk Programme, will see the government use $20 million to fund the initiative across the country and are to be used for advice and assessments and are not for insurance policy premiums, the Managing Farm Risk Programme website says.Deputy Prime Minister and minister for agriculture and water resources, Barnaby Joyce, said that the move will help farmers against a range of risks."For years Australian farmers have been asking for insurance products to help manage income risks and give peace of mind against pests, droughts and flooding rains and it has taken this Coalition Government to deliver a meaningful incentive," Minister Joyce said."This is another result from the Agricultural White Paper, delivering real policy change to complement real delivery in market development."Minister Joyce said that the rebates will encourage farmers to take up insurance which will help build resilient agricultural businesses across Australia."By encouraging farmers to prepare their business for adverse conditions through the use of insurance, the Government is helping to build the resilience of the agricultural sector against drought," Minister Joyce continued."The programme will provide one-off rebates to help eligible farm businesses with the cost of independent and professional advice on an insurance policy that covers threats to their productivity, such as drought and other production and market risks."The rebates will provide up to $2,500 in dollar-for-dollar matched funding against the costs incurred by an eligible farm business in securing, or attempting to secure, agricultural insurance.With multi-peril crop insurance still an emerging market in Australia, with the first pay-out under the coverage made in January 2015 , the announced rebate could spur more farmers towards the cover as Minister Joyce encouraged farmers to weigh-up their options."I encourage farmers to consider their insurance options, such as single or multi-peril insurance, Minister Joyce continued.While it may not be suitable for all farm businesses, it has great potential to assist many farmers safeguard their business and provide a sense of financial security."This programme will help to develop a more diverse and mature insurance market to meet the varied needs of all farm businesses, with new insurance products already emerging."For more information on the rebate, visit the Managing Farm Risk Programme website Strata Community Insurance (SCI) has welcomed a trio of new staff members to its business in a bid to strengthen its offering across the country.The headline move will see Helen Auricht join the business as South Australia/Northern Territory state manager on 4 Arpil from Ansvar Auricht, who worked for Guardian Insurance Brokers and Aon before joining Ansvar, will help develop the SCI business as it continues to grow, Paul Keating, managing director of SCI said.With over 20 years experience in the insurance industry, Helen is well placed to lead the SCI team in South Australia as we move our business into its post start-up phase and work towards cementing our place in the niche strata insurance sector, Keating said.The business also announced that Adam Fuller has been appointed underwriting manager and will be based in Victoria, whilst Jodie Richardson will take on the same role for the business in Queensland.Keating said that the trio of additions highlights the aims of the business as it looks to develop and grow across Australia.The appointment of Helen, Adam and Jodi to support our South Australian, Victorian and Queensland insurance brokers places us in an ideal position going forward.They bring to the table a wealth of experience in both residential and commercial strata insurance Keating continued. Maryland Insurance Commissioner Al Redmer Jr. announced the appointment of Tracy Imm as the Maryland Insurance Administrations (MIA) director of Public Affairs. In her role, Imm will serve as the agencys point of contact for external and internal communications. Prior to joining MIA, Imm served in communications leadership positions with Erickson Living, Constellation Energy/BGE, Northrop Grumman, Algeco Scotsman, and ITT. MIA is an independent state agency charged with regulating Marylands $28.5 billion insurance industry. Topics Maryland Massachusetts top court ruled this month that a workers compensation insurer that has paid benefits under a policy has a right to pursue equitable contribution from a second insurer that also provided coverage to the same policyholder. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court said the doctrine of equitable contribution is applicable even though the injured workers employer did not give notice of injury to the second insurer. The case involves Progression Inc., a Haverhill, Massachusetts-based industrial instrumentation company serving the chemical industry. In 2010, a Progression employee was severely injured in an auto accident while on a business trip abroad. The court documents said Progression had purchased two policies from two different insurers one providing compulsory workers comp coverage from the Insurance Company of the State of Pennsylvania (ISOP), a subsidiary of the American International Group (AIG), and a second providing workers comp coverage for employees traveling overseas, from Great Northern Insurance, a Chubb subsidiary. Both policies provided primary coverage. Following the injury, the employee gave timely notice of his injury to his employer who gave notice of the claim only to ISOP and did not notify Great Northern. ISOP paid the claim but learned a year later that Progression also had coverage under a Great Northern policy. In 2011, ISOP sent a letter to Great Northern and requested contribution. But Great Northern declined to contribute and told ISOP that it had learned from Progression that Progression intended to tender the claim only to ISOP. In 2013, ISOP sued Great Northern in the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts, arguing that the doctrine of equitable contribution required Great Northern to cover half of the injured workers comp claim. But the judge ruled in Great Northerns favor, stating that Great Northern is not obligated to contribute since the policyholder did not tender a claim to Great Northern. ISOP appealed, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit asked the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court to examine the question of whether an insured can choose which of its workers comp insurers is to defend and indemnify the claim and prevent that insurer from seeking equitable contribution from the other insurer. In its March 7 ruling, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court answered no to that question, concluding that ISOP has a right to pursue equitable contribution from Great Northern. Equitable contribution is designed to prevent the potential unfair result that the company that pays first is left to cover the entire loss, the court stated. The underlying principle is that each [insurer] pays its fair share and one does not profit at the expense of the others. The court said that apart from ensuring fairness, equitable contribution furthers the risk-spreading purpose of insurance by allowing insurers to distribute the costs of a claim equally among all insurers with coverage obligations. For these reasons, the majority of jurisdictions recognize the equitable contribution doctrine, the court said. We are among the majority of states that have recognized the right of an insurer to seek equitable contribution from coinsurers who cover the same risk, the court stated. The high court said Great Northern was essentially asking the court to recognize the selective tender exception to the doctrine of equitable contribution, which provides that, where an insured has not tendered a claim to an insurer, that insurer is excused from its duty to contribute to a settlement of the claim. The court said this exception has been recognized by only a minority of jurisdictions. Furthermore, this exception does not align with workers comp insurance under Massachusetts law. In Massachusetts, although the employer buys the workers comp policy, a workers comp insurer is directly liable to an injured employee for the comp benefits provided by law. And the injured employee only needs to give notice of the injury to the employer as soon as practicable to be entitled to coverage. The employer is then required to give notice to the insurer within seven days, but the failure to do so still does not bar the employee from obtaining benefits. In light of these statutory provisions, Great Northerns obligation to defend and indemnify the claim was triggered by the notice given to Progression by its injured employee, regardless of whether Progression gave notice of the injury to Great Northern, the court wrote. Therefore, as applied to workers comp benefits, the language in Great Northerns policy providing that its duty of coverage is contingent on the employer providing notice of the injury is contrary to Massachusetts law and null and void with respect to a Massachusetts employee, the court said. The case is Insurance Company of the State of Pennsylvania v. Great Northern Insurance Company, SJC-11897. Topics Carriers Legislation Workers' Compensation Massachusetts The U.S. Department of Labor recently announced that it has sued U.S. Steel Corp. for allegedly retaliating against two employees who violated the companys immediate reporting policy for workplace injuries. The Department of Labor said on Feb. 22 that in 2014, two U.S. Steel Corp., employees in Pennsylvania reported injuries that may have resulted from worksite incidents occurring a few days earlier. At the time of the incidents, the employees were unaware they had suffered injuries, as symptoms did not develop until later. When the workers realized and reported their injuries, U.S. Steel suspended both workers without pay for violating the companys immediate reporting policy. The lawsuit against U.S. Steel seeks to reverse the disciplinary action taken against these employees and amend the companys immediate reporting policy. Richard Mendelson, Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) regional administrator in Philadelphia, said U.S. Steels policy discourages employees from reporting injuries for fear of retaliation. Because workers dont always recognize injuries at the time they occur, the policy provides an incentive for employees to not report injuries once they realize they should, since they are concerned that the timing of their report would violate the companys policy and result in some kind of reprimand, Mendelson said. Both workers suffered injuries in February 2014. In one case that occurred on Feb. 12, 2014, a full-time utility technician at U.S. Steels Clairton Plant, in Clairton, Pennsylvania, found a small splinter lodged in his thumb and extracted it himself. He completed his shift without further incident. But two days later, his thumb and hand were swollen noticeably, and he received medical treatment for an infection. When he reported the incident to his supervisor, the company imposed a five-day suspension without pay for his violating the companys policy. U.S. Steel later reduced the suspension to two days. In the other case that took place on Feb. 15, 2014, a full-time laborer at the Irvin Plant in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, bumped his head on a low beam. That employee was wearing a hardhat and didnt feel any pain or any discomfort at the time. However, several days later, he experienced stiffness in his right shoulder and sought medical treatment, which his representative reported to U.S. Steel as a possible worksite injury. When he met with U.S. Steels representative to discuss the issue, the company suspended him for five days without pay. Both workers filed complaints with the departments OSHA, alleging that U.S. Steel had suspended them in retaliation for reporting workplace injuries. The agency found that in both cases, the company violated the anti-discrimination provision of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, or Section 11(c), when the company used its immediate reporting policy as a basis for sanctioning employees who reported injuries late. Filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, the lawsuit seeks the following: Enjoining U.S. Steel from violating Section 11(c)(1) of the Act; Directing the company to rescind and nullify its immediate reporting policy; Permanently enjoining the company from enforcing an injury or illness reporting policy that requires employees to report their workplace injuries or illnesses earlier than seven calendar days after the injured or ill employee becomes aware of his or her injury or illness; Rescinding the discipline and sanction of the two employees; Directing the company to compensate the complainants for any, and all lost wages and benefits including interest, as well as compensatory damages; and Directing the company to post notices at all of its work sites for 60 days stating that it will not discriminate or retaliate against employees involved in activities protected by Section 11 (c) of the Act. Source: The U.S. Department of Labor Topics Lawsuits USA Pennsylvania Zurich Insurance Group AG will see improving results this year after taking steps to cut costs and overhaul units following unexpected losses at its general insurance unit, according to Chairman Tom de Swaan. The implementation of these measures is going according to plan, he said at the companys annual general meeting on Wednesday. I am convinced that they will result in our once again realizing significantly better results this year. Zurich is also looking at possible acquisitions and disposals to boost returns, De Swaan said. Switzerlands biggest insurer said in February it wont achieve its return on equity target for after-tax business profit because of the challenges in the general insurance unit. Chief Executive Officer Mario Greco, speaking at his first general meeting in that role, said hes talking to employees, brokers and customers as he seeks a clear and simple strategy to rebuild confidence in Switzerlands largest insurer. I need to develop a deeper understanding of the root causes of recent underperformance and to find a way forward for the company, he said. Greco, the former head of Italys Assicurazioni Generali SpA, took over Zurich in March after the company had started an overhaul of its general insurance unit and announced plans to achieve cost savings of more than $ 1 billion by the end of 2018. Losses in general insurance led the company to abandon a high-profile takeover bid for the U.K.s RSA Insurance Group Plc. Grecos predecessor, Martin Senn, resigned in December. De Swaan, who served as acting CEO before Greco arrived, said that the company is on track to achieve its cost-cutting targets, which will affect about 8,000 employees. Zurich has replaced managers, renegotiated-loss making contracts and abandoned businesses seen as less important, he said. Based on what I have seen so far and on what I know of Zurich, I am confident that we will be able to improve shareholders returns and Group profitability, Greco said. While Greco is shaping the strategy for 2017 and beyond, pressure from shareholders is increasing. The stock has fallen 16 percent since the company abandoned its bid for RSA. The Stoxx Europe 600 Insurance index decreased 5 percent during that time. Though they approved all the items on the boards agenda yesterday, shareholders voiced concerns over the companys risk models, the dividend and executive pay. Zurich Insurance has started a process to sell its units in South Africa and Morocco as it works toward turning around its money-losing insurance operations, people familiar with the matter said in February. Copyright 2022 Bloomberg. Beazley announced the launch of the companys flagship Beazley Breach Response (BBR) product in Canada, which is data breach response insurance that protects the personal data of up to five million individuals per breach. Canadas Digital Privacy Act, passed in 2015, will soon impose additional obligations on companies to notify individuals when their data has been breached, the company said. The Canadian regulations will impose more stringent reporting obligations, similar to those already in place in the U.S. and soon to be implemented in the European Union. Beazley said it has helped clients handle more than 3,300 data breaches since the launch of BBR in 2009 and is the only insurer with a dedicated in-house team focusing exclusively on helping clients handle data breaches. BBR addresses the growing data breach exposures all organizations face, and the potential impact on their business operations, reputation and financial standing. Clients purchasing this coverage receive access to a suite of Beazleys breach response service partners who provide legal advice, computer forensics, notification and call center services and credit monitoring for affected individuals. Beazley has an exceptional track record working with corporations in a wide range of industries in the US and Europe to mitigate and respond to data breaches, said Paul Bantick, Beazleys International focus group leader for technology, media and business services. Were excited to launch this offering in Canada, backed by a suite of top response providers. Beazley released its Beazley Breach Insights 2016 report earlier this month, which revealed a sharp increase in breaches caused by hacking and malware, with hacks involving ransomware doubling in 2015 compared to 2014. About Beazley London-based Beazley plc is the parent company of specialist insurance businesses with operations in Europe, the U.S., Latin America, Asia, the Middle East and Australia. Beazley manages six Lloyds syndicates and, in 2015, underwrote gross premiums worldwide of $2 billion-plus. Source: Beazley Topics Cyber Europe Canada Data Driven General Motors Co. won its second straight trial against drivers who blamed car wrecks on faulty ignition switches, boosting the companys outlook for resolving hundreds of similar cases on more favorable terms. The crash of Dionne Spains 2007 Saturn Sky on a slippery New Orleans bridge in 2014 was caused by a rare Louisiana ice storm rather than a defect found in millions of GM vehicles, a Manhattan federal jury found on Wednesday. The jurors studied the merits of the case and saw the truth: This was a very minor accident that had absolutely nothing to do with the cars ignition switch, GM said in a statement. GM, which recalled millions of vehicles over the flaw in 2014, admitted using defective ignition switches for years and hiding it from customers and regulators. But the company is challenging suits that it says wrongfully blame the flaw for crashes, injuries and deaths. The trial was the second of six bellwether cases, so called because theyre used to test strategies. The jurys reaction to the evidence may push either side to settle or battle out hundreds of other cases and help set the size of any settlements. Each side selected half of the bellwethers. This was GMs handpicked, easy case to win. If they didnt win this one, they wouldnt win any case, said Erik Gordon, a business professor at the University of Michigan Law School who isnt involved in the litigation. Unreasonably Dangerous While the jury sided with Detroit-based GM, it nevertheless agreed that Spains Saturn Sky was unreasonably dangerous as a result of the defect. The jurors said unanimously that her car deviated from the companys performance standards and that GM failed to use reasonable care to adequately warn consumers of that danger. The plaintiffs can claim a victory at least insofar as the jury made that finding, which is a critical finding, said Carl Tobias, who teaches product-liability law at the University of Richmond in Virginia. Every case will be on its own merits, but I think they can claim that as an important development. GM argued during the trial that there was insufficient evidence that Spains car had a defective switch. The company was able to raise that defense because a statistical sampling showed that not every affected make and model in the massive recall had the flaw. But the jury didnt buy it the only win for plaintiffs lawyers in the case. Good Findings I do think that the jurys findings on Spains vehicle are good findings, and that they advance the goals of other plaintiffs, Spains attorney Randall Jackson said. In a case that was selected by GM as their first bellwether, the jury was still able to look objectively at the proof and arrive at these findings, despite GMs arguments to the contrary. The trial tilted in GMs favor even before the jury began deliberating. U.S. District Judge Jesse Furman threw out the plaintiffs key fraud claim against GM at the end of witness testimony, saying Spain hadnt presented enough evidence to show that the company made false or misleading statements to her about the defect. He rejected other claims before the trial, including a demand for punitive damages. Criminal Probe The carmaker has already paid out more than $2 billion to resolve legal claims stemming from the scandal, including $900 million to end a criminal probe by the U.S. government; $575 million to settle a shareholder suit and more than 1,380 civil cases by victims; and $595 million through a victims compensation fund outside of court. Since the scandal broke, GM Chief Executive Mary Barra has moved to change the companys culture. She fired 15 people for involvement in the ignition failure. Barra also added a vice president of safety and has streamlined the process for reporting defects. Company executives will even monitor chat rooms to look for customer complaints that could be defect-related. When the flaw was discovered, it could have been been fixed by spending $1 on each vehicle, prosecutors said. Spain and her passenger, Lawrence Barthelemy, suffered only minor injuries in the New Orleans crash and didnt report other health problems until weeks later, GM attorney Mike Brock said March 14 in his opening statement to jurors. The lawyer said the vehicle was only scratched. No Dents This is a case about a car that doesnt even have a dent, Brock, of Kirkland & Ellis LLP in Washington, said at the trial. This car is not the villain in this case. Brock said the crash was caused by an ice storm that was responsible for dozens of accidents on the same bridge that night. Even the police cruiser that responded to the crashes was rear-ended by an ambulance near the pileup, the jury was told. Sometimes, accidents just happen, Brock said at the trial. GM also argued that Spains injuries, reported weeks after the crash, werent caused by the accident but were work-related. The carmaker told jurors that Barthelemys back pain was the result of sitting in jail for several days for an unrelated traffic violation. Previous Trial The first bellwether trial, in a case selected by the plaintiffs, ended in embarrassment for their lawyers, who are among the best-known attorneys in the industry. The trial stopped abruptly when GM revealed evidence that the plaintiffs, an Oklahoma couple, had lied under oath and wrongfully blamed GM for the familys eviction from their dream house. Plaintiffs in all the cases allege GM endangered drivers and passengers by delaying the recall of defective vehicles. Due to a weakness in the design of ignition switches, jostled keys or a bump from a knee could shut off the engine, disable power steering, power brakes and air bags and leave occupants almost helpless as vehicles careen out of control. GM has said top executives didnt know the switch was a persistent problem, but in the Justice Department settlement the company admitted knowing about the defect by 2005 and concealing it from regulators from 2012 to 2014. The knowledge was established before the companys $49.5 billion government bailout in 2009, and the concealment continued after its sale to New GM in a bankruptcy reorganization. The company is separately awaiting an appeals court ruling in a group of lawsuits rejected as a result of the bankruptcy sale. GM argues it was shielded from the suits by bankruptcy law. GM, which received in a 2009 government bailout, was able to dodge the cases because the sale barred litigation against the old entity, even though new one employed many of the same employees and executives. The case is In re General Motors LLC Ignition Switch Litigation, 14-MD-2543, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York (Manhattan). Copyright 2022 Bloomberg. Topics Lawsuits USA Auto Employees dont see it as their responsibility to safeguard corporate security processes and one in five would go so far as to sell sell their companys passwords to an outsider. Of those who would sell their passwords, 44 percent would do so for less than $1,000, according to SailPoints annual Market Pulse Survey. This is up from one in seven who would sell a password a year ago, according to the report, which is based on interviews with 1,000 employees in large organizations. SailPoint, which helps corporations manage user access to their systems, found employees growing concern over the security of their personal information to be at odds with and their attitudes toward data security practices in the workplace. The survey found that 85 percent of employees would react negatively if their personal information was breached by a company. Yet these same employees are exposing their employers to the same data breaches through negligence and poor password hygiene. Additionally, the survey highlights an ongoing challenge for IT and security professionals: 26 percent of employees admitted to uploading sensitive information to cloud apps with the specific intent to share that data outside the company. The majority of respondents (65 percent) admitted to using a single password among applications, and one-third share passwords with their co-workers. One in three employees admitted to purchasing a SaaS application without ITs knowledge. Alarmingly, more than 40 percent of respondents reported having access to a variety of corporate accounts after leaving their last job. Todays identity governance solutions can alleviate the challenge of remembering several passwords and automate IT controls and security policies, but its imperative that employees understand the implications of how they adhere to those policies, said Kevin Cunningham, president and founder of SailPoint. It only takes one entry point out of hundreds of millions in a single enterprise for a hacker to gain access and cause a lot of damage. For its survey, the Austin, Texas company commissioned research firm Vanson Bourne to interview 1,000 office workers at large organizations (with at least 1,000 employees) across the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, the Netherlands and Australia. The report looks at how employees view IT security and what organizations are doing to to adapt to business realities. Source: SailPoint Market Pulse Survey Topics Cyber A judges ruling that MetLife Inc. is not too big to fail opens up an opportunity for insurer American International Group Inc. to seek an exemption from the tag, AIG Chief Executive Peter Hancock said on CNBC on Thursday. However, Hancock said AIG was reserving judgment for now. AIGs near collapse in 2008 and its $182 billion bailout by the U.S. government was the driving force behind the inclusion of certain non-bank financial companies, including AIG, as systemically important financial institutions (SIFIs). The SIFI designation means regulators believe a collapse of the company could devastate the U.S. financial system just as much as the failure of a major bank and comes with increased regulatory oversight and capital requirements. Hancock, who said the whole world was somewhat surprised by the MetLife ruling, noted that AIG had shrunk its balance sheet, giving it a strong case to get its SIFI tag removed. AIGs mortgage insurance unit, United Guaranty Corp., filed for an initial public offering on Wednesday as part of AIGs plan to become smaller. The company also plans to sell its broker-dealer network. Activist investor Carl Icahn, who is AIGs fifth largest shareholder, has been pushing the insurer to become smaller and simpler to allow it to shed its label as a non-bank SIFI. General Electric Co.s GE Capital, another non-bank, formally asked the U.S. government on Thursday to stop designating it a SIFI. Shares of AIG, which have fallen 12 percent so far this year, were little changed at $54.55 in premarket trading. (Reporting By Sudarshan Varadhan in Bengaluru; Editing by Ted Kerr) Topics USA Mark down the Climate Change and Global Warming Working Group as the odds-on favorite committee to produce the most interesting chatter during the National Association of Insurance Commissioners meeting next week in The Big Easy. Climate change buzz has continued to grow following the Paris meeting of world leaders late last year, when an agreement was hashed out to battle global warming by aggressively reducing carbon emissions. If coal and carbon investing wasnt already considered a dirty habit, it certainly is now. Theres been no shortage of European insurers and reinsurers promising to divest from the dirty energy sector, and its a good bet that there will also be no shortage of proposed regulations, guidelines and best practices to get U.S. insurers to follow suit coming out of the NAIC meeting. Working Group Any push to get insurers out of carbon-based investments will start in the working group, which is headed by two highly-vocal advocates of the industry being proactive on climate change. Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler, the nations longest serving insurance commissioner, chairs the group. California Commissioner Dave Jones is vice chair. Jones is pushing California insurers to get rid of investments in coal, and Kreidler has for the past few years been calling out the insurance industry for being unprepared for climate change and has said insurers are not taking climate change seriously enough. Both have stepped up their entreaties for the industry to take action on climate change, and theyll have the ears of commissioners from several big states sitting on the climate change group, Texas, Pennsylvania, and Ohio among them. The groups listed 2016 Charges, along with their degree of importance, are as follows: Review the enterprise risk management efforts by carriers and how they may be affected by climate change and global warming.Essential Investigate and receive information regarding the use of modeling by carriers and their reinsurers concerning climate change and global warming.Important Review the impact of climate change and global warming on insurers through presentations by interested parties.Important Investigate sustainability issues and solutions related to the insurance industry.Important Review innovative insurer solutions to climate change, including new insurance products through presentations by interested parties.Important Kreidler in a conversation with Insurance Journal this week expressed his intent that the working group consider ways to drive insurers out of not just coal but all carbon-based investments. No official recommendations will come from the committee, which is part of the NAIC Property and Casualty Insurance Committee. Instead any recommendations from the group will likely be forwarded to other committees to consider producing any official NAIC recommendations. From there state regulators will have to make up their own minds on whether to implement industry guidelines on climate change. Expect no shortage of strong and potentially industry-changing recommendations to be generated from the climate change group. Plans are for the group to focus on two areas, one of which is property codes and mitigation, while the other is the inherently hot topic of guiding insurer investments. In Kreidlers words, taking a hard look at carrier investment strategies is the best way to make sure that they arent setting themselves up for the potential of having stranded assets associated with carbonbased investments. Passive No Longer Until this year most regulators had been taking a passive approach to this issue, primarily issuing voluntary disclosure forms asking about information on carbon-based investments. On Jan. 25, Jones asked all insurance companies doing business in California to voluntarily divest from their investments in thermal coal. Then in April Jones made known his plans to initiate a data call that requires insurance companies to annually disclose their carbon-based investments, which includes investments in oil, gas and coal. Coals ugly downside has prompted investment warnings over potentially falling stocks. A report from global consulting firm Mercer on how global warming scenarios will impact investment returns shows the average annual returns from the coal sub-sector could fall by between 18 percent and 74 percent over the next 35 years and between 26 percent and 138 percent over the next 10 years based on climate change estimates representing 2, 3 and 4 degrees Celsius warming scenarios. Zacks Equity Research recently offered a dire outlook for the beleaguered sector. Unfortunately, all coal producers have been affected by the drastic fall in demand and consequently its prices, which have taken a toll on their financial health, a report from the firm stated. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys Clean Power Plan calls for CO2 reduction of 28 percent by 2025 and 32 percent by 2030 from 2005 levels. This plan will certainly ensure the closure of more coal-based power units, the Zacks report states. They will either be idled or converted to natural gas based units, affecting the long-term prospect of coal stocks. Anti-Carbon Movement The anti-carbon-investing movement in the insurance industry has its roots in a decision nearly a year ago by French insurer AXA SA, which announced it was planning to shed its holdings in coal companies over concerns about climate change. Other European insurers followed, and Kreidler thinks its imperative that U.S. insurers do the same. We want to make sure that insurance companies are doing an appropriate review of their investment strategies, but we also want to make sure that we as regulators are looking at those investment portfolios and making sure theres a proper assessment for those portfolios so that there isnt a vulnerability, he said. Kreidler and any like-minded regulators may have a bit of battle to get people in the industry on board with their thinking. One of the industrys best known and most respected names is on record dismissing the potential impact of climate change on the industry. Buffett Not Worried In an annual letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders on Feb. 27, Warren Buffett acknowledged it was likely that climate change poses a major problem for the planet, but that Berkshires insurance units would not face big losses and that climate change should not be on any list of worries for Berkshire shareholders. Kreidler interpreted that as Berkshire Hathaways leaders seeing no upside in long-term commitments to communities and their assets. When greater losses occur in areas being impacted by the effects of climate change, it seems the strategy will be to just raise rates or pull out. Thats part of the problem, he said. My fear is that you could wind up with insurers that are attempting to restrict their underwriting in certain areas to the point where their rates are either prohibitive, or they wind up effectively trying to abandon certain coastal areas because of the risk that they perceive. Sandy Example Look no further back for an example of what hes talking about than 2012 after Superstorm Sandy struck. Federal lawmakers in the area hammered insurance companies for not staying in the afflicted areas, or not coming back at the same level of interest in the area. The public relations mess for the carriers that left was a microcosm for the mess across the ravaged Eastern seaboard. Kreidler foresees similar adverse reactions from insurers as sea levels rise and extreme weather becomes more commonplace, dismantling coastal communities across the nation All of a sudden, you can see a major withdrawal, he said. Exiting markets comes with great implications, such as a significant long-term impact on a local economy. And when peoples pocketbooks get hit, theyll clamor for laws, rules and regulations to make things right. I can tell you, as a former legislator, when people start getting hurt, and economic activity is being hurt, thats when you come back and you start telling insurance companies, and theyre telling regulators, this is how youre going to do it, he said. These insurance companies, if they want to do business in our state, theyre going to be involved in those coastal counties too. Past columns: Topics Carriers California USA Legislation Climate Change Pollution Market An insurer-backed property safety research organization announced it is helping to build a model home in Oklahoma that will be designed to withstand high winds and hail. The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) said the first FORTIFIED Home utilizing its high wind and hail standards will be built in Tulsa in the coming months. To help defray the cost of building the home, State Farm Insurance presented a check for $15,000 as part of a grant to Tulsa Partners, $3,000 of which will be used to initiate construction the home in partnership with Tulsa Habitat for Humanity. This model home will be located in the Kendall-Whittier area and upon completion will be open to the public and potential Habitat clients for 12-18 months. IBHS launched its new FORTIFIED HomeHigh Wind & Hail programs at recent the National Tornado Summit in Oklahoma. Oklahoma has firsthand knowledge of how devastating these storms are, which is why we are very pleased IBHS has created these building standards to help homes stand up to Mother Natures fury and that State Farm, Tulsa Habitat for Humanity and Tulsa Partners are stepping up to strengthen our communities, said Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak in an announcement. Last year, we had nearly 800 tornadoes, hailstorms and high windstorms, which caused millions and millions of dollars in damage. We simply cannot keep rebuilding communities in the same places in the same ways and expect a different result. Weve got to do better for our citizens and the new FORTIFIED programs will help us do that, Doak said. The new FORTIFIED programs are being launched nationally with a focus on the Midwest and Great Plains areas, and a special concentration in Oklahoma and Colorado two locations very vulnerable to extreme high winds and hailstorms, said Tiffany OShea, IBHS director of Public Affairs. The FORTIFIED building programs have three levels of designation Bronze, Silver and Gold. Builders and contractors work with home buyers and homeowners to choose the desired level of protection that best suits their budgets and resilience goals, OShea said. The new FORTIFIED HomeHigh Wind and Hail programs provide a uniform, voluntary, superior set of standards to help improve a homes resilience by adding system-specific upgrades to minimum code requirements. One of the most unique and important aspects of the programs is that every FORTIFIED Home is inspected by an independent, third party, certified evaluator before and after the upgrades are performed. A key feature of these programs is they start by focusing on the roof, which is the most important and most vulnerable component of every building. Your roof is your first line of defense during severe weather, so you want it to be as strong as possible, OShea said. She said IBHS engineers believe property damage to homes from EF-0 and EF-1 tornadoes can be virtually eliminated if they are built or retrofitted using FORTIFIED standards. Source: IBHS Topics Oklahoma North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin announced the arrest of Alison Keli Underwood, 24, of Asheboro, N.C.; she is charged with one count of obtaining property by false pretense. NCDOI criminal investigators accuse Underwood of fraudulently obtaining $7,452.85 from Cincinnati Insurance Company in December 2015. Investigators allege Underwood had a claim check for vehicle damage reissued in her name and cashed the check for personal use instead of repairing her vehicle. Underwood was arrested on March 24 in Randolph County and placed under a $7,500 bond. The Department of Insurance employs 20 sworn state law enforcement officers dedicated to investigating and prosecuting claims of insurance and bail bonding fraud. Since Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin took office in 2009, criminal investigators have made more than 1,500 arrests, resulting in more than 750 criminal convictions with more than 250 cases currently pending court. These efforts have delivered more than $72.1 million in restitution and recoveries for victims. Source: North Carolina Department of Insurance Topics North Carolina West Virginia environmental officials have proposed a $93,000 fine on an Antero Resources natural gas company for polluting waterways. In a consent order, state Department of Environmental Protection and Antero Midstream LLC agreed earlier this month on the proposed fines for northern West Virginia pipeline activity. The order says Antero pipeline projects in Ritchie, Pleasants, Doddridge and Tyler caused pollution in nearby waterways in 2013 and 2014, among other issues. Antero Resources is headquartered in Denver, Colorado. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Pollution Virginia A Portland, Ore.-based electricity provider that fired the contractor building its natural gas plant in Boardman is suing the backers of a bond guaranteeing construction. The East Oregonian reported Portland General Electric filed the lawsuit March 23 against Liberty Mutual Surety and Zurich North America, the backers of the plants $145.6 million performance bond. Both insurers named in the lawsuit deny liability. The contractors parent company says the contract was wrongfully terminated. PGEs lawsuit says the company has found potentially dangerous defects since taking over construction of the Carty Generating Station in December. The lawsuit also says subcontractors have asserted almost $30 million in claims against the project for work that went unpaid by contractor Abeinsa, a subsidiary of Spanish energy firm Abengoa. PGE is seeking $180 million in damages. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits Oregon Construction Under pressure from federal and state regulators to improve the timeliness and accuracy of provider directories, health insurers are looking to software vendors for answers. Working with the payer trade group Americas Health Insurance Plans, 12 insurers will conduct six-month pilot programs in California, Florida and Indiana, starting in April. The insurers will work with healthcare transaction processing vendors Availity and BetterDoctor to validate and update data on physicians, then update the insurers provider directories. These directories have been notoriously inaccurate for years, making it difficult for patients seeking a new or different doctor to get correct information. Patients often select a physician practice that is listed as accepting new patients, but is not. Or, patients will select a physician listed as being in the patients network, but the practice is actually out of network. Thats why regulators are seeking improvements in the process. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, for instance, wants insurers to update their provider directories every 90 days. Another goal of the pilot is to ease the burden on providers when reporting changes in the practice that could affect directory information, such as different hours of service or a physician retiring. Rather than receiving requests or inquiries from multiple health plans, the pilot is designed to facilitate one primary point of contact for providers when updating or reporting changes to their practice information, an AHIP statement said. Providers may be contacted by phone, email or fax with instructions on how to update their information. BetterDoctor and Availity will then share data changes with the participating health plans to update their online and hard-copy directories. Participating insurers include Anthem, AvMed, Blue Shield of California, Cigna, Florida Blue, HealthNet, Humana, L.A. Care Health Plan, Molina Healthcare of California, SCAN Health Plan, WellCare and Western Health Advantage. Russ Thomas, CEO at Availity, says the tests also are an opportunity for insurers to bring new services to providers, while engaging them to improve the accuracy of their information. For instance, Availity may flag a claim from a provider that its aware of but which submitted a claim that has an address that hasnt been attached to the provider in the past. Using the vendors portal platform that connects it with customers, Availity can engage a provider in real time and send an alert asking for validation of a new address. That process can boost the accuracy of provider directories while avoiding a claim being rejected because of non-validated information. We believe that as providers come to us all day to check eligibility, if we alert them in the workflow to data that will stop a claim, they will take the time to make the correction, Thomas says. What Is a Back-to-Back Loan? A back-to-back loan, also known as a parallel loan, is when two companies in different countries borrow offsetting amounts from one another in each other's currency as a hedge against currency risk. While the currencies and interest rates (based on the commercial rates of each locale) remain separate, each loan will have the same maturity date. Companies could accomplish the same hedging strategy by trading in the currency markets, either cash or futures, but back-to-back loans can be more convenient. These days, currency swaps and similar instruments have largely replaced back-to-back loans. All the same, these instruments still facilitate international trade. Key Takeaways A back-to-back loan is an agreement in which two parent companies in different countries borrow offsetting amounts in their local currencies, then lend that money to the other's local subsidiary. The purpose of a back-to-back loan is to avoid borrowing money across country lines with the price fluctuations, possible restrictions, unwanted transparency, and fees associated with forex markets. By having each party borrow funds in its home currency, a back-to-back loan seeks to avoid exchange riskan adverse change in exchange rates between two currencies. Because multiple loans are originated, a back-to-back strategy has greater credit or default risk than using the forex market. How a Back-to-Back Loan Works Normally, when a company needs access to money in another currency it trades for it on the currency market. But because the value of some currencies can fluctuate widely, a company can unexpectedly wind up paying far more for a given currency than it had expected to pay. Companies with operations abroad may seek to reduce this risk with a back-to-back loan. The benefits of back-to-back loans include hedging in the exact currencies needed. Only major currencies trade in the futures markets or have enough liquidity in the cash markets to facilitate efficient trade. Back-to-back loans most commonly involve currencies that are either unstable or trade with low liquidity. High volatility in such trading creates greater need among companies in those countries to mitigate their currency risk. Back-to-Back Loan Risks In pursuing back-to-back loans, the biggest problem companies face is finding counterparties with similar funding needs. And even if they do find appropriate partners, the terms and conditions desired by both may not match. Some parties will enlist the services of a broker, but then brokerage fees have to be added to the cost of the financing. Most back-to-back loans come due within 10 years because of their inherent risks. The greatest risk in such agreements is asymmetrical liability, unless it is specifically covered in the back-to-back loan agreement. This liability arises when one party defaults on the loan leaving the other party still responsible for repayment. Default risk is thus a problem, as a failure by one party to pay back the loan in a timely manner does not release the obligations of the other party. Typically, this risk is offset by another financial agreement, or by a contingency clause covered in the original loan agreement. Back-to-back loans most commonly involve currencies that are either unstable or trade with low liquidity. Back-to-Back Loan Example One example would be an American company wishing to open a European office and a European company wishing to open an American office. The American company may lend the European company $1 million for initial leasing and other costs. This loan is calculated in U.S. dollars. Simultaneously, the European company lends the American company the equivalent of $1 million in euros at the current exchange rate to help with its leasing and other costs. Because both loans are made in the local currencies, there is no currency risk (the risk that the exchange rates between two currencies will swing widely) when the loans are paid back. Another example would be a Canadian company financing through a German bank. The company is concerned about the value of the Canadian dollar changing relative to the euro. Therefore, the company and the bank create a back-to-back loan, whereby the company deposits CA$1 million with the bank, and the bank (using the deposit as security) lends the company CA$1 million worth of euros based on the current exchange rate. The company and the bank agree to a one-year term on the loan and a 4% interest rate. When the loan term ends, the company repays the loan at the fixed rate agreed upon at the beginning of the loan term, thereby ensuring against currency risk during the term of the loan. Shares of Box Inc. (BOX) jumped the most in three years after prominent venture capitalist Chamath Palihapitiya, the CEO of Social Capital, called the enterprise software provider incredibly cheap and undervalued" and recommended that investors go long on shares of the cloud company. BOX stock jumped as much as 16% on Monday to $23.95, ultimately closing up 11% at $22.91. The rally brought the stock's year-to-date (YTD) return to 8.5% and its 12-month increase to 36.4%, outperforming the broader S&P 500's roughly flat and 13.7% gain over the same respective periods. At the Sohn Investment Conference in New York on Monday, Palihapitiya, a former member of Facebook Inc.'s (FB) executive team, touted the Redwood City, California-based company's opportunity in the burgeoning artificial intelligence (AI) space. The high-profile investor indicated that "if you believe and care about AI ... be long on Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN), be long on Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL), but frankly, be long Box." (See also: Microsoft Warms Up to Former Rival Linux.) The 13-year-old company, which helps businesses manage content in the cloud, unveiled a new AI toolkit in October that allows its customers to use image recognition and text, audio and video-searching tools from companies like Google, Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) and International Business Machines Corp. (IBM) in order to better manage and extract data from their media files. Box Poised to 'Create Incredible Value' CEO Aaron Levie founded Box out of a renovated garage with a team of childhood friends, choosing to drop out of college after a blind investment of a few hundred thousand dollars from angel investor Mark Cuban. With Levie at the helm, the file-sharing company turned down a $600 million offer from Citrix. In March, BOX shares lost nearly a fourth of their value on earnings results wherein investors feared thinning future cash flows. Despite pessimism, Levie has remained upbeat on the ability for Box's new product offerings and better customers to drive revenue to $1 billion by 2020. Palihapitiya has watched Box's evolution in a space disrupted by machine learning and AI, calling it a "really interesting disruptive company," that "sits on top of an enormous amount of R&D." "It's really critical to understand what AI is, what it can do, what it can't do, and who is actually positioned to create incredible value over the next 10 to 20 years," he added. (See also: Tech Still Reigns Over the Market: Credit Suisse.) The Small Business Association (SBA) is an agency established in 1953 by the U.S. government that provides various types of assistance to American small businesses. The SBA helps small businesses by providing access to capital and low-cost training, providing government contracts to qualified small businesses, and advocating for small businesses by reviewing legislation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the SBA launched the PPP program, which provided forgivable SBA loans to thousands of small businesses whose operations were impacted by the pandemic. China has approximately 10 times the steelmaking capacity of the United States. It has been accused of dumping cheap steel on the global market to beat out competitors, and the Trump administration has encouraged Chinese leaders to cut production in order to improve the profitability of U.S. steelmakers. In 2017, China cut overcapacity in the steel sector by shutting down about 50 million tons for domestic environmental and economic reasons. The country was the largest exporter of steel in the world in 2015, and its steel exports represented approximately 24 percent of all steel exported globally in 2015. In 2015, the Chinese economy was slowing down, and the demand for steel, iron ore and other ferrous metals declined significantly. The policies, subsidies and dumping margins imposed by the Chinese government impacted stock prices of many global steel companies, with major metal companies like Anglo American and Rio Tinto taking a hit. Here's a look at the state of the global steel industry more recently and the impact of the Chinese economy. Anatomy of the Global Steel Industry Steel is one of the most innovative and flexible alloys, which can be customized for many requirements. Variants of steel are used in housing, transportation, industrial, automobile, infrastructure and utilities sectors, making it one of the world's most versatile materials, one that's easily reused and recycled. (For more, read: Strength in Steel.) China, Japan, India, the United States and Russia were the top five steel-producing nations in 2016, in that order, with China the leader by far. In 2017, China produced 831 million metric tons of crude steel, Japan produced 104.7 tons, the United States produced 116 tons, India produced 101.4 tons and Russia produced 71.3 tons, all far below the leader. While China and Japan are the top exporters of steel, the United States and Germany are the leaders for imports because of their economies' high consumption rates. China is the world's largest producer of steel, and it is also the world's largest consumer of the material. Given such a dominant market share, along with the large amounts of steel used across different sectors of its economy, any slowdown in the Chinese economy will have a major impact on the global steel industry. The graph below shows what happened to the VanEck Vectors Steel ETF (SLX) in 2015 when the Chinese economy slowed down. Image by Sabrina Jiang Investopedia 2020 Recent Developments More recently, global steel output has been increasing, investors fear a slow down in the Chinese economy and the prospect of trade wars initiated by the Trump administration. However, steel prices are on the increase. The World Steel Association reported that in July 2018, global steel output rose by 5.8% in a month, an increase that follows growth of almost 13% in the same quarter one year ago. Although China has attempted to cut steel production to mitigate pollution, some plants are ramping up capacity, and Chinas steel output is on the rise. This increase in output has also maintained the demand for high-grade iron ore, a raw material for steel and a determinant of the cost of steel, and has propped up prices. In the United States, encouraged by robust domestic demand, domestic steel producers are increasing their steel prices because of increasing input costs and a depreciation in the rupee. Thus, because steel output is growing and prices are increasing, steel companies should see increased earnings and higher share prices. However, if the demand for steel drops, China will export surplus steel and lower international prices. If output falls, the demand for raw materials will slow down and further affect prices. Thus, China is the biggest influencer on global steel. Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT) is a global leader in defense-related products. Formed after a merger of Lockheed Corp. and Martin Marietta in 1995, the company's largest customer is the U.S. government, which in 2021 represented 71% of net sales. Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., the company employs roughly 114,000 workers and generates almost $67 billion in revenue annually. Lockheed Martin makes the F-35 fighter jet, with the U.S. government being the largest contract. Several other countries have also lined up to place orders. On June 18, 2017, Reuters reported that Lockheed reached a $37 billion deal with 11 different countries (including the U.S.) for sales of 440 F-35 fighter jets. In late August of that year, it was awarded a long term contract worth up to $8 billion with the U.S. government. Key Takeaways Lockheed Martin is a defense company with substantial contracts with the U.S. military. 71% of Lockheed's revenue comes from the U.S. government. In addition to fighter jets, the company makes cargo jets, hypersonic missiles that travel one mile per second, and space capsules for NASA. Lockheed's main competitors include Boeing, BAE Systems, General Dynamics, and Raytheon. Beyond fighter jets, Lockheed Martin is also experiencing increased orders for its C-130 cargo planes. With its $9 billion purchase of Sikorsky Aircraft from United Technologies Corporation (UTX) in 2015, Lockheed Martin also witnessed an increase in sales of its Black Hawk helicopters. In 2018, it received two large orders ($928 million and $480 million) for hypersonic missiles from the Air Force. It received a $4.6 billion order for Orion space capsules from NASA in 2019. Lockheed Martin competes with several other aerospace and defense companies at home and abroad. Boeing Company Boeing Company (BA) generates more than twice Lockheed Martin's revenue, but just over one-third comes from defense contracts. The century-old aerospace company is one the worlds largest, and a leading manufacturer of commercial and government aircraft. It is also heavily involved in advanced technology solutions for defense, space, and national security. On the defense side, it manufactures fighter jets, helicopters, and the B-52 bomber. BAE Systems Plc. BAE Systems Plc. (BA.L) is a British defense contractor that generates more than $20 billion in annual revenue, of which the vast majority comes from defense contracts. The company manufacturers naval ships and submarines for governments around the world. It produces military aircraft and guided weapons systems as well. Raytheon Co. As the worlds premier missile builder, Raytheon Co. (RTN) is one of the biggest beneficiary of increased tensions around the world. Countries in the Middle East, Asia, and Europe are ramping up their defenses with Raytheons Patriot missile system, but domestic sales are growing as well. The company also builds a variety of other types of air-to-air, air-to-surface, and surface-to-surface missiles. General Dynamics Corporation General Dynamics Corporations (GD) history dates back to the late 19th century as a naval producer for the United States and a variety of other countries. The company is considered a diversified manufacturer of defense systems, technology, aircraft, and marine systems. Although it stopped production of F-16 jet fighters, the company's fighter-bomber is still considered the workhorse of air forces around the world. The company is also one of the largest contractors for the Virginia-class nuclear attack submarine and Zumwalt-class destroyers. There is a lot of money in politics, and Hillary Clinton was able to raise a remarkable amount during the 2016 election cycle. The total amount raised by the official campaign committee, the DNC, super PACs, PACs, and joint fundraising committees, was close to $1 billion. In six months, Clinton's official campaign committee Hillary for America raised $460 million. However, since there is a cap on the amount an individual can contribute to a campaign directly, super PACs remain important to big donors. According to the Center for Responsive Politics, more than half the amount raised by Clinton and her allies that election cycle came from large individual contributions, versus only 15% of Donald Trump's campaign funds. Priorities USA Action, the main pro-Clinton super PAC, raised a total of $155 million. It raised almost $25 million in September, narrowly beating its August tally, making it the super PAC's best fundraising month yet. FEC filings showed who was driving the surge in donations. The following were the biggest donors to Clinton's campaign: Key Takeaways While Hillary Clinton did not win the 2016 presidential election, she still managed to raise millions of dollars in campaign contributions. Campaign finance laws state that political donations be reported to the Federal Election Committee (FEC), which makes that data public. Here, we profile the ten largest contributors to the Clinton campaign. 1. Dustin Moskovitz and Cari Tuna: $35 Million (Including Donations to Non-Partisan Voter Registration Efforts) Meta (META), formerly Facebook, co-founder Dustin Moskovitz and his wife Cari Tuna revealed their plans to support the Democrats with donations in two Medium posts, one in the first week of September and one in early October. They said, "Like many Democratic voters, we dont support every plank of the platform, but it is clear that if Secretary Clinton wins the election, America will advance much further toward the world we hope to see. If Donald Trump wins, the country will fall backward, and become more isolated from the global community." In 2016, Moskovitz said they gave a total of $20 million to pro-Clinton, pro-Democrat organizations including the Hillary Victory Fund, the DSCC, and the DCCC, the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) Victory Fund, For Our Future PAC, MoveOn.org Political Action, Color Of Change PAC, and several nonpartisan voter registration efforts. In October, Moskovitz contributed $15 million to policy advocacy organizations, including the PUA super PAC, and $7 million to nonpartisan voter registration and get-out-the-vote efforts. He donated $2.5 million to the PUA super PAC in September and again in October, and then $1 million in November. 2. Donald Sussman, Paloma Partners: $21,100,000 The president of this Connecticut-based hedge fund donated $21 million to the PUA super PAC and $600,000 to the Correct the Record super PAC. Correct the Record collects money to pay for personnel whose job it is to defend Clinton online. 3. Jay Robert Pritzker and Mary Pritzker, Pritzker Group and Pritzker Family Foundation: $12,600,000 JB, the heir to the Hyatt Hotel (H) fortune and co-founder of an investment firm, donated to the PUA super PAC along with his wife. The Pritzker Family Foundation led by Jay Robert also donated to PUA super PAC. 4. Haim Saban and Cheryl Saban, Saban Capital Group: $10,000,000 Chair of Univision Communications Haim Saban has been a long-time friend of Clinton, and his wife Cheryl sits on the board of the Clinton Foundation. Both donated separately to the PUA super PAC. 5. George Soros, Soros Fund Management: $9,525,000 The 85-year-old billionaire has been vocal about his disdain for Trump. He donated $9.5 million to the PUA super PAC and $25,000 to the Ready super PAC. 6. S. Daniel Abraham, SDA Enterprises: $9,000,000 The 91-year-old sold his weight loss brand Slim-Fast to Unilever for $2.3 billion in 2000. He advocates for a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine and is the founder of the S. Daniel Abraham Center for Middle East Peace. He donated to the PUA super PAC. 7. Fred Eychaner, Newsweb Corporation: $8,005,400 Eychaner is the founder and chair of Newsweb, a Chicago media company. He donated to the PUA super PAC and Clinton's campaign committee. 8. James Simons, Euclidean Capital: $7,000,000 The billionaire hedge fund manager and mathematician donated to the PUA super PAC. 9. Henry Laufer and Marsha Laufer, Renaissance Technologies: $5,500,000 Henry is a director at Renaissance Technologies, an investment management firm founded by James Simon, #7 on this list. Marsha served as the chair of the Brookhaven Democratic Party. The Laufers donated to the PUA super PAC and Henry gave $500,000 to the Correct the Record Super PAC. 10. Laure Woods, Laurel Foundation: $5 million Laure Woods is the president and founder of Laurel Foundation, a private foundation focused on the education, health, and welfare of children Other Donors David E. Shaw, founder of D.E. Shaw & Co., donated $3 million to the PUA super PAC and $50,000 to the Ready super PAC. The following have all given to the PUA super PAC: Herb Sandler, whose foundation has supported the Center for Responsible Lending, ProPublica, and the Centre for American Progress, donated $3 million. Bernard L. Schwartz, chair of BLS Investments and life-long supporter of the Democratic Party, donated $2.5 million. Chair of Dreamworks New Media Jeffrey Katzenberg and director Steven Spielberg both donated $1 million each. Movie producer Thomas Tull, who was responsible for such hits as "The Hangover" and "300", has given $1.5 million. The Bottom Line Corporations arent allowed to directly donate money to a candidates campaign committee. However, they can sponsor political action committees (PACS) or donate unlimited amounts to independent expenditure-only committees (Super PACS). Individuals can donate a maximum of $2,800 per election (the limit was $2,700 for the 2016 election) to a candidates campaign committee and unlimited amounts to Super PACs. Super PACs cannot make contributions to candidates, parties, or other PACs but can independently advocate for a certain candidate. Donald Trump announced his reelection bid as soon as he took office four years ago and raised more than $1 billion in the 2020 cycle, according to OpenSecrets. This amount includes donations to his official campaign committee and outside groups such as single-candidate super PACs and hybrid PACs or Carey committees. Where Did the Big Money Go? Very large donations in U.S. presidential elections are directed to super PACs (political action committees) or hybrid PACs because of the $5,600 limit on how much an individual can give to a candidates official campaign committee per election cycle. America First Action, a single-candidate, pro-Trump super PAC founded in April 2017 to support his agenda and deliver him a victory, was the primary recipient of funds from his wealthy backers. Millions of dollars have come into the super PAC from the affiliated America First Policies nonprofit, but because it doesnt disclose its donors, its known as a dark money group, and we cant be certain who contributed to it. Trump supporters may have also given to joint fundraising committees set up for the presidential campaign and the Republican National Committeefor example, Trump Victory or the Trump Make America Great Again Committee. Demographics The biggest industries represented among Trump donors overall this cycle were Health Services, Casinos/Gambling and Finance. Only $8,021 came out of the former presidents pockets this time around, versus $66 million in 2016. The following are the top donors to the Trump 2020 campaign (2020 election cycle), according to processed Federal Election Commission data.* **They all gave to the America First Action super PAC. Sheldon Adelson, a casino mogul, and his wife, Dr. Miriam Adelson, donated $75 million in 2020 to a super PAC called "Preserve America" that ran a media campaign against the former presidential nominee Joe Biden, now president, in order to help re-elect Trump. 1.Timothy Mellon, Pan Am Systems $10 million An heir to the Mellon banking fortune and the grandson of former U.S. Treasury Secretary Andrew Mellon, his is among the biggest donations this election cycle. He owns the largest regional railroad in North America, Pan Am Railways, which went up for sale in July. Hes been notably reclusive and absent from politics. Republican operatives reportedly had to look his name up on Google when he came forward to help. 2.Kelcy Warren, Energy Transfers $10 million Warren is the co-founder, chair and CEO of Energy Transfers. The Texas-based company owns and operates the controversial Dakota Access Pipeline, which Democratic President Joe Biden may shut down or slow the review process of. 3.Geoffrey Palmer, G.H. Palmer Associates $6 million Palmer is a real estate magnate whose buildings in Los Angeles are known for their characteristic fauxtalian style. He was chosen to be part of Trumps Great American Economic Revival Industry Groups (Construction/Labor/Workforce) in April 2020. 4.Linda McMahon, America First Action $4.5 million McMahon is famous for cofounding the WWE franchise with her husband, Vince. She ran the Small Business Administration from 2017 to 2019 and is currently the chair of the America First Action super PAC, to which she gave millions herself. 5.Patricia Duggan, Philanthropist/Entrepreneur $3 million Duggan is a top Scientology donor. An organization in her name has also separately donated $3 million to the America First Action super PAC this cycle. 6.Stephen Schwarzman, The Blackstone Group $3 million The billionaire investor and close friend of the president is the chair, CEO and cofounder of publicly traded investment firm The Blackstone Group. He was chosen to be part of Trumps Great American Economic Revival Industry Groups (Financial Services) in April 2020. 7.Elizabeth Liz Uihlein, Uline $2 million She started the shipping giant Uline with her husband, Richard, in their basement in 1980. Liz was part of Trumps economic advisory team in 2016. Richard Uihlein donated $750,000. 8.Diane Hendricks, ABC Supply $2 million She is at the top of Forbes Americas Richest Self-Made Women ranking with a net worth of $7 billion. She cofounded ABC Supply, the largest wholesale distributor of roofing products in the country, with her late husband in 1982. 9.Warren Stephens, Stephens Inc. $1.5 million He is the chair, president, and CEO of the privately held financial services firm, Stephens Inc., which was started in 1933 by his uncle. He was chosen to be part of Trumps Great American Economic Revival Industry Groups (Financial Services) in April 2020. 10.Cherna Moskowitz, Hawaiian Gardens Casino $1.3 million Cherna Moskowitz is the president of Hawaiian Gardens Casino in California and the Irving Moskowitz Fundation. She is the widow of Dr. Irving Moskowitz, a prominent physician and philanthropist, who died in 2016. Other notables Several individuals of the DeVos family have together given $1 million, including Richard DeVos Jr., president of Amway and husband of former U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, Daniel DeVos, Suzanne DeVos, Doug DeVos, and Maria DeVos. Walter Buck Buckley, the cofounder and CEO of Actua Corp., a publicly traded venture capital firm that underwent liquidation in 2018, donated $1.1 million. Individuals donating $1 million each include Ronald Cameron (chair of Arkansas-based poultry company Mountaire Farms), Robert Wood Johnson IV (U.S. ambassador to Britain and pharmaceutical heir), Jeffrey Sprecher (founder, chair, and CEO of Intercontinental Exchange, and chair of the New York Stock Exchange), Rex Sinquefield (index funds pioneer), and Dana White (president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, or UFC). ***Note: We will continue to update this ranking as more FEC data is processed.*** Choosing investments can feel overwhelming. There are thousands of investment choices for you to evaluate and choose from, especially when trying to get the right asset allocation in place. Luckily there is an alternative to sorting through and using excessive numbers of mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to get the right allocations. The Vanguard Group offers funds that allow for broad exposure by investing in just a few funds. With just three to five funds, you can achieve that goal of being diversified. Additionally, many of Vanguard's funds are available as both mutual funds and ETFs so you can use your preferred investment tool and get the same results. Here are few of Vanguards funds that allow for easy allocation and diversification. (Note: All fund figures as of 11/30/2017.) U.S. Stocks The Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund (VTSAX) mutual fund invests in the U.S. equity market with more than 3,600 stock holdings in this one fund. This allows you to invest in large-, mid- and small-capitalization stocks in one investment. Even better is that both the mutual fund and the ETF version, Vanguard Total Stock Market (VTI), have fees that are only 0.04%. Hard to beat this diversification and expense ratio. International Stocks The Total International Stock Index Fund (VTIAX) covers a wide range of international stocks including emerging markets and some international small caps. With more than 6,200 stocks in its portfolio, this can be your only international holding. The expense ratio for the mutual fund is just 0.11%. Again the ETF version, Vanguard Total International Stock (VXUS), has the same fees as the mutual fund so you can select the fund that works best for you. (See also: ETFs Commonly Found in Retirement Accounts.) If you prefer to add more emerging markets exposure than the Total International Stock Index provides, you can supplement your international exposure with the Vanguard Emerging Markets Stock Index (VEMAX). With a fee of only 0.14%, you can gain exposure to more than 1,000 stocks from emerging markets such as Brazil, India, and China. Again, the ETF version, Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets (VWO), has the same expense ratio as the mutual fund. Bonds The Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund (VBTLX) will give you exposure to almost every area of the U.S. bond market. This includes government bonds and corporate bonds of maturities varying from short to long term, with the average effective maturity of 8.4 years. The expense ratio is only 0.05% for both the mutual fund and the ETF, the Vanguard Total Bond Market (BND). (See also: Evaluating Bond Funds: Keeping It Simple.) If you want to gain exposure to international bonds, then you can add the Vanguard Total International Bond Index Fund (VTABX). This fund invests in bonds outside of the U.S. and includes government and corporate. Most of this fund is invested in developed countries' bonds. The expense ratio is 0.11% for both the mutual fund and ETF, the Vanguard Total International Bond (BNDX). Specialty Funds Vanguard offers many other specialty funds that you can add to your portfolio to fit your needs and investing approach. Examples include the Vanguard Dividend Appreciation Index Fund (VDADX), for those that are wanting more dividend income; the Vanguard Health Care Fund (VGHCX), for those that want more exposure to health care companies; and the Vanguard REIT Index Fund (VGSLX) for exposure to real estate investments. (See also: Index Mutual Funds vs. Index ETFs.) The Bottom Line By using broad-based, low-cost funds from a company like Vanguard, you can easily save for retirement without having to manage a large number of funds and still achieve the right asset allocation and diversification. (See also: Top 3 Vanguard Managed ETFs.) Over the past quarter of a century, 401(k) plans have evolved into the dominant retirement plan scheme for most U.S. workers. While many improvements have been made to the structure and features of 401(k) plans since their creation, they're not perfect. There are issues with the current 401(k) structure that make such vehicles less than ideal. But there are also ways to mitigate the impact of these problems, making 401(k)s ultimately worth your time and money. Here's a look at six issues that have the current 401(k) plan structure, as well as ways to temper the effects. Key Takeaways While 401(k) plans are a valuable part of retirement planning for most U.S. workers, they're not perfect. The value of 401(k) plans is based on the concept of dollar-cost averaging, but that's not always a reliable theory. Many 401(k) plans are expensive because of high administrative and record-keeping costs. Nonetheless, 401(k) plans are ultimately worth it for most people, depending on your retirement goals. Dollar-Cost Averaging You may have bought into the concept of dollar-cost averaging because it was explained to you as a prudent investment methodology. Unfortunately, dollar-cost averaging is simply a convenient solution to justify the contributions channeled from your employer to your 401(k) plan. To explain, defined contribution plans, like your 401(k) plan, require periodic contributions to be made to your retirement account with each paycheck. For this reason, without a theory such as dollar-cost averaging, funneling money on a periodic basis from your paycheck to your investment options would not make sense. Your investment options may be fully valued or, even worse, overvalued at the time the contributions are made. Fortunately, you can take control of your investment process by directing all of your contributions into a conservative investment option that is offered in your retirement plan. Then, when the time is right, you can make a strategic investment allocation to one or more of the less conservative funds offered in your 401(k) plan. Of course, you'll have to determine when the switch looks attractive from an investment standpoint. Nevertheless, you should expect this type of responsibility if you participate in a defined contribution plan. Long Investment Time Horizons You have probably been told that your employer established a 401(k) plan on your behalf in order to provide you with a long-term savings plan for retirement. Given this premise, you may believe that you should develop a long-term strategic asset allocation based on a time horizon that exceeds a decade. Unfortunately, it's highly unlikely that the portfolio managers who are currently managing your investment options will be managing them 10 or more years from now. So for strategic allocation with a long-term focus, index funds can mitigate the likely mismatch between the shorter-term tenure of your fund managers and your longer-term investment holding period. Most active mutual funds do not outperform their index or benchmark, and you are better off putting your money into an index fund. A 1% saving can mean tens of thousands of extra dollars at retirement. If index funds aren't offered in your 401(k) plan, your current fund managers will be managing your money for many years to come. However, there is another option. First, you can develop a tactical asset allocation contingency plan in the event that one of your portfolio managers relinquishes responsibility. Next, you could open a traditional IRA or Roth IRA and contribute up to your legal limit through various index funds not available in your 401(k) plan. 401(k) Fees A qualified 401(k) plan is an expensive employee benefit. 401(k) plans entail many compliance issues that have to be monitored and constant service and administration. What's more, a number of education and communication services must be offered to plan participants. Given these mandates, it's highly likely that you are paying for them through things like: Participant fees Supplemental asset-based charges Itemized costs for services such as loans, hardship withdrawals, and qualified domestic relations orders Higher fund expenses Costs are particularly steep for smaller employers and plans where a lack of economies of scale fosters higher expenses. Fortunately, you can mitigate the negative costs of your 401(k) plan by developing a tailored retirement plan strategy. First, you should always invest in your 401(k) plan up to the point where you receive 100% of your employer's matching contribution. Then, you should open a traditional IRA or Roth IRA and contribute up to your legal limit. The investment options available to you through an IRA will be much greater and less expensive than the investment options available to you through an employer-sponsored 401(k) plan. One warning, thoughif you or your spouse is covered by an employer-sponsored retirement plan, and your income exceeds certain levels, you may not be able to deduct your entire contribution. After you have maxed out the money that you can contribute to an IRA, you should then increase your contribution rate in your 401(k) plan to reach your desired level of savings. Lackluster Recordkeeping Recordkeeping for assets in your 401(k) plan is complex and time-consuming, even with today's technology. Therefore, few retirement plan providers distribute investor-friendly statements. Instead, they generate only what the law requires, which is not sufficient for you to make a useful financial assessment of your investment strategy. To successfully plan for retirement, you need to know on a monthly basis your beginning account balance, how much you and your employer contributed, the number of transfers or withdrawals you made, the amount of any gains or losses, and your ending balance. Unfortunately, your record-keeper probably doesn't provide this information in a user-friendly way. To get the data, you may have to extract the information from your monthly or quarterly statements and build a spreadsheet to track the details. Once you have properly compiled the information, you should manually calculate your annualized rate of return. It's worthwhile seeking outside advice to get an accurate view of how your investments are performing. "Often, it is difficult to go through your quarterly statement and decipher how well your investment strategy is working," says Carlos Dias Jr., founder and managing partner of Dias Wealth LLC in Lake Mary, FL. "By consulting with an outside fee-only advisor," Dias adds, "you can see how your 401(k) investments are really performing and what modifications can be made without having to transfer to an IRA." Most active mutual funds, on which 401(k) plans are based, don't outperform their index or benchmark. You're better off putting your money into an index fund. Limited Investment Options In terms of retirement plan design, the conventional wisdom in the 401(k) plan investment industry is that "less is more." For example, a comprehensive retirement plan design offers a group of investment options that cover roughly five asset class categories. These categories, in order of theoretical risk, are as follows: The concept behind "less is more" is to streamline your investment decision-making responsibilities to minimize the complexity of your investment choices. You can develop a diversified portfolio by investing in funds that fall into these five asset-class categories. But it's likely that you'll also need access to Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) funds, high-yield funds, real estate investment trust (REIT) funds, mid-capitalization equity funds, emerging markets funds, and commodity funds to build a comprehensive portfolio for your long-term financial needs. "When I find a clients 401(k) has limited (or subpar) investment choices, I always look to see if they have a self-directed brokerage window available to them," says Carol Berger, CFP with Berger Wealth Management in Peachtree City, GA. "This allows them to open an account on the 'brokerage window' side and opens up many more investment choices," Berger adds. "The client then has their regular contributions go into this account versus the 'regular' 401(k) choices." The quality of the investment options offered in your plan may be well below average, particularly if you are a participant in a small retirement plan. You should thus assess how comprehensive your 401(k) retirement plan design is and conduct a thorough due diligence analysis before making any type of investment. Once this assessment is complete, your best course of action is to notify your human resources department of any enhancements that should be made. In addition, you should offset any of your 401(k) plan deficiencies by investing in a host of index funds through an individual IRA. Kirk Chisholm, Wealth Manager at Innovative Advisory Group, Lexington, MA One frequently overlooked option for an investor who has a poor selection of fund choices is to speak to your employer. Frequently, employers are not deliberately trying to provide you with poor choices. Many times they are given these choices by the advisor on the plan. If you request different or additional options, it is possible your employer will say yes. Many employers are looking for this type of feedback. Complex Tax Implications Arguably the most highly touted 401(k) plan attribute is the pre-tax treatment of invested cash flows. This feature is important because if you have more money to invest upfront, you should have a greater opportunity to enhance your returns down the road. However, before accepting the premise that pre-tax investing is an investment advantage, keep in mind that when you withdraw your money from your 401(k) plan, the entire amount will be taxed at your personal income tax level. This may be a disadvantage if your investment strategy achieves substantial long-term gains that could have been taxed at the lower capital gains tax rate level. Since these gains will be taxed as income under a 401(k) plan structure, your perceived pre-tax advantage on the front end will be offset to a certain degree by the tax disadvantage on the back end. Assessing tax implications is complex because your tax status and tax laws will change over time. In addition, new retirement plan schemes will be developed in the future. Therefore, what looks like a good deal today may very well be a bad deal tomorrow. What Are the Advantages of a 401(k)? A 401(k) has many advantages for someone saving for retirement. Among the highlights: contributions are made on a pre-tax basis, lowering your yearly taxable income; some employers will match a portion of your contributions, increasing your savings; 401(k)s are protected from most creditors, due to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. Is It Better to Have a 401(k) or an IRA? Many investors choose to have both as they each offer advantages for saving. An Individual Retirement Account (IRA) will have a greater variety of investment options, but only a 401(k) has the potential for employer matching funds. A 401(k) also allows for greater contributions than an IRA. For 2022, 401(k) contribution limits are $20,500 (plus a $6,500 catch-up for people aged 50 and older). Employer contributions in 2022 are $61,000 plus the $6,500 catch-up amount. For 2022, IRA contributions are $6,000 (plus a $1,000 catch-up for those aged 50 and older). Do You Need a 401(k) and a Savings Account? A 401(k) and a savings account can serve different purposes. A 401(k) has all of the advantages mentioned in the article, including offering pre-tax contributions and employer matching funds. However, the funds in a 401(k) are not easily accessible. In fact, there are usually penalties for withdrawing money early. A savings account can augment a 401(k) by holding funds that are more readily accessible in an emergency. The Bottom Line While 401(k) plans are an important part of your employee benefits package, the issues associated with some of their provisions are problematic. Remember that in a defined contribution pension plan like the 401(k), you bear all of the investment risk. The amount of cash that's in the fund when you retire is what you will receive as a pension. Thus, there is no guarantee that you will receive anything from this defined contribution plan. The fund may lose all (or a substantial part) of its value in the markets just as you're ready to start taking distributions. While that's true of any financial investment, the risk is compounded by the relative inaccessibility of 401(k) money throughout the account'sand yourlifetime. "The final problem is that your 401(k) assets are not liquid," says Dan Stewart, CFA, president of Revere Asset Management, Inc. in Dallas, TX. "Make sure that you still save enough on the outside for emergencies and expenses you may have before retirement. Do not put all of your savings into your 401(k) where you cannot easily access it, if necessary." Consider these issues and take an active role in preparing for your financial future. With careful planning, you should be able to mitigate the negative features of your 401(k) plan and meet your retirement plan goals. Top News - Investor Idea Mullen (NASDAQ: MULN) Continues Acquisition Path With Purchase of ELMS Assets Including Factory in Mishawaka, IN., Enabling EV Production for Retail and Commercial Vehicle Lines BREA, Calif. - October 19, 2022 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Mullen Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ: MULN), an emerging electric vehicle ("EV") manufacturer, announces the US Bankruptcy Court approval on Oct. 13th, 2022 of its acquisition of electric vehicle company ELMS's (Electric Last Mile Solutions) assets in an all cash purchase. Top EV Stock News - Investor Idea Breaking EV Stock News: Mullen Automotive (NASDAQ: $MULN) Taps Former GM Executive John Schwegman as Chief Commercial Officer for Next Phase of EV Growth BREA, Calif. - October 21, 2022 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Mullen Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ: MULN), an emerging electric vehicle ("EV") manufacturer, announces today the hiring of John Schwegman as its Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) for Mullen's line of commercial vehicles. Top EV Stock News - Investor Idea EV Stocks Driving Higher: (NASDAQ: $MULN) (NASDAQ: $TSLA) (NYSE: $NIO) (NYSE: $F) Vancouver, Delta, BC - October 20, 2022 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Investorideas.com, a leading investor news resource covering EV and automotive stocks releases a special report featuring Mullen Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ: MULN), covering the continued growth of the EV market as government policy and infrastructure plans sync up with consumer and investor interest in the EV space. Top AI Stock News - Investor Idea Breaking AI Stock News: FatBrain (OTCQB: LZGI) Acquires Confidential Computing Platform ZeroTrust to Protect Data Privacy and Accelerate Innovation for Millions of Growth Businesses NEW YORK, NY - October 19, 2022 (Investorideas.com Newswire) FatBrain AI (LZG International, Inc.) (OTCQB: LZGI), the leader in powerful and easy-to-use artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for star enterprises of tomorrow, has acquired the confidential computing and privacy intellectual property (IP) plus software assets of Zero2A PTE LTD ("ZeroTrust Platform"), a software company based in Singapore. Check out our Podcasts for great investor ideas: Get new posts by email: Subscribe Powered by Investorideas.com Newswire: Subscribe to Investor Ideas Newswire Irelands first-ever official immersive program for Irish diaspora teenagers will kick off this summer. The Global Irish Summer Camp, Irelands answer to calls for an initiative similar to Birthright, the Israeli program that has brought 400,000 young Jewish people between the ages of 18 and 26 to Israel since 1999, will take place from July 20 August 4. The pilot program will offer 20 spots to Irish American high school students between the ages of 15 and 17. In order to be eligible applicants cannot have spent time in Ireland before. The deadline to apply is April 20, and the lucky 20 who are selected will be notified in late May/early June. Application instructions can be found on the Global Irish Summer Camp website. The Summer Camp program, based at University College Dublin and the Institute of Study Abroads Ireland campus In Bundoran, Co. Donegal, will include classes and workshops on Irish history, language and culture in addition to field trips to important sites across the island, including day trips and outdoor adventures. It is funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trades Emigrant Support Program and run by the Institute of Study Abroad Ireland and the UCD Clinton Institute. This initiative will bring a group of 20 young Americans of Irish heritage to Ireland for the first time and is aimed at deepening their engagement with the country of their ancestors," said Minister for the Diaspora Jimmy Deenihan. He called the summer camp an excellent opportunity for children of Irish emigrants to strengthen their links with Ireland though a short immersive visit. Following their participation in the program it is hoped that they will leave with a new-found love of Ireland which will stay with them for many years. Participants will have all in-country costs covered while in Ireland, including accommodation, meals and transport for the duration of the program. However, for the pilot year at least, participants will be responsible for covering the costs of their travel to and from Ireland. In addition, parents/guardians will be required to pay a security deposit of $500, to be refunded at the end of the program. The idea for an Irish Birthright-style was first framed by Irish American leaders during the consultation phase for Global Irish: Irelands Diaspora Policy. The Israeli Tagalit-Birthright program, founded in 1999, sends young men and women of Jewish origins to Israel for a ten day immersion in the language, culture, history and modern day life of Israel. To date, more than 400,000 young adults from all over the world have taken part in Birthright Israel, which began as the initiative of two philanthropists, Charles Bronfman and Michael Steinhardt, who shared the belief that it was the birthright of all young Jews to be able to visit their ancestral homeland. Plans for the program were first announced last year, to great enthusiasm. Similar to the Birthright Program, the Global Irish Summer Camp will be invited to stay involved with the programs alumni network through a series of follow up projects and activities. Depending upon the success of program, there will be the potential for significant growth and expansion. For more information, visit GlobalIrishSummerCamp.com On Monday, Irish broadcaster RTE's Reflecting the Rising event restaged signature events from the Irish revolution on the streets of Dublin. One of those moments showed how all the shooting gave working class Dubliners, who lived in some of the worst slums in Europe, the opportunity to loot fancy stores. The sight of desperately poor women suddenly bedecked in fancy linen and lace, with hats adorned with ostrich feathers and ribbons, was unforgettable to those who witnessed it. So was the raucous laughter that accompanied many of these incursions. Getting their hands on the finery that was denied them all their lives, it must have been the moment they gave their hearts over to the revolution. In The Plough and the Stars, now playing at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin before touring the U.S. this summer, playwright Sean O'Casey re-stages this telling moment, which has a lot of poignancy lurking under its hilarious surface. It took him 10 years to get to grips with, write and present the play, and the country had only recently emerged from the Civil War. Wounds were still raw - and they remain so in this startling new production. At a moment when Ireland has a caretaker taoiseach and the voters have guillotined every major political party's mandate to rule, there's more than a whiff of insurrection in the air in 2016 Ireland that reproduces the anger in this remarkable play. When the Rising happens almost no one in O'Casey's working class Dublin slum supports it. The gorgeous young Nora Clithero (Kate Stanley Brennan) only wants a quiet life, a nice dress to wear, and the love of her husband Jack (Ian Lloyd Anderson). More than anything, she wants some kind of life for herself in the city's cramped slums. Her neighbors include the older and transparently jealous Bessie Burgess (an incandescently angry Eileen Walsh) who only has contempt for Nora's ambition. Burgess' son has signed up to fight in the Great War with the British Army and, an ardent unionist, she supports his decision and curses the homegrown revolutionaries. Another neighbor is Mrs. Gogan (Janet Moran), the tartly tongued widow whose child Mollser is racked with tuberculosis. Husbandless in a time when it was dangerous for a woman to be so, Mrs. Gogan is a woman adrift (actress Nyree Yergainharsian as the prostitute Rosie Redmond shows us one potential fate awaiting her). Moran and Walsh are both pitch perfect in their scorn and anger, which can turn into laughter just as quickly. The Abbey's new production succeeds because director Sean Holmes has taken a radical approach that compliments the material. Holmes has given the play a 2016 setting and a multiracial cast that reflects the reality of life in modern Dublin, and he has shown us how working class alienation is as rich a theatrical seam now as it was then. It's the greatest production of The Plough and the Stars that I've ever seen, in other words. It's the kind of ideal staging that a playwright dreams of. In performance it feels raw and wounded, like it was just written. O'Casey shows us that political change is meaningless if it's not accompanied by economic change. Workers must be lifted up too, not left out. He makes this point repeatedly by mocking the pomposity of soldiers in uniform, and by the casual cruelty they often unleash. But the most heart-stopping moment in the play comes when Nora is physically roughed up by her Jack for failing to tell him that he had been promoted to Commandant in the Irish Citizens Army. Nora kept the news to herself because she realizes it could spell his death. You're hurting me! she shouts when he twists her arm in anger. You deserve to be hurt! he replies and tosses her on their bed. The sight is unforgettable because Irish women were told this, in a hundred different ways, throughout the 20th century. When they assert their own rights, they're still being told it. Jack must pick between his love for his wife and his love for Ireland, and Nora loses every time. Dealing with a subject as complex and intimate as the Rising sees O'Casey give way to melodrama. But Holmes' brilliant staging manages to diffuse his excesses by turning them into straight to the audience commentary. He even has some characters sing cabaret karaoke numbers that feel authentic to the Dublin working class. In the play O'Casey records the scale of the disaster that befell Dublin's working class, but what makes the play great is that it foresees what lies ahead too. He still does. So does this amazing, must-see production. In a weekend of celebration, Sundays showpiece parade through Dublin watched by 250,000 people and relayed on newscasts across the world was a glittering reminder of how far Ireland has progressed in the 100 years since a small band of revolutionaries challenged the might of the British Empire during Easter Week. People from all across Ireland and the globe flocked to Dublin to join in the centenary celebrations of the Rising in an emotional outpouring of patriotism. Onlookers hung from walls and mounted bus shelters to catch the commemoration parade as it passed across a three-mile route through Dublin city center. The city was the only place to be on Easter Sunday as the Proclamation was read outside the GPO, the headquarters of the Rising, and a spectacular six-plane flight from the Air Corps in tight wing-to-wing formation 750 feet above the crowd left a thundering jet-stream Irish Tricolor in its wake. Conspicuous among the crowds was a large contingent of tourists and visitors who were watching the proceedings. Emmett OReilly, 44, originally from Newry, Co. Down, but now living in Staffordshire in England, said, We came over for the whole week to purposely coincide with this weekend. He was accompanied by his daughters Grainne, aged eight, Saoirse, five, and wife Julia. Its nice to see a lot of non-Irish folk here as well, and obviously my children grew up out of Ireland so its important that they know who they are, OReilly added. New Zealanders Jack Doherty, 66, and Janine Carroll, 62, timed their ancestral fact-finding mission to Ireland to coincide with the centenary events. The Irish Times described the commemoration as dignified and uplifting in its tone and execution. The centerpiece of the events was a state commemoration ceremony outside the GPO. It was followed by a military parade, marching to honor all those who died. The gold-fringed flag of the Irish Republic flew from one corner of the GPO from the spot where it was hoisted in 1916. Across the road, on the roof of the former Imperial Hotel, flew the Starry Plough of James Connollys Irish Citizen Army. Among VIP guests were the Irish Ambassador to the U.S. Anne Anderson, U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Kevin OMalley and British Ambassador Dominick Chilcott. Four children, representing the four provinces, placed bouquets of daffodils beside the place where Padraig Pearse read the Proclamation. There were white Easter lilies there too. The military band played Danny Boy. Army Captain Peter Kelleher from Douglas in Cork strode forward and stood in front of the GPO portico. He held out the Proclamation and began to read. It took him more than four minutes to read it, and at the end, he called out the names of the signatories. After the reading of the Proclamation, the band played a rendition of Mise Eire and then President Micheal D. Higgins was invited by acting Taoiseach Enda Kenny to lay a wreath on behalf of the Irish people in honor of all those who died. In a little side street next to the GPO, former Taoiseach Liam Cosgrave, his daughter Mary with him, stayed there until the ceremony concluded. He will be 96 in three weeks. He told Irish Times reporter Miriam Lord, My father and his brother were both sentenced to death in 1916. My step-uncle was shot dead by a British soldier. He was only 19. There was no way Cosgrave was going to miss the commemoration. The 1916 commemoration here on Easter weekend was quite a party! The parade on Sunday was an impressive, sometimes moving spectacle, and the Reflecting the Rising cultural events on Monday widened the appreciation of what it was all about, as well as being hugely entertaining. On Sunday, despite an ominous weather forecast, the sun shone, huge crowds lined the route of the parade in the center of Dublin and the atmosphere was one of celebration as much as commemoration. People were celebrating the birth of the nation, being Irish, being together, being happy after all the doom and gloom of the past few years. But talking to people in the crowd around me, a few blocks from O'Connell Street, it was clear that many had only a hazy idea of what had happened at Easter 1916, which was supposed to be what we were all there to commemorate. There's nothing wrong with that. The Irish love a party or a parade. And it's not that surprising that many people here know little about our history beyond a simplistic narrative of the heroics of the 1916 rebels. After all, the history taught in Irish schools for many decades only told half the story. The wider story of what was happening at the time in Ireland and beyond was deliberately suppressed. When I was in school, for example, we were told repeatedly that the Rising was absolutely necessary because even though Home Rule had been passed in the British Parliament, we were never going to get it. Even as a kid at the time I remember wondering why, if that was so clear to everyone at the time, the unionists in the North had set up the armed Ulster Volunteer force to stop Home Rule happening. And in response in 1913 the Irish Volunteers had been set up to make sure that it did. We were never told that the vast majority of the Irish Volunteers (around 140,000) had backed John Redmond and his support for Britain in the First World War as a way of copper-fastening the commitment to Home Rule. And we were not told that only a small minority (about 10,000) had split away to become the National Volunteers. Nor was it explained to us that the group that actually started the Rising was a tiny minority of a minority, a small, secretive IRB cabal within the National Volunteers, and that they had acted without authorization. So not only did they not have any mandate from the Irish people at large, they did not even have the support of the small National Volunteer movement to act when they did. Instead of this being discussed in our school it was airbrushed out of our history books. We were not told either that the initial reaction to the Rising from the vast majority of Irish people was not just shock, but angry opposition. Of course there was no mention of any of this last weekend. It's far easier to stick to the simple heroic narrative. These days the inconvenient fact that the 1916 leaders did not have a mandate for action is sometimes dismissed by pointing out that there was no vote before much earlier revolutions in other countries (America, France, etc.). But the comparison is fatuous. Unlike in those earlier times, there was a democratic path available in 1916 in Ireland which was ignored by the leaders of the Rising. And earlier revolutions elsewhere had wide popular support; the 1916 Rising had almost no popular support. The situation here which resulted from the Rising was tragic, given the number of Irish people who died as a result -- 485 people died in the Rising including 262 civilians, 107 British soldiers, 58 rebels and 13 policemen. Until reinforcements were shipped in, all the British Army soldiers here who responded when the Rising started were Irishmen in Irish battalions. All the police, who were unarmed, were Irish. And of course all the civilians who were killed, including 40 children, were Irish. No doubt it was with this in mind that the acting Taoiseach Enda Kenny in his speech on Sunday said that the commemoration was for "all those who had died" during the Rising. In spite of this, there was little or no remembrance during Sunday's ceremonies of those who had died as a consequence of the Rising. The first person who died was an unarmed policeman on duty at the entrance to Dublin Castle who stood in the way of some rebels trying to gain entry. He was a Limerick man, Constable James OBrien. One wonders how his descendants feel about the weekend commemoration in which he was forgotten. Or what about the unarmed 28-year-old Constable Michael Lahiff, shot dead at point blank range by Countess Markievicz at Stephen's Green when he was slow about handing over the keys to the Green where the rebels wanted to dig in. Radical chic before the term was invented (with her privileged Anglo-Irish background) she was one of the Gore Booths who lived in the magnificent Lissadel House in Sligo, a long way from Lahiff's humble background. One wonders how his descendants were feeling last weekend as the commemorations were underway. Or how they were feeling during the admiring speech about the countess made by Sabina Higgins (wife of the president) last weekend which neglected to mention her victims or how, in contrast to her cavalier attitude when she had a gun in her hand, she broke down in tears and begged for her life when she was court martialed. (By the way, there's a bust of Markievicz at Stephen's Green, but of course there's no memorial to poor Michael Lahiff.) Then there are the descendants of the innocent civilians who were shot by the rebels, whether they were interfering with street barricades or were looting, as many of the poorest from the slums did when the unarmed police were taken off the streets. One wonders how their families felt last weekend when no one remembered them. But the difficulty is much wider than just the 485 people who died during the Rising (around half of them forgotten civilians). There are many more people who deserve to be remembered. Given that tens of thousands of Irish Volunteers were fighting with the British Army at the time, partly to gain Home Rule, is it right that they should be written out of our history, as they were excluded from last weekend's commemorations? Surely that is, 100 years later, perpetuating the gross injustice that was done to them when they came home after the war and were shunned. How did their families feel last weekend? One wonders also how the families of the thousands of Irishmen in the British Army who died in the war must have felt when the Irish Army officer reading the Proclamation on O'Connell Street last Sunday got to the bit referring to "our gallant allies in Europe" (the Germans). It's probably best not to think about that one too much. In addition to all this, of course, it was difficult last weekend to ignore what had happened in Brussels just a few days earlier and the worrying parallels there are between the men of 1916 and the suicide bombers there. The 1916 leaders chose to die for Ireland in what is frequently called their "blood sacrifice" -- they knew they would lose and would be executed. The bombers chose to die for ISIS, blowing themselves up. In both cases they had no mandate or popular support for their actions but felt what they did was justified by the higher cause they believed in. But the most worrying part of last weekend's heroic commemoration of the 1916 leaders without placing what they did in the wider context of the time, is the boost it gives to legitimizing violence for political ends, including recent IRA violence, when there is no popular support for such action. If the men of 1916 needed no mandate for the Rising, why was the recent campaign by the IRA not also legitimized by the "dead generations" mentioned in the Proclamation and the ideal of a 32-county free United Ireland? How can one give unqualified admiration to what the men of 1916 did and condemn what the IRA did more recently, including the IRA pub bombings in Britain in the 1970s? And what is the difference between those bombings in which so many innocent people died and the bombing of the airport and metro in Brussels? Commemoration is good and there is no reason not to commemorate what happened in 1916 as long as it is part of the much wider story of the birth of the Irish Republic. And talking about the republic, is it right that the ordinary people of Ireland (like this writer) were not allowed into O'Connell Street to view the parade last Sunday and had to do so several streets away from the main ceremonies at the GPO? Only our version of VIPs -- politicians (including the ones who nearly wrecked the country) and invited guests (not including the descendants of all those who died back then but were not part of the Rising) --were allowed in. Crowd control and security were the reasons given, but it looked like the usual preference for the well-connected and the self-entitled. Some republic! Finally, the saddest part of last weekend's commemoration was the news that some of the descendants of those who took part in the 1916 Rising are to press ahead with their objections to the inclusion of other names on the 1916 Remembrance Wall. The wall, to be unveiled in Glasnevin Cemetery next Sunday, will carry the 485 names of those who died during the Rising, including soldiers and police, and that is a step too far for some of the 1916 descendants. One hundred years on, some people are still fighting the war, still trying to be more purely nationalist than everyone else. And that is not only sad, but depressing. At a crowded Metropolitan Club in Manhattan, former President Bill Clinton spoke of the lessons the Easter 1916 Proclamation has for todays conflicts. Introduced by Irish Ambassador Anne Anderson at the annual Irish America Hall of Fame event Clinton delivered the keynote address and referred to a very rare copy of the Easter 1916 proclamation which was loaned to the event by the American Irish Historical Society. The event also saw the induction of four of Irish Americas greatest leaders from the military, the arts, and philanthropic sectors Col. Eileen Collins, the first female space shuttle commander; former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, essayist, novelist, reporter, and columnist Pete Hamill; and Edward J.T. Kenney, who was being honored for his role in the Peace Process and his work with the Irish relief organization Concern Worldwide U.S Speaking of the proclamation Clinton stated it was a document that says that Ireland will be established for all people who believe in freedom in constitutional government without regard for their religion or their race or background. In other words, it calls for what we have been working for for the last 20 years and what the Irish have largely achieved through great difficulties. And the only thing that works in an interdependent world [are] inclusive economics, inclusive societies, inclusive governments. Nothing else over the long run is sustainable. Threading together the legacy of the message of female inclusion in the 1916 Proclamation with the poetry of W.B. Yeats, his experiences with the peace process in Northern Ireland, and contemporary questions of the global rise of right-wing nationalism he stated: I think the lessons of 1916 teach us a lot about whats happening all across the world in 2016, he said. Quoting Yeatss The Second Coming, Clinton said, If things fall apart, the center cannot hold. If the center does not hold, inclusive economics, inclusive societies, and inclusive governance all fall to the politics of blame. Its too easy to believe that the solution to the modern world is to hunker down, he said. Its easy to turn away, but its better to go forward, because the enemies of freedom, the people who dont really believe in diversity, they will always find a way to pierce the walls. So we need a stronger fence; we need stronger diplomacy. But we also need never to lose our willingness to reach across the barriers. And that is the great test. We are so close, ironically, in this country, to being back to the point where we can all go together again. We are much more likely to live together again this years St. Patricks Day Parade for instance. But our great vice seems to be, having shed so much of our bigotry, we just dont want to be around anybody who disagrees with us anymore. This is a problem in both parties Theres something wrong with you if you dont see it my way. Just remember, the Northern Ireland Agreement, the Good Friday Accord, institutionalized inclusive governance, a special relationship with both the United Kingdom and the Irish republic, a way forward for inclusive prosperity, for inclusive politics. We can never let our hearts turn to stone, he said, in another Yeats reference to Easter 1916. And we can never let things fall apart so much that we cannot build a dynamic center where the future of our children counts more than the scars of our past. That is the ultimate lesson of every single thing that has happened from 100 years ago when that declaration was issued, down to all that has happened since 1995. And I hope you will be the torchbearers for that message of hope. In her introduction Ambassador Anderson stated Today, we are honoring the former presidents central and catalytic role in the peace process in Northern Ireland. But in a world so fraught with strife and instability, we are also recognizing the qualities that are at the very heart of peacemaking and peacebuilding. She went on to highlight his leadership, engagement and persistence in dealing with the Troubles, and singling him out for visiting Northern Ireland three separate times during his presidency. No one who witnessed those extraordinary scenes in Belfast and Derry will ever forget them the switching on of the Christmas tree lights, the bonding of the huge crowds, communicating so urgently belief in a better future, she said. No recipient could be more deserving of a lifetime achievement award. And it is all the more resonant and meaningful for being conferred in this momentous year as we commemorate the centenary of 1916. The themes of commemoration remember, reconcile, reimagine are ones that chime precisely with Bill Clintons own involvement on our island. So the Easter Rising commemoration has reached its zenith, but what have we learned? Over the last year, we have heard calls for inclusive attitudes in reexamining the Rising, for nuance and balance, and for a greater appreciation of the subtleties and complexities regarding the events of Easter Week, 1916. Sadly, what we have mostly got from our government and many members of the media is, in Diarmuid Ferriters words, unhistorical shit. Certain aspects of the governments efforts have been painful and embarrassing in trying to commemorate the Rising without actually mentioning the Rising. Unhistorical shit is too generous a term to describe the Easter Rising video released by the government last autumn, or the 1916 banner recently hung by Dublin City Council on College Green with images of Henry Grattan, Daniel OConnell, Charles Stewart Parnell and John Redmond. These are craven efforts to reinvent Irish history on a level that would have embarrassed propaganda departments in some twentieth century totalitarian regimes. Media commentary has generally been better, in that there at least has been a willingness to discuss the actors and events involved in the Rising. However, the nuance and rational analysis we have been promised has been absent, or more accurately, has been applied selectively. The motivation and justification of the rebels in their actions has been thoroughly discussed and dissected, with several writers condemning their use of violence. But, as Michael D. Higgins noted on Monday, imperial nationalism has not been revisited with the same fault-finding edge. For example, the decision of the British army to use artillery fire in a condensed urban environment to defeat the rebels has gone without comment. This is most curious, as those who condemn the rebels for causing bloodshed seemingly have nothing to say about the decision that caused the majority of fatalities during Easter Week. Obviously, one can understand that in the context of the First World War, the British wished to end the rebellion as swiftly as possible. But given that the rebels were greatly outnumbered, tactically naive and essentially had imprisoned themselves in various sites across Dublin, it is legitimate to ask whether shelling was absolutely necessary to bring about a quick surrender. It should be borne in mind that all of the civilians who died in the shelling were subjects of the British crown, and therefore, entitled to some consideration for their well-being on the part of their own government. We also might wonder whether artillery fire would have been the response if socialists had seized buildings around London as part a proletarian revolution in 1916. Indeed, the decision to use artillery in Dublin should be viewed in light of the Prussian siege of Paris in 1870. During the siege, one of the Field Marshals, Count von Blumenthal, repeatedly refused to bow to pressure to use artillery fire on Paris to force the French to surrender. Von Blumenthal was no lily-livered Francophile. He wrote that the French must be be trodden under foot and annihilated. His opposition to the use of artillery was partly out of concern for his own men (that those operating Prussian guns would be exposed to returning French fire), but he also felt that those who advocated she+lling were bloodthirsty and that even if a bombardment succeeded it will be a turning point of our fortune and successes.we [will] destroy ourselves. While the circumstances of Paris in 1870 and Dublin in 1916 were not the same, there are certainly enough similarities to wonder why Prussian commanders were hesitant to inflict shelling on the capital city of a country they were at war with, while British commanders had little compunction about opening fire on their own people. The fact that these hard questions are only asked of one side of the Rising can be attributed to the deep legacy of British colonization in Ireland. Despite almost a century of independence, there is still a tendency within certain circles to be skeptical of those who identified themselves as Irish nationalists while uncritically accepting the contemporary views and opinions that many people in Britain had regarding Ireland. A good example of this one-sidedness can be seen in an op-ed written by Barry Kennerk in last weekends New York Times. Kennerks main point was that Irish nationalists in the twentieth century had constructed a sense of Irish identity that rejected all connections with Britain, and that many people who lived in Ireland before the Rising embraced a sense of Britishness that would have surprised their descendants. Kennerk is, of course, correct regarding the artificial nature of Irish identity as promoted by the Irish political establishment over the course of the twentieth century. The problem is that his article implies that the sense of Britishness that many people in Ireland embraced before the Rising was somehow authentic, organic and natural, and not itself the result of indoctrination and deliberate efforts to create a sense of Irishness that fit within a wider British identity. Of course, the elephant in the room when it comes to commemorating the Rising is the Troubles or namely the belief that the events of 1916 led Ireland on the inevitable road to thirty years of mayhem in the latter half of the twentieth century. Now, anyone who has ever read a book about the eruption of violence in August 1969 will realize that what happened in Northern Ireland had nothing to do with Pearse, Connolly and company. A couple of facts will highlight this. The first sectarian murders of the Troubles were carried out by the UVF in 1966. The first bombings were carried out by the UVF in April 1969. The first member of the RUC killed in the line of duty was shot by a loyalist gunman in October 1969, and the first two people convicted of terrorist offenses by the Diplock courts in 1972 were members of loyalist paramilitaries. Listing these facts is not an attempt to say blame for the Troubles lies solely with the unionist community, but rather to show that the view, widely held among the Irish public, that the Northern Irish conflict began as an IRA campaign to reunite Ireland is deeply flawed. Certainly the IRA presented themselves as the legitimate heirs of the Easter rebels once the conflict began but that is something very different from saying that the legacy of 1916 caused the Troubles. After all, Patrick Pearse saw himself as continuing a legacy of Irish heroism dating back to Cuchulainn but no one is arguing that the Tain Bo Cuailgne led directly to the Easter Rising. Indeed, when it comes to analyzing the link between 1916 and 1969, it requires a particularly selective viewpoint to insist that the Dublin uprising ultimately caused the Troubles. The reality is that it was the behavior of the British Army during Operation Demetrius in 1971, during the Ballymurphy massacre and above all during Bloody Sunday that gave the IRA legitimacy and widespread support among the nationalist community in Ulster, not what happened on the streets of Dublin over 50 years earlier. In short, the call for a more complex understanding and appreciation of what happened in Dublin in April 1916 has largely gone unheeded, and instead has been used to rehash dubious arguments from the previous forty years, written to reinforce contemporary ideological positions rather than explore our countrys past. The short military campaign waged by the rebels began and ended one hundred years ago. The intellectual battle they were trying to fight is still very much ongoing. --- Caoimhin De Barra is the Assistant Professor for Irish History and Culture. He joined the Drew University faculty in the fall of 2014. A native of Blarney in Cork, Ireland, De Barra studied History and English at University College Cork before earning his Ph.D. from the University of Delaware. His doctoral research focused on how nationalists in Wales and Ireland defined themselves in relation to their Celtic other at the turn of the twentieth century, studying each other and borrowing ideas from one another in seeking to forge new political and cultural movements in their respective nations. His scholarly areas of interest are in the field of identity formation, especially the development and evolution of national and regional identities in Ireland, Britain and Europe, on the basis of different accents, dialects and languages. He also has a strong interest in comparative and transnational history. His published research has compared efforts to revive the Hebrew and Irish languages, as well as the influence of the Welsh language on the development of Irish cultural nationalism. Ireland is to send experts to the Greek Islands to help with the implementation of EU-Turkey migration agreement. The acting Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald said that three international protection case work experts will be deployed. The decision was announced today following the meeting of the European Council earlier this month. This contribution will be on top of the four Irish experts sent earlier this year to Greece and Italy to support the relocation of asylum seekers under the EU Relocation Programme. Ireland is also considering a request from Frontex to EU Member States to send border guards to assist in the return of people from Greece to Turkey in compliance with international law. "It is important that Ireland continues to play its part in the EU effort in tackling the refugee and migration crisis and I am pleased that, in spite of the pressure on our reduced staff resources, we are able to make a further and meaningful contribution," said Minister Fitzgerald. "This is an EU crisis and requires an EU response. "There are major challenges but these will be even greater if we don't work together". Update 5.15pm: The young man who died in a tragic accident in Spain has been named as Greg Long from Rylane in Cork The 19-year-old was on holiday in the Costa del Sol resort of Torremolinos with family and friends when he fell into the pool yesterday evening. Update 10.21am: It is understood that the man who died today's accident in Spain is from the mid-Cork area. The man, who is aged in his 20s, died yesterday in the Costa del Sol resort of Torremolinos. It is understood the man was on holiday with family and friends. It is reported hotel staff dived into the pool to try to rescue the man, and that paramedics tried to revive him at the scene. Earlier: An Irishman has died in Spain, it has emerged. It is understood the man may have died in the swimming pool of holiday apartments in the Costa del Sol resort of Torremolinos. The Embassy in Madrid is providing assistance to the family of the man. A post mortem is expected to take place in Malaga. The establishment of a regional digital economy programme could act as a catalyst for economic growth in the area and help businesses improve their e-commerce capabilities, according to Cork native Kieran OHea. Such a programme could also provide a common framework for smaller towns in the area to work from in developing their individual digital economies within the wider strategy while also serving as a template for other regions across the country to replicate. What I see there is a bunch of different digital strategies popping up in different regions across the country but I think the country is too small to sustain too many individual strategies. "There needs to be some common framework that people can relate to, so thats where the regional digital economy idea comes in, said Mr OHea. It would create a template that cities and towns can dip into when they need it theyd still have their own digital strategy in their own local context but there d be one common framework there so it makes it easier to pull the whole thing together and promote Irelands digital capability and promote the reputation of the country. Mr OHea, who previously worked as an advisor to the European Commission, Tourism Ireland and Concern Worldwide, recently returned from Australia where he worked as Brisbanes chief digital officer. In that role, Mr OHea carried out an audit of SMEs in the region to determine their digital readiness which included engaging with 30,000 businesses. The programme had a number of five-year objectives including: Doubling the number of Brisbane businesses selling online from 30% to 60% Creating 250 new digital startups in the Brisbane area Improving online public services Despite obvious differences in scale Brisbane metropolitan area is home to 2.3m people the goals of an Irish equivalent in Cork and Kerry would be similar. The Ludgate@Skibbereen rural digital hub could help underpin the framework while an urban focus on Cork City would also be included. It could also be linked to the existing south-west Action Plan for Jobs to ensure a coherent strategy that could help increase employment in the region. Mr OHea will next week outline his proposal at DigiCon a major digital conference for SMEs at Cork City Hall. His address will focus on practical ways SMEs can improve and develop their online presence. According to Mr OHea, the regional digital economy proposal has the potential to deliver tangible benefits to the region with research from the University of Queensland showing businesses with a presence online are more profitable, 2.5 times more likely to innovate, and almost five times more likely to export. Research has suggested the value of Irelands digital economy could rise to 21bn by 2020. Irish businesses are lagging behind in terms of digital adoption, however, with 90% of SMEs unable to process sales online, according to recent estimates. More information on DigiCon is available at https://www.digicon.ie/ Arising from the study, European Parliament member Sean Kelly has expressed fresh concerns for Irish as well as European ash trees. He said that around 115 cases of ash dieback were recorded across 19 counties in Ireland by January 2016, according to Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine findings. A new study by tree ecologists at Keele University in the UK, published in the Journal of Ecology, has warned that ash dieback and the emerald ash borer could wipe out all European ash trees. The emerald borer beetle is now in Sweden and the experts are concerned that it could spread right across Europe. They argue that the beetle is an even bigger threat than ash dieback to European ash trees, said the Ireland South MEP. Meanwhile, Mr Kelly said that Ash Dieback spores can be transported by the breeze as far as ten miles in distance and can survive on woodland ground for up to five years. However, some ash trees are more resistant to the fungus. Research is ongoing in Britain to determine which trees would be better for future planting and more resistant to the fungus, which could be useful. Mr Kelly previously commended the work of Cork based Treemetrics, which has the capability to use satellite imagery to identify where ash dieback is happening in Ireland and where it is likely to occur which would help those trying to eradicate it. The former GAA president says that ash dieback poses a particular threat to the traditional hurley, which is made from ash wood, because an outbreak of the fungus can spread rapidly and destroy the trees quickly. Experts are testing trees to see why some are more resistant to it than others. Rows erupted behind closed doors yesterday as embattled Labour leader Joan Burton presided over the first meeting of failed election candidates since polling day. Several outgoing and former Labour parliamentarians have openly backed Mr Howlin to take over from Ms Burton, as questions remain over the partys future. With just seven TDs after the worst election in Labours history, its former deputies, senators, and ministers met for five hours in west Dublin to discuss rebuilding the party. Miscommunication during the election campaign, Labours decision to align itself with Fine Gael, and questions about Ms Burtons leadership were all raised in the meeting yesterday. Ms Burton last night stood firmly over her decision not to instigate a compulsory post-election Labour leadership vote until the formation of the next government is decided. Michael McCarthy, a former TD for Cork South West, openly called for Ms Burton to go. The process we need to embark on is in terms of recovering Labour fortunes in the local authorities and the national parliament means the end of Joan Burtons leadership, then, so be it, he said. So my preference would be for Brendan Howlin to become the new leader of the Labour Party in the current difficulties we find ourselves in. Former Dublin North-West TD John Lyons and former banking inquiry chairman Ciaran Lynch also said Mr Howlin would be a good leader. Outgoing senator Mary Moran said a change in the leadership was absolutely needed. Acting Communications Minister Alex White said the partys messaging had been wrong. The people were approaching the election still in the context of the economic crash and the impact that that had on their material circumstances, said the former Dublin-Rathdown TD. Others, such as former Dublin Mid-West TD Joanna Tuffy and Cllr Pamela Kearns, were hesitant about rushing into a leadership contest. Some members said anger, cross words and disgruntlement was exchanged across the floor. Party chairman Willie Penrose insisted that Labour is united. He said Alan Kelly, Labours deputy leader, had apologised for any hurtful actions during the election campaign Ms Burton, leaving the meeting yesterday, said she stood over her decision to hold off on having a leadership vote until after the next government is formed. Asked about his name coming up for the leadership, Mr Howlin said he is not looking for support and wanted to listen to his colleagues. Last year the Irish Examiner highlighted Yvonne Cahalane, from Dunmanway in West Cork, and her two-year-old son Tristan, who was born with Dravet syndrome, a severe, incurable form of epilepsy. Tristans first seizure occurred when he was five months old and his condition escalated to the point where he was experiencing epileptic seizures as many as 20 times a day. The combination of his condition and the side-effects from his prescribed pharmaceutical medications resulted in numerous neurological and cognitive problems that affected his speech, movement, appetite, and behaviour. Tristan Cahalane In December 2015, Yvonne and Tristan moved to Colorado to begin cannabis treatment with the hope of easing his debilitating symptoms. Since relocating, the positive changes in Tristans condition and wellbeing have convinced Yvonne that her desperate decision to leave their home in Ireland was the right one. Tristan has not had a seizure in three months. He has not needed rescue medication or oxygen since beginning his cannabis oil. Within days of his first medicinal marijuana treatment, there was a noticeable improvement. He has been weaned off three pharmaceutical drugs and is about to begin removing a fourth. Any previous attempts to wean off medications in Ireland had always resulted in Tristan being hospitalised. Administrated orally, Tristans whole-plant medicine oil utilises the full spectrum of therapeutic compounds that cannabis has to offer. Yvonne said there are significant differences in her son. Tristan was suddenly able to make eye contact and became more alert. He began to babble, repeat sounds, and say new words. All of which had vanished since his spate of violent seizures last May when he stopped talking altogether, she said. During the second week he began to get steadier on his feet, he wasnt falling after a few steps, he was bending with stability. He would sit down without help and he began to kick a ball. His seizure activity lessened with every few days and once he had been increased to his optimum dose with the introduction of tiny amounts of THC, he was 99% seizure free and has been ever since. Yvonne said Tristans personality is beginning to shine through now that the fog of seizures and medications is lifting and she is enjoying a new, happier side to her son. Yvonne Cahalane Tristan attends the Childrens Hospital Colorado. The hospital and doctors we have caring for Tristan are wonderful, they hold cannabis in high regard as a medicine. Colorado in general is a very open-minded and beautiful state. There are educational events all the time to spread awareness of peoples options in using cannabis as their medicine, said Yvonne. Cannabis oil is illegal in Ireland and will not be available to Tristan when he returns home. With a visa set to expire, returning home is inevitable. Yvonne has left her husband John, and their other son Oscar behind as she concentrates on Tristans recuperation. While the progress Tristan is making is giving their family the strength to carry on, it is not always easy in Colorado. Yvonne has launched an online petition on change.org that has acquired almost 3,000 signatures, and is asking everybody who agrees with changing the law to sign it. The two Dublin-based national independent radio stations, both owned by Denis OBriens Communicorp company, have been in talks with Cork Opera House management for several months about the project. The new studio replaces Newstalks existing studio on Opera Lane, which will revert to commercial use. The studio has been developed in a section of the disused Half Moon Theatre space, to the rear of the Opera House. The building hosted its first broadcasts last week but a formal launch is not expected to take place for some weeks. Newstalk began broadcasting from its Opera Lane studio six years ago. Its lunchtime news and current affairs programme, Lunchtime with Jonathan Healy, is broadcast up to three times a week from the studio. However, it is understood the terms of the joint venture includes specific commitments from both stations that will see other top broadcasters from right across their schedules broadcasting a set amount of hours from the new Cork studio. The chairman of Cork Opera House, Damian Wallace declined to discuss the financial aspects of the partnership but said it was a win-win for all involved. This partnership is a major boost for the theatre and will help us build a greater national profile. We see this as a relationship we can build on and we look forward to developing other aspects of it, he said. Top acts performing in the Opera House are expected to feed in to radio shows being broadcast from the studios, and its also hoped to broadcast more national events live from the Opera House. The partnership will not affect the theatres existing media partnership with Cork-based RedFM. A deeply frustrating day of talks yesterday ended with Independent TDs furious at Mr Kennys refusal to speak to Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin until their talks conclude. In a bid to quell mounting pressure by members of the Independents, Mr Kenny finally told them he would speak to Fianna Fail, but last night said that would only happen once he had an agreement from the Independents. But Mr Kennys stalling in terms of contacting Mr Martin sparked outrage among the Independents. It is absolutely soul destroying the two boys havent sat down. Both are playing party politics, It is disgusting what is going on. Fianna Fail talking of forming a minority government. They dont have the numbers, it is a joke, said one TD. Mr Kenny had indicated he would put forward proposals to Fianna Fail by the weekend, but he clarified his position last night saying that will happen only after he has an agreement from the Independents. Mr Kenny and his team of acting ministers are reluctant to hold a vote without being assured of victory and given there is no specific deadline on them, they are now leaning towards deferring it. One party source, speaking to the Irish Examiner, said Fine Gael was always of the mind to defer the vote should they not have the numbers to win it. Why run a vote when there is no agreement. There is a very good chance of it being delayed, said one party figure. Officially, a Fine Gael spokesperson last night said: The Taoiseach has given no timing on when contact will be made and has consistently said he wants to be in a position to go to opposition parties, including Fianna Fail, as a collective with an agreed programme of priorities to establish what support is forthcoming at that stage. As a sign of the eagerness of Fine Gael to do a deal, Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney last night travelled to Waterford to meet Independent TD John Halligan and his team to attempt to court his support. But Mr Kennys own position was raised yesterday and remains one of deep concern for the Independents. Tipperary TD Mattie McGrath said Mr Kenny is now the elephant in the room, adding that many deputies were coming under fire from their constituents for going into talks with a taoiseach who they voted against. During the talks yesterday, Mr Kenny was also involved in an extended and intense conversation with Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae after he clashed with Leo Varadkar. The Kerry TD and a number of his team spoke with Mr Kenny on the fringes of the main round-table negations yesterday for around 45 minutes after Mr Healy-Rae locked horns with Mr Varadkar over his blase attitude to talks. A number of other Independent TDs yesterday voiced their frustration with the acting health minister who they claimed continued to remain disinterested in the talks despite his confrontation with Mr Healy-Rae. For its part, Fianna Fail will hold round table talks with 15 Independents on Monday and Tuesday. However, despite Fianna Fail figures voicing optimism as both the rural TDs and the Healy-Raes agreed to the meeting there and then, one Independent TD said last night party leader Mr Martin will struggle to get 11 people to turn up, describing the talks to date as a bottle of smoke. Meanwhile, Labour figures have backed acting minister Brendan Howlin to take over the leadership as recriminations break out over the mismanagement of the partys election campaign. The Clonmel-born voluntary CEO of the Chernobyl Children International (CCI) charity thanked the city council and described being recognised by her favourite city as one of her proudest moments. It is a great honour and privilege, said Ms Roche, who is in war-torn eastern Ukraine, where she is co-ordinating CCIs 35th Flying Doctors Cardiac Mission. I will be proud to accept the freedom of the city on behalf of myself and all our wonderful volunteers, staff, and donors and on behalf of all the innocent victims of Chernobyl, especially the children, she said. In this the 30th anniversary of the catastrophic nuclear accident at Chernobyl and in this the 100th year anniversary of the emergence of our great nation there could be no greater honour. She said she would convey the news to the people of Chernobyl today. I will tell them that they are not forgotten, not by the people of Cork, not by the people of Ireland, she said. Ms Roche was speaking after city councillors voted 25 for, two against, with one abstention, in favour of Lord Mayor Chris OLearys proposal to confer her with the freedom honour, with the ceremony most likely to take place in late May. Mr OLeary, who visited the Ukraine and Belarus this year with council chief executive Ann Doherty to see, first-hand, CCIs work, said Ms Roche was a worthy recipient of the honour, given that her humanitarian work has made CCI the largest global contributor to victims of the 1986 nuclear disaster. He also said he was delighted to receive near unanimous support for his proposal. Former lord mayor, Councillor Terry Shannon (FF), who did not confer a freedom award during his mayorality, voted against the proposal, along with party colleague Councillor Sean Martin. Mr Shannon said he had nothing against Ms Roche personally, but believes the honour has been devalued by being conferred too often. Councillor John Buttimer (FG), who conferred the freedom of the city on three people during his term as lord mayor, abstained. However, Councillor Kieran McCarthy (Ind), described Ms Roche as an ideal candidate for the honour, given her international standing. Ms Roche has received several international awards for her work, including the European Woman Laureate Award, the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award, the World of Children Health Award, and the 2015 Princess Grace Humanitarian Award. Meanwhile, Cork athletes Rob Heffernan and Olive Loughnane are to be accorded a joint civic reception to mark their recent Olympic medal wins following the disqualification of drug cheats. Award tinged with sadness for Roche Just hours after being nominated to receive the Freedom of Cork, Adi Roche was back dealing with the harsh realities of life and death after Chernobyl. The campaigner was mourning the death last night of inspirational Belarussian grandmother, Nadezhda Pribysh, who spent the last decade fighting to keep her severely disabled granddaughter, Nastya, out of state care, opting instead to care for her at home. Her death leaves Nastya facing an uncertain future another innocent victim of the Chernobyl disaster 30 years ago. Nadezhda, or granny as she was affectionately known to Chernobyl Children International (CCI) volunteers, was part of the charitys community care and hospice programme. CCI had been helping granny and Nastya for over a decade with medical and practical care needs, ranging from providing them with food parcels, medical supplies, and equipment such as a walker, as well as medical and therapeutic services for Nastya. Volunteer building teams also installed new windows and insulation in their house to keep it warm in the harsh Belarussian winters. I stood in the front room of that house just weeks ago and listened to grannys heartbreaking story of how despite her own ill-health, she was determined to care for Nastya at home, saving her from a life in a state-run institution. The devoted grandmother, Nastyas sole carer, told us that while there was breath in my body she wont go to one of those places. But word came through from Belarus yesterday that granny died suddenly at the weekend. Tragically, she died soon after presenting at a hospital for routine medical tests that would have allowed her to become Nastyas legal guardian, removing the worry of Nastya ever being placed in state care. While granny was in the hospital, doctors discovered she had kidney failure. She died a short time later. She was just 66. She looked 20 years older grinding poverty and years of relentless stress had taken its toll. Heartbroken Ms Roche paid a moving tribute to her last night. The love, dedication and care that granny showed Nastya will stay with Nastya forever and with us as a true testament to the strength of the human heart, she said. Despite the heavy worries this women carried, she shouldered it with uncommon compassion and kindness. Those who knew her knew a woman of tremendous resilience and strength and the heart and soul of an angel. Ms Roche, who is in the Ukraine, is working frantically with CCI staff on the ground to place Nastya in their Vesnova Childrens Home a model of care in the region. The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) yesterday confirmed it had found that Gas Networks Ireland formerly Bord Gais Eireann breached a number of the conditions of its Natural Gas Transmission Licence. In December 2014, the Irish Examiner revealed that a former employee of the then-Bord Gais Eireann had alleged an act of serious financial impropriety by a senior member of staff within Gas Networks Ireland. The whistleblower alleged that the member of staff deliberately concealed from the board cost overruns owed to the contractor engaged to construct the Barnakyle to Coonagh West Gas Pipeline and that the monies owed to the contractor were subsequently paid through other gas infrastructure projects in Ireland in which the company was involved. This was done without observing due process or the necessary approval by the then board of Bord Gais Eireann. The CER yesterday said it has determined that gas Networks Ireland breached a number of the conditions of the licence that it held. These actions were a clear breach of trust and the CER has taken steps to ensure that the effect of the breaches has been reversed in terms of any cost overruns being redistributed back to customers and to ensure that these breaches are not repeated, commissioner Aoife MacEvilly said. In breaching its licence conditions, Gas Networks Ireland failed in its duty to supply accurate information to the CER to the detriment of its customers. The CER is taking a number of steps following this investigation. These include reinforcing our activities in monitoring licence compliance by Gas Networks Ireland and other operators and engaging with the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources with a view to enhancing the regime for administrative sanctions, including the power to fine system operators or market participants in cases of non-compliance, Ms MacEvilly said. Earlier this month, it was revealed that Gas Networks Ireland was fined 500,000 (644,122) by the Northern Ireland authority for the breach. Responding at the time, a spokesperson for Gas Networks Ireland said the incident was a clear breach of the companys values and the company deeply regrets and apologies for this mis- allocation of costs. The index, published by the Institute of Economic Affairs, a free market think tank, includes any policy that is designed to deter consumption of legal products. It says Irelands policies on alcohol are the third strictest in the EU, and its regulations on smoking is second only to the UK in terms of its deterrence level. Assessments were based on the taxation, advertising restrictions, bans, and other regulations each state imposes. Christopher Snowdon, head of Lifestyle Economics at the IEA, claims tighter regulations on smoking, eating, and drinking, do not result in a healthier public. Most of the taxes, laws, and regulations covered in the Nanny State Index were introduced on the grounds of public health. To see whether they work we have compared NSI scores with health outcomes, he said. The big picture is that there is no correlation between nanny state regulation and higher life expectancy, Mr Snowdon said. Finland and Sweden top the index, followed by the UK, Ireland, and Hungary. The Czech Republic was the lowest ranking, followed by Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Slovakia. However, while the IEA has questioned the benefits of regulations on tobacco products, the think tank was at the centre of controversy in 2013 when it was revealed that it received thousands of pounds in donations from tobacco companies. Philip Morris International confirmed it is a member of the Institute of Economic Affairs, while British American Tobacco told The Guardian it gave the IEA 30,000 in 2011 and 2012, and a further 1,000 in event sponsorship. In a letter to UK anti-smoking group ASH, British American Tobacco said it donated a further 40,000 in 2013. UCD law professor Gavin Barrett said Brussels could enforce the recurring penalty on the country after advice sought by Irish Water concluded there is no way to stop the fees system without breaking European law. Independent legal advice sought by Irish Water and leaked to a national newspaper on Tuesday said despite ongoing post-election debate over the future of the fees system, if the next government scraps water charges Ireland would be in breach of specific EU rules. The advice, from senior counsel Garrett Simons and Michael M Collins, said this is because Ireland cannot rely on a previous European water framework directive allowing some countries to avoid introducing a charging system if they do not have a tradition of fees as the introduction of the charges in 2014 means a charges regime now exists. Over the past 48 hours the comment has led to a furious debate among political parties, with Fine Gael insisting it shows charges cannot be scrapped, Fianna Fail saying it remains committed to ending the existing system and ultimately replacing it with a fairer model and both Sinn Fein and the Anti Austerity Alliance-People Before Profit calling into question the accuracy of the legal advice. EU officials have previously told the Irish Examiner that while Brussels holds the same legal view on scrapping the charges it may be open to deferring fees for a number of years. However, speaking on RTEs Morning Ireland programme, leading UCD law professor Gavin Barrett said the reality is if any government formation deal results in water charges being ended entirely Ireland will be hit with multi-million fines for breaking European water conservation law which would cost at least 5,000 a day. Ireland could be hit with a large fine and then a recurring daily penalty [if the fees system is scrapped]. The fine could be a minimum nominal amount of 1.5m and the daily penalty could be 5,000 per day minimum. Unfortunately for Ireland we got rid of our no water charges policy in 2013 when Irish Water was set up. Legislation was introduced on water charges and there was wide-scale installation of water meters. There could be some wiggle room on the amounts charged. But getting rid of water charges is definitely not in compliance with EU law, he said. The comments come as opposition parties including the AAA-PBP prepare to put down a Dail motion for Irish Water to be scrapped and fees to end. However, they are understood to be reluctant to re-word the ruling to include the possibility of deferring fees instead for a number of years - an issue EU officials have previously told the Irish Examiner they may tolerate in a bid to give the next government breathing space. Responding to the ongoing row, Right2Change spokesman and Unite official Brendan Ogle hit out at Irish Water for wasting taxpayer money on getting a legal opinion and leaking it to justify its existence. Fianna Fails Barry Cowen similarly said it is entirely legal to end water charges and described contrary positions as a propaganda campaign. However, Fine Gael MEP Mairead Fitzgerald said the legal opinion, which Irish Water has refused to release as it is a private document, said charges are needed to encourage water conservation and how water service reforms are paid for over the coming years should be of paramount concern. The declaration, drawn up by the Irish Muslim Peace and Reconciliation Council, requests foreign speakers coming to Ireland to sign a statement, saying they: Shaykh Umar al-Qadri, chairman of the council, will officially launch the declaration at a seminar on radicalisation at Trinity College Dublin. The guest speaker is Shaykh Fakhruddin Owaisi, chair of the Council of Sunni Imams in Cape Town, South Africa, where he is also head of religious studies at the International Peace College. He runs anti-radicalisation training programmes among Muslims. The seminar is being facilitated by Trinitys school of ecumenics. From my experience one of the reasons why some elements of radicalisation and extremism can be found within the Muslim community is from foreign speakers, said Shaykh al-Qadri, who is also the head imam of the Al-Mustafa Islamic Centre Ireland. He said most foreign speakers who have come to Ireland in the last 10 years come from the ultra-conservative Salafi background, which, he said, is the Saudi interpretation of Islam. On the back of the terror attacks in Belgium, Turkey, and Pakistan, Shaykh al-Qadri said now is the time to be open and to challenge these extremists. He said: The overwhelming majority of the Muslim community has been too silent for too long. We should encourage speakers, but we do not want radical elements. We want the positive experience of Muslims here to continue and ensure that extremism and radicalism does not become a major issue and that the Muslim community does not become isolated. He added: If we dont take steps now, we could end up like Belgium and France. He said while these countries had specific social, political, and economic issues, they had also suffered from foreign speakers. We need to prevent the seeds of extremism and radicalism... this is a major issue... and stop the seeds from spreading into the ground. For full declaration see impic.ie Nicky Leonard Beard, 32, who is originally from Dublin and his husband David Beard, 41, travelled to Mexico from their home in New Zealand a number of months ago in the hope of starting a family through implantation almost a year ago. The first round failed. The second round saw the eggs of an Argentinian donor implanted in two women. One of the embryos resulted in the births of twins, Kelly and Blake, the other a single boy Lachlan. In a video blog posted on stuff.co.nz David Beard, who is the biological father, said they are now in debt to the tune of NZ$280,000 (170,000) after, they claim, the adoption agency made off with the money they had provided for the medical bills and legal costs. Their financial situation was not helped when Lachlan had to be taken back into hospital after suffering complications, the cost of which 70,000 the couple had to bear. David Beard, above, is the biological father of the three children. Now, reliant on the generosity of family and friends for their day-to-day living expenses while stuck in Mexico, they are awaiting clearance to bring the children back to New Zealand. At the end of last year Mexican officials announced a new law banning gay men from becoming surrogate parents there. It is hoped, though, that this will not apply to the Beards case because the women were already pregnant before the law was introduced. While the Mexican government has told them there should not be a problem with bringing the three babies home, they say the process is proving to be very slow. They have sought to get New Zealand passports for the children through the embassy in Mexico rather than having to get Mexican documents which would be hard given the babies have no biological link to the country. Nicky Beard with one of the newborns: The couple relies on family and friends for daily expenses. New Zealands minister of social development Paula Attrill told stuff.co.nz the government there was aware of the case and had provided advice to the family. Their situation is typical of many international surrogacy cases, she said. They can be highly complicated, involving other countries laws and procedures and involve a high degree of uncertainty. Ms Attrill adding that further assistance would be focused on the adoption process by the non-biological parent Nicky Leonard Beard once the children arrived in New Zealand. A friend of the couple has set up a fundraising page to try to generate financial support to help get the family home. As of yesterday afternoon that had raised $13,000 (8,000). People living in Mexico also used the website to offer accommodation to the couple while their legal battle continues. The outspoken Irish American oncologist has expressed his frustrations with Enda Kennys Government for defeating his Seanad Reform Bill. I promised I wouldnt run again unless the Seanad was reformed. I had brought forward a Seanad Reform bill which was defeated, he said. He also railed against those politicians who have the gall to now seek election to the Seanad when they campaigned to abolish it two years ago. They have some gall when you have campaigned for its abolition and now seek election to it when you have been rejected by the people, he said He lambasted the limitations of the Seanad which he described as an affront to democracy. However, Prof Crown, who is an oncologist at St Vincents Hospital, said he opposed the abolition of the Seanad, because even in its limited form it was an important balancing influence to the highly whipped Dail. He criticised what he called the hijacking of the Seanad by the main political parties rather than having it filled by sectoral experts like him who add a different dimension to the debate. He said only the six university seats offer that balance to the dominance of the main parties. Prof Crown was speaking on RTE Radios Today With Sean ORourke show. He also revealed his views on the Irish health service, insisting it is not a third-world one. Ive seen third world and Ireland wasnt third world but it was locked at the bottom of first world. At a time when the non-mastectomy option was available, women here were losing their breasts because of poor services, he said. He says that he has paid a price for speaking out. I was saying that things were really appalling...They made vague promises and told us to shut up. I said there would be no omerta. And Ive had a difficult relationship with the bureaucracy ever since, he added. Prof Crown, who is 59, spoke of his one-year-old son James with his wife Orla Healy, and how he is a modern father. He is a gorgeous boy; I am a nappy-changing dad, he said. Senior counsel Robert Barron SC received 290,053 (including Vat) in fees, with five other barristers receiving between 200,000 and 220,000. The payments by the Chief State Solicitor at the Office of the Attorney General (AG) resulted in two of the barristers involved in the Graham Dwyer murder trial, Remy Farrell and Ann-Marie Lawlor receiving in excess of 500,000 each from the State last year. Figures released in response to a freedom of information request show Mr Farrell last year received 179,349 for work on behalf of the AG. It brought to 501,956 the amount Mr Farrell received in state fees in 2015 after criminal legal aid payments of 195,439 and fees of 127,168 from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) are taken into account. Mr Farrell was Mr Dwyers lead defence counsel in the case. Ann Marie Lawlor served on the DPPs team in the trial and the 219,6143 Ms Lawlor received from the AG last year in fees brought her total to 580,015 in State fees last year. Separate figures show Ms Lawlor received 193,418 in DPP fees along with criminal legal aid payments of 166,984. The overall payments of 12m by the AG to barristers last year compares to 9.8m paid out in 2014. The figures released also show barristers who acted for the State in the long-running Ian Bailey High Court case feature on the list. The four barristers in the case Luan OBraonain, Paul OHiggins, David Lennon, and Paul Anthony McDermott shared 1.2m in state fees paid over 2014 and 2015 from Mr Bailey-related cases. The AG figures show Mr OBraonain had received 197,410 in fees across four cases not all relating to Mr Bailey; similarly Paul OHiggins received 185,859 for work in three cases, while Mr McDermott received 130,228 for work in 16 cases, and Mr Lennon received 121,597 for one case. The most in-demand barrister by the AGs office last year in terms of number of cases was Fiona OSullivan BL who received 215,442 in 70 cases. The figures show in two separate court cases in 2015, payments to barristers exceeded 570,000 in each case, though the identity of the cases is not disclosed. The most expensive court case cost the taxpayer 573,654 in fees and the second most expensive was 572,352. The table shows that fees to former tanaiste Michael McDowell last year increased, going from 38,644 in 2014 to 66,045. Mr McDowell currently bidding for a seat in the Seanad received the fees for working on four different cases. Mr McDowell retired from politics in 2007 after losing his Dail seat and returned to his legal career at the Law Library. Instead, it may have clarified the most likely solution to the utility and its bills which remain a key stumbling block to any Fine Gael-Fianna Fail deal. As reported by the Irish Examiner on March 4, cancelling charges would be illegal in the eyes of the European Commission as Ireland now has a fees tradition. However, Brussels may tolerate a deferral of the payment system. Crucially, this would allow both parties to side-step the apparent legal block to cancelling charges while simultaneously saving face on key election promises, giving Enda Kenny and Micheal Martin an out from an awkward corner into which they have been painted. On Tuesday morning, it emerged that independent legal advice sought by Irish Water from senior counsel Garrett Simons and Michael M Collins had clearly ruled out any chance of scrapping water charges. The reason outlined by the experts was that, under the EUs Water Framework Directive, once a country has established a water charges system the fees cannot be cancelled without the country in question facing a multimillion-euro action in the European courts. While article 9.4 of the document allows some countries to avoid a fees system if they have no established practice or charging system provision, the advice left no room for doubt in saying this loophole no longer exists here. The conclusion which just happened to be leaked from Irish Water as the issue returned to the headlines has caused yet another political row in the past 48 hours. However, while the advice tallies exactly with the European Commissions rules that water charges cannot be scrapped, officials have made it clear Brussels is open to looking at other options, such as deferring fees for a number of years. Asked about this exact point by the Irish Examiner on March 4, commission officials said while such a scenario would lead to legal threats being exchanged formally between Brussels and Ireland, deferring charges on the strict condition that a new introduction date is adhered to could avoid any actual court case. It may not strictly comply with the legal rules, but, technically speaking, it also would not break them, officials have noted. And, crucially, it would give Fine Gael and Fianna Fail breathing space to come to an arrangement. Taken in this context, the leaked Irish Water legal advice does not end the chances of finding a way out of the political mess. If anything, it underlines the clearest option if Fine Gael and Fianna Fail are forced to do a deal. Around 4,000 lecturers and researchers will begin industrial action next week in opposition to the plans which will see IoTs merge to create technological universities. Delegates at the TUI annual conference expressed anger at the plans and, in a national ballot, voted by a margin of 85% to 15% in favour of industrial action. It includes the requirement IoTs must merge before they can apply for Technological Universitystatus, the threat to pay and conditions of staff, and the threat to the regional provision of education that IoTs provide. Following the ballot, TUI members have been directed not to co-operate, from next Wednesday, with any merger activities relating to the bill. TUI president Gerry Quinn said the requirement to merge was based more on cost-saving than academic considerations. We believe that the requirement that IoTs must merge before they can apply for technological university status is more related to cost-saving than to any academic considerations based on particular missions, values and ethos of particular institutes. Assistant general secretary Aidan Kenny said the plans also risked the creation of geographic inequity, forcing students who cannot afford it to move to another part of the country. Our students come from specific social and economic backgrounds. They cant afford to travel to Dublin. So, for example, Letterkenny has a catchment area which is Donegal. With the proposals to merge institutes into these technological universities, the resources of the institutes on the periphery and in the regions will be asset stripped and brought to the centres. TUI deputy general secretary Annette Dolan said the merger plans were a means to further cut costs in the sector. Since 2008, there had been 190m cut in funding to IoTs. Side by side with that, theres been a 32% increase in student numbers and a 9.5% decrease in the number of lecturers If you have a lot more students and a lot less lecturers, that means that youve larger lectures, larger classes and not the same degree of support that there should be. Opening the new Kilmainham Gaol Museum visitor centre President Higgins said the commemorative events to mark the Easter Rising had allowed us to re-engage with the Ireland of the early 20th century. President Higgins added that this had allowed people to focus on the many different traditions, ideas and ideologies that impelled the stories of bravery, vision and determination that would build a nation. He said: In that process of re-engagement we can, across a distance of years, understand 1916 as being about so much more than military or political actions. It was also of course an act of imagination, a social as well as a national revolution, whose leaders were inspired by the idea of creating a very different and much improved Ireland. It was an Ireland of equality and social justice that was sought; an Ireland of democratic citizenship and of collective participation that, in the words of the Proclamation: guarantees religious and civil liberty, equal rights and equal opportunities to all its citizens, and declares its resolve to pursue the happiness and prosperity of the whole nation and of all its parts, cherishing all of the children of the nation equally. The new visitor centre, in the former courthouse building, will now be open to 330,000 visitors who come to the site every year. However, it is hoped that overall admission can be increased to 500,000 per year as a result of the new centre. Simon Harris, acting Minister of State at the Department with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works, said the museum will provide a place for people to come to reflect on Irelands past. He said: The Government recognised the significance of Kilmainham Gaol in the context of the 1916 story and provided the necessary funding for the refurbishment work to be done through the Office of Public Works. Kilmainham therefore takes its place among the other iconic locations which are recognised as the Permanent Reminders included in the official 2016 Programme. Officially opening the new tourist attraction President Higgins mentioned many of those imprisoned in the jail. He added: The people of Ireland owe an enormous debt of gratitude to all those volunteers, many of whom had also fought in the Rising and the War of Independence, and who, decades later, so magnanimously gave of their time and skill in order that new generations of Irish citizens could visit this place and experience the powerful connection it provides to our history and our forbearers. Daire Hickey, from Ballincollig, was selected to mark his nomination by Forbes as one of its international top 30 business stars aged under 30 a list of some of the worlds most influential young people. Oscar-nominated Saoirse Ronan was the only other Irish person to make the list. Cork Person of the Year organiser Manus OCallaghan said they wanted to honour Daire for his career to date, co-founding and developing the Web Summit with Paddy Cosgrave and David Kelly. The technology conference started with a team of three, and now has 140 staff. Based in Dublin for the last five years, it is one of the worlds top tech events, and is moving to Lisbon. Last year alone, Daire pulled in over 1.8m in media partnerships for the event which was attended by some 42,000 delegates from 120 countries. Its speakers included the founders and CEOs of Twitter, YouTube, Netflix, Skype, Tesla, and PayPal. Awesome to be included on the @Forbes #30Under30 list alongside so many amazing people @Allen @mlymat. Thanks for your kind words. Daire Hickey (@hidaire) January 4, 2016 Daire was key in managing the relationships between its speakers, clients, media, and sponsors. He is also the co-founder of F.ounders an annual private gathering of 200 CEOs of the worlds leading technology companies which runs alongside the Web Summit. Daire is now busy organising tech events in New Orleans, Hong Kong, and Bengaluru, India. Daire Hickey is a young entrepreneur, highly motivated to be the very best in his sector, said Mr OCallaghan. The Cork Person of the Month award was established to inspire young people to follow in the footsteps of local heroes who have the confidence to carve out their own paths in work and in life. Daire has certainly done that. The creative genius behind YouTube comedy animation sensation, Martins Life, was named January Cork Person of the Month. He has asked to remain anonymous. Eoghan Ryan and Alasdair Fitzpatrick, the team behind Reimagine Cork,were named Februarys People of the Month. BEFORE the explosion in young adult fiction and the juggernauts of Twilight and the Hunger Games, there was Darren Shan, the so-called master of horror who has sold more than 25 million books around the world. The Irish authors literary career took flight with the publication of Cirque du Freak in 2000, the first in the hugely successful vampire series The Saga of Darren Shan. Now the Limerick-based Shan, real name Darren OShaughnessy, is publishing Zom-B Goddess, the 12th, and last, volume in his Zom-B series for teenagers. As well as entertaining readers, Shan also hopes the books can help teens explore the sometimes scary society they live in. The zombie books came from the rise of the far right that began after the bombings in London 10 years ago. I thought the BNP were making political gains, there was anti- immigrant, anti-Muslim feeling in the air. I wanted to write a book about that, about not trusting fear-mongers but while also writing an exciting, entertaining story. Zombies seemed a natural match. Thats one thing about horror and fantasy, it allows readers to explore these things through a different medium. Its hard to engage with politics at times. Theres a lot going on, a lot coming through the media, whereas a good story can connect with a wider audience and help us make sense of the world. The ancient myths were a way for people to put their world into context, and I think that still holds true today. I think theyre a way for younger readers to deal with these issues without confronting them directly. I want to entertain them but to supply food for thought as well. TEENAGE READERS For Shan, the continuing growth in popularity of young adult fiction proves that those who say children dont read as much as they used to are wrong. Its a field I really enjoy and its great that its more popular. When I was trying to sell Cirque du Freak back in the late 1990s, I went to one publisher and they said they didnt publish books for teenage boys because teenage boys dont read. Washing their hands of the problem was their response, but teenage boys do read if you give them books they want to read, as weve seen over the years, with the likes of Anthony Horowitz, Eoin Colfer and so many more. Theres so much variety, and books for different tastes. A lot of people say young people dont read, but thats absolute nonsense. Every generation likes to think that, that we were avid readers reading Tolstoy at the age of 10, but our brains play tricks on us. I think reading is on the increase if anything because books are more accessible than ever before. A lot of it is digital reading, and I have no problem with that as long as the story is getting across. Paper, digital e-reader, papyrus to me the format is irrelevant. Content is king. Shan was ahead of the curve when it came to social media, and was aware of the benefits of connecting with his fans from the start of his career. @darrenshan my daughter's Zom-B collection is complete as of yesterday..and last book read in just a few hours. pic.twitter.com/ZLL6jwyxSu Jo Oliver (@JoElfinjojo) March 27, 2016 Ive been on that since the early days, although now Ive noticed it going towards Facebook and Twitter, whereas years ago, the website was the best way to reach people. These days the vast majority of my connecting is via Facebook and Twitter, though I maintain the website, and a newsletter, even though the newsletter seems like an anachronism now most of my reviews come through social media. But I like that format myself. The industry is changing and moving on. When I started out, going out on tour, there was Waterstones, WH Smiths, Borders several big chains across the UK. Waterstones are still going, thankfully, but most of those have closed. There is Eason in Ireland and a few independents but the industry has changed hugely. As a writer, you have to change and adapt as well. Stand still and youre swamped. Shans fan base may have changed over the years as they grow up but they are still a large and loyal brigade, as can be seen from the huge queues at his book signings. Ive always loved that connection with the fans. Im sure some authors dont but Ive always loved being in touch with them, making myself contactable. Facebook and Twitter help create a stronger bond with fans and I get great feedback. I love the new technology and as long as we embrace it and use it, it can benefit us. HARRY POTTER It also pleases Shan that the lines between adult and childrens fiction have become blurred ever since Harry Potter took the world by storm. A good book isnt written for a specific audience. It may be sold as YA but an audience will find a good book. Publishers and booksellers like to put things in a nice niche. Ive never liked niches, Ive struggled with that all my career. I dont think of an audience, I write for myself. I try to remember what I liked as a teenager, the kind of books I liked and didnt. Its an interesting time because you are torn between the worlds of childhood and adulthood. I like to mix the worlds of adults and teenagers, but publishers dont. Cirque du Freak mixed childrens and adults worlds and was turned down by every publisher in the UK originally. No-one would touch it because they saw it as a confused hybrid, but it wasnt. It was a book that reached a wide audience, readers from aged 10 to 80, pretty much. I like reading childrens and teenagers books because its a great way of viewing the world. Some of my favourite books of the last 20 years are YA books Philip Pullmans Dark Materials trilogy, The Chaos Walking trilogy by Patrick Ness, theyre some of the most challenging books Ive read. The good thing about social media is that its made it easier for audiences to find books, whereas in the past publishers and booksellers decided this is a book just for children and kept it in the childrens section, where adults didnt go. Now, with the covers of YA books, its a case of is it for children, is it for adults? You can reach and appeal to both audiences. Most adults have that inner child and can remember what they were like as children; its sad if we leave that behind completely. STORY TELLING Shans own reading habits have changed somewhat since the arrival of his son Dante 18 months ago. His favourite now is Were Going On A Bear Hunt but Im looking forward to when he gets a bit older and to reading real stories to him. But he likes books, which Im really pleased about, looking at pictures and so on. He might go through 10 or 15 books at night, looking for something he likes, though he likes his iPad as well. Does Shan look forward to his son moving on from bears to vampires and zombies and perhaps investigating his dads books? If he likes them. I have loads in the house but I wont push them on him. He may not want anything to do with his old mans stories. Zom-B Goddess by Darren Shan is out now. He will be signing books at Eason Limerick at 4.30pm on Friday, April 15; Midleton Books at 10am, and Waterstones Cork, 2.30pm, on Saturday, April 16 I am very aware of the privileges being born in Ireland allows. I am protected by a stable state and a relatively prosperous economic system. This grants me choice. I can choose to travel and make my home in almost any country in the world. Others, through accident of birth, are not afforded such choices. My pride in Ireland was shaken to its core when I learned about our system of Direct Provision. Asylum seekers come to us asking for help at their most desperate time. Instead of being offered compassion, they are pushed into a cruel system that strips their autonomy, time and self-esteem. Their lives are in a liminal state until a bureaucratic system decides their faith and this decision can take years. Lives are in a state of suspension; children living in dorm rooms with their parents; meals being served in soulless canteens, meal, after meal, after meal. There is a lack of autonomy and control over ones life, everything is on hold at the mercy of a slow bureaucratic system. During this time there is no access to social welfare, residents receive a meager allowance of 19.10 a week. People come to Ireland looking for help and they are told to wait; wait one year, then two, for some it is a wait of 12 years. While waiting you have no permission to work and, in the vast majority of cases, you are not allowed to cook own food. The ability to keep yourself healthy, to choose when your children eat and what is good for them, is taken away. Our Table started as a project that would highlight this. It is a two day pop-up cafe in The Project Arts Centre in Temple Bar, Dublin, a celebration of many cuisines and food traditions from a variety of countries. Customers can either book for lunch or drop by and have a cup of tea and a chat. The hope is to build an awareness within the greater Irish population of conditions within Direct Provision centers and to allow a space to open a conversation about change. To me, one of the darker aspects of the Direct Provision situation is the fact that it is a money-making business; large corporations are profiteering on back of other peoples suffering. It is not just the psychological aspect of your autonomy being stripped away, but the physical aspect of not being able to keep healthy that wears people down: depression and mental health issues among people living in the centres are up to five times higher than in the wider community. People can get lost when labels are applied: asylum seeker, refugee, migrant. What do these words mean? All of these refer to people who are looking for safety, for shelter from violence and a chance to live their lives in peace. It is easy to shut out the humanity of the situation, the heartbreak of leaving your home, the terrifying prospect of a new country with a language you may not understand. The Irish Refugee Council have been calling for an end to Direct Provision centres for the past six years. They have offered alternative models that have proven to work in other countries. The United Nations and international human rights groups have criticised Direct Provision. The current system is neither cost effective for the taxpayer nor humane. It should be dismantled and a system more considerate of peoples needs established in its place, one where people have the ability to work, to eat healthy food and have full access to the Irish education system. What is also desperately needed is a time limit on how long people will have to wait. I do question whether I have the right to enter into this debate. I do not claim to speak for anyone but myself and I certainly do not know what it is like for people who have to endure the situation. I have worked alongside people over the past few months and heard their accounts and I do think it is worth starting a conversation about how Ireland, as a country, makes decisions. Changing a system is slow, but if you push hard enough and ask others to push with you, you can affect change. At the moment that change may just be in the lives of a few people who enjoy being involved in Our Table and some people finding out a little more about the Irish asylum process. But hopefully that change will eventually be far bigger. If we all push together we can persuade our government that we are not proud of this system. We can persuade that we are not in agreement with how we are treating asylum seekers that find their way to our shores and that we want to end Direct Provision. Thank you to Ellie Kisyombe and Fiona Corbett who have been among the group who helped made Our Table possible. The money earned from this article has been donated to refugee services in Ireland. Our Table will be held in The Project Arts Centre, in Temple Bar on April 5-6 from 12-3pm COMBATING antimicrobial resistance will require groundbreaking technological solutions. To prevent superbugs from claiming an estimated 10m lives a year by 2050, we will need to invent new types of antimicrobial drugs and develop rapid diagnostic tests to avoid unnecessary treatment and cut our massive overuse of antibiotics. And yet, as important as these hi-tech contributions may be, they are only partial fixes. To tackle the problem permanently, the only option is to prevent infections from occurring in the first place with improved hygiene, sanitation, and disease surveillance. Only by focusing on these areas will we lower demand for new drugs in the long term. In the 19th century, long before modern drugs were available, major Western cities tackled diseases by seeking to prevent infections. This approach remains the best solution for large cities with growing populations. Consider London in the 1850s: Living conditions for the poor were grim. Male life expectancy was 40 years. Diseases like cholera and tuberculosis were rife, and there was no way to treat them. In September 1854, a cholera outbreak devastated the citys impoverished, central Soho district, killing 500 people in just 10 days. Enter John Snow, a pioneering physician who had intuited that cholera was spread not through the air, as conventional wisdom held, but through water. Snow monitored the progress of the Soho outbreak in unprecedented detail, mapping each case. His research convinced him the source of the outbreak was a shared water pump in the heart of the district. Once the pump handle was removed, the pace of the outbreak slowed dramatically. Several of Snows methods are applicable to the modern problem of antimicrobial resistance. World Health Organisation downgrades Ebola risk https://t.co/lCwXrJMUzS pic.twitter.com/5vmeCyRWkU Irish Examiner (@irishexaminer) March 29, 2016 His effort demonstrated the efficacy of using data to understand a public health crisis. His mapping and statistical analysis helped identify the outbreaks epicentre and thus its root cause. Snows emphasis on using data to guide his intervention is a principle that institutions like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation insist upon today. The recent ebola outbreak in West Africa demonstrated, in tragic fashion, the importance of good data. The epidemic spread most dramatically in areas where basic infrastructure and surveillance systems had broken down. As a result, even after ebola had been declared a public health emergency and funding made available, it remained difficult, for weeks, to direct resources where they were most needed. Worryingly, as the latest paper from my review on antimicrobial resistance warns, there is no globally co-ordinated system of surveillance to monitor the emergence and spread of superbugs around the world. Fundamental gaps remain in how data are gathered and shared, even in the worlds richest countries. The result is a series of enormous blind spots that deprive us of the key insights and early warnings that we need to mount an effective response. Snows other major contribution was to identify the central role that water plays in spreading diseases like cholera, leading authorities in Europe to invest in the development of sewage and sanitation systems. Decades before the discovery of cures like penicillin, there was no alternative but to invest in prevention to beat infectious diseases and protect growing urban populations. This infrastructure building was spectacularly successful: The last urban cholera outbreak in Western Europe occurred in 1892, and by the time the First World War broke out, communicable diseases had ceased to be the leading cause of death across much of the continent. As antimicrobial drugs became more widely available, however, the focus moved away from preventive measures. This has not only had dire implications for urban dwellers forced to live in unsanitary conditions; it has also contributed to rising drug resistance. Today, inadequate access to safe water and sanitation is one of the leading causes of diarrhoeal illness a major killer and the reason that hundreds of millions of people take antibiotic treatments each year. Most of this consumption is unnecessary, as the cause of diarrhoea is usually viral; taking antibiotics in these cases only contributes to the development of resistant bacteria. Ebola no longer world health emergency, WHO says https://t.co/jEXwORzf5Q pic.twitter.com/ES4BcRQOjf Irish Examiner (@irishexaminer) March 29, 2016 Estimates provided to my team suggest that in India, Nigeria, Brazil, and Indonesia alone, nearly half a billion cases of diarrhoea are treated each year with antibiotics. Were these countries to provide their citizens with universal access to clean water and sanitation, this consumption could be reduced by at least 60%. Such infrastructure is costly, and all countries face tough budgetary choices. But it is one of the best value-for-money investments a middle-income country can make. When one controls for income, increasing a populations access to sanitation by 50% is correlated with more than nine years of additional life expectancy. John Snow would have been pleased. One of his most significant contributions to the field of healthcare the judicious use of data is confirming the importance of another: Investment in hygiene and sanitation. Sometimes those who study history are blessed to repeat it. Jim ONeill, a former chairman of Goldman Sachs Asset Management, is commercial secretary to the UK treasury, honorary professor of economics at Manchester University, a visiting research fellow at the economic thinktank Bruegel, and chairman of the Review on Antimicrobial Resistance. FOR many Americans, the attacks on Brussels must have felt like more of the same. Once again, militants struck, the systems designed to stop them failed and all the blood and treasure of 15 years of war on terror appears more wasted than ever. From an outsiders perspective, though, the way in which the United States reacts appears to be subtly shifting. Almost without noticing, America is beginning to dramatically rethink the way in which it interacts with the world. As with so many things, Donald Trump is the clearest manifestation of the trend. For all his talk of making America great again, the foreign policy he has begun to outline particularly in interviews with senior editors at the New York Times and the Washington Post smacks of outright isolationism. Trump himself, it should be said, specifically rejects that label. Getting stuck on the semantics misses the point. On a much, much broader level from the country at large to the corridors of the White House feelings are also changing. Frustrations, regrets and a rethinking of how much America can or should do drips from almost every line of the must-read interview with President Barack Obama published earlier this month in the Atlantic. Speaking on condition of anonymity, several current and former US officials have told me they no longer really feel they know what their country was trying to achieve in Iraq, Afghanistan or elsewhere. Such soul-searching is rarely done publicly, but it appears widespread. That trend is easily missed in Washington, not least because so many of the thinktanks that make up the foreign policy community are robustly interventionist and funded by individuals, defence contractors and foreign governments such as the Gulf states who want to keep the US thinking that way. Hillary Clinton accuses Donald Trump of inciting violence https://t.co/OQrzPtNBPx pic.twitter.com/cwDD0mPHwp Irish Examiner (@irishexaminer) March 30, 2016 The result is that you can end up taking public positions that are more interventionist than you really think, said one thinktank policy analyst on condition of anonymity. Even within such institutions, though, the mood seems to be quietly changing. The gulf between different worldviews particularly those exemplified by Obama and Trump remains vast. As Obamas Latin American tour made clear, his vision for America remains one in which the worlds pre-eminent superpower remains a multiethnic melting pot deeply committed to an ever more interlinked world even if the Atlantic profile shows he now puts more caveats on that position. Trumps entire campaign, meanwhile, is based around often literally fencing off the rest of the planet. Immigration and globalisation, he says, have cost Americans their jobs and risks costing them their safety. Too many of Americas allies, he says, have been relying on Washington to deter enemies and stabilise the neighborhood. If theyre not willing to pay for that protection, Trump says, America should pull its forces back. Thats a massive shift from the positions Americas allies in particular have come to expect. In South Korea, newspapers said they were dumbfounded by Trumps suggestion Tokyo and Seoul should build their own atomic weapons to protect themselves. European governments will be similarly concerned by his comments on Nato. In both cases, though, his comments point to much broader questioning at home. Earlier this month, I chaired a discussion on US foreign policy and the election. One of the participants, the Atlantic Councils Alex Ward, mentioned that while he and many of his foreign policy-focused colleagues spent much of their time working on strategies to defend Nato members like the Baltic states from Russia, some of his relatives in the rest of the country didnt even know what the acronym stood for. Ipsos pollster Julia Clark, meanwhile who believes Trump is much more likely to win than many in the political mainstream accept argued his more isolationist views already resonate widely with a public tired of wars and job losses. US Naval War College academic Nikolas Gvosdev argued that regardless of who wins, Trump has made such positions much more acceptable for other politicians to take in future. Donald Trump stands by campaign boss facing battery charge https://t.co/rlPiYYfD7B pic.twitter.com/ds4SlIuT6R Irish Examiner (@irishexaminer) March 30, 2016 When it comes to talking about the threat from militants like Islamic State, Trump and Obama also differ wildly but only up to a point. Trump takes pride in talking about how he would tear up the rulebook, using harsh interrogation techniques, torture and indiscriminate bombing. The President might have failed to close Guantanamo but he clearly opposes such measures, feeling they simply make matters worse. Trumps populist anti-IS message, though, contains very specific limits. Attempts at broader stabilisation and nation-building, he says, simply havent worked. He told the Washington Post he would find it very difficult to send tens of thousands of ground troops to fight Islamic State, even if senior US commanders requested it. Obama famously opposed the invasion of Iraq but favored increasing the number of troops in Afghanistan immediately after he took office in 2009. Its hard to imagine him or many others backing such a strategy now. On a wide variety of issues, Trump has probably taken too idiosyncratic a position to make himself electable. Americas most likely next president remains Hillary Clinton a candidate whose legitimacy, ironically, rests heavily on her international affairs background and establishment status. Her advisers, backers and mentors consist of pretty much the entire Democratic and much of the Republican foreign policy community although she has found that that expertise is not necessarily helping her at the polls. In the last few years, Washington and European powers have already moved towards a much more affordable, perhaps also effective strategy for engaging volatile countries. In three nations in particular Iraq, Afghanistan, and Somalia that approach is now clearly to provide limited military and development assistance intended to build local government structures, ideally with wider regional support. Thats a major shift from relying on an unsustainable surge of foreign forces. It does much less to radicalise regional opinion, a longer game with much greater potential for success. It could even work in Syria at least providing the United States, Russia, and other local powers could ever agree on what kind of future government they were trying to strengthen. What is happening now, though, is a very real questioning of whether that kind of engagement is worth it. Donald Trump is standing by his campaign manager who is facing an assault charge https://t.co/N7A8XecuYZ pic.twitter.com/HsIPMHKOm2 Irish Examiner (@irishexaminer) March 29, 2016 Where Trump goes well beyond any other potential serious presidential contender since the 1930s is suggesting the much wider withdrawal, if not outright abandonment, of previous US positions. On trade, he is aggressively protectionist something he has in common with leftist challenger Bernie Sanders. Against China in particular, he says he would run up tariffs in a way that could well provoke a trade war. At the same time, though, his reluctance to support longtime US allies might well empower Moscow and Beijing. Trump says his time in business has told him the value of being unpredictable. When it comes to high-stakes nuclear confrontations, however, that may not be a virtue. Obama would never go as far indeed, stepping up military presence in both Asia and Europe has been central to his strategy. But he clearly saw no problem in expressing considerable frustrations with the Europeans, Britain and France in particular, blaming them for failing to come up with their own policies to stabilise Libya in his view, clearly Europes backyard after the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. In the aftermath of the Brussels attacks, the overwhelming narrative seems to have been to blame Belgium. In some ways, thats very reasonable Belgiums intelligence and security apparatus, as well as the rest of its government, is notoriously dysfunctional. But Belgium, it is worth remembering, has long been known as the crossroads of empire,never truly able to secure its borders against its foes. And while some of Americas relative success in avoiding attacks on its mainland since 9/11 probably is the result of its intelligence and security reforms, the fact it is cut off from the rest of the world by two enormous oceans is also key. That geographic isolation is why America has the luxury of sometimes thinking it could make the rest of the world go away. Indeed, much of its recent focus on gaining energy independence seems rooted in that hope. That the United States is rethinking its role is neither surprising nor unhealthy. It spent a mere 25 years as the unipolar global superpower and in the Middle East in particular, its easy to conclude it may have been a negative or at least de-stabilising influence. At its best, however, America acts albeit deeply imperfectly as the closest we have to a global linchpin. If the country is going isolationist again during a period of global instability, that may not be a good thing for the rest of us. I AM sick, sore and tired of hearing about the women of 1916. Womens role in the 1916 Rising was marginal. Estimates vary as to the number of women who were directly involved in the Rising, from as few as 100 to as many as 200. Estimates also vary as to how many combatants, in all, were out for the Rising, but the current figure seems to be about 2,500. You dont need a degree in mathematics to work out how small the role of women was. The determined warping of historical fact is interesting in lots of ways. It shows that we only tell ourselves the bits of history we want to hear. The brutal, male military story falls hard on our soft modern ears. We had to feminise the Rising if we wanted to celebrate it. So we have come to a situation where a casual tourist would swear the GPO was taken by women, that seven women signed the Proclamation, and that Countess Markievicz was the brains behind it all. Army of citizens rise to the occasion to remember the 1916 Rising https://t.co/eNV1kdffSJ #1916Centenary pic.twitter.com/0LakKTtH7c Irish Examiner (@irishexaminer) March 29, 2016 Of all the women who have got their share of limelight this Easter Week from Kathleen Lynn, to Margaret Skinnider to Louise Gavan Duffy to Aoife de Burca and Helena Molony surely the bould countess has basked most. To me, she is an unattractive woman, emotionally stunted and intellectually unoriginal. She was a simple zealot who happened on the Irish national cause as a focus for her zeal. She started her life as a young woman hunting and shooting around the extensive estate of Lissadell, Co Sligo, and stories abound of her beauty and courage as she galloped around the place on her horses. A neighbour in Sligo described her as attracted by danger and during Easter Week, she exchanged foxes and rabbits for people. It is a matter of historical controversy whether she shot dead Constable Lahiff at the entrance to St Stephens Green and so is the story that she shouted, I got him! Her biographer Anne Haverty says that This was now a war situation and it was the duty of a good soldier to shoot the enemy. But surely what we have to ask ourselves is why we are attempting to lionise a woman because she could be as brutal as male soldiers? We are looking at an event which was certainly gendered with the male gender and trying to feminise it. In so doing, we are focussing obsessively on the actions of a tiny group of women, some of whom were principled and brave, and some of whom were just bonkers. The countess surely belongs to the latter category. Havertys story of the countess bringing children out for motoring trips and embarrassing them horribly by shouting imperiously for them from the door of Woolworths for all the shop to hear sticks in my mind. But there are far more serious reasons to steer clear of her as a role model. She more or less dumped her daughter Maeve in Sligo from early childhood and had very little to do with her throughout her life. Apparently she used to mention her little daughter to her friend Kathleen Barry who was surprised on meeting Maeve to find her a grown woman and more surprised when she was asked to point the countess out to her daughter because Maeve did not recognise her. A different Dublin 100 years on from the Rising https://t.co/QkY77aD5BP #1916Centenary pic.twitter.com/baH0vcAh1H Irish Examiner (@irishexaminer) March 29, 2016 Why should a womans lack of attention to her child be recorded when a mans would not? But why do we lionise emotionally stunted people, in general? Why is our recorded history about killing, not loving? Why do we focus on the bombing of OConnell St and fail to pan out to the kitchens of Dublin where women daily faced struggles as great as those which faced the insurgents: desperately scraping together enough food for desperately loved children as pregnancy followed pregnancy? Sorry, but the true female heroes of 1916 are the poor women who defeated forces much mightier than those of the Crown hunger, pestilence, poverty to get their families through Easter Week. To find their history, we must look to the fiction writers of the time, James Stephens and Sean OCasey among them. Pity the impoverished family in Stephenss Hunger and marvel at the strength of OCaseys Juno, now playing in Dublin at the Gate Theatre. Ask yourself why these women have no names except made-up ones, despite the fact that they out-numbered the female insurgents of 1916 by hundreds of thousands. It is in Sean OCaseys The Silver Tassie, that we read some of the stark reality of womens experience of war, such as their determination that their men would go out and fight so that they could claim the Separation Allowance. It is no wonder that the Separation Women who jeered the 1916 insurgents for stopping them getting their weeks Separation Allowance because of the hostilities dont figure among the Women of 1916. They reserved the most bile, apparently, for the countesss breeches. COUNTESS Markievicz made sterling use of the Polish title she acquired by marriage; her mythology would be far less potent if she was merely a posh lady called Constance Gore-Booth. She did rescue a green bedspread from her dog, Poppet, just in time to make of it the flag which fluttered the words Irish Republic from the GPO this week 100 years ago. She was also the first person to read the Proclamation in public. How Irish exiles in America knew about the 1916 Rising before relatives in Ireland https://t.co/L872FfPOVL pic.twitter.com/fp6lPETwu5 Irish Examiner (@irishexaminer) March 28, 2016 But the truth is that the events we are celebrating this week were led by men and women had bit parts. Haverty describes Countess Markievicz as being unique in being in the forefront in the run-up to the Rising. Her position was tenuous, writes Haverty, but she was determined to keep it.. Of course Constance Gore-Booth was highly unusual among women in so many ways, being rich and privileged and seemingly free of much sense of responsibility towards her family. Most of the women who were involved in the Rising worked in the background as seemingly unsuspicious messengers and as carers. The Rising, the War of Independence and the Civil War were gendered male, just as the Great War amounted to the mass slaughter of men in the prime of life. The wipe-out of the male gender was so successful that one UK headmistress warned in the early 1920s that only one in 10 of her girls would marry and the newspapers blared that there were two million surplus women. Single women, whether by choice or not, then transformed society in the UK. But what troubles me is that we do not stand against the mass massacre of men which occurs in war, but instead attempt to lionise the few women prepared to take part in the massacre. Germany is holding what are likely to be its last trials linked to the Holocaust, in which more than six million people, mostly Jews, were killed by the Nazis. Three men and one woman in their 90s are accused of being an accessory to the murder of hundreds of thousands of people at the Auschwitz death camp in Nazi-occupied Poland. I want to know what their motivation was, why so many joined in killing millions of people, 95-year-old Leon Schwarzbaum, a state witness at the trial of two of the suspects, told Reuters. I just hope they all talk eventually. I want to hear it out of their mouths, what they did and why. I want them to tell the truth, he said. Mr Schwarzbaum, who lost all 35 members of his family in the Holocaust, survived by working at a Siemens factory camp near the Auschwitz camp. After the war he briefly lived in the US but returned to Berlin where he married and opened an antique shop. Images of the killings and the camps horrors haunt him to this day, Mr Schwarzbaum said. He dismissed claims by some of the accused that they had not been aware of the mass murders taking place. They lie. Its impossible not to have known what happened. You could smell the burning bodies. "It was an unbearable stench, day and night, and not only there in the camp but across the entire area, Schwarzbaum said. The trial of 95-year-old Hubert Zafke, a former Auschwitz paramedic, and of 94-year-old Reinhold Hanning, a former camp guard, have started. In mid-April, 93-year-old former Auschwitz guard Ernst Tremmel will go on trial. No date has been set for the trial of 92-year-old Helma M., a radio operator at Auschwitz. She is accused of being an accessory to the murder of 260,000 people. In the interview with Russian media, Assad said Syrian refugees will begin returning home when they see hope for improvement, adding that one of the main causes of migration is Western sanctions against Syria. First of all, regarding the definition of the transitional period, such a definition does not exist, Assad said in the interview with Sputnik, a state news agency, which published excerpts on its website. He said the term political transition means the transition from one constitution to another. Thus, the transition period must be under the current constitution, and we will move on to the new constitution after the Syrian people vote for it, Assad added. His comments run counter to demands by the Syrian opposition for a transitional body with full executive powers. The two sides held UN-mediated talks earlier this month. A roadmap for a transition in Syria outlined in a UN Security Council resolution adopted in December calls for a Syrian-led political process facilitated by the United Nations which would establish credible, inclusive, and non-sectarian governance within six months and set up a schedule and process for the drafting of a new constitution to be followed by UN-supervised elections. Assad said a national unity government would be formed by various Syrian political forces opposition, independent, the current government, and others. Neither the Syrian constitution, nor the constitution of any other country in the world includes anything that is called a transitional body of power. Its illogical and unconstitutional. Early yesterday, Syrias state-run news agency said Assad sent a message to the UN secretary-general reiterating his readiness to cooperate with all sincere efforts to fight terrorism. Assad also thanked Ban Ki-moon for the UN chiefs statements welcoming the Syrian armys recapture of the town of Palmyra and its world-famous archaeological site from Islamic State militants. Ban had said on Sunday that the world body is encouraged and fortunate that Syrian troops retook Palmyra. SANA says Assad also urged the UN chief to support the Syrian governments efforts in rebuilding Palmyra. Assad is also quoted as saying his country is ready to cooperate with all sincere and serious efforts to fight terrorism. The Brazilian Democratic Movement Party, known as the PMDB, said after a meeting that six cabinet ministers belonging to the party as well as some 600 federal government employees who are members must step down. The announcement was made after more than 100 lawmakers approved the decision, according to the press office of Romero Juca, an influential senator. As of today in this historical meeting for the PMDB, the party withdraws from the base of the government of president Dilma Rousseff and no one in the country is authorised to hold any federal position in name of the PMDB, Juca said to loud cheers and applause after the decision was approved. The session ended with chants calling for the end of Ms Rousseffs Workers Party and for vice president Michel Temer to become Brazils president. Mr Temer, who is the leader of the Democratic Movement, would assume the presidency if Ms Rousseff was impeached for breaking fiscal laws. The break increases the chance Ms Rousseff, whose popularity has plunged amid Brazils worst recession in decades and corruption scandals, will be impeached in the coming months. The exit of the PMDB, president Dilmas main ally, represents the end of the ruling coalition and greatly increases the chances of her impeachment, for her party is now a minority in Congress, said Carlos Pereira, a professor at top Brazilian university the Fundacao Getulio Vargas. PMDBs exit will definitely encourage smaller parties to follow its example and leave the coalition, forcing Dilmas government into a situation of political isolation, he added. Brazilians have been staging wide protests demanding the presidents impeachment and protesting the sprawling corruption scandal at state-run oil giant Petrobras that has been moving closer to Ms Rousseffs inner circle. Ms Rousseff, a former chairwoman of Petrobras board, has not been implicated in the unfolding scandal at the oil company, which prosecutors say is the largest corruption scheme ever uncovered in Brazil. Ms Rousseff backers say impeachment is a power grab by opponents who themselves have been sullied by the probe into kickbacks and bribery at Petrobras. The law and the constitution foresee that to remove the president there must be a fiscal crime and there isnt one, said Afonso Florence, a leader in theWorkers Party. That is why impeachment is a coup, but not only a coup against the president, but also against democratic legality. Police prosecutor Andreas Lambrianou said the suspect, whom authorities had earlier identified as 59-year-old Seif Eldin Mustafa, faces charges including hijacking, illegal possession of explosives, kidnapping and threats to commit violence. Tuesdays hijacking ended peacefully when police arrested the suspect after all 72 passengers and crew on board the Airbus A320 aircraft were released. Mr Lambrianou said the man told police: Whats someone supposed to do when he hasnt seen his wife and children in 24 years and the Egyptian government wont let him? Cypriot officials had described Mustafa as psychologically unstable following a bizarre set of demands he made to police negotiators, including what Mr Lambrianou said was a letter he wanted delivered to his Cypriot ex-wife in which he demanded the release of 63 dissident women imprisoned in Egypt. Mr Lambrianou said that 15 minutes into flight MS181 from the Egyptian coastal city of Alexandria to Cairo, the suspect demanded that the aircraft be diverted to an airport in either Greece, Turkey or Cyprus. The aircraft eventually landed in Larnaca after the pilots warned of low fuel, and despite an initial refusal from Cypriot authorities on the landing request. The police prosecutor said witnesses saw the suspect wearing a white belt around his waist laden with cylindrical objects stuffed in pockets. Wire protruding from the cylinders led to what appeared to be a push-button detonator the suspect held in his hand. The suspect had threatened to detonate the belt if police attempted to neutralise him, Mr Lambrianou said, but he eventually gave up after the crew and passengers were released. Mr Lambrianou said no explosives were found in the belt, except for a container filled with an unidentified liquid. Police also found an unidentified liquid in the suspects bag as well as numerous documents written in Arabic. The prosecutor said Cypriot authorities will ask the help of Interpol to determine how the suspect managed to pass the fake explosives belt through airport security in Egypt. Relatives of the Brazilian took their case to the European Court of Human Rights last year almost a decade after he was mistaken for a suicide bomber and shot dead by police marksmen on a London Tube train. Lawyers for the family argued the assessment used by prosecutors in deciding that no individual should be charged over the shooting is incompatible with Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which covers the right to life. The laptop was found in a bin outside the flat in the Brussels district of Schaerbeek, which investigators say was used by the Brussels Airport suicide bombers, Belgian business daily De Tijd wrote. The bombs at the airport and another bombing on the Brussels metro car on March 22 killed 35 people, including three suspected attackers. The councils committee on transportation is holding a hearing on legislation that would allow the citys Department of Transportation to create rules and regulations for pedestrian plazas like the ones in Times Square. The bill comes after a large number of complaints in recent years over aggressive panhandling behaviour, primarily from the costumed characters pushing onlookers for tips. The UK and US will take part in a joint exercise next year to prepare for any online attack against nuclear power plants and waste storage facilities. David Cameron will also offer British expertise to other countries to safeguard their own civil nuclear installations amid fears Islamic State jihadists could attempt to create a dirty bomb. Asia Thai Junta Chief Gives Military Broad New Police-Like Powers Thailands junta gives the military new police-like powers to arrest and detain criminal suspects, drawing criticism from rights groups fearful of potential human rights violations. BANGKOK Thailands junta chief has given the military broad new police-like powers to arrest and detain criminal suspects, in an unannounced move that rights groups criticized Wednesday as a recipe for human rights violations. The decree Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha issued late Tuesday night comes amid a wider crackdown on civil liberties. Authorities the same day charged a woman with sedition for posting a Facebook photo of herself holding a red plastic bowl that was deemed too politically charged. The order, published in Thailands Royal Gazette under the title Suppression of wrongdoings that could threaten Thai economy and society, gives soldiers in the army, navy and air force who are ranked sub-lieutenant and higher the power to summon, arrest and detain suspects in a wide range of crimes for up to seven days. The soldiers can act against people suspected in 27 different types of crime, including extortion, human trafficking, robbery, fraud, forgery, defamation, debt collection, gambling, child protection, prostitution, loan sharking and tour guide services. It says the soldiers are appointed crime prevention and suppression officers and anyone ranked below sub-lieutenant can act as their assistants. Prayuth, the former army chief, invoked the powers under a law he enacted after leading a May 2014 coup that gives him as junta chief near-absolute authority without any accountability. The law, known as Article 44, allows Prayuth to take any measures deemed necessary to promote public order and unity. Rights groups say Article 44 is essentially martial law in all but name. There are people whose behavior and wrongdoings are considered crimes. They threaten the countrys economy and society, the order says. Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan was quoted by The Bangkok Post as saying that soldiers would also act as interrogators and were taking on the new role because there were not enough police to tackle crime. Brad Adams, the Asia director of Human Rights Watch, called the move a recipe for abuse, not greater peace and order. By erasing the line between the military and the police, Prime Minister Prayuth has further reinforced his dictatorship and guaranteed more blatant human rights abuses, increased numbers of civilians being tried in military courts, and further impunity for soldiers to do whatever they want whenever they want, he said. Since toppling an elected government in the 2014 coup, Prayuth has restricted freedom of speech, barred public protests and relentlessly pursued critics by detaining journalists, academics and other perceived dissidents at military bases for so-called attitude adjustment. The junta says criticism could destabilize the nation, which it says needs unity after almost a decade of sometimes violent political conflict. On Tuesday, a 57-year-old woman in northern Thailand was arrested and charged with sedition for posting a photo of herself holding a red plastic bowl inscribed with a New Years greeting from two former prime ministers, siblings Yingluck and Thaksin Shinawatra, according to Human Rights Watch. A military court in Chiang Mai released her on 100,000 baht ($2,800) bail pending a military trial. If found guilty, Theerawan Charoensuk could face up to seven years in prison. The Thai juntas fears of a red plastic bowl show its intolerance of dissent has reached the point of absolute absurdity, said Adams. Its clear that the end of repression is nowhere in sight. A Thai journalist who is one of the juntas prominent critics, Pravit Rojanaphruk, said he learned Wednesday that the junta will not allow him to leave the country in May to attend a conference in Finland on World Press Freedom Day. He posted the news on Facebook, along with a tweet from Finnish Ambassador to Thailand Kirsti Westphalen: The Embassy of Finland regrets Thailand government decision to forbid [Pravit] to travel to Helsinki to attend World Press Freedom Day. Pravit was twice detained for attitude adjustment while working for The Nation newspaper, which ultimately asked him to leave because of pressure from the junta. A government spokesman, Sansern Kaewkamnerd, said he was not aware of the ban against Pravit but, if its true, it must be related to national security. Burma Military-Linked UMEHL Transitions Into Public Company After being backed by the military for over two decades, Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited (UMEHL) has been turned into a public company. RANGOON The Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited (UMEHL) announced on Thursday that, after being linked to the military for more than two decades, the conglomerate has transitioned into a public company. According to state-run media, shares for UMEHL, which was founded in 1990 with two shareholder groups, will be consolidated into one group. This move by the board of directors and shareholders will effectively transform UMEHL from a special company, under the 1950 Special Companies Act, into a public one, under the 1914 Myanmar Companies Act. An anonymous UMEHL official confirmed the conglomerates organizational restructuring but could not provide any additional details. UMEHL has many businesses to its name, including Bandula Transportation, Myanmar Brewery Limited, Myawaddy Bank, Myawaddy Trading and, more controversially, jade mines in Kachin State. Soe Tun, chairman of the Myanmar Automobile Dealers Association and vice president of the Myanmar Rice Federation, said he welcomed UMEHLs transformation because it meant that it would have to follow the same rules as most other companies. It [UMEHL] will be more transparent and there will be equal chances for other businesses, Soe Tun said. Under military rule, UMEHL was free to monopolize businesses in various sectors. For example, it monopolized the beer and cigarette markets. We couldnt compete with them on a level playing field, said a local, Rangoon-based businessman. Zaw Lin Htut, chief executive officer of the Myanmar Payment Union, said that while UMEHLs profits would not go toward the governments budget, the organization will have to pay taxes according to the Public Companies Act. As a public company, there will be more transparency and accountability, and more responsibility, too. Theyll have to pay taxes, Zaw Lin Htut said. But if the Defense Ministry is a shareholder, they [the ministry] will receive a dividend, and according to tax law, no taxes would need to be paid on this dividend, he added. In the past, UMEHL and its many different businesses have been accused of tax avoidance. Since Burmas shift to a quasi-civilian government in 2011, however, they have frequently topped the annual list of corporate tax payers. Burma MPs to Mull Creation of Powerful State Adviser Role for Suu Kyi Parliaments Upper House will discuss a bill creating a powerful new position in the executive, the state adviser, earmarked for Aung San Suu Kyi. RANGOON Parliaments Upper House on Thursday agreed to discuss a draft bill that would create a powerful new position in the executive branch earmarked for Aung San Suu Kyi and intended to facilitate a pledge she made last year to govern from a position above the president in the National League for Democracy government sworn into power this week. Known as the State Adviser Bill, the draft includes five sections and specifically names Suu Kyi as the countrys State adviser. The aims of the bill are to help a multi-party democracy flourish, to generate a vibrant market economy, to establish a federal Union and to spur peace and development in the Union. Aung Kyi Nyunt, the NLD lawmaker who submitted the proposal, told Upper House lawmakers that appointing Suu Kyi as the state adviser would be a way to include the people. The document says the state adviser should offer suggestions in the interest of the people and state, without contradicting the Constitution. Suu Kyi would be able to collaborate with any government organization, department or individual to accomplish these goals. The state advisers term would be the same as that of the president, with the law, if enacted, only in effect for the parliamentary term ending in early 2021. The draft was submitted to the Upper House on Thursday, one day after Suu Kyis NLD-led government was sworn in and her proxy Htin Kyaw became Burmas first civilian president since 1962. Suu Kyis portfolio of four ministerial positionsin foreign affairs, education, the Presidents Office and electric power and energywas also approved on Wednesday. This position would be the highest in the country. If it is approved, [Suu Kyi] will be the head of state, said Phyu Phyu Thin, an NLD lawmaker. If that assessment proves true, the law would likely face scrutiny from Burmas Constitutional Tribunal, which is charged with examining the constitutionality of legislation passed by Parliament. Article 58 of the Constitution states: The President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar takes precedence over all other persons throughout the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. Despite announcing publicly that she wanted to be Burmas president, the Nobel laureate Suu Kyi is constitutionally barred from that office because her two children carry British passports, as did her late husband. Shortly before the general election in November, Suu Kyi said she would be above the president if the NLD were to secure enough parliamentary seats to form the next government. The bills proposal faced no objection when it was submitted to the NLD-dominated Upper House on Thursday. Parliamentary discussion will continue on Monday. Burma New-Look State Dailies Herald Historic Power Transfer Burmas state-owned dailies adjust their content and design following this weeks power transfer to a new, democratically elected government. RANGOON The newsrooms of Burmas state-run dailies appear to have been swept up in the winds of change blowing down from Naypyidaw this week, with redesigned front pages and glowing coverage of the triumphant National League for Democracys long-awaited swearing in to power. The shift in tone was particularly notable coming from newspapers that, little more than five years ago, were known to print cartoons depicting NLD leader Aung San Suu Kyi as a witch and traitor to country, with accompanying articles expounding on that general sentiment. Thursdays The Mirror deviated from its typical layout and content, featuring a sketch from well-known cartoonist Awpekyal, along with a poem from democracy activist Min Ko Naing, describing the country as a traditional dance show in which the long-neglected truth is now on stage, with young people fighting to protect it. Myanmar Ahlin daily also updated its layout and design. Photos of the long-awaited transfer of power ceremony were front- and back-page news, and the papers included pictures of ex-President Thein Sein, newly appointed President Htin Kyaw, Suu Kyi (in a traditional blue ensemble, not witch garb), and various army generals. The new layouts coincided with a transfer of cabinet personnel, including the head of the Ministry of Informationunder which the dailies operatefrom Ye Htut to Pe Myint. Information Minister Pe Myint has said he will work to promote freedom of the press, and that media groups need to actively participate in the fight. He is a writer of renown in Burma, who serves as the vice chairman of the Myanmar Press Council, a role he is expected to step away from with his new job in Naypyidaw. He added that Burmese media organizations should learn from international media laws, reform the current Broadcasting Law and take it upon themselves to draft new legislation. He said that it was too soon to talk about releasing imprisoned journalists, but that in the future he would work to change a system that in recent years has punished reporters with fines or jail time for doing their jobs. Some critics have said a democratically elected government does not need state-run newspapers, which under control of the ruling administration would be unlikely to print content critical of the party in power. That view is informed, in part, by the three state-run dailies track record as a brazen propaganda machine for the former Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) government and the junta that preceded it. But Ye Htut posted on Facebook that the new government still needed its own media in order to inform the public of its plans. You can change the staff, but the government still needs their own press to let people know their policies, he said. Thursdays editorial page in Myanmar Ahlin praised the results of a 50-year effort on the part of pro-democracy activists, and the smooth transfer of power and state dinner held by the new NLD government on Wednesday evening. But it also stated that the weeks momentous events did not mark the end of the journey in the fight for democratic reform, and that the new government still had a long way to go. The editorial went on, It was easy to talk about having peace and national reconciliation, but it will be harder to work for it. Opponents of their perpetuation, who say state-funded newspapers wider reach and subsidized budgets threaten private media competitors, will no doubt continue to watch the dailies metamorphosis unfold. Burma Report Calls for Logging Moratorium, End to State-Run MTE A report says Burmas forests are largely exhausted, calling for a moratorium on commercial logging and dismantling or privatization of the state-owned Myanmar Timber Enterprise. RANGOON International and Burmese environmental organizations this week said Burmas forest reserves are largely exhausted, calling for a moratorium on commercial logging and the dismantling or privatization of the state-owned Myanmar Timber Enterprise (MTE). Those finding came in an analysis released on Wednesday in a report titled Legally and Illegally Logged Out, an EU-funded research project that looked at the state of Burmas timber industry and prospects for reform. At a press conference held for the reports launch in Rangoon, Professor Oliver Springate-Baginski of the University of East Anglia, one of its authors, said deeply rooted corruption was one factor driving forest lossand was also one reason the MTE should be abolished. He said several sources acknowledged to him they had paid large bribes to military and MTE personnel, part of an illicit trade that includes cronies with ties to the former Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) government, high-ranking Burma Army officials and localized militias and ethnic armed groups. Its clear that there is institutionalized corruption in many aspects of the Myanmar Timber Enterprise, which means they have served the dictatorship, in the legal and illegal destruction of forests, so the institution of MTE is a problem for future forest recovery and sustainability, Springate-Baginski told The Irrawaddy. Springate-Baginski played a video clip during the press conference in which several local smalltime black market timber traders, their faces obscured, readily admitted to bribing government officials in Sagaing Divisions Pinlebu Township to conduct their business more easily. Though Burma shares a border with five other countries, most illicit raw timber is smuggled across the border into China from northern Burmas Kachin State. The report said Burmas forests had been logged at unsustainable levels for decades, but that [t]his plunder reached a final crescendo in the felling season of 2013-2014 as it became clear the opportunities provided by the military era were ending. Dr. Win Myo Thu, cofounder and director of the local Economically Progressive Ecosystem Development (EcoDev) group, said the military continued to wield significant say in the industry, making the powerful institution a necessary partner in any reform effort. Even though the Forestry Department staff knows some civil militias are involved in illegal logging, they are frightened to seize them because all decision-making is controlled by the [Burma] Army. The government officially banned the export of raw timber on April 1, 2014, but illegal flows continue across the border into China. The Chinese government is not respecting Myanmars laws, Springate-Baginski said, chalking up Beijings indifference regarding the trades legality to Chinas own largely depleted commercial forest reserves amid high domestic demand for timber. One tree particularly hard-hit by excessive logging over the last two decades is teak. According to Springate-Baginski, who cited Forestry Department data, Burma had 37 million teak trees of 8-inch diameter or larger in 1996. In 2010, that figure had fallen to 7 million. Kyaw Kyaw Lwin, director of the MTE, was away on travel and could not be for comment on Thursday concerning his enterprises future. Ba Ba Cho, who is secretary of the governmental Myanmar Forest Certification Committee, said reform was indeed the plan for MTE, a company of some 40,000 employees, about half of whom are former civil servants. In addition to the large human resources pool, the business employs about 5,000 elephants, used to haul timber. He declined to comment directly upon the recommended phasing out of the MTE. But he acknowledged that if any enterprise has no benefit for the country, it should be dissolved. However, profound consideration must be paid to subordinates [MTE staff] and the consequences will be significant because it has been running almost five decades for the country. In addition to removing MTE in its current form from the equation, a series of recommendations for the newly installed government included an overall review of the sectors policies, introduction of transparency measures, improved border controls and decentralization of forest management. Burma Stigma, Shortages Plague Mental Health Care in Burma Mental health advocates in Burma say societal stigmatization must be overcome and psychiatric services for patients made more widely available. RANGOON Thant Zin experienced heart palpitations and severe chest pain for about an hour while alone in a hotel room, traveling for work; he had trouble breathing and felt like he was about to die. His first thought was that he was having a heart attack, before later realizing that it was, in fact, an anxiety attack. Six months ago, Thant Zin, who is in his late 20s, suffered from an anxiety disorder and, for nearly a month, lived in a state of constant unease. After a succession of two anxiety attacks within the same month, he lost confidence in his professional ability. Worried about having another anxiety attack while working, Thant Zin quit his job to get treatment. He wanted regular counseling sessions with a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist to relieve his mental anguish. He started looking for recommendations by asking his friends and searching online. It took him weeks to reach one. The reason, he explained, was not that Burma has few mental health professionalsalthough medical practitioners say that too is a problembut rather that people in Burma dont like to discuss their mental health, and the process of getting counseling treatment is unfamiliar to most Burmese. At first, I didnt know where to look for recommendations about counseling treatment, he told The Irrawaddy last month. I needed someone to talk to about all my problemssomeone not from my family or my friends; someone who wouldnt judge me over what I told him or her. After a week, he got a recommendation from a friend, the contact of a psychiatrist who could provide the counseling treatment he was seeking. Unlike most Burmese, it wasnt his first experience with a psychiatrist. Prior to his anxiety ordeal, he had seen three different ones over the last six years because he had also experienced depressive disorder in the past. The last time he suffered from depression, he found himself struggling to adapt to normal societal routines. He was oversleeping and struggled to work up an appetite for about two weeks. He would isolate himself from others for days, keeping both family and friends at a distance. I felt totally lost and didnt know how to make my life meaningful, he recalled. After shutting himself in his room for a week, his father eventually had to break into the room to get him out. My father had to physically drag me out of the room to go and see a psychiatrist, Thant Zin told The Irrawaddy, describing the depths of his depression at the time. It was thanks to this episode that Thant Zin knew to seek counseling immediately when he felt anxiety disorder last year, but he is part of only a small percentage of the country that knows when to seek psychiatric assistance. People here dont have enough knowledge about mental health, and counseling is not a culture among most of them, he said. According to the estimate of psychiatrist Dr. Soe Min, who is general secretary of the Myanmar Mental Health Society, about 90 percent of individuals who suffer depressive disorder do not get any psychiatric treatment, for a number of different reasons and difficulties. Some of them arent even aware of themselves suffering depressive disorder, Soe Min told The Irrawaddy via email. Others dont have knowledge that depression needs to be treated while some might have difficulties in getting proper treatment, he added. Some patients dont feel comfortable discussing their mental health with friends or family due to societal stigmatization or concerns of discrimination within their community, which remain major challenges in Burma, he said. In some cases, stigma could be more obvious in the work environment of patients. A former superintendent of Rangoons Mental Health Hospital, Dr. Kyi Soe told The Irrawaddy that patients with minor mental disorders cant get treatment at the hospital and must seek psychiatric help from outside clinics. Given the extant stigma associated with mental health disorders, that can prove too tall a hurdle for most would-be patients. If someone is seeing a psychiatrist, people are ready to label him or her as a fool, Kyi Soe said. Thats the main problem regarding mental health in our country. Soe Min explained that psychiatrists typically prescribe medications rather than counseling, the latter being a special field of clinical psychologistsa medical professional in short supply in Burma. There are currently fewer than 10 clinical psychologists and just over 200 psychiatrists in Burma, a country of some 52 million people, according to Soe Min. In Burma, problems with access to treatment are compounded by the disparate nature of the populace, which the 2014 census found to be 70 percent rural and living in more than 70,000 villages across the country. Causes for Concern Dr. Htay Oung, a psychiatrist who has been practicing in the country for more than 20 years, said depression is a common illness worldwide, and Burma is no exception. Most common causes of depression among adolescents in Burma are parent-child relationships, social pressures and an education system that places emphasis on exam-oriented success, he said. Ways of life, peer relations and social norms among younger generations are undergoing rapid change, he added. In most cases, the extent to which parents are aware of their childrens psyches has a major impact on the latters mental health. The high demands that some parents put on their offspring can cause childhood depression with knock-on effects into adulthood, he said, underscoring the critical role that parenting plays in mentally healthy living. Factors outside the home are also determinants, however. The World Health Organization (WHO) states: [A] persons mental health and many common mental disorders are shaped by various social, economic, and physical environments operating at different stages of life. Risk factors for many common mental disorders are heavily associated with social inequalities. The consequences of neglecting treatment, at worst, could be fatal, with the WHO noting a link between mental disorders, particularly depression, and suicide attempts. Each individual needs to have good mental health and should receive proper treatment when they suffer a mental disorder due to different causes, Soe Min said. Burmas current health care system is woefully inadequate to the task of ensuring mental health patients receive treatment, Htay Oung said. According to Health Ministry figures, there are two main psychiatric hospitals in Burma. Rangoons 1,200-bed Mental Health Hospital currently has over 1,500 patients cared for by about 30 psychiatrists, a ratio of 50 patients per doctor. Furthermore, the hospitals are only providing treatments for patients with major disorders and dont provide counseling services for outpatients. For Soe Min, a combination of societal change and policy prioritization are needed to address Burmas mental health care shortcomings, with the doctor urging a systematic ramping up of both institutional and human resources. At the same time, more awareness raising and conversations are needed in our society so that people better know about their mental health, when they should get psychiatry treatment and where to get it. One aspect of Burmese society includes a demographic that most other countries need not consider: former political prisoners, who number in the thousands due to decades of repressive rule by the junta that ceded power in 2011. With many tortured or otherwise subjected to inhumane treatment while behind bars, this population is more likely to suffer post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other trauma-related mental health issues. Aung Aung, who is also known as Ko Shell, a former political prisoner and member of the so-called 88 Generation community who spent 14 years in jail, said he didnt know to seek psychiatry assistance for his mental struggles after being released from prison in 2012. I thought that I didnt need such counseling assistance and I didnt even realize that I had trauma, the 46-year-old told The Irrawaddy. In the struggle to rebuild his life, Aung Aung said, other priorities were more pressing. Life was very difficult, trying to look for a job to feed our stomachs, he recalled. Support did come, however, in the form of peers who had experienced similar sufferings and could offer empathy and understanding. Aung Aung also recently submitted his name to the Mental Health Assistance Program (MHAP) of the Thailand-based Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), which is partly funded by Johns Hopkins University of the United States, to receive casual counseling. Echoing Burmese mental health professionals, Aung Aung said adopting a counseling culture was key to overcoming the fear of stigmatization that prevents many from seeking help. A counseling culture is very important for everyone who has stress and pressure from everyday life, he said, from prostitutes to presidents of a nation. Editors Note: The name of the patient in this story identified as Thant Zin was changed at the request of the source. Burma Su Su Lwin Concentrates on New Role as Burmas First Lady The wife of President Htin Kyaw is replaced as chair of the Lower Houses International Relations committee and may give up her parliamentary seat. RANGOON Burmas first lady, Su Su Lwin,has been replaced as chair of the Lower Houses International Relations committee, the parliamentary chambers Speaker Win Myint announced on Thursday. Zaw Thein, a sitting lawmaker in Irrawaddy Divisions Wakema constituency, filled the position. He was previously a member of the committee and there was no objection to his appointment from lawmakers, said the speaker. Win Htein, a senior member of the National League for Democracy (NLD), told The Irrawaddy on Thursday that replacing Su Su Lwin would allow her to serve more effectively in her role as first lady. Because she is also the first lady, she wouldnt have been able to actively fulfill her responsibilities as the committee chairperson, Win Htein said. Dr. Hla Moe, chairman of the Committee on Scrutinizing Parliamentary Representatives, echoed Win Hteins opinion. She now has other, more important responsibilities, he said. However, he could not confirm whether she had resigned her parliamentary seat in the Lower House as well. Su Su Lwin became an NLD party member just before Burmas 2012 by-election, in which she won a seat representing Rangoons Thone Kwa constituency in Parliament, winning re-election to the seat last year. The Lower House speaker will notify all lawmakers during a parliamentary session if her resignation is confirmed, he said. Burmas 2008 military-drafted Constitution doesnt state that the first lady must retire or resign from her parliamentary position, but there is speculation that she is considering it. Win Htein told The Irrawaddy that the NLD hadnot decided whether or not to let her resign her seat. She also served as head of the NLDs education committee until last week, when the party dismissed all committee members in order to reconfigure under the new government. People hope she will use her decades of experience as an education specialist and her role as first lady to improve Burmas education system, which fell behind under the military regime. The Irrawaddy was unable reach Su SuLwin for comment on Thursday. Burma Twelve Locals Sentenced on Suspected Ties to Arakan Army A local court in Arakan State has handed out jail sentences to 12 Arakanese men charged under the Unlawful Association Act. A local court in Arakan State has handed out jail sentences to 12 Arakanese men charged under the Unlawful Association Act on Wednesday. Local police officer Khin Maung confirmed the punishment to The Irrawaddy, stating that the men had violated Article 17 (a) and (b) of the law. Nine of the accused were sentenced to three years in prison and three received five-year sentences in the Kyauktaw Township Court. They were arrested in December 2015 following clashes between government troops and the Arakan Army (AA) on Yum Chaung Mountain in Kyauktaw Township, according to police. The men come from Arakan States Kyauktaw, Minbya, Mrauk U, Yathedaung, and Buthidaung townships and are aged between 20 and 25, according to social organizations assisting them throughout the legal process. I have no comment about the punishment. Even if I complain, [the military] would not care because they got the testimony they wanted, said Tun Aye, a Kyauktaw Township community elder. He accused the military of abusing the suspects instead of adhering to legal protocol once they were arrested. I wish the accused had been sent to prison or to the police station for interrogation after the arrest, Tun Aye said. But, instead, the military arrested and interrogated them until they got the testimony they wanted. When the accused got to the police station, they could barely walk, he added, implying that they had been tortured in the interim. Renewed clashes occurred between the Burma Army and the AA last March and April in and around Chin States Paletwa Township. When the fighting broke out again in December in Arakans Kyauktaw Township, over 300 local villagers were forced from their homes. Following the clashes, dozens of locals from various Arakan State townships were arrested after it was alleged that they had associated with unlawful groups like the AA. Including those in the latest sentencing, 24 Arakanese men are being charged under the Unlawful Association Act, with 12 more awaiting trial in the Kyauktaw Township Court. Yet Khine Thu Kha, a spokesperson for AA, estimates that about 60 locals in Arakan State have been arrested for suspected ties to the Arakan Army since December. He claimed that some of those detained did have links to the non-state armed group, but maintained that the majority are being unjustly held. Translated by Thet Ko Ko. Commentary New Political Order Begins in Burma With the NLD governments inauguration complete, Burma could witness fundamental changes and surprises as it adjusts to a different balance of power. Its now official and its party time! many Burmese said to each other. Millions were glued to live television footage of the long awaited official political handover which took place at the presidential palace on Wednesday. A new government came into power and the National League for Democracys (NLD) Htin Kyaw, a close confidant of Aung San Suu Kyi, was sworn in as Burmas ninth president. As the new administration settles in, it is expected that fundamental changes and surprises awaitthe first of which is talk of a new political position being created for Suu Kyi, who now holds four Cabinet posts in the new government as minister of foreign affairs, electric power and energy, the presidents office and education. While no title yet exists for this role, it is likely to be state political counselor, or even state adviser in chief. A draft State Adviser Bill is being discussed in the Upper House that would effectively make Suu Kyi head of state, according to one NLD lawmaker. Such a broad designation would not only allow the Lady to move freely within the government and offer guidance to President Htin Kyawit could also fulfill her repeated claim that in a new administration, she would be above the president, or, at the very least, his equal. Her intentions have been revealed earlier than expected, but everything surrounding the new leaderships inauguration is unfolding rapidly. Htin Kyaws first presidential speech, which lasted only three minutes, did not exactly capture the political momentum of the occasion or provide national inspiration. But in a limited time frame, he did emphasize the importance of building a peaceful, federal and democratic nation in an ethnically diverse country plagued by civil war. He also stressed his partys continued push for constitutional reform. I have an obligation to work toward having a Constitution that is of a democratic standard and which is suitable for the country, he said. In the three-minute speech, Htin Kyaw also mentioned Suu Kyis name, with a gentle reminder that she remains the real political boss, even before knowledge of the draft state adviser bill was made public. Many NLD supporters described the succinct speech as straightforward and meaningful. It was a comparatively brief political statement in the context of Burmas modern history, which the public welcomed. After all, Htin Kyaws executive predecessors were notorious for delivering long-winded monologues unsupported by policies and action, leaving Burma in limbo for generations. Like the speech, the handover ceremony at the Presidents house was also rather abrupt. Observers on social media were not critical of the hasty proceedings, however, and many responded by posting jokes and satirical commentary about the occasion. The faster the better, because I want them to leave as soon as possible, said one user, implying that Thein Seins administration was an extension of the former military regimeand highlighting an eagerness to see this period of Burmas history give way to change. At the dinner hosted in the presidential palace to conclude the days events, Thein Sein and his former cabinet ministers were nowhere to be seen, but military commander-in-chief Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing was present. It was Suu Kyi who was once again the center of attention, rather than loyalist Htin Kyaw. On Thursday morning, state-owned newspapers, which were once described as Stalinist, splashed photos of the new government on their pages. Suu Kyi is, predictably, at the center of these images; Htin Kyaw is there too, and a smiling Min Aung Hlaing also makes an appearance. This government-owned media is now operating under the new information minister, Pe Myint, a well-known and respected writer in Burma. Until midnight after his inauguration, the newly appointed minister was reportedly working on the production of Thursdays paper, knowing it would represent a new political message. Poems written by some revolutionary heavyweightsincluding former student leader and longtime political prisoner Min Ko Naingwere published for the first time in a state-run paper. It was also the first time that a respected editorial cartoonist, APK, was invited to contribute a piece of his work to such a publication. Headlines in Thursdays Burmese version of The New Light of Myanmar read: New history begins in Burma Similarly, The Mirror, which once served as a mouthpiece to the repressive military regime and denounced opposition, thundered: The greatest change ever in 50 years and a government is formed under the guidance of a Daw Aung San Suu Kyi-led National League for Democracy government! Indeed, the undeniable fact is that a new political order has begun in a once military-ruled Burma. Some cannot help but reflect back on Suu Kyis first landmark political speech in 1988, when the Lady, then 43, famously described the fight for democracy as a second struggle for independence, meaning that it was necessary to liberate Burma and citizens from the armys generals the way that her father did from British domination. After more than two decades, this long struggle is now beginning to witness some vital changes and political shifts, but it has not succeeded just yet. Activist-Turned-Candidate in 2015 Poll Gets 1-Year Prison Term Myat Nu Khaing, an independent candidate in the election, is sentenced to one year in prison for her role in a Chinese Embassy protest. A court in Rangoons Dagon Township on Thursday sentenced Myat Nu Khaing, an independent candidate in Novembers general election, to one year in prison with hard labor. Myat Nu Khaing was contesting a Lower House seat in Pegu Divisions Phyu Township when she was arrested on Oct. 16. She was presented to a court in Dagon Township and charged for her participation in a peaceful protest on Dec. 29, 2014. The court ruled that she is guilty for following unlawful protesters, according to Article 147 of Burmas Penal Code, and sentenced her to one years imprisonment with hard labor. Because shes already been detained in Insein Prison for about five months, she will need to stay behind bars for another seven months, said Than Zaw Aung, Myat Nu Khaings lawyer. Than Zaw Aung said the court dismissed charges for protesting without permission under Article 18 of the Peaceful Assembly Law and articles 353 and 505(b) of the Penal Code. The protest at issue involved some 100 people marching to the Chinese Embassy in Rangoon to honor Khin Win, a woman who had been shot dead during a protest against the controversial, Chinese-backed copper mining in Letpadaung, Sagaing Division. Several other activists were also arrested after a clash with police, with some sentenced to four years in prison. Thursday, March 31st, 2016 (1:04 pm) - Score 665 The on-going effort to re-purpose the 700MHz radio spectrum band (currently used by UK Digital Terrestrial TV (DTTV) services) and make it available for use by Mobile Broadband (4G, 5G etc.) in time for 2020 (Q2) could force 100,000 160,000 UK households to replace their aerials. Ofcoms latest impact consultation (Call for Input) on the development suggests that the vast majority of consumers (14-20 million households) will be able to handle the change with a simple retune of their existing Freeview TV receiver equipment. However the regulators latest research suggests that some will face a more significant challenge. For example, Ofcom predicts that 100,000 160,000 UK households may need to replace their aerials (expected to cost around 150 per home) and 40,000 110,000 households may have to re-point their aerials (i.e. make it point in a different direction) at a cost of around 50. Apparently a very small number of viewers may need to change TV platform (e.g. switching away from terrestrial and adopting satellite or cable) and this could cost around 220 per home, although its not clear precisely how many could be required to take this course of action. Back in 2014 Ofcom estimated that only between 105,000 and 110,000 households might need to replace their rooftop aerial. However they have since done more research on the real-world distribution and performance of different types of aerial, which has found that more homes could be impacted than originally thought. Its suggested that those most likely to need a full aerial replacement will live in the following transmitter areas: 1. Limavady, 2. Angus, 3. Selkirk, 4. Pontop Pike, 5. Winter Hill, 6. Carmel, 7. Huntshaw Cross, 8. Mendip, 9. Oxford, 10. Midhurst and 11. Dover; where TV services make the most use of the 700MHz band. On top of that Ofcom has suggested that it would need to run an information and advice campaign in order to raise consumer awareness, which would cost around 2.5m to 5.5m. //Build/ Microsofts developer conference is the opportunity for it to talk to thousands of developers tech geeks - about Microsoft products. It was opened by its CEO Satya Nadella, and Executive Vice President of Windows and Devices Group, Terry Myerson. The emphasis was on embracing a new era of conversational intelligence and creating more personal computing. Following are highlights. As an industry, we are on the cusp of a new frontier that pairs the power of natural human language with advanced machine intelligence, said Nadella. At Microsoft, we call this Conversations as a Platform, and it builds on and extends the power of the Microsoft Azure, Office 365, and Windows platforms to empower developers everywhere. With Windows 10 now running on over 270 million active devices, were celebrating by delivering the Windows 10 Anniversary Update. This significant update will help you interact with your Windows 10 devices as naturally as you interact with the world around you using your pen, presence, and voice, Myerson said. We are dedicated to making Windows the most productive development environment for all developers, with all-new capabilities for the Universal Windows Platform and all-new tools for bringing apps to Windows 10 from any platform. Cortana gets smarter she now has an intelligence suite Using Microsoft Azure, developers can create intelligent end-to-end solutions, including new apps that learn about our world and bots and agents that interact with people in personalized, intelligent ways. The first, Microsoft Cognitive Services, is a collection of intelligence APIs that allows systems to see, hear, speak, understand and interpret our needs using natural methods of communication. The second, the Microsoft Bot Framework can be used by developers programming in any language to build intelligent bots that enable customers to chat using natural language on a wide variety of platforms including text/SMS, Office 365, Skype, Slack, the Web and more. Microsoft also released the Skype Bot Platform, which includes the SDK, API and Workflows all in the new Skype Bot Portal. With this platform, developers can build bots that leverage Skypes multiple forms of communication, including text, voice, video and 3-D interactive characters. If you are interested in the Cortana Intelligence Suite, click here, Seeing AI here, the new Skype client here and sign up for the Skype Bot Platform. Windows 10 anniversary update People are spending more time on Windows 10 75 billion hours since launch. New universal apps - in part driving this - include Twitter, Uber, King, Disney, Wargaming, Square Enix, Yahoo and WWE; with new apps on the way from Bank of America, Starbucks, Facebook, Messenger and Instagram. The Windows Store has seen over 5 billion visits as Windows fans are discovering apps for Windows 10, including nearly 1,000 Cortana apps. The Universal Windows Platform has all-new capabilities including full access to Cortanas proactive intelligence and the Windows 10 Anniversary SDK, which offers all-new APIs and tools to integrate the latest Windows 10 innovations into apps, including Windows Ink and Windows Hello. And with the Xbox Dev Mode, any Xbox One can be a developer kit, enabling anyone to develop for the living room. Windows Ink is a new experience, putting the power of Windows in the tip of your pen. With Windows Ink, you can write on your device as you do on paper, create sticky notes, draw on a whiteboard and easily share your analogue thoughts in the digital world. New Cortana features enable you to receive proactive guidance from Cortana throughout the day and speak with Cortana, even while your device is locked, without logging in. New Windows Hello features extend the security of Windows 10 to multiple devices and to Microsoft Edge so that you can log into your devices and websites with enterprise-grade security. New developer tools Microsoft also announced all-new tools for bringing apps to Windows 10 from any platform. Guests of the reigning Formula One World Champions, the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team, enjoyed more than just a winning start to the 2016 season courtesy of team partner, Epson, who introduced their Moverio smart glass technology to the Albert Park race weekend to bring alive a rich seam of narrative with their unique augmented reality eyewear. A highlight for the more than 100 guests that enjoyed the weekend hospitality experience in Melbourne was a full Formula One induction at the nerve-centre of the teams operation, the race garages. Traditionally guests have enjoyed a show and tell tour through the various functional areas where racecar sub-assemblies are prepared, where data analysts track car performance and the team mechanics wait in readiness for impending pit stops. The introduction of Epsons Moverio smart glass technology in Australia enabled this moving experience to be augmented by a wide range of user-selected, contextual content, from video technology explainers to live social media feeds and driver statistics all in big-screen format directly in front of the wearers eyes. The Epson eyewear technology allows users to view their surroundings while projected material is overlaid on the lenses of the glasses, enabling the anatomy of a pit stop to be displayed to guests in slow motion or the race day roles of engineering staff on the pit wall to be explained. Motion sensors in the Moverio BT-200 allowed the wearers to gesture call preferred content as well as contextual material, such as seeing under the skin of the Mercedes Hybrid F1 W07 racecar and its revolutionary Power Unit in a captivating and compelling fashion. Cameron Arnold, a guest who experienced the Moverio tour commented that it was absolutely compelling, rich and informative and a whole new visual experience. After its successful debut in Melbourne, the Moverio garage tour will be a regular feature of the Mercedes AMG Petronas experience for the teams VIP guests at all remaining 20 races this season from Montreal to Monaco. A visual demonstration and more information is available on YouTube, demonstrating how the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team enhances its guest experience using Epson Moverio and augmented reality. Located in the old Carlton Brewery site just north of the CBD, Slack's APAC HQ was formally opened by CEO and co-founder Stewart Butterfield (pictured above, left) and Victorian Minister for Small Business, Innovation, and Trade, Philip Dalidakis (right). Dalidakis welcomed Slack - which he called "one of the most exciting global software companies" - to Melbourne, noting that other international businesses including Square, Xendesk, Etsy and Eventbrite have chosen the city for their Australian or Asia Pacific headquarters. The fitout of the offices was designed by Breathe Architecture, and the result makes Slack's San Francisco and Vancouver offices "seem like crap" in comparison, Butterfield observed. The design puts common areas such as the kitchen and lounge near the lobby, with multiple meeting rooms providing a buffer space between this relatively noisy zone and the main open-plan office space. The main office can accommodate up to 70 people, although the current headcount is just 16. Desks are individually allocated, and are height-adjustable to allow employees to spend some or all of their time standing. Interestingly, phone calls are prohibited in this area, as they are deemed too distracting for colleagues. Instead, a few 'phone booths' are provided in one corner, each equipped with desk, chair, monitor and power points. The design makes extensive use of local materials, including recycled Victorian ash flooring as well as a sound-deadening wall covering that has now also been adopted at Slack's Vancouver offices. Two of the three malt silos have been converted into a meeting room (pictured below) and the lounge. The third remains intact at the request of Heritage Victoria. "The fitout of Slack's Melbourne office embraces the qualities of the existing heritage building and its storage tanks, while providing a series of new spaces within that are a manifestation of Slack's values of empathy, courtesy, craftsmanship, playfulness, thriving and solidarity," said Breathe's Jeremy McLeod. Butterfield said the offices provide "a great base for us to serve our customers," and noted that Melbourne's temperament, diversity and creativity suits the company. "The emphasis on craftsmanship is something we relate to." The great talent and great coffee available in the city also help, he added. Breathe was also responsible for the fitout of online desgn market 99designs' Melbourne premises. The joint announcement by the three companies says the new APX-West submarine cable is expected to begin construction by the end of July this year and is scheduled to be completed in 2018. Once completed, the submarine cable will span more than 4,500 kilometres carrying traffic between Australia and Singapore. High profile Australian entrepreneur Bevan Slattery, SubPartners founder and CEO, says the MOU is a major milestone for the project, with the foundation parties including Singtel, SubPartners - a telecommunications infrastructure provider - and Telstra committing to purchase the entire available capacity on the system. "The APX-West system is a consortium cable with all the major players having access to ownership economics at a fraction of the cost of private cable ownership. This is a unique commercial model for the Perth-Singapore route that will satisfy the ongoing bandwidth requirements of both network operators and internet content hosts, Slattery said.The new cable will incorporate two fibre pairs providing two-way data transmission and each pair will have a minimum design capacity of 10 Terabits per second. The cable will terminate in facilities operated by the consortium members in Singapore and Australia significantly reducing costs and permitting times.Ooi Seng Keat, Vice President, Carrier Services, Group Enterprise at Optus parent company, Singtel said, The current data bridge between Singapore and Perth is carried by the SEA-ME-WE 3 cable. The APX-West cable will be a new data superhighway to expand data connectivity and capacity between Singapore and Australia, providing network redundancy and the lowest latency from Australia to Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Europe.According to Keat, Singtel today has one of the most extensive submarine cable infrastructures in the Asia Pacific region. With these capabilities, the Singtel Group, including Optus, can meet customers growing data requirements for bandwidth-intensive applications such as unified communications, enterprise data exchange, internet TV and online gaming.Darrin Webb, Telstras Executive Director International Operations and Services said The MOU is a significant step forward in building what would be a valuable addition to Telstras subsea network, which is one of the largest in the Asia-Pacific. As consumers and businesses continue to embrace online products and services, such as video streaming and cloud, the demand for international connectivity continues to rise, creating a strong case for building this new cable. In a surprise move, Malcolm Turnbull has finally made the move that practically guarantees him an election win in 2016: a full fibre NBN with the MTM abolished. Its astonishing what an election will do to politicians desperate for electoral love in an election year, and with recent political winds turning the voters off Turnbull due to various gaffes of late. With Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull only just proposing on Wednesday to give Australian states the right to levy taxes on Australians in each state, something that was said to be political suicide by the listeners of Andrew Bolt and Steve Price on Radio 2GB, Turnbull has finally done the right thing, and is doing so with NBNCo. Promising a full fibre NBN and a cessation of the MTM nonsense that saw many dub the multi-technology mix as Malcolm Turnbulls Mistake, opposition leader Bill Shorten was absolutely outraged. This morning, Bill Shorten pulled out his best technological puns, screeching on early morning radio that Malware Turnbull cannot be trusted! He is the Ransomware of Australian politics and once he wins hell find a way to kill the NBN - its what he does! Shorten said that Turnbull had actually stolen his idea, as Shorten was getting set to propose a full return to full fibre to the premises NBN network for all Australians later this week. Indeed, said Shorten, as he is now committed to the same policy, and insists he was gazumped by Turnbull spies, Shorten swears Turnbull is the disingenuous copier of Labor ideas, validating Labors brilliant NBN plan after all. Journalists including us here at iTWire have been trying to contact former PMs Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard as well as former Communications Minister and former No.1 NBN fibre booster Stephen Conroy for comment on the stunning Turnbull flip-flop, but all have frustratingly been uncontactable this morning. Meanwhile, former PM Tony Abbott is reportedly pleased to see Malcolm finally have an original policy of his own, according to an ABC radio report earlier today. Interestingly, Federal Communications Minister Mitch Fifield hasnt as yet been seen or heard from in the media today, with word swirling amongst the Canberra press gallery that perhaps all is not as it seems. Fifield is said to be courting cross bench support in the Senate for the new policy rollout, with a deadline of midday today for the deal to go through and the fibre NBN to be set in stone, as Federal law. Otherwise the word is that if the midday deadline is missed, everyone would end up looking like an April Fool and the deal would be off. We await the midday deadline to see what happens. Last week, Red Hat became the first open source company to cross the US$2 billion mark in annual revenue. Presumably, this means that the company will no longer have to depend on clients like the NSA for income. Last year, it was reported that XKEYSCORE an application that the Intercept, the website run by journalist Glenn Greenwald, describes as NSA's Google for private communications was being run for the most part on Red Hat Linux servers. At the time, Red Hat had crossed the billion-dollar revenue mark. But the company could not summon up anyone to talk intelligently about why it was selling, and providing support, to an organisation that is surreptitiously conducting mass surveillance of the American population and a goodly portion of the rest of the world too. Having crossed the next billion, is Red Hat in a position to hire some PR droids who can respond to a query as to why it chooses to assist the NSA? After all, Red Hat is the same company that claims to be The Open Organisation; not long ago its chief executive Jim Whitehurst published a book with this very name, saying that it was all about the organisation he heads. Or are there limits to openness at Red Hat? If the NSA were running its operations on any other Linux distribution or even the Red Hat clones CentOS or Scientific Linux one would have no objection. Linux can be downloaded and run by world+dog the licence terms are such. But in this case, Red Hat is receiving a goodly sum to assist the NSA in activities that infringe on people's privacy. There is no government order on such surveillance, and even if there was it would not extend to other countries. The NSA spies on anyone and everyone and Red Hat supports it in these activities. And were it not for the intrepid Edward Snowden, we would not even know of this mass surveillance. The amazing thing is that a company dealing in open source helps to violate people's privacy while a proprietary software company, Apple, takes on even the FBI to defend its customers' privacy! Nobody is asking any company, least of all Red Hat, to surrender income that is kosher. But surely there are limits to the places from where one can earn income? Many organisations are disinvesting from companies that add substantially to the world's output of greenhouse gases. What about people's human rights and their right to privacy? Should one also take a look at disinvesting from companies that assist in violating privacy? American journalists are always slamming China for this, that and the other, but they turn a blind eye to what happens inside the borders of their own country. There are many so-called journalists who write about Red Hat but will they ever dare to raise a critical voice? Increasing revenue also seems to buy an increasing amount of silence. As announced yesterday Microsoft has now divulged Windows 10 users will soon be able to run Bash within their Microsoft operating system environment. Microsoft's Build 2016 developer conference session "Running Bash on Ubuntu on Windows!" ran this morning, where presenters demonstrated the bash shell running natively - they were keen to emphasise "natively" - within Windows, clicking Cortana, typing 'bash' and pressing enter. There was no pre-launched virtual machine by the presenter. More impressively, the presenter demonstrated apt-get and other Linux command-line utilities being executed, even fetched and installed. Microsoft announced these repositories were courtesy of Ubuntu Linux. Unfortunately, Microsoft was lighter on technical detail as to how all this was happening. One opinion by those viewing the presentation was Microsoft has implemented a layer of Linux APIs into its operating system. Certainly, Microsoft was keen to point out the Ubuntu tools were running in "user space", side-by-side with Windows apps and tools. Yet, if these are natively running within Windows itself, why title the session "Running Bash on Ubuntu on Windows!" instead of the simpler "Running Bash on Windows!"? The "Ubuntu" part of the equation is still not fully explained or understood. My theory yesterday was a possible "Ubuntu mode" coming in Windows, much like the former "Windows XP mode" of Windows 7, whereby a virtual machine is in play but is seamlessly integrated with the host operating system such that apps launch from it and display in windows - not a virtualised desktop - next to host applications. Further questions exist about the Ubuntu repository being used. Is it a specialised Windows-built repository, by Canonical, for Microsoft? Or genuinely the Ubuntu Linux repository, indicating binary compatibility has been achieved - whereby you can take a Linux executable file and copy it over to Windows and run it without modification? Microsoft isn't giving away the detail yet. It announced a new "Command Line" blog to cover these topics and more, but as of right now, this blog contains a single "Hello world!" post, inviting the blog owner to edit it or delete it. Whatever the case may be, it is important to understand this is a command-line facility only. Microsoft is not proposing any GUI compatibility with Linux at this time. From today, Microsoft is allowing any Xbox One to be a developer machine at no charge. Normally the hardware and processes and administration required to be a console game developer can be arduous. Microsoft today announced at its Build 2016 developer conference that any Xbox One can become a developer kit, free of charge. The app allowing this will be available in the Xbox Store later today. It includes seamless integration with Visual Studio. Microsoft developers already using Visual Studio for Windows, or Windows Phone, will find their barrier to entry for the Xbox One Store is now dramatically lower. This is part of Microsoft's push for its Universal Windows Platform (UWP) which will allow applications to be written once, then run on Windows 10, Windows 10 Phone, Xbox One, HoloLens, and other future devices. There are some caveats, however. Such applications must be less than 500Mb in size for now, while in preview, and will have access to only 1Gb of memory. Further, converting your console to developer mode may cause some issues with retail games from time-to-time. In addition, to leave dev mode will require resetting your console to factory settings and uninstalling all your games, apps and content and starting fresh. This gives rise to interesting developer scenarios. It may prove more economical to buy a second Xbox One console for development than even a mid-range Windows 10 phone. Visual Studio is available in prices ranging from free, for the Community Edition, to thousands of dollars for the Enterprise edition, so even if you've never coded in Visual Studio before, you can get started without cost. Visual Studio is not the only route, however. Unity developers should note Unity supports UWP and Microsoft's demonstration did in fact include a Unity game. Sunglass wearing fashion designer Alex Perry has a new hotel and apartments in Brisbane, and he has chosen Ruckus Wireless smart Wi-Fi network for telephony and connectivity. Ruckus Wireless is causing a ruckus in the media again with yet another tech triumph and top quality customer win in partnership with Wi0Fi installation experts Delion for Alex Perrys new hotel and apartments in Brisbane. Ruckus said its new wireless enabled telephony system delivers a near zero latency with no drop outs or echoes on the network. Indeed, Ruckus proudly baomoml that the project has enabled fast deployment, enabling Alex Perry to open the multi-million dollar project for business quickly. We are told that Alex Perry Hotel and Apartments initially commenced as apartments but morphed into an apartment-style full service hotel. The site was originally set to be equipped by another supplier, but as the opening date drew closer it was clear the planned network was not going to be live in time. With three months to the opening date, the owners approached Delion, a national company providing wireless solutions to the hotel, hospitality and shopping centre industries. Delion was asked to provide a solution for wireless connectivity for guests and back-of-house operations and telephony. Delion installed 140 wireless telephones across 12 floors, utilising the Ruckus R600 indoor 802.11ac wave 2 access points to provide the backbone infrastructure to deliver both the guest Wi-Fi network and commercial grade telephony solution. The solution provides guests with the ability to take their in-room telephone handset and roam seamlessly between access points, throughout the entire hotel. Ruckus states that speed, reliability and ease of access for guests were priorities. And because of this, latency, drop outs and echoes on telephone calls would not be tolerated by staff and guests alike, similarly high speed internet access for guests was a core requirement. Delion said it implemented a dark fibre connection, with burst capabilities of up to 1 gigabyte, connected and managed through the Delion data centre. So, to enable a stable wireless system, which could meet and exceed the service level agreements required for this project, Delion selected Ruckus Smart Wi-Fi solutions, without needing to test any other solution. More below, please read on! Rob Fleischer, Sales and Marketing Director at Delion said: As a Ruckus partner we are very familiar with the capabilities, durability and reliability of the Ruckus product suite. Considering the needs of the customer and in particular the unique nature of this deployment, we appreciated that no other vendor was likely to deliver the quality levels and feature sets needed. In combination with Delions Software Management solution, we were able to deliver a hotel grade system on budget and within the required timelines. Alex Perry Hotel and Apartments said it had installed 46 Ruckus R600 indoor 802.11ac wave 2 access points, delivering consistent, predictable performance at extended ranges due to the combined patented adaptive antenna technology, as well as automatic interference mitigation. In addition, the sleek, low profile design of the R600 allows the access point to blend in with the aesthetics of the building. Pat Devlin, managing director, Ruckus Wireless ANZ said: Wireless is no longer just another amenity at hotels. Its become a prerequisite for doing business. We believe Ruckus Smart Wi-Fi uniquely delivers the most reliable Wi-Fi signals possible, which is why many of the leading hotels have upgraded to Ruckus. The company explains Key to any hotel deployment is Ruckus BeamFlex adaptive antenna technology and SmartMesh wireless meshing technology. BeamFlex technology, Ruckus patented smart antenna technology, focuses Wi-Fi signals only where they are needed, picking the best performing path for Wi-Fi signals and routing signals around interference. SmartMesh technology lets hotels easily add Wi-Fi by simply plugging an access point into a power outlet, eliminating disruptive and costly Ethernet cabling. Interestingly, "Alex Perry Hotel and Apartments is benefiting from both of these technologies and, through this deployment, will be able to support hundreds of concurrent Wi-Fi calls and device connections for superior connectivity, said Devlin. Ruth Carroll, revenue and operations manager, Alex Perry Hotel & Apartments said: Guest feedback on the ability to easily connect with several devices through the Ruckus network has been very positive. Our guests enjoy a seamless in-room IT experience with both a high speed Wi-Fi connection (including a generous daily data allowance) and the in-room VOIP wireless telephones. With APs installed throughout the hotel, we have full coverage for both in-room technologies to service our leisure and corporate customers, as well as support all of the back-of-house necessities. Static analysis, in which code is debugged without being executed, is a solid first step in uncovering vulnerabilities. For organizations storing repos at GitHub, Codiscopes Jacks, still in beta, can perform static analysis as a service by importing code from GitHub and scanning it. Jacks currently scans JavaScript programs; Codiscope has plans in place to scan code from Java programs as well. Support for other languages will follow. We dont retain the code of any of our users, says Katie Lyon, marketing director at Codiscope, which plans to support other hosted repositories besides GitHub in the future. Were very much focused on highlighting areas where you can make improvements long term. Jacks tags potential issues by line number, recommends best practices, and notifies users in the event that patches are available to address issues in their code. Each flagged line of code is accompanied by an explanation, and Jacks triggers alerts for situations such as insecure scripts that could allow a hacker to take control of connection; server-side includes injection, in which malicious JavaScript code is executing on the server, and Enable HttpOnly Session, preventing a cookies value from being accessed by client-side scripts. The strongest triggers that we currently have implemented are around cryptography so that they can ensure you are using a secure math.random number generator and that the types of crypto things that you implement in your code are following best practices, Lyon says. The service is due to reach general availability status in the first half of this year. Plans call for making the service more collaborative, to enable developers to learn more about code security while they are coding and have team discussions. Library bond unanimously approved Voters waited in line for 45 minutes Tuesday to participate in an eight-minute meeting that resulted in the unanimous approval of a $600,000 bond to help renovate the North Road... Ferryboat business told to halt operations The ferryboat company operating from the municipally owned docks at East Ferry is illegally using that space, according to correspondence mailed to business owner Bill Munger. Town Administrator Jamie Hainsworth... A DOGGONE NEW BUSINESS A former business that used to clean peoples clothes is reopening as a groomer to tidy up the fur of those peoples four-legged companions. The defunct laundromat at the McQuades... What is a Jew? Israeli museum attempts an answer JERUSALEMI was on a short visit to Israel and spent time with a friend with whom I have been engaged in a 30-year argument. Elli... When anti-Semitism rears its head, we must be ready to fight it Anti-Semitism is a force that is persistent as well as pernicious. When it occurs, it must be fought both by being confronted in real time... WASHINGTON One of the more absurd things being said about the Donald Trump phenomenon is that the media created it. For the record, we didnt. First of all, there is no we. The news media operate in what should be every conservative ideologues dream environment: an unfettered free market. Outlets compete every day actually, in the Internet age, every hour to provide consumers with information they need and want. Every editor and news director strives to beat the competition, and the fact is that audiences have decided they need and want to know about Trump. No one understands this better than Trump himself. To understate by miles, he knows how to draw attention to himself the late-night Twitter rants, the fire-breathing rallies, the gold-plated jet, the ridiculous hair. After decades in the public eye, he had more than 90 percent name recognition when he began his campaign. So it was no surprise that hordes of media flocked to Trump Tower last June 16 and watched him descend the shiny escalator for his kickoff announcement. Who doesnt love a good sideshow? But any carnival barker can draw a crowd. Trump would have been sent home to his Fifth Avenue penthouse long ago if a substantial part of the Republican Party base didnt agree with what he is saying. If there is any sort of collective media failure, its not in paying too much attention to Trump but too little to his message. Were the morning news shows wrong to let Trump call in so often? Before you say of course it was, think of the implications. Do those programs have an obligation to treat every candidate the same? If so, contenders such as Martin OMalley and Jim Gilmore should have gotten as much coverage and airtime as, say, Hillary Clinton and Ted Cruz. Were the cable networks wrong to carry live coverage of so many Trump rallies? Recall that the events themselves were newsworthy because of the extraordinary size of the crowds. I could buy the argument that the other candidate who drew unusually big crowds, Bernie Sanders, perhaps should have gotten more coverage, but not that Trump should have gotten less. The media created Trump storyline ignores the fact that the mainstream media are about as popular among the Republican base as the Zika virus. And the one exception, Fox News, has been tougher on Trump than other outlets, not more accommodating. Chris Wallace, the host of Fox News Sunday, has long refused to let Trump call in. And anchor Megyn Kelly, with her sharp questioning and commentary, seems to have driven the blowhard billionaire up the wall. It is true that Trump delivers huge television ratings and lots of website clicks. But thats irrelevant. News organizations have to cover the leading candidates, even if theyre dull as dishwater. The news media, it seems to me, are guilty only of reporting the news which is that a candidate who has never held elective office, and who displays neither the base of knowledge nor the temperament necessary to serve as president, is leading all comers for the Republican nomination. Commentators should spend less time flattering themselves that the news media have the power to make such a thing happen and more time trying to understand why Trump is succeeding. Early in his campaign, Trump staked out extreme positions on illegal immigration: Deport the 11 million undocumented migrants already in the country, and build a big, beautiful wall along the Mexico border. Ridiculous, yes, but he got peoples attention. He followed up, after the San Bernardino terror attack, with a call to ban all foreign Muslims from entering the country. It is another crazy idea impossible to implement, and counterproductive if attempted but it resonated with millions of Americans who unfortunately view Islam with fear and loathing. Trump rails against free trade agreements whose effect, in his view, has been to eliminate millions of manufacturing jobs. He pledges to reduce the cost and scope of U.S. involvement overseas. He denounces other politicians as lackeys who dance to the tune of rich and powerful campaign donors. And he plays on the anxieties and prejudices of white voters unnerved by demographic change in a nation that will soon have no racial majority. With apologies to Marshall McLuhan, in this case the media are merely the messenger, not the message. Blaming ourselves for Trumps rise is just another way to ignore the voters who have made him the favorite for the GOP nomination. SHARE By San Francisco Virtual reality is a trip, but an even wilder ride could be around the corner as mind-bending start-ups and technology trendsetters try to emblazon the world with interactive holograms that enlighten, entertain and empower us. The concept, known as augmented reality, looks like something out of a science-fiction movie. Think Tony Stark, the comic-book character who scans information-filled holograms beamed in front of his "Iron Man" mask, or John Anderton, the character that Tom Cruise played while flipping through digital screens floating in the air in "Minority Report." It hasn't yet advanced as far as virtual reality, which is getting attention with this week's release of the much-hyped Oculus Rift headset from Facebook. But augmented reality has the potential to touch far more people because it's designed as a seamless supplement to everyday living instead of an escape into the artificial dimensions conjured by VR, which so far revolves around video games and 360-degree video clips. "Augmented reality is going to have a lot more practical applications simply because there are a lot more people out there who interact with things in the real world," says Greg Kipper, who studied the technology's potential in his book, "Augmented Reality: An Emerging Technologies Guide to AR." With augmented reality, the three-dimensional holograms seen through a headset are meant to be a helpful or amusing companion to the real world. When you walk through a grocery aisle, you might see a list of ingredients for making an Italian dish appear on a virtual screen before your eyes. Or an image of the solar system might start orbiting around you as you read an astronomy book. Don a VR headset, though, and you're surroundings are blocked off. You are cast into a different world, as a dinosaur charges through a jungle, or you're on the precipice of a 100-story skyscraper looking perilously at the street below. It has a lot in common with an amusement park ride, including the tendency to cause nausea or dizziness if you wear a VR headset too long. While start-ups like Meta, Magic Leap and Atheer have been making the most visible progress in augmented reality so far, technology heavyweights are also looking into it. Microsoft has just started shipping a $3,000 version of its augmented reality headset, HoloLens, to a limited audience of computer programmers, while Alphabet Inc.'s Google has been a key investor in the $1.3 billion that Magic Leap has raised during the past two years. Apple Inc. signaled its interest last year when it bought a start-up called Metaio. Meta, a Silicon Valley start-up, is scheduled to ship its second-generation headset this summer as part of a $949 kit tailored for programmers to design more 3-D applications for the new headset. If Meta CEO Meron Gribetz realizes his vision, his company will spawn a new form of computing that will be just as revolutionary as the graphical interface that enabled personal computers to be controlled with a mouse and the touch-screen technology that helped turn smartphones into indispensable utilities. Instead of staring at display screens while pecking at clunky keyboards, Gribetz foresees people navigating through an array of holographic screens suspended in front of their faces and controlled with the touch of their hands. Virtual keyboards will appear for data entry. Matt Schultz, manager of Landmark Credit Unions Hartford branch, chats with employee Ginger La Crosse Wednesday. The Hartford branch belonged to Hartford Savings Bank until Landmark bought the bank in 2014. Credit: Paul Gores SHARE By of the Wisconsin's financial services landscape, already undergoing consolidation, could be part of what some believe is a trend within a trend: large credit unions taking over smaller community banks. While the great majority of mergers and acquisitions still are bank-to-bank or credit union-to-credit union deals, Wisconsin's largest credit union Landmark crossed the line between the two different types of financial institutions here when it acquired Hartford Savings Bank in 2014. Last month, a Michigan credit union announced it plans to take over Janesville-based Mid America Bank. Now, according to an attorney involved in the transaction, a third bank acquisition by a Wisconsin credit union is in the works. "This is not slowing down," said Michael M. Bell, a mergers-and-acquisitions specialist with the firm Howard & Howard in Royal Oak, Mich. "It's a trend both nationally, but certainly in the Midwest and Wisconsin." Credit unions offer many of the same services as banks, but they are not-for-profit cooperatives owned by their members instead of stockholders. Each type of institution, bank and credit union, has its own regulators. The two types of financial institutions often are at odds as they compete for customers. Banks regularly complain that credit unions have an unfair financial advantage because they don't have to pay income taxes. But some community banks, looking to sell because of the costs of increased regulations, succession issues or investors who want to cash out, sometimes are turning to their competitors large, robust credit unions as possible acquirers. "For smaller community banks $500 million or less in size or rural banks, I think the market for acquisition is pretty limited," said Bell, who represents credit unions. If a small or rural bank wants to sell, said Bell, "The regional or big banks aren't knocking on your door to buy you, from what we're seeing. Well, we (credit unions) are." Community bankers also like the deals because they are cash transactions, Bell said. Credit unions don't have stock that they can use in bank purchases. Credit unions use retained earnings to build capital that can pay for a bank acquisition. That's a situation that troubles Rose Oswald Poels, president and chief executive of the Wisconsin Bankers Association. "They have excess money. The tax advantage is why they have excess money, which is not fair," said Oswald Poels. "When you look at these billion dollar-plus size credit unions, they act no differently than a bank, so they really should be subject to the same income taxes and same regulatory scrutiny as banks." Oswald Poels said most bank mergers today still involve another bank, and she's not so sure credit unions taking over banks qualifies as a trend. "But I also don't think this is the last one to happen," she said of the planned acquisition of Mid America Bank by Advia Credit Union, of Parchment, Mich. It won't be, according to Bell. "There's going to be an announcement of another one of these in your area in the next 30 days," he said. When the Advia acquisition is final, it will be the eighth time a credit union has purchased a bank since 2011, when Michigan's United Federal Credit Union initiated that type of takeover by acquiring Griffith Savings Bank in Indiana, according to the industry publication CUtoday.info. Bell said he has represented the credit unions in almost all of them. Advia Credit Union has assets of nearly $1.2 billion, while Mid America Bank has assets of about $83.4 million. Data from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. show Mid America has posted losses in each of the last four years, including a $34,000 loss in 2015. The addition of Mid America will give the credit union another branch in Janesville, along with a branch in Williams Bay and loan production offices in Waukesha and Madison. Most of Advia's 24 branches are in Michigan, but it has two branches in Beloit in addition to one in Janesville. Account holders at Mid America automatically will become members of Advia when the deal closes, which is expected in the second or third quarter of this year. In a statement when the deal was announced, Mike Jones, president and CEO of Mid America Bank, said Advia has "the size, resources and experience necessary to competitively meet the financial needs of our customers and communities now and in the foreseeable future." Bell said larger credit unions often are able to bring the latest in technology, such as online banking upgrades and mobile banking, and other extra services to the smaller banks they acquire. Nancy Loftis, a spokeswoman for Advia, said the credit union always is looking for opportunities to grow. "A credit union merging with a bank is a little bit more rare, but it may be becoming more commonplace in the future, especially for small community banks," Loftis said. "Certainly the community banking industry has mixed emotions about it," said banking industry attorney John Reichert, of Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren, who represented Mid America in the sale. "But I think you're going to see more of it." Such deals require regulatory approval from both industries, and the FDIC, its counterpart the National Credit Union Administration, and other state and federal regulators have blessed the unions so far. Jay Magulski, president and CEO of Landmark Credit Union, said his institution's acquisition of Hartford Savings Bank was a good move, giving Landmark new branches in Hartford, Hubertus and Juneau. He said the credit union is a big supporter of local civic organizations, as the bank had been. "It has been a great success in the first couple of years," Magulski said. "We've had nice deposit growth, very strong consumer loan growth." Would Landmark, which with $2.9 billion in assets is larger than 99% of Wisconsin-based banks, do another deal with a bank? "If it made strategic sense and fit the 'smart growth' plan that is part of our desire to continue to successfully grow Landmark, yes, we would," he said. The 44-story Couture apartment tower planned for downtown Milwaukees lakefront will include 302 high-end apartments along with space for restaurants and retail. Credit: Rinka Chung Architecture Inc. SHARE The $122 million Couture, which would replace the Downtown Transit Center, would have 302 high-end apartments along with restaurant and retail space. Rinka Chung Architecture Inc. By of the The long wait for work to begin building the $122 million Couture apartment high-rise, on downtown Milwaukee's lakefront, will likely soon be over. Developer Rick Barrett, who launched the project four years ago, had hoped last summer to complete his purchase of the development site by the end of 2015. He made that comment after Preserve Our Parks announced it wouldn't appeal a judge's ruling allowing the Couture project to proceed at the Downtown Transit Center property, 909 E. Michigan St. In December, Teig Whaley-Smith, Milwaukee County administration director, said the sale of the county-owned property was expected to occur by the end of March. Whaley-Smith now says the sale is scheduled to occur on April 29. The sale has been delayed because the county is seeking a final agreement from federal officials to avoid paying the difference between the property's appraised value and its discounted sale price. That agreement is tied to a 1988 Federal Transit Administration grant that helped finance the transit center. The federal agency in 2012 said Milwaukee County could apply the underused transit center sale proceeds to another capital project. Mayor Tom Barrett's administration in 2014 expanded the planned downtown streetcar service to include a link to the Couture's transit concourse. City officials said a multimodal transit concourse, which would include bus service, would help the county obtain an agreement to avoid paying over $8 million to the Federal Transit Administration. The Common Council in 2015 approved the streetcar expansion, with opponents raising doubts about that claim. No decision has been made yet about the proposed transit center sale to Rick Barrett, an FTA spokeswoman said in a statement. "FTA continues to be in communication with Milwaukee County about the sale of the transit center and the federal requirements that govern such transactions," the statement says. "We expect a final decision will be made this spring." Whaley-Smith said he expects the agency within the next few days to approve the arrangement, allowing the county to avoid making the $8.4 million payment. Rick Barrett had hoped to finish razing the transit center by spring before Summerfest and other events begin at nearby Maier Festival Park. He wants to begin construction by fall on the 44-story apartment tower, which would take three years to complete. Whaley-Smith said Barrett can begin demolishing the transit center as soon he takes possession of the property in late April. The center serves as a layover station for buses at the end of their routes. Those operations will be shifted to other downtown-area locations while the Couture is developed. Rick Barrett, in a statement, said he's looking forward to beginning demolition this year. Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Christopher Foley ruled in June that a 2014 state law that established a Lake Michigan lake bed boundary east of the transit center is valid. The ruling cleared title to the 2.2-acre transit center site so the county can sell it to Barrett Lo Visionary Development at a discounted price of $500,000. The discount in the property's sales price from the $8.9 million appraised value was necessary to make the project economically feasible, according to county officials. The proposed $122 million privately financed Couture would include 302 high-end apartments, along with restaurant and retail space. Barrett first announced plans for Couture in 2012. Facebook: facebook.com/JSBusiness Twitter: twitter.com/TomDaykin SHARE By of the Alliant Energy Corp. received a verbal approval Thursday to build a new natural gas-fired power plant near Beloit that, when finished, will generate enough electricity to serve 535,000 homes. The Wisconsin Public Service Commission gave its nod to the $700 million project, which will be built next to an existing power plant at Alliant's Riverside Energy Center. Groundbreaking is scheduled for this fall, with the new plant expected to come on line by early 2020. Madison-based Alliant said the project should create more than 1,000 construction jobs. WEC Energy Group, parent of We Energies in Milwaukee and Wisconsin Public Service Corp. in Green Bay, had opposed the project earlier. The firm, the state's biggest utility company, last fall had questioned whether Wisconsin needed a new source of greenhouse gas emissions, and said customers would reap savings if Alliant bought power from We Energies. But WEC Energy backed off after reaching an agreement that would let its Green Bay utility buy power from the new Alliant plant. Located about seven miles north of downtown Beloit and just west of the Rock River, the new plant will generate 700 megawatts of power. It will replace some 640 megawatts of older, less efficient coal- and gas-fired generating capacity in Wisconsin that either has already been taken out of service or will be retired by 2020, Alliant said. The Public Service Commission's approval is contingent on Alliant obtaining other state and federal permits for the project. SeaWorld CEO Joel Manby talked with park backers online. SHARE By , San Diego SeaWorld CEO Joel Manby, in a frank online conversation with park supporters, said the company had no choice but to halt the breeding of killer whales or risk the eventual demise of SeaWorld. The choice, he said, became clear once the Orlando, Fla.-based theme park company closely reviewed the research on why some people were staying away from the marine parks. And the trends, he noted, were most notable among younger people. "We understand some customers are upset and you may feel betrayed, but in a simple way, the data and trends showed it was either a SeaWorld without whales or a world without SeaWorld," he said during the webcast this week. "We are an organization that needs to have cash flow to (succeed) and unfortunately, the trends were not in our favor." Manby's remarks came just two weeks after SeaWorld announced it would end breeding of its 29 killer whales and phase out the theatrical Shamu shows at its three namesake parks. The performances will be replaced with orca encounters starting first in San Diego that emphasize the animals' natural behaviors. It also announced a partnership with one of its biggest foes, the Humane Society of the United States. Manby, as he has said before, conceded that he struggled mightily with the decision, but the announced changes will not keep the company from straying from its mission: to protect animals and their habitats and to eventually become the leading animal rescue organization in the world. He was especially candid about the thinking behind what is a fundamental shift in the company's business model and empathized with supporters who may not agree with the changes. "I have to stress to all of you that this was an incredibly difficult decision," he said before taking written questions from fans. "I have never had a decision that was this difficult, but SeaWorld was in a paradox. A lot of people come to our parks because they love our whales, but for many people, having whales in human care was a barrier for people to come. In some research, it was the number one reason people wouldn't come to our parks, and the trend wasn't abating. And the data was even worse for millennials." Of all the SeaWorld parks, the attendance declines have been the most precipitous in San Diego, with visitation dropping more than 4% in 2015 and 17% in 2014. While the tide of public opinion concerning orcas clearly was turning, fueled in part by the 2013 documentary "Blackfish," Manby particularly cited a California Coastal Commission decision that would require SeaWorld to end the breeding of killer whales if it wanted to expand its orca tanks, a project that it has since abandoned. "I'm quite certain legislation in California would come against us," he said. "Once something is illegal and moved east, it would be very difficult to change that trend, so we decided we needed to get ahead of this because as you know, SeaWorld has an incredible tale to tell, but the orca issue is a barrier between our story and a growing audience." By of the Here's what's at alternative movie venues. UWM Union Cinema Unless noted, admission is $5, free for UWM students and Union Cinema members. "I Don't Belong Anywhere: The Cinema of Chantal Akerman": Tribute to the late filmmaker includes clips from more than 40 of her movies. 7 p.m. Friday and 5 p.m. Saturday. "No Home Movie": The final film by Belgian director Chantal Akerman explores the filmmaker's relationship with her mother, a Holocaust survivor. In French with English subtitles. 9 p.m. Friday and 7 p.m. Saturday. "A Series of Concrete and Luminous Images: Recent Work in Ethnopoetics": Short films on alternatives to ethnography. 7 p.m. Tuesday. Free. "Food Patriots": A woman whose son nearly died from contaminated food sets out to find out how it happened in this documentary on the food industry. A discussion follows. 7 p.m. Wednesday. 2200 E. Kenwood Blvd.;cinema.uwm.edu Milwaukee Muslim Film Festival "Guantanamo's Child: Omar Khadr": Khadr, a Canadian citizen captured in Afghanistan in 2002 who was convicted at age 15 and spent a decade imprisoned at Guantanamo, tells his story in this documentary. 2 p.m. Sunday, Lubar Auditorium, Milwaukee Art Museum, 700 N. Art Museum Drive. $8. "Al Helm: Martin Luther King in Palestine": Documentary follows an African-American gospel choir touring in the West Bank as part of a show about Martin Luther King Jr. and nonviolence. 7 p.m. Thursday, UWM Union Cinema, 2200 E. Kenwood Blvd. $8, free for UWM students. Talk-backs follow both screenings. mmfilmfest.com JCC Film Series "Farewell, Herr Schwartz": Award-winning documentary in which director Yael Reuveny explores her family's past her parents were Holocaust survivors when she returns to Germany. In Hebrew, German and English, with English subtitles. A discussion follows. 4 p.m. Sunday. Free. "The Farewell Party": Senior citizens develop a machine for self-euthanasia that makes them very popular. Israeli comedy in Hebrew with English subtitles. 7 p.m. Thursday. A presentation on views on euthanasia precedes the screening at 6:30 p.m. Free. Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center, 6255 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Whitefish Bay; jccmilwaukee.org/jewishfilm Movie Time / Charles Allis Art Museum "Lloyds of London": The fabled English insurance company saves the day, with help from Tyrone Power, in this 1936 historical drama. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. $7, $5 for students and seniors, free for museum members. 1801 N. Prospect Ave.;charlesallis.org Chris Foran When we think of people suffering delusions, it typically conjures images of madness. And, to be sure, these two often go hand-in-hand. However, many seemingly normal folks are delusional even in the absence of a severe mental illness. Just to clarify, a delusion is a personal belief that one resolutely maintains and defends despite an overwhelming preponderance of evidence showing it is false; like believing you know the date the world will end or that Elvis faked his own death and is still alive. Delusions can afflict more than individuals; they also occur en masse in families, faith communities, political groups, etc. Common examples include denying climate change, various conspiracy theories (think "birthers"), ethnic stereotyping ("all Muslims are terrorists"), and a host of racial, gender and religious biases, to name a few. Upon rational examination, the evidence fails to lend factual support to these hardened beliefs, but "true believers" embrace them nonetheless. Delusions are of two primary types: (1) beliefs that are patently false, such as "Obama was born in Kenya," and (2) beliefs that have only a statistically minuscule chance of being correct, such as "Evolution is a hoax." Delusions sometimes motivate folks to act in ways that put themselves and others at risk for all sorts of bad happenings anti-social behavior, the fracturing of familial bonds, paranoia, joining a cult (think ISIS), and even outright violence toward those who hold opposing views. The psychology behind non-psychotic delusions is disturbing. Those who harbor them believe their unsubstantiated opinions trump extensive and time-tested scientific findings and historical facts. In this sense, they exhibit a degree of closed-mindedness, arrogance and paranoia more typical of tyrants and demagogues. Historically, consider what happened to Galileo for supporting the Copernican doctrine, which proved the Earth orbits the sun, not the other way around. Church leaders of the time, suffering the delusion that our planet was the center of the universe, charged him with heresy (a major crime at the time). From antiquity to the present, countless humans have suffered marginalization, victimization and even murder as a consequence of delusional thinking. In our history, the delusion that Africans were genetically inferior underpinned slavery, and the ludicrous belief that Native Americans were subhuman savages fueled the genocide that exterminated many tribes and their cultures. In most instances, fear is the primary driver of delusional thinking. When confronted with facts refuting their fallacious beliefs, these folks exercise willful blindness (information avoidance). Why? Their self-worth rests on maintaining absolute certainty in their beliefs, which affords them a sense of righteousness and superiority that, if questioned, elicits a defensive and sometimes hostile reaction. Critical thinking and scientific inquiry are methods we use to keep from fooling ourselves. But in the face of delusional thinking, they often prove powerless. Philip Chard is a psychotherapist, author and trainer. Email Chard at outofmymind@philipchard.com or visit philipchard.com. George Lockwoods book, Peanuts, Pogo, and Hobbes: A Newspaper Editor's Journey Through the World of Comics. SHARE George J. Lockwood, managing editor for features at the Milwaukee Journal, poses with an original Pogo cartoon in 1986. Allan Y. Scott By of the If you've ever heard, or said, "We have met the enemy, and he is us," you know Pogo. Launched in 1948, Walt Kelly's "Pogo" influenced generations of comic-strip creators, redefined the nature of the comics and, for a quarter-century, shone a light on the absurdity of the American parade. The strip, which joined the The Milwaukee Journal's Green Sheet in late 1950, centered on Pogo, a live-and-let-live possum at home in the Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia with a collection of confused and malapropism-spouting pals grappling with the big (or contrived) issues of the day. There was Churchill "Churchy" LaFemme, a mud turtle who stressed out when Friday the 13th fell on any other day of the week; Albert Alligator, a gregarious, cigar-toting blowhard ready to rush in where other fools did, too; Porky Pine, a downcast porcupine that was the strip's Eeyore; Deacon, a dour, parson-like muskrat whose dialogue showed up in Gothic type; Mole, a nearsighted busybody fearful of outsiders and usually part of some plot or other; and many more. But more than those characters, "Pogo" was about Kelly's clear-eyed gaze at the world around him. As Kelly wrote in 1953, in an early collection of his strips, "On this very ground, with small flags waving and tinny blasts on tiny trumpets, we shall meet the enemy, and not only may he be ours, he may be us." After getting his start as a newspaper reporter, Kelly worked for Walt Disney as an animator. He was a commercial artist and editorial cartoonist in 1948 when he began "Pogo"; a year later, the strip was syndicated, eventually carried in more than 600 newspapers worldwide. At a time when few comic strips did, "Pogo" always had a political bent. Pogo himself was a political animal, touted as a presidential candidate in 1952 and 1956, with the slogan "I Go Pogo." In 1953, Kelly introduced Simple J. Malarkey, a grinning bobcat-like character that looked an awful lot like Sen. Joseph McCarthy (R-Wis.). Toting a shotgun, Malarkey took charge of hunting the swamp's "enemies" without worrying about things like facts or due process. In his book "Peanuts, Pogo, and Hobbes: A Newspaper Editor's Journey Through the World of Comics," former Journal editor George Lockwood whose many areas of responsibility at the paper over the years included the comics recounts the trouble Kelly got into with one newspaper over the McCarthy storyline. In 1954, the Providence Bulletin warned in an editorial that the next time Malarkey turned up in "Pogo," the paper would drop the strip. Kelly responded by drawing a feed sack over the character's head. (The newspaper belatedly figured it out, but it did move the strip to its editorial page.) After that, nearly every American political figure of import turned up caricatured in "Pogo": Nelson Rockefeller as a grinning cat; George Wallace as a cocky rooster; Eugene McCarthy as a white knight facing the wrong direction; Spiro Agnew as a hyena dressed like a dictator. In his book, Lockwood who died in 2013 at age 81 recounts his connection to Kelly, and Kelly's to the Journal. Kelly, who often paid tribute to newspapers carrying his work by sneaking their names into his strip, gave Lockwood a shout-out in a 1966 strip, labeling Pogo's boat "Ol' Journal George." Later, at Lockwood's request, Kelly wrote an essay for the Journal's new Sunday magazine, marking George Washington's birthday; the result "The Quizzical Kids," published Feb. 22, 1970 looked at the much-debated "generation gap" of the day and decided that the kids were all right after all. "We old grumps will remember that one of the drives of our youth was to 'make the world safe for democracy,'" Kelly wrote. "Now as goblins loom on every side, we are with George Washington. We cannot tell a lie. Youth looks at the big bomb, big government, big labor, big crime, big britches and we must admit with him, in the words of a Pogo character, 'We gotta make democracy safe for the world.'" Kelly also made numerous trips to Milwaukee. At a Sigma Delta Chi journalism event in 1966, he summed up the appeal of his title creation. Pogo "is you and me," he said, according to a story in the Sept. 21, 1966, Journal. Kelly, a diabetic, got sick in 1972 and had to stop work on the strip. For a while, "Pogo" continued in print, relying on older drawings with the dialogue reworded, with Kelly recovering enough to do a handful of Sunday strips. Kelly died of complications from diabetes on Oct. 18, 1973, at age 60. Although Kelly's widow, Selby, and son Stephen kept the strip going for a while, "Pogo" finally ceased publishing in July 1975. It also was revived by other artists for a few years starting in 1989. With fresh, smart content, Walt Kelly and his creation inspired subsequent generations of comic-strip stars, including "Calvin and Hobbes" creator Bill Watterson. "'Pogo' talked about the quiet dignity and common sense of the average man," Watterson said at a 1988 commemoration of Kelly and his work, which Lockwood recounts in his book. "It talked about the shortcomings of human nature and human behavior 'we have met the enemy and he is us.'" ABOUT THIS FEATURE This is the second of 10 Thursdays that the Green Sheet is looking back at some of the dearly departed comic strips that were part of The Milwaukee Journal's original Green Sheet section, sharing their humor and telling their stories. Share your stories about your favorite comic strips in the old Green Sheet via email at greensheet@journalsentinel.com. THE FACTS ABOUT 'POGO' Author/artist: Walt Kelly Started: 1948 First in the Green Sheet: 1950 Ended: 1975 Last appeared in Green Sheet: 1972 George Burns and Gracie Allen were the stars of radios Burns and Allen Show, on which Allen campaigned for president in 1940. Credit: NBC SHARE By of the Tuesday's presidential primary won't be the first time Wisconsin was dazzled by star power in a crucial election. Take 1940 the year Gracie Allen won the Wisconsin primary. A little back story: Earlier that year, Allen the beloved comedian who played the ditsy, nonsequitur-cracking companion (and real-life wife) of comedian George Burns announced on radio's "Burns and Allen Show" that she was running for president as a candidate for the "Surprise Party." The storyline ran for months on the show. The campaign had a mascot because it was a leap year, it was a kangaroo and Allen was even the guest of honor at the Women's National Press Club, at the invitation of the wife of one of her "rivals," Eleanor Roosevelt. Allen's campaign slogan: "Down with common sense vote for Gracie Allen." The "campaign" continued on Burns and Allen's show, which started each week with the campaign's theme song, "Vote for Gracie" ("Even big politicians / don't know what to do / Gracie doesn't know either / but neither do you"). Allen told the United Press that among the principal planks of her campaign was repealing men. "We don't want to get rid of men entirely," Allen said, according to a story in the April 22, 1940, Indianapolis Star. "All we want to do is make them unconstitutional and keep them out of circulation, but have them handy when there's no place else to go." Among her other "positions": On the Neutrality Bill pending in Congress: "If we owe it, let's pay it." On recognizing Russia: "I don't know. I meet so many people." On which political party she was affiliated with: "I may take a drink now and then, but I never get affiliated." Which brings us to the 1940 Wisconsin primary. That election, held on April 2, was a watershed vote in many ways. In Milwaukee, Carl Zeidler trounced long-standing incumbent Dan Hoan in the city's first modern mayoral campaign. In the state, President Franklin Roosevelt won the Wisconsin Democratic primary, despite some members of his party opposing him running for an unprecedented third term. In a huge Republican turnout, New Yorker Thomas Dewey won handily, in a vote that made him the front-runner. The Milwaukee Sentinel's April 3, 1940, edition dutifully topped its front page with both of those stories. But at the bottom of the front page, in the lower right-hand corner, was buried the following item: Gracie for President; 63 Voters So Ballot CAMPBELLSPORT, Wis., April 2 (Special) Tabulators at the village election here reported that Gracie Allen, radio star, was given 63 votes for president. A week later, on the April 10 "Burns and Allen Show," Gracie Allen celebrated her showing. "What do you think about how I upset them at the Wisconsin primaries last week?" Allen asked Burns on the program. Gracie: "If you saw the front page of the Milwaukee Sentinel, you know it was a landslide for me." George: "A landslide for you?" Gracie: "I got 63 votes!" George: "63 votes, out of millions of voters in Wisconsin?" Gracie: "Oh, that was in only one copy of the paper. And that paper has a circulation of 187,000. 187,000 times 63...Just imagine me getting 63 votes in Wisconsin and I wasn't even there?" The episode of the radio show, titled "Gracie Wins Wisconsin," ended with the comedy couple's trademark sign off, with George's "Gracie, say good night" and her "Good night," which she followed with: "And when I'm in Washington, don't forget to drop in and see me at the White House. I don't know the address, but I'll leave a congressman burning in the window." Allen's victory in Wisconsin, such as it was, added fuel to a campaign that included a whistle-stop tour in May from California to Omaha, Neb., where the Surprise Party's "convention" of 2,500 people formally nominated Allen as its candidate. It seem to rankle the other candidates for the office. Allen continued collecting votes elsewhere, with stray write-in votes reported in Chicago, St. Louis and other cities, but Roosevelt went on to win in a tight race over Wendell Willkie, a populist business executive who overtook Dewey at the Republican National Convention for the party's nomination. Burns and Allen, it turns out, never moved to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. They continued performing as a couple in movies and radio, and later television, until 1958, when Allen retired from show business. She died in 1964 of a heart attack at age 69. Burns continued performing his stand-up act always included reminisces about his wife until just before his 100th birthday, which came less than two months before his death in 1996. Tuning in Gracie Listen to the "Gracie Wins Wisconsin" episode of "The Burns and Allen Show" in the online version of this story at jsonline.com/greensheet. SHARE By of the A couple who fled Ukraine 21 years ago found a lot of what they were looking for in the United States religious freedom, security, business opportunity, good schools and a comfortable life in Bayside. Now, they have also experienced U.S. justice, sentenced to consecutive federal prison terms for their parts in an identity theft and tax fraud scheme that funneled more than a $1 million in bogus tax returns back to their native country. Vladimir Sonin, 50, was sentenced Thursday to nearly five years in federal prison for his role in the international scam. He will start his sentence in May, and when he gets out of prison, his wife, Natalya Sonina, 47, will begin serving a 39-month prison term. The couple is also responsible for about $308,000 in restitution. U.S. District Judge J.P. Stadtmueller granted the sequential sentences to allow Sonina to continue raising the couple's four children. Husband and wife will each serve three years of supervised release after they leave prison. Lawyers for the couple had explained that, while they took in about $200,000 over about two years of the crime, money wasn't their main motivation, but rather fear for Sonina's brother back in Ukraine. Others stole the more than 1,700 identities and prepared the false tax returns. The Bayside couple along with Sonina's sister, Irina Tinney of Milwaukee set up dozens of fake addresses and post office boxes where debit cards with bogus refunds were sent. Then they would collect and use the cards at ATMs around southeastern Wisconsin to obtain cash. Sonin was careful to use disguises and park his car away from surveillance cameras near the ATMs. Most of the money, and some cards, were mailed back to Ukraine. In 2013, Sonin was caught trying to open a post office box in someone else's name in Sussex, which led to an extensive investigation and indictments in 2015. All three defendants pleaded guilty last year and agreed to cooperate with investigators. Several documents in the cases are sealed, and segments of both Sonin and Sonina's sentencing hearings about 12 minutes' worth Thursday were conducted in secret to discuss the extent and nature of that cooperation. Sonin's attorney said Thursday that his client believed the money on the debit cards was from people who had paid to visit child porn websites, and that he felt remorse when he learned the true victims were the IRS and state revenue departments that issued the refunds based on phony tax returns. Stadtmueller questioned why the IRS, knowing the extent of the fraud problem, continues to send millions of dollars in refunds to early filers instead of waiting until after April 15 to sort out multiple returns for individual taxpayers. Sonin and his wife were convicted of tax fraud and aggravated identity theft. Tinney pleaded guilty to structuring wiring money overseas in a series of amounts less than $3,000 to avoid triggering reporting requirements. She was sentenced Feb. 5 to three years of probation and ordered to pay almost $211,000 in restitution. The family all left Ukraine in 1995 and later became U.S. citizens. SHARE Lawrence Donovan (right) By of the Milwaukee police Wednesday night asked the public for help in locating a missing man with dementia or a cognitive impairment. Lawrence Donovan, 60, is described as a white male, six feet tall and weighing 230 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. Donovan was wearing a black hooded sweat shirt, black pants and black shoes and was seen about 3:30 p.m. near the 2400 block of S. 19th St., according to Milwaukee police. He left his home to go for a walk and did not return, according to a Silver Alert issued by the Wisconsin Department of Justice. Donovan had gone missing previously before being located on W. Cleveland Ave., according to the alert. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call the Milwaukee Police Department Sensitive Crimes Unit, (414) 935-7401. SHARE Tax swap will work Americans have been whipped by fear of taxes for years. But in 2008, Milwaukee County voters rejected hysteria in favor of a sales tax / property tax swap; the referendum carried with 52% of the vote. A one-penny sales tax will replace $130 million of property tax revenue. Half can go to reducing property taxes. Half can push parks and transit off the property tax. Both will reduce the homeowner's property tax bill. Now, if you have a heart, you are thinking about the poor. The good news here is that Wisconsin historically avoided taxing basics. Frugal family basics groceries, gasoline, rent, winter heating are not on the sales tax. Improved free parks will benefit everyone, particularly those without a dollar for leisure. A modernized transit system will make access to work a crowning civic achievement. And that's basic. Non-using commuters and visitors now pay nothing to support parks and transit. But they will leave behind $23 million of new sales tax revenue. Their purchases, coffee breaks, shows, games and hot brats make it happen. This is not nuclear physics; it is fifth-grade arithmetic. Don't be fooled by frightened, pandering politicians. The tax swap is medicine for an ailing county. William Sell Member of the Transit Services Advisory Committee Milwaukee County Board Milwaukee Capital gains are taxed twice Sandra Nelson writes that the capital gains tax is a "giveaway to the rich that insults the contributions of working-class Americans." I am a working-class American who has worked the last 12 years on-call, which included nights, weekends and holidays. I also chose to take my after-tax income and invest it. I did pay capital gains taxes on my gains. What people such as Nelson fail to grasp is that capital gains taxes do end up taxing one's income twice. First, "working class" citizens such as myself pay state and federal income taxes. Next, many us choose to invest our post-tax income in stocks and other investment instruments. The double-taxation then occurs if any gain is made. These gains are then taxed. The money invested was already taxed as ordinary income. I do not fall into the 1% or the "rich." I never have and most likely never will. Many people believe that capital gains are only applicable to the most wealthy in our society. This is not the case. Christopher Jones Augusta Embarrassed by Marquette As a Marquette University alumnus, I am both embarrassed and disgusted with the university's handling of the John McAdams case ("Marquette suspends John McAdams through the fall 2016 semester," March 25). I realize that the Jesuit order has turned hard left since the 1960s, when I was in attendance and that there is little Jesuit presence on campus currently. Even so, the reasoning to suspend McAdams goes beyond anything I could have imagined. It's not what he wrote in his blog but what other people wrote after reading the blog. Are you kidding me? That is insane. Then there is the stipulation that he can return after the fall semester if he apologizes. Apologize for what? For pointing out a student teacher's intolerance to have an open discussion regarding gay marriage in her classroom? Does anyone think he will? Of course he won't. This is going to go to court and Marquette will lose. John Ruffing Franklin Defining hate crime After reading Keith Callahan's March 24 letter, the difference between hate speech and hate crime is the latter occurs when a person is physically attacked, wholly or in part, because of their actual or perceived race, ethnicity, gender, orientation, religion or disability ("Hate crime and free speech"). Jesus Manso-Perez, and Phia and Mai Vue were killed because they were Latino and Asian-American. When Dan Popp asked Manso-Perez and his son, Jesus Manso-Carrasquillo, where they were from, they answered "Puerto Rico." Popp replied "Oh, that's why you don't speak English. You guys got to go," and pulled the trigger, according to the criminal complaint. It's not surprising that a representative from the Sikh faith is part of the call for hate crime charges. Six Sikhs were killed at their place of worship in Oak Creek four years ago because of their religion. Daniel Lee Milwaukee Reddit Email 30 Shares By Thomas Buonomo | (Informed Comment) | With recent reports of a potential last-year attempt by the Obama administration to set the parameters of a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflictwhich could perhaps include a UN Security Council resolutionit is important to assess the political context in order to estimate the prospects for substantive progress. Yet another round of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process failed in spring 2014 for the same reason it has failed for the last two plus decades since the Palestinian Liberation Organization in 1993 officially recognized Israels right to exist within its 1948 borders: the unwillingness of the parties to reach mutually acceptable compromises on refugee resettlement and division of disputed territories including, most contentiously, Jerusalem. Every U.S. administration from Clinton to Bush Jr. to Obama has engaged in these negotiations only to throw up its hands when the two parties failed to reach agreement. Each of these administrations has concluded that although the U.S. can help broker an agreement, it cannot impose a solution. The U.S. does in fact have significant leverage not only over the Palestinians but also over Israel, the stronger of the two antagonists by far, via its billions of dollars per year in foreign aid to the latter). Why does the U.S. not use this leverage? Congresss obsequiousness toward or outright support for increasingly brazen Israeli territorial expansions makes it clear that this would be an empty threat for any U.S. president. Given the power of AIPAC and allied organizations and individuals over a politically captured U.S. CongressGOP presidential candidate Ted Cruz most prominent among them administration that attempted to exert such leverage would face a losing fight in Congress. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clintons recent speech at AIPACs annual policy conference makes clear that she, at least, has no intention of doing so. A change in these political dynamics will require Americans to actively counter these interests by making legislators statements and voting records on this matter a reelection issue. It will also require Americans to distinguish between legitimate trade with Israel and illegitimate (and illegal) economic support for its settlements. In terms of policy, the parameters for a two-state solution have changed little over the last 20 years; the question is how to resolve the most contentious issues. The failed formula over the last 20 years has entailed the division of Jerusalem between what would become the conjoined capitals of Israel and a newly established state of Palestine, with Israel maintaining sovereignty over the Western Wall. An alternative solution should be sought deeper in the history of the negotiations. UN General Assembly Resolution 181, passed on 29 November 1947 articulated the rationale and practical governance measures needed for an internationalized city of Jerusalem that would remain accessible to worshippers but precluded from manipulation by sectarian political forces. Although this resolution was rejected at the time by the Muslim states of concern as well as the Palestinians themselves, all but Iran have since declared their willingness (to accept Israels right to live in peace and security within a two-state framework. Iran, moreover, could conceivably be persuaded to moderate its position if the U.S. demonstrated seriousness in the negotiations itself. The chief obstacle to a resolution of this conflict is arguably now Israel and its U.S. patron. Americans must counter those who are calling for the U.S. to accept Israels claim of sovereignty over Jerusalem and other religious sites in the West Bank by unequivocally rejecting the legitimacy of religious nationalist claims based on military conquest. Recognition of or acquiescence to such profane claims will only serve to perpetuate religious conflict. History makes clear that the use of religion to justify the use of force is antithetical to civilization and, in the nuclear age, an intolerable threat to our collective human existence. Americans must demonstrate their exceptionalism by impressing upon Israel, the Palestinians, and regional powers the wisdom of maintaining a separation between religion and state, particularly in the arena of foreign relations. If we do not, the moral black hole that Syria has become may pull us all into a regional conflict that will make us wish we had done more for the cause of peace while we had the chance. Thomas Buonomo is a geopolitical risk analyst with expertise in Middle East affairs. His writing has been published by the Atlantic Council, Informed Comment, The National Interest, The Fuse, The Hill, CQ Roll Call, The Humanist, and other outlets. His views are his own. Related video added by Juan Cole: CCTV News: Ban Ki-moon slams Israels settlement expansion Reddit Email 0 Shares By Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics IMEMC | The following is a press release by the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistic (PCBS), marking the fortieth anniversary of the Palestinian Land . . . . . . Israeli Occupation . . . set up a buffer zone along the border of the Gaza Strip extending over 1,500 m along the eastern border. Consequently, the zone usurps about 24% of the total area of the Gaza Strip (365 km), which is one of the most densely populated area in the world with about 5,000 capita/km. Furthermore, Israeli Occupation maintains tight control over more than 90% of the area of the Jordan Valley, which constitutes 29% of the total area of the West Bank. Graphic By Jamal Jawabra Every year, the Palestinian people remember the confiscation of 21 thousand Dunams of land in Al-Jalil (Galilee), Al-Mothallath and Al-Naqab (Negev) on 30 March 1976. On this day, the Israeli authorities expropriated the land and responded violently to the protestations, killing six young demonstrators. Jerusalem 2015 . . . While the Israeli occupation authorities keep demolishing Palestinian houses and denying Palestinians the right to build any new houses, they grant permits to build thousands of housing units in the Israeli settlements in and around Jerusalem. Only in 2015, they authorized the building of over 12,600 housing units in the Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem, in addition to 2,500 hotel rooms. Moreover, the Israeli occupation authorities ratified regulations to replace the original Arabic names of the streets in the old town of Jerusalem by Hebrew ones. This inscribes in Israels ongoing policy of Occupation of Jerusalem and falsification of its history and geography not to mention the imposition of new demographic facts on the ground. The Israeli occupation authorities demolished about 152 Palestinian buildings (houses and establishments) and sent hundreds of demolition orders to owners of other buildings; moreover, the Israeli occupation authorities confiscated 546 Dunams of the Palestinian land in the Eesawiyya locality and Shufat camp to establish a national park and dumping site for wastes from illegal Jewish settlements. Israeli Violations: Martyrs, Wounded and Prisoners The number of martyrs reached 181 martyrs during the year 2015 were 32 martyrs of children and 9 women and 26 martyrs in the Gaza Strip, while the number of injured has risen during the year 2015 about 16,620 wounded, while the number of cases of detention amounted to about 6830 case, including 2,179 children. Israeli Settlements: Unjust Expansion There were 413 illegal Israeli constructions in the West Bank (including 150 settlements and 119 outposts) by the end of 2014. Furthermore, the Israeli occupation authorities approved the building of over 4,500 housing units in the Israeli settlements in the West Bank Except those that were approved in Jerusalem. Still, these same authorities deprived Palestinians of their right to build and laid obstacles, which undermine any potential urban expansion especially for the Palestinians in Jerusalem and Area C which is under full Israeli control. It should be noted that Area C constitutes over 60% of the West Bank area. Israel also erected its Expansion and Annexation Wall, which isolates more than 12% of the West Bank land. Data indicated that the total number of settlers in the West Bank was 599,901 at the end of 2014, 286,997 of whom in the Jerusalem Governorate (they represent 48% of all settlers in the occupied West Bank). 210,420 of these illegal settlers live in Jerusalem J1 (that part of Jerusalem, which was annexed forcefully by Israel following its occupation of the West Bank in 1967). In demographic terms, the proportion of settlers to the Palestinian population in West Bank is around 21 settlers per 100 Palestinians compared with 69 settlers per 100 Palestinians in Jerusalem governorate. Environment: Continuing Degradation Israeli settlements cause direct damage to the Palestinian environment. They actually discharge 40 million cubic meters (mcm) of wastewater annually into Palestinian valleys and agricultural land. Only 10% of such water is treated. If compared to the wastewater produced by Palestinians in the West Bank, which stands at 34 mcm per year, Israeli settlers produce five times the Palestinian. Moreover, the Israeli authorities prevent Palestinians from building their own wastewater treatment plants. On another level, they allocated part of the Palestinian land in Jordan Valley to an Israeli dumpsite of industrial waste. Consequently, Palestinian agricultural land endured enormous damage not to mention impact on health animals and biodiversity, in addition to the Israeli authorities bulldozed and burned more than 15,300 trees of Palestinian farmers during the year 2015. Water: Deficiency and Suffering Like other Arab countries, Palestine suffers from scarcity of water and resources. However, the situation in Palestine is more complex because of prolonged Israeli occupation, which controls most of the existing water sources and prevents the Palestinians of their right to access their water sources or any alternative sources. The Israeli occupation controls the majority of renewable water resources totaling 750 MCM (Million Cubic Meter), while Palestinians receive only about 110 MCM. The Palestinian share from the three groundwater aquifers should be 118 MCM according to Oslo Agreement II. This share was supposed to increase to 200 MCM by the year 2000 had the Interim Agreement been fully implemented. Buildings: Demolish of Housing Units and Establishments On the fortieth remembrance of the Land Day, the Israeli occupation violations against the Palestinians continue, in terms of land confiscation, demolition of buildings (housing units and establishments) and forcible displacement of residents. Israeli occupation authorities usurped 6,386 Dunams of Palestinian land in the various governorates of the West Bank in 2015. Furthermore, they demolished 645 building (houses and establishments), forcibly displacing 2,180 persons in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, 1,108 of whom are children. They also threatened to demolish 780 building, at a time when the needs of housing units for Palestinian increase. In figures, 60.9% of households in Palestine need to build new housing units over the next decade according to the reported data survey of housing conditions in 2015 (one residential unit or more). Tourism: Israeli Monopoly The Israeli narrative is based on falsification of the culture, civilization and history of Palestine. Therefore, the occupation authorities alter Palestinian national treasures and monuments of ancient times. In figures, 53% of the archeological sites in Palestine are in Area C, which is under full Israeli control. The Israel occupation prevents any excavating or restoration of these sites for the building of recreational and tourist attractions. They also create obstacles to prevent Palestinian tourism agencies from organizing proper visits of the Holy Land. With these restrictions, they give a competitive edge to the Israeli companies that market the Nativity Church in Bethlehem and Deir Quruntol in Jericho, for instance, as part of tourism in Israel. By granting more facilities to Israeli companies, tourists are advised to stay in Israeli hotels as Palestinian areas are denounced as unsafe. With these measures, Palestinians are deprived of over 75% of potential touristic services revenues. Sources: 1. Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics 2015: Israeli settlements in the West Bank, 2014. Ramallah- Palestine 2. Abdullah Al-Hourani Center for Studies and Documentation, Annual Report, 2015. 3. National Office for the Defense of the Land and Resist Settlement, Impact of Israeli Settlements on the Palestinian Environment. 2016 4. Land Research Center report of the Association Arab Studies, Sum of Israeli Violations Against the Palestinian Right to Housing and Land. 5. Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, 2015. Reddit Email 0 Shares TeleSur | Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump said Wednesday that women may need to be punished for having abortions in the United States. Speaking at a MSNBC town hall in Wisconsin, Trump said there has to be some form of punishment for terminating a pregnancy, adding that the specifics would have to be determined later and clarifying that it would be women on the receiving end of punitive measures for exercising their right to choose. Im pro-life, Trump said, according to MSNBC. He added that a ban on abortion is a must, even if it means forcing women to pursue abortions illegally, not to mention unsafely. Trumps views on abortion and reproductive rights have undergone a dramatic shift as he seeks the Republican partys presidential nomination. Formerly pro-choice, the billionaire has embraced an anti-abortion stance during his campaign more in line with the Republican party base. His latest remarks come as Texas abortion provider Whole Womens Health is challenging a 2013 state anti-abortion law in the most significant Supreme Court case on abortion rights in a generation. The case will establish a crucial precedent in terms of whether right-wing-controlled states will be empowered to continue to attack womens rights and chip away at the historic Roe vs. Wade decision that legalized abortion in 1973. Meanwhile, last week the Republican-controlled state of Florida imposed new restrictions on abortion access and slashed funding for preventative care, the latest state-level rollback of reproductive rights sweeping the nation. Trumps comments come ahead of the Wisconsin primary on April 5. According to aggregated polling by Real Clear Politics, the GOP front-runner is sitting at 31.8 percent in Wisconsin, 3 percent behind his main rival, Ted Cruz. Via TeleSur Related video added by Juan Cole: Raw Story: Donald Trump: Women deserve some form of punishment for abortion Reddit Email 0 Shares By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | The Russian press had been complaining that the West was ignoring its defeat of terrorism in Syria. But now the Russian press is saying that the US and the Russian Federation are jointly planning to liberate the Syrian city of al-Raqqa, the capital of the phony caliphate, from Daesh (ISIS, ISIL). BBC Monitoring translates from Interfax on March 30 the statement of Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Oleg Syromolotov, Washington is having an epiphany: not only should we exchange information so as not to shoot each other down, we also really have to coordinate our actions in the fight against terrorism, he said. Regarding the liberation of Raqqa, I can only repeat what [Foreign Minister] Sergei Lavrov has already said on the issue we were ready from the start to coordinate our actions in Syria with the Americans, Syromolotov recalled. He added that Russia is committed to constructive cooperation with its international and regional partners in resolving issues related to a settlement in Syria, both within the multipartite format of the International Syria Support Group and in bilateral contacts. Source: Interfax news agency, Moscow, in Russian 1231 gmt 30 Mar 16 This statement suggests that Russia sees political advantages now in a campaign toward the east in which it gives close air support to the Syrian Arab Army and its militia allies like Hizbullah. Palmyra has already fallen, and al-Raqqa is only about 150 miles away, though admittedly it is a hard slog for infantry through an arid desert landscape. via Google Maps Leonid Isayev, of the Higher School of Economics Political Science Department wrote in Politcom.ru last week that Putins announcement of a drawdown of most Russian forces from Syria made perfect sense given Moscows stated desire not to get drawn completely into that country. He argues that Russia went in to Syria in large part to combat the 4,000 Chechens and other Russian citizens who had gone off to join Daesh. BBC Monitoring translates, It would be worth reminding you where it all began. And it all began with Russia suddenly being faced with the threat from Islamic State, or to be more precise from our fellow citizens and the citizens of CIS countries, numbering about 4,000, who had decided to link their lives to ISIL. And so the official aim of our operation in Syria at its initial stage was certainly not help for Al-Assad and not the desire to force the ungrateful West to take account of us, but the defence of our motherlands southern borders Russia promised to issue a challenge to world terrorism far from its own borders. He points to the difficulty Russia faced if it took on al-Qaeda in Syria (the Nusra Front) directly (BBC Monitoring): A simple example. The Al-Nusrah Front is an organization recognized as terrorist by Russia, an organization which according to all the logic of things should be fought right up to its complete annihilation. But in that case we must also fight its immediate sponsor, Saudi Arabia, which refuses to recognize its creature as terrorist. Finally he pinpointed the underlying unspoken goal: And so there is nothing surprising in the fact that our military campaign in Syria has ended before Al-Raqqah, the [so-called] Islamic State capital, has fallen. According to Vladimir Putin, the Russian Armed Forces actions were able to lay the foundation to the process of a political settlement of the conflict and so the tasks set for them have as a whole been accomplished . . . [Isaeyev later adds . . . Finally, we have succeeded in setting up a channel for collaboration with the United States, which was clearly the main behind-the-scenes aim of our entire Syrian campaign.] Source: Politcom.ru website, Moscow, in Russian 0000 gmt 21 Mar 16 One suggestion that has been made for a settlement of the war is to create federal provinces in Syria, i.e. move to more decentralization. The Syrian Kurds have already announced their federal province of Rojava. But Syrian strongman Bashar al-Assad is rejecting any move away from tight central control. BBC Monitoring translated a broadcast at RIA Novosti (MIA Rossiya Segodnya), Moscow, in Russian 1152 gmt 30 Mar 16, which quoted al-Assad as saying, From the point of view of geography, Syria is a very small country to have federalization. It is possibly smaller than most of Russias republics. From the point of view of sociology, federalization requires the presence of elements of society which, possibly, could not live with each other. This has not been the case in the history of Syria, and this is the main principle. I dont think that Syria is ready for federalization and there are no natural factors for this to be possible, Assad said in an interview with Russian state news agency RIA Novosti on 30 April. Thus, I suggested that one of the motives for the conquest of Daesh territory Palmyra and ultimately al-Raqqa might well be to forestall US-led moves toward a weak federal government with strong provinces, some of them dominated by right wing fundamentalist Muslim forces oriented toward Saudi Arabia and Turkey. - Related video: France 24: Syria: What does the recapture of Palmyra mean for Assad? VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - March 30, 2016) - Entree Gold Inc. (TSX:ETG)(NYSE MKT:EGI)(FRANKFURT:EKA) ("Entree" or the "Company") has today filed its annual operational and financial results for the year ended December 31, 2015. Stephen Scott, President and CEO, commented, "In 2015, we remained focused on building shareholder value through engagement with partners and other local Mongolian stakeholders. Positive announcements in 2015 included the signing of the Oyu Tolgoi Underground Mine Development and Financing Plan and completion of a $4.4 billion finance facility for the re-start of the underground development at Oyu Tolgoi. The final step before the re-start is a formal Notice to Proceed by Turquoise Hill Resources, Oyu Tolgoi LLC and Rio Tinto, which is expected in the second quarter of 2016. We are very excited about these developments as the first lift of the Hugo North Extension deposit is included in the next phase of the underground mine development. In addition, we were very pleased to be able to repurchase a portion of our metal credit stream from Sandstorm Gold subsequent to year-end. "In the third quarter of 2015, we also released an updated Preliminary Economic Assessment for our 100% owned Ann Mason copper-molybdenum porphyry deposit in Nevada (see news release of September 9, 2015). The updated PEA incorporates a resource update with 95% of the mineralization constrained within the PEA pit, now classified as either Measured or Indicated resources. The 2015 PEA also includes preliminary results of a detailed metallurgical program. The positive 2015 PEA further substantiates the quality and significance of the Ann Mason deposit and provides a solid base to advance the project. "As market conditions remain depressed, the Company continued implementing plans to significantly reduce its cash burn rate ensuring that we are positioned to meet all challenges as they emerge and at the same time identify strategic growth opportunities with the potential to deliver value to the Company and our shareholders. Following closing of the Sandstorm transaction, the Company had approximately $15.6 million in cash. Overall, Entree is part of a small group of junior exploration and mining companies with quality assets, strong management, meaningful treasury, and a growth mandate." All dollar figures in this news release are in United States currency unless otherwise noted. Highlights for the year ended December 31, 2015 and subsequent developments through March 30, 2016 include: MONGOLIA Entree/Oyu Tolgoi Joint Venture, Mongolia Entree has a 20% carried interest in the Hugo North Extension and Heruga deposits, which are included in the 12 kilometre-long Oyu Tolgoi series of copper-gold-molybdenum deposits in Mongolia. The first lift of the Hugo North Extension deposit is included in the next phase (Phase 2) of underground mine development. In 2015, Entree's joint venture partner, Oyu Tolgoi LLC ("OTLLC"), along with Rio Tinto, Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd. ("Turquoise Hill") and the Government of Mongolia worked towards the successful resolution of outstanding OTLLC shareholder issues which halted Oyu Tolgoi underground development in 2013. On May 18, 2015, Turquoise Hill announced that an Oyu Tolgoi Underground Mine Development and Financing Plan (the "Mine Plan") had been signed by the Government of Mongolia, OTLLC, Turquoise Hill and Rio Tinto. The Mine Plan addresses outstanding OTLLC shareholder matters and provides a pathway forward to the restart of Phase 2 underground development. On December 14, 2015, Turquoise Hill announced that OTLLC had signed a $4.4 billion finance facility (with provision for up to $6 billion) for underground mine development at the Oyu Tolgoi project. The parties are currently working on completion and approval of an updated Oyu Tolgoi Feasibility Study (including an updated capital estimate), and securing all necessary permits for the development of the underground mine. Pre-start activities have been underway since the third quarter of 2015, and Turquoise Hill expects a formal 'Notice to Proceed' decision for underground construction in the second quarter of 2016, once Turquoise Hill, Rio Tinto and OTLLC board approvals are received. Updated Technical Report Entree today filed a technical report titled "Lookout Hill Feasibility Study Update" and dated March 29, 2016 ("LHTR16") which was prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). LHTR16 aligns the mine plan for the Entree/Oyu Tolgoi joint venture property with the technical report titled "Oyu Tolgoi 2014 Technical Report" ("2014 OTTR"), which was filed by Turquoise Hill on October 28, 2014. The 2014 OTTR was based on an updated mine plan using reserves only ("Reserve Case") and derived from the technical, production and cost data in OTLLC's 2014 Oyu Tolgoi Feasibility Study. The Reserve Case is the most likely mining scenario for reserves exploited in the initial ("Lift 1") underground block cave mining operation, including Lift 1 of the Entree/Oyu Tolgoi joint venture's Hugo North Extension deposit. LHTR16 also discusses several alternative production cases that would include resources from other Oyu Tolgoi deposits including the joint venture's Hugo North Extension Lift 2 and Heruga, and allow for continuous improvement in plant throughput and potential plant expansions up to 350 thousand tonnes per day ("ktpd"). Due to the nature of the deposits associated with Oyu Tolgoi, the project has the flexibility to consider several options for optimizing the overall mine plan for the benefit of stakeholders. Separate development decisions will need to be made based on future prevailing conditions and the experience obtained from developing and operating the initial phases of the project. Key results from LHTR16 include: Hugo North Extension Probable reserve is 35 million tonnes ("Mt") grading 1.59% copper, 0.55 grams per tonne ("g/t") gold and 3.72 g/t silver. Hugo North Extension net smelter returns ("NSR") is $100.57/t (calculated from the financial model). The NSR calculation reflects the net value received for the ore by the mine (after all costs and charges). An NSR has been calculated on a U.S. Dollar per tonne basis for each of the mineral reserve areas. The Hugo North Extension has the highest NSR calculated for all the deposits at Oyu Tolgoi. Reserve Case after tax net present value (using an 8% discount) for Entree's 20% interest is $106 million. Hugo North Extension mineral resources are updated, and: The Hugo North Extension Indicated mineral resource estimate is very similar to the previously reported (2013) resource estimate. The local improvement in resources on the joint venture side has increased the reserve tonnage and contained copper. The Hugo North Extension Inferred mineral resource estimate has increased substantially from the previously reported estimate. This increase is largely due to new, more refined geological modelling, but a change to the copper equivalency formula has also had a small effect. The change to the formula used to calculate copper equivalency for Heruga Inferred mineral resources has resulted in a 7% drop in tonnage and an overall 10% drop in copper equivalent metal relative to the previously reported (2013) resource estimate. Underground block cave mine production is 95 ktpd. The plant rate for the Reserve Case remains the nominal 100 ktpd. Underground ore handling will be conveyed to surface via decline, which opens the project to additional production flexibility and future optionality. The mine plan still makes use of the existing shafts and the planned shafts that were defined in the previous report. The combined capacity of the decline conveyor and shafts is 130-140 ktpd. In LHTR16, Lift 1 Entree/Oyu Tolgoi joint venture development ore starts in 2021 and joint venture cave production commences in 2027. In the Reserve Case, production from Lift 1 at Hugo North Extension totals 34.8 Mt averaging 1.59% copper and 0.55 g/t gold and is estimated to last until 2034. Development and sustaining capital costs for the joint venture's portion of the Hugo North Extension Lift 1 block cave are estimated at $435 million - approximately $87 million of which will be the responsibility of Entree. Under the terms of the joint venture, Entree elected to have OTLLC debt finance Entree's share of costs with interest accruing at OTLLC's actual cost of capital or prime plus 2%, whichever is less, at the date of the advance. Debt repayment may be made in whole or in part from (and only from) 90% of monthly available cash flow arising from sale of Entree's share of products. The Company's technical report, titled "Lookout Hill Feasibility Study Update", with an effective date of March 29, 2016, is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. LHTR16 was prepared by OreWin Pty Ltd. UNITED STATES Ann Mason Project, Nevada In 2014, the Company retained AGP Mining Consultants Inc. ("AGP") and Amec Foster Wheeler Americas Limited ("Amec Foster Wheeler") to update the Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") of the Company's 100% owned Ann Mason copper-molybdenum porphyry deposit in Nevada. On September 9, 2015, the Company announced the results of an updated Preliminary Economic Assessment on the Ann Mason deposit (the "2015 PEA"). Similar to the previously reported PEA (2012), the 2015 PEA envisions an open pit and conventional sulphide flotation milling operation. The 2015 PEA incorporates the results of an infill drill program undertaken by Entree between August 2014 and late January 2015 and a new resource estimate for the Ann Mason deposit. Approximately 95% of the mineralization constrained within the ultimate PEA pit ("Phase 5") is now classified as either Measured or Indicated resources with the remaining 5% as Inferred resources. The 2015 PEA also includes results of a detailed metallurgical program, designed to better characterize the metallurgical processes and recoveries in the 2015 PEA and to support a future Pre-Feasibility study. Key results from the 2015 PEA can be summarized as follows: Base case, pre-tax net present value (using a 7.5% discount rate) ("NPV7.5") of $1,158 million, internal rate of return ("IRR") of 15.8% and payback of 6.4 years, based on long term metal prices of $3.00/lb copper, $11.00/lb molybdenum, $1,200/oz gold and $20/oz silver (the "Base Case"). Base Case post-tax NPV7.5 of $770 million, IRR of 13.7% and payback of 6.9 years. Development capital costs of approximately $1.35 billion, including $103 million contingency. Pre-production development of three years. Mine production for 21 years, followed by four years of reclamation (Life of Mine or "LOM"). Average LOM cash costs (net of by-product sales) pre-tax of $1.49/lb copper (see Non-U.S. GAAP Performance Measurement below). Average LOM all-in sustaining costs ("AISC") (net of by-product sales) pre-tax of $1.57/lb copper (see Non-U.S. GAAP Performance Measurement below). Net average pre-tax undiscounted cash flow over Years 1 to 21 of approximately $298 million per year (and post-tax of $238 million per year). LOM payable production of approximately: 5.1 billion pounds of copper, 46 million pounds of molybdenum, 0.4 million ounces of gold, and 8.8 million ounces of silver. Average annual payable production of approximately: 241 million pounds of copper, 2.2 million pounds of molybdenum, 20,000 ounces of gold, and 421,000 ounces of silver. Strip ratio of 2.01:1 waste to mineralized material (including pre-strip). LOM average copper recovery of 92%. Copper concentrate grading 30%. The 2015 PEA is preliminary in nature and includes Inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves, and there is no certainty that the PEA will be realized. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The 2015 PEA, titled "Updated Preliminary Economic Assessment on the Ann Mason Project, Nevada, U.S.A.", with an effective date of September 9, 2015, is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The 2015 PEA was prepared by AGP, Amec Foster Wheeler, and Porcupine Engineering Services. SANDSTORM AGREEMENT On February 23, 2016, the Company entered into an agreement with Sandstorm Gold Ltd. ("Sandstorm") to amend the Equity Participation and Funding Agreement dated February 14, 2013 (the "2013 Agreement"). The Agreement to Amend provides for a 17% reduction in the metal credits that Entree is required to sell and deliver to Sandstorm under the 2013 Agreement. Concurrently, Entree refunded a portion of the refundable deposit (thereby reducing the deposit to $33.2 million) by paying $5.5 million in cash and issuing 5,128,604 common shares at a price of C$0.3496 per share. At closing, the parties entered into an Amended and Restated Equity Participation and Funding Agreement dated February 14, 2013, and amended March 1, 2016. In addition to reducing the Company's future obligation to sell metal credits to Sandstorm, Entree immediately benefited from greater control over its treasury and an increased ability to preserve cash. See the Company's news release dated March 1, 2016. OTHER CORPORATE HIGHLIGHTS In efforts to conserve cash reserves, the Company has made, and continues to make, adjustments to operations including rationalizing land holdings in Mongolia, reducing staff levels in each of Mongolia, Canada and the United States, as well as reducing other overhead expenditures. On July 14, 2015, Anna Stylianides was appointed to the Company's Board of Directors. On November 16, 2015, Stephen Scott was appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Company, succeeding Gregory Crowe following his resignation as President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of the Company effective November 13, 2015. Effective April 1, 2016, Mr. Scott will be appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and will concurrently be appointed to the Company's Board of Directors. In 2015, the Company acquired a 0.5% net smelter returns royalty on Candente Copper Corp.'s 100% owned Canariaco project in Peru for $500,000. The Canariaco project includes the Canariaco Norte copper-gold-silver deposit, as well as the adjacent Canariaco Sur and Quebrada Verde prospects, located within the western Cordillera of the Peruvian Andes in the Department of Lambaveque, Northern Peru. The Company is pleased to announce that Duane Lo has joined Entree as Interim Chief Financial Officer effective April 1, 2016. Mr. Lo has over 17 years of experience in accounting and financial management, including 13 years in the financing, management and administration of mining operations and development projects in Brazil, Africa and other jurisdictions. He was previously the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Luna Gold Corp. and Corporate Controller for First Quantum Minerals Ltd. Mr. Lo was also employed at Deloitte in the assurance and advisory practice. He holds a Canadian Chartered Accountant designation from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of British Columbia. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company incurred a net loss of $7,831,063 ($0.05 per share) compared to a net loss of $8,669,188 ($0.06 per share) for the year ended December 31, 2014. The decrease in net loss is due to lower operating expenditures primarily due to a combination of lower exploration costs, lower consultancy and advisory fees and high foreign exchange gains. As at December 31, 2015, the Company had working capital of $21,844,252, including cash of $22,785,658. Entree's average monthly operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2015, were approximately $590,000, including exploration, general and administrative expenses and investor relations expenses. In efforts to conserve cash reserves, Entree has made, and continues to make, adjustments to operations. Certain one-time expenditures related to reducing staff levels are included in the 2015 average monthly operating expense. Consequently, average monthly operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2016 will be significantly lower than in the year ended December 31, 2015. SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION As at December 31, 2015 As at December 31, 2014 Working capital (1) $ 21,844,252 $ 32,603,711 Total assets 61,662,485 79,690,498 Total long term liabilities (2) 39,315,880 44,269,904 (1) Working Capital is defined as Current Assets less Current Liabilities. (2) Long term liabilities include $28,924,857 of deferred revenue related to a deposit on a metal credit delivering obligation. The Company's Annual Financial Statements, management's discussion and analysis ("MD&A") and Annual Information Form are available on the Company website, on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. The Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F has been filed with the SEC, and is available on the Company website. Shareholders can receive a hard copy of the Company's audited Annual Financial Statements upon request. QUALIFIED PERSON Robert Cinits, P.Geo., Entree's Vice President, Corporate Development, a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101, has approved the technical information in this release. NON-U.S. GAAP PERFORMANCE MEASURMENT "Cash costs" and ASIC are non-U.S. GAAP performance measurements. These performance measurements are included because these statistics are widely accepted as the standard of reporting cash costs of production in North America. These performance measurements do not have a meaning within U.S. GAAP and, therefore, amounts presented may not be comparable to similar data presented by other mining companies. These performance measurements should not be considered in isolation as a substitute for measures of performance in accordance with U.S. GAAP. ABOUT ENTREE GOLD INC. Entree Gold Inc. is a Canadian mineral exploration company balancing opportunity and risk with key assets in Mongolia and Nevada. As a joint venture partner with a carried interest on a portion of the Oyu Tolgoi mining project in Mongolia, Entree has a unique opportunity to participate in one of the world's largest copper-gold projects managed by one of the premier mining companies - Rio Tinto. Oyu Tolgoi, with its series of deposits containing copper, gold and molybdenum, has been under exploration and development since the late 1990s. Additionally, Entree has also been advancing its Ann Mason Project in one of the world's most favourable mining jurisdictions, Nevada. The Ann Mason Project hosts the Ann Mason copper-molybdenum deposit as well as the Blue Hill copper deposit within the rejuvenated Yerington copper camp. Sandstorm Gold, Rio Tinto and Turquoise Hill Resources are major shareholders of Entree, holding approximately 15%, 11% and 9% of issued and outstanding shares, respectively. This News Release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (together, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to the future prices of copper, gold, molybdenum and silver; the estimation of mineral reserves and resources; the realization of mineral reserve and resource estimates; anticipated future production, capital and operating costs, cash flows and mine life; completion of a Pre-Feasibility study on the Ann Mason Project; the potential impact of future exploration results on Ann Mason mine design and economics; the potential development of Ann Mason; potential types of mining operations; construction and continued development of the Oyu Tolgoi underground mine; the anticipated value of Entree's interest in Lift 1 of the Hugo North Extension deposit; potential size of a mineralized zone; potential expansion of mineralization; potential discovery of new mineralized zones; potential metallurgical recoveries and grades; plans for future exploration and/or development programs and budgets; permitting time lines; anticipated business activities; corporate strategies; requirements for additional capital; uses of funds; proposed acquisitions and dispositions of assets; and future financial performance. In certain cases, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budgeted", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "does not anticipate" or "believes" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". While the Company has based these forward-looking statements on its expectations about future events as at the date that such statements were prepared, the statements are not a guarantee of Entree's future performance and are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies, local and global economic conditions, legal proceedings and negotiations and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the status of the Company's relationship and interaction with the Government of Mongolia, OTLLC, Rio Tinto and Turquoise Hill. With respect to the construction and continued development of the Oyu Tolgoi underground mine, important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and information include, amongst others, the approval of the 2015 Oyu Tolgoi Feasibility Study by OTLLC and its shareholders; the timing and cost of the construction and expansion of mining and processing facilities; the timing and availability of a long term power source for the Oyu Tolgoi underground mine; the timing to satisfy all conditions precedent to the first drawdown of project financing; the impact of the delay in the funding and development of the Oyu Tolgoi underground mine; delays, and the costs which would result from delays, in the development of the underground mine; and production estimates and the anticipated yearly production of copper, gold and silver at the Oyu Tolgoi underground mine. Other uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by forward-looking statements and information include, amongst others, whether the size, grade and continuity of deposits and resource and reserve estimates have been interpreted correctly from exploration results; whether the results of preliminary test work are indicative of what the results of future test work will be; fluctuations in commodity prices and demand; changing foreign exchange rates; actions by Rio Tinto, Turquoise Hill and/or OT LLC and by government authorities including the Government of Mongolia; the availability of funding on reasonable terms; the impact of changes in interpretation to or changes in enforcement of, laws, regulations and government practices, including laws, regulations and government practices with respect to mining, foreign investment, royalties and taxation; the terms and timing of obtaining necessary environmental and other government approvals, consents and permits; the availability and cost of necessary items such as power, water, skilled labour, transportation and appropriate smelting and refining arrangements; and misjudgements in the course of preparing forward-looking statements. In addition, there are also known and unknown risk factors which may cause the actual results, performances or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements and information. Such factors include, among others, risks related to international operations, including legal and political risk in Mongolia; risks associated with changes in the attitudes of governments to foreign investment; risks associated with the conduct of joint ventures; discrepancies between actual and anticipated production, mineral reserves and resources and metallurgical recoveries; global financial conditions; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; inability to upgrade Inferred mineral resources to Indicated or Measured mineral resources; inability to convert mineral resources to mineral reserves; conclusions of economic evaluations; future prices of copper, gold, silver and molybdenum; failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining government approvals, permits or licences or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities; environmental risks; title disputes; limitations on insurance coverage; as well as those factors described in the Company's most recently filed Management's Discussion and Analysis and in the Company's Annual Information Form for the financial year ended December 31, 2015, dated March 30, 2016 filed with the Canadian Securities Administrators and available at www.sedar.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company is under no obligation to update or alter any forward-looking statements except as required under applicable securities laws. VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - March 30, 2016) - China Gold International Resources Corp. Ltd. (TSX:CGG)(HKSE:2099) (the "Company" or "China Gold International Resources") is pleased to report Year-End 2015 results and provide 2016 Outlook. 2015 Financial, Production and Operating Highlights Revenue increased by 22%, or US$62.1 million, from US$277.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, to US$339.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. Revenue from the Chang Shan Hao Gold Mine (the "CSH Mine", the "CSH Gold Mine" or "CSH") was US$233.8 million (2014: US$185.9 million), an increase of US$47.9 million, due to a 36% increase in gold sales volume. Gold produced by the CSH Mine was 204,471 ounces (gold sold: 209,285), compared to 163,443 ounces (gold sold: 153,736 ounces) for the same period in 2014. Increased production and sales volumes during 2015 are attributed to the commencement of commercial production of the new heap leaching and processing system in October 2014, which has doubled CSH's processing capacity. Revenue from the Jiama Copper-Gold Polymetallic Mine (the "Jiama Mine" or "Jiama") was US$106.1 million compared to US$91.9 million for the same period in 2014. Total copper sold was 17,859 tonnes (39.4 million pounds) for the year ended December 31, 2015, an increase of 44% from 12,362 tonnes (27.3 million pounds) for the same period in 2014. The increase in revenue is attributed to increased levels of copper production. Total copper produced in 2015 amounted to 38.1 million pounds, an increase of 24% from 30.8 million pounds of copper produced in 2014. Cost of sales of US$277.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, increased by US$98.3 million or 55% from US$178.8 million for the same period in 2014. The increase in cost of sales is attributable to higher sales volumes of both copper and gold. CSH contributed US$66.9 million to the overall increase of cost of sales due to a 26% increase in its revenue, resulting from the commencement of commercial production in October 2014. Jiama contributed US$31.4 million to the overall increase in cost of sales due to a 34% increase in its sales volume. Cost of sales as a percentage of revenue for the Company increased to 82% from 64% for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to 2014. Mine operating earnings of US$62.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 decreased by 36%, or US$36.2 million, from US$99 million for the comparative 2014 period. Mine operating earnings as a percentage of revenue decreased from 36% to 18% for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to 2014. The decrease in mine operating earnings as a percentage of revenue can be attributed to a 20% decrease in the realized average price of copper per pound and an 8% decrease in the realized average price of gold per ounce for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2015, respectively. General and administrative expenses decreased by US$1.3 million, from US$25.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 to US$23.8 million for the comparative period in 2015. The decrease is due to the Company's implementation of cost reduction programs and continuous efforts in monitoring spending. Income from operations for the year ended December 31, 2015 of US$38.7 million, decreased by US$34.7 million from US$73.4 million for the same period in 2014. Finance costs of US$21.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 decreased by US$2.5 million, from US$23.9 million for the same period in 2014. The decrease is primarily due to a 20% or US$233.3 million reduction in total borrowings from US$1,185.8 million at December 31, 2014 compared to US$952 million at December 31, 2015. The finance expense decreased during the year ended December 31, 2015, US$23.9 million (2014: US$16.4 million) of interest payments were capitalized for borrowing costs related to the Jiama Mine expansion. Foreign exchange loss decreased to US$13.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 from a gain of US$6.3 million for the same 2014 period. The 2015 loss is related to the revaluation of monetary items held in Chinese RMB and Hong Kong Dollars, which was based on changes in the RMB/HKD/USD exchange rates. During August 2015, the RMB depreciated by approximately 3% against the US dollar. Interest and other income of US$12.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 increased from US$7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, due to increased interest income earned on term deposits and related party loans. Loss on Available for sale investment of US$4.7 million was recognized in relation to the equity securities investment listed in Hong Kong during the year ended December 31, 2015, the fair market value adjustments were recognized as equity reserve in the year ended December 31, 2014. The loss was recorded due to an overall 24% decline in the share price of the investment security since the purchase date. Income tax expense of US$18.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 decreased by 12%, from US$20.8 million for the comparative 2014 period. During the current period, the Company had US$6.7 million of deferred income tax expense compared to US$4.8 million in 2014, the change is attributed to the depreciation of the RMB. Net loss/profit of the Company decreased by US$48.7 million from income of US$41.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 to a loss of US$6.8 million. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company's production levels increased by 26% in gold and 24% in copper, sales volumes of gold increased by 36% and 44% for copper, however, were offset by the significant decline in commodity prices in addition to the depreciation of the RMB. A significant portion of the Company's net loss is also attributed to the US$4.7 million loss realized on the available for sale investment due to a considerable decrease in its market value, in addition to US$13.5 million of foreign exchange loss primarily due to the depreciation of the RMB. The capital expenditure incurred in the CSH Mine for the year ended December 31, 2015 was US$71.6 million. The cash production cost, and total production cost for the CSH Mine are presented in the table below. The cash production cost, and total production cost of gold per ounce both increased in 2015 compared with the same period in 2014. The major reason is higher waste rock removal costs. CSH Mine Year ended December 31, 2015 2014 Total production cost (US$) of gold per ounce 884 768 Cash production cost* (US$) of gold per ounce 702 590 * Non-IFRS measure The capital expenditure incurred for the Jiama Mine expansion for the year ended December 31, 2015 was US$206.0 million. The cash production cost, and total production cost for the Jiama Mine are presented in the table below. The cash production cost of copper per pound increased due to the lower grade of ore in 2015. The total production costs of copper per pound slightly decreased due to less depreciation and amortization expenditures per pound included in the production costs, as a result of a higher copper production during the year. Jiama Mine Year ended December 31, 2015 2014 Total production cost* (US$) of copper per pound 2.84 2.97 Total production cost* (US$) of copper per poundafter by-products credits*** 1.99 2.01 Cash production cost** (US$) per pound of copper 2.39 2.33 Cash production cost** (US$) of copper per poundafter by-products credits*** 1.54 1.37 * Production costs include expenditures incurred at the mine sites for the activities related to production including mining, processing, mine site G&A and royalties etc. ** Non-IFRS measure *** By-products credit refers to the sales of gold and silver during the corresponding period. The expansion program at the Jiama Mine is implemented in two stages, adding 22,000 tpd mineral processing capacity in each stage. Two source pits are ready to provide ore feed. Stage one of the processing plant started the commissioning in October 2015. Stage two of the expansion has been started and construction is expected to be completed in the second half of 2016, along with the completion of the underground development system. The Company has not carried out any peripheral mineral exploration at the Jiama Mine as of December 31, 2015 as it has been focusing on the phase II expansion program. The Company plans peripheral prospecting and mineral exploration work in 2016. Liquidity and Capital Resources: At December 31, 2015, the Company had an accumulated surplus of US$186.3 million, working deficit US$5.83 million and borrowings of US$952.4 million. The Company's cash balance at December 31, 2015 was US$112.4 million. The Company's borrowings are comprised of US$498.5 million of 3.5% unsecured bonds maturing on July 17, 2017 and US$218.27 million of short term debt facilities with interest rates ranging from 3.62% to 6.00% per annum arranged through various banks in China. In addition, on November 3, 2015, the Company entered into a Loan Facility agreement with a syndicate of banks, led by Bank of China. The lenders agreed to lend to the aggregate principle amount of RMB 3.98 billion, approximately USD 613 million with the interest rate of 2.83% per annum currently. Mr. Bing Liu, CEO of the Company, commented, "It was my honor again to work with an incredible team of dedicated executives and employees and the directors to bring you another year of successful operations. We are currently witnessing one of the biggest downturns in the mining industry in recent years. It becomes very critical for any company to adjust its strategy to assure profitability. Our management team has done exactly that this year. In 2015, both our gold and copper production targets were surpassed. We have made significant advancements in technological innovation and cost control and are aiming to prosper despite challenging market conditions." 2016 Production and Operating Outlook: The Company will continue to leverage the technical and operating experience of the Company's controlling shareholder, China National Gold Group Corporation ("CNG"), to improve operations at its mines, increase production and minimize costs. To fulfill its growth strategy, the Company is continually working with CNG and other interested parties to identify potential international mining opportunities, mainly outside of China, which can be readily and quickly brought into production with the possibility of further expansion through continued exploration. The 2016 copper production for the Company is expected to be approximately 38.6 million pounds. The 2016 gold production for the Company is expected to be approximately 235,000 ounces. Annual Results Investor and Media Presentation Management will hold its 2015 Annual Results Investor and Media Presentation in Hong Kong on April 7, 2016 at 10 a.m. (Hong Kong time). Year-End 2015 results and performance will be discussed with a question and answer period. For a detailed look at the financial statements and MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2015, please visit the Company's website at www.chinagoldintl.com, The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited's website at www.hkex.com.hk or SEDAR at www.sedar.com. About China Gold International Resources China Gold International Resources Corp. Ltd. is based in Vancouver, BC, Canada and operates two growing mines, the CSH Gold Mine in Inner Mongolia, and the Jiama Copper-Polymetallic Mine in Tibet Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China. The Company's objective is to continue to build shareholder value by growing production at its current mining operations, expanding its resource base, and aggressively acquiring and developing new projects internationally. The Company is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX:CGG) and the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (HKSE:2099). Cautionary Note About Forward-Looking Statements Certain information regarding China Gold International Resources contained herein may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements may include estimates, plans, expectations, opinions, forecasts, projections, guidance or other statements that are not statements of fact. Although China Gold International Resources believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. China Gold International Resources cautions that actual performance will be affected by a number of factors, most of which are beyond its control, and that future events and results may vary substantially from what China Gold International Resources currently foresees. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration results, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. The forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The information contained herein is stated as of the current date and subject to change after that date. VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - March 30, 2016) - Trevali Mining Corporation ("Trevali" or the "Company") (TSX:TV) (LMA:TV) (OTCQX:TREVF) (FRANKFURT:4TI) has released its financial results for the year ended December 31, 2015 reporting annual Santander Zinc Mine operations income of $6.7 million on concentrate sales revenue of $106.4 million, and resulted in a net loss of $14.3 million ($0.05 per share). This release should be read in conjunction with Trevali's audited annual consolidated financial statements and management's discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2015, which is available on Trevali's website and on SEDAR. All financial figures are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated. 2015 Annual Results Highlights: Santander concentrate sales revenue of $106.4 million EBITDA (1) of $12 million of $12 million Income from Santander mine operations of $6.7 million Net loss of $14.3 million or ($0.05) per share 2015 Santander site cash costs (2) of US$0.33 per pound of payable Zinc Equivalent ("ZnEq") (3) produced or US$42.65/tonne milled, beating the Company's revised 2015 year-end guidance of US$46-48 per tonne milled of US$0.33 per pound of payable Zinc Equivalent ("ZnEq") produced or US$42.65/tonne milled, beating the Company's revised 2015 year-end guidance of US$46-48 per tonne milled Annual production of 54.1 million payable pounds of zinc, 30.2 million payable pounds of lead and 1.1 million payable ounces of silver, exceeding production guidance for the year Provisional realized commodity selling prices for Santander 2015 production was US$0.84 per pound zinc, US$0.77 per pound lead and US$15.67 per ounce silver respectively at International Benchmark terms under the Company's offtake agreement with Glencore Santander mill recoveries remain higher than design at 90% for Zn, 89% for Pb and 77% for Ag Q4-2015 Highlights: Record quarterly Santander mill throughput of 204,999 tonnes Quarterly production of 13.1 million payable pounds of zinc, 6.3 million payable pounds of lead and 0.22 million payable ounces of silver Q4-2015 Santander site cash costs (2) of US$0.32 per pound of payable Zinc Equivalent ("ZnEq") (3) produced or US$38.70/tonne milled of US$0.32 per pound of payable Zinc Equivalent ("ZnEq") produced or US$38.70/tonne milled Q4-2015 EBITDA(1) of ($1.9 million) and loss from Santander mine operations of $2.3 million "We remain pleased with the continued strong operational results from our Santander zinc mine where we've seen ongoing efficiencies realized throughout 2015 despite a weakened commodity price climate during the second half of the year," stated Dr. Mark Cruise, Trevali's President and CEO. "The Company currently has in excess of $20 million in the treasury and continues to advance the commissioning of the Caribou zinc mine, which when in full production is anticipated to substantially boost the Company's zinc output and position the Company to benefit from forecast increases in the zinc price looking forward. Year-to-date zinc remains one of the best performing metals and annual 2016 smelter Treatment Charges have decreased materially, having reversed approximately 80% of its 2012-2015 gains in a single year, reflecting a tightening global zinc concentrate market. It is noteworthy that global zinc supply is on-track to decrease by record levels in both absolute tonnages and percentage-wise in 2016, which general consensus suggests should result in very material strengthening in zinc prices going forward." 2015 Financial Results Conference Call The Company will host a conference call and audio webcast at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time (7:30 a.m. Pacific Time) on Thursday, March 31, 2016 to review the 2015 annual financial results. Participants are advised to dial in 5-to-10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time of the call. Conference call dial-in details: Toll-free (North America): 1-866-223-7781 Toronto and international: 1-416-340-2216 Audio Webcast: http://www.gowebcasting.com/7412 Summary Financial Results ($ millions, except per-share amounts) 2015 2014 Revenues $106.4 $94.2 Income from Santander mining operations $6.7 $12.7 Net income (loss) ($14.3) ($7.0) Basic Income per share ($0.05) ($0.03) Santander Production Statistics 2015 2014 Tonnes Mined 722,360 664,257 Tonnes Milled 778,151 709,140 Average Head Grades % Zinc 4.14 % 4.24 % Lead 2.09 % 1.89 % Silver - Oz (ounces)/ton 1.66 1.64 Average Recoveries % Zinc 90 % 88 % Lead 89 % 85 % Silver 77 % 75 % Concentrate Produced DMT (dry metric tonne): Zinc 58,232 54,204 Lead 24,962 19,375 Concentrate Grades % Zinc 50 % 50 % Lead 58 % 57 % Ag - Oz/ton 40.48 46.65 Payable Production: Zinc lbs (pounds) 54,148,660 50,449,145 Lead lbs (pounds) 30,237,350 23,326,597 Silver Oz 1,055,965 914,637 Santander Sales Summary: 2015 2014 Zinc Concentrate (DMT) 58,214 53,709 Lead Concentrate (DMT) 25,094 18,907 Payable Zinc lbs 52,874,706 49,020,070 Payable Lead lbs 30,407,701 22,584,578 Payable Silver Oz 1,054,904 892,749 Revenues (USD$)(5) 83,169,691 85,270,552 Average Realized Metal Price: Zinc $ 0.84 $ 0.96 Lead $ 0.77 $ 0.95 Silver $ 15.67 $ 18.99 Zinc Equivalent lbs Sold(4) 100,709,725 88,882,849 Zinc Equivalent lbs Payable Produced(3) 101,648,053 91,474,651 Site Cash Cost(2) per Equivalent Payable Zinc lb Produced (USD$)(3) $ 0.33 $ 0.37 Cash Cost(2) per Tonne Milled (USD$) $ 42.65 $ 47.33 (1) EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) is calculated by considering Company's earnings before interest payments, tax, depreciation, and amortization are subtracted for any final accounting of its income and expenses. The EBITDA of a business gives an indication of its current operational profitability and is a NON-IFRS measure. (2) Refer to Non-IFRS Measures in the December 31, 2015 Management Discussion and Analysis. (3) ZnEq Payable Pounds Produced = ((Zn Payable lbs Produced x Zn Price)+(Pb Payable lbs Produced x Pb Price)+(Cu Payable lbs Produced x Cu Price)+(Au oz Payable Produced x Au Price)+(Ag oz Payable Produced x Ag Price))/Zn Price. (4) ZnEq Payable Pounds Sold = ((Zn Payable lbs Sold x Zn Price)+(Pb Payable lbs Sold x Pb Price)+(Cu Payable lbs Sold x Cu Price)+(Au oz Payable Sold x Au Price)+(Ag oz Payable Sold x Ag Price))/Zn Price. (All metal prices are the average realized metal price for the period). (5) Revenues include prior quarter's adjustment. Santander Operations, Peru Santander achieved outstanding operational results in 2015. The Company exceeded expected production guidance for the year, which was estimated at approximately 48-50 million pounds of payable zinc, 23-25 million pounds of payable lead and 850,000-950,000 ounces of payable silver, achieving actual production results of 54.1 million pounds of payable zinc, 30.2 million pounds of payable lead and 1,055,965 ounces of payable silver. Estimated 2015 cash costs of US$48-51 per tonne milled was also bettered, coming in at US$42.65 per tonne milled for the year (2014 - US$47.33). The decrease in per tonne costs is due to higher mill throughput and continued cost optimization throughout 2015 versus 2014. In addition, many of the cost and optimization savings were realized in the renegotiations of key contracts, fuel and power for the mine and mill. (2) The mill continued to perform at above design recoveries averaging 90% for zinc, 89% for lead and 77% for silver. Mill throughput for the year was 778,151 tonnes. Average head grades were 4.14% Zinc (Zn), 2.09% Lead (Pb) and 1.66 oz/ton Silver (Ag) with production of 58,232 tonnes of zinc concentrate averaging 50% Zn and 24,962 tonnes of lead-silver concentrate averaging 58% Pb and 40 oz/ton Ag. During the year, the Company sold approximately 52.9 million pounds, 30.4 million pounds, and 1.1 million ounces of zinc, lead and silver respectively. Annual revenues were approximately US$83.2 million, with average realized metal prices for the year of US$0.84 per pound of zinc, US$0.77 per pound of lead and US$15.67 per ounce of silver. The Company also received additional assay results for 10 holes from its 2015 resource definition and expansion program (see March 22, 2016 - TV-NR-16-07 news release). Drilling intersected high-grade zinc mineralization and successfully expanded the Magistral Central and South zones: intercepts ranged from 5 to 15 metres downhole thickness (est. at 85-95% of true width) with grades ranging from 4.09 to 11.5% Zn, 0.04 to 3.2% Pb and 5.6 to 71 g/t/ Ag. Significantly, the results to date suggest that mineralization width and grade is increasing at depth and that the Magistral South and Central zones have merged into a single zone based on results to date (at depth). The area sits above and is spatially associated with a very large, strong geophysical anomaly (Down-Hole Electromagnetic anomaly approximately 300-by-300 metre modelled conductive plate) that extends at least an additional 150-200 metres deeper than current drilling and remains open to the north, south, east and at depth. Outlook Santander operations continue at steady state 2,000 tonne-per-day nameplate production. The Company continues to work with partner, Glencore's local subsidiary, Empresa Minera Los Quenuales S.A. ("Los Quenuales"), to maximize and improve operational efficiencies. The preliminary 2016 production guidance estimate for the Santander zinc mine is: 52-55 million pounds of payable zinc in concentrate grading approximately 50 percent Zn; 22-25 million pounds of payable lead in concentrate grading approximately 56-58 percent Pb; and 800,000-1,000,000 ounces of payable silver Site cash costs for 2016 are estimated at approximately US$40-US$43 per tonne milled (please see Cautionary Note on Forward Looking Statements at the end of this document). In addition, an approximate 3,000-metre underground drill program is planned for the first half of 2016, which is anticipated to convert inferred tonnes to a higher confidence category and to follow-up on 2015 exploration successes. Contingent on results, additional drilling may occur. The program will continue to define and potentially expand the recently discovered Rosa and Fatima lead-silver-zinc zones in addition to the Magistral zones, all of which remain open for expansion at depth. In Canada, the Company continues to focus on the ongoing commissioning of its Caribou zinc mine and mill to achieve design throughputs from both the mine and mill, including associated recoveries and concentrate quality. The Company will continue to provide regular updates until declaration of commercial production, which based on progress to date is currently estimated to occur in mid-year 2016. Qualified Person and Quality Control/Quality Assurance EurGeol Dr. Mark D. Cruise, Trevali's President and CEO, and Paul Keller, P.Eng, Trevali's Chief Operating Officer, are qualified persons as defined by NI 43-101, have supervised the preparation of the scientific and technical information that forms the basis for this news release. Dr. Cruise is not independent of the Company as he is an officer, director and shareholder. Mr. Keller is not independent of the Company as he is an officer and shareholder. ABOUT TREVALI MINING CORPORATION Trevali is a zinc-focused, base metals mining company with one producing operation in Peru and another currently undergoing commissioning in Canada. In Peru, the Company is actively producing zinc and lead-silver concentrates from its 2,000-tonne-per-day Santander zinc mine. In Canada, Trevali owns the Caribou zinc mine and mill, Halfmile mine and Stratmat deposit all located in the Bathurst Mining Camp of northern New Brunswick. The Company is currently commissioning its 3,000-tonne-per-day Caribou zinc mine. All of the Company's deposits remain open for expansion. The common shares of Trevali are listed on the TSX (symbol TV), the OTCQX (symbol TREVF), the Frankfurt Exchange (symbol 4TI) and on the Lima Stock Exchange (symbol TV). For further details on Trevali, readers are referred to the Company's website (www.trevali.com) and to Canadian regulatory filings on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. On Behalf of the Board of Directors of TREVALI MINING CORPORATION Mark D. Cruise, President This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States private securities litigation reform act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Statements containing forward-looking information express, as at the date of this news release, the Company's plans, estimates, forecasts, projections, expectations, or beliefs as to future events or results and the Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation to, update such statements containing the forward-looking information. Such forward-looking statements and information include, but are not limited to statements as to: the intended use of proceeds in connection with the Offering, the accuracy of estimated mineral resources, anticipated results of future exploration, and forecast future metal prices, expectations that environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-economic, political, marketing or other issues will not materially affect estimates of mineral resources. These statements reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. These statements reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements contained in this news release and the company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: fluctuations in spot and forward markets for silver, zinc, base metals and certain other commodities (such as natural gas, fuel oil and electricity); fluctuations in currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar and Peruvian sol versus the U.S. dollar); risks related to the technological and operational nature of the Company's business; changes in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls or regulations and political or economic developments in Canada, the United States, Peru or other countries where the Company may carry on business in the future; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected geological or structural formations, pressures, cave-ins and flooding); risks relating to the credit worthiness or financial condition of suppliers, refiners and other parties with whom the Company does business; inadequate insurance, or inability to obtain insurance, to cover these risks and hazards; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability and increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses and permits and the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining, diminishing quantities or grades of mineral resources as properties are mined; global financial conditions; business opportunities that may be presented to, or pursued by, the Company; the Company's ability to complete and successfully integrate acquisitions and to mitigate other business combination risks; challenges to, or difficulty in maintaining, the Company's title to properties and continued ownership thereof; the actual results of current exploration activities, conclusions of economic evaluations, and changes in project parameters to deal with unanticipated economic or other factors; and increased competition in the mining industry for properties, equipment, qualified personnel, and their costs. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty or reliance on forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, described or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements or information, other than as required by applicable law. Trevali's production plan at the Caribou Mine is based only on measured, indicated and inferred resources, and not mineral reserves, and does not have demonstrated economic viability. Trevali's production plan at the Santander Mine is based only on indicated and inferred mineral resources, and not mineral reserves, and does not have demonstrated economic viability. Inferred mineral resources are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves, and there is therefore no certainty that the conclusions of the production plans and Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) will be realized. Additionally, where Trevali discusses exploration/expansion potential, any potential quantity and grade is conceptual in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the target being delineated as a mineral resource. We advise US investors that while the terms "measured resources", "indicated resources" and "inferred resources" are recognized and required by Canadian regulations, the US Securities and Exchange Commission does not recognize these terms. US investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the material in these categories will ever be converted into reserves. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities described herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the securities laws of any state and may not be offered or sold within the United States, absent such registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. The TSX has not approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release. [JURIST] Argentinian lawmakers on Thursday voted [press release, in Spanish] to approve a USD $4.65 billion deal with creditors in the US, ending a 14-year debt default. Although the deal was agreed to in principle in February [Reuters report], Congress approval was necessary, and, after 13 hours of debate, it was approved. The deal will greatly improve the financial reputation of Argentina allowing the nation to receive financing and engage in the markets more freely. Litigation related to Argentinas 2001 debt default has continued for years. Earlier this month a judge for the US District Court for the Southern District of New York lifted injunctions [order, PDF] blocking Argentina from paying its restructured debt. In February Argentina and US bondholders settled [JURIST report] a class action lawsuit over the defaulted debt. Last September the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit ruled that a lower court judge should not have expanded a class action suit [JURIST report] of bondholders suing Argentina. Last April the Second Circuit dismissed [JURIST report] the Argentine governments appeal of a contempt charge in an ongoing dispute over Argentinas bond default. In September 2014 Argentina signed into law [JURIST report] a bill to continue making payments on foreign-held bonds outside of US jurisdiction, circumventing the US court ruling [JURIST report] that prohibits Argentina from paying its bondholders until the dispute is resolved. In August 2014 Argentina initiated legal proceedings [JURIST report] against the US in the International Court of Justice over US interference in the restructuring of Argentinas foreign debt. [JURIST] A federal jury in Manhattan on Wednesday found that a defective ignition switch in a General Motors (GM) [corporate website] vehicle was not to blame for a 2014 accident. The jurors deliberated [Reuters report] for less than a day to determine that although the faulty ignition switch made the 2007 Saturn Sky unreasonably dangerous and GM failed to properly warn consumers of the safety risks, the switch was not at fault in this accident, therefore awarding no damages to the plaintiffs. The faulty switches were the subject a delayed recall which has been tied [Detroit News report] to 124 deaths. The switches had the potential to slip out of the run position while driving which would cause loss of power steering and not allowing the airbags to deploy. In this case the two plaintiffs had claimed that they suffered back pain and other injuries when the switch slipped out of position, but GM said that the accident was minor and the result of slippery roads. The jury rather quickly found that the accident was due to the icy conditions and not the ignition switch. This was the first trial regarding the faulty switches to reach a verdict after GM recalled millions of cars that contained the part. GM has already settled [JURIST report] for $900 million with the Department of Justice (DOJ) [official website] to stop a criminal probe by the US, $575 million to settle a shareholder suit and more than 1,380 civil cases by victims, and $595 million through a victims compensation fund outside of court. In recent years other car manufacturers have also faced legal issues for allegedly failing to address malfunctions. The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced [JURIST report] in July that it imposed a $105 million penalty against Fiat Chrysler [corporate website] for its failure to provide a remedy and notices for 23 recalls related to automobile malfunctions. In 2014 the DOJ announced a $1.2 billion settlement [JURIST report] agreement with Toyota for misleading customers and US regulators. In November 2012 Toyota settled [JURIST report] a class action lawsuit for $35.5 million brought by its shareholders failing to disclose vehicle quality issues. The Mississippi Senate approved a highly debated religious freedom bill [official document] by a 31-17 vote on Wednesday. The Senate made slight revisions to the bill after it was passed by the House, requiring the House to give final approval before it is sent to Governor Phil Bryant [official website]. The bill prohibits the government from taking action against religious organizations that decline employment, housing or services to same-sex couples, families who have adopted a foster child and are not in a traditional marriage, and individuals who offer wedding services and refuse to accept same-sex partners. Those opposing the bill believe it is too broad and will sanction religious discrimination. The intersection of religious liberty and sexual orientation and gender identity has been a controversial issue in the US. Earlier this week Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe vetoed [JURIST report] a similar religious freedom bill. Also this week Georgia Governor Nathan Deal said that he would veto a religious freedom bill [HB 757, text]. The bill was given final legislative approval [JURIST report] earlier this month and awaited the governors signature. The governor expressed concern [JURIST report] that the bill contained language that could give rise to state-sanctioned discrimination. Last week North Carolinas governor signed a bill [JURIST report] that prevents local governments from enacting their own nondiscrimination ordinances. The law also requires public school students to use the school bathroom or locker room that corresponds to their sex at birth. Also this month the Kentucky Senate approved a bill [JURIST report] allowing businesses to refuse service to homosexuals based upon their religious beliefs. Earlier in March South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard vetoed a bill [JURIST report] that would have required public school students to use the bathroom or locker room corresponding to their sex at birth. US President Barack Obama on Wednesday commuted the sentences [press release] of 61 federal drug offenders in an effort to reform the sentencing of non-violent criminals. Obama believes the large number of low-level drug offenders facing longer sentences than would be granted under todays laws are clogging up jails and burning through tax dollars. More than one-third of these individuals were facing life sentence. Altogether Obama has granted clemency to nearly 250 prisoners. Obama said [remarks]: I believe America is a nation of second chances, and with hard work, responsibility and better choices, people can change their lives and contribute to our society. Thats why as long as Im president, Im going to keep working for a justice system that restores a sense of fairness, uses tax dollars more wisely, and keeps our communities safe. To qualify prisoners must demonstrate good behavior in prison and have served at least 10 years of their sentence. These individuals must also have a criminal history clear from any gang connection, cartels or organized crime. Obama has recently been striving to reform the harsh sentences for non-violent drug offenders. In October Obama made the case [remarks] for overhauling the nations sentencing laws in front of top law enforcement officials at the 122nd Annual International Association of Chiefs of Police [official website] Conference and Exposition. Obama argued that placing large numbers of nonviolent drug offenders in prison was neither fair nor an effective way of combating crime, stating that it is possible for us to come up with strategies that effectively reduce the damage of the drug trade without relying solely on incarceration. In July Obama spoke at the NAACP Annual Convention and urged [JURIST report] Congress to reform the criminal justice system by enacting legislation that would enforce criminal laws fairly and reduce sentencing disparities. Earlier that week Obama commuted the sentences [JURIST report] of 46 drug offenders in what he said was part of an effort by his administration to remedy the unfairness of the criminal justice system. In 2014 the US Department of Justice announced support for reducing the sentences of nonviolent drug offenders in federal prisons after the US Supreme Court ruled [JURIST reports] in Burrage v. US to relax sentencing guidelines on drug dealers earlier that year. The South Africa Constitutional Court [official website] on Thursday ordered [text, PDF] President Jacob Zuma [official website] to personally repay the amounts determined by the National Treasury, as they relate to the non-security upgrades to his private residence. The issue came to light when several South Africans, including a Member of Parliament, complained to the Public Protector concerning aspects of the security upgrades made to the private residence triggering a fairly extensive investigation by the Protector into the Nkandla project. After such investigation, the Protector concluded that several of the improvements were non-security in nature. The Protector stated that since the government is under an obligation only to provide security for the President at his private residence, any installation that has nothing to do with the Presidents security amounts to undue benefit or unlawful enrichment to him and his family and must therefore be paid for by him. Recognizing that the remedial action taken by the Protector against the president as binding and citing the Presidents failure to comply with the remedial action taken against him by the Protector as a constitutional violation, the court ordered the Treasury to estimate the cost of the unauthorized upgrades for which the president will be held personally responsible. The court stated that, [t]he National Treasury must report back to this Court on the outcome of its determination within 60 days of the date of this order and that The President must personally pay the amount determined by the National Treasury within 45 days of this Courts signification of its approval of the report. The court also ordered the president to reprimand the ministers involved in the unauthorized upgrades, and stated that The resolution passed by the National Assembly absolving the President from compliance is constitutionally invalid and set aside. The Court also added that the President, the Minister of Police and the National Assembly must pay costs of the applications including the costs of two counsel. This is not the first time that Zuma has faced controversy in South Africa politics. Zuma was ousted [JURIST report] as the countrys deputy president in 2005 after an aide was convicted of corruption. He was also charged with rape, but he was ultimately acquitted and reinstated [JURIST report] as African National Congress deputy vice president. In July 2008 the South African Constitutional Court rejected a motion [JURIST report] by Zuma to exclude evidence from the corruption trial. Zuma had argued [JURIST report] that evidence seized in 2005 raids by the Directorate of Special Investigations should be thrown out because the raids violated his rights to privacy and a fair trial. The court upheld the warrants used in the raids, confirming a November 2007 decision [JURIST report] by the Supreme Court of Appeal. He was first charged with corruption in 2005, but those charges were later dismissed [JURIST report] because prosecutors failed to follow proper procedures. A US government official on Wednesday announced that the Department of Defense [official website] has told Congress that it plans to transfer as many as 12 prisoners from the detention center at Guantanamo Bay. The plan would help the US move towards [NYT report] closing the military prison, a goal that US President Barack Obama has held since the start of his first presidential campaign. The disclosure to Congress was made due to a requirement that the Pentagon report that their security standards are sufficient for the release of prisoners 30 days before a transfer may take place. In February Obama delivered a plan to Congress to close Guantanamo Bay [JURIST report]. Currently, 91 detainees remain at the facility, and 34 await resettlement in foreign countries. Earlier this month the former head of the detention center at Guantanamo Bay, US Army Major General Geoffrey Miller, failed to appear [JURIST report] before a French court to answer a subpoena to appear for questioning on his involvement in the torture of two French detainees. In November the US Senate passed [JURIST report] the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 (NDAA), which prohibits Guantanamo detainees from being transferred into the US. Obama signed the bill into law, despite the fact that it could delay his plan to close the prison. The Department of Defense said [JURIST report] in October they were sending teams to review three Colorado prisons as part of Obamas efforts to close the Guantanamo Bay prison in October. The Guantanamo Review Task Force was created in response to a 2009 presidential executive order to review the status of all detainees. There have been multiple detainees released from Guantanamo recently, following reports that 17 were scheduled for release last month [JURIST report]. [JURIST] Venezuelas National Assembly [official website, in Spanish] on Tuesday approved an amnesty law [press release, in Spanish] that would free 77 individuals allegedly jailed for political reasons under a number of crimes such as the instigation of violence or commission of treason. President Nicolas Maduro [BBC profile] has vowed to veto the law by any means [WSJ report]. Roughly half of the prisoners were jailed by Maduro during anti-government protests in 2014 in which 43 individuals were killed. One of the most well-known opposition prisoners, Leopoldo Lopez, was sentenced [JURIST report] by a Venezuelan court to over 13 years in prison in 2015 for inciting violence a year earlier. A former prosecutor from Caracas released a video in October, stating that he was pressured into presenting false evidence [JURIST report] to condemn Lopez. The opposition-led assembly maintains that the jailed political dissidents were not present at the anti-government protests in 2014 and they are being held for illegitimate reasons. Maduros office stated that the law will be sent to the countrys Supreme Court, whose composition is loyal to Maduro. During the vote in the national assembly, Maduro denounced the bill, stating that the law would benefit criminals and terrorists [BBC report], and he announced his intention to veto the bill. The court has blocked every measure passed by the national assembly since the opposition-led party took control in January. There has been considerable legislative tension between the pro-government controlled Supreme Tribunal of Justice and the opposition-majority National Assembly of Venezuela following the December election. Earlier this month, the highest court in Venezuela, the Supreme Tribunal of Justice, ruled that the Venezuelan national assembly may not review the appointment of 13 justices [JURIST report] to the high court by the Socialist Party. The 13 justices were sworn in on December 23, immediately prior to the exit of prior Socialist Party majority. In February the court upheld President Maduros economic emergency decree [JURIST report] as legal and valid despite a rejection by the national assembly. The decree allows the president to control the budget, companies and the currency. In January the Supreme Tribunal of Justice ruled that all decisions from the opposition-led assembly would be void [JURIST report] until three opposition lawmakers were removed from their seats. The courts decision came days after the assembly swore in elected lawmakers that were temporarily barred by the court [JURIST reports]. The ruling had suspended four elected lawmakers for their involvement in alleged election fraud last December [JURIST report]. NEWSLETTER Sign up Tick the boxes of the newsletters you would like to receive. Just Style Daily Update The top stories of the day delivered to you every weekday. Just Style Weekly Update A weekly roundup of the latest news and analysis, sent every Monday. Just Style Magazine The industry's most comprehensive news and information delivered every quarter. New York, 03/31/2016 /SubmitPressRelease123/ French investigators have released a new safety recommendation following a lengthy probe into the circumstances surrounding a Germanwings plane crash. Nearly a year after the crash of Germanwings Flight 9525 on March 24, 2015, which killed 150 people on board, Frances BEA air accident investigation agency has said that worldwide, aviation agencies should develop new rules that would require medical workers to issue warnings to authorities when the mental health of a pilot proves to be a threat to public safety. The investigators determination follows their conclusion that the co-pilot of the flight exhibited mental health issues prior to the flight. Source: Chicago Tribune Report Germanwings crash: Co-pilot showed symptoms consistent with psychotic episode Aviation agencies around the world should draw up new rules requiring medical workers to warn authorities when a pilots mental health could threaten public safety, French investigators recommended Sunday after a yearlong probe into the Germanwings plane crashThe French investigation found that Germanwings co-pilot Andreas Lubitz, who had been treated for depression in the past, had consulted with dozens of doctors in the weeks before he deliberately crashed a jet into the French Alps on March 24, 2015, killing all 150 people on board. To read more of the Chicago Tribune report visit http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/ct-germanwings-crash-report-20160313-story.html. The Duty of Airlines to Protect Plane Passengers From Pilot Misconduct Following the Germanwings plane crash last year, CNN profiled five incidents where the intentional misconduct of plane pilots resulted in serious crashes. Source: CNN Report Deliberate acts: 5 cases of pilots intentionally crashing According to the Aviation Safety Network, five commercial plane crashes since 1976 are believed to have been the intentional work of the pilotThe most well-known incident may be the 1999 crash of EgyptAir Flight 990. The 767 jet, en route to Cairo from New York City, made a rapid descent plunging almost 14,000 feet in 36 seconds and crashed off the Massachusetts coast. To read more visit http://www.cnn.com/2015/03/26/travel/germanwings-crash-death-by-pilot-cases/index.html. New York aviation attorney Jonathan C. Reiter of the Jonathan C. Reiter Law Firm PLLC, who obtained substantial damage awards for the families of several passengers killed in the EgyptAir Flight 990 crash says that airlines have a responsibility to take necessary measures to ensure the protection of passengers. According to the New York lawyer, Commercial airlines in the United States and overseas typically do little if anything to monitor the mental health of their pilots, and rely instead upon the pilots medical certificate or the pilots self-report of a psychiatric condition that would impair his/her ability to safely pilot the airplane. This system is totally inadequate because the medical examinations are not performed by trained psychiatrists, and pilots are reluctant to self-report mental health issues for fear of being grounded and negatively impacting their careers. Additionally, the attorneys says pilots who may be on the way to a psychotic episode may be unaware of how sick they are. For example there is the case of JetBlue Flight 191 on March 27, 2012 in which the pilot had a psychotic episode and went screaming down the aisle of the plane ranting about Al-Quaeda and a bomb being on board. In that case in which the Jonathan C. Reiter Law Firm represented 35 passengers who were psychologically traumatized by the pilots actions, the airline initially attempted to disclaim responsibility for the pilots mental breakdown, although ultimately an amicable settlement was reached to give fair compensation to the passengers. The case did however highlight fatal flaws in the system of preventing mentally ill pilots from causing catastrophic aviation accidents. The comments come after the airline made claims that it was unaware of the pilots mental health condition, despite records showing he demonstrated having mental health issues in acts exhibited prior. There are various types of airline negligence that could lead to a serious plane crash according to the attorney who has previously said of the issue, Thousands of fatalities have been linked to airline errors and misconduct over the last decade. Pilot intoxication, fueling aircraft negligence, FAA violations and other maintenance failures are examples of the types of accident causing issues that airlines have been held accountable for in numerous legal cases throughout the U.S. The Germanwings plane crash is being investigated by The Bureau dEnquetes et dAnalyses pour la Securite de lAviation Civile (BEA), its German counterpart, the Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Investigation (BFU), and the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation. Connect with the Jonathan C. Reiter, PLLC law firm on Facebook, Twitter Hear the New York aviation attorneys legal perspective on recent plane crash cases via YouTube source: http://injuryaccidentnews.jcreiterlaw.com/2016/03/29/investigators-issue-safety-recommendation-germanwings-plane-crash-probe/ Social Media Tags:New York aviation lawyer, New York aviation attorney, pilot misconduct, BEA air accident investigation, airline negligence, plane crash cases, New York lawyer Newsroom powered by Online Press Release Distribution SubmitMyPressRelease.com Like Us on Facebook It's only fair to share... Pinterest Linkedin email Print Dallas, 03/31/2016 /SubmitPressRelease123/ Texas Man Executed for Multiple Murder Convictions Claimed to be Mentally Impaired A Texas man was recently executed in connection with multiple murder convictions stemming from a 1997 shooting. Texas criminal defense attorney Mick Mickelsen, who has no direct connection to the case reports that the man, was convicted of killing the five people, one of whom was his ex-wife near Houston after he claimed to have been taunted by his former wife. Latest: Texas Man Executed for 1997 Rampage That Killed 5 A man convicted of killing five people including his ex-wife in a 1997 shooting rampage near Houston has been put to death. Coy Wesbrook on Wednesday became the eighth inmate executed this year in the U.S. and the fourth in Texas, the most active capital punishment state. The execution was delayed about 90 minutes. Prison officials had anticipated an additional appeal would be filed by a death penalty opponent. To read more visit http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/latest-late-appeal-texas-execution-case-rejected-37533166. Days prior to the execution, an appeal was filed on behalf of the inmate, Coy Westbrook, citing mental impairment, which is grounds for a convicted felon being ineligible for the death penalty if a court finds the appeal to be proper. However, the highest criminal court in Texas, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals ruled that the late appeal was improper, rejecting the request.. Source: Fox News Report The Latest: Late appeal in Texas execution case rejected A death penalty opponents late appeal on an inmates behalf has been rejected by a Texas appeals court. Houston activist Ward Larkins appeal Wednesday came just hours before Coy Wesbrooks scheduled execution for a 1997 shooting rampage that left five people including his ex-wife dead. Larkin asked for Wesbrooks trial court to again review claims that the former security guard and delivery driver is mentally impaired and ineligible for the death penalty. To read more visit http://www.foxnews.com/us/2016/03/09/latest-late-appeal-in-texas-execution-case-rejected.html. Death Penalty Appeals According to Texas criminal appeals attorney Mick Mickelsen of the Dallas based Broden & Mickelsen law firm, the appeals process for death penalty cases can be complex and lengthy. The criminal lawyer says that appeals in death penalty cases take time because there are many steps to ensure that there is no room for error. Thats why it is important that a defendant on death row have the best legal advocate representing them to ensure that all of the available options for appealing their sentence are exhausted before the final stage is done. Mickelsen says that there are multiple scenarios under which courts may find valid grounds to reverse a sentence or conviction making it even more important that one obtain highly skilled and experienced representation for their case, particularly when ones mental aptitude, or other circumstance may be called into question. Individuals who need help with a federal or Texas state criminal appeal for a murder conviction can contact the law firm of Broden & Mickelsen directly for an assessment of their legal options. Social Media Tags: #Dallas #Felony Criminal Lawyer #Texas Appellate Attorney Connect with the Texas criminal appeals attorneys of Broden & Mickelsen on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or LinkedIn. Follow Broden, Mickelsen on social media #dallascriminaldefenselawyer source: http://www.brodenmickelsen.com/blog/texas-man-executed-for-multiple-murder-convictions-claimed-to-be-mentally-impaired/ Social Media Tags:Texas criminal defense attorney, convicted of killing, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, criminal court in Texas, Texas appeals court, Texas criminal appeals attorney, Death Penalty Appeals, criminal lawyer Newsroom powered by Online Press Release Distribution SubmitMyPressRelease.com Like Us on Facebook It's only fair to share... Pinterest Linkedin email Print OMAHA -- The quadruple-murder case set to begin Monday will be delayed, a Douglas County district judge decided Thursday. Judge Gary Randall said the Chicago attorneys representing Anthony Garcia no longer can practice law in Nebraska because two local lawyers working for the defense were withdrawing from the case in the wake of out-of-court comments by the lead defense attorney. "I don't know that I have the right to tell them they can't withdraw," Randall told the Chicago attorneys, Alison Motta, Robert Motta Jr. and Robert Motta Sr. Alison Motta told the judge she was confident they would be able to secure other local counsel by the start of the trial. But Randall said no, the trial will not begin Monday. Garcia is accused of the March 2008 killings of 11-year-old Thomas Hunter and 57-year-old Shirlee Sherman and the May 2013 slayings of Dr. Roger Brumback and his wife, Mary. Authorities allege that he killed out of revenge for his 2001 firing from Creighton University Medical Center by Brumback and Thomas Hunters father, Dr. William Hunter. As she left the courtroom, Alison Motta said, "I'm surprised, because it was ... I'm surprised." The Mottas are not licensed to practice law in Nebraska, leaving them dependent on temporary permission from local attorneys. Omaha attorneys Dan Stockmann and Jeff Leuschen had granted the Mottas that permission. Without such a guest pass from a local attorney, the Mottas have no right to practice in a Nebraska courtroom. Randall did not address whether the Mottas will be removed from the case. The judge said he couldn't hear that issue without Garcia having local counsel. In the motion to withdraw from the case, which he filed Wednesday, Stockmann said he was unaware that Alison Motta would say that DNA evidence "conclusively exonerated" Garcia in two of the four killings. He said he researched the issue and determined "there is a likelihood that the Nebraska Counsel for Discipline could find that (Alison Motta) may have violated" an ethics rule. "Undersigned counsel does not wish to be held accountable ... for the behavior or actions of Motta & Motta and feels that this motion ... is appropriate in order to distance undersigned counsel from any alleged ethical violations by Motta & Motta," Stockmann wrote. Thursday, Stockmann told Randall that he appreciated "the potential consequences for all persons involved in the court were to grant this motion." Outside the courtroom, Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine said the focus should be on the four people who were killed. "We think it's very unfortunate," Kleine said of the delay in the start of the trial. "There's a tremendous amount of work that goes into (preparing for a six-week trial)." Last fall, visitors to Grand Islands popular Husker Harvest Days event witnessed something unusual: the ceremonial signing of a landmark agreement to manage the Niobrara River Basin. It was appropriate that the signing took place at Husker Harvest Days, given the events focus on Nebraska agriculture. The Niobrara agreement is an impressive achievement that balances the interests of the Nebraska Public Power District, irrigators and the recreation industry. Credit goes to the varied interests who came together to resolve differences that arose in 2007, when NPPD asserted a long-dormant water right on the Niobrara in order to maintain operation of a hydropower plant during a severe drought. The assertion of the water right spurred concern among irrigators. Tensions increased when the state Department of Natural Resources declared the river basin fully appropriated, halting new water allocations from the river. Meanwhile, federal regulators insisted that wildlife species receive protection because of the Niobraras designation as a national scenic river. The basins recreation industry wanted its interests to be taken into account amid the multiple demands on the river. After the Nebraska Supreme Court ruled in NPPDs favor on the water-right issue, the natural resources districts in the basin approached the utility to negotiate a mutually agreeable resolution. The result is the Niobrara agreement. Under it, NPPD will shut its hydropower plant and transfer its water right, along with land and easements, to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and five NRDs located in the river basin. The utility will be compensated with a $9 million payment. The funds are to come from several sources: $4 million from the coalition of five NRDs; $1.5 million from the Nebraska Environmental Trust, through the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission; and $3.5 million from the states Water Sustainability Fund. The agreement is designed to ensure that enough water will be set aside for agriculture, fish, wildlife and recreation. The mechanism for approval is LB1038, introduced by Sen. Al Davis. Jeff Fassett, director of the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, has shown commendable leadership in explaining how his department would address key issues. Negotiators faced a daunting situation and found a sensible, practical way forward. Their commendable compromise deserves approval. Its needed to best serve the Niobrara basin. Omaha World-Herald Colorado has a lot to offer young people looking to start a career: milder winters, mountains, professional sports, an international airport, the fastest growing economy in the nation, and, if youre a new teacher, a higher salary than Nebraska. A starting teacher in Colorado, on average, earns $1,282 more per year than a starting teacher in Nebraska, according to the National Education Association. Average teacher salaries in Colorado are also higher than those in Nebraska. How does Colorado fund higher salaries for teachers? Not with higher property taxes, apparently: Nebraskas property tax rate is three times higher than Colorados, according to the Tax Foundation. And not with higher income taxes, either: Nebraskas marginal income tax rate is 6.84 percent compared to Colorados 4.63 percent. Spending on K-12 education also creates a contrast: Nebraska spends nearly $3,000 more per year per student than Colorado, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. But as these figures suggest, a much smaller percentage of that spending goes toward paying teachers. Nebraska does spend more than twice as much as Colorado on general administration support services, however. Students also benefit from K-12 education policies in Colorado. Since 1992, student performance has improved at a much faster rate in Colorado than in Nebraska, according to the National Assessment for Educational Progress. This is true despite the fact that Colorados rate of increased spending, about 10 percent since 1992, has been much lower than most states, including Nebraskas, which has increased K-12 spending by more than 30 percent in this time. Coloradans benefit from attracting young, educated people into their state, including new teachers. While Nebraska and Colorado have the same low rate of unemployment, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, recent growth of the working-age population in Colorado is nearly three times higher than in Nebraska. This not only makes Colorado an attractive option when young people are deciding where to live, but contributes to a healthy economy overall. Teachers are vital to Nebraskas future. We must work to ensure that those entering the profession want to stay in Nebraska, while also creating an attractive option for those with an interest in moving here. Paying teachers a competitive wage is one step in the right direction. Katie Linehan, Omaha Palisade Radio is brought to you by First Majestic Silver Corp., one of the worlds purest and fastest growing silver mining companies. Palisade Radio Host, Collin Kettell: Welcome back to another episode of Palisade Radio. This is your host Collin Kettell. Really excited about the guest we have on the program today. He is a bit of a legend in the mining space and does not oftentimes give interviews. His name is Warren Irwin. He is a Chief Investment Officer and founder of Rosseau Asset Management. Warren, welcome on the program. Founder and Chief Investment Officer, Rosseau Asset Management Limited, Warren Irwin:Oh, thanks for having me, Colin. CK: Yeah. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to talk to us. Just for listeners who are not aware of yourself and your background, I want to spend a few minutes going through how you got so engrained in the mining space. You are currently managing around a hundred million dollars. If anybody is familiar with NexGen, which has been one of the sweethearts this year and last year in the mining space, you are the largest shareholder of NexGen. You own in the highest single digits there. But I want to go back to how you got so involved in the mining space and that all started with Bre-X. We do not have time to really tell the full story here and our friend Tommy Humphreys over at ceo.ca did a great piece and interview with Warren last year that you can check out. We will put a link to that at the bottom of the interview. Warren, can you give a brief background on how you made money on the upside and the subsequent downside and fall of Bre-X? WI: Yeah, well, I guess stepping one step back from that the whole interest I had in mining kind of started when I was a kid. I grew up all around Canada, but I spend about four years when I was really young in Timmins and the whole excitement of mining in Big Gold Discoveries and the Big Texas Gulf discovery of Kidd Creek really, really excited me that big fortunes were made. That really peaked my interest. When Bre-X came around that was definitely very interesting story for me. I just spend some time in Indonesia and so it just tied in very, very well together. I had some really good friends who were living in Indonesia at that time. I was fortunate to spend the month there in the years prior to the Bre-X discovery so I was able to have both strong working knowledge of Indonesia itself and the riches of mineral wealth that were down there, what I saw when I was there. I was also able to combine that with some mining background I had to do some really good analysis on Bre-X. I did much of the same stuff with respect to calculating or modeling and things like that. What I was able to do, too, was get in early in the story. It was a big winner and I was able actually get to site. I was really kind of at site and subsequent to that that I started to get quite a number of doubts on Bre-X and eventually sold about half my position for the best reason in the world at around $260, $270, $280 a share when my builder of my house wanted money from me. I decided to sell half, managed to get really close to the top, and then the subsequent remainder of my position I sold falling Mike bailing out of the helicopter. The key thing there is the value of site tours is really, really important because that is really where you can start asking some of the deep questions. For instance, when Mike did fall out of the helicopter, I actually was in that exact helicopter. I actually knew the pilot. I knew the pilots background. I knew the safety checks. I knew everything so I knew that the story the company was putting out was a bunch of baloney. That encouraged me to dump my remaining bit of stock when I knew there was something very seriously wrong there. CK: And then from there, Warren, you went on to, if I am correct actually, go ahead and short Bre-X and profit from the collapse and fall of that company. Is that correct? WI: That is right. Yeah, I made a bunch of money on the way down too the key is, as many investors know, it is way easier to make money on the way up. I got the stock at $18 and I sold it probably on average around $220 something in there. Whereas when you short stock the most you can do is make is a buck. I prefer to make money in the long side. It is a way to make bigger, bigger money. But I was able to short Bre-X in the teens and I covered it at nine cents. CK: Fantastic! So then in 1998 you founded Rosseau Asset Management, which I believe started with about $3 million. Through that epic bull market that we had from 2000 to 2007 and then an extension to that to 2011 you managed to grow Rosseau to over $270, $275 million. I wanna ask you about that time period. It was a great time to be investing in the mining space in the junior sector. Maybe just highlight those years and what you were looking for, some of the successes you had during that epic bull market. WI: One thing I remember when the market started out it was kind of like the market today where when you look around today, in general, very general terms, the gold companies out there or the resource companies out there are generally good because all the lousy ones have been blown away by the market. Nobody has funded them and with a lot of the sources of funding gone the majority of my competitors are no longer in business and hence companies that do not have very, very strong fundamentals are not just getting financed so they just go away. Right now it is very similar to what it was like in the early 2000s. In the early 2000s there were just a handful of really good companies left, really, and one of them included Guyanna Goldfields. That is the one I first remember getting involved with. And I remember Pat Sheridan from the mid 90s when he was just starting out with the Peters Mine and trying to make that a go. Then I followed them through the collapse and then I followed them out the other side. I want to back them so I was able to back them in the early 2000s and that was huge win for me. In fact, I think all said and done, we made 37 times our money on that original investment. CK: That is fantastic! There is a quote that I saw you said. It is, My view generally the best time to invest in the junior is after the discovery is made but before people have figured out it is a big discovery. I do not know if that is a philosophy you followed ever since the beginning of founding Rosseau Asset Management. But it is certainly one that you have been pretty vocal about in regards to NexGen Energy since last year. Just for listeners unfamiliar with NexGen they recently came out with a substantial, very substantial resource estimate at their high grade Arrow asset in the Athabasca Basin. A lot of people, several months ago, were thinking there would maybe be 50, 60, 70 million pounds of uranium. Warren, was the one voice coming out saying that he thought there was probably 200 million pounds just incredibly accurate that when the resource estimate came out you were only about 2 million pounds off. It came out at 202 million pounds of uranium in the ground. Talk to me a little bit about this idea of getting into a junior where the discovery is already been made. WI: Yeah, in my experience, just to give you a quick summary of some of the ones that I have been involved in. We talked about Guyanna Goldfields. We are also in the Aqualine discovery in the Navidad silver deposit in Argentina. We have been involved in Virginia Gold Eagle. We are one of the biggest shareholders and really that was the big discovery of Fruta Del Norte in Ecuador. We have been involved in lots of new discoveries. One thing I notice especially in times like this where people are not necessarily in favor there is no hype in the gold sector, in the minerals sector at all, really, is when a company makes a big discovery there are a number of people that follow the company closely, but generally not that many and the stock will pop on the original discovery because all those people will commit more capital to it. Then after a while there is a bit of a lull where you are basically on an education process where that company needs go out and start telling the story to get it around some people. There is oftentimes a really big lag between a discovery and people actually factoring this discovery and the valuation. The biggest lags I have seen are generally in the biggest discoveries and the reason for that is if you made a discovery, let us say, tomorrow of $2 billion worth of ore like not in future value, but let us say the fair market value of the company is it started out as $10 million company, it made a discovery and you could write a report saying it is worth $2 billion tomorrow. Well, it does take a long time for the market to realize that and grind it all the way up to $2 billion dollar market cap because it does take a lot of education, takes a lot of people to realize what is really going on here and everybody to do their work. There is quite a bit of a lag. The biggest lags actually come with the biggest deposits. Early in my career I remember seeing Voiseys Bay. Now is the situation where we found this massive silver deposit by Robert Friedland and Robert was going crazy in the early days. He had a $300 million market cap and he knew it was worth many, many multiples of that yet nobody else saw that. At the time Robert was getting a lot of grief for the Galactic issue he had with the spill he had in the Northern US with the Galactic mine. He was also getting a little bit of grief on a few other issues. But the other thing, too, is you are finding nickel in a whole new region. There are a whole bunch of questions there and that really led to a very slow start. There was a huge gap in there for some that had gotten early did the work. They were able to get into Voiseys Bay stock which is Diamond Fields; really, really cheap and those people made out like bandits. CK: Well, there is that well-known exploration to discovery to production curve that a lot of these junior companies always show in their presentations whereby the best place to invest is before the discovery is made, but it is also the most risky and speculative spot to get in. But, Warren, your investment strategy seems like it may have more merit in that there is already a resource or a discovery in place. It is known by the market but not properly valued. I guess in a down cycle particularly that mitigates your risk in holding these companies that actually have something tangible. Is the hedge, the downturn that might come, something that you consider in taking that strategy? WI: No. I do I agree with that. That kind of summarized it very nicely. There is real inefficiency there because they do not think there are a lot of people waiting on the sidelines especially these days to jump at an exploration story. When the market is really hot as it was some years ago, some kind of any whiff of a discovery people are all over it so quickly it got valued very, very high, very, very quickly. But fortunately todays market environment for the smart investor, companies that are making discoveries especially in the case of NexGen, you are dealing with a situation where all the numbers are there right in front you. You do a little bit of work and you will figure out that the stock has a lot of room to go and that the deposit is probably going to grow substantially from where it is today. CK: Yeah. Now I want to start honing in more on uranium. Typically, I would start with the commodity and then focus on a particular company. But I want to do that in reverse today and start kind of talking about NexGen and then moving out from that. Warren, when did you first start taking your position in NexGen? Why? And what allowed you to see what other people were not seeing at the time? WI: Well, I first visited the site in sort of the fall of 2014 when they just started drilling. I had a bunch of shareholders in it, were hounding me go and to see it, so I jumped on a plane and went out to see it. The key take away from that visit was that Lee Courier and his team including Garret, were really, really strong group of people. They were running a very professional program, had a very professional camp, and everything looked very, very good, and they were lining themselves up for a discovery if there was uranium down below. The key takeaway I took there is there were a number of people on the trip with me speculating that they had a really big discovery. But I really had not seen any definitive signs at that stage, so I sat back and I started watching it very, very closely. When they started getting some exploration success in 2015 I gradually started looking at the company again and little by little they just kept finding more and more. It peaked my interest because it is important for me to have the companies I really, really like in getting involved in are world class discoveries. Once that you know we are going to get taken out by majors because we are just so big and so strategic. It is clear to me that NexGen had a shot at this. My initial reluctance though towards getting involved in the stock sooner, too, was another issue which is I believe there was a hung equity deal. I did not think I placed too well and I think some of the dealers still own some stocks. That had me concerned a little bit. At that time, too, I know some of their big investors are having financial difficulties. One of them was Pinetree Capital. I was concerned about the Pinetree stock coming out. I was concerned about this overhang, and I also knew of some other large shareholders who are having financial difficulties in the meltdown. I thought those shares are going to hit the market. I was reluctant at first to get involved. Then as they started putting out more and more drill holes I stepped into the market and I was able to clean up some of the loose stock that was in the marketplace. Since then other people started to see what I originally saw. CK: There are two what I would call really exciting stories that have gotten love from the market in the last year in the Athabasca Basin that are uranium focused. You, of course, have Fissions Triple R deposit and then NexGen as we are talking about the Arrow deposit. As a point with Palisade Radio we talk to everybody. We get all the different opinions. We have had Dev on the show with Fission and we probably will get Leon with NexGen at some point. What merits do you see quickly of NexGen versus Fission? You have obviously picked to invest your money in NexGen. Some other people picked to invest in Fission. What are the pros and cons there? WI: Well, first of all, I really do not think there is much comparison between the two deposits other than they are sort of in the same area, in fact they are neighbors. The key takeaway for me when I am looking at NexGen is that it is very simple to mine. They are in the basement rocks unlike in the Parker River in Cigar Lake of Cameco where they are in sort of in the quasi-basement sandstone where there is tremendous water inflow issues. They have to freeze all the rock to get at the uranium. NexGen, with the Arrow deposit, is a very simple mining. It is in the basin rocks, which is like a traditional mine. You need to have additional ventilation and a number of other safety measures, too, given that you are dealing with uranium. But it is very, very simple, to mine. I really like the management team; good, strong, credible guys. The similarity to Fission is, of course, they are in the Athabasca Basin which is a Saudi Arabia of uranium in the world. It is one of, if not, the absolute best jurisdiction in the world to find uranium. With respect to what I like about NexGen over Fission is one thing I really try to do in my career is I stayed away from a number of issues and one of them is difficult mining situations. I try and stay away from those, and difficult metallurgy and new processes and stuff like that. I do not like to re-invent the wheel. When I look at what NexGen has over Fission, the biggest thing I see is it is just easier to mine. When I look at Fission and look at having to build dikes, I really do not like having to build dikes. They are quite a bit of work and actually the dike they need to build is quite big. Then from the bottom of the pit they need to go underground and then there is another issue surrounding what happens to radioactive dust, what happens to all the rainfall. It falls into the pit. There is a lot of water you have to purify and get the uranium out of that water before you could discharge it. You are dealing with you got a dike and you got Fission on the site of that dike. I just do not want to deal with all those hassles. I think what will happen with Fission is overtime as they drill out their discovery the bells will ring and they will know exactly the best way to mine that. I do not think it will resemble the current mine plan they have. I think the deposit will tell the owners of Fission how to mine that. It may not involve dikes at all. It may involve simpler dikes or something. But I think there needs to be a better system to mine that and I think that will become clear to all investors overtime. The thing I really liked about NexGen is I think it is a lot bigger. It is easier to mine. I like the team there. I think it will be more of a strategic asset than Fissions, but mostly it will be a lot easier to mine in my opinion. I have a preference to NexGen over Fission, but in the end having another uranium company in the neighborhood is not a bad thing. I think both Fission and NexGen have shown the marketplace that there will be a new frontier in the Athabasca Basin and it is around that epicenter of those two discoveries. CK: Thanks for that, Warren. In terms of investment strategy, investing in a best of best asset, and we could throw NexGen in there, meaning large scale, high-grade proper jurisdiction. You do not necessarily need to be in a strong commodity market. Uranium right now has been and is in the dumps. Some of the stocks are starting to get a lift, but the price of uranium is actually down over the last couple of weeks. However, I do believe that you are bullish on the outlook for uranium. Of course, if you can couple an investment in a great company with an upturn or an upswing in a particular commodity that is how one can make a fortune. Talk to our listeners a bit about what you see the outlook for uranium like. WI: Yeah, it is a very good point you make that you can make a ton of money finding and making discovery in a lousy metals market. The analogy I draw to that is the Voiseys Bay discovery was made when the nickel market was pretty crappy, and there were billions of dollars made there. NexGen, as luck would have it, made a very, very large discovery in a lousy uranium market. I think there will be lots of money made with NexGen if the price of uranium hovers where it is today, just due to the fact that it is extremely large. The project is very, very robust and has a strategic nature to it. Now with respect to the real super-duper homerun here would be we also get a little bit of strengthening in the price of uranium. Uranium has been in the dumpers for quite some time. I have watched Tim Gitzel from Cameco speak about uranium. He has obviously more data to work with than I do. He is a little confounded, too, I think, with respect to how long that uranium downturn has lasted. The trick with uranium in predicting anything is it is not a typical supply-demand equation where right now about the key tricky part of forecasting it is you have got on the demand side you got tremendous increase in demand with basically you got 66 reactors under construction right now in the world off a base of about 437 reactors. That is a pretty significant increase. The important thing, too, is these reactors are generally larger than the older reactors so they are going to use more uranium. Also when you start up a new reactor it uses about double the annual fuel usage just to fill up sort of the gas tank in the reactor. There is a big build going on and especially China. China right now have 30 nuclear plants in operation. They have 24 under construction and then they have lots and lots more planned. The outlook for the demand is tremendous especially from China. That is why the Chinese had made that investment in Fission because they are very keen to get hold of uranium production. On the supply side, Tim Gitzel from Cameco talks about how there really have not been a ton of new mines being built in this environment. Generally, in a lousy price environment, there are not a lot of mines being commissioned. His view is for any substantial number of mines to come on board to meet this increased demand we are going to need US$60, $70 prices for uranium. The real kicker here though and the big unknown that neither the head of Cameco, myself, or anybody else really knows is a secondary supply into the market and that is from people that currently have stockpiles that are just selling those stockpiles on the spot market. For instance, there is a speculation that some of the Japanese power companies have excess uranium that they have not been using in their reactors since they were shutdown after Fukushima and they would be lighting up some of that in the market. There is also speculation that the Americans are selling some uranium into the market to help fund some environmental cleanups. There is also speculation, to what extent I do not know, that some of the weapons grade uranium is being downgraded into reactor fuel too. About 20% right now of the market is being supplied by the secondary sources and these secondary sources do not always have a price point. They sometimes have other reasons to be selling into the market. That is really the big unknown. But the key here is as time goes on the gap between current production and consumption increases and gets increasingly wider. People are speculating that the secondary supply will not be growing sufficient to fill that gap so we basically need more production. The wrinkle there is if we do need more production, let us say in about four or five years time, we have already missed the boat because it takes about eight years to build a new uranium mine. Sure, existing mines could crank up production perhaps to meet some of that gap, but there needs to be new uranium mines to fulfill this future demands for uranium. They are not currently under construction, really, to any great extent. People will see there will be a pinch point here at some point where there will be a gap up in the price of uranium as the need is just not being met from the mine production. There is a whole bunch of other wrinkles. It gets very, very complicated very, very quickly because but I will not go into it further with you guys right now on that. CK: Well, correct me if I am wrong, Warren, but anytime you are looking at the potential upside or downside for a commodity or weighing pros against cons, so as an example we had the terrorist attack in Brussels. That probably had no effect whatsoever on the uranium market, but there was a slight scare in that the uranium power plant near the attacks where actually they pulled the workers out just out of fear that there could be a problem there. Japan restarted four of their reactors so far and two of them were just pulled offline by the court system so that might slow the restart down. But then on the positive side you just outlined a lot of great factors and before the call you even mentioned an article you saw in the China Daily regarding Rio Tinto may be getting involved. I guess my question here is you know there is always negatives and positives, but you think the positives far outweigh the negatives at this point in where we are with the price. WI: Yeah, absolutely. I think probably the best summation of my view on the price of uranium is it is difficult to see the price of uranium for any length of time being much lower than it is today. But there is definitely a very, very good chance I think of a spike upwards at some point. But the timing of that is very difficult to predict. I know that other people before me have tried to do that and have been unsuccessful. But I think at some point down the line I think most observers believe supply will be getting a little bit tighter as demand starts to grow. The important thing here is when you build a reactor the cost of the fuel is really not the cost of the operations; it represents a very small cost per kilowatt hour. The key there is the capital. You have got a large capital investment in nuclear power plant. You want to make sure you have a secure supply. As these new reactors under construction start spooling up to the extent of not already locked up supply, the operatives will have to lock up supply on a term basis and eventually that crunch time will come. We do need higher prices to get more mines in operation and there will be a crunch point. What is interesting about Arrow is based on our numbers here Arrow will make a ton of money even at todays lower prices, too. I do believe in about eight to ten years time Arrow will be producing a ton of uranium, and hopefully by then I think we would have a very, very robust uranium market. CK: Well, as we move towards the conclusion on the interview I want to bring things back to NexGen. You are still a holder of the stock. You initially modeled that 200 million pound deposit quite accurately before the actual numbers came out just last month. Where is the company at now? Have you made any future further projections based on recent drilling of how large this deposit can get? Could it become a largest deposit in the world? WI: Well, I think right now is I think everybody would agree that NexGen right now is the best undeveloped deposit in the world. Based on the drilling that has been released with aasays since the last resource estimate I have updated my resource estimates and it sits right now at about 270 million pounds. There are two types of results that had been released without assays but just sent along with the results. I have not factored these into my numbers, but I think once I do and once those assays come out it is pretty easy to get through 300 million pounds. When you are looking at NexGen I would use 300 million pounds. When you are looking at post-Fukushima type acquisitions of pounds in the ground you are looking at roughly US$4 a pound, so US$4 a pound, 300million pounds. Those 300 million pounds are pretty easy without making any grandiose assumptions. If they are doing some serious step out drilling that could really, really add to that 300 million pounds. You are looking at a billion two US market cap and the stock right now is of about $385 million Canadian market cap. When you net that to cash it is only $350 million Canadian. The stock has a lot of room to run. It is worth multiples of where it is trading today, just based on what they have already found and that anybody doing the math could figure it out pretty much on their own. That is one of the reasons NexGen is such a tremendous stock right now, in my opinion, is that it should be trading at multiples on where it is today based on what they have already found. Yet they have quite a momentum behind them as far as their discovery momentum and they have some really good targets they are going to be drilling here going forward. You got tons of downside protection and some really good upside based on what they have already found and drilled out. Then you got some blue sky both in terms of like you have mentioned possible improvement in the uranium price, but also possible discoveries both to the northeast and to the southwest of the Arrow discovery. There are some really exciting targets there. CK: Alright. Well, Warren, I have really enjoyed this conversation. We are kind of out of time here, but hopefully we can get you back in the next couple months because while uranium and NexGen are one of the focuses of your group with Rosseau, you also have detailed offline with me some other opportunities in the oil, zinc, and gold space, and hopefully we can find out some more about that when we have more time. Warren, thank you so much for coming on the program. Any last details you would like to share or ways that listeners can get in touch with you and find out more about your group, please add now. WI: Okay, well, yeah, we are available on our website www.rosseau.com. I try and give my views as often as I can on NexGen. One of the reasons I am doing that, obviously, is these opportunities do not come around all that often in ones career. I think we have a lot of really fun stuff to look forward to with respect to the markets in general especially in the resource side everything is beaten up pretty badly. But specifically within that I think any of your investors should definitely pay a very close look at NexGen, get comfortable, and have a view on it one way or the other and I think I know which way their views would be. But anyways thank you very much, Colin, for your time and I would be looking forward to chatting again soon. CK: Alright. Thank you so much for coming on the program, Warren. WI: Alright, bye now. (Kitco News) - Short-term bearish calls for gold are growing in the marketplace, with analysts at Thomson Reuters GFMS forecasting gold to fall below $1,200 an ounce in the coming months. However, the metal may have already seen its low for the year. Thursday, the research firm released its annual Gold Survey 2016 report, which showed that gold prices are set to recover over the longer term on improving investor sentiment and supportive market fundamentals. We believe that the lows of this price cycle have already been seen at $1,050 and we do not expect the price to go anywhere close to that, Ross Strachan, GMFS manager of precious metals demand research, told Kitco News on Thursday. In fact, our low is expected to be $1,150 and we would expect that probably to occur somewhere around the third quarter of this year. The outlook is in line with a forecasts by Goldman Sachs for the metal to reach $1,100 in the near term and New York-based research firm, CPM Group, which is calling for gold to potentially fall to $1,130 in the second and third quarter of the year. The main driver behind the negative short-term outlook is the U.S. economy. Theres very much been far too much hesitancy in the market about the state of the U.S. economy, Strachan said, noting that this has helped push gold prices higher since the start of the year. While we are highly unlikely to see all four rate hikes, the [Federal Reserve] remains determined to continue tightening, he added. Another factor weighing on gold right now, according to Strachan, is weak physical demand. We believe that the recent price rally will prove to be short-lived and once current market turbulence starts to ease, we are likely to see the price retreat again, particularly as physical demand in key Asian markets is already weak. Overall physical demand decreased by 2% in 2015, with demand from India and China, the two largest gold-consuming nations, coming in mixed for the year, according to GFMS report. While India regained its status as the largest overall gold consumer in 2015, China lagged behind, GFMS said. Total Indian demand, including jewelry fabrication, industrial fabrication and retail investment rose by 6% to an estimated 936 tonnes last year, with China trailing by 69 tonnes. However, the report showed that the lower demand was somewhat offset by net central bank purchases reaching the second highest level since the end of the gold standard. Central bankers affinity to gold last year did not really help the price, the report showed, mainly because of increased negative investment demand and speculative interest. Net managed money positions on COMEX posted net shorts for eight consecutive weeks in November and December, the first time since records, using this classification, began in 2006, the analysts pointed out. On the flip side, total gold supply fell by 2% in 2015 while global mine production increased by just 1% to 3,158 tonnes. After six consecutive years of increases, mine production growth came to a halt in the latter half of 2015, with full-year global output only slightly higher year-on-year, the analysts noted. By Sarah Benali of Kitco News; sbenali@kitco.com Follow me on Twitter @SdBenali SHARE SCHOOL HONORS Nichole Erickson, of Olalla, graduated from the Medical Office Administration and Coding Program at Perry Technical Institute in Yakima on March 23. BUSINESS HONORS West Hills technician is national champ Mike Schurosky, a Mazda technician at West Hills Ford in Bremerton, won the 2015 North American Master Technician Competition in California. Schurosky was one of eight finalists to advance from regional competitions, where technicians identify and repair a Mazda in two-hour time frame. He will now travel to Japan in 2017 for the World's Master Technician Competition. Schurosky has been a Mazda master technician since 2012, and he attended Olympic College. Insurance agent donates to kids Kathi McArthur, president of Kathi McArthur Insurance Agency, donated teddy bears to Harrison Medical Center for distribution to its pediatric patients. The medical center's annual toy drive is in December, but toys are collected year round. McArthur is a Farmers Insurance Agent in Kitsap County. She is a member of the Silverdale Chamber of Commerce and donates time and money to several local schools. She is also involved in the March of Dimes and Cellphones for Soldiers, a program that collects old cellphones to exchange for minutes for soldiers to use to call their family. COMMUNITY Chordsmen donate to CK music programs The Kitsap Chordsmen donated $1,500 to the music programs at Central Kitsap High School. The donation will go toward replacing aging audio equipment. The Kitsap Chordsmen joined Central Kitsap High School choirs during a musical extravaganza March 18-19. Volunteers needed at the Navy museum The Puget Sound Navy Museum in Bremerton is seeking volunteers as it anticipates record visitation this summer. The museum is seeking volunteers to welcome and interact with visitors at the front desk, in exhibit galleries, and in the museum gift shop. Volunteers receive a 10 percent discount at the gift shop and special volunteer events. For information, contact Alexander Hostettler at volunteer.psnm@navy.mil or 360-627-2271. LETTERS OF THANKS We're lucky to have Harrison I had occasion to undergo surgery last week at Harrison Medical Center in Bremerton. I was, once again, so impressed with all of the nursing and para-nursing staff, as well as the various and sundry ancillary staff one sees during a hospital visit. Every person I interacted with was unfailingly caring, kind and professional. They work like yeomen yet still manage to have an encouraging attitude and willingness to help in any way they can. We are really lucky to have such excellent hospital services in our county. Michiele Shaw, Silverdale Church's early egg hunt was great I would like to thank Corum Deo Church for the Easter egg hunt they held on Saturday, March 19, for the community. My three grandchildren had a wonderful time, as did all of the other children in attendance as evidenced by their smiling faces! There were hundreds of children and eggs filled with candy waiting to be gathered up. And if that wasn't enough, they also served free lunch to all attendees: everyone's favorites of hot dogs and hamburgers. This was a huge volunteer operation and was greatly appreciated by those you served. Thank you! Jean Bulette, Bremerton Grateful for help to Girl Scouts We are a troop of eighth-grade Girl Scouts. We have been selling cookies for eight years. Every year, we are incredibly grateful for the support we receive from the community. Because of this support, we have been able to take trips to Seattle; Seaside, Oregon; and Great Wolf Lodge. We have hosted events and camps for younger girls. We also have been able to support the humane society, make blankets for children in the hospital, make Jared boxes, and educate children about the dangers of smoking. We also bought a goat, chickens, and helped pay for a girl's education in a developing country. Thank you for your support over the years! Girl Scout Troop 42082, Kingston: Abby, Jessica, Vianne, Izabel, Gianna, and Gabrielle SHARE By Kitsap Sun Staff PORT ORCHARD A 35-year-old Navy lieutenant assigned to the USS Nimitz pleaded not guilty Wednesday to multiple charges of possessing child pornography. Christopher Michael Mottino had been arrested in Feb. 3 in a prostitution sting in South Kitsap. When investigators searched his cellphone, they found multiple videos of children unwillingly or forcibly engaged in sex, according to court documents. Mottino has been charged in Kitsap Superior Court with 10 counts of first-degree possession of depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct and one count of patronizing a prostitute. He was released from custody on personal recognizance after promising to return for court hearings. Investigators found 11 separate videos that had been shared using an application. Investigators also received a search warrant to review material Mottino had allegedly possessed using the app Dropbox. The investigator wrote that Mottino had nearly 10,000 files showing minors engaged in sexually explicit content. The information received from the Dropbox warrant also showed that March 6, after Mottino had been notified he was being investigated for possession of child pornography, he uploaded more than 200 images of minors engaged in sexually explicit acts, investigators wrote. SHARE By Kitsap Sun Staff BREMERTON The USS Turner Joy museum ship will receive $300,000 from the state's supplemental capital budget passed Tuesday by the Legislature. The Vietnam-era Navy destroyer needs $1.25 million for periodic hull cleaning and painting and other preservation work. The Bremerton Historic Ships Association has saved $300,000 to spend on the upkeep, which on inactive ships must be completed at least every 15 years. "This is the biggest amount of money we've ever received from the state of Washington," association president John Hanson said. "This is an enormous amount of money for this tiny organization. We really, really appreciate it. It's an honor." Besides being a tourist attraction, the Turner Joy serves as a breakwater for Bremerton Marina. A study showed it would cost more than $3 million to replace it as a wave blocker. "This project is important because we're preserving an important piece of our state's military history while ensuring we're not going to be spending more money down the line on a replacement breakwater," Rep. Michelle Caldier, R-Port Orchard, said. "The USS Turner Joy is important to our district and the state, so I'm glad to be part of the effort to secure funds for this repair project." Hanson credited Caldier, Sens. Jan Angel, R-Port Orchard, and Christine Rolfes, D-Bainbridge Island, Rep. Jesse Young, R-Gig Harbor, and Chris Tibbs, who volunteered his time lobbying for the association. The budget also provides money to restore Gig Harbor's Eddon Boatyard House, $85,000 for Kingston Green community center, $52,000 for Kitsap Peninsula waterfront trail upgrades and $30,000 for a South Kitsap High School Navy Junior ROTC project. "These are crucial to the quality of our community and the future growth of our local economy," Angel said. "It took a team effort to get this funding and ensure the state recognizes the importance of these projects." A reader e-mails: The grapevine suggests Justin Lester, panicked by Nick Leggetts rumoured entry into the race, is lining up to reveal Celia Wade-Browns endorsement, possibly at his formal launch as Labours Wellington Mayoral candidate due in the coming days. To date, Wade-Brown has indicated she intends to seek re-election, although it has long been rumoured she will bolt from the race to give her loyal deputy mayor a shot at the job. Is the formal passing of the baton between Labour and the Greens in Wellington the kind of job-sharing Grant Robertson envisages as the future of work? Problem is, polls show Celia is deeply unpopular many consider the notorious Island Bay cycleway the death-knell of her political career and Lester is barely known by Wellington voters, and not especially admired among those who know him. If it turns out that the first thing voters hear about Justin Lester is that hes Celias chosen one, its hard to see how it helps. Hes already being dismissed in the business community as Justin Lester-Brown, and a public pat on the back wont do anything to downplay his association with an increasingly toxic incumbent. And lets not forget, Labour came a dismal third throughout Wellington at the last election, and the decision to field a Labour-endorsed candidate is exactly what Oscar Wilde had in mind when he talked of the triumph of hope over experience. A guest post by Willie Jackson: What to do about Radio New Zealand? Last year RNZ cut its last Maori dedicated news in prime time Manu Korihi from its airwaves and not a word of criticism was directed their way in the Pakeha media world. Politicians irresponsibly also said nothing and a station that gets 35 million in taxpayers funding now not only doesnt have one Maori presenter in prime time but it doesnt have any Maori news. Its a story I have tried to get on mainstream media particularly in the main National newspapers but none were interested in doing anything, not the Herald, Dominion or any of the Sunday weekend papers. Of course I knew the reluctance or resistance to support my request was probably based on the fact that all those outlets have virtually No Maori working for them. So obviously they were not going to back my call for an examination of RNZs Maori policy when their situation is equally questionable. Still my campaign which is in fact a campaign that we initiated on Radio Waatea which I head and is supported by our iwi radio network has been going well. People are asking the question HOW DOES RNZ GET AWAY WITH IT? My view is that they get away with it because no one bothers to challenge them, mainstream media dont care and politicians do nothing apart from greenlight the racist strategies that they come up with. RNZ is one of the best examples of institutionalised racism in this country. There is no other way to describe how this organisation is operating, they have had generations of tax payers dollars and they are meant to be the voice for all New Zealanders yet the Maori voice is silent and to many of our peoples stories are untold. Recently my team at Waatea carried out an audit of RNZs Maori stories over a 12 week period. The results were alarming but even more alarming was the way RNZ tried to defend themselves. Our evaluators determined that in the 12 week period only 0.1 percent of stories were Maori focussed. RNZ rubbished our audit and said we missed some stories which was true but when they calculated what we had missed it worked out to a mere one percent. Thats how stupid and sensitive the defenders of RNZ are they try to defend the indefensible. Paul Thompson the RNZ CEO then decided to release their new Maori policy after reluctantly acknowledging that I might have had a point over their lack of Maori content. Instead of coming up with a plan that would see more Maori stories on RNZ, his main priority for the next few years will be to train his Pakeha journalists to speak Maori. It is the most stupid and insulting Maori strategy that I have ever seen. The strategy is born out of ignorance and the belief that anything is probably better than what they have now which is nothing. RNZ seem to think simply hiring the odd Maori journalist and getting their Pakeha journalists to pronounce Te Reo properly is all they have to do to live up to their public broadcasting obligations under the treaty but they need to come up with a Proper Maori strategy that will see Maori news and programmes go from 2 percent to at least 15 percent and they need to throw away the silly strategy that CEO Thompson has come out with. They must go back to having Maori specific news, after all they have Pacific Island news, media news, political news and farming news. In fact it seems sometimes that even native birds might have a better chance of getting a news show before Maori, given how many bird sounds we hear daily. Once upon a time they even had Maori language segments on National Radio, but that was cut five years ago, they probably thought their Pakeha announcers who try their best but sadly cant speak Maori to save themselves were more than capable in the reo to honour their Maori language obligations. So getting te reo Maori back on air should be mandatory. And wouldnt it be great to hear a Maori presenter on one of their frontline shows. It seems incredible that in the whole 91 year history that we have not had one person deemed good enough to present a daily National Radio show. Think about all the top Maori radio and TV presenters youve heard and seen over the years. Heres just a few of them Henare Te Ua, Derek Fox, Selwyn Muru, Julian Wilcox, Wena Harawira, Scotty and Stacey Morrison, Shane Taurima , Miriama Kamo, Mihi Forbes who is now a reporter with RNZ and of course lets not forget RNZ head of news Carol Hirschfeld has also been a TV presenter and producer. Yet not one of those people have ever been given an opportunity to front a regular national daily show. RNZ has a colonialist BBC mind-set which discriminates against Maori presenters. Surely as we debate the merits of removing our colonial relics from the flag its time to do the same with RNZ. All people should be outraged by this shutout of Maori on our National network. I implore politicians to act, Maori are 15 percent of this countrys population and we currently get 2 percent of the action on our National station that purports to be the national voice that is not how the treaty partner should be treated. If its not a breach of Radio New Zealands charter then it should be and if we get a zero response which is highly likely then Maori seriously need to consider a Waitangi Tribunal claim against RNZ and the government similar to the Te Reo Maori claim of 1986. I have spoken to Maori Development Minister Te Ururoa Flavell about this issue and he has asked the right questions. However Te Ururoa needs help and asking questions isnt going to do it, this lot need to be given clear directions in terms of their Maori strategy or they will continue with the current nonsense. The Minister of Broadcasting Amy Adams has to act, she must recognise the discrepancies here, talk with the RNZ board and demand that RNZ change their Maori strategy to one that will see Maori properly reflected in their programming, the aim has to be 15 percent. Anything less will mean that Maori stories and Maori announcers will remain tokenistic and an afterthought. Go to the RNZ National radio website right now if you dont believe me and count how many Maori presenters they have. It is a disgrace but what will be even more shameful will be if our politicians and the RNZ Board do nothing, lets see what happens. Freeman Webb, Knoxville's largest owner/manager of multifamily housing units, has sold the Sunflower Apartments to a New York investor for $8.1 million, after buying the complex in 1992 for $1.9 million. The complex has had some problems, including a fire two years ago that destroyed one building and caused $1 million in damage, and a balcony collapse that brought orders from the city to replace the balconies on all 108 units last year. (AMY SMOTHERMAN BURGESS /NEWS SENTINEL) By Hugh G. Willett, Special to the News Sentinel If the recipe for making money in real estate is as simple as buying low and selling high, Nashville-based Freeman Webb Co. the largest owner/manager of multifamily residential property in Knoxville, with 2,700 units seems to be using the right ingredients. The company recently sold the Sunflower Apartments complex in Knoxville, collection $8.1 million; Freeman Webb bought the property for $1.9 million 24 years ago. "You have to be able to buy in a hot market and sell in a cold market," co-founder Bill Freeman said. The company, founded in 1979, owns or manages a significant portfolio of properties in major markets across the Southeast, including more than 14,000 multi-family units and more than a million square feet of commercial property. The recent sale of the 156-unit Sunflower Apartments to a New York-based investment company at four times the original purchase price is a great example of acquiring properties in a down real estate cycle and being a net seller during the peak of a cycle, Freeman said. Jake Stenziano is with L Hammond Investments LLC, the New York-based investment company that purchased the complex. He and his business partner Gino Barbaro have written a book called "Wheelbarrow Profits," which provides strategies on real estate investing with multi-family units. Stenziano said he bought the property because he thought it was a good location and at a fair price. He said he plans to make improvements to the complex including a new club house, sun deck and other amenities. The property, at 4619 Sunflower Drive, was purchased by Freeman Webb in 1992. Total sales proceeds on the recent deal included $7.1 million for the sale of 156 units, along with $1 million from insurance proceeds. "We had also used leverage in our initial purchase, so this sale was an even greater multiple on cash invested," Freeman said. The company is typically a long-term investor in real estate, he said. The Sunflower Apartment investment had already returned all initial capital via cash flow. "This is a perfect example of why we like investing long-term in apartments." he said. The company sold properties at a premium during the 2006-08 cycle, selling more than 3,000 units. In the last 24 month, Freeman Webb has sold more than 2,000 units, and has considered selling many more. "We're taking a lot of chips off the table at this time," he said. In addition to patience, research is very important. Freeman said his company has quarterly meetings where the staff reviews everything from population growth to building permits. "We have to stay ahead of the trends," he said. Residential property investing and management is a bit different from commercial investment, largely because residential requires constant turnover in leases, whereas commercial property typically works with longer leases, he said. Freeman attributes his company's success in managing apartments to his employees, some of whom have been with the company since it was founded. "We try to make this a great place to work," he said. A diehard fan of the UT Volunteers, Freeman said Knoxville is one of his favorite markets in Tennessee. "We love Knoxville; we think it is one of the top tier cities in the Southeast," he said. The University of Tennessee provides a good turnover of new residents every year and the market is steady, he said. He also praised Mayor Madeline Rogero, who he said has done an outstanding job of making Knoxville a great place to live and to own property. "We're extremely impressed with where she's taking the city," he said. The apartment rental business is not without its challenges, Freeman said, adding that his staff is managing as many as 20 rehab projects at a time. Apartment renters are becoming more sophisticated, and it's necessary to keep up with trends such as granite counter tops and stainless-steel appliances, and to make those investments in a timely manner to stay competitive in the market, he said. In the case of Sunflower Apartments, a December 2014 fire caused $1 million in damage to the property. The loss was covered by insurance, he said. In April 2015 a second-story deck attached to one of the 40-year-old apartments collapsed, and a woman was injured. The city's codes department inspected the decks after a News Sentinel inquiry, and enforcement officers issued an order to have all of the decks replaced. "It was a terrible accident, but we went in and replaced every single one of the decks," Freeman said. Neighborhood codes enforcement manager Robert Moyers said the repair order was cleared in January 2016. Related: Management at Sunflower Apartments replacing 110 unsafe decks (May 30, 2015) City issues repair order on unsafe decks at Sunflower Apartments (April 29, 2015) City to investigate deck collapse (April 24, 2015) Woman injured in West Knoxville deck collapse (April 20, 2015) West Knoxville apartment fire estimated at $1 million (Dec. 24, 2014) G. CHAMBERS WILLIAMS III/NEWS SENTINEL The Ruby Tuesday restaurant on Emory Road in Powell is shown on Thursday, March 31, 2016. SHARE Ruby Tuesday, the Maryville-based restaurant chain, has been sued in a proposed class action lawsuit in Chattanooga over wages paid to servers. This is the Ruby Tuesday location in Powell on Thursday, March 31, 2016. G. CHAMBERS WILLIAMS III/NEWS SENTINEL By The Associated Press, Times Free Press A Ruby Tuesday server is suing the restaurant chain, claiming she is required to do excessive untipped side work, in a federal lawsuit she hopes will become a class action involving thousands of workers nationwide. The national minimum wage for tipped workers is just $2.13 per hour, a rate that hasn't changed in 25 years. Workers are allowed to be paid so little because tips are considered part of their wages. Tipped workers can legally do some untipped side work like wiping tables, but it can't take up more than 20 percent of their work day. The Ruby Tuesday case is one of several similar suits targeting some of the country's largest restaurant chains. Ruby Tuesday says it will provide a vigorous defense in the appropriate forum. The server, who works at a Ruby Tuesday in Chattanooga, filed the lawsuit against the Maryville-based restaurant chain that alleges the company underpays its servers and bartenders for side work, and has a corporate culture that encourages them to work off the clock. Charlene Craig claims in the suit, in which she seeks class-action status, that she and other employees at Ruby Tuesday's 658 restaurants in 44 states were made to do side work, such as cutting lemons, filling ice bins and rolling silverware, while only being paid a server's wage of as little as $2.13 an hour and not earning any tips. The suit was filed late Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Chattanooga. Under federal regulations, servers can spend up to 20 percent of their time doing non-tipped side work, but must be paid at least $7.25 per hour after that, said Atlanta lawyer Chris Hall, who filed the suit along with a New York City law firm. "She's doing a whole lot of side work," Hall told the Chattanooga Times Free Press. "It's over 20 percent." Ruby Tuesday restaurants are controlled from the chain's headquarters in Maryville, the lawsuit says, and the company's policies and practices encourage servers to work off the clock. "A lot of times, the employees will say I'm just not going to clock in while I'm doing this side work," Hall said. "Management knows. It's kind of a wink-wink, everybody knows." Ruby Tuesday declined to discuss details of the suit. "While we cannot comment on pending litigation, we are committed to our Ruby Tuesday team members, and we will be providing a vigorous defense of the company on this matter in the appropriate forum," the company said in a statement. Craig has worked at the Ruby Tuesday since September, Hall said. "If you complain, they can't fire you for that," he said. "She had the same situation happen at Red Lobster." If the court determines that workers were shortchanged, they could be eligible for $10.24 an hour, Hall said -- double the difference between the $2.13 they were paid and the $7.25 they should have gotten. Directors of Oak Ridge's Technology 2020 business incubator voted Tuesday to sell the nonprofit's building, located in Commerce Park. BOB FOWLER/NEWS SENTINEL SHARE By Bob Fowler of the Knoxville News Sentinel OAK RIDGE The Technology 2020 building in Commerce Park, with a $1.56 million valuation, is being put on the market, and the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce will get the lion's share of sale proceeds. Members of the Tech 2020 board of directors, which earlier voted to "wind down" the public-private partnership, this week approved the final plan to shutter the organization and farm some programs out to other enterprises. Tech 2020, two decades old, has been involved in helping high-tech startup firms get launched. It has included in its success stories such firms as Pro2Serve, NucSafe, Protomet and Nanotek. Board members earlier said the shutdown is necessary in part because Tech 2020 is a victim of its own success, and its efforts are now being duplicated by other area organizations. At the same time, income has been dwindling, with similar entities competing for limited revenue. David Bradshaw, chairman of the Tech 2020 board, said in a news release the board's executive committee is negotiating with a commercial real estate firm to sell the building. "There's been a lot of interest" in the structure, he said, "Apparently, this size building is in low inventory in East Tennessee." The Tech 2020 building is 17,510 square feet and also houses the offices of the Community Reuse Organization of East Tennessee. CROET seeks to find new uses for former or underused U.S. Department of Energy land and buildings. Bradshaw estimated that $150,000-$200,000 from the building sale proceeds would be needed to complete the wind down of Tech 2020, which he said is expected to happen within the next 90 days. The balance from the sale will go to the Chamber. Tech 2020 was originally a division of the Chamber, which invested its resources in its spin-off of the organization. Some of Tech 2020's programs, including one that provides mentoring services to entrepreneurs in the auto industry, will be transferred to the University of Tennessee's Center for Industrial Services, Bradshaw said. A pioneering venture capitalist in East Tennessee, Grady Vanderhoofven, "has indicated a willingness" to take over Tech 2020's program to provide seed-stage capital access to companies with high growth potential, Bradshaw said. The wind down 'has been difficult for those of us who have been associated with Tech 2020 for more than 20 years," he said. "But we are pleased that so many of the organization's activities will be continued under other entities." SHARE TSD elementary student Brandon Welch counts his eggs for his mother, Breann Welch. TSD elementary student Tyler Brandt-Ogle counts his haul. Tennessee School for the Deaf preschool students Logan Parsons, Hayden Welch and Drake Williams search for Easter eggs at the campus. TSD fifth-graders hid eggs for the TSD preschool students while the TSD high school Beta Club members hid eggs for all the elementary students to find on March 24. TSD elementary students Brayden Brandt-Ogle and Makayla Schools grab more eggs for their baskets. Lynn Andrick knelt down at eye level with the group of excited preschoolers Thursday morning, mirroring their smiles as they clutched their baskets, ready to hunt for eggs. "We want to have nice hands. No pushing. And no running because you might fall down. We want everyone to have fun and be safe!" Andrick said cheerfully to the attentive students. It was the same instructions any adult may give a group of children; the only difference on Thursday was that, in addition to speaking these instructions to the preschoolers, Andrick simultaneously gave the instructions in American Sign Language. "To us, they are just so typical," said Andrick, who has worked for Tennessee School for the Deaf in South Knoxville, first as a preschool teacher and now as elementary principal, for almost 30 years. "They just have a different way of communicating." Tennessee School for the Deaf has 50 elementary students, two-thirds of whom are "day students" who come to the school from Knox and surrounding counties. The other students live on campus in the residential program, Andrick said, because their families are as far away as Memphis. The school also has a toddler class that meets twice a week. Geared toward those 18 months to 3 years old, the class teaches sign language and works on auditory skills and is also attended by parents, grandparents and other caregivers for the children, Andrick explained. The preschool has some hearing peers who attend as well, including the sibling of a deaf child and a toddler who has a deaf parent. The toddler class has been so positive that the preschool will expand the program to four days per week next year, Andrick said. "The best thing about it is the parental involvement," she said. "Perhaps for the first time they are looking at their deaf children and knowing, 'Everything is going to be OK.'" Indeed, the students at Tennessee School for the Deaf are surrounded by positive examples, including one deaf preschool teacher and two deaf teaching assistants, Andrick noted. "It is a great role model for the kids to see successful deaf adults," she said. On March 23, the elementary school hosted an Easter luncheon for deaf senior citizens and retired Tennessee School for the Deaf teachers. About 40 adults attended the luncheon, which was emceed by Tennessee School for the Deaf fifth-graders Cassady Mead of South Knoxville and Ellie Locke of Blount County. Meanwhile, a new high school under construction on the TSD campus was designed by architects from Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., a liberal arts university for the deaf and hard of hearing. "It is exciting for our kids to know they'll be in a state-of-the-art high school that the architects have designed to be deaf friendly," Andrick said. In addition to paint and lighting decisions to help reduce glare and carpet to help reduce noise, the new high school's cafeteria will have round tables so that students can see each other more clearly to communicate. Its sidewalks will be wider to allow students to walk in clusters and make it easier to communicate with each other. "When deaf students are standing or sitting in a straight line, they cannot see each other to communicate with each other (using sign language)," Andrick explained. Of course, children who have cochlear implants to help them hear "may talk as well as you and I," Andrick noted, but Tennessee School for the Deaf students and staff still use sign language at all times as a "total language" school. The school also offers sign language classes twice a year for the community. "Don't be afraid when you learn that a child is deaf," Andrick encouraged. "You can gesture with them or write something down with a pencil and paper. Don't doubt that you can communicate. They are an amazing group of children -- and adults -- to be with; they just have a little different way of communicating." Andrick did not grow up with a deaf family member or friend, but she always knew she wanted to be a teacher. "I volunteered with Special Olympics, and when I came to UT, I was encouraged to check out the deaf education department," she said. "I saw how the impact of not hearing from birth really impacts their education, and I felt led to working with the deaf." Almost 30 years later, her commitment to her students is stronger than ever. "I love the children and watching my teachers work magic with them to give them language," she said. "And they really do work magic." SHARE By Wayne Bledsoe of the Knoxville News Sentinel There's rarely been a group come together in Knoxville with greater expectations than Electric Darling. The band is made up of guitarists Cozmo Holloway and Kevin Hyfantis formerly of The Dirty Guv'nahs; bassist Matt Nelson and drummer Luke Palmer Bowers, formerly of the group Cereus Bright; keyboarist Aaron Mastin was a local ace who was a student of jazz great Donald Brown; and Yasameen Hoffman-Shahin, a vocal force of nature and a veteran of several local acts. "We've been performing together for less than eight months, and the sound has completely evolved," says Hoffman-Shahin. "Even if Cozmo and Kevin and I write the basis of the song after we've played it through with Matt, Luke and Aaron, it's changed ten-fold. It's really beautiful to see something grow from start to finish. Cozmo calls every song a baby, so everything's a big baby, a fat baby, a sloppy baby, a crying baby. It's cool to see a baby kind of grow!" Electric Darling is just the sort of baby Hoffman-Shahin had been waiting for. She grew up in Knoxville with a large extended family who loved music. "I've been singing my whole life," she says. "I was a really loud kid. I was constantly dancing and singing. They said I never walked anywhere. I danced. And my mom said I would hum myself to sleep." Soon she was taking music classes through the Community School for the Arts, attending West High School, and performing in musical theater productions and singing in church. She later studied vocal performance at the University of Tennessee. "Then, when I was 18 or 19, I was always trying to throw bands together." Her first group was called Bikini Night. "We thought it would look good on the marquee!" Hoffman-Shahin performed regularly at The Well in the duo Mean Old World and, later, as a guest with LiL iFFy. During this time, The Dirty Guv'nahs were winning over the Southeast with the band's roots-rock sound, becoming one of Knoxville's most popular acts. Holloway and Hoffman-Shahin occasionally performed together in a loose group of musicians who played reggae under the name Pone Tone and the Island Home Rude Boys. With the Dirty Guv'nahs looking to call it quits, Holloway suggested to Hoffman-Shahin that the two should start their own band. Hyfantis was an immediate third member, and the rest of the sextet soon followed. The band would be introduced to the world by opening up for The Dirty Guv'nahs on the group's farewell tour. Hoffman-Shahin says there was a lot of pressure that first night opening for the Guv'nahs in Charlotte, N.C. "The Guv's popularity is based around a culture that they represented. You'd go to their shows and it was almost like a backyard cookout. Everybody knew each other and there happens to be this really awesome band playing in the background. I didn't know how I would be perceived or if I would vibe with that world." She needn't have worried. The crowd was immediately supportive of Holloway and Hyfantis and gave the band a warm reception. The reception was even better at the 1,000-seat Georgia Theatre in Athens, Ga., where the audience was ready for the group. "It was phenomenal and they were vibing to all these songs we'd written at Kevin's kitchen table!" Hoffman-Shahin says she feels like she's finally found the perfect musicians to work with. "It just makes me overjoyed to be in a project with people I respect and who are such great musicians, and I can only imagine what we're capable of. It's so exciting. And they all act too cool for school, like this is not the best thing ever, but they know it is! ... In the beginning, I think we each had a vision of what it could be, but I think now it's turned into something better than we thought it could be." Rhythm N' Blooms Festival With: Electric Darling, Old 97's, The Mavericks, The Black Cadillacs, Mic Harrison & The High Score, Guy Marshall, The Ragbirds and many more When: 5 p.m. Friday, April 8 (the festival goes on through Sunday, April 10) Where: Venues along Central Street and Jackson Avenue in the Old City Tickets: $75, full weekend, $150 full weekend VIP, $35, daily, www.rhythmnbloomsfest.com SHARE Johnny Dewayne Thomas of Rocky Top had a stolen gun and suspected narcotics when he was subdued after a brief vehicle and foot chase by a deputy using a Taser Tuesday afternoon, according to an Anderson County Sheriff's Department news release. By News Sentinel Staff CLINTON A Rocky Top man toting a stolen gun and suspected narcotics was subdued after a brief vehicle and foot chase by a deputy using a Taser Tuesday afternoon, according to an Anderson County Sheriff's Department news release. Johnny Dewayne Thomas, 41, tried to elude capture after he was seen driving and then fled on foot. While he was bring chased, Thomas looked back at the pursuing deputy, removed a handgun from his waistband and tossed it before resuming running, according to the news release. As a felon, Thomas is prohibited from possessing a weapon, it continues. He was charged with several drug and weapon offenses, and other charges may be filed. Federal weapons charges are possible following consultation with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and the U.S. Attorney's Office. More details as they develop online and in Thursday's News Sentinel. SHARE William Edward Varnado (KNOX COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE) By News Sentinel Staff KNOXVILLE A Knox County man pleaded guilty Thursday to molesting an 11-year-old boy and was sentenced to 12 years in prison. He must serve the entire sentence before being eligible for parole, according to a news release from Knox County District Attorney General Charme Allen's office. William Edward Varnado, 46, pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated sexual battery, along with statutory rape by an authority figure and sexual battery by an authority figure. Prosecutors said the crimes began in January 2013 and continued for a year and a half until the boy wrote a letter to his parents, who alerted the state Department of Children's Services and the Knox County Sheriff's Office. Varnado admitted to molesting the boy on four occasions. "We have a duty to protect children from those who abuse them," Allen said. "This sentence will ensure Varnado will never harm this child again." After serving his sentence, Varnado will be required to register with the Tennessee Sex Offender Registry. More details as they develop online and in Friday's News Sentinel. SHARE By News Sentinel Staff KNOXVILLE The Knox County District Attorney General's Office is investigating a Knoxville company that hosted an event in the fall that was billed as benefiting the Wounded Warrior Project. "We are in contact with the Secretary of State's Office and investigating the matter," said Sean McDermott, a spokesman for District Attorney General Charme Allen. "But because of ethical rules I am prohibited from commenting further at this time." The company in question is KSS Productions, which held a gala in November. A spokesman for the Secretary of State's office said he couldn't confirm any investigation into the company. Adam Ghassemi, the department's spokesman, said KSS Productions is not registered with the state Division of Charitable Solicitations and Gaming, which may be required depending on the type of relationship it has with charities like the Wounded Warrior Project. "KSS Productions LLC also does not have an active registration with the (state) Division of Business Services," he said. "An entity by that name was administratively dissolved on Aug. 9, 2012 for failing to file its annual report." A call to the company's owners was not immediately returned on Wednesday afternoon. More details as they develop online and in Thursday's News Sentinel. SHARE Judge Mike Pemberton Tom McFarland By Bob Fowler of the Knoxville News Sentinel KINGSTON Kingston attorney Tom McFarland has won a hearing for the crucial battle of last resort in his years-long legal war over a judge's race that he lost to a man he said wasn't eligible to run. The Tennessee Supreme Court has granted McFarland's appeal of a Roane County Election Commission vote to keep Mike Pemberton on the ballot in the race for 9th Judicial District Circuit Court judge. That commission vote came after resident Willis Hall filed a complaint questioning whether Pemberton lived in Roane County as required, or was instead a Knox County resident. Pemberton in August 2014 won the Circuit Court judge's post for the district, which consists of Morgan, Meigs, Loudon and Roane counties. McFarland has appealed and lost his legal arguments from the trial level through the state Court of Appeals. He contends Pemberton didn't live in Roane County at the time of the election but instead resided in a large house in Knox County, where he had a law office and where his son attended school. Pemberton countered, saying he bought a lakeside home in Roane County and had moved in there in July 2013. State law requires that a candidate must live in the district for at least a year before the election. The state Supreme Court has ordered arguments prepared by both sides in response to four questions its justices have over the issue: Did the Election Commission have the authority to convene the hearing? Was the commission's decision a quasi-judicial act having a partly judicial character that's subject to review according to state law guidelines about appealed decisions? Was McFarland qualified to be an "aggrieved party" to seek a review of the Election Commission's decision, even though someone else filed the complaint? Did the Court of Appeals make a mistake in saying McFarland is barred from contesting the election because he didn't seek a timely review of the Election Commission's vote? "I'm very pleased that they saw the seriousness of the issues here and agreed to hear the case," McFarland said Thursday. He said he will likely serve as his own attorney when arguments are heard by the Supreme Court and said the court may hear the case this summer. Pemberton had no comment. "As a sitting judge, last thing I want to do is have any comment on a pending case," he said. Pemberton said he will continue to be represented by Jennifer Raby and Pat Cooley, with the Kingston law firm of Cooley McFarland Raby & Reynolds. John McFarland, Tom McFarland's brother, is a member of that law firm. SHARE By News Sentinel Staff Three men, including a juvenile, have been charged in the robbery of a man in a mobile home park on Tuesday, according to the Anderson County Sheriff's Office. Brandon Lee Mayes, 27, of Powell, and Dylon James Dotson, 20, of Clinton, along with a 17-year-old male have been charged with aggravated robbery and felony theft. Dotson also had an outstanding warrant. Both Mayes and Dotson are being held in the Anderson County Detention Facility. Their bond amounts will be set at arraignment. The juvenile is being held in the Richard L. Bean Juvenile Detention Facility in Knoxville. According to the sheriff's office, a 22-year-old Clinton man flagged down a deputy on patrol on Laurel Road near Cedar Grove Lane about 9 a.m. Tuesday to report that he had been beaten and robbed by four people, three males and a female. The man said he stayed overnight with one of the males and the next morning he was offered a ride by another man. Instead of giving him a ride, the men and woman beat him severely and stole money, prescription narcotics and a cellphone. He initially refused to be transported by EMS but was later taken to the hospital by family members. The man said he was familiar with the three men and named them as his attackers along with providing a description of their car, according to police. Shortly after, deputies responded to a single car crash on Old Lake City Highway and learned that the three male suspects were involved in it. Two of the three were arrested at the scene for charges related to the robbery. The third male, the juvenile, was taken into custody after being treated for injuries from the crash at the University of Tennessee Medical Center. More details as they develop online and in Thursday's News Sentinel. SHARE Fire crews continue to monitor a 400-acre Blount County wildfire caused by a prescribed burn getting out of control. Officials say high winds Wednesday night caused embers from a prescribed burn conducted by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency to jump a containment line. The Tennessee Division of Forestry, TWRA and the Blount County Fire Department are still at the fire that is described now as under control. "If we get rains, we'll continue to monitor it," said district forester Darren Bailey. "If not, we'll maintain a presence there for a couple of days." The wildfire occurred on TWRA's Foothills Wildlife Management Area on Chilhowee Mountain. The blaze started as a routine prescribed burn at the foot of the mountain intended to reduce undergrowth and improve the forest habitat for turkey, grouse and whitetailed deer. Bailey said that at its peak, the wildfire sent active flames to the top of the mountain. "TWRA was finishing its operation when the winds kicked up," he said. "They had good control lines. That part of the mountain catches straight line winds and can cause trouble." State forestry officials say wildfire activity in East Tennessee in recent years has been mild due to wet weather, but that dry conditions over the past three weeks have caused a number of brush fires to get out of control. Tennessee's wildlife season runs from Oct. 15-May 15. To obtain a burn permit or learn more about burning regulations, visit: www.burnsafetn.org. Knoxville City County building, downtown Knoxville Friday, July 25, 2014. AMY SMOTHERMAN BURGESS/NEWS SENTINEL SHARE By Gerald Witt of the Knoxville News Sentinel Two marijuana referenda, one for medical use and another for recreational use in Knox County, are expected to move one step closer to going before voters in an Knox County Election Commission meeting. At 8:30 a.m. tomorrow, the commission will consider approval of final language for two referendum items that would appear on ballots later this year. Medicinal and recreational marijuana use is illegal in Tennessee, but Steve Cooper just wants to send a message to Nashville. He's attempted to get local legislators to carry bills to the state, but to no avail. If the election commission approves the language, Cooper will next drive to get about 20,000 signatures from registered voters in the county before June 15. If he can reach the threshold of registered voters needed, then the referendum items will appear on November ballots. "All I need is 19,998 of my closest friends," Cooper said. "My wife already promised to sign both of them." Including himself, Cooper said, that's two who would sign the petitions. More details as they develop online and in Friday's News Sentinel. A rendering shows the new plan for the Uranium Processing Facility at the Y-12 nuclear weapons plant, with three main buildings and some auxilliary structures next door (with a connector) to the Highly Enriched Uranium Materials Facility and adjacent to a rerouted Bear Creek Road. (NNSA image) SHARE By Frank Munger of the Knoxville News Sentinel OAK RIDGE A contractor working on site preparation for the Uranium Processing Facility inadvertently "demolished" an active storm drain earlier this year, bringing some activities to a halt while drainage was restored at the construction site on the west end of the Y-12 National Security Complex. The accident occurred in late January, according to a newly released report from the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board, but the site drainage apparently was still a concern more than a month later. The work was being performed by Emerald/A&H Joint Venture under a subcontract with the Army Corps of Engineers, which is supervising the site prep under an agreement with the National Nuclear Security Administration. Steven Wyatt, a spokesman in the NNSA's Production Office at Y-12, said the costs associated with reconnecting the drainage pipe at the site were absorbed by the contractor. "Therefore, there was no cost to the U.S. government," Wyatt said via email. The safety board's report said the contractor demolished an active 36-inch storm drain while installing a new 48-inch storm drain line to prepare for construction of the multibillion-dollar production complex at Y-12. The 36-inch storm drain was reconnected on March 18, resolving the issue, Wyatt said, but various concerns were raised by the events. According to the safety board report, the Corps of Engineers informed Y-12 contractor Consolidated Nuclear Security, the UPF Project Office and Bechtel National which is managing much of the UPF work of the accident in early February. Even though the UPF Project Office has a site representative to ensure "configuration control" of Y-12 systems is maintained during work on the project, it took several days for the error to be recognized and several more days for the Corps of Engineers to inform the various parties. "Work was suspended as efforts commenced to restore construction site drainage," the safety board report stated. In late February, site personnel noticed that stormwater had infiltrated the area around the 36-inch line and was starting to undermine the newly installed piping and "posed a threat to the surrounding infrastructure," the report stated. Consolidated Nuclear Security convened a meeting of its Operational Safety Board to authorize emergency work "to allow expedited modifications to the storm drain and stabilize the construction site in advance of pending storms." The Operational Safety Board asked that a Y-12 civil engineer evaluate the proposed changes to the drain as a condition before approving the modifications. However, due to a "miscommunication," the emergency work was started a few hours prior to the evaluation and approval. CNS reportedly held various"fact-finding meetings" to document what took place and to make recommendations for correcting them. As part of those corrective actions, there are plans to improve the communication of unexpected conditions to the parties involved on UPF. The Corps of Engineers did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the incident. SHARE For the first time, Maryann Mulvenon will be without her husband as she helps with the fifth annual Parkinson's Disease fundraising walk scheduled for Saturday, April 16, at Bissell Park at the Oak Ridge Civic Center. Mulvenon's husband of 45 years, Norman Albert "Mickey" Mulvenon, died four days before last year's event at the age of 76. Despite his Parkinson's disease diagnosis in 2009, Mickey Mulvenon managed with walking sticks and eventually a walker to annually traverse the 1.5-mile route as his wife collected money at the event she promoted to the community. Her husband's funeral kept Maryann Mulvenon from attending the 2015 walk, but the couple's son, James Mulvenon, and his 13-year-old daughter, Ellie, went to the event and spoke with organizers. Leaders of the Parkinson's Disease Support Group of East Tennessee (PK Hope is Alive) then dedicated the 2015 walk to Mickey Mulvenon. Each year the fundraising walk has raised about $20,000 for the non-profit Parkinson Alliance in New York, where the funds are shared with Parkinson's disease research foundations, including the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Registration for the walk starts at 9 a.m. at the Pavilion. The walk will take place between 10 am and noon. The bluegrass band Brandywine will perform during the event. To register as a walker or sponsor a walker with an online donation, go to www.unitywalk.org. Checks should be written to Parkinson's Unity Walk and sent to Maryann Mulvenon, 118 Concord Road, Oak Ridge, Tenn. 37830. For more information, contact Alan Zimmerman at 865-250-9571 or Stephen Swanger at 865-333-0198. SHARE Knox County school board member Karen Carson (MICHAEL PATRICK/NEWS SENTINEL) Farragut High School was evacuated Tuesday, March 29, 2016, due to a bomb threat. A student was charged in connection with the threat. (MICHAEL PATRICK/NEWS SENTINEL) By Gerald Witt of the Knoxville News Sentinel A string of bomb threats in schools prompted a community meeting that Knox County Schools Board of Education member Karen Carson planned for Thursday. "With the threats that are at Farragut, initially I want to go over that," Carson said. The 6 p.m. meeting will be held in the Farragut High School library. She said parents called her to ask what was happening. Some said they were frustrated with the school system response. "There's a combination of frustration and anxiety, fear and other (emotions)," Carson said. She added that she believed the school system's response was appropriate for recent bomb threats at Farragut intermediate and high schools, and Hardin Valley Academy. And she plans to explain the system's approach to bomb threats. "I'm not going to go play-by-play on every security step," she said. Nor would schools officials, who said each call requires a different response. "They may appear to be very similar on the surface," said Russ Oaks, the system's chief operating officer. But some called for a lockdown. Others called for a school evacuation. "As a parent of a student at (Farragut High School), to say that I am angry is an understatement. Lock down the school, evacuate kids, yet we cannot get information in a timely manner and are left relying on our children to relay full details to us," wrote Tiffany Joe on Facebook. Rosalie Richter-Coray wrote: "As a parent to two kids that attend the school, I'm extremely frustrated by the lack of communication, the length of time it takes for the parents to be notified, and the fact this is STILL happening." Also on Facebook, Bradley J. Rogers questioned: "Is putting every student in a confined area, like bleachers, the safest thing to do during a bomb threat?" He was referring to Farragut High students being evacuated and seated in the bleachers for a few hours Tuesday. Oaks said, "We take everything very seriously. All of these things present differently and a determination and assessment has to be made based on the facts at hand." Both Carson and Oaks said communication is important. Parents should talk to their children about the threats, according to Carson. And Oaks said that when students talk to teachers or staff about what they know during a bomb threat, a resolution can be found more quickly. And during a bomb threat, said Oaks, information collected must be handled securely. "Up front we want to share with our parents as much information we can as soon as we can, but we have to temper that without compromising everything," he said, "or compromising any of our responses or procedures or any investigations." He said that students or anyone with information on threats or other criminal activity in schools can send an anonymous text message to 274637, which spells out CRIMES. A Farragut High student and Hardin Valley student each was charged in connection with the threats at their respective schools, and the investigation continues, according to the Knox County Sheriff's Office. SHARE By News Sentinel Staff The Tennessee Army National Guard assisted rangers from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Wednesday in rescuing a man suffering from a medical condition. According to the National Park Service, staff was notified just after 2 p.m. that a 66-year-old man was suffering from a medical condition in the park's back country near the Mount Cammerer observation tower. Rangers requested assistance from the Tennessee Army National Guard. Just after 5 p.m., Guard personnel successfully hoisted the man onto a Black Hawk helicopter and transported him to a hospital. No additional information was given out in the incident. More details as the develop online and in Thursday's News Sentinel. SHARE By Richard Locker of the Knoxville News Sentinel NASHVILLE The state plans to widen the last narrow section of Western Avenue between downtown Knoxville and Interstate 75/640 that's a frequent bottleneck for motorists. The Tennessee Department of Transportation on Thursday released its updated three-year plan, which includes a project to widen the 0.8-mile section of Western between Major Avenue and Texas Avenue from its current two lanes to four lanes, matching the existing four-lane sections on each end of the project. TDOT spokesman Mark Nagi said the project is scheduled for bid letting late this year, with construction to start in early 2017. It's unclear, however, how long the construction project will take. That section includes one of the biggest and narrowest curves on Western Avenue. TDOT says the project will reduce traffic congestion and improve safety conditions, including for pedestrians. When it's complete, and combined with the virtually finished widening project farther west, Western Avenue-Oak Ridge Highway will be at least four lanes from downtown Knoxville to Schaad Road. The TDOT plan also includes work on two projects on Alcoa Highway in Knox and Blount counties, both part of a larger Alcoa Highway improvement project. For fiscal year 2017, which starts July 1 of this year, TDOT has budgeted for the purchase of two sections of right-of-way: 1.3 miles between the Cherokee Trail interchange and Woodson Drive in Knox County; and 1.3 miles for a relocated stretch just east of the existing U.S. Highway 129 in Blount County near McGhee Tyson Airport, between Pellissippi Parkway and South Singleton Station Road. For fiscal year 2018, which starts July 1, 2017, TDOT has budgeted for construction work on two sections: 2.4 miles between Maloney Road and north of the Little River Bridge in Knox County and 1.3 miles of the new, relocated part of the highway in Blount County, from Hall Road south of Airport Road to a new interchange for the airport near Cusick Road. The Western Avenue project between Texas and Major avenues in Knoxville is one of seven major projects across the state that Gov. Bill Haslam proposes to pay for with a $142 million transfer of money from the state's general fund to its transportation fund announced on Monday and subject to approval by the state Legislature. The transfer is designed to repay for part of more than $300 million the state "borrowed" from the transportation fund more than a decade ago to deal with a deficit in the general fund during a period of slow revenue growth. That transfer of money, combined with new federal highway funding, gives TDOT more money to spend on transportation projects during the next fiscal year than normal an estimated $965 million, compared to $660 million in the current fiscal year that ends June 30, according to TDOT. "This program reflects our commitment to increasing safety and economic development opportunities while also remaining debt free on our roads," Haslam said. Despite that increase, TDOT still has a multi-billion-dollar backlog of highway and bridge projects that have been approved by the state Legislature but lack the funding. The governor has said he will likely ask lawmakers next year for new transportation funding in 2017 probably including the first increase in Tennessee's gasoline tax since 1989. Full details on all major Knoxville area projects are available on TDOT's Region 1 website at http://www.tn.gov/tdot/section/projects-region-1. SHARE On March 29, the front page of the News Sentinel featured a headline that read: "State owes $2M in gay-marriage case." The state must pay the legal fees of three couples who challenged Tennessee's same-sex marriage ban. On the back page, we learned that state Sen. Steve Southerland is renewing his push to have the Bible designated as Tennessee's official state book. When will these people learn? Declaring the Bible as the state's official book is a clear violation of the separation of church and state and is sure to result in a legal challenge. Just as the religion-inspired same-sex marriage ban discriminated against gays and lesbians, declaring the Bible as the state book discriminates against non-Christians. We do not need to spend taxpayers' money on expensive court battles just to prove how pious we are. Actions speak louder than words. If our Tennessee legislators were truly Christian, they would have agreed to the Medicaid expansion (paid for under Obamacare) or passed Gov. Bill Haslam's Insure Tennessee alternative, which would have provided tens of thousands of lower-income people with access to health care. The legal fees the state is wasting on foolish legislation could have been spent helping families who have to rely on medical charity. Why do we keep re-electing these people? Ann Delap, Knoxville Lotte Duty Free, South Korea's No. 1 duty-free operator, opened a duty-free store in Tokyo on Thursday to target rising travelers, as part of efforts to expand its global presence. The duty-free store opened in the upscale shopping district of Ginza, the second following one in the Japanese capital in late January. Lotte, the world's No. 3 duty-free operator, said it will strengthen its brand competitiveness in Japan, which attracted a huge influx of Chinese travelers last year. Lotte chairman Shin Dong-bin and his family, including his mother, wife and son, attended the opening ceremony. His father and corporate founder Kyuk-ho and his elder brother and former vice president Dong-joo did not attend. The rare family gathering at a public event was seen as an effort to show internal unity as Lotte has been trying to improve its tarnished corporate image following a prolonged succession feud between the founder's two brothers. "The duty-free business has created some noise in South Korea, but I hope it to do well," Shin told Yonhap News Agency during the ceremony. "I think this store is better than I expected." Lotte lost its duty-free license in Lotte World Tower in southern Seoul in a November bid, amid the family succession feud and criticism for its dominance in the domestic market. Shin said his company will open a new tax-free store in Thailand in June, and two more in Japan -- Osaka in early 2017 and Fukuoka later that year. Lotte, the retail giant who runs businesses in Korea and Japan, said the new duty-free shop is targeting 150 billion won (US$131 million) in sales this year and it plans to open additional shops in Japan over the next decade. Foreign visitors to Japan hit a record high of 19.69 million in 2015, marking the first time since 1970 that inbound travelers surpassed those who headed abroad, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization. Koreans were the biggest tourist group to Japan by nationality, followed by Chinese with 3.78 million. (Yonhap) By Lee Hyo-sik Ediya Coffee, a homegrown coffee chain with over 1,800 franchised stores, will fight for dominance in Korea's rapidly expanding coffee industry, the company CEO said Thursday. In the industry, which has been largely dominated by Starbucks, Ediya said it will emerge as a leader by offering premium-quality coffee in a more comfortable and luxurious setting. "We are ready to wage a serious challenge to Starbucks and other multinational coffee franchises," Ediya CEO Moon Chang-ki said during a press conference marking the firm's 15th anniversary. "On top of claiming leadership in the domestic market, we will expand our reach abroad to become a globally known coffee brand." The CEO said by 2020 the company will increase the number of its shops to 3,000, including 200 overseas, and reach 1 trillion won ($870 million) in sales. He said it will bolster cooperation with multiple retailers to strengthen the sales of its coffee beans, ready-to-drink (RTD) products and other merchandise. "As a leading homegrown coffee brand, we will play a vital role in shaping Korea's unique coffee culture," he said. "Under our Vision 2020 plan, we will implement our goals step by step over the next five years." By that date, Ediya will generate 500 billion won in coffee sales, Moon said, and another 500 billion won by selling coffee beans, its stick coffee brand "Beanist 25," RTDs and other merchandise. "Doing business overseas is not easy and we learned valuable lessons from our failed past ventures in China and Thailand," said the CEO. "But we are now trying again to head abroad. We are exploring many options and will soon set up our stores abroad." Ediya has established the Ediya Coffee Lab at its newly opened headquarters in southern Seoul, to provide premium-quality coffee, as well as develop baked goods and other food products. "The lab will produce high-quality coffee drinks and other products sought by consumers," Moon said. "We will then share our knowhow and expertise with our franchised stores, which will strengthen Ediya franchises' capability to offer premium coffee at lower prices." The CEO also pledged to boost the firm's corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities to give back to the community. "We will spend at least 3 percent of our profits on a wide range of community programs this year, up from 2 percent in 2015. We will also launch more CSR programs abroad to promote the Ediya brand across the globe." The company plans to increase its 2016 revenue to 170 billion won, up from 135.5 billion won last year. Ediya will open 355 new stores this year. It first started as a low-cost coffee franchise, operating mostly small shops in subprime locations, in order not to directly compete with Starbucks and other industry giants. But with its growing size, Ediya is increasingly challenging Starbucks and other well-known coffee franchises for market leadership. By Jhoo Dong-chan The Ministry of Environment rejected German auto maker Volkswagen's recall plan, Thursday, for a second time. A ministry official said, "There is a lack of indications in the company's report to the ministry how it caused emission cheating. It also failed to provide detailed technical information about how to deal with the problem." The ministry said it will not approve the company's recall plan unless it submits a sincere report with detailed information. If Volkswagen does not comply with the ministry's demand, the government said it might cancel the recall plan itself. If the plan is cancelled, the company would have to go through the recall process from the bottom again. The ministry was expected to carry out an emissions and mileage test as soon as it got the recall plan with corrected software information from Volkswagen. The transport ministry said Tuesday that it has filed a complaint against Mercedes-Benz Korea with the prosecution for selling cars with wrong specifications. The local unit of the German car brand sold 98 units of the S350d series sedan with a nine-speed automatic transmission since Jan, 27, 2016, but the vehicles were labeled as having a seven-speed transmission, according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. The company sold upgraded models of S350d sedans in January but missed reporting the change in the technical data of the vehicle. Under the Korean vehicle management law, all car manufacturers and importers must report the exact specifications of the vehicle to the transport ministry. Otherwise, they will be subject to up to 10 million won in fines. The ministry said the Mercedes-Benz vehicles also did not go through air emission and fuel assessment tests, violating South Korean environment and energy management laws. The ministry suspended sales of the models on Feb. 29 and filed a complaint with state prosecution for violating the related laws on Tuesday. (Yonhap) Pierre Sang Boyer's two restaurants, Pierre Sang on Gambey, top, and Pierre Sang in Oberkampf / Courtesy of Pierre Sang Boyer French chef with Korean roots becomes ambassador for both countries Pierre Sang Boyer By Yun Suh-young He doesn't remember clearly, but it was somewhere between ages 12 and 14 that he first tasted Korean food at a Korean restaurant in Lyon, France. And he didn't like it. Adopted by a French couple at the age of 7, Pierre Sang Boyer, now a hotshot chef in Paris owning two popular restaurants, must have been repressing his memories of Korea, or anything related to it. "I was young. I was not ready for Korea. With everything, you need time to prepare," said Boyer, recalling his first encounter with Korean cuisine in France, during an interview with The Korea Times upon a recent visit to Seoul. "My mother took me there probably to help me remember my identity. I didn't like the taste back then." Riz finale (rice dish) Kimchi chou-fleur et navets (cauliflower and radish kimchi) Sujeonggwa (cinnamon and dried persimmon punch) Retracing his palate It was only when he returned to Korea in 2004 in search of his roots that he started accepting Korean food into his life and appreciated its taste. During the visit, he tried to find his birth mother but was unsuccessful due to incorrect information on his adoption papers. "I think it was like an update. Maybe I started liking Korean food because of my wife," said the 36-year-old chef. He met his wife Hee-jin while working at a French restaurant, Le Saint-Ex, in Itaewon, a hip foreign district in Seoul, for five months. His wife was working at a restaurant next door owned by the same CEO. "At the time, I didn't enjoy working but I liked working with ajumma and ajeossi," said Boyer. Ajumma and ajeossi are terms of address for middle-aged women and men. It was that hearty sentiment that made Boyer slowly accept Korea. Eight years later, in 2012, after working in London for six years and two in Lyon, Boyer opened a restaurant in Paris called "Pierre Sang in Oberkampf," with Oberkampf referring to an area in Paris which, according to Boyer, is "very famous for hanging out, much like Itaewon." The restaurant featured dishes which mixed Korean elements into French cuisine, such as making kimchi with asparagus or endives and introducing sauces based on gochujang (chili paste) and doenjang (soybean paste) into dishes. There's also bibimbap (mixed rice with vegetables) offered during lunch. The restaurant became an instant hit with its friendly and casual atmosphere and never-seen-before fusion of French and Korean food which grabbed the palates of fastidious local foodies. His appearance on the cooking competition show "Top Chef" aired on French television in 2011 and making it into the top three were contributing factors to his success, as he rose to celebrity status. French banks then decided to give him a loan to open his restaurant. Riding on the restaurant's success and with requests from regular customers asking for a more private restaurant, Boyer opened his second restaurant, "Pierre Sang on Gambey" in 2014, right next to the first. Gambey is the name of the street where the restaurant is located. "The first is more like a bistro while the second is more gourmet," said Boyer, when asked how the two restaurants differ. "I always wanted to make my restaurant a bit fusion, mixing both the Korean and French, because I consider myself more Korean than French in Paris," said Boyer. "When I make food, I put my story on the plate. Inspiration from Korean food is part of my creativity. I want to know more about my birth country and provide a good image of Korea because I'm very proud of that." Rise of Korean food He said he was very proud that Korean food is increasingly gaining recognition in France. "I think it's probably rapper Psy who triggered the interest. French people didn't know where Korea was and many still don't but the influence of Korean pop culture starting from K-pop and Korean films started spilling over to food," he said. "A French TV channel recently asked me to appear on a program introducing Korean food. Suddenly, the interest in France about Korean food seems to have increased. I see the development of Korean food globally and I'm very happy to see it rise to such fame across the world." The French chef recently had an opportunity to collaborate with Mingles, one of Seoul's most popular Korean restaurants at the moment, for a culinary event titled "So French Delices" held from March 23 to 26. The event invited famous French chefs to Seoul to create dishes in conjunction with Korean chefs. "It was very nice working with Mingles," said Boyer. He prepared three dishes of the six-dish dinner course. "Owner chef Kang Min-goo came to my restaurant in Paris but I didn't know he was that famous at the time. It was great working with him. We have similar philosophies about food although the style is different. He asked me if I wanted to change the menu because he wanted to see new techniques and new dishes." Boyer believes in the power of cuisine to connect people. "I say in French, role social de la cuisine' which translates to social role of cuisine.' You can be Christian, Catholic, Muslim but everybody makes food. The first sense we develop when we're young is the taste. When I was first adopted, I tried to connect with my new family through food," he said. "The only times I saw my family was at meal time. The French tend to eat at home, even at lunch. Because I didn't speak French in the beginning, I tried to commune with them by the food and learn more about my new life. I appreciated the meal time because when you eat, it's always a nice moment. Food provides some sentiment, energy." The social role of cuisine Boyer advocates was realized last year when he visited Cheong Wa Dae with the French President to meet the Korean President. He recalled it was his most honorable experience. "I was very happy. I had the chance to explain to the French delegates about Korean food and I felt really proud," he said. Sweet dream Boyer believes the opportunity to meet the presidents came as he was both French and Korean. He said he is lucky to be both. "My birth parents left me to get a chance to go live in France and have a better life. So the story of adoption is not a sad story for me. I was brought up in a very loving French family and I love them a lot," he said. "I say to people, at the beginning you may have a difficult background, but let's forget that and work hard to change your life. I'm an example of that. I know where I'm from and I'll never forget that. Every day, I try to know more about myself, and I hope one day I can help people like me." Instead of searching for his birth parents, which he stopped after the unsuccessful attempt, Boyer decided he wanted to help young people with similar experiences. "Finding my parents? It can happen, but I won't go looking for them. Instead, what I want to do is help children like me, and if they want to learn cooking I want to help them with it because that's what I do best," said Boyer. "I want to also give opportunities to students in Korea who want to learn French cuisine to come and work with me. I also want to help Korean people know more about France." He has plans to open a restaurant in Seoul which would also offer cooking classes. "I want to open a restaurant in Seoul and teach there. We're working on it. It will happen within this year hopefully," he said. Park Hae-jin / Korea Times By Bahk Eun-ji Park Hae-jin, 32, the star of the popular tvN drama "Cheese in the Trap," will hold a fan meeting in Taiwan in June, publicity company HNS HQ said Thursday. The meeting will take place at the Taipei International Convention Center on June 9. The meeting was arranged at the request of Park's Taiwanese fans, the company said. Park rose to stardom in Chinese-speaking countries after starring in the big hit "My Love from the Star" in 2014. He recently played stoic college senior Yoo Jung in "Cheese in the Trap"on tvN. The show was an instant hit at home and abroad. A weeping woman shows a picture of her late son at a press conference in front of the Ministry of National Defense building in Yongsan, Seoul, Aug. 6. She and other bereaved families called on the ministry to help restore the honor of soldiers who died from hazing while serving their mandatory military service. / Yonhap Activists urge military to uphold human rights By Park Ji-won, Chung Hyun-chae, Nam Hyun-woo Koreans are outraged over the death of an Army private first class, surnamed Yoon, who suffered brutal abuse and violence at the hands of his superiors. Yoon, who belonged to the Army's 28th Division, was brutally beaten by five senior soldiers, then put on an IV drip to recover only to be beaten again and endure more torture before his death in April. Ranking military officials and politicians have vowed to uphold soldiers' rights and prevent future tragedies by establishing a human rights council within the armed forces. For some men who have already completed their mandatory military service, however, Yoon's story came as no surprise. They have experienced, witnessed, or at least heard of similar cases. An office worker in Seoul, surnamed Lee, 32, finished his military service in 2007. His superiors subjected him to abuse too, he recalls. "I still don't understand why I was beaten," he said. Lee, then a private, was responsible for managing an ammunition depot. He worked with a sergeant, who was younger than him and constantly picked fights to remind Lee of his inferior rank. "I'm younger than you," the sergeant repeatedly pointed out to Lee. "Is that a problem for you?" The sergeant often kicked Lee in the stomach and punched him in the neck when they were alone in the depot. "I never said anything about his age, but he picked fights with me and repeatedly attacked me," Lee said. Lee required medical treatment for his injuries, but the sergeant bullied him into remaining silent about how he got his bruises and why he was bleeding. The assaults continued until the sergeant was discharged. "If I ever met him again, I would definitely have him killed," Lee said. A soldier holds a rifle while attending a special lecture on human rights at an Army camp in Goyang, northwest of Seoul, Aug. 8. All soldiers are required to attend such lectures amid mounting criticism over hazing in the barracks following the death of an army private first class, surnamed Yoon, who suffered from brutal abuse from his colleagues. / Yonhap "I still suffer trauma, but there is no one I can complain to about this and get redress," he added. "The government should also come up with measures to help victims like me." Kim, 28, who was discharged from the Army two years ago, said he had witnessed hazing. "Many say there is no violence in the military anymore, but I don't believe that," Kim said. "Some people are slow to understand or do something. And one of my colleagues was like that. Superiors always used foul language when talking to him, and often they even cursed his parents and attacked him." The victim was bullied for absurd reasons, Kim recalls. "Verbal abuse and assaults happened because the victim did not follow stupid customs, which obviously had nothing to do with improving combat readiness," he said. For example, Kim said his colleague was forced to lick shoe polish because his boots were not shiny enough. Another colleague reported the violence to a ranking officer, and the victim was transferred to another barracks. The attackers were sent to the guardhouse. "It was a rare case, given that other units' officers tend to cover things up to evade close investigation, because officers don't want a mess," he said. "I heard from one of my friends that his colleague committed suicide because of hazing, but the death was recorded as an accident." Kim declined to elaborate. An office worker, surnamed Gil, 28, said one of his colleagues served time in the guardhouse for beating an underling. "While on night duty, he ordered a private first class not to move off a small tile on the floor. A single move outside of the tile's borders would be followed by assaults," Gil recalled. Noh, 24, a college senior who completed his service last year, witnessed sexual violence. The victim was a private first class and the perpetrator was a corporal. "The private first class reported the corporal's deed to the authorities, and the offender was given a military prison term and transferred to a different unit," he said. These stories are a source of anxiety for young men who still face conscription, and for their parents. College student Oh, 21, finished his four weeks of basic military training on Aug. 1. Now he works at a food company as part of an alternative civilian service program. Though he braved the training without any problem, his parents were not as brave. "Even though the training lasted only a month, I couldn't help worrying about my son," said his mother, surnamed Yoo. "Who knows if something bad will happen within that short time? "In the photo my son sent, some of his colleagues had tattoos on their arms. After I saw that, I started to worry. What if they bully my son?" she said. "Other parents [whose sons don't qualify for alternative programs] must have bigger worries, but I also worry about my son's safety." According to data from the Ministry of National Defense, between 2003 and last year, 874 servicemen died either as a result of suicide or accidents. An average of 80 men died every year. Human rights activists have long urged the government to take action on violence and bullying in the military. But the response remains tepid, consisting only of vague orders. In 2012, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) suggested guidelines to safeguard servicemen's human rights. Those were the strongest measures the agency believed it was capable of taking, but apparently they were insufficient. The NHRC's role is limited it can only make suggestions, not binding regulations. However, critics say the watchdog should have been more active in carrying out its duties at the very least, it could have disclosed problems to the public. It was the Center for Military Human Rights that revealed the details of Yoon's case to the media. "We have repeatedly urged the military to open itself to the public, allowing civilian human rights experts to visit the barracks and meet with soldiers," said Lim Tae-hoon, a representative of the center. "However, the military kept saying no to civilian experts that it would handle intra-military matters by itself." A woman pushes a stroller away from a cafe after being asked to leave. More restaurants and cafes are refusing patrons with children for etiquette and safety reasons. / Korea Times file Restaurants' ban on children stirs pro-and-con debate By Baek Byung-yeul, Kwon Ji-youn A local court recently ruled that two restaurants should pay 10 million won and 47 million won to two children, respectively, who were scalded while dining. One child ran into a restaurant employee carrying hot water and another was burned by charcoal fire. Once the verdict was announced, some restaurant owners started to refuse customers with children as they didn't want to be held responsible for any accidents their child could cause. This issue has emerged as a hotbed for online debate ever since. Korea isn't the first to join the movement. In two U.S. states, Texas and Pennsylvania, restaurants have banned kids, while cafes in Berlin have created child-free zones for their patrons. Some have even barred strollers, which are considered safety hazards in densely populated areas such as malls or restaurants. Even some airlines are following suit. Malaysia Air banned children under two from flying first class, while AsiaAir created a "quiet zone" for fliers above the age of 12. Restaurant owners blame children for reckless behaviors in a potentially dangerous environment involving fire and other cooking equipment, as well as disturbing other patrons' dining experience. The question is this: Do parents have the right to bring their children to cafes and restaurants, where they are at risk of getting burned, where they may be bothersome to fellow patrons? Or do restaurants have the right to refuse patrons with children for safety and etiquette reasons? Many parents with children protested, saying that this is a violation of equal rights. Choi Jung-soon, who raised two children, aged six and eight, said this is a clear example of an equal rights violation. "My kids have the right to enter any cafe or restaurant," the 33-year-old Seoulite said. A sign posted on the door of a restaurant located in Seongnam City, Gyeonggi Province, bars children who are elementary-school age or younger. / Korea Times "People who say parents bringing their toddlers to restaurants do not discipline children inside and let their kids run loose, but this is completely wrong. "I definitely do try to pay attention to my kids, making sure they don't go on a rampage inside a restaurant, but they should understand that kids aren't able to completely control themselves," she said. Heo Eun-mi, a 32-year-old mom, hadn't heard about the movement to ban kids until recently. "When I heard that a group of restaurants were banning kids, I thought to myself, no way,' because my kid loves to eat out" she said. "Before such a policy takes effect across the city, restaurants should designate child-friendly zones, where families with children can dine free from the glares of childless patrons and the narrow confines of a restaurant." She stressed that this should be the first step restaurant owners take before implementing a no kids' policy. "Then, at least they've made an effort to satisfy all customers. We're customers, too," she said. "If that still didn't work, then sure, ban kids. Also, where else will kids learn proper restaurant etiquette?" She emphasized that with a little caution, restaurant owners and parents will definitely be able to find a way to coexist. "I think the responsibility falls with both parties. Parents should be a little more attentive, and restaurant employees should be a little more careful," she said. "That's as simple as it gets." Another mother, with a seven-year-old daughter, said she had to order take-out at a coffee shop because her daughter wasn't allowed in, but she didn't mind. "When I saw the news, the first thought that came to my mind was, aren't the parents responsible for the safety of their children?'" she said on condition of anonymity. "How are restaurant owners supposed to control children while working?" Jeong Soon-ok, a college student, does admit that her experience at a restaurant in Sinsa-dong, southern Seoul, wasn't all that enjoyable because of a child who walked from table to table stealing peoples' salt and pepper shakers. "At first it was cute, but when the meals were served, we needed the salt shaker. So we took it from him and he just fell on his bottom and started screaming," she said. "The mother then came and started telling us off for forcibly taking the child's toy' away. I didn't know what to say in response." Jeong recalled another incident in where a child slipped while running in a dining room. "I remember the mother started yelling at the employees for wiping the floor down with a wet mop," she said. "I thought to myself, should they have used a dry mop?'" Ryu Seung-min, who runs a Korean-style barbeque restaurant in Seoul, agrees with ban, adding that "parents sometimes just cannot control their children." "I don't implement that kind of policy in my restaurant as my customers are mostly office workers, but I definitely agree with the food establishments that do ban kids," said the restaurant owner. "I think parents who bring their children to restaurants and don't pay attention to them seem to not understand how dangerous this place actually is. They should know that we are dealing with hot food that could burn someone if dropped. "In addition, parents who don't even try to control their careless kids are unaware they are disturbing those around them. They may have gotten used to their loud kids but this doesn't apply to the customers around them," he said. Ryu also pointed out the necessity of campaigns urging parents to better observe public etiquette while in restaurants. "I guess we need to find common ground between owners and parents. I think educating parents the virtue of paying more attention to their kids while dining is a good, first step," he said. The National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRC) states that it is illegal for a business to ban children from entering restaurants, adding that it is against the rights of equality. However, this presents a catch-22. If restaurants ban children, then these establishments are breaking the existing laws. But if a restaurant has put forth clear grounds as to why it restricts access to kids, then there is no way to impose sanctions on the offending restaurant. To illustrate this point, NHRC dismissed a case in 2010 filed by an anonymous informant that a restaurant implements a "no kids" policy in their judgment that the restaurant had clear reason to do so. "As long as we, restaurant owners, are responsible for any accidents involving children, it is crystal-clear that more and more restaurants and cafes will adopt the no kids' policy," Ryu added. By Park Ji-won and Chung Hyun-chae Housekeeper Lee Won-hee, 57, reminisced that when she was in her 20s she spent little money on her dates. "During my time, teahouses, movie theaters and parks were pretty much the only places we could go for dates," she said. "Needing a lot of money for dating wasn't as much of an issue back then as it is now. "It was natural among young people to have no money, hang out at a park with a lunch box, and eventually get married down the road. Women had fewer roles in society a few decades ago. In my time, a woman's duty was doing house chores and rearing the children, while a man's obligation is earning money and providing food and housing. Life was a lot more simple back then." It was OK for young couples to spend time without much money a few decades ago. These days, people in their 20s and 30s in Korea feel this is some kind of myth. But why is this so hard to believe? Today's generation think they need a certain amount of money or a decent job to even go on a date. Of course, money is necessary for survival. But why is today's youth so obsessed about having money just to go on a simple date? Some people say today's young people are the generation with three no's _ no dating, no marriage and no job. This is a sad portrayal of Korea today where many believe that love, let alone going on a date, is not possible without money. Some statistics supports the three no's phenomenon. According to a Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs (KIHASA) report released on July 27, people in romantic relationships have distinct features _ they are aged 25-29, they have graduated from college, and they earn 25 million to 35 million won a year. The institute surveyed about 1,500 single men and women aged 18-49, last November and December The results show that people are considered to be in a relationship when society believes they are "stable" _ having a good job with money _ and their parents are proudly willing to introduce their son or daughter to others. About 45.5 percent of men and 43.1 percent of women in their 20s, and 38.7 percent of men and 38 percent of women in their 30s and who are dating, feel their partner is marriage material. The problem is that their income is likely to be the most important factor in even accepting a first date. As long as they earn money, they are more likely to be in a relationship. About 43.2 percent of men and 52.8 percent of women whose annual salary ranges from 25 million won to 35 million had romantic relationships. But only 27.3 percent of men and 28.1 percent of women who earn less than 15 million won per year had a past relationship. Nearly 70 percent of single men who have a regular income said they wanted a girlfriend. Meanwhile, about half of the men without an income said they are unwilling to have a romantic relationship. A male college student surnamed Kim, 24, intentionally had not had a girlfriend during the past year. "I promised myself to improve and not date until I get a job even if I like someone," Kim said. "At some point, I would regret investing in a girl who I don't truly love. Now I feel that loving someone is some sort of investment or the accumulation of mileage points in a supermarket so that it could be exchanged as cash at a future date," Kim explained. He added that he felt sad that he thought it was necessary to avoid dating until earning money. This way of thinking is not so different for women. A college student surnamed Gu, 24, who lived in Seoul while at school, failed to get into one of the nation's big conglomerates last year. Depressed, she decided to return to her hometown, Busan, to concentrate fully on her studies in the hope of landing a job. To do this, she disconnected with all her friends in Seoul. She also broke up with her boyfriend. "I have little time to enjoy dating before getting a career," Gu said. For her, love is not as important as starting a career and earning money. Other women agree with Gu. "When I wanted to be alone with my boyfriend, I had to pay to find a private place," said Park Ji-min, 25, a job seeker. "Because I was on a tight budget and was unemployed, I often became nervous whenever I had to spend money. "Soon I became exhausted as I always worried about money and calculated the exact amount I spent rather than feeling happy when I saw my boyfriend. "Because lack of money was stressing me out on each date, I finally told him I wanted to break up." Experts point out that worrying about not having enough money and choosing to be single is probably contributing to the nation's falling birthrate. "Given that romantic relationships depend on one's income and position today, it is crucial to create an environment where young people can eventually land a career and plan for the future," said KIHASA researcher Cho Sung-ho. "Adopting this attitude of getting a job first will also contribute to increasing the birthrate, which is one of the world's lowest." Another hike due in May By Kim Se-jeong The fee for the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) will rise in May, upsetting millions of job-seekers and students who must take the test and get a decent score to get a job. YBM, the local agency that manages the test in Korea on behalf of the U.S.-based Educational Testing Service (ETS), recently said on its website that it would increase the fee for the test from 42,000 won to 44,500 won. The hike will take effect for the test administered on May 29, for which YBM is now receiving applications. TOEIC is one of the most common English proficiency tests favored by many companies and institutes in Korea when they recruit and promote people. Some 2.07 million people took the test here in 2013, the last year for which data are available. The fee has been increased gradually; 10 years ago, it was 34,000 won. "A sharp increase of prices and the costs of operating the test compelled us to increase the fee," a YBM official told The Korea Times, Thursday. "We seek the test takers understanding." The fee is set by the local agency of each nation, without price guidelines from ETS, according to the official. He said the fee in Korea has been kept low. Along with the increased fee, TOEIC will be have a new format for the listening and reading sections, which will involve a three-person dialogue for the listening comprehension ,and online and social network service content for reading comprehension. Previous and prospective test-takers, mostly students and jobseekers, are not happy with the decision. "Again? It's already too expensive," one wrote on a Facebook page for TOEIC takers. "The fee keeps going up, but my scores never do," another wrote. "This will certainly motivate other English tests to charge more." The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) created by ETS and the Test of English Proficiency (TEPS) created by Seoul National University are other popular tests. Some complained about YBM's business ethics, citing Japan where the fee has not seen any increase. "I heard the price in Japan has been the same for years now. I hope that YBM is not charging Korean test-takers more," another Facebook user wrote. "The government should stop giving preference to YBM." TOEIC, which was developed by ETS at the request of Japan in the late 1970s, arrived in Korea in 1982. Some question the test's validity as a language proficiency test, but it has never lost its prestige. Its popularity may grow further in the next couple of years as more companies and government organizations are expected to require higher scores on TOEIC as a basic qualification. By Kim Hyo-jin Kim Moo-sung Lee Jong-kul With less than a fortnight before the April 13 general election, the leaders of the ruling party are ahead in the polls. Senior figures in the Saenuri Party are favored candidates in the parliamentary races, while those of the main opposition Minjoo Party of Korea (MPK) and minor opposition People's Party are struggling. Saenuri Party Chairman Rep. Kim Moo-sung is expected to win overwhelmingly in the Jung and Yeongdo districts in Busan. A March 24 poll conducted by the Korea Society Opinion Institute shows Kim with a 47-percent lead over MPK candidate Kim Bi-oh, 65.6 percent to 18.5 percent. Rep. Won Yoo-chul, floor leader of the Saenuri Party, also holds a substantial lead over rivals in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province. According to a March 14 poll conducted by Realmeter, Won is favored by 48.2 percent of the voters, while MPK's Ko In-jung and the People's Party's Choi In-gyu are favored by 16.5 percent and 12.5 percent of the voters, respectively. Analysts say Won can maintain his lead even if the opposition parties support a single candidate against him. MPK floor leader Lee Jong-kul is also trailing in the district of Anyang and Manan in Gyeonggi Province. The four-term lawmaker, who previously clinched victories with the same constituencies, now faces a tough battle against Saenuri Party candidate Jang Kyung-soon, who appeals to voters because of his pledge to revive the stagnant regional economy. Lee is behind Jang 34.2 percent to 36 percent according to a March 23 Realmeter poll. It is uncertain if he can return to the National Assembly after the elections. Rep. Ahn Cheol-soo, co-chairman of the People's Party, is expected to face an uphill struggle in the race against the Saenuri Party's Lee Jun-seok in the Seoul Nowon C district. Lee, a 30-year-old political rookie who helped President Park Geun-hye in her 2012 campaign, has made significant inroads against Ahn's lead. A March 26-28 TNS poll shows Ahn and Lee running first and second, 38.7 percent to 34.7 percent, respectively. The MPK's Hwang Chang-hwa is running third with 13 percent. The poll also expects Ahn will lead Lee 50.3 percent to 34.7 percent if he runs as the only opposition candidate. However, Ahn already refused an alliance with the MPK, choosing a somewhat more difficult journey. It is also uncertain whether Rep. Sim Sang-jeung, chairwoman of the minor opposition Justice Party, will be returned to the Assembly. A March 4 poll by the Chosun Ilbo puts Sim behind the Saenuri Party's Sohn Beom-gyu, 32.3 percent to 37.2 percent respectively, in the race in the Goyang A district, Gyeonggi Province. By Kim Bo-eun The Constitutional Court ruled Thursday that a clause punishing voluntary prostitution was constitutional. In the six to three ruling, judges upheld the clause that states both buyers and sellers of sex were subject to jail sentences of up to one year and fines of up to 3 million won, was constitutional. The Seoul Northern District Court requested that the Constitutional Court review the clause after accepting a petition by a woman surnamed Kim, 45, who was indicted on charges of prostitution, in December 2012. Kim said that she was not forced to provide sex but did so voluntarily for money, claiming that the clause infringed on her rights. Since the Anti-Prostitution Law was amended in 2004, there have been seven constitutional appeals by buyers or brokers against punishing a person for prostitution, which were dismissed; but this was the first case filed by a voluntary sex worker. "The Anti-Prostitution Law aims to punish prostitution in order to uphold sound social customs and ethics of sex, and so therefore the clause is just," the court said. "If sex workers are not punished, the supply of prostitutes could grow." The court said that the common good of established customs about sex outweighs a person's right to make a decision about their sexual conduct. It added that the clause has effectively reduced the number of brothels and sex workers. The Korean Women Lawyers Association welcomed the ruling, saying "prostitution is a crime which commercializes individuals and sex, and infringes on human dignity." Critics, however, say that punishment of sex workers puts their livelihood in danger and results in underground prostitution. Hanteo National Union, a sex workers' advocacy group, condemned the ruling during a press conference in front of the Constitutional Court in central Seoul. "We cannot accept the court ruling," Kang Hyeon-jun, a representative of the group, said, adding the nation does not protect the weak. "Sex workers are also nationals of Korea. They need to receive respect for the work they do with lack of choice because they were unable to receive a proper education and did not inherit anything from their parents." The group added that they would take the issue to the United Nations Human Rights Committee. The UN recommends legalizing prostitution, he said. The sex workers said they would fight for their rights, vowing to abolish the clause in the Anti Prostitution Law that punishes voluntary prostitution. The Seoul Northern District Court previously stated that the clause did not reflect today's changing values which respect individuals' decisions about sexual conduct. International agreements on prostitution also are against criminal punishment and administrative restrictions against prostitutes, it said. A survey by Realmeter showed 43.2 percent of 538 respondents opposed the Anti Prostitution Law as a whole, while 37.4 percent supported it. More men (59.4 percent) were against the law than women (37.4 percent). Kim Kang-ja, a former Jongam Police Station chief who was in charge of sex crimes, said at a hearing last April that there was a need to create designated areas to meet the needs of those who engage in prostitution for their livelihood. By Jun Ji-hye South Korea plans to continue a project this year to place five military satellites into orbit by 2022, which it believes will considerably enhance military surveillance of North Korea, officials said Thursday. "We are set to sign a contract for the project within the second half of this year," a Ministry of National Defense official said on condition of anonymity. He said the ministry would make the most of domestic technologies, reversing the initial plan to import key components. The ministry originally planned to sign a contract last October, but this was delayed due to differing opinions between relevant ministries as well as budget limits. "The beginning of the project has been delayed by one year, but we will still follow through with the goal to complete the project by the target date," the official said. Last year, the defense ministry demanded 64.3 billion won ($56 million) for the project, but the finance ministry cut this to 10 billion won, and the National Assembly cut it to 2 billion won. The drastic curtailment had raised concern that the satellite project might founder, but President Park Geun-hye expressed her decision to strengthen the nation's capability to collect military intelligence on the reclusive state during a nationally televised address, Jan. 13. "I will strengthen our ability to collect information on North Korea in order not to miss any signs of provocations from the North," she said at the time. The address came days after the isolated state conducted its fourth nuclear test, Jan. 6. The need for South Korea to enhance its reconnaissance was raised further when the North launched a long-range rocket, Feb. 7. Regarding differing opinions between the defense ministry and the National Intelligence Service about who should control the satellites, the official said that it had been decided that the ministry would take charge of the satellites. The official said the satellites would carry cameras capable of taking clear images of an object on the Earth's surface measuring as little as 0.3 to 0.5 meters across. Four of the satellites will carry all-weather synthetic aperture radar, while one will carry electronic optics and infrared surveillance equipment. The official said that with the satellites, South Korea will be able to detect within two to three hours all launch preparations or other military activities in North Korea, including those involving mobile transport erector launchers. Follow Jun Ji-hye on Twitter @TheKopJihye From top, volunteers for the ruling Saenuri Party, main opposition Minjoo Party of Korea and minor opposition People's Party bow in the street during a campaign for their respective candidates running in the April 13 general election in Daejeon, Thursday. Each group of volunteers wears uniforms in the party's symbolic color, with its number assigned by the National Election Commission as well names of its candidates printed on the back. / Yonhap Judgment on opposition party vs Park administration By Kim Hyo-jin Political parties launched their campaigns for the April 13 general election, Thursday. The rival parties, seeking to secure the seat-rich capital area, began their stumping, which will run until midnight April 12, in Seoul. A total of 122 seats are up for grabs in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province, nearly half the 253 electoral seats nationwide. Saenuri Party leaders are calling for the people to give the governing party an outright majority in the National Assembly so it can pass key economic and anti-cyberterrorism bills. They say voters should hold the main opposition party accountable for continuously blocking passage of the bills. After paying tribute at the Seoul National Cemetery, Chairman Rep. Kim Moo-sung went to Guro Industrial Complex, the nation's first industrial belt, and Yongsan to support candidates facing tough battles. Kim fanned security concerns in an apparent bid to attract conservative voters. "The nation is entering a very risky stage in terms of security. We are not sure when North Korea will launch a terrorist attack in cooperation with the Islamic State," he said. "The opposition parties say that they will scrap the Counterterrorism Law, passed to protect the public, if they take power, and that we should reopen the Gaeseong Industrial Complex, money from which was used for Pyongyang's nuclear development. You shouldn't cast a vote for a security-incompetent party." Kim Chong-in, the interim leader of the main opposition Minjoo Party of Korea (MPK), started on the campaign trail at Dongdaemun Market. The MPK has pledged to improve the livelihoods of ordinary people. Kim earlier defined the upcoming election as a judgment on the Park Geun-hye administration for causing the sluggish economy and promised "economic democratization," which aims to revamp the conglomerate-focused economic structure. "This election should be a choice of which kind of economy you want to pursue. Our goal is to reduce inequality through inclusive growth. The economy should not just benefit large corporations," Kim said at the inauguration ceremony for the party's election committee. "We should end the ruling party's mismanagement of the economy, now." Kim stumped for Rep. Chung Sye-kyun an underdog candidate running against former Mayor Oh Se-hoon in Jongno, central Seoul. Then he canvassed Jung-gu and Seodaemun in Seoul before moving to Ansan, Gyeonggi Province, districts where MPK candidates are struggling. Meanwhile, Rep. Ahn Cheol-soo, the co-chairman of the minority opposition People's Party, headed to the Fabrication Laboratory Seoul, a knowledge-sharing network of MIT's Center for Bits and Atoms. While meeting with students, he stressed the country's need for science and technology innovation and young entrepreneurship for further development. "In order to adapt to the fast-changing technological era, we should seek educational, technological and entrepreneurial innovation. This place is meaningful in delivering what our party pursues," Ahn said. The metropolitan area is expected to be a tough battlefield for both the ruling and opposition parties. Of 122 districts, multiple opposition parties are competing in 104. The MPK, which had a small lead over the Saenuri Party in the region in previous elections, has been put in a more difficult situation with additional competitors from the People's Party. The Saenuri Party also lost momentum after some incumbent lawmakers left to run as independent candidates after being excluded from controversial nominations. It also lost support in the region, following the factional conflicts surrounding the nominations. A March 29 poll conducted by local pollster TNS showed that its approval rating had sharply dropped to 31 percent, a 9 percentage points decrease compared to the previous month, while the MPK garnered 31.3 percent, an 11.4 percentage points increase. "We plan to focus our campaign in the metropolitan area as it is expected to be the most difficult one in history," Kim said during a forum hosted by the Kwanhun Club, an association of senior journalists, Wednesday. Cigarette pack samples with anti-smoking warning photos were introduced by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Thursday. The photos are about diseases and other negative effects that can be caused by smoking. Tobacco makers will be obliged to print the photos on cigarette packs from Dec. 23. / Courtesy of Ministry of Health and Welfare The government has unveiled 40 graphic photos that will be put on cigarette packs from the end of this year as part of an anti-smoking campaign. The Ministry of Health and Welfare unveiled 10 images depicting the dangers of long-term smoking. They are lung, laryngeal and oral cancers, heart disease, strokes, sexual function disorder, premature skin ageing, secondhand smoking, the effects on unborn babies of pregnant women who smoke and premature death. The designs follow a month-long discussion and studies by experts including the Korea Health Promotion Foundation, Sogang University faculty members and public health experts. Starting from Dec. 23, cigarette manufacturers will have to cover at least 30 percent of a packet's front with one of the images and at least 20 percent of it with a written warning, so that customers can clearly see the warnings on shelves at stores. Korea has tried since 2002 to make the graphic images compulsory, and the National Assembly finally passed the related revision last May. The measure comes after the ministry increased cigarette prices from 2,500 won a pack to 4,500 in January 2015 in an effort to curb the smoking rate from 24 percent last year to 20 percent by 2020. The ministry expects the nation to save up to 4 trillion won a year in medical costs. "Putting images on the packet is a non-expensive anti-smoking approach recommended by the World Health Organization currently effective in 80 countries," a ministry official said. "It raises awareness about the possible health consequences, and is thus effective in curbing smoking." Canada was the first country to adopt the policy in 2001 using 16 images that must cover 75 percent of the front and back of the packet. "According to a study in Canada, cigarette packs with such images reduced the likelihood of a person becoming a smoker by up to 12.5 percent," the official said. "According to another study in Australia, two-thirds of non-smoking teenagers said the images had discouraged them from smoking." The Korea Association on Smoking or Health (KASH) welcomed the measure. "I think the policy will be effective in curbing smoking, which is not only an unhealthy personal habit but a contributor to social welfare costs," a KASH official said. "I hope the government will use far more confronting images to improve the effectiveness of this campaign." A British American Tobacco official said the images were far more shocking than was socially acceptable, which was a violation of the law. "Under the law, the images should not be too extreme to cause disgust," he said. "We think the graphics clearly go beyond this and that tobacco companies, including us, will seek expert opinion about whether it breaks the law." By Lee Kyung-min The nation's human rights body said Thursday that a police ban on a commemorative rally for the Sewol ferry disaster near Cheong Wa Dae infringed on the right of assembly guaranteed by the Constitution. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) said it will recommend the police not to ban such gatherings. In June 2014 about two months after the ferry sank, more than 700 people from civic groups planned rallies to commemorate the victims and host public discussions in 11 locations, including one near Cheong Wa Dae. But police banned the demonstrations at 10 of the 11 places, citing anticipated traffic congestion and possible invasion of the privacy of residents near the planned sites. The groups then filed a petition with the NHRC. The commission said the police ban was against the Constitution, which states all people have the freedom to assemble. "Police banned the rallies according to clauses of the law on assembly, but it infringed on the basic right guaranteed by the Constitution," an NHRC official said. By Jun Ji-hye North Korea is getting close to making nuclear warheads small enough to fit on its KN-08 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) but will need to conduct more tests to ensure its nuclear capabilities, according to experts. Leon V. Sigal, director of the Northeast Asia Cooperative Security Project at the Social Science Research Council in New York, said, "Pyongyang is getting close making a compact device that can be mounted on a missile, but will need more nuclear tests to be sure." The expert's analysis comes amid the repressive state's recent claim that it had miniaturized nuclear warheads that could be fitted onto its missiles and that it has developed a missile reentry vehicle, which is necessary for a nuclear-armed ballistic missile to deliver its payload after reentering the Earth's atmosphere. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un also recently said his regime will test nuclear warheads and ballistic missiles "in a short time" to prove the regime's nuclear capabilities. The ICBM that has yet to be tested is believed to have a range of more than 10,000 kilometers, far enough to reach the U.S. mainland in theory. Terence Roehrig, professor of National Security Affairs and the Director of the Asia-Pacific Studies Group at the U.S. Naval War College, said many questions regarding the North's nuclear capabilities remain unanswered. "The evidence is not definitive because the communist state has not conducted a formal test," he said, adding that the North is believed to face several important technological challenges. He said, however, that much of the expert analyses suggest that despite not having conducted a formal test, Pyongyang may in fact have nuclear capabilities. "Even if they have yet to overcome all of the challenges, they will continue working and will succeed at some point in the future in developing a reliable and effective nuclear deterrent," he said. Bruce Klingner, a senior research fellow for Northeast Asia, specializing in Korean and Japanese affairs, at The Heritage Foundation's Asian Studies Center, gave more credibility to the North's claims, noting that, "Last year, three U.S. four-star generals stated publicly that they believe North Korea currently has the ability to reach the United States with a nuclear-tipped ICBM." He added, "While North Korea has not demonstrated a reentry vehicle capability, it did display a reentry vehicle shroud next to the purported nuclear warhead." For their part, South Korea's Ministry of National Defense, as well as the Pentagon, said the North's claims have not been verified, as there have been no open tests. However, defense ministry spokesman Moon Sang-gyun said that military authorities of Seoul and Washington are keeping a close watch on activities at the Punggye-ri nuclear test site in the northeast of North Korea to prepare for the regime's additional nuclear test. The test site was where Pyongyang conducted its fourth nuclear test on Jan. 6. As part of efforts to maintain readiness to counter potential provocative actions from the North, South Korea and the United States began conducting their annual joint military drills in March 7, designed to destroy the North's key facilities. The largely computer-simulated Key Resolve drill ran until March 18, and the Foal Eagle combined field training exercise will take place until April 30. The South Korean government has been also making utmost efforts to strengthen cooperation with allies and neighboring countries on ensuring that the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2270, containing the harshest sanctions yet on the Kim Jong-un regime, is vigorously implemented. The new resolution was unanimously adopted by council members on March 2 in response to Pyongyang's nuclear test in January and long-range rocket launch in February. Follow Jun Ji-hye on Twitter @TheKopJihye South Korea and Japan will hold a bilateral policy meeting this week to bolster their cooperation in achieving a series of U.N. sustainable development goals (SDGs), Seoul's Foreign Ministry said Thursday. The 17th policy consultative meeting will be held in Seoul on Friday, led by Lee Yong-soo, the director-general of the ministry's development cooperation division, and his Japanese counterpart Takio Yamada. The last meeting was held in Tokyo in February last year. The two sides will focus on how they can maximize their cooperation in pushing for the SDGs, which were adopted last year to end poverty, fight inequality and injustice, and tackle climate change by 2030. To enhance the effectiveness of its overseas aid programs, Seoul has regularly held policy meetings with some 10 countries including the European Union, the United Kingdom, Japan and Australia. (Yonhap) Park Geun-hye Enrique Pena Nieto By Yi Whan-woo President Park Geun-hye's first official visit to Mexico from April 2 to 5 comes amid the rising international concerns over North Korea's nuclear threats, as well as the increasing trade between South Korea and Mexico and the growing popularity of "hallyu" or the Korean cultural wave in the Latin American country. "In this climate, Park's travel to Mexico will be noteworthy, as the two nations will have a chance to reaffirm their diplomatic relations in relation to nuclear security," a Ministry of Foreign Affairs official said on condition of anonymity this week. "Both sides also will be able discuss ways to bolster their cooperation on the economy and various sectors." According to Cheong Wa Dae, Park is expected to discuss Pyongyang's nuclear program and other security issues on the Korean Peninsula during a bilateral summit with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto on April 4. The two leaders could also discuss bilateral cooperation on the effective implementation of U.N. Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2270, which was imposed on March 2 in response to North Korea's latest nuclear test in January and subsequent long-range rocket launch in February. North Korea has recently beefed up its military presence along the heavily-fortified border with South Korea, setting up around 200 more observation posts possibly in a sign of growing aggression, according to military officials on Thursday. "Since the end of last year, the North Korean military has been spotted briskly building up observation posts along the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that separates the two sides," a military official said, asking not to be named. The DMZ is 257-kilometer long and roughly 4 kilometers wide. The meters-high North Korean concrete structures could hold one or two sentries along the border where the forces of South and North Korea stand guard facing each other. North Korea maintains more than twice as many border forces as South Korea does. Officials said the military buildup at the border could signal more aggressive military operations to come at the tensions-prone DMZ area. It could reversely aim to keep watch on North Korean soldiers attempting to defect, according to the officials. "We have closely been following the developments on the assumption that the increase of observation posts along the DMZ could have many different purposes," one of the officials noted. (Yonhap) North Korea threatened to launch nuclear strikes against the United States on Thursday if Washington infringes on the North's sovereign right, vowing "ruthless" retaliation against its foe. The North's threat came as President Park Geun-hye plans to meet with her counterparts from the U.S., China and Japan later this week in Washington to coordinate how to deal with the North's nuclear weapons program. The communist state blamed the U.S. for raising tension on the divided peninsula, citing the ongoing joint military drills between Seoul and Washington. "If the U.S. infringes on our interests and sovereign right, we will immediately bestow ruthless punishment on it by mobilizing all means including nuclear attacks," a spokesman at the North's foreign ministry said in a statement carried by the Korean Central News Agency. The spokesman said that sanctions imposed on his country amount to aggression, claiming that they are against international laws. The North's bellicose rhetoric came as Park plans to hold separate talks with U.S. President Barack Obama and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Washington on Thursday on the sidelines of a nuclear security summit. The three leaders are also scheduled to hold a three-way summit to discuss sanctions on North Korea as they have all imposed unilateral punitive measures over the January nuke test and long-range missile launch in February. North Korea said in January that it is ready to detonate hydrogen bombs capable of wiping out the U.S "all at once," insisting that it has succeeded in developing miniaturized nuclear weapons. (Yonhap) Prof. Shin Gi-wook: Asia specialist and director of Stanford University's Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center / Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk By Oh Young-jin By all appearances, the two Koreas are on a collision course over the North's undeterred ambition of becoming a nuclear weapon state. President Park Geun-hye has gone to the point of calling for a regime change in Pyongyang. Kim Jong-un, the 33-year-old dictator in the North, has emerged as the chief anti-South propagandist, signing an order to detonate an H-bomb, in a news clip, and, in another, reviewing testing of newly developed missiles that can strike well south of Seoul. Maybe, he thinks he can afford to wait her out and talk to her successor. Under this highly charged atmosphere, is peace possible? Or could representatives from both Koreas meet across the table? Not likely. But an Asia specialist and director of Stanford University's Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center said that this is high time to reach out to the North. "Nobody with authority from the South has ever met Kim Jong-un in person, not alone knowing much about him," said Prof. Shin Gi-wook in a recent interview. The Korean-born sociologist, who has a wide authorship covering economics to politics, reasoned that it doesn't make sense for the current government to pursue a hard-line policy against the North without fully studying the personality and thinking patterns of its leader. "Perhaps, he (Kim Jong-un) is making a big noise in order to gain a better negotiating position," he posited. Then, what would be the best way of reaching out to the North and steering it back to talks for a peaceful resolution of its nuclear challenge? "Four-nation talks may be an alternative," he said. The four would be the two Koreas, the United States and China. Representatives would be envoys who are well respected, have direct contact with leaders but are outside the chain of government command, he said. "Somebody who has the stature and wisdom of William Perry." Perry served as President Clinton's defense secretary and drew up the Perry Process that could have led Pyongyang to reduce its weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) by offering step-by-step incentives along designated landmarks. Shin said that the current six-party talks have outlived their usefulness. The talks, started in 2003, were aimed at dismantling the North's nuclear development programs; but stalled because of North boycotting them. The six countries include the above-mentioned four plus Japan and Russia. The talks are now unfit to deal with the added urgency of the North's nuclear program getting more sophisticated, Shin said. "The envoys should make a fresh start on a serious note to reintroduce a Perry Process-like roadmap for the North's soft landing," he said. But the big question remains: whether the North will ever give up its nuclear programs that it considers as its key to survival: Libya being a powerful antithesis for a leader ending up with the short end of a deal with the West. Counterbalancing this is Iran, a resource-rich country that can be poorly compared with the North. "I don't think the North will give up its nuclear weapons," he said. "It is true that, for the lack of a better choice, we have to stick to dialogue, but it is common sense that speaking to each other is a priority to finding a solution." In that sense, he wouldn't object to China's proposal of conducting peace talks simultaneously with denuclearization negotiations. The North tried to push such talks before its Jan. 6 alleged detonation of a hydrogen bomb, but was spurned by the U.S. which insists that denuclearization precede peace talks. Seoul and Washington view Pyongyang's peace talks proposal with suspicion because the reclusive state often uses it as a platform to push for the U.S. withdrawal from the South. China would be happy to see the U.S. leave. "We can deal with these issues along the way," the professor said. The reason that dialogue is important is because of the lack of a coherent North Korea policy for the next two years. A new U.S. president, who will be elected in November, needs six months to get his or her foreign policy team working. By the time it is ready, Korea will be into a presidential election cycle, he said. "Managing the North's challenge without making it worse for next two years is very important." He discounted concerns about the leading Republican candidate Donald Trump, who is negative about maintaining U.S. troops here. "If he gets nominated, Trump will have to change," he said. So what does he think Seoul and Washington should do to handle the North for now? "Don't miss such a chance as we had at the end of the Clinton administration," he said. The relationship with the North was so good then that Clinton came close to making a presidential visit to Pyongyang but it was nixed because of opposition by his Republican successor George W. Bush. Then, would such a chance come ever again? The professor didn't answer. President Park Geun-hye held talks with her U.S. counterpart, Barack Obama, on Thursday to coordinate their stance on how to deal with North Korea over its nuclear weapons program, South Korean officials said. The talks came amid growing international pressure on North Korea to drop its nuclear ambitions after Pyongyang carried out its fourth nuclear test on Jan. 6 and a long-range rocket launch on Feb. 7. The U.N. Security Council has imposed the toughest sanctions on North Korea that call for, among other things, the mandatory inspection of all cargo going into and out of the North, and a ban on the country's exports of coal and other mineral resources to cut off North Korea's access to hard currency. Park and Obama are set to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in their first trilateral summit since the U.N. imposed the toughest sanctions on North Korea. The three leaders "are expected to reaffirm their commitment to implementing the U.N. Security Council sanctions resolution," Presidential spokesman Jeong Yeon-guk told reporters. Daniel Kritenbrink, senior Asian affairs director at the National Security Council, said the three leaders will clearly demonstrate their unity in their commitment and firm resolve to deter and defend against North Korean aggression. "I anticipate that they will call upon all in the international community to join in vigilantly implementing U.N. measures on North Korea," Kritenbrink said Wednesday in a press call posted on the White House website. He also said the U.S. has "no more important allies" than South Korea and Japan. Park is also set to hold two separate talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Abe on North Korea. Obama is set to meet with Xi to address the threat posed by North Korea, according to the White House. Jeong said Park is likely to ask China to play an active role in reining in North Korea's nuclear and missile programs. "We've seen China step up in many ways in terms of applying pressure. The fact is, it has to over time affect the calculus of the North Korean leadership," Ben Rhodes, a deputy national security adviser, said in the press call. China, the North's last major ally and economic benefactor, has voted in favor of the toughest U.N. sanctions and vowed to strictly enforce them, in a sign of departure from its previous reluctance to put pressure on North Korea. China has long been worried that tougher measures against North Korea could destabilize its communist neighbor and trigger an influx of North Koreans across the porous border. The back-to-back summits come on the margins of the two-day Nuclear Security Summit meant to discuss how to tackle the threats of nuclear terrorism and how to strengthen an international regime for nuclear security. (Yonhap) Two of South Korea's three largest shipbuilders failed to clinch any new orders in the first quarter of the year, underscoring the protracted slump in the global shipbuilding segment, industry sources said Wednesday. According to the sources, the country's big three shipyards -- Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. and Samsung Heavy Industries Co. -- received few orders during the January-March period. Only Hyundai Heavy clinched a 150 billion won ($129 million) deal to build two petrochemicals-carrying ships this month. Lower oil prices have been leading to a drop in demand for new ships or offshore facilities, and Chinese rivals have scooped up a large slice of orders for smaller ships, in particular. Major South Korean shipbuilders have been pushing for restructuring since last year to get over the unfavorable business conditions caused by falling demand and ship prices in line with the slowing world economy. In line with a protracted industrywide slump, the shipyards have trimmed their order targets for the year by 20 percent. By Ku Yae-rin With North Korea making threats to attack the United States, following the issuing of new tough sanctions, people are divided on what the next step of the U.S. government should be. To find the answer, we must first understand who we are dealing with. At the end of World War II, the Korean Peninsula was divided at the 38th Parallel. When the two Koreas failed to unify after three years, the Kim family became the rulers of North Korea and have remained so for three generations. The first ruler was Kim Il-sung, the great leader. Even though he died in 1994, he was made the eternal president. His son, Kim Jong-il, the dear leader, had 20 years of preparation before succeeding his father. Kim Jong-un, on the other hand, did not have any training to rule after his father's (Kim Jong-il) unexpected death in 2011. Kim Jong-un was only in his 20s when he was chosen as the new leader or the great successor as he was originally called, so he was inexperienced and did not have much political clout in his regime. Furthermore, he is actually the third and the youngest son of Kim Jong-il. In his peerless situation, the most efficient way he could consolidate his power and legitimacy was to exercise rule by fear. He is known as an impulsive risk-taker whose course of action holds many surprises. Only 33 years old now, he has executed and removed many of his father's aides during almost four years in power to prove to his seasoned officials that his authority is absolute and that he is to be feared. Known for his "Jungjin" strategy, a simultaneous pursuit of nuclear and economic development, it is estimated that North Korea has about 10-15 nuclear weapons. An interesting point to note here is that some 40-50 percent of the North Koreans blame the United States for this. I suppose it is not all that shocking as the United States is almost always ready to paint North Korea black and assume the worst. For the record, I am not saying I support North Korea's nuclear proliferation program. All I am saying is that U.S. diplomacy with North Korea is a failed one, and it is high time for its approach in dealing with North Korea to change. "Why are Americans hostile toward us?" This is a question many American tourists hear in North Korea. Stuck in the Cold War mindset, there is no reaching out on the United States' part. Even Barack Obama, who made a historic visit to Cuba, is taking an inert approach in accordance with his "strategic patience" when it comes to North Korea. There is a saying in Korea: It takes two hands to make the sound of clapping. As North Korea has made threats to attack the United States, the U.S. has also made threats to capture their capital, Pyongyang. If the United States truly wants to bring stability to North Korea and to the region, the policy needs to change from isolationism to engaging with North Korea. As Kim Jong-un received his education in Switzerland near Bern, he knows the importance of economic development, and has made efforts in this regard which are bearing some fruit. According to the Economist magazine, there were "tantalizing signs of economic reform taking place in North Korea." Also, a growing number of people are gaining access to cellphones. To keep this momentum going, it is critical to understand that the more secure Kim Jong-un feels, the better chance we have with North Korea. Yaerin Ku is a student at Kyung Hee University majoring in international relations. Write to realyepuda@hotmail.com. By Lee Min-hyung Expectations are rising that President Park Geun-hye's upcoming trip to Mexico will speed up expansion of local companies into the relatively untapped yet highly potential market. The four-day trip to the Latin American country is remarkable, as Park has formed the largest-ever business delegation to the country with more than 140 local business leaders. This reflects her strong will to forge a strategic economic alliance with the Mexican government. Korea's technology giants such as Samsung and LG have been making continued efforts to extend their footing on the global stage. But generally speaking, Korean firms have put less importance on the Latin American market including Mexico and Brazil than other key markets such as China and the United States, citing their weak infrastructure for business operations and concerns over public security. But it is time for local companies to focus on the massive potential that the country has in terms of its huge population and its will to invest in technology infrastructure of which Korean firms have expertise. By Donald Kirk WASHINGTON Talk about local boy making good, and then look at the case of Donald Trump. He's a New Yorker through and through looks, talks and acts like one, arrogant, sneering and sure of himself. So what are the New York papers saying about him? Clearly, he's a bad boy who's sadly disgraced himself. Not a day goes by when the preeminent New York Times does not attack the Trumpster, mostly on its editorial page but elsewhere too. And the Daily News, once a hard-hitting, deeply conservative blue-collar tabloid, now turned mushy and liberal, chimes in with blaring page-one headlines excoriating him for whatever stupid stuff he does and says. The New York Times' attacks on Trump are most interesting and entertaining, the Times columnists all so brilliant. One day it's Gail Collins telling us "Donald Trump is a nightmare" by way of explaining why the "terrified" Republican "elite" has turned to Ted Cruz, "the most actively disliked Republican politician in America." The next day, in the same spot, David Brooks, the paper's token conservative, declares, "We've gone from Rising Tide America" to "Coming Apart America" with Trump, "an angel of destruction," blowing "to smithereens" the goodwill built up under Ronald Reagan. Across the page, Paul Krugman, the Nobel prize-winning economist, begins, "In this year of Trump, the land is loud with the wails of political commentators rending their garments and crying out, How can this be happening?'" The New York Times' barrage of catcalls, shrieks, cannonades and fusillades against Trump is so remitting, so endless, you wonder who's conducting the orchestra, waving the baton, pointing at a violinist here, a clarinetist there, a French horn player on one side and a harpist on the other. They're all playing the same symphony, though maybe the military analogy an artillery barrage, airstrikes and infantry advances would be more appropriate. All of which made me wonder about a column by Nicholas Kristof, who used to visit Korea years ago as a New York Times correspondent based in Tokyo. "My Shared Shame," was the headline, "The Media Helped Make Trump." While blaming Trump's rise "on the Republican Party's toxic manipulation of racial resentments," Kristof says "we should also acknowledge another force that empowered Trump: Us." Soon enough, it becomes apparent Kristof is talking not about the incessant anti-Trumpism of his op-ed colleagues but about the free ride given Trump, the failure to investigate the facts behind his bombast. (Kristof, of course, is down on Trump like all the other Times columnists. "I've never met a national politician in the U.S. who is so ill-informed, evasive, puerile and deceptive as Trump.") It's hard not to agree with a lot of what these smart people are dishing out every day. Trump has a way of saying stuff that's counter to common sense, that seems based on his own gut instincts without much if any research on facts or grasp of reality. What's he mean, for instance, when he says that Japan and South Korea should both have nuclear weapons while relying far less on their American ally for defense? Does he know that Japanese, ever mindful of the atom-bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945, are deeply wary of nuclear weapons even though Japanese physicists and engineers know how to make them? And did any of Trump's not-very-qualified foreign policy advisers tell him about the long history of U.S.-Korean negotiations under which South Korea is obligated not to try and fabricate nuclear weapons? Or is he saying Japan and South Korea might as well have nukes as long as Kim Jong-un boasts of North Korea's nuclear prowess? Is he concerned about a tit-for-tat nuclear war breaking out in Northeast Asia? It's possible to ask questions about many of Trump's outrageous policy declarations ranging from his call to bar Muslims from the U.S. to his idea of a fence to keep "illegal immigrants" from sneaking into the Land of the Free from Mexico. How about his proposal for slapping surcharges on Chinese exports in retaliation to Chinese barriers to U.S. products? Perhaps The New York Times columnists are doing us a favor by alerting readers to all that's awful about Trump. You wonder, though, why they're relatively easy on the Democratic candidates. Are these columnists so busy castigating Trump, and Cruz, they have no time for Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders, vulnerable though they often appear? In fact, Trumpism may be a passing phenomenon. He may not be nominated, and, if he does run for president on the Republican ticket or as a disgruntled third-party candidate angry over rejection by the Republicans, he probably would not defeat Hillary. By zeroing in on Trump day in and day out, maybe the warriors of The New York Times op-ed page will be proud to have had a little to do with his defeat even while deepening the great divide in American life between Trump-style conservatism and fashionable "politically correct" liberalism. Donald Kirk, www.donaldkirk.com, has been covering war and peace in Asia for decades. He's at kirkdon4343@gmail.com. By Choi Sung-jin Political commentators have called the current 19th National Assembly the worst parliament ever, extremely unproductive and dysfunctional. I will bet my bottom dollar that the 20th Assembly is likely to be even worse. Perennially bickering political parties agreed on a new constituency boundaries map with just 50 days left before the vote, the legal deadline. They finished nominating candidates only last week and began campaigning this week. With just a fortnight to go before the election, most voters do not know much about most of the candidates, let alone their policies. I can find no better word than the "damnedest" to describe the nominating process of the major parties, which has turned out to be a race to the bottom. The biggest, if not the only, criteria for candidates of the ruling Saenuri Party is to show loyalty to President Park Geun-hye who wants to maintain her political clout and exercise influence after she leaves Cheong Wa Dae less than two years from now. Politicians unfaithful to Park could not get a ticket, however popular they may be in their precincts. So much so that even the Saenuri Party's leader, the head of the "non-Park" faction, compared the nomination process to one in a "dictatorial state." The situation in the main opposition party is close to a black comedy. The Minjoo Party of Korea (MPK), split between factions following two deceased liberal presidents Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun ushered in a former economics tutor and key campaigner of President Park to be their interim leader. Americans may find it easier to understand by imagining the U.S. Democrats picking Karl Rove as their provisional head to get a badly needed election victory despite their totally different political philosophies. Kim Chong-in, the new head of the MPK, says he shares the liberal opposition's economic policy focusing on better distribution. Yet Kim's exclusion of the labor unions from key decisions within the party and his hard-line stance on the inter-Korean relationship belong to the 1970s and run counter to the time-honored policies of the relatively liberal party. The MPK may think its shift to a middle-of-the-road platform will help gather votes, but they could end up "losing rabbits at home while running after hares in the mountains." There is also a new splinter group, the People's Party, led by Ahn Cheol-soo, a medical doctor-turned-computer virus expert-turned-politician who attempted to run for the presidency in 2012 but gave up and will try again in 2017. Ahn has shown little in terms of political philosophy or policy except that his party will squeeze in between the already indistinguishable Saenuri Party and the MPK by splitting the liberal political base, the southwestern Jeolla provinces. With the opposition fragmented like this and losing rather abandoning their political identities, it is a small surprise that the conservative ruling party attempts to win more than a majority in the 300-seat unicameral house and even seeks to get 200 seats, enough by itself to revise the Constitution, and become like Japan's Liberal Democratic Party, the different factions of which have taken turns in governing the country through most of its postwar period. The Saenuri Party is even turning the upcoming election into a "judgment of the opposition," saying that the MPK did not cooperate in railroading President Park's controversial bills into laws. In what sort of democratic country does the chief executive regard the legislative branch as little more than a rubberstamp of the administration, and the governing party calls for voters to punish the political opposition for what it is supposed to do opposing (a one-sided operation of state affairs by the government and governing party)? Much of the blame for this lamentable state should go to the opposition parties themselves. Can't they see what's happening in the United States and the United Kingdom? Even in those citadels of market-is-everything neo-liberalist capitalism, democratic socialists such as Bernie Sanders and Jeremy Corbyn enjoy considerable political support. Regardless of the electability of these politicians, which of the self-styled Korean progressives have maintained such ideological consistency and political passion for the weaker class of the society? It seems to be too late to expect that the political opposition will change themselves during the remaining two weeks and improve the situation for the 90 percent of the have-nots in this country with an increasingly stagnant economy. But they should at least do what opposition parties should do in an election season criticize the government's policies with plausible logic and, more importantly, offer alternative policies that can win voters' minds. All this leaves voters with the mission to save the nation's democracy and themselves. They only have to think whether their lives are better off and safer than they were three years ago. Some may refute that these are parliamentary elections, not a presidential election. But in a country with a presidential system as Korea has, elections in the middle of the presidential tenure can't help but serve as a mid-term appraisal of the leader. Moreover Koreans have just witnessed who is the "real owner" of the ruling party through the nomination process. President Park vowed to be a leader who keeps promises. Three years ago, she pledged to share the fruits of growth evenly and ease the pains of household debt that reached 963 trillion won ($826 billion). Today, most families' incomes remain little changed from 2012, or reduced as the share of GDP, while their debt has swelled to more than 1,200 trillion won. People, particularly the less well-to-do, can ill afford to repeat voting contrary to their class's interests needy people support the party that represents the rich. Nor should it be a popularity vote. If Koreans skip voting out of political apathy or throw their ballots to those with the same regional and school backgrounds as theirs, they will have to brace for more of the same over the next four to six years or far longer. Choi Sung-jin is The Korea Times' senior writer. Contact him at choisj@ktimes.com. Army Cpl. Kim Dong-uk By Jun Ji-hye Army Cpl. Kim Dong-uk saved a woman in her 20s who was being assaulted by a drunken man, according to the Army, Wednesday. On March 25, Kim, 22, who was on vacation, saw the man in his 50s being violent and abusive to the woman on a bus. The man grasped her by the wrist, preventing her from getting off the vehicle. The woman barely managed to get off the bus, but the man still followed her. Kim also got off the bus and pursued the man. Then, Kim saw the man pull the woman's hair and swing at her with his fist on a pedestrian overpass. Kim rushed to the scene and called the police, restraining the man from beating the woman. The drunk took the bit between his teeth and tussled with Kim, trying to push Kim over the railings of the pedestrian overpass. But it was not that difficult for the trained Army corporal to suppress the drunken man. Kim tripped the man over and held him down until the police came. The man was then transferred to the police station and booked on a charge of assault. A prosecutor who was in charge of the case later called the Korea Army Training Center in Nonsan, South Chungcheong Province, where Kim is serving as a squad leader of the 23rd regiment, to express his gratitude to Kim for his bravery. The Army said that Kim was a model squad leader who had earned an award for hitting all 20 targets at a shooting match earlier this month. The Army added that Kim received a letter of commendation from his regimental commander who praised the corporal for his brave deed. "I have always thought that a soldier should be a model regardless of where he is," Kim said. "I believe any soldier would act as I did to save a woman in danger." Follow Jun Ji-hye on Twitter @TheKopJihye Samsung SDS Executive Vice President Kim Hyung-tae speaks during the Cello Conference 2016 at the Samsung SDS Campus building in Gangnam, southern Seoul, Thursday. / Courtesy of Samsung SDS By Yoon Sung-won Samsung SDS on Thursday introduced its virtual reality (VR) warehouse management system and added express cargo service to its logistics system services. "We plan to provide the express cargo service for intra-company deliveries and expand coverage to our corporate clients and e-commerce businesses," Samsung SDS said. On Thursday, the Samsung system integration service affiliate held its annual conference to discuss the future of its global logistics business at its headquarters in Gangnam, southern Seoul. During the conference, Samsung SDS Executive Vice President Kim Hyung-tae underlined new trends in corporate logistics and supply chain management (SCM) services in the era of low growth and high competition. The company also invited Inha University logistics professor Kwon Oh-kyoung to the conference to give a speech about the ecosystem of the logistics industry. Representatives of global logistics and IT businesses including Thomson Reuters, Amazon Web Service and Corent attended the event to highlight the importance of this industry, Samsung SDS said. Samsung SDS introduced upgrades to its logistics management system named Cello, including the SCM planning function. It also announced the Samsung SDS Cello Virtual Warehouse System, based on VR technology. Unlike old methods of warehouse management, in which operators had difficulties understanding warehouse conditions and dealing with unexpected problems, the new service allows them to monitor the warehouse through 3D VR images. Samsung SDS also said it has rolled out its international express cargo delivery service aiming at e-commerce businesses and corporate clients. "With the Cello Square service, we have provided an open logistics platform where consignors and logistics companies can meet," Samsung SDS said. "We have added an express cargo service for e-commerce businesses and corporate clients to renovate it as an all-in-one logistics platform." Launched in August last year, Cello Square started as a business-to-business service. But as demand in the e-commerce industry has expanded, the company has extended the service for the business-to-consumer and consumer-to-consumer sectors. By Lee Min-hyung Korean tech companies are gaining attention on the international stage for their continued efforts to avoid complacency and find next-generation growth areas. The nation was often cited as one of the world's poorest only about a half-century ago when it was recovering from the aftermath of the Korean War. At that time, international experts voiced their consensus that there were no signs of hope left on the small peninsula, accounting for only 0.07 percent of the land area of the world. However, it is no exaggeration to say that Korea now plays a central role in the world's information technology (IT) industry, due to outstanding achievements from such companies as Samsung, LG and Hyundai. First starting as small venture firms here, they are now making headlines at major international technology exhibitions, such as Las Vegas' Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and Spain's Mobile World Congress (MWC), even serving as key players to create jobs for hundreds of thousands in Asia, America and Europe. Their achievements were made possible as the companies spared no efforts in searching for new revenue sources in untapped territories even when they achieved top positions in their industries. For example, Samsung Electronics was the market leader in the global television industry last year, accounting for a 21 percent market share according to market researcher IHS. That feat was partially due to the fact that the company did not fall victim to complacency even after achieving the top position in the industry about a decade ago, pushing away long-time market leader Sony. Samsung's bitter rival LG Electronics is also shining on the global stage with a variety of products including appliances such as TVs, refrigerators and washing machines. In particular, the two companies maintain a bitter rivalry over the standard for the next generation of display technology. Samsung is pushing for leadership with its cadmium-free quantum dot TVs, while LG poses a potential threat to Samsung with its organic light-emitting-diode (OLED) TVs. "Korea's leading technology giants constantly look for their next growth engines, regardless of their dominant market position," said an industry source. "That is why Korean companies have grown so fast amid the ever-changing IT industry landscape." However, electronics companies are not the only driving force of the nation's economic power. Local telecom companies including SK Telecom, KT and LG Uplus have also made up the backbone of the nation's technological leadership. Almost all people here can enjoy the high-speed Internet infrastructure no matter where they are, backed by the carriers' decades-long efforts and investments to build faster and more widespread telecommunications infrastructure all across the nation. The companies are now racing to set the technological standard for the fifth-generation (5G) network, which KT aims to demonstrate at the upcoming PyeongChang Winter Games in 2018. SK Telecom and LG Uplus are also expanding their efforts for 5G leadership and aim to tap into untapped markets, citing saturation in the local telecom market. In particular, SK Telecom recently signed a deal with Thailand's TrueMove-H to offer a consulting service to improve the latter's long-term-evolution (LTE) service quality. The company previously said it plans to export its network infrastructure technical knowhow to emerging markets, including Southeast Asia and South America. A telecom industry official said, "Korean telecom companies are vying to establish the 5G telecom infrastructure at a time when most of their foreign counterparts seek to adopt 4G networks." Telecom infrastructure plays a crucial role in other technology companies' success amid the age of the Internet of Things (IoT) when every device can be connected through network systems. The U.S. Department of Justice said the Federal Bureau of Investigation has cracked the iPhone used by one of the gunmen in the San Bernardino terrorist shooting. Investigators accessed the mobile phone -- iPhone 5C running a version of iOS 9 software -- used by Syed Farook with the help of an unnamed third party, according to CNN, Monday. The U.S. officials didn't reveal details about what was found on the phone. The report cited the department spokeswoman Melanie Newman as saying the FBI "has successfully retrieved the data stored on the San Bernardino terrorist's iPhone and therefore no longer requires the assistance from Apple required by this Court Order." The department dropped the case against Apple as it no longer needs the company's help. Farook was one of two shooters in the shooting in December 2015 that killed 14 people. The U.S. government has been trying to force Apple to help bypass the phone's security features. But the tech giant refused to help, saying it would compromise the security of all iPhone users. PRESS RELEASE U.S. Defense Department to China: Youll have to Accept our THAADs in South KoreaBut Trust Us March 30, 2016 (EIRNS)Tony Blinken, Deputy Secretary of Defense, told the Brookings Institution yesterday that China should stop complaining about the deployment of THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) missiles to South Korea. If China is looking to assure that we are not required to take additional steps for our own security and that of our partners and allies that it wont like, the best thing it can do is to engage with us in dealing with North Korea, Blinken said. China, of course, is dealing with North Koreait is Obama who refuses to engage in any talks with North Korea or measures to solve the problem, since the crisis provides yet another excuse to deploy huge military forces along Chinas border. Blinken also retailed the same line used on the Russians for years about US BMD systems on their western border, which, Obama said, are not aimed at Russia but at Iran. (They no longer bother with that lie, since they are now openly preparing for war on Russia.) "We realize China may not believe us," Blinken said, "and also proposed to go through the technology and specifications with them ... and prepared to explain to them what the technology does and what it doesnt do, and hopefully they will take us up on that proposal," he said. This "Trust Us" approach was immediately rejected by China. "The deployment of a THAAD system in South Korea pursued by the United States is not a simple technical issue, but it is a strategic one related to peace and stability in Northeast Asia," Chinas Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei told reporters today. The deployment of a THAAD battery in South Korea would "go far beyond the actual defense requirement of the Korean Peninsula and will cause a direct impact on Chinas strategic and security interests," Hong said. Writers tend to be solitary creatures, and yet more than 12,000 will congregate in Los Angeles this week. The occasion is the annual conference of the Assn. of Writers and Writing Programs, or AWP, which also draws other literary kin, the teachers, editors, publishers, critics and booksellers who together make up the literary industry. Being surrounded by more than 12,000 people of the same persuasion feels overwhelming rather than affirming to me, particularly because what I and many other writers do best is to be alone, the most essential condition for writing. The book a reader consumes in a dozen hours has cost the writer hundreds and perhaps thousands of hours, time spent alone in the company of ones mind (except when distracted by the virtual reality of social media). A conference like AWP pushes the writer and her work out into the public, albeit a sympathetic, literary one. Such an encounter raises the question of audience. For whom does the solitary writer write? Advertisement During the decade of misery that I spent writing short stories, the anxiety of writing for others often struck me. I wondered if editors would accept my stories, if agents would contact me, if juries would bestow a prize, if famous writers would hail my words. For all that writing involved excavating ideas, feelings, images and insights from a depthless cave within myself, I could not shake the sense that the literary industrys judgment was as important as my own creative choices. AWP is the logical product of this literary industry, born into existence for the same reason that carmakers and pharmaceutical manufacturers gather together: to share the hottest products and trends, to form new networks and renew old bonds, and, most importantly, to affirm a shared identity and conviction. The distinction for writers is that their solitary trade and calling is at odds with the human need to gather in tribes. Except that the story, the poem, or the image created by the writer can be the fire around which the tribe gathers. If the industry is the business of publishing and the increasingly corporate university world of the MFA, the tribe symbolizes the human community that existed before capitalism and hopefully will exist after it. All writers need the tribe of readers, and many may need the industry. But some, like myself, also need to separate from both, at least for a while. Author Viet Thanh Nguyen on the patio at his home. (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times) I learned how to do so when working on a novel and after struggling with short stories. The constant reworking of sentence and narrative through writing short stories was my version of rubbing two sticks together. Suddenly, at a decades culmination, the fire started, and I could write with greater conviction and concentration than I had thought possible. I finished The Sympathizer in two years, three months, having finally silenced, almost completely, the demands of others. The only disruptions came when I spoke to my agent, who supportive as he was, was also a part of the literary industry. After speaking to him, I worried about whether my novel would sell, whether anyone would read or understand something seemingly so idiosyncratic. Then I turned off the worries, turned back to the page, and recommitted to what was essential: writing for myself. Claiming that one writes for oneself is not usually what the literary industry wants to hear. Ideally, one should write for millions, although in the contemporary book sales climate, tens of thousands is more than enough. Even smaller numbers will suffice for the literary writer: thousands, hundreds, dozens, perhaps even just one other with whom the author can commune. The scale of the audience bears no testimony to the worth of the work. Most bestselling books will crumble to dust along with their authors, while important, enduring writers often wrote and continue to write for the so-called small magazines, or for minuscule audiences interested in the experimental, the obscure, the subversive, and the minority. As for myself, I can hardly deny desiring an audience after I finished my journey into solitude and returned to the world. I needed my agent to like the novel, and I yearned for an editor to buy it. Then I wanted the reviewers, and the librarians, and the teachers, and the bloggers, and the scholars. What the avant-garde writer Theresa Hak Kyung Cha called the dream of the audience remains, even for someone as fierce and fearless as she was. This dream is vanity, lust and frailty. This dream is also the belief that whatever a writer discovers in her depthless cave is something she can share with others, whether the discovery be beautiful or monstrous. The dream of an audience is, in short, part of what makes us human in weakness and in strength, and it will be all too present at this conference of thousands of literary dreamers. Within each of those dreamers remains that other desire to write only for oneself. If my novel found an audience, it was only because I wrote for no one but myself (even as others indelibly shaped who I am). But while I needed to be alone to write for myself, I found after publishing that I was not as strange in my solitude as I thought. There were readers who thought and felt as I did, even as readers existed who cared not for my creation. This is what it means to be out in the world. It involves both renewing human relationships and realizing that one cannot, and probably should not, be liked by everyone. After the bright lights of the convention center and the conference room, after the bonhomie and the darting glances at the prestige markers on the name tag, we can at last return to our caves, reassured in the solitude we share with others. Nguyen is the author of the novel The Sympathizer and the new cultural history Nothing Ever Dies: Vietnam and the Memory of War. He will appear at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books on April 9. When he was young, Juan Felipe Herrera wanted to be a public speaker. I dreamed of standing in front of an audience and giving these long speeches, he explains by phone. But then he discovered poetry, and the color of the world changed. People talk about seeing things through rose-colored glasses, but I started seeing things through poetry-colored glasses. On April 9, Herrera will be awarded the L.A. Times Book Prizes 2015 Robert Kirsch Award for lifetime achievement. Youve written poetry, prose, childrens books, young adult books and even plays, I ask him. Is there something you havent achieved that I dont know about? Did you climb Mt. Everest? Nombre, he says. I didnt, but I did recently climb Mt. Chilaquiles. Advertisement We laugh. I had caught Herrera just as he was waking up from a nap. Theres a slight rasp in his voice, and when I apologize for interrupting his rest he laughs again. No worries, man. Its good to hear you, hermanito. He wants to know what Ive been up to since we saw each other in January at Cal State L.A.'s Center for Contemporary Poetry and Poetics, what Im writing, if Im still commuting between L.A. and Fresno. I tell him Im good and remind him that were supposed to talk about his role as our countrys poet laureate and about his Kirsch Award. Herrera, who was born to migrant farmworkers in Fowler, Calif., in 1948, is the U.S. poet laureate. From 2012 to 15, he served as poet laureate for California and counts a Guggenheim Fellowship, a fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts and a National Book Critics Circle Award for poetry among his list of honors. He has written more than 30 books, including the poetry collections Notes of the Assemblage (2015), 187 Reasons Mexicanos Cant Cross the Border (2007) and Crashboomlove: A Novel in Verse (1999). His many books for children and young adults include Portraits of Hispanic American Heroes (2014). People talk about seeing things through rose-colored glasses, but I started seeing things through poetry-colored glasses. Juan Felipe Herrera, U.S. Poet Laureate When he graduated from UCLA in 1972 with a degree in social anthropology, Herrera set his sights on a career in social work while pursuing a masters degree at Stanford. Eventually he wound up in the Bay Area entranced by activism and poetry. After turning 40, Herrera attended the Iowa Writers Workshop, part of a long academic career he retired from his post as the Tomas Rivera Endowed Chair at UC Riverside last year. Orale pues, he says. Lets talk. He says the Kirsch Award is meaningful because it signifies recognition from a place that has shaped so much of his understanding as an artist and activist. Its nice to be getting this award from the L.A. Times. I started back in the 60s. Im humbled to be representing those who are no longer with us. Im talking about people like Luis Omar Salinas, Francisco X. Alarcon, and Gloria Anzaldua. Its in that spirit, hermano. Theres so much creative energy out there that we need to tap, and I accept this award in honor of those voices we have yet to hear from too. Herreras position as poet laureate has afforded him an opportunity to encounter some of those unheard voices from across the nation. Im a primordial vago, he jokes of his travels. Im wearing a zoot suit and carrying a basket of elotes and tamales wherever I go. My visits have allowed me an opportunity to experience the explosive creative energy Chicanos and Chicanas are producing. Students approach me and ask, How do I identify myself? I tell them that things are blurring more now. We are many things. Young raza are interested in figuring out who they are, and theyre very interested in activism. As someone whose early life was spent following the annual piscas up and down the state with his family, Herreras no stranger to the struggles of the undocumented. His experiences have shaped his role as the nations first Mexican American poet laureate, giving it a uniquely Chicano sensibility. But, I ask, Im interested to know what Californio sensibility you think youre offering as U.S poet laureate that no one else has? I bring the borderlands soul, he says. I bring the bilingual, indigenous, gospel and mural life from Southern California. I bring my early days in San Diego and Tijuana. I bring Alurista, Yolanda Luera, Jorge Gonzalez and the Chicana Womens Collectives. I bring jazz straight from Thelonius Monk at Shellys Mannhole in L.A., the civil rights fever from UCLA and L.A. and East Los. I bring marches, rallies, demonstrations all pouring into my life and writing. I bring Oscar Zeta Acosta and el Teatro Chicano. I bring S.F., Bay Area, tropicalizations, international and Central American culture, life and social-change poets and peoples and landscapes. I bring Alejandro Murguia, Roberto Vargas, Nina Serrano, Jack Hirschman and so many writers collectives, and jazz pioneers like Francis Wong, Genny Lim, gay and lesbian poets and collectives in Haight-Ashbury and the Castro districts. I bring Steve Abbot, Tede Matthews and Karen Brodine. I bring a multicultural scene of all colors. San Diego, Tijuana, L.A. and S.F. were my libraries, my workshops, my poetry tutorials and volcanoes from 1956 to 1985. We talk about the talismanic power of cilantro on Twitter, Herrera is @cilantroman and I recall taking him for tacos near my mothers house in Colton and cruising up and down Agua Mansa Road in my Honda as I showed him the geography of my first novel years ago. I was kicking up all kinds of crazy old espiritos back then, I say. He remembers that experience. It was all opening up for you. I was fortunate enough to see it. When I ask if he can pinpoint the moment when it all opened up for him, he says there are too many. But I have to say, he adds, I was part of the lineup of readers at the first Festival de Flor y Canto in 1973. It was one of the largest gatherings of raza writers and artists. It went on for three days. There I was with all these heavyweights. We were at USC, and I took the stage and read. So Im going back to that campus to accept the Kirsch. Imagine it? What a trip, no? Full circle y todo. Espinozas latest novel is The Five Acts of Diego Leon. He is visiting associate professor and interim director of the bilingual MFA in creative media and literary arts at Cal State Los Angeles. Herrera will receive the Los Angeles Times Book Prizes Robert Kirsch Award for Lifetime Achievement on April 9. Pritzker Architecture Prize-winning architect Zaha Hadid died Thursday at age 65. She leaves behind a rich legacy of designs, including the striking Cincinnati Contemporary Arts Center, which opened in 2003. The Times architecture critic Nicolai Ouroussoff profiled the work-in-progress in 1998. Zaha M. Hadid -- the London-based architect best known for her evocative architectural drawings of a delirious metropolis -- is designing her first building in the United States, the Cincinnati Contemporary Arts Center. It is also her first major public work and represents a remarkable reworking of the relationship between art and its position in the cultural landscape. The project is budgeted at a mere $15 million but will give the arts institution a greater presence in the citys civic landscape. The building will include 20,000 square feet of temporary exhibition space on seven levels, doubling the centers current room to show art, a 300-seat performance hall, an Un-Museum"--an education center for contemporary art--a bookstore and a cafe. Completion is tentatively set for 2001. Advertisement Hadid is a leading figure among a group of European architects who came of age during the student rebellions of 1968. Their designs show an affinity for the work of the Soviet avant-garde of the 1920s, while seeking to replace Modernisms utopian aspirations with a tougher, more fractured architectural language, one that reflects the frictions of urban life. The group, which includes Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas and Swiss-born Bernard Tschumi, formed its vision during the 70s at Londons Architectural Assn., then a hotbed of architectural talent, and only now is beginning to test those visions with increasingly significant civic commissions. Hadid is the baby of the bunch, and she is less interested in the politics of architecture than in form. Unlike Koolhaas, for example, whose 1,000-plus-page theoretical tracts are critical to the articulation of his message, it is Hadids drawings that stick to the mind: dynamic swirls of color that suggest a city in perpetual motion. Which is not to say that Hadids work has no political and theoretical depth, only that she does not talk about it much. Hadids image of the city is radically new. It suggests a layering of social complexities, where cultures move and interact with remarkable fluidity, while the public forum retains the energy and vitality of the dense, towering cities that artist-renderer Hugh Ferris drew in the 1920s. The Cincinnati site could not be better suited to that vision. The building will sit on a 10,000-square-foot corner lot downtown, across the street from the Aronoff Center, a performing arts complex designed by Peter Eisenman, an American architect who is also a key figure in the contemporary avant-garde. Although the arts centers lobby will be sheathed in glass, conceptually it is intended to be part of the urban street, what Hadid beautifully terms the urban carpet. Hadids design lifts the galleries 28 feet off the ground, allowing the city to sweep right in underneath. The lobby will function as an immense public forum, a place for performance and installation artworks, an active extension of the street life outside. The performance hall will be tucked underground, its roof puncturing the lobby with a narrow, knife-like stair leading down along the halls outer edge and slightly detaching the hall and the lobby floor, as if the hall were a ships prow carving through a sheet of ice. But the designs most radical feature is in the way that circulation is used to unite art and the street. The museums lobby is conceived as a large floating plane that slopes gently upward toward the back of the building, where it becomes a series of ramps that lead up to the galleries. From the ramps, openings are cut through the buildings structural wall, offering unexpected views of the art in the galleries. It is as if Hadids urban carpet has been wrapped right into the building. On the upper floors, Hadid has created a compressed landscape of shifting volumes and planes. Galleries, offices, light--all interlock like parts of an intricate 3-D puzzle. Taking advantage of the rooms differing heights--typical gallery spaces will be 20 feet high, the offices half that--Hadid is able to create a remarkably complex and compact building: The roof of an office becomes a balcony overlooking a gallery, a floor bends up to become a partition. Even light has physical substance here. The entire building is pierced by three voids--enormous light wells that cut vertically through the structure, illuminating the galleries on each floor. In the Un-Museum, at the top, these voids become giant jewel-like skylights. That interlocking of forms continues on the buildings exterior as well, where the activity inside is expressed as a collage of various materials: The concrete shell and metal cladding of the galleries, the glass windows of the offices and various electronic displays will all be woven together like a high-tech quilt. As such, the building will read as a perfect expression of the various activities it contains. Hadid is erasing boundaries--between inside and out, between a controlled and private inner world and the chaotic energy of public life. Crowds will spill into the lobby and down into the performance space below, or sweep up into the galleries above. After hours, the gallery ramp can be closed off, allowing the lobby, cafe and performance hall to remain an active part of the public realm. Henry James once wrote of a museum high up on a hill, from whose doors and windows, open to grateful, thirsty millions, the higher, the highest, knowledge, would shine out to bless the land. In Hadids vision, the reverse is true as well. Art and the public now spill through in both directions, the ultimate expression of a democratic egalitarianism. Since the early part of this century, museums have struggled uneasily with their shifting role vis-a-vis the common man. In Cincinnati, Hadid manages to create a vibrant public forum for art. Architecture, for once, succeeds in binding art to public life in a way that foreshadows a world where distinctions between high and low continue to fade. That is no small thing. By binding art and life so seamlessly, the building becomes the embodiment of a truly participatory culture, one where various forms of cultural production all seek to have a direct impact on the world we are building, the values we espouse. Hadid, an architect of the future, is designing a museum that is keenly in tune with the best aspects of the present. The producers of the hip-hop historical musical Hamilton have run into trouble over a recent open casting notice seeking non-white singers for Broadway and upcoming touring versions of the hit show. Actors Equity Assn. criticized the notice, which appeared on the official Hamilton website, saying that the race qualification is inconsistent with its policies that provide for equal opportunity throughout the theatrical industry. The non-white casting calls were set to take place in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco over the next two months. The original notice read that producers were seeking NON-WHITE [sic] men and women, ages 20s to 30s. Advertisement Hamilton producers said on Wednesday in a statement that they will amend the casting call to say that individuals of all ethnicities will be welcomed to audition. But they also said that most of the main roles will continue to be performed by non-white actors. This adheres to the accepted practice that certain characteristics in certain roles constitute a bona fide occupational qualification that is legal. In the statement, Hamilton producers compared the musical to Porgy and Bess, The Color Purple and even Matilda, which also call for race, ethnicity or age specific casting. A spokeswoman for Equity said in a statement: We are pleased that the original copy on the Hamilton website will now include that all ethnicities are welcome to audition, which brings it in line with Equity policies. Hamilton features minority actors in all of its prominent roles except for King George III, who is played by a white actor. The non-traditional casting was part of the conception of the historical musical since it opened last year at the Public Theater in New York and later transferred uptown to Broadways Richard Rodgers Theatre. The national tour of Hamilton will play at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood for a five-month engagement starting Aug. 11, 2017. No casting has been announced for the tour, which will kick off in spring 2017 in San Francisco. The musical, written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, gives a contemporary, hip-hop-inflected spin on the historical story of Alexander Hamilton. In L.A., Hamilton singing auditions are scheduled for April 16 at the Hollywood United Methodist Church. A separate audition for hip-hop dancers is scheduled for April 14 at 3rd Street Dance, near Beverly Hills. Hamilton depicts the birth of our nation in a singular way, said producer Jeffrey Seller in a statement on Wednesday. We will continue to cast the show with the same multicultural diversity that we have employed thus far. david.ng@latimes.com MORE: Watch Lin-Manuel Miranda of Hamilton throw down in Rose Garden freestyle Broadway musical Hamilton could teach Oscar a lesson on diversity Hamiltons revolutionary power is in its hip-hop musical numbers This week: New dramas about abortion, immigration and mental-health issues, plus a multimedia work exploring our relationship with the environment. Latin History for Dummies Workshop production of John Leguizamos new one-man show. La Jolla Playhouse, 2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla. Tue.-Wed., 7:30 p.m.; Thu.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 and 7 p.m.; ends April 17. $29 and up. (858) 550-1010. Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles Veteran group plays Fab Four favorites; children under 5 not admitted. Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. Tue.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 1 and 6:30 p.m.; ends April 10. $29-$135. (800) 982-2787. Advertisement Beckett Trilogy Irish actress Lisa Dwan performs three of the Absurdist playwrights solo works: Not I, Footfalls and Rockaby; this hour-long production is staged in complete darkness. The Broad Stage, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica. Thu.-Fri., 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 7:30 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends April 10. $60-$80. (310) 434-3200. Dueling Drag Divas: The Fierce Awakens Music, comedy and celebrity impersonations with Chi Chi Rones and Joanna. Cavern Club Theater, 1920 Hyperion Ave., L.A. Thu., 8 p.m. $20, $25. (800) 838-3006. Urban Rez Cornerstone Theater Company presents an immersive, outdoor staging of Larissa FastHorses new satirical fable about Native Americans in L.A. The Viaduct at Los Angeles State Historic Park, 1799 Baker St., L.A. Thu.-Fri., 8 and 9 p.m.; Sat., 4 and 5 p.m.; next Sun., 2 and 3 p.m.; ends April 17; returns April 21-May 1 at University High School. Pay what you can ($5-$35). www.CornerstoneTheater.org. All Is Fair (or Oblivion Wrought) Reed Arnolds new dramedy about two co-workers who become romantically involved. Dorie Theatre at The Complex, 6476 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 7 p.m.; ends April 24. $14, $20; Thursdays, pay what you will. (323) 465-0383. Catch Me If You Can Musical adaptation of Steven Spielbergs 2002 film about a young con artist and forger. Glendale Centre Theatre, 324 N. Orange St., Glendale. Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 3 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m.; ends May 7. $20-$32. (818) 244-8481. ------------ For the Record April 13, 11:15 a.m.: This listing for Glendale Centre Theatres staging of Catch Me If You Can says the show is a musical adaptation of Steven Spielbergs 2002 film about a con artist and forger. Though it has the same title, it is an unrelated murder mystery comedy. ------------ The Cause, My Soul Othello woos Desdemona in writer-director Ted Langes prequel to Shakespeares tragedy of the Moor of Venice. The Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda, West L.A.Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends May 1. $25. (310) 477-2055. Children of Eden Cabrillo Music Theatre stages the Stephen Schwartz musical inspired by the Old Testament tales of Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, and Noahs ark. Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, Kavli Theatre, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends April 17. $35-$75. (800) 745-3000. Dont Tell My Mother! Angela Kinsey (The Office) headlines a new edition of the comedy/storytelling series. Busbys East, 5364 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. Fri., 8 p.m. $16, $20. (323) 525-2615. Its Just Sex Jeff Goulds off-Broadway hit about three married couples who spend a wild evening together; for mature audiences only. Secret Rose Theatre, 11246 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 7 p.m.; ends June 5. $20-$39.95. (818) 762-2272. Jackie Beat The drag performer returns with more off-color songs and stories. Cavern Club Theater, 1920 Hyperion Ave., L.A. Fri., 8 and 10 p.m.; Sat., 8 p.m. $20, $25. (800) 838-3006. The Lightning Thief Musical adaptation of Rick Riordans bestseller about a 12-year-old boy who enters the world of Greek mythology; for ages 7 and up. Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Bram Goldsmith Theater, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills. Fri., 7 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m., 2 and 5 p.m. $25-$35. (310) 746-4000. Memory Rings Phantom Limb Company uses puppetry, music, dance, video, etc., to explore humanitys relationship with the natural world; presented by CAP UCLA. UCLA Freud Playhouse, 405 Hilgard Ave., Westwood. Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m. $29-$49. (310) 825-2101. She Workshop production of Marlow Wyatts drama about a young African American girl in a small town; part of the New Works Festival 2016. Long Beach Playhouse, Studio Theatre, 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m. $10. (562) 494-1014. Shelter CalArts Center for New Performance presents this world-premiere theatrical work inspired by the stories of unaccompanied minors from Central America seeking asylum in the U.S. Lincoln Park, 3501 Valley Blvd., L.A. Fri.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends April 17. Free. calarts.edu/shelter. Tell Me Im Pretty Joshua Silversteins new solo comedy explores race, gender and poverty in America. Bootleg Theater, 2220 Beverly Blvd., L.A. Fri.-Sat., 7:30 p.m.; ends May 7. $20, $25. (213) 389-3856. Anton in Show Business All-female cast performs Jane Martins comedy about a TV actress who lands a part in a stage production of Chekhovs Three Sisters. Hudson MainStage Theatre, 6539 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A. Sat., 8 p.m. next Sun., 3 p.m.; ends May 14. $25. (323) 960-4418. Around the World in 80 Days Stage adaptation of Jules Vernes Victorian-era adventure tale. Long Beach Playhouse, 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach. Sat., 8 p.m.; ends May 7. $14-$24. (562) 494-1014. The Dig: Death, Genesis + the Double Helix Writer-performer Stacie Chaikens solo drama about an American archaeologist who makes a startling discovery at a site in Israel. Los Angeles Theatre Center, 514 S. Spring St., L.A. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m.; ends May 1 (866) 811-4111. Dry Land The Echo Theater Company presents the West Coast premiere of Ruby Rae Spiegels abortion-themed drama about two female high school students. Atwater Village Theatre, 3269 Casitas Ave., L.A. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 4 and 7 p.m.; ends May 15. $25. (310) 307-3753. The Intergalactic Nemesis Target Earth Family-friendly sci-fi/adventure tale features live music, sound effects and projected comic book-style images. Caltechs Beckman Auditorium, 332 S. Michigan Ave., Pasadena. Sat., 8 p.m. $10-$45. (626) 395-4652. Sister Act Musical Theatre West presents the stage adaptation of the 1992 Whoopi Goldberg comedy about a murder witness hiding out in a convent. Carpenter Performing Arts Center, 6200 Atherton St., Long Beach. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends April 24. $20 and up. (562) 856-1999. Weapons A retired cops increasingly strange behavior worries his family in Chris Collins new drama. Lounge Theatre, 6201 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 7 p.m.; ends May 8. $25. (323) 960-7721. Gil Faizon and George St. Geegland think theyre the funniest people in the room. Their creators, however, comedians Nick Kroll and John Mulaney, know that most of the time Faizon and St. Geegland are incredibly tedious, which, conversely, is what makes them so funny to watch. So goes the premise for Oh, Hello, the touring show featuring Faizon (played by Kroll) and St. Geegland (Mulaney) that opened Wednesday at the Montalban Theatre in Hollywood. Kroll and Mulaneys alter egos are crotchety men in their mid-to-late 70s who wear turtlenecks and blazers, love Alan Alda and are obsessed with celebrity, which they find unattainable. That its unattainable because they are not funny would never occur to them. So they blame their lack of phenomenal success on spurious outside forces, which they shower with self-important consternation. Advertisement Weve never come to L.A. before because its not our kind of town, Faizon said during a recent four-way telephone interview, counting all the actors and characters talking. We never sold out. And by that we mean that nobody wanted to buy our stuff. St. Geegland snorted and added, With this play we thought wed be at the Ahmanson or the Geffen, but it turns out David Geffen has 12 lawsuits against us. This, of course, is bologna, as is much of what comes out of Faizon and St. Geeglands mouths. Thirty percent of what they say onstage also is improv, say Kroll and Mulaney, who first developed the characters as hosts at a small, alt-comedy club in New York City. They so enjoyed inhabiting the roles, and fans seemed to so enjoy watching them do it, that they introduced Faizon and St. Geegland on Krolls Comedy Central sketch series, Kroll Show. Faizon and St. Geegland experienced their first taste of minor fame with a prank show called Too Much Tuna, the punchline of which happened when they presented a celebrity guest with a way-overstuffed tuna sandwich. They felt so good about the moderate success of this act that they wrote a semi-autobiographical play documenting their rise. That play is Oh, Hello. They overheard a conversation about the heros journey at a cocktail party and from that theyve written their own heroes journey, Kroll said at a point when Faizons creaky voice seemed to recede from his psyche. The inciting incident of that journey happens when the rent-controlled status of the Upper West Side apartment they share gets revoked and their monthly $75 nut soars to $4,000. Their all-is-lost moment is one they also call their Aldas Lost moment, and it occurs when they lose their signed head shot of the MASH actor. To be clear, we just made that up, said Kroll of the Aldas Lost moment. And now well have to put it in the show. Added Mulaney: Our stage manager would probably tell you that were capable of adding anywhere from 20 minutes to a half-hour to the show. Kroll says that the play consists of some tightly scripted material laced with improvisation as well as a secret guest star Wednesday nights was Girls star and creator Lena Dunham in a Q&A format that is the most uncomfortable to the guest, which is a hostile press conference. Faizon and St. Geegland promise that other guest stars will include all their gun bros. Were hoping Bob Durst will be extradited to California for the show, Faizon said. Were just calling in all our friend favors. Weve got Phil Spector coming to do it. For Kroll and Mulaney, deciding which jokes make it into the show is a game of survival of the fittest. Unlike Faizon and St. Geegland, they are hard on themselves when it comes to their humor. So why are Faizon and St. Geegland so markedly different? Why do baby boomer intellectuals feel way too important and smart? asked St. Geegland after announcing that he has just arrived in L.A. and is parking his Toyota RAV4 while listening to Willies Roadhouse on SiriusXM radio. Why do people who experienced the 60s like to talk down to everyone? St. Geegland added that the first time he came to L.A. was to workshop Oh, Hello at Largo. During that time, the pair stayed at a Ramada on Santa Monica Boulevard for a week. This was at least five years before Millions of Milkshakes moved in, Faizon said. It was such a different time in L.A. -------------------------------------- Oh, Hello Where: The Montalban, 1615 Vine St., Hollywood When: Fri. 7 p.m., Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 7 p.m. Tickets: $39-$69 Info: (323) 871-2420, themontalban.com jessica.gelt@latimes.com Twitter: @jessicagelt The Cuban American playwright Maria Irene Fornes has done as much as any modern playwright to change the landscape of American theater. Her spirit and sensibility were guiding forces in the off-off-Broadway movement, and her influence continues through the many writers she taught and the countless others she inspired. Tony Kushner (Angels in America) has said her oeuvre is one of American dramas most important achievements. Paula Vogel (How I Learned to Drive) has called her one of her three gods, along with John Guare and Caryl Churchill. Nilo Cruz (Anna in the Tropics) proudly declares that he comes from the Irene Fornes school. Advertisement Yet many inveterate theatergoers havent even of heard of Fornes, never mind seen one of her plays. Festival Irene: Celebrating Master Playwright Maria Irene Fornes, an event by Hero Theatre that begins Thursday and runs through April 10 at the Rosenthal Theater at Inner-City Arts in downtown L.A., seeks to remedy this ignorance through a series of panel discussions and staged readings of such Fornes classics as The Conduct of Life, Mud, and Fefu and Her Friends. (Audiences will have a voice in choosing which of the Fornes plays Hero Theatre will produce at the end of its current season.) There also will be readings of plays by some of her most accomplished students, including Luis Alfaro, Caridad Svich and Eduardo Machado. Notables in the acting company include Ivonne Coll from Jane the Virgin, Adam Rodriguez of Empire, Jane the Virgin and CSI: Miami, and Lesley Fera of Pretty Little Liars. Proceeds from the festival will go in part toward a medical fund that has been established for the 85-year-old Fornes, who has been battling Alzheimers disease for years, and in part toward Alzheimers research. Its important to preserve the cultural memory of this artist, but Fornes work poses unique challenges. For one, it is difficult to fully appreciate her plays outside of their performance contexts. Promenade, her antic vaudeville musical (with music by Rev. Al Carmines) about two escaped prisoners, is exponentially more baffling on the page than on the stage, though her book is studded with such quintessential Fornes epigrams as God gave us understanding just to confuse us. Fornes often staged her own work, and her authorship was inseparable from her direction. She could be highly critical of other productions, and with good reason: It is exceedingly easy to get an erroneous impression of her style from well-intentioned but misbegotten efforts. Trickier still, Fornes wrote in opposition to the institutional theater. Marginalized when she was active as a playwright, she has fallen into virtual obscurity since. Were it not for theater academics and artists, its safe to say Fornes would be a footnote in theater history. Ross Wetzsteon, the longtime theater editor of the Village Voice, which was the preeminent chronicler of Fornes career, precisely captured the Fornes paradox in a 1986 Voice article: Rarely reviewed in the weeklies, stupidly reviewed in the dailies, utterly unknown to the electronic media, unproduced by most of the countrys major cultural centers and rarely anthologized, she has nevertheless established herself, to a loyal and ardent following of Off-Off-Broadway theatergoers, as one of the half-dozen most gifted playwrights in the American theater. The question of what constitutes Fornes magic will have as many answers as answerers. Unlike Beckett, one of her formative influences, Fornes wasnt a virtuoso of a signature set of themes and practices. She constantly changed her paradigms, venturing off into new stylistic territory, rethinking and revising old work. But there are recurring concerns. Her deep empathy with characters who struggle to educate themselves, to lift themselves up through reading and interaction with those more learned, is everywhere apparent in her work. In Mud, a play created and performed at the Padua Hills Festival in Claremont in 1983, Mae vows that shes going to go to school and learn new things so that she can leave her brutal life and die clean. In Fefu, the women transported into ecstasies by the prologue to Emma Sheridan Frys Educational Dramatics have gathered to reformulate themselves in a community of compassion, healing, consciousness-raising and debate. The autobiographical dimension of this is obvious. Fornes was an autodidact who learned English after coming to this country with her family at 15. She moved from painting to playwriting almost accidentally while trying to help her lover at the time, a young and ambitious teacher at Columbia University named Susan Sontag, write a novel. Fornes, who went on to found INTARs Hispanic Playwrights-in-Residence Laboratory, an important New York incubator of new talent, knew from the start that education, like solitude, could be lovingly shared. Fornes plays cultivate in their readers and audiences new habits of attention. In her work, silence and stillness are typically more resonant than speech and scurry. Real emotion is conveyed with little emoting. Pictorial presentation turns out to reveal just as much profundity as psychological probing. Poetry and politics, rather than being mutually exclusive, derive from the same appreciation of human complexity. Although she has been claimed by feminist and gay and lesbian critics, Fornes is adamantly anti-ideological. Theory doesnt interest her half as much as bodies, those storehouses of mute wisdom. Her aesthetic embrace is wide, finding room for Ionesco, Chekhov, Brecht and the painter Edward Hopper. Fornes philosophy of playwriting is to resist fixed intellectual patterns. Characters are too alive to be confined by ideas. Life for her is paradox playful, mournful, always unpredictable. In the most violent of circumstances, as The Conduct of Life indelibly dramatizes, aching tenderness can reside beside stark terror. In response to a question about utopia and theater for a special issue of Yales Theater magazine, Fornes summed up a lifetime of thinking about the art of the stage: If theater is to be successful it must be loved like one loves an animal that one wonders at. Not like one loves a formula. If people would love the theater like they love an animal, they would enjoy the theater and they would want to go to the theater. And if you asked them, What is utopia? they would say, Theater is utopia. Some sensibilities are too precious to lose. charles.mcnulty@latimes.com ------------ Festival Irene Where: Inner-City Arts Rosenthal Theater, 720 Kohler St., L.A. When: Check theater for schedule. Runs Thursday to April 10. Tickets: $12, $15; passes $40, $150 Info: (323) 893-3605, www.herotheatre.org A major financing deal will help Spotify extend its lead in the growing streaming music market as it prepares for a possible initial public offering of stock. The Stockholm company has raised $1 billion in new debt financing led by private equity firm TPG and hedge fund Dragoneer Investment Group, according to people familiar with the matter. The new financing deal the biggest to date for the streaming music industry comes in the form of convertible debt, or bonds that the lenders can exchange for equity in Spotify. Advertisement Spotify executives declined to comment, but analysts said the funding would enable Spotify to acquire companies, expand globally and offer promotional pricing schemes to attract more users. Spotify needs to have a good growth-momentum story, said Mark Mulligan, a music industry analysts at MIDiA Research. Fast-growing Spotify has long been expected to have an initial public offering, but that option would be more attractive once the company increases its global reach and secures a critical mass of users. Spotify has yet to show that it can make a profit by charging a monthly fee for virtually unlimited access to online music. It also faces growing competition from tech titans such as Apple, Amazon and Google, as well as upstarts like Tidal. Private companies are increasingly turning to such deals to avoid diluting their equity as they wait longer to go public. Ride-sharing firm Uber did such a deal in January 2015 to raise $1.6 billion. Because the Spotify deal was done with debt and not equity, the companys valuation does not change. That decreases the risks of going to the public markets with a sky-high valuation at a time when stocks in the U.S. are volatile. Spotify was valued at $8.5 billion last June after a funding round of more than $500 million. Spotify needs to have a successful IPO in order to prove the viability of the model, Mulligan said. Spotify, founded in 2006, is the clear leader in terms of subscribers, with 30 million paying customers so far, up from 20 million as of June 2015. Meanwhile, though, Apple Music has grown to more than 11 million subscribers after launching last summer. Jay Zs Tidal, which relies on exclusive releases from artists like Kanye West and Rihanna to draw customers, has about 3 million. Other players vying for position include YouTube, Rhapsody, Pandora and SoundCloud, which just launched a subscription option this week. The growth of Spotify and its rivals has helped accelerate the shift of consumers away from owning CDs and digital tracks to essentially renting access to music on the Web. According to the Recording Industry Assn. of America, streaming made up 34% of U.S. music sales last year compared with 27% in 2014. Subscriptions are a big part of the trend, growing more than 50% to $1.22 billion in U.S. revenue in 2015. The music industry is counting on Spotify to boost those numbers. It also remains to be seen whether streaming can be a profitable business. Although Spotify is growing at a brisk pace, its heavy royalty payments to the record labels and spending on expansion efforts have weighed on its finances. Spotifys revenue rose 45% to about $1.2 billion in 2014, the latest year for which financial figures are available. But its operating loss nearly doubled from the previous year to $185 million. Spotify says it pays about 70% of its revenue to rights holders, including artists and songwriters. TPG and Dragoneer, both based in San Francisco, are supplying 75% of the new funding, while other investors are buying into the rest. TPG is a giant in the tech industry that has made major investments in disruptive companies, including Uber and Airbnb. According to the terms of the deal, first reported by the Wall Street Journal, TPG and Dragoneer will be able to convert the bonds into equity at a discount to Spotifys share price when it has its IPO. That discount increases over time, giving Spotify an incentive to do an IPO sooner rather than give up more of its equity to the lenders. ryan.faughnder@latimes.com OMG. Nude selfies are contagious. OK, the photo Kim Kardashian posted Wednesday of herself with actress Emily Ratajkowski wasn't totally nude, but the ladies were topless, they were in front of a bathroom mirror and it was clearly a riff on an opinion-inducing all-nude nude the reality star posted earlier in March. It was also a chance for "Entourage" actress Ratajkowski, who's had her personal naked pictures stolen and leaked online, to speak her mind about the female form. "However sexual our bodies may be, we need to hve the freedom as women to choose whn & how we express our sexuality," the 24-year-old starlet wrote as she retweeted the new topless shot, in which she and Kim look like sisters, have their breasts covered with black bars and are flipping off the camera. Ratajkowski, you might remember, was among the famous women stung by the massive theft of celebrities' personal nude pictures that went drown 2012 into 2014. The one where Jennifer Lawrence's name led the headlines? In early March, Kardashian found herself getting down in the social-media mud with Bette Midler and Chloe Moretz after the former cracked a joke and the latter got preachy in response to a nude shot posted by the two-time mom. The caption on the old Kim photo? solo selfie: "When you're like I have nothing to wear LOL." On the new one? "When we're like...we both have nothing to wear LOL." "Even if being sexualized by society's gaze is demeaning," Ratajkowski further tweeted Wednesday, "there must be a space where women can still be sexual when they choose to be." (Apparently, that's in front of the bathroom mirror? Or ... wait ... ) Follow Christie D'Zurilla on Twitter @theCDZ. Follow the Ministry of Gossip @LATcelebs. ALSO: Jennifer Lawrence's nude photos have FBI, Lena Dunham on the case Jennifer Lawrence on nude photos: Angry, yes. But apologetic? No way Pink tells women, keep your clothes on; Kim Kardashian says stop slamming her for taking 'em off Rush Hour, the Jackie Chan-Chris Tucker big-screen martial-arts action-comedy franchise, has now given birth to a noisy and likable TV series, premiering Thursday on CBS. And why not? In a world where Fargo, Ash vs. Evil Dead, From Dusk Till Dawn, Damien and 12 Monkeys are converting film to television, surely there is room for this thing, which though it lacks the star power and acrobatic wit of its theatrical model, makes up for it in other ways. The pilot generally follows the lines of the first Rush Hour movie, from 1998, in which Chans Hong Kong-based Det. Lee travels to Los Angeles and becomes provisionally partnered with Tuckers Det. Carter unhappily at first, as thus was it ever on a case neither of them is meant to be actually working. That is an old trope too. See more of Entertainments top stories on Facebook >> Advertisement Carter is played here by Justin Hires, a compact actor who resembles Tucker not at all; Lee by John Foo, a longtime martial arts performer who has worked with Chan and does look a little like him, but younger, leaner and dishier Wendie Malicks Capt. Cole, their traditionally exasperated superior, describes him as an Asian Orlando Bloom. Tucker, by contrast, is described by one character as a hobbit with a gun. The distinctions between their characters the brash, chatty, rule-bending American detective and his by-the-book, deadpan serious Chinese counterpart have been exaggerated here, drawn with heavy outlines, to make unmistakable the oddness of their coupling. This extends to getting Carter out of the sharp suits Tucker favored and into a T-shirt and jeans, and replacing his shiny vintage Corvette with a less well-kept old Chevy Super Sport. Im the funny one, remember, Carter tells Lee, to keep things clear. I have no use for fear it is a distraction, Lee tells Carter, so you will know that about him. Accordingly, his fight scenes lack the exacting slapstick of Chans; they are strictly about the kicking, the hitting, the spinning, the takedown. Nevertheless, as developed by Bill Lawrence (who co-created Spin City and created Scrubs) and Blake McCormick (Cougar Town), with a pilot directed by Jon Turtletaub (Cool Runnings, National Treasure), its very much a comedy. And as a comedy with shooting and dying and an ongoing dark mystery, it seems made to order and I suppose it is for a network defined equally by old-fashioned sitcoms and eccentric crime shows. As schematic and sometimes silly as it can be there is a lot of running between bullets, the procedural elements are not especially convincing even on the basis of its pilot, the TV remake feels more complicated than its big-screen source. And what it lacks in big, expensive set pieces this may be the Golden Age of television, but not necessarily in terms of budget it gains in time spent on character-rounding talk. Excellent supporting work from Malick, Page Kennedy as Carters relatively benign criminal cousin (comical), and Aimee Garcia as his former partner (concerned), keep things cozy, familial and warm. ------------ Rush Hour Where: CBS When: 10 p.m. Thursday Rating: TV-14-LV (may be unsuitable for children under the age of 14 with advisories for coarse language and violence) robert.lloyd@latimes.com Pastor Tim (Kelly AuCoin) and his indiscreet wife, Alice (Suzy Jane Hunt), know an explosive truth about the parents of teenager Paige Jennings (Holly Taylor). Namely that her dad, Philip (Matthew Rhys), and mom, Elizabeth (Keri Russell), are Soviet spies. This secret revealed by Paige when she turned to her church for guidance might amount to a death sentence for Tim and Alice on Experimental Prototype City of Tomorrow, Episode 403 of The Americans on FX. In trying to convince Tim that he should maintain their cover, Philip and Elizabeth claim that Moscow and the pastors activist flock share common goals, such as preventing nuclear war and ending racism. Advertisement We fight for justice, for equal rights for everyone, Elizabeth proudly says, no matter who they are or what they believe. Unless theyre religious, Tim interjects, referring to the persecution of Jews and Catholics behind the Iron Curtain. I understand the need for secrecy, but lets be clear, Tim emphasizes. A pastors obligation to keep parishioners secrets ends where his duty to the greater good begins. I cannot be a party to destruction. Fearing theyre on the verge of imprisonment, the Cold War spies rush to see their KGB handler Gabriel (Frank Langella). Philip wants to leave the U.S. right now. Elizabeth votes for homicide. And Gabriel decides to contact Moscow and wait for instructions. Based on those orders, Gabriel tells Philip and Elizabeth to take Paige and her younger brother, Henry (Keidrich Sellati), to visit the new Epcot Center in Orlando. While youre away, Gabriel casually says, the pastor and his wife will have an accident. At first Philip is adamantly opposed to this murderous plan, arguing that Paige will figure out what happened. But if their family flees to the Soviet Union, Elizabeth counters, the kids wont know anyone and wont speak the language. You dont think theyd hate us then? Elizabeth asks. Philip reluctantly agrees. Shortly before their scheduled flight to Florida, the spies visit Gabriels safe house and find him bleeding and gasping for air. Hes been exposed to a bioweapon developed by William (Dylan Baker), a turncoat scientist employed by the Defense Department. You should have wrapped Gabriel in plastic and burned his body, William says before injecting Philip and Elizabeth with a broad spectrum antibiotic. Now they must remain in quarantine for at least 36 hours, William insists, thus putting that family vacation on hold. I guess were not going to Epcot, Philip laments. In Moscow, meanwhile, Nina Sergeevna Krilova (Annet Mahendru) learns the penalty she might face for trying to help her friend Anton Baklanov (Michael Aronov), a kidnapped Jewish scientist forced to design stealth technology for the Soviet military. Nina tried to send a message to Antons son so hed know his father is alive, but the letter was turned over to authorities. Now Nina could be subjected to exceptional punishment, meaning execution. Shes frightened, alone and having nightmares. Finally, Stan Beeman (Noah Emmerich) of FBI counterintelligence correctly theorizes that secretary Martha Hanson (Alison Wright) is the traitor who installed a KGB listening device in the office of her boss, Frank Gaad (Richard Thomas). FBI officials believe that the culprit is computer expert Gene Craft (Luke Robertson), who supposedly confessed to espionage before committing suicide. He was actually killed by Philip, however, to shield Martha from arrest. You want to find out who really planted that bug? Stan asks fellow agent Dennis Aderholt (Brandon J. Dirden). Help me track Martha. Dennis refuses to conduct surveillance, contending there must be an innocent explanation for Marthas behavior. But, Dennis says with a smile, Ill take her to dinner. Good morning. It is Thursday, March 31. Firefighters and campus police came to the aid of ducklings who fell into a storm channel at Cal Poly Pomona. This video shows the rescue and the ducklings reunion with mom. Heres what else is happening in the Golden State: TOP STORIES CEO gone Advertisement The head of the Los Angeles County Fair Assn. has resigned after a Times investigation that found James Henwood Jr. made more than $1 million in 2014 while the organization was hit by financial losses. Henwood led the fair association for two decades. A state audit on the groups books is pending. Los Angeles Times Lead cleanup After facing intense criticism, state officials will use blood tests to guide the cleanup of lead contamination in southeast Los Angeles County. The decision comes just days after The Times reported that data showing elevated levels of lead in children near the old Exide plant were not being used to dictate the clean-up of 10,000 homes. We are talking about simple coordination among state departments to protect our most precious resource, our children, and it shouldnt take media inquiries to break through the bureaucratic malaise, said L.A. City Councilman Jose Huizar. Los Angeles Times Legal reasoning Justice Goodwin Liu is shaking up the California Supreme Court by speaking out on the cases the court declines to hear. Hes taken up the practice of writing lengthy dissents on the majoritys refusal to take up certain cases. It could give lawyers insight into the judges thinking on a host of legal issues. Los Angeles Times DROUGHT AND CLIMATE Snow levels: There are 58 inches of snow in the Sierra Nevada a big improvement from this time last year but still not enough to end the drought. The snow included 26 inches of water content, which is just short of average for this time of year. The snowpack seems good because its so much better than last year, said Frank Gehrke, chief of the California Cooperative Snow Surveys Program. Los Angeles Times Back to life: Yosemite National Park had a couple of tough years thanks to the drought. Now, streams and waterfalls are full and the park appears to be back to life. Los Angeles Times L.A. AT LARGE Death of politician: Former cable executive Bill Rosendahl was the first openly gay man to serve on the Los Angeles City Council. At City Hall, he was a vocal advocate for the LGBT community, the homeless and, later in life, medical marijuana. He left office in 2012 after he was diagnosed with cancer. He died Wednesday at age 70. Los Angeles Times Port project stalled: A judge has sided with the city of Long Beach in its lawsuit challenging a $500-million rail yard project approved by the Port of Los Angeles. Judge Barry P. Goode found the environmental analysis of the Southern California International Gateway Project didnt fully assess the impact to air quality in Long Beach. Long Beach Press-Telegram Get ready: Lucy Jones gave her final broadcast interview as a seismologist with the U.S. Geological Survey to Larry King. As usual, Jones used the opportunity to tell Angelenos to prepare for the Big One. People are afraid of dying by the earthquake, but you should really be more afraid of being bankrupted by the earthquake, she said. Ora TV POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT Opinions on immigration: Two-thirds of Californians believe illegal immigration is a major problem, but they reject the idea of mass deportation and instead believe many immigrants who are in this country illegally should be allowed to remain in the country and apply for citizenship. Those are among the key findings of the USC Dornsife/Los Angeles Times poll. Views on illegal immigration also cut along generational lines. Really the debate about immigrants is a debate about identity. And younger people are much more likely than older generations to have experienced some diversity in their schools and their own life, said Manuel Pastor, director of USCs Center for the Study of Immigrant Integration. Los Angeles Times Trump effect: The Trump campaign could wreak havoc on Californias down ticket races this June. The wave of new voters attracted by Trump tends to relish the candidates hostility toward government and its spending ways. Los Angeles Times SoCal visit: Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz is on a swing through Southern California. He taped an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and had a fundraiser scheduled in Newport Beach. Hes scheduled to be on KFI-AM later today. CBS Los Angeles Security costs: How much did it cost San Francisco to police the Super Bowl? Officials say the tab may be $1 million more than the original $1.7 million estimate. Police Chief Greg Suhr said the city stepped up security in the wake of terrorist attacks in San Bernardino and Paris. SFGate Untapped voters: Latinas could be key to voter turnout when the California primary rolls around. The National Assn. of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials Education Fund found women play an influential role when it comes to engaging the Latino community with politics. Theres this misconception that theres apathy among our community members and that people dont want to vote because they just dont care. And thats actually untrue, said Angelica Pena with NALEO. 89.3 KPCC CRIME AND COURTS Court history: The woman behind the Fuhrman tapes, which played a pivotal role in O.J. Simpsons murder trial, is finally speaking out about her experience. Over a period of nine years, Laura Hart McKinny recorded her interviews with LAPD detective Mark Fuhrman. On those tapes, Fuhrman used the N-word 41 times. It was such a surreal experience sitting 30 feet away from grieving families who had lost loved ones tragically and 20 feet from an alleged killer and imagining that something that I had done years before might have an impact on them, McKinny said. Vanity Fair BUSINESS Pay to play: Studios and networks have scaled back or eliminated their in-house casting departments. Filling that vacuum are workshops where actors pay to read for casting directors and their assistants. In California, it is illegal to exchange money for the prospect of employment, yet no one has been prosecuted for this practice since the Krekorian Talent Scam Prevention Act passed in 2009. Hollywood Reporter HOUSING Adult dorms: Co-living spaces are popping up around Los Angeles. Each person gets a bunk bed and flatscreen TV (theyre called pods) and then common space is shared. By day, the beds can be used as desks. PodShare makes life more affordable because there is no security deposit or cost of furnishings and we provide flexible living, said Elvina Beck of PodShare. Motherboard Pave paradise: When the 101 Freeway came to Hollywood, almost no one was happy about it. Movie stars worried about their Whitley Heights homes. Merchants fretted about a sweeping concrete viaduct over Franklin Avenue. The Hollywood Bowl Association feared noise pollution. KCET CALIFORNIA CULTURE Farmworkers unite: The National Steinbeck Center will unveil an online presentation of photographs Sunday that capture the farmworker movement in 1975. The Californian Made for TV: Reading Larry Karaszewski and Scott Alexanders thoughts on their show The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story may make you want to binge-watch the 10-hour miniseries. BuzzFeed CALIFORNIA ALMANAC Sacramento will be sunny with a high of 72. In San Francisco, there will be low clouds with highs reaching 61. Los Angeles will be mostly sunny and 69. It will be sunny and 73 in Riverside. San Diego will be partly sunny and 66. AND FINALLY Todays California Memory comes from Eli Bensky: I remember friends going to the San Fernando Valley to buy sacks of oranges. Pre-WWII cars would overheat going up the Cahuenga Pass, and so there was always a burlap bag of water hanging from the front bumper to cool the radiator. Imagine cars stopping to fill the radiator today. If you have a memory or story about the Golden State, share it with us. Send us an email to let us know what you love or fondly remember about our state. (Please keep your story to 100 words.) 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. Cases the California Supreme Court declines to review may be as important as the courts full-blown rulings, especially to the litigants. But little is known about why the court rejects certain appeals. The justices vote on which cases to accept in a closed meeting held around a large, imposing table in the chief justices corner chambers in San Francisco. Their decisions are announced in brief orders, often no more than a paragraph. The orders give the case name and number, without any description, and do not reveal the courts reasoning. See the most-read stories this hour >> Advertisement For decades the process has been largely veiled in secrecy until Gov. Jerry Brown appointed Justice Goodwin Liu to the seven-member court. During the last several months, Liu, a former law professor, has written two lengthy dissents from the majoritys refusal to hear cases. The first, in October, protested the courts vote against hearing a case in which a 10-year-old was deemed capable of waiving his right to remain silent. The second came Friday. Liu protested that the court should have considered an appeal from two marijuana growers sentenced to life for a killing a jury found they did not personally commit. Because this case would enable us to provide useful guidance to the trial courts, and because defendants present a strong argument that they were convicted of second degree murder on a theory unsupported by sufficient evidence, I would grant review, Liu wrote. Lengthy dissents from orders denying review, while rare on the California Supreme Court, are not uncommon on the U.S. Supreme Court. Some U.S. Supreme Court dissents from such orders have become famous. Justice Harry A. Blackmuns 1994 condemnation of capital punishment From this day forward, I no longer shall tinker with the machinery of death came in a dissent from the courts refusal to hear an appeal of a Texas inmate. Liu and Browns other appointees have spent most of their careers enmeshed in federal, not state, law. Perhaps Justice Liu thinks that is a good practice to incorporate into the California Supreme Court, said David S. Ettinger, an appellate lawyer who writes about the state court on his law firms blog, At the Lectern. Dissents from such orders are not binding, and California law remains unclear about whether they can be cited in different cases, Ettinger said. Lius October dissent on whether youngsters were capable of waiving their rights reads like a brief imploring the U.S. Supreme Court to take up the question, Ettinger said. In fact, lawyers for the juvenile cited Lius dissent in a petition to the high court to review the case, Ettinger said. That petition is still pending. Santa Clara University law professor Gerald Uelmen views Lius dissents as evidence of a power struggle on the California court between Browns appointees and the Republican appointees. Liu chose to write his dissent last week in a case that examined the natural and probable consequences doctrine. The legal theory says that someone can be convicted of a crime they did not personally commit or even foresee if a reasonable person should have known the crime was the likely result of his conduct. The appeal was filed by Sidonio Cruz-Santos and Augustin Zepeda-Onofre, who worked on an illegal marijuana-growing operation in Northern California. They hosted a party one night for an employee and others. Two of the partygoers later argued, and one was shot and killed. The prosecution argued that because the defendants armed themselves and others to protect the illegal crop, they bore responsibility for the killing. Liu argued that the marijuana-growing operation had nothing to do with the killing. Workers were given guns to protect against wild animals and thieves, not irritating guests, Liu wrote. The argument that apparently sparked the shooting dealt with whether the victim had told the other mans wife that he had used cocaine. It had nothing to do with marijuana, Liu contended. Although it may be reasonably foreseeable that a grow operation worker who carries a gun will use it to protect the operation, it is not reasonably foreseeable that the worker will use the gun against a person who simply irritates the worker but poses no apparent threat to the operation, Liu wrote. The Brown appointee said the evidence failed to establish that the killing had anything to do with the grow operation, much less that it was a reasonably foreseeable consequence of the marijuana cultivation. Browns other appointees, Justice Mariano-Florentino Cuellar and Leondra R. Kruger, did not sign Lius dissent. Kruger, who gave birth to a daughter on March 1, was absent. The order did not state how Cuellar voted on the case. Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye, joined by three other justices, defended the majoritys decision, noting that that reasonable minds may differ. She stressed that a court decision to reject an appeal does not mean the justices supported the result in the case. The court hears and decides only a fraction of the appeals it receives each year. The justices may disagree with a lower court ruling but decide the underlying legal issue should be resolved in a future case framed by a more compelling set of facts. Or the justices may reject a case because they want the core legal issue to percolate further in the lower courts. Or the court may disagree with the result but decide the legal issue at stake lacks statewide importance. The court also can decertify lower court rulings, preventing them from being cited as precedent, without actually reviewing and overturning them. The appeals court that decided the marijuana growers case, though, had not certified its ruling. Decertification was not an option for the California Supreme Court. Whatever Lius reasons, his dissent last week had a purpose. It was a sign to other lawyers that at least one justice was troubled by the application of the natural and probable consequences doctrine. It may also have been an invitation for defense lawyers to bring similar cases before the court. And it provided notice to the public that the states highest court let stand two life sentences in a difficult case for reasons the justices did not have to explain. Twitter: @mauradolan ALSO Plaschke: This is a big rookie mistake for DAngelo Russell Pregnant womans death spurs a safety debate about Chinas street fences Apple wants the FBI to reveal how it hacked the San Bernardino killers iPhone The chief executive of the Los Angeles County Fair Assn., who made more than $1 million in total compensation in 2014 even as the nonprofit organization reported steep financial losses, resigned Wednesday, saying he had become a distraction to its work. James Henwood Jr., who led the association for two decades, will be replaced on an interim basis by former Cal Poly Pomona President J. Michael Ortiz, chairman of the fair organizations board of directors. Henwoods departure follows a Los Angeles Times investigation that found that he and other executives received lucrative pay and benefit packages despite several years of red ink at the association. The organization stages the annual fair and operates a number of year-round enterprises at the taxpayer-owned fairgrounds in Pomona. Advertisement In 2014, the most recent year for which figures are available, the association reported a loss of $3.44 million, federal tax returns show its fifth straight year of negative results. During that period, compensation for Henwood and his top managers increased dramatically. Late last year, in response to the Times report, the county Board of Supervisors ordered an audit of the associations finances. The association leases roughly 500 acres of fairgrounds, known as the Fairplex, from the county. A spokesman for Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich, who called for the audit, said Wednesday the examination could take two more months to complete. It originally was scheduled to be wrapped up this month. A state audit of the association is also pending. A spokeswoman for the fair organization did not immediately respond to questions of whether Henwoods resignation had anything to do with the audits or whether he was receiving a severance package. Henwoods contract was due to expire at the end of this year, the association said. Henwood did not respond to interview requests. In a statement Wednesday, the fair association said Henwood had planned to leave the organization at the end of 2016 when his contract expired, but moved up his departure. The statement quoted Henwood as saying he was very proud of his tenure but adding: Lately I have become a distraction from the great work that [the county fair association] does. I love this organization too much to let that happen. Accelerating a change in leadership will allow [the association] to refocus on its important role in the community. Henwood was paid $1,045,088 in salary and benefits in 2014, a 17% increase from the previous year, according to the tax records. The figure included about $443,000 in bonuses. Since 2009, the last year the association finished in the black, his total compensation has risen 90%. Four executives who report to Henwood the chief financial officer and vice presidents for operations, sales and branding received total compensation ranging from about $313,000 to $455,000 in 2014. Henwood, 69, a former Orange County mall manager, had defended the pay levels as appropriate and said losses reflected money reinvested into the Fairplex. Earlier this year, Stephen Morgan, a member of the associations governing board, which approved the compensation amounts, said the panel believed the salaries and bonuses were justified because of the complexity of the organization. He noted that the association, in addition to the fair, runs a hotel and conference center at the Fairplex as well as a catering company, an equipment rental firm and trailer and RV parks. Morgan, president of the University of the West in Rosemead, said Wednesday that Henwood had served the Los Angeles County Fair Assn. very well, but had determined he had become a lightning rod because of the reports on his compensation. Henwood concluded that it was not in the best interest of the Fairplex to remain, Morgan said. Ortiz said in a statement that he was honored by his appointment to the interim position and planned to help the organization maximize current programs and resources. The Times also has reported that the association had drifted from its tax-exempt mission as a nonprofit to promote local agricultural interests. Most of its activities have little or nothing to do with farming or farmers, and some neighbors said the associations hosting of rave concerts at the Fairplex had brought noise, drugs and crime to the community. U.S. Rep. Norma Torres (D-Pomona), whose district includes the fairgrounds, has asked the Internal Revenue Service to investigate the association to determine whether its tax exemption should be rescinded. IRS officials have declined to comment on the matter. Through a spokeswoman, Torres said Wednesday that she hoped new leadership will bring about long-needed changes to not just make the Fairplex a profitable venture, but also a good neighbor for the surrounding communities. Changing leadership alone, however, will not solve the problem. For years the Fairplex has benefited from tax-exempt status and from other local and state resources, yet they havent held up their end of the bargain. Moving forward they must account for how these resources were used in the past and commit to greater oversight and accountability of their management and operations to prove they can be good stewards of taxpayer dollars and responsive to the concerns of local residents. Meanwhile, The Times reported this month that residents of the association-run trailer park had long complained that the property was being neglected. They noted that dozens of sewer pipes were left uncapped, emitting a foul odor. Residents said bathrooms were in disrepair, a laundry room was shuttered, and overhead power lines had peeling insulation. At the same time, the association regularly raised the tenants rent and had for years improperly collected from them a transient occupancy tax, the type levied on hotel guests. The tax amounted to 10% of the monthly rent for trailer spaces. It was unclear how long the tax had been collected, but some residents say they had paid it for 10 years or more. The collections stopped last year after a tenant complained. Henwood later told The Times he regretted not having paid more attention to problems at the trailer park. The L.A. County association paid its executives far more than other fair organizations in California, including those that reported better financial results. The head of the fairgrounds that holds the San Diego County fair, for example, had a salary-and-benefit package in 2014 of about $194,000, less than a fifth of Henwoods compensation. The manager of the Orange County Fair made about $212,000 that year. The San Diego and Orange County fairs, which drew more visitors than L.A.'s the last two years, are run by state agencies. paul.pringle@latimes.com Follow @PringleLATimes on Twitter ron.lin@latimes.com Follow @ronlin on Twitter ALSO Plaschke: This is a big rookie mistake for DAngelo Russell Pregnant womans death spurs a safety debate about Chinas street fences Apple wants the FBI to reveal how it hacked the San Bernardino killers iPhone A powerful painkiller that can be fatal even in small doses is the latest front in a nationwide epidemic of street drug abuse, recently becoming the prime suspect in a rash of overdoses that killed six people in less than a week in Sacramento County. Experts say the rise of fentanyl is fueled by widespread prescription drug abuse that claims thousands of lives each year. Since 1999, more than 165,000 people in the U.S. have died of causes related to painkiller use. Once centered on the East Coast, use of the drug now seems to be spreading west, probably through Mexican drug cartels, medical and law enforcement officials said. Advertisement This is just another face of the opioid epidemic, said Dr. Caleb Alexander, co-director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Drug Safety and Effectiveness. During a seven-day period ending Tuesday, health workers in Sacramento reported 28 overdoses, six of them fatal, from pills that appeared to contain fentanyl. The painkiller offers an intense, euphoric high and is sometimes used to cut heroin and cocaine or passed off as another drug. The pills resembled Norco, a prescription painkiller similar to Vicodin and Percocet. But lab tests didnt find Norcos active ingredients and the tablets were likely fentanyl pills manufactured to resemble Norco, Sacramento County Division of Public Health spokeswoman Laura McCasland said Wednesday. One official said the street price of the pills was no more than $5. A few grains of the odorless, white powder, often called China White or Apache, can be enough to kill. Prescribed to cancer patients for decades, fentanyl is the most powerful painkiller available for medical treatment, up to 100 times stronger than morphine. Its typically administered as a lozenge, patch or injection to patients with severe pain. In recent years, an illegally manufactured version of the drug has begun spreading, with cases concentrated in the eastern half of the United States. Between 2012 and 2014, the number of seizures of illegally used fentanyl nationwide increased more than seven-fold to 4,585, according to federal officials. Sgt. Salvador Robles of the Sacramento County Sheriffs major narcotics impact division said investigators have a strong lead on a Sacramento County home where two of the overdoses occurred and are hoping to trace the cases back to the source of the fentanyl. Robles said he didnt know whether this was a single bad batch, or a larger problem. My only tip is, if youre addicted to Norco or any pills, do not take them right now, he said. An increase in doctor-prescribed painkillers over the last decade has left many patients addicted to opiates, intensifying a heroin epidemic that is ravaging many towns nationwide, experts said. Interested in the stories shaping California? Sign up for the free Essential California newsletter >> In 2014, 28,647 people died of overdose deaths from opioids, including heroin, the highest toll ever recorded, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Sacramento County, heroin use has increased within the last decade as use of methamphetamines have dropped, Robles said. Fifteen years ago, seizing a few ounces of heroin in Sacramento County was rare, he said, but now were finding it in (kilos). Theres no typical customer for the drug, he said. Weve seen individuals meeting street-level dealers that are homeless, and then those same dealers meet people who are driving in Mercedes and BMWs, he said. John Martin, special agent for the U.S. Drug and Enforcement Administrations San Francisco division, said the agency is taking the Sacramento incidents very seriously, but couldnt comment on the specifics. The cases appear to be the latest wave of the heroin epidemic sweeping across the country, he said. Obviously its been big on the East Coast and Midwest, its possible that it could be coming this way, Martin said. Fentanyl is a new wrinkle in the drug trade, he said. Approximately 700 people died from fentanyl and its analogs nationwide between late 2013 and late 2014, according to a recent report from the DEA. Past investigations have revealed that Mexican cartels are purchasing fentanyl produced in China then using traditional trafficking routes to bring it into the United States. In 2014, DEA officers seized 26 pounds of fentanyl in a stash house in Los Angeles. Alexander, the Johns Hopkins physician, said that demand will remain strong until the prescription drug epidemic is under control. He said doctors should limit how often they prescribe opiates to patients and expand treatment programs for those who are already addicted. Do we need to be worried about it? Yes, Alexander said. But I dont think ... these deaths can be separated from the surge in overuse of prescription opioid. Its part and parcel of the same problem. In remarks Tuesday at a conference on drug abuse, President Obama said more Americans now die each year from opioid overdose than in traffic accidents. He has asked for more than $1 billion in the federal funding to help expand access to treatment programs. Earlier this month, officials from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new guidelines strongly discouraging doctors from prescribing opiates, including OxyContin and Vicodin, for patients with chronic conditions such as back problems, migraines and arthritis. We know of no other medication routinely used for a nonfatal condition that kills patients so frequently, wrote CDC director Dr. Tom Frieden and a colleague in the New England Journal of Medicine. Shelly Elkington, 49, thinks stricter guidelines could have saved her daughters life. While in college, Casey Jo was diagnosed with Crohns disease, an incurable bowel disorder that can require repeated surgeries. She was prescribed painkillers, including fentanyl. I always want to say her doctor meant well, said Elkington, who lives in Montevideo, Minn. His intentions were always good to make her feel better. But Casey Jo quickly became addicted to opiates, eventually turning to street drugs when doctors tried to wean her off of them. She had dropped out of school and couldnt overcome her addiction, her mother remembers. Casey Jo began smoking fentanyl and buying heroin. It brought her into a world she was not prepared for, she said. Everyday, we didnt know if we were going to get a call that she was arrested, assaulted, raped, everything. We were so afraid for her all the time. One day in August last year, Elkington got that fated call: Her daughter had been found dead in her apartment. She was 26. I watched my daughter virtually slip away from us, she said. See more of our top stories on Facebook >> ALSO Former USC chief Steven Sample is remembered for his deep faith FBI agrees to help Arkansas prosecutors open iPhone after hack of San Bernardino device State to begin using childrens blood tests to focus cleanup of Vernon battery recycling plant Two people were killed Thursday after their car crashed into a parked F/A-18E Super Hornet at the Naval Air Station Lemoore during a pursuit with law enforcement. The driver of the Jeep Cherokee died at an area hospital, and the female passenger was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the air station, located in the Central Valley. Their identities have not been publicly released, but naval air officials said they were not affiliated with the military. Regardless of procedures we have in place, something went wrong, and we had a tragic accident, said Navy Capt. Monty Ashliman, the installations commanding officer. Advertisement We had some ... damage to an aircraft, and we had two tragic losses of life, so we got to figure out a way to prevent that from happening in the future, Ashliman told reporters at a news conference Thursday. The pursuit began late Wednesday when California Highway Patrol officers approached a Jeep that was parked on the side of the road in Kings County, in order to check on the welfare of those inside, CHP Lt. Dave Knoff said. The driver of the Jeep drove away at a high speed, and patrol units quickly followed. The Jeep began weaving and refused to stop, Knoff said. CHP officers called off the pursuit when the driver began traveling in the wrong direction on California State Route 198 in Lemoore, but the chase resumed again in Fresno County. The Jeep drove through the air stations front gate before security had time to deploy bollards, Lt. Jr. Grade Madison McSweeney said. Security forces at the installation responded, while a CHP helicopter flew over the area and monitored the pursuit. As the Jeep drove along an airstrip, it crashed into the parked fighter jets horizontal stabilizer, at the rear of the aircraft. A full assessment on damage to the twin-engine jet is still being conducted. An investigation will be conducted to determine how the Jeep was able to bypass security checkpoints. Authorities do not believe the installation was a target. There will be many investigations that will be ongoing to make sure that personnel and assets and taxpayers dollars are taken care of the best way we possibly can, Ashliman said. MORE: Get our best stories in your Facebook feed >> For breaking news in California, follow @JosephSerna and VeronicaRochaLA on Twitter. ALSO Uncle, nephew die and coworkers injured in horrific Pasadena carpooling crash Boyle Heights student drowns during beach cleanup Kidnapping suspect shot and killed by deputies in East Los Angeles A former Stanford University swimmer was convicted Wednesday of sexually assaulting a woman he met at a fraternity party. In a Palo Alto courtroom, the jury found Brock Turner, 20, guilty of three felony counts: assault with intent to commit rape of an intoxicated woman, sexually penetrating an intoxicated person with a foreign object and sexually penetrating an unconscious person with a foreign object. The jury deliberated for just more than a day before reaching a verdict, the San Jose Mercury News reported. Turner faces up to 10 years in prison in the case. Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Aaron Persky is scheduled to sentence him on June 2. Advertisement Turner, then a freshman, was arrested Jan. 18, 2015, after two men riding bicycles on campus about 1 a.m. spotted him on top of an unconscious woman, according to the police report filed with the criminal complaint. Turner and the woman, who was not a Stanford student, both attended the same fraternity party that evening. In an interview with police, the Ohio native said he arrived at the party about 11 p.m. and kissed a few women before hooking up with the woman who was later found unconscious, according to the police report. He couldnt recall her name, he told police. The two witnesses said that after he was spotted, Turner rose and fled. The two men said the chased him down and restrained him until police arrived. A campus police officer found the woman lying on her side behind a dumpster near an on-campus fraternity. Unconscious but breathing, she was taken to a hospital. Turner was booked in the San Jose Main Jail and released after posting bail. He remains free on bail until is sentencing. During trial, Turners attorney, Mike Armstrong, said his client did not know how drunk the woman was, the Mercury News reported. She had a blood alcohol level of .24 -- three times the legal limit for driving a vehicle -- while Turner had a blood alcohol concentration of twice the legal limit. Deputy Dist. Atty. Alaleh Kianerci countered that Turners pedigree should not distract from his conduct that night. He may not look like a rapist, but he is the ... face of campus sexual assault, Kianerci said, according to the Mercury News report. After being charged, Turner voluntarily withdrew from Stanford, and a university spokeswoman said at the time that he was barred from setting foot on campus. Santa Clara County Dist. Atty. Jeff Rosen said after the jurys decision was announced that he hoped the verdict will clearly reverberate through colleges and high schools anywhere in our society where there may be any doubt about the distinction between consent and sexual assault. Rosen added: No means no. Drunk means no. Passed out means no. And sex without consent means sexual assault. For breaking news in California, follow @MattHjourno ALSO Man arrested in alleged racially motivated attack on Irvine High School student and older brother Police officers flood Hermosa Beach neighborhood after report of shots fired Man kills himself with kitchen knife in a Fontana Target store A man in a Fontana Target store removed a knife from its wrapping and stabbed himself to death Wednesday, police said. Surveillance video shows the man, whose identity has not been released, walking into the store at 15272 Summit Ave. and heading directly to the kitchen section, according to Martha Guzman-Hurtado, a spokeswoman for the Fontana Police Department. Guzman-Hurtado said the man removed a knife from its packaging and used it to stab himself in the torso. Advertisement Police arrived at the store at 11:07 a.m. and found the man lying in an aisle of the housewares section. He was pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported. The store remained open for two hours as police investigated the incident, KABC-TV Channel 7 reported. Target did not address concerns expressed by some customers about the store allowing patrons to continue to shop there during the investigation. At Target, the safety and security of our guests and team members is a top priority. ... We are working closely with law enforcement on this matter, the company said in a statement. Once it was determined there was no danger to guests or team members, we sectioned off the entire area to allow the police to investigate. Following that investigation, we did close the store, and the store remains closed, the company said. We anticipate reopening soon. For breaking news in California, follow VeronicaRochaLA on Twitter. ALSO L.A. Valley College evacuated after receiving several threats Police officers flood Hermosa Beach neighborhood after report of shots fired Man arrested in alleged racially motivated attack on Irvine High School student and older brother The adult children of the Metrolink engineer killed in a collision between a commuter train and a pickup have sued the regional rail agency and Union Pacific Railroad Co., alleging that negligence in the design and operation of the rail car led to their 62-year-old fathers death. In a complaint filed Tuesday in Los Angeles Superior Court, Shawn and Kara Steele seek compensation for the medical care and burial of their late father, Glenn Steele, who at the time of his death was considered the most senior engineer at Metrolink. Steele died March 3, 2015, about one week after the early morning crash in Oxnard that also left 34 people injured. Advertisement A preliminary report by the National Transportation Safety Board released in March 2015 found that the pickup driver intended to turn onto a street but mistakenly veered onto the tracks. The truck became stuck and the train struck it, causing four of the trains cars to go off the tracks, which are owned by Union Pacific. In their lawsuit, Steeles children allege that the negligent and careless design and maintenance of the train led to the accident. It should never have happened, said Tony De Los Reyes, an attorney representing the Steele children. The train, he said, was obviously not crash-worthy. Metrolink spokesman Scott Johnson said the agency was aware of the lawsuit but unable to comment because it is pending litigation. Our hearts go out to Glenns family and friends, the statement said. He was an experienced, hardworking and veteran railroader. For breaking news in California, follow @MattHjourno. The California Supreme Court will not hear an appeal from a Santa Clarita family to return their longtime foster daughter, who is part Native American, after the girl was removed from their home last week in a tribal custody case. The court rejected attorney Lori Alvino-McGills request without comment Wednesday, and her clients, Rusty and Summer Page, said they are willing to take it to the U.S. Supreme Court if they must. The 6-year-old girl was removed from the Pages home on March 21 and placed with extended family members in Utah, who include a half sister. Because the girl is one-sixty-fourth Choctaw, the federal Indian Child Welfare Act, intended to limit the breakup of Native American families through adoption or foster care placement, applies to her case. Advertisement The Page family said that the case would remain with the California Court of Appeal and that they were prepared to take it to the nations highest court. Rusty and Summer Page, speaking to reporters outside the 2nd District Court of Appeal in downtown Los Angeles on Thursday, said they had not been allowed to have any contact with the girl since the court-ordered removal. The girl had lived with the Pages and their three children for more than four years, and the Pages tried unsuccessfully to adopt her. She has never gone this long without speaking to us or seeing us, her mommy and daddy, Rusty Page said. Armand Montiel, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, said Thursday that the girl was in Utah, with her relatives. Kevin Lapp, an associate professor at Loyola Law School whose focus is juvenile law, said the U.S. Supreme Courts willingness in 2013 to take up the Baby Veronica case returning a Cherokee girl to her adoptive parents after a long legal battle suggests a high-court battle isnt out of the question. It suggests that the court isnt disinterested in dealing with these complicated child welfare cases, Lapp said. News cameras and hundreds of supporters were on hand at the familys Santa Clarita home last week when county workers came to take the child away. In the days since, the Pages and their supporters have flooded social media with calls to bring the girl back, and more than 116,000 people have signed a petition on Change.org. On Thursday, Rusty Page defended their decision to fight the case in public. I dont know a single parent who wouldnt scream from the mountaintops or run to the ends of the Earth for their child, and thats what weve done, he said. Speaking directly to the girl, he said, Since no one has allowed you to contact us, I will remind you what you told me just before they came to take you away: You told me I was your Superman, and thats exactly what Im going to be for as long as it takes. Page said the county had taken a politically correct stand for the tribe and was not acting in the girls best interest. The girl had regular visits with her out-of-state relatives before being placed with them, said Leslie Starr Heimov, executive director of the Childrens Law Center of California, the court-appointed law firm that represents foster youths. An L.A. Superior Court judge previously ruled that the girl should be placed with her Utah relatives, and the girl remained with the Pages as appeals dragged on and the California appeals court identified mistakes by the lower courts. An appellate court stay preventing the removal of the girl from California was lifted earlier this month when the 2nd District Court of Appeal denied a writ petition filed by the Pages, Heimov said. There are two families that love her, Heimov said. The court has made a decision. We need to follow the law, and we need to enforce the court orders. The Oklahoma-based Choctaw Nation has said that from the beginning of this case, the Choctaw Nation advocated for [the girls] placement with her family and that many steps had been taken to ensure the best placement for her. An independent clinical psychologist was brought in to gauge her ability to transition from her foster family to her relatives, and a California court appointed a marriage and family therapist to perform a child custody evaluation to assess the mental health and parenting practices of both parties, the tribe said in a statement. While it is fairly common for the Indian Child Welfare Act to apply in the placement of foster children, it is rare for such cases to become as contentious as the Pages because the issue usually comes up early in the foster care process, Lapp said. The longer a child stays with a family, he said, the greater the bonds formed and the more difficult removal becomes. The delays make it difficult, he said. This one is four years into a foster placement, so the removal from the foster home seems more traumatic because of the timing. Still, even if the girl had no Native American ties, he said, most dependency courts aim to place siblings together, as will be the case with the girl in Utah. MORE: Get our best stories in your Facebook feed >> For breaking California news, follow @haileybranson and @JosephSerna. ALSO San Bernardino terrorist attack victims hear how donations will be distributed Family of engineer killed in Oxnard crash sues Metrolink Painkiller fentanyl linked to six deaths and numerous overdoses in Sacramento area As the first quarter of 2016 nears an end, violence in Chicago has reached levels unseen in years, putting the city on course to top 500 homicides for only the second time since 2008. As of 6 a.m. Wednesday, homicides totaled 135, a 71% jump over the 79 killings in the same year-earlier period, official Police Department statistics show. That represented the worst first quarter of a year since 136 homicides in 1999, according to the data. Shootings have jumped by comparable numbers as well. As of Wednesday, at least 727 people had been shot in Chicago this year, a 73% rise from 422 a year earlier, according to a Tribune analysis of department data. Advertisement Worse yet, that jump follows two consecutive years in which shootings rose by double digits, the analysis found. Homicides also rose by about 12.5% last year over 2014. If there was any hopeful sign in the numbers, it would be that for most of March, homicides rose citywide by a more modest 25% from the same year-earlier period, the department said. Crime experts caution about making year-to-year comparisons, but Arthur Lurigio, a professor of criminal justice and psychology at Loyola University Chicago, called the escalating violence at the start of the year alarming. We have to go back decades to find jumps of this magnitude in year-to-year comparisons, he said. Were on our way to 500 homicides again. Were going backward. After an unrelated news conference Wednesday, new interim police Superintendent Eddie Johnson found an optimistic note in the recent slowing of the percentage increase in homicides. If we can build on that momentum, well be doing good, he said. Johnson said gang conflicts and the proliferation of guns continue to fuel the violence. The department also disclosed that more than half of the homicide victims this year had been targeted as likely gun violence victims or offenders in a novel program in which commanders try to persuade them to give up the gang life. We know who is committing these crimes. Its a small segment of the population, Johnson told the Tribune. We have those individuals targeted. One of the things we have to do is ensure we hold those individuals accountable when they commit these crimes. The surge in violence comes at a tumultuous time for the police department. On Monday, Mayor Rahm Emanuel passed over the three finalists his hand-picked police board had chosen for police superintendent and instead plucked Johnson from the command staff for the post. In December, Emanuel had fired Garry McCarthy after 4 1/2 years in the job amid the public furor after the court-ordered release of a dashboard camera video showing a white Chicago police officer shoot Laquan McDonald 16 times, killing the black teen as he walked away from police with a knife in his hand. In February, the Tribune reported a precipitous drop in morale among Chicago police, citing interviews with numerous officers. They told the newspaper the McDonald shooting had made them less aggressive on the street out of fear that doing even basic police work would get them into trouble. Criminals were taking advantage of their passive approach, they said. The police department on Jan. 1 also began requiring that cops fill out detailed reports every time they make a street stop as part of a new state law and a landmark agreement worked out with the American Civil Liberties Union. The change the result of concerns over racial profiling not only has kept officers busy with paperwork longer than before, officers said, but also has increased their anxiety about being second-guessed on whom theyve stopped. The result was that officers made 6,818 arrests in January, a 32% drop from nearly 10,000 arrests a year earlier. The number of street stops also has plummeted, with 9,044 investigatory stop reports issued in January, a fraction of the 61,330 contact cards that police issued during January 2015. While crime experts and the ACLU have contended that no empirical evidence exists that would suggest the low police activity has led to a rise in violence, Loyolas Lurigio expressed concern about officers lying down on the job. Wed be remiss in thinking that the apparent lack of police activity has nothing to do with it, he said. That would be foolish to think that. How much? We dont know. In the brief interview Wednesday, Johnson said that he didnt think morale was so bad, but that officers had been confused by the rollout of the new street stop reports. But that has improved with training, he said. Were seeing a steady uptick in the investigatory stops, so were slowly but surely getting back, the interim superintendent said. I dont think well ever hit the numbers we had before. But thats the whole point of it. We just have to make sure we stop the right people at the right times for the right reasons. Its important to keep in mind that the violence is far reduced from the early 1990s when homicides sometimes exceeded 900 in a year. But what continues to be troubling is that in recent years, Chicagos violence has outpaced New York and Los Angeles even though both are more populous. That gulf appears to have worsened this year. According to the most recent numbers available, 60 people had been slain in New York through March 20, down from 75 in the year-earlier period, while Los Angeles recorded 67 homicides through March 26, up from 54 last year, the departments said. Through those same time periods, shooting victims had totaled 202 in New York and 260 in Los Angeles, far below Chicago levels. While police are loathe to mention weather as a factor, temperatures in Chicago over the first three months have been milder and snowfall below normal, said Ricky Castro, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service. As they have traditionally, neighborhoods affected the most by the rise in violence are on Chicagos south and west sides, which for decades have been stricken by high concentrations of poverty, lack of investment from the city, illegal drug activity and an intractable gang problem. The hardest hit of the Police Departments 22 districts has been the West Sides Harrison District, which includes the West Garfield Park, East Garfield Park and Humboldt Park community areas. Through Sunday, 21 people had been killed, more than triple from six a year earlier, statistics show. Shooting incidents have risen by similar numbers, to 111 from 40. The neighboring Austin District on the citys Far West Side recorded 10 homicides, up from only three a year earlier, according to the department. Shooting incidents more than doubled to 47 from 21. Both districts have been plagued for years by violence caused in large part by disputes over narcotics sales. The Eisenhower Expressway which cuts through the middle of the two districts has for years been dubbed by law enforcement as the heroin highway because of drug users who travel from the suburbs for their fix. On the South Side, three districts Englewood, Deering and Chicago Lawn shared the dubious mark of recording the most homicides through Sunday 12 each. A year earlier, Englewood and Deering had just five slayings each, while Chicago Lawn had seven. On Tuesday night, about 20 residents joined several police officers at 71st Street and Jeffery Boulevard in the South Sides South Shore community in a show of solidarity in the fight against crime. The area isnt as prone to gun violence as it once was, but it still has its flare-ups. The event drew mostly residents who appeared to be in their 40s, 50s or 60s, not the at-risk youths most affected by the violence. Its hard trying to pull a young person out of that kind of environment where this is what they have eaten, slept and drank all their lives, said Sgt. Maudessie Jointer, who helped oversee the gathering. You will get a few, but we dont get them in the volume that we need. Over on the West Side, the Rev. Ira Acree, an outspoken pastor in the Austin community, talked about fragmented families, a poor school system and a proliferation of guns as being among the causes of the violence. Its a crisis here in Chicago, he said about the disturbing level of violence so early in the year. Unless something radical transpires in our city, theres going to be a bloodbath this summer. jgorner@tribpub.com Twitter: @JeremyGorner When Rep. Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) took over as House speaker, it was supposed to signal a new era for Republicans the arrival of a younger, more conservative visionary, who scrubbed the cigarette smoke stains from outgoing Speaker John A. Boehners Capitol office, and promised a fresh start. Republicans craved the upbeat, button-down image Ryan offered. And his team served up the Ryan brand with marketing flourish lofty speeches, a TV blitz and videos galore, including a cheeky snow-cam from the speakers balcony showing the winter blizzard over the National Mall. But five months in, Ryan finds himself with a familiar problem. As Congress is careening toward another budget crisis and the Republican Party is ripping itself apart over Donald Trumps rise, the man best known as the architect of the GOPs austere spending blueprint is likely to miss an April 15 deadline to approve a new funding plan for 2017. Advertisement SIGN UP for the free Essential Politics newsletter >> Hes been unable to overcome the same resistance from the conservative House Freedom Caucus that doomed his predecessor, and is so far similarly unwilling to use the power of the speakers office to force stragglers to fall into line. On the top issue of the day, the turbulent presidential race, Ryan has refused to wade into the muck, fearful of alienating House Republicans who back Donald Trump, but also worried about tarnishing his own image in case the party needs his help at a brokered convention in July. To some, Ryans repeated calls for Republicans to raise our gaze and his frequent attempts to position himself as the GOPs deep thinker are starting to give off an air of ivory tower insignificance. Conservatives wonder if hes still a young gun trying to shake up the party. At a Trump rally in Ryans Wisconsin hometown of Janesville last week, the crowd booed the mention of his name. Now we understand why he didnt want the job: Congress is broken and its hard for anybody to fix it, said John Feehery, a former Republican aide and now a GOP strategist. Jumping on the back of this tiger has not been easy. Allies see Ryan, who declined to be interviewed for this story, as a leader who is slowly and deliberately piecing back together a Republican Party that appears to have imploded during President Obamas years in the White House. In many ways, the speakers problems are of his own making, the result of a leadership strategy he helped forge to recruit the most conservative candidates to run for office and then, after Republicans won the House majority in the 2010 midterm election, reject almost all of Obamas initiatives. Its led to all this anger, said Norman J. Ornstein, a scholar at the American Enterprise Institute. They tried to make this entire process look ugly and illegitimate. It worked. In the process of winning these short-term victories in the midterms, they laid the groundwork for Trump. Now, some of the same Freedom Caucus lawmakers who forced Boehners early retirement are bearing down on Ryan. What hes trying to do is provide an alternative to a presidential campaign that many Republicans are looking on with horror. Norman J. Ornstein, a scholar at the American Enterprise Institute Many are scoffing at the higher government funding levels Boehner had accepted as part of a compromise with Democrats last year. That deal was supposed to clear the barn for Ryan by reversing some of the automatic sequester cuts that factions of both parties said were too severe. But many Republicans who didnt like the deal then dont like it any better now, and Ryan doesnt have enough votes to pass the budget without them. Without an approved budget, it will be harder for Congress to pass the annual appropriation bills needed to fund government services. Ryan cant rely on Democrats, as Boehner did, because the proposed budget contains Republican priorities, like a Medicare overhaul with a new voucher program, that Democrats oppose. Ryan initially escaped blame from conservatives for the deal Boehner made, but the honeymoon is now over and Congress risks a government shutdown if new money is not approved by Oct. 1. Victory would be not shutting down the government, said Ron Bonjean, a former House Republican leadership aide who is now a strategist. Some in the Freedom Caucus appreciate Ryans willingness to work with them, but see little change in the outcome. Paul was part of the Boehner entourage, said Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.), a Freedom Caucus member. Ryan is falling back on what he has always done best: talking about ideas. This is how Ryan rose in Congress, as a skilled communicator of a conservative vision. Now, rather than using the biggest House majority in generations as a legislative factory that churns out bills, Ryan is turning it into a think tank to produce ideological position papers on taxes, national security, poverty and other issues to inform the eventual Republican presidential nominee at the partys convention in July. What hes trying to do is provide an alternative to a presidential campaign that many Republicans are looking on with horror, Ornstein said. Hes trying to say, Look at me, Im a different kind of Republican. Ryan has said flatly that he would not be the partys nominee. But his name is often mentioned as a last-minute alternative to Trump or Sen. Ted Cruz, similar to the way he was drafted to take over as speaker. Ryan is also working to ease the party in-fighting by rebuilding trust, little by little, giving detractors a seat at the table and throwing open decision-making to the troops, even if that means House Republicans cannot agree on a strategy that will pass a budget by the April deadline. So far, the outcome has been a decidedly improved mood on Capitol Hill. Where previously the partys testy private sessions ended with Republicans lining up at microphones to fume at leadership, they now wait their turn to offer solutions in a more cooperative atmosphere. Join the conversation on Facebook >> Several bills have been signed into law under Ryans tenure, including a multiyear highway funding measure and an overhaul of the No Child Left Behind education law. The ones that Obama vetoed including a repeal of the Affordable Care Act have become a badge of honor for Republicans who pride themselves on forcing a showdown with the White House. But the stalemate on the budget is a particularly frustrating setback for lawmakers who just a few years ago promoted a policy of no-budget-no-pay blocking congressional paychecks until a budget was approved. Detractors see Ryan squandering the House majority by failing to dig in and lead. Democrats roll their eyes at his inability to muscle his troops. And even rank-and-file Republicans say its tough trying to convince voters back home that the party deserves the White House when Congress is idling. When push comes to shove, you have to be a leader, said Rep. Mark Amodei (R-Nev.), adding that congressional inaction is fueling Trumps rise. Putting it in neutral is dumber than standing water. It isnt selling. Twitter: @lisamascaro ALSO Donald Trump is about to blow up the California primary. Heres how. Analysis: In abortion stumble, Donald Trump shows glaring election weaknesses Sanders talks more like a New Yorker, but Democrats there consider Clinton one of them Most stories of shootings by police have the same ending: The officers involved wont face criminal charges. Some cases are well known: Darren Wilson didnt get indicted for shooting unarmed 18-year-old Michael Brown after a struggle in Ferguson, Mo. The officer who shot and killed 12-year-old Tamir Rice who was playing with a toy gun in a Cleveland park also avoided a criminal trial. See the most-read stories this hour >> But hundreds of other cases with similar outcomes have received less publicity. The pattern is the same: Officers confront a suspect, who is often armed or mentally ill. Prosecutors back the officers and decline to file charges, as happened in a Minneapolis case this week. And activists and family members express disgust. Heres a look at several controversial but less-prominent shootings over the last two years that led to protests but not prosecution. (Javille Burns via Associated Press) (Test) Jamar Clark, 24, Minneapolis On Nov. 15, two officers responded to an alleged domestic assault in north Minneapolis. Clark, the suspect, was reportedly interfering with the paramedics placing Clarks girlfriend into an ambulance. The officers wrestled Clark to the ground before one of them shot him in the head. While angry bystanders at the scene were shouting that Clark, who was unarmed, had been handcuffed when he was shot, Hennepin County Atty. Mike Freeman said there was no evidence to support that claim and that Clark had been reaching for an officers gun during the struggle on the ground. Im ready to die, an officer said that Clark told him. Freeman announced Wednesday that he would not charge the officers, Mark Ringgenberg and Dustin Schwarze. Activists blasted the decision. The two officers are the only ones who corroborated this version of events, the Black Lives Matter Minneapolis chapter tweeted. (Wisconsin Department of Corrections via Associated Press) (Test) Tony Robinson Jr., 19, Madison, Wis. On March 6, 2015, veteran Officer Matt Kenny was responding to calls that Robinson had assaulted two people and was running through traffic. Kenny followed Robinson into an apartment building, where he said Robinson punched him. Kenny shot Robinson seven times. Dane County Dist. Atty. Ismael Ozanne announced two months later that this tragic and unfortunate death was the result of a lawful use of police force and no charges should be brought. Robinsons mother, Andrea Irwin, said she was not surprised by the decision, but said the investigation should have been more thorough. They could have done a lot, she said. What they didnt do was give my son any respect. Kenny was also involved in the 2007 fatal shooting of a suspect waving a pellet gun, a killing that was deemed a suicide by cop and led to Kenny receiving a commendation for valor. Dontre Hamiltons mother, Maria Hamilton, wipes her eyes as she is is flanked by her sons Dameion Perkins, right, and Nate Hamilton on the steps on the federal courthouse in December 2014 in Milwaukee. (Morry Gash / Associated Press) (Test) Dontre Hamilton, 31, Milwaukee Hamilton was sleeping in a downtown park on April 30, 2014, when Officer Christopher Manney woke him up and patted him down. The two scuffled. Punches were thrown, witnesses said. Hamilton eventually got ahold of Manney's baton, according to the district attorney. Manney then fired his gun 14 times, killing Hamilton with shots to the chest. Milwaukees police chief fired Manney for improperly patting down Hamilton, saying his bad decision-making created a chain of events that put him in a position where he had to use deadly force. Milwaukee County Dist. Atty. John Chisholm declined to file charges. There can be little serious doubt that [Officer] Manney was justified in firing at Dontre Hamilton, who was attacking him with a deadly weapon, he said in a December 2014 statement announcing his decision. Hamiltons family said he was schizophrenic but not violent. A mourner holds the funeral program for Darrien Hunt, who was shot and killed by police while holding a costume samurai sword, at services in Saratoga Springs, Utah (Rick Bowmer / Associated Press) (Test) Darrien Hunt, 22, Saratoga Springs, Utah On Sept. 10, 2014, two officers responded to a report that Hunt was walking in public with a three-foot samurai sword. The officers and Hunt talked before Hunt lunged at them with the sword, officials said. The two officers fired a total of seven shots, and Hunt was fatally shot in the back while running away with the sword in his hand. Hunts family said the sword wasnt a real weapon, but investigators said it had a pointy end and an edge sharp enough to cut. Swinging it constituted attempted murder or aggravated assault and justified the shooting, said Utah County Atty. Jeff R. Buhman. Hunt's aunt, Cindy Moss, told the Los Angeles Times: All along, we were praying the [prosecutor's] office would show some integrity and honesty in the case, and apparently they chose not to. Its disgusting. John Crawford, 22, Beavercreek, Ohio On Aug. 5, 2014, several officers entered the Wal-Mart in the Dayton suburb of Beavercreek after they received calls about a man allegedly pointing a weapon at shoppers. It was Crawford. He had taken an unpackaged air rifle off a shelf and was walking around the store with it seemingly absentmindedly, as he talked on the phone. The officers fatally shot him. A grand jury declined to indict the officer who shot Crawford. He was the victim of a perfect storm of circumstances and didnt do anything wrong, Mark Piepmeier, a special prosecutor appointed to handle the case, said after the decision, according to the Guardian. Michael Wright, an attorney for the Crawford family, said: We saw a young man in a Wal-Mart doing absolutely nothing wrong and getting shot by police. The Associated Press contributed to this report. ALSO Four encounters with police, four deaths and $24 million in payouts Northern California officer shoots man who was pulling up saggy pants during chase Inquest set on fatal police shooting of Mexican farmworker after year of coroner's persistence Most stories of shootings by police have the same ending: The officers involved wont face criminal charges. Some cases are well known: Darren Wilson didnt get indicted for shooting unarmed 18-year-old Michael Brown after a struggle in Ferguson, Mo. The officer who shot and killed 12-year-old Tamir Rice who was playing with a toy gun in a Cleveland park also avoided a criminal trial. But hundreds of other cases with similar outcomes have received less publicity. The pattern is the same: Officers confront a suspect, who is often armed or mentally ill. Prosecutors back the officers and decline to file charges, as happened in a Minneapolis case this week. And activists and family members express disgust. Advertisement Heres a look at several controversial but less-prominent shootings over the last two years that led to protests but not prosecution. Jamar Clark, 24, Minneapolis On Nov. 15, two officers responded to an alleged domestic assault in north Minneapolis. Clark, the suspect, was reportedly interfering with the paramedics placing Clarks girlfriend into an ambulance. The officers wrestled Clark to the ground before one of them shot him in the head. While angry bystanders at the scene were shouting that Clark, who was unarmed, had been handcuffed when he was shot, Hennepin County Atty. Mike Freeman said there was no evidence to support that claim and that Clark had been reaching for an officers gun during the struggle on the ground. Im ready to die, an officer said that Clark told him. Freeman announced Wednesday that he would not charge the officers, Mark Ringgenberg and Dustin Schwarze. Activists blasted the decision. The two officers are the only ones who corroborated this version of events, the Black Lives Matter Minneapolis chapter tweeted. Tony Robinson Jr., 19, Madison, Wis. On March 6, 2015, veteran Officer Matt Kenny was responding to calls that Robinson had assaulted two people and was running through traffic. Kenny followed Robinson into an apartment building, where he said Robinson punched him. Kenny shot Robinson seven times. Dane County Dist. Atty. Ismael Ozanne announced two months later that this tragic and unfortunate death was the result of a lawful use of police force and no charges should be brought. Robinsons mother, Andrea Irwin, said she was not surprised by the decision, but said the investigation should have been more thorough. They could have done a lot, she said. What they didnt do was give my son any respect. Kenny was also involved in the 2007 fatal shooting of a suspect waving a pellet gun, a killing that was deemed a suicide by cop and led to Kenny receiving a commendation for valor. Dontre Hamilton, 31, Milwaukee Hamilton was sleeping in a downtown park on April 30, 2014, when Officer Christopher Manney woke him up and patted him down. The two scuffled. Punches were thrown, witnesses said. Hamilton eventually got ahold of Manneys baton, according to the district attorney. Manney then fired his gun 14 times, killing Hamilton with shots to the chest. Milwaukees police chief fired Manney for improperly patting down Hamilton, saying his bad decision-making created a chain of events that put him in a position where he had to use deadly force. Milwaukee County Dist. Atty. John Chisholm declined to file charges. There can be little serious doubt that [Officer] Manney was justified in firing at Dontre Hamilton, who was attacking him with a deadly weapon, he said in a December 2014 statement announcing his decision. Hamiltons family said he was schizophrenic but not violent. Darrien Hunt, 22, Saratoga Springs, Utah On Sept. 10, 2014, two officers responded to a report that Hunt was walking in public with a three-foot samurai sword. The officers and Hunt talked before Hunt lunged at them with the sword, officials said. The two officers fired a total of seven shots, and Hunt was fatally shot in the back while running away with the sword in his hand. Hunts family said the sword wasnt a real weapon, but investigators said it had a pointy end and an edge sharp enough to cut. Swinging it constituted attempted murder or aggravated assault and justified the shooting, said Utah County Atty. Jeff R. Buhman. Hunts aunt, Cindy Moss, told the Los Angeles Times: All along, we were praying the [prosecutors] office would show some integrity and honesty in the case, and apparently they chose not to. Its disgusting. John Crawford, 22, Beavercreek, Ohio On Aug. 5, 2014, several officers entered the Wal-Mart in the Dayton suburb of Beavercreek after they received calls about a man allegedly pointing a weapon at shoppers. It was Crawford. He had taken an unpackaged air rifle off a shelf and was walking around the store with it seemingly absentmindedly, as he talked on the phone. The officers fatally shot him. A grand jury declined to indict the officer who shot Crawford. He was the victim of a perfect storm of circumstances and didnt do anything wrong, Mark Piepmeier, a special prosecutor appointed to handle the case, said after the decision, according to the Guardian. Michael Wright, an attorney for the Crawford family, said: We saw a young man in a Wal-Mart doing absolutely nothing wrong and getting shot by police. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Hillary Clinton says Bernie Sanders campaign is lying about fossil fuel ties Hillary Clinton snapped at an environmental activist who challenged the Democratic front-runner about political donations connected to fossil fuels. I am so sick of the Sanders campaign lying about me. I am so sick of it, said a clearly frustrated Clinton, who jabbed her finger at the activist before moving on to shake hands with other people at the New York rally. Clinton has made fighting climate change a major part of her platform, and accused Republicans of ignoring the issue to preserve political support from oil companies. At the same time, Clinton has received more than $300,000 in direct contributions from people in the oil and gas industry, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. (By comparison, Sanders has received $54,000.) Most of the lobbyists who are bundling money for Clintons campaign have also worked on behalf of fossil fuel interests, the Huffington Post reported. In a statement, Clinton spokesman said support from individuals is different from direct industry support. The simple truth is that this campaign has not taken a dollar from oil and gas industry PACs or corporations, he said. The activist who confronted Clinton was not satisfied by the candidates response at the rally. It wasnt the only interaction related to climate change at the New York event. While exiting the rally, Clinton said she supported the states ban on hydraulic fracturing, a controversial method of oil and gas extraction. In an attempt to head off two competing ballot measures, Gov. Jerry Brown secretly negotiated a compromise to raise the state minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2022, while allowing himself or the next governor to delay the incremental annual increase if the economy tanks. This is a better, more responsible proposal than either of the two initiatives, both of which would raise the wage to $15 more precipitously, and neither of which would allow for a pause during a recession. Brown announced the deal Monday, and Assembly and Senate leaders are now racing to approve the legislation. But lawmakers should not be so quick to settle for a compromise that doesnt address the very real concern that a wage hike of unprecedented size across very different regional economies could have serious and counterproductive consequences. While studies have shown that modest, gradual pay hikes dont necessarily have significant negative effects on the number of jobs available, theres little experience with wage increases on this scale a 50% increase over six years or, if you take into account two recent increases, a 90% increase over nine years. Theres even less experience or understanding of what will happen when such an enormous wage boost is imposed on communities with high unemployment, large, low-wage workforces and low costs of living. This page supported L.A.'s move to a $15 minimum wage, but what makes sense in Brentwood may not work for Barstow. Yet the current proposal ignores the dramatically dissimilar economic conditions in those communities, and the differing ability of businesses to manage higher labor costs or pass the costs on to consumers. Lawmakers are not doing their due diligence if they dont take the time to analyze the alternatives to a blanket $15 minimum wage, or at least take steps to mitigate the potential impacts. Advertisement Brown ... [himself warned] earlier this year: Raise the minimum wage too much and you put a lot of poor people out of work. It is critically important to help Californias low-wage workers, many of whom are single parents toiling at full-time jobs only to earn below-poverty wages. But Senate Pro Tem Kevin de Leon and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon are rushing to pass one of the most significant laws that will be considered this year. They are doing this despite a promise made last year by then-Appropriations Committee Chair Assemblyman Jimmy Gomez (D-Echo Park) to consider an array of options to rationally increase the minimum wage throughout the state, including the potential for regional increases that reflect differing economies. They are also ignoring Browns own warning earlier this year: Raise the minimum wage too much and you put a lot of poor people out of work. But when is a wage hike too much and when does it become a deterrent to job growth? Who knows? California leaders havent even tried to figure that out. Yes, lawmakers are under pressure to act because they face an even less palatable alternative in the ballot initiatives (and early polling suggest voters would support those measures). Its also true that passing the wage hike in the Legislature lets lawmakers give small businesses an extra year to comply and allows them the flexibility to change the policy in the future if the most dire predictions on job losses occur. But the governors compromise is nevertheless risky, with the potential to backfire. And lawmakers are not taking full advantage of the legislative process. They are not considering alternatives, such as a regional minimum wage model like Oregons, where pay was raised more in pricey urban areas than in low-cost rural ones. They are not talking about how California can support or retrain low-skilled workers who may lose their jobs to automation or find fewer entry-level openings after the wage hike goes into effect. They are not talking about how to spur the creation of more $20- and $30-an-hour jobs so minimum-wage workers can move up the career ladder. They are not talking about tax reforms that might help businesses manage increased labor costs, rather than pushing them to flee the state. And theyre not talking about how to address the astronomical cost of housing in many parts of the state, which drives working families deeper into poverty. Rather than hash out these critical issues, Brown and Democratic leaders have allowed themselves to be backed into a corner. Legislators ought to slow down and do this right. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook In his latest gambit to capture the news cycle, Donald Trump said Wednesday that there has to be some form of punishment for women who abort. (His Director of Retractions shortly thereafter issued a clarification.) The Republican front-runners misguided notion contradicts historical legal strategies and is contrary to the long-held policies of state and national pro-life organizations. Before the Supreme Courts 1973 decision in Roe vs. Wade which legalized abortion for any reason, at any time of pregnancy state abortion laws targeted abortionists (those who performed abortions), not women. The states understood that the point of abortion law is effective enforcement against abortionists; that the woman is the second victim of the abortionist; and that prosecuting women is counterproductive to the goal of effective enforcement of the law against abortionists. Advertisement Since time immemorial, the law has recognized that male coercion, abandonment or indifference has been at the center of most abortions. Granted, as many as 20 state statutes technically made it a crime for the woman to participate in her own abortion. But these were not enforced. In the 20th century, there were only two cases in which a woman was charged in any state with participating in her abortion: from Pennsylvania in 1911 and from Texas in 1922. In the 1911 case, the trial court threw out the charge and the Pennsylvania Superior Court concurred, stating that in the absence of clear statutory authority, the woman who commits an abortion on herself is regarded rather as the victim than the perpetrator of the crime. As legal scholar Paul Linton has pointed out, [a]lthough more than one-third of the States had statutes prohibiting a woman from aborting her own pregnancy [self-abortion] or submitting to an abortion performed on her by another, no prosecutions were reported under any of those statutes. Based on his research, Linton concluded, no American court has ever upheld the conviction of a woman for self-abortion or consenting to an abortion and, with the exception of [the Pennsylvania case from 1911 and Texas case from 1922], there is no record of a woman even being charged with either offence as a principal or as an accessory. Likewise, before Roe, courts in a handful of states questioned whether the aborting woman might be a legal conspirator. But the issue in the recorded cases was not the womans guilt no woman was charged or was a codefendant but the admissibility of evidence against the abortionist. Some states had statutes prohibiting solicitation of abortion based on the general principle that solicitation of a crime is a crime and these were evenhandedly applied to men and women. But even the pro-abortion-rights historian Leslie Reagan, in her influential 1997 book When Abortion Was a Crime, acknowledged that women did not face criminal liability as principals, accomplices, conspirators or solicitors. The claim that women will be jailed for abortion when Roe is overturned rests on a second myth: that the Supreme Courts change of heart will result in the immediate re-criminalization of abortion. But if Roe were overturned today, abortion would be legal well into the second trimester in at least 42 to 43 states tomorrow (and likely all 50 states) for the simple reason that nearly all of the state abortion prohibitions have been either repealed or are blocked by state court versions of Roe. Extensive practical law enforcement experience in many states, over many years, is what led prosecutors not to target women. After Roe is overturned, that experience will certainly be influential with state policymakers who wish to effectively enforce abortion law. Because we recognize that abortion is bad for both mother and child, pro-life leaders do not support the prosecution of women and will not push for such a policy when Roe is overturned. (Obviously, like Trump, any single legislator can spout their idiosyncratic ideas.) Anyone who doubts this is the case should take a look at federal abortion regulations enacted in the last 20 years such as the federal partial-birth abortion ban (2003) and the Unborn Victims of Violence Act (2004) in which women are excluded from any possible prosecution. To avoid any ambiguities, recent abortion bills in Congress have also expressly excluded women, including the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act and the Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act. Trumps shoot-from-the-hip approach would overturn a century of law. If Trump tries to convert his hunch into policy, hell look around and wont find any followers. Clarke D. Forsythe is acting president of Americans United for Life, where he has been a lawyer for 31 years, and the author of numerous publications, including Abuse of Discretion: The Inside Story of Roe vs. Wade. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook To the editor: Sometimes we hear the question: What good is government? Your articles on the wage hike and 401(k) plans show how government can impact huge numbers of people; in fact, millions here in California. The numbers are almost staggering. The wage hike, for example, will help 5.6 million workers, while the 401(k) plan could help 6.8 million workers. (Wage hike deal heads for debate, March 29, Will a $15 wage be approved? March 29, and State weighs 401(k)-type plan, Business, March 29) These numbers are huge, and so helpful for workers at the bottom. This is the good that government can do. Terry Kennedy, Gardena Advertisement :: To the editor: The increase in the states minimum wage will not only benefit more than 5 million workers, it is also long overdue. The argument from Republicans that thousands of workers will lose their jobs is complete nonsense. Our economy is in full recovery and companies will not fire employees they need to continue to make high profits. And before you feel sorry for wealthy businesses, remember that this increase to $15 an hour will occur over several years. Ralph S. Brax, Lancaster :: To the editor: As a business owner, I understand the angst about raising the minimum wage, but it will result in people living better and, hopefully, it will create more demand for goods and services. What California businesses should be uniting against is being gouged by oil refiners that siphon billions of dollars from the economy, and Southern California Edison for sticking it to ratepayers. The money is there; its a question of who gets it. Rene Kaprielian, San Diego :: To the editor: Another step in the wrong direction. You cannot achieve economic growth, jobs and personal income growth by legislating an increase in the minimum wage. You need a business plan that creates investment and jobs. California does not have a business plan. California has a legislative plan that continues to penalize versus incentivize. Until California elects politicians who focus on creating a positive investment environment for all businesses and not pandering to the special-interest groups, we will continue to waste time and resources on wasteful programs, burdensome regulations and increased bureaucracy that do not deal with the root cause of bringing manufacturing and investment back. A real business plan would incorporate tax incentives for relocation, long-term tax reductions, fast-track approval of investments, etc. Don Black, Rancho Palos Verdes Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook Long before he entered politics, presidential candidate Ted Cruz said Wednesday, he considered moving to Hollywood to pursue one of his early passions: acting. When I was in high school, I did a lot of shows and then actually thought about dropping out of school and heading to California and trying to be an actor, Cruz told Jimmy Kimmel during a taping of his ABC late-night show, Jimmy Kimmel Live. His parents were horrified, Cruz said. Everything was great except I didnt have good looks and I didnt have talent, he told Kimmel. Look, other than that, I was completely set to do that. Advertisement The Texas senator was in Southern California this week to raise money for his presidential bid. A fundraiser in Newport Beach will feature two of his former rivals for the Republican nomination former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and former Hewlett-Packard chief Carly Fiorina. Cruz said he hoped the proceeds could be spent in the state before Californias June 7 primary, which will be critical in determining whether front-runner Donald Trump can win the delegates he needs to clinch the nomination before the Republican National Convention in July. We are hopefully coming back with lots of cash to put ads on TV and then hopefully win some votes, he said. The television interview grew testy as Cruz and Kimmel sparred over President Obamas healthcare reform law. Cruz declared the Affordable Care Act a disaster that needed to be overturned. Kimmel said he had not heard from one person who felt that way. Cruz replied that he was unsurprised, given the millionaire Hollywood movie stars and rock stars Kimmel regularly hosts on his show. Do you think those are the only people I hang around with? Kimmel said. Cruz countered that in Wisconsin, countless voters told him about crushing increases in their healthcare premiums that prompted some to cancel their coverage. Small-business owners were similarly harmed, he said. I have never done one of those round tables where at least half the small-business owners didnt list Obamacare as the single biggest challenge theyre facing, Cruz said. The pair also disagreed about Cruzs call for law enforcement to patrol Muslim neighborhoods. Kimmel questioned how the proposal fit Cruzs stand as a strict constitutionalist and said he feared such an effort would increase radicalization among Muslims who felt unfairly targeted by the American government. Cruz replied that law enforcement must do whatever is necessary to keep the nation safe from radical Islamists who have carried out attacks in San Bernardino, Paris and, most recently, Brussels. They agreed to disagree, with Cruz quipping: Ill cross you off the list for Homeland Security secretary. This being late-night television, Cruz took part in a popular segment where celebrities read mean tweets people have written about them. Among the tweets Cruz read: Ted Cruz is a born leader of nerd storm-trooper costume enthusiasts. Thems my peeps, Cruz told reporters after filming the bit. During the interview, Cruz said that he had seen all seven Star Wars movies and that the final installment, The Force Awakens, almost made him cry. Han Solo was my hero, Cruz said. Im not going to spoil it, but Ill just say there is an image in that movie that was traumatic at a level I never wanted to see. seema.mehta@latimes.com For the latest 2016 campaign news, follow @LATSeema on Twitter. ALSO Plaschke: This is a big rookie mistake for DAngelo Russell Pregnant womans death spurs a safety debate about Chinas street fences Apple wants the FBI to reveal how it hacked the San Bernardino killers iPhone Almost two-thirds of California voters believe that illegal immigration is a major problem in the state, but by even larger majorities they reject the idea of mass deportations and favor allowing those currently living in the country without authorization to stay and apply for citizenship. The latest USC Dornsife/Los Angeles Times statewide poll found that 62% of voters said they believed illegal immigration in California is at least a major problem, with 23% calling it a crisis. By contrast, 36% said the issue was a small problem or not a problem at all. But the states voters reject the sorts of measures proposed by Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump, who has called for a deportation force to expel the estimated 11 million immigrants living in the country illegally. Advertisement More than three-fourths of voters said they believed immigrants who are already here should be allowed to stay. Sixty-five percent said such immigrants should be allowed to apply for U.S. citizenship, while 14% said they should be allowed to stay and work legally in the country but not apply for citizenship. Only 16% said that they should be required to leave the country. By more than 2 to 1, voters said they opposed building a wall along the southern U.S. border to prevent immigrants from entering illegally, another hallmark of Trumps campaign. A lot of what has been talked about doesnt seem viable to most voters, said pollster Randall Gutermuth of the Republican polling firm American Viewpoint, part of the bipartisan team that conducted the survey for The Times and USC. Just 36% of Republican voters likely to participate in the states primary in June said immigrants already here should be required to leave, he noted. Only 8% of likely voters in the Democratic primary took that position. It is definitely not accurate to say that this mass-deportation language is the majority opinion, including of the Republican Party in California, Gutermuth said. Republicans, however, are far more likely to see illegal immigration as a serious problem, with half of likely primary voters viewing it as a crisis and another 42% calling it a major problem. The poll showed that opinions on illegal immigration vary widely depending on age. The significant generational divide suggests immigration could be among the issues that are separating the GOP from younger voters in California. Older Californians are much more likely than their younger counterparts to view illegal immigration as a crisis, the poll found. While more than a third of voters 65 and older think illegal immigration is a crisis, just 8% of voters age 18 to 29 think that. One in five voters 65 and older favor requiring immigrants in the country illegally to leave, compared with 1 in 10 of those 18 to 29. That can partly be explained by the fact that younger voters in the state are more likely to be minorities. But even among white voters, there is a big age gap. Just 10% of whites aged 18 to 29 said they felt there was an immigration crisis, according to the poll, compared with 76% of whites over the age of 64. Manuel Pastor, director of USCs Center for the Study of Immigrant Integration, said younger voters are more likely to be open-minded toward immigration in part because of how and where they grew up. People of color have been the majority in the state of California since 1999, Pastor said. Really the debate about immigrants is a debate about identity. And younger people are much more likely than older generations to have experienced some diversity in their schools and their own life. That is the case for Jonathan Danielson, 28, a poll respondent who grew up in Palo Alto alongside immigrants and the children of immigrants from Asia and the Middle East. Now an Army officer stationed in Alaska, Danielson serves alongside a diverse group of soldiers who have helped shape his views on immigration, he said. He believes immigrants who entered the country illegally or overstayed visas should be allowed to stay and apply for citizenship. If theyre here, and theyre contributing, they deserve a shot, he said. I was just born here; that doesnt make me any better than somebody who risked their lives and traveled thousands of miles to come here. For Danielson, even illegal immigration is a positive sign for the country. The fact that the U.S. is a draw for people looking to improve their situation seems like a good sign for us, he said. Having different perspectives gives you better solutions. A Democrat, Danielson said he and some of his peers are turned off from the Republican Party in part because leaders like Trump have demonized immigrants. Its definitely a part of it, Danielson said. These guys are still spouting this rhetoric about nameless, faceless immigrants, and were going, These people are our friends, we grew up with them,. he said. That is starkly different than the views embraced by John Leary, 71, a retired aerospace engineer who lives outside San Jose and who also responded to the poll. These people are criminals. They dont respect the country, Leary said of immigrants in the U.S. illegally. I want them to be put in jail or thrown out of the country. I dont want to be a person who is supporting criminal activity. Leary, who grew up in what he described as a racially insular neighborhood in Philadelphia and moved to California as a young man, said he has been dismayed as the state has grown more Latino. Its rapidly becoming Hispanic because we have huge numbers of criminal Hispanics in the country as a result of illegal immigration, he said. Leary said he believes younger voters dont care as much about illegal immigration because they arent shouldering the costs. The older voters are paying the taxes, he said. The younger generation doesnt have the responsibilities. The California poll findings echoed those of a recent national poll that showed that a generational split on immigration is present among Republican voters across the country. That poll, published this week by the Public Religion Research Institute, found that younger Republicans are much more likely to have favorable views of immigration and to support a path to citizenship for immigrants in the United States illegally than are older Republican voters. A similar generational divide has shown up among Republicans on issues such as same-sex marriage, polls have shown. Dan Schnur, director of the Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics at USC, said the USC/Times polls findings on immigration could present some opportunities for Republicans. While the poll found that a majority of voters dont support mass deportation or a border wall, it highlighted voter concerns about state resources going to immigrants in the country illegally. The poll found 50% of voters opposed allowing immigrants in the country illegally to qualify for student loans at state universities, compared with 46% who support that. It found that by 52% to 43%, voters opposed extending Medi-Cal, the state healthcare program for low-income families, to all immigrants living here illegally, rather than only children, as is now the law. Forty-seven percent of voters supported a ban on sanctuary cities, which refuse to hand immigrants suspected of being in the U.S. without permission over to federal immigration authorities for deportation after they have been arrested for crimes. Forty-four percent opposed such a ban. Those findings suggest there could be support for Republicans who oppose such measures, Schnur said. The USC Dornsife/Times poll was taken by telephone, calling landlines and cellphones, from March 16 through March 23 among 1,503 registered California voters. It was conducted by the Democratic polling firm of Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research and the Republican firm American Viewpoint. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.8 percentage points for the full sample, with higher error margins for sub-samples. kate.linthicum@latimes.com Twitter: @katelinthicum Sign up for the Essential Politics newsletter ALSO: Clinton leads Sanders in California Trump leads Republican primary field Californias June primary just became crucial in the race for the White House Full coverage of the USC Dornsife/Los Angeles Times poll Detailed poll crosstabs Updates on California politics Live coverage from the campaign trail Californias traditionally ho-hum primary election is about to get whipsawed by the frenzy surrounding the 2016 presidential campaign. Because California may decide Donald Trumps fate as the possible Republican nominee, the high-stakes contest is expected deliver a surge in voter turnout that could shake up races up and down the ballot. I think if Donald Trump is on the ballot, all the rules are out the window, said Bay Area Democratic consultant Katie Merrill. Its a mad-as-hell-and-were-not-going-to-take-it-anymore electorate. Here are a few possible twists and turns to keep an eye on in the June 7 primary. Who can vote? Depends on which primary you're talking about. Because the GOP holds a closed primary, anyone who wants to cast a ballot for one of the party's three remaining presidential candidates must be a registered Republican. That means no Libertarians, disaffected Democrats or decline-to-state voters frequently referred to as independents can participate unless they re-register as Republicans. Democrats allow decline-to-state voters to participate in their primary, but no one else. Green Party members and others would need to change party registration to get a chance to choose between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders. With unaffiliated voters allowed to show up, that could help Sanders. The USC Dornsife/Los Angeles Times poll released this week found that decline to state voters preferred Sanders over Clinton, 44% to 35%. The rest of the ballot will be a jungle primary for state Assembly and Senate races, congressional contests and the election to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer. Wait what's a jungle primary? California has a top two primary system. The two candidates who receive the most votes in the primary, regardless of party, face-off in the November general election. For example, voters in the strongly Democratic 44th Congressional District in Los Angeles have 11 candidates to choose from on June 7. Because the best known contenders state Sen. Isadore Hall (D-Compton) and former Hermosa Beach City Councilwoman Nanette Barragan and all but three of the candidates on the ballot are Democrats, that means it's likely the top two Democrats would advance to the Nov. 8 ballot. But if enough Republicans who show up to vote in the presidential race choose someone from their own party in the congressional primary, a Republican could conceivably come in second. That person would face a Democrat in the general and face a nearly impossible task given the lopsided nature of the district, which backed President Obama over Mitt Romney 85% to 14% in 2012. The same dynamic could take hold in the 46th Congressional District in Orange County, where the two front-runners are former Democratic state senators Lou Correa and Joe Dunn. Here's where that might get interesting In the 24th Congressional District, for example, there is a cast of nine characters from both parties seeking to make it to the November ballot to replace retiring Democratic Rep. Lois Capps. And it's anyone's guess who might advance given the scarcity of polling and the relatively fluid nature of a crowded, open-seat contest. So if the roughly 115,000 registered Republicans there show up in big numbers to vote in the presidential primary, that could give a boost to the top two GOP candidates running, Assemblyman Katcho Achadjian and Justin Fareed. There are several Democrats in the race who want to topple the front-runner, county supervisor Salud Carbajal. Santa Barbara Mayor Helene Schneider and farmer Bill Ostrander, who is running as a liberal in the model of Sanders. If one Democrat and one Republican advance to November, the Santa Barbara coastline just might be home to the most competitive race in the state. Obama won the district with 54% in 2012, but Capps only won by four points in 2014 and statewide contests have been much more closely divided. The turnout question marks could also force Democrats running in tight races to reach out to moderate Republican voters, even in districts that lean heavily to the left. Voting analyst Paul Mitchell said he wouldnt be surprised to see that happening in the hotly contested Silicon Valley congressional battle between Democratic Rep. Mike Honda and his Democratic challenger Ro Khanna. SIGN UP for our free Essential Politics newsletter >> Sanchez , left, and Harris . (Associated Press) (Associated Press) Then there's the Senate race There's an argument that if Latinos show up in big numbers to send a message they don't like Trump, that could benefit Latino candidates on the ballot. Nowhere is the question more pressing than in the Senate race, where Rep. Loretta Sanchez is attempting to make it to the general election to face Atty. Gen. Kamala Harris, who leads in the polls and has both national support and a massive fundraising operation. If one of the Republican hopefuls Tom Del Beccaro, George Duf Sundheim and Ron Unz manages to make it past Sanchez in June, Harris would be a near lock to win the seat in November given the state's Democratic leanings. Its much more likely that one of the Republicans will get in, Mitchell said. If Latinos turn out and choose Sanchez, who has made her heritage a central point of her campaign, the general election could be a long and ugly slog that ends up with a Democratic senator either way. Republican political consultant Mike Madrid sees having Trump on the ballot and campaigning in California triggering a voter backlash among Latinos to Sanchez's benefit. I think Trump helps her, he said. Antonovich (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) Some state races are similar question mark A Trump-fueled increase in voter turnout could help Republican Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich glide into the November election for the 25th state Senate district, even though voter registration in the district is 41% Democratic and 30% Republican. The race has a crowded field of Democrats, including former Democratic Assemblyman Anthony Portantino and former Pasadena Police Lt. Phlunte' Riddle. Trump turnout could end Glendale utility tax Here's another wildcard: the impact of local ballot measures especially when it comes to taxes and school bonds. The wave of new voters attracted by Trump tend to relish the candidates hostility toward government and its spending ways, and that certainly is on the minds of city officials in Glendale. The city is opposing a local ballot measure supported by local tea party activists to rescind the Glendale utility users tax, which delivers more than 15% of the citys general fund revenue to pay for police, fire protection and other services. Yes, we are concerned, said Tom Lorenz, spokesman for the city. Weve been paying attention to whats been going on across the country. Santa Monica pollster John Fairbank, who has been studiously trying to measure the potential Trump and Bernie effect on local ballot measures, finds Republicans are less supportive than Democrats and unaffiliated voters. Donnelly at a gun range in Watsonville. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times) (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times) What about Trump coattails? Former state Assemblyman Tim Donnelly, a Tea Party favorite who ran unsuccessfully for governor in 2014, jumped in at the last minute to challenge fellow Republican Rep. Paul Cook of Yucca Valley. Donnelly, a talk radio show host who lives in the San Bernardino Mountains, said the successes of Trump and Sen. Ted Cruz in the Republican presidential campaign show this election favors insurgent candidates more than any time in recent history and he thinks that will favor his congressional bid. Will that many people really show up? If the race is still undecided at the time of Californias primary, Republican voter turnout could increase anywhere from 20 to 40 percent, based on what has occurred in other states, political analysts say. Among Democrats, voter turnout is expected, at best, to be on par with previous presidential primaries. Turnout could be lower, however, because Clinton has such a wide delegate lead. Then what? The California electorate in the November general election will be far different than the makeup of voters who cast ballots in June. Obama won in 2012 with 59.3% of the vote. If Trump becomes the Republican presidential nominee, political analysts expect a substantial anti-Trump movement in California during the general election, the first opportunity for non-Republicans to vote against him. Voter turnout among Latinos also would rise substantially, Madrid predicted. California has huge Spanish-language media markets so youre going to have much more reaction from the community, Madrid said. Democratic leaders in the Legislature say a backlash like that could help them regain the supermajority they enjoyed two years ago. To the extent presidential politics creates California coattails, 2016 is shaping up to be a banner year for Democrats, said Senate President Pro Tem Kevin De Leon (D-Los Angeles). In Americas most diverse state, I fully expect every demographic group he has systematically alienated over the course of this campaign to turn out in droves to vote against him and for Democrats up and down the ballot." In the Senate 26 of the 40 members are Democrats, so that party only needs to pick up one seat to return to a supermajority. They need three more seats in the Assembly to reclaim one. Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Paramount) said he is not concerned Trump turnout would hurt in the Golden State. I do think Trump alienates a lot of voters; Republicans, independents and Democrats alike and I do think that will be good for Democrats in general, Rendon said. California is a different ballgame. I definitely think our independent voters tend to be more progressive than they are conservative and thats going to help us. But... California's ballot measures could scramble any normal general election presidential race math. The state may have two, highly contentious initiatives on the ballot to stir up voters: A proposal to require background checks on gun owners buying ammunition and legalizing the recreational use of marijuana. Neither proposal has qualified yet for the November ballot, but both have a more than legitimate shot. The gun initiative is being championed by Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, who already has hopped into the 2018 gubernatorial race, and is fiercely opposed by gun-rights groups who plan to keep their campaign up through the fall. The marijuana initiative is being backed by former Facebook president and Napster co-founder Sean Parker, who has donated $1 million of the $2.25 million raised by the campaign, and would make California the fifth state in the nation to legalize recreational use. phil.willon@latimes.com; patrick.mcgreevy@latimes.com; christina.bellantoni@latimes.com Follow @philwillon @mcgreevy99 @cbellantoni on Twitter for the latest news on California politics and sign up for the Essential Politics newsletter This story was corrected to include Achadjian is a member of the Assembly, not the Senate and to reflect that Mike Gatto is no longer running. ALSO: Trump leads Republican primary field Even Sanders supporters are united against common enemy: Trump California's June primary just became crucial in the race for the White House Full coverage of the USC Dornsife/Los Angeles Times poll Your voices: What do you think of Donald Trump Updates on California politics Live coverage from the campaign trail Im Christina Bellantoni, and this is Essential Politics. Californias jungle primary is wacky enough without a contested presidential contest at the top of the ticket. With June 7 shaping up to be a pivotal day in the race, we started to wonder what it might mean for Republicans and Democrats to share a ballot with Donald Trump. Phil Willon, Patrick McGreevy and I got to the bottom of it and identified eight what ifs for all the ways the Trump candidacy could scramble the primary from congressional races to a tax issue in Glendale. CALIFORNIA VOTERS ARE NOT FANS OF TRUMPS WALL IDEA Advertisement Ahead of the campaign here, we have the final release from the USC Dornsife/Los Angeles Times poll, which found California voters reject the sorts of measures Trump has proposed to deal with illegal immigration even though he leads the GOP pack. The immigration poll figures revealed a sharp divide on the issue, and suggest how you feel might depend on how old you are. Almost two-thirds of California voters believe that illegal immigration is a major problem in the state, but by even larger majorities they reject the idea of mass deportations and favor allowing those currently living in the country without authorization to stay and apply for citizenship. Kate Linthicum put the numbers into context with a stark reminder that Californias Republicans are not like the rest of the nations: Just 36% of Republican voters likely to participate in the states primary in June said immigrants already here should be required to leave. ANOTHER ANTI-TRUMP MOVEMENT IS BORN Three veteran California Republican operatives with ties to some of the states top donors are launching a super PAC aimed at stopping Trump from clinching the GOP nomination in the states June 7 primary. Its our state, and if were the last line of defense, were going to do our part to stop him, Rob Stutzman, who previously worked for former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, told Seema Mehta. WHO IS THE BETTER NEW YORKER? Evan Halper finds that Brooklyn native Bernie Sanders may sound like more of a New Yorker, and even look like more of a New Yorker, but he still faces a steep challenge in overcoming Hillary Clintons deep roots with Democrats in this crucial state that votes April 19. POKING WALKER Michael Finnegan looks at Trumps merciless portrayal of how poorly Wisconsin has fared under Republican Gov. Scott Walker, who backs Sen. Ted Cruz. Par for the course with Trump, until you consider the remarks came just as Marquette Law School was releasing a poll that found 80% of likely voters in Wisconsins Republican presidential primary on Tuesday approve of Walkers job performance. Well be documenting all the latest campaign shenanigans on Trail Guide and via @latimespolitics. ALL SYSTEMS GO FOR HIGHER MINIMUM WAGE A measure raising Californias minimum wage to $15 per hour looks headed for speedy approval today in the state Legislature. It sailed out of an Assembly committee Wednesday with the blessing of all but one of the panels Democrats. The state senator who authored the bill told Liam Dillon that Gov. Jerry Brown could get the approved bill as early as this afternoon. We covered the hearing live on Wednesday, and well continue tracking the debate today on our Essential Politics news feed. COASTAL COMMISSION FRACAS PROMPTS LEGISLATION Widespread complaints that state commissions operate in the dark and are cozy with businesses had California lawmakers wrestling with a flurry of bills aimed at shedding light on the panels to regain public trust, Patrick McGreevy reports. BILL CLINTON COMING TO LOS ANGELES Former President Bill Clinton will campaign for his wife Sunday at Los Angeles Trade Technical College, a spot hes visited before. Hillary Clinton held an event there last summer, hearing from local workers about their calls to raise the minimum wage to $15. DNC SINGS THE TUNE OF INTRA-PARTY KUMBAYA Democratic National Committee Chief Executive Amy Dacey came through Los Angeles this week to attend a fundraiser with Asian American supporters and express her faith that that the party would not face a contested convention later this summer. Im fully confident that people are going to come together, she told Javier Panzar of the factions behind Clinton and Sanders. Dacey also defended a fundraiser Clinton is hosting with George Clooney later this month that costs $353,400 per person to attend. Sanders has called the pricey fundraiser obscene. The DNC will get some of those funds, and Dacey offered a reality check: We are playing the election season on the field that we are on. And I think the bottom line is we are going to get all the resources that we need to do that. TODAYS ESSENTIALS George Skelton: Smoking pot might mean youre a loser. Cruz went on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Yes, he read mean tweets. The chief executive of the Los Angeles County Fair Assn., who made more than $1 million in total compensation in 2014 even as the organization reported millions of dollars in losses, resigned Wednesday. James Henwood Jr.s departure comes in the wake of an investigation by The Times that found that he and other association executives received lucrative pay and benefit packages despite several years of red ink. After a failed attempt earlier this year to force drug companies to make information about their costs and profits public, the Legislature is trying again through a new bill from state Sen. Ed Hernandez (D-Azusa). The Festival of Books is coming up. Here are details on the program, which will include panels featuring Team Politics. LOGISTICS Miss yesterdays newsletter? Here you go. Did someone forward you this? Sign up here to get Essential Politics in your inbox daily. And keep an eye on our politics page throughout the day for the latest and greatest. And are you following us on Twitter at @latimespolitics? Please send thoughts, concerns and news tips to politics@latimes.com. Theres a new report out on longtime marijuana use. And its bad news for habitual stoners. In summary: The more pot you smoke, the more apt you are to be a loser. And its not so much that losers toke weed. Its that toking a lot of weed over several years turns someone into a loser. Its not really a chicken or egg thing. Advertisement The UC Davis-led research, published last week, is especially relevant now. Voter signatures are being collected to place a marijuana legalization measure on the November ballot. See the most-read stories this hour >> Social use of marijuana I hate the misleading adjective recreational already is legal in four states: Alaska, Colorado, Oregon and Washington. The verdicts still out. Medical use is allowed in 19 other states, including California. In this state, the well-intentioned system has been a sham for years fake an ache and toke up but Gov. Jerry Brown and the Legislature recently enacted some reforms. Sponsors of the ballot initiative expect to turn in more than enough valid signatures roughly 366,000 are needed in about a month. Theyre sailing smoothly. The most outspoken advocate is Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, whos running to replace Brown in 2018. The measures big moneybags is Sean Parker, former Facebook president. He already has donated $1 million. The report on persistent pot use the product of research at several universities took no position on the ballot proposal. Our research does not support arguments for or against cannabis legalization, a UC Davis news release quoted study leader Magdalena Cerda, an associate professor of emergency medicine who helps head a violence prevention program. But, she added, it does show that cannabis was not safe for long-term users. Our study found that regular cannabis users experienced downward social mobility and more financial problems such as troubles with debt and cash flow than those who did not puff persistently. Regular long-term users, Cerda continued, also had more antisocial behaviors at work, such as stealing money or lying to get a job, and experienced more relationship problems, such as intimate partner violence and controlling abuse. Why wouldnt those red flags be an argument against legalizing the drug and making it easier and more tempting because of advertising to consume? There may be other reasons to legalize, she told me in an interview. Think about criminal convictions and lack of regulation. OK, about the myth of criminal convictions: Marijuana was basically decriminalized in California 40 years ago when Brown was governor the first time. Thats when possession of one ounce of marijuana the same amount that would be legalized under the initiative was made a low misdemeanor. Six years ago, the penalty was reduced even further to an infraction, equivalent to a traffic ticket. Last time I checked, only three-tenths of 1% of the total state prison population was incarcerated for any kind of marijuana offense. But theres no question that pot pushing on the street is unregulated. The initiative would regulate and tax weed, raising money to prevent and treat abuse. It would try to restrict non-medical sales to people 21 and older. Like with booze. But, of course, that never has stopped kids from drinking themselves silly. Alcohol is still a bigger problem than cannabis because alcohol use is more prevalent than cannabis use, Cerda said in the report. But as the legalization of cannabis increases the economic and social burden posed by regular cannabis use could increase as well. There is a common perception that cannabis is safer than alcohol, Cerda added in an interview. But this study shows that cannabis is just as bad as alcohol. And in terms of financial problems, cannabis is worse. Why? We dont know. Its something we want to look at. The study didnt look into pot health risks only at cannabis-caused economic and social problems. While UC Davis led the project, other universities also participated. They included Duke, Arizona State, Kings College London and the University of Otago in New Zealand. It was a group of roughly 1,000 New Zealanders who were studied over four decades their families tracked when they were children and their cannabis habits monitored between ages 21 and 38. How relevant are New Zealanders to Americans? The findings were consistent with similar studies in Europe, Australia and the United States, Cerda said. Yes. After all, we are the same species. We kept cutting the data many ways, she said, and we kept seeing the same results over and over again. One especially noteworthy passage from the report: On average, persistent cannabis users from middle-class origins attained lower adult socioeconomic status than did their parents even after we controlled for sex, ethnicity, family substance-dependence history, childhood self-control, childhood IQ, history of psychopathology, achievement orientation and adult family structure. Summed up: The finger points at pot. The report is loaded with statistics. Heres one set: 52% of middle-class frequent marijuana users experienced downward mobility compared to only 14% of non-users. Conversely: 33% of non-users moved up the socioeconomic ladder, but just 7% of habitual users did. Whats frequent? At least four times a week. We can all agree that abuse is a bad thing, says Jason Kinney, spokesman for the legalization proposal. The best way to curb abuse prohibition is not working is to regulate the product and educate the people. There was good news in the report for occasional pot smokers. Researchers didnt find any adverse socioeconomic effects. Keep it to the weekend. george.skelton@latimes.com Follow @LATimesSkelton on Twitter ALSO Analysis: In abortion stumble, Donald Trump shows glaring election weaknesses FBI agrees to help Arkansas prosecutors open iPhone after hack of San Bernardino device Most California voters think illegal immigration is a problem, but dont see mass deportation as the answer, poll shows A group of Laguna Beach High students have raised two-thirds of the cost needed to purchase a wind- and solar-powered generator that would provide electricity for a Kenyan elementary school. The effort from Lagunas Model United Nations Foundation, a nonprofit entity linked to the high schools Model United Nations elective class, is its latest in the last four years to aid students at the Oloolaimutia Elementary School in Kenyas Maasai Mara region. Laguna senior and foundation President Rose Niermeijer briefed the Laguna Beach Unified School District board about the groups progress at a meeting last month. The foundation has raised nearly $9,200 toward its goal of $15,000 for the generator. Advertisement Oloolaimutia, which has 685 students, does not have any lights. The generator is expected to provide 5,000 watts of electricity per day, enough to power 20 classroom lights and eight dormitory lights for five hours daily, according to the foundations website. A generator is sustainable, Laguna Beach High teacher and foundation advisor Jun Shen said If the sun is not shining, chances are the wind is blowing, Shen said. Its dependable. In 2014 the foundation, with the help of private donors, raised $3,500 to provide 75 desks to a fourth-grade class at Oloolaimutia, the foundations website said. Shens visit to the Kenyan village four years ago sparked his work with the Oloolaimutia school. He and his wife were on a safari in the region and the villagers offered them a tour. At the school, Shen met teacher Gladys Kiu, who told him she travels 60 kilometers to access the nearest computer. Shen wanted to help, so he and Kiu brainstormed fundraising ideas. In addition to providing the generator, they wanted to help Maasai women make a living. The women create bracelets out of leather and beads, so Lagunas Model United Nations foundation started selling the items at school events, with all proceeds benefiting the women. Laguna Beach High students can sell the bracelets for more money in the U.S. than in Kenya $20 compared to $2 in Kenya, Niermeijer said. A teacher in rural Kenya makes about $20 a week. A fundraising drive in October generated $500 for the women. Shen hopes to raise enough money to cover the cost of the generator by June. Niermeijer said participating in the Model United Nations program has broadened her knowledge of living conditions in other parts of the world. To see the joy in their faces when they unloaded desks off the bus, some of us take it for granted, Niermeijer said, recalling a video of supplies arriving at Oloolaimutia. We dont think people sit on a concrete floor when they go to class. As for Lagunas Model United Nations class, Niermeijer said enrollment has more than doubled to 80 students from about 30 when she joined as a freshman. The foundation has about 25 members; they arent required to be enrolled in the course, taught by Jonathan Todd and Shen. Todd started teaching the course in 2001. Its never been better as far as the level of kids we have, the work ethic of the kids, and for me, its my passion to teach this class and see these kids grow, Todd said during the March 8 meeting. As part of the coursework, students research a country and its stance on a certain policy issue and present their arguments at conferences. Participants learn critical thinking and research skills and realize that were part of a larger interdependent network, Shen said. The foundation received an extra boost when Laguna senior Grant Richardson, a four-year Model United Nations program member, said he would donate all of a $1,000 grant from Disneyland Resort Dreamers & Doers program to the group. The program recognizes high school students who take action to improve their community, home or school, according to Disneyland Resorts website. To learn more about Lagunas Model United Nations Foundation and its efforts in Kenya, visit lbhsmunfoundation.org. The proverbial link between trash and treasure has evolved into a symbiotic relationship between energy and efficiency with the coming of a renewable-energy power plant to Irvines Bowerman Landfill. The Bowerman Power Project went into operation this week, converting methane gas, a byproduct of landfill trash, into enough electricity to power 26,000 homes. With Bowerman joining the Olinda Landfill in Brea and the Prima Deshecha Landfill in San Juan Capistrano as a renewable-energy site, all of Orange Countys major waste-disposal facilities now have gas-to-electricity plants. Bowermans facility adds 160,000 megawatt-hours annually to the grid. It brings the total annual electricity production at Orange Countys landfills to 380,000 megawatt-hours, enough for 56,000 homes. Its taking landfill gas that wed otherwise have to burn and putting it to a beneficial use for the good of the community, said Dylan Wright, director of OC Waste & Recycling. Were trying to stay ahead of the game, stay on the cutting edge. Woodbridge High School senior Joanna Chen, center, and other members of the YMCA Youth and Government program are led on a tour of the Bowerman Power Project gas-to-electricity facility by plant manager Brian Kelley, left, on Tuesday at Irvines Bowerman Landfill. (Kevin Chang / Daily Pilot) The decomposition of the millions of tons of waste buried at a landfill creates gas that contains high amounts of methane. For decades, weve taken all this trash in and weve simply burned the gas off into the air. Now were capturing it and were converting it to energy, said Orange County Supervisor Todd Spitzer, whose district includes the Bowerman Landfill. He served as host during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Bowerman on Tuesday. More than 100 visitors attended to hear speakers and take a tour of the power facility. Bowermans 113,000-square-foot plant occupies 2.6 acres of the 725-acre landfill. It features seven state-of-the-art Caterpillar reciprocating engines that convert compressed and cleaned methane gas into electricity. It was built at a cost of $60 million by developer, owner and operator Bowerman Power, a subsidiary of Pittsburgh-based Montauk Energy. It is Montauks largest power project to date, according to a news release. An opening ceremony for the Bowerman Landfills power plant included a ribbon cutting Tuesday. (Kevin Chang / Daily Pilot) The county will receive $1.62 million annually in a 20-year agreement with Bowerman Power/Montauk. The plant will sell the electricity to Anaheim Public Utilities to power homes, businesses and schools. The ribbon cutting came just 14 months after the facilitys groundbreaking. To see that something like that could be put together in a relatively short period of time in a highly regulated environment like California is nothing short of miraculous, Spitzer said. Even though the 14-month time frame seems quick, theres a long time behind that, Montauk Energy President and Chief Executive David Herrman said after the ceremony. He said that although the plants modular components were shipped and assembled relatively quickly, the energy conversion company had been negotiating with Orange County since acquiring the landfill gas rights in the late 1990s. Orange County Supervisor Todd Spitzer, whose district includes Irvines Bowerman Landfill, speaks Tuesday during a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the landfills renewable-energy power plant, which converts methane gas to electricity. (Kevin Chang / Daily Pilot) Its a culmination of events that came into place all at the right time, Herrman said. Thats all we do is landfill gas projects. This is all weve ever done, even before it was stylish to do it. A dozen high school students from the YMCA Youth and Government program attended the ceremony as a lesson in progressive environmental programs. I didnt know much about this coming here, and its really cool to learn about the change theyre making in the community, said Joanna Chen, a senior at Woodbridge High School in Irvine. Its an honor being in the presence of so many dignitaries and those that are involved in public service, Chen added. Thats what all of us aspire to do ... make a change in our community. Earlier this year, an almost 6-foot sign appeared in Crescenta Valley Park. In gold and white lettering, with added design elements of oak leaves and acorns, it welcomed visitors to Hindenburg Park, the historic German section of Crescenta Valley Park. Though the county of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreations stamp appears on the sign as well, it was a private group, a German heritage organization named the Tricentennial Foundation, that paid for it $2,500 to be exact according to Kaye Michelson, who is the acting public information officer for the department and was quoted in a Jewish Journal article about the sign. MORE: Read more of Lianas columns >> The sign is a tribute to German-American heritage in Los Angeles and recalls that the area was named after Paul Von Hindenburg, the second president of Germany who served from 1925 to 1934 and was one of the countrys most esteemed war heroes. He was elected to his second term with the support of those who saw him as a protection against Nazi lawlessness and brutality, according to the BBC, yet he eventually, under pressure, ended up playing a vital role in helping Hitler rise to power and establish a Nazi dictatorship. NEWSLETTER: Get the latest 818 headlines straight to your inbox >> According to the Crescenta Valley Historical Society, that particular section of the park featured a large bust of Hindenburg back in the day and was the site of a variety of German cultural celebrations with bands, plays, parades and a lot of beer and bratwurst. It was also the home of the first Oktoberfest in California in 1956. Owned by the German-American League, it sold that portion to L.A. County. But it holds a darker history, too. It was the site of the Bund, the American arm of the Nazi Party, where rallies and meetings celebrating Hitler and the Third Reich were held. A youth camp taught children about customs and traditions of Germany under the Third Reich. The Oviatt Library Digital Collections at California State University Northridge holds archival material about Nazi activities in La Crescenta, including old fliers and disturbing black-and-white photos. And its exactly this history that has caused controversy among some residents of La Crescenta and greater Los Angeles. The Jewish Federation of the Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys said in a press release this week that it vehemently protests the sign, adding that, The Jewish Federation understands the desire to recognize and honor German-American culture, but feels that there are many more ways that this can be done especially in a manner that does not evoke memories of one of the worlds worst atrocities to ever take place. We are all seeking ways to honor our culture and remember our identities, so when issues like this come up, they require hard examination. How do we respect where we came from, while also acknowledging horrific moments in history and how they impacted (and often still impact) certain communities, even if they dont impact us? How do we properly deal with our identities? What does it take to come to peace with atrocities, if any peace can come of it at all? These are difficult questions to think about, and theyre questions that linger for me when I hear about these issues, whether its a park sign, a commemorative statue or organized events that spark outrage, especially as I try to balance self-examination and a history heavy with inhumanity. I think, at least for the communities that we live in, the only way we can get a consensus, understand each others concerns and even heal is actually engaging in discussion and conversation, and also honestly acknowledging the points in our history we want to forget or gloss over. Maybe we need to discuss that La Crescenta, however small and quaint, has been home to nefarious activity, too, that at some point people openly supported something that can only be described as pure evil. Luckily, the L.A. County Human Relations Commission is giving people the opportunity to do just that. On April 7, from 4 to 6 p.m., a public hearing will take place at the Sparr Heights Community Center in the Verdugo Room at 1614 Glencoe Way. People will be allowed to speak, and then the commission will be deciding what recommendation to make to the Parks and Recreation Department regarding the sign. So much has happened in the world, and still continues to happen, because people stay silent or choose not to be actively engaged. It was actually Hitler who said, How fortunate for governments that the people they administer dont think. If you have strong feelings about this sign, or want the opportunity to connect with the history of where you live, I urge you to go. -- LIANA AGHAJANIAN is a Los Angeles-based journalist whose work has appeared in L.A. Weekly, Paste magazine, New America Media, Eurasianet and The Atlantic. She may be reached at liana.agh@gmail.com. Do you live near the corner of Mundane and Monotonous? The answer is yes, if youre a La Canadan, according to a couple of niche reporting websites who have jointly published a story that pegs our city No. 8 in the piece they titled These Are The 10 Most Boring Small Towns In America. The article by HomeSnacks, published Tuesday on Area Vibes, claims, We used science and data to determine which small towns in America are real snooze fests. I realize its all in good fun (and to drive traffic to their websites) so I wonder if its churlish of me to point out the places included on their list are bedroom communities. Arent we supposed to be doing a little snoozing while were here? Some rest is clearly in order before we head out to the nearest high-energy metropolis to soak in its potholes and hipster bars on our way to or from our workplace cubicles. I know youre dying to know which city beat us out for the Most Boring title, so Ill spill: It was Hillsborough, up in the Bay Area. Who placed second? The city we have long had a friendly competition with for the highest-testing kids, San Marino. Their teens may be about as smart as ours, but theyre apparently bored witless down there in the flatlands while our precious offspring must be only somewhat stifled, comparatively speaking. The next five places on the list are held by Ladue, Mo.; Cherry Hills Village, Colo.; East Hills, N.Y.; Mount Carmel, Tenn. and Pelham Manor, N.Y. There we stand in the pitiful No. 8 spot, followed by Rolling Hills Estates on the Palos Verdes Peninsula and Kings Point, N.Y. You know the places: The ones where seemingly everyone has an AARP card, and the most exciting thing they do all day is post a picture of their grandchild on Facebook, the article states. Supposedly they crunched the numbers on 6,000 small towns in America before deciding on the stodgiest places it harbors. I took the bait. I scrolled down their list, where a photo of a street scene accompanied a small blurb about each winner. I easily recognized Huntington Drive when I reached the post about San Marino. I kept scrolling down to see what they had to say about us. I arrived at the photo of a road they used to illustrate LCF. Those houses in that Google Maps shot looked a little too familiar to my eye they were on our street, about four doors away from our homestead! We never realized it, but Gil and I live at our citys epicenter for boring, or as one of my newspaper colleagues quipped, the No-Fun Zone. Not wanting to be alone in feeling the need to defend our hometowns honor, I reached out to Mark Alexander, our city manager. I shared the link to the offending story and asked his reaction. He was swift with his emailed reply. I, for one, didnt see the factors they used as problematic, he wrote. Populations with married folks, children, and a median age of 46 whats wrong with that? We cant all be young whipper-snappers, he said, before adding were in pretty good company. San Marino, Rolling Hills Estates also great communities. Elsewhere on its site, Area Vibes gives La Canada Flintridge an 86% rating for livability, stating its exceptionally livable without qualifying it as perhaps being best suited for people who dont mind a humdrum existence. *** In light of our citys latest title, maybe its fitting the Valley Sun is being feted on its 70th birthday at what is arguably the most subdued facility in town, Lanterman House museum, 4420 Encinas Drive. In deference to its residential neighbors, the city-owned historic property is only open for tours in the afternoons on Tuesdays, Thursdays and a couple of Sundays each month. We feel honored the museums foundation offered to host a party for us on Sunday and we very much hope youll join us. It will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. Our newspaper staff, small as it is these days, takes pride in continuing the long tradition of bringing you the latest, most informative and unbiased news of our town. What started in April 1946 as a publication to illuminate La Canadas then small but growing population as to educational and civic efforts taking place on its behalf, blossomed over the years. I believe the Valley Sun helped shape this community into what we find here today. The museum has created a display that highlights some of the most important stories and editorial stances taken over the years, including school district unification in 1960, the opening about a dozen years later of the Foothill (210) Freeway and cityhood (LCF turns 40 later this year!), among many others. It also showcases articles in more recent years, from the long struggle to build the Town Center to the 2009 Station fire and debris flow devastation that followed. I believe youll find it interesting if you can carve out a couple of hours to attend Sundays party. Hope to see you then! -- CAROL CORMACI is the managing editor. Email her at carol.cormaci@latimes.com. A judge in Albuquerque on Thursday spared former Ultimate Fighting Championship light-heavyweight champion Jon Jones from continued jail time that could have imperiled his scheduled main-event fight to regain the belt April 23 in Las Vegas. Jones, 28, was jailed Tuesday after last week receiving five traffic tickets for violations including drag racing, and a policemans body video camera was distributed widely showing Jones calling the officer expletives, a pig, and a liar. With Jones serving 18 months of probation after crashing his car into a vehicle driven by a pregnant woman whose arm was broken in the crash, a Bernalillo County judge warned Jones not to return to court again or the outcome would be more serious than Thursdays repercussions. Advertisement Jones was ordered to undergo anger-management classes, perform 60 hours of community service and enroll in a drivers education course, according to reports from Thursdays court session. That decision frees him to fight light-heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier as scheduled in the main event of UFC 197 at MGM Grand. Jon is focused on the fight, and his legal team is focused on the traffic charges that were brought against him. We are confident that those charges will be dismissed because they are baseless, Jones publicist, Denise White, wrote in a prepared statement. More importantly, however, Jon has done extremely well while hes been under supervision. He has been sober for more than six months, and he has completed more than 100 hours of community service, working with those most at need in New Mexico. We feel this has been a minor bump in the road of his probation and Jon will continue to do what he needs to do to get through this process. UFC released a statement later Thursday: UFC respects the decision made today by Judge Michael E. Martinez in New Mexico Second Judicial District Court regarding the probation terms of the case involving Jon Jones. The organization was disappointed to learn that Jones was cited for several traffic offenses last week, as well as concerned by the nature and tone of portions of the conversation between Jones and the citing officer. Still, UFC respects Jones right to contest those traffic citations in court and receive a fair hearing on the matter. Jones scheduled bout on April 23 will proceed as planned, however, Jones understands that the UFC expects him to fully cooperate with the terms of his probation as set forth by Judge Martinez. Cambodias white sand beaches, blue water and gentle surf drew most cruisers ashore when the 1,000-passenger Crystal Serenity docked in mid-March at Sihanoukville. Others visited the citys colorful market and took pedicab tours through town. But a third group wanted nothing to do with the usual tourist pursuits. Instead they took a ships excursion to a local school and an orphanage where they met with children and teachers, watched a dance performance and got to spend some time with the next generation of Cambodians. Our aim was to have fun with the children and to put a smile on their faces, said participant Heather Schweiger. And I think we did. Advertisement The free program, called You Care, We Care, is part of a new cruise ship trend that makes it easy for travelers to become volunteers in faraway places, even if its just for a few hours. Voluntourism, increasingly popular throughout the travel industry, is a way for travelers to make a difference in the communities they visit. On some cruises, the program is a cultural exchange that takes travelers into the homes, farms and businesses of local residents, infusing needed dollars into a community. On others, volunteers perform more tangible tasks. For instance, Holland Americas program, called the Cruise with Purpose Collection, includes planting trees in Australia and Iceland. Carnivals new Fathom brand, which begins sailing this month, will take travelers to the Dominican Republic for three days of community work and civic projects. Celebrity Cruises guests can participate in a reforestation program when they visit Galapagos national park. HopeFloats.org, a California nonprofit, will help Caribbean-bound passengers arrange to work with organizations on five islands. Tasks include feeding the homeless, painting or cleaning, or helping teachers. Other cruise lines help charities by raising money. Cruising for a Cause, a Princess Cruises initiative, collected funds for the American Heart Assn. and for two veterans organizations. A recent sailing on Royal Caribbeans Brilliance of the Seas raised money for cancer research, and a seven-night cruise aboard Carnival Miracle invited passengers to sponsor the cruise for military families who couldnt afford it otherwise. Crystals voluntour program, which started in 2011, is one of the more developed in the industry. Among volunteer opportunities this year were cleaning a beach in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, working at a food bank in Estonia and feeding animals at a zoo in Berlin. In Cambodia, the volunteers visited Kam Penh Primary School, where they distributed school equipment and supplies, then moved on to the Orphanage of Sihanoukville Province, which is supported by the Cambodian government and the French organization ASPECA, or Enfants dAsie, which works with children throughout Southeast Asia. The tour included a visit to a computer room, TV room and a room with a weaving machine, where the children make rugs and scarves to sell to visitors. We were shown classrooms and dormitories where the children sleep, Schweiger said. The rooms are run by a house mother who cooks, washes and looks after the children. The little ones are helped but the older children have to wash their own clothes and tidy up. As we were walking around the children held our hands, asking us questions, Schweiger said. They were just adorable. She and her husband usually take part in the volunteer programs, she said. As does Werner Dreifuss. Its my way of giving back, he said, adding that he was among Jewish children who survived the Holocaust because of the rescue efforts of others. Crystal Serenitys orphanage visit in Cambodia followed an excursion two days earlier in Koh Samui, Thailand, where passengers visited a shelter housing nearly 300 dogs and cats. They were invited to pitch in cleaning the shelter and to hug the animals. Earlier in the 102-day World Cruise itinerary, Crystal passengers helped redecorate a playroom at an orphanage in Lautoka, Fiji. The orphanage visit was Schweigers favorite. It was great to see the children happy while we were there, considering some have no parents and had little chance in life before they came to the orphanage, she said. When we left, tears came to my eyes. I was sorry to leave those gorgeous children but felt happy that they were being looked after. travel@latimes.com :: Midship lower-deck cabins may feel more stable for those prone to seasickness If youre a novice cruiser and worried about seasickness or if youre going to be sailing in an area known for rough waters, book a cabin midship, preferably on a lower deck. Thats where youll feel the least amount of movement. The editor-in-chief of Chinas Global Times, a tabloid closely tied to the Communist Party and known for its often-rabid nationalism, isnt exactly the kind of guy youd expect to be calling publicly for more freedom of speech and less censorship. But thats precisely what Hu Xijin has been doing lately and hes not alone. A number of high-profile media figures in China, a prominent businessman, and even a delegate to the national legislature have been complaining that the administration of President Xi Jinping is going too far to snuff out criticism. This week, Hu took to Weibo, Chinas oft-censored Twitter equivalent, to say that authorities were relying too much on the Great Firewall that blocks Chinese users from seeing thousands of websites. The post was later deleted. Advertisement Last month, he went on Weibo to declare that China should open up more channels for criticism and suggestions and encourage constructive criticism. The Bejing office of Sina Weibo, Chinas oft-censored Twitter equivalent. (Alexander F. Yuan / Associated Press) The stakes are high. Xi has shown a growing impatience for dissent. Under his leadership, hundreds of bloggers, activists, lawyers, journalists and academics have been detained or harassed for refusing to toe the party line. The party has not been shy about its goals: Last fall, authorities introduced a new policy forbidding members to engage in improper discussion of central party policies. After Xi demanded that officials close ranks around him, Chinas state-run media ramped up references to Xi as the core a leader on par with Deng Xiaoping, who led Chinas opening following the death of Mao Tse-tung. Last month, Xi made a high-profile tour of the Peoples Daily, the Xinhua News Agency and CCTV Chinas three major state-run media outlets ordering editors and reporters to pledge loyalty to the party. They must love the party, protect the party and closely align themselves with the party leadership in thought, politics and action, he said. While such diktats dont sit well with many Chinese, speaking out against them is risky. But in early March, a prominent Shanghai academic who is a member of a national-level political advisory body did just that. On the eve of his organizations annual gathering in Beijing, Jiang Hong argued that advisors such as himself should be free to give Communist Party and government agencies suggestions on economic, political, cultural and societal issues. He had the audacity to suggest that if authorities feel that an ordinary citizen has made an illegal remark, they should say what law they believe the person has violated. Jiang was interviewed about his proposals by Caixin, a prominent current affairs magazine. After the interview was published, though, it quickly was taken offline. Hu Shuli, managing editor of the current affairs magazine Caixin, poses in her Beijing office in 2002. The magazine recently ran an article about an online post it said Chinas Internet watchdog had ordered removed. (Greg Baker / Associated Press) But Caixin, run by a well-regarded journalist, Hu Shuli, then took the unusual step of posting a story on its English-language platform about the posts removal. Under the headline Story about advisors free speech comments removed from Caixin website, the publication said the Cyberspace Administration of China the nations Internet watchdog had ordered the removal. An illustration accompanying the piece depicted a mouth covered with masking tape. That article, too, was soon deleted. To many people overseas, Chinas debate over the limits of free speech may seem like a nonstarter after all, the country is a one-party state where the government routinely censors the Internet; blocks foreign news websites as well as Google, Twitter and Facebook; exerts strong control over media outlets; forbids demonstrations; and detains and jails critics. But over the last decade, the expansion of the Internet and Chinas increasing efforts to join the international community such as hosting the 2008 Summer Olympics and the 2014 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum have contributed to a gradual opening of space for critical debate on topics ranging from the environment to the economy. Some online commentators developed large followings online, earning them the moniker Big Vs or Big Voices. Among them was Ren Zhiqiang, a Communist Party member and real estate mogul nicknamed the Cannon for his outspoken commentaries. After Xis tour to the state-run media outlets, he went online to gripe: When did the Peoples Government turn into the Partys Government? Does it run on party dues? The previous month, Ren had raised eyebrows when he expressed concern over Xis ideological policies and wrote: The winds of the Cultural Revolution are once again blowing. (During Maos Cultural Revolution, a political movement from 1966 to 1976, millions of people were persecuted in the name of Communist ideology). Rens Weibo account with some 37 million followers was deleted by authorities last month. In a rare comment on an individual case, Cyberspace Administration spokesman Jiang Jun said: Cyberspace is not outside of the law, and no person is allowed to use the Internet to spread illegal information. Although some continue to speak up on March 7, Xinhua News Agency reporter Zhou Fang published an open letter chastising Beijing for suppression of free speech the tightening controls are prompting some influential figures to throw in the towel. On Tuesday, a senior editor at the Guangzhou-based Southern Metropolis Daily, one of Chinas top newspapers, resigned. Im getting old; after bowing for so long, I cant stand it anymore, Yu Shaolei wrote on his Sina Weibo microblog. Whether frustration over Xis policies extends high into party ranks is unclear. In early March, an anonymous letter briefly circulated online, blaming Xi for creating unprecedented problems and crises by adopting a hardline authoritarian leadership style. It was signed loyal Communist Party members. As news of that letter spread, authorities detained scores of people in an attempt to identify its source. Two exiled Chinese bloggers who wrote about the document one living in New York, the other in Germany said that police targeted their family members in China. Chang Ping, the Germany-based writer, said police detained his two brothers and pressured them to persuade Chang to stop publishing articles criticizing the Chinese government. Both bloggers say their family members have since been released. In recent years, this kind of thing wouldnt happen in China. But China is getting stricter and stricter. Its like, it doesnt matter what country you live in I can hurt you, Chang said. This kind of thing is a strike against media freedom. Special correspondent Violet Law in Chicago and Nicole Liu of The Times Beijing bureau contributed to this report. Follow @JulieMakLAT and @JRKaiman for news from China Seven police officers were killed Thursday in an explosion caused by a bomb-laden car in the mainly Kurdish city of Diyarbakir, the local governors office and police force said in a joint statement. Twenty-seven people were injured, including 13 police officers, the officials said. The statement said separatist terrorists, a government designation for Kurdish militants, targeted an armored vehicle transporting police personnel who had been temporarily deployed to the southeastern city. Advertisement The blast damaged several cars and shattered almost all the windows of a high-rise building in the area. At least six ambulances deployed to collect casualties and security forces rushed to seal off the area. The attack comes one day before Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu is due to visit the city, including the historic Sur district where several neighborhoods are under curfew. Turkey has been imposing curfews in several districts of the southeast since August to flush out militants linked to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK. The Kurdish rebels have set up barricades, dug trenches and planted explosives to keep security forces at bay. The military operations have raised concerns over human rights violations and scores of civilian deaths. Tens of thousands of people have been displaced in the fighting. ALSO How Turkeys president went from Washington darling to toxic asset U.S. orders diplomatic, military families out of southern Turkey amid security fears New generation of more radical youth emerges in the Kurdish region of Turkey When video emerged last week of an Israeli soldier apparently shooting a wounded Palestinian assailant in the head, killing him instantly, the condemnation was almost instantaneousboth from within and without Israel. The unidentified soldier who fired the shot was charged with murder. The army spoke out against the act. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it did not represent the values of the Israeli Defense Forces. Palestinian officials and many ordinary Israelis joined the chorus of revulsion over what appeared to many to be a gratuitous act of vengeance. ------------ FOR THE RECORD Advertisement April 1, 2:23 p.m.: Israeli soldier: An article in the April 1 A section described a Palestinian who was killed by an Israeli soldier as a protester. He should have been described as an assailant. ------------ But in the week since, new evidence has emerged and there has been a reassessment among many Israelis. Reaction to the shooting has broken down along familiar lines, with a poll showing substantial support for the soldier among Jewish Israelis, and thousandsespecially on the political righttaking to social media and the streets to demonstrate their support for him. On Thursday, the murder charge was downgraded to manslaughter. Netanyahu also changed his tone, meeting with the father of the accused soldier and issuing a statement that expressed sympathy, if not full support. In recent months our soldiers have bravely and resolutely stood up in the face of terrorist attacks and murderers who set out to kill them, the prime minister said. The soldiers are forced to make decisions in the field, in real time, under stress and conditions of uncertainty. This is not a simple reality and Im sure that the investigation is taking the entirety of these circumstances into account. I am convinced that the investigation will be professional and fair towards your son. The initial video of the incident was captured by a local Palestinian activist and supplied to Israeli human rights group BTselem. It showed the aftermath of an attack March 24 in which two Palestinian men stabbed and wounded an Israeli soldier at the Gilbert checkpoint inside the occupied West Bank city of Hebron. Another soldier shot them both, killing one and wounding 21-year-old Fatah Sharif. When the situation had calmed, and Sharif had been incapacitated, the video shows him lying on the ground, alive but offering no resistance. A van blocks the view momentarily, but a gunshot can be heard. When the van moves on, it becomes apparent that an Israeli soldier has fatally shot Sharif in the head. Days later, however, Israels Army Radio published a separate video on its website that suggested the soldiers may have feared the Palestinian had a bomb. According to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, someone slightly out of the frame can be heard saying, He apparently has an explosive on him, pay attention! Nobody touches him until bomb disposal arrives. Four seconds later, one of the paramedics carrying the soldiera man who, 20 seconds earlier, had said, That terrorist is still alive, the dog. Dont let him get up!then cries in panic, Hes alive. Somebody do something! An image grab taken from a video released on March 24, 2016, by BTselem, an Israeli non-governmental rights organisation, shows an Israeli soldier aiming his weapon before allegedly shooting in the head and killing a wounded Palestinian assailant. (Stringer / AFP/Getty Images) Another clip shows a soldier, apparently the suspect, shaking hands and exchanging smiles with a prominent Hebron settler, moments after the shooting. The soldier has not been officially identified, and a gag order prevents the use of his name in all news accounts, including those by foreign news organizations accredited in Israel. However, he has been widely identified on social media and Israelis have scrutinized his personal Facebook page, on which he expresses support for right-wing causes. Lawyers representing the soldier said he acted to save his colleagues because he believed that Sharif, who was still moving, could have been wearing explosives. However, the soldier did not warn other soldiers standing nearby, and there has been debate about whether his shot could have detonated any explosives. NEWSLETTER: Get the days top headlines from Times Editor Davan Maharaj >> According to a poll conducted by Israels Channel 2, 64% of Jewish Israelis surveyed said that the soldier acted responsibly and naturally under the pressure of the situation. The poll also found that 68% believed that Netanyahu and Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon had been wrong in criticizing and arresting the soldier. Solidarity rallies for the soldier have been held in at least two cities. I clearly prefer that we have a soldier who makes a mistake in his assessment of a situation than one who hesitates, and is God forbid killed by a terroristcases which we have seen in the past, said Israeli politician and former cabinet minister Avigdor Lieberman, who was among the protesters. Some 55,000 Jewish Israelis signed a petition addressed to Netanyahu, Yaalon and military Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot calling for the soldier to be awarded a badge of honor for his actions. Eisenkot said the Israeli army would not hesitate to fully implement the law against soldiers and commanders if they deviate from operational and moral standards. In February, Eisenkot spoke out about the death of a 14-year-old Palestinian girl who attempted to stab a man with a pair of scissors. He said soldiers should demonstrate restraint rather than exercising a shoot to kill policy. After six months of Palestinian shooting, stabbing and vehicular attacks against Israelis, a searing debate has erupted over what is an appropriate use of force by the military. In that time, 30 Israelis, two Americans and an Eritrean bystander have been killed by Palestinians. Israeli forces have shot dead over 180 Palestinians, most of whom they say were carrying out, or about to carry out, attacks. The mood in Israel is stark contrast to that of the West Bank, where Palestinian leaders have condemned the shooting and called for a United Nations investigation into extrajudicial executions. See more of our top stories on Facebook >> These executions are not isolated events and Israeli must be held accountable for committing these crimes, said the Palestinian Liberation Organizations secretary general, Saeb Erekat. Diana Buttu, former legal advisor to PLO Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, said the investigation into the soldiers actions was farcical. Israel has granted its soldiers complete impunity to kill Palestinians, she said. The only reason that charges are being brought in the first place is because it was caught on tape. Otherwise, he would not face any charges. Shuttleworth is a special correspondent. ALSO Irans supreme leader pushes talks and missiles, not one or the other Why you probably didnt hear everyone talking about these major terror attacks Some prominent Chinese are chafing against censorship. Then their complaints are censored Fingers tap at keyboards and brows furrow. A woman in Istanbul has just hurled herself from a 10th-floor apartment window, a frantic attempt to escape two male attackers. The reporters and translators at the Jinha Womens News Agency hasten to get out their report, which takes a different approach than that taken by other Turkish media. Most reports focus on that she was an actor in television series, says 32-year-old Guler Can, head of news at Jinhas office in Diyarbakir. They are covering this story because she was famous, not because of the level of violence against women in Turkey. Advertisement Founded four years ago, Jinha is an all-female, multilingual news agency spread across Turkey, Iraq and Syria. Its coverage is proving increasingly important in a region wracked by conflict and hardly notable for gender equality. Much of the focus is on women and children. NEWSLETTER: Get the days top headlines from Times Editor Davan Maharaj >> When we report from a press conference, we focus on any statements made by women, says Can, smoking a cigarette and sipping from a cup of coffee. We try to give women a voice. As southeastern Turkey slides into brutal conflict that is expected to escalate over spring, Jinhas reporters have been at the frontline of fighting between the Turkish government and Kurdish militants, documenting abuses by both sides. Women and children are suffering because of this war, says Can. They are forgotten too easily. For the last nine months, the mainly Kurdish southeast has been turned into a war zone as the Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, has reignited its 30-year insurgency against the Turkish state following three years of failed peace talks. The PKK demands greater rights for the countrys long-suffering Kurdish minority. Turkey and the United States describe it as a terrorist group. Some 350,000 people have been displaced in the last nine months, according to the International Crisis Group. Entire neighborhoods have been reduced to rubble. Thousands of people, including women and children, have been killed. On Thursday, seven police officers died and dozens of people were injured in a car bombing in Diyarbakir. As clashes between Kurdish insurgents and security forces raged, one of Jinhas recent reports began: Snipers shot 17-year-old girl Rozerin Cukur in front of her home as the ongoing blockade on the Sur district of Diyarbakir intensified today. Turkey, Syria and Iraq is a tough beat, with multiple security threats. Yet, Jinhas reporters remain undeterred. Paintings celebrating the female body hang from the walls of the Jinha office a gift from the artist, a woman. Microphones and cameras litter desks. Women hurry to edit video dispatches and news reports. Cigarettes are lit, smoke drawn in with gusto. A note in brightly colored scrawl reads, Beritan: We are excited. Beritan Canozer is a Jinha reporter who was arrested while reporting on a demonstration in Diyarbakir in December. She was imprisoned for more than three months before being released on Tuesday. The police detained her because she was excited, says Guzide Diker, an ethnic Armenian who works as Jinhas English translator. Turkey has for years been one of the worlds leading jailers of journalists. Under the authoritarian leadership of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the situation for the news media in the country has worsened, watchdogs contend. A prominent opposition newspaper was seized by government-appointed trustees. Reporters are regularly charged under terrorism laws. Two prominent reporters from the Cumhuriyet newspaper are facing multiple life sentences on espionage charges after reporting on clandestine weapons transfers by Turkish intelligence agents to insurgents in northern Syria seeking the overthrow of Syrian President Bashar Assad. In late 2014, a Jinha reporter was hospitalized after being shot in the head with a tear gas canister as the Turkish military dispersed protesters gathered on the Turkish side of the border with Syria during the Islamic State siege of the Syrian town of Kobani. Another had her arm broken by a police officer while reporting from a demonstration in Nusaybin this March. When our reporters go out, the police threaten them, says Diker. They say: `Why are you here? Dont come again. If you come again, we will beat you. Jinhas website has been blocked four times in Turkey, its reporters say, for purportedly supporting terrorism. If you produce news showing the reality in Turkey, you get censored, says Can. The government blocks the website, puts pressure on you financially. Erdogan is seeking to broaden the definition of terrorism to include its supporters not simply those who plan and participate in terror attacks. Critics contend that he is seeking to introduce thought crime legislation that could criminalize opposition politicians, academics and critical journalists. Join the conversation on Facebook >> In one recent example of how such legislation could work, a British academic teaching in Turkey for decades was deported for spreading terrorist propaganda. The academic, Chris Stephenson, who is married to a Turkish woman and has a 13-year-old daughter, was reportedly carrying leaflets by a pro-Kurdish political party. Prosecutors claimed that the leaflets, which mentioned Kurdish self-determination, constituted terrorist propaganda. Jinha was founded in response to the paucity of reporting on womens issues in Turkey. The nation continues to slide down the World Economic Forums Global Gender Gap listings, ranking 130th out of 145 countries last year. Jinhas staff is young, between 18 and 35. Articles are published in Turkish, Kurdish and English. Its reports are published online and its revenue generated through subscriptions and selling video and photography to other local media. The staff hopes to soon offer reports in Arabic and to perhaps work in Kurdish areas of Iran. One story of the day: A Koran teacher in Karaman linked to a religious institution, the Ensar Foundation, that is close to the Turkish government is suspected of molesting male students. Jinha covers the case despite a government ban on reporting about it. A woman passes a government soldier during clashes in central Diyarbakir, Turkey, on March 17. (Ilyas Akengin / AFP/Getty Images) We have confirmed eight children, so far, from court records, says Can. A war plane rumbles through the sky above, having taken off from a nearby base for bombing raids on Kurdish insurgent positions in the mountains of northern Iraq and southeast Turkey. A large pot of Tirsik, a yogurt and arum lily soup, bubbles away on a stove in the kitchen as images from celebrations of Nevruz the Iranian New Year, also observed by Kurds flit across a television screen. Jinhas office is in a ninth-floor apartment with sprawling views across Diyarbakir, an ancient city of about 1 million people on the banks of the Tigris river. In a room dedicated to editing video, two women look over a video package about women from a nomadic community in the nearby Siirt region. This is a series we do called the Life of Mothers, says videographer Mizgin Tabu. We profile normal women, to give them a chance to talk about their problems and their lives. A man with a bushy goatee enters Jinhas office, somewhat awkwardly. Thats our driver, says Diker, the English translator. Hes the only man who works here. But only because we couldnt find a female driver. Johnson is a special correspondent. ALSO Why you probably didnt hear everyone talking about these major terror attacks Leaking pipes mean Mexico City, flush with water, has to truck it in For pregnant Central American migrants, Zika doesnt rank high on list of concerns All material is subject to strictly enforced copyright terms & conditions and cannot be repurposed or reproduced. 19882022 Latin American Financial Publications Inc. : On 23 March the US and Argentine governments issued a statement renewing support for the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Inter-American Human Rights System. The statement by US Secretary of State John Kerry and Argentinas Foreign Minister Susana Malcorra, which was released following the visit last week by US President Barack Obama to Argentina, noted that the two countries affirm that OAS Charter principles - democracy, human rights, security, rule of law, and development for all the peoples of the Americas - remain as enduring as its values remain sound and commit to working together towards strengthening the OAS, welcoming calls to focus the Organization on its core mandate of promoting and protecting human rights and democracy in all 35 OAS member states. The statement also expresses an enduring commitment to supporting the independence, integrity, and effectiveness of the Inter-American Human Rights System, including the Commission and the Court, so as to promote and defend the human rights and dignity of all persons in the Americas. End of preview - This article contains approximately 824 words. Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article Not a Subscriber? Choose from one of the following options It seems like the current government administration of Peru, helmed by President Ollanta Humala, does not want to be one-upped by the Peruvian presidential candidates, who are all seeking to take office and promising to offer better leadership. Humala has just raised the bar higher, particularly in the employment department. The Peruvian politician and former military official approved a minimum wage hike of 13 percent. Humala's Administration Paved the Way for Two Minimum Wage Hikes in His Tenure The newly-authorized decree will take effect on May 1, 2016 and will lead to a monthly income floor of 850 soles, or $252, a 100-sole increase from the previous amount of 750 soles ($223). When Humala took office back in 2011, the wage floor stood at 600 soles. He authorized an earlier increase of 150 soles ($44) back in 2012 and has now raised the minimum wage to a total of 250 soles ($74), or a 42 percent hike since he assumed office in 2011. The Presidential Candidates' Take on Minimum Wage Increase The presidential aspirants have also been dangling each of their respective plans to kick the minimum wage upstairs in hopes of reeling in the electorate to their favor, particularly those working in the lower stratum. Presidential race frontrunner Keiko Fujimori has already stated her desire to increase the minimum wage without specifying the exact figures. Meanwhile, some of her rivals were more generous with their proposals. Cusco's left-wing congresswoman Veronika Mendoza said that the people can expect a new wage floor of 1,000 soles if she ever takes office. Former Peruvian Prime Minister Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, also known as PPK, commended the measure from the administration but also said that he will look into the possibility of a further increase once he gets elected. PPK was also pushing for an 850-soles increase. Meanwhile, speaking in front of his supporters in the Southern Peruvian city of Puno, wherein he signed the new order and is home to some of the marginalized poor in the country, Humala challenged the crowd to choose the next leader wisely. "You all will be the judge of who can do better than this government. When candidates come here looking for votes ... don't settle for just anything," he said. Humala's term will come to an end this coming July and he won't be allowed to seek re-election under the local constitution. His political party has also dropped out of the upcoming elections after a sluggish showing in the polls. There is a renewed sense of hope in Colombia with regard to attaining lasting peace in the country, which has been very elusive in the last several decades. Not only are the Colombian government officials and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), the country's foremost insurgency group, are confident in coming up with a comprehensive agreement, but there is also a welcome development in the peace process. ELN is Entering the Peace Process The National Liberation Army (ELN), which is the second main guerrilla group in the country, will now be joining the negotiations with the government, according to Colombia's High Commission for Peace. And, no less than Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos shared the news of the peace talk to his people. "After intense discussions, today we have begun conversations of peace with the ELN," he said. "We have confronted the ELN on the battlefield ... at they have been part of the armed conflict, but with the step we take today, we recognize that this is the moment to search for peace." This was also confirmed by the ELN camp through its Twitter account ELN-Paz (ELN-Peace) where the group has stated that they have the inclination and right attitude towards dealing with the others in achieving peace. Laying Out the Framework for Lasting Peace Both the government and the ELN side, which are two opposing forces that have been in a longstanding hostile relationship with each other, have expressed their openness to create a dialogue to foster peace. "The objective is to put an end to the armed conflict, eradicate political violence, center on the treatment of victims and advance toward a national reconciliation with active societal participation and a stable, enduring peace," according to Frank Pearl, who leads the Colombian government in the peace talks with the rebels. "Society will require fair and balanced information regarding the process, so we will be fostering participatory dialogue," said Pearl's counterpart and ELN's chief delegate Antonio Garcia. "Recommendations from civil society will be given particular relevance." The ELN Peace Talk is Met With Skepticism There are others who expressed their doubts, especially in the will of the government to compromise without making too many concessions to these rebels. According to Federico Hoyos, a conservative lawmaker, the peace talk could lead to these rebels, who have committed war crimes, to eventually escape conviction and may even hold public office in the future. A pest control company, Terminix will pay a total of $10 million for the poisoning of a Delaware family. The family was vacationing in the U.S. Virgin Islands last year when they were sickened and poisoned. Terminix was charged of illegally spraying lethal pesticides in 14 sites. As per the U.S. Justice Department, the pest control company conceded to using harmful pesticides known as the methyl bromide, Delaware Online reported. The pest control company is obligated to pay $10 million in community service, criminal fines and restitution payments. They also face a three year probation. Terminix admitted to spraying the toxic chemical to 14 sites that include Sirenusa condominium resort in St. John, where the Delaware family had their vacation. The Delaware family was poisoned by the pesticide that was banned by the Environmental Protection Agency since 1984. "Tragically, the defendants' failure to do so resulted in catastrophic injuries to the victims and exposed many others to similar harm," said U.S. Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe of the District of the Virgin Islands. The case against the pest control company started when the Esmond family, was found poisoned with the pesticide that a Terminix staff used. The Delaware family consisting of Steve Esmond, then-head of Tatnall's middle school; his wife, Dr. Theresa Divine; and their two sons Sean and Ryan stayed in the condominium for eight months, according to NBC Philadelphia. According to the site, the teens were in critical condition and suffered neurological damage. Stephen and Theresa have undergone therapy. "When you break a law that protects public health, there are real victims and real consequences, as this case tragically shows," said Cynthia Giles, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. "This incident illustrates how important it is for EPA to enforce environmental laws and hold anyone accountable for endangering our safety. Today's charges should send a clear message to the industry, and directs important funds toward training programs to help ensure this can't happen again." Philly Voice reports that the pest control company voluntarily stopped using methyl bromide in the U.S. and the U.S. territories except for areas that are under the government's contract. It is one of the biggest and the controversial poisoning that happened in the U.S. after the EPA Criminal Investigation Division, the Virgins Islands government and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry collaborated for the investigation. The pest control company has also agreed to pay for the past and future medical expenses of the poisoned Delaware family. Terminix's plea agreement is due to the approval of the Justice Department. Mar 31, 2016, 2:58pm ET GM scores another win in ignition-switch bellwether trials A jury decided that a 2014 crash was not caused by the defective ignition switch. General Motors has emerged victorious in the second ignition-switch bellwether trial. Jurors in a Manhattan federal court ruled that a 2014 crash involving a 2007 Saturn Sky on an icy New Orleans bridge was not caused by the ignition-switch defect. GM had argued that the accident was a minor fender bender, with a collision speed too slow for airbag activation. "The evidence was overwhelming that this accident like more than 30 others that occurred in the same area that night was caused by the driver losing control on an icy bridge during a statewide winter weather emergency," the company said in a statement to The Detroit News. Despite the ruling, US District Judge Jesse Furman cautioned that "the outcome in this case might not dictate the outcome in other cases." The first test case was tossed after GM's attorneys raised concerns over allegedly false statements made by plaintiffs. Arguments in the third case will be heard early in May. A 13-year-old Allentown middle school student was in court Thursday morning to answer to charges she assaulted her principal and a teacher. Raub Middle School in Allentown. (Lehighvalleylive.com file photo) The Raub Middle School student was charged with aggravated assault, following the Jan. 22 incident at the school, said Lehigh County Senior Deputy District Attorney Anna-Kristie Morfi Marks. Under state law, juvenile hearings for defendants who are 12 and 13 are only open to the public for a handful of serious charges, including aggravated assault with seriously bodily injury. There was no seriously bodily injury enhancement in the Raub case. During the hearing, the student made an admission to the felony charge, similar to a guilty plea, and was sentenced to probation by Lehigh County Judge James Anthony. There will be a review of the sentence after 90 days, said the girl's defense attorney, Dave Liebhaber. Liebhaber declined to give additional comments about the case. Principal Susan Elliott, who was at the hearing, declined to comment about the incident. Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @SarahCassi. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. A 37-year-old Bethlehem man, who city police called a "substantial" drug dealer, faces life in prison if convicted after federal charges were filed earlier this week. Steven Kitchell, of the 500 block of Thomas Street, has been held in lieu of $100,000 bail in Northampton County Prison since a traffic stop at 9:35 p.m. April 20 at the north end of the Hill to Hill Bridge yielded $35,000 in heroin, authorities report. Steven Kitchell, of Bethlehem, faces federal charges involving drugs and a firearm. (Courtesy photo | For lehighvalleylive.com) Prior to Kitchell's arrest, city police, the Northampton County Drug Task Force and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency built the case using electronic surveillance and controlled buys, Chief Mark Diluzio said at the time. Kitchell faced eight counts of possession with intent to deliver drugs, eight counts of possession of a controlled substance and single counts of conspiracy related to the first drug offense and possession of a firearm while a felon (a .40-caliber Sig Sauer semiautomatic pistol loaded with 12 rounds), court papers say. Kitchell's criminal record dates to 1996. On March 11, Northampton County Judge Paula Roscioli disposed of the charges against Kitchell, court papers say. This week, federal charges of possession with intent to distribute drugs and possession of a firearm "in furtherance of drug trafficking crime" were announced by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and the county district attorney's office. The mandatory minimum on the charges is five years in prison, with the maximum being life, the U.S. Attorney's Office said. Lower Saucon Township police assisted in the arrest on April 20 and brought in K-9 Atos to complete a search of Kitchell's car, court records say. Police allegedly found 3,500 packets of heroin, worth about $35,000 on the street, as well as $502 in cash and multiple cellphones. Officers searched two properties in the city as a part of the investigation: 507A Thomas St. and 419 Taylor St., court papers say. Inside the Thomas Street home, police said they found $8,980 and documents proving that Kitchell lived there. The Taylor Street property, which is where some of the controlled buys occurred during the investigation, turned up the handgun, a half a pound of marijuana, 43 alprazolam pills, 50 amphetamine pills, 23 clonazepam pills, 1 ounce of crack, 7 grams of powdered cocaine and 5 grams of meth, according to police. The total value of the drugs recovered there hovered near $5,780, police said. Police also seized $9,482 in cash from Kitchell's properties and confiscated his vehicles: the Chrysler Sebring that was stopped on the bridge, an Audi, a BMW and a motorcycle, court records say. The FBI's Allentown office, city police and the Northampton County District Attorney's Office are credited with the investigation, the U.S. Attorney's Office said. Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. A 68-year-old Nazareth man changing lanes Wednesday afternoon on Interstate 78 West in Williams Township caused a three-vehicle wreck that injured two people, Pennsylvania State Police report. Walter J. Hutchins was driving a 2016 Ford Taurus in the left lane at 5:07 p.m. when he switched lanes, causing a 2008 Nissan Pathfinder being driven in the right lane by Olivia Sanchez, 28, of Point Pleasant, New Jersey, to hit the car at mile marker 76.2, police said. After the collision, the Pathfinder struck the rear of a 2007 International Harvester 9200i, driven by Terri L. Eminhizer, 64, of Auburn, Pennsylvania, police said. The Taurus was able to stop in the left lane, while the Nissan spun and came to a halt facing traffic on the right shoulder. The International Harvester truck pulled onto the right shoulder, police said. Hutchins and Sanchez were taken to St. Luke's Hospital in Bethlehem Township, police said. The hospital on Thursday morning had no record of their conditions or if they were admitted. None of the six passengers in the Pathfinder -- including a 1-year-old girl, a 9-year-old boy and a 9-year-old girl -- was hurt, police said. Everyone involved in the crash except for 46-year-old Maria R. Ocana and the 9-year-old girl were properly restrained in their vehicles, police said. It was unknown if Ocana and the girl were wearing seat belts, police said. Hutchins will be cited with a lane violation and Sanchez will be cited with driving without a license, police said. One lane remained open during the investigation, but traffic backed up during rush hour. The Williams Township Fire Department, the Easton Emergency Squad and Easton Auto Body assisted at the scene, police said. The Taurus and Pathfinder had to be towed, police said. Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. Voters are switching party affiliation in Pennsylvania at a rate not seen in years, if ever, as their chance to cast ballots in a competitive presidential primary election approaches. The latest statistics this week from Pennsylvania's elections bureau show about 245,000 registered voters have switched this year, or 3 percent of the state's 8.2 million registered voters. This is the first year voter registration in the state can be done online, making it easier than getting the paperwork, filling it out and submitting it. But many of those switching parties reported wanting to vote in Pennsylvania's April 26 primary, and the switching accelerated in the weeks before Monday's deadline to register to vote or change registration. In Pennsylvania, closed primaries are open only to the party's registered voters and, historically, races tend to be settled by the time the state's relatively late primary election date arrives. This year, contested primaries, particularly the closely contested Republican race, are driving up voter interest. Among those making a switch, about half became Republicans, according to state statistics as of Monday. One-third became Democrats and the rest joined a minor party or registered as unaffiliated. Complete state records on voter registration changes were not available Wednesday for comparison. But pollster and public affairs professor Terry Madonna of Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster said he believes the rate of party switching is a modern record in Pennsylvania. Still, Madonna said, it is hard to tell which presidential candidate the vote switching will benefit the most. And the numbers do not signal whether voters are switching to vote for or against a certain presidential candidate in an election-year campaign that has brought out strong reactions for and against Republican front-runner Donald Trump. It has also spurred a surge in support for Democrat Bernie Sanders, although Hillary Clinton enters April with a big delegate lead and strong support among Democrats crucial to the nomination. Some party switchers have been positioning themselves to help a candidate they supported, Madonna said. "But as we've gotten close to the deadline, a lot of Democrats have changed to do what political scientists call 'strategic voting.'" Madonna said. That could include people voting for Trump because they think Clinton can beat him more easily, or voting against Trump out of dislike or fear, Madonna said. The movement also could be helping one of Trump's GOP rivals, Ohio Gov. John Kasich, Madonna said. Those who switched their registration and were interviewed by The Associated Press or other news organizations gave a variety of reasons for their decision. Some like Jason Arnold, of Harrisburg, reported becoming a Democrat to vote for Sanders. "Bernie was the only one who was dealing with the income issue," said Arnold, who had been registered as a Libertarian. Valerie Bonacci, of Scranton, switched her registration from Democrat to Republican to support Kasich, whom she views as the most experienced GOP candidate for the job, although if Kasich and Clinton win their party nominations, she will be torn over whom to support. "I'm playing a strategic game," Bonacci said. "I think Hillary has (the Democratic primary election) pretty wrapped up here in Pennsylvania, so for my vote during the primary to have any kind of effect, it could be best used by voting for Kasich." While most party switchers joined the Republican Party, the news wasn't all good for the GOP. More unaffiliated or third-party voters joined the Democratic Party this year -- 52,200 became a Democrat while 42,600 switched to the GOP -- and Democrats signed up more new voters this year, 70,000 to 55,500, according to state data. Pennsylvania has supported the Democrat in every presidential election since 1988 and Democrats headed into the primary with a significant advantage, slightly above 4 million voters to nearly 3.1 million GOP voters. The hottest area for party switching was in northeastern Pennsylvania -- in particular, Carbon and Lackawanna counties -- as a percentage of total registered voters, according to an Associated Press analysis. Counties reporting the highest proportion of voter registration switching also led Pennsylvania with the highest percentages of voters becoming Republicans, according to AP's analysis. Counties are still processing new voter registration records, and have until April 18 to submit final numbers to the state. A 31-year-old Easton man is facing a federal charge involving two pipe bombs he had Jan. 10, 2014, in Lower Saucon Township, authorities report. Donald Frey, no address given, was not in custody as of Thursday morning, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania said. The "two improvised explosive bombs, designed for use as weapons" were not registered with the federal government, making possession a crime, court papers say. Frey was charged Tuesday with one count of possession of destructive devices, the U.S. attorney's office said. The case was investigated by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Northampton County District Attorney's Office and Lower Saucon Township police, according to the U.S. attorney's office. The office declined to release any additional information about the charges, spokeswoman Patricia Hartman said. District Attorney John Morganelli couldn't immediately be reached for comment. Lower Saucon police commended the ATF and the district attorney's office, but couldn't provide more details. Frey must forfeit the devices and any other firearms/devices "involved in the commission of this offense," court papers say. He faces up to 10 years in prison and three years supervised release if convicted, the U.S. attorney's office said. Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. Tom Wolf Gov. Tom Wolf agreed last week to allow a current-year GOP budget bill to become law without his signature. (AP photo | Chris Knight) After enduring 38 weeks without a state budget, Pennsylvania is now one week into a "new" budget year. Did we learn anything from that standoff? Only this: The partisan divide in state government looks like it's going to dictate the budget course for at least a few more years. And that's a political belly-flop on several levels. The best we can expect is a series of budgets put together with continuing gimmicks and one-shot revenues, pushing off a recurring structural deficit projected at $2 billion for the budget year that begins in three months. If you thought last year was complicated, the budget stakes are now higher for the same cast of characters with the same agendas. Prediction? Failure. Failure. Failure. Rather than piggy-back one 12-month budget crisis onto another, Gov. Tom Wolf threw in the towel last week, allowing a Republican-backed budget measure to become law without his signature. The move released $6 billion in state funds. Wolf managed to get $200 million more for public schools, about half of what he wanted. Still, this was a "victory" for everyone opposed to Wolf's insistence on raising taxes to get the budget on solid footing, shore up education and extend some relief to property taxpayers. The sad truth is, as certain as a Democratic majority in the Legislature would have approved Wolf's tax increases (which were admittedly excessive in his initial budget a year ago), the current Republican majorities in both houses lack the will to cut spending to eliminate a structural deficit, as many GOP members cite as the solution. If it were so easy to do, it would have been done when Republicans were in full control under Gov. Tom Corbett. There's some validity to both arguments here, as dissonant as that sounds. State government expenses can be cut; a tax increase of some sort is needed to close a gaping budget hole, given rising pension and other mandated costs. What's missing is any sense that partisans can compromise to make it happen. Conceding anything is viewed as a non-starter at best, political suicide at worst. So where is the hope for progress? Start with this: Even under the pressure of an election year, put the unaccomplished items back on the table for the 2016-17 budget. Pension reform. Privatization of the state liquor monopoly. Move ahead with constitutional efforts to downsize the state legislature and enact a fairer system of redistricting. Legislators should take a tip from the credit rating services, Standard & Poor's and Moody's Investor Services, which recently said Pennsylvania is joining New Jersey in a descent toward junk-bond status. S&P observed that Pennsylvania lacks the political courage to correct its snowballing budget deficits. Something has to be done. A repeat of the brinkmanship of the last nine months -- essentially buying time while the ship of state keeps taking on water -- is unacceptable. A former East Stroudsburg University police officer admitted Thursday that he fraudulently sought pain killers from doctors. Matthew Brill (Courtesy of Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office) According to police, Matthew Brill claimed the long hours he spent searching for suspected cop-killer Eric Frein in 2014 had taken a toll. His attorney denied Brill used that as an excuse. Brill, 42, pleaded guilty Thursday to three counts of fraudulently obtaining prescription medication and was sentenced to three years of probation. As part of a plea deal, 12 additional charges were dropped. According to the Pennsylvania Attorney General's office, Brill filled 107 prescriptions at 16 different pharmacies between January 2014 and April 2015. He allegedly got the prescriptions through "doctor shopping" and visiting 19 different doctors at practices in the Poconos, Warren County and Northampton County. The majority of the practices were located in Northampton County, so that district attorney's office handled the case. Attorney Brandon Reish said Brill has long suffered from addiction to painkillers. Brill said he was prescribed medication for chronic back pain. He suffered a crushed vertebrae at some unknown point in his past. "He was told by his doctor that it was not a narcotic, but it turns out that Tramadol is very addictive," Reish said after the hearing. Brill said he is unemployed but is taking classes with hopes to become a drug counselor. "Having the opportunity to go through an inpatient treatment facility has changed me a lot," he said. He wants to stay drug free for the sake of his 3-year-old daughter and 10-year-old stepchild. State authorities worked with Joseph Cesanek, a Wind Gap physician who treated Brill. Cesanek contacted the agents out of concern after receiving a letter from Highmark insurance about Brill seeing multiple doctors to get the same controlled substance, according to court records. Brill was charged in 2009 with obtaining more than 1,000 pain pills in Monroe County. An online docket doesn't list the disposition of that case. Frein was the target of a massive manhunt that ended with his Oct. 30, 2014, capture at an abandoned airport in the Poconos. Frein is awaiting trial on charges he ambushed the Pennsylvania State Police's Blooming Grove barracks on Sept. 12, 2014. Killed by gunfire in the ambush was Cpl. Bryon K. Dickson. Wounded was Trooper Alex Douglass. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against Frein. Northampton County Judge Samuel Murray warned Brill that many who become addicted to pills turn to heroin when their supply dries up. He's fortunate he didn't make that choice. "I wish you good luck," the judge told him. Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook. Jerry Robbins said he didn't see it coming. "We hit something in the water. I'm assuming it was a rock. We were jettisoned from the boat," the Phillipsburg resident testified Thursday morning in the trial over the fatal 2012 boat crash on the Delaware River. The driver of the boat, Donald Jessamine, 65, is charged with aggravated manslaughter and vehicular homicide. He faces 30 years in prison if convicted. Authorities allege Jessamine was drunk June 23, 2012, when he drove a jet boat into a rock near a bridge in Harmony Township, sending him, Robbins and Lane Alden into the water. Alden's body was found five days later several miles downriver. She died of blunt force trauma. In the third day of testimony in state Superior Court in Belvidere, Robbins -- called as a witness by Warren County Prosecutor Richard Burke -- provided a first-hand account of the crash. Robbins and Alden had a 10-year relationship, Robbins testified, and he also had known Jessamine many years. Jurors previously watched Jessamine's account in an interview with New Jersey State Police taped hours after the crash. The day of the accident, Alden and Robbins had friends at their riverside home in Harmony Township. Everyone consumed an alcoholic beverage at some point in the afternoon, including Jessamine, Robbins said. Alden wanted a ride on a friend's new jet boat, so she, Robbins and Jessamine started heading upriver, Robbins testified. "We stopped several times and just floated for a bit, then we jetted," he said. As they crossed under the PP&L bridge, Robbins said he saw some rocks nearby, but not the submerged one the boat struck. A written statement Robbins provided to police said he "emerged in rocky, shallow water." Robbins testified that when he surfaced, he saw Jessamine trying to secure the still-running boat. He said he did not see Alden. Robbins swam to the New Jersey shore and walked along the bank, calling Alden's name, he testified. Eventually, he flagged down a passing boat and returned to Jessamine, where rescuers met them. Under cross-examination by Jessamine's attorney, Michael Priarone, Robbins testified that the submerged obstruction was unseen before the crash, and that he did not believe Jessamine was driving too fast for conditions. Another witness called by the prosecutor Thursday morning described the initial rescue attempt. John Garrison, then the assistant chief of the Harmony Township Volunteer Fire Co., said rescue crews made their way upriver to the bridge in the Hutchinson Station area and found Jessamine and Robbins, with the boat stuck on rocks. As he approached the area, Garrison testified he saw items believed to be from the boat floating downriver -- including a cooler and beer bottles. Thursday afternoon, New Jersey State Police Cpl. Matthew Powers talked about the damage he saw on the vessel and the challenging currents in that part of the river. While boats traveling under the bridge would normally stay toward the New Jersey shore where the water is deeper and less aggressive, Powers said the boat Jessamine was driving was stuck toward the Pennsylvania side, where he said there are "huge rocks" just below the surface. A sign on the bridge warns of rapids, he said. Testimony will resume Tuesday. Burke said he hopes to wrap the state's case next week. Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @type2supernovak. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. A car rolled over and crashed into a utility pole just after 11:30 p.m. Wednesday on Route 57 in Washington, police said. The road was closed for four hours between Boulevard and Washburn Avenue after the driver lost control of the eastbound Nissan Altima just east of Washington Square Circle, police said. Neither the driver nor the lone passenger was hurt in the crash, police said. The driver was a minor so police won't release a name. The investigation is continuing, police said when asked if the driver was cited. While the pole snapped and a wire hung low over the road, no one lost power, police said. In addition to police, the borough fire department and Oxford Township Rescue Squad responded, police said. Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. Leitrim's hero Sean MacDiarmada was remembered along with all those who fought and died in the 1916 Rising during local and national commemorations at the weekend. Dublin put on an impressive array of events to mark 100 years since the Easter Rising, including the largest parade the capital has ever seen. Meanwhile local annual commemorations were also held in the county. The eyes of world watched our island as we celebrated the centenary of the Rising. The commemorations provided the perfect excuse for a first visit to Ireland for relatives of Sean MacDiarmada - Kathy OLeary Michaud and her sister Pat from Massachusetts. Kathy and Pat's grandmother Bessie McGovern was a first cousin of Sean MacDiarmada, one of the signatories of the Proclamation. MacDiarmada drove Bessie McGovern to the boat when she emigrated to the United States. She never got back to see him before he was executed. She returned to Ireland a year after he died, Kathy said. I never had the privilege to come to Ireland before. We have heard my Dad, my grandmother talking about Sean MacDiarmada for many years. I planned to come anyway to Ireland, so the Rising celebrations allowed us to make that visit. Ronan McGreevy a reporter with The Irish Times was on American CNN on Sunday afternoon speaking about the Easter Rising commemorations. He is the editor of a book, Was it for This? Reflections on the Easter Rising, which is due to be published next month. McGreevy, who is from Lisnagot, Carrick-on-Shannon, said the international interest in the commemorations showed what an important event it was not just in Irish history, but in world history. It is the clear the Easter Rising resonates much further than Ireland. It was the inspiration for many national movements and hastened the end of colonialism. I was delighted and proud to have been able to tell a global audience about the significance of the Rising and our centenary commemorations. Leitrim will be having it's own Flag Raising event at Leitrim County Council Offices on Sunday, April 24 exactly 100 years on from the first day of the Rising in 1916. There will be more national and local events to remember the execution of the leaders in May. This week, the Leitrim Observer publishes the final installment of our special 1916 supplements looking back on Leitrim 100 years ago as well as Sean MacDiarmada and Thomas Clarke's involvement in the Rising. This week's supplement includes features from Ronan McGreevy about MacDiarmada's family, we look at two Leitrim men both called John Reid who fought in the Rising and we discuss Sean MacDiarmada as Gaeilge. A Co Leitrim man has been ordered to pay 100,000 damages to a young woman after the High Court found he sexually assaulted her when she was a child. A Co Leitrim man has been ordered to pay 100,000 damages to a young woman after the High Court found he sexually assaulted her when she was a child. The President of the High Court, Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns, found Laurence Cleary, now aged in his eighties, New Houses, Kinlough, Co Leitrim, had sexually assaulted Christina Foley, then his neighbour, on occasions during the 1990s. Cleary was not in court for the case and, due to ilnness, gave evidence on commission in which he denied the allegations. In his judgment yesterday, Mr Justice Kearns said he accepted Ms Foleys evidence and rejected Clearys. As a result of what had happened to her, Ms Foley was entitled to recover damages of 100,000, plus costs, from Cleary, the judge ruled. The judge was told Ms Foley was waiving any right to anonymity so Cleary could be named in public. When opening the case earlier this month, Anthony Barr SC, for Ms Foley, said the assaults began when she was aged eight and occurred in her own home, Clearys home and in other locations. The assaults stopped when Ms Foley was in her early teens and temporarily moved to another area, counsel said. Ms Foley had later moved away from Ireland and made a new life for herself overseas. Mr Barr said the assaults left his client traumatised and damaged her capacity to interact socially and sustain normal relations with others. She had undergone counselling. In her evidence, Ms Foley, now aged 27, referred to three separate occasions when she said she was sexually assaulted by Cleary. At the time, she did not understand what was happening to her and it took her a number of years to admit to others what had happened, she said. She made a statement to the Gardai in 2005. Last week, I was in Lesvos for a fieldclass. The module was ostensibly meant to focus on island economies, what issues does Lesvos economy face by virtue of being an island. On the second day of the class, it became clear that the real focus had to be about refugees not as statistics on a page. But as people. We arrived in Lesvos on 19th March, the day the EU-Turkey deal came into effect. The next day, we went on a walk around Mitilini (the capital of Lesvos) when I took this photograph. It was meant to be a picture of the Greek Statue of Liberty, which celebrates their liberation from the Ottoman Empire. But in the bottom right hand corner of the picture, you will see a large ship, full of people waiting to leave. That ship was full of refugees. They were leaving Lesvos for mainland Greece. It was extraordinarily surreal watching that ship leave. Hearing the cheers (from those who would wait for the next ship but were guaranteed to head to mainland Europe) as the ship began to move off is a memory that stay with me. I expected to see sadness and desperation and what I saw was hope and optimism. And whenever I look at the picture above, I remember that feeling. The statue which stands for liberty and freedom overlooking the bay where people who have fled war and desperation can leave for a better future than the one theyve left behind. That feeling stands in stark contrast to something which happened towards the end of the class. We went to what is known as life jacket mountain. The two pictures I took of this place cannot do justice to the scale. Thousands and thousands and thousands of life jackets stacked high. A bright orange spot atop a green hill. And this vast hill of jackets was only since September. And only for a 15km stretch of coast around Molyvos. A number of other students had to walk away. Each and every one of these life jackets had been taken from beaches and brought here. Each and every one was a human being who had attempted the crossing. Most had made it. Some had not. Some of these life jackets were tiny. Made for small children. It was raining heavily when we went and it was obvious that there were some life jackets which were fake. They were absorbing the water. The man who took us there said they had tested some by wrapping them around bricks and throwing them into the sea. Not many had floated. This was one of the most harrowing things I have ever seen. And thats why Im writing about it here. Like me, you will probably believe that we have to help refugees. People fleeing from the most horrendous experiences on the planet. Whilst we cannot save everyone in the world who needs our help, we cannot turn our back on them. We cannot stand by, watch and do nothing. The things I saw were just a small part of a refugees journey. And while I was staggered by what I saw, I still have no idea about the horrors theyve fled. But this fieldclass has shown me how important it is that we continue to call on the government to do more. As I watched the ship of refugees leave, a quote from the film Paddington came to mind and it stayed with me through the duration of the trip: Long ago, people in England sent their children by train with labels around their necks, so they could be taken care of by complete strangers in the countryside where it was safe. They will not have forgotten how to treat strangers. Having seen but the merest of glimpses into the largest humanitarian crisis since the Second World War, its imperative that we do not forget how to treat strangers. Has there ever been lovelier or funnier campaign photo than these? Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie today set out plans to transform the treatment of mental health in primary care. He produced new independent analysis which shows 643,000 working days were lost in Scotland as a result of Depression in 2014/15. The analysis commissioned from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) by the Liberal Democrats estimated that the total cost to the economy of the 643,000 working days lost due to depression was 54.6 million. SPICe used the Labour Force Survey results to reveal that 337,000 people in Scotland reported struggling with depression. Speaking as he met therapy animals from Canine Concern Scotland, Willie set out Liberal Democrat plans to improve access to talking therapies. We plan to expand the provision in primary care with up to 960 new staff co-located with GPs on average one for each practice. The new investment will be enough to allow each practice to recruit new staff to offer a million additional treatment sessions each year for patients suffering from mental ill health. Willie said: This analysis from the independent expert Scottish Parliament Information Centre shows the enormous scale of the damage that mental illness does to individuals and the wider economy. 643,000 working days will be lost this year as a result of depression which is just one mental health condition. Doctors, nurses, therapists and others working in mental health in Scotland are doing fantastic work. But waiting time targets for treatment continue to be missed and the SNP have cut the share of spending on mental health. Under our plan every GP practice will be able to have an additional qualified mental health professional to support and treat patients. They will be able to provide one million treatment sessions. This will help people get back to work and achieve their potential, as well as increasing productivity in the economy. We have already announced plans to double the funding going towards child and adolescent mental health services. This will end the scandal of year-long waits for treatment and the fact there are no beds for them north of Dundee. Our mental health plan will be an important part of our costed manifesto. It takes into account the areas north of the central belt that have been neglected for far too long and will deliver for children and adults across the country who continue to suffer from debilitating mental health issues. We will make sure that treating mental health as the poor relation stops in 2016. Oh, all right then, one more. And relax. * Caron Lindsay is Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings RESIDENTS in the city have expressed concerns over a padlocked entrance to the Baggot Estate along Ballinacurra Road, which has in the past prevented emergency service vehicles from entering the area. Cllr Maria Byrne said that she has asked the council to remove the obstruction, which she said has prevented residents from accessing the rear estate, and could prevent an ambulance service of the fire service from accessing the estate in a timely manner. She said that at least six residents have complained about the padlocked gates to the estate. A spokesperson for the council stated: Padlocks are never a problem for Limerick Fire and Rescue Service. They can also cut down gates if needed and will at the same time do this only when necessary, being mindful of not leaving an area or premises needlessly insecure. The spokesperson added that it isn't always the case that the fire engine itself needs to drive right up to the fire to put it out. Emergency services attended two minor incidents at the Baggot Estate in the past two weeks. NEARLY 4,300 people are now on the housing waiting list across the city and county a rise of 80 people in a month. It was revealed at a meeting in County Hall that the figure now stands at 4,295, according to the February report by the chief executive of Limerick City and County Council, Conn Murray, up from 4,212 in January. The number on the waiting list peaked in September 2015, at 5,120 approved applicants, with 4,033 in the metropolitan district of Limerick, 346 in the Adare-Rathkeale area, 363 in Cappamore-Kilmallock and 378 in Newcastle West. Under the Housing Assistance Payment Scheme (HAPS), a new social housing support, which will replace rent supplement for those with a long term housing need, over 1,000 people in Limerick are also on this scheme, among some 7,000 nationwide. There has been a reduction [in the housing waiting list], said the council's chief executive Conn Murray, "but obviously there's a considerable number there. It is something we're addressing but we're dependant on national streams of funding. We probably have the most advanced programme of building in the country, and that's because of the Regeneration programme. Those seeking a home must find their own private rented accommodation, within specific rent caps). The local authority will pay the landlord directly and the tenant will pay a rent to the local authority based on the differential rent scheme. The rent will be based on your weekly household income and works in a similar way to the differential rents charged for local authority houses. Speaking about the housing crisis nationwide, and rising numbers of homeless, Jackie Bonfield of the Mid-West Simon Community said more must be done. The group has renewed its call for the new Cabinet to have a specific senior Minister for Housing with the authority and support to address the deepening crisis. We cannot tell nearly 6,000 people who are trapped in emergency accommodation, those sleeping rough on our streets tonight and every night and those living on the edge of homelessness to hang on for weeks of negotiations. Its nearly a month since the election took place and we still dont have a government, or a viable and comprehensive plan to get a grip on the growing crisis. We still have nothing to offer people stuck in emergency accommodation, or who have no option but to sleep rough simply because they cannot access the housing they need to make a home. Many have been waiting for months on end for some hope, some indication that the State cares. Experience tells us that the longer people are homeless the greater the impact on their health and well-being. AS Limerick approaches a key point in its cultural history and development by bidding for the European Capital of Culture designation in 2020, the council is calling on the public engage in the development of a new cultural strategy. The local authority is calling on both the arts and culture community and members of the public to play their part in the formation of a comprehensive new cultural strategy. A series of public meetings will be head across Limerick in April, in Newcastle West, Rathkeale, Kilmallock and the city centre. The strategy will inform the 2020 bid, which faces a crunch moment in July when a jury will visit Limerick as part of the process. But the council says it also wants Limerick to strategically plan and look to the future to ensure culture continues to play a leading role in developing the city and region. Essentially, this strategy is about moving towards a wider idea of culture and how the Council supports culture into the future, said Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Liam Galvin. The strategy is aimed at supporting new and existing festivals and events as well identifying the use of unoccupied spaces throughout Limerick for cultural purposes. I urge the people of Limerick who have an interest in culture to be involved in forming the strategy. Sheila Deegan, arts and culture officer with the 2020 bid, said that the strategy would be an integrated set of choices that will pave the way for effective planning to achieve change through cultural engagement. This strategy will be decided on collectively through public consultation and partnership. We are delighted to be working with Limerick Arts and Culture Exchange (LACE) and Professional Limerick Arts Network (PLAN) both new, independent, cultural representative bodies that work to develop, support and advocate for the cultural sector in Limerick, she said. We are looking to create a meaningful cultural strategy that can be implemented with success across Limerick. The cultural strategy will be a catalyst for a step change in the way local government supports and delivers culture. See www.Limerick.ie/Council for more details. CCTV footage of a ridiculous case of vandalism outside Limerick restaurant the Cornstore is attracting a huge response online. The Thomas Street premises released the security footage, taken early on Easter Monday morning 4.10am to be exact late on Wednesday night. It shows a man needlessly kicking and pulling over two flowerpots and smashing them before stumbling off. The whole incident lasts barely ten seconds. Anyone recognise this guy who smashed up our pots...maybe the Easter bunny forgot about him! #criminal #hooligan pic.twitter.com/wYZYRjDEoW Cornstore Restaurant (@cornstore_limk) March 30, 2016 Mags OConnor, sales and marketing manager for the Cornstore Group, told the Limerick Leader that she uploaded the footage to Instagram, Twitter and Facebook where the video has already had in excess of 21,000 views simply because we wanted to highlight that this is an absolutely ridiculous way to conduct yourself. The restaurant has not made a complaint to Gardai and has no plans to do so. The tweet accompanying the video asks the public: Anyone recognise this guy who smashed up our pots...maybe the Easter bunny forgot about him! #criminal #hooligan. Look, you know, he didn't break in, he just broke a few pots, so we just said for a bit of banter, a bit of craic, we would ask the public does anybody recognise him, said Mags, confirming that no official complaint had been made. A few people have come back with direct messaging saying they might know who it is. The pots were, I think, about 100 each, so look, we wouldn't be bothered pushing charges or anything. I put it on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook and it has gone mental! I had to turn off my phone. The amount of comments, retweets and people reacting We took a decision to put it up because we just felt that, like all the businesses in Limerick, it is expensive to keep our premises looking sharp, so you invest in these flowers and pots and then this guy comes along and breaks them. Maybe he had a bad night! It is a pity that somebody like that, a young guy who seemed to be very well dressed, that he would just do something stupid like that - there probably was a lot of drink or something involved - but just grow up, added Ms OConnor. The video has attracted a series of comments, including: @cornstore_limk I'd have other choice words to describe this individual. But I'm a lady. Rachel McMahon (@MsRachelMc) March 30, 2016 We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page. The first super-Earth planet to get its photo taken may be superweird and superhot, and perhaps have super-runny lava in spots on its surface, researchers said. Astronomers investigated the alien planet 55 Cancri e, the innermost of five known planets orbiting the star 55 Cancri, located about 41 light-years from Earth. This exoplanet is a super-Earth, a rocky world nearly twice Earth's width and eight times its mass. It's the first super-Earth from which astronomers have detected light. 55 Cancri e circles its star about 25 times closer than Mercury does the sun. As a result, the planet whips fully around its star about every 18 hours, while Earth takes a year to complete an orbit. [Oozing Super-Earth: Images of Alien Planet 55 Cancri e] Previous studies of 55 Cancri e suggested it might possess strange properties. Some work suggested the exoplanet was covered with oozing "supercritical fluids" high-pressure, liquidlike, gas-like substances while other research suggested the world was made largely of diamond. To help solve the mysteries of 55 Cancri e, astronomers used NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope to monitor infrared emissions from the exoplanet for 75 hours total during the summer of 2013. The resulting thermal map revealed a strong difference in temperature between the planet's dayside and nightside. 55 Cancri e is tidally locked, meaning it always keeps the same face pointed at its star. On the dayside, temperatures on 55 Cancri e can reach about 4,400 degrees Fahrenheit (2,427 degrees Celsius). On the nightside, temperatures can dip to about 2,025 degrees F (1,107 degrees C). The nightside may be kept warm by heat conducting through the rock from the dayside, said study lead author Brice-Olivier Demory, an astrophysicist at the Cavendish Laboratory in Cambridge, England. The varying brightness of exoplanet 55 Cancri e plotted. Image released March 30, 2016. (Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/University of Cambridge) The nightside's relatively cooler temperatures suggest that 55 Cancri e does not possess a thick atmosphere that could carry heat from the dayside to the night side, Demory said. It also suggests this planet is not covered with a large envelope of water, ruling out the possibility thatsupercritical fluids envelop 55 Cancri e, Demory added. About halfway between the dayside and the nightside, the researchers discovered that 55 Cancri e possesses a hotspot. They suggest this hotspot might be due to lava flows, and because the planet is hot, this lava may flow better than it does on Earth, behaving more like water does at room temperature and less like solid rock. Astronomers have confirmed more than 700 planets beyond our own solar system, and the discoveries keep rolling in. How much do you know about these exotic worlds? Alien Planet Quiz: Are You an Exoplanet Expert? A potential alternative explanation for this hotspot is that 55 Cancri e may possess an atmosphere only on the dayside of the planet; on the night side, the atmosphere would freeze out, Demory said. It remains uncertain whether such an atmosphere, if it exists, would convey enough heat to explain this hotspot, he said. "We are far from having a comprehensive picture of this exoplanet," Demory told Space.com. "It is likely that Hubble's successor, the James Webb Space Telescope, will help in our understanding of this surprising world." The scientists detailed their findings online March 30 in the journal Nature. Follow Charles Q. Choi on Twitter @cqchoi. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com. Preserved pigment cells in a snake fossil the cream-colored material in the image is fossilized skin allowed scientists to determine the ancient snake's color in life. The fossilized remains of a snake that lived 10 million years ago don't look very colorful to the naked eye today. But preserved within are cell structures that revealed to scientists the colors that would have dappled its skin while the animal was alive. Though the pigment grains held within the snake's cells were long gone when scientists discovered the fossil, the cell shapes resembled several types of pigment cells in modern snakes that contain various kinds of color information. Matching the ancient and modern cell shapes allowed researchers to use modern snake color cell data as a road map. They described the hue of the fossilized snake's back as green mixed with blotches of brown-black and yellow-green, with a pale, creamy shade extending along its belly. [Image Gallery: Snakes of the World] An artistic representation of the snake, classified in the Colubridae family, as it would have appeared in life. (Image credit: Jim Robbins, artist) A snake of a different color Modern snakes have three different types of pigment cells, or chromatophores, arranged in layers in their skin: iridophores at the top, then xanthophores, and melanophores at the bottom, with each containing a different type of granule related to color. But the abundance and distribution of these pigment cells vary across a snake's body, which produces the color patterns in different body regions. On the skin of the fossilized snake's belly, for example, the only chromatophores the scientists found were iridophores. In modern snakes, these scatter light and are associated with white and cream hues, according to the study's lead author, Maria McNamara, a paleobiologist at the University College Cork, in Ireland. In other areas of the skin across the snake's body, xanthophores and iridophores were abundant, and melanophores were rare, hinting at patterns of yellowish-green, McNamara said. Layout of the color-producing cells in skin samples from different regions of the fossil, and the resulting color as it would have appeared in the living snake. (Image credit: McNamara et al./Current Biology 2016) Skin deep The secret to the exceptional quality of those preserved cell structures lies in the process that fossilized the snake: mineralization, McNamara explained. In previous studies of color extraction from fossils, scientists had reconstructed pigments from traces of melanin (produced by melanophores) preserved in both feathers and skin, McNamara told Live Science. Those surviving melanin traces represented only a partial picture of an animal's color palette, as other types of pigment-producing structures are typically destroyed during the most common type of fossilization that preserves leftover carbon-based residue. But after this snake died, it was preserved by mineralization, with calcium phosphate crystals growing within its decaying tissues. "Instead of the organic residues of the tissues being fossilized, the entire tissue has been fossilized in mineral," McNamara said. And as McNamara and her colleagues discovered, that mineralization left behind a fossil that retained the shapes of cells linked to skin color. "Up until now, all attempts to reconstruct fossil color have used organic fossils fossils where soft tissue was preserved as organic residue. Nobody had looked at mineralized fossils before," McNamara said. "Mineralized fossils not only preserve evidence of melanin, but they preserve evidence of other types of colors as well," she added. Colorful portraits In addition to providing multihued portraits of these long-ago reptiles, deciphering an ancient snake's color could provide scientists with a clearer picture of how it interacted with its habitat, and could inform scientists' understanding of how colors and patterns evolved in modern snakes, the study authors suggested. In modern snakes, colors vary from a coral snake's vivid bands to drab camouflage (think dusty-hued rattlesnakes) to iridescent (like rainbow boa constrictors), and their colors and patterns can look different when the snake is slithering, said David Kizirian, a curatorial associate of herpetology at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, who was not involved in the current study. And there is still much to be learned about how colors in snakes evolved and even what theyre used for, Kizirian said. Knowing that mineralized fossils could retain a lot more color information than scientists had previously suspected could be an important part of answering questions about how snakes evolved and use their color today and millions of years in the past. The findings were published online today (March 31) in the journal Current Biology. Follow Mindy Weisberger on Twitter and Google+. Follow us @livescience, Facebook & Google+. Original article on Live Science. Excavated Tomb (Image credit: The Gebel el Silsila Project 2016) A newly excavated 18th or 19th Dynasty tomb at Gebel el Silsila in Upper Egypt. This tomb was buried, inside and out, in Nile silt from flooding. Archaeologists with the Gebel el Silsila Project suspected this silt was contributing to ongoing water erosion from the river by sucking water closer to the sandstone like a sponge. In spring 2016, the team cleared three of these rock-hewn openings out and discovered them to be looted tombs (though some still contained jumbled human bones). There are a total of 42 newly documented tombs in the necropolis, plus one shrine. Empty Crypt (Image credit: The Gebel el Silsila Project 2016) A crypt was cut into the floor of "Tomb 15" at Silsila. Half of the lid remains, but the other half and any remains that once rested beneath is gone. Archaeologists discovered pottery, including intact beer jugs and offering bowls, in the silty debris filling these tombs. The presence of the necropolis, where men, women and children were buried, suggests that Silsila was home to a bustling settlement, not just a rock quarry as once thought. But the location of this mysterious settlement remains unknown. Two-roomed Tomb (Image credit: The Gebel el Silsila Project 2016) The interior of Tomb 14, one of three cleared of silt by the Gebel el Silsila Project in spring 2016. An opening to the side is the entrance to a second chamber in this two-roomed tomb. Into the light (Image credit: The Gebel el Silsila Project 2016) A view from inside Tomb 14, looking out at the tomb entrance. These tombs were roughly cut from the rock, and Nile flooding has damaged them. Pottery and artifacts found at the site date these tombs to the 18th or 19th Dynasty, meaning they were built between about 1543 B.C. to about 1189 B.C. Entering the tomb (Image credit: The Gebel el Silsila Project 2016) Tomb 2, one of three cleared by the Gebel el Silsila Project in spring 2016. Project archaeologists have identified 42 tombs and a shrine at the site. The three cleared tombs were filled with silt and debris: beads, bones, pottery and even bits of crocodile armor, perhaps washed in by the Nile. Preliminary analysis suggests that the bones belonged to men, women and children, suggesting permanent habitation at Silsila, the researchers wrote in a blog post about the finds. Royal amulet (Image credit: The Gebel el Silsila Project 2016) This seal, found during the tomb excavations, bears the name of Thutmose III, who reigned from about 1479 B.C. to 1425 B.C. in the 18th Dynasty. Famously, Thutmose III began his reign as co-regent with Hatshepshut, the first female pharaoh. The presence of this seal at Silsila suggests an elite burial, indicating that the people in the necropolis were not only lowly quarry workers. Pharaoh's scarab (Image credit: The Gebel el Silsila Project 2016) A scarab bearing the cartouche of the pharaoh Thutmose III, the sixth pharaoh of Egypt's 18th Dynasty. The discovery of this amulet at Silsila suggests the presence of elites in the area, hinting at a more permanent occupation than previously believed for the quarry site. Silsila also boasted a temple and slab-like monuments called stellae alongside its necropolis, but archaeologists have yet to find the settlement that would have housed the people building and using these ceremonial sites. Portcullis (Image credit: The Gebel el Silsila Project 2016) Each excavated tomb at Silsila had notches carved in its doorway that would have held a sliding portcullis. These were family tombs, John Ward, assistant director of the Gebel el Silsila Survey Project, told Live Science. They would have been reopened for new burials periodically. Family Crypt (Image credit: The Gebel el Silsila Project 2016) One of the crypts carved into the floor of Tomb 14. These tombs lack interior decoration or complete human remains, so archaeologists aren't yet certain who was buried in them. The team plans to clear more of the Silsila tombs of silt and hopes to find skeletal remains or markings that will offer more clues. But the tombs appear to have been looted in antiquity, and have been damaged by Nile floodwaters. Nile, Nile Crocodile (Image credit: The Gebel el Silsila Project 2016) Among the Nile debris in the tombs were these crocodile scutes. These are bits of the armored back of the Nile's famous, predatory reptiles. These scutes may have come from a crocodile that made it into the tombs to scavange, or they might simply have been washed in by Nile floodwaters, Ward said. Lone Bone (Image credit: The Gebel el Silsila Project 2016) A lone bone fragment mixed in with Nile silt and debris in Tomb 2 at Silsila. Preliminary analysis of bones found at the site suggest that men, women and children were all buried in the tombs, but their remains are fragmented and scrambled. Researchers hope to stumble upon an intact tomb or one with surviving decoration. If they can find a family name, they might be able to link the people in Silsila to ancient Egyptians known from texts and necropolises in other cities, Ward said. It's a boy! Or maybe it's a girl, but either way, new research suggests that the sex of mouse babies, and perhaps the sex of human babies, may be influenced by a newfound way to deactivate ancient viral genes that have been embedded in mammal genomes for more than a million years. In the research, the scientists looked at viral DNA that is active in the mouse genome. Viral DNA can become part of an animal's genome when a kind of virus called a retrovirus infects a cell, and slips its genes into the DNA of host cells. (The most notorious retrovirus is HIV, the virus behind AIDS.) If a retrovirus infects a sperm or egg cell and that sperm or egg is involved in fertilization and becomes part of a person all of the person's cells will have the viral DNA, and they will pass it on to their descendants. Hence, people and animals today carry in their cells the genetic remnants of viruses that invaded the genomes of their ancestors. In fact, more than 40 percent of the human genome may be composed of viral "leftovers," said Andrew Xiao, the senior author of the new study and a molecular biologist at the Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut. Most viral remnants are inactive. But some viral DNA "can interfere with development or health," Xiao told Live Science. And it could also accelerate mammalian evolution, he said. For example, if an organism faces changes in the climate or its food source, viral DNA may introduce variations that help the organism adapt to the change. In the new study, the scientists found high levels of a viral remnant on the mouse X chromosome, which helps determine the sex of mice. If this viral DNA is active, X chromosomes stay active, and females and males are born at an equal ratio. However, if this viral material is silenced, X chromosomes will get deactivated, and males will be born twice as often as females, according to the findings, published in the March 31 issue of the journal Nature. Although it remains uncertain whether a similar mechanism influences human sex ratios, the human X chromosome also contains viral material, Xiao said. [The 9 Deadliest Viruses on Earth] The researchers also discovered how the mouse cells deactivate the viral genetic material in order to shut down the X chromosome. Cells commonly deactivate genetic material by attaching a compound known as a methyl group to the DNA. This methyl "tag" influences genetic activity without changing the genetic sequence itself. The gene is shut down, while the sequence of A, T, G and C nucleotides remains intact. But Xiao and his colleagues found that mouse embryo cells add a methyl tag to the nucleotide A, or adenine, to silence the viral genes. For decades, scientists thought the only way to silence a gene in mammals was to tag a C nucleotide, or cytosine. Although scientists knew for a long time that single-celled organisms could tag the A nucleotide, "this is the first time it's been seen in mammals," said Gerd Pfeifer, a molecular biologist at the Van Andel Research Institute in Grand Rapids, Michigan, who did not take part in this research. Aside from helping determine the sex of offspring, the viral material the researchers studied has been shown to potentially help tumor cells grow, and to be active in the brain, Xiao said. [7 Diseases You Can Learn About from a Genetic Test] The researchers are still investigating which enzyme tags the A nucleotides. "We also want to find out how this mechanism might be involved in human health," Xiao said. This new work revealed that this tagging of adenine is very rare in the mouse genome, only affecting "about seven out of every million adenines," Pfeifer said. Future research should further investigate whether this tagging is more common in some tissues than in others, Pfeifer added. Follow Charles Q. Choi on Twitter @cqchoi. Follow Live Science @livescience, Facebook & Google+. Originally published on Live Science. The interior of a two-roomed tomb (Tomb 14), one of three cleared of silt at Gebel el Silsila in Upper Egypt. Forty-two rock-cut tombs and a shrine decorated with a winged sun disc have been found along the banks of the Nile River in Egypt. The discovery of this necropolis, the burial ground of men, women and children, proves that Gebel el-Silsila in Upper Egypt was not just a quarry site for the kingdom's temples and tombs; it was also a bustling population center, according to the archaeological team that discovered the structures. "This is actually a major hub of commerce, worship and possibly political [activity]," said John Ward, assistant director of the Gebel el Silsila Survey Project. A big mystery surrounds the new tombs, however. Where is the lost city of Silsila? So far, archaeologists have discovered tombs, the quarry, a temple and slab monuments called stelae. But they haven't found a town or village where the people who used these structures would have lived. [See photos of the new tomb discoveries in Upper Egypt] Flooded graves Silsila was originally believed to be a sort of work camp, where the predominant activity was quarrying for sandstone. Survey project mission director Maria Nilsson, Ward and their colleagues have been discovering much more than that at the site, however. Earlier this year, for example, they announced the discovery of six statues dating back 3,500 years that depicted elite families. Yesterday (March 30), Ward, Nilsson and the Ancient Egyptian Antiquities Sector announced the spring archaeological season discovery of the new tombs. They date back to the 18th and 19th dynasty, a period of time that runs from about 1543 B.C. to about 1189 B.C., which includes famous pharaohs like Hapshetsut. Archaeologists had known that rock-cut openings were present on the site's Nile bluffs, Ward told Live Science. But the river has been eating away at the sandstone exteriors, damaging the structures. The group of archaeologists launched a project to clean out three of the openings, both to find out what was inside them and to see if they could slow down the erosion. They found that the tombs were filled with Nile silt, indicating that they'd been flooding before the first dams in the river were constructed in the 1800s. This silt was acting as a "sponge" to draw in river water, worsening the erosional damage, Ward said. "Once we started to clear this Nile silt, we could see that the actual sandstone surface itself was starting to dry out," he said. "Tomb" 1, which was already clear of silt, turned out not to be a tomb, but a two-room shrine. While the outer room overlooks the Nile to the west, the inner room, which once had a slightly elevated floor, is damaged by water, Ward said. Despite the water damage, a carved stone solar disc with wings a symbol of power and protection is still visible, he said. Tomb 2 is an actual tomb, with stairs leading down into a rough-cut chamber without paintwork or any interior design. The space is so small that workers have to kneel to fit inside rather than stand up, Ward said. Many human bones were found in a jumble inside, which was probably caused by the Nile waters, he said. The tombs were also looted at some time in antiquity. Still, they contained many pieces of pottery such as beer jugs, offering plates, and bowls and storage jars all funerary wares that were used in ancient Egyptian tombs, Ward said. [Photos: Nile Cemetery Discovered in Sudan] A scarab bearing the cartouche of the pharaoh Thutmose III from Egypt's 18th Dynasty, discovered at Gebel el Silsila in Upper Egypt. (Image credit: The Gebel el Silsila Project 2016) People of status The other two tombs that have been cleaned out, Tombs 14 and 15, were also looted, but both contained crypts carved into the floor. The crypt in Tomb 15 even retains half its lid, Ward said. The excavation also turned up "lots and lots of beads," Ward said. And most intriguingly, the archaeologists found a scarab amulet bearing the name of the 18th-dynasty Pharaoh Thutmose III and a seal right along with his cartouche (an oval symbol surrounding a royal name), reinforcing the theory that Silsila was more than just a work camp for quarry diggers. These artifacts suggest that the people buried in the tombs were of higher standing than quarry workers, Ward said. Each of the documented tombs has a door with notches carved in the door jambs that could have held a stone portcullis, which could have been raised or lowered for new burials. "These are family tombs," Ward said. The portcullis closures would have kept out floodwaters and wildlife, though maybe not permanently. In Tomb 14, the archaeologists found crocodile scutes the triangular, bumpy protrusions seen on crocs' backs. It's not certain whether a crocodile made it into the tomb, Ward said, or whether the scutes flowed in with the Nile floodwaters. The team members plan to excavate more tombs in the next field season, and hope to find remains or names of the tomb occupants. They're also continuing the survey in hopes of solving the biggest mystery surrounding Silsila: Where was the town, or village, that this necropolis served? "We're pretty excited, to say the least," Ward said. "It's kind of nice to be able to say, 'Silsila, we've got a necropolis now.'" Follow Stephanie Pappas on Twitter and Google+. Follow us @livescience, Facebook & Google+. Original article on Live Science. The destructive Zika virus has been visualized for the first time, shedding light on similarities and differences between this and related viruses, according to a new study. The new findings may be helpful in developing effective antiviral treatments and vaccines against the Zika virus, the researchers said. "The structure of the virus provides a map that shows potential regions of the virus that could be targeted by a therapeutic treatment, used to create an effective vaccine, or [used] to improve our ability to diagnose and distinguish Zika infection from that of other related viruses," Richard Kuhn, the director of the Purdue University Institute for Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Diseases in Indiana and a co-author on the study, said in a statement. "Determining the structure greatly advances our understanding of Zika, a virus about which little is known," he said. [Zika Virus News: Complete Coverage of The Outbreak] Although the Zika virus usually causes mild or no symptoms, health officials are concerned about a link between Zika infection in pregnant women and a birth defect called microcephaly, or an abnormally small head. The transmission of the Zika virus has so far been reported in 39 countries and territories. Of these locations, Brazil and French Polynesia have reported an increase in microcephaly, according to the World Health Organization. In addition, 12 of the locations with Zika cases have reported increases in cases of a rare neurological condition called Guillain-Barre syndrome, which causes muscle weakness and, sometimes, paralysis in kids and adults. In the new study, researchers looked at a strain of the virus isolated from a patient who had been infected with Zika during an epidemic in French Polynesia in 2013-14. The researchers found that the structure of the virus is very similar to that of other flaviviruses, a family of viruses that also includes dengue, West Nile and yellow fever. The structure of the Zika virus appeared to be particularly similar to the structure of dengue, the study said. "In essence, all these viruses have the same shape and structure, but they enter different kinds of cells," and therefore lead to different illnesses, said Michael Rossmann, a professor of biological sciences at Purdue University and a co-author on the study. However, the researchers did find a certain structural difference between Zika and these related viruses. That difference is found in an area of the virus that may be important for how the virus attaches to human cells, which types of cells it may enter and how the resulting disease may progress. [5 Things to Know About Zika Virus] There is an equivalent of this particular area found in the dengue virus, and it is involved in how that virus attaches to human cells. If the Zika virus's version of this area serves the same function as in dengue, and is therefore also involved in attachment to human cells, that suggests a possible treatment, Rossmann said. "Perhaps an inhibitor could be designed to block this function and keep the virus from attaching to and infecting human cells," Rossmann told Live Science. It is also possible that this area of structural difference is somehow involved in the association between Zika virus infection and improper brain development in fetuses, but more research is needed to investigate this question, the researchers said. Though the researchers now have a much better understanding of what the virus looks like, efforts to actually inhibit it may take a long time, Rossmann said. "People should not expect a sudden result," he said. The new study was published today (March 31) in the journal Science. Follow Agata Blaszczak-Boxe on Twitter. Follow Live Science @livescience, Facebook & Google+. Originally published on Live Science. If you do not have a current print subscription to the Lodi News-Sentinel, but want to view unlimited articles for the month, please choose this option. 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 Russian authorities say this car was destroyed when thugs blew it up on Mar. 30. Source: TASS/Bashir Aliyev The Islamic States Caucasus Province has claimed responsibility for two attacks in Dagestan this week. On Mar. 29, the group claimed to have detonated two explosive devices on two Russian Army vehicles in the area of Kaspiysk in eastern Dagestan. The so-callied caliphates province issued the claim via the Amaq News Agency and in a separate statement, which was translated by the SITE Intelligence Group. The jihadists alleged that their improvised explosive devices (IEDs) killed 10 Russian soldiers. The bombings led to killing ten elements and wounding three others from the army, and destroying one vehicle and burning the other, according to the statement on the Mar. 29 attack. On Mar. 30, Amaq reported that another bombing occurred when a fighter detonated his explosive belt on a Dagestani police checkpoint [in] Sirtych village, killing and wounding several of them. The Islamic States arm in the Caucasus has claimed responsibility for at least five operations since it was established last year. The first took place in early September 2015, when the group said it bombed a Russian army barracks in the village of Magharamakint in southern Dagestan. The jihadists purportedly struck Russian intelligence officers in the city of Derbent in December 2015 and then a police checkpoint in the same city in February. As The Long War Journal reported after the first attack, many of the Caucasus jihadists claims are difficult, if not impossible, to verify. Independent reporting is often limited. In addition, the details offered by the jihadists are frequently exaggerated or only partially true. The Russian news agency TASS has acknowledged two attacks in Dagestan this week, but in each case the details differ from the Islamic States version. One police officer was killed and two more were wounded as police cars were blown up near Makhachkala, the capital city of Russias North Caucasian republic of Dagestan, TASS reported on Mar. 29, citing a spokesman for the republics interior ministry. TASS described the vehicles as two cars with Russian interior ministry officers and said that one officer, not 10 Russian soldiers, was killed in the blasts. In a follow-up report, TASS claimed that three landmines (not two, as the Islamic State indicated) targeting a police motor convoy exploded on Mar. 29. The bomb experts have found out that there were three landmines. One had the yield of 5 kg TNT and two others 1.5 kg TNT each. All the three landmines exploded, an unnamed law enforcement source told TASS. Dmitry Peskov, a presidential spokesman, would not comment on the identity of the attackers. Unfortunately, I do not have any information about this but this is probably a question for our law enforcement agencies, Peskov said. Separately, a Russian government source told TASS that [m]ilitants from the so-called Khushet gang (from Makhachkalas suburb Novy Khushet) are suspected of this crime. Authorities are supposedly investigating whether this gang has sworn allegiance to the Islamic State terrorist organization. Despite the Russians hesitation to pin blame on the Islamic States jihadists, they are the most likely culprits, especially given the Caucasus Provinces claim of responsibility. Russian counterterrorism officials have acknowledged that a second attack took place on Mar. 30, but the circumstances again differ from the Islamic States account. Today in the afternoon [Mar. 30], officers of a mobile police group tried to stop a suspicious car in the village of Sirtych, which was going in the direction of Derbent, Russias National Antiterrorism Committee (NAC) said in a statement. When the thugs realized that they cant [sic] escape pursuit, they detonated a homemade explosive device, as a result of which a powerful explosion occurred, the statement continued. A police officer who took part in the pursuit of criminals was fatally wounded. No civilians were hurt. TASS published a photo purportedly showing the vehicle that was destroyed in the explosion. The image can be seen above. Therefore, while the precise details of the Islamic States operations in Dagestan cannot be verified, Russian government sources confirm that the attacks on Mar. 29 and Mar. 30 took place. Russian officials claim that hundreds of jihadists from Dagestan have gone off to fight for terrorist organizations in Iraq and Syria. According to special agencies, in Syria and Iraq more than 800 descendants from Dagestan are fighting alongside terrorists, Ramazan Abdulatipov, who heads Russias North Caucasus republic, said in February. In November 2015, Yevgeny Sysoyev, the deputy head of the Russian Federal Security (FSB), claimed that as many as 7,000 nationals of former Soviet republics are fighting for the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group in Syria and Iraq. Sysoyev estimated that the Islamic States overall force consisted of 80,000 fighters as of mid-2015. His figure was higher than American estimates, but plausible. Defectors from the al Qaeda-affiliated Islamic Caucasus Emirate (ICE) In an audio message released on June 23, 2015, Islamic State spokesman Abu Muhammad al Adnani accepted the bayat (oath of allegiance) from jihadists who had defected from the al Qaeda-linked Islamic Caucasus Emirate (ICE). Abu Bakr al Baghdadi, the Emir of the Faithful, has accepted your bayat and has appointed the noble sheikh Abu Muhammad al Qadari as Wali [or governor] over [the Caucasus], Adnani said. He called for all the mujahideen in the Caucasus to join al Qadaris caravan and to hear and obey him in everything except sin. Qadari is Rustam Asilderov, a former ICE leader in Dagestan who defected to the Islamic State in late 2014. A significant number of jihadists in the region joined Asilderov, leaving ICE behind. Al Qaeda and ICE tried to stem the tide of defections to the Islamic State. But the loss of three leaders in just over a year and a half destabilized ICEs operations and likely contributed to the Islamic States gains in the region. Russian forces killed ICEs emir, Magomed Suleimanov (also known as Abu Usman Gimrinsky), in August 2015. Suleimanov, a prominent critic of the Islamic State, was publicly identified as ICEs new leader just weeks earlier. Also killed in the raid was the jihadist selected to lead ICEs Dagestan province after Asilderovs defection. Suleimanov had succeeded Aliaskhab Kebekov, more commonly known as Ali Abu Muhammad al Dagestani, who was killed by Russian forces in April 2015. Kebekov rose to ICEs top leadership position after his predecessor, Doku Umarov, perished sometime in either late 2013 or early 2014. The State Department added the Islamic States Caucasus Province to the US governments list of designated terrorist organizations in September of last year. State noted that Adnani accepted the sworn allegiance of fighters from four Caucasus regions Dagestan, Chechnya, Ingushetia, and Kabardino-Balkaria in his June 23 announcement. Foggy Bottom also reported that the organizations first claimed attack on a Russian military base in Magaramkent, southern Dagestan, resulted in the deaths and injuries of a number of Russian citizens. 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. The Uqba bin Nafi Battalion, al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghrebs (AQIM) branch in Tunisia, has claimed an attack on Tunisian border guards near the town of Bouchebka on the Algerian border. In a statement released online by one of AQIMs media wings, the jihadist group says its forces wounded a number of soldiers with differing degrees of severity and burned a military vehicle. The statement then says that the ambush took place against the national guards on the path leading to the Bouchebka area in the state of Kasserine. No photos were released from the assault, however. Tunisian authorities have confirmed the attack took place, but the officials said that only one border guard was wounded in the ambush. Al Arabiya reports that 15 jihadists were involved in the ambush, with the assailants fleeing towards the Mount Chaambi area after the attack according to the Tunisian Interior Ministry. Uqba bin Nafi has claimed several attacks in the area over the past two years. In Dec. 2014, the jihadist group claimed two attacks on Tunisian forces in the Mount Chaambi region, posting photos from the raids days later. Just two months later, it took credit for killing four soldiers in an assault in Kasserine. In August of last year, it killed a customs agent in Bouchebka. In the initial claim of responsibility released for the Aug. 24 assault, the jihadist group said that it ambushed a number of customs agents, killing a group of them. It also said that it took three weapons, identified as Steyr AUGs in photos released from the attack. Its most deadly ambush on the Tunisian military happened in the Mount Chaambi region in July 2014, an incident that left 15 soldiers dead and 20 others wounded. While Tunisia has been relatively stable, it continues to face a jihadist threat not just from AQIM, but also the Islamic State. The latter group claimed last years attacks on the Bardo Museum (which Tunisian authorities blamed on the Uqba bin Nafi Battalion), an ambush on a popular beach just three months later, and then a suicide bombing in the capital Tunis in November. Earlier this month, the Islamic State also claimed an assault on the Tunisian town of Ben Gardane near the border with Libya. All four attacks left a total of 93 people dead and over one hundred wounded. Caleb Weiss is a research analyst at FDD's Long War Journal and a senior analyst at the Bridgeway Foundation, where he focuses on the spread of the Islamic State in Central Africa. 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. A US airstrike on a training camp in Yemen that killed more than 50 jihadists two weeks ago targeted al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsulas local operations, not its external operations network, an AQAP commander claimed. While the AQAP commanders statement may be technically true, it ignores the fact that jihadist groups local and foreign operations support each other, and both pose a threat to the West. AQAP commander Saad bin Atef al Awlaki said that the March 22 airstrike in Mukallah in the eastern province of Hadramout hit a general camp in which volunteers train to fight the Houthis and the ousted Ali Saleh, and posed no threat to US national security, as claimed by the Pentagon. Awlaki made the claim in a statement that was released yesterday by the Al Malahem Media Foundation, AQAPs official propaganda outlet. The statement was obtained and translated by the SITE Intelligence Group. [The Pentagons] spokesman claimed that the airstrike targeted an al Qaeda camp that posed danger to Americas national security and interests, disregarding the confirmed information that proved that this camp is a general camp in which volunteers train to fight the Houthis and the ousted Ali Saleh, Awlaki said. Awlaki then questioned the US militarys motives, and said that the aim of the US air campaign in Yemen and elsewhere was part of a wider war against Muslims worldwide. There is no way to independently verify Awlakis claim that the camp was used to exclusively train AQAP fighters who are tasked to fight its local war in Yemen. However, the statement masks the fact that jihadist groups use their local insurgencies to bolster their external operations. As groups like AQAP gain control of territory, they use the resources of these proto-states to support all of its operations. In the past, al Qaeda has used its network of training facilities to train fighters to battle in local insurgencies, identify potential recruits for attacks against the West, and support a host of allied jihadist groups. Thus, camps such as the one hit on March 22 do indeed pose a threat to US national security. But Awlakis statement highlights a fundamental flaw in the US governments messaging when it comes to justifying airstrikes against jihadist groups. In 2013, the US Department of Justice said attacks against al Qaeda and allied forces in foreign countries where the US was not actively engaged in combat were justified if those targeted present an imminent threat of violent attack against the United States. The US has warranted numerous airstrikes in Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia, and Syria by claiming that those targeted presented a direct and imminent threat to the US. The Long War Journal has documented multiple strikes that do not appear to meet the criteria outlined by the Department of Justice. For instance, one drone strike in Yemen in 2015 targeted a container packed with weapons that was lotted by AQAP. Additionally, the so-called signature strikes, where the CIA launches drone strikes based on patterns of activities in the hopes of killing senior leaders or operatives, contravenes the imminent threat doctrine. The US government, military, and intelligence services would be better served to explain the nature of the threat posed by local jihadist operations such as AQAP to the US. The reality is that thes elocal networks are ultimately providing the manpower and infrastructure to support their external operations network worldwide. Bill Roggio is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Editor of FDD's Long War Journal. Are you a dedicated reader of FDD's Long War Journal? Has our research benefitted you or your team over the years? Support our independent reporting and analysis today by considering a one-time or monthly donation. Thanks for reading! You can make a tax-deductible donation here. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 31, 2016) The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers deputy commanding general for Civil and Emergency Operations visited a Nashville District project for the first time to interact with project managers and engineers. Maj. Gen. Donald E. Jackson Jr. toured the Center Hill Dam Safety Rehabilitation Project and the Center Hill Dam Power Plant in Lancaster, Tenn. He also stopped by the Nashville District Headquarters for briefings, and to meet and recognize top performers with coin presentations. Jimmy Waddle, Nashville District Engineering and Construction Division chief, welcomed Jackson and 13 engineering students from Vanderbilt and Tennessee Technological Universities. Linda Adcock, project manager for the Center Hill Dam Safety Rehabilitation Project, briefed Jackson and the students on the overall construction and installation of a concrete barrier wall and future work on the Saddle Dam. Today was an important day to provide our the group with a better understanding of how the Saddle Dam remediation fits into the overall Center Hill project and to reduce risk and keep these projects functioning, said Adcock. This visit allowed them to learn about the main dam Barrier Wall construction and about future work on the Saddle Dam. The $364 million project was designed to fix seepage problems in the foundation of the earthen portions of the dam. The contractor, Bauer Foundation Corporation, installed a permanent barrier wall as the long-term solution to stop the seepage and keep the earthen main dam safe. Jamie James, Nashville District Hydropower project manager and Loren McDonald, project manager and assistant program manager for the Nashville District Section 212 Program, briefed the general and group about the ongoing work on the multi Turbine Generator Rehabilitation Project at Center Hill Dam. The contractor, Voith Hydro, mobilized to the dam in July 2015, started disassembly process of the first unit and the other two units will follow. It will take three years to complete the project. Unit two is the first of 28 units at nine projects that will be rehabilitated over the next 20 years. We are very excited for the students to see this work, McDonald said. Were all very happy this will become a common occurrence as we are able to go through the units one by one to rehab the system and increase the reliability. Jody Craig, Center Hill Power Plant superintendent, welcomed the group to the Center Hill Dam Hydroelectric Power Plant. He explained the work process of removing the 82-ton steel wheel turbine and coordination efforts with Voith Hydro. Im glad they had the opportunity to witness this event, said Craig. Its important that we show them how the power plant works and many components we plan to replace with this massive job. I think he (Jackson) and the students enjoyed the tour and communicated his objectives for the program well. Alexander King, ROTC engineering student at Tennessee Technological University, said the tour provided the real testament for the engineers of the past who used a pen and paper to design the generators with remarkable accuracy without the advantage of todays technology. Im glad to be here and it was a great to see the work and how old technology is replaced by modern innovation, said King. Jackson was fascinated by the students interest in knowledge, and he seemed to relish talking with them. The general said he was equally impressed by their attentiveness to comments and asking good questions. I hope the students will gain an appreciation and importance in what they are studying in their highly technical subjects, said Jackson. There is a place for these students in the future of our nation and I hope addressing the infrastructure challenges on the tour will better help them understand the importance of engineering. The general then traveled to the Nashville District headquarters to meet employees and to recognize individuals for their outstanding duty and performance. Its an honor and humbling experience to say thanks for all the hard work and dedication you do to making this district better, said Jackson. Im always impressed by the districts and the Corps of Engineers. Im constantly amazed by the people, districts, missions, the things we are able to do, things we do for our nation and the challenges we are able to overcome every day. (For more news, updates and information, visit the districts website at www.lrn.usace.army.mil, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/nashvillecorps or Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/nashvillecorps.) Marie France Van Damme - Style from Singapore to Santorini Within only a few years the line has developed a coveted following of clients including Beyonce, Heidi Klum, Cameron Diaz and Olivia Palermo.The new Spring/Summer luxury resortwear collection including MFVD's signature silk caftans, resort dresses and swimwear is in stores now until May at Harrods, Selfridges, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks and Neiman Marcus and Intermix and online including selects resorts.Marie France Van Damme introduced her first luxury resort wear collection in summer 2011, defined by its superior quality craftsmanship and extensive selection of luxurious fabrics. A collection of understated day to night pieces that travel the world in style. The line was inspired by Marie France's extensive travels and need for a chic and effortless collection to take her across the globe. The collection was created to offer women an alternative to current market trends - a brand new luxury product, embracing timeless, modern pieces that can be worn for all occasions and not only at chic holiday destinations.The company currently has 100 retail locations in some of the world's most desirable locations including Harrods, Selfridges, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks, Neiman Marcus and exclusive resorts including Aman and One & Only among others locations worldwide.The line can be found at some of the world's most exclusive resorts from St. Tropez to Capri, Singapore to SantoriniIn November Marie France introduced her fifth boutique in four year in Singapore at the Takashimaya Shopping Center following the launch of her first European boutique in London and boutiques in Phuket and Bangkok.Signature pieces from the collection include a croco jacquard Bou Bou caftan, ankle length Babani cover up hemmed in Swarovski beads and a strapless Rafia Bustier one-piece bathing suit in white, metallic bronze, gold or silver.Marie France Van Damme is a Canadian-born, Hong-Kong based fashion designer, celebrated hostess and author, whose luxury lifestyle resort wear brand is inspired by her travels and personal style. Marie France Van Damme introduced her eponymous label in the summer of 2011. The Marie France Van Damme line is defined by an edited collection of elegant and seasonless staples with every piece designed to transition seamlessly from city to resort. The brand is loved by celebrities such as Beyonce, Jourdan Dunn, Heidi Klum, Cameron Diaz, Olivia Palermo, Christina Hendricks, and Catherine Zeta-Jones.Marie France Van Damme is available at her other retail locations in Hong Kong, Bangkok, Phuket and London, Bergdorf Goodman, Harrods, Selfridges, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Intermix and exclusive resorts such as Amanresorts and the One & Only. She is also the author of the coffee table book(Thames & Hudson) featuring her effortless style and entertaining tips with photographs by Herbert Ypma of the Hip Hotels series.Visit website:Herchronicles her travels. Indonesian IP laws have always required IP rights licences in Indonesia to be recorded at the Intellectual Property Office. This requirement is set out on the Copyright Law, Patent Law, Trade Mark Law, Industrial Design Law, Layout Designs of Integrated Circuits Law and Trade Secrets Law. However, such recordal mechanism has not been carried out due to the lack of implementing regulation, even though the legal consequence is that, if an IP licence is not recorded, it would not be binding on any third parties. To implement that requirement, the Ministry of Law and Human Rights (MoLHR) recently enacted MoLHR Regulation No 8 of 2016 on Requirements and Procedures for Recordal of IP Licence Agreements, which stipulates the procedural steps to record an IP licence. According to Regulation 8/2016, requests for recordation of an IP licence can be submitted to the Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DGIP) manually or online. However, the website of the DGIP does not yet provide a facility to implement this. Therefore, for now requests for recordation need to be submitted to the DGIP by hand. To support a request for recordation of an IP licence, an application would need to submit (1) a copy of the licence agreement, (2) a copy of the certificate of registration of the IP rights, (3) an original power of attorney, and (4) an original payment receipt. The applicant is also required to submit a statement confirming that the licensed IP rights are valid, and that the licence would not jeopardise the national economy, hinder technological development or contravene the prevailing laws. The DGIP will then examine the request for recordation of the IP licence and record the IP licence within 10 days after it receives the request. The DGIP will publish the recorded IP licence on the website of DGIP. A recordation of an IP licence is valid for five years and is renewable. With the issuance of the implementing regulation, it is now necessary for the licensor or licensee to record their IP licence at the DGIP, to ensure that the use of the IP rights in Indonesia based on the licence agreement is protected. Daru Lukiantono Gayatri Putri Utami Hadiputranto, Hadinoto & PartnersThe Indonesia Stock Exchange Building, Tower II, 21st FloorSudirman Central Business DistrictJl. Jendral Sudirman Kav 52-53Jakarta 12190, IndonesiaTel: +62 21 2960 8888Fax: +62 21 2960 8999www.hhp.co.id Speakers from Meta, Finnegan, Equifax and the LOT Network said it was important to use data, get involved and reach out more to improve diversity and inclusion Bangladesh on Thursday signed a deal with Texas-based Excelerate Energy to build its first floating terminal for importing liquefied natural gas (LNG) as it looks to ease chronic energy shortages. The floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) terminal at Moheshkhali Island in the Bay of Bengal will be able to handle 5 million tonnes of LNG per year, Istiaq Ahmed, chairman of the state-run Bangladesh Oil, Gas and Mineral Corporation, said at a signing ceremony in Dhaka. Excelerate will develop the terminal by the first quarter of 2018 and operate it for 15 years, he said. The terminal will have berthing and mooring facilities and a daily regasification capacity of at least 500 million cubic feet. The government is in talks with Qatar to import LNG. Reporting by Ruma Paul 1854 - Commodore Matthew C. Perry and Japanese officials sign the Treaty of Kanagawa, opening trade between U.S. and Japan. The treaty also provided protection for American merchant seamen wrecked in Japanese waters. 1917 - Rear Adm. James H. Oliver takes possession of the Danish West Indies for the United States, and they are renamed the U.S. Virgin Islands. He also becomes the first governor of the islands under American control. 1945 - USS Morrison (DD 560) and USS Stockton (DD 646) sink the Japanese submarine I 8, 65 miles southeast of Okinawa. 1992 - USS Missouri (BB-63), the last active American battleship, is decommissioned. Commissioned in June 1944, she served during World War II, notably for the location of the official Japanese surrender on Sept. 2, 1945. Today, the "Mighty Mo" is open for visitors in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, as the Battleship Missouri Memorial, under the care of the USS Missouri Memorial Association, Inc. 1993 - Two 2 EP-3E aircraft, from Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron 2 (VQ-2), are on station over the Adriatic providing crucial support to the delivery of humanitarian air drops over eastern Bosnia-Herzegovina in Operation Provide Promise. This operation becomes the longest running humanitarian airlift in history at the time and operates from February 1993 to January 1996. (Source: Naval History and Heritage Command, Communication and Outreach Division) Today, Kvaerner and its sub-contractors cut the first steel plates for the utility- and living quarters (ULQ) topside for the Johan Sverdrup field. The topside construction starts on schedule and budget. The Johan Sverdrup development is being executed with a high degree of Norwegian value creation. Kvaerner's efforts to improve competitiveness have resulted in a large portion of the work for the ULQ platform to be executed in Norway. This gives Kvaerner and Norwegian subcontractors a steady activity and also a continued high number of apprentices. In June 2015, Kvaerner in a joint venture with KBR won the contract for the complete delivery of the utility and living quarter (ULQ) topside. The platform also includes the advanced control room and the sental systems all installations on the field. In addition, Kvaerner is responsible for complete deliveries of three of the four steel jacket substructures for this phase of the Johan Sverdrup development. The main scope of the steel jackets will be constructed at Kvaerner's specialised facility in Verdal, Norway. For the complete delivery of the 19 000 tonnes topside, a large portion of the work will be executed at the company's facility at Stord, while the construction of the living quarter will be executed by Kvaerner and KBR's subcontractor Apply at Stord and in Gothenburg, Sweden. It has been evaluated if some of the sections for the topsides' box girder and the clusters for the three steel jacket substructures should be fabricated abroad or in Norway. The evaluation has documented that Kvaerner's efforts to improve costs, execution security and quality makes it efficient to construct the fundaments for one of the steel jackets as well as more than 1 000 tonnes of the steel frame at Kvaerner's facilities at Verdal and Stord respectively. This work comes in addition to Kvaerner at Verdal also delivering the steel jackets and Kvaerner at Stord also assembling all parts of the topside and other work. We have since the project started determinedly worked to implement further improvements for productivity and cost level. This means that we in Norway have improved our competitiveness for even more parts of the platform work. For Kvaerner, this results in an increase of more than 200 man years involved in the work with the topside and steel jackets. At peak, around 2 000 employees will be involved in Kvaerner's Johan Sverdrup deliveries. This will at the same time result in positive effects for our subcontractors in Norway, says Jan Arve Haugan, President & CEO of Kvaerner. Kvaerner has for many years been one of the companies in Norway educating the most apprentices. In 2015, Kvaerner had 121 apprentices. Future value creation and competitiveness for Norway and for the whole oil and gas sector is dependent on that we continually develop competence with new generations. As such, it is important for us that we are able to plan the execution of the Johan Sverdrup contracts in a way that parts of the work to be performed in Norway is suitable for apprentices. We have now accomplished that, when Kvaerner in a challenging market is going to have more than 100 apprentices in both 2016 and 2017, Haugan says. The world's third largest port operator APM Terminals said it will invest 758 million euros ($858.3 million) in a new transhipment terminal in Tangier, Morocco, that will be the first automated terminal in Africa. The new container terminal will have an annual capacity of five million 20-foot equivalent units (TEU), and APM Terminals has the right to operate the port for 30 years. APM Terminals, a unit of Denmark's shipping and oil group A.P. Moller-Maersk, is currently operating a port facility in Tangier that handled 1.7 million TEUs in 2015. A.P. Moller-Maersk also controls the world's largest container shipping company, Maersk Line and it has committed to use the new facilities. "At a time when the container shipping industry is in crisis due to low global growth and too many vessels for too few goods to move it is important we are able to invest in bigger and more effective port facilities," Chief Executive Kim Fejfer from APM Terminals said. Tangier is the second-busiest container port on the African continent after Port Said, Egypt and the location of Tangier provides a natural transhipment location for containers carrying anything from flat-screen televisions to sportswear from Asia to Europe and Africa. APM Terminals also see high growth in Africa will demand more and better infrastructure on the continent. "Significant investment in port and transportation infrastructure will be required to meet the anticipated needs of the expanding African population and corresponding economic growth," it said. APM Terminals is the largest port operator in Africa with 12 facilities operational in 10 countries. Reporting by Ole Mikkelsen It was late into the night when Chief Petty Officer Jaclyn Place, a 30 year-old hospital corpsman and mother, heard screams for help coming from her neighbors home. I was actually doing some homework, my daughter was asleep, when I initially heard the screaming, recalled Place, a lead chief petty officer with the Headquarters Regimental Aid Station, 1st Marine Logistics Group. The volume was escalating. Thats when I decided to go outside and noticed [my neighbor] was calling for me. As soon as I opened the door I saw her -- then a flash-- it was him running. She was screaming J he stabbed me, and as she turned I saw blood all the way down her back. I had a fight or flight second, and then went to work. While assessing the victim, Place called to another neighbor, Staff Sgt. Thomas McDonald with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, instructing him to bring his first aid medical bag. McDonald brought an entire trash bag full of medical supplies, while a third neighbor, Staff Sgt. Vincent Bryan with the MLG G-6, came upon the scene and called 911. Upon my first assessment, my eyes were drawn automatically to her radial artery. It was most definitely severed, Place remembered. The cut was very very deep. By the time I got her to lie down and put a compression bandage on, the grandmother came up and was screaming that he was stabbing her granddaughter. With complete disregard for her own safety, Place ran after the assailant to save the victims daughter. I was just thinking she was a baby and he was chasing her. It was awful, said Place. I think your mom instincts kick in. Her [mothers] last words before she fell unconscious were go get my baby. I think anyone would have done the same thing. When I got there [her daughter] was almost unconscious. Her whole face was cut up. Upon arriving at the scene, the assailant had been restrained by another neighbor, so Place jumped over him to immediately render aid to the 14 year-old girl. The young girl was lying in a pool of blood struggling to breathe. Place immediately recognized that she had a severe chest wound. Place immediately took command of the scene, instructing the neighbors to reposition the girl to ease her breathing and maintain her airway. She then instructed them to apply pressure to the stab wounds on the young girls face and a more serious wound to the left side of her ribs which was bleeding profusely. Place applied a seal to the wound, preventing air from being trapped in the young girls chest that could have led to a life-threatening tension pneumothorax. Luckily I had a great team, said Place. It wouldnt have a happened without [the Marines]. That corpsman- Marine team was amazing. That dynamic is so sacred. We all knew what to do and worked off each other. If it wasnt for them, I wouldnt have been able to do what I did. They were calm, cool, and collected. I love our corpsman and Marine relationship. Due to Places calm leadership, medical expertise, and decisive action, both the mother and her daughter survived this violent attack and were home from the hospital within weeks. The severity of their injuries would likely have resulted in severe morbidity or death, if not for the quick responses of Place and the Marines. After all was said and done, Place is now considered part of the victims family. Im indebted to her. Shes the reason why I have my daughter here still. She is family now, said Jennifer Barela, one of the survivors. All I can say is thank you and I love you, and if it wasnt for you I wouldnt have my daughter here. You know, you love your kids, but then you really realize how deeply you love your children when they are almost taken from you. This unfortunate incident not only changed the lives of the victims but brought to light another troubling issue. I think this a prime example of domestic violence, said Place. I think we all have our own personal situations and pasts, and my first thought is I never suspected this. I passed them twice a day going home and leaving. I knew she was quiet, but I never thought to ask her [if she was ok]. I didnt want to get in her business, but sometimes you have to realize that its ok to get into peoples business; because maybe if I would have gotten into her business, if I would have opened that door two seconds sooner, would he have been scared and not chased her daughter? Never be afraid to ask. Place was awarded an Impact Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for her selfless and decisive actions that saved the lives of her neighbors. McDonald and Bryan were both also awarded Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals. Despite taking charge during a devastating situation and saving the lives of two civilians, Place remains extremely humble about her activities that day and is fierce in asserting that she was just doing what corpsmen do. A million things were going through my head in that 15-second run to the back of the building. Honestly though, I was just thinking corpsman, every training I ever had in the military. What I feel good about now is that when I walked away from it and I looked down [at myself] and saw the blood everywhere, I thought, well if she doesnt make it I know looking back I wouldnt have done anything different. I know what I did as a corpsman. I did everything I could have done. More Media NYT Ignores Greatest Nuclear Threat The hugely destructive power of nuclear weapons can end life on earth. NYT editors want them kept from terrorists, ignoring state terrorists, especially America and Israel, an alliance posing the greatest of all threats. An earlier article discussed the devastating effects of a thermonuclear attack on New York - likely if America launches nuclear war on Russia, an unthinkable real possibility. The city and any other struck would be incinerated. Almost instantly after detonation, temperature at ground zero would be 200 million degrees Fahrenheit (about 100 million degrees Celsius), or about four to five times the temperature at the center of the sun. Enormous heat and light would ignite fires covering over 100 square miles. Firestorm intensity would create superheated winds of about 300 miles per hour. Nothing could withstand their overwhelming force. Firestorm intensity would vaporize structures, turning midtown Manhattan into smoldering rubble. Around 100 square miles of vegetation would become superheated dust. Raging fires would erupt up to nine miles from ground zero. Material from collapsed buildings could continue bursting into flames when exposed to air months after the firestorm ended. No one in affected areas could escape. Superheated hurricane-force winds would incinerate everyone. The firestorm would extinguish all life in its path and destroy most everything else. Last spring, over 150 countries participated in a Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). It aimed to prevent nuclear weapons proliferation, promote peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and entirely eliminate this menace. Conferences have been held every five years since NPT became effective in 1970. The 2015 conference addressed: universality of NPT; nuclear disarmament; nuclear non-proliferation; peaceful use of nuclear energy; regional disarmament and non-proliferation; implementation of the 1995 resolution on making the Middle East free of nuclear and all other weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems; measures to address withdrawal from NPT; ways to promote engagement with civil society in strengthening NPT; and disarmament education. Weeks of talks achieved nothing. Washington, Britain and Canada obstructed responsible change. They blocked agreement aimed at preventing nuclear weapons and technology proliferation. The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists Doomsday clock stands at three minutes to midnight, reflecting the high probability of global catastrophe, BAS saying last year: (U)nchecked climate change, global nuclear weapons modernizations, and outsized nuclear weapons arsenals pose extraordinary and undeniable threats to the continued existence of humanity. World leaders have failed to act with the speed or on the scale required to protect citizens from potential catastrophe. These failures of political leadership endanger every person on Earth. Physician, anti-war/anti-nuclear activist Helen Caldicott explains nuclear technology threatens life on our planet with extinction. If present trends continue, the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the water we drink will soon be contaminated with enough radioactive pollutants to pose a potential health hazard far greater than any plague humanity has ever experienced. Martin Luther King warned against nations spiral(ing) down a militaristic stairway into the hell of (potential) thermonuclear destruction. Albert Einsteins theories and work led to the development of atomic power. Splitting the atom changed everything, threatening life on earth. Einstein understood the danger, in 1946 saying (o)ur world faces a crisis as yet unperceived by those possessing the power to make great decisions for good and evil. The unleashed power of the atom has changed everything save our modes of thinking, and thus we drift toward unparalleled catastrophe. We have a choice. End nuclear weapons or theyll end us. 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. In her first major remarks to the Sweet Briar College community since last springs legal fight, Amherst County Attorney Ellen Bowyer shared insight into the legal case she made against the closure of the college, in a speech to the Honors Colloquia at the school on Wednesday. Bowyer also weighed in on an ongoing debate in the college community over policies of the schools board of trustees, calling for board meetings to be opened to the public for the most part, and suggesting that the board should continue to value representation of various constituencies on the board. Above all, she stressed the importance of the founders will in helping to safeguard the college from closure. The person we really have to thank for the saving of Sweet Briar College is Indiana Fletcher Williams, she said. One hundred and fifteen years ago, she hired a really good lawyer out of New York and she told that really good lawyer what she wanted to do with her money and her property and he wrote her a really good will, a really good strong will. The most important issue throughout the whole fight was that question of the intent It was the founders intent that allowed us to reach a good settlement in the matter. Bowyer also highlighted a couple of perhaps lesser-known key moments during the fight: a vote by the colleges faculty of no confidence in the then-board and president of the college, and friend of the court briefs filed by three prominent Virginia law professors. She stressed that because the case was settled through a negotiated settlement with prior college leaders, no official legal precedent was set by the legal proceedings last spring and the arguments put forward. Bowyer recommended the schools board pass a legal resolution officially declaring the school trust governed by the will and volunteered to help draft that resolution. Bowyer gave her talk in the schools 1948 auditorium, which is set up to seat 75 or so people, and was packed, with many people standing or sitting on the sides of the space and some people peering in from the entryway. They gave her a standing ovation. Many people in the audience, including faculty members and students had questions for Bowyer. The first came from psychology professor Dan Gottlieb, who asked Bowyer how she thought representation of various constituencies on the board should be accomplished. I dont know how to accomplish it but I think that for this college, its essential that you have balanced representation, she said, pointing to the way that the plaintiffs in the various legal challenges worked together in the legal fight over the future of the college. Weve got to have that common united front to get this college down the road. How you do it, Im not sure. Alumnae and allies of Sweet Briar College won a new beginning for the school with a mixture of grit, determination and faith. During a town hall meeting in February, Sweet Briar Board of Trustees Chairwoman Teresa Pike Tomlinson suggested board members are weighing what it means to represent a stakeholder group, and whether its useful to have board members that might represent different groups, such as faculty or staff, and where there may be conflicts of interest related to that representation. The issue dates back, in part, to the settlement agreement, which called for the college to remain open under new leaders. Representatives of the plaintiffs in each of the three legal challenges took part in the negotiations leading to the settlement agreement and thus got to nominate the first new members of the board of trustees. That meant for example, the faculty wound up with a representative on the board: music professor Marcia Thom-Kaley, who was present at Wednesdays talk by Bowyer. Im one voice and one opinion and I happen to agree with her, Thom-Kaley said, of Bowyers points about representation and opening up meetings. I believe strongly that every constituency should be represented on this board, and Ive made no secret about that. She praised the dialog among board members and said the board is working to ensure communication with Sweet Briar Community as a whole. The board, she said, is in the process of revising its bylaws and that there has been energetic discussion about these topics at pretty much every meeting. I will say this is a board that wants to get it right, she said. She hopes there will be there will be some resolution on these issues by the April board meeting, but doesnt know for sure. Imagine youre the family breadwinner and youre anticipating a $1,400 paycheck. Imagine further that your employers payroll department informs you the state of Virginia has grabbed the whole thing. For Moneta resident Julie Santos, no imagination is necessary. Last week, the Virginia Department of Taxation seized her paycheck to cover $1,796 in unpaid Virginia income taxes that she supposedly owed for 2012. Theres only one hitch. Santos neither lived nor worked in Virginia that year. For months, she told me, she tried to prove that to a bureaucrat in Richmond. But her pleadings fell on deaf ears. Its making me really regret moving to Virginia, she said. Santos is a nurse in Carilions Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. They hired her in February 2013. For a decade before that, she lived in Wilmington, North Carolina, and worked at a hospital there. Her problems with the state Department of Taxation began Oct. 7, when she received a letter from Diane McCoy, a senior tax examiner in Richmond. It said: We have received information from the Internal Revenue Service that suggests you MAY be required to file a Virginia individual income tax return for 2012. The information includes third-party information returns, such as W-2s, K-1s and/or 1099s issued to you at a Virginia address; however we are unable to locate a Virginia income tax return on file for you. McCoys phone number was on the letter, so Santos called it. She told me that she explained to McCoy that she lived and worked in North Carolina in 2012. McCoy, Santos said, told her the Department of Taxation wanted documents to prove that, and suggested various records. McCoy also gave her a fax number. Santos said she gathered the materials. Those included an old water bill listing her Wilmington address, a North Carolina drivers license and the bill from a moving company that moved her and her husbands possessions from Wilmington to Moneta on Feb. 11, 2013. All the records listed Santos name and North Carolina address. I faxed it from my work the following week, Santos told me. She also faxed a letter from her former employer, New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington. It noted Santos had worked there from Sept. 29, 2003, to Feb. 1, 2013. Santos heard nothing for seven weeks. She assumed the Department of Taxation was satisfied she didnt owe back taxes. Before Christmas, Santo received another letter from Richmond. It was dated Dec. 10 and was titled NOTICE OF ASSESSMENT. It said Santos owed $1,776. That included $1,242 in 2012 Virginia income tax, a $372 late penalty and $162 in interest. The document noted: No return is on file for the above tax period. This assessment is based upon information received by the Tax Department. An office audit was conducted within the Compliance Unit and has resulted in an additional liability. Santos told me she didnt act on that notice, and that was my fault. It got missed in a pile of holiday mail, she said. More weeks went by. Then she received another letter, dated Jan. 14. It said her balance due was up to $1,783, because Santos had not paid tax assessments or filed tax returns as shown on the enclosed Detailed Statement of Liabilities. The letter ominously warned that legal action may have begun. She called McCoy, who told her she had never received the faxed documents in October. So this time, Santos mailed them. In mid-March, the department issued a lien to Carilion for Santos wages. Though its undated, it lists the due date as April 11 and the amount due as $1,796.96. It notes this lien applies to 100% of the total wages, salaries, commissions, interest, rent or any other property. They also sent Santos a copy. In a March 18 memo, Carilions payroll department informed Santos of the lien. The memo noted: It will be set up to take effect on your pay check dated March 25, 2016. On March 19, I faxed the information again, Santos told me. But it didnt do any good. Friday, she got no paycheck. At that point, Santos said, she called McCoy again. She got voicemail that promised a callback in one business day. But she didnt get a return call. So she tried another number there. I called another lady at the Taxation Department, and she tried to get hold of Diane McCoy, and she couldnt reach her either, Santos told me. I asked her, What do I have to do, drive the paperwork to Richmond? This past Friday, Santos got no paycheck. That made things kind of tight for Easter weekend. My husbands disabled and Im the only breadwinner, she told me. By Monday morning, McCoy called Santos back. Finally, she said, McCoy was able to find the most recent documents Santos had faxed. Santos said McCoy told her the lien would be rescinded. Santos got her check Tuesday evening. Thank God, Santos said. Were always tight. How could this happen? Joel Davison, a spokesman for the Department of Taxation, told me the agency cannot discuss individual cases such as Santos. But in general, This is a program that has been going on years and years, and has brought in millions, he said. We dont do these things willy-nilly by any means. He added that the vast majority of people who receive letters like the one Santos received owe back taxes to the commonwealth. We have an obligation to use available resources as productively as possible to maximize the level of tax compliance among Virginia taxpayers, Davison said. The department uses both state and IRS records to identify individuals who are required to file a Virginia income tax return, but have not done so, he said. Santos told me it might be the timing of her move to Virginia that caused her to be caught in the tax collectors snare. By the time she filed her federal tax return for 2012, it was 2013 and she had a Virginia address because she moved here in February 2013. How did the department calculate how much Santos presumably owed? Davison told me that, typically, previous-year tax assessments are computed based on IRS data, such as the taxpayers federal return. I asked him whether the departments procedures put taxpayers in the position of being presumed guilty and having to prove their innocence. This is not the case at all and, in fact, the opposite is true, Davison said. We have information in our records or have received information to suggest they should have filed a Virginia return. At that point, we simply mail a letter which is not a bill to the taxpayer explaining we have information that indicates they may have been required to file a return. The letter asks that they file or provide information to the department on why they do not need to file. The taxpayer has 30 days or longer to respond. If they provide the necessary documentation, the case is closed. If they need longer than 30 days to provide the necessary information, all they need to do is contact us. Even if we issue a bill, the individual can contact us and request more time which generally stops any collection action for the required period of time. But all of that depends on the Richmond office receiving the documents a taxpayer tries to send. In Julie Santos case, it appears, they didnt. At least not until they had snatched her paycheck. According to officials with the 5th District Democratic Committee, Jane Dittmar, former chairwoman of the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors, will be the only Democratic candidate running for the congressional seat. A committee deadline to file as a candidate passed at 5 p.m. Friday. Lisa Hystad, chairwoman of the 5th District Democratic Committee, said the committee agreed to set the candidacy deadline earlier this year. In January, a former staffer for Rep. Tom Perriello, Ericke Cage, of Halifax, ended his bid as a Democratic candidate for the seat. Dittmar did not seek re-election to the Board of Supervisors last year. Her campaign announced Friday that the 5th District Democratic Committee will officially nominate her at a convention May 7. Hystad said the convention will take place at Nelson County High School. I am thrilled and delighted that Jane Dittmar is going to be our next representative in the U.S. Congress from the 5th Congressional District, Hystad said. Jane has an outstanding record of accomplishments in public service and the private sector, and is dedicated to serving the citizens of the 5th District, she said. Dittmar has been building a strong support base throughout the 5th District and I know she will make a tremendous congresswoman. Dittmar has said her campaign will focus on economic development, job creation, workforce training and proliferation of affordable, reliable Internet throughout the state. We are excited and honored to officially be the only Democratic campaign in the race, but our work has just begun, said Dittmar. We have known all along that this race would require hard work every single day leading up to November 8th and our team is incredibly focused. As we fundraise and travel around the district, our main goal is to increase awareness about our campaign and our platform, get out the vote, and connect with the residents of the 5th. Republicans in the 5th District are scheduled to choose their nominee at a convention at Nelson County High School on May 14. At each convention, party delegates nominated by respective committees of the districts counties and cities will officially chose their nominee. The 5th District spans more than 10,000 square miles, and is larger than Vermont and New Jersey. Currently, five Republicans are vying to succeed incumbent Rep. Robert Hurt, who announced late last year that he would not seek re-election. The Republican candidates are state Sen. Thomas Garrett, of Buckingham; real estate developer James McKelvey, of Bedford County; Navy veteran and congressional staffer Joe Whited, of Rappahannock County; technology executive Michael Del Rosso, of Charlottesville; and Lynchburg resident Andrew Griffin, a former intern to Rep. Bob Goodlatte. The chairwoman of the 5th District Republican Committee, Lynn Tucker, said Monday that the committees deadline to file as a candidate for the convention is March 31. According to information available on the Federal Elections Commission website, one independent candidate, Mitchell P. Bupp, of Henry County, has filed to run. The deadline to file as an independent candidate in the general election is June 14. Running a restaurant or a catering business involves a lot more than just preparing and selling food. It requires knowledge of laws pertaining to food safety and maintaining kitchens and other parts of buildings properly. The Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corp. (EDC) will sponsor a "Rules and Regulations of Operating a Food-Based Business" seminar from noon until 2 p.m. April 6 at the New College Institute building on Fayette Street uptown. Such businesses are becoming a more popular vocational interest. Valerie Harper, director of the EDCs Small Business Division, said the organization typically sees or hears from two or three people per month who express interest in opening a restaurant or operating a catering business or "food truck." Often, they are people who have been told by friends or relatives that they cook well, and those people think they would succeed at having a food business, she said. "But a lot of times they dont follow through" with their plans, Harper said, after realizing that launching a food business can be expensive and requires adherence to strict, non-negotiable laws. All establishments including ones in private homes that manufacture, process, pack or hold food for sale are subject to Virginias food laws and, with a few exceptions, must be inspected for cleanliness before they open and periodically after opening, according to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services website. Inspectors look for, among other things, unsanitary conditions, mislabeling of containers and mishandling of food products that can cause prepared foods to not be safe to eat, the website shows. Furthermore, it is against the law to run a catering business from a kitchen in a home. If they know what to expect up front, they can be better prepared when they open a business, or they can avoid putting in time and money toward a venture that ultimately might not come to fruition, she said. At the seminar, Darrin Doss, environmental health supervisor for the West Piedmont Health District, will explain the inspections process for restaurants and home-based food businesses. Martinsville Building Official Kris Bridges will discuss building and fire inspection procedures. Mark Scott, a special agent with the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, will discuss licensing procedures for businesses wanting to sell spirited drinks. The workshop is free to anyone who wants to attend. However, registration is requested. To register, call 403-5940 or go online to www.yesmartinsville.com/events. Republican leaders in Virginias 5th District will be picking between five candidates for their party nomination in this years congressional election. The districts Republican committee came together Saturday at the DoubleTree Hotel in Albemarle County to discuss whether this years nomination would be chosen by convention or an open primary. After giving each of the five Republican candidates a few minutes to make their case for a convention or primary, the committee voted 19 to 16 in favor of a convention. Five candidates have announced their intention to take over the congressional seat from Republican Rep. Robert Hurt, who has said that he will retire from the post at the end of his term in January 2017. On Thursday, Lynchburg man Andrew Griffin announced that he would add his name to a list of candidates that already includes Sen. Tom Garrett, R-Buckingham, businessman Jim McKelvey, technology executive Michael Del Rosso and congressional intelligence advisor Joseph Whited. Whited and Griffin had previously expressed support for an open primary, in which registered voters choose the party nominee, while Garrett, McKelvey and Del Rosso called for a convention, in which party delegates vote on a nominee. The committee typically chooses nominees by convention, although Hurt was selected in an open primary in 2010, beating six other candidates with 48 percent of the vote. In a statement, Griffin said he was disappointed in the decision to use a convention, saying the majority of the districts voters are boxed out of the electoral process by not utilizing an open primary. While I understand the benefits of a convention, I maintain that neither the candidates nor a small minority of politically active delegates should deprive legally registered voters from participating in the process, Griffins statement read. This decision sends the wrong message and lacks transparency at a time when the average citizen feels forgotten by the leaders they have elected to office. The convention is scheduled for May 14. Officials with the Henry County Sheriffs Office say they are doing all they can to try and ensure that people attending the STP 500 race and other NASCAR events at Martinsville Speedway this weekend stay safe. The recent terrorist attacks in Brussels, Belgium, are a reminder that strict security measures must be in place at large public events, said county Sheriff Lane Perry. However, no major changes in procedures are planned at the speedway for race weekend, he said at least to the knowledge of sheriffs office personnel. Were always concerned with peoples safety, Perry said. We go to great lengths behind the scenes to make sure that people can come and enjoy the race and come and go without being hindered much. As part of the process, security officials will check the personal belongings of all speedway visitors who bring things with them, according to Perry and sheriffs office Lt. Col. Steve Eanes. Roughly 120 officers from area law-enforcement agencies will be at the speedway this weekend, especially for the STP 500 on Sunday, Eanes said. Along with Henry County Sheriffs Office personnel, they will include officers from the Martinsville Police Department and the Patrick and Franklin county sheriffs offices who usually provide assistance during races, he and Perry said. In addition, Henry County Public Safety Department officials and personnel from the Virginia State Police and other state and federal law-enforcement agencies will be at the speedway, Perry said. For security purposes, the speedway limits what race visitors can carry with them through the gates. To carry soft drinks or ice, visitors can bring one soft-sided cooler bag no larger than 14 by 14 by 14 inches. It must be able to be carried. Coolers with telescoping handles and wheels are not allowed, according to a speedway website. A visitor can bring one lightweight backpack, no more than about 17 inches in length and of the type commonly used by students. It can be carried by a handle, shoulder straps or on a belt, the website shows. Binoculars, scanners, headsets and cameras are allowed, provided they are not carried in a bag but worn over the neck or on a belt. Seat cushions carried separately also are allowed, the website states. The following are among items not allowed through the gates: @ Firearms, fireworks and other items restricted by local, state and federal laws. @ Hard-sided coolers, thermoses and insulated cups of any size. @ Strollers and umbrellas. The carry-in policies are subject to change without notice, the website shows. To expedite the security checks, visitors are encouraged to arrive at the gates as early as possible, according to the website. Brooks Taylor, the speedways director of public relations, declined to comment about security matters. We dont want to talk about security at all, he said bluntly, referring to speedway employees. He said, though, that the speedway is working with law-enforcement agencies to keep visitors safe. It takes 2-3 weeks of planning before race weekends to coordinate security efforts at the speedway, Perry said. But among law-enforcement and public safety personnel, he said, all of the people have worked together over there for years and know each other, their responsibilities and security measures, so they are able to carry out their duties effectively. Go to the race, enjoy it and feel safe, Eanes said. Theres going to be good weather. Its going to be a good time. Mostly sunny skies are expected to prevail on Saturday and Sunday, with high temperatures in the upper 50s to mid-60s, according to the National Weather Service. A Virginia state trooper was fatally shot and his attacker killed by officers who returned fire Thursday afternoon at Richmonds Greyhound bus station, where the state police were conducting a training exercise, the agencys top officer said. Two women, one a track athlete from Binghamton (N.Y.) University headed to the College of William and Mary for a meet, suffered injuries that were described as not life-threatening. Virginia State Police Superintendent W. Steven Flaherty told reporters at an evening briefing that trooper Chad P. Dermyer, 37, died from his wounds after being taken to VCU Medical Center following the 2:40 p.m. attack. Police had earlier announced that the gunman also died at the hospital. Dermyer, a Marine Corps veteran and native of Jackson, Mich., graduated from the state police academy in 2014 and had been transferred to a counter-terrorism and criminal interdiction unit after serving on patrol in the Newport News and Hampton areas. A former Jackson and Newport News police officer, Dermyer was married with two children. This has been a tough evening, a tough afternoon, Flaherty said. Its quite a tragedy. Dermyer was in a criminal interdiction training exercise at the bus station with about a dozen other officers who had recently completed classroom instruction when he approached the man and was shot multiple times, Flaherty said. Dermyer and the gunman had been talking only moments before the man drew a firearm, Flaherty said. After shooting Dermyer, the gunman continued firing and moved toward the restaurant area of the bus terminal before officers were able to take him into custody. Why he reacted, why he had a gun in his waistband, we dont know, Flaherty said. The shooter had a history of criminal charges but Flaherty said authorities had not yet determined how many resulted in convictions. He was not immediately identified, pending notification of family. His body was taken to the state medical examiners office. Flaherty said it was too early in the investigation to say who fired the shots that injured the two women. The attackers gun was recovered at the scene. Dermyer was not wearing a protective vest, Flaherty said. The equipment is optional in this case, Flaherty said, and indicated Dermyer may have chosen to not wear one because it was a training exercise. What started as a training mission turned into a massive police presence that drew officers from the city of Richmond, Henrico County, state police, FBI, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the U.S. Marshals Service. Traffic backed up on the Boulevard, a main gateway into the city via the nearby Interstate 95 interchange. At VCU Medical Center, meantime, state police and other law enforcement officials arrived through the afternoon, and no one was allowed in the area other than hospital workers. Four ambulances arrived at the hospital in the immediate aftermath of the shooting. State police spokeswoman Corinne Geller said the department was taking the lead role in the investigation. Flaherty praised the immediate and continuing work of Richmond police and the other agencies. A canine team swept the bus station and interviews began immediately with witnesses. A shaken Richmond City Councilwoman Reva M. Trammell, chairwoman of the councils public safety committee, talked with reporters near the bus station and said the senseless act was one of the saddest days Ive ever seen in the city of Richmond. Mayor Dwight C. Jones was fully briefed on the shooting, said Tammy D. Hawley, the mayors press secretary, and was in constant contact with Police Chief Alfred Durham. Gov. Terry McAuliffes office said the governor was also in contact and offered whatever state resources may be necessary to respond to this situation. McAuliffe described the shooting as a loss that impacts us all. It should inspire prayers for the family, friends and fellow troopers who are mourning tonight, and gratitude for those who protect and serve. Across the busy bus station and commercial area, workers, travelers and others recounted what they heard and saw as the violence broke out. Two workers landscaping at The Diamond where the practicing Virginia Commonwealth University baseball team was taken off the field as a precaution said they saw a man running across the street from the bus station and screaming something. Next a state police trooper pulled up to the scene and then chaos erupted as people started streaming out of the Greyhound building. Reshad Williams, 24, of Washington said he was leaning against a wall outside the bus station when he heard two shots and then almost immediately saw about 10 people run out of the station. He said he sprinted from the area and heard more shots as a growing number of people ran from the terminal in panic. Williams estimated that from the time he heard the first gunshots, police were on the scene within a minute. Craig Kostiuk, 41, of Chesterfield County said he was across the street when he saw about 20 police officers swarm the scene some quickly getting out of the cars with guns drawn. He said an estimated 20 officers then quickly formed a single-file line and went into the main entrance of the building. About two minutes later, Kostiuk said, he saw at least two or three people being taken out of the building on stretchers. Brendan Hamilton, 28, who is visiting Richmond from Baltimore, said he was about to walk into the bus station about 2:50 p.m. when he heard two loud bangs and then started seeing flashes of light along with about five to 10 more banging noises. People began running out of nearly all of the doors of the building, Hamilton said. At this point it became clear to him that shots were being fired, and he sprinted from the scene. The emergency extended across the street to The Diamond, said Todd Parney Parnell, vice president and general manager of the Richmond Flying Squirrels. As soon as officials learned what was going on at the bus station, he said, everyone was pulled inside, including the VCU baseball team that was practicing at the stadium that is also its home field. Pete Woody, public relations and communications manager at neighboring Sports Backers Stadium, said that facility locked its doors and advised anyone with business there to stay away from the area. Greyhound staffs the station with security personnel, but they were not on duty at the time the incident occurred, said Lanesha Gipson, a national Greyhound spokeswoman. Gipson said no employees were injured during the incident. We are fully cooperating with authorities and providing any information they may need, including video surveillance that was captured, she said. Greyhound suspended service at the station indefinitely, rerouted inbound buses to the companys Richmond garage, and offered counseling to employees as well as customers who were at the station at the time of the shootings. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates Greyhound, as it does with all bus operators, but only in regard to the operation and maintenance of the buses, as well as the certification of drivers and oversight of their hours, said spokesman Duane DeBruyne. There are no regulations directly regarding security at the bus stations, he said. Gipson said Greyhound employs security measures at its terminals that include random baggage searches and wanding of travelers to ensure customers dont attempt to bring any items that are not permitted onboard. Security guards and employees always have heightened sensitivity to suspicious behaviors and activity, and will notify local authorities if suspicious behavior or unaccompanied packages are observed, she said. Greyhound said it enforces a zero-tolerance policy on unruly or aggressive customers and prohibited items such as firearms and other weapons, drugs, and alcohol. When prohibited items or unruly customers are observed, security will remove the customer from the property, Gipson said. If need be, they will contact local authorities for assistance. At the evening news conference, Flaherty noted that earlier in the afternoon he had been at a meeting of an international police association and participating in a ceremony to honor officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. Trammell, the city councilwoman, noted with sadness that the attack occurred on the Boulevard, a street with many attractions and one on which the city has pinned many hopes for continued revitalization. Where does this take us now? she asked. Trammell said she spoke with officers at the scene. For us to lose a state trooper, what about their families, their friends? Trammell said. I would never believe this. Staff writers Michael Martz, Ali Rockett, Markus Schmidt, Mike Szvetitz, Eric Kolenich, Ned Oliver, K. Burnell Evans, John Reid Blackwell and Tom Kapsidelis contributed to this report. After being shot and mortally wounded, Curtis Daniel "Duke" Pritchett Sr. told a law enforcement officer the man who shot him was "Weed," a nickname for Dwayne Lamont Lampkins, according to testimony in a murder trial before a judge in Henry County Circuit Court that began Wednesday. Dwayne Lamont "Weed" Lampkins, 34, of 25 Laketree Drive, Martinsville. and cousin Avery "A" Martez Lampkins, 29 of Eden, North Carolina, and formerly of 2970 Horsepasture-Price Road, both are charged with first-degree murder of Pritchett, 55, of 588 Tommy Carter Road, Axton. Both Lampkins men also are charged with use of a firearm during the commission of a felony (murder). In addition, Dwayne Lampkins is charged with possession or transportation of a firearm after being convicted of a violent felony, and Avery Lampkins is charged with possession or transportation of a firearm after having been convicted of a felony more than 10 years ago. Both men pleaded not guilty to all charges. Lt. Mark Davis of the Henry County Sheriffs testified that on March 15, 2015, he was the first police officer to respond to a report of shooting at 250 Price-Hairston Lane, Axton. When he arrived, a screaming female was waiting for him and she led him into the back yard, downhill to a wood line. A distance downhill in the woods was a man (Pritchett) lying in a fetal position, rocking back and forth. Davis said he moved toward the man and heard him moaning and groaning. The man was lying on his right side. Davis said, at one point, after public safety and EMS personnel arrived, the man grabbed Davis and said "Dont die. Dont let me die." Davis said he asked the man who did this to him and Davis thought the man said, "Wade." Davis said he repeated "Wade," and the man indicated no. The man then said, "Weed." Davis said he responded to the man, "Weed like grass," and the man indicated yes. Assistant Commonwealths Attorney Wayne O. Withers Jr. argued that Pritchetts statement was a dying declaration. (A dying declaration is an exception to the hearsay rule, which prohibits introducing evidence of out-of-court statements by unavailable witnesses. The person making the statement must believe his death is imminent.) Dwayne Lampkins lawyer, Harold E. "Chip" Slate II, argued that Pritchetts statement did not meet the criteria for a dying declaration. Judge David V. Williams ruled in Withers favor. Robert "Bobby Scott" Jr., who at the time of the offense was a shift captain for the Henry County Department of Public Safety and now is Martinsville director of public safety and works part time for Henry County Public Safety, testified that he responded to the scene and observed that Pritchett had a possible gunshot in the left abdominal region just below the navel and a gunshot wound in the right lumbar lower region. Scott said he tried to ask Pritchett about his medical history and who shot him, but Pritchett only responded a few times, saying he couldnt breathe. Scott said he thought Pritchett was taking normal breaths at first, but a short while later he had slow, shallow breathing. Soon he was unable to breathe on his own, had no pulses, CPR was done and other measures taken. Because he was unstable, he could not be flown by air ambulance. He was taken by ambulance to Memorial Hospital in Martinsville. (He was pronounced dead at Memorial Hospital, sheriffs office officials have said previously.) David Lockwood, a flight paramedic for AirCare, who is employed by Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, testified that he recovered a bullet that was on the EMS stretcher after Pritchett was removed from that stretcher. That bullet and several 9 millimeter and .40-caliber shell casings that were found behind the mobile home at 250 Price-Hairston Lane were sent to state labs for analysis, according to testimony. Dr. Gayle Suzuki, assistant chief medical examiner for the medical examiners office in Roanoke, testified that a bullet entered Pritchetts lower back on the right side near the hip and exited the front abdomen on the left side. The bullet went from back to front, right to left with no significant up or down motion, as it passed through Pritchetts body. The bullet passed through a blood vessel and some abdominal organs, and Pritchett "bled out," meaning blood loss was his demise. Wendy Gibson, of the Department of Forensic Science, testifying as a firearms and tool mark identification expert, said the three .40-caliber shell casings that were submitted for analysis were fired from the same gun and that the five .9-millimeter Remington luger shell casings were fired from the same gun. Investigator Chris Ashley of the Henry County Sheriffs Office testified that in addition to shell casings that were found in the yard at 250 Price-Hairston Lane, some items were found inside the home, including drug paraphernalia (plastic baggies, a spoon and other items) and residue (he didnt recall what type residue), and a baggy containing green plant material all of which were not tested. Also, a holster was found, but it was not tested. Laurie "LG" Burger testified that she was babysitting an infant child for a friend at 250 Price-Hairston Lane (her boyfriend, Mike, was still at home). Pritchett was on the premises and then went to the store. While he was gone, Dwayne and Avery Lampkins and a male whose name she didnt knowcame looking for Pritchett. Shortly thereafter, Pritchett arrived, and the two defendants got in a heated argument with Pritchett about where the money was, Burger said. Pritchett said at one point, "I didnt take your money." She said Dwayne Lampkins, had a gun but wasnt pointing it at anyone and told Pritchett to "come outside and take your medicine. Im not going to kill you." Burger said Mike told her to get the infant child outside and to safety, and then they took the child to a home a short distance away and came back about five minutes later. When they got back, Dwayne and Avery Lampkins and Pritchett were in the yard arguing, she said. When she was in the house, she heard a single gunshot and Mike told her to check on Pritchett because he might have been shot; however, Pritchett came in the home and said he had not been shot and the bullet went by his leg. Burger said Dwayne and Avery Lampkins and the other male left in a Kia. Later, a woman with the nickname "New York" came to the mobile home, and she and Pritchett went to a back bedroom to talk, Burger said. At some point, Dwayne and Avery Lampkins and a man named Kevin came back to the mobile home, Burger said. They were trying to get Pritchett to give them the money and there was an argument over $2,000, Burger said. A bit later, Burger said, Avery and Dwayne Lampkins, Mike and Kevin were outside the mobile home, Pritchett was inside, as was, to her knowledge, New York, and Avery Lampkins hollered, "Hes coming out the back." "I heard, Dwayne say, Oh no, he aint," Burger said. She said Avery and Dwayne Lampkins each was holding a gun and went into the backyard. Burger said she heard one shot when Avery had gotten around the mobile home heading for the backyard and then a barrage of shots "lots and lots and lots of shots" when Dwayne went around the trailer heading for the backyard. She said she did not actually see the shooting. After the shooting stopped and Dwayne and Avery came from behind the mobile home, she asked where Pritchett was and Dwayne said, "He went in the woods," and Avery said, "The (expletive) shouldnt have run," Burger said. She said Dwayne and Avery had guns in their hands. No one else but the two of them came from behind the mobile home, she said. She said it sounded like 10-12 shots, and she believed it was two guns because one was louder. She said Dwayne and Avery Lampkins and Kevin all left, and she went to check on Pritchett. She said Mike and New York eventually left too. Burger said at various points she checked on Pritchett. At one point, Pritchett said, "Dont say anything. I did it. Im sorry." She added, "He cried out for his mother, his uncle and God." He asked her not to leave him, Burger said. When police were at the scene, Burger said, "Dwayne Lampkins called her on the phone and asked her what was going on. She told him she didnt know. "He stated to me, I wasnt there. And I knew that. It scared the hell out of me, sir," Burger testified. Burger admitted that much of what she told a 911 dispatcher when Burger reporting the shooting was a lie, and that she gave false statements to police the first two times. Burger testified she gave a truthful statement after officers brought in Mike, who told her Pritchett didnt deserve to die like that and over that. She said she has been telling the truth ever since. Burger said she lied at first because she was afraid for her life and that years ago, when she lived in Florida, "I helped police put a very bad man in jail." Because of that, someone tried to kill her, she said. "There are laws of justice and there are laws of street justice." Burger admitted she has been convicted of more than 10 felonies and has been convicted of offenses involving lying, cheating or stealing. Kevin Darel Preston, who was charged with accessory after the fact in the case, testified that he was with Avery and Dwayne Hairston the first time they went to the mobile home at 250 Price-Hairston Lane, that "Weed (Dwayne) was looking for his money," that Pritchett said he didnt have it, that there was a small altercation, and that Preston and Avery tried to hold Dwayne back. At one point, Dwayne and Pritchett walked around the mobile home outside, and Preston heard one shot, Preston said. Dwayne told Preston later, after they had left, "I believe I missed him." Preston testified that later he, Dwayne and Avery Lampkins and another man went back to at 250 Price-Hairston Lane, that Weed (Dwayne) asked about the money, that Weed had a gun with him. Preston said he and Avery wrestled with him. At one point, Avery and Weed came outside and Pritchett didnt, Preston said. Preston said he heard someone holler and Avery and Weed ran around the back of the mobile home. "I heard gunshots, sounded like 10 gunshots, real quick," Preston said, Juanita "New York" Bumpher testified that she was at the mobile home at 250 Price-Hairston Lane when Weed and Avery Lampkins, Preston and another person arrived, and there was an argument Weed said Pritchett had gotten his money. A bit later, she said, Pritchett went to a bedroom, but when she went to that room, Pritchett was not there and a window that had been closed was now open. She said he didnt go out the back door. Shortly after that, when she was in the living room, she heard about four or five gunshots and one sounded a little louder than the others. Five of the six candidates running for Republican Rep. Robert Hurt's vacated seat talked about why they decided to run for the 5th District House of Representatives seat at a candidate forum in Brookneal on Friday night. A sixth candidate, Democrat Jane Dittmar, did not attend the forum, organized by Conner Francis, a student at William Campbell High School. Early in the forum held at the Brookneal Community Building, Francis said he watched a similarly formatted forum in 2014 and wanted to try it for this race. All five candidates who attended are running on a Republican ticket. Dozens of people sat in the audience to hear how the candidates plan to distinguish themselves and what their views are on national issues. Candidates gave opening and closing statements and answered resident-submitted questions on topics ranging from Planned Parenthood funding to government bureaucracy. All the candidates considered themselves public servants, not politicians. Andrew Griffin, 28, of Lynchburg, has not held public office but cited his experience working as a congressional staffer on Capitol Hill and co-founded the Republican chapter at Lynchburg College. When asked what the candidates had accomplished in the past five years, security analyst Michael Del Rosso said he worked with advisors regarding the Benghazi attacks. He said, "we were warned of terror." "I spent my every ... moment defending our nation," said Navy veteran Joseph Whited, 36. State Sen. Thomas A. Garrett Jr., R-Buckingham, spent the past five days at the General Assembly in Richmond, he said. On the topic of student loan debt, multiple candidates said the federal government should not be in charge of loan programs and placed emphasis on students pursuing degrees that allow them to get good paying jobs. "I don't have a degree, done pretty well for myself," Bedford businessman Jim McKelvey said. All the candidates were against funding Planned Parenthood for the purpose of abortions. Whited said a bill can be crafted in such a way it does not fund abortions but does "continue to take care of women." Candidates were asked if President Barack Obama had the right and duty to nominate a replacement for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. All the candidates agreed Obama has the right to make a nomination, and the Senate has the right to deny that nomination. A question was asked how the U.S. should handle the Syrian refugee crisis. The candidates all said the immigration issue in the U.S. should be the first priority. Garrett cited a large percentage of immigrants are on governmental assistance, such as welfare. McKelvey said the immigration system should be shut down first until "we know every person in this country." Griffin responded to a separate question by saying "no cost is too high to secure the border." Del Russo said it's in the Constitution the U.S. should protect itself from invasions. Republican leaders in the 5th District will pick a candidate for their party's nomination in a convention May 14 for this year's 5th District Congressional race. Although the eventual Republican nominee for Virginias Fifth Congressional District will be chosen by party convention in May, the public had its first chance Wednesday to see the five GOP candidates make their case for the nomination. Hosted by the University of Virginias Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, the seven total candidates currently vying to succeed retiring Rep. Robert Hurt were invited to participate in the public forum. Democrat Jane Dittmar, the former Albemarle County Board of Supervisors chairwoman who is expected to earn her partys nomination, and independent candidate Mitchell P. Bupp were unable to attend. All five Republican candidates Sen. Tom Garrett Jr., R-Buckingham; businessman Jim McKelvey; technology executive Michael Del Rosso; former congressional intern Andrew Griffin; and congressional intelligence adviser Joseph Whited participated in the forum. We feel its important for members of the community to hear directly from people who have an opportunity to represent us, panel moderator Gerald Warburg, a UVa professor, said. This promises to be one of the most consequential elections of our lifetime. The House, the Senate, the presidency and the majority on the Supreme Court seem to be at stake. Moderated by Warburg and Batten School Dean Allan C. Stam, the questions focused on foreign and domestic policy. Most of the panel discussion delved into defense spending, international relations, federal entitlements and agencies and other hot-button issues areas most of the candidates had similar viewpoints rooted in fiscal conservatism and constitutional preservation. Answering the questions posed to them, the candidates drew upon their professional and personal experiences to emphasize their political philosophies and merits. Garrett, an armed forces veteran and former prosecutor who has served in the General Assembly since 2012, applauded his colleagues on the panel but distinguished himself as an established statesman. Theres one primary difference: theres only one person on this stage that has won an election, beaten a Democrat, passed a bill [and] repealed a bill, he said. I believe Im the most qualified and ready to serve again. Whited, who is also a veteran, played up similar qualities, particularly from his experience working for the House Armed Services Committee as an intelligence adviser. I am the one person on the stage who has written legislation on Capitol Hill. Ive seen bills pass the House and the Senate and then get signed into law by the president, Whited said. The simple matter of fact is Im the only one in this race who will be ready on Day One and will be a highly effective congressman. Del Rosso, who is also a national security analyst, said hed work to improve national security by holding Democrats and Republicans accountable and shining a light on the nations foreign policy. There are people who dont understand weve changed sides in the War on Terror, Del Rosso said. The media and Congress didnt notice, but I sure did. And I want to do something about it. McKelvey, a Bedford County real estate developer who is making his second run for Congress, said he plans to retire soon but hopes to become a representative who will reduce the size of government. My wife and I have decided that we are going to Washington, D.C., because we are fed up with with the Senate and the Republicans and the Democrats in Congress, he said. I want to see sovereignty returned to the states. Griffin, who at 28 is the youngest candidate in election, said he is running in hopes of representing younger citizens who are starting to participate in the economy and will inherit the legacy of contemporary political decisions. The Republican Party is so fragmented it used to be inclusive, Griffin said. It was Republicans who abolished slavery, pushed the idea for womens suffrage and achieved civil rights in the 60s. Ive worked on Capitol Hill and on political campaigns, he added. A lot of the issues that are most important right now, Im going through, too. RICHMOND Time is running out for those who want to help choose the Republican nominee for the 5th Congressional District. The largest district in Virginia, which includes many of the counties surrounding Lynchburg, chose to pick its nominee for the Nov. 8 general election by convention. The candidate will face Democrat Jane Dittmar, a former Albemarle County supervisor, to replace Republican Rep. Robert Hurt, who declined to seek another term. In a convention system, each local party committee sends a designated number of delegates to a convention, which is set for May 14 at Nelson County High School. Each localitys votes are calculated by combining its Republican votes in the previous presidential and gubernatorial elections so as to weight them by the partys local influence. That number is then divided by 250, said 5th District Chairwoman Lynn Tucker. Weve got counties that have high populations. Weve got counties with low populations. Weve got counties that are really strong Republican and some that arent, Tucker said. While some counties dont generally field the number of delegates seats they have available, they still get an equal number of votes. If the county has 100 votes and 50 delegates, each counts as two at convention. If they have 50 votes and 100 delegates each counts as a half. Delegates must be registered voters in the county they wish to represent. The five-way race for the GOP nod has candidates crossing the vertical middle of the commonwealth searching for sympathetic or swayable delegates at unit meetings, forums, fundraisers and banquets. The mass meetings, held by each party, already are under way. Pittsylvania will hold its mass meeting today. Nelson Countys is on Monday. The deadline to run for delegate in those counties has passed. Those who live in Campbell County may apply for delegate by Thursday for the mass meeting set for at 10 a.m. March 5 at Tree of Life Ministries sanctuary. All localities in the 5th hold their delegate election by mass meeting, except for Fauquier County, which holds a canvas or firehouse primary, Tucker said. More information is available at the Republican Party of Virginia website, RPV.org. SPRINGFIELD - Dress for Success of Western Massachusetts honored agencies from throughout the region at its recent breakfast. The event will include a celebration of all the partners who have impacted Dress For Success' achievements throughout the year, as well as a presentation of awards for Referring Agency of the Year and Volunteer of the Year. Dr. Robert J. Roose, vice president of addiction and recovery services. Sisters of Providence Health System was the guest speaker. Honored were the team from Human Resource Unlimited, Dress For Success volunteer of the year Jenifer Brown of United Personnel. Dress for Success of Western Massachusetts is on a mission to promote the economic independence of all women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. For more information on Dress for Success, visit www.westernmass.dressforsuccess.org. Those in attendance at the event were asked to bring an item of professional woman's clothing to donate. GratefulDeadPosteruse.jpg Holyoke based Hazen Paper has been recognized for its work on this poster. (Photo Provided) HOLYOKE -- Hazen Paper Company, demonstrating the enormous potential of transfer-metallized custom holography, brought home an award for a limited-edition collectible poster at the 2016 annual management meeting of the Association of International Metallizers, Coaters and Laminators held last month in California. The win was announced this week in a news release. The 50th anniversary "Fare Thee Well" Grateful Dead poster earned a technical award in the decorative/display category. Hazen created a large-format 18-inch x 24-inch three-dimensional hologram for Good Thoughts Printing of Boulder, Colorado to add psychedelic effect to the poster designed by Mike DuBois of Woodstock, New York. Multiple holographic techniques accented individual elements of the complex artwork, which features the skeleton of Uncle Sam riding a motorcycle down a golden road, a vintage Volkswagen bus, pyramids and other symbols suggested by song lyrics. Hazen-Lens delivered greater three-dimensional Fresnel-lens-like effects on the sun, the skull and the motorcycle. This technique was combined with rainbow holography, 2-channel holography, white-motion holography and micro-text holography in a single-write master design without recombination or shim lines. The .10-inch, coated-2-side solid bleached sulfate (SBS) substrate was transfer-metallized with Hazen Envirofoil, which features Ultracure coating for enhanced printability and provides essential lay-flat stay-flat properties. A.M. Lithography, of Chicopee, printed the posters using UV-cure inks. Judges deemed it atotally gorgeous,a and observed that the range of holographic techniques contributed to its visual impact: athe pyramids stand out; the motorcycle light is a beacon. Plus, the transfer-metallized SBS lays really flat. According to Hazen President John Hazen: "It was a terrific opportunity for our holographic artists to apply varied techniques for mind-blowing results. The fact that it is recyclable as paper? Collectors may not even realize it, but itas a nice salute to the environmental movement that really picked up steam in the sixties. And, as a company, it is important to us. Hazen noted further that Envirofoil requires less than 95 percent of the aluminum used by traditional foil or film laminate; Hazen Paper's metallizing process is powered by sustainable energy sources." Founded in 1925, Hazen Paper Company is an innovative paper converter specializing in holographic origination, film coating, foil and paper lamination, metallizing, gravure printing, specialty coating and rotary embossing. Headquartered in Holyoke, with additional satellite facilities in Osgood, IN, and Housatonic. Hazen produces specialty materials (paper, film, holographic masters) for worldwide use in box making (folding carton and set-up box), label making (pressure-sensitive and cut and stack), scratcha-off lottery and other security-related tickets, tags, and cards (gift, game, trading, greeting, blister), as well as fine art applications. SPRINGFIELD - Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C., the leading labor and employment law firm serving employers in the greater Springfield area, today announced that Partner Susan G. Fentin will be honored at The Western New England Law Review and Alumni Relations Reception with the Law School's Distinguished Law Review Alumni Award. Attorney Fentin graduated magna cum laude from Western New England University School of Law in 1996, where she was editor-in-chief of The Western New England College Law Review. She has been selected to the Super Lawyer's list since 2008, and since 2010, she has been named one of the top labor and employment attorneys in Massachusetts by the prestigious Chambers and Partners rating organization. In 2015, she was named one of the Top Women of Law by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. A resident of Conway, Attorney Fentin joined Skoler, Abbott and Presser, P.C., in 1999 after practicing for several years with the Labor and Employment department of a large Hartford, Connecticut law firm; she was made a partner of the firm in 2004. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Fentin has also made community service a high priority. She is a past board member and past president of WFCR-New England Public Radio, The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, and Riverside Industries, in addition to serving on the board of The Academy of Music Theatre. "I am deeply honored to be recognized by The Western New England University Law Review," said Attorney Susan G. Fentin. "The Western New England Law Review has a long-standing reputation of developing strong legal research and writing skills, and I am proud to return to celebrate the many achievements of the law review alumni as a whole." As the West debates federal lands policy, a new report questions the assertion that federal lands hurt local economies. Instead, Headwaters Economics finds that more federal land in a county correlates with larger populations and more jobs. By Tim Marema Full Story: http://www.dailyyonder.com/counties-with-more-federal-land-fare-better-study-says/2016/03/31/12249/ At Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), our work intersects with many of these issues, such as investments in early childhood and support for minority business owners. Others, such as broadband, transportation and local government aid, are important to us insofar as they lay the groundwork for the economic development goals we work toward. Below are some issues I would encourage you to keep your eye on. As we work together for more vibrant rural communities, engaged and educated residents have always been foundational to carrying out the mission of the Foundation. By Tim Penny Full Story: http://www.mankatofreepress.com/opinion/opportunities-for-rural-minnesota/article_00ea1516-f5fd-11e5-aec5-df35fa66f0b5.html Chicken will be the best-positioned protein due to its low price position in times of pressure on consumer spending power but rises in production costs and the long-term impact of COVID-19 threaten to disrupt the sector, according to Rabobank. Medtronic is launching the NURO System for treating people with overactive bladder who experience urinary urgency, urinary frequency, and urge incontinence. The device, originally developed by Advanced Uro-Solutions, a Tennessee company later acquired by Medtronic, sends electrical stimulation pulses to the tibial nerve. This is done by inserting a thin needle into the skin near the ankle and attaching an electrode from the NURO to it. The NURO then sends electric current pulses during thirty minute weekly sessions that are supposed to be administered for twelve weeks. If the therapy wasnt sufficiently effective but showed progress, the patients physician may choose to extend the therapy. The reason the system works is because there seems to be a communication inconsistency between the bladder and the brain that it re-tunes by sending the electric pulses that are simultaneously received by the brain and the bladder. Heres a quick animation showing the usage of the NURO System: Source: Medtronic Strauss Surgical Announces Release of the Cobra Arthroscopic Suture Passer with Integrated Reusable Steel Needle Miami-Based Manufacturer of Endoscopes and Surgical Instrumentation Announces Release and Patent Pending of the Cobra Suture Passer MIAMI, Fla. (Date) Strauss Surgical, a Miami-based manufacturer of endoscopes and surgical instrumentation, recently announced the release and patent pending of the Cobra Suture Passer with an Integrated Reusable Steel Needle. The Cobra is the first arthroscopic mechanical suture passer which performs precise grasping and suture passing without the need for any disposable needle cartridge, due to its Integrated Reusable Steel Needle. Most suture passers use a disposable nitinol needle, which is bent within an instrument in order to pass suture through a tendon. By contrast, the Cobra uses a proprietary hardened stainless steel alloy to form a curved needle in its natural state. After six years of research and development, we are pleased to have completed the design and development of the first arthroscopic mechanical suture passer which does not require a disposable needle. Standard suture passers normally use disposable nitinol needles that need to be bent in order to pass through tendons. These disposable needles are expensive and are prone to breaking off inside the joint space, said Charlie Bourland, President of Strauss Surgical. The Cobra is the first suture passer with an Integrated Reusable Steel Needle made out of a hardened proprietary stainless steel alloy. In addition to performance improvements, the Cobra will reduce procedure costs by as much as 17 percent. There are several major clinical needs which are being met with the Cobra, including safety and performance. Regarding safety, there have been many adverse events reported to the FDA of nitinol needles breaking off into the patients joint space, which is often times, unrecoverable. The Cobras needle technology is naturally curved, does not need to be bent, and has an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) far superior than nitinol. The Cobra performs better than nitinol in passing through the tendon in certain difficult cases such as calcified rotator cuff tendons or thick cuffs. Finally, nitinol needles are prone to oblique migration through a fibrous tendon, but the Cobras needle is precise with no migration. An additional benefit of the Cobra is cost savings. The cost of using disposable nitinol needles is normally between $165 and $200 per rotator cuff repair surgery. As a percentage of the total cost for a rotator cuff repair, this represents a whopping 9-17% of the total facility case cost depending on the number of suture anchors used. In fact, the needle is the second largest cost behind the shoulder anchor implant. As such, the Cobra can help save millions of dollars for healthcare facilities worldwide. Finally, the Cobra is a green technology, eliminating medical waste and reducing inventory costs. About Strauss Surgical Strauss Surgical is an innovative manufacturer of endoscopes and specialty surgical instrumentation. Our product line includes Strauss Optiks Autoclavable HD endoscopes and instrumentation used in arthroscopy, laparoscopy and urological procedures. For more information, please visit http://www.straussurgical.com/, email sales@straussurgical.com, or call 305-436-0599. by Jack Loechner , Staff Writer @mp_research, March 31, 2016 According to the State of Social Engagement 2016 report from Lithium Technologies, to examine the effectiveness of social engagement with customers by brands, the results are alarming, with only two percent of brands consistently responding to customers' online posts and less than 40% ever engaging with follower content. Combining hard numbers with human analysis, the State of Social looks at eight industries and 85 Fortune 1000 companies to determine how strategic and effective brands are across their social communities and channels. Rob Tarkoff, President and CEO of Lithium Technologies, says that "Simply having a presence on social does not automatically mean you are getting it right the promise of social for brands has always been the chance to directly engage with customers but (the study) show(s) most brands and industries are coming up short Lithium has been devoted to helping brands develop better relationships with their customers via online, on-domain communities and social customer service platforms, and the study was undertaken to gain insights into the most effective methods to accomplish this mission. The resultant data contains interesting stories about the state of social as a community platform and what that tells us about engagement, customer experiences and relationships. The report uncovers proven better relationships where engage, inspire, educate and interact with customers in online communities and across social channels drive better revenue, increase customer satisfaction/loyalty and create cost savings. The result is embracing a total community approach that puts the customer at the center of every touchpoint they have with your brand. It combines the power of online community, social channels, and brand experts to create more responsive, compelling and satisfying experiences for customers. This total community approach (online community, social channels, and brand experts) is growing, says the report. Social usage is becoming just a normal way of life for many (70% of people in the US use social), and brands are investing in social, with Forrester Research forecasting that US marketers alone will spend $15.5 billion on social marketing in 2016. According to a Nielsen study, 93% of business leaders say their company is adapting well to digital transformation, but the authors of this report feel otherwise. Though three-fourths of online Americans in 2016 expect a response to their query within the same day, and in 2014, only two-thirds expected that. Only 2% of brands consistently respond to customers posts according to the study. In addition: 95% of brands are stuck in broadcast mode - not engaging customers on social channels Less than 40% of brands ever ask questions of their followers (39%) or engage with follower content (35%) The report examines these storylines, shares key findings and brings context to the data to raise the art of Total Community to a new level. To understand how brands engaged with their communities, the study looked at six channels including: Appropriate use of channel Active community management Content quality as an engagement asset Engagement Collaboration with influencers Amplification tactics Key Findings According to the Report Smart brands are starting to use their full social ecosystem to aggregate and link to deeper community content. This results in the leverage of both the community and social experience. It also facilitates the appropriate and best use of each channel while still sharing across the entire community/social ecosystem. Community Management Brands primarily use their social ecosystem to broadcast and push content. Few take the time to recognize contributors, answer questions, reply to service issues or ask for feedback or opinions. These have been established community best practices for over a decade. Some respond with such obvious rote answers that the human voice of community is replaced by a robotic one. Personalization The study analysts looked for evidence of personalization as an important return motivator. Though 92% of CMOs believe that personalized experiences will drive value, shorten sales cycles and deepen affinity, personalized experiences were almost nonexistent, says the report. The only place where there was any evidence was in the online communities. Many brands use personalization as an ad targeting strategy and fail to provide content and experiences tied to a consumers profile information and channel behavior. Most brands did a great job of posting beautiful and compelling visual content that reflected the brand essence or showed the product within a lifestyle context. Only 6%, however, took the opportunity to tell a deeper story through the use of sequential posts. This is an emerging best practice where small bites of content are de riguer. Influencer Collaboration Very few brands did a good job of influencer collaboration, says the report. Influencer co-creation helps amp up sharing and opens the brand to exposure among the influencers followings. It also presents the opportunity to feature the brand more contextually and see it through the fresh perspective of the influencer. The most successful influencer content (high volume of views and likes) featured the influencer using the product in a way that would resonate with their audience. Use of Video With a few exceptions, brands have not yet optimized their video strategy, as most use YouTube as a broadcast channel with low engagement. In many instances, viewership was high, but very few used embedded links to drive to a deeper conversation or to poll viewers, according to the report. A very small percentage of viewers liked the video or left comments. Only a handful of brands exposed live streaming on their channels or invited people to participate in a virtual event. Less than 20% of brands had high engagement on YouTube. In contrast, a high percentage of brands embedded videos in their social channels. Facebook had 74% of brands that embedded videos in their posts, followed by 62% that embedded videos in their tweets. 68% included a link to a CTA in their video posts. Online Communities Technology, telecommunications and retail are examples of industries that use their communities to drive deeper understanding about their products and provide answers to consumers service issues. Others, however, have not widely embraced online communities and are abdicating part of their community mission to third-parties. The same phenomenon occurs in the media industry, where only one brand included a community in its ecosystem, says the report. Conclusion Concluding, the report says that its time for brands to up the ante on the experiences they offer consumers across their social ecosystems. It is no longer enough to push relevant, entertaining or educational content. While this is important, it does little to actually engage customers or offer a consumer a reason to love a brand. The study finds that truly engaged brands offer outstanding social customer service and knock their socks off experiences. Just posting is not enough to get consumers to care or come back. Consumers quickly abandon these social wastelands in favor of brands which demonstrate a sense of collaboration and belonging. This is when consumers sense a commitment from the brand to their needs and preferences. The brands that did well in the study shared some common traits: Included links to places where the consumer could more deeply engage with the brand. Offered a diverse content mix that focused on inspiring, educating and showcasing the brand as a lifestyle. Interacted with their consumers instead of simply pushing content. For more detail from Lithium Technologies, please visit here. by Steve McClellan @mp_mcclellan, March 31, 2016 Red Peak Branding has promoted Susan Cantor to CEO. She replaces James Fox, who is leaving the agency. Cantor, the former CEO of Interpublics Lowe New York, joined Red Peak nine months ago as president. Cantor is credited with leading Red Peak Branding to a number of new account wins, including investment banking and asset management firm William Blair & Co. Said Red Peak founder Michael Birkin, to whom Cantor reports: Shes been a key contributor to Red Peaks significant growth over the past year, he added, noting that she had helped the agency grow organically in addition to leading the firm to new business wins. Birkin sold Red Peak Group to Hakuhodo DY Holdings in 2014 when the Japan-based ad-marketing holding company formed a unit called the kyu collective which Birkin now oversees with a mandate to expand the business. Last year the company acquired Canadian ad shop Sid Lee. Cantor built her career at Lowe New York and its predecessor agencies, becoming president in 2004 and then CEO a year later. After leaving Lowe, she pursued entrepreneurial endeavors, notably as partner and COO of global strategic innovation firm Thinktopia. Birkin formed Red Peak six years ago with Intel as its charter client. While the agency prospered, Cantor noted, she joined with a mandate to boost its business development, or hunting gene as she put it. In addition to new business, Cantor has focused on ways that the agency can grow organically. She cited Acer as one example, whose business is now consolidated with the agencys Taipei office where Acer is based. Red Peak Brandings other office, and headquarters, is in New York. Currently, Cantor said, there are no plans to add other offices; instead shell focus on growing the two existing operations, while exploring potential synergies within the broader Red Peak Group which also has offices in Los Angeles, London and Rio di Janeiro. Cantor said that she will also continue to hone several of the agencys offerings including its strategy /positioning and naming practices (Red Peak partnered with MTV to create a name for the post-Millennial Generation), while developing new offerings as well. Shes been instrumental in building out the firms Red Peak Youth (RPY) operation which it launched in 2014. Its dedicated to connecting marketers with Millennials. Pfizer engaged Red Peak Youth for brand strategy work on Chapstick; the History Channel used it for brand strategy work. Last year, Cantor oversaw the development of the firms Y-Value Analytics process, a tool designed to help marketers understand how they are perceived by Millennials and to help clients strengthen ties to the demographic. by Laurie Sullivan , Staff Writer @lauriesullivan, March 31, 2016 Google and Microsoft are banking on voice technology, each with their own vision, but both squarely heading to become the operating system for the Internet of Things (IoT). Nat and Lo, as part of their 20% project at Google, search the company's campus to learn more about new stuff they are curious about. This time they're curious about the team creating a new computer voice for the Google mobile search app, which kicks off by an "OK Google." The voices are made by someone recording thousands and thousands of sentences. Out of all those sentences and sounds they contain a voice is made. The group strings together the smallest units of sound that can become meaning, such as "lack" and "slack," and combines them in new ways to create speech. It changes the word by adding or swapping one sound for another or combining them in new ways. The recordings are stored in a database. When they are needed the platform searches out the sounds and stitches them together. The biggest challenge today in search synthesis is prosody and intonation -- the way the tones rise and fall, rhythm and melody, per Nat and Lo. Inflection and pitch matters. The new voice will become a combination -- pieces of recordings and units of speech, but the real push points to developing the technology that supports devices connected through the Internet of Things (IoT). Google is not the only one pushing to improve voice search or voice as the operating system for the IoT. One report suggests that voice, Cortana technology, is the underlying technology behind everything Microsoft is doing at its Build conference this week in San Francisco. "The next version of Windows 10, due out this summer, will be all about voice," writes Dana Blankenhorn, aside from the embarrassment over its Tay chat bot on Twitter. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella sees voice "bots" as the applications that make the Cortana technology indispensable, according to Blankenhorn. "Voice bots are the Word and Excel that turn Cortana into the next Windows," he wrote. by Thom Forbes @tforbes, March 31, 2016 At an invitation-only gala on the Space X campus in Hawthorne, Calif., this evening, Elon Musk will take the wraps off the Tesla Model 3, the long-range, all-electric vehicle that with an entry price of $35,000 is purportedly for the masses. The Model 3 will test whether a much broader swath of the American car market is ready to make the leap to electrics, writes Chris Woodyard for USA Today. This is a game changer for Tesla, AutoPacific president George Peterson tells him. They have to go for higher volume and really stretch. In a piece that runs down what we do and, more predominantly, dont know about the Model 3, which Tesla has successfully kept a lid on, CNNMoney.coms Chris Isidore writes: The Model 3 will be more like Tesla's Model S sedan than its Model X crossover. But the company has kept the design under wraps. It definitely won't have the distinctive falcon wing doors of the Model X. He also reminds us that Musk said in February that Tesla might hold back on some features for the Model 3 to get the car to market faster, having learned a lesson with the much-delayed Model X SUV. Not that it wont be facing stiff competition even if it does meet its deadlines. Forget about old grudge matches like Chevrolet vs. Ford or Honda vs. Toyota. The fight brewing between General Motors and Tesla Motors is shaping up to be nastier, writes Bloombergs David Welch. Specifically, GMs Chevy Bolt, although Musk has been dismissive of those claims, saying the Model 3 is really competing with the likes of the BMW 3 Series or Audi A4. But observers arent letting him off that easy. The Bolt, expected to retail at $37,500 with a similar 200-mile-or-so range, will be the Model 3s one great challenge, writes Charles Fleming for the Los Angeles Times. Though the company now will say only that the car will be in production this year, it is generally assumed that the Bolt (from a company that has already had success with its hybrid plug-in electric Volt) will be on the market before Tesla's Model 3. But retail sales are not the only source of sales for the Model 3, points out David Kiley for Forbes. Electric cars are viewed as a key factor in the rise of ride-sharing services, Kiley writes, citing a research report by Sam Jaffe, a tech analyst at Cairn Energy Research Advisers. Tesla Motors will become a major player in the car-sharing market, Jaffe predicts, saying it controls both the vehicle technology and has the software development capabilities to control the software platform that would be at the heart of such a service. Meanwhile, customers were lining up around the world to put down a deposit on the vehicle even though they wont roll off the assembly line until December 2017 (if all goes according to plan, which has famously not been the case for Tesla so far). If you were to take a really serious, old-school iPhone launch day with big lines in front of Apple Stores, but substitute a $35,000-plus giant gadget in place of a phone, you'd get Tesla Model 3 pre-order day. It's getting real out there, writes Chris Ziegler for The Verge. I got here just before 10 a.m. today so about 24 hours ahead of time, Sebastian Vollering told KTVU outside the Tesla store in Walnut Creek, Calif. He then laid out the reasons he wants one: They represent the energy future, independence from foreign oil, sustainability when it comes to transportation, and theyre all American made. But theres more to it than American pride. Andreas Stephens was sitting outside the Tesla Showroom on Sydneys Lower North Shore in Artarmon 48 hours before hed be able to put down his $1,500 Aussie dollars even though he doesnt even have a garage. Yet. Ive got two years to build one, he tells EFTM.com. If you were not invited to the event this evening, fret not. It will be live-streamed here. Know that youre about to experience history, crows Teslarati.com. The big question after tonight, though, will be when, exactly. by Philip Rosenstein , Staff Writer, March 31, 2016 Every week there is something unbelievable that comes out of Donald Trumps mouth. In an incredible moment of blatant disregard for history and centuries of warfare, Trump undermined the long-standing treaties of the Geneva Conventions. With its first iteration signed over a century ago in 1864, The Conventions outline guidelines for the treatment of prisoners of war, both civilian and military, and affords protections to the sick and wounded. The most recent updated Geneva Convention, signed in 1949 following the Second World War, has now been ratified by 196 countries. What Donald Trump said yesterday afternoon, at a rally in Wisconsin, shows utter disrespect for human rights and human dignity: The problem is we have the Geneva Conventions, all sorts of rules and regulations, so the soldiers are afraid to fight. A century and a half ago, European powers came together to minimize the human disaster caused by warfare. Following the Holocaust and civilian massacres of the Second World War, the world joined together to help prevent further atrocities. While the Geneva Conventions havent stemmed bloodshed around the world, the provisions against torture are crucial to upholding human rights and dignity as a nation. The issue was argued in front of the U.S. Supreme Court in 2006, when the Bush administration attempted to show that the Conventions did not apply to the conflict with al-Qaeda and the Taliban. The arguments were rejected by the Court. Now in 2016, we seem to have regressed decades, if not centuries, in terms of morality, justice and basic decency. The current GOP front-runner has told the world that if he becomes president, he wouldn't think twice about killing the families of enemy combatants and that he would bring back a hell of a lot worse than waterboarding. Even ignoring the vast array of dangerous rhetoric from Trump and just focusing on his approach to conflicts and international norms, one cant help but be appalled by his gall. Pull it all together, and we can use a Trump quote from yesterdays rally in Appleton, Wisconsin: Nobody has seen anything like this ever. You got that right, Donald. by Jess Nelson , March 31, 2016 Research firm MarketsandMarkets predicts the global email encryption market will be valued at $4.2 billion by 2020, with an estimated compound annual growth rate of 23.5%. Rising from $1.5 billion in 2015, the email encryption market will effectively triple in five years due to the modernization of technology in the sector and demands for the adoption of standards and privacy rules. Additional growth factors include a growing demand for cloud-based services and a rising concern over data theft on both a personal and corporate scale, according to the report. MarketsandMarkets asserts that small and medium enterprises have shown a significantly high adoption rate across verticals as companies turn to email encryption to secure confidential information from theft or loss. The research firm predicts the IT and telecom markets will experience the highest growth rate during the next four years, and emerging markets China, Russia, Japan, Korea and India will also increase their share in the market. One of the largest growth factors in the adoption of email encryption in North American and Europe is the adoption of privacy standards and regulations, such as PCI, DSS and HIPAA. Engineers from a host of technology companies most recently submitted a new proposal to the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) to ensure that all emails are encrypted before they are sent with a new SMTP Strict Transport Security (STS) mechanism. The IETF is a volunteer-based organization devoted to creating better Internet standards. Participating companies in the IETF email encryption proposal include Google, Microsoft, Yahoo, Comcast, LinkedIn and 1&1 Mail & Media Development. A hysterectomy is an operation to remove the uterus, or womb, and sometimes also the cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. It is a common procedure and it is done for a number of reasons. After a hysterectomy, a woman will no longer have periods or be able to carry a pregnancy. If the ovaries are removed, menopause will occur. Fast facts about a hysterectomy A hysterectomy removes the uterus and possibly other nearby organs. It is used to treat cancer or a precancerous condition, excessive bleeding, polyps, and endometriosis. The type of procedure depends on the reason for doing it. Recovery can take several weeks, but symptoms of menopause can last for longer. Reasons for treatment Share on Pinterest A hysterectomy is carried out to remove the uterus, usually to relieve symptoms or to prevent cancer. A womans uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries are located within the pelvis. A hysterectomy can be carried out for several reasons. These include: gynecologic cancers of the cervix, uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes some precancerous gynecologic conditions uterine fibroids or benign uterine growths chronic pelvic pain heavy vaginal bleeding that severely affects a womans quality of life uterine prolapse, where the uterus drops from its location within the pelvis and sits in or out of the vagina endometriosis, in which uterine-like tissue grows in locations other than within the uterus, including the outside of the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, pelvic ligaments, lining of the abdomen, bladder, vagina, rectum, bladder, intestines, appendix and or rectum, or, more rarely in the lungs adenomyosis, where the uterine tissue grows through the uterine wall instead of staying confined to the inner portion of the uterus Types The type of hysterectomy will depend on a range of factors, including the reason for the procedure. Total Hysterectomy: This procedure includes the removal of the uterus and cervix, the part of the uterus where the baby or menstrual blood exits the womb into the vagina. The ovaries and fallopian tubes may or may not also be considered for removal, depending on individual health circumstances. Supracervical, subtotal or partial hysterectomy: The upper portion of the uterus is removed and the cervix is left in place. The ovaries and fallopian tubes may or may not also be considered for removal, depending on individual health circumstances. Radical hysterectomy: This procedure is typically reserved for certain gynecologic cancers, including cervical cancer. During a radical hysterectomy, the uterus, cervix, and other structures are removed. These include the tissue located on the sides of the cervix and the uppermost portion of the vagina. The surgeon may or may not recommend removing the fallopian tubes and ovaries. Removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries The decision to do this depends on several factors, including why the procedure is being performed. In some cases, ovary and fallopian tube removal may be recommended to prevent some ovarian or fallopian tube cancers in women who are at higher risk. Women should speak with their healthcare provider to discuss their individual risks, especially if there is a high chance of developing breast or ovarian cancer. Procedure There are several ways of performing a hysterectomy. Abdominal hysterectomy: The surgeon makes an incision through the abdomen to remove the uterus and possibly other pelvic structures or tissues. Vaginal hysterectomy: The uterus and possibly other structures are removed through an incision at the top of the vagina. Laparoscopic hysterectomy: Small incisions on the abdomen, around 1 to 2 centimeters (cm) long, allow for surgical tools to be used. The surgeon uses a laparoscope, or lighted camera, to view inside the pelvis and evaluate the pelvic organs. The surgeon will remove the uterus and possibly other pelvic organs, for example the fallopian tubes, and ovaries, through small incisions in the upper portion of the vagina or the abdomen. This is also known as a keyhole procedure. Robotic laparoscopic hysterectomy: A robotic arm, controlled by the surgeon, performs the procedure through small incisions. This is associated with shorter healing times and fewer complications than the traditional methods of hysterectomy. It is similar to a laparoscopic hysterectomy. Risks and complications As with any surgical procedure, a hysterectomy involves some risks. These may include: reaction to anesthesia bleeding or hemorrhage damage to surrounding urinary tract, bowel, or other surrounding organs infection blood clots including pulmonary emboli (lung blood clot) vaginal complications, such as prolapse ovarian failure surgically induced menopause if ovaries are removed wound healing issues, including blood clot formation a rectal or urinary tract fistula, where a hole develops between the vagina and the rectum or urinary bladder, increasing the risk of infection bowel obstruction A womans personal risk will be discussed by her surgical team before undergoing surgery. Loss of ability to bear children If a hysterectomy is carried out as a treatment for cancer, for example, it may mean that a woman of childbearing age will be unable to bear children. This can lead to depression. In 2007, researchers found that, in a study of 1,140 premenopausal women who underwent a hysterectomy to treat a benign condition, 10.5 percent wished they could have had a child or more children. The team concluded that: The issue of loss of fertility should be discussed candidly with women considering hysterectomy, and those who express ambivalence, sadness, or regret at the loss of future childbearing options may benefit from further exploration of fertility-sparing treatments. Other options may be available. Alternatives The alternatives to a hysterectomy will depend on the reason for the procedure. These may include: watchful waiting hormone therapy (HT) laser ablation or cryosurgery for uterine fibroids dilation and curettage (D and C) or endometrial ablation for excessive endometrial lining laparoscopy to relieve symptoms of endometriosis In the case of cervical cancer, a more limited procedure known as cervical conization may successfully remove the cancer cells. This can preserve fertility. However, if more cells are detected, further surgery may be necessary. Women should discuss the need for a hysterectomy and possible alternatives with a healthcare provider. Recovery Recovery will depend on the type, extent, and reason for the procedure. A brief hospital stay may be needed. Full recovery can take from 4 to 8 weeks depending on the procedure and the health status of the patient. Some activities, such as heavy lifting, sex, tub bathing, and tampon use may be temporarily advised against. Immediately after the procedure and in the following days or weeks, a woman can expect to experience: pain, which is typically controlled with medication vaginal bleeding and discharge constipation difficulty urinating, in some cases emotional symptoms like grief, depression, or relief If the ovaries are removed, she may start to experience symptoms of menopause. These may continue for weeks or months. Hormone therapy can help relieve the symptoms of menopause and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Melanoma intralesional therapy whether monotherapy or in combination with checkpoint inhibitors is clearly here to stay, concluded a recent debate at the HemOnc Melanoma and Cutaneous Malignancies Annual Meeting in New York. Share on Pinterest Researchers say intralesional therapy whether monotherapy or in combination with checkpoint inhibitors is effective for patients with melanoma. In the debate Merrick Ross, from MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, spoke for the motion Intralesional Monotherapy is here to stay; while Robert Andtbacka, from the Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, opposed it, making a case for combination therapy. Reviewing the spectrum of injectable advanced unresectable disease, Ross described how intralesional therapy could be used for stage 3 B/C regionally metastatic in-transit disease with or without nodal disease; stage M1a (distant skin, soft tissue and nodal metastases); and Stage M1a with low-volume visceral disease. The dual treatment goals, he explained, are locally ablative therapy for local disease control (leading to palliation/symptom control) and the induction of systemic host immune anti-tumor activity. You can deliver high concentrations of drug very easily, providing very good palliation of symptoms and durable control may be curative, said Ross. Ross outlined the three main intralesional therapies: T-VEC (talimogene laherarepvec, Imlygic, OncoVEX): a herpes simplex virus type 1. Phase 3 completed. Already licensed PV-10: a 10% solution of the dye Rose Bengal. Phase 2 trial completed, phase 3 trial ongoing Coxsackie A21 virus [Cavatak, viralytics]: a naturally occurring common cold intracellular adhesion molecules 1(ICAM1) targeted RNA virus. Phase 2 trial completed. Through a variety of mechanisms, each of these agents is able to selectively invade and lyse tumor cells, leading to the release of tumor-derived antigens that ultimately have the ability to potentiate a systemic T cell-mediated anti-tumor response. The oncolytic immunotherapy concept, Ross explained, is part of the cancer immune cycle. You start with ablation of the tumor which would express tumor-derived antigens, then when the tumor is destroyed, you prime dendritic cells to express activated T cells that proliferate and migrate to distant tumors. T-VEC halts metastasis through a form of immune response For the remainder of his presentation Ross focused on T-VEC and PV-10, the two agents for which he had the most clinical experience. In the phase 2 study of PV-10, which took place in 80 patients, a complete response rate of 24% was achieved in both the injected lesions and the uninjected bystander lesions, with a disease control rate (DCR) of 71% for injected lesions and 55% for bystander lesions. To get a good bystander response, patients need to have a good local response, demonstrated by the CR and PR bystander response being 67% for those patients with a strong local response, compared with 5% for those with a negative local response (P<0.0001). For T-VEC in the phase 3 OPTiM trial, 436 patients with injectable, unresectable stage 3B-4 melanoma were randomized 2:1 to T-VEC intralesional injections (n=295) or GM-CSF (n=141). Results showed a durable response rate (defined as an objective response lasting for at least 6 months) was achieved in 16.3% of T-VEC patients vs. 2.1% of GM-CSF patients (P<0.0001). The objective overall response was 26.4% for T-VEC vs. 5.7% for GM-CSF. Furthermore, the risk of developing visceral or bone metastasis was reduced by 59% in patients treated with T-VEC, compared with GM-CSF controls. This suggests some sort of systemic immune response has developed preventing clinical visceral metastases, said Ross. At 12 months, an interim overall survival analysis showed 73.7% of the T-VEC patients had survived versus 69.4% of the GM-CSF patients, indicating a survival trend favoring T-VEC. A subgroup analysis according to disease stage showed Stage 3B/C, 4 M1a patients (HR 0.57) had markedly improved survival in comparison to stage 4 M1b/c patients (HR 1.07) Summarizing the data, Ross said that studies in stage 3B/C melanoma patients have shown that response rates were higher for intralesional therapies than approved systemic immunotherapies. Grade 3-4 adverse event rates were markedly lower for intralesional therapies (T-VEC<2% in comparison to ipilimumab 19%). Introducing checkpoint inhibitors, said Ross, would change toxicity to a different category. I have never seen a pituitary gland disappear or a colon rupture with intralesional therapies, side effects that have been seen with some checkpoint blocking agents, he said. Hepatitis A is a virus that causes infection and inflammation of the liver. It rarely results in serious liver damage or death and does not develop chronic liver disease. Unlike hepatitis B or C, it does not lead to chronic liver disease, but it can result in significant loss of income and absence from work or school. Once a person has had it, they will have immunity. They will never be infected again. The hepatitis A virus (HAV) is more common in areas of low socioeconomic status with a lack of adequate sanitation. It spreads through contaminated food and water or close person-to-person contact. Children often transmit it. Improvements in hygiene, public health policies, water supplies, and, in 1995, the introduction of a vaccine, have reduced the number of cases worldwide. However, outbreaks still occur. In December 2016, a multistate outbreak in the United States (U.S.) that affected 143 people was linked to a batch of frozen strawberries. There were no fatalities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourage vaccination to prevent infection and the spread of the disease. Fast facts on hepatitis A virus: The hepatitis A virus (HAV) was first identified in 1973. HAV can be passed on between people or through contaminated food or water. A person can have HAV without showing symptoms. Infection rates in the United States (U.S.) have declined by over 95 percent since the HAV vaccine first became available in 1995. In 2006, HAV vaccination was added to the routine childhood vaccination schedule in the U.S. Foodborne or waterborne HAV outbreaks are relatively uncommon in the U.S. Symptoms Share on Pinterest Hepatitis A is an acute viral infection that affects the liver. Many people have no symptoms with HAV, but if symptoms appear, it is usually 15 to 50 days after infection. Most adults will experience symptoms similar to the flu. These include: nausea, loss of appetite, and vomiting abdominal pain and diarrhea fever malaise and fatigue joint pain jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes dark-colored urine and pale stools Children below the age of 6 years do not usually show symptoms. Jaundice will affect: fewer than 10 percent of children under the age of 6 years from 40 to 50 percent of those aged 6 to 14 years from 70 to 80 percent of people aged over 14 years Symptoms often pass within 3 to 6 months of first being infected, but around 15 percent of people with HAV will have ongoing or recurring symptoms for 6 to 9 months. HAV can be fatal in older patients and in someone who already has chronic liver disease. Causes A person with HAV will excrete the virus in the stool, or feces. It can be passed on when an uninfected person consumes food or water that has been contaminated with the feces of an infected person. The virus can survive for a month or more in seawater, fresh water, wastewater, and soil. Most infections are passed on through close personal contact with an infected household member or sex partner, not through casual contact. Foodborne HAV outbreaks sometimes occur in the U.S., for example, through food handlers who have the virus. In 2016, an outbreak was traced to a batch of frozen strawberries. Risk factors The most common reported risk factor for HAV in the U.S. is international travel. Even among people staying in luxury hotels, 3 in every 1,000 acquire HAV each month. Anyone who has not been vaccinated or previously infected is susceptible. Others factors that increase the risk include: sexual or household contact with an infected person living or working in a community residence attending or working in a daycare center homosexual activity injecting drugs, especially if sharing needles other drug use food handling working with HAV-infected primates or with HAV in a research laboratory exposure to food or waterborne outbreaks people with clotting-factor disorders In the U.S., routine vaccination of all infants began in 1999. In 2006, the CDC recommended expanding vaccination for all children in the U.S. aged 12 to 23 months. This has resulted in a 95-percent reduction in the number of infections. However, infection can affect those at a higher risk and adolescents who missed the vaccination implementation. In places where there is no immunization, an outbreak can be explosive. In 1988, a single outbreak in Shanghai affected 300,000 people. Diagnosis A blood test can confirm an infection with HAV. Antibodies can detect both acute infection and a past infection. Acute infections with HAV should be reported to local public health authorities to help prevent the disease from spreading further. Treatment There is no specific treatment, but supportive therapy can improve comfort levels and prevent complications such as dehydration and exhaustion. This includes: replenishing nutrition and fluids avoiding alcohol rest, with time off work taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers if needed Patients with significant nausea and vomiting may be admitted to the hospital for intravenous (IV) fluids. Complications are rare, and most people recover fully. Around 85 percent of people with HAV-infected recover fully within 3 months, and most people have complete recovery by 6 months. Precautionary treatment after exposure If a person has not been vaccinated, and they know they have been exposed to HAV, they can still receive either the vaccine or immune globulin within 2 weeks of the exposure. This may include: colleagues of a food handler who has tested positive for HAV employees and children in a daycare center where someone has received a diagnosis of HAV anyone in close personal contact with a person who has HAV, including nurses or carers Which treatment they should receive will depend on the age and health status of the person. Prevention Prevention depends on immunization and good hygiene practices. Immunization The CDC recommends routine HAV immunization of: all children at 1 year of age adults who are at risk of exposure or who have chronic liver disorder Two doses of the vaccine are given as an injection, 6 to 12 months apart. Most people will have protective levels of antibodies within 1 month after a single dose. The second dose acts as a booster. Handwashing HAV can survive for up to 4 hours on the fingertips, so handwashing and safe food practices can help prevent transmission. Handwashing should be done after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before preparing or eating food. Environmental surfaces can be cleaned with a freshly prepared solution of 1:100 dilution of household bleach. Food and drink Travelers should avoid raw shellfish, uncooked food, and food that may have been washed in contaminated water. Drinking water should be commercially bottled or boiled to at least 185 Fahrenheit (F) or 85 Celsius (C) for at least 1 minute. Adding iodine to the water or treating it with chlorine will also kill the virus. Scientists have, for the first time, created a 3-D image of food on the nanometer scale. It has promising prospects as a more detailed knowledge of the structure of complex food systems could potentially save the food industry large sums of money. "There is still a lot we don't know about the structure of food, but this is a good step on the way to understanding and finding solutions to a number of problems dealing with food consistency, and which cost the food industry a lot of money," says Associate Professor Jens Risbo, Department of Food Science at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. He is one of the authors of a recently-published scientific paper in Food Structure, which deals with the new groundbreaking insight into the 3D structure of food. The researchers used a cream based on vegetable fat for the research. The cream system is a good test material, since it can represent the structures of a large group of food systems, for example cheese, yogurt, ice cream, spreads, but also the more solid chocolate. All the aforementioned products contain liquid water or fat as well as small particles of solid materials, which stick together and form three-dimensional structures - i.e. a network that provides the consistency that we like about cheese, yogurt or chocolate. In cheese and yoghurt the casein particles form the network. In chocolate it is the fat crystals and in ice cream and whipped cream it is the fat globules. "If you understand the structure, you can change it and obtain exactly the texture you want," says Jens Risbo. Electrons with close to speed of light generate intense X-rays To create a three-dimensional model of the food and convert it into images and video, the scientists have been in Switzerland, where they have used the Swiss Light Source (SLS) synchrotron at the Paul Scherrer Institute. In the synchrotron electrons are accelerated to near speed of light. The synchrotron is used for research in materials science in areas such as biology and chemistry. The method the researchers used is called "Ptychographic X-ray computed tomography." This is a new method for creating images on the nanometer scale, which also provides a high contrast in biological systems. The synchrotron in Switzerland is one of the leading places in the world in this area, and it was the first time ever that it was used within food science. "We have been using the tomography principle, also known from an X-ray CT (computed tomography) scanner. The sample of the food system is rotated and moved sideways back and forth with nanometer precision, while we send a very strong and focused X-ray beam through it. The X-rays are deflected by colliding with electrons in the food, and we shoot a lot of pictures of the patterns that the defleted X-rays form. The patterns are combined in a powerful computer, which reconstructs a 3D image of the sample. The Swiss scientists of the team have created a device that can move and rotate the sample with ultra-high precision, allowing us to see the small details," says Research Assistant Mikkel Schou Nielsen, who has recently completed his Ph.D. in tomographic methods applied to food at the Niels Bohr Institute in Copenhagen. The number of electrons reveals the various food components The reconstructed 3D image can be described as a three-dimensional table of numbers describing the electron density (the number of electrons per volume) through the entire sample. The various food components, such as water and fat, have different densities and hence different electron density. Water is heavier than fat, which is known from oil that settles on top of water when you try to mix them, and it is this contrast in electron density which causes X-rays to deflect to different degrees and eventually to form 3D-images of the sample. Areas with higher electron density appear lighter. Water thus appears light grey, while fat appears dark grey, and the glass around the sample with a high density is seen as a white ring. One may now use the electron density (greyscale) to identify the various food components and study their location and structure. A complicated food system The vegetable-based cream which the method is used on consists of several ingredients. In addition to water and vegetable fat, it contains milk protein, stabilizers and emulsifiers. By adjusting the addition of emulsifiers, it is possible to achieve a state in which the cream continues to be fluid until you whip it to foam, whereby all the fat globules are reorganized and sticking together on the outside of the air bubbles in a three-dimensional system. "It is a difficult balance, because you only want the fat globules to stick together when the cream is whipped - not if it is simply being exposed to vibration or high temperatures. When the fat globules nevertheless begin to stick together prematurely - for example due to too many shocks during transport - the cream will get a consistency reminiscent of cream cheese. It becomes a relatively hard lump that can be cut," says Postdoctoral Researcher Merete Boegelund Munk, Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen. Merete Boegelund Munk's Ph.D. project, "The physical stability of whippable oil-in-water emulsions. Effects of monoglyceride-based emulsifiers and other ingredients", was fundamental for the research. The Ph.D. project was made as a collaboration between the Department of Food Science at the University of Copenhagen and the food ingredient company Palsgaard A / S. This undesirable cream cheese-like state of the vegetable cream system is nevertheless extremely interesting for researchers. "The organization of the fat globules and the network structure after the cream has been converted into a 'cream cheese-like' product is exciting because the mass is now sliceable, even though the system consists of 65% water and only 25% fat and some other ingredients and sugars. That means we have a network structure that captures a lot of water. There are many foods with similar network systems of something solid in something liquid, where the liquid is typically, but not always, water. This applies to all semi-solid and solid products such as chocolate, butter, cheese and spreads. The network of the cream cheese-like system is thus a model for something general in our food," says Associate Professor Jens Risbo, Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen. It is the structure of the networks which forms a texture that makes you want to bite into a piece of chocolate and cut yourself a piece of cheese. But the structure and the networks are something of a mystery, because until now you could only see the surface and slightly underneath the surface of the food material on the microns scale and the images you could see have only been two-dimensional. "If we eventually come to understand the structure of chocolate, we can change it and obtain exactly the consistency that we want. A lot of money is wasted because the consistency of chocolate is really hard to control, so the end product is not good enough and must be discarded. A possible future understanding of the crystal network in chocolate might mean that we will be able to develop components that prevent the chocolate from becoming grey and crumbly, and thus unsaleable. It is certainly a possibility that tomographic methods could be developed so we would be able to understand the mysteries of chocolate," says Associate Professor, Jens Risbo, Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen. How the tomography works "Ptychographic X-ray computed tomography can be compared with a CT scanner in a hospital. Instead of getting an image of a patient's organs, we are looking into food. But, unlike a CT scanner, we can go down to the nanometer scale," says Jens Risbo. The sample with the cream cheese-like system that the scientists X-rayed was about 20 microns thick. "It would take too much time and too many calculations to develop a nanometer resolution of the cream system for a whole package of cream cheese from the fridge. The amount of information and calculations would simply be too great. Although X-rays can almost go through everything, you lose the intensity of the beams, the more they have to shoot through," says Jens Risbo. Swiss Light Source synchrotron Basically, you can make X-rays in two different ways. If you go to the dentist and have an X-ray done, this is done using an X-ray tube, which can be compared with a cathode ray tube showing the pictures in an old type of television, where electrons are not accelerated to very high speeds. In the X-ray tube the electrons collide with a metal, such as copper, which now emits X-rays. The X-ray tube is not so powerful, but you can make medical photos and also do some research work with this type of X-rays. But if you want to examine very small samples, things that are changing rapidly, or make tomography at the nanometer scale, you will use facilities like Swiss Light Source or the Swedish synchrotron MAX IV which opens in Lund, Sweden, this year. "Technically, it is electrons that are accelerated to nearly the speed of light and circulates in a ring controlled by electromagnets. The electron beams are then deflected and will then emit intense and energetic X-rays," says Associate Professor Jens Risbo, Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen. The Swiss Light Source, SLS, is funded by the Swiss government and scientists from around the world can apply to use syncroton X-rays and related scientific equipment under the guidance of local scientists. RINVOQ is now approved as the first and only oral JAK inhibitor for adults with active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) RINVOQ is the first and only JAK inhibitor approved for both active ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and ... Genetic Hotspot Advertisement Support from the Rig Veda Significance of the Study Genetic Exclusion : The caste system created certain specific groups of populations that were secluded from the populations. : The caste system created certain specific groups of populations that were secluded from the populations. Genetic Diseases : Intermarriage between closely related population leads to the rise in genetic diseases. Even recessive diseases, or diseases that require two copies of similarly mutated genes to give rise to the disease condition, increase in number when marriage is restricted to only within the community. The severity of the diseases ranges from being mild to even life threatening like Klinefelter's syndrome and pycnodysostosis. The rise in multifactorial diseases like diabetes may also be associated with such genetic seclusions as mild aberrations in genes continue to be inherited and magnified across generations. : Intermarriage between closely related population leads to the rise in genetic diseases. Even recessive diseases, or diseases that require two copies of similarly mutated genes to give rise to the disease condition, increase in number when marriage is restricted to only within the community. The severity of the diseases ranges from being mild to even life threatening like Klinefelter's syndrome and pycnodysostosis. The rise in multifactorial diseases like diabetes may also be associated with such genetic seclusions as mild aberrations in genes continue to be inherited and magnified across generations. A Single Mixed Population: The evidence that people from across India share a genetic similarity, makes it unnecessary to have divisions based on religion or linguistic disparities. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC311057/ http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/neanderthals/mtdna.html Source: Medindia "Only a few thousand years ago, the Indian population structure was vastly different from today," said professor of genetics at Harvard Medical School Dr. David Reich, who is also a co-senior author in the study. "The caste system has been around for a long time, but not forever."The current study shows that India was a genetic hotspot where there was an intermingling of populations, with DNA mixing across India. This is evidence that intermarriages were common as there was no seclusion from any part of the society.Earlier it was believed that there was a North Indian population that had a genetic association with West Europeans and a South Indian or Dravidian population with ancestors associated with people from the Andamans. However, genetic studies have shown that there was rampant intermingling, across the country, that lead to DNA traces present throughout the population.This population intermingling came to a halt about 1,900 years ago, when stratification of the population based on caste took place.The Rig Veda mentions the existence of caste in its texts, which was not present in the earlier Vedic texts. Moreover, Manusmriti, which dictates the stratification of society based on caste was initiated during the same period. The genetic studies find coherence with the ancient Hindu texts.The study shows that there was no mixing of populations over 4,000 years from now, but during the period between that and 1,900 years ago, it was common to intermarry within the Indian population or, less often, even between European descendants. However, from about 2,000 years ago, stratifications within the Indian population led to distinct genetic groups, which strengthened over time.This led to high genetic as well as social imprints that aided in promoting the interest, craft, ideologies and skills associated with certain groups but resulted in deeply entrenched implications that continue to sweep Indian society.This hallmark study brings to the fore that man-made divisions within society are irrelevant when the underlying genetic data signifies unions that existed for more than 2000 years prior to the groups in society. The last 2000 years have limited intermixing due to the enforcement of castes, creating restrictions in the genetic pool, harboring diseases and divisions within the society.The clashes between different castes in India prompt the principal researcher to comment thus "Look, we were all brothers and sisters 2,000 years back," Thangaraj says "why are you fighting now?" Advertisement "There's a great deal to learn from these macaques," Dechow said, "because this is one of the few places where we have a wild colony where the genetics are known, where there are blood samples and where we know things about the DNA."All of the castrated males showed signs of periodontitis and other oral problems that were much more evident and severe than in intact males of the same age. In particular, the researchers-who included veterinarian Matthew Kessler, former director of the center, and the University of Puerto Rico's Terry Kensler, manager of the center's Primate Skeletal Collections-noted that the bone that supports teeth had dramatically receded on the two 26-year old geriatric castrated males.This pattern with the rhesus macaque has relevance for oral health in adult males. Although castration may seem a bit extreme, it's more common than one may think, given that one in seven men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society. Other causes include traumatic accidents, sexual reassignment surgery, and chemical or surgical castration for sex offenders.This study is unique because while the link between estrogen, oral health and the temporomandibular joint is well known, the correlation between male sex hormones and oral health is not as widely publicized."We do know that many craniofacial tissues are sensitive to sex hormones," Dechow said. "It's just that it was usually more thought of on the estrogen side. Although of course these relationships require further study, they do raise the possibility that these may be important factors in the health of the craniofacial tissues, especially in aging."Even less extreme forms of testosterone loss may have an impact.As diagnoses for low testosterone become increasingly common-the U.S. Food and Drug Administration states that the use of prescription testosterone replacement therapy increased from 1.3 million patients in 2009 to 2.3 million patients in 2013-dentists may want to consider asking about this therapy when documenting their male patients' health histories."This way, the dentist may have a better picture of the overall well-being of the patient," said Wang, lead author on the study. "Low sex hormones are a natural phase of aging, and oral health could be a collateral victim, which is why oral hygiene and routine checkups are important throughout life."Source: Newswise The murder of Italian national Giulio Regeni, a doctoral student at Cambridge University who was conducting field work in Egypt, has mushroomed into a major crisis between Egypt and the European Union. Regeni disappeared under mysterious circumstances on January 25, 2016; on February 3, his body - which showed signs of torture - was found dumped on the Cairo-Alexandria desert road. Egyptian authorities have said that they are keen to solve the case, and President Sisi himself, in his first public statement on the matter, told an Italian daily that Egypt would find and punish the killers.[1] Giulio Regeni (image: Ahram.org.eg, March 12, 2016) In Europe, however, it is widely suspected that Regeni was tortured and killed by Egyptian security services, presumably in connection to his research on Egyptian labor unions, which had brought him into contact with political activists. On March 10, 2016, the European Parliament issued a statement condemning the torture and murder of Regeni, calling on Egypt to cooperate in the investigation, and urging the suspension of foreign aid to Egypt.[2] This statement drew an angry editorial in the official Al-Ahram daily calling it "a brutal assault on Egyptian policy," protesting that Egypt is not a European colony, and warning that foreign elements are adopting a terrorist policy of seeking to destroy Egypt under the guise of human rights.[3] While most of the mainstream Egyptian press has shown similar defensiveness on the issue, more columnists are now beginning to question the official narrative. This is especially true in the aftermath of the Egyptian Interior Ministry's March 25 statement that it had solved the case. According to the ministry, the murderers were criminals from Qalyubia Governorate who specialize in armed robbery of foreigners while impersonating police. The ministry added that all the gang members had been killed in exchanges of fire with security forces in Cairo. This statement has met with widespread disbelief, and even mockery, both in Egypt and abroad. One sign of the growing unease in Egypt over the official narrative is a March 27 column by Osama Ghazali Harb in the official Al-Ahram daily. Harb, a well-known liberal public figure, was until recently chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Free Egyptians Party,[4] the largest party in the current parliament. He wrote that at first he had believed that the ministry was innocent of wrongdoing in Regeni's death, but that he now suspects that it was indeed involved. He went on to call on the interior minister to resign at once "in order to save the reputation of Egypt and of its political regime." Following are translated excerpts of the article: "I Am Calling On Major General Magdi 'Abd Al-Ghaffar, Minister Of The Interior, To Tender His Resignation" "Yes, I am calling on Maj.-Gen. Magdi 'Abd Al-Ghaffar, minister of the interior, to tender his resignation because of the ministry's abject failure in dealing with the matter of the killing of the young Italian, Giulio Regeni. This has caused far-reaching damage to the reputation and image of the political regime in Egypt and to the Egyptian security apparatus, and has had disastrous consequences for Egyptian tourism and the Egyptian economy. "From the first day, when Regeni's body was discovered, on February 5... I believed that it was impossible that the Egyptian Interior Ministry would be involved in a crime of this sort against a foreign student. The simplest thing for it to do would be to expel him from the country, so why would it be involved in such a disastrous action? Unfortunately, however, troubling indications have begun to surface. "The first was an early statement by one of the ministry chiefs, before any investigations were completed, to the effect that the cause [of death] was a traffic accident. This led The New York Times to respond immediately that [the statement] caused it to suspect that the ministry might be involved in the incident, though it did note that torture of foreigners was uncommon in Egypt. "Then afterwards came the scandal of the false witness, known as the engineer Muhammad Fawzi, who claimed that he saw Regeni quarreling with an Italian national on the day of his disappearance. It appeared as though [this witness] was in the service of the Interior Ministry, and it has been said that he left in one of its cars." "The Interior Ministry's Statement Reads As Though It Says: 'It Is We Who Tortured And Killed Regeni, And Dumped His Body In The Desert'" "The crowning touch, as they say, was the disgraceful statement issued the day before last, by Director of General Security Maj.-Gen. Sayyid Gad Al-Haq. The statement said that the crime was committed by a gang from Qalyubia Governorate, that dressed up as police and conducted armed robberies against foreigners, and that Regeni's personal effects had all been found at the residence of the wife of one of the gang members. Upon examination, the Interior Ministry's statement reads as though it says: 'It is we who tortured and killed Regeni, and dumped his body in the desert'! "The statement, which gives the impression that the story was concocted to cover up a crime, has raised dozens of questions, perhaps the simplest of which is: Why did you kill all the members of this gang? Would it not have been more advantageous - as in any civilized country - to capture them alive, so that the entire world could hear their confessions? "The Italian and international reactions in rejection of the Interior Ministry's statement, and the many grievous harms that are befalling Egypt, mandate that the Minister of the Interior tender his resignation as soon as possible, in order to save the reputation of Egypt and of its political regime."[5] Endnotes: On March 20, 2016, the Russian state-owned media outlet Sputnik published an article entitled "Not Coming Home: What Russian Hardware Stays in Syria After Pullout and Why." The article lists the military hardware slated to remain in the Hmeymim Air Base in Syria, after the withdrawal started on March 15, 2016. In a MEMRI report published on March 15, additional hardware is mentioned. On March 14, the day of the announcement of the Russian withdrawal, Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed that Russia's naval base at Tartus and its strategic Hmeymim airbase will continue to operate as before. On March 17, while honoring Russian officers who participated in the Syrian campaign, Putin said that Russia can build up its military campaign in Syria in a "few hours."[1] . The following are excerpts from the English version of the Sputnik article:[2] published on the sputniknews.com website on March 20, 2016 (the text has been lightly edited for clarity): Russian Su-30 jets landing at the Hmeymim Air Base.(Source: Sputniknews.com, March 20 2016) Putin: Russia Can Build Up Its Military Presence In Syria In Just A Few Hours "Nearly 20 Russian combat aircraft, an air defense system and some 2,000 personnel will stay at Hmeymim airbase in Syria. According to experts, the task force has several goals - fighting terrorism, supporting President Bashar Assad, and controlling the region... A squadron of Su-24 tactical bombers, including 9-12 aircraft, will be kept on duty in Syria. During the main stage of the campaign, these aircraft were responsible for the bulk of the airstrikes. "The newest Su-30 and Su-35 jet fighters will also stay at the Hmeymim airbase for aerial protection, a Defense Ministry source told the Russian daily business newspaper Vedomosti. A source close to the military command confirmed to RBK that Su-35 4++ generation jets will stay at the base. Russia deployed four Su-35s to Syria on January 31, 2016. The Defense Ministry has not reported their withdrawal. "Moscow will also keep its air defense system in Syria. 'Russian air defenses will be on combat duty in Syria and will be used against all targets posing threats to the Russian forces,' Putin said [at a March 17, 2016 ,ceremony honoring Russian military and defense personnel who participated in the Russian air campaign in Syria].[3] He added that, an S-400 medium- and long-range complex and a Pantsir-S1 air-defense system will stay on duty in Syria. In addition, Ka-52 and Mi-28N attack helicopters have been spotted at the airbase, but their exact number is unknown. "According to military expert Viktor Litovkin, the rest of the Russian task force will accomplish its goals. He outlined several main objectives: conducting airstrikes on terrorist targets, supporting the Syrian Army and its allies, and controlling the airspace in the region. 'All three aircraft [Su-24, Su-30 and Su-35] are capable of carrying out airstrikes against terrorists. But the Su-24 is not designed for aerial combat, and needs the support of jet fighters,' he told RBK.. "In addition to the jets, Syrian airspace and Hmeymim air base will also be protected by an S-400 air defense system,' Ruslan Pukhov, the director of the Analytic Center for Strategies and Technologies, said. [.. ]He added that with an S-400 deployed to the base, the Russian Aerospace Forces could not only establish a no-fly zone over the Hmeymim airbase, but also over the entire province of Latakia where the bulk of the Syrian Army is concentrated. The system has a maximum acquisition range of 600 km and a maximum strike range of 400 km. 'Within this radius, any aircraft can be tracked and then escorted by jets, 'Pukhov explained. Russian Su-24 tactical bombers at the Hmeymim airbase in the Latakia Governorate of Syria. (Sputniknews.com, March 20, 2016) "According to Litovkin, attack helicopters may be used against small groups of enemies and armored targets which cannot be hit by bombers.' The Ka-52 and the Mi-28N are armed with the Vikhr and Ataka anti-tank missiles as well as a 30-mm gun,' the expert said... "What is more, some 200-300 civil specialists will remain at Hmeymim base. Military personnel will not be able to maintain aircraft and helicopters on their own. 'As many as 2,000 [Russian] personnel are required to operate the base. However, not all of them will be involved in combat missions,' Pukhov concluded. Both experts agreed that the rest of the Russian forces in Syria will be sufficient for the current objectives. 'Amid the peace talks the intensity of combat has decreased. This is why the current configuration of the Russian forces in Syria is rational,' Litovkin said. At the same time, at his meeting with the troops [Russian military and defense personnel who had participated in the Russian air campaign in Syria], Putin stressed that Russian can build up its military presence in just a few hoursOC "It is evident that this is not about a complete withdrawal of Russian forces from Syria. Russia will keep a small force at the Hmeymim base. It will also continue its technical and military assistance to DamascusOC" Endnotes: Women residents of Tondiarpet had been flummoxed: Many of their undergarments have been missing from the terraces. A high court lawyer who lives in the locality finally solved the mystery on Monday when he handed over CCTV footage showing a self-styled godman in the locality lifting lingerie from clotheslines. Vijayakumar, 57, the saffron-clad man who roamed the streets at night, is now in prison. An investigation officer said Vijayakumar had a psychological problem. "On questioning, he told us that he got a kick out of stealing the undergarments and wearing them," an investing office said. He confessed to police that he had been stealing from the locality for a year. The XV metropolitan magistrate court in George Town sent him to jail. Thinkstock/Getty Images Vijayakumar, who did puja in a neighbouhood temple and posed himself as a godman, lived with his wife and a son on Murugesan Street in Tondiarpet. After his arrest, police raided his house and found several bundles of inner garments dumped in one of the rooms. His wife said she had no inkling about her husband's fetish. Police inquired in the neighbourhood and out came a flurry of complaints of missing inner garments. Several women said they had lost their lingerie, but never bothered to complain. "Some said they thought it would have been swept away by winds," said a policeman. When it became too regular, however, some decided to find out who was behind it. Sasikumar, a Madras high court lawyer, set up a CCTV camera on his terrace after his family members complained of the same problem. Soon he had the answer to the common problem in the neighbourhood. Some neighbours told police on Monday that they had seen Vijayakumar roaming the streets at odd hours, but did not complain as they were not sure if he was behind the theft. After Sasikumar caught him on camera, however, many came forward with complaints. Sasikumar passed on the footage to police and soon the godman heard policemen knock on his door. "He did not hide anything, maybe because he knew we had the visuals showing him in the act," said a policeman. "He confessed immediately and we recovered a lot of undergarments from his house." Deputy Foreign Minister Dimitris Mardas is accompanying the President of the Hellenic Republic, Prokopis Pavlopoulos, on a state visit to Israel, from 29 to 31 March. In this context, Mr. Mardas participated in Mr. Pavlopoulos meetings with the President of the State of Israel, Reuven Rivlin, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and the Speaker of the Knesset, Yuli Edelstein. Mr. Mardas also accompanied President Pavlopoulos on a visit to the Patriarchate of Jerusalem and participated in the meeting with His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem. In parallel, Mr. Mardas also met with Avigdor Yitzhaki, Advisor to the Prime Minister of Israel on issues of housing development. The subject of the meeting was the participation of Greek construction firms in infrastructure and public projects in Israel. Finally, on the margins of the President of the Republics state visit, a business mission is taking place, with the participation of Greek entrepreneurs from the sectors of technology, industry, tourism and food. The legislation to allow the city's Department of Transportation to create regulations for plazas comes after scores of complaints in recent years over aggressive panhandling behavior, primarily from the costumed characters pushing onlookers for tips. Capt. Robert O'Hare, commanding officer of the New York Police Department's unit in Times Square, said at the hearing that there have been 16 arrests so far this year, compared to 15 in all of last year. Just last weekend, a man in a Spider-Man costume was arrested after allegedly fighting with a tourist over a tip. Other incidents in the past couple of years include another Spider-Man figure punching a police officer trying to prevent aggressive solicitation, and a man dressed as Cookie Monster attacking a 2-year-old child whose parents didn't offer a tip. "Come to New York, duke it out with a superhero! Is that really what we want to be known for?" Councilmember Daniel Garodnick, one of the bill's sponsors, said at an event in support of it on Monday. Those supporting the bill, like Tim Tompkins, president of the Times Square Alliance business group, say the legislation will allow for all the kinds of activities that take place in Times Square now, but in specific zones. People who want to take a photo with a costumed character or buy a ticket for a sightseeing tour could still do so, while those who don't could get through the area without the threat of harassment, supporters say. DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg told councilmembers that the zones would allow for about 50 to 55 people. At the department's highest count, there have been about 300 costumed characters, naked painted ladies and bus tour ticket sellers in the plaza. On Tuesday afternoon, Times Square was filled with people in costume, from superheroes to cartoon characters. Among them was Evan Laws, in full Batman regalia. The 25-year-old from Queens said he was there almost every day, and on a good day can make anywhere from $100 to $150 in tips. But that's dependent on him being able to move around, he said. If he was forced to remain in one place, he said, that could cut what he makes in half. "That would be depressing," Laws said. The union that represents some of the bus tour ticket sellers also is opposed, saying that they were being punished for the actions of a few. "I don't see why we should be penalized because of somebody else's aggression," said Lenwood McKoy, president of Transport Workers Union Local 225, after the Monday press event, at which union members held up signs that read, "Don't kill union jobs." Aliko Kouassi, selling bus tour tickets, said being able to move to where potential customers are is vital. "It's a part of the business: Here no good? I can move over there," he said. "The people who move around make more money than the people who stay in one place." That attack came a month after a Los Angeles hospital paid hackers $17,000 to regain control of its computer system and more than a year after intruders broke into a database containing the records of nearly 80 million people maintained by the health insurer Anthem. In Anthem's case, only a single password stood between hackers with a stolen employee ID and a chance to plunder the Blue Cross-Blue Shield carrier's database, according to a federal lawsuit filed by customers over the breach. Cyber criminals also have staged high-profile attacks in recent years against the federal government, retail chains and the adultery website Ashley Madison, among many other targets. But security experts say health care companies make especially inviting targets for a number of reasons. The information they protect is more valuable on the black market than a credit card number stored by a retailer. Health care cybersecurity also can lag behind measures taken in other sectors like banking. This can stem in part from a business emphasis on tight budgets and convenience over security. Health care companies also have to deal with an additional headache: Multiple entry points into a system, with security quality varying among clinics, labs, hospitals that may have access. Cybersecurity experts note that government guidelines for health care data protection also are light on details and standards. The federal law known as HIPAA tells health care companies when they can disclose a person's records and to whom. It also requires them to protect the information. But it doesn't come with a lot of specific mandates for that protection, said Lee Kim, director of privacy and security for the nonprofit Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society. Intruders cracked Anthem's database sometime between the end of 2014 and the start of 2015 in a hack that is still under investigation. They gained access to Social Security numbers, birthdates and employment details for customers as far back as 2004, all key ingredients for stealing someone's identity. Anthem, the nation's second-largest health insurer, has said that hackers staged a sophisticated attack that evaded multiple layers of security to reach its database. But a lawsuit filed last year by customers who say they were affected by the breach paints Anthem as a ripe target. It says the insurer allowed wide employee access to its database and didn't train employees how to handle "phishing" emails, which can bait a recipient into revealing a password. Investigators have said they think hackers may have used a phishing scheme to compromise the credentials of several workers. A partially redact complaint filed in the litigation also said the company failed to employ common defenses like encryption, which can scramble data and make it useless. "Stealing this much data takes time, and there were numerous steps along the way when any company following standard IT security practices would have foiled the hackers," the complaint states. An Anthem spokeswoman said the details in the federal lawsuit were merely allegations, and the company could not comment on pending litigation. "At Anthem, securing our member, provider and client data is a top priority," spokeswoman Jill Becher said in an email. Hackers cracked Anthem's database by stealing the credentials of an employee whose job didn't require access to the database, according to the complaint, which was based in part on a security assessment Anthem commissioned after the breach. A failure to restrict access to sensitive information is one of the biggest security weaknesses hackers exploit, said Michael Zweiback, an attorney and former federal prosecutor. Allowing widespread access gives hackers many chances to try to trick a worker into divulging a password. "This is something that happens in hospitals, it happens in Fortune 500 companies right now, every day," he said. Companies hesitate to restrict access because they want to make it easy for employees to move from network to network and do their jobs, Zweiback said. "When security becomes the emphasis, employees start to complain because maybe they don't get access as quickly," he said. The lawsuit also states that Anthem only required a single password for those who wanted to get into its database from a remote location. Experts say two-factor authentication is the more common practice. This basically involves an employee entering a user name and password and then a separate password or identification number that can change. Only about 10 percent of health insurers use two-factor authentication and encryption to protect data, said Avivah Litan, a cybersecurity analyst for the information technology adviser Gartner. Litan works as a consultant in several sectors, including health care. Anthem has said it normally encrypts data it exports, but that practice would not have helped because the hacker used high-level security credentials to get into its system. Experts say encryption can be tuned so that even authorized users can view only one person's account or a portion of a record at a time. Litan and other consultants say health care companies have started showing more interest in cybersecurity, and top executives of these companies have begun to pay closer attention to it. But Litan hasn't seen the actual investment from these companies yet. "I'm sure Anthem has made some changes, but the other ones are waiting until they get budgets, and they won't get budgets until they get breached," she said. "That's just the way it works." Anthem has said in regulatory filings that it quickly fixed a security vulnerability it discovered after its breach and has continued to improve security since then. Ultimately, no security plan is perfect against a determined hacker, noted John Gunn, vice president for VASCO Data Security. But companies that drop several layers of security between an intruder and sensitive information can convince a hacker to try elsewhere. "The more systems that companies put in place, the more attractive other targets are based on what a hacker has to invest and what they will get for it," Gunn said. "Companies make this cost-reward decision, so do hackers." LANSING (AP) Michigan's high court has denied a state appeals court judge's challenge of the constitution's ban on judges over age 70 seeking re-election. The Detroit News reports (http://detne.ws/1RNgZjA) the Michigan Supreme Court on Wednesday said it wasn't persuaded to consider the Judge Peter O'Connell's case before the Michigan Court of Appeals does. O'Connell's appeal was filed before a decision by the appeals court. O'Connell will be ineligible to seek re-election when his term expires in January 2019. Because of that, the 67-year-old filed paperwork to have his name appear as an incumbent on this year's ballot, seeking re-election in 2016 instead of 2018. O'Connell says the case is about age discrimination. He also filed a case in the Court of Claims, which was dismissed earlier this month. Norwalk, Connecticut-based Pepperidge Farm sued in federal court in Hartford in December, saying Trader Joe's Crispy Cookies filled with Belgian chocolate too closely resembled Pepperidge Farm's Milano brand. Ira Levy, a New York lawyer representing Pepperidge Farm, said on Wednesday that the two companies reached a "mutually satisfactory resolution" and agreed to make no further comments about the dispute. A judge dismissed the case on March 9 after Pepperidge Farm filed notice that it was withdrawing the lawsuit. A spokeswoman for Monrovia, California-based Trader Joe's declined to comment on the settlement Wednesday. The lawsuit sought undisclosed damages and to block future sales of the Trader Joe's chocolate-filled cookies. Rhode Island officials yanked a new tourism video, designed to draw visitors to the state, off YouTube in embarrassment on Tuesday after eagle-eyed viewers complained it showed a scene shot in Iceland's capital, Reykjavik. The state's economic development agency, the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, confirmed the goof and blamed an editing company. The state released the video at a meeting on Monday night and posted it online Tuesday for a new campaign. The video's intro features a skateboarder outside a glass building and has a narrator saying, "Imagine a place that feels like home but holds enough uniqueness that you're never bored." People on social media said: Hey, that's not Rhode Island that's the Harpa concert hall and conference center in Reykjavik. Designer Greg Nemes visited Iceland in October and said he recognized the photogenic building, which has a steel framework and an exterior skin of differently colored glass panels. "It was pretty unmistakable to me, so I did some digging around and posted on Facebook about it," he said. Social media users agreed with him, posting side-by-side photos of the building in the Rhode Island ad and Harpa. Early Tuesday, the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation's art director said he could "assure that all shots" were in Rhode Island. But later Tuesday, a spokeswoman for the agency confirmed that the building in the state's tourism ad is Harpa and said an editing company used the wrong footage. "As the Commerce Corporation put this presentation video together, explicit instructions were given to the local firm that helped with editing to use only Rhode Island footage," spokeswoman Kayla Rosen said in an email. "A mistake was made. Once the mistake was identified, the video was removed." She said the video, which cost $22,000 to make, is being updated at no cost to the Commerce Corporation or the state. It's not the first time people have been embarrassed because they used incorrect footage in their promotional videos. In February, a TV ad for Republican presidential candidate Marco Rubio, a U.S. senator from Florida, opened with a scene from Vancouver, Canada. In 2007, Tennessee's tourism department caught flak for using a photo taken in Alaska. And in 2014, the Republican candidate for governor in Rhode Island was called out after he filmed a TV ad in Ohio. On Twitter, Rhode Island state Rep. Daniel Reilly, a Republican, questioned the cost of the state's tourism video and its use of stock footage of Reykjavik. He added the hashtag #nicejob. Nemes, who teaches at the Rhode Island School of Design, said he wasn't on a crusade to bring anyone to justice and there's a lot to like about the state's tourism video. He said he just questions why Rhode Island needed a scene from elsewhere to look good. The state released the video and a new logo, with the slogan "Cooler & Warmer," as part of a $5 million integrated campaign to attract tourism and business. UPPER THUMB The number of patients using medical marijuana in the Tri-County area is up 74 percent from 2014, coinciding with a statewide uptick. A Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) report for its 2015 fiscal year shows there are over 182,000 patients using medical marijuana in Michigan and 34,000 caregivers. The states Medical Marihuana Act of 2008 requires LARA to submit to the Legislature an annual report stating the number of applicants who filed for ID cards, the number of qualifying patients and primary caregivers approved in each county, the nature of the debilitating medical conditions of the qualifying patients, the number of ID cards revoked and the number of physicians providing written certifications for qualifying patients. See the full report here: http://1.usa.gov/1ZIFLV2. Below are the numbers for the Tri-County area: Huron: 2015: 339 patients, 41 caregivers 2014: 192 patients, 24 caregivers 2013: 193 patients, 27 caregivers 2012: 196 patients, 37 caregivers Estimated ratio of medical marijuana patients per 1,000 residents: 10 Sanilac: 2015: 972 patients, 188 caregivers 2014: 594 patients, 144 caregivers 2013: 751 patients, 165 caregivers 2012: 753 patients, 311 caregivers Estimated ratio of medical marijuana patients per 1,000 residents: 23 Tuscola: 2015: 1,508 patients, 321 caregivers 2014: 829 patients, 195 caregivers 2013: 945 patients, 223 caregivers 2012: 976 patients, 412 caregivers Estimated ratio of medical marijuana patients per 1,000 residents: 28 Hurons count shows a 76 percent increase in medical marijuana patients from 2014 and 71 percent increase in caregivers. For Sanilac, theres a 63 percent increase in patients and 30 percent more caregivers. And Tuscola saw an 82 percent increase in patients and 64 percent more caregivers than in 2014. Obviously, theres more people applying and receiving prescriptions, said John Bodis, Huron County Board of Commissioners chair. There must be some purpose in (medical marijuana). During LARAs fiscal year 2015, 1,426 physicians provided written certifications for qualifying medical marijuana patients. The report shows 93 percent of patients cited a debilitating severe and chronic pain while over 23 percent reported severe and persistent muscle spasms. Other reported conditions were severe nausea, cancer and post-traumatic stress disorder. Medical marijuana use is federally illegal. The Drug Enforcement Agency classifies it a schedule I drug, the most dangerous of all drug schedules, and defines it as having no currently accepted medical use and high potential for abuse. But theyre not enforcing anything, Bodis said. In 2008, 63 percent of Michigan voters approved a proposal to legalize medical marijuana. It barely passed in Huron County, with 8,484 in support and 8,319 no votes. In Bad Axe, officials prohibited medical marijuana dispensaries with a 2010 ordinance. The prohibition applies to any dispensary, regardless of a persons ability to legally grow marijuana in the state, because medical marijuana use/growth is not allowed by federal law and the citys ordinance states, Every medical marijuana dispensary must comply with and not be contrary to all local, county, state and federal laws. State Rep. and physician Ed Canfield, R-Sebewaing, says numbers of medical marijuana patients and caregivers are likely increasing due to wider acceptance and accessibility. Canfield says many patients sought his opinion for a card in past years. He says more physicians are writing opinions and that he knows at least one physician each in Huron and Tuscola counties giving out medical marijuana cards. But he says he wouldnt prescribe a card because the only legal use is smoking. Smoking is not good for your health, so Im uncomfortable with that, Canfield said. I believe there are many people who use medical marijuana for appropriate reasons, but I also believe some use it just because they like to smoke marijuana and get high. Determining who those people are is the hard part. The physician community has been somewhat ambivalent on medical marijuana due to it being federally illegal and the inability to find known, stable and legitimate dispensaries offering a consistent product, he said. To help matters, Canfield co-sponsored a bill introduced in February 2015 to create the Medical Marihuana Provisioning Center Regulation Act. Combined with other bills in the package, it would allow LARA to regulate and tax the production and sale of medical marijuana. The House passed the bills in October, with each getting at least 95 of a possible 106 votes. The bills were referred to the committee on judiciary but have not seen action since October. Canfield says he supported the measure not because Im a big fan of marijuana, but with the hope that it would provide government oversight for many gray areas. There are problems with our current medical marijuana law, and Im not a huge fan of it, Canfield said. These bills would provide improvement and safety. Current Michigan law allows caregivers to possess 2.5 ounces of marijuana and grow up to 12 plants for five patients. There are legitimate people who are legitimate caregivers who do a good job, but there are also people who are suspect, Canfield said. Sometimes it seems these are just folks who grow marijuana. Physicians dont know where to send people. If we had dispensaries and reputable individuals to send patients to folks could get a prescribed dose and there would be a reputable place that was governed or evaluated by the state to provide these substances as medical prescriptions in a controlled dose and environment. A Hillsdale College economist recently analyzed the House-passed bills. Dr. Gary Wolfram, in an analysis commissioned by the Michigan Cannabis Development Association, estimates a robust free market medical marijuana industry with fair and open competition can generate between $44.3 million to $63.5 million a year in revenue statewide, and that House Bills 4209, 4210 and 4827 could generate 10,000 new jobs in the early years of implementation if the Michigan experience reflects that of other states. (See the full report here: http://bit.ly/1SjIfnr.) Locally, officials have talked of employers need to fill jobs but the struggle in doing so because applicants often fail drug tests. Canfield says he doesnt think companies discriminate against those with valid medical marijuana cards, and there is some protection in that employers cant release people with a medical marijuana card. But it does raise a red flag for most businesses, he said. You may think twice before you employ them; whether thats legal or not, I dont know, he said. But I think it would give people cause. GOSHEN A man who shot and wounded another man outside the You You Asian Restaurant and Bar in the Town of Wallkill because he Close to the third anniversary of the infamous Sept. 11, 2012, terrorist attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya, a small detachment of Marines descended on the U.S. Embassy in Bamako, Mali, on the other side of the African continent. The little-publicized 48-hour operation took about 200 Marines attached to Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa from the unit's headquarters in Moron, Spain, to a barebones staging location in Senegal. The Marines then went into Mali's capital to meet with State Department personnel -- including the embassy's regional security officer, local officials and the Marine security guard detachment in country -- assess security and discuss procedures in case of an embassy reinforcement or personnel withdrawal scenario. It was the first time the task force had successfully executed a "full mission profile" rehearsal of this kind since it established the Senegal staging base and two others in Western Africa in 2014, said Lt. Col. Bradford Carr, operations officer for the unit. In addition, the experience also marked a milestone in a radically new approach to embassy security that the Marines hope will keep a Benghazi-like scenario from ever playing out at another U.S. diplomatic post. Carr, who spoke to Military.com at a Potomac Institute lecture following the conclusion of the Marine task force's 180-day deployment at the end of January, said being able to push troops into Africa and stage them near a "high-interest embassy" ahead of a potential crisis gave the Marines more options and shortened their response time. It takes about a day to complete the 2,000-mile trip from Moron to Senegal, Carr said. From there, the distance from a staging point in Senegal to Bamako, Mali, is slightly more manageable: less than 1,000 miles. A briefing slide used by Carr and reviewed by Military.com attempted to give context to the sheer size of the African continent and the distances that crisis response forces may contend with. For example, the distance from Moron to the Gulf of Guinea on Africa's western coast is the same as the distance from Washington, D.C., to Moron, the slide showed. And the distance from Moron to the task force's other European staging location in Sigonella, Italy, is the same as the distance from New York City to New Orleans. Because of this, Carr said, the Marines of the task force weren't merely focused on achieving a faster response time to a prospective crisis in Africa. They are also working to develop stronger relationships with State Department personnel at African embassies and with host nation partners. In locations like Mali, where al-Qaeda-linked terrorists killed 20 hostages in a Bamako hotel last November, there's value in knowing who key counterparts are before disaster strikes. "Being able to pick up the phone and call the office of security cooperation in the embassy, versus picking up the phone and saying, 'I don't know who you are, and you want me to do what?'" Carr said. "The pre-crisis prep is kind of the preferred way to go about it." During the task force's six-month rotation, Marines conducted 17 different theater security cooperation missions with African counterparts in ten different countries, according to briefing materials. They also participated in 62 bilateral training exercises in four different European countries. At this point, could the task force have reacted faster to the Benghazi attacks and kept Americans from being killed? The answer remains a nuanced one. "If that is reported in a timely way and accurate aspects are being captured, we have the capacity to position as directed by [U.S. Africa Command]," Carr said. "Indications and warnings are highly important to that. That's what I would say keeps me up at night." -- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @HopeSeck. Almost 100 people mostly from Haiti who were rescued from an overcrowded boat off the Florida coast had no food or water for... MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, North Carolina Marines with 2nd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, in conjunction with the United States Army, French Army, British Army and Dutch Marines, conducted joint terminal attack control training at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 25. The training enhanced interoperability between U.S. forces and their NATO allies, demonstrating ANGLICOs ability to bring fire and aviation support to coalition and joint partners. This training exercise for us is about integrating with the joint fire side of it, making sure we can complete accurate and successful missions in order to support ground troops, said Ian Maxwell, a British soldier with 148 Battery, 29 Commando Royal Artillery. The mission of 2nd ANGLICO is to provide Marine Air-Ground Task Force commanders a liaison capability with foreign area expertise to plan, coordinate, employ and conduct close air support and direct fire from ground positions in support of joint, allied and coalition forces. The training gives our junior Marines, who have never worked with foreign forces before, the opportunity to work with our NATO allies in order to learn from them just as they are learning from us, said Staff Sgt. Sean Lassiter, a fire support Marine with 2nd ANGLICO. JTAC's direct fires during close air support in conjunction with allied forces maneuvers. This capability provides service members the ability to fire on targets in conjunction with aviation assets. Familiarization with foreign forces allows personnel to learn different ways to operate in a deployed environment. U.S. Marines are often working with various allied forces and flexibility is required to operate alongside partner nations, said Cpl. Mason Newbury, a fire support Marine with 2nd ANGLICO. While this was the first time for some Marines with 2nd ANGLICO to work with allied forces, it will not be the last. The training was a huge opportunity to increase interoperability with allied partners and get [everyone accustomed] on a small scale in order to build up to bigger exercises, said Capt. Chad Ernst, a field artillery officer with 2nd ANGLICO. The commander of a training battalion at the Marine Corps' East Coast boot camp has been relieved, Marine officials announced Thursday. Lt. Col. Joshua Kissoon, the commander of 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, was relieved by Col. Paul D. Cucinotta, commanding officer of Recruit Training Regiment at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, Parris Island spokesman Capt. Gregory Carroll said in a news release. Kissoon was relieved after Cucinotta reviewed the results of an Inspector General of the Marine Corps investigation, leading to a loss of trust and confidence in Kissoon's ability to command, according to the announcement. Kissoon took command of the battalion June 25, 2014. The decision to relieve him was made by Cucinotta March 17, Carroll said. The decision to relieve Kissoon came just a day before Marines announced the death of a Marine recruit, 20-year-old Raheel Siddiqui, of Taylor, Michigan, which remains under investigation. However, Carroll said the relief was connected to an investigation that wrapped up in late February and was tied to specific acts of alleged misconduct by Kissoon and not connected to the battalion or Siddiqui's death. Kissoon's next assignment will be determined by Marine Corps Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Carroll said. "The Marine Corps remains highly committed to ensuring that all who seek the title 'Marine' are provided with leaders and instructors who represent our core values of honor, courage and commitment," Carroll said in a statement. "As an institution, we hold all Marines, especially commanders, to a high set of standards." Kissoon is the second recruit training battalion commander in a year to be relieved at Parris Island. Last June, the commander of 4th Recruit Training Battalion, Lt. Col. Kate Germano, was relieved amid controversy after an investigation found her training methods with female recruits overly aggressive. --Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @HopeSeck. A Marine artillery unit in northern Iraq has continued to come under sporadic attack while supporting Iraqi troops since Staff Sgt. Louis F. Cardin was killed eight and others were wounded on March 19 by ISIS rocket fire, a top coalition commander said Thursday. "There's still the occasional indirect fire attack" aimed at the base, where Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary set up four 155mm howitzers earlier this month, said British Army Maj. Gen. Doug Chalmers. However, "Attacks on the (Marine) base since we sadly lost Staff Sgt. Cardin have sort of dropped down," Chalmers said, as Islamic State of Iraq and Syria fighters focus more on Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) troops who have been attempting to push north toward Mosul from positions near the town of Makhmour, about 60 miles southeast of Mosul. The presence of about 200 Marines at Makhmour was disclosed by the Pentagon only after the death of Cardin, 27, of Temecula, California. The base had been called Fire Base Bell but was recently renamed to Kara Soar Counter Fire Complex to make clear it's conducting defensive operations, CNN reported. Chalmers, a deputy commander for strategy and sustainment in Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve, acknowledged that there have been varying reports on the success of the Iraqi efforts to move towards Mosul from Makhmour. Western reporters in Makhmour, which has been billed by the Iraqi Security Forces as a staging area for the offensive to retake Mosul, said that Iraqi troops abandoned positions after coming under attack from ISIS but Chalmers said they were making progress. "The battle ebbs and flows," he said. "There are some areas that are tougher and take a bit longer, but "I'm pretty confident they're advancing along the line of their objectives." On Wednesday, Iraqi Defense Minister Khaled al-Obeidi toured Makhmour and admitted that the planned advance to the north had stalled. "Yes, that's right, at the beginning the operation was slow and that was because we were not familiar with the area. We want to start the operation slowly to see what kind of tactics [the enemy] use against us," al-Obeidi told Rudaw, the Kurdish news outlet. Chalmers said that the Marines at the base have been firing their 155mm howitzers in response to ISIS rocket fire and also in support of advancing Iraqi troops. Chalmers, who arrived in Iraq about six months ago with Army III Corps headquarters staff from Fort Hood in Texas, said no decisions have been made yet on whether the Marines and the 155s would move forward with the Iraqi Security Forces when they begin to advance toward Mosul. -- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com. The Navy is about to get much more permissive in its tattoo guidelines for sailors. The service released a message Thursday announcing new rules set to take effect April 30 allowing bigger tattoos, and in a wider range of locations on the body. The new guidelines, which set the Navy apart from the other military services in terms of permissiveness, are an acknowledgement of a changing culture and youthful population, officials said. "This policy change is about being honest with ourselves, and putting policies in place that reflect tattoo realities in the nation we serve," said Lt. Cmdr. Nate Christensen, a spokesman for Navy Personnel Command. "It is also meant to ensure we don't miss opportunities to bring in talented young men and women willing to serve." The message authorized the following: Up to one neck tattoo, no larger than an inch wide and an inch high. Tattoos of no larger than one inch by one inch are also acceptable behind the ear, according to the message. Both locations were previously off-limits to tattoos. While tattoos are permissible on the torso, they still cannot be visible through white uniforms, according to the message. Tattoos on the head, face and scalp are still prohibited. Size restrictions on tattoos on the body, arms and legs are lifted entirely. Leg and arm tattoos can be of any size, including sleeve tattoos, giving sailors a much wider range of options for body art. Cosmetic tattoos to correct medical conditions are permitted. While location and size restrictions have eased, the Navy is keeping in place its ban on objectionable content, including tattoos prejudicial to good order and discipline in those that are obscene, sexually explicit, discriminatory, or affiliated with a gang or extremist group. The Navy will not give waivers for tattoos with prohibited content, according to the message. "This policy update is being made in response to the increased popularity of tattoos in those currently serving, and from the population that Navy draws its recruits," Christensen said. "The Navy strives to reflect the nation we serve, to attract, recruit and retain the nation's best talent." These tattoo updates come as the Marine Corps prepares to release its own updated tattoo policy. The Corps' rules are currently among the strictest, prohibiting sleeves and limiting the size and number of tattoos visible while in uniform. In a March 8 interview, Marine Corps Manpower and Reserve Affairs Commander Lt. Gen. Mark Brilakis told Military.com the Corps was in the final stages of approving its new policy. Sources have said that policy is unlikely to significantly loosen existing restrictions, though it will standardize rules across all commands. "What we want to do is roll out a comprehensive policy that when it comes out, it runs from soup to nuts," Brilakis said. "I can tell you right now that not everybody is going to be happy," he added. "The Marine Corps is an organization that prides itself on its relationship with the American people. We've got a history of being a smart, well-groomed professional force, and this commandant has no intention of walking away from any of those precepts. And so this tattoo policy will be respecting individual desires but also understanding that we are a military force." The Navy message also updated existing guidance on wearing Navy ball caps. Commands authorized to wear the NWU camouflage uniform Type II and III may now optionally issue and wear a coyote-brown command ball cap, according to the message. The eight-point cover will continue to be worn for uniform inspections, special events and other occasions determined by the commanding officer, however. -- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @HopeSeck. Right-hander Carlos Torres has opted out of his minor league deal with the Braves and is now a free agent, MLB.coms Mark Bowman reports. Earlier today, MLBTRs Zach Links reported (Twitter links) that Torres representatives were already talking to other teams about a new opportunity for the veteran reliever after Atlanta didnt put Torres on the Opening Day roster. Torres was a big part of the Mets bullpen from 2013-15, posting a 3.59 ERA, 8.2 K/9 and 3.0 K/BB rate over 241 innings, mostly working as a reliever but also making 10 starts amidst his 165 games with New York. Torres was waived in January and signed on with Atlanta in February. The 33-year-old received a fair amount of reported interest on the open market, choosing the Braves deal over offers from the Dodgers and Yankees. This is just my speculation, but the Yankees might have room for a bullpen addition in the wake of injuries to Andrew Miller and right-handed swingman Bryan Mitchell. The Dodgers could also be a fit given their own pitching issues, though the injury bug has taken more bites from the L.A. rotation rather than the bullpen. Padres president Mike Dee denies recent whispers that GM A.J. Prellers job is in danger after the teams failed attempt at contention last season, Joel Sherman of the New York Post writes. Not true, says Dee. We have more confidence and excitement about him as GM than when we hired him in 2014. Hes here for the long haul. Dee says one reason the team hired Preller was because of his background in acquiring amateur talent, and it will take awhile for his efforts in that area to bear fruit. Notably, the organization is already rumored to have committed almost $30MM to talent that will become available in next summers Latin American amateur market a huge figure, particularly given the penalties that will be involved. Heres more on the Padres. FLINT, MI -- A man sentenced to life in prison when he was a juvenile in a 1987 shooting that left six dead inside a Flint home is now eligible for a new sentence. Terry Morris was 17 in February 1987 when he opened fire inside a home at 1010 East Russell Avenue and killed Mary Lee Williams, 44; her son, Donald "Juice" Williams, 21; Andres Adams, 17; Darryol Humphrey, 20; Teresa Spicer, 19; and Deaundric Collins, 19. Prosecutors at the time of the 1987 killings described Morris as a top lieutenant for one of the victims, Donald Williams, who police said was the head of a cocaine distribution ring that used the Russell Avenue home as headquarters for Williams' drug operation. Investigators said Morris killed Donald Williams because he repeatedly embarrassed him in front of the gang, according to Flint Journal archives. The remaining victims were killed to prevent them from identifying Morris as the killer, prosecutors said. Morris, 46, is one of 26 juvenile lifers from Genesee County who could get a chance at a new sentence following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling earlier this year. In January, the nation's highest court said its 2012 ruling in Miller v. Alabama that invalidated mandatory life sentences for juveniles as a form of cruel and unusual punishment applies retroactively. The ruling opened the door to the possibility of parole and re-sentencing hearings to 367 Michigan inmates sentenced as juveniles serving life in prison without parole. Prosecutors across the state have until a summer deadline to research each case and determine how to proceed, either by filing motions in support of the life sentence without parole, or allowing a judge to instead hand down a new sentence. Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton said his office is handling each case on a case-by-case basis. He said while Morris falls under the scope of the Supreme Court ruling, doesn't mean prosecutors won't still seek life in prison. "He was a juvenile at the time, so he falls into the scope of Miller v. Alabama," Leyton said. "So he gets reviewed like everybody else, but that doesn't mean that we won't seek a life without parole sentence. His case has to be reviewed like all the others." Miller is serving his life sentence at the state prison in Lapeer County. Search the database to see inmates sentenced as juveniles and serving life without parole in Michigan: MLive obtained the list from the Michigan Department of Corrections that was sent to prosecutors across the state so that each case can be examined to determine how to handle each one. Some prisoners could be re-sentenced to life without parole while others could get a term of years in prison instead. Amanda Emery is a police reporter for MLive-Flint Journal. Contact her at aemery@mlive.com or 810-285-0792. Follow her on Twitter or Facebook. FLINT, MI -- Unsure if a body was inside, crews planned to try again to pull a vehicle from the Flint River Thursday morning, March 31. Search and rescue teams were called to the river, south East Fifth Avenue, around 10:44 p.m. Wednesday, March 30, after witnesses said they saw a vehicle driving eastbound on Fifth when it left the road and sunk into the river, according to a Flint Police Department news release. Police believe it's the same vehicle - a red pickup truck or SUV - that was involved in a hit-and-run crash about a quarter mile away at Fifth and Saginaw Street, just west of the river, the release says. High water levels and the fast current from recent rainfall made it impossible for teams to recover the vehicle or search for a body Wednesday night, according to the release. The current made for low underwater visibility, so police still have not confirmed if anyone was in the sunken vehicle. They tried to use the dam to lower the water level and slow the flow of the river, but it did not lead to recovery of the vehicle. The plan was to head back out Thursday morning to try again, police said. Along with Flint police, those that responded Wednesday night included police from the University of Michigan-Flint and Michigan State Police, along with boat crews from the Flint Fire Department and the Genesee County Dive Team. A helicopter from the U.S. Customs Border Patrol flew overhead. GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Grand Rapids Superintendent Teresa Weatherall Neall will deliver her annual State of our Schools address on Tuesday, April 19, at Ottawa Hills High School. The event has the feel of big pep rally that brings out elected officials, community and business leaders, in addition to staff and some families. But besides for sharing the accomplishments of the district, it is an opportunity for Neal to lay out some of the priorities for the coming year, ongoing challenges that require support and unveil new initiatives. "I want parents to know that we are seeing improvement on academic achievement," said Neal. "We have to help kids graduate and get to the next phase of their life.'' "We hear what parents are asking us. They wanted more school choices and we're providing that to them." She cited as examples the launch of the new Museum School and expansion of C.A. Frost into a high school this year, as well as the work underway on art-infused International Baccalaureate program for elementary students. Related: Grand Rapids graduation rates climb above 50 percent, dropout figures fall Related: GRPS approves fundraising agreement for Museum School, launches capital campaign Here are five reasons to attend the address: Update on School Bond: Neal will discuss the status of the $175 million school bond that passed for buildings, technology and security in November that she lobbied for in last year's address. On March 16, GRPS closed on the first segment of borrowing, approximately $88.5 million,and is planning the construction schedule. Growth of Robotics Programs: Neal will highlight the growth of robotics programs from 10 to 23. She wants a program in every school to give all students STEM (science, technology, engineering and math experiences) experiences. The West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology began partnering with GRPS this year to coordinate a district-wide FIRST Robotics program. Parent Engagement: Neal will talk about the impact the district's parent engagement strategies have had on academics, chronic absenteeism, behavior and parent advocacy.The rate of chronic absenteeism has fallen by 19.2 percent from 26.1 percent of students in 2014-15 S1 to 21.1 percent of students in 2015-16. Graduation Rates Improving: GRPS saw a 6.6 percent increase in high school graduation rates, moving above 50 percent for the first time in years to 56.2 percent in 2015. The rate increased for minority subgroups tracked.The overall increase is below the state average of 79.7 percent but four high schools did exceed that average, ranging from 82.7 to 100 percent grad rates: City, UPrep, Innovation Central and Grand Rapids Montessori. The Big Reveal: Neal plans to announce at least one new initiative. A year ago, she said the district was going on the offense to retain and attract students. This program is expected to help grow, not just stabilize enrollment in the approximately 17,000 student district. The speech is usually delivered on a Saturday morning but will be at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, in hopes drawing more parents and community members. Ottawa Hills is located at 2055 Rosewood Ave. SE. RSVP by contacting Dana Bialik in the superintendent's office, 616-819-2193 or bialkd@grps.org. Monica Scott is the Grand Rapids K-12 education writer. Email her at mscott2@mlive.com and follow her on Twitter @MScottGR or Facebook GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Long before Rosalynn Bliss became the first woman to take the oath of office as Grand Rapids mayor, Harriet Cook was on a ballot. Initially rejected in her bid for a school board nomination, the dressmaker ran as an independent candidate. Using her initials, H.A., instead of her first name, Cook won and became the first Michigan woman elected to a school board. The year was 1888. "She was smart and even cunning," Deirdre Toeller-Novak told the Greater Grand Rapids Women's History Council on Wednesday, March 30. Cook was one of five women, including Bliss, who were celebrated at the council's annual reception, held at the Women's City Club as the national Women's History Month comes to a close. An audience of more than 100 people, including several women currently serving as elected officials, gathered to celebrate these five female firsts in Grand Rapids election history: 1888, Harriet Cook became the first woman elected to a school board not only in Grand Rapids, but across the state. She was "a feisty, accomplished businesswoman and an activist for women's suffrage," Toeller-Novak said, who paved the way for many female school board members. Cook lost her re-election bid. 1920, Eva McCall Hamilton became the first woman elected to the Michigan Legislature, winning in the first election following the 19th Amendment that guaranteed the right of women to vote in all elections. The Grand Rapids teacher served one term in the state Senate, and her portrait hangs at the state Capitol in Lansing. She helped start the Fulton Street Farmers Market. She remains the only woman to have represented Grand Rapids in the Michigan Senate. How female leaders changed the way food was sold at Grand Rapids markets nearly 100 years ago 1930, Grace Van Hoesen became the first woman elected to the Kent County Commission. The factory bookkeeper and founder of the Grand Rapids League of Women Voters also helped compile a collection of 20,000 registration cards on which Grand Rapids women listed skills they could contribute to the World War I effort. Van Hoesen previously ran unsuccessfully for school board and City Commission. "I think the message from Grace is 'if at first you don't succeed...'" Toeller-Novak said. No other woman was elected to the county board until 1976. 1961, Evangeline Lamberts became the first woman elected to the Grand Rapids City Commission. The homemaker was president of the League of Women Voters also and "is also remembered rather less favorably," Toeller-Novak said, for her opposition to the city's sale of land to four black men who started the Auburn Hills neighborhood. 2015, Rosalynn Bliss became the first woman elected Grand Rapids mayor, receiving a majority of the vote in an August primary involving four candidates. A 10-year City Commission veteran, Bliss in December took the oath of office to succeed term-limited George Heartwell. Hard-knock history for female mayoral candidates in Grand Rapids 57 men who preceded George Heartwell as Grand Rapids mayor Matt Vande Bunte writes about government and other issues on MLive. Follow him on Twitter and Facebook. Bus12166023-large.jpg (MLive File Photo) IONIA, MI - A student with a toy gun triggered a temporary lockdown at Ionia Middle School Thursday, March 31, according to the Ionia Public Safety Department. At 1:36 p.m., the school went into lockdown when staff was alerted to a possible gun on the property. Officials say a student who was alleged to have the weapon was immediately isolated by staff members. The weapon was found in the student's backpack and was determined to be a toy gun with an orange tip on it. The lockdown was cleared after 10 minutes and classes have resumed. The school, located at 438 Union St., has 712 students. No real weapon was found at the school, and the student had not made any threats toward anyone, according to the police. A joint investigation between the public safety department and the school is continuing. Monica Scott is the Grand Rapids K-12 education writer. Email her at mscott2@mlive.com and follow her on Twitter @MScottGR or Facebook Mandalay is swimming in tax money, delighted finance officials have announced, with internal revenue for this financial year exceeding the target figure. Tax for the 28 townships in Mandalay Region, not including Nay Pyi Taw, for the 2015-16 financial year exceeds K123 billion, well above the Internal Revenue Departments K115 billion target. With one day of the current financial year to go, the regional finance department says its biggest earner for the past year has been income tax. The department also collects commercial tax, stamp duty and tax on the state-run Aung Bar Lay lottery. I want people to know that the taxes raised from the people are being spent on the people. Our revenue exceeds the estimate because people are willing to pay tax. Myitthar township in our region has no tax debt, U Kyaw Aung Moe, assistant director of the internal revenue department, told The Myanmar Times. Receipts have exceeded targets in two of the four taxes levied by the regional government. Stamp duty, targeted at K9.7 billion, brought in almost three times as much K26.5 billion while lottery tax, estimated at K1.319 billion, came in at K1.336 billion. Commercial tax fell below the target of K39.3 billion, bringing in K36.3 billion as of March 28 and income tax revenue is K59.6 billion, less than the K64.9 billion goal. This is the second year running that Mandalay Region has shown a tax profit. The expected revenue for 2014-15 was K51.897 billion and actual revenue was K82.037 billion, 58 percent higher than expected, according to the Internal Revenue Department. Another source of income is fines from non-compliant businesses. Starting in May last year, the revenue department instructed the regions more than 500 hotels and 2000 restaurants to stick tax stamps on customers receipts. Last July inspectors began enforcing the edict, said U Kyaw Aung Moe. They collected more than K3.4 million in fines from seven hotels and 142 restaurants that had failed to pay tax, he said. The fines rise with repeated cases of non-compliance, he said, starting at K200,000 for a first offence and rising to K1 million if a company has failed to comply four times. One Pyigyitagun township resident said, Citizens pay tax to help the country develop. Most people understand that tax income is spent on the people. He noted that from next month, people will have to pay 5pc tax on phone bills. The government needs to be sure that people can really pay the tax. People can suffer if taxes are too high. On the other hand, I want to see them take action against tax dodgers. Translation by Thiri Min Htun Testing of a high-yield groundnut suitable for genetic modification will start during the coming monsoon season, scientists have announced. A preliminary test on a 200-square-foot lot at Magwe University was completed in January under a project proposed by the Ministry of Education. U Kyaw Min Naing, associate professor of the Magwe University botany department, told The Myanmar Times that the January test had included genetically altered groundnuts with normal groundnut crops so that the yield rate and resistance to disease could be compared. The chemical mutations have been classified as 10M, 20M, 30M, 50M and 60M. We have found that the genetically modified crops have a higher resistance and higher yield, and that they can also be cultivated on salty land. We found that the 50M and 60M were the best. The test was conducted on real farmland, not in a greenhouse, he said. He has collected seeds from the first test and will also supervise the second. Im very keen on research, he said. The ministry has provided K200,000 in funding, but Ive also spent K850,000 out of my own pocket. Ko Aung Kyaw Kyaw, an expert in farm law, said genetically modified, or GM, crops could yield larger harvests than the ordinary kind. A normal crop can provide 40 to 50 baskets an acre, but a GM crop can yield 100 baskets, and can be more stable. Magwe is famous for its edible oil. But farmers have switched to more profitable crops. They already harvest hybrid maize. Success in developing GM groundnuts could persuade farmers to switch their choice of crop and could also help reduce reliance on imports, he said. CP [Thailands Charoen Pokphan Group] imports hybrid maize worth US$200 to $400 million annually. If the GM groundnuts are found to be strong and stable after testing for three seasons, farmers wont need to buy seeds, as they will be able to take them from the harvest, said Ko Aung Kyaw Kyaw. U Kyaw Min Naing said he did not want to profit from selling the seeds. Im not out to make a profit, Im just a researcher and a teacher. My main concern is helping the farmers. Having assigned herself four cabinet portfolios Foreign Affairs, Education, Energy and Electric Power, and the Presidents Office Daw Aung San Suu Kyi will find her in-trays overflowing when she finally steps through the doors of her ministries. Civil society organisations, in general steadfast supporters of the National League for Democracy and its leader, have not been idle in pressing their demands, many in critical areas combining overlapping aspects of her multiple ministerial posts. Yesterday the NLD received an appeal by three prominent CSOs in Shan State calling for the immediate halt of construction work that has already begun on the controversial Upper Yeywa dam on the Myitnge (Namtu) River, as well as plans to build three others. Their calls for a moratorium on major infrastructure and mineral projects follow similar appeals this month by groups in Kachin State campaigning against the Myitsone dam project and Hpakant jade mining, activists in eastern Myanmar lobbying against dams along the Thanlwin (Salween) river, and others in Rakhine State opposed to oil and gas extraction. What all these demands share in common and this may explain why the NLD leader has chosen both the Foreign Affairs and Energy/Power portfolios is that major infrastructure projects lie close to or inside conflict zones and involve powerful foreign backers, including China, Thailand, Japan and Western governments. At the same time Myanmar has a growing need for energy barely one-third of villages have access to power and hydropower plays a large role in plans to expand generation capacity. For Nay Pyi Taw to push ahead with large dams in conflict zones, against the wishes of local ethnic communities, is thumbing their noses at the peace process, said Sai Khur Hseng of Shan Sapawa, one of the three groups launching yesterdays appeal. If the new NLD-led government wants to build peace, they must immediately halt the dams on the Namtu and other rivers in ethnic conflict zones, he said. The Upper Yeywa dam, planned to be completed in 2018, is particularly controversial. Last month more than 200 residents of Ta Long village whose homes, pagodas and famed citrus groves are to be submerged signed a petition against the project, saying they had never been consulted. They insist they will never move. The townships of Nawngcho, Kyaukme and Hsipaw, where dams on the Namtu are being planned, are still active conflict zones, where Shan and Taang resistance forces operate, and where fighting has escalated in early 2016, the report says. The report, also co-authored by the Shan Human Rights Federation and the Shan State Farmers Network, is particularly scathing of those donor governments who are directly involved in the peace process while their companies wade in before conflicts are settled. They [the dam projects] also reveal the hypocrisy of foreign donor countries, such as Norway, Switzerland and Japan, who are showcasing their support for the peace process but whose corporations are opportunistically partnering with Nay Pyi Taw to profit from resources in ethnic conflict areas before peace has been reached, the report says. Norways state-owned SN Power is singled out for its reported involvement as the main developer of the Middle Yeywa dam with a planned capacity of 700 megawatts. SN Power yesterday said it was working in close cooperation with the Ministry of Electric Power with the objective of identifying the feasibility of this potential hydropower development on the Myitnge river. The NLD has set the peace process and national reconciliation as a priority, recognising that a stable peace is key to economic development for the whole country, not just border zones. But the party has said little on the controversial projects it has inherited from U Thein Seins government, although there have been indications Daw Aung San Suu Kyi might try to renegotiate rather than scrap some ventures. We hope she is up to the challenge and not as isolated from the ground as she seems, said one aid worker involved in Shan State who asked not to be named. She will not be spared by state/ethnic civil society if she steams ahead with these projects. Despite staging a defiant walk-out of parliament, the Arakan National Party has been unable to stop the National League for Democracy from confirming MP U Nyi Pu as the next chief minister for Rakhine State. The ANP made good on its promise to boycott unilateral appointments to the Rakhine State cabinet by the NLD. The nationalist party which holds 23 of 47 seats in the state had lobbied the NLD for the chief minister post. The ANP objected to U Nyi Pyus nomination on the grounds that President U Htin Kyaw was not yet in power, so did not have the authority to dictate appointments, but this was quickly dismissed by the Rakhine State Hluttaw Speaker. We have many things to do for Rakhine State in the future. So, I dont want to get stuck at this initial step. The chief minister proposal is flawless, said Speaker U San Kyaw Hla, who is also an ANP member. The military-drafted 2008 constitution gives regional parliaments very little scope to reject chief ministers nominated by the president. The president retains the right to appoint the chief minister regardless of the make-up of the local legislatures, a clause the NLD has used to justify taking all 14 chief minister positions despite supporting constitutional changes last year that would have shifted the decision-making power to regional parliaments. The walk-out followed tense talks between senior ANP officials and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi held in Nay Pyi Taw on March 24 over the composition of the state government. The ANP has ridiculed the NLD for failing to collaborate with ethnic parties over appoints, and accused the new administration of monopolising power. Amyotha Hluttaw representative U Kyaw Kyaw, a member of ANPs central executive committee, said that even the Union Solidarity and Development Party had shown a greater willingness to negotiate. After winning the 2010 elections, USDP leaders visited Rakhine State to broker state appointments with the ANPs predecessor, the Rakhine Nationalities Development Party. The USDP is mostly known for being dictators and yet even they came and negotiated with our small party, he said. We have 23 seats in the state parliament and 22 seats in the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw. We are the third-largest party in Myanmar. If Rakhine people cant use the party to express their desires, than the government isnt listening to the Rakhine people, he added. U Khin Maung Lwin, another ANP Amyotha Hluttaw representative, said the party behaved democratically in staging a walk-out. It did not breach any rules or regulations of parliament, he said. In other countries, MPs can tap tables or stamp their feet or walk out [to show their displeasure]. They even hit the ground with the chair they sit on, he said from his room at Nay Pyi Taws municipal guesthouse yesterday. Recently, in the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, all military MPs stood up when an NLD MP talked about the Letpadaung copper mine project. The case in the Rakhine State Hluttaw is the same. The ANPs leadership issued a statement last month announcing the party would not accept any state cabinet positions if it was not given the opportunity to join the NLD at the negotiating table. It doesnt mean we will object to all activities of the government. The party will cooperate with the government for some cases, but if the state government shows weakness, we will point it out, said ANP Pyithu Hluttaw representative U Pe Than. We will check and balance the government. Changes are already under way in Rakhine State, where outgoing President U Thein Sein made a last-minute departing decision to lift the state of emergency imposed after deadly sectarian riots erupted between Buddhist and Muslim communities in 2012. The ANP welcomed U Thein Seins announcement, saying it will open the door to further development and a more stable future. We have to wait and see how the new chief minister implements this and other decisions for the state, said U Tun Aung Kyaw, ANP general secretary. The United Nations yesterday welcomed the decision to lift the state of emergency. We hope that this measure combined with improving local security will allow greater progress to be made in addressing the complex challenges in Rakhine State, including improved mobility, livelihood opportunities and access to services for the entire population said Pablo Barrera, from the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator for Myanmar, in a statement. U Nyi Pu, the appointed chief minister of Rakhine, said he is eager to build a better future for the state and will do the best he can to cooperate, negotiate and discuss with all stakeholders. The Rakhine State Hluttaw is set to resume on April 1 when U Nyi Pu is scheduled to be sworn in. Translation by Thiri Min Htun "A bill to create a new and apparently key government position for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was approved this morning by the upper house bill committee for further debate, MPs said. In its first legislative act since taking office yesterday, the new government submitted the state counsellor law to the upper house bill committee headed by U Aung Kyi Nyunt, an NLD MP. The draft legislation was approved by the committee for debate in the upper house tomorrow. The bill specifically names Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to fill the position of state counselor. Diplomats and analysts informed about the bill said its purpose was in effect to create a position tantamount to that of prime minister for the NLD leader, who is barred by the constitution from the presidency because her sons are foreign nationals. U Aung Kyi Nyunt said parliament would try to approve the bill quickly. Once approved by the upper house, it would then move to the lower house, with the NLD holding majorities in both chambers. The NLD said it has submitted the bill according to section 217 of the constitution which sets out the executives powers of the president. The bill, containing five chapters and eight sections, states as its purpose the development of a multi-party democratic system, a market economy, the building of a federal union, and peace and development of the Union. It says the role of state counselor will be to provide advice for the state in the citizens interests and without contradiction to the constitution. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi would also have the responsibility of reporting to parliament, as related to her functions. She is also to be given a budget. Under the constitution, members of the executive have to relinquish their seats in parliament. However, this new position would appear to preserve the NLD leaders links to the legislature. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who claimed before last Novembers sweeping election victory that she would run the government above the president, already holds four cabinet posts foreign affairs, education, energy and the President's office. There was no immediate response to the bill by the military, which holds 25 percent of seats in parliament and controls three key ministries. This article will be updated as more information is available. The Myanmar Times is proud to announce that we have been been honoured with the silver and bronze awards for Best in Photojournalism (News) 2016 from WAN-IFRA (World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers)! Congratulations to photographer Zarni Phyo and Director of photography Kaung Htet, who clearly went above and beyond capturing the award-winning images, which you can view and read more about below. Silver Medal: "Rakhine State Floods," Kaung Htet The floods of July-August were less of a sudden devastation than a slow-building disaster. Heavy rainin the mountains of northern and western Myanmar in July left creeks swollen and dams full to bursting, although the full impact was not felt for some time. By early August, the president had declared Sagaing and Magwe regions and Chin and Rakhine states natural disaster areas, and civil society groups, NGOs, the military and many ordinary citizens had sprung into action to help deliver relief supplies. The floods eventually affected more than 1.6 million people across 12 states and regions, including more than 500,000 in Ayeyarwady. At least 117 people were also confirmed dead. But the floods also wreaked a devastating economic toll, with almost 1 million acres of farmland damaged, prompting the government to temporarily suspend rice exports. Bronze Medal: "Student protest crackdown," Zarni Phyo 2015 began with student protests against the National Education Law which had been passed by parliament in late 2014 and was criticised as leaving the central government with too much control over the education system. Students began marching from Mandalay to Yangon to press their case. A stand-off with police ensued at a monastery in Letpadan, Bago Region, and culminated in a brutal break-up of the demonstration on March 10. Officers defended the use of violence, including baton charges, and said they had followed their European Union training in riot control. The EU condemned the violence and said more training was needed, and this month committed more funds. The police arrested 127 students, reporters, activists and bystanders in the crackdown. Lawyers say 77 are on trial, of whom about 50 are still in prison, many in poor health. Charges include unlawful assembly and incitement to riot. Rights groups have condemned the trials and say the process is taking far too long. Read more from our 2015: Year in Review wrap-up, and click here for a full list of the 2016 WAN-IFRA Asian Media Award winners. As 2007 protest leader U Gambira and his mother pleaded for his release in court yesterday, his lawyer said he was giving up hope that the former monk will be found not guilty. During questioning, U Gambira, who is also known as U Nyi Nyi Lwin, told the Maha Aung Myay Township Court in Mandalay Region that he was not guilty of immigration offences. I crossed the border officially and I paid overdue charges at both immigration border gates a penalty of 500 baht [about US$15] at the Thai border and 100 baht at the Myanmar border. I didnt commit any crime and I deserve to be free, he said. His wife is currently trying to get official confirmation letters for the charges paid at the border because he was not given receipts at the time, he said. U Gambira also said he had struggled to get treatment at local clinics because they were afraid of angering the government by helping him. The former political prisoner suffers from acute post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of his imprisonment following the suppression of the 2007 uprising. Lawyer U Robert San Aung said he did not have faith in the judiciary to make a just decision. While U Gambira was denied bail, two Chinese people who faced the same illegal immigration charges were granted bail in Pyin Oo Lwin. U Gambira didnt appeal the bail verdict, because he has no faith in the judiciary. A verdict will probably be reached after the next hearing and we have low expectations. The system wont change, U Robert San Aung said. U Gambiras mother, Daw Yay, vested her hope in the incoming NLD government to free all political prisoners, including her son. She testified in court yesterday for his innocence and said she just wanted him to be free. U Gambiras wife will testify at the next hearing, scheduled for April 5. U Gambira, who resides in Thailand, entered Myanmar at the Thai border crossing of Mae Sai-Tachileik on January 16. Police allege that he did not enter the country legally, and have charged him under section 13(a) of the colonial-era Burma Immigration (Emergency Provisions) Act of 1947. The former political prisoner will face anywhere from six months to five years in prison if found guilty. Sworn in as Myanmars first elected president with no military ties in 54 years, U Htin Kyaw yesterday sketched out a vision for the future, setting the stage for an uneasy sharing of power with the military which has shown little readiness for compromise so far. While it was the little-known 69-year-old former academic who took the oath of office and delivered a perfunctory inaugural speech to the Union parliament, it was still Daw Aung San Suu Kyi who commanded attention as the party leader intending to run the government above the president as long as the constitution bars her from the top post. The new government will implement the following policies: national reconciliation, internal peace, pursuing a constitution toward a federal Union, and improving the living standards of the majority of the people, U Htin Kyaw said in an address devoid of detail and lasting barely three minutes. Taking the oath in unison, he was flanked by his two vice presidents ex-general and former Yangon Region chief minister U Myint Swe, and U Henry Van Thio, an ethnic Chin Christian. After the pomp of parliament, U Htin Kyaw and his cabinet attended a brief ceremony at the presidential palace where outgoing president and ex-general U Thein Sein handed over the symbols of office with a smile and handshake. He then ushered the new president out the door for a tour of the premises. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, now officially foreign minister and holding three other cabinet portfolios, had the briefest of handshakes with Commander-in-Chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. But she was seen having a longer and more animated conversation with the three uniformed lieutenant generals who are the militarys appointed ministers for home affairs, defence and border affairs. Not just for MPs, but also for many people watching proceedings broadcast live on television, the day was deemed to be historic and the beginning of a hoped-for new era of civilian rule. Now we have a government elected by the people, not appointed by the military, said one young editorial secretary. US President Barack Obama stated from the White House, Htin Kyaws inauguration represents a historic milestone in the countrys transition to a democratically elected, civilian-led government. U Oo Hla Saw, a senior member of the Arakan National Party (ANP), recalled that many lives had been lost to get to this moment. To reach such a situation today, so many lives were sacrificed. Some people were jailed and some lost their lives and some their families. This is the beginning of the conclusion of the Dark Age that we suffered for decades, he told The Myanmar Times. Chosen by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi for his personal loyalty yet gaining the appreciation of many people in his own right, the new president is expected to hold his first cabinet meeting today. Keeping to what is becoming an established practice of leaving the media in the dark, the NLD has revealed scant details of what happens over the next days before the long break for Thingyan, or water festival, in mid-April. Some ministers have said they plan to meet their staff and get down to work tomorrow. Absent any details on policy in the presidential speech, MPs dwelled on his broad-brush pledge to work for peace and to pursue a constitution in accordance with democratic norms that will be suitable for our country. U Kyaw Thein, an ANP upper house MP, noted the constitution has provisions for amendments, although the military holds an effective power of veto through its appointed bloc of 25 percent of parliament. Still, he said he felt optimistic about the presidents promises and trusted that he would promote the rights of ethnic minorities. Sai Thiha Kyaw of the Shan Nationalities League of Democracy (SNLD) said the government would face serious challenges in bringing about a federal democratic constitution. Transcript: President U Htin Kyaws inaugural address If constitutional amendments are allowed, the Tatmadaw has concerns that such a move would be dangerous for the country. For ethnic people, if the constitution is not amended, they think that the charter does not guarantee their rights, he said. A mutual understanding and trust should be built, the ethnic Shan MP said of the NLD and the military. The Tatmadaw has its stance, challenges, its commitment and its understanding of politics that should be understood by other parties, he added, urging the government not to provoke the Tatmadaw and to exercise the patience that U Htin Kyaw spoke of in his address. But the military also had to come to understand the wishes of the people and the forces of democracy, he added. U Than Soe Naing, a political commentator, said that achieving the governments vision depended on how much trust could be built between the NLD and military. The relationship between national reconciliation, internal peace and the constitution is a deep issue. It will take time and the whole peace process, including political dialogue with ethnic armed groups, he said. U Than Soe Naing doubted that U Htin Kyaw would rush into trying to change the constitution to allow Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to assume the presidency. He said her achievements in the cabinet would be a way to attract support from the military to amend article 59(f) of the charter, which bars her from the presidency because her sons are foreign nationals. Daw Phyu Phyu Thin, a NLD lower house MP, said the constitution had to be changed to end decades of civil war. The constitution poses so many limitations for national reconciliation and the peace process. We have laid plans for our country but as the 2008 constitution does not guarantee equal rights of the ethnic people, we cannot achieve success no matter how wide-ranging our discussions are, she said. Repairs to the constitution and the peace process should be parallel processes, she said. If we can amend the constitution as fast as we can through cooperation, it is best for our country. Away from the fanfare of Nay Pyi Taws handover ceremony, a member of the National League for Democracy was quietly released from prison yesterday after serving time for social media satire gone awry. Ma Chaw Sandi Tun, 25, also known as Chit Thami, was sentenced to six months imprisonment for a photo comparing Senior General Min Aung Hlaings uniform with the colour of Daw Aung San Suu Kyis htamein. In a comment deemed defamatory, she suggested the senior general could wear the htamein himself as a bandana. She was arrested in October last year while at a meditation conference in Bahan township. She was brought back to her native Maubin township in Ayeyarwady Region to face charges pressed by the Tatmadaw. Her case was among a spate of military-led clampdowns on social media pranksters. She was arrested the same month as Kachin activist and NGO worker Patrick Kum Ja Lee, who was also sentenced for a post related to the Tatmadaw. The escalating crackdowns on online users has been heavily criticised by international rights groups, which say the cases infringe on free speech. Ma Chaw Sandi Htuns lawyer, prominent human rights defender U Robert San Aung, had argued in court that the incriminating Facebook post wasnt even posted by the defendant. He demonstrated that several accounts operate under the same name, Chit Thami, which convinced the judge to drop the defamation charge under the penal code. Ma Chaw Sandi Htun was still convicted of violating section 66(d) of the Telecommunications Law, however, and sentenced to six months in prison. U Robert San Aung confirmed yesterday that Ma Chaw Sandi Htun had been released after completing her sentence. The issue of political prisoners poses a significant challenge for the NLD-led administration, with human rights group lobbying hard for a full and unconditional release. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has pledged to release all prisoners of conscience, but whether that pledge is even feasible remains to be seen. The military retains control of the National Defence and Security Council, which the president must consult in order to grant amnesties. Within the next two months, an international tribunal in Holland will make a judgement about the ownership of disputed islands in the South China Sea. It will rule on a case brought by the Philippines, which has argued that China has illegally occupied some of its offshore islands. China has countered that a nine-dash line drawn on a historic map confirms its right to the islands and has refused to attend the tribunal in The Hague. Many neutral observers believe the tribunal, which mediates conflicts relating to the United Nations Law of the Sea, will rule against China. If that happens, it will be a landmark moment and is likely to ratchet up tensions across the region. Right now, Beijing insists that since its had dominion over the area for more than 1000 years, whereas Manila only made its claim based on proximity 38 years ago, the tribunals decision is irrelevant. In contrast, the United States, which backs the right of other claimants like Malaysia and Vietnam to seek international mediation, says the Hague outcome is hugely important, and in US eyes, legally binding. Last week, Daniel Russel, US assistant secretary of state for East Asia, said, It is the acid test of whether China will be seen as a nation that abides by international law or whether it is prepared to be seen as an outlier that flouts the law. So battle lines have been drawn for a potential conflict pitting Beijing, tacitly supported by non-claimants Cambodia, Laos and Thailand, against Washington, backed by the Philippines, Vietnam and other claimants. It is no joke. Already, Chinas militarisation and aggressive actions have caused profound unease, especially after the way regional powerhouse Indonesia, a non-claimant, was recently drawn into the fracas. On March 20, an Indonesian patrol boat captured a Chinese trawler, the Kway Fey, that had been fishing in waters close to the Natuna Islands in the extreme south of the South China Sea. The Natunas belong indisputably to Indonesia, and China has made no claim to them, but its nine-dash line does encroach upon waters around the islands, which Beijing asserts are traditional Chinese fishing grounds. Jakarta, which disputes that assertion, detained the Chinese fishermen and was towing their boat to port when a Chinese coastguard ship arrived and rammed the fishing boat, forcing the Indonesians to release it. However, the Chinese eight-man crew were not released by the Indonesians, and much to the chagrin of Beijing, are now being held in a Natuna island jail. Across in Jakarta, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi berated the charge daffaires of the Chinese embassy for the encroachment incident, and told him it had sabotaged her ministrys efforts at diplomacy. Furthermore, after being shocked by Chinas aggressive tactics, Jakarta has announced that it will boost patrols by five warships of the Indonesian navy in the waters around the resource-rich Natunas. Jakartas rage is not only due to Chinese vessels invading its maritime territory, but the way those actions strain its sacrosanct neutral stance in foreign affairs and impel it to take sides between China and the US. Already it knows that any strong response, such as openly endorsing the UN tribunal decision, especially if it goes against Beijing, will threaten Chinese investments in Indonesias ambitious infrastructure projects. But what can Indonesias leadership, and that of other nations in the region, do in the face of this rampant power play by China? They are all in a deeply difficult position, for it is clear that China will ignore the tribunals decision and occupy and militarise as many islands as possible, on the principle that possession is nine points of the law. In assessing the rationale for this attitude, it is important to realise that there is currently serious internal conflict in China itself over how to stem economic turbulence and how to mediate between the diplomatic bureaucracy and the hardline military. Thus far, while Beijing has been successfully winning possession of territory and keeping its gung-ho military men happy, it has been losing out in the court of public opinion. All attempts to put a good face on its actions in the South China Sea have stumbled on its adoption of a strategy of ambiguity about its maritime claims and its reliance on the unauthenticated nine-dash line. As the US State Departments Russel said, To take the view that ones claims are indisputable doesnt really open any doors for compromise or negotiation, and then to decline to define what those claims are leaves no room for diplomacy. Exacerbating the volatile situation is the way Washington, while saying it wants to help forge a diplomatic solution, also insists that its military will sail, fly and operate wherever permitted under international law. Hence, as Russel stressed in a speech last week in Germany, there are American naval ships criss-crossing the South China Sea just as there are Chinese naval ships doing the same thing. In this regard, it is worth noting that when US President Barack Obama visited Alaska last September, Chinese warships crossed the Bering Strait into US territorial waters and within 12 nautical miles of the Alaskan coast. Washington raised no objection and instead issued a statement saying it respected the right of the Chinese Navy to exercise the lawful transit of innocent passage through US waters. Beijing has never issued a comparable statement, but instead has always protested vigorously when US ships have sailed close to islands it claims in the South China Sea. The fact that those islands are closer to China than the US, and that most islands are nearer to the Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam than to China, is irrelevant under international law. And it is international law, not proximity, that must be used to resolve this tinderbox sovereignty conflict. That is why China, and all other nations in the region, should pay attention to the tribunals verdict, lest we all go down in flames. Paraphrasing the Roman historian Tacitus, US President John F Kennedy said in 1961 that victory has a thousand fathers but defeat is an orphan. This aphorism springs to mind as Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy prepare to assume power as the first popularly elected government in Myanmar for more than 50 years. There is no shortage of foreign governments, activist organisations and individuals claiming credit for the extraordinary events of the past five years: the paradigm shift that saw Myanmars armed forces, or Tatmadaw, step back and permit the creation of a hybrid civilian-military government, the launch of an unprecedented reform program, and the elections in 2015 that resulted in a landslide victory for the NLD. Despite some early scepticism about the Tatmadaws motives and the validity of President U Thein Seins reforms, it is now accepted that Myanmar has undergone a remarkable transformation. There are still many difficult issues to be resolved, not least the continuing political role of the armed forces, economic problems, religious tensions and ethnic insurgencies, but the Myanmar of 2016 is a far cry from the Myanmar of 2011. Following the 1988 pro-democracy uprising, governments, international organisations, activist groups and others worked long and hard to achieve such an outcome. They threw much-needed light on a country that had long been in darkness, and a population that had suffered for decades. Looking back, however, it is difficult to see any evidence that external factors contributed significantly to the evolution of a new era in Myanmar. The Myanmar people themselves deserve most of the credit for the transition and, like it or not, that includes the armed forces. It may seem a harsh judgement, but examined objectively it is hard to escape the conclusion that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the NLD are forming a new government this week largely because the generals have allowed them to do so, as part of a long-term plan formulated by the former military regime. Despite 25 years of international action, economic sanctions and other measures designed to isolate and punish Myanmars military government, it just kept growing stronger. In strategic, political, military and economic terms, it was more powerful in 2011 than at any time since 1988, possibly even since the 1962 military coup. Granted, it was very unpopular and faced serious domestic problems, but when it eventually handed over the reins to U Thein Sein the regime was firmly entrenched in power. There are still die-hard proponents of sanctions, but most governments now acknowledge that, in Myanmars case, they had only a marginal effect. They did not change the regimes thinking or policies on a single key issue. Indeed, they made it more resentful of external interference, strengthened its bunker mentality, inhibited the development of civil institutions in Myanmar and made daily life even harder for its people. Also, while the regime saw internal threats everywhere, its hand was not forced by civil strife or military defeat. Its readiness to allow a more liberal form of government was not a sign of weakness but of strength. As part of a seven-point roadmap, announced in 2003, it promulgated a constitution in 2008 that guaranteed the Tatmadaws central place in national affairs and heralded a controlled transition to a disciplined democracy. This transition may have gone further and faster than anticipated, but the 2015 elections were held, were relatively free and fair, and produced an accurate result, because the armed forces leadership permitted them to occur and did not interfere. As history attests, it could have intervened at any stage of the process and ensured that the elections were cancelled, postponed or manipulated to give a different outcome. The generals must have known that an honest election would result in a decisive victory for the NLD. The final statistics may have come as a surprise, but the outcome could not have been in doubt. This being the case, it can be assumed that, before the election, the Tatmadaws senior leadership, in consultation with U Thein Sein, collectively decided to accept the final result. There is no tradition in Myanmar of sharing political power, but the leadership must also have faced the prospect of negotiating the future governance of the country with the NLD. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has apparently agreed a modus vivendi with Commander-in-Chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing that permits the NLD to form government, and the Tatmadaw to retain certain powers and privileges. She did not get everything she wanted, notably a constitutional amendment that would have let her become president. However, both sides seem to have set aside their differences for the time being. It remains to be seen whether this arrangement survives the test of time. The NLD is certain to adjust the former governments priorities for attention and funding, and to propose more far-reaching reforms. Also, Daw Aung San Suu Kyis blunt dismissal of the presidents constitutional position, and determination to make all major policy decisions herself, is likely to cause other problems. The generals will be reluctant to accept the constraints on the Tatmadaws power that are required for Myanmar to become a genuine democracy. As Robert Taylor has written, only the army can end its own role in Myanmars politics, and that decision is dependent on its perception of the civilian political elites ability to manage the future. He might have added, and protect the Tatmadaw as a national institution. This being the case, the question arises: Why did the armed forces initiate a reform process that was bound to increase the NLDs power and reduce its own? The military regimes decision to permit far-reaching changes to Myanmar was not forced upon it. Nor was it a miscalculation or the result of astrological predictions. Rather, it was the outcome of a careful assessment of the political state of the country, its complex security problems, its needs in terms of economic and social development, and of course the future role and requirements of the armed forces. It may not fit the accepted narrative, but over a decade ago the generals seem to have decided that Myanmars interests would be best served if it became more modern, more liberal, more prosperous, more open to the outside world and more respected internationally. This was most likely to be achieved if the Tatmadaw allowed a more democratic government to evolve, which could undertake the necessary reforms. Albeit with qualifications, it is a decision that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the new NLD government would probably find easy to endorse. Lowy Interpreter Andrew Selth is an adjunct associate professor at the Griffith Asia Institute and author of numerous books, monographs and articles on Myanmar. DragonWave and Mitel recently announced that they had started a joint initiative to advance 5G networking. The two Canadian companies join a larger list of companies working on the technology, which is expected to not only provide greater capacity and speed, but also enable widespread growth of the Internet of Things (IoT). Based in Ottawa, Ontario, DragonWave, Inc. develops high-capacity packet microwave and small-cell backhaul solutions. Mitel Networks Corporation is based in nearby Kanata, and develops cloud-based communications and NFV solutions. As far as their roles in the joint initiative are concerned, Mitel will provide its expertise in software and mobile networking, while DragonWave will deal with outdoor networking, small cell and backhaul wireless technology. That list of companies heavily concentrated on researching 5G technology includes such industry heavyweights as AT&T, Verizon, Alcatel-Lucent, China Telecom, Ericsson, Fujitsu, Huawei, Nokia, Samsung and ZTE just to name a few. The efforts by these companies to research and develop 5G technology comes before a formal standard has been defined. Although it seems counterintuitive to develop 5G solutions when what constitutes 5G has not been formally defined, there is a general consensus on some of its capabilities. According to TechRepublic writer Jo Best, 5G should be capable initially of providing 1 Gbps downlinks at the outset and improve upon that speed later on. Latency should be no more than one millisecond, and the technology should be more energy efficient than previous generations. One possible consequence of the emergence of 5G is the use of higher frequency spectrum, in the 30 GHz range and higher. As Best points out, older technologies using the lower frequencies will still be in use, so it would be simpler to allocate higher frequencies to the telecoms rather than carve out slices for 5G in current spectrum ranges, which are already crowded. As a result, millimeter wave technology (MMW) would grow. If you are familiar with broadcast radio concepts, MMW is analogous to the shorter-wave FM band, which does not have great range, but delivers a higher quality signal. Current mobile spectrum is more like longer-wavelength AM, which has better range, but lower quality. With MMW, youll be able to have faster mobile bandwidth, but it wont have very good range, so companies like DragonWave will need to provide smaller cells in more places for MMW to work. From a regulatory standpoint, installing these small cells wont require as many hoops to jump through, and it will fill in the coverage gaps previously left by macro cell towers. The work that DragonWave Mitel, and other companies are doing to develop 5G technology, even though 5G does not formally exist yet, is critical. It is expected to be anywhere from 10 to 100 times faster than 4G. This will support more connected devices, and thus allow the IoT to grow even faster. Theres a lot more to this technology than shorter wait times between tweets. Edited by Peter Bernstein The National Secretary, Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Femi Durojaiye, has asked Ibinabo Fiberesima-Egbuka, to obey a court order and relinquish the position of President of the body to Nollywood actor, Emeke Ike. A statement issued on Thursday in Lagos by Durojaiye said that Fiberesima-Egbuka should step down as the president while Emeka Ike takes over. It would be recalled that Ike and Fiberesima-Egbuka had been involved in a feud over who should occupy the position of the president of the AGN. The statement read: The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos at the application and argument of counsel to the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Mr Peter Andor Oboyi, struck out Ibinabo and the Board of Trustees (BoT) suit challenging the nullification of her election. The implication of this judgment is that the Emeka Ike- led executive council remains the only authentic and lawful leaders of Actors Guild of Nigeria. The Honourable Court vehemently reiterated the position of the judicial authority that, Ibinabo Fiberesima-Egbuka, her purported executive council members and the Board of Trustees (BoT) vacate forthwith the office of AGN both at the National and State levels. Accordingly, they should surrender all AGN assets in their possessions to the incumbent, Emeka Ikes Government. 31.03.2016 LISTEN Multiple Ghanaian female veteran musician and hitmater Dorcas Opoku Darkwa has endorsed female rapper Eno as the best of all rappers. Known by many as Abrewa Nana, the Odo Filla Hitmaker has always been factual and proper with her adjudications on issues surrounding the music circles and more Today on her Facebook platform, the veteran musician shared a post made by female blogger Jullie Jay-Kanz about Eno divulging that Sarkodie has being her inspiration. She just didn't share the post but added a few sentences proving to every Tom' Dick and Harry that Eno is the best Female rapper. A fews years back, the two great musicians recorded a masterpiece dubbed "Megye WO Boy" together which was well accepted and played across the country. With this, I can strongly side with Abrewa Nana because the two had recorded a song together in the studio and hence she (Abrewa Nana) has had a direct feel of Eno's talent and capabilities. She is experienced and knows better; I believe. Well ,someone might compare Eno's strong sense of music and energy to that of Abrewa Nana ;when some years back she(Abrewa Nana) used to battle her male counterpart rappers. The veteran female afro dancehall act Abrewa Nana is yet to unleash her version of the Social Media Riddim and also featured on the upcoming Night Nurse Riddim project with the likes of Sonniballi, Jah Lead,Jamaican international act Zulan ,New York based superstar K'Coneil and Kartel's Sikka Rymes based in Jamaica. Stella Damasus 31.03.2016 LISTEN Ghanaian filmmaker Leila Djansi has been explaining why she suggested that new film producers should not be put under the umbrella of Nollywood. Leila, in a TV interview on Netflix, stated that the new producers aligning themselves with Nollywood was as bad as a mother calling her son Hitler. The comment received a lot of backlash from Nollywood, with actress Stella Damasus taking offence because she apparently felt Leila's comment was insulting. Leila, in a long blog post titled 'WHATS IN A NAME', addressed the issue to further clarify the point she had earlier made in her interview. She made some startling revelations about how Nollywood originated and added, Nollywood does NOT represent the Nigerian Film Industry Below is the verbatim reaction of Leila Djansi, culled from her leilasparty.blogspot.com : Leila is trending again. Some lady from Nollywood made a video on me. (I hope I get some royalties, I am tapped out.) In the 2012 documentary Jimmy goes to Nollywood. A very fun moment between Jimmy and I, goofy with some serious undertones, I am asked whether the new Nollywood films should also be called Nollywood and I said no. Def Not! They are like oil and water. They are too different. Its kinda like calling your child Hitler. What I meant here was history. If you name your child 'Judas', you raise eyebrows. Your child will spend the rest of his life defending his name. Make his life easy, give him a name that does not come with burden. New Nollywood films are made with lots of money and resilience. A number of the filmmakers reached out to me asking about wider distribution. A good number are my friends and we talk about challenges of filmmaking whiles black and African. Many of the roadblocks to wider distribution lay in the identity of films that have emerged from Nollywood in the very recent past. For the most part, Hollywood does not buy films because they have watched them. They buy films based on precedence. Thats why you hear phrases like in the vein of Cast Away. Meaning, my film is kinda like the Tom Hanks film Cast Away. Now that is a pitch. Cast Away made so so and so amount of money, right. Let's see your film. Thats how films are sold. Precedence. Not sentiments. Leila Djansi What this lady and others do not understand, unfortunately, is Nollywood does NOT represent the Nigerian Film Industry. It is a genre of the Nigerian film industry. It is a style of filmmaking found within the industry. Just like in Ghana we have Kumawood and the English section. So why would you make an English movie and call is a Kumawood movie? The name Nollywood was coined by an American documentary filmmaker who gave it that name because of the style it identifies with: low budget, shot in less than a week, relatable storylines, straight to DVD/VCD. That is what identifies a movie that is Nollywood. So, if the new films that do not meet these criteria also call themselves Nollywood, are they not giving themselves a wrong name? . We love Nollywood and Kumawood, but we know also that they are not the standard of filmmaking. This is a case of A monkey is loved by his mother, regardless. Or, the hencoop is always home for the chicken. Every Sunday, I watch Nollywood films. EVERY SUNDAY. So I do not disparage Nollywood, but I will not dress it up and call it a prize either. It is important to be honest about what you got wrong and praise what you got right. Nokia 3310 phones were saviors. Pioneers. But they had to be replaced to meet up with current times. We have phones and we have smart phones. Whats in a name? Identity. In identity, characteristics. You are selling yourself short calling your 100,000 budget film Nollywood. You actually get paid more money by buyers if you tag your film international film or Cinema quality. All these tags exist because a new identity has not been created to accommodate the new style. These new films from Nollywood are films aiming at globalizing the African film scene. Africa is so disrespected and through films, we can change that narrative. To limit the potential of these films by tagging them also Nollywood is not fair. Every film from the continent is called Nollywood. Sinking Sands (which happens to be Jimmy Jean Louis' foray into that world) is called a Nollywood film, Ties That Bind, Nollywood film. I am called a Nollywood filmmaker. I am Not. I have a right to decide my identity. I will not apologize for that. Its an opinion. Mine. You are not being forced to accept it. The name you respond to is what youll be called. If you cook fried rice and wrap it in plantain leaves, it will be called waakye. What do you want to be called? There is nothing wrong with having multiple identities within one industry. American film is one big umbrella but inside it are many identities: Indies, studio films, low budget, black film, European cinema. Many. Each of those categories contains an identity. You know what to expect. If you watch the entire documentary and see the difference between the old and new Nollywood, anyone with a discerning mind will understand exactly what I mean. I did not call Nollywood Hitler. I cannot compare an industry to a human. I gave an example of names, identities. How having a controversial name, a name that is associated with controversy is not helpful. It was even meant to elicit laughs, but since it seems these people have been looking for me They also complained I touched on fashion. Again, they took that out of context. I said the actors dress the same. As in, if you see maybe my buddy Jim Ikye in designer shoes, jackets and dark glasses in a movie, you see him in real life and its the same. He is someone who always wears designer shoes and clothes. He makes an elegant fashion statement in films and in real life. Thus, you wonder where the film ends and real life begins. There should be a difference between what we see in movies and what we see in real life. You see actresses in 10 films and it feels like they are playing the same role over and over again. Costume is supposed to create a difference. Nollywood elicits snickers. That is the bitter reality we are all dealing with because one way or the other, the tag affected us too. In the documentary, all of us who were interviewed had complaints about Nollywood: Ama K, Majid, Ebbe. But I was singled out to be abused. It makes me happy because it means my opinion matters. I am not excited about the death threats I received, but I have filed them with the appropriate quarters and moved on to telling life-changing stories and championing the cause of women. Instead of getting your panties in a tangle, unite and work towards changing that identity, rather than being bedazzled by temporary highs of premieres and 10-inch eyebrows and red carpets. By Francis Addo (Twitter: @fdee50 Email: [email protected] ) Sorry, we can't find the content you're looking for at this URL. Geneva (AFP) - The UN rights chief on Thursday described as "sickening" new allegations of sexual abuse including bestiality by UN peacekeepers and French troops in the Central African Republic, calling for investigations that "leave no stone unturned". "We are taking these allegations some of which are particularly odious -- extremely seriously," Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein said in a statement. UN teams sent to the restive country over the last two weeks received accounts that troops from France's Sangaris mission forced girls to engage in bestiality in return for small amounts of money. AIDS-Free World, a civil society group that tracks peacekeeper sex abuse cases, said three girls told a UN rights officer that in 2014 they were tied up and undressed by a Sangaris commander inside a camp and forced to have sex with a dog. A spokesman for Zeid said the allegations, including those concerning bestiality, remained unproven and needed to be probed. The new abuse claims, revealed in a United Nations statement on Wednesday, are the latest affecting a peacekeeping mission facing some 40 reported cases of sexual assault over the last 18 months. Most of the new allegations relate to UN peacekeepers from Burundi and Gabon as well as French soldiers deployed in the Kemo region of the Central African Republic between 2013 and 2015. The rights office said officials from all three countries had been "formally notified" of the new allegations against their soldiers. "The UN investigation into these sickening allegations, which suggest sexual abuse and exploitation of a large number of women and girls, must leave no stone unturned," Zeid said. - Court martials 'on the spot' - The Central African peacekeeping operation, known as MINUSCA, counts about 12,600 foreign police and soldiers, as well as more than 500 foreign civilians. It was set up by a UN Security Council resolution in April 2014 as the country reeled from a wave of sectarian bloodshed. It began operating in September of that year. France sent its Sangaris intervention force to the country in December 2013. As disturbing allegations of sexual assault by troops targeting civilians mounted, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in August fired the mission chief. But new claims have continued to emerge. Earlier this week, the United Nations reported two new cases of sexual abuse by Burundian and Moroccan troops, including one that involved a 14-year-old girl. In an interview with AFP before the bestiality allegations were disclosed, the UN's head of global peacekeeping operations, Herve Ladsous, denounced the reported pattern of abuses as "abominable". "I am pushing for two ideas: firstly, contributor countries must agree to hold court martials on the spot, where their troops are serving," he told AFP in Central Africa's capital Bangui. "Secondly, when Blue Helmets are recruited, DNA samples should be taken -- on a confidential basis," he added, explaining these biological records could prove crucial to establishing the truth of any future allegations. The UN Security Council is due to hear a report on the latest reported abuses during a closed-door meeting on Thursday. "The States to whom these troops belong must do more to stop the abuse happening, to punish those committing these acts with appropriate sentences," Zeid said. "Simply being sent home in disgrace is a grossly inadequate response," he added. The last couple of years, my colleagues and I at WACSI have initiated passionate discussions about branding and its value added to strengthening the institutes relevance, identity, cohesion and capacity. We have shared a lot of ideas about this intriguing subject hitherto a lot of us associated it with only for-profit businesses. From our discussions, it is apparent that many of the successful CSOs we are associated with continue to use their brands primarily as a fundraising tool. However, we also recognise that it is important for CSOs to develop a broader and more strategic approach, managing their brands to create greater social impact and resilient organisational cohesion. We have become truly passionate about branding because we strongly believe that CSOs especially community based organisations (CBOs) can benefit from having strong brands which can help them to tell their stories so that development partners support their organisations in a sustainable manner. An investment in branding can also stimulate a sense of trust from the general public and the civil society sector and that is beneficial to all of us. In contemporary African societies, brands have played an important role. There has been a proliferation of choices and brands, which acts as a short cut to access those choices. For example, when you purchase a product and you like it and go back and buy it again, the brand is the way for you to know that you are getting the same quality and experience you would expect from that product. The same example should be applied to your CSO where the idea is to create a short cut for development partners to support your organisations vision, programmes and interventions. The basic premise for creating a strong CSO brand is your ability to express your message so that development partners can understand what you do and why you do it effectively. Therefore within the civil society sector branding may be defined as the capacity of an organisation to educate and create emotional value that attracts loyal supporters and advocates to their cause. Branding may also be described as telling your story to your audience and showing why the work your organisation does matters. So, what are the benefits of having a strong brand? Strong brands articulate your message so people understand your mission: This is extremely important because most CSOs emphasise their mission and not specifically their impact they have achieved which is what donors want to see, the ultimate results of the problem that you are solving. Strong brands raise the level of professionalism and ensure consistency: This means that your organisations newsletters, annual reports, brochures, programmes and how you use social media should reflect a consistency in the values and brand personality you are expressing. This helps to establish rapport with donors, your peers and beneficiaries and makes a connection that is immediate and impactful. However, if you put out messages that are inconsistent it makes your organisation look unprofessional and unorganised. This is something you would want to avoid. Strong brands distinguish your brand from other organisations: For example, in Ghana there are over 6500 registered CSOs, therefore, it is important to distinguish your organisation so that people know your uniqueness. This should be reflected in your service, the population you serve, the impact you achieve, and the way you go about delivering your service and your philosophy. Any of these measures can be differentiators that can help people understand what you are doing differently, why you exist and why they need to support you. Strong brands position your organisation as a leader in its field: It is important that your organisation is at the forefront of the specific work you do. As funding is being refined, the organisations that are going to be supported are the ones that have a leadership position in their sector. A strong brand can help you project the quality of your leadership. Strong brands foster repeat business and referrals: A strong brand would enable your organisation to be highly recommended for partnerships and would also ensure that existing partnerships are sustained. Strong brands save money by streamlining activities and processes: Organisations with strong brands have developed and invested in systems and processes that enable them to produce tools and materials in a cost effective manner. They are cost-conscious and continuously seek to be prudent without sacrificing quality. Strong brands utilise technology effectively: Through your website, email and social media, an organisation should communicate to their development partners, establish a rapport and appeal to the specific target audiences that are relevant for their work. Organisations should also explore using technology that improves the efficiency and effectiveness of their operational and programme delivery. Strong brands provide a strong foundation for growth: A CSO with a strong brand is poised for growth. Having a strong message, visual identity, and tools to communicate compellingly allows you to have brand advocates that support you in telling your story and facilitates your ability to be innovative and future oriented. Every CSO is a sales outlet and its products and/or services are a reflection of the organisations brand identity. Therefore, CSO branding is being conscious of the continual nature of deliberately selling the organisation. *The Author, Charles Kojo Vandyck is WACSIs Head of Capacity Development 30.03.2016 LISTEN What exactly is the top priority of the President of the Republic of Ghana, Mr John Dramani Mahama? Why is his government bringing the name, Ghana and the people who inhabit that entity into such disrepute? Why does he continue to embarrass Ghanaians living everywhere? What exactly constitutes a security threat to the nation Ghana these days? As a result of one of the most stupid policies ever made by any Ghanaian government, aka I shall legalise galamsey if you vote me into power, by a government of which he was part, crass illiterate Chinese miners have seized large territories in parts of the Central, Western, Ashanti and Eastern Regions of Ghana with simple World War II vintage rifles and are terrorising ordinary citizens in those areas like nobodys business. Life-sustaining surface and groundwater bodies in those areas have been killed or dying. Those that are not dead already have been polluted beyond the lowest international levels of water safety. These Chinese and other illegal foreign miners have become a law unto themselves, destroying farmers cocoa plantations and other cash crops. Our national security services are either impotent in the face of these provocations or else condoning those criminal activities, obviously for their own selfish ends. Our president does not seem to care a hoot about these damnable activities. Ordinary Fulani herdsmen have also taken over parts of the Ashanti and Volta Regions and wreaking havoc on citizens of those areas with impunity. Again the national security agencies cannot or are not willing to lift a finger. As retribution for his brothers illegal use of a rented American-owned aircraft, the Americans have either bullied or blackmailed our president into taking in two hardened rogues belonging to the most dangerous and vicious terrorist organisation that has emerged on the world scene since the demise of the Palestine Liberation Organisation. Embarrassingly, the Presidents top foreign affairs adviser and chief of internal security have declared publicly and individually that they were excluded from the crucial discussions involving the importation of these terror suspects into our country. And now their relatives and friends are threatening to descend on our country. That is if they have not already done so, judging from the fact that all the dealings concerning the Guantanamo duo have been shrouded in secrecy. With respect to the national economy and how much the nation Ghana owes in total, the president is giving us one figure, the Minister of Finance is giving another, while the Governor of the Central Bank has a completely different figure. How very embarrassing. In the face of all these cock-ups, our president (and the buck stops with him!) cannot even supervise a simple independence anniversary brochure, the grammar, comprehension and the generality of that document which cost the Ghanaian taxpayer an arm and a leg, has probably made my Class Six teacher cringe in his grave! Then there are children in the presidents own backyard who lie on their stomachs on dusty floors to take dictation from semi-literate teachers. Habah! What do we pay this band of ministers and propagandists for? Every primary school child in Ghana knows by now that Ghanas electoral register is dangerously bloated and not fit for purpose. With a population 25 million in 2010, just about 14 million of whom are aged 18 years or older, the new Electoral Commissioner announces with a sheepish grin that there are only a few thousand duplications in the 18 million strong electoral register! Ministers of state continue to lie through their teeth about every matter ranging from classroom chairs to the size of a ball of kenkey at Fadama Market. As if these issues are not embarrassing enough, our president has now taken to using the national security agencies to harass fellow citizens and his political opponents, the very people whose taxes maintain these goons at great expense, for doing absolutely nothing. Did the president and his security gurus hear one of his party leaders threatening that the opposition NPP party leader, Nana Akufo-Addo will die before June 2016? What exactly did they do about it? Members of his party have murdered fellow citizens, while others have run their vehicles into processions without so much as their being invited by the police for questioning. In view of this history of covering wrong-doing by the presidents party, why will anybody blame the NPP for making the effort to protect its flagbearer? The president, his aids and those half-baked, so-called security experts may not realise it, but the jeopardised safety of Nana Akufo-Addo constitutes a much greater danger to the security of our country than Boko Haram, Al Qaeda in Cote dIvoire or even the Guantanamo duo! Interestingly, all leftist governments of Ghana have at one time or the other, used the security agencies to harass innocent citizens they do not like and those who criticise their governments as well as their political opponents. Two of my relations served in the old Special Branch in the late 1960s and early 70s. Such finer offices you could never find anywhere in the world. And it was a real professional organisation. Why has this government run everything aground? As if these and other incompetently handled national issues are not bad enough the president has now taken to harassing other Africans. What exactly did the three ex-South African police officers do wrong, breaching the conditions of their visas? How about the thousands of Chinese and other foreign nationals roaming the countryside? Did that really require armed security officers? What happened to the immigration service? I hope the president heard what the South African mobs did to Ghanaians and Nigerians in their country after a few of their citizens were molested in Nigeria. Ironically, with the current mishandling of our national economy into the lowest pit, there are probably more illegal Ghanaian workers in South Africa than citizens of any country in the world. Let us hope that the South African security forces are more professional and less corrupt than ours! Oh, and the President says as a son of Jakpa he does not fear guns. Next time he goes to South Africa to see to his piles or earache, he should make sure he takes as large a contingent of Jakpa fighters as his plane can carry! 30.03.2016 LISTEN We live in a time of #unmerited favour #too blessed to be cursed #blessings #Godsgrace.#GodIstheSecret #Oluwa is involved...#Ebi Koko for my God. That's right! With these hashtags, the guilt of being materialistic or extravagant or showy or indecent or consumerist or brazenly indiscreet is sorted. It's a godly thing! So the rest of us with nothing to show look on, sometimes 'jealously', other times hopefully. It's not our turn yet. We believe. "The Lord is not slow about his promise as some count slowness... ( 2 Peter 3:9). We seek solace in the Bible, in the Quran...in the Holy Books, in Incantations, in Holy Recitations. We literally hound God to fast track his plans to bless us. MATERIALLY! We forget that Satan also blesses people. Yes, we do. Only people don't talk of #Satan's unmerited favour #Satan's grace #Ebi koko for Satan... And there really is no need. But fact is isn't it only fair to give credit to whom credit is due? Acknowledging Satan for his 'good works'? If a sugar daddy while neglecting his wife and kids buy you that Corolla, do you need someone to tell you that Satan is involved? Or, if as a politician you stole our money so that while people in your constituency have no potable water, you ride in a one billion-cedi car, do you have to be told it's Satan's handiwork? Why? If you import fake pharmaceutical drugs into Ghana and sell them at cut throat prices too. And you're not found out. Must I tell you that it's Satan's grace you're basking in? Or you! If you bribed your way to becoming a non performing civil servant so in your heart of hearts you know you're taking salary for doing nothing, do you sincerely believe that God almighty approves of that? And so the apartment you own as a result is a blessing? From God? And if you took that contract and built a death trap for the pupils instead of a school and so you make a colossal profit and then build a mansion for yourself, shouldn't that be Satan's success? Tell me. If you cheated your way in school, copying and bribing lecturers to your graduation day, must you implicate God in such a sham? Telling us how God has been faithful? Faithful in helping you steal and bribe your way to 'success'? And to you! Do you call it unmerited favour. That you by psychologically blackmailing people with your 'word of God' you extort money from them. Maybe, it's unmerited favour, but I doubt that God sanctions such crookery. It looks to as ungodly funds. Feel free to flaunt your wealth. Flaunt it. We're fast becoming a materialistic society. Feel free. We respect success. The end justifies the means. But for goodness sake, be fair to your conscience. And if you want to give credit, give it to whom it is due. Never mind. We know. Yet we will praise. Flaunt it; you're flouting no rule. But Satan should have his due, shouldn't he? 30.03.2016 LISTEN Again I say ,do not get involved in foolish arguments which only upset people and can make them angry(2 Timothy 2:23) But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions and quarrels over the law, for they are unprofitable and futile (Titus 3:9) Indeed Akuffo Addo made a lot of contentious statements that I would have wished you had him here so that we would debate those issues. I am willing even this afternoon, if Nana presented himself ,I will take him on all those contentious statement that he made By President Mahama. The above statement was made by President Mahama in his interview with TV3.In the said interview when President Mahama was quizzed with regard to what Ghanaians will remember him off; the President said he has protected Ghanas democracy. President Mahama could not mention any of his Green Book Achievements. This clearly shows that when it comes to performance, President Mahama and the NDC have failed woefully. So what at all will the President want to debate Nana Addo on? The Presidents assertion that he has protected Ghanas democracy portrays that hitherto, Ghana was in a JUNGLE STATE and he (PRESIDENT MAHAMA) restored Ghanas democracy. At a time when most men had become women and could not talk in this nation, Nana Addo was fought the military dictatorship in Ghana. Then, President Mahama was in Russia studying whereas his father who was a former minister had bolted to London to seek greener pasture... To President Mahama, protecting Ghanas democracy means bringing the GITMO DETAINEES TO GHANA... Mister President, your debate must be your performance. If you have not performed, what issues do we debate? You call me a fool but when you give birth, you name your child after me(OBOGU PROVERB) When Nana Addo revealed to Ghanaians that the Kasoa interchange project had been inflated, President Mahama described Nana Addo as A NEW BREED OF POLITICAL QUANTITY SURVEYOR WHO CAN JUST STAND AND LOOK AT SOME THING AND SAY ITS TOO EXPENSIVE AND KNOWS THE COST OF EVERY THING BUT THE VALUE OF NOTHING. Ironically, the President desperately wants to debate someone who is a new breed of political quantity surveyor who knows nothing about the cost of projects? Why would the President want to debate someone who knows the value of nothing? What has changed mister President? Recently the President told Ghanaians that former Presidents are the only people fit to criticize him. Why would the President want to debate Nana Addo who is not a former President? The change of stance by the President shows that he is indecisive and this is reaffirmed in his own book titled MY FIRST COUP DETAT page 314all the decisions I have made in my life were regularly plagued with doubt .It can be challenging to sustain that feeling of hope or the belief that things will turn out for the best. I have felt like that boy Dramani, on the bicycle going downhill fast, without any brakes and not knowing which way to turn So was candidate Mahama (in 2008) a former President when he criticized President Fours administration? Again was candidate Mahama a former President when he severely criticized the Implementation of LEAP by the then NPP administration as a LAZY WAY OF DOLING OUT MONEYS TO GHANAIANS TO BUY THEIR VOTES? This reminds me of what President Mahama said that GHANAIANS HAVE SHORT MEMORIES. Hmmm!!! But the President is also a Ghanaian pooh. President Mahama should wait for Addo to become a President and afterwards, the two can debate. Since when did the President realize that debate is the only avenue to respond to Nana Addo? Do you only need a debate before you can respond to Nana Addo? Did the President have a debate before telling Ghanaians that he (Mahama) is a DEAD GOAT? If President Mahama knew debates were the only avenue to respond to contentious statements made by Nana Addo, why did he use a sod cutting ceremony at Kasoa to describe Nana Addo as a new breed of political quantity surveyor who knows the value of nothing? Good governance is about performance and not debate. In 2012, President Mahama told Ghanaians that, the works of the NDC will secure them a second term and will enable the NDC win the elections one touch. Ghanaians want to know the works of the NDC and not debate. Ghanaians have given President Mahama and his NDC two terms to exhibit their incompetence and are interested in performance. The ordinary Ghanaian dont need a debate to experience the unprecedented corruption, high cost of living, worse performed currency, poor performance in Agric-Education-Industry, high tariffs and cost of doing business. What will be the essence of a debate if the poor pregnant woman in the village cannot access the Free Maternity Care and the NHIS which has been replaced with CASH AND CARRY under this NDC government? What will be the essence of a debate to a class two pupil who goes to school (under tree) to witness no teacher, chalk, school feeding, capitation and uses the ground as his exercise book? Why is President Uhuru Kenyatta so desperate to debate Nana Addo? Why is the President not calling for a debate between Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, Papa Kwesi Nduom, and the other opposition leaders who have also criticized and raised concerns with regard to governance and corruption under this NDC administration? The President should rather call a debate on the one time premium and why his government has deliberately refused to retrieve the money from Wayome despite the court order. Ghanaians will salute Nana Addo for his position that he will only engage in a debate which will lead to development. Mahama was not prepared for the Presidency but only became President by Constitutional arrangement to finish with the unexpired term of the Mills administration. He was not psyched up to take the mantle of leadership after the untimely demise of President Mills (By Alhaji Bature, Informer 24 September, 2014) A career in politics was not something Id ever plan for myself. It came as even more of a surprise for me to find myself in the political arena. (My First Coup Detat) Page 37) The aforementioned statement shows that President Mahama was or is not ready to govern this nation. This is reflected in the massive mismanagement of the economy. The Presidency of this nation is not for experiment. Ghanaians under this democratic dispensation needs a leader who is not CORRUPT, FIRM, DECISIVE, HAS CREATIVE IDEAS TO TURN AROUND THE ECONOMY AND ATTRACT INVESTORS, TRIED AND TESTED TO MOVE THE NATION FORWARD IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION and that Person is Nana Addo Dankwa-Akuffo Addo. Change is coming. Ghanaians are for change. Vote for Nana Addo. By PAPARAZY ADNREWS ASAMOAH FORMER UG- TESCON PRESIDENT 0249195426 Ghana has urged the international community to put an end to all forms of slavery, by addressing the false ideologies and racial prejudices that give rise to racism, discrimination, intolerance and exploitation worldwide. At a special meeting at the UN Headquarters in New York on Tuesday (March 29, 2016) to mark the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade, Ambassador Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee, Ghana's Permanent Representative to the United Nations emphasized the need for dignity and equality of all human beings in accordance with the universal declarations of the UN. "Mere remembrance without positive action does not make for progress or renewal. Therefore, the commemoration should serve as a time for deep reflection and collective action" she stated. "It is fitting that we remember the dark era in the history of mankind, during which millions of African women, men and children were taken as slaves from the continent and transported from their homelands to destinations in Europe and the Americas in inhuman conditions and treated as commodities", the Ambassador stated, adding that "It is also right that we honour the victims of slavery and those who opposed and triumphed over this crime. Their strength of will and resilience continue to inspire us today.", Ambassador Pobee stated at the event, which fell on the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade. She commended the efforts of the UN system to educate current and future generations on the contemporary consequences of the tragedy of human history. Many visitors to the Cape Coast and Elmina castles in Ghana which bear haunting memories of the heinous crime of slavery, have the opportunity to see the Door of No Return", from where slaves were put onto ships bound for the Americas. Today visitors to the UN headquarters will also see the Permanent memorial named the "Ark of Return", the Ambassador noted. Speaking on Remember slavery and celebrate the heritage, culture and roots of the African Diaspora", an Anthropologist and Executive Director of the Global African Diaspora, Dr. Shelia S. Walker mentioned that out "of the 6.5 million people who crossed the Atlantic between 1500 and 1800, only one million came from Europe. Five and a half million came from Africa. So for the first 300 of the 500 year history of the modern Americas, the overwhelming majority of the population was of African origin. 'The unremunerated labour of these enslaved Africans and their descendants enriched Europe and developed the Americas. Between 1650 and 1850 they produced 75 per cent of the commodities traded in the Atlantic world, fueling the industrial revolution that created todays economic system. It is impossible to tell the story of the Americas without considering the roles and contributions of this majority of the population that laid its foundations". Even when industrialization replaced slavery in the 1800s, Dr. Walker revealed further that "people of African descent received no compensation for their centuries of unpaid work. In the British, French and Spanish Empires, in Brazil, and in Washington, DC, however, enslavers were rewarded by their governments with generous compensation for the loss of the income they would no longer derive from the free labor of their former human property. So the same people who for hundreds of years were enriched by the enslavement of people of African descent were further enriched by their emancipation". It is generally assumed that Africans were enslaved just as unskilled laborers. Such a perspective is illogical given that Africans were brought across the Atlantic to create new societies often in natural environments more familiar to them than to their enslavers. Some Africans were enslaved precisely because of their skills and knowledge. They provided a transfer of technology from Africa to the Americas. Dr. Walker said that "People from the Gold Coast, now Ghana, whom the Portuguese and Spanish called Negros minas, Mine Negros, were selected for their expertise in gold mining and metallurgy. In Ecuador and Colombia descendants of negros minas still pan gold and transform it into beautiful creations". Added to these, the respected Anthropologist said "African knowledge also helped feed the Americas. In Brazil, Jamaica, Suriname and the United States, enslaved Africans planted rice that had been domesticated 3500 years earlier in Mali. U.S. plantation owners asked slave ship captains to bring them Rice Negros known for their expertise in the complex cultivation and preparation techniques. South Carolina became North Americas richest plantation economy thanks to this African rice". During the debate, all the members who spoke condemned slavery and alluded to the fact that the philosophy which holds one race superior and another inferior is evil and must be "discredited and abandoned' . Quoting Martin Luther King, one of them said that injustice anywhere is injustice all over the world and therefore urged mankind to avoid any form of enslavement and injustice all over the world. Two people who allegedly robbed a forex bureau at Kaneshie in Accra at gun point have been remanded into lawful custody by an Accra Circuit Court. Yakubu Alhassan and Haruna Abdulai aka Borbor have pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to commit crime and robbery. An accomplice, known as Issah, is said to be on the run. The Court presided over by Mr Aboagye Tandoh turned down a bail application put in by Mr C.K Hoeyi on behalf of Alhassan. They are to reappear on April 13. Prosecuting Chief Superintendent of Police Mr Duuti Tuaruka said Mr Bismark Boateng, the Managing Director of Bext Neasant Forex Bureau, is the complainant. Mr Tuaruka said Alhassan is a welder residing at Agbogbloshie while Abdulai is unemployed and resides at Ashiaman. On March 23, this year at about 1430hrs, Alhassan and Abdulai and two others now at large, went to the Forex Bureau under the pretext of conducting business and pulled locally manufactured pistols on complainant and two others. According to prosecution the accused persons and their accomplices took the complainant and his two workers hostage and robbed them of both local and foreign currencies totalling GH150,000. After robbing them, prosecution said one of the Forex Bureau staff raised an alarm and with the support from a Police Patrol Team from Kaneshie, Alhassan and Abdulai were apprehended while two of their accomplices escaped. Before arresting Alhassan and Abdulai prosecution said the two fired indiscriminately at the people and as a result 14 persons were injured and they were rushed to the Police Hospital for treatment Mr Tuaruka said due to the severe injuries sustained by Abdulai as a result of the mob attack he has not been able to give statement. However Alhassan has admitted the offence in his caution statement and mentioned Abdulai and one Issah, who resides at James Town and another who he did not know his name, as accomplices. Prosecution said GH58,000 have been retrieved from Alhassan and Abdulai as well as two locally manufactured pistols. Abuja (AFP) - A would-be suicide bomber who was arrested in Cameroon is not one of the more than 200 schoolgirls kidnapped nearly two years ago from the northeast Nigerian town of Chibok, a non-profit announced on Wednesday. The Murtala Muhammed Foundation said three representatives of the Chibok schoolgirls' parents reviewed photographs of the girl at its offices but she and a woman also detained "do not fit the description of any of the missing daughters from Chibok". Nigeria's government told the MMF on Tuesday afternoon the girl was 12 years old and was originally from Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state, but was abducted 70 kilometres (43 miles) away in Bama when Boko Haram overran the town. The woman identified herself as a 35-year-old mother of two children, the foundation's chief executive, Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, said in a statement. The pair were arrested last Friday carrying explosives in Cameroon's Far North region. But the authorities in Cameroon and Nigeria over the weekend cast doubt on the young girl's claim to be from Chibok because of inconsistencies in her age. The youngest of the schoolgirls kidnapped in Chibok was 16 in 2014, according to the Bring Back Our Girls advocacy group. Muhammed-Oyebode said they were "yet to ascertain how the girl came to describe herself as one of the missing Chibok girls". Cameroon's presidency has said the child was found to be heavily drugged, which is consistent with Boko Haram's deployment of children as suicide bombers. "The identity of the girl notwithstanding, the MMF has informed the Nigerian government of its willingness to continue to pursue the matter, and is willing to provide the captured girl and woman any support they may require," said Muhammed-Oyebode. "These girls and women are merely victims, and must be treated as such by... society. They have already undergone grave violence at the hands of their Boko Haram captors. "We must ensure that they are not made to undergo additional violence at the hands of their compatriots." Boko Haram has kidnapped thousands of young women and girls since the start of its Islamist insurgency in 2009, forcing them to become sex slaves or human bombs. The Islamic State group affiliate seized 276 schoolgirls in Chibok on the night of April 14, 2014. Fifty-seven escaped in the immediate aftermath but 219 are still being held. Tunis (AFP) - A border guard was injured late Wednesday in an ambush by more than a dozen "terrorists" in the Kasserine region near Tunisia's frontier with Algeria, the interior ministry in Tunis said. "A group composed of around 15 terrorists ambushed a border guard vehicle and opened fire near Feriana," the ministry said in a statement. "Heavy fire erupted, setting the vehicle alight," the ministry said, adding that one guard had been injured and was taken to the regional hospital in Kasserine. The ministry said the attackers "fled towards Mount Chaambi" and that army units had been called in to carry out security operations in the area. Tunisia, the birthplace of the Arab Spring, has suffered from a wave of jihadist violence since the 2011 revolution that ousted longtime dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. Kasserine and Mount Chaambi have become the North African nation's prime jihadist hideouts. A raid on the Libyan frontier town of Ben Guerdane, blamed on the Islamic State group, left 20 people dead earlier this month. IS also claimed brazen attacks last year on the National Bardo Museum in Tunis and a beach resort, as well as a November suicide bombing in the capital that killed 59 tourists and 12 presidential guards. Last week the government extended by three months a state of emergency imposed following jihadist attacks, while the United States on Friday announced a $24.9-million (22-million-euro) project to install an electronic security surveillance system on Tunisia's border with strife-torn Libya. 31.03.2016 LISTEN 31st March 2016; KPMG has published its inaugural Africa Incentive Survey (2016) , which contains useful information for business across 28 countries on the continent, representing 81 percent of Africas USD 2.4 trillion GDP and home to three-quarters of Africas 1.2 billion population. This Survey can be regarded as a guide that will help both local and foreign investors understand the landscape of incentives offered by African countries. The Survey was recently launched at the KPMG Pan African Tax Conversation that took place earlier this month in Cape Town. All countries surveyed offer a range of enhanced tax incentives, ranging from accelerated allowances for capital expenditure, special allowances for investments in certain industry sectors (such as manufacturing, infrastructure, tourism) as well as tax holidays ranging from 3 to 10 years. At least 21 of the 28 countries surveyed offer incentives relating to Special Economic Zones, which appears to be a feature of industrial development initiatives in African countries. More than a third of the 28 countries surveyed offer incentives related to traditional manufacturing, with South Africa, Nigeria and Morocco being notably the only three countries in Africa that offer cash grants in addition to tax incentives, all of which require prior approval by government agencies. Trevor Hoole, Chief Executive, KPMG in Southern Africa says that the release of the Africa Incentive Survey is a clear indication of how Africa is rising. I believe that the Survey is an invaluable guide and if youre looking to understand the various incentives available in Africa, this is the perfect roadmap for you, says Hoole. Mohammed Jada (Head: R&D Tax and Incentives, KPMG Africa desk) notes that the countries participating in the survey achieved a 9% average growth in their GDP for the period 2012 to 2014, whilst their populations have grown by 43.2 million to just under 870 million people (source http://data.worldbank.org/country ). He notes that there is a growing trend of trade regionalism in the world and within Africa, to enter into more bilateral and multilateral trade agreements globally. The proposed Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA), which would cover 26 (out of 54) African countries is aimed at creating the biggest free-trade area on the African continent. This may be our answer to the range of Free Trade Agreements that have been concluded within Asia, the EU and most recently the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) involving the USA and 12 countries across the Pacific Rim, says Jada, who also notes that the potential for Africa to capitalise on trade within the continent is not to be missed, given the growing size of the population in Africa (about 18% of the worlds population) The TFTA will result in consolidating the three significant trade blocks: the East African Community (EAC), the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). The Survey has a wealth of information for any investor in Africa and contains useful summary tables for quick reference, with detailed information provided on incentives offered by each country participating in the survey as well as valuable local Good to Know facts from the KPMG network of tax professionals across Africa. Africa not only prides itself as the cradle of mankind, but also as a hub of beautiful forests, natural reserves that are home to thousands of wildlife and spectacular parks among others. The African continent is home to renowned conservationists including the Leakey family that has contributed massively to the discovery of human fossils. This alluring continent hosts some of the best UNESCO Heritage Sites. However, this sweet story is slowly turning soar, as Africas heritage sites gradually get damaged. According to UNESCO, out of the 89 sites in Africa, 16 are included on the List of World Heritage Sites in danger by the World Heritage Committee. Jovago.com, Africas leading online hotel booking company, has put together a list of some of the most endangered Sites in Africa. Source: africannaturalheritage.org Air and Tenere Natural Reserves Niger Located in northern Niger within the Sahara Desert, the Air is famous for its rock art dating from 6000 BC to around AD 1000. The Natural Reserves also has a variety of landscapes, plant species and wild animals. Though it is considered one of the largest protected areas in Africa covering approximately 7.7M hectares, Air and Tenere Natural Reserves became endangered in 1992 as a result of political instability in Niger. Conflict among the populations has also become a big threat, with poaching and illegal grazing posing a great danger to the reserves. Measures to protect the reserve include tough penalties against poachers. Sites in the Democratic Republic of the Congo Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has most of its heritage sites facing damage threats. Garamba National Park for example, was home to the world's last known wild population of Northern White Rhinoceros. Poaching of the rhinos made the park endangered, but efforts to save the wildlife were successful. However, the Garamba was later impacted and destroyed again in 1991, when the Sudanese People's Liberation Army (SPLA) attacked and captured a nearby town. An influx of the towns inhabitants sought refuge in the park, while SPLA hunted game from among the remaining wild animals. As a result, Garamba Park was once again listed as a World Heritage Site in danger. Other sites destroyed or endangered in Congo especially due to political instability associated with the 1994 Rwandan Genocide include: Salonga National Park, Virunga National Park, Kahuzi-Biega National Park and Okapi Wildlife Reserve. Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Ruins of Songo Mnara Both Kilwa Kisiwani and Songo Mnara are located in Stone Town, in East Africas Tanzania. Mosques, cemeteries and most houses along these two sites are built from rough-coral and mortar; reminiscing a feel of the centuries old slave and spice trade. Years of neglect and lack of rehabilitation of the once vibrant heritage sites has led to the two being listed among the endangered ones in Africa. Timbuktu During the 12th and 14th Centuries, Timbuktu was a thriving trade center that was the envy of many empires in West Africa. The town that is currently in Mali, no longer exudes the glow of a burgeoning city, but rather an impoverished state that has greatly suffered desertification. According to UNESCO, this is attributed to continuing rapid urbanization, with modern-day buildings towing the ancient architectures of Timbuktu. Among the affected features include the Tomb of Askia, which is also in the list of the heritage sites in danger in Africa. Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi Ugandas Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi is a burial site for four Kings of Buganda popularly known as Kabakas, plus other members of the Buganda royal family. The tombs remain a major spiritual site for the Baganda people. Unfortunately, a fire tragedy that occurred in March 2010 destroyed some of the major buildings comprising the Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi, rendering the site among the endangered Heritage Sites in Africa. Many countries view danger-listing as a blow to tourism because it reduces the number of visitors and takes away the countrys opportunity to attract new tourists. Most African countries make it to the list of endangered heritage due to lack of budget and attention to sights. Experts suggest that governments as well as concerned stakeholders should put in place and implement measures to regulate tourism activities not only in Africa but also across the globe. This will go a long way to preserving Heritage Sites and protecting them from possible endangerment. 31.03.2016 LISTEN Tamale, GHANA The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) presented three Toyota Hilux pickup vehicles and 41 desktop computers to the Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (SARI) in Tamale, Ghana on March 31st. The vehicles and office equipment were donated to improve the effectiveness of SARIs agricultural research in northern Ghana to ensure smallholder farmers access to quality seeds and technologies. SARI is one of 13 institutes of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research Institute (CSIR), located in the Tolon District in the Northern Region of Ghana. CSIR-SARI Director, Dr. Stephen Nutsugah, accepted the donation on behalf of the institute. United States Ambassador, Robert P. Jackson, handed over the vehicles and office equipment on behalf of the U.S. government. The vehicles will give SARI additional mobility to reach even more communities in the north, and the new equipment will strengthen their ability to conduct quality agricultural research, stated Ambassador Jackson at the handover. We are fully committed to working with SARI to drive long-term economic growth in the region. The donation of vehicles and equipment was made possible by Feed the Future, the U.S. governments hunger and food security initiative. Feed the Future aims to improve agricultural productivity in maize, rice, and soybeans in Ghana, as well as to boost the incomes of smallholder farmers in rural areas. Feed the Future supports SARI as it strives to bring impactful technologies like higher yielding seed varieties to farmers in Northern Ghana. About USAID USAID is the lead U.S. government agency that works to end extreme global poverty and enable resilient, democratic societies to realize their potential. For 55 years, USAID has supported Ghana in increasing food security, improving basic health care, enhancing access to education, and strengthening local governance to benefit all Ghanaian people. 31.03.2016 LISTEN SOME supporters of the Atebubu Amanten Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Sampson Kweku Boafo, who vowed to resist his removal from office by the presidency, yesterday went on rampage and burnt down the National Democratic Congress (NDC) office in the town. This was after the Atebubu Municipal Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Joseph Atsu Zinaku, had gone to the Atebubu Municipal Administration (MCE's office) to retrieve the Chief Executive's official vehicle, claiming it was 'an order from above.' Mr Sampson Kweku Boafo, according to information, refused to comply with the order because according to him, it was not the proper procedure for him to hand over government property in his possession to the police, even if he was no longer the MCE of Atebubu Amanten. His supporters later heard of the police commander's intention and therefore marched to the assembly and invoked curses on the police chief amid the breaking of eggs. The NDC supporters later stormed the party office and set it ablaze. When supporters of the Member of Parliament for the area, Sanja Nanja, also heard of what the MCE's supporters did, they also organised themselves and stormed the MCE's residence with cutlasses, guns and other weapons and started firing indiscriminately. A Ghana National Fire Service officer, Abdul Kadal, who was in the area, sustained gunshot wounds in his right arm and was rushed to the hospital, according to sources. The MP's supporters went ahead and vandalised property in the MCE's residence, including a television set, documents, fridge, sofa and other household belongings. There were sporadic gunshots in the town until the police came in to save the situation by 10:00pm Tuesday. . Meanwhile, the MCE and some of his supporters are on the run, DAILY GUIDE has learnt, with the police claiming they could not locate the miscreants. The Brong-Ahafo Regional Police PRO, ASP Christopher Tawiah, confirmed the incident to DAILY GUIDE and said a supporter of the MCE, Ayamba Adisu, had been arrested and that the police were still looking for the MCE. He said the Municipal Police Commander, sensing danger from the youth and with support from some people around, managed to whisk the MCE's 44 vehicle away to safety, saying, it is parked at the Atebubu Police Station for safety. ASP Christopher Tawiah said calm had since returned to the town and people were going about their normal duties. Meanwhile, the police and military reinforcements are in the town trying to prevent any further clashes, he revealed. According to him, attempts by fire officers at Atebubu to extinguish the fire set to the NDC party office were met with fierce resistance from other party members. FROM Daniel Yao Dayee, Sunyani [email protected] The suspects 31.03.2016 LISTEN Two members of the four-man robbery gang that purportedly attacked Bext Nascent Forex Bureau at Mpamprom in Accra have appeared before an Accra Circuit Court for robbery. They are Yakubu Alhassan, welder and Haruna Abdulai aka Borbor, unemployed. The police have intensified the search for one Issah and another who is currently at large. The prosecution, led by Chief Superintendent Duuti Tuaruka, said that the four persons at about 2:30 pm on March 23, this year robbed one Bismark Boateng of GH150,000 which belonged to the aforementioned Forex Bureau. Appearing before the court, presided over by Aboagye Tandoh, the two denied the charges of conspiracy to rob and robbery. They were remanded into police custody until April 13. This was after the court had dismissed the application for bail filed by lawyer C. K. Hoeyi, counsel for Yakubu. He argued that his client had gone to Abossey Okai also in Accra to purchase some materials for his welding business when he was arrested by the police. Hoeyi stated that no money or gun was found on his client, adding that Yakubu ought to be granted bail by the court. . But C/Supt. Tuaruka said the charges preferred against the accused persons were non-bailable, especially when two of the accused persons, were being sought by the police. In a ruling, the judge said the request for bail was premature. C/Supt. Tuaruka said Boateng is the manager of the Forex Bureau at Mpamprom in Kaneshie and that on the said date the accused persons and the others on the run went to the Bureau under the pretext of doing business. He said in the process, the accused persons pulled a locally made pistol on Boateng and two others workers at the Bureau, took them hostage and made away with monies in the safe and drawer in both local and foreign currencies totaling GH150,000. C/Supt. Tuaruka noted that after the robbery, a staff at the Bureau raised an alarm and with the assistance of a police patrol team from Kaneshie and the people in the vicinity, the accused persons were arrested while the two others escaped. He said when Yakubu and Haruna were being chased by the mob, they fired indiscriminately and in the process 14 persons sustained gunshot wounds and were rushed to the police hospital. The senior police officer said due to the severe injury sustained by Haruna, he had not been able to give his statement to the police but Yakubu admitted the offence in his caution statement and mentioned Haruna as his accomplice, as well as the others on the run. He stated that GH58,000 and the locally-manufactured pistol were retrieved from Haruna and Yakubu. [email protected] By Jeffrey De-Graft Johnson David Philip McDermott 31.03.2016 LISTEN The Attorney-General (A-G), Marietta Brew Appiah-Oppong says the state is no longer interested in prosecuting David Philip McDermott, the 42-year-old British national, who was arrested by the Bureau of National Investigation (BNI) over an alleged importation of 71 million cocaine into the United Kingdom (UK). This was because the state had filed a Nolle Prosequi at the registry of the circuit court where the accused aka David Smith, believed to be married to Ramona Wampah, daughter of Dr. Henry Kofi Wampah, Governor of the Bank, was being tried over narcotic related charges. The A-G, through a letter filed at the court on March 21, 2016 and signed by Yvonne Atakora Oboubisa, the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), stated emphatically that the case involving the accused should be discontinued. The court, presided over by Aboagye Tandoh accordingly struck out the case for want of prosecution. David Smith, who was expected to make his second appearance yesterday, was first arraigned before the court on March 14, this year for unlawfully undertaking prohibited business related to narcotics in Ghana and the United Kingdom (UK) between 2013 and 2016. He had denied the charges. Meanwhile, state prosecutors are continuing with the extradition process at the High court. At the hearing yesterday, Victor Adawudu, who was cross-examining the case investigator Detective Sergeant Marcus Yawlui, insisted his client was wrongfully arrested in Ghana. Buttressing his argument with the extradition treaty between Ghana and Britain signed in 1932, he noted that there was no basis for the arrest of Smith. . D/Sgt. Yawlui indicated that there was an extradition treaty between Ghana and Britain, stressing that he disagreed with the position by Adawudu that there was no basis for the arrest of Smith. According to Adawudu, the said treaty that D/Sgt. Yawlui relied on had been repealed long ago and that the said treaty was dead and gone. Smith's lawyer had prayed the court to order the police to make available a copy of the inventory the arresting officers made when they arrested his client. D/Sgt. Yawlui said Smith had nothing else apart from his two passports when he was arrested. The lawyer wants the court to make an order directed at the police to account for the car and laptop they seized from the accused. The court, presided over by Justice Merley Wood, adjourned the case until April 5. [email protected] By Jeffrey De-Graft Johnson 31.03.2016 LISTEN The management of the Brong Ahafo Regional Hospital is yet to respond to allegations of a surgical error which led to the death of eight-year-old Priscilla Pomaa, a former primary two pupil of Chiraa Model Primary School in Sunyani. The administrator of the hospital, Bediako Asare, told DAILY GUIDE that authorities of the hospital unhappy with media reports concerning the incident, but would also not say their side of the issue or take responsibility for the death of the girl. The management had earlier planned a press conference to present its side of the story, however, the scheduled meeting was cancelled, with the hospital saying the matter had been taken over by the Director General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr Ebenezer Appiah Denkyirah. Meanwhile, the 32-year-old mother of the child, Mary Adumaa, and members of Priscilla's family are still grieving from the death of Priscilla, whom they described as a promising star of the family. Adumaa Mary, speaking to DAILY GUIDE, recounted painfully how her second daughter suffered at the hands of doctors at the regional hospital after five unsuccessful operations to cure her of appendicitis. . Little Priscilla before her sickness Mary still believe doctors at the hospital did not do a good job because after they realised they had come to the wits end of their professional skills did not refer her to another facility as suggested. She said the hospital's administration cannot deny negligence and lack of professional knowledge because after the issue was taken up by a local radio station, Ark FM, the medical director of the hospital, Dr Jacob Abebrese, queried the team of doctors who operated on the child. It would be recalled that little Priscilla was diagnosed of appendicitis after she complained of headache upon return from school in November last year. Doctors at the hospital did five unsuccessful operations, including fistula operations, but that worsened her condition as the stitches opened later, leading to a gaping hole in her stomach and intestines which subsequently led to her death. From Daniel Dayee, Sunyani [email protected] 31.03.2016 LISTEN Dr. Atuquayefio (right) a representative of the IGP (middle) and Mr. Kopsieker A SENIOR Researcher at the University of Ghana (UG), Legon Center for International Affairs and Diplomacy (LECIAD) has urged the Ghana Police Service to ensure that the various political parties in the country openly identify their vigilante groups ahead of the November 7 polls. Dr. Philip Atuquayefio expressed the belief that the disbandment of political party vigilante groups as recently proposed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) is not the best. He rather suggested that political parties be made to identify their vigilante groups so that they can be held responsible for any harm they may cause to properties and lives before, during and after the elections this year. Dr. Philip Atuquayefio made the call in a presentation at a roundtable discussion on political party vigilante groups and peaceful election 2016 in Accra on Tuesday. It was organized by Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Ghana, a German Organization for social democracy, and Centre for Social Democracy Ghana. The discussion, with representations from the various political parties, sort to debate the relationship between elections and violence in Ghana and the role played by vigilante groups during such violent displays. According to Dr. Atuquayefio, the police administration needs to collaborate with the political groupings to address the menace of vigilante groups in order to ensure free, fair and violence-free elections this year. He was not happy that the effect of political party vigilante groups since the return of democratic rule in 1992 has been unnecessary tension during elections, and urged the citizenry to openly discredit what he termed the negative actions of vigilante groups. The Ghanaian political landscape is inundated with vigilante groups and private security personnel namely, Azorka Boys, Bolga Bulldogs, Invincible Forces, among others, whose main aim is to safeguard the electoral fortunes of their parties during elections. Culture Of Impunity . A Fellow at the Centre for Social Democracy, Samuel Seglah, noted that the failure of the police to prosecute people embarking on electoral violence over the years had led to a culture of impunity, a development he believed had given rise to the formation of more vigilante groupings. In his contribution, Resident Director of Fredrich Ebert Stiftung, Fritz Kopsieker, urged Ghanaians to view democracy as a way of life rather than just a mere organization of violence-free elections. Contrary to the suggestion that the political parties must be made to identify their vigilante groups and operate them during the elections, Mr. Kopsieker advised that the state should have absolute monopoly over security before, during and after the polls. BY Melvin Tarlue 31.03.2016 LISTEN There is nothing you can do to stop night falling. And there will always be shadows around each corner. We are raised in this world All victims of fear; Knowing the demons within Will be chasing us. Citizen Rebecca : Security IN AN IMPETUOUS MANNER REMINISCENT OF THE EPISODIC ' SHAWCROSS IN, SHAWCROSS OUT of the late 1950s, the three South African ex-police officers came to Ghana and like a candle in the wind, were whiffed off and this time, they returned to their places. Back into history, Alhaji Amadu Baba, the Zarkin Zongo and Alhaji Othman Lardan Lalemi, the key leaders of the Muslim Community Association Party were alleged to be helping the National Liberation Movement (NLM) to orchestrate violence and wreak violence in Ashanti. Shawcross was consulted to assist these two men against repatriation from Ghana to Nigeria; and to assert their human rights and their individual liberties. Immediately Shawcross landed at the Accra Airport, he was declared a persona non grata and ordered back to England.via the same plane from which he had disembarked. What! The three South Africans: Ahmed Shaik Haiz (Rtd) Security Advisor (54); Captain Mlungiseleli Jokani (Rtd) Consultant (45) and WO Denner Dwayhe Naidu (Rtd) Security Trainer (39) have been ordered back to South Africa! Their charges on appearing before the trial judge Patricia Quansah were; conspiracy to commit crime; unlawful training and false declaration. The earlier report had rung the alarm bell: they were engaging in activities with National Security Implications. When the news broke, some people described the whole story as bunkum, balderdash, drivel, fiddlesticks, rigmarole, gobbledygook, prattle, mumbo-jumbo in short, trash. And they appeared not to be wrong. It had the appearance of irrelevant speech pretentious verbiage. People were calling from all over the world Australia, U.K, France, Italy, and U.S.A. Sitting on tenterhook, they desired to know what was happening in Ghana. The three were in court, all right, and their lawyers' prayer was answered. Ellis Owusu Fordjour, Samuel Atta Akyea and Nana Asante Bediatuo must have convinced the court that the offences were 'bailable' under section 96 of the Criminal Procedure Code (Act 30). The non-bailable offences, found in Section 96 (7) of Act 30 include treason, subversion, murder, robbery, hijacking, piracy, escape from prison, narcotics. According to Atta Akyea, he and Nana Asante Bediatuo were ready to offer their houses as guarantee for the bond of GH 20,000. What else did the authorities want? Before the next adjourned date, which is 12th April, 2016, the 3 'suspects' have been sent back to South Africa. Do the authorities know the implication of our actions? I thought we were a country guided by respect for laws and not subject to fanciful whimsical actions. Rule of law ensures that our actions are guided by a set of laws, and not by dictatorial fiats. What at all did the 3 South Africans do wrong? That they had declared the purpose of their trip as 'business'? Did we expect them to be carrying secondhand panties and handkerchiefs in bales to justify their purpose? Some people I know had gone to South Africa on a number of occasions, and also to Kenya, on training, and on each occasion they had declared their purpose as 'business' since the other options would not meet with the task on hand. They were not going there on 'education', nor 'pleasure'nor any 'other' assignment. And the visitors had declared the contents of the luggage; panties, socks, sandbag, et al, and had duly paid duty on the dutiable ones. What again did anyone want, so, for this, they were called 'terrorists', 'mercenaries'? Honourable Ofosu Kwakye says in the visitors luggage were thirty (30) military uniforms. O-h-o. Ofosu Kwakye is an honourable man, so we should not simply challenge him on his utterances and subject him to strict proof. As for Kwasi Pratt, he is not an 'honourable' man (because he does not have a 'post') so we can ask him to constrain himself and not be unduly alarmed. Kwesi, it is not yet 'hu-huu-hu'. But Mr. Kwesi Anning who claims to have read all the books, laws and authorities on 'security' would insist that there was no justification for NPP to bring in the training experts on 20th March, and recoil on 26thMarch to ask whether there was no lacuna in the law. . Are we serious in this country? Someone asks; Couldn't the BN1 intelligence network been set to work to spy on the visitors, and monitor them, for whatever result? It is surprising why at every stage of the drama, the name Akufo Addo has to be linked to every foul deed. Tagging him as a man of violence may work for some Ghanaians but for other Ghanaians that will not wash. The highest point for him to demonstrate his alleged violent inclinations was after the 4-minute judgment for an eight month trial dismissing his presidential petition to the Supreme Court. The Danquah Institute has been raided. No search warrant was tendered. The hotel the South Africans were staying, La Capitano at Agona Dunkwa must have already been searched. The proprietor, Captain Kwesi Acquah must be a man of steel to surmount the torture and grill. In 1971, I read George Orwell's 'Nineteen Eighty Four'. 1984 was at that time just around the corner and the Cold War (East-West cleavage; socialism- capitalism wrangle) was at its height. I wondered how the world was going to be if Russia (then Soviet Union) had triumphed. Big Brother would be watching every individual as he did to Winston Smith who fell into the espionage trap leaving his diary open with his recording 'DOWN WITH BIG BROTHER' The 'iron curtain' divided the East from the West till the Berlin Wall was broken in 1991. Some Ghanaians did not live through the heady days of the so-called Revolution ( having been born by the December 31, 1981 coup d'etat). It is not easy to replay that sorry part of our history as a nation: When Big Brother Rawlings was everywhere, with pervading hunger leading to 'Rawlings's Chains'; curfew from 6:00pm to 6:00am; mystery deaths; open caning of people including market women suspected of indulging in 'kalabule' deals. Now, Ghanaians can breathe an air of freedom and the 1992 ensures that a person arrested cannot be detained for more than 48 hours without being brought before a court of justice, and be told of his crime. This hallowed position of the law need not to be violated- for or against Ghanaians or foreigners, otherwise, we risk violating the tenets of international diplomacy. We should bear in mind the reciprocity of international law'you do me, I do you'; One need not forget the effects of xenophobic traits of South Africa, just recently. When Shakespeare wrote much Ado About Nothing in 1598, 'nothing' was pronounced like 'noting' These were the Elizabethan times. The story was no big deal to take note of. Of course, 'nothing' also referred to the 6-letter offensive word that starts with 'v', and it was only a story of romance. There is no need to rock the boat when there is calm in the country. Ghana is not a country with 'kangaroo' courts that metes out 'kangaroo' justice. Justice Patricia Quansah has lived up to expectation, in a country saddled with the unfortunate derailing of the efforts of the Judiciary. We make bold to say, the whole scenario smacks of an unnecessary hubbub over a trifle. Among Aesop's fables was one entitled: The Boy Who Cried Wolf, and this shepherd boy would tease the villagers by shouting 'wolf' 'wolf ' when there was no wolf in sight. One day, a wolf actually came, and the villagers thought the boy was only resorting to his pranks when he shouted 'wolf'. All his sheep were killed. William Caxton remarked long ago: Men bilive not lightly hym whiche is knowen for a lyer, and on the issue of 'political alarmism' Samuel Croxall asks: When we are alarmed with imaginary dangershow can it be expected we should know when to guard ourselves against real ones? Africanus Owusu-Ansah [email protected] Suspect Samuel Offei in police custody 31.03.2016 LISTEN AN eighteen-year-old Senior High School student of Opoku Ware Senior High School in the Ashanti Region was yesterday stabbed to death following a confrontation between two men over a lover. The deceased, identified as Isaac Kwesi Amponsah, according to an eyewitness account, was trying to separate the two men who were fighting when one of them stabbed him in the process. The two men, identified as Justice Abban and Frank Kwabena, aka Taller, 43, were fighting over a woman at Olebu in the Ga West Municipality. Suspect Justice Abban, who allegedly pulled the knife to stab the schoolboy, according to the eyewitness account, was severely beaten by some neighbours before he was handed over to the police. He is currently receiving treatment at the Police Hospital under heavy security. The eyewitness indicated that the incident occurred around 7:30am yesterday morning. The woman the two were allegedly fighting over is currently at large and is yet to be identified. According to DAILY GUIDE's source, the woman was in a relationship with Justice Abban for some years and they had a child. Early this year, the woman allegedly travelled to her hometown and upon her return, broke up with Justice and decided to move in with suspect Frank Kwabena Owusu, her new lover. This did not go down well with suspect Abban and so he often fought Frank over the issue. Around 7am yesterday, suspect Justice Abban, armed with a knife, asked two of his friendsSamuel Offei aka Okotor, 42, and Solomon Agyeman, 43to escort him to the house of Frank Owusu to attack him. On arrival at suspect Frank's house, the witness said, Frank was not in the house but he was called back to the house by suspect Abban. . Fight When Frank returned, suspect Abban immediately picked a fight with him and so some neighbours, including Amponsah, a friend to Frank who lived with the mother behind Frank's house, upon hearing the noise, came to separate the two rivals. In the course of the separation, suspect Abban pulled the knife and stabbed Isaac Amponsah in the neck. The witness said Isaac Amponsah, after the attack, attempted to run away from the scene but suspect Abban pursued him and stabbed him again in the middle of the street. The victim then fell on the ground and died on the spot. After committing the act, suspect Abban attempted to run away but residents chased and apprehended him. They then subjected him to severe beatings before handing him over to the police. Later, personnel of the Police Crime Scene and the Amasaman District Police Command visited the scene to pick up the body of Isaac Amponsah to the Police Hospital morgue for preservation. Arrest The Amasaman District Crime Officer, DSP Happy Addai, when contacted, said police investigations led to the arrest of suspect Samuel Offei (Abban's friend) and Frank Owusu, one of the rivals, to assist them to investigate the matter. Concerning the woman, the Amasaman District Police Crime Officer said she was also on the run and had been declared wanted. The matter is still under investigation. ([email protected]) By Linda Tenyah-Ayettey 31.03.2016 LISTEN When I was Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Interior, I attended an official function at Ho, Volta Region. After the programme we all retired to the Residency and I was seated next to the Regional Minister, Hon Kofi Dzamesi. I noticed that within five minutes Honourable had finished eating, and I asked him why eat so fast? Why, Honourable, were you so hungry? His reply taught me a major lesson: Captain, as a politician you must always eat very fast before any negative message comes to disturb you. Poor me. I forgot this lesson on Maundy Thursday 24th March 2016. From the Court premises I walked with a colleague to a nearby eatery and ordered lunch. They brought the food and I was busily explaining what a terrible loss the death of Jake Obetsebi Lamptey would have on my party the NPP when my mobile rang. Without bothering to check who was calling, I just belled out yeah, Captain on the line and then came the bombshell: Captain, your friend, Justice Adwoa Coleman is dead!!!!!!!!! Reader, I could not eat the food. You see, in this world, who does not know that every human being will die one day both young and old alike. But, some people are so full of life, they are so much associated with our daily lives that we never think that they too, like all of us, will die one day. Such was Her Lordship Mrs Justice Adwoa Coleman, Justice of the High Court, Cape Coast to me: she was a friend, nay, a sister, a learned friend, a judge and very close to me. And you know, I got to know her on the job. One day I appeared before her sitting at Circuit Court 2 and after Court rise, she called me to the chambers and told me that when she was appointed a Magistrate during the orientation course I was then Deputy Minister of Interior and I came to address them. From that day we became good friends, and at times I will just walk to her chambers to say My Lord I come just to greet you then she will say Captain sit down, sit down, take water, how are you? . But there was one thing I noticed about her which I found quite interesting almost similar to all Judges on the bench. Inside her chambers, Adwoa Coleman is a very charming humane person, sharing jokes, smiling, telling me about her problems, but once in the Courtroom, it is a completely different ball game she behaves as if she does not know me from Adam. I was never comfortable in her Court, always nervous, because she was so unpredictable. It was from her Court that I got the principle that all law is forty per cent statute and sixty per cent discretionary. The law is there, basic, but it is in the bossom of the Judge!!! When she was transferred to Cape Coast High Court, I thought that would end our goodwill due to out of sight but it didnt. Instead, our friendship blossomed. She told me she grew up in Cape Coast, her mother lives there, so she is very much at home. Anytime I went to Cape Coast High Court I would go to her Court, sitting in chambers, poke my face and say My Lord good morning and she would excuse both Counsel and litigants and exchange a few pleasantries, with me. Oh God Justice Coleman!!!!!!!!!!! I remember one day after Court we had a long chat in her chambers, talking about everything from alpha to zoology. She told me how she worked in the Judicial Service at Fiapre near Sunyani, and so she knows my home base Berekum and Jinjini very well. Since her husband is a doctor I asked her how she relates with him, as a professional, and she said, normal, except that at times when she gets up at night to write judgments then it is irritating, but he understands. I just cannot believe that Adwoa Coleman is gone oh my God. I was doing two very controversial cases before her in Cape Coast High Court, and they kept adjourning the cases citing sickness of the Judge, not knowing she was on her way home. Just last week 18th March 2016, I was zooming at top speed to her court when just before Mankessim I got a telephone call that my lord was still sick, so case adjourned to 19th April. I had to abort the journey and make a U turn back to Accra A line in one Presbyterian hymn runs thus: Yede nisu sre no se ma oyi nkye ha kakra (with tears we plead that let this person stay here a little longer) but no, the candle of the High Court Judge has ran out. She is now with the sages. Oh God our Heavenly Father, please keep My Lord Justice Adwoa Coleman safe in your perfect peaceful hands. By Lawyer Nkrabeah Effah Dartey 31.03.2016 LISTEN Ghana's biggest yet seemingly insurmountable challenge is without doubt impunity by persons in authority. Last Tuesday elapsed on a sad note, its high point being a display of impunity by soldiers and policemen accompanying the Chief Executive Officer of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), Oko Vanderpuye, on one of his intermittent demolition exercises. A young person a student we have sadly learnt, who sought to capture the scene on a mobile phone camera, was pounced upon by the security agents. The poor boy, an eyewitness narrated afterwards, was beaten to pulps. He convulsed as though suffering from an electric shock and the best his aggressors could do was pour water on him. They could not be bothered whether he recovered or not as they left him to his fate. The unconscious boy was rushed to a nearby clinic from where he was transferred to the 37 Military Hospital, his condition currently unknown. The level of impunity by state actors is so alarming that it is threatening our claim to civilization. State actors who relish inflicting pain on the citizenry can only be likened to beasts in the wilderness, their conduct responsible for the sorry state of the country's economy et al. It is lamentable that soldiers and cops would be deployed on such mad missions, a reminder about the bad old days when security agencies did as they pleased, the law not a barrier. The impunity in Ghana manifests itself in the widespread corruption which is eating deep into the fabric of the country as it were, and throwing the economy into disarray. . The spate of lawlessness feeds regrettably on the prevailing impunity. The manner in which the young man was assaulted casts a slur on the image of our Armed Forces and police which are part of the UN system serving on the international body's peacekeeping missions. Add this to the manner in which the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) operatives snubbed the judiciary when the three South Africans were being processed for a bail last week and their subsequent deportation, and you would appreciate the quantum of impunity enveloping the country. Even the financial management of the public kitty is laced with so much impunity that the Auditor General's Report is but an annual routine always ignored by the political establishment. Persons who seek to become honourable ladies or gentlemen of the legislature must learn to conduct their assignments with a large dose of civility. Otherwise how can they sit in the august house to enact laws for the country? The military hierarchy must deal with these instances of impunity which their personnel are made to exact on civilians by politicians holding state appointments. The soldiers responsible for the unnecessary attack on the poor man must be brought to book, including the man whose instructions they could have been carrying out. Only a change in the direction of the country can reverse this gradual return to the state of lawlessness which Ghana endured in the 80s a painful retrogression. Time will tell. Old School Reunions offer an opportunity for people to meet up and reflect on past events in school and to appreciate each other and most importantly the Almighty God for how far people have come. Each reunion is different because each class is unique in its own respect. Class reunion is both exciting and fun especially when classmates have to recognize each other after over 20 years of separation. These days social media offer platforms for various schools and classmates to unite and interact as groups. In March, 2016 the 93 year Group of Mpreaso Secondary School translated their grouping into reality by uniting classmates from the diaspora and Ghana at the Amasaman residence of their interim President, Mrs. Doris AnaneBoateng in Accra, Ghana. This milestone provided the opportunity toreflect, appreciate, share each others achievements, encourage each other and above all say thank you to old friends who played pivotal roles in their lives. The 93 year group discussed among others how best they can play meaning roles in the development of their alma mater and how well they could solidify their union to draw on each others strength. The group had so much to eat, drink, danced and recollected various events in school. Before the fun began Mr. Alex Ntori a member of the group asked for a minute silence to be observed for all departed fellows. Ms. Janet Owusua the treasurer of the group commended her colleagues for their commitment to financial contributions towards their activities. The meeting provided a good networking stage as the classmates shared business ideas and interacted on issues of interest.This was their first meeting after 24 years since they completed school but they have however been well connected on social media. Mpreaso Senior High School which is located in the Kwahu South District of the Eastern Region was founded in 1961 to serve as a Centre of Excellence to train its products the requisite academic proficiency and skills that will enable them contribute their quota towards the development of the Ghana. Today, products of the school occupy enviable positions in society and many others have established themselves in successful businesses. After Jehoshaphat's prayer, God came down and the first thing He did was to tell the people through His prophet that they should not be afraid. But, why does God always come first with this assurance 'Don't be afraid' anytime He wants to intervene in our situation? Let's read that portion before we go on, please. Listen: "As all the men of Judah stood before the LORD with their little ones, wives, and children, the Spirit of the LORD came upon one of the men standing there. His name was Jahaziel son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite who was a descendant of Asaph. He said, "Listen, King Jehoshaphat! Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says: Do not be afraid! Don't be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God's" 2 Chronicles 20:13-15 Yes, don't be afraid because it is not your battle! It is God's! This was His first reaction to their supplication. God comes this way in order to cool any existing tension in us. He tells us not to be afraid at the time of battles, so that we will not lose focus and faith or make mistakes. A time of battle (spiritual or physical) is a time to be strong, courageous and remain focused to Him that is able to do all things. We must not in any way give in to any form of anxiety or pressure. This is always the first and most important battle front. Some get mercilessly defeat from the first stage of the battle because of fear, loss of confidence and confusion. They look at the size of the enemy and intensity challenge, their weak position, their inadequacies, lack of support, etc. No! You must not allow this. Always focus on the greatness of your God and His unlimited ability to rescue you and defeat any enemy. True. Look at that first actions of Jehoshaphat again, immediately he received the message that the three nations were already near to attack his country, the bible said that he was alarmed and sought the LORD for guidance. Did you see that? Yes, he was troubled as a human being that is being faced by a great challenge, but he immediately ran to God. Our fears should always lead us to the presence of God. It is only in His presence that our fears, troubles will be dispelled. Our God, the God of Israel is greater than all our fears. You cannot successfully walk with Him if you still operate in the level of a fear. Fear is the opposite of faith. Fear torments but faith excels. Fear removes, but faith empowers. Fear limits the operations of heaven. Fear attracts the negative forces and results. Fear exposes our lack of faith and trust in God. Fear is the most powerful instrument in the hand of the Devil. He throws it to paralyze his victims before destroying them. Fear exalts the enemy and his mischievous character and reduces the glory of God. And God abhors the fearful, the faithless. In fact, to allow fear to overwhelm you is a sin before God and that is why in Revelation chapter twenty-one, verse eight, He said that even the fearful (cowards) shall also have their place in the lake of fire. We must not give in to fear. Don't ever!We will continue next week.God bless! Rev Agbo is the author of the book Power of Midnight Prayer. Tel: 08037113283 Website: http://www.authorsden.com/pastorgabrielnagbo E-mail: [email protected] Participants at the workshop 31.03.2016 LISTEN As part of measures to ensure safety at sea, the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development will send ocean state information through SMS to fishermen before they embark on their fishing expedition. Owing to the fact that not all fishermen will receive the SMS alert, the Ministry, in conjunction with the Regional Implementation Centre RIC and Ghana Meteorological Agency GMET, will implement the flagging system as well. In calm weather conditions, the flag would be green, while rough condition would be yellow flag and dangerous condition would be red. The Fisheries Commission, in a statement, said the flags will be at the landing site, adding that the fishing community, led by the associations, will nominate some of its members to hoist them when they receive the SMS. It said Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMET) is also devising other mechanisms to get weather information to our fisherfolks. . Meanwhile, the Fisheries Ministry, which is the national focal institution of the Monitoring for Environment and Security in Africa (MESA) Project of the ECOWAS Costal and Marine Resources Management, has held a sensitization programme in conjunction with GMET and RIC for men and women involved in fishing from the Greater Accra, Central and Western Regions at Cape Coast. The main theme for the workshop is Protecting fishing grounds and ensuring safety at sea. The programme brought together other stakeholders including telecos, media, academia, navy, sustainable fishery management project (SFMP), among others. Similar event was held at Ada, Keta and James Town. The whole project is sponsored by the European Union (EU). 31.03.2016 LISTEN Robert Jackson being welcomes to the RCC by Alexander Ackon, Kojo Bonsu and Francis Dodovi The US Ambassador to Ghana, Robert Porter Jackson, has stated that Ghana is currently not a prime target for terrorist groups across the world. He said the unpredictable nature of terrorists groups should encourage countries across the globe, including Ghana, to always put measures in place to stop terror attacks. Mr. Jackson said terror attacks in the US, France and recently, Belgium strongly indicate that no country is immune from the threat posed by terrorist groups. The US envoy made the remarks when he addressed section of the press in Kumasi during a courtesy call on the Ashanti Regional Minister, John Alexander Ackon on Tuesday morning. According to Mr. Jackson, terrorism, which leads to loss of lives and destruction of properties, has become a global phenomenon in recent years, stressing the need for countries to collaborate to tackle the canker. He expressed optimism that effective partnership between countries in the world would go a long way to help neutralize the activities of terrorists and prevent the deaths of innocent people and destruction of properties. . We need to work together to deal with terror attacks, Mr. Jackson, who was accompanied by his wife and other top officials at the US Embassy in Ghana stated. He said he would use his short stay in the region to know more about the clashes between Fulani herdsmen and Agogo people and the Tafo conflict between Muslim youth and indigenes of the town, two issues which pose threat to security in Ghana. Mr. Jackson said that he would also find ways to deepen economic and social ties in order to boost the cordial relationship between Ghana and the US. Mr Ackon announced that the security situation at Tafo had improved recently, adding that the improvement has led to the change in the curfew time from 4am to 8pm to 4am to 11pm. He said that his outfit was working around the clock to solve all issues regarding the Tafo clashes to promote peace in the area. The Regional Minister also said that the Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) had deployed security personnel to public gatherings and sensitive places in the region to help prevent terror attacks in the area. Kumasi Mayor, Kojo Bonsu and Francis Dodovi, Spokesperson of the Ashanti Regional Minister, were among top officials that were present at the meeting which was held at the RCC. From I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi The dangerous structure 31.03.2016 LISTEN Authorities of the New Ningo D/A Junior High School (JHS) in the Ningo-Prampram District of the Greater Accra Region are considering the shutdown of the school due to fears that the roof could cave in on the pupils. Currently, the roofs of two classrooms have collapsed completely. Owing to the start of the rainy season, the school's management believes the roof of the classrooms, which are in deplorable condition, could cave in on the pupils if they continue to use the facility. Many parents, who are in a dilemma due to the imminent shut down of the school, have asked their children to assist them in fishing and farms. The New Ningo D/A JHS started in the 1950s with a small population. The stand-alone middle school served the people of Old Ningo, Lakpleku and its surrounding villages in the Ningo Traditional Area. . Since its inception, the school has not seen any major renovation, aside some refurbishment undertaken by the School Management Committee (SMC), PTA and philanthropists. The chiefs and the people of the town donated a vast land for further development but since the school is not expanding the infrastructure, some people have encroached upon it. Edmund Siaw Akugbey, Chairman of the School Management Committee, who spoke to DAILY GUIDE, explained that since the school has not seen any renovation for many years, the roof began to cave in as far back as 2011 when this town was part of the old Dagme West District. As we speak now, two classrooms are not being used. Students of form one and two hold their classes held under trees. According to him, they were considering closing down the school since it would require a substantial amount of money to repair the roofs. He pointed out that several letters written by the school authorities, SMC/PTA to the Ningo-Prampram District Assembly (NIPDA), which has the responsibility of fixing the defects in the school buildings, have yielded no positive results. Aside the numerous letters, efforts have been made to contact the DCE but all to no avail as various promises made by the DCE are yet to be fulfilled. Were always concerned with the safety of pupils and staff first, chairman of the SMC stated. From Vincent Kubi, New Ningo 31.03.2016 LISTEN Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, MP, cutting the tape to officially commission the facility Coca-Cola Company, the world's leading beverage company, as part of its commitment under the Safe Water for Africa Initiative, a partnership between Coca-Cola, Diageo, Kosmos and WaterHealth, has commissioned the Ablekuma Water Health Center in Accra. This is in line with this year's World Water Day celebration under the theme Better Water, Better Jobs. Water Health Centers are small-scale water treatment plants in effect a mini water works that purify surface or ground water to levels recommended by World Health Organisation (WHO). To ensure long-term sustainability of these projects, it engages the community by creating a water board consisting of community leaders to supervise the facility. Anthony Chinebuah, Operations/Marketing Manager, Coca Cola Equatorial, at the commissioning, said as part of his outfit's Corporate Social Responsibility, it has funded the construction of 12 Water Health Centers in the Greater Accra, Eastern, Ashanti, Western and Volta Regions. He said it is in the interest of Coca-Cola to be involved in community development, because without healthy sustainable communities, the company will not have sustainable businesses. Mr. Chinebuah said his outfit strongly believes that the success of the business is inextricably linked to the success of the communities in which they operate. It is therefore important to us to support the health and well-being of these communities as a means to support economic growth of these communities, he explained. . Mr. Chinebuah said water is of particular interest not only because it is the main ingredient in the production of soft drinks, juices and water. 50% of all illnesses are caused by the exposure to unsafe drinking water and this is a major concern to Coca-Cola and its partners, he said. Mr. Chinebuah advised residents to patronize the facility in order to water-borne diseases, a core aim of the project. Prashant Kulkarni, Business Head, Water Health Ghana, reiterated the company's commitment to providing clean, safe and affordable drinking water to most of the regions of the country over the next few years. He added that having spent over eight years in Ghana, the company has perfected the art of site selection, operation and maintenance and is at a threshold of executing a major scale up. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, MP, Anyaa Sowutuom Constituency, lauded Coca-Cola for the facility and emphasised that sustainability over the years depend on the people of the community. Nii Larbi II, Chief of Ablekuma, praised the company for the support and encouraged other companies to emulate the kind gesture of Coca-Cola Company. Meanwhile, Coca-Cola Company, as part of its commitment to improving the lives of Ghanaians, especially those in deprived and vulnerable communities through the Coca-Cola Foundation, has committed $30 million to the provision of safe, clean drinking water to communities in Africa, providing over 12.5 million litres of water to over 100,000 people in Ghana in 2012. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, MP, cutting the tape to officially commission the facility 31.03.2016 LISTEN Four civil society organisations have organised various health educational programmes for women in the Wassa West District of the Western Region. The CSOs, including Mondelez International Cocoa Life, a cocoa processing firm, with World Vision Ghana, Care International and Volunteers Overcoming Poverty, educated the women on cervical cancer, breast cancer and diabetes to help sustain their health. The programmes were in response to the call by the United Nations Women to institutions and individuals to take concrete action towards empowering women. Addressing the participants at the event, District Chief Executive (DCE) of the area, Anthony Emmanuel Aggrey, commended women for their enormous contributions towards the socio-economic development of the country. He urged women to have confidence in themselves and refrain from the over-reliance on men for economic breakthrough, saying God has given them sufficient talents to succeed in life. . Mr Aggrey urged women not to shirk their responsibilities at home, but to continue to support their respective families to build a better society. Country Manager for Mondelez, Yaa Peprah Amekudzi, said although many commitments had been made towards ensuring equal opportunities for all persons, women still lagged behind men because of both deliberate and unconscious biases against them. She said research showed that more than 70 percent of the tasks in the cocoa production are performed by women, and often women are assigned duties that guarantee the quality of the cocoa beans. Her firm, she said, was, therefore, committed to empowering women for the critical role they played in the cocoa supply chain. 'Pledge For Parity', the theme for this year's International Women's Day, seeks commitment of all of the world's citizens and organisations to quicken the pace of gender parity for a balanced prosperous world. GNA 31.03.2016 LISTEN The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has said Africa remains a region with enormous potential for private investors, despite economic headwinds and reduced liquidity that are creating challenges in managing risks and mobilizing partners around investments. This was contained in a report released on Wednesday at the Africa CEOs Forum held in Abidjan. IFC, therefore, infers that even in difficult economic and risk environments, methods of financing which better mitigate risk can be more widely adopted to fund successful investments on a larger scale in Africa. The 25 page report, titled: New Horizons in African Finance, Reducing Risk and Mobilizing Financing on a New Scale, was jointly launched by Jindong Hua -Vice President (VP) of IFC and Amir Ben Yahmed, Chief Executive Officer of Jeune Afrique and also founder of Africa CEOs Forum. Mr. Jindong Hua elaborated on how companies and investors can invest on an increasing scale by adapting and tapping into enduring trends of rapid urbanization, increasing stability in a young and growing population, expanding internet connectivity, rising incomes and shifting consumption patterns continue to create an abundance of commercial opportunities across the continent. He, however, said without vibrant and economic partnerships, growth cannot be achieved hence there is the need to build shared prosperity. Jingdong Hua, who doubles as the Treasurer of IFC, further said projects highlighted in the report demonstrate how innovative structuring and approaches can mitigate risks and crowd in institutional investors to allow for a higher probability of investment success. Hammering on the contents of the report, Mr. Jingdong Hua said Africa is a region with enormous potential for private investors, yet its declining commodity prices, depreciating currencies and slowing global growth have increased uncertainty on the continent and sharply reduced liquidity that companies used to expand activities in recent years. Continuing, he added that economies face significant challenges to diversify and export wider range of goods and services, yet there are opportunities which can be explored. The VP of IFC assured that though there is a global economic turmoil, all hope is not lost since companies looking to seize significant opportunities in Africa can benefit from additional sources of financing, as well as tools that crowd in more private sector participants and mitigate risk, spreading it among different investor classes and over longer time frames. According to him, companies can make use of tools such as blended finance, co-financing, local debt and equity instruments stressing private equity and public-private partnerships are currently available for investors to take advantage to address risks associated with low-income and fragile states. The Founder of Africa CEOs Forum, Amir Ben Yahmed, on his part said the annual gathering of business and government leaders from around Africa is demonstrating the continued interest in private investment on this continent. Investors are looking for new approaches for dealing with changing market conditions and this report offers ideas and solutions for investors to consider and act upon, he noted. He mentioned some of the successful recently financed projects in Africa, with details of project structures and risk mitigation tools highlighted in the report. The Azito 3 power project in Cote dIvoire, an Ecobank Transnational SME lending program in conflict-affected West Africa and fragile states, a Cargill-SIB partnership to support agriculture coops, also in Cote D'lvoire. Also, a local currency bond issued by Bayport Financial Services in Zambia Bridge International Academies funding for expansion in Kenya and other Africa countries and Africa Improve Food Holding's nutritious food production project in Rwanda, which is a large regional private equity fund raised by Helios Investment Partners and a restructuring and privatization of Eleme Petrochemicals in Nigeria. By Maame Agyeiwaa Agyei ([email protected]) 31.03.2016 LISTEN Dedicated to my long-time friend Tariq Mehmood, Sialkot, Pakistan, www.hanguf.com Ghana, being pre-dominantly a Christian Society, celebrates as National Holiday the end of Ramadan with their Muslim Brothers and Sisters with the President paying his respect to the Muslim community. NPP Flagbarer, Nana Akufo-Addo, decided for a Muslim as his running made to become Vice-President in case of election victory finds it hard to win this years November 7th election as in case he would die, a Muslim would be the President of a Christian country making many people uneasy. His good intentions do not relate to the majority of Ghanaians demonstrating his ability not really relating to the citizen of his country too well. Easter Sunday 2016, Lahore, Pakistan, of the 70 killed in the bomb blast were mostly Christians celebrating Jesus Christ resurrection. Turkey does not allow Christian Churches to be built, like in other Muslim countries alike, while in Europe Mosque can be erected to a certain height with noise restrictions of calling worshippers to service. In the name of Islam, Boko Haram kills and rape innocent people, IS wants to be a dominating force in the Arab world and beyond, Somalia for the past 25 years is in the status of civil war over Christianity versus Islam. Sudan split in two, North and South, over Islam versus Christianity misplacing many people from their native villages in the name of a higher authority. India broke up into India, Pakistan and Bangladesh with tears in the eyes of Mahadma Gandhi. When discussing with the Imam of the Mosque at Hamburg Hauptbahnhof (Central Train station, Hamburg, Germany) where the attackers of World Trade Centre (New York City) worshipped, to me I got the impression he was very much in line with the correct, peaceful Islam. Palestinians and Jews in Israel will never find a lasting peace solution in a region in which Templers hundreds of years ago killed people in the name of Christianity wanting to demonstrate its superiority to any other believes. Jews got gased in Hitlers concentration camps for reason of gaining and securing power while he was beaten up by his father as a young boy, tolerated by his mother, leaving scares in his heart and soul deeply rooted killing in the end 60 Mio. in World War II. A human comes only from one woman and one man; therefore this world can have only be created by one Spirit. Otherwise we would live not on one earth but in parallel universes. The dominating question is who created Heaven and Earth. Buddhism does not have a GOD, but was formulated by a Human Philosopher how he was thinking about human behavior widely accepted by his followers. Indian culture knows endless numbers of GODs the same like tribes in poorly developed territories. Every Religion has its own answer to this fundamental question and fights over it. Whatever the answer may be, in the end we have to acknowledge that we are all HUMANS with a right to live a happy life. When my wife does not agree with me over certain matters, does this give me as her husband the right to kill her? Certainly not. Why should anyone give himself the authority to kill others only because they want to think as they feel it is right for them? In any case of violence, be it on territorial or religious grounds, human failures come in like insecurity, jellousy and misunderstanding of others. Will this situation ever end? Maybe bombing and killing of innocent people will come down, but the rivalry between different Religions hardly will come to an end. Humans are not perfect, consistently having to protect their own egoism with humanity principles keeping them in check to avoid extremes. Chocolate is eaten in good times to compliment the happiness felt, while in bad times chopped to give emotional comfort and hope of better times to come as today is not someones tomorrow and things can change at anytime, anywhere to anybody in whatever direction. The same applies to Believe. Todays world is insecure in more than one way which opens up doors to find comfort in various forms of believe, be it established Religions or supernatural, diverse ideas addressing the unseen Spirits. Competition of convictions is not primarily a bad concept as long as we humans understand and accept our limits following in peace our own private believes and come to the conclusion one world, our world, can have only be created by one Spirit. Being convinced and secured in one believe makes a human tolerant towards others being able to accept conflicting convictions. To protect the integrity of someones very one believe true knowledge of its believe is the key factor in harmony with acceptance of human in-perfection. A woman and a man are too different, someone can sometimes think they can never match and develop together even having the same roots being humans and sharing the same bed, yet the human race has not died outso far. Author: Dipl.-Pol. Karl-Heinz Heerde, Sakumono Estate, Block D10, Aprt.9, Tema West, Ghana, phone +233(0)265078287, [email protected] , 30.03.2016 31.03.2016 LISTEN Questions over the real faces bankrolling the founder of the United Peoples Party (UPP), Mr. Akwasi Addae Odike, has finally been put to rest after the Kumasi-based Business tycoon confessed that he receives his source of funding from the President, his Excellency John Dramani Mahama and the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC). The founder of the UPP has been heard on tape loudly bragging about the support he enjoys from the President and the ruling NDC, as he seek to do their bidding, ahead of the 2016 general elections. In a 10 minutes conversation wtih a defector of his party, Gideon, Mr. Odike openly declared that he has received assurances from the President and the NDC that he would received massive funding and that other lesser political parties with similar agenda cannot compare themselves to him. There had been allegations in the past that Mr. Odike was being bankrolled by the NDC and President Mahama, but the Kumasi-based businessman had always been quick to douse the allegations, claiming he was a man of his own. However, a conversation captured on a tape between him and one Gideon, who was said to be a member of the UPP but also defected, appears to have given him and his conspirators. The UPP founder, one the tape, also issued word of caution to his former General Secretary, Razak Kojo Opoku, who defected to the newly Hassan Ayariga, former presidential candidate of the Peoples national Convention (PNC), threatening to deal drastically with him for spreading false rumours about the UPP. There were recent reports of moves by some leading members of the UPP to remove Mr. Odike as the flagbearer for the party, a situation which Mr. Odike is fiercely resisting. Mr. Odike complained bitterly that he has been receiving calls from the General Secretary of the ruling NDC, Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketia, who is worried about the turn of events as far as the UPP. The Kumasi-based business magnates conversation also appeared to complicit the Electoral Commission (EC), asserting that the electoral body has been updating him on all the machinations by some individuals to sabotage him and the NDC agenda to use him as a decoy in the run up to the elections. 31.03.2016 LISTEN The Executive Director of the West African Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), Chukwuemeka Eze, is calling on government to engage herdsmen in the country in order to restore peace. A joint police-military team in the Operation Cowleg exercise has been working to flush out nomadic herdsmen accused of killing four indigenes in recent times from Agogo in the Ashanti Region. The Agogo Traditional Council has given a 31st March deadline for the herdsmen to leave the area. The executive director for WANEP, however, believes issuing an ultimatum to the herdsmen is not the way to go. He suggests a collaborative effort between various West African states to develop a comprehensive plan to take care of the situation. More soon.... Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Abubakar Ibrahim | Email: [email protected] 31.03.2016 LISTEN FROM LEFT Alhaji Alidu Seidu, Wontumi and David Asante during the 'Baamuyadda' press conference THE NEW Patriotic Party (NPP) has stated emphatically that any attempt by the Electoral Commission (EC) to replace the validation of the voters' register with voter exhibition exercise, will incur the wrath of the NPP. According to the NPP, validation exercise, which is geared towards cleaning dead persons and all unwanted date from the voters' register, is totally different from voter exhibition exercise, so the EC should take note. The largest opposition political party has consequently charged the EC to carry out the validation of the voters' register as suggested by the ECs panel of experts, before they (EC) organize the voter exhibition. Bernard Antwi Boasiako aka 'Wontumi,' the Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman, who spoke on behalf of the party during a press conference on Tuesday, said the EC doesn't want to embark on the validation exercise to clean the voters' register. He announced that the NPP and its allies, would organize a mammoth demonstration dubbed 'Baamuyadda' to wit 'We shall not agree across the streets of Kumasi on April 6, this year, to drum home their fury against the EC's bad deeds. Wontumi, with a grim face, stated that the electoral body, especially Charlotte Osei, the EC Head, is in bed with the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) so she wants to forgo the validation exercise to help the NDC to retain power. . He appealed to chiefs, businessmen, students, traders, drivers, nurses, engineers, and medical doctors to wear red and black attire and take part in the demonstration, which would be used to expose the rots in the EC. Wontumi stated that the validation of the voters' register is non-negotiable so the EC must stop the delay tactics by conducting the important exercise in order to make the voters' register clean. The NPP Parliamentary Candidate for Asawase, Alhaji Alidu Seidu, stated that the NPP would not allow the EC to twist the hands of the party to make the NDC win the 2016 polls on a silver platter, stressing that the validation exercise must come on to ensure peace. According to him, the current voters' register is bloated and it is only through validation exercise that the voters' register could be cleaned; therefore the EC must do the right thing to make the impending polls free and fair. David Asante of Let My Vote Count Alliance, on his part, observed with concern that the EC was leading the country into chaos by its (EC) unprofessional conduct, charging the EC to conduct the validation of the voters' register with immediate effect to ensure peace. He also stated that the validation exercise is different from the exhibition exercise therefore it is not right for the EC to replace the validation exercise with exhibition exercise, noting that the EC's intended plan to help the NDC win the polls would be resisted. FROM I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi 31.03.2016 LISTEN Even before Dr. Henry Wampah clears his desk after an unexpected early exit, lobbying for the position of Governor of the country's apex bank has commenced in earnest. Indeed the lobbying commenced before the announcement because with a few more months before his official exit, many thought the time was ripe for the behind-the-scene manouvres. Many think Dr. Nashiru Isahaku, Second Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), could be given the nod by President John Mahama. Nashiru, as his contemporaries fondly refer to him, appears to have the hearts of many of his Northern friends who cut across both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC). He was the NDC candidate for the Gukpegu Sabongida constituency in Tamale in the 2000 elections and if he gets the nod, he would pass for the first Northerner to assume that position in Ghana's financial history. Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia, his pal from their school days in Tamale Secondary School, is a former Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, and both of them economists. The two were classmates at Tamasco, as the oldest senior high school in Tamale is fondly called, between 1975 and 1982. Nashiru is one gentleman whose management of his relationship with especially his childhood friends has set him apart from many others. Abdul-Nashiru Until his elevation to the current position Dr. Abdul-Nashiru Issahaku was the acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Export Development and Agricultural Investment Fund (EDAIF), having had earlier stints with the African Development Bank and World Bank. Dr. Mark Asibey-Yeboah, MP for New Juaben South while celebrating the early exit of the Governor, does not however want the President to appoint a replacement, preferring the assignment to be undertaken by the next head of state. Whoever is appointed now would be compelled by the President to do things which would not be in the interest of the country. If Dr. Wampah were to be asked to choose a successor, it is thought that he would point at the first deputy governor Millison Narh who was confirmed in August 2013. . Millison Narh Mr. Millison Narh served as Second Deputy Governor when Vice President Kwesi Amissah-Arthur was the Governor. He continues to be in charge of operations of the apex bank. The Chartered Accountant has been with the bank for over three decades. Until the name of whoever takes up the appointment pops up, the subject would remain a matter of speculation. As for the many Tamascans, they are fervently praying for Nasahiru. Mr. Narh's tenure ended last year but he had an extension, which could possibly run to March next year. He will be 61 in May this year. The governorship appointment is pegged at four years. By AR Gomda The conference was opened by President Pierre Buyoya, Former President of Burundi and African Union High Representative for Mali and the Sahel, and Haile Menkerios, Special Representative of the Secretary General to the African Union, who reinforced the importance of this issue within continental African policy and global foreign policy. The meeting's aim was to encourage and implement African peacebuilding by African actors, in response to new threats challenging the existing peacebuilding framework. A key objective was to further the findings from the first meeting and 'road test' them, with a view to the new perspectives arising out of this meeting being developed into concrete policy measures. See the event programme for further details. After a successful first meeting in February 2015, Wilton Park, an Executive Agency of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the United Kingdom, hosted this follow up dialogue. Participants met from across Africa and further afield, focusing on developing African approaches to peacebuilding. This meeting has been held in association with the African Leadership Centre at Kings College London and the Social Science Research Council in New York, with support from The Carnegie Corporation of New York. Richard Burge, Chief Executive of Wilton Park said: 'Chairing this second dialogue in Africa was a great privilege. It was encouraging to see the discussion develop digitally as well as in the conference room. It is essential that African voices contributing to peacebuilding initiatives at all levels are heard and recognised. The partnerships that made this event possible provide a platform from which these voices have a global audience.' Further information: Wilton Park Wilton Park is a global forum for strategic discussion organising 65 events a year in the UK and overseas, bringing together over 3,000 representatives of 130 countries from the worlds of politics, business, academia, diplomacy, civil society and media. We focus on issues of international security, prosperity and justice, and help advance the global foreign policy agenda by provoking lively debate and encouraging inclusivity. Wilton Park meetings provide a neutral environment where conflicting views can be expressed and debated openly and calmly, allowing acceptable compromise and resolution to be achieved. Discussions are non-attributable to encourage frank exchanges and open dialogue. Bechem (B/A) Mar. 31, GNA - Dr. Agyei Darko, Medical Superintendent of the Bechem Government Hospital has called for the immediate reimbursement of the eight-month outstanding debts owed to the hospital in National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) claims to enable the hospital deliver optimum healthcare to the large clientele in the hospital's catchment area. Though he stopped short at giving figures of the debts owed to the hospital, he said the non-payment of 'the huge sums of money', has crippled the hospital's efforts at optimizing healthcare delivery to the about 98 per cent of its clients who access healthcare through the NHIS. 'The enormous clientele of this facility still depend on NHIS due to its advantage to relieve them of huge medical costs, but with the current situation, we can no longer procure some indispensable inputs like essential medical and non-medical consumables', he said and added that this was unacceptable and worrying. Dr. Darko disclosed this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency at Bechem in the Brong Ahafo Region on the sidelines of a presentation ceremony during which the 'Pagya Wo ho' Foundation, a local Non- Governmental Organization (NGO) based at Bechem and other foreign partner, the Het Huis Eye Wish Optical Company of Zeist in Holland made some donations to the hospital on Good Friday. The donation included a cash of Gha500.00, optical glasses, medical consumables, assorted drinks, biscuits, and some confectionery Dr. Darko thanked the foundation for its kindness which will be of immense help to the hospital especially patients with visual challenges and urged other benevolent and philanthropist Associations to follow suit. He gave assurance that the donation will be put into good use for its intended purposes. Nana Ama kwartemaa, Ababio, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Foundation and Apagyahemaa of the Bechem Traditional Area, commended the staff of the hospital for doing their best to meet the needs and expectations of the patients irrespective of the challenges facing the hospital. GNA Ejura (Ash), March 31, GNA - A ceremony has been performed to mark the official start of construction works on the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) Staff and Command College at Ejura in the Ejura-Sekyedumase Municipality. The municipal assembly and the traditional council are supporting the implementation of the project, which on completion would serve as centre of excellence for research into modern firefighting and train firefighters. On hand to perform the ceremony, was the Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr. John Alexander Ackon. He welcomed the project, saying, it was a right step, given the increasing fire disasters and the attendant fatalities and damage to property. The region, for example, had between January and March - a space of three months, recorded 346 separate fire incidents, and said the situation was quite disturbing. He stated that the destruction could not continue and called for the people to work together to prevent fires. Mr. Ackon asked that they adopted safety practices and avoided doing anything likely to cause fire outbreak. He praised the chief of Ejura, Barima Osei Hwedie, for releasing land for the project and said the benefits would be enormous. The Chief Fire Officer, Dr. Albert Brown Gaisie, reminded everybody that fire prevention was a shared responsibility and asked that they all contributed their part to substantially reduce fire disasters. He acknowledged the tremendous support for the GNFS by the traditional council and expressed confidence that this would be sustained. Barima Osei Hwedie pledged to do all he could to assist the early completion of the project. GNA 31.03.2016 LISTEN Accra , March 31, GNA - The Judicial Service Workers Association of Ghana (JUSAG) has said it would embark on a nationwide strike, effective Friday, April I, 2016 over the delays in the implementation of its members' emoluments plan. 'The withdrawal of services will continue until the demands are met,' the President of the Association, Mr Alex Nartey, told the Ghana News Agency in Accra, on Thursday. Mr Nartey, however said, the security personnel would remain at post to protect the property of the Service during the period. GNA 31.03.2016 LISTEN WASHINGTON, ACCRA, March 31 - (UPI/GNA) - The White House dismissed remarks on Japan and South Korea from Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump as "ridiculous." Trump, while airing his views on U.S. foreign policy, had suggested in an interview with The New York Times last week that he was not opposed to Tokyo and Seoul building its own nuclear arsenal as a deterrent against regional rivals. Trump had made the comment in the context of a larger proposal - both Japan and South Korea aren't paying enough for the defense of their countries, although experts have said the allegations aren't true. The two countries host tens of thousands of U.S. troops on military bases. White House spokesman Josh Earnest told reporters Wednesday Trump's suggestion Japan and South Korea ought to nuclearize would be destabilizing. Trump's insistence U.S. ally South Korea acquire nuclear weapons is inconsistent with decades-long policy, the White House said. The Republican presidential candidate's view on nukes also contradicts other policies long supported by the international community, Earnest said. It would be difficult to imagine justifying North Korea's nuclear weapons development, and promoting an arms race would be ridiculous, the spokesman added, according to South Korean newspaper Hankyoreh. Asian officials and media were also questioning Trump's worldview and his general qualifications for the presidency. Both the Japanese and South Korean governments are of the opinion the military alliance with the United States is crucial for regional security. South Korean newspaper JoongAng Ilbo stated in an editorial Trump's call for a removal of U.S. troops was "shocking," and were he to become president he would have an impact on the long-term alliance between Seoul and Washington. In Japan, Tokyo chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga said the country has no intention to develop nuclear weapons, The New York Times reported. GNA Kyebi (E/R), March 31, GNA - The Abuakwa South Zongo Caucus (ASZC) of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has applauded the ruling government for its efforts at bringing enormous infrastructure development to the of Kyebi and peripheral communities. The group said, education delivery, provision of potable water, road construction, health care and infrastructure development, are the areas that have received a tremendous boost. Addressing the media at a press briefing at Kyebi, Mr. Ibrahim Mohammed Secretary of the group, discounted claims in a recent statement reportedly issued by the Okyeman Youth Association (OYA) which stated that the 7.9 million Euro Kyebi water project initiated by the NDC government was done by the Kufour-led Administration. He stated that, the said project was funded by the Austrian Government to serve five communities including, Kyebi, Anyinam, Apedwa, Kwabeng and Osenase. Mr. Mohammed maintained that, the loan agreement for the water project was approved by parliament on 21st of December, 2011 and said the first water project for the Kyebi Township was established in 1971 during the Busia Government which was intended to serve about 5000 people. He also debunked allegations that the NDC government has decided to divert any project meant for Akyem Abuakwa and the Eastern Region as stated by OYA, whiles also dismissing claims that the President Mahama has taken the credit for being the first president to bring potable water to Kyebi. 'The Abuakwa South Zongo Caucus want to put it on record that the President Mahama in his state of the nation's address did not say it was him who brought pipe-borne water to Kyebi but instead his government extended pipe-borne water to Kyebi and its environs', he averred. GNA Dzwendaama (C/R), March 31, GNA - Mr Samuel Ambry, Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin North Constituency, has donated items worth over GH 2,000 to farmers whose farms were burnt at Dzwendaama and Kedadwen last Sunday. The items included farming inputs and relief items. He also donated 10 bags of cement and other building materials for the completion of a classroom block in the community. Mr Samuel Ambry said his presentation was in fulfillment of his pledge to support farming and education in the constituency with the needed financial strength and logistics to improve their standard of living. He used the opportunity to sensitize farmers on new methods of farming and the correct application of recommended chemicals to boost food production and security. Mr Ambry advised the affected cocoa farmers to contact COCOBOD for the new hybrid cocoa seedlings to improve their yield. He said there is the need for all cocoa farmers to register with their Agricultural Extension Agents (AEAs) to benefit from the free fertilizer distribution. Mr Ambry also called on farmers to observe all the requisite practices to enable them reap the benefits of their work to improve their livelihoods. Mr Ambry described the cocoa sector as the backbone of the economy and enumerated its tremendous contribution towards infrastructural development of the country. The occasion also offered the farmers an opportunity to seek professional advice from agricultural extension agents. Mr Emmanuel Bentum, a farmer who received the items on behalf of his colleagues, thanked the MP for the kind gesture and asked the assembly for more of such assistance to enable farmers live meaningful lives. GNA The first batch of 51 students of the Pan African University Institute for Governance, Humanities and Social Sciences (PAUGHSS) graduated with Master of Arts (MA) degrees at a ceremony held at the Palais des Congres in Yaounde, Cameroon. After three years of postgraduate studies research and internships in their respective disciplines, 41 graduating students received MA degrees in governance and regional integration jointly conferred by the Pan African University (PAU) and the University of Yaounde II, whilst the remaining 10 students received MA degrees in Conference Interpreting and Translation, jointly conferred by the PAU and the University of Buea. The graduating students, who come from 16 different African Union Member States, constitute the third batch of students graduating from the PAU, an African Union educational flagship programme seeking to expand the frontiers of higher education, research and innovation in the continent. Top officials of the Government of Cameroon, the diplomatic and academic community in Yaounde and Buea, as well as development partners, attended the graduation ceremony. The African Union Commission was represented by: Prof. Tolly S. A. Mbwette, President of the PAU Council; Dr. Jean Gerard Mezui M'ella, Director of the AU Inter-African Phytosanitary Council Office in Yaounde; Dr. Mahama Ouedoraogo, Ag. Director, HRST; Prof. Belay Kassa, Interim Deputy Rector, PAU; and Dr. Yaw Nyampong, PAU Senior Legal Officer. It marked a significant milestone in the drive towards actualizing the foundational ideals of the PAU and generated enormous regional and international focus. Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Tolly S. A. Mbwette, President of the PAU Council, expressed gratitude on behalf of the African Union to the Government of Cameroon and the two host institutions of PAUGHSS, the University of Yaounde II (Soa) and the University of Buea as well as other Cameroonian and African universities, for their unparalleled collaboration and cooperation with the African Union Commission in the implementation of the PAU project. He placed particular emphasis on the Government's continuing commitment and its numerous efforts in preparation to receive the Rectorate of the PAU, which, by virtue of a 2015 Decision of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the AU, will be permanently headquartered in Yaounde. In his keynote address, Prof. Jacques Fame Ndongo, the Minister of Higher Education of the Republic of Cameroon and Chancellor of Academic Orders, charged the graduating students to go forth as ambassadors of Africa and serve as agents of change, using the knowledge and training they have obtained. He thanked the African Union for the trust reposed in the Cameroonian higher education system as evidenced by the selection of Cameroon to host PAUGHSS and the PAU Rectorate. Professor Ndongo underlined the unflinching commitment of the Government of Cameroon to sharing its legacy in higher education with other Member States by supporting continental initiatives such as the Pan African University. The PAU was established in 2010 by a Decision of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union, with a view to developing institutions of excellence in science, technology, innovation, social sciences and governance, which would constitute the bedrock for an African pool of higher education and research. It strives to stimulate collaborative, internationally competitive and development-oriented training and research, in areas having a direct bearing on the technical, economic and social development of Africa. Hosted by the University of Yaounde II and the University of Buea, PAUGHSS offers MA programmes in governance and regional integration, conference interpretation and translation, with plans to introduce many more programmes in the MA as well as PhD streams in the short and medium term. 31.03.2016 LISTEN Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSSAG) say they will withdraw their services in protest of their unpaid salaries. The President of the Association, Alex Nartey, who announced the strike at a press conference Thursday, March 31, said the move is to ensure that the disregard for our plight will be brought to an end. The Association say their demand for the implementation of consolidated salaries agreed and approved by the Judicial Council. The staffs say, after a long wait and painful silence, they are left with no option than to strike. The strike which takes effect Friday will see courts across the country grind to a halt. This will the Associations third strike in 11 months. JUSSAG embarked on a strike on 19 May 2015. But Labour minister Haruna Iddrisu moved in to assure them, their allowances will be paid by the end of the month. The judicial staff planned another strike for November 2015 which was called off at the last minute. More soon myjoyonline 31.03.2016 LISTEN Government's months of silence on the unpaid allowances owed 70 soldiers of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) who went on peacekeeping mission in South Sudan is generating grave anger among members of the contingent. March 24 this year was precisely three weeks when the 70 soldiers returned to Ghana from their mission, and, according to some members of the contingent who spoke with The Chronicle on condition of anonymity, the government owes each of them an amount of US$5,400. Therefore, put together, the government owes members of our contingent a total amount of US$378,000. The issue is we do not even have any idea when they intend to settle us, one of the disgruntled soldiers said bitterly. The Commanding Officer (CO) of the contingent was Colonel C.K. Ayiku, the peeved soldiers disclosed, adding that they left the shores of Ghana for the peacekeeping in February 2015 and returned on March 3, 2016. Fuming with rage, the soldiers wondered why the government would be withholding their 'own dollars' after leaving their families to risk their lives in defense of the country at the peril of their lives. Another soldier bemoaned: We admit that we have sworn an oath to lay down our lives to protect the good people of this country, but I do not believe this is how we are to be rewarded for our efforts. The least ranked personnel among the contingent was a Private soldier (pte), and according to the complaining soldiers, the government is taking them for granted by withholding their monies, because they could not don red arm bands to hit the streets to protest. The team explained that some of them would be going on retirement soon, while the others said they needed the money to help them venture into some vital businesses for their families. The government's continuous withholding of their money, they said, could trigger them to break their oath to the state and the GAF, the force they have been serving for all these years. This is not the first time the men in green have complained about the way and manner they are being treated anytime they return from peacekeeping operations. In 2010, about 850 soldiers who were deployed on a peacekeeping mission encountered similar problems. Furthermore, in 2011 and 2012, where 450 and 512 soldiers respectively were dispatched to Lebanon and Congo on peacekeeping missions, complaints akin to the above were recorded. In January, 2015, Dr. Benjamin Kunbuor, Minister of Defence, inaugurated a 10-member Technical Committee, under the Chairmanship of Brigadier General Kwame Oppong-Otchere, to review the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) United Nations Peacekeeping Operations here in Accra. The committee was expected, among others, to formulate policy for accepting offers for participating in new missions, and review the equipment procurement system, including standardisation. The committee was also to determine the procedure for requisition for funds from GAF Peace Support, Operation Accounts and levels of authorisation, and review of sources of funding, including determination of dedicated sources of finance/funding for Peace Support Operations. Inaugurating the committee, Dr. Kunbuor stressed the need to ensure the maintenance of professionalism, courage and commitment to duty, which the GAF had earned over the years under the UN flag across the globe. He noted that concerns had been raised about the financing and financial obligations of the peacekeeping accounts, in the light of the migration of the UN Operations from the Dry Lease to Wet System, in which contributing countries are expected to contribute personnel and hardware to the operations on their own. He stated that the Dry Lease System involved huge capital outlay, hence the need to ensure value for money in the acquisition of equipment for the various theaters. From Inusa Musah, Ashaiman Johannesburg (AFP) - South African President Jacob Zuma, who was on Thursday excoriated by the country's highest court for failing to uphold the constitution, is no stranger to scandal. In a public humiliation, the Constitutional Court berated him over taxpayers' money spent on his private home at Nkandla -- but Zuma has ridden out many similar storms in the past. Here are five of his biggest career controversies: RAPE CHARGES AND AIDS Before taking office, Zuma dismayed the nation during his trial for rape in 2006 when he told the court he had showered to avoid contracting HIV after having unprotected sex with his HIV-positive accuser. He was head of the country's national AIDS council at the time. Zuma claimed the sex with the 31-year-old family friend was consensual and was acquitted of rape. But he is still mocked over the case in newspaper cartoons -- where he is often depicted with a shower nozzle sprouting from his bald head. Nearly 20 percent of South Africans aged between 15 and 49 are HIV positive. GUPTAGATE As the Nkandla debacle built to a climax, its place in the headlines was overtaken by a new scandal, known as Guptagate. It involves the president's allegedly corrupt relationship with a wealthy family of Indian immigrants headed by three brothers, Ajay, Atul and Rajesh Gupta, who have built a business empire in mining, media, technology and engineering. Smouldering rumours of the family's undue influence on the president burst into flame in March when evidence emerged that they were alleged to have offered key government jobs to those who might help their business interests. Deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas revealed that the Guptas had offered him a promotion shortly before Zuma sacked respected finance minister Nhlanhla Nene in December. The opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) has laid corruption charges against the Guptas and Zuma's son Duduzane, who is in partnership with the family. The president was also alleged to have allowed the family to use a military airport to fly in guests for a wedding in 2013. ARMS DEAL A High Court challenge is underway to reinstate more than 700 charges of corruption against Zuma which were dropped in 2009, shortly before he became president. The charges, which relate to a multi-billion dollar arms deal signed in 1999, when Zuma was deputy president, were dropped allegedly because of interference in the prosecution case by his political opponents. Zuma was accused of having accepted bribes from international arms manufacturers to influence the choice of weaponry. Zuma's advisor, Schabir Shaik, was jailed for 15 years on related charges in 2005, with the judge saying there was "overwhelming" evidence of a corrupt relationship between Shaik and Zuma. Shaik was released on medical parole in 1999, the year Zuma became president. OMAR AL-BASHIR Earlier this month the South African Supreme Court of Appeal upheld a judgement that the failure by Zuma's government to arrest Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir was illegal. Despite an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court on charges of war crimes in the conflict in Darfur, Bashir was allowed to attend a meeting of the African Union in Johannesburg last year. The government said the fact that he was attending the summit as a head of state meant he had immunity, but the court disagreed. Zuma escaped an impeachment attempt over the issue in parliament in September last year, when ANC lawmakers voted overwhelmingly against it. NKANDLA Public Protector Thuli Madonsela, the country's ombudswoman, ruled in 2014 that Zuma had "benefited unduly" from so-called security upgrades to his rural Nkandla residence in KwaZulu-Natal province, and that he should re-fund some of the money. The work, paid for with taxpayers' money, cost $24 million and included a swimming pool, described as a fire-fighting facility, a chicken run, a cattle enclosure, an amphitheatre and a visitors' centre. For two years, Zuma fought the order to repay some of the money and the scandal came to dominate his presidency -- with opposition lawmakers chanting "Pay back the money!" every time he appeared in parliament. The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, strongly condemns the indiscriminate attacks at the Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park in Lahore, Pakistan, as Christians were celebrating Easter, which reportedly killed at least 70 people and injured over 300 others. The Chairperson expresses the AU's solidarity with the Government and people of Pakistan, offers her condolences to the bereaved families and wishes speedy recovery to the injured. The Chairperson reaffirms the AU's strong rejection of all acts of terrorism and violent extremism by whomever, wherever and for whatever purposes. She reiterates the AU's commitment to continue working with Pakistan and the international community at large, in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism. The Chairperson also reiterates the need for enhanced international cooperation and coordination within the framework of the relevant AU and international counter-terrorism instruments. 31.03.2016 LISTEN Tamale, GHANA The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) convened to inaugurate a newly constructed seed inspection laboratory on March 31st in Tamale, Ghana. The USAID-constructed Ghana Seed Inspection Unit (GSIU) aims to provide smallholder farmers in Northern Ghana with quality seed at affordable costs. The United States Ambassador, Robert F. Jackson, inaugurated the facility on behalf of the U.S. government. The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna, and the Northern Regional Director of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, William Boakye-Acheampong, were also in attendance. GSIU is a unit of the Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate of MOFA and its purpose is to increase the quantity and quality of high yielding seeds available to rural farmers. The GSIU located in Tamale is one of three seed inspection laboratories constructed by USAID in partnership with MOFA. The laboratories will improve agricultural productivity by increasing access to improved seeds. The labs will help make certified seeds more available, so that even farmers in the most remote areas are able to use seeds that bring more bountiful harvests, remarked United States Ambassador Robert. P. Jackson. It is up to the Ghana Seed Inspection Unit of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to ensure seeds sold to farmers are true-to-type and high quality. It is important that we all collaborate to ensure Ghanas seed sector thrives. The new seed laboratory was constructed through USAIDs Agriculture Technology Transfer project, which is part of Feed the Future. Feed the Future is the U.S. governments global hunger and food security initiative, which works to reduce poverty and enhance the nutritional status of rural populations, particularly women and children. About USAID USAID is the lead U.S. government agency that works to end extreme global poverty and enable resilient, democratic societies to realize their potential. For more than 50 years, USAID has supported Ghana in increasing food security, improving basic health care, enhancing access to quality basic education, and strengthening local governance to benefit all Ghanaian people. United Nations (United States) (AFP) - More than 100 victims have come forward in the Central African Republic with appalling new accounts of sexual abuse, including bestiality, by UN peacekeepers and French troops, the United Nations said Thursday. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was "shocked to the core" by the allegations that emerged after a UN team traveled to south-central Kemo prefecture to interview the women and girls. "We must face the fact that a number of troops sent to protect people instead acted with hearts of darkness," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. UN rights officers have so far interviewed 108 alleged victims, "the vast majority" of whom are under-age girls who were raped, sexually abused or exploited by foreign troops, he said. UN teams received accounts that troops from France's Sangaris force coerced girls to engage in bestiality in return for small amounts of money. AIDS-Free World, a civil society group that tracks peacekeeper sex abuse cases, said three girls told a UN rights officer that in 2014 they were tied up and undressed by a Sangaris commander inside a camp and forced to have sex with a dog. Dujarric stressed that "the facts have not been ascertained" in what could be the most serious wave of allegations to date to hit the troubled peace mission in the Central African Republic. France's UN Ambassador Francois Delattre and US Ambassador Samantha Power both called the allegations "sickening." French authorities are determined to "shed full light" on the reported cases and will take "exemplary disciplinary action" if the allegations are substantiated, said Delattre. France sent its Sangaris intervention force to the Central African Republic in December 2013 and while the troops are not part of the UN mission, they have been mandated by the Security Council to help restore peace to the country. - 'Widespread' abuse - After the UN Security Council held a closed-door meeting on the latest allegations, US Deputy Ambassador David Pressman said they appeared to show that the abuse was "widespread and systematic." Describing the claims as "extremely concerning", Pressman said they should be met with a "swift, full and urgent response." UN rights chief Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein called for investigations that "leave no stone unturned." Under UN rules, the responsibility for investigating and prosecuting peacekeeper sexual abuse lies with the countries that contribute the troops and police to the peace missions. In a first, Dujarric said the United Nations would carry out joint investigations with Burundi and Gabon of the allegations that took place between 2013 and 2015. The Central African peacekeeping operation, known as MINUSCA, counts about 12,600 foreign police and soldiers, as well as more than 500 foreign civilians. The UN mission took over from an African Union force in September 2014 as the country was still reeling from a wave of sectarian bloodshed. As disturbing allegations of sexual assault by troops targeting civilians mounted, Ban in August fired the mission chief, but new claims have continued to emerge. Earlier this week, the United Nations reported two new cases of sexual abuse by Burundian and Moroccan troops, including one that involved a 14-year-old girl. In an interview with AFP before the bestiality allegations were disclosed, UN peacekeeping chief Herve Ladsous denounced the wave of allegations as "abominable". "I am pushing for two ideas: firstly, contributor countries must agree to hold court martials on the spot, where their troops are serving," he said in Central Africa's capital Bangui. "Secondly, when Blue Helmets are recruited, DNA samples should be taken -- on a confidential basis," he added, explaining these biological records could prove crucial to establishing the truth of any future allegations. International nonprofit Last Chance for Animals (LCA) announced today that it has launched an emergency fundraising campaign to increase supplies of essential equipment needed for the rangers who protect the severely endangered mountain gorillas at Virunga National Park in Africa. The recent murders of Congolese park rangers at the wildlife reserve has prompted LCA to increase its existing campaign efforts to supply essential air support gear to Virungas staff. Due to political instability, poaching, and illegal oil exploration, over 150 rangers in the Congos Virunga Park have been killed in the last decade, as reported in the Academy AwardO nominated documentary film Virunga, executive produced by Leonardo DiCaprio and currently airing on Netflix. Mountain gorillas are a critically endangered species and one of the worlds rarest animals -- with about 880 total remaining in the wild in Africa. 480 of these gorillas live in the Virunga Volcanoes Massif, which spreads across three countries: Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. But with a varied terrain and limited capacity to deploy rangers to every corner of the park on short notice, the Congos park authority believes a functional and modern AirWing program will provide the best possible tool to secure the park and reduce threats to its wildlife populations. Since 2006, LCA has been supporting the rangers in Uganda and Rwanda by providing equipment to aid them in protecting the gorillas, including aerial communications systems with 11 outstations, Motorola handheld radios, Garmin GPS units, rain suits and camouflaged surveillance camera. This equipment has had a significant impact on the safety of the gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda, as the coverage and speed of communications has vastly improved for all park operations, especially patrols. Now, LCA is focusing its campaign efforts on the urgent needs of the Congolese rangers who live and work under life threatening conditions to protect mountain gorillas and all wildlife in Virunga park against poachers and local militias. The rangers at Virunga National Park risk their lives every day to protect the endangered mountain gorillas of Africa. The very least we can do as a global community is to support them by providing their AirWing program with vital equipment they need to protect rangers and the parks gorillas from harm, said LCA President and Founder Chris DeRose. We are in a race against extinction and urge the international community to support LCAs efforts by donating now to safeguard the valiant rangers of Virunga and their efforts to protect the last remaining mountain gorillas on earth. Chris DeRose is available for interviews and visual materials are available upon request. To make a donation and learn more about the mountain gorillas, please visit http://www.LCAsavingGorillas.org 31.03.2016 LISTEN The first of April is celebrated as a day that creates the need to fool somebody (April fool).The day the Christian try to fooled the world This was started many years ago when Christian claim that a messiah was born on to us, the inhabitant of the surface of the earth on the day that Pontius Augustus has commanded all district and cities under his jurisdiction to have their name written in the first ever general census that affect the land in recent time. The Christian claim arouse laughter among worshipers referred to as Judaism as to the claim that Judas betrayed Jesus. Before Christianity began to gain popularity Judaism is the reigning religion of the land. Judaism adored and respects the Law of Moses which was today referred to as sharia law. The Judaism Holy scripture contain the sixth and the seventh book of Moses while it was not included in the Christian Bible. The Law of Moses claimed as from God by the Judaism, Christian and Moslem was today rejected by many civilized nation and regards as a barbaric and an outdated Law. This are books re invented from satanic verses, anyone having a copy of satanic verses can bear witness to this. There is forty two law of laat before the Ten Commandments was introduced by Moses. Satan was portrayed as a devil or demon tormenting humanity which is an orchestrated scheme to use a new religion to wrestle power and fame to enslave the masses. Original Christian are hypocrites only the converts are able to follow the Christian doctrine to the latter because they are being brain washed or coerced. It is amusing to note the caliber of people who are already lose their identity and ancestral lineage through brain wash that started on April fool, they have changed their name to Abraham or Ibrahim, they shy away from their religion and culture because someone said it is satanic, but they are able to reform their own religion and culture. Make new formulations, abolished many bad practices that cannot be upgraded with the new law but tell us to abandon our own and cherished foreign culture and religion. Our man of God that supposes to know better are so lazy and greedy to arranged for reforms but opt for a readymade market to display their talent for quick money. In Saudi Arabia the Kabbah that was made compulsory for any Muslim who has the resources to visit at least once in a life time was once a shrine. What a reform? It was today an International tourist centers that earn the country millions of dollar as income though we do not have the record of removal of the planted Deity from the site during the takeover of Mecca by the founder of Islam. Today we saw many of our brothers proudly holding bible and Quran that was used as a pretense to loot our resource convert parts into arms and ammunition send to kings and leaders to use it to wage war to get more slaves for their sugar cane plantation and the trans Sahara traders and the Islamic jihadist also play their role in by force conversion WAR SAY LAHILAHU HILANLAHU AND GET SAVED OR NOT YOU GET KILLED many were taken as slaves or killed without any reappraisal or reprimand. Very soon as we celebrate yet another April fool, it is my Prayer, wish and those other individual who always seeks the truth, query every submissions presented as facts or truths that all those African child who has been carried away by the drifts created by the enemy of progress of Africa to have a second thought over their decision to convert into other religion, name and culture rather than energetically working on reforms at home to standardized their religion and cultural practices to blend with modern civilization. If as a Christian or Muslim you cannot vote to adopt sharia law as a law in your state, then there is room for reforms as others as did. If all the religious claims about the attributes of God is not compiled with hypocrisy, there is no need to convert from one religion or culture to others. They told us God is Omnipotent, Omnipresent, and Omniscience. Why do you turn around and declared this same God that he has made mistake? You will need to make corrections to what he has already done. Convert an African name into Ibrahim or Abraham. Is African a mistake of the creation? We do not need to exist? Our Culture must go into extinct? I am so sorry for all my African brothers and sisters that have aided foreigners to do this to Mother Africa. May their errors and omissions be corrected and suffered by their incarnate. There will be no need whatsoever to teach mankind about God, since he never need a teacher to teach him how to respond to the rhythm of music and musical instrument, how to eat, breath in or out, reproduce himself, all this and more has no messiah claiming to teach us. Why the religious messiahs? April fool !!! By Ibrahim Adey Accra, March 31, GNA - GCB Bank, the largest indigenous financial institution, has launched a payment solution to facilitate faster service delivery, reduce the high dependence on cash and provide merchants with the control over their receipts. Dubbed, 'GCB LitePay' the product provides a solution that combines a card reader and a versatile payment application on a smartphone to accept and process payment transactions. 'The product is a response to challenges with cash payments to lead the change in moving towards a cash-lite economy,' Mr Samuel Sarpong, the Acting Managing Director GCB Bank, said at the launch of the product. He said the novel product, leveraging on the growing digital lifestyle, and the proliferation of smartphones, was relatively affordable, ensured instant access to transaction data for reconciliation and boost customers' confidence. This, he said, was done through real time receipt notification, either by way of email or SMS. Mr Sarpong said the Bank would provide the best support, service, and incentives with the aim to attract and sustain the interest of merchants, customers, both existing and prospective in the product. Mr Daniel Owiredu, Board Chair of GCB Bank, said the GCB LitePay would deliver quality and unrivaled customer experience, creating value for both shareholders and stakeholders. 'We expect that this key product will make payments easy for Taxi-drivers, food delivery services, mobile vendors and other operators,' he said. Mrs Doris Wunu, the Head of Consumer Banking, said GCB Litepay was targeting merchants with registered businesses without risk profiles that would pose a threat to the Bank's image or business. The merchant must have the ability to communicate easily via telephone, email or SMS, she explained. Mrs Wunu said the benefits that would accrue to merchants included increase in sales, quick resolution of issues via merchant portal leading to reduced customer complaints and remote monitoring and control of activities of the business through a dedicated web portal. The cardholder would also benefit through clear trace of transaction and quick and easy resolution of disputes. GNA 31.03.2016 LISTEN Koforidua, Mar 31, GNA - The National Administrator of the Ghana National Tailors and Dressmakers Association (GNTDA), Mr Alfred Yaw Kissi, has advised members of the Association to adhere strictly to professional standards in order to survive the current stiff competition in the industry. 'You should also endeavor to often participate in trade fairs and exhibitions to help showcase your work to the public to boost your visibility and increase your clientele, 'he added. Mr. Kissi said this together with good customer care could always help them to maintain old customers whiles attracting new ones to rake in more profits to help them expand their businesses and improve their incomes. Mr Kissi gave the advice at the graduation ceremony of 200 members of the GNTDA who had received a three months intensive training organized by the Skills Development Fund (SDF) under the Council for Technical Vocational Education and Training (COTVET) at Koforidua. The grandaunts were taken through finishing, body blogs and pattern keeping to enhance their skills in dressmaking and tailoring. Mr Kissi called on the graduates to always upgrade themselves and sew styles in vogue to keep to international standards and called on way side dressmakers to who utilize free hand cutting to adopt pattern-keeping to make their work neat and decent. He commended the S D F and COTVET for the training and appealed to other related Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and philanthropist to emulate this kind gesture. GNA Accra, March 31, GNA - A businessman, Chukwudi Ukala, was on Wednesday sentenced to 25 years imprisonment by an Accra Circuit Court for robbery. He robbed one Jato Peter and Shamsudeen Mohammed of a Sony Laptop valued at GHa 2,500.00, five assorted mobile phones estimated at GHa900.00 and assorted recharge cards valued at GHa1,500.00, and an amount of GHa22,000.00. Chukwudi pleaded not guilty to the charge but was found guilty by the court, presided over by Mr Aboagye Tandoh, after full trial. The court, during sentencing, explained that the convict was the master schemer of the robbery operation based on evidence. It said the prosecution was able to establish beyond doubt that the convict and his accomplices robbed the complainant and, as such, found him guilty of the charge of conspiracy. The court said it took into consideration the period already spent in custody and the plea for mitigation by the convict, and gave him a deterrent sentence to prevent other young people from committing such offences. Earlier the prosecutor, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Kweku Bempah, told the court that the complainants were senior high school graduates; David Jato and Shamsudeen Mohammed, who operate a mobile money shop called Winners Multimedia, while the convict was businessman residing at Koforidua. He said on August 21, 2015 at about 1730 hours, the convict visited the shop when Jato was there and withdrew GHa800.00 from his MTN mobile money account. On the same day, around 2050 hours, both complainants were at the shop when he came back again and indicated to Jato that he wanted to withdraw GHa500.00 from his account. The prosecutor said Jato put in the request but the transaction was aborted. Chukwudi stood at the main entrance of the shop and beckoned some people. DSP Bempah said suddenly two men, armed with a pistol and knife, entered the shop and ordered the complainants to lie down and keep mute. The convict stood at the main entrance observing the movement of people who could thwart their operation as the two men held the complainants hostage. DSP Bempah said the assailant, who was armed with the knife, slit the throat of Shamsudeen without any provocation and also stabbed Jato. He said the assailants took the above listed items and after the operation, ordered Jato to hand over the key to the shop to them. Jato showed them where he normally hanged the key but they could not find it there and rather found it beneath the counter. He said this infuriated the assailants and they used the knife to inflict wounds on Jato's face. Thereafter they locked the complainants in the shop and escaped with their booty on a motorbike. Jato, the owner of the shop, alerted the MTN office and gave Chukwudi's MTN account number to them. The MTN office temporarily suspended his account to pave way for investigations. DSP Bempah said on August 25, 2015, the convict visited the Koforidua MTN office to re-activate his account, the complainants were alerted, and with the assistant of the police, he was arrested. He said the convict was identified by the complainants as the person who masterminded the crime. GNA Koforidua, March 31, GNA - Ms Mavis Ama Frimpong, the Eastern Regional Minister, has pledged the support of the Eastern Regional Co-ordinating Council towards the launch of the National Stop Crime Campaign. The campaign is being championed by Ambassador Extraordinaire of Prisons, Ibrahim Oppong Kwarteng. Ms Frimpong was speaking during a courtesy call on her by the Prisons Ambassador in Koforidua and appealed for the maiden launch to be done in the Eastern Region. She said the initiative had the capacity to significantly reduce crime in the country, particularly in the Eastern Region which had a high crime rate. Ms Frimpong was particularly happy that the Ghana Education Service had given the green light for the Ambassador Extraordinaire of Prisons to screen prison documentaries in pre-tertiary institutions across the country. She lauded Mr Kwarteng for coming up with the National Stop Crime Campaign and urged stakeholders in crime prevention to support the initiative. Mr Kwarteng promised the Minister that the campaign would be launched in the Eastern Region after the national launch in Accra to sensitise the people on the need to refrain from criminal activities that could send them to prison. GNA An Italian workshop supervisor has provoked anger at a company in a Free Zone Enclave in the Western Region after chaining one of his subordinates to a container in the hot sun as punishment for failing to complete a task assigned him. The alleged culprit, identified as Manilo Maggiorotto, did the unthinkable with the reason that whenever he assigned work to the victim, he abandoned his and found ways of helping others to do their work. Therefore, the best way to prevent a recurrence was to chain him. Seething with anger, employees of the multinational logistics company,Gateway Logistics Limited, operating as a Free Zone Company, have appealed to the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection and the Ghana Trades Union Congress (TUC) to ensure that justice was done the victim. Alleged culprit They described what Maggiorotto did as a re-enactment of the days of slavery a dehumanising act which, they said, sent shivers down their spine. He must be apprehended to face the laws of Ghana, they told the Daily Graphic. This is a Free Zone Company. He is in Ghana as workshop supervisor, an expertise that could easily be procured in Ghana but they brought him here and he constantly looks down on us and treats us as if we are nothing, they said. When the Daily Graphic contacted the company, its management acknowledged the incident but declined to comment further as they were dealing with the issue. How it happened Describing the incident to the Daily Graphic, one of the workers said their supervisor, on the day of the incident, assigned two of the companys workers to carry out a task and later reassigned one of them to a different task. To work as a team, the victim, whose name was given as Ibrahim Sanou, decided to help another employee so they could finish on time. The source said when the Italian supervisor entered the yard, he realised that Sanou was not doing what he had asked him to do. He, therefore, called him, verbally assaulted him and asked him to go and bring the chain from the container. When Sanou returned, Maggiorotto put it around Sanous neck and locked it with a huge padlock. After that he dragged Sanou more than 100 metres to where he originally assigned him. The sad part is that he hooked the end of the chain to a container in the sun and went back to his air-conditioned office, the source said. The source said after Sanou had finished the work, the Italian asked one of the workers to go and unlock the chain so that the victim would go and carry out other tasks. Workers According to the workers, morale was currently down in the company and the victim, once jovial and energetic, was constantly depressed. The workers were seeking justice and urged management of the company to ensure Maggiorotto left the workshop for his own safety. That aside, he should apologise to the victim and appropriately compensate him. When the Daily Graphic visited the company, the workers expressed the view that management was trying to influence the victim financially to say he was not interested in the case. Dehumanising At the office of the General Transport, Petroleum and Chemical Workers Union (GTPCWU) of the TUC, the Regional Industrial Relations Officer, Mr Hanson Richard, said the issue had been reported to the union. We are aware management is talking to the victim to withdraw the case, but this is a national issue and it is wrong to dehumanise a national to that extent, he said. Mr Richard said the union had explained the implications of any inducement to suppress the case and that the national union would take over the case. I will pursue the case to ensure that Sanou received justice after which they would demand the repatriation of Maggiorotto to serve as deterrent to others, he said. He said several meetings with the management of the company indicated that they were also taking up the issue and the GTPCWU would ensure the law was duly applied. He recalled a recent case in Accra where a supervisor was reported to have slapped a worker with hot pizza and the locking of workers out without prior notice at various yards in Takoradi. He urged expatriate workers to learn how to relate to their colleagues. Companys reaction After several attempts to elicit the reaction of the company, the Managing Director, Mr William Moss, agreed to an interview with the Daily Graphic on March 23, 2016. However, about 2:30 p.m, Mr Moss called to say he could no longer grant the interview without consulting the local union. He expressed wonder as to what interest the newspaper had in the matter and ended the call. Memo to workers However, the Daily Graphic later intercepted a March 21 memo from the Managing Director notifying the employees that Mr Maggiorotto had relinquished his post and retuned to Italy with his wife. I would like to thank Manlio for all his efforts over the past years in the face of considerable difficulties. He brought new levels of engineering experience and competence to the maintenance function and it was through his dynamism that the workshop at Bokro was created, it said, adding that He will be greatly missed. IVA Struggling with debt? Compare your debt options and write off up to 80% of your unsecured debts from 80 per month Get Started for free What is an IVA? With an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) you can make affordable monthly payments towards a percentage of your debt for 5 years. At the end of the 5 year plan, your remaining debt will be completely written off. Benefits of an IVA Here is a list of the cost common advantages of an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA): Affordability You will only be asked to pay back what you can afford, with allowances taken into account for food, bills, entertainment, travel, childcare and others. You may be sacrificing certain essential costs at the moment. With an IVA they are budgeted for so they will no longer be neglected No upfront costs When you set up an IVA, there are no upfront costs whatsoever. This means that you can put a debt solution in place today without spending a penny You have a finishing line Do you feel like there will be no end to your debt problems? With high interest costs and charges, the balances of your credit accounts may not reduce as you need them to. With an IVA you will become totally debt free at the completion of the IVA (usually 5 years). You can use this as an opportunity to change your financial life, for good Confidential Your IVA is not advertised in the London Gazette or local newspaper. It is your decision whether you would like to disclose it to other people or not No more contact from creditors When you are in an IVA, your creditors will no longer have the right to contact you or refer the debt on to debt collectors/bailiffs. This is a great benefit for most people as it will take away the stress caused by constant calls/texts/emails and home visits Stay in your house Unlike some debt solutions, an IVA will allow you to stay in your current home. This is even the case if the property has a mortgage or is owned outright Your pension An IVA does not have an impact on your pension. You will not have to surrender your pension or withdraw money from it to pay into your IVA Risks of an IVA Here is a list of the cost common disadvantages of an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA): Equity Release If you own your property and it has value, you may be asked to release the equity in the property Credit Rating If you have a perfect credit rating, this will be damaged and you will not be allowed to take out more debt whilst in an arrangement You must keep up with repayments If you do not keep up with your monthly repayments, there is a risk you will be made bankrupt Who qualifies for an IVA? There is no office guidelines to who qualifies for an IVA. It is a legally binding, Government legislation designed to help all people. Generally speaking, insolvency practitioners (IP) will look at your situation if they think the IVA proposal they submit is beneficial to both yourself (the debtor) and your creditors. This often restricts people to a certain criteria which you will have to meet: Over 5000 worth of unsecured debt You must have 2 or more creditors of 2 or more lines of credit Must live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland Must be insolvent Must be willing to pay at least 70 per month into their IVA Must have some type or types of regular income What debts can I include in an IVA? You can include a wide range of unsecured debts within your IVA. These include: Credit card debt/credit cards Loans/loan debt Payday loans Council tax arrears HMRC debt Overpaid benefits Catalogues Gas and electricity arrears Overdrafts/overdraft debt Water arrears Income tax arrears Debts to friends and family Other unsecured debts Note: If you are a resident of Scotland, you will need to apply for a Scottish Trust Deed (legally binding). Speak to our advisors for Scottish Debt Advice. What debts cant be included in an IVA? Secured loans Your mortgage (if you still live in the house) Car finance (if you still have the car) Rent arrears for your current property Court fines/Police fines Hire purchase arrears (if you still have the product) Log book loans (if you still have the vehicle that the debts are secured on) Student loans Other secured debts What does I.V.A stand for? IVA stands for Individual Voluntary Arrangement. It is a formal way to consolidate your debts into one affordable monthly repayment, resulting in the debtor becoming debt free at the end of their payments. Can I apply for an IVA online? Use the IVA Calculator to check your eligibility Prepare your IVA proposal and apply for your IVA. When your IVA is accepted, your creditors can no longer contact you. Pay 60 low monthly payments. After 5 years, you are out of your IVA and completely debt free. Will an IVA affect my employment? In most occupations, your credit rating or credit scoring is not a factor and it may never have been checked in the past, it may also be likely that it is not checked in the future either. There is no law to tell you that you must advise your employer that you have entered an IVA or that you owe money. They will not be notified by your insolvency practitioner. If you wanted to keep it a private matter, in most cases this would be absolutely fine. With some roles such as financial advisors, solicitors or bank workers it may make up part of your contract to advise them of changes like this. In these situations we would advise to inform your employers of your intentions before you enter into any arrangements. This way there will be no nasty surprises for you later down the line. More often than not, we find that your employer would not be concerned by your IVA and that it would not affect your employment status. An IVA is a formal solution and could affect some employments, such as if you were a solicitor or accountant for example. We would always recommend that you receive approval from your employers that your job isnt affected before you sign up for anything. Will an IVA impact my partner? There are certain situations where you may not want to involve your partner at all in your IVA proposal due to personal reasons. Insolvency Practitioners are very aware of these circumstances and can operate solely via telephone and email and at your convenience, so rest assured that your matters can be kept completely private. If the debts which you are looking to place into your IVA are in joint names, then this would be different. Your IP would look to place all of your debts into an IVA, including joint debts therefore you would have to inform your partner of your plans. If your debts are solely yours, then there would be no negative impact on your partner, their credit score would remain unaffected and they would not be entered onto any registers or be tainted in any way. Will an IVA affect my credit score/credit file? Whilst you are in your arrangement, you will not be able to get any credit. An IVA will stay on your credit file for 6 years, so 12 months after a typical IVA. When this time has passed and your monthly payments have ended, you will be able to rebuild your credit rating. What proof will I need to apply for an IVA? Proof of ID Passport/driving license/birth certificate/utility bills/national insurance identification/credit agreement Bank statements 3 months bank statements with all transactions displayed Proof of income 3 months payslips/P60/proof of benefits How long does it take to set up an IVA? Your initial call will only last around 5-10 minutes. The IVA process will be explained to you and you will be told what further information you will need to provide to proceed with your IVA proposal. Once you have returned the required information, an IVA will usually take between 7-14 days to get into place. You will be protected from creditors within this time, your advisor will provide you with documentation via email. How long does an IVA last? Most IVAs will last for a length of five years. The i v a will remain on your credit file for a period of six years and is placed on the Insolvency Register for that period. You can work out what date it will be removed from your credit file, it will be six years from the start date of the IVA term. So if the IVA started on 1 January 2000, it should be removed from your credit file six years from that date, which would be 1 January 2006. When you apply for an individual voluntary arrangement your Insolvency Practitioner (IP) will tell you if you qualify for an IVA, how long it lasts, how much it costs and provide you with any other debt advice which you may need. How much will debt advice cost for an Individual Voluntary Arrangement? The advice cost for individual voluntary arrangements is free of charge. Your I.V.A company will tell you if you qualify for an IVA. They will talk to you about your different debts, provide you with free debt advice and check if your creditors are likely to approve your proposal for your IVA for debt. How does an IVA affect your life? By taking out an IVA you may affect your overall financial position. You will not be allowed to take out credit for 6 years. You will struggle to get a mortgage or remortgage your existing property. It also may affect any future increase in earnings or windfalls you may receive, as these will need to be paid to your insolvency practitioner. Your insolvency practitioner will take control of your debts for this period, they will deal with all of your creditors and this is legally binding. That means you will not be allowed to take out any more debts whilst in the IVA. Once the plan is completed, any debts which you accrue will be managed by yourself. Your ability to take out further debts in the future will not be impacted once the IVA has completed. What is the IVA protocol? The I.V.A protocol is a voluntary set of guidelines which your Insolvency Practitioner (IP) can sign up for which improves the efficiency of Individual Voluntary Arrangements. When you apply for debt advice, it is important that you understand the steps of the debt solution, so you can decide whether or not the solution is the best one for your circumstances. How do I know if creditors will accept my IVA? Generally speaking, most creditors will approve voluntary arrangements for unsecured debt. But some debts can not be included within one formal debt solution. Your Insolvency Practitioner will tell you how likely it is that your creditors will be willing to accept your proposal, based on the voting creditors. Can I pay in one lump sum? There are occasions when you may be eligible for a debt solution which is payable in a one off lump sum as a final settlement to your creditors. This is usually when the money is being gifted from some one else, or you have received inheritance or a windfall for example. With a one-off lump sum payment, the advice is usually the same as when you normally apply for an IVA. You wouldnt have to make regular payments into the solution, your IP can provide you with more advice on one off lump sum solutions for your debts. Your IP will provide you with more advice on the debt IVA and explain what is IVA to you. Who regulates the debt industry? At present the debt industry is not regulated. Some Insolvency Practitioners offices choose to sign up to the Insolvency Practitioners Association (IPA) or register with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). You can contact the IPA using the contact details or email address on their website. Your creditors do not regulate the debt industry and your creditors will not be able to impact any decisions which the IPA or FCA make. In our experience, the regulators will take assertive action on any advisers or businesses which do not comply with their strict codes of practice. To check if a person is regulated by the FCA, enter their name into the search box in the FCA website. Should I use a debt charity? There are thousands of companies which provide debt help in the UK. You may be looking for an alternative to a private company. You should know that charities usually pass their fee charging products to sister companies which charge fees and disbursements, just like private companies. So what you initially thought was a good option, on further analysis could be different to what you originally thought. Charities do have their part to play though. They can help you if you have a problem with your bank accounts, maintenance arrears, living costs, credit reference agencies, child support arrears, bankruptcy, assets, accountancy issues, mortgages, creditor issues, insurance providers, mobiles, your bank account, rates arrears, PAYE contributions or if you want to work out your expenditure. They can make sure that you speak to an adviser or supervisor and look at proposals to offer your lender. A petition has started with the possibility of a debate in parliament about how charities represent themselves and their services. Which charities help with debt? You can contact Money Advice Service, National Debtline, Step Change, Shelter or a combination of the three. Charities are particular useful for a low debt level under 1,000. If the debt is high (such as a debt value of 10,000 or more) you would usually seek an assessment from a professional adviser. If you do decide to use a charity to guide you, make sure you check their charity number and the registration number on their website to make sure you are content that their team can answer your questions in the right ways. A lot of clients of charities have a minimum debt level which does not meet the basis for an IVA, so you could always chat to a charity that is happy to act on your behalf for low debt levels. Although an I.V.A could be the answer to your debt problem, its important to understand the monthly payment so call us on our free phone number. Anyone customers can receive expert feedback on their rights from debt charities, if they cant help they will usually point you in the director of firms which help with IVAs. We are homeowners, will lenders see my proposal differently? In some cases yes. In the majority of cases, if you are a homeowner you will not need to remortgage or take out any additional finances that will effect your property. You will need to sign a additional restrictions which remove your ability to take out additional credit tied to your property, which is something that is restricted once you are in an i.v.a. There are exceptions to this, such as when you have a lot of equity in your property/properties. If you own half of a property and another party owns the other half, only your equity will be affected. If you are landlord and you are in a position of equity, your IP may review your trading position or business to make sure the figures in question are in order. This is usually the case if you have two or more properties, as sometimes the equity can be used to form a repayment to your creditors. But this usually depends on the amount of value built up in your properties. Banks and building societies will not change the terms of your mortgage as long as a contribution is still being made for the duration of your arrangement. Your mortgage payments will be added to your expenses and accounted for within your budget, as long as you can provide evidence that you can afford to continue to make payments into your mortgage for duration of the plan. LOOKING FOR HELP? 100% Confidential. Thousands Helped. No upfront fees business Cash from land sale to be utilised for expansion plans: Nerolac Kansai Nerolac has additional land in Mumbai and Thane, but doesnt have any plans to liquidate them anytime soon, says HM Bharuka, MD of the company. you are here: business Tata Steel restructuring move +ve; not enough for upgrade: S&P The restructuring will help strengthen financial ratios for the company, says Mehul Sukkawala of Standard & Poors Ratings Service. business To pare debt to Rs 3500 cr from sale proceeds: Jain Irrigation The company aims to cut its interest payments to 3-5% of the total revenue in FY17, said Anil Jain, Managing Director, Jain Irrigation System. business Hind Zinc up 14% on special dividend, Vedanta to get Rs 6500cr "Board of directors, on March 30, has declared special golden jubilee dividend of Rs 24 per share for financial year 2015-16," says the company in its filing. The chronicle of a life split between urban Manhattan and rural Montana. March 31, 2016 Chicken Propaganda (Graphic) This circulates as the picture of a Sunni boy slaughtered by Iran led Shia militia in Fallujah, Iraq. But like many pictures and videos from Syria, Iraq and elsewhere this one does not show the full extend of the massacre. More pictures of the boy ... That's not all yet. Unfortunately many more beings of God's Creation lost their life in this scene. V V V V V V V V V WARNING V V V V V V WARNING V V V V V V V WARNING V V V V V V VERY V V V V V V GRAPHIC V V V V V V PICTURE V V V V V V OF V V V V V V DEAD V V V V V V V CHICKEN via the Egyptian actor Adel Emam Posted by b on March 31, 2016 at 10:08 UTC | Permalink Comments The South Florida real estate market has exhibited remarkable sensitivity to global trends over the past few years, due in no small part to an unremitting dependence on foreign capital to prop up the sector. A recent dearth of overseas investors might upend the current situation, howeverand this is not a contingency that even active Canadian buyers can help with, observers said. Foreign buyers in Miami have traditionally consisted of South Americans, Europeans, Russians, and Canadians, but new figures from Integra Realty Resources showed that activity from Brazil and Argentina has slowed down lately due to a 42 per cent and 40 per cent (respectively) decline in both countries purchasing power since 2014. Integra officials said that a weakening in the South American segment might trigger a crisis in Miamis condo market, as this slice represents the lions share of foreign real estate investment in the city. The depth of the Chinese market, or the European or Canadian market, is not enough to make up for the South American buyer, Integra senior managing director Anthony Graziano told the Wall Street Journal. According to research conducted by Miller Smauel Inc., the last quarter of 2015 saw a significant 20 per cent drop in Miami condo transactions on a year-over-year basis. This accompanied a 6.6 per cent decline in average sale price, as well as a 33.3 per cent increase in inventory. Along with numerous cancellations of pending projects by multiple developers, these recent changes have led several experts to warn that the citys condo sector is now running headlong into a watershed. The condo market has peaked. Sales velocity has slowed down considerably, Miami-based real estate development lawyer Neisden Kasdin said. Companies Expanding; Bank Failure Stats Improving; Banks Easing Credit? If you work hard and go the extra mile to provide for your familyI will take that extra income and give it to those who refuse to do the same! Was that heard on the campaign trail? I dont know. But it is making the rounds. And dont forget that tomorrow is Aprils Fools Day be careful what you believe in daily commentaries. The Financial Times reported that client-reporting failure has cost big banks $43B since 2009. "The world's largest investment banks have been fined $43 billion during the past seven years for customer-reporting failure, according to Corlytics." That is a lot of money. Something else that has cost a lot of money is bank failures. Fortunately, the number of failed banks peaked in 2010 and has been coming down ever since: 2008=25, 2009=140, 2010=157, 2011=92, 2012=51, 2013=24, 2014=18, 2015=8. FDIC lawsuits regarding those failures, with a two-year lag being typical, peaked a few years later: 2010 2, 2011 16, 2012 26, 2013 40, 2014 21, 2015 3. Many of those suits have been settled, but the cost has been steep. Not including legal fees, the amount as totaled over $675 million. Small banks often try to become big banks, and many opt to acquire or merge rather than grow their assets organically - if there is a cultural fit! But things may be quieting down: S&P Global Market Intelligence reports as of March 15 there were 47 bank and thrift transactions vs. 85 in Q4 of 2015 and 67 in Q1, or about 45% and 30% lower, respectively. Just in the last week, however, it was announced that in Michigan The State Bank ($444) will acquire Community State Bank ($196mm) for about $21.6mm in cash (100%). In Illinois Morton Community Bank ($3.1B) will acquire the parent company of Illini Bank ($285mm) and Farmers State Bank of Camp Point ($49mm). In nearby Ohio First State Bank ($370mm) will acquire First Safety Bank ($49mm). The holding company of CBI Bank & Trust ($491mm, IA) and Farmers & Mechanics Bank ($297mm, IL) will acquire Brimfield Bank ($47mm, IL). Northwest Bank ($9.0B, PA) will acquire employee benefits and property casualty insurance firm Best Insurance Agency (PA). In West Virginia, Mountain Mama, First Sentry Bank ($508mm) will acquire Rock Branch Community Bank ($75mm) for about $7.4mm in cash and stock. And First State Bank ($366mm, NE) will acquire Farmers State Bank ($50mm, NE). Wells Fargo Economics Group: It Happens Every Cycle. What's that Wells Fargo? You say underwriting standards have eased over the last three years? "....there has been a steady rise in the percentage of banks that have eased underwriting standards, while there has been a continued decline in the percentage of banks that have tightened credit." Regulators are not big fans of entities that they can't regulate. Peer-to-peer lending is on the rise. This much talked-about cottage industry has been moving into traditional lending space over the last few years and has created its own arbitrage opportunities. This P2P platform has become so popular abroad, even China's marketplace is booming....so, China being China, is cracking down on it. The last week of 2015 saw China's banking regulator laying out plans to restrict thousands of online peer-to-peer lenders, pledging to "cleanse the market" as failed platforms and suspected frauds highlight risks. Bloomberg writes, "The thrust of the CBRC's approach is that the platforms are intermediaries -- matchmakers between borrowers and lenders -- that shouldn't themselves raise or lend money. It rules out P2P sites distributing wealth-management products, a tactic that some hoped would diversify their revenue sources, and limits their use for crowd funding." And while we're on banks, credit quality has been mixed. According to the American Bankers Association's Consumer Credit Delinquency Bulletin, delinquency in closed-end loans increased in the third quarter of 2015. Delinquencies slightly rose in six of the eleven individual categories. The composite ratio, which tracks delinquencies in eight closed-end categories, grew 5 basis points to 1.41 percent in Q3 2015. The rise in closed-end loan delinquency can be attributed to slow job and income growth. Home equity line delinquencies dropped 3 basis points to 1.3 percent and property improvement delinquencies fell 4 basis points to 0.87 percent. Bank card delinquencies increased two basis points to 2.54 percent, while personal loan delinquencies rose to 1.52 percent from 1.41 percent. The Federal Reserve's FedCommunities.org web site has been updated with easy access to the growing number of Fed resources related to community development across the country. Updates include new video, research, data, publications and webinars pertinent to the topics of housing and the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA). Available information topics such as the upcoming 2016 National Interagency Community Reinvestment Conference, which will be held Feb. 7-10, 2016, in Los Angeles. Additional resources covering housing and CRA include: The Community Development Data Inventory, compiled by the Philadelphia Fed, The Kansas City Fed's "CRA OneSource" site that which includes CRA tools, templates, guides and webinars. The St. Louis Fed's Housing Market Conditions report, which provides a quarterly snapshot of conditions in the U.S. and in the Eighth District states. These are just a few of the hundreds of online community development resources that are updated frequently by the Federal Reserve Board of Governors and its 12 regional Reserve banks, and made easily accessible via the FedCommunities.org centralized website. By now most of the smart money is betting that the Fed is not going to do anything regarding short-term rates for quite some time in spite of the U.S. economy doing pretty well. (Of course plenty of folks think our economy is dragging.) The U.S. yield curve steepened very sharply Wednesday as the ADP employment change was roughly in line with estimates and the $28 billion 7-year Treasury auction went well. This morning we've had all the scheduled news we're going to have ahead of tomorrow's unemployment data. The March Challenger Job Cuts showed a 31% increase year over year. And Initial Jobless Claims for the week ending 3/26 showed +11k to 276k, topping forecasts. We closed Wednesday with the 10-year sitting at 1.83% and this morning it is hovering around 1.84% with agency MBS prices worse a smidge. Jobs and Announcements Wells Fargo Securities is searching for a Senior Credit Officer to join its team supporting the Mortgage Bankers Finance Group line of business in Charlotte, NC. The ideal candidate will have experience as a Credit Officer and in Asset Backed Lending. The primary focus will be mortgage origination, finance (loan origination process, risks associated with various loan types, warehouse lending and structuring, securitization, etc.). Resumes may be submitted via www.wellsfargo.com/careers, Job ID 5166937, or emailed directly to Denise Olis. Indiana's Ruoff Home Mortgage in house in the next year. The company is projecting production will exceed $1 billion in 2016. Confidential inquires can be submitted to Human Resources Manager Diana de Carranza (260.497.0800). Academy Mortgage's North Central Region is under new management with Brian Boyles as Regional Manager. Boyles will be responsible for directing Academy's sales, recruiting, market expansion, and business development in Northern Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, North Dakota, and South Dakota. "Boyles has more than 20 years of experience in community and regional banking and brings to Academy a vast knowledge of all the elements of a successful mortgage banking operation, including managing production and operations and overseeing product, pricing, secondary, and post-closing functions. His focus is to grow Academy profitably, drive quality, build relationships, and carry Academy's vision forward throughout the Midwest." Contact Brian Boyles or National Recruiting Manager John Owens to join Academy, one of the top independent purchase lenders in the country as ranked in the 2015 CoreLogic Marketrac Report. "Richey May & Co., the leading public accounting firm serving the mortgage industry, will be hosting their 7th annual Mortgage Banking Roundtable on June 8th in Denver, CO. The Roundtable is designed to facilitate peer-to-peer discussion among CEOs and presidents of independent mortgage banking companies from around the country on the most current topics and trends affecting the industry. This year's event features Anthony Hsieh, founder and CEO of loanDepot, as the keynote speaker and Bethany McLean, author of Shaky Ground: The Strange Saga of the U.S. Mortgage Giants and contributing editor at Vanity Fair, as the lunch speaker." For more information and to register for the event, please contact Dustin Pfluger. PRMG is proud to announce the addition of Deborah Goguen as Wholesale Regional Manager for the Mid-Atlantic Region. In her new position as a PRMG Wholesale Regional Manager, Deborah will be reporting directly to James Matarazzo, Regional Vice President, Eastern U.S. Territory and will be focusing on the strengthening, broadening and acclimating of our wholesale sales teams within the Mid-Atlantic Region. Deborah is a 30-year veteranof the mortgage industry with a strong emphasis on the entrepreneurial vision, relationship-building skills to grow market share and revitalizing sales and operations. Along with an extensive background in leading successful teams, she is recognized for sound fiscal and operational management, strategic partnerships resulting in enhanced profitability, reduced costs and optimized shareholder value, making her an ideal leader to further establish PRMG's Wholesale Mid-Atlantic Region. Walter Investment Management's Ditech Financial LLC announced that Steve Stein has been hired as head of the company's Correspondent Lending Division. Steve comes over from CoreLogic; prior to that he was with Ally Financial/GMAC Mortgage Washington Mutual Bank, and CitiMortgage. "Stein will look to drive Consumer Lending's originations goals by developing plans for long-term profitable growth and increased levels of customer satisfaction throughout all customer contact points including online, direct marketing, telesales and retention channels." And in corporate moves, "Who said moving office buildings with several hundred associates can't go smoothly? Motive Lending officially touched down at its new corporate headquarters located at 6 Hutton Centre Drive in Santa Ana, CA earlier this week. "The move was strenuous but our team pulled it together and made it happen without a glitch. The first day at our new office turned out to be our 2nd largest loan submission day in company history. All kinds of records are going to be broken in March." said EVP Cory Tona. One of the nations largest lenders has agreed to fork over $8.5 million to California in order to settle charges that it violated customers privacy by illicitly recording their phone calls. California Attorney General Kamala Harris said the bank broke state privacy laws, according to a Reuters report. In California, both parties are required to be made aware that a call is being recorded. Harris joined with district attorneys for Los Angeles, San Diego, Alameda, Riverside and Ventura counties to pursue the lawsuit. The six offices will split $7.6 million of the settlement, according to Reuters. The bank will also reimburse nearly $400,000 in prosecutors investigative costs, according to the Ventura County Star. According to a Wells Fargo spokesman, the company has put procedures in place to make sure customers are notified at the beginning of a call if they are being recorded. The Ventura County district attorneys office confirmed that the company had worked cooperatively to implement new procedures nationwide, according to a Ventura County Star report. The bank also agreed to contribute $500,000 to the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse and the Consumer Protection Trust Fund. Wells Fargo neither admitted nor denied any liability in the settlement agreement, Reuters reported. If you want to succeed in the mortgage business, get involved in industry associations, meet people, take classes, said Anthony Lombardo, owner of Hi-Tech Mortgage, which has offices in California and Arizona. His mother started the business in 1998, and he left a career with Intel in 2003 to join the business, buying her out in 2010. I joined the business because I saw a chance to do something on a little grander scale. I had always wanted to be self-employed, he said. He was ready for a change and he liked the risk/reward equation. I knew I could make a lot more money, or I could make a lot less money, but in any case I knew that how much I earned would be tied to my own work ethic. I knew I would be paid exactly what I was worth, he said. When he moved from the Arizona office to the California office in 2008, he said he made a point of networking. I sought out people and organizations that could help me. The first thing I did when I moved to California was to join CAMP (California Association of Mortgage Professionals). Try breaking into the mortgage business in 2008, when the only people in the business were the besteveryone else had left by then. I networked , I met people, I took classes. I joined every real estate-related group I could. I grew my network and my support system. You have to. This is a tough business. Lombardi said the technical parts of the business are easy enough. You can figure those things out. Its the mental part that is tough, figuring out how to keep your batteries charged, just like in any sales business. Lombardi said he is a big fan of Brian Buffini. It is an easy to follow system that will help you build relationships. I love that. There are many ways to approach this business, but for me it is a relationship business for surepast clients, Realtors, other professionals. When you do business with lots of Realtors, when you have those relationships, then your business will be oriented toward purchases, which keeps you away from the highest highs and the lowest lows. When the rates go up a half point in 3 days, if your business is mostly refis, it can all go away just like that; it can kill your whole pipeline. Ive seen companies that were 75% refis. When you are weighted that heavily, you can crash really fast, he said. Next week: Anthony Lombardo says the market is strong and a crash is unlikely. An insurance giant has won its battle to be deemed not too big to fail a decision which may have implications for the mortgage world. On Wednesday, a federal judge tossed out a designation by government regulators that the failure of insurance giant MetLife would pose a significant hazard to the financial system, according to a Washington Post report. In 2014, the governments Financial Stability Oversight Committee decided that the insurance giant was a "Systemically Important Financial Institution" (SIFI) and called for closer government scrutiny for the company, the Post reported. The too big to fail designation required the insurer to set aside a larger financial reserve and enact other processes to hedge against failure. But MetLife argued that the requirements that came with the designation would force it to raise its prices, the Post reported. The insurer sued, and on Wednesday U.S. District Judge Rosemary M. Collyer threw out the designation. From the beginning, MetLife has said that its business model does not pose a threat to the financial stability of the United States, Chairman and CEO Steven A. Kandarian said in a statement. This decision is a win for MetLifes customers, employees and shareholders. The decision may give ammunition to House Republicans who are trying to gut the Dodd-Frank Act. Republicans have long had serious reservations about the financial reform legislation in particular the too big to fail designation. House Financial Services Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling praised the ruling and said House Republicans were working on less restrictive legislation to replace Dodd-Frank. Although I obviously wasnt in the courtroom to hear the evidence, I am very encouraged by todays ruling, Hensarling said. One of the greatest dangers facing hardworking taxpayers is the Financial Stability Oversight Councils power to designate certain companies as so-called SIFIs, because todays SIFI designations are just tomorrows taxpayer-funded bailouts. SIFI is Washingtons way of officially anointing these companies as too big to fail, despite promises that the Dodd-Frank Act would end too big to fail. Designation also ominously grants the Federal Reserve near de facto management authority over such institutions, thus allowing huge swaths of the economy to potentially be controlled by the federal government. Republicans on the House Financial Services Committee will soon introduce a plan that protects taxpayers by ending taxpayer-funded bailouts and Washington bureaucrats ability to anoint any business as too big to fail, he added. The Treasury Department, however, said it would continue to fight the decision. We strongly disagree with the courts decision. We are confident that FSOCs determination was lawful and will continue to defend the Councils designations process vigorously, a Treasury spokesman said in a statement. Short-term impact So what does the ruling mean for Dodd-Frank in the short term? Experts told Law360 that while Wednesday's decision could force regulators to rethink the process for placing a nonbank under increased scrutiny, it doesn't eliminate their power to do so. In short, the ruling could force the FSOC to examine whether a firm is likely to fail before asking about the financial impact should it do so, V. Gerard Comizio, chair of Paul Hastings LLP's global banking practice, told Law360. "This goes to the crux of the SIFI designation process and their ability to do that," Comizio said. The judge's ruling is currently under seal, but during oral arguments she raised questions about why the FSOC opened their inquiry into MetLife assuming "the worst of the worst" about its potential to fail, Law360 reported. If that reasoning is included in the ruling, it could force the regulator to change the way it makes SIFI designations. "That can certainly impact the way that FSOC looks at these issues going forward," Comizio said. After pouring billions into expanding existing pipelines, building new pipelines and other ways to move soaring Permian Basin oil production to market, midstream companies may have done enough. A study issued in early March by midstream analysts at Wells Fargo Securities found Permian Basin pipeline capacity may have been overbuilt, with no new additions to support production growth needed for at least the next four years. The Permian appears overbuilt for now, but not indefinitely assuming recovery in oil prices, the study said. Sunoco Logistics Partners LP operates the Permian Express 1 and Permian Express 2 pipelines and expects to have the Delaware Basin Extension in operation later this year. The Permian is, in my view, a 200,000 barrel per day per year (growth) kind of basin, Sunoco Logistics Chief Executive Officer Mike Hennigan told analysts during the companys third quarter earnings call in November. Obviously for 2016 it wont be that number, but I still stand by the number as a good long-term average. I think thats not a bad number overall. So eventually youre going to need some more projects there. We just dont need them right at this moment. That is why he told analysts there are no current plans for a Permian Express 3, which would primarily entail adding compression to Permian Express 2. Obviously, right now the market doesnt need Permian Express 3. Right today with our projects starting up, you dont need more pipeline takeaway capacity out of the Permian, he told analysts. Energy Transfer Partners owns a general partner or controlling interest in Sunoco LP and Sunoco Logistics. The companys Delaware Basin Extension will have initial capacity of 100,000 barrels a day with the ability to grow as production from the Delaware Basin grows. Almost a year ago, Enterprise Product Partners announced a 416-mile, 24-inch pipeline that would carry crude and condensate from its Midland supply hub to its Sealy storage facility, where it would link with the Rancho II pipeline, carrying crude and condensate to Enterprises ECHO terminal, offering access to refineries in Houston, Texas City, Beaumont and Port Arthur. That project, originally planned to be in service in mid-2017, is now set to go online in mid-2018. Already, 60 percent of its initial capacity of 300,000 barrels a day is under contract. The pipeline can be expanded to 450,000 barrels a day. Magellan Midstream Partners has a major Permian Basin presence, owning and operating the Longhorn Pipeline system that has 275,000 barrels per day of capacity. The company has also partnered with Plains All-American on the BridgeTex Pipeline system, which has 300,000 barrels per day of capacity. Magellan operates BridgeTex, and both it and Longhorn originate in the Permian Basin and end at the Houston Gulf Coast area. Expansion has been completed or is underway. Magellan expanded its services early last year by adding a new origin in Barnhart on the Longhorn system, Bruce Heine, director, government and media affairs, told the Reporter-Telegram by email. We are adding a new origin on the BridgeTex pipeline system in Bryan, which will be operational in mid-2017. He acknowledged that is excess pipeline capacity from the Permian Basin. We believe the Permian Basin is going to be better positioned to increase production and bring this back into balance sooner than other basins in other regions of the country, Heine aid. We do expect some level of pipeline overcapacity in the Permian for the next several years. We believe the recent (c)ongressional action to remove the restrictions on exporting domestic crude oil will be helpful for Permian stakeholders. Long-term we expect the lifting of the ban to be good for our transportation, storage and distribution business. In the near term, market dynamics are not promoting a strong incentive to export, he said. However, Magellan is positioned to continue to benefit from product exports with our pipeline presence in the Permian, our Gulf Coast marine terminals and our significant crude oil distribution system in the Houston area. At some level, we expect to see increasing crude exports in the future. Wells Fargo analysts looked at three production growth scenarios based on current cost curves and varying oil prices. In the base case scenario, in which oil prices rebound to between $50 and $55 a barrel, no additional capacity would be needed through 2020. Under these price levels, Permian Basin production could rise to 2.4 million barrels a day with pipeline/refinery takeaway capacity at 2.8 million barrels a day. Under a high case scenario, oil prices rebound to $65 to $70 a barrel and Permian Basin production growth trajectory returns to its pre-downturn levels in 2014. In this case, additional capacity would be needed by 2019-2020. Analysts said 450,000 barrels a day of additional capacity could be constructed under this scenario, according to pipeline companies. In a low case scenario, in which prices remain at break-even costs of $35 to $40 a barrel, production levels remain flat and no additional takeaway capacity is needed, and the excess takeaway capacity rises to 700,000 barrels a day. The analysts caution that pipelines without minimum volume commitments are most at risk near-term from low drilling activity in the lower-for-longer price scenario. Bucking the age-old adage of Go west, young man, a Bakersfield, California, engineering company is heading east instead. IES Engineering has just established its Texas presence by opening an office at 306 W. Wall St. in the One Wall Plaza building to offer engineering and design services to oil and gas clients in Midland and beyond. A grand opening celebration is set for Thursday. The downtown Midland office will give the company easy access to the production sites the company expects to serve, officials said. Our outlook on the need for engineering and construction services, especially in the Permian Basin, is optimistic, Joe Wilson, the companys director of operations, told the Reporter-Telegram by email. IES Engineering has had great success in offering engineering, programming, and construction services to clients in industries such as food and beverage, manufacturing, and oil and gas, across the United States of America and abroad, he said. One of IES senior employees will staff the Midland office beginning May 2. The main office in Bakersfield will provide additional support, Wilson said. As we establish our office and the demand for services increases, we will be looking locally for additional support, he said. Formed in 2002, IES offers electrical, mechanical, civil, structural and process engineering, construction, design, power and control systems, UL panel fabrication, software development, PLC and SCADA programming, electrical construction, steam generators, laser scanning and land surveying. In the oil and gas sector, the company has worked with firms such as Chevron, Occidental Petroleum and Aera on projects ranging from cogeneration upgrades to steam generation facilities, dehydration facilities, production-gathering pipelines and steam injection systems. The oil and gas industry is a small world. We do have relationships with some of the major producers because they were also located in Bakersfield. We have quickly made new connections in just the last few months, Wilson said. The company is currently providing electrical and mechanical engineering and design on a gas compression facility project. IES hopes to offer all engineering, laser scanning and programming services from the well head to the refinery. The new Midland office also will be exploring opportunities in food and beverage, oil and gas, and manufacturing, throughout Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, he said. JANESVILLE, Wis. (AP) Police are looking for a man who pepper-sprayed a 15-year-old girl as opponents and supporters of Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump clashed outside a Wisconsin rally. The altercation is the latest in a series of confrontations that have marred recent Trump events. Investigators have photos taken by participants at Tuesday's demonstration outside of the Holiday Inn Express that could help to identify the man with the pepper spray, Janesville Police Sgt. Aaron Ellis said Wednesday. Ellis said the girl told police she punched a man who groped her, and another man then pepper-sprayed her. The girl and a 19-year-old woman standing next to her were treated and released from a hospital, police said. Ellis said the girl could face charges for punching the man, identified by the Wisconsin State Journal as Dan Crandall, of Milton. "I didn't touch her," Crandall, a Trump supporter, told the newspaper. "She started to challenge why I was at the Trump rally since I was a grown man. I told her I was at the Trump rally because I was a grown man and I cared about my country." Crandall said someone standing behind him used the pepper spray. That person could be charged with illegal discharge of pepper spray since he was not using it in self-defense, Ellis said. "It doesn't appear that (the man who used the pepper-spray) was directly involved," Ellis said. Police released a photo of the man suspected of using pepper spray on the girl, which shows him wearing a red hat with the Trump campaign slogan "Make America Great Again." Video posted on social media shows the girl arguing with someone in the crowd before punching or pushing a person who was not shown on camera. The teen was then pepper-sprayed and walked away. About 1,000 people attended the rally at the adjacent Janesville Conference Center, while another 1,000 demonstrated outside the hotel in the hometown of U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan, police said. About 350 law enforcement officers were there in case the demonstration or rally became unruly, said Janesville Police Chief David Moore. The confrontation Tuesday follows the arrest of six protesters Monday night who refused to leave the hotel's lobby. Police said the six were part of a group of several dozen protesting Trump's appearance. All five presidential contenders campaigned in Wisconsin on Tuesday, one week before the state's high-stakes primary election. Also Tuesday, police in Jupiter, Florida filed a criminal complaint against Trump's campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski, for a videotaped altercation with a reporter. Local schools released a joint statement afternoon asking parents to check their childrens phones after a social media app called Ogle caused alarm and eventually resulted in a student being arrested Wednesday at Midland High School. The app acts like a school-wide forum -- as it is described on the developers website -- in which students can post photos, videos, questions and comments completely anonymously. On the iTunes store, the app states users must be at least 17 to download it. However, Ogle does not ask for any age verification when downloaded. MISD heard of Ogle earlier this week from a concerned parent, said Jeff Horner, executive director of Secondary Education for MISD. School technicians had been monitoring the app throughout the week, during which comments were mostly typical teenager banter, according to the press release from Midland ISD, Greenwood ISD, Midland Christian School, Trinity School, Midland Classical Academy, Richard Milburn Academy, Bynum School and Grace Lutheran School. However, on Wednesday, the comments escalated to an alarmingly vulgar and threatening level, Horner said in a phone interview. As we were watching, quite literally today it went from being a few comments to as viral as any social media thing Ive experienced in the school district, Horner said. The postings went viral in a very short time. They started out putting a name of a kid, talking about him or her, and it just got to be more and more vulgar, then just making really mean cyberbullying-type comments that we began investigating. One student eventually made a threat toward the school. Though no MISD officials were able to confirm the nature of the threat in detail, the Reporter-Telegram received a Facebook message from an MISD parent with screenshots from her daughter alleging that a student had threatened to kill himself after shooting up the school. MISD technicians acted quickly, identified the student who made the threat, and arrested him, said Horner. Because we got him so quick we didnt have to go into lockdown, Horner said. But it was on there long enough that parents were afraid, kids saw it. The post had more than 1,000 comments at one point, Horner said. Midland High had the largest number of postings and caused the most amount of concern, he said. But this app exists and targets all of our local schools, public and private alike. The pornographic material on there, the meanness about specific students, is appalling. Just the nature of being able to post those appalling things is what got everybodys attention in the first place. Private schools such as Midland Christian and Trinity told the Reporter-Telegram that they had also had students targeted on the app. Ogle is similar to apps such as Yik-yak, Kik, Whisper, SnapChat, Vine, Kik and Streetchat, but it is somewhat different in that it allows users to post pictures anonymously and to an audience of users that they have not had to friend. Anybody can post to any one of those schools, Horner said. You can be in Midland and post to a school in California or vice versa. Its so scary because anybody can post. It doesnt have to be a kid. Ogle can be downloaded for free to iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Users can post thoughts, photos and videos that all users who have selected the same campus can comment on anonymously. Midland Freshman, Midland Senior, Lee Freshman, Lee Senior, Midland Christian, Early College High School, Trinity School, Richard Milburn Academy, Midland Classical and Greenwood High School are all listed campuses in the app. If a campus is not listed, users can request the campus to be listed. Ogle is not only a problem for Midland, but has also caused serious issues around the country. Police arrested a 15-year-old student and two adult alumni of an Anaheim, California, high school last week for allegedly posting anonymous threats against the school, according to the website for Southern California Public Radio. Horner emphasized that schools can only do so much in curbing this kind of hurtful and potentially violent behavior. We really need parents to talk to their kids, Horner said. Theres no value of this app. If parents can talk to their teens and remove it from their phones, that would be a huge help. Kids can choose to delete it and move on. Unfortunately, Horner doesnt expect this problem to end overnight. I quite honestly do think itll be a problem for a long time, he said. Were used to dealing with issues on Facebook and Twitter; we deal with social media quite often. This one caught our attention, but there are lots of apps out there. For example Whisper all it takes is one vindictive or mean-spirited comment to cause harm to somebody. Though much of the activity on the app that the Reporter-Telegram could see appears relatively harmless, albeit mostly unkind, the pictures and comments that amount to cyberbullying or sexual harassment, or conversations about buying and selling drugs can quickly become serious criminal issues. I know (MISD) police department is working with other entities, and we are expanding every avenue we can to find out who would be posting such things, Horner said. The hope is that a community effort of parents, students, law enforcement and school district personnel coming together can keep students safe from the unnecessary pain and embarrassment or even jail time and suicide that immature social media use can lead to. I would ask parents to understand what their kids are doing on the phone, what apps they have and what these apps allow them to do, said MISD superintendent Ryder Warren. If its catering to kids and offering a safe anonymous platform to do this kind of stuff, thats a dangerous thing. So parents and caregivers really need to dive into those phones. Not only that, but really talk to your kids about these apps. Were gonna continue to monitor and thats one thing we promise parents and caregivers: If theres any kind of issue all the way up to cyberbullying or threats being made, were gonna pursue it and were going to make decisions based on what we feel is warranted, Warren said. Students and parents are asked to report harassment to their school administrators and include as much information as possible -- i.e. screenshots of the offending material. They also ask students or parents use the report function on the app to report directly to the company. 2 Chainz and Lil Wayne have a long history, dating back a decade of various collaborations, features and other live appearances. They took the next step earlier this month by releasing a collaborative album Collegrove where the pupil, 2 Chainz appeared to take the lead next to Lil Wayne who has struggled to find the consistent form he had when his rhymes were unassailable in the late 2000's. They have done a few shows together, including a late night TV appearance on Jimmy Fallon where they debuted "Rolls Royce Weather," but now want to bring that show to some of Weezy's 3 million TIDAL users and the general public at large. The pair are performing in Atlanta tonight at The Tabernacle at 9 p.m. TIDAL and non-TIDAL users will be able to watch the stream via the streaming service's website. The stream will start at 9 p.m. This is the latest live streamed event that TIDAL has tried to bring to its users. T.I. did a performance in Atlanta to celebrate his signing on as a new artist owner of the service and the release of his single "Money Talk." Young Dro and Young Thug were among the special guests during the concert at the Greenbriar Mall. The show will be to celebrate both TIDAL and 2 Chainz & Lil Wayne's collaborative Collegrove album. Lil Wayne is only featured on eight of the songs. The title is an homage to Weezy's hometown of Hollygrove, New Orleans and 2 Chainz's hometown College Park. The stream also celebrates the one year anniversary of TIDAL's big rebranding with its new artist owners. Exactly one year ago Jay Z unveiled the service with 15 other artists at his side in New York City like Beyonce, Daft Punk, J. Cole, Kanye West, Madonna and Rihanna and since the service has struggled to make the impact it initially hoped. These types of exclusive events are all part of the pitch to consumers. 2015 MusicTimes.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A new trailer for the Final Fantasy series is exciting enough as it is, but the latest clip for the upcoming Final Fantasy XV has something a little better than game details: a new song from Florence + The Machine. Florence Welch released a new cover of Ben E King's classic "Stand By Me" for the latest FF trailer, and as should have been expected, it's beautiful. Welch's take on "Stand By Me" starts halfway through the latest Final Fantasy XV trailer, which was released on Thursday (March 31). Her take is a classic interpretation of the 1960s hit, with very little liberty taken with the melody. Instead, Welch uses her powerful, engaging voice mixed with just the lightest touches of harp and percussion for an interpretation that is at once totally new yet loyal to King's recording. And that sound is no coincidence. "I've always seen Final Fantasy as mythical, beautiful and epic," Welch said in a press release. "'Stand by Me' is one of the greatest songs probably of all time and you can't really improve on it, you just have to make it your own. For me it was just about bringing the song into the world of Florence and the Machine and the world of Final Fantasy." Final Fantasy XV is set to be released on Sept. 30. As for Florence + The Machine, the release of "Stand By Me" is not the only cover the band has done in recent months. They also released a take on Eagles of Death Metal's "I Love You All the Time" for the Play It Forward campaign in honor of the Paris terrorist attack victims. 2015 MusicTimes.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Brooklyn nightclub Verboten has reportedly been seized by New York State authorities. According to a sign seen outside of the Williamsburg club, the establishment has been seized for "nonpayment of taxes." Situated on 54 N 11th street in Brooklyn, the venue has been locked up by the state according to Billboard. The notice, which can be seen below, posted by the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance says, "This property has been seized for nonpayment of taxes, and is now in the possession of the state of New York. Any person who attempts to tamper or interfere with this property will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law." Wishing the best to our friends & family at Verboten. They've given us a lot of great memories over the many years. pic.twitter.com/IdyoPHtNRI Hair Full Of Secrets (@RobbieLumpkin) March 31, 2016 Verboten has not made any public comment about the reported seizure. Everything appears status quo on their website as individuals can still buy tickets or make inquiries to buy tables for events tonight and over the next month. Their show last night was moved at the last minute from Verboten to Halycon in rival Williamsburg club Output just a few blocks away. This could be the nail in the coffin for embattled nightclub Verboten that has had a very rough year. It started out with the allegations by former business partners and investors that the owners Jen Schiffer and John Perez had failed to keep proper books, were withholding taxes from foreign DJs and did not pay state taxes. A few months later a second lawsuit was filed by 16 current and former employees for sexual harassment, while also alleging racism on the part of the owners. The club opener in 2014 and was met with positive reviews by clubbers who liked to space and the bookings that Verboten was bringing weekly. However it appears that mismanagement at the top is ruining what could have been a good thing. Hopefully they don't let that disco ball gather dust in some government storage facility forever. 2015 MusicTimes.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Change is coming to Los Angeles EDM event brand Insomniac Events. As laid out in a lengthy letter to fans by founder and owner Pasquale Rotella, the company is looking to continue in the direction of expanding overseas, but has to pull back in other areas, canceling EDC Puerto Rico and Beyond Wonderland in the Bay Area. Explaining the decision, Rotella said it was more about shifting resources to other places of need for the company right now. "This has nothing to do with attendance; it's always a packed house, and you all bring amazing energy! Right now, we've decided to focus on exploring new cities and enhancing the experience at some of our other festivals." He said that Insomniac won't be doing these two festivals this year, which does leave the door open for a return to Puerto Rico and the Bay Area at some point in the future. The San Francisco area does have a whole host of other options from Insomniac such as BOO!, We Are NRG, Dreamstate and Audio On The Bay, so it isn't as though they are being ignored going forward. He also wants to "help bring back the true art of DJing," which festivals and their shorter set times have in part helped to kill. When DJs just have to go up on stage and bang out a safe hour-long set of hits, there is no need to experiment or take risks, especially if it may cost you in the long run. To help counteract this, Rotella promises longer set times this year. Though he starts out with bad news, there is more good news in the letter. There will be more offerings of Bassrush, Basscon, Crush and Dreamstate around the United States in 2016 and beyond. He also hopes to bring more US festivals, with camping, to new markets in 2017. 2015 MusicTimes.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Incarcerated rappers recording and releasing songs, mixtapes, EPs and even full-length albums from prison has been going on for quite some time, but the upcoming collaboration between Boosie Badazz and C-Murder, who is currently serving a life sentence at the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola, has caught the attention of authorities. C-Murder, who is the brother of No Limit Records boss Master P, is set to release Penitentiary Chances in the Spring of 2016, and police are investigating how he recorded the material from his jail cell, with the case's priority escalating after the release of the music video for the track, "Dear Supreme Court." The hip-hop artist, whose real name is Corey Miller, was sentenced to life in prison for the 2002 nightclub shooting and murder of 16-year-old Steve Thomas. Eyewitnesses claim that he shot the minor after an argument at the club, resulting in Thomas dying from his wounds later. If you've heard the new song "Dear Supreme Court," you understand that C-Murder believes his lawyer failed in his defense case, and is hoping to get out of jail. Since he released a strongly worded single, along with a powerful music video earlier this month, with plans of dropping the new album soon, authorities are not happy. "The Louisiana Department of Corrections began looking into how Miller managed to record material from behind bars in January, when reports of a new album first surfaced," the spokeswoman for the prison, Pam Laborde, announced this week, according to XXL. "The department regrets that the victim's family (and much of the public) cannot be spared from this. However, it appears that associates of the offender are responsible for content on these pages and it is very difficult for investigators to remove the pages." You can watch this new music video from C-Murder right here (via AllHipHopTV): 2015 MusicTimes.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Hans Zimmer, arguably one the greatest film composer of all time (see: John Williams), has revealed that he's ready to retire ... from superhero movies. Can you really blame him, though? Hollywood's fascination with this genre has been taking over the world over the last handful of years, and Zimmer has been there from the start, pretty much. The most recent superhero film in the business, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is marking his exit from the genre, but it basically only came together because he worked with composer Junkie XL, aka Tom Holkenborg. The iconic composer is leaving the "superhero business" for personal reasons, and is insistent that it shouldn't be taken as a slight to the genre. He's been involved in a number of these productions, so this might just be his stepping aside for others to take on the industry. "I did Batman Begins with Chris [Nolan] 12 years ago, so The Dark Knight trilogy might be three movies to you, to me it was 11 years of my life, then I did [Man of Steel], then I did this one," Zimmer explained in a new interview with BBC HARDtalk, according to The Hollywood Reporter. He goes on to explain that working on the current blockbuster hit from director Zak Snyder was his opportunity to collaborate with acclaimed musician and composer Junkie XL, but otherwise might not have signed on. He said that it was "very hard" to work on, aside from his collaborator's involvement. Speaking of Junkie XL, check out our previous interview with him right here! "I have officially retired from the superhero business," the music legend explained this week. You can watch a clip from this interview with Hans Zimmer right here: 2015 MusicTimes.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. We need to calm down after hearing this news about the collaboration! Just hours before the release of Taylor Swift's Midnights, the pop star gave a first look at the music videos for her highly anticipated 10th studio album. In a teaser Please enable JavaScript to experience the functionality of this website. - MWEB Someone should sue the President for ... Dr. Liza Ortiz, Tuolumne County Public Health Officer View Photos Sonora, CA Keenly aware that the nations prescription drug abuse and heroin epidemic is virulent in the Mother Lode, local health officials are cheering focused federal efforts to help fight it on the homefront. Under President Barack Obamas proposed budget, over $1 billion in new mandatory funding over two years is being directed towards drug addiction treatment for all Americans who want it, effectively tripling current resources. In taking on the drug abuse epidemic, Obama announced more steps earlier this week to expand treatment access, prevent overdose deaths, and support more community prevention strategies. Tuolumne County Chief Health Officer Dr. Liza Ortiz quotes a startling statistic now being used by federal and state officials advocating sweeping changes in preventing and treating widespread drug abuse: more Americans now die every year from drug overdoses than in motor vehicle crashes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also report a continued increase in heroin-involved deaths with an uptrend in deaths involving synthetic opioids such as fentanyl. From Doctors To Street Meds It is a national trend that people become dependent on the opioid substance from prescriptive medications and there is some portion of people who take that to the next level to using illicit medications, Ortiz says somberly. They say four out of five heroin users started with prescription opioids I am sure that the Sheriff could speak to that more than I can but we have a lot of heroin use in the county and we have been told that. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is proposing a rule that will improve key access for medication-assisted treatment by increasing the current patient limit from 100 to 200 for qualified prescribers, which will enable the broader use of the FDA-approved drug buprenorphine to treat opioid use disorders. It is also issuing new guidance for improving syringe trade programs. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is providing $11 million in funding that will help states purchase and distribute naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal drug, as well as train first responders and other professionals on its use as an overdose preventive. With regard to expanding medication-assisted treatment, Dr. Ortiz confides, We have heard about thiscoming down the pipeline for a little while it is a wonderful option for people who are dependentwhether they are dependent on prescriptionor illicit opioids. While there has always been a stigma in the country against treating drug addiction with more medication, Ortiz maintains that federal limitations on prescribers also creates a stigma that health officials would like to eliminate. More Prescribers Needed While currently, there are prescribers in the county who provide this treatment, Ortiz shares that many are already at their current limit, so the ability to effectively double the capacity of patients that can be served will be a huge win. She also emphasizes, We know there is a need and we have had some early successes in educating providers that they can become certified in thiswe are trying to add numbers to the rolls of prescribers who can write this prescription, which is really very safe and so, so helpful for people who are dependent. Along with further enabling this treatment, the Presidents funding package outlines funding for evidence-based prevention programs, prescription drug monitoring, prescription drug take-back events, and targeted enforcement activities. Rural areas, where higher rates of overdose and opioid use are evident, are targeted for additional consideration. Equally important, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have recently provided new guidelines that advocate physical therapy, exercise and over-the-counter pain medications as treatment options well ahead of prescribing highly addictive painkillers such as oxycodone. Dr. Ortiz admits, There are certainly cases in this county and across the nation of over-prescription. Because of the high rates of overdose and death she points to a need for better patient education locally and throughout the healthcare system about the potential risks. A Recipe For Disaster Evoking a predictable pattern of addiction, Ortiz describes, You may have initially received [an opioid prescription] for an acute issue and then it ends up being something that you take for a very long time or you may have chronic pain and it was prescribed with the intention of it being chronic in use. In both of those situations, whenever you end up with long-term use of these medications and escalating doses you are going to increase the risk for an overdose or death. According to Ortiz, Tuolumne County has received about $120,000 in funding from the California Healthcare Foundation and State Department of Public Health to address medication-assisted therapy and other areas receiving federal focus. Some of that funding was sort of a trickle down from the funding that is being announced from the feds, she explains. There continues to be increased funding availablewe will go after what we are qualified for, of course, Ortiz states. However, she stresses, But it is not just about the money we have the funding now but we also need the capacity in our healthcare system so doing something likechanging the regulations of how many patients providers are allowed to prescribe to has a huge impact without having to give us additional funds. Community Outreach Ahead In the weeks ahead, Ortiz shares that more educational outreach materials are being prepared ahead of community prescription drug take-back days, sponsored by the YES Partnership, Tuolumne County Sheriffs Office and Opioid Safety Coalition. These are set for Friday and Saturday April 29-30 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at The Junction Shopping Center. Sacramento, CA A bill designed to crackdown on state government corruption has passed a key Senate committee. SB 1011 would expand the list of people that would fall under the conflict of interest rules, when it comes to lawmakers voting on contract decisions. Lawmakers would need to start recusing themselves if a vote could benefit an adult child, parent, or sibling. In addition, the list would include the spouse of the child, parent or sibling. The bill is authored by Democratic Senator Tony Mendoza. A violation of the proposed rules would disqualify the offfender from holding any office in California and a fine up to $1,000. The bill would also authorize local district attorneys, and the states Attorney General, to investigate and prosecute the violations. It easily passed in the Senate Governance and Finance Committee on a 7-0 vote. Update at 4 p.m.: Governor Jerry Brown plans Monday to sign legislation increasing the states minimum wage from $10 to $15 an hour by 2022. The move will make California the highest hourly wage payer in the nation. Brown plans to put his signature on the bill in Los Angeles. As the deal was worked out between the Governor and labor unions this past weekend, Brown stated, California is proving once again that it can get things done and help people get ahead. This plan raises the minimum wage in a careful and responsible way and provides some flexibility if economic and budgetary conditions change. Update 3:10 p.m.: Within a matter of hours on Thursday California lawmakers approved the nations highest statewide minimum wage. Earlier, the Assembly approved the legislation that will increase it from $10 to $15 an hour by 2022. Now the Senate has also given the green light to send the bill to Governor Jerry Browns desk. As he worked with labor unions to hammer out this deal, his signature is expected. Original Post at 12:54 p.m.: Sonora, CA The California Assembly passed a plan to increase the states minimum wage, and it now moves to the Senate. The proposal calls for the states base wage to increase to $15 by 2022. After the vote, Democratic Assembly Leader Anthony Rendon said, We know that some who work full-time cannot put a roof over their heads or a meal on the table. Today, the California Legislature sent the strong message that if you work full-time, your family shouldnt have to live in poverty. Many Republicans spoke out against the increase, arguing that employers will be forced to cut jobs. Assemblyman Jim Patterson said, Imagine going to a beloved employee and saying I have to cut your hours. Thats the impossible choice we are forcing on California job creators and people trying to earn a living. That impossible choice cut hours, cut jobs or close altogether will be made on Main Street in everyones hometown by hardworking, family run businesses. The legislation is anticipated to pass in the Senate and then be signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown. As cleanup of the massive fish kill in the Indian River Lagoon comes to a close, the goal turns to helping the damaged waters recover. At a workshop put on by the St John's Water Management District Wednesday, officials shared ways for public, private and non-profit entities to learn about the agency's cost-share funding program. Simply put, the district has some $25 million to divvy up for projects involving water quality and supply, plus conservation. For some seeking funding, it's key in what's happened with the latest fish kill on the Indian River Lagoon. "We want to do our part. And the city is committed to cleaning up the river," said Wayne Carragino with the city of Cocoa Beach. Carragino is in charge of the city of Cocoa Beach's ongoing muck dredging efforts in the middle of a $2 million project with the county. St John's could partially fund the next $650,000 phase -- cleaning out some 40,000 square feet of muck from six residential canals. If approved the district would chip in $150,000. "We are in the fortunate position of having permits and shovel ready projects," Carragino said. Titusville restaurant owner and environmentalist Laurilee Thompson came to the meeting hoping to eventually get money for a cutting edge sea grass planting project. A Tampa area sod farmer has figured out a way to grow it on land, with the eventual goal of planting it in the sea grass depleted lagoon near the Merritt Island Airport. But it will cost $75,000. Thompson says the time to act is now. "The sense of urgency has always been there, but this was a rude awakening with this latest fish kill," she said. To date, the state of Florida has and is investing $80 million to restore the lagoon -- including dealing with waste and storm water and dredging. Brevard County officials say volunteers and inmates have cleaned up between 70,000 and 100,000 pounds of dead fish since the algae bloom a couple weeks ago. We're told they are in a monitoring phase as of Wednesday, and the county-provided dumpsters along the lagoon will be removed this coming Monday. A 2-week-old deer is being nursed back to health after a Flagler County resident took it in and fed it, a move that jeopardized the animal's well-being. Sherie Wentworth, the director at East Coast Wildlife Rehab in Port Orange, is trying to save male deer's life. The buck was abandoned by its mother. The Flagler County Sheriffs Office said the "well-intentioned" resident took the deer in, built a fence around it not only keeping it in, but keeping the mother out and endangered the buck's life. "The danger with people interfering with this is that it doesn't help them," Wentworth said Thursday. "The deer gets humanized." That means the deer now relies on Wentworth and the volunteers at the facility to manually feed the animal. Wentworth agrees that the homeowner likely had good intentions, but they started off by feeding the deer the wrong foods. "Leave it alone," Wentworth said in case people encounter a similar situation in the future. "We always tell them to take a photo of it, send us the photo and we can tell just by looking at the photo if it needs help or not." As part of its rehabilitation, the buck will be drinking nothing but formula, then introduced to a herd of deer located at a different rehab center. Then the entire herd, along with the buck, will be released into the wild. Feeding Florida wildlife is illegal, but Wentworth says there are exceptions. "If this baby was lying on the road, of course we'd want you to get it out of the road," she said. "So, an immediate danger situation of any animal, you're going to rescue the animal first." Florida Fish and Wildlife officials said that the agency has been receiving a number of calls about newborn deer. FWC said mother deer go to find food and then return to their babies. The East Coast Wildlife Rehab center is a nonprofit organization that receives no county or state money. It solely relies on donations. To help, go to the organization's website. To contact Florida Fish and Wildlife, call 407-702-8245. A Melbourne police officer was arrested early Thursday morning after he offered a prostitute $40 for sex while he was on-duty, the agency announced. Officer Shawn C. Archbold was immediately suspended without pay from the agency at the time of his arrest. The Melbourne Police Department became aware of an allegation that Archbold was engaging in this activity four months ago. Melbourne Police Chief Steve Mimbs immediately launched an investigation using undercover officers to determine if the allegations were true. The allegations were confirmed Wednesday night when Archbold was driving a marked patrol car and began talking to what turned out to be a decoy informant posing as a prostitute. Archbold, 27, was immediately arrested by Melbourne police officers. He was taken to the Brevard County Detention Center. The agency is currently working through the due process to terminate Archbold's employment with the Melbourne Police Department. "We are taking appropriate action to ensure this type of behavior won't be tolerated," Mimbs said at Thursday's news conference. "And will be dealt with." Tammie Tucker, who owns a business in South Melbourne, said she doesn't think Archbold's actions were "a good example of police conduct." "He's put a lot of things at risk: his job, his career, the integrity of others," said Tucker, who claims she talked to Archbold often because her business was in the area where the police officer patrolled. Mimbs said he's OK with weeding out bad apples and that the Archbold incident isn't a representation of the agency. "I don't believe this is a representation of the work that the men and women of this department do every day," Mimbs said. Archbold has since bonded out of jail. This incident comes on the heels of two Melbourne Police Department detectives receiving suspensions for drinking during a January undercover prostitution sting at an area hotel. Mimbs said the agency is hiring an outside firm to look into departmental procedures. LUBBOCK -- David Wasserman, House editor for The Cook Political Report, will present An Insider's Guide to the 2016 Election at Plains Cotton Growers' 59th Annual Meeting on Friday, April 8, in the Banquet Hall of the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center. The keynote presentation is sponsored by Farmers Cooperative Compress. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. with registration, and the program will start promptly at 9 a.m. The meeting is held in conjunction with the Texas Cotton Ginners' Association Annual Meeting and Trade Show, April 7-8, in Lubbock. For information on the TCGA Annual Meeting and Trade Show, visit http://www.tcga.org/. Wasserman is responsible for handicapping and analyzing U.S. House races for The Cook Political Report. He has served as an analyst for the NBC News Election Night Decision Desk in 2014, 2012, 2010, and 2008, and has appeared on NBC Nightly News, ABC World News, C-SPAN Washington Journal, CNN, and NPR. He is a frequent contributor to FiveThirtyEight.com and his commentary on House races has been cited in numerous print and online publications including Politico, The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, The Economist, and RealClearPolitics.com. Reece Langley, vice president of Washington Operations at the National Cotton Council, also is scheduled to update attendees on the NCC's activities. Langley is responsible for coordinating the Washington activities of the council, including working with Congress and the administration, with the overall mission of helping each of the U.S. cotton industry's seven segments compete effectively and profitably in a global market. Current PCG President Shawn Holladay will preside over the meeting and PCG Executive Vice President Steve Verett will report on the status of PCG operations and activities. The program also will feature an announcement about the 2016 Celebrate Cotton Game, and both candidates for U.S. House District 19, Jodey Arrington and Glen Robertson, will speak briefly at the meeting. The meeting also will be broadcast live on 900 AM KFLP, (Floydada-Lubbock) 800 AM KDDD (Dumas-Amarillo), and at http://www.allagnews.com. There is no charge to attend and no RSVP is necessary. Additional information about PCG and the annual meeting can be found at http://www.plainscotton.org. While local school students encountered some issues on Wednesday during STAAR testing, they apparently were not to the scale experienced in some other Texas districts. According to Associated Press reports, administrators in various districts are trying to determine whether some students in Texas taking an online standardized test lost answers in a computer glitch. The Texas Education Agency says the vendor, Educational Testing Service, is working to determine what went wrong Tuesday. The TEA is trying to figure out how many districts were affected, amid reported problems in the Austin, Bryan and Arlington areas. Students must pass the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness to graduate from high school. More exams were scheduled for Thursday, but the TEA said in a statement Wednesday that students unable to complete an online test because of the glitch will not be required to complete the test. Officials with ETS, in its first year of handling most of STAAR, believe its computer server saved the answers. Dr. Brent Richburg, Plainview ISDs executive director for Technology & Information Services, reported, We experienced online testing issues that were similar to other districts in the state. It involved a small percentage of testers, but even one is too many when related to high stakes testing. These issues were the responsibility of ETS, the state selected provider. Plainview ISD personnel and equipment performed well. We appreciate all our staff working together to get through a situation beyond our control. Patti Hutto, PISD director for assessment and accountability, added, The first testing problem we experienced was that ETS did not send out extra answer documents for students who have moved into the district since Oct. 31, 2015. We had to have extra answer documents overnighted to us for those students. We had seven students who had issues on the first day of testing when trying to submit their online tests. These problems have now been resolved through ETS and TEA, she added Thursday morning. There were also a few issues to resolve with test booklets. We had a test in Braille that the passage in the student book did not match the passage in the test administrators book. We also had a student who required a large print test booklet open the seal on his test to find his booklet had the first four pages missing. We were able to resolve these issues through TEA. An executive at a Silicon Valley tech company died Sunday and his 9-year-old daughter is in critical condition after he tried to save her from electrocution in a swimming pool accident, police and colleagues said. Jim Tramel, 43, of Burlingame, was one of seven people shocked inside a pool at a Palm Springs home on the 2300 block of Yosemite Drive, police said in a statement. Officers received reports two people turned blue after jumping into a pool and responded to the residential neighborhood around 4 p.m. Sunday, finding people at the home giving Tramel and his 9-year-old daughter CPR. Tramel noticed the girl in distress from electric shock when he jumped in to rescue her, police and fire personnel said. He was electrocuted himself during the attempt and had to be pulled from the pool. Palm Springs Police said its believed faulty wiring caused the accident. Tramels daughter remained in critical condition at Loma Linda University Medical Center on Tuesday. Police said five others in the pool were shocked, but most were far enough away from the wires to safely get out of the water. One victim, a 10-year-old girl, is being treated at the same hospital and is in stable condition, police said. The other victims a 45-year-old woman, a 6-year-old boy, a 6-year-old girl and an 8-year-old girl, were treated and released after personnel took everyone to hospitals. Tramel was pronounced dead at Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs. Tramel worked as a vice president of sales at marketing technology company RevJet. CEO and founder Mitchell Weisman created a GoFundMe page on Monday to raise money for the family. Jim's lovely wife Kim and their children now face the future without a husband, and without a father, Weisman wrote. Even worse, at this very moment Jim's oldest child remains in intensive care, fighting for her life. Please pray with us for her survival and recovery. Weisman said the funds will be presented to Jims wife, Kim, as a stipend for use by Kim as she chooses for the welfare and education of her children, and/or as one or more donation(s) to some deserving non-profit(s) of her choice. As of Thursday, nearly 950 people had raised more than $157,000. Jenna Lyons is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jlyons@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JennaJourno Mexican ultra-low cost carrier Volaris saw a sharp decline in profitability in 2014, but it bounced back quickly, reporting record results last year. With the company now generating a healthy profit margin, Volaris is looking to capitalize on the numerous growth opportunities ahead of it. The Mexican air travel market is soaring Air travel has been rising rapidly in Mexico in recent years. Total passenger volume grew 12.3% in 2015, following three consecutive years of 8.3% annual growth. Volaris has played a big role in stimulating this demand growth by significantly reducing the cost of airline tickets in Mexico. The rise of the middle class is also helping. Volaris' management believes that the Mexican air travel market will continue growing at a rapid rate for the foreseeable future. In 2014, the number of air trips per capita was more than eight times higher in the U.S. than in Mexico. Even within Latin America, Brazil and Chile had about twice as many air trips per capita as Mexico. Volaris' low fares are driving rapid growth in the Mexican air travel market. Photo: The Motley Fool. Volaris thus faces a very different environment than No. 1 American ultra-low cost carrier Spirit Airlines . The U.S. air travel market is quite mature, so in order to maintain its high growth rate, Spirit has to either gain market share from larger carriers or find potential customers who have been priced out of the market previously. By contrast, Volaris operates in a rapidly growing market, so it is primarily growing along with the market (though it is also gaining share gradually). This may shield it from some of the pricing battles that have affected Spirit Airlines and other U.S. airlines in the past year. Rapid near-term capacity growth To meet rising demand, Volaris increased its capacity by 18.8% year over year in 2015, with growth accelerating as the year went on. In fact, over the past six months, year-over-year capacity growth has averaged about 25%. Volaris expects to maintain its 2015 growth rate for at least two more years. Based on the company's current fleet plan, management expects capacity to increase 18% in 2016 and 19% in 2017. Volaris currently projects that capacity growth will fall back to 11% in 2018, but it has plenty of time to adjust its fleet plan upward if demand stays strong. Digging into Volaris' capacity growth Because the Mexican air travel market is growing so quickly, most of Volaris' capacity growth is coming in its existing markets as it adds flights or "upgauges" to larger aircraft. New routes represented less than 20% of Volaris' 2015 capacity growth. In 2016, new routes could account for about 30% of Volaris' growth, but the bulk of its capacity increases will still go to existing markets. In many new markets, Volaris starts with a few flights a week and uses low fares to stimulate demand. Volaris CEO Enrique Beltranena told me in an exclusive interview earlier this month that domestic markets mature in about six months, while international markets can take about 14 months to mature. At that point, Volaris starts to add more capacity. This is another big difference relative to Spirit Airlines. Spirit typically begins routes with one daily flight, and most of its routes stay at that level. Volaris' strategy is advantageous because it is typically less risky to add capacity on an existing route relative to starting a new one. Lots of long-term opportunities In the long run, Volaris will have plenty of opportunities to expand to new routes in addition to increasing capacity on its existing routes. In fact, the carrier has identified about 250 additional routes that it could eventually serve. Just within the domestic market, Volaris has identified 57 potential routes where large numbers of people currently travel by bus to visit friends and relatives. Volaris has had great success in markets like these, using low fares to convince people to switch from buses to air travel. Volaris has also dramatically grown its presence in key Mexican leisure markets in the past five years. It currently works with Best Day Travel to sell vacation packages within Mexico. The company eventually hopes to offer similar packages for U.S. travelers visiting Mexican beach markets like Cancun and Puerto Vallarta. In short, Volaris has numerous ways to pursue growth in the coming years. This will give it lots of flexibility to react to market conditions in order to keep its earnings marching steadily higher. 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. The article Mexico's Top Budget Airline Has Big Growth Plans originally appeared on Fool.com. Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate George Lopez indicated to a satellite radio show host that his now-infamous San Antonio slur amounted to a big misunderstanding and declared how much he loved the Alamo City. Then, Lopez proceeded to court trouble once again -- applying the same expletive to the San Antonio Spurs. "The whole city is upset at me," Lopez began in his chat to SiriusXM morning host Pete Dominick, "because in a video I was in in Seattle, I said 'f--k San Antonio'. But San Antonio is one of my favorite places to work." When Dominick asked him to clear it up once and for all and share his real feelings about San Antonio, Lopez said: "I love San Antonio. . .They have great people there, great audiences, I have some great friends there. I've always enjoyed going there; I've been going there for maybe 25 years. And in no way with maliciousness did I mean anything offensive to the people of San Antonio." But Dominick didn't stop there. "How do you feel about the Spurs?" he asked. "F--k the Spurs," Lopez replied, then chuckled: "No, I'm a Laker guy, c'mon." Ouch. If he wanted to endear himself again to San Antonio, that certainly wasn't the way to do it. The entire radio clip, shared by a Sirius XM publicist Wednesday, can be heard here. jjakle@express-news.net Courtesy of STX Entertainment / STX Entertainment Before I Wake: 8-year-old Cody (Jacob Tremblay) is tormented by nightmares, and for good reason his dreams have a bad habit of becoming real. No wonder he cant sleep. His foster parents (Thomas Jane and Kate Bosworth), who lost their biological son, have to find the cause. The Boss: Melissa McCarthy returns for what appears to be seriously ribald scenery-chewing as the title character, which she created with the help of her director, Ben Falcone. Michelle Darnell is a wealthy businesswoman who went to prison on an insider-trading charge and winds up having to stay with her assistant (Kristen Bell) when she gets out. Somehow this segues into the creation of a no-nonsense Brownie troop that dresses like the Guardian Angels. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate When 28 people graduate from Bexar County Drug Court on Friday, itll be the first pomp and circumstance for most of them. Theyre men and women of all ages whove reckoned with substance abuse, mental health problems or both, but theyve survived the challenges of the heavily-supervised drug court and earned the right to remain in the free world. The felony drug court has produced more than 600 graduates since it was established in 2004. Most participants asked to be part of the 1- to 2-year program; others are assigned to the court as a requirement of probation. All were expected to show a strong resolve to break their cycle of addiction. The court has four dockets for offenders with distinct issues. Cases may require counseling for drug or DWI offenses, and combinations of substance-abuse and mental-health treatments. Those selected also can get family counseling and help with housing, education, employment and transportation. For Princess Frago, 30, being assigned to the court earlier this month was a godsend. The homeless woman was in court this week to report that she was accepted in programs at nearby Haven for Hope to help her find work, get medical care and avoid more drug problems. Ive been through so much, including losing custody of her children, she said, adding, I just gave up on life. More Information Bexar County Drug Court information: https://www.bexar.org/1994/Bexar-County-Adult-Drug-Court National information on drug courts: http://www.nadcp.org/ Drug court facts The concept originated in Miami in 1989. Bexar County created its drug court in 2001. Nearly 3,000 drug courts have been established nationwide. More than 1 million people have graduated from drug courts nationwide. About 145,000 seriously addicted people are referred to treatment annually. Bexar County Specialty Treatment Courts Commencement Ceremony for 28 Graduates Friday, 1-3 p.m. Central Jury Room, Cadena-Reeves Justice Center, 300 Dolorosa Street See More Collapse Her turnaround started in November, when she was jailed for heroin possession and was resigned to going to prison, to do my time. But God had a bigger plan for me, she said. Frago was urged by a jail counselor to request entry in drug court to gain access to myriad programs, including outpatient services, but it took her a while to develop the gumption to plea for help. Her letter to Judge Ernie Glenn, saying its not about what I did before, its where Im at in my life today, earned her a chance in the program. From the start, it was like the fictional bar in Cheers, she said, where everyone knows your name. I came in here and everyone welcomed me. Even though I was in cuffs, they saw past that. They didnt judge me for what was on the paper, said Frago, smartly attired in a suit shed just gotten from SAMM Ministries. Im blessed. Its a new beginning. While Frago so far has complied with program demands, many participants have trouble coping, not just with drugs or alcohol but often with court requirements. In court this week, Glenn admonished several participants, including some of Fridays graduates, for a range of infractions such as unauthorized travel, driving without a license and missing mandatory appointments. Yet, each participant won praise from Glenn for what they did right, like following rules, showing up on time for court and other obligations, and being truthful about their missteps. Thats one of the things were taught to do, provide as much positive feedback as we can, Glenn said. Of course, we have to hold them accountable for the things they do wrong, but we dont just focus on the negative. As the courts magistrate for more than eight years, Glenn said hes seen a lot of great success stories. Several graduates have joined program staffs to provide an offenders and recovering addicts perspective. According to the National Association of Drug Court Professionals, speciality courts operate in all 50 states, and Texas has nearly 150 programs that go by a variety of names. Texas has 74 adult drug courts, 17 veterans treatment courts, 12 hybrid DWI/drug courts, 11 re-entry/drug courts, nine co-occurring disorders courts, and one tribal healing to wellness court. The local drug court, also known as the Specialty Treatment Courts, started in the Bexar County Courthouse complex, using borrowed courts and conference rooms. The court relocated in 2012 to a renovated warehouse in the 200 block of South Comal Street, closer to the Bexar County Adult Detention Center, probation offices and other services, including Haven for Hope. The Bexar County District Clerk maintains a small office on the premises to issue warrants and emergency directives, but only now are all the related services coming together at one location. In coming months, the same building will see the addition of more services to help offenders and their families. Part of the warehouse building is being outfitted to house the Bexar County Reentry Program, which helps offenders become more employable with education, vocational training and other services. Also opening there soon is the countys first video visitation facility, where families will be able to chat with jail inmates via closed-circuit connections. The additional co-located services will help make the complex a one-stop destination for offenders who are juggling legal, substance abuse, mental health and other issues along with education and work demands. Defendants go there regularly for meetings and drug tests, which now include screening for bath salts, K2 and pain-killers, and they can get food and clothes suitable for court. The most-desired garments, stored in a conference room where basic education instruction is conducted, are those reserved for graduates. We get the graduates in caps and gowns because most of them have never actually been in cap and gown, said case manager Jill Fitzgerald. jgonzalez@express-news.net Twitter: @johnwgonzalez A 52-year-old Kyle man was arrested last week for allegedly having sex with and impregnating a 12-year-old girl, according to media reports. Jose Najarro faces a first-degree felony charge of aggravated sexual assault of a child, which poses a maximum penalty of 99 years in prison. He was arrested March 24 and is being held on a detainer from the office of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at the Hays County Jail in San Marcos, according to online court records. It is unclear what his immigration status is. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate More than six dozen dogs at an alleged puppy mill in North Texas lived in "absolutely horrific" conditions prior to their rescue some in more than six inches of feces, officials said Wednesday. RELATED: Authorities seize about 30 cats that took over vacant home on Northwest Side Stephens County investigators along with the Humane Society of North Texas rescued 73 dogs from the alleged mill on March 18, according to a news release. Several dogs had been crammed into wire pop-up crates. In other areas, more than six inches of feces covered the floors, a Humane Society investigator said in the release. There were so many dogs in the house, the investigator said, that the property owners moved into a travel trailer in the yard. "The conditions these dogs were living in were absolutely horrific," Kim Meek, lead human investigator for Humane Society of North Texas, said in the release. RELATED: ACS: More than 100 animals seized from West Side home Owners of the property in Stephens County, roughly 98 miles west of Fort Worth, had been breeding Australian shepherds, border collies, Labrador retrievers and German shepherds. Dogs bred in puppy mills are commonly sold on the side of the road, on Craigslist or in large flea markets, the Humane Society said. In addition to the house, dogs were also living in an attached garage and in two large buildings on the property, Meek said. Two of the dogs were diagnosed with parvovirus, a contagious life-threatening illness in dogs. One of the dogs died over the weekend while another is being treated for the virus. "Puppies born in puppy mills frequently contract life-threatening diseases such as parvovirus and distemper as a result of the squalor they live in," Cynthia Jones, a veterinarian for Humane Society of North Texas, said in the release. "Sadly, many do not live to see their first birthday." RELATED: Photos show inside of Texas home where 108 cats were seized Another dog, named Ranger by Humane Society staff, had a deformed ear and is in need of surgery. Officials aren't sure what caused Ranger's deformation or the severe cauliflowering of his ear, but said surgery would remove his ear canal and sew it shut, freeing him from chronic ear infections and ear pain. The Stephens County Animal Shelter received permanent custody of the dogs, but signed over custody of 60 dogs to the Humane Society of North Texas. The dogs will remain at the society's holding facility until they clear medical evaluations to undergo spay and neuter surgeries. The society is currently looking for donations to help fund care for the 60 dogs. Donations can be made at the society's website, by calling 817-332-4768 or by mailing a donation to 1840 E. Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth, Texas 76103. jfechter@mySA.com Twitter: @JFreports A Central Texas woman has been charged after a neighbor found her passed out in their yard and another neighbor found the woman's three-year-old daughter crying in the street, police said. Geraldine Garcia, 25, was arrested Monday and charged with public intoxication and abandoning/endangering a child with intent to return on Sunday in Round Rock, according to court records. RELATED: Police: Central Texas mother got drunk, let sex offender tattoo her three kids A witness in a Round Rock neighborhood told Williamson County deputies that he heard someone messing with his car handle and found a woman and girl crouching behind a car, but the pair fled when he offered to call 911 for them, according to an arrest affidavit. Another witness in the same neighborhood also found the pair at his home, but they fled again when he offered to call 911. Both men were talking when they found the little girl standing on a sidewalk and alone and crying, according to the affidavit. RELATED: Police: Parents of Houston man accused of sexually assaulting South Texas girl helped pay his bond The two men followed her to a house where a large party was taking place, the affidavit said. There, people at the house who said they knew the girl's mother took her in. Later, another witness in the neighborhood called police to tell them a woman was passed out drunk in their yard. The woman was identified as Garcia, according to court documents. RELATED: Central Texas deputies accused man of assaulting them, but his security footage showed otherwise Garcia has been released from Williamson County Jail on a $7,750 bond. jfechter@mySA.com Twitter: @JFreports Posted on 03/31/2016, 11:00 am, by mySteinbach Steinbach RCMP are asking the public for any information connected to a recent theft incident that occurred in the RM of Reynolds, Manitoba. Police say that sometime between March 17 and March 21, 2016, culprit(s) broke into a fenced compound on Highway 1 in the RM of Reynolds, Manitoba and stole a Honda 5000 watt generator (serial number EANC1028046), tools and machinery equipment. The value of the stolen items is estimated to be approximately $5,000. If you have any information in regards to this incident you are asked to contact the Sprague RCMP Detachment at 204-437-2041 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477. You can also submit a tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com or text TIPMAN plus your message to CRIMES(274637). The only rationale that made sense for why the US launched the Iraq War was fun and profit, specifically, to develop Iraqs oil reserves, the second biggest in the world. Under Saddam Hussein, development and even maintenance had languished. The oil for food program, which was meant to assure that oil revenues were spent on food, pharmaceutical, and other essentials for the population, was rife with bribery. If you look at the Wikipedia entry, youll be impressed by how many were on the take, including even some reporters who received oil coupons that entitled holders to receive at least nine million barrels of oil. As Talleyrand said, Plus ca change, plus cest la meme chose. Even though George Bush declared that Iraqs oil belonged to the Iraqi people (which meant the West would still help and take its cut), a blockbuster report from a joint investigation by Fairfax Media and Huffington Post reveals the depth and reach of a massive looting scheme, with an obscure Monaco family oil company, Unaoil, as the fixer in chief. The story implicates a large number of multinational companies as well as two Iraqi oil ministers. At least one of the concerns called out in the story, Rolls Royce, is already under investigation by the UKs Serious Fraud Office.. The overview and first story from this three part series have been releases. From the overview: A massive leak of confidential documents has for the first time exposed the true extent of corruption within the oil industry, implicating dozens of leading companies, bureaucrats and politicians in a sophisticated global web of bribery and graft. After a six-month investigation across two continents, Fairfax Media and The Huffington Post can reveal that billions of dollars of government contracts were awarded as the direct result of bribes paid on behalf of firms including British icon Rolls-Royce, US giant Halliburton, Australias Leighton Holdings and Korean heavyweights Samsung and Hyundai. Western firms involved in Unaoils Middle East operation include some of the worlds wealthiest and most respected companies: Rolls-Royce and Petrofac from Britain; US companies FMC Technologies, Cameron and Weatherford; Italian giants Eni and Saipem; German companies MAN Turbo (now know as MAN Diesal & Turbo) and Siemens; Dutch firm SBM Offshore; and Indian giant Larsen & Toubro. They also show the offshore arm of Australian company Leighton Holdings was involved in serious, calculated corruption. Under the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, this sort of thing is criminal. Moreover, even though the massive amounts of money involved and the fact that this took place all under the US nose make this all the more salacious, the FCPA is designed to bar even small bribes; the test is intent, not amount. Normally, when a a story of this magnitude breaks, its picked up by other major outlets, with a headline credit back to the originating venue. They recap the main points and attempt to do some value added of their own by discussing who might be most discomfited by the report and why, or presenting reactions from experts. I was sure this would be the lead story in the Financial Times. But not only was it not the lead story, it was nowhere to be found on the Web page. The separately-edited FT Alphaville blog did feature it at the top of its Further Reading feature. Indeed, Google News shows that no major news organization has seen fit to pick this up and its been relegated to the blogosphere netherworld (note that the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age are both Fairfax publications): So what accounts for the media blackout? Will no Serious Publication touch a ginormous scandal involving not just a long list of major oil firms and international firms in linked businesses, but officials in Iraq, Iran, Libya, Syria, and Kuwait, just for starters? The account is based on a trove of documents, primarily e-mails, that the reporters worked through to decode the references meant to hide what was really going on. For instance, a holiday of a day was a $1 million payment, although some of the smaller bribes are described in surprising detail. Do the other media outlets suspect that Fairfax and HuffPo had to pay to get the documents, and that makes them suspect? Fairfax reporter Nick McKenzie explains in detail how source contacted him and why: My colleague Richard Baker and I had written a few lines about Unaoil in 2013 as part of a painstakingly researched story that revealed how a leading Australian company had allegedly paid huge bribes to officials to win government contracts in the Middle East. In that story, we alleged Unaoil had been used by the Australian firm as a middle man and was somehow connected to powerful officials and politicians in charge of large, tax-payer funded oil field projects. Upon publication, this allegation was immediately dismissed, denied and denigrated as a work of fiction by Unaoil. In 2014, Unaoils patriarch, the urbane Iranian-born multi-millionaire Ata Ahsani, even swore on oath in the UK High Court that it was sheer nonsense to suggest Unaoil was some sort of a bribe-paying fixer for multinationals. My mystery letter-writer, though, said they had been impressed by our 2013 story. They also hinted that we had not dug nearly deep enough. I also wonder if the two news organizations are using the best strategy in the release of this information. As readers of Richard Smiths posts know, describing how fraud schemes and networks operate is daunting because the mechanics are inherently complex. Three large stories doesnt seem like the best way to have gone. It might have been more effective to cut the stories into smaller bits, both to make them more digestible but also to keep the scandal in the public eye longer. But regardless, this is an extremely important story and I hope the mainstream media blackout ends soon. Otherwise, it smells of high-level orchestration to make the bad news go away. NZG may well be wishing theyd not just ignored early warnings of the scandal to come, back in 2012. The chickens, in the form of 11,000 NZ foreign trusts, are simply going to keep coming home to roost now. There is going to be a large and noisy mess. Naked Capitalism, March 18, 2016 Well, the next instalment of the large and noisy mess didnt take very long to turn up. New Zealand Foreign Trusts, implicated last month in sleazy-looking machinations by Maltese Ministers, have now hit the big time as vehicles for corrupt international money flows. This Wednesday, Fairfax Media and Huffington Post jointly broke the story of Unaoil. The Company That Bribed the World. From Fairfax outlet The Age: A massive leak of confidential documents has for the first time exposed the true extent of corruption within the oil industry, implicating dozens of leading companies, bureaucrats and politicians in a sophisticated global web of bribery and graft. After a six-month investigation across two continents, Fairfax Media and The Huffington Post can reveal that billions of dollars of government contracts were awarded as the direct result of bribes paid on behalf of firms including British icon Rolls-Royce, US giant Halliburton, Australias Leighton Holdings and Korean heavyweights Samsung and Hyundai. The investigation centres on a Monaco company called Unaoil, run by the jet-setting Ahsani clan. Following a coded ad in a French newspaper, a series of clandestine meetings and midnight phone calls led to our reporters obtaining hundreds of thousands of the Ahsanis leaked emails and documents. Huffpo elaborates on the scope of the operation: Hundreds of major international corporationscounted on Unaoil to secure lucrative contracts in Iraq, Kazakhstan, Libya, Syria, Tunisia, and other countries in Africa, the Middle East, and the former Soviet Union, tens of thousands of internal emails and documents reveal. Its common for large multinational corporations to partner with smaller firms with local expertise to win contracts. But in many cases, Unaoil wasnt winning contracts because of its expertise it was winning them by paying millions of dollars in bribes to corrupt officials. on the MO: The Unaoil emails dont show corrupt third-world kleptocracies shaking down helpless Western corporations. They show the opposite: Unaoil, working for Western companies, is seen slowly corrupting foreign officials, starting off with small gifts and shopping sprees and eventually hooking them on major graft. Heres how Unaoils schemes often worked. During the time frame covered by the documents most of which date from the end of 2003 to the middle of 2011 Unaoils practice was to ask its partners for a percentage of the revenue from any contracts Unaoil helped them win. Once Unaoil made sure it had a stake in its clients business, it would sometimes use a portion of its cut to bribe government officials and keep the rest for itself. and on the apocalyptic ultimate consequences: By aiding the corruption of already-distrusted regimes and accelerating the flow of money and resources out of poor countries, Unaoil and its partners were risking far more than fines and criminal penalties. They were creating political instability, turning citizens against their governments, and fueling the rage that would erupt during the Arab Spring and be exploited by terrorist groups like al Qaeda and the Islamic State. How do New Zealand Foreign Trusts fit into this picture? Stuff.co.nz, another Fairfax Media outlet, has the dope: A Fairfax Media investigation of Unaoil obtained a document which shows the wiring diagram for the network of Unaoil entities through which giant multi-national companies channelled bribes to corrupt officials in oil-producing countries including Iran, Iraq and Libya. The wiring diagram appears to show Unaoil is owned by UNA Energy Group Holding of Singapore, and that in turn is owned by UnaEnergy Trustees based in Auckland. But the Auckland company is just a link in the chain, and it is owned in turn by Fleetwood Trustees, based in the tax haven of St Kitts and Nevis. The Auckland company has three directors, but two at least appear to be trusts specialists who make a living providing professional services to others. The Auckland companys only New Zealand-based director is Richard Gordon Wilson, who is an foreign trusts expert from Jackson Russell Lawyers, a Shortland Street law firm. Wilson said: UnaEnergy Trustees Limited is a trustee of a trust established for UNA Energy, and holds the shares in a holding company based in Singapore. We just act on instructions from an outfit in Monaco which runs family offices for wealthy clients, Wilson said. That organisation was Rosemont, for which Jackson Russell sets up New Zealand trust arrangements. They are a very reputable organisation of English professionals, Wilson said. Back in 2013, the NZ Greens tried to raise a stink about the opacity of NZ Foreign Trusts, which was already making IRD, New Zealands Inland Revenue service, very uneasy. Reform languished, though. In late 2014, the New Zealand Herald ran a piece entitled Foreign trusts in IRD sights: Although the reports note much of the efforts in this area will follow the lead of OECDs Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) work programme, it also details areas where New Zealand could act to unilaterally improve its international tax settings. That included a review of the taxation of foreign trusts. IRD says it intends reporting to Revenue Minister Todd McClay on that issue before the end of the year and will release consultation documents in mid-2015. New Zealand-based foreign trusts have been actively marketed overseas for benefits including their exemption from New Zealand tax on foreign sourced income, minimal compliance and reporting requirements, and no requirement for public disclosure of the beneficial owners. You can see why the likes of Unaoil quite like New Zealand Foreign Trusts Anyway the mid-2015 initiative sounds quite promising, but, observing that the promised consultation didnt seem to have materialised by March 2016, this blogger checked with the IRD, who said: To clarify one point the New Zealand Herald article suggests that a mid-2015 consultation was planned for foreign trusts. However, this is not quite accurate. The New Zealand Herald article used as its source material two reports from Inland Revenue. In the report of 14 November 2014 titled Timeline for BEPS-related tax policy work, Inland Revenue indicated that it would report to Ministers on foreign trusts at the end of 2014. The proposed mid-2015 consultation that was referred to in the report did not relate to foreign trusts, but instead to proposals intended to strengthen New Zealands non-resident withholding tax rules and administrative measures to improve the quality and usefulness of tax information. In relation to the foreign trust tax rules, given wider Government priorities the Government will not be considering regulatory reform of the rules at this stage. That said, however, the Government has an ongoing responsibility to consider whether its regulatory settings are facilitating inappropriate behaviour in other jurisdictions. It is possible that, in the future, this responsibility may require a review of the regulatory requirements applying to different types of investment or business vehicles available under New Zealand law. Well, the giant Unaoil scandal certainly does look a bit like inappropriate behaviour in other jurisdictions. Perhaps NZ Foreign Trust reform is rocketing up the Governmental agenda as I write this. There are onlookers, after all: lets go back to HuffPo for one potentially interested and influential party: Bribery is illegal for a litany of reasons, but one in particular the idea that corruption fuels political instability and strengthens the enemies of free-market democracies has underpinned U.S. anti-bribery efforts for decades. When the U.S. passed the FCPA in 1977, the concern was that U.S. companies paying bribes overseas was going to weaken the position of the west in the Cold War, said Spalding, the Richmond law professor. Corruption, U.S. lawmakers realized, weakens Western-friendly governments and makes them easy targets for insurgencies. The Obama administration has belatedly acknowledged the idea that corruption is a national security threat. Corruption is a radicalizer because it destroys faith in legitimate authority, Secretary of State John Kerry said at the World Economic Forum in Davos earlier this year, singling out Iraq, Syria, Libya and Nigeria as examples. It opens up a vacuum which allows the predators to move in. And no one knows that better than the violent extremist groups, who regularly use corruption as a recruitment tool. Perhaps the US State Department will be having a little word with the New Zealand Government sometime soon about New Zealand Foreign Trusts, at least if Hillary Clintons out of the loop: she wasnt a particular fan of anti-corruption initiatives in Afghanistan: Sarah Chayes witnessed the damage that flood of Western money and the accompanying corruption did in Afghanistan. When U.S. forces entered Kabul to oust the Taliban, Chayes was a reporter, covering the invasion for National Public Radio. She decided to stay and help rebuild, eventually opening a cooperative that produced soaps and body oils. She was one of very few Americans over the last 15 years who lived and worked with the Afghan people rather than behind the razor wire. After just a few months, Chayes noticed people she thought of as moderate, normal folks expressing sympathy for the Taliban. She soon realized what was happening: the corruption that had been rampant at all levels since the U.S. invasion was fueling anger and unrest. Chayes later began working for the U.S. military in Afghanistan, waging an internal war to persuade policymakers to focus on corruption. The issue ultimately reached the desk of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who largely dismissed it in a 2010 memo that remains classified. Fairfax and Huffpo promise more blockbuster articles. Theyll be worth looking out for. In the mean time, I commend their coverage so far to readers: just Google Unaoil. I cant imagine that the rest of the media, observed today by Yves to be ignoring this story so far, can possibly neglect it for much longer: but we shall see. By Lynn Parramore, a senior research analyst at the Institute for New Economic Thinking. Originally published at the Institute for New Economic Thinking website Rana Foroohars new book, Makers and Takers: The Rise of Finance and the Fall of American Business, addresses what Paul Ryan conveniently left out. From the lips of Paul Ryan, Chief Spokesman of Blame-the-Poor politics, came a curious mea culpa just last week. Oops! He should not have referred to hard-working Americans trying to feed their families as takers (Mitt Romney gained attention for similar remarks in 2012, but his running mate Ryan had already been on the makers/takers theme for years). Ryan further admitted that when it comes to economic distress, he didnt really know what he was talking about. There was a time when I would talk about a difference between makers and takers in our country, referring to people who accepted government benefits, said the speaker. But as I spent more time listening, and really learning the root causes of poverty, I realized I was wrong. Well, yes. But a question: If the takers arent standing in the unemployment line or rushing home from the second job to change diapers, then just where are they? Because an awful lot of Americas resources have gone missing. Like money that should be going to education, job training, healing the sick, retirement funds, infrastructure, and, you know life. Ryan didnt quite get to that part. As he and the rest of the countrys pundits and politicians puzzle over this crazy political season, they might do well to get themselves a copy of Rana Foroohars forthcoming book, Makers and Takers: The Rise of American Finance and the Fall of American Business (to be released on May 17). The title was inspired by Ryans very own (now-disowned) rhetoric, the favorite shorthand for trickle-down myths that paint the rich as the creators of jobs and innovative products and the rest of the population as lazy good-for-nothings. That line worked pretty well before the financial crisis. Now, not so much. Foroohar, TIME assistant managing editor and economic columnist and global economic correspondent at CNN, has a pretty good idea where to find the takers. They are neither single moms in inner city housing projects nor unemployed white men in Appalachia. They are the denizens of plush Wall Street offices, and they have pretty much absconded with the American Dream. Despite the remarkable ability of financiers to hide behind complexity and dodge the spotlight of the media, the regulators, and the law, Americans are copping onto the breadth and depth of the swindle. They have just about had it which is why voters have been flocking in droves to the fiery Bernie Sanders, who wants to jail financial crooks and end to Too Big to Fail, and to Wall Street heckler Donald Trump, who describes hedge fund managers as worthless moneymen who get away with murder and gleefully trashes uber-bankers like Jamie Dimon. Foroohar has traced a seismic shift that has not only left Washington kissing the feet of Wall Street, but has turned previously normal and comprehensible activities, like making stuff and selling it, into insanely complicated financial death races where ordinary Americans are the road kill. This very shift has turned companies like Apple from makers of cool gadgets to a market-rigging megabanks, pharmaceutical companies into cold-blooded financial predators, and the American Dream of dignity, health, and the pursuit of happiness into a fantasy for large swaths of the population. For Foroohar, takers is how you refer to people who do nothing of value for society and whose activities leave students crushed with debt, retirees living in RVs, capable workers struggling to land a third-rate gig, and sick people so many tasty morsels for financial vultures. Through in-depth reporting, historical analysis, and consultation with a range of forward-thinking economic minds, including Institute chair Adair Turner, president Rob Johnson, and grantees like Joseph Stiglitz and William Lazonick, her book explains how our financial system stopped funding new ideas and projects and started extracting precious resources from Main Street. Her writing leaves a vivid impression that once the financial wizards get their way, nobody in safe from the young college grad next door drowning in debt owed to predatory lenders to the child halfway around the world whose dinner fell victim to commodities speculation. As I turned the pages, I began to imagine Big Finance as a giant exotic vine from some florid catastrophe movie that has grown out of control, creeping onto the roofs of our houses, reaching into the food on our plates, tightening its hold on our wallets and even taking over our minds. Im embarrassed to say how many times I hear phrases like human capital and return on investment issuing from my own lips finance-originated concepts used to describe relationships and activities that have little to do with spreadsheets. Foroohar follows the financial Cheshire Cat as he baffles and jumps through tax loopholes, spins through revolving doors, and sneakily gobbles up savings accounts. She shows how the trend of financialization an ugly word for the ballooning of the financial sector relative to the overall economy has led directly to the things that have Americans feeling so betrayed, like crappy McJobs, foreclosed futures, rampant volatility and insecurity, a stalled economy, and an increasingly painful gap between the rich and everyone else. Which is why things like the decline of the middle class and economic inequality have become front and center issues in the 2016 presidential campaign, no matter how much elites of both parties would prefer to change the subject. As Foroohar warns, it matters who is president and whom that president listens to. It was Reagans advisors who brought America deregulatory fever and the rise of stock buybacks (once considered unlawful market manipulation in America), while Bill Clintons team later opened the floodgates of speculation with the repeal of Glass-Steagall. These presidencies were marked by people whose mindsets favored markets over the real economy. That had better not go on, because if it does, the angry season of 2016 may be the dress rehearsal for something much nastier four years down the road. The good news is that the giant imbalance of power between finance and the real economy can be fixed, and we know a lot about how to do it. The bad news is that as long as the financiers have the power, they will do everything in their power to stop sensible and entirely doable reforms. We all have them, and we can barely recall a time when we didn't see them at concerts and plays. Cellphones have proved a wonderful technology, and we now have cameras and sophisticated camcorders built into them. How awesome ... well, hold on, no, there is a downside (as there is with any technology). With show season in Southwest Florida nearing an end, it's time to reflect on cellphone etiquette. I've enjoyed many shows in the past few months, but all have been marred to varying degrees from cellphone fanatics. I'll coin a new word, cellrudeness. So here's my guide for how to use a cellphone at concerts and shows. I'm hoping those cellrudists reading this will correct their ways. 1. Don't use a flash: I was in disbelief when, at the Steve Miller Band concert in late February at ArtisNaples, a number of people used the flash on their phones for a photo. No announcement before the show asked people to not use their phones. Some ArtisNaples ushers did gently reminded some abusers to not use their phones, but no one was ushered out and flashes resumed. ArtisNaples does not permit photographs or video recording of any kind during a performance unless an artist allows it, and Miller did, said Jonathan Foerster, the venue's communications director. And ushers are diligent about ensuring that someone isn't affecting the show experience for other patrons, he said. "For all of our performances, we ask our patrons to turn off their cell phones or at least silence them so they're not affecting anyone else's enjoyment of the concert," he said. "We all understand cameras are now a ubiquitous part of everyday life, so there's no way to eliminate it completely." Foerster's right. I understand that not everyone comprehends fancy technology, but you don't need the flash. And it's a major distraction for not only the musicians but the hundreds of people in the auditorium. For those venues where recording is allowed, here's a tip to avoid using a flash: Before the show starts, point the phone down and take a picture. If you see no flash, you're good to go. There are icons on the phone to depict when the flash is on or off, so figure that out before heading out. 2. Be selective: At the recent Elton John concert at Germain Arena, two dudes next to me felt it important to videotape on their phone nearly every one of his songs (in between leaving to buy more beer). It's OK to record, but choose which songs you really want to capture. (Part of me actually was distraught seeing how poorly they recorded songs, but that's another issue.) Also, don't lean forward to record something. Hello, McFly, you're blocking people next to you. I selected three or four out of his roughly 25-song, 2- hour concert. Maybe that's even too much, but it's Elton John, so cut me some slack. 3. Don't talk: This has nothing to do with cellphones, but while I'm on the topic of rudeness, I'll throw this in. There's no need to discuss the show as it's happening to people you're with. Save that for later. The people around you will be eternally grateful. Do you have a bad cellphone story to share? Email me at dave.osborn@naplesnews.com and I'll share your comments in a future column. TICKETS REMAIN Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, bbmannpah.com and 239-481-4849: comedian Brian Regan, 7 p.m. April 24, all seats $44.93; Styx, 7 p.m. May 10, $45.75 to $105.35; Weird Al Yankovic, 7 p.m. June 5, $42.75-$85.15 Germain Arena, Estero: germainarena. com: Chase Rice, 8 p.m. April 14, from $30. American Airlines Arena in Miami: Selena Gomez, 7:30 p.m. June 11, $36.50-$96.50. BB&T Center, thebbtcenter.com: Twenty One Pilots, 7 p.m. July 2, $30.75-$40.75 Amway Center in Orlando, amwaycenter . com: Selena Gomez, 7:30 p.m. June 10, $49.50 to $79.50; Justin Bieber, 7:30 p.m., $47.50 to $112.50, excluding fees; Twenty One Pilots, 7 p.m. July 1, $23 to $43; Maroon 5, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 9, $28.50 to $123.50 Hard Rock Live Orlando, hardrock.com/live/locations/orlando: Chris Isaak, 8 p.m. April 26, $34 to $59 MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre, amphitheatretampa. com: Steely Dan and Steve Winwood, 7 p.m. June 30, $39 to $139. Perfect Vodka Amphitheatre, West Palm Beach, amphitheatre-fl. com: Steely Dan and Steve Winwood, 7 p.m. June 29, $39 to $139. District School Board of Collier County. (Carolina Hidalgo/Staff) It's the end of March, Easter is over, snowbirds are heading home and it's starting to feel like August already. And we're not talking about the weather. Elections are five months away but already controversy is bubbling up in the bound-to-be-contentious battle for the Collier County School Board. The Collier County Education Association, the union representing Collier County's teachers, is predictably at the center of the simmering dispute. School Board members out of favor with the union are crying foul over information with a political bent placed in teacher mailboxes and handed out at schools. School district policy prohibits using school facilities to engage in political activities. State law also bans politicking at work by state employees but the district's attorney is treating the matter only as a potential violation of the union's contract with the district, further frustrating the board minority targeted by the union. As far back as last June, School Board Member Kelly Lichter questioned the in-school distribution of the Pelican Post, the union's newsletter, in which both she and Board member Erika Donalds were singled out for criticism. Board policy 3232, regarding political activities, states, "Employees who engage in political activities or hold public office shall not use time, facilities, resources, or personnel of the school system to engage in such activities." Florida Statute 104 says state employees shouldn't participate in a political campaign while on duty. Nothing came of Lichter's concerns last year, but earlier this month she brought the matter up again. Some of the material, provided to her by a teacher she knows who wishes to remain anonymous to the district, seems innocuous on the surface. It reminds teachers there's an election for two seats on the board coming up and that they should inform themselves about the candidates. But the newsletter includes links to websites that delve into board politics, taking issue with Lichter and Donalds and identifying their perceived allies among the declared candidates. Other material being distributed at school is more blatantly political, attacking Lichter and Donalds by name and encouraging activism by union members. "While these board members claim they are working to improve public education, their words and actions do not support their platform," one essay in the Pelican Post states. One distribution, under the heading "Nothing Routine About 2016" is a form asking teachers to collect the names, email addresses and phone numbers of people who support the union but who don't work for the district. It is an apparent effort to compile a list of sympathetic voters. Lichter acknowledges that the union is free to advocate for or against candidates. "If they had engaged in this activity at the CCEA office, we wouldn't be having this discussion. They're free to do that," she said. But she questions whether groups that support her and Donalds would be allowed to put information in teacher mailboxes at schools. When she brought the matter up again in March, school district attorney Jon Fishbane said he had been looking into the distributions. He found that the union members passing out material had not been uniformly following the collective bargaining agreement between the district and the union. The agreement says school principals and the superintendent's office should get copies of material distributed by the union. It doesn't address what is or is not appropriate for distribution. Nor does it spell out any penalties for violating the contract provision. Fishbane said the majority of principals had not received copies of the material placed in mailboxes. He said he would look into the propriety of the political nature of the material. Asked later about the progress of the inquiry, district officials said Fishbane will update the board at its April 12 meeting to be held at Everglades City School. So far, there is little apparent enthusiasm for calling out the union for violating the policy on politicking via school resources. District spokeswoman Jennifer Weimer referred to the matter only as a contract issue. "The discussion concerning the distribution of union information to site-based principals and the superintendent is not a district policy issue. It is within the terms and conditions of Article 3 of the collective bargaining agreement between the CCEA and the District School Board of Collier County. Thus, any individual teacher serving as a union steward or representative not carrying out the terms of distribution would not be subject to district disciplinary action since it is a CCEA issue that the District would bring to the CCEA's attention," she wrote. CCEA Executive Director Jonathan Tuttle was not available for comment Wednesday. Neither Lichter nor Donalds is up for election this year. But a like-minded person winning one of the two contested seats could change the balance of power on the board. That could be bad news for the union. For example, Lichter has suggested teachers should be able to join another group, such as the Association of American Educators, to get the liability insurance that goes along with union dues and serves as an enticement to join the union. A lawyer for the CCEA quickly fired off a demand that Lichter cease promoting the AAE or face an unfair labor practices suit. Four candidates are in the running for one of the seats at stake and two have filed to run for the other. The first round of voting will be on Aug. 30. If no candidate has more than 50 percent of the vote, the top two will be in a runoff in November. The deadline to enter the race in June 24. Board member Kathleen Curatolo, who usually is at odds with Lichter and Donalds, agreed that Lichter's concern over electioneering in the schools is valid. She supported Fishbane's effort to collect more information. Come April, it will be interesting to see if any additional heat is being generated and if any of it will be brought to bear on the union. (Connect with Brent Batten at brent.batten@naplesnews.com, on Twitter@NDN_BrentBatten and at facebook.com/ndnbrentbatten) SHARE WASHINGTON Reason has prevailed! Guns will not be permitted at the Republican National Convention in July in Cleveland. Perhaps this has not been on your radar, what with the embarrassing squabbling between Donald Trump and Ted Cruz over their wives, Trump's campaign manager being arrested for battery on a reporter, the total lack of any intelligent response from either man in the aftermath of the terrorist bombings in Brussels, and all the GOP candidates venomously attacking their rivals, then vowing to support the eventual nominee, and now repudiating that pledge. Even so, more than 50,000 people have signed a petition demanding that guns be in the sulfurous mix when Republicans gather July 18-21, which some can foresee as being something like a zombie apocalypse movie. Ignoring the fact that Trump rallies have frequently turned violent (or perhaps because of that), so many Americans are terrified of losing the Second Amendment that protects the right to bear arms that they want to see gun-toting delegates swaggering around Cleveland's Quicken Loans Arena, commonly known as "The Q." Ohio, my home state, is an open-carry state. It is not unusual to see good ole boys with assault rifles in their pickups parked in Walmart parking lots. Guns carried in motor vehicles must be unloaded and secured. Ammunition must be in a separate compartment. If you have alcohol in your system above the legal limit, you are not permitted to have a firearm in your vehicle or on your person. Guns are not permitted in establishments that serve alcohol; businesses may ban guns on their premises. But people who legally own a firearm may carry it loaded with or without a license. (But not in the statehouse in Columbus lawmakers are not completely clueless.) The Q has a policy against guns or weapons of any kind on the premises, and that has enraged a number of gun advocates. Petitioners are urging Ohio governor and presidential hopeful John Kasich to use his executive authority to permit guns at the arena, which holds about 20,000 people. Surprisingly, or not, the three GOP presidential candidates left standing, Trump, Cruz and Kasich, were initially noncommittal, even ambivalent, about the petition and the idea of guns at the convention. They are terrified of getting on the wrong side of gun advocates, who see any curb on gun sales, ownership or possession as the camel's nose under the tent to total loss of their weapons. Convention officials shot the whole thing over to the Secret Service, which handles security at the national political conventions. The immediate and quite obvious answer was, "No guns." Despite the problems the Secret Service has been having, what with knife-wielding crazy people getting inside the White House and far too much partying going on among some agents, the service is not stupid. They put their lives on the line every day but are not going to let angry people who don't believe in political correctness, civility or polite discourse carry guns near the candidates or themselves. Guns and Cleveland have a touchy recent history. In 2014, police shot and killed a 12-year-old child, Tamir Rice, who had a toy pellet gun in a city park. The U.S. Department of Justice investigation concluded that officers in Cleveland are too quick to shoot and beat suspects and rarely face consequences for their actions. The two officers involved in the shooting were not indicted. The FBI says Cleveland ranks as the fifth most dangerous city in the nation because of crime. The violent crime rate is 1,478 per 100,000 people (Cleveland has a population of 389,000) and a murder rate of 14 per 100,000 people. The median household income is $26,556; one-third of all its residents are below the federal poverty line. Republicans chose the city for their convention because no Republican has ever won the White House without carrying the state of Ohio There is so much confusion, chaos, silliness and idle speculation already going on more than 100 days before Cleveland and the real possibility of rancorous debate and actual fighting over the nomination, that it is somehow reassuring to have a simple, well-reasoned answer to at least one issue. No guns. SHARE Wooden judge hammer on laptop computer white keyboard 1. More calls about attempted fraud than victimization Two years after the Collier County Sheriff's Office launched a task force to educate the public, Collier County residents and business owners are more aware of the signs of identify fraud and better equipped to report and avoid it, Sheriff Kevin Rambosk said. "We started at a high level of reporting, but I think a lot of the reporting we're seeing now is more preventive reporting," Rambosk said, meaning that those who call the Sheriff's Office about identity fraud crimes in recent years are calling to report attempted crimes rather than to report having been victimized. Members of the Collier County Sheriff's Office Identity Fraud Task Force met Monday at the Professional Development Center in downtown Naples. The event included remarks from Rambosk and co-chairs of the task force. About 20 people gathered for the meeting, including Collier County Commissioner Donna Fiala, former Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce president and co-chair of the task force Mike Reagen, Rep. Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, and police chiefs from Naples and Marco Island. Carrie Kerskie, the director of Hodges University's new Identity Fraud Institute, also spoke. The group discussed the possibility of launching an app or push alert service that would tell business owners and residents about new and current scams to be on the look out for. An identity fraud forum will be held at 3 p.m. April 6 in the Daily News Community Room at 1100 Immokalee Road. Reservations are not required. The event will be presented by the task force and sponsored by the Daily News. 2. City Council meets Monday The Marco Island Council meets at 5:30 p.m., Monday, April 4 in the community room next to the police department, 51 Bald Eagle Drive. The council will: Vote on a resolution to award $10,000 to the Ocean Restoration Initiative to install aquatic habitats in canals in Marco Island. Vote on a resolution authorizing the city manager to ensure restaurants on the island are in compliance with the city's codes. Vote on a resolution to approve an additional $143,000 to the building services division's fiscal year 2016 budget. Vote on a resolution to award a contract for the 2016 annual street and roadway resurfacing program. Discuss councilor Larry Honig's position paper about the role of the Code Advisory Committee and overlaps between the committee's duties and those of the growth management department. 2. 21st Century Oncology hit with four SWFL suits over breach Four lawsuits have been filed in Southwest Florida against 21st Century Oncology for a privacy breach that hit 2.2 million patients nationwide. The lawsuits have all been filed in federal court in Fort Myers as class action complaints by patients of 21st Century. The company is headquartered in Fort Myers and is one of the nations' largest oncology firms with 200 radiation centers around the country. Officials with 21st Century declined to comment because the litigation is pending. Company officials notified patients March 4 that the company database was breached and the company learned of it Nov. 13 from the FBI. The breached data includes Social Security numbers, insurance information and medical conditions. In 2013, 21st Century was notified by federal authorities of an employee who accessed patient data that was subsequently used by to file false tax returns, according to one of the recent complaints filed by Coral Gables attorney Robert Gilbert. The class action lawsuits are not a surprise because a judge in an unrelated data breach case allowed for damages on future harm to the plaintiff and that changed the landscape, said Carrie Kerskie, a Naples resident and identity theft expert. She is director of the Identity Fraud Institute at Hodges University. A 2015 study by the Ponemon Institute on identity theft found medical identify theft has increased 22 percent from the prior year, according to the lawsuit. SHARE Emily and Herb Savage. Emily Savage is planning to close her business, "Shells by Emily," after 31 years of operation. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent All seashells are being offered at a 50 percent discount. Emily Savage is planning to close her business, "Shells by Emily," after 31 years of operation. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent Emily Savage rings up a customer's purchases. She is planning to close her business, "Shells by Emily," after 31 years of operation. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent "I don't know what I'll do after I retire," said Emily Savage. She is planning to close her business, "Shells by Emily," after 31 years of operation. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent By Lance Shearer, Eagle Correspondent "She sells sea shells by the sea but no more." We may as well get the obligatory alliterative pun out of the way upfront. Shells by Emily, the seashell shop Emily Savage has owned and operated for 31 years, literally across the street from the sandy beach and the Gulf of Mexico, will be closing its doors. Having recently turned 87, the proprietress has decided to retire, to spend some more time with her "great grandbabies" and even with her husband of 65 years, Herb Savage. "I have absolutely no idea what I'm going to do after I retire. I think about that in the middle of the night," said Emily. While no firm date has been set for ceasing operations, this will definitely be the last season for the iconic Marco shell boutique, beloved by crafty ladies and visitors looking for souvenirs of the island to take home. Emily Savage is coming face to face with retirement years after most people contemplate that passage. Since she turned 65, she has lived enough time for a child to be conceived and born, grow up and graduate from college. And if she wants to spend more time with Herb, she will have to work on him, too. He still hangs out his shingle as an architect, in an office behind Shells by Emily, on the second floor next to the 7-Eleven store on South Collier. But the clock is ticking down, she said. "These are condominium office spaces, and his has been sold, come November," said Emily. Her own shop, which she expanded, now occupies two units owned by a son and a daughter. "We've been coming here for so long. The thought of you not being here " said shopper Lorette Archer, her voice trailing off. "It's panic-ville." "I come here every time I'm visiting," said Norma Jean Adams of Dublin, Ohio. "I like to do crafts, and she always gives you inspiration." Savage has had a lot of inspiration for her own work. The walls, doors, and shelves are festooned with hundreds of ribbons, plaques, and awards she has won for her creations, entered into a myriad shell shows. "Not all of them are mine," she said, "some of them are from the people I work with." She paid tribute to these, particularly longtime employees Judy Daye and Jae Kellogg. Emily Savage has had many adventures and experiences during her life, including when as teenagers, she and her sister played guitar and sang to entertain troops during World War II. "I played Hawaiian guitar, she played Spanish guitar," said Emily. "I still have that guitar, a double-neck white pearl lap guitar." Also, she said, "I tap danced in the 1939 New York World's Fair." She was chosen as "Mrs. Florida" in the nationwide beauty pageant and of course has been married to noted wild man Herb Savage for 76 years. He dropped in on Emily to see her before they attended a meeting of the local shell club. At 97, Herb, like Emily, is remarkably spry, clear-eyed alert. He had a walker, due to an injury, he said, but he was carrying it, instead of using it to support him, along with a briefcase and a satchel. The crafting business has changed, and not necessarily for the better, she said. "Now, if you put something on the Internet, you don't own it any more." She is offering all of her natural and cut seashells, both local and imported, at 50 percent off, and seashell art is discounted 20 percent. The store is full of bins and bags of shells, both large and impressive and small and identical, suitable for filling in a border in a shell design. "People don't realize how hard it is to collect hundreds of shells, all the same, to put into a piece you're creating," she said. There are diamond-sawn shells, starfish, pieces of coral, and all the supplies and accessories needed to create that shell art. "I do have a few items I have to order again, like glaze," said Savage. So when will she actually close? "When we sell out," said Emily. If you go: Shells by Emily Upstairs at 651 South Collier Blvd., Unit 2C 239-394-5575 shellsbyemily.com Hours: M-F 10-5, Sat. 10-3 VESTRON PICTURES Down and 'Dirty' The Admiral Theatre, 515 Pacific Ave. in Bremerton, hosts a screening of the 1987 cult classic "Dirty Dancing" (with Jennifer Grey as Baby and Patrick Swayze as Johnny doing all the aforementioned dirty dancing) at 7 p.m. April 8. Tickets are $10. Information: 360-373-6743, admiraltheatre.org. SHARE By Dave Osborn of the Naples Daily News Eleanor Bergstein has a few dirty little secrets about her baby, "Dirty Dancing." The 1987 film version she created took a decade to bring to the big screen, and the theater version which opens at ArtisNaples on Tuesday took even longer, Bergstein said last week in a telephone interview. It took awhile for the movie because it was not easy to find money to make it. "Dirty Dancing," starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, went on to become an iconic movie of the 1980s and the first home video to sell more than 1 million copies. She recalled one movie producer telling her the film would flop. "He said, 'Burn the negative and take the insurance.' He thought it was crappy,' " Bergstein recalled. Vestron Pictures, a subsidiary of Vestron Video, finally released the film in theaters in August 1987. "We thought it would be in theaters about a week before it would go to video," Bergstein said. "We were hoping to avoid total humiliation." She quickly pointed out that the film and play are not autobiographical. Even so, Bergstein said, she performed in dance competitions in basements of her native Brooklyn, New York. Bergstein collected "dirty dancing" trophies from such contests and even went by the nickname "Baby," the same moniker for Grey in the movie. She did dance in the Catskill Mountains the film's setting but that was only the tango and cha-cha, she said. "There's a lot of stuff from my life, but it's not the story of my life," Bergstein explained. Casting the movie wasn't easy either, she noted. Bergstein said she wanted only one lead male actor for the role all along Swayze (who died at age 57 from pancreatic cancer in 2009). "I'm always reading articles about various people who turned it down," she said. "I'm here to tell you that's not true. There was never anybody else who was a contender. We brought him to New York." She said Swayze and Grey knew each other from acting in the 1984 movie "Red Dawn" but "they had not gotten along." Bergstein said Swayze's agents and others told him he should not take the lead role for "Dirty Dancing," but he disagreed. "He said, 'Everybody is going to be against me but I promise you I'll do it,' " she remembered Swayze telling her. "And to our great joy he did and he kept his promise." Bergstein received offers to create a play after the film became so successful, but she was slow to embrace that idea. "From the very beginning, I've been very beholden to this audience because they've been so loving and opened their hearts to it," she said. She never wanted to create a repeat of the movie because, as she put it, "Why should I give them something they have at home?" Bergstein said she later learned how the movie played repeatedly on television networks throughout the world. It was then she began thinking that maybe people want more of a personal, live "Dirty Dancing" experience. "This, put together with the mail that I got, made me stop and think. What is this, what is going on here?" she said. "So I thought, OK, I think that what it is is people want to be there when it's happening, because in the present something happens to them. What they really want is to be there live, when it's happening, and if that's the case then live theater is the answer." The theater version, which debuted in Australia in 2004 and London's West End in 2011, is different from the film, she said. For one thing, she was able to add songs she simply could not have afforded in the film version. The songs for the film included records she listened to as a young woman in Brooklyn, such as The Ronettes' "Be My Baby" and The Five Satins' "In the Still of the Night." Other songs included the memorable duet "(I've Had) The Time of My Life" sung by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes, which won an Academy Award for Best Original Song. "Each song is very, very attached to the scene," she said. "I think music is the sound track of the heart." The stage version from the same 45s (record singles) now includes The Drifters' "Save The Last Dance For Me" and "This Magic Moment" and Marvin Gaye's "Stubborn Kind of Fellow." Bergstein said she never wavered in her quest to see the film reach movie houses. "I'm a dog with a bone," she said of her persistence. "I always say to people if I give a talk we should be introduced with what went wrong in our lives and not what went right." Bergstein said she still holds reunions with those who helped her see the film reach the silver screen. "For all of us, when we meet, we kind of tell atrocity tales. 'Remember when everyone was mean to us? Remember when they said burn the negative?' " she said. "We somehow can't give it up, when everyone else was against us." SHARE Cesar Bertrand Zelaya. By Jacob Carpenter of the Naples Daily News A Honduran man received 30 years in prison Thursday for robbing and assaulting an East Naples food store clerk at gunpoint in February 2015. Cesar Augusto Bertrand Zelaya, 31, was convicted of an armed robbery charge by a Collier County jury last month. Investigators said Bertrand Zelaya, who was living in North Naples at the time, and another man, Josue Alberto Lobo Cruz, held up Rose Food Mart on Radio Road, making off with about $2,000 cash. Collier County sheriff's deputies determined Bertrand Zelaya and Lobo Cruz rushed the counter of the store, with Bertrand Zelaya throwing a store clerk to the ground and threatening to kill him at gunpoint. Bertrand Zelaya "viciously and repeatedly" kicked and stomped the clerk and Lobo Cruz ransacked the store, taking cash, cigarettes, lottery tickets and other items, according to an arrest report. Investigators in Lee and Collier counties tied Bertrand Zelaya and Lobo Cruz to the holdup after the duo abandoned their vehicle at the scene of a March 2015 Bonita Springs robbery, deputies said. A gun matching the one seen on surveillance video and lottery tickets traced to Rose Food Mart were found in the vehicle. Witnesses also identified Bertrand Zelaya through photo lineups. Deputies located Bertrand Zelaya about two weeks after the Rose Food Mart robbery. Bertrand Zelaya still has two pending armed robbery cases in Collier County tied to store holdups in January 2015. It wasn't immediately clear whether Bertrand Zelaya had been charged in connection with the Bonita Springs robbery, which occurred in a Carrabba's Italian Grill parking lot and left an employee with a non-fatal gunshot wound. Lobo Cruz hasn't been found by investigators since the robberies. He has active warrants for his arrest in Collier and Lee counties, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. By Melhor Leonor of the Naples Daily News Eric Mazurkewitz's first year in front of a classroom was short of spectacular and fell short of the high hopes he'd built before stepping into Immokalee High. "When I got my first teaching job, I pictured kids being really engaged and being into my lectures," he said. "But it wasn't like that. I failed." Quickly, the Biology teacher realized today's students are constantly demanding to be engaged and getting them to learn requires the energy to satisfy them. So he decided to change his approach. Not quite four years later, Mazurkewitz's approach earned him a Golden Apple award, the county's top teaching distinction. To better engage his students, Mazurkewitz began to record his lectures in short, 10 minute videos he posts on YouTube. He says his students can watch and re-watch on their own time, allowing him to use classroom time to interact with his students. "For kids who are less motivated, we can make this into a fun environment," he said. Another practice Mazurkewitz was recognized for reflects his own trajectory while teaching. When his students make mistakes, he strives to give them opportunities to revisit their work by submitting responses where missteps are revisited for class credit. "I tell them, OK, what are you now going to do about it? How are you going to learn from your mistakes," he said. A native of Long Island, New York, Mazurkewitz went to college in upstate New York to major in Biology a subject he'd been passionate about since high school. "I never changed majors, never thought twice," he said. Mazurkewitz interned for a biotech firm and hoped to follow that route. "But I graduated in 2007, right around the economic meltdown," he said. "The company I interned for said, 'Hey, we're in a hiring freeze." He spent the next few years playing with his band, Testing for Echo. "There's music videos out there that kids like to pull up," he said. With teaching in the back of mind, Mazurkewitz followed his now-wife down to Florida and began teaching at Immokalee High. "It's funny, because when I talk about this with my kids, they're like, 'How did this guy from Long Island end up here, of all places, in Immokalee?' It's serendipitous. I'm not a big believer that things happen for a reason, but it really worked out." Mazurkewitz says the Golden Apple award served as affirmation that what he is doing is working. "Teaching is one of these jobs where when you're in it, you have your head down. You don't know until you look back at the end of the year," he said. "How do we know? Kids are doing well on a test. Well, what if it wasn't hard enough? "It was validation that, OK, what I'm doing is working." This feedback from his students, Mazurkewitz said, is a source of support. A couple years ago, Mazurkewitz began finding flash cards with anonymous words for encouragement for him. He still keeps the cards "Once every couple of weeks I would find these," he said, grabbing the stack from his desk. "One says, 'Thanks for teaching from your heart, not a book.' When they are doing things like this those are moments that stick out." Editor's Note: This is the fifth in a series of stories profiling Collier County's five Golden Apple teachers, and the best practices that earned them Collier's top teacher distinction. The other teachers will be featured in stories that will run through Friday, when all five will be honored at the 26th Annual Golden Apple Celebration of Teachers Dinner. The event, sponsored by the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation, will air on NBC-2 starting at 8 p.m. Related stories: By Maryann Batlle of the Naples Daily News Estero will send to the state for review a plan that creates the "Village Center" and outlines the big-picture requirements for developers who intend to build there. The vote at Wednesday's village council meeting was 6 to 1, with Councilor Katy Errington dissenting. Developers and their lawyers spoke against the village center plan. They said Estero should revise the policy before sending it to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, which checks local planning and land use documents for compliance with state law. Barron Collier Companies and The Lutgert Companies own more than 85 acres on Williams Road and U.S. 41, in the middle of the proposed village center. The partnership is known as North Point LTD. Katherine G. Sproul, co-president of Barron Collier Companies promised to "dispute" any language that conflicts with land rights. "We do have a $40 million investment in this piece of property," Sproul said. There are no shortage of ideas about what to do with the remaining 522 open acres of vacant land that stretch from Broadway Avenue to about Estero's boundary with the city of Bonita Springs, along the eastern side of U.S. 41. In the year since forming the village, Estero has held several public meetings and workshops to discuss the plan. The village council has hired at least three consultants for help with the village center and relies on Nancy Stroud, a private lawyer based in Boca Raton, for advice on land use matters. The latest version of the plan allows developers within the village center to gain higher density for their projects in exchange for desirable perks, such as enhanced streetscapes, public gathering places and bike trails, according to an Estero staff report. There are four levels of available extra density, referred to as "incentives." The specific rules for each tier would be spelled out in another village document, known as the Land Development Code. Estero aims to build a walkable, mixed-use downtown area with complementary businesses alongside residential space, said Vice Mayor Howard Levitan. Levitan, a retired land use lawyer, has led the village council's community planning efforts. Though the developers themselves have asked Estero to pick up the pace so their projects can get going, Errington said Estero could have afforded to wait another week if it meant listening to landowner concerns. "We need to have collaboration," she said. FILE - In this Sept. 14, 2009, file photo, women are concealed from view by Planned Parenthood volunteers as they enter the Planned Parenthood of Collier County in Naples, Fla. (David Albers/Staff) SHARE By Liz Freeman of the Naples Daily News Thousands of women in Collier County may be at a loss to find cancer screenings, sexually transmitted disease tests and birth control based on how Planned Parenthood officials interpret a law Gov. Rick Scott signed last week. The governor's office says that is not the case because the law still allows women to access family planning services at other clinics getting state money that don't do abortions. Planned Parenthood statewide stands to lose $114,000 for non-abortion services under the new law, the governor's office said Wednesday. One dispute between the state and Planned Parenthood ended earlier this week when the state Agency for Health Care Administration dropped complaints that Planned Parenthood clinics in Naples, Fort Myers and St. Petersburg were violating their licenses by performing second trimester abortions. The clinics refuted the complaints and were preparing for an administrative hearing next week on the issue. The bill Scott signed last week prohibits state agencies, including local health departments, from contracting with clinics for medical services when those clinics perform abortions, unless the abortions are performed because the pregnancy is due to rape or incest, or medically necessary for the woman's life. Officials with Planned Parenthood in Florida said the measure will eliminate funding for 2,000 patients on Medicaid and 5,500 patients served through Title 10 federal funding for low income and uninsured women. The law becomes effective July 1. The current contract is in place through the end of this fiscal year (June 30). The department is reviewing our options, according to a statement by the Florida Department of Health. Family planning is a core function of public health and there will be no interruption in services, the statement said. In Collier County, Planned Parenthood has been under contract with the Florida Department of Health to care for Medicaid patients and other low income women. Those patients would lose access to cancer screenings, screenings for sexually transmitted diseases and birth control, Planned Parenthood said. The local Planned Parenthood last year performed 800 STD screenings, 144 HIV screenings, 614 pregnancy tests and screened 864 women for cervical and breast cancer, clinic officials say. In addition, the clinic provided contraception to more than 1,000 clients using state funding, a practice that is now being halted under the new law. Denise Henning, administrator of women's health services for the Healthcare Network of Southwest Florida, which serves many low-income families, said she is concerned about the elimination of Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood. Because there are so few obstetricians/gynecologists who accept Medicaid, the loss to Planned Parenthood will result in an influx of patients needing cancer screenings and family planning, she said. "The Healthcare Network is gearing up to be able to provide these services for women who need them in both Naples and Immokalee," she said in an email. The governor's office Wednesday that the bill Scott signed continues to make it illegal for any facility to use taxpayer funds for abortion services, while the law still allows for women to receive state help for non-abortion related medical care. "Over $5 million in state funds are provided for non-abortion services at many charitable clinics and county health departments," the governor's office said Wednesday. "(The new law) makes sure no state funds can indirectly fund abortions by supporting the same institutions that perform them." Cracks can be seen on one of the buildings on Florida SouthWestern State College campus Wednesday, March 30, 2016. The cracks allow water to seep in causing the exterior to swell. Many of the buildings on campus are dealing with the same problems. The college recently asked the Florida Legislature for $8 million dollars to help replace several faulty building exteriors on the school's campus. Governor Rick Scott vetoed the request. (Luke Franke/Staff) SHARE Florida SouthWestern State College recently asked the Florida Legislature for $8 million dollars to help replace several faulty building exteriors on the school's campus. Governor Rick Scott vetoed the request. (Luke Franke/Staff) Florida SouthWestern State College recently asked the Florida Legislature for $8 million dollars to help replace several faulty building exteriors on the school's campus. Governor Rick Scott vetoed the request. (Luke Franke/Staff) Florida SouthWestern State College recently asked the Florida Legislature for $8 million dollars to help replace several faulty building exteriors on the school's campus. Governor Rick Scott vetoed the request. (Luke Franke/Staff) By Arek Sarkissian of the Naples Daily News TALLAHASSEE Florida SouthWestern State College will use money needed to maintain other buildings to repair the exterior of 10 of the oldest Collier campus buildings, a decision made necessary after Gov. Rick Scott vetoed $8 million for the school from the state budget. "We definitely have other areas where we can spend the money, like older buildings that may need the attention," FSW spokeswoman Teresa Morgenstern said on Wednesday. "We'll just have to keep making repairs." The college, which has spent an average of about $70,000 a year since 1998 to repair cracks and other problems in exterior building walls, was relying on the state money to replace the older material. The Legislature, which rejected two previous FSW requests for state money to replace the material, approved the $8 million for the project in the states's $82 billion budget for next year. But Scott yanked the money out with a veto. The college will continue to pay to erase the fissures that spider across the stucco-like walls, budgeting $48,476 for the work this year. "As of right now, we just make the repairs when they come up," Morgenstern said. "We try to repair them before they get worse." The $8 million that would have halted the fluctuating repair costs to patch the cracks should have been requested through a repair list submitted by the Florida College System, Scott said. "Typically it depends on the type of process it goes through," Scott said of his veto. "We look at those to see if they went through the right process." The type of material failing on the Collier County campus buildings is known as an Exterior Insulation Finishing System. The layers of insulation and synthetic finishes should be water resistant if it is properly installed, said Ray Biron, vice president of the Florida Association of Building Inspectors. "That's usually the problem with that material, when it's not properly installed," said Biron, who also is a Naples-based building inspector. "It works great, but if it's not installed those cracks will show up." Biron said improper installation allows moisture to seep behind the exterior, which heats up during hotter months and leads to the cracks. "It's just the moisture trying to get out," he said. "The only way to fix it is total replacement." The $8 million veto was one of $256.1 million in cuts Scott made to the budget that was approved by the Legislature before it concluded this year's lawmaking season on March 11. Scott also vetoed $3 million to the Healthcare Network of Southwest Florida in Immokalee because the money would have been used to construct a private facility in the Golden Gate community, according to information from his office. Rep. Matt Hudson, R-Naples, said the FSW project was misidentified as repairs to the buildings when the project would have actually replaced the exteriors. The difference is two separate areas of the state budget. "This was one of those times where after the paperwork was done, it didn't quite fit the jigsaw puzzle," Hudson said. "We will definitely try again next year." The FSW buildings susceptible to the cracks were built in 1992 and house facilities such as the auditorium, cafeteria and faculty offices. Morgenstern said the school's regular maintenance money could be put to good use in other parts of the college. The original Thomas Edison Campus in Fort Myers was constructed in 1962 and has several buildings that also require maintenance, Morgenstern said. "That's money that could go to our older buildings and all of the problems that come with them," she said. "Maybe it's electrical or the air conditioning that gives in." Lawmakers rejected other FSW requests for money to fix the buildings. The college requested $5.3 million in 2013 and $8 million in 2014, which lawmakers did not include in the final budgets. Contact Daily News reporter arek.sarkissian@naplesnews.com DAVID ALBERS/STAFF The site of the proposed Jay and Patty Baker Park on the Gordon River in Naples. By Joseph Cranney of the Naples Daily News When the city of Naples held a fundraiser in March 2014 for an ambitious plan to design a new public park, Valerie Trotman was charmed by the idea that the park would be the city's gateway to the Gordon River. The park's design included, among several water amenities, a floating dock and ramp for kayaks and paddle boarding. Trotman agreed to sponsor the dock. Her daughter owns a water-sport business in North Carolina, and giving money for the dock was a good way to honor her family, Trotman thought. Trotman, a retired Naples resident who said her husband was the former chair of the Ford Motor Company, wrote the city a check for $50,000 on March 31, 2014. Two years later, Trotman is among a handful of major donors to the park now called Baker Park who feel uneasy about mixed visions on the park's design, and who aren't sure they want to keep their money in the project. Since the initial fundraiser, the Naples City Council, responding to public concerns about cost and sustainability, has agreed to redesign the park twice. The new design, which was approved by the council last month, looks much different from the design that most of the project's donations were based on. About a dozen park features from the original Baker Park proposal, for which the city has collected close to $1.2 million from donors like Trotman, aren't included in the new design. City Manager Bill Moss said the city considers the old donations available in the Baker Park fund, even though the donations have written agreements for naming rights to deleted amenities. A foundation in Illinois donated $50,000 in July 2014 for a 6,000-square-foot natural stage to be placed in the middle of a lake built into the Baker Park main lawn. The lake was deleted from the park vision after the council agreed that the park site, an old landfill, couldn't sustain it. The stage was also nixed from plans, but the city still has the $50,000 on hand. Thomas Wright, the treasurer for the foundation the Dellora A. and Lester J. Norris Foundation declined to comment. Stefanie Nelson, a former resident of Moorings Park Drive, donated $25,000 in March 2014 for a plaza that overlooked the water, a feature also not included in the new park design. Whether Nelson would agree to donate the money to another park feature is unclear. She died in December, and her family didn't respond to requests for comment before press time. Mayor John Sorey said he talked to Nelson before she died and she told him she would wait to see what she wanted to do with her money. Sorey said he talked with a member of Nelson's family after she died, but declined to say whom. "Her estate is not going to fuss about that," Sorey said. "I think we can probably re-allocate that." When Trotman gave her donation in 2014, she included an inscription for a plaque that would go with the kayak dock. She said she pictured a physical dock, "something of substance." But the new park design got rid of the dock and replaced it with a sand beach for river access. Trotman said it's "quite possible" she will ask for her money back. "I was sort of put off a bit by the way it's been handled," Trotman said. "Really, I could think of better things in Naples for my $50,000 than that now." There are other discrepancies in the new design. For instance, the city has collected close to $60,000 in donations for 59 park benches. However, the new design only includes 36 benches. The new park design is estimated to cost roughly $16.7 million. Even with the $1.2 million in donations for deleted features, the cost of the park is $5 million more than money available in the park fund. Three newly elected council members and a new mayor will take their seats on the dais next week after Sorey lost his re-election bid to City Councilman Bill Barnett. Barnett and the other remaining council members Doug Finlay, Linda Penniman and Sam Saad support the new plan for the park. Two new council members Reg Buxton and Michelle McLeod have previously worked on Baker Park; either on the park committee or through the park's nonprofit. The other new council member Ellen Seigel said she endorses the council's decision to approve the new plan. Sorey, who had been the point man in the city's negotiations with donors, said he would defer those negotiations to the direction of the new council. "I'm not going to say, well because I didn't get re-elected, I'm out of here," Sorey said. "It's up to council to take a positive action. If they want me to do something, they need to make that request." Barnett hopes Sorey will continue to work with the donors. "He is the one that has the relationship with them," Barnett said. "I would hope that he still has the best interest of the city at heart and would talk with them." But Sorey also said he will "wait and see" if he and his wife, Delores, can continue to support the new design for the park, which is less lavish than the design they endorsed two years ago that was subsequently whittled down. "I'm not particularly excited about the latest rendition and some of the donors are not," Sorey said. "I've encouraged them to stay patient. I think there needs to be more features than what we saw in that last plan." Most of the old features were deleted from the park by the council in a series of split votes during a meeting in February 2015. The features were deleted to cut costs or simplify the park. A new park designer was hired and the revised plan was adopted by the council last month. The park will still include a bridge to the Gordon River Greenway and another $3.1 million in new amenities, including a $1.2 million two-story building that could host a cafe on the ground floor. After many of the features were cut last year, Sorey said he would meet with donors and try to convince them to move their money to another park feature. "I'll let council know what the damage is," Sorey said on Feb. 4, 2015. But some donors said the city hasn't kept them informed of the park's progress. Trotman said she doesn't recall receiving direct correspondence from the city in the past two years. Tom Norris, who along with his wife Joan, gave $50,000 for the now-deleted lake, said talks with the city have been "infrequent" and doesn't remember the last time he received an update. "We have not been kept in the loop," Norris said. Polly Keller has donated $12,500 of her $25,000 pledge for a monument to her husband that was designed to go in a plaza of flag poles under a previous park plan. She guessed that she hasn't heard from the city in two years. She said she is OK with her money going to a new design for flags in the park, but she would have to make her decision after the park plans are finalized. "I don't really know what's going on right now," Keller said. Other donors said they were committed to keeping their money in the park. Arni Thorsteinson, who pledged $100,000 for a feature on the bridge to the Greenway, said he's not concerned with the shifting plans. "I think that's normal in a campaign to raise private sector funds," he said. "On one hand, they're conceptual drawings. On the other hand, to get the interest of donors, you have to lay out naming opportunities." Sorey said he suggested to Moss, the city manager, that he send written correspondence to the donors to update them on the most-recent design. The city has returned donation money for just two of the deleted park features the lake, and a carousel for which Chris & Jeannie Smith donated $500,000. Attempts to reach the Smiths failed. At the gala in March 2014, Gary and Flip West were initially excited about the concept for the new park. "This is something that my husband and I felt very, very strongly about," Flip West said. "It's something that Naples needs. It's for the betterment of the community." The Wests agreed to sponsor seven park features, including two pavilions, a rock waterfall and a concrete tower that would provide views to the Gordon River. Gary West wrote the city a $1 million check for the features on May 15, 2014. He included a plaque inscription. "We are very proud to be a part of this beautiful park," the inscription said. "Congratulations to the City of Naples for their vision." None of those features are included in the new design. Now, Flip West said, the couple wants to stay involved, but they don't know what the council will do next. "If they go through this again and they choose to eliminate a lot of the projects, I think they're going to be in for a surprise," Flip West said. "I can tell you some people are going to pull their money back. The money they think they're going to be working with, they won't." Related stories: SHARE Bill Bond, Bonita Springs Give us news Newspapers were created to transmit news to their readers and the front page of newspapers to carry the most significant news. I fail to see how the lead story in the March 25 Daily News a Naples equestrienne is the most significant news available. Horrifying terrorism bombings in Europe, grim battles in war-torn Syria, heated political campaigning in the United States, to name just a few events, are far more relevant (and interesting) to many Daily News readers. Burying such stories in the back pages of the front section of each issue only diminishes your publication's claim to be a newspaper. SHARE Tara Norman, Naples Gratitude to Heitmann Of the many things this generation owes the next is an example of how to maintain grace and dignity when things do not turn out as hoped. Election night in the city of Naples provided such a teaching moment for the supporters of Teresa Heitmann as they watched her come in second in the three-candidate race for mayor. She never paused for a moment in her warmth and encouragement when it was known that she would not win. She maintained that same strong and purposeful carriage that served her so well when she was the sole voice of her constituents against the other six members of City Council. The community owes Heitmann and her family a debt of gratitude, not only for the eight years she served on council, but for her steadfast example of strength and determination when she believed she was in the right. We can hope that she will remain active in her community and provide a touchstone for those who seek to protect the residential character of Naples. SHARE Eugene Adiutori, Naples How media tells it Donald Trump says if the party steals the nomination, he thinks riots will result. The media reports "Trump threatens violence!" Sen. Ted Cruz says if the party steals the nomination, "people will revolt." The media has no comment. A Cruz PAC places an ad with an unrevealing nude of Mrs. Trump on British GQ cover, and the statement suggesting that she is too immoral to be first lady. The media has no comment, apparently believing the unbelievable claim that Cruz had nothing to do with the ad. To retaliate, Trump tweets negative comments about Mrs. Cruz. The media reports "Not even wives off limits to Trump!" I once asked a very old house guest whether or not he had read the morning paper, and his reply was "No. It's all full of lies anyway." Amen. The Heights Foundation announces the opening of Lee Countys newest tuition-free public charter school. The Harlem Heights Community Charter School, located at The Heights Center, 15570 Hagie Drive in Fort Myers will serve kids kindergarten through grade 3. The schools vision is to create a small school community with focused and individualized instruction where all students are valued, supported in the development of core academic skills and encouraged to challenge their learning toward excellence. The school embraces the challenge of educating a diverse group of students. The academic and enrichment programs are research-based and carefully designed to meet the needs of students. The school will assist students through a unique multi-faceted approach to education that will prepare them to be successful in subsequent educational placements. The Harlem Heights Community Charter Schools organization and educational program is based on the beliefs that all students can learn and all students deserve a chance to become all they can be, said Debra Mathinos, Director of The Harlem Heights Community Charter School. We believe students learn at different rates and should have a variety of instructional options that meet their individual needs and learning pace. According to The Florida Department of Education, charter schools are among the fastest growing school choice options in Florida. Charter schools are largely free to innovate, and often provide more effective programs and choice to diverse groups of students. More than 650 charter school are available in Florida and student enrollment is nearly 270,000. The Harlem Heights Community Charter School will welcome its first classes of kindergarten and first grade on August 10. Enrollment opportunities are available. For more information contact Debra Mathinos at 239- 482-7706 or by email debra@heightsfoundation.org The Heights Foundation works to build self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood. The mission is to support education and wellness, promote family and community development, and provide the benefits of enrichment and the arts. The Harlem Heights Community Charter School, supported by The Heights Foundation, will serve children Kindergarten through Grade 3 and is designed to provide students with a developmentally appropriate, standards-based, differentiated educational experience. Harlem Heights was originally settled as a rural agricultural community. Approximately 780 children live in a mixture of single-family homes and multi-family apartments. Demographically, the population is approximately 70% Hispanic, 20% African-American, and 8% Caucasian. The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average, with family income 40% below the county average. Families are not able to easily access family support services located in downtown Fort Myers, and benefit greatly from programs located within the neighborhood. The Hodges University Frances Pew Hayes Center for Lifelong Learning (CLL) is hosting 11 lectures at its Naples campus throughout the month of April. Free and open to the public, the lectures cover current events, health and wellness, the arts, literature, technology, creative writing and more. Some of the available lectures include Pharmacy Fraud: A Multibillion Dollar Health Care Problem, which is led by Dr. Miguel Rivera, Hodges accounting and finance chair; Walking in Annes Shoes, led by Dr. Cynthia Gomez, associate professor and director of developmental education at Hodges; Meditation, led by Renee Newell, professor of English as a Second Language at Hodges; and The Crime Scene Effect, led by Sara Vazquez, crime scene investigator for the City of Naples Police Department. The CLL is also hosting Koreshan State Park Tour and Lunch from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Thursday, April 14. Guests will take a tour of the historic settlement before enjoying an authentic Koreshan lunch prepared on-site. The cost for parking is $4 for an individual and $5 for a vehicle with up to eight passengers. For lunch and supplies, a suggested cash donation of $10 is requested per individual. Our members began telling us how much they would like to have our lectures extend into April as they are staying in the area longer. By offering these free lectures throughout the month of April, we are providing a mixture of various topics and providing people, both members and newcomers, an opportunity to experience what the CLL has to offer, said Barbara Hawkes, director of the Frances Pew Hayes Center for Lifelong Learning. Our members remark how our program provides a family feeling. They are comfortable in the environment we provide and are able to visit with friends and meet new people. The CLL is a member-directed, multigenerational learning community that invites participants to experience diverse, collaborative, life-enhancing intellectual and social activities. The broad-based curriculum includes stimulating discussion groups, lectures, field trips and workshops. To view the full list of April workshops, review the 2016 April Session Guide at www.hodges.edu/lifelonglearning. For more information or to register, contact Tifarah Pardue at tpardue@hodges.edu or 239- 598-6143. Thomas Riley Artisans Guild hosted their 25th anniversary celebration on March 22 at their Thomas Riley Studio Gallery in downtown Naples. Since the company began, they have made it a priority to give back to the community and those in need. In honor of those who helped the company succeed and helped wishes come true, their celebration also was held to benefit Make-A-Wish Southern Florida. Over 150 guests enjoyed a wide array of food served small plate style from a local food truck while sipping wine and viewing the latest exhibit at the art gallery. The block party style event also featured live music and local wish child, Leo Marino Jr., telling his story about his Florida Keys fishing trip with world famous fisherman, Peter Miller. In honor of those who have helped make our wishes come true, it was a pleasure to host a benefit for Make-A-Wish, said Tom Riley, founder of Thomas Riley Artisans Guild. We are proud to have partnered with this unique organization to raise funds to grant wishes for kids with life threatening medical conditions. Artist Carmelo Blandino was also in attendance to sign copies of his book In Bloom, which includes his prolific flower paintings. Along with book sales and donations, the event raised over $8,500 which will grant one and one-half wishes. Make-A-Wish Southern Florida grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. The Southern Florida chapter grants a wish every 16 hours and has granted more than 10,000 wishes since its inception in 1983. The chapters vision is to make every eligible childs wish come true. For more information about Make-A-Wish, visit www.sfla.wish.org or call 239-992-9474 to get involved. The sudden death of a young South Tipperary woman who was becoming a leading figure in world human rights affairs has stunned her family and friends in Ireland and abroad. The sudden death of a young South Tipperary woman who was becoming a leading figure in world human rights affairs has stunned her family and friends in Ireland and abroad. Diane Halley, who was known to her friends as Dee, was only 33 when she passed away on Easter Sunday in Prague, following a short illness. The daughter of Michael and Miriam Halley, Clogheen, Diane had a twin sister Lynda, younger sister Crystal, and is also survived by her partner Andy. Following several years working with an EU mission to bolster human rights in Palestine, Diane had helped to found the New Story Leadership Programme for the Middle East and was the programmes European co-ordinator. The programme takes university students and recent graduates from Israel and Palestine, or students from those regions studying in the UK or USA, and over the course of a summer in Washing DC learning about how leadership can bring about peaceful change. In September of 2009 Diane too on the role of Human Rights Expert to the EU sponsored policing mission in the Palestinian Territories. The job was based in the West Bank. She studied law at NUI Galway and was awarded a masters in international human rights law from University College London. For four years before she went to the Middle Easte, Diane worked as a human rights advisor to two Irish members of the European Parliament, Simon Coveney who was the human rights spokesperson for the largest groups in the parliament, the European Peoples Party, and Colm Bourke with whom she travelled to Gaza and Chad. Diane also spent time on a north-south internship project and worked as a project co-ordinator for an organisation that works to bring young Israelis and Palestinians together, in Washington DC. Tributes to Diane poured in from around the world at the sad news of her passing. Kevin Sullivan, Chairman of the Washington Ireland Program, said: On behalf of the Board of the Washington Ireland Program and her many WIP friends I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Dees family for her untimely and sudden passing on Easter Sunday. Dee had many friends in Washington, Dublin, Belfast, Jerusalem, Ramallah, Prague and countless other cities and nations. She talked with great realism yet hopefully about the work ahead in helping to build NSL. She was a young woman at the top of her game with a great sense of purpose and drive. Dee was a wonderful example of living the WIP ethos go out and do your bit, have a vision and dont wait around for someone else to make it happen. May she rest in peace. Andrew Rabens of the US State Department said: Truly saddened to hear the news about the loss of Diane Halley at the far too early age of 33 years old. Dee was a remarkable young woman with a huge heart and a passion for peace, particularly through her tireless work and commitment to coexistence in Northern Ireland and the Middle East. Dianes funeral took place last Sunday at St. Marys Church, Clogheen, with burial afterwards in Shanrahan Cemetery. Five California men pleaded guilty to a loan modification scam that fleeced more than 400 troubled homeowners that were seeking access to the Home Affordable Modification Program. The ringleader of the scam, Roscoe Ortega Umali, and his co-conspirators convinced their victims to send "reinstatement fees" and "trial mortgage payments" to participate in the Treasury Department's HAMP program. The scammers pocketed $3.8 million from October 2012 to September 2014. "Umali and his cohorts made false claims of operating a nonprofit company, brazenly used the U.S. Treasury seal on fabricated documents, and invented fictitious HAMP benefits," according to Christy Goldsmith Romero, Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program. She announced the guilty pleas in a press release Wednesday. The scammers contacted homeowners through nationwide mass mailings. They did "nothing to help modify any mortgages," according to the IG. "Instead, they used the victims' payments for their own personal benefit and to further the fraud scheme." The five defendants Umali, Jefferson Maniscan, Raymund Dacanay, Isaac Perez and Joshua Johnson all resided in the Los Angeles area. They were indicted last October and they will be sentenced this summer. Each faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A Department of Housing and Urban Development policy released Friday will allow servicers to assign more reverse mortgages with nonborrowing spouses to HUD upon the borrower's death. The move gives servicers more access to one alternative to foreclosing on a widowed spouse not listed on the borrower's Home Equity Conversion Mortgage when the borrower dies and the loan becomes due and payable. "It eliminates some of the requirements that they had proposed earlier. That makes it applicable to a much broader pool of nonborrowing spouses," said Peter Bell, president of the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association. A previous policy addressing this issue was rescinded in April amid criticism of a provision that required certain nonborrowing spouses to pay down some of the unpaid principal balance as a condition for receiving access to foreclosure relief. The rescinded policy had only applied to loans originated before Aug. 4, 2014. Friday's new policy replaces those rules and omits the unpaid principal balance provision. "Lenders will be permitted [to] assign an eligible HECM to HUD despite the death of the last surviving borrower and regardless of the loan's unpaid principal balance," said HUD, in a press release. HUD declined to comment on an inquiry into how many more HECMs will now qualify for assignment to its Federal Housing Administration division under this new policy. Nonborrowing spouse policy reform has resulted from a long-running legal battle over the rights of these consumers between consumer advocates and HUD. An attorney for plaintiffs said he was still reviewing the new policy Friday, but was cautiously optimistic about it. "We're still reviewing, but this appears to be a very positive development," said Craig Briskin, an attorney at the Washington law firm Mehri & Skalet PLLC, which is counseling plaintiffs. Bell was also still reviewing the details of the policy to determine what effect it would have on easing operational burdens on the reverse mortgage industry. Roundup Ready GMOs nutritionally deficient, saturated with chemical toxins GM sugar beets destroying natural chard crops (NaturalNews) A shocking report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has found that, when it comes to their supposed viability in modern farming, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) hardly live up to the industry hype. In fact, the chief investment officer of a large firm recently declared that GMOs are destroying the natural order "and will eventually lead to ruin," presumably by contaminating natural crops and the earth with irreversible genetic pollution."Agriculture is heading for a wall," stated CNBC chief news correspondent Mark Koba, quoting the words of Universa Investments President and CIO Mark Spitznagel, during a recent broadcast. And the reason for this, as explained by microbiology professor and retired senior scientist Ramon J. Seidler, Ph.D., in a recent piece for, is that GMOs appear to have set in motion the destruction of the natural order, not to mention the fact that they simply do not work."GMO seeds have not been shown to definitively increase yield potentials," admits the USDA report, which can be accessed in the source links at the bottom of this article. "[I]n fact, the yields of herbicide-tolerant or insect-resistant seeds may be occasionally lower than the yields of conventional varieties."These statements are pretty self-explanatory, and the mainstream media has even fessed up that GMOs are not all that they have been cracked up to be. When it comes to crop technologies that are actually feeding the world, non-GMOs are organics are still the best options, according to the United Nations Commission on Trade and Development. A 30-year investigation by the Rodale Institute also found that organics outperform GMOs on almost every metric."Agroeconomists have shown repeatedly that the best-yielding, most-affordable crop varieties, to 'feed the world,' are those derived from conventional non-GMO hybrids," wrote Seidler forEven if they do not necessarily produce higher yields, as many GMO advocates have had to admit, surely transgenic crops have reduced farmers' dependency on chemicals, right? Wrong. More chemicals are being applied to commercial crops than ever, and recent studies have found that the chemicals linger on crops.Pesticides and herbicides also appear to damage the nutritional composition of GM crops, as evidenced in a recent study out of Scandinavia. Not only did Norwegian researchers detect the presence of Monsanto's Roundup herbicide on 100 percent of the Roundup Ready soybean samples tested, but they also found abnormal nutrient levels in the "Frankencrops.""[T]he nutritional composition of soybeans grown on 31 Ohio farms differed depending upon the type of farm management system employed," explained Seidler, reporting on a study published in the journal. "Soybeans harvested from organic farms had higher concentrations of protein and essential amino acids, and higher concentrations of two minerals, and no Roundup residues."Cross-contamination continues to be an ever-present issue with GMOs as well. Because of the strong likelihood of genetic drift and cross-pollination from GM crops, many non-GM and organic farmers are having to cancel their seed contracts or grow other crops to avoid suffering major crop losses, not to mention a loss of their livelihoods."Unfortunately, seed buyers have canceled local Swiss chard contracts because of the likelihood of cross-pollination by sugar beets," added Seidler. "Sugar beet pollen travels two to four miles... and cross-pollination is likely with chard because GMO farms are usually secretly located."You can access the full USDA report admitting that GMOs have failed and are no better than non-GMOs here: 'OK stop; she has the disease' Aspirin for life (NaturalNews) At 16, Allison Fite continually fell asleep in class but did not know why. What's more, it quickly became obvious that the traditional medical community couldn't figure it out, either.As reported by, doctors told her she was suffering from a severe sinus infection that never really went away. For the next 10 years, she struggled with multiple infections, and was constantly taking antibiotics and decongestants "Having these sinus problems and not being able to breathe was debilitating," she told the public network.Now 27, Fite and doctors just couldn't figure out why that cycle kept repeating itself. Her doctors told her she had allergies, but "then the tests would come back and they'd be like, 'Huh. You don't have allergies,'" she said.It was a few unusual symptoms that finally led to an answer: Fite had a little-known disease that is shared by just 1 to 1.5 million Americans: Asthma, a loss of smell and taste, and a strong adverse reaction to alcohol."Before I could finish [a drink], I started to get these really bad headaches," she told. "I really am allergic to fun."She had also developed nasal polyps, which are benign but grow in sinus cavities. At age 20, she had them surgically removed for the first time, but by age 25 she had to fly back from Thailand, where she was living at the time, for another operation.After that second procedure, the polyps returned again, but after only eight weeks."I was seeing a doctor in Bangkok at this point," Fite said. "He was like, 'This is not normal.' " He did, however, mention that aspirin can cause nasal polyps , and it was her first real clue into her illness: Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease, or AERD. The disease was first discovered early in the 20th century, says Dr. Tanya Laidlaw, an immunologist at Brigham and Woman's Hospital in Boston, where she studies the disease. It is seen in "patients who had this triad of asthma, nasal polyps and these rather idiosyncratic reactions to medications like aspirin ," she toldAfter learning about the condition from her mother, who sent her one of Laidlaw's presentations on the illness online, Fite went to see her doctor in Thailand again, who decided to test her. He gave her one-fifth of an aspirin tablet and watched her."Forty-five minutes later," Fite said, "I'm sitting in this hospital waiting room coughing, sweating, and my blood pressure spiked. And they're like, 'OK, stop. Give her medicine; she has the disease .'"Happy to finally have learned what the problem really was, Fite next learned that she needed a treatment called aspirin desensitization when a patient is overloaded with a large dose of aspirin. And her Bangkok doctor had never done it before."He was like, 'I don't feel comfortable doing it, and I don't think you'll find a doctor in Asia that is,'" Fite said.She left Thailand once more and visited Laidlaw's clinic in Boston to have the procedure done. The doctor toldthat she isn't sure why the treatment works and neither is anyone else, but it does desensitize the patient to aspirin and helps to alleviate the symptoms.For her part, Laidlaw said she's frustrated there isn't more awareness about AERD . And she said she believes at least 20 percent of people who have it have never been diagnosed.An immunologist at Boston Children's Hospital, Dr. Ana Broyles, said it probably gets missed a lot by primary care providers because they don't specialize in immunology or ear , nose and throat medicine.But there is also a serious lack of science surrounding the illness. Laidlaw says that when she began studying it about 10 years ago, there had barely even been any basic research conducted on the condition over the previous century.For her part, Fite is doing much better following the desensitization procedure, having had only one sinus infection over the past year. But she says she has to take aspirin now for the rest of her life, to keep up the desensitization, and that could be dangerous."Say I get in an accident, and I bleed too much because of the aspirin," she said. Fracking wastewater causes tumor growth The BEAS-2B cells exposed to flow back water up to six weeks appeared to be transformed and exhibiting altered morphology as compared to parental cells. The present work also provided Ba and Sr as hydraulic fracturing-related target pollutants in addition to the more classically- studied fracking contaminants (i.e., radioisotopes and methane) for further investigation. Research to determine whether fracking-associated pollutants can migrate to private or public drinking wells, to identify early warning indicators of exposure and effect, and to identify suitable remediation approaches are urgently needed. Descriptive and analytical epidemiological studies along with animal model studies will help to better understand the health impact associated with unconventional shale gas production. (NaturalNews) According to statistics from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, natural gas now powers about 33 percent of the US electrical grid, but the technique that's used to extract oil from the ground today is much different from the drilling methods of the past. To speed up the process, a high-tech method was invented called high-volume horizontal hydraulic fracturing. While we still call the end product "natural gas" there really is nothing natural about hydraulic fracturing.Fracking uses high pressure, water, sand and a myriad of chemicals to fracture the rock up to 1,000 feet away from the the well, according to a study titled "Malignant human cell transformation of Marcellus Shale gas drilling flow back water." Fracking is unleashed between 6,000 and 10,000 feet deep in the well, according to the study, and about 5.5 million gallons of water are used for each fracking well. The pressure causes fractures to form and forces water and chemicals back up to the surface. Between 30 and 70 percent of the water returns to the surface as flowback. This flowback water contains chemicals from the fracturing process and an unknown quantity ofThis can cause heavy metals to contaminate rural wells, farmland and food.So could fracking be causing cancer? A new study says, yes, and it could be happening much faster than previously predicted.The study, which was published in, breaks new ground, confirming the carcinogenicity of fracking waste water.Scientists from both China and the US worked together to discover the effect that fracking wastewater has on human bronchial epithelial cells. They also introduced the wastewater to mice to watch for tumor growth. After injecting the wastewater in mice, five out of six developed tumors ranging in size from 0.2 cm to 0.6 cm. The tumors formed much faster than predicted, as early as three months after initial injection. The control mice formed no tumors after six months. The study concluded that "flow back water is capable of neoplastic transformation in vitro," according to WakeUp-World.com.When the researchers looked at human bronchial epithelial cells, they witnessed severe changes. In the tests, the flowback wastewater induced malignant changes that were consistent with the cancerous phenotype. The scientists were taken aback at how quickly this wastewater was causing conditions for tumors to take hold.This is theafter a fracking operation. This is theinto an onsite or offsite disposal well. Sometimes the wastewater is transported to industrial treatment facilities. Sometimes it is not. The two elements that were most concerning to the scientists areWhen these elements enter the body, they mimic calcium and compete with calcium utilization.Imagine the consequences for one state alone: a state like Pennsylvania has over 7,700 active fracking wells. According to these statistics, drillers are currently pumping 42 billion gallons of water into the depths, mixing it with chemicals as they proceed. Right now, up to 6 billion gallons of fracking wastewater (loaded with heavy metals and radioactive particles) are returning to the surface of Pennsylvania land. The carcinogenicity is spreading fast, permeating the earth.As reported by WakeUp-World.com, the study authors concluded: Giving the food industry time to figure out a way to be less transparent Then there is the TPP, which facilitates the proliferation of GMOs (NaturalNews) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is using a policy sleight of hand to appear as though it supports listing genetically modified ingredients in foods, but without actually requiring them to be spelled out.As reported byin recent days, the USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack has indeed officially called for making GMO labeling mandatory for food companies to place on their products. In a briefing to reporters at this year's Commodity Classic in New Orleans an annual event showcasing the newest innovations in agriculture Vilsack said that he is proposing mandatory labeling, because, in order to ensure passage of legislation in Congress, 60 votes are necessary in the U.S. Senate to prevent filibusters, which kill bills."That's the key," Vilsack said. "If you don't get this requirement, then you create a situation where every company could decide for itself to do something, which could create confusion. Plus, you don't want state laws that could potentially be at odds."Currently, several states are considering GMO labeling laws ; Vermont has actually passed one.But Vilsack essentially left the door open for food companies which he says need time to adapt to any new GMO labeling requirements to find ways to meet the new mandate without actually providing quick, easily accessible information to consumers."You give the food industry some time to figure out how flexible the label needs to be,, or something else," he said. [Emphasis added.) "And then you use that time to educate people that this label is going to be available, and this is an opportunity for them to know about the food that they are buying."But not really, if they don't have ready access to the technology required to actuallyabout GMO ingredients in the foods they are considering buying.That's the only way a majority of senators many of whom are recipients of Big Food money would consider any mandatory labeling bill (if there was a way to pretend to be requiring it withoutdoing so)."I think the House will give it great consideration and the president will sign it," Vilsack said.Vilsack also says this national charade will co-opt stronger measures in the states, like Vermont, whose law actually requires food makers toon labels (this legislation is currently being litigated, by the way).There are also international trade implications, as noted by"Proponents of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) point out that it will make it easier for American entrepreneurs, farmers, and small business owners to sell Made-In-America products abroad by eliminating more than 18,000 taxes and other trade barriers on American products across the 11 other countries in the TPP."Republican presidential contenders and Democratic contender Hillary Clinton have come out in opposition of TPP. Vilsack, who supports the measure like his boss, President Obama, was uncertain whether TPP would pass in the Senate before the next administration takes office."Through studies, we know that TPP will increase ag exports and increase ag incomes. Delaying the vote will cost the U.S. economy $94 billion, according to the Peterson Institute," he said. "We need to continue to point out that 95% of the world's consumers live outside of the U.S. So, we need to use agriculture as a benefit to moving this economy forward. So, we make the case and I think there will be adequate votes in the House and Senate to get TPP passed."GMO labeling efforts continue in many states, and in every case they are being opposed by the very food industry such laws would hold to account. Meanwhile, the spread of GMO crops worldwide continues to grow, along with the glyphosate market. While the actions of Congress and the AG could undermine what the next president is saying today about marijuana policy, the conflict between state and federal law is becoming less tolerable: A whopping 72 percent of Americans believe marijuana law enforcement costs more than it's worth, and 60 percent say federal prohibition laws shouldn't apply in states where cannabis is legal. "The time is long overdue" "Medical [marijuana] should happen right?" (NaturalNews) When Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., dropped out of the presidential race in recent weeks, that left every other viable candidate supporting at least a state's right to legalize marijuana if its voters chose to do so. And while recreational pot use remains against federal law something that Congress will need to address lest the next administration be more aggressive about enforcing that law all of the remaining viable candidates in both parties at least support a state's right to decide on legalization,magazine reported recently.The political backing is there, as well; more Americans than ever (58 percent) now believe that pot should be legalized, and many will consider that an important issue heading into November. However, it's not clear whether the presidential candidates' support of legalization will be enough to influence federal policy as well.Asreported further:"Candidates from both political parties recognize that advocating for marijuana law reform is a political opportunity, not a political liability," Paul Armentano, deputy director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, or NORML, told the magazine. Rubio, who has taken substantial "contributions" from the prisonindustrial complex , supported the enforcement of federal law in states that have voted to legalize pot use.Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., a proud socialist running for the Democrat presidential nomination who recently won one of the states Washington that has passed a measure legalizing weed, is the most liberal on marijuana policy. On the campaign trail, Sanders has said he wants to end the oppressive War on Drugs and supports allowing states to legalize pot if they want, as well as de-scheduling it (removing it from the federal Controlled Substances Act)."In my view, the time is long overdue for us to remove the federal prohibition on marijuana," Sanders said at George Mason University in October. "States should have the right to regulate marijuana the same way that state and local laws now govern the sale of alcohol and tobacco. And among other things, that means that recognized businesses in states that have legalized marijuana should be fully able to use the banking system without fear of federal prosecution."Hillary Clinton is behind Sanders on the matter of cannabis policy, and has said that she would continue the Obama Administration's enforcement guidelines (which has been to officially support states' rights on the issue while continuing to use taxpayer funds to terrorize marijuana users, producers and distributors ). She claims that she supports the states' right to legalize (but not states' rights on other issues, like what does and does not constitute marriage); however, she has also proposed to reschedule, rather than de-schedule, cannabis."I think that states are the laboratories of democracy, and four states have already taken action to legalize, and it will be important that other states and the federal government take account of how that's being done, that we learn from what they're doing," Clinton said on WBZ News Radio in January. "I do think on the federal level we need to move marijuana from the Schedule I of drugs, [and] move it to Schedule II, which will permit it to be the basis for medical research."Rescheduling,noted, would allow for more scientific research but wouldn't do much to lessen the impact of prohibition. GOP frontrunner Donald Trump , like Clinton, also believes there should be more cannabis research. And while he has criticized Colorado's law "bad things happening with people's health" he says cannabis deserves more study."I think medical should happen right? Don't we agree? I think so. And then I really believe we should leave it up to the states," Trump said during a Nevada campaign event in the fall.And Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, says he doesn't support legalization but does "support the Constitution" and states' Tenth Amendment right to decide on their own if legalization makes sense for them and their citizens. The issue of whether the labeling of genetically modified organisms (GMO) in food and beverages has been contentiously debated by consumers, activists, the food and beverage industry and lawmakers for years. However, the debate over mandatory versus voluntary labeling heated up over the past few years as a number of U.S. states introduced ballot initiatives calling for mandatory labeling of genetically engineered ingredients. Big Food companies and lobbyist groups including the Grocery Manufacturers Association contend GMO ingredients are safe for human consumption and there is no need for mandatory labeling. However, on March 16, the Senate voted 49 to 48 not to advance a revised version of legislation calling for voluntary national biotech labeling standard that would basically block states from mandating labels on GE foods. While a compromise could still be struck by lawmakers, a number of major food companies, including Campbell Soup Co., General Mills, Mars Inc., the Kellogg Co. and ConAgra Food, recently announced they will being rolling out nationwide on-pack labeling of GE ingredients in an effort to align with Vermonts mandatory GMO labeling requirements that go into effect July 1, 2016. All of the companies emphasize that GMOs pose no known risks to human health or safety, but instead are listening and reacting to consumers demand for more natural ingredients in their products. The companies also are calling on lawmakers to come together and pass a national GE labeling solution. In this episode, Judie Bizzozero, managing editor, INSIDER, and Rebecca Spector, west coast director, Center for Food Safety, discuss: Vermonts looming July 1 enactment of mandatory GMO labeling on foods and beverages How big food companies are implementing nationwide on-pack GMO labeling to conform to Vermonts law Consumer demand for GMO ingredient labeling on food and beverages Links and Resources: Got feedback? Email Judie Bizzozero at [email protected] or tweet to @NatProdINSIDER using the hashtag #InsiderPodcast. For a complete library of podcasts, download the Healthy INSIDER Podcast app on iTunes. In hopes to improve the safety in the natural gas industry, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has successfully flight-tested a quadcopter equipped with a miniature methane detector. This small but heavyweight device can detect even small methane leaks in the pipelines, better than the previously available hand-carried or unmanned instruments. According to a Space Daily report, NASA mounted an Open Path Laser Spectrometer (OPLS) sensor into a small unmanned aerial system (sUAS) and has successfully tested it for vertical take-off and landing. The OPLS, developed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California, has the ability to detect and accurately pinpointing methane in parts per billion by volume. "These tests mark the latest chapter in the development of what we believe will eventually be a universal methane monitoring system for detecting fugitive natural-gas emissions and contributing to studies of climate change," said Lance Christensen, OPLS principal investigator, in a statement. The field test for the gas-sniffing drone was done in central California at the Merced Vernal Pools and Grassland Reserve by researchers from JPL and the Mechatronics Embedded Systems and Automation (MESA) Lab at the University of California, Merced. To test the accuracy and robustness of the system, the methane-sensitive drone was tested in a in a controlled setting. The test was funded by Pipeline Research Council International and is part of the latest effort of NASA's JPL methane testing and demonstration program conducted on various platforms since 2014. Maine News Online reported that the drones with an attached OPLS are very powerful in detecting small amount of methane in the air. However, it may be best to steer clear of dairy farms due to cow farts, which also has methane in them. In the past, annual inspection teams were employed by the natural gas industry to check out leaks in their pipeline, according to Gizmodo. But with the proved efficiency and safety of an unmanned drone flying over their pipelines to sniff out small leaks can now change the face of the business. San Francisco District Attorney George Gascon told NBC Bay Area Thursday that his office had identified five officers who sent offensive text messages as part of an ongoing probe into 5,000 pages of text messages. Gascon says investigators found dozens of offensive texts sent in 2014 to late 2015, including the use of the N-word. Gascon sent a letter to Police Chief Suhr about the discovery on Wednesday, but added he does not know how long the department has known about the content of the messages. We recognized that these messages have multiple problems, he said. They have very explicit racist overtones, the N-word is used pretty regularly. Theres also comments related to the LBT community. Last year, some 14 current and former SFPD officers were identified in a separate text message probe last year and put on administrative duties pending disciplinary charges. Those charges, however, have been suspended after a judge ruled the charges were not lodged in time under state law. The behavior occurred before during and after last years text message scandal, Gascon said of the latest series of text messages. So obviously these officers felt very comfortable using this type of language even during the time when everybody was sort of reeling from last years scandal. In a letter responding to Gascon that was also provided to the media, Suhr wrote Thursday that the district attorney's office was sent evidence including the text messages on Sept. 21, and that police notified his office on multiple occasions in September, October, November and January of the existence of the texts. "For you to suggest that you discovered the text messages through your own criminal investigation would be disingenuous," Suhr wrote. "This is not new information as our offices have been working closely on this case with at least three members of your staff to ensure the fair administration of justice." The police union has frequently publicly criticized Gascon and a blue ribbon panel he created last year to investigate police bias and misconduct. Among the union's allegations is that Gascon made disparaging remarks about minorities during a dinner in 2010 when he was police chief, an allegation that Gascon has denied. Police union president Martin Halloran issued the following statement Thursday about the new text message scandal: To be a San Francisco Police Officer is a sacred trust granted to us by the people we serve. When an officer violates that trust he or she must be held accountable. The San Francisco Police Officers' Association condemns the appalling racist behavior committed by a handful of officers. They have disgraced the uniform and their profession. This conduct will not be tolerated in the SFPD nor in the POA. Chief Suhr has the full support of the POA to take appropriate disciplinary action that protects the due process rights of the officers. The reprehensible actions by a few officers do not reflect the overall commitment and dedication of the men and women of this department who serve and protect this city and its residents. Public Defender Jeff Adachi also released a statement about the texts: "My office will begin a full review of past cases that may have been tainted by these officers," Adachi said. "I am also calling for an independent investigation into when the police chief and district attorney learned of the text messages." Bay City News contributed to this report. San Francisco police is asking the public for help in locating a man who stole a small dog from a Walgreens store near Alamo Square earlier this month. The victim was in the store in the 1300 block of Divisadero Street on March 11 with his dog, a 5-year-old male Chihuahua-poodle crossbreed named Catfish, when the theft occurred, police said. The victim picked up some items and then could not locate his dog. When he contacted the store manager for help, the manager was able to find surveillance video of a suspect taking the dog and contacted police with the video the next day. The suspect was last seen wearing a red shirt and camouflage pants. Police have released photos of the both the suspect and Catfish, and are asking anyone with information to call the department's Northern Station at 415-614-3400 or an anonymous tip line at 415-575-4444. Tips can also be texted to TIP411 with "SFPD" at the start of the message. Surveillance video of the incident can be watched here. Protests are expected Thursday after news broke that the Chicago police officer charged in the death of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald has been hired by the police union as a janitor and "jack-of-all-trades." Officer Jason Van Dyke now makes $12 an hour at the Fraternal Order of Police hall in the citys West Loop, union president Dean Angelo told the Chicago Sun-Times Wednesday evening. In a statement Thursday, the union said it reached a decision "weeks ago" to "assist the Van Dyke family." "Due to the notoriety of the incident, the on-going threats of harm and intimidation and other issues caused him to become completely unemployable," Angelo said in a statement. "Furthermore, after several threats against the safety of his spouse and her clients his wife was forced to shut down her family-run business; resulting in zero household income." Angelo added that it is not the first time the union has hired officers "forced into a no pay status" and said the decision was based on the "sustenance needs of a police officer and his family." "For anyone to believe that the Lodge entered into this arrangement without consideration and forethought is improper and short sighted," the statement read. "Accuracy under these circumstances is paramount to truly grasping the significance to the decision made." Over the past several months, Van Dyke has appeared in court numerous times to face a judge on first-degree murder charges stemming from the October 2014 shooting. Van Dyke is accused of firing 16 shots at McDonald, who was seen on surveillance video walking away from police. Van Dyke has pleaded not guilty and his attorney has requested a change of venue, arguing it's impossible for his client to have a fair trial in Cook County. The officer charged with first-degree murder in the killing of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald got a new job with the police union. NBC 5s Emily Florez reports. Already there has been heavy pushback against Van Dyke's new role. Father Michael Pfleger, a Roman Catholic priest and social activist, took to Facebook late Wednesday after news of the hiring broke. His heated post calling the move a "disgrace" and arguing that every union member should demand he be fired garnered more than 1,000 shares in just 10 hours. "The Police Union says to Chicago...we don't give a damn what he did, what you think, he is one of ours, and we are going to take care of him," he wrote. The F.O.P. has just Hired VAN DYKE, Yes the Cop who Murdered Laquan McDonald....The Police Union says to Chicago we don'... Posted by Father Michael Pfleger on Wednesday, March 30, 2016 (function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk')); Other activists followed suit, planning demonstrations for outside the FOP at both noon and 6:30 p.m. "Officers under that uniform are regular people," activist Ja'mal Green said at the noon protest. "If I killed someone, I wouldn't get bail, I wouldn't get bail. If I killed someone I don't have a union to make sure that I'm employed." Some groups called for Van Dyke to be fired immediately and for the union to issue an apology. "Chicagos going to get tired of doing these marches and being peaceful," Green said. "We have been peaceful over the last four months, we have made statement and we have made change but at the end of the day the residents are tired of these types of decisions, getting slapped in the face." Soon after, protesters were seen trying to enter the FOP office, but a line of police officers blocked the entrance. "The F.O.P. just declared war with the people of Chicago," wrote Jedidiah Brown. "The ultimate slap in the face is to hire a man who shot a child sixteen times." The F.O.P. just declared war with the people of Chicago. The ultimate slap in the face is to hire a man who shot a child sixteen times Jedidiah Brown (@livelifefreed) March 31, 2016 Prosecutor Bill Delaney had asked that Van Dyke remain held without bond on Nov. 30, 2015, but the judge rejected that, saying everyone is presumed innocent. He set Van Dykes bail at $1.5 million. Five hours later, Van Dyke posted bond and walked out of jail. Van Dyke is currently stripped of his police powers and is on unpaid status. His new job is considered to be at a level slightly higher than that of a typical security guard, according to the Sun-Times. "He might be on the roof, he might be in the office, he does anything we need," Angelo told the newspaper, adding that the hiring of Van Dyke is not an unprecedented move. "Weve probably had 100 people in no-pay status who we got jobs or hired at the hall," he told the Sun-Times. "This is nothing new." In an interview with The Associated Press, Angelo said Van Dyke's suspension has been a "very difficult situation, financially" for the husband and father, adding that the union would do the same for any CPD officer. Van Dyke had been turned down for all other jobs, Angelo said, and his wife's business had to close its doors due to an onslaught of threats against the officer and his family. When customers buy a new car, many trade in the old one. You may think when you leave your old trade-in on the lot you're no longer responsible, but that's not the case. Almost two weeks after buying her new car and trading in her hold one, a Dallas woman learned she was still responsible for payments on the old car. Melissa Dexter and her husband Dalton Johnson have two kids and a golden retriever and they needed a vehicle that would comfortably carry them all. He wanted a 2016 Jeep Cherokee, so she went to Love Field Jeep Chrysler Dodge Ram with financing, a plan and cash in hand. She told salesmen she was not interested in incentives or payments. "The price of the car and the value of the trade, we can make that happen," Melissa told the financing team. "We already have financing. We'll walk away with the car today." The Dexters traded in a 2011 Jeep Liberty. The dealer offered $185 less than what they owed on the car, which was based on a 10-day payout quote. That means the quote made March 11 was only valid through March 21. "We think everything's good until I look about five days later...and the car hasn't been paid off," Melissa said. "I start calling the dealership. I called the finance manager. I called the general manager." Melissa said no one called her back. On Day 11, the lender told her they hadn't received payment for the trade-in. "And now the lender wants me to make the payment," said Dexter.. Many consumers don't know that in Texas a dealer has 25 days to pay off your trade-in. During that time, you're responsible for the payment and your credit could be dinged.. "At the end of the day, I owe that money," Melissa said. "I have no car, but I'm legally obligated to pay that amount." NBC5 Responds contacted the dealership. A spokesman told us the dealership sent the check by overnight delivery on Day 11 and the bank received it the next day. The dealership also agreed to pay the extra interest that had accrued because they had not paid the loan in 10 days. Dexter confirmed that the dealership also paid that extra $185 she still owed on the trade-in. Remember, if the dealer takes the 25 days allowed by law to pay off your trade-in and you miss a payment during that period, it could affect your credit. Late payments can be reported to credit agencies after 30 days. It's important to communicate with your lender. If the lender wants payment, it's best to do so and get reimbursed after the dealer pays off the trade-in. A pro-ISIS Twitter account published a list of New Jersey Transit officers' names and personal information, encouraging supporters to carry out "lone wolf" attacks on them, according to sources and published reports. The group known as the Caliphate Cyber Army (CCA) first released the personal details of 55 officers in early March after hacking into the NJ Transit police website, Newsweek reported. The newsmagazine saw the list of personal details, which included home addresses, phone numbers, names and ranks. The Twitter account that linked out to the list has since been suspended, but another tweet referencing the list was sent Monday, sources told NBC 4 New York. It's not clear who sent the tweet. The original file was uploaded to an Arabic-language file sharing site on March 2 and was downloaded 300 times by March 5, the Daily Mail reports. In a statement, NJ Transit spokeswoman Lisa Torbic said the agency's information system was not compromised, "however some information was breached from an outside vendor." "The New Jersey Transit Police Department is working with the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI on this matter," she added. The FBI said it was aware of the situation and providing assistance to the New Jersey Transit Police Department. Sources told NBC 4 New York they do not believe there is any credible threat. The hacking attacks have been described as unsophisticated, and experts monitoring the CCA site told Newsweek they show the group has limited technical skill sets. But, as the quoted expert pointed out, "their activities shine a light on just how vulnerable websites are out there." Jonathan Dienst contributed to this report. A top political aide to Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley resigned Wednesday, a week after the governor publicly admitted making inappropriate remarks to her but denied the two ever had an affair. Rebekah Caldwell Mason announced her resignation in a statement sent by the governor's office, saying she would no longer be his senior political adviser and would no longer be paid by his campaign fund. "My only plans are to focus my full attention on my precious children and my husband who I love dearly," she said. As Bentley's confidante, sounding board, adviser and message molder, Rebekah Caldwell Mason has been there for the biggest moments of his political career, from his improbable 2010 election to the development of his major policy initiatives. More recently, she has been at the center of the lowest moment of his political career. Last week, Mason was thrust into the spotlight when former Law Enforcement Secretary Spencer Collier accused the 73-year-old governor of having an inappropriate relationship with her. Collier made the allegations a day after he was fired. The scandal has engulfed Bentley, a mild-mannered dermatologist and former Baptist deacon whose political ascendancy was based partly on his morally upright, honest reputation. Dianne Bentley, the governor's ex-wife, filed for divorce in 2015 saying their 50-year marriage had suffered an irreparable breakdown. Mason, a former television news anchor in Bentley's hometown of Tuscaloosa, signed on as spokeswoman for the little-known legislator's 2010 longshot bid for governor. She worked as the governor's communications adviser before leaving to work on his 2014 re-election. Observers said Mason helped the governor talk through options as he weighed decisions ranging from taking down Confederate flags to his proposed $800 million prison construction project before lawmakers. Her detractors within the administration said her opinion increasingly became the only one Bentley would trust. "At the end of 2014, Governor Bentley made it clear to me in no uncertain terms that from that point forward anyone who questioned Rebekah's influence would be fired," Collier said. As his senior political adviser, she was not paid by the state. Instead, she was paid with campaign funds something the governor's office said Bentley had done with previous political advisers in his administration. Campaign records show Bentley's campaign paid Mason's company, RCM Communications, $76,500 in 2015 for consulting and travel reimbursement. Mason disclosed last week that the Alabama Council for Government Excellence, a nonprofit formed to promote Bentley's agenda, also paid her company $15,000 for consulting work. Mason's husband also works for Bentley as the director of Serve Alabama, the Governor's Office of Faith-Based and Volunteer Service. In a statement issued last week, she said Bentley "apologized to me and to my family, we accepted his apology and have put all of this behind us." The FBI agreed Wednesday to help an Arkansas prosecutor unlock an iPhone and iPod belonging to two teenagers accused of killing a couple, just days after the federal agency announced it had gained access to an iPhone linked to the gunman in a mass shooting in California. Faulkner County Prosecuting Attorney Cody Hiland said the FBI agreed to the request from his office and the Conway Police Department Wednesday afternoon. A judge on Tuesday agreed to postpone the trial of 18-year-old Hunter Drexler so prosecutors could ask the FBI for help. Drexler's trial was moved from next week to June 27. Drexler and 15-year-old Justin Staton are accused of killing Robert and Patricia Cogdell at their home in Conway, 30 miles north of Little Rock, in July. The Cogdells had raised Staton as their grandson. The FBI announced Monday that it had gained access to an iPhone belonging to Syed Farook, who died with his wife in a gun battle with police after they killed 14 people in San Bernardino in December. The FBI hasn't revealed how it cracked Farook's iPhone. Authorities also haven't said whether the iPhone and iPod in the Arkansas case are the same models or whether the FBI will use the same method to try to get into the devices. Hiland said he could not discuss details of the murder case in Arkansas, but confirmed the FBI had agreed less than a day after the initial request. "We always appreciate their cooperation and willingness to help their local law enforcement partners," he said. Drexler and Staton have both pleaded not guilty to capital murder, aggravated robbery and other charges in the deaths of the Cogdells, who were both 66. Patrick Benca, Drexler's attorney, confirmed that he was notified that the FBI had agreed to help unlock his client's phone. "We're not concerned about anything on that phone," Benca said. An after-hours phone call to the public defenders' office where Staton's attorney works was not answered. Prosecutors have had possession of the iPhone they say belongs to Drexler since he and two other teenagers were arrested in Texas and brought back to Arkansas days after the July shootings. Staton's defense attorney was ordered last week to hand over the teen's iPod, which was in the defense's evidence locker. Prosecutors said recorded phone conversations between Staton and others since his arrest indicated he had used the iPod to communicate about the homicide plans and that there may be other evidence on the device. The United States pledged Thursday to deepen cooperation with allies South Korea and Japan on deterring the North Korean nuclear threat, working to ramp up pressure following worrying provocations. Leaders of the three countries urged the world community to vigilantly enforce new U.N. sanctions. President Barack Obama didn't disclose what further steps the countries might take as he met with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and South Korean President Park Geun-hye on the sidelines of a nuclear security summit. But he said the countries had directed their teams to work together to help bring about a denuclearized Korean Peninsula. "We are united in our efforts to deter and defend against North Korean provocations," Obama said. "We recognize that our security is linked." Park, whose country has been repeatedly threatened by Pyongyang, warned that North Korea would face even stiffer sanctions and more isolation if it engaged in any further provocative acts. Speaking through a translator, she said the mere fact the three leaders were huddling to discuss North Korea carried "huge significance." As a nuclear security summit opened in Washington, the U.S. said a strengthened nuclear security agreement among nations was finally set to take force, including new criminal penalties for smuggling nuclear material. The stricter rules for protecting materials and nuclear facilities worldwide were intended to reduce the likelihood of terrorists getting their hands on ingredients for a bomb. Recent ratification by a critical mass of countries cleared the way for the changes to take effect in about a month. Though nuclear terrorism and the Islamic State group top this year's agenda, concerns about North Korea's nuclear weapons program are also commanding focus as the two-day summit gets under way. Those long-simmering concerns have escalated of late following the North's recent nuclear test and rocket launch. China's influence over North Korea will be front and center later in the day when Obama sits down with President Xi Jinping. The White House said that meeting was also an opportunity for Obama to press U.S. concerns about human rights and China's assertive territorial claims in waters far off its coast. Though frictions with China remain high, the U.S. was encouraged by China's role in passing stringent new U.N. sanctions on North Korea, its traditional ally. Now the U.S. is pressing Beijing to implement those sanctions dutifully. Hanging over the meeting were ongoing discussions about the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense system, or THAAD, although the U.S. said it didn't specifically come up. The U.S. and South Korea are weighing deploying the U.S. missile defense system in South Korea to counter the threat from the North. China has resisted that step out of concern it would also give the U.S. radar coverage over Chinese territory, and Russia opposes it as well. In North Korea, meanwhile, the government has been churning out regular propaganda pieces condemning the U.S. and South Korea, while warning it could launch a pre-emptive strike against South Korea or even the U.S. mainland at any time. For Obama, the summit's offers a last major chance to focus global attention on disparate nuclear security threats before the president's term ends early next year. For years, pressing security crises in the Middle East have overshadowed Obama's goal of expanding U.S. influence and engagement in Asia, with the North Korean threat another unwanted distraction. Though the U.S. and China have struck sweeping agreements on climate change, they've remained at odds on many economic issues. Obama has also been unable to get Congress to ratify the Asia-Pacific free trade deal his administration painstakingly negotiated. Obama also planned to meet Thursday with French President Francois Hollande, amid steep concerns about terrorism in Europe following Islamic State-linked attacks in Paris and Brussels. The summit continues on Friday with a special session focused on preventing IS and other extremists from obtaining nuclear materials and attacking urban areas. Some of the 2,000 metric tons of highly enriched uranium and separated plutonium being used in civilian or military programs worldwide could be turned into a nuclear bomb if stolen or diverted, the White House warned. Fewer than half of the countries participating in the summit have even agreed to secure sources of radiological material that could be used for a dirty bomb, though more countries are expected to announce commitments during the summit to tighten controls. NBC10 obtained the 911 calls a young woman made after her aunt allegedly struck and killed a teen boy with her vehicle and then fled the scene. Susan Hyland, 40, struck 16-year-old Pennsauken High School student Quason Turner in the southbound lanes after he jumped over the barricade along U.S. Route 130 at 49th Street in Pennsauken around 11:25 p.m. Monday, police said. She then allegedly drove away from the scene. The force of the impact caused Turner to land in the parking lot of a nearby Burger King where he later died from his injuries. Police say Turner was visiting a friend on the other side of Route 130 after working at the Cherry Hill mall and was headed home alone when the vehicle struck him. Investigators say they later tracked the hit-and-run vehicle to a home on 29th Street and Clinton Avenue in Camden, New Jersey after Hylands 19-year-old niece, who owns the car, called 911. I was a passenger in an accident, in a hit-and-run, the niece said in the 911 recording. Im the owner of the car. I wasnt driving but the person that was driving, she hit someone. In the recording, the niece told the operator Hyland planned on hiding the evidence. Im not sure where its at, the niece said. It was a black Corolla. Shes trying to hide the evidence. The niece told the 911 operator Hyland was in another room. After the phone call officials used nearby cellphone towers and GPS technology to find Hyland. When police pulled up to the house, Hyland, who investigators say was unaware her niece had contacted authorities, allegedly tried to run out of the back of the home but officers quickly caught her. Hyland, who hails from Beverly, New Jersey, was charged with leaving the scene of a crime and driving on a suspended license. Hylands niece, who police say allowed her aunt to drive her car because she was tired from a previous drive, has not been charged. Police say Hyland was hiding in the home of her daughters father at the time of her arrest. The father, who we are not identifying, told NBC10 he urged Hyland to turn herself in. I told her, I was like, Yo, you need to call the cops because you killed an innocent person, he said. You shouldve never left the scene. You shouldve just stood there. She started crying and everything. Quason Turners mother LaTisha Turner spoke to NBC10. Hes gone, she said. I can never hug him again. I can never tell him I love him again to his face. I can always show it within my heart. Turner also had a message for Hyland. Im going to tell you to your face, she said. Youre a coward for doing that! All you had to do was sit there and wait! My baby died by himself because you didnt want to sit there and be responsible enough to stay there and wait for somebody to come and help my son! If you have any additional information on the incident, please call police at 856-488-0080 ext. 2300. Gov. Chris Christie predicted Thursday that voters won't allow new casinos in northern New Jersey if lawmakers don't approve a state takeover plan for Atlantic City and said he will campaign against the expansion measure unless reforms for the financially crumbling resort town are passed. Surrounded by charts illustrating Atlantic City's perilous financial situation, Christie said a state takeover of the seaside gambling resort and a bill to allow alternative tax payments for casinos that have stalled in the Legislature are the only solutions to save it from collapse. "Atlantic City is headed for a disaster and North Jersey gaming is headed for a defeat if we don't get our act together," the Republican said. "It's time to stop all the theater." He questioned who would finance an advertising campaign for November's referendum and said that voters won't vote to expand gambling in New Jersey "when the only city where gambling is allowed is ready to go down the toilet." The takeover plan has stalled since Democratic Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto said he won't post a bill to allow the Christie administration to take over city government. The takeover and tax measures have already passed the Senate with a bipartisan majority. Christie's prediction on casinos in northern New Jersey comes after rare bipartisan consensus emerged recently to expand gaming beyond Atlantic City and after the governor himself had embraced the plan. Prieto on Thursday dismissed Christie's prediction about gaming in northern New Jersey, saying the governor can campaign as he chooses. "It wouldn't be his first flip-flop, and he would just be risking hurting Atlantic City by denying it funding it sorely needs from North Jersey gaming to transition into a resort destination," Prieto said. Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian, a Republican, agreed with Christie that the ballot question to expand gambling would likely fail if the town isn't helped because casinos' financing model there hasn't worked. "This is a good time for anyone thinking that having casinos outside Atlantic City is a good idea to take a look at the false promises casino gambling made to Atlantic City," Guardian said. Prieto says he hasn't brought the measure up for a vote because of concerns about union bargaining rights, but Christie says he believes the real reason is political jockeying ahead of next year's gubernatorial election. Christie says Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, a Democrat and close Prieto ally, wants to hurt Senate President Steve Sweeney, who supports the measure. Sweeney and Fulop are both likely 2017 Democratic gubernatorial candidates. Christie on Wednesday called Fulop the "puppeteer" behind Prieto. Fulop on Thursday said in a statement that there is "zero substance" to the governor's comments and they amount to a "temper tantrum." He also said Jersey City would be OK if gambling in the northern part of the state doesn't go forward. "If the Governor wants to stop North Jersey gaming as a result of this tantrum as he threatens, that is his choice it doesn't bother us either way. Jersey City will be just fine," Fulop said. Municipal workers in Atlantic City voted Wednesday on a temporary plan to avoid a government shutdown next week, but the vote results were not immediately released. Associated Press writer Wayne Parry contributed to this report. For Michelle Mucha, the death of a cat she found with a gunshot wound near her South Philadelphia home over the weekend is just the latest in a string of deaths she says have been plaguing the cat colony she oversees for six months now. Mucha, who moved to the 500 block of Winton Street in 2012, said she started to take care of stray cats on the block when she noticed there were several in the area. Now, after some neighbor disputes and a string of deaths of some 15 cats, Mucha says she thinks something suspicious is underfoot in her neighborhood. She said the cat that she found shot to death on Saturday is the 16th from the colony to die since September. Animals of other species, including opossum and birds, have also been found dead in the area. "It's unconscionable that 20 animals have to die," Mucha said. The Pennsylvania SPCA is investigating the cat's shooting death and has offered a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction of whoever is responsible for shooting the animal. But Mucha said that level of response from the PSPCA came too late for more than a dozen other cats from the colony that have died over the last several months under what she believes are suspicious circumstances. She thinks the cats died as a result of being poisoned, she said -- but the PSPCA, which performed toxicology testing on two of the cats postmortem, said their veterinarians found no evidence of that. After one of the cats, Bubba, died late last year, Mucha started an online campaign, #JusticeforBubba, in hopes of getting more attention for the cats' deaths. She said she doesn't believe Bubba died as a result of disease or other natural causes, as the PSPCA has ruled, because she rescued one of his kittens, whom she named Ho Tep, and that cat is healthy. The PSPCA did investigate Bubba's death, both Mucha and a PSPCA spokeswoman confirmed. The spokeswoman, Gillian Kocher, said PSPCA veterinarians did not find poison in the cat's system. PSPCA officials disputed Mucha's claim that the toxicology samples were inaccurate because the animal's body was kept in a freezer for several weeks before the necropsy -- an autopsy on the animal -- was performed. Kocher said that although the body was held in a freezer for four weeks, that is "standard operating procedure and does not have an effect on the toxicology." She said both blood and liver samples were sent for testing and came back negative for poison. Kocher said that in her organization's investigation into the cats' deaths, however, a neighbor told investigators that a block captain admitted to putting out rat poison to rid the area of raccoons and opossums -- but she said that officials don't believe it was done with the intent to harm the cats. "This use of poison is not illegal if it was not intended to harm domestic animals," Kocher wrote in an email. "Raccoons and opossums are considered vermin." Claudia L. Casavecchia, a veterinarian at Society Hill Veterinary Hospital who treated a kitten from the Winton Street colony, said more education is needed in the community about the use of substances like rat poison in residential areas -- especially where there are cat colonies. Casavecchia said the poison can be a danger not only to the feral cats, but also to other domestic animals, and that the city should do more to educate neighbors about how to handle vermin. Kocher said now that there's a clear case of cruelty in the shooting of the cat that Mucha found dead over the weekend, the PSPCA's humane law enforcement officers will work to find and hold accountable whoever is responsible for the animal's violent death. "It was very clear that the cat had been shot. That is a very clear-cut sign of animal cruelty, and obviously we know that at least in this case -- it could be unrelated, it could be related [to the other deaths]," Kocher said. She said the $1,000 reward may be increased in the next several days in an effort to garner tips and solve the case. The PSPCA did not investigate the deaths of the other cats from the colony that died because they were notified of them too late. Mucha said she initially had been working with the Animal Care and Control Team before she contacted the PSPCA about the deaths. Mucha has been devastated by the deaths of so many cats in her colony, which she said has about nine animals left now. She said the cats there are well cared for, and that she had a carpenter build shelters for them by her house and feeds them each day. She said she is hopeful, though, that now that the PSPCA is investigating the shooting death of the cat she found Saturday, the organization will be able to help raise awareness and stop the deaths in her neighborhood. "How many animals have to die before we declare this a war?" she asked. Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump said Wednesday that women who get an abortion should receive "some form of punishment" if it is ever outlawed, drawing swift condemnation from activists on both sides of the divisive social issue. Within hours, Trump's campaign sought to take back his comments in two separate statements, ultimately saying the billionaire businessman believes abortion providers and not their patients should be the ones punished. "My position has not changed," Trump argued in both statements released by his campaign. "Like Ronald Reagan, I am pro-life with exceptions." Trump's original remarks about abortion came in a heated exchange with MSNBC host Chris Matthews at the Wednesday afternoon taping of a town hall in Green Bay, Wisconsin, scheduled to air that night. Matthews asked Trump whether he believes abortion should be outlawed. After an extended back-and-forth, Trump said, "you have to ban" abortion and "there has to be some form of punishment" for women who violate such a restriction. Pressed by Matthews on the nature of that punishment, Trump responded, "I haven't determined what the punishment should be." Trump also suggested that should abortion ever be barred, women could continue to receive abortions at "illegal places." "You know you'll go back to a position like where they had where people perhaps will go to illegal places," he said. Trump's remarks were assailed by abortion-rights supporters, but they also unsettled anti-abortion activists who said the comments clash with efforts to show empathy with women contemplating whether to have the procedure. "We have never advocated, in any context, for the punishment of women who undergo abortion," Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the national anti-abortion group Susan B. Anthony List, said in a statement. "As a convert to the pro-life movement, Mr. Trump sees the reality of the horror of abortion the destruction of an innocent human life," Dannenfelser said. "But let us be clear: punishment is solely for the abortionist who profits off of the destruction of one life and the grave wounding of another." The March for Life, which organizes anti-abortion events each January in Washington, said on Twitter: "No pro-lifer would ever want to punish a woman who has chosen abortion. This is against the very nature of what we are about." Asked to clarify his position, Trump's campaign initially issued a statement saying he believes the issue should rest with state governments. But as the condemnation from all sides mounted, Trump's campaign issued a second statement that rejected his idea that a woman should face repercussions for undergoing an illegal abortion. "If Congress were to pass legislation making abortion illegal and the federal courts upheld this legislation, or any state were permitted to ban abortion under state and federal law, the doctor or any other person performing this illegal act upon a woman would be held legally responsible, not the woman," Trump said. "The woman is a victim in this case as is the life in her womb." Trump has often said he's opposed to abortions, with three exceptions: rape, incest and when the life of the mother is at risk. Trump has been criticized by some conservatives for changing his position on abortion. Trump used to describe himself as in favor of abortion rights, but says his stance has evolved over the years. "Not only is this an unhinged position far from where the American people are, but it is sure to endanger women were he to become president," said Ilyse Hogue, the president of NARAL Pro-Choice America. "The worldview Donald Trump promotes is one where women should be shamed and blamed for their decisions." Hillary Clinton, the leading Democratic candidate, also weighed in via Twitter: "Just when you thought it couldn't get worse. Horrific and telling." Associated Press writer David Crary contributed to this report from New York. A San Diego-based aerospace company is building a piece of spacecraft that will eventually blast off to Mars. Hundreds of parts for one of NASAs biggest missions will come from San Diego Composites in the Miramar area. The companys engineers are creating the most important piece of NASA's new Orion spacecraft. That is, if a major problem pops up during its launch. NASA astronaut Rick Mastracchio visited Wednesday to see the companys launch abort system firsthand. I've launched on four missions now and there's always a certain number of close calls," Mastracchio said. In the event of a malfunction or emergency at liftoff, the piece acts like a cocoon around the pod that holds the astronauts. Its designed to carry the crew to safety. Rob Kolozs, President of San Diego Composites, said the system goes into effect when and if a booster starts to malfunction. That will pull the spacecraft off of those boosters and take them a mile up and a mile away almost at the speed of sound and take them to safety and then parachute back to earth," Kolozs said. NASA plans to launch Orion to asteroids, the moon and eventually take humans to Mars. The hope is that Orion will carry astronauts by 2021. A 52-year-old Uber driver has been arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a female passenger in El Cajon, police said Wednesday. John David Sanchez was on duty as an Uber driver when he gave the woman a ride in late February and allegedly sexually assaulted her, police said. El Cajon police investigators have been investigating since the incident last month. After serving search warrants on Sanchezs home as well as his vehicle a silver 2012 Scion XB they arrested him Tuesday. Sanchez was booked in the San Diego County Jail on suspicion of felony sex assault charges. Police said the ride-sharing service has been fully cooperative with the investigation and immediately suspended the driver. Sanchez has not driven for Uber since the incident, police said. Wednesday afternoon, Uber released this statement on the case: "Uber takes safety incidents like this very seriously, and our thoughts are with the victim and her family. Uber immediately removed this driver-partner from the platform following our initial contact with the El Cajon Police Department. We have been working closely with law enforcement to assist their investigation." A proposed class-action lawsuit filed this week claims local surfers have used violence and intimidation to protect their Southern California surf spot from intrusion by outsiders. The suit asks a federal judge to prevent the group of surfers known as the Lunada Bay Boys from congregating at beaches in wealthy Palos Verdes Estates south of Los Angeles. Among the three plaintiffs named in the case are a 45-year-old El Segundo police officer and experienced surfer, Diana Milena Reed, 29, of Malibu, who's an aspiring big wave surfer and the Coastal Protection Rangers who work to protect beach access. Reed claims on two occasions this year she was scared off by local surfers who threatened her and poured beer on her. "I've never had a 40-to-50-year-old man screaming profanities at me and yelling at me," she said. "It's a way I 've never been treated before in my life." Reed's attorney Vic Otten, said he hopes to get a gang injunction against the Lunada Bay Boys. "We're going to ask a federal judge to step in and stop them from surfing their own beach," Otten said. "And when we're done we're going to restore access to the public." Amanda Calhoun, a Palos Verdes Estates resident, believes the lawsuit is much ado about nothing. "Everybody I know has been nice," she said. "When you get men in certain situations they act like guys. And I think maybe there is some of that, not to the extent they need a federal lawsuit. It's silly." Authorities have been accused of looking the other way as the gang threatened outsiders, tossed rocks at them and vandalized their cars. The plaintiffs also allege the Bay Boys illegally claim as turf the break there and have erected an illegal "Rock Fort" made of masonry, rock and wood that overlooks the waves from the beach. The suit filed Tuesday also targets the city of Palos Verdes Estates, asking the judge to require the municipality to investigate and prosecute crimes committed by the Bay Boys. The suit names seven Bay Boys and Police Chief Jeff Kepley and City Manager Tony Dahlerbruch, who did not immediately return calls seeking comment. Kepley said in an earlier article that this year that the department has stepped up patrols to try and prevent problems at lunada bay. The Bay Boys named in the lawsuit did not return calls seeking comment. Surfline, the popular surf forecasting website, says Lunada Bay is LA's little-known, premier big-wave spot on a scale with Sunset Beach on Hawaii's famous north shore of Oahu. It takes north and west winter swells up to 20 feet and pitches a "beautiful walled right that takes you through a boiling boulder-riddled lineup," Surfline says. The site says it is also home to some of the most notorious localism. "There have been threats, slashed tires, rocks thrown, fist fights and even drive-by noogies," the site says. Clashes with outsiders during the 1990s were brought to national attention when a TV news crew and others were harassed and assaulted. "The place really doesn't wake up till 6 feet and over, and at that size, the alpha males are out in force," according to Surfline. "To their credit, the local crew has kept alive the old surfing tradition of cute nicknames, such as 'Knothead,' 'T-Bone' and 'Goober.'" The Associated Press contributed to this report. Officials are searching for a man who they say made counterfeit badges for the CIA, FBI and Homeland Security Investigations and sold them online. Roberto Craciunica, 34, was indicted in the Eastern District of Virginia on several charges related to making and distributing counterfeit badges, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement authorities said. Interpol issued a notice for his arrest. The Romanian thought to be living in Germany sold the counterfeit badges from Jan. 2010 to Sept. 2015 online through a company called Master Equipment, ICE said in a statement. He instructed buyers to pay via Western Union and PayPal, officials said. The badges were used by several people in the U.S., including a man who tried to impersonate a CIA officer in Jan. 2014 to get into the secure area of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. He was prevented from doing so when Transportation Security Administration officers noticed inconsistencies with his statements and credentials, authorities said. Another alleged CIA impersonator was confronted by police while wearing body armor and carrying a gun at a Michigan movie theater in 2013, according to ICE. When approached, he showed police a fake CIA badge. A third man was indicted in August 2015 after allegedly using counterfeit Homeland Security Investigations credentials to access the Naval Nuclear Training Command in South Carolina, ICE said. He was armed with a Sig Sauer pistol at the time. Authorities said all three were using badges and credentials produced by Master Equipment. Craciunica has claimed to be making theatrical props for films, someone familiar with the investigation told Vice News. Anyone with information on Craciunica's location is asked to call ICE at 1-866-DHS-2ICE or visit www.ICE.gov/tips. A man handing out free Express newspapers at a Metro station in Maryland stabbed a commuter after arguing with him, Metro officials say. Daniel Richard Brown, 50, was being sought by police Thursday night on suspicion of attempted murder, Metro Transit Police said. He is 6 foot, weighs 220 pounds and lives in Temple Hills, Maryland, police said. Anyone who sees him is asked to call police immediately and take no other action. The newspaper vendor -- a contractor with Express' parent company, The Washington Post -- argued with a man about 9 a.m. at the Addison Road-Seat Pleasant station in Capitol Heights, Maryland, Metro spokesman Dan Stessel said. "They get into an altercation that escalates to physical, and on the sidewalk ... here, the suspect tackled the victim and ending up stabbing him," he said. The attacker surrounded by witnesses and caught on multiple high-definition surveillance cameras then ran away, Stessel said. The victim, a 24-year-old man, was taken to a hospital with serious injuries. He was in stable condition Thursday evening. The Washington Post said the company is looking into what happened. Commuter Justin Gavin said the suspect handed him a newspaper less than an hour before the attack. "He seemed fine to me," he said. Donald Trump is fighting to convince a skeptical Republican Party he can improve his standing among women, even as he takes back an explosive comment about abortion and attacks the credibility of a female reporter police say was illegally grabbed by the GOP front-runner's campaign manager. It took Trump's campaign just hours to backtrack on Wednesday after he said that should abortion become illegal, women who undergo the procedure should face "some sort of punishment." The plan sparked an immediate backlash from both sides of the debate, prompting Trump to release two statements clarifying his position. His second statement said only those who perform abortions would be "held legally responsible, not the woman." "The woman is a victim in this case as is the life in her womb," Trump said. The flap comes as Trump works to hold off a challenge from chief rival Ted Cruz in Wisconsin's high-stakes primary on Tuesday. With a win, Trump's grasp on his party's presidential nomination could be unbreakable. A loss would give concerned Republican officials across the nation a realistic hope of wresting the nomination away from the New York businessman at the GOP's national convention in July. Frustrated Republicans are privately grappling with fears about Trump's impact on their party's appeal among women and young people, yet few dared criticize the GOP front-runner directly when pressed this week. Their silence underscored the deep uncertainty plaguing the party particularly its most prominent women who have few options in dealing with the brash billionaire. "A nominee who cannot speak to women cannot win," said New Hampshire party chairwoman Jennifer Horn, though declining to rebuke Trump by name. Earlier in the week, police in Jupiter, Florida, charged Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski with misdemeanor battery after examining surveillance video of an incident in which a reporter said she was grabbed and shoved. The police report said the woman's arm revealed "bruising from what appeared to be several finger marks indicating a grabbing-type injury." "I don't know who created those bruises," Trump said in what was a sustained effort on Wednesday to defend his adviser and discredit the reporter. Trump suggested his campaign manager was simply trying to protect him from Michelle Fields, a 28-year-old reporter then working for Breitbart News, who was trying to ask him a question after a March 8 campaign appearance. "She's got a pen in her arm which she's not supposed to have and it shows that she's a very aggressive person who's grabbing at me and touching me," Trump said. "Maybe I should file charges against her." As Trump assailed Fields from a television studio, Cruz surrounded himself with women as he courted Wisconsin voters. The Texas senator leads the state by 9 points among likely voters, according to a Marquette University Law School poll released Wednesday. He campaigned in Madison with his wife, mother, two daughters and even the family's nanny in what he called a "celebration of women." "Women are not a special interest," Cruz said. "Women are a majority of the United State of America. And every issue is a women's issue." Cruz, an aggressive abortion opponent, later seized on Trump's comments on the delicate social issue. "Of course we shouldn't be talking about punishing women," he said. "We should affirm their dignity and the incredible gift they have to bring life into the world." Women made up 53 percent of the electorate in 2012. That year, they favored President Barack Obama by 11 points over GOP nominee Mitt Romney, a divide highlighted in the Republican National Committee's post-election study. "Our inability to win their votes is losing us elections," the report's authors wrote. Yet Trump is poised to fare worse among women than Romney in a general election, according to recent polls that put his negative ratings near or even surpassing 70 percent among women. In Wisconsin, the Marquette poll released on Wednesday found that 76 percent of female Wisconsin registered voters have an unfavorable view of Trump, compared with 55 percent for Cruz. Few Republican women were willing to address Trump's impact on the party publicly, however. Several female Republican officeholders declined to respond to AP requests for comment, including South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Reps. Kristi Noem of North Dakota and Mia Love of Utah. Sen. Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire, in a tough re-election fight, issued this statement through spokeswoman Liz Johnson: "As a longtime prosecutor, Kelly believes Mr. Trump should leave this case to the criminal justice system, instead of wrongly trying it in the media." The Trump campaign was in discussion with the Republican National Committee about arranging a meeting with Chairman Reince Priebus on Thursday, but GOP strategists acknowledged party leaders have few options for persuading Trump to moderate his rhetoric. Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton, meanwhile, addressed Trump's abortion comments on Twitter: "We can't let someone with this much contempt for women's rights anywhere near the White House," she wrote. CVS Health announced Wednesday that the opiate overdose reversal medication naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, is now available in the company's stores in Vermont, New Hampshire and Connecticut. No prescription is needed to purchase the medication. The nasal mist can revive someone suffering a heroin or prescription pill OD. CVS has already been offering naloxone without a doctors prescription in stores in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and said that by the end of March, it will operate the naloxone program in 23 states total. "It's a challenge across America," said Gov. Peter Shumlin, D-Vermont, describing the alarming number of deadly opiate overdoses nationwide, which the Centers for Disease Control puts at 78 a day. In November 2015, Fitchburg, Massachusetts library worker Alfred Rivera described for necn how he helped save a stranger with Narcan in a McDonald's bathroom. "Checked her pulse; no pulse--she was purple," Rivera recounted last fall. "I thought she was dead, so I said, 'I'm going to give it a try and I hope to God it works.' Within a minute, she started gasping for air. You could hear that gargling noise, so that's when I knew it was getting better." Through community non-profits, the Vermont Department of Health has been providing free rescue kits to loved ones of people at risk for ODs, calling them a lifeline that could give patients a second chance to work toward recovery from addiction. Click here for more information on the Vermont Department of Healths naloxone program. "You can save a neighbor or family member's life," Shumlin said of naloxone. "For years, we literally let folks who were suffering from opiate addiction die before our eyes when we could have saved them." At CVS, the medication will be available for $60-90 dollars for two doses, said Tom Davis, the vice president of pharmacy professional practices for CVS. "There is a patient counseling component that includes holistic information around what to do in the event of an opioid overdose, how to administer the medication, and there's information around other resources available to help the patient," Davis explained, noting CVS pharmacists will be able to demonstrate for customers how to assemble and administer the medication. While exact numbers are hard to pin down, Gov. Shumlin said he believes naloxone has been used successfully in the state a few hundred times. Shumlin said he hopes more pharmacy chains follow CVS's lead and offer the medication without prescriptions. "This will be another tool in our toolbox in a very important strategy to combat the opioid crisis," said Dr. Harry Chen, the commissioner of the Vermont Department of Health. By the end of 2016, CVS plans to expand its naloxone program to 35 states total, according to a company spokesperson. A New Haven man who was trying to help his friend at a bank in Chester was briefly put in handcuffs when police thought that he was trying to rob the place. Luis Valentin said he and a friend had stopped at the First Niagara Bank in Chester. He said his friend, who is disabled, needed help to withdraw money. "Get the deposit slip, fill out the paperwork. We go back out to go through the drive-through because they need to see him, picture ID--whatever. Next thing I know I have two troopers, one at gunpoint, and they throw me on the ground," said Valentin. "I was freaking out. My heart dropped. I thought I was going to get shot." Valentin explained what was going on to police who were concerned a possible attempted robbery had been reported here. Valentin thinks an overly cautious clerk was spooked by him wearing a hoodie at one point and was worried he might have been writing a demand note. Police explained staff at the bank might have reason to be nervous. Just about three weeks ago, police said Dylan Moore robbed the First Niagara Bank in Chester. A couple of days later police said the First Niagara Bank not far away in Essex was robbed by Travis Gahran. As for Valentin, he was quickly let go, though a little sore. While he might not be coming back to this branch, he was able to laugh off the brief mistaken identity. "Small price to pay for protection, I guess," said Valentin. In a statement to NBC Connecticut, First Niagara wrote that the staff, in abundance of caution, contacted police after someone came in, did not make contact with anyone, and then quickly left. The bank said the staff is more cautious because at the same branch on a Monday a man wearing a hoodie tried to get in after hours. The bank said that man is believed by state police to have been involved in a robbery at another bank that day and is still on the loose. It applauded the bank manager who it said was following protocol and made sure that customer and employee safety is top priority. Massachusetts State Police have arrested a 13-year-old boy accused of stealing an SUV and leading police on a chase from Foxboro to Boston. The boy was arraigned Thursday morning in juvenile court and ordered held on $100,000 bail. He is scheduled to return to court on April 14. The incident happened Wednesday night after troopers observed an Chevy Tahoe which had been reported as stolen traveling on Interstate 93 north. A trooper tried to stop the driver at Exit 15, but the driver got off Exit 16. The pursuit was called off for a short time as the driver traveled through a densely-populated area. The driver ultimately traveled to Melnea Cass Boulevard in Roxbury, where he crashed into another vehicle. Police say he attempted to flee on foot and was captured in an industrial area on Reading Street. The boy, whose identity is not being released by authorities, was booked at the state police barracks on South Boston on three charges of assault with a dangerous weapon, along with charges of receiving a stolen vehicle, leaving the scene of an accident causing property damage, trespass, driving without a license, negligent driving and failing to stop for police. The assault with a dangerous weapon charge stems from the allegation that the boy drove the vehicle toward three Boston police officers. The officers were able to jump out of the vehicle's path and were not struck. The driver whose car was struck did not report any injuries. Students and faculty at Quinsigamond Community College in Massachusetts were evacuated Thursday morning due to a "shooter threat." The school sent an alert saying the college is closed until further notice due to a "shooter threat" on its main campus in Worcester. The school's main campus is located on West Boyston Street. The closures were also extended to all QCC locations. No other details were immediately available. In a possibly separate incident, campus police confirmed Wednesday night the campus was closed due to a threat. More to come. South Norfolk rallying call for mums to pray South Norfolk rallying call for mums to pray A rallying call, mobilising women to pray for their children and local schools, is being mounted at Hope Community Church, Wymondham on May 21. Sandie Shirley reports. Responding to tragedy - prayer, post or preach? Mark Sims asks how should Christians react to high-profile terrorist atrocities - with prayer, a Facebook post or just a conversation? What is the best way to react to large-scale tragedy like the March 27 suicide bombing in Lahore, Pakistan, which took at least 72 lives, some of whom were Christians celebrating Easter; or the terrorist attacks that left 31 dead in Brussels on March 22? Is it prayer, a heartfelt Facebook post, or a solemn conversation with someone before changing the subject to something more bearable? All three are reasonable responses that many would do without any second-guesses. As a Christian, prayer should be a priority. What to pray, though? That God would bring comfort to the survivors and the bereaved? Its hard to pray this sincerely, when I dont know any of them. Should I pray that this sort of thing never happens again? Its likely that people asked for this when #PrayForParis was a popular trend on social media after the 2015 attacks on the Charlie Hebdo offices and the Bataclan music venue. Clearly more attacks have happened. Isnt God listening? Has God quit? No, the terrorists are simply listening to a different god. The voices of hate in their minds are so loud that they cannot hear the still small voice of love telling them that they are wrong. I cant pretend to fully understand extremist psychology but taking peoples lives including your own - because someone drew a mocking picture of your prophet, for example, is senseless. Charlie Hebdo cartoonist Joann Sfar, whilst thanking people for #PrayForParis, told them we dont need more religion, creating an alternative trend, #ParisisaboutLife. He was initially misunderstood as being against prayer and religion, but later clarified that it was the combination of a flippant hashtag and intimate spirituality he found inappropriate, not the call to prayer. Unsurprisingly, the trends continue, but at least the new #jesuislemonde (I am the world) acknowledges worldwide suffering, rather than focusing on just one country. Of course, people can post what they like on social media and altering your profile picture to show the flag of whichever afflicted country is in your thoughts and prayers and the mainstream news - is a nice gesture that probably has genuine care behind it, unless you are just blindly following a trend. Still, it wont bring back the dead; it probably wont comfort the afflicted if they even see it and it certainly wont stop the terrorists. Youll probably change your profile photo once the news has moved on, anyway. Writing an article like this wont make much difference either, so its still somewhat selfish and superficial, except it makes me feel better for expressing my thoughts and hopefully provoking other peoples in a positive way. Im not saying we dont really care but its the need to be seen to care thats the issue, as if all our Facebook friends will think were heartless if we dont react online to whatever recent tragedy filled the headlines of the news sources we choose to take in and are available to us. Im as guilty as anyone else, ignorant as I was of the many other atrocities occurring in the world between the Paris and Brussels attacks. Hundreds of terrorist acts have occurred in this time but I was only aware of a couple. If we all posted our sorrow for every terrorist act that occurred in our world, let alone other tragedies like natural disasters or celebrity deaths, our profiles would be bursting with bad news and who wants to look at only that everyday? At least this would leave no room for selfies and meal pictures but these are what social media is for, right? Still, we feel that we must react when we receive tragic news about other people, even if they are strangers to us and our online profiles are often the first places we do that. Those afflicted by the attacks in Paris, Brussels and Pakistan must see other peoples online reactions and, if my home city was the target of a terrorist attack the UK terror threat level is still, terrifyingly, Severe then it would be some comfort to people from other countries showing their support. Donating to or volunteering with charities like Open Doors , which supports persecuted Christians, is more productive and beneficial. For people of faith, like me, though, prayer is important, with or without a hashtag (preferably without). I struggled to find the words but we must remember that prayer is a conversation with God, so it cannot - or should not - be one-sided. We must listen to God as well as talk to God and when do speak, we could pray that the young Muslims who are drawn to radical Islam to fill whatever void in their lives it promises to fill - will learn to listen to the voice of unconditional love and not give in to unqualified hatred. Image is courtesy of https://pixabay.com Mark Sims lives in South Norfolk and works at Norwich Cathedral. He writes occasionally for Network Norwich and Norfolk on a variety of issues, usually focusing on the arts. The views carried here are those of the author, not of Network Norfolk, and are intended to stimulate constructive debate between website users. We welcome your thoughts and comments, posted below, upon the ideas expressed here. Even as the White House is calling on federal agencies to make more use of open source projects, there's also a federal effort under way to reduce the number of vulnerabilities in those products via better code review tools and bug bounties. By the end of September, the Cyber Security Division at the Department of Homeland Security plans to award funding for a project designed to improve the performance of static code analysis tools. "We're in the process of approving proposals now from academia and small businesses," said Kevin Greene, the division's software assurance program manager. [ ALSO ON CSO: Romancing development: How to avoid feeling vulnerable with open source ] According to Greene, the static code analysis tools available today simultaneously miss many vulnerabilities while generating too many false positives. "When a tool generates a lot of false positives, developers aren't going to use it," he said. "It creates a bottleneck, a phonebook of false positives they have to triage and go through. Going through all these findings slows them down, so they put the tool on the shelf and won't use it -- and now we have a bunch of vulnerable open source projects in the ecosystem." Greene said that he's working with industry, government and academics to identify the gaps in the current technology, and to identify areas where improvement is needed. The project is called STAMP, or Static Tool Analysis Modernization Project. The division already has a free collection of open source software designed to be used as test cases for code analysis tools, he said, called SWAMP, or Software Assurance Marketplace. "It helps calibrate what a tool is good at, and not good at," he said. "It's been available to be used since 2014, with close to 1,000 users and close to 2,000 assessments per day." The goal is to eventually have something like the Underwriters Lab, but for software. "Just like we have labels on food, we need to put labels on software as part of the whole supply chain risk management process," he said. "So people have some assurance that the software can be trusted, that we can understand the attributes of the software." [ RELATED: Public concerned about security flaws in government open source code ] The other effort is to create a program that not only helps find new vulnerabilities in open source code, but creates fixes, he said. As more open source software is created, the number of vulnerabilities goes up as well. Black Duck Software is currently tracking 1.5 million open source projects. Open source vulnerabilities can be particularly dangerous, according to Black Ducks' Vice President of Security Strategy Mike Pittenger. Open source software can be ubiquitous, he said, and typically has no process where patches are automatically pushed out to users. In fact, said Greene, many open source projects don't have any communities or companies behind them at all to create the patches in the first place. "I want to create a bug-bounty approach, a vulnerability incentive research platform, where we leverage the power of crowd sourcing to find vulnerabilities and create fixes for them," he said. "I'm currently exploring ways to figure out how to do that. Hopefully, pretty soon, we can get it in shape and have it as a new project out of our division." It would start out with a small budget and a discovery phase to see if it is feasible, he said. There are also issues around disclosure and privacy that first have to be addressed. "But if we can find zero days before the adversaries find the zero days, and come out with fixes, man, we're making a lot of progress," he said. This story, "Feds tackle open source code quality" was originally published by CSO . Download Now The News-Gazette mobile app brings you the latest local breaking news, updates, and more. Read the News-Gazette on your mobile device just as it appears in print. Champaign, IL (61820) Today Windy with a few clouds from time to time. High 79F. Winds S at 20 to 30 mph. Higher wind gusts possible.. Tonight Considerable cloudiness. Low 62F. Winds S at 15 to 25 mph. Reporter/Columnist Julie Wurth is a reporter covering the University of Illinois at The News-Gazette. Her email is jwurth@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@jawurth). Reporter Mary Schenk is a reporter covering police, courts and breaking news at The News-Gazette. Her email is mschenk@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@schenk). By Lucy Piper Researchers report findings of a blood biomarker that consistently detects mild to moderate traumatic brain injury (MMTBI) for up to 7 days and quantifies the degree of damage. "This test could take the guesswork out of making a diagnosis by allowing doctors to simply look for a specific biomarker in the blood", lead researcher Linda Papa (Orlando Regional Medical Center, Florida, USA) told the press. The biomarker is glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and is found in the astroglial skeleton of both white and grey brain matter. Assessment of GFAP in 1831 blood samples from 584 patients aged 18 to 83 years attending a level I trauma centre showed that it was detectable within 1 hour of injury, peaked at 20 hours and steadily declined over 72 hours, but was still detectable at 7 days. Four hours after injury, GFAP levels were significantly increased in the 325 patients with MMTBI (97.8% with Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] score of 13 to 15) compared with the 259 without (GCS score=15) and remained consistently higher over the 19 distinct sampling time points up to 7 days, ranging from 0.008-8.078 ng/mL versus 0.008-0.773 ng/mL, respectively. Over the course of the week, areas under the curve demonstrated that GFAP was 73% to 94% accurate in detecting MMTBI, the researchers report in JAMA Neurology. The biomarker was also up to 97% accurate in detecting intracranial lesions, confirmed by computed tomography (CT) in 35 patients with MMTBI, and the need for neurological intervention, occurring in seven MMTBI patients, with up to 100% accuracy. In a related editorial, Tanya Bogoslovsky and Ramon Diaz-Arrastia, both from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Rockville, Maryland, USA, point out that the "longer half-life of GFAP and its ability to detect CT lesions within 7 days after injury make it useful in subacute settings, when the diagnosis of [mild] TBI with persistent symptoms incurred after concussion can be a particular challenge." Papa and co-workers also assessed the blood biomarker ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1), a neuronal protein, and while it showed diagnostic potential for MMTBI, intracranial lesions and neurological intervention, its accuracy alone and in combination with GFAP was exceeded by that of GFAP alone, particularly for distinguishing patients with MMTBI. The researchers note that like GFAP, UCH-L1 was detectable within an hour after injury, but levels rose much more rapidly, peaking at 8 hours and declining over 48 hours, therefore the window for detecting MMTBI is much narrower. "Accordingly, the early rise of UCH-L1 can be useful for detecting [mild] TBI in hyperacute (including both civilian and military) settings and may suitable for development of point-of-care testing", say Bogoslovsky and Diaz-Arrastia. Licensed from medwireNews with permission from Springer Healthcare Ltd. Springer Healthcare Ltd. All rights reserved. Neither of these parties endorse or recommend any commercial products, services, or equipment. New data on the health of city-dwellers in almost 100 countries show that as the worlds urban population continues to grow, health inequities - especially between the richest and poorest urban populations - are a persistent challenge, according to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat). For example, only half of households in urban areas of 91 countries with comparable data have access to piped water, with the richest 20% of households being 2.7 times more likely to have access to piped water than the poorest 20%. In Africa, this ratio is closer to 17 times. About 3.7 billion people live in cities today. A further 1 billion people will be added by 2030, with 90% of the growth being in low- and middle-income countries. This intensifies the need to realize the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of ensuring universal health coverage (UHC): that all people obtain the health services they need without suffering financial hardship when paying for them, by 2030. Health inequalities undermine progress The report finds that in 79 low- and middle-income countries, children in the poorest one fifth of urban households are twice as likely on average to die before their fifth birthday compared with children in the richest fifth. In nearly 9 of 10 countries for which comparable data was available, the urban poor did not achieve the Millennium Development Goal target for reducing under-five mortality. The report emphasizes the urgency of addressing health disparities and their determinants in cities as countries strive to achieve the SDGs and identifies innovative ways to achieve UHC that are emerging in such diverse cities as Guangzhou and Lagos, Lima and San Francisco, among many others. There is an urgent need to identify and reduce health inequities, particularly for the most vulnerable populations, such as the nearly 1 billion people living in urban slums or informal settlements today, said Dr Marie-Paule Kieny, WHO Assistant-Director General for Health Systems and Innovation. This report gives countries and cities practical tools to reduce health inequities and achieve the SDGs. While a number of urban areas have improved health coverage, the report finds that coverage for the poor still lags behind. Currently, at least 400 million women, men and children around the world are excluded from what is a basic human right: access to affordable health care. They have little or no access or to health services, and health insurance that is inadequate or non-existent. The report includes a new Urban UHC Dashboard-- an analysis of nine indicators for 94 countries-- which shows that vast inequalities in health service coverage persist, despite urban areas reporting higher coverage of services than their respective national average levels. Planning cities for people and health Increasing urbanization poses a unique set of health challenges, including the double burden of non-communicable and infectious diseases, air pollution, access to water and sanitation, and the need to improve nutrition, increase physical activity, and build resilience to health emergencies. Meeting those challenges will require countries and cities to take bold steps towards UHC. The ways that cities are planned, today and for the future, can profoundly affect the ability of their residents to live long, healthy and productive lives. The report presents solutions for ensuring accessibility to water and sanitation, reducing urban sprawl while developing new transport options, increasing road safety, making cities age-friendly and accessible for persons with disabilities, managing urban health emergencies and increasing resiliency, while also improving healthier homes, particularly for those living in urban slums. The report further presents a comprehensive set of interventions that can reduce the urban burden of non-communicable diseases. These include smoke-free city ordinances and enforcement; altering the built environment and promoting alternative transport options to foster greater physical activity and reduce air pollution; new approaches to urban food environment to reduce malnutrition and obesity; affordable and healthy housing conditions, and safety-related efforts. Together, these have tremendous impact on reducing diarrheal diseases, indoor and ambient air pollution, non-communicable diseases, and other diseases saving millions of lives and increasing quality of life. A variety of examples from New York City and China to Mexico City, Barcelona, and South Africa illustrate these impacts, particularly using multiple interventions. In cities, progress in health depends not only on the strength of health systems, but also on shaping urban environments. Capitalizing on such interdependent factors leads to efficiency, synergies and co-benefits, and is essential to attaining the SDGs, said Alex Ross, Director of the WHO Centre for Health Development in Kobe, Japan, which led and wrote the report. A healthy population is essential for creating economically competitive and inclusive cities, said Joan Clos, Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat). This new report documents opportunities for joint action to implement the SDGs, and is an important contribution to the Third United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development to take place in Quito in October 2016 and to the realisation of the New Urban Agenda. Researchers at Umea University in Sweden have developed a method that simplifies the diagnosis of ear infections (otitis media), something which annually affects half a billion children worldwide. The software-based method automatically analyses images from a digital otoscope and enables highly accurate diagnoses. The method is described in the journal EBioMedicine. "Because of lack of health personnel in many developing countries, ear infections are often misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all. This may lead to hearing impairments, and even to life-threatening complications," says Claude Laurent, researcher at the Department of Clinical Sciences at Umea University and co-author of the article. "Using this method, health personnel can diagnose middle ear infections with the same accuracy as general practitioners and paediatricians. Since the system is cloud-based, meaning that the images can be uploaded and automatically analysed, it provides rapid access to accurate and low-cost diagnoses in developing countries." The researchers at Umea University have collaborated with the University of Pretoria in South Africa in their effort to develop an image-processing technique to classify otitis media. The technique was recently described in the journal EBioMedicine - a new Lancet publication. The software system consists of a cloud-based analysis of images of the eardrum taken using an otoscope, which is an instrument normally used in the medical examination of ears. Images of eardrums, taken with a digital otoscope connected to a smartphone, were compared to high-resolution images in an archive and automatically categorised according to predefined visual features associated with five diagnostic groups. Tests showed that the automatically generated diagnoses based on images taken with a commercial video-otoscope had an accuracy of 80.6 per cent, while an accuracy of 78.7 per cent was achieved for images captured on-site with a low cost custom-made video-otoscope. This high accuracy can be compared with the 64-80 per cent accuracy of general practitioners and paediatricians using traditional otoscopes for diagnosis. "This method has great potential to ensure accurate diagnoses of ear infections in countries where such opportunities are not available at present. Since the method is both easy and cheap to use, it enables rapid and reliable diagnoses of a very common childhood illness," says Claude Laurent. Peter Sheldon happened upon the theme for Randolph Colleges 2016 Science Festival during a casual dinner conversation with members of a national committee he sits on. I was literally sitting at dinner one night, the committee was having dinner, and somebody was talking about Nicks [Giordano] Physics of Piano book, Sheldon says. I said, You wrote a book about the physics of piano? You should be part of the Science Fest. He was really enthusiastic about coming. That just sort of spawned the whole [idea of], Now I can work with the music department. Science Fest 2016 kicks off this week with The Physics of Piano, a keynote address from Giordano, set for 7:30 p.m. Thursday in Wimberly Recital Hall, and continues through the weekend. Other highlights include a Women in Science panel at 3:30 p.m. Friday, featuring alumnae panelists talking about their careers in science; the lecture, Spectral Visualization of Singing Voice Acoustics, from Nicholas Perna, a professor of voice and pedagogy at Mississippi College, at 7 p.m. Friday; A Scientist Goes to the Movies at 8 p.m. Friday, during which Randolph biology professor Doug Shedd will discuss Jurassic World; a poetry reading and competition at 6 p.m. Saturday; and a regional LEGO competition Sunday. The whole idea is that science is for everyone, and science is connected to every part of our lives, Sheldon says. In the festivals inaugural year, he says, they included presentations about the physics of dance. I thought we hadnt done that angle since that first year, and Id really like to reach out to an audience that might not think the Science Festival is for them. In Giordano, Sheldon found the perfect example of how science and the arts can mix. The dean of the College of Science and Mathematics at Auburn University, he also teaches physics there and published the aforementioned Physics of Piano book in 2010. His interest in the topic began when he took up piano lessons as an adult, around the same time he was developing new materials for a computational physics course he was teaching. I started learning about waves on musical instruments, like piano strings, and that was a good example to use in that course, he says. After working on a senior project with a student we came up with a little experiment to do with a piano that was sitting in a nearby lab and publishing a paper about the results, Giordano says he was hooked. In addition to studying the history and evolution of the piano, he also began rebuilding them. He started with the harpsichord, after attending a baroque music concert featuring the instrument. Someone in town built them. I contacted him, Giordano says. He was an experienced maker and he said I could build one in his woodshop and he gave me all kinds of tips and pointers. I was not really a wood person, and so I built a harpsichord in my spare time, which took over a year. So I had a great time doing that, and I enjoyed playing Bach. I also enjoyed the building process. So I acquired, off eBay actually, an old Steinway from the first year of the company that was in terrible shape. It was being sold by an antique dealer in Mississippi. I was hooked, and so I got it. With help from my local piano technician, I rebuilt it and got it working. And I was hooked there too. He continued acquiring them, observing how they changed from the earliest instruments to more modern ones. They got bigger, they got more notes, they got more powerful, he says. As I collected [them], I looked for instruments that spanned the evolutionary time. And when I rebuild them, I like to learn about how different makers solved different problems. It was a hobby that developed into an obsession, and its been a lot of fun. During his keynote address, Giordano says hell cover some aspects of the pianos history and evolution, but will mostly focus on how it works. As you go from the strings to the soundboard, and so on, you do go [through] that chain of events, he says. The talk that I usually give is about all the ways that you can use physics to understand pianos. When a show deals with themes like sexuality especially teenage sexuality it tends to be seen as controversial. This was the case with the German play Spring Awakening, which hit the Berlin stage around the early 1900s, more than a decade after Frank Wedekind wrote the piece. It caused such a stir that several countries, including Great Britain and the United States, put the play under strict censorship guidelines that made productions of it virtually impossible to stage. In fact, its English-language premiere, a 1917 production in New York City, required an injunction from the state Supreme Court to move forward and then closed after a single performance. A century later, a musical interpretation of the play took Broadway, and the world, by storm, and now, Sweet Briar College will perform a concert version of that production for two nights this weekend. Like the play on which its based, the musical version of Spring Awakening which starred former Glee actress Lea Michele, as well as Jonathan Groff, currently appearing in Broadways Hamilton serves as a critique on sexually oppressive societies and the damage such ideologies can cause among youth. The story follows three teenagers in a 19th-century provincial German town as they try to navigate their sexual awakenings alone. The themes that it deals with are universal for boys and girls, and thats what I love about this, says director Melora Kordos. It deals with everything that teenagers go through. In Sweet Briars production, cast members, dressed in full costume, will read the lines off music stands with some basic blocking, while the songs, which they have memorized, will be performed with choreography. Actors will remain onstage for the entire performance and will enter and exit the designated playing space during scenes. To me, keeping the simplicity of it is far more powerful and impactful because its all about the characters, says Kordos. Its all about what theyre going through and it resonates stronger. Were not distracted by flashy fun sets and overly produced scenery. The minimalist structure follows the setup of the original Broadway production, which had a mostly bare set against a brick facade. As with that production which won eight Tony awards, including one for Best Musical the band becomes a central figure with a prominent place onstage. The music is the heart of this piece, Kordos says. So, its very important to have the band visible the whole time. Were not trying to hide it in the pit and pretend the musics coming up from out of nowhere. Spring Awakenings score, a full-out rock musical combining both folk and alternative elements, easily illustrates that element of teenage angst without losing the beauty or complexity expected from a Broadway score. Especially in contrast to the setting of the show ... it's not really what you would expect, says Sweet Briar senior Mayalin Quinones, who plays Wendla, the female lead. Just because this isnt the type of music youd expect to come out of that era, doesnt mean it couldn't express the way they could have been feeling. It is like all these characters, theyre kind of living in their own world that is separate from the adults. The adults have all the answers, whereas the kids dont and theyre just kind of this ball of frustration and questioning. I feel that this type of music represents that so well that it's hard to imagine this musical having a different genre of music. When it first hit the stage, Spring Awakening created a buzz, in part for the explicit language in the songs lyrics and the promise of nudity. But audiences often found a story that resonated more than expected. The songs are the inner life of these teenagers that then transports us to a contemporary world, a contemporary language and lingo that any kid today understands, Kordos says. The whole point is that doesnt change. How we feel does not change, its just the words we put to it are different based on different time periods. So, it makes it more accessible. Many of the issues described in the play still remain relevant today, especially in the debate over sexual education. I went to a public high school in Texas, and we really didn't receive any sex ed, Quinones says. It wasnt as bad as it is for these kids [in the musical], but for some people it really is and they dont have very many resources or they dont know where to look to get that kind of information. And its a problem because you need that education to live a healthy lifestyle. Despite the shows reputation for pushing boundaries, its the unspoken understanding between the characters onstage and the members of the audience that keeps fans coming back. Everybody who sees the show, no matter what age you are, youre going to see some character in the show and go, That was me. I remember going through that, Kordos says. Its very identifiable. As a child, multidisciplinary artist Aggie Zed would often watch her late father repair televisions at the dining room table. He worked at a television station. He was like an assistant engineer, she says. He was an inventor type. He was always bringing junk home from the television station and trying to figure out how to put it to use. Those moments have constantly influenced Zeds work. Both of her parents encouraged her artistic nature, but her father, especially, fostered that creativity by buying her books of cartoons and art supplies. That bond was so strong that she legally took her fathers first name, Zed, as her surname when she began to show her art more widely. A lot of how I work is exactly that way [he worked], says Zed, who now lives in Gordonsville. Im sitting at my little work table with my soldering iron and my bits of metal and junk. Just sitting there trying to figure out how to use it, how to make it work, how to build it into something, where Im saying something about people and humanity and the environment. Zed who has exhibited from New York to California, with plenty of stops in Virginia is most known for her ceramic figurines, though she also sketches and paints with pastels and ink. The truth is, I use so many mediums and combine them, it would be hard for me to say whats primary, she says. Increasingly, all of those mediums are growing together in my work. When Im working in ceramic, Im often thinking in the other mediums. A native of Charleston, South Carolina, Zed grew up on Sullivans Island in a little brick rancher surrounded by animals. We had so many animals, our neighbors wished we had grown up on a farm somewhere else, probably, she jokes. Our house was furnished with a lot of those inventions. All these little kids running around and these falling-down contraptions that my dad had made with all of these animals running around outside. Does it sound like my work? It really does. Oranges and teals mix with greens and browns on acrylic paper in her paintings of stiff, toy cowboys stuck in posed positions. Horses with metal bodies, frayed, copper wire tails and gentle eyes stare outward, searching. A man with a simple, placid face plays with a colored puppet on each hand sometimes its a bunny or a horse, other times its a cat or an even smaller version of himself. I think there's kind of a mystery about her work, says John Morgan, who runs Rivermont Studio. Its not just cute. It has an edge to it and thats one of the reasons it holds the mystery for me. Morgan first met Zed when he bought a piece from her while the two of them were living in Richmond. Theyve been friends ever since and over the years, have exhibited together five times, two of which were in Lynchburg. Now, Zeds work will make a third appearance at Rivermont Studio, this time with book artist Ginna Cullen, opening Friday. The way [Zed] uses material is fantastic, he says. She draws with wire. You can be talking to her and shell just be fiddling with her finger and hand you something shes made while shes not even looking at it. Shes one of those people that thinks three-dimensionally. Zed never limits her creative work to a moment in her past or a sketch in her notebook, nor does she shape it with a set idea of what the finished piece should look like in her mind. Instead, she pulls from anything and everything that pops into her head and allows those ideas to transform as she works. Whatever medium I'm in, Im always poking around in it and exploring, and trying to solve something at the moment, she says. It makes a lot of my work clumsy and goofy, but it also gives my work a lot of the energy and wonder that's in it. It doesnt look like Im executing something I already know how to do, it looks like Im trying to find something and discover something in each piece, I think." While she may not envision each work from a drawing in her notebook, Zed has a ritual of sketching almost every morning in bed, after fetching her cup of coffee. "If I get my cup of coffee and go back to bed and just sit there, it's almost like the dream part of myself is still hanging out with me and this kind of mysterious aspect comes into the sketches." Both Zeds paintings and her sculptural work have a surreal quality, like youve stepped into a madcap hallucination. Examining each piece offers the feeling of walking through a series of tableaux within an intense dream without knowing how it begins or ends. The meaning seems just on the edge of understanding but once the vision has passed and wakefulness has returned, it still cannot be explained as the memory begins to fade. All that remains is an intense guttural feeling. You see her work and you've never seen anything like it, Morgan says. Every one has its own character about it, its own kind of mystery about it. After graduating from The University of South Carolina with a fine arts degree, Zed moved to Richmond and supported herself by designing ceramic chess sets, something that led right into developing the human-animal hybrid figurines that have intrigued audiences up and down the East Coast. One of the first ones I remember doing was putting a horses head on a human figure, she says of the figurine, which developed from repeatedly molding knight pieces for her chess sets. Once I saw those two things together and the magic of that, I started trying to get good enough at doing other animal heads. These man-animal hybrids illustrate one of the foundations of Zeds points of view: Her search to discover what defines a person. It was a figure that wasn't going to be kind of capable of anything except trying to understand itself, she says. And that can probably be said about all my figures. Each figure is about that person having one event or one thing that it's about that thats its struggling, or existing with or celebrating. It's like stripping a person down to an essential idea of thought about him or herself. This search for the central essence of a person also fits into Zeds view of humanity and the world in which we live, a concept best illustrated through what she calls her scrap floats. Theyre parade floats from a future where were slabbing together the remnants of a technology we didnt use properly or weve let go too far, she says. On Sullivans Island, Zed and the other kids would ride their bikes through the concrete foundations of decommissioned army barracks and vacant, crumbling structures that looked like they could have sprung from the pages of a post-apocalyptic young adult novel. There were all these old concrete foundations with [pieces] of metal sticking up out of them and rings, where it looked like things had hung from these rings, she says. It was a playground and a mystery. As little kids, we would have wondered if maybe aliens didnt sometimes come down there and hang out on that end of the island. The shapes that transfixed her as a child reappear time and time again in Zeds complicated mixed media sculptures. She likes people to look at it and have their own reaction to it, Morgan says. I think shes really interested in people bringing their own baggage to her work and interpreting it that way. Armless men operate peculiar machinery made of arcing wire and painted, metal slabs on wheels. A dog head on a winged human torso drives a scooter-like contraption, his tiny booted feet standing tiptoe on the edge of it. What I have to say is something about people finding out about how we exist, what were doing to ourselves, with ourselves, to the planet, she says. Its the stuff I think about when Im building things. In some cases, they start looking like people that are still part flesh and blood, muscle and sinew, and part machines and levers. Zed describes herself as a tinkerer, adventuring into art for her own amusement and then sharing her discoveries with the world. And it all ties back to sitting at the table with her father and that moment of trying to achieve something seemingly impossible. A lot of my work is about longing longing or yearning or trying to understand or reach or touch something that you just can't quite get to, Zed says. Its what people are most interested in, probably. Its the stuff they cant have yet, or they dont understand or isnt complete to them yet. For Zed, its the mysteries of living and the desire to solve them that continues to drive her artistic pursuits. Getting really close to something, really close to understanding it, but not quite able to solve the puzzle is kind of the most interesting time, she says. As an artist, Ive tried to constantly put myself in that position. In her first major remarks to the Sweet Briar College community since last springs legal fight, Amherst County Attorney Ellen Bowyer shared insight into the legal case she made against the closure of the college, in a speech to the Honors Colloquia at the school on Wednesday. Bowyer also weighed in on an ongoing debate in the college community over policies of the schools board of trustees, calling for board meetings to be opened to the public for the most part, and suggesting that the board should continue to value representation of various constituencies on the board. Above all, she stressed the importance of the founders will in helping to safeguard the college from closure. The person we really have to thank for the saving of Sweet Briar College is Indiana Fletcher Williams, she said. One hundred and fifteen years ago, she hired a really good lawyer out of New York and she told that really good lawyer what she wanted to do with her money and her property and he wrote her a really good will, a really good strong will. The most important issue throughout the whole fight was that question of the intent It was the founders intent that allowed us to reach a good settlement in the matter. Bowyer also highlighted a couple of perhaps lesser-known key moments during the fight: a vote by the colleges faculty of no confidence in the then-board and president of the college, and friend of the court briefs filed by three prominent Virginia law professors. She stressed that because the case was settled through a negotiated settlement with prior college leaders, no official legal precedent was set by the legal proceedings last spring and the arguments put forward. Bowyer recommended the schools board pass a legal resolution officially declaring the school trust governed by the will and volunteered to help draft that resolution. Bowyer gave her talk in the schools 1948 auditorium, which is set up to seat 75 or so people, and was packed, with many people standing or sitting on the sides of the space and some people peering in from the entryway. They gave her a standing ovation. Many people in the audience, including faculty members and students had questions for Bowyer. The first came from psychology professor Dan Gottlieb, who asked Bowyer how she thought representation of various constituencies on the board should be accomplished. I dont know how to accomplish it but I think that for this college, its essential that you have balanced representation, she said, pointing to the way that the plaintiffs in the various legal challenges worked together in the legal fight over the future of the college. Weve got to have that common united front to get this college down the road. How you do it, Im not sure. Person of the Year: Saving Sweet Briar Alumnae and allies of Sweet Briar College won a new beginning for the school with a mixture of grit, determination and faith. During a town hall meeting in February, Sweet Briar Board of Trustees Chairwoman Teresa Pike Tomlinson suggested board members are weighing what it means to represent a stakeholder group, and whether its useful to have board members that might represent different groups, such as faculty or staff, and where there may be conflicts of interest related to that representation. The issue dates back, in part, to the settlement agreement, which called for the college to remain open under new leaders. Representatives of the plaintiffs in each of the three legal challenges took part in the negotiations leading to the settlement agreement and thus got to nominate the first new members of the board of trustees. That meant for example, the faculty wound up with a representative on the board: music professor Marcia Thom-Kaley, who was present at Wednesdays talk by Bowyer. Im one voice and one opinion and I happen to agree with her, Thom-Kaley said, of Bowyers points about representation and opening up meetings. I believe strongly that every constituency should be represented on this board, and Ive made no secret about that. She praised the dialogue among board members and said the board is working to ensure communication with Sweet Briar Community as a whole. The board, she said, is in the process of revising its bylaws and that there has been energetic discussion about these topics at pretty much every meeting. I will say this is a board that wants to get it right, she said. She hopes there will be there will be some resolution on these issues by the April board meeting, but doesnt know for sure. Red Hulk, Ronin, and more: 10 Heroes and Villains whose secret identities were hidden from readers There's a longstanding superhero tradition of hiding the identity of certain characters even from readers Farrell: Tripartite initiative key to transform industrial relations Dr Terrence Farrell, current chairman of the Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB), made his case for the use of these three initiatives while delivering the feature address at an IR seminar entitled, How can management and labour work cohesively during a recession?, held at the Arthur Look Jack Graduate School of Business (GSB), Mount Hope. Farrell noted that under the current economic conditions, with hundreds of people laid off from their jobs, particularly in the energy sector, The adjustment which must take place therefore impacts adversely the labour force, which in turn means adverse impacts on households and social welfare...One consequence therefore is that the industrial relations climate becomes more turbulent as workers seek to defend and preserve their jobs, or to find alternative employment. Hence the need to act now to transform the IR landscape in TT and leave the plantation behind. THE TRIPARTITE INITIATIVE Farrell spoke of Governments recent launch of the National Tripartite Advisory Council (NTAC), saying while it was done amidst great scepticism, not least, stated or unstated, among the parties themselvesit is potentially transformational if it is implemented wisely. He also referred to what event co-organiser and IR expert, Shafeek Sultan-Khan, previously said about tripartite talks in the 1970s being dismissed as tripe talks, and recent comments from management consultant, Hollick Rajkumar, that there has been outright rejection by some vested parties at the national level. The goals of the work are indeed about creating dialogue and building trust, but it would be difficult to achieve those goals unless the parties had a deep appreciation of this countrys socio-cultural history and of the conscious and unconscious barriers to dialogue and building the relationships which are the foundation of trust. Farrell said it is only through knowledge and understanding of the other party/parties that we can overcome prejudice. One gets the impression though, that in general in our plantation society, union leaders deliberately eschew social interaction with leaders in business and in government. It is as if they are afraid that they may be contaminated by the pathogens which inhibit those circles! The effect though may be closed minds and a set of selfreinforcing beliefs founded on prejudice. Farrell argued that NTAC must therefore explore TTs deep culture; he cited a May 2015 definition by Emily Wilson which said the term refers to the beliefs, attitudes and practices that underpin the social fabric of our societies. Having explored our deep culture, Farrell said NTAC also has to work on building personal communication between and among the parties, even as it begins to debate and discuss the many important items on its agenda. Without that, it too may well fail but we must try! Farrell acknowledged that what I am advocating here may sound unattainablebecause we know our culture, but he argued that the starting point of real change for the better must be an understanding of TTs socio-cultural history, which has shaped the culture of business, labour and government officials, their values, attitudes and behaviours. Ansa focusing on results In presenting the Groups Audited Financial Statements for 2015 at the Tatil Building, Sabga said the Group is encouraged by these results and will be redoubling its efforts to build on these successes in 2016. In its results, the Group reported a $1.16 million before tax profit and revenues of $6.2 billion. This latter figure represented an increase of two percent over the prior years mark of $6.1 billion. All of Ansa McAls business segments generated acceptable growth levels in 2015. The Groups 2015 results showed that manufacturing/ packaging/brewing led the way at 13 percent. Next came automotive/trading/distribution at nine percent. This was followed by media/ services/parent company and insurance/financial services at eight and four percent respectively. All of the Groups companies based overseas also reported good performances for the last year. Sabga said while the Group was unable to successfully acquire Banks Brewery in Barbados, it is expected to close two other transactions within a months time. He said while these transactions were not of the magnitude of Banks Brewery, they were US dollar-denominated and significant. Saying that Barbados remains an important investment location for the Group and many of its companies there are over 100 years old, Sabga said there is considerable reinvestment by the Group in that islands economy. We think that the Bajans love us and we love them, he said. Noting that the Group has been affected by challenges with foreign exchange like everyone else, Sabga stated, We have to find a mechanism where we bring that into some form of equilibrium, and once that equilibrium takes place, our demands will be met. The only person who can fix that is in fact, the Government. So something has to happen to fix that equation. Asked whether depreciation of the TT dollar would drive up costs, Sabga replied, The depreciating TT dollar will drive costs up because it costs us more to buy the foreign exchange. On whether price increases would be passed on to consumers as a result of challenges to obtain foreign exchange, Sabga said, The TT economy has become a very liberal economy. Disclosing that many persons are fighting for market growth and market position in the economy at this time, Sabga explained, Market forces will dictate what you can and cannot pass on. He added that the current state of play shows that, in many cases any increases cannot be passed on to consumers. Explaining that the component of foreign exchange differs in that the overall cost differs from one sector to another, Sabga said, One of our strategies is to beef up our exports. He added this will, generate more of our own foreign exchange. He also said the Group, like the rest of the country is eagerly awaiting the presentation of the Mid-Year Review by Finance Minister Colm Imbert in the House of Representatives on April 8. He agreed with the assessment of this countrys economy by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its recent Article IV Report. In that report, the IMF praised the new Peoples National Movement (PNM) administration for taking a number of difficult but necessary steps, such as widening the Value Added Tax (VAT) base and reducing the number of government ministries it inherited from its Peoples Partnership (PP) predecessor. Speaking at a news conference at the Eric Williams Financial Complex on March 21, Imbert said Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar was wrong to say the IMF report proved the PP managed the economy well over the last five years. Imbert explained, What the IMF is saying in very diplomatic language is that the PP government benefitted from very buoyant energy prices, oil at (US)$100 (per barrel) and underinvested and under saved, which is why we find ourselves in the position that we are in today PNM Senator wants Baptist cathedral Peoples National Movement (PNM) Senator Foster Cummings said at yesterdays Liberation Day celebrations in Couva that Baptists will now be looking for a piece of land in Port-of-Spain to erect the cathedral. We are working towards that and that is the dream of the Baptist faith. We thank God for whatever land we got in Maloney and we going there shortly to have a good dance but we eh building no cathedral in Maloney. Maloney is not the capital city, we want a cathedral in Port of Spain, Cummings declared. During his United National Congress (UNC) administration (1996-2001) former Prime Minister Basdeo Panday donated 25 acres of land in Maloney to the Spiritual Baptist community to build a cathedral and primary and secondary schools. Under the last the Peoples Partnership government of Kamla Persad- Bissessar, Archbishop Barbara Gray-Burke succeeded in having the first Baptist primary school built on the land in 2012. Gray- Burke is a member of the Spiritual Shouter Baptist Council of the Elders which is aligned to the UNC. Cummings on the other hand belongs to the National Congress of Incorporated Baptist Organisation and they are aligned to the PNM. Cummings said: What I want to say...is that the Baptists look forward to a cathedral in Port-of- Spain, in the capital city where we can feel proud to worship as everybody else. We going to get the land and we going to build the church and its going to be a grand church. He played down talk that Baptists were divided. Dont tell us that we are divided, Cummings said. There are tribes of Africa all over, each tribe have its own chief and are not fighting with each other. We are different tribes inside here but we come together. 'He Had the Chance to Go in and Save the Children' (Newser) It's tough to comprehend: The FBI says the owner of a Dallas-area hospice ordered nurses to increase drug dosages for patients to speed their deaths and maximize profits, reports the AP. The revelations come via KXAS-TV, which obtained an affidavit filed to justify a search warrant of Novus Health Services in Frisco. The affidavit alleges that owner Brad Harris, 34, texted nurses orders such as, "You need to make this patient go bye-bye." More specifically, it accuses Harris of ordering too-high dosages for at least four patients with drugs such as morphine, though it's unclear whether any patients died as a result. No charges have been filed as the investigation continues. The FBI also accuses of Harris, during a meeting with two other execs, of expressing the wish to "find patients who would die within 24 hours." In regard to one patient in particular, he said "words to the effect of, 'If this fu**** would just die,'" according to the affidavit. The FBI says Harris was worried that if patients lingered too long in hospice care, it would cut into his company's profits. Several employees left the company after the FBI raid, and now Harris is suing them for breach of contract, reports a separate KXAS story. (Read more hospice stories.) (Newser) The rapper known as "C-Murder," who once recorded an album while locked up in jail, may have done it againthis time in a maximum-security Louisiana prison, where he is serving a life sentence for a teenager's killing, the AP reports. Prison officials are investigating whether the rapper, whose real name is Corey Miller, recorded music for an upcoming album while in the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola. Miller is still challenging his 2009 murder conviction and life sentence for the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old in 2002. His latest appeal is pending before the Louisiana Supreme Court. One of the songs on his latest album is called "Dear Supreme Court/Under Pressure" and includes a plea for the Supreme Court to free him. "I had no gun. Didn't know the victim. My position still stands. It's blatant lynching of the system," Miller raps on a recently released video for the song. An actor portrays Miller in the video, which shows supporters holding "Free C. Miller" signs on the New Orleans court's front steps. Miller denied recording anything at Angola but refused to take a polygraph test when investigators questioned him, state officials say. In 2005, the rapper released an album recorded while he was incarcerated at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center in Gretna. The new album, Penitentiary Chances, is scheduled to be released on April 15, according to Miller's manager, who claims the rapper recorded all of the vocals on the album while under house arrest several years ago, before his 2009 conviction. (Read more Corey Miller stories.) (Newser) Raymond Schwab, a Gulf War veteran and father of six, has ended his 17-day hunger strike on the steps of the Kansas Statehouse now that an LA-based attorney is filing a lawsuit on his behalf. Schwab, who says he uses medical marijuana to manage chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder, lost custody of five of his six children last April, when the state placed them in foster care under allegations of emotional abuse, reports the Topeka Capital-Journal. (His other child is an adult and can thus remain in the home.) "Now I can eat!" exclaimed Schwab in front of 35 supporters on Wednesday, adding that he hopes the lawsuit will result in an injunction against the state and ultimately return his children to his custody. The Kansas Department for Children and Families said Wednesday that the lawsuit had not yet been filed, and it notes it's expediting the review of a "fairly thick file" on the case; Schwab says he lost custody because of his pot use, but the DCF says it can't disclose details. While documents from the department do show that claims of emotional abuse were unsubstantiated, its public relations director tells KSN that this doesn't mean abuse didn't occur, and it also doesn't mean that the children will be automatically returned. NBC News reports that Schwab and his wife, who were in the process of moving to Colorado (where medical marijuana is legal) when their children were removed from their home, have only seen their children three times since April. (A student held a hunger strike last year in neighboring Missouri.) (Newser) People prone to angry outbursts are more than twice as likely to be infected with a common parasite called Toxoplasma gondii, which is often spread through cat feces. So report researchers in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, who looked for circulating antibodies to the parasite in 358 adults with intermittent explosive disorder (IED), non-IED psychiatric disorders (psychiatric controls), or no evidence of any psychiatric diagnosis (healthy controls). They found the parasite in just 9% of those without IED but 22% of those with it. Toxoplasmosis has been linked to schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, impulsiveness, and suicidal behavior, reports the Telegraph, but even so this finding surprised researchers. "We don't yet understand the mechanisms involved," coauthor Dr. Royce Lee of the University of Chicago tells Live Science. "It could be an increased inflammatory response, direct brain modulation by the parasite, or even reverse causation where aggressive individuals tend to have more cats or eat more undercooked meat." Indeed, the study establishes an association but not causation, and while the parasite can cause severe neurological problems and death in infants infected through pregnant mothers, it tends to cause far fewer problems in most of the 20% of Americans who've been infected by it. Researchers may next look for the parasite in the brains (instead of just bodies) of those with IED, or try treating IED patients for the infection to see if symptoms disappear. (Check out the broader range of issues the parasite is linked to in humans.) (Newser) A Pittsburgh news anchor has been fired over a controversial Facebook post about a mass shooting in the city earlier this month. "You needn't be a criminal profiler to draw a mental sketch of the killers who broke so many hearts two weeks ago Wednesday," Wendy Bell wrote in the March 21 post about the March 9 shooting, which killed five adults and an unborn baby. "They are young black men, likely in their teens or early 20s," she wrote, per the the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, which has the 650-word post in full. "They have multiple siblings from multiple fathers and their mothers work multiple jobs." She went on to praise a young black restaurant worker in what many thought was a patronizing manner, the AP reports. Bell, who is white, deleted the post after a backlash and admitted it was "insensitive and could be viewed as racist." In a statement, the station's parent company said Bell's comments were "inconsistent with the company's ethics and journalistic standards" and the station had ended its relationship with her. No suspects have been identified in the mass shooting, and media experts tell the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that while the case raises tricky issues, Bell crossed a line by presenting her opinions as fact on her anchor Facebook page. Bell, who won 21 regional Emmys during her 18 years at WTAE, tells the AP that she didn't get a "fair shake" from the station, and the story should be about "African-Americans being killed by other African-Americans," not her. (Read more news anchor stories.) (Newser) There's a chance Bernie Sanders' name doesn't appear on the ballot for the Washington, DC, primary thanks to some heel dragging from the DC Democratic Party, NBC Washington reports. The campaigns for both Sanders and Hillary Clinton submitted their $2,500 registration fee to the party on time. But the party didn't pass along their registration info to the DC Board of Elections until a day after the May 16 deadline. A voter filed a challenge against Sanders' late registration, throwing the senator's appearance on the ballot into question. No one challenged Clinton's late registration. The DC Democratic Party calls the issue a "minor administrative dispute." A hearing on the challenge to Sanders' registration is expected next month. The situation could also be resolved by an emergency vote of the DC council. For its part, the Sanders campaign believes the matter will be cleared up in time for the June 14 primary. "We did what the DC law requires in order to get Bernie on the ballot, and we are confident he will be on the ballot," Politico quotes a Sanders spokesperson as saying. (Read more Bernie Sanders stories.) (Newser) A female Nintendo employee has been fired after months of harassment from gamers who blamed her for censorshipbut the company says her firing has nothing to do with her being targeted by the "GamerGate" campaign, the Verge reports. "I am no longer a good, safe representative of Nintendo, and my employment has been terminated," Seattle-based worker Alison Rapp tweeted on Wednesday, adding that the last few months have been a "whirlwind" of controversy and harassment. Nintendo says Rapp was fired for moonlighting, which is against company policy, not because of an anti-Rapp campaign led by 4chan and Reddit posters, VentureBeat reports. Rapp had been harassed by gamers who blamed her for the censorship of sexual content in Japanese games adapted for the US market, Kotaku reported earlier this month. Her foes dug through her past and online presenceeven looking at things like her Amazon wish listand tried to portray her as a "pedophile enthusiast" after uncovering a 2011 term paper in which she argued against strengthening Japan's censorship laws. After the firing, Rapp tweeted that moonlightingwhich was apparently reported by one of her foesis usually accepted at Nintendo and the "obsessive privacy digging" would not have happened if she hadn't become an online target. (Even before this, one columnist argued that it's time for women to ditch Silicon Valley.) (Newser) A professional surfer was mauled by a shark off Australia's east coast on Wednesday evening, officials say. Brett Connellan, 22, was flown by helicopter to Sydney's St. George Hospital in serious condition after he was attacked 75 miles to the south, off a beach near Kiama, a police statement said, per the AP. He sustained injuries to a thigh and a hand in the attack off Bombo Beach at 7pm and was helped more than 100 yards to shore by fellow surfer Joel Trist, police say. Trist told reporters on Thursday he paddled as fast as he could toward his friend when he heard him scream. The shark had vanished before Trist covered the 50 yards to Connellan. "I said to him: 'What's it like?' and he said: 'It's not good.' And at that point I knew something was horribly wrong," Trist said. Ambulance Service spokesman Terry Morrow says two beachgoers who were off-duty nurses saved Connellan's life by applying a tourniquet made from a surfboard leg rope to his upper thigh before paramedics reached the scene. "He had lost a large proportion of his left thigh, and the quad muscle was torn away right down to the bone," Morrow tells the Illawarra Mercury. "He could've bled to death before we arrived on scene. He was very lucky the members of the public were there and acted as they did." (Last year saw a record number of shark attacks, though there were only six deaths.) (Newser) The FBI will again put its mysterious phone-hacking skills to use: A prosecutor in Arkansas says the FBI's Little Rock field office has agreed to help hack an iPhone and iPod owned by two teenagers accused of killing a couple in July. Hunter Drexler, 18whose iPhone 6 was seized upon his arrestwas scheduled to go to trial next week, per the AP. However, prosecutors asked for a delay hours after the FBI said it had broken into San Bernardino shooter Syed Farook's iPhone 5c. "Obviously when we heard that [the FBI] had been able to crack that phone, we wanted to at least ask and see if they wanted to help," the prosecutor tells the Los Angeles Times. It isn't clear if the FBI will use the same technique as on Farook's phone. There's no guarantee it will work and the method could be revealed at trial, an official says. "In a criminal case, if the FBI uses a technique, there's going to be questions about divulging that technique or chain of custody to the defense," says a lawyer with digital rights group Electronic Frontier Foundation. "So my instinct is this might be something different." Robert and Patricia Cogdell, both 66, were found murdered in their Conway, Ark., home last summer. Drexler is one of four suspects in the case alongside 15-year-old Justin Staton, who was raised as the couple's grandson. Staton's attorney was forced to hand over the teen's iPod last week after prosecutors said recorded phone conversations suggested Staton had used the device to plan the murders. Both Drexler and Staton have pleaded not guilty to capital murder, aggravated robbery, and other charges. Drexler's trial has been rescheduled for June 27. (Read more FBI stories.) (Newser) Shortly after 2-year-old Macy Grace Ditty died at a North Carolina hospital in December, her mom asked a photographer to create "afterlife" photos as a way to help her grieve. One image, made with a photo superimposed onto another, shows Jeanie Ditty, 23, strolling through a cemetery hand-in-hand with her deceased daughter, who looks angelic. Another shows Macy Grace laying a hand on Ditty's shoulder. "She offered to pay, and honestly, I couldn't do it," Sunny Jo tells ABC News. "It was a gift for what I thought was a grieving mother." It turned out to be what Jo calls the "biggest mistake" of his career. Some two months later, he learned that Ditty and her boyfriend, Zachary Keefer, 32, had been charged with first-degree murder and negligent child abuse in Macy Grace's death. Authorities say the toddler arrived at an emergency room with "life threatening injuries consistent with child abuse," including bruises all over her body, on Dec. 2. She died two days later, reports the Fayetteville Observer. On March 23, a medical examiner determined the toddler's death was a homicide, and Ditty and Keefer were charged. "I was horrified, then angry I'd been duped," says Jo, noting Ditty told him Macy Grace had choked on vomit, which led to brain damage. Ditty likewise told police that she asked Keefer, a paramedic, to check on Macy Grace because she felt ill. The pair then found her choking on vomit and called 911, Ditty said. After speaking with a detective, "I find out that she wanted these photos just to lie to the public, to cover up what she did so she can look like the grieving mother," Jo says. "She was convincing." (One grieving woman posed with her kids by their dad's casket.) (Newser) An impromptu yoga routine wasn't enough to calm an irate passenger aboard a United Airlines flight that had to be turned around mid-flight on Saturday. Hyongtae Pae, 72, of South Korea was headed home from Hawaii, where he'd celebrated his 40th wedding anniversary, when he felt the urge to do some yoga and meditate, and headed to the back of the plane. When his wife and flight attendants told him to return to his seat, Pae pushed his wife, tried to head-butt and bite Marines on board, threatened to kill passengers, and yelled that there was no god, a prosecutor tells the AP. Pae, now held in Hawaii, told the FBI he hadn't slept in 11 days. He urinated on himself while in detention and was on suicide watch. (Read more United Airlines stories.) (Newser) A lawyer for Paris terror suspect Salah Abdeslam says he's finally ready "to cooperate with the French authorities," reports the Independent. At a Thursday hearing in Belgiumwhere Abdeslam was captured in the basement of a distant relative on March 18his lawyer says the alleged terrorist no longer wants to fight his extradition to France and actually hopes it happens as soon as possible, reports the Wall Street Journal. The lawyer wouldn't say whether Abdeslam would reveal any insight into the Brussels attacks, of which he has claimed he had no knowledge, though DNA puts him in the same room as one of the attackers. However, Belgian authorities have come under fire for only briefly questioning Abdeslam upon his arrest as he required medical attention for a bullet wound. That's hardly the only complaint. Authorities now say they rearrested a nephew of one of the Brussels suicide bombers on Sunday. A laptop found in the garbage outside the attackers' apartment first pointed authorities to Yassin Attar, 29, who was found with traces of explosives on his person but released with an electronic bracelet. Why isn't clear. He's now charged with participation in a terrorist group. Belgian police also say they warned the country's counterterrorism forces that suspects were conducting reconnaissance missions on the airport and train and bus stations before the Brussels attacks on March 22. Police add the fact that people with prior criminal convictions "can continue to work at extremely security-sensitive locations in and around the airport, is hallucinatory." (Read more Salah Abdeslam stories.) (Newser) Garry Shandling didn't speak much about it publicly, but he was Buddhist, and he had planned what TMZ calls an "elaborate" Buddhist funeral before his death. Sources tell the gossip site Shandling's head will be shaved by a monk, a symbolic gesture that ordains Shandling as a monk posthumously. He'll be laid to rest with a card that contains the "Five Precepts of Buddha," and a monk will lead a chant as incense is lit to help guide his spirit to the next life. The ceremony for Shandling, who has Jewish roots, is planned for next month. As Page Six points out, Shandling talked about his spirituality to GQ in 2011, revealing that he meditated and kept journals to stay on his "path." Lion's Roar calls Shandling's comedy "mindful" and notes that the comedian considered himself "a serious student of dharma." He also introduced Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh before he spoke at the Library of Congress in 2004, joking, "humor is a wonderful way to deal with our suffering, because if we can laugh at our troubles, we can feel better. Thich Nhat Hanh is a special man who has helped millions with their suffering with incredible technique. But he doesnt know real suffering, because he has not dated as much as I have." (Read more Garry Shandling stories.) (Newser) John Kasich will have to do better if he wants to win over New York voters in next month's primary. The Ohio governor went to a Queens pizza shop on Wednesday and committed a local faux pas: He used a fork when eating a slice, reports ABC News. This prompted reaction along the lines of this headline in the New York Post: "WTF is wrong with John Kasich?" Kasich then had to explain himself on Good Morning America on Thursday morning. "Look, look, the pizza came scalding hot, OK? And so I use a little fork." Other politicians who have caught flak over this include Bill DeBlasio and, as Politico notes, none other than Donald Trump back in 2011, who explained that he was avoiding the crust to keep his weight down. (Read more John Kasich 2016 stories.) (Newser) Vindication for all the skim-milk haters out there: A federal judge ruled Florida is justified in labeling skim milk as "imitation milk product" if no vitamins are added to it, Consumerist reports. In 2012, the Florida Department of Agriculture told Ocheesee Creamery it had to start labeling its skim milk "Non-Grade A Milk Product, Natural Milk Vitamins Removed" because it wasn't adding vitamins to make up for the nutrients lost when the fat was skimmed off the top of the milk. The state argues skim milk has to have the same nutritional value as whole milk in order to be classified as milk, according to the AP. Ocheesee sued in 2014, accusing the government of impinging on its First Amendment rights and forcing it to mislead customerswho, owner Mary Lou Wesselhoeft says, "knew exactly what they were buying." And while the dictionary may side with with Ocheesee on the definition of skim milkmilk with the fat skimmed offa federal judge this week found that the state has a right to set the standard for what constitutes milk. Consumers take for granted the nutritional value of skim milk without even knowing that the vitamins have been restored, Consumerist quotes the judge as saying. Most consumers buy milk for its nutritional value, and most expect skim milk to include the same vitamin content as whole milk. Meanwhile, Ocheesee is throwing away "thousands of gallons" of skim milk, rather than labeling it "imitation milk." Skim milk accounted for about a quarter of Ocheesee's profits, and an appeal is planned. (In West Virginia, lawmakers got sick suspiciously close to the passage of a bill about raw milk.) (Newser) Jason Van Dyke, the white Chicago police officer charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of black teen Laquan McDonald, has a new gig with the police union: janitor. The AP reports Chicago's Fraternal Order of Police hired Van Dykewho is on unpaid leave from the police departmentabout three weeks ago. The Chicago Sun-Times describes him as a "jack-of-all-trades" making $12 an hour. He might be on the roof, he might be in the office, he does anything we need, union president Dean Angelo says. According to the union, Van Dyke has been unable to hold a job due to bad publicity, and threats forced his wife to close her business. "This officer is in a very difficult situation financially," Angelo tells the AP. "He has a family, and we would do it for anybody that works as a Chicago police officer." The announcement of Van Dyke's job with the police union on Wednesday sparked immediate criticism, and protesters were outside the Fraternal Order of Police Thursday, NBC Chicago reports. "If I killed someone, I wouldn't get bail," one protester says. "If I killed someone, I don't have a union to make sure that I'm employed." Van Dyke posted bond on $1.5 million bail, which the prosecution was against. The protester calls his hiring by the union a slap in the face to Chicago residents. In a Facebook post, a Catholic priest and social activist calls Van Dyke's hiring a "disgrace" and says "every union member should demand he be fired." Video released last year shows Van Dyke firing 16 shots at the 17-year-old McDonald, who was holding a knife, as McDonald walked away from officers in October 2014. (Read more Jason Van Dyke stories.) (Newser) It's maybe not the "who's dating who" news any of us expected this week, but it certainly is the most interesting. Per Us Weekly, whispers are circulating that Wendi Deng, the ex-wife of News Corporation founder Rupert Murdoch, has a new beau who enjoys shirtless horseback riding, pumps iron, and harbors a bit of a man crush on Donald Trump. Yes, Vladimir Putin is rumored to be Deng's new guy, with one insider source telling the magazine the couple is "serious" about each other. No one knows whether Deng is hooking up with the Russian leader to get back at her ex for marrying Jerry Hall, because she's mesmerized by Putin's weird gait, or whether the rumor is even true at all (it's supposedly been out there since their respective divorces a couple of years back). No one's actually spotted the two cozying up together, though Deng reportedly boarded the yacht of friend Roman Abramovichalso said to be close to Putinearlier this week in St. Barts. Besides that, the only other possible nod to a romance between Putin and Deng is the latter's seeming fascination with high-profile men in power: She's also been linked to ex-British PM Tony Blair and Alphabet Chairman Eric Schmidt, per Vanity Fair. (Another woman who says she has an "interesting" relationship with Putin: Hillary Clinton.) In the middle of so much spat and cross-talk, it seemed to be just Republican front-runner Donald Trump's style to vow Tuesday that he will not honor last September's pledge to support the party's nominee for the presidential election. Hence, for him, it's all for himself, and not for anyone else. The other two Republican candidates, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and Ohio Gov. John Kasich, riposted by taking back their pledges too. Kasich said that he too would not support Trump if he becomes the party's selected candidate. Cruz said he would "have a hard time" to support Trump if he wins the nomination. With the declarations given at a town hall in Milwaukee, moderated by Anderson Cooper, there was quite a storm of cross-talk. Cruz started it with references to Trump's recent attacks on his wife. "I'm not in the habit of supporting someone who attacked my wife and attacked my family. I think that is going beyond the line. I'm not an easy person to tick off, but when you go after my wife when you go after my daughters, that does it," he said. Trump simply brushed off his statements and said he did not require Cruz's help in the first place. He added that he was disappointed at the unfair treatment from the Republican party. "When somebody goes in and wins the election and gets fewer delegates than the guy that lost, I don't think that's right. He doesn't have to support me. I have many many more delegates than him. I don't want to make people uncomfortable. I don't need their support," Trump said. The statement that drew the loudest cheers from the seated audience was probably from the John Kasich, who is currently last in the GOP race. He said that the mudslinging and overall bitterness in the campaign are setting a bad example for America's children. "If name-calling, bringing in spouses, ripping each other below the belt and wrestling in the mud is the new politics, we all need to stand against it. Our children are watching. This is America. I'm not going to go down there. I could screw up, but I hope not," he said. According to the researchers, placing fungi in extraterrestrial environment could help them develop new medicines that they can use on Earth and perhaps on long-term space missions too. This is one of its kind study that intersects pharmaceutical science and space exploration, Clay Wang, USC professor of pharmacology, said. While fungus is something that is considered bad for us, there are several members of the fungi family that have been very helpful to humans. Tens of years ago, scientists found that some species of fungi create molecules, secondary metabolites, to help beat stressful circumstances. As the researchers harvested molecules, the researchers were able to create important drugs that changed the way medicine By harvesting these molecules, researchers have been able to make new and important drugs that have changed the course of medicine. Penicillin is one such medicine that is produced from the Penicillium genre, that when exposed to bacteria becomes antibiotic. With the help of genome sequencing, Wang shows that aspergillus nidulans, one of the most commonly studies fungi is capable of making 40 different drug-making options. However, most of these pathways never get "turned on." "In nature, fungi only make what they need to respond to their environment," Wang said. "These pathways are like a set of tools or weapons in their arsenal, and most of the time they are not in use." Wang collaborated with Kasthuri Venkateswaran, a microbiologist at Jet Propulsion laboratory in La Canada Flintridge, conducts microbe study in space. April 8 will be the day when four different strains of Aspergillius nidulans will launch towards ISS on Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. They will return to Earth on May 10. The experiment will last for up to seven days. The advantage of working with fungi is that its growth can be temperature controlled. Brussels: Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly pitched for resumption of talks on a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty and other instruments to combat the common challenge of terrorism during his talks with Belgian premier Charles Michel, days after a series of terror attacks in the Belgian capital that left over 30 people dead. During the talks, the two leaders covered whole spectrum of bilateral ties. Modi, who arrived here today on a day-long visit, invited Belgian government and companies to pro-actively associate with Indias ambitious projects including Digital India, Start Up India and Skill India, asserting that combination of Belgian capacities and Indias economic growth can produce promising opportunities for businesses on both sides. Referring to various partnership possibility between the two countries, Modi said Belgian businesses can make their global supply chains more cost effective by manufacturing in India. Clearly, it is not just diamonds that can bring shine to our partnership, he added. Ahead of his talks, Modi laid a wreath of white flowers at the Maalbeek Metro station in the Belgian capital where a suicide bomber blew himself up killing scores of passengers, including Raghavendran Ganeshan, an Infosys employee from Bengaluru. Last week has been a sad week for Belgium. Let me say Prime Minister that we share the depth of sorrow and grief that the people of Belgium have experienced in the last 8 days...Having experienced terrorist violence ourselves on countless occasions, we share your pain. Prime Minister, in this time of crisis, the whole of India stands in full support and solidarity with the Belgian people. I deeply appreciate your welcome and the time that you have devoted to me despite pressing demands on you. As part of our efforts to respond to this common challenge we could resume discussions on a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty. Negotiations on Extradition Treaty and a Treaty on Exchange of Sentenced Prisoners could be concluded expeditiously, Modi said after his talks with Belgian leader. Modis visit comes just days after the March 22 terror attack here in which at least 32 people were killed. Describing India as one of the brightest economic opportunities in the world today, Modi said its macroeconomic fundamentals are robust, and at 7 per cent plus, the country was one of the fastest growing economies of the world. Indias goal to modernise infrastructure, especially railways and ports, and building of 100 plus smart cities also presents a unique investment opportunity for the Belgian companies, he said, adding that these partnerships can help the two countries reach new heights in their trade and commercial partnership. Modi said he has invited Prime Minister Michel to visit India with Belgian businesses to see first-hand the reality of Indias economic and political promise. Climate change is one of the greatest challenges before mankind and the two countries have agreed to enhance their cooperation in renewable energy, he said. We would also build partnerships in areas such as harnessing waste for energy, small wind turbines and zero emission buildings. Advancement in S&T and High technology areas is of particular importance for Indias development priorities, the Prime Minister said. Noting that India and Belgium share a long history of friendship, Modi said a hundred years ago, more than 130,000 soldiers from India fought in the First World War alongside Belgians on Belgian soil and more than 9,000 Indian soldiers made the supreme sacrifice. Next year will mark the 70th anniversary of India-Belgium diplomatic ties. To celebrate this important milestone in our friendship, we look forward to welcoming His Majesty King Philippe of Belgium in India next year, he added. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Pathankot attack: The visiting Pakistan JIT team, which is investigating Pathankot attack, has reached NIA Head-Quarters in Delhi. They are here to record statements of the witnesses in the case, including a Superintendent of Police rank officer of Punjab. Top officials of India's anti-terror probe agency NIA, who held wide-ranging talks with the Joint Investigation Team (JIT), meanwhile, have sought the voice samples of Maulana Masood Azhar, chief of terror group JeM said to have masterminded the assault, and his brother besides details of a trust run by the outfit. Pakistani JIT headed by Additional Inspector General of Police, Counter Terrorism Department, Muhammad Tahir Rai, and also including ISI's Lt Col Tanvir Ahmed, was handed over a list of 300 questions by the NIA during the day-long deliberations that took place at the latter's headquarters. "We have asked for voice samples of Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group chief Maulana Masood Azhar and his brother Abdul Rauf as also the voice sample of Khayyam Baber (mother of terrorist Nasir killed during the Pathankot attack)," NIA Chief Sharad Kumar said after the meeting. Nasir was said to have spoken to his mother during the attack. (Also read. Pathankot attack: Pakistan JIT mandated to collect evidence) The NIA sought access to Azhar and Rauf and told the visiting team that till the time India's request was pending with authorities in Islamabad, it would like the Pakistani JIT to question them about their role in the attack on the Pathankot air base and hand over their statement to the Indian agency. The JIT arrived here this week for a probe into the Pathankot terror strike by Pakistan-based JeM. (with PTI Inputs) (Related Stories) For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: A PIL has been filed in Uttarakhand High Court seeking investigation into the alleged sting operation tape against Chief Minister Harish Rawat. An alleged video CD of a purported sting operation was recently circulated by the rebel Congress MLAs against Rawat, who claimed that it was fake and demanded a probe into the antecedents about the credentials of the man behind it. ( Read Also:High Court stays floor test in assembly, next hearing on April 6 ) The sting CD being shown on the news channels is fake. The reputation of the man behind it who is associated with a private news channel is not hidden from anyone. His antecedents must be probed, Rawat had said soon after the sting CD was released before the media in Delhi. Even though he called the video false, Rawat said if at all it indicates something, it is that the rebel MLAs have aligned with BJP for money.( Read Also: President's rule in Uttarakhand: Congress drags the battle to court ) Holding Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president Amit Shah and the rebel MLAs responsible for the political crisis in Uttarakhand, Rawat said the CD was just an offshoot of an unholy alliance between these people who had come together to destabilise a democratically-elected government and derail the process of development in the state.(Read Also: President's Rule imposed in Uttarakhand; Rawat calls its murder of democracy) (With PTI inputs) For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Cairo: Egypt has asked Cyprus to extradite its national, who hijacked an EgyptAir plane using a fake suicide belt and diverted it to Larnaca, under a bilateral agreement. General Prosecutor Nabil Ahmed Sadek requested authorities in Cyprus to send 58-year-old Seif Eddin Mustafa to Egypt, a statement by the prosecution said. The prosecutor said that the request depends on a 1996 bilateral agreement that states that defendants can be exchanged between the two counties. EgyptAir MS181, on domestic flight from Alexandria to Cairo, was hijacked and forced to divert its route to land at Larnaca International Airport by Mustafa who threatened to blow it up with a fake explosives belt. The hijacker, who officials said was motivated by personal reasons and psychologically unstable, was detained after several tense hours at Larnaca airport where the plane was made to land. Most of the 81 people on board were allowed to disembark after the Airbus A-320 landed except a handful of crew and passengers, until shortly before the hijackers arrest. Mustafa was today remanded into Cypriot police custody for eight days. Egypt also said that the Cypriot authorities have shown in the last hours their swift and professional response in addressing difficult security challenges. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Thiruvananthapuram: Politics in Kerala is dominated by two coalition fronts - the Communist Party of India(Marxist)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Indian National Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) since late 1970s. Ever since 1982 the two coalitions have been shuffling places to serve the state with their services. Most of the major political parties in Kerala, except for Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), belong to one or the other of these two alliances and have in the past shifting allegiances a number of times. Due to magnetised perception of voters for the same intent, there has been no single party that has contested and also won even a single seat. The BJP has not been able to register its presence in the assembly in spite of the fact that it is the third largest party in Kerala after Congress and CPM. According to 2011 Kerala Legislative Assembly election results, the UDF has a majority in the State Assembly (72/140). The social thought and behavior of the State in general has a strong inclination towards Leftism and thus the Communist parties have strong inroads in Kerala. The Malabar region, particularly Kannur and Palakkad are considered to heartland of Communist parties. With Modi wave in power it would be interesting to see how Indian National Congress, which has very strong presence in Kerala, will face Bharatiya Janata Party. Congress has strong bases in Thrissur, Ernakulam and Kottayam regions. New Delhi: Candidates contesting polls will now have to file an affidavit declaring that they do not owe any dues to utility agencies in case they have occupied government accommodation in the last 10 years. Contestants will also have to produce a no dues certificate from the public utilities that provide electricity, water and telephone connection, the Election Commission has said. The rule came into force last month and those entering the fray for Assembly polls in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala and Puducherry have to provide the new affidavit and attach the no dues certificate. This stipulation is the result of an August, 2015, Delhi High Court judgement directing that candidates in Assembly and parliamentary polls furnish an affidavit to prove they do not owe any arrears like pending electricity, water and telephone bills if they were or are occupying government accommodation. At a recent meeting with EC officials to discuss various electoral reforms, representatives of national and regional parties said the no dues certificate for candidates was leading to corruption as bribes were being paid for obtaining these. The high court had also asked EC to consider the option of getting the candidates to file an affidavit stating there were no outstanding bills to be paid to any utilities as a pre-condition for contesting elections. Thiruvananthapuram: Gearing up to challenge both Congress-led ruling UDF and CPI-M headed LDF opposition in Kerala in the May 16 Assembly polls, BJP President Amit Shah would launch the election campaign of NDA in the state on April 9. People of the state are fed up with the successive governments of UDF and LDF and want a change, Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda said today, while announcing Shahs visit, during the launch of the NDA Kerala unit here. The BJP-led NDA is the political alternative for the people of Kerala, Nadda, who is in-charge of party affairs in the state, said, adding the formation of NDA in the state is a historic moment. Nadda slammed both UDF and LDF governments saying, while UDF leaders from Chief Minister to Ministers and MLAs were involved in some scams and scandals, CPI-M has lost its strength on ideology and so they have turned to violence. Left have lost there ideology. Wherever they are in power, they are intolerant, Nadda said while inaugurating the state convention of its leaders here. Several BJP cadres have lost their lives in the attacks by CPI(M) workers and it is still continuing. Attacking the ruling UDF, Nadda said, the bad name brought to the state due to scandals and scams with involvement of Chief Minister and other ministers have to be removed. Seeking peoples mandate in favour of NDA, he said under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country was going forward in right direction. Kerala should also get the benefit of the growth, he said. BJP, which has failed to break the bipolar politics of UDF and LDF and taste victory in Assembly and parliament polls, this time has found a powerful partner after its tie-up with newly formed Bharat Dharma Jana Sena by Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam, an outfit of backward Ezhava community. Other minor partners in the NDA in the state include A faction of Kerala Congress led by former Union Minister P C Thomas, JSS led by former MLA Rajan Babu, Kerala Vikas Party, and Lok Jansakti Party. New Delhi: Taking a serious view of the alleged assault on three madrasa students here for not chanting Bharat Mata ki jai, National Commission for Minorities (NCM) today asked the Delhi Police Commissioner to immediately submit a report on the incident. After a CPI(M) delegation called on him seeking his intervention in the case, NCM chairperson Naseem Ahmad sought a report from Delhi police chief Alok Kumar Verma on the case which the Left party termed a hate crime motivated by hostility towards minorities. A petition has been received today and we have called for an immediate report from Delhi Police Commissioner pertaining to the allegations, said Ahmad. Police is expected to submit the report within a week, he said. Saying the three students were coerced to shout slogans like Mata ki Jai/Bharat Mata ki Jai, CPI(M) alleged that such incidents were occurring due to the atmosphere created by the leaders of the ruling party at the Centre at different levels. However, the FIR copy given to the victim does not include any clause connected with communal violence. An effort is being made to whitewash this and reduce the crime to a personal dispute, CPI(M) claims in the memorandum. The delegation, led by CPI(M) politburo member Brinda Karat, accused Delhi government and the Centre of not taking note of this serious incident. This is a case which directly relates to an assault on minorities and, therefore, is within the mandate of the Minorities Commission. We request you to immediately intervene and take appropriate action, the party said. The CPI(M) delegation also sought immediate compensation for the students and told NCM that they belong to very poor families in Bihar and are in a state of fear after the assault. All three of them were badly beaten up and one of them, (Mohammad) Dilkash, suffered serious fractures, it said. Besides Karat, the memorandum was signed by CPI(M) Delhi State Secretariat member Nathu Prashad and the partys Delhi State Committee member Ram Pal. Dilkash has told police that the incident took place on March 26 when he was sitting in a park near their madrasa in Bhajanpura with two of his friends, Ajmal and Naeem. Some five persons were sitting nearby consuming alcohol and it was an youth from this group who suddenly came to Dilkash and allegedly slapped him. The other group then threatened Dilkash and his friends saying if they want to live, they must say Jai Mata Ki. Dilkash claimed he and his friends repeated the chant but were still beaten with bamboo sticks. Five youths were arrested yesterday in connection with the attack. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi : Pakistani team probing the Pathankot terror strike today completed recording statements of the witnesses and were also handed over some more documents which included DNA report of the four terrorists killed in the 80-hour gun battle with security forces. The Joint Investigating Team (JIT) of Pakistan headed by Additional Inspector General of Police, Counter Terrorism Department, Muhammad Tahir Rai and also including ISIs Lt Col Tanvir Ahmed, began their day by recording the statements of witnesses in the case, NIA sources said. They questioned 16 witnesses in all, including a Superintendent of Police rank officer of Punjab Salwinder Singh, his jeweller friend Rajesh Verma and cook Madan Gopal. The three were kidnapped by the Pathankot attack perpetrators belonging to the banned Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed on the intervening night of December 31 and January one. The terrorists had allegedly dumped Verma after slitting his throat and continued their journey with Singh and Gopal before jettisoning them a few kilometres away from the strategic air base at Pathankot. The terrorists entered into the air base and mounted the brazen assault on the intervening night of January one and two. In the fierce encounter that ensued, seven security personnel besides four terrorists were killed. The Pakistani JIT had asked NIA to hand over swabs of four terrorists identified as Nasir Hussain (Punjab province), Abu Bakar, (Gujranwala), Umar Farooq and Abdul Qayum (both from Sindh). However, the Indian anti-terror probe agency handed over to the visitors the DNA report of the terrorists and asked them to match those with their family members, NIA sources said. Talks are at a conclusive stage and hopefully by tomorrow afternoon everything will be over, Director General of NIA Sharad Kumar said here. Besides recording the statement of the three, the JIT also spoke to the caretaker of a shrine visited by Singh before he was kidnapped, policemen and members of the public who spotted the abandoned hijacked vehicle. Statements of a couple of doctors who conducted the postmortem were also recorded. The NIA sought access to Azhar and Rauf and told the visiting team that till the time Indias request was pending with authorities in Islamabad, it would like the Pakistani JIT to question them about their role in the attack on the air base and hand over their statement to the Indian agency. Kumar said the Pakistani side informed the NIA team that one of the Jaish handlers Kashif Jaan, who is believed to have accompanied the terrorists up to the border was missing ever since his name surfaced and assured that Pakistani police was looking for him. NIA also identified another Jaish terrorist Shahid Latif as one of the handlers of the Pathankot perpetrators and sought his thorough interrogation, Kumar said, adding details about Al Rehmat Trust run by JeM were also sought from them. Details of two websites, which carried a message of Abdul Rauf after the terror strike, were also shared with them and they were asked to provide details for the same, he said. Both the websites have gone off the Internet. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Tehran: Irans defence minister has said he is certain the UN Security Council will not take any action over its ballistic missile tests despite calls from Western powers. Britain, France, Germany and the United States wrote a joint letter on Monday calling for action over tests they said violated last years landmark nuclear deal between Iran and major powers, and the Security Council resolution that enshrines it. They said the two kinds of missiles fired by Iran on March 8 and 9, the Shahab-3 and Qiam-1, were a breach of the resolution because they were inherently capable of delivering nuclear warheads, something Iran denies. I am certain that the Security Council and the United Nations will not respond as our actions are neither a breach of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (the July nuclear deal) nor are they against Resolution 2231, General Hossein Dehghan said. He reiterated Irans longstanding denial that it ever had any ambition to develop a nuclear weapon and said its missiles were designed to carry only conventional warheads. Diplomats at the United Nations said the Security Council is expected to meet on Friday to consider the alleged breach of Resolution 2231. But they said action is unlikely as veto-wielding permanent member Russia is opposed to any new sanctions against Iran. Last today, Washington imposed unilateral sanctions over this months tests adding several units involved in Irans missile programme to its blacklist. The Treasury placed sanctions on Shahid Nuri Industries and Shahid Movahed Industries, both units of the Shahid Hemmat Industrial Group Washington says is responsible for production of Irans liquid-fuelled ballistic missiles. It also sanctioned the Al-Ghadir Missile Command of Irans powerful Revolutionary Guards, which it said appears to have operational control of the missiles. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Medical Marijuana now legal in Australia Australia is a country and a continent with a population of roughly 23 million, compared to the US population of approximately 318 million and the UK with around 64 million inhabitants. While legalization drags on in some parts of the world, Australian lawmakers have recently legalized medical marijuana for the whole country. The bill provides a federal framework to create a legal supply chain when the the various states in Australia are ready to legalize the manufacture and consumption of medical cannabis. The amendments to the bill will allow marijuana for medical purposes, but farms will have to be licensed, as will marijuana products. Although this is good news for cancer patients and other patients suffering from conditions such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, sleeping disorders, etc., there are a lot of details that still have to be worked out, such as what strains should be cultivated and there are other regulatory issues. It is also good news that research into medical cannabis will now be able to move forward in Australia How do Australians feel about legal medical marijuana? In a recent survey undertaken to ascertain Australians views on medical marijuana, only 7% were opposed to the drug being made legal for medicinal purposes. Most participants felt it should be legal (91%), while 2% were unsure. The strongest supporters were people in the 50 and above age group. One activist by the name of Lucy Haslam, who started an organization called United in Compassion, led a campaign for marijuanas legalization. Her son Daniel suffered from chronic nausea and vomiting due to the aggressive chemotherapy treatments he was receiving for his terminal bowel cancer. Despite the care he was receiving, he died last year. Daniel would really be at peace today, Haslam said after hearing Parliaments decision. He didnt want to diebut it would give him peace to know this is going to help so many Australians. I think hed be proud. The day the announcement was made that marijuana is now legal in Australia, Health minister Sussan Ley said it was a historic day for the nation. People fought long and hard to challenge the stigma around medicinal cannabis products so genuine patients are no longer treated as criminals. This is the missing piece in a patients treatment journey and will now see seamless access to locally-produced medicinal cannabis products from farm to pharmacy. Sources: United in compassion.com Lawyerherald.com Theguardian.com Submit a correction >> This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate SEYMOUR Authorities found a reclusive Bungay Road widower shot as his house burned down around him Wednesday morning. Deputy Chief Paul Satkowski said that 67-year-old Wallace Deklyn was found just inside the front door with a gunshot wound. The victim was treated at the scene, then brought to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. It was not clear how Deklyn came by his bullet wound. But police were quick to offer reassurances that nobody else was in danger. At this point, we believe that this was an isolated incident, at this house, Satkowski said Wednesday morning. He initially labeled the death suspicious, though police did not say whether the cause of death was arson, homicide or suicide. Later Wednesday, Satkowski said the circumstances of Deklyns death were still unclear, but that the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Farmington would conduct an autopsy Thursday morning. Satkowski said that, to his knowledge, Seymour police had not been called to the home before. Fire Chief John Cronin Jr. said the house was a total loss. It was difficult for firefighters to battle the blaze inside the house, he said, because of severe hoarding. The firefighting effort quickly shifted to an aggressive exterior attack, Cronin said. Assistant Fire Chief Tim Willis said there was heavy smoke and fire showing from the rear and side of the house when the first fire trucks arrived shortly after 7 a.m. But he said it wasnt yet known if there had been separate points of origin or whether an accelerant was used. This is going to be a lengthy investigation, and were getting help from the State Fire Marshals office, he said. Earlier in the day, Willis said firefighters have not been able to search the entire structure, due to its condition. Reclusive victim Property records show the single-family house, built in 1940, has two bedrooms and 836 feet of living space. According to Seymour land records, the property is owned by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation. Records show the property was the subject over several foreclosure actions in recent years. John and Barbara Patulak, who live across the street from the house that burned, said the man who lived there kept to himself. We used to see his wife more, but she died a few years ago, Barbara Patulak said. He wasn't unfriendly, he was just kind of a recluse. John Patulak said hed only see his neighbor while he was walking back and forth to the grocery store. But he'd never wave or say hello. State Police spokeswoman Kelly Grant said State Police would be assisting the Seymour fire marshal with the investigation. Safety concerns As of Wednesday evening, Police and fire personnel are waiting for additional resources and equipment to arrive on scene to assist with the investigation, Satkowski said. Due to the extensive damage caused by the fire, the integrity of the structure has been compromised. New equipment, he said, should be able to pull back the weak portion of the building, but until then it would be unsafe for investigators to enter. Also complicating the search for evidence was the large amount of fire-extinguishing foam pumped into the house from a hole cut into the roof. Earlier in the day, Satkowski said that in the course of putting out the fire, evidence that may be helpful to us in the investigation was recovered. He would not elaborate. Bungay Road, a main road to the Great Hill area, remained closed for hours on Wednesday. Several area fire departments assisted Seymour in covering the town while the blaze was being fought. The fire was extinguished by 9 a.m., but firefighters remained on the scene to make sure it was out, and to wet down hot spots. The house is located about a mile away from the Bungay Elementary School. Satkowski said police were in touch with Board of Education officials and that the school was not affected. Republican presidential candidates Donald Trump and Ted Cruz are vying to see which one can outdo the other in condemning someone Muslims, President Obama, or perhaps even each others wives for the ISIS terror attacks in Paris and, most recently, in Brussels. But read the remarks of true counterterrorism experts and youll find that they agree that the Obama strategy of containment is working to degrade and ultimately defeat ISIS. Thats right. The Obama strategy is working. Unfortunately, an unwelcome side effect of that success is a change in ISISs previous strategy of taking land for its caliphate a strategy that enabled it to control local populations, gain international influence, and generate sources of revenue. But its containment achieved by attacks from the air and the success of Western-trained troops in Iraq and Syria as well as Kurdish militias, that has resulted in ISIS having lost 40 percent of its territorial gains in Iraq and 20 percent of its gains in Syria. In the days before the rampage in Paris, ISIS lost control of the northern Iraqi city of Sinjar and the road linking its two strongholds of Mosul and Raqqa, along with the death by drone attack of its executioner Jihadi John. The damaging string of military and propaganda setbacks for ISIS, according to counterterrorism experts such as Charles Lister, Clint Watts, and J.W. Berger, prompted the terrorist group to adopt a new strategy to try to renew its previously successful propaganda of strength and widespread support based upon its military achievements and its total control of local populations. The new strategy of terror attacks in the West is designed to develop a new recruiting tool for those mindless thugs or religious fanatics who are drawn to horror. Watts, a fellow at the Philadelphia-based Foreign Policy Research Institute, explained, however, that the containment policy is designed to wall ISIS into increasingly restricted territory and let it fail due to its own mismanagement, economic problems, and internal discord, rather than because of the actions of a foreign oppressor. Indeed, these experts agree that ISIS wants nothing more than to provoke a Western invasion into Syria and Iraq an action they agree would significantly expand the number of ISISs followers as well as give pause to Muslim countries that now themselves fear or oppose ISIS. The problem is, however, that the containment policy requires time, patience, and national calm. There is no quick fix. Even if the West , led by the United States, sent tens of thousands of troops into Syria and Iraq, troops would have to stay for an interminable time in order to hold the ground and how long would the American people stand for the of occupation of yet another Middle Eastern area? Its best we learn from our mistakes and our experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan. Stephan Lesher is an author and retired journalist who lives in Southbury. Underground Exploration increases Resources Two MOUs signed for Concentrate Sales Prairie Creek Updated Preliminary Feasibility Completed Newfoundland Metallurgical Testwork on track CZICF-OTCQB VANCOUVER, March 30, 2016 /CNW/ - Canadian Zinc Corporation (TSX: CZN; OTCQB: CZICF) ("the Company" or "Canadian Zinc") reports its financial results and development activities for the year ended December 31, 2015. Financial Results for Fiscal 2015 For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company reported a net loss and comprehensive loss of $8,262,000 compared to a net loss and comprehensive loss of $12,434,000 for the year ended December 31, 2014. Included in the loss for the year ended December 31, 2015, were exploration and evaluation expenditures of $7,650,000 compared to $9,996,000 for the previous year. The net loss in the year ended December 31, 2015 included a gain of $486,000 on the Company's marketable securities compared to a loss of $878,000 for the comparative year of 2014 and a gain on changes to the decommissioning provision of $246,000 compared to no gain or loss in the comparative year of 2014. At December 31, 2015, the Company had a positive working capital balance of $2,482,000 including cash and cash equivalents of $1,674,000, short term investments of $28,000 and marketable securities of $936,000. In January 2016, the Company's marketable securities, being its investment in Vatukoula Gold Mines Plc, were liquidated for cash of $936,000. Prairie Creek Project 2015 Underground Exploration Program In 2015, Canadian Zinc completed its underground exploration diamond drill program at the Prairie Creek Mine totaling 5,484 metres of diamond drill coring in 21 drill holes. The results of the 2015 underground exploration drilling program were very positive, with all holes intercepting the Main Quartz Vein structure and/or Stockwork mineralization, with some excellent grades and widths. The objectives of testing for new areas of mineralization in proximity to the existing underground workings and increasing the projected life of the mine by converting part of the currently Inferred Resource to an Indicated category have been met. Following completion of the 2015 underground exploration program a new mineral resource estimate was completed by AMC Mining Consultants in September 2015, which demonstrated an increase in overall resource tonnages in the Indicated and the Inferred categories. Total Measured and Indicated Resource tonnages increased by 32% to 8.7 million tonnes at combined grade of approximately 19% Pb and Zn plus 136 g/t Ag. Total Inferred Resource tonnages remained relatively unchanged with an increase in Stockwork resource replacing upgraded Main Quartz Vein resource. The September 2015 Prairie Creek mineral resource estimate was completed by AMC [Gregory Z. Mosher P.Geo., Qualified Persons as defined by NI 43-101] and reported in the Company's September 17, 2015 press release. MOUs signed for Concentrate Production As announced on March 3, 2016 Canadian Zinc has signed MOUs with Korea Zinc and Boliden for the sale of zinc and lead concentrates to be produced at Canadian Zinc's 100% owned Prairie Creek Mine. These offtake arrangements with two of the pre-eminent smelting companies in the world, confirming the marketability of Prairie Creek's zinc and lead concentrates, represent a major step forward in the development of the Prairie Creek Mine and move Canadian Zinc closer to production. Canadian Zinc has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Korea Zinc Co., Ltd ("Korea Zinc") for the sale to Korea Zinc of approximately 20,000 to 30,000 wet metric tonnes of zinc sulphide concentrates, approximately 15,000 to 20,000 wet metric tonnes of lead sulphide concentrates and approximately 5,000 tonnes of lead oxide concentrates, per year, for a minimum period of five years from the date of startup of the Prairie Creek Mine, with exact annual quantiles to be mutually agreed. Canadian Zinc has also entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Boliden Commercial AB, ("Boliden") for the sale to Boliden of a minimum of 20,000 dry metric tonnes and up to 40,000 dry metric tonnes of zinc sulphide concentrates, per year, for a minimum of five years from the start of regular deliveries, with exact annual quantities to be mutually agreed. The MOUs with each of Korea Zinc and Boliden set out the intentions of Canadian Zinc and each of Korea Zinc and Boliden to enter into concentrate sales agreements for the concentrates to be produced from the Prairie Creek Mine on the general terms set out in the MOUs, including commercial terms which are to be kept confidential. In negotiating these arrangements for the future sale of Prairie Creek concentrates, Canadian Zinc has secured the annual offtake and sale of a minimum of 40,000, and potentially up to 70,000 metric tonnes, of zinc concentrates and 20,000 to 25,000 tonnes of lead concentrates, per year, and with the flexibility for any remaining unallocated concentrate being available for third party or spot market sales. Prairie Creek Permitting Update In April 2014, the Company submitted an application to the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board and to Parks Canada for Land Use Permits to permit the possible future upgrade of the current winter access road to all season use. The application is now undergoing environmental assessment before the Mackenzie Valley Review Board ("MVRB"). In April 2015, Canadian Zinc submitted its Developer's Assessment Report ("DAR") to the MVRB. The MVRB completed a preliminary review of the DAR in response to which the Company provided supplementary information to the MVRB partly in the form of a comprehensive DAR Addendum, which was submitted to the MVRB in September 2015 and followed by additional Terrain Analysis data which was submitted in November 2015. The Review Board concluded that the environmental assessment could proceed on existing information but requested some additional information which was subsequently submitted. In February 2016, the Company received Information requests from interested parties which the Company is in the process of responding to. Once all responses to the information requests are submitted a Technical Session will be scheduled and held in Yellowknife. In November 2015, Canadian Zinc and Parks Canada signed a Memorandum of Understanding Phase III ("MOU") regarding the operation and development of the Prairie Creek Mine and the management of Nahanni National Park Reserve. The Phase III MOU, which is valid for five years from November 2015, renews the previous MOUs signed between the Parties in 2008 and 2012. In the renewed MOU, Canadian Zinc and Parks Canada further agree to make every reasonable effort to address issues of common interest and build a strong working relationship, including convening a Technical Team, which will, among other things, better identify, define and consider issues of common interest including, among other things, development and use of the access to and from the Prairie Creek Mine through Nahanni National Park Reserve and operation of the Prairie Creek Mine 2016 Preliminary Feasibility Study An updated 2016 Preliminary Feasibility Study ("2016 PFS"), based on optimization work undertaken over the past three years, was completed in March 2016 and supersedes the 2012 Pre-Feasibility Study completed by SNC Lavalin. The 2016 PFS was completed by AMC Mining Consultants (Canada) Ltd., Tetratech Inc. and Canadian Zinc personnel. The 2016 PFS was undertaken to incorporate the increased resources and longer mine life derived from the 2015 underground exploration program, incorporation of an all season road to access the mine, advanced engineering details and updated capital and operating costs and to follow up on a number of other recommendations listed in the 2012 PFS. Summary Highlights of the 2016 PFS (All costs are in Canadian dollars unless indicated otherwise, t=tonne, M=million, g=gram, lb=pound, lbs=pounds, oz=ounces, tpd=tonnes per day, dmt=dry metric tonnes, LOM=life of mine, CDN=Canadian, US=United States). Post-tax Net Present Value, using an 8% discount, of $302M , with a post-tax internal rate of return of 26%, based on base case metal price forecasts of US$1.00 /lb for both zinc and lead and US$19.00 /oz silver, for the Life of Mine ("LOM") production at an exchange rate of $1.25CDN : $1 .00US. , with a post-tax internal rate of return of 26%, based on base case metal price forecasts of /lb for both zinc and lead and /oz silver, for the Life of Mine ("LOM") production at an exchange rate of : .00US. Average EBITDA of $90M per year and cumulative EBITDA of $1,432M over the LOM. per year and cumulative EBITDA of over the LOM. 17 year mine life based exclusively on a Mineral Reserve of 7.6 million tonnes, grading 8.9% zinc and 8.3% lead, with 128 g/t silver, including a Mineral Reserve in the Main Quartz Vein of 5.2 million tonnes, grading 9.4% zinc, 10.4 % lead and 160 g/t silver. Average annual production of 60,000 dmt of zinc concentrate and 55,000 dmt of lead concentrate containing 86M lbs of zinc, 82M lbs of lead and 1.7M ounces of silver. Pre-production capital cost is estimated to be $216M , of which $59M will be incurred in Year 1 and $157M in Year 2, with an additional contingency of $28M . , of which will be incurred in Year 1 and in Year 2, with an additional contingency of . Average LOM cash operating costs per tonne of ore mined (before transportation costs) are estimated at $165 /t. The 2016 PFS indicates average annual production of approximately 60,000 tonnes of zinc concentrate and 55,000 tonnes of lead concentrate, containing approximately 86 million pounds of zinc, 82 million pounds of lead and 1.7 million ounces of silver, and yielding average annual earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") of $90 million per year and cumulative EBITDA of$1.4 billion over an initial mine life of 17 years, using Base Case metal price forecasts of US$1.00 per pound for both zinc and lead and US$19.00 per ounce for silver. Pre-production Capital Costs, including the new all season road, are estimated at $244 million, including contingency of $28 million, with payback of three years. The 2016 PFS does not take into consideration the Inferred Resources of 7.0 million tonnes of 11.3% zinc, 7.7% lead and 166 g/t silver, which is currently too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them, but could have the potential to more than double the presently considered mine life. The Prairie Creek orebody continues open-ended at increasing depths to the north. Newfoundland Properties Canadian Zinc owns an extensive land package in central Newfoundland that includes three VMS projects, each with defined deposits, which are being explored by Canadian Zinc. The Company's exploration strategy in Newfoundland is to continue to build on its existing polymetallic resource base with the aim of developing either a stand-alone mine, similar to the past-producing mines at Buchans and Duck Pond, or a number of smaller deposits that could be developed simultaneously and processed in a central milling facility. On June 30, 2015, the Company entered into a collaboration agreement with Buchans Minerals, a wholly owned subsidiary of Minco Plc (AIM: MIO), whereby the two Companies will share research data on their respective central Newfoundland Zn-Pb-Cu-Ag-Au deposits. The collaboration agreement is focused on seven VMS deposits located in central Newfoundland. Four of the deposits are held the Company (Lemarchant, Boomerang- Domino, Tulks East, and Long Lake) and three of the deposits are held by Buchans Minerals (Bobbys Pond, Daniels Pond and Tulks Hill). In conjunction with the collaboration agreement, the Company was awarded research funding by the Research & Development Corporation of Newfoundland and Labrador ("RDC") in December, 2015. The funding was provided to undertake a research program to complete physical and metallurgical bench scale studies on the seven VMS deposits located in central Newfoundland. The RDC is providing funding of $535,000 for the project through the GeoEXPLORE Industry-led R&D Technology Development and Demonstration Program. The total cost of the research project is estimated at $735,000 with Buchans Minerals and the Company each contributing up to $100,000 Work completed to December 31, 2015 includes: Diamond drilling was completed to obtain fresh metallurgical samples from four of the seven VMS deposits. These included Canadian Zinc's Boomerang-Domino and Lemarchant deposits and Buchans Minerals' Bobbys Pond and Daniels Pond deposits. The metallurgical samples and blending instructions were submitted to Thibault & Associates Inc. for mineralogical investigation, grindability characterization, acid generation assessment and bench scale flotation testing. Twelve samples (5-10 kg each) were collected and submitted to Thibault & Associates Inc. for bench scale Dense Media Separation ("DMS") testing. The DMS samples include four (4) samples from the Boomerang-Domino deposit, two (2) samples from the Lemarchant deposit, two (2) samples from the Bobbys Pond deposit and one (1) sample from each of the Tulks East, Long Lake , Tulks Hill and Daniels Pond deposits. The bench-scale Dense Media Separation test program was completed in late February, 2016. Highlights of the initial bench scale test results indicate five (5) of the semi-massive sulphide samples (Long Lake, Domino, Bobbys Pond and Daniels Pond) and one (1) footwall stockwork mineralization sample (Lemarchant) achieved a technically viable DMS separation with a pre-concentrate weighing 60-80% of the original sample weight. The remaining six (6) pyritic massive sulphide and/or barite samples (Boomerang, Lemarchant, Tulks East, Tulks Hill) were not considered technically amenable to upgrading by DMS. Outlook Canadian Zinc's focus for 2016 will be to continue to advance the Prairie Creek Mine towards production. The updated 2016 Pre-Feasibility Study indicates a robust project at consensus forecasts for the long term prices of lead and zinc and there is good potential for additional project optimization, enhanced economics and further extending the mine life. The 2016 PFS, with the Base Case economic model, indicates a Pre Tax Net Present Value, using an 8% discount of $509 million, with an internal rate of return of 32.0% and Post-tax Net Present Value ("NPV"), using an 8% discount, of $302 million, and a post-tax internal rate of return ("IRR") of 26%, with an initial mine life of 17 years and payback period of three years. The development of the Prairie Creek Mine will require substantial financing. The pre-production capital cost has been estimated at a total of $244 million, including a contingency of $28 million. Several commercial banks have expressed indicative interest in providing senior, secured project financing for the Project. It is expected that the 2016 PFS, and the financial model, will be shared with these banks to solicit indicative terms of financing. In parallel to bank financing, alternative funding structures will also be explored with royalty and streaming finance providers, who have expressed an indicative interest to provide a structured funding package. These could include royalty financing, stream financing, commodity related financing or other financing instruments. At December 31, 2015, Canadian Zinc had working capital of $2.48 million and expects it will be able to meet its minimum commitments for 2016. The ability of the Company to carry out its planned business objectives is dependent on its ability to raise adequate financing. There is a risk that additional financing will not be available to the Company on a timely basis or on acceptable terms. These conditions indicate the existence of material uncertainties which cast significant doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. The Company is currently evaluating various opportunities and seeking additional sources of financing. Careful management and preservation of cash is a top priority. Site programs have been reduced to a minimum. Cost reduction measures have been implemented across the Company, including reductions in staff, corporate salaries and expenses and directors fees. The long term outlook for lead and zinc remains very positive and, supported by the positive results of the 2016 PFS, Canadian Zinc will continue to evaluate all alternatives and possibilities for raising the financing necessary to complete the development and construction and put the Prairie Creek Mine into production. However the ability to raise financing is impacted by conditions beyond the control of the Company, including depressed commodity prices, continued uncertainty in the capital markets and the current lack of investor interest in the resource sector. Qualified Person Alan Taylor, P.Geo., Chief Operating Officer, Vice President Exploration and a Director of Canadian Zinc Corporation, is a Non-Independent Qualified Person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 and has approved this press release. About Canadian Zinc Canadian Zinc is a TSX-listed exploration and development company trading under the symbol "CZN". The Company's key project is the 100%-owned Prairie Creek Project, a fully permitted, advanced-staged zinc-lead-silver property, located in the Northwest Territories. Canadian Zinc also owns an extensive land package in central Newfoundland. E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.canadianzinc.com Cautionary Statement Forward-Looking Information This press release contains certain forward-looking information, including, among other things, the expected completion of acquisitions and the advancement of mineral properties. This forward looking information includes, or may be based upon, estimates, forecasts, and statements as to management's expectations with respect to, among other things, the completion of transactions, the issue of permits, the size and quality of mineral resources, future trends for the company, progress in development of mineral properties, future production and sales volumes, capital costs, mine production costs, demand and market outlook for metals, future metal prices and treatment and refining charges, the outcome of legal proceedings, the timing of exploration, development and mining activities, acquisition of shares in other companies and the financial results of the company. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Inferred mineral resources are considered too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves. There is no certainty that mineral resources will be converted into mineral reserves. Cautionary Note to United States Investors The United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") permits U.S. mining companies, in their filings with the SEC, to disclose only those mineral deposits that a company can economically and legally extract or produce. We use certain terms in this press release, such as "measured," "indicated," and "inferred" "resources," which the SEC guidelines prohibit U.S. registered companies from including in their filings with the SEC. SOURCE Canadian Zinc Corporation For further information: John F. Kearney, Chairman & Chief Executive, (416) 362-6686, Suite 1200 220 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5J 2W4; Alan B. Taylor, Vice President Exploration & Chief Operating Officer, (604) 688-2001, Suite 1710 - 650 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 4N9, Tollfree:1-866-688-2001; Steve Dawson, Vice President Corporate Development, (416) 203-1418, Suite 1200 220 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5J 2W4 OTTAWA and GATINEAU, QC, March 31, 2016 /CNW/ - According to the results of the first national, independent broadband performance study, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) today revealed that the majority of broadband Internet services sold in Canada meet or exceed their advertised download and upload speeds. Participating Internet service providers (ISP) included all the main Canadian facilities-based companies except SaskTel. A preliminary report issued today found that services using Cable/Hybrid-Fibre Co-Axial (HFC) and Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) technologies delivered download speeds in excess of the rates advertised by ISPs. FTTH services delivered 119% of advertised download speed on average, while Cable/HFC services delivered 103%. Most Digital Subscriber Line-based (DSL) services met or exceeded the advertised rates too. However, DSL services in the 5-9 Megabits per second category only attained 88% of the advertised speed rate. Performance was largely consistent across all regions, with the vast majority achieving between 109% and 122% of advertised download speed. The data will enable the CRTC to improve its future broadband policy-making, and will ultimately form part of its annual data collection and monitoring activities. The report will enable Canadians to gain additional insight into network performance, including connection speeds, as well as provide a greater understanding of whether certain Internet services from participating ISPs are delivered at the advertised speeds. A second report will be published later in 2016, which will detail the performance of individual ISPs and their specific service offerings. The CRTC launched a project in 2015, to measure broadband Internet performance in Canadian homes and is collaborating in this project with major ISPs across the country and SamKnows, a UK-based company contracted to undertake the study. Volunteers were selected to ensure a Canada-wide distribution among the various participating ISPs: Rogers, Videotron, Shaw, TELUS, Cogeco, Bell Canada, Eastlink, MTS, Northwestel and Bell Aliant. SaskTel declined participation in the project. A device called a "Whitebox", was sent to nearly 4500 Canadian volunteers' homes across a range of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and products. The devices measured the performance of the Internet connection at different times during times when it was not in use. DSL, Cable/HFC and FTTH services were the technologies measured for the purpose of this study. Quick Facts Most broadband services sold in Canada met or exceeded their advertised download speeds according to the report. met or exceeded their advertised download speeds according to the report. The data presented in the report was collected between October 1, 2015 and November 30, 2015 . and . Most test results shown in the report reflect results gathered during the peak usage period of 7-11 p.m. (local time) on weeknights. (local time) on weeknights. To protect the privacy of participants, no information about their online activities was collected. The CRTC collaborated with major Internet service providers (ISPs) across the country and SamKnows, a company specializing in measuring broadband for this initiative. Although network connectivity is an important factor in determining the broadband speed experienced by subscribers, other factors (such as home Wi-Fi, website capacity and device limitation) may also impact performance. This broadband measurement project focused on the service provided by ISPs. The CRTC will hold a public hearing in April 2016 to review which telecommunications services, including broadband Internet services, Canadians need to participate in the digital economy. Quote "We are pleased that Canadians now have better insight into the performance, including the actual connection speeds, of the broadband Internet services provided to them by the major ISPs in the country. Based on the preliminary findings, Canadians are receiving the broadband speeds they are paying for. This national project was the first of its kind in Canada, and we are grateful to the volunteers across Canada who participated as well as to the ISPs that partnered with us. It has provided us with information that will help improve broadband policy and will no doubt be valuable during the public hearing in April 2016 to review which telecommunications services Canadians need to participate in the digital economy." Jean-Pierre Blais, CRTC Chairman and CEO Related products Broadband Measurement report How Does Your Internet Service Measure Up November 2015 News Release May 2015 News Release Ask a question or make a complaint Stay Connected Follow us on Twitter @CRTCeng Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/crtceng SOURCE Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission For further information: Media Relations, (819) 997-9403, General Inquiries (819) 997-0313, Toll-free 1 (877) 249-CRTC (2782), TTY (819) 994-0423 SHEDIAC, NB, March 30, 2016 /CNW/ - The Honourable Dominic Leblanc, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Member of Parliament for Beausejour, today announced a series of improvements to the Employment Insurance (EI) system that will help middle class Canadians and those working hard to join them while also easing the burden on those affected by recent layoffs. Mr. Leblanc made the announcement today in Shediac, and noted that changes made in Budget 2016 will help more Canadians access EI when they need it, improve service delivery, and ensure the program adapts to the labour market realities across the country. The Government of Canada is also sensitive to the regions hardest-hit by recent economic challenges, and will implement immediate measures to assist workers and employers in affected regions. As outlined in Budget 2016, changes to the EI program include measures to: eliminate the EI eligibility requirements that restrict access for new entrants and re-entrants to the labour market, which will help an estimated 50,000 more Canadians access EI, when they need it; reduce the EI waiting period from two weeks to one week, effective January 1, 2017 ; ; extend and expand the current EI Working While on Claim pilot project until August 2018 . This will give Canadians greater flexibility as they return to work, help them stay connected to the labour market, and ensure that they benefit from accepting work. . This will give Canadians greater flexibility as they return to work, help them stay connected to the labour market, and ensure that they benefit from accepting work. reverse the changes to EI introduced in 2012 that made some Canadians accept lower paying jobs, farther away from home; meet the increased demand for EI claims processing and offer better support to Canadians as they search for new employment through proposed investments of $19 million in 2016-17; in 2016-17; improve access to EI Call Centres, through proposed investments of $73 million over two years, starting in 2016-17. For example, increasing the number of agents will reduce waiting times so that Canadians can access information and support they need to receive their EI benefits; and over two years, starting in 2016-17. For example, increasing the number of agents will reduce waiting times so that Canadians can access information and support they need to receive their EI benefits; and promote compliance with program rules through proposed investments of $21 million over 3 years, starting in 2016-17, to strengthen the integrity of the EI program. The Government of Canada will also assist workers and employers who have been hard hit by the recent economic downturn in certain parts of the country. These include measures to: extend EI benefits in 12 EI economic regions that have experienced a sharp and sustained increase in the local unemployment rate without showing significant signs of recovery. For all eligible claimants in these 12 regions, this change will provide an additional 5 weeks of EI regular benefits, up to a maximum of 50 weeks. An additional 20 weeks of EI regular benefits will also be available to long-tenured workers in the affected 12 regions, up to a maximum of 70 weeks; and extend the Work-Sharing agreements from a maximum of 38 weeks to 76 weeks across Canada . This measure will help employers retain skilled employees and avoid the cost of recruitment and training. Employees can continue to work and maintain their skills while supplementing their wages with EI benefits for the time they are not working. The Government will continue to monitor the situation in these and other regions. Quotes "The Government has listened to Canadians over the past several months who have said they need to have an EI system that can respond quickly to changing labour market needs. This will ease the worry of those Canadians who have been laid off through no fault of their own and are trying to find another job." The Honourable Dominic Leblanc, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Member of Parliament for Beausejour "Middle class Canadians and those working hard to join them, will prosper from a revitalized and strong Canadian economy. This Government is proud to be taking concrete actions to help Canadians get back to work. When a Canadian loses their job through no fault of their own, and is struggling to find that next job and earn a living, they deserve to have an EI program to turn to that reflects today's labour market realities." The Honourable MaryAnn Mihychuk, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour Quick Facts The elimination of the new entrant and re-entrant rules is expected to benefit approximately 50,000 EI claimants across Canada . . Reducing the waiting period will provide a larger first EI payment and ease the financial pressure on Canadians when they need it most. To help claimants return to work, the Government will also continue to strengthen and integrate on-line tools such as Job Bank and Job Match into their job search efforts. and Job Match into their job search efforts. Extending the duration of EI benefits within the identified regions will help provide approximately 170,000 workers with financial stability until they find new employment. Some 33,000 claimants nationally could benefit by the extension of the Work-Sharing agreements. Associated Link Budget 2016 Follow us on Twitter SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada For further information: John O'Leary, Director of Communications, Office of the Hon. Maryann Mihychuk, P.C., M.P., Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, 819-654-5611; Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [email protected] [March 31, 2016] Health 2.0 Europe: The European Gathering of Digital Health Champions in Barcelona BARCELONA, Spain, March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- All the stakeholders from the European digital health tech ecosystem will meet in Barcelona for the 7th edition of Health 2.0 Europe (10-12th May). Since 2010, Health 2.0 Europe has been the platform for developing and presenting new solutions in the field of digital health. The conference will showcase innovative technologies from around the world helping healthcare professionals and patients in their daily activities and lives in the hospital or remotely. The organization has chosen Barcelona to host this new edition, considering it to be a major capital for innovation with a high concentration of start-ups and their close collaboration with the Mobile World Capital Barcelona. All the key players of the health IT ecosystem will be represented in the conference program. This year, the conference's structure holds three main axes: accelerating the adoption of innovative solutions by patients and healthcare professionals, increasing the investment flow in digital health start-ups, and the reimbursement of these new technologies by public and private insurance systems. Along those lines, here are some of the scheduled discussion panels: Health 2.0 Trends Around the World Solutions for Hospitals and Health Professionals Building a New Framework for Health 2.0 Adoption in the Clinical Setting Building Blocks to a Dynamic Health 2.0 Ecosystem in Europe Health 2.0 Applications and Implementations in Emerging Markets Health 2.0 Power tothe Patients! Who Will Pay for Health 2.0? An Investors' Discussion Health 2.0 Transforming the Daily Mission of Nurses Reimbursement - Players, Trends, Criteria, and Processes Health 2.0 Europe 2016 brings together digital health pioneers Key speakers will include Dr. Rafael Grossmann , trauma surgeon and pioneer in digital health (he performed the first-ever live surgery with Google Glass); Esther Dyson , one of the most influential investors in digital health in the world - her latest investments include PatientsLikeMe, 23andMe, HealthTap, and Omada Health; Dr. Julio Mayol , director of the Innovation Institute San Carlos Health Research (IdSSC) in Madrid and advisor to biomedical technology and digital health start-ups. More than 120 speakers, 30 investors and 50 live demos of new digital health solutions In the last edition of Health 2.0 Europe (May 2015) "the digital solutions presented on stage were in a more advanced stage of maturity than in previous years - ready for investments and large scale implementations. The overall conference was very positive; we had over 450 attendees, a number we hope to increase again this year!" reports Pascal Lardier, International Director at Health 2.0. Echoing the success of previous editions, 50 live demos of digital health solutions designed to help all those involved in health management (patients, healthcare professionals, pharma groups, public and private insurers...) will be showcased from a user perspective. As an example, the session "Solutions for Hospitals and Health Professionals" will be introduced by Dr. Rafael Grossmann and will showcase five of the latest most advanced tools and apps created to increase the quality of patient care and reduce healthcare costs. Business opportunities and new solutions for physicians and patients Health 2.0 Europe provides visibility to digital health start-ups but also funding opportunities and investor networking. The 5th edition of EC2VC- Investors' Forum and Pitch Competition will focus specifically on increasing the investment flow in Europe. "At Health 2.0 Europe we bring together the most active international investors in digital health so they can engage early with the most promising digital health start-ups in Europe." says Pascal Lardier, Health 2.0's International Director. For more information: Margarida Mas Communication and press 7th Health 2.0 Europe Tel +34 626 523 034 [email protected] To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/health-20-europe-the-european-gathering-of-digital-health-champions-in-barcelona-300243834.html SOURCE Health 2.0 Europe [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 31, 2016] Indivior Inc. Introduces Mobile Application to Help Support Education, Adherence and Disease Management Needs of Patients with Opioid Dependence and Their Physicians RICHMOND, Va., March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Indivior Inc., announced the launch of its first mobile tool, the SUBOXONE (buprenorphine and naloxone) Sublingual Film (CIII) Mobile Health Library. This free app was developed to help people in treatment who are prescribed SUBOXONE Film and the physicians who treat them. It can help physicians address and engage in the management of some of the challenging aspects of this chronic condition. Developed with input from SUBOXONE Film patients and prescribing physicians, the Mobile Health Library app offers features such as dosing reminders, symptom tracking, access to the SUBOXONE Film savings card and dose tracking. A corresponding healthcare professional version provides resources intended to engage and help support patients in their treatment, which may include daily medication, counseling and psychosocial support. In addition, the app provides doctors with important safety information, as well as access and risk evaluation and mitigation strategies (REMS) information. "With a chronic condition like opioid dependence, it's important that patients educate themselves, have a personal treatment plan that they are comfortable and engaged with and maintain open communication with their support team," said Jarod Masci, MD, Board Certified Psychiatrist and Addiction Medicine Specialist. "A mobile app with a set of features may be a way to assist patients at any stage in their treatment journey and may also help facilitate communications between both doctors and their patients as well as family members and friends." The SUBOXONE Film Mobile Health Library app includes: Information about opioid dependence and treatment with SUBOXONE Film Symptom and dosing trackers, with options to record notes and receive reminders Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliant lock box feature to save information such as the symptom and dosing tracker that can be shared with a physician during follow-up visits A discreet icon for display on users' phones and two levels of passwords to help protect patient privacy Important Safety Information Savings card access Formulary look up tools for HCPs "Indivior is committed to pioneering innovative and individualized solutions to help people with opioid dependence," said Tim Baxter, Chief Medical Officer, Indivior. "The SUBOXONE Film Mobile Health Library harnesses the power and reach of mobile technology to put resources at patients' and physicians' fingertips." The SUBOXONE Film Mobile Health Library is available as a free download for iOS, Android and Kindle Fire devices. Physicians waivered to treat opioid dependence nationwide are learning about this support resource from Indivior Clinical Liasions and are engaged in integrating its use into their practice and patients' daily lives. About SUBOXONE Film SUBOXONE Film, originally approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2010, is a prescription medicine indicated for treatment of opioid dependence and should be used as part of a complete treatment plan to include counseling and psychosocial support.[1] Treatment should be initiated under the direction of physicians qualified under the Drug Addiction Treatment Act. About Opioid Dependence Opioid dependence is a complex health condition with social, psychological, and biological contributing factors[2],[3] that may affect people from all walks of life.[4] In 2014, more than 2.4 million people suffered from pain reliever or heroin use disorder in the United States.[5] Opioid dependence is a chronic disease,[6] and relapse can occur.[7] Suppressing withdrawl symptoms and reducing cravings with medication-assisted treatment, together with counseling and behavioral therapy, may make treatment success more likely.[8] About Indivior Indivior is a global pharmaceutical company with a 20-year history of patient advocacy and health policy. Headquartered in the United States in Richmond, Va., Indivior employs more than 700 individuals globally and its portfolio is available in over 40 countries worldwide. Visit www.Indivior.com to learn more. Indication SUBOXONE (buprenorphine and naloxone) Sublingual Film (CIII) is a prescription medicine indicated for treatment of opioid dependence and should be used as part of a complete treatment plan to include counseling and psychosocial support. Treatment should be initiated under the direction of physicians qualified under the Drug Addiction Treatment Act. Important Safety Information Do not take SUBOXONE Film if you are allergic to buprenorphine or naloxone as serious negative effects, including anaphylactic shock, have been reported. SUBOXONE Film can be abused in a manner similar to other opioids, legal or illicit. SUBOXONE Film contains buprenorphine, an opioid that can cause physical dependence with chronic use. Physical dependence is not the same as addiction. Your doctor can tell you more about the difference between physical dependence and drug addiction. Do not stop taking SUBOXONE Film suddenly without talking to your doctor. You could become sick with uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms because your body has become used to this medicine. SUBOXONE Film can cause serious life-threatening breathing problems, overdose and death, particularly when taken by the intravenous (IV) route in combination with benzodiazepines or other medications that act on the nervous system (ie, sedatives, tranquilizers, or alcohol). It is extremely dangerous to take nonprescribed benzodiazepines or other medications that act on the nervous system while taking SUBOXONE Film. You should not drink alcohol while taking SUBOXONE Film, as this can lead to loss of consciousness or even death. Death has been reported in those who are not opioid dependent. Your doctor may monitor liver function before and during treatment. SUBOXONE Film is not recommended in patients with severe hepatic impairment and may not be appropriate for patients with moderate hepatic impairment. However, SUBOXONE Film may be used with caution for maintenance treatment in patients with moderate hepatic impairment who have initiated treatment on a buprenorphine product without naloxone. Keep SUBOXONE Film out of the sight and reach of children. Accidental or deliberate ingestion of SUBOXONE Film by a child can cause severe breathing problems and death. Important Safety Information (CONTINUED) Do not take SUBOXONE Film before the effects of other opioids (eg, heroin, hydrocodone, methadone, morphine, oxycodone) have subsided as you may experience withdrawal symptoms. Injecting SUBOXONE may cause serious withdrawal symptoms such as pain, cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, anxiety, sleep problems, and cravings. Before taking SUBOXONE Film, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you are pregnant or become pregnant while taking SUBOXONE Film, alert your doctor immediately and you should report it using the contact information provided below.* Neonatal withdrawal has been reported following the use of buprenorphine by the mother during pregnancy. Before taking SUBOXONE Film, talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed your baby. SUBOXONE can pass into your breast milk. You and your doctor should consider the development and health benefits of breastfeeding along with your clinical need for SUBOXONE Film and should also consider any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from the drug or from the underlying maternal condition. Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or perform any other dangerous activities until you know how SUBOXONE Film affects you. Buprenorphine in SUBOXONE Film can cause drowsiness and slow reaction times during dose-adjustment periods. Common side effects of SUBOXONE Film include nausea, vomiting, drug withdrawal syndrome, headache, sweating, numb mouth, constipation, painful tongue, redness of the mouth, intoxication (feeling lightheaded or drunk), disturbance in attention, irregular heartbeat, decrease in sleep, blurred vision, back pain, fainting, dizziness, and sleepiness. This is not a complete list of potential adverse events associated with SUBOXONE Film. Please see Full Prescribing Information for a complete list. *To report negative side effects associated with taking SUBOXONE Film, please call 1-877-782-6966. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. For more information about SUBOXONE Film, SUBOXONE (buprenorphine and naloxone) Sublingual Tablets (CIII), or SUBUTEX (buprenorphine) Sublingual Tablets (CIII), please see the respective Full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide at www.IndiviorREMS.com SUBOXONE is a registered trademark of Indivior UK Limited References [1] SUBOXONE (buprenorphine and naloxone) Sublingual Film (CIII) Prescribing Information. Richmond, VA; Indivior Inc. September 2015. [2] Kosten TR, George TOP. The Neurobiology of Opioid Dependence: Implications for Treatment. Sci Pract Perspect. Jul 2002; 1(1): 13-20. PMCID: PMC2851054. [3] World Health Organization. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS. Position paper. Substitution maintenance therapy in the management of opioid dependence and HIV/AIDS prevention. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization; 2004. [4] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Characteristics of substance abuse treatment admissions reporting primary abuse of prescription painkillers: 1998 and 2008. The TEDS Report. Sept 23, 2010:1-6 [5] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality. Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Summary of National Findings. Sep 2015. [6] US DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. The facts about BUPRENORPHINE for the treatment of opioid dependence 2009. Available at: http://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/providers/sud/docs/english_buprenorphine_facts.pdf. Accessed April 26, 2014. [7] National Institute on Drug Abuse. August 2010. Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction. [8] Parran et al. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2010 January 1;106(1): 56-60. Doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2009.07.013. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150728/248099LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/indivior-inc-introduces-mobile-application-to-help-support-education-adherence-and-disease-management-needs-of-patients-with-opioid-dependence-and-their-physicians-300244050.html SOURCE Indivior Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 31, 2016] Continuing ECAC Demand Leads to Follow-On Orders for European Nations as Implant Sciences Ships Additional $1 Million of ETDs Worldwide WILMINGTON, Mass., March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Implant Sciences Corporation (OTCQB: IMSC), a leading manufacturer of explosives trace detection (ETD) solutions for aviation and security applications, today announced that it has shipped approximately $1 million of its QS-B220 desktop explosives and drugs trace detectors and its QS-H150 handheld explosives trace detectors. A large portion of the sales, which were previously unannounced, were shipped to fulfill additional demand for aviation security in European nations. Over the past year, Implant Sciences has been selected by high profile airports across 14 EU nations and has deployed over 1,000 units to support ECAC regulations. "Implant Sciences continues to perform as the market leader, selected time and again by the busiest airports in Europe. We are pleased by our ongoing success in this market and we look forward to continuing to deliver to these customers as we work to develop new solutions and product offerings to meet their critical security needs," stated Dr. Darryl Jones, Implant Sciences' Executive Vice President. "The importance of having effective aviation security cannot be overstated. It is Implant Sciences' mission to support the safety of passengers as well as the employees of the airports, airlines, and retail stores within the airport," added Robert Liscouski, President of Implant Sciences. About the QS-B220 Desktop Explosives Trace Detector The QS-B220 uses Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS) to rapidly detect and identify trace amounts of a wide variety of military, commercial, and homemade explosives. Featuring a radioactive material-free design, push-button maintenance and diagnostics, and a patented inCal internal automatic calibration system, the QS-B220 brings new levels of performance and convenience to desktop trace detection users with unsurpassed ease of use. About the QS-H150 Handheld Explosives Trace Detector The QS-H150 utilizes Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS) technology, providing fast, accurate detection of trace amounts of a wide variety of military, commercial, and homemade explosives. Built with no radioactive materials and featuring a low-mintenance, self-calibrating, and self-clearing design, the QS-H150 provides very high levels of operational availability. The QS-H150 has been proven to perform well in a wide variety of temperatures and challenging environments, from humid jungles to dry, sand swept deserts. About Implant Sciences Implant Sciences is a leader in developing and manufacturing advanced detection capabilities to counter and eliminate the ever-evolving threats from explosives and drugs. The Company's team of dedicated trace detection experts has developed proprietary technologies used in its commercial products, thousands of which have been sold across more than 70 countries worldwide. The Company's ETDs have received approvals and certifications from several international regulatory agencies including the TSA in the U.S., ECAC in Europe, CAAC and the Ministry of Public Safety in China, Russia FSB, STAC in France, and the German Ministry of the Interior. It has also received the 2015 GSN Airport/Seaport/Border Security Award for "Best Security Checkpoint". For further details on the Company and its products, please visit the Company's website at www.implantsciences.com. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release and any statements of employees, representatives and partners of Implant Sciences Corporation (the "Company") related thereto contain or may contain certain "forward-looking statements," as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements may include, without limitation, statements with respect to the Company's plans, objectives, projections, expectations and intentions and other statements identified by words such as "projects," "may," "will," "could," "would," "should," "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "estimates," "intends," "plans," "potential" or similar expressions. Such statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties (many of which are beyond the Company's control) that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to (i) the risk that the Company's strategic initiatives referenced herein may not actually occur, or if they occur, that they will not benefit the Company's shareholders, (ii) the risk that deployment of the Company's devices may not occur as planned, (ii) the risk that there is no guaranty that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) or any other U.S. or foreign government and law enforcement agencies or commercial consumers will purchase any of the Company's explosives detection products or that any new products the Company may develop will be accepted by the TSA or by such other governments, agencies or consumers, (iii) economic, political and other risks associated with international sales and operations could adversely affect the Company's sales, (iv) the Company's business is subject to intense competition and rapid technological change, and the Company's ability to generate revenue and profit will depend on its ability to develop and introduce new products and (v) other risks and uncertainties described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. In light of these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned that actual results may differ significantly from those described or anticipated in the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future presentations or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Contact: Implant Sciences Corporation Company Contact: Robert Liscouski 978-752-1700 x 116 To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/continuing-ecac-demand-leads-to-follow-on-orders-for-european-nations-as-implant-sciences-ships-additional-1-million-of-etds-worldwide-300244085.html SOURCE Implant Sciences Corporation [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 31, 2016] Syngenta seeks to award students rooted in ag through scholarship program GREENSBORO, N.C., March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Syngenta invites eligible university students to apply to its annual Syngenta Agricultural Scholarship program. Applicants are asked to share how they have been inspired by someone to be rooted in agriculture, how this inspiration has motivated them to pursue a degree and ultimately a career in the industry, and how they plan to pay it forward and encourage others to be rooted in ag. "The future of agriculture is dependent on these future leaders, so we're excited to hear what inspires them and how they plan to inspire others to establish roots in the ag industry," said Vern Hawkins, President, Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC. "These types of leaders help propel agriculture forward, leaving a lasting impact on our industry." University students currently pursuing bachelor's or master's degrees in crop-related disciplines are eligible to compete for $20,000 in scholarship awards. Applicants must be U.S. residents enrolled as of spring 2016 in an accredited agriculture program at a U.S. land-grant university. "We highly encourage eligible students to apply for the scholarship and to draw upon their backgrounds to tell us their unique stories of how they became rooted in ag," said Mary Streett DeMers, senior communications lead, Syngenta. "It's a great way for students to serve as ambassadors of the industry and expand their networks. We look forward to what the future holds for these outstanding students and their careers in agriculture." There are many ways in which scholarship winners can apply the award to advance their careers, as 2015 graduate level grand prize winner Mitch Roth has demonstrated through his pursuit of professional development. Upon receiving his scholarship last fall, Roth said he planned to utilize a portion of it to join the International Society for Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions. "There's also an international conference this sumer that I'd like to attend so I can meet with the leaders in the field," he added. This year's scholarships will be awarded to winners in the fall of 2016. For additional information about the scholarship, including official rules, prize amounts, essay topic and application guidelines, please visit www.Syngenta-US.com/Scholarships. For more information about Syngenta, visit www.syngenta.com. Join the conversation online connect with us at social.SyngentaUS.com. About Syngenta Syngenta is a leading agriculture company helping to improve global food security by enabling millions of farmers to make better use of available resources. Through world class science and innovative crop solutions, our 28,000 people in over 90 countries are working to transform how crops are grown. We are committed to rescuing land from degradation, enhancing biodiversity and revitalizing rural communities. To learn more visit www.syngenta.com and www.goodgrowthplan.com. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Syngenta and www.twitter.com/SyngentaUS. Web Resources: Scholarship Website The Good Growth Plan Syngenta Know More, Grow More Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This document contains forward-looking statements, which can be identified by terminology such as 'expect', 'would', 'will', 'potential', 'plans', 'prospects', 'estimated', 'aiming', 'on track' and similar expressions. Such statements may be subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from these statements. We refer you to Syngenta's publicly available filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for information about these and other risks and uncertainties including the "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 20-F. Syngenta assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changed assumptions or other factors. This document does not constitute, or form part of, any offer or invitation to sell or issue, or any solicitation of any offer, to purchase or subscribe for any ordinary shares in Syngenta AG, or Syngenta ADSs, nor shall it form the basis of, or be relied on in connection with, any contract thereof. 2016 Syngenta, 410 Swing Road, Greensboro, NC 27409. The Syngenta logo is a registered trademark of a Syngenta Group Company. Twitter is a registered trademark of Twitter Inc. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/syngenta-seeks-to-award-students-rooted-in-ag-through-scholarship-program-300243853.html SOURCE Syngenta [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 31, 2016] Lincolnshire Health and Care Selects InterSystems HealthShare to Transform Patient Care for the Region ETON, England, March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Clinicians will soon have access to patient's complete medical record for the first time InterSystems, a global leader in health information technology, today announced a partnership with Lincolnshire Health and Care (LHAC) that will help LHAC achieve its ambitious goal to transform health and social care services in the county, potentially saving up to 4 million every year. Patients and clinicians in Lincolnshire will soon experience the benefits of an integrated care record through InterSystems HealthShare . Delivered on the world's leading health informatics platform, the system will allow multiple health and care providers to securely share essential patient information - improving patient outcomes as a result. Effective data sharing is a key factor in improving health outcomes, and is integral to helping LHAC achieve a more "joined-up" service for the circa 730,000 people who make Lincolnshire their home. LHAC brings together 13 health and social care organisations in the county, including CCGs, acute trusts, and the local authority. Together they have a collective vision for improving local health and care services, achieving better health outcomes, and securing a more sustainable financial position. The key partners in the system are working together to realise the connected future as set out by NHS England's Chief Executive Simon Stevens in his "Five Year Forward View". HealthShare brings this possibility to life, empowering clinicians and offering the opportunity to access life-saving information region-wide. The end-to-end system will allow clinicians across Lincolnshire to view a shared patient care record, with important health details like current prescriptions, medical history, and details of current and past illnesses. urrently it can take hours to share this information among organisations. With HealthShare, an A&E consultant, for instance, will be able to access a patient's clinical records in seconds. The organisation has secured 1 million in funding to bring the system to life and believes it could help cut down on unnecessary imaging and lab tests, saving up to 4 million per year. LHAC has been working since 2013 to develop the local health and social care service. The partnership with InterSystems will enable the programme to share patient information safely and securely, empowering clinicians to make the best choices. Improving the flow of data and sharing medical records across the system were key desires for clinicians and the 15,000 members of the public who were involved in the comprehensive engagements programme. Built with patient safety in mind, the new system will include an online portal that will allow all patients to view all their personal health information across multiple care providers, access test results, and see information about their medications. In time, they will also be able to share their records with friends, family and care givers - putting patients in control of their own care. Gary James, Accountable Officer at East Lincolnshire CCG, said: "All Lincolnshire Health and Care organisations have joined forces to develop the portal, which will allow care professionals, with the patient's permission, to see all the information relevant to that patient's care. This will improve the quality and safety of care and will also save staff time by providing fingertip access to the information they need to manage that patient's care." The introduction of HealthShare is the first phase of a long-term partnership with LHAC to help them realise their ambitions. In addition to the shared care record, health providers in Lincolnshire will also benefit from InterSystems' Patient Index software, a shared information system that will help providers identify each patient, and its Spine Mini Services, connecting users to the NHS Data Spine. Mark Palmer, Country Manager at InterSystems, said, "We are proud to be working in partnership with Lincolnshire Health and Care to support the transformation of the local healthcare system. It's clear having the best information results in the best treatment. The HealthShare platform puts the clinician in control, providing all aspects of patient information that they need, when they need it. "LHAC shares our view that the secure and seamless transfer of data between providers is essential in supporting a healthcare system that delivers for patients and their families," he added. About LHAC Lincolnshire Health and Care is an initiative to design better ways of providing essential health and social care services in the county. Currently health and care services are not working together as effectively as they could and with a growing and ageing population, the current approach will not be sustainable in the long run. Lincolnshire Health and Care will provide residents with access to safe and good quality services, closer to home and avoid, where possible, a lengthy hospital stay. For more information visit http://www.lincolnshirehealthandcare.org About InterSystems InterSystems provides the information engines that power some of the world's most important applications. In healthcare, finance, government, and other sectors where lives and livelihoods are at stake, InterSystems has been a strategic technology provider since 1978. InterSystems is a privately held company headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts (USA), with offices worldwide, and its software products are used daily by millions of people in more than 100 countries. For more information, visit InterSystems.co.uk. SOURCE InterSystems [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 31, 2016] Highly Anticipated LG G5 Now Shipping In United States ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Starting today, LG Electronics' (LG) highly anticipated LG G5 smartphone is available for purchase. The LG G5 can be pre-ordered now online and will be in stores starting tomorrow via major carriers and retailers, including AT&T, Best Buy, Best Buy Mobile Stores, B&H, Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular and Verizon. The LG G5 introduces a paradigm-shifting modular design that allows for a collection of companion devices, called "LG Friends," to plug in and transform the LG G5 into a DSLR-style camera, a mobile virtual reality viewer and more. Unveiled last month in Barcelona at this year's Mobile World Congress, LG G5 is the result of LG's tireless effort towards delivering purposeful innovation for a better life and a more dynamic user experience for its consumers. Capturing the attention of MWC media and attendees alike, the LG G5 amassed a total 33 awards including being named the Best New Smartphone at Mobile World Congress from the GSMA's Glomo Awards, the mobile industry's longest established awards platform for innovation, excellence and achievement. "The LG G5 and LG Friends have captured the imagination of consumers everywhere with its engaging take on mobile technology," said Juno Cho, president and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. "Modularity has been talked about for years but no one was able to consumerize it until now, and we're happy to take on the mantle." The LG G5's sleek aluminum body and modular type design allows consumers to easily swap ot a depleted battery for a fully charged one in just seconds a feature that most other high profile smartphones don't offer. To celebrate this smartphone innovation, LG is rewarding customers that order a LG G5 before April 17, 2016 with a free extra battery and battery charging cradle which also acts as a standalone portable charger while on the go. For more information on LG G5 and LG Friends, please visit: LG.com/G5. *Terms and conditions apply to LG G5's promotional offers. For more information please visit: http://www.lgg5launchpromo.com. About LG Electronics MobileComm U.S.A., Inc. LG Electronics MobileComm U.S.A. Inc. based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., is the U.S. sales subsidiary of LG Electronics, Inc. a global innovator and trend leader in the global mobile communications industry. LG is driving the evolution of mobile forward with its highly competitive core technologies in the areas of display, battery and camera optics and strategic partnerships with noted industry leaders. LG's consumer-centric products -- including the flagship premium G Series models -- incorporate unique, ergonomic designs and intuitive UX features that enhance the user experience. The company remains committed to leading consumers into the era of convergence, maximizing inter-device connectivity between smartphones, tablets and a wide range of home and portable electronics products. For more information, please visit www.LG.com. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160331/350104 Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160331/350105 Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160331/350106 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160202/328865LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/highly-anticipated-lg-g5-now-shipping-in-united-states-300244315.html SOURCE LG Electronics MobileComm USA [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] The remains of abducted Col. Samaila Inusa were on Wednesday buried at the old Nigerian Defence Academy burial ground in Kaduna State. ... The remains of abducted Col. Samaila Inusa were on Wednesday buried at the old Nigerian Defence Academy burial ground in Kaduna State.Inusa, who was a Chief Instructor at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Jaji, near Kaduna State, was kidnapped at gunpoint along Refinery Junction in Chikun Local Government of Kaduna State on Saturday.His decomposing body was found along the Kaduna Eastern Bypass, a few kilometres away from where he was abducted on Tuesday.Drabbed in the national colour of the green-white-green, the body of Inusa arrived the old NDA Cemetery around 11.45am from the Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna, and was committed to the mother earth at noon.Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, has vowed to fish out the perpetrators of the act.Buratai said he would make them to face the full weight of the law.Represented by the Chief of Administration, Army Headquarters, Maj-Gen. Ado Abubakar, the COAS said the Army was mourning the slain senior officer who had served the country meritoriously.He described the late officer as a gallant and professional soldier, noting that the Army was not happy about the way he was killed.The Army chief said, Col. Inusa was a great soldier. We all feel the pains. Death is inevitable and nobody can run away from it. I came in to represent my boss, the Chief of Army Staff, because the Nigerian Army is mourning one of us that has really served this country greatly and we are not really happy the way he died. But whatever happens, we shall see to the end of it all.The Commander, Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Maj.Gen. Kasim Abdulkarim, said Inusa was a loyal, committed and a hardworking officer who would be missed by his colleagues.Abdulkarim urged officers and men of the military to take precautionary measures in safeguarding their lives.I feel very bad because the officer is directly under me. He was a loyal, committed and a hard working officer. We should take our personal security seriously, he said.Born in 1972 in Nasarawa Local Government of Kano State, Inusa attended the Ramat Special Primary School between 1979 and 1985.He also attended the Ahmadiyya Secondary School, Kano, from where he obtained his West African School Certificate in 1991. Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has boycotted the eating of foreign rice, according to recent reports. Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has boycotted the eating of foreign rice, according to recent reports.According to reports, the governor has taken foreign rice out from his menu for the last six months reports say.We cannot be blessed with the kind of arable land we have in the North and the fertile rainforest in the South and still be dependent as a country on foreign food, he reportedly declared.Ikpeazu said the reason for the boycott is to demonstrate that Nigeria, with her rich agricultural potentials, has the capacity for self-sufficiency in food production.He said as a way to tackle the prevailing economic glut occasioned by the global oil slide, Nigeria must develop a new policy that will discourage importation of foreign foods and encourage the cultivation and eating of local foods, stressing that this is time for us to value the richness of our local menu. Senate Minority Leader and member of the PDP, Sen. Godswill Akpabio has urged Nigerians not to blame the All Progressive Congress for the ... Senate Minority Leader and member of the PDP, Sen. Godswill Akpabio has urged Nigerians not to blame the All Progressive Congress for the current economic hardship in Nigeria.According to Akpabio, the countrys current economic challenge was a global phenomenon orchestrated by the steady fall in oil prices.So, what has happened here is that with the massive failure, what we call oil glut in the market, the oil price has reduced below what we expected in the last 20 years. That automatically has affected our economy.It has nothing to do with which administration is in power. It has something to do with resources to be able to deliver the dividend of democracy.The country belongs to all of us and if the country collapses on our heads, it means that we bequeath nothing to our children, he said. The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, has urged the British Government to intervene in his ca... Kanu who is facing treason charge alongside two other pro-Biafra agitators, Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi, approached the British government through his lawyer, Mr. Ifeanyi Ejiofor.Kanu, in a letter dated March 24 and addressed to the British High Commissioner in Abuja, described himself as a victim of travesty of justice and gross human rights violation.He insisted that the President Buhari-led administration has violently abused his fundamental human rights through his prolonged detention in prison custody.Even though Kanu said he was ready to answer to the charge against him, he however expressed doubt in the ability of the Nigerian government to accord him fair trial, saying he has so far been subjected to immense persecution.Stressing that he is a British citizen, Kanu told the UK government that he was wrongly arrested and put in detention.It is repeating the obvious to state that our client is a full British citizen, by virtue of which position he is entitled to all Rights, Privileges and Protection, guaranteed under the British Laws and conventions.We are therefore constrained in the circumstance, to formally notify the British Government via this medium, of our well informed reservations, and apprehension, that our client is undergoing persecution in the charge above referred, and deliberate design by the persecutors to frustrate every effort of the Defense team aimed at giving our client a fair trial. Kanu, through his lawyer, contended that his detention from October 14, 2015 till January 20, 2016, without any lawful order of court, was not only unlawful, but was in flagrant disobedience of orders of courts of competent jurisdiction which he said directed his unconditional release and discharge.It is the position of our Law, that dual citizenship is a constitutional right of the citizens of Nigeria, clearly provided for under section 28 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended in 2011. Dual citizenship is not a crime under our Law.Our reservations on the Presidents comment was underpinned by the findings made in the ruling delivered on February 29, 2016, by Hon. Justice John Tsoho, wherein our client and the two other defendants were denied bail.Recalled that on December 29, 2015, during the Presidential Media Chat, the President told the whole world that Nnamdi Kanu cannot be granted bail, alleging that he came into the country without a valid travelling passport.This pronouncement was roundly condemned by both local and international commentators. His pronouncement was viewed as a clear usurpation of the functions and powers of the judiciary.Though very regrettable and extremely unfortunate, Nnamdi Kanu was refused bail on January 29, 2016. In refusing him and other defendants bail, the court also cited the facts of his possession of dual passports as a flight risk, and as such held that he cannot be granted bail.Kanu maintained that Justice Tsoho denied him bail in line with the pronouncement of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in his media chat telecasted live on December 29, 2015. Arrangements have been concluded for President Muhammadu Buharis official visit to the Peoples Republic of China in April, the Chinese... Arrangements have been concluded for President Muhammadu Buharis official visit to the Peoples Republic of China in April, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Gu Xiaojie, has said.Xiaojie stated this when he visited the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, in Abuja, according to a statement in Abuja on Wednesday by the Chief Press Secretary to the minister, Mr. Taiye Akinyemi.The envoy said the visit was significant because it would strengthen diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria.He put the volume of trade between Nigeria and China in 2015 at $14.9bn, describing Nigeria as Chinas biggest trading partner in Africa.He said, The relationship right now is a strategic partnership that will definitely help to expand mutual benefits between the two countries to look at widening areas and scope of cooperation.We are also set to look for new areas of cooperation between China and Nigeria against the background that this year, China and Nigeria are celebrating 45 years anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday vowed to scrutinize the 2016 Appropriation bill before assenting the bill. The National Assembl... The National Assembly that passed the bill last week only forwarded the bill without its details.When the President insisted that he will not sign the bill into law until he receives the details, some National Assembly members pointed out that it will not be out of place to sign the bill into law without the details.They cited instances under former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Late Umaru Musa YarAdua.But Buhari on Thursday in Washington DC replied them that he will thoroughly scrutinize the passed bill before assenting to it.He spoke during a meeting with the United States Secretary of State, Mr. John Kerry.According to him, in view of the controversial alteration and padding of the budget proposals, he needed to review the appropriation bill to be certain that its contents tallied with the authentic budget proposal presented to the National Assembly.Some bureaucrats removed what we put in the proposal and replaced it with what they wanted. I have to look at the bill that has been passed by the National Assembly, ministry by ministry, to be sure that what has been brought back for me to sign is in line with our original submission, the President said.Declaring that his administration will continue to vigorously prosecute its war against corruption, President Buhari sought and received an assurance from Mr. Kerry that the United States Government will facilitate the repatriation of all stolen Nigerian funds found within the American banking system.It will greatly help our country if you assist us to recover all our stolen funds which we can establish to be within your financial system, the President told Mr. Kerry.Acknowledging that the United States has been of great help to his administration in the retraining and re-equipping of the Nigerian Armed Forces that has resulted in the significant success already achieved against Boko Haram, President Buhari said that the Federal Government was now working very hard to restore full normalcy in the North Eastern states.Boko Haram no longer holds any local government area. We are reconstructing damaged facilities and preparing the police to take over and reassert civilian control over areas affected by the insurgency, the President told Mr. Kerry.Responding, the Secretary of State said that he has been told that the stolen Nigerian funds were in billions of dollars.Its not easy to hide that amount of money and we are pretty good in tracing them, Mr Kerry assured President Buhari.He said that relevant United States Government Officials will meet with the Chairman of Nigerias Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to discuss further cooperation in that regard.Mr. Kerry applauded the Buhari Administrations success in rolling back the Boko Haram insurgency, saying that the United States will continue to give Nigeria all possible support to ensure that the terrorist sect is finally eliminated as a threat to national and regional security.The Secretary of State also praised President Buharis clear order that Nigerias Armed Forces must show greater regard for the human rights of persons in the theatre of operations against Boko Haram. Vice president Yemi Osinbajo, on Thursday said that his bosss only agenda was to make Nigeria a great nation, urging for support for him... Vice president Yemi Osinbajo, on Thursday said that his bosss only agenda was to make Nigeria a great nation, urging for support for him.The Vice President made the disclosure while receiving a delegation of his Law Faculty class mates with whom he attended the University of Lagos between 1975-1978 at the presidential villa, Abuja. He said that President Muhammadu Buhari was an honest man. He is a man who is honest and whose only desire is to make Nigeria go forward and become a great nation.We should support such a leader. Osinbajo added that despite the present economic challenges Nigeria, the country stil had a unique opportunity to make good progress now, saying that both of them were determined to pursue the course. The president and I are determined to give a good account of ourselves and more importantly ensure that the country makes a good progress, he said. Expressing a deep-felt appreciation for the visit by his class mates, Osinbajo told them it is very rare that after so many years, we can still reunite.I am really honored and humbled. Earlier, retired Justice Chinyelu Emeka K. Anigbodu who spoke on behalf of the delegation that included former federal minister, Odein Ajumogobia, congratulated the Vice President, noting that his election is a precious gift to us.A statement by the media aide to the Vice President, Mr. Laolu Akande added that the members of the Vice Presidents class at the meeting included legal practitioners from across the country and beyond, including Cameroon. They are made up of Justices serving and retired, notable law teachers and lawyers. Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, on Wednesday declared that no pupil was abducted by Boko Haram from Government Girls Secondary Sch... Over 200 pupils of the school were reportedly abducted in 2014 by the terror group.The governor said the report was politically motivated to influence public opinion against the Goodluck Jonathan administration ahead of the 2015 general elections.Fayose spoke while declaring open a two-day workshop on Political Aspirants Capacity Enhancement organised by Women Arise for Change Initiative. It was organised for women from Ekiti, Osun and Ondo states.He said, Today, many opposition leaders are underground. I dont think any of these girls is missing; it is a political strategy. Who is fooling who? If you wanted to use it to remove some people, you have succeeded already.I dont know if there are missing girls but no indication has shown that. It is a political strategy, because I dont think any girl is missing. If they are missing, let them find them.The governor also took a swipe at #BringBackOurGirls campaigners, saying some of them are using it to look for appointments.He lamented that human rights groups had decided to keep quite since President Muhammadu Buhari came on board.Fayose said, Im concerned about the activities of human rights groups. Today the government of the day is obeying court order of their choice, while human rights are not respected.We must talk about government providing cover for criminals. You are now using that person to harass innocent person. You will never have peace when you hide justice.He added, Police came into town yesterday (Tuesday) to arrest political opponents. If you like, demonise me, I will demonise you. I dont need the police and the SSS (Department of State Services) to walk in my state. It is when you are not popular that you walk with police.Any government that rises against me, that government will come down. Im Peter the rock. By engaging me, you make me more popular and relevant and then court sympathy. Im one person that is going places. That is why all these challenges are against me.The governor urged women seeking elective offices to be loyal to their husbands.The President of the initiative, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, said the objective of the workshop was to enhance women political participation and their inclusion in decision making process by promoting female political aspirants and appointees. She said it was to encourage a more massive political mobilisation of women.She lamented that Nigerian women had not fully involved themselves in politics, despite the constitutional provisions giving them rights to political participation. A former Deputy Registrar of the West African Examinations Council, Chief Dotun Oyewole, is dead. A statement by the family on Wednesd... A former Deputy Registrar of the West African Examinations Council, Chief Dotun Oyewole, is dead.A statement by the family on Wednesday said he was 94.Oyewole attended primary school at St. Johns School, Igbein, Abeokuta from 1928 to 1933 and the Abeokuta Grammar School from 1934 to 1940, where he also began his teaching career in 1941 as a teacher.He attended science preparatory classes at Yaba College in 1942 and between 1946 and 1947, he taught Physics and Mathematics at Abeokuta Grammar School, the statement added.It added that in 1947, Oyewole was awarded a Nigerian Government scholarship to study in the UK.He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from the University of Durham in 1950, and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Education from the University of London.Upon returning to Nigeria in 1951, he went back to teach at the Abeokuta Grammar School as a senior Physics and Mathematics master. He was also a part-time Latin and physics teacher at the Anglican Girls Grammar School, Surulere, Lagos.In 1961, Chief Oyewole was appointed Assistant Registrar at WAEC where he remained until 1976, rising through the ranks to the position of Senior Deputy Registrar and Head of the Nigeria National Office, the statement added.Oyewole retired from WAEC in 1976 and co-founded the Abeokuta Continuing Education Centre with his twin brother, Chief Femi Oyewole. The centre ran arts and sciences remedial and commercial courses as well as computer, secretarial and aviation courses.In appreciation of his valuable contribution to science and education, Oyewole received the Fellow of the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria in 1980 and the Distinguished Sustained Service to Science Education in 1997.He was also honoured with the Ogun State University Development Foundation Presidential Merit Award for his contributions to university education in Nigeria in 1998 as well as WAEC Merit Award for meritorious services. Not many would imagine former Lagos governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu wearing big earphones and standing over some stereo. In fact, not many... Culled from PM News Not many would imagine former Lagos governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu wearing big earphones and standing over some stereo. In fact, not many know that the diminutive politician used to be a disc jockey (DJ).Known as one of the most prominent politicians in Nigeria, Tinubu had other interests that were pretty unheard of and mixing tapes happens to be one of them.I was interested in music. I enjoy music, from the days of James Brown. I told you I followed Roy Chicago to Ado-Ekiti, without knowing. I was just lucky. God just made me a professional because I could have ended up with the late Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister!, he said in interview with TheNEWS magazine during his 60th birthday celebration.He added that: We used to follow him (Ayinde Barrister) about for during the Ramadan, to the extent that I would be locked out. Whenever there was competition around Lagos Island or anywhere, we were always there. There was always the possibility of violence because of the competition, he stressed.Of his DJ skills, he said: But then I was an in-house DJ, not a commercial DJ. Teddy Pendergrass was my favourite and I kept myself updated on the music scene in America.You dont have music now. You now have O foka sibe, O gbona feli feli. I love listening to jazz a lot, he said of modern music. The national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party has alleged that the Independent National Electoral Commission is now under the f... The national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party has alleged that the Independent National Electoral Commission is now under the firm control of the All Progressives Congress.It cited the piecemeal release of results of the March 19 rerun election in Rivers State by the commission, which it alleged was done to satisfy the ruling party, as an example.The Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, Uche Secondus, made this allegation in an interview with reporters in Abuja on Wednesday.He alleged that the electoral body was taking instructions from the ruling party on what to do with the outcome of the Rivers rerun which he claimed his party won convincingly.Before the suspension of announcement of the results, the commission had released the results in nine state constituencies and one federal constituency.But in the results made available on Tuesday in Port Harcourt and signed by the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Aniedi Ikoiwak, the PDP maintained its lead by winning three federal constituencies while it shared two state constituency seats with its main rival, the APC.Secondus, who also appraised the conduct of elections by INEC since the assumption of office by the Chairman of the commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, expressed concern that all the elections conducted by the electoral body since then were inconclusive.He cited the Kogi, Bayelsa and the recent Rivers states rerun elections as examples.Secondus said, Now in Rivers, because the PDP won all the elections despite the intimidation by the military, the results are being released piecemeal because the APC has failed woefully in all the constituencies.It is apparent that the commission has become a department in the APC. The commission is being controlled by the APC. The commission has lost its independence and we have empirical evidence on this.Secondus further alleged that the commission had yet to fix a date for fresh election in the state in the areas that were cancelled because it was waiting for instruction from the APC.He said, They havent fixed a date for rerun because of the APC. INEC is now being supervised by the leadership of the APC and the Buhari administration.They are no longer independent and we are losing confidence in INEC. In the Federal Capital Territory, election date was announced but suddenly, because they knew the APC was going to lose, they postponed the election after we had spent money and time.All these show that INEC is now a parastatal of the APC. The danger is that this current leadership that will conduct the general elections in 2019 has been compromised.The forthcoming Edo and Ondo states governorship elections are in danger. With what happened in Rivers, Nigeria is in danger.There may be no election in 2019 with the way INEC is conducting itself as a parastatal of the APC.The commission has however dismissed the PDP allegation, saying it would not be forced to announce result of inconclusive elections.The Deputy Director, Voter Education and Publicity at the commission, Mr. Nick Dazang, who spoke with our correspondent, also denied the allegation that the electoral body was being controlled by the APC.He said elections were stopped in Rivers because of many reasons.He said, As of the time of the suspension of further action by the commission, the exercise was at different stages.For example, the elections had been concluded in some constituencies with the declaration of results and return of winners by the respective Returning Officers; results declared and/or returns made under duress or by unauthorised persons; collation had been concluded but no declaration or return made; voting had been concluded and collation was ongoing but yet to be concluded; voting concluded but collation yet to commence; and /or no voting at all or voting commenced but was disrupted before conclusion.He said these were the reasons why the election was stopped. Dazang called on the PDP, which he described as a formidable opposition, to stop peddling unfounded rumour. Kogi State House of Assembly complex was yesterday sealed off by security agents on the orders of the National Assembly following the pr... Kogi State House of Assembly complex was yesterday sealed off by security agents on the orders of the National Assembly following the protracted leadership crisis rocking the House.This came as Governor Yahaya Bello of the state, denied any crisis in the Assembly, saying the House had been carrying out its normal legislative activities without disruption or external interferences.But contrary to the governors claim, the main entrance to the assembly complex was barricaded, by heavily armed policemen, preventing factional members billed to conduct ministerial budget screening from accessing the complex. The road leading to the complex was also barricaded by armed policemen, who subjected staff of the assembly to scrutiny and only allowed them in upon confirmation of their employment status through their Identity Cards.It wasgathered from one of the security agents at the gate that they were acting on the order of the Commissioner of Police, following a directive from the Force Headquarters in Abuja. Speaking on the seal-off, a member from the embattled Speakers camp, Aliyu Akuh, said since the crisis remained unresolved and the other faction ignored the directive to return to status quo ante by the House of Representatives, there was no other option than to seal off the complex.However, the factional Speaker, Umar Imam, who spoke to newsmen in Lokoja said, the action of the security operatives did not amount to seal-off, insisting that the Assembly was still performing its function. According to him: At our last sitting on Thursday March 24, we adjourned till April 12 to give room for budget defence.So we were not even sitting because we are on recess. We are on oversight function to speak with MDAs for their budget defence. So, as far as we are concerned, the Assembly has not been sealed because it is still functional, workers are working in the complex.By the time we finish with our recess and budget defence, we shall continue with other Assembly businesses. However, the Committee on Appropriation, who were to conduct their budget screening at the Assembly complex, relocated to the Government House to carry out its function, as the Committee met with the Ministry of Information, and two other committees yesterday. Speaking with State House Correspondents in Abuja, Governor Bello appealed to the people of the state to join him in rebuilding the state, insisting that the time of crisis was over. He said: My House is sitting and we have absolute peace in Kogi State.I am not aware of that the National Assembly is supposed to have taken over. The state is absolutely in peace and the legislative activities are ongoing. I am the executive and the executive is functioning and we are doing the best we can. The legislature is doing its own business and is on it.Members should remain calm. Kogi State has bled for long. This is not the time for crisis. This is the time to work and I am here to work. I am not here to have any political fuss with anybody, whoever is ready should join me and lets fix Kogi State. On the federal government bailout funds to states, the governor said : We applied for it and its under processing so right now I have not gotten any bail-out yet. Well, I think to the best of my knowledge, the last administration either did not go on with the process properly, which we are doing now to correct whatever was not done properly so that we can access it for our people. An Islamist militant suicide bomber on Thursday blew himself and a local official up in the autonomous Somali region of Puntland after pu... An Islamist militant suicide bomber on Thursday blew himself and a local official up in the autonomous Somali region of Puntland after putting his arms around the official as if in a hug.Major Nur Ahmed, a Police officer, said that the deceased official, Saeed Ali, and the guards had been targeted as they attempted to enter a car.Witnesses said that two bystanders also died in the blast.Meanwhile, Sheikh Abu-Musab, al Shabaabs Military Operation Spokesman, has issued a statement taking responsibility for the attack.We killed Saeed Ali, the treasurer of Galkayo, and several police officers that were guarding him, he said. The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), says the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiw... The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), says the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, made the impossible happen by ensuring that for the first time in Nigerias history, opposition parties successfully merged.Fashola said this in a video tribute to commemorate Tinubus 64th birthday.The minister, who was present at the colloquium held in Tinubus honour in Abuja, on Tuesday, said Nigeria was falling apart under former President Goodluck Jonathan, adding that Tinubu steered Nigeria away from the course of destruction.Fashola said, It was dangerous for Nigeria to keep that administration for another term and the evidence of that was before us. The country was falling apart. You must salute the courage, the passion, the foresight of Asiwaju to reach across and say let us forge a partnership to save Nigerians, to save ourselves.The minister added, On whether or not there could be a merger, everyone said it wasnt going to happen, it had never happened in the history of Nigeria and as far as that was concerned, it (the merger) was a victory that the impossible had become not only probable but possible and that was due to Asiwajus self conviction and, as I said, his ability to mobilise people and materials behind an idea. The United States will invest more than $600 million in Nigeria this year, Secretary of State John Kerry said yesterday in Washington. ... The United States will invest more than $600 million in Nigeria this year, Secretary of State John Kerry said yesterday in Washington.He spoke during the opening session of the U.S.- Nigeria Bi-National Commission meeting.The Nigerian delegation was led by Foreign Affairs Minister Geoffrey Onyema, supported by other officials including Nigerian Charge dAffaires Hakeem Balogun.Those with Kerry include leaders from the State Department, USAID, the Defence Department, Commerce Department, and other key agencies. The U.S. Ambassador James Entwistle also attended.Kerry, who hailed President Muhammadu Buharis actions in office in the area of security and the attaempt to diversify the economy, said:Our development assistance this year will top $600 million, and we are working closely with your leaders the leaders of your health ministry to halt the misery that is spread by HIV/AIDS, by malaria, and by TB.Our Power Africa Initiative is aimed at strengthening the energy sector, where shortage in electricity has frustrated the population and impeded growth.And our long-term food security programme, Feed the Future, is helping to create more efficient agriculture and to raise rural incomes in doing that.Our Young African Leaders Programme, in which many Nigerians participate, is preparing the next generation to take the reins of responsibility.and in education, we are working together to try to fight illiteracy, especially in the countrys north, where the lack of opportunity has been holding people back, and where the terrorist organisation, Boko Haram, has murdered thousands and disrupted the lives of millions.Kerry condemned the Bokoharam activities, promising U.S. support to finish off the sect and end its terrorist activities.On investment, he recalled that the U.S. Commerce Secretary Pritzker has been among the first senior U.S. officials who have been to Nigeria recently. In her case, it was to highlight investment opportunities and that is a theme that has been reinforced by yesterdays business forum here in Washington.On Boko Haram, Kerry said: Under President Buhari, Nigeria has been taking the fight to Boko Haram and it has reduced Boko Harams capacity to launch full-scale attacks.However, the group still remains a threat a serious threat to the entire region.And in recent months, our governments have been collaborating on new ways to institute security measures, including counter-IED equipment, improved information sharing, and training and equipping two infantry battalions.Now, I want to be clear, this aid is predicated on the understanding that, even when countering a group as ruthless as Boko Haram, security forces have a duty to set the standard with respect to human rights. One abuse does not excuse another.Onyema expressed optimism on a successful outcome as the meeting went into a closed session. Nigerias Minister of Power Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, says there is currently not enough power to distribute unless more t... He attributed recent power outages in some parts of the country to four turbines which stopped working, but hoped electricity supply would be stabilized soon as three of the four turbines have been restored.Yesterday morning we had some outages in Jebba but I am happy to report now that all the four turbines that were down, three have been restored, so there is stability now.It is important why the power coming from Aba is defining, its part of what Ive spoken about. There is not enough power in the country.So how do you share what is not enough such that everybody gets enough? Its difficult, if not impossible.So what we need to do is to get more power on. So about 200 megawatts coming from there is good news for the market, he said.The Minister also expressed confidence that President Muhammadu Buharis 10,000 megawatts target would be met.He, however, decried acts of vandalism which he says is causing some of the energy problems in the country.Everyone of us must contribute something now to solve the problem; it a problem we can solve. That will reduce the number of people who are contributing to being the problem.So those who are vandalizing electricity assets, those who are selling stolen cable, those who are not paying their bills and those diverting electricity are all problems. HACKENSACK -- A 67-year-old city man died after a crash with a Hackensack police car that was responding to another wreck involving a motorcyclist who fled from police Thursday afternoon, authorities said. The police unit was heading to the motorcycle accident near the Hackensack-Maywood line when it was involved in a crash with the Hackensack man's sedan at Summit and Ross Avenues, according to the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office. Authorities have not released the name of the sedan driver who died. Paramus Police Chief Kenneth Ehrenberg said officers with his department first tried to stop the 2016 Yamaha R1 motorcycle around 2 p.m. after they spotted it speeding and zig-zagging between lanes on Route 17 northbound, near Ridgewood Avenue. Officers could not determine the plate number on the bike's paper vehicle tag, he added. "The officers attempted to stop the motorcycle using their lights and sirens. Instead the motorcycle sped away at a faster rate of speed north on the highway," Ehrenberg said. The motorcycle made a U-turn at Linwood Avenue before heading south on Route 17, according to the chief. The original Paramus police officers who tried to stop the motorcycle could not catch up to it. Several minutes later, the motorcycle sped past another police unit, he said. That officer also tried to stop the motorcycle. The Paramus police unit followed the motorcycle as it went southbound on Route 17 before slowing down and entering the Garden State Plaza parking lot, Ehrenberg added. It went into the Ikea store parking lot nearby, back to Route 17 southbound and to Route 4 eastbound. Ehrenberg said Paramus police lost the motorcycle near the borough's border with River Edge and called off the chase. The department also broadcast an alert to area law enforcement agencies to be on alert for the fleeing vehicle, he added. Maywood police soon reported the motorcycle had apparently crashed into a car on Spring Valley Road in their town, according to authorities. "At this time witnesses stated that the motorcycle was not being chased by the police at the time of the crash but was speeding. Paramus officers arrived at the crash site and identified the driver and motorcycle as being the same as the earlier pursuit," Ehrenberg said in an email. Police identified the motorcyclist as Salvatore Deangelis, 31, of Harriman, New York. He suffered "moderate" non life-threatening injuries, the chief added. Deangelis was charged with criminal eluding and motor vehicle offenses, including reckless driving, careless driving and improper display of a license plate. Police said he remained hospitalized at Hackensack University Medical Center, with bail set at $50,000. The prosecutor's office said it would release further information about the fatal collision on Friday. Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc. Find NJ.com on Facebook. HACKENSACK -- A judge on Thursday sentenced Pedro Garcia to 60 years in prison for killing and dismembering Francisco Gonzalez Fuentes in 2011. Garcia, along with co-defendant Wilfredo Sanchez, beat Fuentes, stabbed him and worked for four hours to dismember his body before placing his remains in garbage bags and taking them to the curb, Bergen County Senior Assistant Prosecutor Danielle Grootenboer said. "Now I know what the heart of darkness is like, because it was possessed by these two men," Grootenboer said at Garcia's sentencing. Garcia and Fuentes were a couple who lived together in Cliffside Park, Grootenboer said, calling it the latest case dealing with "the scourge of domestic violence." Garcia said while testifying that he felt "rage" because Fuentes was open about his sexuality. Garcia, 38, could have faced life, but Grootenboer and Judge Susan Steele acknowledged Garcia's cooperation in the conviction of Sanchez. Even after a jury found Garcia guilty of murder in 2013, he agreed to testify against Sanchez, who denied any role in the killing. Sanchez received a life sentence in 2014. "Without the conviction of Pedro Garcia it would have been very difficult for the state to obtain a conviction against Wilfredo Sanchez," Grootenboer said. Fuentes' sister and brother each spoke through a Spanish translator at the sentencing. Fabian Gonzalez said his family had suffered "incomparable harm." "Your honor I hope you take us into consideration," he said. "So that he pays for what he did to my brother." Dora Fuentes first called the police when she smelled blood in her brother's apartment. While parts of Fuentes were buried in America, and others were sent to El Salvador, some of his remains are still unaccounted for. "I hope that wherever my brother is with God that he is satisfied, because justice will be done," she said, before becoming overcome with emotion. "I can't anymore." Garcia will get credit for 1,907 days served in Bergen County Jail. He must serve 85 percent of his term before becoming eligible for parole. His attorney Robert M. Kalisch, assistant deputy public defender for Bergen County, said the case was repeatedly delayed because of his own schedule and that of Wayne Mello, the original prosecutor on the case. Garcia will appeal, Kalisch said, on the grounds that the jury never had the opportunity to consider lesser homicide charges than murder, like aggravated manslaughter and manslaughter. However, Garcia knew he would get a long sentence. Stelle read a letter from Garcia, dated March 28, apologizing to Fuentes' family, his own family and to society and asking for mercy. "I would like your honor to know that I am truly remorseful of ending Francisco's life," he wrote. "In my wildest dreams I would have never thought that I was capable of such a monstrous crime." Myles Ma may be reached at mma@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MylesMaNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook. WAKE FOREST, N.C. - A former New Jersey man who was shot to death with his wife and mother in North Carolina last week had accused his alleged killer of threatening him with a gun in the past, according to a temporary restraining order obtained Wednesday by NJ Advance Media. "He is making me shake and have loss of sleep," Sandy Mazzella wrote in a no-contact order filed Feb. 25. "He has come on my property in the past with a gun." Wake County District Court Judge Ned W. Mangum dismissed the restraining order on March 24, finding Mazzella had "failed to prove grounds for issuance of a no-contact order." The next day, Mazzella, 47, his wife, Stephenie, 43, and Sandy's mother, Elaine, 76, were shot to death in their home on Clearsprings Drive in Wake Forest, N.C. Police have arrested the family's next-door neighbor, Jonathan Frederick Sander, 52, and charged him with three counts of first-degree murder. He is being held without bond and faces life without parole or the death penalty if convicted. In the Feb. 25 application for a no-contact order, Mazzella stated that Sander had sent threatening text messages and threatened him over the phone and in person. "My attorney has copies of his texts and also advised me to place a protective order," Mazzella wrote. On Feb. 26, Mazzella's father filed his own application for a restraining order. "Jon Sander is calling and leaving threatening voicemails," Salvatore Mazzella wrote. He also accused Sander of enlisting another North Carolina man to threaten the Mazzella family. A hearing was held on March 3 and a judge granted both temporary restraining orders. Another hearing was set for March 24, where a judge would determine whether to grant a permanent restraining order, which would have been good for one year. At the March 24 hearing, however, the judge determined that both father and son had failed to prove that a permanent no-contact order should be issued. Authorities have said Sander entered the Mazzella home around 6 p.m. on Friday, March 25 and began firing at family members with a shotgun. 911 callers reported hearing gunshots and at least one called to say a man was standing on his deck with a gun. Sandy Mazzella and Jon Sander met several years ago in Pennsylvania. The two men ran a landscaping business in Wake Forest that apparently soured in recent months. A lawsuit was filed against the two men on Feb. 17 for failing to complete a $6,750 landscaping job in Wake Forest. In addition, Sander filed a small claims lawsuit against Mazzella seeking $9,600 Sander claims to have loaned Mazzella to purchase a 2009 Corvette, a 2009 Cadillac and furniture. A trial in that case was set for April 14. Jim Prassos, who lives across from the Mazzella home, said he thought the two men were good friends. He remembers children splashing in Sander's backyard pool and lots of laughter and music playing. "You would hear them talking back and forth from their yards. But I never heard any arguments, never heard any fighting," Prassos said. Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook. SUNRISE, Fla. -- When the open their two-game road trip Thursday night at BB&T Center, could be in goal for the first time since he Although Schneider accompanied the team on the trip, the decision as to whether he or Keith Kinkaid starts against the Panthers has not yet been made. "Whether I play tomorrow or Saturday, we still haven't determined," Schneider said after skating in Newark Wednesday morning, "but I believe I should be available for both games." Schneider suffered the sprained MCL in Dallas on March 4. He's missed the last 11 games but says the injury wasn't as severe as it might have been. In his absence, Kinkaid and Scott Wedgewood have handled the goaltending. Wedgewood was returned to Albany (AHL) Wednesday while Schneider was activated off injured reserve. Rich Chere may be reached at rchere@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Ledger_NJDevils. Find NJ.com on Facebook Bio-bibliography Biobibliographical Notes Imre Kertesz was born in Budapest on 9th November 1929. He is of Jewish descent. 1944 he was deported to Auschwitz and from there to Buchenwald, where he was liberated in 1945. On his return to Hungary he worked from 1948 for a Budapest newspaper, Vilagossag, but was dismissed in 1951, when it adopted the party line. After two years of military service he has since supported himself as an independent writer and translator of German authors such as Nietzsche, Hofmannsthal, Schnitzler, Freud, Roth, Wittgenstein and Canetti, who have all had significance for his own writing. In 1975 Kerteszs first novel, Sorstalansag (Fateless, 1992), was published, a work based on his experiences in Auschwitz and Buchenwald. He has himself said, When I am thinking about a new novel, I always think of Auschwitz. This does not mean, however, that Sorstalansag is autobiographical in any simple sense: Kertesz says himself that he has used the form of the autobiographical novel but that it is not autobiography. Initially Sorstalansag was refused. When eventually it was published in 1975 it was received with compact silence. Kertesz has written about this experience in A kudarc (Fiasco), 1988. This novel is normally regarded as the second volume in a trilogy that began with Sorstalansag and of which the third volume is Kaddis a meg nem szuletett gyermekert, 1990 (Kaddish for a Child not Born, 1997). Kaddish is the name of the Jewish prayer for their dead. In Kaddis a meg nem szuletett gyermekert the protagonist of Sorstalansag and A kudarc, Gyorgy Koves, reappears. His Kaddish is said for the child which he refuses to beget in a world that permitted the existence of Auschwitz. Other prose works are A nyomkereso (The pathfinder), 1977, and Az angol labogo (The English flag), 1991. In 1992 Galyanaplo (Galley Diary), a diary in fictional form, was published. This covers the years 19611991. Valaki mas : a valtozas kronikaja (I Another : chronicle of a metamorphosis), 1997, continues this inner monologue in the form of notes made during the years 19911995. After the political upheavals of 1989, Kertesz was able to make more public appearances. His lectures and essays have been collected in A holocaust mint kultura (The Holocaust as Culture), 1993, A gondolatnyi csend, amig kivegzooztag ujratolt (Moments of silence while the execution squad reloads), 1998, and A szamuzott nyelv (The exiled language), 2001. Kertesz was awarded the Brandenburger Literaturpreis in 1995, the Leipziger Buchpreis zur Europaischen Verstandigung in 1997, the Herder-Preis and the WELT-Literaturpreis in 2000, the Ehrenpreis der Robert-Bosch-Stiftung in 2001 and Hans Sahl-Preis in 2002. Works Sorstalansag. Budapest, 1975 A nyomkereso: Ket regeny. Budapest, 1977 Detektivtortenet. Budapest : Magveto, 1977* A kudarc. Budapest, 1988 Kaddis a meg nem szuletett gyermekert. Budapest, 1990 Az angol lobogo. Budapest, 1991 Galyanaplo. Budapest, 1992 A holocaust mint kultura : harom eloadas. Budapest, 1993 Jegyzokonyv / Imre Kertesz ; Elet es Irodalom / Esterhazy Peter. Budapest, 1993 Valaki mas : a valtozas kronikaja. Budapest, 1997 A gondolatnyi csend, amig a kivegzoosztag ujratolt. Budapest, 1998 A szamuzott nyelv. Budapest, 2001 Felszamolas : regeny. Budapest : Magveto, cop. 2003* Works in English Fateless / translated by Christopher C. Wilson and Katharina M. Wilson. Evanston, Ill. : Northwestern University Press, 1992. Uniform title: Sorstalansag Kaddish for a Child Not Born / translated by Christopher C. Wilson and Katharina M. Wilson. Evanston, Ill. : Hydra Books, 1997. Uniform title: Kaddis a meg nem szuletett gyermekert Liquidation / translated from the original Hungarian by Tim Wilkinson. New York : Knopf, cop. 2004. Uniform Title: Felszamolas* Fatelessness : a Novel / translated from the Hungarian by Tim Wilkinson. New York : Vintage International, 2004* Werke auf deutsch Mensch ohne Schicksal / Dt. von Jorg Buschmann. Berlin : Rutten u. Loening, 1990. Orig. : Sorstalansag Kaddisch fur ein nicht geborenes Kind / aus dem Ungar. von Gyorgy Buda und Kristin Schwamm. Berlin : Rowohlt, 1992. Orig.: Kaddis a meg nem szuletett gyermekert Galeerentagebuch / aus dem Ungar. von Kristin Schwamm. Berlin : Rowohlt, 1993. Orig. : Galyanaplo Eine Geschichte : zwei Geschichten / Imre Kertesz ; Peter Esterhazy. Aus dem Ungar. von Kristin Schwamm und Hans Skirecki. Salzburg: Residenz-Verl., 1994. Orig. : Jegyzokonyv Meine Rede uber das Jahrhundert. Hamburg : Hamburger Ed., 1995 Eine Zuruckweisung: Buch und CD zum Brandenburgischen Literaturpreis 1995. Potsdam : Vacat, 1995 Roman eines Schicksallosen / aus dem Ungar. von Christina Viragh. Berlin : Rowohlt, 1996. Orig.: Sorstalansag Ich ein anderer / aus dem Ungar. von Ilma Rakusa. Berlin : Rowohlt, 1998. Orig.: Valaki mas : a valtozas kronikaja Die englische Flagge: Erzahlungen / aus dem Ungar. von Gyorgy Buda und Kristin Schwamm. Reinbek bei Hamburg : Rowohlt Taschenbuch Verl., 1999. Inhalt : Die englische Flagge; Der Spurensucher; Protokoll. Orig. : Az angol lobogo; A nyomkereso; Jegyzokonyv Eine Gedankenlange Stille, wahrend das Erschieungskommando neu ladt : Essays / aus dem Ungar. von Gyorgy Buda Reinbek bei Hamburg : Rowohlt Taschenbuch Verl., 1999. Orig. : A gondolatnyi csend, amig a kivegzoosztag ujratolt Fiasko / aus dem Ungar. von Gyorgy Buda und Agnes Relle. Berlin : Rowohlt Berlin, 1999. Orig. : A kudarc Der Spurensucher : Erzahlung / aus dem Ungarischen ubersetzt von Gyorgy Buda. Frankfurt am Main : Suhrkamp, 2002. Orig.: A nyomkereso* Schritt fur Schritt : Drehbuch zum Roman eines Schicksallosen / aus dem Ungarischen von Erich Berger. Frankfurt am Main : Suhrkamp, 2002. Orig.: Sorstalansag : filmforgatokonyv* Heureka! : Rede zum Nobelpreis fur Literatur 2002 / aus dem Ungar. von Kristin Schwamm. Bearb. Ingrid Kruger. Frankfurt am Main : Suhrkamp, 2002* Die exilierte Sprache : Essays und Reden / aus dem Ungar. von Kristin Schwamm Frankfurt am Main : Suhrkamp, 2003. Orig.: A gondolatnyi csend, amig a kivegzoosztag ujratolt* Liquidation : Roman / aus dem Ungarischen von Laszlo Kornitzer und Inger Kruger. Frankfurt am Main : Suhrkamp, 2003. Orig.: Felszamolas* Detektivgeschichte / aus dem Ungarischen von Angelika und Peter Mate. Reinbek bei Hamburg : Rowohlt, 2004* uvres en francais Kaddish pour lenfant qui ne naitra pas: roman / trad. du hongrois par Natalia Zaremba-Huzsvai et Charles Zaremba. Arles : Actes Sud, 1995. Traduction de: Kaddis a meg nem szuletett gyermekert Etre sans destin: roman / trad. du hongrois par Natalia et Charles Zaremba. Arles : Actes Sud, 1997. Traduction de: Sorstalansag Un autre: chronique dune metamorphose / trad. du hongrois par Natalia et Charles Zaremba. Arles : Actes Sud, 1999. Traduction de: Valaki mas : a valtozas kronikaja Le refus: roman / trad. du hongrois par Natalia Zaremba-Huzsvai ; en collab. avec Charles Zaremba. Arles : Actes Sud, 2001. Traduction de: A kudarc Le chercheur de traces : recit / traduit du hongrois par Natalia Zaremba-Huzsvai et Charles Zaremba. Arles : Actes Sud, 2003. Traduction de: A nyomkereso* Liquidation : roman / traduit du hongrois par Natalia Zaremba-Huzsvai et Charles Zaremba. Arles : Actes Sud, 2004. Traduction de: Felszamolas* Le drapeau anglais / recit trad. du hongrois par Natalia Zaremba-Huzsvai et Charles Zaremba. Arles : Actes Sud, 2004. Traduction de : Az angol lobogo* Verk pa svenska Steg for steg : roman / oversatt av Maria Ortman. Bromma : Fripress, 1985. Orig:s titel: Sorstalansag Kaddish for ett ofott barn / oversattning av Ervin Rosenberg. Stockholm : Norstedt, 1996. Orig:s titel: Kaddis a meg nem szuletett gyermekert Mannen utan ode / oversatt av Maria Ortman. Stockholm : Norstedt, 1998. Tidigare utg. med titeln: Steg for steg. Orig:s titel: Sorstalansag Fiasko / oversattning av Ervin Rosenberg. Stockholm : Norstedt, 2000. Orig:s titel: A kudarc Galardagbok / oversattning av Ervin Rosenberg. Stockholm : Norstedt, 2002. Orig:s titel: Galyanaplo Protokollen / Imre Kertesz, Peter Esterhazy ; oversattning av Ervin Rosenberg. Stockholm : Norstedt, 2002. Orig:s titel: Elet es irodalom ; Jegyzokonyv* En annan : kronika over en forvandling / oversatt av Ervin Rosenberg. Stockholm : Norstedt, 2003. Orig:s titel: Valaki mas* Likvidation : roman / oversatt av Ervin Rosenberg. Stockholm : Norstedt, 2004. Orig:s titel: Felszamolas* The Swedish Academy * Updated in 2005. To cite this section MLA style: Bio-bibliography. NobelPrize.org. Nobel Prize Outreach AB 2022. Sun. 23 Oct 2022. Imre Kertesz Article Imre Kertesz: A Medium for the Spirit of Auschwitz by Madeleine Gustafsson* Imre Kertesz was born in Budapest on November 9, 1929. Not yet fifteen years old, he was deported together with 7,000 other Hungarian Jews to Auschwitz, and thence to Buchenwald, where he was liberated in 1945. On returning to Hungary, he worked for a few years at the newspaper Vilagossag, but was fired in 1951 and drafted for two years of military service. Since 1953 he has lived in Budapest (and after 1989 often in Berlin) as an independent writer and a translator of German-language literature in daily dialogue with such great kindred spirits as Mann, Kafka and Nietzsche while working on his own writing. In 2002 he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. The Novels It took Kertesz almost as long as he had lived before his deportation, fourteen years, to write his debut book. It was rejected by a state-owned publishing company, came out anyway in 1975 in a modest edition, but encountered a compact silence. In Sweden, it was published for the first time in 1985 by Fripress in Maria Ortmans translation, under the title Steg for steg (Step by Step). At first, it did not attract much attention in Sweden either, even though aside from Primo Levis If This Is a Man, it is certainly the most powerful literary account of the reality in a concentration camp ever written. The fact that Kertesz himself was deported does not mean that Fateless (or Man Without a Fate, as it was renamed more closely reflecting the original title) is autobiographical in any simple sense. He deliberately leaves out everything anecdotal, temporary, all exceptions in favor of banality (if one can speak of banality in this context): a methodical account and analysis of actual life in the camp, of the totalitarian structure. Copyright Northwestern University Press It is also very different from Levis narrative, if we disregard the content, the overly familiar: how a human being is captured, removed from his ordinary existence and gradually adapted to another existence, whose only purpose is to crush and eventually kill him. But Primo Levi was a grown man. Koves, the narrator in Fateless, is fourteen, and the year from 1944 to 1945 is the decisive learning year of his life. Together with a group of boys of the same age, he is rounded up in a bus during a raid in Budapest in 1944. First they are locked up for one warm, tedious day in a customs house, while a befuddled young policeman phones for more detailed instructions. Then they are detained for a few days in an old brick factory, to which several thousand Jews are eventually brought. After discussions with the Jewish Council, they accept an offer to enlist voluntarily for work service, since the trains, as it is explained to them, will undoubtedly be more crowded later on. There was therefore really not much room for consideration. When liberation reaches Koves one year later, he is lying in the hospital barracks at Buchenwald, the only survivor among his group of friends, a yellowish skeletal figure with a pointy old mans face and festering sores everywhere under his skin. Terribly Provocative Tone Kertesz novel is not a difficult read, not in a technical sense. It is a straightforward, meticulous narrative, without digressions and without comments, other than what the age and limited experience of the main character make probable. The tone is vigorous and curious, almost ingenuous. It is the tone of a young person who, in every new situation, struggles to understand and to do his best, not out of naivete, but in order to survive. To him, everything actually unfolds step by step. And his initial reactions are almost of frightened admiration: just think how clever they were to persuade him to take off his clothes before the shower, by asking him to memorize the number on the hanger and to tie together his shoes! Someone must have worked this out They undoubtedly use the same method in other shower rooms where, he is told, they dont pour water but instead release gas on the prisoners. And the drill in the work camp what a difference, compared to the Hungarian policemans clumsy awkwardness! How smoothly and efficiently everything works! When the prisoners eventually lose their stamina and grow so thin as to be unrecognizable, this also happens so gradually that he doesnt notice it, except in comparison with the unspoiled appearance of the German guards, almost as if they were a different kind of people. To someone with this wide-open, indeed eager curiosity, every situation is genuinely new, a now without the retrospective knowledge that we possess, but which the narrator does not. It is a terribly provocative tone. Kertesz also sticks to it consistently, with a kind of harshness that makes it credible. But the most challenging thing, the reason why the book was so coldly received when it came out, was something else, I believe. It is summed up in the title: Fateless. Or: a man without a fate. Because it is not only about Auschwitz, about something that happened, but about a philosophy of life. The boy tries to express this after returning home to Budapest. It was not really true, he said, that it just came: they also went. Step by step. Only in retrospect does everything seem finished, completed, incomprehensible, possible to summarize (and keep at a distance) in words like horrors or hell. Granted, he has lived through a given fate. It was not his predetermined fate but he was the one who lived through it. And now he was forced to do something with all these steps he had taken. They must not be completely meaningless. He cannot satisfy himself by saying it was a mistake, or accepting the silly bitterness of merely being innocent. Why didnt anyone want to understand this: if there is fate, freedom is not possible; but if there is freedom, there is no fate. In other words, he tells his increasingly distressed listeners: we ourselves are fate. At this point, not only Uncle Steiner but also Uncle Fleischmann jumped up. What? he roared to me with a fiery-red face, are we now the guilty ones we, the victims?' He tried to explain that it was not a matter of guilt. That they should just realize it, humbly and simply, for the sake of meaning itself, out of pure honesty, so to speak. As Kertesz writes in his Galley Diary: Fateless is a proud work. Because of that, people will never forgive either the book or me. The Pen Is My Spade If Fateless is provocative, Kaddish for a Child not Born leaves one almost dumbstruck. It is a thin little book, a single long, droning distraught monologue that never lets go, a little like the books of Thomas Bernhard. The meandering but, in all its complexity, completely clear prose, has a suggestiveness that also pulls the most reluctant reader into its argumentation. If something would make it relax and give the reader breathing space, paradoxically it would certainly be a single breath of literature, a desire for effect but the author energetically resists anything like this, in the same way as he resists all escapes, all conciliation, all mercy. He is logical, objective, implacable. A kaddish is a Jewish prayer for the dead. But what the speaker says here is aimed at a child who was never allowed to be born, a child that the speaker cannot possibly imagine being the father of. After all, bringing a child into the world implies that in some sense, you will live on after your death, but for the speaker, that perspective is inconceivable. This is because in a way, he has already survived his death. Someone once began to dig his grave (in the breezes as Paul Celans Death Fugue puts it), then placed the tool in my hand, thereby leaving me alone to complete the job they had begun, as best I could. May His illustrious name become increasingly great and holy In the world that He created according to His will, and may He establish His kingdom And may His salvation flourish and the Messiah come soon In your lifetime and in your days and in the lifetime of all the house of Israel Speedily and soon. And say amen May His illustrious name be blessed always and forever. Blessed, praised, glorified, exalted, extolled Honoured, raised up and acclaimed be the name of the Holy one blessed be He beyond every blessing hymn, praise and consolation that is uttered in the world. And say amen May abundant peace from heaven, and good life Be upon us and upon all Israel. And say amen May He who makes peace in His high places Make peace upon us and upon all Israel, And say amen So in practice, this is how the philosophical conclusion of Fateless looks: the choices is between viewing ones existence as an arbitrary and meaningless accident, a series of coincidences which despite everything would be, how shall I put it, a fairly unworthy way of viewing life, or living with the direction life has now taken and giving it whatever meaning it can have, in this case by writing. The pen is my spade, writes Kertesz. Writing becomes his way of continuing his digging and trying to transform his life into a series of insights, where my pride, at least my pride, finds satisfaction. And his insights? The insight, as the speaker in Kaddish uses all his persuasive power to convey and emphasize to his wife, the reader, and perhaps also himself, is that there is nothing unexplainable about Auschwitz. Auschwitz existed and was thus not a product of any incomprehensible forces. Instead it was fully comprehensible and derivable from the world such as it looks, for what is is; and its very existence is necessitated by the fact that it is. Evil is neither an accident nor a mistake, but a consequence of rational thinking by individual people. As an abominable logical possibility, Auschwitz has been hanging in the air (for a long, long time, centuries) while waiting for the right time to materialize. This is how the world looks, how our civilization looks. However, what does require an explanation, the speaker says, and now you should listen extra carefully: the really irrational thing that interrupts the regular mechanical process in an inexplicable way is not evil but, on the contrary, goodness. Goodness is not rational, and there is no explanation for goodness. And the reader must really listen extra carefully. The episode about the fellow prisoner who, despite having a chance (a chance that in Auschwitz could mean the difference between life and death) did not snatch the narrators food ration for himself but even risked his life to make sure that he got it back (with the single indignant comment: Well, what did you expect?) lies hidden in the middle of the monologue and is easy to overlook, since it is told against the grain, so to speak. It is more a question than a statement, a drop in a river of rage, but it is there. And it doesnt say that the world is good. All it says is that freedom exists. A thin little book, a single long, droning distraught monologue that never lets go. Copyright Northwestern University Press This defiant freedom is also what Kertesz second novel, Fiasco (1988), was about: a freedom whose paradoxical nature consisted of willingly choosing an almost prison-like life in order to make writing possible, voluntarily settling into an existence that is shabby and surrounded by external stresses and material difficulties, which under the prevailing totalitarian regime was the only alternative to collaboration. During the 1956 revolt, Kertesz alter ego Koves has a chance to leave the country but chooses to stay to write his novel, the only novel that is possible for me, in the only language he knows. But before this he has had time to try and fail at all the opportunities for social adjustment that have been available to him: working as a journalist, being a metalworker, even a prison guard, before he is finally ready for total refusal a total refusal to be useful which is his salvation. Fiasco is a Kafka-like account, almost jovial in its unrelentingly pessimistic clarity, of the Communist dictatorship, which is portrayed almost as an uninterrupted continuation of life in the camp which in turn, in Kaddish, is depicted as a continuation of the patriarchal dictatorship of a joyless childhood. The three novels thus become a coherent whole, an extension of Kertesz fundamental and in some sense only theme: the totalitarian experience, Auschwitz as trauma not only for an individual but for the whole civilization ours that made Auschwitz possible. Intellectual Prose Concurrently with his novels, Kertesz has written intellectual prose a kind of workbooks about reading, writing and death. An initial selection, covering the period between 1961 and 1991, came out in 1993 under the title Galley Diary. A second, entitled I, Another, was published in 1997. The first book mainly commented on his life and thoughts while writing the novel trilogy. The second focused on the major changes in his (and the European continents) existence after 1989. He has also published several collections of essays and speeches, entitled (in German) Der Spurensucher (The Pathfinder), Die englische Flagge (The English Flag), Eine Gedankenlange Stille, wahrend das Erschieungskommando neu ladt (Moments of Silence While the Execution Squad Reloads) and most recently Die exilierte Sprache (The Exiled Language). The paradox about writing that Kertesz repeatedly formulates cannot be summarized, for it is a genuine paradox, but it can be described with the help of two quotations that must be viewed as simultaneously valid. The first is from Galley Diary: If I think about a novel, I again think about Auschwitz. Whatever I think about, I always think about Auschwitz. Even if I am seemingly speaking about something completely different, I am speaking about Auschwitz. I am a medium for the spirit of Auschwitz. Auschwitz speaks through me. Everything else seems stupid to me, compared to that. The second is taken from his speech at the Swedish Academys symposium Witness Literature in December 2001, where he says that it is impossible not to write about the Holocaust, impossible to write about it in German, and equally impossible to write about it any other way, because, he continues, those who write about the Holocaust in whatever language always write in a foreign language, in exile from a homeland that has never existed. I am a medium for the spirit of Auschwitz. Auschwitz speaks through me. Everything else seems stupid to me, compared to that. Imre Kertesz . This stubborn writing, which never gives up until it has managed to scrape its way to the raw cliff wall of naked existence, thus moves between impossibilities. It is a penetrating and thoughtful intellectual prose, which unrelentingly feels the pulse of the writer as well as the reader, using words as a painful but demanding shield against (to quote from I, Another) the desolate land where they no longer speak, but only murder. Translation from Swedish by Victor Kayfetz. Efforts have been made to give credit to the image on the Holocaust appearing in this article. This omission will be rectified as soon as proper information is available. Publisher * Madeleine Gustafsson (b. 1937) writer, literary critic and translator, lives in Stockholm, Sweden. She received her Bachelors degree from Uppsala University in 1961 and served as literary critic for the following newspapers: Uppsala Nya tidning (1960-62), Stockholmstidningen (1963-64), Goteborgs Handels- och Sjofartstidning (1963-73), BLM and Dagens Nyheter since 1973 up to the present. Gustafsson was a member of the Committee for Literature and Library (1978-80), was board member of Forfattarfonden (Writers Foundation) in 1980-84 and is currently member of Samfundet De Nio, a writers guild based in Stockholm. Her published works include essays (in Swedish): Med andras ogon (1978), Utopien och dess skugga (1978), Berattelsens rost (1991); poetry: Solida byggen (1979), Vattenvaxter (1983), Fang-lada (1993). In German, in the translation of Verena Reichel Die Lawine hinauf (1988). She has also translated to Swedish from German, French and Italian the works of such literary figures as Hans Magnus Enzensberger and Marguerite Duras, among others. First published 17 November 2003 To cite this section MLA style: Imre Kertesz: A Medium for the Spirit of Auschwitz. NobelPrize.org. Nobel Prize Outreach AB 2022. Sun. 23 Oct 2022. Imre Kertesz Nobel Lecture Heureka! I must begin with a confession, a strange confession perhaps, but a candid one. From the moment I stepped on the airplane to make the journey here and accept this years Nobel Prize in Literature, I have been feeling the steady, searching gaze of a dispassionate observer on my back. Even at this special moment, when I find myself being the center of attention, I feel I am closer to this cool and detached observer than to the writer whose work, of a sudden, is read around the world. I can only hope that the speech I have the honor to deliver on this occasion will help me dissolve the duality and fuse the two selves within me. For now, though, I still have trouble understanding the gap that I sense between the high honor and my life and work. Perhaps I lived too long under dictatorships, in a hostile, relentlessly alien intellectual environment, to have developed a distinct literary consciousness; even to contemplate such a thing would have been useless. Besides, all I heard from all sides was that what I gave so much thought to, the topic that forever preoccupied me, was neither timely nor very attractive. For this reason, and also because I happen to believe it, I have always considered writing a highly personal, private matter. Not that such a matter necessarily precludes seriousness even if this seriousness did seem somewhat ludicrous in a world where only lies were taken seriously. Here the notion that the world is an objective reality existing independently of us was an axiomatic philosophical truth. Whereas I, on a lovely spring day in 1955, suddenly came to the realization that there exists only one reality, and that is me, my own life, this fragile gift bestowed for an uncertain time, which had been seized, expropriated by alien forces, and circumscribed, marked up, branded and which I had to take back from History, this dreadful Moloch, because it was mine and mine alone, and I had to manage it accordingly. Needless to say, all this turned me sharply against everything in that world, which, though not objective, was undeniably a reality. I am speaking of Communist Hungary, of thriving and flourishing Socialism. If the world is an objective reality that exists independently of us, then humans themselves, even in their own eyes, are nothing more than objects, and their life stories merely a series of disconnected historical accidents, which they may wonder at, but which they themselves have nothing to do with. It would make no sense to arrange the fragments in a coherent whole, because some of it may be far too objective for the subjective Self to be held responsible for it. A year later, in 1956, the Hungarian Revolution broke out. For a single moment the country turned subjective. Soviet tanks, however, restored objectivity before long. I do not mean to be facetious. Consider what happened to language in the twentieth century, what became of words. I daresay that the first and most shocking discovery made by writers in our time was that language, in the form it came down to us, a legacy of some primordial culture, had simply become unsuitable to convey concepts and processes that had once been unambiguous and real. Think of Kafka, think of Orwell, in whose hands the old language simply disintegrated. It was as if they were turning it round and round in an open fire, only to display its ashes afterward, in which new and previously unknown patterns emerged. But I should like to return to what for me is strictly private writing. There are a few questions, which someone in my situation will not even ask. Jean-Paul Sartre, for instance, devoted an entire little book to the question: For whom do we write? It is an interesting question, but it can also be dangerous, and I thank my lucky stars that I never had to deal with it. Let us see what the danger consists of. If a writer were to pick a social class or group that he would like, not only to delight but also influence, he would first have to examine his style to see whether it is a suitable means by which to exert influence. He will soon be assailed by doubts, and spend his time watching himself. How can he know for sure what his readers want, what they really like? He cannot very well ask each and every one. And even if he did, it wouldnt do any good. He would have to rely on his image of his would-be readers, the expectations he ascribed to them, and imagine what would have the effect on him that he would like to achieve. For whom does a writer write, then? The answer is obvious: he writes for himself. At least I can say that I have arrived at this answer fairly straightforwardly. Granted, I had it easier I had no readers and no desire to influence anyone. I did not begin writing for a specific reason, and what I wrote was not addressed to anyone. If I had an aim at all, it was to be faithful, in language and form, to the subject at hand, and nothing more. It was important to make this clear during the ridiculous and sad period when literature was state-controlled and engage. It would be more difficult to answer another, perfectly legitimate though still rather more dubious question: Why do we write? Here, too, I was lucky, for it never occurred to me that when it came to this question, one had a choice. I described a relevant incident in my novel Failure. I stood in the empty corridor of an office building, and all that happened was that from the direction of another, intersecting corridor I heard echoing footsteps. A strange excitement took hold of me. The sound grew louder and louder, and though they were clearly the steps of a single, unseen person, I suddenly had the feeling that I was hearing the footsteps of thousands. It was as if a huge procession was pounding its way down that corridor. And at that point I perceived the irresistible attraction of those footfalls, that marching multitude. In a single moment I understood the ecstasy of self-abandonment, the intoxicating pleasure of melting into the crowd what Nietzsche called, in a different context though relevantly for this moment too, a Dionysian experience. It was almost as though some physical force were pushing me, pulling me toward the unseen marching columns. I felt I had to stand back and press against the wall, to keep me from yielding to this magnetic, seductive force. I have related this intense moment as I (had) experienced it. The source from which it sprang, like a vision, seemed somewhere outside of me, not in me. Every artist is familiar with such moments. At one time they were called sudden inspirations. Still, I wouldnt classify the experience as an artistic revelation, but rather as an existential self-discovery. What I gained from it was not my art its tools would not be mine for some time but my life, which I had almost lost. The experience was about solitude, a more difficult life, and the things I have already mentioned the need to step out of the mesmerizing crowd, out of History, which renders you faceless and fateless. To my horror, I realized that ten years after I had returned from the Nazi concentration camps, and halfway still under the awful spell of Stalinist terror, all that remained of the whole experience were a few muddled impressions, a few anecdotes. Like it didnt even happen to me, as people are wont to say. It is clear that such visionary moments have a long prehistory. Sigmund Freud would trace them back to a repressed traumatic experience. And he may well be right. I, too, am inclined toward the rational approach; mysticism and unreasoning rapture of all kinds are alien to me. So when I speak of a vision, I must mean something real that assumes a supernatural guise the sudden, almost violent eruption of a slowly ripening thought within me. Something conveyed in the ancient cry, Eureka! Ive got it! But what? I once said that so-called Socialism for me was the petite madeleine cake that, dipped into Prousts tea, evoked in him the flavor of bygone years. For reasons having to do with the language I spoke, I decided, after the suppression of the 1956 revolt, to remain in Hungary. Thus I was able to observe, not as a child this time but as an adult, how a dictatorship functions. I saw how an entire nation could be made to deny its ideals, and watched the early, cautious moves toward accommodation. I understood that hope is an instrument of evil, and the Kantian categorical imperative ethics in general is but the pliable handmaiden of self-preservation. Can one imagine greater freedom than that enjoyed by a writer in a relatively limited, rather tired, even decadent dictatorship? By the nineteen-sixties, the dictatorship in Hungary had reached a state of consolidation that could almost be called a societal consensus. The West later dubbed it, with good-humored forbearance, goulash Communism. It seemed that after the initial foreign disapproval, Hungarys own version quickly turned into the Wests favorite brand of Communism. In the miry depths of this consensus, one either gave up the struggle or found the winding paths to inner freedom. A writers overhead, after all, is very low; to practice his profession, all he needs are paper and pencil. The nausea and depression to which I awoke each morning led me at once into the world I intended to describe. I had to discover that I had placed a man groaning under the logic of one type of totalitarianism in another totalitarian system, and this turned the language of my novel into a highly allusive medium. If I look back now and size up honestly the situation I was in at the time, I have to conclude that in the West, in a free society, I probably would not have been able to write the novel known by readers today as Fateless, the novel singled out by the Swedish Academy for the highest honor. No, I probably would have aimed at something different. Which is not to say that I would not have tried to get at the truth, but perhaps at a different kind of truth. In the free marketplace of books and ideas, I, too, might have wanted to produce a showier fiction. For example, I might have tried to break up time in my novel, and narrate only the most powerful scenes. But the hero of my novel does not live his own time in the concentration camps, for neither his time nor his language, not even his own person, is really his. He doesnt remember; he exists. So he has to languish, poor boy, in the dreary trap of linearity, and cannot shake off the painful details. Instead of a spectacular series of great and tragic moments, he has to live through everything, which is oppressive and offers little variety, like life itself. But the method led to remarkable insights. Linearity demanded that each situation that arose be completely filled out. It did not allow me, say, to skip cavalierly over twenty minutes of time, if only because those twenty minutes were there before me, like a gaping, terrifying black hole, like a mass grave. I am speaking of the twenty minutes spent on the arrival platform of the Birkenau extermination camp the time it took people clambering down from the train to reach the officer doing the selecting. I more or less remembered the twenty minutes, but the novel demanded that I distrust my memory. No matter how many survivors accounts, reminiscences and confessions I had read, they all agreed that everything proceeded all too quickly and unnoticably. The doors of the railroad cars were flung open, they heard shouts, the barking of dogs, men and women were abruptly separated, and in the midst of the hubbub, they found themselves in front of an officer. He cast a fleeting glance at them, pointed to something with his outstretched arm, and before they knew it they were wearing prison clothes. I remembered these twenty minutes differently. Turning to authentic sources, I first read Tadeusz Borowskis stark, unsparing and self-tormenting narratives, among them the story entitled This Way for the Gas, Ladies and Gentlemen. Later, I came upon a series of photographs of human cargo arriving at the Birkenau railroad platform photographs taken by an SS soldier and found by American soldiers in a former SS barracks in the already liberated camp at Dachau. I looked at these photographs in utter amazement. I saw lovely, smiling women and bright-eyed young men, all of them well-intentioned, eager to cooperate. Now I understood how and why those humiliating twenty minutes of idleness and helplessness faded from their memories. And when I thought how all this was repeated the same way for days, weeks, months and years on end, I gained an insight into the mechanism of horror; I learned how it became possible to turn human nature against ones own life. So I proceeded, step by step, on the linear path of discovery; this was my heuristic method, if you will. I realized soon enough that I was not the least bit interested in whom I was writing for and why. One question interested me: What have I still got to do with literature? For it was clear to me that an uncrossable line separated me from literature and the ideals, the spirit associated with the concept of literature. The name of this demarcation line, as of many other things, is Auschwitz. When we write about Auschwitz, we must know that Auschwitz, in a certain sense at least, suspended literature. One can only write a black novel about Auschwitz, or you should excuse the expression a cheap serial, which begins in Auschwitz and is still not over. By which I mean that nothing has happened since Auschwitz that could reverse or refute Auschwitz. In my writings the Holocaust could never be present in the past tense. It is often said of me some intend it as a compliment, others as a complaint that I write about a single subject: the Holocaust. I have no quarrel with that. Why shouldnt I accept, with certain qualifications, the place assigned to me on the shelves of libraries? Which writer today is not a writer of the Holocaust? One does not have to choose the Holocaust as ones subject to detect the broken voice that has dominated modern European art for decades. I will go so far as to say that I know of no genuine work of art that does not reflect this break. It is as if, after a night of terrible dreams, one looked around the world, defeated, helpless. I have never tried to see the complex of problems referred to as the Holocaust merely as the insolvable conflict between Germans and Jews. I never believed that it was the latest chapter in the history of Jewish suffering, which followed logically from their earlier trials and tribulations. I never saw it as a one-time aberration, a large-scale pogrom, a precondition for the creation of Israel. What I discovered in Auschwitz is the human condition, the end point of a great adventure, where the European traveler arrived after his two-thousand-year-old moral and cultural history. Now the only thing to reflect on is where we go from here. The problem of Auschwitz is not whether to draw a line under it, as it were; whether to preserve its memory or slip it into the appropriate pigeonhole of history; whether to erect a monument to the murdered millions, and if so, what kind. The real problem with Auschwitz is that it happened, and this cannot be altered not with the best, or worst, will in the world. This gravest of situations was characterized most accurately by the Hungarian Catholic poet Janos Pilinszky when he called it a scandal. What he meant by it, clearly, is that Auschwitz occurred in a Christian cultural environment, so for those with a metaphysical turn of mind it can never be overcome. Old prophecies speak of the death of God. Since Auschwitz we are more alone, that much is certain. We must create our values ourselves, day by day, with that persistent though invisible ethical work that will give them life, and perhaps turn them into the foundation of a new European culture. I consider the prize with which the Swedish Academy has seen fit to honor my work as an indication that Europe again needs the experience that witnesses to Auschwitz, to the Holocaust were forced to acquire. The decision permit me to say this bespeaks courage, firm resolve even for those who made it wished me to come here, though they could have easily guessed what they would hear from me. What was revealed in the Final Solution, in lunivers concentrationnaire, cannot be misunderstood, and the only way survival is possible, and the preservation of creative power, is if we recognize the zero point that is Auschwitz. Why couldnt this clarity of vision be fruitful? At the bottom of all great realizations, even if they are born of unsurpassed tragedies, there lies the greatest European value of all, the longing for liberty, which suffuses our lives with something more, a richness, making us aware of the positive fact of our existence, and the responsibility we all bear for it. It makes me especially happy to be expressing these thoughts in my native language: Hungarian. I was born in Budapest, in a Jewish family, whose maternal branch hailed from the Transylvanian city of Kolozsvar (Cluj) and the paternal side from the southwestern corner of the Lake Balaton region. My grandparents still lit the Sabbath candles every Friday night, but they changed their name to a Hungarian one, and it was natural for them to consider Judaism their religion and Hungary their homeland. My maternal grandparents perished in the Holocaust; my paternal grandparents lives were destroyed by Matyas Rakosis Communist rule, when Budapests Jewish old age home was relocated to the northern border region of the country. I think this brief family history encapsulates and symbolizes this countrys modern-day travails. What it teaches me, though, is that there is not only bitterness in grief, but also extraordinary moral potential. Being a Jew to me is once again, first and foremost, a moral challenge. If the Holocaust has by now created a culture, as it undeniably has, its aim must be that an irredeemable reality give rise by way of the spirit to restoration a catharsis. This desire has inspired me in all my creative endeavors. Though I am nearing the end of my speech, I must confess I still have not found the reassuring balance between my life, my works and the Nobel Prize. For now I feel profound gratitude gratitude for the love that saved me and sustains me still. But let us consider that in this difficult-to-follow life journey, in this career of mine, if I could so put it, there is something stirring, something absurd, something which cannot be pondered without one being touched by a belief in an otherworldly order, in providence, in metaphysical justice in other words, without falling into the trap of self-deception, and thus running aground, going under, severing the deep and tortuous ties with the millions who perished and who never knew mercy. It is not so easy to be an exception. But if we were destined to be exceptions, we must make our peace with the absurd order of chance, which reigns over our lives with the whim of a death squad, exposing us to inhuman powers, monstrous tyrannies. And yet something very special happened while I was preparing this lecture, which in a way reassured me. One day I received a large brown envelope in the mail. It was sent to me by Doctor Volkhard Knigge, the director of the Buchenwald Memorial Center. He enclosed a small envelope with his congratulatory note, and described what was in the envelope, so, in case I didnt have the strength to look, I wouldnt have to. The envelope contained a copy of the original daily report on the camps prisoners for February 18, 1945. In the Abgange, that is, the Decrement column, I learned about the death of Prisoner #64,921 Imre Kertesz, factory worker, born in 1927. The two false data: the year of my birth and my occupation were entered in the official registry when I was brought to Buchenwald. I had made myself two years older so I wouldnt be classified as a child, and had said worker rather than student to appear more useful to them. In short, I died once, so I could live. Perhaps that is my real story. If it is, I dedicate this work, born of a childs death, to the millions who died and to those who still remember them. But, since we are talking about literature, after all, the kind of literature that, in the view of your Academy, is also a testimony, my work may yet serve a useful purpose in the future, and this is my hearts desire may even speak to the future. Whenever I think of the traumatic impact of Auschwitz, I end up dwelling on the vitality and creativity of those living today. Thus, in thinking about Auschwitz, I reflect, paradoxically, not on the past but the future. Translated by Ivan Sanders. Copyright The Nobel Foundation 2002 To cite this section MLA style: Imre Kertesz Nobel Lecture. NobelPrize.org. Nobel Prize Outreach AB 2022. Sun. 23 Oct 2022. The federal government plans to pour $125 million into the fight against a mysterious disease that has ravaged corals in Florida and much of the Caribbean, and now poses a dire threat to the treasured reefs off the Louisiana and Texas coasts. 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. New Orleans news icons Garland Robinette and Angela Hill, in an undated publicity shot from early in their career. (File image) It's a bird! It's a plane! It's a Sudbury cosplayer! If you've been to a big blockbuster at SilverCity Sudbury recently it's possible you've run into cosplayer Chris Van Beek. Cosplayer Chris Van Beek has been at SilverCity Sudbury in his homemade Superman costume the past week to entertain crowds as they wait to see Batman v Superman. Van Beek volunteers his time to dress as various characters tied to popular comic book and science fiction movies. Photo by Jonathan Migneault. If you've been to a big blockbuster at SilverCity Sudbury recently it's possible you've run into cosplayer Chris Van Beek. Since Guardians of the Galaxy premiered in July 2014 Van Beek has volunteered his time to dress up as his favourite characters from popular comic book and science fiction movies to entertain crowds as they wait in line for the next big thing. This past week, Van Beek donned his homemade Superman costume to celebrate the release of the highly anticipated Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice." For every big premiere Van Beek also decorates his car to go along with the movie's themes. When Star Wars: The Force Awakens came out, he had a miniature light show in his car, complete with toy lightsabers. For Batman v Superman he attached a series of action figures of the movie's heroes, including the title characters and Wonder Woman on the roof of his car. The kids absolutely love it, Van Beek said. He added its not uncommon for crowds to gather around his car as they take photos. Van Beek has been a cosplayer for several years, and travels to comic book conventions across Ontario and Quebec dressed as his favourite characters. Cosplay, a contraction of the words costume play," started in Japan, where young people part of that subculture started to dress up from their favourite Japanese manga and anime characters that countrys comic books and animated shows and movies. Van Beek said management at SilverCity Sudbury have been supportive of his efforts to cheer people up while they wait in line for the latest big movie. The next film on his list is Captain America: Civil War in May. He said he's considering dressing up as the Winter Soldier, instead of Captain America, because he prefers to surprise audiences with less common characters. Greater Sudbury Police recommend citizens not fill out a job application form on a website that claims to be for a mining company called Red Maple Mining Co. Greater Sudbury Police recommend citizens not fill out a job application form on a website that claims to be for a mining company called Red Maple Mining Co. We were alerted about this possible scam from a concerned citizen, said Greater Sudbury Police Sgt. Wade Maksymchuk. The alleged mining company had a job ad on the Sudbury Kijiji website apparently seeking employees. But Maksymchuk said a person alerted police the contact email attached to the ad was not functioning. Messages sent to the address were returned as undeliverable. The public did a little of the legwork for us, Maksymchuk said. They alerted Kijiji, and apparently Kijiji took it down. But a website, also purported to be for a mining company called Red Maple Mining Co., has a job application section that asks potential applicants to provide their social insurance number, driver licence number and their credit card information. Red Maple Mining Company requires a background check and a drivers abstract check, the website says. The cost for this is $9.95. Please provide you payment information to cover this fee. The web page is not encrypted, which means anyone connected to the same network hosting the website would be able to read any personal information provided as plain text. In the About Us section of its website Red Maple Mining Co. claims to have an open pit operation in Sudbury producing copper and platinum group metals. Red Maple Mining Co. Is [sic] striving to become mid-tier mining company with stable and sustainable revenue attained through acquisition, discovery, development, and production of various metals, the website says. We will achieve this by improving on our current assets and the strengths and capabilities we have demonstrated by out recent successes in developing and and operating our newest open pit, as well as our ongoing partner-funded exploration ventures. The section also has several spelling mistakes. According to a web domain registration search, the website was registered on Feb. 16, 2016, yet the company claims to have approximately 2,500 employees worldwide. The registrant is listed as John Smith, and the address included in the registration form is a residential apartment on Toronto's Broadview Avenue. NorthernLife.ca called a phone number included on the web domain registration form and received an automated message that it was not in service. Dick DeStefano, executive director of the Sudbury Area Mining Supply and Service Association (SAMSSA) said he had never of Red Maple Mining Co. until allegations of online fraud first started to appear Tuesday. Maybe the third time will be the charm. Maybe the third time will be the charm. Greater Sudbury will try for the third year in a row to complete a major widening and rebuild of Second Avenue, which has been delayed as a result of objections filed with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. Tony Cecutti, the city's general manager of infrastructure, said in an interview the city will soon publish the notice of completion of the project, which means the public will again have 30 days to review the plan and raise objections. "As a result of ... concerns from the community, the Ministry of Environment asked us to do further detail on the environmental assessment, which we just recently completed," Cecutti said. "Assuming we get through the 30 days, and the community is satisfied that we've addressed the concerns that have been raised, we'll be in a position to tender the construction of that project." Budgeted last year at $6.6 million, costs for the project have increased by about $800,000, he said. The city plans to proceed using a Schedule B environmental assessment, rather than the more intensive and expensive Schedule C assessment the complainants were seeking. Details of the project have been posted to the city's website. It will widen Second Avenue to five lanes from Donna Drive to Scarlett Road, and three lanes from Scarlett Road to Kenwood Street. City staff have said the five lanes are needed because of heavy traffic counts along that stretch of Second 15,000 vehicles a day as well as the added traffic demands of future residential construction planned in Minnow Lake. The project will combine the entrance to the Civic Memorial Cemetery and the Minnow Lake Dog Park, and align the new entrance across from Scarlett, where a traffic light will be installed. The project was revised in 2014 to move up planned drainage work, allowing it to incorporate raised bike lanes along both sides of Second Avenue. The bike lanes will connect from Donna Drive to Bancroft Avenue. John Lindsay, of the Ward 11 CAN, has filed objections to the Second Avenue project in both of the last two years. He was joined by half a dozen other groups and individuals last year. In a recent interview, Lindsay said he'll wait to see the notice of completion before he decides whether to object again. "We were told that the ministry would not consider our requests until the city actually satisfies the requirements they had to, Lindsay said. There were seven pages of deficiencies and we would hope those have been addressed. "Only at that time would we be able to take another look at the project and just see. Because there are a number of issues that we were concerned about, as you know. Plus the problem about the extent of the evaluation." In its letter to the city, the province raised several issues, such as details of the species-at-risk study, more data on the positive impact of the project and why reducing the project to three lanes all the way up Second Avenue, as Lindsay has argued, wasn't a viable alternative. As for the increase in costs of the project of $800,000, Lindsay said he doubts the numbers. "Well, they say that, but I mean really, it depends on what's involved with the particular project, he said. Initially they said it was going to cost $1 million more." And if the city listened to what he was asking that the five-lane section be reduced to three for the entire road, "it could cost a couple million dollars less." Lindsay also took issue with the idea it was objections from him and others that led to the delays. The blame should go to city staff, he said, who didn't properly complete the steps necessary to proceed a fact uncovered when the groups objected. "It's unfortunate that many people in the area believe it's the groups that held up the project, he said. Really, it was the ministry that told the city that they have not done the work that's required." Cambrian College president Bill Best, his wife Fay and the couple's three kids spent their March Break on a Caribbean island, but they definitely weren't there to relax and soak up the sun. Cambrian College president Bill Best, his wife Fay and the couple's three kids spent their March Break on a Caribbean island, but they definitely weren't there to relax and soak up the sun.The Sudburians were taking part in a service trip to build classrooms at Three Angels Children's Relief , an orphanage, elementary school and medical clinic in Port Au Prince, Haiti.It was very labour intensive, Bill said. On top of that, it was a very unique experience. As we were doing this work, the schoolchildren that were going to be benefitting from it were all around us, which was very motivating.The group of 12 adults and children who took part in the service trip were all associated with Sudbury Christian Academy , a local private Christian-based elementary school where Fay teaches.The school raised US$6,000 to build two new classrooms at Three Angels Children's Relief. The group also brought along 600 pounds of supplies for the organization, including medical supplies.Until recently, many schools in Haiti taught students on half-day shifts, Fay explained. However, the government recently decided students should attend school all day. That means more classrooms are needed.Bill said he had a great experience, although it was a big adjustment to go from -10 C temperatures in Sudbury to 31 C in Haiti, where he spent all day carrying bricks, gravel and sand for the new building.The volunteers, working with local labourers, were able to complete two classrooms before they left.Haiti was hit by a devastating earthquake in 2010, from which its citizens are trying to recover. The country is also challenged by poverty and political unrest. But the Bests said they didn't feel unsafe.It's definitely an experience you wouldn't have unless you went to a [developing] country, Bill said. But during the day, during the lighted hours, I'd say it's very safe.Fay said she likes to give her students and own kids experiences that inspire an interest in giving back to others, whether that's here in Sudbury or in another country such as Haiti.The students, she said, will have a different perspective from this day forward.It has the impact of changing their career choice. It has the impact of changing their priority on how they view material items. I think it was an extremely valuable trip from that perspective. All the key team changes and injury rumours heading into the weekend's Round 5 NRL Telstra Premiership games. Draw Widget - Round 5 - Titans vs Broncos Titans: Tyrone Roberts has been ruled out with the knee injury he picked up in his side's win over the Raiders. Rookie playmaker Cameron Cullen is a good chance of partnering Ash Taylor in the halves, but if Henry opts against handing Cullen his debut, Greg Bird could shift to five-eighth with Eddy Pettybourne joining the 17. Ryan James is free to play after escaping suspension at the NRL judiciary on Wednesday night. Broncos: Jordan Kahu, Corey Oates and Jack Reed have all been cleared to return, with the away side set to be 1-17. Draw Widget - Round 5 - Storm vs Knights Storm: Marika Koroibete will miss one week after accepting an early guilty plea for his tripping charge, meaning at least one change is necessary for Craig Bellamy's 17. Tohu Harris is again likely to revert to the backline. Knights: Rookie forward Daniel Saifiti and veteran winger Akuila Uate are both a chance of returning to the Newcastle 17, as is Jack Stockwell, who is yet to see any time in first grade so far in 2016. Cory Denniss and Lachlan Fitzgibbon could make way. Draw Widget - Round 5 - Wests Tigers vs Sharks Wests Tigers: Should be as per program. Sharks: After missing the past three rounds with a knee injury, Paul Gallen has been passed fit and will return to the side on Saturday. Draw Widget - Round 5 - Cowboys vs Dragons Cowboys: No changes expected to the 17. Dragons: Should be as per the team named on Tuesday, with Benji Marshall cleared to return from a hamstring injury. Josh McCrone will drop off the extended bench. Draw Widget - Round 5 - Roosters vs Warriors Roosters: Expect to see Jayden Nikorima again start from the bench despite being named at five-eighth on Tuesday, with Aidan Guerra again to line up alongside Jackson Hastings in the halves. Warriors: Back-rower Bodene Thompson is unlikely to be a late inclusion, with Andrew McFadden's side expected to be unchanged. Draw Widget - Round 5 - Eels vs Panthers Eels: Named to start on Tuesday, club captain Tim Mannah is out for three weeks with a fractured shoulder blade. Expect Danny Wicks to replace him in the front row, while Manu Ma'u will be free to take his place on Sunday after being cleared at the NRL judiciary mid-week. Panthers: No changes expected, with Matt Moylan to play his first game of the season and Bryce Cartwright to overcome a dislocated thumb picked up in the narrow loss to the Dragons in Round 4. Draw Widget - Round 5 - Bulldogs vs Raiders Bulldogs: Michael Lichaa has recovered from a knee injury and is expected to take his place at hooker on Monday night. Craig Garvey will drop back to Intrust Super Premiership after an impressive few weeks in the top grade. Raiders: No late changes anticipated, with halves Blake Austin and Aidan Sezer both cleared to make their return, while Joseph Leilua will return from suspension. The smoking ban at state parks, including seven here in the city, will remain in place. New York's Court of Appeals this week upheld the measure rejecting claims by a smokers rights group. They had claimed that parks officials overstepped when they put the ban in place, and arguing it should be the decision of lawmakers. The state park's department oversees nearly 180 parks and 35 historic sites including Roberto Clemente Park in the Bronx and the Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park on Roosevelt Island. Womens rights advocates and elected officials here in the city are planning a rally this afternoon over comments made by Donald Trump Wednesday night about punishing women who get abortions. During a town hall with MSNBC in DePere, Wisconsin, the Republican presidential frontrunner was asked whether he believes abortion should be outlawed. Trump said he is in favor of a ban, and that there has to be some form of punishment for women who violate such a restriction. Within hours, Trump's campaign sought to take back his remarks, ultimately saying the billionaire businessman believes abortion providers - and not their patients - should be the ones punished. Criticism was swift, from both abortion-rights supporters and even anti-abortion activists who say the comments clash with efforts to show empathy with women contemplating whether to have the procedure. Ohio governor and fellow Republican presidential hopeful John Kasich hastily called a news conference in Midtown earlier in the day, saying this is just another example of why Trump is unfit for the White House. "Donald Trump is clearly not prepared to be President of the United States, commander-in-chief, leader of the free world. It appears as though when he does these events and people press him, he becomes unmoored. And then has to spend a lot of time trying to figure out how to correct all of the mistakes he made. And I have to tell you that as a commander-in-chief and leader of the free world, you don't get do-overs," Kasich said. Kasich also says Trump's comments about using nuclear weapons in the Middle East, instituting religious tests for Muslim immigrants and abolishing NATO prove he is not prepared to be president. Today's "Emergency Call to Action" rally is scheduled for 4 p.m. in Columbus Circle. Meantime, this latest controversy comes as Trump works to hold off a challenge from rival Ted Cruz ahead of Wisconsin's high-stakes primary on Tuesday. The Texas Senator surrounded himself with women as he courted voters in Madison. He was joined by his wife, mother, two daughters and former presidential candidate Carly Fiorina for what he called a "celebration of women." "The Democrats love to pigeonhole women. Put them in a little box 'Okay you have a set of issues that are women's issues' and you can wear that hat and that's what you're allowed to think about," said Cruz. "Women are not a special interest, women are a majority of the United States of America. And every issue is a women's issue." Meanwhile, Marco Rubio has sent letters to Republican officials in states where he won delegates -- saying he wants to keep them, even though he's no longer an active candidate. But in one of those letters, the Florida senator botched the name of the very country he once hoped to lead. The word "United" is misspelled as "Untied." Young musicians from halfway across the country got a chance to exchange "notes" with a local band this week. High-schoolers from Baraboo, Wisconsin traveled more than 17 hours to perform at Susan Wagner High School Wednesday. It's all part of a thre-day educational tour where the students get to see the Big Apple all while meeting fellow musicians. Susan Wagner's symphonic band also played several songs for the Midwestern students. The kids get to interact and see what's going on in other places in the country or in the world; kids doing the same thing: making music, said Susan Wagner Assistant Principal Paul Corn. Even if we travel halfway across the country we're gonna find students that have a connection through music just like we do, added Griffin James of Baraboo High School. The students will sight-see around the city before heading back to Wisconsin this weekend. ''We're delighted,'' said Vaughn L. Beals, Harley-Davidson's chairman. ''It will give us time that we might otherwise not have had to make manufacturing improvements and bring out new products.'' But it brought angry reaction today from Japanese officials and a threat to file unfair-trade charges against the United States in Geneva. ''We consider it unfortunate that the American side decided to take this kind of drastic measure,'' said Hiroshi Ota, counselor for public affairs at the Japanese Embassy here. He added that Japan was considering taking a formal protest of the action to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. The action, which becomes effective in 15 days, affects large highway motorcycles with an engine displacement of more than 700 cubic inches,the only market in which Harley-Davidson now manufactures. It would raise the current tariff of 4.4 percent to 49.4 percent in the first year of the five-year program. Tariffs for machines in the largest single market for motorcycles in this country, recreational machines under 400 cubic centimeters displacment, would not be affected by the action. Archer, FXs outrageous animated spy comedy, returns for a seventh season and a career change. David Hasselhoff spoofs himself in a British mockumentary series. And Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman remember the 1980s. Whats on TV ARCHER 10 p.m. on FX. Sterling Archer (the voice of H. Jon Benjamin) and his band of misfit spies change courses in Season 7 and veer into the private-investigation business in Los Angeles, no less. Their first mission: to steal an incriminating computer disk on behalf of a legendary actress. The work is different, but personality-wise, Archer and his comrades are much the same, Neil Genzlinger wrote in The New York Times about this outrageously entertaining workplace comedy in which everything about these characters is incorrect. At least at first. The show seems to be giving itself license to explore, he added. (Image: Ray Gillette, left, Lana Kane and Sterling Archer) Adrienne Corri, an actress whose movie career lasted nearly five decades and encompassed a wide range of roles, but who was probably best known as the victim in an infamous rape scene in Stanley Kubricks A Clockwork Orange, died on March 13 at her home in London. She was 84. The cause was a massive coronary, her son, Patrick Filmer-Sankey, wrote in an email. Ms. Corri appeared in horror movies like Vampire Circus (1972) and in more prestigious fare like David Lean and Robert Bolts Academy Award-winning Doctor Zhivago (1965) and her breakthrough film, The River, a 1951 drama set in India and directed by Jean Renoir. She was also seen on Broadway in Jane (1952) and The Rehearsal (1963), and on television shows like Doctor Who. A 1950 profile of Ms. Corri in The New York Herald Tribune said that her impetuousness made an impression on the set of The River and described her as afraid of nothing. Her fearlessness stood her in good stead two decades later when Kubrick cast her in a harrowing scene in A Clockwork Orange (released in the United States in 1971), his adaptation of Anthony Burgesss dystopian novel of the same name. ALBANY Offering a billion-dollar tax cut and assurances that New York City would not be stuck with a $250 million Medicaid bill, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo inched closer on Wednesday to presenting an on-time budget with one major issue seemingly standing in his way an increase in the minimum wage. Backed by labor unions and a sense of national momentum, the governor has campaigned hard for a deal on a $15 wage, which would make New York the second state this month to embrace such a pay scale. California was the first, with a deal announced by Gov. Jerry Brown to raise the wage to $15 by 2022. Mr. Cuomo has faced strong resistance to his plan under which the minimum wage would increase to $15 statewide by July 2021, with faster increases in New York City in large part because of trepidation about such a pay level in upstate communities, which have long lagged behind downstate economically. Those concerns continued to percolate through the State Senate, where Republicans hold a slim majority and where upstate members repeatedly have said that $15 is simply too high for many employers to bear. The governor, cognizant of those complaints, has offered a variety of ways to mitigate the impact, signaling an openness to raise the wage to different levels in different regions. He has proposed allowing the states budget division to review the economic impact after three years to determine if the wage should continue to rise a safety valve of sorts, said Mr. Cuomo, who praised his plan as the perfect design. He also seemed willing to extend the phase-in periods upstate, meaning that some parts may not reach the $15 level for years to come. Mr. Capalino had been hired in 2013 through October 2014 to push for changes to the Rivington House deed. Village Care had bought the building from the city in 1992 with the permanent restriction on its use, and had cared for patients with H.I.V. and AIDS. In recent years, the nonprofit found that it could no longer support the building and sold it to Allure Group. In October 2014, Joel Landau, representing Allure Group, wrote to the city about his companys plans for the building, suggesting it would become a for-profit nursing home. We are now ready to do whatever we can to move this project forward, Mr. Landau wrote. I would also like to keep the home as it is. The email, shared by City Hall officials, appeared to be the only written assurance from Allure Group that it would operate a long-term care center in the building if the deed restriction was lifted. Mr. Landau, who also spoke about the building with local officials and the community board, did not respond to a request for comment. We were just shocked when we heard that this Allure Group, that gave us the understanding that they were going to run it as a long-term care facility, turned around and sold it, said Councilwoman Margaret Chin, a Democrat, who advocated keeping some sort of nursing home there. On May 11, 2015, for a single day, a public notice of a hearing on the proposed deed changes appeared in the City Record. On the same day, Allure Group went into contract to sell the property to the condominium developer. This action is in the best interest of the city, the notice read, as do all such notices. None of the local advocates and elected officials were alerted. When we found out about it, it was a done deal, Susan Stetzer, the district manager of the local community board, said of the deed changes. If there had been proper notification, its very likely this never would have happened. The city settled on $16.15 million based on two appraisals of the property one in April 2013, another in December 2014 using longstanding valuation practices, Austin Finan, a spokesman for the mayor, said. Current and former city officials said that the sum, though significant, in fact undervalued the potential resale value of the unrestricted property. The deal was approved by the Mayors Office of Contract Services. Unease in Europe. A man suspected of being an Islamic State operative, and who was arrested last week, had amassed a trove of guns and bomb-making equipment, the French authorities say, reinforcing fears that militants are planning more attacks in Europe. Our 12-minute documentary looks at how the attacks in Brussels and Paris, as well as the arrival of migrants, are fueling far-right parties in Europe. U.S. Soccer accused of wage discrimination. Carli Lloyd, Alex Morgan and Hope Solo are among those contending that they are the driving economic force for U.S. Soccer but are paid far less than male players. Their complaint will be submitted today to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Steps to combat Zika virus. Some of the leading mosquito researchers in the U.S. aim to chart a DNA map that they say will help them fight the disease with the mosquitos own genetic code. Additionally, the government says that it will allow the use of an experimental test to screen blood donations for the Zika virus. Sordid affairs. As a scandal involving Gov. Robert Bentleys sexually charged conversations with an adviser unfolds, some Alabama lawmakers are talking about impeachment. Really? Any belief counts, as long as its sincere? Any belief, no matter the consequences to third parties who dont share the belief? Given judges extreme diffidence about questioning the basis for any religious belief, thats a not-implausible reading of a statute that only the much-missed Justice John Paul Stevens had the nerve to call unconstitutional. In a concurring opinion 19 years ago, Justice Stevens said that because the Religious Freedom Restoration Act gave churches a legal weapon that no atheist or agnostic can obtain, the law amounted to an unconstitutional establishment of religion. This governmental preference for religion, as opposed to irreligion, he wrote then, is forbidden by the First Amendment. That case, City of Boerne v. Flores, involved a zoning dispute: whether the law overrode a local zoning ordinance, entitling a church to build in a location that was otherwise closed to new construction. For all his skepticism, even Justice Stevens probably wouldnt have imagined that the Religious Freedom Restoration Act would be invoked to excuse a religious organization from the mere obligation to tell the government that, for religious reasons, it couldnt comply with an otherwise applicable legal requirement. The law, signed by President Bill Clinton, passed both houses of Congress overwhelmingly in a rare show of feel-good bipartisan comity. Id like to think its reception wouldnt have been so positive had people imagined how potent a weapon it would become in the hands of a politically empowered religious right. Even so, this case is far from over. Many people came away from the argument last week assuming that the result would be a 4-to-4 tie; with that outcome, the decisions of the four federal appeals courts under review, all of which ruled in the governments favor, would be affirmed without binding other courts. Given the tenor of the argument, that was a fair prediction. But it was evident this week that something else was going on behind the scenes at the court. The court on Tuesday issued an unusual order requesting further briefs by both sides on whether the governments accommodation for the religious nonprofits might be reformulated. Under the hypothetical plan explained at length in the two-page order, the religious nonprofits would have no obligation to inform anyone of their decision to provide health insurance that omitted contraception coverage. Their insurance companies would be left to decipher the situation and to then meet their own obligation to provide the coverage directly. The order bore no ones name but, in my view, Justice Kennedys hand. It wouldnt be surprising if he is struggling to devise a compromise that would avoid a tie vote of the sort that resolved a vitally important labor case this week. There were hints during the argument that Justice Kennedy was not fully on board with his conservative colleagues. Both Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. seemed to assume, against all evidence, that a new form of contraception-only insurance could magically come into existence and could adequately meet the needs of the women who work for the objecting employers. Justice Kennedy toyed with that idea, too. Why cant they just get it through another plan? he asked Mr. Verrilli. But perhaps he was persuaded by the government lawyers answer that such a plan, even if one could be devised, would be nothing more than a second-class arrangement that would leave women having to find not only separate insurance but also separate doctors for their contraceptive care. It would go something like this: I would be chatting with a seemingly nice person who would complain that a brother-in-law had lost a job. As I sympathetically listened, there would be a brief, unrelated mention of a black man who was hired for some other job. Just as I was squinting to try to comprehend the point, a vile and thunderous racist rant would be unleashed. I ran back to my classmates who were born in this country, in horror, wondering what had happened. Oh, you dont know the code, they told me with a laugh. The code was their shorthand for how racists sent out feelers to find kindred spirits. Since many people of all races opposed racism, racial identity itself was no guarantee of agreement. I didnt know the markers of this code, so I sometimes failed to recognize them, or responded inadequately to them. Today, this feeling-out process happens online and is much quicker, resulting in cascading self-affirmation. People naturally thrive by finding like-minded others, and I watch as Trump supporters affirm one another in their belief that white America is being sold out by secretly Muslim lawmakers, and that every unpleasant claim about Donald Trump is a fabrication by a cabal that includes the Republican leadership and the mass media. I watch as their networks expand, and as followers find one another as they voice ever more extreme opinions. After many months of observing Mr. Trumps supporters online, I wanted to see this phenomenon in person, so this month I attended a Trump rally in Fayetteville, N.C. I tried a few conversations that sought to challenge the attendees beliefs, but they went nowhere for a simple reason: His supporters and I did not share the same factual universe. At one point, I heard Mr. Trump declare that Congress had funded the Islamic State. I looked around, bewildered, as there was no reaction from the crowd. My social media forays confirm that even that was not an uncommon belief. Mr. Trump doesnt only speak outrageous falsehoods; he also voices truths outside the Overton window that have been largely ignored, especially by Republican elites. For example, academic research shows that rather than deep cuts, Tea Party voters actually favor government programs, as long as they perceive a benefit for themselves. Its fairly obvious that the current model of global trade provides a lot more benefits to corporations than to workers, and yet it took Mr. Trumps rise to have this basic issue widely covered. In Fayetteville, Mr. Trump complained that much of the militarys expensive weaponry had been purchased simply because the large corporations selling it had political clout. As he said this, the people around me, many of them from military families, leapt to their feet in approval. Bernie Sanderss surrogate Susan Sarandon went on MSNBCs All in With Chris Hayes earlier this week and said something that made folks jaws drop. When Hayes asked Sarandon whether Sanderss supporters would vote for Hillary Clinton if Clinton won the Democratic nomination, this exchange followed: SARANDON: I think Bernie probably would encourage people because he doesnt have any ego. I think a lot of people are, sorry, I cant bring myself to do that. HAYES: How about you personally? SARANDON: I dont know. Im going to see what happens. HAYES: Really? SARANDON: Really. HAYES: I cannot believe as youre watching the, if Donald Trump SARANDON: Some people feel Donald Trump will bring the revolution immediately if he gets in then things will really, you know, explode. Among the thousands in the pardon backlog are people like Ronald Blount, who got a mandatory life sentence for minor drug-trafficking offenses, and Weldon Angelos, serving 55 years for carrying a gun while selling small bags of marijuana to an undercover officer. Why arent cases like these getting resolved faster? The problem is at core an institutional one a point driven home this week with the release of the resignation letter of Deborah Leff, who stepped down as pardon attorney in January. I am unable to carry out my job effectively, Ms. Leff wrote, because the Justice Department had not provided her office with a sufficient staff or resources to review petitions, and had even instructed her, she said, to set aside thousands of existing petitions. During Ms. Leffs short time in office, the department prevented the White House from learning about clemency recommendations she had made, a terrible policy that it reversed after her departure. It has also temporarily assigned 10 additional lawyers to the pardon office to help with the backlog. But as long as the pardon attorneys office remains part of the Justice Department, pardons will be scarce, because federal prosecutors have little interest in second-guessing convictions won by their offices. If Attorney General Loretta Lynch is interested in meaningful pardon reform, she should support moving the process out of the Justice Department. The White House counsel, Neil Eggleston, properly points out that clemency, on its own, does nothing to make our criminal justice system on the whole more fair and just. The administration is right to keep the pressure on Congress to pass broad sentencing reform. But that doesnt excuse the failure to review clemency petitions for those serving unjustly long sentences petitions the Obama administration itself called for. The theory is that once everybody is armed 24/7, no matter what bad thing occurs, there will always be good guys on hand to shoot the evildoer. In the real world very few people including police officers are skilled enough to aim accurately during a scary emergency. But if you want to win the Republican presidential nomination, its important to pretend otherwise. After the terrorist mass murders in France, Donald Trump argued that if only Parisian concertgoers had been packing heat, the outcome would have been much different. You know what? If Im in that room and lets say we have two or five or 40 people with guns, were going to do a lot better because theres going to be a shootout, he said. Two important points here: Even in the confines of Second Amendment aficionados, you dont normally hear the term were going to do a lot better because theres going to be a shootout. Plus, note the suggestion that people would be safer with an armed Donald Trump in the building. Trump does not appear to know anything much about firearms. Do you remember back in January, when he boasted that he could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody and I wouldnt lose voters? No one took him literally, possibly because no one believed that Trump could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and actually hit anything. While he says he owns a gun, when asked if he ever uses it, he replied, none of your business. Mainly, he brags that his sons are crack hunters, and you can see the proof of that if you Google Donald Trump Jr. and dead elephant tail. Do you think Hillary Clinton could beat Trump at a firing range? Clinton actually meets the basic political standard for marksmanship, which involves being in possession of one anecdote about having gone hunting and shot a bird. Hers goes back to her days in Arkansas when she was with a group of friends who didnt believe she knew how to handle a gun, then watched as she downed a duck on the first try. The dead-fowl tradition is sort of silly, but it does hark back to the good old days when people thought about shooting in terms of sport and scaring off burglars. For most people fashion folk included the house of Azzedine Alaia is enigmatic. But not for Hideki Seo: the Hiroshima-born, Paris-based artist, who is also a designer in his own right, met Alaia at Antwerps Royal Academy of Fine Arts in 2005, when the couturier reviewed thesis collections, Seos among them. Soon after, Alaia hired him to research Japanese fabrics. Now a decade later Seo is Alaias first assistant, responsible for sketching everything from silhouettes to inventive prints, as well as studying materials and their accouterments. Here, he draws a day in his life exclusively for T. If you believe the Silicon Valley sloganeers, we are in a gig economy, where work consists of a series of short-term jobs coordinated through a mobile app. That, anyway, is both the prediction of tech executives and futurists and the great fear of labor activists. But anyone who cares about the future of work in the United States shouldnt focus too narrowly on the novelty of people making extra money using their mobile phones. Theres a bigger shift underway. Thats a key implication of new research that indicates the proportion of American workers who dont have traditional jobs who instead work as independent contractors, through temporary services or on-call has soared in the last decade. They account for vastly more American workers than the likes of Uber alone. Most remarkably, the number of Americans using these alternate work arrangements rose 9.4 million from 2005 to 2015. That was greater than the rise in overall employment, meaning there was a small net decline in the number of workers with conventional jobs. That, in turn, raises still bigger questions about how employers have succeeded at shifting much the burden of providing social insurance onto workers, and what technological and economic forces are driving the shift. SAN JOSE, Calif. When Damaris Triana, then 8, lost several Little Critter books that she had borrowed for her sister, the library here fined her $101 including $40 in processing fees a bill that was eventually turned over to an agency to collect from her parents. The $101 is a small part of a whopping $6.8 million in unpaid fines at the San Jose Public Library, an amount that exceeds unpaid fees at some larger cities around the country. It also exceeds other Bay Area cities like Oakland, which has $3 million in outstanding fines, and San Francisco, which has $4.6 million. In San Jose, when the late fee hits $50, the library refers the debt to a collection agency. As the total of overdue fines has increased, so has the number of cardholders who owe $10 or more and are prohibited from borrowing materials or using the librarys computers. Damaris, now 10, relies on her cousins card or uses her schools library, where there are no fines for late or lost books. The concept of free public libraries gained support in the 1830s and was popularized by the industrialist Andrew Carnegie , who helped build 1,689 libraries around the country in the late 1800s and early 1900s on the notion that all people should have an opportunity to improve themselves. But public libraries like San Joses are struggling to find money to pay for books and services. WASHINGTON The Defense Department has informed Congress that it intends to transfer up to a dozen more prisoners from the military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, a United States government official said late Wednesday. The transfers would further whittle the number of prisoners, currently 91, held there, and move the United States closer to President Obamas long-held intention of closing the high-security facility before he leaves office next year. Yet significant challenges remain. The Pentagon is required to give Congress 30 days notice that security standards have been met to release prisoners. The government official provided no details on exactly when they would depart Cuba. The government official was granted anonymity to discuss the plan because the administration does not officially confirm the transfers of prisoners before they occur. With Bernie Sanders making headway in Wisconsin before next weeks vote there, Hillary Clinton turned her energies on Wednesday to winning a more pivotal contest: the New York primary on April 19, where a Sanders victory would be a humiliating outcome for her. In a forceful opening bid to win New York, which she represented in the United States Senate for eight years, Mrs. Clinton presented herself as the quintessential hometown candidate at a jubilant rally in Harlem, recalling her efforts to help emergency medical workers after the Sept. 11 attacks and create opportunities for struggling businesses upstate. Her advisers also unveiled a television commercial that criticizes Donald J. Trump, the leading Republican candidate, in hopes that targeting him will galvanize New York Democrats far more than attacking Mr. Sanders, who is popular among many liberals in the state. But Mrs. Clinton did draw some contrasts with Mr. Sanders during her rally at the Apollo Theater. Describing her work in Harlem to combat a childhood asthma crisis when she was senator, Mrs. Clinton said she was focused on working with doctors and community leaders to get concrete results an implicit jab at Mr. Sanders, whose ambitious ideas like free public colleges would probably go nowhere if Republicans continue to run Congress. It wasnt about making a point, it was about making a difference, Mrs. Clinton said about her work in Harlem and on other issues. Some folks may have the luxury to hold out for the perfect, but a lot of Americans are hurting right now and they cant wait for that. They need the good, and they need it today. Chinese state news media reacted furiously to Mrs. Clintons barb, accusing her of being a rabble-rouser, guilty of ignominious shenanigans. The Global Times, a Chinese state newspaper, said she was imitating Mr. Trumps anti-China posture in an effort to pander for votes. The problem for Chinese leaders is that Mrs. Clinton staked out tough positions on China even before she began her latest presidential campaign. When she was secretary of state, one of her major diplomatic initiatives was injecting the United States into the dispute between China and its neighbors over disputed reefs and shoals in the South China Sea. That issue is expected to figure prominently in Mr. Obamas talks with Mr. Xi. For Mr. Obama, it is ironic that he has become a friendly face for Mr. Xi. Although he invited the Chinese leader to an intimate summit meeting in Southern California in June 2013, the two got off to a bumpy start, exchanging sharp words over allegations of Chinas cyber-hacking and theft of American corporate secrets. For some time, the Chinese view was to look past Obama to the next president, said Cheng Li, an expert on Chinese politics at the Brookings Institution. But then they decided to stop doing that, which was wise. In 2014, the two leaders agreed on ambitious targets for reductions in carbon emissions. That put the relationship on firmer footing, and Mr. Obama invited Mr. Xi for a state dinner, brushing aside calls from Republican candidates to cancel the meeting to protest Chinas cyberespionage and currency manipulation. On Thursdays visit, China experts said, Mr. Xi is likely to deliver a reassuring message to Mr. Obama. He will probably repeat his statement from last fall that China does not intend to militarize the South China Sea. The meeting, they said, may be as much about sending a signal to the next president as it is about preserving his ties with the current one. Xis visit is meant to show that China is not an enemy of the U.S., Mr. Li said. But the message also is, If you dont cooperate with us, that will be your problem, not ours. Few names are more magical in the history of wine than Margaux. The chateau traces its roots to the 16th century, when the de Lestonnac family set up the 650-acre estate, 230 of the acres covered with vines, more or less as it exists today. By the 18th century, Margaux was considered one of the worlds great wines, with Thomas Jefferson and Prime Minister Sir Robert Walpole of Britain among its ardent fans. In 1855, the leading Bordeaux producers were classified according to reputation, price and taste, a ranking that is still influential today. Margaux was one of four chateaus named in the top level, or first growth, along with Lafite, Latour and Haut-Brion, later to be joined by Mouton Rothschild in 1973. Despite its history and reputation, Margaux was in shambles in the 1970s. A recession and a succession of disastrous vintages had left the owners, the Ginestet family, deeply in debt, with Margaux their prize asset. In 1977, Margaux was sold to Andre Mentzelopoulos, a grocery store magnate. He immediately began investing heavily in the estate. When Mr. Mentzelopoulos died in 1980, his daughter Corinne, just 27, took charge. When Mr. Pontallier was hired, his background was more academic than practical. He held a doctorate from the Bordeaux Institute of Oenology, where he had studied with the renowned oenologist Emile Peynaud and written a dissertation on the barrel aging of red wines. Mr. Pontallier had also just returned from national service in Chile, most of which he had spent teaching oenology in Santiago. When he joined Margaux, restoration projects were underway, and the great 1982 vintage was propelling the region toward prosperity. Mr. Pontallier took part in efforts to replant the vineyard and improve drainage, to renovate the cellar and rethink the winemaking operation. During this time he worked again with Mr. Peynaud, who had been hired as a consultant, and he developed a symbiotic working partnership with Ms. Mentzelopoulos. In 1990 she named him managing director of Margaux, a position he held until he died. Mr. Pontalliers academic training shaped his work at Margaux. He based each important decision on empirical observation and experiment, said Philippe Bascaules, his longtime assistant, who is now the winemaker at Inglenook in the Napa Valley of California. A woman out shopping has fallen splat! onto her face on a stairway, hat still primly on head, stocking seams properly straight, purse and one shoe gone astray. She is armored for a foray in search of department store bounty but this photograph is not a decisive moment. It is a bit of role-playing, a self-portrait in disguise, by Elisabeth Hase, a German photographer (1905-1991) who wore shirts and sometimes ties rather than heels and hats and looked down on women trapped in such decorum. Ms. Hase (pronounced HAH-suh) made architectural photographs, portraits, landscapes, advertisements and reportage to earn her living through the growing German illustrated press during the years leading up to World War II. Yet her art, which spoke eloquently in the modernist photographic language that the Bauhaus visual theorist Laszlo Moholy-Nagy called the New Vision (unexpected angles and compositions that responded to a world remade by technology) stayed quietly in her studio. She was cautious. She surely knew of Hitlers disdain for modern (i.e., decadent) art. Ms. Hases private images were never exhibited during her lifetime. In Monkey Business, a 2013 sculpture by the design team Studio Job, a life-size, long-tailed primate covered in a granular coat of tiny crystals and sporting a gold-tasseled red fez straddles a treasure chest. The mischievous creature is starting to lift its lid with the fingers of one hand, affording a glimpse of the golden glow within. Its an Aesopian allegory, the monkey a symbol of greed, temptation and addiction as in having a monkey on your back. Made in a time of vast inequality around the world, this sculpture also may be read as a satirical critique of a world helplessly enthralled by money. Perhaps the monkey is a comical reflection of the viewers avaricious self. And yet, Monkey Business is itself a luxury object that only someone with lots of disposable income could afford to own. Thats an apparent contradiction that runs throughout Studio Job: Mad House, an exhibition of gaudy, cartoonish and technically impressive works by Studio Job at the Museum of Arts and Design. Studio Job, made up of Job Smeets and Nynke Tynagel, began collaborating in 2000. Working in the overlap of fine art and design, they produce materially opulent tables, chairs, clocks, rugs, wallpaper, stained-glass windows, lamps, decorative objects and sculptures in their Belgian atelier with the assistance of expert artisans and technicians. While exceptionally imaginative and wide-ranging in its historical references, the teams work is more clever than visionary, closer to entertaining, high-end kitsch than to deeply stirring fine art. Another simian, this time King Kong, turns up in the teams most spectacular piece, Burj Khalifa (2013-14), climbing to the top of the Burj Khalifa, the worlds tallest building, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Supported by clouds, model-scale biplanes with working propellers buzz around that great ape. The silvery skyscraper rises from a rocky mound that is open to reveal a rendering of Al Khazneh (the Treasury), the great, Greek-style temple at Petra in Jordan that was carved from a sandstone cliff around the first century A.D. A clock is built into the miniature facade. Materials in the 12-foot-tall sculpture include polished and patinated bronze, 24-karat gold gilding, silver leaf, Swarovski crystals, paint and handblown glass. Galleries: Other Glenn Ligon: We Need to Wake Up Cause Thats What Time It Is (through April 17) At some point in the 1982 film Richard Pryor: Live on the Sunset Strip, the politically trenchant comedian says that racism makes him so furious he cant speak. Silence is the most immediately arresting feature of Mr. Ligons installation, for which the soundtrack of the film has been eliminated. Whats left is an entirely visual experience, and a radically fragmented one, projected on several screens ranged around the gallery. On one, Mr. Pryor appears, full length, on stage; On the others, hes divided into close-ups: his mouth on one screen, his hands on another; his torso and groin isolated on a third; his shadow, cast by the spotlight on yet another. Luhring Augustine Bushwick, 25 Knickerbocker Avenue, at Ingraham Street, Brooklyn, 718-386-2746, luhringaugustine.com. (Cotter) Out Of Town Dia:Beacon: Robert Irwin: Excursus: Homage to the Square' (through May 2017) A walk-in maze with walls of white scrim lit by color-filtered fluorescent tubes, Mr. Irwins Excursus: Homage to the Square had its debut in 1998 at the Dia Center for the Arts in Chelsea. It was so popular that the curators elected to keep it on view a year longer than its originally planned run. Its reincarnation here is similarly transporting, if not as thoroughly as the original was. But to experience it at Dia:Beacon along Minimalist works by other artists that encourage heightened perceptual attention to the here and now is as spiritually calming as it is historically illuminating. 3 Beekman Street, Beacon, 845-440-0100, diaart.org. (Johnson) International Pop (through May 15) Pop Art has a reputation for being light and bright, but under its sleek veneer lay the social and political pathogens that made the Sixties in America so jumpy. Less familiar is Pops status internationally. And it did get around, flourishing in Cold War Europe, in South American countries under the thumb of military dictatorships; and in Japan, where memories of Hiroshima and the material rewards of Western occupation made for an intensely conflicted culture. The story of that spread is what this brash, acid-tinged show, full of fascinating artists, is about. Philadelphia Museum of Art, Benjamin Franklin Parkway at 26th Street, 215-763-8100, philamuseum.org. (Cotter) Last Chance Berlinde De Bruyckere: No Life Lost (closes on Saturday) This Belgian artists rousingly operatic exhibition casts an ominous, funereal spell. Most arresting is No Life Lost II, in which the bodies of three horses made by the artist using real horse hides, hooves and all lie on their sides, one on top of the other inside a big, old wood-framed glass cabinet. Their legs jut out the front doors so that they look frozen in a dying struggle to get out. Its like a nightmare had by Louise Bourgeois. Hauser & Wirth, 511 West 18th Street, Chelsea, 212-790-3900, hauserwirth.com. (Johnson) Global/Local 1960-2015: Six Artists From Iran (closes on Saturday) In the early 1960s, the American art patron Abby Weed Grey traveled to Iran, loved the new art she saw there, bought it and gave it to New York University, where she also founded Grey Art Gallery. For its current multigenerational show, the gallery joins two artists from its collection, Parviz Tanavoli and Faramarz Pilaram, with borrowed work by four younger figures. Of particular interest is an installation by Chohreh Feyzdjou (1955-1996) who, late in her career, recycled her only earlier paintings in installations that suggest the contents of Pharaonic tombs. She is well matched in the young Tehran Conceptualist Barbad Golshiri, who takes funerary monuments and history as his theme. Grey Art Gallery, New York University, 100 Washington Square East, Greenwich Village, 212-998-6780, nyu.edu/greyart. (Cotter) Museum of Arts and Design: Ebony G. Patterson: Dead Treez (closes on Sunday) Born in Kingston, Jamaica, this young artist focuses her attention on the islands dancehall culture in a smashing solo show. The centerpiece is a set of monumental tapestries, laid flat on the floor like carpets, their embroidered surfaces sparkling with sequins and dense with sewn-on objects that partially obscure images of urban murder victims. The theme of beauty disguising danger extends to a smaller adjoining installation in which the artist has inserted jewelry from the museums permanent collection in vitrines filled with carnivorous-looking fake tropical flowers. 2 Columbus Circle, 212-299-7777, madmuseum.org. (Cotter) Museum of Modern Art: Soldier, Spectre, Shaman: The Figure and the Second World War (closes on Sunday) MoMA usually stages the years after 1945 as a triumph of American abstraction, but this vital show affirms that the human figure never disappeared from art especially not in battle-scarred Europe. With the end of the war, and the full revelation of the Holocaust, the human body became a sign of pathos and existential dread, notably in the fraught paintings of Francis Bacon and the spindly sculptures of Alberto Giacometti. The same was true of other European artists who received less American acclaim such as Jean Fautrier, whose haunted Otages (Hostages) are far better known in his native France. The show is drawn entirely from the museums permanent collection, and its greatest surprise comes from Jan Muller, a German emigre in New York, whose ghoulish Faust I (1956) depicts the witches of Goethes epic as starved, traumatized wraiths. 212-708-9400, moma.org. (Farago) Nor can the X Portfolio be received neutrally; its contents, too, for somewhat different reasons, are hot. They probably dont shock as they may once have. Time has seen to that. The Getty posts cautionary signs near its display of X Portfolio prints, but theres nothing depicted in them that cant be easily found, accessible to all, on the Internet. Some of the potentially most offensive scenes turn up, uncensored, in the mild-mannered HBO film. Yet there are still places this newspaper is among them where these pictures are still considered too transgressive for reproduction. Mapplethorpe is one of the most popular photographers of the second half of the 20th century. His stylistic influence is widespread, particularly on advertising, a field he returned to late in his career. He made news when a print of Man in a Polyester Suit sold for close to a half-million dollars at Sothebys last year. But in many outlets, reports of the sale were published without a photo. This refusal to show his art this exercise of discretion, lets call it points to the most interesting thing about it, and about him: It reasserts his status as a radical. This is a crucial status for a gay artist to maintain at a time when gay is being domesticated and normalized, its potential for political resistance smoothed away. At one time, early on, in an entirely unsaintly way Im not attempting to make a social statement, he once said he challenged the sexual mores of his time, and ideas of what art could and could not be. Much of his subsequent work will keep him popular: the flowers, the portraits, the beautiful bodies. But the pictures that kept him out of the Corcoran are the ones that will keep him in history. How do you interest a child in a centenarians birthday party? You cant say that it has magic tricks. Or a video arcade. Or paintball. But in this case, you can promise that it will offer the genius of Beverly Cleary. I doubt that theres a childrens book author out there who hasnt been influenced by her, said Drew Richardson, producer of literary programs at Symphony Space. Mrs. Cleary, who was named a living legend by the Library of Congress in 2000 and who will turn 100 on April 12, wont attend the celebration Symphony Space is to hold on Sunday. But the hosts will highlight her books more than 40, and all still in print and give voice to three of her beloved creations: the spirited mischief maker Ramona Quimby, heroine of Ramona the Pest and other stories; Ralph S. Mouse, the scooting star of The Mouse and the Motorcycle; and Leigh Botts, a sixth grader struggling with his parents divorce in Dear Mr. Henshaw. That novel won the Newbery Medal, the highest honor in childrens literature, in 1984. WASHINGTON General Electric has asked regulators to lift the too big to fail label on GE Capital, saying in a filing on Thursday that its finance arm had shrunk to the point where it no longer met the definition. GE Capital is one of four nonbank financial institutions that regulators have designated as systemically important to the financial system. On Wednesday, another one, MetLife, won a court order to lift its designation. If successful, GE Capital would be the first financial institution to lose its designation with help from regulators, though the road map for how that process would work is not immediately clear. The Financial Stability Oversight Council, a regulatory body created by the Dodd-Frank financial overhaul and led by the Treasury secretary, is responsible for analyzing and designating companies that could take down the banking system in the event of another crisis. Students deserve debt relief, but the truth should come first. Some 250,000 additional Corinthian Colleges graduates are eligible to have their government loans forgiven after the defunct for-profit institution lied about their employment prospects. And a Thomas Jefferson School of Law graduate lost her fraud case against the school for promoting questionable job-placement data. Strict disclosure rules for all schools would be better than lawsuits and government aid as a way to ensure educator honesty. Corinthian students heard some whoppers. The school boasted that nearly all graduates of its vocational programs got jobs when almost none did. Students who enrolled in its ultrasound, X-ray or radiology technician departments in California were not told until later that the programs never existed. The school received swift punishment for its fibs last year, when federal officials cut off funding and hastened Corinthians demise. Thomas Jefferson Law School, based in San Diego, fared much better. A California jury last week rejected claims made by a graduate, Anna Alaburda, that the institution misled her by not limiting its employment statistics to positions in the legal industry, as most other law schools do. Both situations highlight the need for strong national standards on job-placement reports. The federal government has plenty of incentive to create them. The Corinthian debacle alone could cost it as much as $3.5 billion in uncollected loans. Whats more, 2,500 students from other schools have filed claims of being misled about their employment prospects, according to a report prepared for the Department of Education. About two weeks after a grisly shooting in a Pittsburgh suburb, Wendy Bell, a local news anchor for WTAE-TV, wrote a public Facebook post that focused in part on finding hope and offering kindness. But before the offering kindness part, she swerved into racial commentary that led to her being fired on Wednesday. She was responding to a shooting at a backyard party on March 9 in Wilkinsburg, Pa., that killed five people, including a pregnant woman. No one has been arrested, and the police have not yet publicly identified suspects. Yet in her Facebook post on March 21, which was later edited and eventually deleted, Ms. Bell played detective in a way that some felt relied on damaging stereotypes. More than 1,000 orders have been placed since the companys initial collection was introduced. Prices range from around 60 pounds, or $85, for a merino scarf to 220 for a cashmere sweater. The hope is that users will keep and treasure the sweaters and scarves, Mr. Alun-Jones said, but also that the company will help reduce overproduction, one of the fashion industrys biggest sources of waste. Ten to 25 percent of all clothes ever made go straight to landfills, he said. They are never even sold. The companys green credentials were recently recognized by Selfridges, the British department store, which in early January set up an Unmade pop-up store at its Oxford Street flagship location in London, complete with a knitting machine donated by the manufacturer Stoll GB. Such machines are standard in the fashion industry, found in factories around the world, and Unmades software is designed to work with them. So the company hopes its products eventually will be produced close to where its buyers live, from Singapore to Stockholm, and that the materials can be sourced locally, too. The benefits, Mr. Alun-Jones said, can extend beyond the ecological. In the future we could partner with a French lace specialist or companies that are very historic, he said. We wouldn't want to try and develop that ourselves. Production begins with the computer at Roberto Coin, where digital designers create 3-D images of as many as 700 models a year, all prepared with enough precision that they can fit together flawlessly. In an adjacent room, 3-D printers fabricate those designs, spitting out micrometers of wax to make elaborate models that later will be cast in 18-karat gold or sterling silver, and then be polished, assembled and meticulously set with stones. Carlo Coin, the production director and son of the brands founder and namesake, bounced around the workshop enthusiastically as he showed off the companys cutting-edge machinery and a row of goldsmiths at their traditional benches. Everyone in the world is using 3-D printers to make jewelry now mostly to make things cheaply but were using them to make complicated pieces that are impossible to make by hand, he said, picking up a bracelet from a tray piled high with gold jewelry to illustrate his point. Traditionally, jewelry is cast in a rubber mold, reducing it to a two-part composition of front and back that then can be soldered together. With 3-D printing, those spatial limits disappear. The bracelet that Mr. Coin displayed had a carpet of delicately connected butterflies forming an outer and inner cuff, with a web of wire bridges between the two layers; if it had been made by hand, it probably would have been fabricated as a single flat cuff. Another, the new Torchon bracelet, is a metal helix of floating twists, its three-dimensional hollow form plausible only as a computer-realized design. Behind Mr. Coin, a goldsmith at his bench gripped the new Princess bracelet, made of a smooth, rope-edged gold sheet atop an intricate cage all computer generated as a single piece. After filing the surface, he took a fine-toothed steel engraving tool and combed successive straight lines into the gold to create a silk-like radiance a Renaissance-era technique requiring a well-trained hand to make perfectly parallel lines. We combine high technology with traditional craftsmanship to create something new, said Mr. Coin, as he swiveled the Princess bracelet to shimmer in the light. We dont usually play with patterns and colors for our mens watches, as they are quiet, Vacheron Constantins artistic director, Christian Selmoni, said on the telephone from the companys Geneva headquarters. That will change when the company unveils Elegance Sartoriale, five designs influenced by the traditional patterns of mens suiting fabrics. The debut is scheduled this weekend as part of the Journees Europeennes des Metiers dArt, the annual celebration of French craftsmanship. (Vacheron Constantin is one of the events sponsors.) In recent years we have been mostly working around womens watches in our Metiers dArt collection, he said, so this year we wanted to apply these feminine decorative crafts in a more masculine way. Pinstripes, herringbone weave and other patterns were hand-engraved on the watch faces, then enameled with colors ranging from raspberry red for the Prince of Wales check to sky blue for the tartan (below). Don Cheadle takes on the role of the jazz trumpeter Miles Davis for an unconventional biopic Miles Ahead, which zeroes in on a period of the performers life in the late 70s when he wasnt actually performing. In a recent interview, Mr. Cheadle spoke about a scene from the film in which Miles meets with an opportunistic journalist, Dave Brill (Ewan McGregor). Here are excerpts from that conversation. Q. What were your goals for this scene? A. Its the beginning of this uncomfortable and combustible relationship between Miles and Dave, this disreputable dude who showed up at his door saying that hes there to write a comeback story. Thats the last thing Miles wants to hear about. Its the first scene of Miles outside his house, having Dave drive him in his Jag. The goals for the scene were to both show Daves duplicitous nature trying to tape after Miles just told him the scene before, Dont tape, and that Miles is going to have everything happen on his terms. Theyre sort of establishing who they are. You shot in Cincinnati, but are playing it for New York? We never really say New York, we just kind of say Columbia [Records] and let people place it. This is a New York that exists inside the storytelling of Miles Davis. But we shot in Cincinnati because of the architecture and because of the [tax] rebate. We really felt like we had a place that was like no other. We definitely couldnt shoot in New York with the economic realities of our film. The Russian filmmaker Alexander Sokurov has a gift, perhaps unmatched among his international peers, for turning intellectual brooding into visually arresting cinema. He tackles big, capitalized themes Power, Art, Virtue, Evil but his films speak in whispers, murmurs and ruminative pauses. They often feel as intimate and inscrutable as diary entries, even when they deal with monstrous public figures like Hitler, Stalin and Hirohito. Mr. Sokurov forgoes sweeping pictorial gestures and period pageantry in favor of quiet lyricism and tight, sometimes claustrophobic compositions. He thinks a lot about history, and in his best work you can hear history thinking. He appears in his latest film, Francofonia, thinking out loud in his study, where he also participates in video chats with the captain of a storm-tossed container ship somewhere in the North Atlantic. There are valuable works of art on board, and the vessel itself is an obvious metaphor for civilization, that grand leaky frigate whose contents Ezra Pound once itemized as two gross of broken statues and a few thousand battered books. The fate of art is the main concern of Francofonia, which takes place mostly in and around the Louvre. Its museum setting makes the film a companion piece of sorts to Russian Ark, Mr. Sokurovs single-shot tour of the Hermitage in St. Petersburg and something of an American art house hit in 2002. But while that film was a 99-minute sprint through the Russian past, this one lingers over a particular episode during the Nazi occupation of France. It takes the form of an extended cinematic essay, blending fictionalized re-enactments of plausible events with excursions into scholarship and fantasy. The main characters are Jacques Jaujard (Louis-Do de Lencquesaing), director of the Louvre in the 1930s and 40s, and Count Franz Wolff-Metternich (Benjamin Utzerath), Hitlers designated connoisseur and conservator of French art. Though many of the Louvres great paintings had been hidden in chateaus in the countryside, Jaujard and Wolff-Metternich collaborated to keep the museum open during the occupation and to protect its collection. One notion underlying Shalini Kantayyas winning documentary, Catching the Sun, is that solar power is not only a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels but can also effectively curtail unemployment. The film begins in Northern California, which has experienced at least one refinery accident, and where clean-energy initiatives Sungevity, Solar Richmond are hiring and training area residents. With brisk, fluid concision, the film jumps to countries fast-tracking solar energy production: Germany and China, which is now the leading country in terms of how fast they are implementing sustainable technology at really large scale, according to Peggy Liu, chairwoman of the nonprofit Joint U.S.-China Collaboration on Clean Energy. Fascinating portraits stand out. In Atlanta, Debbie Dooley, founder of Conservatives for Energy Freedom, advocates solar energys growth within a free market, rejecting the idea that its a left-versus-right issue. Zhongwei Jiang, an entrepreneur in Wuxi, China, lived without electricity until he was 7. Capitalizing on the Chinese governments investments in renewable energy, he founded WesTech, a solar business, in 2003. Now it is finding partners in Germany, and, he says, growing by 50 percent every year. Van Jones, an Oakland, Calif., lawyer and activist who wrote the best seller The Green Collar Economy, wasnt so fortunate. His efforts earned him an appointment as the Obama administrations special adviser for environmental jobs. But vociferous opposition to him from the former radio and Fox News personality Glenn Beck and Republicans in Congress forced his resignation. The battle for a greener tomorrow, we are reminded, has its casualties. These Skype talks charm you with sweet declarations (kisses) and some gentle comedy (Maman is a bit technologically challenged), although mostly with their unguarded intimacy. Like the rest of the movie, they have the spontaneity and ineffable fascination of real life; it feels as if Ms. Akerman had turned on the camera seconds before she and her mother began talking. In time, though, her mother grows increasingly frail, they also assume an undertow of sadness. Ms. Akermans filmography, which sent her across the globe, from the Baltics to Mexico, has turned her into one of cinemas nomads, as have the festivals (Berlin, Cannes, New York) in which her work has been presented. Theres a rootlessness to her, as even her meanderings through her mothers apartment suggest. Midway through No Home Movie, Ms. Akerman cuts to a succession of traveling shots of a desert. They cleave the movie in two. Theres no overt explanation for them; theres no voice-over commentary and none of the traditional documentary time, date and location markers. Again, as she does with the image of the shuddering tree, Ms. Akerman lets you read the image for yourself, even as she has also carefully laid out the movies meaning in every previous edit, shot and word, including her mothers remembrances of the familys history, about keeping kosher, about the flight from Poland, the Nazis and the war. In your head, these mother-daughter conversations We thought we were safe here, in Belgium, Natalia says at one point become one with the thrashing desert wind. And, just like that, the title of No Home Movie takes on piercing meaning. Like any number of Ms. Akermans other movies, this one revisits some of her preoccupations home, exile, memory, identity, bodies, specifically the female body, on- and offscreen space through the prism of Natalia, long one her most ineluctable subjects. Ms. Akermans movies are unmistakably personal in the rigorousness of their formal design but also in their motifs, with each informing the other. Thats true of Jeanne Dielman, an unblinking three-and-a-half-hour look at an outwardly impassive Belgian homemaker (Delphine Seyrig) who turns tricks in her immaculate, sterile apartment amid other quotidian activities like folding sheets and making a meatloaf for more than three deliberate minutes. A feminist touchstone, Jeanne Dielman has often been discussed within a theoretical and political framework (voyeurism, the male gaze) that can feel as mechanical as a 101 intro to cinema studies. With its long takes, silences and emphasis on the kinds of everyday moments that most movies tend to ignore, the film isnt obviously inviting, perhaps particularly for viewers whose rhythms are calibrated to those of dominant cinema and its three acts, ping-pinging shots and counter-shots, inciting incidents and tidy ends. You need to meet Ms. Akerman on her terms, although even when you do, her work may not completely open itself up to you, even after repeated viewings. Its difficulty (or mystery), which can feel like her stubborn persistence of vision, is part of its pleasure. Since Mr. de Blasio took office, the city has taken several measures intended to modify school discipline and cut the number of suspensions, which had begun to fall during Mayor Michael R. Bloombergs tenure. The city has provided additional staff and training for alternatives to traditional punishments, including techniques that encourage students to talk about a conflict rather than sending them out of the room. And the New York Police Department is developing a system for evaluating which schools require metal detectors, and where they can be removed. Last year, the city made it more difficult for administrators to suspend students for defying authority, a practice that reform advocates had been pushing to abolish for years. The Education Department said on Thursday that those suspensions had dropped 81 percent from July to December, making it the biggest single contributor to the drop in suspensions over all. The announcement on Thursday also included the number of times students were removed from schools by emergency medical workers. The number, about 4,300 episodes over the same time period, was essentially unchanged from the year before. In 14 percent of those cases, students were removed because of their emotional or psychological condition. As for the Middle East, its important not to conflate the question of how to treat the people fleeing war and terror in Syria, Iraq or Afghanistan with that of how to combat the radical militants who receive inspiration and training in those countries. And its important to remember that the Brussels attacks, like the attacks in Paris last November, appear to have been carried out by citizens of European countries. Defeating that internal threat requires reaching out to Muslim communities that feel marginalized, with too many young men who, seeing no prospects, fall victim to the siren song of jihadism. Nevertheless, it is clear how directly events in the Middle East can affect our stability. Our disputes over how to treat asylum seekers are straining European unity as never before. And just as events in the Middle East are confronting Europe with enormous challenges to meet together, the region is becoming less vital for the United States. In The Atlantic last month, the journalist Jeffrey Goldberg reported that President Obama sees the Middle East as no longer terribly important to American interests and not amenable to Americas efforts to improve it, and therefore a place where America risks its credibility and power when its efforts lead to warfare and American deaths. That is an assessment shared by many Americans; it reflects long-term trends like Americas growing independence from Middle Eastern oil, the comparatively greater challenge posed by Chinas rise and the increasing economic importance of Asia and Latin America. So any assumption that the United States will take the lead on every issue is outdated. If Europeans are not prepared to take on more responsibility, the West may lose its ability to shape events in the Middle East. How should Europeans adapt? How should we respond to this paradigm shift? First, the European Union must be willing to commit more money to the region. We must improve conditions in refugee camps in countries like Jordan and Lebanon, where a euro goes about 30 times as far as it would in Germany. We must invest more in the regions economic future, particularly in the young democracy of Tunisia. If young North Africans see stability and prosperity in their own communities, they are far less likely to feel pressed to emigrate. To the Editor: Re Trumps Call on Abortions Rattles G.O.P. (front page, March 31): Donald Trump discomfits his party by speaking without filters. He has yet again performed an invaluable service to the country, this time by (inadvertently) exposing the hypocrisy of the G.O.P. on the issue of the punishment of women who undergo abortions, if the procedure is forbidden by an overturning of Roe v. Wade or by other restrictive laws already passed by state legislatures. Although he later recanted, his revelation still resonates with unusual clarity. In response to Mr. Trumps statements, Ted Cruz said that we shouldnt be talking about punishing women, while staunchly favoring no exceptions, even for cases of rape and incest. How can the Republicans consider forcing a woman to bear a fatally deformed child or the child of a rapist not to be punishing women? How is closing medical facilities that offer womens health care not punishing women? How is restricting the use of birth control methods not punishing women? The G.O.P. aims to punish women every single day. CARL MEZOFF Stamford, Conn. To the Editor: The festering anger I have felt throughout this Republican campaign season has now boiled over. I am in full outrage mode. This is not the first time Donald Trumps comments have sparked controversy, nor, sadly, will it be the last. Mr. President and The First Lady, the two bald eagles nesting in a tulip poplar in Washington, D.C., made headlines earlier this month after millions of people watched them become parents on a live webcam in the National Arboretum. If you are one of those viewers who just couldnt get enough, we offer some other cams and real life opportunities for eagle watching at different stages of their life cycles. As you check out these videos, keep in mind that the call of Americas national bird is not the fierce cry you hear in movies thats a red-tailed hawk. A thousand years after the Vikings braved the icy seas from Greenland to the New World in search of timber and plunder, satellite technology has found intriguing evidence of a long-elusive prize in archaeology a second Norse settlement in North America, further south than ever known. The new Canadian site, with telltale signs of iron-working, was discovered last summer after infrared images from 400 miles in space showed possible man-made shapes under discolored vegetation. The site is on the southwest coast of Newfoundland, about 300 miles south of LAnse aux Meadows, the first and so far only confirmed Viking settlement in North America, discovered in 1960. Since then, archaeologists, following up clues in the histories known as the sagas, have been hunting for the holy grail of other Viking, or Norse, landmarks in the Americas that would have existed 500 years before Columbus, to no avail. Twenty-one years ago in the comic strip Calvin and Hobbes, the brat-savant hero complains, Six minutes to microwave this! Whos got that kind of time?! Twenty-one years ago, you have to understand, this was a joke. Weve sped up significantly since then in both our technology and our expectations, as John Herrman and Mike Isaac illustrate in an article about the explosion of live video on Facebook. Started in February with relatively little fanfare, the service is seen as a good way to get, and hold, viewers on their mobile phones, and of course get more traction with Facebooks audience of 1.6 billion. (By the way: When the number reaches pretty much everybody, is it still an audience, or just where we all are?) Facebook is now promoting the feature forthrightly, aiming at media companies and celebrities and giving the live feeds prominent display. So far the content can be made only on a mobile app, and is of variable quality. Yet for all the rough edges and frequent boredom, there is something about the idea that something is live, happening right now, that seems to give it an allure. Q. I have a mobile phone plan. How do I know when I get close to my limits for text messaging, plus my voice and data allowance? A. Once you create a user name and password for the site, you should be able to check your current usage levels on your wireless carriers website or through its own smartphone app. You should see your current usage statistics, payment due date and other account information and possibly the chance to sign up for usage alerts to warn you when your allowance is running out. Depending on your smartphone, you may also see a usage meter for cellular data and talk time in the devices settings, but you may have to manually reset it at the start of each billing period to get an accurate reading. The four major national wireless carriers AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless also offer numbers you can dial on the phones keypad to get a text message back with your current usage statistics. For example, on AT&T, open the phones keypad and dial *3282# (more easily remembered as *DATA#) to get a free text message back with your current usage statistics; dialing *3286# (or *DATO#) gets the information in Spanish. To get your remaining AT&T voice minutes for the billing period, call *646# (or *MIN#) for English and *876# (or *USO#) for Spanish. A federal judge ordered the arrest of Mel Reynolds, a scandal-scarred former congressman, on Thursday, after Mr. Reynolds defied a judges order to return to Chicago to face tax charges, saying that he would remain in South Africa for now with his ailing daughter. Mr. Reynolds, 64, is scheduled to go on trial in May on misdemeanor charges of failing to file tax returns for four consecutive years. Since Mr. Reynolds was indicted in June, Judge John W. Darrah of Federal District Court in Chicago has allowed him to go to South Africa for visits, but had ordered Mr. Reynolds to return from his latest trip by Thursday. Mr. Reynolds has sought a six-month postponement of the case, but the judge has refused. Maybe another parent could walk away from their child now, but I cant, that is why I will not be in Chicago today, Mr. Reynolds said in a statement sent to reporters Thursday. A conviction would be the third for Mr. Reynolds, who represented part of Chicago as a Democrat for less than three years before being forced by his first conviction to resign. He was found guilty in 1995 of felony charges stemming from a sexual relationship with an underage campaign volunteer. In 1997, he was convicted of an array of financial crimes, including bank fraud and misusing campaign funds, after his wife pleaded guilty to related charges. DENVER Maria Cruz stays away from the tap. So does Monserrat Trejo. And then there is Lucero Gonzalez also an immigrant from Mexico who, on a recent afternoon, shoved a shopping cart across the parking lot at Mi Pueblo Market. Inside: Nothing but water. Ninety-six bottles of it. I only drink from the tap when I have no money, said Ms. Gonzalez, 45, a petite nurses assistant, as she hefted giant pallets of plastic into her sport utility vehicle. She arrived in the United States in 1988, but said she was still unsure whether the nations water was healthy. At a time when water crises in communities like Flint, Mich., and Newark, have eroded confidence in public water systems particularly those in poor and minority communities a health outreach initiative in Colorado is trying to dispel the notion that all tap water is harmful. The initiative, mainly aimed at Latino immigrants, delivers the message that Denvers fluoride-enhanced water is actually healthier than bottled water, which typically lacks the ingredient that can prevent cavities, particularly in children. The campaign, sponsored primarily by the health insurer Delta Dental of Colorado, began before the lead contamination in Flint and elsewhere spread fear across the country. But the crises have highlighted the obstacles in persuading Latino immigrants that American tap water is usually safe: Images of brown, poisoned water flash on television screens in living rooms and laundries here, reinforcing the preconceptions imported from places where bottled beverages are culturally ingrained. San Francisco police officers sent dozens of racist and homophobic text messages in the past several months, even as another group of officers was being investigated by prosecutors for having traded similar messages, the citys district attorney said Thursday. The disclosure of the new round of text messages, which includes derogatory references to blacks, Asians, lesbians, gays and transgender people, comes as the Police Department is under federal investigation after complaints that some officers routinely behave in a racially biased manner. Along with dozens of other police departments around the nation, the San Francisco police who work in one of the nations most culturally diverse cities have come under scrutiny during the past year. Officers have been accused of using unnecessary deadly force and brutality, and of focusing enforcement efforts on black neighborhoods while ignoring similar infractions elsewhere. Police critics, including many among the citys dwindling black population, have held protests and called for the resignation of the police chief, Gregory P. Suhr. Bookended by ads for Trojan condoms and Malibu Ultra Light cigarettes, the lengthy interview in Playboy magazine is a remarkably prophetic document. Twenty-six years ago this month, Donald J. Trump sat down with Glenn Plaskin, a celebrity columnist, and, over a glass of chilled Coke, offered a grievance-filled economic agenda, a searing denunciation of weak-kneed American leadership and a keen understanding of his appeal to blue-collar Americans that uncannily resembled the White House campaign he is waging today without Twitter, which didnt yet exist. A glossy time capsule, the interview is testament to consistency, stubbornness or stuntedness, depending on your view. Below are excerpts from the original interview, along with an analysis of how they stack up against his 2016 message. On which Americans would support a hypothetical Trump bid for the White House: 1990 The working guy would elect me. He likes me. When I walk down the street, those cabbies start yelling out their windows. JANESVILLE, Wis. The danger signs are mounting for Donald J. Trump in Wisconsin: Right-wing radio hosts are flaying him, Gov. Scott Walker and other elected Republicans have endorsed Senator Ted Cruz, and a new poll showed Mr. Cruz with a 10-percentage-point lead in the state before Tuesdays primary. The Stop Trump movement may never have another opportunity like the one here, where resistance to Mr. Trump was running high even before his campaign became consumed by a new round of controversies, from his mocking of Mr. Cruzs wife to the arrest of his campaign manager to his comments in favor of punishing women who get abortions. If Mr. Trump is dealt a setback in the Wisconsin primary, including a potential sweep by Mr. Cruz of all 42 delegates, it would be his most prominent reversal since his second-place finish in the Iowa caucuses in February. And it would show Mr. Trumps vulnerability before the race moves to New York and other Northeastern states. The states Republican establishment, cohesive and battle-tested after years of partisan warfare under Mr. Walker, has dug in to support Mr. Cruz not out of true love for the Texas senator, but in a marriage of convenience to halt Mr. Trump, whose temperament and conservatism many doubt. ATLANTA Congressional Republicans in the Obama era have largely been defined by their insistence on standing in front of the administration and yelling stop. Democrats call them the party of no. But in state legislatures, Republicans are finding rewards and peril in being a vigorous party of yes when it comes to promoting conservative social issues. This year, in many of the 30 state legislatures under full Republican control, lawmakers continued to pass a number of new expansions of gun rights and groundbreaking restrictions on abortion. Perhaps most controversially, they also approved bills that opponents say would allow for discrimination against gays, lesbians and transgender people. For social conservatives, the legislative wins are a bright spot in an otherwise troubling health report for the Republican Party. But the risks were also evident this week in North Carolina, as a furor erupted over a new law that prohibits local anti-discrimination protections for gay, bisexual and transgender people and restricts transgender bathroom use. More than 90 chief executives, including Timothy D. Cook of Apple and Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook, have objected to the new law. The Constitutional Court has ruled against all three post-apartheid presidents in cases involving technical, legal matters, said Pierre de Vos, a constitutional scholar at the University of Cape Town. What makes this different is that it is about personal benefits accruing to the president and his family, and the failure of the president to put a stop to it, he said. But how significant this is will depend on how the governing party responds. Its a political issue now. The ruling was the final legal verdict in a long-running scandal that, to many South Africans, has come to symbolize the corruption and arrogance in Mr. Zumas administration and the A.N.C., which has governed South Africa since the end of apartheid in 1994. The Constitution of South Africa has been upheld today, and Zuma must subject himself to that, said Mmusi Maimane, the leader of the main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance, which started impeachment proceedings against the president on Thursday. If I was him, Id be drafting a resignation letter. It was unclear how A.N.C. members, who control the National Assembly, would react to the judgment against Mr. Zuma. In a statement, the government said Mr. Zuma will reflect on the judgment and its implications on the state and government, and will in consultation with other impacted institutions of state determine the appropriate action. Aubrey Matshiqi, a political analyst at the Helen Suzman Foundation, an independent pro-democracy group, said that in order to protect their own interests A.N.C. members would probably stand by Mr. Zuma, especially with critical municipal elections scheduled for this year. KAMPALA, Uganda Ugandas Supreme Court has rejected a challenge to the presidential election held in February, issuing a ruling on Thursday that secured President Yoweri Museveni a mandate for another five-year term. He has been in office since 1986. The vote last month, seen as a pivotal moment in Ugandas democracy as the last time Mr. Museveni will be legally allowed to appear on a presidential ballot, was marred with irregularities and widespread criticism. The legal challenge by the third-place finisher, Amama Mbabazi, argued that Mr. Museveni was not validly elected and that Ugandas electoral commission had disseminated false results, among other allegations. It requested a recount in more than 40 districts. Under Ugandan law, which bars presidential candidates over the age of 75, it was the last election in which Mr. Museveni, 71, will be allowed to run. The United Nations is investigating a litany of sickening new allegations that peacekeepers from at least three countries sexually abused civilians in the Central African Republic, including more than 100 girls in one prefecture, the organization said on Thursday. The top human rights official at the United Nations, Zeid Raad al-Hussein, said in a statement that major efforts were already underway to investigate allegations uncovered by a series of U.N. teams sent to the region over the past two weeks. Stephane Dujarric, a spokesman for Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, told reporters at a regular daily briefing that Mr. Ban had been shocked to the core by the new allegations and that the Security Council was receiving a private briefing on them. Later in the day, the Security Council president for March, Ismael Abraao Gaspar Martins of Angola, told reporters the council had decided a full and urgent investigation was required. He would not discuss the details of the allegations but said when we say zero tolerance, we mean it, especially when it comes to children. Hyeonseo Lee, who lived in a North Korean town near the border with China, often wondered why there were so many more lights on the Chinese side. One winter night in 1997, when she was 17, she walked across the frozen Yalu River to see for herself. What began as an excursion to satisfy her curiosity turned into a decade of hiding in China. In 2008, Ms. Lee made her way to South Korea, where she was granted asylum. Recently Ms. Lee, who last year published a memoir, The Girl with Seven Names, told her story at the Beijing Bookworm Literary Festival. It was a rare public speech by a North Korean defector in China, which treats defectors as illegal immigrants and returns them to North Korea, where they can face prison or even execution. Ms. Lee discussed with The New York Times her experiences in China, the plight of defectors and Chinas relationship with North Korea. Here are excerpts. Q. Why did you come to Beijing? A. Beijing Bookworm invited me, but it took me six months to make a decision. I have a responsibility to protect my family. But over the six months I changed slowly. A few months ago, on one day, I got almost a hundred attacks from Chinese on Weibo. I didnt know Chinese people hated us [North Korean defectors] that much. A lot of Chinese people believe the Chinese government, and think Im a traitor. I thought China was the right place to deliver this talk. BEIJING Chinese diplomats are known to be tough, but it is rare to hear descriptions of how tough. A senior Singaporean diplomat has pulled back the veil and has talked about Chinas efforts to put smaller Asian countries in their place. In a speech on Wednesday, the diplomat, Bilahari Kausikan, ambassador at large and policy adviser in Singapores Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who is known around Asia and in Washington for his candor, said that Chinese diplomats perversely often go out of their way to accentuate rather than assuage anxieties. While his address, delivered at the Institute of Policy Studies at the National University of Singapore, dealt mainly with the complex power relationships among China, the United States and Southeast Asian nations, and particularly with the contentious issue of the South China Sea, Mr. Kausikan could not resist citing some examples of Chinas heavy hand. If a negotiation in Southeast Asia does not suit China, he said, its diplomats blame the other party. It is our fault, and ours alone, he said, explaining Chinas usual attitude toward members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, a regional group that includes Singapore and nine other countries. Smuggling is rampant. The export of North Korean rare earth minerals and gold, banned under the new rule, is one of the more lucrative revenue sources for the North Korean government, traders said. That business continues on privately owned 200-ton ships belonging to Chinese smugglers based here, they said. The United Nations rules put the onus on customs inspectors here to judge which goods may help the nuclear program or the military, which are banned, and which are intended for civilians, which are allowed. On a recent day, the customs checkpoint, a large outdoor parking area adjacent to the bridge, held a collection of Chinas castoffs: cheap four-wheel-drive Haval passenger vehicles, discount medicines for hepatitis and tuberculosis, old solar panels to brighten dark houses. But the customs office here lacks the staff to open all the containers, a local government official said. Like most people interviewed for this article, he spoke on condition of anonymity since there are risks to speaking candidly to foreign media about trade with North Korea. At peak times, up to 200 trucks a day cross the Yalu River to Sinuiju, North Korea. Before departing, only about 5 percent of the containers they carry are inspected, the official said. What we consider before using anonymous sources. Do the sources know the information? Whats their motivation for telling us? Have they proved reliable in the past? Can we corroborate the information? Even with these questions satisfied, The Times uses anonymous sources as a last resort. The reporter and at least one editor know the identity of the source. Learn more about our process. China and the United States worked closely on the new sanctions, and both countries said ridding North Korea of nuclear weapons was a shared concern. When President Obama and the Chinese leader, Xi Jinping, meet in Washington on Thursday, Mr. Obama is likely to press China to enforce the new measures. SEOUL, South Korea The Constitutional Court in South Korea on Thursday rejected a challenge to the countrys ban on the sex trade, handing a defeat to prostitutes who have campaigned for years to decriminalize their work. The growing trend to liberalize and promote openness in sex doesnt condone or justify its commercialization, Justice Kim Chang-jong wrote in the courts majority ruling, which found that the 2004 antiprostitution law, under which prostitutes and their clients can be fined and imprisoned for up to a year, did not violate the South Korean Constitution. Justice Kims opinion was endorsed by five other justices. But the court was more divided than in past rulings upholding the ban. Three of its nine justices fiercely criticized what they called a government crackdown on women driven to prostitution by desperate circumstances. One dissenting justice, Cho Yong-ho, called the choice of those women a matter of survival. The majority view insists that prostitution should not be protected by law because it harms human dignity, Justice Cho wrote in his dissent. But nothing harms human dignity more than a threat to survival. LONDON The suicide attacks at Brussels Airport have led to intensified scrutiny of hiring, security and the lack of standardized procedures at airports across Europe, amid questions about whether the bombings last week could have been prevented. The head of the largest police union in Belgium warned on Thursday of a serious security problem at Brussels Airport, citing systematic security flaws, bureaucratic incompetence and the employment of baggage handlers with criminal records. His remarks came as the airport police wrote an open letter, cited in several Belgian newspapers, expressing deep concern about the level of security at the airport, echoing worries about procedures, staffing and the potential for infiltration by terrorists at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport after the deadly attacks in and near Paris in November. LONDON Gilles Laurent, 46, a Belgian sound engineer and documentary filmmaker, had such an intimate connection with the noises of everyday life that his collaborators say he looked at sounds as if observing an object, a color or a shape. He not only had an ear but heard and looked at sounds like a Buddhist would, said Tom Heene, a filmmaker and friend from Brussels. Alex Davidson, his longtime film collaborator, said Mr. Laurent had a humanistic but unsentimental approach to filmmaking that reflected his personality. Whether working on a Mexican art house film or documenting survivors of the Fukushima nuclear disaster, Mr. Laurent preferred for the sounds in his films to enhance a moment rather than overwhelm a scene. Mr. Davidson recalled a crucial scene in Le Chambre de Damien, a documentary about a 20-year-old Slovenian convict who was released from prison after killing a homeless man and was then reunited with his mother. Rather than filming the meeting in the room where the two were reunited, he said, Mr. Laurent instinctively knew the emotional impact would be stronger if the conversation was recorded from the hallway outside to emphasize the emotional power of their words. Mr. Kertesz seemed dumbfounded by his Nobel Prize, which came after he had spent decades in near anonymity, even in Hungary. He had a small but intensely loyal following in Germany, France and Scandinavia, but only two of his novels, Fateless and Kaddish for an Unborn Child (1990), had been published in English when he received the award. Imre Kertesz (roughly pronounced EEM-er-eh CARE-tiss) was born in Budapest on Nov. 9, 1929, to secular Jewish parents and grew up as a nonobservant Jew. His death camp internment, however, obliged me to be Jewish, he said in a 2001 interview with the Spanish newspaper El Pais. I accept it, he added, but to a large extent it is also true that it was imposed on me. While Mr. Kertesz urged readers and critics not to assume that the events recounted in Fateless were autobiographical, the novel contains strong parallels to his own experiences. At age 14, on his way to school, he was like Gyuri Koves, the teenage protagonist of Fateless caught in a Hungarian police dragnet in 1944 and deported along with thousands of other Budapest Jews, first to Auschwitz and then to Buchenwald. Following the advice of older camp inmates, the young Kertesz, also like the fictional Koves, claimed to be a 16-year-old worker rather than a student. That made him old enough to qualify for forced labor, saving him from immediate extermination as a child. A macabre reminder of this successful ruse surfaced when Mr. Kertesz was preparing his Nobel acceptance speech. He received a large brown envelope in the mail from the director of the Buchenwald Memorial Center. Enclosed, besides a congratulatory note, was a routine report, compiled by the Buchenwald camp authorities and dated Feb. 18, 1945, listing the names of inmates who had died that day. One notation read: Imre Kertesz, factory worker, born in 1927. Mr. Kriket was arrested on the afternoon of March 24 in Boulogne-Billancourt, a western suburb of Paris. That evening, the authorities raided a fourth-floor apartment Mr. Kriket had rented under a fake name in Argenteuil, a northwestern suburb, where they found a large trove of weapons and bomb-making material. A SIM card that Mr. Kriket was carrying contained two Dutch phone numbers, which helped investigators track down Mr. Bahri, who was arrested in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, three days later. Their arrests averted the carrying out of extremely violent actions by a terrorist network that was ready to take action, Mr. Molins said on Wednesday evening. A store owner told the newspaper Le Figaro that he had hired Mr. Kriket early in the last decade, and that Mr. Kriket had worked in the shops back room for about two years. Always on time, very cheerful there was absolutely no problem with him, said the store owner, who gave his name only as Sylvain. He said he was aware of Mr. Krikets run-ins with the law but had no reason to complain as his boss. Although Mr. Kriket was later convicted and imprisoned for trafficking in forged currency, Sylvain said he had no problem rehiring Mr. Kriket after his release. But several months later, Mr. Kriket disappeared, he said. Khalid Ait Omar, a town councilor in Courbevoie, where Mr. Kriket grew up, said he was astonished to learn about Mr. Krikets suspected role in a terrorist plot. Speaking to the i-Tele news channel last week, Mr. Ait Omar said he did not know Mr. Kriket to be religious. He was someone who liked risk and making money, Mr. Ait Omar said. He liked to show that he was the one with the most money, the biggest chain, the biggest watch. The last time he saw Mr. Kriket, Mr. Ait Omar said, was in October, when Mr. Kriket told him he had opened a jewelry store in Belgium. When I saw him again, he said I had to be a practicing Muslim, that I shouldnt stay in this society, Mr. Ait Omar said, recalling that Mr. Kriket had told him, Look at how the girls are dressed, look at this, look at that. LONDON Prime Minister David Cameron of Britain emerged from an emergency cabinet meeting on Thursday to say that the government would do all it could to preserve the British steel industry but that nationalization was not an option. Emphasizing the severity of the situation, Mr. Cameron warned that there can be no guarantees of success because of the problems that the steel industry faces worldwide. The prime minister spoke after Tata Steel, an Indian company, announced on Wednesday that after large losses, it would seek to sell its British steel factories. Those factories directly employ at least 15,000 people, with 25,000 others working in the supply chain. The government was fiercely criticized by unions and by the opposition Labour Party, which said that more must be done to save British jobs. There was also criticism by those pushing for Britain to leave the European Union when the matter comes up for a vote in a June referendum. A woman who said she was the ex-wife of the leader of the Islamic State spoke to a Swedish newspaper about their marriage in an interview published on Thursday, but experts and officials expressed doubt that she was ever married to the self-styled caliph of the terror group. The woman, Saja al-Dulaimi, 28, told the newspaper, Expressen, that she married Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in 2008 after her first husband, a bodyguard for Saddam Hussein, was killed fighting American troops during the United States occupation of Iraq. The newspaper spelled her name Saga, although most press reports refer to her as Saja. By her account a relative arranged for her to marry a man she described as a university lecturer and normal person who went by the name Hisham Mohamed, but the union was short-lived. She left him three months after the wedding because he had not told his first wife that he was marrying a second, she said. She claimed to have had a daughter by Mr. Baghdadi but told the newspaper she had not spoken to him since 2009. The interview appeared to have been the first Ms. Dulaimi had ever done, but her name has been in the news before in recent years, along with her claim to have once been wed to the worlds most wanted terrorist. The veracity of her story has always been unclear. NICOSIA, Cyprus The Egyptian man who said he hijacked an EgyptAir passenger plane because he was desperate to see his former wife and children in Cyprus, was dangerous and unpredictable and used to beat and threaten his family, Marina Paraschos, the former wife, told two Cypriot newspapers in articles published on Thursday. Ms. Paraschos, 51, said that she had hardly been in touch with her husband, Seif Eldin Mustafa, since they divorced 25 years ago, and that their three children wanted nothing to do with their father. A fourth child, a daughter named Sofia, died in a car accident in 2002 at the age of 17. Ms. Paraschos said Mr. Mustafa had been indifferent to his daughters death and had not attended the funeral. As the hijacking unfolded on Tuesday, the revelations that Mr. Mustafa was asking to contact Ms. Paraschos, among other demands, eased fears of a terrorist attack. The president of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades, even joked about Mr. Mustafas motives: Always, there is a woman. WASHINGTON President Obama gathered more than 50 world leaders here on Thursday to discuss one of his favorite topics: locking down nuclear weapons. But it was Mr. Obamas meeting with one of the less friendly of those leaders, President Xi Jinping of China, that captured most of the attention. The leaders announced that the United States and China would sign a climate change accord later in April, a show of unity on an issue that has become a bright spot in the tangled relationship between the two countries. But they quickly moved on to more contentious issues, with Mr. Obama pressing Mr. Xi on Chinas construction of military facilities in the South China Sea, actions that a White House official said belied a pledge the Chinese president had made last fall not to militarize those waters. Like China and other countries, the United States has significant interests in the Asia-Pacific region, Mr. Obama said to Mr. Xi before the meeting, his only extended encounter with a visiting leader at the Nuclear Security Summit, which will conclude on Friday. Our two countries have some disputes and disagreements, Mr. Xi replied. He called for both sides to avoid misunderstanding and misperceptions, and to respect each others core interests a polite warning not to meddle in the South China Sea, which Beijing regards as a core interest. In Unhitched, longtime couples tell the stories of their relationships, from romance to vows to divorce to life afterward. The marriage of Katrina Lamb, who was then Scott Lamb, and Wendie Lubic had highs and lows but suffered from a deeply held secret: Katrina, born male, always knew she was transgender but it took many years and three marriages for her to live truthfully. Katrina, 53, and Wendie, 54, were 24 when they married. Where did they grow up? Wendie in Washington in a Reform Jewish household with parents who were professionals and traveled widely for work. Katrina in happy homes in Thornwood and Katonah, N.Y., then in Australia from age 12 to 18; her father was in finance, her mother is an artist and active in her community: We went to my dad for permission, we went to my mother for comfort, Katrina said. She knew she was in the wrong body from age 6, but also knew, even at that age, that that would never be revealed. How did they meet? In 1985 at a Halloween party in New York City. Wendie, then a journalist, was working for Newsweek. Katrina, then still Scott, was working for Morgan Stanley. They felt immediately connected and shared a sense of humor. Wendie could quote Monty Python, which made Katrina announce this was the woman I am going to marry. The dish is a Koreanified take on the fried sauce noodles served in Shandong Province in China. Brought to Korea by immigrants to Incheon, on the western coast of the Korean Peninsula, it now occupies a place in the nations cuisine that is similar to the one General Tsos chicken has in American food. That is: Jajangmyeon is a birth-country dish translated to accommodate the too-tired-to-cook takeout tastes of a host nation. It is milder than the Chinese original, a little more porky, totally irresistible. You can find jajangmyeon at Korean restaurants across the United States, particularly those run by Koreans of Chinese descent. But making the dish at home is no chore, at least if you have access to a Korean market or the Internet to score a few ingredients, and results in a magnificent delight in about an hour the first time you make it and somewhat less thereafter. That is longer than it would take a guy riding a moped in a duct-tape-patched North Face bubble jacket to deliver it to your house in Seoul, to be sure. But youre probably not in Seoul anyway, and if you make it at home, jajangmyeon will transcend the gloopy realities of delivery food to become the sort of dish youll have people asking you to make once or twice a month. For Koreans, the best jajangmyeon is often the one they grew up eating, whether prepared at a favorite neighborhood restaurant or, less frequently, by their moms. (In the United States, we feel the same way about pizza.) And that is no less true for me, though I came late to the dish. My first and favorite jajangmyeon is the one I was served at Hyo Dong Gak, a Korean-Chinese restaurant in Manhattan, after confessing to a Korean-born friend my strong and abiding affection for Americanized Chinese food. We have that, too, she exclaimed. Soon she hustled me off for lunch: jajangmyeon and a plate of tangsuyuk, the Korean version of Chinese-American sweet-and-sour pork. I could never eat that tangsuyuk again and be happy. But I wanted to eat and cook the restaurants jajangmyeon whenever I liked. Recipes for jajangmyeon abound. Deuki Hong and Matt Rodbard put a fine one into their recent cookbook, Koreatown. Robin Ha has an illustrated version in her forthcoming Cook Korean: A Comic Book With Recipes. Maangchi, the Korean cooking YouTube star, published one in her Maangchis Real Korean Cooking. My jajangmyeon riffs slightly on all of those. But as I worked out the recipe, it was the inky deliciousness of my first taste of the dish that served as my lodestar. We tend to view our basic patterns, like spending the evening out and then lying unconscious for eight hours straight, as belonging to a natural order. But until streetlights, being up late meant wandering town in butt-clenching terror, tripping over stray animals until the wind blew out your lantern and you were set upon by armed bandits. So you went home before dark and went to bed early, waking after midnight. Much of this was forgotten until 2001, when the historian Roger Ekirch unearthed segmented sleep in the cultural history of pre-19th-century Europe, supporting the research of an American chronobiologist who, in a 1992 study, asserted that segmented sleep is more natural than the monophasic variety we now aspire to. Exposed over several weeks to preindustrial light conditions, most of us will gradually start sleeping twice a night, hooked to the Ur-rhythm of our internal clock. It was the Industrial Revolution, saturating us with electric light, that caused dorveille to obsolesce but now its electricity that makes it so useful. Dorveille is the only part of the day when no one expects to hear from anyone at all. You can keep yourself unavailable without that abstract sense of guilt. You never need to open an email. Dorveilles appeal doesnt derive from historicity: what appeals is the escape from the very conditions that obliterated it. At first, I treated dorveille like stolen time, and like most thieves, I was careless with my loot, frittering it away each night. But as I persisted, I saw the deeper value. Dorveille once served as a time to remember dreams. For me, the tasks undertaken in dorveille retained a little of the ease of dreaming. During the day, I cant reliably read 20 pages in a row before I experience an overwhelming physical urge to waste my time. During dorveille, I finished books. It was like having a superpower. Nor must dorveille be all business. I found that snaggly, insoluble problems, in friendships and writing and marriage, were more easily confronted and could be muddled through for longer. Metabolically, the alertness of dorveille differs from the taut insomniac variety. The author of that 1992 study the one that proved the innateness of segmented sleep described dorveille as a state of nonanxious wakefulness, which truly sounds oxymoronic until you experience it. Im one of the least relaxed people I know; having lived most of my adult life in New York, awake and anxious are synonyms as far as Im concerned. But during these hours I felt calm. Most amazing, I had no desire to reach for my phone. I felt an unfamiliar lack of itch. After critical acclaim in France, The Father opened in Bath before moving to the small Tricycle Theater in North London, and then to the West End, where a second run starred Kenneth Cranham. The Times of London wrote that Mr. Zellers masterful, well-mannered mix of laughter and desolation puts you into the mind-set of someone in the midst of mental decay like nothing weve ever seen before. Mr. Hampton, the playwright and screenwriter, said he had been blown away when he first saw The Father in Paris. Mr. Hamptons theatrical translations include plays by the French playwright Yasmina Reza (Art, God of Carnage). She and Mr. Zeller are often compared for their success outside France. Im very impressed by his theatricality, said Mr. Hampton, who has now translated three of Mr. Zellers plays, all of which are currently onstage in London. In addition to The Father, The Truth (2011), about two couples having affairs with each others spouses, just opened at the Menier Chocolate Factory, and The Mother (2010) about a woman of a certain age furious that her son has grown up and paranoid that her husband is cheating on her is at the Tricycle. (All have had strong reviews, although some critics have found The Mother as inscrutable as conceptual art.) In Mr. Zellers hands, the same scenes are often replayed with different outcomes. What I like most about Florian and particularly about The Mother and The Father is that he uses these tricks to entirely legitimate effect, not just to be tricksy, Mr. Hampton said. Rather than describing it, he throws you into it. Mr. Zeller cites Harold Pinter as an influence, as well as the French theater of the absurd. The Father was inspired by a production of Eugene Ionescos The Chairs, in which an old man stops in midthought and calls for his mother. Suddenly, in a matter of seconds, someone who looked like an old man resembles a baby crying out for his mother, Mr. Zeller said. That completely destroyed me. The emotions are intense. Mr. Langella, who is 78, said that performing in The Father could be frightening at times. But he said he agreed to the role before he had even finished reading the script, which Mr. Hughes sent his way. I didnt want to be influenced by the ending, Mr. Langella said. Every spring, I begin to yearn for riesling. Im not a strict seasonal drinker, but something about the reappearance of green leaves and flowers nudges the desire for the light, lively freshness that comes with young riesling. Riesling, the wine, seems to have as many personalities as there are places around the world that grow the grape. This suggests that riesling, perhaps more than any other white grape, has the inherent ability to express differences in terroir. Even when it comes from essentially the same place, the wines are transparent enough to show subtle differences in soils and microclimates. This month, well examine the rieslings of Austria, one of the worlds great wines but perhaps the least known among the worlds great rieslings. Partly this is because production is fairly small, and, in Austria, riesling tends to be overshadowed by gruner veltliner, which has come to be seen as Austrias signature white grape. (Well look at gruners this summer.) Despite the tenaciously held stereotype of riesling as sweet, Austrian rieslings are almost always dry. They tend to be fuller-bodied than German rieslings but are often steelier and more lively than rieslings from Alsace. They can display gorgeous fruit and herbal flavors as well as great minerality, that catchall term often used to describe stony, rocky, earthy flavors. The last assignment for Wine School may not have seemed initially promising. The wine, Pomerol, comes from Bordeaux, a region in France that remains somewhat out of fashion in the United States even as its top wines are coveted around the world. The dominant grape, merlot, has been an object of scorn in popular culture ever since a movie, Sideways, so pointedly disparaged it in 2004. And the prices! Pomerol is not cheap. But one of the most important goals of Wine School is to puncture the easy assumptions of secondhand wisdom. You heard Bordeaux is uninteresting and not worth the price? Drink a few and decide for yourself. Everybody says merlot is awful? Well, guess what we say to that. MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) The Latest on the resignation of a top aide to Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley (all times local): 4:45 The Alabama House speaker says he has no comment at this time about plans to introduce impeachment proceedings against Gov. Robert Bentley. In an emailed statement from his office, Speaker Mike Hubbard said Wednesday he hasn't seen the articles of impeachment or the "charges they contain." Republican Rep. Ed Henry said Wednesday he will introduce an impeachment resolution against Bentley. Henry announced his plans the same day the same day Bentley's top aide resigned amid the fallout of the governor's admission that he made inappropriate remarks to her. Henry says Bentley has lost the confidence of lawmakers and voters. However, he acknowledges the resolution faces an uphill climb. A majority of House members would have to vote in favor of the resolution to begin proceedings. The Alabama Legislature returns from its spring break next week. ----------------------- 3:55 p.m. A Republican Alabama lawmaker says he plans to introduce a resolution to begin impeachment proceedings against Gov. Robert Bentley. Rep. Ed Henry said Wednesday that he will introduce the resolution when the Alabama Legislature returns from spring break next week. Henry made his plans public the same day Bentley's top aide resigned amid the fallout of the governor's admission that he made inappropriate remarks to her. Henry and Bentley are both Republicans who have frequently clashed over the past two years, including over the governor's proposal last year to raise taxes. Henry says Bentley has lost the confidence of lawmakers and voters. However, he acknowledges the resolution faces an uphill climb. A majority of House members would have to vote to begin proceedings. ___ 3:20 p.m. A top political aide to Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley is resigning, a week after he apologized for making inappropriate remarks to her. Rebekah Caldwell Mason said in a statement Wednesday that she is resigning as Bentley's senior policy analyst. The decision comes a week after Bentley's admission during a news conference, where he also denied having an affair with her. The governor said he apologized to his family and Mason's for his behavior. Mason had served as Bentley's senior policy adviser since January. Mason, a former television news anchor in Bentley's hometown of Tuscaloosa, signed on as spokeswoman for the little-known legislator's longshot bid for governor in 2010. She worked as the governor's communications adviser before leaving to work on his 2014 re-election. ___ This story has been corrected to show Mason was no longer a news anchor when she joined Bentley's campaign. BRUSSELS Belgian authorities agreed on Thurday that Salah Abdeslam, a prime suspect in the Nov. 13 Paris attacks, can be extradited to France where he has promised to cooperate in the investigation into the attacks that killed 130 people. After his four-month flight from the law ended on March 18, Abdeslam officially confirmed that he will not fight his transfer back to Paris. The transfer is authorized, a statement from the state prosecutors office said. Abdeslams lawyer, Cedric Moisse, said that is client would like to cooperate with the French authorities. This is his will and this is the word he wants everybody to hear. Abdeslam is accused of helping to plan and execute the attacks in Paris on Nov. 13 that killed 130 people. After crossing back into Belgium the day after the attacks, he was Europes No. 1 fugitive until Belgian authorities caught him, four days ahead of the Brussels attacks. Belgian and French authorities will now liaise on when and how the transfer could happen, which was unlikely to be pushed through immediately. It was unclear to what extent or whether Abdeslam would be needed in the investigation of the March 22 Brussels attacks which killed 32 people. In Paris, an official at the Paris prosecutor office said that Abdeslam, once transferred, will be immediately questioned by an anti-terrorist investigating judge and imprisoned. Over a week after the March 22 attacks, soldiers searched a wooded and residential area close to the French border. Federal prosecutors said the action is linked to the recent arrest in Paris of Reda Kriket, who is accused of participating in a terrorist group with plans for at least one imminent attack, possessing and transporting arms and explosives, and holding fake documents. Paris prosecutor Francois Molins said Kriket is believed to have traveled to Syria in 2014 and 2015 and made several trips between France and Belgium. At least three other people are in custody in the case in Belgium and the Netherlands. Brussels airport authorities say they are ready to resume flights from the bomb-damaged facility soon but not before the weekend. Belgiums civil aviation authority and the fire department have given their approvals to a reopening following testing on Tuesday, one week after the suicide bombings. Operating company Brussels Airport said in a statement Thursday that the airport is technically ready for a restart of passenger flights in the temporary infrastructure foreseen for check-in. Flights will resume once political approval to reopen is granted, but not before Friday evening. Due to the damage, the airport will be able to run only at 20 percent of normal capacity. BEIRUT Fresh from a major victory over Islamic State militants, Syrian President Bashar Assad on Wednesday expressed support for peace talks next month in Geneva but still firmly rejected the oppositions key demands. In an interview with Russian media, the embattled leader discussed his vision for eventual reconstruction from a devastating civil war and his desire to let Moscow, a key ally, maintain an indefinite military presence in Syria. Assads comments come just days after his forces drove Islamic State extremists out of Palmyra. Seizing the archaeologically rich city was a big success for his government and its foreign military backers, most notably Russia, which bombed the militants in the desert city. In his remarks, Assad appeared buoyed by that battlefield win, strongly dismissing as illogical and unconstitutional the idea of forming a transitional government to end a civil war that has killed more than 250,000 people, displaced millions and fueled the rise of Islamic State. The Syrian opposition at the Geneva peace talks, an umbrella body known as the High Negotiations Committee, has called for creating a transitional government that has no role for Assad a proposition that now seems even less likely. There is nothing, neither in the Syrian constitution nor in any other constitution in the world, called a transitional body, Assad was quoted as saying in the interview with Russias state-owned Sputnik news agency. He instead repeated his desire for forming a unity government with opposition members, independents and current government officials. The opposition members swiftly rejected that idea. The government, whether its new or old, as long as it is in the presence of Bashar al-Assad, is not part of the political process, George Sabra, an opposition negotiator at the talks, told the Reuters news agency. PANJWAI, Afghanistan At first glance, it is not much of a library: two shelves of about 1,600 books and magazines in a basement room deep into a dusty alley of adobe homes in rural Panjwai District, in southern Afghanistan. The mattresses and blankets stacked in the corner still give the vibe of the guest quarters the room once was. But the register shows how parts of the community here, particularly younger residents, have come to value any chance to indulge their curiosity, in a place that was at the heart of the original Taliban uprising in the 1990s and became a watchword for the tragedy and deprivation brought by war. Hassanullah, 18, checked out General History. Muhammad Rahim, 27, came for The Fires of Hell, which he returned the next day; it was soon borrowed by a 12-year-old named Nabi. Taher Agha, 15, preferred Of Love and the Beloved, keeping it for 10 days. Another young man, about to marry, called ahead to make sure there was a copy of Homemaking. He rode his bicycle 6 miles to pick it up. The library here in Panjwai is largely the work of Matiullah Wesa, a 22-year-old student from Kandahar who is in India finishing a degree in political science. For about eight years, the Pen Path, the volunteer organization that Wesa started as a teenager, has been working to reopen schools closed because of violence and to bring books to some of the worst-affected conflict areas. After opening in January, the Panjwai library had about 24 visitors in its first month, said Muhammad Nasim Haidary, who looks after the library and whose family houses it. But the interest of a couple of female readers, who approached women in the Haidary family about their interest in the books, has caused a small dilemma in a society that frowns upon even sharing the names of women in public: How can the library keep track of who took the books out if it cannot write the womens names? One proposal was to use pseudonyms for the women instead of writing their real names in the register, but that would create another problem: How would poor Haidary remember which pseudonym belongs to whom? (BEGIN OPTIONAL TRIM.) The fighting over the past 14 years has disproportionately affected the southern and eastern parts of Afghanistan, and Kandahar province, which includes Panjwai, has been among the hardest hit. As district after district changed hands back and forth between the Taliban and the Afghan government and its U.S. allies, survival became the priority. Education, which had always been scarce here, fell to the bottom of the list, and in many places schools have remained closed even after the insurgents were pushed out. Pervasive corruption has also had an effect, with many of the schools listed on government budgets not actually functioning at all ghost schools set up to allow officials to gobble up development aid without delivering any services. The problem is that so much of the effort has focused on the cities, Wesa said during a visit to Panjwai last month. We have to start from the village. If this library was in the city, we would have 100 visitors a day. But to me, the five visitors in the village are more important than the 100 in the city. Wesas organization began a national book drive last year, collecting about 20,000 books in a campaign that focused on social media. The competition for social status runs deep in this country, and Wesa banked on that to encourage contributions. Even the smallest donation of just a couple of books was celebrated online, with a picture of the donor and a word of gratitude. The books have helped establish seven modest libraries in provinces with a reputation for some of the worst violence of the war: Helmand, Kandahar, Khost, Kunar and Wardak. To Westerners, Panjwai, about an hours drive from the city of Kandahar, is most closely associated with a gruesome atrocity: the massacre of 16 civilians by a U.S. Army sergeant who walked off his base before dawn one morning in March 2012. But for the residents, the place turned to hell years before that. Panjwai was like a bakery oven: You burned if you entered, Haidary said. If you said you were from Panjwai, people would get scared of you. Recently, though, the district has been relatively quiet. Even as the Taliban exert pressure in neighboring provinces, gobbling territory, the reach of government has been maintained in Kandahar, though it has often been disappointing or abusive. A few years ago, I dont think I would have agreed to house a library here, said Hazrat-Wali Haidary, the eldest son of the family hosting the library, who is training to be a doctor. Everyone was suspicious of everything, and I wouldnt have wanted to welcome trouble. But now, relative to other places, it is peaceful here over the past three years, and there is an atmosphere for the people to turn to education and books. (END OPTIONAL TRIM.) Wesas journey into education activism began in his home district, Maruf, which is now contested by the Taliban. His father opened one of the first schools there, before violence forced their family to relocate to Spinbaldak, a border commercial hub. But the seed had already been planted. Wesa, one of 11 children, continued accumulating books for a family library they brought with them when they moved. Every time he got his hands on money, we would see him returning with more books, said his older brother, Wali Muhammad, an army officer. The family library in Spinbaldak, which is now open to the public as part of Wesas volunteer organization, has nearly 4,000 books organized on neat metal shelves. In the middle of the carpeted room is a gas heater for winter reading and an ashtray and a spittoon for those who may need a smoke or a pinch of smokeless tobacco. The circulation at the Spinbaldak library runs largely on an honor system. Bookkeeping is minimal, partly because another brother of Wesas, who is the librarys caretaker, Atta Muhammad, has only very basic literacy. If it is a person I know well, I just write down the number of books he took, not the details of all the books, Atta Muhammad said. When the books are not returned on time, Atta Muhammad finds himself making phone calls or visiting the borrowers homes. Despite his efforts, several dozen books have been lost, most of them never returned after being checked out. Wesa plans to open several other small libraries in the coming year and to expand the book drive to a more organized network of volunteers across the country. How far he is willing to go to promote reading was best displayed in a recent conversation he had with a wealthy businessman in eastern Afghanistan. The man made an offer: He would donate 20,000 books to a library in his part of the country, on the condition that it be named for his father. In his excitement, Wesa cared little about cultural taboos and what is socially acceptable in giving his answer: I told him I would even name it after his mother whatever it takes to get the books. A man suffered a severe leg injury Wednesday when he was struck by a vehicle in Fullerton as he was exiting his car, police said. A woman in her 50s was driving west in the 2100 block of Valencia Drive shortly after 6:10 p.m., when she veered into a nearby parked car, said Fullerton police Lt. Mike Chocek. She struck the car and a man in his 60s getting out the vehicle. He was hit in the leg and taken to UCI Medical Center. His injuries were not considered life-threatening, Chocek said. The driver was taken to Placentia-Linda Hospital with complaints of pain. The cause of the crash is under investigation. Seven people who leveled sexual abuse allegations against clergy including one priest who spent time in Orange County settled lawsuits against the Boston Archdiocese this week for $778,500. Richard T. Coughlin, a now-defrocked priest who ran the All-American Boys Chorus in Costa Mesa, is among the ex-clergy named in the lawsuits settled this week. Coughlin came from Boston to the Diocese of Orange in 1965. He was suspended in 1993 after at least six people from Southern California accused him of sexual abuse. Lawsuits against Coughlin have resulted in more than $3 million in settlements. Accusers in Boston and New Hampshire alleged they were abused by Coughlin before he transfered to the West Coast decades ago. Beside founding the chorus, he was a priest at St. Michael Norbertine Seminary in Orange and St. Anthony Claret in Anaheim. Coughlin was suspended from the priesthood. Attorney Mitchell Garabedian said Wednesday a now 68-year-old Boston man accused Coughlin of sexual misconduct in one of the cases settled this week. The man alleged Coughlin abused him from 1957 to 1962 in two cottages and a hotel room. GENEVA U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday exhorted countries around the world to step up to their responsibilities and take in half a million Syrian refugees, rebuking political leaders who he said had instead resorted to demonizing asylum seekers. Opening a one-day ministerial conference in Geneva convened by the U.N. refugee agency, Ban called for an exponential increase in global solidarity in urging countries to accept about 480,000 Syrians over the next three years. Neighboring countries have done far more than their share, Ban said, alluding to the nearly 5 million refugees received by Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq. Others must now step up. Demonizing refugees and migrants was not only demeaning, offensive and counterproductive but factually wrong, Ban said, emphasizing the skills and other resources they brought to host countries. I call on leaders to counter fearmongering with reassurance, and to fight inaccurate information with the truth. The 480,000 Syrian refugees amount to about 10 percent of those registered in surrounding countries. Counting pledges to resettle 179,000 refugees the U.N. refugee agency has received since 2013, that meant it was looking for commitments to take an additional 300,000 people. That target proved far beyond the scope of the meeting. Bans appeal elicited many pledges of support and solidarity, but adding up the commitments made Wednesday, Filippo Grandi, head of the refugee agency, said the meeting had raised the number of places pledged for Syrians by some 6,000, although other promises could open the way for tens of thousands more. U.N. officials had expected little else, stressing the Geneva meeting marked the start of a longer-term process aimed at recalibrating the global response to a crisis that has generated the highest levels of displacement since World WarII. Within all the gloom and doom of Syria it was a positive meeting; I come out of it with a lot of confidence, said Volker Turk, assistant high commissioner of the refugee agency. It has generated a positive momentum for the year. Still, the studiously general comments that ministers and officials delivered underscored the gap between the humanitarian needs in what Ban called the greatest refugee crisis since 1945 and what governments were prepared to offer. International donors meeting in London in February had pledged $12 billion in humanitarian aid for Syrian refugees and the countries receiving them, but Grandi said less than half the funds had been allocated so far, calling for speedier disbursement. Much more is needed, Grandi told the meeting. European Union countries had not shown the required solidarity to share the resettlement of refugees, he said. We cannot respond to a global refugee crisis by closing doors and building fences. More than 1 million migrants reached European shores last year. Orange Countys jail population decreased substantially last year, mirroring a statewide dip in the number of inmates, which a study released Wednesday said is the result of a controversial California law. The Public Policy Institute of Californias study found that Proposition 47 a 2014 voter-approved measure that reduced some felony theft and drug offenses to misdemeanors in order to lower inmate populations was successful in its aim, reducing the number of county-held inmates statewide by nearly 9 percent. Orange County jails saw an even more substantial decrease. The countys average daily inmate population dropped 15 percent last year from 6,805 in 2014 to 5,755, according to the Sheriffs Department. That decline follows three years when county jails faced capacity concerns, after another state law, AB109, shifted some state prisoners to the supervision of county agencies. We had been stretched to the seams with AB109, Orange County Assistant Sheriff Steve Kea said. We literally added beds to Theo Lacy (jail), to the womens jail, and we were looking to do that in a couple other housing units before Prop. 47 hit. What we saw in Prop. 47 was a greater reduction in the minor offenders that we dont see as frequently now. It definitely gave us some breathing room, Kea said. Wednesdays study found that Prop. 47 reduced inmate populations by making it significantly less likely that low-level offenders would be booked upon arrest, jailed in advance of pretrial hearings, convicted or sentenced to lengthy jail stays. Combined, all those changes cut by half the number of inmates being held or serving time in county jails for Prop. 47 offenses. The study examined jails and justice systems in 13 California counties, including Orange. The research aligns with what police in Orange County have reported seeing at ground level, where officers said they are more likely to cite and release some misdemeanor offenders than book them into the county lockup. The low-level crimes reclassified to misdemeanors under Prop 47 include theft of less than $950 in goods and possession of small amounts of methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin. Crime rose 23 percent in Orange County last year, according to an Orange County Register analysis. Many local police officials blame the surge on Prop. 47, saying it makes it difficult to keep drug addicts and other low-level offenders locked up, leaving them on the streets to repeat the same crimes and steal to feed their addictions. Some criminologists say that link is not supported by research and warn that police have a history of attacking legislation they oppose before proper analysis has been conducted. Kea said the demographic changes in county jails caused both by the reduction in low-level offenders and the shift in state prisoners to county control have altered elements of how the jail system operates. That includes having fewer low-threat inmates to man kitchens and community work crews, allowing the county to shuffle around inmates while fixing up portions of the jails, and cutting back on a program that sentenced some misdemeanor offenders to wear GPS ankle bracelets rather than serve time in jail. Despite the recent drop in jail population, the Orange County sheriffs deputies union alleges that county jails were understaffed in January when three inmates escaped from Central Mens Jail in Santa Ana. The union sued Sheriff Sandra Hutchens and the department in February, saying that staff reductions, unsafe jail conditions and operational missteps allowed the inmates to escape. Contact the writer: jgraham@ocregister.com or 714-796-7960 HONG KONG The Apple iPhone transformed the technology industry by popularizing the smartphone and blazing a path to a mobile future. But to do it, the American gadget company needed an important ally: a penny-pinching Taiwan-based factory operator named Foxconn. Using vast facilities in mainland China employing hundreds of thousands of workers, Foxconn figured out a way to assemble the iPhone at a cost low enough that middle-class Americans could afford it. The business offered low profit margins, but the work buffed Foxconns financial results and cemented its status as the worlds largest maker of hardware for companies like Apple and Sony. Those relationships are now shifting and Foxconn is betting heavily to keep up. Foxconn said on Wednesday it had struck a deal to acquire control of Japanese screen maker Sharp for $3.5 billion, after weeks of negotiations and high-profile setbacks. The deal, for a 66 percent stake in Sharp, is intended to make Foxconn a more attractive partner for Apple. The American technology company uses Sharp screens, which could give Foxconn added attractiveness and leverage in dealings between the two. The Sharp purchase will saddle Foxconn with an ailing business that will take considerable money and effort to turn around, some analysts say. Reflecting those problems, the purchase price is $2 billion lower than a deal the two sides struck just last month, after Sharp disclosed the potential for costly problems totaling nearly $3 billion in potential liabilities down the road. But Apple has been diversifying its supply chain, giving some production contracts to other assemblers and component makers. And Foxconn is grappling with Chinas rising labor costs and a slowdown in the global smartphone market. The deal highlights the huge pressure that the industrys shifting dynamics are placing on Foxconn. On the one hand, you can see why Foxconn is trying to do it. Its not clear the economics make sense, but its that they need to control more and more of the supply chain, said Willy Shih, a professor at Harvard Business School. He noted that Apple might soon switch to screens made by other producers. The deal follows months of dramatic back-and-forth talks about the terms, including the surprise disclosure last month of billions of dollars worth of potential problems on Sharps books. Acknowledging Sharps poor performance, Terry Gou, Foxconns founder and chairman, said in the news release that he was confident that we will unlock Sharps true potential. The deal is a return to form for Foxconn formally known as Hon Hai Precision Industry in its emphasis on scale. The company has been looking in recent years for ways to further cut costs, including investment in automation. It has also expanded into businesses potentially more lucrative than grunt-work manufacturing, opening factories producing new technology like batteries for electric cars. It even created incubators to help hardware startups. Foxconn, most of whose factories are in China, is emblematic of the challenges facing the Chinese economy at large. Even while it tries to maintain the huge scale and efficiency of its production base, it is trying to climb the value chain to find new, more profitable streams of revenue. Near Beijing, Foxconn operates a hardware incubator called Innoconn, which helps startups with production management while looking for investment targets. Liu Haoyang, founder of Noitom, a company that makes motion-capture sensors and hardware, said Foxconn had approached his company when it was seeking crowdfunding for a sample product in 2014. Ultimately Foxconn gave Noitom advice, and it now helps Noitom produce, Liu said. They make parts of high complexity for us, he said. Average factories arent able to make this type of thing, never mind in small batches. Foxconn, founded in Taiwan as a maker of television knobs in 1974 by Gou, became a company with more than $100 billion in annual revenue by making things for other companies. Starting in the 1990s, as orders poured in to make personal computers, Gou built new and larger factories in China, culminating in the city-size Longhua plant in Shenzhen, near Hong Kong. At the Longhua complex, Foxconn coordinates more than 100,000 workers assembling gadgets including the iPhone in daily and nightly shifts, and the feeding, clothing and planning for the turnover of workers are gargantuan challenges. The company developed recreation facilities for the campus and designed a kitchen able to churn out the huge amounts of food necessary to feed tens of thousands of workers each day. A marvel of modern manufacturing, the Longhua plant is the most extreme example of Foxconns philosophy of maximizing efficiency through huge scale, though in some ways the Longhua plant has proved too large. It was there in 2010 that a series of worker suicides drew international scrutiny from workers rights groups and the news media. The company put nets on the sides of buildings to catch would-be jumpers. On many buildings the nets still sag today. Foxconns sales growth has slowed to single-digit percentages in the past two years from the double-digit growth it posted in the past, although profit growth has picked up recently, thanks in part to consumers buying bigger, more expensive phones with bigger screens. While Foxconns revenue has been padded by booming orders for less expensive Chinese-branded smartphones, increased competition from China-based suppliers has been a concern highlighted by analysts. Also, Apple has actively sought to diversify its supply chain, giving orders for iPhone assembly to Pegatron, another Taiwan-based contract manufacturer, which operates a huge factory near Shanghai. Foxconns previous takeovers of screen makers have not played out well. In 2010, Foxconn took over a Taiwan screen maker, Chimei Innolux, for nearly $10 billion; analysts say the acquisition has failed to produce the efficiencies and profitability hoped for. In Sharp, Foxconn picks up screen-making operations that have long been unprofitable and costlier than those of its rivals in China. Alberto Moel, an analyst at Sanford C. Bernstein, says that the Sharp acquisition would probably distract Foxconn from more important ventures, while also proving difficult to integrate and turn into a profitable business. Terry Gou is going to have to do some serious restructuring, spinouts, carve-outs, reduced head counts, centralizing things, and hell have to do it at a distance, across a sea with management he doesnt really control, Moel said. It wont be easy. President Obama has nominated District of Columbia Circuit Judge Merrick Garland to replace the late Justice Antonin Scalia on the Supreme Court. If confirmed, he could serve on the court for at least a decade and tip the balance in favor of the liberal bloc of justices who routinely side with government over employers. The consequences for the economy, and especially for small businesses, could be harsh and long-lasting. Thats why legal experts for the National Federation of Independent Business, the countrys leading advocate for small-business owners, have been pouring over his decisions, rulings and public statements related to hundreds of cases. After studying his record, NFIB found that Garland has sided overwhelmingly with regulators, labor unions, trial lawyers and environmental activists. Small employers have been almost always on the losing end of his decisions. For example, in NAHB v. EPA, Judge Garland in 2011 rejected a Regulatory Flexibility Act claim by the National Association of Home Builders against the Environmental Protection Agency. He did so despite the fact that the RFA is unambiguous. It requires certain agencies to analyze the effect of their actions on small employers. Thats an important protection for small businesses, who struggle with the costs of regulations. Theres little doubt that Judge Garland would defer to regulators as a Supreme Court Justice. In another case, Rancho Viejo, LLC v. Norton, in 2003, Garland argued that the federal government can regulate private property in California under the Constitutions Commerce Clause because of the presence of a unique species of toad. The Commerce Clause applies to interstate commerce. The toad wasnt part of any interstate commercial activity. Nevertheless, Garland twisted the Commerce Clause into a pretzel in order to rationalize federal regulation. On the Circuit Court, Judge Garland ruled in many cases involving the National Labor Relations Board. The NLRB is supposed to be a neutral arbiter of labor disputes. Often, however, it acts more as an agent of the labor unions. Garland ruled in two cases that, when employers are found guilty of violations, not only should their business assets be penalized but their personal assets as well. In fact, in 16 major labor decisions, Garland ruled in favor of the NLRB in all but one case. In that case he voted with the union. NFIB is a plaintiff in two very important cases that could land at the Supreme Court soon. It is challenging the EPA Waters of the U.S. rule, which would require local business owners to seek federal approval for even the smallest property improvements as long as there is water nearby. The EPA Power Plan rule is just as potentially damaging. It forces states to switch from coal as a source of electricity to more expensive alternatives. Even the EPA predicts it will significantly increase the cost of electricity. After examining his record, its a fair assumption that Judge Garland would readily side with the government in both of these major cases. Small business knows where he stands. NFIB is firmly opposed to this nominee. Tom Scott is California executive director for the National Federation of Independent Business. A man who authorities said escaped from an Orange County jail and walked out of a courtroom mid-trial is once again behind bars after being indicted in Nevada for alleged fraud tied to his guaranteed gambling system. Mark Georgantas, 53, is facing theft and securities-fraud charges with officials in the Nevada Attorney Generals Office accusing him of persuading at least two investors to collectively pay him more than $350,000 to fund a proven, guaranteed system to win money playing certain casino games, the indictment says. While authorities say Georgantas has spent the last several years in Nevada, he is no stranger to Orange County law enforcement. Georgantas first made headlines in 2003. While serving a one-year sentence at the minimum-security James A. Musick Facility near Irvine and Lake Forest, Georgantas and another inmate managed to escape from jail through a storm drain, police said. Georgantas convinced a friend to pick him up after his escape, police said, and then he took her car before being taken back into custody several hours after the escape. Several years later, Georgantas was in the midst of trial for new fraud and theft charges when he made a different high-profile run from the law. On March 3, 2009, as his trial was winding down, Georgantas asked a bailiff at the Santa Ana courthouse if he could use the restroom then never returned. After a courthouse search, Orange County Superior Court Judge John Conley ordered the trial to move forward without him. The jury convicted Georgantas after deliberating for less than a day. A little more than a week later, Georgantas was taken into custody in Chula Vista. His court escape ultimately earned him another felony charge for failing to appear in court. On Jan. 29, 2010, Georgantas was sentenced to three years and eight months in prison for the fraud and theft charges, and eight months in prison for the failing-to-appear charge. Because of time already served in jail, Georgantas only spent several more months behind bars. Nevada authorities allege that the latest scheme took place between July 2013 and March 2014. Georgantas is scheduled to appear in a Nevada courtroom on Monday. Contact the writer: semery@ocregister.com WASHINGTON Surgeons in Baltimore for the first time have transplanted organs between an HIV-positive donor and HIV-positive recipients, a long-awaited new option for patients with the AIDS virus whose kidneys or livers also are failing. Johns Hopkins University announced Wednesday that both recipients are recovering well after one received a kidney and the other a liver from a deceased donor organs that ordinarily would have been thrown away because of the HIV infection. Doctors in South Africa have reported successfully transplanting HIV-positive kidneys but Hopkins said the HIV-positive liver transplant is the first worldwide. Hopkins didnt identify its patients, but said the kidney recipient is recuperating at home and the liver recipient is expected to be discharged soon. This could mean a new chance at life, said Dr. Dorry Segev, a Hopkins transplant specialist who pushed for legislation lifting a 25-year U.S. ban on the approach and estimates that hundreds of HIV-positive patients may benefit. For patients who dont already have the AIDS virus, nothing changes they wouldnt be offered HIV-positive organs. Instead, the surgeries, performed earlier this month, are part of research to determine if HIV-to-HIV transplants really help. The reason: Modern anti-AIDS medications have turned HIV from a quick killer into a chronic disease meaning patients may live long enough to suffer organ failure, either because of the HIV or for some other reason. In the U.S., HIV-positive patients already are eligible to receive transplants from HIV-negative donors just like anyone else on the waiting list. That list is long for kidneys, more than 100,000 people are in line and thousands die waiting each year. Theres no count of how many of those waiting have HIV, but Segev said it increases the risk of death while waiting. If the new approach works, one hope is that it could free up space on the waiting list as HIV-positive patients take advantage of organs available only to them. Segev estimated that 300 to 500 would-be donors who are HIV-positive die each year, potentially enough kidneys and livers for 1,000 additional transplants. It increases the pool of potential organ donors and allows more people to be transplanted. Thats the advantage of this whole thing, but it is a research project so we are going to monitor it very carefully, said Dr. David Klassen of the United Network for Organ Sharing, which oversees the nations transplant system. Hopkins is the first hospital given permission for HIV-to-HIV transplant research. Two others Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia and Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York also are approved for studies, according to the UNOS. Segev helped spur a 2013 law the HIV Organ Policy Equity, or HOPE, Act that lifted a federal ban on any use of HIV-infected organs and paved the way for that research. UNOS says at least 1,376 people with HIV have undergone transplants using HIV-negative organs since 2005. Special expertise is required to coordinate both the anti-HIV medications and anti-rejection drugs those patients require, but large studies have shown that HIV patients fare well after transplant. Using an HIV-positive organ adds an extra concern: Transplant recipients are exposed to a second strain of the virus from the donor, explained Dr. Christine Durand, a Hopkins infectious disease specialist. Doctors have to consider what anti-AIDS medications the donor took to avoid introducing HIV drug resistance. Hopkins first HIV-to-HIV transplants were possible thanks to a deceased donor. The New England Organ Bank, which arranged for that donation, issued a statement from the unidentified womans family expressing gratitude that someone who fought HIVs stigma was able to donate and help others. But Segev said his team also is exploring how to safely attempt kidney transplants using living donors who have HIV. And advocates said its time for more people to ask about becoming organ donors. If you have considered donation but think that no one would want your organs, let the doctors decide that, said Morris Murray, an HIV-positive Maryland man who waited years before receiving an HIV-negative liver transplant in 2013. Tesla is getting ready for its biggest-ever unveiling: the Model 3, the $35,000 sedan designed to take electric cars mainstream. The company has been dropping hints about what to expect from a project that has been a decade in the making. Heres everything we know, as well as a few things well be watching a todays unveiling: Roomy, Like an Audi A4 The Model 3 will be about 20 percent smaller than the Model S, or roughly the size of an Audi A4, said Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk. The A4 is a five-seater that feels a bit roomier than some of its rivals in the compact luxury category. (The Model 3 will compete with BMWs 3 series in the class of entry luxury cars). Backseat riders might gain some leg room because an electric drive-train obviates the need for a transmission tunnel, the hump in the middle of the floor. Theres also no engine in an electric car, and Tesla likes to use that empty space for a frunkfront trunkfor extra storage. Will that feature survive in the smaller Model 3? Ready to Ride The Model 3 is now the companys top priority and is going to be probably the most profound car that we make, according to Musk. At tonights event, a working prototype will be ready onsite to take reporters for a quick spin, according to invitations sent out March 15. Musk had previously indicated he might not show the full car, which wont officially go on sale until late 2017. It will be interesting to see how finished the prototype is and determine how much is still being worked out. A Mini Model S? The biggest unknown about the Model 3 is its look. Will it have the distinctive oval front end of the Model S or the tight-lipped mouth of the Model X? What about those huge windshields? Tesla may have given a clue with the invitations, which feature pictures of the Model S, the Model X, and a silhouette in place of the Model 3. As some Tesla watchers have pointed out, the silhouette is a perfect match for the Model S. So was the image just a Photoshop trick, or will the Model 3 look very much like a shorter version of the Model S? When asked via e-mail if the company would like to clarify, a Tesla spokesperson simply replied: Ha. A Reservation for 3 Tesla reportedly already was taking reservations from employees looking to buy the Model 3 and offered the rest of us the same chance at its showrooms this morning, before the unveiling. Online reservations at the newly acquired domain Tesla.com begin at the start of the event8:30 p.m. West Coast time. Get in Line Even if Tesla late 2017 delivery goal is successfula big if, given the companys record of missing deadlinesit could still be a while before production ramps up. Whenever deliveries start, reservations from previous Tesla owners and those buying highly optioned versions of the car will be first in line. In other words, get those deposits in as soon as you can if you want a Model 3 in the near future. No Signature Series Unlike Teslas premium luxury cars, the Model 3 wont come in a souped-up Signature Series. Dont worry, though. The carmaker will still be happy to take your money for upgrades, possibly including a bigger battery, all-wheel drive, autopilot, and ludicrous speed. In February, Musk expressed regret over how a hefty $140,000 Signature Series price tag became associated with the Model X SUV before the rollout of the $80,000 base version. Tesla has been careful to brand the new Model 3 as a $35,000 car and will want to keep it that way, even if the average bill ends up closer to $50,000. Free Range Tesla promises a range of at least 200 miles per charge. If it offers the same 60 kilowatt hour lithium-ion battery pack planned for the 2017 Chevy Bolt, its range could beat that mile-marker considerably, based on the Model 3s small size and the performance of other, larger Teslas. Its even conceivable that Tesla could meet its 200-mile goal with a cheaper 50 kWh pack. On the flip side, upgrades could allow for batteries as big as the 90 kWh pack currently available on the Model S. There Will Only Be One (For Now) Despite some speculation to the contrary, only one car is to be unveiled today: the Model 3 sedan. Rumors circulated that Tesla might also announce a crossover vehicle, but the company says this event will focus exclusively on the Model 3. The Model 3s skateboard chassis will be used for additional models later, beginning with the popular crossover class, according to the company. (One person not likely to be seen at the Model 3 unveiling: Teslas former chief spokesman, Ricardo Reyes. He left the company just two weeks before the unveiling; neither Reyes nor the company has offered an explanation.) All-New Platform This will be Teslas third auto platform: the Roadster, the Model S and X, and now the Model 3. To make the Model 3 affordable and adaptable, Tesla had to start from the ground up. For better or worse, most of Model 3 has to be new, Chief Technology Officer JB Straubel said in October. Its a new battery architecture, its a new motor technology, brand new vehicle structure. Its a lot of work. Straubel, Musk, and Jason Wheeler, Telsas new chief financial officer, have stressed how much the Model 3 has been designed for ease of manufacturing in order to move quickly and cheaply into mass production numbers. Question: How much of the car will be made of lightweight aluminum vs. cheaper steel? About Those New Batteries The new batterys composition will particularly interest electric vehicle watchers because it accounts for a third of each cars price tag. Any significant improvements in cost or energy density could help push the entire industry forward. In a February earnings call, Musk assured investors that Teslas massive battery factory in Nevada is on schedule and will be producing both battery cells and finished packs by the end of this year. You shouldnt worry about the Gigafactory as a constraint, Musk said. At What Price? The basic Model 3 will cost $35,000 before government incentives, which in the U.S. range from $7,500 to more than $13,000, depending on the state. Teslas federal incentives will begin to phase out when the company reaches 200,000 in cumulative U.S. salesprobably in 2018, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. That could reduce the chance of anyone getting their hands on a Tesla for less than $30,000, as initial deliveries will be for pricier versions of the car. Expect Fewer Whistles In addition to being a slightly smaller version of the Model S, Musk said in Hong Kong in January, it wont have quite as many bells and whistles. Will the company keep its standard 17-inch dashboard touchscreen? Brake assist? Cupholders? What new tricks might Tesla have up its sleeve? New Factories, Coming Soon In addition to the flagship Fremont Factory in California, which the company has been building at a rapid clip, and the battery Gigafactory in Nevada, Tesla aims to open additional Model 3 factories in China and Europe as soon as 2018. Autonomous-Ready The Model 3 will probably come equipped with sensors for autonomous driving, even if Tesla will require additional fees to activate them. In January, Musk predicted that in 10 to 15 years, all new cars will be autonomous. He also said that roughly a third of people will forgo car ownership in favor of shared car services such as Uber, or the Tesla equivalent. Long Warranty The Model 3 will have a warranty similar to that for the Model S, including an eight-year, infinite-mile, transferable warranty on the battery pack and drive unit, Musk in August 2014. Thats important because Consumer Reports dinged the company last year for reports of excessive drivetrain problems. Dont Call It the Model III The cars logo may be three parallel bars, but dont call it the Model III, Musk told followers on Twitter. The bars should be horizontal, similar to the stylized E in the Tesla logo. Thats no mistake: Musk originally wanted to call it the Model E, which would spell out SEX with his full lineup of Model names. He had to settle for Model 3 because Ford wouldnt give up the trademark it owns. Reason for Skepticism The Model S is now the best-selling large luxury vehicle in the U.S. With the Model 3, Tesla will be competing in a much larger, better-established category. No matter how much some electric car enthusiasts care about reducing pollution, good intentions dont sell category-winning cars. The Model 3 will need to compete on its merits: drivability, reliability, safety, cost, convenience, comfort, and style. Tesla has a good record, but so does its new class of peers. LARNACA, Cyprus Seif Eldin Mustafa, the Egyptian man who grabbed the worlds attention by hijacking an EgyptAir flight and diverting it to Cyprus, has admitted his crimes to Cypriot investigators but insisted that he acted out of desperation, prosecutors said Wednesday during his first court appearance. Mustafa, 59, boarded EgyptAir Flight 181 on Tuesday, wore a fake explosives belt and demanded that the pilot take him to Cyprus, Turkey or Greece, prosecutors said. When the plane landed in Larnaca, on the southern coast of Cyprus, Mustafa made various demands, including that a letter be delivered to his former wife, a Cypriot citizen, they said. When someone hasnt seen his family for 24 years and wants to see his wife and children, and the Egyptian government wont let him, what is he supposed to do? Mustafa told the authorities, according to a statement by prosecutors. Prosecutors requested that Mustafa remain in detention, arguing that if freed he might try to influence the testimony of his passengers and relatives or might try to flee. The judge, Maria K. Loizou of Larnaca District Court, ordered that Mustafa remain in custody for eight more days. Egyptian authorities have formally requested the extradition of Mustafa, the countrys chief prosecutor said Wednesday. The hijacking Tuesday raised the specter of international terrorism and seemed to be another devastating blow for Egypt, which has been criticized for lax security at its airports. The mood turned to relief as Mustafa released most of the hostages, and the episode eventually gave way to dark humor, as officials characterized Mustafa as a lovelorn, if disturbed, man who insisted on seeing his former wife. A photograph showing him standing next to a grinning passenger spread rapidly on social media, contributing to the sense of levity. But as he appeared in court Wednesday, wearing a black jacket and looking confused and exhausted, with his hair matted and his hands shaking, nothing about the episode seemed funny to Mustafa or to the spectators. The charges prosecutors read out including piracy and violations of counterterrorism law carry life sentences. A woman who answered the door at the home of Mustafas former wife said that she did not want to comment on the allegations and directed inquiries to Mustafa. Cypriot news media reported that the couple had five children, including a daughter who died in a car crash, and that Mustafa lived in Cyprus until 1994. Oakley is accusing AM-PM convenience stores of selling knock-off sunglasses bearing a striking resemblance to Oakley glasses and says the stores are infringing on the eyewear makers intellectual property. In a lawsuit filed in federal court Tuesday, Foothills Ranch-based Oakley alleges that AM-PM sells sunglasses designed to look like Oakley glasses, violating seven patents filed by the sunglass company over a nine-year period with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The company is suing Treasure Franchise Company, which franchises ampms in California, Nevada and Arizona. Oakley and its iconic designs are well-known throughout the eyewear industry, and defendants eyewear model is a nearly identical copy of Oakleys design, Oakleys attorneys wrote in the complaint. Oakley is in a similar battle with La Palma-based BP West Coast Products, which also operates convenience stores. The lawsuit against BP West Coast Products involves the same patents. In its lawsuit against Treasure Franchise Company, Oakley asked that an injunction be placed on the company preventing it from selling Oakley-like glasses in the future. Oakely also wants a judge to order ampm to account for the money it made from the glasses and give it to Oakley. Treasure Franchise Companys parent company Tesoro Corporation did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday. Contact the writer: lwilliams@ocregister.com, 714-796-2286 IRVINE Clergy and community members of faiths across the board from Latter Day Saints to Judaism, to Islam and Zoroastrianism joined hands in a prayer vigil Wednesday afternoon in response to the Easter bombing in Pakistan. The vigil held in Orange Countys largest African American Church, Christ Our Redeemer AME united the countys Interfaith community, who condemned the event on one of Christianitys holiest days. Mixed with prayer and song, the crowd denounced the bombing that killed 70 people in a childrens park in Lahore. Easter is about hope as well as the deliverance from sin. Its a sin that took place in Pakistan, the Rev. Mark Whitlock of Christ Our Redeemer AME said. And we, as men and women of faith who believe in hope, must come together to condemn terrorism and violence. Whitlock and Farrah Khan of the Newport-Mesa Interfaith Council organized the prayer vigil to spread a message of unity in the face of violence. More than 100 gathered in an upper room to hear about a dozen faith leaders speak. Khan, who is Pakistani, said she remembered her happiness when Pakistan recently announced it would recognize the holy days of minority religions, such as the Christian holiday of Easter and Hindus festival of Holi. She also expressed her despair when she heard the news of the attack. The bombing happened near rides at a park filled with families and children. A faction of the Taliban took credit for the suicide attack. Although the bombing targeted Christians, the majority of those affected were Muslim. Its heartbreaking no matter how much violence, how much hatred we see in the world lets make a pledge we will not be contributors to that, said Haroon Manjlai, public affairs coordinator for the Council on American-Islamic Relations. Qamar Abbas Khokhar, deputy consul general of Pakistans Los Angeles consulate, said the message of unity is important. These are individuals that have nothing to do with the religion of Islam, he said. They are inhuman, extremists. All of us need to be united to fight them. Rabbi Frank Stern of Orange County Interfaith Network talked about the victims of recent attacks, such as in a restaurant in Paris or at the playground in Lahore. He said the public cant let terrorists keep them from pushing onward. We cant let the bullies of the world keep us from living ordinary lives, he said. Whitlock says the event could have happened anywhere. He mentioned that, following a KKK rally in Anaheim last month that resulted in a violent conflict with protesters, he has received threats. That which took place in Pakistan could have easily taken place here in Orange County, he said. Martin Luther King Jr. says if theres injustice anywhere, its a threat to justice everywhere. So the faith community comes and we deal with social justice in the face of social pain. On April 29, his church plans to hold a conference about keeping houses of worship safe. Author Cornel West, Supervisor Todd Spitzer and Sheriff Sandra Hutchens are scheduled to attend. Contact the writer: jclay@ocregister.com or 714-796-6910 The goal: find 20 awesome pizzas. I began this quest three years ago and vowed not to rest until I found 20 legitimately awesome pizzas. Not merely decent. Not merely good. Better than that. I asked a lot of smart people for recommendations. I followed up on reader suggestions. I combed through countless Yelp reviews. And I came to realize that most diners are blissfully happy eating mediocre pizza. I blame Dominos. Everyone wants pizza delivered, or else they want takeout. But heres the thing: The best pizza doesnt travel. Pizza needs to be eaten straight out of the oven. Nevertheless, companies like Dominos and Papa Johns have spent huge sums of money engineering crusts that can tolerate bouncing around in a cardboard box in the back of a Prius for 30 minutes and still taste the same as when they left the store. It was revealed last year that the United States military has created a pizza that can remain edible for three years. God bless them, but Ill pass. Youll notice this list skews heavily toward Neapolitan style. Thats not because I have a bias toward Naples, Italy, the birthplace of pizza and one of my favorite places to travel. OK, maybe just a little bias. More importantly, I admit to a bias against pizzas topped with barbecue sauce, hoisin sauce, fish sauce or any other weird toppings, like chicken. Otherwise, I genuinely enjoy New York-style pizza. I searched high and low for that and found what I think is the best. I love Chicago-style deep-dish and stuffed pizzas, too, so I happily tasted every version I could find from Placentia to Rancho Santa Margarita. Time and again, though, the best pizzas were those made by chefs who mostly practice the Old World traditions of Naples, using wood-fired ovens. So, after eating pizza about twice a month for three years plus several times a week for the past couple of months heres my list of the 20 best pizzas in Orange County. 1. TJs Woodfire Pizza: A brick-and-mortar opened last fall after the success of a very popular food truck, which is still used for catering and events. The pizza lineup includes authentic Neapolitan, New York, Sicilian and cracker-thin styles. Each is good in its own way, but the Neapolitans are best. Oven: Wood-fired Must-try pie: The Margherita pizza here is one of the best Neapolitan-style pies youll ever eat. The crust is perfectly blistered and charred, the burned bits are particularly delicious. The tomato sauce is light and bright. The cheese is soft and supple. But whats even better is customizing this pizza with prosciutto. Bar: Great draft beers. Limited but decent wine. Delivery: No Where: 641 Camino de los Mares, San Clemente; 949-243-6433, tjwoodfirepizza.com 2. Brick: Pork may be the star of David Pratts nose-to-tail kitchen, but a blazing hardwood fire is the restaurants heart and soul. The pizzas hew closely to Neapolitan traditions. All sausages are made in-house. Oven: Wood-fired Must-try pie: The Carne pizza is extraordinary, topped with Italian sausage, Calabrese salami, slow-roasted porchetta and crisp pork belly. The crust is absolute perfection. Drizzle it with Calabrian chili oil instead of chili flakes. Bar: Full bar. Fantastic Italian wines, with almost everything priced below $50. Delivery: No Where: 216 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente; 949-429-1199, brickpizzeria.com 3. Pizzeria Sapori: Sapori Ristorante opened its adjacent pizzeria last year. Chef and owner Sal Maniaci can now be seen most days manning the new pizza oven himself. Oven: Wood-fired Must-try pie: The marinara pizza is quintessential Neapolitan, made with nothing more than a great crust and great tomato sauce, leaving absolutely no room to hide. This pizza should definitely be on everyones bucket list. Bar: Full bar. Extensive Italian wine list. Delivery: No Where: 1080 Bayside Drive, Newport Beach; 949-644-4220, pizzeriasapori.com 4. Rances: Nobody in Orange County has perfected Chicago-style pizza better. Rances offers two competing styles reminiscent of Chicagos two biggest rivals. The stuffed pizza is as close to Giordanos as youll find, while the pan pizza is almost indistinguishable from the Original Ginos East. Oven: Traditional (In these reviews, traditional means a gas or elecrtic deck oven designed to bake pizza.) Must-try pie: Both styles are great, but the best is the house special pan pizza with sausage, jalapenos and olives. Bar: Beer and wine. Delivery: No Where: 1420 Baker St., Costa Mesa; 714-708-2143, rancespizza.com 5. Pizzeria Mozza: Los Angeles Nancy Silverton joined forces with New Yorks Mario Batali to create one of the most important pizzerias of all time. Mozzas dough doesnt taste like typical pizza crust. Its not modeled after Naples or New York or Rome or even L.A. Its got the unique snap-crackly crunch and tangy DNA of Silvertons famous sourdough. Its extremely puffy around the edges but micro-thin in the center. Mozzas fennel sausage set a standard for pizza across the country. Oven: Wood-fired Must-try pie: Although the fennel sausage is justly famous, the unsung hero is the Benno, a revelatory riff on Hawaiian pizza with shaved pineapple and Italian ham. No matter what you think about pineapple on pizza, just order it. Bar: Full bar. Extraordinary Italian wine list with many bottles under $50. Delivery: Yes, via Door Dash Where: 800 West Coast Highway, Newport Beach; 949-945-1126, pizzeriamozza.com 6. Stag Bar & Kitchen: The team behind Dory Deli recently took over and relaunched the historic Stag Bar, just around the corner, cannibalizing the old Stag Liquor Store and turning it into a small dining room and pizza kitchen with chefs Jeff Moore and Joseph Havlik at the helm. The pizzas are superb, made with fresh ingredients that suggest the chefs know their way around the local farmers markets. They originally tried making their own fresh mozzarella in-house, which didnt quite work but illustrates their commitment to taking pizza to another level. Oven: Traditional Must-try pie: The Hot and Bothered is a white pizza with mushrooms, jalapenos and olives. Itll be difficult to enjoy those same ingredients anywhere else after eating this. Bar: Full bar. Excellent mixology. Impressive whiskeys. No-nonsense beers. Limited but decent wine. Delivery: No Where: 121 McFadden Place, Newport Beach; 949-673-4470, stagbar.com 7. Jinnys Pizzeria: Jinnys recently took over the tiny food stall vacated by Noodle Tramp at Santa Anas 4th Street Market. Although it bills itself as California pizza with a dash of New York attitude, Id suggest the reverse is more accurate. Pizzas are served whole or by the slice. Oven: Traditional Must-try pie: The search for O.C.s best, most authentic New York-style pizza ends right here with Jinnys classic cheese pie. Jinnys does New York pizza better than most pizzerias in New York. Bar: Beer and wine available at an adjacent vendor. Delivery: No Where: 201 E. Fourth St., Santa Ana; 714-542-0281, jinnyspizzeria.com 8. Pizza e Vino: Steve Dickus instigated Orange Countys Neapolitan pizza revolution when he opened Pizza e Vino in 2008, the first restaurant in O.C. to receive the official seal of approval from the pizza council in Naples. Naturally, the Margherita here is textbook. Oven: Wood-fired Must-try pie: The guanciale pizza begins as a classic Margherita with San Marzano tomato sauce and mozzarella but is taken to the next level with guanciale (fatty pork jowl) and housemade fennel sausage. Runner up: burrata pizza with olive oil, roasted grape tomatoes and balsamic reduction. Bar: Nice selection of wines by the glass and bottle. Limited beer. Delivery: No Where: 31441 Santa Margarita Parkway, Rancho Santa Margarita; 949-713-1500, pizzaevino.net 9. Filomenas: This is a hidden gem, where chef Linda Englishs pizza has slowly evolved over the past couple of years. The crust reached perfection midway through 2015. Its hard to categorize the style, as its not quite New York, not quite sourdough, but rather a whole lot of goodness in between. Oven: Traditional Must-try pie: The pepperoni is so spicy its heavenly that it comes with a trigger warning from the staff. Bar: Very good selection of Italian wines. Standard beer. Delivery: No Where: 2400 Newport Blvd., Costa Mesa; 949-642-3810 10. Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria: Although the restaurant claims to be an authentic Neapolitan-style pizzeria, its not. Not even close. Thats just Disney marketing run amok. This place serves classic Italian-American cuisine. The thin-crust pizzas are indeed very good. Theyre just not true to the spirit of Naples as advertised. Its also important to note that the large pizzas are exponentially better than the small ones. Oven: Wood and gas combo Must-try pie: The large pepperoni is topped with a gazillion tiny slices of phenomenally delicious, slightly spicy salami. Bar: Full bar. Great selection of Italian wines. Delivery: No Where: Downtown Disney, 1550 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim; 714-776-6200, patinagroup.com 11. Il Dolce: This restaurant is a quaint family affair that helped galvanize O.C.s pizza awakening when it opened six years ago. Inexplicably, the dining room is frequently empty, which doesnt make sense because the pizzas are superb. Oven: Wood-fired Must-try pie: The nduja pizza is a full-throttle spin on Margherita, amped up with nduja, which is a soft, spreadable, almost liquid Italian sausage very similar to Mexican chorizo. Bar: Full bar. Decent wine selection. Standard beer. Delivery: No Where: 1902 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa; 949-200-9107, ildolceoc.com 12. Pitfire Artisan Pizza: This growing, Los-Angeles-based chain serves scratch-made pizzas that, while not exactly claiming any particular pedigree, show a strong resemblance to Neapolitan craftsmanship, mixed with a free-spirited California vibe. Oven: Wood and gas combo Must-try pie: While I generally do not enjoy pizzas topped with salad, the burrata pizza here is an absolute must. The burrata melts into a puddle of thick, gooey cream, which is then topped with arugula, pesto and toasted hazelnuts. It sounds weird, but its awesome. Bar: Full bar. Respectable beer and wine. Delivery: Yes, via ChowNow Where: 353 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa; 949-313-6333, pitfirepizza.com 13. Pirozzi: The Neapolitan-style pizzas that emerge from the massive hearth at Pirozzi will have you dreaming of Naples. Its no wonder youll hear so many diners speaking Italian. Oven: Wood-fired Must-try pie: The Margherita pizza San Marzano tomato sauce, sparse blobs of buffalo mozzarella, a few leaves of basil is meticulously true to the spirit of Napoli. Bar: Full bar. Extensive Italian wine selection. Delivery: No Where: 2929 East Coast Highway, Corona del Mar; 949-497-8222, pirozzicdm.com 14. Fuoco: When this Neapolitan-style pizzeria opened a couple years ago, the pizzas were watery and soggy. Thankfully thats been fixed, and theyre now consistently delicious and true to form. Oven: Wood-fired Must-try pie: Although you cant go wrong with the classic Margherita or extra-spicy Diavola, the best of the lot is the marinara pizza, which is garnished with a handful of garlic, a few cherry tomatoes and a hearty glug of olive oil. Bar: Decent beer and wine. Delivery: No Where: 101 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton; 714-626-0727, fuocopizza.com 15. North Italia: This Arizona-based mini-chain is one of the sexiest Italian restaurants to open in O.C. in years, with a modern, airy, indoor-outdoor vibe and a fantastic pizza program that walks a fine line between modern Cali and vintage Naples. Oven: Traditional Must-try pie: The Pig is loaded with soppressata, spicy pepperoni and Italian sausage, with a perfectly salted, crisp crust. Bar: Full bar. Decent selection of wine by the glass, terzo and bottle. Delivery: No Where: 2957 Michelson Drive, Irvine; 949-629-7060, northitaliarestaurant.com 16. Ecco Pizza Shoppe: Ecco adheres to a lot of the tenets of authentic Neapolitan pizza, but theres a uniquely crispy, crackery quality to the crust that sets it apart from anywhere else and keeps it just outside the mainstream conceit of Naples. Oven: Wood-fired Must-try pie: A lot of pizzerias make something called Diavola, and this is the one you need to know about, topped with fresh chilies, thinly shaved Calabrese salami and a drizzle of chili oil. Bar: Full bar outside on the patio, geared more toward liquor than wine Delivery: No Where: Packing House, 440 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim; 714-817-7323, anaheimpackingdistrict.com/merchants/ecco 17. Settebello: Crystal Coves Settebello has also been given the seal of approval by Italys Neapolitan pizza police. The flour comes from Italy. The sausages, from marquee Italian brands. Its practically impossible to have a bad pizza here. Oven: Wood-fired Must-try pie: The carbonara pizza is a surprising discovery. A twist on pasta carbonara, the brunch-friendly pizza is topped with eggs, pancetta and black pepper. Prepare yourself for the unexpected. Its almost like quiche, and it is strangely sublime. Otherwise, go for the Vico, a white pizza with sausage. Bar: Full bar. Extensive wine selection. Delivery: No Where: Crystal Cove Shops, 7864 East Coast Highway, Newport Beach; 949-715-2072, settebello.net 18. Als New York Cafe: The name cafe gives the wrong impression. Theres an unsettlingly authentic New York vibe to this shoebox-sized dive with only a couple of wobbly tables and a few stools awkwardly positioned against a counter overlooking the kitchen. Theres almost always someone smoking just outside the open doorway. Most people get their pizza to go, but I urge you to stake out one of those stools. Youll want to eat this New York-style pizza straight out of the oven. Oven: Traditional Must-try pie: The pepperoni pizza has a perfectly foldable thin crust. It comes out of the oven covered with a slick, glossy sheen of pepperoni grease, and a delightful crispness to the crusts outer edge. This is what Dominos dreams of being but never will be. Bar: No Delivery: Yes Where: 1673 Irvine Ave., Costa Mesa; 949-722-1212, alsnewyorkcafe.com 19. Pizzeria Ortica: Pizzeria Ortica was another of O.C.s first-wave Napolitanas and continues to be one of the best despite a controversial own-ership shakeup three years ago. Orticas pizza dough is descendent of a 300-year-old starter from Naples. Chef Justin Miller and his team make most of their own sausages in-house. Oven: Wood-fired Must-try pie: The Margherita is exemplary, but the pizza that best encapsulates Orticas personality is the Milanesa, topped with fontina, mascarpone, Parmesan and asparagus, along with a slightly runny fried egg and a generous splash of olive oil. Bar: Superb Italian wines. Impressive beer. Classic cocktails. Delivery: No Where: 650 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa; 714-445-4900, pizzeriaortica.com 20. Angelinas Pizzeria Napolitana: This cramped and boisterous pizzeria in Dana Point is one of the areas newest champions of Neapolitan cooking. It recently launched a second location in Irvine (not yet sampled). Oven: Wood-fired Must-try pie: Margherita D.O.C. (Denominazione di Origine Controllata is an Italian certification of quality and authenticity.) Even in Naples, every pizza is slightly different, each owing its popularity to one ingredient or the other. Here, its the sauce, which is gloriously bright and uncomplicated yet surprisingly soulful. Bar: Limited but decent beer and wine Delivery: Yes Where: 32860 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point; 949-427-1834, angelinaspizzeria.com Contact the writer: bajohnson@ocregister.com Also on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram Oren Staine, a truck driver for a plumbing supply company, heads from Los Angeles to Orange County several times a week. Hajoca, the company he works for, offers profit sharing, so when gas prices are low, he comes out ahead. If we use cheap gas, it benefits us, said Staine, 27, who stopped at a Chevron in Santa Ana on Tuesday, where the average price of regular gasoline was $2.89 a gallon. On Wednesday, the Orange County average hit $2.87, a 35 cent increase from a month ago. But it was 35 cents below this time last year. Low prices give people an extra $20 or $30 in (the) family budget per week or per month and for some that will make a difference and we will see increased travel, said Marie Montgomery, spokeswoman for the Automobile Club of Southern California. GasBuddy petroleum analyst Allison Mac agreed. A lot of people make travel plans based on money, Mac said. Since prices are so much lower than where we were last year, it will help people hit the road. Still, gas prices 82 cents above the national average are a pain in the wallet. Its hard. I travel to West Covina from here, said Thomas Rubalcava, a 34-year-old Santa Ana resident who logs about 70 miles on his daily, round-trip work commute. He now spends about $64 a week on gas. At times last year, that was closer to $80. Retiree Doug Gillen of Santa Ana figured gas prices are just part of the cost of living and doing business here. Public transportation in Southern California is weak, said Gillen, 69. With prices lower this year, however, hes planning a trip to Los Angeles next week to tour museums with his wife. SUMMER PRICES Gas prices normally rise this time of year as California gas stations switch from the winter to summer blend of gasoline. All stations must switch to the summer blend by April 1. The mix reacts better in higher temperatures but costs roughly 10 cents a gallon more to make. The low gas prices seen in February were the result of gas stations trying to get rid of the winter blend. As refineries change over from the winter to summer blend of gasoline, problems often arise. This year, California refineries escaped any major issues and rapid price increases, Mac said. Prices will continue to increase, but at a very steady pace, Mac said. It will continue to increase because of demand and the more expensive fuel. Prices will increase maybe a penny a day unless something drastic happens with imports, refinery issues or crude oil prices. EXXONMOBIL Last year, gas prices started to climb after an explosion shut down an ExxonMobil refinery in Torrance in February. Prices hit $3.51 in March. The ExxonMobil refinery, which produces roughly 10 percent of Californias gasoline, should be up this summer, which Mac said will help with prices. At the moment, California is importing some of its gasoline. When the ExxonMobil refinery opens, the dependence on imports will be less, said Montgomery, who believes prices will remain lower than last year. Unless something happens to drive them up. Contact the writer: hmadans@ocregister.com or Twitter: @HannahMadans Youll just have to visit Oles Tavern and Cafe Mimosa to decide for yourself which of San Clementes bartenders has produced the best-tasting original drink of 2016. Thats because a judging panel and a public vote picked different winners at the San Clemente Chamber of Commerces 12th annual mixologist competition, held March 24 at Big Helyns Saloon. The judges gave their nod to Classic Bistro created by Antoine Price, owner of Cafe Mimosa at 243 Avenida Del Mar. A Peoples Choice vote among a merry throng of imbibers at the event gave its tip of the hat to Tiki T-Street, a cocktail dreamed up by bartender Yvonne Kimball of Oles Tavern, 127 S. El Camino Real. The mixologist competition drew seven entries from local businesses. It is the first in a series of public celebrations that the Chamber of Commerce will sponsor this year. The biggest, every year, is the San Clemente Fiesta Music Festival, set for Aug. 14 along Avenida Del Mar. The chambers other big events include the Oct. 2 San Clemente Seafest at the San Clemente Pier and the Nov. 4 Taste of San Clemente at Casino San Clemente. Next up on the calendar, the chamber will team up with Left Coast Brewing Co. on April 23 to host the sixth annual San Clemente Micro-Brew Festival. Tickets are available for the 1 to 5 p.m. brewfest, expecting beers from more than 15 Southern California craft breweries. Left Coast, at 1245 Puerta del Sol, San Clemente, will host the event, which raises money to help the chamber fund outreach events in support of San Clementes adopted Marine Corps units at Camp Pendleton. Festival admission is $35 if pre-ordered by noon the day before, or $40 at the door. Its good for 12 tastings ($2 apiece thereafter), a commemorative tasting cup and live music. Eats will be available from food trucks. VIP admission, at $45, includes early entry at noon, a brewery tour and tastings of limited-edition brews. For more about any of these events, call the chamber at 949-492-1131 or visit scchamber.com. Contact the writer: fswegles@ocregister.com or 949-492-5127 MISSION VIEJO Just like the sprouting of flowers in the spring, campaign signs that pop up across town signal the arrival of election season. While most Orange County cities prohibit political signs on public property, Mission Viejo is taking a different stance, hoping to alleviate the burden of removing illegal signage. The city recently adopted a policy to allow political candidates to post campaign signs at 27 major intersections for 45 days before each election including the upcoming presidential primary on June 7. Signs can be posted on the grass or in landscaping areas owned by the city. Most cities in California ban campaign signs in the public right-of-way, said Jim Nygren, a campaign consultant with clients in Orange County, but the signs proliferate anyway. Those in favor of Mission Viejos new policy are hoping it will relieve city staff from the burden of monitoring and removing illegally placed signs. But opponents say loosening restrictions will create sign clutter. The hope is to become a city that regulates where (signs) go, said Councilman Ed Sachs, not what they say, but how long they are there and whos responsible for picking them up. The council voted 3-2 in favor of the policy on March 22, with Mayor Pro Tem Wendy Bucknum and Councilwoman Cathy Schlicht voting against it. Bucknum said allowing any temporary signs on public properties will create a clutter of signs. Even candidates from out of town may place their campaign signs in Mission Viejo, she said. I think we are going to be in for one hell of a mess, Bucknum said. I think its going to be very bad for our city. I think that we as candidates have the responsibility to network with private property owners and do our best. Mission Viejo had prohibited the placement of any signs in the public right-of-way, requiring city employees or landscape contractors to remove illegally placed signs, according to a city staff report. The removed signs were not returned to the owners. This can be wasteful and expensive, and at the same time involves significant city resources to fairly monitor and enforce sign violations, the staff report states. Upon request from the council, staff drafted a policy to allow temporary signs at designated intersections across the city. Candidates, or anyone who pays a $240 deposit, can post signs for 45 days before any government agency election. They must remove the signs within five days after the election. The deposit, which may be waived if candidates can prove they cant afford it, will be returned as long as signs are posted and removed properly, city officials said. City Attorney William Curley said any temporary signage, not just campaign signs, are permitted at these locations. The U.S. Supreme Court in 2015 ruled that the government cannot treat certain temporary signs differently than others based on their message. The city of Lake Forest in 2014 adopted a policy similar to Mission Viejos, allowing the placement of campaign signs in the public right-of-way under certain conditions. But the Lake Forest City Council on March 15 decided to repeal that policy to comply with the U.S. Supreme Court ruling. Although theres no limit to the number of signs allowed in Mission Viejo, they must not exceed 4 square feet in size or 4 feet in height. Signs cannot be posted on medians or slopes or attached to any utility property such as fire hydrants or traffic signs. The new policy doesnt affect signs on private property, where candidates are allowed to post signs as long as they get owner consent. Brett Barbre, a campaign consultant based in Orange County, said opening up the public right-of-way for campaign signs helps protect freedom of speech. I think its a good thing, Barbre said. A big part of running your campaign is getting your message out. Contact the writer: 949-445-6397 or tshimura@ocregister.com Wasnt Social Security, enacted in 1935, supposed to secure workers retirements? Yet Monday, the California Secure Choice Board recommended that the state Legislature set up 401(k)-style retirement plans for private-sector workers whose companies dont offer them. The action stems from a 2012 law, Senate Bill 1234 by state Sen. Kevin de Leon, D-Los Angeles, now the Senate leader. The San Francisco Chronicle reported, He will put the boards recommendation into a bill that he hopes will get to the governors desk by July. Depending on what the Legislature enacts, the bill would mandate that companies with at least five employees withdraw 2 percent to 5 percent of workers pay to be put into the retirement funds. However, employees could contribute more, or opt out entirely. The contributions would be on top of the combined 15.3 percent of pay that goes for both the employer and employee portions of the federal Social Security and Medicare programs. The plans will not be nearly as generous as those for state and local public employees in California, which can amount to 90 percent of final pay, starting as early as age 50. And proponents of the new plans say taxpayers will not be on the hook because the private employees money will be invested in private equities. But what if the funds tank during a recession? With voters screaming that they paid in to their plans their whole lives but got ripped off by Wall Street, will legislators a decade or two hence be tempted once again to tap the taxpayers? Then theres the meddling problem. Already, the California Public Employees Retirement System and the California State Teachers Retirement System engage in social investing, such as shunning shares of coal and tobacco companies, sometimes to the detriment of fund earnings. Will the same happen to the new state retirement funds? Private employees already have 401(k) and other investment vehicles to choose from without assistance from the state government. This is just another meddling program in which the state government, itself dysfunctional, treats us like wayward children. Frustrated Republicans grappled with new fears about Donald Trumps impact on their party Wednesday, as the billionaire businessmans campaign rivals targeted his punitive plan for fighting abortion and extraordinary defense of his campaign manager who police say assaulted a female reporter. Concern rippled through Republican circles nationwide, yet few dared criticize the GOP front-runner directly when pressed, leery of confronting the man who may well lead their election ticket in November. Their silence underscored the deep worries plaguing the partys leaders particularly its most prominent women who are growing increasingly concerned that a Trump presidential nomination could not only cost the 2016 election but also tarnish the party brand for a generation of women and young people. A nominee who cannot speak to women cannot win, said New Hampshire party chairwoman Jennifer Horn, though declining to rebuke Trump by name. Trump added to his challenge when asked to explain his prescription to fight abortion, a subject that remains highly controversial decades after the Supreme Court legalized it. He told MSNBC during the taping of a town hall-style event in Wisconsin that abortions should be banned and, if they are, women who get them should receive some form of punishment. That sparked an immediate backlash from both sides of the debate, and Trumps campaign quickly backtracked, releasing a statement that sought to take back his words. It said that only those who perform abortions would be held legally responsible, not the woman. The woman is a victim in this case as is the life in her womb, the new Trump statement said. The abortion comments came as Trump questioned the findings of Jupiter, Fla., police, who charged his closest political adviser, Corey Lewandowski, with misdemeanor battery on Tuesday after examining surveillance video of an incident, in which a reporter said she was grabbed and shoved. The police report said the womans arm revealed bruising from what appeared to be several finger marks indicating a grabbing-type injury. I dont know who created those bruises, Trump said Wednesday. The Republican front-runner suggested his campaign manager was simply trying to protect him from Michelle Fields, a reporter for Breitbart News at the time, who was trying to ask him a question after a March 8 campaign appearance. Shes got a pen in her arm which shes not supposed to have and it shows that shes a very aggressive person whos grabbing at me and touching me, Trump said. Maybe I should file charges against her. As Trump assailed Fields from a television studio, Republican rival Ted Cruz surrounded himself with women as he courted Wisconsin voters ahead of the states high-stakes primary next Tuesday. Cruz leads the state by 9 points among likely voters, according to a Marquette University Law School poll released Wednesday. Cruz campaigned in Madison with his wife, mother, two daughters and even their nanny in what he called a celebration of women. Were here because we love our families, Cruz declared, declining to repeat his harsh criticism of Trump from the day before. Women are not a special interest. Women are a majority of the United State of America. And every issue is a womens issue. Women favored President Barrack Obama by 11 points over GOP nominee Mitt Romney in 2012, a divide highlighted in the Republican National Committees post-election study. Our inability to win their votes is losing us elections, the reports authors wrote. Yet Trump is poised to fare worse among women than Romney in a general election, according to recent polls that put his negative ratings nearing or even eclipsing 70 percent among women. The RNC recommended that prominent female elected leaders be featured to promote the Republican brand, listing several including South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley. Haleys office said she was unavailable for comment on Wednesday, among other female Republican officeholders who didnt respond to AP requests for comment. They included Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Reps. Kristi Noem of North Dakota and Mia Love of Utah. Liz Johnson, communications director for Sen. Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire, who is in a tough re-election fight, issued this statement: As a longtime prosecutor, Kelly believes Mr. Trump should leave this case to the criminal justice system, instead of wrongly trying it in the media. The Trump campaign was in discussion with the Republican National Committee about arranging a meeting with Chairman Reince Priebus on Thursday. Trump is the undisputed GOP front-runner in the nomination fight, but should he lose Wisconsin, his foes would have a realistic chance of denying him the delegate majority he needs to claim the nomination before the July convention. In such a scenario, Republican delegates would select their presidential nominee in what would likely be a messy televised gathering. Leading Democrat Hillary Clinton, meanwhile, attacked Trumps rhetoric on women and minorities as she campaigned in New York. Just listen to Donald Trump. He plays coy with white supremacists. He says demeaning and degrading things about women, she declared. In its first test since Gov. Jerry Brown and labor leaders announced a deal to raise the wage to $15 an hour by 2022, legislation to boost Californias minimum wage passed its first committee over Republican and business objections. Also on Wednesday, a legislative analyst has said the increase would cost California taxpayers $3.6 billion a year in higher government wages. The financial projection does not examine the broader economic impact that the proposal would have on the states private businesses. A prior attempt to lift the wage floor stalled in the Assembly Appropriations Committee. But the new measure, buoyed by the support of Brown and labor unions who say they will pull ballot measures to boost the wage if the bill passes, advanced on Wednesday. It is scheduled for floor votes Thursday that would send it to Browns desk. Democrats and their allies in organized labor praised the measure as a boon to struggling workers. They heard from a college graduate who relayed the difficulty of supporting himself with a job at Burger King. We recognize that we have the largest population of any state in the country living in poverty, said Sen. Mark Leno, D-San Francisco, who is carrying Senate Bill 3. This bill will literally lift over two million Californians out of poverty because they are working full-time today and earning a sub-poverty wage. Supporters also argued the bill would protect against economic turbulence by allowing the governor to pause planned increases in the event of a recession. A Department of Finance official backed the measure, noting it would take a $20 million bite out of the state budget in the coming fiscal year and cost about $4 billion annually by the time it is fully implemented. Business lobbyists, speaking on behalf of groups like the California Chamber of Commerce and the California Restaurant Association, urged lawmakers to reconsider. They warned that, given the unprecedented nature of a $15 minimum wage, the bill amounted to a dangerous social experiment. Republican lawmakers predicted job losses, and said the law would have uneven consequences, noting that wage policies play out very differently in San Francisco than in parts of the state with higher unemployment and lower costs of living. Almost invariably, the effect (of raising the minimum wage) is a rise in unemployment, said Assemblyman Jay Obernolte, R-Big Bear Lake. The ultimate minimum wage is not something we control. The ultimate minimum wage is zero, and thats what you make if your job no longer exists. The panel approved the measure on a 12-7, mostly party-line vote. Assemblyman Tom Daly, D-Anaheim, joined Republicans in opposition. A recent statewide public opinion survey found that Californians rank water supply and the drought as top concerns facing the state above the economy, education, immigration and every other issue. Weve responded by removing lawns and taking shorter showers even praying for a robust El Nino but its not enough. We need an assured water supply. Yet the last time California tackled the task was four decades ago, when water first moved from the Sacramento Delta to Central Valley farms and cities in the Bay Area and Southern California. Since then, the states population has more than doubled, from 19 million to 39 million, with no significant system improvements. It is past time to emphasize that new water supply is as important as water conservation. Two water projects that should already be under construction but remain mired in politics, over-regulation and litigation illustrate why its so difficult to advance new drought solutions. First, the California Water Fix is the largest and most important proposed new water project in the state. It would begin to resolve the ecological degradation of the Sacramento Delta, Californias water hub, so more reliable water deliveries can be attained without threatening endangered species. Unfortunately, the California Water Fix still faces tough battles with opponents using the states antiquated environmental rules and litigation to slow the project. This despite the fact that both Californias people and environment would benefit. Secondly, dozens of innovative local water supply projects are also vitally important. One such project that demonstrates cooperation between Orange County and the Inland Empire is the Cadiz Water Project a desert aquifer to store water that would otherwise evaporate. Stored water would move from the Mojave Desert to Southern California as needed to serve 400,000 people annually in areas, like South Orange County, that do not have usable groundwater resources, nor can wait any longer for the California Water Fix. Cadiz has committed to build the project infrastructure at no cost to taxpayers. This forward-thinking company also anticipated that stop-everything opponents would misuse Californias environmental laws to fight the project, so Cadiz worked hard to create an environmentally benign project. They invested $10 million expanding scientific knowledge of the Cadiz Aquifer and the desert springs, wildlife and plants in the area, and designed the project to cause no harm. In fact, without it, billions of gallons of desert water is lost yearly rather than put to storage in the aquifer, or for productive use. This is very much a conservation project. The Cadiz Water Project has won the support of Republican and Democratic elected officials, labor, academia and business organizations like ours. Cadiz works with two public-sector partners: Santa Margarita Water District in Orange County, which prepared the projects Environmental Impact Report, and San Bernardino County, which authorized, and will monitor, the projects groundwater management plan. Still, Cadiz has had to defend the project against numerous lawsuits since initial approvals in 2012. A state court judge recently ruled in favor of Cadiz, dismissing opponents claims. The state Court of Appeal is considering the case. Were it not for endless environmental litigation, Cadiz could be well on its way to becoming a new, drought-proof part of Southern Californias water solution. We respectfully urge the Legislature to modernize Californias environmental laws to prohibit endless litigation, and we ask that the Court of Appeal allow Cadiz and its partners to complete a sustainable water solution that works for Southern California. The time is now. Paul Granillo is president and CEO, Inland Empire Economic Partnership. Lucy Dunn is president and CEO, Orange County Business Council. TOKYO Japanese regulators on Wednesday approved the use of a giant refrigeration system to create an unprecedented underground frozen barrier around buildings at the wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant in an attempt to contain leaking radioactive water. The Nuclear Regulation Authority said the structure, completed in February, can be activated. Plant operator Tokyo Electric Power Co. said it plans to turn on the ice wall today, starting with the portion near the sea to prevent more contaminated water from escaping into the Pacific Ocean. The system will be started up in phases to allow close monitoring and adjustment. Nearly 800,000 tons of radioactive water that is already being stored in 1,000 industrial tanks at the plant has been hampering the decontamination and decommissioning of the nuclear facility, which was damaged by a massive earthquake and tsunami in 2011. The success of the ice wall is believed to be key to resolving the plants water woes. The $312 million government-funded project, proposed by construction giant Kajima Corp., is more than a year behind schedule because of technical uncertainties. Some experts are still skeptical of the technology and question whether its worth the huge cost. The project consists of refrigeration pipes dug 100feet underground designed to freeze the soil around them, forming a nearly 1-mile wall around the reactor and turbine buildings to contain radioactive water and keep out groundwater. At a meeting Wednesday of the nuclear agency, Chairman Shunichi Tanaka cautioned against high expectations because the success of the project depends in part on nature. It would be best to think that natural phenomena dont work the way you would expect, he later told reporters. Similar methods have been used to block water from parts of tunnels and subways, but a structure large enough to surround four buildings and related facilities is untested. A smaller wall was used to isolate radioactive waste at a U.S. Energy Department lab in Tennessee, but only for six years. The decommissioning of the Fukushima plant is expected to take decades. If you havent heard 9-year-old Noah Henderson of San Clemente playing ukulele and singing Please Help the YMCA, visit YouTube.com and type in Noahs YMCA Song. On March 23, the Concordia Elementary School third-grader was presented with an award from the Beach Cities YMCA for raising $200 for scholarships so less-fortunate students can attend YMCA after-school programs. It was the most money raised by a single student in the YMCAs Beach Cities area, which includes 13 recreation sites in San Clemente, San Juan and Dana Point. Noahs mother, Holly Henderson, said that she decided to use his fund drive to teach him a little about the power of social media. He wrote and played the song on his uke and I posted it on Facebook, she said via e-mail. Soon, envelopes began arriving in the mail from distant friends and relatives of Noahs. He received mail from Costa Mesa to the Bay area and as far away as Arkansas. It was a great lesson to him about the reach of the Internet and in a positive way. For local distribution, Noah made hand-inscribed donation packets and took them around town. He did his own art for the covers of the packets and printed over 30 and went out into the community looking for donations, his mother said. Angie Carnevale, the YMCAs site director at Concordia Elementary, said the annual fundraiser encourages kids to go out into the community and share their YMCA story. If they even bring back $20, $5, its a huge help, she said. About two dozen students brought back $50 each, said Carnevale, who has been with YMCA for nine years. Noahs $200 was exceptional, she said. That was a first, she said. I was proud of him for doing that on his own. Contact the writer: fswegles@ocregister.com or 949-492-5127 Unable to afford the soaring apartment prices in San Francisco, 25-year-old illustrator Peter Berkowitz built himself a box to serve as his bedroom. Living in the 83.54.5-foot bedroom pod now costs him less than $500 a month. Berkowitz had originally planned to share a two-bedroom apartment with a friend in the city, but later realised that he wasnt going to be able to afford it. I was far too optimistic at first that we could find a place that wouldnt cost a fortune, he told Business Insider. It didnt take long to realise that that wasnt a feasible plan though. After a bit of brainstorming, Berkowitz recalled his experience of climbing into a model of a Japanese capsule hotel at the Smithsonians Cooper Hewitt Museum in New York. That memory led him to a unique solution to his housing problem he decided to share a one-bedroom apartment with his friend instead, and build a wooden box in the living room to be used as the second bedroom. Two people looking for a one-bedroom apartment makes the city a lot less scary, he explained. Photo: Peter Berkowitz Although he didnt end up living with that friend, Berkowitz eventually did spend $1,300 on building that pod. Two weeks ago, he found an apartment to place it in, and while his roommates who live in the regular bedrooms pay a rent of $1,000, Berkowitz gets away with contributing only $400 a month, with full access to all the amenities. The makeshift bedroom, located in a corner of the living room, resembles a large wooden crate from the outside. Inside, it is sparsely furnished with a twin bed, a fold-up desk, and a few LEDs. Berkowitz needs to crouch or lie down while hes in the bedroom pod, but he doesnt find it uncomfortable. I really dont think Ive taken a hit in terms of my quality of life, he said, speaking to The Washington Post. I dont really notice I live in the pod anymore. Photo: Peter Berkowitz Berkowitz says hes happy because his pod wasnt inspired by desperation or poverty. Instead, its a creative solution to a rising problem, a sort of middle ground between having a bedroom and sleeping on the couch. He gets all the privacy he needs, and hes now working on getting the pod soundproofed. People are typically surprised that I would want to live in a pod, but I think they tend to underestimate how pleasant a pod can be if its designed smartly, he wrote on his blog. Its the coziest bedroom Ive ever had. Its the only bed Ive had with a fold-down desk, a slanted + cushioned backboard, and uniformly ideal light for reading. In fact, the only challenge hes faced so far is learning to put on pants without standing up. Yes, living in a pod is silly, he added. But the silliness is endemic to San Franciscos absurdly high housing prices the pod is just a solution that works for me. While he plan to move out of the pod in the foreseeable future, Berkowitz agreed that if he ever built another one, hed make it high enough for him to stand in. Sources: Business Insider, The Washington Post Alabama Governor Robert Bentley has become a national story as he copes with scrutiny of his relationship with PR and media advisor Rebekah Caldwell Mason, who has resigned. Robert Bentley Mason heads RCM Communications and served as Bentley's communications director for his 2014 re-election and was a senior advisor since. Bentley has denied the two had a "physical affair," but acknowledged sexually-charged conversations with the aide. The governor, whose wife of 50 years divorced him last year, said he has no intentions of resigning. Mason's work was mostly funded through Bentley's re-election campaign to her firm RCM. Al.com reported she has been paid just over $328,000 for her work with Bentley. In a statement, Mason said, "My only plans are to focus my full attention on my precious children and my husband who I love dearly. The 180-degree flip-flop of Stephanie Cegielski on the Donald Trump candidacy, as expressed on Katie Courics Yahoo New Live show March 29, puts the focus on legal training and Cegielskis background at PR Society of America. Cegielski, a 2006 graduate of the University of Denver Law School, is seeing things in legal termsour side vs. their side, plaintiff and defendant, guilty or not guilty, admissible and not admissible in court. There is no in between. The complete transcript of Courics 20-minute interview with Cegielski is below. Cegielski was therefore able to go from all-out support of Trump to condemnation of him in what Couric said was in incredibly harsh termssimply a television charactera real estate-fueled celebrityonly cares about Trumpnot leaderlyno solid policy statements. She was initially attracted to Trump because she thought he was a straight shooter and would take the high road. Did Cegielski Take High Road at PRSA? Since Cegielski is such a fan of the high road, we wonder why she did not take that at the PR Society of America where she spent three years until last July including two as associate PR director and the last year as VP-PR. Instead, she became a willing enforcer of the Societys anti-press policies that included blocking the press from coverage of its Assembly from 2011-2013 and forbidding, since 2010, any recording of the Assembly by reporters under threat of being permanently barred from them. We never talked to Cegielski on the phone nor met her in person in New York during her three years at the Society. We met her briefly at conferences in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., when she blocked our entrance to the exhibit hall and monitored an ODwyer exhibit that had been set up in the lobbies of two Marriott hotels (since the Society refused to sell exhibit space to the ODwyer Co.). Cegielski must have known about the beat-you-to-a-pulp threat to Jack ODwyer by an Assembly delegate at the 2010 conference in Washington, D.C. She was no doubt aware of the blatant anti-New York policies of national leadership dominated by Accredited members (who hold 16 of the 17 board seats) that has resulted in one national conference in New York since 1992a 24-year period. Nor are any planned for the future. Meanwhile, the conference has been in Washington, D.C., twice (2010 and 2014) and Philadelphia twice (2007 and 2013). The New York chapter accepts this and other instances of being treated like a poor cousin including the 2004 move of h.q. downtown to 33 Maiden lane after being in midtown and midtown South from the Societys founding in 1947 to 2004. Neither ODwyer reporters nor any reporters are allowed access to the annual audit published each April. Adequate coverage of the Society is not possible without access to the financials in a timely fashion. Reporters are barred from joining the Society and therefore to the 22,000 membership list. Up until 2005, when the members directory was discontinued, free copies of the directory were sent to many reporters and provided to any who asked for it. Laura Kane, who was named chief communications officer of the Society earlier this month, has continued to enforce the ODwyer boycott, refusing to respond to phone calls or emails. She must be aware of the Societys history with the press and New York chapter and its refusal to provide timely financials to reporters. She spent most of her career, from 2003-2014, with Aflac insurance in Atlanta, rising to VP-corporate communications. She was at Marsh (insurance) in New York from October 2014 to March 2016 (18 months) as global head of media relations and external affairs. Since Cegielski was from Denver and Kane is from Atlanta, the inference is that no New York PR executives can be found to head the PR function at the Society. Following is a transcript of the Couric/Cegielski interview. Katie Couric: Hi, everyone. Im Katie Couric. And this is Yahoo News Live. It is a very public case of buyers remorse. And its gone viral. The former communications director for the short-lived Make America Great Again Super PAC which backed Donald Trump wrote an open letter to Trump supporters saying, he is the wrong man for the job. Stephanie Cegielski wrote that letter for the website xoJane and shes joining us here in New York to tell us more about it. Thanks for stopping by. We appreciate it. Stephanie Cegielski: Thank you. K: Nice to see you, Stephanie. So first of all, tell us how you became involved in the Trump campaign. S: Well, I began early last year. I was recommended for, to speak with the campaign about being their communications director. And so I had a series of meetings with some of the advisors, interviews if they interviewed me to see if Id be a suitable candidate. And that went on through the middle of June. I never worked for the campaign. I was not chosen to be the communications director, which was fine with me. But at the end of July I was asked by another individual if I would join the Super PAC. K: And tell us who you met with at the Trump campaign. S: In May and June I met with Michael Cohen, who is a senior official within the Trump organization, and had a long meeting with him. I also met with Corey Lewandowski who is Trumps campaign manager. K: And we should mention parenthetically that Corey Lewandowski was just charged with simple battery in connection with the assault of former Breitbart reporter Michelle Fields by the Jupiter, Florida Police Department. We can actually we have, I guess, a video or a still of both of what theyve released in terms of what happened, footage from the incident, which happened back in March. So, Corey Lewandowski was one of the people you had multiple meetings with. Is that right? S: I did. I met with him on at least two occasions, maybe three. K: And so what did he and Michael Cohen tell you about Donald Trumps presidential aspirations? S: When I first met with Corey I asked him specifically I said is, is Donald Trump serious about running for president? Because all the speculation was that he was just looking for attention, you know. And I, I believed that maybe he was, cause he had made the, the comments before that he wanted to run for president and never did. And he said he was very serious. K: You believed that he was serious about running for president? S: I, I wanted to make sure he was serious. And Corey said, yes, he is serious about it this time. And at which point I said, okay, well, lets con, lets continue the conversations. Because if hes serious, then Im serious. I then went on to meet with Michael Cohen, and we had long discussions about, you know, how I would approach being the communications director, what the goals were. And at the time, as I mention in the letter, their goal was to get him to poll in double digits. I dont think anybody there or outside ever believed that he would do what hes been doing over the last eight months. K: But does that necessarily mean he wasnt serious about becoming president? S: Well, and I cant speak I, I have not met Donald Trump. I cannot speak to whether or not he personally was serious. But the thought process of the people within the organization, the people within the campaign was, if we can make him the number two man at the end of the primary process, weve done our job. Thats our promise to him. K: And when you heard that, did that appeal to you? Did it appeal to you to support even just a protest candidate who wanted to change the nature of the dialogue that was transpiring in the campaign? S: Very much so. I think that I feel like many Americans, that were tired of the anger and the fighting in Washington. Where, you know, Im tired of, of the typical candidates, the typical politician and their rhetoric. And Donald Trump was bringing something different to that. He was, he was being a straight shooter. He said, we have a problem. And I appreciated that. K: So why do you hold it against Donald Trump or his campaign if people and voters started taking his candidacy more seriously and that the campaign discovered he was a much more viable candidate than they had initially assumed, and that they would go all the way? S: I wouldnt say I hold it against them. I do give warning to voters. Because they need to stop and look at what hes really saying. There is no substance to his policy. There is no there there with him. He has the same lines in his stump speech about his polling numbers, about how great he is. And I dont see how that is the leader of the free world. K: So you were supporting him as a protest candidate. You continued to work for the Super PAC until it was dissolved S: Correct. K: in October. So, why were you supporting him initially? I mean, you said, because he was a straight shooter. And when did you come to the realization, in your words, that there was no there there? What changed your mind? S: [laughs] II had hope that he would come forth that he wouldnt just be the straight talker. That he really would come forth with proposals and ideas on how to make America great again, to use his slogan. To come up with ideas and solutions to help bring jobs back to America; to help stop some of the fighting in Washington, D.C.; and to get us back on a good path as a country and be a strong leader. I think by the November debates I was starting to see, hes not coming out with any solid policy statements, any sort of, you know every, every debate, every time he goes out there, was this bully pulpit. And you know, it was some sort of, what looked like a, a schoolyard fight. And it just became almost worse than whats going on in Washington. K: It was interesting in your open letter, which is incredibly harsh toward Donald Trump, you do say, After the first debate, I was more anxious than ever to support Trump. The exchange with Megyn Kelly was like manna from heaven for a communications director. She appeared like yet another reporter trying to kick out the guest who wasnt invited to the party. As a woman, have you found some of his comments that he has made about women at all offensive? S: You know, I think that I find his comments in general about people to be offensive now. K: And yet you found that manna from heaven? S: I did. At the time, as somebody who neededcontent to do what we were going to be doing, I thought, okay; this is okay. He, hes taking somebody on. Today I have a completely different view of that. I think that if, you know kind of fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me I look at it now, and his continued words again Megyn Kelly, against other women theyre not leaderly; theyre not kind to women. And I do have a problem with it now. You know, perhaps I was honestly, if, if Im taking full responsibility for myself here, which I will do, you know, maybe I was blinded by my own ambition and saying, we can do something great with this. But I truly believed we could do something great with him. K: You write: What was once Trumps desire to rank second place to send a message to America and to increase his power as a businessman, has nightmarishly morphed into a charade that is poised to do irreparable damage to this country if we do not stop this campaign in its tracks. Ill say it again Trump never intended to be a can, be the candidate. But his pride is too out of control to stop him now. You can give Trump the biggest gift (?) possible if you were a Trump supporter, stop supporting him. He doesnt want the White House. He just wants to be able to say that he could have run the White House. Hes achieved that already, and then some. If there is any question, take it from someone who was recruited to help the candidate succeed, and initially very much wanted him to do so. The hard truth is, Trump only cares about Trump. Some people might say, Stephanie, how can you make these, this assertion, if you never met Donald Trump, you never spoke with Donald Trump? And is this based, basically based on your witnessing the campaign? S: Its based on my witnessing my camp witnessing the campaign. Its based on how he behaves in public. You know, obviously what I say (?) in the media is my opinion of, of what I take from this. And I truly believe that he if, if he was out for America, I cant see him saying the things and behaving in the fashion that hes behaving. I agree that he has a right to say these things. Its his First Amendment right. But he could be the stand-up candidate. When there are riots, when theres bad behavior at his rallies, he could stand up there and be leaderly and say, everybody, stop. You know? Lets And he doesnt do that. And so thats how I sit there and say, I dont think he cares about anyone other than himself and the media time he gets. K: You write that what happened in Brussels and in Pakistan were sort of the final straw for you, and you felt you had to come forward. Tell me why. Can you elaborate? S: I can. Monday morning of last Monday last week, when Brussels happened, and I was watching it and I was watching the morning news shows and he was on and he offered no condolences, no worries, nothing he just simply said, I warned you this, about this. I, I told you that Belgium was falling apart, that it was an awful place. And we need to shut our borders down immediately. And I thought, I cant believe this. K: What would you have liked him to S: I would have liked him to come out immediately and say, this is a tragic situation. I am, you know, mortified that this has happened. Even a yet again, another attack, We just saw Paris in November. But he didnt. He immediately broke into how he had, you knowwarned us that this would happen, or that he it wouldnt have happened under his watch. And it bothered me that there was no solutions. It was just about K: In a statement to Yahoo News, the Trump campaign responded to your open letter, saying, quote: This person was never employed by the Trump campaign. Evidently she worked for a Super PAC which Mr. Trump disavowed and requested the closure of via the FEC. She knows nothing about Mr. Trump or the campaign. And her disingenuous and factually inaccurate statements in no way resemble any shred of truth. This is yet another desperate person looking for their fifteen minutes. Meanwhile, Mr. Trump is running for president because he is the only one who will make America great again. Whats your S: Its probably the same statement I would have put out if I worked for the campaign. [laughs] Ah, I mean, theyre right. I never worked for the campaign. And I didnt claim to. But its not I mean, its the open letter references meetings I had. I was there. They happened. And what I saw from the Super PAC side, and what my opinion is on the candidate. K: What has been the reaction, Stephanie, to your open letter to Donald Trump supporters? S: I have Its been overwhelmingly supportive. I mean, I theres the haters out there. Ive gotten a lot of hate email and messages. K: What kinds of things have they been saying? S: Oh, thats Im a fraud. That, you know, Im an opportunist. K: Some have even suggested your being used by the Hilary Clinton campaign or the Ted Cruz campaign as a tool. [laughter] Have you been approached by either of those campaigns S: No. No. K: or were you approached? S: I was not approached by either one. And, in fact, in the, the, Lachlan Mackeys piece last week, he actually asked me, he said, is there another candidate that youre supporting? And theres not another candidate in the field that Im comfortable supporting right now, on either side. So Ive not been approached by anyones campaign. This is all me. I know Ive had some people say, well, all youre doing is helping Hilary Clinton. I, I dont know if I am or not. I mean, Im not a supporter of hers. Butand shes a grown woman. She can take care of herself, and Im sure she will, if shes up against him in June or, you know, after June into November. But Ive had a lot of people reach out to me with support and praise, and commending me for speaking out against him. The thing that I found interesting about that was, I was hesitant to say anything. I was almost afraid of him. Ive never met him, and I was afraid of him. And I think thats what a lot of people feel. Theyre afraid of what he or his supporters will say or do. K: Have you heard anything from the, the Trump campaign since you wrote this open letter? S: Not to my knowledge. Im a little behind on email right now. [laughs] But, no. And unless theyve Tweeted something at me and I cant keep up with the Tweets right now; its unbelievable. I mean, I suppose that that sounds naive. But it is a little unbelievable to me. I have not heard anything otherwise them (?) 15:00 . K: Its pretty difficult to thrust yourself into the public spotlight this way. I just met your daughter. Im sure youre concerned about doing this. S: Right. K: What basically tipped this, tipped you in favor of writing this open letter? S: Well K: Because Im sure you must have thought about it a great deal. And its quite lengthy. S: It is. I spent several days writing it and thinking about it. Even thinking about whether or not to publish it. Because I do I have two wonderful children and a wonderful husband, and I dont want them to feel the effects adversely of anything that I do. But I did feel strongly, I do feel like I have a voice for people. And I did want to say everything that I said in there. And I wanted I tried to do it in an eloquent way, but a very honest and straightforward way. K: So I guess the bottom line is, to understand your thinking, you felt comfortable supporting and helping Donald Trump as a protest candidate who was going to alter the political discourse in this country. But only as that. And once he became a more serious candidate, thats when you decided you had significant reservations. Because in some ways that makes you hypocritical as well. S: Right. Right. No, and I wouldnt say it that way. I mean, I, I was glad when he was polling well. Like every day when the poll numbers were up, there was, oh (?) , I thought, this is gonna be great. And hadhe continued down a path of if he had taken the high road, if he had not had kind of the antics and the words and all the Tweets about the candidates like, you know, his I just think that I would have probably stuck with him. But when you look at his Twitter feed, and its all about Lyin Ted or its, you know, nasty things about whomever, thats a little disheartening tome. I mean, that takes the political mud slinging to a whole new level. So I, I probably had he taken a, a like I said, the high road approach, an intelligent, thoughtful, policy-driven approach, Id still be a supporter. Because I think that the political discourse needs to change, and I think the conversation needs to change. K: Incidentally, the Trump campaign has issued a statement saying, Mr. Lewandowski, Corey Lewandowski who you met with, you said, on several, several occasions, in a separate matter, this, this question of whether or not he assaulted a reporter from Breitbart Mr. Lewandowski was issued a Notice to Appear and given a court date. He was not arrested. Mr. Lewandowski is absolutely innocent of this charge. He will enter a plea of not guilty and looks forward to his day in court. He is completely confident that he will be exonerated. Do you have any opinion on this whole incident? S: You know, I dont, because I wasnt there. I dont know I mean, weve seen the videos; weve seen the tapes. I dont know exactly what transpired. And even some of those videos are a little difficult to see. I mean, I hope for his sake, and I hope for his familys sake and for the campaigns sake that its not true, that hes found innocent. K: As someone who was involved with the Trump campaign at least peripherally, and then later with the, as we mentioned, the short-lived Super PAC, do you believe that Donald Trump will be the Republican nominee? S: I believe that theres a good chance. I am also very frightened about whats going to happen in Cleveland in June. If he doesnt walk in with the 1237 delegates he needs and it goes to a contested convention, I, I think its a little extreme of him to say that therell be riots. I do firmly believe that all those people that supported him, if he is not named the nominee, will be even more upset with the political process and will cause an even greater divide in the country. K: Well, Stephanie Cegielski, again, thank you very much for coming in to talk about S: Thank you. K: your open letter to Donald Trump supporters. We appreciate it. S: Thank you. K: And of course, we always look forward to hearing what you all who have been watching have to say. You can follow us on Facebook and Twitter at Yahoo News, and at Katie Couric, and use the hashtag #YahooLive (?) , to let us know what you think about the race for the White House and the interview that youve just watched. Im Katie Couric. Thanks for watching. [music] Anna Kobzev Anaka Kobzev, who directed communications for WPP's JWT, is moving to Omnicom as global head of communications for its global ad unit TBWA Worldwide. Kobzev starts the post April 18 in New York reporting to CEO Troy Ruhanen, who said the agency looked at several candidates within and outside of the ad realm. She was previously communications director for Interpublic's McCann Erickson and started out at IPG's Initiative. Kobzev exits JWT amid the turmoil surrounding disgraced former CEO Gustavo Martinez, who was bounced last month amid a sexual harassment suit by the ad agency's communications chief, Erin Johnson. Loading... OilVoice will be with you shortly... LINCOLN Gov. Pete Ricketts has signed a bill that will let the University of Nebraska keep all but one finalist for top jobs confidential. The governor signed a number of bills Wednesday, including Legislative Bill 1109, sponsored by Gretna State Sen. John Murante. The Legislature passed the bill last week on a 38-8 vote. The bill will exempt the university from the public records law that requires NU to make public the names of four finalists when it hires a new university president or chancellor. Under the new law, the university will be able to disclose the name of just one finalist. Ricketts has said previously that he favors government transparency, but he noted that candidates for his cabinet positions dropped out because of the states open process. The governor also signed LB 83, which allows employees of businesses with two or more employees to go to the state for help getting equal pay for equal work. Under the measure sponsored by Omaha Sen. Tanya Cook, employees of smaller businesses could take concerns about wage discrimination to the Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission. Contact the writer: 402-473-9581, emily.nohr@owh.com * * * Additional information on the Legislature First Data has sold one of its large buildings in the Aksarben area to the University of Nebraska Foundation. Employees who work in the building at 6902 Pine St. will be transferred to other offices in the city, First Data said. A spokesman said there wouldnt be any jobs lost because of the sale. The company still will own the nearly 300,000-square-foot building next to the one being sold, and still will operate out of that building, the spokesman said. Officials from both organizations declined to share details of the transaction including the cost. The building and the land it sits on are assessed at $22.9 million by Douglas County; the NU Foundation paid $30 million for the property, according to a UNO spokesman. Scott Snyder, University of Nebraska at Omahas chief research officer, said the buildings proximity to the schools College of Information Science and Technology and the College of Business makes it a good fit for classroom and research space, but by no means has that been decided. In fact, it could be some time before anything campus-related happens there. About 900 First Data employees work in the building, which will be reconfigured to fit whatever purposes UNO administrators decide. Some of those First Data employees will join the 1,000 who work next door at 6855 Pacific St., but others will land at other local facilities, said First Datas George Wehbe, the companys local executive. We have more than adequate space (for those employees) across our real estate footprint in Omaha, he said. We need to ensure we situate them so there are similar functions seated next to each other. He declined to say when the move will begin. First Data employs about 5,000 people in Omaha, where the company was founded in 1971. Contact the writer: 402-444-1534, cole.epley@owh.com Correction: Scott Snyder's title was reported incorrectly in a previous version of this story. WASHINGTON (AP) MetLife has won a major legal challenge to the governments policy for preventing another financial crisis: A federal judge has tossed out regulators designation of the company as systemically important, or one whose failure would threaten the financial system. MetLife Inc., the largest U.S. insurance company by assets, took the government to court more than a year ago to appeal the Financial Stability Oversight Councils designation, which triggers stricter supervision. The label meant regulators deemed MetLife to be so big and entwined with the financial system that, if it collapsed, it could threaten the economy. U.S. District Judge Rosemary Collyer on Wednesday ordered the label removed. The government can appeal, and the Treasury Department said it will continue to defend the councils designations process vigorously. In fighting the oversight agencys action, New York-based MetLife said that tougher requirements on life insurance companies would force those companies to raise the prices of their products, reduce the amount of risk they take on in selling their products, or stop offering some products altogether. Capital requirements for banks were established to protect depositors, rather than ensuring that life insurers can meet their obligations to policyholders, the company said. MetLife said Wednesday that Collyers ruling vindicated its legal challenge. From the beginning, MetLife has said that its business model does not pose a threat to the financial stability of the United States, said the chairman, president and CEO, Steven Kandarian. This decision is a win for MetLifes customers, employees and shareholders. Collyer didnt make public the reasons behind her decision, keeping her legal opinion under seal possibly because it contains company information deemed confidential. The oversight council is a group of top federal regulators created by the 2010 Wall Street overhaul law. Its job is to monitor the financial system with an eye toward preventing another crisis like the one that launched the Great Recession. The systemically important label brings about stricter government oversight and, in MetLifes view, excessive costs. For example, the designation required MetLife to increase its cushion of capital reserve against losses, limit its use of borrowed money, submit to inspections by federal examiners and come under the supervision of the Federal Reserve. Previously, MetLifes primary regulator was New York state. MetLife was the fourth nonbank financial firm so labeled by the council. The others were American International Group Inc., General Electric Capital Corp. the finance arm of General Electric Co. and Prudential Financial Inc. They did not challenge their designations. Beef is still king in Nebraskas livestock industry. But chickens could soon bring in a bigger share of the scratch. Rural Fremont is a global food companys first-choice location for building a poultry processing plant, which could open in 2018 with 1,100 workers and a $1.2 billion annual economic impact. Fremont and state officials wouldnt name the company. Supporters of the project now are trying to drum up interest from farmers in an 11-county region of eastern Nebraska, hoping to create a grower network. The Fremont plant which would include a hatchery and feed mill would need a steady supply of chickens, from as many as 100 nearby farms operating on contract. Those farmers would need to be recruited to build coops and start raising chickens. The plant would process nearly 350,000 birds a day, according to documents obtained by The World-Herald. That large a plant would represent a big move into poultry for a beef-centric state. Its an opportunity to diversify Nebraskas ag industry, said Cecilia Harry, executive director of the Greater Fremont Development Council. We need that growth for the whole state. The council is named in documents as working with the company to cement its future in Fremont. The company, which Harry wouldnt name, might make a final decision on the plant this summer, she said. Most of the countrys broiler chicken industry the chicken you get at the supermarket or in a bucket at the drive-thru is centered in the southeast. More than 8.6 billion chickens were slaughtered in the U.S. last year. (Iowa is tops for egg production.) But easy access to grain chicken feed makes Nebraska a natural choice for poultry, Harry said. Farmers who face rising operating costs and falling corn prices might see chickens as an opportunity, said Willow Holoubek, executive director of ag industry cheerleader Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska. With lower commodity prices, this seems like a good opportunity to diversify and stabilize the farm income, she said. Corn prices, for instance, are down by more than half over the past few years. The documents describing the potential new plant make a pitch to would-be chicken producers: An operation with four barns, each housing 43,000 birds, would cost a farmer about $1.5 million upfront. And a farmer could expect about $116,600 in annual profit. The documents, prepared by the chicken processor and seen by The World-Herald, were shared with farmers by economic development officials. John Hansen, president of the Nebraska Farmers Union in Lincoln, said farmers who think about investing in a chicken-raising barn should be aware of potential pitfalls as well as potential profit. This might be a really good opportunity, I dont know, Hansen said. But the industry has a history thats chock-full of problems for contract growers. It hasnt been a simple answer to additional farm income. People need to do their homework and go in with their eyes open. If approved, the operation would employ nearly as many people as Fremonts current top employer, a Hormel pork plant. The prospective operator used consulting firm Deloitte to study potential sites; without a formal name yet, the project is known in Fremont only as Project Rawhide, according to documents named after a local creek. It would be the largest plant in Nebraska processing chicken meat. The biggest now, Smart Chicken producer Tecumseh Farms, employs 400 at a Waverly plant and 100 in Tecumseh. State Sen. David Schnoor, who represents the Fremont area, said he knows the name of the company but signed an agreement not to disclose it. He told constituents in an email that it is a reputable American company but isnt Tyson, the countrys largest chicken processor. A Tyson spokesman didnt respond to an email requesting comment. Tecumseh Farms said it is not involved. JBS-owned Pilgrims chicken, another major U.S. processor, said it too is not involved. One obstacle to the project might be opposition from area landowners, who spoke up Tuesday at a Fremont City Council meeting. Rural Fremont resident Randy Ruppert said he and his neighbors are worried about truck traffic, smells, water use, pollution and avian disease. He said they were caught off-guard by the plans, which they learned about from area landowners. We arent going to stand for it, he said. The owner of the land designated for the chicken plant, Lee Camenzind of Bennington, said in an interview that there were downsides to the development. A friend of mine asked me, Would you want it there if you lived there? and, honestly, no, he said. But he called it progress. We need something to help Nebraska on economic development and property tax relief, he said. He said he has signed a contract to sell the land but still owns it. The land is north of Fremont, along U.S. Highway 275. Harry, with the Fremont development group, said officials didnt announce the project because to do so would have been premature; now that words out, she said, she plans several public meetings to discuss the project. Schnoor said he generally favors the proposal but said the community would have to decide whether to welcome the plant, which he said would be subject to environmental and other regulations. Schnoor said he didnt know of any tax incentives or other state assistance the company has requested related to creating jobs or investing in the state. He said the project has pros and cons, but in an email noted: The rural parts of Dodge County have seen significant rural decline. Opportunities to grow these areas can be few and far between. Gov. Pete Ricketts declined to comment. So did State Department of Economic Development spokeswoman Kate Ellingson. The Nebraska Agriculture Department director, Greg Ibach, also wouldnt comment but said livestock production is a value-added industry for corn and soybean producers and provides opportunities for farm families here. World-Herald staff writer Steve Jordon contributed to this report. Contact the writer: 402-444-1336, barbara.soderlin@owh.com Omaha Police Detective Candace Phillips was honored Wednesday with the 2015 Omaha Crime Stoppers Officer of the Year award for her dedication to her job and persistence in solving crimes. She and the eight other nominees were lauded for their efforts in a video at the annual luncheon, held at the Embassy Suites in La Vista. Phillips, 34, solved two five-year-old homicide cases in 2015. I dont work homicides to get noticed and be recognized, she said. I do it for the victims families. Phillips said that if shed had a vote, the honor would have gone to all the officers who handled the Kerrie Orozco case. Orozco, a 29-year-old Omaha police officer, was fatally shot last May by a felon whom she and fellow officers were trying to arrest. The death affected all of us, Phillips said. Phillips thanked her family for supporting blue, day and night, especially her parents, wife Andrea Phillips and their elementary school-age daughter. One of the nominated officers was Sgt. Jeff Kopietz, who was with Orozco when she was shot. Kopietz returned fire, killing the gunman, Marcus Wheeler. Other nominees: Officers Heath Brunow and Austin Taylor and Detectives Patrick Dempsey, Jeffrey Gassaway, Nicholas Herfordt, James Paul and Kimberly Woolery. At the luncheon, attended by about 250 people, Mayor Jean Stothert thanked Omaha police collectively, saying every police officer shares this award. You set an example we can all be proud of, she said. We are all very grateful for your commitment to service. The mayor and Police Chief Todd Schmaderer recalled how the city united after Orozcos death. Schmaderer said 2015 will be remembered for the loss of Officer Orozco, and 2016 will be remembered for turning that into a positive. The chief also complimented Crime Stoppers, which offers donated money for anonymous crime tips. He said Crime Stoppers rewards have helped the Police Department solve 70 percent of homicides in the city over the last three years. In the last year, he said, 2,800 anonymous tips came in, leading to the solving of 200 crimes. The amount of reward money for citizens tips has increased from $19,000 in 2012 to $176,000 last year. As the payouts go up, Schmaderer said, we see crimes go down. The officer of the year is selected by the four directors of the Crime Stoppers board and the 23 board members, including two officers and Schmaderer. Contact the writer: 402-444-1259, jay.withrow@owh.com Bengaluru: 75 students miss SSLC Exam due to School Management Goof-up Bengaluru oi-Shalini Bengaluru, March 31: Seventy-five students from Swami Vivekananda School (SVS) in Sarayipalya, Nagawara, missed their State Secondary Education Examination Board (SSLC) Exam on Wednesday, March 30 due to management failure to provide the hall tickets to the students. The agitated students' raised slogans against the school mangement on campus demanding hall tickets, but to no avail. On the other hand, Police officials informed the students that the school secretary was absconding. The students came to school as early as 7 am but were told that they cannot appear in exam without hall tickets. On hearing this, the students broke down and had no clue about their hall tickets. The department of public instruction was shocked when they learnt that the school management was on the run. One of students parent informed media that "the school managment had earlier told them to pay the fees before the SSLC Exam was announced." The management had said that it won't give hall tickets to students who have not paid the fees. However, the students paid the fees on Tuesday, March 29 and were told that they would receive their hall tickets on Wednesday, March 30. "We didn't have a clue that the management didn't have hall tickets at all. Mangement played with the future of students and now our children will lose one year because of school authority bluders," Parents of students concluded. [Bengaluru: Protests erupt after II PU Chemistry paper leaks for 2nd time] The Nagawara school is also the exam centre for 10 students from St George Public School, Thanisandra Road. Another parent, whose son studies at St George, said, "My son has to suffer because of the school authority's goof-up. Our school informed us that the Nagawara school will be my son's exam centre, but it didn't issue hall tickets to students." "SVS had been making students write the examinations in an authorized school until now. To get recognition from the education department and register their school as an exam centre, school authorities approached a middleman to negotiate with the government this year." " Moreover, they paid him to get permission. The middleman is also absconding according to police information," said Shashi Kumar, general secretary of the Associated Managements of Government-Recognized English-Medium Schools in Karnataka. "We have to suffer because of the school authority. Hence we request the higher authorities to allow us to sit for the remaining papers and will request them to conduct the first paper again which we missed as we will lose one year," one of the student said. OneIndia News Rs 1,000 fine if found without wearing rear seat belt in Karnataka 'Kantara' impact: 'Daiva Narthakas' above 60 years of age to get Rs 2,000 monthly allowance Late actor Puneeth Rajkumar to be conferred with 'Karnataka Ratna' award on Nov 1 Karnataka to strengthen ATS and up the number of prisons Bengaluru: Protests erupt after II PU Chemistry paper leaks for 2nd time Bengaluru oi-Sandra Bengaluru, March 31: Massive protests erupted across Karnataka after the Karnataka Department of Pre-University Education cancelled the re-examination of II Pre-University Chemistry paper following a question paper leak. This is the second time the question paper leaked in the past 10 days. Parents and students protested against the repeated leak of the question paper following which, the re-examination had to be cancelled. Meanwhile, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah said: "We will find out who is responsible for this. I have spoken to the education minister." Parents expressed anguish whereas students were seen demanding the resignation of primary and secondary education minister. Bengaluru: Parents express anguish over repeated 12th standard question paper leak pic.twitter.com/TdHwzZak9A ANI (@ANI_news) March 31, 2016 A massive crowd gathered outside the PUC building and students were seen pelting stones at the building. Bengaluru: Students protesting over repeated 12th standard question paper leak pelt stones at the PUC building. pic.twitter.com/iKcGjzrKrw ANI (@ANI_news) March 31, 2016 About 1.74 lakh students are said to be affected by the question paper leak. Many students said that they would not appear for the exam if it is scheduled again. Bengaluru: Students angry over repeated question paper leak of class 12th,say "will not take re-examination anymore"https://t.co/w7BjeYbmQr ANI (@ANI_news) March 31, 2016 OneIndia News India-Pakistan bonhomie and the need for a mutual legal assistance treaty Feature oi-Vicky By Vicky Why is Pakistan in no hurry to conclude the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) concerning criminal matters with India. There are a host of reasons behind this and the draft that was sent by India in 2005 and 2012 continues to remain pending or in the cold storage. One must also note that in the absence of the MLAT the visit by the Joint Investigation Team to India to probe the Pathankot attack does not have legal sanctity. V Balachandran, former officer with the Research and Analysis Wing who retired as a Special Secretary, Cabinet Secretariat, Government of India explains to OneIndia the reasons why Pakistan has been slow in concluding the MLAT. Concluding MLAT would open up a can of worms: On August 5 2014, the Minister of State for Home Affairs told the Lok Sabha that India had signed the MLAT in criminal matters with 38 other countries. He said that we had given a draft in 2005 to the Pakistan foreign office followed by a fresh one in 2012 when our Home ministers had met in Islamabad. However a response from Pakistan was still awaited. Balachandran points out that Pakistan would be in no hurry to conclude the MLAT. Concluding the MLAT would mean sharing of necessary information which could range from voice records, communication details etc. India had successfully obtained these details in the 26/11 case through the FBI after it invoked the MLAT with the US. Does the JIT visit have legal sanctity: Balachandran says that under the Code of Criminal Procedure, the powers of investigation lies with the respective police station. In the case of the Pathankot attack, it is the NIA which has the powers to probe the case since it was handed over to the agency by the Punjab government. However the JIT does not have the jurisdiction to probe the matter here. Has the Punjab government issued a specific notification empowering the JIT to probe the Pathankot case. There is no such indication. However the NIA has pointed out that it is interacting with the JIT under the extant legal procedure. If this is in place there is no issue. However this could be restricted to giving a presentation and taking them to specific parts of the air base where the attack took place. However there could be a problem where the questioning of witnesses is concerned. The problem would occur if the witnesses decide to contradict themselves. It is yet to be made known if the JIT had applied for specific permission to record the statement of the witnesses. Section 168B of the CrPC specifies the procedure to be followed while recording of witness by a foreign country. The JIT would have had to obtained specific permission from the government of India in case it wanted to record the statement of the witnesses. Once such permission is granted, then the government would have to forward the same to the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate who in turn would have had to appointment a magistrate to conduct the recording of the statements. Once the statements are recorded then it would be sent back to the Government of India which in turn would send it to the foreign country. It is not clear whether such a procedure was followed by the JIT. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, March 31, 2016, 11:33 [IST] Kolkata bridge collapse: Parties indulge in shameless blame game to convince voters Feature oi-Shubham By Shubham An under-construction bridge has collapsed in a congested area in Kolkata and before even a few cranes could reach the spot to pull out those trapped under the debris, political blame game has started. [Several killed in Kolkata bridge collapse] Union minister Babul Supriyo and BJP's West Bengal in-charge Kailash Vijavargiya directly blamed the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) government for the tragedy. The saffron party held the ministers responsible. TMC MP Derek O'Brien on the other hand, tweeted that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee cancelled her election rally and headed to the city to be present by those hit by the tragedy. [Kolkata bridge collapse: Emergency Nos.] I blame you, you blame them: Just because we all need votes The CM also gave her defence saying the structure was sanctioned during the time of the Left Front in 2008. She said this soon after arriving on the spot with the city mayor Sovan Chatterjee standing behind. The ruling party had similarly blamed the Left after a chunk of another flyover in the eastern part of the city had collapsed a few years ago. The Congress, on the other hand, said the relief team had taken a long time to reach out to the distressed, wasting some precious time. It was even more shocking to see a Congress leader visiting the accident spot with his party flag wrapped around him. Was he campaigning at the tragedy site? The BJP is blaming the TMC and the latter, the Left. This is precisely what the politics in a poll-bound state is reduced into: a sham. Are we so shameless that even at this moment of tragedy, we think about elections only? Is politics in this country only an issue of winning and losing elections? Don't the parties, who claim to be working for the people, have the minimum responsibility of standing by each other's side to look after the people, who afterall give them the power to rule, at this time of distress? Why don't the parties, instead of targeting each other's leadership, demand punishment of those evil constructors who care little for human life while building these killer structures? Why paties are not united to demand punishment for the contrators/builders? The problem with these parties is that they are dependent on syndicates and promoters to oil and run their organisations. Particularly during elections, they are the people who come to the rescue of the parties the most. Hence, taking action against those who serve as a key support to the party is quite difficult. It is far more easier to openly criticise the political opponents instead for public consumption. But how long will the people of this country tolerate the practitioners of such evil exercise that we describe as electoral politics?